A huge bunch of thanks goes to:
Kateri1, Remo Con, Winnie2, flack, Corgi1, GT, jadziakittycat, texasjeanette, earnest, Elmindrea-al'Thor, Kaaera, kitsuko, Fire Tempest
Crystal56: I'm not sure whether I'll incorporate the information on who fathered Ariel in the fic or not, but since I might, I can't actually answer your question yet. I promise that if I end up omitting it from the story, I'll let you know who it was!
AN: This story is a continuation of all those fanfics in which Harry and Severus are forced together by a "Soul Mate" potion (or spell), usually masterminded by Albus Dumbledore. I've never written such a fic myself, but after having read more than my share, this plot bunny just wouldn't let me be. I've chosen to remain true to the variety of fics I'd read which sported this particular plot so Harry is an Auror, Sev is no longer teaching at Hogwarts, and the rest you will find out in due time…
Warning: Explicit sexual content, HP/SS Slash!
He Who Knows Best
Chapter 5:
The children returned from Hogsmeade to find Harry and Ariel's things packed and waiting in the living room. They made a noisy entrance as Ariel rushed over to show her dad the nifty sweets Luke bought her at Honeydukes. Luke asked Harry why they were leaving so early and Harry couldn't help but feel overcome with sadness by the disappointment shining in his son's eyes from the fact that Severus had left without so much as a goodbye.
As difficult as this decision was for him, he realized he couldn't just leave without explaining anything to Luke. So Harry sat his two children down for a talk, explaining, in general details, what had transpired during the 'Anniversary Ball'.
Since both children had grown up with Albus as their adoptive grandfather, Harry left out the sneaky old bugger's scheming, and simply explained that it had been revealed that the 'Animus Ligare Act of 2004' had not been correct in its findings.
Luke and Ariel were shocked to hear this. They'd grown up hearing their parents' stories about how they'd bonded during the war, along with so many others who wanted to help rid the world of darkness. They knew how difficult it was for their father and dad to have gotten past their differences and to find common ground in order to build a life together.
Luke's expression conveyed concern and befuddlement. He badgered Harry to explain how the raw magical power behind 'Animus Ligare' could have possibly been wrong. The young boy had found the spell binding his fathers fascinating, and had researched it during his spare time, ever since he arrived at Hogwarts. It was his secret wish to become a spell writer when he grew up, and he'd long since viewed this breakthrough invention as the most significant spell of the modern age.
Whereas Luke was searching for scientific-magical answers, Ariel was the one who appreciated the emotional gravity of the situation. Huddled in the oversized armchair, the young girl whispered, in a timid voice:
"Is that why father left, daddy?"
Harry felt his heart breaking all over again. He scooted down to his knees and moved closer to Ariel's chair, motioning for Luke to do the same. He took both his children's hands in his own and said:
"Father and I need to think things through for a while. This has been a great shock for both of us, and we agreed to take some time to figure things out, separately. But this has absolutely nothing to do with you two. You are the most important people in both our lives and we love you to the moon and back. Father hated leaving you behind, I promise."
Harry sighed deeply and added:
"No matter what happens between father and I, our love and devotion for you two will never change."
In his mind Harry commended himself for not allowing his hurt to show in front of his children, and from keeping his bitterness towards Severus from seeping through to Luke and Ariel.
This will be difficult enough for them without wondering if their father has abandoned them, he thought to himself. But, so help me, if he ends up breaking their hearts too, I'll hex him to oblivion!
* * * * * * *
As soon as Luke left to return to the Slytherin common room, Harry turned to his daughter and expressed his wish to head on home.
The usually exuberant girl looked up at him with sadness in her big green eyes as she asked if they weren't going to say goodbye to Albus. The mere thought of facing the old man caused Harry to grit his teeth in anger. He definitely planned to confront the manipulative sod about all this, but he just wasn't quite ready yet. First of all, he didn't want his daughter to witness the exchange, and furthermore, he needed to deal with Severus first. That was his primary concern at the moment. Not Albus Dumbledore.
He explained to Ariel that she could leave a note for Albus with one of the house elves explaining that they had to hurry, or she could owl him once they got home The two entered the fireplace and with a pinch of floo powder and Harry's order 'Potter-Snape residence', they found themselves standing in their own living room.
Since they both needed to take their minds off Severus' absence, Harry suggested they take a walk. So the pair spent the afternoon strolling around the beautiful scenic area, stopping by the pond to feed the ducks and at the park, where Ariel played on the swings for a bit, while Harry sat on a lone bench, admiring his beautiful daughter.
It was a strenuous day for both of them, and as Harry was tucking his daughter in for the night, she caressed his cheek softly and whispered:
"Don't worry daddy. Father will be back soon. He's too Slytherin to just walk away, leaving everything he's accomplished behind him."
Harry hugged his surprisingly profound child, told her he loved her, and trudged down to Severus' den, to enjoy a nightcap.
* * * * * * *
Harry was nursing his second glass of whiskey, lying gloomily on the brown leather couch in his husband's special room. He could smell Severus all over the upholstery, the bookshelves, even the whiskey. As painful as it was, this was precisely the reason he'd chosen to spend the evening in this room. He needed to remember the feeling of having Severus around him.
All of a sudden Harry was awakened from his daze by a creaking sound, followed by footsteps. He jumped up instantly and found his husband standing at the entrance to the room. He took Severus in curiously. The man looked tired, his hair messy and wild, and he was still wearing the distinguished black formal robes he'd worn at the ball. He looked into Sev's eyes and found them to be frantic, maybe even a bit drunk, as they battled for focus. The one thing that was evident from Sev's expression was lust. He was looking at Harry hungrily, resembling a lion about to pounce his prey.
Before Harry could think of anything to say, his husband began approaching the couch. He stalked forwards with a sense of urgency Harry hadn't seen in him before. Upon reaching Harry, Sev kneeled on his knee, cupped Harry's face in his hands and crushed his lips into Harry's possessively. Harry was so overcome with shock, he remained passive for a few seconds, before realizing what was happening. He then melted into the lustful kiss, allowing his husband free access into his sultry mouth. Severus continued to bruise his lips while allowing his hands to roam over Harry's lithe body. He quickly removed Harry's clothing while licking down over the man's collarbone and broad chest. His teeth grazed lightly over Harry's hardened nipples while the young man arched and moaned under his husband's strong grip.
Harry tried to remove Sev's clothes as well, but for some reason the older wizard wouldn't allow it. He kept swatting Harry's hand away and resuming his own ministrations. Severus continued working his way down his husband's lean body, kissing his taut stomach, following the sexy trail of soft black hair leading down from his naval. When he reached Harry's throbbing erection, he raised his head for a moment, looked into Harry's lust-glazed eyes, and took him in his mouth.
Harry went wild as his husband pleasured him. The stress and worry of the past two days melting away into this wonderful act of love they were sharing. As Severus brought Harry to completion, the young wizard shouted, "I love you, Severus" when reaching his climax.
Sev gazed intently into Harry's relaxed features for a moment, before pulling his own leaking cock from under his robes, flipping Harry over quickly, and penetrating him slowly. Harry was surprised by the haste of this action, but as pleasure overtook him, he once again allowed himself to melt into Severus' rough touch. Sev's breathing became hitched as he thrust forward wildly, holding Harry tightly, while kissing his neck. He began moaning loudly and within seconds, grunted what Harry thought might be construed as 'Harry' in a deep animalistic tone that seemed to shoot straight from his throat.
Harry managed to mutter a quick cleaning spell, before settling against Sev's chest and drifting off to a light slumber.
When he opened his eyes again, he felt bereft by the loss of warmth to his back. He turned his head and realized he was alone on the sofa, naked and freezing.
Severus must have left the room, he thought to himself. Strange. If he'd gone up to bed, wouldn't he have taken me with him?
Harry got dressed quickly and made his way to his and Sev's bedroom. The room was empty and the bed was neatly made. It was clear no one had slept there.
He quickly searched the rest of the house for his husband only to realize the man was nowhere to be found.
Great, Harry thought. He's gone again. So much for love. I guess it's only ever been about lust for him…
Harry stripped down to his boxers and snuggled under the warmth of the down comforter in their King sized four-poster bed. He must have cried for hours before finally allowing sleep to claim him.
* * * * * * *
The next morning Harry found Ariel reading the Daily Prophet as he entered the kitchen. She had a glass of orange juice and some toast laid before her, graciously relieving her dad of the duty of fixing her breakfast.
Harry fixed himself a large pot of coffee and took his seat across from his daughter. Just then Balthazor, Severus' black raven swooped gracefully into the kitchen and dropped a letter in front of each of them. The raven perched on Ariel's shoulder for a moment, gently nipping at her fingers before taking off again.
Neither one said a word as they held up their respective letters, curious to read them, yet also afraid of what they might say.
A moment later curiosity won over and each one was ripping the envelope, revealing the parchment within.
My Dear Ariel,
I imagine dad has explained to you that which transpired during the ball at Hogwarts. As a result, I have taken some time off work in order to research this matter in depth. This research will keep me away from home for the next few weeks, possibly longer.
I apologize for having left without bidding you farewell, but matters were beyond my control and this could not be helped.
I am certain your dad will provide you with everything you need, in the time being.
When I manage to arrange some free time, I will arrange a date with dad to visit with you. I do not wish this research to build a barrier between us.
I trust all will be well with you, and that you will prove to be mature enough to understand all I've explained.
I promise we will see each other soon.
Your loving father,
Severus Snape
* * * * * * *
Dear Harry,
I wish to apologize for the appalling behavior I displayed last night.
I realize it was unfair and cruel to have subjected you to my sexual whims, under our current circumstances. However, as you well know, long before our relationship incorporated emotions or intimacy, we managed to find release in its sexual manifestation. I imagine this has not changed, regardless of the truth that has been revealed.
I need time to deal with the new situation that has been thrust upon us, Harry.
As spiteful as this may sound to you, the reason I walked away from you has nothing to do with who you are. I am dealing with issues of betrayal, deception, loss of free choice – all imposed by Albus Dumbledore.
Regretfully, you are getting hurt in the process.
I am a cold, bitter man, Harry.
I cannot simply accept this fate passively and shrug it off as another brilliant scheme masterminded by Albus, aimed to save the side of the Light. This is so much more than that. This is a personal intrusion, of the worst kind, on the course of my life.
I am not ready to speak to you in person, as of yet. I realize you deserve more than a letter, but at the moment you will simply have to accept what I am capable of giving.
I will contact you soon in regard to arranging a meeting with Ariel. Luke has received an owl much like the one I've sent her.
Try to understand that I am not acting out of malice, and that I do not wish our children to suffer the consequences of these events any more than you do.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape
TBC* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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