Severus looked at Harry and smiled. "Yes. There are two ways that it can be done."
Harry was relieved. "Okay?"
Lucius explained. "The main way is the performing of the founder's right. For the heirs to become head of their lines a ritual needs to be performed with all four heirs."
Remus continued. "If the heir of Slytherin were to refuse their position, any claimant to the title could stake a claim."
Harry thought it simple enough. "I just refuse to take head of Slytherin and Severus claims his rightful place."
Severus nodded. "That is what we'll do."
Remus sent a piercing look at Severus. "Unfortunately there is risk involved for the person who tries to claim it. They have to pass a series of tests."
Harry was surprised. "What?"
"The founders were based on the principals of light. The heir of the power of a founder was to be inherited by someone with light magic. Salazar as the other founders put it into his will that if his line through Sebastian grew dark, it would revert to his other son's line. Voldemort has never been the true heir." Lucius informed him.
"Centuries ago it passed to Steven's line. Unfortunately the Prince and Black lines have black dark magic for generations and no one has been able to claim the head of house in hundreds of years." Severus explained.
Harry understood. "I am a light wizard, I can take the head. Severus..."
"Severus has long ago turned his back on dark magic but there is still the risk." Remus said.
Harry looked at Severus for a moment and then asked. "You said there was two ways?"
Lucius smiled. "If you were to marry you could transfer your title. In a bond the senior partner takes the titles. It can be written into the magical contract that only your title as Lord Slytherin passes to your husband, and not your Gryffindor title."
Harry was stunned. "If I marry and bond to Severus he will become Lord Slytherin. He won't have to pass any of the tests."
Remus nodded. "No. He would enter the right as Lord Slytherin and the test would not be required."
Harry felt a pang in his heart. "Why didn't you tell me Sev? Have you changed your mind about us?"
Severus looked at Harry. "Of course not. I love you more then anything. I just didn't want to force you into this."
"I love you. You think I would not marry you to stop you from risking your life?"
"No that was what scared me. I don't want you to marry me to save me, or to think I marry you only for this. I love you and I want to marry you but because of our feelings and not because of this." Severus told him.
Harry felt the first smile in six months spread across his face. "You want to marry me?"
"Yes you stupid fool. Of course I want to marry you. Just not because you don't want me to risk my life." Severus stated.
Harry drew his lover into a long passionate kiss. "I have wanted to marry you since the first time we kissed. If it keeps you safe it is simply a bonus for us."
Severus drew Harry into a long passionate kiss. It had been torture being here in France when Harry had thought he was dead. He had been unconscious the first few months Harry was in prison. He had been found out when they attacked Privet Drive. Most of the world believed him dead or imprisoned by the dark lord. He had woken up and found he could not do anything but wait, wait to free his beloved.
Lucius nodded. "We need to make plans to get you guys back to London."
Harry was surprised. "London?"
"You are a free man there so it's no problem. You'll need to go to Gringotts. You and Severus will need to claim the rings of your houses."
Harry nodded. "Gryffindor and Slytherin's rings are at the bank?"
"And Potter, Black and Prince rings as well." Remus said. "Harry you are Lord Harry James Gryffindor Potter-Black, Lord of the houses of Potter and Black. Severus is Lord of the house of Prince."
"And when the right is complete you will also hold the respective titles of Lord Gryffindor and Lord Slytherin. But not until after the right when you can claim head of your house." Lucius added.
Harry smiled. "When are we to wed?"
"Before you leave for London. I would say this afternoon." Remus suggested.
Harry looked at Severus. "I think that is a good plan."
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An hour later they stood together in front of the fireplace. Lucius as Lord Malfoy had agreed to serve as officient of the marriage. With Draco standing as witness for Severus and Remus for Harry they started the ceremony.
Severus turned to ask Harry before they started. "Are you sure?"
Harry nodded. "I have never been so sure about anything in my entire life."
Lucius smiled and started the ceremony. "We are gathered here to witness the binding of these two men in marriage and holy bonds. In these sacred vows and covenants they will be binded as husbands and soulmates for all eternity.
"Lord Harry James Gryffindor Potter-Black do you take Lord Severus Tobias Snape as your husband and bondmate in heat, body, mind and soul."
Harry looked at Severus. "I do."
"And do you Lord Severus Tobias Snape Take Lord Gryffindor Potter-Black as your husband and bondmate, in heart, body, soul and mind?"
Severus was smiling deeply as he responded. "I do."
Draco was motioned forward to hand Severus the ring and stated. "Godfather I present you this ring to give your husband, as I stand witness to your vows."
Severus slipped the ring on to Harry's finger and kissed his hand. Harry turned to look at Remus who stepped forward and placed a ring in Harry's hand.
"Honorary Godson I present you this ring to give your husband, as I stand witness to your vows."
Harry slipped the ring on Severus' finger and as they were pronounced husbands and bondmates Severus tilted his head up to meet Severus' and his husband kissed him deeply and passionately, leaving his head swimming. They had to sign contracts when they were done. He saw that it stated the part about his heir of Slytherin title passing to his husband though his own title stayed the same.
Harry looked at his new name. "Lord Harry James Gryffindor Potter Black-Snape of house Prince, Lord of the houses of Potter and Black. What a mouthful."
Severus laughed. "Lord Severus Tobias Slytherin Snape, Lord of the House of Prince. As long as I hear that title I have never got used to it."
As the ceremony had been concluded Lucius smiled. "Well don't get to use to it, you'll both be adding a new title to that list when you're done."
Remus turned a bit solemn "Time for your honeymoon."
Harry was a bit surprised. "Honeymoon?"
Severus nodded. "In London."
Harry had known this was coming but he had hoped for at least a day or two before he would have to return. His only comfort knew he came with the back up of a number of new allies as well as his new husband.
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Gringotts was to be their first stop. Bill went ahead to speak to the manager there and he was granted a meeting for the head of such powerful families to come to the bank for a private meeting. Of course even the goblins were well aware of Harry.
Harry and Severus were able to step right through the floo into the office. The manager looked up. "I am Lord Rognald. Head of Gringoots."
Harry took the seat offered. "I am lord Harry James Gryffindor Potter Black-Snape and this is my husband Lord Severus Tobias Slytherin Snape."
The goblin bowed. "Your family has long been customers Lord Black-Snape. I am honoured to serve your needs."
Harry smiled. "I am lead to believe that you have the rings to the heads of our families that we need to be able to claim our estates and full control of our titles."
The goblin handed them a box. "The rings have been brought for you. You need to state your claim to each role as you place the ring on your hand."
Harry took three rings from the box. "I claim the head of the house of Potter. I claim the head of the house of Black. I claim the heirship of the house of Gryffindor."
The goblin nodded as he watched. Harry had of course known he could not claim until the founder's right anything but the heirship of Gryffindor. The title of the lord he would be given at the right.
Severus took his two rings. "I claim the head of the house of Prince. I claim the heirship of the line of Slytherin."
The gobblin closed the box. "It is done. All titles, powers and properties of these lines have officially passed on to you."
Harry had the paper work drawn up to prove this. He knew there would be a fight with the order over the use of Grimauld place. Sirius had left him the mansion in ownership but had agreed for it to be used by the order as headquarters. Harry would not have them continue to use it.
The goblin handed him the paper work. "This will give you the right to have them kicked out."
Severus looked at the paper work. "The money that has been stolen by Dumbledore from the Potter and Black vaults when Harry was a minor and then in prison?"
"Returned by court order. As well as further compensation of 10 million galleons." The goblin informed them.
Harry was surprised to learn Dumbledore had stolen from him before he was sent to prison. "I am sure you will ascertain no one but me or my husband has access to any of my extensive holdings from this point on."
Rognald nodded. "Of course. We have long served your family. The Potters have treated us with great respect. We are at your service if you ever need our aid."
Harry was grateful for that bit of news. "I would like to be kept informed if anyone tries to get access to any of my financial or personal holdings."
The manager agreed and when they turned to leave the little goblin said. "You should head to the ministry. I know Madam Bones will wish to speak with you."
Harry turned to his husband and Severus nodded."I know a password that will allow us entrance into her office. I will not be seen by any but her."
Though Severus was not a criminal it had been decided for his own safety and for their plan to work right now, he would not be revealed as alive. He would have to come out after the right when they started to use his title but for now he would stay hidden. They stepped into the floo and headed for the ministry.
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Amelia had been warned by the goblins and was not surprised when she saw Harry and Severus come through.
"Lord Potter Black-Snape and Lord Snape" she greeted them. Gryffindor and Slytherin were not mentioned in case they were breached.
Harry smiled at the woman. "Thank you for believing in me Madam Bones. As well as your aid to the order."
She smiled and nodded at the chairs. "Call me Amelia. Congratulations on your marriage."
Harry smiled. "I will not ask how you already know. We were told by the goblins you wished to see us."
She nodded and handed Harry a small trunk, a shrunken one. "Your possessions I was able to recover. Some were destroyed but we managed to retrieve most."
Harry found there was a list of what was inside. His books and clothes and such were destroyed but his invisibility cloak, his broom, his photo album, the marauders map and mirror from Sirius were in there.
"I'm surprised more was not destroyed." Harry admitted.
"Your former friends seemed to claim them as souvenirs of your friendship. Miss Granger and Mr Weasley had a number of them."
Harry blanched. "Some friends."
"They have been forced to repay not only the money they were given from your vaults but money for any goods of yours they damaged."
Harry felt a pang. "Hedwig?"
It broke her heart to tell him. "Your owl was killed. Some students stoned her in the owlery at the school after you were arrested."
Severus reached out to hold Harry as he knew how much the owl had meant to his husband.. "I'm so sorry Harry."
Harry fought the tears. "My first gift, my first friend. When this war is over and Voldemort is gone, I'll deal with those so called friends."
They spoke for a while longer and then Amelia asked where they'd be going. Harry and Severus both owned a number of properties now including Spinner's end which was still standing as it had been protected by the fidelius charm and Harry and Severus were the keepers alone.
"Grimauld place." Harry stated. "It's time to show my former friends they can't simply take over my home."
Severus smiled as he followed Harry to the floo though he put himself under a disillusionment charm strong enough even Dumbledore would not see through it. If they were walking into the headquarters of the order, he was not about to be visible to them all. Members of the order of the four would be present though as well to ensure that Harry had nothing to fear.