A/N: Just a short chapter to get the plot rolling….
-HP. -HP. -HP-
Harry crossed his arms over his lover's chest and looked up at the older man. He started to open his mouth to speak but closed it.
"Harry you obviously have something going through that thick head of yours. Just ask whatever it is you wish to ask. I'm not getting any younger."
Harry took up a deep breath and asked, "Have you ever wanted to have children."
"Harry I have hundreds of children." Severus responded.
"That's not what I mean and you know it."
"Can you honestly see me as a father?" Severus asked.
"I could. I just don't see how." Harry said wistfully.
"Men, in the wizarding world can have children."
"Yes I know that. Hermione told me all about it. But…considering our lifestyle, I don't see how that would work." Harry asked, looking down at his lover's chest and swirling a finger through the fine hair found there.
"Harry, children are not made aware of their parent's sexual proclivities. Granted we would have to send the children to a babysitter or when they get older, when their in school, for our more adventurous scenes."
"You sound as though you've though about this too." Harry said looking up to analyze Severus's face.
It was now Severus's turn to take a deep breath. "At my age and our current work schedules, I don't see how it would be possible. IF I were so inclined to the idea."
Harry sat silent in thought for a moment. "What if we weren't teachers?" He asked carefully.
"And what do you suppose I do if I'm not teaching. There is not an abundance of job offers for an ex-deatheater." Severus said in his 'this is so obvious' voice that reminded harry of being in class.
"I have a fortune in my vaults that I'll never touch really." Severus opened his mouth to object but harry put his fingers to the stubborn man's mouth. "Just wait, let me finish." Harry said hopefully and Severus nodded for him to continue. "Well, there aren't any apothecaries around here that anyone can trust. If you want a trusted potion you go to St. Mungo's and hope it was one of your brews, or you go across country. " Harry started.
"You are not suggesting what I thing you are? And if you are, how does that help our situation? Do you not realize how hard it is own your own business."
"There's a huge two story building that just went up for lease on Diagon Alley. The bottom floor could be the shop and your labs. I think there might even be a basement if you still prefer to brew underground. And the upstairs could be our home. It looks big enough from the outside that it could house a nursery."
"Two problems." Severus said deadpan. "First: There is already Slugs and Jiggers. Second when are you going to find time to assist in running a business and carry a child?"
"First of all, Slugs and Jiggers is disgusting. We could have the spacious, clean, orderly place people actually want to shop in. Besides unlike S&J we have one of the world's best potions masters and the-man-who-lived." Harry answered in his best cunning voice.
"Perhaps you do have a little slytherin in you." Severus smirked.
"Thanks to you I've had a lot of slytherin in me lately." Harry said causing snort to come from his partner.
"Harry potter telling dirty jokes. I have influenced you." Severus said jokingly.
"Anywayyyyys, as I was saying." Harry said trying not to laugh. "Even if I get pregnant on the Honeymoon that still gives me a few months to get the business started. Then I can hire someone to take over the register when I don't feel up to it or need time to take care of the baby. And with the baby so close it shouldn't be too bad.
"As much as I hate to admit it," Severus paused. "It does sound like a wonderful idea. No more dealing with little brats. "
"Exactly." Harry muttered as he rolled on top of Severus kissing him softly and breathing in his warm scent. "I could stay like this forever." He muttered.
"Unfortunately, you can not. We must get down to the Hall for breakfast. I don't want Minevera pounding on my door asking if I've kidnapped her golden boy."