Entry tags:

au: magic, fic, rated: r

The Unexpected Greatest Gift of All (2/2), for dementordelta
Title: The Unexpected Greatest Gift of All
Author: calanor
Giftee: dementordelta
Word Count: 15,585
Rating: R
Pairing:Harry/Severus, Harry/OCC, Severus/Kingsley, Draco/Hermione, Ron/Luna, Sirius/Remus/Lucius, Neville/Bill
Warnings: Ignores books OOTP, HBP and DH.
Disclaimer :Nope. Still poor. Not mine... * sigh *
Summary :Severus and Harry are gifted with an unexpected gift....
Beta :The Southpaw, The Northpaw, Lady L, Lady S, and Sister N.
Author's Notes My dear lady Dementordelta said 'Surprise her'. Through many wayward bunnies, I fought and battled, when this one came to me with hopeful eyes, we plunged forward. In the end, I hope I did. Happy Christmas!!

Part One

-O-O-

The end of November finally came, and so did Juliana's special day--her first birthday. They decided to have the party at Gran Weasley's, so there would be enough room for everyone. She had given in and let the honorary godfathers decorate for the occasion, including setting up a huge pavilion to hold everyone, in case the weather chose not to cooperate. Warming Charms would keep everyone comfortable. Lucius handled the entertainment, with Draco and 'Mione's help, while Sirius and Remus, with the twins' help, put up animated decorations. There was nothing dangerous or pranky in nature, though. Gran Weasley and the threat of her wrath had seen to that. Her ire had cooled when Lucius walked in and handed her the most lovely little pink dress and shoes for Juliana. She ooh'd and aah'd over it, before rushing upstairs to give it to Harry, who was dressing Juliana. When he finally brought her down, she looked just like one of those French collector's porcelain dolls. There were even pink satin bows in her hair. When Severus saw her, something inside of him melted.

Now everyone was milling about having a wonderful time, adults and small children alike. The weather had held, necessitating only minimal Warming Charms. There was a huge buffet of food and a towering birthday cake. Games were in full swing, music was playing, and Juliana, the guest of honour in her lovely pink dress, was enamoured with all the activity.

Lucius had charmed a tiara to sit on her head full of dark curls. She had a fairy wand, which she continually hit Sirius on his head with, telling him to sit. Despite how humorous Severus found this, he took the wand from her when she was distracted by the miniature ponies. Sirius nodded at him in relieved gratitude.

Everything came crashing to a halt when Kingsley appeared at the opening of the tent, looking very disgruntled. Severus bent down and brushed a kiss to Juliana's curls before settling her in Gran Weasley's arms and moving quickly to Kingsley's side, ushering him outside.

Juliana wasn't happy. She didn't like the big man. He always gave her mean looks when Muppa and Poppas weren't looking. Well she can look mean too. Now he came to HER party and took HER Poppas away from HER and Muppas! Her bottom lip stuck out and her brows furrowed, and she pushed against Gran's chest. She wanted down. She stopped when Poppas came back. She watched as he talked to Muppa. Oh, Muppa didn't look happy now. Her brows furrowed more.

"Go on, Severus. He's not going to leave you alone until you leave. So go. We'll be here when you get back." Harry glared at Kingsley before he turned and walked off toward the buffet.

Severus watched him go, a feeling of sadness curling his belly. Why did he feel he had hurt the young man? Hearing a sound of impatience from the pavilion opening, he decided it would have to wait until later. Giving Molly, Remus, Sirius, and Lucius a look of apology, and a encouraging smile to Juliana, he turned and hurried outside, pushing Kingsley out ahead of him.

Severus returned an hour later, looking stressed and upset. He told Harry he had an appointment later in the week with Kingsley, then changed the subject, asking how things had been while he was away.

One week later, Kingsley had arrived to pick Severus up for their appointment. The atmosphere in their home had been stressful. Even Juliana could feel things were not all right with her world, and this made her fussy. Harry, ever sensitive to her moods and reacting to the mood of the previous week, wasn't feeling himself either. Harry let Kingsley in and as he turned to let Severus know that he was here, Kingsley grabbed him.

"I'm only going to warn you once, Potter! Do not bother Severus tonight with anything trivial about that child. We want our privacy. I have plans for him and they don't include sniffling brats!"

Harry's eyes flashed with anger, and as he opened his mouth to tell the man off, Severus entered the room, Juliana in his arms.

Severus took in both men's stances. "Something wrong, gentlemen?"

"Nothing, Severus." Harry took Juliana from Severus' arms. "I think that Juls and I might call it an early evening."

Severus kissed Juliana's brow. He noticed how tired she looked. "That might be a good idea. You're looking a bit done in, and she's been a bit fussy all day. Floo me if you need me. I won't be too late."

"We're going to be late, Severus," Kingsley practically growled. Severus nodded and moved to Kingsley's side.

" 'Kay Severus, have a nice time." Harry replied, as Kingsley ushered Severus to the door, glancing over his shoulder to glare another warning at Harry before following Severus out.

"Bloody Bastard..." Harry mumbled under his breath, as the door closed. He turned and carried the half-asleep babe to her nursery to ready her for bed. At the last moment, Harry grabbed her elephant and blanket and took her into his room and settled them into his bed, where they both fell asleep. A few hours later, he awakened to Juliana's crying. Nothing he could do would calm her. His lips on her heated brow was enough to tell him something was seriously wrong.

When he tried to sit up, he felt dizziness overtake him. Laying back down, he summoned a cool flannel from the bath and wiped her down with it. Deciding to remove her sleeper, he summoned a fresh flannel and stroked her heated body with it. He was quickly beginning to feel flushed himself and his throat was beginning to tighten. Juliana's cries were getting higher and more frantic, as her body went rigid, and her eyes rolled back. He had to get help.

Pushing pillows around Juliana to keep her in the centre of the bed, he then crawled to the edge of the bed, and slid to the floor. Crawling across to the fireplace, he pulled himself up and reached for the Floo powder. When Juliana let out a frightened cry, it startled him and he knocked the powder pot to the floor. Letting his legs go, he sank to the floor, grabbed some Floo powder and, threw it into the fireplace.

"King's Place!" He yelled, and yelled again when he received no answer. Juliana had become deathly silent behind him before beginning again to shriek.

Finally, after several minutes, the dark man's face appeared in the flames. "I warned you, Potter!" He growled under his breath.

"Please, Kingsley... Juls ... very sick... need Severus..." Harry tried to pull himself closer to the flames.

"I told you no to disturb us! Call that bloody Mediwitch Pomfrey if she is so sick."

Then his face was gone and the flames had subsided. Harry groaned as tears of fear filled his eyes. He reached for more powder throwing it into the flames, as he began to shake uncontrollably.

"Poppy!" he yelled once, his voice hoarse, before he dropped to the floor, convulsing, then passed out.

-O-O-

Albus Dumbledore, one of the greatest wizards alive, was pacing. His magic kept flaring out and things would fly about the Entrance Hall. The portrait's occupants and armour had already deserted the area for fear of being hit or damaged. He stopped and pulled his pocket watch out to check the time again. Three in the morning. Harry and Juliana were both resting at the moment, but were far from being out of the woods.

Both man and child had contracted Wizard's Pox, the Wizarding World's version of Muggle Chicken Pox. Draco and Hermione's three boys had come down with it early yesterday morning. No one had even given thought to little Juliana. But he couldn't blame the Malfoy's. They had to have their hands full with three sick children. They wouldn't have thought to warn Harry, either.

Poppy was in tears; she had forgotten about him not ever having them as a child, since he'd been with his Muggle relatives before coming to Hogwarts. Checking his records, she realized he'd never been inoculated either. Oh, she felt so awful. Remus and Sirius had come through as soon as they heard. Lucius was with his son and family, helping where he could. Molly had her hands full helping with Penelope and Percy's children. Thankfully, all the adults had either had the pox or been inoculated as children.

They had quarantined the Infirmary from the other students, and had to open up a new area for the time being. A Mediwitch from St. Mungo's had come in to help Poppy, who already had her hands full with Juliana and Harry.

Albus was extremely unhappy when he learned from Harry's disjointed feverish babbling that he tried to contact Severus, but Kingsley had answered instead. Their relationship was not a healthy one to begin with. Severus never seemed to say no or fight back when it came to Kingsley. What that stubborn Auror wanted, what he said was law, or so he thought. Well, Albus thought, it was about time his law ended and Wizarding law stepped in!

Albus stopped pacing when he heard footsteps coming up the path toward Hogwarts entrance. He stepped from the shadows as both men came into view.

"Headmaster," Severus called. "Is something the matter? Harry? Juliana?"

"Harry tried to contact you earlier, Severus."

"He did?"

"Oh, yes, Potter called, whinging." Kingsley interjected, a sarcastic tone in his voice. "I told him--I warned him, not to contact us about that sniffling brat. But he did anyway--something about her being sick. Probably one of the Chosen One's plans to ruin our evening! Told him to call the Mediwitch, if she was so sick!"

"Albus?" Fear crept up Severus' spine. "Juliana?"

"Head up to the Hospital Wing, Severus. Poppy is there, waiting."

Severus gasped as his face went impossibly paler. He ran past the Headmaster and disappeared down the Main Hall in a dead run, heading for the Hospital Wing. He would deal with Kingsley later, if there was anything left after Albus was done with him.

After watching Severus disappear into the castle, Albus turned a cold eye on the other man still standing on the steps. "Yes, well Senior Auror Shacklebolt, your actions will be reported to your Superior. And if either Harry or Juliana dies, or Merlin forbid both of them, you will have your own personal cell in Azkaban. I will see to it personally!"

Magic crackled and sparked around the Headmaster, causing the huge Auror to take an involuntary step backwards down the steps. Catching himself, as he stumbled, he glared back at the aged wizard. "I still say it's all a ruse! That brat has all of you under his spell! Just as bad as the Dark Lord, if you ask me!"

"I'll ignore that comment for right now, Kingsley."

"Bloody fools! All of you!" With that, Kingsley spun on his heels and stalked quickly toward the gates, his fury evident in the set of his shoulders.

"Tread carefully, young man. You are walking dangerous ground." Albus spoke to himself as he watched the man go.

Severus flew through the hallways as if the Dementors were on his heels and he was the only soul left on earth. His gut was churning in fear. 'Please, oh please, I beg you Goddess, don't let her be beyond help. Don't take her from me! Please!' He prayed silently as he ran.

He burst through the doors, skidding to a halt in the centre of the ward, calling for Poppy. The Mediwitch hurried from her office, shushing him. Grasping his sleeve, she pulled him to a separate room in the ward, opening the door quietly. Stepping in behind her, he saw Sirius and Remus sitting between a crib and a regular hospital cot. Both men looked beyond weary, lines of worry etched deep into their faces. Then he realized Harry was in the cot. Both of them! His blood ran cold as he looked at the Mediwitch.

"Poppy," Severus whispered as he swallowed the lump in his throat. "What happened?"

"Harry and Juliana both have Wizard's Pox, Severus. Harry went into convulsions and spiked a fever of 40 degrees Celsius. His condition is worse at the moment. Juliana's fever hasn't gone as high, and the fever potions you made for her are working. But that isn't to say she isn't still in serious condition. They are both far from being out of danger."

"Have they woken at all?"

"Harry's been delirious ever since we moved him here. He's been going on about trying to contact you. And how angry you would be that he let Juliana get sick."

Harry could have died all because Severus had lost the ability to stand up to someone. No more! Harry and Juliana would be his only priority from now on. "What will happen now, Poppy?"

"They will either breakout in spots or not. That's up to their bodies. Harry will have it worse, since he's older. We will have to watch them both closely, for any complications, especially in Harry. The next few days will be touch and go."

"Thank you, Poppy. Let me change into different clothes, Remus...Sirius... and I'll return to sit with them so you may rest." Severus kissed Juliana's fevered brow and brushed Harry's damp hair away from his face, brushing a flushed cheek.

"I'm so sorry, Harry." He whispered.

-O-O-

The next two days were spent helping Poppy keep her two patients comfortable, quiet, and calm. Severus set up a temporary lab in Poppy's office so he could be near nearby. They all took turns giving Harry and Juliana baths, sitting with them, feeding them, and just being with them. Poppy told the men, that potions and spells were fine and did the work well, but old fashioned hands-on care worked better. Albus came and walked the floor, regularly, with the fussy itchy baby. They kept mittens on the patients' hands to keep them from scratching. Severus made a special salve for them. It seemed that Harry was the most affected, and needed the salve applied twice as often. He had made extra and sent it on to his Godson and Missus Weasley for their itching children.

Kingsley had tried contacting him the day after, and even came as far as entering the Hospital Wing, before he was forcefully ejected, by Dobby and Winky. Albus now had him banned from the school unless he was there on official business. That was until Albus talked to Neville. After that, Kingsley was placed on work suspension. He was to be evaluated by specialists at St. Mungo's, to determine what was to be done about his anger and other emotional issues.

Severus was wallowing in guilt. If he had only stood up to Kingsley, he would have been there with Harry and Juliana. But the fear that Harry almost died without knowing that Severus loved him, not Kingsley, distressed him greatly. It was Harry's smiles and voice that he yearned to see and hear for the rest of his life, not Kingsley's. It took a brush with death to make him realize that Harry and Juliana were all he needed. That all the glances and hints that Harry had been giving him were all saying the same thing. Even his fever induced ramblings. Harry was going to be so embarrassed when he finally felt better. Harry didn't want to control him. Instead, he stood by him and supported him, despite their past differences. The young man cared for him. His actions had spoken loud and clear, and Severus had missed it, until now.

It was two weeks until Christmas and less time than that until Yule. He wanted them to be a family and what a perfect time to start one. Severus transfigured the cot that Harry was resting in, making it wider, before climbing into it and laying close to Harry.

-O-O-

Harry felt like a dragon had walked all over him and used him for a chew toy. His mouth felt like it was filled with cotton and he had a horrible taste lingering on his tongue. "Ugh," he whispered. He tried remembering where he was and how he got there. What he had been doing as well. Then it hit him. Juliana! He tried sitting up but was held down by an arm across his chest.

"Go back to sleep Harry," the deep voice rumbled in his ear. "Juliana is safe. Poppy is caring for her. So, go to sleep. You need to heal. I'll be here when you wake."

"What happened? It's all fuzzy."

"Wizard's Pox. Draco's sons, Percy's children, and both you and Juliana were all exposed. It's been about five days since it all happened."

"Um, Severus?"

"Yes, Harry," the voice grumbled as he scooted closer--not that Harry minded.

"Why are you in bed with me?"

"It's where I belong. Now. Go. To. Sleep. We'll discuss it later when you and Juliana are both awake and feeling better. She's been most distressed that her Muppa won't get up to play with her. Sleep. Now." The arm tightened around Harry's chest, pulling him closer to Severus, who'd already dropped back into sleep.

Harry smiled weakly. Yes, he did belong here as he snuggled closer, and let sleep take him as well.

-O-O-

Who would have thought that Severus Snape liked to cuddle? Harry wouldn't have thought it, but here he was in his expanded hospital cot, propped up on pillows with the normally stoic Potions Master wrapped around him as if he were a favoured plushie. Harry's fingers carded through the soft strands of dark hair. Severus hadn't left his or Juliana's side in almost nine days. He still felt weak as a newborn kitten, but enjoyed having Severus fuss over him, just as much as he enjoyed Remus and Sirius' fussing, if not more.

Poppy and Albus hovered over them constantly throughout the days, and especially Juliana. Poppy told him if they had no fevers for two consecutive days, then they could return to their rooms in the morning.

Severus stirred against him. "You're thinking too hard, Harry. Go back to sleep."

"I've slept enough, Severus. I know I'm still weak...but I'm ready to go back home, to our rooms."

"Home." Severus smiled against the warm chest his head was currently resting on, comfortably. "That sounds like a splendid idea." He mumbled, groggily.

"Severus...You do know we need to talk."

Severus' eyes opened as his whole body stiffened, in preparation for the rejection he knew would be coming.

"How did you--and Kingsley, get together? I mean the relationship is..."

"Unhealthy. Yes, I know. Most of it's like a dream--a bad dream, now that I have had time to look back on it."

Harry waited, his fingers continuing their calming motion through his... what should he call Severus now? After all, the recent crisis had changed things, or revealed things. Their relationship had changed--for the better as far as he was concerned, considering the man was currently sharing a bed with him. Hmmm... lover... partner... He liked the sounds of those. Well, he could only hope... He looked down to see Severus watching him. He blushed crimson. Trying to distract Severus, he asked, "And?"

"The first time, I was at Grimmauld Place after an Order meeting. I was still dressed in Death Eater robes and heading upstairs to shower. I wanted to be clean. Scrub it all off of me. I was serving two masters, Voldemort and Dumbledore. Some days, I didn't know which way to go. The first time was right after we moved you to the old Manor that belonged to Minerva's family. Out on the Moors."

"I remember Kingsley being angry because he wasn't in on my training." When Severus looked up, "I overheard Sirius and Albus talking. Actually, it was Sirius yelling about how Kingsley was complaining that everyone was being too soft on me. Coddling the 'Chosen One'."

"Yes, that. He was quite put out that Albus removed you from contact with other order members except those he'd approved in advance. Or so he said. He and Molly had a couple of rows over you and your friends. He tried taking Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger by Portkey to a secret location to train them. It was Bill who saw the magic in the object before they had a chance to touch it. Arthur told me later that Kingsley was trying to lure you out. He wanted to throw you into a situation to see if you could actually fight."

"I hadn't known that. No one told me."

"Albus was furious. But he didn't want to alienate any of the Auror's, instead he reprimanded him. Told him to stop such foolishness. That we had to work together or Voldemort would win."

"He tried to use you to get to me didn't he?"

"At first, I think that was his intentions."

"Did he hurt you?"

"At the time, the pain was welcomed."

"You saw it as punishment? For what?"

"My Father made me join the Ranks of Voldemort. He threatened my Mother's life and that of my youngest sister. I did many things to keep them safe. Brewed poisons. Helped torture and killed to keep them safe."

"I hear a 'but'..."

"He offered my sister up to Voldemort as his consort; a pureblood to be his wife, to carry on his Slytherin Bloodline. She died along with the child during the birth. My Father was punished because he saw my sister as weak. He killed my Mother later that night as payback for failing his 'Lord' . During the next attack, I killed him making it look like an Auror got him."

"So you let Kingsley hurt you for all of your perceived wrong doings..even though you were forced by your Father, to join the Snake Face. It wasn't your fault that your Mother died... or your sister. Kingsley had no right treating you that way." Harry paused a moment to study the dark eyes. "You always healed yourself before you came back didn't you? Or used glamours?"

"Yes. I was ashamed. I've always thought of myself as strong."

"Giving control to another helped release the responsibilities for a time, when Kingsley took it from you, right?"

"Yes."

"Well no more. It needs to stop now, Severus. You are worth more than that. And there's three of us now. We have Juliana to think about."

"Three of us," Severus reached up and cupped the face of his beloved. "I like the sound of that."

"I--I have loved you for so long, Severus. Moreen knew... she had to remind me after I closed myself off following Xander's death."

Severus' eyes widened at the revelation, then he smiled. "And, She reminded me that I am worth loving... and that I should tell you that I love you."

"In the morning, we begin anew. We were given the greatest gift of all, lets not waste it. Let's celebrate it. Our family!"

"That sounds like a plan." Leaning in, Severus brushed his lips against Harry's.

Harry grinned, his green eyes sparkling, "I think I'm going to like your plans, Severus."

Severus smirked, "Of course," he drawled.

-O-O-

Juliana had gotten used to her Muppas and Poppas kissing over her head at the oddest times, since Pops let her and Muppas come home. She didn't like being stuck in bed. But See and Mee played with her. She was their Princess, so they obeyed her every whim.

Today, they were going shopping for Chris'mas and Yule, Muppas said.

She didn't like it when Muppas pulled her hood over her head and face, then shouted, "Diagon Alley!" All that spinning, then they stumbled out of wherever they stopped at.

"Choo!" she sneezed. "Muppas! 'on't ike!" She glared at her Muppas as he pulled the hood back, then felt tingly all over as his hand fluffed her curls.

"How is our Princess!" She turned towards the smooth voice to see her Loos!

"Loos! Loos! Up!" she called holding out her hands.

Harry let Lucius take his precious bundle while he charmed away the rest of the soot from his clothes. Severus stepped from the Floo with Albus then Minerva following not long after. He chuckled to himself. A simple outing to do some shopping turned out to be a large affair for them where Juliana was concerned.

Severus looked so much better since the night they'd talked. As if he was finally free. He'd taken many steps the last few days as well. The bed he and Kingsley had shared on occasion, was now gone. Harry hadn't been there, but Albus said he'd burned it after he blew it to bits. Some of his clothes went as well. There were other things that went, but he wasn't sure what else that Severus was exorcising besides the other man from his life and rooms.

He was still the stern task master in his classroom. Potions was still a delicate art, after all, and there was no foolish wand-waving there. Severus laughed openly now. And things seem brighter. Life now, since the day they had talked? Harry smiled at the dark man walking by his side. Simple and uncomplicated. Perfect. Only time would tell, but Harry had great faith that life was finally settling on the correct path for them both.

The group hadn't gone very far when someone stepped into their path, halting their progress. The arm that Harry had taken when they began walking, stiffened. Remus and Sirius were in front leading them, blocking his view. But the voice.... was uncomfortably familiar.

"Severus."

Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Harry's magic surged through him. Not today, he thought. "Stay, I'll take care of this. Once and for all." He slipped easily between the two men in front of him. "Kingsley."

"Potter. I'm not here for you. I want Severus."

"What you want and what you'll get are two different things. Today, I'm sorry, but you're out of luck. Please leave and nothing will happen."

"Like I'm scared of you, Potter."

"No, you like to scare others, Kingsley. Control them. That ends. Severus is not an object to be controlled and treated like he's unworthy."

"What Severus and I do is not up for debate with you, Potter."

"And that, is where you are dead wrong. There is no 'Severus and you.' Not any longer. He has a family now that cares for him. Now, I suggest you leave under your own power, while you are still able."

"Are you threatening me?" Kingsley asked, his deep voice turning deadly.

People tended to forget that Harry might look weak and small, but the smaller man was the same man who had killed Voldemort. As Severus stepped between Remus and Sirius, an old Muggle saying came to mind, "Good things come in small packages." But in this case it should be "small deadly packages."

When Kingsley glanced over Harry's head at Severus, Severus just frowned at the man and shook his head in warning, even though he was sure the imbecile would ignore it and get what he deserved. Harry had recovered quite nicely from the Wizard Pox and Severus knew he could take care of himself. Besides, there was enough strong magic behind Harry, that a sane wizard would reconsider doing something foolish. But he highly suspected the huge Auror wasn't quite sane enough.

Remus and Sirius made as if to step forward, seeing the challenge in Kingsley's eyes when he looked at Severus, then to Harry. Severus put his arms out, stopping them, shaking his head slightly as Kingsley's glance moved away from him. He was thankful that Juliana was behind him with Lucius, Albus, and Minerva. Looking quickly over his shoulder, all he saw were huge eyes and a halo of dark soft curls. She didn't look happy, frowning like she was.

Suddenly, Kingsley pulled his wand before anyone else had a chance to do anything but gasp. Severus felt the colour drain from his face, as Harry raised his hand to cast a wandless spell.

"Ba' man! 'way!" Juliana yelled from Lucius' arms. In the blink of an eye, Kingsley disappeared.

Harry turned his head slowly to stare at his Goddaughter, "Oops! " He whispered.

"Do I even want to know where she sent him?" Sirius asked staring in awe at Juliana who wore a very smug look on her chubby face, as she clapped her hands. Remus was trying so hard not to laugh, he was crying. Albus and Minerva were chuckling away merrily, and Lucius was lavishing his little Princess with hugs, kisses, and praises, "Well done, Princess! You have now become an honorary Malfoy!"

"Severus?" Harry asked, still staring at his Goddaughter.

"Yes."

"Remind me of this when it comes time to discipline. I think sending her to Albus might be a good idea. He can talk her to death while he plies her with lemon drops." Harry rubbed his hands over his face, before stepping into Severus arms, relishing the comfort.

Severus couldn't resist the humorous mental picture and snorted as he hugged Harry to him.

"Agreed."

-O-O-

New Year's Eve

Juliana had been gone with her See and her Mee for several hours now. Sirius and Remus were keeping her for the night and the following day, allowing Severus and Harry some time alone. Though they had become close, Harry's godfather's had gotten tired of watching Harry and Severus dance around each other. By taking their little charge for the night, they were hoping to open up the perfect opportunity for her guardians to makes some sparks of their own.

Harry and Severus had a very nice dinner out in London, with a fine bottle of red wine, and some rare steak and seafood in a restaurant that catered to everyone. So when the slow music started and Severus held out his hand, no one spared more than a casual glance when they danced so close.

Later that evening, Severus lay stretched out on his stomach, on his new bed. Harry's fingers massaged the taut muscles of his oil-covered back, as he moaned in appreciation and his quickly rising arousal was filling between his body and the plush bedding. Harry's hands worked their way slowly down to massage his arse, gripping and kneading the firm flesh.

"That feels wonderful. Don't stop, Harry." Severus breathed between groans. I don't feel as if I've had a tense muscle in my body at all today."

"Really..." Harry answered as he slid down between Severus' spread legs.

"Mmmhmm..." Was the lazy reply.

Harry smiled wickedly as he saw Severus' eyes close. As his hands continued to massage, he leaned down, and as he spread the round globes slightly, he ran his tongue teasingly up the cleft from perineum to tailbone. Severus' body jerked as his head came up and he gasped loudly in surprise, but Harry was ready. He'd gripped the lean hips firmly just as he started teasing. He didn't want a broken nose, after all. Pushing the hips down, and before Severus could move again or speak, he spread him wide and licked again, only much more firmly, stopping at the tight pucker to tease.

Severus moaned, and grasped fistfuls of bedding as he tried to buck back into that talented appendage. He was fully hard now, and trying desperately to move his hips to get any friction at all against his cock.

"Holy Hell, Harry!" He looked back and was surprised at how arousing it was to see Harry like that, with his face buried between his arse cheeks. "Merlin! Nggghhhh!"

Stopping what he was doing, he cocked his head and smiled. "Enjoy, that do you? Didn't King ever do anything like this for you? No? Well... then I'd best do it some more... lots to make up for!" And he dove back in, going straight for the most sensitive areas. Severus wailed as several nerve endings were ignited.

Finally, Severus couldn't take anymore. Heaving himself up, he dislodged Harry, reached around and grabbed him, and rolled them so he was over Harry. Casting a wandless Scourgify on Harry's face and mouth, he then kissed him thoroughly.

"Now I will punish you for your torture of me! I'm going to pound into your arse until you scream!"

Harry grinned and raised an eyebrow in challenge. "Hmmm. Sounds like a reward to me." He spread his arms and cast a Binding Spell. "Do your worst! I'm ready!"

Severus grinned wickedly, "Don't worry, I will...promise..." Leaning in, he began kissing and nipping at the warm flushed skin of his lover, as he raised Harry's ankles to his shoulders.

When the midnight hour rang, the only sounds in those dungeon rooms were delightful moans, sighs of pleasure, and softly spoken words of endearment.

And of course, more promises.

Of a future, full of support and love, happiness and more children--of their own. Not that Juliana wasn't a child of their hearts, but she needed siblings to grow up with. A big happy family.

-O-O-

Ten years later....

Juliana sat on the stool and Floppy the hat began shifting through her memories. No one thought it funny when the hat chuckled a few times or the girl only smiled.

Moments later, Floppy opened his mouth, and yelled....... Slytherin!

Now was that expected or not?


~finis~ but is it ever......