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Severus's PoV:

Severus was the first to wake later that afternoon. He dressed and got out of bed to make dinner and let Harry sleep. It wasn't long before Harry followed him out into the kitchen, Severus's robe wrapped around him. The Potions Master smiled at the sight and accepted a kiss from Harry. "What are you making?" Harry asked.

"Italian chicken," Severus informed him.

"Mmm, sounds good." Harry stood next to him while Severus prepared the food. "Can I talk to you about something, Sev?"

"You can talk to me about anything, Harry. You know that," Severus said. He looked into Harry's worried green eyes and forgot all about the food. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, it's just...I don't want things to be weird between us. I don't want to ruin our friendship if it doesn't work out between us romantically."

"Ah," Severus acknowledged. He could understand Harry's worry and the thought had been in his own mind. "We should make an agreement of sorts."

Harry nodded. "Sev, we've been friends for almost four years, and I know this is going to be scary and awkward for us at first," he said. "I know our friendship and our romantic relationship are going to overlap and probably complicate things. I know this is risky but I'm willing to take the risk. I want you, and I'm not interested in anyone else. I would hate myself if I didn't give this a shot, because what we have is very special to me."

"I agree with you, Harry," Severus said, warmth swelling inside him at his love's words. "I feel something strong between us as well, and I want to explore it thoroughly. I didn't think I would find love again after your mother, but I have found it with you. I am terrified of losing you, but I love you and I want to be with you. I think it a wise suggestion to establish boundaries between our friendship and romantic relationship."

Harry nodded. "These kind of relationships can be hard. I saw it firsthand with Ron and Hermione when we were in school. I don't want to mess this up."

Severus smiled and kissed him softly. "I don't want to either," he agreed, kissing Harry again. The kiss lingered and Severus found himself pressed up against the counter, a warm wet tongue filling his mouth. He loved when Harry took control and found it sexy. Severus submitted himself to Harry completely and his heart raced when his lover pulled Severus's T-shirt over his head. Harry's mouth pulled away from his and Severus only had a moment to wonder why before he felt a tongue flick his nipple. Severus gasped and was quick to remove Harry's - well, technically Severus's - robe, leaving Harry naked before him. He squeezed Harry's bare ass, earning a moan from the younger man. Harry was paying thorough attention to his nipples, sucking and licking and biting them. "Don't stop," Severus gasped as he felt his nipples hardening. He pulled down his own trousers and rocked against Harry, their cocks nestling together. They moaned loudly as their naked bodies pressed together and Severus rubbed his finger against Harry's entrance, earning a desperate cry from his lover.

Harry met his gaze and Severus smirked as he curled his finger inside Harry, playing with his balls with his other hand. "You know, I don't think it's awkward between us," Harry said, "especially when we're having sex."

"That is a good sign." Severus pulled out his finger and took Harry's hand, wrapping his lover's fingers around his own cock. The younger man gasped and Severus chuckled as Harry stroked him. "You are very good at this."

Harry grinned and squeezed him, and Severus put a hand on the counter as his knees grew weak. "Enjoying yourself?" Harry smirked and Severus stared at him in surprise. His lover was very confident to take control when it came to sex and Severus loved that.

"Mmm. Very much so," Severus whispered seductively into his ear, and pulled his lover closer. Severus pressed a kiss to Harry's neck and began to lick and nip his skin, which would likely leave a hickey. Harry was also making those whimpering noises that Severus enjoyed.

"S...Sev..." Harry moaned. "Please..."

"Well, since you ask so nicely." Severus smirked and entered Harry. He pressed the younger man against the kitchen counter and thrusted deeper inside him, earning a moan from his lover. He grinded his hips against Harry's as his lover grasped his shoulders. They moved together perfectly and their naked bodies fit together so naturally.

Afterwards, they rested against each other, panting. Harry's arms were around Severus's waist and Severus rubbed gentle circles on his lover's back. "I love you, Sev," Harry said, and kissed his cheek. The Potions Master felt the now familiar warmth stirring deep inside him. "I'm going to visit Ron and Hermione. I'll be back later."

"Alright. Have fun." Severus kissed him softly on the lips and Harry was smiling when he pulled away. "I love you." Harry went to retrieve his clothes from the bedroom and then Apparated, leaving Severus alone in his rooms.

Harry's PoV:

Harry startled Ron and Hermione as he Apparated into their living room, but they were glad to see them. They had their hands full with the kids and Harry took Olivia from Hermione's arms. "You look happy, Harry," Hermione noticed. "Happier than usual. Is there something you want to tell us?"

"Yeah, you guys are never going to believe this." Harry couldn't stop grinning.

Then of course Ron said, "Hey, your clothes look rumpled. And your hair is messier than usual." He raised his eyebrows as Harry's cheeks burned. "Who is it?"

This was going to be good, thought Harry eagerly. "Severus," he said aloud.

Ron's mouth fell open. Hermione just looked smug. "Seriously?" Ron gasped. "You mean, you two...?" Harry nodded, and Ron's eyes widened.

Hermione smiled. "I'm so happy for you, Harry," she said, and hugged him.

Ron clapped him on the shoulder. "About time, mate. See, didn't we tell you that you had nothing to worry about? Severus fancies you."

"I know that now." Harry smiled. "He told me I never would have lost him."

"Of course, Harry. You're his best friend," Hermione said. "And he told me that he loves you."

"He what?" Harry spluttered. "Why didn't you tell me?! You could have saved me a lot of worrying."

"Well, he more like confessed to me, after I'd figured it out," Hermione said.

Flashback: Three months ago

Hermione watched Severus as he stared out into the living room, where Harry was playing with Olivia and Natalia. Recently, Hermione had noticed that Severus seemed more relaxed and happy around Harry. And from the way Severus was watching Harry now, with that soft look in his eyes that she'd never seen on the Potions Master before, she couldn't help but wonder.

Severus turned when Hermione said from behind him, "Go out there with him, Severus."

"I don't think so...I'm not good with kids." Severus took a sip of his tea as he gazed at Harry.

"Harry invited you to babysit with him," Hermione pointed out. "And the kids love you."

"Harry thinks too much of me," Severus said. "I am not a good person."

Hermione sighed. She thought Severus was an excellent teacher and a great friend to Harry. "Can I ask you something, Severus?" Hermione asked.

The Potions Master looked over at her. "Yes?" he prompted.

She hesitated, looking from Harry to him. "Are you in love with him?"

Severus stared at her in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Because you let your guard down around him," she said. "You always have this mask up...except around Harry. I've seen the way you look at him. You care about him, a lot."

"You are wise, Hermione Granger." Severus told her, and she grinned. "Promise me that you won't tell him, no matter what."

Hermione wanted to protest, but she sighed and said, "Alright. As long as you promise that you will tell him yourself, when you are ready."

Severus took a deep breath, and looked nervous at the idea of telling Harry about his feelings for him. "I will."

End of flashback

"Oh..." Harry had had no clue that Hermione knew, and now he thought back to all the conversations they'd had, wondering if she'd ever tried to imply it. "Well, thank you for being there for him. I'm glad he wasn't completely alone."

"I felt bad keeping it from you, knowing how much you love him," Hermione said. "But I promised him, no matter what."

Harry smiled. He was glad that Severus trusted one of his friends, especially since Severus was his boyfriend now. "Well, we're together now and that's what matters. I'm so glad the wondering, the fear, the what-if's are over," Harry said. "I just feel bad for him that he was used by Emma."

"What do you mean?" Ron asked.

Harry told them the events of the past few days - Emma kissing Severus, followed by their confessions of love, their night together (without the details), then Albus waking them up first thing in the morning about the news that Emma was trying to bring back Voldemort.

When Harry was done, both Ron and Hermione were staring at him open-mouthed. "Bloody hell, mate." Ron shook his head. "How are you even going to have time for your love life?"

"I have no idea," Harry admitted. "But we'll make it work."

It was late when Harry Apparated back to Severus's rooms. "Sev, I'm back!" Harry called. No answer. Severus wasn't in the living room or the kitchen, and Harry felt dread growing inside him. "Love? I'm home."

He went into the bedroom, and froze in the doorway. Severus stood in the middle of the room with a knife at his throat. Emma stood behind him, her blue eyes burning with intense fury. "Stop right there," she said in a chilling voice, "or he dies."

AN: Haha another cliffhanger, I know. I'm sorry, guys. I just got the idea in my head and it had to happen. Hope you liked the chapter anyways and please review for more updates soon :)