Bless His Scheming Heart

Thanks to Keikokin for the help and beta reading.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement ntenntended.


Bless his Scheming Heart

Severus Snape was annoyed and that was not a good thing, just ask anyone who knew him.

Severus strode through the halls of Hogwarts. This was not unusual. The scowl on his face was not unusual. The only thing someone would say was out of place was the fire in his eyes. Severus had calmed down after the defeat of Voldemort some seven years previous and shocked everyone with the humor and caring that had long been buried in his service as a spy.

Severus was finally to the point where he had to take matters into his own hands. The two causing him consternation were more likely to squabble like children younger than they were teaching. Just one day, Severus would like to get through just one day without having to listen to one or the other complain about the other.

Severus had learned planning and scheming at the feet of a master, one Albus Dumbledore. He missed matching wits with the man and was at times envious of him. Don’t forget Minerva he had to remind himself. The two characters, as he affectionately referred to them, had retired from Hogwarts a year after Voldemort’s defeat. He had been trained well by both of them and when Severus married they felt the time was right to move on with their lives. Albus and Minerva informed the Board of Governors of their choice for Headmaster and Headmistress. There was no dissent among them. All remembered Severus hard work for the Light and as for the Headmistress, who better than his wife. All remembered the young witch, quick with an answer and love for the potions master that she never let show during school years. Yes, they had no problem having Hermione Granger-Snape as Deputy Headmistress. She would be the perfect balance for Severus. That was all history and he had to deal with the present problems that plagued him.

Severus entered the corridor that he had patrolled for years, constant vigilance for any student who was getting out of hand. Today he would be “visiting” his old classroom to meet with the current professor. He sighed. Why did his life have to get complicated because two adults could not talk to each other out of fear? He was almost to the point of firing both of them or at least telling them to get over themselves.

Severus knocked on the door he had closed and warded many times and waited. Finally, the door opened and he walked into the room, the smells reminding him of his first love – potions. “Professor, I need a few minutes of your time if you think you could possibly spare it? There is a matter that has come to my attention, albeit late, that I have to intervene in against the better judgement of myself and the Deputy Headmistress.” The professor stopped all actions and looked at the Headmaster. “Ah, I see you still respond to my wife, how very..Gryffindor of you. Come, offer me a drink and we will began what I have to do in a more comfortable environment.” The professor looked to his headmaster and hung his head and pulled out a large bottle of Firewhiskey that was mostly gone and two glasses.

“What can I do for you Headmaster?” The voice had deepened over the years and Severus tried to hear the young man he used to know in it. It was there, just hidden. “Harry, I know this is distasteful to you since it’s setting like a rotting hippogriff in my stomach, but you have to do something now. I know you and the DADA professor are having problems. I’ve heard it from both of you everyday for the past, well, longer than I care to remember. Nothing is being resolved and both of you are driving Hermione and me quietly insane worrying over you. You two have even affected the children with your doom and gloom. They don’t want to come to class with either of you anymore. It’s worse than when I was a teaching. Can’t you see your way to at least talking to the professor? Maybe work this animosity out? Don’t let it escape you Harry, I guarantee you will rue it for life if you let it go without at least an attempt.” Severus was tired of talking.

Harry took a large drink from his glass of firewhiskey and looked at Severus. “Sev, I’ve sent owls, I’ve sent letters, I’ve sent chocolates and roses and everything I thought might open the door for me. Hell, I even sent a bottle of Firewhiskey. What do I get for my troubles? You down here busting my stones because your friend is a stubborn jackass and won’t talk to me.”

Severus was past being vexed. He took a paper out of this robe pocket and extended it to Harry. “Take this. We are sending you out for the evening so the children can eat in peace and have at least one happy evening. This is not optional. Dress comfortably and for warm turning to cool weather. Be ready by 7 P.M. You will know where you are when you get there. I have enchanted the ticket so it cannot be removed by anyone but me. You cannot just lie it down and walk away from it. I am sorry it had to come to this Harry, but we, all of us at Hogwarts, consider you one of ours and you are hurting so we hurt. We will help you through it whether you like it or not. Enjoy yourself this evening and I will not see you before dinner in the great hall tomorrow night. Is that clear?” Severus set his glass down and left the dungeons; one down, one to go.

Severus made his way further into the bowels of Hogwarts. His destination in mind, he let his feet lead while his thoughts roamed. Lucius Malfoy, his friend, his mentor, closest thing to a brother he had left on this planet was in pain and it was hurting Severus more than he would let anyone know, including his wife. At one time many years ago, Severus thought he and Lucius may have been lovers, but he married Narcissa Black. He was honored to be the godfather to their only child, Draco Malfoy, and the bond between the men only strengthened over time trying to help their world be a fit place for their Draco. Yes, Severus felt as if Draco were also his son and would move heaven and earth to help him too. Draco was the last straw in this little fiasco they embroiled him in.

Draco had come to him two days ago in tears. It tore his heart apart to hear his “son” grieve for the happiness of his father. He was realistic enough to know that his father had not been happy with his mother and when Lucius finally had found someone after she died, he still couldn’t be happy. “Uncle Severus, can’t you please do something for them? They are tearing each other apart day by day. It’s bothering everybody and I can’t take it anymore. You have no idea how hard it is for me not to go to the dungeons and hex that impossible Gryffindor straight back to his tower and chain him there to rot. I can’t stand what he is doing to father. Uncle, please fix it or I will.” Draco sat in Severus office and waited for an answer as the Headmaster pondered his options. With a sigh, he placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder and picked up a plate. “Donut? Draco, I’m aware of the situation from both parties and they are about to drive me around the bend. I will give them one more day to work it out. If they haven’t come the second day, I will put into motion something that will fix this one way or another. Go home and rest. Uncle Severus is here and will fix it.”

Severus didn’t bother knocking on the closed DADA classroom door. He said the unlocking spells and opened the door and sailed in with a swirl of his robes. “Lucius, a word please.” And so it all began again in this room. “Talk to him… Bothering all the children…hurt for you and him…” Severus just went on in the same vein, even down to the paper he pulled out of his robe pocket and placed in Lucius’ hand with the same speech he had given Harry. He turned and made his way to his office to deal with whatever had happened while he was visiting the two men at Hogwarts that were in worse shape than a lovesick second year. He shook his head and took the winding stairs to his office.

Later that evening there were two distinctive pops heard from the dungeon area and Severus just smiled out at the children and turned to his wife. He leaned closer to her and whispered “Excellent work on the portkeys my dear. I think this just may work or we will have to retrieve the bodies. One way or another it had to stop.”

Harry landed with a thud and on his rear. Gods, he hated portkeys. He picked himself up from where he landed on something fairly soft. He looked at his feet. Sand? He heard the unmistakable pop of another incoming portkey and moved back. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped when he looked at his fellow traveler. Lucius Malfoy. Severus had said he was there until things were worked out. He hoped Severus could get a substitute for the next decade or so or did he already have replacements in house?

Lucius landed on his feet, graceful as a cat. The first thing he saw was the sand under his feet. He looked up and his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He regained his composure just a little quicker than Harry had. “Well Potter, I think we have finally been had by that barmy bat.” Harry could only nod in agreement.




Chapter 2 Destination Arrival and the Talk

Harry and Lucius looked around at the scenery and then at each other. Matching sighs were heard, glances were briefly exchanged and neither wanted to be the first to start a conversation. They looked anywhere they could except at each other. A stomach rumbled loudly and they looked at each other and blushed. It was then that a pretty young girl wearing a floral sarong appeared in front of them. In a beautiful lilting voice she addressed them both. “Gentleman, if you would please follow me, your dinner had been arranged and is awaiting you.” She turned and led them further along the sand to a small copse of trees lighted by tiki torches. In the middle of the copse was a table complete with their dinner and the aromas were tantalizing. Both stomachs growled this time and both men blushed and made their way to the table. Harry made it there first and pulled out a chair and held it for Lucius indicating with a hand gesture for Lucius to sit. Lucius arched his eyebrow and cautiously sat down. Harry went to the other side of the table.

“Potter, did you know about this and how dare you drag me out here?” Lucius’ voice held a world of hurt and accusations.

Harry could only stare at the man across from him. He’d had enough. “You know something Malfoy, I thought your son was a right prat in school. Thank gods he changed. At least now I know who his teacher was. If I knew about this do you think I would have participated or “dragged” you out here? I’ve tried until I’m tired of trying anymore. I will say this one last time to your face and then you will never have to be bothered by me again. Lucius, I love you in spite of what you are doing to me but it has to stop. It’s tearing away everything I’ve ever felt for you. I didn’t think it was possible to kill love, but you are doing a damn good job as its murderer. I don’t know what I did that caused this breech, I wish I did so I could at least apologize but you won’t even give me that much. Enjoy your dinner. I’m going for a walk and then to find someplace to sleep since we are stuck here until tomorrow. I won’t come looking for you and I don’t expect you to look for me. It’s too late.” With a last long look at the man he had loved for years, Harry turned and walked towards the gently lapping waves.

Lucius sat in his chair truly stunned. He hadn’t heard Harry speak in more than one or two words around him for quite a while. He kept playing what Harry had said over and over in his mind and could hear the pain in his voice and realization hit him in the head. He was the cause of Harry’s pain, not Harry the cause of his pain. Lucius sighed and poked at his food. What had he done to the budding relationship they had shared for several glorious years? Years when he had been happy and could smile and laugh just at the thought of Harry waiting for him at “home”, their dungeon lair in Hogwarts. Lucius replayed all the times he and Harry had been happy and even when they fought. He smiled at the thought of the fights and then the “making up”.

His heart ached for what had been and had been destroyed by his insecurities and a chance hearing of a private conversation that he was sure was not meant for him. It still haunted him at nights in his lonely bed. He could see it all so clear also and hear the voices of his lover and the “other man”. “Ron, it will be alright. I’ll meet you there tomorrow and no one has to know. It’s just between us; we’ve always been there for each other and always will be. Nothing will ever change that, not even Lucius will be allowed to come between us. We’ve been together most of our lives. Trust me, Ron. I can help you.” That had been two very long and lonely years ago. He never let on he knew about the meeting or the next day. When Harry returned to his rooms, he found a scroll addressed to him attached to their door with a small dagger. His things had been moved closer to his lab and these rooms were warded against his entry. Attempts at entry would be excruciating, he had been warned and still he had to try only to find himself in the care of Madame Pomphrey for three days. Lucius felt guilty for hurting Harry with the wards and took them down after he saw Harry lying in the hospital wing so injured at his own hands. That was the first night Lucius had cried since his wife died. It wasn’t the last. He continued to sit there thinking and wondered where Harry was. Old habits died hard.


Harry walked along the shore deep in thought. He had finally laid it on the table, so to speak. Two years. Two long fucking years to the day even, since Lucius locked him out of their life. What had he done? He thought about it every day for two years and was no closer to finding the reason. His mind traveled back two years ago. He had gotten up that morning, feeling good and woke Lucius with a slow lingering kiss. He had made love to him like it was their last time on earth – slow, tender and prolonged. He had never felt better after lovemaking then that morning. Lucius had been wonderful and just as active as himself. It was still good between them; even after all they had done during their years together, it always felt new and right.

Harry sighed and continued thinking. He had left for classes after they had showered and had breakfast in bed. His classes were going great that day, no exploding cauldrons, no spills no cutting injuries. He finished cleaning the lab and walked out to the disapparte point to go meet Ron at the healer’s office. His ‘brother” needed him today. He was due for a checkup and was scared about something he had found which prompted the checkup. Harry sat with him and rubbed his back while waiting for the healer to return with results. To say both men were startled was the understatement of the century, especially when both had fainted and had to be helped up. Ron was pregnant. Harry could hardly believe his ears. He had looked at Ron and whispered “Whose?” and the dam of tears broke. Ron soon was out of control and sobbing as if his life was over. Harry managed to hear the name only once, Viktor, and that’s all it took to send him off in fury. The things he had heard from Ron and then what he had done. He would do them all over again for Ron or anyone who had to deal with Viktor. The man lived up to his last name Krum. That changed that day too. Harry had tracked him down and in a very Slytherin way proceeded to exact revenge for Ron and Hermione and everyone this bastard had hurt.

Harry had learned from the best at Dark Arts and knew how to use them. Let’s just say Viktor was a changed man that day. Harry snickered at the memory. Changed indeed. Miserable bastard would know what it was like from now on with his new identity of Victoria. Justice was sweet. How Ron had laughed and cried when he heard. Ron vowed never to go near that individual and to keep the baby. Harry smiled. His goddaughter, Rhonda, was a precocious little thing and the image of her auntie Ginny. Life could still be good. Harry returned home after he saw Ron back to the Burrow for some TLC from Molly and Arthur and that’s when his world fell apart. He still had no idea what happened.

Lucius was done picking at the food. He knew he owed Harry an explanation, if he would even listen after so long. He got up and walked in the direction Harry had gone, trying to figure out how to tell Harry what happened.

Harry had found a quiet little cove and had settled in under the trees for the night. He was glad Severus had warned him about the temperature change, his cloak would be needed tonight. Harry looked at the stars and cried again tonight for something that was lost to him forever. He loved Lucius and it was killing him, slowly, worse than Voldemort ever could have. Harry curled into himself and continued to cry.

Lucius had found Harry and just stood hidden and watched him stare at the sky and stars. It wasn’t until Harry rubbed both cheeks that Lucius realized he was crying. Lucius’ heart ached for the man; he drove Harry to this. He had to fix it, it hurt too bad to see him like this. He was Harry, his lover, his love, his life and he was destroying it. Lucius saw him curl into a ball and the pain doubled. He knew, from years ago that it was a defense for Harry from years of mistreatment by those damn muggles. Was he no better than them, that he would cause this reaction?

Lucius moved to where Harry lay. He could barely hear the crying, but he could see the shaking figure under the cloak. Lucius knelt down next to the figure and reached out to touch him and hesitated. He heard his name from the lips that used to kiss him and smile for him and he felt a tear run down his cheek. He reached out again and whispered “Oh Harry”. Harry froze. Now his imagination was bringing Lucius to him while he was awake and not just asleep. Wasn’t all night long enough torture? “Harry” he heard it again and this time felt the hand on him. Carefully Harry straightened himself out.

“What Lucius? What could you possibly want with me? You made it clear I wasn’t welcome near you anymore. I’ve tried, gods how I’ve tried to talk to you. I can’t do this anymore.”

Lucius felt his heart break again for this man. “Harry, please sit up and look at me. I want, no need, to talk to you. I can’t go on like this anymore either.”

Harry sat up and looked at Lucius. He saw the tears glistening in his eyes and falling down his cheeks. Without thinking, Harry reached out and stroked them away with his thumbs. His hands then cupped the face he loved so much and with a gentle pressure pulled Lucius against him. “Please Lucius; don’t cry over me, I’m not worth it.”

Lucius began sobbing in his arms. “Harry, don’t ever say that. You are worth so much to me. I can’t stand this anymore. Why Harry? Why did you have to go to Ron that day? You made love to me like it was for the last time on earth and then you went to him. What did I do to drive you to him?”

Harry sat holding Lucius and was completely stunned. “Lucius, what are you talking about? When did I ever leave you for Ron of all people? He’s like my brother, you know that.”

Lucius sniffled and wiped his face on a black silk handkerchief. “Harry, please. I heard the two of you talking the day before in the dungeons making the arrangements for you to join him, promising to always be there for him and not even I could come between the two of you. Then the next morning, I thought that was your way of trying to leave me with at least one more happy memory when you left me. I wanted to die, Harry, I didn’t want to go through the pain of losing you too so I had Dobby move all your things out before you came home to hurt me more. What happened Harry? I made a mistake somewhere in my thinking because I never see you with Ron except at well attended gatherings and then he is holding that little girl. Is she yours Harry? Is that why you met him that day?”

Harry couldn’t believe his ears. All of this pain because of a half-heard conversation and him not telling Lucius what was happening. “Oh gods, Lucius, will you listen to me and believe me? If you won’t believe me, you can ask Hermione or Molly or Arthur or any of the Weasleys or check the birth registry. Rhonda is not my child. She is the daughter of Ron and Viktor Krum; at least when Viktor was Viktor. The part of the conversation you heard was me telling Ron I would go with him to the healer’s to find out what was wrong with him. Viktor had been abusing him and Ron was worried that he had permanent damage. They picked us both up off the floor that day. Then my rage kicked in and I used things and did things that you and Severus had taught me years ago. Viktor is now a memory and Victoria is living a very cautious life. As for me telling Ron that you would never come between him and me? I love you both, he as a brother and you as my life’s blood. Nothing can come between any of those relationships. Ron just needed reassurance, he was more scared then during the final battle”

Harry finished speaking and moved his hand out to push the silver blonde hair away from Lucius face and behind his ear. “Why didn’t you just talk to me before you threw me out? I was so satisfied that day before I got to our door. I woke up to my loving mate, the loving was spectacular, breakfast in bed was great. Classes that day, I swear they were charmed, went flawlessly and then the news for Ron. He was so happy he was having a baby and not dying. Then the satisfaction I had of protecting a loved one from a monster, Viktor will never hurt anyone again. You know him now as Victoria Speck and I bound his magic until he is little better than a squib. I came home with the intentions of telling you about my eventful day only to wake up in the infirmary and you refusing me at every attempt I made. Why Lucius?”

Lucius looked at Harry. What had he done to that man? “Harry, oh gods, Harry. I am so sorry! I can’t begin to tell you how much I regret not listening to you since then. Do you think you could ever forgive me? I don’t expect it right this minute or even in the next day or two. Just please, tell me we have a chance to talk again and maybe work this out?” Lucius was holding his breath and waiting for the axe to fall – for Harry to turn his back on him and walk away. It was no less than he deserved.

Harry could feel the tension in Lucius. He had always been able to key into Lucius and knew what he was feeling until Lucius threw him out and locked him out. Now he was feeling waves of shame and regret coming from the man. He could also feel the love that was still there and the fear of rejection. Harry shook his head slowly and heard Lucius cry out and felt him pull back. “Lucius, stop. You mistook the shake of my head.” Harry pulled the other man closer to him and wrapped him up in his arms and cape. Harry placed a gentle kiss on Lucius forehead. "I’ve been near you everyday and missed you more everyday. We have to learn to talk again. There is too much at stake Lucius. I won’t throw away our love because of a half heard conversation. I just regret it’s taken this long for us to talk. That is the true sin here; that we wasted all this time. It’s a good thing Severus’ patience ran out.” Harry lifted Lucius face to his, staring into his eyes. “Have you ever heard the Muggle saying - the eyes are the key to the soul? All I see in yours is love and I hope you can see it in mine too. Lucius, let’s move on together. I want what we had and maybe it will be better this time around.”

Harry placed his lips against Lucius’ in a warm gentle kiss and held it there. His left hand came up to Lucius’ face and rested there, waiting for a response. Lucius, for his part, was amazed that Harry could forgive him so fast and easy. He groaned at the lips on his. It had been hell missing those lips and the love.


Chapter 3 Under the Stars


Harry heard the groan and dared. He ran the tip of his tongue gently over Lucius’ bottom lip and felt Lucius open up to him. It was a gentle entry and both of them explored the other slowly and thoroughly. Desire was mounting but both held back, still unsure of the others reaction. They broke off the kiss and stared at each other.

“Harry would you make love to me under the stars and on the beach? I’ve missed you.”

Harry was beyond ecstatic. Lucius wanted him back, but he had to make his wizard aware of a difference. “Lucius, that has made me happier than you can imagine. But I have to say no, I won’t make love to you, but I will make love with you. We’re in this together, you know.”

Lucius had stiffened when he heard the word “No”. Harry stroked his face again. “Lucius I said with you, not to you. Did you hear me say we’re together on this?” Harry leaned in again and began kissing Lucius. Harry and Lucius both sighed and let their feelings lead them where they wanted to go. Each began with a gentle hand to touch a face. Ran fingers through each other’s hair. Lips left lips to find the secret spots on necks and ears that brought out the moans and groans of the other. It was like the first time all over again. It was slow, it was gentle; it was the two of them with one shared love.

They began removing clothes without haste and relearning the other’s body.

“Lucius, you’ve lost weight, Damn robes hide too much.”

“Harry what did I do to you? You’re not more than skin and bones. Hmmm, I love your skin and bones, but you need to eat better.”

“We both do.”

A hand ran over a shoulder and down an arm to the hand and held it. One hand brought the other up to the chest and it took the hint to feel, just feel. They knew their arousal’s were growing but didn’t plan on rushing. Harry leaned back down on the cape-covered sand and brought Lucius with him, stretching them both out until they were touching every inch of each other. Their hands traveled over chests to thighs and as low as they could reach in this position. Harry took the initiative and brought his hand into contact with Lucius’ rock hard cock. The winds stole the groans away that night as the two lovers reunited.

Morning came all too soon. The sun had risen and infused a natural warmth into the lovers spooned together under the trees. Mother Nature smiled on the two and all felt right in the world. Finally.

Lucius was the first to stir. He went to stretch but there was something on his arm. He looked down and saw Harry lying there with his back against his chest. Had it been a dream? No, Harry was here with him and last night was more than memory. Lucius let his free hand run up and down Harry’s arm, stopping to hug the man closer. Harry woke up to the feel of a body behind him and a hug tightening around him. Who? Who else? It was his Lucius and the world was green again, not the gray clouds he had been seeing it through. Harry wiggled back against Lucius.

“Wonder if he’s up to some wild sex this morning?” they were both thinking.

Harry turned quickly and brought his lips against Lucius in a fast and furious kiss. He broke the kiss and jumped up. “Last one in gets to clean the sand out of our clothes!” Harry made a mad dash for the water. Lucius was fast on his heels and barely a step behind. He reached out and grabbed Harry’s ass, slowing him down. Lucius dove under the waves and surfaced in front of Harry. “I don’t do sand removal. Insertion can’t be helped in situations like this. Let me see what I can do about you though.”

Lucius grabbed Harry and dunked him. Harry came up laughing and sputtering. The fun began. The two frolicked in the water for a while eventually beginning to tease each other. Lucius pulled Harry to his chest and felt Harry wrap his legs around his waist and rub against him. “Harry?”

Harry kissed Lucius hard and let his hand drop under the water to stroke the hardening cock. This was going to be good. Harry wiggled around some more until he could feel Lucius cockhead at his entrance. Harry broke the kiss to huskily whisper “Now Lucius, fuck me hard.” Harry pushed himself down on Lucius until he was impaled and groaned. “Gods, Lucius you fill me so completely. Yes, there, harder Lucius, harder.”

Lucius was shivering. It wasn’t cold water they were standing in. It was Harry, his Harry and things felt wonderful. He was happy to follow Harry’s orders of harder and faster. He also brought his lips to Harry’s neck and bit gently and sucked, marking his lover. Harry threw back his head and let Lucius dine where he wanted. Harry let his hand move to tease Lucius’ nipple, using the water to massage it and cool it when he twisted and tugged on it. Lucius moved his head down from Harry’s neck and with a swift move clamped onto one of Harry’s nipples.

Harry shuddered and groaned, “So close Lucius, so close more please.” Lucius heard and making sure Harry was firmly around his hips, brought one hand up between them to Harry’s cock and began a slow rhythm, tip to base to sac and back. Lucius bent his knees just a little in the water and raised himself with his thigh muscles, entering Harry that much more. It was too much for both of them and they climaxed together. Harry’s head fell to Lucius shoulder, kissing the neck and shoulder as they tried to regain their energy.

Lucius walked closer to the shore, still inside of Harry. When he felt competent of the water level, he sank to the bottom and let them both rest. Lucius licked the salty water off of Harry’s shoulders. Harry decided turn about was fair play. He eased himself off of Lucius with a satisfied groan and moved behind Lucius. “Lucius, rise up a little.” Harry felt Lucius move and each knew what was happening. Harry positioned his cock and waited as Lucius bent to sit on his knees with his back to Harry. “Only if you’re sure Lucius.” He was only too sure and eased back onto Harry’s member. Lucius’ reached a hand up and back and behind him to grab Harry’s head while turning his. “Kiss me” Harry attacked the lips presented to him like a starving man in front of a buffet told to eat his fill.

This wasn’t the easiest position, but Lucius wasn’t complaining. He began moving up and down on Harry and felt his lover began to squirm and thrust harder. He felt something reach his cock and began playing around the crown and spreading his juices around. The hand traveled lower to his sac and began to gently roll them together. Lucius used both hands now trying for more leverage. “Faster, Harry, faster. So close.”

Harry picked up his thrusting and cupping Lucius. He brought his hand back to the top of Lucius’ cock and pressed ever so gently yet firmly with his thumb and moved his little finger to the vein on the underside and felt the pulsing. Harry dragged his little finger up and kept up the pressure with his thumb. Lucius growled low in his throat and yelled out “Harry” and let his eruption flow as he felt Harry fill him up. Both settled down to catch their breath. When they were able, they stood and went back to the little cove to sleep under the cape again.

The afternoon sun was creeping across the sky when they awoke together. Each wore a smile that had been missing for too long. Neither wanted to say it, both knowing it needed to be said. Lucius smiled bigger and sighed “We need to get ready, its time to go back.”

Harry was dreading asking this question, knowing it could ruin everything they had struggled to rebuild last night. “Lucius, can I see you later tonight, after dinner?”

Lucius looked surprised. “Harry I thought you might have something else planned for tonight, like moving back home?”

Harry threw his arms around Lucius and began kissing him furiously. “Home. Oh gods, that sounds wonderful from your lips.”

They both hurried to shake as much sand as possible from their clothes before putting them back on. They took a walk back towards the table where dinner had started last night only to find it filled with bowls of fresh fruit and bread. They looked at each other, heard stomachs growl and headed for the table. Harry wound up sitting in Lucius lap as they hand fed each other while talking and sneaking in a kiss here and there. Both felt the pull behind their navels as the portkeys were activated for the return to Hogwarts.

They landed in the Headmaster’s office to the surprise of the Headmaster who was busy with his wife in his lap. Hermione broke the kiss and grinned at the couple in front of her. “Alright Harry?” It was a question they had used while growing up in this castle, it was so little but held so much. “Right as rain Hermione” Hermione laid her head against her husbands shoulder and smiled at her two other favorite men.

Severus looked at the two and saw them holding hands and it sparked another idea, causing his eyes to twinkle and dance. “I take it you two have finally grown up and settled the hostilities? Life needs to go on, love needs to continue flowing. Before you gentlemen leave, let me suggest a little thing called marriage. I hear it’s fairly wonderful and can keep you out of trouble. Think about it. We will see you tomorrow for lunch in the great hall. Make the most of your time, after that you belong to Hogwarts again until June and your days off of course and nights. Hmm, I wonder if that is too much free time for you? I’ll work on that later. Go. Enjoy. My brothers, I am glad you are home, whole and loving each other still. I knew it hadn’t died; it just needed to be stirred like embers of a long stoked fire. Go now, can’t you see I’ve got better things in my hands to take care of?” Severus smiled at them and turned to kiss his wife.

Harry and Lucius smiled at the example in front of them and kissed before turning to walk down the stairs and hallways of their home to their rooms. They reached their original quarters first, which was still Lucius’. “Wait Harry.” Lucius brought out his wand and said the removal spells to take down the wards against Harry. “Never will they go up again Harry. I’ll fight with you, cry with you, even throw things to get your attention, but I’ll never ward you out again.” Harry grabbed Lucius and brought him to his lips for another kiss that promised all this and so much more. Neither realized there was an audience nor would they have cared.

Draco had been on his way to the Lair, determined to move his father out if necessary or chain Harry to a wall. As he rounded the corner he could hear the groans and sped up. He nearly toppled over as he saw his father and Harry in one of the most loving and erotic embraces he had ever witnessed. He smiled and turned away. Tomorrow would be soon enough to talk to them. Thank the gods for an uncle like Severus. Bless his scheming heart.


Chapter 4 Epilogue

Severus Snape looked at the multitudes gathered on the Quidditch Pitch. It had been the only place that would have held the number of witnesses for today. Severus smiled and wrapped his arms around his wife and their growing child. It had been a long time in coming, but they would be adding to the future of their world. He kissed her neck and felt her shudder. “Now wife, we have to be presentable and on the pitch in twenty minutes and you know that is not nearly enough time for what I want to do with you. Behave now and you can have your witchy wicked way with me tonight.” Hermione turned and gave him his own trademark smirk. “Later. Oh Yes.” With another kiss they broke apart and put the finishing touches on their appearances.

Down in the Lair, a nervous Harry pranced around. “Ron where is my comb, where’s my hair tie? I’m never going to ready in time. Do you have the ring? Rhonda, honey, bring Uncle Harry his wand off the bedside table. Oh gods, Ron, help me.”

In the Manor, it was almost an exact scene. “Draco, why did I get so many buttons on this damn thing? Do you have any idea how long it’s taking to do up? Do you have any idea how long it will take us to get it off tonight? Oh gods, did I just say that out loud? Draco, do you have the ring? Can you do anything with my hair? Should I wear it back or let if fall natural? He likes it down. I think I’m going to be sick again.”

Lucius went running for the bathroom. Draco began worrying and went to check on his father. He found the man he adored on his knees in front of the toilet looking paler than normal. ”Father, how long has this been going on?”

Lucius emitted a pity-inducing moan and turned his head to look at his son. “Today or before?” He was the master of giving an answer that was no answer and knew it frustrated his son.

“Father, cut the crap today of all days. Give me a straight answer.”

“Draco, my son, I’m fine. It’s only pre-wedding nerves. It’s only been in the last three weeks that it’s started. I’ll be fine tomorrow, you’ll see.” Lucius turned his head back and revisited his earlier snack with a groan. Draco looked at him and worried his bottom lip and slipped out of the bathroom. He called for his father’s personal house elf.

“Calip, you will go find our healer and you will be double quick about getting him back here. Father is ill on his wedding day. Now Hurry!” With a wave of a hand the elf was gone. In mere seconds he was back and dragging the healer with him.

“Draco what is wrong? I was on the Pitch waiting for the ceremony and this elf grabbed me, said Lucius was sick and here I am.”

Draco looked at the man he had known all his life. “Stewart, I’m not sure, but I think my father is pregnant. He’s been sick for the past couple of weeks and trying to pass it off as pre-wedding nerves, he’s losing weight and when he does eat it’s like feeding a workhorse. Do I need to mention how dangerous mood swings are in a Malfoy? If you need proof, go look through the battle zone that used to be our game room. It’s going to take me forever to repair that, not that I mind. I wanted to make some changes in there anyway. Can you please just check him, he’s in the bathroom.”

Stewart looked at Draco then nodded and headed off for the bathroom. The sight that met his eyes caused a frown. Lucius was looking paler than any virgin white sheet and green at the same time. He tried for a humor routine in the hopes he wouldn’t be hexed. “Lucius, it’s been ages since I’ve seen you paying homage to the porcelain gods. Was the stag night that good?”

If looks could kill, Stewart would be laying out straight and they could have had his funeral right after the wedding ceremony. Lucius groaned. “Smart ass. You know there was no stag night. It’s just my nerves causing my stomach to lose everything.”

Stewart looked at his old friend. “Hmm, let me be the judge of that. That is my job you know. Can you make it to the bed or do you want me to check you here?” Lucius looked at the man he knew all his life. “Help me to my bed but it’s gotta be fast. I’m half of a wedding today, you know.”

Stewart helped Lucius out to the bed and began the general scans and intensified them, thanks to the helpful little hints from Draco. He made some clicking and clucking noises, shook his head and repeated his incantations. “Lucius, my friend, I can tell you now its not nerves. What I can tell you will cause your nerves to quiver. Lucius, brace yourself, you’re pregnant, about 8 weeks from the looks of it. Congratulations. Here, drink this, it will stop the morning sickness for the next 6 weeks and by then they should be over anyway. You should be ok on your honeymoon, just no flying and very limited port keying. Floo travel is still okay. I’ll see you in a week unless you need me before.” Stewart left with a pop.

Draco looked at his father lying on the bed. “Well father, I always thought it would be good to have a sibling, but I thought it would have been Harry that would be pregnant. I guess it’s a good thing you’re getting married today. Come on. Up we get, we have to get you to the Pitch on time.”

Harry was finally ready and pacing in front of his door. Ron was standing outside in the hall and holding Rhonda’s hand. His darling daughter had a way of escaping and causing havoc without even trying. If he didn’t know better, he would swear she was part Cornish pixie. “Harry, settle down. Come on we can head out now.” Harry closed his door and started down the hall with Rhonda between them. They had just reached the front doors of the castle when they heard the familiar pop of incoming. Both young men tensed and remembered it was okay now; the wards had been lowered for a long time. They turned to see who it was and were shocked to see Draco and an incredibly pale Lucius standing there. Harry turned loose of Rhonda and ran to Lucius, embracing him. “Lucius, love, what’s wrong?” He looked with worry at Draco, looking for an answer. “Harry, let’s just get to the pitch, have the ceremony and I’ll tell you everything. Honestly, I am fine, just a little upset stomach.”

Lucius started to the doors and Harry went with him, providing support to him if he needed it or wanted it. The four men and the little girl made it to the Pitch. Ron and Draco walked up the aisle first, stopping so Ron could hand Rhonda over to Auntie Ginny and they continued to the “front” of the altar. The grooms followed and stood in front of the wizard dressed in his purple robe covered in orbiting planets and moons and stars. The long beard was neatly braided today and stayed close to the robes. Both men smiled up at Albus Dumbledore and listened as he intoned the traditional and sacred words of the marriage ceremony. The men joined hands when told and Albus continued with the cord bindings.

When that part of the ceremony was concluded, Albus looked at the gathering. “Before we gather for the feast, our newlyweds have one more thing they would like us to witness today. Most might not recognize it, that’s okay. It’s for them. Gentlemen.” Each man turned to their best man and held out their hand and received the rings and turned back to each other. Harry took Lucius left hand in his and slid the ring on. “Lucius, this ring is the outer symbol of my love for you. It has no beginning and no ending. As it surrounds your finger, my love will surround you forever. I love you.” Harry brought the hand up and kissed the ring.

Lucius took Harry’s left hand and slid on the ring. “Harry, I have loved you it seems like forever. We are fluid as this ring is round, no beginning, and no ending continual flowing. I love you.” Lucius then kissed Harry’s ring. They smiled at each other and sealed all the vows with a very public kiss. It lasted long enough for the catcalls to start, giggling from the younger children and shouts of “get a room” from some of the less than sober people in the audience. They broke the kiss and headed for the banquet tables.

Harry noticed several key people glancing at him and Lucius as they ate. Harry looked at Lucius. “Care to tell me now that dinner is over?” Harry was waiting for a response when the music began and Lucius stood up and dragged him to the center of the “floor” to dance. As they melded together, Lucius leaned in and kissed Harry again. He couldn’t get enough of those lips today. “Harry, you know I love you and I know you love me. How do you feel about bringing someone else in this mix?” Harry stopped dancing and looked at Lucius and backed up a step. “Um Lucius, what are you suggesting on our wedding day of all days?”

Lucius looked at Harry and repeated the words he said to himself. Lucius closed his eyes. I have to talk to him, and explain better than that. He forced himself back into Harry’s arms and kissed Harry’s neck and then ear. “No, darling, I did not in any way shape or form mean I wanted another lover. What I am trying to tell you and making a complete hash of is that we are going to be adding to our family. Draco called Stewart in just before we got here. It seems I’m about 8 weeks pregnant.” He stopped and waited for the reactions.

Harry stood there in shock for only a minute as the entire assembly went quite. “Is he sure?” Lucius nodded. Harry looked to Draco and Stewart standing side-by-side watching the proceedings. At their nods, Harry gave a loud yell, grabbed Lucius around the waist and began to spin them around. “A BABY! WE’RE HAVING A BABY!” Harry sat Lucius back on his feet and leaned him over his arm in a kiss that made the men take notice and the girls envious. The party took off from there.

Seven and a half months later, two very nervous men paced in front of the infirmary doors. The words they were hearing from the inside were enough to make them shrink and vow never to put a woman through what Lucius and Harry were going through behind those doors. A few hours later, Severus Snape escorted an older Albus down the steps to the infirmary to wait with the others. Albus began a slow chant that Severus remembered and joined in on. The younger wizards listened and fell into the pattern. The screaming eased some from in the infirmary. The next loud noise they heard was the cry of a very unhappy infant brought into the cold world from the familiar warmth. A second cry joined the first. All went silent and a peace settled over Hogwarts. The newest Potter-Malfoy children had joined the ranks of their wizarding family.

Harry and Lucius watched the bundled children lying between them on the bed while their joined left hands hovered over their babies. Madame Pomfrey beamed at them and Stewart just smiled. Two more Malfoy’s to watch over.

Amanda Lucille Malfoy and Armond Luther Malfoy quietly slept on while being watched by a growing circle of friends and family sharing in the love that had created them and brought them into this world.

-fin-