Chapter Three

Aurors and Archibald

Harry was on his way towards the Headmaster's Office when he spotted Draco wandering the fourth floor corridor looking rather alarmed. Making a quick decision, he went over to him. Once upon a time, he probably would've just hexed him and be done with it, but things were different now; they were friends - well, sort of - and Harry no longer had any desire to hex him, only to find out what was wrong. "What's up with you? You look like you've seen a ghost." Draco gave him a funny look, his expression clearly stating how stupid that comment was. Harry rolled his eyes, "It's a Muggle expression. So, come on, why the horrified look?"

When Draco spoke, instead of being the perfectly well-spoken Malfoy he usually was, his sentences came out jumbled and broken, "Well… I said… but I can't tell you… then again, I did say it in front of the whole common room… oh, I might as well… you'll probably hear it from someone else soon enough anyway…"

Having had enough of Draco's internal struggle, Harry took matters into his own hands. He planted his hands on Draco's shoulders, forcing the blond boy to look at him. "Draco, you're not making any sense. Spit it out. Coherently."

Draco sighed, "I may have… come out to the Slytherin Common Room…" The last part was said quieter, as though he was hoping Harry wouldn't hear it.

"And?" Harry prompted, getting the impression that there was more to it than just that.

"Well, more specifically, I came out to my parents, but the whole common room heard," he said, back to normal volume now he was convinced that Harry didn't seem disgusted by his admission.

"How'd they take it?" Harry asked, getting the feeling their reaction couldn't be good if Draco was in this state.

"I didn't really hang round to see their reactions, to be honest," Draco said, sighing deeply as he ran a hand through his platinum blond hair, messing it up, before flattening it again, something which rather amused Harry. "As soon as I realised what I'd said I bolted. Knowing them though, they probably didn't take it well, well my father at least. Mother was always a more tolerant person, but she'll probably still be disappointed."

"You didn't mean to come out then?"

Draco shook his head, "No, my father was insisting on me marrying Astoria Greengrass and I just sort of blurted it out."

"You blurted it out?" Harry repeated, once again amused. "How very un-Malfoy-like of you."

"Oh, shut up," Draco said, feigning annoyance, though the smile on his face betrayed the fact that he was joking.

They were making their way down the stairs that led from the fourth floor to the third when Draco spoke again, worry evident on his face, "So you don't mind then?"

"Hmm?" Harry asked, clearly lost as to what Draco was on about.

"About me being… gay. You don't mind?" Homosexuality was generally accepted throughout the Wizarding community, though homophobia was still present, generally from those raised in Muggle families, but some pureblood families were known for being rather intolerant too.

Harry shook his head, "Of course I don't. Seamus and Dean have been together for about a year and a half now, and no one's ever had any problem with them. In fact, I don't think even the Slytherins have ever commented on it. Besides, Ron told me that sort of thing doesn't really matter in the Wizarding World."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Looking back, Draco realised it had been rather stupid to assume that Harry would have been anything other than okay with it. He glanced round and, realising that they were now on the second floor, asked, "Where are we going anyway?"

"Headmaster's Office," Harry replied.

"What for?"

"Dumbledore never mentioned in the letter where they are. You coming with me?"

Draco shrugged his shoulders and said, "I suppose," despite the uneasy feeling he got at the mention of the Headmaster he had been supposed to kill.


"Minister Shacklebolt doesn't know what he's talking about."

"Oh no, of course he doesn't, he is only the Minister for Magic and a former Auror after all, why would he know what he's on about?"

"Watch who you're talking to, Seymour. I outrank you now, remember?"

Seymour snorted. "And don't I know it," she muttered, before continuing louder, "all I'm saying is he must have had some reasoning behind it. I doubt he'd tell you to leave the Malfoys and Headmaster Snape alone for no reason."

"I'll tell you what his reasoning is; he was a Slytherin at Hogwarts, just like they were, and now he feels it's his duty to protect them."

"You can't really believe that?"

"Well, why else would he do it? He knows they're guilty."

"Look, it doesn't matter what we think. We can't go against his orders."

"Can't we?"

"Damn it, Donovan. Don't go doing anything stupid. You'll get yourself fired."

Donovan Alesworth was a tall, dark-haired man in his mid-40s and had earlier that day been promoted to Head Auror by the new Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt. It was no secret that Alesworth had been after the Head Auror job for years, and even Kingsley himself knew this, but Alesworth was one of the best Aurors, if one overlooked his arrogance, prejudices and the fact that he thought himself above following orders. "That's Head Auror Alesworth to you, Seymour. And I'd bet you'd love that, wouldn't you? Me getting fired. I know you were hoping Minister Shacklebolt would make you Head Auror, but who are you, really? You're nothing but an inexperienced Junior Auror who thinks herself more important than she actually is. Sure, you have ambitions and dreams, but they'll never amount to anything, not while I'm around."

Yvette Seymour, on the other hand, was a fair-haired, 25-year-old woman of average height, and wasn't anything how Alesworth had described her. She had plenty of experience as an Auror, particularly because of the war and, despite the fact that she did want to become Head Auror someday, she was under no delusion that Minister Shacklebolt would have made her Head Auror at the young age that she was. "You know what, Head Auror Alesworth? Do whatever you want, but leave me out of it. I for one would rather follow Minister Shacklebolt's orders."

"So be it."


"Remind me why I'm here again?" Draco sighed as he and Harry stood outside the door to the Headmaster's Office.

Harry sighed as well, "Come on, Draco, you can't avoid him forever."

Draco pouted, an expression which Harry thought looked rather cute on Draco. Where on earth did that come from? He mentally shook himself, focus, Harry.

"I can try," Draco replied, obstinate.

Harry just gave him an amused look, "Come on, and stop complaining."

The pout disappeared from Draco's face and was replaced with a scowl as he said, "Fine."

Harry pushed open the large wooden door and led the way into the vast circular room. They stopped in front of Dumbledore's smiling portrait, although Draco was stood further back than necessary, as if hoping he wouldn't be noticed. "Hello, Professor," Harry greeted.

"Harry, my boy!" Dumbledore said, sounding genuinely delighted that Harry had come to visit him. Although, in all fairness, since the war had ended people were probably too preoccupied with other, more important, things to bother visiting a portrait, whether he was one of the greatest wizards of all time or not. "I was wondering when you'd be back to see me, and young Mr Malfoy as well, how wonderful!"

Draco just looked awkward, but managed to incline his head in a respectful manner and force out a polite, "Professor," by way of greeting.

Dumbledore, noticing Draco's awkwardness around him, said, "Draco, it's all in the past. Forgive and forget, I say."

"You may have forgotten, but I certainly haven't," Draco muttered, although Dumbledore heard it anyway.

"It was not your fault, Draco, you only did what you had to do to protect yourself and your family. Besides, you were not responsible for my death, do not feel guilty for something you did not do."

Draco just nodded, although he didn't really believe Dumbledore's words; he would always blame himself for what had happened, he was the one that had let the Death Eaters into the castle, and so therefore he was responsible for Dumbledore's death.

"It does not do to dwell on our previous actions and live in regret, Draco. The war is over now, and we all have a chance for a fresh start. If you don't remember anything else I have told you, then at least remember that."

Draco nodded again, "Yes, Professor." He knew it would be a long time before he could truly forgive himself for what had happened though.

Dumbledore turned back to Harry, "Now, Harry, I believe I know why you're here? You're here because I wasn't specific about the details of the location in my letter."

"Yes, Professor," Harry nodded.

"You understand why, of course."

Harry nodded again, "Because if the letter fell into the wrong hands, then their location would be compromised and they would be in danger."

"Exactly," Dumbledore nodded, "31 Wiggentree Avenue. It is in the magical part of Salem in Massachusetts. The American Ministry will instruct you on how to get there."

"Thank you, Professor."

"I must ask, Harry, but you don't plan on going alone, do you?"

Harry shook his head, "Draco is coming with me."

Dumbledore smiled, "You're more like your father than you know, Harry." The infamous twinkle was present in his blue eyes as his gaze shifted from Harry to Draco.

Harry and Draco bid their goodbyes and left the circular room, both feeling as equally confused at Dumbledore's last statement. It wasn't until they had reached the bottom of the stairs that Draco asked, "What did he mean? And why was he looking at me like that? Like he knew something I didn't?"

Harry shrugged, "That's Dumbledore for you, he often knows more than he should. I have no idea what he meant, though. I wish people would stop comparing me to my parents. I mean, okay, of course there are bound to be similarities between us, after all they are my parents, but I'm my own person too, you know?"

Draco nodded, agreeing with Harry's words, "I know what you mean, people often compare me to my father. I hate it."


About an hour later Harry was sat on the main staircase steps in the Entrance Hall with Remus, having finally managed to drag him away from Tonks's body. Draco had gone looking for his parents, who turned out to be in the Great Hall, having decided that he should probably face them sooner rather than later.

The comfortable silence that Harry and Remus were sat in was soon broke by someone rather dramatically pushing open the Entrance Hall doors, someone who Harry thought looked a rather lot like Sirius. In fact, they were so similar in appearance that Harry thought it was Sirius. Harry stood up, "Sirius?"

Remus stood up as well, realising at once who it actually was, "Harry, that's not Sirius." He walked down the few steps and over to the Sirius lookalike. He was about twenty years older than he was when Remus last saw him, but there was no mistaking who it was. "Regulus? You're supposed to be dead." Confusion was evident in Remus's voice and on his face.

"Good to see you too, Remus," Regulus smiled.

"Regulus?" Harry echoed Remus, now standing beside him.

Regulus's attention turned to Harry, "Blimey, he sure does look like James."

Harry scowled, "Can people please stop comparing me to my parents, it's getting rather annoying actually."

"Right, sorry," Regulus apologised, although he didn't sound sorry at all.

"How?" Remus asked, unable to form a longer sentence.

"Faked my own death, didn't I?" Regulus replied, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "Now, if you don't mind, there are some people I'd like to see."

"Okay…" Remus replied, sounding as confused as Harry felt.

As if on cue, Severus entered the Entrance Hall from the Dungeons. "Regulus! What are you doing here?"

Regulus didn't reply, and instead just swept Severus up into a tight hug, leaving Harry shocked, mainly because he never thought Snape would willingly hug someone. Remus, however, wasn't in the slightest bit surprised by this action, and seemed to know something Harry didn't.

"I came to see you, of course," Regulus said, "now that the war is over, it's safe for me to be out and about."

"Idiot," Snape said, although Harry could hear the affectionate tone in his voice, "there are still Death Eaters out there."

"You're forgetting who you're talking to."

"You betrayed them."

"So did you."

Snape rolled his eyes, a childish action which Harry never thought Snape would lower himself to. "Shut up."

If Harry thought that he couldn't be more shocked and confused, then he was wrong, for what happened next shocked him more than anything. Regulus kissed Severus. It wasn't just a peck on the cheek or a friendly kiss or anything, it was a full-on passionate kiss on the lips. One that lovers would share.

Harry came out of his shocked stupor, "But you have children," he stated, only after realising that what he had said was probably the most stupidest thing ever.

Severus and Regulus broke apart. "Insolent brat," Snape said, and Harry was thankful for the familiarity of Snape's snarky tone, "just because one has children does not mean that they are heterosexual, equally just because one's current partner is not of the fairer sex does not mean that they are homosexual. I myself have never been picky when it comes to my partner's gender."

"Oh," Harry said, feeling rather stupid, as he often did in Snape's presence.

"Yes, now if you don't mind I'd rather spend time with my family than listen to any more of your ignorance." As soon as the words had left Snape's mouth, Regulus kissed him again, not giving him time to protest, "Not in public."

It was at this point that Ron and Hermione entered the Entrance Hall, looking for Harry. This time, though, Harry didn't have the chance to escape, as Hermione spotted him straight away, "Harry! There you are!"

Harry sighed, not for the first time that day, and probably not for the last either, "Yes, here I am."

Ron's attention, however, was fixed on Snape and not Harry, "That is a sight I never wanted to see: Snape… canoodling."

"'Canoodling'?" Harry questioned, an amused look on his face, "Mate, you've been spending way too much time with Hermione."

"Hey! I've never used that word in my life!" Hermione exclaimed, indignant.

"She's right," Ron agreed, "Hermione's more likely to say 'copulate' or 'fornicate'."

"Ron! You're supposed to be defending me!"

"Oh, right, yeah… Shut up, Harry."

Harry just looked amused, and Remus had been watching the entire exchange with a smile on his face and a wistful look in his eye, their banter reminding him of him and his friends when they were younger.

Suddenly, a gasp came from Hermione, "Is that Sirius?"

"No, that's Regulus," replied Harry.

"Regulus?" Ron questioned, confused.

"Yes. Apparently he faked his death."

Hermione opened her mouth to ask how when about a dozen Ministry officials barged into the Entrance Hall, effectively shutting her up. Severus and Regulus finally broke apart and several people, the Malfoys included, came out of the Great Hall to see what the commotion was about as the Ministry had caused quite a racket during their entrance.

Harry, having a feeling as to what this was about, strolled over to a tall, dark-haired man who appeared to be in charge. "Who are you?"

Alesworth didn't answer, he just ignored Harry and made to walk straight past him. Harry, however, wasn't going to let that happen and blocked his path immediately.

"Can we help you?" Harry asked, clearly irritated that he had been ignored.

"We are here to arrest Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy and Draco Malfoy," Alesworth replied, accepting the fact that Harry wasn't going to let him get past without an explanation.

"The charges?" Harry pressed, his arms crossed over his chest defensively, not prepared to let the Aurors get past without a fight.

Alesworth was getting more and more irritated by the second, "For being Death Eaters," he said simply, a look of disdain on his face.

"Narcissa Malfoy was never a Death Eater; she doesn't have the Dark Mark," Harry pointed out.

"No, but she still associated herself with Voldemort and his followers. She is just as bad as they are."

"And once you've arrested them, where are you taking them exactly?"

"They will be taken to Azkaban, where they will remain until their official trials next week."

"And what gives you the authority to do this?"

"Listen, kid," Alesworth snapped, finally losing his patience with Harry, "I've just been made the new Head of the Auror Office, and I will not have my time wasted by an incompetent brat such as yourself."

Harry snorted, "Incompetent? Do you know who you're speaking to?"

"The Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, the Boy Who Defeated Voldemort, whatever in the name of Merlin they call you these days. Point is, kid, now that the war's over, those titles don't count for squat. Now if you'd kindly get out of my way so I can do my job, I don't have time to deal with arrogant toerags like you." Alesworth pushed past Harry, who was glaring at him like he was Voldemort reincarnated, and signalled for half his Aurors to arrest the Malfoys, while he took the other half over to arrest Snape. Why he needed three other Aurors to arrest just one man Harry would never know, unless it was an indication of his incompetency. "Well, well, well," Alesworth said, upon spotting Regulus stood next to Snape, "if it isn't Regulus Black. Last I heard you were dead." Regulus scowled, but didn't say anything. "Well, I had no orders to arrest you, but seeing as you're here and you're a Death Eater, I don't see why I shouldn't." He nodded to the Aurors to arrest them, who did so promptly.

Harry and the others could only look on helplessly as they watched the Malfoys, Regulus and Snape being lead out of the Entrance Hall. Draco shot Harry a pleading look, and Snape just managed to say, "Remus, my kids," before he was escorted out of the castle.

After the Aurors had left, the Entrance Hall was deathly silent. Harry, furious, turned on his heel and stormed off towards the Dungeons, Remus, Ron and Hermione following quickly behind him.

Remus, almost nervously, as if he was expecting Harry to turn his anger onto him, asked, "Harry? Are you alright?"

"This isn't right. None of them deserve to go to Azkaban. At the end of the day, they helped us, they were on our side."

"Don't worry, Harry," Hermione reassured, "now that Kingsley's been named Minister for Magic the Ministry isn't nearly as corrupt as it was before. They'll get a fair trial, and if you testify then they're bound to go free."

"Hermione's right, Harry," Remus said, "it'll all turn out okay."

"Mate, where are we going?" Ron asked.

"Snape's quarters."

"Why?"

"Because I assume that's where his kids are," Harry glanced to Remus, who nodded in confirmation, "I know what it's like to grow up without parents, and I'm not going to let that happen to them."

The four of them reached the portrait which guarded Snape's chambers. According to Remus, the portrait was of Archibald de Lovage, who was a well-celebrated Potions Master in the 15th century.

"Password?" Archibald asked in a deep voice.

Harry looked at Remus expectantly.

"What are you looking at me for?"

"Well, we," Harry gestured to himself, Ron and Hermione, "haven't been in the castle for nearly a year, you're more likely to know it than us."

"Harry, the last time I was in the castle was when I was teaching, and I'm fairly certain Severus would have changed his password since then."

"Well, you could at least give it a try."

Remus sighed, turned to Archibald and said, "Bezoar." At Archibald's refusal to let them in, Remus turned back to Harry with a look that said, "See? I told you so."

Harry gave Remus a half-serious glare before saying to Archibald, "Er, we don't know the password, but could you let us through, please?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that." Despite the apology, Archibald sounded anything but apologetic.

Harry had never usually been one for using his name to get his way, but he figured that just this once wouldn't hurt, "Look, I'm Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, the defeater of one of the darkest wizards of all time, so could you please just let us in?"

"Look," Archibald started, clearly irritated, "I don't care if you're the Minister for Magic and you've found a cure for lycanthropy, "I'm not letting you in without the password."

Harry, who was getting rather impatient at this point, said, "Severus Snape has just been arrested by Aurors and his children are now alone in the room beyond your portrait."

"And? They're safe in there. Besides, his children are smart, they can take care of themselves." Archibald said, stroking his greying goatee thoughtfully.

"But they shouldn't have to."

"I still need the password."

Harry groaned, "Fine… asphodel?" he tried.

The portrait shook his head.

"Wormwood?" Ron offered.

"Aconite?" Hermione suggested.

"Monkshood?"

"Veritaserum?" Remus had decided to help now.

"Polyjuice Potion?"

Archibald, who was looking rather bored at this point, said, "It's got nothing to do with Potions."

"Regulus?"

"Half-Blood Prince?"

Several minutes later, during which they had named practically everyone and everything they thought Snape would use as his password, they had all become rather annoyed with Archibald. Trust Snape to choose an irritating portrait to guard his rooms.

"Ugh! This is hopeless…" Harry said, about ready to give up.

"Come on, Harry, think. If you were Snape, what would you set as your password?" Hermione said.

"I don't know, Remus probably knows him better than me."

Remus shrugged his shoulders and thought for a few moments. "Oh, wait! How about Dumbledore?"

"Finally!" Archibald sounded relieved that he wouldn't have to put up with them any longer and his portrait swung open to reveal Snape's chambers. The four of them clambered through the portrait hole.

"That has to be the most stubborn and insufferable portrait I've ever met!" Ron complained.

"I heard that!" Archibald called from behind them, "Just see if I let you back in again!"

"Oh, Ronald, he's just doing his job," Hermione chastised.

"Back to Ronald, are we?" Ron scowled.

Harry rolled his eyes, "Oh, shut up, you two."

The quartet walked into the living area to find two children sat on the sofa playing Wizard's Chess. As Harry and Remus approached them, they both looked up at the same time.

"Who are you?" The girl, Isabella, asked Harry.

Before Harry could reply, however, the boy, Alexander, cut in, "Don't be silly, Izzy, that's Harry Potter."

Harry smiled slightly and walked the rest of the way over to them. Isabella, Remus had told him, was five, while Alexander was seven. He knelt down in front of them so that they were eye level, and Remus was stood just behind Harry. Ron and Hermione remained in the background.

"Hello. Yes, I'm Harry Potter. Your father's had to go away for a little while, so we'll," he gestured to Remus as well, "be looking after you."

"When will Papa be back?" Izzy asked, her arms tightening around the cuddly owl in her arms.

"I'm not sure," Harry replied, deciding it would be better to not lie to them, "soon."

"What about Daddy?" Alex piped up, "why can't he look after us?"

Harry looked at Remus, confused. "He must mean Regulus," Remus supplied.

Harry looked back to the kids, "Your Daddy's had to go with your Father. But don't worry, you'll be safe with me and Remus."

As if suddenly realising that Remus was there, Izzy sprang up off the sofa and attached herself to Remus's leg, "Uncle Remy!"

Harry stood up, raising a questioning eyebrow at Remus.

"What?" Remus said, picking Izzy up, "This isn't the first time that Severus has asked me to look after them. Apparently, I was the only Order member he could tolerate enough and trust to look after his kids."

"Really? I thought he hated you?"

"Hate is a strong word, Harry. Dislike yes, but hate no. He may have hated me once upon a time, back at school, but the war really put things into perspective for both of us."

"Hmm," Harry said, thinking back on his truce and somewhat friendship with Draco, "I suppose you're right."


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