Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: Thanks for the reviews. I'm so sorry about the delay in updates but my day to day life was extremely demanding, but anyway, enough with the boring chit chat, let's begin. Big news, since watching the latest Harry Potter movies, it was obvious that Draco was marked so it is official, Draco was a death eater. In this story he will therefore be one as well.
"Harry?" The muttering of his name and the faint flare of the yellow and orange flames in the otherwise empty fireplace, alerted Harry from the book he was trying to read. He immediately glanced up, the pronunciation of his name was familiar but his body tensed because it indentified the voice with a strong hug and arms that held him away from the plump body and eyes that surveyed how thin he was.
Harry smiled warmly and moved to crouch near the fireplace. "Mrs. Weasley."
The kind brown eyes regarded his face and Harry tried to hide his flush. He knew what she was seeing, the much needed return of his color now the bond between him and Snape had been consummated and the fact that he had filled out a little. He knew he was losing his boyish looks, his jaw becoming refiner and his cheekbones sharper.
"How are you feeling, Harry?" The maternal woman asked with the warmth in her voice that Harry always associated with a mother. He felt his lips ease into a smile again and moved back from the floo, inviting.
"Won't you come through?"
Molly Weasley smiled thinly and shook her head, which was slightly strange to see before she answered. "I wish I could, Harry, but another time perhaps? I would really like to see the place you call home now. However, I do think that some of my cleaning spells will come in handy."
Harry cleared his throat and tried to steer the topic away from how dirty the dingy old house was. They could only work with so much and truth be told, they didn't have that much to work with. And then again, he didn't really need Snape to hear what other people thought about his living room, it surely would be printed all over the paper come tomorrow if Harry knew Rita and unfortunately he did.
"Surely this isn't a social call…." He carefully ventured, keeping his voice and face carefully blank and neutral. It had stung quite a bit when nobody even flooed to offer any congratulations, however misplaced, after his marriage. He knew Arthur and Molly Weasley had their own share of problems and were doing their best to cope with the death of their son, their own children and Snape's trial but a visit now and again would've been nice.
"No, Harry, I have a favor to ask of you and of your bond mate if Severus feels up to it." Mrs. Weasley's tone was grave and Harry sank back down on his knees.
"What is it?"
"Well, you know that after Remus and Tonks' deaths, Teddy was placed under the custody of Andromeda Tonks?" Harry gave a nod, trying to hide the painful squeeze his heart gave at the mentioning of Remus' name.
"Alright good, now Andromeda is the sister of Narcissa Malfoy." The name was accompanied by a slight sneer but Harry chose to ignore the insult it implied. He could still remember the breathless voice that had nearly begged him in a whisper to tell him if her son had been safe. That voice had saved his life, lying to the Dark Lord about his 'death'
"Yes, I know that, though the Black sisters disowned her after she married a muggle." Harry couldn't quite remember who had told him the story but at that time it had seemed like something that both Narcissa and Bellatrix would do, mad for blood purity as they were.
Mrs. Weasley pushed her lips tightly together and Harry faintly remembered the duel between her and Bellatrix, finally killing the murderer of Sirius, finally giving him the judgment Harry had wanted for his godfather. "Yes, but to make a long story short, Narcissa has fallen ill and after the Final Battle there has been a rekindling of sorts with the Black sisters…" The way Mrs. Weasley spoke told Harry exactly what she thought about that rekindling.
"…Andromeda was called away because Lucius and Draco are still on trial and in Azkaban. She needs somebody to look after Teddy for the night and I immediately thought of you."
"Oh…." Harry didn't quite know what to say. It was a lot to take in suddenly, having a small child here in this house with Snape. "Are you sure that it is convenient? I mean, we don't have a crib or baby clothes or even any other stuff that we may need…"
Mrs. Weasley smiled and answered. "Don't worry, Harry. I've everything that you need and I'll send it over when I bring Teddy round."
"But I've to discuss it with Severus first." Harry exclaimed, pretending that he didn't know just what Snape's answer was going to be when he asked if it would be alright to have Remus Lupin's son stay the night. He sighed, would it really be worth the no doubt heated discussion they would surely have? He already knew the answer so why couldn't he just leave it at that and allow himself a peaceful evening with his bond mate?
Because I want Teddy here. I was to spend time with him and tell him about his dad. It is nice to be needed by somebody who is so small that he can't even possibly know anything bad about me or condemn me for anything I've done or for a choice I've made.
His mind made up, Harry gave Mrs. Weasley a tight lipped smile and said. "I'll floo you later but I've to discuss this with Severus first."
Mrs. Weasley frowned before she smiled sweetly and said. "Of course, Harry. I'll be awaiting your call."
And as the motherly witch disappeared, Harry stared into the floo, wondering how he was going to handle this conversation with his bond mate
Hp
"Severus?" Severus was just straightening the bedroom when he heard Harry's voice on the stairs, calling his name. He turned his head towards the open door, knowing that there weren't many rooms Harry could search in.
"I'm in the bedroom." He called back, determent to straighten out the covers which refused to cooperate. He turned his wand on them threateningly.
The soft footsteps of his husband made the boards in the hallway creak as Harry passed the bathroom and the spare bedroom that used to belong to Severus before he appeared in the doorway. Severus appreciated the slim form for a moment, his dark eyes passing over the baggy jeans, the worn down trainers and the simple dark green t – shirt Harry had chosen to wear today.
They fell loosely about the thin frame of the teenager even when the green eyes sparkled with determination as the slim hands quickly ran through the dark mop of messy hair that was begging to be touched and tamed.
"Can we talk about something?" Severus turned fully to face Harry, the soft voice hiding the layer of insecurity and uncertainty that made Severus frown. He nodded and gestured for Harry to enter, sitting down upon the bed.
He had learned early enough that his height often intimidated people and so he preferred to be sitting down whenever he spoke to somebody on an equal level. It seemed to placate Harry somewhat for his husband smiled tentatively and said as he entered the bedroom, hands nervously playing with his shirt before he hung them by his sides.
"Mrs. Weasley floo called and she asked us to babysit Teddy Lupin for the night…you know…my godson…"
"I'm fully aware of who Teddy Lupin is, Harry." Severus answered. It had not escaped his notice, or that of the Dark Lord, when the werewolf had a son by the young female auror. It had enraged Severus mightily. Not that he truthfully wished the mangy werewolf harm but he had always comforted himself that out of all those who had survived his own Hogwart's days, he wasn't the only one without a family, a home and a place to call his own.
When he had realized that Lupin had found happiness with somebody, he had scoffed that it wouldn't last long. When the unlikely union resulted in a marriage and a pregnancy, he could have wept. But when he learned that it was his doing that had caused the werewolf's resolve to crumble, he could have laughed madly.
Because it had been his doing. If he hadn't murdered Dumbledore, the werewolf would have held fast to his resolve not to burden anybody with his curse and how he was forced to exist on somebody he held dearly.
Why had it been that even a werewolf, shunned by all could have found a loving wife and sire a child while he, somebody who had been forced into a certain path, first by his own choice and then by the choices of others, couldn't even find a friend?
"So, is it alright?" He was pulled from his thoughts when Harry anxiously asked his question.
Out of spite, and he had every right to hate the no doubt unruly pup, Severus wanted to snarl no. But he waited, taking a good look at Harry's face. The younger male was biting his lip, pretending that it wouldn't matter to him whatever Severus answered, but Severus knew otherwise.
He knew how much it mattered to Harry to have somebody else here to look after. It would do the young wizard some good to have some other companionship than himself, even if it was that of a drooling and crying child. Who was he to deny Harry the right to see his godson?
He knew how much he had come to mean to Harry and how Harry would abide by his wishes. But he also knew how Harry would feel afterwards when Severus told him no. Harry would pretend not to be hurt by Severus' refusal to allow a part of Harry to come into their life but it would have hurt Harry.
And Severus couldn't allow himself to do that to Harry. His young wizard had sacrificed too much for him and if this was a way for Harry to deal with everything that was happening, and then who was Severus to deny him that?
"Do you know what kind of care a three month old child requires?" He asked to buy himself time. He could see the beginning of a wonderful and no doubt breath taking smile beginning to form on Harry's face as his face fell slightly and Harry confessed in a soft whisper.
"No…."
"Very well, then be aware that during the night when said child cries, I'll not be the one who gets up to change its nappy, feed it, or sing it back to sleep. Is that understood?" Severus would have crossed his arms over his chest if he thought it would have made him look good.
"Yes, but…."
"But what? You do want your godson over to stay over, don't you?" Severus asked with a raised eyebrow. Why was the brat hesitating and not kissing and hugging him out of sheer happiness?
"We don't have the room to accommodate Teddy! He needs a crib, a playpen, a high chair, nappies, a changing table and a dresser for his clothes and…." Harry was running out of breath and Severus held out a hand, beckoning silently.
Harry stepped closer, so close that Severus' hand enclosed around the sweaty smaller one and he pulled Harry into the circle of his arms and to stand in between his spread legs so he could admonish gently, running a hand down the painfully tight back of his bond mate. "Harry, relax, the child is staying for a night, not a lifetime. The spare bedroom will accommodate him."
"Really? I mean, you'll allow…"
"Yes, I'll allow Teddy to stay there for as long as need be."
"But what if I can't take care of him because of…." Harry's voice broke and Severus reached out with a hand to cup the soft cheek as he softly said, thumb brushing over Harry's trembling lip.
"Well, it is a good thing that I'm here to step in just in case something goes wrong. I do have some experience with children. "
"You can't put him in detention or dock points; it won't work on one so young." Harry placed a hand on Severus' thigh, finally breathing easier as the tension left him. Severus watched with keen eyes as Harry finally smiled, transforming the pale face into a glorious handsome sight which Severus wouldn't mind being on the receiving end of more often.
He could feel his own answering smile threatening to break free but he managed to curb it. He kept his face carefully blank as he retorted. "I'll simply hide his plushy toy and his pacifier."
Harry gasped in shock and then said, smiling as he moved closer, Severus' arms sliding around his shoulders effortlessly. "How can I possibly allow such a sweet child to be subjected to such evilness?"
"You'll have to sacrifice yourself I'm afraid."
"I suppose I've no choice. I'll sacrifice myself again to protect the poor innocent child." Harry sighed against his lips before he threw his arms around his bond mate's neck and kissed him lightly upon the lips. But before Severus could even respond Harry had moved away and was hugging him, face hidden in Severus' neck as were the muffled thank yous.
And before Severus could say a mere 'you're welcome' or tighten his hold around the delicious body, Harry had moved out of the room, murmuring something about floo calling Mrs. Weasley, leaving Severus alone with a bemused smile on his face and the feeling of gratitude that warmed his heart at being given the simple joy of making Harry happy with something as trivial as his consent. It was a feeling he would treasure.
Hp
Step, creak, step, turn and step, creak, step.
"Harry, would you mind ceasing the endless pacing?"
Step, creak, step, turn, step, creak, step.
"Mr. Potter – Snape, would you do your bond mate the uttermost honor of sitting down upon your arse?"
Step, creak, step, turn, step, creak, step.
Harry yelped startling when, just as he was about to pace around the sitting room again, Snape reached out with one hand, wrapped it around his waist and pulled him over him closer before he delivered a quick swat to Harry's backside and sat him down upon his lap.
Chastened and confused Harry stared into the smoldering black eyes of his bond mate. Snape was glowering down at him, growling sternly. "Enough with the dratted endless circling the room or I promise you, you will not be able to sit still for a week. Now behave yourself!"
Having delivered his retort Snape left the arm around Harry's waist, holding him in place before the older wizard went back to his book, eyebrows high on his lined forehead and the thin lips tightly pressed together.
Harry studied Snape's face for a moment. Had his pacing really annoyed the older wizard that much? He sat still, holding himself tensely with the nervous energy that propelled him to move and do something to kill the time until Teddy arrived.
So Harry twirled his thumbs, he looked down at his joined hands, and then placed his sweaty palms on his thighs, tapping them lightly against the fabric. Snape cleared his throat beside him and Harry glanced up in time to see the second glare Snape bestowed upon him before the older wizard went back to reading. He flushed. "Sorry."
Harry hummed underneath his breath for a moment, unable to keep himself still. Snape sighed and the arm around Harry's waist tightened painfully, so he squirmed.
"What the bloody hell is the matter with you?" Snape finally growled, closing the book with a snap and subjecting Harry to another glare which the younger wizard met effortlessly.
"I'm nervous. You should let me get back to pacing; it helps to harness the nervous energy within me." Snape glanced at him, confused for a moment before his face was back to the impassive mask Harry had always known.
"Well, young master Harry, I'll have you know that there are far more enjoyable and productive ways to release pent up energy. Shall I demonstrate?" Snape's voice was a low purr and Harry swallowed thickly, butterflies prickling his stomach for an entirely different reason.
"Surely…." He cleared his throat loudly, much to the amused smirk from his husband before he tried again. "Surely you don't want all of the Weasley family to see me spread underneath you?"
"I can have you bend over the kitchen table as well; it is all the same to me. The Weasleys can swap stories then in all the interesting positions they found you in whenever they floo to our house unannounced. How many family members do they have?"
"Six." Harry whispered breathlessly, his mind into overdrive with just how right it would feel to have Snape pounding into him again. His cock gave a hearty throb inside his jeans.
"Ah, I know plenty of positions that will leave them coming back for every week in the year and they would still not see a repeater of earlier actions, except in the result of course." How Snape managed to make his voice sound so heated was beyond Harry but he found that he was swallowing increasingly much, especially because it seemed that his cock was hardening with every word Snape spoke.
"Teddy will be here soon."
"It is always best to start sexual education for children as early as possible."
"Not with me as an example!" Harry protested, even as his mind was screaming at him that he wouldn't really mind.
Snape pushed his lips together and mumbled, staring at Harry's lips. "Pity, I suppose you've to go back to your pacing then."
The arm around his waist fell away and Harry only then realized how much he had been leaning on Snape. He straightened quickly and said. "But you don't like me pacing."
"Well, if that is the only outlet you have for that excessive energy of yours then I can't stop you."
"You could try to distract me." Harry offered, his mind overrun with ideas.
"You just said that you did not wish for your godson to see us in a compromising position."
"I'm a teenager; I often don't mean what I say. I say one thing and mean the other." Harry was quick to explain.
"You don't say…." Snape mumbled, fingers on Harry's cheek as the Potions Master's thumb slowly massaged the plump lip. Harry relaxed a little, his green eyes on Snape's dark ones as they fixed intently on their task as he offered, tongue darting out to taste the wicked digit.
"Yes, I do, actually. And besides, else I'll be forced to take a hand to myself, how would we explain that to Teddy?" Snape's eyes snapped up to meet his own and Harry was amazed at the depth of emotion he saw in the dark eyes. They positively brimmed with lust, passion and hunger for Harry. The possessiveness he saw in that heated gaze send a delighted shiver of desire down his spine and Harry fought his smile.
I'm his
"Well, I suppose I did tell you to behave. I better make sure that you behave extraordinarily well." And Snape lowered his head. Harry was pushed forward by the large hand that suddenly splayed over his back and he opened his lips, thirsting for Snape like a man thirsting for water in the desert.
But Snape bypassed his lips, eyes flickering upwards in amusement as Snape wrapped another arm around Harry to steady the younger male as the delightful and sinful lips of the older wizard sucked at a spot on his neck, making Harry sigh loudly with pleasure.
He moaned softly, unable to contain himself and he released an actual groan when Snape bit down lightly. The older wizard's hands weren't idle either, moving down and undoing Harry's belt and zipper. Harry bucked his hips, raising them up instinctively when Snape's wicked and quick moving hands moved his jeans down over his hips, exposing his tenting boxers.
Harry let out a low keen as the calloused fingers moved over the top of his weeping cock, pinching softly, applying a pleasure that made Harry's nerves tense up as he awaited his release. He bit his lips, wetting them with brief strikes of his tongue as his eyes drifted shut, Adam's apple bobbing quickly with his swallows.
Snape nibbled before he yanked Harry's boxers down, exposing the bobbing cock and Snape pulled away from Harry's neck, glancing down as he purred, much to Harry's satisfaction. "Lovely."
Harry could tell that he was smiling foolishly but he didn't care, bucking his hips and hoping that Snape would just get a move on and to put that hand of his to work before Harry would do it himself. "You'll not touch yourself, only I do, is that understood?" Snape said sternly, raising a hand to Harry's cheek.
"Yes…." Harry mewled, hips rising invitingly as Snape chuckled and said.
"Mr. Potter, you're a true teenager. Ah the stamina of youth." Yet despite the word Snape did wrap his large hand over Harry's cock, Harry actually letting out a soft moan of pleasure at the contact. The next moment the older wizard had set a brisk and fast pace, squeezing, pumping and tugging Harry into an incoherent mess.
Harry tried to keep himself from coming; he wanted to prove to Severus that he could withstand to be touched in such a delightful manner when his release suddenly slammed over him, making him cry out as light exploded behind his closed eyelids.
He spurted himself over Snape's hand, Snape milking him to the very last drop as Harry collapsed against his bond mate's chest. Harry opened his eyes, smiling tiredly up at Snape as much to his amazement and slightly disgusting, he knew how bitter the sperm tasted; Snape lifted his hand and licked some off, saying. "Delicious."
As approval shone in the dark eyes looking down at him overwhelmed him, Harry smiled back, so brightly he could have shamed the sun, knowing that he was indeed being excellently taken care of by his bond mate
Hp
Severus glanced up from his second attempt at reading when the floo flared. His eyes narrowed at the plump witch that held a crying child. He glared at the noisy intruder, even as Harry rose quickly to assist Mrs. Weasley, who settled Teddy a little bit better on her arm, the child's face was red from the excessive crying he was doing and Severus swallowed away a groan, the child wasn't even in the house for a minute and he was already developing a headache.
He closed his book with a snap and rose to assist Mrs. Weasley. The moment the witch was out of his house, the moment he could put Teddy down for a much needed nap, or send Harry upstairs to get everything settle and enjoy some peace and quietness, Merlin knew he deserved those from the disastrous interview he had given this morning.
"Can I be of assistance, Madam?" He inquired, swallowed away an angry snarl at the runny nose and eyes the child presented. The baby had puffy cheeks and because of the distress the child was in, his whispy hair was turning from brown to a startling blue. The amber eyes met Severus' dark ones and the child released another wail, showing red gums.
Mrs. Weasley turned to him with a smile, her brown eyes wrinkling at the corner and Severus was taken aback by the kindness the Weasley matron bestowed upon him. True, she had always been friendly with him, urging him to stay for dinner and such things when he was in the Order but after the brief visit when they had learned of the linked magic between Harry and himself, he had anticipated, past events not mentioned, that he had lost all credit with her.
"Ah, Severus, how are you? You are looking a lot better. I'm glad to see that Harry has managed to restore some color to your cheeks, now we'll just improve your eating habits and we'll have you looking like a healthy man in no time. It is much better than the scarecrow you are trying to pull off."
Severus' mouth fell open. He closed it with a snap and huffed, seeing how Harry blushed and averted his eyes, but not before he had seen the amusement in the green eyes. He scowled and crossed his arms over his chest.
Mrs. Weasley merely continued to smile kindly at him as she bounced Teddy before she turned to Harry and said. "There is a room prepared for Teddy I take it."
"Uhm, yes, it is the upstairs bedroom."
"Very well, let's see it then and we'll set everything up. I've everything shrunken in my pocket." And without as much as by your leave or otherwise Mrs. Weasley had already handed Teddy to Severus. Only the quick reflexes of the Potions Master saved the child from a sure fall.
Harry started and stepped forward and Teddy mewled while Severus held the child at arm's length. What was he supposed to do with the brat? His hands were clambered under Teddy's armpits and the legs flopped useless in the air. Teddy let out another wail and finally Severus pulled him closer in disgust, why were all children he would ever hold covered in drool, snot or worse?
He remembered Draco with a passion the first time he had seen the youngest Malfoy. He had still wondered how he managed to produce a 'cute' when the child had been covered in vomited milk the first time he had seen him.
He settled the child against his shoulder, supported the brat's bum with one arm and the other securing the child to him by a hand splayed over the small back. He focused upon the task, glancing down to say and ignoring Harry's anxious hovering. "What is with all this caterwauling?"
The child stared at him, even forgetting to wail like a banshee for a moment. The golden eyes, so unnervingly like Lupin that they made Severus want to drop the child, looked into his own and the child was silent for the first time since his arrival.
The trembling lip broke out into a true smile and Severus was taken aback. Why was the child smiling at him like that for? He didn't even know him or what Severus was capable of.
Severus' lips curled into a sneer and the smile wavered as Teddy eyed him uncertainly. The young child looked away, one hand reaching for a strand of Severus' hair that was laying hanging down the side of his face. "Oh no, you do not touch me!" Severus immediately snapped.
For a moment Teddy stared at him and then gave into more wailing and as he in vain tried to shush the child whose feelings he had no doubt hurt, Severus knew that this was going to be a very long evening and night, and not in the least bit in the enjoyable sense.
Hp
"Oh bloody hell, does that child ever shut up!" Snape's voice was a low, angry snarl and Harry swallowed back his own angry retort. He bounced Teddy on his hip, hoping to quiet him but much as in the previous hours since his arrival, Ted refused to be silent, seeking to voice his protests with loud crying.
He took another lap around the room as he said. "I don't know what is wrong with him. I changed his nappy, I tried to feed him, carried him around the house, put him down for a nap and everything else I can think of."
"Then it seems that you once again prove something you're incapable of!" Snape snapped at him, glaring at Teddy from his position on the couch.
"Then why don't you try it? I'm sure a capable teacher such as yourself can calm one little baby."
"It is your godson and you promised to look after the brat. Now kindly find a way to settle the child down." Snape sneered at him and Harry sighed loudly, He retreated to the kitchen, trying to find the pacifier Mrs. Weasley had given him, hoping that this would settle Teddy.
His own head was starting to ache with the intensities of the cries that the little baby was capable of. Teddy had only been silent for the occasional hiccup and Harry found himself wishing for a few moments of peace. The peace that earlier had hung around him and Snape had disappeared nearly entirely as the two adult wizards found themselves annoyed and on edge with the increasing cries.
He held Teddy close, murmuring soft words to the sobbing child.
Am I really so bad at this that I can't even settle a baby? I'm really a freak. Harry swallowed thickly even as he wrecked his mind to his earliest memories to know what his parents always did when he cried. He knew that Aunt Petunia had always just given Dudley everything he wanted but Harry didn't even have a clue what it was that Teddy wanted.
He sank down in the chair wearily, Teddy in his lap as his hand rubbed circles in the baby's back. "Shush, Teddy, just go to sleep. I'll get you back to Mrs. Weasley as soon as possible. I know I can't properly take care of a baby and that I'm a lousy godfather but I do want to try. I know Andromeda doesn't want me to take care of you because she even knows that I'm a freak and…."
His breathing hitched on a dry sob and he tightened his hold on Teddy, The lies he had been told all his life first by his family and that nobody had ever denied. Snape even knew he was incapable of caring for a child and loving it…
His own family hadn't even cared enough to stay alive for him, preferring to give their life for their child instead of trying to stay alive for their child. "You may think that your parents didn't love you enough because they went out to fight the forces of darkness but they did this because they wanted to make it a better world for you, even when you think that you're selfish because you wish them to be alive and with you even if that would mean that the world was a dark place, it would still be better to have them here than to live without them and…."
And getting blamed for things you don't even remember doing or are too young to know, you just wish that there was actually a family who does want you and not because of who you are or because of your fame or name but because of you….is that too much to ask?
Harry didn't even realized that Teddy had finally fallen silent on his lap, his eyes closed in exhaustion from his crying bout and his hand curled around Harry's. He didn't care that tears were finally dripping from his eyes as he tried to ignore the pain that was coming in waves now.
"Why should anybody care? They are all dead and in a better place and they don't care enough to try and stay alive for their kids. No, your own father even tried to go on this ridiculous quest when he found out that your mother was pregnant, I don't even want to know what my dad did, though I do hope that he did want me, not like Sirius did, he just wanted a substitute for James and not Harry…nobody ever wants Harry….I'm not even sure my own bond mate wants me, he may just be with me because of my eyes, that so resemble my mother…"
Harry ran his free hand over his burning eyes, not caring if he was upsetting his glasses with the movement. "Nobody ever told me that I look like myself. No, it is always James or Lily that I resemble and never Harry, nobody wants Harry…."
He choked upon a sob, trying to be as silent as possible as a voice came from the doorway. "One child stops with crying and the other begins?"
Harry glanced up at the blurred form of Snape before the older wizard took brisk steps closer and dropped into a crouch in front of Harry, hissing in a deadly voice. "I had thought that by now you knew that I do want you, Harry and not Lily!"
Harry stared at him, miserable and Snape sighed, reaching out with his hand and gently touched Harry's cheek with his fingers, for once, Harry didn't flinch. "My love for Lily ran deep, as did my illusion of forgiveness that I would find in her eyes but I was a fool. I found something else, something much more precious in eyes similar to hers, yes, but much more breathtaking. And I apologize."
"For what?" Harry was startled, taking aback by Snape's words.
"For my earlier words, they were unnecessarily harsh and I should not have said them. You do not deserve my sharp tongue for it wasn't you that I was cross with."
"Teddy can't help it." Harry hiccupped.
"I know and neither can you, therefore comfort is the only course of action I'll take right now." And with those brisk words, Harry melted into the arms that wrapped around him protectively and allowed himself to be comforted.
Hp
Severus tensed in his sleep when the monitor charm went off that they had cast on Teddy's crib when Harry had finally managed to put the child to sleep. He opened one eye, listening for a moment. He could hear the soft even breaths that came from Harry who was lying on his stomach beside him and the soft mewling that came from Teddy, indicating that the child was waking up.
He sat up, carefully not to tousle Harry too much. His young husband was exhausted, finally dozing against Severus the moment he had cried himself out. How clearly Severus remembered those agonizing moments? He had been standing in the doorway for a long time, listening to Teddy's dwindling cries and Harry's increasing ones.
His heart had ached for his young wizard. How had Harry managed to carry all this guilt for such a long time? He had seemed so cheerful all the time, smiling easily and not at all affected by the grief that surely weighted him down.
Severus longed to run a soothing hand through Harry's hair but the prospect of waking the light sleeper was daunting, especially with Harry so tired. Harry tensed in his sleep and mumbled. "Just a minute, will get up right away, aunt petunia…."
Teddy's mewling grew louder and Severus knew from the earlier experiences this night that Teddy was just building to waking up. The little brat probably needed a change of nappies so he could sleep again. But could he justify waking Harry for this again?
He sighed; no he could not, especially because of his own conscience because his young husband was finally sound asleep. He ran a hand through Harry's hair to settle him and then left the warm bed, feet cold on the wooden boards beneath his feet as he picked up his wand to walk to Teddy's temporary room.
He walked into the room on silent feet, lighting his wand with a murmured Lumos and the wand tip lit on the amber eyes that were so familiar. For a moment Severus imagined that he saw the uncanny animal intelligence in them but the eyes were red with crying as Teddy lifted his arms to Severus beseechingly. No, this pair of eyes was so very different from Lupin's as the child's dark hair faded to a sandy brown for a moment before becoming bright pink.
Severus bent over the crib, hand easily picking up the small child as he settled him upon his arm. Teddy's fist fastened in his black shirt immediately upon the contact as the child quieted. "You just wanted some attention, don't you?"
Teddy's mouth lifted in a smile and Severus smelled the air around the child, no smell so that meant that his nappy was probably still clean. "You want to be fed, don't you? As long as you don't spray it all over me, I'll feed you, else you can feed yourself."
Unaware that he was falling into the age old habit of mumbling to a child, Severus moved down the stairs towards the kitchen where they kept the bottles and the milk. He lit the lights in the kitchen with an absentminded wave of his hand and shifted Teddy to one arm, carefully tightened his hold on the child as he waved his wand at the bottles, allowing the milk to heat up to a pleasant temperature ready for consumption.
Within moments the bottle was done and Severus sat down in the chair, Teddy on his arm while he placed the nipple against the plump lips. Teddy sucked to his heart's content, eyes up and meeting Severus' dark ones in the spare light of the kitchen.
One small soft hand touched Severus' thumb and Severus shifted his hold on the bottle as Teddy's hand wrapped around his pinkie. Severus tilted the bottle a little to encourage Teddy to drink more.
"I've a very delectable husband lying upstairs in bed, one who I'm eager to return to so I do hope that you do not take too long." The trusting warm weight of the child against his chest was more comforting to Severus than he dared to admit. It was so very different from Harry yet the same. He found that he relaxed in Teddy's presence. The child's eyes were trusting and soft as they met Severus' own.
Teddy sputtered and the nipple popped out of his mouth as the child wiggled, eyes drooping a little. Severus recognized the hint for what it was as Teddy gave into sleep, his hand never relaxing the firm grip around Severus' finger. Carefully Severus placed the bottle on the table, unable to keep the small, tender smile off his face as he gazed down into the youthful face.
Teddy's eyes opened for a moment to gaze up at Severus tiredly, mouth working in a yawn. This picture of serenity, that of a sleepy baby was so very different from the child from hell that Teddy had appeared earlier today that for a moment, Severus felt a lump in his throat. This child was all alone; he had no memories of his parents. He was even younger than Harry when he had been orphaned.
But yet, this child would grow up completely differently from Harry as well. There would always be people to love this child, to take care of him and there was no burden of prophecy to weight the little shoulders down. This child was allowed to be a child and while, yes, it would grow up without parents, it would always be loved and cherished.
Severus found his own lips curling into a smile before he lifted Teddy to his shoulder carefully, one hand holding the child and the other gently patting him on the back as he encouraged. "Come, Ted, I've some hours still in which sleep is a normal activity for me…."
With a small burp and a slight hiccupping sound, Teddy didn't only burp up air but also sour milk. Severus grimaced when he could feel it seep into his shirt. The smell hit his sensitive nose a moment later and Severus decided that it was high time to put Teddy back into bed.
Teddy gurgled softly but the child made no other protest as Severus carried him upstairs and put him back into his crib. The child fussed a little when Severus tried to pull his finger away but the moment he replaced his finger with a cuddly toy and Teddy was sleeping peacefully. The pink hair faded to a familiar mop of untidy hair and Severus couldn't help but touch it, smiling sweetly down at the little brat.
Severus stretched the wet and smelly spot on his shirt shifting as well and after a brief grimace Severus decided that a trip to the bathroom was in order. He could not possibly subject Harry to this horrible smell when he dove back into bed.
Tiptoeing out of the room was the easy part as Severus used the light of his wand to show him the way in the house he knew so very well. He closed the bathroom door behind him, pulling his shirt over his head before throwing it in the bin that was used for washing.
He splayed some water over his face, washing his hands to get rid of the smell that seemed to linger around him. He sighed as he stared in the mirror. It seemed that the smell of sour milk was one of those smells that lingered around a person. He wrinkled his nose; he could take a bath or just simply adjourn back to bed.
It seemed that his body made the decision for him because the next moment, much to his own surprise, Severus yawned. He chuckled at himself. There had been nights in the previous years when Severus didn't even see his bed, let alone feel it. Now he actually longed for his bed…and Harry
Deciding not to stall any further Severus took brisk but quiet steps towards the bedroom and his bond mate. Harry was still asleep on his stomach, the sight of his curled up form underneath the blankets warming Severus' heart unexpectantly.
He slipped into bed beside Harry, pulling the blankets over himself. He fluffed up his pillow for a moment, intent on listening to see if any noise came from Teddy's room. All was silent and Severus finally settled down in the bed. Perhaps he could catch a wink of sleep himself.
He was surprised when Harry suddenly rolled against him, one arm around his waist as Severus lay frozen. "Thank you, Severus." Harry told him sleepily, smiling up at him as he lifted his face for a kiss. Severus was stunned but he could only oblige as he closed the distance to brush his lips against Harry's.
He had intended for it to be a quick peck before pulling Harry closer and into his arms but the brat's lips opened underneath his mouth like a flower to the sun and Severus found himself tasting the younger wizard cautiously.
Harry pulled himself against Severus' body, his erection evident in the way the young wizard kept bucking his hips against Severus' thigh.
So that is what this is all about? He is looking for release, very well, who am I to deny him such pleasure? And besides, the smell of sperm is preferable to the smell of sour milk.
He took control of the kiss, fingers moving through Harry's hair as he crushed the younger male underneath him. Harry moaned, his bucking intensifying as his hips stroked against Severus' thigh. Severus held the reflex to buck back under tight control, this was about Harry and not about him, besides, and Harry would most likely fall asleep the moment they were done.
His hand travelled up underneath the large shirt that Harry always wore to bed and over the flat stomach. Harry keened softly as Severus continued to brutally kiss him, mouth moving in quick motions against the other and then finally the young Gryffindor tensed in his arms and Severus could feel the wetness spreading.
Harry broke the kiss, grinning sheepishly up at Severus. The older wizard raised an eyebrow and asked. "Now, can you settle down for the night or are you looking for another fumble in the dark?"
Harry was already busy snuggling against Severus' chest and he looked up to blink sleepily up at his bond mate before he said. "I'm done for tonight." The way the young wizard said it made Severus choke up. To cover up his embarrassments he waved his wand discreetly and offered a cleaning spell. Harry wiggled uncomfortable against him and Severus placed a stern hand on the hip along his own as he said in his best authority voice.
"Stop wiggling around and go to sleep, Mr. Potter – Snape. Your bond mate is a wounded and old man who is in need of his rest. Settle down or you can sleep on the couch in the living room."
Harry was already half to dream land by the time Severus had finished his sentence but unable to resist, much like with Teddy, Severus gazed down at the serene face of the young man that had linked their magic together on a snap decision and for a moment it occurred to him, that it may've actually been the best decision that anybody ever made for Severus' life.
Hp
The kitchen at Spinner's End had never known the nice cozy atmosphere the kitchen at the Burrow always exuded but right now, with Snape sipping on a cup of coffee, Teddy giggling in his high chair and Harry at the stove, making breakfast, it appeared to Harry that this was exactly what he had always wanted, a home.
Not the kind of chaotic home the Weasleys had but the kind of home that the kitchen showed now. A quite atmosphere that he could enjoy and just relax in be himself and not having to pretend or to walk on eggshells, that was the home he may have found here.
He turned back for a moment to look at Snape, but the older wizard was busy polishing off his plate and Teddy was hovering his blocks around, giggling to himself as his hair turned from orange to green and then finally settled on blue.
The tap on the window pulled Harry's attention away from his godson and he immediately allowed the owl in. The owl landed on the table, leg extended with the money bag and the paper in its beak. Snape stared at it, dark eyes narrowed.
Harry wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans and only the gurgling of Teddy broke the silence that had fallen over the kitchen. He tried to wet his suddenly dry throat, would this Prophet have the article in it that Rita had promised them?
He sighed, taking a deep breath before he gave the owl a knut and took the paper. He fed the owl a piece of toast as Snape glared at the paper for a long time before the slender hands reached out to unfold it.
Harry could hear the soft oath that Snape muttered under his breath and he aimed a glare at his husband's dark head. The picture that was on the front page made him pause however and he drew closer to Snape.
It was the picture that Rita had snapped of them together. He and Snape looked so lost in each other, a hint of a smile on Snape's face and his own smile breathless and the way his eyes glittered happily. Snape was touching him casually in the picture and they were so obviously lost in each other that Harry found himself swallowing a lump away in his throat.
Was that how he appeared to people? Was this the picture they showed to the rest of the world? Were they really this happy to the outside world? He glanced down at Snape but the older wizard refused to meet his gaze.
"Can I frame the picture?" He asked his voice a tad bit high. The words were out of his mouth even before he could think and Harry bit his lip uncertainly, wishing he could put his whole foot in his mouth.
Snape glanced up, dark eyes impassive before the older wizard rose and squeezed Harry's shoulder. "It is as good a picture as any. As long as you chuck the article out, I don't think I'll ever live that down." Snape glare down at the paper with a scowl so dark, Harry was surprised the paper was not yet smoldering at the edges.
"Get used to it; you're married to a Potter now." Harry took the paper up from the table. The picture really was beautiful and every moment the Harry and Snape in the picture moved closer as if they'd almost kiss and then break away again.
Yes, this would be beautiful framed and no matter even what may happen in the future, regardless of his feelings for Snape then, he would always have this and he would always have the memory of how happy he had been at that moment.
With that feeling in mind he finally looked down at the article underneath. All his breathing left him when he saw the headline and he knew the need to swear:
Link Magic Turns into True Love
That is it for now. Wow that was a long chapter. I hope it was worth the wait: P. So it was a bit more fluffier then I imagined so now you can all send me what should be every body's reactions and stuff like that. Send some ideas for the actual article please as well... Review of course.
The next chapter: The cat is out of the bag, or should we saw the beetle is out of the jar but what impact will Rita Skeeter's article have on the recovering wizarding world? Just how many Weasleys will come knocking to pick up Teddy Lupin? And how will Severus react when he is reminded of his bond mate's nearing birthday celebration? That and more in: Excuses