You Know You Are Loved When A Gryffindor Loves You

19

“So I don’t have to spend a lonely night in a hotel?” Severus was glad he’d won that argument. Harry grinned, “I didn’t say anything about lonely nights, and I’m booked into the hotel, not you. I’ll pick up the others and we’ll all cab to the Registry Office and meet you there in the morning”. Severus tried to look thunderous but it came out one look short of mutinous, “But, Harry, I don’t want to spend the night away from you”. Harry reached up and kissed his lover, “It’s only one night and it’s tradition. We’re marrying the Muggle way and, well, it’s tradition”, he shrugged. Severus raised a sardonic brow, “Yeeess”, he drawled, “But so’s waking up with a hangover the size of Wales handcuffed to a streetlamp in Glasgow or somewhere with your trousers around your ankles. We haven’t gone in for all the traditions, I see”.

Harry laughed as he bustled around their bedroom, packing, “I’d have preferred a hen night to a stag night any day, at least then we’d have seen male strippers and girlies are a lot more raucous on a night out”, he planted a kiss in his lover’s hair in passing. Severus looked positively scared, “Yes, I’ve heard of such. Terrifying”. He caught Harry at his next pass and held him, “Do we really have to do this, Harry?”, he wheedled. Harry smiled, “Humour me, yes, we do. Now, have we remembered everything?”, he flapped. Severus held him close, “Stop fretting, Steve and Ron have the rings, the flowers are in the fridge and you’ve set the Apparation point for the others, the meal’s all set up and all the taxis are ordered, speaking of which...”, as a car beeped outside. After a long kiss, Severus saw Harry into his taxi and watched as it took him away.

Neither got much sleep that night. Severus hugged Harry’s pillow to him, burying his face in Harry’s scent. Harry had nicked an old t-shirt of his lover’s and wore it to bed. He smoothed the fabric over his belly as he stood sideways looking in the mirror, still flat. Severus was starting to show, but it still wasn’t too obvious under clothes, just the top button on his pants moved an inch or so.

It was dawn before either of them drifted to sleep, minds full of the other.

****

Minerva fussed over her trio of charges, “Ladies and gentleman, your wands please. We will leave them here as we promised Harry. Albus will wandlessly Apparate Ron, and I’ll take you two girls. You look lovely, girls, and Ron, you look very smart in a suit”. Hermione grinned, “You look stunning, Professor, if you don’t mind my saying so”. The older woman coloured slightly, “Thank you, Hermione”, and she really did, in an eau-de-nil silk dress with a matching jacket edged in navy. A string of pearls around her throat and a tasteful sapphire brooch on one lapel complemented the whole along with matching smart navy court shoes and bag, topped off with a smart little navy hat with a tiny veil and short snug gloves.

Dumbledore’s suit was a bit on the baggy side and his shirt and tie were neutral, but the braces holding the pants up were day-glo pink. Ron stepped forward, “No disrespect, sir, but I think the jacket is meant to be worn closed”, Ginny tried and failed to repress a giggle. Minerva called them all to order, “Are we all quite ready? Ron, you have the ring?”, the tall redhead grinned, “Right here, Professor”, patting his breast pocket. “Then we must make haste, we have a wedding to attend”. Dumbledore sealed his office with a word and five witches and wizards set off across the grass to be Muggles for a day.

They were observed as they left, ‘They must be off to the wedding, but why are they all in Muggle clothes? Oh, yes, Weasley senior has a thing for Muggles, maybe the son has too. Wait a minute, Ron’s never actually said which of his brothers is marrying. A bit odd. I’ll interrogate him when he gets back when he’s all pissed on firewhiskey. Hmmm, firewhisky and a good fuck, then a little pillow talk. Sounds like a plan. Bloody hell, McGonagall scrubs up all right for an aged Gryffindor’, Draco idly mused as he walked away.

****

“Harry, perhaps you could have found a slightly cleaner spot for us to Apparate to”, his House Head murmured as the girls brushed dust from her jacket. Harry greeted his wedding guests and his best man, “Sorry about that but it’s hard to find a quiet place in the middle of a big city. I wasn’t sure if you’d have to use wands to get here or not and I needed to make the location pretty random and anonymous against being ‘read’ Magically”. He escorted them out of the dingy alley and up on to the street. Everyone looked around them, “So, this is Manchester?”, Albus rumbled. Harry smiled, “Well, we are officially ‘bachelors of the parish’. I’ve been here long enough to qualify now”. He crossed the road to the taxi rank and they all managed to squeeze into a not too fussy cab.

The journey was very short but Harry managed to brief everyone, “Now, Severus and I are out as gay but not as Magicals. I think some of you know that he is completely off the Magical radar outside of term time, that’s why this place is probably safer than Hogwarts right now, no disrespect intended, Professors”. Albus leaned forward and patted Harry’s knee, “None taken, m’boy, none taken”. “Okay, so, anyway, that’s why I asked for no wands; no signatures. Now Severus’s best man, Steve, is a Magical but has lived as a Muggle all his adult life and isn’t out Magically to the two other friends who will be there, who are gay but Muggles, oh, and none of them know that Severus and I are pregnant. Dinner will be in Steve’s pub after the ceremony. Ron, you got the ring, mate?” Ron made a big deal out of looking for it, a look of fake panic crossing his face, but everyone saw through it and laughed as he held it up. In moments they were there.

Harry complimented the ladies as he handed them out of the cab. He was truly astonished at his head of House’s outfit and murmured his appreciation. She wouldn’t have looked out of place at a large society wedding. Albus, however, looked like a slightly less rumpled Patrick Moore but with more hair and a beard, though Ron was a sight to see in his suit. Harry flung an arm each around his two favourite girlies and they entered the building and Harry stepped up to reception. “Your groom-to-be is already here, Mr Potter, in the assembly ante-room to the red room. Allow me to show you the way”, the young man led them all down the hall. He held an ornate door open and Harry gasped.

His lover had his back to the door pinning a buttonhole to Steve’s lapel. Matt and Jonathon already wore theirs. Severus turned at the sound of the door opening and Harry barrelled into his arms and they kissed passionately but quickly, “Fuck! I missed you last night, Harry”, murmured into Harry’s hair. Harry gave his lover’s ear a sly lick, “Me too, love, me too. I’m here now”. They stood apart slightly to take in how the other looked. Harry was wearing a bespoke mid grey silk suit with his dark blue silk shirt underneath with a smart grey tie with the tiniest red and gold stripes at intervals along it’s length, a restrained look but it suited him. Severus was anything but restrained. He wore a three-piece dove-grey morning suit and a sparklingly white shirt topped with a subtle green and silver cravat, spats and gloves completed the ensemble.

“Wow, Severus, you look amazing. I feel quite drab by comparison”. They broke apart and introduced their guests to each other and Hermione took charge of pinning on the ladies’ corsages and Severus’ buttonhole, “You look fab, sir”, she whispered, her eyes sparkling. He smiled at her, “I’m Severus today, Hermione, and I thank you for the compliment. You look very pretty, both of you”, she blushed. Severus shook Ron’s hand, “Thanks for coming. How did you get away from Blondie?” Ron laughed, “Just told him it was my brother’s wedding and the thought of a passel of Weasleys around him all day made him run for the hills. Anyway, Harry is my brother, so you look after him, okay?”, then got the surprise of his life when Severus gathered him into a hug, “I will, Ron, I promise. I know how much he means to you all”, he purred in a low voice. Ron stood back bright red and Harry came to rescue him.

“Merlin!, Ron, you’re beetroot”. Ron came back to himself, “I’m in shock, Harry. Snape just hugged me and I think he just used ‘the voice’”. Harry chuckled at his friend’s discomfiture, “I doubt that very much, but his ordinary voice is sexy as fuck anyway”.

There was a discreet cough, “If the friends and family of the celebrants would follow me please”, a polite young woman led the guests in and seated them. Severus and Harry kissed then touched brows, “Goodbye Mr Potter”, Severus whispered. Harry giggled, “Goodbye Mr Snape”, then the Wedding March struck up and they entered.

The Registrar welcomed them all then asked the grooms to face each other. Harry reached and caught Severus’ hands, both of them trembled slightly and smiled shyly at one another as the ceremony started

Harry breathed a sigh of relief when no-one had any impediment to prevent them marrying, then looked deep into his lover’s eyes as he promised to love, honour and respect his new life partner sliding the ring Ron passed him onto Severus’ finger. Severus repeated the vows in his low voice and placed Harry’s ring on his lover’s hand.

The Registrar beamed and declared them wed. “The grooms may now kiss”. They drew towards each other as if in slow motion, arms sliding around each other, heads tipping, lips parting, then a full-on kiss to cheers from their guests. As the kiss threatened to become very passionate indeed, two things happened. All the lights went out and Ron, Albus and Steve gasped.

In seconds, the backup lights were on, a little dimmer than the main lighting. The Registrar apologised, “I really don’t know what happened....”. “I do”, murmured Ron to Hermione. The celebrants hadn’t noticed a thing being so wrapped up in each other. The kiss ended, the register was signed and to celebratory music the ceremony ended. They hugged again then all went outside to joshing and hilarity. Ron pulled Harry to one side, “Is this mate of Severus’ a Seer?” Harry nodded, “Yes, he confirmed I was pregnant, but we obliviated him. Severus thinks he may gossip and it somehow get into the wrong ears”. Ron was thoughtful, “Well, your combined Magic blew all the lights and your bond-lights joined. Instead of a line around each of you, there was like a cocoon thing round you both and the light was sort of like smoke, both blue and white”. Harry was impressed but had no idea as to the meaning.

Jonathon and Matt had been taking pictures and more were taken on the steps. Hermione muttered, “I can’t believe that you don’t have a bouquet to throw, Harry”. The blushing groom looked down, “We tried to think of everything, ‘Mione, it just didn’t occur to us”. She threw her arms round him, “You are forgiven, Mr, er, what exactly?” Harry laughed, “Potter-Snape”. The congratulations were heartfelt.

Two black cabs took them across the city to Steve’s pub and they were ushered into the private room for the party. Joel was behind the small bar and a long table was beautifully dressed for the feast. There was the sound of popping corks and the champagne started to flow as did the banter and laughter. Suddenly Harry sagged against his husband’s side and Severus caught him, “Whoa, Harry”, he led them to a bench and sat them both down. Harry was very pale, his eyelids fluttering. Severus shook his head and fished into the pocket of his waistcoat. He hooked Harry’s knees over his lap and held Harry to him with one arm while he popped the cap on a small phial with his thumb then tenderly held Harry’s head while he administered the potion. Harry swallowed and spluttered but his colour returned. “Harry, how much breakfast did you have, love?” Harry mumbled something and his eyes closed.

Ron and Hermione were over in a heartbeat, “What’s the matter with him? Is he ill?” Severus smiled up at them, “He doesn’t seem to be getting the morning sickness like I did, but if he doesn’t eat regularly his blood sugar levels drop. He insisted we spent the night apart last night and the silly boy ate no breakfast”. He laid Harry’s head on his shoulder and kissed his hair, stroked his face. “Will he be all right?” Ginny had joined them, “Yes, he’ll sleep for a few minutes then he’ll be as right as rain, but I need to get some food into him soon”. Steve bustled up to be told everything was fine and he said dinner was ready whenever they were.

Harry roused himself to feel Severus’ warm arms around him and snuggled in, “Did I faint?” Severus tried to look exasperated but couldn’t, gazing lovingly into Harry’s upturned face, “Yes, idiot boy. You didn’t eat breakfast, did you? Good job I brought some Potion with me”. Harry traced shy fingers over Severus’ cheek and into his hair, “Thank you, husband, you’re always saving my sorry arse”. Severus leaned in close to Harry’s ear and said something to make Harry’s eyes squinch shut, his teeth grip his lower lip and his cheeks go bright red. Ron nudged the two girls, “The Voice”, he murmured and they all giggled.

The staff started to bring the food in, but the two were totally lost to the rest of the world as they kissed slowly then emerged, pink-cheeked, to speak to the lad waiting on them. The boy quipped, “Quite the blushing brides, the pair of you. Shame we didn’t see you at New Year, very naughty show”, he winked as he moved down the table. Matt said, “Yes, we missed you, Severus, but you were too busy playing ‘housey’ with your new hubby”. Severus grinned at them then back at his beloved, lifting Harry’s chin with a finger and planting a light kiss to the boy’s lips, “Too right. Can you blame me?” An unmistakeable ‘look’ passed between them both then Severus murmured, “Eat”, against Harry’s lips and was rewarded by another chaste kiss, then turned to the front and started in on the meal.

Ron was slow to start until his sister nudged him, “Mmmm, sorry. It’s just, why am I thinking that those two look so damn hot together?”. The girls giggled and Hermione said, “Because they are, idiot. Have you ever seen Harry look so happy?, or Sn-Severus for that matter?” Ginny sighed, “It’s going to be difficult when he gets back to school next year calling him ‘sir’ again after watching him snog one of my best friends all day and smile and laugh. I’ll never trust that sarkiness again. I’ll keep grinning at him like a daft bat. Maybe I should be obliviated before we go home”. Ron sighed, “Me too”. Hermione was appalled, “What? Forget your best friend’s wedding day?” “Hermione, I’ve got to face Draco later and you know he’s had this fixation since Severus and Harry did their vanishing act. I know he’s been really suspicious over me coming today. He’s a Slytherin. I wouldn’t put it past him to slip Veritaserum in my butterbeer”.

Albus was aware of the disquiet amongst the younger guests and leaned in conspiratorially, “Don’t worry about Master Malfoy. I will deal with him, and, Miss Weasley, love in someone’s life changes them greatly, not to mention family. I think you will notice the changes. I think there will be no need to obliviate anyone. Enjoy the day and this rather fine repast”.

He turned to Steve, “Well, Mr Norton. You keep a mighty fine hostelry here. Might I ask if you have a selection of guest ales as my tastes, while I enjoy the occasional glass of champagne, rather run to the richer brews”. Steve called Joel over and murmured something. The boy went back behind the bar and pulled a pint of something dark and hoppy, handing it to Steve who stood and presented it personally, “Here we are, Albus, tell me what you think”. Albus tasted the brew and said in a low voice, “Living as a Muggle has it’s advantages, Mr Norton, but your skills are not so rusty, I see. I refer of course to this morning at the ceremony. You Saw, didn’t you?” Steve nodded, “It’s a Magical bond isn’t it?” Albus chuckled richly, “Indeed, and a very special one. I charge you to keep an eye on our lovebirds from this side of the fence, so to speak and I will make sure Hufflepuff receives an extra fifty points when I return. I cannot award them now as we are all charged with keeping Magical ‘silence’ while we are here”. Steve stood and smiled, “Of course, Professor”, and retook his seat.

The meal was truly excellent. Steve’s kitchen did them proud and at the celebrants’ request excluded some ingredients that weren’t agreeing with delicate digestive systems so cream was replaced with crème fraiche and so on. There was a hearty minestrone soup or melon medley to start then a confit of duck for the main course with veggie options available, though Steve noted with pleasure that all were meat-eaters. He was a little concerned that his celebrants were sipping water whilst their guests were happily imbibing champagne, wine, beer and lager and as the table loosened up, he slipped into a seat next to Harry. “So come on guys, water on your wedding day?” Harry blushed, “Er, well, I’m having a few health problems like nearly passing out before, so I don’t think alcohol’s a good idea and, er, Severus’s supporting me”. Steve laughed, “Aww, come on, Harry, surely he can have a little drinkie on his weddin’ day?”

Severus turned from his conversation with Minerva, “It is my decision not to drink, Steve, and if you weren’t an incurably gossipy old queen, I’d tell you the real reason, but just leave it at this; we are in a delicate position vis-à-vis him and we are essentially in hiding for, er, a little while. It’s highly unlikely that either of us will be able to go back to Hogwarts this side of the summer holidays and we are insisting on the Magical incognito because at Hogwarts we are probably in more danger than we are out here flying under the radar”.

Steve flicked shrewd glances between the two of them, “So, you were in here imbibing just before Christmas but a no-show at New Year, then I come to lunch two days later and can’t remember much, then nothing for a month. Hmmm. I ‘read’ you didn’t I? At New year? And you obliviated me, you old git, didn’t you?”, his gaze intensified while a half-smile played around his lips. Then he counted on his fingers, “So, drinking then not, no overly rich or fatty foods, no cream or eggs, and let me see, the new school year starts in September..... Oh. My. God”. Severus cut him off, groaning, “Whoever said Hufflepuffs were thickoes had it all arse-about-face”. “Hufflepuffs are steadfast, Severus, not bleedin’ daft”. He leaned in and dropped his voice, “I’d wager a Galleon to a Knut that at least one of you is pregnant”.

Severus hissed, “And if I hear one word about this in this establishment or anywhere else that doesn’t have Harry or I as it’s author, then you are a dead man. I’m bloody serious, Steve. Have you any idea what he would do if word gets back to him”. Steve regarded them both with a candid stare, “Albus has charged me with keeping an eye on you both”, he began slowly, “If we have to do this Magically, I’ll do the secret-keeper rite with you, or if you prefer, sign a non-disclosure affidavit with the forces of Muggle law behind it, and I’m bloody serious, Severus, both of you, I mean it. Don’t forget, I am still tangentially in touch with the Wizarding world being part of the Macmillan clan and Ernie still keeps me informed of stuff. I’ve heard plenty about your doings, Harry, over the years, and have you had any hassle at all while you’ve been here?” Harry shook his head, “When you first met me, you asked if I was that Harry and that was it, and that doesn’t qualify as hassle. You’ve been the soul of discretion since and I thank you. I like being plain Harry. Severus, should we tell him?”

Severus brooded a moment then threaded his arms around his new husband, “Very well, Steve, we both are, pregnant that is, but I’d rather Matt and Jon don’t know”, he glanced at his friends having a laugh with the rest of the table. Steve extended his hands to them and Harry and Severus took one each, “I hereby promise to keep silence on your behalf”, and gently squeezed the hands in his, “Anyway, I could be useful now I know. There’s a chap comes in here with his partner regularly when they come to Manchester, they live out Warrington way, his partner’s a Muggle but he’s a fully trained Medi-wizard who practices Muggle Obstetrics at the hospital there, if you are willing, he could be very useful to you and as a physician he has to abide by his Hippocratic Oath, not to mention the Data Protection Act. We Muggle types have our own ways of secret-keeping”.

Ron rocked up to their end of the table, “Hey, you guys, it’s lookin’ awfully serious at this end. Steve, ya got music in this room?, thass wha’ we missin’. Fuck, it’s a weddin’ an’ you three look like you’re writin’ ya wills”. Harry laughed, “Nah, just havin’ a chat”. Steve stood, “Music, comin’ up”. There was background music on but it was time for something louder. Ron slumped into the vacated chair, “’N’anyway, I wanna dance with the bride”. Harry laughed louder, “You mean be propped up by the bride? Stomping all over my feet. I remember dancing wasn’t your particular forte”. Ron leered, “Ah, but I get exssstra trainin’ from a certain blond bitch these days, quite the twinkletoes. Try me, you’ll like me”. Harry pulled his best friend to him and kissed his cheek, “Now, now, Ron, I’m a married man, but Joel has been checkin’ you out all day”. Ron’s brow clouded, “Joel?” Harry shook his head, “Barman?. Chap who’s been plying you with lethal cocktails?” Ron grinned lopsidedly, “Hmmm”, then as the music was turned up, he leapt out of the seat and into the empty bit of floor. Minerva stilled his gyrations, “It’s supposed to be the grooms who lead the dancing, Mr Weasley”.

Harry stood and held his hand out as a romantic song came on, “Shall we”, and they went into the small space and held each other as they swayed. Severus murmured, “I always thought this song too schmaltzy but I see the point now”. Harry kissed him, “You old grump”, and got a searing kiss for his cheek, “Less of the ‘old’, you”, he growled, tightening his hold on Harry. Minerva tapped Severus on the shoulder and murmured, “If I may cut in gentlemen?” And whisked Harry away. He saw the momentary scowl and then Hermione stepping up and offering his husband her hand. And so it went until both spouses had danced with everybody and they could smooch together again. After picking at more food, the pair decided to risk a little champagne and Harry noticed the barman and his best friend sloping off, nodding to Severus who grinned and shook his head.

Hermione saw them return and had a giggle with Ginny about it and Steve muttered to his employee about consorting with customers until they had a laugh, “Come on, Steve, get a look at him, and he’s hung like a soddin’ horse”, but Steve didn’t get a look in, though Matt and Jonathan took him off again and he returned giggling and reeking of grass. Hermione humphed, “Can’t have Ronnie-boy gettin’ all the action, fancy a dance, Gin?” They had a fast dance to a couple of tunes, then pulled each other close for a smoocher. Harry noticed in his beloved’s arms again, “Whoa, I thought Ginny was straight”. Severus chuckled, “It would appear not”. Harry shook his head, “Bloody hell, so was ‘Mione until she started going out with Susie. Looks like she made up her mind as to the team she plays for. You know, after we’ve had the kiddies and everyone’s left school, we should have a party or something, a big gay night out. I’m sure we could find a reliable baby-sitter and it’d be a blast us all going out”.

Severus looked dubious, “I thought my going out days were behind me”. Harry smiled up into his face, “Ha! Wrong again. That’s what comes of saddling yourself with a sweet young thing like me”. Severus held Harry tight, but winced a little at his words. In fact, he’d thought on their age difference a lot, but decided to banish the thoughts for now and stay in the moment.

As evening drew on the cake was cut and speeches made. Ron slurred something to the effect of, “You’re my besh mate, you are”, only it rambled a bit until Minerva brought it to a close with polite applause and Ron sank back again. Steve made a more serious speech about love and commitment but finished with a couple of tales that made Severus magenta with embarrassment and everyone else roar laughing. He murmured, “Right, that’s it. I’ll have to obliviate you all, particularly you lot”, he groused good-naturedly at his pupils who howled and catcalled. Albus just winked at him and he sighed with relief, his Headmaster was going to be doing damage control. Stories like that shouldn’t be general currency among the students, particularly the one about the drag queen, the ten-foot long penis and the sparkly leotards on the back of a float at the annual carnival!

There were toasts and more (mercifully) short speeches, more champagne and cake. Harry began to flag seriously and Severus caught him before he slid to the floor and held him close, “I think we need to get you home, sweetheart. I bet you had hardly any sleep last night. Hotels, indeed!” Harry looked up and pouted. Severus nibbled the thrust-out lower lip, “I know, I know, tradition, but it was bloody lonely last night without you”. Harry relented, “Sorry, love, it was lonely for me too. I want to be in your arms tonight and every night from now on”, he suddenly yawned, “Oh dear, I’m not sure what kind of a wedding night I can give you”. Severus chuckled and laid Harry’s head on his shoulder. “I shouldn’t worry about it. Look at the state of Master Weasley. If this was his nuptials, what kind of wedding night d’you suppose he’d be having?”

Harry gazed at his best friends. All three were pretty inebriated and Albus looked the worse for wear. He knew Minerva was as plastered as the others but the only sign were bright pink spots high on her cheekbones and a deepening of her natural burr. Hermione and Ginny seemed permanently joined at the mouth. “Yeah, but Ron’s had at least one shag today. You poor darlin’”, and Harry kissed Severus gently letting a simmer heat to a rolling boil, “Take me home, love”, Harry whispered, there was a little sparkle back in his eye. They stood unwinding themselves, the table was a wreck, to one side of the room lay the pile of gifts that they hadn’t got around to opening yet, but no-one seemed to mind. At a nod from Severus, Joel and one of the waiters began to clear up. The professors started to gather their charges, administering a dose of ‘pepper-up’ to each, “So you don’t splinch on the way home tonight”. Matt and Jon hugged and kissed the newlyweds, they were carrying on clubbing for the night.

Then colleagues and friends held each other. Harry murmured in Hermione’s ear, “So, what’s happening with Ginny?” His friend grinned, “Well, Susie and I are pretty much over anyway. She’s actually a bit of a snob, ugh, to think I thought I was in love with her, and Ginny’s cute”, she hiccoughed. Harry giggled, “I thought she was straight”. Hermione gave him her evil grin, “Whoo-hoo, not when I’m done she ain’t”. Harry raised his eyebrows and backed away slightly, “Bloody hell, you’re still scary, ‘Mione. Love you to bits. We’ll send a postcard from our honeymoon via Dobby”. They said their goodbyes and Ron slurrily complained, “Aren’t we supposed to see you off with boots and things attached to the car?” Harry glanced into his lover’s face, “I think I’m done with tradition for one day, anyway we need to walk you round to the Apparation spot”. Steve beamed, “S’alright, I’ll walk ‘em round, could do with clearin’ me head a bit, it gets busy in here later”. He hugged them both and they thanked him for the spread and the room and the whole event and he left with their guests. Joel called them a cab. As they left through the bar, Severus was greeted by plenty of people. Tonight was standing room only and the place was wall-to-wall with bodies. It took them a few minutes to get to the cab and as it pulled away from the kerb they knew the reason for the delay as they heard the clatter of empty beer cans in the road behind them and a cheer from the bar staff. Harry had slipped Joel a hefty tip as Steve had forbidden them from paying for anything else.

The cab driver tried and failed to engage his passengers in conversation, they were tuned only to each other and he smiled at them in the rear-view mirror. At least this pair were only snogging. He dropped them at home and drove away, the cans still rattling in the street.

Severus opened the front door and stilled Harry as he was about to stumble through, “Whoa, there, Mr Tradition”, and in a single move hoisted Harry into his arms and carried him over the threshold making them both laugh and put him down in the hall locking the door.

In half an hour, Harry was snuggled against Severus’ side fast asleep. Severus felt a momentary impatience, ‘this is supposed to be my wedding night and I’m lying here reading’ then he gazed into Harry’s face, saw the smudges of colour under the eyes not quite shaded by his lashes, the small frown of exhaustion between the brows and admonished himself sharply as he laid his book down and turned off the light. “No, this is your wedding night and your pregnant adorable husband is knackered and in your arms. Be thankful for small mercies. I love you, my Harry, goodnight Mr Potter-Snape”.

The next morning over breakfast they finally exchanged their wedding presents to each other. Severus shyly handed over an A4 envelope with the amended title deeds of their home. Harry was now a co-owner in equal with his husband. Harry grinned shyly, “Mine’s an even smaller envelope, but I hope you like it”. Severus slit the paper and drew out paper and parchment, a piece of plastic and a chunk of brass falling out. The plastic made Severus a co-accountee to Harry’s Muggle bank account. The brass was a Gringotts key. The vault was now the Potter-Snape vault equally accessible by either of them.