Chapter 36
Harry and Severus would be having their 4-day honeymoon in the small Greek island owned by the Princes. Harry had never been to Greece before and while Severus technically owns it now, he had never seen it in person.
The location was actually recommended to them by his Uncle Cassius, saying it was his favorite place in the world as a child and wanted Harry and Severus to experience the beauty as well.
It was a small island, inhabited by generations of trusted caretakers. Harry and Severus would be spending a few days all to themselves with as much sex as they wanted without having to fear their three-year-old barging in at any time.
Which leaves them to Sebastian...
"Be good for your godparents, darling." Harry drew Sebastian in a tight hug.
It would be the first time Harry will spend more than a day away from his baby while awake. The time in the hospital did not count. It was a new experience for the father and found he had trouble letting go of his son.
And it's not just Harry. Severus also had not spent more than a day away from Sebastian ever since forming their family. The last time he spent that much time far was during the first week, when he came back to the UK to pack his stuff and move to Australia.
"I promise," muttered the boy tiredly, subconsciously rubbing his small fist over his eyes. "Back soon, please?"
"Of course, my love. We'll be back in three sleeps. Do you have your bun-bun with you? How about your books? Don't forget to brush your teeth and eat your meals, alright?" rambled Harry, patting Sebastian's turtle backpack.
Severus moved in both to have his time with their son and to save his son from his daddy's fussing, not realizing he would probably fuss more if given the chance.
"Give him a breath, Harry," scolded Severus lightly, a small smile plastered on his face before kneeling in front of Sebastian and bringing him in for a hug.
"I will miss you, little prince," whispered Severus so only Harry and Sebastian could hear him.
The boy cuddled with his parents for a minute or two before finally letting go of their precious son, Severus slowly rocking him in his lap. Sebastian was halfway asleep so Severus had to hand the three-year-old to Hermione's arms.
"If anything happens, anything at all, make sure to send a Patronus right away. I do not care if it is in the middle of the night," ordered Severus, casually brushing his robes clean from kneeling. "Harry had told you about his separation anxiety, did he not? Sebastian has our picture, but if it gets extreme, I placed calming draughts in his backpack." It was actually Harry who thought of giving their son their family picture so the boy may feel they were still with him.
"Do not worry, Severus. We'll take care of Sebastian. Enjoy your trip," smiled Hermione as she rubbed circles on the boy's back causing Sebastian to fall right to sleep.
"We'll be going now. Thank you so much for taking Sebastian for a few days, guys." Harry pulled Ron and Hermione for a hug, going in to kiss Sebastian's head at the same time.
Severus bent down to press a lingering kiss on his sleeping son's temple as well.
Hopefully in less than a year, I'll have another one, thought Severus happily.
The newly weds arrived in the Isle Prince beach house, only an hour away by boat west of Kos. They were greeted by an older woman who looked well in her fifties.
"You must be Severus! Your uncle used to talk about you all the time," gushed the woman before softly smiling at Harry, "and you must be Harry. Congratulations on your bonding. My name is Evangeline and welcome to the island!"
Harry nodded and shyly smiled back at the cheerful woman. He was already a little tired from the day's events and wanted to rest as soon as possible.
"Thank you," said Severus. Noticing the exhaustion on Harry's face, Severus asked the caretaker, "Is the room ready? We had a long day."
"Of course, of course. Follow me."
It was surprising to see the Prince property to be contemporary-looking. The beach house looked far different from the other properties as it looked fairly new.
They followed the woman through a wide hallway with a glass wall at the end overlooking the ocean. Harry gasped at the view, the full moon shining brightly, reflecting on the ocean waves.
Their room was even more exquisite. It opened to a balcony with the same view, directly across the huge bed. Harry smiled at the thought of having to use it tonight.
After a very short tour of the room, Evangeline left them with a promise to come by the next morning to make them breakfast and give them the rest of the house tour.
The moment they were alone, Severus immediately spelled their luggage in their respective places before coming in to wrap his arms around his husband's waist from the back as Harry stared onto the night sky.
"Is it to your liking?" whispered Severus, bringing Harry closer to his chest.
Harry let out a pleasured hum before turning in place and wrapping his arms around Severus' neck. "Very."
Severus slowly moved them back until the back of his legs hit the bed. He sat down on the bed, pulling Harry to straddle his lap. Severus brushed a finger over Harry's cheek and leaned in to kiss him on the lips softly. Harry immediately responded with the same gentleness, occasionally letting out sighs and moans.
"Husband..." muttered Severus huskily as he nipped Harry's lip, earning him a groan from the man on his lap.
He pulled away, and before Harry could voice out against Severus' actions, the older wizard tilted his husband's head.
"I have something for you," said Severus with a smile but inside he was a nervous wreck. He sincerely hoped that Harry would be happy with the gift.
Harry stared at Severus, confused when he pulled out a vial from his breast pocket. With his free hand, the Potions Master silently took hold of his husband's hand and brought it to his lips before letting Harry's hand wrap around the potion.
"Do you remember the scrapped project I told you about growing organs? Smyth and I had continued it which was what kept me busy all those months. I made this personally for us. I know you want nothing more than children, judging by the number of surrogacy pamphlets you leave on my desk. It would create a temporary womb but I cannot carry for us due to my years under the cruciatus. If you are wi-"
Severus had not even finished his sentence when Harry suddenly grabbed him by the neck and pulled him in a sweeping, passionate kiss.
"Sev! Oh god! Yes! Of course I am willing. Merlin!" cried Harry in between peppering kisses all over Severus' face.
Severus laughed beside himself and brought his free arm to stroke Harry's back.
"Can I take it now?" asked Harry excitedly, holding the vial in his hand like it was the most precious potion in the world.
Severus nodded but before he could caution his husband of its effects, Harry quickly uncapped the vial and poured the luminous blue liquid down his throat, not caring whether it would taste like old socks. Harry didn't even ask if it would hurt.
The smile on Severus' lips turned to a smirk when Harry grimaced and wiggled on his lap. If Harry bothered asking or waiting, Severus would have told him the potion would feel very uncomfortable for a few minutes, the magic working its way to form the specific organ.
"Does it hurt?" asked Severus.
Harry shook his head, "No, it feels weird though."
Severus nodded, lifted Harry off him and settled him on the bed. The man barely resisted being manhandled and let Severus move him about. It wasn't painful but Harry felt his stomach churning and twisting making him nauseous. He let out a soft whimper at a particular movement inside him, like his whole digestive track had just been pushed back.
Meanwhile, Severus laid next to Harry and gently rubbed his back in an effort to soothe his husband's discomfort. Harry was on his side, his back against Severus chest, shuddering and cringing at the feeling.
After a few minutes, Harry finally relaxed and sighed in relief. He then turned to look at Severus with half a glare, "Why did you not tell me it would feel like that?"
Resisting a snort, Severus replied, "You downed it without giving me a chance."
Harry grunted but moved closer to the man and sighing happily. "We can have another baby..."
Smiling smugly, Severus rolled them over so he was hovering atop Harry. He dipped down to nip on the man's ear before growling huskily, "And I would very much enjoy putting one in you."
To say Harry enjoyed Greece was an understatement.
Severus, ever the doting husband, took Harry not only to the Wizarding Greek community in Athens, but also took him to Santorini, Crete, and Milos. They even opted out with apparating or portkeying. The Princes, as it turned out, owned a beautiful yacht Severus absolutely approved of.
They had the calm blue ocean as a view the very moment they wake up. They had seen the wonderful and magical islands of Greece. They enjoyed the most delicious of meals at the best restaurants available. Severus, even in his scowling face, cannot help but indulge his husband in public displays of affection... quite intimately as a matter of fact.
And the sex. God, the sex was fantastic. After two rounds that first night, Severus sadly informed Harry that while he was now capable of getting pregnant, it would be much more difficult to conceive, especially since the womb was relatively a new addition to his body. Nevertheless, it didn't deter both of them and actually took it as a challenge to get Harry pregnant as soon as possible. Severus took Harry at every chance he got, in the sandy beach, their balcony, every part of the house, the yacht deck, hell, they even had a quick fumble at one of the ruins.
So when they finally portkeyed back home, Harry was both equally happy to be around his son again and sad that he and Severus only had a few days alone.
But the moment Sebastian cried happily at the sight of his parents, all thoughts about wanting to stay in Greece were gone in a second. The little boy had not even bothered waiting until they got back to Prince Manor to narrate everything he did while he was with his godparents, all while hanging onto his papa's neck like a monkey.
Harry cannot help but smile indulgently at Sebastian before turning to Ron and Hermione who were sporting amused looks at their godson's very detailed recounting towards a patient Severus.
"Hello, Hermione, Ron, thank you so much for looking after him," greeted Harry, giving his two friends a hug each.
"We're happy to have him, Harry, you know that. Plus, Ron got to practice." Hermione replied with a smirk.
The little family stayed for only a few minutes more before heading back to Prince Manor. It was already close to Sebastian's bedtime and both Harry and Severus were also tired from their day activities and the travel.
It wasn't long until the three-year-old was tucked in bed for the night. Of course, with their son safe and fast asleep, ever the insatiable man in his 20s, Harry had the audacity to glance at Severus with a wry grin, completely forgetting his exhaustion. Severus sighed at his husband's impertinence but followed him to their room without a second thought, not exactly unhappy with the turn of events.
A bright lynx appeared in the middle of their bedroom, startling both men.
"Harry, Severus. There's something I think you should know," came Kingsley's voice. "If you're available later today, come for a visit to my office."
The Patronus immediately vanished leaving Harry and Severus surprised and confused. Severus just came out of the shower while Harry had not even moved from the bed, naked from all their nightly activities.
"Do you have any idea what it could be about?" asked Harry. He was still staring at the same spot the Patronus appeared.
"No. I doubt it's something worrying. Kingsley would have us come immediately if it was the case," replied Severus, buttoning his dress shirt on before glancing back to his husband. "Clothes. Now," ordered Severus lightly.
Harry smirked and stretched his legs wider on the bed, folding his arms behind his head. "Why? Don't you like seeing me naked?"
Severus very much liked it but they were almost late for their appointment in Gringotts, and no smart wizard lets the Goblins wait. "No. We're leaving in 10 minutes," droned Severus.
Harry grunted and reluctantly rolled off the bed. He lazily summoned his clothes and dressed quickly. He cursed Severus for setting their appointment so early in the morning. They only needed to officially sign the Potter-Prince accounts valid and Harry thought an afternoon appointment would have been very much welcome.
Severus rolled his eyes at Harry's low grumbling. He purposely scheduled their appointment early so they could have the rest of the day to their heart's desire but since it was a weekend, Harry's body clock was programmed to sleep in.
Their appointment was indeed a quick one. Harry wasn't kidding when he imagined they would be signing documents. They probably stayed in Gringotts for less than thirty minutes. In that span of time, they even had Sebastian's name officially changed to Sebastian Eli Potter-Prince, making the boy officially an heir to three noble and ancient houses.
An hour later, Severus and Harry stepped inside the Head Auror's office, curious of what the man had for them. Harry was a little nervous, hoping it wasn't anything bad.
"Harry, Severus, I am glad you came on such short notice, and I apologize for bringing this to you so soon after your travels," said Kingsley, motioning the two to sit before offering, "Tea?"
Both men refused, saying they just had tea before coming over. The Head Auror then took a small journal from his desk and set it on his desk.
"I'm going to say this directly," started Kingsley. "By old law, which I am sure you know, if no distant relative claims ownership within five years over a property previously owned by a dead family name, the Ministry has jurisdiction, at least until an heir rises, if there ever was one.
It's been five years since the end of the war and we finally carried out a thorough search of the Malfoy Manor. This is why I have called the both of you." Kingsley tapped on the journal's cover and sighed. "We found this inside Lucius Malfoy's office. He kept a detailed journal of the curses he invented and curses that we previously believed to have been myths."
"Did it mention the blue curse he sent me during the battle?" asked Harry, unable to stop himself from interrupting. He felt both dreading the contents and eager to know what the spell really was.
"Yes it does," nodded Kingsley gravely. His expression was somber and Severus found he did not like that look one bit. The Head Auror took the journal and flipped it to a specific page and handing it to Harry.
While Kingsley handed the journal, Severus managed to catch a glimpse of a certain word that made him puzzled and pensive. Barely half a minute from beginning to read through Lucius' words, Harry gasped beside him.
"What the fuck?!" exclaimed Harry, horrified of what was written. If it really was meant to be for him, and he was positive it was, then Harry was just as thankful he had killed the man before he did what he planned to do.
Severus already had a feeling what Lucius had written. He held out his hand for Harry to pass the journal, wishing he was wrong. Harry was fuming but passed the journal nonetheless.
"Masculum vir fermina filius..."
"...spell to transform reproductive organs for a period of time..."
"...specifically created for Potter..."
"... Potter and Black heir, only right for the next Malfoy heir..."
"...feed him my magic..."
As Severus read through Lucius' spellwork, he can't help but wince. Lucius was a competent wizard, that much was clear. But seeing his work definitely proved how intelligent the dead man had been. Too bad he was mad. Lucius could have been a great wizard if not for losing his soul under the Dark Lord's order.
And Harry had the right to be furious. Lucius personally created a spell that will turn Harry into a hermaphrodite and carry an heir, the word Severus caught on earlier. He was right. Lucius really had planned to have Harry carry his child. One requirement for his plan to be successful was an apparent strong magic. Lucuis even made it so that only those who had Malfoy blood can cast the spell. The whole process was there, after casting the spell, Lucius would have to feed Harry his own magic to speed up the formation of the womb and then take him away to...
No. He won't think about it. He can't think about it. Lucius was dead. He can't hurt his Harry anymore. He was very much thankful the man died or else Severus might have just barged straight to the bastard and curse the crap out of him.
Severus theorized Harry's magic was too strong, and because Severus was on the brink of death when Harry found him, his magic was on haywire, seeping out of his body and directed to the closest magical available, Harry.
Lucius had also mentioned in his journal that he would have to exchange fluids with Harry and Severus knew the dead Malfoy patriarch meant it sexually but Severus thought of the possibility that any form of fluid might have been enough.
Then it hit him. Blood. Harry's blood from his injuries and his own blood from being bitten by Nagini. Exchange of fluids. His erratic magic, coupled with Harry's own unusually strong one, added with their accidental exchange of blood was enough, no, it was more than enough to conceive Sebastian. Their little boy was becoming more and more a miracle each day.
"Severus?" called Harry. Severus had not noticed he zoned out almost entirely from the conversation. He hadn't heard Harry and Kingsley discussing what to do with the journal. Aside from the hermaphrodite spell, there were numerous cruel curses in the journal, some worse than Severus' sectumsempra. Harry was dead on destroying the journal while Kingsley wanted to keep it safe, in case someone already had knowledge of some of the curses so they could easily identify them. It helped that there were some counter-curses written on it that aided Kingsley's case.
Still, Severus was soon caught up with the discussions.
Severus hummed and glanced to Harry and Kingsley, "I do not think it is wise to destroy the journal completely. This would prove useful in the future but I recommend a high-security level. This is dangerous information when in the wrong hands."
Harry huffed, disagreeing with his husband but Severus knew Harry was emotionally biased. Hell, he was emotional too but he was also an academic. Knowledge like these were rare and for them, knowledge was knowledge no matter its original purpose.
"However," began Severus, glancing at his husband for a second before giving Kingsley a grave look. "This spell should be destroyed as soon as possible. This is specifically created for a Malfoy to cast. There is no reason why it should be kept. I want this gone right away."
Kingsley agreed whole-heartedly. Even he as the Head Auror found Lucius Malfoy's goal revolting. The man did not only attempt rape but also line theft, one of the worse crimes to be done to an ancient house. And for him to try to get his heir to be both the Potter and Black heir was abominable.
Kingsley immediately vanished the said page and stashed the journal back to his desk that would soon be held inside their high-security evidence room.
Severus and Harry walked out of the Ministry, both astonished and revolted of what they recently discovered. Harry was still extremely troubled of the information.
What would have happened if Harry had not stopped Malfoy that night? What would have happened if he was alone, cornered by not one but two gruesome death eaters? Would Sebastian still be Sebastian? Harry thought he would likely be dead by now, with his son growing up under Lucius Malfoy's hand. He suddenly shuddered at the thought. His baby was so innocent, so kind. He couldn't let himself imagine what his little boy could have been.
He loved Sebastian. His son was the best thing that happened to him in such a long time. It didn't matter how he came to be. Sebastian was still his and Severus' son. He wasn't Lucius' 'heir'. Gods, even if he was, Sebastian was still his baby. There was nothing that would change that. He wouldn't change anything for Sebastian.
And Severus... his husband. They wouldn't have this beautiful life together. Sev might as well have died... as would Harry. By that one single cutting spell and a whole lot of coincidences, things would have been so different.
Harry was so out of focus that he had not realized Severus was almost dragging him back home. He had not even felt the tug of apparition.
The moment they arrived, Severus pulled Harry into a bone-crushing hug. He needed to feel Harry in his arms, to hold him and make sure he was still there. That it wasn't just all a dream. He didn't show it earlier but Severus was unnerved. Like Harry, he thought about what could have happened. The mere thought of not having Sebastian and Harry in his life was like being dumped with an ice-cold bucket.
"You're safe. You're mine," repeated Severus in his husband's ear.
Harry was finally able to breathe, not noticing he was actually breathing erratically for awhile. Severus always kept him grounded and it was exactly what he needed that moment.
"I'm yours. Always yours."
