Survival Bonds

Chapter 77: Honeymoon

His eyes are closed in relaxation. His head lightly against my shoulder. His fingers are intertwined in mine as we once again sit on this sofa. Reta Skeeter presses the disenchanted quill to her lips.

"You both have been out of touch with the population recently. Can you truly say that the war is over?"

"Most definitely." Severus hums in contentment beside me. "Albus Dumbledore is gone and the magical world is finally at peace." She smiles and allows her quill to begin writing.

"Can you tell me anything about the battle?" Severus's eyes open and I immediately steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Severus and I defeated him together. We would rather look to the future from here on. We have renewed our bond and it is stronger than ever." Severus's eyes close again. He's been tired lately. It's partially my fault. Poppy wouldn't allow us out of the medical wing until she was positive that we were both well. Severus wouldn't leave my side.

And any moment I was allowed to enjoy my new groom- I did.

He's slept some, but I'm very taken with him. And he seems just as happy to be embraced.

Rita asks a few more questions and I answer them while Severus relaxes against me. He wouldn't normally be so defenseless, but I think he's realized that the war really is over. His bonds and shackles were all broken and any bond he makes is one that he has chosen. It's a level of freedom that I know he hasn't ever experienced.

"And what will you two do now with your newfound freedom?" I smile at her.

"Severus and I are going on our honeymoon. We are going to be out of the media for as long as we desire. Only a few people are going to know where we will be and how to reach us. We are going to be traveling and enjoying this peace that is finally here." She smiles and thanks us for the interview. Severus takes my arm and we apparate away. We already have our luggage shrunken down and in our pockets. This was the last thing I had on my agenda before I was ready for us to leave.

But Severus has a task as well.

The stone brings up swirling emotions.

James Potter. Lily Potter.

The grave in Godric's Hollow is barren and I feel like I should tend to it. Maybe leave flowers some time. Severus didn't say that we were stopping here. He never said anything about this- only saying that he had some business to do before we left that he really should have done sooner.

I thought it would be something like emptying out a vault or repaying a debt. I really wasn't sure. But I didn't expect to see my parents grave. I've never been here. I never wanted to come here. Maybe that makes me a bad son, but it just stirs up the empty feeling of being alone that I've already tried to silence.

"Lily, I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've visited." He's kneels in front of the grave. "I promised you that once this war was over then I would break the bond between myself and your son. I promised you that I would not steal his freedom away and I would allow him to find someone that he could find happiness with. I'm sorry Lily, but I've fallen in love with your son. I know that my love for him is unconventional. I'm sure that I am not someone you would wish for your son, but I will do everything in my power to see to it that he is happy and never wants for anything. We are a good match- me and your son. He makes me happy in a way I didn't know was possible. I believe I am good for him as well. I don't think anyone could love him as much as I do. I know that you may not be able to forgive me for taking your son, but all I can do is ask for your forgiveness because I can't bare to give him back."

It's quiet. I say nothing as the swirl of emotions subside. My mother was always at the forefront of his mind. I believe that he did love her- in a way. After a long pause he stands and gathers me in his arms.

"If there is anything you ever want or need please tell me."

"All I've ever wanted was a family. And I have that now." He laughs lightly and I can feel the pull of apparating.

The only one able to find and contact us is Niffy or her children. They are following us on our little journey. Neither of us have really planned or set a course. There are places of course that we may happen upon, but we are going wherever the wind takes us. To America to see what neither of us have ever seen, and to the far country side. North where snow always falls. Everywhere.

Severus has never been permitted to go very far due to his master's various orders- and the shackles that he himself placed. He wishes to see everything he has read about.

I have my own agenda. I wish to see Severus's eyes light up in as many locations as possible. The Aroura can make Severus's eyes sparkle with all of the beautiful polar lights. In the evenings we either find a suitable place to lodge, or apparate back home where Niffy will be waiting for us with a home cooked meal we can eat as a family.

As much as we both want to see the world, we also don't want to be away from our loved ones. Wendy will enthusiastically ask us about our adventures each night before sleep and Severus and I recount the day.

At night we lay in bed next to each other. Deciding where we should go the next day. Severus will lay his head on my arm and hum contently.

"Anywhere is fine Harry. Anywhere is fine as long as we are together." Right now we don't have a plan for the future. We don't have a plan to stop seeing the wonders this world has always had, but never shown us.

"I love you Severus."

"And I love you, you troublesome brat."

We don't have a plan for our future, but right now we aren't bothered. The future will come and it has it's place, but that's a story for another day.