DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of it, JK Rowling and associates own all rights, no infringement intended, no money is being made, unfortunately.

WARNING; HP/SS Slash if you do not like do not read remember you have freedom of choice. Reviews appreciated but no flames, as I will trash them.

People can get away with saying the most cutting things to others by saying "Just Kidding" not realizing the damage they are causing or sometimes not caring. Harry comes to that realization when he almost loses the man he loves because he refuses to see what his friends are doing.

AN: sorry for taking so long to update but school has been a disaster this semester. I have about two more chapters in this one and i will finish it soon.

Chapter 4 Paradise is hard work

Harry and Severus spent the next week talking about their relationship. Since both were used to hiding their thoughts and emotions, this was not accomplished without some uncomfortable moments. While some of their talks were peaceful, some were loud enough to scare the birds away; with one or the other stomping out of the room. Since neither could leave the island, both could get as excited as they needed to without worrying about the other leaving and at least the subjects were being discussed.

Harry had never realized just how much Severus had taken what his friends said to heart. One evening towards the end of their stay, while they lay watching the sunset he told Harry what he feared. "I know that their opinion means a lot too you, they are your family; that is the way it is supposed to be. All of them expected you to settle down with someone who was more of a match for you. Lupin especially thinks that this is just a stage you are going through."

"Wait a minute, where did you get that idea from?" Harry interrupted turning to give Severus a searching look.

"He told me soon after we got involved," Severus admitted. "I didn't say anything because I actually thought the same thing. He is polite enough to me even when you are not around but it is obvious he is just waiting. How do you think that we got the Muggle studies teacher? Lupin recommended Devons because he was hoping to get you interested in him. He is the type that they all think suits you best."

"Bland, blond, and boring is what Remus thinks I need? He doesn't really know me does he?" Harry asked with a smirk while inside he was fuming at just how much his family was interfering in their lives.

Severus could not help the snort of laughter before continuing in a mock serious tone. "Now Harry just because Devons is a little, um, how shall I put this, a little on the conservative side," here Harry was the one snorting with laughter. Severus smiled then continued, "Okay he is not exciting but Harry, he doesn't have a disgraceful past, he is closer to your age, he is kind, caring, and popular with students and staff."

Harry studied Severus for a few minutes then gave him that slow smile that seemed to be just for him. "Sev depending on you look at it my past is just as bad as yours. I have been called insane by the wizarding population more times then I care to think about with my popularity changing from one year to the next. I have killed when necessary, because of me quite a few people have died including my parents and godfather; I have broken more rules both at school and in the ministry then anyone else in the history of Hogwarts. Hell I even have a dark mark if you want to look at it that way not to mention that I speak parseltongue."

Rising to his feet he plopped himself down on Severus's lap and putting his hand on either side of his face looked deep into his ebony eyes. "I know exactly who you are Severus Snape and I fell in love with you with my eyes wide open. I have always known that because of who I am that I could have anybody I desired the problem was that I desire someone to love me not the image. I know that you see the real me warts and all, it does not make any difference to you what I've done to survive, you still love me. I will never let you go." Bending forward he placed a gentle kiss to each temple then slowly began brushing butterfly kisses all over that beloved face.

Severus sighed deeply closing his eyes as he enjoyed the moment of tenderness from his lover. He knew that they would still have arguments and fights but the knowledge that Harry loved and wanted to stay with him would keep him grounded.

Harry pulled back and gave Severus a searching look, "As for Devons I have it on good authority that it is you he is interested in so I think you need to make it real clear to him that you are involved."

Severus smirked "Why, are you jealous?" not really believing that.

Harry's eyebrows drew together in a frown, "Yes I am actually, because now looking back I can see all the little signs that show he interested in you. The sidelong looks, always sitting to the other side of you, always asking for you help, you need to tell him that you have a jealous lover and if he wants to remain in one piece he had better back off." By this time Harry was up and pacing the room with Severus staring at him with his mouth open. Harry continued ranting, "another thing, have you noticed that seventh year Ravenclaw, Peters or Peterson or Perkinson, something like that who is always looking at you. He wants you I can tell."

Severus interrupted at this point, "Harry he is just a seventh year."

Harry spun and glared at him, "If you remember so was I at one point, hell I was in love with you since my sixth year. I know that you have not liked public displays of affection in the past but I think that it is about time that we make it real clear to everybody just whom you are involved with so they understand the risks of trying to take you away from me."

Severus stared at Harry taking in the aggressive stance, his chest heaving under his crossed arms, his face flushed, and his hair tousled from constantly running his hands through it, Merlin the man was sexy he thought. Leaping to his feet he strode over to Harry and bending quickly tossed him over his shoulder and headed back to the bedroom. To hell with supper, they were finishing this talk in bed. Who knew seeing Harry jealous could be so arousing. He might have to work on that he thought with an evil grin.

Later that night as they lay spooned under the covers Severus whispered in Harry's ear, "I love you and only you."

Harry intertwined his fingers with the hands around his waist, "I want everyone to know we belong together Severus, I mean that. You are important to me and I will always choose you over anyone."

Severus smiled "I think it is time to go home luv, besides don't you have ahousewarming to go to?"

Harry nodded while trying to stifle a yawn, "yes and it will be a good chance to make my point. I would rather you not start a fight but the first insulting look or action you are more then welcome to make any snarky comment you wish to with my blessing. Then I want your word you will come to me so we can leave. You do not have to tell me what was said or who said it if you do not want to but I would rather you did. Just tell me you are ready to leave and we are gone. Do you promise?"

Severus nodded feeling protected something he was not sure had happened before. "I promise luv now sleep we need to pack tomorrow and I still need to plan revenge on certain busybodies."

Harry just laughed.

tbc