Chapter 35

22 May 2000

Severus Snape and Harry Potter joyfully announce their engagement. The couple had a traditional courtship. The wedding date has not been set.

23 May 2000

It seems The Man Who Lived Twice has officially rebuffed his engagement to Draco Malfoy and is now engaged to former death eater Professor Severus Snape. The announcement comes at the end of the courtship, initiated by Severus Snape. Although this reporter still questions the beginnings of said relationship and its legitimacy, it seems as if the two have found real happiness. I offer my sincerest congratulations to the two gentleman. I will update you, dear readers, as I learn more. -Rita Skeeter

Hermione laughed heartily as she read the two articles aloud. Ron snorted and rolled his eyes.

Harry set down his cup of tea and smiled.

"I hope you know how much trouble you've caused me, Harry."

"I apologize that my relationship has burdened you in any way." Harry chuckled. "But how on Earth has this caused you trouble?"

Ron groaned. "The twins won't let up about how Severus bloody Snape is engaged before I am!"

Harry shrugged. "Sorry, mate, but not my fault that you haven't given a ring to this one yet," he motioned to Hermione.

"Oh no!" Hermione folded her hands in her lap. "An engagement right now doesn't fit into my five year plan."

"This one, I'm tellin ya! I'd've already married her, but she's married to her five years plan, ya see."

"Ah. Understood." He winked at Hermione.

"I'm proud of you, Hermione," Remus said as he took his seat at the table. "It's good to have goals and stick to them. Marriage can wait." He looked at Harry and raised an eyebrow.

"I know, I know." Harry sighed. "We haven't set a date yet. I don't think either of us feel any rush. I've barely seen Severus since I told him my decision, actually. He's been busy with the end of the school year. Preparing students for OWLs and NEWTs. Then I've been at the shop, or here with you lot..."

"It's been nice to have you back, Harry," Hermione placed her hand over his. "We've missed you."

"I've missed you as well. But I hope you all know that I needed that time. I'm still not... not well."

Remus, Sirius, Hermione, and Ron all looked up to face him immediately.

"Not well?" Sirius repeated.

Harry didn't want to talk about this, really. But he knew he needed to be honest with them. He loved them and they deserved to know the truth.

"Draco did isolate me a bit. He did control me. But I think it's the only way he knew to help me."

"With what?" Ron asked, his voice sounding a bit too much like his mother's.

"Ever since... ever since the, er, incident."

"You being a horcrux?" Hermione offered.

"Yeah, that. I've been having these sort of... I guess you could call them panic attacks. I've seen a couple of wizarding therapists. Neither could help me. They say it looks sort of like an addiction to dark magic, unforgivables. I've not used them since Voldemort's fall, of course."

"What are these panic attacks like?" Sirius asked cautiously.

"It's difficult to explain. If I get too upset, I start to sort of radiate magic. I make things happen without meaning for them to." He looked at each of them but none said anything. He continued, "I set Severus's bedroom on fire two days ago."

"His bedroom?" Ron waggled his eyebrows. Hermione slapped his arm.

"Not now, Ronald," she hissed.

Harry grinned at his friend but continued explaining.

"That is worrisome," Remus said.

"But not overly so," Hermione added. "Young witches and wizards make things happen all the time. They call it-"

"-wild magic. Yeah, I know."

Hermione nodded. "You have to gain control over it."

Harry snapped his fingers and the lights went out. His friends gasped. He snapped them again, bringing them back on. Harry pointed to Sirius's tea spoon. It lifted into the air. He made a circle in the air with his finger, causing the spoon to rotate. He allowed the spoon to fall back to the table.

"I have control over it," Harry said simply. "Just not when I'm upset. I'm worried I could end up hurting someone."

His friends sat in silence for a long moment.

"Wow, mate. You're doing that all without a wand or incanting."

"We will find a way to help you," Hermione assured.

The others all nodded and hummed in agreement.

"So, back to the important part. You were in Severus's bedroom?" Ron asked cheekily.

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes.

Harry laughed. "We didn't... ya know. We didn't do that. Not yet."

"Thank Merlin. I don't need to hear these things about my godson. Bad enough hearing Remus and Tonks upstairs every bloody night."

"Oh, please. I set silencing wards."

"I have a vivid imagination."

"That's your problem."

"Are you just not ready, after Draco?" Hermione asked seriously.

"I never, er, with him either."

Ron spewed his tea across the table and into Sirius's face. Sirius closed his eyes in a moment of disgust. Remus cast a drying charm for him.

"You're a virgin?!" Ron squealed.

"Seems that way."

"Wow. Lucky Severus!" Ron teased.

"Can we please change the subject?" Sirius begged.

"Didn't know you to be such a prude."

"Shut up, Moony."

By the end of the night the five found themselves relaxing in the sitting room with drinks in their hands. They talked about relationships, careers, and everything under the sun.

Harry was happy. He was incredibly happy. He had it all. A bookstore he enjoyed, quality time with his friends, and a partner who loved him.

Harry stretched his legs out lazily and placed his feet on the coffee table. He was thoroughly enjoying the moment here with the people who were as close as he'd ever have to a real family, but his thoughts continuously returned to Severus. He wondered what he was doing now, was he still marking essays, or had he stopped for a break? Was he thinking of him, too? Did his heart beat furiously the way Harry's did whenever he thought of those two golden rings tucked away in Severus's wardrobe?

Remus and Hermione spoke at length about their common experiences as Hogwarts professors. Ron and Sirius talked about quidditch, the quality of the whiskey they drank, and about ideas for future pranks. They jumped between topics quickly and effortlessly.

Harry leaned back. He wondered how he could politely disengage himself. He wanted to visit Severus. It was late enough that his students should all be long asleep. He wanted to see him. He needed to.

The conversation ceased immediately at the sound of a loud pop of apparition within the sitting room.

Their heads all jerked in unison towards the source of the sound. Severus stood before them looking absolutely bewildered.

Harry was overcome with joy. He jumped to his feet. Sirius jumped to his as well. "Snape! How the hell did you did you get past my anti-apparition wards?"

"I didn't."

"You bloody well did. They're certainly still in place."

"I was in my office. I can't apparate from Hogwarts. Nor did I intend to do any traveling." Severus looked to Harry speculatively. The others followed his line of sight.

"Harry," Severus spoke softly. "Did you bring me here?"

Harry was startled by the question. "No. I don't think so." Severus took a tentative step closer to him. "I was thinking I missed you... could the bracelets have activated or...?"

"The bracelets that are now rings and neither of us are wearing?"

Harry chewed the inside of his cheek. "Oh. Er..."

"Fuck," Ron said under his breath. "You are powerful."

Severus marched forward quickly. He grabbed Harry's wrist and pulled him into the kitchen. Severus closed the door behind them with a bit too much force.

Harry was terrified. Severus had a wild look in his eyes. He'd really fucked up this time. His inability to control his magic had just pulled Severus through two anti-apparition wards, against the man's will.

"I'm sorry, Severus! Please don't be upset!" He pleaded desperately.

Severus pinned him against the back of the door.

"I'm not upset. I just couldn't wait another moment to do this." Severus smiled wickedly before wrapping Harry in his arms and kissing him passionately. Harry relaxed as soon as their lips met. He returned the affection eagerly.

Severus pulled away slowly. He rested his forehead against Harry's. Both men fought to even their breathing. "You must have missed me terribly," Severus said between breaths.

"Yes. Terribly," Harry agreed.

"Although... you do need to get a grasp on your magic." Severus chucked. "Luckily I was alone."

"You better have been."

Severus rolled his eyes exaggeratedly but offered Harry a sincere grin.

"What did you do to bring me to you?"

Harry felt warmth rise in his cheeks. "I just thought that I missed you and wanted to be with you."

"I wanted to be with you, too."

"Tell me more," Harry attempted a teasing tone but he instantly groaned inwardly in embarrassment at his own words.

"Don't be too flattered. Anything is better than the essays my mind was subjected to this evening." Severus laughed and stepped backwards, releasing Harry from his hold. He motioned toward the door. The others were surely waiting for them.

Harry pulled the door open. The three others now stood in a tight circle speaking in hushed tones. Harry shuddered. It reminded him of the Order meetings.

His mind was overtaken by memories. Not particularly pleasant ones. A time when Harry was convinced of his own demise, waiting on the settee for Draco to be released from the meeting. A time when Harry felt utterly out of control. He began to tremble. His hand shot out involuntarily and grabbed Severus's hand. He closed his eyes and took deep, measured breaths.

"Ground yourself, Harry," Severus whispered in his ear. He squeezed Harry's hand. "You are safe. Everything is alright." Harry nodded but squeezed his eyes shut tighter. "You are with me," he continued. "You are with me and I love you."

Harry grinned. He took one last deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. Severus's dark eyes watched him carefully. His brow was furrowed with concern. Harry had never seen anyone more attractive than Severus Snape in this moment. "I love you, too." Harry whispered. Severus leaned forward and placed a kiss between his eyebrows.

He finally turned his attention back to his friends. They all looked between one another and back to Harry.

"Alright?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah. I'm great." Harry smiled at them but turned back to Severus. "I'm sleepy."

The older man's eyes widened, clearly taken aback by the sudden non sequitur. Severus glanced to the door leading to Harry's bedroom. Harry chewed his lip. He didn't want to be alone. The bed on the other side of that door is not the one he hoped to sleep in tonight.

"We could...?" Severus's words trailed off.

"Could we... Hogwarts?"

Severus released a small breath of relief.

"Looks like they've got the right idea!" Ron jostled Hermione.

She sighed exasperatedly. "Come on, then."

They each said their goodbyes. Severus and Harry stepped through the floo and into Severus's sitting room.

The living quarters were dimly lit, the only light coming from the fire crackling in the fireplace. Although it was May, the dungeons of Hogwarts remained cold throughout the year. Both men stood and stared at one another for a long moment. Severus looked deep in thought. The light from the fire flickered over Severus's features. Harry watched the light and shadows dance together against his skin. He wanted to continue what had begun back in the kitchen but he didn't dare move. He stood still, allowing Severus whatever time he needed.

Finally Severus spoke. "We need to find the cause of your uncontrollable magic."

"I know."

"There might be consequences if we don't."

"I know."

"Its going to take time and work."

"I know."

"But, not tonight. Tonight, I need..."

Harry's heart raced. He stepped closer. "Need what? Whatever it is, it's yours. Anything at all."

"One simple night with my fiancé."

"Fiancé," Harry repeated, enjoying hearing that word on Severus's lips. "I think we can manage one night."