Disclaimer: No matter how many times I wave my wand, I do not hold any rites to any of the Harry Potter series but I am grateful to JK for writing them.
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Chapter 10: Gideon William Griffin
Severus and Alex were flashed by Fawkes back to Hogwarts and Alex's room in the hospital wing. Alex had on a set of Severus black robes on which he lengthened and put red and gold appliqués.
Severus and Alex walked out. Alex had a cane but used Severus' arm for support.
They walked into the main hospital area to find it filled with reporters, the Minister and a few of his lackeys like Dolores Umbridge; who Severus absolutely despised. To Severus' disgust Lucius Malfoy came in and stood next to the Minister.
Severus saw Harry trembling at the sight of Lucius but he saw Petunia holding him tightly.
Next to Harry sat Ronald Weasley and Severus felt like walking over and slapping the boy.
Albus was answering questions stating that Vernon Dursley had died trying to protect his family. Severus saw Lucius smirk.
When they entered together with Alex's arm in Severus' a few photographers snapped pictures and Severus scowled.
Umbridge looked at the tall handsome man with the cane and asked very loudly who he was.
Albus smiled and quickly introduced him to everyone as Alexander Griffin the new DADA teacher scheduled to begin teaching in September.
"I haven't signed yet Albus" Alex said with a frown.
"Yes, yes, well we all hope Mr. Griffin joins us in September" Albus stated.
"He doesn't look like much of a DADA professor" Umbridge said loudly.
"Oh trust me Dolores, Hogwarts would be lucky to have him" Amelia Bones stated coming into the hospital "He is a fine Auror but unfortunately as you may see he had one close call to many and has finally listened to his son's pleas and has decided to retire from the core."
Mad Eye came and stood next to Alex "Not everyone has decided to give up life and limb for the core Dolores. Alex is one of the best but he is an even better father." Mad Eye did not know the plan but knew when to back Amelia; he was confident she would fill him in later.
Harry laughed "I will be glad if Mr. Griffin and his son Gideon come to Hogwarts; I met Gideon recently and he is really cool."
Severus raised an eyebrow and looked at Alex who smiled. Severus smirked Alex was talking to Harry telepathically and obviously was telling the boy their plans.
"Ladies and Gentlemen I am sorry but Mr. Potter needs his rest so if you will, I think we have harassed him and his family long enough" Albus stated.
Minerva escorted the press out, leaving Fudge and his entourage behind.
Fudge came straight to the point "Albus I think we need to reconsider, Mr. Potter's living arrangement, it is obvious that his aunt cannot handle all the rigours of his needs, especially now that his uncle has died. I think he should be placed within a loving wizarding family environment."
Albus nodded "I agree and I have already asked the Weasleys if they would fulfil that position."
"Come come Albus, the Weasleys don't have a knut to their name... unless they are planning to live off of Harry and if that is the case, when the boy reaches of age he too will not have a knut to his name" Lucius stated "I could more than handle the boy's needs without having to depend on the Potter fortune plus my son Draco is his age, he would have a brother."
"Yeah well Harry is already my brother" Ron shouted.
Lucius scowled "I would be able to teach young Harry the finer graces of being a gentleman, which it is plainly obvious that the Weasleys cannot do" he glared at Ron.
Arthur looked at Ron and shook his head.
Lucius continued "As well as teach him how to manage his estate, which we all know they cannot do".
"Albus, Lucius has a point" Fudge said and immediately Harry started coughing.
Poppy frowned "Okay everyone out, Minister I am sorry but you will have to leave, Madam Bones..."
"I need to see Alexander...." Madam Bones said and Madam Pomfrey nodded.
Fudge and his entourage left and Lucius gave Harry a wink as he left. Mad Eye left with them (to ensure they left).
"Albus this is exactly what we were trying to avoid" Minerva started and Severus gave her a glare and shook his head slightly, she instantly got his unspoken message.
Molly ran over and hugged Harry "Oh Harry you poor dear don't worry we will not allow Malfoy to get custody, Arthur and I will fight it."
"That will not be necessary Mrs. Weasley; I have no intention of leaving my aunt and cousin" Harry stated.
"Harry, you know you could live with us" Mr. Weasley stated and Harry nodded.
"Thank you but no" Harry stated firmly.
"Harry living with your aunt is not safe, they were able to find you and the wards fell. I will not hear of it you WILL be moving in with us" Mrs. Weasley stated.
"Madam the boy has told you no; I fear any more insistence on your part and Amelia would have to charge you with attempted kidnapping" Alex stated getting annoyed at the woman.
Molly huffed and Albus sighed "Come now Alex, Molly does care a lot for the boy."
"But obviously not enough to listen to what he has to say" Alex stated firmly.
"Well I never" Molly said with a huff.
"Well it is time you did then" Alex stated.
"What I want to know is how they found out where Harry was?" Filius said sitting on the bed next to Harry's.
"Someone gave Lucius Malfoy, Vernon's name and he was able to track him down from there, using muggle means" Petunia stated.
Ron jumped up "I told you Harry I told you hanging out with those slimy snakes would get you in trouble."
Harry turned to Ron "Ron none of the Slytherins told on me."
"Of course they did Harry who else would, they would all sell you out in a heartbeat."
"Ron I never told any of the Slytherins my uncle's real name" Harry stated.
"So how did they find out?" Ron asked.
Harry glared at Ron "Think hard Ron, really really hard. What was the last thing you said to me on the train?"
Ron paled "Harry I.. I..."
"What! You don't mean... Ronald, what did you do?" Molly said as Ron slumped to the floor.
"Ron listen I know you did not mean to... you would not intentionally hurt me but that does not mean that you don't. You are a good friend but you are not a perfect friend. You get jealous a lot; you accuse people of all sort of nasty stuff without proof and you don't know when to be quiet. But you also fought for me, you were willing to take a hit for me, you cared enough to defy your parents and the ministry to save me. You took me into your family; when everyone else was celebrating you were the one to notice I was hurt and because of you I was saved... but this time Ron... this time you are the one who caused me to need saving."
Ron was on the floor crying.
Harry sighed "You have to learn to give people a chance and not see them based on what YOU think the house system means. Slytherins are not our enemies, but there are some Slytherins who personally are, Draco Malfoy being one. Just because someone is in Slytherin doesn't make them naturally evil nor does being sorted into Gryffindor mean you are naturally good. Just remember the person who betrayed my parents to Voldemort was a Gryffindor."
Harry turned to Molly "Mrs. Weasley I know you really do care about me but there is a strong possibly that Fudge would insist on Malfoy taking me in and I cannot take that chance. My aunt and cousin are leaving the country and so am I... we are going to start a new life. In years to come if Voldemort comes back, I will return but until then I have to go."
"But Harry... your aunt, it is just not safe" Mrs. Weasley said.
"The wards never fell Mrs. Weasley, even with a fiendfyre on the house, the wards did not fall, Lucius tried everything but he could not get through. It was Fawkes that got us out."
Arthur nodded and came and gave Harry a hug "Take care Harry."
"Thank you for everything Mr. Weasley and don't worry even though Ron was a prat destroying all my things, Fred and George and Percy all helped me out a lot and Fred and George rescued me last year. I don't hold your family owing me anything."
Harry gave a tearful farewell to Mrs. Weasley and then to Ron.
Harry gave Ron a brotherly hug "Ron, I want you to try next year to make one friend in Slytherin house, just one and see for yourself. Wally is really cool and I am sure he will forgive you for hitting him with the book. Listen, if Mr. Griffin's son Gideon comes to Hogwarts next year there is a good chance he will go into Slytherin give him a chance, he may turn out to be a good friend. I met him and I think he could be a good friend."
Ron nodded.
"Tell Hermione, Ginny and the twins... and Percy goodbye for me."
As the three Weasleys left Severus looked at Harry; "Gideon?"
"Yeah I like the name Gideon, don't you think Gideon is a good name for your son Alex?" Harry said with a smile.
"Yes Gideon is the perfect name for my son" Alex replied with a smile.
"Do you two think it is likely I would name my son Gideon?" Severus said with a sneer but Harry saw the familiar amusement in his dad's eye.
"If Alex doesn't mind maybe my middle name could be William" Harry said giving Alex a sad look.
"I don't mind Harry and I think it is a good choice" Alex said and Harry came up to him and gave him a big hug "...and of course Severus should not mind."
Severus rolled his eyes.
Albus smiled "So let me get this straight. The whole of Britain is going to believe that you, Petunia and Dudley have left the country but you will be in fact living with Severus and Alex as their son Gideon?"
"Gideon William Griffin" Harry said with pride.
Amelia laughed "Not exactly Albus; Petunia and Dudley really are leaving the country, we already have organised new identities for them in Australia. We also organised a new identity for Alex and have started on Harry's."
Alex scowled a bit "Originally I was going with Alex McFarlane, we already had Gringotts make all the documents with that name but Albus you announced my name as Alexander Griffin before you gave me a chance to talk."
Albus sighed "I meant no harm; it is a name I thought would be suitable."
Amelia looked at Alex "I will send a message immediately to Ragnog to make the changes to your name; it should not be too difficult. The way Umbridge was looking at you I am sure she is going to try and get your file. I will send a message to my usual leaks to ensure she gets it."
She then went through the plan with Albus, Minerva, Filius and Poppy. They would simply change the fact that Harry was dead to that he has left the country.
Albus smiled, this was a good plan and he told Alex the offer of DADA teacher stood. Alex said he would consider it.
Harry was really pleased with the plan and the history they had come up with, Alex was really cool.
Fisher came in and after another tearful farewell Petunia and Dudley left; Petunia gave Harry a vial of her blood just in case he needed it and told him he would always have a home with her.
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Amelia was right, as soon as Umbridge returned to the office she sent out her toadies to get information on an Auror named Alexander Griffin.
It took almost an hour but she was able to get her hand on the classified file. She was shocked; the file was so classified that not even the Minister could get it. She smirked; even thought it was highly classified she was still able to secretly get her hands on it. The man was an International Auror – which meant he could cross boarders and capture international criminals. He was a Dragon Rider.
She had never heard of a branch of Aurors named Dragon Riders. She read his qualifications, O's at both OWL and NEWT level, he had been home schooled. He had taken the usual subjects but also a few rare ones like Keha (Egyptian magic) and boat building? Boat Building, what parent teaches their child boat building?
He spoke most of the European languages as well as Chinese, Latin, Greek, Gobbledegook, Elvish and Mermish. He spoke several strange ones as well like Ancient Egyptian, Celtic and N'ahautl. What the hell was N'ahautl?
Umbridge gasped when she looked under languages and saw Dragonspeak - he could speak to dragons. The Auror level Dragon Rider took on a whole new meaning.
He had taken his Mastery in Defence with a specialisation in weaponry but also had done Advanced studies (above NEWT but not as intense as Mastery) in Runes, Arithmancy, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Keha and Ancient Aztec Magic. Where did the Ministry find this man?
She noted that he had not gone to the Auror Academy nor did he do any formal Auror training.
All of his missions were labelled classified and sealed. She turned to his personal information; he was a pure blood and a descendent of Godric Gryffindor, though not the main line. He was thirty two years old, two dead brothers, not married, one child – Gideon William Griffin age eleven. She looked; she did not see a mother's name, it was blocked and sealed.
She flipped through the files until she saw an approved application for sole custody of the child Gideon. She gasped when she saw the other name on the application. She ran to Cornelius' office, where she was sure he was still in a meeting with Lucius.
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Severus told Harry that until such time as they could do a blood adoption he would have to stay hidden. Harry merrily went to his room in Severus' apartment, he was glad he had left most of his stuff there. It was only the adventure novel that Severus had bought for him that he had been reading that was gone, but he knew he could buy another copy next time he went to Diagon Alley.
A little before dinner the floo rang, it was Lucius Malfoy. Harry heard Severus exclamation and hid.
"Severus can I come through?" Lucius asked and Severus allowed him through, he was half expecting it.
"I have come to ask you something and I want the truth" Lucius said.
Severus looked at Lucius and raised an eyebrow.
"Someone just told me that you have a son, is this true?" Lucius asked.
Severus sighed "technically, yes."
Lucius looked at the man who suddenly looked depressed "What do you mean technically, I was told you were the carrier, you gave birth to him."
Severus looked at him "Alex has sole custody, I have absolutely no rights. Alex is a pureblood Auror and I am a half-blood Death Eater. I think Alex has made sure Gideon's name is not even on my file in the Ministry. I barely get to see him."
Lucius frowned "Severus you know I would have helped".
Severus stood up and poured a glass of firewhisky which he drank in one and then refilled his glass and poured a glass for Lucius.
"Listen, I met Alex when I first started teaching here at Hogwarts, he was connected to the school and Dumbledore and well you've seen him. I was young, Lily was married and had Harry, I was on mission to Hogwarts and couldn't contact you all and I was alone. Alex was so... is really fantastic, strong; powerful... he is an International Auror: a Dragon Rider. I was mesmerised, he is just so perfect. I fell in love with him but he was strongly against the Dark Lord. Because I was pretending to be on Albus' side he readily accepted me but I knew he would have rejected me if he ever found out the truth, so I used a glamour to hide the mark. When I realised I was pregnant, he was away on a special mission. Albus, Minerva, Filius, Poppy they helped me get through that time. When he found out I was pregnant he treated me like I was the greatest wizard in the world, I knew he genuinely loved me. I am not going to lie to you I... I was prepared to give it all up for him."
Severus gulped down the rest of the firewhisky and poured another.
"When I had Gideon I remembered how small and beautiful he was. I didn't want to be with the Dark Lord anymore, not because I didn't believe in his cause but because I loved my son and my partner more, they were my world. But you can't get rid of the mark; I had to answer his call. I couldn't tell you, if the Dark Lord found out about Alex and Gideon he would have had them killed, Alex would never have turned and I could not risk that. Do you remember that year how much I avoided you?"
Lucius nodded "I thought you were depressed because Lily was targeted."
Severus shook his head (even though Lucius was right) "Alex knew that you were a Death Eater and I couldn't let him know I was your friend. He never knew about Draco being my godson. I had to hide it from Alex who knew I was hiding something. He asked me repeatedly what it was but I kept telling him it was the stress of teaching... then when... that night when... Lily died and I was arrested, he found out. He was so angry. He visited me in Azkaban... he looked at the mark and asked if I had it the whole time. I tried to tell him I loved him and had wanted out but he was so very angry. He got the courts to grant him full custody. Albus tried to testify for me but it didn't help concerning custody."
Severus looked at Lucius "I couldn't tell anyone, it hurt too much. It sometimes is even easier to think of him dead. Only a small handful of people know and they don't mention him... only Albus who is still friends with Alex. I saw them in passing a few times. Alex let me see him on those occasions but he never allowed me to visit. Through Albus he allows one present on Gideon's birthday and at Christmas but no letters."
Severus looked at the glass and closed his eyes; Lucius looked at the hurt in his friend's face. "It was hardest last year when his Hogwarts letter came back rejected. I wanted to die. Then Albus told me he heard that Alex wanted to retire from the core and he offered him a job. I know Albus had someone else in mind for the position but it was too perfect an opportunity. If he accepts the job then Gideon will come as well. He looks like he wants to take the job but he is still not sure. When he came to talk to Albus he brought Gideon and let him visit, which was when Potter met him. Potter was helping me with some parselscript translations and Gideon was intrigued by the boy who could speak to snakes. The boy knows who I am but Alex wants me to keep my distance. He says once I have the mark on my arm I would not have any rights over him."
"You still love him" it was a statement more than a question.
Severus nodded "More than he will ever know".
Lucius sighed "Severus I have a son too I know how you feel... I went through the same insecurities and doubts about the Dark Lord as you did. I was secretly glad when he as gone so Draco would not be sacrificed. Listen, take my advice, while Alex is here woo him, let him know how you feel. Get back into his life and you will get into your son's. He must have loved you deeply for you to get pregnant. I saw how he looked at you today, he still loves you my friend."
"I just think he might think life is a bit dull with me after a life on the backs of dragons" Severus said.
"Well you just have to become more outgoing, go on a hiking trip, go climb a mountain, do something and get your man back. Let him see beyond the faded mark on your arm. Severus you are my friend and as your friend I am telling you, you have to do this. You know this explains all the years of you rejecting every person Narcissa tried to set you up with. I have to admit, he is very very good looking. I imagine he has a great body?"
"Like an Olympian God and he has the power in bed to back it up" Severus said.
Lucius laughed.
"Lucius, I have to tell you something, I was actually going to send you an owl. I heard Minerva pouting earlier, it seems as if Petunia Dursley is planning to leave England and go to United States of America and is taking her son and Potter."
"I am surprise; I would have thought Dumbledore would have stopped her, keeping his golden boy away from Hogwarts?"
"I must admit I never thought Albus would have let him go but after last night, I think it shook him. I think they also made some sort of deal. If you want the brat you have to act fast."
"I don't really want the brat I want the Black estate. It's the main reason I went after him, not so much revenge for the Dark Lord but for the massive Black fortune... Sirius refuses to die and with Andie disinherited and Bella in Azkaban, Cissy is next in line. However, Potter is Sirius' heir, if I get him, I get control over the Black Estate and well the Potter Estate as well."
There was a knock on the door, Severus looked at his scroll and saw Alex's name.
"Its Alex, Lucius go, if he finds you here, I will never see Gideon again, please."
"I am going, now remember what I said woo him."
-----
After Lucius left Severus chuckled and imagined he could have gotten a BAFTA or an Academy award for that performance. He was still chuckling when he let Alex in.
Severus knocked on Harry's door "You can come out now".
The three had a private dinner in Severus' apartment and they all discussed the events of the last two days.
Severus was actually surprised at how well Harry was taking all of the changes. Harry told them that he was glad to leave the Dursley's forever and that he now had a brighter future.
Nearing the end of dinner Severus told Alex about his conversation with Lucius. They explained to Harry that what Severus told Lucius had been organised.
Harry smirked and teased "You lied? I thought you abhorred lying."
"You know very well that this is different and necessary brat" Severus gave Harry a playful light swat behind his head.
Alex was glad he made Severus Harry's carrier; Severus was a good dad and obviously loved the boy as his son and Harry loved Severus as a father.
Alex smiled when Harry called him 'papa'.
"So papa will you be living here in the dungeons with us?"
"Well actually I am going after dinner and re-open my family's quarters. Gabriel tells me that it has not been used in centuries. When Golden Heart arrives we could check out some of my other houses and see what state they are in" Alex said with a smile.
"Golden Heart is coming here?" Harry asked as his eyes twinkled in excitement.
"Yes he is on his way" Alex said eating his dessert.
"How do you know?" Harry asked.
"I can sense him; the same way I reached out and spoke to you, I can reach out to him" Alex explained.
After dinner Alex stood up to leave, he leaned on the cane, not as heavily as before but he still needed it.
"Are you sure you are up to opening your family quarters tonight?" Severus asked.
"I will call Fawkes to help me and the house-elves will actually do the cleaning, it should not take long" Alex replied.
"You could still stay here tonight and move in tomorrow, it will give the house-elves time to clean up properly tonight" Harry suggested.
"That sounds good but I need a bed and I don't want to throw Severus out of his, I know he only has two bedrooms down here. Worst case scenario I could always go back to the hospital wing for the night, I am sure Poppy would not mind" Alex said with a chuckle, remembering how the woman had fussed about his leaving earlier.
"You could share Severus' bed with him, you know he thinks that you have a body like an Olympian God and he told Lucius Malfoy that you have the power in bed to back it up, maybe you could show him if it is true" Harry stated not so innocently. Harry knew the two men were deeply attracted to one another and he felt they needed a strong push in the right direction, even thought he knew he was going to get at least one swat for his words. If it got them together then the swat would be worth it.
Severus turned beet red and was horrified at Harry's words.
"Harry James Potter, I cannot believe you just said that, that was exceedingly disrespectful and rude" Severus said sternly "Did I not tell you that there are some things you just do not ask or in this case suggest or repeat. Your suggestive comment was vulgar and something I would have never expected from you. I know you know better. I am very disappointed in you young man."
Harry wasn't too sure of his plan now, Severus' disappointment and scolding hurt more that a swat. He lowered his head shamefully "I am sorry dad, I am sorry papa."
"Bedroom right now" Severus said and gave the boy a stinging swat "I will deal with you properly in a little while."
Harry ran to his bedroom without looking around.
"Alex I am so sorry I don't know what got into him" Severus said, he was still red and he was avoiding Alex's eyes.
Alex raised Severus face, so they were looking at one another "What has gotten into him is that he wants his dad and papa together. Don't get me wrong he was disrespectful and rude and deserves whatever punishment you give him."
"I guess he seems to like the idea of us as a family" Severus said as he looked at the closed door that led to Harry' bedroom.
"I don't mind the idea as well" Alex stated and looked with amusement at Severus surprised expression.
"You don't mind?"
"Why would I not, legally Harry is mine and he is a wonderful boy and I definitely don't mind the idea of being with someone who thinks I look like an Olympian God."
Severus blushed.
"You know you look really cute when you blush" Alex said softly and leaned forward.
Severus eyes widened and then closed as Alex's lips touched his. He moaned as Alex pressed in and strongly and passionately kissed him. The kiss lasted a long time and Severus surrendered to the intoxicating pleasure that Alex's tongue and lips provided.
When they broke apart Severus was breathing heavily and Alex leaned to his ear "I look forward to proving my power in your bed Severus but just be forewarned, I haven't had sex in a thousand years and I have a lot of pent up energy I need to release."
Severus moaned; he would have to have a really cold shower when Alex left.
Alex straightened up "I must go there is much I need to do tonight."
Severus cleared his throat "Maybe when you are finished, you could come back here?"
Alex smiled "Indeed I could and I just may".
Severus closed his eyes again and used all his occlumency training to control himself.
Alex chuckled "for now go ahead and deal with our disrespectful son."
Severus nodded and moved to open the door to let him out. Alex was about to tell him that he was going to call Fawkes; when they both saw a half human, half frog person standing outside Severus door.