Author's Note: BIG APOLOGY! I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything. Life got so psycho bonkers crazy, that I have hardly had a day off this whole year, let alone time to write. But without further ado, here's the final conclusion of the story... enjoy!

All was right with the world in general, but not as they should be for Harry. He lay there in the dark, tears fresh on his face, as he gently rubbed the belly of the precious little bundle sleeping next to him. He and Severus had a fight earlier that morning, and it still hurt Harry to think about it. It was for such a stupid reason, too. So frivolous that he could barely remember what it was about. What he did remember was the silence in the room. First, from the man he had been arguing with, and then from the room in general as the front door closed behind the silent figure.

This was not the first time the man had done this. When they argued, it always seemed the man would leave rather than continue the tirade. Afterwards, Harry would be left alone with his thoughts. And those thoughts weren't kind. Especially when after everything they had been through, some days it didn't seem to be enough to keep the man in the house. Everything was so peaceful during the first few months after their 'resurrection'. Harry thought back to the time of his wedding day. The one he had always wished for.

The sun was shining, and the light peaked into the bedroom Harry and Severus were staying at the Burrow. The rest of the family didn't care about formal traditions, since Harry and Severus were technically already married. Instead, they leisurely woke up to the morning sun, ready to approach the upcoming day. Harry rubbed his eyes, and leaned down to give his sleeping partner a soft kiss.

Severus moaned in disappointment at the loss of contact when Harry pulled away, so he trapped the young man in his arms and pulled him closer.

"Good morning to you too." Harry giggled as he marveled at his lover's strength, even half asleep.

"I wish we could just stay like this. You know how I get around large crowds…"

"I know, love. But it would mean so much to me. And you don't want to disappoint Molly who has worked on this whole thing from dawn to dusk every day for a month."

"I'll do this for you, darling. You know that. I just don't like being put on display. There is no doubt going to be reporters in the crowd who want the story of the century."

"Well, the world is already used to the idea that the two of us are together in some sense, so they can get over it." They both found out that Dumbledore had a hand in keeping things quiet if a witch or wizard did try to tell the press about accidentally seeing the two wizards together. But in order to keep things on the down low, Dumbledore agreed to do an interview with a member of the Prophet concerning the desire for privacy of the two wizards who saved the world. The world owed it to them to stay out of their affairs. And without confirming or denying certain facts about just how close the two wizards had become, Dumbledore did elude to the fact that they were indeed traveling together.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a familiar voice belonging to non-other than Ronald Weasley floated through the door. "Oi! If you two want breakfast, might want to get downstairs now, otherwise you won't be able to eat until the reception!"

Harry groaned before he raised his voice, "Thank you, Ron. We'll be down momentarily." Harry rubbed his eyes, and sat up to stretch. "I wish I could partake in a Mamosa…" He paused to yawn. "Or something with alcohol to loosen up my nerves."

An arm snaked up around his stomach and pulled him into a warm chest. "I could help loosen your nerves if you wished…" Severus whispered as he ever so gently licked the shell of Harry's ear.

Harry spasmed in a shock of pleasant chills down his arms. "Oh… as much as I want that, I feel as though we would not be able to leave this bed until after the time of the ceremony."

"You're right, but I feel like tonight, we'll both be so tired, we won't be able to do anything."

Harry turned around in order to get his mate a proper kiss. "Tomorrow, when we wake up in Argentina, we won't leave our bed for anything other than food, restroom, or if we decide we want to migrate to the bathtub."

Snape's lips shifted into a rather lewd smile, "Just wait until you see some of the wedding presents I got for you."

Harry wondered briefly if he should be concerned, but brushed it off, because he knew he would let his husband do anything to him during their Honeymoon Part 2, as they called it. "I am curious to see what my creative and inventive lover has in store for us next week…" He nibbled gently on Severus's bottom lip. "I can hardly wait…" Just when he heard Severus let out a primal growl in his chest, he jumped up off the bed, and out of reach of the man before he could pounce. "Guess we should get up and get some food before we get ready for the day." Harry cheekily winked at his lover as Severus looked so frustrated at losing his prey that it was almost comical.

Severus crawled off the bed, and did some stretching of his own. "You go ahead. I think I'll start on a shower and… take care of a few things…" Severus said as he made his way to the bathroom without a look back.

"I love you!" Harry called out to Severus as the door shut on the man. The sound of running water was his only reply. Harry knew he was going to pay for that later, but couldn't be brought to care as he remembered the time when Severus made good on his promise of "punishing his naughty student over his desk". Harry shuddered at the stimulating memory. He never thought he would be into role-play scenarios, but the orgasm he received spoke for itself as he was rendered unconscious.

Later that day, when they were both ushered into separate rooms in order to get ready for the wedding, Harry was surprised to discover that he actually felt nervous. So much so that he wanted to expel the contents of his stomach all over his fancy robes. Hermione chose both of their dress robes, and they both wholeheartedly approved of her taste. Severus had Black with accents of green and silver embroidery, with a green vest and black silk trousers. Harry had dark cobalt blue robes with a burgundy vest and black brocaded trousers. They were both traditionally wizard appropriate with a modern muggle feel.

"Are you ok, Harry? You're looking a little pale." Hermione's voice sounded through his thoughts.

"Hm? Oh, yes. I'm alright. It's just… I never thought I'd actually be nervous. I mean, we're already bonded and married… so the idea that I have butterflies in my stomach just seems rather silly to me."

"It's not silly at all Harry. Like Severus, you've never been one for the lime light. And while you may have wished for this to be a 'family only' affair, I think the rest of the world felt like they were entitled to know the details of your relationship. After all, you two have the most romantic love affair of the century, riddled with blood and hope. It's sure to pass onto the history books, and into legend."

Harry rubbed his stomach gently. "I'm just afraid for my daughter. What if she's faced with the same amount of unwanted attention as I was growing up? Even without Rita Skeeter sticking her nose into my business, I still felt like I was driven to the brink of insanity with all of the bad press shoved into my face."

"Dumbledore already took care of that. All of the major paper and periodical companies have all signed contracts agreeing that nothing will be posted about your child other than the announcement of her birth. Even Rita Skeeter has agreed to it. Unless your daughter makes some amazing breakthrough entirely on her own that becomes news worthy, she will not be mentioned in any papers or magazines. The Ministry even backed Dumbledore up on that. Any violators will be stripped of their job, references, and be tried for oath breaking."

"That makes me feel a bit better, I guess."

"Also, remember who installed your new wards. No one is apparating anywhere near your home, without proper permission." She winked at him. Harry knew that his home was safe, thanks to Hermione's and Severus's wards. It was a great comfort that they wouldn't have any unexpected visitors haunting their doorstep.

Harry took one final look at himself in the mirror. Even he had to admit that he was looking quite dashing and handsome. His hair was gelled and styled thanks to Hermione's care, and he looked healthier and happier than he can remember. He was practically radiant.

Hermione came up behind him and rested her chin on his shoulder. Harry thought she was looking beyond stunning herself. She addressed him via his reflection. "You're perfect Harry. I'm so happy for you, and I can't tell you what it means to me that you are right here, right now."

Harry tilted his head so that he could rub his temple against hers. "Me too, 'Mione. I never dreamed I could ever be here."

She knew what he meant. A lifetime of hardships, and suddenly given a hopeful and happy future with the man you love. They stayed like that just enjoying the moment when a sudden knock sounded on the door, and a near frantic red head popped in.

"The guests are all here and seated. Shacklebolt is ready to blow the whistle. If you two aren't downstairs in two minutes, they're going to start the ceremony without you."

Harry laughed, and pulled them both in for a final hug. "Let's get this over with so we can jump to the party!" Harry jovially said as he practically skipped down the steps with his friends at his heels. He couldn't help it. The nerves from before suddenly turned into excited energy at the thought of seeing his most handsome husband in his dress robes, probably wearing a stern scowl to conceal how nervous he was as well.

The ceremony was short and sweet. Kingsley was their officiator, much to Dumbledore's dismay. That was his 'punishment' for meddling in Harry and Severus's affairs. They both couldn't be too angry with him, since his hunch helped the two of them have the happy future neither of them thought they deserved or would ever get.

There was a thunderous applause that shook the ground as Harry and Severus kissed for all the world to see. The moment was captured with several cameras and cheers sounded to the sky, deafening the whole audience. But to the two at the Alter, the world melted into a blissful haze. Their hearts beat in unison, and the future was theirs for the taking. It was in this moment when the two of them truly felt reborn.

Tears continued to fall as Harry remembered that moment. So full of hope, and happiness. But then he thinks of now, when his dark thoughts plagued him with memories of his doubts. Did you really think everything was going to be sunshine and rainbows? I'm a hard man who's lived a hard life. Do you think I could ever live without feeling anger? That we would never have an argument? Do you really think we could have lived more than one year together? This was the first and only relationship he's ever had, and while he's beyond happy most of the time, the fact of the matter was that he was lying in the dark, crying to himself when Severus was who knows where. He was tired of it. He also felt lonely, because his best friends were off on their own Honeymoon excursion at the moment, so he didn't want to bother them, or anyone with these feeble matters.

His tiny Rose shifted and stretched in her sleep, nearly punching him in the jaw. Despite himself, he gently laughed at his little one and kissed her head. He knew he still had to plan her birthday party that was coming up in a month. He couldn't believe that she was already three years old. Her birth was relatively an easy one, with all things considered, and he thanked Merlin every day that he was a wizard.

"Dear Gods just give me a break!" Harry shouted in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. They all agreed that it would be the best place for Harry to give birth when the time came. But Harry had been kept awake for the past forty hours, and he was desperate for sleep, but the pain was too great. He already took the maximum amount of pain killers allowed for a safe male pregnancy, and the baby was not quite ready to be extracted yet. Harry was constantly in tears from the pain.

Severus sat by Harry's side, holding his hand and wiping his brow with a cool compress. He didn't know if it helped, but he needed to feel useful since Harry was flailing and in obvious discomfort. "I'm so sorry, Love. I wish I could take the pain away, or at least share it." They were both alone at the moment while Poppy was in her office, preparing for the final stages of delivery.

Harry flopped back onto the bed and looked at the ceiling. "I appreciate the sentiment, but that's not a very helpful wish…" He threw his free arm over his eyes as he continued to cry.

Severus brought Harry's hand up to kiss it as he interlocked their fingers and used his other hand to comb the damp bangs out of his young husband's watery eyes. "Tell me what I can do for you. I hate seeing you in so much pain."

Harry turned his head, so that he could look at Severus's worried face. The man hadn't slept a wink either. "There's nothing you can really do. It's just… this is taking so long. I'm frustrated, exhausted, and tired being in this bed. I'm tired of being an emotional pregnant monster… no! Don't deny it! I've been crying over the littlest things, my back and feet are in constant agony, and I am sick of Poppy telling me that it's not time yet…" Harry managed to gasp out as a new onslaught of tears overtook him. Severus leaned over and rested his head on the pillow, next to Harry. He kissed Harry's cheek, nuzzled his temple, and whispered softly in his ear. "You are a marvel, Harry. Pregnancy is not an easy journey for anyone, but you've been fantastic! I've loved watching you change as our daughter grew day by day. You've been a treasure to me, no matter how you've acted. Even now, I find you utterly amazing."

Harry took a few deep breaths before he trusted his voice not to crack, "Keep talking. Just keep talking to me…"

Severus smiled and continued to speak softly. "I'm going to spoil the two of you so rotten. I know you'll need your rest and will be stuck in a bed for a while, but I will happily give you gentle back massages anytime you want. We'll dine in bed at every meal. I'll bathe with you in our spacious bath. I'll read anything you wish to you, since I know how much you love my dulcet tones. And I'll take the first three months of diaper duty!"

Despite the pain, Harry laughed at the inclusion of that last bit. "You are so good to me Severus. I hate being such a burden."

"You're not a burden, Harry. I understand how hard this has been for you. Males aren't naturally meant to carry children. Most would deny this, but not many would have the constitution to be able to face what you're enduring right now. Even though it's possible, most would rather find a surrogate."

"I suppose… thanks to all of the pain I endured with my heart… that this is a cakewalk in comparison. The pain isn't as bad as that was, but it's just so constant… and I also know it's temporary and will pass. But still…"

"I know, Love. In the here and now, it's the most inconvenient thing in the world. But just think. A couple of weeks in a bed won't be all bad. Especially when I can do all sorts of naughty things to you…" Severus wiggled his eyebrows suggestively as he bit his lip in that devious smirk that always got Harry blushing. "Just think of the long and leisurely explorations I can perform on your prone figure. Perhaps I should also get my hands on some erotic novels that I could read out loud to you, and we could reenact some of the more enticing scenes…"

Harry groaned, "That's not fair Severus. It's impossible for me to get aroused when I have a mountain in the way." They hadn't made love since Harry's abdomen grew passed a certain point to be comfortable, but Severus had made sure to demonstrate how he could still find Harry desirable, even at his largest state. But now, with Harry stuck in the stasis of male labor, he might as well have been impotent for all the effects, or lack-thereof, Severus's words and ministrations had on him.

"Just another temporary hurdle, my love. It too shall pass." He said as he kissed his poor, suffering lover.

Just then, Harry bolted upright awkwardly. "GAH! POPPY! She shifted! Is it time?! Please say it's time!" Harry shouted.

Poppy rushed into the room, carrying a tray of portions, clean towels, and salves. Running her wand over Harry's bulging stomach, she smiled. "Yes, Harry. She's ready." Set the items down and got to work. Severus moved behind Harry so that he could rest against the man's chest and hold tightly onto both of his hands. In this position, Severus would be able to keep Harry steady, and prevent him from thrashing.

Poppy worked quickly as she alternated simultaniously from using her wand, to forcing Harry to swallow a series of potions, to readying the towels to receive the long awaited bundle. The whole process took less than ten minutes, much to Harry's surprise and immense relief. After Poppy fixed him up and gave him the last potion, he was no longer in any pain, and was just simply exhausted. But it was all worth it as he was crying for a different reason and gazing down at the precious tiny hand that tightly clasped one of his fingers. There was a shrill cry coming out from the tiny mouth as new lungs were tested, but the sound was beautiful in that moment. Harry rested against Severus as the two of them cooed over their new arrival. Harry kissed the pale head and whispered, "Welcome to the world, my beautiful Rose…"

Harry heard the door open downstairs, and just kept quiet. He knew the man stayed out late on purpose just to avoid speaking to Harry upon his return. The man would sleep on the couch at first. But when Harry tried to sleep there in order to 'catch' the man, then he would find him in their bed, where they slept together most nights aside from these times. Neither of them broached the subject the next morning. They were both more in the habit of forgetting but not necessarily forgiving, so it still didn't solve anything. This time around though, Harry decided to let the man choose his resting place for the night. He could have the couch or the bed. Harry would just lie here all night next to his living miracle, and think about his current problem.

He listened to the man's footsteps as they were about to pass the nursery and head into their bedroom, but the steps stopped. Harry held his breath, waiting for the steps to continue. They didn't. Harry raised himself up, and looked at the shadowy figure in the doorway.

Without a word, the figure crossed over and leaned over the gate of the crib. He reached down and wiped away the tear tracks that reflected the moonlight from the open window. Harry leaned into the hand on his face, and couldn't help the fresh tears that followed down the existing trails. After an extended period of silence as the two figures simply watched each other, the standing wizard finally spoke. "I thought our daughter was the one who was supposed to crawl into our beds after having a nightmare."

Harry wasn't sure where to go with that. It was obviously a joke, meant to break the ice, but Harry could only lower his head to look at the peacefully sleeping child. "She's very good at keeping my nightmares away." He whispered. Above him, he heard the man sigh. Harry was afraid he was going to leave again, and braced himself to listening to the retreating steps. Instead, he felt himself being lifted or levitated with magic out of the large crib, and into the man's arms.

"We need to talk, Harry." The man said somberly.

Something about those words always brought about the harbinger of bad news. So Harry kept still and tense, and waited as the man sat down in the big, cozy reading chair, and rested Harry on his lap.

"You've been avoiding me. Don't deny it." Severus stated matter of factly.

Harry was so shocked by this, that he had to remind himself at the last possible second to keep his voice down as he harshly whispered. "Me?! Who's the one who always leaves in the middle of an argument?"

"I leave, because I feel that what we argue about is pointless and neverending, so I leave in order for you to calm down, and you're fine the next day."

Harry wanted to cry all over again. "I am not fine. I'm never fine when you do that. What makes you think that I don't want to resolve any of the arguments we have? You run away and pretend they never happen. I don't bring it up again, because I don't want you to leave again." He took a tissue out of his pocket to wipe his eyes and nose, which he knew was seeping in a rather unattractive manner. "You yelled at me so often when I was younger, for doing even the slightest thing out of line. In a way, I relied on it, because I knew that your scolding was keeping me grounded. But now… you are silent… it's… unnerving to be honest. I almost feel like those arguments get out of hand so quickly, because I'm almost desperate to hear you shout at me."

Severus sighed again, but this time, it was calmer. He couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Harry looked horrified that Severus found any of this even remotely funny. Severus leaned down and kissed the wet cheeks. "Oh, my love… how far we have come, and how much we need to learn…"

"I don't understand." Harry complained.

"This has been an amazing couple of years. The good and bad. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. Listen to me, my darling husband. We've both been behaving like fools, and for that, I apologize. I'm afraid the concept of the domestic married life is still a foreign concept to me, and I still don't know how to act in certain normal situations. I think the same goes for you as well. As such, we're indirectly hurting each other with our actions rather than fixing what's really wrong."

"What is it that's 'wrong'?"

"Us. We were both so high on the wedded bliss that when the small things come up, we didn't know how to handle them, so we ignored them until it was a bunch of small things that center around one big underlying problem. Think about it. If one of us said something or did something small that the other one didn't like, we mainly just ignored it in favor of it not being that important. We've been through so much that we didn't want to break the happiness we found. But in doing so, we disillusioned ourselves into thinking that nothing could go wrong, and before we knew it, here we are."

Harry was sure he was lost with that reasoning, but he could sort of see where Severus was getting at. They didn't want to think about the bad. They didn't want to think about the pain of the past. But now, there was something that kept them from staying in their happy bubble. "How do we fix it?"

"Nothing really needs to be fixed, love. That's what makes it so silly if you think about it. This is life. This is love. This is us being married, and this is how our happily ever after really is. When I leave the house, I thought that's what you wanted or needed me to do. And I don't want to be the man I used to be. The one who was so quick to raise his voice at any provocation." Severus turned his head away as his eyes became unfocused and distant, " … I still think of that day… the last time I truly shouted at you… and there was all that blood… I suppose I'm still not over how my harsh words brought you all that pain"

"But they don't anymore. What brings me pain now is how you won't stay… You wouldn't talk to me…"

Severus tightened his hold. "Forgive me, my love. I promise I won't do it again."

Harry sighed as he leaned against his husband. Maybe those were the magic words he'd been waiting to hear. "I'm sorry too. I know that I'm still affected by what the fake Tom had said. Raising my doubts, about us really being able to have a happy marriage. And I would think about those shadows who dared to wear your face… I suppose that's why I stay silent. I didn't want to say anything wrong…or have the chance to prove any of those doubts to be right."

"Such small things... I've never been in a meaningful relationship before you, so I'm still waiting for you to tire of me, even though I know that day won't ever come. Despite that, I have my own fears and doubts that plague me. Which I also know is silly. I'm sorry that I'm the one who makes you cry…"

Harry leaned up to kiss the man's chin. "I would forgive you anything and everything. And I will never tire of you."

"Nor I you." Severus said as he turned to receive a proper kiss. "Tell me, why did I find you disturbing our daughter's slumber?"

"She keeps me calm, and no matter what, she's always helped put things into perspective. If you needed your space for whatever reason, or if I needed to remain silent in order to keep you in the house, then I would gladly be miserable for a short while. Just so long as I could be held in your arms the next night, then it wouldn't matter."

"Oh Harry… you have no idea how similar that was to how I thought. I say it again, we are such fools…"

Harry could hear it in the tone that Severus was on the verge of tears himself. He reached up in order to embrace the man fully, "I love you, my precious fool."

Severus chuckled and held Harry close. "And I love you. We were always so good about speaking about what was on our minds. Somehow we forgot how."

"Well, I think with everything happening all at once, we were still not sure if the curse was truly gone. We were afraid to jinx it, therefore we were treading on eggshells."

"That makes sense."

"I'm glad we talked it out. I don't want to sleep without you near."

Severus kissed his temple, and made to stand up. "We shall face all obstacles, no matter how rough, and come out on top."

They both looked down at their little marvel, asleep in the crib. "She is perfection." Harry whispered in awe.

"That she is." Severus reached down to gently stroke a plump cheek. "No matter what happens in this life, or the next, I dedicate myself and all that I am to the two of you."

Harry hesitated, "…Three…"

Severus looked at him, "I beg your pardon?"

Harry grabbed Severus's hand and put it on his flat stomach. "Alphonse Teron is on his way…"

Severus was speechless. He stood there with his mouth open for a few minutes before finally asking, "How long have you…"

"Known? Today. After you left… I got a fire call from Madam Pomfrey to come in for a routine check-up. That woman can't get enough of making sure I'm alright. Anyway, during the diagnostics, she discovered that I'm three weeks pregnant."

"But… how do you know…?"

"That it's a boy? I just feel it. I can't explain or describe it, but I'm as sure as I was when I was carrying little Rose. It's also why I was extra depressed from our fight. I should have been happy, and wanting to tell you right away, but I didn't know how to approach you, and it felt like I was using it as an excuse to hide the real problem. If we hadn't talked tonight, I was going to tell you when things cooled down. It didn't stop me from being extra emotional, though."

Severus wrapped his arms around Harry's middle, and pulled him close. "I'm so sorry you have such a jerky husband. Such a bad, insensitive bond-mate."

Harry giggled, and nuzzled his cheek, "He's just lucky I love him. And he can make it up to me by bringing me breakfast in bed for a week."

Severus laughed lightly in his ear. "As you wish you little manipulator." He pulled back to observe his teasing and adorable husband as he pouted. "What am I going to do with you?" He asked affectionately.

"All I ask is for you to love me. Love all of us."

"I promise I will. To the end of my days and beyond." He took his finger and traced a familiar shape on Harry's chest. "Cross my heart." He sealed this promise with a sweet and gentle kiss.

~ Fin~

A/N: And that's a wrap! I hope you all enjoyed this final chapter. Again, so sorry it took so long to write. I made it extra long to cover all the points to sap up the wrap up (I didn't feel like I could top the first honeymoon). There will not be a sequel to this storyline, because I believe I've exhausted all avenues I wanted to go with it. I was originally going to have the bonding ceremony be Harry's cure, but then I kept on thinking about how I could up the ante just a little bit more. I think it was worth it though. I hope you all think so too. But sometimes, there has to be an end. Not to worry though. I have many more Snarry ideas brewing in the stew pot that is my brain. I have a few other stories I need to finish as well. Thank you all so much for reading, following, and reviewing. It's a nice feeling to know that so many people enjoy my work!