Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: wow, we passed 600 reviews. Let's try and make it a 1000 shall we? I suppose 700 has to go first but well, I'm a girl who likes to think big. Let's begin.
Every witch and wizard in our world which has recently been tainted with so many darkness knows the name of Harry Potter Snape as a beacon of hope and light but few, and this reporter is one of them, know the gentle, shy and even loving soul behind this outspoken young man's handsome face.
Harry Potter had been rumored to be a fierce protector of those he loves, which is not very surprising because our hero lost his parents at the tender age of one. Our tragic young man therefore has to hold on tightly to those he cares very deeply for and it is with this reporter's greatest joy that she can say that Harry Potter has found somebody not only worthy of his affections but also somebody who returns them most sincerely.
Now sincere and affectionate may not be how many readers of this fabulous paper view Severus Snape, rumored death eater and the man responsible for killing Albus Dumbledore. During the confusion in the final battle, at the height when Harry Potter faces off against Tom Riddle or more commonly known as Lord Voldemort, it was revealed that this shunned and often misunderstood dark wizard was in fact in league with the deceased headmaster regarding his death.
But that poses the question, was Harry Potter lying to protect his spouse? This reporter thinks not.
She has seen it with her own eyes and heard the tale with her own ears about how Harry bravely linked his magic unconsciously to a dying Severus Snape. The former Headmaster has recovered from the nearly fatal snakebite that his former master sat upon the master spy. Even now the Wizengamot is still deep in council about the sentence that many people wish to see on this brave man.
But hasn't Severus Snape been punished enough already?
This scarred young hero did not have an easy life. Some digging by this resourceful reporter shows that Snape came from an abused and underprivileged home and was often bullied and misunderstood when he attended Hogwarts. His mistake in trusting Lord Voldemort succeeded in making him branded and shunned for life while under the service as Dumbledore's spy he was often the target of ridicule and bad press. A tragic mistake in his youth made this man a bitter person who lost all friends and has no family members to call his own who do not manipulate him.
The brilliant Potions Master's future was bleak had Harry Potter not wormed his way into his life by suddenly linking their magic together. A sudden and secretive binding ceremony was the result of this doubtful union of the explosive pair. But it seemed a chance for their happiness as well because despite everything that was against them, they've found love in each other.
This report has witnessed it first hand; the way Snape's eyes sparkled when he beholds his beloved and handsome bond mate and Harry's lips as they curve into a smile as the Potions Master simply graces the room with his presence.
There is not a doubt in this reporter's mind that this unlikely union was a match made in heaven for our most scarred heroes and she hopes that throughout this world there will be other people who will see the true love that combine these lucky two and know that this couple deserves all happiness which hopefully they will receive in the future as we await with baited breath for the sentence of Snape's trial.
Read more on the actual interview on page 3. To see the events that happened to Harry James Potter since the Final Battle on page 5. The extent of Snape's trial and his involvement with the Malfoys on page 8.
Despite Teddy's giggles as the young child amused himself with his spoon, Harry wasn't as amused as he had been a moment ago. The actual article was well written and it put them in a good light for once, even Snape's dubious past had been dragged out of the dark and scrubbed out to be put onto display.
Harry glanced around the kitchen, his hands still curled around the newspaper. Teddy clapped his hands together and laughed at the sound he produced, his hair turning into an electric blue. The child giggled at Harry and Harry found himself smiling back, despite the article that adorned the front page.
He pushed his chair back, the legs scraping loudly over the tiles as he went to the kitchen counter to reach the drawer. He opened it, looking for scissors. He would need to find a frame, perhaps there was one lying around here or he could transfigure one or he could ask Ron or Hermione if they had a spare one.
That was actually a good idea. Harry smiled despite himself, why hadn't he thought of that? It had been so long since he had spoken to them. He turned to Teddy, surveying the dirty kitchen. Oh hell, it could wait for a moment or Snape could settle it. He smiled at Teddy as he approached the baby and said. "So ready to come with me?"
Teddy giggled at him and clapped his hands again before he lifted his arms. It was such a transformation from the crying child yesterday that Harry smiled again. He picked Teddy up and settled him upon his hip with practiced ease. I could get used to this
Teddy was babbling to himself as they entered the living room. It was empty and Harry raised an eyebrow. He needed Snape to look after Teddy while he made the floo call. The door to the stairs was open and Harry could hear the quick footsteps as they descended. Snape's steps were heavy and Harry fought a tingle of fear in his stomach, they seemed to belong to a man possessed.
A moment later the tall wizard appeared at the bottom of the staircase, pushing open the door before he even realized Harry was standing in the room. Harry watched as Snape's eyes narrowed for a moment and he swallowed briefly, wetting his sudden dry lips.
"Have you finished eating?" Snape asked after a long moment, one hand behind his back as Harry looked away and nodded.
"Good, here!" Snape said brusquely, holding something out to him. Harry glanced up, confused. The older wizard was holding out a package and Harry said, foolishly. "But my birthday is not for another week."
Snape rolled his eyes and his demeanor softened as a smirk curled his lips and he purred. "Do I need a reason to give my bond mate a present?"
"A present for me? But why? I don't understand." Harry stammered out. He cuddled Teddy with both hands because he wasn't entirely sure if his hands were quite steady enough to take the present.
Snape's eyebrow rose and Harry cringed away, knowing an explosion would surely follow. He knew his bond mate's explosive temper but Snape merely shook his head and said. "It is nothing foolish or sentimental, Potter, so get any silly romantic notions out of your head this second. It is just…oh just open it, damn it."
The package was pressed into his hand and Harry stared at it, blinking confused. He had never received anything for just no reason. Snape sighed loudly and then said. "Very well, if you must have a reason, you idiotic Gryffindor, it is for taking such excellent care of me. Now hand me the mutt and open it."
Harry wasn't that distracted and his eyes narrowed into a glare as Snape hissed. "For Merlin's sake, Harry, I don't mean the child any harm. Or have you forgotten who took care of him while you were busy working yourself up into a wet dream? You need two hands to open the present."
With a second Snape had snatched Teddy from him and was bouncing him upon his own hip, his lip curling into a smile as he distracted himself with Teddy. Harry still stared at the package in his hands but he did notice that Snape kept glancing towards him. The proud shoulders were hunched as if the older wizard expected to be rejected and Harry slowly worked loose the tape that looked like it had been applied hastily.
The wrapping came off easily and Harry gasped. Inside the package was a beautiful frame, grey steel decorated with wires running over it. It was a simple design but one that Harry liked very much and he glanced up at Snape to see his nervous bond mate fidgeting with the child on his arm as Snape said.
"It isn't much but it is one that I had laying about and you mentioned framing the picture so I…"
Harry tried to swallow past the lump in his throat as he cleared his throat again and said. "Thank you, Severus. It is lovely."
And Snape's smile was even more priceless as the picture frame he cuddled to his chest.
Hp
Severus bounced a giggling Teddy on his knee as he watched Harry bustle about the room, going into the kitchen with the frame as Severus felt a tug on his magic while Harry charmed the kitchen clean. His eyes strayed to the empty mantelpiece where the only decoration was the filthy tin of floo powder.
I've lied to Harry
Severus had in fact saved this frame for a special occasion. It had not just been lying about as he had said to the younger wizard but he had kept it, saved it and kept it safe for that special photograph that would adorne it and make it beautiful. It had been a last gift from his mother, back in his teenage years when Severus had been too angry and too bitter to treasure the last birthday gift she would ever give him.
He still tasted his bitter regrets for having thought those wicked thoughts and cursing her in his mind for buying him such a worthless gift. Why couldn't she have given him something useful and cool like the other boys in his year received from their parents? Such as brooms or a familiar.
But now, when she had died a few months later, wasting away because she couldn't take it anymore, it had suddenly been one of the most precious items he owned. For a while he had wanted to put Lily's picture in there, the only picture of her that he owned but he had decided against it.
The frame had been a gift to display a moment of happiness and his memory of Lily had certainly never been happy any longer. No, this was perfect. He had done the right thing.
"Severus?" He glanced up at Harry to see his young husband biting his lip uncertain, hands holding the precious frame like Harry had never been given anything special before.
"Yes, Harry?"
"Are you sure that you want to give this to me?"
Oh yes, more than sure, Harry. The way your eyes sparkled when you beheld the frame is more than enough for me.
"Yes, unless you do not want it." Severus kept his voice neutral, not wishing to show how much he feared being rejected.
"I do but it is just…this belongs to you and…."
"I have given it to you. Are you trying to return it to me perhaps?" He raised an eyebrow as Harry stuttered, looked away and whispered.
"No, it is just…nobody ever gave me something before unless it was a special occasion."
"Well, this is just the first of many things I intend to give to you, Harry." Harry looked back at him, the green eyes positively glowing with happiness and unshed tears as the younger male whispered.
"Thank you, Severus." And as if the reward of seeing Harry smile wasn't enough, his bond mate walked up to him to boldly kiss him on the lips, the touch light but intimate and Severus reveled in the feeling of belonging he found.
Harry pulled away and smiled at him as he asked. "Will the mantelpiece do?"
And as Severus nodded and Harry gifted him with his smile again, Severus knew that he had made the proper decision in saving the picture for Harry Potter because the contentment of his bond mate was evident in the smallest gestures he made and that in response filled Severus with his own feeling of peace and perhaps, if he dared hoped, happiness.
Hp
"Ron, come look at this." Ronald Weasley took one last look at his reflection in the mirror before he shouted back.
"I don't have the time, Hermione. I need to go to Diagon Alley! I still need to get a birthday present for Harry and I want to do it before the shops are at their busiest today and besides, I promised I would help George in the shop." He looked back at his reflection again. He had grown his hair longer but the blue eyes that stared back into his own were ones he didn't know.
They looked older, wiser and sadder by everything he had seen. The death of his brother had hit his family hard but Ron hardly had the time to think. Only now things were slowing down, with Harry's marriage to Snape, Snape's trial, Snape's captivity or the sheer fact that Harry seemed to actually like Snape. As if the world hadn't changed enough in the past few months.
"No, Ron, you really need to see this." Hermione had appeared in the doorway, clutching a newspaper in her hands.
"I don't have the time, Hermione. Mom is still out and Ginny is holed up in her room…." And besides, how weird was it that your best friend fell in love with your sister first and then months later found himself falling for a teacher twice his age? "I mean, she doesn't come out, not even for meals which is worrying. Dad and Percy are at work, Bill is back at Shell' cottage with Fleur and Charlie is in Romania."
"But Ron, this is important…"
"Hermione, look, George asked me especially to come and help him out! So I really can't linger to read the paper."
"But this is important, really…" Ron loved Hermione, he really did but sometimes she could get on his nerves. He knew if it had been really important, like dangerous the kind – you – needed – to – know- right- away – about- dangerous her tone would have been completely different.
It was most likely something about the Malfoys' trial that had made the front page. Like there was nothing more important in life than knowing who Lucius Malfoy was dragging down with him now.
Ron shook his head and checked his watch. He really needed to leave now if he wanted to make it to Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes on time before the busy afternoon crowd started.
"Look, Hermione, I'll read it later. But I have to leave now; I promised George I would help him." He pressed a quick kiss to Hermione's lips, wondering for the uncountable time how long it had taken them to get together and the many years they had lost with their pigheadedness.
Smiling at her, he turned on the spot and Apparated to Diagon Alley.
Hp
It would never fail to amaze Ron just how crowded Diagon Alley was at the end of the hot month of July. Had all these witches with children nothing better to do than to saunter around the busy shops? It seemed not as Ron struggled through the crowds on his way to Eeylops Owl Emporium. He wasn't entirely sure if it was proper to give Harry a new owl but Professor McGonagall had mentioned that neither Harry nor Snape had a familiar so it was only fitting that they at least had an owl to stay in touch.
Ron knew that in the past couple of weeks they kept barging into Spinner's End but truth be told, he felt bad about the invasion of privacy, especially after he caught Harry and Snape making out on the couch. No matter how gross it may seem to him that Harry and Snape were snogging, he knew how much both men valued their privacy and well, they were newlyweds.
"Excuse me." He mumbled, struggling through a particular hard press bundle of witches.
"Have you read it in the paper?"
"Yes, Snape and Potter!"
"Yes, but did you see the picture?"
"Of course I did. I still think that the interview was fraud though, I mean, Skeeter never prints the truth or anything happy so why should she start now?"
"Yes, but nobody can fake a look like that in a picture, it just isn't done."
Ron frowned, realizing he had stopped in the middle of the road when a wizard glared at him. He mumbled an excuse and shook his head, continuing on his way to the shop. It was ridiculous. This wasn't about Harry and Snape; they hadn't given their interview yet.
He shook his head and continued on his own, intend on buying an owl for his best friend and husband.
Hp
The owl had been sent to Hermione so she could take proper care of it and Ron exited the shop, pocketing his receipt. He glanced around, noticing how many people were talking in small groups together, some holding today's Daily Prophet.
What had been written in that piece of rag that was so important that it had everybody in the wizarding world speaking about it instead of going about their business?
"I always said that there was a good reason why they got married so fast." A witch was saying.
"Yes, of course." One agreed with her, nodding her head. "It all has to do with their linked magic. It is very dangerous business that, especially with the Ministry in shambles now and Snape's trial. Poor Harry must be feeling awful with all those horrible articles out there going on about him and his husband."
"And then now sir Malfoy's accusations! I support Snape; he is very gentle with our Harry."
"Well of course he is. Snape has always been a good man. My daughter was at the school when Potter dueled You Know Who and she said that Snape was never one of You Know Who's men. Harry said that Snape had turned spy for the light side because You Know Who started hunting down somebody he loved. And he stayed true to that love for all these years, isn't that romantic?"
All the witches signed in a romantic way and Ron's brow furred.
"Come buy your Daily Prophet here today! In today's Prophet: the interview with Harry Potter – Snape and Severus Snape – Potter! Headline: Linked Magic Turns Into True Love! Read all about it in today's Prophet!"
What?
Ron marched over at the young boy who was selling the Prophets and pulled one from the stack. He opened it to find himself staring at Snape and Harry moving in closer to one another. The look on Harry's face was one Ron had seen countless times, the happiness that his friend was showing when he wasn't burdened down with expectations and could finally truly be himself. The expression on Snape's face was…well so foreign that had to ask himself if it was the same hateful teacher who had married his best friend.
Severus Snape was a stern man, a man who never smiled, never showed any kind of emotion except anger, dislike or pleasure at other people's expense but now…Ron had to concur, this look was one that Snape wore remarkably well and Ron could feel himself swallowing. It was a tender look, aimed completely at Harry and one that told Ron that Harry was Snape's whole focus.
It was a look that he had himself cast many times at Hermione when he had assumed that she wasn't looking and now gave her whenever he could but it was one that he had never seen directed at Harry, even by Ginny. Ginny's looks held something possessive like she was calculating Harry and trying to see what parts she could change and what parts she could simply discard.
Snape's gaze held something possessive but it was fierce and protective, the kind of look that told somebody that Snape wouldn't stand anybody to hurt Harry. How would it feel for his friend to be the sole focus of somebody so intense and passionate about everything he did?
It must feel bloody amazing. Ron's eyes looked back at Harry. Was it just because he knew his friend so well that he could see the shyness in Harry's eyes and the way his best friend was holding back like he was afraid the moment he revealed himself completely he would be rejected?
Ron could count on one hand the times Harry had been unguarded and completely himself and it had never been in the presence of anybody else except the ones he trusted the most. Ron could still clearly remember when after Sirius had died Harry had looked so lost that Ron had wanted nothing more than to wrap an arm around his best mate and tell him it was going to be alright.
But it had never been alright for his best friend but perhaps now, with Snape's guidance, Harry could finally heal and stop being afraid of being himself. Somehow Ron knew that Snape would never hurt Harry or reject him. Perhaps in the earlier days of their marriage Snape had liked to make Harry feel miserable but Ron knew that the observant Potions Master could not possibly have missed the gentleness Harry showed in every unconscious gesture.
"Hey, you gotta pay for that." The boy said when Ron rolled up the paper.
"How much?"
"Seven knuts, sir!" The boy smiled and Ron raised an eyebrow.
"I'll give you five and not a knut more." Perhaps knowing that Ron was serious the boy finally nodded and Ron turned on the spot, apparating home.
Hp
Hermione Granger had wondered how long it would take her stubborn boyfriend to come back to the Burrow when he learned of the articles existence, the very article she had been meaning to show him this morning.
It had been quite a trying morning really; Molly Weasley had hummed underneath her breath when she had been serving breakfast, apparently deliriously happy with the photograph. Hermione had seen more than one copy of the paper that had a huge cut out on the front page where said photograph used to be.
The moment Ginny had learned of the article, she had huffed and took one of them with her upstairs, her eyes suspiciously red and Hermione was sure that the paper wouldn't live long. Not that she could really blame Ginny.
How would I feel if Ron said that he was in love with me and I waited for a whole year on him, not knowing if he would survive and only then to learn that he linked his magic to somebody else but also see the picture everywhere of him being extremely happy with somebody else?
And as happy as Hermione was for Harry's sake, he really did deserve it, her heart ached for Ginny. But she knew that the younger woman needed to help herself through it, there was nothing Hermione could do.
The huge sound of somebody apparating in the garden made her glance up when the kitchen door was suddenly thrown open and Ron barged in, shouting her name. She raised an eyebrow and rose from her seat, saying.
"I thought you were going to help George in the shop."
"It is an emergency." He snapped and Hermione took out her wand, shielding herself as she glanced out the windows to see if anybody had followed them.
"What happened? Were you attacked?"
"No!" He gave her an odd look and said, hand tapping the photograph of Harry and Snape. "This happened! Why didn't you tell me? Oh hell, forget that, everybody was talking about them and you would laugh if I tell you this but most people are finding Snape a pleasaeble fellow now!"
Hermione's eyes widen and as Ron moved closer to tell her exactly what the people had said in the street, she found herself laughing
Hp
Severus glanced up from his book, his face already set in the customary scowl when he heard the floo flare, felt the wards around the house adjusting themselves and saw the flames in the fireplace spring up and turn green. He raised an eyebrow when the lanky figure of the youngest Weasley son spun into view.
Typically, he couldn't enjoy just one moment of peace.
"Potter, you're idiotic sidekick is here!" He bellowed up the stairs, ignoring the glare Weasley sent his way.
"Oh and here comes the bookworm too." He added under his breath as Harry bounded quietly down the stairs. Granger spun into view as Harry called from the stairs. "Severus, Teddy is asleep, hush would you…. Ron!"
Severus pretended to be engrossed in his book but his eyes betrayed him as he followed Harry as the younger male's face went from happiness to a calculating look as he asked no small amount of trepidation in his voice. "Everything is alright, isn't it? I mean…"
"We just wanted to come for a visit, Harry." Granger was quick to reassure his bond mate and Severus noticed with a faint smirk how Harry seemed to brighten. It was true that his friends hardly visited and thus it was a source of joy to have them here, even if it meant that Severus would have to suffer their company. He would gladly suffer living in the Gryffindor Tower for all eternity if it made Harry smile like that.
"And we came to discuss this!" Ronald held up the dreaded paper and Severus wondered how many times he would have to look at that. Probably forever, a little voice in his mind whispered.
"Oh that, well Rita showed up yesterday and…."
"Oh, Harry you have the picture framed! That is such a lovely frame, where did you get that?" Hermione cut smoothly through Harry's nervous babbling but the younger male merely shuffled his feet, looked to the ground and wrung his hands together, all traces of cheerfulness gone as he whispered to the dirty floor.
"Severus gave it to me." There was a note of pride but also of fearful rejection in the strong voice and Hermione beamed.
"It is beautiful and it complements the picture really well. I wish I had such a stunning photograph of Ron and me. It is beautiful and it has captured both of your emotions really well. Your happiness, Harry and your tenderness for Harry, Professor."
"Excuse me, Miss Granger?" Severus snapped, surely he had heard that wrong.
"Oh come now, Professor, you can't certainly expect anybody to believe that you don't feel affectionate about Harry, especially after seeing this picture." Granger's smile was sly, much too Slytherin for Severus' comfort and he huffed, aware of the tense silence that had fallen in the room and finally he huffed.
"Well, who in their right mind would turn away such a lovely creature as Potter who throws himself at you? I mean, there are worst things in this world than being bonded and linked to such a delectable imp as Mr. Potter." And even as he tried his best to sound indifferent and disdainful, he knew by the smirk that Granger sent his way, Weasley's choke of breath and Harry's carefully hidden snort, that he hadn't quite managed to succeed but somehow, he found he didn't really mind.
Hp
Harry tried to keep his excitement under control as he filled the kettle with water. His two best friends, in his house together with his bond mate. They had been chatting just like old times before Harry snuck out of the living room to prepare tea and some lunch. Hermione had even hurried to the Burrow to get some more food for them. Snape had taken Teddy downstairs when the baby had woken up from his nap and had even joined in the conversation.
Could a person really be this happy? It had been such a long time that Harry had felt this way. Even when the past few months with his bond mate had been the happiest in his life there had always been worries on the horizon, there were still worries now but he didn't have to think about them.
He was even humming underneath his breath, waiting for the kettle to be filled up when suddenly the tap was turned up and he felt a presence behind him, somebody pushing his body against the kitchen sink as he could feel goosebumps erupt all over his skin by the warmth that spread over his back.
He glanced over his shoulder to find himself looking into Snape's dark eyes as the older wizard glanced down at him, saying in that smooth, shiver inducing voice. "The kettle will fill up quicker if you turn the tap open all the way."
"I know, I was just waiting for the water to heat up." Harry mumbled, feeling foolish.
Snape's free hand came to rest on his shoulder, pressing him even tighter against the older wizard's firm body as Snape purred. "Tea is served with boiling water and water needs time to boil or a charm if you wish to do it the magical way so it doesn't really matter if you use warm or cold water in the kettle before you set it on the fire. I think that you were just stalling."
"Why would I do that?" Harry's brow furred and pressed his glasses into his nose as he glanced up into the lined face as the thin lips curled into a positively devilish smirk.
"Because you would be waiting for me to swoop in and save you from the dreadful task of tea making."
"Oh, are you saving me then?" Harry had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing and he looked away.
"Of course, somebody has to help you occupy the time while we wait for the water to boil, don't we?"
"Oh, you had something special in mind?" Harry glanced up again, breathlessly suddenly as Snape leaned down to purr and grab something standing on the counter behind Harry.
"Yes, sandwich making." And with a triumph smirk, Snape held up the butter and Harry couldn't help himself as he pressed himself against his bond mate in a brief hug, he laughed into his husband's firm chest and he swore he could feel the answering laughter rumbling through Snape's chest.
Hp
Severus cursed and with a pointed look at Harry, who dutifully disappeared back into the kitchen to fetch more tea when another guest floo'd into the house as Severus rose to greet said guest. This time it was Minerva.
"Just the Weasley family here to pick up Teddy and we're complete." He muttered underneath his breath. He held out a hand to the old Headmistress, which she slapped away and asked. "Let me guess, you saw the article, Minerva?"
Her eyes narrowed behind her glasses and she opened her mouth to say something but Severus cut in smoothly. "Have you seen the picture on the mantelpiece yet? Yes, I did give Harry that frame and yes, I agree, it is a very fetching picture. Now that we've got all the chit chat out of the way, why don't you transfigure something into a seat and have a cup of tea?"
Momentarily baffled, Minerva sat down. Severus sat down himself on the couch as Harry returned with the tea and more sandwiches before settling down beside him, shuffling closer than necessary on the sofa.
"Well, it seems that I wasn't the only one who came here in regards to the interview but it can wait. I have a slightly more pressing concern. It is in regards to Grimmauld Place, Harry and your plans for the house. You know that Molly and Arthur have done their best to make it inhabitable again but Charlie, in light of recent events of what have been happening with his family, has decided to return to Britain for a brief period of time. He is looking for a place to stay and since the old house is empty right now…."
Severus looked at Harry as he took a sip of his tea to see the puzzled expression and clarified. "Charlie Weasley is looking for a place to stay so he can sort out his affairs and seeing as we're not using Grimmauld Place, Minerva's request was if he could make use of the house for the foreseeable future."
"Oh right…well of course. But I thought that Charlie had gone back to Romania." Harry looked at Weasley but Minerva cut in.
"He has gone back to settle some affairs so that he can come back. So can I give him permission to use the house?"
Harry glanced up at Severus and he didn't need Legilimency to know what Harry was thinking. This was their home and Harry had no desire to move anywhere anytime soon and that thought made his heart fill with warmth and he said. "It is your decision; Black left the house to you."
And as Harry smiled briefly, he gave a nod to Minerva and said. "Yes, of course he can. I'm sure that Kreacher can help him."
"Alright that is settled then. Now…" Minerva's expression hardened. "…tell me about the interview gentlemen."
Hp
The room was crowded with three more people and a small child and Harry fought the urge to spend more time in the kitchen to escape the noise. He could see how Snape rubbed at his forehead and he knew the older wizard felt the same. There were too many people in the small home and Harry tried to quell the desire to start dropping hints that people should start leaving.
As much fun as it was to hold a simple get together where everybody was busy discussing the events of the past few days and how things had been said, he longed for the peace and quietness that normally hung around the house when it was just him and Snape.
The floo flared again and Harry bit back an angry curse. He tried to keep the smile on his face, even if it was becoming a real strain. Teddy clapped his hands loudly when Mrs. Weasley came into the living room. The plump woman blinked nearly owlishly at the people gathered in the living room. She looked up at Harry who merely shrugged; it wasn't his fault that his living room had become the latest hang out place for people to discuss the newspaper.
"Harry, I saw the photograph, it was beautiful…I have taken the liberty of making several copies of them and…."
"You'll find one framed behind you on the mantelpiece." Snape said without looking up from amusing Teddy as he created bubbles with Harry's wand.
"Oh right…." Mrs. Weasley moved away from the fireplace as she smiled. "So everything went well with Teddy?"
Casting a sly look at the bowed head of his bond mate as Snape busied himself with the task of amusing a child. "Yes, Severus was a huge help with his baby expertise. I just wish that I could have snapped some pictures of him with Teddy on his arm, I could have sold them to the Prophet to earn an extra income."
Snape's head snapped up and Harry found himself in a narrowed eyed glare. "You would not dare snap a picture without my permission!"
"Who knows? I need the blackmail and besides, you've no idea what I'm capable of." Harry grinned down at his bond mate.
"You're too honorable as a Gryffindor to even consider something so Slytherin as blackmailing your bond mate." Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Well, the hat did say that I would do rather well in Slytherin so I can finally access my inner Slytherin."
"I'll put a Slytherin in you soon enough." It was a soft comment but it carried rather far and Harry had never been so glad when Mr. Weasley floo'd in so he could busy himself in the kitchen and fight his blush even if he did hope that Snape would keep his promise.
Hp
Good lord, don't these people have a home to return to and a household to run? Severus bit back a growl and fueled his anger by creating bigger bubbles, much to Teddy's amusement. He glared at Mr. Weasley as the older man gave him a nod. Severus sighed; the house was far too crowded for his taste.
Teddy giggled at him and he fought his own smile that the little mutt seemed to bring out in him. He had never cared about children, at least never cared enough to have any of his own. He valued his freedom and independence too much to give it up to take care of a child, no matter how much joy it may give him.
And now I'm married to a male and have really given up all rights of ever having a child on my own? Even when the rumors reached me that Lupin had sired a brat I knew that it was something that I would never want. No, it is fine the way it is and if Harry ever does feel the urge to take care of Teddy, well, I suppose I could tolerate Teddy but any other children? No thank you very much
"So, Minerva, you do know that Harry's birthday is next week, do you have any idea if there has been some sort of party planned for him?" Severus tensed when he heard Molly speaking.
He looked up, his hair hiding his face from view and his dark eyes fixed upon the two witches. "Well, I have nothing planned for Mr. Potter – Snape, even when I agree that a celebration should be held, especially with everything that has been going on, but I've nothing special planned. You should check with Severus, I'm sure he is keen to discuss his plans for a celebration with you."
Severus busied himself with the baby, ignoring the faint tingle of magic that was reacting to his own magic whenever he touched Harry's wand. It was making him even more sensitive to the younger male's magic but he had enough practice to ignore his desires in his long life.
"Severus?" He glanced up, pretending that he hadn't overheard the conversation between the two formidable women.
"Yes?" He remained seated, staring up at the plump woman of seven children who had adopted his own bond mate as a surrogate son. Molly Weasley had never been a woman prone to fidgeting and even now she smiled brightly at him and said.
"As I'm sure you know Harry's birthday is next week and I would like to find out if you had any special plans for his birthday. Perhaps we can decide to do something together and…"
"No, you can have him."
"Excuse me?" Molly Weasley had never been a woman who could be silence so easily and Severus smirked as he said.
"You can have Mr. Potter for the afternoon to do whatever you wish with him. Dress him up, take him out to dinner, have a huge party in his honor, I do not care what you do with my bond mate… "As long as he isn't frolicking around with somebody else and within reason of course…"But in the evenings he belongs to me. I have planned a…special celebration for the two of us."
"Oh Severus, how romantic!" And as the motherly woman threw her arms around his neck in a hug, Severus chocked out.
"Good lord, woman, unhand me this moment! I merely said we would have a celebration, nothing more!"
"Of course." And as if the hug hadn't been scandalized enough yet, the woman had the gall to wink at him, Severus fumed silently.
Hp
"Miss Granger, can I have a word with you? In private?" Severus bounced Teddy on his hip to shush him before he handed the child to Weasley, who was gaping at him. He raised an eyebrow and focused his attention back towards the bushy haired witch.
The Gryffindor Know It All was staring at him for a moment longer before her face settled in a pleasant smile and she rose to her feet gracefully, saying. "Of course, Professor."
Severus scowled at the title and after a quick internal debate he gestured towards the hidden door that led to the hallway. They could sit on the top of the stairs. He ignored her as he led the way to the upstairs hallway and then turned on his feet, for a moment regretting not wearing robes because it would have produced an amazing billow.
Granger was looking at him with polite curiosity, waiting for him to speak and for a moment Severus wondered when the girl had matured so much that she wasn't jumping up and down in anticipation to have her questions answered.
"It is about Potter's birthday." He finally said.
"Right." Severus' eyes narrowed in a glare but she merely crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him, waiting for him to speak.
"I need an idea for a present." He finally managed after a long moment. One eyebrow rose into her bushy hair and Granger smirked at him.
"You already have an idea for a present, Professor and you just need my opinion on it."
Damn the twit for being right
Finally after a very uncomfortable silence, in which Severus debated how much to tell her. Finally in the end he decided to tell all as he blurted out, feeling uncomfortable. "I've thought of the meaning of my gift but I'm unclear of what exactly it is to give Harry. I want to give Harry something that shows he is special and makes him feel special but I've no idea in what manner or form."
He looked away, unable to meet the eyes of the intelligent woman, knowing that she could see right into his soul. "Well, Harry always liked to belong somewhere. I mean in his life he never truly belonged anywhere and I would hazard a guess that it would mean a lot to him to know that he belongs to you."
"But Harry always struck me as the kind of person who hated to be held back and…" Severus was unable to say anything. All his life he had never had his freedom and to know that somebody would willingly give their freedom to another person was making him feel slightly ill. He knew he could never be that person if Harry wanted this from him.
A warm hand on his own drew his gaze to Granger's eyes as she said. "You misunderstand my meaning. Stop thinking about him as being bound. Harry will be free; he will be free with you. You obviously care for him, Professor and you take excellent care of him. Harry holds great affection for you, it is clear in all in everything and I've never seen him so happy. Harry can be himself with you and you don't make any ridiculous demands of him except that he is himself and doesn't hide anything. You accept him for who he is and that is what he values above all else. You don't hold him back but you complete him."
Severus was speechless and his mouth hung open. Granger smiled gently at him and continued. "You want everybody to know that you will never let him go. Harry Potter belongs to you and you'll never share him unless he makes that desire clear. And I think that the kind of gift you are searching for is something that will show Harry how special he is, that he belongs somewhere and that you, in return belong to him."
"But what if he rejects me?" Granger's eyes were compassionate as she said.
"Harry would never. The bond between you wouldn't have grown that strong between you unless his feelings were sincere. He loves you, Professor. Harry knows that you'll never reject him either because the bond wouldn't have formed. I've done research on linked magic and while it does fuse the magical cores together in a way, for the bond to grow this strong, there have to be mutual feelings of affection for one another that the bond can draw upon."
"Are you telling me I was already in love with Potter?"
"No, I'm saying that there were feelings between you both, feelings you may not have been aware of. And besides, there was always a very fine line between love and hate." The girl had the gall to smile at him and he looked away, uncomfortable with the subject.
He had been steadily coming to accept his feelings for Harry and he would have settled for easy companionship if that was everything they would ever be but to know that they could be destined for the kind of passionate love he only heard about, well it was mind blowing and more than a little terrifying.
"Right, but back to the gift." He managed after a moment, trying to pull his shattered dignity back around himself.
"Well, obviously you need something that will show other people that Harry belongs to you and you belong to Harry. I presume that you want something that may not come off. Something that is made with magic and that will remain there unless the intent behind the symbol disappears…."
Granger was pacing, mumbling to herself as she circled the hallway, Severus watching her until she stopped and exclaimed. "I've got it! A magical tattoo! It is the perfect gift! It will show everybody who you both belong to and…"
"Absolutely not" Severus roared. He didn't care if the whole house heard him. He was fuming with anger, his right hand clutching his left forearm as if he expected the familiar twinge of pain to come. His insides had gone cold. He would never subject Harry to that kind of torture and betrayal that came with being bound magically to a tattoo that would remind him forever of the choice he had made…
Granger looked at him, at his wide black eyes and the way his hand covered the place where for years the Dark Mark had stained his flesh. "It isn't anything like that, Professor." She hastily soothed.
"Oh, really? And what would you know of magic tattoos, Miss Granger? Unless you had one concealed upon your person!"
"The tattoo won't be anything like the Dark Mark! I've done research into those Marks and they disappeared the moment Voldemort, the caster of the magic, died! He must have designed them with the specific use in mind to summon his followers and have them contact him in return. Unless he could tell somebody turned traitor when he looked at those marks?"
"No, he could not." Severus was less than comfortable with the subject.
"Good, because it wasn't his intent. He assumed that all those who received the mark thought it to be the highest honor and would never think of betraying him. If it had been his intend to let him know if he had been betrayed by anybody who bore the mark when he created them, then it would have been so. It wasn't a means of controlling somebody either but merely a means of recognizing one another and summoning his followers. You see, it is all about the intend behind the act when you create the tattoo."
"What do you mean?" Severus found himself swallowing.
"Look, if you created the tattoos with the intend to love Harry and to show him that he belonged to you for as long as he loved you and you loved him, well, then it would do so. Should that intent ever go away, for example should there be a time in your relationship when you no longer loved him or that he would belong to you, then the tattoos would fade away, only to reappear when the intent came back."
"So the tattoos are not about...evil or about control?" His voice broke over the word.
Granger smiled at him and reached out to place a hand over his right on, patting it as she said. "No, Professor, it is about love and belonging somewhere, nothing malicious is intended because the tattoos will be designed to have pure emotions behind them. They won't work if there is something malicious or nasty involved."
"And you know how to get these?" Severus found himself intrigued but he wondered, would Harry like this as well? It was worth asking, next week, when he had showed to Harry how much he had grown to care for the younger male.
"Yes, they're rather simple really but the intent must be strong enough or the magic doesn't work." Granger seemed to smirk like the Cheshire cat. Severus allowed a faint smirk to curl his lips as he said.
"Twenty points to Gryffindor for helping a Professor with a problem, Granger. Now let us go downstairs before they come looking for us." Granger smiled at him and led the way downstairs.
The noise level in the living room was so loud that Severus feared something had happened. He entered the living room to find Harry standing in the middle of the crowd of Weasleys and the Headmistress as Harry looked up from the letter he was holding and said, his face ghastly white as he whispered. "They scheduled the hearing to announce their decision considering your punishment for the thirty-first of July, at 9 o'clock."
And while it was high time that the Wizengamot made their decision known, Severus wondered if the hearing next week would put a damper on his very special plans considering Harry's birthday, he hoped not.
Yes, kind of cliffhanger. You need to tell me what you want to see happening with Severus and what you think of my birthday present for Harry. Review of course.
The next chapter: Harry's birthday finally arrives but will all of Severus' careful planning to make a special night out of it for his bond mate actually happen or will it remain a dream to keep him sane if he will be sentenced to Azkaban? Will Harry even think of his birthday with the hearing hanging over their head or will he worry too much? What will the Weasleys have planned for Harry? Will he need cheering up or will they have something extra to celebrate? That and more in: Decisions.