The Breathe Family Series

Title: Breathe Joyously
Rating :NC-17/Adult
Author: lilyseyes
Word Count: 3653
Warnings: *Implied Mpreg, fluff*
Disclaimer: JKR owns the Potterverse – I just play in it. No money is made from these amateur works.
Summary: It's Laurel's big day. Another in the Breathe
series
Betas: the loveliest florida_minxie - all my thanks! *smoochies*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Laurel and sassy_cissa!

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It was still night outside when Laurel woke up and she frowned as she looked around. No one else was up yet? It was her bir'fday today, Laurel knew. It was her Special Day, Daddy called it. She got to celebrate being a goddess today too, which was like being a princess, she thought. Today was going to be fun, 'cause Laurel knew she got presents and 'take at her party!

Climbing down out of her cot, Laurel smiled as Gran and Gramma appeared beside her. Uni'torn jumped into her hands when she got to the floor. Sevvy was still sleeping, curled up with his head peeking out from under the blankets while Dragon sat on his pillow making sure he was safe. Laurel giggled at the mean look on Dragon's face as Gramma bend down to 'tiss the top of Sevvy's head. Cuddling Uni'torn, Laurel followed Gran out the door.

~~~*~*~~~

The soft ping woke Harry instantly. Enfolded against his husband's chest, Harry was warm and sleepy and would rather remain right where he was than chase an errant child. Severus shifted against him, his thigh sliding between Harry's legs to press against his morning erection and Harry couldn't contain a moan of pleasure at the sensation. The ping sounded again, more insistently and Harry buried his face in the hollow of Severus' throat,

"Da!"

A rumble of laughter vibrated through Severus' chest and Harry smiled as he lifted his head. Laurel had a radiant smile on her face and she reached out to pat his hair. A glimmer of movement over Laurel's head caught his eye and Harry could have sworn he saw a flash of long, black hair against the white ceiling.

"Mum?"

There was an incredulous tone to Severus' voice and Harry watched the gleeful look on his daughter's face make her green eyes seem to glow. They both watched her papa as he broke in a smile and Harry couldn't help but grin back. The Autumn Equinox was a very spiritual celebration and Harry was firmly convinced that his daughter's conception on Yule and birth at the moment of the Equinox were not coincidences.

"Da!"

The little voice was indignant. With a muttered spell. Harry re-clothed both he and Severus in their sleep pants. Sitting up, Harry reached over and lifted Laurel onto the bed, giving her a stern look.

"It is too early for princesses to be awake, Laurel."

The baby giggled and launched herself at his chest, lips puckered in a demand for a kiss. Harry dutifully kissed her and helped her crawl up onto Severus' chest. Rolling onto his side, Harry watched the interaction between father and daughter. The most fearsome professor Hogwarts ever had allowed the baby to clamber across him, pepper his face with sloppy kisses, and even kissing her soft toy when it was presented as well. Those slender fingers, still stained from years of brewing, gently cupped the back of Laurel's head as she snuggled into his chest with her ear pressed over his heart.

"Pa!" Laurel patted his cheek as she sighed in contentment.

"Yes, my princess, I love you too, however as your Daddy said, it is much too early for you to be out of bed. Because it is your birthday, you may stay with us, but you must be quiet."

Their daughter tucked her toy under her arm and made herself comfortable right where she was. Harry snickered as he leaned against his husband's side, hearing Severus' sigh of resignation.

"My fearsome Potions Master."

Severus snorted, but shifted, putting his other arm around Harry and pulled him close.

"I have sentenced myself to this?"

Settling on hand low on Severus' hip, Harry stroked the warm skin lightly as he snuggled closer, closing his eyes.

"I love you, too, Severus."

~~~*~*~~~

Sevvy awoke with a start and knew before he opened his eyes that he and Dragon were alone. Sitting up, Sevvy rubbed his eyes before he grabbed Dragon and hugged him tightly. It was just rewd to be left all alone in the middle of the night! Scooting out of bed, Sevvy held onto Dragon as he trudged to the bat'room to ur'nate. He used his little stool to go in the big toilet.

"May I share with you, Sevvy?"

Daddy stood beside him, a warm hand on his back. Sevvy felt better and gave a small nod before he tinkled into the magic bowl. Pulling up his pants, Sevvy was pleased when Daddy lifted him and kissed his nose, before carrying him to the sink. They washed their hands together, which Sevvy really liked.

"Did you remember that this is Laurel's birthday, my little prince?"

Sevvy blinked. He'd forgotten Lulu's birf'day. He felt his lip tremble but Daddy shushed him and hugged him so tight that Dragon fell, but jumped right back into his hand. Daddy made a funny face at him, shaking his head as he carried Sevvy out of the bathroom.

"Lulu p'esent, Daddy?"

"You can help me bake the special cake this afternoon before your godfathers get here this afternoon, all right?"

Sniffling, Sevvy nodded, his fingers stroking over Dragon's nose. Daddy tapped his nose with a finger and kissed Sevvy's cheek noisily as he looked up.

"You are a very good big brother, Sevvy, and we will see if we can't go shopping later. Right now, it is too early for dragons and little boys to be awake."

Sevvy nodded happily and let Daddy carry him to his and Papa's bedroom, when Papa and Lulu were sleeping. Daddy set him down on the bed and Sevvy carefully crawled over to kiss Papa's arm. Sevvy sighed happily as Daddy curled around him and Dragon as they pressed against Papa's side. It was warm and comfy between his fathers and he snuggled in sleepily.

~~~*~*~~~

Severus stepped back to view his handiwork. The sweetgrass stood in braided stalks beside the small stone altar, and several small pumpkins from their garden sat next them. Roses and marigolds joined the candles on the top, along with a basket of apples, pomegranates, and corn. Severus stepped forward again to adjust the garland of honeysuckle and ivy. The morning was crisp and the edge of the grass had been dusted with frost this morning, the feel of fall was definitely in the air, he thought. Several trees had started to turn color, the deep crimson and bright yellow of the leaves were delightful spots of color in the deep green of the forest.

A fleeting touch to his cheek made him smile. "Yes, Mum, I did remember those were your favorite flowers."

The Autumnal Equinox celebrated the bounty of the harvest as well as the Earth Mother and Her Consort. It also celebrated family and the beloved departed in the run up to Samhain. Severus was glad to know that he and Harry would be able to experience a bit of the sensitivity their children had, with his mum and Lily especially close this year. The crooked smile emerged again, even at his age Severus was comforted by the presence of his mother. The sweet mum of his early childhood, the one that cared for him before Severus' world had gone pear-shaped.

Banishing the thoughts from his mind, Severus turned on his heel and followed the path back to the house. It was still early, but the two little ones hadn't completely settled, so they had all gotten up with the sun. Laurel was having fun terrorizing Onyx this morning while little Severus 'helped' Harry start the food for this afternoon. They were going to bake Laurel's birthday cake later, after Severus had taken his son to town. The toddler had been upset that he didn't have a present for his sister. That had the smile lingering on his lips, glad that the siblings were so close.

Hours later, Severus wasn't feeling as charitable as Teddy ran screaming by him, chasing Padfoot across the lawn. The day had warmed, making for a beautiful afternoon that was just slipping into evening. The Weasley twins were watching Laurel and little Severus, Neville Longbottom supervising broom rides with the help of Bill Weasley, and Blaise had assigned himself the task of wine steward, availing himself of Severus' small wine collection. Harry had outdone himself with the food, insisting he wanted to cook for such an important a celebration, much to the chagrin of the house-elves. Kreacher and Dobby had cleaned the house until it gleamed and helped as much as Harry allowed.

Severus watched as his husband broke away from Molly and Andromeda, heading towards the house. Slipping into the kitchen, he secreted himself in the closet off the kitchen and listened for Harry's footsteps. Easing open the door, Severus reached out and hauled Harry into the darkness. Sandalwood and cedar perfumed the air as Severus enfolded Harry against him and swooped down to kiss him hungrily. They hadn't had a moment alone since very early that morning and Severus loved the needy way Harry melted against him and the delicious heat of his mouth. As the kiss threatened to spiral out of control, Severus pulled back, pressing his face into the soft hair.

"Severus, are you alright?" There was a hint of laughter in the question.

"Brat! You surround me with Gryffindors and don't expect me to seek some form of retribution?" Severus told him in mock horror.

Harry snorted in amusement, tongue swiping along Severus' jaw. "Blaise brought Malfoy and I didn't hex either of them, so it's not entirely Gryffindors out there. Don't I get a reward for that?"

"Proportionally satisfaction will be implemented later, my Harry," Severus sneered teasingly before kissing him again. "Where are our offspring?"

Harry's hands were sliding lower and lower, his voice dropping an octave. "With Fred and George…"

Severus drew in a calming breath. "The wizarding world is in grave peril in that case."

"I think the world can handle it for a few minutes."

~~~*~*~~~

"Unca Ne'bill, Lulu tay tank'u!"

Neville blinked, taking a moment to decipher the toddler-speak, before smiling. He set Laurel on the grass while Bill held the broom for Teddy to climb onto. Both of them tensed for a moment as little Sevvy had gotten on the broom for his turn and somehow the charms on it had failed. Sevvy had taken off and flew over his head, shrieking with delight. Neville had felt as is his heart had stopped, hyperventilating at the thought of what Snape would do to him if his son fell. Bill had come to his rescue, coaxing the toddler down with a gentle reminder that his Papa and Daddy won't want him hurt.

Leaning back against the taller man, Neville watched Teddy fly around Sevvy as he held Laurel's hand. "I want one of those."

Bill's arm slipped around his waist, tugging him closer. "You want a toddler with Harry's magic and Severus' intelligence?"

"Heavens, no!" Neville laughed. "Just a sweet baby would do, maybe one with beautiful blue eyes."

With a sharp intake of breath, Bill nuzzled his ear but before Neville could enjoy it, something tugged at his robes. Looking down, he saw Laurel Potter-Snape lift her arms up and he bent down obediently to raise her up. The baby patted his cheek and gave him a smile.

"Da!" Laurel told him enthusiastically before leaning in to kiss his nose.

Neville blinked as he took in the radiant smile and hugged the little girl before setting her down. She ran happily back to where her brother stood waiting and taking his hand, the two walked back towards the house.

"What was that all about?" Bill asked softly, reclaiming his hold immediately as Neville straightened.

"Dunno, I think they just wanted to go back to their Da," Neville said, leaning back into Bill's warmth.

A shriek pulled them apart once more as Poppy Pomfrey was knocked over by the dog being chased by Teddy on the toy broom. Neville and Bill jumped and gave chase as Fred and George helped the mediwitch to her feet.

~~~*~*~~~

The old man in the red hat and long white hair on his face beckoned Laurel to follow him and she could feel the goodness coming from him. Tugging on Sevvy's hand, they walked down the path alongside the garden towards the a'tar. Sevvy didn't really want to go with her, until he saw that Gran and Gramma were there as well, smiling at them. They ran the rest of the way with Dawde running down the path after them and Laurel was glad he'd escape the mean boy.

"Lady Laurel, I wish happiness and congratulations on your special day."

The old man in red seemed very happy to see her, Laurel thought proudly as Sevvy stood very close to her. Laurel knew that the man wouldn't hurt her or her brother and even Dawde circled around him, and then lay down at his feet. Sevvy kept a firm hold on her hand though as the man patted her head.

"You are a very special little girl, Lady Laurel, both you and young Severus will make your fathers proud."

Laurel beamed at her brother who smiled back and a light the color of Uni'torn's fur glowed around them for a moment. It was warm and soft, and made Laurel feel safe like when Daddy or Papa held her close. Then Gramma Lily was leading them back towards the house with little flying lights around them, so they could see the ground. Sevvy held tightly to her hand and saved'd her when Laurel started to fall.

~~~*~*~~~

Severus escorted Harry back into the family room; smirking at the adorably disheveled state his husband was in. Just inside the door, Harry stopped abruptly, and Severus only just managed not to run into him. His smirk changed into a scowl as he spotted Fred and George Weasley sitting on the window seat, drinking wassail as they talked quietly, heads close together as they watched dusk fall.

"Messers Weasley, where exactly have you put my progeny?"

Fred and George sat up, glancing at each other quickly. "Laurel and Sevvy were with…"

"…Neville and Bill, who were giving them rides on the toy broom."

Harry grabbed his arm, his grip painful as he pointed out the window to where Neville and Bill were snogging, the toy broom teetering in Neville's hand. A subdued Teddy walked alongside his grandmother and Poppy, but little Severus and Laurel were nowhere to be seen. A sudden tightness crushed his chest and Severus struggled to draw a breath. The panic he felt was a rarity in his life, but each time he had felt it had been when someone he loved was in peril. He grasped onto the fact that the wards hadn't been breached, nor had there been any distress through the bond.

"Perhaps they are just…" the words Severus was trying to force out died in his throat as his eyes met Harry's and his husband turned, racing out the door.

The Weasleys looked at him with dread as he narrowed his eyes at them

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Severus snapped. "Find them!"

Spinning on his heel, Severus followed Harry, not waiting to see the twins' response. Molly looked up from where she was sitting with Hermione and Ron, and was immediately on her feet. Poppy and Andromeda hurried over to where Harry was systematically checking through the yard, now softly lit by glowing balls of light. Measured tones and quick, pointed instruction cut through the babble of voices and told him Harry was directing the search, the ring of authority edging his voice.

Ignoring them all, Severus stopped at the edge of the garden and closed his eye. Reaching down into his core with every bit of concentration to search out the bond he shared with his children. Warmth and reassurance flowed back, and an overwhelming love that made his breath catch in his chest again. Refocusing outward, Severus turned towards the forest path, a soft breeze stirring his hair.

"Harry!"

His husband materialized at his side, and Severus pulled him close for a heartbeat before he pointed Harry towards the forest. A small globe of light appeared first, followed by the two children, hand in hand, with what appeared to be a troop of glowing fairies hovering over their heads. Padfoot trotted beside them, drooling as his tongue lolled, as if the mangy mutt thought nothing of babies going into the woods in the fading light of dusk.

"Severus, look at Laurel's dress," Harry said in a hushed voice.

"Sweet Merlin!"

The deep pumpkin-coloured dress that they had chosen for their daughter's birthday was now pure white.

~~~*~*~~~

"You knew she was a favored of the Earth Mother when she was conceived, love, so you shouldn't be surprised when She chooses to bless Laurel."

Nodding slowly, Harry continued to stare into the dancing flames of the fire as they lay spooned together on the magically cushioned rug of the sitting room. The flash of terror and panic that seized him when he'd realized that their babies were gone had long since burned away, replaced by weak knees and trembling hands when Sevvy and Laurel had stepped out of the forest. The children had been happy and excited, Sevvy babbling about an old man in red and a glowing light.

"Do you really think it was Merlin?" Harry asked, snuggling closer.

A strong arm encircled his waist, warm fingers stroking lightly across his skin, and Harry shivered at the arousing sensations. Shifting still closer on the rug, Harry marveled at how Severus still had the ability to enflame his senses with just a touch. He felt his dressing gown fall open even as those hands roamed over his torso.

"I would have to believe so, but I have a feeling we may find out for ourselves at Samhain, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest. In the meantime, I am secure in the precautions that we have taken to ensure the children's safety," Severus said as a fingernail flicked across a nipple, making Harry moan. "At the moment, however, I believe we have unfinished business to attend to."

Harry arched into the pinching fingers for a moment before turning and pressing Severus flat. With a mock growl, Severus pulled him across his chest and cupped Harry's head in order to ravage his mouth. Wanting to feel the slide of skin against skin, Harry silently banished their dressing gowns and rubbed himself against Severus' warm skin, the smoothness of his husband's abdomen and the hair-roughed skin of his thighs. Severus groaned into his mouth as their cocks aligned and Harry would have smirked if his mouth wasn't otherwise occupied. Slowly, he frotted against his husband as Severus devoured his mouth.

Holding out his hand, Harry silently summoned the lube as he moved to straddle Severus' hip. The jar slapped into his hand and Harry slowly disentangled himself from Severus' fingers and lips, and batted the hand away that reached for the jar.

"I'll do it."

Unscrewing the top, Harry coated his fingers and reached down to slowly press a slick finger into his puckered entrance. He loved the way Severus watched him hungrily, the desire burning in his hooded eyes. It made Harry want to make his strong, possessive husband lose all of his iron-willed control. Sliding another finger in, Harry watched the dark eyes follow the slow movement. He could feel the growing heat and the way Severus' chest began to expand as his breathing sped up. A third finger was enough to pull a growl from Severus and Harry dipped his head to hide his smile as he used the lube to slowly slick over Severus' prick as it twitched in anticipation.

"Now, my Harry!" Severus ordered as his hands grasped Harry's hips and lifted him.

Harry lined Severus' cock up and lowered himself slowly, welcoming the burn of penetration. Filled and stretched, Harry leaned forward, nipping along Severus jaw as he waited until his body adjusted. A hand cupped the back of his head, fingers threading through his hair as Harry began to rock his hips. Severus tugged on his hair and nipped at his lower lip in warning, and Harry laughed as he offered his mouth for a bruising kiss. Severus' other hand still grasped his hip, urging him to speed up, but Harry continued the slow rocking back and forth. Moving around until he felt Severus' prick brush his sweet spot, Harry moaned and began to clench his muscles in time to his movements.

Severus groaned deep in his throat, both hands suddenly at his hips, gripping hard. Harry lifted his head, arching back as Severus thrust up, hard.

"Gods, Harry!" Severus planted his feet on the rug, thrusting hard.

Harry braced his hands on his husband's chest, clenching his muscle rhythmically. "Oh yes, Severus, fuck me hard! Make me scream, my beloved!"

With a feral snarl, Severus arched upward, holding Harry against him in a bruising grip as he pounded, losing any rhythm. Feeling Severus lose control pushed Harry over the edge, his release hot on their bellies. Severus cried out and buried himself deep as he came, pulling Harry down to wrap his arms around him. Harry burrowed his nose in the damp skin of Severus' throat, sleepy and sated, and smiled as he felt the brush of a cleansing charm.

"Come, brat, we should go up to bed," Severus' voice was amused.

Harry wrapped his arms around Severus' neck, leaning into the kiss pressed to his temple. "I was blessed with a strong husband, carry me."

The rumble of laughter under his ear was melodious and the fingers brushing through his hair were gentle.

"I was blessed the day you gifted me with your love, my heart."

Yes, they were indeed blessed.

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