Chapter four

'Are you sure you want to do this Sev?'

'Yes, she cannot be allowed to live, the boys would never be safe.'

'I know, I said that to Hermione and Ron the first day here. So your potions room is sealed for when Hermione and Ron turns up and wants to know where you are?'

'Yes, they will believe I am working on your ointment. They should be here any time, I so I will get down to the basement. Let me know the moment they arrive then I will leave, it's time she dies.'

'It is, I just hate the fact you're going to do it Sev.'

'I have killed before Harry, those I was ordered to, this time will be the only time I wish to take a life,' Severus kissed Harry then kissed his stomach, 'This time I will take pleasure in it so stop worrying.'

'Okay, I love you.'

'I love you too,' Severus raised his eyebrows at the sound of the fireplace, which meant Hermione and Ron had arrived. It was time for him to take care of some unpleasant business.

Harry, Hermione and even Ron helped go through some baby catalogues. Harry would mark the things he liked, Hermione would make suggestions. Ron would occasionally say if he liked something or not. Being baby boys, Ron felt more comfortable picking out things, he admitted he'd have no clue if they were girls.

Severus used Harry's cloak to sneak into the abandoned building where Ginny Weasley was hiding. He could not take the chance using magic, the ministry would pick it up. He moved quietly until he pressed the gun to the side of Ginny's head, then he pulled off the cloak.

'No, please,' Ginny screamed.

'Did you believe we would allow you to go free after what you did. Harry's alive, so are our sons, twins by the way. It is time for you to pay for what you did.'

Even though Severus never liked having to torture or kill as a death eater, this time he did enjoy making Ginny feel pain, a lot of pain. One day in the future, he will show Harry his memory of this so he will know just how far he was willing to go to keep Harry and his sons safe, keep his family safe.

'So have you decided on first names yet?' Hermione asked absently.

'We have, but we're not telling anyone until they are born.'

'Harry, you named us godparents, can't you at least tell us?'

'No, we want to keep it between us, just for now. You'll both know before their born though, just not yet.'

'So we'll know before anyone else?' Ron asked.

'Yes, we'll tell you when it gets close, now back to what we have to buy,' Harry grinned then kissed Hermione's cheek to stop her pouting. They did go back to studying all the baby things that would need to be bought over the coming months.

It was only an hour later that Severus swept into the room with the large tray floating in front of him. Harry and Severus never gave anything away.

'You finished the ointment babe?'

'I did and it's cooling. So, how much shopping have you planned for me to do?'

'A lot, sorry babe. I would, I wish I could, so it's up to you, with Hermione's help.'

'You eat while I look through what you have picked out. But there better not be too much of Gryffindor colours.'

Harry, Hermione and Ron laughed, 'No, nothing like that, mainly colours like blues, greens, browns, tans and some dark purple.'

'Purple?' Severus's eyes were wide, he looked horrified.

'Purple looks good on both girls and boys, as long as it's not lilac or mauve,' Hermione said.

'They won't be dressing in all black babe, so we have to mix up the colours a bit. Beside, I happen to like purple, we're adding silver and green, that's Slytherin colours.'

'Fine, purple but nothing girly.'

Harry, Hermione and Ron laughed again, 'Our sons will be boys, all boys even with the way they dress. I wonder if they will be identical or not.'

'As long as they are not like another set of identical twins we all know, then I do not care.'

'The twins are bound to teach them how to prank and think Severus, your boys will be the grandsons of one of the Marauders,' Ron smirked then laughed as Severus spluttered.

'Merlin help me,' Severus groaned, 'If our sons end up in detentions or ends up expelled then you're to blame Harry.'

'I'll take the blame for that but I think having Professor Severus Snape as one of their fathers will tone down the mischief they may get from me, or from my father.'

'We can only hope.'

'We better go, so tomorrow Ron will sit with you while I go shopping with Severus.'

Harry laughed as Severus groaned, 'Oh don't act like you won't like it babe. Once you begin to buy things for our boys you'll love it.'

'I admit nothing.'

The three friends laughed again before Hermione and Ron left, Severus sat on the bed beside Harry.

'So, tell me.'

'She felt a lot of pain before I finally put her under the Imperius curse where she shot herself in the head. It will look like remorse or she felt guilty, it might even make people believe she would rather die than end up in Azkaban. It will not come back on us my love.'

'So even under examination they won't find out your tortured her?'

'I left no marks, they will find nothing.'

'Thanks Sev, it was only about ten minutes after you left that I started to feel safe.'

Severus put his arm around Harry but his other hand went to Harry's stomach, 'You are and so are these two precious lives. We're just lucky she was a rotten shot.'

'She knew she didn't have a lot of time, she yelled about no one but her having my kids, then she just stepped in front of me and fired. She aimed low, it wasn't straight, thank merlin for that,' Harry caressed his stomach, 'How long do you think before we'll hear from Kingsley?'

'It could be by tonight if the muggles find her, or sometime tomorrow. She will not go undiscovered by the muggles for long, I made sure of that.'

'What if they want to question you under veritaserum? They might if they hear that you weren't seen during that time.'

'I have a potion that will render the truth potion useless, it's one Voldemort had me create. I have not had to use it for a long time though but I will have them believe their potion is working. When we discussed taking care of her ourselves, I knew we'd need reassurance, so I brewed it, it's hidden behind our fake wall.'

'So how long will the effects last?'

'Twenty four hours, I will take some soon.'

'Okay, we can't have it wearing off too soon. What about me, if they want to question me using veritaserum, just to confirm I believed you were brewing?'

'You're pregnant, you cannot take any potions that are not prescribed by a healer. Why do you think I said you can't have any dreamless sleep potion. The ingredients in veritaserum would be harmful to the babies and you are already on bed rest.'

'Okay, that makes me feel better. Is there anything they can use on me? I just want to cover everything.'

'Only an experienced Legilimense could but again because you are pregnant and confined to bed, it would not be healthy for you or the babies to have someone penetrate your mind.'

'Now I do feel better. You've helped me, so I can keep even you out now, not that I want to. I just don't want to take the chance that anything could happen to you babe.'

'Nothing will, we've been cautious, all I need to do is remove that spell off our map.'

'Go do that now, we have to make sure in case they find her sooner than we think.'

'Alright, then I will help you into the bath.'

Harry hoped no one ended up suspicious about Ginny's death, but one thing that Harry thought of was, he didn't care he had been on the plan to kill her. He rubbed his stomach again thinking about how close he came to losing his babies. He didn't think about his own life, but he wanted his sons to have a life and he was determined they would get it.

'Come on my love,' Severus helped Harry out of bed and into the bathroom. He filled the tub while Harry went about his business, before helping Harry step into the bathtub.

'I miss sex.'

Severus smiled, 'We can enjoy each other Harry without sex, which I plan to later. I believe my mouth will keep you satisfied.'

Harry groaned, 'You're a tease.'

'Am I,' Severus smirked then moved his hand into the water until it was wrapped around Harry's hardening cock, 'Does that feel like teasing?'

'No,' Harry groaned loudly as he let his head fall back onto the edge of the tub, 'Your hand feelings wonderful,' he closed his eyes while he enjoyed the sensation then he's eyes flew open as felt a cleansing spell then a finger penetrated his arse, 'Oh god.'

'Feel good my love?'

'Yes, but add another,' Harry moved so Severus would have better access to his arse then groaned again as a second finger penetrated him, 'Yes.'

Severus grinned as he watched his lover's face, how Harry enjoyed what he was doing, finger fucking him while his hand brought him to completion. To Severus, watching Harry in the throes of passion was a wonderful sight, one he was going to enjoy again once they returned to their bed. He would need to remember to take the potion but he could return to Harry, give him as much pleasure as his young lover could handle.

Harry was sitting in bed eating breakfast, Severus was beside him. They heard the floo and wondered who had arrived, one of their friends or maybe the Minister and some aurors.

'I'll go see who our guests are,' Severus nodded to Harry then left the room, 'Minister.'

'Hello Severus, could we speak with you and Harry?'

'Of course, is this about your search for Miss Weasley?'

'It is.'

Severus gestured for the minister and his two guards to follow, they walked upstairs and straight into the master bedroom.

'Kingsley, is this official or just a friend dropping in?'

'Official, she was found this morning by muggles.'

'So she was hiding in the muggle world, is she locked up?'

'No, it appears she shot herself in the head, she's dead Harry.'

'Oh,' Harry sighed then gave Severus a kindly smile as he held his hands, 'I never wanted her to die, I just wanted her punished.'

'We know, but for the record, where were both of you yesterday between ten and twelve?'

'Here, Ron and Hermione helped me pick out baby stuff while Severus was in his potions lab. You know I can't get out of bed Kingsley, I won't risk my son's lives.'

'I know Harry, sorry, but I had to ask. So which potion were you brewing Severus?'

'It's an ointment to help Harry heal immediately once his had the babies, I haven't named it yet, just something I've been working on since he got pregnant. It's one that can't be left, so I had to stay concentrating on it for a full hour. Once I was finished, I made Harry some lunch then spoke with Hermione and Ron for about twenty minutes after that. I admit I'm not sorry she's dead minister, she almost killed Harry, but I swear I never left this house yesterday.'

'I believe you, it just might come up during the investigation. Right now it looks like she took her own life, we're just trying to be thorough in case anyone starts to put the blame on you two or others. You have been mentioned but it wasn't done officially we're just making sure in case it does become official. Even though we believe you, could you show the aurors the ointment, along with your notes? They are both well versed in potion brewing.'

'Of course, if you will remain with Harry, I don't like him being alone.'

'I'm fine babe.'

'I'll be here Severus, we'll chat for a bit.'

Severus led the two aurors down to his potions lab while Kingsley pulled the chair closer to the bed.

'At least you, the babies and Severus are safe.'

'Yeah, we are. I still didn't want her to die. Does the Weasley's know?'

'They were informed this morning, we had to question all of them. We knew Hermione and Ron were here but we had to make sure the stories matched.'

'So even though you don't believe we did anything, Molly and Arthur have said something, haven't they?'

'Yes, they believe it was Severus who killed Ginny, being an ex-death eater an all. He's known for killing Albus even if it was arranged. None of us believe it but it would not look good if we just ignored them even if they have not officially made a complaint. We spoke with the twins, they were in the shop, with Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson. Bill was at Gringotts, Fleur has her parents visiting, so they have ironclad alibis. Charlie was alone but he was seen by many in Diagon Alley during that time. It seems he has been seeing a man who works at Quality Quidditch Supplies. Percy was at the ministry.'

'Going on how she's been behaving and how she lost the chance at having my kids, not to mention my money, I think she did it herself. Do you think she felt guilty or was it just the fact she knew she'd go to Azkaban, if she was caught?'

'I would say it was Azkaban, so many have taken their lives because they would rather die than end up there, even without the dementors. We strengthened the holding cells with more spells to stop suicides but it does still happen.'

'I don't blame them, I would rather die than have to stay there for years or forever.'

'We confirmed Mr. Snape's story, the ointment he made is quite difficult and cannot be left during the brewing process. It's quite remarkable actually sir, it will help many who have to give birth like Mr. Potter.'

'That's good enough for me. Sorry we had to do this Severus.'

'Not at all Minister, it's understandable. I have not been shy about how angry I was with what she did to Harry. If I had still been a death eater, I would not have hesitated. That changed when I lost Lily.'

'Yes, it has happened before, usually when you lose someone close. I was telling Harry that Arthur and Molly believe it was you, but since they have not made an official complaint, none of us are taking them seriously otherwise you would be question in the auror office under veritaserum. Now though, if they keep going, then I may need to bring you in but what about Harry's condition.'

'He cannot be given any potions right now, veritaserum could kill the babies. Any pregnant person is restricted when it comes to potions. The only one he can safely take right now is a mild pain potion. It's why I made an ointment and not a potion. The ointment will be rubbed into Harry's stomach right after the babies are out, then he can have stronger potions.'

'Molly would know that, she's bound to want me questioned right after. I don't mind as long as the babies are safe.'

'Hopefully it will be put to rest before then. You still have a while before you give birth. So we'll go write all this up, we will keep you informed though.'

'Thanks Kingsley, I don't care what others think of me but we've been friends now for a while. It's good to hear you believe me, us,' Harry shrugged.

'I do, get some rest.'

Severus walked the guests downstairs, waited until they flooed away before he headed back to his bedroom.

'I knew they would believe us over Molly and Arthur, now we just have to hope they don't keep going on about it.'

'They won't love, especially once they realise no one is listening to them. But if they make any type of official complaint, then we know what will happen. When will Hermione and Ron arrive?'

'Ron might not, we'll just have to wait and see. If he's upset at all then Hermione might remain with him. So, you can skip shopping today, we can do some by owl order if you want?'

'Then let's make a list of what can and can't be delivered by owls,' Severus flicked his wand, he summoned all their information on what baby items they needed to buy.

They were only half an hour in when Pig arrived, since Harry couldn't reach up for the exited owl, Severus did but it took him three times to catch the small owl.

'They are spending the day with the other boys. They are upset but can't feel sorry that it's happened. They are not planning on going to the funeral which will be held in a few days.'

'Write back since this little…thing is still here.'

Harry chuckled, 'You did better than others that have tried to catch Pig,' Harry took some fresh parchment and a quill and wrote his reply before tying it to Pig's leg, 'Let him go.'

Severus went to the window then allowed the small owl to fly away, 'It's natural for them to be upset, she was their sister, but they have seen how she truly was, what type of person she became.'

'Yeah, they did and she wasn't someone any of them would want to know. I wonder how she ended up in Gryffindor and not Slytherin. No offence Sev, but she was cunning.'

'I take no offence, it's well know most Slytherin's are cunning and sly. The hat doesn't always get it right.'

'No, I mean it wanted me in Slytherin and still to this day I don't know if I have traits that Slytherin house like or if it was because it sensed the soul.'

'You have many wonderful traits love, but you are not a Slytherin, in any way. If you were, then you would have used certain events to your advantage, like hearing the prophecy.'

'I thought about it, I was going to have a right tantrum so Dumbledore would allow me to leave the Dursley's. I don't know why I didn't, I was just so angry at that time.'

'You had a right to be angry, you also should not have been sent back there after he was reborn. I still can't believe Albus would send you back there even though Voldemort had your blood and it was blood wards that kept you safe.'

'Even though I was angry during that summer, I was scared that he would turn up. I didn't know you were a spy at the time so I had no idea if Dumbledore would hear if they planned to turn up in Surrey. Anyway, that's the past, let's forget Voldemort, Dumbledore and even Ginny, it's time we concentrate on our sons.'

'It is my love,' Severus climbed onto the bed beside Harry, then wrapped his arms around his young lover. They might like their time apart, but since the attack they hardly let each other out of their sight. They knew now Ginny was dead they would relax, but that would not happen for a while yet.

Since Ginny's death, Severus had spelled in more of Harry's friends, who all seemed to want to visit more often. So, most days there were two or more other people sitting beside Harry while he was on bed rest.

Over the following months, Severus became accustomed to walking into his room to see some of Harry's friends laid out across his bed. But seeing how happy Harry was, Severus would never deny him anything. Naturally Hermione and Ron visited every day, some days Hermione and Severus would continue shopping for the babies, but by now they thought they had everything that was needed or wanted.

It was the middle of the night when Severus woke to his hand being squeezed. He looked over at Harry who was still asleep but his face showed he was in pain.

'Harry, wake up.'

'Ah, Sev.'

'Are you in labour?'

'I think I am, how did I remain asleep during…' Harry was cut off as a sharp pain hit him, 'Sev.'

'Relax, let me get some pants and shirt on you,' Severus dressed quickly then carefully dressed Harry. He grabbed the bag, shrunk it and stuck it inside his pocket before helping Harry to his feet.

'Send your patronus as soon as we get there,' Harry said then moan again as he clutched his stomach.

'I will, now easy,' Severus helped Harry downstairs and into the fireplace. The welcome witch saw them, she opened the door instantly then rushed to get them into a room before finding a healer.

'Sev, I'm scared.'

'You'll be fine, I'm not leaving your side.'

'What if someone else tries something, there are still supporters around.'

'I'll send my patronus to the minister, I'm sure he will send a couple of aurors. Let's just wait until the healer gets here.'

'I am,' the healer hurried into the room, 'Let's get you comfortable Harry.'

'Send your patronus Sev,' Harry nodded then allowed the healer to get him ready. He wanted to make sure the babies were safe but he also wanted Hermione and Ron to know their godchildren were about to be born.

Out in the waiting room, not only did Hermione and Ron turned up, but all the Weasley's, excluding Molly and Arthur. But it wasn't just them, there were also their other friends, like Neville, Hannah, Luna and many others. Kingsley had arrived with two aurors who were now stationed at the door. Reporters also turned up when they heard that the saviour was about to give birth.

'How long do you think this will take?' Ron asked as he paced in front of the doors.

'Well Fleur was in labour for about eight hours, so we could be in for a long wait,' Bill said.

'We have no idea how long he might have been in labour before Severus brought him here,' Hermione said, 'Harry's stubborn and hates being in hospitals. I doubt he would have arrived the moment he went into labour.'

'True, but he was also on bed rest for the last five months. I'm sure he wanted to get here so he could finally get out and about,' Neville said.

'It'll still be a while, no matter what, so everyone might as well make themselves comfortable.'

'So Fleur didn't want to come?' Ron asked.

'She did but we didn't want to wake Victoire. She'll turn up after our daughter wakes and has a feed.'

The group fell silent but most were still pacing. Occasionally one that was sitting would pace, the reporters hadn't moved at all, they were writing continuously, getting their stories ready.

It was four hours later that Severus stepped out into the waiting room, a baby boy in each arm.

'Harry and I would like to introduce you all too Dorian Orion Snape-Potter and Darius Charlus Snape-Potter.'

Everyone surged to look at the two baby boys, 'We knew black hair but it's hard to tell who's.'

'If it lies flat it's mine, but we won't know until they grow more hair. So, how about the godparents hold their godchildren,' Severus very carefully transferred both boys into Ron and Hermione's arms.

'How's Harry?' Kingsley asked.

'Better now he's had some pain potions and the ointment rubbed in. I woke to him squeezing my hand but he was still asleep. I woke him up to find he was in labour. He had gone to bed with the first lot of symptoms, yet he never told me.'

'He probably thought you would bring him straight in,' Neville said.

'I would have, but he's asleep now. You'll have to work on a roster to visit from tomorrow, or should I say sometime today.'

'Steven and Stanley are remaining, they will be relieved by Gary and Michael later today.'

'Thank you minister. Harry was becoming concerned. He only has to remain for two days then he can go home.'

'No one will get past them Severus, tell Harry when he wakes. I best go, I have a busy day tomorrow, or today,' Kingsley shook Severus' hand, had one more glanced at the baby boys before leaving.

Severus allowed the reporters to take one picture each of the twins before he took his sons back into his arms. He said goodbye to everyone then went back to Harry's room, who was still asleep. He placed each baby in their small bassinets then sat down beside them, watching his sons sleep.

Severus woke to the sound of a baby crying and realised he'd fallen asleep in the chair. He smiled when he noticed Harry feeding Dorian, it was Darius that decided he was hungry as well.

'How to you feel love?' Severus asked as he picked up his son.

'Better, that ointment really works, I can hardly feel anything when I was cut. But I can't wait to get up and walk around. So did everyone see our boys?'

'Yes, even the reporters who has bound to have published their pictures this morning. Kingsley has two aurors here and two more will take their place later.'

'That makes me feel better.'

'They are beautiful Harry.'

'They are, we did good, didn't we Sev?'

'We did love.'

There was a knock on the door then Hermione stuck her head in, 'Can we come in?'

'Yes,' Harry grinned as Hermione, Ron, Neville and Hannah entered the room, 'So what do you think of Dorian and Darius?'

'They're beautiful Harry,' Hannah smiled down at the baby in Severus's arms.

'The names are great as well, so when did you pick them?'

'Not long after I found out I was pregnant. Severus and I kept throwing names around for about a week. They just seemed perfect, which they are.'

'What in the name of merlin is all that noise,' Ron said, they all froze to listen for a few minutes before he went to walk towards the door, only for Hermione to hold him back.

'The aurors are out there, if there is something going on, I'm sure they will tell us,' Hermione said but she was staring at the door.

Harry was holding Dorian tight to his chest, Severus was doing the same, but their eyes remained on the door, the same as the other four in the room.

It was more than half an hour later that Steven the auror stepped inside, 'What's going on?' Harry asked sounding anxious.

'Bad news I'm afraid. Mr. Weasley, it seems your mother tried to sneak in, your father caused a diversion which allowed her to get as far as the room next to this one. We engaged both your parents, neither were going to stop. I'm sorry, they both died due to their injuries.'

'Do you know if they were going to try to get to the boys?' Severus asked.

'Yes, she was screaming saying they didn't deserve to live when her daughter died.'

The door opened again, Kingsley and Minerva stepped in, both looking worse for wear, 'It's all clear.'

'I will stay outside, just in case sir,' Steven said then left the room.

'Were you both fighting?' Harry asked as he put Dorian up on his shoulder.

'Yes, Arthur kept us at bay so Molly could get closer. We had no choice, she had begun to hurt everyone in her path.'

'Neither of you are hurt, are you?' Harry asked.

'No, we're fine Harry,' Minerva said.

'Ron, we need to notify your family. Would you like to come with me?'

'Yeah, I should, but like Ginny, they brought this on themselves. I can't believe my parents and sister did all this, it's like I never knew them.'

'It seems they kept their real selves hidden. Are you okay Harry, you look pale?' Kingsley asked.

'Fine, sort of, I just feel numb right now. Hermione, take Dorian, I need the bathroom.'

'Hannah,' Severus handed Darius to the other girl then helped Harry up, 'Let's take it slow, you haven't moved much in the last few months.'

Everyone watched as Severus helped Harry into the bathroom, within seconds they could hear Harry being sick. Ron and Kingsley decided to get going, Minerva went to the visitors bathroom to tidy up, Hermione and Hannah sat down, both holding one of the Snape-Potter boys.

Harry splashed some water on his face, he could tell Severus was worried, 'I'm fine, it was a shock, mainly how close they got to the boys,' Harry turned and wrapped his arms around Severus.

'I know, but the aurors, the minister and Minerva made sure they didn't get our sons,' Severus put his hand under Harry's chin, 'Marry me Harry.'

Harry's face lit up, 'Yes, I will marry you Severus,' Harry kissed Severus, showing him exactly how much he loved him, 'We're a family Sev, we have each other and now we have our sons and eventually we will have more children.'

'Yes, we will. How about another four, six is a good number, don't you think?'

Harry chuckled then his lips found Severus again. The two men who always felt they were alone in the world now had a family of their own. There had been pain and heartache but now they had their sons, they had great friends and now they could finally get married. Their lives were finally looking up, nothing could get in their way now.

The end: