Chapter 6

Two days later, the Inner Conference Chamber was transformed. The long table overflowing with parchments was cleared to make room for a single, ornate scroll on an altar. Harry stood to the left, dressed in a regal dark green suit trimmed with gold. Beside him, Severus stood in a black tuxedo with silver lining.

Draco, Luna, Kingsley, Neville, and Ginny sat as witnesses. Their expressions ranged from wary to resigned, though Luna and Draco looked positively delighted.

Harry picked up the quill and signed his name with a flourish. Then he passed it to Severus. The Potion Master's signature was made up of sharp strokes that seemed a clear contrast to Harry's flowing one.

The scroll rolled itself up and then disappeared from the altar to automatically file itself with the correct Ministry department.

"Husband," Harry tested the title on his lips while he took Severus's hand and kissed the back of it.

"No going back now, Potter,"

"What happened to Harry?"

Severus leaned forward and then whispered in his ear, "I will save that for the bedroom."

Harry turned scarlet. He then swatted the Potion master's arm. "We have an audience!"

"Unfortunately," Severus muttered.

"The court is going to freak at noon," Neville whispered.

"I know, right. I can't wait!" Ginny eagerly stated.

"Miss Weasley seems to thrive on chaos," Severus remarked.

"Forget the court. Father alone will kick up a fuss," Draco uttered. "I can just imagine him going 'I hear inane things from you each day, but you didn't tell me THIS?!'

Before Harry could respond, a pop echoed through the chamber, and Zippy appeared, bowing so low her nose nearly touched the floor. "Most Glorious King Harry and Most Honorable Husband Potion master Severus, sirs!" she squeaked. "The castle elves send their deepest congratulations on your union!"

She snapped her fingers, and a two-tiered wedding cake materialized on the nearby table. The cake was frosted in emerald and silver, with tiny enchanted figures of Harry and Severus kissing atop it.

Harry buried his face in his hands while Severus's lips twitched into the faintest smirk. "Look, they got my billowing robes right,"

Come noon, the throne room was packed with nobles and ministers gathered for the Royal audience. Harry strode to his throne with his crown on his head, while still wearing his green suit, while Severus waited just beyond the doors. Harry raised a hand to quiet the room. "Thank you all for attending," he started. "I believe we have three Ministers on the docket set to speak on the progress of their projects, but before that, I wish to announce something."

The throneroom was quiet as all courtiers listened to their reigning monarch. "I got married," Harry said, oh so casually.

The words detonated as expected. Chaos erupted. Ministers and Lords shouted over one another, noble Ladies gasped, while several male suitors seemed relieved, even though some did look properly shocked.

"The King... married?!"

"To whom?!"

"When?!"

"Without the court's blessing?!" were some of the things Harry could make out through all the shouting. The last one kind of thickened him off, so he shouted "ENOUGH!"

The hall was silenced in an instant as the King's magic flared angrily. "Yes, I am married, you will meet him in a moment."

At the use of 'him', a ripple of shock passed through those assembled. However, no one spoke as they all knew what lay underneath their King's demeanor. Even if he was still relatively pleasant now, they had all witnessed... IT. No one would dare anger Harry Potter after... IT. And no, it was not Dark Lord Voldemort's demise, that was relatively peaceful compared.

"For those who are wondering when I got married..." Harry smirked then, "About two hours ago." Now, more whispers broke out.

"Now, the one thing that has ticked me off, however, is the fact that some of you seem to think that I would need your permission to choose a bride or groom." He stated.

"But your Majesty!" Someone from the back uttered.

"Silence," Harry stated. "For more than a year, you lot have hounded me to find a spouse. Now that I have you kick up another fuss. I have given you exactly what you wanted. A consort to help rule and happily spend my life with."

The Minister of Agriculture, a stout man with a florid face, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, with respect, the court has always had the right to vet the bride. A king must marry someone of refinement, pedigree, and proper standards. This... arrangement is unacceptable."

The Minister of Rituals also chimed in, "Considering that we have referred back to an Absolute Monarchy after the last great war, we must take into account that the bloodline of the ruling monarch must be preserved. A spouse of unknown origins and breeding cannot provide heirs worthy of the crown. A MAN cannot provide heirs at all! The kingdom deserves better!"

Harry's eyes narrowed. "Bloodline? I can always blood-adopt a competent heir. Magic will recognize the bond, and the crown will pass as it should. Do not lecture me on tradition. It might be true in the Muggle world, but we have magic for a reason."

"You will hold your tongues, or I will sever them myself," Harry stated. "I am King, and my world is final. Now, if I may present to you, my lovely husband..."

The doors opened then, and Severus strode in. He could feel eyes on him as he crossed the marble floor. Harry rose from the throne. Ginny was already waiting at the foot of the dais, holding a silver crown upon a purple velvet pillow. She had emerged with it while Harry had caused chaos. It was a polished silver circlet. The design was simple yet regal and was a perfect counterpart to Harry's own golden one.

Severus reached the dais and bowed formally, one hand pressed to his chest as etiquette dictated. Harry took the crown from the pillow. Then he stepped forward and lifted the circlet high. "Severus Snape," he declared as his voice rang through the throne room, "My consort, my husband. I now crown you as Prince Consort of this realm." With solemn care, Harry placed the crown upon Severus's head.

Harry then gestured toward the throne. "Join me."

Severus's gaze flicked to the single obsidian seat and then back to Harry. "There is nowhere for me to sit."

Harry smirked and patted his lap. "I am having a throne carved just for you. For now, your husband's lap will have to do."

The court froze upon hearing that, stunned at the audacity of the suggestion. Even Harry expected Severus to scoff and to refuse with biting sarcasm. Though a smirk appeared on the Potion master's face at the suggestion.

The Potion master arched a brow and then ascended the dais with deliberate calm. He turned and settled himself gracefully onto Harry's lap. Afterwards, he folded his arms as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Gasps rippled through the chamber at the audacity. Clearly, the King had meant it as a joke. Draco nearly doubled over laughing, because of course, Uncle Sev would take that challenge. Meanwhile, Luna giggled delightedly, and Neville looked ready to faint.

Harry's eyes had widened, and his breath caught. He had not expected Severus to actually do it. Yet here they were, seated together on the throne, the King and his Consort.

Severus leaned back slightly while Harry's arm instinctively went to Severus's waist to steady him. Something deep in Harry started to stir when his new husband just gave him a smirk.