Chapter 13

-0-

-0-

-0-

"You've finished reading the chapters I've assigned you?" Remus asked, pulling his glasses off and perching them atop his head. The young boy nodded eagerly, as he clutched the large book to his chest, bouncing in anticipation. Remus smiled warmly at him.

"Very well, then. Your teacher tells me that you are doing well in your lessons. I believe that has earned you some time on your broom."

"Yes!"

He chuckled to himself as the child turned and bolted for the door, "Take Dobbins with you, and stay inside the gardens!" He called after the boy.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

He and Lucius had gone as Minerva requested to first speak to the boy's older brother Bryan, then that evening to speak to the Kinney's about their son Sean. Remus was well-known to most because of his part in the Order and in the War. The parents had been overwhelmed, and not aware of the changing laws regarding Werefolk. They believed that the Ministry would still take the boy away. A poor family, they'd not been able to afford decent Wolfsbane Potion. Unable to make decent headway with the boy, even with a spelled parchment from Albus, promising the same arrangements that had been made for Remus, they were at an impasse. That was, until Lucius approached the father and made several offers.

Within a week, the family had been moved to a cottage on the Lupin-Malfoy lands. The father was a talented carver, despite no formal education. The mother had a gift for baking and making pastries. They were both now employed in Remus and Lucius' household. Remus had used his contacts to push through the paperwork to become the boy's legal guardian, in the event something happened to his family, so he would have a home. Lucius set up a small investment portfolio for the parents, having the Goblin's set aside a small percentage of each of their paypackets. He went through their finances for them and helped them to work out arrangements for their debts with the ultimate goal of being financially secure. He moderated contracts so the Kinney's could sell their wares to shops in the local town and in Hogsmeade. Lucius contacted Severus to brew the Wolfsbane Potion for the boy, and Remus set up personal tutoring he would do with the boy on a regular basis. The parents would join him for a few hours once a week so he could discuss Sean and take care of any misinformation they had. He was an understanding ear, if they just needed to talk. Minerva made sure all was covered with Bryan at school. Poppy even made a personal visit to examine the boy, heal what she could and prescribe necessary treatments and dietary adjustments.

The family as a whole, was much happier, and so were Remus and Lucius. They enjoyed having the child in their home; Remus, never having children of his own, and Lucius, never fathering any more after Draco. It was an unexpected pleasure they both savored. Lucius liked the warm feeling he experienced from helping others in need, and felt prompted to see if there were other ways he could help. He and Remus discussed it at length more than once. They agreed because of his poor choices in the past, he would have their solicitors set up a company and he would do everything anonymously. No longer wanting recognition, he just wanted to help and make amends for past bad choices.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Lucius entered the room, smirking. "I would guess Sean finished his reading?"

"Yes, he did."

"The Hols will be here soon, and Bryan will be home from Hogwarts." Lucius sat on the edge of the desk next to where Remus sat. "Any plans?"

"Nothing specific. I thought I would talk to the boys, and Devon and Sarah. See if there is anything specific the boys would like to learn. If they want to just tire themselves out playing, then that is acceptable too."

Lucius reached out and caressed his bonded's face, his eyes softening. "You would have made an exceptional Papa, Remi."

"Ah, well, it was unattainable after Greyback did his damage." Remus sighed, turning to kiss Lucius' palm. "Besides, I have a son, soon to be three and a daughter--once the inseparable three finally bond. I just wish Harry were here. I miss him so much."

Lucius moved from the edge of the desk and sat in Remus' lap, his legs draped over the arm, his arms wrapped around Remus' neck. "We could always adopt, if you really want children. There are still so many orphans from the War that need homes and families. And we will find Harry. As a matter of fact, I received an owl from Molly today. There's been another package, and tea is on Sunday. I know Severus has some ideas to share."

"Really?" Remus looked less crestfallen.

"Really. Now, I believe you need some further cheering, but it must be done the old-fashioned way to be truly effective--no charms." With that, Lucius leaned down and captured Remus' lips in a possessive kiss and proceeded to thoroughly eradicate all negative thoughts from his bonded's mind.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Molly smiled and greeted everyone with a kiss and a hug as they arrived. Arthur was ensconced at the Ministry again, catching up on paperwork. Molly had kissed him soundly and sent him off that morning with a picnic basket of food, and told him she would see him late evening. She assured him to not worry, since she had cleaning and knitting to do. Knowing her beloved, he would get lost in his work and there was no chance he would come home early.

Once everyone had arrived and settled around the table, Molly waved her wand and the table was suddenly full. The cherished tea set held the place of honor in the center, surrounded by plates and bowls of the wonderful foods from the newest mystery package. Everyone's eyes were wide as they surveyed everything. Each package was always different.

Luna lazily waved her wand and a cup of tea, saucer, napkin and teaspoon settled in front of each guest. The cream, sugar, lemon, and honey all made the circuit around the table. Once all cups of tea were prepared, all eyes settled on their hostess.

"So, what treats have we received this time, Molly?" Albus asked, as he stroked his beard.

Molly unrolled the parchment that had accompanied the items, and began to read down the list as she indicated each dish on the table.

"Crémet Nantais, a soft cheese. Hand-churned sweet butter with seaweed and sea salt, a prune and rum Far. An assortment ofBerlingot Nantais candies. Three different types of Pâté, all flavored with different wines and port. Pain au lait, a bread to be eaten with the Pâté."

She paused for a moment, trying to decipher something on the list. Finally, she showed the list to Albus, pointing at the name. He whispered to her and she nodded, taking back the parchment.

"It seems our Harry has branched out a bit." She pointed to the plate closest to her. "Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, a German fruit torte. Berliners, a type of German doughnut. They have jam fillings. Springerle Pfeffernusse and Lebkuchen, both traditional holiday cookies in Germany. And last, but not least, a Stollen."

"No chocolate?" Remus asked, causing a few chuckles around the table.

"Oh! I am sorry, Remus." She waved her wand and summoned a colorful tin from the counter behind her. "Here you go, dear. Open that up and pass it around. Let me see." She scanned the list again. "Those would be Marzipan, hand-dipped in dark chocolate."

Remus pried the tin open and his eyes widened and he emitted a groan as the scent of the chocolate assailed his nose. Lucius snorted, Severus rolled his eyes, and everyone else started to laugh.

"Now, you share those Remus! Harry knows you love chocolate, but he sent enough for everyone." Molly gave him 'the eye', as she spoke.

Ron's eyes widened. "Oi! Better listen Remus. She waves a wicked wand when she gets that look."

"Yes, Molly." He replied, as he popped one into his mouth, set another on his saucer, and passed the tin.

Lucius took two, placing one of them next to the one on Remus' saucer, leaned in and kissed his cheek. Remus smiled at him and noticed the mirth in the pale eyes as his love tried desperately to keep a straight face, as he passed the tin to Severus.

"Everything looks absolutely wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed, as everyone reached for one of the serving dishes or plates. "Oh, I wish we knew where Harry is. Will we ever figure it out?"

"I do believe if we put our minds and our resources together, Hermione, we will be able to solve the mystery of where he has built his new life." Severus answered confidently, as he helped himself to some of the Pâté and Pain au lait.

Luna had a faraway look in her eyes, as she stirred sugar and cream into her tea. "Harry doesn't want the Wizarding World in general to find him, but, I think he wants us to find him--those whom he cares for." She focused on Severus. "And those who care for him, of course."

"Oi! Viktor! What are you doing?!" Ron yelped, as Viktor plucked a raspberry Berliner from his fingers, and replaced it with a slice of Molly's warm bread covered liberally with some of the Crémet Nantais cheese. Severus breathed a sigh of relief that all attention had been diverted from him.

"Ron--Meu Dragoste, you must eat good for Elisabeta." Viktor coaxed, as his husband scowled at him and eyed the doughnut that had been placed on the far side of Viktor's plate.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ronald, you are no longer playing Quidditch five days a week. It wouldn't hurt you--or Elisabeta--to try to eat well for a change. At least, until the end of your pregnancy. You do realize, that too much sugar is not good for the baby, will keep her, and you, up all night. In turn, the lack of sleep will--"

"Fine! Enough 'Moine! Blimey, she's in lecture mode again!" Ron huffed as he picked up the bread and took a large bite.

Laughter burst out around the table. Viktor placed some sliced fruit on Ron's plate, as he leaned in and whispered in his husband's ear. The fury disappeared from Ron's face and his cheeks flushed deep pink as he smiled to himself. Viktor kissed his cheek before returning his attention to his own plate.

"Remus, how is Sean faring with his lessons?" Albus asked.

Remus took a sip of his tea and wiped his mouth before answering. "He's doing quite well, actually. The last few full moons have been easier on him, thanks greatly to Severus' new formulation of the Wolfbane Potion."

Remus smiled at the Potions Master, as Lucius nodded in agreement. The corner of Severus' mouth quirked up at the compliment.

"Some minor adjustments to the potion allow it to work more efficiently for a Were-child, in general. But, I also tailored the potion to Sean specifically."

"I have spoken to Darmott, at the Ministry Research Department about the possibility of custom potions for the Were's. I've kept him apprised of the improvements I have experienced with the changes. He was very interested, and asked me to have you owl him for a meeting to discuss your research." Severus nodded, looking pleased.

"Severus, I would be very interested in discussing the modified potions as well." Draco's expression radiated his interest. Hermione looked very intrigued as well.

"How are his parents adjusting, Remus?" Molly continued offering food and tea to everyone as she spoke.

Lucius chose to answer, since Remus had just taken a bite of his Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. "The Kinney's were wary and doubtful at first, but once they saw the difference a better quality potion made for their son, they have been more willing to open up and discuss everything."

"That's wonderful!" Molly beamed.

"Yes, it is. They have even come to Hogwarts to discuss the arrangements I will make for Sean, when he attends next Fall." Albus looked quite pleased. He hated to see children suffer and lose out on opportunities to learn.

"Your auras have improved since the boy started spending time with both of you. The colors are much brighter and more harmonious. You should really consider adopting children. They keep away the Brown Dowager Gnats. They make you old more quickly, you know."

Lucius startled, and Remus dropped his fork, both men staring wide-eyed at the dreamy-eyed blond, who had already gone back to reading her upside down copy of the Quibbler.

"Luna, I love you but sometimes I am reminded of why they used to call you 'Loony' in school." Draco said with a bit of irony in his voice. "Ow!"

Neville snorted in amusement when Hermione smacked Draco in the back of his head. Draco turned to her as he rubbed the spot. "What'd you do that for? I only spoke the truth!" He looked at his other mate, sitting on the other side of Hermione. "Hush you! Or there'll be no snogging for you tonight--or anything else."

Another slap was heard as Hermione cuffed him again.

"Ow! 'Moine!"

"Behave yourself then, or you both will be on the couch." She commented firmly as she poured herself more tea.

"Oi! What'd I do?!" Neville exclaimed suddenly.

"You opened your mouth, Nev. And believe me, Harry and I got plenty of those slaps at Hogwarts!" Ron smirked, very glad to be sitting on the opposite side of the table.

Everyone continued laughing. Hermione glared at him, but her expression softened when her mates placed kisses on her cheeks, causing a smile to appear.

"Indeed. You cuffed those boys so many times, I wouldn't have been surprised if their brains had been addled. But then, an addled Boy-Who-Lived would have been a problem." Severus smirked into his teacup.

"Severus!" Molly looked at him with that look.

"Really Molly, my hair is not red so that look will not work on me." Severus deadpanned, causing another round of laughter.

Albus moved a bit to get more comfortable in his chair. "Lucius, how are your horses? Many new foals expected in the Spring?"

"A few. Actually, I am considering adding a few more horses, possibly a different breed or two, for variety."

"Really? Are there any breeds in particular you are considering, Father?" Draco asked.

"Remi and I have a trip planned for the first of the new year, to look at some Corley Breton's." Lucius gestured with his knife as he spoke. "They are a hardy breed and the Corley's are the smallest, and good for riding. Especially the younger riders."

Remus leaned toward Lucius, giving him a look as he spoke. "I suggested he consider the Postier's as well, since they are the mid-range size of Breton, and are a beautiful cart horse. They have a very graceful gait. They are even acceptable for light farm work when needed."

"The stock of Corley's has been declining. It would be advantageous to breed them--all the colors--especially the blue roans."

"Well, I wish you a successful trip, Lucius, my boy! And maybe the two of you can have a bit of a honeymoon while you are there!" Albus smiled indulgently as his eyes twinkled madly.

Remus grinned. "Oh, that will definitely be part of the trip."

Luna folded the Quibbler and set it beside her plate, focusing her gaze on Remus and Lucius, she spoke in a soft voice. "Your travels will be very productive, but only if you embrace the local culture."

Hermione fixed her men with a warning glare, just as Draco was opening his mouth. The click was audible when he closed his mouth. She smiled smugly when she returned her gaze to Luna. "What do you mean, Luna?"

The blond woman set a blackberry Berliner on her plate, taking care as she cut it in half with fork and knife. "Answers to important questions can be found if one listens carefully."

Luna Lovegood had, during her latter years at Hogwarts, and in the years since, proven she had a unique perspective coupled with a gift of the Sight. Those who knew her well had already learned to listen. She had been unerringly accurate over the years. Severus quirked an eyebrow and looked to Albus.

"Albus, isn't Sybil due to retire soon?"

"I believe she has mentioned something to that effect. It seems her sister has asked her to come live with her. It would be much better for her than spending all her time in the tower." He looked at Luna, a small smile on his lips and a twinkle beginning in the pale blue eyes. "Perhaps, Luna and I should discuss the possibility of her joining Hogwarts' Staff."

Severus cast a pointed gaze at Luna. "It would be quite refreshing to not be subjected any longer, to that woman's sherry-soaked pseudo-predictions."

"I most certainly agree!" Hermione added. "I was definitely put off of Divination, until I began spending more time with you, Luna. I can honestly say, you have shown me that some of the aspects of the field may have some merit."

"Thank you, Hermione. I am glad I could help you to see the truth. Maybe you can find your gift now."

"I wouldn't go that far. Let's just leave it at a healthy respect for now."

Ron leaned against Viktor, as he slowly rubbed his belly. "It's too bad Harry isn't here. He'd be so shocked to hear you say that, 'Moine!"

Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron. Neville leaned around Albus so he could see Severus. "Do you believe we have enough information to start projecting where Harry could possibly be?"

TBC...