Disclaimer: Not mine, she sobs, except for Sev's family, Kailani and Chastity.
A/N: Thanks to Sunglow for beta reading, and to all my faithful reviewers out there. I will be acknowledging you all at the end of this story. I thought this would be the last chapter, but I have so many loose ends to tie up, it may spill over into two more after this one. I shall be sorry to see this end, but I have no plans for a sequel, ever, so no matter how much you beg and plead, you ain't getting one!
Sev and the Family Snape
Chapter 13 – Babies and Brothers
Severus entered their bedroom in his usual noiseless fashion so as not to disturb his sleeping family. Hermione was sprawled over his side of the bed, taking advantage of the empty space, dark circles under her eyes a testament to their disturbed nights. She stirred on the bed and he was by her side in an instant, sliding his arm around her to help her sit up.
"They're not awake yet." he murmured as she looked towards the two identical baskets near the bed.
"We don't have to be quiet, you know," she said softly, "The sooner they get used to Peeves banging around, the better."
"How are you feeling?"
"Not so bad, although my breasts ache, but it's nice to get out of the hospital wing."
"Too busy up there?"
"Mmm. I love the quiet down here."
"Now you know why I like it here too." he swung his legs up onto the bed and put his arm round her shoulders, breathing in the scent of her shampoo. "Has the bleeding stopped?"
"Yes. Mum couldn't believe that she had to go through six weeks of it, and all I had to do was take a potion and within a week I was healed."
"Benefits of being a witch." he laid a gentle hand on her now flat stomach and felt her shake with laughter. "What?"
"Mum also had to go through weeks of exercise to get her figure back. One wave of Poppy's wand and my muscles are as tight as ever." she laid a soft hand on his thigh. "I still can't quite believe it myself."
"We can grow bones, but not mend a few muscles?" he quirked an eyebrow at her and she smiled up at him
"So your body is back to normal?" his body reacted to her nearness with predictability.
"Yes..." her hand moved up and down over the soft material.
"And Poppy..."
"Said we should still wait a couple of weeks." she pouted.
"Damn."
"My thoughts exactly, although I hadn't expected my hormones to kick in this way." her hand brushed lightly over his fly and he grabbed her wrist, guiding her hand to his chest.
"Don't tempt me." he growled.
"Well don't look so gorgeous then." she fingered the soft linen of his shirt.
"I think your hormones have affected your eyesight, Mrs Snape." he snorted, knowing full well he looked a wreck, having gone nearly two weeks with very little sleep apart from catnaps.
"No they haven't. You always look good to me." she rubbed her cheek affectionately against his chest, feeling it expand as he yawned suddenly. She looked up and saw the weariness in his eyes and the dark circles underneath that matched her own. "Come to bed, Severus. The twins won't be awake for a little while." she coaxed.
"Wake me when they do." for once he wasn't being stubborn. He opened one eye. "Promise?"
"I promise." she lifted the sheet and he slid in after shedding his robe and shoes. He'd wake anyway as soon as the babies so much as snuffled in their sleep, but she hoped he would allow himself to sleep a little deeper. She listened as his breathing deepened, indicating he was asleep, and then she climbed out of bed to visit the bathroom. She shut the door softly and quickly stripped off to have a shower. Catching sight of herself in the mirror, she studied herself carefully. Her breasts were fuller, and her nipples darker; her waist sloped inwards, and she frowned slightly at the still-red stretch marks marring her abdomen. Her fingers ran across them, feeling the slight indents there. She wasn't sure if she wanted to let Severus see them yet, which she knew was totally irrational; she'd just had his babies, after all.
Stepping into the shower, she quickly washed her hair and let the hot water sooth her tiredness away. Snatching a couple of hours sleep at a time was not the same as a full night's sleep, but she was happy to pay the price. It was only for a few weeks anyway; according to Poppy, the twins should be sleeping through the night by hopefully eight weeks. They already seemed to wake one after the other; usually Sebastian woke first, allowing Severus to change him and bring him to her for feeding before Salvador started stirring. All in all, they were extremely accommodating babies. Drying her hair and braiding it, she slipped into a comfortable pair of well-worn jeans and a loose shirt, and surveyed herself in the mirror. It would do, she decided, smoothing a hand over her flat stomach; it was nice to see her feet again.
Tiptoeing over to the babies, she gazed down at them as they slept peacefully. Although they were separate, they faced each other, mouths moving reflexively in sleep, a hand reaching out to the other instinctively. She wondered if they would be like Fred and George; so close they finished each other's sentences. Loath to disturb them, she reached down a finger and stroked first Sebastian's and then Salvador's soft downy pink cheek. They had lost that wrinkled, angry red look about them and to her and Severus they were the most beautiful babies in the world. Feeling their mother's touch, they stirred slightly and she held her breath, love for them swelling inside her as they settled quietly again to sleep.
Leaving her men asleep, she moved into the sitting room and looked around, noting the crate of potions that Severus had been working on over the last week. He was restocking Poppy's stores and had used the time when she was resting to work instead of resting himself. Hopefully, now they were complete, he could relax a little and they could enjoy the twins together. She tossed a pinch of floo powder in the fire and called for Poppy.
"Your stores are ready, Poppy, do you want to come and collect them?"
"Certainly. I want to check on those adorable babies, anyway."
"You might want to wait until they wake up. Do you want to come over for a cup of tea while I have breakfast?"
"I'll be there in ten minutes." Poppy promised. She was always looking for an excuse to hold the twins, along with Sirius and Remus. Hermione closed the floo connection, and ordered breakfast from the kitchens; cereal with a selection of fruit, juice and toast for herself, eggs and bacon for Severus when he woke up. Poppy stepped through the fireplace not long after breakfast was delivered and helped herself to a cup of tea while Hermione ate.
Both of them looked up when they heard the beginnings of a wail, which tapered off almost immediately, indicating that Severus was awake as well. Knowing he would hate for Poppy to see him dishevelled from sleep, Hermione closed the bedroom door after her and found Sebastian already cradled against her husband's chest.
"Poppy's in the other room, Severus." she said softly.
"Again?"
"I think she misses them."
"Anyone would think they were her own personal property, the way that woman fusses around them." he held his son possessively closer. Hermione ignored his grumbling.
"Does he need changing?"
Severus wrinkled his impressive nose a little. "How anything so small can make such a stink, I'll never know."
"Salvador's not awake yet then?"
"Give him time. I'm sure he'll be awake any minute now, so I'd better change this one now." Severus laid him gently down and with a wave of his wand the baby was once again sweet smelling.
"Thank Merlin for magic." he said, handing their son to her. He then noticed what she was wearing. "Planning on going out later?"
"I was, actually. I thought we might take the twins for a walk by the lake; get some fresh air."
"I am not pushing a pram."
"I didn't say you'd have to. We can carry one each." she started to undo her shirt as Sebastian snuffled against her breast, searching. Her hand stilled as his eyes locked onto her fingers and her breath caught in her throat. "Sev..."
"Don't..." he moved slowly forward and held her and the baby gently against his chest. "I'm trying to restrain myself." he murmured against her hair.
"It's hard for me too." she nuzzled his throat. Sebastian squeaked and stirred against her. "I'll take him and get him fed. You see to Salvador." she could hear him waking in the background. Snatching up a soft cloth for her shoulder, she carried the baby into the living room and sat down, unbuttoning her shirt and releasing the catch on her bra. Manoeuvring him into position she was pleased when he latched on immediately. It had taken her quite a few tries in the beginning and there had been tears of frustration from both her and the babies until both Camille and Helen had helped her to get it right. She felt a slight twinge as he pulled hard at first, and then settled down into a steady rhythm. He squirmed and cried when after ten minutes she pulled him off her and burped him, switching to the other breast as soon as she could.
"Impatient, isn't he?" Poppy observed.
"He always is. Salvador is much more placid."
"I can imagine the trouble he'll get into when he's older."
"It's too early to label them, Poppy." Severus came into the room, immaculate once again, carrying his other son. Hermione handed her sated son to Poppy for burping and reached for her other, cuddling him close.
"Eat some breakfast, Severus." she directed him to the table in the corner where his food was being kept warm. Poppy's lips twitched as he obeyed without question.
"Perhaps I should have recruited Hermione a couple of years ago, Severus." she raised an eyebrow at him. "She might have kept you in line."
"I doubt it, Poppy." Hermione smiled at her. "I'd have had to tie him down." and she flushed slightly. Blasted hormones! Severus smiled a little at her discomfort; he'd have to keep that in mind over the next couple of weeks; the thought of his wife laid out on their bed with nothing but a couple of silk scarves around her wrists sent a sharp sense of arousal straight to his groin. In fact, he wasn't adverse to the idea of her using the scarves on him; the past year with Hermione had replaced a lot of bad memories with good. He quickly took a sip of ice-cold pumpkin juice and was glad the table covered his lap. He didn't want to shock Poppy too much...
~~~
Later that morning found the small family group under a willow tree by the lake. Hermione transfigured a leaf into a soft blanket and Severus cast a cushioning charm so the babies didn't have to lie on the hard ground. They were sleeping again, but Hermione had a changing bag shrunk in Severus's pocket ready. He propped his head on his hand and Hermione did the same so they were facing each other either side of the twins.
"Are you happy, Severus?" she asked suddenly.
"Of course I am. Why do you ask?"
"Do you think all this is too good to be true, sometimes?"
"Doubting? Hermione?"
"Not my feelings for you, Severus, never. But after the last seven years..."
"He's gone, Hermione, and he won't be back. We saw to that. And you know I'll never let anything happen to you or our children."
"I'm frightened sometimes, Severus. Am I being stupid?"
"No. Parenthood is frightening. We'll make mistakes, certainly, but I'm sure they'll turn out fine with you as their mother."
"And you as their father."
"And two mutts as godfathers." his lips twisted.
"That's not a very nice thing to say about Ron and Harry," she giggled, throwing a leaf at him.
"All right; too mutts and two Quidditch hooligans then." he shuddered at the thought of four Gryffindors as his son's godfathers. He was picking the next set of godparents, he decided; at least four Slytherins to even it out. He was pleased to see the slight frown disappear from between Hermione's brows, knowing he'd succeeded in calming her fears for the time being.
"I wonder how Sage is getting on." he changed the subject, thinking of his brother in Romania.
"Probably having a great time. I'm sure Kailani is looking after him." she nudged him with her sandaled foot, smirking.
"We haven't heard from Saxen though." He frowned slightly.
"Do your parents know where he is?"
"He was at home the day after these were born." He gently touched Salvador's back, "But he was gone by the time they got back."
"No owl?"
"Just a note to say he'd be gone for a few days."
"But it's been nearly two weeks!"
"He's a big boy, Hermione, he can come and go as he pleases. He just has to get something straight in his head, that's all."
"Does this have anything to do with Charlie?"
"Who told you about that?"
"Kailani told me that Charlie had been flirting with him. What happened?"
"Charlie made a pass at him, that's all."
"I didn't think Saxen liked men that way."
"He doesn't, I think. Normally."
"But Charlie's different?"
"He wouldn't be running otherwise."
"Will it be awkward at the wedding?"
"I think they're both mature enough to avoid a scene." Severus knew Saxen had been invited to Ginny and Harry's wedding. "Charlie told me he'd apologised to him before they left."
"Poor Charlie. He really liked him, didn't he?"
"I think it was instant attraction on his part. Saxen I'm not so sure about."
"What did Sage have to say about?"
"Not a lot. He's never seen Saxen act like this before; it's not like him to avoid a confrontation."
"Perhaps he was just as attracted." Hermione shrugged, "If he's normally into women, and then found he liked men as well, wouldn't that cause him to doubt himself?"
"Perhaps."
"Or maybe he's having a mid-life crisis."
"Wizards don't have mid-life crises." he paused "And I am not middle-aged!"
Hermione scooted closer and kissed him. "I never said you were."
"Good. Your remark about his age reminded me of mine."
"You are not middle-aged; I know that. You're Mature." kiss, "Seasoned," kiss, "Experienced," longer kiss, "Sexy...god, Sev, take me now." she moaned as she wound her fingers through his hair. He pulled back reluctantly.
"I can't...the babies...Poppy.."
"I'll never last two weeks!" she complained.
"You'll have to. It's hard for me too."
"I'll spontaneously combust before then."
"No you won't. There hasn't been a case of sexual self-combustion in over a thousand years." He deadpanned.
"Ha, ha, very funny." She flopped back and grinned at him. "Want to go swimming later if we get someone to baby-sit?"
"No. You in a bikini is not something my self-control can take too much of. Ask me again in a couple of weeks." He put his hands over his face and spoke through his fingers.
"We don't have to go the whole way." She wheedled.
"You're determined to drive me insane, aren't you?" he opened one eye at her.
"I'm sorry, Severus. I couldn't resist."
"You don't have to...in two weeks." He sat up suddenly and twisted to look towards the castle.
"What's the matter?" she sat up too, checking to see if they'd disturbed their children.
"Not sure. It looks like someone is headed this way." He was up in a fluid motion and stood protectively over them, wand tucked up his sleeve ready for use should it become necessary. He relaxed as he recognised their visitor.
"Saxen. It's about time you came back."
"Where have you been?" Hermione rushed forward and hugged him.
"Severus, Hermione." Saxen stood there awkwardly. "I just had to get away for a while. I'm sorry if I caused anyone to worry."
"Well, you're back now. Did you get it resolved?" Severus asked. He couldn't read his brother's face at all.
"I think so." Saxen's mouth twisted in a half-smile.
"Good. It's nice to have you back, what with Sage gone." Hermione decided to test the waters a little and saw him tense very slightly.
"Oh?"
"Yes. He decided to go to Romania with Kailani and Charlie." Severus had noticed too.
"Oh yes, he did owl to tell me." He looked down at the babies and changed the subject, "They've grown."
He successfully distracted Severus and Hermione and allowed them to bring him up to date with everything that was happening at Hogwarts. After a while, he tuned them out, thinking back over the last two weeks and to Sage's letter he'd received only yesterday.
"..And then Sirius was eaten by Nero." He just caught the tail end of Hermione's sentence. "What?!"
"See, Severus? I knew he wasn't listening to me."
"I apologise, Hermione."
"We understand, Saxen. Take your time; we'll be here if you want to talk about it." Hermione hugged him gently and then swooped down to pick Salvador up. Severus did the same with Sebastian and transfigured the blanket back to a leaf.
"It's time we headed back anyway. Why don't you go and see Remus? I'm sure he'll be glad to see you." She patted his arm and they left him under the willow.
~~~
Saxen stayed under the willow for the rest of the afternoon, gazing out over the lake and watching the giant squid lazily wave its tentacles in the air. He rested his forearms on his upraised knees and thought again of Sage's letter. In it, he'd talked about arriving in Romania at the dragon colony and being almost overwhelmed by the sound of dragons speaking to him. He'd always known he had an affinity with creatures, but this was beyond anything he'd ever experienced before. It wasn't just one he was able to speak to, and the Director of the colony had immediately wanted him to stay permanently. The magnitude of his talent had never been seen before and they were desperate to keep him.
Saxen sighed. It looked like things were finally working out for his twin. Kailani was mentioned in every other sentence and he could read between the lines as to where that was headed. His mother would be pleased to have another son married off and producing little dragonets. Dragons then brought back a memory of a certain redhead and he frowned. He crumpled a dry leaf between his fingers and thought back to when he'd met up with Leticia in London.
They'd gone out to lunch, and as usual Leticia was witty, charming and beautiful. She kept the conversation going, and didn't complain when he answered in monosyllables.
Flashback "What's the matter, Saxen?""Nothing."
"How long have we known each other? Ten years?"
"Twelve."
"So don't tell me nothing's wrong. Spill it." Leticia was nothing if not forthright.
"It's nothing, really."
"So why are you so miserable? And don't tell me you're not."
"Can't I take an old friend out to lunch without being harangued?"
"Not if you expect me to take you to bed, no." she raised an eyebrow at him, knowing full well why he was there. She was surprised to see two spots of colour appear on his cheeks as if he was embarrassed. Her eyes narrowed and she was almost insulted.
"You've met someone." She guessed shrewdly, "And you're scared shitless."
"I am not!" his head shot up and he glared at her.
"That glare hasn't worked on me for over ten years, Saxen. Don't think you're going to use me to get this person out of your system."
"I had no intention of using you, Leticia." He denied.
"No? You haven't been in contact for nearly a year, and then all of a sudden you want to meet up with me? That usually means only one thing."
"You've never complained in the past."
"I know, but you've never been involved with anyone before."
"I'm not involved with anyone now."
"But you want to be."
"No!"
"Pull the other one, it's got pixies on." She laughed without humour, "Tell me about her."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because she's a he." The confession was torn from him. Leticia was speechless, and her mouth hung open. She closed it with a snap.
"I see."
"No, you don't."
"I think I do. I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted, Saxen. You want to see if it's a one-off thing that will be solved by having sex with someone else, or if it's something more."
"I hardly know him."
"That doesn't matter, if it's the Right One."
"I don't believe in that nonsense."
"Well, I do, and if I found the Right One, you wouldn't be sitting here now." She stabbed a finger at him.
"I don't want a man." He said.
"Obviously, or you wouldn't be sitting here trying to convince yourself otherwise." She stood up and threw her napkin down on the table. "Come on."
"Where are we going?"
"We're going to perform a little experiment." Was all she said and Saxen paid for the meal before they Apparated to her home.
"Right." Leticia stood in front of him. "Kiss me."
"This is not helping, Leticia." Saxen frowned.
"Just bear with me on this, Sax. Forget everything and kiss me." She held up her face. Not knowing what it was she was trying to prove, he bent his head and kissed her. Whether it was the almost clinical atmosphere in the room that distracted him, he wasn't sure, but he felt nothing when he pressed his lips to hers. Her perfume was the same, as was the feel of her hands on his shoulders, but there was no arousal there. He lifted his head and saw she was watching him.
"So you're obviously not attracted to me anymore. Try thinking of the centrefold in Playwizard." She instructed. He shrugged and did as he was told. Nothing.
"Hold me closer, Saxen, and now think of a man other than your man." She instructed, "Someone you know who is very attractive."
"I don't see how that will help."
"Just do it, will you?"
"As you wish." He sighed and pulled her closer, closing his eyes and thinking of the most aesthetically pleasing man he could think of; Sirius Black, with his laughing eyes, thick black hair and tall, rangy body. Nothing. Remus Lupin, with his amber eyes, and honey coloured hair. Still nothing. He pulled away.
"See? I'm not attracted to men." He said. He turned away and started to pace the room impatiently. Leticia sighed; it was obvious he was still in denial.
"Saxen." He stopped and looked at her, his eyes haunted. "Stop pacing and come here." She waited until he was in front of her again. "Close your eyes." She waited again until he did as he was told. "Now think of..what's his name?"
"Charlie."
"Nice name. Now think of Charlie."
Charlie's cobalt blue eyes appeared behind his eyelids, framed by thick dark lashes. Slightly broken nose, covered with tan and freckles, full bottom lip, firm chin. Auburn hair clipped at the sides, but longer on top; broad shoulders, slim hips, long legs.. shit..he felt the blood pulsing around his body, settling in his groin and he groaned in frustration, spinning away from Leticia and opening his eyes to stare out the window.
"Bingo." Leticia placed a hand on his back. "You have definitely got a thing for this Charlie."
"But I don't want to."
"I don't think you have a choice, Saxen." She rubbed soothingly, "It's not the end of the world. Does this Charlie know how you feel?"
"No. I left rather abruptly."
"Do you want to see him again?"
"Not really."
"Oh, Saxen."
End Flashback
Saxen threw a stone into the lake, and ducked as it was tossed back by the squid. He stood up finally, and made his way back to the castle, intending to go straight to his quarters for some peace and quiet after the noise of London. As he neared the DADA classroom, the door opened and Remus appeared.
"Saxen! You're back!"
"Arrived earlier today. Where's Sirius?"
"Gone for a run with Fang. Do you want to join me for a cup of tea?"
"If you're making one, yes."
They walked to Lupin's quarters nearby, and Remus summoned some tea. They talked of inconsequential things first, and then Remus went in for the kill.
"So, where did you disappear to?"
"I went home." Saxen knew what Remus was talking about.
"Charlie felt really bad about that. He was quite upset the next day."
"He sent me a letter."
"You didn't have to stay away though, Saxen."
"Yes, I did." he looked down into his cup. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"When did you know Sirius was the One?"
"Hmm. I expected a different question."
"Oh?"
"Yes, like when did I know I was gay?"
"I suppose I was implying that too."
"I don't know, to answer your question. I had to hide what I was for so long, I was reluctant to get involved with anybody. Sirius just barged into my life at eleven and refused to be ejected. I think it was when he became an Animagi that I realised he wasn't going to go away, regardless of what I was. He says he knew from the minute he met me that he'd met the love of his life." Remus stared at the window, lost in memories.
"But what about you?"
"I think it was the night I attacked Severus, in seventh year. When I found out what I'd done, what Sirius had done, I was furious. He'd endangered Severus and me, but worst of all, he nearly got himself expelled, which meant I would be separated from him forever. I didn't want to imagine a life without him."
"But you did in the end."
"Yes, for twelve miserable years I didn't have him, but that didn't mean I didn't love him. It's rare that two people have such a bond, and I think it's one that Severus and Hermione share too. You should have seen how miserable they were when they were apart."
"Oh?"
"Haven't they told you? There was a slight misunderstanding last year which resulted in them splitting up for two months."
"Slight misunderstanding? Moony, you're the master of the understatement." Sirius breezed into the room and helped himself to a cup of tea, his hand grazing his lover's shoulder in passing.
"Have a good run, love?"
"Yes, thanks. Although I'm not sure I can piss up as many trees as Fang can without having to worry about getting my balls mauled by one of those trees." Sirius plonked himself down in a chair next to Saxen. Remus rolled his eyes in exasperation. "What were you talking about?"
"I wanted to know when Remus knew you were the one for him."
"Did he tell you it was when he first saw me?"
"No."
"Moony, you wound me." Sirius pouted playfully, his eyes sending a different message, though. He really didn't want to be reminded of the years he'd spent apart from his lover. "I knew the minute I saw you on the train." this much was true, although he hadn't understood his feelings at the time; only the overwhelming desire to be the quiet boy's friend and confidante.
"But you didn't act on it until seventh year."
"It took me all that time to win you over."
"I seem to remember you having hoards of girlfriends from third year upwards." Saxen said curiously. "Severus was always writing about your exploits."
Sirius coloured. "Yes, I liked girls. But Remus was the only one that mattered in that way."
"So you never shagged a girl, Siri?" Remus teased.
"No! There was a few fumbled gropes, and only when I was pissed and you weren't around," he admitted.
"But I thought you were experienced! It certainly felt like it at the time!" Remus was shocked that he was only finding out this now.
"I'm not sure I should be here..." Saxen half stood up, but Remus stopped him from leaving.
"Stay, Saxen."
"He's not a dog, Moony." Sirius half-smiled, hoping to distract Remus.
"Don't change the subject, Padfoot." he fixed him with a stern gaze.
"You were my first, happy now I've admitted it?" Sirius sulked.
"No. You let me think you were a slut all these years." Remus was working himself into a temper.
"What man wants to admit they've only had one lover?"
"I do, you prat! You should have told me!"
"Can we discuss this later?" Sirius's eyes indicated Saxen. "Sorry. Why did you want to know, anyway, Saxen?"
"This doesn't go any further than this room." Saxen still felt uncomfortable, "Promise me?"
"Word as a wizard." Sirius promised.
"You know I went to London after I got home."
"Hermione told us that you'd sent Sage a note."
"I went to see an old friend."
"Lady friend?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. My..experience..with Charlie was somewhat unsettling."
"You don't get gorgeous redheads throwing themselves at you every day?" Sirius grinned and Remus threw a sugar cube at him.
"Hey! You never told me you fancied him!"
"I don't, but I can appreciate a good looking bloke, can't I?"
"Ignore him, Saxen. Carry on."
"As I was saying, I went to see an old friend. We have a mutually convenient arrangement."
"I can guess." Remus said. "So what happened?"
"Nothing happened. I..um..had a slight problem."
"I see. Was she okay with that?"
"Leticia is a very understanding witch. She did help me work things out."
"So now you think you're gay?" Sirius asked, eyebrows raised.
"No. I have no interest in men."
"So what's the problem then?"
"Neither do I have any interest in women."
"You're impotent?"
"No. I just have no interest in men or women."
"I don't get it."
"It seems my body only reacts to a certain redhead." Saxen confessed. Remus looked thoughtful.
"Hmmm. I may have read about this somewhere. Hang on." he got up and searched his bookshelves, finally finding a small book, covered in dust right on the top shelf. He blew the dust off and opened it carefully; the parchment pages thin with age. "Ah, here it is." he handed Saxen the book and pointed to a passage at the end of a page.
One little known fact about the Heart/Body/Soul Bond is the ability of the bond to force the two parties into acknowledging its existence. Once it has been accepted, even subconsciously, the bond only allows consummation between the two bond mates. On very rare occasions, only one half of the bond will complete, allowing the other half to choose their own mate. The last known case of this happening was recorded in 1145, see appendix xiii, page 189.
"I'd have to do some more research, of course, but I'd need to speak to Charlie as well." Remus looked at Saxen as he paled. "I presume you have accepted the thought of you and Charlie?"
"I don't have a choice, do I?"
"Not really. I'd suggest you get to know Charlie better, to see if it really is the Heart/Body/Soul bond." Sirius patted him on the shoulder.
"I doubt he'll want to have anything to do with me. I did brush him off rather, and I never returned his owl."
"If I know the Weasley's, and if he's anything like Ron, I doubt he'll give up that easily. Perhaps you might want to wait until the wedding in a few weeks time; he'll be here for a few days then." Sirius plucked the book from his hands and placed it carefully back on the shelf. Saxen stood up and went to the door.
"Thank you for listening."
"That's all right, Saxen. I hope everything works out for you. It's a rare phenomenon, this bond. I hope for your sake that Charlie reciprocates it." Remus said gently.
"So do I, in a way." Saxen's mouth twisted in a smile, "I don't really want my hand to be the last thing my dick sees."
TBC
A/N: Okay, so it was more Saxen than Sev!