Epilogue

Two years had passed since Harry had been taken from "The Queen," and a day had yet to go by where he wasn't thankful for it. The first weeks had been confusing and terrible, but while the nightmares plagued him still, it had been several months since the last "daymares" as Severus had come to call them.

To Harry, Severus was the father he never knew. One day Harry had told this to the Captain, but Severus only replied, "Well, I'm too young to be a father, and besides, I don't need the worry lines." Harry could tell that behind the sarcasm there was a small spark of happiness in his eyes. After all, it could have been possible. Severus was only in his thirties.

Severus had told Harry that they would be in port by nightfall. One of the strangest things about Severus was how he always tried to get Harry to go ashore now. He knew for a fact that Severus himself hated land, but every time Harry could expect the same thing and today was no different.

Like clockwork, Severus walked over to where Harry was working and leaned his elbows against the rail with his face looking over the water before him. "You know," he said, "it has been a while since we set foot on Haiti." The statement hung in the air.

"Do you like salt water?" Harry asked casually ignoring Severus's comment, "Because if you lean on that section of railing anymore, you will undoubtedly fall in it." As if noticing its involvement the rail creaked.

"I thought that you said you fixed the rails on the ships," Severus countered the still thin boy. It was a healthier thin now though.

"No, I said I was fixing the rails on the ship, as in not done yet," came back the customary cheeky reply along with a grin.

"All right. Don't get your knickers in a twist. Anyway, would you care to reacquaint the island with 'The Rogue' like the rest of the crew?" Severus knew the answer before he asked it. He didn't even know why he even bothered anymore.

"First off, I don't bloody where knickers. They are under short—" Severus cut him off.

"I know that you did not just say the 'B' word." Severus spoke in a not so amused voice.

"So. What if I did? You're not my father, and it is not like I don't hear you say it every day," Harry started getting angry himself.

"And what if I were, would you want me to be? Your father that is," Severus asked in a voice that almost betrayed his nervousness. He had the idea floating in his head ever since Harry had said something along the same lines. About a month ago he had really started to consider it. He wanted to mention it during the perfect situation though he didn't know when that would be. It had surprised him when it had just slipped out.

Harry stood shocked into place. He decided that he should at least try to make some sort of response, "Well, umm, ya. I mean yes." He finally got it out. He didn't get a chance to say another word as he was enveloped in a massive hug. Laughter erupted from all over the ship at the scene. Many murmured that it was "about time."

"Um Sev-- Dad, can you put me down please, need air, "Harry gasped. He was put down immediately.

'Sorry," he said sheepishly, "didn't expect you to say yes."

The End