Chapter Text
It's a special type of madness when you're kicked out of your husbands' bed after the wedding night…
Well technically Severus wasn't his husband and their 'wedding' had been a five minute interlude conducted by their five year old son and of course, they hadn't had a wedding night- yet, as his mind supplied in Severus' voice.
Still, it hurt that Severus hadn't invited him back after that night; to be fair, he hadn't said that Harry couldn't come back either but Harry was smart enough to know that he shouldn't push it… not when the man was so close to relenting anyway.
And so, with thoughts that filled him with hope, Harry kicked back the covers and got out of bed to face the new day- the day before Christmas Eve.
Harry imagined that it'd be a great idea to start on a few arrangements for tomorrow afternoon- maybe he could even cook for Severus and Cedric…
He thought back to a few days ago when Cedric pleaded non-stop for Severus to go get a Christmas tree for the living room; that had been one of the most beautiful days that Harry had ever shared with Severus and Cedric. Everything about that day had been magical, from Severus surprising them all and going out into the snow to look for a tree by himself to decorating the tree with bright and delicate ornaments. The man turned out to be a whiz with charming the lights as well.
Harry stepped out of his bedroom with a huge smile plastered on his face and was met with Cedric and Mitzy sitting on the living room floor playing with a train set.
Harry crouched down beside Cedric and placed a kiss on the messy hair, "Good morning champ! Where's your papa this morning?"
"Daddy!" squealed the little boy in delight, "Papa got a letter and left looong ago… so he called Mitzy here to play with me."
Harry assumed that long ago must have been pretty long ago from the way Cedric said it so he tried to think what could have had Severus in such a rush so early.
He stood up and asked, "Have you had breakfast yet, Ced?"
"Only very little," interjected the small house-elf, "Master Cedric insisted on eating with his parents…"
Harry smiled at Mitzy and gave Cedrics' hair an affectionate ruffle, "I'll be back in a few then, okay? Maybe I can find your papa on the way."
Xxx
Harry stepped into Severus' office and called out for him but there wasn't any answer. The large desk looked in order- the way Severus always left it before retiring for the day- so the only place that Harry could think of where Severus would lose track of time was his lab.
Harry was almost at the door when a silvery otter trounced up to him; he whispered "Hermione" just as the young witches' voice resonated from her patronus, "Harry, Ron and I are here so if you're not too busy then maybe we can talk?"
The otter disappeared almost immediately and it only took Harry a few seconds to exit the office and take the spiral staircase down to his friends who were waiting for him outside the gargoyle.
"Hey, is everything alright?" asked Harry the moment he saw them.
Ron smiled at him and then shot Hermione an exasperated look, "Sorry about the early arrival mate but this one over here couldn't hold her horses for another few hours and dragged me here with her."
Hermione returned Rons' look with a narrowed glare before launching herself into Harrys' arms, "Oh Harry, it's so good to see you and I have so much to say to you… but first, you have to come tomorrow… everyone else is too… I thought that we'd make a small change this year and have it at mine and Rons' place… of course Mrs Weasley is still going to cook…"
Harry turned away from Hermione as she spoke and turned wide eyes to Ron who interrupted, "Sorry Harry… 'Mione, you aren't making sense," he turned to Harry and spoke, "We decided to have the Christmas dinner at our place this year; it's just been extra hard these past few months and well Hermione also wanted to apologize to everyone for how she's been handling it all… you'll come won't you?"
"Harry, we need to talk and we need to set things straight because it's the festive season and-"
Harry laid a hand on Hermiones' arm, not for one moment doubting her sincerity but knowing that her nervous babbling was proof enough, "I'll be there Hermione… we do have a lot to discuss but you guys are part of my family and I'd want to be nowhere else during Christmas."
Hermione looked like she might burst into tears but she seemed to gain some semblance of control, "You'll bring Severus too, right? I've been horrible to him ever since- Gods Harry…"
Harry gathered Hermione in his arms and just held her close for a while, "It'll all be okay, you'll see…"
Xxx
When Harry returned to Severus' office, it was still unoccupied so he made his way to the lab and quietly entered. Severus was nowhere in sight but there was an opened envelope and parchment lying on the desk.
Harry had a flashback to his 5th year and Severus' anger when he'd invaded his privacy but this time was different right… he'd just walk past the desk and try to gather as much as he could, maybe he'd actually figure out where Severus had disappeared to…
Harry approached the desk and the first thing he noticed was a handwritten letter by Severus addressed to the Potions Association. He glanced at the door before picking up the letter and reading intently.
Xxx
When Harry entered the living room, he noticed that Severus was back and that the man was sitting at the table which was laden with food while trying to convince Cedric to eat.
"No," said Cedric, turning his head away from the offered spoon, "I'll eat when daddy gets back."
"Ced-"
"Champ, why aren't you listening to your papa?" asked Harry as he entered and sat down next to Severus.
Cedrics' face lit up and he quickly took the offered bite before eating by himself.
Harry and Severus chuckled at his antics before Severus asked, "Where have you been?"
"Out looking for you… we need to talk."
Severus looked at Harry questioningly before nodding and continuing his breakfast.
Once they were done, Mitzy came back to take Cedric to the Gryffindor's that had stayed for Christmas so Harry finally turned to Severus.
"Where did you go this morning?"
Severus appeared startled at first before responding, "To my lab; what are you so panicked about Harry?"
"I was worried and I also saw something… a letter that you wrote…"
"You went into my lab?"
"To look for you, yes… why didn't you tell me that the potion works and that the association wants to utilize it?"
Severus took a deep breath and then took Harrys' hands in his, "I didn't know how to tell you that the potion I created for you worked on everyone else but you! I'm sorry that I kept it from you Harry but I was just trying to summon the courage to tell you…"
Harry squeezed Severus' hands, "I'm not mad at you, don't worry… I really have moved on Severus but I just- why are you rejecting them?"
Severus sighed, "It is a miniscule potion and there's already a spell for it… the world doesn't need it…"
Harry stepped closer and placed his hands on Severus' chest, "What about accidental cases where there isn't an experienced obliviator around… Severus, this can take a lot of valuable time off the hands of the professionals… allow them to publish it… for me… please…"
"You worry about everyone else far too often…"
Harry smiled and laid his head on Severus' shoulder, "Hmmm but you're there to worry about me so I guess that evens it out…"
Severus snorted and wrapped his arms around Harry, "You're far too comfortable around me brat…"
"Home is always comfortable, Severus… and home isn't always a place…"
They stood that way for a while before Harry spoke, "Ron and Hermione have invited us to their place tomorrow… for supper, I hope that's alright with you."
Severus sighed, "I suppose that my Christmas gift to you could be for me to tolerate insufferable Gryffindor's for an entire evening…"
He earned a slap on the arm for that but it was worth it for the smile that Harry bestowed on him.
"Then I suppose we get home and you give me my real present…" at Severus' raised eyebrow he added, "the one you've been holding back from me since weeks… You…"
Xxx
Just as Harry had suspected, the gathering had initially been awkward for everyone.
Hermione tried too hard to make amends, Harry tried too hard to assure everyone that he was fine and Severus sat silently throughout it all in one corner of the room.
But Ron, the man that Harry called his best friend- and with good reason, managed to make them all laugh- even Severus' lips twitched- when he did horrible impressions of both Harry and Hermione apologizing to each other.
Harry laughed and clapped his friend on the back while Hermione started to berate Ron but Harry didn't mind because after a long while, things finally started to feel normal again.
Even with the entire Weasley clan in attendance, there was still enough room to sit but Harry decided soon after Ron had broken the ice that he wasn't going to allow Severus to brood for the entire evening, especially not when he wanted to break the ice between them…
Harry refused to move from his spot on the arm of Severus' chair but Severus didn't seem to mind; he'd occasionally move his hand so that he could touch Harry or lay his hand on Harrys' thigh as he spoke.
By the time dinner arrived, Harry was determined to make Severus see that he was ready for him, ready to move on and be with him…
Thankfully for Harry, the fit was tight around the dining table so he didn't need any excuses there. He allowed his thigh to press flush against Severus' as they sat while every now and then he let his hand fall onto Severus' knee under the table and gave a small squeeze before returning to the table-top.
Severus' gaze found his at these moments and the mans' eyes would almost plead with him to cease his actions but he was having none of it.
Cedric had started off the gift unwrapping and squealed in delight every time he received a new present.
Harrys' gift to Severus had been brand new Dragonhide gloves and he could see that the man tried his best to hold back his happiness but a small, genuine smile slipped nevertheless and Harrys' heart fluttered in his chest.
When Harry had opened his gift from Severus, a vial of memories of their familial ritual, Harry had forgotten himself for a moment and leaned in to peck Severus on the cheek.
Everyone politely looked away except for Cedric who cheered Harry on; Severus turned a shade of pink and clenched his hands on the armrests of his chair.
Xxx
Harry had volunteered to help Molly with the drinks and so he was just about to exit the kitchen when Severus entered with a smirk on his face.
"Going somewhere, Harry?" purred Severus.
Harry smiled at him indulgently, "I'll be all yours if you'd just ask…"
Severus levitated the tray of drinks from Harrys' hands and in the general direction of the living room, not bothered to see if anyone had received it and then presented his closed fist to Harry.
Harry raised his eyebrows, "What?"
"Your second present."
"Already?" asked Harry with a leer towards Severus' hand.
Severus' eyes widened and he slapped Harry across the head with his free hand, "I meant that your gift is enclosed… get your mind out of the gutter, Potter."
Harry burst out laughing before he tried making a grab for Severus' hand.
Severus dodged him and moved to the other side of the kitchen.
"Oh, so it's like that now…" said Harry playfully.
"It is like this…"
Harry eyed Severus for a moment before charging towards him and then straight out into the backyard when Severus escaped through the kitchen door.
The air outside was cold and Harry immediately felt the need for his thick jacket which hung inside on the coatrack.
Severus stood a few steps away from him still flaunting his closed fist and when Harry appeared before him, he simply held his hand up high in the air.
He watched Harry struggle for a moment jumping up and down on tip-toes before the younger man stopped to sulk.
Severus shook his head and gestured for Harry to look upwards where he'd opened his fist.
From his long fingers dangled a spring of mistletoe, right above both their heads.
Slowly a smile started to spread on Harrys' face as he reached up to wrap his arms around Severus' neck, "I'll take that as my cue."
Severus met him halfway in an explosion of passion and almost immediately, Severus' arm dropped to wrap around Harrys' waist.
Severus held Harry securely to his own body as he slowly tasted Harrys' lips. Harrys' hands had meanwhile found their way into Severus' hair and the man sighed contently before he deepened their kiss…
As their tongues tangled and teeth pulled at lips, Harry started to grow increasingly needy, he rubbed his growing hardness against Severus' thigh and Severus growled before he pulled away and sank his teeth into Harrys' neck.
He nipped and licked and soothed over the bites with his tongue, hands exploring Harrys' back, cupping his arse, thrusting himself into Harrys' stomach…
"Severus- Gods yes…"
Harrys' moan cleared Severus' mind slightly and he realized that he did not in fact want to end up making love to Harry outside Weasley and Grangers' house.
He pulled away reluctantly, "We need to go back inside… they'll start to wonder…"
Harry sighed and buried his face in Severus' robes, "Let them… I need you…"
Severus pressed a kiss to the top of Harrys' head, "Cedric is in there, we cannot be careless…"
Harry took in one last deep breath of Severus' scent via his robes and then moved away slightly so that they could walk back to the house.
Xxx
"Mate, where've you been?"
Ron looked like he damn right knew where Harry had been but Harry managed to keep his mouth under control.
"Just some fresh air- uh… everything good?"
Severus moved away to go sit with Cedric and Victoire by the fire.
"Yeah… I was just wondering," Ron scratched the back of his head as he spoke, "'Mione wanted me to ask if you'd mind leaving Ced over for the night… Vic and the others will be staying as well… she thought you and Severus might wanna uhm, go home…"
Harry didn't know whether to cheer that he was going to get a night alone with Severus or laugh at his friends discomfort but he decided to just thank Ron instead… this thing with Severus was new to him, and he didn't want to jinx it.
Xxx
After they'd stayed for an appropriate amount of time during which Harry stared at Severus longingly and Severus sent him heated, smouldering looks, they could finally leave without being rude.
They said goodbye to everyone, gave Cedric an extra-long hug and then they were on their way outside to apparate away.
Xxx
The moment that they'd apparated into the living room, Severus' mouth was on Harrys'. He knew that he should keep it light since in a sense this was Harrys' first time with him but he couldn't bring himself to slow down especially not with the way Harry moaned and clawed at his back as Severus pinned him to the bedroom door.
"I've wanted you to do this to me ever since that massage…"
Severus bit onto the skin below Harrys' ear and growled, "Then we should make up for the lost time…" before hoisting Harry up forcing the younger man to wrap his legs around Severus' waist.
When they entered the bedroom, Severus as good as threw Harry down onto the bed before starting on his own robes.
Harry undid his shirt buttons as he watched Severus, "If I'd known, I'd have teased you weeks back… then maybe you would have ravished me sooner…"
"Is that so Mr Potter," said Severus as he slid his underwear off, giving Harry a full view before prowling over towards him.
When Severus settled over Harry and began undressing him, Harry couldn't help but close his eyes and think that this all felt familiar, like he'd seen Severus in this state before, felt his body against his own and been taken to the heights of pleasure by this very man but he couldn't focus on his thoughts anymore, not with being fully naked and feeling Severus' growing desire against his thigh, not with Severus raining kisses onto his heated skin and not with Severus' mouth closing over the head of his cock.
Harry cried out in startled pleasure at the suction that didn't seem to move lower. Severus held his hips down onto the mattress and torturously worshipped his cock. The suction at the head would disappear and then a tongue would be sliding over the length, lapping over his balls and sucking each one until he struggled against Severus' restraint.
When Severus slipped the tip of his tongue into Harrys' slit to gather the pre-come, Harry bucked up violently. He cried and he pleaded until Severus swallowed his cock in a fluid movement… every once in a while, Severus would hum in pleasure and Harry would have to recite quidditch statistics to hold back his orgasm.
He gave a yelp of surprise when Severus flipped him over and nuzzled his left cheek.
"I want you, Harry…" groaned Severus.
Harry tried to calm his breathing, "Then take me Severus, I'm all yours…"
Lube coated fingers probed him open while he writhed in pleasure, calling out for more whenever the fingers felt like too little until Severus flipped them both over with Harry straddling him.
"Ride me, Harry… I want to see you take your pleasure from me…"
Harry leaned down and pressed a desperate kiss to Severus' lips before lifting himself up and positioning his lovers cock at his entrance. He slowly sank down, his eyes closing in pleasure and his bottom lip caught between his teeth.
Severus' breaths came in ragged gasps as he felt the tightness of Harry around him; he longed to thrust up but kept still allowing Harry to set the pace.
When Harry sank down fully he took a few shuddering breaths before experimentally rocking forward causing Severus' hands to latch onto Harrys' hips, guiding his movements.
Harry spent a few moments rocking gently, getting used to the feeling of being stretched around Severus' length before he steadied himself on his knees and rose up, he took a deep breath before plunging back down.
Severus' breath hitched and Harry could only throw his head back in pleasure as he continually thrust himself up and down on Severus' cock.
There was moment when Severus, eyes wild with passion, held Harry in place so that he could thrust upwards, so that he could hit Harrys' prostate head on… the younger man leaned back on his hands and allowed Severus to have his way until he slowly positioned his feet on either side of Severus' hips, leaned back and met Severus thrust for thrust.
He slammed down whenever Severus thrust upwards and soon his balls started to tighten and he was sure that his cock would explode. Severus' hands trailed up his torso and pinched and pulled at his hardened nipples; that was all he needed.
Harry came with Severus' name on his lips, collapsing on the mans' chest thereafter while Severus held him close, thrust up a few more times at an unforgiving pace and then caught Harrys' lips in a battle of tongues as he came inside his lover finally…
They laid that way for a while; Harry marvelling in the pleasure and closeness that only this one man could bring him while Severus tried to calm his rapidly beating heart… his Harry, he had finally got his Harry back. That's what had been bugging him in the first place, that he wouldn't feel the same amount of love for Harry now than he did back then but after this, after making love to Harry, he knew that it didn't matter whether Harry had his memories or not because he still felt the same, if not more strongly about the man. This was his Harry in every sense and he would die sooner than he would allow anyone to take this man away from him again.
Harry shifted slightly to the side, still in Severus' arms and then groaned quite loudly. Severus chuckled as he looked over his lovers' face before casting a cleaning charm on both their bodies and pulling Harry closer.
They didn't exchange any words after that, they both lay together thinking, although Harry would occasionally press a kiss to Severus' chest and hold onto him tighter and Severus traced circles on Harrys' shoulder with his thumb… that's how they fell asleep.
Xxx
Harry knew that he was asleep because everything that he could see was blurred around the edge… Severus was there, he was saying something… "Don't forget about me…"
Harry thought that was strange, he couldn't recall the man ever saying that to him but before he could ponder further, he was walking along a corridor. It was a dark place, he'd been there before… then there were other voices. He tried to listen but it seemed like the voices were running away from him so he started to pick up his pace and chase the sound but just as he broke into a run, he hit a door and fell back and hit a wall that wasn't there earlier…
The voice came nearer; a male and a female, he thought…
They were laughing at him, mocking him but he didn't get to hear why… he thought he recognized them but then a green light engulfed him and knocked his breath out of his body…
Xxx
Harry sat up with a gasp as he struggled to get his breathing under control, thankful that he could actually breathe again.
It took him a while to figure out why there was a hand stroking his lower back comfortingly.
He looked to his right and remembered that Severus was in bed with him and that the man was currently asking him something with a panicked expression.
"Harry, what is the matter?"
Harry ran a hand over his face and rolled out of bed, clutching his head in his hands before he lowered them and spoke, "I- Severus.. Oliver… Oliver obliviated me, not Cho… Oh God…"
This time, Harry allowed Severus to hold him close.
"Harry, how can you be sure?" then almost as if it just occurred to Severus, Harry was held an arm's length away while Severus looked him over, "Do- Do you remember?"
Harry freed an arm and placed his hand on Severus' cheek, "I'm sorry… I don't- I just remember that last part… my dream was different but I- I know what I saw that night, I just couldn't remember… Cho was there but she was standing in front of him, that's how I didn't see… he did this…"
Severus tried to make sense of it all, tried to figure out how it was that only that portion of Harrys' memory was back and tried to figure out how exactly he was going to make Wood suffer for his actions… Harrys' voice broke him out of his thoughts.
"Today is Christmas day… we need to go to Azkaban, he'll be there… he'll have to go see Cho today…"
"Harry, we need to inform Kingsley… we cannot afford to go there without back-up…"
"No look," he cast a tempus, "I remember seeing Oliver logged for this time for weeks on end when I went to see Cho the last time… I'm sure he'll be there! Severus, I have to go!"
Harry started to grab his clothes from where they had landed last night and put on only as much as he needed to look decent before he got ready to apparate.
Severus grabbed his arm, "You cannot apparate from inside Hogwarts, Harry!"
"But you can," said Harry, "Help me please!"
Harry threw Severus' robes at him and stood impatiently until the man got dressed. He threw his arms around Severus afterwards and waited for the man to apparate them.
"Harry, I cannot do this… I could lose you again and I will not be able to live with myself if- we cannot go to him, not if he really was the one to do this to you… we need the aurors."
Harry tipped his head back so that he could look at Severus properly, "The aurors will never let me get my answers, to get closure on why he did this… Severus, we need to go now… help me or I'll go there by myself-"
Harrys' sentence was drowned in the crack of apparation.
Xxx
It seemed that no matter the season, the weather at Azkaban will always be wet, stormy and gloomy.
Harry broke out of Severus' hold and immediately started to make his way towards the security at the entrance.
He could hear Severus following him, could feel the mans' intent gaze on his back.
They reached the guards, "I need to know if Oliver Wood is here already."
One of the guards narrowed his eyes, "You came here to visit a visitor?"
"Please," said Harry, "this is important… I need to see him, is he here?"
"Walked in a while ago," said one of the guards as he noticed Severus behind Harry.
"And when can we expect that he'll be back out?" asked Severus in an even tone.
The guard checked the logbook and responded, "Times up, should be on his way back down now."
Harry nodded and remained fixed to the spot but Severus guided him to the side, "Harry, we know he's here so we should call up Kingsley and arrange for him to be taken in."
"No, I need to speak to him!"
"Harry-"
"Ah Mr Wood, got some folks here to see you…"
Harry and Severus turned around when they heard the guards' voice and for the first time since that night, Harry came face to face with Oliver Wood.
"Potter," spat Wood, "you better not be hanging around Cho and taunting her. She told me that you showed up here a while ago."
"I'm here for you not her!"
"Make an appointment then," said Wood as he dashed past Harry.
Harry whirled around, "A bit hard to do that with you disappearing off the grid… why are you hiding Oliver? Scared we'll find out the truth?"
Olivers' eyes narrowed and he stepped closer to Harry, "What are you implying, Potter?"
"I'm asking," explained Harry as if he was talking to a particularly thick first year, "how you can let her sit in prison for something that you did."
There was a moment of doubt, a small flicker of worry in Olivers' expression before it was quickly gone, but that was enough for both Harry and Severus to see that Harry was not wrong.
Severus placed a hand on Harrys' shoulder a squeezed gently, giving the younger man his reassurance.
Oliver chose to ignore Harrys' words, "I see you brought your Death Eater body guard…"
The prison guard walked up to them at that moment, "Gentlemen, I hear that there's a problem out here; take this somewhere else or I'll have cells opened up for all 3 of you as Christmas gifts."
Harry ignored the guard, "Don't you dare! Not after you have done this, both of you… why did you even do this Oliver? We've been friends, you never had anything against me yet you took my memories away… made me forget my life, my family… what did you even gain from that? Your wife is sitting in jail and it's all because of you-"
"Potter, stop…" said Oliver in a strained voice.
"- but I guess that I'm not the one who really lost after all… my friends and my family are still behind me, they're still supporting me… you couldn't even do that much, you let your wife take the blame for you… I can't believe it, Cho said that 'you'll do anything for someone you love' I thought that she was talking about Cedric but she was talking about you… about rotting in jail in your place while you walk free like a coward-"
"Shut up Potter, shut the fuck up!"
"So why did you do it, why did you take my memories away? Were you scared that Cho might consider leaving you for me… for the gay ex-boyfriend who she fancied she could turn straight again-"
Olivers' wand was drawn and the spell was uttered before Harry even had time to step back but Severus was there, he pushed Harry out of the way and shielded them both for good measure. The guards were on Oliver in an instant, holding him back and shouting for someone to alert the ministry.
Oliver struggled against the guards and watched Harry as Harry stepped closer again, "I was right wasn't I, you were scared…"
Oliver growled and tried to make a grab for Harry, "It wasn't supposed to happen like that… you arrived at the wrong time, the spell was for Cho… I was trying to save her…"
Harrys' eyes widened and he slumped back against Severus, "You were going to obliviate her?"
For a moment, Oliver almost looked sad, "I didn't know what else to do… I was losing my wife… she was obsessed with you and your son, didn't want to let go of a lost cause. Our life was falling apart and I needed to get her to forget but then you walked in and she stepped out of the way…"
Harry stood still for a moment trying to make sense of it all… This had been a mistake, the spell wasn't even meant for him but he'd been caught up in all of this… he had lost so much just because Oliver and Cho were what? Having domestic issues…
Harry stood up straight and charged towards Oliver, ignoring Severus trying to grip his arm, his wand in his hand and no sooner digging into Olivers' neck, "I almost lost everything because one day you woke up and decided that you're feeling insecure…"
Olivers' fists clenched, "I love Cho, and I couldn't lose her!"
"Yet you lost her anyway," spat Harry nastily.
Oliver surged forward with all of his strength, trying his best to shake off the guards restraining him. He managed knock his flailing legs into Harry before the guards pulled him back but that was enough to unsteady Harry and with the slippery surface, all Harry could do was close his eyes against the impact. Severus reached him too late and all that sounded in the silence was the resonating crack as Harrys' head hit the floor.
Xxx
Severus pulled his cloak tighter around his body as the chill of the wind hit him. The snow hadn't let up for days on end and he could almost feel himself sinking deeper into the ground. He looked out into the general direction of Hogsmeade and fancied that he could hear the delighted laughs of the little children.
Little children… his child… he didn't think that Cedric would ever want to speak to him again, not after he proved for the second time that he couldn't take care of Harry.
The first time had been careless, no one had known what would happen, that Harry would walk into a spell that wasn't even meant for him but this time… this time he had allowed Harry to walk into danger… Cedric would never forgive him and he would never forgive himself…
He'd ended up Dumbledores' tomb somehow… he trailed a finger through the snow accumulated there, wincing at the burn of the ice on his bare skin until a hand startled him.
"Severus, you shouldn't be out here in this unforgivable weather…"
Severus didn't trust his voice so he simply shook his head.
Minerva gentled her voice, "Please, come inside… Cedric will be arriving soon and he'll want to go up to the infirmary."
"Because I put his father there," said Severus, voice full of despair.
"Don't beat yourself up over this Severus! All is not lost and I'll ask you to not talk as if you're giving up already."
Severus whirled around to face her, "You heard what Poppy said… that fall damaged him, he's unresponsive, and you know what that means!"
Minerva was about to berate Severus when Hermione came rushing outside, "Oh professors, you have to come… there's been improvement…"
Severus turned wide eyes to Minerva who wore a watery smile and said, "If Harry is the exception to everything, then some things have to eventually work out in his favour."
And then they were rushing inside and towards the hospital wing.
Xxx
So many things were the same as the first time Harry woke up in the infirmary.
Everyone was crowded around expectantly as Harry stirred into consciousness little by little. His hand was being held as well but this time it was Hermione rather than Severus who was cooped up in the corner as far away from Harrys' bed that he could get while still keeping him in his view.
It was the same when Harry opened his eyes and looked around in confusion but the one difference was that Harrys' eyes were immediately searching the room, searching until they landed on Severus.
"Severus," rasped out Harry.
But just then, Cedric bounded into the room and leapt into a chair beside Harry stealing away all Harrys' attention.
"Daddy, are you okay?"
Harry smiled, "Champ… I- oh God, I've missed you so much…"
Harry pulled Cedric to him on the bed and while he sat holding his son, the room exploded into questions but Minerva silenced them all with a raised hand and announced that Harry and his family should be given some privacy; she knew with all her heart that the extremely distressed Severus needed this more than anyone… after all, she had been the one who knew all about his despair since the incident, it was the least she could do.
Severus however, gave one last longing look at Harry before following the rest of the rooms' occupants.
Minerva stopped him just as he reached the door, "And where do you think you're off to, Headmaster? Aren't you going to spend time with your family?"
"Yeah Severus," said Harry, voice sounding slightly more normal now while Poppy poked and prodded him with her wand, "Aren't you going to come back here and forgive me for forgetting you when you explicitly asked me not to…"
Severus heart leapt and he closed his eyes for a brief moment remembering…
"Hey," called out Severus.
"Hmmm," said Harry as he turned around.
"Don't forget about me here."
"Not a chance," assured Harry as he winked and exited the room.
Severus turned to Poppy with a questioning glance.
"I apologize, Severus, all of the signs were there that pointed to a memory charm but it seemed that we had never expected that Harrys' fall could have actually caused his memory loss… that's why your potion didn't work on him. Oliver Wood hadn't been skilled enough to cast the memory charm in the first place so instead, his spell had just been strong enough to knock Harry off his feet… Head injury hadn't even showed up in my scans…"
Poppy looked like she blamed herself for not having caught this earlier but all Severus could do was reassure her that they'd all had a lapse of judgement due to emotional involvement before he made a beeline for Harry.
"Come Cedric," said Minerva, "I know you want to be with your daddy but let's give your fathers some time alone, okay?"
Cedric grinned and pressed a kiss to Harrys' cheek before squeezing his papas' hand on his way past.
Severus sat down on the bed beside Harry, immediately taking Harrys' hand in his own.
"I thought that I'd lost you, forever this time…"
Harry smiled at Severus and squeezed his hand, "You're not getting rid of me that easily, Sev."
Severus snorted and said, "How absolutely muggle of you to regain your memory from another knock to your head…"
Harry laughed out but stopped when he saw Severus' expression, "What's wrong?"
There was silence for a few moments before Severus spoke.
"Do you-" Severus started to ask his question but didn't know how to phrase it.
"I remember everything," said Harry, "I remember everything from the time I came back to Hogwarts to teach, I remember you taking care of Ced and me… I remember everything… especially how you wouldn't tell me anything about us… how you made me wait so long before holding me close again…"
Severus took a sharp breath in and wrapped Harry in an embrace, "Don't say it like that… I wanted to hold you close and be a family again but I couldn't do it… not when it might have made you feel compelled to live a life you felt obligated to…"
Harry sniffed and burrowed further into Severus' arms, "That can't just be it… why didn't you tell me about us…"
Severus buried his face in Harrys' hair and muttered almost inaudibly, "Because you can't tell someone that they love you…"
And that seemed to be reason enough for Harry, "Well I fell in love with you again, didn't I?"
Severus leaned down to capture Harrys' lips, "And I never stopped loving you…"
A few months later:
The questions took forever to die down; everyone wanted to know about Harrys' ordeal and he once again made the morning headlines.
Oliver had been interrogated and found guilty not just for causing Harrys' memory loss with a 'stray' spell but also when it surfaced that he'd been about to forcibly erase Chos' memories.
According to Oliver, he thought that if he could wipe away all traces of Chos' life with Harry, all knowledge that she had a son then he might be able to live happily with her, without her constantly being obsessed over her gay ex-boyfriend and their son who had already found a replacement for his mother.
Cho however, was not let off the hook after her innocence was proved, she did after all go to prison to cover up for the real culprit and Harry found out that after he defeated Voldemort, the wizarding world took all threats on his life very seriously, whether they were idle or not.
And so Cho joined her husband in prison for a few months before she was released to spend the rest of her days engaging herself in community work lest they deem her mentally unstable… she chose the former option.
Harry, Severus and Cedric had grown even closer as a family after the incident. Cedric constantly expressed how happy he was that things were like before again and he'd even deemed himself old enough and taken Harrys' room in the quarters so that his Daddy and Papa could stay together.
Severus really could not believe his luck; he gotten an amazing family and even after almost losing the man he loved twice, they'd still come out on top and he was going to soon marry said man in an 'actual' ceremony in a few weeks.
When Harry had found out Severus' reasons for trying to keep them apart after the incident, he could barely believe his ears… if he ever had any doubts that Severus wasn't the one, they disappeared in the face of the mans' loyalty and love…
Xxx
Harry and Severus stood in the Great Hall amongst throngs of other guests- mostly families- who had come out to hear what Kingsley was proposing to the wizarding world today.
Kingsley had just taken the stage and started his welcome speech when Severus tugged at Harrys' arm to get his attention. He gestured at the door and Harrys' heart swelled when he saw what Severus was looking at.
Hermione and Ron were entering with Mr and Mrs Granger in tow.
Harry waved them over as soon as he caught their eye.
"Harry," said Hermione as she hugged him. She even hugged Severus who appeared quite startled, "I'd like to officially introduce to you my parents. Dad, mum, this is Harry and Severus and this is their amazing-"
"Their amazing son Cedric," said Mrs Granger as she took Cedric into her arms and carried him. "I can't tell you what you two have done for me and my family… I know that I've been rude but I didn't understand- I didn't want to… but hearing from you two and hearing how I was so easily giving up something that you'd give anything to have… oh, I'm sorry and I'm so happy that you're in good health again Harry!"
Severus smiled at the woman and said, "You should not apologize for something you can't help… I am just glad that you saw your families' pain…"
Harry grinned and hugged Mrs Granger, "And I'm just glad that you're alright too…"
They all stood together and watched as Kingsley brought on the reason for the gathering.
"It's been hundreds of years perhaps, since the use of this particular bond… the familial bond was created as a way to bond families together and make them inseparable, to strengthen the ties of family and to alert one another if someone was in trouble but recently, due to a personal family issue which naturally, the entire wizarding world knows about now, Harry Potter and Severus Snape have utilized this bond.
"Severus Snape spent days on end looking for this ritual, then adapting it according to his and Harrys' wishes- that being that they both wanted Cedrics' legal rights to be transferred away from his biological mother and to Severus. The ritual worked in such a manner that all traces of this parent was wiped from this little boy so apart from Cedrics' own magic, he now has traces of Harry and Severus in his blood and magic… it had been initially frowned upon, called dark magic because the public couldn't believe that one would want to wipe away traces of one parent but such situations do exist… and why label a bond that requires only purity and sincerity as a dark ritual? I'd like to invite Headmaster Severus Snape on stage to officially give his motivation for declaring this bond legal."
Severus gave Harrys' hand a squeeze before he moved away and stepped on stage.
"Good day to all. Now I don't want to be standing up here justifying this bond when Kingsley has just done that, instead I would like to say that just because we live in a wizarding society, it does not mean that things such as domestic disputes do not exist. We still do have children who are abused whether physically or emotionally by one or both of their parents, we have children who are neglected and children who long for the affection of a loving family.
"There are also good people out there, people who cannot have their own children, people who want to give unfortunate children a good life and there are single parental figures who want this too… this bond does not require anything more than love and sincerity, in fact it doesn't work if these things are not present as well as a desire to protect and provide for the family you are bonded to. Standing there," he pointed to Harry and Cedric, "is my wonderful fiancée and our 5 year old son- my family, who were given to me by some grace of this world and I've vowed to stand by their side and protect them for as long as I live… This familial bond is a way to ensure love in a world in which it is sadly lacking… Thank you."
The room was silent enough to hear a pin drop and then a deafening applause erupted.
Kingsley stepped up onto the stage beside Severus and said, "I hereby declare the familial ritual legal."
The end…
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