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Severus and Harry enjoyed two blissful weeks together. Two weeks of frantic love making, breakfasts, lunches, teas and dinners. They revelled in each other, in their beauty and their comfortable silence.

Of course it had to end. Nothing was ever that amazing, not for long anyway.

Severus was in his study painting when the phone rang. He knew Harry was in the living room reading and he called to him. "Please get that love!"

In the other side of the flat, Harry sighed. He was a little nervous about talking still, but the only two people that ever called were Remus and Draco. He groped for the phone and found it just where he'd left it.

"Hello," he said very softly.

"Harry," came the jolly Frenchman. "You are well?"

"Hello Remus," Harry said still softly. "I'm doing fine, and you?"

"I have news Harry," he said in a more sombre tone. "I've been contacted by Mme. McGonagall."

"The lawyer for the hospital," Harry asked, his heart dropping.

"That would be the one," Remus answered. "She has informed me of their decision to proceed with a case against Vernon and Petunia Dursley."

Harry shuddered. "Have they? Even if I do not wish it?"

"I'm afraid so mon ami," Remus said in soothing tones. "I will handle this Harry, do not fret on it. I intend on completing this case with a signed written statement from you rather than have you attend the court proceedings."

"Will that work," Harry asked hopefully.

"It should. I have a favour to ask of Severus though."

"Would you like me to get him?"

"No," Remus said after a moment. "I assume he is busy since you answered the phone."

Harry chuckled. "Know me that well already, do you?"

Remus laughed. "As well as I can. Just tell him that I may need him to attend court in your place. Ask him to ring me later on this evening."

"Sure thing," Harry said. "Good bye."

"Au revoir."

Harry cradled the phone and took in a shaking breath. "Severus," he called.

A moment later Severus padded into the living room wiping paint from his hands with a wet towel. "Everything okay Harry?" But he could see from the man's face that everything was not okay. Harry was slightly pale and he wore a small frown.

Severus dropped the towel on the arm of the couch and knelt in front of Harry. He took his beloved's hands. "What happened? Who was on the line?"

"Remus," Harry said softly giving Severus' hands a squeeze. "He said that the lawyer McGonagall is bringing up a case against the Dursleys even though it is against my wishes."

"Oh gods," Severus groaned. "What did Remus say we need to do?"

"Nothing for the moment," Harry said. "But he needs a favour. He says he doesn't want me to attend the court proceedings and you might need to attend in my place."

Severus frowned. "That makes no sense. I was not present during the abuse when you were a child."

Harry gave a small shrug. "He will explain it tonight when you ring him. Now stop talking and kiss me. I'm a wreck."

Severus chuckled and obliged, capturing Harry's soft lips in a deep passionate kiss. They stayed locked together for several heated moments until they pulled away, both gasping for air.

Severus reached up and placed his hand on Harry's cheek. "I love you."

Harry leaned into the touch. "I love you too. Want to show me what you've painted?"

Severus stood up and helped Harry to his feet. "I would like nothing more." They went into Severus' study where the older man went into elegant detail of his newest work of art. A picture of Harry sitting cross-legged on the beach, his head tilted slightly up towards the sun with the smallest of smiles gracing his delicate features. It was a masterpiece. Even if Severus was the only one who thought so.

Harry reached up to trace Severus' face with his fingers gingerly. "I still can't get over how beautiful you are," he whispered. He trailed his hands down to Severus' and caressed the lithe, delicate fingers. "You make such magic Severus. I wish I could see it, I really do."

Severus sighed and captured Harry in another breath taking kiss. "You do see it…in your own way. And that's always enough for me."

()

The court went just as Remus had planned. A document was written up and Severus attended court in Harry's place to read it. The verdict was guilty for both Petunia and Vernon Dursley. They were both fined 50,000 pounds and Vernon was sentenced to six months in Azkaban Prison.

All in all, Remus felt it was the best victory. He insisted on driving Severus back to the flat to celebrate with Harry.

The younger man was taken aback. It had been obvious he hadn't been expecting to win, let alone for the victory to come without his appearance at all. He laughed out loud and even went as far as to embrace Remus in a tight hug.

"Thank you so much," he said very near tears. "I never thought you could pull it off!"

Remus was mock-hurt. "Oh Harry, I thought you had more faith in me."

Harry laughed. "It isn't you Remy. I just feared because it always seems my luck runs the other way."

Remus ruffled his hair. "Didn't I tell you I would look out for you and Severus?"

Harry grinned in Severus' direction. "I guess you did."

Severus embraced his love and they shared a deep kiss. "I love you and I won't let anything happen to you."

"I love you too."

()

Summer rapidly approached for the trio, and Severus managed to convince Remus to take some time off to have a small holiday. They packed a large amount of food with wine and set out for the weekend. Severus rented a small seaside cottage for them to stay in with two rooms and a large kitchen.

It was warm and the beach was slightly crowded, but Harry was having a good time. He had never been to the beach and he had been anxious to sink his toes into the soft sand and feel the cool water ever since he'd heard Severus describe the painting he had done.

Harry knew how much Severus loved the beach and he wanted to share it with his beloved. They set out early in the afternoon and set up a picnic under an umbrella. The breeze was slightly cool coming off the salty water.

Harry sat back, resting on his arms, his fingers digging deep into the soft sand. He smiled as the sun warmed his face ever so slightly and wished just a little that he could see the water that Severus had described as a crystalline blue.

Harry felt Severus come up next to him and swiftly kiss his cheek. "I'm going the edge of the water to paint. Would you like to come or stay here with Remus?"

"I'll stay," Harry said. "I'll only distract you if I stand there asking you to describe things to me."

Severus put his hand on Harry's cheek and stroked it with his thumb. "That isn't distraction, it's my favourite thing to do. I love you."

Harry swatted at him playfully. "Go paint. I love you too!"

As Severus padded away, Harry rolled onto his stomach and supported his head with his hands, his elbows digging into the blanket. "Is it truly as beautiful as Severus describes it Remus?"

Remus chuckled. "I guess it depends on how you wish to perceive it. Severus is blissfully happy and in love. Everything is beautiful to him. When we met many years ago, everything was ugly to him because he did not like himself. He saw himself as ugly and he was bitter. Things truly have changed and I couldn't be happier for him."

"What about you Remus? How does the world look to you?"

Remus was silent for a moment. "It looks…aigre-doux. Bittersweet. I must confess that I am jealous of Severus for finding you."

Harry sat up and crossed his legs. "You will find someone someday Remy, I just know it."

"C'est prendre ses desirs pour des realites."

"What is that Remy?"

"It's French for it's wishful thinking, Harry. I won't ever have what you have."

Harry scooted over on his knees towards Remus, reaching out for him gingerly. Remus guided him to his side. "I want to see you Remy. Is that okay?"

"See me?"

"I want to touch your face, to see you the way I see things."

"Okay," he said softly.

Harry reached out and carefully traced Remus' face, taking extra care over his closed eyes. He ran his hands over his short hair and down his arms to his smooth hands. "You are beautiful Remus," Harry said simply. "Any person would be a fool not to see it. Though I hadn't and I already knew that. You are kind and you have a wonderful heart. You will find happiness, I know it."

Remus took in a shaking breath. "Thank you Harry. Severus is the luckiest man in the world."

Harry grinned at him. "As am I Remus." He paused for a moment, letting the warm sun wash over him. "Is he near by?"

Remus picked up Harry's hand and pointed it in the direction of the water. "A few metres that way."

Harry stood. "I have an urge to kiss him. D'you mind?"

Remus chuckled. "I would never mind. You want me to take you, no?"

"That might be nice. Otherwise I might stumble into the sea and drown."

Remus laughed again and guided Harry to where Severus stood. The older man was standing in front of his easel sketching with a charcoal pencil. He stopped and smiled when Harry approached on Remus' arm.

He leaned over and kissed his beloved. "I was wondering how long you could stay away."

Harry shrugged. "What can I do? I'm smitten and can't be apart from you for more than twenty minutes."

Remus released Harry and gave Severus a slightly sad smile. "I am going back to the cottage for a few minutes to check my messages."

"Oh Remy," Harry said in a huff. "Forget work for one weekend! We're on mini-holiday! Enjoy it!"

"I just want to check. I promise to be back in a moment so we can eat." He turned and walked up to the cottage.

"Something is off about him," Severus said softly after Remus had disappeared into the cottage.

"He's sad," Harry said from his spot in the sand near the water. "We were talking and he told me he was feeling jealous cos he will never have what we do."

Severus grinned. "I do not know that anyone will ever have what we do. But perhaps I'm wrong."

"Remus will find someone, I know he will."

"Yes, I have faith in that."

"He let me touch his face," Harry said after a moment. "He has very nice features and soft hair."

"Should I be jealous Harry," Severus teased.

Harry laughed. "Of course not. I just see things that other people don't. I told him that anyone who did not find him beautiful was a fool."

"That they are Harry," Severus agreed.

Harry was silent for a few moments as Severus continued to paint. He was about to speak again when he heard a strange noise. It sounded like a thump in the sand. Harry waited but Severus said nothing.

"Severus," Harry said softly. "What was that?" No answer came. Harry felt his face prickle with panic. "Severus? Answer me." Nothing still.

Harry got onto his hands and knees until he made contact with the easel, sending in tumbling to the side. He reached out and felt around with his hands until they came to rest on warm flesh. Harry felt that Severus was lying on the sand face up.

"Severus," Harry called a little louder. He felt for the man's face and found it. Severus' eyes were closed. He was breathing evenly. It seemed that he had fainted. Harry began to panic as he felt over his face. His fingers slid into something under Severus' nose. Some kind of liquid, and it was hot. Harry lifted his finger to his lips and tasted it. "Blood," he said. "Oh Gods what's going on?" He began to shake Severus. "Please please get up Severus!"

This action caused the older man to omit a small groan. Harry felt the body move as Severus lifted a hand to the side of his head. "Harry? What the bloody hell just happened?"

Harry laughed out in relief as he helped his beloved sit up. "I don't know. I heard a thump and I managed to find you. I…I think your nose is bleeding." The younger man was clearly shaken, as it was quite apparent in the tone of his voice.

Severus lifted a hand to his nose and drew his fingers back. They were tinged with blood. "Gods, I was so dizzy and everything started to go white. I think I fainted."

Harry embraced him gingerly. "You scared me. I was calling to you but you didn't answer!"

Severus stroked his hair. "I'm fine. I think I just need to eat something. I've been feeling a bit off colour lately, a little dizzy and tired. I think it's just from the stress of life." Severus got to his feet, supported by Harry and they walked back to the picnic, easel and art pad forgotten.

Harry rummaged in the picnic basket and managed to extract a bottle of water for Severus. "Maybe you should see a doctor when we get back. If you aren't feeling better."

Severus groaned. "I hate doctors. But I will if it makes you happy."

"I just want to be sure," the younger man said, the concern apparent on his expressive face.

Remus returned and his eyes widened at the sight of Severus mopping up his bloody nose. "What happened?"

"Severus fainted," Harry explained. "I don't know how he bloodied his nose though. Maybe he hit it when he went down."

Remus sat down and got himself a drink. "I'm so sorry I left Harry. Were you okay?"

Harry nodded and reached for Severus' hand. "I'm fine now. I was afraid but Severus woke up quickly."

Remus looked at Severus with concerned eyes but Severus waved it away. "I'm fine Remy, I swear it. I've already promised Harry to see a doctor if I don't feel better by the end of the weekend."

()

Severus did not feel better by the weekend. In fact, he started to feel much worse. They had been home for a fortnight when Harry finally insisted he make an appointment with his doctor.

Severus had been waking up at nights with a fever and a headache. He would occasionally vomit in the mornings and at night. He lost his appetite and his weight began to decline at a disturbing speed. Harry noticed it the night he insisted Severus see a doctor.

He had been waiting for Severus to get into bed. The older man walked into the room and climbed next to his beloved. Harry moved to hug him and felt Severus' ribs poking sharply out of his skin. Harry ran his hands up and down his beloved's body and noticed that Severus was much thinner than he had been before.

"You're seeing a doctor Severus," Harry said trying to sound confident. "You are getting worse. You've had a nosebleed nearly every day and you've already lost too much weight. You can barely keep any of your meals down and it's scaring me."

Severus nuzzled into Harry's neck. "It's scaring me as well love."

They slept fretfully, both clinging to each other as if their lives depended on it.

Severus managed an appointment with his physician two days from the first call. His doctor was a pleasant man by the name of Kingsley Shacklebolt. He was tall and bald with a deep rumbling voice that Harry loved. He had a friendly demeanour and he made sure to include Harry in the discussion.

"I'm writing an order for a few tests Severus," Dr. Kingsley said. "I'm ordering blood tests to check the count of your white blood cells as well as a haemoglobin count. I also want to have a bone marrow biopsy done."

Severus gripped Harry's hand tightly. "You sound as if you already know what it is."

Dr. Kingsley sighed. "Severus, you are showing symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia. I just want to be on the safe side."

Harry gasped but tried to keep his emotions in check. He would have to be strong for Severus. He squeezed his hand as they walked out of the small building and got into a cab.

"I'm scared love," Severus whispered into the crook of Harry's neck.

Harry stroked his long hair. "I know. So am I."

()

In the end, they forced Severus to have all those tests and more. The rest included a second round of blood marrow tests as well as a spinal tap. The latter was the most painful thing Severus had experienced. Harry was with him every moment, doing his best to comfort the man, trying his best to keep him still.

Now they sat in the doctor's office awaiting the results. And Gods, it was worse than they had expected.

"The disease has progressed further than I had hoped Severus. We need to get you checked into the hospital…tonight if possible. We'll be inserting a catheter into your chest for your chemotherapy treatments. To be honest, I don't know if this is actually going to help. The disease has spread quickly and it has spread all over your body Severus. I'm sorry."

Severus said nothing, nor did Harry. They were in absolute shock. Nothing could be said as they rode the cab home to pack up some of Severus' things. He made a curt phone call to Remus, asking him to stay at the flat with Harry. Harry insisted on staying at the hospital with Severus but that wasn't possible. No, it did not look good. And Harry had never been more afraid in his life.

The night Severus was hooked up to the I.V. Harry stayed by his side. They shared a long kiss as the medication was being administered into his body.

"Harry, just know how much I love you," Severus said with a sigh.

"I do," Harry said, too near tears to say much else.

"I want you to promise me something if I do die."

"No Severus, you aren't going to die," Harry said firmly.

"We aren't living in a fairy tale," Severus replied kindly. "I saved you and now I may have to leave you. But don't make all my efforts and love in vain Harry. If I die, keep living. Don't go back to Hogwarts; don't go back into your mind. Find someone who can make you happy. I need to know you can do that Harry. It will give me strength."

Harry gave a sob as he reached out to trace Severus' features with a soft hand. "I can do that," he vowed. "I truly can."

"And if I don't make it, take my ashes to the ocean, okay?" He was starting to get sleepy from the medication.

Harry nodded and stroked the side of his face. "Just don't give up on me, you haven't before. So don't do it now. Fight for me love, just…fight for me."

And Severus did fight. He fought right up to the very end.

Just days before he took his last breath, he asked to see Remus. Pulling his dearest friend close, he asked him a favour. "Take care of Harry for me. You are the only one who can love him as I do. He does not deserve less."

Remus was crying freely. "I promise you that if he will let me, I will never let him go unloved. I will cherish him as you do."

Severus patted Remus' hand weakly. "And that is why I love you mon ami."

Severus whispered his last words of love to Harry with his last breath. He died on the first September at two thirty in the morning, holding Harry's hand. And Harry did as he promised. He went on.


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