Severus Snape had grown up knowing about Alpha's and Omega's, due to his mother's Pureblood heritage, and diligence when it came to explaining both the ins and outs of the Wizarding World to her only child. The conversations were like stories at bedtime, which was one of the few luxuries that Tobias Snape permitted for his son, although they stopped once he entered primary school, as he was soon as "too old". Of course, Eileen Snape had continued telling Severus about the Wizarding World in secret, and how it had brought great shame to her family when she, an Omega, and, therefore, a prize, mated herself to a Muggle drunkard who worked at a mill, and spent every spare quid he had down at the pub. When Severus presented as an Alpha during his fifth-year at Hogwarts, after James' gang had taken his pants off for everyone to see, Severus, who had heard Eileen telling him about soulmates when it came to Alpha's and Omega's, vowed to one day find his.

When Severus awoke from his magically-induced coma in the aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts, he was very surprised. Not only due to the fact that he had lived, but Harry Potter still lived as well, and Lord Voldemort was, once and for all, dead and gone from their world for good. Further surprises came in the form of Minerva and Poppy, as well as the other Heads of House, rushing to his side and apologizing for the nasty things they'd said and believed about him for a great many years. He had been stunned to discover that the Young Man Who Lived had shared his pensive memories with them, plus Kingsley Shacklebolt, who had been elected interim Minister of Magic, and that he had been subsequently cleared of all charges—once the trial was over, that is, which Severus truly believed was a publicity stunt, if nothing else.

Severus had begged off the festivities that lasted for weeks, and formally handed over his position to Minerva, before he ventured to his rooms and packed his belongings, taking particular care with his rare books and expensive potions ingredients. With handing over the reigns of Hogwarts to Minerva also came his resignation from the school, and he made quick work of getting out of there as quickly as possible. His first stop was to Spinner's End, where he salvaged what he could from the decrepit property, before obtaining an urgent appointment at Gringotts in Diagon Alley.

Once he met with his goblin, Severus put his childhood home on the market, and was pleased that they were more than willing to take care of the sale of the house for him. He was further surprised to discover that a provision in Albus's will had been set aside for him, only to be acquired in the event of Voldemort's death, and if Severus lived. Very nearly rolling his eyes at the craftiness of it all, Severus was shocked to discover that the provision was an elegantly appointed cottage, located in the South Downs of West Sussex.

Severus learned that the cottage had impressive wards, a basement area which could turn out to be a fine potions lab, a library filled to the brim with ancient books of both the wixen and Muggle genres, as well as a brilliant gardens in which to harvest both potions ingredients, herbs, and fresh vegetables. Around the back of the property was a lovely orchard, which included apples, pears, fig, cherry, peach, and dirigible plum trees, and a spectacularly appointed greenhouse, which just so happened to be of the wizarding variety. Severus thanked the goblin and expressed his wish to move in as soon as possible, so the goblin handed over the ancient key and congratulated the man on his freedom. Severus took the Floo to his new home, called Augurey Auberge, and looked around, very satisfied indeed with the startling, yet welcome, turn of events.

In the weeks that followed, Severus established an owl-order potions business called Prince's Potions, and was soon gaining many contracts from the Hogwarts infirmary, to St. Mungo's, to the Ministry of Magic itself. Severus had planted the garden outside to get the rarest potions ingredients he could in that environment, as well as cleaned out the house and set his own books in the library as well. It was a lovely place, he mused to himself as summer went on, and he was quite pleased not to have to return to Hogwarts in the autumn. Now, he truly had all the time in the world, and no one was there to bother him.

And then dropped the inevitable article in The Daily Prophet about Harry Potter's ventures since defeating Voldemort. Severus still believed that the eponymous newspaper was a rag, and yet he couldn't bring himself to cancel his subscription. It was front-page news that Potter hadn't been seen around the British Isles all summer, and Rita Skeeter was wondering when there would be an announcement about his nuptials to Ginny Weasley. Of course, Severus knew by that time that the answer to that question was never, as he knew entirely well that none other than Draco Malfoy had begun a relationship with the fiery young witch.

It was an unexpected day when it was The Quibbler who got the exclusive story on what Potter had been up to, but Severus, as well as the rest of the Wizarding World, had to wait for over a year to find out. Apparently, after taking his NEWTs, Potter had taken A-Levels and had gone on to Muggle university, in Paris, no less, to obtain a culinary degree. In the meantime, once the degree was obtained, he had purchased a storefront in Diagon Alley, with the intention of turning it into a French bakery for all the Wizarding World to enjoy. Although Severus was a little surprised at the way Potter's professional life was going, he couldn't deny that he was relieved that the young man had decided against the Auror Department.

Severus had had the opportunity to visit France on many occasions, but it was always for the same reason—to harvest potions ingredients. While there, however, he had indeed partook in their cuisine, especially the bakeries, and he had been mightily impressed. Of course, that is where he found himself one rainy day in November, when he'd set out to Flourish and Blotts to pick up an order of a rare potions text, and spotted Potter's bakery for the first time. Much to his surprise, it wasn't ostentatious; in fact, the baked goods in the window looked expertly crafted and, dare he think it, delicious.

Severus's mind was made up as he moved away from the window, and took ahold of the brass handle of the front door, which he pushed open. Stepping inside and shaking off his umbrella, he permitted himself to smell Potter's baked goods for the first time, and his knees very nearly went weak at the deliciousness that they evoked. He could hear Potter speaking to someone, ostensibly a customer, and, as he turned his head, saw that Harry was bagging up some jam tarts for the elderly witch he was serving. They appeared to be very inviting, and altogether more refined than the traditional, Muggle Jammie Dodgers he'd grown used to.

"I assure you, Madam Etheridge, that these will be the hit of your bridge party tonight," Potter was telling the woman, snapping Severus out of his reverie.

"Oh, you are a sweet one, Harry," said the witch, her pearl-gray eyes a stark contrast to her cocoa-colored skin, as she handed over the required monetary value. "I'll let you know when I return next week."

"I'm looking forward to it," Potter said, waving her off, and the woman lifted her hand before she walked quite steadily over to the Floo, mumbled her address, and was off. "Welcome to Sorcerer's Sweets, how may I...? Oh, hello, professor."

Severus's gaze snapped back to Potter, who was now sporting a deliciously pink flushed face, directly causing his pheromones to rush to the surface, as most unmated Omega's did, if there was a similarly appropriated Alpha present. "Good day, Potter," he said. "Though the moniker of 'professor' is a bit outdated, don't you think?"

Potter blinked, his eyes impossibly green, as he seemed to momentarily struggle to get his bearings about him. "Yes, I suppose so, sir," he said at last, clearly fumbling. "Erm... What can I get you, then?" he asked.

Severus momentarily scanned the menu, positioned a few feet above Potter's head. "A Turkish coffee, please, and I'll try the special."

Potter nodded, clearly a bit uncomfortable. "Right... I'll get that going then." Turning, the young Omega wizard quickly set to work.

Severus began looking around the shop; it was tastefully appointed, he could see that much, and it was clear that Potter had several varieties of coffee machines on display. The baked goods were lined up in alphabetical order within the glass cases and, even though he knew he wouldn't have a taste for some of them, they were all appealing, on a surface level, at the very least. The boys' penmanship certainly was better as well, although he could have easily used a quill for the menu, or have had Miss Granger write it for him.

The menu was divided up into sections—one for coffee, one for tea, one for hot chocolate, one for more savory baked goods, and one for more dessert-like baked goods. Under coffee, the terms Turkish, espresso, and cappuccino were familiar to Severus; under tea, there were terms like English, Irish, and Scottish breakfast; and there were all varieties of hot chocolate as well. It was plain to see that the savory and sweet baked goods section had daily specials, and Severus was not about to complain about the variety there.

On Sundays for the savory special was the option for a boeuf bourguignon, while the sweet special was crème brûlée. On Monday, the savory special was duck confit, while the sweet was pain au chocolat. On Tuesday, the savory special was a quiche Lorraine, while the sweet was Madeleine cakes. On Wednesday, the savory special was French onion soup, while the sweet was profiteroles. On Thursday, the savory special was a croque monsieur or madam, while the sweet was macarons. On Friday, the savory special was fish fry, while the sweet was Éclairs. On Saturday, the savory special was coq au vin, while the sweet was petit fours.

"Pardon me, sir, but you haven't told me if you want the fish fry or the Éclairs," came Potter's melodious tone, and Severus's attention was quickly captivated by him again.

"The Éclairs, thank you, Potter," replied Severus. "I have already had my lunch."

Potter expertly poured Severus's cup of Turkish coffee into the individual pot, and summoned the Éclair onto a provided plate, the emblem of the business stylishly printed onto its rim. "Why don't you select a table, and I'll bring this right over to you, all right, sir?"

Severus nodded, knowing entirely well that it would be rude to inform Potter that he wanted his order to go, at this point, and crossed the bakery, settling at the table closest to the fireplace. He watched from the chair he sat in as Potter carried his order over to his chosen table, and swallowed at the scents which practically oozed off the younger man. "It all looks and smells very inviting, Potter."

"Please, call me Harry," came the soft reply as the young man painstakingly set down the small tray he'd put together. "Now, will there be anything else?"

"Not for the moment, no," Severus replied politely, "Harry."

Harry flashed the man a smile before returning behind the counter.

Severus tucked in to his refreshment, realizing just how delightful it tasted. He looked around the shop again, and, once he realized they were quite alone, asked, "Not too busy at teatime?"

Harry, who had been wiping down the white marble counter, shook his head. "Not really. It's also due to the rain, I think. I've been considering hiring a manager and some other staff so that I can take some time off."

Severus blinked. "It's been over three months. Surely, you've had a vacation since you opened the business..."

Harry sighed. "A few hours, here and there, and we only do until teatime on Saturdays, and noon until Sundays," he replied, nodding over towards the door, where the hours were posted just beside it. "Ron and Hermione are very busy with Auror training and Unspeakable training, and, while everyone else wants to help, it's not just a head for business you need. Luna is the only one who is any good at baking in my circle of friends, but that's through firsthand learning, and not through any form of educational background."

"Her mother, Pandora, was a brilliant witch," Severus remarked softly, sipping at his coffee. "I do know that she was brilliant at cooking, as well as potion making."

Harry gave a small smile, nodding. "Yes, Luna had mentioned that when she agreed to help me out in the kitchen," he explained. "She's more than willing to put in an advertisement for potential workers in The Quibbler, but..."

"But you're fearful that stepping away from the business, even minutely so, could spell disaster for your vision," Severus whispered.

Harry's eyes locked onto Severus's. "Yes, exactly. And I also don't want to be seen as lazy," he said quickly, and Severus nodded. "I mean... Well, I honestly have never had much of a break. I was in school for six years, faced Riddle countless times, tackled killing Horcruxes, killed Riddle, helped rebuild Hogwarts, studied for my NEWTs, testified at the trials, got my NEWTs, studied and got my A Levels, went to university in Paris, sat for exams there, and then I opened my shop here..."

"Merlin, Harry. It's a wonder you're still standing," Severus mused. "It seems to me as if you haven't even taken the opportunity to even think about finding a mate."

Harry turned a dark shade of red at his former professor's words. "More like I believe in the concept of soulmates, and, once I realized that I was an Omega, I was only interested in one person, one wizard, one Alpha, and he wouldn't..." He shook his head. "I don't believe he would ever be interested in me."

"I highly doubt that," Severus put in, and Harry peeked up at him. "You're quite gorgeous, not to mention talented in more than one area, one of the Saviors of the Wizarding World, have quite a bit of wealth, are kind and generous... I cannot see why the Alpha in question wouldn't be interested in you, unless he only liked women."

Harry swallowed, meticulously turning to begin wiping down the first of the glass cases. "I suppose pairing up would likely be on my mind, as it is the natural course of many people's lives, and all my friends seem to be going on in that direction," he mused, his voice soft. "Ron and Hermione, Draco and Ginny, Neville and Luna, Dean and Seamus, Bill and Fleur, George and Angelina..."

"Is it not something you're desirous of, then?" Severus asked. "You claim to only want one wizard, one Alpha. If the Alpha and wizard in question is not interested, then, do you believe you will remain single?"

Harry looked up, his eyes locking with Severus's. "I..."

It was then that the Wizarding Wireless suddenly cut off, Celestina Warbeck's voice stopping mid-song, and the familiar voice of Lee Jordon filled the airwaves. "Attention, Britain's Wizarding World," Lee said, his voice obviously filled with trepidation. "An urgent bulletin from the Minister of Magic himself, Kingsley Shacklebolt."

The wireless fizzled for a moment as connections were made to secure the network of the Minister of Magic, and then a standby noise filled the airwaves temporarily.

Kingsley cleared his throat once the standby sound ended, and the next sound seemed to be that of shuffling parchments. "Thank you to the varying Wizarding Wireless stations for temporarily interrupting your programming for my message. As we all know, the holiday season is just around the corner and, with that, came the final meeting of the Wizengamot for this calendar year, which ended just twenty minutes ago. It has been decided that, since the wizarding population has barely increased since the end of the war, that a Marriage Law has officially been put in place."

Harry dropped the towel he'd been holding, while Severus himself nearly shattered his cup of Turkish coffee.

"The law itself states, according to the official word of the Wizengamot, that any witch or wizard, regardless of Blood Status, and regardless of being Alpha, Beta, or Omega, between the ages of seventeen and seventy, must submit themselves for marriage at the Ministry's Hall of Records between now and the thirty-first of December. Those exempt from this rules are those with underlying health conditions, but those with fertility problems are advised to seek advice from healers or potion masters. Other individuals who are exempt are those who are currently incarcerated in Azkaban, or not citizens of Wizarding Britain... Engaged couples may still bond their partners of choice, but those who are currently unattached have a fortnight to find themselves an appropriate partner, or suffer consequences which could be quite dire."

Severus looked over at Harry, who was visibly trembling.

"The meaning of 'appropriate partner' has been worded thusly: 'Those who are Alpha, must wed Beta or Omega. Those who are Omega must wed Alpha. Those who are Beta must wed Alpha or Beta.'." Kingsley cleared his throat again, leading Severus to believe that Kingsley thought the rules terribly archaic, but those couples would only see results of fertility if they abided by these new guidelines set in place by the Wizengamot. "I would like to take this opportunity to officially announce my own engagement in support of this law. While my fiancée and I have remained close friends throughout our lives, we are of the mind that we are better off bound to each other than be forced into a union which the two of us would dislike utterly."

"He doesn't seem at all pleased by all this," Harry said quietly.

Severus nodded. "So it would seem."

"Please register your intended bonding at the Ministry's Hall of Records by December the seventeenth. Again, those who are currently single have a total of four weeks in order to find a suitable partner. Priorly engaged couples are encouraged to bond as soon as possible." Kingsley sighed, leading Severus to believe that this was not what he had envisioned for Wizarding Britain post-Voldemort. "I have been Kingsley Shacklebolt, your Minister of Magic."

The broadcast fizzled out again, the standby notice filled the air, and it only took a few moments for Lee Jordan to return.

"...well, erm, happy holidays, I suppose," said Lee awkwardly into the radio. "I suppose this would be a good time to propose to Alicia... Alicia Spinnet, will you bond with me?" Lee asked into the radio, before pressing a button, the opening chords of Accio Christmas beginning to fill Harry's bakery.

Severus watched as Harry dragged a hand through his hair. "Don't despair," he said softly to the young Omega, who looked positively terrified, but struggling to hold it together. "I can assure you that you will get a number of Alpha's knocking down your door..."

No sooner had Severus said that did several doors open, and pops of Apparition were heard, leading to a stampede of Alpha's hurrying down the street, towards the shop. Literally caught like a deer in headlights, Harry's wand was in his hand as he spelled the door shut and locked, as well as spelled the curtains closed, hindering both himself and Severus from view, while Severus locked the Floo on Harry's behalf. Harry leaned against the counter, shaking his head as the door rattled, the windows banged, and several spells were heard, in an effort to break his wards.

"What about the kitchen?" Severus asked, already on his guard.

"It's always locked once the staff leaves," Harry told him, looking off into the distance.

"Good," Severus said, his gaze roving over the space around them. "I would hate for anyone to catch you unawares and force you into accepting their proposal..."

"Bloody hell," Harry moaned, cradling his head in his hands. "I don't want this... I never wanted this. I never wanted any of this..."

"So, don't stand for it," Severus suggested.

Harry laughed bitterly. "I don't see how," he countered. "The only ways out of it would be to sell off my shop and forgo my citizenship to Wizarding Britain... I can speak French near-perfectly, though, and no one seemed to know me in their wizarding district..."

"I sense hesitation from you, Harry."

Harry sighed, his entire body shivering. "All my friends and loved ones are in Britain," he said quietly. "I barely managed to hide my Omega status from the few flings I had back in France. I don't know how to hide that part of me anymore, or if I even want to..."

"So don't," Severus said, and Harry peeked up at him. "Hide it, I mean. Don't hide who you are, and find someone who checks all your boxes."

"Someone who checks all my boxes?" Harry parroted, cupping his chin in his hand. "And what do you suppose those are?"

"Someone who doesn't hold you upon a pedestal, for starters," Severus said, and Harry rewarded him with a very attractive crooked smile. "Someone who will allow you to keep working if you so wish it, and won't dip his sticky fingers into your coffers for himself."

Harry nodded. "All correct," he replied. "Continue."

"I suppose your desired partner would be someone who will love you for yourself, and not for who you are and what you've done," Severus continued, and Harry nodded. "Perhaps someone who will want children, not because of the law, and not what your raw power could potentially pass on to the next generation, particularly to your progeny..."

Harry smirked. "All true."

"Someone who is honest, kind, considerate, intelligent, has similar interests... Hopefully someone you find attractive," Severus said with a smirk.

Harry chuckled. "Yes, I suppose so."

"Someone you can hold a conversation with, of many topics, and who you can debate with. I suppose it would also entail someone you can disagree with in a healthy manner, wherein if the pair of you were to ever argue, you could come together afterwards and apologize, and attempt to see your future partner's side, and he yours..."

Harry hunched his shoulders. "Yes."

"And, most of all, someone who really, truly, loves you," Severus said, waving his wand, which enabled them to see through the curtains, although the Alpha's outside couldn't see them. "Not someone who wants you for your fame, fortune, and likelihood of powerful offspring."

Harry lowered his eyes. "But none of them will ever be him," he whispered with despair. "Why condemn someone to a marriage where I can't love them, too, because I'm so hopelessly in love with one Alpha who couldn't ever want me?"

"Perhaps..." Severus sighed, his heart aching to see the beautiful young man pining over likely the one Alpha in Britain who didn't want him, and Severus wanted to wring that Alpha's neck. "I don't suppose you've given any thought to someone else?"

Harry swallowed, tracing patterns into the white marble countertop. "No," he whispered, letting out the breath he'd been holding. "Of course, the announcement was just given. If it hadn't, I likely wouldn't have..."

Severus hesitated, waiting for Harry to continue speaking but, when he didn't, he got to his feet and crossed over to the countertop until he stood opposite Harry. "Harry... Would you look at me, please?"

Slowly, Harry gazed upwards at the man. "Yes, Severus? Will you be needing anything else?" he asked, his eyes welling with tears.

Severus blindly reached across the counter and took Harry by the hand. "I know that we have had our differences over the years but... Perhaps we could put them all behind us?"

Harry blinked. "Of course, Severus," he said softly, squeezing the hand on offer. "The war is over. Why wouldn't we even need to consider the past when we can look into the future?"

"My thoughts exactly," Severus replied, nodding. "Harry, do you think you could be happy with me?" he asked.

Harry looked completely shocked. "Happy with you?" he whispered.

"Yes. Happy with me," Severus continued. "I know that you know that people are capable of change, and I hope you believe I am in that category."

"Of course I do, Severus," Harry assured him. "But what did you—?"

"Bond with me, Harry," Severus said, and Harry's jaw dropped. "As I've said, we've had our differences in the past, but I hope our future can make up for them. All those things you want in a partner... Well, I want them as well," he continued, gently rubbing his thumb along the back of Harry's hand. "I personally think this Alpha that you want and who you believe doesn't want you is a complete idiot, and I can only hope that you can forget him in time, and potentially be happy with me, because I think I can make you happy, and—"

"Yes."

Severus blinked. "Yes?"

"Yes, I'll bond with you, Severus," Harry replied, a small smile encroaching on his face. "Of course, I only have the flat right now above the shop. I suppose I can get Draco to interview a manager for me, and then the manager can live there."

Severus nodded. "That is very sensible of you."

"We'll also need an appointment at Gringotts to settle on somewhere to live, which has enough space in the basement for you to do potions, an amazing kitchen for me, as well as plenty of bedrooms for our future children," Harry went on.

Severus gave a small smile; yes, the cottage that Albus had left to him was wonderful, but he could hardly raise a family there, and the kitchen, while adequate, was completely abysmal for an incredible baker like Harry. "Yes, of course," he said quietly.

Harry gave a small grin, before he put Stasis Charms on the cases, leading Severus to believe that he was closing up shop for the night. He turned off the lights of the establishment and vanished Severus's coffee and pastry, and banished his apron back into the kitchen. "I suppose, given the circumstances, I can close for the weekend. Luna may come in and pick up the slack on my behalf—she loves doing that," he continued as he summoned his coat, stationed on a peg just inside the kitchen.

"Do you have plans now?" Severus asked.

Harry chuckled. "Outstanding Friday night dinner with Ron and Hermione at their cottage," he explained, but quickly took Severus by the arm. "Well, given that you're my fiancé now, I suppose you're invited as well."

Severus felt uncomfortable. "Harry..."

"They said that, if I ever find myself in a serious relationship, I'm obligated to bring them along to dinners like this. Besides," Harry continued, leading the man towards the Floo, "you'll be seeing quite a bit of them if we're getting bonded."

"I suppose that's true," Severus allowed.

"Look, you don't have to come," Harry said quickly. "They'll understand, I'm sure. I can also not tell them at all, if you don't want..."

"Harry," Severus said gently, reaching out and cupping his cheek. "Forgive me for sounding more than a little reluctant. I am usually quite pragmatic and when spontaneity is put on the table, I am momentarily uncomfortable."

Harry nodded. "I suppose I can understand that. So, do you want to come?"

Severus inclined his head. "I believe I was invited. Indirectly, but still, an invitation."

Harry bounced ever so slightly upon the balls of his feet. "All right. Shall we go?"

Severus nodded his head. "Very well, then," he responded. "Where do they live?"

"St. Alban's," Harry replied, "in a property Hermione inherited from her mother's parents."

Severus nodded; he knew the area, although not very well. "Shall we, then?"

Harry grinned a second time, before he grabbed the Floo pot and took a handful, and led Severus into the fireplace. "Granger-Weasley House," he declared, and the pair of them were swallowed up by the flash of green flames.

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