The next morning Harry woke up to an empty bed. He went to move and.... NOPE! Harry hissed at the pain in his hips. 'Hermione wasn't kidding about the price being my ass.'

With a deep breath Harry stood up and headed out to the kitchen. Snape lit up with the sight of Harry. "Hello my love. Sorry, did I wake you?" He said. Harry didn't know Snape could ever be so chipper. "Good morning Severus. HSSS!" He put his hand to a sore part on his hip. Snape became worried and rushed over. I mean rushed! "Whoa! Fast." Harry said in shock.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I suppose I never did show you my Vampire speed. For the most part it's been muted because of those potions. Are you okay?" Harry nodded. "I'm fine. My bum just hurts a little." He said with a light blush on his cheeks. Snape smiled warmly and swooped Harry into his arms bridal style. Harry blush even more when he was set down on the couch. Snape left a soft kiss on his mate's forehead before heading back to the kitchen.

Harry stared after Snape for a moment in aww, but soon quickly fired up. "Hey!" He pouted. "Aren't I still older than you! You shouldn't treat me like a baby!" Snape chuckled. "Older huh? When's your birthday?" "July 31st." Harry said matter-a-factly. Snape smiled a moment. "January 9th. Sorry hun, but as an 18 year old I'm older. Oh! That reminds me, I need to go to Hogsmeade on the 5th next month to have my age legally changed."

Harry smiled. "Do you mind if I go with?" "Of course not love." Snape said. Then Snape brought a plate over to Harry, making the boy very nervous. Luckily, it was just peanut butter on toast.

While Harry ate, Snape grew very awkward. "What's wrong?" Harry asked. Snape shifted nervously a bit. "Well, there's something we need to talk about now that you're my mate. You may have read about it." Harry thought a moment and blushed. He on cautiously place a hand on his stomach. "Oh. Y-yeah."

Snape sighed and took Harry's hand in his. "Harry, my love. I must confess the I do want children eventually. I don't know your feelings on it but perhaps someday..." Snape trailed off and looked away.

Harry sighed to relax his flustered mind. "Alright. I'll think about it today okay?" Snape smiled lovingly. "That's all I ask." He said leaning in for a quick kiss on Harry's soft lips. Harry smiled giddily.

"Oh! I almost forgot I was going to se Hermione today!" Harry shot up then immediately shot back down as a surge of pain resonated through his hips. Snape chuckled. "Sorry hun, but I'm afraid you're not going anywhere for a bit. Come on. Let's get you to bed." Harry muttered under his breath about who's fault that was, but complied when Snape carried him back to bed.

-------_

Harry and Snape didn't leave each other alone all day, just enjoying the other's company. They cuddled all night too.

The next morning, Harry woke up very early. He smiled down at his sleeping love and got out of bed. Snape drowsily reached out to stop him. "Don- oh" He said, his eyes still closed. Harry chuckled lightly and push the hand back gently. "I need to use to restroom Severus." "Mmm..." Snape tried to reply, but drifted back to sleep.

Harry quietly exited the room, but instead of heading for the bathroom, he headed for the door.

He sighed as the fresh morning air hit him. Harry liked his walks. So... Quiet. It's nice.

Almost a half hour later, Harry walked up to the owlery to watch the sunrise. Before he could make the first step up a light but quick padding was his only warning for the hug he was enwrapped in.

Harry gasped in shock, but it faded when a familiar warmth settled and black hair drifted in his preifrail. "Severus, someone could have seen you." he said with a smile. The voice that met him sounded pained though. "I don't care. Just don't leave me."

Harry turned around, still in Snape's arms. "Why would you think I was leaving you?" He asked. Snape looked at Harry then glared at the top of the stairs. 'Oh.'

Harry chuckled and removed himself from Snape's arms. "Come on." He said holding out a hand. Snape hesitated, but complied all the same grabbing Harry's outstretched hand and following his lead up the icy steps.

"You know," Harry started. "I haven't been on a walk since that morning. Curious how it feels like it was so long ago." Snape said nothing, not wanting to think of how he almost lost his mate. How he almost lost Harry.

"I like morning walks. It's not late at night so all the night creatures are headed off to their homes while the day ones aren't up yet. Nobody's up and everything is quiet. I don't have to worry about anything or anyone but myself. Sometimes I'll get lost in my head other times I'll lose myself in the silence. I always end my walk up here though." "Why?" Snape asked, truly captured in Harry's voice. Harry looked up at the top step and smiled at Snape. "This." He said, leading Severus up to the last steps.

A vast horizon spread out in front of them. All fog was too low to disrupt the seemingly endless sky. Specks of gold light flickered then blazed out into a beautiful sun rise. The few clouds there were were out of the way and painted a rich palette of colors. The light slitted through the world turning into its deepest and richest shades

Snape was struck by the sudden view. He turned to Harry who leaned on the railway. 'Amazing' He thought.

The raven haired boy gazed out to the glorious dance of the morning sun. He nodded to himself. 'Yeah. I think things are gonna be okay now.' He smiled and turned to snape who was already leaning toward him for a kiss. Harry giggled against Snape's lips, but then he responded. He wrapped his arms around Severus's neck as Severus explored the wall of his mouth once again. When the they broke apart Harry sighed and leaned his head against Snape. He looked out at the view once again. 'Yeah. Everything's gonna be okay.'