HP: It's a snake, not a badger.

Chapter 216 Extra: Harry's Proposal Plan

An unexpected letter disrupted Emeric and Severus's original travel plans.

Seeing Emeric's dejected look, Severus found it amusing and reached out to ruffle his hair. "What's wrong? You don't want to go?"

Mingming was happy when she saw the letter, and even teased Harry for being just like when he was a child, needing their help even to propose.

"No, it feels like time has flown by. In the blink of an eye, the two kids are getting married." Emeric buried his face in Severus's waist, wrapping his arms around his waist tightly.

"You're not that much older than them, are you? I should be the one sighing." Severus was speechless. If this little rascal wasn't in a bad mood, he would have definitely pulled his face until it was swollen.

"No, no, I'm the elder, I'm his godmother!" Emeric always preferred to be seen as the inferior, which both kept away unwanted suitors and made Severus feel sorry for him. Reputation was nothing; tangible benefits were what mattered most.

For example, last time when he went to a banquet, he was ridiculed by a few tactless people. Severus happened to be nearby and overheard it, and immediately scolded him back on the spot. Moreover, when they got home, he would hug and comfort him.

"Heh." Severus poked the head stuck to his stomach with his finger. Sometimes he really didn't understand what Emeric was thinking, having to fuss over something like this form of address. "If you don't finish your work soon, I'll have to go alone tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, the person who was pretending to cry instantly stood up, returned to their desk, and buried themselves in their work. "Haven't Dad and Grandpa had enough fun yet? Four honeymoons a year. Anyone who didn't know better would think our family has switched to the tourism industry."

"And Gellert and Albus, too, at their age, they're going camping in the forest like us. Why are they all out playing while I'm stuck here reading documents?" Emeric let out a wail, then continued waving his quill.

Severus, sitting next to him, raised an eyebrow and glanced at him, but he didn't say anything. If anyone heard him, he would definitely be met with a kiss, the kind that would escalate into something more.

Moreover, this was the result of someone's own actions; Thaddeus Manor was almost emptied out by him. No matter how deep their guilt was, Calvin and Ambrose couldn't accept it. They needed to find him something to do to prevent the house from becoming an empty shell.

"Complete these tasks, and I'll let you kiss me." Severus offered a tempting deal, which Emeric couldn't resist, and he worked at full speed.

Severus remembered the medicine that Cavendish had just sent and asked to watch over Emeric's work, so he decided to reluctantly help out.

Soon, warm lips landed on the corner of his mouth, the book in his hand was pulled away and placed aside, and the person on top of him licked him gently like a puppy, his long flaxen hair falling down his face, and his chin was lifted up by a palm.

"Sifer, it's so sweet..."

The kiss moved slowly from the corner of the mouth to the center, a kiss devoid of any lust, so gentle it was almost drowning you in its warmth.

Immersed in the warm, life-giving energy, Severus felt his bones soften. He reached out and pulled Emeric's head down, extending his tongue to deepen the kiss.

"Alright, let's get back to work." After enjoying the kiss, Severus 'turned his back' and pushed her away, showing no intention of tenderness.

And so, with a carrot dangling from his lips, Emeric worked with remarkable speed, though Severus's lips suffered a bit, swelling almost to the point of bursting.

The next day, Emeric and Severus went to see Harry with gifts. Draco had already been tricked out of his place by Lyra and Garian, so now only the three of them were at Malfoy Manor.

Narcissa pulled Lucius away to make room for the children and avoid disturbing them.

Emeric looked at Harry with curiosity. "How are you planning to propose? Have you prepared the decorations? Have you decided on the theme? Have you chosen the engagement ring, outfit, and bouquet?"

Several questions came at Harry's head in a row. He thought he was almost ready, but he didn't expect that he would need so much.

"I've chosen the ring and the bouquet. Little Dragon likes roses, so I chose red roses for the bouquet, and the ring is also a rose carved from rubies." Harry lowered his head shyly.

"That's a bit too monotonous. It's fine if you choose a bouquet that Draco likes, but the ring should include elements that you also like. This is something for both of you, so you can't just consider him completely." Emeric tapped the table and said seriously, "One-sided giving will only put pressure on the other person. My suggestion is that you prepare before you act."

Harry listened attentively. He lowered his head and thought about the proposal process, but it seemed that he hadn't included anything he liked. "Then what should I do?" he asked humbly.

Emeric was particularly qualified to speak on this topic, and he began to talk at length about everything from choosing the date for the proposal, setting up the venue, designing the ring, to how he tricked his lover into coming to the scene without her knowledge—all of which were his insights.

Severus sat quietly to the side, once again witnessing Emeric's hidden tenderness and listening to his boastful narration. In reality, he was always the one being taken care of; he only needed to pursue his beloved career, and Emeric would take care of everything else in advance.

Severus was lost in his memories and realized that he seemed to have become half a useless person. Whether it was doing laundry, cooking, or dealing with unfamiliar people, Emeric would always cover for him.

Like a frog slowly being boiled in water, he had become completely dependent on Emeric. This discovery stunned Severus, who felt he had never truly understood him. He was the one feigning madness, the one being gentle and considerate, and even the one being cruel and ruthless.

But when his gaze fell on the teacup in front of him, that slight unease vanished. He had only drunk half a cup of tea before it was refilled, and although the person next to him was clearly engrossed in conversation, they always seemed to notice his needs.

"So be it," Severus sighed inwardly. Having experienced such unwavering love, he absolutely could not accept anyone else.

After filling Harry's brain with his own, Emerick felt refreshed; finally, someone was asking him how he'd succeeded in proposing. He casually placed the fruit platter in front of Severus so he wouldn't be too bored.

"So, I need to change the theme, change the elements of the ring, and pick a good day, right?" Harry concluded. He hadn't expected there to be so many things to pay attention to. Luckily, he asked in advance, or he would have been overwhelmed.

"Hmm, you also need to decide whether or not to invite other people to participate."

"I don't really want to invite anyone else... I want to spend this time alone with Xiaolong."

"Then let's not invite anyone else," Emerick decided. He and Severus hadn't invited anyone else either. "You can leave the jewelry design to me, ask Narcissa about the dress design, and the rest is up to you to observe."

"Thank you, Brother Ellie. Thank you, Professor Snape." Harry sincerely thanked them.

"You should call me Godfather," Severus suddenly said, unable to resist his wicked sense of humor, he just loved seeing people embarrassed.

Harry's eyes widened instantly. He recalled being scolded mercilessly in school, unable to bring himself to call him "Godfather," but he would definitely have to after marrying Draco.

Gritting his teeth and steeling his resolve, he said, "The Godfather."

"Alright, let's go." Hearing this, Severus shuddered, feeling like he was going to vomit if he stayed any longer, and quickly pulled Emeric away from there.