Severus Snape walked into the Great hall and couldn't help the small smile as the Christmas music was blasting loudly and to the music among those dancing was Harry Potter that could only be described as bouncing instead of dancing, he bounced as he spun his six year old daughter Lily, laughing as she spun one way and then the other.
Severus watched as Lily was spun to her Uncle Ron, he watched as Lily stood with her back to Ron's front and, placing his hands on her waist, he picked her up and flipped her so she was now laying on her stomach on his shoulder. Giggling like mad, she held her arms out as she was spun.
Severus looked at Harry who was laughing as he was dancing once more, this time trying to get Albus to dance. Albus waved his hands free and spotting Severus, he hurried over.
“Severus, please help me.”
“Your dad wants to dance with you Albus. How he grew up he has never been able to be as carefree as this.”
“But us Slytherins have to stick together.”
“So sure you will be a Slytherin aren't you, that we do stick together. But tell me something Albus. Since your mother died two years ago, have you ever seen your dad as happy as he seems tonight?”
Albus looked back over to his dad to see him now spinning a laughing Hermione. “Honestly? No. I mean we knew it wasn't romantic love between mum and dad, but he did love her and was sad when she died.”
“Of course he was. She was his closest friend.”
Albus sighed. “To say they were more friends than anything else in their marriage, they never treated us any differently, we were still raised with a mum and dad.” He said. He did love his parents more for that, from when they were all old enough, his mum and dad told them the truth about their marriage
Severus looked across at Harry and sighed. Harry, after the war, wondering about his sexuality, took Ginny's offer. Of course, both of them didn't think about the consequences when Ginny found out she was pregnant, Harry was sorry and swore to do the right thing. Of course, two years after James, Harry wanted more children and Ginny not only wanting an only child, Hermione had found a way for them to have a child without sleeping together and along came Albus but when Albus was two. Ginny wanted a girl of her own so again they did what they did before and along came Lily. Severus still remembered when Harry and Ginny came to him asking for help as they wanted more children, until they explained, even he didn't know it was a marriage of convenience. They fooled even him and he wasn't easily fooled but he helped them. He was even more shocked when nine months later a beaming Harry turned up at his door introducing him to Albus Severus.
Ginny had died two years ago when an eccentric fan took to stalking Ginny. They managed to find Ginny but it was too late when Harry begged Severus to save her. All he could do was make her comfortable and give her a week at the most.
From the night Ginny died, Severus saw Harry more and more. Harry, over the two years, had considered Severus one of his closest friends. Until ten months ago. The only ones who knew about his and Harry's relationship was the children and Weasleys and closest friends.
James walked up to Albus. “I have danced with dad despite my friends laughing, now it's your turn. Come on, do you really think anyone would say anything to you given who our dad is and how close you are to Severus? That's just asking for trouble.”
Albus nodded. “Fine.”
James watched his nine year old brother go before looking at Severus. “Happy Christmas.”
“And to you James. Is there something you wanted?”
“Yes. I wanted to thank you. It's because of you dad is so happy and dancing, I haven't seen him like this since before mum.”
“Why thank me?”
James looked closely at the man in front of him. “Severus… do you love my dad?”
Severus blinked as he looked at the boy. “I do. If I am willing to put up with his three children I must do.”
James laughed. “It shows. I know dad loves you.”
“You won't be bothered about everyone knowing your dad is dating your Headmaster?”
“Not at all. Dad has never let gossip bother him. I won't let it bother me. Dad's happy, that's all that matters.”
Severus placed his hand on James’ shoulder. “For eleven years old, you are smarter than some give you credit for. Your auntie Hermione is proud no doubt. Thank you James.”
Severus made his way over to the dance floor when he saw a red and green blur run at him shouting his name. Bending forwards, Severus picked Lily up and swung her round to rest on his side. “Beautiful green dress Lily.”
“Thank you. Daddy wanted me to wear my red one but I like green better.”
Severus smirked. “Good girl. We will make a Slytherin out of you yet.”
Hermione walked over and smiled. “Good evening Severus.”
“Hermione.”
Hermione looked at Lily. “Rose was looking for you sweetheart.”
Lily kissed Severus' cheek before getting down and running off.
“May I ask if you have gotten Harry anything for Christmas?”
“You may ask. Doesn't mean I will give you an answer.”
Hermione chuckled. “James is saying he knows as he and Albus and Lily have been helping you. Harry told me he didn't want to tell the wizarding world in case the papers printed anything about you, he won't have anyone bad mouthing you.”
“I am big enough to look after myself. If Harry did it at fifteen years old with papers bad mouthing him I am sure a forty eight year old man can.”
“Of course Severus. We all knew it wasn't romantic between Harry and Ginny. It worked for them as Ginny didn't want a romantic relationship, she was too busy focusing on her children and career.” Hermione looked around and placed her hand on Severus’ arm. “Look at Molly.”
Severus looked across to where Hermione was looking and saw Molly standing there with Rose and Lily. Molly looked up and seeing Severus, she smiled and nodded. “It looks like Harry will be having his Christmas present this evening.”
Harry laughed as he dragged Albus back to him. “Come back and dance with your old dad.”
“If you are old at twenty eight, I dread to think what I am at forty eight.”
Harry turned and beamed at seeing Severus. “You have come to dance with me!”
“Thanks pops.” Albus said and hurried away.
Severus just blinked. “What did he just call me?”
“Well it's what you will be eventually,” Harry laughed as he took Severus’ hand. “Come on. Dance with me.”
“We have different meanings on what dancing is. You don't dance. You bounce and spin.”
Harry smiled. “Come on, Severus. We have been secretly dating for months because the papers would believe me careless and wrong if I started dating after Ginny. I am actually pushing it now. According to some people here, I should be at home crying because it's another Christmas without my wife.”
Severus frowned. “Who are these people?”
“That woman over there for one.”
Severus looked where Harry was pointing and saw a woman dressed in black. “Ah yes. You ignore her Harry, she believes in the old laws, once you said ‘I do’ to someone that is it, your partner dies young, you don't remarry. Her husband died twenty years ago and she still wears black to respect him. You ignore people like her Harry, even if it was a true love marriage. You are allowed to move on and be happy.”
“And I know Ginny would have been happy for us and the kids thinking of you as another parent, she knew how I felt for you, she actually laughed when I wanted your name with Albus. She knew it was coming.”
Severus nodded. “I will dance with you when a slow song comes on. I do not bounce and twist.”
Harry laughed. “Oh come on. You need to loosen up.”
“And ruin my reputation that took years to build? No.”
“You can loosen up and dance like me Severus, you are Headmaster, the students will still respect you. Look at Dumbledore. How he danced and laughed and he didn't lose the respect of the students.”
When Severus seemed to be thinking about it, Harry pushed on. “You can always slip a potion into everyone's drinks tomorrow to make them forget they saw you dancing tomorrow morning can't you?”
“I could…”
“Then please? Dance with me. Loosen up. Have fun. And let the world know Harry Potter belongs to Severus Snape. Maybe then I will stop getting hit on by people.”
Severus reached out and pulled Harry close to him. “Who?”
Harry laughed. “They don't matter. They can't have me. Only you. So please? Dance with me?”
Keeping his hand on Harry's waist, Severus took Harry's free hand and started to slow dance to the song that was playing. “It's a slow Christmas song, so it's a slow dance.”
Harry smiled. “That's okay.” Just as the song finished and a faster Christmas song started. “And now?”
Severus kept the same dance but started to dance faster with Harry, he couldn't help the smile when Harry laughed and keeping hold on his hand, Harry turned before holding on once more.
“If you won't spin me. I'll have to spin myself.”
Severus smirked and spun Harry out fast before bringing him back and catching him. Actually allowing a small chuckle when Harry looked shocked. “What's with the look? You wanted to be spun, didn't you?”
“I did. I'm just surprised. I didn't think you'd actually do it. We have a couple of people here with cameras.”
Severus spun Harry again as he looked around. “Ah yes. The irritating Miss Skeeter. No doubt taking pictures and making something up. You make a sad face and she will write that I have broken your heart.”
Harry looked around as he was spun. “Luna is here also with her camera.” he stopped dancing and seeing his kids, he called all three of them over.
James smiled at his dad. “We are ready dad when you both are.”
Severus frowned. “Ready? What have you all planned?”
Albus laughed. “You'll see pops.”
Severus pointed at Albus. “If you are determined to call me something then it will be father.”
Harry smiled and linked his arm with Severus. “You really mean that?”
“If the children see me as their parent and know that in no way do I intend to replace their mother as no matter what she will always be their mother then yes.”
James handed his dad a scroll. “Here we go dad. All ready for father to sign.”
Harry took the scroll. “Perfect. Let's give your father his Christmas present.”
Before Severus could ask, he was dragged over to Rita Skeeter who they could hear was talking down to Luna who was holding her small camera.
“You can not be nice to the guests Miss Skeeter then you can leave.” Severus warned.
Rita turned and smiled. “Why what is this? I have seen you both dancing. Has our saviour finally moved on? If you have Harry then why with the man who killed the man you named your son after?”
“You shouldn't talk and ask questions about subjects you don't know about.” Albus snapped.
Rita narrowed her eyes. “I know plenty more than you little boy.”
“A little girl knows more than you. Draco says what you print isn't even worth wiping your arse on.” Lily said, her chin held high.
Harry whispered to Severus. “I will kill Draco.”
Severus smirked and turned to Luna. “Did you get pictures of us dancing Miss Lovegood?”
Luna smiled. “I did. You seem to make each other happy which is good. It's what you both need and deserve.”
Harry unrolled the scroll. “Do you want a picture of this also?”
Rita leaned over and gasped. “Adoption papers. Snape is adopting your children legally, making them his also? It's been signed and approved by all of the Weasley family!”
Harry beamed. “That's right. Just mine and Severus’ signature left.” he stated before looking at Severus. “A family all ready and waiting for you, Severus. Merry Christmas.”
Luna smiled. “Use my quill Severus. It has a spell on it. It will only write what you mean to write and if it is true.” She said as she handed it over before looking at Rita. “It is what all journalists should use I believe.”
“I always tell the truth, girl. You have only just started. You have a lot to learn.” Rita scowled. Before looking at Harry who signed his name next to Severus’ and smiled as Luna took pictures.
“A lot of people won't be happy you have decided to settle down with a death eater. Did you even think of how this will affect the Weasleys? Ginny wouldn't have approved at all.” Rita said as she got her quill ready.
Harry stepped forwards. “You have no idea about Ginny and what she would or wouldn't have wanted or approved of. You didn't even know her so how would yo-”
Severus placed his hand on Harry's arm and turned him to face away from Rita. “Harry, you don't have to explain yourself to the likes of Miss Skeeter here. When it comes to people like Miss Skeeter here you will find that the truth is like toilet paper.”
Harry frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Wasted on arseholes.” Severus answered. As he led Harry and the kids away.
Lily giggled. “Father said ar-”
“Don't!” Harry warned his daughter.
James stopped and turned back to Rita. “Out of dads old school friends, Seamus is one of my favourites.”
Rita scowled. “And you are telling me this why?”
Instead of answering, James waved his wand and laughed when Rita’s camera went off with a loud bang followed by a puff of smoke. Followed by her quill catching fire. “Shame about all those pictures you took. Maybe aunt Luna will share hers if you ask nicely.” James laughed as he walked away.
Severus placed his hands on James’ shoulder. “Unfortunately we can't do anything about spells that go awry, he is still learning.” He smirked and drew James away.
“I did that on purpose father.”
“Yes I know.” Severus said as he came to a stop in front of Harry, Lily and Albus. Stepping from behind James, he took Harry's hand. “Now for your Christmas present surprise.”
“My Christmas surprise?” Harry frowned.
Instead of answering, Severus got down on one knee and produced a box with two bonding rings inside. “These are the Prince Bonding rings. Would you do me the honour of bonding with me Harry and completing our family?”
Harry looked at his kids who were all smiling. “Did you three know of this?”
Lily giggled. “Yes, father asked us pe- per.” She frowned at James who smiled.
“Permission.” He said.
“That's it. Father asked our permission and we said yes straight away! Now answer father.” Lily smiled.
Harry looked at Severus and smiled. “Yes.”
The end.