It had taken Severus all week to talk Harry into leaving Rose and Shay with Poppy for the night. He understood very well that Harry was a very overprotective father, but still the young man had not had a break since the children were born and it was due time. Besides, Severus had plans for him and his little love.
The New Year had always been a blessing for Severus. It gave him hope that tomorrow would dawn not just on a new day but a new hope.
This year he was more hopeful than ever before. With Harry by his side, he wanted to start a new life.
Granted that the war would still haunt them, but if they were together… The step they had taken on Christmas was just the first and tonight Severus wanted to ask for Harry's permission to formally court him. With any luck he and Harry would be wed before the next school year started.
Severus was broken from his musing by the knock on his door and he made a quick glance around the room to make sure everything was in place. He had been planning this night since he had decided to give Harry his crest.
He made hast to the door and swung it wide. The sight there made Severus catch his breath. Harry was resplendent in dark green robes that made his eyes shine all the more brightly. "You look wonderful," he managed to say after a long moment of staring.
Harry blushed a brilliantly. He cleared his throat, "May I come in?"
Severus shook his head, remembering himself and waved Harry in. "I know you said to dress nicely, but I was worried that I had over done it."
"You look perfect." Severus emphasized this by going up to the teen and kissing him deeply.
When they broke apart Harry's face was all red and his lips were swollen from the kiss. It was all Severus could do not to kiss him again. "I've made us some dinner."
Harry blinked a few times as his brain tried to register the sudden change in mode. He looked around to the table and saw that indeed there was a fine-looking meal laid out. He stepped back from Severus rather reluctantly and made his way to the table. "It looks wonderful." It did, but Harry's hunger at that moment was of another kind and he kept looking back at the potions master.
They ate in silence, neither really knowing how to say what was on both of there minds. They had each been wondering at the depths of the other's feelings. Severus' hand kept slipping under the table to feel that the box he had placed in his pocket was still safe and Harry kept sneaking glances at the potions master over his water goblet.
It was rather awkward for both of them.
When the desert plates were cleared from the table, Harry and Severus settled on the couch by mutual unspoken agreement. The silence drug on for a few moments more before Harry decided to break it in the way he liked best.
The kiss took Severus by surprise, but it was by no means unwelcome. Within mere seconds he had taken control of the kiss from Harry and Harry willingly gave entry to Severus' probing tongue.
Things were not going quite how Severus had planed them, but they were rather pleasant, nonetheless. -Edited-
Severus drew the Blanket up over their naked forms and then deftly tucked Harry's head back under his chin. "I hadn't planed on skipping that far ahead tonight."
He felt as much as heard Harry chuckle against his chest. "I don't mind. It was rather amazing."
Somewhere a clock began to toll the hour. Harry sat up rather quickly. "Did you make your resolution?"
Two…
Severus sat up next to him a bit confused. "What?"
"You New Year's Resolution. You know the promise to your self for the New Year."
Three…
Severus smiled sweetly. "I don't need one."
Four…
"But you have to, it's bad luck not to."
Five…
"Well, I don't know. What did you promise?"
Six…
"To take care of my children and make sure that they are happy and loved."
Seven…
"I don't know. It is hard to think of something off of the top of my head." Severus' smirk was rather teasing.
Eight…
"Quick, before it strikes twelve."
Nine…
Severus leaned forward and brushed his lips across Harry's. "I resolve to…
Ten…
"…always…" There was another brush of lips.
Eleven…
"…love and take care of you."
The twelfth chime was lost amongst hungry kisses and groping hands. Some long moments later they broke again for air. Severus' fear in asking had been forgotten amongst their lovemaking. "Harry the reason I asked you down here tonight was so that I could formally request to court you."
Harry tilted his head in a way that Severus found endearing. "Did you really need to ask me that? I think the answer is obvious." He leaned forward and kissed Severus again. "Happy New Year Severus."
"Happy New Year Harry."
AN: This is almost the last chapter that the Author wrote. I have a partial chapter that I need to finish but I hope to have that up for you very soon.