Harry Potter and Co. Belong to Rowling
Till Debt Do Us Part.
HPSS
Chapter 25. What sons do.
a week later...
Harry and Severus were great if you looked beyond his morning sickness and light headedness, Severus' that is because Harry had never felt better. The young Gryffindor was the epitome of health much to his husband's displeasure. Rosy cheeked and with a spring in his step he awoke every morning to rush to the bathroom and witness his husband wretch into the ivory toilet. No one could understand it, but Snape hated it.
Potions it seemed was the worst for the tall acerbic wizard. Never had he felt so vulnerable. What use was having a room full of incompetent students if he could not make them suffer because he was too busy rushing to the bathroomf? No one, not even Longbottom, prayed as hard as Severus Snape did for school to end. Two more weeks and the pair would get their wish.
Draco readjusted his robes, he was officially getting fat. Damn! Well at least it was only his middle and it wasn't really noticeable unless you were really looking…like he was. The feeling came upon him like it usually did; forgetting his growing girth Draco made his way to the bathroom. Unlike Harry, who had unwittingly thrust his morning sickness onto his husband, Draco was still suffering its ill effects.
After relieving his stomach of last night's meal, Draco got up and leaned on the wall. He supposed he shouldn't complain, but oh how he wanted to whine. Where was Blaise when you needed him?
Blaise, his admirer, had agreed to me him everyday after lunch. The blonde tried to be polite to the love struck Slytherin but the truth was that Blaise couldn't seem to do anything right. Maybe it was the pregnancy, but every time the Slytherin tried to get close, Draco got the urge to hit him, repeatedly. However, since Blaise had testified before the Wizengamot about Seamus, Draco controlled his urge to inflict any bodily injury. He was indebted to him so he tolerated Zabini's company. The chocolates Blaise brought him softened his sour mood, but he was still edgy.
Seamus had finally been turned back to a Wizard and had denied all the accusations against him. It was only after rigorous questioning that Finnegan had confessed to his attraction, gross harassment and attack on Harry, not to mention Lucius' betrayal of the Dark Lord. The youth had also admitted his own involvement as a spy for the dark lord and had received a five- year sentence in Morden Prison and an additional ten in Azkaban. His family denied everything, but they was under investigation; their future was pretty grim.
Unfortunately Lucius had made quite a lot of enemies in the Ministry, one of them being the Minister himself, so his release was still in question. As the papers said, just because Lucius Malfoy switched sides, it did not mean that he had not been a Death Eater and had collaborated in numerous attacks. Madame Bones, a just witch if there ever was one, had requested that Lucius Malfoy be moved from Azkaban to a Wizarding prison until all charges and evidence had been reviewed thoroughly. Due to his pregnancy Draco had not been allowed to be present for the transfer so his Godfather had overseen the arrangements on his behalf. Draco had never been so grateful to have someone to look out for him.
Several days had gone by and Draco and his new family had not heard anything. The young Slytherin was overcome with a deep sense of foreboding which came to its culmination three days before the end of school.
It was late Friday afternoon when Professor Snape was called from his last class. Relieved to be away he went to the Headmaster's office.
"Severus thank you for coming." The Headmaster murmured offering his friend a seat.
"You needed to speak to me."
"It's Lucius." The elderly Wizard began.
Severus held his breath knowing what was coming. "He won't make it past tonight." Dumbledore murmured sadly. Lucius had been one of Hogwart's brightest it was a terrible shame that he had ended up thus.
Snape's throat became painfully dry. "Are you sure?"
"Very." The Wizard said removing his spectacles and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "He wants to see Draco."
"He's lucid." Severus asked.
"At times yes."
After a few seconds Severus got to his feet. "I'll go see Draco."
that evening...
Draco wrapped his robes tightly around him and followed his Godfather closely. Morden prison, expect for the lack of dementors was too much like Azkaban. Severus had told him about his father and Draco knew he had to see him one last time. His Godfather had filled him in on his condition so Draco tried to prepare himself. He had to do this! He had to.
What the blonde saw he would never forget. His father had wasted away, he was thin, haggard. The hands that had once lifted him up were weak and gnarled, they shook in painful spasms. The piercing silver blue eyes had faded and held none of the intelligence they had once had. The long blonde hair had been cut to get rid of the infestation and had not grown back. Draco wanted to run. His father was incoherent, speaking about his mother and his friend's as if they were still alive. Draco listened to him, answered his mindless queries. He wanted to tell him about Lucian but the man was too far gone already. It tore him to pieces. When the time came to leave the teen rose and lay a kiss on the older Wizard's forehead. Just as he was pulling away his father grabbed his arm and pulled him close. "Make him pay! Avange me Draco! He knew! MAKE HIM PAY!" Lucius shouted in a raspy voice. For just a split second Draco saw lucidity in the lackluster eyes. But just as it came, it faded. The grip around his arm loosened and the hand that held him fell lifeless. Draco muffled a sob back and fell to his knees. His godfather, who had lingered by the door to given them some privacy, rushed to his side and after a quick examination pulled the sheet over the lifeless body.
When he turned to take Draco away the youth refused to go, "No!"
"Draco please! Think of your child!" Severus shouted struggling with the distraught teen.
"He can't be dead! Please come back! Come back!" Draco cried trying to pull away from the Wizard.
Knowing he was not going to get anywhere, Severus simply lifted his Godson in his arms and carried him from the room. Draco finally ceased his struggles and cried despondently. When Harry saw them arrive he stayed away and let the blonde grieve in peace.
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Lucius was cremated the next day, the wizard's ashes were given to Draco and he asked his Godfather to keep them safe. One day he'd get Malfoy Manor back and he would lay his father to rest there. The Wizard's death did not cause the slightest stir. The ophaned Malfoy couldn't help but feel that everyone was glad he was gone. His father's last words haunted Draco every waking moment.
several days after the cremation...
Draco dressed slowly. His clothes were immaculate. His expressionless face held a certain coldness that had not been the before but he didn't analyze it. He was who he was, his father's son. It was with that final thought that he left his room. He had a free period which he would use to study and then he'd meet Blaise for lunch. How bored was he? That he was actually looking forward to that!
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Harry went over his notes for that day's exam and frowned. Severus had given everyone a guide to study but he hadn't done all of his. He had tried asking for Hermione's help but the girl had ripped him a new one when she found out that he hadn't finished it yet. Rubbing his eyes, Harry tried to concentrate. What was mandrake used for? Hell if he knew. He looked at Draco who was glancing over his own complete notes. They weren't friends but maybe the blonde wouldn't mind helping him out. The Slytherin did have a gift for potions. Nervously Harry looked over his shoulder, Severus had been after him for a week to study but Harry hadn't felt up to it. Gathering his courage Harry asked, "What are dakworm tails used for?
Draco stilled and looked at the Gryffindor in front of him. Feeling the need for something to happen, he answered coolly, "Chopped they are used as powerful aphrodisiacs. Minced it can render a man infertile."
Harry wrote the answer quickly. "How about moongrass?"
"Diluted it prolongs orgasms." Draco answered clinically.
"Really?" Silvery eyes challenged Harry's disbelief. "Yeah…right I think I read it somewhere." Harry said wishing he had studied for the exam. Draco went back to his notes. Several minutes later, Harry continued his questions. Draco answered them with varying degrees of accuracy. Hadn't his Godfather said that they would be tested orally on ingredients?
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And indeed they were. A common practice years ago, Dumbledore had decided to resurrect it that year. Professor Woolington, who had been Professor Snape's mentor, had been asked to test the sixth year potions class. "It's used for what Mr. Potter Snape." The elderly potions master asked looking at a fidgeting Harry. He must've heard wrong.
Harry had been assigned twelve questions and he knew he had answered seven correct so far. Snape who was grading some written exams listened with half a mind until he got to the eighth. What had Harry said?
Harry swallowed feeling nervous, "to…ahum…" He cleared his throat and tried not to look at his husband. "….to…treat" he began again but found his throat dry and coughed again. " ahumm….excuse me Sir… " He stuffed a piece of candy in his mouth. "…to treat erectile dysfunction."
"Really!" Professor Woolington' face remained impassive. Snape placed his quill down and crossed his arms and daring anyone in the class to laugh. No one did, but a few succumbed to horrible coughing fits. Harry shifted and remained standing. It was just his luck to get those kinds of questions!
Draco, who sat behind Harry's desk, looked on innocently. Well he wasn't bored anymore.
"Very well. Question nine. What is dry rat's tail used for?"
"Diced or minced?" Harry asked.
The potions master braced himself, "minced?"
Harry cringed. Why did he have to ask that? "It treats …vaginal rashes."
Snape felt his stomach clench inside and looked around the class to find the culprit. When his eyes came to rest on an innocent looking Draco, he knew he had found the guilty party.
Professor Woolington nodded and looked at his ex-apprentice; Severus was fit to be tied. Dear oh dear. "Question ten. What are the secondary effects of too much floberworm slime?"
What was the Professor's problem? Why was he fixated on those kinds of ingredients? With a groan he answered, "Sexual frustration" the Professor's eyes widened, "premature ejaculation, and neon…um…" Harry trailed off embarrassedly.
Severus Snape's jaw dropped and shut it before anyone noticed. "What was that again?" the elderly wizard asked with a smile. Snape glared at the Wizard but the man ignored him. He hadn't had this much fun in ages. "Yes my boy?"
With a defeated sigh Harry repeated the last part. "neon cum."
This time the whole class erupted into furious coughing. "SILENCE!" Snape thundered and sent the snickering teens his worst death glare. It had sobering effects; in a matter of seconds, everyone was under control. Harry looked behind him and caught Hermione looking slightly ill. He was probably embarrassing her with his answers. Ron on other hand seemed to be biting his own hand.
"Two more questions Mr. Potter Snape," the aged Wizard prompted kindly. "What is the use of fairy dust mixed with gold dust."
"It's used to treat..." Harry frowned in concentration. Ah yeah now he remembered! "It's used to treat sagging breasts!"
Several female students gasped and crossed their arms. Severus closed his eyes and stilled his upset stomach. Merlin, he was going to commit murder!
"Oh my!" the Wizard exclaimed. Poor boy! He did not want to be in his shoes later on. Clearing his throat he moved on, "Final question then, what is diluted dragon saliva used for?"
No! No! Harry screamed mentally. Why did he have to get that question? "There is a time limit lad." Harry heard the Wizard and nodded, "It's used to treat …oh gosh…to treat body order and greasy hair Sir."
This time there was no laughing or coughing instead there was a deadly silence that made Harry look towards his husband.
To his credit Severus did not commit murder but became the first Wizard to assign detention for the following year.
later that afternoon...
"You didn't study!" The Wizard accused.
"I tried to but with everything that's going on I couldn't concentrate!" Harry stuttered moving back. It wasn't that Snape would hit him or anything, it was just that he had screwed up and embarrassed both of them in public. Gods! He was an idiot!
"Who gave you those answers? Because you sure as hell didn't get them from any potions book I've ever read." The Wizard demanded vociferously.
Harry squared his shoulders, bloody slytherin! "I asked Draco." He answered not caring if he was a snitch.
"You asked Draco Malfoy to help you cheat." Severus shook his head and rubbed his temples.
"It wasn't cheating!"
Snape turned on Harry "It was not your effort that I saw, so it was cheating! Serves you right for trying to skate by."
"You could be a little understanding!" Harry shouted knowing he had let his husband down, but too proud to simply admit it.
"I had to sit through your dribble so why don't you ask someone else for understanding." The Potions Master thundered slamming the door behind him.
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Draco was looking through his history book when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder.
"A minute of your time Mr. Malfoy." Professor Snape requested in a measured voice.
"Certainly Professor." The blonde answered rising to his feet. Several Slytherins turned his way, Draco had just gone in history for pranking Harry Potter Snape. The Slytherin had guts!
The pair made their way through the halls and out into the courtyard. "What did you hope to accomplish?" the Wizard asked without preamble. He had tried to be patient with the teen but Draco was walking a thin line.
The blonde looked up at his protector and shrugged. His godfather would never understand, or so the young wizard told himself.
Severus folded his arms before him, "To bite the hand of your only friend is not only fool hardy but beneath a Malfoy."
"I don't know what you're talking about Sir." Draco replied coolly.
"Don't play coy with me or you will find out just how far you have pressed your luck." The obsidian eyes glittered with promise.
Draco crossed his arms, "it was a joke."
"I'm not laughing."
Draco nodded, "I went too far." Draco admitted. "Please accept my apologies."
"You and he will be serving detention with me the first two weeks of your seventh year. He for trying to get by and you for your malicious intent. Do you understand?"
"Two weeks." The young man shrugged. "I guess I have nothing to say then." Yes he understood. Stand up for the Gryffindor hero no matter what!
"It's not about cheating or not Draco, it's about being loyal to those who have stood by you. Don't make the same mistakes he made." With a swift turn Severus left. Draco harrumped and went to sit on a stone bench. He stayed there until Blaise found him.
"Hey beautiful!" The handsome teen shouted sitting next to a morose Draco. "Did you bring me any chocolate?" He asked.
"Ah! A Wizard who knows what he wants! Here you go! I got you some chocolate covered cherries too!" Blasie announced proudly. Draco had changed after Lucius death so Blaise was trying his hardest to stay the same.
Draco took three and popped them in his mouth.
"I guess that means you like them." The Wizard exclaimed sitting comfortably next to the blonde.
Half a bag later Draco was finally able to say something, "I pranked Potter."
Blaise stretched his legs out before him, "Yeah I know." The story was all around the school. The Weasley boy had sworn to avenge his friend. "Pretty unexpected."
Draco shook his head and closed the bag. "It was a shitty thing to do."
Blasie shrugged his shoulders. "You've gone through a lot."
"He asked me to avenge him… to make him pay Blaise. I have to, don't I? Isn't that what sons do? Avenge their parents?" Draco asked not realizing he had said anything out loud.
Blaise didn't know what to say but he did remain with Draco long after everyone had gone in for dinner. It was what people in love did.
AN: I wrote and rewrote this chapter four times! The ending was actually the beginning, and everything was going to be done in flashback. Lucius was supposed to survive but I changed my mind at the last minute. Anyway, I hope you like it. Thanks. Read and Review!