HP, HP/SS, Love Actually, NC17

[alisanne]

Author: Alisanne
Title: Love, Actually
Fandom: HP
Pairing: HP/SS
Rating: NC17
Summary: Holiday: leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure. That is, unless your name is Harry Potter, and the person you are trapped with is one Severus Snape. Warning! Contains MPREG.
Genre: Romance
Warnings: Fluff, MPreg, angst, Hurt/Comfort



I started this fic before HBP and then abandoned it for a while in my depression. I finally finished it, but it is obviously VERY AU. For a while, it was also the fic that WOULD NOT END.

Disclaimer: The characters in this story are not mine, nor will they ever be unless something weird happens in the space/time continuum.

Beta’d by the incomparable knightmare_shad, who also helped me to finally stop writing this.

~

Love, Actually.

~

This was the first time that Harry was happy to be Portkeying. He generally hated it. That pulling sensation at the navel almost invariably made him ill, and he usually had to fight not to vomit when he got to his destination. He much preferred to Floo, however, where he was going there were no fireplaces. For which he was profoundly grateful.

As he popped in, he remained still for a few moments to settle his stomach, and then he looked around with interest. He was in a comfortable, if rustic, room. Out the window he could see a gorgeous beach with miles of white sand.

He was here in this tropical location for a whole week. And there was no way for him to be summoned back. No one knew for sure where he was, and the entire island was Unplottable and unaccessible but for certain pre-determined times. He had Portkeyed in at one such time. Hermione was his Secret Keeper and he pitied anyone who tried to extract the information from her.

He carefully placed the jade stone that Hermione had given him and that had functioned as his Portkey, on the table by the door. It was his only means of return and it was set to reactivate in one week. He was now ready for a relaxing vacation.

Harry smiled. This would be his first vacation since taking the much maligned and unlucky DADA job at Hogwarts. He had been teaching the course for the past two years and it was definitely time for a break.

And well, as relaxing as this was going to be, he’d needed to do this for another reason. It was hard to work, day in and day out, with a delicious man who he ached for and who ignored him. His frustration had made him desperate to get away from Hogwarts for a while.

Hermione and Draco had both pleaded with him to come clean and tell his colleague how he felt, but Harry simply couldn’t face such a rejection. It was enough that the man had finally started to respect him, he didn’t want to do anything to ruin that. But it was still hard to see him every day and yearn for him. Harry had really needed this break.

Walking through the living room which had comfortable looking wicker furniture, he entered an airy bedroom with white walls and an inviting, freshly made bed with romantic mosquito netting. Placing his bags in the corner, Harry decided not to unpack yet, but proceeded outside just to soak up some atmosphere and possibly some sun.

He had had to guilt Minerva into allowing him to go on holiday, and his stern ex-Professor had almost reneged at the last minute. Thank Merlin Draco had offered him the use of this place whenever he needed it.

Harry had been on edge and he’d been worried about the effect on the students. When he’d almost Crucio’d a child who had burst into the classroom unexpectedly, he’d gone to the Headmistress to tell her he needed a break. She had finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.

Walking out the front door, Harry set off down to the beach, humming happily.

As he rounded a corner, he froze. Lying on a beach blanket was a man. And Gods! what a man, Harry thought.

He was lean, his muscles glistening with an enticing combination of sweat and oil. Oh, and he was naked. Harry shamelessly checked out his package.

His nice, thick cock lay curled in a soft looking nest of raven hair, his legs were splayed open and he had one rippling arm laid across his face.

Harry felt his own cock twitch at the enticing sight.

Wait, this was a private beach. But Harry had no objection to company that looked like this. Perhaps this could be a nice distraction.

Clearing his throat as a prelude to an introduction, Harry was shocked when the figure sprung to his feet and pointed a wand at him.

“Who are you?” the man growled in a deep, luscious voice.

Both men did a double take.

“Potter?!”

“Snape!?”

Harry gaped like a landed fish. The gorgeous man who was causing his cock to do handstands in his pants was Snape?

Of course it was Snape. Even here I can’t escape him, Harry thought. The man is haunting me.

“What in Merlin’s name are you doing here, Potter?” Snape growled, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist.

Harry wanted to ask him not to cover up that luscious body, but he couldn’t think of a polite way to address it, so he let it go.

“Minerva allowed me a week of vacation,” Harry said. “And Draco has long been offering me the use of this place whenever I need it. What are you doing here?”

Snape closed his eyes and pinched his nose. “Draco offered me the same thing,” he said resignedly. “I should have known it would be too good to be true.”

Harry pursed his lips thoughtfully. Why those crafty.... This might work out after all.

“When did you get here?” Harry asked.

“This morning. The next Portkey window opens in a week, at least that is what I was told,” Snape said.

“Me, too,” Harry said. “If this is a problem, I suppose we could Floo Draco and ask who has dibs this week,” he said, already knowing the answer.

Severus scowled at him. “This is a tropical island, Potter. There is no fireplace! Hence, no ability to Floo.”

“We could send an owl,” Harry said, trailing after the tall, dark man.

“I sent mine away,” Snape said.

Harry shook his head in mock sadness. “So did I,” he said softly, mentally congratulating himself on boarding Hedwig out before he’d left.

They both walked into the cottage, and Severus immediately went to the kitchen. Harry trailed after him.

“Tea?” the Potions master asked, gathering the things.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Harry nodded and then watched the man move around the room, admiring the play of muscles and hoping for the towel to fall and give him another glimpse of the man’s lithe, sleek body.

Sliding into the chair across from him, Severus handed him a mug of tea and placed a tray of biscuits down.

“Accio!” and another mug of tea sailed into the older man’s hand.

“So what are we going to do?” Harry asked.

Severus sipped his tea pensively. “Not much to do,” he said finally. “I refuse to give up the first holiday I’ve had in years and, much as it pains me to say it, you shouldn’t have to either.”

Taking another sip and snagging a biscuit, his eyes met Harry’s squarely.

“So, I propose that we each continue our own holiday and try not to interfere with the other. After all, we manage to avoid each other at Hogwarts quite effectively.”

Harry nodded. That much was true, although that was not his choice.

“What about meals?” Harry asked. “It will be silly to prepare separate meals in the same house.”

Severus nodded. “Agreed,” he said. “I shall cook for both of us, since I suspect you will just poison us if left to your own devices.”

Harry nodded. As much as he hated to admit it, the Potion’s master was probably right. “And what about sleeping arrangements?” he asked, grinning mentally.

“We can flip a coin for the bedroom,” the older man suggested. He noticed Harry’s grimace. “Oh, very well! I suppose we can spell the bed big enough so that it will accommodate the both of us with room to spare. You don’t snore, do you, Potter?”

Harry grinned. “I’ve not had any complaints yet,” he said.

Severus snorted. “Well, we shall see, I suppose.”

Standing up, he tipped his head back and drained his cup, missing Harry’s fascinated stare at his throat.

“Well, better go change,” he said. “I planned a walk on the beach this evening before dinner.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Harry said.

Severus rolled his eyes. “I suppose it makes sense to do activities together if there is interest. Let me put some clothes on and we can go.”

As he walked out of the kitchen, Harry muttered under his breath. “No need to dress on my account.”

Severus paused for a brief moment and then continued. What had that statement meant? Surely it wasn’t possible...? Shrugging, he walked into the bedroom and opened the wardrobe, selecting a soft white cotton shirt and lightweight khaki slacks. Beach sandals completed the outfit.

Walking back out into the living room, he found Harry sprawled out on the couch dozing. He took a moment to observe his former student, now fellow professor.

The dark circles under the younger man’s eyes spoke eloquently of his exhaustion and his skin was far too pale, contrasting with the sooty lashes that lay against them. He was also far too thin, although he still showed evidence of his former Quidditch prowess in his well developed thigh and arm muscles.

Severus briefly considered leaving him to sleep, but then relenting, he reached down and shook him awake.

Harry’s startling jade eyes opened and stared straight into Severus’ onyx. He lay there for a moment, drowning in the black depths and then he came back to himself.

“Sorry, guess I dozed off,” he mumbled huskily, sitting up and running a hand through his unruly hair.

Severus hesitated and then offered him his hand to stand up.

The only sign of Harry’s surprise was a raised eyebrow, but he accepted the hand with alacrity and was pulled up off the couch. Momentum made him stumble into Severus, who caught him in his sinewy arms.

The two men froze and then Harry moved away. Severus thought he caught a whiff of sandalwood and then he, too, stepped back.

“Shall we go?” he asked.

Harry nodded and started towards the door. Severus took in the sway of his hips and the curve of his arse before he caught himself. Merlin, I’m checking Potter out! I thought I was done with this?

He shook himself and followed the ex-Seeker, vowing to keep his eyes strictly above the waist.

~

They had a pleasant walk on the beach. Severus found himself surprised at how knowledgeable Harry was about the indigenous flora on the island. When they had come across a patch of rare wild amber berries, Severus could scarcely believe it when both he and the DADA Professor pulled out knives to harvest some.

“Two can do it better than one,” Harry’d replied when Severus had questioned him about it. Harry had handed his entire cache over to Severus when done, their fingers brushing against each other at the exchange.

And now they were sitting under a shady tree, sipping the cold sodas that Harry had shrunk and placed in his pocket before leaving the cottage.

Harry’s eyes were distant as he looked over the horizon. Severus found himself sneaking looks at his companion, as the setting sun turned his skin a golden bronze.

Settling back onto a tree stump, Severus sighed.

Harry looked at him curiously, noting how the reflected beams of the sunset softened the harsh planes of the Potion master’s face.

“How is it that you are not vacationing with your family, Potter?” Severus finally asked.

Harry snorted. “Vacation? With my family? Those two things are mutually exclusive, Professor.”

“What do you mean? And we’ll be here together for a whole week, we might as well call each other by our given names, Harry.”

Harry stared for a moment and then nodded. Fine with him.

“Well then, Severus. I am not on vacation with my family because I have had no contact with them since graduating. And we are all much happier with that arrangement.”

“I had supposed that they would be suitably in awe of all your achievements, Po... Harry,” the Potions master said.

Harry sighed and leaned back against the tree. “Do you really want to hear about it, or would you like to keep your current opinion?” he asked, eyes closed.

Severus blinked. What did he want? It was easy to dismiss Harry as an attention mongering fool, but maybe things were not as he’d thought.

“I would like to know the truth, Harry,” he said finally.

Harry laughed mirthlessly. “You sure? I’ll bet it makes it easier to hate me if you keep all your current ideas about me...”

“Just get on with it, Po... Harry,” Severus sneered. After all, how bad could it be?

About forty five minutes later, Severus was no longer sneering. Merlin, Harry’s childhood was as bad as mine, he thought.

Harry, in the meantime, had come to a stop, once again silently watching the serene sunset. The sun had almost disappeared over the horizon and the sky was now painted in deep blue, lavender and amber tones.

Severus didn’t know what to say. “I... I had no idea, Harry” he said hesitantly. “I thought that those stories were invented to make you seem sympathetic.”

The Gryffindor shrugged. “It’s over now,” he said softly. “I’ve escaped and I will never have to see them again. No more being beaten, screamed at, or starved. I survived, and I’m stronger because of it. But, as a consequence, I have no desire to ever spend vacation time, or any other time, with them.”

“Understandable,” Severus replied. “It is much the same between me and my family.”

Harry looked back at Severus curiously. “Want to talk about it?” he asked.

“Perhaps another time,” Severus said. “For now, it’s getting late and I’m getting hungry.” As if to confirm that, his stomach growled, much to his embarrassment and to Harry’s amusement.

Rising smoothly to his feet, Harry offered a hand up to Severus and then the two men headed back to the cottage, each caught up in his own thoughts.

~

Dinner was a very simple meal. The kitchen had been well stocked, but both men had wanted a cold meal because of the heat, to which they were unaccustomed.

Harry sat back, sated after the meal of salad and poached salmon, with fresh fruit for dessert. Severus really was a superb cook. Harry had watched his deft hands as he’d prepared the meal, wondering what they would feel like moving over him, fondling him. When his body had started to react, he’d deliberately shut down that line of thinking.

Severus had enjoyed cooking for an obviously appreciative audience. Harry had eaten every crumb on his plate. Severus hummed as he cleared the last of the dishes. A quick swish of his wand and they were clean and stacked in the cupboards.

The sun had now fully set and it was dark out. The flickering lights of the torches gave a romantic glow to the cottage that was not lost on either man. They settled in for some reading before bed.

“Merlin, he’s striking,” Harry thought, sneaking surreptitious glances at the older man as he pretended to read a book. Good thing there won’t be a test on this, Harry thought, because I have no idea what I am reading right now.

Severus was having the same problem. Harry’s skin looked so soft, the Potion’s master found himself wondering what it would feel like, what it would taste like. Harry’s skin had turned even more bronze from sun exposure, and it seemed to Severus almost as if Harry was glowing in his corner of the room.

Harry shifted, licking his lips as he turned a page.

Oh for... Severus stood up abruptly. “I’m going to bed now. See you tomorrow.”

Harry looked up, his bottom lip caught in his teeth, and Severus almost groaned aloud.

“What are our sleeping arrangements?” Harry asked.

“I enlarged the bed so that there should be plenty of room for both of us,” Severus said. “Unless you would rather I stayed out here...”

“Oh no,” Harry said. “I’m fine with the one bed. It makes sense for both of us to use it. This place is too small to make two rooms into bedrooms.”

Severus nodded and then stalked out of the room. It was a bit less effective than usual without his robes flapping about him, however.

Harry sighed and looked back down at the book. It was making no sense anyway. He’d give Severus a chance to wash up for bed, then he’d head in himself. He was pretty tired.

Severus pulled on his sleep pants and settled into the bed. He had doubled its size and there was easily enough room for himself, Harry, and several more people. Plumping his pillow he settled with his back to the door and closed his eyes.

He heard Harry enter the room only a few minutes later. He kept his eyes closed as he listened to the sounds of the other man’s evening routine, and then he felt the bed dip as the Gryffindor crawled in. A bit of bouncing and Harry was settled.

“Goodnight, Severus,” Harry whispered after turning out the lights with a whispered “nox.”

“Goodnight,” Severus replied, wondering how he was going to sleep with Harry but a few feet away. Evidently he was in real need of a vacation however, since he dropped off almost immediately.

~

Warmth. Warmth and comfort were what greeted Severus upon awakening. Then, the source of the warmth moved and Severus moaned softly in protest. Breath against his cheek reminded him that he was not alone and his eyes blinked open to the light of early morning. The light that showed the beautiful face of Harry Potter right beside him.

Severus tried to move, to free his right arm which had somehow wrapped itself around Harry during the night, but his treacherous body was not cooperating. Particularly not his lower body which appeared to be reaching for Harry.

The older man shifted, trying to edge his erection away from Harry’s warm hip. It was made more difficult when Harry shifted and threw his right leg over the Potion’s master.

Severus’ breath sped up slightly, and his left hand, which had been buried in Harry’s hair, stroked lightly before he realized what he was doing.

With a smothered oath, Severus pulled his hand away from Harry’s soft hair and edged his way out from under him. When he was finally free, he scrambled to the bottom of the bed and climbed out awkwardly.

Looking back at his sleeping companion, a quick smile graced his lips. No wonder he’d had Harry all over him. The Gryffindor was sprawled out across about three quarters of the bed taking up far more space than should have been possible.

Shaking his head, he headed for their bathroom, missing the smirk on Harry’s face as he cracked open one eye to look at the Potion master’s arse as he walked away.

Hearing the shower turn on, Harry sat up in bed and ran a hand through his unruly hair. He’d been half asleep for about forty five minutes, basking in the warmth of Severus’ arms. His neglected erection throbbed and he absently fisted it as he considered what to do.

A slow grin spread over his face.

~

Severus was humming lightly as he washed himself. He’d already decided that he would be going on a nice hike to look for interesting foliage. He imagined Harry might come with him, but even if the younger man didn’t, it would give him some alone time. Time in which to sort through his own confused feelings.

The fact that he had lain awake for a while before getting out of bed, listening to Harry breathe and basking in the warmth of his arms, was disturbing. They still had several days left of this holiday, how was he to cope with this attraction?

He grasped his erection, which hadn’t flagged in the least since he’d been thinking about Harry, and stroked it lightly. He had to do something about his instinctive reaction to the other man before this got out of hand.

Suddenly, the door to the bathroom opened and Harry walked in. The shower was open to the bathroom and Severus found himself, cock in hand, facing the star of his fantasies.

Harry stood there, his gaze taking in a sleek, wet Severus pleasuring himself. His own cock jumped in response and he licked his lips.

“Need some help with that?” he asked huskily.

Severus goggled. Harry wanted to touch him? His cock hardened more at the thought of Harry’s hands, or even better, his mouth on him.

Harry stepped closer, but the movement seemed to bring Severus back to his senses.

“Harry! I... er...” Severus cursed to himself at his atypically inarticulate response.

Harry’s eyes dropped and he started backing out of the room, cursing himself for assuming that this glorious man would be interested in him. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I... I’m sorry. I’ll just leave now...”

“Wait!”

And it was official. Severus had lost his mind. He had just asked Harry Potter to stay and watch him as he masturbated. Severus closed his eyes and waited for the laughter. His eyes snapped open when a firm hand laid itself over his and started stroking.

Harry was looking up at him through his lashes, mouth open, breathing fast. The hot look in his jade eyes made Severus’ breath hitch.

“Why don’t you remove your clothes and join me?” Severus asked, amazed at the words coming out of his mouth. Who was this bold stranger who had taken over his body anyway?

Whoever he was, Harry seemed to approve. A grin split his face and, after a few muttered words, Harry was naked and wet and standing right next to Severus, his throbbing cock pulsing against the older man’s hip. Their hands moved together, and as Harry leaned forward to suck some water off of Severus’ chest, the older man’s head tipped back and he moaned loudly.

As a wicked tongue worked over his skin and their combined hands sped up, Severus trembled as pleasure quickly overwhelmed him. Ecstasy pulsed through him and he came, spilling his warm seed over his and Harry’s joined hands.

“Beautiful,” Harry whispered, nibbling kisses into Severus’ neck.

Severus sighed as he felt Harry’s throbbing warmth pushing against him. “Thank you,” he said softly.

He sank to his knees and did what he’d wanted to do ever since Harry had become his colleague. He nuzzled the base of the weeping cock in front of him, and, with a long lick from base to tip, he swallowed Harry whole.

He smiled around his mouthful as Harry moaned. Severus licked and sucked, wordlessly encouraging Harry to thrust. And Harry obliged, his hips moving smoothly as he rocked in and out of Severus’ talented mouth.

Harry didn’t last long either. He looked down at Severus’ lips wrapped around his thickness, and the sight was too much. His cock spasmed and he came, pulsing and screaming, pouring his gift down Severus’ welcoming throat.

He seemed to come forever, and Severus took everything he had to give, swallowing around his sensitive flesh until he whimpered, slouching over the older man as he tried to stay upright.

Severus pulled off with one last suck and gently lowered Harry to the tiled floor, wrapping his arms and legs around him. They knelt against each other for a long moment while the cooling water cascaded around them.

Severus felt his insecurities coming to the fore. Merlin, what was I thinking? he thought. Gods, why would I think a young and vibrant Gryffindor would want a dour old Slytherin....?

Harry reached up and pulled him into a wet, hot, deep kiss, and his mind spiraled away. When he pulled back he smiled gently at the dazed look on the older man’s face.

“You think too much,” he said. “Can we please just enjoy this? I’ve wanted you for so long now...”

Severus nodded, dazed. Harry wanted him? Beyond this quick encounter, Harry wanted him?

They stayed in the shower for a few more moments and then, by mutual agreement, helped each other out of the shower. A whispered word, and the water turned off. They dried off sided by side, each man stealing surreptitious glances at the other as they dressed.

Severus was ready first. “We need to talk,” he said.

Harry nodded. Yes, they did. Pulling on his shorts and a t-shirt he followed the taller man out of the bath and through the bedroom into the kitchen.

He sat and watched as the Potions master deftly prepared tea and toast. Harry clutched the warm mug as though it was a lifeline, and he studied the amber tea intently.

Severus sat down across from him and took a fortifying sip.

“Did you mean what you said before?” Severus asked finally.

Jade green eyes met glittering black. “Yes,” Harry whispered. “I’ve wanted you for ages. I’m sorry if I forced you into this...”

Severus snorted. “You hardly forced me, Harry,” he said. “Did you notice me pushing you away at any point?”

“Well, no.”

“Well then stop that nonsense about forcing me in to anything,” Severus said. “This morning was glorious. I don’t know if you want to continue what we started or not, but I certainly do not regret it.”

Harry sipped his tea, eyes smiling over the rim at his new lover. “Where do we go from here?” he asked.

“It depends,” Severus said.

“On?” Harry almost dropped his mug when Severus rose and, circling the table, pulled Harry out of his chair and into his arms.

“On whether or not we want to do it again,” he murmured before he captured Harry’s lips with his own.

This time it was a slow, sensual exploration of Harry’s mouth. There was no rush. Severus took his time to map out his lover’s responses, loving every low whimper that sounded in his throat. He dueled Harry’s tongue into submission, and only when Harry was clutching at him did he pull back to nibble soft kisses onto his jaw.

“So do we?”

Harry couldn’t process the question. Why were they talking when they could be stretched out on that bed, with Severus inside him taking him to ecstasy?

“Nghn,” Harry said, as Severus nipped at his collarbone. His hands crept under Severus’ shirt and found the soft skin hiding beneath.

Severus moaned and started backing Harry towards the bedroom.

“You have to tell me you want this, Harry,” he muttered, shuddering as Harry’s hands roamed his back. They bumped into wall, and Harry pulled him in closer.

“Want this, want you....” Harry sighed, grinding his cock into Severus’ warm body.

Harry was rocking against him in a totally focused way, making the older man seriously contemplate “up against the wall” sex. Pity I am too old for that, he thought, almost laughing at the mental image.

He wasn’t laughing for long, though. Harry had slipped his hands into the back of his pants and was clutching at the globes of his arse, trying to pull him closer.

Severus continued backing them towards the bedroom. He had a sudden urge to have Harry spread out in front of him, bathed by the light of the sun as they made love.

As they stumbled into the bedroom, attached at the lips, Severus cracked one eye open and pushed Harry in the general direction of their bed. They landed together, still kissing, Harry’s hands working their way under Severus’ shirt.

“Shouldn’t have even put clothes on,” Harry murmured. “They just get in the way.”

Severus was too busy licking Harry’s chest to answer, although his light bite on his new lover’s nipple did cause a reaction. Harry bucked upwards, his fingers tangling in Severus’ hair.

“No clothes the rest of the week, then,” the older man muttered, making Harry laugh weakly. His laugh turned to a low moan when Severus kissed his way down to his navel and circled it with his tongue.

Harry hissed in pleasure as he felt that wicked muscle moving slowly over him, learning him. The man was a devastatingly good lover, and Harry would tell him so, as soon as he could speak coherently.

“Gnngh,” he said eloquently, his hips canting off the bed as Severus expertly rolled his balls in his long fingers, while still licking along his flat stomach. Harry’s hands clutched at Severus’ shoulders, leaving bruises.

Severus hummed as Harry’s wild taste burst over his tongue. He loved the sounds his young lover made as he explored him at his leisure. He studiously avoided the part of Harry that was begging for his touch and concentrated instead on his hip bones and his inner thighs.

Harry was begging, pleading with his hands and voice and body. He was supremely focused on mating with his lover and kept spreading his legs wider trying to entice Severus to slide into him.

Severus needed very little enticement. He slicked his finger with lubricant oil and slid it over the tight aperture, causing Harry to emit a liquid, gasping moan. “Please...” he whimpered.

The Potions master licked around the root of his young lover’s cock even as he stretched him in preparation for his loving invasion. When he had three fingers in his beautiful, green eyed lover, Severus finally pulled them out and guided his slicked cock to that enticing entrance.

At the first push, Severus was inside and was consumed by the tightness, the heat. Harry tilted his hips and tried to pull Severus in deeper, begging for more, more, more. He moaned brokenly as the older man’s body covered him and then started pounding into him in smooth, controlled strokes.

Severus watched Harry unravel from the pleasure. “Let me see you,” he whispered and Harry’s eyes fluttered open. They were filled with such emotion, Severus could not credit it. He leaned down and slipped his tongue into Harry’s mouth, swallowing his moans and cries.

As they kissed, the older man continued thrusting into his lover, his strokes becoming more erratic as he was overcome with pleasure. Finally he pulled his tongue out of Harry’s mouth and emitted a keening noise that blended with Harry’s scream as they came simultaneously; the evidence of Harry’s ecstasy spilling between them in hot spurts as Severus emptied himself into Harry’s welcoming warmth.

As he lay panting, his face tucked into the curve of Harry’s shoulder, Severus could feel everything. The trickle of Harry’s come as it was squeezed from in between them, the way Harry’s arse still held his now flaccid length as if not wanting it to leave him, the drip of his own come as it left Harry and the sweet, loving way Harry’s hips cradled him. He licked at the sweaty skin by his mouth, enjoying the musky smell that they had created together.

Harry’s arms wrapped tighter around him and he sighed in contentment.

“The beauty of such an isolated vacation,” Severus said softly, “is that we can simply remain here in this bed all the time if we want to, and not move.”

Harry chuckled. “As appealing as that is,” he said. “We might get, you know, hungry and thirsty and stuff.”

“This ‘stuff’ you refer to. Will it require your leaving this bed?” Severus asked.

Harry laughed softly. “Occasionally,” he said. “But only for short periods of time.”

The Potions master huffed. “Very well. I will allow it, but only for very short periods of time.”

“And who says we have to keep our activities confined to bed?” Harry asked, shifting into a more comfortable position. “I kind of like the thought of your taking me on the sand, beside that huge ocean out there.”

“Would you say that this is a fantasy of yours?” Severus asked silkily. He heard the smile in Harry’s voice as he answered.

“Well, it’s been a fantasy of sorts ever since I saw your luscious body stretched out on the sand that first day... Gods... yesterday! That was yesterday.”

“Yes, that means we have but six more days left here together. Let’s make the most of it, shall we?”

Before Harry could answer, Severus rolled onto his back, pulling Harry on top of him. “I too have a few fantasies, Harry,” he whispered. “Perhaps we can negotiate.”

The sound of joyous laughter echoed through the room all day.

~

“Just one more day left,” Harry said as he lay in Severus’ arms under a shady tree. Long fingers that had been carding through his hair faltered, and then resumed the movement.

“Yes,” Severus said evenly. “True.” He paused and then continued speaking while stroking Harry’s silky hair. “I... Nothing has to change back at school if you do not want it to, Harry,” he finally said, stumbling uncharacteristically over the words. “I do not want you to feel under any obligation to continue our relationship if you do not want to...”

The rest of his words were smothered by Harry’s lips as he lunged out of his comfortable position and kissed Severus silent. Straddling his lover, he ran deft fingers through the loose, dark hair as he explored the older man’s mouth for the umpteenth time.

Pulling back when breathing became an issue, he glared at his lover who was dazedly recovering.

After having spent the week together, Harry now knew that you had to show Severus something before he would believe it. The older man had been lied to too many times in his life, his childhood remarkably similar to Harry’s in that respect.

“Does that seem like I’m doing anything that I don’t want to?” Harry asked. Staring into inky black depths he took a deep breath and decided to come clean.

“I didn’t know if you wanted to discuss this or not,” he said, eyes locked intently with Severus’, “but I want us to continue this when we get back. I know you mentioned a holiday fling earlier but I...” he paused and then plunged. “I... I’m falling in love with you, Sev,” he confessed, eyes trained on Severus’ throat as his fingers nervously played with the edge of his lover’s short sleeved shirt. “I thought that you should know.”

Severus froze and then he gathered his lover to him. “I... I am honored, Harry,” he whispered against fragrant hair. “I cannot say that I am particularly experienced when it comes to loving someone, but be assured that I care deeply for you.”

Harry sighed. He had known it would take a lot to get Severus to admit to loving him. He was sure that the snarky older man did, just from his actions that week, but it would have been nice to hear the words....

“I know you do, Sev,” he replied, deciding to let it go.

They sat like that for a long while, each soaking up the comfort emanating from the other before deciding that it was time to go back inside and eat. Disentangling themselves reluctantly, they walked hand in hand back to the cottage, a comfortable silence between them.

Harry had discovered that Severus was a very tactile person. Most evenings, unless they were making frantic, wild love in their bed, they were wrapped around each other on the couch, simply cuddling. Those would be some of Harry’s best memories when he looked back at this week.

As they neared the house, Harry stepped down and stumbled hard on an uneven patch of ground. Severus tried to catch him, but it was too late. He fell and lay sprawled out on the grass, trying to catch his breath. Severus reached out a hand to help him and then all hell broke loose.

Harry yelped when he felt a sudden sharp sting on his exposed thigh. Looking down, he saw a large brown spider scuttling away. “Ow! Damnit!” he growled. “Bloody spiders!”

Severus stifled a laugh and then pulled Harry up. He had to catch him again when he swooned.

“Oh... don’t feel too good....” suddenly Harry slumped over in his arms, dead weight.

“Harry?” Severus prodded his lover, but he was now breathing erratically. “Damnit, Harry! Wake up!”

The precious body in his arms started to twitch, and Severus felt a cold frisson of fear run though him. Lifting Harry up in his strong arms, Severus took off at a dead run for the cottage. He kicked the door in and, rushing into the bedroom, laid him flat on the bed.

As he worked, he was muttering to himself. “Damn, damn, bloody bugs, bugger, bugger....”

He pushed the leg of Harry’s shorts far up to get a good look and hissed at what he saw. The bruise was already turning purple-black and was spreading, even as he watched. A small bubble of pus was oozing out of the wound and angry red streaks were leading away from the edges of the rapidly moving purple portion.

He had one chance. “Accio knife!” he snarled, and a small, sharp knife flew into his outstretched hand, slapping against his palm. He cut into the wound carefully and copious amounts of poisonous looking discharge spewed out, almost hitting him in the face.

Severus dug deeply into the wound, ignoring Harry’s moaning and thrashing as he desperately tried to get the poison out.

Harry’s breathing was uneven and his color wasn’t great, but at least it seemed to Severus that his lover wasn’t getting worse. Whatever kind of spider that had been, Harry was evidently deathly allergic to it.

When he had gotten as much of the poison out as he could, Severus hunted about the room visually for something with which to make a bandage. He spotted the edge of a clean sheet and Accio’d it over. A quick Scourgify sterilized his knife, and then he cut a strip of the fabric. He was already planning on what potion to make to pack in the wound. But he had to get his Harry stabilized first.

Tying the makeshift bandage tightly, Severus stood back and looked at Harry. His color was better, but he would need a potion to prevent any spread of this infection and possibly something for pain and to allow sleep.

The Potions master pushed up his sleeves and went to the kitchen to get to work. He stuck his head in every few minutes to check in his lover and each time Harry looked ok, if a bit pale. His breathing had evened out, allowing Severus a few moments respite before he had to start bottling the potions. He had three cauldrons going, not wanting to waste time making the potions separately. Thank Merlin this was a well stocked kitchen and he knew what he was doing!

When the potions were ready he stripped Harry, undid the bandage and poured one of the liquid concoctions directly into the wound. Harry arched up and moaned as the heated liquid seeped in, and Severus held him as he slowly calmed. Cutting another strip from the sheet, Severus rewrapped the wound tightly, and then gathered Harry in his arms. Lying beside him on the bed, he sighed deeply and then closed his eyes for a moment.

~

When he awoke, it was dark and his stomach was growling. Looking down at Harry, the events of the afternoon flooded back. He laid a hand on his lover’s brow. He sighed as it came away damp and warm. As he’d figured, his love would have to mount a fever to throw off the rest of the infection barreling through his system.

Grabbing the pain potion and some of the Dreamless Sleep Potion he’d made from earlier that day, he tipped them to Harry’s lips, petting the younger man’s throat to encourage him to swallow. He eventually did and then Severus laid him back on the bed and went to make something for a light supper.

It was a rough night. Severus sat in a chair that he pulled up next to the bed, afraid his body heat would drive Harry’s temperature even higher than it was, something that the younger man did not need.

He sipped tea and did manage to keep down a couple of biscuits, but he really wasn’t feeling inclined towards eating at the moment. Harry moaned and he jumped, going over to the bed to see if he was awake yet. He wasn’t and Severus sighed and ran a gently hand through damp locks.

“I wish I could have said this to you earlier,” he whispered. “I know it’s frustrating that I can’t tell you that I love you to your face, but I do. I think you know I do. I all but scream it when I’m inside you, when we make love.” He sat heavily on the bed and took Harry’s hand in his.

Blinking back tears, he continued. “I don’t know why you want to be with me,” he said. “I’m a morose curmudgeon who’s nothing great to look at, while you are young and beautiful with your whole life ahead of you.”

He continued speaking softly, spilling his soul to the pale, ill figure on the bed. Occasionally, Severus would get up and fetch more Potions to pour into his lover, and Harry would calm for a few minutes and then he would toss and turn some more.

The Potions master spent the night alternately sponging his lover down when his fever raged too high and covering him up when he was shivering.

Severus finally fell into an exhausted sleep when the sun was peeking over the horizon, his head next to Harry’s hand on the bed. He didn’t stir when Harry’s eyes blinked open confusedly, but he shot up when a gentle hand laid itself in his hair.

“Harry?” he said hoarsely.

The Gryffindor looked awful, but he was awake, and that was good enough for Severus. “How do you feel?” he asked.

Harry licked his lips and tried to smile. Severus smiled back and picked up the cup of water that he’d had waiting. “Try this,” he said.

Harry sat up to take a sip and Severus supported him, rubbing soothing circles in the small of his back. The younger man finally lay back, exhausted by the effort it had taken to sit up.

“What... what happened?” he gasped.

As Severus filled him in about the event that had happened overnight, Harry lay there and listened. His brain was till fuzzy from the Potions he’s taken, and he seemed to recall Severus talking to him all night. He was feeling better, however.

After Severus had helped him to go to the bathroom, the older man helped Harry to wash and dress and then packed and shrunk their luggage. Severus was trying to rush his lover because they only had a small window of opportunity to use the Portkey and he was concerned about a relapse.

After one last check to make sure they had not left anything behind, Severus pulled Harry to him and activated the Portkey. This time the navel pulling sensation did make Harry sick and he was literally puking when they landed back at the departure point in Hogsmeade.

Once Harry had recovered, Severus scooped him up and ran for Hogwarts. He was obviously in good shape, concern lending him strength for the trip.

When Severus pushed open the gates his arms full of a pale and wan Harry, he was spotted immediately and Hagrid walked over and scooped the Gryffindor into his large arms. “Rest now, Prof’sor Snape, sir,” he said, walking rapidly towards the school. Severus followed at a more decorous pace, catching his breath as he walked.

He made it to the infirmary a few minutes after Hagrid, and Poppy was already working on Harry. She clucked as she worked. She looked up when Severus walked in.

“Ah, Severus! There you are. Can you tell me what happened?”

As the Potions master filled her in on details, she inspected Harry’s thigh carefully. The wound, while crudely packed and wrapped, was definitely healing nicely. “Good job, Severus,” she praised. “Healthy granulation tissue was filling in. You did all the work!”

She rewrapped it efficiently and then turned back to the older man. “Now that you have access to your lab, you can make some more Pain Relief Potion. And this will allow Harry a chance to recover while I finish my tests.”

Severus nodded curtly and with a lingering look at Harry, he turned on his heel and walked out. Harry sighed and closed his eyes. Damn, Severus had not even said goodbye. He’s probably trying to think of a way of getting out of any relationship with me, Harry thought miserably, a tear leaking out of the side of his left eye and down his cheek.

Poppy saw that he was upset and patted his cheek gently. “It will be all right, Mr. Potter,” she said, mistakenly thinking that he was in pain. “I have some Pain Potion right here. Drink this, dear.”

As Harry slipped off to sleep, Poppy was smiling, but a few hours later after she had run her tests, she wasn’t smiling anymore. She ran them again just to be sure and then she sat and thought about the best way to break the news to Harry.

~

The next time Harry awoke he saw Hermione and Draco sitting there next to his bed, chatting. They both looked at him when he whispered hello.

“Hey! There you are!” Hermione said cheerfully. “Welcome back!”

“Did you enjoy your vacation?” Draco asked slyly. “Did our plan work?”

Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I... I wish I hadn’t gone,” he said softly. “It would almost be better to not have seen what could be.”

His friends exchanged a quick, concerned look. “What could be? So, you and Severus hit it off?” Hermione asked.

The brunet nodded, eyes still closed. “You could say that,” he said. “But then I had to go and get sick. I guess I disgusted him, because he hasn’t been back to see me since yesterday.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Harry?” Draco asked. “He spent all night here watching over you! He only just went to his Potions Lab to brew you more Dreamless Sleep. He should be back at any minute...”

At that moment, Severus strode back into the room carrying an assortment of Potions bottles. He froze when he looked into Harry’s liquid emerald eyes. “You’re awake,” he breathed.

Harry nodded, mesmerized by the look in his lover’s obsidian eyes.

Neither of them noticed as Draco and Hermione tiptoed out.

“How are you feeling?” Severus asked.

“Much better,” Harry said, dropping his eyes to the blanket. “I... I’m sorry I ruined your vacation.”

Severus sat down on the side of his lover’s bed. “You didn’t ruin anything! I had the best time ever. I... Gods, Harry I was so scared! Why didn’t you tell me you were allergic to spiders?”

“I wasn’t before,” Harry said. “I had no idea.”

“And he’s not now,” Poppy said, walking into the room, smiling.

Severus turned to face her, clasping Harry’s hand in his. Her sharp gaze did not miss the gesture and she smiled warmly. “That wasn’t an allergic reaction, that was a reaction with all the hormones floating around his body because of his condition.”

“My what?” Harry shivered and drew closer to Severus, who put an arm over his shoulders.

Poppy smiled. “It’s nothing bad, boys,” she said, glancing between them. “Congratulations to you both! You’re pregnant, Harry!”

~

“Harry! Over here!”

Hermione bounced and waved as Harry walked towards her. He looks great, she thought. Whoever talked about the glow of pregnancy wasn’t kidding.

She stood up and pulled out a chair for him. He smiled gratefully and lowered himself carefully into it. When he was settled he took a deep breath.

“So, how’s married life?” she said, Accio’ing a menu over to the table.

He shocked her by bursting into tears.

Hermione was horrified. “Oh, Harry! What’s wrong?” she asked, moving her chair around to his side of the table so that she could hug him. He cried for a while and then wiped his ears on his sleeve.

“I... I think Severus only married me because of the baby,” he sighed.

“Harry, how could you say that?” Hermione hugged him closely. “It’s obvious to everyone that Severus adores you, and you him. You’re perfect together.”

Harry shook his head. “I do love him, and I think he loves me, he just can never say it.”

The clever witch pursed her lips. “Perhaps you should go on another vacation,” she suggested.

Harry shrugged. “I just have to decide if I can live with a man who never says ‘I love you’,” he said softly.

“But he shows you every day, doesn’t he?” Hermione asked.

“I... yes, he does,” Harry said. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to burden you with this. Let’s talk about something else.”

Hermione agreed, but as they chatted casually her mind was working furiously for a solution to Harry’s problem. By the end of the afternoon, Harry had had his fill of pumpkin ice cream, was flushed and smiling, and seemed happy.

Hermione decided to make an appointment with Severus Snape the very next day.

~

“Hello, Severus. I’m home.”

The Potions master smiled and turned around, greeting his lover and husband with a smile and a kiss. “Hello,” he said, patting Harry’s bulging stomach. “And how are you both today?”

Harry sat down on a chair and sighed with relief. “Poppy says I’m fine and that the baby is fine. She offered to tell me the sex, but I refused again. I still want to be surprised.”

“Hermione came to see me today,” Severus said, once he too was seated.

Harry looked away. “Oh? What did she want?” he asked.

“She told me about how upset you are that I cannot articulate my feelings for you,” the older man said softly. “But, we have come up with a solution.”

Harry looked up and saw his lover holding out a bowl with silvery liquid in it. He glanced back up to Severus’ face, startled.

“Oh, Sev. You don’t have to do that....”

“Yes, Harry, I do. It’s my memory of the vacation where we ended up together. It’s that last night. I think it will allay your fears.”

Rising, the older man smiled gently and handed his lover and husband the bowl, walking out with a swirl of black robes.

Harry took a deep breath and plunged his face into the liquid.

~

Severus braced himself when he heard footsteps outside of their bedroom door. The door closed quietly and then the bed dipped.

“I’m sorry that I’ve been so needy,” Harry said in the dark. “Thank you for sharing that with me, and I realize that I haven’t been too good at telling you how I feel either.”

Another shift on the bed, and Severus could feel the press of Harry’s round belly against his back as the younger man curled up against him.

“I love you, Severus,” he said. “I’ve loved you since I was your student. You have made me feel things that I had never felt before, and I am profoundly grateful. I know that you love me. You show me every day. The words shouldn’t matter, and they don’t. You never have to say it. I will understand....”

Severus rolled over and gathered Harry into his arms. “Yes, I do,” he said. “I do have to say it. And it occurs to me that of anyone in the world, you deserve to hear it. So.... I love you, Harry. You are my life. I, like you, had a hard childhood and I never heard those words, but I reacted differently than you did. I shut myself off until you came into my life. I don’t want that for our child. So, I want you to tell me every day that you love me, and I will strive to do the same. Is that acceptable?”

Harry didn’t give a verbal answer, but the kiss he bestowed on Severus seemed to be quite a satisfactory response.

~

Harry walked in to his home and took of his robe. Hanging it up, he listened carefully for signs of his husband’s and son’s location. A cheerful burble let him know that they were upstairs in the nursery and he walked up the stairs.

He stood transfixed at the door for a long time drinking in the sight.

Severus Snape, the most feared Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was playing on the floor with a cherub faced, dark haired, green eyed baby. The older man was on his back, allowing his child to clamber all over him and Sirius Potter-Snape was loving it, gurgling his happiness loudly.

Tears gathered in Harry’s eyes and he smiled. At that moment, Severus saw him and beckoned for him to come in and join them.

As he sat down on the floor and pulled Sirius into his arms, he leaned over and gave his husband a loving kiss.

“I love you,” he whispered as he pulled back.

“I love you, too,” Severus answered easily. “And you,” he continued, kissing the top of Sirius’ head.

“We know,” Harry said.

“Have you had a chance to think about another vacation?” Severus asked. “Minerva has agreed to let us go away again, and this time we don’t have to worry about spiders, since you’re not really allergic.”

Harry smiled up at his husband. “Actually, we do have to worry about spiders,” he said.

It took Severus a moment, but he finally realized what his lover was telling him. With a loud whoop, the Potions master scooped up his son and husband into his arms and hugged them. Sirius squirmed, Harry laughed and Severus cried.

“What did Poppy say?” the older man finally asked when things were calmer.

“I’m due in February. I’ll be pregnant Professor Potter-Snape again.”

Severus chuckled and took Sirius off of Harry’s hands as he was getting restless. Placing their son on the floor between them, he pulled Harry into his arms for some serious cuddling.

Harry sighed and laid his head on Severus’ strong shoulder. He could almost feel their child growing inside him and he smiled contentedly. He finally had all that he could wish for. Looking into Severus’ loving eyes, he knew that, at last, his life was complete.

~Fin