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In This Life

Chapter 44

Edward Asks Severus An Important Question

"Carlisle do you have a minute?" asked Edward, not even looking in his sibling's direction. He had been thinking about this on and off, every night just watching Harry sleep. Alice gasped, a beautiful smile lighting up her face, and Edward concentrated with everything he had to stop himself looking in. He wanted to see Harry's reactions first hand, hear his reply first not some vision of the future. He loved Alice's ability but right now he wanted nothing to do with it. It spoiled things, like this and he refused to let it.

It didn't take long for Carlisle and Edward to leave the house, going for a fast run until they reached a point where it would be impossible for the rest of the family to hear. Edward didn't usually ask for 'a minute' unless it was important. He would just ask him outright so that was how Carlisle realized it was obviously important. He knew how his son acted by now, he had turned him almost a hundred years ago now. Just like he knew how everyone else worked even Jasper - although he'd never truly understand the Civil War Vampire.

"What is the matter son? Everything alright with you and Harry?" asked Carlisle soothingly.

"What's up?" asked Jasper frowning in curiosity feeling everything Alice, Carlisle and Edward were feeling. Even Rosalie was looking at Alice curiously, not even attempting to feign disinterest. When it came to the people she loved she wouldn't do such a thing. Edward had helped her a lot when she had first been turned. Although she had hated it when he insisted they didn't have souls and that they were monsters. She hadn't heard him say things like that for a while now and knew things were finally going well for her brother. It was rather ironic that he had been turned first and taken the longest to find his mate. She had found her mate by chance; Emmett had been mauled by a bear. Emmett she had feared wouldn't understand what she had been through, but him not caring had been a healing balm to her tortured soul.

"He's going to ask Harry to marry him," beamed Alice positively delirious with this new information.

"What?" asked Rosalie shocked but extremely ecstatic.

"He doesn't have a ring!" gasped Alice in dismay.

"He better not ask without one!" groaned Rosalie in dismay.

"Come on Rosalie! We have work to do!" gushed Alice, grabbing her sister and practically dragging the blonde vampire to her red convertible. Jasper and Emmett looked at each other and signed in relief, at least they weren't going to be dragged around from shop to shop. The engine purred to life and the accelerator was pushed down and both girls were off.

"Want to play a game of chess?" asked Jasper, he loved the magical chess set it was so cool. He had never seen anything like it; the pieces broke each other to smithereens, it was impossible to cheat. When the game was over the pieces repaired and automatically went to their designated spot.

"You're on!" boomed Emmett rubbing his hands together gleefully. He liked nothing more than a challenge even though he knew he'd never beat Jasper at chess - nobody had been able to yet.

Just then Esme came back with the 'shopping' for everyone which was mostly given to Harry instead of getting wasted.

"Where's everyone?" asked Esme confused, it was too early for school yet or for Carlisle to be at work.

"Alice and Rosalie are gone to hunt for rings, Edward is talking to Carlisle…he wants to ask Harry to marry him." grinned Emmett cheerfully.

Jasper almost staggered at the feeling of adoration and excitement that swept through Esme. She was more excited than Alice and Rosalie and that was telling.

"Fine…actually better than fine, its great." said Edward a small smile on his face just thinking about his mate. He rather hoped to be back in time before Harry woke up, it would be the first time in a long time that Harry hadn't woken up with him there if he did so. Harry might think something was wrong and he hoped to avoid panicking his little human wizard.

"Then what is the problem?" asked Carlisle his question thought inwardly and vocally at the same time. His thoughts began circulating around the Potters and Dumbledore worried that they were trying something.

"I want to ask Harry to marry me…" said Edward before Carlisle could work himself into a state trying to figure out what was wrong with him.

"That's great son, why the long face?" asked Carlisle cautiously.

"I'm going to ask Severus for Harry's hand…what if he doesn't think me good enough?" asked Edward, he knew it wasn't true but he was still worried. He was a monster; he had almost killed Harry at one point even if he had been hungry at the time. Harry was human, a wizard and the most amazing person he had ever met. Did he truly have the right to want to marry Harry? He wouldn't be able to live without his mate and knew he wanted to turn him at some point. What if it wasn't what Harry wanted? What if Harry didn't want to become one of them, hell given the chance he wasn't sure if he would agree. Who was he kidding? He'd go through his hundred years alone knowing he would have a little mate like Harry all over again.

"Is that truly what's bothering you Edward? You of all people probably already know what they think of you." said Carlisle staring pensively at his son.

"I…want Harry forever; I want to turn him eventually to have him with me always. What if it's not what Harry wants? He knows of our struggle to be normal what if Harry doesn't want that?" asked Edward in a rush. If it had been a human he had been talking to they wouldn't have understood a word. However Carlisle was able to keep up with Edward's rushed words as if he were talking normal.

"Then perhaps you should find out before you ask him to marry you," cautioned Carlisle, he silently hoped and prayed that was what Harry wanted. If not it would tear Edward apart, not just Edward but Harry too.

"Yes of course you are right," sighed Edward, perhaps he could ask both questions.

"Then perhaps when Severus is awake you might ask him," said Carlisle, he knew by now that Edward wouldn't budge on that. This generation didn't need the parent's permission to marry; it was something from when Edward was a boy. Edward had already gone against a…value he held dear where Harry was concerned. He had slept with Harry before marrying him something you didn't do when you were Edward's age in Edward's time. Edward was unfortunately mostly still stuck in that time with the same values.

Everyone even Carlisle knew that Harry loved Severus as a father and Sirius as a godfather. It was Severus who spoke to him, grounded him, guided him, mentored him and loved him as a father did their son. Sirius liked to be more of an uncle figure to Harry, liked to have a laugh with him, get him out of trouble as little as the trouble was, he liked to have fun. Sirius could never actually punish Harry for anything, he was just too fun loving and after the life Harry needed it wasn't the kind of father he needed. Severus though was stern when he needed, he listened attentively when he knew Harry was talking, helped him when he needed it and trained him and pushed him as far as he could go. Unfortunately pushing wasn't something Harry needed any longer, he had learned nearly almost everything Severus could teach him and in such a short time too. With the strict timetable Severus had Harry and Draco under it really wasn't a surprise.

It was a good thing Severus was such an early riser, he always had been teaching at Hogwarts for as long as he had it was impossible to get out of that routine. Even at the weekend he woke up early, the only time he would have a chance of sleeping for any decent amount of time would be by taking Dreamless Sleeping Potion. Because Edward had been pacing outside Black manor for almost an hour. Edward hadn't been sure how much more he could take with the questions swirling around his mind.

Edward knew Severus' routine by now, he knew as soon as the man was up he would get dressed and head to the kitchen. Brew a large mug of strong black coffee, which was what he was doing when Edward finally entered the kitchen. If Severus was surprised to see him he didn't show it that was for sure.

"Everything alright?" asked Severus smoothly.

"I have a question I want to ask you," said Edward sitting down not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable by standing immobile like a statue. Although he knew that it would take more than that to intimidate this man. It was a good thing Edward was a vampire and not easily intimidated either. For if it had been a normal human or maybe a wizard or witch Harry's age - if they found out who his father was they would have ran for the hills.

"Then speak," said Severus sitting down himself, stirring the coffee waiting on it being cool enough to drink.

"I want your permission to ask for Harry's hand in marriage." said Edward not showing his hesitance and worry.

If Severus had drunk that coffee, it would have been spewed everywhere. It was certainly not something Severus ever imagined could come out of Edward Cullen's mouth. He didn't know what surprised him more, being asked or being considered…the most important person in Harry's life. He knew Edward's story, he knew quite a few of the Cullen's stories come to that. He knew what time Edward was from so really it shouldn't have surprised him. If only James Potter could see this, it would have been the best and biggest thing he had ever gotten over the man since he had adopted Harry. Don't get him wrong though, he loved Harry and everything he was doing it was for the young man. He loved him, he wasn't doing it just to get one over James Potter…how James Potter reacted was a bonus in his opinion.

"Why me?" asked Severus eventually, his shock at Edward's question didn't show of course. He wasn't a spy for nothing; he was used to concealing his feelings especially negative ones.

"Harry thinks of you as a father, he's not had one since he was a young child. He needed you a lot, more than he would ever admit…you know when I was born and this was the proper thing to do then. I've already discarded a few of the traditions from my time and I don't want to discard them all." admitted Edward his amber eyes boring holes in Severus'.

Severus' lips twitched he already that Harry thought of him as a father. It was nice hearing someone saying it though; it was also nice that someone depended on him. To think if Black hadn't found him the Potter's would have got their claws into him. Severus shuddered life would have been different indeed. No matter how kind Harry had been, if he had been found by the Potter's Severus would have hated him on principle. Then again Harry would have been dead if Sirius hadn't found him when he did. He had forgotten why he had been force Portkey'd in the first place, Sirius was smart enough to know he always carried a pouch full of potions on him at all times. Everyone in the Order knew that really, not just Sirius but to remember in a crisis made him realize Sirius hadn't been all impulsive. He also realized that it was because of the boy sitting across from him too.

His eyes narrowed, watching Edward get worried Severus was determined to let him squirm a few minutes. "Just let me make one thing clear, if you do anything, ANYTHING, to make Harry do what he did when I first found him…I will kill you. Yes it's hard to kill a vampire but trust me Edward Antony Masen Cullen I'd do it."

Edward despite the fact he was a vampire, flinched a look of tragedy appearing on his face. He had forgotten, forgotten that his foolish actions had almost killed his mate. His perfect little mate had almost died because of him…maybe Severus had every right to say no. He had thanked whatever god watching over Harry that Sirius Black had came when he had. If not his little human wizard would have been buried beside Isaac Cunningham. The last person in the world he would have wanted buried beside, he could only hope that Harry was never buried at all.

"Everyone makes mistakes Edward Cullen, some with more devastation than others." said Severus, remembering the prophecy and the consequences of that. Voldemort had gone after the Potters, and thankfully it hadn't ended in complete tragedy. Well he supposed Harry would disagree with that, then again perhaps not. All the bad in his life had something good as well Harry had loved the Andersons (yes his first adopted parents had been Andersons). Muggles' who didn't know what Harry was, but loved him with all their hearts regardless. After the devastating accident he was adopted by his adopted family's last family, his adopted mother's brother Isaac Cunningham. Then he was adopted all over again, without the luck he had before. The Cunningham's were less than adequate to care for Harry, denying him a free education was just diabolical. Then the abuse he had suffered as well was just worse it was a good thing the bastard was dead in Severus opinion he loathed child abusers than anything else. It was because of his own father mostly, child abusers were often wife beaters as well. Often not always unfortunately, some actually let the abuse continue. Severus had always wondered who the biggest monster was, the abuser or the one standing back watching it. It applied to him during his spying days he'd like to think it was the one doing the abusing, mostly to console himself and his deeds.

"I'll understand if you don't give me your blessing," said Edward, wondering quite pointlessly if he would go ahead and ask Harry if Severus said no. He wasn't sure what he would do when or if Severus said no, by the way he was talking it was definitely going to be a no. thankfully though the man put him out of his misery of 'what' 'if's' and 'buts' that were currently swirling around his thoughts.

"I am giving you my blessing foolish boy, or I we wouldn't be having this conversation," said Severus gruffly. He felt deeply honoured that Edward was asking his permission, and deeply honoured that Edward knew he thought of Harry as a son and that Harry cared about him in return.

Edward would have laughed if he hadn't been so relieved; he hadn't been called a foolish boy before in his life. Or rather his immortal life, he didn't think such words were around in his time so perhaps the same could be said for his mortal life. As old as he was, here sat a man who could make him feel two inches tall and that's without ranting. Given the rants he had heard about or actually heard it was saying something.

"Thank you," sighed Edward relief showing on his face, but there was also certain … reluctance or perhaps fear too.

"What's bothering you?" asked Severus, he had given the boy permission what else could be bothering him? Surely it couldn't be worry that Harry will say no. He had seen both of them together hundreds times and Harry worshiped Edward. He couldn't keep his eyes of the vampire; although the boy had a certain appeal his…inclinations did not lie in the male form. In fact he had always been attracted to red heads of course that wasn't strictly true. Leah was a brunette and very, very easy on the eye and he was very attracted to her. Although the fact she had a brother younger than Harry made him very uneasy indeed but life had never been easy so what the hell.

"I don't want to ask him unless he wants to be changed," murmured Edward very lowly, only the fact he was used to listening intently during his spying days helped him pick it up.

"Edward…Harry would follow you to the end of the earth and back. I think he would agree as long as he has your assurances that you wouldn't up and leave. Although I somehow doubt you could do so on your own violation now…you are in too far. Not only has your vampire acknowledged that Harry's your mate you have too." said Severus bluntly.

Edward nodded knowing this to be true, he couldn't leave Harry anymore than he could tear out his own heart. Not now anyway, to leave would be the biggest sin he could ever commit to himself never mind Harry. Hell he wouldn't be here asking permission to marry Harry if he wasn't in too deep. He loved his little human mate, deeply, truly, passionately and madly loved him.

"His alarm will no doubt wake him up in five minutes, so go on" said Severus, smirking at the vampires discomforting look. The vampire was truly worried, Severus wasn't he knew Harry's answer before the child was asked. You would have to be blind to not know just how much Harry loved the man, er, vampire if you want to get all technical. Then again Severus was a very technical man.

"Mum please! Let me go it's my birthday in a few days I don't want it stuck here!" whined Eric Potter for the twentieth time that morning. He didn't like the fact he had been woken up so early but he was making the most of it by whinging to his parents - it had ALWAYS worked before.

"No Eric you can't!" groaned Lily, rubbing her head, which was very sore right now. She didn't know just how much more she could take without snapping at her son. It didn't help she was under intense pressure trying to help her world.

"PLEASE! There's nothing to do here whatsoever! I'm bored!" pleaded Eric pouting at his parents. It would have been a horrifying sight if the three people there weren't so used to it. A nearly seventeen year old pouting like a three year old not getting his way. Nobody saw the vein budging at the side of Dumbledore's head.

"We can enrol you in the local school if you are bored," said Dumbledore simply hoping that would shut the boy up.

"NO WAY!" screeched Eric he was not going to school - certainly not MUGGLE School. He didn't want to see the boy he unfortunately had for a twin anymore than necessary.

"Then quieten down, you aren't going to the Weasley's and you are staying here." said Lily determinedly.

"Fine," sulked Eric looking very put out indeed.

"I'm going to see Sirius today, hopefully I can talk some sense into him." said James from where he was reading the newspaper. Of course it was the American Prophet but anything was better than nothing, hopefully the others would send the Daily prophet to him soon. He wanted to know what was happening, maybe they could get Remus here soon maybe Remus could talk some sense into Sirius.

"Remus could talk sense into Sirius…he's always been able to!" exclaimed James almost hitting his head in agitation for not coming up with it sooner.

"Good idea, I shall get him here as soon as possible using the floo we have set up." said Dumbledore. It wasn't legal they weren't paying for it but what people didn't know didn't kill them in his opinion. A lot of people did it, hooked the fire to the network without paying and there were too many for the network to keep an eye on them.

"Brilliant!" grinned James rubbing his hands together gleefully.

Alice and Rosalie had been looking around the jewellery shop, looking for the perfect engagement bands for the boys. "What do we get them? I know Edward saved his mothers ring for a moment like this assuming his mate would be a female…but it's no good for a boy so what do we do?" mused Alice.

"Its silver too no good at all in this day and age…" said Rosalie agreeing with Alice completely.

"So what do we get him? We must be back before eight o'clock." she said spacing out a bit; she knew what time Harry's alarm was going to go off. Being a seer was sooo handy at times, at least in Alice's opinion definitely during times like these.

"Gold's more expensive than platinum now…which is a shame I'd have used platinum…" sighed Rosalie looking put out.

"Not for long," smirked Alice her eyes twinkling brightly.

"Platinum for engagement gold for marriage?" mused Rosalie.

"Perfect!" chimed Alice; quickly they made their way over to the section they wanted. Of course moving as a human could be annoying especially when both girls were excited.

"Can I help you both?" smiled the assistant a fixed smile on her face which to a vampire made her looking nauseatingly constipated.

"No thank you I shall call you over once I've picked," said Rosalie curtly, not even looking up as she browsed the sections in the huge shop.

"Jewels or not?" asked Alice thoughtfully.

"Hum…perhaps you are best to keep it plain these ones…I have something in mind for the wedding bands." said Rosalie, no point in trying to explain when Alice could see what she meant if she looked into the future.

"Oooo they are beautiful Rosalie!" squealed Alice nodding eagerly.

"Those then!" said Alice, pointing to the rings she meant. "They will look best beside them."

"Yes alright then, get those ones." agreed Rosalie, her platinum credit card already out.

"We would like those two please," and without blinking she told her the size's freaking the woman out slightly. Again it was so good being able to do what she liked and be a seer. All she had to do was plan on getting his size after walking out of the shop and the vision came to her. Harry's fingers were surprisingly smaller than Edward's and Edward's were far from fat! In fact they were long nimble and thin Edward had pianist hands. Harry's hands were thin small and nimble and they certainly weren't pianist's hands.

Handing over the card, she put in her pin faster than she should have done. Alice glanced at her but she too was too excited to properly scold her for it. The woman typed on the till for a few seconds before nodding in approval and took her time in getting the jewellery into boxes.

"Just give me them, I want to get out of this shop some time today," said Rosalie eventually after what felt like twenty five minutes, in reality it was only three minutes.

Alice drew her lips and refused to comment but she in reality was suppressing her mirth. Rosalie was always impatient, put her into a situation like this just made her worse. Plus they truly were in a hurry and the box didn't really matter if they didn't get there before Harry woke up. Rosalie and Alice couldn't understand why Edward was asking without a ring. They were going to kill him after Harry says yes for being so damn stupid. Well that is if he says yes! After being asked to marry someone without a ring. It had well and truly infuriated both female vampires at Edward's un-thoughtfulness grabbing the boxed items rolling their eyes, they made their way faster than normal humans but not too noticeably. Jumping into the car they sped off, hoping they got to Harry's in time.

Will they get there in time? will harry say yes? will harry want to be turned seeing the Cullen's constant struggles? the knowedge he'd be repeating highschool millions of times be too much for him? will he want to survive when everyone he knows now will be dead? this is the last chance AND WILL PUT IN MOTION THE DIRECTION THE STORY GOES - WILL HARRY BE FORCED BACK TO BRITIAN OR WILL VOLDEMORT COME TO AMERICA? HARRY FIGHTING HIM WITH NO CHOICE AND THE AMERICAN AURORS BACKING HIM UP ALONG WITH HIS FAMILY AND VAMPIRE FAMILY? LEAVING NO GLORY FOR THE ORDER! R&R PLEASE! LET ME KNOW WHICH YOU'D LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN!