One shots/Ideas

"Get out Potter, I never want to see you here ever again!" Yelled the Potion's Master. Harry didn't need to be told twice. He rushed out of the office at full speed and didn't stop until he reached the Gryffindor common room. There was only one clear thought in his mind. He didn't enjoy what he saw. In fact, he was horrified. Harry knew exactly what it felt like to be targeted by a group of bullies and humiliated for all to see. But that wasn't the worst of it. No, it was the fact that after all these years of hating Snape for spewing hateful remarks at his father, he finally witnessed that the potion's professor was telling the truth. His father was an arrogant and self-righteous bully! 

When Harry entered the common room he completely ignored his friends and housemates. He headed straight to his four-poster and placed the privacy charm on it after he closed the drapes. His mind was racing with the events. He had been far too curious for his own good and violated Snape's privacy. He had entered the Pensieve without a second thought. The expense was getting to know his real father. His mother was somewhat decent but she only said a few words and didn't actively try to disarm James or lower Snape from his perch. And although Snape had said that horrible, racist word it did not excuse her own use of a horrible word that James himself used. It was as if she was siding with the bully. At that thought, Harry felt like throwing up. 'Were his parents like this? Did Lily marry James because she thought his bullying was cool?' 

The idea made bile rise in his throat and he ran to the bathroom to throw up. Tears were falling down his cheek. He hated this! He hated how his parents treated his mate. Wait for what? Mate? Severus Snape...his mate? No, it couldn't be! In their third year, the students received a health education class. They all learned about puberty, periods, sex, pregnancy and babies. Apparently, in the Wizarding World, men could also carry children with either the help of potions or being magical unique enough for it (bearers). In addition, they learned that wizards had a special ability. Due to their magic, mages were able to detect their compatible mates. Unlike fantasy stories, each person had multiple possibilities for mates. It was a refined instinct that could detect which people you were most compatible with. This included detecting which people made the best friends, for you. That explained why so many mages were attached from an early age. Even if the full instinct did not activate unless both mages were over 16. Meaning that even if one became an adult, they wouldn't be able to detect the other if they were under 16. 

Harry couldn't believe it. His most hated professor was his potential mate? But how was he able to detect it? He wasn't 16 yet. A memory from the health class flashed into the teen's mind. "If one of the mates is in danger or if a mage is powerful enough, they could activate the instinct earlier," Pomfrey had said. So Harry must have perceived the memory from Snape as his mate being in danger and thus activated the ability. The teen groaned in exasperation. This was all too much at once. Another horrifying thought crossed his mind. Now that he activated the ability, Snape would also detect him as a compatible mate. Yep, if he wasn't gonna be killed by the Potion's Master before, he was definitely gonna end up in an early grave now! Snape would likely use crucio on Harry, then throw him off of the Astronomy tower and declare it a celebration day. 

The teen started banging his head on the bathroom wall. He hadn't the slightest inkling on how to handle the situation. It was impossible to avoid Severus forever....and wow that made him do a 180. Since when was it, Severus? God no! Images of the Potion's Master started drifting through Harry's mind. He began seeing the older in an entirely new light. The way the man walked, talked and glared, were no longer viewed as vexing traits but rather sexy characteristics. Harry groaned again at the vision of Severus's face. The once ugly, terrifying face had become a mature, unique one.

Harry dragged himself back to his bed and collapsed, face first on the duvet. He resumed banging his head on the pillow in resigned frustration. "Mate, what's going on?" Ron's voice startled Harry out of his self-imposed misery. 

"Oh, hey Ron," the raven whispered to his friend, misery painting his voice. The ginger was standing like an overgrown tree in the room. His fiery red hair could be seen through the dark. 

"We saw you rush into the room and we thought you might need space. What is it? Did the greasy git do something?" Ron asked with a scowl. 

"Please, don't call him that, and no. It wasn't him that did something, it was me," said Harry with a wince. The insult to his mate made him shiver in disgust and fury. 

"What happened?" Inquired the ginger, as he sat next to Harry with a mix of curiosity and worry, on his face. 

"I violated his privacy. Remember what I said about the Pensieve?" Said Harry and he received a nod. "Well, I became really curious and when he was called by Draco to deal with a problem, I looked into the memories." Ron grimaced in disgust at the thought of being in Snape's mind. Harry chuckled humourlessly and rubbed his face. "Anyway, I saw a horrible memory and he caught me." 

"And you're alive?" Cried Ron in disbelief.

"Yes, but I doubt I will be for much longer..." Harry trailed off. He felt his mouth dry and his throat constricting. Ron gazed at him, waiting for the end of the sentence. "I-...Ron, I activated the instinct..." admitted Harry in a whisper. 

It took a few seconds for the words to register in the other's mind. Ronald's eyes became like saucers and his jaw dropped. It took a few moments for the ginger to regain his composure. Harry had flopped on the bed and sighed in exasperation. "You have to talk to him," Ron whispered, breaking the silence. It was Harry's turn to become astounded. 

"Pardon?" the raven said, as he choked on air. 

"Harry, you're muggle raised you don't understand but here, we're all raised to have full respect for the instinct," explained Ron patiently. "I mean don't get me wrong, I still cannot stand Snape but I care about you and if he's your mate, then I'm sure he's worth it," continued the taller teen. He had a sympathetic but determined smile. Harry groaned and put his face in his hands.

"How do you think, I feel?" He complained to his friend. The raven was at a crossroads. He truly wished to pursue his mate but the odds were completely against him. 

"It'll all work out mate, don't worry," Ron reassured him, although it hadn't comforted him in the slightest.  

The next morning Harry woke up groggy and fearful. He wanted to skip the day, badly but he was already behind on his homework and something told him that Umbridge would find a way to give detention for skipping the day, even if he were truly ill. Harry sighed as he got up to prepare for the day. Through the corner of his eyes, he could see Ron's sympathetic eyes and encouraging smile. It did little to help him. The raven wore his cloaks but before heading to breakfast he went to the bathroom and cast a spell. It was the spell that determine whether the wizard was a bearer or not. They were able to cast it once they unlocked the instinct and Harry was hoping for it. He'd always wanted children of his own and he couldn't possibly ask his partner to go through a taxing pregnancy, just because he wished for his own spawn. Sadly though, the spell revealed that he wasn't a bearer. Harry sighed in resignation, knowing there were other methods to have children. 

He went down to breakfast with his friends. Today, he had double potions and defence, then care of magical creatures, it was a day from hell. Nevertheless, the teen strolled into the Great Hall with his fellows and sat down to have breakfast. His appetite had increased recently, due to exhaustion and energy consumption. He began to pile eggs, toast, sausage, vegetables and fruit on his plate. Harry ate quietly, racking his brain for a plan for the day. Double potions were the first thing and he was sure that Snape would use them to humiliate him. Harry glanced at the staff table and reluctantly gazed at his potential mate. Snape was glaring at his food and barely eating. But to Harry's surprise, he was eating waffles and syrup. Was Snape comfort eating? 

That was an unexpected outcome. Harry gulped as he saw some syrup drip from the man's lips. Instead of removing it with a napkin, Severus used his thumb, swiping it lightly and licking it. Harry's breath hitched and felt himself become aroused. He licked his own lips in return. Suddenly, a pain in his head occurred from a hit on the back of it. "Ow!" He yelped and turned to see a glaring Ronald.

"You're staring!" Hissed the ginger. The rest of the Gryffindor table and some of the Hufflepuffs were watching the commotion between the two. Harry rubbed the ache on his head and groaned, before banging his head on the table. "There there," said Ron, half-heartedly as he patted the other's back.

"What's going on?" Asked Hermione, from behind her Arthimancy book. Some of their other housemates were also gazing questioningly.

"Nothing much," said Ron. "The usual, frustrations," he continued with a shrug and a chuckle. 

"You didn't get any more detentions, did you?" Screeched Angelina, horrorstruck.  

"No, no!" reassured Harry, lifting his head from the table and shaking his hands in emphasis. "It's worse," he whispered more to himself but Hermione and the twins heard him.

"What's worse?" Whispered the bushy-haired girl. 

"I'll tell you later," whispered Harry with a grimace. The twins raised their eyebrows and Harry sighed. "I'll tell you too," he said with a groan and the two older boys grinned. 

Breakfast was over and now it was time for Potions. Harry wasn't sure if he'll survive class, now that watching Snape was more of a distraction than before. Not to mention, if the professor sensed their connection he may just Avada Harry out of existence right there and then. Only one way to find out. The raven dragged his legs along the way. Hermione kept giving him worried glances and Ron placed an encouraging hand on his back. Harry felt that without that hand, he may have booked it and hid in the Forest. The three entered the lab and pulled out their books and placed their cauldrons on the tables. The class was ready within two minutes but Snape hadn't arrived yet, he usually did after they all sat down, prepared. He did so this morning. He entered when everyone had completed their preparation. The man strolled into the lab and went straight to the board without glancing at them. He flicked his wand and writing started appearing on the board.

Befuddlement-Potion, appeared on the board followed by instructions. "This potion is highly volatile, I expect your full concentration on it. If I so much as hear a breath out of place, you'll be receiving zero marks!" snarled the Potion's master as he turned to glare at his students. "Well? Start," he ordered and the students went to grab their ingredients. Harry avoided eye contact at all costs as he grabbed the ingredients and headed back to his station. He chanced a look at the board and read the instructions multiple times before starting. He started cutting up his ingredients to the instructed size, very carefully. He felt his body shake as if someone was watching him intensely. Harry fought the urge to gaze up. He knew who was looking and if they made eye contact, then Harry was sure that Snape would feel the connection. The student wished to avoid a much earlier grave, thank you very much. 

The thoughts of his early demise caused others to surface. He hadn't thought of the fact that he was targeted by Voldy almost yearly and that any mate of his would be in danger. Let alone Snape himself, who was acting as a spy for the Order. The Potion's Master would be caught and tortured and killed. All because of Harry...No! Harry couldn't afford for this to happen. He couldn't allow any of his possible mates to go through that. The teen began to shake and tremble in fear and devastation. The only logical solution to this situation is to never pursue anyone until Voldemort and his followers were killed. Otherwise, Harry would be endangering whomever he chose to be with. Even if Snape was powerful, experienced and capable, the possibility of his demise made Harry lurch and forcefully swallow the bile rising in his throat. 

To his utter bewilderment, Harry had succeeded in making the potion. It hadn't looked as perfect as Hermione's but it was close to Draco's, which immediately guaranteed a pass. Draco was the second best at potions in their year. Harry bottled his concoction proudly and went to hand it in. As he left the table, he froze. Oh no, he had to be close to Severus. What if the professor sensed their connection?  "Harry?" whispered Hermione in question, at his sudden lack of movement. Harry gulped and shakily strolled to the front of the classroom. He didn't make eye contact with his professor and nearly shoved the vial in the man's hand. When Severus took the vial, Harry turned and rushed to the table but before he could reach it, he heard a loud crash. The sound was ominous for a moment until the teen turned back to the front. 

His potion was on the floor and Snape was staring in vicious triumph. "Oops," the Potion's master had the audacity to say. Harry forced his anger back. It's okay, he's retaliating for what I've done, I deserve nothing less. Argued the voice inside the teen's mind. Harry bit his lip to prevent a heavy sigh from escaping and went back to his cauldron, only to see Hermione gazing with fear and guilt in her eyes, as her hands covered her mouth. Dread slid down Harry's back. 

"I'm sorry Harry, I thought you were done..." she whispered. Harry shook with defeat and devastation. His eyes stung as he turned slightly to his professor.

"I'm sorry professor but I don't have my potion," he whispered. His voice was hoarse and his lips trembled. He could hear snickers and muffled laughter from the Slytherins. 

"Zero marks Potter!" Said Severus, loud enough for everyone to hear. His tone was laced with happiness. Harry wanted to collapse from the pain in his heart. He didn't register when strong hands held him and dragged him out of the class. He was still in a pained daze as he was led across the corridors and into a room. 

"What's wrong Harry?" Moaning Myrtle's voice caught him off guard. Harry snapped out of his daze, finding himself in the bathroom with Ron holding him. Hermione was behind him, both of his best friends were watching him with concern. 

"It's okay Harry, let it out," whispered Ron and Harry felt the flood gates open. His mouth opened to release a pained cry and the tears started falling freely on his cheek. Ron embraced him tightly and allowed Harry to take refuge in his neck. 

"It hurts, why does it hurt so much?" cried Harry in between gasps and choked sobs. 

"It's because of the instinct, it's a lot harder when you feel rejected by a potential mate," explained Ron. Hermione gasped at the words.

"What?" She yelled. Ron quickly explained the events of the night before and Hermione covered her mouth once more. Tears started forming in her eyes too, as she understood why Harry was crying. She came and hugged her friend from the back. The three were in each other's arms for a bit, until Harry stopped crying. 

"Th-thank you," stuttered Harry as he was released. He went to the sink and started washing his face. "You should go before it's too late," he said. His friends stared with worry but obviously, the need to go to class was nagging at them. "I'll be fine, just tell Umbridge I fell ill and I went to rest."

"But Harry!" Argued Hermione. It was obvious what she wanted to say. Umbridge was very likely to give Harry detention. 

"It's fine Hermione. I'll feel better if you're both fine," said Harry with a weak smile. The other two were reluctant. Suddenly, the door to the bathroom opened. The three teens froze. No one ever came into this bathroom. They stared at the door in both fear and curiosity. They all gasped as the face of the least expected person appeared. In all his dark robe glory, Severus Snape was standing at the door. His eyes were narrowed and face pinched in a furious expression. The teens gulped in fear and Harry felt the pain in his chest return. He couldn't look at his mate. 

"What pray tell, are the three of you doing in the girl's bathroom?" Harry stared at the floor and unbeknownst to him, his two best friends were staring at the professor expectantly. "Mr Weasley, Miss Granger, head to class. I need a word with Mr Potter," drawled the potion's master. Harry tensed up and bit his lip while his hands clutched together. He exchanged glances with his friends and nodded at them in confirmation. The two were hesitant but started toward the door. 

Harry felt panic rise in his chest as the seconds passed with silence. Hermione and Ron had left and Snape hadn't said a word. The teen gathered his courage and also started toward the door. "I need to get to the class professor, please let's talk later," he whispered hoarsely. Unlucky for him, Snape caught his arm as he began to pass the older man. 

"I don't think so, Potter. If you wished to attend your lesson you would've been there by now, instead of dawdling in here," spoke the professor with a hint of malice. Harry flinched at the tone and tried to pull his arm away but Snape's grip was solid. "Quit trying to run. We are going to talk," hissed the professor. Harry went limp and debated his possible actions. He could use this opportunity since it was Snape that suggested talking.

"I am sorry sir," blurted out the younger. The grip tightened on his arm.

"The great Harry Potter apologising. Tell me, what's this apology for?" Asked Severus mockingly. Harry decided to take the full brunt of the hit and straightened himself as best he could. He lifted his head and gazed at Severus with his most sincere expression.

"You may not believe me Sir but I apologise for my behaviour yesterday," said the teen. Severus's eyes narrowed but he didn't interrupt. "I know what I've done was wrong and that I should have never violated your privacy. I was becoming too curious for my own good and wished to find any clue that would explain what's hidden behind that door," explained the teen softly. Severus was staring in anger now and his grip tightened. Harry didn't even wince, used to being held like that and worse by Vernon. "Sir, I did not enjoy what I saw and I never would. I know it means nothing but I'm sorry for what my father has done. I'm ashamed of his behaviour and I would never do something like that to anyone."

Severus remained silent and none reactive for a few moments. His face was still hard with anger but his grip had loosened slightly. Harry made no move to pull his arm away or lower his gaze. He knew that it was necessary for Snape to see the sincerity in his eyes. Finally, Snape released his grip and gritted his teeth. "That's not what I came to talk about Potter," he drawled to the teen. Harry's breath hitched for the umpteenth time. 

"Then, what is it, Sir?" He croaked out. Severus didn't like that and the man sneered.

"Don't play the fool Potter, even you're not daft enough to not know it," hissed the potion's master. The man came nearer to Harry, causing the teen to back away with each step he took forward. Severus kept approaching until Harry touched his back to the wall. The teen refused to respond to the man's previous statement and kept quiet. This seemed to bother the older even more. "Do not ignore me, Potter," Snape hissed as he brought his hands on the wall, to trap Harry. 

"I don't know what you're talking about Sir," the teen whispered. Snape grabbed the younger's chin and lifted his head to make eye contact.

"Really? Then why pray tell, were you crying?" Inquired the professor and Harry was surprised by the softness in the voice. 

"I-I..." he stuttered, unable to find a suitable response. 

"Don't bother lying. I felt it when you nearly collapsed in my class. Weasley was faster than I, albeit I was in shock. He dragged you out before I could comprehend the situation and devise a proper response," said Severus. His tone was very calm and his hands were gently stroking the bags under Harry's eyes. The teen was sure that his eyes were bloodshot and puffy. He averted his gaze from the gentle black eyes. He couldn't bear to be rejected or to reject. He knew it was for the best but it was difficult. "Potter...Harry, you must understand. I am a spy and would require to keep my position. I cannot...this isn't something I can afford to have, let alone lose."

Severus's tone was dry, making Harry stare at him again. The teen was shocked to find such vulnerability and pain. Harry couldn't help but wish to comfort his mate and pulled the older into a hug. "It's okay Prof...Severus. I understand because I feel the same way. If I am being targeted by him for the rest of this war, then I cannot afford to endanger my mate," whispered Harry. He heard Severus's intake of breath and took it as a good sign. "Maybe we should keep this to ourselves until a better time comes?"

"You mustn't hold out hope for us. This war is brutal and...I expect that you'll eventually find another potential mate," replied Snape. His tone was soft and his eyes vulnerable. Harry understood what Severus failed to convey in words. 

"Perhaps you will too, as I don't have much hope for my fate in this war either," said Harry. The teen had known that a war was inevitable and accepted the fact while at the Dursleys in the summer. His time at Grimmauld place had solidified his beliefs and his desires to join the war front. He accepted that he'll likely meet his end during this war. 

Snape said nothing for a while, his eyes pierced Harry, observing and judging. "If you're truly willing...then I-I'm also willing," the Potion's master finally replied. 

During The Battle Of Hogwarts

Voldemort had just announced his deal one hour before his attack unless Harry is taken to him or goes willingly. The Chosen One was at a loss. He had no clue what to do. On the one hand, he hoped to save his friends and the innocent students, on the other, he had another Horcrux to kill. The Gryffindor trio were sat on the large stairs contemplating their next course of action. Suddenly Nearly-Headless Nick rushed to them. "Harry my friend, you must head to the Headmaster's office at once!" said the ghost franticly. 

"Nick? Who asked you?" responded Harry, standing up with his two best friends.

"Albus Dumbledore, he said you must go alone," implored the ghost with wide eyes and nodding his head. The three teens stared at each other and Harry nodded at his friends.

"Alright, I'll go," he said and ran up. Harry went at full speed to the Headmaster's office. He knew that Dumbledore likely had a solution to his predicament. When he saw the Gargoyle, he froze. What was the password?

"Lily," whispered the ghost, who had followed him. Harry froze. Severus was the current Headmaster, why place such a password? Harry shook his head at the mention of his traitor mate, he couldn't think of him right now. 

"Lily!" Called the teen and the Gargoyle allowed him passage. Harry went up the stairs and didn't bother knocking as he barged into the office. "Professor Dumbledore!" 

"Harry my boy good to see you but I'm afraid there isn't much time, please go into the Pensieve, you'll receive the answers you desire in there," said the Headmaster hastily but calmly. Harry didn't waste time and nearly jumped into the stone basin. He entered a memory of a rather neglected playground and overgrown bushes. He looked around searching for the owner of the memory, only to find a small boy with sleek raven hair hiding in the bush next to him. Harry immediately recognised the small boy and he tensed up. Severus. Harry shook his head to concentrate and follow the child's line of gaze. 

Harry gasped as he spotted a pair of girls on the swings. One of them had beautiful, shiny red hair. "Tuney, Tuney, look!" Called the girl happy and with a jolt she jumped from the swing, only to rise for much higher than expected and then land softly on the ground after a couple of seconds. Harry finally recognised the girl...it was clearly his mother and the other girl was his aunt. 

"You're a witch!" Severus's voice suddenly came. He had left his hiding spot beside Harry and was walking toward the girls. It was clearly the wrong thing to say as the girls glared at him and Petunia scoffed.

"How rude! Come on Lily!" said the older girl and grabbed her sister to leave. Snape looked shocked but Harry understood why his mother and aunt would react that way. The memory then faded and another took its place, Harry watched intently, waiting for answers to his predicament. So far the only information he gained was Severus's friendship with his mother and he had to admit that it was shocking but not the strangest thing to happen to him. The teen continued to view memory aftermemory until he reached one he wasn't expecting. Dumbledore was showing Severus his hand and his potential mate was furious.

"How could you put it on? I can't do anything now! I merrily stopped its spreading," scolded the peeved potion’s master. 

“I’m sorry Severus, I felt compelled. How long do I have?” Asked Dumbledore still in his usual calm tone. 

“A year at best,” responded Severus gravely. 

“Then we must make it count Severus,” said Dumbledore. “You said that Draco was ordered to kill me this year as punishment for his father’s failure, well I do not wish for that boy to fall into such a dark path. Therefore, you must do the task instead Severus.” The words caused Harry to freeze with his entire being. No way! Did Dumbledore order Severus to kill him instead of Draco?

“No. Why would I do this?” argued Severus horrified at the suggestion.

“Because my boy, Draco is still young and his soul uncorrupted.”

“What of my soul? What of me? What will happen once I’m named your killer?” Asked Severus with desperation and tears filling his eyes. 

“Severus, I understand you’re afraid but you’ve admitted that Voldemort does not fully trust you but this way you’ll regain all of his trust and become his most valued. This way you may manipulate him however we wish,” replied Dumbledore determinedly. Suddenly Dumbledore’s final words took on a whole new meaning for Harry. The Headmaster wasn’t begging for his life but simply reminding Severus of his orders. Another memory took over, it was the conversation Hagrid heard between the two.They were arguing once more over the order of killing Dumbledore.

Then another memory surfaced. Dumbledore explained to Severus how a piece of Voldemort’s soul had latched onto Harry and that Harry must die for Voldemort to die and Voldemort must be the one to kill Harry. At that, the teen finally had a complete puzzle of his life and how he was raised. Severus seemed to agree with him. “So all this time, you simply raised him like a pig for slaughter?” Growled the Potion’s master. 

“Don’t tell me you’ve grown fond of the boy,” asked Dumbledore interestedly. 

“Him? Expeco Patronum” said Severus and a beautiful doe was conjured from the silvery light. Dumbledore and Harry gazed at it with different expressions. The older man was shocked but Harry smiled fondly.

“Lily, after all this time?” Dumbledore said. Harry watched Severus remain silent for a few moments, Harry understood that it wasn’t true. The doe no longer belonged to his mother but him. The doe was his stag’s mate but Dumbledore needn’t know that. 

“Always,” replied Severus and Harry’s heart fluttered. The memory faded to the night of Dumbledore’s death from Severus’s perspective. The Potion’s Master was struggling with his orders. When he killed Dumbledore, Severus mourned his mentor, then he mourned a life he wished for. A potential life with Harry when the war was over but as Severus is labelled Dumbledore’s murderer, that wasn’t possible.Harry watched as Severus escaped with the rest of the Death Eaters, then saw himself chase after them, he saw their fight and felt Severus’s breaking heart at Harry’s words. 

“Coward! Fight back!” Harry’s memory self yelled. The real teen felt his heart clench at his mate’s pain. The memories continued until they reached the current moment when Dumbledore’s portrait ordered Severus to place his memories in the Pensieve and prepare to meet Harry. The teen was finally pulled out of the stone basin and he shook his head a little to regain his orientation. 

It took a couple of moments for Harry to regain his composure and stare at the portrait. “Where is he?” he asked softly.

“I’m here Harry,” Severus replied from behind him. He came from what appeared to be a secret passage from the wall. Harry gave a glance to his mate. Severus appeared exhausted, dishevelled and hopeless.

“Professor Dumbledore, do you have proof that would hold in a trial for Severus?” Harry asked without removing his eyes from his mate.

“Of course Harry. I have a solicitor at Gringotts with journals, memories and such to prove Severus’s innocence,” replied Dumbledore with a prideful tone. 

“Good. Expeco Patronum.” Prongs appeared in front of Harry and awaited instructions. “To anyone of the Order and Hogwarts staff listening, Severus Snape is under my protection. You are not to harm him until he receives a fair trial and proves himself. It is a secret between me, Dumbledore and him.” Harry told the Patronus that then left the office to deliver his message. Severus collapsed on the floor and began to cry. Harry ignored the other Headmasters and Headmistresses as they tried to praise him. The teen pulled out his invisibility cloak and draped it over himself and his mate. “Severus, look at me.” 

The Potion’s master lifted his tearful gaze, “Muffliato,” whispered Harry and pulled his mate into a hug. “It’s alright Severus, everything is going to be alright.” 

“No, no it won’t. You’re going to leave me, I don’t want you to leave me,” cried Severus desperately. Harry gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on Severus. “I just got you back and I’ve never had a potential mate until you.” The words broke Harry heart even further. 

“I’m sorry Severus, I don’t think I would’ve found another mate either,” said Harry and he place a tender kiss on Severus’s forehead. Severus lifted his head again and gently laced their lips together. Harry responded eagerly. Severus’s lips were perfect against his. They were soft and small that Harry felt he was devouring his mate. Severus gasped as Harry bit on his lower lip and then deepened the kiss, staking a claim on what was his. They pulled away reluctantly. “I don’t know how Severus but we’ll meet again, that I promise,” said Harry and released his mate to stand up. Harry left Severus under the invisibility cloak and headed toward his destiny. 

Epilogue

Once Voldemort’s dead body collapsed the battle ended and everyone seized fire. It took months to get things back into order. The trials were brutal and consecutive. The ministry was holding 10 trials a day to complete the issue. True to his word, Dumbledore had a goblin present solid evidence for Severus and Harry’s word was enough to not only free the potion’s master but earn him an Order of Merlin first class. Severus was also allowed to remain Hogwarts’ headmaster as McGonagall decided to retire completely after the war. 

Instead, Augusta Longbottom was called as a temporary replacement for Transfiguration. Bill Weasley was taking over as the DADA professor for the time being and Cole Selwyn was the new Potion’s Master. Harry and many of his fellows went back for their NEWT year at Hogwarts. Ron had opted to immediately join the Aurors but Harry explained that he no longer desired that life but wished to be a DADA professor and remain close to his mate. Ron understood and Hermione was very proud of him. Harry was very glad to have such supportive friends. 

Harry also took Teddy Lupin in. It was going to be a challenge to navigate a new relationship and raise a child at the same time. But Severus proved to be an excellent guardian. He loved Teddy so much and provided him with a lot of love. “I’ve always wanted children Harry, I hope it’s something we can discuss in the future,” Severus had said with a shy smile and a light blush. 

“I also wish to have a large family but I’m not a bearer Severus we’ll have to use alternatives,” Harry said with a hint of disappointment. 

“I am…” said Severus softly. Harry gazed in shock at his mate and his eyes widened. 

“You are?” He asked hopefully. Severus nodded with a grin and Harry leapt at him to shower him with kisses and hugs. Severus relished in the attention and repaid it tenfold. Now, four years later, Severus was pregnant with their first. They had waited until everything was in place. Harry became the new DADA professor and settled down into Hogwarts with his new family. 

The End