Unexpected Heritage
A/N: Super Duper mucho grande thanks to everyone who reviewed.
MarsMoonStar
Arili
ShaeLynn
Trinalla
Jess
Cassa-Andra
Malfoy Angel
Erin
Cypheria
LeeLee Potter
TommyBoy 182
Patty
The weeks passed and things appeared to be going wonderfully. Draco was now walking, albeit slowly, with a cane; he got stronger every day. Lucius had been introduced to Blaise and they all seemed to be getting along. The two Malfoys were spending the Christmas vacations with the Zabini family. Yes, as incredible as that sounds, Lucius Malfoy would be spending an amount of time in a Muggle home. Although Blaise's father was a wizard, they lived in Muggle London. So Draco was gone. Hermione was at home with her family for their first Christmas together in years as was Justin. Ginny didn't want to go home, but Mrs. Weasley insisted that she spend Christmas at home. The Patil sisters were still at Hogwarts, but Harry wasn't very close with Parvarti, so it would be odd to only invite Padma to his rooms to hang out. Severus was in his lab, working on replenishing Madame Pomfrey's Pepper-Up rations. Harry plopped himself on his couch with his Muggle Studies text to work on his holiday work. After finishing his essay, he watched the fire, bored out of his mind with nothing to do. It was Christmas Eve and Harry was sitting on a couch, watching the flames dance before his eyes. Severus slipped into the sitting room and wrapped his arms around a very unsuspecting Harry. The Gryffindor smiled brightly and leaned into the embrace.
"What are you up to, love?"
"Nothing. I finished my Muggle Studies essay and now I'm bored."
"Would you like to go for a walk with me?"
"It's freezing out, Severus!"
The Slytherin chucked under his breath.
"I never said we'd be going outside, did I?"
"Oh…yeah. I'd love to go for a walk. Let me just get my shoes on."
Harry got up and dashed into his bedroom, slipping on his trainers.
"Grab your cloak too."
The Slytherin summoned his cloak and waited for Harry. The Gryffindor was back in a matter of seconds and they were off. Severus took Harry's hand as they strolled around the castle. After wandering for a while, the Potions Master led his lover up to one of the taller towers. Severus cast a warming charm as they stepped out onto a large balcony. The cushioned bench was warm as they sat down. Both tugged their cloaks tighter around their shoulders. Severus leaned closer to Harry and took hold of one of his hands. Harry stared at Severus, more than a little confused.
"Harry, I know that when you gave me your life force we made it clear to each other that we're together for life. Well, I was thinking and…I'd like to let everyone know how much I love you. What I'm trying to say is…will you do me the great honor of bonding with me? Will you marry me, Harry?"
Harry looked at Severus, totally shocked. After blinking at the Slytherin for what seemed like an eternity, the Gryffindor's face was completely enveloped in a glittering smile. He flung himself into Severus' arms and hugged him tightly. Severus leaned back so that he could see Harry's face.
"Should I take that as a yes?"
"Of course!"
The Slytherin laughed and pulled his fiancée in for a passionate kiss. Their tongues danced and the air around them sizzled with magic and heat. They didn't feel the cold anymore. When the need for air became too great, they broke apart and shivered.
"Let's go inside, Sev. If it wasn't for the fact that you proposed to me, I'd smack you for bringing me out here."
They hurried inside, red-faced and shivering from the cold. Hand-in-hand, they strolled down to the dungeons where a warm fire was waiting for them. After shedding their cloaks, Harry and Severus settled in front of the fire.
"Any idea when you'd like to have the ceremony?"
"I was thinking some time after the holidays are over. I'm sure that you would like your friends to be there."
"Isn't there anyone that you'd like to be there, Sev?"
"Draco, Lucius…there's really no one else."
"No family? No one else?"
"It has been years, no…decades since I've spoken to any of my family. They didn't want me to get the Dark Mark and I was basically disowned. My parents are still alive, I know that much. And my sisters, Jessilyn and Jocelyn, I have no idea what they are up to. When I was disowned, they were in their first year at Hogwarts. I haven't seen them since."
"But you're getting married! What a better time to extend the olive branch and try to reconcile. Don't you think that your parents are going to want to see their grandchildren someday? And what about your sisters?"
"Grandchildren, Harry…what on earth are you talking about?"
Harry smiled.
"I thought you knew everything there was to know about elves! I found it in the back of some book I was reading. Once we're bonded, I can get pregnant if…well, you know."
The Gryffindor blushed and Severus pulled him in for a kiss. Tongues dueled as cool hands slid underneath sweaters to caress the warm skin there. Shortly thereafter the sweaters were discarded and the couple had moved to the floor in front if the fire. Severus was on top of Harry, kissing and nipping his way down the Gryffindor's chest. Severus took a dark nipple in his teeth as he unzipped Harry's pants. The Gryffindor's breath came in gasps; Severus slid the pants and boxers down Harry's legs, tossing them aside. The Slytherin ghosted over taut muscles with his tongue. Harry moaned when Severus swirled his tongue inside his belly button. Before the Potions Master's kisses reached his lover's erection, Harry pulled him up and captured his lips in a bruising kiss. They broke apart, desperate for air.
"Sev…"
"Yes, my lion?"
"I want to feel you. I need you…inside."
"You're sure, Harry? I don't want to hurt you."
"I'm sure. Please"
Severus kissed Harry softly and slipped out of the clothes he was still wearing. He settled himself between Harry's legs, spreading them a bit wider. The Slytherin lightly caressed the Gryffindor's stomach and thighs.
"It will probably hurt less if you're on your hands and knees."
Harry turned over and got up on his hands and knees. Severus parted the Gryffindor's firm cheeks and gently ran his tongue over the puckered skin. Harry moaned, leaning back. The Slytherin picked up his wand and whispered the lubrication charm, coating his fingers in the slippery gel. Harry gasped as Severus gently worked one finger and then another inside him. After a few moments, Harry pushed back against Severus' hand; the Potions Master carefully slipped another finger past Harry's tight muscle. Severus stroked the Gryffindor's prostate which caused the younger man to shudder and growl deep in his throat. Harry whimpered when the fingers left him. The Slytherin coated his shaft in the lubricant, positioning himself at Harry's entrance. Slowly, but steadily, Severus pressed himself inside Harry. Once he was fully sheathed, the Slytherin forced himself to be still so the Gryffindor could be accustomed to having a cock inside him. After a couple moments, Harry started moving his hips, pressing himself against Severus. The Slytherin started thrusting slowly and gently, teetering on the edge of losing control thanks to the Boy-Who-Lived's tightness. Severus moved faster, thrusting a little harder. The pace became more heated as they worked together to send each other over the edge. It didn't take much for Harry; he came shortly after Severus wrapped his fingers around the Gryffindor's erection. Severus joined him shortly thereafter, burying himself deep and filling Harry with his seed. He collapsed on top of Harry, still inside him. They stayed like that for a short while before the Slytherin pulled his now-soft penis out of Harry and got up. He pulled the Gryffindor to his feet and kissed him sweetly.
"Are you alright, Harry?"
"I've never been better. Love you"
"Love you too. Now we need to be at dinner in less than half an hour. Care to join me for a quick shower?"
Harry smiled, nodding and followed Severus into the Gryffindor's bedroom. They quickly went into the bathroom and got into the large shower. At times there was more kissing than washing, but the two men managed to get each other washed, dried, and dressed with just enough time to make it to the start of dinner. There were so few students that Dumbledore simply had two large, round tables set up to accommodate the students and faculty. Once everyone was seated, the Headmaster stood up and tapped his knife on his goblet.
"I would like to say how lovely it is to see everyone here happy and healthy. I am not expecting to see many of you at breakfast tomorrow, or even at lunch for some of you. So tonight I wish all of you a very Happy Christmas tomorrow. Now we eat."
Severus was sitting between Harry and Dumbledore. The Potions Master turned to the Headmaster, clearly holding Harry's hand, their hands rested on the table for everyone to see. But, then again, everyone in the Great Hall already knew that they were together. Dumbledore looked at Severus and Harry; his eyes twinkled so brightly as he smiled.
"Ah, Severus, how are you on this lovely Christmas Eve?"
"Simply wonderful, Albus. I have something to ask of you."
"Anything, my boy."
"Will you officiate Harry's and my bonding ceremony?"
"So the two of you are engaged now? How splendid! I would be most honored to perform the ceremony. Do you have any ideas as to when you would like to have the ceremony?"
"Sev and I were thinking sometime at the end of April, just before the Spring break so that we could spend the break together."
"That sounds lovely. Just let me know the exact date and all will be set."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
They ate in peace, talking about nothing in particular. After dinner, Harry and Severus went back down to the dungeons and into Severus' rooms. They went into the Slytherin's bedroom and sat on the bed. Severus turned on the television and flipped through the channels until he found a decent Muggle sitcom.
"Sev, I was thinking…"
"Incredible."
Severus received a punch on the arm for that sarcastic comment.
"Anyway, I was wondering which rooms we're going to live after the ceremony."
"Well, we could ask the Headmaster to combine both suites, remodel the place."
"That sounds good to me. Sev?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"Do you want to have kids?"
The Slytherin looked at Harry, pondering for a moment.
"You know, I never really thought about. I always knew that I was gay, so fatherhood wasn't something that I thought about. I suppose that I just figured I'd never have children. Do you want children?"
"I do. I never had a family; I've always wanted one, dreamt of having a family…and a house of my own. But the house can wait. I'd rather have the family first."
"Despite what all the thick-headed students might think, I do not hate children. I think that a family would be a wonderful thing to have."
"I was hoping you'd say that. Are you going to owl your parents and sisters tomorrow?"
"Harry—"
"No, Severus Snape, you are going to owl them tomorrow to wish them a Happy Christmas and to tell them that you're engaged. Try to make peace with them. It was written in every Wizarding newspaper for at least a month who the heroes were. You were listed in every single article; everyone knows that you were a spy and a damn good one. Just try…please?"
There were a few moments of silence.
"Fine. I'll send out three owls tomorrow, but I'm not expecting a reply."
"That's alright. All I'm asking is that you try."
"I will."
Harry leaned over and kissed Severus softly. They snuggled together and watched the television. After a little while, they fell asleep.
Harry was up bright and early the next morning. He was always excited when Christmas at Hogwarts rolled around. But this was a very special Christmas. He was with someone that he loved and loved him, and he had the perfect gift for that person. Harry had worked with Dumbledore for quite a while to get this gift ready. The Gryffindor whispered a silencing spell and slipped completely under the covers. Severus' morning erection was tenting his boxers. Harry spelled off the boxers and took the Slytherin's arousal in his mouth. He licked up and down his lover's erection, gently cupping his balls in his hand. Severus, amazingly still asleep, sharply thrust his hips upward and started mumbling incoherently.
"Gods…Harry…yes, Harry, faster."
Harry took this as a cue and started sucking a little harder, bobbing his head up and down. The Potions Master's breathing came in pants as Harry lightly scraped his teeth along Severus' erection. Severus gripped the sheets; sweat beaded on his brow and he moved his hips to thrust deeper into Harry. The Gryffindor took him in his mouth completely and hummed deep in his throat. The Slytherin's eyes popped open as he came.
"Oh, Harry! Yes"
Harry slid on top of Severus and kissed him deeply. The Slytherin could taste himself in the Gryffindor's mouth. They broke the kiss and snuggled.
"Happy Christmas, Sev."
"Do I have to wait for Christmas to wake up like that again?"
"Maybe. Come on; let's have a shower before presents."
"I hope you didn't get me anything because I didn't get you anything."
"That's okay. You'll just have to make it up to me later."
"Oh I will, will I?"
"Yes you will. Now come on."
Harry dragged Severus into the bathroom and into the shower. There was washing and fondling…Well, often more fondling than washing. Severus dressed in boxers and a pair of soft, pale gray colored flannel pants. He slid on his slippers. Harry put on a snug, burgundy t-shirt and black cotton pants.
"Put on a shirt, Sev."
"Why? It's just us. Unless my aged body is disgusting—"
Harry stepped up to Severus so their chests were touching and cut the Slytherin off with a searing kiss. The Gryffindor pulled back and nipped at the sensitive junction of neck and shoulder.
"If you don't put a shirt on, then I doubt I'll be able to last until lunch without needing to taste you again."
Severus grabbed a dark gray t-shirt of Harry's and slipped it on. The bright, sparkling silver of Harry's life-force necklace shone against the gray shirt. Harry dragged Severus into the sitting room and steered him onto the couch. The Gryffindor quickly separated the gifts into two piles. Severus opened his quickly since there, honestly, weren't that many. He received a new journal and self-inking quill set from Dumbledore, two sets of work robes and 4 incredibly luxurious sweaters in shades that weren't black from Lucius and Draco, a self-cleaning cauldron from Remus, and an extension of his subscription to Ars Alchemist from Hermione.
"Why on earth did Granger give me a Christmas gift?"
"She's practically my sister, so that essentially makes her a part of the family, Severus. Honestly, the two of you are so intelligent; I can't see why you don't get along."
"I shall send her the appropriate thank you note tomorrow. Are you sure that those were the only gifts for me?"
"Quite sure. What? Are you looking for one from me?"
"To be perfectly frank, yes."
"Your gift is coming; it will be here shortly."
Harry tore through his and got a lot of candy from various people. He also received the customary jumper and mince pie from the Weasleys, a handsome, leather bound journal from Hermione, a broom servicing kit and new book bag from Remus, and 2 sweaters that looked like they would be rather tight from Lucius and Draco.
"I would have to say that Luc definitely wants to see you naked and spread out for him to ravish by the looks of those incredibly tight sweaters, love."
"Well, you know, Lucius is rather good-looking."
Severus turned to him, looking quite serious.
"Harry, Lucius is my best friend and Draco is my godson. The three of us have become a family, especially since Narcissa didn't care about Draco at all. I can't just throw them out of my life. Our family and our children will come first, but I feel that I have a responsibility to them as well."
"I'm not asking you to give up and forget you past just because we're going to be bonded. I've grown somewhat attached to Draco and Lucius. I'd like them to be a part of our family. I didn't get them anything for Christmas, but as our gift to them, I would like to invite them to join our family."
"What do you mean?"
"Combine our families. You love Lucius and he loves you. To be totally honest, he's really been growing on me since he's been living here for the past two months. Given a little more time, I'm sure that I could love him too. We would all be happy…That's all I want in life, to be happy and for you to be happy. What do you think?"
Harry could see the tears in Severus' eyes. The Gryffindor wrapped his arms around Severus' neck and kissed him softly. There was a knock at the door. Severus started to get up, but Harry shoved him back onto the couch.
"You stay here and don't move. I'll be right outside the door, but I really would appreciate it if you'd stay on the couch."
"Why?"
"Please? It has to do with your Christmas present."
"Alright, I'll stay here, but please don't take too long."
"I won't. Be back in a couple minutes."
Harry placed another soft kiss on the Slytherin's lips and dashed through the sitting room and the parlor, opening the portrait hole. Standing before him were Jessilyn and Jocelyn, Mrs. Marguerite Snape, and Lucius and Draco. Harry quickly shook everyone's hand and smiled brightly.
"Thank you so much for coming. It means very much to me and I know that it will mean even more to Severus. Lucius, Draco, I'd like you to go see him first. Ask him to tell you what we decided. He ought to know what you mean."
As Draco and Lucius went into the sitting room, Harry turned to the three Snapes standing before him.
"I don't think that we've been properly introduced. As I'm sure you know from our correspondence, I'm Harry Potter and I am Severus' soul-mate. That was supposed to be the end of my introduction, but I think that you deserve to know that Severus proposed to me last night and we're going to be bonded."
"My son actually proposed to you?"
"Yes ma'am, he did."
"Well then, Mr. Potter, I suppose that I owe you my congratulations. You have won my son's heart. Does he treat you well?"
"He's a perfect gentleman, ma'am."
"Please, call me Maggie. Maybe someday you'll want to call me 'mother' or something like that…we'll see. I'll tell you now that I did read all of those articles in 'The Daily Prophet' that you sent me and I know the truth about Severus. I regret shoving him from my life; he is my only son and I should have contacted him a very long time ago, but I was a proud woman until my husband died."
"Wait a minute…Severus' father is dead?"
Jessilyn…or maybe it was Jocelyn, put her hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Yes. Dad died a couple of months ago."
Harry glared at the three women.
"So you're telling me that my fiancée's father has been dead for months and none of you saw fit to tell him?"
Maggie gently touched Harry's cheek. The young Gryffindor flinched, but stared into the older woman's eyes.
"None of us have spoken to Severus in nearly 20 years. There was quite a bit of bad blood when we parted ways. We all assumed that Severus no longer thought himself part of the family. To be perfectly honest, we stopped thinking of him as part of the family."
"Calling him an evil Death Eater made it a little easier to get over the fact that our big brother was gone. Jess and I were 11 when Dad made him leave. I remember waking up crying in the dorm because something had happened and I couldn't tell him."
Harry looked at each woman in turn. Tears filled all of their eyes.
"I was just going to have you follow me in, but I think that I need to change my plan now a little. I'd like the three of you stay in the parlor while I go talk to Severus. I'll tell him about his father, then I'll pop my head in the parlor and you can come in. Does that sound alright?"
"Harry, dear, you know my son better than I do. If you think that's a good plan, than it's fine for us. Right, girls?"
Jessilyn and Jocelyn both nodded and the three women followed Harry into the parlor. They sat down on the couches quietly, watching Harry leave. The Gryffindor went into the sitting room. What he saw was a perfect picture: Lucius was sitting on the couch facing Severus and Draco was on the floor with his head resting on his godfather's thigh. Severus looked up when he heard Harry come in.
"What were you doing out there?"
"Putting the finishing touches on your gift. Lucius, Draco, umm…do you think that maybe you could give me a couple minutes alone with Sev? I need to talk to him privately."
"Of course, Harry. Severus told us about your idea and couldn't be happier. Thank you. Draco and I will be in the kitchen. Give us a call when we can come back."
"Thank you so much, Lucius. Are you alright with this, Draco?"
Harry helped Draco stand up and the youngest Slytherin hugged the Gryffindor.
"I've never had a real family. I know you haven't either. It's always been just me and Dad. I think it'll be great. We could be brothers…well, or something like that."
"Brothers sounds real good."
The two Malfoys went into the kitchen and Harry sat next to Severus.
"Sev, I have something to tell you and I don't know exactly how you're going to react."
"Just tell me. Whatever it is, it'll be alright."
"Your Christmas gift is waiting in the parlor, but I have to tell you first that it's not everything that I had planned. I wish I didn't have to tell you, especially not today, but I must. Sev, a few months ago, your father passed away. I just found this out. I'm sorry."
Silent tears started sliding down the Slytherin's cheeks. Harry pulled Severus into his arms and rubbed his back. It was obvious that the Potions Master was trying to hold back his sobs.
"It's okay, my love. Let it out."
Another few moments passed and Severus let himself cry. His shoulders shook with the sobs; Harry just held him and whispered comforting words in Severus' ear. It took a couple minutes for Severus to calm down. Harry called for Lucius who came almost instantly. The blonde was immediately concerned when he saw Severus quietly hiccupping and whimpering in Harry's arms.
"What happened, Harry?"
"I'll tell you a little later. Could you please get me some of the calming potion from the medicine cabinet?"
Lucius nodded and quickly returned with the pale orange potion. Harry helped Severus take a small sip; the dark Slytherin relaxed and cuddled closer to the Gryffindor.
"Sev, are you alright?"
"I didn't think that I'd be so upset when one of them died. My parents, I mean. How did you know he died?"
"I found out from your Christmas present."
"My mother's here, isn't she?"
"Yes, and your sisters. It was supposed to be a happy surprise. The last owl I got from your sisters sounded like they were very excited to see you again and I think they still are. Your mother feels horribly for not telling you when it happened."
"I don't care what she has to say. Jessie and Jocelyn can come in. My mother can go home."
"Sev—"
"No, Harry. Not this time. If she didn't see it fit to tell me that my father is dead, then I don't want to talk to her. This is supposed to be my Christmas present, please do this for me."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Harry slid out from under Severus and went into the sitting room. The three women looked up at him expectantly.
"Umm, listen, I told Severus about his father and he took it pretty badly. I gave him a little calming potion so he'd relax; he's waiting in the sitting room and he's waiting for his sisters. I'm really sorry Maggie, but Severus doesn't want to see you. He's very angry that no one told him about his father."
Marguerite Snape stood and embraced Harry.
"I understand, Harry. Tell Severus that I apologize, and if he ever ready to see me, I'll be here."
"Thank you for not being angry."
"How could I? It was my own fault after all."
Hugs were exchanged and Maggie left. The two sisters followed Harry into the sitting room. Jessilyn stepped forward and put her hand on her brother's shoulder.
"Sev? Are you okay?"
"Why didn't one of you tell me? It's not that hard to send an owl."
"We could say the same thing to you. Not in all of our 7 years at Hogwarts did we get a single letter from you."
"Jocelyn, you know that Father said he would kill me if he found out that I was even attempting to contact you."
"We know. Even though we were in our rooms, we could still very clearly hear that conversation."
Harry crossed quickly to the front of the couch. Looking at the three siblings seeing each other for the first time in nearly 20 years, the Gryffindor felt a little out-of-place.
"I think that I'm going to go get some tea. Why don't the two of you have a seat so you can all talk and I'll be back in a little bit."
Before anyone could say anything, Harry was in the kitchen with Lucius and Draco. He sat with the two Slytherins and sipped a cup of tea.
"Thanks for being so understanding about bring kicked out of the sitting room. I wasn't expecting there to be so much turmoil."
"It's alright, Harry. Dad and I don't mind. But can you tell us why we had to leave?"
"Sure. I wanted to be alone with Sev when I told him that his father was dead. Apparently, he died a couple months ago and no one told him. Nothing was mentioned in any of the owls we exchanged. I thought that he'd take it best hearing it from me."
"Then why the calming potion?"
"I didn't want him to go flip out on his mother and sisters in the parlor. He made me tell his mother to leave, but he's in the sitting room talking to his sisters right now. I wanted to thank you for the sweaters."
Lucius placed his hand on top of Harry's, intertwining their fingers.
"It's nothing compared to the gift you've given us. You're sure that you want Draco and me to move in with you?"
"Well, I was thinking that Draco could have the suite that I was living in since I don't use those rooms anymore and you, Lucius, could stay with Sev and me in these rooms. We're having Dumbledore combine the suites, but things will probably be rearranged when we have children."
"Children? Harry, are you pregnant?"
"No, Draco, but I'm going to have some children eventually."
What Harry didn't know was exactly how soon that would be…
A/N: So that's the end of this chapter. Please, please, please review!!! I love my reviewers! Oh, and as I'm sure you can tell, I have decided to make it LM/HP/SS. For those of you who will stop reading because of this, I am truly sorry, but that's how I decided to write this.