A/N: I do not own Harry Potter

Sorry for the delay. This chapter took a little bit of thinking on my part. How to tell you all what happened and make it interesting. It could have been a massive info dump and I didn't want that at all.

Just a little reminder that this is an M rated story, and there is some of that kind of material in this chapter!

Epilogue

Severus leaned over his wife, a gentle smile on his face as his lips touched hers. The bedcovers were gone, banished from the bed where they lay. It would have been a crime, in Severus' mind, to cover his wife who lay beneath him. Her porcelain skin was practically glowing against his darker, almost olive, skin. They had always been so different and yet the same; recent events had highlighted how their differences were a compliment. As they lay together now, his rough lips kissing her soft neck, it only seemed to punctuate that point.

She looked up at him and paused for a moment. She was feeling closer to him than ever, but uncertainty was still etched into her features. "Are you sure?" she asked.

The moment seemed to go on forever, her wondering what the answer would be. He was transfixed by the question, but he knew without any doubt what his answer would be. He wanted it more now than he had when they had first talked about it. As their hearts beat together, completely in sync in every single way, he finally answered.

'I want this more than I have ever wanted anything in my whole life,' he whispered. His dark eyes met hers, and he slowly rocked more purposefully into her. It was as though driving them to the point of no return was the evidence of his words.

Hearing him and knowing that what he said was true, she smiled and began to move more purposefully with him, enjoying the way that he trembled as she touched him a way only she knew how. They hadn't been on the same page in months and they certainly hadn't had sex since the spa, and so now it was like Lily was discovering his body again for the first time. Her slender legs pulling him to her, encircling him. She needed to feel closer to him, not just physically, but emotionally. He had been her rock for so many years and not having that stability had shook her to the core, having his weight above her was grounding, comforting; it made her feel stronger, braver, and more alive than anything else.

'Touch me,' she begged, struggling to keep her own hands to herself.

Severus' kisses became hungrier, like a man in the desert finally finding water. He ravished her neck, his lips making the journey from her clavicle to her ear. He whispered words that told her just how much he wanted, needed and cherished her. He spoke not just about how he wanted her body, but her mind and her heart also; his whisperings ensured her that she was sacred to him in every single way. His hands caressed every inch of her skin leaving a trail of goose-flesh in their wake.

Lily smiled, biting her lip as if she were still shy after all the years she had been married to this man. He was the only man she had ever made love with. He smirked wickedly as he aligned her hips to compliment his own; adding a delightful pressure that sent Lily reeling, her fingers tangled into his hair, pulling his long, inky locks. As he pushed forward, he brought them as close as two people were able to become; they were one, both moving in sync with one another.

His chest pressed against hers and his arms wrapped around her, desperately clinging to her like she was his everything. He had come so close to losing her before, and the previous tension reminded him too much of that time. Now, he had to show her how much he wanted this, not just the moment, but what they hoped to gain from it.

Their eyes met and they both felt everything, there was nothing between them. They were in a state of bliss, clinging to each other, entwined, and desperate for more, wanting to give everything they had to each other. It hadn't been like this in so long, and the love and apologies that had been held back now flowed from one to the other. There were no more words, no declarations of love, no pleading for more, just the faint incoherent sounds of pleasure and need.

Finally, they collapsed, complete and satisfied, though still in each other's embrace. The room was silent for a moment, each focused on the sounds of the others breathing. Severus looked at his beautiful wife, he was relaxed and happy for the first time in a while. Life seemed full of much more promise than it had of late. He and Lily were back to being on the same team. Everything was right.

He knew it had to leave though, there was one thing that still needed to be done. The final detail.

'What time do you have to go to Malfoy's office?' she asked.

'I have less than an hour to get ready.' He wrapped his arms around her, just one way of showing her that he was in no mood to rush out of the door.

'You should have said!' she scolded. 'This could have waited until later.'

Severus' head fell back with a bark of laughter. 'I was hoping for later as well.'

Lily leaned up, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss. 'Get moving, we want to get Harry's situation sorted as soon as possible.'

'We hired Lucius,' Severus said as he untangled himself from his wife. 'The situation is sorted, we just need to give him the details.'

'And then do battle with the Ministry of Magic. Severus, it won't be easy.'

'It won't be easy for Lucius. From now on, me, you and Harry are okay. We are together, healthy, and Harry has his justice. The Ministry isn't our obstacle.'

'Are you and Harry okay? He hasn't spoken to you since the meeting at Hogwarts.'

'I'd rather not talk about that… I'm working on it.'

'If you say so.' She looked up at him, a faint smile that didn't reach the eyes. It was a topic that somehow tainted their moment. 'Let me talk to him; I can explain.'

'No! I don't want…' Severus trailed off.

'You don't want to make things right? Because that's the choice, Severus. Please, put your pride to one side this once.'

'No, and it's not my pride. I will not use that story to justify what I did. I will find another way.' Severus got up from the bed, his fingers running through his dark lank hair.

'You need to get moving, and I need to rest. I could be "with child", you know. It would be nice for this family to be whole by the time the baby comes.' She smiled up at him, her eyes alight and full of life.

'I promise, it will.'

That was how he left her, resting, while he went to make sure his family had everything they needed.

Severus arrived at Malfoy's Office. He was led to a lush waiting room. He sat in a large wingback, taking in his surroundings. He had never had cause to seek Lucius' services personally before, but he had represented Severus' department at the Ministry on numerous occasions. It was usually in regards to patent disputes or authorised research outside of work. Lucius Malfoy had proven himself very capable.

The waiting room was large; the walls were lined with deep barbour green with crystal and silver, the embellishments, ornaments, chandeliers and ornate mirrors were all in keeping with the dark and decadent theme. There was a large wooden desk with a secretarial witch seated behind it. Much like everything else in the room, she looked immaculate. Her robes were fitted and very flattering; the deep shade of blue made her blonde hair pop and her forget-me-not eyes sparkle. When it was time to enter, she came to greet him, showing how elegant the cut of her robe was, a strategic split giving an eyeful of leg. She wore slender black heeled pumps, and they did a great deal for her figure.

'Mister Malfoy will see you know,' she said. Her voice was soft and sweet, much like her smile. She gestured to the door with her perfectly manicured hands.

It was just like Malfoy to ensure that all the visuals were perfect. Severus' couldn't even imagine the pressure on her in this office. Not for the quality of her work, but her appearance. Sure, everything ran smoothly, but Lucius Malfoy placed a premium on appearances.

'Severus!' Lucius greeted him with a smile, though he didn't bother to stand from his desk. 'Have a seat,' he said motioning to a black leather chair in front of his desk.

Severus sat down, his hands resting on the supple leather. 'Lucius,' he began, 'there's been a change of plan.'

'Fantastic! I have been telling you, you should sue Hogwarts as well. I can assure you, once I am done, Harry will want for nothing.'

'Lucius, you misunderstand me. We are dropping the lawsuit against James Potter. In fact, we … resolved things amicably.'

The room went quiet. Lucius didn't move in his chair, his platinum blonde hair falling elegantly over his shoulders, framed a confused expression. His fingers started to drum against the arms of his chair as he pursed his lips, his stark grey eyes boring into Severus.

'So…' Lucius began, somehow lost for words.

'We still require a lawyer,' Severus assured.

'So it was someone else? Who are we sueing?'

'No one,' Severus said. 'We need the Wizengamot to grant Harry the reasonable use of underage magic outside of school.' He pulled out a leaf of parchment and handed it over.

Lucius looked over the parchment, the look of bewilderment still in place. 'Harry isn't going back to Hogwarts then? I have connections at Durm—'

'Harry won't be going to Durmstrang.'

'I cannot believe you backed down! If you are at all concerned about my ability—'

'No, we are not concerned, we're one hundred percent confident, in fact. Harry will be continuing at Hogwarts, but he will need to be proficient at navigating without his sight magically to proceed.'

'Dumbledore expelled Potter! Well, that's a turn out for the books, I'm impressed the old coot did it.' Lucius' manicured brows shot up in surprise, his eyes wide.

Severus began fiddling with the edge of his sleeve. 'Not exactly.'

'You're letting Harry attend Hogwarts with that demon child? I get it, Lily has issues with Durmstrang; I have connections at Beauxbatons, too. How is Harry's french?' Lucius pulled a rolodex in front of him, he whispered a name and soon it was spinning and spitting out contact cards.

'Lucius, listen! Harry will be back at Hogwarts, Monty Potter will not. However—'

'You called him "Monty" not the usual "Potter" with added disdain.'

'Fine!' Severus said, his temper getting the better of him. '"Potter" will not be at Hogwarts, but work will be sent home until his fifth year. He will be attending Hogwarts for his exams, but only up to O.W.L. level. It's just so that he will be able to continue using magic and not have his wand snapped.'

'He deserves to have his wand snapped.' Lucius looked at Severus, his face far more furious than one might expect.

'I know, but when we heard the — erm — extenuating circumstances… well I couldn't help but empathise. We decided that a little mercy would suit all in the long run.'

The confused and furious expression on his face settled ever so slightly. 'You know I'm your lawyer, not Lily's. If you want me to sue, I can.'

'I can honestly say, I don't. Lily and I made this decision together.' Severus heaved a deep sigh. 'Mary Potter is pregnant, Lily and I started trying for a baby before this incident, and so we are pretty sure that a "Snape" and a "Potter" will be at Hogwarts together again. A continued grudge serves no purpose, it's better that we have consequences that everyone can deal with and bury the hacket, as it were.'

'So you're giving up your right for justice to protect a potential second child that doesn't even exist?'

'We have justice, Monty Potter has real consequences, they are just softened enough that the Potters and Snapes don't end up like the Weasleys and the Malfoys!'

Lucius looked up, a slight smile playing on his lips. 'And what's wrong with that?'

'Neither family has any idea why you hate each other, it's just … tradition.'

'I know exactly why we hate the Weasley's,' replied Lucius adamantly.

'Really, why?' Severus asked with an amused smile.

'They are a shame on wizard-kind, they consort with Muggles. I heard Arthur Weasley has a collection of plugs! Did you know one of them left the wizarding world to be an Accountant; he wasn't even a Squib.'

'The Potter's spend time with Muggles, you haven't a long standing grudge with them. I spend time with Muggles and I have a collection of Muggle music.'

'The jury is out on whether Freddie Mercury is a Muggle; there is nothing mundane about that man's skill.'

'My point stands, in fact, more proven because Queen is a Muggle band, and therefore consort with Muggles. The band would even be akin to the Weasley Accountant you take issue to.'

'Okay, so I have no specific reason to dislike them, but the fact remains, you do. James Potter's brat of a child changed Harry's life forever!'

'And so has Monty's, I made sure of it.' There was a sly smile on Severus' face, showing that he would never have stood for such meagre justice. 'Do you think — even with all your family money — you could have built a business like this with just O.W.L.'s? And O.W.L.'s his parents are able to home school him in.'

'I have to admit, I feel a certain satisfaction that his only career aspirations will be strictly unskilled "Blue-Robe" positions.'

Severus relaxed back in his chair now, knowing he would be able to get back to the case that really mattered. The case that would change Harry's life.

'How is Harry within himself?' Lucius asked. 'Is he okay with this "solution".'

Severus sighed. 'Yes, in fact, he vehemently encouraged it part way through the meeting at Hogwarts…'

Lucius frowned. 'Why?'

'In a fit of anger — as Dumbledore was going to expel Potter — James shared a few details about my life. Details Harry had previously been unaware of.'

'What could he have possibly said? Your time with "The Cause" was spying for the ministry, James Potters vile rumours wouldn't stand up.'

'He told Harry tha—' Severus paused, swallowing the anxiety he felt about the problems he was having with Harry. 'He told Harry that I called his mum — that I called Lily — a Mud—, I can't say it.'

'Surely Harry didn't believe him?'

'He asked me if it was true.' Severus looked up and out of the window, almost remembering the exact moment. 'I told him it was.'

'Harry never liked that word. I remember when he punched Draco in the face for saying it, right around the time he tried to free my blood house-elf.'

'He still won't speak to Draco,' Severus said. 'He's refusing to speak to me. Everything is sorted for him at Hogwarts, there's just this court case and the fact that he now hates me… can't even look at me.'

'What does Harry want?'

'To be able to go to Hogwarts, which brings us to this case, and if I can make this happen, maybe me and Harry can fix things.'

'Suing Potter isn't really an option; Harry would think you were punishing James for what he said. What am I convincing the Wizengamot to do?'

'That Harry should be able to use magic on a daily basis, in or out of Hogwarts, to navigate the world,' Severus said. He was calmer now that they were focused on the facts, the case, and not his crumbling relationship with Harry.

Lucius sighed, his fingers massaging his temples as if to highlight the difficulty of the task before him.

'Why should they?' he asked. 'I mean, Muggles have methods of getting around without sight, why shouldn't Harry obey the law and navigate with those methods?'

'Harry isn't a Muggle.'

'Obviously. What he is, is an eleven-year-old boy, and they will have to choose to give him a lot of leeway; it's a huge risk to the Statute of Secrecy. That law is sacred, so I need more than: "He isn't a Muggle."'

'Muggle methods aren't as effective as the spell Harry will be using. He cannot use Muggle methods at Hogwarts either, so he would have to learn two different ways of getting around. Don't test me Lucius, I am willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen, everything depends on it.'

'Right… but this is the Statute of Secrecy, they aren't going to want to do it; it would create a precedent. Once they break that seal, everyone will have their reasons and they will bring this case to the Wizengamot. Before you know it, children everywhere will be legally using magic outside of school. It's dangerous.'

Severus' pale and angled face looked sinister as he said, 'That's why you're the lawyer.'

'You might be better consulting with the "St. Justus from West Baptist Church", I hear they go in for that miracle nonsense!' Lucius huffed, showing just how much stock he had in religion.

Severus just remained seated and silent, waiting. He watched the blond before him; it was clear that Lucius was impatient, he could tell by the index finger that tapped irritably against his arm. Severus noticed Lucius' lips pressed tighter together, as though suppressing his desire to speak, and he knew he had won.

'It would take far too much work, it's impossible,' Lucius said, finally breaking the silence.

'But, I do believe that you owe me.' Severus leisurely crossed his legs, for all intents and purposes, it looked like he didn't have a care in the world. 'That's why you're doing this on a budget, remember.'

'Fine, I'll do it, but I can't do it on a budget, there's too much leg work.'

Severus nodded. 'That's understandable. Did you know I have lunch with Rufus Scrimegeour in the morning? We have known each other since I worked undercover as part of your sister-in-laws… organisation. You know, I never told him who initiated me.'

'I was cleared of all charges. I was under the Imperius Curse. You can't threaten me.'

'No, but you remember that day, right? It was the day you put the Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic under the Imperius Curse, I never did tell them who did that.'

'I thought marrying a Muggle-Born Gryffindor made you soft.'

'No, she makes me braver,' he replied, his expression resolute; determined to have it his way.

'Clearly hasn't stopped your Slytherin cunning.' Lucius pulled a fresh leaf of parchment, a long emerald green quill, and a bottle of ink towards him. 'What's this spell?'

'I'm so glad you asked—'

'If I do this, we are square; no more threats for favours!'

'Deal,' Severus continued as though his act of bribery and manipulation had never happened. 'There is a well known Herbologist in Japan; Daku Shiryoka. She studies a rare form of Japanese Venomous Tentacula; a specimen lashed out and caused lasting damage to her sight. Like Harry, she's blind, and magical medicine can do nothing for her.'

'Skipping to the part that's useful at some point would be nice,' Lucius quipped, clearly less pleased now that he was being forced into doing something far more difficult and enjoyable than sueing James Potter.

'She struggled with the limitations of her new life and desperately wanted to continue her research—'

'Really? After being permanently blinded? It seems to me, plants were not her forte.'

Severus laughed. 'Well, Herbologist are a unique breed, but in her insane desire to continue gardening, she developed a spell—'

'—She had professional help, right? I need to really be able to justify this!'

'That would be what I am paying you to find out. The spell is called 'Locus Resonare' and apparently, she used it almost constantly. It would be a huge drain on Harry at first, but in time…'

'Give me the information you have, I will get started on all the due diligence. How is Harry doing with his homework?' Lucius began furiously making notes, arguments that he could make, counter arguments he could have ready for those opposing him. His quill ran speedily across the page, noting everything .

'He's been learning a reading method called 'Braille', it's a Muggle invention, and we have been able to get all his textbooks translated. He's getting more and more proficient at it, but it's like learning a new language. He hopes to be caught up soon enough. He uses dictor-quills very well, and Lily managed to charm them to leave the Braille indentations, meaning he can check and read what he has written.'

'Studious, eager to get back to school,' Lucius said, allowed as he continued to make notes. 'Harry would want to be back in Hogwarts for his exams, right?' He looked up at Severus, aiming the question at old-friend.

'Will you be able to get a court date that soon? I thought we would have to wait months?'

'Well, you would, and it will still be a good month or so. My plan is to use Harry's need to get back to Hogwarts to expedite things.'

The rest of the meeting concerned boring specifics. How much would it cost, though Severus drove Lucius' price down considerably, it was still a lot of money. They discussed angles for arguing why Harry should have the right, and why it wouldn't affect the Statute of Secrecy. Explanations as to why it would be the best solution for Harry. Lucius asked Severus to contact a range of character witnesses, particularly to speak about his studious and sensible nature. Lucius would be gathering a plethora of expert witnesses, including Harry's healer and the Japanese Herbologist. There was a lot of work to be done before the date Lucius would like to take the case before the Wizengamot.

When Severus stood up to leave, Lucius stood up too.

'I trust this is the last time you will use my past against me?' Gone was the fervour and excitement that came from discussing a difficult case, and again he was the calculating wizard that would do what it took to come out on top and smelling like roses to boot.

'I won't say a thing, unless I get a whiff that you're up to something like that again.' Severus raised a hand, making it clear that he was true to his word.

'Noted.'

The next time that they would see each other, hopefully they would be getting Harry everything he needed to get back to Hogwarts, to learn to live his life to the fullest, despite the accident.

When Severus arrived home, he found Harry now up and ready. He was sitting at the kitchen table, a few rolls of parchment and his potions book open in front of him. His fingers gently and slowly moved across the page, his brows furrowed.

Severus leant against the door frame and watched. Harry pulled one of the rolls of parchment towards him and flattened it out. He felt around for a quill and pot of ink, opening the bottle carefully. Then, chewing his bottom lip, he picked up the quill.

'Here goes nothing,' he said to himself.

He placed the nib of his quill on the surface of the parchment and whispered the incantation.

'Harry Snape, comma, Gryffindor House, full stop,' he began. 'New line.'

The quill then jumped down and balanced on its tip awaiting further instructions.

'Start. The uses of flobberworms in curative potions, full stop.'

Severus couldn't help but smile.

'Can you stop hoovering, please? It's very distracting.'

'Can't a father marvel at his son anymore?'

'Do it from the living room where I can't feel you watching me.'

Harry looked up, his previously vibrant eyes were still a more milky green. His mouth was downturned. He frowned at his father, the anger that Severus spoke of was far more real when he stood in front of his son.

'How are you finding the dictor-quills?

Harry stood up, pushing himself and his chair away from the table. He felt around and picked up a long white cane. This was the Muggle way of navigating.

'Fine.'

Severus noted the balck smudges on the tips of his fingers. It seemed now he had to pay for closer attention to Harry, to the small details, to know what was going on. Harry didn't volunteer anything. Not to Severus.

'Can I use the spell yet?'

'Not quite yet. Lucius has some work to do, but he plans to get us before the Wizengamot within a month.' Severus tried to put on a light and optimistic tone.

'It's weird when you talk like that. I mean, I get it, you want me to see you a certain way, but I just see more lies.'

Harry moved towards the door that had become his downstairs bedroom. Just another change to make things a little easier for him.

'Harry, can we talk? Let me explain … I am not that person. I hate that word, more than you know.'

'I don't want to talk. Just because you have Mum fooled, doesn't mean I'll let you fool me too.' '

'Harry, I just want—'

'—save it, I don't want to hear it.' Harry walked into his room and shut the door firmly behind him.

A/N: Thanks for reading guys. If there are any unanswered questions, let me know. I will be going through all these chapters again to polish them up and get ready to plan the sequel.

The idea is that it's going to focus on a few things; the legal battle Lucius will be going through; Harry's struggles to navigate the Wizarding World in a new way; Harry and Severus' relationship.

If there is anything you feel needs to be included, please let me know.

Thanks guys