The love of a child

Chapter sixteen – Exchanging Vows

Harry was once again pacing but the difference between this time and the time before was now he was dressed in his finest dress robes as was Bonnie who was sitting in her push chair so she wouldn't get her cream coloured dress covered in dirt before the ceremony.

Harry had insisted that Severus go and get ready else where so they didn't see each other before the bonding as there was already so much against them they didn't need any more bad luck. Snape had thought it ridiculous and hadn't wanted to leave but he would do anything to keep Harry going completely insane.

Finally it was time to go, the worst case scenario kept going through Harry's mind, what if Severus changed his mind and decided that he didn't want to be bonded to a someone who was young enough to be his son, he would be left standing there like an idiot. He already had one child and was pregnant with another two, how was he going to cope if Sev left him?

He pushed Bonnie into the great hall where a few of their closest friends were sitting; Sev was already talking to Dumbledore and didn't notice Harry walk in. Bonnie was left to sit with Hermione, Ron and their children as Harry went up to join his partner.

His stomach was clearly visible under his robes as he approached the headmaster and his very soon to be husband. Dumbledore didn't know what to say when he saw the young man standing in front of him looking very much grown up.

"Those who sit before us are here to witness the bonding of Harry James Potter and Severus Ryan Snape for eternity. Any one who objects to this bonding of souls should speak now or for eternity hold there peace." There was silence in the hall except for the odd gurgling sound from Bonnie. "Please exchange your vows."

"I Severus Ryan Snape forever give myself to Harry James Potter, to care and to love him as long as we both shall live and beyond." The potions master slid a white gold ring on Harry's finger and it glowed a faint gold colour.

"I Harry James Potter forever give myself to Severus Ryan Snape, to care and to love him as long as we both shall live and beyond." Harry slid the ring onto Severus' finger and it to glowed a faint gold.

"Before you these two people confess their love for one another, please join hands." Dumbledore wound a thick red cord around their joined hands and the cord faded into their arms finalising the bonding ritual. "Now to participate in a muggle ritual that I myself thoroughly enjoy, the groom shall now kiss the groom."

"This is it." Harry said leaning closer. "I love you."

"I love you too."

There lips met in a searing kiss as the room around them exploded with noise as all the guests cheered and clapped, a few were crying but trying to hide it, as Harry and Severus turned to face them both smiling from ear to ear.

Harry moved forward and picked up Bonnie from her push chair and held her as a photographer took their picture. So far nothing of their relationship had been in the papers even after their run in with Rita however both were so over joyed that they did not care any more they wanted to shout about their love and didn't care who knew or what their opinion was of them.

It was an three or so hours later when the feast had just finished that the dance floor materialised and Harry dragged his husband onto it although it was rather reluctantly that he went. They wrapped their arms around each other and Harry buried his head into Severus' chest. "Do you have to leave tonight?"

"Unfortunately yes, but now I have your strength now along with Bonnie's and the twins so you do not have to worry any more."

"But I do have to worry, you're my husband, the father of my children and your going into battle, one that if we're honest I should be fighting."

"Just because your Harry Potter does not mean you have to take on all the responsibilities of the wizarding world, I have sworn to protect you in our bond and that is what I plan to do, we have discussed this countless times my love, the sooner I leaver the sooner I'll be back."

"Alright but I don't have to be happy about it!"

The remainder of the evening was spent in a pleasant fashion, by the time dinner rolled around the happy couple retreat back to Harry's rooms as the students needed to be fed. Harry and Bonnie were lying on the bed watching as Severus prepared to leave them once more.

It wasn't long until Dumbledore came to find them. Severus kissed Harry, his stomach twice and then Bonnie. It was more painful than he ever thought possible watching Severus walk out the door again, he didn't know if he would be back for the birth of the twins, he didn't know if he'd be back at all.

Remus came to discuss the following day's lessons, the seventh years were learning how to produce a patronus and as Harry was far better at it than Remus he was to teach the class the following day. Bonnie was to stay with Remus while he graded papers.

Hope you liked the chapter, more coming soon hopeful, however it's now coming towards the end of my half term and I have coursework to complete so only a maximum of one more chapter today. Please review. xxx