Severus awoke to someone banging on his door. A quick look at his clock told him what his body already knew, that it was the middle of the bloody night.

He opened the door to find Harry holding a screaming baby. "Please, get her to stop. She's been crying for two hours. She's clean, warm, doesn't want more milk, and I've just about worn a hole through my floor walking her. What should I do?"

Severus ushered them into his room and waved his wand at the fire to get it to roar to life. "Give her to me." He put his wand down, and took the baby from the exhausted young man. 

Harry tried not to stare at Severus, but it was hard when the man was only wearing silk boxers. He had a long, lean torso with ropy muscles which rippled as he moved. His legs were long and surprisingly muscular.

Severus unwrapped Iris from her blanket, and pulled her small gown up to expose her tiny knees. He draped her over his right forearm, allowing her arms and legs to hang down to each side. His fingers were wrapped around one of her thighs, her head pressed against the crook of his elbow as he rested her side against his chest. Severus proceeded to gently jounce her up and down, and in moments she stopped crying.

"This works best if your arm is bare, and the heat from your body can reach her abdomen. For some reason, the pressure against their stomachs can help babies who have this type of distress. Babies usually find any type of rocking or bouncing soothing, but not too vigorous."

Severus stopped rocking her but continued to walk around the room for a few minutes, his other hand rubbing her small back. Severus stopped in front of couch and saw that Harry had fallen asleep. He took the baby and her blanket into the bedroom, and transfigured the chair back into a cradle before laying her down and covering her. 

Severus levitated Harry into the bedroom, and placed him on the bed. He crawled in beside Harry and covered them both, deciding that Harry and the baby might as well get a few hours of sleep in his room. Harry turned in his sleep and pressed himself against Severus' back, one arm resting on the older man's hip. Severus fell asleep with Harry's soft breath on his back.

Harry was basking in the warmth and comfort of his bed. He usually wasn't this blissfully warm, and he never really just wanted to lounge in bed like he did right now. Not that he'd really had a chance since Iris had been born. It was only as he tried to arch his back to stretch that he understood the warmth was from Severus being pressed against him. 

He remembered coming down with Iris because he had been unable to stop her tears. He sort of remembered Severus telling him how to soothe her, but it was more an impression of words rather than a clear recollection of a conversation. The other time that Harry had been in bed with Severus had been because Harry had crawled into the bed. This time, Severus had obviously put Harry there.

He could have let Harry sleep on the couch, but he had put him in his own bed. And then Severus had joined him. Severus murmured something indiscernible behind him, and he felt a warm hand slide over his hip. Harry's pajama top had ridden up, and Severus' hand pressed against the bare skin of Harry's stomach. Harry didn't know whether to jump out of the bed and risk waking Severus or pretend to be asleep and allow the man's hand to stay right where it was.

It was the whole rapidly beating heart and sweaty hand thing all over again. To make matters worse, if Severus moved his hand only slightly south he would encounter Harry's other reaction to being snuggled against the man. Harry wanted nothing more than to turn over and press himself against Severus, to let the man know in no uncertain terms how he was affected. Instead, he gently moved the hand and slid out of the bed. He quietly closed the bathroom door behind him, and climbed into the shower to take care of his throbbing erection.

Severus had woken up to Harry moving his hand. He only had seconds to enjoy the feel of the younger man against him before the warmth was gone, and Harry was closing the bathroom door. The sound of running water was soon doing little to mask the moans and keening sounds coming from behind the closed door. 

Severus was just sliding his hand into his boxers to take care of his own problem when Iris began to waken and cry. Damn. Severus found his robe and wand and summoned a house elf to request a bottle for the baby and tea for himself and Harry.

Severus was sitting on the couch with Iris when Harry came out of the shower. The baby had just finished her bottle, so Severus handed her to Harry so he could drink his tea before it became cold. Harry sat on the couch and patted the baby's back. He tried but failed to hold back the yawn, still tired despite the sleep and the shower.

"You're not getting enough sleep. You need to make some other arrangements for the baby. You have NEWTS beginning in two weeks, and you'll never pass if you sleep through the written portions."

"I'll be fine. They don't seem to matter so much anymore. I no longer want to be an Auror, or have anything to do with the ministry. I really have no idea what we'll do in after this next month, except maybe catch up on sleep."

"I will NOT let you give up now. I have not spent the last seven years teaching you, not to mention saving your hide on countless occasions, for you to give it all up now. You WILL sleep, you WILL study, and you WILL pass your goddamned exams. What kind of example would you be to this child if you simply give up, just when you're reaching the end?"

Iris began to wail as Severus shouted at Harry. 

"I never said I was giving up. I'll take the bloody exams. But what fucking difference does it make if I get two NEWTS or six NEWTS or fifty NEWTS?"

"There is no such thing as fifty NEWTS!"

"I know that! I'm not a complete imbecile, although you may think otherwise. I'm just saying that it won't be the end of the world if I don't get as many NEWTS as you think I should. I don't even know what the hell I'll be doing after school ends. I'm just trying to keep this juggling act going until school ends."

"And I am trying to tell you that maybe it is time to put one of the balls into someone else's hands. As you say, it's only for a short time."

"I love Mrs. Weasley, but I won't let her take over and try to be Iris' mother, or mine for that matter. I know she loves us, but I don't want her to run my life. You're right, I know you're right. I need to start getting a solid stretch of sleep, or I'll be a wreck before finals."

"If you won't let Molly help you, then at least let me. I can take over her three am feeding, and then you would be able to sleep from midnight until five or six."

"And how will you do that? You can't stay up half the night, either."

"I believe I can deal with several weeks of staying up late. I can do my grading and prep work until she has been fed, and then I can sleep until just before my first class. I will talk to Albus and let him know that the two of you will be staying here for the next few weeks."

"I think it would be better for you to come up and stay with us. My room has all her things. It's warmer, too."

"I need to be here in the dungeons as I am Head of Slytherin House. I would be remiss in my duties if a student needed me and I was nowhere to be found."

"Fine, I'll bring some of her bottles and nappies down here."

"I'll talk to Albus today. I can give you a small dose of a sleeping draught as soon as you put the baby to sleep tonight. It should ensure that you sleep as soon as you lay down, but should wear off in time for you to get up with the baby once she awakens."

Harry and Severus settled into their new routines surprisingly well. Harry would retire to his room after dinner to study and take care of Iris. He would wait until she started to become fussy near midnight before he would take her down to Severus' room. 

It was better to feed her in the potion masters' bedroom, because Harry would begin to fall asleep just watching Iris drink her milk. Her eyelids would droop and close as she would fall asleep with milk running out of the corner of her mouth. Harry would wipe her face and burp her before laying her in the cradle. 

He had no need of the sleeping draught Severus had offered, and was always asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. They never talked of sharing Severus' bed, they simply did. Neither had mentioned Harry sleeping elsewhere, and every morning Harry would awaken to find a long arm draped over him, and would savor the moment before getting up for the day. 

Harry was doing much better now for getting uninterrupted sleep, and five hours now felt like a complete nights rest. Severus was usually in his office when Harry arrived, and Harry would leave him sleeping in the morning while he and Iris would return to their rooms for an early breakfast for both of them.

Harry did surprisingly well on his NEWTS, although he scored better on the practical portions than on the theoretical ones. The headmaster had invited Harry to spend the summer at the castle to allow him time to make some arrangements for where he and Iris would be living. 

Harry and Iris went to the station to see Ron and Hermione off for the final time. Ron had surprised his friends by accepting an apprenticeship with a renowned maker of racing brooms. He was taking several weeks off to visit Charlie, and then he would be learning the intricacies of designing and making brooms. 

Hermione had decided to attend a small wizarding college in Switzerland, studying advanced arithmancy and ancient runes. Harry promised to owl them frequently and to send pictures of Iris. Hermione had bought Harry a wizard's camera as an early birthday present, so he really had no excuse not to keep his promises. 

Harry walked through Hogsmeade after the train left. Iris was sleeping peacefully in his arms, so he browsed in a few shops. He purchased some shirts for himself, and couldn't resist buying a black silk t-shirt for Severus. He purchased chocolate from Honeydukes, and headed back to the castle.

Once in his rooms, Harry packed a bag with supplies for Iris, grabbed a blanket from his bed, and headed down to the kitchens. Dobby was happy to prepare a basket of food for Harry, ignoring the young man's protests that he was packing too much. Harry told him where he would like the basket delivered, and asked Dobby to tell Professor Snape that he was invited for a picnic lunch.

Harry headed down toward the lake, and found the basket under the tree he had specified. He spread out the blanket, and laid Iris down on her back, watching with amusement as she waved her arms and gummed her small fist.

He dug into the contents of the basket and started spreading them out on the blanket. Harry looked up when a shadow fell over him. Severus was standing there in his teaching robes, looking around suspiciously.

"It's called lunch. Take off that robe and sit down. Come on, Severus. It's warm, there are no students, and Iris and I have seen you in much less. Get comfortable. Here, Dobby packed enough food for a small army."

Harry helped himself to cheese, apple slices, and crusty bread as Severus removed his robe to reveal a long sleeved white shirt and dark trousers. He watched as Severus removed his black boots, and left them on the grass next to Harry's trainers. 

Iris was still gurgling and waving her arm. Severus picked her up and held her so he could look directly into her face. Both were very still as they regarded each other. Severus felt he would never tire of looking into her dark eyes. Harry broke his contemplations by pushing a plate of food at him.

"Put her down and eat something. She seems to have discovered that her toes are perfect toys, so she won't mind playing while we eat."

Severus tried not to be obvious as he watched Harry eating grapes. The boy couldn't just put them in his mouth. No, he had to bite each one in half, and then lick the juice that ran down to his chin. Severus found himself shifting to adjust the strain of his trousers caused by that pink tongue.

"Severus, do you always spend the whole summer here at the school? You come from a pureblood family like the Malfoys. Is there a Snape Manor? Malfoy was always going on about the manor he grew up in."

"There was a Snape Manor. My father died while I was here at school, so I became the so called master. It was seized by the Ministry while I was a Death Eater. Malfoy had enough money and connections that he was able to retain his assets. I was not so fortunate. Like many old families, our worth was in the land and the buildings, and I simply had no capital to grease the necessary palms."

Severus was toying with his food, looking out at the lake as he spoke. "However, I inherited a small farm from my mother's people. I still retain that, and I spend a few weeks there each summer. It makes a pleasant change from the school, and the gardens are quite lovely. I typically leave the first week in July, and return at the beginning of August. If you would care to accompany me, I believe there is ample space for the three of us."

Harry didn't hesitate. "Thank you for the invitation. We'd love to join you. I've never actually been anywhere on holiday before."

Severus turned to look at him in surprise. "The muggles you lived with never went on holiday?"

"Oh, they did. I was never allowed to go with them. I always had to stay with Mrs. Figg down the street. So, if we leave in two or so weeks, I guess I should do some shopping. Iris is already growing out of the clothes Mrs. Weasley purchased for her."

"Then it appears a trip to Diagon Alley is in order. I have paperwork to organize, and I need to inventory my potions stores. If you can wait until next week, we can get clothing and potions ingredients all in one trip."

"Sounds perfect." Harry smiled as he saw Iris was asleep, one small hand clutching Severus' pant leg. Harry thought she had the right idea. He moved across the blanket and lay against the man's other leg, his head resting on the long, firm thigh. Severus carded his fingers through Harry's hair with one hand while the other stroked a tiny leg. Severus sighed with contentment and leaned back against the tree to rest.

It was only five days later when Harry's peace was shattered.

"Severus! Severus! Are you in here?"

"Harry? What's wrong? Is Iris okay?"

"She's fine. She's with Dumbledore. It's Caitlin. She's going back to the States, and she wants to see us before she goes. What am I going to do? What if she wants Iris? I won't let her take my daughter!"

"Calm down, Harry. I'll go with you, if you like. She's not going anywhere with your daughter. I'll make sure of it."

"I'm scared that she's changed her mind. I know I have all the paperwork, but what if she tries to have her taken from me?"

"Harry, you're thinking like a muggle. She has no way to find you or Iris, at least not as long as you live in the wizarding world. If you don't want her to see the baby, simply tell her. She truly has no recourse."

"No, I can't do that. I want to have the option to live as a muggle, and I can't do that if she has authorities looking for us. Hopefully she just wants to see her to say Good-Bye."

"You cannot bring her here, or anywhere in our world for that matter."

"I was thinking that we could make plans to meet her in London, muggle London. Would you mind wearing muggle clothes for the day?"

"I think I can bear the burden."

"Severus, what if she tries to take Iris?"

"Harry, we are wizards. The chit would never stand a chance. If it would make you feel better, I can place a locator charm on a bracelet, and when the baby wears it, you would always be able to find her."

"But someone could take the bracelet off!"

"Then I will make it a seamless band around her ankle, and charm it such that it will expand to always fit her, but none except you or myself could remove it. Would that suffice?"

Harry let out a relieved breath. "Yeah, that would make me feel better. Actually, just having you come with me will make me feel better."

"Then it's settled. Set up the meeting, and let's get this over with." In truth, Severus was intrigued by the idea of seeing the baby's mother. He himself had no worries about the baby's safety, and he would have no qualms about using magic to ensure that she remained safely with Harry.

Severus found the perfect gold baby bangle in a small shop in Hogsmeade. He showed it to Harry that evening.

"Now, we simply enlarge it to slip it over her foot and place it around her ankle. We set the size and a charm for it to enlarge at the same rate as the baby's ankle. I'll need a drop of your blood to activate to locator spell."

"Isn't blood magic illegal?"

"Mostly, yes. But this spell is not illegal because it`s only purpose is to provide a location of the bearer, and it will only work in a familial context."

Harry looked at Severus blankly. "Only a blood relative of the bearer can use this spell. For that reason, the Ministry has never labeled the spell as dark or illegal. It is, however, rather obscure."

Harry allowed Severus to nick his finger and drip it over the bangle as he intoned the spell. The blood seemed to seep into the gold, and then was gone.

"Thank you, Severus. I'll fire call the Grangers, and they can call Caitlin."

"It will be fine, Harry. I promise."

Harry, Severus, and Iris apparated to Diagon Alley. Harry was wearing black trousers with a dark green silk t-shirt. Severus was wearing the black silk t-shirt Harry had purchased for him, a black linen blazer, and charcoal grey trousers. Severus had tied his hair back, and Harry thought he had never looked more elegant or sexy. Iris was wearing tiny white socks with her pink dress and white jumper.

Harry carried Iris, while Severus carried a leather satchel slung over one shoulder. He had drawn the line at using Harry's baby bag and had procured the black leather satchel instead.

They moved steadily through the Leaky Cauldron, and out onto the streets of muggle London. Harry had gotten advice from Hermione's parents, and they were headed to a nearby caf which the Grangers frequented when they brought Hermione to Diagon Alley to purchase school supplies. The caf was small enough that if Severus had to use magic openly, he would be able to use a memory charm for anyone present.

Harry and Severus had arrived a few minutes early to check the area, and position themselves with their backs to the wall. Exactly on time, Caitlin walked through the door. She was alone, and looked hardly any different that she had the summer before.

She looked around quickly, her eyes lighting up as she found Harry.

"Harry, I wasn't sure if you'd really come."

"I said we'd be here. I don't break my word, Caitlin. Severus, this is Caitlin Davies. Caitlin, this is Severus Snape."

Caitlin hastily acknowledged Severus before turning her eyes to the baby in Harry's arms. "Oh, Harry. She looks so good. Look at those round little cheeks. I just had to be sure, Harry. I just had to see that you were taking good care of her. She looks so wonderful. May I hold her?"

Severus got up from his chair and offered it to Caitlin. She slipped into the chair, not noticing that in his new position Severus was effectively blocking her from leaving. Harry smiled gratefully at Severus before letting Caitlin hold the baby. He helped her position Iris before he moved back. Caitlin stroked the baby's cheek, and then gingerly touched her black hair, now coming in thicker. She ran her hand down over Iris' arm, her small knee, and down to her foot. She peeled back the small sock to look at the bangle around the baby's ankle.

"Harry, did you put this on her? How will you get it off? It looks much too small to go over her heel."

"It's fine, Caitlin, it has a hidden latch." He reached over and pulled the sock back up to cover the bangle.

"So, you're going back to the States?"

"Yes, my year at the flat is up, and I need to find a new place to live back home. I just wanted to see both of you once more before I left. Selfish of me, I know, but I needed to."

Severus had been staring at Caitlin intently while she talked with Harry. The shape of her face looked very familiar, as did her hair and her pale skin.

"Miss Davies, may I be so bold as to inquire as to who your people are?"

"I'm sorry, what do you mean my people?"

"Who are your parents? Grandparents? Where is your family from?"

"Well, my mum was Elizabeth Hanlon. She was British, but she moved to the States shortly before I was born. I don't know who my father was. My mother told me he was British, and that I was conceived here. That's all she would tell me. I don't know how they met, or how long they knew each other. Why do you ask?"

"I have to say that you bear an uncanny resemblance to one of my cousins. I have to wonder if your father was Tiberius Snape."

Caitlin really looked at Severus this time, taking in his blue-black hair, and his pale skin. "I've never had any idea who he was, or how to even try to go about finding him. This cousin of yours, could I talk to him? Find out if he knew my mum?"

Severus shook his head. "I'm afraid he died eighteen years ago."

"How did he die, Severus?" Harry knew very little about Severus' family, and had wondered if he had any living relatives.

"I'm afraid he met the same fate as Regulus Black and your parents."

"Ah, car crash, then. I'm sorry." 

Severus turned to Caitlin, watching as she absently ran her fingers over the baby's arm.

"Yes, well, there is a test to determine if we are indeed related."

Caitlin looked at him suspiciously. "Blood tests would only determine if you were my father, not if you were my distant cousin, which is what you are implying, are you not?"

"You are correct. Although not widely known, it is indeed possible to determine a less direct familial connection." Caitlin continued to stare at him.

"Humour me. It will quick and painless, I assure you."

Caitlin looked at Harry, who nodded his head reassuringly as he reached out to take his daughter back into his arms. "Okay, what is this test?"

"Close your eyes for a moment."

As soon as her eyes were closed, Severus discretely took out his wand, keeping his back to the other patrons of the caf, and cast Familiaris Manifestus. A wisp of blue smoke began to swirl around Severus. One tendril reached out toward Caitlin, while another reached toward Iris. The vapor broke away from Severus' wand, and fully split into two rings, circling around the hands of Caitlin and Iris. The ring around Caitlin turned green, while the ring around Iris turned yellow.

Severus looked at Harry with an expression of satisfaction. "Congratulations, Mr. Potter. Your daughter is a Snape."

Caitlin opened her eyes to see a yellow mist fading from around her daughter's hand, and faint tendrils of green floating near her own. "Harry, what's going on?"

Severus pulled out his wand and cast `Finite Incatatem', followed by 'Obliviate'. He raised an eyebrow at Harry, who shook his head to let Severus know that no one else in the nearly empty caf had noticed the vapors from the spell. He quickly put his wand away while Caitlin looked around, slightly puzzled. 

"Miss Davies. Are you quite alright?"

"Oh, yes, it was just for a moment I was sure there was something I was going to say. I'm so sorry. Have we met before?"

"No, Harry was just about to introduce us. Professor Severus Snape. I was one of Harry's teachers before he graduated."

"Nice to meet you. What subject did you teach?"

"Chemistry," Harry said quickly. "Severus is forever playing with his test tubes and beakers."

Caitlin looked at the baby in Harry`s arms. "Oh, Harry, she's beautiful."

"You said you wanted to say Good-Bye to her?"

"Well, to both of you. I needed to see that she was being well cared for." Harry unbundled Iris so that Caitlin could see her. 

Iris' face was full and cherubic, her small mouth a bright pink against her alabaster skin. Her cheeks had a soft, pink flush to them. Her eyes were huge and dark, sparkling as she looked up at Harry. Her body had filled out, leaving her hands with tiny dimples over the knuckles. 

Caitlin's eyes were drawn to the small gold band peeking out from under one of the baby`s socks. Harry noticed what she was looking at, and hastened to explain. "Oh, the anklet was mine when I was a baby. I found it with some things my parents left for me. It may have been a bracelet originally, but I thought she might teethe on it if I put it there."

"May I hold her, just for a minute?" Harry watched as she held the baby, touching her again as she had just done moments ago, even though she didn't remember doing it. She kissed Iris on her forehead and cheeks before handing her back to Harry.

"Thank you, Harry. I appreciate you bringing her here to see me. I meant it when I said she's your daughter. I just had to know that she was thriving." She leaned over and kissed Harry's cheek, then rose to leave. She looked at Severus for a moment with a frown, and then looked at Harry, noticing both men were wearing the same shirts except in different colors.

"Um, I know it's really none of my business, but are you two-"

Harry cut her off before she could finish. "Yes, we are."

Her mouth was open surprise for a moment before she shook herself and put her hand out to Severus.

"Well, then, best of luck to both of you. To all of you, really." 

Severus and Harry stood, and Severus moved to take Iris from Harry smoothly. He tucked her protectively into his arms as Harry retrieved the satchel from the floor. Harry gave Caitlin a tight hug, relieved and grateful that all his worries appeared to be for naught.

Caitlin pulled away, and drew an envelope from her pocket. "I wrote down some things the baby might want to know when she's older, some medical information, too. Don't give this to her until she's much older. I know you'll take good care of her, Harry." She kissed him again, smiled sadly at Severus, and left the caf. Harry took Severus by the hand and led him outside. He walked down the road until they came to an alley, and he drew Severus a short way into the small roadway.

Harry slid an arm around Severus. "Can you just hold me?" His voice trembled as he pressed his face into the taller man's chest. Severus wrapped his arm around Harry, taking care not to squeeze the baby. He massaged the back of Harry's neck, feeling some of the tension leaving as he worked deft fingers into the nape of Harry's neck. 

Harry looked up when he felt those long fingers under his chin, and watched as Severus brought his mouth down to kiss Harry softly, inquiringly. Harry opened his mouth to lick gently at the thin lips pressed to his, and found Severus opening his own mouth and touching his tongue to Harry's.

Harry moaned as his mouth was ever so slowly invaded, stroked, his tongue sucked on gently. Harry tried to press himself closer to Severus, the kiss becoming deeper and more urgent. The sound of Iris fretting caused both men to push apart.

Severus leaned his forehead against Harry's. "Let's go to the Leaky Cauldron. We can use one of the private parlors to feed her." 

Harry talked softly to Iris as they made the short trip back to the Leaky Cauldron, trying to calm her but to no avail. Tom looked up as they entered a smile on his face as he saw Harry. "Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?"

"Tom, is there some place we can go to feed my daughter? I was hoping you might have a quiet room we could use."

"Of course, Mr. Potter. Right this way." He led them down a short corridor, and opened the door to reveal a small room with a fireplace, a table with four chairs, and a small couch.

"There is a private washroom through that doorway. Shall I send in some tea for you gentlemen?"

"Thank you, Tom. That would be most appreciated." Severus was already taking a bottle and formula out of the bag and placing them on the table.

"Harry, why don't you change her first? At least that way she can sleep comfortably once she has eaten."

Harry laid her on the couch and quickly had her in a clean nappy and a new outfit. Severus had the bottle prepared, and sat to feed the baby while Harry made use of the washroom. She was immediately quiet, and Harry could feel his heartbeat returning to normal now that his daughter was no longer crying.

Harry sat next to Severus on the couch, leaning into him as they watched the baby drink her fill. 

The door opened quietly, and a young woman came in and placed a tray of tea and biscuits on the table before slipping out and closing the door. Severus handed Iris back to Harry to let him pat his daughter's back before laying her down on the couch.

"Your transfiguration skills are better than mine. Can you change one of the chairs into a cradle? I don't want to have anything hot near her, and I don't really want to leave her here on the couch."

Harry laid the baby in the temporary cradle, and joined Severus at the table to find his tea exactly the way he liked it. They enjoyed their tea in silence for some moments until Harry spoke.

"So, this means Iris is something like your second cousin, right?"

"Actually, it makes Caitlin my second cousin, and Iris my third cousin. Basically, we are simply cousins."

"Do you think we did the right thing, not letting Caitlin remember your connection to her?"

"Without revealing everything to her, there is no way to explain the connection. The Snapes have always had very distinct features, but that alone would never convince her that her father was my cousin."

"Do you think Caitlin is a witch, Severus? Is it possible to grow up and never know that you have magic running through your veins?"

"In theory, it is possible. However, as her father was a British wizard, it is likely that she would have been offered a position at Hogwarts if she was truly a witch. My cousin attended Durmstrang, but he got his letter from Hogwarts just as you did."

"So if Iris has magical abilities, they will come from me?"

"Who is to say, Harry? Why do some children from muggle families become witches and wizards, while some children from wizarding families do not? As you know, the majority of students at Hogwarts are from families where at least one parent was a witch or wizard. Yet look at your friend Miss Granger. I personally have no doubt that your daughter will show her magic at a young age. She has one of the most powerful wizards ever known for a father, and now we know her grandfather was a wizard."

He moved closer to Harry. "Do not dwell upon it. Your daughter will be whoever she was meant to be."

"I'm relieved that Caitlin didn't try to make a claim for Iris, but I'm sad too. Not for me, because whatever we had is long past, and I wouldn't, couldn't go back to that. I'm sad for my daughter, that her mother would so easily set her aside."

"Iris will be fine, Harry. She'll have you, and you already have many people who love you. Now, I would suggest that we do our shopping, and return to pack our things."

Harry leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Severus' warm lips. "It will be nice to get away from everyone. Lead the way, Severus."

Severus and Harry agreed to shop for potions ingredients last, ensuring that they would be fresher and less likely to be damaged from being carried around too long. Harry insisted that they start in muggle London, and Severus was dragged, protesting, into clothing stores which Severus objected to strenuously. 

Harry resorted to having a clerk measure Severus, and picking things out for him alone while Severus entertained Iris. Harry chose shorts and t-shirts for himself and Severus, and small rompers for Iris. 

Severus walked with Iris while Harry went to pick out clothing. He had the baby cradled to his chest, his index finger grasped firmly by the tiny fingers. He absently raised his hand and kissed the small fingers as her stood looking into her dark eyes.

"May I help you, sir? Were you looking for the infants section?"

Severus looked up to find a young woman smiling at him, waiting for a reply. "No, thank you. I am merely waiting for someone to finish shopping."

"Your daughter is very sweet. It's so nice to see a man being so affectionate with his child."

Severus had opened his mouth to correct her assumption when Harry appeared at his elbow. "Hey, I hope I wasn't too long."

"Oh, this must be your son. Your children are quite a bit apart in age, aren't they?"

"He is not my son, "growled Severus. Iris began to fret, and Harry put down his bags to take her.

"Daddy's here, sweet. It's okay, love, someone's just a little grouchy." He rubbed her back soothingly as her kissed the top of her head.

The woman looked at Harry, then at Severus. Severus continued to glare at her, using his best teacher's pose. The woman turned to talk to Harry.

"Oh, well, I see. I must say that I'm surprised that you were able to adopt a baby. Usually adoption services are a bit selective, and you seem fairly young to be considered an ideal parent."

"She's not adopted, she's my child. I fathered her. Not that it's any of your business."

He handed Severus his bags, tucked the baby into one arm, took Severus by the hand and led him out of the store."

"That is exactly why so many wizards hate muggles. An appalling lack of manners. First she insults me by calling you my son, and then she believes that she is in a position to judge our acceptability as parents. Perhaps I should go back and hex her."

"You'll do no such thing, Severus Snape. What you will do is walk back to Diagon Alley with me, buy me an ice cream, and make your purchases."

Back in Diagon Alley, Severus dragged Harry into a shop and purchased summer weight robes for each of them, and serviceable trousers to wear while harvesting herbs. Harry left Severus to place his order at the apothecary while he and Iris went to a small toy store. 

Harry found a set of enchanted toy planets which would glow softly as they slowly spun in the air. A small stuffed black dog which licked his finger when he touched its head was added to the bag. Harry chose a soft toy wand which would give off tiny sparkles when it was waved around. 

He realized that it was time to meet Severus, and hurried out of the store with his purchases. Severus shrank Harry's bag, and tucked it into the satchel.

They had their ice cream while Iris had a bottle, and Harry was happy to see that Severus was calmer now that he was back in familiar territory. They returned to Hogwarts, and joined Albus and Minerva for dinner, before pleading tiredness and leaving for Severus' chamber. Harry had already packed a trunk for himself and Iris, and it was waiting in the potion master's sitting area for their departure the next morning.

Iris was put to bed, and Harry washed up and crawled into the big bed alone, leaving Severus to his brandy and his reading. Harry was surprised to find that he was still alone when he awoke, no evidence that Severus had even come to bed the previous night. 

Harry got himself and Iris ready for their trip, and found Severus in his workroom, shrinking what appeared to be boxes of bottles and vials and glassware that Harry was unfamiliar with.

"I see that you are up. If you are ready, we can leave now. I only need to place these in my trunk."

Severus shrank their trunks and set them inside the satchel. Holding onto to Iris, he let Harry hold onto him while they apparated to the farm. Harry thought it wasn't so much a farm as it was a villa. The house was a sprawling one story structure, cream adobe covered with wandering vines. Harry could see rolling hills to one side, open meadows to the other. 

"Um, I know I haven't really traveled, but this doesn't look like Scotland or England."

"We are in Italy. This was the summer home of my grandparents."

They had appeared in front of a large building which may once have held animals, but Severus had turned it into a drying and processing area. Herbs hung in bunches from the rafters, and long tables lined the walls. 

"Do you spend your vacation making potions?"

"Actually, I spend most of my time here making stock solutions for potions. This bench is where I distill oils and essences. I work on infusions and essences, mainly flowers and herbs. Distillation can be a time consuming business. I don't need to spend much time actually watching it, but it can take days to weeks for certain essences, and I do not have adequate space at the school to do such work there."

He looked up in satisfaction at the bountiful bunches hanging from the rafters. 

"The farm yields many of the dried ingredients we use for our healing potions. I have house elves who harvest the spring and fall flowers. I spent a number of summers planting those things which would be most useful, and suited to the area, and now I mainly harvest and process."

He turned to show Harry the house. "This house is not overly large. As I said, it was a summer home of my maternal grandparents. The front section of the house is the living area, while the back wing contains the bedrooms and baths."

The house had a very open floor plan, with the living and dining areas open to the kitchen. The floors were all tiled, and the house was pleasantly cool despite the heat outside.

"The house has three bedrooms. My room is at the end of this hall. You may choose which bedroom to take for yourself, and which one would be best for the baby."

Severus took the small trunks out of his satchel and placed them on the bed of the largest room.

"I myself prefer this room as it receives the least sunlight after lunch, and I must confess that while I am here I take full advantage of sleeping through the afternoons. Let me bring my glassware to the barn, and then I can show you the grounds."

Severus left Harry and Iris to decide where they would sleep. Harry left his trunk in Severus' room, and took Iris' things to the room directly next door.

They spent the morning touring the gardens. Harry was amazed at the sheer knowledge Severus had concerning plants. The sun was high overhead when they returned to the house. Severus suggested lunch, followed by an afternoon nap.

Lunch was eaten on a patio just off the kitchen. Severus introduced Harry to his house elf, Marta. She served them pasta with tomato sauce, followed by grilled meat and salad with a salty dressing. Fresh fruit was brought out as dessert, and Harry and Severus talked amicably. 

"I typically sleep for several hours after lunch. It is usually too hot outside to work in the gardens. I did not sleep last night as I was packing, so I believe I will retire for a few hours. Please, the house is yours while you are here. You have only to call a house elf for anything you need."

Harry watched him leave, trying to decide what the best thing to do would be. Iris was already asleep in his arms, so he made his way to her room. Harry placed Iris in her cradle, kissed her and checked that she was covered with a light blanket. He smiled as he heard the shower running in the bathroom off of Severus' room. 

Severus emerged from his bathroom to find Harry in his bed, shoulders bare and enticing. Harry smiled, seeing his former professor at a loss for words.

"I prefer this room, too. I am still welcome in your bed, am I not?"

"You are always welcome in my bed. I did not want to presume that you would still wish to spend the nights with me."

"I think Iris will be fine in the room next to yours. She's sleeping a bit longer, now, so I think we can just see how she does, and go to bed when we wish."

Although it was early afternoon, the room had drapes which reduced the light significantly, casting soft shadows in the room.

"I don't think I could sleep by myself any more. I know I don't want to. I like to wake up with your arms around me."

Severus dropped his towel, and slid into bed beside Harry. They had always taken care to at least have boxers on prior to this, but today both he and Harry were completely bare.

"Kiss me, Severus."

Severus groaned as he felt Harry's warm skin slide against his. He kissed the younger man intently, his tongue demanding entrance as his hand slid down over the bare back to cup the taut buttocks.

Harry pulled his mouth away to kiss Severus on his neck, then his shoulder, then down his chest to the small, hard nipple. Severus shivered as Harry sucked and nipped, his teeth drawing a low hiss from the Slytherin.

Severus rolled onto his back when Harry pushed him, willing to allow Harry to set the agenda. Harry licked a path down the long, pale torso. He lingered over the sharp hipbones, saying huskily, "We need to feed you more this summer. It would be good for you to gain a stone or so."

Harry stroked a hand down the lean flank, pressing small kisses to the soft skin at the top of Severus' thigh. One hand slipped between the long legs to tease the back of one knee before sliding upward. 

Severus moaned as Harry ever so slowly explored the hard flesh, his mouth engulfing the end as his hand squeezed and stroked.

Severus was talking, his voice picking up in volume, but Harry didn't understand a word of it, and the only words he clearly heard was his name which Severus shouted while he came. "Si, Harry, si, subito." 

Harry held him until his trembling slowed, forcing himself to breathe deeply. He pulled himself away slightly, thinking that it would take minimal friction for him to come.

Severus moved to kiss Harry, his hand sliding down to grasp Harry's cock in his hand. He barely got in a few strokes before Harry groaned and came. Harry's cheeks were red with embarrassment as he tried to avoid looking at Severus. A strong hand under his chin forced him to look into smoldering dark eyes.

"I'm sorry, I just-" Severus cut him off with a warm kiss, his hand now cupping Harry's cheek. "Sleep, Harry. Sleep, mi amato." Harry rested against the warm, hard chest, the soft words lulling him to sleep.

Harry woke up feeling wonderful. The pillow next to his own still held the impression from Severus being there, but his lover was not in the bedroom or the bathroom. Harry pulled a pair of shorts on and went to find Severus. 

A quick look into the baby's room showed an empty cradle. Harry tore into the kitchen, stopping at the sight of the much feared Head of Slytherin House giving the small baby a bath in the kitchen sink. Harry had to just stand there a moment to calm his racing heart. 

Severus was wearing cotton trousers, but his torso was bare. The large farmhouse sink had been cushioned with a towel, and Iris was happily waving her arms as Severus trickled water over her belly and legs. Harry slid behind his lover, looking down at his daughter. She was lying on her back, gurgling as Severus took more warm water in his hands and let it run over her small chest. 

Severus lifted her head with one hand, and dipped his other hand into the bowl of warm water before running it over her head. 

"Um, if she's having a bath, shouldn't you actually put some water in the sink? And why the sink? There is a tub in the bathroom."

"Unlike some people who are extremely flexible due to their youth, others find that they develop a severe cramp in their back from leaning over for too long. She is just the perfect size to bathe in this sink, and I do not have to bend over. Wet babies are too slippery to place in a tub with any appreciable amount of water. It is far safer to lay her in an empty tub, and rinse her this way. I would say that your daughter quite enjoys the water."

Severus finished rinsing the infant, and scooped her up to place her on the dry towel on the counter. Her hair was growing longer and beginning to stick out in all directions. He smoothed it down, but it simply sprang right back up.

"She does have my hair. At least she can grow hers out and wear it pulled back."

"You could do that also. There are many wizards who favor long hair."

"Maybe I'll try that. My aunt was forever trying to keep my hair short, but no matter how many times she shaved my head, it was always just like this the next morning."

"You could try a hair lengthening potion to see how your hair would be."

"Hmmm, maybe. So, what are we doing this afternoon?"

"I was planning to unpack the glassware and check that the equipment I need is all set up. Would you care for a tour of the barn?"

"Sure, just let me get some clothes on, and get the baby dressed. Um, is there any nasty potions stuff in the barn? Anything I need to be worried about bringing Iris near?"

"No, at the moment it simply has drying plants. I will begin harvesting herbs and other items tomorrow."

Harry found a romper for Iris, and unpacked the sling carrier he had purchased during their shopping trip. He carried Iris and the sling into his room and laid them both on the bed while he found a t-shirt for himself. He put his trainers on, and then slid the sling over his head, slipping one arm through. He leaned over the bed, and slid Iris into the sling. 

It was a little more difficult than when the saleswoman had explained it, but with some jostling he managed to get Iris settled. It would at least allow him to carry her easier while he walked, and she could sleep against him. Severus raised an eyebrow upon seeing the sling, so Harry had to explain that it was to carry Iris, and pulled back the fabric to show his daughter, her eyes closed and sucking on her fist.

They walked to barn in comfortable silence. Harry noticed the many smells inside the barn, some much stronger than others. Severus used his wand to unpack the bottles and vials, sending them to the appropriate shelves over the benches. The distillation glassware was placed by hand onto the bench.

"What is all this?" Harry ran his hand over the round bottle, wondering how it could be useful if it could not be set down.

Severus took it carefully out of his hand. "This is a round bottomed flask. The sample goes into this flask. This connects to the column, where the vapor builds up. It travels into the condensing coil, and then drips into the flask on the other end. A charm keeps the first flask boiling, while another charm cools the coil."

Harry was already not paying attention, so Severus pulled himself out of lecture mode, and simplified it a great deal. "I boil certain samples to remove impurities. The essences or substances that I desire become vapor, and then cool again to form the pure liquid."

"Um, so only liquid things can be cleaned up like this?"

"Actually, water can be added to co-distill even substances such as wax. Potions require pure components, as the results can be spectacularly disastrous if any unknown impurities are present."

"Um, especially when those unknown impurities are a result of a certain blond Slytherin tossing them into my cauldron."

"Constant vigilance, as Moody would say. A simple shielding spell would have protected your cauldron."

Harry looked at him with amazement. "You knew! You knew that Malfoy used to ruin my potions! I can't believe that you let him get away with that, or that you never mentioned using a shielding charm, say, seven years ago!"

"My job was to teach you potion making. A Slytherin would have found a way to protect him or herself after the first sabotaged potion. Unfortunately, your innate Gryffindor qualities keep you from thinking the worst of people, and you kept believing it would not happen again."

"It's a good thing, too, otherwise I never would have put so much trust in you. If I had merely listened to what other people told me, or even what you said to me, I never would have ended up here with you. Instead, I looked at your actions, at all the times you protected me, and I had faith in my ability to see the goodness in you."

Harry ran his hand over his sleeping daughter. "I do believe in fairness, and goodness, but I also know that life is rarely fair, and good people can have misplaced ideas about what is best for others. As much as I am a Gryffindor, I also have a lot of Slytherin qualities. Above all, I'm a survivor, and I fight for what I want."

"Those are indeed Slytherin qualities. However, a Slytherin will use any means to achieve what they want, regardless of how it affects others. You, my young Gryffindor, may well be a survivor, but you still put others ahead of yourself."

Severus pulled Harry forward and kissed him hard. "I think you've been in here too long already. I will be here for a few hours each morning, and I always come in for a few minutes before dinner. We tend to eat dinner late here, seeing as we sleep away the afternoon."

"In other words, you're telling us to get lost for a few hours in the morning every day, and not to detain you close to dinner. Are you planning on working right now?"

"I need to set up more glassware. Tomorrow you may help me harvest certain items, after which I will be occupied in here for several hours. If I can work during the mornings, then the rest of the day is mainly free."

"Is the farm close to any villages?"

"No, I'm afraid not. My grandparents chose this site partly because it was fairly inaccessible. It has a fairly strong notice-me-not charm on it, so muggles tend not to remember it is here. There are a few wizards in the area, but I doubt we will see anyone unless we choose to."

The next two weeks passed quickly. Harry left Severus alone in the mornings unless the man asked for his help. His favorite time of day became their afternoon naps, the slide of his skin against Severus, the hot kisses and slow explorations.

Harry place Iris in her cradle, and went to the room he shared with Severus. Normally, Severus was either already in bed, or in the shower. Today, he was standing near the bed, fidgeting in a way that was very uncharacteristic.

"Would you mind having an outdoor nap today? Marta will keep a close eye on Iris and let us know if she wakes."

"Um, isn't it a bit sunny to be sleeping outside?"

Severus took him by the hand and led him out behind the house and down a faint path. There was a small orchard behind the house, and they walked through this to a more overgrown area beyond. Severus stopped in front of some kind of tree, and looked around for a moment before parting the drooping branches and motioning for Harry to enter.

"This was my secret hideout when I was a child. I can remember raiding the kitchen for freshly baked bread, and racing here to eat it."

"Didn't they feed you enough? You had to steal food?"

"Oh, my grandmother would have given me as much as I wanted if I had asked. It seemed so much more adventurous to nick it and run."

Harry looked around the enclosure. Long drooping branches with small green leaves created a sizable area where they could stand freely near the trunk of the tree. Severus walked to the far side of the trunk, and Harry followed him. Spread out on the ground was a pile of soft blankets and pillows, and a tray of drinks and fruit. The entire enclosure was cool and shady. 

Severus removed his shoes and clothing, and Harry followed his lead.

Soon he was in Severus' arms, kissing him, sliding his hand over the smooth chest.

"Love me, Severus.

"I will, Harry. I do. Mi amato."

Severus kissed him tenderly, nibbling on his lower lip. "Tu hai le labbra le piu morbide del monde. Baciami."

"I don't know what you're saying, but I want more." Harry arched against Severus as his necked was sucked on. "Fuck, do that again."

"Ancora."

"What?"

"Ancora means again. Say it for me."

"Ancora."

"Bellissimo."

Severus made love to him slowly, kissing his way down Harry's body, his hands caressing and exploring. Harry heard the soft murmur of a spell, and felt an unfamiliar coolness in his arse. Severus warmed Harry with his fingers, stretching him gently before pressing his hard length into his younger lover.

Harry bit his lip, fighting back a cry as he was stretched and filled. 

"Breathe, Harry. Just breathe. I won't move until you tell me to."

Harry concentrated on breathing deeply, and the discomfort began to recede, and he realized Severus was stroking him. He moved toward Severus, his hands pulling on the forearms braced on either side of him. Severus slowly retreated and pushed forward again, again, until Harry began to keen and whimper, trying to get him to move faster, deeper.

Severus wrapped his hand around Harry's cock, stroking him firmly even as he slid into him harder.

Harry came with a shout, and Severus came when he felt Harry shudder and pulse. Harry fell asleep with his face pressed into Severus' chest, one hand feeling the strong heartbeat under him, the other tangled in the man's long fingers.