Disclaimer: All belongs to JKR.

Summary: Harry is unaware of the potential repercussions of spending the night in Severus’ bed.

“Mr. Potter, are you quite sure of this? Are you fully prepared?”

Harry thought he was pretty well prepared on all fronts. He had spent months agonizing over whether or not to proposition Severus. He had even talked it over with his friends. Hermione thought it was the epitome of bravery, while Ron had the opinion that it was sheer stupidity. On the physical front, he had taken an extensive shower and used spells to purge himself.

“Yes, sir. I’m sure, and I’m well prepared.”

“So there will be no repercussions?”

Harry wasn’t quite sure what he meant. He certainly didn’t plan on hounding the man, or pushing himself on him, if that’s what he meant. If Severus wanted to see him after, he would have to approach Harry. He didn’t plan on sharing the coming events with anyone, either.

Well, maybe the yes or no outcome with Ron and Hermione. Of course, the answer would be blatantly obvious by whether or not he arrived back in his room for the night. He was of age, and technically no longer a student, so he was free to pursue Severus if he chose to. He would never go crying to Albus or anyone else if the night turned out to be less than he imagined it would be.

“No, sir. No repercussions.”

Severus gestured for Harry to move into the room.

“Would you care for a drink?”

“No, Thank-you, sir.”

Harry had tried Ogdens Old Firewhiskey with the twins, and didn’t know how anyone could drink it without showing even an iota of discomfort.

Severus poured himself a finger of Ogdens, and drank it down. It occasionally happened that he was propositioned by a student as they were leaving school at the end of their final year, but he had never imagined that Harry would want that with him.

Severus put the glass down, and turned to look at Harry.

He slowly unfastened the buttons of his robe to reveal the white shirt and black trousers underneath. The robe was tossed over a chair, and his shirt was unbuttoned to reveal a pale, hairless chest. He sat down and removed his boots and socks. Harry was amazed at the difference, seeing Severus now in just trousers and an open shirt. The stern façade was still there, but he seemed so much more approachable with bare feet. Very long, slim, pale feet.

“Were you perhaps planning on wearing your clothing to bed?”

Harry was startled out of his musings, and began to hastily shed his clothing. His robe pooled on the floor, and his shoes were tossed aside. Soon his jumper, shirt, and tie joined the pile on the floor, and Harry was left in his trousers.

Severus allowed himself to admire Harry’s trim form. The young man would never be tall, but he had filled out nicely, with muscular shoulders and arms, all of his skin slightly golden. He had a very light dusting of hair on his chest, and a trail from his navel disappeared into his trousers.

Severus moved to stand in front of the younger man, his sensitive nose taking in the sweet smell of Harry’s freshly washed skin. One long fingered hand cupped Harry’s chin as Severus bent his head to press his lips against Harry’s. He stroked the full lower lip with his tongue, slipping inside when Harry opened his mouth.

The young Gryffindor strained toward Severus, trying to get more skin contact, wanting to touch the pale skin in front of him. Strong hands were covering his arse, lifting him up. He wrapped his legs around the slender waist, running his hands down the strong, lean arms that were holding him. Severus carried him to the bedroom, not releasing him, continuing to plunder his mouth as he walked. He stopped next to the bed, and lowered Harry down until his feet touched the floor.

Harry watched as those elegant fingers undid his trousers, and slipped inside the waistband of his boxers to push both trousers and boxers to the floor. His hands shook slightly as he undid the buttons of Severus’ trousers. He pushed them down over the slim hips, and then carefully eased off the y-fronts the potion master was wearing.

His eye was drawn to the half erect cock now free of the conservative clothing. Harry had expected the man’s cock to be a slim as he was, but it was thick and already filling more as he watched. His hand seemed to move on it’s own to touch the hardening flesh, his thumb lightly rubbing the tip.

Severus growled as he pushed Harry backward onto the large bed, covering the smaller body with his own. He could feel Harry trembling, and stroked his hand down the young man’s side to soothe him. He bent down and kissed Harry deeply, pleased when the younger man arched up to meet him.

Harry slid his hands down Severus’ back, his legs coming up to wrap around the long thighs lying between his own. Harry released the breath he had been holding. Until that moment, he really hadn’t been sure if Severus would take his time or simply have his way with him. He groaned as long fingers gently pinched his nipple.

If nothing else, at least he would always have this night to remember. He lost himself in the feel of warm lips and hands, putting himself completely at the older man’s mercy. If there had been portraits in the room, they would have been shocked at the moans and cries of satisfaction that continued long into the night.

Harry brushed a soft kiss over Severus’ brow before he slipped out of bed in the early hours of the morning, out of the potions master’s quarters and perhaps out of his life. There was breakfast to get through, and then the train ride. And finally, Harry would be free.

For the moment, he would be joining Remus at Grimmauld Place. He had no real long term plans, just a vague desire to see more of the world. He didn’t really need to work if he lived in the wizarding world, and he would always be too famous to actually have a normal job. The muggle world would give him the anonymity he craved, but at the expense of using his magic freely.

Harry thought that his only real options would be to stay at Hogwarts, or live a secluded life on the edge of the wizarding world. Clearly, the latter was the only choice. Perhaps when he was older, there would be the possibility of finding a position at Hogwart’s. Harry thought that he might like to find out more about curse breaking, but for now he would be happy finding a small house with lots of land.

He had asked Remus to help him find a new home. He wanted to have room to fly without being seen, and room to take long walks. After the house was found, he planned to get himself several dogs, and Dobby had already told Harry that he would go wherever Harry was if he had need of a house elf. Harry only had to send Dobby a note, and the house elf would immediately come to work for him. At least Harry would be able to pop off for a few days at a time, and Dobby would be able to take care of the animals.

Harry checked that his trunk was packed, and took a shower before dressing in his school uniform for the last time. Everyone was too excited to really notice how quiet Harry was, and for once Harry was truly grateful that no one was asking him if he was okay. He tried to keep his eyes away from the Head Table, but finally looked up to see Severus watching him. The man hoisted his glass briefly, in a silent toast, and Harry did the same. He had told Severus he would be staying at Grimmauld Place, so at least he knew where to find Harry, if he actually had any desire to do so.

Harry got a huge hug from Hagrid as he boarded the train. Students were already changing out of their robes and into casual clothing. The ride to Kings Cross passed quickly as Harry listened to the many plans his friends had for their futures. Harry would only say that he was looking into several things, but nothing was definite yet.

Remus greeted him at the train station, shrank his trunk and asked Harry if he minded taking the underground home. Soon they were at Grimmauld Place, and Remus was showing Harry the changes he had been working on to make the dreary house more inviting.

Harry and Remus spent many days over the next month looking at various properties in the countryside. Some were close to what Harry wanted, but not entirely what he was looking for. Seven weeks after the end of school, Harry found the perfect house.

Although it appeared to be small from the front, the house actually was spacious and deep. In addition to the front rooms, there was a large kitchen, two baths, and three bedrooms. The rooms were all on ground level, with plenty of windows to take in the view of the countryside. There were tall hedges on either side of the house, creating a very private area behind the house. The house could only be reached easily by a long unpaved driveway leading from the lane. It was far enough from any villages that his privacy would be ensured, and he could simply apparate wherever he needed to go.

Harry was taking another look at the kitchen when he felt the first wave of nausea hit him. Although he hadn’t noticed before, now he realized there was a strong smell of garlic in the kitchen, especially near the sink. It suddenly seemed much warmer in the kitchen, and Harry took a deep breath to steady himself. Unfortunately, he only succeeded in drawing more of the vile smell into his nose, and it was mere seconds later that Harry found himself retching in the bathroom.

Remus had been talking with the realtor in the living room when he heard the unmistakable sounds of someone vomiting. He found Harry in the bathroom, suffering from dry heaves now that his stomach was empty. He gently rubbed Harry’s back, telling him softly to breathe. Harry looked up at Remus, his expression pained. “Tell her I’ll take the house.”

“Harry, we can deal with the house later. We need to get you home.”

“I’m fine, Remus, really. There was just a bad smell in the kitchen. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Remus looked puzzled as he watched Harry. His nose was much more sensitive than Harry’s, and he himself had only detected a very faint aroma of garlic in the kitchen, certainly nothing overt.

Remus told the realtor that the house was perfect, and Harry would fire call her later. He held onto Harry as they apparated back to Grimmauld Place. Harry was pale and clammy, and Remus wondered if he should give Poppy a quick fire call.

“I think I’ll just take a short nap, then I’ll be fine.” Remus watched as Harry slowly went up to his room, obviously worn out from their excursion and his illness.

Harry seemed better the next day, so Remus put the entire episode out of his mind.

Harry dealt with the paperwork associated with buying the house, and even made a few trips to look at furniture, but he seemed to spend most of his time dozing on the couch or sleeping in his room.

He had thought he would be planning a trip already, celebrating his freedom, but now that he was free he was just too tired to think about going anywhere.

After two weeks of this behavior, Remus made a fire call to Poppy, asking if she could spare a few moments to come and have a look at Harry. She arrived that same evening, apologizing for not being able to come right away. As usual, Quidditch matches between Gryffindor and Slytherin had resulted in the usual need for copious amounts of potions and spells to repair the damaged players.

Harry looked up in surprise when Poppy came into his room. “Poppy, did Remus call you? He won’t listen to me, but I’m fine. You didn’t have to come here.” He sent Remus a reproachful glare.

“Now, Harry, you know I’m happy to have an excuse to visit. After all, you were my most frequent guest for the past seven years. Now, what has been plaguing you that has Remus so worried?”

Harry explained the bout of sickness the day they found the house. He told her of the lethargy that seemed to have a strong hold on him, and reluctantly confessed that he had been sick almost daily for two weeks.

Poppy asked him to lie back, and ran a diagnostic scan over him, mumbling under her breath as her wand vibrated.

“Harry, I don’t mean to pry, but are you and Remus involved in an intimate relationship?”

“What? NO! No, he’s just a friend. Ugh, I mean I like him, and he’s attractive, but I don’t like him like that.”

“Well, dear, it appears that you are pregnant. I would have to say that you are nine to ten weeks pregnant.”

Harry stared at her in shock. “That’s really not funny. Men don’t get pregnant. Right?”

“Certainly wizards can become pregnant. Would I be correct in assuming that you believed you couldn’t become pregnant, hence you took no precautions?”

“No, I didn’t even think of that. Shit, that must have been what he meant if he asked if I was prepared. Damn, he must have assumed that I had done some kind of spell on myself.”

“Harry, you’ll need to take good care of yourself. Lots of sleep, good food, no foolish antics, young man. No flying for you. I’d be happy to see you here, or you can come to the castle. At least every three weeks for now.”

Harry bit back a laugh as he thought of how well that would go over. He could just picture the reaction he would get waddling down the hallways of the castle. Fuck, why didn’t he ask more questions? Severus had made it clear that he wanted there to be no repercussions from their night together, so it was obvious he would not want to know about this child. He took a deep breath. He could do this. He had plenty of money, a new home, and Remus.

“Poppy, can I ask you to keep this a secret? I’ll tell people eventually, but I’m not ready right now.”

“Of course, dear. Remember, three weeks.” She gave him a quick hug and left.

Harry reluctantly went downstairs and told Remus about the baby.

“Harry, a baby, well, um, congratulations, of course. Ah, a bit of a surprise there since I didn’t think you were seeing anyone.”

Harry shook his head. “I’m not, Remus. I had feelings for someone, and I persuaded him into spending a night with me. Don’t ask me to tell him about this, because he doesn’t want to know. He made it clear that he was only agreeing to the one night.”

Remus clenched his fists, wanting nothing more than to rend the other father to pieces for letting this happen to Harry. “What are you going to do, Harry?”

“Just exactly what I had planned on doing before. Find furniture, dogs, books, and set up the house. Will you come and visit, Remus?”

“You know I will. Is Poppy going to be taking care of you?”

“She offered to come here to see me. Once we get the new house linked to this house, it should be no problem to see her.”

Remus and Harry spent two weeks shopping for furniture and all the little things the new house needed. Finally, the house was ready to move into. Harry had originally thought about large dogs, but now with the baby, he decided to go with a slightly smaller breed. Remus helped him choose two border collies, sisters from the same litter. The pups were three months old and full of energy. Harry watched them tumble around the yard with a smile on his face, already picturing his child playing with them.

Harry spent a good deal of the winter inside. He came to depend on Remus, who had come to live with Harry just before Christmas. Harry felt badly about disappointing the Weasleys by not coming for Christmas, but he was six months pregnant, and still not ready to share the news with anyone. Hedwig was kept busy sending letters, but Harry only told his friends about the house and Remus, saying nothing about his soon to be son.

Poppy was bustling around the infirmary on a raw day in March when Remus fire called her to say that Harry was in pain. She called to Severus to grab his potions, and meet her in the Headmaster’s office. She had already asked for his help, only telling him that she had a male patient who was going to deliver soon, and how grateful she would be for his help.

Severus looked at her inquiringly as he stepped out of the fireplace into Grimmauld Place. “What are we doing here, Poppy?”

“Just one more trip and we’ll be there.” She took a pinch of floo powder and dropped in into the fireplace, saying “Greenbrook Cottage” before she disappeared. Severus followed her, stepping out to find himself in a warm, homey house which smelled faintly of dogs.

He was shocked to see Remus Lupin come to greet them. “Poppy, thank goodness you’re here. He’s in the bedroom. I was just putting the dogs outside as they wouldn’t stop whining.”

Severus stood in the doorway of the bedroom, shocked speechless. Harry lay on the bed, his distended stomach drawing his gaze. He hadn’t known that Harry was living with the werewolf, or that they were expecting a child. He was even more surprised when Harry opened his eyes and began crying when he saw Severus. He couldn’t stop his feet from moving when Harry reached out a hand for him.

“I wanted you to be here. I kept wishing you were here, because I knew it would be okay if only you were here.”

“I’m here, Harry.” He pushed the sweaty hair back from the pale face, wanting to soothe the young man. He had to fight down the sharp stab of jealousy he felt at seeing Harry swollen with another man’s child, and having to see the warm life they had made together.

Poppy bustled around the room. “Now, Harry, let’s get this young man out. Severus, give Harry a dose of the blocking potion. Harry, this will make you feel numb from your lower chest right down to your toes.” Harry grimaced as he swallowed the vile concoction. Severus checked his pulse, then tested Harry’s abdomen to ensure that he was feeling nothing.

“He’s ready, Poppy.” Remus stayed by the door and watched as Poppy used Incedero to create a magical incision, and Arresto Sanguinis to lessen the blood loss. Harry tried to see what was happening, but Severus held his jaw, not allowing him to look at what Poppy was doing.

“The babe is almost out, Harry. Just a moment, and then you can hold her.”

“It’s a boy. We know it’s a boy.”

He jerked as he heard the sound of a baby wailing, then a pause before it began again, louder than before.

“Severus, take the babe for me while I heal Harry.” Severus reached out for the baby, partially wrapped in a blanket but still covered with blood and amniotic fluid.

“Can I cast a cleaning charm over him?” he asked Poppy.

“Yes, but a gentle one. He’s not one of your cauldrons, Severus. He just needs the fluids and the vernix caseosa cleaned away. If you could heal his umbilical cord, then Harry can hold him.”

Severus cast a very gentle cleansing charm over the tiny baby, and healed him so he had a perfect small navel. The blanket had been cleaned along with the infant, so Severus moved to give the baby to Harry. He fought against the feeling of tears prickling at his eyelids as he looked down at the tiny replica of Harry in his arms.

“Here’s your son, Harry.” Harry looked at Severus holding the tiny baby, and the tears ran unchecked down his cheeks. His hand reached out to stroke the tiny cheek, and deep, dark eyes looked at him from the tiny, wrinkled, red face. The baby had abundant black hair, and full pink lips.

“He looks just like his father.” Harry’s hoarse whisper barely carried to Severus’ ears.

Severus looked down at the baby in his arms, then over to Remus. Severus had expected the baby to have much lighter eyes, and maybe lighter hair. Even though Harry had black hair, his mother’s had been red, and Remus was fair, with light brown hair and amber eyes.

Harry made no move to take the baby, so Severus turned to look at Remus. “Don’t you want to hold your son?”

“My godson, Severus, not my son. Harry hasn’t told me who the father of his son is.”

Severus looked at Harry, who was now looking extremely guilty and flushed.

His hands tightened on the infant as he looked again at the dark eyes and the black hair. He quickly counted backwards to realize that this child must have been conceived at the end of the previous school year.

Fuck. This child was his son, his flesh, and it seemed to only be happenstance that he had even been present for his birth.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Why would you be so foolish as to keep this from me? Were you planning on telling me that I had a son?”

Severus didn’t notice the identical looks of shock on both Poppy’s and Remus’ faces.

“You said you wanted no repercussions from that night. I wanted to tell you, I would have if you had contacted me at all. I could only assume that you had no real interest in being with me. I won’t have my son be a duty that you resent. He’s a small miracle, and I will not allow anyone to ever make him think he was less than completely wanted.”

“I did come to see you. I thought you were staying at Grimmauld Place, but it was empty and obviously unlived in when I arrived.”

“You could have sent a note to me. You could have asked Remus when he came for his potion each month.”

Poppy interrupted their discussion by telling Harry that he was healed. She took the baby for a quick check, then handed him back to Severus, complimenting him on the healing job he had done.

Harry moved to sit up in the bed. “I’d like to hold my son, please.”

Severus handed him the tiny infant, watching as Harry kissed his round cheeks, then his small hands. Remus came forward and kissed Harry’s forehead, then the baby’s soft cheek. “Congratulations, Harry. You have a beautiful son. I’ll be in the other room if you need me.”

Severus watched as Harry checked the baby, counting fingers and toes and marveling at his soft skin.

“Do you have a name for him?”

“I was thinking of Caiden James.”

“He’s beautiful, Harry. I can’t believe that you kept this a secret. From me, yes, but from everyone? I never heard so much as a whisper that you were pregnant.”

“I wanted to wait until he was born. I was happy to just stay here, and Remus stayed with me for the past few months. Now that you know, what are you thinking?”

“I’m somewhat overwhelmed that we created him. At the same time, I want to know him, Harry. I want to know both of you.”

“You didn’t want me to stay last year.”

“You didn’t even stick around until I woke up. I assumed that you had gotten what you had come for, and wanted nothing further from me. As I said, I waited until just before the term started to visit you, but you had already left Grimmauld Place, and I believed that if you had wanted me to know where you were that you would have sent me a message telling me where you were.”

Harry sniffed back the tears that were threatening to break free. “I’m sorry, Severus. Honestly, I had no idea that I could even get pregnant. I found out about this little one more than two months after school ended. I was afraid that if I told you that you would only be with me because of the baby. And that’s not enough for me.”

“Harry, I can’t even tell you how miserable I was when I came through the door and thought that you were expecting Lupin’s child. I was an idiot, Harry. I should have contacted you right away.”

He reached over and pushed the damp tendrils of hair off Harry’s face. “Perhaps you would be willing to have me as a frequent guest for now? School will be ending in a few months, and I’m hoping you’ll give me the chance to find out what there could be for us.”

Harry’s mouth quirked slightly as he gave Severus’ words from the previous year back to him. “Are you quite sure of this? Are you prepared?”

“Yes, I’m sure. As far as being prepared, I’m afraid I have to admit to being completely unprepared, at least as far as an infant is concerned. I do, however, have extensive experience with children aged eleven to eighteen. I am reasonably financially secure, and I can admit to being rather handy in the kitchen. But more importantly, I have already lived with you for seven years. You, Mr. Potter, need someone to keep that Gryffindor recklessness in check.”

Harry watched him quietly, sifting through the words to find what was really there.

“I don’t need a keeper, Severus. I don’t need anyone to support me, at least not monetarily. I can live on bangers and mash if I need to, but I will admit that it would be nice to have someone else cook once in a while.” He shifted the baby, tucking the blanket around him a little more tightly.

“I guess what I’m saying is that I want you to be here if you want to be, not because you think you have to provide for us. Caiden will have me and Remus, but it would be nice for him to know you, too.”

“And you, Harry. Do you want me here? Do you need me?”

Harry looked at him, his heart showing plainly in his eyes. “You know I need you, Severus Snape. I’ve wanted and needed you since long before I threw myself at you that night. I know you can be a bastard, that you’re prickly and obstinate, but I’ve also seen what you work so hard to hide. I know you, Severus. I have to wonder if the sorting hat didn’t have a bit of a hard time placing you. You do, after all, have a bit of a thing for saving people, and you just about ooze bravery.”

“And you, my young reprobate, have many Slytherin qualities.”

“See, we’re a perfect couple. You can teach Caiden everything he’ll need to know to be a Slytherin, and I can show him everything he needs to be a Gryffindor.”

“No son of mine will be a Gryffindor.”

“Well, then, I guess you’ll just have to be there to influence him sufficiently.”

Severus silenced him with a kiss, only pulling back when the baby began to mewl and thrash.

“Let’s get our son clothed and fed, then both of you need to sleep. If you don’t object to me staying the night, we can continue this discussion in the morning.”

Harry conceded, feeling the effects of the day now that the surge of energy which had accompanied the birth had dissipated. Severus gently took the baby in his arms, and went in search of Poppy.

Eleven and a Half Years Later

The sorting ceremony was well under way when Harry reached for Severus’ hand under the table. He knew he had no reason to be so nervous, but he couldn’t help it. Severus squeezed his hand gently, rubbing his thumb over the back of the hand under his own. Two thirds of the first years had already been sorted, but Severus had barely paid attention, his eyes fixed on a small boy with a mop of black hair.

“Potter-Snape, Caiden.”

Severus and Harry watched as their son calmly walked up to the stool, and hopped up. Minerva had barely placed the old hat over his head before it shouted out, “Ravenclaw!”

Harry smiled as his son happily hopped down and turned to wave at the Head Table. Harry waved back, but Severus merely inclined his head.

“Oh, give it up, Severus. All the second through seventh year students know he’s your son. Really, you can smile at him, even wave at him. He’s been terrorizing the school for years. No one will think less of you if you wave at him.”

Severus looked sternly at Harry, but years of reading that austere face told him there was no heat behind the look. “As long as I am sitting at this table, I will behave with decorum. I have been teaching here for thirty years, and I refuse to change my behavior simply because my son is just as exuberant as his father.”

“Can you believe it, Sev? He’s already a first year! Before you know it -”

“Don’t even say it, Harry.”

“You know she will be.”

“I know. I’ve known for years. Everyone has known for years.”

“Your daughter is a born Slytherin. I can’t wait to see you juggle being her Head of House.”

“It seems only fair that I say that no one has the slightest doubt that a certain small whirling dervish will be in Gryffindor in six short years. Who took his Daddy’s broom for a ride through the castle last year? Who regularly finds your invisibility cloak, no matter where you put it? Our youngest son may be even more of a Gryffindor than you. Fortunately he will be the last Potter-Snape this castle will have to see until our children have children.”

Harry leaned against his husband‘s arm. “Um, about that, Severus. I know we decided that three was plenty, and you know that ever since Mitchell was born we’ve both been using spells, but, um, well, it seems that there will be another little Potter-Snape. In six months.”

Severus let go of Harry’s hand, and tenderly placed his hand against Harry’s stomach.

“Maybe this one will be a Hufflepuff. Then we’d have one going to every house.”

Severus broke all his own rules by kissing Harry full on the mouth for everyone to see. Minerva merely arched an eyebrow questioningly as two of her favorite professors kissed at the Head Table.

At the Ravenclaw table, Caiden sighed as he watched his father kiss his Dad. He was sure that his sister Tully would become a Slytherin, and Mitchell would for sure be put in Gryffindor. He was the only Ravenclaw in their immediate family, but he still had hopes that he’d have another brother or sister who would also become a Ravenclaw. He noticed that his father was looking at him, and gave him a small wave. And was shocked when he saw his father wave back at him. Just a small wave, but still, a wave.

The small red haired boy next to him asked, “Who is the professor who just waved to you?”

“That’s my father, Professor Snape. He teaches Potions, and is Head of House for Slytherin.”

“I thought your name was Potter.”

“It’s Potter-Snape. My dad is Professor Potter, sitting right next to my father. He’s been teaching flying for the past four years.”

“So, do you always live at the school?”

“We live here during the school year, but we spend holidays and the summer at our house.”

The meal proceeded without any interruptions, but just as everyone was standing to leave the doors opened and two small bodies ran through the Great Hall and hurled themselves at two of the professors sitting at the Head Table.

Tully launched herself at her dad, who swept her up as though she weighed nothing, despite her being eight years old. Mitchell jumped into his father’s lap, wrapping his arms around Severus’ neck and squeezing tightly. He looked over his son’s head, and said to his daughter, “Tully, no more jumping on your dad for a while. Your brother or sister to be won’t appreciate it.”

He watched as the words were processed, and Tully squealed, “We’re gonna have a baby!”

Harry blushed as people turned to look at him. The teachers began to congratulate Harry and Severus, and at the Ravenclaw table, Caiden hoped fervently that the new baby would be a Ravenclaw. It really wasn’t fair that he was the only one in the family. Tully wouldn’t care which house the new baby would be sorted into, she would only care whether the baby was a boy or a girl. Mitchell would be happy to have everyone stop calling him the baby, finally.

Students and teachers began filing out of the Great Hall. Severus and Harry waited with their children until Caiden reached them. “Come, Caiden, we’ll walk you to the Ravenclaw common room. Then we’ll go see your father’s newest little snakes, and then it’s bedtime for Tully and Mitchell.”

Harry took Tully by the hand, while Severus held hands with his sons. He’d have to work on a contraceptive potion, seeing as the spells they were using were clearly no longer effective for Harry. As though hearing his thoughts, Harry turned and smiled at Severus. Another child would be fine, perhaps another girl. He was already looking forward to meeting him or her.

Of course, Harry would have to do all his teaching from the ground, but knowing Harry, he wouldn’t be put off in the least. He welcomed each child as happily as he had the first. Severus returned the smile, knowing that Harry was most likely already planning a very private celebration once all the children were settled into their rooms.

Thankfully the dungeons had thick walls, and he and Harry had become rather adept at one way listening charms which allowed them to hear their children while ensuring their own privacy. Most likely, when they arrived back at their quarters there would be yet another small bedroom there.

Somehow, the new room never appeared until Harry told Severus about the baby, no matter how long Harry himself had known the news. Severus hustled the children along, looking forward to being alone with Harry and giving a proper greeting to the small life growing inside his husband. It had nothing to do with his husband’s delectable arse, or his soft lips, or his vibrant green eyes which shone with love. Really. Nothing at all.