Part 6

Part Six

Harry sucked in a deep breath when he saw Snape descending the stairs. The man had never looked better. It seemed that all the cooked meals had added much-needed weight to his frame. For once, Snape didn't look starved. Instead, he'd filled out, and the new dress robes Harry had bought for him to wear to the Ministry party (Snape had refused to go on grounds he had nothing suitable to wear) seemed to be made for him. The man's hair, which had grown down just below his shoulders, seemed fuller and shinier.

Severus' eyes met Harry's for a moment, and they narrowed slightly, as if daring Harry to make some snide comment.

The words Harry wanted to say wouldn't come...words such as radiant and handsome...so instead he settled with saying, "You look great," which sounded a little lame to his ears, though it seemed to please Severus. "Ready?"

"I am," said the man tightly. "But remember what I said, Potter. I won't be... affectionate in the least. They can think what they'd like, but I shall not degrade myself in public."

"How many married couples do you see acting out like that, Severus? I told you, just think of Molly and Arthur. They don't paw on each other or say sappy things. Just think of them, and we'll be fine."

"Very well." There was a long sigh. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"You're completely healed now and as strong as you ever were. You need to get out of this house for a change before you get cottage fever or something!" Harry smiled. "And besides, won't this be a little fun? We're pulling one over on those gits!"

"As you pointed out, if people get used to seeing us, we may soon be forgotten and then allowed to get on with our lives."

"Absolutely. I'm tired of all the owls to be quite honest. I'm also tired of all the questions when I get cornered some place." Harry frowned then. "When I tried to go see Ron yesterday at George's place, I was accosted by at least six people asking questions, and I knew two of them were reporters!"

"You didn't mention that to me."

"I didn't want you to be nervous."

"I'm not nervous!" Severus snapped. "It's not like this," he pointed between the two of them, "is real. I just want to be prepared."

"Sorry then. I hadn't thought of it that way."

"Well? Come on then. What did they ask?"

"Nosey blighters."

"Shall I hex you to find out?"

Harry held up his hands in surrender, dreading Snape's reply to what he was about to tell him. "They wanted to know personal things mostly: how we met, how we fell in love, and, er, how we... got on together."

Severus' eyes glittered dangerously. "I look forward to answering any questions that might be asked tonight."

"Good Lord, what are you planning? You look like the Kneazle that ate the canary!"

"You'll see," came the quiet reply. "Now, come along, husband."

Pausing, Harry did a double take. "Did you just call me 'husband'?"

"Hearing problems?"

"Sounds strange."

"I agree."

To give himself a moment before joining Severus, he took off his glasses and pretended to be wiping the lenses on the sleeve of his new green dress robes. He paused and looked up when he felt Snape's gaze on him. "What is it?"

"You, uh, look rather nice without your glasses."

"As opposed to when I have them on?" he asked cheekily.

"Brat. You know what I mean."

"Thanks." Harry put them back on and strode forward. "There's that new place Hermione was talking about in Diagon Alley. It's open now. Saw it yesterday on my way home."

"The wizarding optometrist bloke's place?"

"That's the one. Maybe I'll go see what he can do for me."

There was no reply, so Harry opened the door and gestured for Severus to precede him. Once he'd closed the door behind them and warded the house, he stepped closely against his husband, wrapping one arm around his waist so that he could Side-Along them to the Ministry. Though he needn't get that close to Disapparate, neither said anything, and Harry only hoped that Severus couldn't feel the slight tremble in his embrace.

The instant they were spotted, people swarmed around them; it seemed that everyone wanted to get a look at the newlyweds...all of them looking to see if the union was real.

"And so it begins," whispered Severus before Harry pulled back from his embrace.

"I LOVE YOU, HARRY POTTER!" someone cheerfully called out from the back of the group.

"Bless you, lad," said another.

"Thanks," Harry said, taking a step forward and hoping a path would clear for them. However, nobody wanted to move aside without having a word with him. "I appreciate that you want to talk to us, but we have to meet those at our table. I'm sure we'll get to chance to talk after the meal is served," he said as kindly as he could. Reaching behind him, he took Severus' hand and firmly guided him through the crowd, making a path where there was none.

"All right?" Harry asked once they were out of earshot.

"Fine. You can let go of me now if you don't mind. You're making a scene."

Harry simply nodded and released Severus' hand. "Look, there's Hermione and Ron."

"Oh, joy," came the sarcastic reply, "the know-it-all and the self-proclaimed chess champion."

"Don't start that. They mean well." Here Harry smirked. "You're just mad because Ron won that game against you!"

"He most certainly did not! I had to forfeit because I was feeling unwell."

"And that he could have had check mate no matter what move you made means nothing, eh?"

"Shut it, you," Snape said acidly, though he gave a tight grin.

"Harry, Professor," Hermione greeted. "Please, sit down." She smiled a little nervously.

"Thanks," Severus replied, pulling a chair away from the table and gesturing for Harry to sit.

Feeling eyes upon them, Harry smiled and took the seat, pretending that his husband's gallantry was something he was used to. It surprised him, of course, but he wouldn't let that show. "How's it going, Ron?"

"The Cannons lost again. Five more seconds and the Seeker would have had the Snitch first," he grumbled. "One bloody game away from the finals! Can you believe it?"

"Not that again," Hermione said sourly.

"You wouldn't like it either if you lost your last three Galleons on the bet," Ron said.

"I wouldn't be foolish enough to gamble with those odds, Ronald."

"What? Too good for gambling, are you?"

"That's not it at all," she said, pointing at him. "You know I've had bets before."

"Oh yeah? When?"

"W-well, I can't just name a list off the top of my head," she spluttered.

"Because there aren't any," Ron said smugly.

"I bet that Viktor's team would win last year."

"Who'd you bet with?"

She looked away and bit her lip.

"Might as well say it now you've let it slip, Hermione."

"Neville. We bet on the game. He was going for Romania."

"And you just had to pick old Vicky's team, eh?" Ron seemed peeved.

"Oh, honestly, Ron! I was just supporting my friend."

"Friend, is he? Why'd he keep trying to interrupt our dance at the wedding last year? I think he was interested in more than friendship."

"Don't be ridiculous!" she said furiously.

"It's the truth. Ask Harry if you don't believe me." He nodded towards Harry. "He saw it all."

"Oi, keep me out of this," Harry said, holding his hands up in surrender.

"Just be quiet," Hermione said bossily. "The Minister is about to speak."

Harry felt a hand on his thigh and looked down when it tapped him. It took him a moment to realize that Severus was trying to get his attention. Get a grip, Harry, he thought. It's not like Snape is going to try to feel you up.

When he saw Snape's amused grin and the discreet nod towards Hermione and Ron, Harry smiled broadly. Snape had found their interaction entertaining as well. He leaned very close to whisper in Snape's ear. "They're always like that. Might as well get married and be done with it already."

Severus nodded and brought his lips to Harry's ear, allowing his chest to rest against Harry's shoulder. "I don't see how you can stand it, to be honest. Ah, so that's why you insisted on staying at Spinner's End, is it?"

Harry simply laughed and nodded, repositioning himself in his chair as Kingsley stood at the podium. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise as though he and Snape had been watched. He glanced around to find that most eyes were on them instead of the Minister. Ignoring them, he met Hermione's calculating gaze.

"What?" he mouthed, barely a whisper.

She simply turned her head and listened to Kingsley's speech.

"Thanks for coming here tonight," Kingsley said happily. "I am pleased to see so many people here." His eyes landed on Harry's table. "You know something important's happening when even Harry Potter shows up, him being a newlywed and all."

The crowd murmured in response, and Harry dared not look around. He'd have to pay Kingsley back for that one day, and he knew, deep down, that the man was only trying to point out that Harry and Snape were there together, but hadn't he noticed that there was no need to call attention to them?

"I wanted you, those of you who received the invitations, to be among the first to know the good news. I know it wasn't easy to be invited to something and to not know exactly what it was about."

"What's the news, mate?" someone asked, causing others to laugh politely.

Kingsley's voice boomed in reply. "I've been offered the position of Minister of Magic for as long as I'd like it, so you see," he said with a proud smile, "I'm no longer just a stand in Minister until we find someone else. I've accepted the position and will serve as your Minister of Magic to the best of my ability for as long as possible."

Cheers and applause rang out. Harry was among those clapping, forgetting his ire. "All right, Kingsley," he called out. He noticed that Severus was clapping politely, but he seemed annoyed. Harry hoped he wouldn't say anything ugly to Kingsley while people were about.

Once the cheers quieted down, Kingsley began informing them of changes being made, how some people were being let go for past actions, joining those that had already been released from their positions, and then he started talking about laws they were going to attempt to change and add. Nearly everyone in attendance seemed pleased with what was being said.

When Kingsley breached the subject of Death Eaters and their supporters being rounded up and put into Azkaban, Harry felt Snape stiffen next to him. In a show of support, not for the public but for Severus, he placed as hand over his and squeezed it, not caring who saw.

"And since I don't want to keep you from your meals any longer, I want to close by saying how much I appreciate all that Harry Potter has done for us over the years." Murmurs of consent passed through the crowd. "He had help along the way of course...Ron, Hermione, Albus, and Severus...but I believe that he is the reason for our good fortune here. Thank you, Harry." Kingsley lifted up a glass of wine. "To Harry."

"To Harry," nearly everyone repeated, all toasting him with their glasses.

"May you have many years of peace now, my friend," Kingsley continued, "and whenever you're ready, the job at the Aurory will be waiting for you. I know I'll feel a lot safer knowing you're one of those working with us to build a better future."

"I'll consider it," Harry said with an embarrassed smile, wishing the man would hurry up and stop spotlighting him.

"And here's to you, too, Severus," Kingsley said suddenly. "Thank you for all you've done. I'm sorry to have doubted you in the past." Many people toasted Severus along with Kingsley, though not as many. "May you and Harry have many happy years together."

Harry was almost afraid to look at Severus, but it would have been impossible to do anything else at that moment. He'd prepared himself for an angry man, and instead, he found someone calm and collected.

You've got to admire that about him, Harry thought affectionately, wishing he could hide his emotions just as easily. Years of spying had given Severus much practice.

After that, much of what Kingsley said went unheard as Harry thought about Severus and the things that the new Minister had said. When it was time to eat, their meals appeared before them, and Harry finally felt as though he could breathe normally again. They'd made it past the intense scrutiny. Anything else should be a piece of cake.

Before Harry could spear a jacket potato with his fork, he felt Snape tug on his robe to pull him closer.

"Did you know he would do that?" Severus asked suspiciously.

"No," Harry said honestly, meeting his gaze and willing him to see the truth in his eyes. "I had no idea, but I think he was just trying to help, you know? Showing that even he stands behind the decision to keep you out of Azkaban and that he stands behind us."

Severus nodded. "Eat. We'll talk later." His expression froze as he looked across the table at Hermione. "Did you need something, Miss Granger?"

"Oh, no! Sorry. Don't know where my mind was just then."

"Woolgathering?" Ron asked.

"That's a mighty big word for you, Ron," Harry said, snickering slightly.

Ron's ears turned red, and he mumbled something incoherent. Before Harry could ask him to repeat it, Hermione had squealed and planted a kiss on his friend's cheek.

"Did I miss something?" Severus asked Harry incredulously.

"I think we both have." He nodded towards the couple. "Strange relationship."

"Oh, shush," Hermione said brightly. "I'll have you know that Ron's practicing on bettering his vocabulary. Why, I gave him a list of words yesterday to study, and that's the first time I've heard him use one. Woolgathering."

Harry didn't want to say so out loud, but when Ron had said that, he'd imagined Hermione out in a field grabbing up shorn wool. "Good for you, Ron," Harry said.

"Piss off, Harry," Ron said, though he seemed pleased with the attention Hermione was giving him.

"I've heard of everything now," Severus commented dryly. "When shall I try to teach you a new vocabulary, Harry? You could do with using different words."

"Had enough of that in school, thanks. I'll pass on having you teach me anything," Harry replied cheerfully. "Next thing I know, you'll be giving me detention."

Both men laughed lightly and were surprised when Hermione and Ron joined in as well, apparently having heard their conversation.

It wasn't until after they'd finished eating and started to mingle on the main floor where a band was beginning to play that Harry saw Ginny. She'd been with George and her parents at a table across the room.

"Why didn't they sit with us?" he asked.

Hermione saw the direction of his gaze and said, "We thought it best. You know, the public and all."

"But she told me she'd decided against coming. We wouldn't have minded if they'd sat with us," Harry said, slightly annoyed.

"But Professor Snape might have," Hermione pointed out.

"What? He doesn't care one way..." He lowered his voice. "You know that doesn't matter to him."

"I know that," she hissed, clearly aggravated with him, "but the people here might think he should be, so..."

"So the decision was made without even consulting me. I see."

"Lighten up, mate," Ron said. "She just didn't want anyone to hurt, especially Ginny. I don't think it was easy for her to sit over there as it was. Imagine if she'd been stuck right here, all those eyes on her."

"They were probably on her, too," Hermione said knowingly. "I mean, think about it. She's the woman scorned here."

Harry wanted to yell that he'd not deserted her but knew he couldn't. He, instead, made a mental note to talk to her about it as soon as time allowed him the chance. When Severus excused himself to go to the restroom, Harry quietly asked, "She is okay, right?"

"I'm sure," Hermione said. "As well as can be."

"You know, Hermione, you always sound as though you don't think Ginny and I..."

"Shhh!" Hermione said, pointing behind Harry. "We're being watched."

He turned around, and sure enough, Rita Skeeter was there, smiling nastily, her gold tooth gleaming. "Ah, brilliant. There goes the party."

"Let's dance," Ron said suddenly, pulling Hermione up.

"Argh! Ron, let me stand on my own feet."

Not sure what had got into Ron, though Harry suspected his friend feared someone else would ask Hermione to dance, he decided to go to the loo, as he'd had a lot of wine during dinner. The joy he felt upon realizing that Rita was gone disappeared as he neared the corner of the room, just around from the entrance to the toilet. He heard her voice loud and clear, and there was no doubt in his mind whom she'd just asked a question to.

"Married life suits me just fine. If you'll excuse me, I..."

"Not so fast," she said, obviously pleased with herself.

Harry could see her green quill furiously scribbling on a parchment from where he was. He wasn't sure why he didn't round the corner and tell her to sod off, but he suspected he wanted to take pleasure in hearing Severus do it. Or he simply wanted to know what he would tell her.

"It's come to my attention, Severus, and of course I am only telling you this because I am one of the few people who doesn't believe Harry Potter is always very honest."

"He's not lied to me about anything. I can assure you of that."

"Right. So you use Legilimency on him to make sure he's telling the truth?"

"Of course not."

"Ah, Veritaserum then. Yes, that would be easy enough for you to brew." She laughed. "Don't look at me that way. I would definitely not blame you in the least."

"If you're finished?"

"I'm not actually. I have a bit of information that I will share with the public in my article tomorrow, but I wanted to divulge that to you first and maybe get a comment on it."

"What information?"

"I have it on very good authority that Potter meets Ginevra Weasley for secret trysts...was doing so before your marriage and, unfortunately, has been since then as well. How does it make you feel to know that he's not faithful to you? Unless this is just a ruse you two cooked up to keep the Ministry from carting you off to Azkaban, I expect it's not something you'd be too happy about."

"That's enough!" Harry said as he rounded the corner and stood next to Severus. "Don't you ever know when to quit? If you print those lies about me, I'll..."

"Not lies, Potter. The truth, and I have proof."

"Let me answer this," Severus said quietly, placing a hand on Harry's chest to keep him from accosting Rita.

"Severus, you don't have to listen to this crap."

"Ms. Skeeter, I know you are simply trying to do your job, and I can appreciate that. This, however, isn't the place for an interview. Pity. If you'd asked to meet me at my home, I would have agreed."

"Would you?" she asked eagerly.

"Now? After this blatant harassment? No, I think not," he said sharply before deliberately reaching down to take Harry's hand and interlacing their fingers. "All I have to say on the subject is that Harry never lied to me about anything. Yes, I do know that he had things to work out with Miss Weasley. It's not easy when you have to choose between two things you want and care for deeply. I understand that and approved of their meetings."

"That's outrageous! So you supported his..."

"Put another word in my mouth, Miss Skeeter, and you shall regret it."

She swallowed visibly. "Go on then."

"There is no need for Harry to meet with her any longer. Their issues have been resolved, and we are moving beyond this and looking to the future."

"You don't mind that a small portion of his heart belongs to this woman then?" she pressed curiously.

"No, I don't," he said softly. "Just as he doesn't mind that a small portion of my heart belongs to a woman as well."

Her face lit up eagerly, clearly wanted to ask more questions. "Lily Potter then? His mother? How do..."

"Enough for tonight," Harry said and pulled Severus away, forgetting his need to use the toilet. He went to the first place he could think of, wanting to be someplace that Skeeter wouldn't dare follow.

The dance floor.

"Do you mind?" he asked tentatively.

"No."

Awkwardly, he slid one hand beneath Severus' arm and let his palm rest on his shoulder blade while the other hand slid around his waist and rested on his back. A moment later, Severus mirrored his actions, and they began slowly swaying to the music.

"Maybe coming tonight wasn't such a good idea. I'm sorry about that," Harry said. "I just thought it would help things, and you really needed to get out of the house now that you're healed."

"It would have happened sooner or later. We might as well get this on with."

"Damn. Don't look now but we're being watched."

"By whom?"

"Everybloodybody!"

Severus chuckled lightly. "We should give them a show."

"We have been."

"Something more might be in order." Severus stepped closer, holding Harry more tightly, and lifted a hand to cradle Harry's head against his shoulder, resting his cheek against his young husband's messy hair.

Harry closed his eyes and simply listened to Snape's heartbeat and the music and let everything in the background drown out. It was ironic that Severus would suggest this when he'd been adamant about not showing any affection in public. His insides tingled as his body became aware of its proximity to Severus. How easy it would be to truly lose himself in the moment, to pretend that he loved Snape, and to kiss him passionately for all to see.

Severus' chest rumbled, and Harry opened his eyes, realizing the man had spoken. "Sorry? What?"

"The song has ended." Severus' voice was a choked whisper, and his eyes bore into Harry's.

Was he trying to use Legilimency? Harry didn't think so, as he didn't feel any intrusion. He was certain he would know if Severus tried it. "Guess we should stop dancing then," Harry said, hoping to sound nonchalant.

A small chuckle escaped Snape's lips. "We stopped about two minutes ago."

Harry realized they were standing still, simply holding each other. "Sorry," he said, pulling back a little. "I was, uh, just... you know, thinking about things."

Severus nodded. "As was I." His face lowered slightly, lips intent on meeting Harry's, but before it happened, Severus blinked and pulled back. "I apologize."

"Don't. I..."

"Harry, Ginevra is watching."

Stiffening, Harry feared looking her way, not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes. Even knowing that it was all a ruse, he was sure it still bothered her, especially if what Hermione had said was anything to go by.

"I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. I won't do it again," Severus said, releasing his hold on Harry and stepping back. "I'll go get a drink."

Harry wanted to call him back and to explain that he hadn't been the only one to overstep boundaries. He didn't, of course, because he knew he had to face the music. He took a deep breath and turned around to search out Ginny in the crowd. She was gone.

His heart dropped to his knees, and he felt as though he'd been punched in the stomach. What had he done? The need to go to after her burned through his soul, but he knew he couldn't...not now, not with Skeeter watching everything with an eagle eye and hoping to find something false about his relationship with Severus.

Deciding he needed a drink as well, Harry walked through the crowd, ignoring attempts at conversation, and found Severus at the bar. "I'll have one, too," he said, disappointed in himself.

"Cheers," Severus said, handing him a tumbler half full of Port.

Thanks go to blue_paris and soul bound for beta reading this!