Epilogue
Harry could not believe this day was finally here. Today he would be bonding with his true mate. His one and only. At first it was difficult to accept Severus back, but he was persistent enough to wait Harry out. He was so lucky to have this now. Severus had shown him his mistakes and made up for them. Harry was also nervous that his angel status would hinder him, especially without his wings, but Severus showed him that he still wanted him. That was what mattered.
Today he would bind himself mind, heart, body, and soul to his lover Severus Snape. They would be married in front of all their friends and family. They had asked Kingsley to officiate and he was more than happy to oblige. Molly made the cake. The twins provided fireworks. Their friends help them find robes, and decorate their lavish garden. It was the perfect spot. Harry wanted to make sure he could remember this day for the rest of his life. It was truly a sight to behold with lights and decorations that were meaningful to them and their lordships.
Harry wanted to move on, but he couldn't stop from remembering the hurt of being rejected.
*FLASHBACK*
Harry knew exactly who his mate was. He had fallen for him even before realizing who it was. When he felt the tug of his mate in his chest heading straight towards him, he was excited and nervous. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. His mate was Severus Snape. He knew he would have a challenge showing Severus that he loved him and wanted him, but it would be worth it in the end. Severus was it for him. He was his perfect match. He couldn't want anything more or anyone else.
Harry started hanging out with more, slyly touching him, and smiling at him. He enjoyed just spending time with him. Being in his presence gave him immense joy. Harry flirted with Severus. Giving him clues that he wanted him more than ever. Harry had seen Severus looking. He had hope that it would be anytime now, that they could start their journey together. He kept coming over to see Severus, flirting with him and spending time with him. Getting to know the Slytherin even more. It just made Harry fall even harder.
Harry finally got up the courage one day when they had been having breakfast together. Severus was closer than ever before. Before he lost it, Harry breached the gap between them and softly kissed Severus. Severus allowed it for a few seconds, before sighing and drawing back.
"Alright, that's enough Harry."
At the resigned and almost hurt tone in Severus’ voice, Harry eyed him curiously.
“Enough what, Severus?”
“You’ve had your fun, and it ends now. I never thought you would take it this far. But I’m not playing anymore, so stop.”
Harry felt his heart shatter at those words. He had his answer. He’d taken the chance and was rejected. And at the same time it made clear to him once and for all that it was not just a crush he’d had on Severus all this time, but something far deeper, and he had just lost it in the same moment as he had it confirmed. He took a step back and let out a shaky breath, trying to hold himself together and sound steady even though he really wanted to scream and plead and beg for another chance. He had felt the rejection deep within his soul. He knew he had to get out of there before he passed out from the pain of it.
“Message received loud and clear.”
Harry quickly gathered his things and left Severus' quarters without another word. He held it together while he was flooing home, but when he arrived at his house, he dropped onto his couch and curled up into himself, almost as if he were physically trying to hold the shattered remnants of his heart together. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the pain. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t do anything other than just lie there and hope he would survive this somehow. For the remainder of the weekend, he merely existed. He barely ate or drank, hardly slept, didn’t do anything other than focus on keeping on breathing and telling himself that he was strong enough to get through this. On Monday morning, it took a huge effort to get dressed and go to work. He made it through the day intact, and collapsed in his bed as soon as he came home, curling up again. He didn’t sleep and didn’t eat, and as the days went by, dark circles appeared under his eyes and he lost weight by the pound.
He stopped going to see Severus. He secluded himself in his new house. He resigned himself to dying by mate rejection.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Harry didn't know that Severus had just been trying to protect himself, and that he hadn't meant to hurt Harry so. It still hurt, but things were better now. They were together. Nothing would get in their way again.
As Harry looked himself in the mirror, he smiled. He finally walked out and could not stop the smile spread across his face as he walked down the aisle towards Severus. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the alter.
"Okay?" Severus asked.
"Perfect." Harry murmured beaming up at him. Severus smiled softly back at him. They held hands staring into each others eyes as they were bonded. Harry barely remembered the words said or the other people there. He only had eyes for Severus. Everything else was a blur. He had finally gotten the man he loved.
That night they made love for the first time. Harry felt his magic come back to him. In a whirl of wonder, his wings grew back and Harry felt the rush of power radiating from the new formed bond. He could feel Severus through it and could tell Severus felt him as well. It was a wonderful new beginning for the two of them. Harry could not have been happier. As Harry lay in his bonded's arms, he felt more safe, secure, happy and alive than ever did before.
Severus couldn't keep his eyes off of Harry or his wings. "Your wings! Your power! It's all back!"
"I know I can't quite believe it either. Thank you." Harry murmured recapturing Severus' lips in a passionate kiss. "Thank you for rescuing me." He whispered to Severus settling back down in his arms.
"My pleasure, love." Severus said tightening his hold on him. Harry just knew Severus would never let him go again. He couldn't be happier with that thought.
>>>THE END!!!