Harry sat reading the book that Hermione gave him, she was right, this book explained things a lot better and clearer, some he read stated that you had to consummate before breaking the bond should you so wish it.

That part never made sense to Harry; you had to seal a bond before breaking it? In this book it stated that a document was to be drawn up, the one who wished to break the bond had to have a document drawn up which they then had to present to their mate and once they had gone over everything and agreed they would both sign.

If every night was like last night with Severus and the feeling he felt when he woke up in his arms was like every morning, Harry knew one thing. He wouldn't be writing a document to present to Severus.

After a trip to Gringotts, Severus returned to Hogwarts to let Poppy check him over and he had managed to convince her that he no longer needed to stay in the hospital wing. He walked down to the potions classroom and walked straight through and into his old rooms, he walked over to where his books were and ran his finger across the titles, looking for a certain book, his finger coming to a stop once he found it. Bonds and Documents.

Taking the book he walked over to his desk and sat down to read, he needed ideas on what to write so he could present the document to Harry. Pulling open the top drawer, Severus got a fresh scroll out with a quill and ink pot taking a deep breath he started to write.

Severus sat back one hour later after writing and reading through what he had wrote twice, only once he was satisfied did he sit back and take a deep breath. Now he just had to present this to Harry and hoped he signed it. It would be better this way for both of them.

Harry was in two minds whether to go to Hogwarts and see if Severus was there, he hadn't heard from the man all day. He had just stood from the chair in the library for what must have been the tenth time when the floo flared to life and Severus himself stepped out. 'Severus.'

'Hello Harry, I didn't sleep last night. I spent all night thinking, I think I managed to drift off just as the sun was rising.'

'Think about what?'

'About you, me, what we now are. But most importantly, what will be best for us both.'

Harry took a shaky breath when he noticed a scroll in Severus' hand. 'And?' he asked, not really wanting to know the answer.

'I have wrote up a document today and I want you to read over it and if you agree. Sign it.' Severus said as he held out the scroll for Harry to take.

Harry gingerly took the scroll, his hand trembling as he did. Hanging his head he sat down heavily on the chair and gazed out the window.

'The Dursley's were right no one will ever want me' he murmured sadly, tears prickling at his eyes Harry tried his best to unfurl the scroll wanting to get it over with as quick as possible.

Severus noted Harry's hesitation and tears welling in his eyes the older man moved to him and sat in the chair opposite.

'Can you tell me what I did to make you change your mind?' Harry asked meekly

'Change my mind about what?' Severus asked puzzled

'Wanting to be my mate' Harry muttered

'Who said anything about not wanting to be your mate?' Severus countered

'That's what this is isn't it, a document to break the bond?' Harry said bitterly 'Hermione gave me a book that said after you consummate a document can be drawn up to break the bond'

Severus shook his head and gently took the scroll from Harry's shaking hands. 'This is a bonding contract Harry, I drew this up so we have a good chance of getting to know each other, find out if we actually want to spend the rest of our lives together before we consummate'

The elf took it from Severus and let his eyes scan the content, it was a contract stating that he and Severus go on dates and spend time getting to know each other for a period of six weeks, before taking the next step. It wasn't as Harry had feared, but an unsettling feeling settled in the pit of his stomach at the thought Severus might have some reservations about them. The Gryffindor desperately wanted to hold onto the feeling he'd had waking up in his mate's arms as tight as he could.

Neither man said a word for several moments; the silence in the room was palpable.

'What are you thinking?' Severus asked

'It's better than what I thought it was' Harry replied 'I can understand your thinking, I suppose a lot would just rush in and consummate not considering how they would feel afterwards, can't help be a little worried about the outcome'

'Harry I want to give us the best chance at making this work' Severus said reverently 'you might find you don't want to live with a grumpy old bastard like me'

'Seven years of practice makes me an expert where that's concerned' Harry chuckled an amused look in his eye

'Imp' Severus huffed

'No Elf' Harry giggled

'Cheeky brat' Severus mused 'Take as long as you need Harry' he added in a more somber tone

'I'll sign' Harry answered taking a quill from the desk and scribbling his name along the bottom of the scroll. 'I have faith it will be ok'

Severus took the signed scroll and added his own name alongside Harry's, then set it back down on the desk. Gently pulling Harry up he kissed the elf softly on the lips and rested his forehead against Harry's.

'Thank you' he whispered 'I am going to get some sleep, when I wake we will talk about our first date'

'I'd like that' Harry smiled running his fingers through Severus' hair before moving out of his embrace.

While Severus slept, Harry read through the bonding contract again and again, he wanted to make sure everything was clear in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more merit he could see in the idea Severus had devised. Harry was fairly certain of his feelings where his old Professor was concerned, but it never hurt to be one hundred percent positive before taking such a big step and not only that a life altering step.

Two days later Harry was standing in front of the full-length mirror in the room he and Severus shared, every time he thought of sharing a bed with the older Elf a small giggle would escape, it seemed so surreal yet so normal something Harry was sure he would never be able to explain. They were going to see and ride the London eye that night and the elf was shivering with nervous excitement.

Harry had changed his outfit 3 times and was on his fourth when the doorbell sounded, needing another couple of minutes to fine tune things, he called out for Severus to answer the door. When no response came, Harry went downstairs to answer the door himself. Opening the door he saw Severus standing on the front step, dressed in a dark purple button down shirt and linen pants, Harry almost drooled at the sight, but composed himself quickly.

'Severus what are you doing? You live here' Harry asked perplexed

'If we are dating then we will do it properly' Severus replied 'That means coming to collect my date as a gentleman normally would'

Another giggle escaped Harry; he really had to get a handle on that he thought, letting the Professor inside.

'Let me show you through to the kitchen' Harry smiled leading his date down the narrow hallway and into the kitchen 'I just need to grab my jacket, please make yourself at home'

Scampering up the stairs, Harry returned in record time jacket slung over his arm 'Ready' he panted

Severus stood from his place at the long wooden table and before Harry could head out, he grabbed him and pulled him flush against his chest, brushing his lips over Harry's he kissed the elf, controlling the urge to take it further, to touch those beautiful ears and relish in the reaction it caused.

'A gentleman always kisses his date hello' Severus smiled warmly

'Think I'll have to take notes' Harry whispered his face flushed

The London streets bustled with people going and here and there, Severus suggested they take a walk in St James Park before lining up to ride the eye. Taking Harry's hand in his own, they walked the manicured grounds and its array of summer blooms. From there you could see the Palace and the London eye outlined on the horizon.

Conversation was easy without noticing they had come full circle and decided it was time to head over to the eye. Severus paid for them to gain entry, something else a gentleman did so he told Harry. A tall wiry man showed them to a capsule and opened the hatch allowing the two men to step inside and get comfortable. Together they sat on the bench seat and looked out through glass panels.

Some 20 minutes later the wheel began to turn, slowly the capsule Harry and Severus occupied left the ground and soared at a gentle pace into the air. Harry was amazed at what he could see, his eyes darting from one side of the capsule to the other. Severus was content to sit and let Harry admire the scenery.

'No wonder people come in droves to ride this' Harry murmured

'Indeed' Severus replied 'it is especially busy during the holiday seasons'

'Imagine it would be' Harry answered, his eyes still fixed on the view.

Severus could see that they were nearing the very top of the wheel and an idea occurred to him, waiting patiently for the right moment, the Professor uttered some words and the capsule came to a stand still.

'What happened?' Harry asked whipping his head round

'The wheel often pauses that at the top allowing people the best view' Severus replied casually 'it seems we are the lucky ones this evening'

'It certainly is a gorgeous view' Harry breathed looking out over the horizon that stretched for miles

'Exquisite' Severus whispered

Harry turned at the lowered tone and saw Severus' eyes had darkened 'you weren't talking about out there were you?' Harry asked

'No my elf I was talking about you' Severus smiled caressing the side of Harry's face

The Gryffindor blushed furiously, but leaned into the touch all the same. He never ever wanted to let this man go.

Stopping by a night market not far from the London eye, the pair perused the stalls and generally enjoyed each other's company. Back at Grimmauld Place Kreacher served them tea and cakes in the library, watching with delight as they spoke of their date. Snuggled into Severus' arms which was fast becoming Harry's favourite place to be, he happily let sleep take him, dreaming of what was to come.

He'd read the brochure front to back and was satisfied he'd made the right choice. Severus was a well-educated and cultured man, and for their date Harry had wanted to focus on that and take his mate somewhere he would appreciate and maybe teach him a thing or two while they were going. Walking to his side of the bed, Harry bent down to put the brochure away, he hadn't told Severus where they were going he had wanted it to be a surprise of sorts.

'Hello Harry' a voice spoke

Harry jumped and spun round to see Severus standing in the doorway 'Merlin Sev you scared the life out of me' Harry put a hand over his chest

'I am very sorry', Severus said 'What are you up to?'

'Oh… nothing', Harry tried casually 'just a spot of cleaning'

'Hmm I thought you were letting Kreacher take care of that?' Severus replied with an amused smirk

'Don't want to wear him out', Harry muttered 'I sure could use a cup of tea'

As Harry went to move past Severus a long arm shot out and halted him in his tracks, Harry gave a squeak of alarm when those arms wrapped themselves tightly around him.

'You wouldn't be keeping something from me would you my little elf?' Severus said in a low sultry tone

'N-not at all' Harry stammered, positive he'd been caught red-handed

'Nothing to do with our upcoming date is it?' Severus probed

'Nope, thought we would go and do some shopping, have lunch maybe a walk in the park' Harry replied 'Sound ok?'

'Sounds very pleasant indeed' Severus answered

'Good lets go and have that cup of tea, I'm parched' Harry said cheerfully stepping around his mate and out into the hallway.