So this is Love

Chapter 23-
Petunia and Vernon Dursley always prided themselves with normalcy. Nothing in their lives, since the boy had left, and a few cosmetic surgeries, had been in the “freaky” or abnormal world. Their lives now were almost perfect. Sure, Vernon still had a little twitch in his nose and face every now and then, and Dudley may squeal at the odd moment or two. But now everything was perfectly fine.

Petunia finished washing the dishes and sighed, thinking about her perfect her life is now. She turned from the sink and let out a scream. There before her stood her long dead sister and her husband. ‘No, things were just going right,’ Petunia screamed in her head before her sister flew to her and ice cold water seemed to surround her.

It had been almost a month since Lily and her husband started haunting her and her family. Vernon had tried hiding at work but James took to following him. Only one person seemed to notice him. He just turned and walked away with a pale face. They seemed to leave Dudley alone for the most part, only bothering him two to three times a day. But they stayed with the Petunia and Vernon. Petunia whimpered and tried to sink into the couch as Lily started circling her calling her names she hadn’t heard in years.

Dudley sat pensively in his room; his ghostly relatives had told him that there was a good chance that his child would be a magical child. If that was true, he didn’t know if he would be able to handle it. The girl he loved now was almost just like his mother in her respects to normalcy. And he was planning on asking her to marry him in the near future. Dudley sighed he had to think about this and talk to Susan.

Vernon was angry. First the two ghost freaks showed up as his house, and now they won’t stop following him. The man, James, was following him around everywhere. He followed him to work, the store; the ghost even followed him to the bathroom. He hadn’t had a descent piss in a month. James started circling him again calling him horrible names. Vernon tried to sink further into the chair he was in.

SsHpSsHpSsHpSsHpSsHpSsHp

Severus turned down the corridor to his quarters, suddenly two ghosts came in his path. He stumbled back when he recognized them, “Lily, Potter,” Severus breathed. He looked at the ghost of one of his best friend and a man he respected. Suddenly he tensed, not knowing if they would approve of his relationship with Harry.

Lily gave him a smile, “Calm down Severus, we are very happy for Harry. He needs someone who can take care of him and love him.”

James pulled Lily against his chest, “She’s right, Harry needs someone like you. We just wanted to let you know we approve of your relationship. The two of you will be happy.”

Lily lifted her hand and put it close to Severus’ face, an imitation of a caress. “Severus, his life has been hard and unfair. The world has laid a burden that they couldn’t cope with on him. I, We, need you to take care of our Harry. He may seem strong even during his training he tried to play on being strong, but he needs a strong support system, or he will give up. Don’t let him walk away upset or angry.” Lily lowered her arm and they both smiled at him. “We’re going to go visit Sirius and Remus, they have been holding onto to much guilt. Take care Sevvie.”

Soon both the apparitions were gone, Severus leaned against the wall a small smile playing on his lips. He didn’t need Harry’s parents’ approval, but it took a small load off his shoulders.

HpSsHpSsHpSsHpSsHpSs

Fredrick and Regina Parkinson stood in the entrance hall. They had been asked here by a firecall stating the headmaster, head of slytherin, and the founder’s heir. Neither looked nervous, Fredrick looked resigned while Regina looked excited.

Fredrick sighed, knowing that his daughter was as imbalanced as her mother when it came to things that she thought of as hers; especially if that thing could bring power and wealth to her.

Regina was happy, the Malfoy contract was broken when Lucius turned from the Dark Lord, leaving Pansy open to a new contract. The Founder’s heir was perfect. She didn’t believe for one moment that it was Potter. It could be any number of people; and even if it was, power and wealth held more sway than pureblood anymore.

Severus was watching from a corner of the room, he knew that if Regina Parkinson was excited it was something that he should be wary of. He was tempted to read her mind with some subtle Legimency but knew that the witch carried and enchanted heirloom that had protections to keep her mind clear. No doubt a gift from her husband. Severus smirked, too bad the woman was a gossip.

Severus sighed and went to collect the Parkinson’s. Regina gave him a mighty sneer, and Fredrick just looked at him as blankly as possible. Severus nodded in greeting, but kept his voice stern, “Follow me.”

Soon they reached the gargoyle leading up to the headmaster’s office, which sprang aside upon their approach. Severus and his companions rode up the circling stairs and knocked up reaching the door. A quick moment later a “enter” was heard. Severus opened the door and quietly made his way to stand in the shadows of the room. Harry had told him that he needed to face the parents with a tough front and couldn’t do that if he was cuddling into Severus’ side, which he was sure to do if he sat by him.

Harry had a mask of unyielding control on his face that showed he had no qualms about being in the role he was claiming. Albus was behind him showing a stern face void of his twinkling eyes. Minerva was standing beside his chair, her face showing the same no-nonsense attitude that she portrayed to the students. All in all it was clear that no person was going to make light of the situation.

Fredrick looked at the stern faces that surrounded him and knew that whatever had happened was one of grave importance. He sighed, his wife was planning something that was for sure and the outcome was probably something to be avoided.

Harry conjured two black leather wingback chairs with his wand; he had no delusions about who was in this office. He stood in front of Albus’ desk and motioned for the two to take a seat. The father looked nervous while the wife looked a bit excited.

Fredrick nodded his head stiffly once and took a seat. Waiting for his wife to take a seat he motioned for Mr. Potter to start.

Harry leaned forward minimally and started speaking making sure to keep his tone steady and firm. He told the family of all the problems that Pansy had caused, her punishments, and the newest problem. Harry watched the parents during his talk. The father, though he kept his mask up, embarrassment and resignation seemed to play in his eyes. The mother, looked as though she could care less, but looked a little shocked at the mention of the punishments.

Fredrick sighed he had warned his daughter about her behavior and was thoroughly embarrassed about the whole situation. He was just about to apologize when his wife shot out of her seat.

“I purpose a marriage contract between the Potters’ and Parkinson’s’.” Regina looked excited as she almost shouted the statement.

Silence met her statement but for a moment, then a small growl was heard and then five stunners were sent to the corner of the room. Regina might not have noticed but Fredrick did. He quickly shot up and glared angrily at his wife. “Regina, I am the head of the family. I do not appreciate your interference.” Regina looked like she was about to protest, but Fredrick quickly pressed on. “You do not know if I already have a marriage contract in the works, do you?” She shook her head and glared at her husband for making her look a fool. “Then do not presume it is your place to make such arrangements.”

She nodded and sat stiffly back down in the chair. Regina continued to glare at those around her through the entire meeting, never once looking behind her to see the stunned body of Severus.

When the final discussions were over Fredrick turned to his wife, “Go wait in the entrance hall.” Regina, still sulking from earlier, nodded once and left. He turned to the people in the room and bowed his head in apology, “You have my sincere apologies for the actions of my wife.”

Harry turned to look at the man in front of him. Lucius told him once that he was one of the men forced into getting the Mark. It was obvious from the way he regarded his wife that it was one of disdain. Turning to the man he nodded his head once in acceptance of the apology.

Fredrick regarded the man in front of him and looked as though he was gathering himself, “Mr. Potter, I know that Lucius is freed of the Mark, and I was wondering if you could possibly explain how to free myself?”

Harry scanned the man once and saw only truth and desire for freedom in his words, “I can free you of the Mark, but I will only do it when the final battle draws near. I could feel that your wife has the mark?” Fredrick nodded a dark look coming over his face, “Do you know if she wants the mark removed?”

Fredrick shook his head, “She enjoys serving that man.”

Harry nodded, “Then I am afraid you will be widowed.”

Fredrick just gave him a small nod, “I have never loved the woman. Lucius and Narcissa are lucky; they fell in love with their betrothed. The woman is not even an amiable friend.”

Harry nodded, “I will summon you when I have decided.”

Fredrick gave nodded his head in thanks, “I will talk to my daughter.”

Albus cut in, “Professor McGonagall will show you to the dorms.”

After Minerva and the Parkinson’s had left, Harry hurried toward Severus. Quickly apperating both of them to Severus’ room.

SSHPSSHPSSHPSSHPSSHP

Severus heard the marriage proposal and saw Red. Why was everyone trying to claim HIS MATE?! All of a sudden the world went black, but the haze wouldn’t let him go completely unconscious. His thoughts centered around his anger his Haze. Someone was trying to claim his mate. Someone was trying to take his unclaimed mate AWAY FROM HIM.

His magic was trying was trying to throw off the spells, but it wasn’t working. After an undetermined about of time, he felt an ennevreate thrown at him and was up in a instant sensing that he was alone with his mate he quickly gathered his mate, and put him on the couch covering him completely. Severus transferred the couch into a bed like the previous time, though his mind wasn’t able to contemplate that at this time.

Harry wasn’t shocked this time when Severus covered him after he laid him on the couch. He wasn’t surprised when Severus growled at the air in the room, or started nuzzling his neck. Much like last time, Harry slashed his wrist, and Severus growled into the empty room before licking the wound closed.

He was slightly shocked however when Severus nuzzled his neck again, licking and kissing his neck. Harry cast a slash hex on his wrist again and gasped at the sensation. Severus pushed him harder into the sofa and growled at the room, looking frantically for whatever had hurt his mate. Bringing the bleeding wrist to his lips and licking the wound closed him continued to kiss the wrist.

Soon Severus fell asleep covering his mate. Harry sighed and just relaxed into the warmth of his mate and fell asleep. Several hours later, Severus awoke and groaned. He had gone into a haze again. Harry was probably thinking what a horrible idea it was to get involved with a vampire. He looked down on the sleeping face of his mate, taking time to memorize the face of his mate.

Harry awoke and opened his eyes to lock onto those of his mate. He gave a small smile that was returned with a small guarded one. Harry leaned up and gave a small peck on Severus’ cheek. Severus seemed to relax a little at that. Harry just looked into Severus’ eyes, “I would like to know why it took you so long to clam down?”

Severus thrown off a little by the bluntness of the question, Severus was gobsmacked a little. He quickly gained control of himself, “I reason it is because I haven’t feed today, or it was because it was the second time that someone tried to claim you. My vampire side doesn’t like that it has taken us so long to mate. But I know you need time to get to know me, so I am trying not to push you.”

Harry sighed, “I’m sorry Severus, I appreciate that you’re trying to give me time. I know it must be hard on you.” Harry cuddled into Severus, who still laid on top of him. “The potion master from the States is supposed to come here today, and I am going to meet him. I was wondering if you want me to bring him down here after classes so you can talk to him yourself.” At Severus nod he continued, “I was also telling him of the situation. Unless you think that isn’t a good idea?” Severus shook his head and Harry smiled at the man.

Severus started thinking, “Do you think the man might want to take on some tutoring of the younger students or some Newt level students?” Harry looked at him confused. “I try to tutor some of the younger students who show promise and some Newt students. It would help take some of the stress of me, and give him something else besides Mr. De Bergerac to focus on.”

Harry nodded, “I’ll ask him, I didn’t mention it in my letter so he might not want to.” Severus nodded. Harry quickly cast a tempus and saw it was time for breakfast. Harry turned to Severus who was glaring at the place where his floating clock once was. “Come on Sev, we both have things we need to do.” Severus sighed and leaned down to kiss Harry, who happily returned it.

A breathless moment later, the two men where getting out of the bed. Severus transfigured the bed back into a couch. Harry gave Severus a quick peck and apparated out of the room to dress for the day.

About twenty minutes later Harry sat next to Severus at the head table. Only this time Severus seemed a little on edge. Harry leant a little over to talk quietly to him, “Severus, what’s wrong?”

Severus glanced quickly at him then the Slytherin table. “Ms. Parkinson is glaring at you, but the moment she thinks you’re looking at her she bats her eyes at you.”

Harry gave a small smile, “I am Your mate Severus. I only want you.” Severus seemed to relax a little at that and things progressed fairly easily.

Soon breakfast was over and half of the classes where done, before anyone had time to think. About half an hour before lunch Harry was in the Entrance Hall waiting for the new potion master. A moment later a fairly young man came into the hall looking around in awe.

The man looked to be about his mid-twenties, brown hair that was cut short but had a cow lick in the front. He had large expressive hazel eyes that glowed with joy, admiration, and awe of the castle around him. He saw Harry and walked forward. “Hello my name is Alexander Quigg. Could you show me were I could meet Mr. Potter?”

Harry smiled at the man, “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Quigg. I am Mr. Potter.” Harry extended his hand to the shocked young man and suppressed his smirk, easily turning it into a smile. He was sure the man was expecting a small teenager. “If you come with me, I can take you to meet Albus and we can discuss the job and any questions you may have.” The young man nodded and followed Harry up to the gargoyle; soon both were seated in the headmaster’s office.

After introductions Harry turned to Mr. Quigg. “Now the reason we called you here is we have an apprentice, Mr. De Bergerac, here who has taken it upon himself to try to ‘seduce’ his current master. From what I’ve heard he believes that if he can start a relationship with him he can breeze through the program. Our potion master is Severus Snape and well known for his profession. If the student can claim an apprentice under him, he is almost guaranteed a job in the potions field.”

Mr. Quigg’s eyes had gotten wide at the mention of Severus’ name. “Please call me Alex or Alexander. Do you mean to tell me that this is the school Severus Snape teaches in?” Harry gave him a confused nod. “Severus Snape is widely known and admired in the Potions field. The man is known through-out the states, Canada, India, Japan, everywhere. It’s known that the man teaches in Europe, just not the school. He’s turned down every request to lecture. He is the biggest name in potions after Salazar Slytherin and the biggest recluse.”

Harry smiled at the enthusiasm of the young potion master. “He asked to meet you and has a free period in a moment. If we leave now we can make it a few moments before his class ends. He is a strict teacher, due to the dangers of the potions. Before we leave do you have any questions for Albus?” Alex shook his head and the other two had left for the dungeons.

A few moments late Harry and Alex quickly slipped into the potions classroom. The watched in silence as Severus berated a young Slytherin for almost causing an explosion because he was trying to flirt with a young witch. About ten minutes later class was out and Severus turned to smile at his mate.

Severus gathered Harry in a hug and held out a hand to greet the young potion master. “Severus Snape, pleasure to meet you.”

Alex smiled at the man, “Alexander Quigg, Alex, the pleasure is all mine. You’ve been a great inspiration in the potions field.”

Severus raised an eyebrow, “I admit I get an odd request every now and then, but surely you jest.”

Alex shook his head, “I understand that your name is tarnished here due to oh, what’s his name… The Dark Lord, or something. But even though the states follow the war, because he has tried to recruit over there, we don’t hold something such as his mark in high or low regard.”

Severus nodded and motioned for the man to take a seat. “Well then welcome to Hogwarts. Did Harry and the headmaster explain the situation to you?” At Alex’s nod he continued, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Alex turned so he was facing both men, “I don’t mind apprenticing De… whatever. I also know the need for a strict hand, especially since I am so young. But I do think that with only one student I will become bored. I mean, I have my own research going on. But I was wondering if there was another student or something I could do to pass the time. Plus for the pay you offered I wouldn’t feel as though I was pulling my weight.”

Harry nodded, “Actually we were wondering if you wouldn’t mind tutoring some of the Newt level students as well as some younger students that are having problems. It is completely up to you if you do or not and you would have complete control over the situation.”

Alex smiled at the two, “I’d love too. I would like to accept the position and start as soon as possible.”

Severus gave a small smile but quickly sobered, “You won’t have any problems with De Bergerac?”

Alex shook his head, “I am strictly straight. I know that not many wizards can claim that but I know my magic I looking for a female. That’s why I wanted to come to England so bad, I know she’s here.” At Severus curious look he explained. “I’ve come to England before, about a year or two ago, I felt my magic go into a fit. It pulled me towards this black haired witch, went to follow, but I turned the corner and she was gone, apparated or port-keyed away.”

Harry nodded and gave Alex an encouraging smile, “Well feel free to take some time to find your witch.”

Severus nodded and pulled Harry tighter against him, “I wish you much luck in finding your match.”

Alex nodded in thanks, “So when should I take over the apprenticeship?”

Severus let go of Harry and walked over to his desk picking up a folder handing it to Alex. “This is his file of what he has done while under my watch. Also there is a note in the back about some of the disciplinary problems. Since you are taking over, you will be in charge of additional punishments.”

Alex nodded and Harry took over, “I’ll give you a tour and introduce you to the other teachers. Then we can get you set up in your own classroom, office, and living quarters. You can take over the apprentice when you’re situated. ” Alex looked a little taken back. Harry just chuckled while Severus smirked, “This castle is huge and has many empty classrooms. I have no problems give you one. Just pick which part of the castle you wish to reside and we’ll go from there.”

Alex nodded and smiled. Harry leaned up to kiss Severus a kiss on the cheek before leaving, Alex following behind him. After two hours Alex was assigned a classroom, office, and quarters. They were connected and a house elf had been assigned. Harry was heading down to Severus’ classroom, classes were ending soon and he needed to get there before De Bergerac.

Harry entered the class right before it got out and smiled when several people looked up at him. Class got out and people filled out of the classroom, leaving Severus and Harry alone. Severus walked over to Harry and pulled him flush against his body with a small growl. Harry shivered at the sound and Severus smirked.

Severus leaned down in to whisper in Harry’s ear, “Hello my mate, you know that I have heard the most infuriating rumors today?” Harry hummed in inquire. “It seems Ms. Parkinson is telling people that you and her have a recent marriage contract.”

Harry pulled back to eye the vampire in front of him. “You do know that’s not true, right?” Severus gave a nod and Harry leaned back into his chest, “Good.”

Severus started running his hands up and down Harry’s back. “I need to feed later today.” Harry nodded against his chest and Severus smiled. “Want to have dinner in my quarters tonight?”

Harry was quiet for a moment before answering, “No.” Severus seemed to deflate a little. “But want to have dinner in my quarters? I wanted to show you Sal’s potion lab anyway?” Severus smiled down before nodding and leaning down to give Harry a gently kiss.

A moment later Harry pulled back smiled at Severus and sat down in a chair facing the potion master’s desk. Severus seemed to catch on and sat down behind his desk, putting on his mask of stern and imposing potion master. A moment later Rancunea De Bergerac entered and smiled at the potion master, it dropped however on seeing Harry. He came over and sat in another chair facing the potion master’s desk.

Severus looked at Harry raising an eyebrow, Harry seemed to understand and nodded in agreement. Severus interlaced his fingers and sat his arms on his desk. “Mr. De Bergerac, we have come to an agreement that I am not the best potion master to take an apprentice at this time. It is just not very productive at the moment, and we seem to have many personality clashes that I do not believe would help at all with your training.”

Rancunea interrupted him sounding a little fearful, “So… I am getting kicked out of the apprentice program?”

Harry took over ignoring the glare that Rancunea De Bergerac sent him, “No, the apprenticeship was offered to you meaning you have the talent for the field. But in accordance with Professor Snape, I have found another master to take on your training. You will be meeting with him in two or three days. I’ll be introducing him tomorrow to the students.”

Rancunea was seething, “But I like being under Professor Snape.”

Severus gave a look at the young man, “While I am flattered that you feel that way, Professor Quigg is the best option for you.”

De Bergerac nodded once before Professor Snape dismissed him. Severus left to go change and Harry popped up to the headmaster’s office. Knocking, Harry waited before his grandfather bid him to enter before going in.

Albus smiled at his grandson, “Harry, do what do I owe this visit?”

Harry smiled at his grandfather and went around the desk to give the old man a hug. “I wanted to know if you could supervise the detentions tonight. Severus and I have wanted to have dinner in my quarters.”

Albus smiled at the young man, “Sure just tell me what they are to doing.”

Harry smiled, “Nott, De Bergerac, Parkinson, and Crabbe are to clean the entire Great Hall including the floor. Three are to each clean a table and do the dishes from the table. One is to scrub the tables and the floor. Parkinson is to do a table as well as an extra table. Goyle is to serve his detention with Sirius. Ask Siri to display his singing ability.” Albus snickered at that and Harry just gave him a small smile.

Albus nodded and Harry thanked him before leaving. He apperated down to his quarters and took a quick shower. He quickly braided his hair and changed into some black slacks and a silk emerald shirt. Serenity told him that Severus was outside his entrance and Harry asked her to open the door.

Harry ordered dinner for the two and turned from the floo to see Severus standing a foot away. Harry smiled at the man and took his hand leading him into the library. Severus entered the room and was stunned when a small griffin ran up to him and battered into his feet.

Harry smiled at him and he bent down to pick up the young griffin. He quickly looked around and saw Fawkes looking exasperatedly, for a phoenix, at the young cub. Harry chuckled at reached out to pet the griffin now cuddling into Severus’ chest. “I guess Altor is going to cling to you too.”

Severus was startled by the statement and looked up curiously at Harry. The young man chuckled, “My familiar is going to attach herself to my mate.” Severus was astounded by that and let the surprise show on his face. “I have four familiars and I was hoping that at least one of them would grow attached to you.”

Severus just looked down at the young black winged cub. “Why?”

Harry sidled up to Severus taking the young cub out of his arms, earning a whine from the cub as he put him back in the chest with Fawkes. He wrapped his arms around Severus’ neck and leaned into the older man. “Because, if she’s with you, you have two things. One you have protection however much, or just a cute little thing to follow you around. And two, a little piece of me that will follow you everywhere.”

Severus smiled at the young man in his arms and kissed him. They pulled back a moment later as they heard a house elf announce dinner. They calmly walked into the dining room and saw that the house elf had set up the room for an intimate dinner. Harry smiled at the thoughtful elves before going over and sitting down.

Dinner passed quickly with idle chat. Soon dinner was over and Harry led Severus back into the library. Harry smiled as Severus looked at him confusedly when he stopped in front of an enchanted window. Harry smirked at him over his shoulder before hissing open at the wall.

When the wall opened Harry went through and Severus quickly followed. They walked down a winding corridor before it opened to a staircase that fell from the end of the hall when they approached it. Severus was now standing in the middle of a large chamber with a large stone face of Salazar Slytherin carved into the wall and several large snake statues lining the edge of the chamber.

Severus turned to a smiling Harry, “And where, precisely, are we?”

Harry’s smile turned into a smirk, “Granddad said you had always wanted to see the chamber. I thought it was the perfect surprise.” Severus was still staring at the chamber no emotion was on his face and he was quiet. Harry’s started to think that maybe it was a bad idea. “Is… do you not want to be down here?”

Severus whipped around at the almost timid voice that came out of his mate. He walked up to his mate and wrapped his arms around the tense figure waiting until Harry relaxed against him before answering. “No, Harry. I was just trying to imagine what the chamber would be used for. I guess I got lost in my own little world.” Severus kissed the top of Harry’s head before resting his chin on it. “Sorry, Melamin.”

Harry smiled at the term. “It was used to teach apparition, sword fighting, and dueling. “The chamber has some, now forgotten, charms that show what part of the body would be left behind or splinched during apparition. It also has charms to highlight were and what the injury would have been during a duel.”

Severus looked around the room and nodded, “Are you going to do those classes again?”

Harry nodded, “Yes, but I’m going to use the room of Requirement to transport the class here. And I need to find someone to teach them. But I was thinking of asking Sirius to take over the dueling and seeing if they couldn’t incorporate it into the syllabus for six and seventh years.”

Severus hummed, “That sounds like a good idea.”

They walked around the chamber for a few more moments, than they left heading back up to Harry’s chamber. As they entered the library Harry walked over to his familiars and leaned down, “Hello Astrum, how are you faring?”

Astrum raised himself up a little to flick his tongue on Harry’s nose in an imitation of a kiss, “Hello little griffin, we are fine. But Fawkes is getting exasperated of Astrum. She says the she has too much energy.”

Harry chuckled, “Well I’ll make sure either I or Severus will try to tire her out a little more.”

Astrum seemed to nod and then flicked his tongue out, “Your mate is very aroused.”

Harry chuckled and petted the small snake on his head, then leaned up. He looked over at Severus whose eyes had glazed over and was watching him intently.

Harry made sure he brushed Severus as he passed him to the living quarters. Severus just watched as Harry walked down the hall, Severus quickly following him after he was out of sight. Severus reached the hall and saw Harry walk into another room.

Severus walked into the room and saw Harry standing by the bed. “You need to feed,” was the only whispered statement before Harry reached out to pull Severus closer. He then reached up to kiss him fervently.

Harry pulled back a moment later and pushed Severus lightly until he sat on the bed. Harry offered his wrist to Severus, who sucked and licked the wrist before biting into it, hearing Harry’s moan as he did.

Harry was hard and aching when Severus closed the wound. He strattled Severus and felt the man’s answering hardness pressing into his own. Harry frotted against the man and leaned down to kiss him.

Severus was happy to let Harry lead even if he was the dominate mate in the relationship. He felt Harry’s hand travel down and timidly trace his erection through his jeans. Severus moaned and that seemed to encourage Harry as he rubbed harder, while he thrusted against Severus’ thigh.

Need was racing through the men as their bodies thrusted against the other. A moment later their orgasm overtook the men and Harry collapsed against Severus’ chest.

After ten minutes Harry’s breath returned to him and he rolled off of Severus and cuddled to his side. Waving his hand he transfigured their clothes into silk pajamas and reached up to kiss Severus. Harry pulled back a moment later and cuddled closer into Severus’ side. “Good night Sev.”

Severus smiled and wrapped his arms around Harry, “Good night Melamin.” As Harry’s breath evened out Severus reveled in the touch and closeness of his mate. “I love you, My Harry,” Severus whispered into the hair of his sleeping mate.

* Melamin- Elven for my love.