Gaelic Blessing

Ok, I’m so sorry that it’s taken me so long to update this – I’ve been completely caught up in my Masters work and writing various stories as presents. So...here’s my belated Christmas present for you all – the completion of Gaelic Blessing. This is the last official chapter and there is just an Epilogue to come which I will post later. I hope you like it and as always, please read and review. This is for my absolutely wonderful and lovely beta, Walking Through Shadows. Belle

Despite Molly’s insistence that the two wizards follow tradition and not see each other until the start of the ceremony both Severus and Harry had refused; wanting to spend the night together instead. So, on the morning of their wedding they would, to their relief, wake up in each others arms which helped calm their nerves immeasurably. It was only when they had to shower and dress for the ceremony that they would separate, Severus making his way to what used to be his room before he and Harry started their relationship.

They had never discussed which bedroom they were going to use, it had just happened. Severus was just relieved that his Slytherin sensibilities weren’t going to be offended by the overwhelming sight of Gryffindor red and gold. They had even managed to steer clear of the Gryffindor colours for the wedding itself. Severus had even agreed, with some cajoling and bribing from Harry, to wear a colour other than black for the ceremony itself. When it came down to it, Severus didn’t actually know what he was wearing for the ceremony.
He had been rather preoccupied with his work at Hogwarts, preparing students for their end of year exams, marking said exams and ensuring that his fifth and seventh year students got through their OWLS and NEWTS respectively. As a result, Harry had arranged the whole ceremony himself with Molly Weasley in charge of the reception. Even Harry hadn’t had a clue about what was going to happen at the reception. The only thing that Severus had had to do was purchase the wedding rings for the ceremony. He had returned to the same Muggle jewellers in central London and purchased two identical white gold bands. He then had them engraved with both of their names and the date of their wedding. He realised that his actions would be viewed with great shock from people who claimed to know him. If he were honest he had never thought he would be in this position.

For Severus, one of the most important things was the fact that he could wake up each morning with Harry wrapped in his arms. Although he wouldn’t admit it to anyone, except for Harry, it was possible that he enjoyed the kissing and simple holding and cuddling with Harry more than the sex. That wasn’t to say that he didn’t enjoy the sex. Oh no, he thought, remembering the previous night, the sex was very pleasurable indeed. That morning, the morning of their wedding, Severus was most unwilling to leave their bed. Molly had tried to insist that the two men sleep in separate rooms the previous night but both men had been adamant that they spend the night together. When Severus woke up, Harry was still asleep, spooned up against Severus’ chest looking incredibly content. It was hard for Severus to believe that at this time tomorrow they would be married and on their honeymoon. This was also the one other thing that Severus had organised. Harry had no clue where they would be going on their honeymoon.

Knowing that neither of them had ever really had a proper holiday with their awful childhoods, followed by Severus’ initiation into the Death-Eaters, the war and Harry’s seclusion at Heathmore, Severus had gone all out.
So, he had booked them on a three week cruise around the Mediterranean. It was just going to be the two of them for the entire three weeks. Molly had agreed to look after the younger children and those that were already at Hogwarts were visiting school friends for the duration. Whilst the cruise itself was Muggle, the ports that they were staying in had magickal areas to them, much like Diagon and Knockturn Alley in London, and Severus had managed to find a cruise that stayed in several select ports for a number of days rather than trying to cram in as many places as possible. As Harry hadn’t got a clue as to their destination, Severus had had to pack their luggage, all of which was loaded into two medium sized carry-alls; there was a lot to be said for wizardspace and featherlight charms.

He was brought out of his musings as Harry started to stir in his arms, nuzzling against Severus’ neck as he did so. He couldn’t help but love the little things that Harry did; the endearing things like this. He pressed a kiss to Harry’s forehead, smiling as he grumbled good-naturedly. Neither man was truly a morning person although Severus was more inclined to wake up early than Harry. That being said, it was less than five minutes later that Severus felt a kiss being pressed to his jaw bone where it met his ear, the tell tale sign that Harry was awake. He pulled back slightly so that he could look down into sleep filled green eyes. He stroked his fingers against one prominent cheekbone before he leaned down to kiss the full lips, smiling as Harry hummed happily. As the kiss broke, Severus rolled over onto his back so that Harry was now sprawled over him, his head pillowed on Severus’ chest. They were content to simply lay there for several long minutes, just idly tracing patterns on bare skin. The silence was finally broken by Harry.

“Can you believe that in five hours we’ll be married? I’ll be a Snape!”

“Getting cold feet?” Severus kept his tone light but Harry could sense the hidden unease.

“Of course not! Why would I be getting cold feet? I love you.” There was a pause as Harry stilled his hands on Severus’ chest. “You’re not having second thoughts are you?” He asked sounding very young and more than a little hurt.

Severus hesitated, more in shock from the question than anything else, but that hesitation was enough for Harry to read the wrong message. Immediately he pulled back from Severus and tried to get out of the bed. By this point Severus had realised the problem and his arms shot out, wrapping around Harry like bands of steel and pulling him back into Severus’ chest. Harry struggled for all his worth.

“Dammit Sev. Let me go! If you don’t want to do this then I’m not going to stay here a minute longer. Get off me! Let me go Sev!”

Faced with a struggling Harry, Severus did the only thing that he could think of. Still with his arms wrapped tightly around Harry he rolled the younger man onto his back so that Severus was stretched out on top, pressing Harry down into the mattress. He then took control of Harry’s mouth in a domineering and possessive kiss, trying to show how he felt through his actions. He only released Harry when he no longer had any breath left in his lungs. As he pulled away, Harry’s eyes were shut and the younger man refused to open them, despite Severus’ coaxing.

“Harry, I’m going to talk to you even if you won’t look at me. Harry, we’re getting married in less than five hours; that isn’t going to work if you won’t look at me let alone talk to me. I didn’t hesitate because I’m having second thoughts about marrying you; that concept couldn’t be further from the truth.” Harry had opened his eyes half-way at this point and was watching Severus surreptitiously. “I love you more than anything or anyone in this world. I would never have second thoughts about marrying you. I can’t wait to marry you. To be able to call you mine officially. Besides, I didn’t rearrange my dungeons or put up with Molly Weasley organising my wedding to back out at the last minute. You’re mine now Harry and that’s never going to change.”

Harry was now staring at him with wide-emerald eyes. “Yours?”

“Mine.” Severus all but growled.

“You promise?” Harry still sounded very young and unsure.

“I promise.” Severus swore, meaning every word.

Harry leaned up and kissed his softly. “I know. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Severus started to press soft kisses to Harry’s jaw and throat.

Harry contemplated making a token protest but decided against it; there were enough people in the house from the previous night to look after the children. So, putting all thoughts of the rest of the day out of his mind he happily surrendered himself to Severus’ ministrations, both of them completely relaxed and stress-free.

Just under three hours later it was a completely different story. The two men had eventually been dragged away from each other by their respective witnesses. Draco Malfoy was standing for Severus, as his godson and in lieu of Lucius, Severus’ best friend who had been killed by Voldemort. It was this that prompted Narcissa to help Harry during the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry’s witness was Remus Lupin, honourary godfather and the last remaining Marauder. Both men were to help Harry and Severus prepare for the ceremony.

Severus entered his old room with more than a hint of trepidation. Whilst Harry’s dress sense had improved dramatically since his removal from the Dursley’s, Severus was still slightly anxious. Draco seemed to pick up on this and grinned widely.

“You don’t need to worry about what you’re wearing Uncle Sev. Harry wasn’t completely sure so I went shopping with him. You’re safe; you won’t show up Slytherin House.”

Severus swatted him around the head but couldn’t hide his relief. “So?”

“So what Uncle Sev?” The blonde smiled innocently causing Severus to glare at him. Today was not a day where he could put up with Draco being obtuse; he could be worse than his father at times and Lucius had been bad enough.

“What is Harry wearing? For that matter, what am I wearing?”

Draco smiled smugly. “I can’t tell you what Harry’s wearing on pain of death but your clothes are laid out on the bed.” This sentence was accompanied by a pout.

Severus suppressed his smile, knowing that even after all these years Draco was still bitter that Harry was more powerful than him. He continued into his room, still slightly anxious as to what he was supposed to wear. He breathed an audible sigh of relief as he saw that clothes laid out on the bed. There was an incredibly fine white shirt with black formal trousers and dragon hide boots. There was also a set of incredibly fine and expensive looking formal robes. They were in a rich royal blue that was almost iridescent in the light; shimmering from royal blue to a brighter shade and then through navy and almost to black. Along the hems were embroidered the traditional runic designs for health, happiness, prosperity and love that were woven into all marriage robes in the wizarding world.

Draco made his way over to stand next to his godfather, resting a hand on the taller man’s shoulder. “Harry did a good job. Come on, you need to go and get showered, then we’ll get you ready. There isn’t long until the ceremony.”

Severus nodded and made his way into the bathroom.

At the same time that Severus was anxiously wondering what clothes Harry had picked, Harry was hoping that the clothes he had picked were suitable. He was so preoccupied that he jumped like a startled rabbit when Remus laid a hand on his shoulder, causing the older man to laugh.

“Relax Harry. Anyone would think that you were nervous!”

Harry shrugged the hand off irritably. “Of course I’m nervous! I’m getting married today, not going to a bloody picnic!” Harry looked contrite as Remus winced, his lycan senses being particularly sensitive due to it being his ‘time of the month’. “I’m sorry Remus, I didn’t mean to snap at you. Of course I’m nervous. In less than two hours I’m going to be Mr Harry Potter-Snape.”

Remus’ smile widened. “Any regrets?”

Harry shook his head violently. “None. Why would I have any regrets? I’m marrying the man I love.”

There was a pause as Harry fidgeted, wanting to ask something but was afraid to. “Remus? Do you think my parents would approve? Of me marrying Severus I mean. I know Sirius would have hated it and tried to stop it but what about mum and dad?”

Remus smiled sadly. “Yes, Sirius would have hated it at first as would have James no doubt but they would have come around eventually. Your mum would have seen to that. As for Lily, you have to remember that your mum and Severus were best friends for a long time, regardless of what happened between them. When it comes down to it, I am convinced that as long as you are happy then James, Lily and Sirius would be very happy for you. I’m very happy for you.”

He choked for breath as Harry hugged him tightly. “Thanks Remus.”

“It’s a pleasure cub. Now, let’s get you ready for this wedding. Where are your robes?”

“They’re at the back of the wardrobe under dad’s invisibility cloak and a notice-me-not charm. Sev’s been really nosy.”

Whilst Harry was speaking Remus had found and uncovered the robes and was staring at them in shock.

“White robes? You’re wearing white robes? Why?”

Harry blushed. “Well, I spoke to Molly and Draco before I bought them and it just made sense. I mean, I’m the younger partner, Severus proposed to me, I’m the one taking his name. Besides,” here Harry blushed and started to mumble. “Sev’s the dominant partner and I was a virgin when we got together.”

Remus blushed as well, his sharpened senses having heard the words despite the mumbling. “Yes well, erm let’s get you ready. I’ll leave you to get changed and then I’ll braid your hair.”

The werewolf left the room, allowing Harry the privacy to get changed. Like Severus he wore a fine white shirt and black formal trousers with black dragon hide boots. He then took a deep breath and pulled his robes off the coat hanger. Cut in the same style as Severus’ the only difference in them was the colour; other than that they were identical down to the last rune. So, whilst Severus’ robes were an iridescent royal blue, Harry’s were a pure white with the runes embroidered in silver and gold. He couldn’t believe how he looked in the mirror and spent a long time just staring at himself and playing with his engagement ring. At some point Remus came in and helped him to braid his hair away from his face.

“There we go cub. You look very distinguished. I have the feeling that Severus won’t be able to keep his eyes off you. Speaking of which, we had better be going. Severus is already outside waiting for you.”

Severus hovered nervously at the front of the marquee, waiting for Harry to arrive for their ceremony. Just behind him to his right was his witness, Draco Malfoy, standing for Severus as Albus Dumbledore was conducting the ceremony for the two of them. To Severus’ delight, Harry and Draco had become closer in the last few months.
The war had changed both of them and they were no longer the eleven year olds who had taken such a dislike to each other on the Hogwarts Express all those years ago. On the other side of the aisle sat Remus Lupin who was going to stand as Harry’s witness as Harry’s closest friends had died four years ago in the battle against Hogwarts. The marquee in the grounds of Heathmore house was full with Harry’s wards, the Weasley family complete with spouses and children, Remus Lupin and his wife Nymphadora Tonks and their son Teddy, Draco Malfoy with his girlfriend Astoria and the entire teaching staff of Hogwarts with the exception of Sybil Trelawney.
Severus shifted as he waited for Harry to arrive. All of this waiting around wasn’t doing anything for his patience. He heard the guests start to whisper excitedly as he assumed that Harry had arrived. He span around and felt his jaw drop. Here was the reason for all the whispering. Harry was walking towards him, an attractive flush across his cheeks, wearing pure white robes signalling that he was, in effect, the bride. Severus knew that he was gaping but he couldn’t help it; he couldn’t believe that this gorgeous young man was about to become his. He smiled as Harry finished his procession down the aisle, standing in front of him. His black eyes glittered as he reached out and took Harry’s hand in his and turned them to face Albus. The Headmaster, resplendent in his rich purple and gold star embellished robes, raised his hands and smiled, starting the ceremony.

“We have come together in celebration of the joining together of Severus Alexander Hades Snape and Harry James Potter. There are many things to say about bonding. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.

Bonding is something to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Severus and Harry had come here today to be joined as one.

Harry, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?”

Harry nodded. “Yes, it is true.”

Albus smiled at the two of them. “Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say. Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember...
Like a stone should your love be firm like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly.

Severus, I have not the right to bind thee to Harry, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.”

Severus gave a half smile. “It is my wish.”

“Harry, if it be your wish for Severus to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger.” Harry’s hands were trembling slightly as he slid the white gold band onto Severus’ left ring finger. “Harry, I have not the right to bind thee to Severus, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.”

“It is my wish.” Harry was slowly growing in confidence, as he realised that this was actually happening.

“Severus, if it be your wish for Harry to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger.” Unlike Harry, Severus’ hands didn’t shake once as he slid an identical white gold band next to the engagement ring on Harry’s left ring finger.

At this point Remus and Draco stepped forward as the witnesses and made a cut across both the palm of both men before clasping them together and binding their hands and wrists with a golden cord that was knotted tightly. With a nod to Albus, they both stepped back into their seats to allow the ceremony to continue.

“Severus, please commence with your vows.”

Severus nodded, finally looking nervous and cleared his throat. He then looked Harry straight in the eyes and started talking. “I, Severus Alexander Hades Snape, in the name of the spirit of the God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee Harry James Potter to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.”

Albus’ eyes were sparkling madly as he watched his two favourite boys finding the happiness that they had deserved for so long. “Harry?”

Harry kept his eyes locked on Severus’, relishing in the comfort and reassurance that was visible in them.
“I, Harry James Potter, in the name of the spirit of the God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee Severus Alexander Hades Snape to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.”

As Harry finished speaking, the pair were surrounded by a shower of silver and gold sparks as their magick combined. The couples in the congregation smiled indulgently, remembering their bonding ceremonies. They were drawn from their reminiscences as a bright white light appeared and swiftly encompassed the couple, the very rarely seen evidence of a soul bond taking root.

Albus swallowed his disbelief and handed the heavy silver chalice to Severus, saying as he did so. “May you drink your fill from the cup of love.”

Severus then held the chalice in front of Harry so that he could take a sip before Harry repeated the action for Severus before it was handed back to Albus. The elderly wizard unwound the cord from around their wrists.

“By the power vested in me by the Gods, I now pronounce you to be a bonded couple. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.”

Harry’s smile was almost blinding in its radiance and even Severus couldn’t hold back his smile, causing more than a little shock amongst certain members of the congregation. As the couple leaned in for their first kiss as a married couple there were several loud sniffs and sobs from the female guests, moved by the words the two men had pledged. As Harry and Severus broke apart, Albus spoke for the final time to end the ceremony.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like you to welcome the newly married couple....Severus and Harry Potter-Snape.”

As the two men turned to face the congregation, they were greeted by applause and multiple cheers. Severus looked down and met Harry’s laughing green eyes. Unable to resist, and ignoring the fact that he normally hated public demonstrations of affection, he leaned down and captured Harry’s lips once more. Slowly, they walked down the aisle, accepting congratulations from various guests as they made their way to the long trestle tables that had been set up underneath canopied sheets close to the manor.

Molly, along with Dobby and Winky and helped by various house-elves on loan from Hogwarts, had gone all out with the reception and the spread was impressive to say the least. Poles entwined with fairy lights and flowers held up gauzy white sheets that were also sprinkled abundantly with fairy lights. Underneath the canopy were huge trestle tables that were covered in white tablecloths and decorated with candles and flowers. In one corner was a table upon which sat the three tiered, highly elaborate wedding cake. By all accounts, Molly had almost come to blows with the house-elves over the decision as to who would make the wedding cake. Severus had become something of a favourite in the years that he had resided in the castle and the house-elves had adopted Harry very quickly upon his arrival as a first year. However, Molly had insisted that it was her right to make the wedding cake what with Harry being her youngest son and Severus essentially marrying into the Weasley family. There had been many furious arguments but eventually Molly had won, to her delight.

Both men had been banned from seeing any of the preparations beforehand and were completely gobsmacked by what they were seeing. Harry immediately spun around and hugged Molly enthusiastically.

“Thank you Molly. It’s wonderful! I can’t believe what you’ve done. It all looks absolutely gorgeous!”

Severus nodded as well, a small smile playing on his lips. “Indeed, thank you very much Mrs Weasley. You have done a wonderful job.”

Molly blew off their appreciation, scolding Severus for calling her Mrs Weasley once again and simply showed the two of them to the place of honour at the head of the table. Each place setting had a small card sat there which was enscribed with the guests name in gorgeous calligraphy. All four of Molly’s daughters-in-law had helped in addition to Remus’ wife Nymphadora. It was actually Fleur who had made and written each individual place setting. It was obvious that whilst some magick had been used to aid in the decorating but there was also obvious love and affection clearly visible in the decorations. Seated alongside Harry and Severus at the top table were Draco, Remus, Albus and Minerva. The rest of the guests were seated at three long trestle tables. All of the children were sat on one table with Holly ostensibly in charge but with the adults keeping a close eye on them nevertheless. The other two tables were a combination of teachers, the Weasley’s, their respective spouses as well as Nymphadora and Astoria.

As soon as everyone was seated food appeared on the tables, with them having been imbued with the same magick as the tables in the Great Hall. There was one difference though; while the food in the Great Hall came in two sittings – one with the savoury food and the second with the sweet food, here the food arrived as a starter, main course and pudding. When every guest was finished with their meal, the plates disappeared, only to reappear with the next course. Finally, with everyone having finished their pudding, Molly announced that it was time for Severus and Harry to cut the wedding cake. The duo stood from their seat and made their way over to the cake, accepting a knife from Dobby, who appeared out of nowhere.

The couple sliced into the cake, before engaging in the Muggle practise of feeding each other the first slice of cake. The pure-blooded guests looked confused but Charlie’s wife and the Muggle studies professor whispered why they were doing so. Not all of the guests had realised that Severus was not a pure-blooded wizard. Whilst they knew that not everybody who was sorted into Slytherin was a pure-blood, it was admittedly surprising that someone who had been a Death-Eater and had been Head of Slytherin house for the last twenty years was a Half-Blood like Harry. The Weasley twins surreptitiously took photos of the notorious Professor Snape with icing smeared across his face, laughing and kissing his new husband, the former Gryffindor golden boy.

With the first slices of cake cut, and with Dobby taking over the slicing and distribution of the cake, music started playing from charmed speakers high up near the gauze sheets. The couple had discussed the fact that, seeing as both of them had been brought up as Muggles they wanted to incorporate certain Muggle wedding traditions into their big day. As such, they had decided to follow such traditions as feeding each other the first slice of wedding cake and the first dance of the reception to be just them. Unknown to Severus, Harry had gone back to the Italian restaurant where Severus proposed and asked them about the song that had been playing i
in the background as Severus proposed and they had later shared their first dance as an engaged couple.

As Severus took Harry’s hand to lead him to the centre of the area that had been set aside for dancing he looked at Harry in shock as the first strains of the song appeared.

Sento nell'aria profumo di te
Piccoli sogni vissuti con me
Ora lo so, non voglio perderti
Quella dolcezza così senza età
La tua bellezza rivali non ha
Il cuore mio vuole soltanto te

“Harry? Is this the song that was playing when...”

“When you proposed?” Severus nodded. “Yes, I’m surprised you can remember. I got the feeling that you were so nervous that you had no idea what was going on around you.”

Per te, per te, vivrò
L'amore vincerà
Con te, con te avrò
Mille giorni di felicità
Mille notti di serenità
Farò quello che mi chiederai
Andrò sempre dovunque tu andrai
Darò tutto l'amore che ho per te

Severus smiled as they reached the dance floor and gathered Harry into his arms, before starting to sway gently to the music.

Dimmi che tu già il futuro lo sai
Dimmi che questo non finirà mai
Senza di te non voglio esistere

He leaned down so that his mouth was directly next to Harry’s ear. “How could I forget the song that was playing for our first dance as an engaged couple?”

Per te, per te, vivrò
L'amore vincerà
Con te, con te, avrò
Mille giorni di felicità
Mille notti di serenità
Farò quello che mi chiederai
Andrò sempre dovunque tu andrai
Darò tutto l'amore che ho per te

The women in the audience sighed at the romance of day. They weren’t the only ones. Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall both looked distinctly misty-eyed at the fact that their boys were finally happy. Together. Both of them could remember two black-haired, incredibly skinny eleven year old boys that were small for their age standing in the Great Hall at Hogwarts with a look of wonderment on their faces. The witch and wizard had watched both of the younger men grow up through the years and had seen the trials and tribulations that they had both gone through. They both knew that there were no two people who deserved happiness more than the two wizards dancing together.

Per te, per te, vivrò
L'amore vincerà
Con te, con te, avrò
Mille giorni di felicità
Mille notti di serenità
Farò quello che mi chiederai
Andrò sempre dovunque tu andrai
Darò tutto l'amore che ho per te

The two men slowly rotating in a circle were completely oblivious to anyone else, having completely forgotten about the audience watching them. Although most people would feel that getting married just a scant eight months after the start of their relationship would be hasty, for both men it just felt right.

Non devo dirtelo, ormai gia lo sai
Che morirei, senza di te

Harry moved his head away from Severus’ neck and looked up to smile at his new husband. Severus smiled back, using the hand he had anchored around Harry’s waist to pull him closer. Harry’s hand was tucked behind Severus’ neck, entangled in the hair at the nape of his neck whilst his other hand was held firmly by Severus’ and held against Severus’ chest. Slowly, Severus leaned down to capture Harry’s lips with his own, tasting the combination of champagne and wedding cake, making Harry’s own taste all the sweeter.

Per te, per te, vivrò
L'amore vincerà
Con te, con te, farò
tutto quello che mi chiederai
Andrò sempre dovunque tu andrai
Darò tutto l'amore che ho per te

Once the song had finished, Severus led Harry off the miniature dance floor and back to their seats, leaving the dance floor wide open for the rest of their guests. The Weasley twins were the first to seize the opportunity, dragging their laughing albeit reluctant wives with them. With everybody engrossed in the antics on the dance floor the newly-weds turned their attention to Albus, curious about the flash of white light that had engulfed them.

“Albus? What was that flash of white light after we’d finished with our vows? I’ve been to several wizarding weddings but I don’t remember seeing anything like that.”

Harry was willing to sit back and let his husband do all of the questioning. As long as he received the answers he was happy.

Albus paused for several minutes, stroking his beard thoughtfully, before he finally spoke. “That my boys was a soul bond taking root. They’ve very rare nowadays. Normally, when a witch and wizard or two wizards/witches marry it is a bonding of blood and love. However, soul-bonding takes it a step further and the couple are joined not only by blood and love but by their magick and minds as well. That flash of white light was your magick discovering its compatibility and joining. Although it is rare, it is not completely unheard of. I believe the last couple to soul bond were Arthur Weasley and Molly Prewett some thirty years ago.”

Both men’s eyes widened and they turned to stare at the red haired couple, dancing together with the familiarity of people who know everything about each other.

“Anyway, you needn’t worry about this becoming public knowledge my boys. Whilst marriage certificates and registers are available for public viewing, information about further bondings aren’t. I suggest that you put it out of your minds and enjoy the rest of your day. After all, you only get married once! Minerva my dear, would you do me the honour of partnering me for the next dance?”

The transfiguration professor nodded her agreement before accepting the proffered arm. Severus ignored the amused and shocked glances that were thrown his way as he pulled Harry to sit sideways in his lap. Harry was more than happy with his new position, content to lean against Severus and watch the couples on the dance floor. In addition to the older couples swaying gracefully, the Weasley boys and, surprisingly enough, Draco had taken it upon themselves to entertain the children and were dancing with the younger girls.
All of a sudden, at an obviously pre-arranged sign from Holly, the Heathmore children were stood at the table around Severus and Harry. Harry made as if to move off Severus’ lap but the heavy arm around his waist prevented him from moving. Not particularly having wanted to move in the first place, he happily sank back into Severus’ chest.

“And what can we do for you lot?” Harry was particularly gratified to see that his wards were looking very respectable and smart in new robes.

As the oldest, Holly appeared to have been appointed spokesperson. “We know that you told everyone that you didn’t want presents but we figured that as your wards we didn’t really count so...erm....we got you a present. Here you go. Open it!”

Severus nodded at Harry, who slowly tore the paper off to reveal a book covered in royal blue and emerald green silk and velvet. Embroidered on the front in silver and gold thread were the names ‘Severus Snape and Harry Potter’. There was also another book in white silk with ‘Severus Snape and Harry Potter-Snape’ embroidered on the front with the date of their wedding. When Harry opened it though, the book was empty. Both men looked up inquisitively and Holly smiled before she spoke again.

“The white book is a photo album for today....your wedding album if you like. Draco helped us and charmed a camera to be invisible and take photos all day. We’ll get them developed for you and then you can pick which ones you like when you get back from your honeymoon.”

Harry was delighted with the idea, especially as he had noticed that there weren’t any cameras around or rather anyone taking photos. Even though he would always remember this day he had very much wanted some tangible evidence – photographs that he could take out and look at whenever he felt like it. He placed the wedding album on the table and turned his attention to the other book.

“So, if that one is empty and is to be the wedding album, what about this one? Is it empty as well?”

The children grinned and shook their heads, urging Harry to open it. He did so and gasped in delight. It would appear that Holly had inherited her older brothers talent with a camera, for the whole album was filled with photographs of Harry and Severus taken over the last four years. All of the children appeared at some point and the photos were interspersed with drawings and bits of writing by the children themselves. The last photos in the book were those that had been taken over the momentous Christmas holidays where Severus and Harry had admitted their feelings for each other. Holly had managed to get a picture of Severus cradling Harry so that he could put the star on the top of the Christmas tree and it was this photo that Harry believed to be his favourite. Harry’s eyes were on the partially decorated Christmas tree whilst Severus’ eyes were only for Harry. Both men spent several long minutes simply staring at the photo before they looked up at Holly and the rest of the children.

“I don’t know what to say.....” Harry’s eyes were glassy with unshed tears.

It was Severus who spoke for the pair of them. “They’re amazing. They are a truly wonderful gift from all of you and we’re very touched. Now, if you’re very quick I think Dobby is starting to give out seconds of cake. If you go now you’ll be able to get to it before the Weasley’s.”

This earned him an elbow in the ribs from Harry amidst a multitude of giggles from the children. Severus however remained unrepentant. “What? It’s the truth!”

The younger boys immediately darted away towards Dobby in order to get some more of Molly Weasley’s delicious cake. The girls however lingered, staring up pleadingly at their guardians.

“What can we do for you lot then?” Severus was nice about it but Harry could tell that the public spectacle was starting to wear on him.

“Please Uncle Sev, Uncle Harry, will you dance with us?”

Both men winced, as they both hated having to dance. “Well, you were dancing with Draco and the Weasley boys earlier.....wouldn’t you rather dance with them again instead? They’re much better dancers than me and your Uncle Sev. We’re awful.”

“No!” The girls were very stubborn, something they had picked up from being in close contact with both Severus and Harry. “You’re our guardians so we want to dance with you.”

Both men knew that they wouldn’t get away unless they agreed to dance with the girls so they nodded albeit reluctantly. “Very well. We will dance with each of you once and then you will have to pester the other guests.
Will that satisfy you?”

The girls nodded eagerly and ran off to steal some cake for themselves before claiming their dances. Severus groaned and buried his head in Harry’s neck. “What did we just agree to my brat? As if my reputation hasn’t been ruined enough already today.”

The Harry of four years ago, even of eight months ago, would have shied away from that comment, impossibly hurt but the more confident Harry knew that Severus was only feeling threatened by so much time being forced to be social.

As soon as they had gone through the utter mortification of dancing with the girls Severus announced that they would be leaving for their honeymoon. The two gentlemen walked inside with the children, their guests staying outside in order to give them the privacy that they required for their goodbyes. Severus summoned their shrunken suitcases as Harry informed the children what he expected of them while they were away visiting either their friends or the Weasley’s. To be perfectly honest, the two of them weren’t unduly worried that the children wouldn’t behave themselves.

****

Severus sighed in relief as he and Harry were finally secluded in the privacy of their cabin on the cruise ship. They had apparated to Barcelona in order to board the boat and were currently waiting to set sail. From Barcelona they would head north towards Marseilles. The plan was then to go from Marseilles to Italy then on to Sicily followed by Greece where they would visit Athens, Alexandria in Egypt and then even stopping in Morocco where they would finish the cruise. Severus had even abandoned his completely black wardrobe, knowing that it wouldn’t be the best idea in the hot Mediterranean countries that they’d be visiting. His heavy black garments would simply soak up the sun and he would overheat incredibly quickly. However, he drew the line at the possibility that he could get a tan and had made a large cauldron of sun-protection potion that would last the entirety of the honeymoon. He knew that Harry was still unsure about where they were going and smiled to himself. He took hold of Harry’s hand and tugged him out of their cabin and onto the deck so that they could watch as the ship took sail. Harry turned in his arms, snuggling even closer as he did so.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going now? I know we’re in Barcelona but we’re obviously not staying here. How do I even know that I have the right clothes with me?”

Severus smirked. “Maybe because I packed the bags and I know precisely where we’re going?” His smirk grew as Harry slapped him playfully. “Ok, yes we’re currently just leaving Barcelona. Considering the fact that neither of us has ever had a holiday I booked us a three week cruise around the Mediterranean. We are now on our way to Marseilles. From there it’s Italy where we’ll stop in Rome and somewhere down in the South of the country and then Sicily. Then I think it’s Athens, Alexandria and Morocco before we go back home. How does that sound?”

Harry didn’t even respond, just simply yanked Severus’ head down for a long passionate kiss that had them both breathing heavily by the time it broke. Both of them just stared at each other, eyes gleaming with lust. They had managed to restrain themselves for the whole day and now they were finally alone. Finally married and finally able to indulge in each other, like all newly-weds. They knew that they wouldn’t be paying any interest to the scenery for a while and Severus pinned Harry with the wicked leer that he loved and dreaded so much.

“What do you say to trying out that bed in our room? I booked the honeymoon suite and we should put it to good use. Besides, I do believe you owe me several fantasies.”

Harry just whimpered, his mind already on the book of fantasies Severus had given him. He certainly put up no resistance as Severus led him back down to their luxurious cabin.

***

Just over two weeks later, Harry awoke to find himself all alone in the luxuriant bed that graced their cabin. He grinned at the remembrance of the amount of time they had spent in that bed over the last week. Not that their activities had been limited to their cabin or their bed, he thought with a blush.

He was thinking in particular of the second day that the ship had been docked in Marseilles. After a morning exploring the cobbled streets of Marseilles’ magick quarter, where Severus had purchased several potions ingredients that were difficult to obtain in England, Harry had managed to persuade Severus to visit the beach.
Once there, Harry had immediately stripped to his underwear and headed straight for the sea, relishing in the cool water, a pleasant contrast to the heat of the sun’s rays on his skin. The sight proved to be irresistible to Severus and he strode down to the water’s edge, grabbing Harry and dragged him out of the surf. It was only his reluctance to indulge in exhibitionism and his possessiveness over Harry that prevented him from taking his young husband there and then. Instead, he took a firm grasp of Harry’s wrist and dragged him along the beach and round the headland into a secluded cove.

As soon as he knew that they were by themselves, Severus wasted no time in transfiguring his shirt into a blanket before throwing Harry down onto it as he stripped himself. He wasted no time in blanketing Harry’s body with his own and claiming his mouth almost brutally. Harry made no complaint, letting himself become pliant in Severus’ arms and submitting to his husband completely. As he felt Harry relax, Severus slowed his pace, kissing Harry leisurely as he stretched and prepared his green-eyed beauty. Finally, when Harry was begging and writhing beneath him did he slide into him and take him under the blazing sun. Harry smiled at the memory although they had discovered later on that sand literally did get everywhere, he remembered with a wry grin. All of a sudden a voice broke into his thoughts.

“And what are you smiling about love?”

Harry looked up with a start to see that Severus had returned to their cabin from wherever he had been. He smiled and sat up to greet his husband properly, smiling appreciatively at the food that Severus had brought with him.

“Hmm? Oh, I was thinking about last week. On that beach in Marseilles.”

Severus grimaced in distaste. “Blasted sand. It got bloody everywhere.”

Harry couldn’t help it and burst into fits of giggles, plotting madly as he did so. He was determined to have another beach encounter by the end of their honeymoon.

The cabin was silent as they ate their breakfast staring out of their windows at the beautiful coast of Sicily. With their breakfast finished Harry crawled into Severus’ lap to indulge in one of his favourite things; simply being encased in those strong arms. Severus indulged him for a while before pressing a kiss to his brow and setting him aside.

“Come now. We have a busy day ahead of us. Get dressed and then we’ll get a boat across to the island.”

Harry obeyed and dressed before allowing Severus to lead him down to the small boats that the cruise ship used in cases such as these to get passengers to land when the port wasn’t large enough.

“Where are we going Sev? You still haven’t told me yet.” Harry unleashed his wide-eyed puppy dog look, hoping on this occasion that it worked. To his surprise and delight, on this occasion it did work.

“Taomina’s old town is renowned for its beauty and its Roman amphitheatre. I thought we could visit it this morning and then we have tickets to see a play there tonight. They run a Shakespeare festival through the summer season and we have tickets for Twelfth Night.”

“What about this afternoon?”

“Well, this afternoon I thought that we could visit the Roman baths. They’ve been restored to their former glory and are reputedly quite spectacular. I had thought we could simply relax and to that end I took the liberty of booking us a private room. Do you approve?” His dark eyes glittered down at Harry. The wide grin and shining green eyes he saw before being kissed was all the approval he needed.

By the time that they sat down for lunch Harry was feeling rather insignificant and unintelligent. Over the course of the morning he had discovered not only that Severus spoke Italian fluently but also that he was knowledgeable about.....well, everything. He hadn’t discovered Severus’ linguistic ability while they were in Italy because admittedly they hadn’t been in company that much. While they were in Rome they had spent most of their time doing all of the sights in the company of other tourists and thus most of the talking by the tour guides (when they hadn’t driven Severus nuts) had been done in English. Conversely, when the ship had docked in the south of Italy, they had spent the entire time locked up in their cabin, not even bothering to emerge for food and instead relied on room service being brought to the door of their cabin. Even then, they could barely tear themselves away from each other for long enough to eat.

Harry had never thought of himself as stupid but at the same time he had always been aware that his lover and now his husband was more intelligent than him but he had never been even more aware of it. As a result, he was rather quiet for the start of their lunch but he refused to let it ruin his honeymoon and turned his attention to the delicious food in front of him. When the dessert menu was brought around he was unable to resist ordering tiramisu – he had developed something of a soft spot for it over the last week or so. By the time that the dessert arrived, Harry had decided to tease his husband a bit in order to get a bit of amorous attention from Severus that afternoon.

And tease he did. By the end of dessert, Severus was glaring furiously at Harry although Harry could tell by the tingle of wandless magick that it was more from sexual frustration than annoyance.

As soon as the bill was paid, Severus was out of the door dragging Harry behind him to the baths. Once there he barked his name at the clerk on the desk, snatched the key and stormed his way to their private bath, throwing Harry up against the door as soon as it was locked.

“You little tease.” He growled, softly biting Harry’s jaw.

Harry graced him with a smirk worthy of the potions master himself. “It’s only considered teasing if you don’t follow through. And I intend to fulfil my promise.” He reached up to kiss Severus as he started to unbutton the taller man’s shirt. As soon as he stripped Severus he backed him towards the water as he stripped off his own clothing.

Once they were both in the water he motioned for Severus to sit on a low seat cut into the side of the bath as
he flicked his wrist and wandlessly and wordlessly cast a spell that would prepare him. He had the feeling that he had teased Severus enough already. Severus looked at him curiously, having felt the magick, only for his eyes to widen as Harry positioned himself over Severus’ lap only to impale himself on Severus’ cock.

“Now, am I still a tease?” He gasped as he started to slowly rise up and down, impaling himself over and over again.

He received no answer, just a bruising kiss and he knew that neither of them would last long; his teasing had done its work. He was right and within minutes he felt Severus coming inside him, the sensation driving him over the edge as well. As he came down from his high, he could tell by the look in Severus’ eyes that things were far from over yet.

Authors Note: The bonding/wedding ceremony that I’ve used here is a combination of certain traditional wedding ceremonies and a Celtic/Pagan handfasting. The text itself is just one example that can be used in a Pagan handfasting ceremony. Certain aspects have been added by myself to fit with the story. Also, as far as I’m aware (and I’m pretty certain!) Taomina doesn’t have Roman baths but it does have a stunning Roman amphitheatre. I also made up the Shakespeare festival.