At Eileen's house

After their first lunch together as a family, Severus played in the snow with his sons in the backyard until the boys were exhausted and fell asleep on the sofa in the back porch, then he carried them upstairs, putting them on the bed in his old bedroom.

He was about to leave the room when a picture on the nightstand caught his eye and he picked it up, smiling.

How many nights this picture made me hate myself.

But now he smiled as he looked at the young couple in that picture – it hadn't been taken that long ago, about five years, but it felt like ten considering all they had gone through to finally find their way back to each other.

He put the picture back on the nightstand and looked around the room; there were so many memories there. He had first made love to Florence in that room; he had cursed his bad choices and cried nearly every night in there after he had left Hogwarts; and those two little boys sleeping on the bed had been conceived right there on that mattress.

Severus sighed in contentment – his life had taken turns and had many ups and downs, but now he had Florence and his kids, and nothing would harm them or take them away from him.

He kissed the boys' foreheads and left the room.

When he reached the ground floor, Florence and his mother were sitting in the back porch, laughing and enjoying a cup of tea.

"I dreamed of this day," he heard Eileen say, "the five of us having lunch together as a family, Severus and the boys playing in the yard," she sipped her tea and said with studied nonchalance: "I only wonder when I might be getting more grandchildren – imagine a little princess running around this house!"

Florence chuckled, "I'm not saying 'no' to the possibility of that happening, but it might be too soon to think about it."

"Should've remembered to cast a Contraceptive Spell, Miss Delacour," said Severus, walking into the porch and sitting beside her at the table, winking at her before kissing her briefly.

Sure. She sent him through their bond, sarcastically. Because contraception is exactly what I think about whenever you put your hands on me.

Thankgoodness it's not. I'd be offended if it were. He replied.

She shook her head, making a mental note to brew herself some Contraceptive Potion and take it as soon as possible.

"Now that the boys are asleep," he said as he accepted the tea Florence handed him, "I'll go to Hogwarts for an hour or so. I need to see if Dumbledore has received any new information about Bellatrix and her husband."

"They've been sighted again?" Florence worried.

"Yes. Apparently, they are in Italy."

She looked surprised, "In Italy? Are you kidding me?"

"No, love. The Italian aurors narrowed down the area where they are probably hiding, its a rich-folks beach called Forte dei Marmi, in the Tuscany area; but the aurors are having a hard time locating the house. They believe it's probably protected from outsiders and muggles. One would have to know about it to be able to see it and get inside. Our only hope is that Andromeda accepts to help the aurors or that Narcissa decides to visit her sister."

Florence looked at him with a mischievous smile, "Dromeda and Cissy aren't your only hope – there's also me. When are we leaving?"

"You? What are you talking about?" Severus frowned.

"If Bella is hiding in aunt Druella's beach house, I can find it and get inside. I've been there before."

He looked at her for a moment, realising that he knew that.

Yes, you did. She said in his mind.

"I'm an idiot!" he exclaimed.

"Well, sometimes," Florence said with a shrug.

Then he looked at his mother: "Can the boys stay here tonight?"

Eileen put her tea cup down, "You must learn already that you never have to ask me that, Severus. I always want to be with those kids," Eileen looked at both of them, "Mind if I ask you where you two are going tonight?"

"To catch the Lestranges!" said Florence excitedly, before leaving through the Floo with her future-husband.

Hogwarts

Severus and Florence walked out of Dumbledore's fireplace, finding the headmaster alone in his office.

"My children," he seemed surprised to be seeing them, "what brings you two here?"

"Florence can get into Bellatrix's safe-house." Severus said, wasting no time.

Dumbledore looked at her, surprised: "You've been there?"

"Only every summer for seven years," she replied with a smirk.

"Why didn't I think of asking you about that?" asked Dumbledore, truly baffled with himself.

"I didn't either, Headmaster," admitted Severus, "And I've heard Florence talking about going to Italy with the Black family."

"I'll contact Alastor right away and get you two the necessary authorizations to take part in the capture of the Lestranges in another country," then he seemed to remember something: "The Malfoys have been sighted around the area as well. They have a reservation at an expensive restaurant for tonight; Fortuna Major is the name of the place."

"I've been," said Florence nodding, "It's very difficult to get a table there."

"Could you get one?" asked the headmaster, "It would be important to try and find out why the Malfoys are in Italy, before launching an attack on the Lestranges."

"Of course I can," Florence said, walking to the fireplace, kneeling in front of it and calling: "Fortuna Major Ristorante."

Soon someone's head appeared amongst the flames, asking: "Posso aiutarla?"

"Sì. Vorrei fare una prenotazione stasera per Lord Peverel."

"Oh, of course!" the person spoke with a beautiful Italian accent, "I thought I had recognized you, Miss Peverel! It's been a few years since you've been here. How's your father doing?"

"Oh, he's great!" Florence lied, "I'll be going with my husband tonight, so a table for two, please."

"Che piacere! A husband! Oh, and your good friend Narcissa Malfoy is coming here tonight as well. Would you like a table near her?"

"No. I'm looking for a romantic night with my husband, so a table in a corner, hidden from curious eyes, would be ideal."

"Ma naturalmente, it'll be done. Be here around eight."

"We'll be there. Grazie."

Then she stood up to look at two- shocked- pairs of eyes.

"What?" she asked.

"You just used the Dark Lord's name for a dinner reservation," said Severus, frowning at the absurdity of what he had just witnessed.

"Yep," she walked to him, touching his chest, "Now, instead of going to The Fountain, we'll go to The Fortuna, so we still get to have our date night, while keeping an eye on Lucius and Cissy," she kissed him, "I need to go home to choose a very fancy dress for tonight," she turned to go to the fireplace again.

"Wait," Severus held her waist, stopping her, "You said you'll be going to dinner with your husband tonight. But you're not married yet, Miss Peverell."

"Oh, no!" she dramatically said, "And what will you do about that, Prof. Snape?"

"I'm marrying you, after dinner."

Florence stared at him with a soft smile, "You're telling me that we'll be getting married tonight?"

"Exactly," he kissed her once more, "Before you change your mind."

She chuckled, touching his face. "I'm not going to change my mind, Sev."

"What if you start to remember all the stupid things I've done and see reason?" he kissed her lips again, "I'm not taking any chances."

Then he whispered in her ear: "And I truly hope all my hard work the past two days got another baby in you."

She smiled, but he could sense a hint of sadness.

"You don't want another child, love?" Severus asked softly, caressing her face.

"I do... I want at least two more. I just... think of the little one we lost. And I know I should stop fearing my father will return but... the day he threatened you is still fresh in my mind."

He gently held her face with both hands: "We'll protect our kids together and we'll protect each other, Flor."

Dumbledore, who had been watching that whole exchange in silence, looked at them with tears in his eyes, "That right there is the path to defeat your father, Florence: love and unity."

"And that's also what father likes to destroy," she whispered.

Dumbledore continued: "Tom's never valued those things – never cared to learn about the power of love. And we fear what we don't know. Actually, his disregard for love was his downfall this time and it's what will defeat him in the end as well. Never forget that."

7 p.m.

Snapes' family home

Florence finished zipping up the wedding-like dress she had bought – completely out of hope – over a year ago.

It was a fancy (and sexy) ivory strapless dress, with a heart shaped neckline. Many small sparkling crystals had been sewn into its bodice and it hugged her body, showing all her curves, stopping halfway down her thighs.

It was shorter than what she was used to wearing, but she had loved it – and Susan Malkin had convinced her to buy it, claiming it was a unique piece.

When Severus mentioned getting married that night, that dress popped into her mind. She knew he'd go crazy once he saw her in it.

After styling her hair loose and putting on the special high-heeled shoes she'd bought specially to wear with that dress – silver at the heels and transparent at the top – she walked downstairs just in time to see Severus walking out of the fireplace in elegant black dress robes.

He cast Scourgify to clean up the soot from his clothes and hair and stopped to watch Florence walking towards him.

"Holy fuck," he cursed, watching her moving towards him dressed like a bride right out of his wet dreams.

"Are you trying to kill me, Florence?" he asked, wondering how he'd be able to have dinner across from her and not just fuck her on the table.

"Kill you? Only with pleasure," she stopped in front of him, proud of the hungry look in his eyes.

"You look like a fucking sexy bride," he whispered touching her waist and pulling her closer to him.

"Then you'd better marry me," she caressed up his chest, crossing her arms behind his neck, the high heels making her almost as tall as him.

Florence touched her nose to his, teasing his lips with her tongue and moving to his ear, whispering: "As I was putting this dress on, I was just imagining how you would take it off."

He wrapped his arms tight around her and kissed her lips, one hand going under her dress, touching her thigh as he trailed kisses down her neck, all over the part of her breasts that the heart-shaped neckline didn't cover.

"We have to go, Sev," she gasped, feeling his hands unzipping her dress on her back.

"First I need to taste these tits," he said hoarsely, pulling her dress down just enough to expose her pebbled nipples.

He pinched one and sucked the other into his mouth, using his teeth on the hard tip, alternating between biting and sucking.

"Sev, please," she moaned, "We must go."

But he just changed to the other nipple, keeping the one he had been sucking pinched between his fingers.

"Fuck," she whimpered, grabbing his hair and holding his head to her breast, "Oohh, you're going to make me- aah... fuck! -spend the whole dinner... wet and horny."

But he didn't stop, he sucked on her nipples until they were both red and sensitive.

"Fucking delicious," he groaned as he looked at them, licking them both once more before pulling her dress back up, "We better go. Now!" he said, making her turn around so he could zip her up – something he took his time doing, touching her skin and kissing her shoulders as he did it.

"Stop teasing me, Severus," she whispered, the dress pressing on her well-sucked nipples and making her moan, "This is torture."

"It's hard to believe you want me to stop, love. When I can see in your mind that you want me to bend you over the sofa and fuck you before we go."

"You can't fuck the bride before the wedding, Sev. Just after," she breathlessly said.

He kissed a trail from her shoulder to her ear, remembering the binding ritual they were going to be performing after dinner, "You have no idea what lies ahead of you, princess."

She turned and looked at him, "Tell me," she demanded, even though she knew that hearing him tell her about that would just get her hornier, but she really wanted to know.

"The ritual will start by us bathing together," Severus began to explain.

"I already like it."

"I'll caress your body and you'll caress mine, then we'll stand naked before a crystal bowl and cut our hands-"

"We'll use blood?" she asked, smiling, "You're tying me to you through Blood Magic, Mr Snape?"

"Yes. I'm taking no chances," he said with serious expression, "The ritual is unbreakable."

Florence chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck, "Tell me more about it."

"Then," he caressed down her waist, "as our bloods mix in the bowl, we must say our vows."

"That's all?" Florence sounded disappointed.

"No," he chuckled, touching her face and whispering in her ear: "After that I must pleasure your body," one hand went down her thighs, "I must pleasure you, make you orgasm – repeatedly. I'll take you…" he was kissing her neck, "I'll fuck you and make you cum again and again. And only after I am sure you're convinced no other man could possibly give you what I can, only then I'll cum deep inside of you."

"Severus," she whimpered, "Fuck dinner, let's do that now."

He smiled, shaking his head, "No, my love. We'll have our date first, keep an eye on the Malfoys and then..." he looked into her eyes, "Then I'll make you mine."

Italy

8:30 p.m.

The Fortuna Major Ristorante was a place straight out of a luxury magazine, with its beautifully decorated walls, white marble floors, silver silk covering the chairs, white towels, golden flatware and crystal glasses.

From the high ceiling in the main dining room, a huge crystal chandelier hung down, adding to the air of opulence, making it clear that the Fortuna Major was a place for just a selected few in the wizarding society.

"Miss Peverel!" exclaimed a man as soon as Florence and Severus had sat on their table. He stopped beside her, kissing her hand, "What a beautiful young woman you've become, my dear!"

"Thank you, Signor Ferraro," she turned to Severus, "This is my fiancée, Mr Snape."

"What a lucky man you are, Signor Snape," he said in a heavy Italian accent, nodding at Severus.

"And I know it," he politely replied.

"Has Cissy already arrived?" she asked.

"Si. The Malfoys are on the opposite corner, also at a table away from curious eyes."

"Good. I'll go say hi to her later." Florence gave the man their menus, "Surprise us with your best tonight, Signor Ferraro."

"I will, Miss Peverel. I certainly will," said the man, walking away from their table.

Severus looked curiously at her.

"Everything here is amazing," Florence explained, "Uncle Cygnus never ordered anything from the menu. Signor Ferraro always surprised us."

Severus nodded, understanding, "Still, I can't imagine being a kid and coming to such a place as this," he glanced around the restaurant, "You'll have to show me a memory of you, Narcissa, Bella and Andromeda having dinner here together."

"Sure. Sirius and Reggie were usually with us as well," she added, clearly getting a little sad.

He held her hand, pulling it to his lips and kissing it. I love you. He said through their bond.

Florence smiled and was surprised by a bottle of wine appearing on their table with two crystal goblets.

Severus uncorked the bottle to let it breathe, before pouring them.

She watched his hands around the wine bottle and the delicate stemmed goblets, squirming on her chair, slowly forgetting her sadness and thinking of all the pleasure those hands always gave her.

Stop it, Florence. He said, with a sensual smile.

"You know," Severus spoke, "If we are going to be seen in public like this- people will talk."

"I know," she sighed, "I thought about it and... let's just keep it small when people ask. We don't have to completely deny it, but we don't need to give them details either."

He nodded, "That's a good plan- hiding in plain sight."

Then something suddenly caught Florence's attention, interrupting them: "Narcissa is going to the ladies'," she said, standing up, "I'll go after her and see if I can find anything."

Narcissa was in one of the stalls, when Florence walked in so she stopped by the sink to wash her hands, waiting for her to come out.

"Florence?" Narcissa exclaimed as soon as she saw her.

"Cissy?" she turned around and pretended to be surprise by seeing her old friend, then she quickly dried her hands off with a spell.

"It's so good to see you!" Narcissa exclaimed, hugging her, "Where have you been?"

"Well, I've just finished my studies at St. Mungus."

"Ah! A Mediwitch! That's so you!"

They walked to the elegant restroom lounge and sat on the sofa.

"But, tell me," asked Narcissa, "who are you here with?"

"Always the curious one, eh, Cissy?" Florence chuckled.

"Oh, please, tell me and I may forgive you for missing my wedding!" she narrowed her blue eyes at her.

Florence rolled her eyes, "I told you why-"

"Yes!" Narcissa interrupted her with a wave of her hand, "I got your letter. But you have no reason to worry, dear Flor! I'm truly happy with Lucius!" she grabbed both of Florence's hands, "Now, let's talk about you! Last I heard you were going out with Remus Lupin, but that one would have to have sold his werewolf teeth to be able to afford coming to a place like this."

Florence controlled her need to admonish Narcissa and smiled coyly instead, saying: "Well, I may be here with an old fling."

"I knew it!" Narcissa exclaimed excitedly, "Severus brought you here! Am I right?"

"Yes," she smiled.

"Ooh!" Narcissa exclaimed, loving that juicy gossip, "And you two are getting back together?"

"Who knows?" Florence replied, making Narcissa squeal in happiness.

"He's Draco's godfather, did he tell you?" Narcissa said in a warmer tone.

"No, he didn't. That's great! And how is baby Draco?"

"He's a great baby boy! Soo clever. And he looks just like Lucius. And your boys? I heard you had kids with Sirius," Narcissa's blue eyes sparkled as if she knew something else about that but wasn't saying.

"Yes. Twins. They're two years older than your Draco," Florence replied, unable to shake off the feeling that her friend knew the truth.

"And now that Sirius is in Azkaban, you're out with Severus again! A romantic dinner in Italy- how lovely," she suddenly looked at her impishly, "You know, Florence, I've heard more than enough about Severus to get a girl curious..."

Florence seemed surprised by the unexpected turn that talk had taken.

"So you're curious about him...?"

"Well, of course!" Narcissa exclaimed, "Severus is all serious and intense. And my sister- Bella- has always been very interested after she heard rumours of his abilities. Come on, Flor! Spill!"

Florence laughed, making a mental note to ask Severus about Bella's interest in him and whispering: "He's as focused and intense as he looks- he can last for hours."

Narcissa giggled and they walked out of the restroom together.

A couple of minutes after Florence had gone after Narcissa, Severus saw Lucius get up and go towards the restrooms.

But he called out his name: "Lucius."

"Severus." the blond man looked intrigued as he walked towards him, "What brings you here?" he asked as he shook Severus's hand.

"I brought Miss Delacour to dinner."

"Oohh, I remember her," Lucius smiled suggestively, sitting in front of Severus. "She's a healer now, isn't she?"

"Yes. And you? Doing business in Italy now?"

"Yes, and Cissy wanted to visit... family," he answered, quickly changing the subject: "She's probably found Delacour in the ladies' room and that's why she hasn't returned to our table yet."

"Highly likely, my friend."

"You and Miss Delacour," Lucius said slowly, "You're a lucky man, Severus."

"It's just dinner, Lucius."

"But I heard you used to fuck her when you were still in Hogwarts."

"Yes. Hoping that happens again," Severus replied, knowing his lascivious intentions would amuse the blond man.

Lucius predictably laughed, "You know, I've heard she had kids with Black, but... word on the streets of Hogsmeade is that they don't look like him. That they actually look like you."

Severus replied dismissively: "If Delacour got Black to register them, then they're his problem."

Lucius laughed again: "Very good point, my friend! Kids out of wedlock are nothing but an embarrassment. I haven't seen Delacour in a while, is she as gorgeous as she used to be?"

"See for yourself," Severus motioned something behind Lucius and the man turned around, seeing his wife walk towards him side-by-side with another woman.

"Holy fuck," he murmured, adding in envy: "I hate you Severus."

When the two women stopped in front of him, Lucius stood up, getting very close to Florence.

"Miss Delacour, what a pleasant surprise," he took her hand and kissed it, openly displaying his interest in front of his wife and Severus.

Florence quickly pulled her hand away from him, replying: "I'm very happy to be seeing Narcissa," then she sat back on her chair, taking her glass of wine and sipping it.

"We'll leave you two to enjoy your date," said Lucius, glancing down into Florence's cleavage.

Severus just nodded at him and watched as the blond couple walked away from them.

"So, Draco's godfather?" Florence said.

"They offered and I accepted it," Severus shrugged, "I dread the way that boy will be raised. Lucius will poison him and Narcissa will do nothing to stop her husband."

"I think it's great that you've accepted it, he might need you in the future."

"Yes, I know," he sighed, "And regarding what we were just talking, about being seen together... Lucius has heard about the twins not looking like who you claim their father is."

"Oh. And what did you say to him?" she seemed curious and a little worried.

"That if Black registered them, then they're his problem."

Florence laughed, "That was such a mean thing to say! I loved it!" she sipped her wine, "By the way, he didn't. The boys only have my family name."

"Peverell?"

"Yes. The misogynistic Ministry didn't allow me to register them with my mother's family name," she sipped from her water glass then, "Cissy asked me about the twins too and I felt she knew more than what she was saying. Did you find out why they're here?"

"Business, and Cissy wanted to visit family."

"Ooh. Good to know," Florence nodded, smirking at him next, a mischievous look in her eyes, "And what about Bella's interest in your abilities?"

He glared at her.

"Cissy told me her sister has been trying to get into your pants."

"Drop it, Florence," he sounded clearly annoyed.

She laughed and he was saved by the arrival of their food.

"Changing the disgusting subject to something less vomit-inducing," said Severus, shooting her another annoyed glance, "It was really indelicate of you to leave your future husband all by himself for so long, Miss Peverell."

Florence smiled, "You're right. Perhaps you should punish me, Prof. Snape," she said, letting her veela just a little out to play, just enough to get her eyes lighter, watching as he gulped and eyed her hungrily.

After a delicious dinner, Florence ordered some chocolate dessert and Severus enjoyed a glass of elven mead.

"Aren't you enjoying your dessert a bit too much?" Severus asked, watching her dip her finger into the mousse and suck it clean with her eyes fixed on him.

"Yes. It's so delicious," she said breathlessly, closing her lips around her finger again.

A man from a nearby table gave Severus the thumbs up while watching Florence's sexy dessert-eating skills.

"We'd better go," Severus said, his voice heavy with desire.

"Go where?" she asked, frowning, "Home?"

"No. I booked us a hotel for the night."

"Did you now?" she finished her dessert with the spoon and looked at him with anticipation, "Take me there then."

"Oh, I will take you alright," he growled low, making her smile.

Severus touched his wand to the leather folder on the table, paying for their dinner without even checking the total, and then he got up. Florence did too, and he placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her to the door to pick up their coats.

Then they walked to the fireplace and Severus flooed her to their hotel room.