Chapter 7: Found One Lost Another

Sunlight and birdsong greeted the Italian good morning. Hazel green eyes opened and scanned his surroundings. His body relaxed as he recognized the room. It was the Headmaster's bed chambers. He turned to the bed and saw Harry, fast asleep and at peace for once. After stroking his hair and cheek, Blaise quietly slipped out of the room to see Albus, Scorpius, Teddy and Lily smiling at him.

"Good morning Professor, nice pjs." Albus snickered. Blaise looked down and blushed. He was in blue black silk pajamas and his hair was down, loose curls graced the bottom of his hair.

"You have great bed head Professor." Teddy said. "Wish I could pull that off." Blaise looked at him amd laughed heartily. The kids laughed too. Out of all the professors, Blaise was their favorite. Albus handed Blaise his clothes and boots. Blaise thanked them but he hit another wall, where was he going to change?

"Good morning Daddy," Lilly chirped, seeing her father behind her Potions Master. Blaise blushed Gryffindor scarlet and tried to fix his hair at least, swearing in Italian. The kids giggled and snickered, never seeing their Potions Master so flustered. Harry placed a gentle hand onto the other man's shoulder and looked up to meet his gaze.

"Blaise, it's alright you look fine for getting out of bed. You're more than welcome to use the bathrooms here. Go on." Blaise thanked him and went to get changed. The kids whispered amongst themselves and Harry laughed behind his book. He had never seen Blaise so flustered in his life. He wondered why he was acting like this.

"Kids," He began carefully, "do any of you have an idea as to why Professor Zambini is acting so..."

"He's head over heels for you Daddy." Lily said with a smile. Harry nearly dropped his book at that. He couldn't believe that. A faint blush colored his cheeks. He, himself had a secret heart and it wasn't the red head he married. It was a certain dark haired former Slytherin. All his life, Harry did what was asked of him, he defended the world, fought and won a seven year war, married the woman he thought he was in love with but in reality, everyone expected him to marry her. The only good thing that came out of that marriage was the kids. Now, James was corrupted and it broke Harry's heart all over again. All he wanted, was to live his life the way he wanted it, love who he wanted to love, and do whatever he wanted to do. He was about to ask another question when Blaise reappeared, refreshed, well groomed and dressed to kill. Dark green shirt, black pants, black boots and a black leather jacket, hair tied in a low ponytail.

"Blaise, you look great."

"Thank you Harry. Are you all ready to go?"

"Yep, let's go!"

"Daddy, can Scorpius and I go to the music shop?"

"Of course you can." Harry said. "Now I know I'm going to hate this but we can either Floo or walk?"

"Walk," Blaise said automatically. The kids snickered and giggled, also voting to walk. Harry breathed a huge sigh of relief. He hated the Floo. The kids went on ahead, only after agreeing to meet the adults at Honeydukes. Harry and Blaise walked, savoring the peace and quiet as well as each other's company. Suddenly Harry shook his head and laughed softly, which caused Blaise to quirk an eyebrow in silent question.

"Lily just said the cutest thing..."

"Oh, and what was that?" The former Slytherin asked as he kicked a pebble. Harry blushed and looked away for a moment before continuing.

"She said you're head over heels for me." He said. Harry stopped when he realized he was walking alone. "Blaise? Did I say something wrong? I'm so sorry I didn't mean...I..." In his rambling, the Potions Master took the opportunity to walk to him and capture the Headmaster's lips in a kiss! Harry recovered from his shock and kissed Blaise back. After a few minutes, they reluctantly parted. "How...long...?"

"Since our first year." Blaise admitted. " I just never made a move...and I wasn't sure if you..."

"With the war happening, it was best the way it went for us. If Voldemort's knew...I would've lost you too. And, I wasn't willing to let that to happen..." He looked down but Blaise put a hand under his chin and lifted his gaze to meet his.

"I know, you don't have to explain nor regret anything. Now, I believe we have three young wizards and two witches we have to meet up with." With that, Blaise took the lead and Harry followed. The kiss had him reeling and his heart pounding. Now he knew who brought the extra food, his Potions homework and why none of the Slytherins bothered him. Oh, he crushed on Blaise in his first to second year and it grew since then. Not even Ron knew, Hermoine on the other hand, suspected it but kept it to herself. He studied the man over and Harry couldn't help but sport a look of a cat getting the canary. Handsome, broad, muscular, intelligent, powerful...Blaise had it all. Draco didn't hold a torch to Blaise. And he actually wanted him for him! Not his money, titles, fame, and all the usual junk. Blaise was wealthy himself, coming from an old Pureblood family, he had his own fame. He didn't treat Harry like a trophy nor expected him to do anything for the greater good. He wanted Harry to live his life as he should have, normally. Both men had their thoughts as they walked on, each one planning for the other.

Lily and Scorpius made their way to the music shop where the ShopKeeper was tending to the shelves.

"Hi Uncle Charlie!" Lily said with a smile. The ShopKeeper dropped his Glamor and greeted both kids with open arms.

"Hey kids, enjoying your weekend? And how are you feeling Scorpius?"

"We're having fun. Albus and Teddy went to the joke shop and Delia's in the bookstore."

"And I'm doing well Mr. Weasley, thank you for asking."

"Lad, after saving my niece's life, you can call me Uncle Charlie. You're family in my book. I specialize in magical creatures so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them at any time."

"I appreciate it, thank you so much." Scorpius said with a smile. "So anything new today?"

"Well aside from a few harpsichords, not really." Charlie said. "Lily, your room is all set for you."

"Thanks Uncle Charlie, come on Score, you can come with me." She took his hand and led him to the singing room. Scorpius took a seat and Lily prepared to sing. She was about to sing but had an idea...

"Come on Score, sing with me."

"Me?!" Scorpius asked, a bit mortified. "No Lily it's ok, I'd rather watch you and listen to you. I..."

"Can't sing?"

"No it's not that, it's just I'm very...shy when it comes to singing."

"I won't push it, but you owe me."

"Ok, deal." The blond said, relieved at that. Lily sang and Scorpius listened. Even her uncle, brother, Godbrother and Delia came by to listen.

"Hey," Albus whispered as he sat next to Scorpius. "We were waiting for you two..."

"Sorry, lost track of time." Scorpius said. "I enjoy her singing."

"I can see that. So dude, let me ask you, do you feel 'different'?" Scorpius looked at him, understanding immediately what he meant by different.

"A bit but I'm sure the changes will come when it's closer to time."

"Not scared?"

"I'd be lying if I said no. I had a feeling this was going to happen. I'd be the first of the Malfoy line to have this."

"That's true." Teddy said. "I'm sorry..."

"It's ok Teddy." Scorpius said. "I've dealt with a lot. This is a blessing for me. Now people have to make sure to not piss me off."

"Lily has a beautiful voice." Delia said. "Is she thinking of singing professionally?"

"I'm not sure about that." Albus said. "She could pull if off though."

"No, she wants to be normal." Scorpius said. "She doesn't care for fame. Can you blame her?"

"No I can't." Albus said. "We already get enough of it just by being the children of the Savior of the Wizarding World. Even I'm sick of it. But James," His face and eyes darkened in anger. "He wanted the limelight, just like our mother. He's been trying to be like Dad, living in his shadow and the shadows of the first Marauders. He craved for the center of attention and when he didn't get it, he'd catch the fit of life."

"But why go through such extremes just to get the attention?"

"Like I said, he wants to be like Dad. Dad just did what he deemed was right and he got the attention. He got lucky, and in trouble too but James wants that as well."

"But instead, he's standing trial on Monday and possibly getting Azkaban. What may work for one doesn't work for another."

"That's what Dad kept telling him." Albus said with a nod. "But James never listened."

"Welcome back Lily." Delia greeted. The boys turned to look at her and smiled.

"Great singing Lily."

"Wonderful job."

"Thank you, but what's going on?"

"We were discussing your elder brother."

"Oh, my favorite topic." Lily said sarcastically as she took a seat. "What about him?"

"You know he stands trial Monday morning. You may have to testify."

"I know, I really don't want to talk or think about it, it'll upset Daddy."

"Dad may have to take the stand too." Albus said. "With all that Dad's been through, I'm worried."

"I'll be fine kids." A new voice said from behind them, causing them to jump into the air. A deep chuckle and a hearty laugh shook them out of their freight.

"Oh that was rich Harry,"

"It was your idea to sneak up on them Blaise."

"It was well done bravissimo!"

"Papa how can you do that to us?" Delia asked her father a bit angrily. "That was so..."

"Slytherin?" Her father supplied as he held her close. "Now now mio piccolo amore*, don't be angry with us, it was all in good fun."

"We're sorry children." Harry said, holding up five full bags. "Here's to make up for it. One for each of you." The kids thanked them for their gift bags and forgave the adults. The adults watched as the children went through the bags, and traded sweets and pranks. Charlie noticed how the Italian was looking at his brother in law and he smiled. Harry deserved to be happy for once and looked like Zambini was just the man for the job...

"Harry, why don't you stay here with the kids, um Zambini, a word if you please?" Blaise nodded and after excusing himself and setting his daughter down, he followed the older Weasely. When they were out of earshot, Charlie spoke.

"I've never seen Harry this happy." He said. "Not since he was a kid and he first came to the Burrow. I know you love and care for him. Take care of him and the kids for me will you?"

"You already know that I will. There's no need to ask that of me."

"Harry needs a change of pace once he's a free man. Any suggestions?"

"I was just going to go with the flow as they say."

"That's like Russian Roullette." Charlie said. "Come on man, dig deeper. Harry's a romantic and loves new things...as well as beauty and all." Blaise smirked at that and the thought hit him. Of course...

"Well, leave it to me. I'll set up for two separate holidays. One with the children and one without. Are you willing to watch them on the one where no kids are allowed?"

"You got it, just work your magic Zambini and you'll be fine." At this, they both laughed at the double meaning and blushed a bit. Harry caught them laughing and crossed his arms.

"What are you two up to?"

"Nothing Harry." Charlie said with a shrug. "Just the usual 'take care of my family or I'll bust your ass' speech. Now get out of here will you?"

"Thanks Charlie, see you."

"Bye Uncle Charlie!"

"Bye kids and Zambini, good luck!" Blaise nodded and took up the rear, following the kids out. Harry blinked but shook his head. He was about to ask what was going on when Draco came up to them.

"Dad what are you doing here?"

"Shopping with your mother and grandmother." Draco groaned. "How did I get into this?"

"Why didn't you duck out?" Harry asked. Draco looked at Harry with the infamous puppy dog eyes, causing him to groan.

"Oh no way Draco,"

"Come on Harry please, I can't take it!"

"What will you give me?" Harry asked with a smirk. Draco and Blaise did a double take. Harry was acting like a Slytherin!

"What do you want?"

"Just a teeny tiny thing..."

"Don't do it Draco you promised me!"

"Sorry man, I have to..."

"You suck!"

"So, I scratch your back and you'll scratch mine?"

"Fine," Draco said. Harry smiled and allowed Draco to lead him to the Malfoy women, leaving Blaise to watch the kids. They weren't far, they were resting near a cafe.

"Hello Narcissa, Astoria, oh, and Daphne."

"Hello Harry, you look well dear." Narcissa said with a smile. "What can we do for you?"

"Can I borrow Draco and Lucius for a bit? My son and soon be ex wife are standing trial and I'll need their help to go over the proceedings."

"Say no more, they're yours, and Scorpius can help as well. We wish you luck Harry and if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask us." Harry smiled at the women and bid them goodbye, dragging Draco back with him. It took every bit of Draco's schooling to not burst out laughing in their faces. As soon as they were far away from the women, he let his mask drop and threw his arms around Harry!

"Thank you so much!" He cried. "As I promised, anything you want."

"What's Blaise's middle name?"

"Im right here you know."

"Oh, come on Baz it's more fun this way!"

"Baz?" Harry asked with a slight smile. Blaise rolled his eyes but said nothing. Draco was smirking.

"His intials spell Baz. So I took it as for a nickname for him. It's Blaize Armand Zambini."

"Draco you're dead." Blaise growled, going to put an end to his best friend. Draco laughed and Harry thought about it.

"I think it's sexy."

"What?" Draco asked. Blaise stopped as well, but sporting a blush.

"It's exotic and it suits him."

"Ok, you're spared." Blaise said, shooting a glare at the blond. "But I'm still pissed at you."

"You'll get over it. But Harry, you really need our help?"

"Yea, I don't know much about this court crap."

"Which is why you asked for my father too... Oh you're good." He turned when he saw a silvery falcon Protronus and listened and watched it leave. "That was Father's saying he'll meet us at the ice cream parlor." The adults gathered the kids and made way to the ice cream parlor and saw Lucius reading the Prophet and had a snack next to him. Harry cleared his throat and caused the older blond to look up and greet them.

"I am so glad you called me away from that humdrum meeting." He said. "So Harry where would you like to begin?"

"Any new developments?"

"Your wife's trial is right after your son's and you'll have to take the stand, along with Lily and Albus. As well as Scorpius. It's not looking good for either of them. I'm sorry Harry."

"I know they've done wrong but I want some leniency for my son at least."

"They may take that into account." Blaise said. "We're here for you mio amato.*" Blaise said as he took Harry's hands in his. Harry blushed and everyone cooed.

"So what do you think?"

"Well my soon to be ex can get the sentence she deserves but my son is a minor, there has to be a way to spare him."

"Well then he has to be away from the influence." Blaise said thoughtfully. "So, there has to be distance between mother and son." Lucius and Draco thought as well. Blaise's idea was a good one but James needed to be punished.

"What if his magic be restricted instead of stripped?" Harry asked. "Could that be done?"

"Possibly," Lucius said. "If he was kept under watch. I think I have an idea. What if he worked with Regulus? He could be his ward and later, apprentice under him. He will learn the value of hard work and perhaps, a bit of humility."

"What about school?"

"Regulus can tutor him. He's well versed."

"I can live with that." Harry said. "But I can't forgive what he did to the kids."

"He won't be near them again." Lucius said. "Remember Harry, he endangered the lives of countless people once he destroyed your godson's potions. And Scorpius will never be the same."

"I know." The Headmaster said burying his face in his hands. The Potions Master pulled the younger man to him and stroked his hair. Lucius raised an eyebrow at them and Draco smirked.

"Draco, is there something I should know?"

"That's not my place to say Father." Draco said smartly. "If Blaise wants to tell you, then he will." The kids laughed and the group settled down to ice cream and meals. The weekend continued without a hitch and it was the most peace Harry had in years. Monday held so much darkness and dread for the young Headmaster that when the sun shone that morning, Harry wanted to stay in bed.

"Blaise, I can't do this." He groaned as the Italian made breakfast, for he and the kids crashed at Harry's for the weekend. The Potions Master was already sharply dressed and ready to go. The kids were wolfing down homemade waffles, sausages, bacon, toast, eggs, fresh fruit and fresh scones, with juice and milk to wash it down with. Harry's stomach groaned as the smell of freshly made food hit him. Blaise set up a plate for him and didn't make his own until Harry started eating.

"We will get through this mio amato.*" The Potions Master said, siting down to his own breakfast. Lily smiled but Delia and Scorpius were sporting grins.

"Ok what's up?" Lily asked. Delia smiled as she watched her father reach across the table, and hold their Headmaster's hand in his. The Headmaster blushed but didn't pull away. She knew of her father's interest in her Headmaster. And she didn't mind in the least! She always wanted a big family and she adored Lily, Teddy and Albus, as well as the Headmaster.

"Del," Lily said softly. "What's Professor Zambini calling Daddy?"

"Oh, mio amato.*" Delia said with a smile. "It means my beloved in Italian."

"Awww that's sweet!" She cooed, clasping her hands together.

"Papa's a romantic." Delia said as she poured herself some juice.

"So is Daddy." Lily said. The girls looked at each other and grinned. Scorpius looked at them and groaned. He smelled a plan!

"Um guys, we'd better make ourselves scarce. When girls plan, it's deadly."

"You guys are helping!" The girls said at the same time, causing them to freeze then groan.

"Aw SHIT!"

"The case of James Sirius Potter versus the Wizarding World, will now come to order!" The Chief Warlock said. The kids were all seated and Harry wanted to book for the doors and disappear from the face of the Earth. The man was heartbroken and humiliated. Everyone in the room sympathized. This was the second worse scenario for any loving parent. The first, was the death of a child. The Weasleys, minus Ron, all felt Harry's turmoil. The reporters were outside, circling the double doors like sharks. The constant ticking of the clock and the scratchings of the record keeper's quill, grated Harry's nerves. His son came out, escorted by two Aurors in magic restraining cuffs. He had no remorse. In fact, he looked, proud.

"James Sirus Potter, you are charged with reckless endangerment to the students and staff of Hogwarts, physical assault as well as emotional and mental abuse of your sister, one Lily Luna Potter, and attempted murder of one Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy. How do you plead?"

"Not Guilty." James said calmly, causing an uproar in the courtroom. Blaise felt Harry's body tense up and his magic sizzle with rage. Without a second look, he caught one of the Headmaster's hands and held it in his own. The other man calmed almost instantly.

"Why do you plead Not Guilty Mr. Potter?" Regulus asked. "The evidence provided here today clearly shows that you are the mastermind of this. Also that you were clear and set in your ways. Is it not true that this started with your sister helping Lord Malfoy when he was in need?"

"Objection," James' attorney said. The Chief Warlock shot him a look, causing him to shut up.

"The Defendant will answer the question."

"He's a Malfoy," James said with a sneer. "We don't help his kind."

"And what pray tell is that Mr. Potter?" Regulus countered, baiting the trap, in which James fell into.

"Death Eater scum. He and his entire family are nothing but dark dirty wizards and witches who should've died a long time ago." Harry shrank in his seat. He had no idea how far Ginny's influence had gone. Now, he realized that there was a chance that James would never be saved. He was already set in his ways, or he sounded to be. But his son wasn't through yet.

"My so called sister went for the snakes. She's a traitor. She's not a Potter!" The more James ripped into his family, the most disgusted the courtroom personal became and the more vile the statements, the more hurt, disgusted, and humiliated and heartbroken Harry became. Lily, Albus, and Teddy became pissed. Delia, Blaise, and Scorpius, as well as the two older Malfoy men, were mortified. The Chief Warlock was disgusted and his anger was as plain as the nose on his face. It was over for James.

"Mr. Potter, I haven't heard such vile statements since Riddle and his followers. I was going to be easy on you but after what I just heard and the evidence presented, James Sirius Potter, you are sentenced to life in Azkaban for your crimes..."

"Your Honor, wait, please." Harry said, standing and approaching the bench. The Chief Warlock's heart went out to the younger wizard. He had heard of this young man's ordeals and he didn't have the heart to tell him to shut up.

"Mr. Potter, you may speak,"

"I know my son should be punished, for all he's done but does it have to be a life in Azkaban? He's but a boy!"

"Mr. Potter, I sympathize, being a father myself, but I can not bend the rules."

"I'm not asking you to Your Honor. I'm asking for a lighter sentence, due to him being a minor."

"What do you propose Mr. Potter?"

"That his magic be restricted to basic spells only. And that he go as a ward to Mr. Black, who has agreed to take him in and school him. When he is of age, to be apprenticed by him."

"Sounds acceptable, Mr. Black, where is your practice?"

"I reside in the Muggle World Your Honor."

"Mr. James Sirus Potter..."

"Pardon me Your Honor, may I add to that?"

"Certainly Mr. Potter."

"You are stripped of your inheritance. You will be stricken from the line. I turn my back on you. You have hurt me for the last time. You will remain in the Muggle World for the rest of your days. Do not seek us out, we will not come to you. The name Potter is no longer yours. You can take your mother's maiden name." With that, father and son shared a heated glaring contest before Harry returned to Blaise's side. He was done and no one could blame him. The Chief Warlock turned to James.

"Let the records show that James Sirius Potter has now become James Sirius Weasley and will be addressed and known as such from here on. Mr. Weasley, you are sentenced to having your magic restricted to only basic spells, you are to take up residence with one Regulus Black as his ward, when you are of age, you will be apprenticed to him and will receive a stipend for your expenses. You are to remain in the Muggle World for the rest of your days and will not be allowed to return here. Any attempt to do so will result in my original sentence, a life in Azkaban, in where you will have your magic taken from you and possibly given the Kiss. Do you understand and abide by this judgement?"

"Yes Your Honor." James said, for the first time, with his head down. The Chief Warlock nodded.

"Very well, it is so ordered. Mr. Weasley will be released into the custody of Mr. Black once the case of his mother is adjourned. We will take a recess, after lunch, we will reconvene for the next case. Court's adjourned."

One down one to go. Want to know, you know what to do.

*Since Blaise is Italian, I threw a little in there. I had to use a translator I hope it was accurate, if it's not, don't shoot me, at least I tried. No offense intended. Feel free to correct the translations and send some vocabulary if you want. It'll be cool to learn! Thank you!*

* mio piccolo amore -my little love

* mio amato- my beloved