A/N Something that came to mind.
Harry tugs at the tie around his throat, uncomfortable and feeling as though he will quickly run of air at any moment. The garishly decorated ballroom causes him to squint as light reflects off his glasses. The robes itch like hell, and the suit he's sure was originally made to fit a goblin not a grown man.
Robards shoots him a warning look and Harry surreptitiously drops his hands to his side, refraining from sticking his tongue out at the infuriating man.
"First impressions matter Potter" Robards mumbles as they move further into the throng of people. Harry's hand twitching to reach for his wand.
"First impressions my arse" Harry thinks, but gives a curt nod all the same. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He hadn't spent the last five years working tirelessly to earn the promotion he'd recently been afforded, to be paraded around like a prized poodle at every event deemed of some importance.
Fieldwork is now a distant memory; Harry spends his days buried in paperwork, politics, interminable meetings, pointless gatherings and endless red tape. Not to mention the damage it's doing to his personal life. More often than not he's missed dinner with his husband and daughters, because of some last minute duty he's forced to fulfil.
Dinner flashes by in a blur of handshakes, big noting and Robards nodding his head so often, Harry's sure it will soon depart company with his shoulders. The decision to make him Minister for Magic was a foolish one and Harry can certainly see how the magical world is suffering as a result. The food sits heavy in Harry's stomach and he winces at the feeling.
Music begins to play, guests gravitate towards the dance floor, elegant gowns and robes flaring with each spin. Over towards the edge of the floor, a little girl stands on her father's shiny shoes as he takes careful steps in time with the music. It hits Harry like a bludger to the head. Clarity dawns crystal clear, as if emerging from thick fog. Setting his napkin on the table, Harry pushes his chair back and goes in search of the Minister, immense weight lifting from his shoulders.
Severus' heart clenches, as he listens to his daughters hushed whispers. Harry's absence is being felt acutely this morning. 7-year-old Annabelle comforts 5-year-old Grace, who fails to understand why her father is not at the breakfast table.
A flash of anger rushes through Severus at his husband's absence, but he quickly pushes it aside. Harry has an important job to do and as thus is required to be away from home.
Words said in frustration dance into Severus' mind. Before Harry departed the previous day words were exchanged in the heat of the moment, resulting in Harry's abrupt departure, leaving Severus to put a lid on his ire, lest the girls pick up on his unsettledness.
"When will daddy be home?" Grace asks
"Tomorrow angel" Severus answers "now what shall we do today?"
Harry sets his bag in the sitting room and moves towards the double French doors that lead out to their spacious deck and backyard. Squeals of delight carry through the air as Harry watches his daughters chase a Butterfly hovering near a flower. Severus is n the garden opposite, a basket set on the ground beside him. Harry smiles, knowing his decision was the right one. Pushing through the doors, he walks out onto the deck.
Grace is the first one to spot him; he braces himself for impact as she hurtles towards him closely followed by Annabelle.
"Daddy you're home" Grace exclaims, bouncing around Harry like an excited puppy.
"Yes honey I'm home" Harry grins widely, hugging both his girls to him
"Papa said you weren't coming home until tomorrow?" Annabelle counters
"Decided to come home early," Harry tells her, ruffling her curly hair.
"Yay!" The girl's chorus, before darting off into the yard again.
Harry watches with awe at his girl's boundless energy.
"This is a surprise," Severus says, coming onto the deck
"Was hoping you'd be pleased?" Harry replies uncertainly
"Quite" Severus answers "did the conference finish early?"
"No, but I was finished with the conference" Harry says plainly
"I'm not sure I follow" Severus counters, perplexed by his husbands statement
Harry takes his hand and leads him to the outdoor table and chairs. Sitting down, Harry folds his hands in front of him before speaking. Acutely aware of his husbands questioning stare.
"When I accepted the Head Auror position, I imagined it would be much the same as the one I already held" Harry began "I didn't realise how very different it was. I can't remember the last time I went out in the field, interviewed anyone in regards to a crime, let alone arrested anyone"
Severus nodded his understanding but remained silent, allowing Harry to continue.
"If I'm not buried in paperwork, then I'm dealing with Ministry politics or being paraded around like Robards' prized poodle"
A snort of laughter escaped Severus' mouth. He quickly composed himself and motioned for Harry to proceed.
"Last night I was watching people dance and saw a little girl standing on her fathers feet so she could dance. It hit me then exactly what I've sacrificed in the name of a promotion. I want this Sev," he said, gesturing to their surroundings and his daughters playing happily. "I found Robards and told him I quit"
Severus gaped, unsure if he'd heard Harry correctly. He recovered quickly enough when he realised Harry was serious. "What do you want to do instead?"
"I want to be a proper father and husband," Harry said without falter
"You are" Severus pointed out
"No I'm not" Harry said plainly "in the last 6 months I've missed Grace and Annabelle's birthdays, missed Grace losing her first tooth, wasn't here when Annabelle broke her arm, out of the country when you made that breakthrough with your potion"
"Harry…"
"I know what you're going to say Sev. They do matter, all of it matters. I want to wake up everyday knowing I'm not going to miss any more important parts in my girls lives, important moments in your life. I want to draw and sketch again, write those children's books I've been dreaming about for years. I want to teach those classes at the orphanage; Katie and Luna have been after me to teach. I want to spend quality time with my family, have date night with my husband, make love not have a quick fuck, because I've got to be somewhere. I want to…
"Harry" Severus held up his hand, to put a stop to his husbands rambling "I whole heartedly agree with everything you've just said and will support you in whatever you decide to do next. Moreover the girls will be ecstatic to have their dad home more often. I myself will be glad of a reprieve, I'm in danger of getting wrist strain, if I have to see to my own needs for much longer"
Harry chuckled "you're really ok with this?"
"More than" Severus smiled "you made the right decision"
"Yeah I did" Harry said, taking his husbands hand and giving it a squeeze.