Dreams In Time

TITLE: Dreams In Time 29 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 /

From Chapter 28: THE RETURN OF THE TIME TRAVELER

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.


Chapter 29: THE FALL OF A MONSTER

Present – late Wednesday night:

Peter Pettigrew shivered in the dank Azkaban prison cell. He heard shuffling nearby, and crawled into the corner farthest from the cell door. Relief flooded through him as he noticed it was only an Auror, not a dementor coming by. The MLE officer stopped every few feet, checking on the prisoners within. Unconsciously, he ran his fingers over the permanent collar that stopped his animagus transformations. The Auror drew near, and Peter chanced to call out, “Could you tell me what day it is?”

The officer laughed, and answered. Peter shook as he realized the importance of this date. Nineteen years ago, he had started on the road that had led him to this hell – all for the love of a man who never wanted him. He had gone back to Tom Riddle – Lord Voldemort – and convinced him that he had overheard James, one of his best and only friends, talking about the plan his parents had developed to kill Voldemort. That was all it had taken to focus the Dark Lord on the Potters.

Voldemort was unmerciful. He had murdered the elder Potters without a second thought. He then ordered Peter back to James to find out more information, an order that Peter happily complied with. He spied on James and his other friends, taking every chance to betray their trust for his own purposes – the love of Severus Snape. He led Voldemort to focus intently on James, and in turn, on Lily, making him believe that they were even more of a threat than they actually were.

Even with all of his machinations, Riddle still couldn’t kill James and Lily. They married, and that angered Peter beyond all rational thought. When Lily became pregnant, Peter became desperate because he knew time was running out. He found out that Professor Dumbledore was leading a group against the Dark Lord. Then, he found out that Dumbledore was going to interview a new Divination teacher for the school.

The rat hatched a plan. Carefully, he got to know one of the applicants, a certain Sybill Trelawney. He endured her twittering and incensed embraces until he gained the chance to cast the imperius curse. He gave her the “prophecy” that she used to convince the old man of her “inner eye”. He made sure that the ridiculous little rhyme pointed toward James and Lily’s child. The plan worked, and the Potters, with precious little Harry, were convinced to go into hiding. Everyone had underestimated Peter, and he used that for his own gain. It didn’t take much – a whispered spell and a suggestion – and Sirius turned down the request to be James and Lily’s secret-keeper. Another quiet incantation, and the offer was made to Peter.

Peter wiped the tears as he remembered the death of his friends. They were probably the only true friends he had ever had, and he had killed them. He didn’t understand until far too late that Severus was only being kind to him that fateful day; Severus had never loved him and had only loved Harry.

Present – early Thursday morning:

Severus sat back in his favorite chair, nursing a bottle of Ogden’s best. It was a nasty habit, he knew, but tonight – make that this morning – he needed it. Harry had returned, looked straight at him, and promptly flew into the arms of his loving parents and pseudo-family. He hadn’t even looked like he recognized him at all!

He felt a crushing pain throb throughout his body, one that he suspected originated from his heart. He closed his eyes and thought back; remembering two days after Harry had left him in the past.

FLASHBACK - Past –Early Saturday morning:

Severus called out for Narcissa as soon as he stepped from the floo connection into the Malfoy study. A house-elf greeted him and told him to wait. He nervously fingered a piece of ancient parchment folded in his pocket as he waited. The paper was a letter from a long-ago relative, Draven Prince. It told him about his husband, and some of the horrors that would face the young man. Mere moments later, the lady of the house appeared.

“Severus, is there anything wrong? It is very early.” Narcissa admonished him gently.

“I beg your pardon, Cissa. I need to speak to both you and Lucius.” He was clearly agitated. Narcissa called the elf to summon her husband.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as they waited for Lucius. Severus, as was his habit when upset, paced the length of the large room. Finally, Lucius appeared.

“Cissa, Luci. Ha…My husband’s grandfather – his future father’s…,” he started, only to be interrupted by Lucius.

“Take it slow. Start at the beginning.”

Severus started again. “My husband is Harry Potter, future son of James Potter and Lily Evans.”

Narcissa sat down with a start. “Harrison Potter and his wife were killed last night by Lord Voldemort.”

Severus nodded, “It is believed that Lord Voldemort will turn his attentions toward James next.” He looked up at Lucius, and then at Narcissa. “I can’t let anything happen to them. If…it could mean the end of Harry, even before he…”

Narcissa rose and went over to the tall man. She enfolded him into her arms as a mother would do for her child, grateful when he readily yielded to the comfort she offered. “What is it that you want to do?” she asked softly.

Severus lifted his head and pushed away, embarrassed to show such weakness in front of his cousin’s wife. “I am going to do the only thing I can. I’m going to join his forces, these Death Eaters, and do my best to protect Harry.”

“When do you plan to do this?”

“There is a ‘revel’ tonight. He is said to be looking for new followers. I plan to be there.”

Lucius interrupted, silently asking for leniency from his wife as he did so, “What of your job?”

Severus began to pace again, talking as he moved. “I think that is what will make him decide to accept me. I will be in the perfect position to spy on the Headmaster for him. I will explain to Professor Dumbledore, of course, what I am doing and offer him the same.”

Narcissa leveled a thoughtful look first at Severus, then at her pet. “Do you suppose that this Dark Lord could use two very wealthy followers, as well?”

Severus stopped, surprised at her question. “No one would refuse you and Lucius, you know that. But,” he looked from one to the other, “I cannot allow you to do such a thing. This is my decision, my fight.”

Lucius dropped his head slightly toward his wife, and she answered for the both of them. “You are wrong, Severus. You are our family, and that makes Harry our family as well. This may be your decision, but as a family, it is OUR fight. We will join, and we will join together. We’ll find a way to keep your husband safe.”

END FLASHBACK

Severus took another drink from the nearly empty bottle. He didn’t know what he would have done without the support of Lucius and Narcissa over the years. Frustrated, he tossed the bottle into the fire, enjoying how the flames would leap and dance under the influence of the alcohol. If only he could get Harry alone…

Present – Thursday morning:

Charlie made his way from his family’s rooms in the tower toward the fifth floor guest rooms where the Malfoys were staying. Neville’s ghost had given him a lot to think about, and he had finally decided what to do. The moving staircases helped him along, and it didn’t take long to reach his destination. Anxiously, he knocked on the ancient wooden door, and was surprised when Lucius was the one to answer.

“Mr. Malfoy, I’d like to speak to Draco, if it’s okay…”

“One moment, please.” The elder Malfoy shut the door, leaving Charlie alone with his worried imagination for several moments. Soon, the door opened and Lucius inclined his head as he held the door open wider. “Draco is in his room, last door on the right.”

Charlie’s movement was stopped with a petite, well-manicured hand on his arm. “He’s having a rough time, with the baby and the things that bitch did to the child.” Narcissa gazed meaningfully at him, “Please do not do anything to…upset…him. I’ll not have him hurt in any way.”

Charlie swallowed thickly. “I don’t plan to upset him. Actually, I hope that he’ll be quite pleased with my visit.”

Narcissa smiled briefly, “See that he is.”

****

Charlie was upset that Draco looked pale and sick as he reclined on the bed. He rushed to the blonde’s side and took his hand. “What’s wrong? Are you well? Is there anything I can do?”

Both Draco and Charlie noticed the same rush of feeling that came every time they touched. Draco also felt the baby’s immediate relief. “I’m not feeling well. It’s…it’s different.”

While he was talking, Charlie noticed that Draco’s color was improving. Acting on a hunch, he asked him, “Lean up a bit, will you?”

Draco eyed him cautiously, but did as the redhead asked. Charlie quickly slipped off his shoes and climbed on the bed behind his soul mate, pulling the younger man back against his chest and wrapping him in his arms as he settled in. Instantly, both men began to feel an idyllic serenity spread over them. Charlie noted that Draco seemed to improve greatly once more than just their hands were touching. Draco noticed as well. Both men were quiet and basked in the feeling.

Around thirty minutes later, Charlie felt it was time to tell Draco why he was there. Softly, he began, “Neville came to see me night before last. He told me that we are going to have a son.” He paused to let Draco absorb the information. “Neville told me other things – things that I have thought about a lot. I had a crush on Neville, but it was just a crush. It would never have been more than that.”

He shifted so that he could look at Draco’s face while he talked, carefully making sure that they were still touching in several places. “I know about soul mates. I know the kind of magic involved, and the intensity of the feelings that can develop, if allowed. I’ve seen my parents, and the type of marriage they have. I want that.”

“Originally, I came here to tell you that I wanted to get to know you, take things slowly to see if we could have that type of relationship, but I’ve changed my mind now.” He rushed to finish when he saw Draco’s panicked expression, “I now know we can have that type of relationship. The way it feels when we touch is amazing. And, since I’ve been here, you have gotten much better, haven’t you?”

Draco answered in the affirmative.

“If I’m right, then the baby needs us to be together. He needs us to stabilize his development and magic.” He had to pause again, this time to search for the right words. “I know this is sudden, but I think we should bond, and soon. We’ll have the rest of our lives and beyond to work out all the little things. Right now, we need to make sure you and the little guy are okay.”

He looked up, unsurprised to see a stunned expression on Draco’s face. “Say something, Draco.”

Draco coughed a little and then smiled. “I saw the healer yesterday. He was a cousin of McGonagall’s or something like that. He seems to think the same thing about the baby.”

“Were you planning on telling me?”

Draco answered guiltily, “I’m not sure. I wanted to, but I didn’t want to force you into anything. I don’t want you to regret being with me, or regret the child, either.”

Charlie chuckled. “Thank you. That means more to me than you can imagine. I want this. And, I promise, I will never regret you or our son – or any other children we may have. So, Draco, will you bond with me?”

“Yes, Charlie, I will.”

Charlie whooped and grabbed Draco, pulling him close. Draco smirked as he was engulfed by the dragon tamer’s muscular arms. “Most men would just kiss their intended at a moment like this.”

Charlie laughed, “I didn’t want to seem too forward, and it will never be just a kiss between us, Draco.” He closed the distance between them and let his lips feather over the blonde’s. Sparks of happiness exploded through their bodies. He pushed forward a little and began to deepen the kiss. Draco groaned, and Charlie took the chance to slip his tongue into the Slytherin’s mouth. The dark, decadent taste was addictive. His hand slipped up to cup the back of Draco’s head as he mapped out the young man’s mouth with his tongue. Charlie moaned when Draco began to respond and copy his movements.

Draco leaned back and pulled Charlie with him. It was a moment’s time before Draco was on his back on the bed with Charlie leaning over him, kissing him as if his very life depended on this moment. It was unbelievable. The child in his belly responded as well, sending cascades of delight throughout his body.

A cough came from the doorway and the newly-betrothed men flew apart. Draco instantly felt the effect and reached for Charlie, who pulled him back into his arms.

Narcissa was standing at the doorway with Lucius right behind her. She cast a bright smile toward her son and a knowing smirk toward her soon-to-be son-in-law. “Come, Pet,” she started as she turned to leave, “I believe we have a wedding to start planning.”


Present – Thursday afternoon:

Harry’s head was throbbing. He had barely made it back from the Malfoy’s house before whatever it was took him back to his time. He was disappointed that he had not had a chance to say goodbye to Severus or to tell him that he had remembered everything. He came to in the middle of a rolling sea of Weasleys, only to be told that not only had Sirius been retrieved from the veil, but somehow they had also brought back his mother and father, not to mention the fact that he now had a new god-sister.

He had only had eyes for Severus, but the others wouldn’t let him move. They pushed him toward his parents, although he tried to go to his husband. The next time he looked up, Severus had left the room. Since then, he had been passed from one person to another; first, his mum and dad wanted time to talk to him, then his godfathers. Despite all his questions, they would only tell him that Remus, Dumbledore and Severus had joined with several goblins to retrieve his family. All personal questions were deflected time and again until he finally gave up.

After that, Ron and Hermione had claimed him, filling him in about Neville, Seamus, Dean and Madam Pomfrey between hugs and claps on the back. Then, the rest of the Weasleys filed in, hugging and pulling at him until he thought that he would lose his mind. They had only left him alone when he fell asleep in mid-sentence.

He didn’t want to hurt anyone, but he just wanted some time alone with Severus. He had looked so hurt last night, and all Harry wanted was to find his husband and soothe him. Cautiously, he tiptoed to the door of his room. He eased the door open slightly and peeked out the small space. He shut his eyes in grim resignation. All of them were waiting on him – even Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore.

He took several breaths to build his courage before pulling the door open the rest of the way. As expected, a rush of voices greeted him. Ginny ran across the room and pulled him into a tight hug. “Oh, Harry,” she shrilled, “we were so worried about you.”

Harry gently pushed her away. “It’s okay, Gin; I’m home now.” He gave his parents a bright smile and headed toward them, taking time to hug Remus and Sirius and kiss Salena on his way. “Hi Mum. Hi Dad,” he greeted them with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Do you know when Severus will be here? I really want to talk to him.”

Behind him, he heard Ron snort and Molly choke a little. Before his parents could answer, Ron started in, “What do you want to talk to that greasy bat for? He’s…”

The Weasleys and Hermione were stunned that a wandless and wordless spell petrified Ron before he could say any more. They were even more surprised to learn that Harry was the one that had cast it.

“Before any of you start, let me explain this to you. While I was gone, I found my soul mate, and we bonded.” He looked toward Ginny in particular. “I’m married now, and I’m married to Severus.” He turned back toward his parents. “I’d really like to talk to my husband.”

Hermione butted in, “Harry, you’re obviously confused. How could you possibly be married? You were in the past – before you were even born. It’s just not possible. And Snape? He’s always been so awful to you – to all of us. You couldn’t possibly love him.” She had that satisfied smirk on her face that meant she thought she had just explained the greatest mystery on the earth.

Harry sighed and fought the urge to hex her also. A quick glance told him that most of the redheads in the room felt the same way. Only his parents, godparents, and the two professors seemed to look like they understood. He took a deep breath and started to explain, “He is my soul mate. I love him. The last few weeks – in the past – have been the most wonderful of my life. I don’t understand why he was so awful, but I have an idea. He’s been alone for nineteen years – waiting for me. I don’t expect you to understand, or even like it. But, as my friends and family, I expect you to accept my decision.”

The remaining Marauders beamed at him, and even Salena cooed in acceptance. Hermione noticed this and turned, looking toward the Headmaster and her head of house. They too seemed to accept Harry’s relationship. Reluctantly, she nodded. Harry sagged in relief, but it was a little too soon.

“Harry James Potter! What do you expect? Obviously your memory is still messed up!” He was swallowed by Molly’s plump arms. “You poor dear! We’ll get help for you, you’ll see. Soon, all of this marriage nonsense will be a thing of the past. Imagine, you and Severus together…”

Harry pushed her away. “It’s not nonsense, and my feelings won’t go away.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I like Severus and I think he is a good man, but you couldn’t possibly love him, Harry. You’re…”

Harry exploded, “Why do all of you think that you know me better than I know myself? I may not have remembered this time while I was there with him, but I know what I felt – what I feel. And, I know how he felt about me, and as soon as I can make it to the dungeon…” He trailed off, only to pick up even stronger, “And what part of being my friends makes you think that you can tell me who I can love? That’s not friendship.”

The Headmaster answered. “Does this mean that you remember, Harry?” At Harry’s confirmation, he continued, “He should be in your rooms in the dungeon. The wards are still keyed to you.” Harry grinned wildly as he took off toward the dungeons. He could hear his parents’ and godparents’ pleased laughter ring out as he ran out of the Headmaster’s office.

In the office, Lily released the spells that her son had cast on his best friend. She leveled a cold look at the red-haired matriarch and slowly stepped forward. James smirked and felt very glad he was not on the receiving end of that look. “Molly – all of you – I appreciate everything you’ve done for my son when James and I could not be there for him, really, I do.” She paused to look back and grin at her husband, “But, Harry is MY son, not yours. I - WE – do not have a problem with his marriage. In fact, we are quite pleased that he and Severus have found each other. It may not be what we had planned, but Severus truly loves Harry, and Harry adores Severus. So, if I do not have a problem with his husband, and his father and godparents do not object to his husband – well, who the hell are you to say anything differently?”

James took over. “We were there. We saw them together, and Lils and I both got to know Harry. We knew that he was bonded to Severus and we knew that he is our son. You’ve seen the way Severus has been acting lately. He’s been beside himself. And, Severus still loves him. His love for Harry is what brought all of us back through the veil.”

Sirius and Remus stood and joined their friends. Sirius clamped a hand on James’s shoulder, “All of you know that Snape and I hated each other. I didn’t know until a few days ago that Harry was the boy we knew in school, but I do know that Harry was good for him, and that he was good for Harry. Severus brought us through the veil because the one thing he wanted was to give Harry a chance to have his family – even me – back. He wanted Harry to be happy. I think that says everything that needs to be said.”

Harry’s friends were stunned by the show of support from Harry’s family. Molly, however, still tried to argue. Until, that is, Charlie stood up. “Mum, you know how soul mates work. Its old, rooted in the very foundations of magic itself. It can’t be fooled or manipulated. You have told all of us that kind of magic can’t lie.”

Molly took a sharp breath and wandered back to her husband to sit down. He took her hand and patted it. “Molly, dear, it will work out. You’ll see. Harry’s an adult now, and while we love him like a son, he is not our child. He has his own parents.”

Elsewhere in the castle, Harry was racing through the corridors, trying to work out the fastest way to reach the dungeon suite. He rounded the last turn before the dungeon stairs and was knocked off his feet. A blaring sound, like the trumpeting of a hundred charging elephants, filled his ears and shook the castle. He pushed himself to his knees and concentrated. He could feel the wards of the castle. He didn’t know how or why – only the Headmaster and Heads of House should have been able to sense them – but he knew that is what he felt. It felt as if they were trying to squeeze the air from his body. His stomach rolled as he realized that someone was trying to force their way onto the school grounds.

As much as he didn’t want to, he turned and started running toward the main entrance. He didn’t open the doors. He just drew his wand and assumed a protective stance. It wasn’t long before he heard the others join him. A satisfying shudder swept through him, and he knew that his husband had also joined the crowd. The professors moved to flank him. Harry cast a glance to his right and felt his heart ache at the sight of Severus. He looked so…hopeless. Of course, no one else would have noticed a difference on the stoic man’s face, but Harry did.

Sirius tried to convince Remus to take Salena and go back to the tower, but the werewolf was adamant about staying with his mate. If Siri was going to stay, then so would he. Remus took the little girl and summoned one of the house elves to take care of her. They both gave their daughter a kiss before sending her off with the odd little creature. They sighed in relief as the elf disappeared with their precious child. Clasping hands, they took their places on the second line next to their best friends.

All were surprised when Narcissa and Lucius joined the fray. Narcissa gave a quick hug to Molly, explaining, “Charlie, Draco and Nymphadora are warded away in our rooms. They will be safe there.” Molly, Arthur and Bill gave grateful nods before the Malfoys left and joined the front line, taking places on each side of Harry and Severus. Severus arched an elegant eyebrow at his cousin’s wife, who shrugged gracefully and replied, “We’ve been watching your back for nineteen years…what’s a couple of more days?”

Harry heard the exchange and made a mental note to thank the blonde couple. Just then, the doors to the castle flew open. A large group of witches and wizards poured in, followed by Poppy Pomfrey. Harry easily recognized the one at her right as Percy Weasley. A shared glance told him that the others had recognized their “spy” as well.

Sparks flew as curses and hexes were exchanged. It was quickly proven that Poppy’s group was no match for Harry, Dumbledore and their group. Poppy’s strength was still suffering from the events a few days ago. While Neville’s killing curse had not been at the proper strength, it had still damaged his sister considerably. No more than two hours passed before they had most of the followers, including Percy, bound and port-keyed to the safety of the room of requirement.

Seeing that she was losing, Poppy began to get desperate. She cast deadly curses at anything that moved, including her own people. Harry, Severus and Dumbledore led their assembly to surround the evil woman. They took spots closest to the former medi-witch, while the Malfoys held their places around Harry and Severus. Lily and James followed behind their son, while Moony and Padfoot took places in front of the vile hag. All was going well for the Order of the Phoenix until a small pop announced the arrival of an unexpected participant.

Salena Black-Lupin had had enough of that silly little creature. She wanted her daddy and her papa, and she wanted them now. Screwing her eyes shut tight, the little girl thought hard. A strange feeling, like being hugged too tight, came over her, but only for a moment. She opened her eyes and laughed. Daddy and Papa were right in front of her! She stood up and started to toddle over to her fathers.

Poppy blinked in surprise as a little girl appeared in front of her. Her demented brain reeled as she quickly hatched a plan. The child would not be her own flesh and blood, but she would do. The toddler got up and started toward the werewolf and Sirius Black. Ah, yes, now she could see the resemblance. Quickly, Poppy dropped her shields and lunged toward the tawny-haired child. Black and Lupin both charged toward her, desperate to protect their daughter, but they were not quick enough. Poppy reached the girl first, and pulled the child toward her.

The werewolf in Lupin started to show. It didn’t matter that the moon wasn’t full or anywhere in sight. His cub was in danger and he wasn’t about to lose her. His demeanor changed. He stalked forward, slowly as a predator would after his prey. A long, low growl rumbled past his throat.

Poppy took a step back in fright as the deep rumble from the werewolf reverberated through her body. She was crazy, but not stupid. She took another step back as Lupin advanced. She had no doubt that he wanted to rip her to shreds. Her hold on the girl faltered, and the toddler took off. The child flung herself on the werewolf, instantly stopping his advance and bringing his human side back. Poppy stumbled.

At that moment, Harry took his shot. His voice was quiet, but his intent was strong. Green flashes illuminated the ancient hall as the killing curse left his wand and swallowed the frenetic woman. Poppy didn’t even have time to realize what had happened before her body hit the floor, void of all life. The remainder of her followers dropped their wands in obvious defeat.

Remus caught his daughter in his arms. The smell of her – safe and sound – was enough to calm the wolf. The girl hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. Strong arms surrounded them, filling them both with peace. They weren’t sure how long they stayed that way, but it could not have been long. When the men could finally loosen themselves from each other and their daughter, Albus was standing at their side.

“Go on, boys,” the wizened old man twinkled at them. “Everything is under control. Spend time with your family.”

Sirius gave the headmaster a tight smile and led his lover and child up to their rooms. Albus turned and addressed the rest of their people, “Thank you all for your support today. I am very grateful to have this part of our lives over,” he glanced at the body crumpled on the stone floor. “Although I am sorry it had to end this way.” He took a heavy breath before inquiring, “Arthur, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, if I can ask your assistance?” At their agreement, he continued, “The rest of you can return to your rooms and rest. I’m sure we will need your help before all of this is well and truly settled.”

Harry turned to his right, but Severus was already gone. Quickly, he found his parents. After a quick check to make sure everyone was alright, he kissed their cheeks and took off – again – for the dungeons. This time, Fate was on his side. He reached the doorway in what must have been record time. He wanted to just barge on in, but he knew that he needed to collect himself first if he was going to convince his reserved husband of his sincerity. He leaned against the wall as he caught his breath. Finally, he felt calm and ready.

He knocked on the door. The sound of glass breaking on the other side of the door made him flinch. Gathering his courage, he pushed the door open. “That’s not a very friendly way to greet your husband…” He stopped when he saw his husband, slumped over on the rug in front of the fireplace. Severus raised his head and dark eyes met his.

“Harry?”

Harry ran toward Severus. He tripped over a stack of books, but couldn’t make himself care. He dropped to the floor almost before he stopped running. His knees stung, but it didn’t matter, not as long as he was near Severus. “Yes, love. I’m here,” he replied as he reached out to caress the man’s cheek.

“Why…why are you here?”

Harry chuckled and feathered a kiss on the older man’s cheek. “Where else would I be? I’ve been trying to get to you since I came back…” He couldn’t resist. He gently kissed the thin lips in front of him.

“You have?” The question was filled with such hope that Harry felt his heart ache.

Harry sighed and sat down properly, pulling Severus’s hands into his lap. “Let me explain.” His heart lifted as Severus arched an eyebrow at him in reply. “I remembered – in the past. We came back from Cissa’s party,” he blushed thinking about their activities that night, “and we finally made it to sleep. I remembered all of it – everything. I was going to tell you, but everything was so perfect. I’d made up my mind to tell you after dinner, but, we were here, by the fireplace, and I didn’t want to ruin things. When you fell asleep, I went to see Cissa.” He broke off to make sure that Severus was following his jumbled explanation. Seeing that he was, Harry continued, “I knew you would join the Death Eaters. I wanted to make sure that you would be alright, so I asked them to watch after you – to keep you safe for me. She promised me that she would. I came back, and was going to wake you up and tell you, but it happened before I had the chance.”

Severus sighed and picked up his side of the story. “I received a missive from an ancestor the day after you left. The letter explained who you would be and some of what would happen – your parent’s death and such. I knew Voldemort would go after you. I joined in order to keep you safe.” Harry smiled wryly at this, and Severus continued, “Narcissa and Lucius joined with me to help me. I thought I could handle it, but we were watched so closely, and Peter was there – always around. I couldn’t warn them as I had intended.” He shifted into a more comfortable position, “after you vanquished Voldemort – the first time – I thought I would be free. But, we found out that he wasn’t really gone. The children of the other Death Eaters reported my every word to their parents. I had to keep up the charade, knowing you were out there alone.”

He raised his eyes to look at Harry. “I didn’t want to act like that toward you. I really didn’t. I was just so…alone, and angry. And, you never listened. You kept falling into these dangerous situations. I was sure I would lose you. I…I apologize, Harry. I am so sorry. I let my anger and fear get the best of me. And then you defeated Voldemort, and we were sent away together. I wanted to tell you, but…”

“But, you didn’t want to take the chance of changing anything.” It was a statement instead of a question.

“Yes.”

“I was in love with you before the accident – before I left this time. I didn’t know how to tell you.”

Severus started. “You were? So, in the past…?”

Harry laughed. “I think I recognized the man I was already in love with. I think I chose the name – Alexander – because it was yours.” He sobered and continued, “Do you still love me, still want me, Severus?”

“Yessss.” It came out as a prayer rather than an answer.

Harry smiled and launched himself at his husband. “Thank Merlin – because I still love you.” He kissed his mate soundly on the lips.

Severus returned the kiss with a strangled groan. “Harry, I think…” He was stopped when Harry held his finger up to his lips.

“Shhh, love. You think too much.” He loved the little frown lines that appeared between the man’s eyebrows. He reached up and gently smoothed the creases. “You love me. I love you. We are married. So, Severus, I only have one question: will you make love to me?”

Severus moaned his answer as he claimed Harry’s mouth in a heated kiss. Harry opened immediately to him, loving the feel of his husband – the same, but different also. He slid his hands down, pulling impatiently at the fasteners to the man’s teaching robes. He smiled at the feel of all those little buttons. Severus licked down Harry’s jaw line, causing Harry to throw his head back in appreciation. Severus, ever the Slytherin, took advantage and began to suckle on the sensitive skin below Harry’s ear. Harry raggedly whispered something that sound an awful lot like “I love you” to Severus’s ears.

Severus closed his eyes at the sound. It had been so long. He had often fantasized about this moment, dreaming of their reunion. He had wanted to take things slowly; to have candles and wine and all the objects and trappings that would show Harry just how much Severus had missed him. That didn’t seem possible now. Harry was writhing beneath him, pulling at his clothes. Severus didn’t know how long he could continue to wait.

Harry seemed to have the same idea. His hands had been very busy and were now slipping the robes and undershirt off of Severus’s shoulders. The clothing caught, and they both laughed. Severus fished his wand out and held it out to Harry. Harry smirked knowingly and took the wand, simultaneously casting the spells to rid them both of their clothes and to lubricate and prepare himself. Their nude bodies touched, and their amusement died. Lust and passion flared hotly between them. Harry wrapped his thighs around Severus’s hips.

“Please, love. We can go slowly later,” he pleaded. Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, Severus agreed. He lifted his head, reveling in the red-purple bruise blossoming on Harry’s neck. He surged upward, fiercely taking Harry’s mouth and embedding his cock inside his younger lover at the same time. Harry moaned and pushed downward, taking Severus in as deeply as possible. Pausing was not an option at this point. He withdrew almost completely before pushing back in again. He did it again, changing the angle slightly and was rewarded by Harry’s hands and legs tightening on his body as he pulled Severus toward him.

It had been so long, and the feel of Harry beneath him, around him was driving him mad. He couldn’t hold back, and he couldn’t control himself long enough to move his hands to touch Harry’s neglected cock. He tried to break the kiss to tell Harry to touch himself, but he found it almost impossible to leave those luscious lips and that nimble tongue. Luckily for him, Harry seemed to understand. He felt Harry’s wand hand slip from his shoulder and snake its way between them. The young man’s knuckles dug into his stomach as Harry grabbed his own cock and began to pull.

Harry whispered against his mouth, “Hurry, almost there.” Even as he claimed Harry’s mouth, he thought that would not be a problem. His body sped up, and the frantic rhythm faltered. Harry cried out, and his body clenched around Severus. Two, three strokes later and Severus explosively emptied himself into his lover. He collapsed onto Harry’s body, dimly registering the sticky wetness coating his stomach and chest.

Harry murmured contentedly and continued to gently kiss Severus as he held him. “I’m home, love. I’m home.”