Disclaimer: This belongs to J.K Rowling. I just play in it.
Note: It has been a while and inspiration struck so here are some drabbles.
Summary: The four times Harry almost Severus to marry him and the 5th time Severus did.
Title: Four time almost and the fifth an yes.
Pairing: Harry Potter and Severus Snape
Warnings: fluff
The Ministry ball.
"So, Mr Potter, what is next? You are going to ask Headmaster Snape to marry you now that you bought a house together?" How the journalists knew that Harry had bought a house was really beyond him and the question left Harry Potter floundering. True, he had never been the most eloquent person but after teaching for three years and giving some interviews after the Final Battle during the many trials Harry had picked up a thing or two.
I really hope they don't know about the flat in London or the house in the Cotswolds, though out of all of those I prefer the flat in London if they decide to camp outside.
He opened his mouth to snap out a response when a deep voice said. "What kind of idiotic journalist are you? You will loose the scoop of a lifetime if Potter answers now. You should have asked him to share the news in an exclusive interview. That would have set you up for life."
The warm hand that came to rest on Harry's upper back made him snap out of his stupor and relax slightly as he breathed deeply. The journalist's face coloured as the man tried to work through the sentence and whether to take offense or not. Harry took the time to reflect upon the four years he had been with Severus Snape. It happened around the time he returned to Hogwarts to teach and during a snowy chaperoned visit to Hogsmeade he and Snape had ended up in the pub and that really had been their first date in hindsight. Harry wasn't really sure when it had happened but one moment he had agreed to become lovers and gradually he had ended up spending most of his nights with Severus, going from casual shags to exclusivity in the space of a few months. Taking Severus with him to the burrow for an afternoon brunch seemed to seal the deal and no further questions were asked from either Harry's friends or the Hogwarts staff when during one afternoon Severus had rocked a sick Teddy to sleep while in the middle of a conversation with Hermione Granger.
"So, does that mean you are getting married?" The journalist decided to ignore the obvious insult and his face lit up at having discovered a scroop about Harry Potter.
"Well, Potter, are we?" The dark eyes that met his own were amused and for a long moment Harry wanted to say yes. It had been on his mind a lot, the next steps and potentially marriage but he knew Severus wouldn't appreciate it if this was the way he was asked. Instead, Harry grinned and said.
"Now? I thought you wanted to take it slow. Honestly, it took four years before we even bought a place together, what makes you think that any wedding may even take place within the next five?" He smirked at the dumbfounded look of the journalist.
"You have your answer. Let's go, Harry, I hear the bar is about to be closed." And yes indeed, Harry had his answer but the taste of cowardness left a nasty taste in his mouth and Harry vowed to do better next time.
At Ron and Hermione's wedding
"Damn, Harry, well done for catching the flowers… It means you are next; you do realize that?" Harry did, especially as he met the dark eyes from across the room as Ron grinned and punched him on the shoulder. He really had not meant to catch the flowers, he had not even been anything near except that Teddy ran through the crowd and Harry had been trying to catch him to ensure he wasn't going to mess up the first dance, not realizing Hermione wanted to use the chance to throw the flowers. He also had not realized she had incorporated this into her wedding.
He flushed deeply but allowed Ron to slide an arm around his shoulder as his best friend, now happily married as of an hour ago, prattled on. "Ron…how much of bad luck is it that I….wouldn't get married after catching the flowers?"
Ron frowned at him and then said. "I think Hermione said it was a muggle superstition but I don't know for sure…I mean…I think you have time and it doesn't literally mean you have to be next but….you don't want to get married? I mean…" Ron glanced around and whispered. "You went ring shopping with me and I thought I saw you looking…"
Ron had not been wrong. Harry had been looking, and he may have even gone back for a second look, alone but…
The soft tunes of the next slow song started and that saved Harry from answering as Hermione went to collect her husband for a dance. When someone cleared their voice behind him Harry spun around to see the slender hand that was held out to him. He nodded and accepted it, being pulled to the dancefloor as Severus said. "Should I be worried you plan to steal Weasley's limelight and go down on one knee now that you caught those flowers?"
The strong arm around his waist pulled him closer and Harry swallowed thickly as they swayed to the music. "No…I know how much you hate being the centre of attention and besides, I could never do that to Hermione and Ron. Maybe when they announce their first pregnancy I can hog the limelight a little bit but not during their wedding."
"Well to be fair, I have a feeling they may do that happy announcement tonight.." Pulling back Harry frowned. He really should not be so surprised his lover was so perceptive and may have caught the signs, the man had successfully deceived two wizards for the better part of two decades but did that mean that Severus was expecting a proposal? He stared into the dark eyes and then Severus leaned in to kiss him briefly.
"Relax and enjoy the evening, I am sure there is still plenty of time for embarrassing questions at other times…" And Harry merely nodded, still feeling a little bit annoying at himself of why he just hadn't bought the ring.
During their five-year anniversary
Stepping back, Harry viewed the room. The candles were all lit, the food was under a preservation charm and the table was set. It was all perfect and really nothing could spoil this evening.
"My, my, what is this?" Harry spun around as Severus stepped into the room. He felt his nerves ease out into a smile as he went to kiss his lover.
"Dinner…"
"I think it may be something more then just dinner." Harry swallowed thickly.
"It is our five-year anniversary." He merely said.
"Ah yes, five years I have put up with you and loved you." There was no heat behind the words and Harry rolled his eyes as he led the way to the table. An arm around his waist pulled him back as Severus nuzzled at his neck, kissing that spot under his ear that always got a reaction. Harry felt his knees threaten to buckle as his lover continued, the deep voice arousing him as effectively as Severus' hands, lips and tongue. "had you in my bed, spending my days and nights with you and have you in so many ways that I will still not grow bored. I think we may need to celebrate this evening the way we started the relationship, in bed with champagne and strawberries."
The idea has merit but the food…
There were often times that Harry was convinced Severus could read minds. "The food will keep, or take it with you, I do not care. I have a whole new set of positions I can introduce you to that come with food play…" The lips caught his in a hungry kiss and Harry gave himself up.
"Severus…there is a question I need to ask…"
"Oh, and what is that Mr Potter?" The dark eyes caught his and Harry swallowed thickly before he said.
"Can we try bondage?" And as the dark eyes widened and his lover's face reflected surprise before settling into a pleased expression did Harry realize that while yes, this was a good second question he had wanted to ask, there was another one on his mind that he had also been keen to ask but as his lover kissed him deeply, he realized he would ask that question next time.
During a crisis
"Let me into the room."
"I am sorry, sir, but only spouses are allowed to be in there." Harry really had to give it to the nurse that stood in his way, she was very brave and that deserved respect. But right now, all Harry wanted to know if Severus was alright. An explosion at the potions master conference in Geneve had him porkeying over at the nearest opportunity, which had been hours later.
She clearly doesn't know who I am.
"He has been my partner for the past five years; I need to see him." It was a need that Harry couldn't explain. Severus had to be alright…
"So, you are married to Professor Snape then?"
"Well, no…"
"Then I cannot let you enter…"
"He is my fiancé…we are to be married next week!" It was desperation that fuelled Harry's lie but he stood still as the nurse looked at his face before she said. "Very well, now he is still a bit groggy but as far as I understand he will be fine once the concussion clears…."
She stepped aside and pushed open the door and Harry had never been into the room so fast. He only had eyes for the pale man lying in the bed, a thin bandage wrapped around his head. Dark eyes struggled to open and Harry moved to the bedside. He clasped the slender hand in his own, green eyes searching for any wounds.
He glanced up as the nurse hmphed and said. "You may want to push the wedding, dear, I doubt he may wish to walk down the aisle and enjoy a good party in a week following that blast.. I will leave you with your fiancé but you cannot stay the night. You will have to be married for that."
The door closed behind her with a snap and Harry summoned a chair.
"That blow must have been a lot harder or I must have been out for longer then I thought if we are to be married next week?"
Harry grinned in relief, though a few tears did slip out as Severus spoke. He met the dark eyes and grinned despite his tears. "You are awake."
"You do realize that should you wish to ask any particular life changing questions; I cannot fully say I am conscious and of sound mind enough to make decisions at this moment." The dark eyes were a bit unfocused but Harry didn't care. Severus was okay. He merely pushed his chair closer and then decided fuck it and leaned in to kiss Severus' cheek.
"I will wait until you are out of here to ask any important questions…" He merely grinned through his tears.
Satisfied with the arm that wrapped around him, Harry did get a bit confused as Severus whispered. "You have waited long enough…" But as the other man's breathing evened out into sleep Harry decided that that particular question could wait a little bit longer.
On a random Monday morning in London'
Thoroughly puzzled by the note, Harry apparated to the coordinates in the letter dressed in his finest robes as the rather tense note had suggested. It wasn't unlike Severus to leave him notes but usually they consistent of where he had gone and what time he may be home, or if anything was needed from London. Especially when Severus was exceptionally busy it was a favourite method of communication, often leading to other inventive messages.
He glanced around, frowning as he didn't recognize where he was. The note indicated he should go into the tall building and Harry did as instruct. Pushing open the door he frowned as he stepped into what could only be described as a ministry building though it seemed to be a rather quiet one.
"Ah, what can I do for you, young man? I assume you have an appointment." The older witch behind the counter smiled at him a very friendly way which only confused Harry more. He had noticed that as he grew older he was still being recognized but people cared less it seemed.
"I think so…my partner send me a note to told him to me to come here, dressed nicely and…"
"Ah yes, you are the nine o clock then, please proceed up the first floor and through the first door. Now on you go, dear, you do not wish to be late."
"But, madam, what is this place?"
"Hurry up, dear, it would be rude to not arrive on time…"
But for what? On time for what? I need more information. Thoroughly puzzled Harry walked up the staircase towards the first floor and through the first floor. His confusion didn't lift when he pushed open the door to find Severus and an witch he didn't recognize.
"Ah Mr Potter, I am glad to see you are here. Now we may proceed…"
"Proceed with what?" He turned towards his lover. Severus was dressed in form fitting robes, his hair tied back from his face and Harry swallowed back a tingle of arousal. "Severus, what is going on?"
"Ah, yes, I do think Mr Potter is entitled to an explanation, Madam Robbinson." The smirk on the lined face of his lover did not ease Harry's confusion at all. The man turned to him and held out his hand as Severus said. "I decided to take matters into my own hands as I believe there have been four times that you tried to ask me to marry you but failed to follow up. I grew tired of waiting for the fifth time…"
Oh….But…
"Are you asking me to marry you?"
Severus smirked smugly and instead said. "Well, I actually decided to go one step further and organize the ceremony. I do hope that your answer is yes otherwise this will be very embarrassing."
Harry felt his eyes burn but he did manage to choke out. "So you are going to ask me…"
"Ah yes. Mr Potter, will you do me the honour of becoming my bandmate within the next 10 minutes?"
Biting back tears Harry nodded. He grinned and then said. "I was actually planning on asking you tonight…I even brought the ring with me…." Taking the slightly battered box out of his pocket Harry held it up for Severus to see.
The other man took it from him and examined the ring before he handed it back and said. "When did you buy this?"
"After our first anniversary, that was how sure I was…"
Severus harrumphed and said. "I am glad that I decided to take matters into my own hands, otherwise we would still be talking about this. But seeing as we are on the same page, shall we?"
And as a very happy Harry Potter nodded and said yes to his Headmaster and Potions Master he was secretly very glad that Severus had taken the fifth time in his own hands and as he walked out, he pulled his bond mate into a kiss and decided, next time he would ask any important questions a lot sooner.
The end
I hope you liked it, that was very short and sweet. Please let me know what you think.