Sirius had taught Harry all about the possible inheritance that he would gain upon turning 17. He would most likely gain a Black gift because Sirius had blood-adopted him. Sirius explained that it would mean that Draco would gain the same gift upon reaching maturity. They were spirit warriors. They would have the ability to change into wolves and eventually imprint. Imprinting is an involuntary act. When asked, Sirius admitted that he had imprinted on Remus. Tonks would not be able to imprint because that part only seemed to affect males. Imprinting is a bond that forms without control from either of the parties involved, and it happens only after a werewolf comes of age and gains the ability to shape-shift. After this monumental change, when the werewolf sets eyes on their destined soulmate, they become instantly linked to that person, bound to protect them and please them in any way possible. This doesn’t mean that the bond is inherently romantic, though, as there are various stages to the process. It can start out as a friendship bond and later turn romantic. While the process is all-encompassing for the werewolf, the imprinted is never forced to fall in love or even like them in return. In fact, they’re free to outright reject the shifter, but even in such cases, the shifter can never imprint again. The bond is solid and cannot be broken, meaning that a rejected werewolf would be doomed to live with that pain for the rest of their days.
Harry was glad he had the time before going back to Hogwarts to get acquainted with his wolf, whom he named Shadow. Sirius helped him with his first few transformations. The first few transformations were a bit painful, but Harry eventually learned to transform without pain. He stumbled and was very clumsy on his first few transformations. Once Sirius gave him some tips like not holding his breath through the transition, he was able to make the process easier. Thankfully, Sirius was very patient and had taught him to meditate before the transitions started. This helped Harry acclimate to transitioning quickly. The next few transitions were much more fluid, and Harry could do it quicker and easier with more practice.
Harry was nervous at first, but excited to learn he might have someone who would become the center of his world. He just hoped there would be someone who would love him back just as fiercely. Harry didn’t want to pressure anyone or force them into being romantic with him. He accepted the fact that he might imprint on someone who didn’t want him like that. He didn’t want to be just friends with his imprint but could live with the pain if they were happy. He had wanted a quiet year at Hogwarts, but with his inheritance, any chance of that flew out the window.
So, when Harry returned for his seventh year, he was ready and willing to meet this person, hoping they would be at Hogwarts. Meeting the eyes of his friends he sent silent thanks to his ancestors that none of them were his imprint. Especially Ginny, whom he only saw as a sister. They had tried dating back in his sixth year, but it didn’t work out. They both realized that they felt more like a brother-sister rather than a boyfriend-girlfriend. Harry also realized he was very much gay.
When he met the dark eyes of his professor in the Great Hall that evening, he froze in shock. He just imprinted. It was like an electric shock to his soul. Silence reigned. His vision tunneled and focused only on his imprint. His eyes widened beyond belief. His whole world shifted. His life now centered around him. Nothing else mattered. His heart sped up and pounded in his chest. His thoughts raced with adoration, love, and protection towards him. His magic wound around him settled in him and made him feel whole. He found his one. It was like he had found something that he didn’t even know was missing. He would become a protector, friend, lover, and whatever else this man needed.
The noise of the Great Hall rushed back in. After he came back to himself, he didn’t know what to think. He just imprinted on his professor! The one who hates him more than anything else. His tormentor for the past 6 years, Severus Snape! Harry instantly felt that Severus would reject him. His stomach revolted. There was no way Severus would accept him. His wolf whimpered inside his mind. He wanted to cry! His wolf implored him to talk to him, but he wasn’t sure how well-received he would be.
He looked away and down at the table. He tried to hide his racing thoughts by stuffing his face. He had to think. He had to talk to Sirius. There must be something that could be done.
He waved off his friends’ concerns and quickly wrote Sirius about this new development. Hoping beyond hope that Sirius would have a solution. He wanted to wait until after he talked to Sirius to tell his friends what happened. He hadn’t told them about his inheritance yet. He wasn’t sure how.
Dear Sirius,
I imprinted! The only issue is you might not like who it is. You will most likely freak out. Is there a way to change my imprint? Can I live without them? Please, there must be some way to fix this!
Love,
Harry
Harry had a very restless sleep that night. He couldn’t transform in his dorm room. He might go out to transform in the Forbidden Forest tomorrow to help him settle his wolf more.
He groggily got up the next morning and trudged down to breakfast hoping his friends would not demand answers until he knew more about the situation.
Hedwig arrived with Sirius’ reply.
Since Harry could barely eat anyway, he trepidatiously opened his letter.
Dear Pup,
Congratulations on imprinting! Unfortunately, whomever you imprinted on is it. There will be no one else. Like I told you over the summer, it is involuntary and permanent. You can live without them being a romantic partner, but it will hurt you forever. You will be in constant pain. It will be worse if they outright reject you or won’t let you near them. I will understand and welcome whomever it is. I love you no matter what pup. Even if it was Voldy-warts himself (well, maybe not really, especially since he is dead now thanks to you). I promise you that I will support you. I encourage you to go for it! They are your soulmate. Trust me, it is hard to resist. Who is it? Maybe I can help you capture their heart.
Love,
Padfoot
Harry sighed. He figured this would be the answer he received. He chuckled about the part about Voldemort. He hoped that his godfather would be open-minded about who he really imprinted on. He wrote a quick reply and sent it off with Hedwig.
Dear Dadfoot,
I hope you really are as open-minded as you say you are. I imprinted on Severus Snape. Merlin help me. Please don’t hate me.
Love,
Harry
Hermione and Ron sat down next to him and gave him a look. He sighed. He shook his head at them.
“Not here. I will explain later.”
They both nodded knowing how private Harry was. They would get their answers.
Harry was just glad it was the weekend before classes started. Maybe they could help him cope with the pain he would be feeling.
They went back to the common room after breakfast and found a quiet corner to talk in. Harry set up a silencing ward so no one could eavesdrop on their conversation. Harry did not want to see this in the Prophet the next day.
“Okay, Harry spill. What’s up?” Hermione blurted.
“Over the summer I gained an inheritance. With this inheritance, I can shift into a wolf. That is why Sirius’ Animagus looks like a wolf. The other part is that we imprint on someone. An imprint is like a soulmate. They become our everything. The only problem is we don’t get a choice in who we imprint on.” He paused to see their reactions. They were both nodding along.
“Is that why you froze last night? You imprinted?” Hermione asked.
Harry nodded.
“Well, who is it mate?” Ron asked.
Harry bit his lip and looked at them pleadingly. “You’re not going to like it.”
They looked at each other worriedly. Hermione gave Ron a nod and he reluctantly nodded. “Just tell us mate. We can’t help if you don’t tell us who it is.”
He shut his eyes tightly. “It’s Severus,” he mumbled.
“What was that?
He couldn’t look them in the eyes when he told them. He sighed and repeated a little louder and firmer, “I imprinted on Severus.”
“WHAT?!!” Ron yelled.
Harry winced and shrunk in on himself.
“Ow- Mione, that hurt.” Hermione must have elbowed him
“What Ron means to say,” Hermione glared at him, “is that is very unexpected. We want to support you. We love you and thank you for telling us. We are happy for you.”
Ron cleared his throat. “Yeah, mate. I was just surprised. You two don’t have the best history. I might not be happy about who it is, but I am willing to put aside our differences for you. I know I haven’t always been supportive, but I really want to be your friend. I don’t want to repeat my past mistakes.”
Harry choked up at that. “Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me.”
“Are you going to tell him?” Hermione asked.
“I don’t know how I will. It’s not something I can just go tell him.” Harry felt defeated, “What am I going to say anyway? ‘Hi, I imprinted on you, which means you are my soulmate?’ Not going to work. I can live without him; I would just live with pain for the rest of my life. I am hoping that he at least accepts my friendship and allows me to be near him. I can’t predict how he will react to this, but I doubt it will be favorably.”
“Oh Harry, it will work out. You’ll see. Maybe we can come up with ways you could court him,” Hermione reassured him.
Harry sighed, “I just don’t want him to be with me out of pity or some sense of duty because he promised my mother to keep me safe. I really wanted my imprint to be someone who would love me and take care of me. Someone who would treasure me. Is that so bad to want?”
“Of course not mate,” Ron replied. “I know it might be painful, but could you live with just being his friend?”
Harry shrugged. “It’s not like I know any different, but I was hoping to live without pain the rest of my life, but I am so used to it that it might not matter. I just hope it's not excruciating or debilitating pain.”
“We don’t want you to have to live with the pain. That might be the reality of the situation though,” Ron explained.
“Have you talked to Sirius? Maybe he would have some better advice,” Hermione said.
“Yeah, I already wrote to him. I should be hearing back from him by tonight.”
Harry went out to the forest to decompress and found his transformation to Shadow relaxing him. Harry was glad he had a place to change into his wolf form. He was freer here than he ever was before.
That night at dinner he received another letter from Sirius.
Dear Pup,
Seriously, that git? Of course, it would be someone difficult. While I might not completely like it, I do not hate you. You cannot control who you imprint on. I can talk to him if you want. Or send him a howler if he decides to reject you. You could offer an official courtship to him. He might be more open to that. Hope this helps.
Love,
Dadfoot
P.S.
I love that name!
Harry smiled at Sirius’ antics. He felt relieved that Sirius would support him no matter what.
Dear Dadfoot,
Glad you like the name. DO Not send him a howler. Please, Sirius, leave this to me. I will talk to him. Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Maybe you could send me a book on courtships?
Love,
Harry
After the first day of classes, Harry went to the library. He first looked up the rules on student-teacher relationships. He found that as long as the student was of age, a teacher could enter a relationship with a student. The only rules were that they had to keep it from affecting Harry’s education, meaning Severus could not grade Harry’s work, no public displays of affection, and they had to enter a courtship.
Sirius sent him a book on courtships. Harry quickly delved into it. It was his sign from Sirius that he should go for it. It really made him feel supported and courageous enough to at least try.
Harry read up on all kinds of courtships. He wanted to find one that wouldn’t force Severus into marrying him. He also wanted equality in the relationship.
Harry took some time researching and putting together his own letter of intent for courtship. He wanted to get the writing done perfectly. He didn’t want to rush it either.
Once he realized Severus would not be rejecting him out of spite due to how he was acting in class, he figured he could at least try. Severus was civil towards him, even going so far as to award him points when he completed a potion decently. Harry had read up more on potions. He wanted to impress his imprint. He was glad to see it paying off.
Finally, Harry was prepared to offer a courtship to Severus, explain the imprint, and hope for the best.
Offer of Courtship from Harry James Potter to Severus Tobias Snape
I, Harry James Potter, intend to start an official hand-fasting courtship with Severus Tobias Snape. I proclaim to honor, care for, trust, nurture, and love you. I wish to get to know you better and allow our relationship to grow together. I have admired you, appreciated you, and am grateful to you for all that you are and have done for me. I would be honored if you accepted this offer of courtship with the intent to marry. If you cannot offer me marriage, I would be honored to offer a bond of friendship due to my status as a Spirit Warrior, with you being my imprint. Please allow me to present you with this gift as a way of showing my gratitude and affection. Please consider my intent wholly before outright rejecting me. I look forward to your reply no matter the state of address.
With Warm Regards,
Harry James Potter
Harry took his letter and the gift he obtained (rare potion ingredients, a rare potion book written by Salazar Slytherin himself that Harry painstakingly translated for Severus, basilisk venom, and skin that Harry took from the Chamber, as well as a courting arm cuff, that Harry designed himself and put protective spells on, that would show that they were in a courtship), and hunted down Severus in his office. He took a deep breath and held his head high. He knocked on the door.
“Enter.”
Harry walked in as confidently as he could.
“Mr. Potter, what a surprise. How may I help you?”
He held Severus’ eyes and gave his proclamation, “I am here to give you my letter of intention of courtship and first courting gifts. I hope you receive them well.”
Severus’ eyes widened beyond belief. He stood stuck still. Harry sighed in relief when he didn’t outright reject him. Harry handed him the letter and gifts when Severus seemed to snap out of pure shock. Severus nodded. “I will write you a letter when I have decided. Thank you.”
Harry jumped. He freaked out internally. Severus was talking to him with an almost friendly tone, which was not something he ever expected to happen. He nodded absently.
With that, Harry smiled and left quietly. He made his way back to his dorm before releasing the breath he was holding. He quickly informed Sirius that he had just given Severus his letter of intention. Sirius wrote back saying he hoped it all worked out for him.
Harry eagerly awaited Severus’ reply. Severus had a week to form a formal reply, but Harry was nervous that whole time. He worried that he hadn’t worded it correctly or that he would be rejected.
He knew he wasn’t feeling the effects of not being near his imprint because he saw Severus several times a week between classes and mealtimes. It was enough for now. Eventually, Harry would want more. He would want more of a kinship or friendship, then he would want a romantic and sexual one if he had hope for that to blossom. Harry would accept the pain he received if Severus only wanted a friendship. At least he could live with that.
By the end of the week, Harry was making himself sick with worry as his thoughts spiraled. Finally, Severus’ reply arrived. Harry tore into it.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for your gifts and the offer of courtship. At first, I was weary about starting a relationship with you since you are my student, are so young, and our past has been rather poor. I am not sure I can offer you a romantic endeavor at this time. I am not rejecting your suit. I am proposing one of my own. I will tentatively accept your courtship so that we may begin with friendship. I ask that you attend dates with me once a month until you graduate, along with the regular meet-ups according to the courtship you set. I look forward to getting to know you better and growing our relationship. I hope to grant you what you desire.
Regards,
Severus
Harry grinned. His heart soared. He was pleasantly surprised by how willing Severus was to do this whole thing. The hand-fasting courtship required only three official meet-ups. The first Harry had already done with the presentation of the letter and gifts. The second is an official dinner with the families of both parties and a presentation of the terms of marriage. The third and final meeting is the official proclamation of the intent to marry. They could meet more often but were only required to do those three things. The only restrictions were that they could not be intimate until they married, everything else was on the table. Harry knew that Severus would not want to be intimate before they married anyway because of Severus’ morals.
Harry was glad that Severus planned the first date. He wasn’t exactly sure what Severus would want from these dates.
They had dinner in Severus’ quarters, where Severus outlined his hopes for the dates, and they discussed how they would proceed. By the end of their first date, Harry could see how much effort Severus was putting into this. He appreciated it very much and told Severus so. Severus said that at least they could be friends by the end of all this. Harry gave him a small smile at that.
As the year went on and the dates progressed, Harry found himself falling even harder for Severus. He learned his likes and dislikes. They discussed their childhoods and got over their past grievances. They explored topics of what they wanted in a partner, from a marriage, and expressing their desires for the future. Harry expressed his want to become a broom maker, his desire to travel, and his want to have children in the future. Severus expressed his desire to retire from teaching and own his own potions business. He did say he was willing to travel with Harry if he wished and would be open to having children later.
Some of the dates Harry planned and some Severus planned. Harry took Severus down to the Chamber for one date, and they harvested more from the basilisk and found more artifacts and books by Salazar Slytherin. Harry cooked for Severus several times. They went to a private booth at The Three Broomsticks, once. Harry promised Severus to take him somewhere better once he graduated. Harry took them on a picnic by the lake as well. Severus even took Harry to the Quidditch pitch where Severus showed him how to really fly.
The family dinner was with Sirius, Remus, Andromeda, Tonks, Ted, Narcissa, Draco, and Minerva (who stood in for Severus’ family since he had no one left). It was a quiet and awkward affair. Sirius thankfully kept his tongue in check. Harry suspected that Remus helped in that respect. Draco didn’t say anything to Harry either (they were on civil terms this year, but not quite friends). It was eerily tense, but at least everyone seemed to get along. Severus and Harry took the time to present their terms for marriage after dinner. It wasn’t necessary for their families to be involved since they were both technically heads of their respective families.
They were going to combine resources, meaning adding each other to their vaults. They had to be loyal, faithful, trustworthy, and care for each other. They would be able to divorce if needed. They would allow the possibility of adding children to their family. Harry made sure that Severus was able to walk away without giving away the fact that Harry would be in pain if they were just friends.
Harry wrapped himself into NEWTS to ignore the impending end of their courtship. He studied hard and made sure he would pass them. Harry just wanted to scream and cry. His hopes had soared high because of how close he had gotten to Severus. Severus seemed to be warming up to him. Harry could see that Severus was taking this seriously. All through this his friends were very supportive.
After graduation, Harry finalized the marriage contract. He was ready to present it to Severus
They met up that night.
Severus dressed in a fine suit, which Harry was pleasantly surprised by. Harry also dressed up in his best dress robes.
“Severus, at first, I confess that I was nervous and scared that I had imprinted on you. Since then, I have learned that you are my perfect match. You are everything I could hope for in a partner. I have come to enjoy our time together. I am so honored to have you as my imprint. I would be honored if you would become my husband. I accept that you might not want to marry me, so I hope that you will allow me to stay friends with you if you cannot,” Harry proclaimed.
Harry had fidgeted after his proclamation.
Severus stood there stoically, not giving away anything.
Then, after a moment, he smiled. Harry gasped silently at the sight. “At first, I was unsure about what you truly wanted, and why you wanted to court someone like me. I didn’t think that I would be able to offer you more than friendship. Then I found myself slowly growing to care for you. I understand that this might not have started if you had not imprinted on me, but I have found that it was through no choice of your own. I do hope you won’t hold back in the future or hide the fact that you would live with pain if I chose not to let our relationship grow to become romantically inclined. Don’t stupidly try to save me from being manipulated into this. I am not that easily manipulated. I don’t like being lied to. I have grown to love you through our dates. We might not always agree. We will fight, but that is how real relationships work. I will be honored to marry you. I will look over the marriage contract and sign it. We can discuss how we want to plan our wedding.”
Harry’s mouth dropped. He winced about the part of Severus learning about the pain. He hadn’t intended for Severus to ever learn about that. He sent him a silent look of apology. His eyes shined with unshed tears. “You aren’t doing this just to save me from pain?” He squeaked. He had to be sure.
“I would not marry you unless I truly wished to. I may not be the most romantic person, but I have grown to love you. I never imagined you felt the same way I did, but I’d be a fool to let a chance like this slip through my fingers.”
Harry beamed at Severus. Harry handed over the marriage contract. Severus read it over and signed it. Severus then pulled Harry in for a first kiss. Severus plundered Harry’s mouth passionately and fiercely. Harry returned the kiss just as enthusiastically as Severus gave it. It made Harry feel complete.
On Beltane, they married on Hogwarts grounds down by the lake. It was a quiet, small intimate setting with only close friends and family attending. There were white roses and tiger lilies lining the aisle. They were bonded by Minerva. Harry was wearing a mix of black and burgundy red robes, tailored to fit him like a glove...upon being asked Madam Malkin had added a few little details, Sirius constellation was stitched all over his vest while the stag antlers were stitched into the back of it, hidden by the cloak on top. The buttons resemble little moons. Sirius walked Harry down the aisle. Severus was wearing straight black robes that fit him perfectly and made Harry’s mouth water. Draco stood for Severus, and Ron stood for Harry. Minerva tied a bonding rope over Severus and Harry’s joined hands. They exchanged vows and rings. Harry chose a small onyx ring with emeralds for Severus, and Severus chose a gold ring with black diamonds for Harry.
“To the East! I call upon the spirits of the East, the spirits of the air, whose energy brings communication and clear connections between heart, mind, and body. Bless us with the promise of growth and fresh beginnings. To the South! I ask the spirits of the South, of fire, to bring warmth of home and heat of passion and a promise of light in the darkness. Bless this union. To the West! I call upon the West, spirits of water, that love be deep, forgiving, exciting, and passionate. We ask for your blessing and promise of healing, flexibility, and change. To the North! I ask the spirits of the North, the spirits of the Earth, to bring blessings of steadiness and stability, and the promise of a true home,” they each repeated as their vows.
Minerva had them light a candle together signaling their joining.
“Now you will feel no storms,
for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness,
for each of you is companion to the other,
You are two persons,
but there is one life before you, and one home.
Turn together to look at the road you traveled,
to reach this—the hour of your happiness.
It stretches behind you into the past.
Look to the future that lies ahead.
A long and winding, adventure-filled road,
whose every turn means discovery,
new hopes, new joys, new laughter,
and a few shared tears.
May happiness be your companion,
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead;
And through all the years to come.
Go this day to your dwelling place
and enter into your days together.
May your days be good and long
upon the earth.
Your adventure has just begun!” Minerva recited.
Magic started to fill the air. “Adiuro animas vestras. You may seal the bond with a kiss.”
Severus and Harry smiled at each other and kissed softly. The magic swirled around them. It sent out warmth, happiness, and love. Mother magic smiled upon them and blessed them with a golden light of true soul mates, one rarely seen. The bond settled upon them. Harry couldn’t contain the smile that graced his face. He never felt so connected and content than in that moment.
"In this sacred place, joined by those you know, in front of gods and spirits, known and unknown, the welcome blessings of the four directions, and the ancestors, I announce you handfasted, united for as long as your love shall last. We thank the spirits of the earth, gods and goddesses, ancestors, and our guests and family for joining us here today. We give our love and thanks to the East, to the South, to the West, and to the North. Thank you for blessing this day and union, and we wish you farewell,” Minerva announced.
“We thank the spirits of the earth, gods and goddesses, ancestors, and our guests and family for joining us here today. We give our love and thanks to the East, to the South, to the West, and to the North. Thank you for blessing this day and union, and we wish you farewell," Severus and Harry proclaimed.
The audience erupted in cheers. Everyone was in tears at the evidence of their love. They held the reception inside the Great Hall. The Great Hall was lit up with candles. There were snitches and antlers hidden throughout the room. The linens were red with black accents. The centerpieces were red and green flowers. They feasted on their favorite dishes and had a beautiful three-tiered chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and a doe and buck as the topper made by Molly. They even had mock potions as cocktails. Severus led Harry out for their first dance as a married couple. They danced to many songs. Harry even had a dance with Molly for the mother-son dance. Severus danced with Minerva. The happy couple mingled with their guests for the rest of the night. They ended the night with Weasley fireworks.
They left on their Honeymoon to Venice, Italy. Severus wanted to show Harry the magical district there. Venice’s magical district was under the waterways. It had clear walls and ceilings so that you could watch the aquatic life around you. Severus bought some Murano glass for Harry. Harry also got himself a Venetian oar holder to work with. They had authentic fresh-made pasta. They took a romantic ride in a gondola and kissed under each bridge.
Once they left Venice, Severus took Harry to many other magical districts. They got to learn about different cultures, magical creatures, and wizarding customs. Harry learned more about what types of wood would work best for brooms. He even learned different ways to attune the wood. He obtained different types of wood to use for his experiments in broom making. Severus was able to gather different rare potion ingredients.
After traveling for the first year of their marriage, they settled in at Spinner’s End. They restored it to its former glory. Harry started experimenting with the wood he collected before he began to design his own brooms, and Severus began his potion-making business.
Five years into their marriage, they finally adopted two children who needed a home. They were a muggle-born sibling couple, a boy and a girl, who had troubled childhoods like Severus and Harry. They vowed to give them a much better life than the ones they had.
Upon reflection, Harry decided that even though the imprint wasn’t voluntary, Harry couldn’t have chosen a better partner or life for himself.
All was well.