In Letters.....

The Core started to disperse as the stories drew to a close. They all claimed that they had a lot to get done before the party, but Harry smelt a set up. It was the fact that Severus had taken James and Sirius with him, piling into Jake’s hummer. Then the twins had taken off with Lana and Libby, which had just made Harry smirk. Yeah, that was inventible. Ginny had wandered up the stairs to help Dudley with whatever the hell the boy was up to. And Ron had just smirked as he took Hermione’s hand and led her out.

Now they sat at the dining table with Petunia and Lilly. He was waiting for the other shoe to drop. There wasn’t much that they could hide from him and Harry smelt a rat by the name of Petunia Dursley. The woman was Slytherin, no question.

“ Harrison, when was the last time you had an afternoon to your self when it wasn’t a Monday ? “ Petunia asked sweetly

“ May ? “

Petunia actually laughed as Harry tried to figure it out. It had been a rhetorical question, but she had a point. They hadn’t had anytime on their own ever.

“ Bye then. “ He grinned

Reaching out a hand to Draco, Harry smirked and they were gone ; leaving Petunia laughing hysterically behind them.

*******

When they reappeared in their bed room they both knew what had to happen. Harry was running out of time, their bond was not yet complete. The fact that everyone knew it wasn’t comforting either. Hermione had taken it upon herself to inform those who didn’t know about equal bondings exactly what it meant. Harry had wanted to kill her he was that pissed off. But that didn’t matter now.

With Draco wrapped in his arms, Harry kissed him softly. It was now or never.

“ Make love to me. “ He barely whispered

“ Yes my love. “

Harry nodded and allowed himself to be pulled into a kiss as he stepped out if his shoes. Focusing totally on Draco, they eventually stripped each other down and fell into their bed. He wasn’t use to looking up at his husband, but it wasn’t something that he minded. He knew that he was being silly, that Draco would take care of him. But the nerves were there anyway as he moved further back onto the bed.

But he pulled Draco to him, kissed him again deeply. This needed to happen and it needed to happen now. When the kiss broke he whimpered only to be abruptly reminded that his husband was a tease. He was slowly being driven insane as Draco nipped, licked and kissed down his body. Mouth followed by hands followed by fingernails. It was the way that the game was played, with just enough pain to make him breathless. He loved it.

“ You are a tease. “

“ You wouldn’t have it any other way my love. “

Draco was kissing down his thigh now and Harry groaned in response. They didn’t have time for this. Not for the teasing even if it was helping take his mind off why they were doing this now. And the questions that they’d be asked later. The Core always was far too nosy for their own good.

“ Dray, please, “


Draco rose over him again and kissed him deeply. Harry arched up trying to get closer, wanting to feel. But the kiss was broken and he didn’t open his eyes as Draco went back to his teasing. He was on the brink of insanity and if this wasn’t so important would have Draco flat on his back already. Then he felt the first finger and forced himself to relax.

“ Relax, “ Draco whispered

Harry took a deep breath and relaxed. It wasn’t too bad, he thought as Draco added another finger beginning to work him lose in ernest. If he was completely honest with himself, it felt kind of nice. Then, Draco hit the spot.

“ Shit. “ Harry whispered “ Dray, enough. “

Still he whimpered again at the loss of the fingers even as he felt the promise of more brush against him. Again Draco rose over him and he responded, wrapping his legs around his husband. With one hand resting in the middle of Draco’s back and the other on his shoulder, Harry nodded arching back when Draco pushed in. It wasn’t what he expected, the slight burn, the heat that coursed through his body. Even the slowness in which Draco pushed inside was slowly driving him mad.

“ Oh, God. “ Harry panted

Draco just nodded and rested his forehead against Harry’s. He just needed time to adjust, time to catch his breath, but they didn’t have time. No, and Harry reminded him of that fact as he shifted his hips.

“ You are killn’ me. “ Harry whispered

“ No, not yet. “

Looking deep into Harry’s eyes, Draco began to move. When Harry cried out he knew that he had hit his mark and picked up the pace. And he watched as Harry came unglued, making noises that Draco took pride in. No one else would be able to do this. No one else would make Harry come unglued. This was his and his alone. As both peaks began to rise quickly, like Harry had, he tried to hold it. But it slipped away and in a blinding flash of white hot light, they became one.

The bond was now complete.

*******
Petunia had rushed to the sitting room window as soon as she had gotten her laughter under control. Draco told her everything and this was one of the biggest things that he had dropped. Now was her time to worry.

“ Pet what are you doing ? “ Lilly asked amused

“ They share an equal bonding, it’s not completed. They are quickly running out of time. If this bond is not completed we could lose them both. Harry has control issues because of the Goat and how he’s treated Harry as if he was nothing. He needs to let go. I set this up and I’m watching for the second flash and the shimmer in the wards. I’m terrified. “

That said, Lilly quickly joined her sister and clung to her hand as they watched. She had just been given the chance to know her son and she could lose him ? It didn’t seem fair. They were sent back to help him get through the war. They were here to support him, to love him, to guide him. He couldn’t be taken away. Not when she just got him back.

Swallowing hard, Lilly tried to breathe. They had been standing there for the last 20 minutes and nothing as of yet.

“ You know, this boarder lines on voyeurism Pet. “ She said

“ I know. This would be a good time to mention that Draco is a tease. “

Lilly laughed and tried not to blink. 2 minutes later there was a flash of white light and the wards shimmered blue. It was done, they were safe. Lilly didn’t know if she was relieved or not, she just watched her son lose his virginity. But the pair would live and that was the important thing. Right ?
*******
Harry and Draco walked into Club Zero late. But anyone who knew Harry knew that he was never on time. He’d be late to his own funeral and that was saying a lot. The Core was so over however and all stood waiting, arms crossed, scowling. The DA and Elite looked on, highly amused. The pair was about to be told off and that was the priceless part.

“ Harrison James ! For once can you be on time for SOMETHING ?! This is YOUR party ! The DA and Elite have been here since 7, on the up side they have been clued in ! As for the lateness, Severus Xavier I blame you ! “ Isis shouted “ Over more, Jake locked us out ! Is there someone you can send to check on him because I have a bad feeling about this. I need to dance, I need to vent. “

“ Who told you my middle name ? “ Severus asked

“ Sirius. “

“ I’m sorry Ice. Yo Nicky, BEP, Get it started. King, Tonks I need your help. Go dance, I’ll take care of it. “

“ Mackenna just turned 11 Ace. “ Lana said

Harry nodded and winced as the music started. Jake Holmes had lost his wife the day Mackenna was born. It was something that he had never been able to get over or even come to terms with, not even for his girls. He was hot and cold, on and off and Harry knew that the man had taken his own life.

It was Isis, who wasn’t even a Holmes at all, who held it together when the only mum she knew was hospitalized 3 months into her pregnancy. It was Isis at 17 years old who got the twins off to school, made sure they did their homework, took care of the house. It was Isis who named the new baby, took her home and took care of her. It was Isis who made the funeral arrangements and Isis who had to let go and left for Juilliard when Mackenna was nearly two. And it would be Isis who kept them together now.

He watched as Isis pulled Severus out as a lead. When had he learned that ? How much time had they spent together ? How much had he missed ? A lot apparently because Severus really knew the way that Isis moved. But at the same time Harry was happy that the girls had him. He would do everything in his power to make sure that they stayed together. Harry knew for a fact that Severus loved his girls, even if he never said it.

“ Harry, that girl can really move ! “ Sirius exclaimed

“ Oh yes, she’s great at what she does. Don’t go there Siri. “

“ What ? “

“ She’s Papa’s, she loves him and Merlin does he love her. I opened the door, let him be happy. Wow, “

Harry let his mouth drop open as Isis’ moves became more provocative. It was like watching a seduction, a slow smooth seduction. The only man the seemed to be unaffected was Severus, how Harry had no idea. As a gay man, Harry had to admit that even he was bothered. He saw the entire club just stare as Isis made it very clear that she was taken and kissed Severus right there on the middle of the dance floor.

“ Well, I didn’t need to see that. “ Draco muttered

Harry just rolled his eyes as Kingsley and Tonks rejoined them. Tonks went straight to Remus and buried herself in his arms. That’s all that Harry needed, he already knew. Jake Holmes was dead, had taken his own life. As much as he loved Jake, he hated the man right now.

Looking out to the dance floor, Harry caught Severus’ eye and shook his head. Quickly he gathered the girls and brought them over. This he hated. He didn’t want to tell them this even knowing that he had too.

“ 45, single shot, DOA. I’m sorry girls. “ Kingsley said

“ He has been dead for the last 11 years. Mum, what now ? What do we do now ? “ Libby asked

“ Now, we have fun because it is Ace’s sweet 16. You girls belong to me, I have custody. I have control of the money. I have never left you, even during my time in New York, I had control of everything. We’ll figure it out Lib, I promise. Go dance and have fun. I have everything under control. “ Isis answered

The twins nodded and rejoined their friends. It just wasn’t fair, none of this was fair. Harry watched as Isis huffed and wrapped her arms around Severus’ waist, the embrace was returned without hesitation. For those who didn’t really know Severus, they were having a very hard time not starring. But in truth they didn’t know him, not at all.

Harry on the other hand felt helpless as he watched Isis cling to the man she loved so much. He use to be the one that they all ran to. He use to be the hero. It was killing him to she his girls in pain and there was nothing that he could do about it. Taking care of the girls was no longer his place. But then Isis looked up at him and smiled, she was ok. They were going to be ok.

“ I never told you that Jake saved my life. He found me in the middle of December in London Square. I had run away from the home I have been placed in, wanting to get away from the abuse. I was in shorts and a tank top, sneakers. I was freezing, hungry and I just wanted to die. No one had ever wanted me, ever loved me and I was nothing to no one. Jake walked up and wrapped his coat around me. He said that he was there because it looked like I could use a friend. He took me to the closest cafe’ and we talked. After I realized that he wasn’t a pervert, he took me home and I became a member of the family. No one ever reported me missing; no one knew that I was gone. I knew everything that I needed to know and changed my last name to Holmes. Isis Annette’ Holmes, I became me in that house. That was 16 years ago, I was 10. “ Isis said

“ Why did you leave ? “ Lilly asked

“ Because I promised Maygon, Mrs.Holmes, my mum, that I would dance. She loved to watch me dance and encouraged me to do so. I miss her more everyday and when I dance I remember how much she gave me. “

“ Let’s go get a drink. “ Severus suggested softly

Isis nodded and allowed Severus to lead her away, leaving The Core to think over what she had said. When they reached the bar, Severus pushed her onto a stool and put up a Privacy Ward. No sound in, no sound out. He didn’t want anyone to hear him get all mushy, even if his reputation was blown.

Looking up at Isis, Severus was startled to see that she had tears running down her face. Emotional woman he didn’t know how to handle, least of all this one. But he had to so something and went with what he felt. Gently he pulled her into his lap and held her tight.

“ Icy, “

“ Don’t leave me. Don’t break this off. I can’t lose you too. “

“ What ? Heavens no, oh no Icy. I want you and the girls at Hogwarts with me. I want you with me always. I love you, all 4 of you and I can’t let you go. That is what I brought you over here for. To tell you that you have all of me and that you needn’t worry about me leaving you. “

“ I jumped ahead of myself. “ Isis cried “ Most times when a guy hears that there are kids, he bolts. I had a long term relationship in New York and after two years brought him home for Christmas. They shouted ‘Mummy’ when we pulled up and that was that. Lucky for him, the cabbie hadn’t left yet. “

Severus just shook his head and held her close. He was lucky to have her, he really was. The girls made him feel alive, made him happy. For the first time in his life he felt like he was worth something. It wasn’t something that he would ever give up.

“ Kenna asked you if she could stay at the Polkiss’. The twins ask you for things all the time. They really loves you and I think that after so long you were the Dad that they all needed. They will call you Dad, be prepared. Oh god, we’re ok ? “

“ Very ok. I do love you Icy and I have something for you. This was my mothers and I want you to wear it. We’ll wait until after the war, but I don’t want you to have any doubt. I am not going any where; even I am not that stupid. “

Isis laughed as Severus took her left hand and slid a ring onto her finger. It was just stunning and huge. From what Isis could tell the square cut diamond was at least 3 certs and set in platinum. Like any woman, she gaped at it.

“ Say something Ice. “

“ Holy fuck will you look at he size of that rock ? Wow, “

“ That wasn’t what I expected, but ok. It had been in the family for several generations and is mine to give to whom I chose. That ring is nearly a thousand years old and can not be removed. I will explain what the ring has activated later, right now why don’t you go tell the girls ? “

Isis smiled and wound her arms around Severus’ neck. She was so happy she could explode.

“ Oh dear God Severus, I love you. “

Pulling back slightly, Isis kissed him lightly before sliding off his lap. He just laughed at her.

“ Come watch me dance. I like when you watch me dance. “

Severus could only smile as Isis led him back to the group. It was just so very odd to feel this happy because he was getting married, something that he never thought he would do. He was in love and he had daughters now, he had a family of his own and he found that he wanted more. He was happy, deliriously happy and it was something only Isis could bring out of him.

He took his place in the group of adults as Isis rejoined the others on the dance floor. He tried, he really did, not to smile as he watched the girls. His girls. He even crossed his arms and slipped on his mask of disinterest. But hell he couldn’t keep the bloody smile off his face and people were starting to notice.

“ Sev, alright ? “ James asked with a smirk

Severus nodded as a scream was heard on the dance floor. Isis was surrounded by girls and they all wanted to see her ring. Now he was having a hard time not laughing.

“ I WON SUCKERS PAY UP !!!!!!! “ Harry shouted “ MOTHER OF MERLIN LET ME SEE THAT RING!!!!!! HOLY HELL !!!!!!! “

Yeah that did it and Severus felt his resolve slipping. He watched as Libby and Lana broke away from the group and ran in his direction. He just had enough time to brace himself before he had arms full of giggling daughters.

“ Oi, “ Severus laughed

“ We are so happy. Do you have any idea ? “ They laughed

“ I do, I have never felt this. I love you guys and I want you to know that. Go on and have fun. We’ll talk about all this in a few days. Go on. “

“ Love you too Daddy. “ The twins laughed

Severus kissed both of their heads before he let them go. Thankfully the pandemonium that was Isis’ ring was starting to die down. But now he was going to have in embarrass himself further. He had to give Harry his birthday present.

“ Excuse me. Hey Ace ! “

The other adults just starred as Harry gave the man the finger and grinned cheekily, but he did meet him half way. Severus then took Harry’s hand and pulled him up on stage. In truth no one had any idea what was going on, not even Harry. He kept glancing at part of the stage, with a confused look on his face. Something was up.

“ Can I have everyone’s attention, granted that may be reaching as most of you don’t pay attention in class. “ Severus said into the microphone

There was a round of laughter, but everyone turned to attention. Harry was starting to feel like an idiot. Here he was, standing on stage the center of attention, holding Severus Snape’s hand. He had tried to pull away, tried to hold onto some of his dignity, but every time Severus tightened his grip. He wished the man would just get on with it. Then the rest of his band came on stage, getting ready to play. Severus was up to something. Something big.

“ No one really knows that Harry and I are really quite close. He came to me when his need to learn became to great for him to handle on his own. It was 5 days into that first year and it’s been an act ever since. This gift is for more then just his birthday. This is my way of showing exactly how proud I am. “

Severus paused and turned to look at Harry, who had his head bowed.

“ Harrison, look at me. “

Harry looked up into the eyes of the man he had chosen to be his father. He was rarely praised in the things he accomplished, but pushed harder. He honestly had no idea that he made this man proud, didn’t know how much he loved him. But he wanted to. He really wanted to.

Then Severus took his face between his hands so that he couldn’t look away. It was then that Harry realized that Severus was going to spill it all. He was terrified that he would disappoint the man with his emotions and tried to keep them in check.

“ The pride that I feel there is no gift big enough for. I am proud of everything that you have accomplished, everything that you have yet to do. Of your record breaking scores on your NEWTs and OWLs. For holding more Masteries then any other person in History. I am honored to call you a college as you teach DADA this year and hopefully next. I am proud of the choices that you have made and the path that you have chosen. I am proud to call you my son. I love you very much and will always be right here. And I am honored to be called Papa. You taught me how to live again, how to love again. For that alone, Thank you. “

Harry had tears running down his face and he could tell that Severus was having a very hard time keeping his emotions in check as well. They were both losing the battle. As a result, there wasn’t a dry eye in the club. What a beautiful mess.

“ No one has ever told me. I haven’t really had anyone to tell me. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. To hear it from someone I love so much ? Respect ? You just gave me the only gift I needed. The one that will be cherished the most. Because you love me and are proud of me. That’s all I needed. “

Severus pulled Harry into a tight hug and just held on. He wasn’t done.

“ What did I do to deserve a son such as you ? “

“ You opened the door Papa. “

Severus laughed and gave Harry a final squeeze before pulling back. Taking Harry by the shoulders, he spun the boy around to face the same part of the stage he had been glancing at all night.

“ I had help with this one. Break the wards. “

“ Never easy with you is it ? As long as I learn something. “

“ You know it’s there so apparently you did learn something. “

Harry rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. He could see the magick that covered what ever his gift was. There were several layers of wards and charms covering it, hiding it. In truth, Harry really liked this game. It was one that Severus had made up to teach him to break through wards, a lesson that Harry valued.

“ There is a flaw in the wards, did you know ? “ Harry asked

“ No. I should’ve had Lils help. Go on. “

Harry smirked and ‘tugged’ the magick lose from that one weak spot, then he nearly fell to the floor.

“ Whoa, “ Severus said

Harry didn’t respond as he was held up right, he couldn’t. There, right there in front of him, sat his Holy Grail. It was the Fender Strat that he had been lusting after since he was 11 years old. It was all black and simply perfect in all its splendor. But it had been personalized, making it really his. On the bottom curve was the word ‘Sion’ in bold white glittery letters, the O a pentacle, his mark. It was really his.

Taking a very deep breath, Harry regained his footing and just starred at the Strat. He had no idea what to do now.

“ It’s tuned and ready to go. You’re plugged in and everything. Now, according to Isis you are really really good. I’d like to hear you play. As soon as the shock – “

Severus was cut off as Harry once again hugged him tight. That just brought another round of laughter, this time Severus joined them.

“ Papa, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh Gods. Ice ! You rat ! “

“ He asked, I took him. I was about sick of you drooling over it. “

Harry was bouncing on the balls of his feet and grinning like a loon. He knew that he looked like an idiot, but he really didn’t give a fuck. Wanting Severus to stop laughing at him, Harry said something to his drummer and went to pick up his guitar. He was still trying to get over his shock as he slipped the strap over his head and Severus stepped up to the microphone.

“ Ladies and Gentlemen, getting Harry to agree to this was not easy. It took the entire Core to manage it. But they did. “ Severus stopped to smirk at Harry “ Hoping that we can get him to play again sometime soon, Free Falling Redemption. “

Harry waited until the cheering died down and Severus to join Isis right up front and smirked. Here went nothing. When he hit the first cord, the shock could nearly be felt. But he paid no mind to it and just let lose. Before he started off their set he wanted to show off a bit, and show off he did.

When the last cord faded out, Harry stepped up to the Microphone and smirked again.

“ { Lock me up inside your cage. Laugh as the pain turns to rage. Lock me up inside your box. Black out the windows and see no more. I am trapped inside this hell. You’ve taken over my mind, Locked me inside. } “ (You can’t have me, mine )

Harry stopped singing as the drummer counted it off, and that was all she wrote. He was alive up here. He could express himself freely up here. He didn’t care what others thought of his music, it was his and it couldn’t be taken away from him. So he played with everything that he had, he played for him.

When the last cord of the last song faded out, there was silence. Dead silence. Harry was vastly disappointed.

“ Tough crowd. I’m about to shock you farther, so chill for a second. I wrote those songs too. I have a lot that I keep locked away or tucked into journals. This is me. This is Ace. This is who I hide. Surprise. “ Harry said with conviction

That seemed to pull everyone out of their shock because it sounded like a bomb went off. The liked it, really liked it. Harry just shook his head as he walked off stage. He was really starting to think that he had made a big mistake locking himself away like he did. Maybe it would’ve been different if he hadn’t. But there was nothing that he could so about it now. It was done.

Severus was the first person to reach him when he stepped off the last stair. He found himself swept up in the normally stoic mans arms and hugged tight. And he wasn’t the last either. He was hugged, his hands shook, his back patted more times that night then he ever wanted to be again. But he was happy and for him that was all that mattered.

For the rest of the night they partied. They listened to Harry’s favorite bands, watched him open more presents then he ever had, and above all, acted like teens and not adults. Even if it was just for this one night, Harry was free.