AUTHOR'S NOTES:

So here's chapter 2! This is a skosh shorter than the other chapter, but it covers what it needed to cover. Thanks to everyone that reviewed. I love to get them as it motivates me to keep writing. Review responses are at the end.

This story is proving to have more angst than I usually write. I have no idea if that'll keep up or not. Again, the muses have control. I'm just typing.

This chapter is again from Severus' perspective, but not every chapter will be. Also, this chapter has what may be considered a sad ending. Bear with me. It'll get happier.

The rating on this chapter again PG for references to abuse.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe, it belongs to JKR.

CHAPTER 2

The following afternoon, Severus was standing between Remus and Albus in front of a small delegation of the Wizengamot. Lucius Malfoy was on the other side of the room, glaring at Severus. Not for the first time, Severus was highly doubtful that he'd ever be able to prove his loyalty should Voldemort returned. Despite Albus' hopes that Severus would forever be a double agent, it was likely the whole raising a happy family with a renowned Order member might be too much to explain away.

Cornelius Fudge cleared his throat. "We are here to discuss the petition of Severus and Remus Lupin-Snape – a request to retain custody of one Draco Malfoy, despite the biological father's wishes."

"Minister, I was wrongly convicted and spent five tedious years in Azkaban for a murder I didn't commit," Lucius said in that voice that reminded Severus of fine silk. Severus knew, though, that inside the beautiful fabric was a snake waiting to strike.

Severus glanced over at Albus, remembering his promise to let the old, and highly respected wizard speak on their behalf.

"Cornelius, you know quite well that Draco's abuse has been verified by a mental healer at St. Mungo's," Albus pointed out rationally. "Just because Mr. Malfoy has proved his innocence in the murder of his wife, does not mean that he was not inappropriately rough with his young son."

Lucius turned on Albus. "How I choose to discipline my child is up to me, Dumbledore," he sneered. "This is not the weak world of the muggles where the government tells good law-abiding citizens how to do every little thing!"

"That's enough, that's enough," Cornelius said, his arms waving them both down. Then he turned to Albus. "I spoke with Healer McGowan this morning and she assures me Draco's memories could easily have come from experiences with his mother. Given what we now know about Narcissa Malfoy, I find that entirely likely."

Remus jerked a little beside Severus, his anger rising so violently that Severus could actually feel the increased body heat radiating from his husband. Thankfully, Severus knew Remus could control himself. The next full moon might be a little more exciting than usual as Remus attempted to vent, but for the moment, Remus would keep himself under control.

Lucius smiled smugly. "I assure that Draco will continue to get excellent care for his troublesome memories. We will heal together."

Cornelius smiled that great stupid smile of his and banged a gavel on the desk. "That settles it. You will return Draco to his father immediately," he ordered, looking at Severus and Remus. With that, the rest of the Wizengamot began to clear out.

Albus turned to Severus. "Remember the alternative plan," he said firmly.

Severus knew exactly what that meant. He had a cover story prepared that he was to spew until the day he died, and he was also supposed to hand Draco over as if nothing pleased him more. What Severus liked least about he plan was that his willing compliance had to convince Draco as well. He wasn't sure if he could betray his godson like that. After all, over the last five years, Draco had been like a son to him, and Severus knew he'd as readily lay down and die for him as he would for the twins or Cambrya.

Still, he nodded to Albus and followed him from the room.

"Produce him, Severus," Lucius said the moment they were in the hallway.

"He's at home," Remus replied. "Why would we drag him all the way to the ministry if we believed we would win?"

Lucius sneered at Remus. "You know, I still can not fathom what my old friend sees in you. It must be. . . private."

Severus saw Remus use great effort to restrain his impulse to rip Lucius in two and made a mental note to reward him later. After all, Remus had come to love Draco as a son as well, and this ordeal was just as hard for him. Maybe it was worse since Remus was home with the children all day.

"Will we be seeing Draco in September?" Albus asked pleasantly, as if he had not been arguing against Lucius the whole time.

Lucius ran an appraising eye up and down the headmaster. "That has yet to be determined."

Albus smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Well we will hope," he replied neutrally. Then he turned to Remus and took him by the arm. "Come, Remus, tell him how the little one is doing."

Severus watched them go. As soon as they were around a bend in the corridor, he let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry about all this, Lucius," he said quietly. "Remus got to the mail before I did. If I'd seen the letter first, I would have delivered Draco to you that evening."

"Would you?" Lucius asked skeptically. "You've always claimed to be a spy, but I've always wondered what side it was you were really spying on?"

Severus laughed a cold mirthless chuckle that made even his blood run cold. He'd forgotten what he was capable of. "Perhaps I play the game even better than you, my old friend. If I spy for both sides then no matter who wins, so do I." Icing the truth with sarcasm was always the best way to divert suspicion.

Lucius laughed as well. "I suppose I ought to be grateful you've had him and not some mudblood with a bleeding heart. Even Remus is a pure blood, despite his blood traitor views."

Severus took on an expression of haughty success. "Views which are, shall we say, a little less ardent than they used to be. It turns out I am a very persuasive mate."

This time Lucius let out a genuine laugh and gave Severus a sincere smile. "And Harry?"

Severus gave a shrug. "Harry's magic is impressive. Time will tell if he can focus enough to use it effectively. Even if we can not have the Dark Lord, we may be able to use his power to serve his ends after all."

"Excellent." He took a long, satisfied breath as he pulled his cloak. "When should as expect you?"

"After dinner," Severus replied firmly. The timing was non-negotiable. "The children will not understand, and call me sentimental, but I can't quite force them to lose Draco without one last dinner."

Lucius nodded.

Severus turned to leave.

"And Severus?"

Severus turned.

"I won't have you interfering anymore, will I?" It was not a question. It was a threat.

For Draco's sake, Severus knew he must answer, "Of course not."

SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL SSRL

Severus watched with an ache in his heart as Draco pulled on his cloak, hat, and gloves. Severus already had everything packed and shrunk that Lucius would allow Draco to keep.

The other boys were standing in a half circle around him, promising to send owls everyday.

Remus was rocking back and forth, trying to soothe Cambrya as she wailed in protest. Every now and then, he would make eye contact with Severus and they would silently marvel at their daughter's stamina.

Severus buttoned up his own cloak. "Alright. It's time to say goodbye."

Harry, who had become like Draco's fraternal twin in the five years that they shared a bedroom, stepped up to him first. "Uncle Sev will get your father to let us meet up soon," he said confidently. Severus was about to correct him, but Remus gave him a look. On second thought, Remus was probably right. Hope might be the only thing to get Draco through the hell Severus would deliver him to.

Draco smiled gratefully at Harry and gave him a hug.

The twins stepped up next. "Well send your Christmas present to you," they offered as they each gave Draco a hug.

Draco laughed. "I already wrapped yours. Harry'll give them to you for me."

Remus patted Cambrya on the back. "Cammie? Do you want to say goodbye to Draco?"

Draco stepped between the twins, towards Remus, and gently laid a hand on Cambrya's arm. "Don't cry," he said. Severus thought his voice sounded like he was trying to follow his own advice. "I'm just going back to my first house. I'll always be YOUR Draco, though. I promise."

Cambrya calmed down to sobs as she looked him in the eye. She reached out of Remus' arms and wrapped her arms around Draco's neck. "Bye, Draco."

Draco gave her a smile that Severus recognized to be a mix of confidence and gratitude. "Thanks, Uncle Remus," he said sincerely.

Remus set Cambrya on the floor and then wrapped both arms around Draco. "If you ever need anything. . ."

Draco smiled and nodded. "Don't hesitate to floo or send an owl."

Remus nodded. "We'll be there in a heartbeat for you." He gave the boy one more hug and a kiss to the top of his head before finally letting him go.

"Alright, Draco," Severus said with a sigh. "We'd best be going." He opened the front door and ushered Draco out into the night, well aware that there were five pairs of eyes, watching them from the front window.

Draco was quiet as Severus opened the garage door and lit the fire. "Uncle Sev?" he finally asked.

Severus turned around.

"I'm really going to miss you all," Draco said, biting his lip after every other word.

Severus, who had steeled himself to do what needed doing, was having a very difficult time maintaing the charade. "Draco Malfoy, stop all of this at once," he snapped at the boy. "You're returning home, where you belong. Your father will provide for you and teach you how to be a proper Malfoy. You know that I will always look after you as needed, but it isn't necessary anymore."

Draco blinked in surprise a few times. He clearly hadn't been expecting a rebuke.

Severus hated himself for letting those things come out of his mouth.

Draco nodded and pulled himself up into a noble posture. "I understand," he replied. "You needn't take me. I'm quite old enough to floo on my own." And just as Severus had broken Draco's heart. Draco broke his.

Severus nodded. "Very well. I'm pleased to see you remembering that you are a Malfoy." He held out the pot of floo powder.

Without hesitation, a bravery Severus hadn't honestly expected to see from the boy, Draco put his hand in the pot, strode over to the fireplace and stood on the hearth. He threw the powder down, the flames turned green, Draco stepped into them, and Draco shouted, "Malfoy Manor."

Then Severus was alone in the garage. It had been quick, efficient, and emotionless. Just before the flames engulfed him, though, Severus could have sworn that Draco gave him one last look of gratitude, adoration, and love. A few weeks under the abuse of Lucius Malfoy and Draco would probably forget he'd ever been loved the way a boy deserved to be loved, and Severus didn't know if he'd ever get the chance to remind him.

REVIEW RESPONSES:

Mel: The answer to Cambrya's "issue" will be dealt with in Chapter 3 and yes, Harry and Draco were living with Remus and Severus. I hope I was able to clear that up in this chapter.

Ali-chan et Vani-chan: Thanks.  One week is about as fast as I can update so I hope you weren't waiting too long.

Ry: Thanks.  If you have suggestions, I'm open to hearing them.

Autumn Snowfall: Thank you very much! I don't think I've ever read a dominant Remus/submissive Severus story, but now I'm intrigued. Cambrya's "issue" will be revealed in chapter 3; and I love it too. I try to pick names that aren't TOO common in the real world.

Blot-of-Blood: Now you know what happens. Wanna know more?

Velveteen-dragon: Ah, but putting cliffies in chapter one, means that you might actually get people to read chapter two. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

BlackNightWolf04: I'm glad you like it.

THANKS TO THE REVIEWERS!