Measured Love

Neville

Neville groaned as he grabbed a handful of floo powder. It was a long Friday. It seemed everyone needed plants today. When he walked out of the green flames into his living room, he heard music playing. That meant that Severus and Silas were home from brewing. On Fridays, Silas went with his Tad to brew and hang out with Unca Dwaco.

As he walked through the house, the music got louder. It was Severus’s favorite singer playing, and he heard his silky voice of his. In the kitchen, he spotted both of his favorite men. What he saw almost brought tears to his eyes. 

Severus held their son in his arms as they danced. Silas had a huge smile on his face as the potion master sang and twirled them around. Neville placed a hand on his growing stomach. It’s been a couple of months since he found out he was pregnant. Now at 4 months, he couldn’t wait for their new mandrake. They don’t know what they are having yet. They are going to find out tomorrow at the family dinner. Barnaby said that he would make all of his favorite foods. 

Severus dipped their son, and Neville made himself known when he clapped. “Am I missing the dance party?” Two heads snapped over to him.

“DAAADDDDYY! Daddy Home Tad!” Silas pointed with his finger and bounced in the older man’s arms. 

“Yes, Daddy is home. We need to give him welcome home kisses, don’t you think?” Neville’s heart melted. Severus has changed so much in the past couple of months. He was more open about his feelings, and his life, and Neville couldn’t be happier. 

Neville met them halfway. Silas peppered kisses all over his cheeks. After Silas, Severus cupped his growing stomach and kissed him deeply. 

“Are you feeling okay? The whole point of hiring two more was so you could relax more.” The potion master pulled him towards the dinner table. Severus was very gentle and overprotective. Neville didn’t have this with his first pregnancy. It was different. Though Barnaby was bad nothing compared to this but Neville didn’t mind one bit. He liked the attention that the older man gave him. 

“Yes Sev I’m fine, I just wanted to check up on the new plants that came in today. Tomorrow I’m not working at all and Tuesday remember we are taking Draco to his new art therapy so I’m only working a half day.” Draco had become a part of his little family. He hasn’t been introduced to the extensive family yet. That will be tomorrow. Neville had to talk to him many times about him being accepted with open arms. 

Neville sat down and took Silas from Severus and sat him in his high chair. 

“Art therapy. I wouldn’t have guessed that Draco would be into it. Though the look on his face when we mentioned it was the happiest I’ve seen in a long time.” Severus walked over to the oven and pulled out the roasting pan. The smell of beef filled the room, and his stomach grumbled. 

“I see our child is hungry. You ate the snack I packed you, right?” Yes, Severus packed his breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack every day. 

“Yes, of course, I ate all my snacks. Thank you for making them for me.” Severus looked back at him with a smile that was only for him. 

“Anything for you, Pet. I want to say thank you as well. The way you have been there for Draco after everything. I’m happy that he has someone that is his age. Someone that will learn how to speak with him.” Neville was proud of himself for learning sign language. He wasn’t fluent, but he will be. Silas was learning as well, with him being so young he caught on quickly. 

“I might have not talked with him when we were in school, Severus, but he treats Silas well and he is a good person. I know I don’t know his complete story and if I never know, that is okay. We are his family right and the family loves unconditionally.” Neville placed the puffs on Silas’s tray while waiting for the potion master to plate up dinner.

“You are too good, Pet.” Severus sat his dinner down on the table. “He will be loved tomorrow if Barnaby has anything to do with it.” 

“Yes, he will” 

Draco

Draco paced in front of the floo. Why was he so nervous? He and Neville have been spending time together. Though Harry and his family haven't met them. Harry’s husband is a Weasley, who knows what he has told him about his family. He should tell Severus he couldn’t come. Draco huffed and shook his head. This was a big day for Severus and he needed to know about his new niece or nephew. 

The blond smiled as he thought about his nephew. Silas was such a sweet and intelligent toddler. Draco’s eyes went to the mantle and saw the picture of him and Silas in front of a cauldron. The toddler's face would change as the potion changed colors. It was one of Draco’s favorite days by far.

‘Okay, Draco, take a deep breath. your f…family wouldn’t let anything happen to you.’ The younger potion master thought to himself. Draco closed his eyes and apparated. 

Draco landed gracefully in front of the cabin. He raised his hand to knock when the door swung open. His favorite little boy stood, hands raised, and a bright smile on his face. 

*Dwaco!!! Up!* Silas signed and giggled. Draco leaned down and picked up the wiggly boy. After he peppered kisses all over his face, Draco signed Dad.

“Daaaadddy! Dwaco here!” Neville and Severus walked into the room. Draco couldn’t have kept the smile from his lips. Severus hadn’t ever looked this happy, and Neville was glowing. 

*Hi Draco* Neville signed as he spoke. It filled his chest with warmth. Draco smiled and waved back. 

*You got here just in time. We are heading over now.* Severus wrapped an arm around Neville’s waist. Draco looked at the little boy in his arms and nodded. Silas giggled and bounced in Draco’s arms.

“I ‘ee if my baby is a boy t’day Dwaco!” Silas rambled nonsense after that as they walked towards the oldest-looking house. Not that it looked run down, but you could tell this is the house that has been here the longest.  

He felt a hand squeeze his shoulder. When he looked over, he saw Neville smiling at him softly. Draco smiled back.

The stairs creaked as they walked up to the front door. Silas giggled as he bounced in his arms.

“Pop Pops we ‘ee Pop Pop and Grand!” The door swung open and a shorter man with blond hair, who had bright red glasses perched on his nose, greeted them.

“POP POP!” Silas leaned over and the smaller man took him from Draco. He watched as Barnaby kissed all over the toddler's face. Then the attention went to him. Barnaby sat the toddler down who ran into the house. 

*Hi Draco. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Pops* Barnaby signed slowly. “I’m sorry. I don’t know more than that. We are working on it. The whole family! You are officially a part of our family now.” 

Draco felt tears burn his eyes. This family who didn’t even know him had gone above and beyond. 

*Nice to meet you, Pops.* Barnaby surprised him by pulling him into a hug. 

“Come on in! It’s time for the big reveal. Tony just got here. Justin is visiting his brother today, so you don’t get to meet all of my adoptive children today. Severus has told me all about you, though. Come in and meet all the others. Draco allowed the smaller man to pull him into the house. He looked back at Severus and Neville, who gave him a bright smile. He knew his family wouldn’t let him down.

Severus

Severus stood with Neville in front of a cauldron. Barnaby said that when they poured the potion into the cauldron, colorful steam would come out either blue for boy or pink for girl. 

“Okay, boys! Let's see!” Barnaby wrapped his arms around his husband’s arm. 

Severus had his arms around Neville, who had his hand on the slight bump. His brown eyes looked up at me with a smile. 

“Are you ready to see what our new mandrake will be?” Severus’s heart swelled. He didn’t think he would have one child, let alone two. He must have been quiet for too long because Neville nudged him. 

“Of course I am ready.” Severus and Neville each picked up a small vial and poured the clear liquid into the cauldron. They both held their breath until blue steam poured out of the cauldron. 

A boy! Severus’s eyes pricked with tears. Another boy! Though he didn’t care what his child would be. He would love a little one with blond hair, just like Neville. He turned to look at the younger man. Tears ran down his face.

“Severus, another boy! Are…Are you happy?” The potion master cupped Neville’s cheeks and kissed him soundly. 

“Of course, I’m happy Neville. Thank you so much for this gift. I don’t know how to thank you enough.” 

“A brofer!” Silas screeched from Hagrid’s arms. “Grand I has a brofer!” 

Severus was hugged one right after the other. Before he met Neville’s family, he had never been hugged this much. Draco was the last. He looked over at Neville, who laughed and pulled him into his arms. The wide-eyed look of the younger potion master made Severus smirk. 

Draco shook his head then was surprised when Severus pulled him into a hug. “This will be you one day, Draco.” He whispered in the younger man’s ear. Severus knew of Draco’s insecurities. 

Draco pulled away and sighed. *I am not sure about that. At least I have my two nephews. They are all that I need.* As he signed, two toddlers slammed into his legs. Topher and Silas both giggled and raised their arms for Draco.

*It looks like you mean three nephews. Topher is like Harry, he doesn’t take no for an answer.* Neville wrapped his arms around Severus. “Do you mind if we sit for a bit? This excitement has made me thirsty.” 

Severus nodded and ushered him to a seat. “Yes, my Pet. Let's get you seated and I’ll grab you a drink and a snack. Draco will sit with you.” Severus kissed the smaller man’s forehead. 

After he gets a drink and snack for Neville, he excused himself to find Barnaby and Hagrid. There was something he needed to ask them. 

When he found the older couple, they were sitting alone holding Winnie, their newest granddaughter. The potion master had never felt this nervous. He has thought about this since he found out that Neville was pregnant with their new child. 

“Severus! Congratulations! Another son, that is exciting.” Barnaby beamed up at him as Severus sat down at the table. 

“Thank you. I am excited about this child. I am glad that I get to be here from start to finish. I know that Neville and I have had our share of ups and downs, but I know now that there is nothing that would keep me away from him or our family.”

Hagrid nodded as he spoke. “Severus, I’ve known ya a long time. Yur a good man.” 

Barnaby agreed. “Of course, he is a good man. If he wasn’t, I wouldn’t allow him around my boys. Now you are here to ask a question, I’m assuming?” The older man had a knowing smile on his lips. Of course, he would know.

Severus cleared his throat and clasped his hands together on the table. “Yes, I have a question for both of you. I’ve almost lost Neville and I don’t want to lose him again. I know that I’ve made mistakes, but falling in love with Neville wasn't one of them.” Severus took a deep breath. He shouldn’t be so worried, right? They will not tell him no. 

“Severus?” Barnaby’s voice brought him out of his thoughts. 

“I know I haven’t done much of the traditional route without courting Neville. I don’t think many wizards do that anymore. Though I want to ask for your permission to marry Neville. You are his family now and your blessing means the most to him and to me as well. I hadn’t picked the ring or how to ask him, yet I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. I know I might not be the person you would pick for him. I am older than he is, but I can tell you that no one will love and take care of him more than me. I will do everything in my power to take care of my family.” Severus finished quickly. He rambled, Severus never rambled. 

Hagrid laughed a booming laugh. Which made everyone quiet down. “Erm sorry!” The half-giant said, and the family went back to talking. Severus met Neville’s eyes. The younger man tilted his head. Severus shook his head and smiled at him. 

“Well Severus, I can’t say that I’m shocked. I figured you would have asked sooner. I know you will love our Neville as much as we do. So, of course, you have our blessing. As long as you marry after the baby is born. That gives me plenty of time to plan a wedding.” 

Severus nodded. “Of course, whatever Neville wants is okay with me. Family is important to him, which means it is important to me. Thank you, Barnaby and Hagrid.”

“Yur welcome Severus. Now ya should go back to him. He looks suspicious. Ya should do it soon. I don’t think I can keep this secret for long.” Barnaby kissed his husband’s cheek.

“Don’t worry Severus, I'll make sure he doesn’t say a thing. Now go back to your future husband. I’m about to get the cake out.” 

Future husband. That had a magnificent ring to it. Neville Longbottom Snape. Yes, that would do just perfectly. 

Harry

Harry sat with Neville as he fed Winnie a bottle. Charlie and Severus were over-talking to Anthony. Barnaby had Draco. The older wizard was already smitten with the younger blond.

“It looks like Pops got himself another son.” Neville nodded over toward their table. Harry chuckled.

“Yeah, poor guy doesn’t know it yet, but he already loves him. I’ve heard him say that he wanted more children. Soon he will have more grandchildren as well. Are you happy having another boy?” Harry loved the fact that he was getting another nephew. 

Neville placed his hands on his stomach and smiled a dreamy smile. “Yes, you know I don’t really care as long as they are healthy.” 

“Yes, of course. So, do you think Barnaby has planned out your wedding yet?” Harry had to ask. The way Severus looked when he was talking to their parents earlier had to be the talk. 

His brother blushed. “I am not sure. I don’t want to assume anything. I would marry that man in a heartbeat if he asked me. I know that may be stupid because of how our relationship started out and how our relationship has had its ups and downs.” The blond sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Harry moved his daughter, so she was cuddled on his chest and placed his free hand on Neville’s leg. 

“You know, Charlie and I had our ups and downs. I see the way Severus looks at you Nev, it’s like you are the only person in the world. Plus, he is a brilliant father. I thought he would be scary and strict, but he isn’t. I’ve seen his love for you since the first birthday party we had together. I bet it is coming.” Harry couldn’t wait. He loved helping with weddings. He also loved seeing his family so happy. Ever since that day with the demiguise, he has gone back to see if he could get any other visions of the future and he has. Just bits and pieces, but he couldn’t wait to see his whole family get their happy ending.