Pretty Boy

Chapter 54

Bonding Ceremony

Groggily waking up, Harry looked around, a yawn leaving his lips as he tried to get his mind to function normally. Where the hell was he? He was obviously still in Snape Manor, the furnishing and the room was tastefully decorated in pretty much the same design as the rest of the house. Harry rolled his eyes when an alarm started going of, waving his hand absently the noise ceased. He never usually used alarms, sitting up wide eyed, his bonding; he would be getting bonded in two hours. He stank like hell, and his tongue felt like sandpaper and his head was thumping painfully, even his stomach was rebelling. He was never drinking again, although he had enjoyed himself. Everyone, absolutely everyone invited to the bonding had come over, surprising both he and Severus with drinks and made a night of it. Even Draco Malfoy had been tolerable. He'd been over the moon with the news that the two remaining Weasley's and the Grangers had been arrested. Shacklebolt and Tonks had refused to talk about it through. Not that it mattered for long; they weren't there to discuss them after all. Bill had looked grateful; the betrayal of his little brother and sister, in blood had hurt.

He didn't remember them leaving, if they had left at all. In fact things got very hazy after his second fire whiskey. They'd started of with Butterbeer, which by the way had been fantastic; he certainly would be drinking that again. At least it didn't get him utterly drunk; hopefully he hadn't done anything embarrassing. When he was sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to decide what to do first, he finally caught sight of three potions. A smirk left his lips, Severus was up, and obviously been in.

Grabbing them gratefully he chucked them back swallowing thickly; the taste on his tongue wasn't a pleasant one. "Rizzy?" called Harry, he didn't normally ask the house elves to do anything. Preferring to do it himself, he wasn't anyone's definition of lazy. He really wanted a bath as soon as possible.

"Yes sir?" asked Rizzy appearing before him, "Congratulations Master Potter-Snape!"

"It's not happened yet," said Harry wryly, "Can you bring me up something to drink? I'm thirsty Rizzy."

"Of course sir, Rizzy will get you breakfast immediately!" said Rizzy, but before he could go away Harry interrupted him.

"No, just something to drink, I'll have breakfast down stairs after I have a bath." said Harry quickly.

"Yes sir," said Rizzy his eyes twinkling brightly, he really liked Master Harry, he was kind to him and he was marrying Master Severus. His Master had been alone for too long, he deserved someone to look after him. Master Harry was perfect for him, they were happy together.

Harry gratefully took the goblet of Pumpkin juice and quenched his thirst, thanking Rizzy again before getting into the bathroom. His stomach, headache and hangover were gone, he truly loved Potions, and otherwise he'd have ended up going to his own bonding feeling like shit. Starting the taps, the water flowed in quickly and before long he was sinking into the warm, scented bubbled water with gratitude.

Severus looked up when his fiancé entered the room, in just an hour he would no longer be his fiancé but his bonded, his husband. He didn't understand what pre wedding jitters were, he had none of them. He just couldn't wait until Harry was his, and for the whole world to know it. Normally he'd never willingly want his life plastered across the Daily Prophet. Yet today that would change, if people knew, or more specifically the Weasley's and Grangers', they'd get the hint and live their own lives. Dumbledore had manipulated them; they didn't understand the severity of their actions. It's exactly what would have happened to Harry if he stayed. This might be the wake up call they needed. He didn't have to fear them finding him, without his beard, glasses, robes and hair he would be unrecognisable as Albus Dumbledore. There was spells imbued in the cuffs, they would stop him being found by any magical means. Which included illegal potions, and event he point me spell or illegal variations of it.

"How are you feeling?" asked Severus his lips quirking into a smirk. He had seen a new side of his lover last night, and made a vow to see it come out more often. Drinking lowered your inhibitions, so you weren't exactly your normally reserved self. Unless of course your name was Severus Snape, he had been perfectly normal last night. Or so he would insist anyway.

"I'm fine, did everyone go home?" asked Harry rather grateful that nobody was here. He needed to wake up first, and it was going to be a long day. He wouldn't get another opportunity to just sit in silence. Not until they were on their honeymoon, which no doubt Severus wouldn't expect…quietness. A grin spread across his face as he thought about it, oh it's too bad he couldn't just skip ahead and just leave. If they did that it wouldn't be a honeymoon, it would just be another holiday, and that wasn't acceptable to either of them.

"They did," said Severus wryly, he was honestly surprised they made it home alright without getting lost in the Floo Network. It wouldn't be the first time; some drunken fool had ended up at the back of some poor Muggles electric fireplace. Scaring the living day lights out of some family, hearing a voice pounding against their fire. Somewhere it shouldn't be possible for a human to fit never mind yell and bang.

"Your breakfast sir," said Rizzy once again appearing before him, placing the tray on the table before leaving again.

"Thanks Rizzy," replied Harry, despite the elf not being there, he knew nevertheless the elf heard him.

"I better go and get dressed, we are expected there in one hour," said Severus standing up, almost reluctant to leave Harry's sight.

"I should have set my alarm sooner," said Harry, eating the food faster, thankfully his stomach had settled down so he was able to eat it without a problem. "I'll be up in five minutes." he murmured through his lips, not talking properly because of his full mouth.

"Alright," said Severus smirking wryly, before he disappeared up the stairs. Soon Harry would be his forever and by Merlin it made him feel giddy, even if he'd never admit it.

Harry watched him go, admiring the graceful way he walked, and his backside.

Harry rolled his eyes as Sirius brought him into a great rib cracking hug. Honestly, it was like they were never going to see him again. He was only getting bonded and going on a honeymoon for a fortnight. Not going to the moon and staying there! But he was used to how…emotional Sirius could be. Although Harry actually didn't know the half of it, that was Sirius with a calming draught in him. Azkaban had screwed him up more than anyone realized. Being in Azkaban he hadn't been able to grow up, mature, so now he had to play catch up with them.

"Alright, get off me already!" said Harry, pushing him away but not violently just a little shove. Remus brought him into one, patting his back before letting go, knowing Harry still wasn't used to physical contact from them all yet - especially emotion contact.

"Is everyone ready?" asked the Vicar standing at the podium, "Can I ask everyone to take their seats?"

Harry moved stepping into position that they were expected to take, only then did he remember his mother's words. Think of me by your side and I'll appear, closing his eyes, feeling all kinds of stupid for doing it thinking desperately for her.

People began to gasp, talking quietly; Harry opened his eyes and found everyone gaping in shock. Harry would have found the situation hilarious, turning around he gasped himself. There stood his mother, she looked real, and he just stood there unsure of what to do. It shouldn't have been like that, she was his mother. She had died for him when he was a baby, before he could get to know her. She had died for him, creating a shield so powerful the Dark Lord himself, was unable to complete the deed.

"Harry!" cried Lily, embracing him in a hug, she was real, and she wasn't a ghost. She was flesh and blood and she was here.

"Lily!" cried five voices in unison.

"Um, this is…very….unexpected…" said the Vicar staring wide eyed.

"Lily come with me," said Tonks, hastily pulling the mother in the direction of a door.

"What are you doing?" asked Lily trying to jerk back.

"You can't get your pictures taken in that!" said Tonks shaking her head, "Come on!" closing herself in the toilet, she removed her baby blue dress, it would fit her.

"What about you?" asked Lily confused.

"I hadn't thought that far," said Tonks sounding sheepish. "Here put it on, we have to hurry it should have started by this already."

"Here, hopefully these will fit!" said Lily, throwing her own clothes over to her.

Tonks stared at them her stomach churning unpleasantly. Lily had died in those clothes, she wasn't sure she wanted to wear them. "Um…thanks for the offer, I'm just going to err, Apparate home and find something else…I'll be back as soon as possible."

The tell tale sign of Apparation indicated that Tonks had left the building.

Looking down she realized the dress was rather revealing, coming out of the toilet she stood at the mirror. A small sad smile on her face, she was twenty one, still, she'd be forty one today if she'd survived. She wondered how she would have looked then, but no, she shook of her thoughts. Today was for Harry, her baby boy; the powers above had granted him this, for his actions. Taking action when everyone in the world had not. He hadn't gone about it lightly, but she didn't care her son survival was all that she cared about. Dying at the hands of a madman, betrayed by her husband's best friend, well it's no surprise she wasn't a light witch anymore.

"I'm sorry, please start!" said Lily beaming in happiness, her green eyes sparkling with life and love. She sat down in between Sirius and Remus, who still seemed completely stunned. She swatted Sirius' hand away irritably when he poked her. Sirius then looked at his hand as if it was alien, Lily was actually here! Why not James? Why hadn't James come as well? Was she staying? He wished he had the answers to everything. But at this very moment the Vicar began speaking.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join the souls of Harry Potter and Severus Snape together as one. To follow one another through space and time, to be reunited in the next life." said the Vicar speaking to everyone. He didn't even blink or stop when Tonks reappeared in a red dress this time.

"Do you, Severus Snape take, Harry Potter, to be your bonded to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death?" he continued.

"I do." promised Severus.

"Do you, Harry Potter take, Severus Snape to be your bonded, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death?" preached the Vicar.

"I do," said Harry, grinning in amusement, neither of them liked emotion our pouring of words. They preferred to show their love by simple ways. You learn very early in life that people lie, say things they didn't mean.

"Ligo quod redimio veneficus, pectus pectoris, mens quod animus una ut unus una ut unus una ut unus una ut unus!" chanted the Vicar, strain clear on his face. They were extremely powerful, more powerful than anything he'd ever encountered. It was taking a lot of his magic to co mingle theirs together. He breathed in relief when the souls connected, and the rest magic did itself. Joining them together as one forever.

Severus and Harry gasped as their magic intertwined together. Some of Harry's magic slammed into Severus, the same happened to Harry and both of them were almost driven to their knees with the power flowing through them. The magic as quickly as it came was gone, a new light in both now bonded wizards hearts. They would always be able to feel one another, and the longer they stayed together the stronger the feelings would become. Until they would be able to feel each other, even at the far reaches of the universe.

"Blessed be, May Merlin bless you both with long and happy lives. You are now bonded." said the Vicar sweating slightly with the power it had taken him to say the spell. Hastily wiping his brow as the newly bonded couple, were surrounded by congratulations and handshakes. No hugs though it seemed these people knew Severus and Harry Potter-Snape well. A very special person had indeed come to the wedding of her only son - Lily Evans. And he'd sworn an unbreakable vow of all things, now he couldn't tell anyone. Then again the world would find out if she stayed. Today was just odd, a dead woman back from the veil of death.

It certainly wouldn't be a bonding he'd forget any time soon.

"Time for the pictures!" said Sirius loudly.

"Oh come on are you kidding me?" grumbled Harry.

"Harry this is your day sweetie, one to remember, you will be thankful one day, trust me." said Lily smiling smugly, her eyes twinkling in a way that told them she held a secret within her that nobody else knew.

"Fine," said Harry, giving in much to the surprise of Sirius and Remus who goggled at Harry as if they hadn't seen him before. Harry had never given up like that before; a grin broke out on their faces. Well it was his mother, if anyone could do it - it had to be her.

So Severus and Harry bravely faced the camera and allowed their pictures to be taken, even managing a small smile. Unbeknown to both of them, there really would come a time where they were glad to have done it. Just like Lily had told them.

"This is for both of you," said Sirius handing over an envelope. "From both of us."

Taking it Harry opened it curiously, a small smile worked its way onto his face, and Sirius had given him vouchers for Honeydukes and the ice cream shop. Severus had vouchers for the potions shop, one hundred galleons each.

"Congratulations to you both." said Sirius dipping his head, it was tradition and he'd been brought up with them.

"Thank you," said Severus he actually really liked that present, he wouldn't have to buy any ingredients for a while with the amount on the voucher.

"You are both welcome," said Remus smiling.

"This if for you Severus, and this Harry is for you," said Minerva handing over the presents.

Severus opened his and found a chalice with half the Snape coat of arms and the Potter coat of arms joined together. Their names were written on opposite sides, Harry James Potter- Snape and Severus Tobias Potter-Snape. He saw Harry had the other one; they were silver and very beautifully crafted. There was an extremely rare potions book under it, and Severus' eyes lit up in excitement. Harry had gotten an Ancient Rune book from Minerva. It's obvious she had done her homework and knew what they liked.

"Is that supposed to help me celebrate a honeymoon or skip it?" asked Harry sarcastically.

Severus smirked, Sirius, Lily and Remus laughed out right, Filius, Draco and Narcissa and Poppy just snickered behind their hands. Minerva's lips had disappeared which everyone knew by now was her suppressing her amusement.

"Here you are," said Poppy handing over two identical boxes to the bonded couple.

Poppy had given them a pendant each. The pendants like dog tags, Harry had one with Severus' name on one side and the Snape coat of arms on it with an onyx stone at the bottom left hand corner. Severus had Harry's name and the Potter coat of arms on it and a small emerald stone in the corner. The dog tags were imbued with magic, healing and protection magic no doubt connected through the gems. It would glow and heat up if they were near anything harmful or dangerous to them, potion or spell or even someone wishing them harm.

"They are beautiful, thank you," said Harry a genuine smile on his face.

Filius had got them matching cloaks with silver trimming, both coat of arms and their new last names stitched onto it.

"They're beautiful, thank you." said Harry it was silk, and it was crafted exquisitely.

"This is from me," said Shacklebolt handing over his presents.

Severus and Harry opened them finding inside something for each of them. Shacklebolt had gotten Harry a pensive, and Severus had received a gold cauldron.

"Thank you," said Severus in disbelief.

"You are welcome." said Shacklebolt.

"Open mine!" squealed Tonks, who had already fallen over three times already tonight. That was sober, so hopefully she wouldn't attempt to move drunk.

Harry and Severus opened them to reveal a set of candlesticks, with long green candles fitted in. The coat of arms already stamped into it. It was tradition to get them something to use in their home, most usually had a new house to go into but it wasn't needed since they were the last of their lines.

"They are beautiful thank you," said Harry smiling as he placed the lid back on keeping it safe.

"Here, hopefully you'll find a use for this." said Bill. The last to hand his gift over, normally they didn't wait to open gifts, perhaps because there was so many people. Yet they seemed to want to see Harry and Severus' reactions to them. The dog tags were great, he had no doubt Harry would be wearing his. The dragon tooth he'd got him for his birthday was always around his neck.

"It most certainly will come in handy, thank you." said Severus, it was a wide array of stationary. Different coloured inks, inkwells, and an assortment of quills, self inking ones were even there. There were envelopes the Potter coat of arms on it, as well as parchment for official documents and letters. There were even three square wax sticks, the old fashioned red ones they used to close letters - before adding your insignia ring into it.

"This is from me and mum," said Draco, handing over two envelopes.

Harry opened his first, a Pegasus? Really? Wow that was actually a really generous gift. "A Pegasus? Do we even have room for something like that? I mean a place for it to go?" asked Harry, speaking to Severus.

"Of course, the stables have been unused for years." said Severus, "With a bit of cleaning it will be perfect for it. They are magnificent beasts and very rare, thank you."

"Thank you so much," said Harry, dipping his head respectfully.

"You are most welcome Mr. Potter-Snape." said Narcissa smiling sweetly at him.

"Drink?" asked Severus.

"Butterbeer," said Harry, grinning he really liked it.

Severus nodded before leaving the table, after the others had declined. He was the one being celebrated tonight, it should be them offering. Yet they all knew better than to try and stop him.

"Lily are you here to stay?" asked Remus sitting down next to Lily, passing her a drink. Everyone else seemed rather wary of her presence, especially Narcissa and Draco. Minerva and Filius just looked completely stunned.

"No, I'm not Remus, I'm sorry." said Lily watching her son dance with her best friend. Merlin she would never have predicted this, not if she hadn't seen it herself.

"But you are here," said Sirius confused.

"Yes, for Harry's special day, those above allowed it, it's a present you could say for what he did." explained Lily.

"You mean there's really a higher power? Even for those that are gone?" asked Remus, his amber eyes twinkling as he absorbed the new information.

"Yes," said Lily smiling, Remus hadn't changed a bit. Still as inquisitive as ever, not that she'd expected it to change. He'd been like that since they were eleven years old.

"Wow," said Remus completely gob smacked, "Why doesn't it happen more often then? I mean sending someone back."

"It does, it just doesn't get around." said Lily.

"I see," said Remus thoughtfully.

"Its madness," said Sirius, "But why didn't James get to come?"

"Do you know the power they're using just to get me here for a few hours?" said Lily shaking her head, "Too much, there's no way they could have sent us both."

"Harry deserves it, after everything he's been through." said Remus quietly.

"Yes he does." agreed Lily.

"You know what he…err…we've been doing then?" asked Sirius awkwardly, his finger yanking awkwardly at his collar.

"Yes," said Lily grinning in amusement, "You don't have to worry, if I could have done it myself I would have."

"Would you really?" asked Remus bemused.

"You tell me," said Lily, her green eyes filled with fire, "What wouldn't a mother do for their child?"

"There's nothing a mother wouldn't do to protect their child." said Remus wryly.

"Exactly." said Lily, "Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to get another drink…you never know it might be my last." plus she wanted to speak to Severus who was at the bar right now.

"Lily," said Severus staring at her, Merlin he'd nearly had a heart attack when he saw her. For years he'd wanted nothing more than to apologize. Beg for forgiveness and tell her she'd been right all along. Now though he wasn't so desperate for that, he had Harry in his life, he barely thought about his past. Now though old feelings were starting to arise, yet he'd received James' blessing, a shock in itself.

"Oh Severus!" said Lily, hugging him tightly, and of course Severus allowed her, her and Harry seemed to be the only one Severus could tolerate touching him.

"I am sorry, Lily." said Severus thickly.

"Don't be. You warned us, Severus. It's our fault like Harry said, for picking the wrong person." said Lily.

"You've been…"

"Watching him from above? Yes of course. You know I was so afraid the rune wouldn't work, that he'd die anyway. You know what happened? I had a vision, of several things coming to pass." said Lily confidently as she withdrew still smiling at him. He hadn't changed a bit, still had long hair, and still had the smell of potions lingering around him and black clothes. The only difference, a big one to be sure, was that he was happy, truly happy.

"You weren't a seer," said Severus taken aback.

"No I wasn't, but it was all hallows eve Severus, when magic is at its strongest…if you just believe." said Lily.

"What did you see?" asked Severus curiously.

"This, I knew my little boy would survive, would marry you and have both Sirius and Remus in his life." said Lily. "And something else, just a word of advice, don't worry you're going to bring him up wonderfully. He's going to be so gorgeous."

"He?" asked Severus astonished, what did Lily mean by that? The orphanage was complete; she wasn't talking about them adopting anyone was she? There was no way they would do such a thing; he and Harry didn't like kids.

"You'll see, I don't have very much longer, I can feel myself being pulled, I must say goodbye to my son." said Lily sounding hoarse, her face was pale, and Severus realized she was beginning to fade. Soon she'd fade out of existence and out of Harry's life again, perhaps the coming hadn't been such a gift. Yet Harry was strong, good job he was, otherwise this would have been too much torture to endure.

Severus ordered their drinks, getting an additional fire whisky, watered down of course, so Harry wasn't too drunk later. He saw Lily and Harry walking away, Severus sighed grimly, and he knew Harry would be walking back without her.

"You're leaving aren't you?" asked Harry, staring at her, she was beautiful he wondered what life would have been like growing up with her. Would she have let James spoil him to the extent he would have attended Hogwarts as a spoiled brat? He didn't think so, she seemed so level headed.

"I am son," said Lily, cupping his cheek, she would have loved to stay but getting to see him like this was more than she'd hoped for. "You are so smart; you will do great things and bring Wizarding Britain to a new age, a new era. The world has needed someone like you for a long time. Never forget whatever you do, you have a proud mother. I don't regret one second of having you. You are worth everything my gorgeous boy."

Harry felt a lump forming in his throat, tears stinging in his eyes, as a young boy he'd imagined this so many times. His childish mind hadn't been anywhere near the truth of the feelings associated with it. Taking a deep breath, willing away the tears he hugged her tightly, closing his eyes just relishing in the contact. "Thank you mum." whispered Harry.

"And don't worry, you will be the perfect father, and Severus will be to once he gets his head around it." said Lily before she let go and began disappearing.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Harry naturally alarmed, surely his mother was jesting! He was no parent material.

She just smiled at him before he saw nothing but the hall he was standing in.

Harry stared at the wall, trying to understand what she meant. Shaking his head, no there was just no point in dwelling on it. Opening the door, the music playing away he rejoined the table, they were all using just one.

"Are you okay?" asked Severus squeezing Harry's hand in comfort.

"I will be," said Harry grimly, squeezing back, he would be fine he always was, eventually. Harry turned to his guests and spoke again.

"Everything is beautiful thank you for sharing this day with us, it means a lot considering I never thought I'd ever have this." said Harry in a rare move of honesty. Sure he was honest but not about his feelings and everyone knew realized this.

"The Prophet, no doubt are changing the headlines," he commented before raising a glass after passing one to the others there "To Harry and Severus Potter-Snape!" said Sirius toasting them.

After two hours of talking, surprising Severus and Harry greatly, they hadn't realized the time. Harry hadn't thought he would get on with them so well, but he rather liked Filius he knew so much about charms and duelling. It was Sirius who had decided to give the married couple the privacy they no doubt desired. "Enjoy yourself, I'll see you in a fortnight," he said hugging him again.

"You will," said Harry smirking wryly.

"Have fun," said Remus happily, patting Harry's shoulder.

"It's been a great night, thank you for inviting us to this special occasion." said Filius.

"It is nice to see you both happy." said Poppy.

"Very," said Minerva agreeing with Poppy.

"Take care," said Narcissa standing up also, the night was over and they were all going home.

"Bye Severus, I'll talk to you soon." said Draco hugging him, he didn't get to see his godson often.

"Thank you, I doubt I'd be here if it wasn't for you. Both of you, I really owe you one." said Bill shaking their hands.

Minerva, Filius and Poppy went back to Hogwarts beaming from ear to ear Severus was finally happy. With Harry Potter of all people, despite the aloofness they displayed at the chapel almost as soon as they left Harry had positively melted into Severus arms. Severus hadn't let him go the entire time they had been there. Well other than to get drinks of course, and when Lily wanted to speak to him. Despite the fact they had been holding different conversations and such. The people who deserved it most were finally happy. Poppy, Minerva and Filius had also learned about Harry's plans to open the orphanage. They had heard on the wireless, but it hadn't really dawned on them - it had been Harry's idea his from start to finish. There was no doubt many magical children would be better off thanks to that newly erected orphanage.

Harry Potter was good for the wizarding world.

Perhaps now they would learn from their mistake, at least two generations worth would. The older and younger generation, who had grown up thinking Harry, was training then missing. Only to realize he had ran away at the age of eleven and he had been betrayed by Dumbledore of all people.

Everyone could have sworn, they heard an enraged scream, magically enhanced all over England. The scream of one Ginny Molly Weasley, who was currently sitting uncomfortably in a cell, in the ministry of magic. Unable to pay her bail, she had no choice but to remain there. Her parents hadn't been to see her once, and simply put it hurt her.

Too bad Harry would be in his honeymoon when their trial came and gone. He would hear about it though, there was little doubt.

Guess what guys? its a new chapter which means those that already reviewed the old version can now review this one ;) hopefully you will indulge me since i worked so hard to get this story better for you to read! One more chapter then i'll be back to my unfinished stories! :P R&R PLEASE!