Minerva chuckled to herself, as she sorted the scraps of parchment into their respective piles. It was going to be an interesting couple of days, of these odds were anything to go by. This wasn't something she normally encouraged among her staff, but what was life without a little risk, the chance to let ones hair down occasionally.

'Up to no good Minerva?' a voice from behind her inquired

'I don't know what you're talking about Albus' Minerva sniffed, adding another will run screaming and be scarred for life to the ever growing pile.

'I must say the odds aren't looking good for our esteemed Professor' Albus chimed in

'Seems that way' Minerva murmured 'But Harry assures me that's all about to change'

'Ever the optimist our Harry' Albus chortled 'Well Minerva I must be off, told Helga I'd stop by'

'Yes Albus, do give her my regards' Minerva waved him off, going back to her sorting.

Harry moaned, going weak in the knees as Severus cupped his face and took his lips in a heart stopping kiss, his tongue dancing languidly over his own, before pulling back slightly to suckle on the tip. Merlin but he loved this man, the only man whose touch was like molten lava coursing through his veins. Rubbing his growing bulge gently against the Potions Master, Harry elicited a low growl from the normally stoic, reserved man.

'Excuse me my dear chaps hate to interrupt' Albus spoke from his place behind Severus sofa.

'What is it Albus?' Severus snipped, regretting allowing the old codger a place in his private residence.

'Thought you'd like to know how the pool is coming along?' the former headmaster said casually

'Very well' Severus huffed, pulling away from Harry's embrace and straightening his robes, and other things.

'Alas it isn't good news for you I'm afraid Severus' Albus said glumly

'Indeed, what are they preempting this time?' Severus asked

'Years of intense Mind Healing, possible admission to the Janis Thickey ward at St Mungo's' Albus relayed

Harry chuckled softy to himself; they really had no idea what they had gotten themselves into. When Minerva had come to him a week ago with the suggestion, Harry wondered if she'd been hit with a curse or something. The Gryffindor in him, refused to let him back down from a challenge, and so he readily accepted the task of lasting more than a few terrifying minutes on a blind date.

A week earlier

'Thank you for coming Harry' Minerva smiled as the young Professor took a seat

'No problems Minerva' Harry smiled, wondering why the sudden invitation to join her for tea had come, when they'd taken tea a few days before

'Something has been weighing on my mind' the headmistress began, 'I am worried that you're spending too much time alone Harry, and it isn't good for you'

Merlin Harry thought, here we go. It had been a recurring conversation since the final battle had ended, about his apparent loneliness. Truth was he quite enjoyed solitude, after years of constantly being watched, spied and reported on, Harry thought he had earned the right to a peaceful life. Minerva on the other hand thought it was unhealthy for a fit, good looking young man such as himself to be without someone he could confide in, come home to at the end of a long day of teaching. Little did she or any of the staff know, that Harry had all those things and more.

He and Severus had been in a relationship for the nearly a year, having kept it quiet, as both wanted the chance to see what could come of being together, and Harry coveted to keep a small part of his life private. It was fun, truth be told, sneaking around the castle like an errant teenager out after curfew, to see their latest crush. Floo's were a handy magical tool, when it came to ones love life, so was the Room of Requirement and many of the secret passages.

'I am quite happy with my life as it stands Minerva' Harry replied

'Wouldn't you like the chance to share it with someone else?' Minerva asked

'Not really, I have everything I need, a great job, lovely friends what more could a man ask for?' Harry smiled

'I still worry all the same' Minerva stated 'now I have an idea, one I am hoping you will be receptive too'

'Which is?' Harry quirked a brow, knowing exactly the direction this was going

'A friend of mine, has been having the most awful time of it lately, when it comes to dating, he finds himself lacking or inexperienced. The last 5 dates have left within minutes of arriving, more often than not scared stiff and crying. A troubled past has left him perhaps over cautious when it comes to meeting new people, maybe that's why the dates haven't last. I was hoping that you would do me the tremendous favor of agreeing to go on a date with this man, I'm sure it won't be as bad as the previous ones' Minerva explained

'He sounds terrifying' Harry mused, How about we make this interesting Minerva, I bet that I can make the date with his terrifying, fear instilling man last longer than any date he's had so far, lets say all night. If I win then no patrol, chaperoning, and Friday nights off for a month, if you win then I do double the patrol and chaperoning, I will wear a bright pink ball gown, frills and all to this years Halloween dance. Get the rest of the staff involved'

It's a deal, I will let my friend know and contact you with the details. Next week be soon enough?' Minerva suggested beaming from ear to ear

'Perfect Minerva, I'll even put in a hundred galleons to whoever guesses the closest' Harry grinned

'That's very generous of you Harry, I cant understand why the other dates haven't been successful, he really is a lovely man once you get to know him' Minerva sighed

Harry knew why, because as changed as Severus was after the war, he still had the capacity to scare the wits out of people with a single glance, or sneer. That and the fact he had Harry and nothing would take him away from what they had built together. No matter how often Minerva tried to help

'I look forward to hearing from you Minerva' Harry smiled as he left the office.

'Such a shame they won't be anywhere the mark this time' Harry chortled

'Good luck with it my dear fellows' Albus chimed in from his portrait. 'I look forward to hearing the results'

'Now where we?' Severus purred, snatching Harry back into his arms 'Here I think' he murmured nipping Harry's ear lobe

'You look very handsome Harry, if not a little pale' Minerva observed from her place in Harry's sitting room.

'Probably just coming down with something, a stomach bug maybe' Harry replied. Some of his students had been out with similar symptoms in the last week.

'I do hope you will able to enjoy your meal, the restaurant is said to make some lovely dishes' Minerva replied slightly concerned Harry wasn't well enough to enjoy a glass of water let alone a cuisine of any kind

The headmistress had chosen a lovely new bistro in Hogsmeade for Harry and Severus' blind date. A couple from London had opened the restaurant after the final battle. It catered to a wide range of different tastes, the dishes inspired by many different countries. She thought it the perfect place for their date. A quiet table near a window had been reserved for them; Minerva had even chosen the wine as a gift for her two favourite Professors.

'Right I best be off, don't want to be late' Harry managed a smile as he stomach churned away

'Good luck Harry, can't wait to hear how it all went tomorrow morning' Minerva said excitedly

'You'll be the first to know' Harry smiled grabbing his jacket from the hook and picking up the book, that would let his date know who he was. It had been agreed upon that Harry would carry a book with him, as his date was an avid reader. That part they got right at least, he'd grinned when Minerva told him.

Opting to walk the short distance to the magical village, thinking the fresh air might make him feel better, Harry set off for his date with Severus, a crowd had gathered at the front doors to the castle, as Harry had walked down the well trodden path to the wrought iron gates. The cool evening air was heaven on his face as he wandered along the path.

The lamps were just starting to come to life along the cobblestone streets when Harry stepped into the restaurant. A small foyer greeted him, where a large Mahogany desk sat against a dark brown wall, carpeted steps led down into the restaurant itself. Harry spotted Severus already seated at their table, a thin book beside him. A witch greeted him with a friendly smile, he followed her to the table his date was residing at, thanking her as he removed his coat and sat down. Severus gave him one of those rare smiles, Harry relished in the thought that he was often the only one to see such an action cross the Potion Masters face.

'You're looking very handsome' Severus smiled brushing his hand over Harry's

'You look pretty dashing yourself' Harry grinned

'Thank you I have a hot date this evening, wanted to look my best' Severus mused

'Let me know when he arrives and I'll get out of your way' Harry winked

'I will indeed' Severus smirked 'Although I am rather enjoying the view I have in front of me, might have to tell him to take a hike'

'If you want dessert, then definitely' Harry muttered

Severus' response was a heated gaze, eyes filled with wanting. Only Harry could get him worked up before the entrée had even been ordered. The waitress brought over the wine Minerva had selected and happily poured the men a glass each. She had chosen well, Severus thought as he took the first sip.

They ordered a crusty garlic bread to start, while deciding on their mains. Severus noted that Harry was looking rather peaked, he hadn't noticed when he'd first arrived, being too caught up in how gorgeous his lover looked.

'You ok Harry, you're looking a little pale?' Severus asked

'Just a bit of an upset stomach, must be coming down with something' Harry replied

'Why didn't you tell me, we could have postponed this evening' Severus countered

'I'm fine Sev, I took a stomach calming potion on the way here, I'll something light for dinner and be good as new' Harry assured him

The garlic bread arrived and Severus cut off a slice for Harry, before taking one for himself. He watched carefully as his lover at the bread, looking for any signs that it would make him ill. Severus ate his own slice, occasionally looking across at Harry. He was just cutting off another piece, when a chair scarping along the wooden flooring, had him looking up.

'What's wrong Harry, are you ill?' Severus queried, forgetting his entrée for the moment

'No, nothing like that, but isn't this where your dates usually turn tail and leave, before the main has arrived' Harry chuckled

'You wicked imp' Severus scoffed 'no dessert for you'

'I'm sorry Sev' Harry apologised 'I couldn't resist'

'Might have to find someone else's company to enjoy' Severus huffed, going back to his garlic bread

'You could always ask Horace if he'd like a second date' Harry replied without looking up

'Merlin no' Severus shuddered, that had not been one of Minerva's better idea's, when she set him up with Horace Slughorn, the former Potions Professor gods what a disaster that had been. The mere thought made Severus' skin crawl.

'How did you manage to make old sluggy cry Sev?' Harry asked casually

'Told him if he put his hand on my dick again, I would cast a spell that would make his fall off' Severus answered nonchalantly

'Remind me never to touch you again without asking' Harry mused

'You can touch me whenever you like love, my dick likes you' Severus purred

'Glad to hear it' Harry laughed 'I'm rather fond of it myself'

Before the conversation could get any more heated, and dinner was abandoned, the mains arrived. Harry had chosen pan-fried salmon with a light drizzling of seafood dressing, on a bed of rice. Severus went with the slow cooked lamb shanks, with rosemary and garlic gravy.

The conversation flowed as easily as a summer breeze, Severus regaled Harry with more stories of short-lived blind dates, and Horace had lasted by far the longest. A man from the legal department of the Ministry was the shortest, he had barely gotten comfortable when he spotted the faded dark mark on Severus' forearm and fled for dear life.

None of it mattered in the end, Minerva could have set him up on thousands of blind dates, taken out an advertisement in the Daily Prophet's personal ads, still nothing would have come of it, Severus had the only man he would happily go on a date with blind or otherwise, his Harry was all the Potions Master needed.

Strolling leisurely back to the castle hand in hand, Severus made a decision, it was something that had been on his mind for a while, and it just never seemed the right time to approach the subject.

'Harry?' Severus asked

'Mmm' Harry answered

'Will you marry me?' Severus replied, taking a gulp of fresh air

'What?' Harry spun around to face his lover

'Will you marry me?' Severus repeated

Green orbs delved deep into black, widened and inquiring. 'Of course I will Sev, can't imagine spending my life with anyone else' Harry whispered

'I love you' Severus caressed the side of Harry's face 'You are my life'

'You are mine' Harry smiled 'I think it's time for dessert'

Harry gave a squeak of surprise as he was pulled flush against Severus' body and vanished on the spot. When he opened his eyes they were standing in Severus' bedroom. Passion and lust filled eyes roamed over Harry's body; he felt a cool rush of air, looking down he realised he was naked, his cock twitching against his stomach.

Severus guided him to the bed, laying him down gently, before taking his mouth in a sweet and tender kiss, Harry arched from the bed as one of his lovers fingers brushed over his hole, teasing the puckered entrance, breaching the barrier and slipping inside the tight channel, he found the bundle or nerves and Harry whimpered in delight as Severus' digit rubbed over them time and again.

'Please need you in me Sev' Harry mewled 'Fuck me'

Casting a spell over Harry's arse and his cock, Severus wasted no time in pushing the head of his hard leaking prick into his lovers, tight, hot arse, the muscles clenching around his dick as he buried himself balls deep into his beautiful Harry.

'Mmm, that's so fucking good Sev, love you in my arse' Harry moaned

'You are beautiful my darling, I love you so much' Severus crooned as he thrust into the wet channel, drinking in every delicious sound Harry made

'I love you Sev' Harry grunted

'Play with yourself love, let me see you pump that gorgeous cock' Severus panted

Harry took himself in hand and pumped his prick, running a finger over his leaking head gathering the pre cum, Severus leant forward and took the finger into his mouth, sucking the cum off and swallowing.

'You taste divine darling' Severus purred, thrusting harder

'Fuck Sev I'm not going to last much longer' Harry breathed pumping his dick, feeling his balls begin to tighten

'Don't hold back, love, let me hear you scream my name as you cum' Severus panted heavily

Oh, Sev, oh fuck, Sev, Sev, I love you so damn much, Yes, yes, oh Sev fuck yes' Harry shouted as his orgasm consumed him, took him higher, riding that wave of ecstasy as ropes of cum spurted from his dick, covering his hand, stomach.

'Harry, that was fucking hot, you are perfect my love, I am going to cum so deep in your arse' Severus groaned as his own orgasm tore through him, leaving the Professor boneless and panting for breath. Taking Harry's lips in a gentle kiss, his flaccid penis slipped from his lover, Severus collapsed beside Harry, pulling him close.

'That was some dessert' Harry said breathlessly still basking in his lust-fogged haze

'Might have to go back for seconds later' Severus whispered

'Sounds good' Harry said sleepily cuddling in against Severus

Severus woke the next morning to find Harry's side of the bed empty, something that sounded like vomiting was coming from the bathroom, climbing from the bed, Severus went to investigate the offending sound, only to find Harry bent over the toilet bowl, vomiting violently.

'I didn't mean to wake you Sev' Harry said weakly, slumping against the cool tiles that lined the wall.

'Never mind about, I'm more worried about you love' Severus replied 'I think I had better get Poppy to come and have a look at you'

He helped Harry up off the floor and carried him back to bed, putting him into fresh pyjamas, Severus went to the floo and called for Poppy to come and check Harry over. She arrived promptly and set about casting this spell and that over Harry's body to determine the cause of his illness.

'Well I'll be' Poppy breathed 'Merlin above its amazing'

'What is, what's wrong with him Poppy?' Severus pleaded

'Severus, Harry you are going to be parents, Harry is eight weeks pregnant' Poppy beamed

Pre…preg…pregnant?' Harry gaped

'Yes pregnant' Poppy confirmed

'It's a miracle' Severus gasped sitting on the bed and pulling Harry to him 'We are going to have a baby'

'It's a miracle alright, this hasn't occurred in thousands of years' Poppy exclaimed

'Oh Sev, we are going to be fathers' Harry choked back a sob

'Yes love we are' Severus smiled broadly

'I will need to see you every month Harry' Poppy instructed 'I'll bring some potions and such down to you after breakfast'

'Thank you Poppy' Harry smiled, as the matron vanished into the fireplace

'Merlin Sev, a baby' Harry said running a hand over his flat stomach 'Are you happy?'

'Than I ever thought possible darling' Severus answered 'Are you?'

'Very very happy' Harry grinned

Later that morning Harry and Severus walked into the headmistress's office, to find most of the staff gathered, all eagerly awaiting the results of the betting pool. When the pair walked in hand in hand, huge grins adorning their faces, jaws hit the ground left and right.

'There goes 100 galleons' Aurora Sinistra groused

'I take it the date went well?' Minerva asked

'Very well, Minerva' Harry grinned slyly

'Lasted all night then?' Filius questioned

'Indeed it did' Severus smirked

'Why do I get the feeling that there is more than meets the eye?' Minerva raised a brow, the sinking feeling she had been duped settling in her stomach

'Severus and I have been dating for a year Minerva' Harry replied 'we wanted to keep it quiet, see where things went, especially after the war'

'No wonder you were so eager to put in the money' Pomona gruffed

'I should hex you both' Minerva grumbled 'but I can't say that I'm not happy to see you two together'

'Thank you Minerva, we are sorry about not telling you' Harry countered

'Perhaps you could get another pool going?' Severus suggested

'What other pool?' Minerva asked skeptically

'Take bets on whether Harry and I are going to have a boy or girl' Severus answered

'You're pregnant?' Septima Vector shrieked

'Yes we found out this morning' Harry smiled

'That's wonderful, congratulations both of you' Minerva beamed

'Glorious news, my dear boys' Albus chimed in from his portrait

'I'll deal with you later Albus' Minerva growled 'Helga indeed'

Harry and Severus chose that moment to escape, before they landed themselves in more trouble, Albus had been feeding them information regarding the blind date, he'd been only to happy to help. Guess Helga must have let slip that Albus hadn't been to see her Harry thought.

9 months later

'Everyone I would like you all to meet Ruby Jade Potter – Snape' Harry addressed the staff

'I got that one' Pomona delighted

'Always knew it would be a girl' Aurora stated

'Was so sure it was a boy' Filius frowned

'You and me both Filius' Madame Pince grumbled

'So I take it that I can expect to see some lovely gowns at this years welcoming feast?' Harry chuckled

'Thinks he's smart, hex him six ways to Sunday' mingled voices muttered and huffed

'Now now' no need for threats' Harry scolded, leaving the grumbling staff in the Great hall with Minerva and heading back to their rooms.

'Time for a nap my sweet angel' Severus cooed to his daughter laying her down in the crib. 'Daddy and I are going to have dessert'