The Engagement Kiss

“My Harry.” Severus whispered, uncaring to how corny that must sound. Harry gave him a sweet smile and returned the sentiment adding,

“Can we do it again?”

Chapter 18:

Severus woke to the strange sensation of someone tracing a teasing finger around his navel. Harry looked up at him with a loving smile when his lover shifted.

“Did you know that you have an identical pattern around your navel as the ones on my wrists?” he said cheerily, watching Severus’ sleep fogged mind trying to comprehend his lover’s words. Yawning widely he sat up and semi glared at the young man, and then glanced down at his bare navel where there was a familiar pattern.

“Indeed.” He commented dryly watching Harry closely. The younger man had a glow that previously hadn’t been present He was smiling widely and gave Severus a sultry smirk when he stood.

“I’m going to shower, care to join me?” he purred before slinking off, making Severus hurry after him with a silky sneer. Later they waltzed down to breakfast, made by the house elves this morning since Severus had been predisposed. Ron looked up to stare at them with a knowing smirk and Az, who had arrived without warning, positively beamed at Harry.

“Ry! How are you doing?” he asked cheerfully and slightly over enthusiastically, while Severus glowered at him.

“I’m absolutely amazing Az.” Harry replied with a smile. Even better was every word was true, he felt better and more alive than he had in quite awhile. To his utter pleasure the insecure clingy feelings had faded to he felt stronger and surer of himself than he ever had. Az smiled and nodded feeling some of what his brother did through the link plus his good mood was simply infectious. While they all began chatting animatedly Draco kept sending fidgety looks over at Severus.

“Ah…Severus could I speak with you privately for a moment?” he asked shyly, looking at the table when the conversation broke lightly for a moment until Severus gave him a gentle nod. They stood and walked out into the hallway.

“What is it Draco? I’ve never seen you this agitated before.” He demanded slightly annoyed, “If you ask me for permission to court the Weasley…” he commented while Draco shifted nervously. The dry comment elicited a laugh from his godson.

“No, no nothing like that…” Draco said with a small smile that faded all too quickly. “I…well. You know that the man my father was is well and truly gone, lost to Voldie’s insanity. I plan on renouncing him and my family soon…Probably once we return to Hogwarts.” He shifted again looking anxiously up at the taller man.

“WouldyouadoptmeifIdorenouncemyfather?” he spit out blushing profusely. Severus looked down and the young man and arched an eyebrow not even dignifying him with a response. Draco blushed again and looked at the floor.

“Would…Would you adopt me when I renounce the Malfoy name? I…I would be most honored and …” Severus cut of the boy before he could continue rambling.

“You realize that would make Harry your legal guardian too right?” he questioned. Receiving a scandalized look, Draco was a Slytherin of course he’d looked into all the repercussions before making a decision. Severus snorted and smiled,

“I would be delighted to have you as my legal son Draco; however I insist that you ask Harry as well.” He replied much to the delight of the young man who nodded vigorously. They returned to the table and Harry gave his mate a curious glance before resuming talking with Ron. Az watched happily, he’d never met a group of people who deserved to be happy more than his brother and friends unfortunately like always it seemed it was short lived.

“I hate to rupture our happy bubble going on here but I must,” he said with a sigh, “You return to Hogwarts tomorrow and we need to figure out what needs to be done by way of protection.” He continued solemnly. Everyone immediately sobered,

“Yeah…with Voldemort and Dumblefuck to worry about Hogwarts is going to be hell.” Agreed Harry sadly leaning against Severus for support, the potions master wrapped an arm around him and sighed.

“Well first of how are you getting into Hogwarts?” he demanded looking at Az.

“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise…suffice to say I won’t need to hide or anything.” He said cheerily but seriously at the same time he wasn’t risking anything.

“Fine.” Severus snorted, “As much as your going to hate this Harry I think someone should be with you at all times.” He continued correctly predicting his fiancé’s reaction. Harry sat up and glared at his lover.

“I am not weak! I can handle myself Severus Snape.” He snarled, privacy was something he valued highly that and he’d never forgive himself if one of his friends got hurt ‘protecting’ him.

“No one’s calling you weak Harry; Severus is worried about your safety as are we.” Interrupted Hermione up until now she and Naji had watched quietly. “Naji and I have found some pretty strong but subtle shield charms in the library, I’m sure with a bastion of those and one of us with you most of the time should be adequate.” She continued brazenly. Naji nodded,

“No doubt you’ll try your best to give us the slip from time to time but this way at least you’ll be as safe as possible. And, though I loathe bringing it up, we do have my deplorable mother to watch out for as well.” He added watching them cautiously. Harry relented and nodded in agreement.

“Good. Now who will keep an eye out on the train?” Severus said, secretly glad that he’d put very powerful protection and tracking charms on Harry’s ring.

“’Mione and I will be drafted into Head boy/girl duties.” Commented Ron dryly, Severus and Naji glowered at the same time.

“The old coot is requiring that Naji and I apparate to ‘Give the lad his bearings’” Severus supplied, obviously annoyed at the headmaster’s meddling.

“I’ll keep Harry company; I gave up the prefect badge last year.” Draco suggested with a smirk maybe that would be a good time to ask Harry… They all nodded and the younger members were shooed off to pack and be ready for the chaos in the morning. Chaos it was too, they hurried collecting last minute personal items shrinking everyone’s suitcases and directing Harry and Az to flash them just outside the platform in time to get Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco on the train. There was however one more surprise for them. On platform 9 ¾ there were copies of the daily prophet every where each one with the screaming headline “The Boy Who Lived Gay and Engaged to Severus Snape One Time Death Eater? Turn to page nine for the juicy details! By: Rita Skeeter.”

“Oh shit…” Harry commented paling and looking up at his mate worriedly. Severus’ black eyes held murder only one person could’ve leaked that information,

“Dumbledore.” He hissed.