Title: a convenient Marriage

Harry caught his hands. "Whoa, Reggie! Illegal motion there, mate. Keep the hands on the Quaffle, all right?"

Reggie grinned drunkenly at him. "I'd like to handle your Quaffle," he said, leering. Harry rolled his eyes; not only was the invitation uninteresting but it was unoriginal as well. "Yeah, well, it's late and I'm sure there are plenty of other Quaffles out there." He steered Reggie toward the fireplace. "So now that you've seen me home - mrphh!"

Reggie might have been drunk but his libido appeared keen, because he'd pulled Harry into an embrace and was trying to explore his tonsils with his tongue. Harry pushed him away. "Stop it, Reggie! I'm married, for God's sake."

"Yes, he is," came a deep and silky voice from the doorway, and Harry swung around in surprise to see Snape leaning against the doorjamb. The man had removed his outer robe, had a whiskey glass in his hand, and appeared to be in only slightly better shape than Reggie.

Harry sighed. Wonderful, he thought. Two of them.

He took advantage of Reggie's surprise to push him toward the fireplace, throwing in a handful of powder and giving the direction of the hotel they'd just come from. The hotel staff would either toss him into an empty bed and let him sober up, or they would call the team manager to take care of him.

Sighing, Harry turned back to face his other problem. "Evening, Severus. I thought I told you not to wait up."

"And now I see why," Snape said as he unfolded himself from the doorframe. Harry revised his opinion: not completely drunk, just enough to relax that iron-tight control the man normally held over his body. "Is that your latest inamorata?"

"My latest what?" Harry asked in disbelief. "Reggie's just a friend - hell, he's not even a friend, just one of the others on the team."

"And are we friends, Harry?" Snape asked, moving forward with that gliding walk of his. "One certainly couldn't call us lovers, now could they?"

Harry sighed and closed his eyes. "Whatever this is, Severus, I don't have the energy for it tonight. Let's talk about it in the morning, all right?"

"No, it is not all right, Mr. Potter," Snape said, hissing out the last two words almost in Harry's face. He turned away abruptly, walking over to the sofa. "Do you know, Harry, I have spent the evening reading the most delightful little book? One sent to you by your dear friend, Miss Granger."

Snape scooped up a book from the couch and whirled toward Harry, and he had to admire the way Snape kept his balance, even as "relaxed" as he was. "Does she know about your little amours? Is that why she sent this, to help you with your conquests?"

He tossed the book at Harry and he caught it easily enough, and then stared at the cover in chagrined surprise. The Gay Wizard's Kama Sutra, he read in bold red lettering, and he groaned.

"I can explain this, Severus," he said.

"I'm sure you can," Snape said with a sneer. "Although I'm not sure I want to hear your explanation. You certainly had me fooled all this time, playing the shy virgin. I suppose the novelty of that approach has worn off, so you've had to find something else to entice your clientele."

"My what?" Harry snapped, starting to get angry now. He tossed the book onto the table. "Are you calling me a whore?"

"Nothing so common, I'm sure," Snape said, curling his lip. "Not for the Boy Who Lived. A courtesan, at the least."

"That's it!" Harry snapped. "I have had enough! I am going to bed, and in the morning I might accept your apology - if you grovel enough."

He turned on his heel and stalked out of the sitting room, into the foyer, and to the base of the stairs. Before he could start up, however, a strong hand grabbed him by the arm and spun him around. Snape's eyes were glittering dangerously, and Harry caught his breath as a frisson of fear danced up his spine.

"Oh, no, you don't, husband of mine," Snape said silkily, still holding Harry's arm in his strong grip so that Harry couldn't pull away. "Tonight, you won't shut me out of either your heart or your bed."

Snape swung Harry up into his arms and carried him up the staircase. Harry struggled as much as he dared, not sure if he should be more worried about tumbling them both down the stairs or giving into whatever madness had possessed Snape.

For madness it seemed to be. Snape kicked open the door to Harry's bedroom, shattering the wood, but didn't seem to care as he crossed the room to toss Harry down onto the bed. Harry attempted to scramble out on the other side, but Snape was too quick for him, pulling him back onto the bed.

"No, you don't get away from me that easily," he said, effortlessly containing Harry's struggles.

"You don't want to do this," Harry protested, trying to wiggle a hand free to get to his wand. "You're upset, you've had too much to drink - a night's rest and it'll all look different in the morning."

"Oh, I don't think either of us will be getting much rest tonight," Snape replied, a wicked smirk on his face. He captured Harry's hands and pinned them down above his head.

Harry struggled, trying to pull his hands free from the Potion master's surprisingly strong grip, while at the same time attempting to knee him in the groin. Snape skilfully evaded this attempt, instead forcing Harry's legs apart and settling firmly between them. Harry gasped as the weight of the other man pinned him to the bed.

"Please, Sev- " Harry's plea was cut off abruptly as Snape leaned down and fastened his mouth to Harry's. Harry was so surprised at finding himself forcibly kissed that he gasped, and Snape took advantage of the opportunity to thrust his tongue inside, capturing Harry's mouth completely.

Harry's struggles weakened as the power of Snape's kisses overwhelmed him. He'd only been kissed twice before - by Cho and then Reggie - but neither of those kisses held a candle to this one. Snape's kisses were hot and hungry as he devoured Harry's mouth, exploring and possessing him thoroughly, and Harry dazedly thought he could become addicted to them.

He was vaguely aware that Snape had released his captured hands but Harry had no desire to find his wand now, only the aching need to return those devastating kisses. And that was probably a good thing because he had the hazy idea that his wand was somewhere on the floor, along with the shredded bits of his clothing. Not that he could recall why he needed his wand, because all he wanted to do was press upward into the lean, naked body stretched along his.

Snape apparently had decided to forego his wand as well, because he was using his fingers to stretch and lubricate Harry instead of the usual spell. Harry groaned and writhed on the fingers pressing deep inside him - and why had he ever thought that having Severus' fingers there would be disgusting? It was bliss, it was heaven - it wasn't nearly enough, and he cried out with relief as he felt something larger and hotter than fingers slide into him.

Harry arched upwards, trying to get more of that delicious heat inside, and locked his ankles together behind Snape's waist to pull him closer. Snape pressed biting kisses over his face and neck, his velvet voice muttering delicious obscenities mixed with praise into Harry's ear.

"Move!" Harry begged as he clutched at his lover. "Please!" Snape moved, pulling his prick nearly out of Harry's body, and Harry moaned at the loss. Then he was slamming back in, hard and fast, and something inside Harry lit up with fiery pleasure.

"Yes!" he shouted. "God - yes - again!"

Snape shifted Harry's legs to his shoulders, bending him nearly in half, but Harry didn't mind because his lover was pounding into him now, striking that wonderful place inside with every thrust. It was incredible, intoxicating, to feel the powerful thrusts of his lover's body and the overwhelming heat of his own response - and why hadn't he known that it could be like this? Now he knew why people loved sex so much - he wanted this to go on forever, he wanted it never to stop, he wanted to touch that glorious light that hovered just out of his reach.

And then he was there. He could feel his body seizing up as sparks raced through every nerve and muscle, could feel a burning wetness spreading across his belly, and he howled his pleasure to the night. Snape was gasping and swearing above him, caught in the throes of his own climax, and it was all too much for Harry.

His last thought before he tumbled into blissful darkness was I really must remember to send Hermione a thank-you note.

Chapter 9

Harry slowly eased into wakefulness although he determinedly kept his eyes shut against the morning light. He wasn't ready to wake up completely yet, but he allowed himself a luxurious stretch, deliciously aware of all the aches and pains in his body. He was still exhausted from the exertions of the night but he couldn't help grinning. What a night it had been! He'd never suspected that his husband could be such an amazing lover, and he could hardly wait to repeat the experience.

He reached out a questing hand, seeking his lover's body, but found only empty bed. Frowning, he opened his eyes to confirm that he was alone, and looked around the room. Yes, there had definitely been two people in this bed and the marks on his body were testament to the fact that they'd had wild sex, so it hadn't been a weird dream. The remnants of his clothing were scattered about the floor, so that had been real as well. Perhaps Severus was in the shower? Or maybe he was just an early riser?

Harry carefully pushed up into a sitting position and looked around. There, on the night table beside him, were his wand, a familiar looking flask, and a folded piece of parchment. Feeling an ominous sense of foreboding, Harry picked up the parchment.

Harry,

I deeply regret my treatment of you last night. As you no doubt noticed, I had imbibed more alcohol than was perhaps wise. I also appear to have developed an unexpected jealous streak, the result being my unprincipled assault upon your person. I will not ask you to forgive me - I do not deserve such forgiveness. For once in my life, I wanted something pure, and in my foolishness, I have destroyed it.

Under other circumstances, I would advise you to apply for divorce, citing my wretched abuse, but at the present time, that would only make it possible for Lucius Malfoy to get his hands on you. Therefore, I have removed myself to Hogwarts and will remain there for the duration of our marriage. You need not fear that I will make unwanted demands upon your body, and you are free to seek other companionship. Once the Malfoy threat has passed, I will petition for divorce, freeing you to seek a more worthy mate. The house and all of its remaining contents are, and will remain, yours. Consider it compensation, although inadequate, for what you have endured at my hands.

Severus Snape

Harry threw back the covers and, uncaring of his nudity, ran out of the room and down the stairs to Snape's workroom. The door was no longer warded, and when Harry opened it, he was stunned to see that the place was bare. It was true, then. Severus had left.

He went into the library next, expecting to find it similarly denuded, and was surprised to find it intact. For some reason, that made tears come to his eyes, and he murmured, "Oh, Severus," as he stroked the spine of one of his husband's precious books. Leaving the library, he slowly made his way up the stairs, pausing for a moment to look into Snape's bedroom. He'd never been in there and was surprised to find it decorated in wine red and deep green instead of black, but he wasn't surprised to find the wardrobe and dresser empty.

Slowly, he made his way back to his own room and sat down on the bed. He picked up the letter and read it again, his heart aching as the full extent of his loss sunk in. How could Snape leave him now, just as they'd finally resolved their sexual problem, and just as Harry'd realized how much he loved -

Harry's head jerked up. Of course! Snape was working under the assumption that Harry still considered this a marriage of convenience. He had no idea just how much Harry had enjoyed last night - or how much Harry had come to feel for Snape. And Harry was going to make sure that he knew exactly that, right now.

Harry threw on a robe and headed back down to the study. He considered Flooing to Hogwarts to confront his errant husband but decided that Snape might need a little distance to sort things out, and if Harry pressured him in any way, he'd just plant his stubborn feet and refuse to listen. A letter was a much better idea.

Pulling out a piece of parchment from the writing desk, he wrote:

Severus Snape,

You are an Idiot.

Did it look like I was fighting to get away? Okay, maybe at the beginning I was, but right about the point where you started exploring my tonsils with your tongue, I surrendered and went along for the ride. And what a ride it was! The only regret I have is that you were not there when I woke up this morning, so that we could do it all over again.

Come back home, Sev. I miss you and I need you. I love you.

Your Harry

As he watched Hedwig fly off with the note attached to her leg, he felt confident that he would get his husband back. After all, he was just as stubborn as Snape, and he was a lot more determined.

Harry turned to head back upstairs to shower and dress, and caught sight of the Kama Sutra sitting on the table. He picked it up and flipped through the pages, blushing a little at the pictures. Then he grinned and tucked the book under his arm as he headed upstairs. After all, he had time to kill until his lover returned, and a little research would fill the empty hours. Plus, it would be fun to surprise Snape when he got back.

No, Severus Snape didn't stand a chance.

**************

Harry critically studied his reflection in the mirror and decided with a sigh that it would just have to do. His new green robes looked very nice and highlighted his eyes and he'd decided to wear them open over his black shirt and trousers, both of which had been chosen because they fit his body like a glove. He'd just reapplied the shaving spell and his skin was smooth and stubble-free. His hair - well, he sighed again and accepted that there wasn't much he could do with it.

He glanced at the clock on the mantle and noted that the hand had moved closer to the mark "Time to meet Severus". He made a face as he tucked his wand into an inside pocket of his robe. It wasn't exactly what he'd wanted, but it had taken almost two full weeks to convince Snape to meet him face to face to discuss the situation, and he'd only succeeded then because he'd agreed to meet Snape at a restaurant, not at the house.

Harry looked over the bed - their bed in what had formerly been Severus' bedroom - one last time. He checked the drawer in the night table to make sure the new supplies were at hand, just in case he was successful tonight. He smirked; Severus Snape might be the most stubborn man alive with a guilt complex a mile wide, but Harry was stubborn, too, and very determined to get his way.

Moving into Severus' bedroom was only one of the changes he'd made over the past two weeks. After careful consideration, he'd informed his agent and the England team's Management that he had decided not to renew his contract. He didn't know exactly what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, but he had some ideas and now he had the time to try them out. Harry also wanted to explore the idea of starting a family, which he certainly couldn't do while playing Quidditch.

First things first, however - he had to convince his husband to come back home.

Harry Flooed to the restaurant and wasn't surprised to find that he had arrived before Snape. He let the waiter show him to their table and ordered a bottle of champagne, hoping that tonight would be a celebration.

"Well, well," said a familiar silky voice. "If it isn't Harry Potter. It's such a pleasure to see you again."

Harry glared at Lucius Malfoy as he approached the table. "Malfoy," he said distastefully. "The feeling is not mutual."

Lucius laughed softly, and Harry shivered at the ice-cold malice in it. "I'm sorry to hear that you feel like that. I was hoping that we could talk and...renew our acquaintance."

"Sorry, Malfoy, but I have other plans. My husband," Harry said, a trifle maliciously, "is joining me for dinner."

"Ah. Well, in that case, let me offer you a menu," Lucius said, handing him one. "Might I recommend the Catch of the Day?" As Harry touched the menu, he felt a horribly familiar tugging sensation behind his navel and Lucius' fading voice. "It's you."

Chapter 10

Harry woke up in a strange dark room, his head aching and a sour taste in his mouth. He realized that he was tied by both his hands and feet as well as gagged, and that his robe was missing. He was still wearing his other clothes, but if the soft surface underneath him was a bed as he suspected, he wouldn't be wearing them for long.

This day was going down hill fast.

What puzzled him was what Lucius thought he'd get out of this. Raping Harry wouldn't make a difference to the marriage contract between him and Snape - his husband had stipulated in the original document that both of them were free to take lovers. It might cause a setback in Harry's reconciliation with Severus, but surely the other man would forgive him, knowing it was forced. Plus, Harry would file charges against Lucius that would have him sent to Azkaban for sure. Unless...had Lucius captured Snape as well? Did he plan to kill the other man, then forcibly wed and bed Harry?

The thought made chills run up Harry's spine, and it was with fearful and yet defiant eyes that he stared at Lucius as the man entered the room.

Lucius set the candle he was carrying on the night table and stared down at Harry with a gloating look in his eyes. "Ah, Mr. Potter. So glad you could accept my invitation," he said as he removed the gag.

Harry glared at him. "It's Potter-Snape, and if you think you're going to get away with this, you are sadly mistaken."

"But I already have gotten away with it," Lucius said smoothly. "I have you, and if you think the estimable Severus Snape will come rushing to your rescue, let me assure you that he won't know where to look for you. No one will find you until it is far too late."

Harry shivered at the malicious tone in the man's voice. This was about more than Lucius regaining his place in society; it was personal. "Too late for what?"

Lucius pulled out a knife and held it up in the candlelight, and Harry's heart jumped into his throat. Lucius smirked. "I doubt that you recognize that taste in your mouth -potions never was your strong suite, was it? I am sure that your husband - soon to be ex-husband - would, however."

Harry blanched. "Poison?"

"Now, my dear Harry, would good would poisoning you do me?" Lucius laughed. He placed the tip of the knife in the centre of Harry's chest, just piercing the fabric of his shirt, and slowly drew it down Harry's chest. The silk shirt was sliced open as smoothly as a hot knife cutting through butter. Lucius smiled at his handiwork and turned to the sleeves.

"While I do admit there would be a certain satisfaction in ridding myself of your annoying existence," he said, slitting the right sleeve and then tearing it away from Harry's body, "I have more...pressing needs at the moment."

He similarly disposed of the left sleeve, then tore away the remnants of the shirt. "Impressive, Mr. Potter," he said, running the tip of the knife just over the surface of Harry's chest and circling one of his nipples. "Very impressive. Quidditch is so good for the masculine form, don't you think?"

Lucius set the knife down on the night table next to his wand, then sat down on the side of the bed. Casually, he removed his boots as his eyes flicked over Harry's body. Harry refused to flinch under Lucius' lecherous gaze, and glared at him instead.

"No, not poison. What you've ingested is a male pregnancy potion. Its purpose is to prepare the male body for procreation, providing the necessary egg and womb for conception."

Harry's eyes widened and so did Lucius' smirk. "It may take a few...attempts, but within the next twenty-four hours you, Harry, will be carrying my child."

Harry glared at him. "I refuse to have your baby, Malfoy."

"I'm afraid you have very little choice in the matter," Lucius said coolly, unbuttoning his silk robe.

"Unless you plan on keeping me tied to this bed the entire time I'm pregnant, I'll find some way of getting rid of it and getting out of here," Harry snapped.

"A magical pregnancy cannot be terminated - not without killing the 'mother' as well. And as for getting out of here...well, there wouldn't be much point in that, would there? Where would you go? Back to Severus?"

Lucius laughed. "You silly child, you should have studied the Colligare Gentes law more carefully. It is, after all, designed to provide heirs - legitimate heirs. Should the 'bride' become pregnant with a child that is not the husband's, then the contract is immediately annulled."

Lucius stood up and dropped his robe to the floor, showing that he was naked underneath. Harry swallowed hard, then flinched as Lucius picked up his wand and the knife. He slowly slit open the sides of Harry's trousers.

"Which, my dear Harry, leaves me clear to claim you and our dear child. Not entirely ethical, but society will forgive us for letting our 'passion' get away with us."

He waved his wand and Harry's trousers were ripped away. Lucius smirked, and Harry regretted that he'd decided to go commando tonight. "Why, Harry! Such a naughty boy! And such a sweet surprise for dear Severus -not that he'll be able to enjoy it."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that." A new voice, soft and deadly, made Harry jerk his head around to stare in surprise and relief at his husband standing in the doorway, wand in hand.

Lucius sighed as he pointed his own wand at Snape. "Really, Severus, you are becoming quite tiresome. How did you find me -no, let me guess." He touched Harry's left hand with the tip of the knife, tracing the ring on his finger. "A tracking spell?" As Snape took a step forward, Lucius applied a little pressure to the knife, piercing the skin. Harry gasped as a drop of blood ran down the sharp blade and spattered the pristine sheets.

Snape froze and Lucius laughed, a low, ugly sound. "Maybe it's even better that you found us, Severus. You shall be forced to watch as I rape your precious Harry, impregnating him with my child. Watch as you lose him forever, while you can do nothing to save him."

"Don't be too certain of that, Malfoy," Snape growled.

Lucius moved, almost quicker than Harry could see, and the knife was now at Harry's throat. "Oh, I am certain," he purred. "Wand on the floor, Severus, and don't even think about being clever." Snape slowly bent and placed the wand on the floor. "Now kick it under the bed - gently! Wouldn't want to damage it, would we?"

Snape obeyed. Harry could see the frustrated fury in his husband's eyes, and he knew that if Lucius made just one wrong move, Snape would kill him. His mind worked quickly, trying to figure a way out of this situation. All he could hope was that Lucius would overplay his hand, get too confident, and give either him or Severus a chance to act.