AN: Sorry this chapter took so long. If you read my profile you'll know that my husband is not well. It's been difficult to get to the computer and write these last two chapters. But, I did manage to finish both chapters! I will be posting both, so you can read the ending. This is my first chapter story and even though I totally had fun writing it and I'm proud of myself for doing something I would never normally do, I can honestly say it was a challenge. Taking it from my head; where everything makes sense and writing it down are two different things entirely. I know this is sappy but hey, I need sappy. I hope you like it!

Chapter 9

Harry was nervous to enter the clearing. He knew Severus was there as he could feel warmth on his chest the closer he got to their spot. Touching the Panther tattoo and taking strength from it, he continued forward. This is what the last few days have been all about. Getting them back together. Tate assured him this is what needs to be done, what should be done. Did Severus want this though? He's never doubted Severus before, but he can't say that now. Ever since that day and those words, his confidence in all things Severus have diminished and it's been a tough road mentally to get back on track. Sighing and pushing a tree limb out of his face, he trudges forward and comes to the paths end. What would he see once he pushes through this foliage? What would he say? How do you start the conversation 'oh I left and had your children but didn't tell you because…'? This is going to be difficult, painful, and very emotional.

Enough.

Squaring his shoulders in fake confidence, he pushes through the last of the trees to stand at the edge of the clearing and spots Severus right away.

As soon as their eyes meet he felt many emotions; relief, sorrow, love, peace, nervousness, worry and warmth. Warmth being the most prevalent, his tattoo flitting across his torso leaving a blazing path of fire. They just stare at each other; Harry because he is too scared to move or say anything and Severus because he was unsure what he is seeing.

"Harry?"

Harry just smiles back but doesn't answer. No words would come. He waits to see what his husband is going to do, deciding to play it close to the heart for once.

Severus stands up and takes a tentative step forward, "Harry? Is that really you?" Reaching a hand out as if to touch but deciding against it. "Merlin, Harry. You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I have so much to say to you, but… I don't know where to begin. Can I assume you are here because of the dream memory we shared?" Harry just nods once in affirmation and Severus feels a happiness he hasn't felt in over six years wash over him.

"Right, I was planning on coming to you, to search the world from top to bottom to find you and Jackson if I had to." Rubbing his palms down his thighs and wetting his lips, "Merlin, you look good, Harry." Taking a step closer to the younger man, Severus continues, "I'm happy to see you came out of hiding for me. It means a great deal to me that you came here. It couldn't have been easy, being here…the battle memories alone…and our memories…" Looking confused at the younger man, "How did you know I'd be here, in this spot?"

After a pause, "I didn't know for sure. My legs just took me here." He said without breaking eye contact. All of a sudden he felt like a school kid again. Standing still not sure what to say or what to do, suddenly feeling self-conscious. They stand there just watching the other for several minutes, taking in the sight of each other, cataloging facial features forgotten, seeing timelines that weren't there before, feeling long forgotten feelings and magic coming to the surface of their skin; making the hairs on their body rise and bumps on their flesh. The man looks good, better than good really, he looks wonderful, delicious, touchably soft and gruff at the same time. He looks like he needs a hug and Harry longs to reach out and hug the man. To encompass him in his body heat and never let go. To taste every inch of that soft porcelain skin and leave his mark showing everyone that this man is his and his only. The uneasy feeling in Harry's stomach was back and he fought back the urge to throw up his empty stomach in front of this man who looked so composed and unaffected by the sight of him. Finally, he brakes eye contact and looks to the ground to formulate the words he wants so desperately to say.

"Harry?" Severus takes another step. He needs to be closer, he needs to touch the man. To prove to his heart that what he is seeing in front of him is real, is true. Harry looked up and Severus' heart skipped a beat. Oh, how he misses looking upon his face. He wants to touch him, needs to touch him but he must be patient. Severus feels a fire of warmth over his shoulder and onto his chest, he reflectively touches it and immediately it settles down. He knows his tattoo is happy and is going in circles around his chest, but he needs to tread softly, he needs to do this right. "Harry" he whispers softly, and continues to whisper, "Does this mean you came here to be with me? To forgive me for my mistakes and cruelty and stupidity. To be mine again? Oh, Harry, please tell me this is so…I have missed you so much, so much my Love." The last part coming out as a sob and he takes the last few steps and stops just in front of Harry. "I am very sorry for the things I said to you and even more sorry that I hurt you so." He said just above a whisper while reaching up to lightly touch the side of Harry's face with his long slender fingers. His breathing hitched with the first touch and Harry closes his eyes and leans into it.

"Severusss…" He softly whispers, lace with emotions, bringing tears to his eyes. He inhales deeply and rejoices in the familiar scent of the man he loves. He wants this. He wants this more than anything. A warmth on his chest drew his attention for a second before he remembered the panther. The panther was making it's pleasure known; that it is happy. Happy that it's family is finally reunited, finally together. Harry makes to touch it but instead brings his hands up to cup his husbands face and says, "Merlin Severus, I never stopped loving you and I've missed you as well."

Leaning in, their breaths mixing together, Harry lightly touches his lips to Severus'. Just a peck really, but Severus wants…no needs more. Pushing himself closer, he captures his mouth again in a bruising kiss. He moans hungrily. The feel of Harry's lips, the taste of Harry's mouth and the sensations coursing through his body at the feel of Harry's body against his, yes! Oh Merlin, yes! He wraps his arms around Harry's body and pulls him flush with his own. His chest explodes with love, with comfort. With so much joy he almost doubles over with it, his skin burning with fire before it suddenly lessens and Harry spasms once before moaning huskily into Severus' mouth, wrapping his arms around the older man's neck. With one hand staying at the small of Harry's back and the other traveling up his back to hold Harry's head softly in place, Severus deepens the kiss. Their tongues tasting each other, remembering each other as their mouths move against one another. It feels so good. Harry feels so good in his arms and he'll do anything to make sure he can do this anytime he pleases. Severus moves his leg between Harry's thighs and tightens his hold on him, moaning again at the added friction. However, before this could go any further, he pulls back to look into Harry's eyes, eyes that express so much emotion when he allows it. And there it was. The love. The acceptance…the forgiveness. Severus chokes on his emotions. How can Harry look at him like that after what he said and did? How can he forgive him for his cruelty so easily when he can hardly forgive himself?

"You're thinking too much Severus. Always thinking." Harry chuckles, putting his hands on his husband's shoulders. Feeling so complete now that they are together, now that they're touching. His magic has been dancing on his skin since he first came into the clearing, but now that it's tasted the man before him, its alive inside him as well. He can feel his magic singing and there's so much warmth on his chest now that he can't help but smile.

"I'm sorry, Harry, for everything. I never meant…I never wanted…Merlin, this is harder than I thought it would be." Putting more space between them but not letting go, never letting go. "How…?"

"I don't think I can ever forget or forgive you for those words you spewed that day but seeing you here now, all those feelings of remorse, regret and hurt just wash away. I don't know how to explain it, I've missed you so much and I need you. I need you more than I let myself believe I need anything." Harry says somberly. I came here because I want you, Severus. I need you in my life and now that we know the truth, it only seems right to come here."

They stand staring at each other for a long minute before Severus takes Harry's face in his hands, "Say you forgive me, Love. I need to hear it." He says softly. Harry takes Severus' hands in his own and brings them down to their sides. They immediately intertwine their fingers and step to the bench and sit.

"Sev, I should be the one to ask you for forgiveness." Harry was serious now and squeeze our clasped hands to emphasize his point. "Severus, I never told you I was pregnant." Worry enters his eyes at what the older man's reaction would be, but surprisingly there was only love looking back at him.

"Yes, well I can certainly understand why you didn't tell me at the time but after the battle…you could have, but…you just…left. I was hurt by that, more than I'm willing to admit. I understand you needed to get away, Harry, but you stayed away, and I let myself believe you left to die." Harry squeezes his hands and nods, "Yes, that's what I was hoping for at the time. A clean break."

"It didn't take me long to figure out that it was you I bumped into in Diagon Alley. Your…our son looks very much like me and I couldn't get that child out of my mind. That, along with your strange behavior made me question everything I made myself believe. I viewed that memory several times in my pensieve. He shifts on the bench and decides now was the time to say what needs to be said.

"Harry, I want you to know that I am deeply sorry for what I did to you that day. Those words I said to you…they were all lies. Everything about that encounter was a lie and if I could go back to that day and do it over I would tell Albus to sod off. But I can't go back. I can only offer you my apology and beg for your forgiveness and hope that you will allow me to be a part of your life with my son." Severus, a man who does not show his emotions, does not allow anyone to see anything he doesn't want seen, allows all his masks to dissolve. He allows all his feeling to play out across his face in the hope that Harry will see the sincerity of his apology. Nervousness, trepidation, sorrow, love…so much love and admiration but most of all hope. Severus hopes that Harry could understand and eventually forgive him. He needs Harry in his life, he needs Harry like he needs air. Placing a soft kiss on Harrys knuckles, he waits for Harry to answer him.

Watching Severus in front of him was comical. He's never seen the man out of sorts before. This is a man who was a spy against Voldemort, he stood beside that mad man and all the other Death Eaters convincing them he was one of them. To see him this way now is breaking his heart and he was about to say so when Severus started speaking. Harry catches his breath and stares into Severus' dark pools. He couldn't look away as he listened to Severus' speech. He couldn't take his eyes off the man, watching as emotion after emotion flitted across his face. It was amazing to watch, and he felt so much closer to the man because of it. After Severus kisses his hands, he brakes their grip and cups the older man's face. Gently caressing his cheeks and without breaking eye contact he says quietly, "I know it wasn't you. Your words that day have haunted me all these years, but I think I always knew deep down in my soul that it wasn't true. I love you, you crazy git and I've missed you so much. I stupidly thought I could live my life without you, but I cannot. I need you, Sev. I want you so badly right now." Swallowing the lump in his throat, "I know you need to hear this even though I don't feel it needs to be said, but I forgive you Sev. I forgive you because I know that you fought for us and lost. I forgive you because I know how manipulative Albus can be and you didn't want me to have to deal with him. You took that burden from me and I can only say that that took a lot of courage on your part. He is not an easy man to ignore, especially when he wants something. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, ever. Please hear me, Love." Voice cracking, he continues. "But Sev? Can you ever forgive me for not telling you I was pregnant? I need your forgiveness as well before we can move forward." Moving his hands to the back of his husbands neck and playing with the small hairs at its base, he waits with bated breath for the man to answer him.

"Merlin Harry. There's nothing to forgive. You did what I made you do. I gave you no reason to think we would get back together." Harry starts to protest, but is cut off by Severus, "No, I will say it if you need to hear it but this whole mess is my fault and I take full responsibility for all the consequences." Severus places his hands on Harry's thighs and rubs up and down slowly. "Please say you 'love me' again." He whispers. He needs to hear it. Needs to hear his love say those words again. Looking up into those emerald eyes he allows a tear to fall before he blinks the wetness away. He feels so elated! He is finally going to have what he's been sorely missing these past six years. "Please say it." He begs.

Harry looks stunned at the man before him. This whole interaction is so unbelievable to him. He expects some animosity from the man for keeping his children from him. Then it occurs to him that he's only seen one child, he doesn't know about Conner. Running his fingers through Severus' hair, "I love you Severus. I love you with all my heart. But I have so much to tell you about my life the past six years."

Severus closes his eyes to the sensation of fingers through his hair. He's misses this so much. "Harry. Love. I know." Harry stiffens at the acknowledgement. What did he know? "I know you had twins and one didn't make it." He chokes out. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you Harry. I'm so sorry. But Conner is a happy child nonetheless."

"You know about Conner? How? I mean , how do you even know his name?" Harry says stunned.

"Conner has been visiting me in my dreams for over four years. At first, I didn't realize how frequently he came, and he never spoke. He was just there inhabiting my dreams. Then after I bumped into you, I had a magical breakdown and I was out for a few days and he came to me then too. He showed me things. When I woke up he visited me in my rooms and just this morning he brought me here." Suddenly a thought pops into his mind and he smirks, "That little booger! He knew you would come, and he brought me here on purpose!"

They both laugh, and it feels really good. Their magic is beginning to dance between them, glowing a soft misty golden color that spreads all around them to the end of the clearing. A soft murmur could be heard in the golden glow, but the sounds wouldn't form coherent words at first. Then "My children. Live and be happy." Echoes through the mist and Harry smiles knowingly while Severus looks on confused. "It's a long story, Sev. Like I said, I have so much to tell you."

"Indeed, at this point nothing will surprise me. I promise I will never give you reason to ever doubt me again. I will always be here, by your side, sharing our triumphs and heartaches together. Always. Always my love."

"Me too, Sev. Always." And he leans in and places a soft kiss to those lips. "Mm, Merlin, Sev. I just want to devour you right now." Kissing him again and drawing him closer, sliding his hands down over the shoulders and down each arm to stop on the man's thighs. Want coursing through his body, the need to feel this body next to his, on him, in him. Just the thought of being under this man produces such a moan and Severus takes that as an invitation and pounces. He grabs Harry's face and kisses him until no coherent thought could be processed. Tongues dancing, teeth biting, lips bruising before Severus kisses his way down his jaw and neck.

Harry takes in the much needed breath while his body begin to sing with pleasure from his husband. Severus moves his hands to the buttons on Harry's shirt and pauses, waiting for permission, for Harry to say he wants this too. Harry moans again, settling his head on the others shoulder, "Fuck Sev, how is it you can turn me on so thoroughly? I want to make love to you so badly right now, but not here. I want our first time to be more than urges and frustration. I want love to be the over whelming emotion. Do you understand?" He speaks softly into the clothed shoulder and waits for the response.

Severus did understand but that didn't stop his disappointment. Placing his long fingers flat on Harrys chest, he kisses his way back up Harry's neck and speaks into his ear, "When I finally get you into my bed, husband, I will shower you with love and make you feel things you've never felt before. Make no mistake, I will make love to you, gently, adoringly, teasingly, and ferociously before I fuck you into next week. You'll be begging me for more and I will be more than happy to oblige." Licking his ear and smiling at the shutter he felt go through Harry's body.

"Oh, fuck Severus."

Before Harry could say anymore, Severus was kissing him again. Passionately, mapping out his mouth, cataloging the textures and the taste once again. When they part, they stare at each other before they both smile. "Promise? I'm going to hold you that and you'll have to keep doing it if you fail to do so the first time around." Harry smirks.

"Brat. I will endeavor to satisfy you then and every other time. You are mine now and I plan on cherishing you for eternity." Looking seriously at his young husband, "I love you." Those simple three words, words he used to have a hard time saying so freely. Words that Harry said a hundred times more than he did, are coming out so easily now. "I love you, Harry." Feeling Harry tighten his hold on him he says it again. "I love you so much. I don't ever want to be without you in my life. Ever."

"Oh Severusss, I love you too. Love you so much it's burning in my chest." There is a burning in his chest and he places a hand over it. "What the bloody hell?" Since waking up and finding the new tattoo, he's accepted the warm feelings it has given him, accepted the calming affect it's had on him, but this burning sensation is not the same and although it could be pleasurable, at this moment it is not. Harry starts to unbutton his shirt to look at his chest, it feels like there would be burn marks there, but after he undid the first button the sensation receded and moved to his shoulder. Severus watches as Harry started to unbutton his shirt a little concerned. He looks to be in pain but not in pain. When Harry stopps after the first button, he lifts an eyebrow in question and Harry laughs in return. "When I said my chest is burning I meant it…literally. I was going to take a look at my chest…well the…I mean…at the…Oh bloody hell! I wanted to see what the Panther was doing to my chest!" He blows out in exasperation. He has not told Severus about his tattoo and wasn't sure how the man would take it. It being a tattoo and a magical one that connects them with their magic.

Severus nods in understanding, "I too have a new adornment. A Mother Bear tattoo that showed up on my chest when I had that magical episode. When I touch it, I feel comfort and peace. I feel you. Am I to guess you are having the same experience?" Harry nods. "Funny, I'm not feeling anything from my tattoo at the moment, not even the warmth it was emanating when you appeared here." Touching his arm then his chest, he thought about the last time he felt sensation from the Bear. It was during their first kiss. It had been so powerful so intense but then it stopped. "Harry, do you still feel a painful burning?"

"Not anymore. I mean it's still a burning sensation but not so intense as it was on my chest. It's moved to my shoulder and I can feel warmth down my arm. Harry suddenly had the urge to touch Severus. Reaching over and taking Severus' hands in his, he felt his body relax and he sighs in relief. Laughing at himself, he looks down at their clasped hands. He watches in awe as the panther tattoo and the bear tattoo emerge from under his shirt sleeve. He gives Severus a questioning look before turning his attention back to their clasped hands. The tattoos both look to him then Severus before the bear jumps over to the older man's hand with the panther following. They take one more look at the two men before disappearing under Severus' shirt sleeve. Harry quirks an eyebrow at Severus and Severus just shrugs. "I guess they're happy we're together again. I suppose we'll have to get used to them wondering around our bodies. This could make making love interesting, don't you think? I can't wait to find out." He says smiling and wiggling his eyebrows. Harry couldn't hold the laughter at Severus shrugging his shoulders and wiggling his eyebrows? Life is going to be interesting!

Harry was brought out of his musings with Severus' next words. "Did you bring Jackson with you?"

"No, I left him home with Lizzy." At the confused look on his face, Harry continues. "Lizzy is my best friend. She's been with me since I left Hogwarts. She's been there for me, helped me when I didn't think anyone could. She's no Hermione, but that's what I love about her. She supports me, and she understands…or understood why I left like it did. Even though I didn't meet her until after I left, she was there when I needed someone the most." Stopping here because he feels he wasn't saying the words right. He looks at Severus and takes in a deep breath. Severus just waits patiently for Harry to gather himself. Obviously Harry felt strongly about this Lizzy and to be honest, he wants to know more about her too.

"We met in a book store. I was collecting books on male pregnancies and she ended up helping me. We hit it off and before I knew it, we were sharing an apartment and researching everything we could on my condition. She's my best friend, Severus. She's Jacksons Godmother and Aunt. In fact, Jackson looks to her as family and they treat each other as such. Honestly, I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for her." Running a hand through his hair, "She saved me after Conner died and she kept our family together when I couldn't. I love her like she's my sister and I hope that one day you'll love her too." Face stoic, emotions locked away, he waits for Severus to say something.

"I can't wait to meet her. She obviously means so much to you and our son." Severus could see the tension leave Harry's frame. Was he really so worried about his reaction to this Lizzy? Harry smiles and squeezes their joined hands tightly. "Thank you Sev. That means so much to me. We felt it wasn't the right time for him to come. We didn't know what would happen today. But he knows about you, he knows it was you in Diagon Alley and he's very excited to meet you." Harry tells him, and he could see the glee in those soft black eyes.

"I can't wait to finally meet my son, Harry. Thank you. Thank you for coming here. By doing so, you have saved me the hassle of trying to find you, which could have been very tedious. I wrote to Arthur about Ethan Morningside and he sent me a profile of you. It's not much really, just your business, nothing personal. So I know I would have had a very difficult time finding you from there, but it was a start." Squeezing Harry's hand, wanting him to understand what this means to him. He's finally at peace. He's finally going to be happy every day, no matter good or bad day, he will be happy because he has Harry in his life again.

"Sev, you're right. You would have been searching for a long time. I made sure Ethan was buried deep in the background in case anyone came looking for him. The Goblins helped me to set it up and it was worth every galleon I spent too. You would have been going around in circles, but eventually I would have been notified you were looking for me but that could have been years from now." Wiping his face with his free hand, Harry smiles then shakes his head, "So much to talk about. So much to do."

"Will you come to my rooms for lunch, Harry? I think we can finish this reunion over a nice meal and some tea." He stands and pulls Harry up with him, keeping his hand in Harry's. "Please Harry." He couldn't let go of Harry's hand as they start walking to the edge of the clearing side by side. He is so happy! Harry is here, and they are together! Oh Merlin, what if Jackson doesn't like him? What if he can't relate to the child in any way? What if…

"You're thinking too much again." Harry said grinning and giving him a sideways glance. "Don't worry so much, we will get through anything as long as we're together. Come on, I need that tea."

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