What do you know, another update. Sorry for taking my time. Thank you for the reviews. I'm sorry for confusing you with the godson reference. I should have put it down in the A/N that Sirius isn't alive. Though if you want him, then I'm sure I can find a way to raise him from the dead. TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. Since Harry really doesn't have any family left, I think Remus could be a good parental figure for him and can share the godfather title with Sirius. The next chapter will me up soon.

Chapter 19

When Arthur Weasley left the Manor he was feeling both at ease and worried. The kids had taken his plans well and he could count of their support. But not in a million years had he believed that he'd get such news. Harry Potter was a brave and forgiving person, but to choose a man like Malfoy was puzzling for the redhead. He honestly didn't know what do think. He didn't want to cause harm to the green-eyed teen by turning his back on him and therefore had promised to accept it for his sake. But hadn't he seen how much the man had changed? Lucius had treated him with politeness and had opened his home for Arthur and his children. It was all a bit much to take in at once and Arthur decided to sleep on it and re-think things in the morning. Now he had to deal with Molly. Bill had suggested that he start the divorce sooner rather than later, which is why Arthur was about to visit the Weasley Family solicitor.

The law practice was in muggle London, situated just near King's Cross. Arthur was currently sitting in the man's office with a nice cup of tea. John Barker was a muggle-born wizard in his early seventies and he, like many others wizards, lived in London.

"What can I do for you, Arthur?" the man asked.

The redhead set down his tea and said " I would like you to start my divorce proceedings. I have decided to dissolve my marriage to Molly."

John asked "Are you sure? You've been married more than twenty years."

"I haven't been more sure of anything, John. My marriage to Molly is not working, I am afraid that it hasn't been working from the start. If my father hadn't pushed me into it, I would have never married her. My children support me in this." Arthur Weasley explained.

The solicitor inquired "As I understand it this is not a mutual decision?"

"No, I haven't told Molly yet. She will react badly." Arthur stated.

John sighed and asked " Do you think it will be wise to just hand her the papers with no warning? She is your wife of many years and I'm sure she deserves better than just being handed the divorce paper."

Arthur said " I am conflicted as to how I should do this. I admit that I owe her at least an explanation, no matter how badly she'll take it. But you have no idea what is has been like over the last year. None of us know what to expect from her anymore. One minute she is the Molly I know from our school days and the next one she resembles a Hungarian Horntail. Maybe I'm a coward for not wanting to tell her, but... My kids pointed out a few things, which I guess in hindsight make sense. I wanted to leave her after she had Bill, I spoke of this with my father as well. It wasn't long until she got pregnant with Charlie. I fear that if I tell her about having a divorce, she'll try to stop me somehow. Bill thinks that she took high doses of fertility potion to get pregnant so soon after just having a child. I didn't want to believe it at first, but I can't argue with the facts. Perhaps my father warned her that I planned to have a divorce after she had Bill."

John frowned and said " Unfortunately it wasn't me who draw up the first marriage contract, perhaps your father gained something from it."

" Marriage contract? What marriage contract?" the redheaded man asked with confusion.

" The one your father and Gregory Prewett made. Don't tell me you didn't know?" the man was surprised.

Arthur said with anger " My father never told me that there was a contract. My marriage to Molly was arranged because of a contract?"

" I'm sorry to hear that you didn't know, your father should have told you." the man said.

Arthur said sadly " I guess that is why my father kept insisting that I marry her. But why didn't he tell me that there was some sort of a contract? "

" My guess is that your father didn't want you to know. Perhaps he owed something to Gregory Prewett." the solicitor suggested.

The Weasley patriarch asked " Could it be possible to see the contract?"

" I'll have to go to the Ministry archives and there is a chance that it isn't on record. But I could try." John said.

Arthur gave a nod " That would be great. I need to know what my father put into this contract and why it was made in the first place. Do you think Molly knows?"

The grey-haired wizard said " It is possible, but she might not. Perhaps her father didn't tell her either. Though if she is aware of it and knows the terms as to why it was drawn up, it could explain why she is so keen on keeping you by her side. Perhaps we should get to the bottom of this before you start the divorce procedure. You might stand to lose greatly, we have to be sure what the contract says."

Arthur said " I guess I might not know my wife at all. If she knew and saw it fit to keep me in the dark, then I'm not sure what else she is capable off."

X

Severus was doing his best in holding back a very angry werewolf, who was damn close to fully transforming into one. He saw what had angered the man to no end. Seeing your pseudo-godson in the lap of a former Death Eater, while being thoroughly molested by said Death Eater, would be a good reason to freak out like Remus had done. The couple had broken apart after Remus had growled, Harry was staring at the wolf with wide eyes.

" Remus, put the wand away! Now!" Harry ordered.

The wolf snarled " What's going on, Harry? Why are you letting Malfoy touch you like this?"

Harry said " Lower your wand and I will explain everything."

Remus lowered his wand and relaxed his shoulders a bit. Severus, who had been standing behind the man, released his arm from his grip and moved to stand inside the room.

" Lucius and I are together." the teen said, while still shielding the blonde with his body.

Lupin's gaze was murderous "What! Surely you can't... Harry, that man was a Death Eater, he served Voldemort. He tried to kill you on multiple occasions. He's old enough to be your father!"

Harry snapped " For Merlin's sake, would you all just change the bleeding record! Yes, Lucius was a Death Eater, but you all seem to forget that he defected with Draco. He saved my life, Remus. I don't give a toss about what side he was on, because he knows now that he was wrong. You're right, he is old enough to be my father, actually he is older than my own dad, but he isn't my father."

" But it doesn't change what he did, Harry!" Lupin accused.

The green-eyed wizard sighed " I know and I'm not saying that it pardons him. But why is it so hard for everyone to just accept that I'm not a little child anymore. I don't need to be protected from life, Remus. You all tried and look how well that turned out. And now when I'm finally rid of Voldemort and ready to live my life as I bloody hell like it, there is always someone to stop me. I care about you, Remus, you're like a dad to me, but I won't let you or anyone else come between us."

The werewolf was staring at Harry with a defeated look on his amber eyes. He hadn't noticed the boy turn into a man, yet before him stood a confident and brave man.

Lucius, who had been silent, stood behind Harry. The teen immediately leaned into the broad chest behind him.

" Are you alright?" Lucius asked the teen softly.

Harry sighed " I'm fine, just upset that's all."

The blonde wrapped his arms around the teen's waist and said " Calm down, love. Your magic is a bit unsettled, I can feel it. Do you want to sit?"

Harry turned around and faced the man, he said gently " I'm calming down already."

Lucius chuckled and softly kissed the teen on the lips, risking with being maimed by an angry werewolf.

Harry asked Severus, who he had only now noticed " When did you get here, Professor?"

Severus drawled " When you were slobbering all over each other like a couple of First Years."

Harry blushed a bit under Snape's knowing gaze and Lucius said " Oh, shall I remind you of your own, what did you call it, slobbering?"

Snape said " Duly noted."

Harry turned to Remus, who was still gaping at the sight in front of him " I don't expect you to understand, but I really need you to be okay with it."

" You're right, I don't understand. But perhaps I'll come to understand it in the future. I just can't wrap my head around it." Remus told the teen.

The green-eyed wizard walked over to the werewolf and said gently " I don't want to lose you because of this. Merlin knows I've never really had anyone, I can't lose another person I care about. I want a future with Lucius, but I want you to be in my future as well. You need to trust me, Remus. This is what I want and I can't and I won't let it slip through my fingers. This is my chance to have my own family, you of all people should know how important that is to me."

Remus was already cracking before, but seeing the pleading green eyes and hearing the love in Harry's voice, tipped the man over the edge. This was Harry, the one, who he thought of as a son. Harry wanted a family more than anything and it seemed that he had chosen to have one with Lucius Malfoy.

" You're the most important thing in my life, Harry. You won't lose me over this. I don't like who you have chosen, but your choice is your own. If you tell me that Lucius isn't what we think he is then I trust you. Your happiness will always come first to me." Lupin said affectionately.

They both heard Severus mutter 'Gryffindors' under his breath. That caused Harry to snigger.

" I had planned to ask for your blessing, Lupin." Lucius said to the werewolf.

Remus asked " Why? "

Harry snorted " So that you wouldn't eat him during a full moon."

" I have come to see how important you are to Harry and he to you. It would have been only right to ask for his family's approval. My intentions are honest and I can understand your animosity towards me and my family, but I assure you that I will never hurt Harry." Lucius explained.

Remus sighed " You're right, I am not overly fond of you and I can't just forget what has happened during the years. But I'm willing to make an effort for Harry. But know that I don't have to wait for a full moon to rip you to shreds if you hurt him."

Lucius gave an appreciative nod and said " I would not expect anything less."

Lupin threw Severus a look and he said " Judging by the lack of shock in your part, I'm guessing you knew about this."

" Unfortunately." Snape drawled.

Harry said " Nothing stays secret in his presence."

Snape went over to the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of dark brown liquid.

" Since we are all being very Gryffindor about this, I think a drink is needed." Severus said and poured himself and Lucius a glass, which the blonde gladly took.

Harry suddenly asked Remus " What are you doing here anyway?"

" Oh, well I wanted to visit you and Severus was kind enough to take bring me with him." Lupin explained.

Snape raised an eyebrow " I do not recall offering, Lupin. You accosted me in the hallway."

" I thought we were past the name calling, Severus. You had no problem using my name last night." Lupin fired back with a smirk.

Lucius almost spit out his drink when he heard it. Severus pursed his lips and glared at Lupin.

" Last night? Am I missing something?" Harry questioned.

Lucius saw his friend's obvious discomfort and said " Would you like to stay for dinner, Mr. Lupin?"

" Mr. Lupin was my father, you can call me Remus." the werewolf said.

Lucius smiled and said " Then I ask that you call me Lucius. Now about dinner?"

" If it's alright with you I'd like to stay and catch up with Harry." Remus said.

The blonde said " Of course."

Remus thanked the man, but didn't miss the scowl on Severus's face. It seemed that the man did not want to be very forthcoming about their relations.

X

Draco Malfoy really did not like muggle London, but he had agreed to go with Bill. Actually, he hardly could say no to the redhead anymore. Draco Malfoy was head over heels in love with Bill Weasley. It was something that would have disgusted the old Draco, but he couldn't deny the fact that he was nothing like the old him. At first it had been fuelled by lust and desire, but with each passing day, Draco felt it turn into love. There had been a time when he thought that love was a weakness, but now it seemed to be the only thing making him stronger. Bill was everything he had ever wanted in a lover. He was the one, who could pick up Draco's mood and infuriate the younger blonde to the point of madness. The way Bill made love to him was addicting. He didn't just think of it as sex, he knew that it was more than that. It was gentle and rough, sweet and bitter all wrapped up in one. He didn't know where he ended and Bill started. But Draco felt more himself than ever before. Bill made him a better person by just looking at him with his blue eyes. It was quite Hufflepuff of the blonde to admit, but he loved Bill with his whole heart, with his very being.

" Draco, we're here. Did you hear me?" Bill addressed his boyfriend.

The blonde looked around and said " Sorry, I got distracted. Are we here?"

" Yeah, come on I'll find us a table." Bill said and went to speak with a woman by the counter.

Draco looked around and inspected the cosy little muggle cafe. It was dim, but looked inviting.

" What are you thinking about, Dragon?" Bill asked the blonde.

Draco said mockingly "Nothing, just trying to figure out if it's a suitable place for a Malfoy."

" And does it suit a Malfoy?" Bill asked.

The blonde scrunched his nose and said "It will do."

" Good, because I got us a table. Now come with me and prepare yourself for the best food you have ever tasted." the redhead said as he took Draco's hand.

A good hour later Draco said " You won this time, Weasley. It really was the best thing I have ever tasted."

" Glad you liked it. I often come here just for the spiced chicken and rice, they make it better than my mum." Bill said.

Draco said " Speaking of your mother, have you talked to her since she blew up on you?"

Bill shook his head "No, I haven't. She hasn't expressed any interest and I recall her saying that she won't want me as a son as long as I continue with my disgusting lifestyle."

" I really feel sorry for your father." Draco said.

Bill sighed " Well, my father has realised his mistake. He told us today that he wants to divorce her."

" Seriously?" Draco inquired.

The redhead gave a nod " Yes, he wants to dissolve the marriage."

" I would have never guessed that your parents were having problems. They're like the epitome of a happy family, well at least that was what it seemed like." the blonde said.

Bill sighed " I guess they were happy at some point, but that's not the case anymore."

" So is that the reason for Ron's bad mood?" Draco questioned.

The curse breaker laughed " You could say that it was a part of his bad mood, but it was mainly because of Harry."

" What has the Boy Wonder done now?" the younger man chuckled.

Bill told his boyfriend " He told my family about him and your dad."

" Harry actually told you redheads about it." Draco chuckled.

The older man said " Yes, he did. Everyone took it pretty okay. Ginny and I already knew about it, so no shock there. The twins gave him a pat on the back for getting into your father's pants and Charlie was amused. My dad was a bit unsure about it, but surprisingly Ron defended your dad and Harry. He was very grown up about it and told us that if Harry trusted Lucius, that so should we. Ron accepted Harry's choice."

The blonde was more than amazed at Ron's behaviour. Draco had been sure that the youngest Weasley boy would cause more trouble than the rest.

" That is a shock. I would have never believed that he would be alright with their relationship, but I guess I have no room to talk. Harry thought the same of me. He told me that he expected me to at least blow something up." Draco said.

Bill laughed " I did too. But you're happy for your father."

Draco suddenly said with some dislike " I can't believe your brother out did me in this. I was supposed to be the sensible one."

" It just shows that you have both grown up." Bill said and gave the pouting blonde a kiss.

X

Neville saw Ron sulking in one of the sitting rooms and decided to check up on him.

" Hey, what's wrong?" Neville asked as he sat next to the redhead.

Ron sighed " Let's see. My parents are getting divorced, my best mate wants to shack up with Lucius Malfoy and ... Well, it's complicated.

Neville said " I'm sorry about your parents."

" It's fine, just a bit of a shock. It's just a bit weird to think about." Ronald told the other teen.

The dark-haired teen asked " So Harry finally told you?"

" You knew?" Ron asked the boy.

Neville gave a small nod " Yeah, I knew. I guess I was the first one to know. He didn't tell you sooner because of the hatred between your family and the Malfoys. He was sure you'd be angry with him."

" I guess you're right, but I'm not upset that he didn't tell me sooner. I'm glad he told someone. It's kind of funny, you know. A year ago we hated them and they wanted us dead. Now, my brother and best friend are in a relationship with them and I've never seen the Malfoys so relaxed and nice." Ron explained.

The dark-haired Gryffindor said " A lot of things were different a year ago."

" Like you being friends with Blaise Zabini." Ron chuckled, but his voice held some sadness.

Neville shrugged " He's a nice guy really. We both have a lot in common, like Herbology and neither of us has ever had any parents. His mum is a real piece of work. I like him, even if he is a Slytherin."

Ron paled a bit, but tried to hide his misery " Just don't go making friends with Parkinson."

Neville laughed and said " I won't."

Silence descended on them and neither said anything for a while.

" If you need someone to talk to, I'm a good listener." Neville finally said.

Ron answered " Yeah, I'll remember that."

With that Neville stood and exited the room. Ron thumped his head onto the table in front of him and cursed himself. He couldn't say it, he just couldn't do it. Ron wanted to tell Neville everything, but he just couldn't tell him. He cursed his treacherous heart and reluctance to confess.

X

After Harry and Remus had wondered off together, Lucius cornered the Prince of Darkness, who was also known as Severus Snape.

" What exactly did Lupin mean when he spoke of last night?" Lucius asked with a teasing tone.

Severus muttered " Damn that wolf... We just had dinner."

" It sounded much more than just dinner. Come on now, Severus. Surely you can tell me?" Lucius coaxed the onyx-eyed man.

Snape let out a deep sigh and said " You'll just tell the brat later, though I'm sure Remus has already filled him in. We had dinner and later a drink in Lupin's quarters."

" Oh, I see. You and Lupin slobbered all over each other like Hufflepuffs." Lucius chuckled.

" Thank you for your input, Lucius." Severus drawled petulantly.

The blonde smile and said " Don't be such a prude."

" I am not being a prude. I simply do not wish to discuss my private affairs. I certainly don't want to know what you and Potter do behind closed doors." Severus explained.

" Very well, then I won't tell you anything." Lucius stated.

Severus said " I already got an eyeful and I have to live with that image for the rest of my life."

" Trust me, Harry is far more flexible." Lucius said slyly.

Snape groaned " My God, Potter is turning you into a teenager."

" Perhaps, but what did you expect. Harry is young and it has rubbed off on me." Lucius said.

Severus rolled his eyes and drawled " In the future, please refrain from using the words 'Harry' and 'rubbing' in the same sentence."

Lucius laughed at his friend's words and said " My apologies, Severus."

The dark-haired man knew that the blonde did not look sorry at all.

X

Dinner was less tense than lunch had been. Partly because everyone had had a bit of time to get use to the new developments and partly because everyone was suddenly aware of the looks that Lucius and Harry seemed to give each other. Harry for one was happy that his friends and family were behind him. Neville, Hermione, Bill and Ginny were firmly on his side and the rest of the Weasleys were on their way there. Ron, who was sitting across Harry, gave the teen a reassuring smile. Harry was truly happy that Ron had taken it well. He couldn't lose him as a friend and brother. The conversation during dinner was light and no one directly asked about the relationship between the Slytherin and Gryffindor.

" When are you planning on going home, Nev?" Harry asked.

Neville said with fake hurt " Are you trying to get rid of me already?"

Harry snorted " Just wondering what your Gran thinks about you staying here."

" She thought I had hit my head or something when I told him about coming here. But she isn't worried, she told me that I'll be able to take on any wizard now. " Neville sniggered.

Ginny said " Nice sword work by the way."

Draco asked " Sword work?"

Harry explained " Neville chopped off the Nagini's head."

Both Draco and Lucius shuddered after hearing the name.

" I hated that blasted snake." Draco said with a frown.

Harry saw that talking about the snake brought discomfort to both of the blondes. He changed the subject.

" Anyway, you didn't answer my question, Nev."

The Gryffindor said " I told Gran that I'll be home in a few days. I actually planned to go tomorrow, somewhere around lunch maybe. Why do you ask?"

" Well I was wondering what you were doing on New Year's Eve." Harry said.

Neville shrugged " I haven't any plans if that's what you're asking."

The green-eyed wizard looked to Lucius for permission and after getting it said " We're planning a get-together at New Year's Eve with friends and family to celebrate the coming of a new year. Of course everyone here is invited. I'm hoping that Luna is available and perhaps Kingsley and Andromeda as well."

Ginny asked " Can I bring Dean?"

" Sure, just warn him ahead." Harry said.

Bill suggested " You should talk to Fred and George about the fireworks."

" Don't even remind me." Draco groaned.

Harry saw the curiosity in Lucius's face and explained " In our Fifth Year, the twins wanted to get revenge on Umbridge . During our O.W.L's they set off fireworks inside the castle. It targeted her and some Slytherins."

Lucius chuckled " I say well done. I believe she is currently in Azkaban?"

Bill said " Kingsley made sure of it."

" I had the misfortune of dealing with her quite often as she was Fudge's most loyal fan. She was under the impression that I liked her and approved of her methods." Lucius said with distaste.

Harry said " Well, you were just being a suck-up and Fudge was a complete waste of space."

" Sometimes 'sucking up' to the right people will give you certain privileges." the blonde told the teen.

Harry smiled " True."

Draco watched his father and Harry bickering like an old married couple. And it seemed that everyone else was in various states of surprise.

X

Arthur had no desire to go home after everything that he had learned about Molly and his father. A small part of Arthur was still hoping that Molly was innocent in this and really had no clue as to what had been done by their fathers. But the redhead knew better, Molly was after all a Prewett and they were loyal to their kin. It pained him to even think about it. Had Molly really tricked him into staying by getting pregnant over and over again? Had she really sunk as low as that? Arthur only had questions and no answers. John, the solicitor, had arranged a visit to the Ministry in hope that they will be able to find the marriage contract, seeing as many marriage contracts were being kept in the Ministry archives. Arthur had been a fool to trust his father. He had known that his father was most eager to marry him off, but Arthur had been young and trusting back then. Not once had he suspected any kind of foul play. If only he could turn back time and take back the marriage vows he made to Molly.

The Burrow was quiet, there was no sign of Molly anywhere in the house. The man made his way upstairs, shrugging off his robe as he went. He was dead tired. The bedroom was dark and unoccupied as Arthur went in, something the man was grateful for. He could rest without anyone bothering him. Though one thing still bothered him. Where was Molly and what was she up do now?

X

Finally in the safety of the bedroom, Harry let out a deep sigh. He was glad that everything had gone well, but Harry knew that they still had some problems to work out. Things with Lucius were heading in the right direction as well. Though Harry did think about what would happen once the holidays were over and he had to return to Hogwarts. The teen knew that once school started up again they wouldn't see each other daily, Hogsmeade weekends would be the only place for them to meet up. He'd miss the blonde for sure.

" Why are you standing by the door?" the blonde asked.

Harry said " No reason."

The teen walked to Lucius and gave him a deep kiss.

" Needed that." Harry said as he pulled back.

Lucius chuckled " I had a hard time restraining myself earlier."

The teen said " Since my family and friends know about us, maybe we could go out. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling a bit cooped up here in the Manor. I have my friends here, but I want to spend time with you outside this house."

" Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Potter?" Lucius asked.

Harry hooked his arms around the blonde's waist and said " Would you be interested, Mr. Malfoy?"

The blonde man said " I'd be delighted."

" Everyone is going to find out sooner or later. I have no doubt that Skeeter will write a full three page story about it, but I say let them gossip. They don't matter." the green-eyed teen said.

Lucius pointed out " We could throw her into the cellar if she writes any slander about you."

" As nice as it sounds, we can't. But what we could do is go to muggle London. We won't be anyone of importance there." Harry suggested.

Lucius seemed to consider the option and sighed in defeat " It is the best choice if we wish to avoid making the front page of the Daily Prophet. "

" How about tomorrow? We'll go to Gringotts and then to London." the teen said.

Lucius agreed " Very well."

The teen smiled and went into the en suite, while saying " You'll never believe what Arthur told us today."

" Is he finally leaving that Prewett woman?" Lucius joked.

Harry, who had been in the bathroom, came to the door and asked " How did you know?"

" I was merely joking, I didn't know. Weasley is divorcing his wife?" Lucius looked intrigued.

Harry said " Yeah, he is."

" It has been an ongoing joke among purebloods. Everyone knows that the Prewetts were unhinged. One of their ancestors dabbled with some illegal potions which were supposed to make one's magic stronger. Rumours say that the Prewetts were all unbalanced after that. We were all a bit surprised when Weasley married that Prewett chit." Lucius explained.

The dark-haired wizard said " I didn't know that. Do you think Molly was affected too, she does seem a bit mental?"

" I was in my Second Year when she graduated, so I really didn't know her. But there were countless rumours circulating and people did say that she was slightly unstable." the blonde told Harry.

Harry said " I always thought she was a bit suffocating, even her own kids think so."

" There were rumours that she had been seen in Knockturn Alley once, but that was years back." Lucius said.

The teen asked " Knockturn Alley? Why would she go there?"

" Like I said, just a rumour." the blonde reminded the teen.

Harry sighed " I feel bad for Arthur. He's such a kind and goodhearted man, who doesn't deserve to be bullied by the likes of Molly. I hope that he'll be able to get her to sign."

" I assure you that he won't." Lucius told Harry.

The green-eyed wizard said " We'll just have to see."