Dreams In Time

TITLE: Dreams In Time 28 of ??
AUTHOR: Casey Snape
PAIRING: Snarry
MINOR PAIRINGS: Albus Dumbledore/Minerva McGonagall, Remus Lupin/Sirius Black, Draco Malfoy/Charlie Weasley, Ron Weasley/Hermione Granger, Percy Weasley/Penelope Clearwater, Lucius Malfoy/Narcissa Malfoy, Cornelius Fudge/Gilderoy Lockhart, James Potter/Lily Evans Potter, Peter Pettigrew/Tom Riddle, Bill Weasley/Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin,
RATING: NC-17
FEEDBACK: caseysnape@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER: Nope, Not mine, however much I might wish. The characters and concepts in the following story do not belong to me. Ms. Rowling and all her assignees, publishers, etc… have that honor. I make no money from this…

WARNINGS: Parts of OTP & all of HBP and DH never happened. OOC. AU. Time Travel / MPreg / Graphic Sex / Rimming / Masturbation / Voyeurism / Mention of BDSM / Mention of Het. Sex / Bonding & Marriage / Dirty talk / Mention of Non-Con /

Thanks to everyone for sticking with me this long. Just so you know, I already have 2800 words (4 pages) written on Chapter 29, and a few scenes worked out for Chapter 30. I’m hoping that Chapter 30 will be the last regular chapter, and 31 will be an epilogue (but don’t hold me to that….). Just hang tight – I am working on it. Real life just keeps getting in my way.


From Chapter 27: THE CHOICE OF THE UNBORN

Lucius laughed, “Sod off, you git! You know how we are.”

Severus chuckled. “Such language toward the one holding your leash,” he teased, “whatever would Cissa do if I told her?” He delighted in the way his cousin paled and began to stammer, “Not that I would, mind you. It is something to think about, however.”

Lucius chucked him on the arm. “Git.”

Severus arched the brow at him again and drawled, “Indeed.”

Chapter 28: THE RETURN OF THE TIME TRAVELER

Present – late Monday night:

The members of the Order still gathered were stunned. All of them were silent for several long moments, trying to figure out how this turn had come about. As Draco gathered the courage, Molly began to speak, “The only was this could happen…”

“…would be for Draco to be Mr. Weasley’s soul-mate,” her statement was finished by Narcissa Malfoy.

Both mothers looked up and caught each other’s gaze. A decision was made in that instant, and Molly crossed the floor to take a startled Draco into her arms. “Welcome to the family, young man. We are delighted to have you.” Arthur followed suit. Bill, Ron, Fred and George followed their parents’ example, although they opted for a handshake instead of a hug. As tradition, Narcissa welcomed the Weasleys to their family also.

Charlie stood back, still heartbroken from Neville’s death. The last several hours played through his mind, and he suddenly understood.

“Neville knew, didn’t he?” He asked so quietly that he was sure no one heard him.

Draco, however, heard the almost silent question. “Yes. I knew about the soul-mate part. Before we left, I – well, I told him.” Draco dropped his head into his hands as he sat heavily on the nearby chair. “He worked out the rest. He protected me from Pomfrey because he knew what had happened. He didn’t want the baby to be another of her victims.”

Charlie stared at Draco for several minutes. Abruptly, he turned and stalked to the door. As he reached for the door knob, he remembered Neville’s pleas before he died. He stopped and took a shuddering breath. He turned again, pacing toward the blonde man. The dragon tamer dropped to his knees in front of his soul-mate and took the young man’s hands in his. The same blissful feeling streaked through both of their bodies at the slight contact. “I…,” he started and stopped, having to swallow around the dry lump that had formed in his throat. “Thank you. I am happy that you carry the child now. I never wanted that…that monster…to have him. I’m not…” He stopped again, this time to search for the right words, “I’m not rejecting you. I just don’t think I’m quite ready for this relationship yet.”

Draco smiled grimly, “I understand, and I’m willing to wait.”

Charlie flashed him a grateful grin that made him feel as if he’d been hit by a dozen jelly-legs jinxes at once. “Thanks.” He kissed Draco on the cheek and quickly left the room.

Just then, the floo roared to life. Percy Weasley, looking like something Mrs. Norris would cough up, stumbled out of the fireplace. Arthur ran to catch his son, but Percy held him off.

“What the hell happened tonight?” the young minion demanded. Molly started, not used to hearing one of her sons, particularly that one, use language like that. He fell back into one of the over-stuffed chairs and waited for an answer.

Albus quickly took charge again, explaining everything that had happened during the afternoon and evening. Severus watched the young man as Albus continued his recount of the mission. Percy was doing an admirable job of hiding the tell-tale shudders that wracked his body every few seconds. Severus sincerely doubted anyone even noticed the after-effects of the cruciatus curse.

Silently, he reached into one of the numerous inner pockets in his robe and pulled out three potions that the young man would need – the anti-cruciatus elixir, a very strong pain killer, and of course, the pepper-up potion. He crossed the room carefully. When he reached Percy’s chair, he pressed the three vials into the man’s hand. Percy looked up, startled, but grateful. With a silent nod, he thanked the Potions Master.

It was only when he tilted his head back to take the mixtures that his parents noticed the tremors. Upset, they flew to his side – Molly clucking and checking him over like a mother hen. Albus, noticing the ruckus, hurried through the rest so that Molly could appease her motherly nature. As soon as the Headmaster finished, she picked up again, “What happened? Did SHE do this to you?”

Percy sighed and patted his mother’s hand. “Yes, Mum. She did. Don’t worry – her strength is diminished. It didn’t hurt nearly as much as it should have.” He pushed to his feet and began to recap his side of the evening.

“I was called to her cabin soon after you left. She was livid – about the baby, about everything. Luckily for me, she had already worked out the worst of her anger before I got there.” He paused before continuing, “It is most unfortunate for Mr. Thomas, however.”

Hermione choked back a sob, “She killed him, too, didn’t she? When we got there, I tripped over…,” She blubbered and continued, “I tripped over Seamus Finnegan’s body.” Ron wrapped his arms around his girlfriend’s waist as she started to cry for their lost class-mates.

Percy nodded unnecessarily. “Yes, she did. She is quite happy with my work; otherwise, I would have received the same.” He crossed over to the Malfoys and stopped in front of Draco. “Are you alright, Mr. Malfoy?” Draco looked up and nodded. “Good, I didn’t like her plan for the baby. I’m glad that’s no longer a factor.”

Albus looked up. “Just what was her plan for the child?”

Percy took several moments to answer. He crossed back over to the chair he had recently vacated and sat carefully on the edge of the cushion. “She was taking several potions – to stabilize the pregnancy and to speed up the growth. She planned to make the child a horcrux. She was going to age the child unnaturally and used the special potion made for Harry to make the child especially powerful.”

Albus caught on, “She wanted to make him a horcrux. She was planning on being killed when the child was aged enough and to come back in his body.”

Percy nodded again. “Yes, she would be so powerful – she would be unstoppable. But, that can’t happen now. Draco has the baby.”

Bill spoke up, “But can’t she try again?”

Percy smiled. “That is the best news of this. She was having trouble with the pregnancy before all this happened. She told me herself about that. One reason she was so upset is that her body did not react well to all the potions. She can’t carry another child.”


Past – Tuesday night:

Narcissa glanced back at her husband and his cousin as she heard Severus laugh. Severus hardly ever laughed. She gazed down at the young man next to her. She didn’t know all the facts, but she did know that this young man was the reason for the laughter. She tightened her hold on him momentarily, causing Harry to look up at her.

“Lucius sketched out the details briefly for me. You are not from this…time, correct?” Harry inclined his head in and she continued, “You and Severus are bonded soul mates.” This was not a question, so Harry didn’t answer. “I don’t know what else may play into this, Alex, but I do know that you are good for Severus. He is happy – no, more than that.” She thought for a moment. “He is content.”

Harry smiled, waiting to speak until they had passed a group of guests. “You may call me Harry, but only in private. It’s my real name.” He was gifted with a bright, welcoming smile from his hostess. “I love Severus very much.” He glanced across the room at his smirking spouse, “He is… everything,” he breathed dreamily.

Narcissa laughed. “You may call me Narcissa, or Cissa, whichever you prefer. Of course, you can call my husband by Luc or Lucius.” She leaned closer to him and added conspiratorially, “Just don’t call him Luci. Severus is the only one who does, and it drives him mad” She continued, “And, I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way about my pet.” Her voice was lower, more husky than before – so much so that it startled Harry.

Harry looked up and saw that she was not looking at him, but instead had leveled a gaze at her husband that was so heated that it should have set the man on fire. The blonde man was mirroring the expression back at his wife. Harry’s eyes followed the line of the man’s collar down the attached leash to his Severus’s long, elegant fingers. A pleasant thrill ran through him as he raked his eyes over the hand and arm, across the chest and up the neck, until finally, he met the darker man’s eyes. The same, scorching look was leveled at Harry, and Harry felt the fire it sparked settle deep in his belly. He gulped as he fought the urge to fan himself.

“Um, Narcissa, if I may ask – how does that work, exactly?” He broke his gaze away from Severus.

The elegant blonde woman shook herself away from her flirtation. “Is that something you and Severus have discussed? You can either choose to adopt the lifestyle, as we have, or you can choose to use it only for play. Also, not all couples are as open as we are with their choices. Due to our families’ standing, and our personal preferences, our marriage negotiations were held in an open meeting of the Wizengamot.”

Harry swallowed nervously, “We never discussed it – well, it came up briefly tonight, but..” He trailed off as he gathered his thoughts. “I don’t think I would like it as a lifestyle.” His eyes flew to hers, suddenly realizing that she could have taken that as an insult.

“Don’t worry. I am not offended. Our choices are not right for everyone.”

Satisfied, he continued, “I think I might like it as play. You know, just for the night or something.”

“Tell me, Harry. Are you submissive or dominant?”

Harry’s lips quirked, “Can you be both? I mean, in play, can you swap?”

Narcissa tilted her head back as she laughed. “Usually, one does not change their role, but, that’s not to say that it can’t be done. Top or bottom, dominant or submissive – it’s all about the same thing.”

Harry smiled nervously back at her. “Sex?”

“Well, eventually, but that is just a by-product. It’s about trust, Harry. Do you trust your partner enough to give yourself over to their care? Do you trust yourself enough to care for your partner?”

Harry’s face turned thoughtful. “Yes, without a doubt.”

Narcissa steered him toward where their husbands stood, still watching. “Then you’ll have nothing to worry about. You know, you’re a fine young man, Harry. Don’t worry about Severus; we’ll take care of him for you while you’re gone. Now, go spend time with your husband.”

They reached the men, and Narcissa deftly reclaimed Lucius’s leash. As she slipped it back on her wrist, she offered Harry a wry, knowing smile. “Come, Lucius. We must mingle with our other guests.”

Lucius smiled warmly at Severus and Harry. “Yes, my love.” He answered and turned to follow his wife.

Severus turned to his husband as he slipped an arm around the slender waist. “What was that about, hmmm?” Her murmured into Harry’s ear.

Harry took a quick look around, noticing another of those little alcoves just behind them. Quickly, he pulled his husband inside. “We were discussing what you suggested earlier.” He pushed Severus roughly against the wall and kissed him hard. “I think I might like to try it sometime, just as a temporary thing.”

Severus groaned and pulled Harry closer toward him. He trailed his hands down from Harry’s waist, over taut cheeks to cup the other man’s arse as he turned them, effectively capturing Harry between himself and the wall. He kissed him ferociously, letting Harry know just how much the idea excited him.

A noise from outside their hiding place brought them back to where they were. Severus stepped away and leaned heavily against the opposite wall. He pulled an ancient looking watch from his pocket and flipped it open impatiently. “We have to stay here exactly…one hour and forty-four more minutes.” He took several breaths before he continued. “Until then, you are safe, Mr. Potter. I find that I cannot vouch for your virtue for longer than that.”

Harry grinned cheekily at Severus. “It’s Mr. Potter-Snape, if you please. And as for my virtue, well, you’ve taken care of that many times over now, haven’t you?” He pushed himself from his wall and crossed over to Severus. He leaned toward the man, enough so that Severus could feel Harry’s breath caress his lips. “I’ll gladly give up whatever virtue I have left to you anytime, anywhere, anyhow, love. You know that.” He ghosted a kiss upon the lips, turned and left the alcove.

Severus cursed vividly for several breaths; the whole time thinking of every disgusting potion ingredient he knew to solve the problem his husband had caused. He practically stormed out of the little nook with one thought on his mind: make the next hour and (now) forty-one minutes pass as quickly as possible.

The time remaining followed a distinct pattern. They would mingle, dance quite closely and seductively and drink unbelievably expensive champagne before disappearing into one of the secret compartments to kiss, touch and tease. More than once, they had to force themselves to stop before their activities passed the point of no return.

Narcissa and Lucius were in a similar state, if the brief glimpses that Harry and Severus had were any indication. More than once, they bumped into the older couple as they either entered or exited one of the small hidden rooms.

The appropriate amount of time elapsed, and both men were in a near frenzy. There was a feeling in the air that neither one could put a name to. They barely managed to say farewell to the Malfoys before they were racing to the apparation point outside the manor. The distance between the gates and the castle at Hogwarts never seemed to be so far as it was that night. Severus fervently wished, more than once, for a portkey that would take them straight to their bed.

Neither could hold off for longer than it took to get inside their suite. Severus backed Harry up against the wall and took him roughly, slaking his lust with a primal need. Harry was with him every step of the way, using the door to brace himself as he thrust against his lover.

After calming down somewhat, the couple found their bed. While tired, the rush of love, lust, and need had not diminished enough to make sleeping possible. This time, Severus took his time. He feasted on Harry’s lips, his neck, his skin as he worked his way down his lover’s body. He nibbled on hard, pebbled nipples and firm thighs. He used his hands and his body to show his love for the extraordinary young man that had changed his life in so many ways. Harry came with an indecipherable moan that was followed very closely by Severus’s husky growl.

Severus rolled them both over and settled Harry into his customary place on his shoulder. He sighed in sheer contentment as his husband snuggled into his side.

“Tomorrow, bratling,” he began softly, “we will go to Diagon Alley. I find that I am in need of a wardrobe change.”

Harry looked up, startled. “Why?”

“You said it earlier – you don’t like the buttons. I aim to acquire a wardrobe that does not have the buttons that vex you so.”

Harry smiled and kissed Severus’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean that I didn’t like them. I actually do, in fact. They drive me mad…in a good way.” At Severus’s confused gaze, he continued, “I see you in those robes – all buttoned up – shielded from the world, from everyone.” He paused as he searched for the right words, “It turns me on to know that I am the only one that gets to see you when they are unbuttoned. It’s like, well, a part of you that belongs only to me.”

Severus tilted his head as he reflected on what Harry was saying, “You…want me to keep the robes?”

Harry grinned impishly. “Yeah, I do. The robes, with all three million of the tiniest buttons ever made, are what keeps everyone else from seeing what belongs to me.”

Severus chuckled as he pulled Harry back into his embrace. “Well, in that case, brat, I shall continue to vex you with buttons until the day I die.”

Harry snuggled down, his eyes drooping sleepily, “and beyond.”

Severus let out a happy breath as he kissed the top of Harry’s head. “And beyond, my love.”

Both men drifted happily into sleep.

Harry immediately began to dream: the same comforting black robes, billowing and snapping; hordes of people with red hair, the girl with bushy, brown hair. The dreams went on and on, changing from one scene to another without pattern: Muggle relatives that withheld affection and food mixed with visions of dementors floating by and screams of his mother; Voldemort’s return, the final battle and their victory; his unmistakable love for his husband developing during the last year or so that he was in his own time.

He sat up with a start, not even noticing Severus’s discontented snort at being jostled in his sleep. Harry stared into the darkness; his unseeing eyes not even blinking as the memories flooded through him. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there in the shadows, watching the mental montage that accompanied the rushing recollections. Finally, he seemed to come out of the trance, and gazed down at his still-sleeping husband.

His heart shattered with the knowledge of everything the man would go through in the coming years. Tears welled in his eyes as he absently traced the unmarked forearm beneath his fingertips. ‘How did you…,’ he wondered softly. He wondered if Severus still loved him in the future. It didn’t matter, he decided. He was here now, for however long, and he would make sure Severus knew that he was loved and wanted. ‘Maybe,’ he thought as he snuggled down at his lover’s side, ‘maybe that will be enough to get us through.’

His eyes were still wet with tears when sleep claimed him again. This time, his dreams were of the future he wanted for his family.


Present – Tuesday night:

With the threat against the purebloods hanging over their heads, Augusta Longbottom did not risk holding a funeral service for her young grandson. She informed the Headmaster and the Order that she would have an elegant memorial to honor her brave Gryffindor after all of this nonsense was finished.

So, with a heavy heart, she alone placed her grandson’s body into the family crypt. The coffin was lovely, a special design by Tristan Ollivander, cousin to the famous wand-makers. She had ordered it years ago to have just in case her dear Frank did not make it. She whispered the traditional burial spells over the casket, watching solemnly as the yellow, blue, and red sparks fell on the polished timber.

After she completed the spells, she paused. Slowly, she bent down and placed a kiss on the wood. “Sleep well, my brave one.” And she left.

Present – late Tuesday evening:

Charlie tossed and turned in an attempt to sleep. His mind just would not shut down. He kept thinking how everything was his fault – Pomfrey, the baby, Draco, and Neville. Poor, sweet Neville: he was just a boy! Tears ran down his face as he fought the nearly overwhelming guilt weighing down on him.

A soft, blue light caught his eye, and his breath stuck in his throat. There, in the darkness of the tower room, stood Neville. The boy smiled sadly at him and came closer.

“Charlie,” the apparition began, “none of this is your fault. Poppy is sick. She made herself that way, long ago. The baby was her idea, also. You did not choose her. She chose you.”

Charlie didn’t agree, but he nodded anyway. Neville’s ghost continued, “Draco would be your soul mate no matter what else happened.” The ghost sat gingerly on the edge of the bed, almost passing through, but not quite. He reached a hand toward Charlie, stopping just short of his cheek. “I am honored and very flattered that you cared for me, but now Draco needs you and your child needs you. You and he were meant to be together. You are two halves of one whole.”

“I know it doesn’t seem this way now, but you can and will be happy with Draco, if you try. He is a good man, no matter what else has happened – the same as you. You are a good man, Charlie. You and Draco will be wonderful together, and your son will be blessed to have both of you as parents.”

Charlie looked up. “My son? It’s…he’s a boy?”

Neville smiled happily, “Yes, Charlie. You will have a son.”

Charlie allowed a small grin, “But, what about you? I don’t want to forget you.”

Neville got up and moved toward the tower window, “You don’t have to forget me to move on. I’m gone. After tonight, you will not see me again.” He turned back toward the redhead. “This is what I want. Get to know Draco, marry him, have lots of babies and be happy. Promise me that you’ll give Draco a chance.”

Charlie sobbed as he agreed, knowing in his heart that the specter was right.

“Now, lie back and get some rest. Tomorrow is a long day. Don’t worry, Charlie. I’ll stay here until you fall asleep.”

Charlie reluctantly settled into the bed. He closed his eyes and felt an icy-cold sensation on his brow. “Sleep, Charlie…,” Neville whispered.

Charlie slept.

Past – Wednesday morning:

Severus woke early. He smiled as he felt his young husband snuggle deeper into his side. He turned slightly and tightened his arms around the young man. He chuckled as a warm, wet mouth latched onto the side of his neck and began to suck.

“Starting early this morning, aren’t we?”

A low moan answered him as the suction increased. He swatted the young man on the bottom. “None of that right now. I’m in need of the loo, and I believe you have a breakfast to obtain.”

“Mmmm,” Harry practically purred, “I have made a decision.” Severus felt his heart skip a beat as he momentarily thought the worst, but it started its steady cadence again as Harry pulled him closer and started mouthing kisses along his jaw line. “I think that today would be the perfect day to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in bed…”

Severus started to object, but found that he couldn’t find a single reason to argue. “Loo, first, then breakfast,” he agreed, taking the moment to escape. He rushed through his morning ablutions, delighted to find Harry still naked and in bed when he returned. The muffins were waiting on the bedside table, and Harry had a look on his face that told Severus that several pepper-up potions would be needed before the day was out.

Severus climbed into bed and crawled over to his husband, nibbling his way up the firm chest to Harry’s mouth. Before he could claim the soft lips, Harry stopped him. “Not today, love. Today is for you. Let me…” He pushed on Severus’s chest, causing the taller man to tumble onto his back. Harry rose up above him and took his mouth in the fiercest, most delicious kiss Severus had ever experienced. It was so sweet that it made his heart ache and his soul yearn. He felt as if Harry was making love to him with his mouth only.

Severus slid his hands along Harry’s body until they came to rest just above his hips. Harry adjusted their positions until he straddled Severus’s body and his balls were touching Severus’s. Both hissed at the intimate contact, but neither stopped the kiss. Severus felt a hand trace down his right shoulder and his arm, following the long, lean lines until the hand captured his. The same pattern of touch followed on his left side; fingers lingered slightly longer on his left forearm before capturing the hand.

Harry threaded their fingers together as he brought their hands up to rest on the pillows above their heads. He held them that way, palm to palm, fingers interlocked, as their mouths imitated the wicked, ancient rhythm that their bodies would soon duplicate. In the small part of his brain that was still working, Severus thought that this had to be more erotic, more profound and personal than anything they had ever experienced together before. He strained upward, trying to increase the contact between himself and his husband.

He was disappointed when Harry ended their kiss and pulled away, but only for a second. “I think, my love,” Harry breathlessly started, “that we should start our breakfast. Something tells me we’ll need our energy.” He released Severus’s hands and reached for the plate on the table. “Sit up a little.”

Severus complied with a grin. He’d come to enjoy their morning ritual more than he could ever have imagined, and not just for the sex that always accompanied the food. It was the closeness that came from feeding and sharing with each other. Their relationship was highly sexual, but it only helped to reinforce their openness and trust of each other. He opened his mouth as Harry brought a bite towards him. He nipped Harry’s fingers as the morsel was placed on his tongue, causing the shorter man to chuckle. Harry leaned down close to Severus’s ear, “playful, hmmm?” He licked Sev’s neck, causing Severus to shiver. “I love you, forever and beyond,” he nibbled on the earlobe before he sat back up and took a bite for himself.

Each bite brought a heated kiss and a proclamation of Harry’s love for Severus. Severus tried to respond in kind, but Harry’s words and movements soon threatened to overwhelm him. He knew that Harry loved him, but this morning seemed…different, somehow. After the last bite was finished, Severus took Harry’s face in his hands, “My Harry, I…,” he choked slightly on the emotion bubbling up with the words, “I love you. Time, experience,…nothing will ever change that.”

Harry fought the sob that threatened to come out when he heard Severus’s heartfelt declaration. He really hoped that Severus still loved him in the future. “I know,” he replied as he did the only thing he could think to do: he slid down his lover’s body and took Severus’s lovely cock into his mouth. Severus bucked up as the wet heat engulfed him. He wrapped his hands around the top of the headboard to keep from grabbing Harry’s head and forcing him down onto his aching prick.

“Harry, ahhh!” He cried as Harry began to suck hard on the mushroomed head of his turgid length, “Not…not yet. I want to be inside…”

Harry understood, and swiftly resumed his previous position. He whispered a spell, shocking both of them as it worked and they felt the slippery lube on their private areas. Severus reached down and held himself steady as Harry sat slowly, taking Severus’s erection into his tight, hot opening. Both men groaned in relief and anticipation.

Harry reached down and took Severus’s hands again, linking their fingers as he had earlier. Severus brought his knees up until they touched Harry’s back. He planted his feet flat against the bed as he used the position to give the leverage he needed to thrust up. Harry pushed down as he felt Severus’s hips rise. It felt so good to be joined this way. He leaned down and nibbled at Severus’s lower lip until the taller man opened his mouth. Harry thrust past the thin lips, delighted when its mate met his tongue.

This is how they were meant to be; joined together in body and soul, mouth to mouth, hand to hand and heart to heart. Harry moaned, or maybe it was Severus that moaned. He couldn’t tell, but it didn’t matter. Severus continued to thrust slowly, drawing out their inevitable conclusion as long as he could. At last, he couldn’t hold back any longer. He tried to move his hands, wanting to touch Harry, but his husband would have none of that. Harry broke the kiss and licked down his jaw toward his ear. “I’m ready.”

At the words, Severus jerked upward, moving faster and faster. He came with a cry of “Harry!” A mere heartbeat later, he felt his husband start to clench around his still shuddering cock and heard Harry’s whispered shout of “Sev’rus!” against his neck. Warm wetness began to seep onto the skin of his belly and he shivered. He brought his hands down and wrapped his arms around his husband, quietly soothing him as he came down from his intense orgasm.

Severus summoned the blankets and did a quick cleaning charm as Harry moved off to his side. Not quite willing to let go of the moment yet, he gathered the other boy into his arms and drifted off for a peaceful nap.

They made love three more times during the day. Each time was slow, furious in intensity, and more intimate than the last. Before lunch, Harry took Severus in the bath, using the water to help compensate for his shortness. After lunch, they revisited the couch where they first made love and were bonded, opting for mutual oral satisfaction this time. They held each other and talked. They shared their dreams for the future. Severus surprised Harry when he told him that he wanted four children, but Harry readily agreed. A family with Severus was something he wanted very much.

Dinner was a romantic affair on the rug in front of the fire. They fed each other finger foods, sharing kisses between delicate bites. Afterward, Severus claimed Harry in every sense, burying himself deep inside his lover with every stroke. Harry covered their bodies with a chenille throw as he and Severus dozed in the fire-lit afterglow.

It could have been hours, but was, in truth, only minutes later that Severus awoke to find himself alone. Even as he sat up to look around, he knew the awful truth. Harry had gone home.

Present – Wednesday afternoon:

Severus paced furiously; his head swiveling so that the calendar on the wall never left his sight for long. Today! It was today; Harry would return sometime tonight. His heart ached as he remembered their last day together. He felt fearful, panicky, excited, thrilled, and energized – so many conflicting things all at once, so much so that he actually jumped when the floo flared to life and Lucius stepped out into the room.

“Calm down, cousin,” the blonde man drawled as he saw the uncharacteristic actions of the man he considered to be a brother.

“Oh, budge up, grandpa!” the dark-haired man replied.

Lucius laughed, quickly diffusing the tense air in the room. “I suppose that I will be that very soon. Now, would you care to stop wearing out the very nice carpet I gave you for your last birthday and tell me what has you in such a snit?”

Severus stopped pacing only to run a long fingered hand nervously through his lank hair. “It’s today.” He pointed to the calendar, “Harry comes back today.”

“My, my,” Lucius started, “now I completely understand why you are so nervous. Your loving husband is returning to you.” He leaned close, aware that he was well within hitting distance, “One would think that you have never faced such a horrid thing…”

Severus punched him on the shoulder. “You know very well that the Dark Lord was a hundred times worse than this. It’s just,” he sighed as he fell heavily into a leather chair, “I have never felt so out-of-control with the Dark Lord. Harry has complete control, and I doubt he even knows it.”

Lucius sat on the arm of the chair and patted Severus’s shoulder. “I have told you Narcissa’s opinion of this previously. She’s never wrong. But, there is something I have not told you.”

Severus looked up, suddenly extremely wary of his cousin. “What?” It was forced out through clenched teeth.

Lucius immediately moved away, not willing to risk being too close for this one. “I knew that today was THE day before I came over. Now, don’t look at me that way. I remembered how distraught you were, and it is very close to a certain anniversary…” He looked pointedly toward Severus’s left side. “But, that is not what I mean. Cissa only told me this morning; otherwise, I would have told you much earlier…”

“Great Merlin’s beard! Would you get on with it?”

Lucius sighed and took another step backward, “I am not sure, but I think Harry may have remembered before he returned. Remember, this is based only on what my wife told me this morning,” he added hurriedly before Severus could explode. “Right after he left you, Harry came to the mansion to see Narcissa. He asked a boon – if we would stay close and watch after you for him until he could be with you again.” He paused to see how Severus would process this information.

“That does not mean that he remembered. It just means that he was concerned.”

“Narcissa says that it was more than just a request. He asked specifically that we do whatever it took to keep you safe. She says that Harry was quite insistent that she agree. She thinks that he knew what you were going to do.”

“I didn’t even know what I was going to do until two days later. I…how could he know?”

“That, cousin, is the key. He couldn’t know – unless he remembered.”

Severus sighed deeply, “I do not think he remembered anything. Surely, he would have told me.” He sighed again, and Lucius took that as a sign that he wasn’t in immediate danger from his cousin’s famous temper. He crossed back over and placed his hand on the other man’s back, offering support. Severus looked up at his best friend and cousin and sighed a third time, “This is the first time in my life that I actually hope you prove me wrong, Luc.”

Lucius leaned down and kissed his cousin’s forehead. “I know, Sev. I know.”

They sat there for several minutes before Lucius remembered the real reason he had come to visit. “As much as I hate to mention this, I am afraid that I have to. Dumbledore has called a special meeting of the Order. It is scheduled to start in less than thirty minutes.”

Severus groaned. “Of course he has. Why would I expect anything differently?” He stood stiffly. “Well, come on. You can help me place notification wards on the second floor and the Charms classroom before the meeting.”

“Why do we…” Lucius started.

“Harry disappeared from the Charms classroom, and he appeared in the past in the old Wizarding Traditions classroom on the second floor. I want to know exactly when Harry returns, especially since I doubt we’ll be out of the damned meeting before midnight.”

Lucius grinned at the truth in that statement. “I call the Charms classroom. You can have the second floor.”

Severus leveled a sideways glare at him. “Lazy sod - just make sure you set the wards to notify me. I don’t want to get the news second hand.”

Luc laughed out loud at that. “Of course, cousin. Now, I’ll meet you in the Headmaster’s office in fifteen?”

Severus nodded and headed off toward the second floor corridor.

Past – Wednesday Evening:

Albus Dumbledore smiled wryly as he saw his Potions Master traverse the back of the room for the fourteenth time this hour. He knew what was going on. He doubted anyone who knew Severus could forget that today was the day. He had hoped that the order meeting would help take Severus’s over-taxed mind away from Harry for a few moments, but it looked as if that was not to be.

He glanced toward the corner where Lily, James, Remus and Sirius were hidden. They were as anxious as Severus. He hid his concern as he continued, “Now, on to our last order of business. It has come to our attention that Mr. Potter should be returning very shortly.” He looked around at the members gathered in his office.

“I can tell you that Harry has been in the past, but that is all. What I ask, no – command, from each of you is that you do not volunteer any information to him when he does return. His memories of life at Hogwarts were missing while he was in the past, so I am not sure what he will remember when he returns.” He leveled a serious glare at Severus, “I feel it would be better for Harry to let any absent memories come back naturally, rather than to try to force them.”

“Now, if Severus, the Weasleys, Ms. Granger, and the Malfoys would please stay, everyone else will be dismissed.”

He waited until everyone had cleared out before allowing Lily, James, Sirius, Remus and Salena out of their hiding place. He knew that he had never seen the werewolf so happy. Remus had one arm wrapped tightly around his daughter. The other arm hung loose at his side, but his hand was firmly attached to his husband’s. Salena had already adjusted to having another father, and was clearly enjoying the attention from both men.

James stood behind Lily with his arms loosely circling her waist. Those two seemed to be just as happy as Remus, although they were understandably nervous. It was not every day that you had to explain to your son how you came back from the dead.

The others were a mix between astonishment at the new arrivals and anxiousness for Harry’s return. Severus was the only one that did not seem to fit. His earlier need to move had left him. Instead, he stood totally still in the back of the room. Albus secretly thought that he looked almost afraid to move – as if he would shatter at the slightest twitch.

Albus started to talk when the air in the room seemed to move. Fawkes moved from his perch and began to sing softly as he circled the office. A great thump echoed in their ears as the room flashed with a bright blue light. Fawkes stopped flying and settled in the middle of the room, huddled over a large lump lying on the carpet.

Gasps were heard all around as everyone realized that Harry Potter had returned.