AN: Okay… I know at the end of fourteen I said it would be a few days… and obviously it's been a tad bit longer then that… reasons… hospital I'm really getting sick of that place… then heavy narcotics… that does not make for a good combination with writing, so I refuse to write while on drugs that makes for a bad story. Also if you can check out some of my works at Fictionpress I work really hard on those too.

A Father's Love

Chapter 15: Engagements

Poppy Pomfrey sat down with her morning coffee and a copy of "Medi-witch Weekly" and began reading an interesting article about a new potion for curing wizard acne. She was about to run for the scissors and add the potion recipe to her bag of things to review with Dumbledore and Severus on her return when an owl tapped her window. The Owl was hooting franticly and she undid the hatch and he flew in and onto the visiting owl post where Poppy scratched its head and noticed the scarlet E on the outside of the letter. She quickly untied the animal that drank a little water and flew back out the window.

The letter was written neatly and with careful wording.

Dear Poppy, Severus has fallen ill and needs immediate medical attention. We are afraid if you are not here by the afternoon we will have to transfer him to a hospital. Please return if you can he would trust you like he trusts no other. Minerva

Poppy threw on an overcoat and grabbed an apron wrote a quick note to her husband who was still sleeping and apperated to Hogsmead where she floo-ed into the infirmary at Hogwarts using a special password and destination name.

As Poppy's small frame rolled out of the fireplace, Minerva backed away from Severus and went to help the medi-witch stand up and get her balance. "Help me change Minerva." She said plainly when she was on her feet. Still in her cotton night gown and coat she went into the closet and rounded up the spare dress she kept in there for emergencies. The dress was quickly put on and Minerva zipped up the back and buttoned the button. Poppy wrapped the apron around her waist and Minerva tied it for her. "Thank you. You may go tell Dumbledore I'm here after you tell me his condition" She said gesturing to Severus as she began washing her hands with disinfectant soap.

"He arrived yesterday afternoon with Draco and immediately dove into work so the rest of us thought. At Dinner Harry stormed out to fetch his father and Severus was found unconscious on the floor. Then Harry informed me that Severus had not been eating, for the past week perhaps longer. We fear for his life Poppy." Minerva's voice nearly gave away the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

"Thank you. You have done everything you should have. I will need the hall to myself for a couple of hours. And if you could, please send me a house elf." Minerva nodded at the middle aged witch began examining Severus's body with different spells and charms.

Harry and Draco's room

As both boys lay in bed sleeping rays of sun began creeping into the room. Harry was the first to wake watching the face of his lover as he too began stirring with the warmth of the morning sun. As Draco woke the picture of snake and dragon woke its self and the dragon roared out: "Protecting peace is our mission to be" to which the snake replied, "The sacred ones will bring peace". Draco looked at Harry.

"That's weird… I've never heard the painting speak before. 'Protecting peace is our mission to be' I wonder what it means…" Draco turned, an odd feeling welling up in his chest.

"Didn't you hear the snake?"

"No."

"Well he said that 'The sacred ones will bring peace' that's us. We will bring peace. And it's their job to protect us."

"How do you know we are the sacred ones?"

"Because that's what the snake calls us. That's how he greets us every time we walk in the room. 'Welcome sacred one' or 'welcome sacred ones' or when something is going on he always says 'you are safe here sacred ones' you know or one… depending on who is in here…"

"I always wondered what he was hissing about… that's interesting… Harry what we did… it was absolutely beautiful." Draco pulled himself up and over Harry and gave him the well deserved morning kiss. "I love you more then anything. I just want to take you off and be with you all day long."

"There's no reason you can't. I imagine we're banned from the infirmary again today. And I'm in no shape to train… not after the night I had. I'm sure Hogsmead is open however."

"Let's just go eat some breakfast. We'll go if we can, but we should probably ask first."

"Always on the cautious side… fine fine fine… breakfast it is."

Dumbledore's Office

Minerva waited in a chair patiently for Albus to grace her with his presence. She was much relieved that Poppy had made it back so quickly. Dumbledore was dressed for the most part, he had his sleep cap still on and his eyes looked tired.

"Poppy is back, she wishes to have the infirmary to herself for a couple hours."

"Good, good. Let's go down and have some breakfast shall we?"

"Sound's like a plan, but you might want to remove your night cap." Minerva said a grin dancing on her fearful face.

"I think it's quiet the accessory if I do say so myself. But if you will excuse me for a moment I think I should too."

"Sleeping late in the morning makes you forgetful Albus." She called out after him as he exited to his bad chambers.

"An old wizard never forgets… now where are my spectacles…" He was searching the chest of drawers. "Ohh yes…" he said pulling the glasses from inside his robes. "There they are. Off to breakfast now Minerva?"

"Yes indeed." She smiled at him.

Hogsmead

Harry and Draco were going to meet up at one of the muggle restaurants that they both loved going to but hardly ever did because of their lack of muggle coin. However Harry had something to attend to first. He had been to the jeweler and had made up his mind on what he was going to do next. He knew he was only fifteen and that Draco had just turned sixteen, but Harry knew he had known almost from the moment he had met Draco that this was meant to be. He knew he would sound ridicules, but he didn't care, the night before had only proved what he had already known. He loved Draco and wanted to prove to Draco just how much he cared.

Harry ran his finger tips over the newly acquired something in his pocket and he was terrified for the slightest of moments. He knew the answer; of course he knew the answer. This was not a one-way feeling and he wasn't stupid. As the restaurant came to view his pulse quickened with his pace. He knew he was a few minutes late but Draco wouldn't notice, he was always early and figured that any alone time he had was only for his early arrival.

There mid afternoon meal was one of light conversation and some darker conversation, pertaining mostly to Severus but also of He who must not be named. They were glowing with positive energy when they finally made there way out of the restraint and back to Hogsmead where they made it back to Hogwarts.

There was an unexpected lesson for Draco as they entered the grand hall. Flitwick had cast a spell at him, and now they were dueling. Dumbledore insisted that the few staff members who were on premises and fully awake do sneak attacks on one boy or the other. Neither of them would know when the threat was coming. Harry went to their room and waited for Draco to return while reading yesterday's edition of the Daily Prophet. Harry was growing more nervous the more time it took for Draco to get back. He knew he was okay, but it was taking a long time to finish up the duel.

Harry nodded off for a few minutes until he heard the footsteps of his lover as he went straight over to the bed, and collapsed. "That little bugger is one tough cookie… he knew charms could be so effective in exhausting someone… I'm tired and going to sleep now… night love." Draco finished in a mumble… he was only half way on the bed and Harry let out a chuckle at seeing Draco's cheek smashed into the mattress while his day robes and shoes stayed on with his feet almost touching the floor… his arms stretched out above his head. Harry rolled the boy over and gently removed his arms from his sleeves and unbuttoned his shirt he then removed his shoes and positioned him in a more comfortable sleeping position. Harry lay his head down on Draco's chest and fell asleep that way.

The boys were awakened by Albus telling them that Severus has awoken in the infirmary. Both were up and dressed in a matter of minutes and running up to the infirmary. Out of breath they arrived at the bedside of one cranky Severus.

"I demand to be released at once I don't have time to be in the hospital and I want to finish my potions work as soon as I possibly can! No let me go!" Severus bellowed as he stood.

"DAD!" Harry yelled as he watched Severus fall down onto the bed.

"Don't you understand I have to get back to my work so I can help Harry and everyone else kill ole Voldie when he gets around to attacking!"

"Severus," Harry began "you can't help me if you are dead. You are dying and you will continue to waste away until you either accept the fact that Remus is no longer part of your life or you make it up to him. And I will lose my father. Draco will be returned to the Malfoys, and I will once again be parentless. If you continue on this path you will die, there is no potion you could make to stop yourself from dying of malnutrition, dehydration and lack of energy. You don't eat, you hardly sleep and you drink tea… that has caffeine that does very little in keeping you hydrated." Harry turned to leave but Severus's voice stopped him with two words.

"I'm sorry."

"Then prove it." Harry wasn't trying to be cold and distant he was trying to get his point across like he had been trying to since after the magnificent breakup fiasco at Snape Manor. Harry left and Draco followed after giving Sev a quick hug and a scowl.

"Have I really been that awful?" Severus asked in a whisper.

"Does it matter? If Harry and Draco perceive it that way, doesn't it make it true?" Albus asked pointedly. "He's right Severus you can't help them if you are dead."

"But it hurts so much. I just wanted the hurting to stop." Severus whispered again not really wanting to be heard.

Remus cleared his throat and Albus said his hasty goodbye with a promise to return later in the day. "Remy I…"

"Don't lets just get some soup in you. I caught Draco on my way in, he told me what Harry said. But for now, we just need to get you feeling better." With that the two men made a silent promise to forgive and forget.

Near the Lake

Harry had found his way down to the shore of the monstrous lake and sat with his legs brought to his chest. Tears were falling onto his cheeks.

Draco had been stopped by Remus but could feel Harry's magic and followed the signature out to the lake. Draco breathing heavier then usual let himself sit down next to Harry. When Harry didn't acknowledge Draco he scooted closer and pulled Harry closer by wrapping his arm around the raven-haired boy. Harry just stared out across the lake and let the tears flow.

Finally from the boy came a whisper: "I can't lose him."

"He's gonna get better. We're at Hogwarts now. Albus and Minerva and Poppy, everyone will take care of him, keep an eye watchful for his health."

"He can't survive if he's emotionally dead either. Promise me something Drey."

"What can I promise you?"

"Don't ever let us get like them. Don't let me turn into my dad. Don't let yourself turn into Remus. Promise me that no matter what we will work out our problems. We won't run away when we need to fix a kink. Promise to love me forever."

"I will love you forever and always Harry and nothing could make me stop loving you." Draco hugged Harry closer.

Harry finally looked at his lover. "Do you really mean it Drey?"

"With all my being." Harry pulled lose of Draco and retrieved a small box out of his robes. Draco took and opened the box it was a moderately thin band of white gold with small rubies and diamonds all the way around. "Harry…" Draco was positively amazed.

"It's our birthstones. I wanted to ask yesterday but today well it just fit today." Draco leaned in and kissed Harry.

"The answer is yes. I will be yours forever."

"Well aren't you going to put it on?"

"Isn't that your job?" Draco smiled handing Harry the ring and holding out his left hand. Harry slipped the ring on Draco's third finger.

"It's a perfect fit, just like us."

AN: surprisingly it turned out how I wanted it to… so I dunno when the next chapter will be and I don't want to be called a liar so I know there are a few more chapters… I don't like writing during the school year but I might give it ago and I know Ron will be making an appearance again… now how many people are so happy that Remy and Sev are back together? Come on you know you love it! Again check out my fictionpress account… I have some new stuff and a few old things as well

2nd AN: Thank you Littleroo27 The continuiuity error has been corrected.