WARNING: Funeral, grieving, wake party, some make outs.
Disclaimer: We have no claim on Harry Potter nor any characters or locations thereof. We gain only amusement from writing this.
Regulus walked alongside Harry as they made their way to the shore of Hogwarts' Lake. Today they were laying Dumbledore to rest. Only the Order, Hogwarts staff, a few close friends, and Albus' only surviving family would be there, still a hefty number but manageable. The media attention the last few days had been insane for many but most especially for Hogwarts and Harry. He laced his fingers with Harry's and brought the younger man's hand to his lips in comfort.
Harry tightened his grip on Regulus' hand and looked at his lover in gratitude. Without Regulus he would have sunk under the surface and drowned these last few days. Harry could never in his life have imagine the sort of attention that would be turned on him. Reporters were everywhere, they managed to find him where ever he was and whatever he was doing. Thankfully they couldn't get through the wards and come here. Harry was thankful for that, he wanted to say goodbye to Dumbledore in private, without the world's eyes on him.
It wasn't long before the small crowd around the lake came into view along with the casket. Some were already crying, others were so tightly wound that it looked as if the slightest touch would break them, and still others, such as Minerva, were standing calm and composed and, to Regulus' experienced eyes, numb. Off to the side a portly old man stood, looking like a shorter, stouter, surlier version of the man they were laying to rest today. They made their way over to where Sirius and Remus stood quietly talking with Fred, George, and Draco.
Fred had his arm around Draco's waist and he nodded at Harry and Regulus before looking up at the crystal clear blue sky. "I think he'd be glad it's such good weather. He'd hate for anyone to get sick standing in the rain on account of him."
Harry nodded. "He would have hated any kind of spectacle though." Harry's voice was thick with emotion. "I can just see him before me, eyes twinkling and finger wagging. Telling us to stop moping around and get on with the party. The only real reason for so many people to get together is a grand feast."
Draco was listening with one ear and eyeing Sirius at the same time. He wondered if the older man would mind speaking to him, he had so many questions and since Sirius had gone through a pregnancy recently he would be the best person to answer them. They weren't close though, even though they were family, never had been.
The gray of his eyes lightened as Sirius chuckled, "That's exactly what he'd say, before asking someone if they cared for a lemon sherbert. He'd understand too though. We all need this, all need to say goodbye."
Regulus glanced about, his eyes catching on Minerva and Severus talking over by a willow tree. "Some more than others."
"I hope today will give them the chance to say goodbye, to get some closure." Remus spoke softly. Even with her back ramrod straight and her face blank Minerva looked lost. And throughout the years as a spy Dumbledore had been the one person Severus could be himself with. For them the emptiness must be felt even deeper.
Fred nodded and sidled closer to Draco, aware of George doing the same from the blond's other side. "I wonder what old Aberforth is thinking though. D'you think he'll miss his brother? I know they were on the outs."
Sirius looked over at Regulus and nodded, "He'll miss him, and he'll grieve in his own way. Let's just hope no goats are involved."
Fred couldn't contain the amused snort.
George grinned on the other side of Draco. "Well if there are goats, let's hope he saves them for a more private venue. Anything else would be baaaaaahd." The last word was baaed out.
Even Harry couldn't help but laugh, trust the twins to lighten the mood.
The giant squid was at the surface, all his tentacles drooping as if the sea monster was grieving too. The wild heads of the merpeople popped up and it was a clear sign that the ceremony was about to start.
They all moved to gather around the casket in a loose semi-circle and Severus stepped forward. "We're here today to lay to rest a great man. A man who has in some way greatly affected every life on this planet though more do not know him than those that do. We all know of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore's famous accomplishments, he'll likely still be read about much as we do Merlin today, so I will not blather on about such things. Everyone here also knows of his kindness and his eternal striving for the greater good as well as that damnable twinkling that was forever setting me on edge."
Soft laughter sprinkled through the crowd.
"But he was human as well. He had his moments where he lost faith or grew angry or bitter. He made mistakes and paid for them, as have we all. To me Albus was not merely a great wizard to be in awe of but a man who irritated, encouraged, and helped me through some of the darker times in my life. Few others could set my temper alight as he did but regardless he was the closest I had to a grandfather. He would not want us to blame ourselves," his gaze lit on Ginny Weasley, who was clutching Alicia Spinnet's hand like a lifeline, "or to feel guilty for moments lost through anger," he looked at Harry, "he said more than once that death was only the next great adventure and he's gone on to his, hopefully he's driving someone else mad with the incessant twinkling so we'll have someone to commiserate with when we meet him once again. Albus has joined his loved ones who went before him and so he's likely very happy in the afterlife. But if I know the meddling old coot," more laughter greeted that statement, "he's going to continue looking after us from the beyond and likely spinning some fine manipulations to see to it we're happy. So let us lay him to rest and honor the way he lived and continue to strive, as he did, for understanding and unity." Severus stepped down and allowed Minerva to come forward, touching her shoulder in comfort as they passed before he slipped into the crowd to stand beside Hermione.
Minerva stood silent for a moment. "Severus has already said most that needed to be said. I believe he summed up the man we knew and loved perfectly." Her stern voice trembled slightly. "What I can tell you is that Albus loved Hogwarts, he lived for this school and he poured his heart and soul into it. He cared for each and every child that walked through its doors and I know that he considered the staff his family. My goal and something I hope you will all help me with is to continue on his path. To give our children a free and unbiased education, a place where everyone is welcome to learn and where they will be treated equally whoever they are. I hope that Hogwarts will remain what it is, a beacon for learning and free will. Albus was one of my closest friends, as strange as it may sound to you even I was a little girl once and Albus was the one who taught me. He set the standard high and he left a horrible empty space behind him. I do believe as long as we remember the man and what he stood for we can keep his legacy alive. As long as we keep him in our hearts he will never truly be gone." Minerva wiped her eyes and stepped down, running her hand over the simple coffin as she walked past it in a silent farewell to her old friend.
Silence covered the shore for a few moments before Severus once again stepped forward and took out his wand. He nodded as all the others did the same and together they levitated Albus' coffin across the water to an island in the middle of the lake where a white marble tomb soon surrounded it. As wands lowered, he was unaware of a few tears escaping his control and slipping down his ascetic face.
The tomb seemed to glow bright white before it settled back into normal marble again. There were silent sniffs and sobs as they came to terms with the fact that the man was really gone.
Harry conjured a bright yellow daffodil and placed it on the water, no boring roses or lilies for Dumbledore and said his goodbyes to the great Headmaster before he buried his face against Regulus' side and let the tears come.
Regulus wrapped his arms around his lover and buried his nose in his hair. He'd not been fond enough of Dumbledore to cry in a long time but he did feel sorrow for his loss. He rubbed Harry's back, aware of people leaning on their lovers and friends all around them, including Sirius and Remus.
Ginny turned her face into Alicia's shoulder and let the dam holding everything back break at last on a high, choked sob as the tears poured out and her heart beat painfully in her chest.
Alicia held her tightly, offering silent comfort and just let Ginny cry. She rocked the redhead and placed soft kisses to her hair.
George held both Draco's and Fred's hands and he squeezed his brother's hand and nodded in direction of their little sister. He was sad to see her so distraught but he was happy that she finally let it out, she hadn't cried at all or accepted comfort before this and George had worried. Now that she cried he knew she would be alright.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your time here and say your goodbyes as you wish. When you are done our wonderful house elves have prepared a marvelous meal up in the Great Hall and everyone is more than welcome to join me in a feast in Albus Dumbledore's honor." Minerva had gotten some of her composure back though she still dabbed at her eyes with a lace trimmed hankie. She walked closer to Sirius and Remus. "Oh when things have settled more I have something I would like to discuss with the both of you."
Sirius nodded, "Whenever you wish Minerva. I think Harry's wanting to roam the halls a bit in any case, if you don't mind?"
"No, no of course I don't mind. Let the boy roam." She glanced over at Harry with a soft expression. "Then after the meal I would appreciate it if you could meet me in my office...I haven't had the heart to move yet. The Headmaster office...It's still his."
Sirius smiled a bit and gave her a firm hug on impulse. He couldn't recall Minerva ever being hugged before throughout the time he'd known the stern woman so he decided to remedy that.
At first it didn't seem as if Minerva knew what to do with her hands, she held them midair before she placed them tentatively on Sirius' shoulders. "Oh, you always were a sweet boy," She petted his cheek and took a step away before she broke down in tears again. "I always thought so and I was proud to have you sorted in my house way back then." She straightened her black robes and made sure her hat was on straight. "I will see you up in the castle."
Sirius shook his head, "Spine of steel that one." He looked over at Remus with amusement, "She obviously hasn't conversed with Snape as much as I'd have thought if she calls me sweet."
"But you are a sweet boy...My sweet boy." Remus stepped closer to his mate. "And I think Minerva sees more than she lets on, even back in school I believe she saw much more than she told. She will make a good Headmistress for Hogwarts."
Sirius leaned his head on Remus' shoulder, "No twinkle but those eyes are just as sharp as Dumbledore's."
Fred grinned at them, "You know we could probably fix that. What do you think Gred? 'The Dumbledore Twinkles' jelly beans that make your eyes shine."
"I think that is a marvelous idea Forge, if we put our backs into it we could have them ready and on sale when the school year starts." George's grin was downright wicked and Draco rolled his eyes.
"Whatever you two will do I refuse to be the test subject, I'm still not over the tickling toffees." The blond sniffed and gathered his courage to walk up to his cousin.
"Sirius, I know we are not very close but I was wondering if I could come to you if I need it." He placed his hand on his stomach. "There's so much I don't know, I panic every time something new happens because I don't know if it's normal or not. Books can only tell you so much."
Sirius, being Sirius, reached out and ruffled Draco's hair. "Of course Draconis. Feel free to floo me whenever you need to. I could have used a mentor during my pregnancy let me tell you."
"Thank you." Draco smiled and didn't even frown at his messed up hair. "Be prepared for quite a few floos then." He stepped back to the comfort and closeness of his lovers.
"My mate, the mentor." Remus smiled and draped his arm over Sirius' shoulder. "It had a very nice ring to it I think." He looked around at the thinning crowd at the shore. "What do you think love, should we head for the castle?"
Sirius' gaze traced over Harry and Regulus, who'd begun walking back up to the castle. "Yes, let's go." He grinned, "I want to see how many lemon sherberts I can get stuck in Batty's hair."
Remus' laugh echoed over the lake as the two of them walked up the hill towards the castle.
Minerva looked at the two men entering her office and she offered them a seat. "As you know I have been appointed Headmistress and that means that my responsibilities will have to change. I don't know what your plans for the future are but I have a proposition for the both of you." She peered at them from over the rim of her glasses. "I cannot stay on as Transfiguration professor, I simply won't have the time and I wonder if you, Sirius, would like the position. You did a splendid job working for me last year and I trust you. Your animagus form won't hurt either and yes I know about that. Also as the head of the school I cannot be head of Gryffindor house any longer...I wonder if you would like to take over that position too. The children need someone like you to guide them and look after them."
Sirius' jaw dropped in shock. "I...bu...wha..." He ran a hand through his hair. "Like me? I'm a child in a man's body, I put fun over seriousness just about every time. I mean it's one thing to teach Harry how to use advanced magic so he could be ready for the fight and to do your paperwork but it's another to teach and guide all sorts of students at different ages. You really sure you want to risk me teaching here Minerva?"
"You are a much better man than you give yourself credit for Sirius. You are kind, brave and loyal with a strong sense of justice. More importantly though you connect with the children and you understand them. You have patience and I truly believe you would be a wonderful teacher. Trust me, I would not allow you to be near my children if I didn't have faith in you." Minerva looked very serious. "I am willing to take the risk if you are."
The dog animagus blew out a breath and looked over at his mate, "Moony, what do you think?"
"I know that you would be an amazing teacher Pads," Remus took Sirius hand and ran his thumb over his mate's knuckles. "You love children and I've seen you teach, you really do have a talent for it. I think we'd both be crazy if you didn't jump on this opportunity."
Sirius pondered a bit. There was for damn sure no place safer than Hogwarts to raise their son, all the students at the school last year had come to adore both him and his son and Remus as well, and he loved Hogwarts, truly loved the school. It was a home like no other. He nodded slowly. "Then I'll accept, for at least this year. A sort of probationary term."
Minerva beamed at him, "That is acceptable." She was sure that once he had a taste of it he'd never want to leave, it had been that way for her at least. "And as for you Remus." She turned to the other man. "Dear Irma has handed in her resignation to go live in Spain with her cousin. The Scottish weather has finally gotten to her and she wants some sun in her old age. You did such a splendid job taking care of the library last year that I hope you'd be willing to take on the position permanently." She looked at him expectantly and when she saw his hesitation she hurriedly continued. "We will of course work out a schedule so that both of you have time for little Rigel and I assure you that there will be no lack of willing babysitters here if you'd need them."
Remus looked at Sirius. He loved Hogwarts just like Sirius did, he had told the truth when he said to Sirius that Hogwarts was the only place that truly felt like home. He loved books too and the chance to have a solid employment with people who knew what he was, a place where he wouldn't be fired and chased away in disgust. Remus had to admit that that was something he wanted. "I accept at the same terms as Sirius, we'll try it for a year before we decide permanently."
"Oh very, very good. I am pleased to have you on my staff and Hogwarts welcome you. You will have your own wing of course, a suit of rooms that will be all yours." Minerva was very pleased that they had accepted, she knew Hogwarts would be a better place with them there.
Sirius chuckled, "That might be best, keep Rigel from waking everyone in Gryffindor up when he decides to have a fit." He looked out the window of her office, smiling when he noticed for the first time that it overlooked the Quidditch pitch. "You know I've always wondered something," he looked back at her, "why did you get Harry on the Quidditch team in his first year instead of giving him detention for a month?"
Minerva's eyes did twinkle then and she grinned when she answered. "The boy clearly had talent and we hadn't won in ages. I wasn't about to suffer through another year of Severus' smirks and smugness when I had the solution right in front of me. Besides, Harry had so much on his shoulders already and it was only his first year. I thought he could use something to take his mind of things, somewhere were people would see him as something other then the Boy Who Lived. It was a win win situation."
The canine animagus grinned back at her, "Oh I think I'm gonna really like working under you as Headmistress Minerva now that I know you've got that little streak of mischief. Hey that reminds me, this will be the first year of a Quidditch Cup for Harry that he won't have to spend all his extra time training to defeat Moldy Shorts. Slytherin is doomed."
"Then maybe the house cup will finally be ours...I mean yours." Minerva smiled, she might be the Headmistress now and she would never favor one house over the other but she was still a Gryffindor at heart and she always would be.
He gave her a wink. "Absolutely. I think we should go tell Harry that he won't be getting rid of us this school year, what do you think Moony?" He shot his mate a mischievous look out of warm gray eyes.
"I think that's a great idea." He got up from his seat and shook Minerva's hand in goodbye. "It will be nice to be close to Harry and Regulus and it will be great for Rigel to have his family near."
Sirius wiggled his fingers in farewell and bounced out with his mate. They'd left Rigel with Percy and felt completely secure knowing their son was in a Hall full of Order members, Aurors, and Weasleys. "It will and I think we'll have to poke Minerva to let Percy come babysit often for us. Hogwarts will do him better than anything else. It's a better place to heal a spirit than-" he broke off in utter shock when he saw his son in the arms of Severus Snape, who was peering back at Rigel in his somber manner, ruined by the very slight smile tilting those thin lips. Hermione was next to him, giggling at the way Rigel just cooed and burbled at the dour man. "Moony tell me someone has a camera."
Remus was torn between shock and amusement. "I hope so Pads, by Merlin I really hope so because this is a moment that needs to be preserved."
There was a click and a flash and a very smug looking Ron lowered his camera. "There, got it." He noticed the looks he was getting. "Um...I sort of forgot to return Creevy's camera after I took those pics of Rigel for Mum...Good thing I forgot though so that I could capture this."
Remus laughed at Severus very annoyed expression.
Hermione pressed a kiss to Snape's cheek, taking Rigel from him and giving the baby back to Percy before wagging her finger at Ron, "Ronald Bilius Weasley you are returning that camera to Colin first thing after the Welcoming Feast this coming term or I'll charm your hair pink until you do."
"Yes mother." Ron replied cheekily but he pulled on a tress of his red hair just to make sure it was still the right color. "Now be nice or you won't get a copy."
Percy sighed at his brother's antics and went to show Rigel all the moving and talking paintings in the Great Hall, smiling when the baby blubbered happily at the cooing people in the paintings.
Severus decided his dignity was already compromised so he reached out and pulled Hermione down into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and ignoring the amused looks they garnered.
Ron hurriedly snapped another photo. He still couldn't see what was so great about Snape but there was no doubt that he made Hermione happy. Her smile and her blush as she sat on his lap said it all and Ron figured that she might want a picture to remember the moment by.
Blaise slipped up behind his lover and wrapped his arms around him. "You intend to be the official photographer for everyone tempesta?"
"Hm, depends." Ron turned his head and gave his lover a smile. "I could be persuaded to do something else if something interesting arose...I would be more than willing to move somewhere else and maybe take some private photos." Ron winked at Blaise.
Blaise stole the camera for a moment and took a few more quick snapshots of the couples around, then nuzzled under Ron's ear. "How do you suppose we can sneak away to an empty room?"
Bill noticed his littlest brother and the Italian sneaking away and distracted his mother by mentioning that Fleur was having trouble picking the right spot for their own home. It was the least he could do for his brother to let him get a little privacy with his beau. He did meet Zabini's eyes in warning, flicking a glance at Percy then back to Ron and lifting a meaningful brow. He received a nod in return and contented himself with that.
Harry also watched his best friend sneak out with an amused smile. "I hope they remember the silencing wards." He whispered to his lover.
Ron was practically pulling on Blaise's hand until they found an empty classroom at proper distance of the people in the Great Hall. He pulled his Italian inside, closed and locked the door.
Blaise set the camera down, cast a silencing spell, and took Ron's face in his hands. He brushed his lips over the redhead's, "Ron, ti amo."
"I love you too, I really do you know." Ron looked at the gorgeous man in front of him, still amazed that something that started as an easy little flirt had developed into this. Blaise was more that he could have ever wished and he was everything Ron had never known he needed. He could honestly not imagine his life without Blaise in it. Feeling mushy at his own thoughts Ron tilted his lover's head up and licked down his neck, circling Blaise's Adam's apple with the tip of his tongue before he sucked on it gently.
Blaise groaned and made sure there was a locking ward on the door before giving Ron his full attention. His lover, his tempest, drawing him down into the storm and he went willingly, his body following where his heart had already landed.
Back in the Great Hall Regulus looked up at his brother in the doorway and lifted a brow as he and Remus made their way over. "What?"
Remus grinned at his brother in law brightly. "We have some news for you brother." He slung a lazy arm arm around Harry's shoulders and ruffled the hair that was so alike James'.
Regulus eyed the two Gryffindors, "Should I be concerned? You look almost like the Weasley twins at the moment."
Sirius grinned wider, "Why thank you Reggie! To be compared to the best troublemakers since our time in Hogwarts is an honor!"
"I don't think you should be concerned." Remus said. "I'm hoping for joyful, delighted even. Maybe even thankful that big brother and mate will be close by, watching over you and your every move." There was no other way to describe Remus' smile other than wolfish. For the first time Harry could actually believe that Remus had been a Marauder of rank back in the days.
"I beg your pardon?" Regulus' tone was cool and incredibly proper, a sure sign that he was becoming displeased.
Sirius slung his arm over his brother's shoulders, "Minerva, dear woman, has offered Moony and I posts here at Hogwarts and we've accepted."
"We'll be around every single day, isn't that just fantastic? Everything from staff meetings to weekend get togethers you'll have the pleasure of our absolutely delightful company." Remus grinned at Regulus and ruffled Harry's hair again.
Regulus looked down at Harry and tilted his head questioningly, allowing a sly smirk to curve his lips at the tiny nod he received. "How wonderful," he noticed Sirius blinking in surprise, "We'll absolutely have to include Severus in those wonderful get togethers. I'm certain he'll enjoy adding to the conversation."
Remus' smile froze somewhat, this was not the reply he or Sirius had expected. "Quality time with Snape...I can hardly wait."
Harry chuckled and ducked out of Remus' hold to go back to his lover's arms instead. "Well you deserve it, I bet you have all sort of things to talk about. Memories to revisit. Regulus and I would never deprive you of that."
Sirius ran a hand over his face, "You," he pointed at his brother, "you devious prat."
Regulus merely smiled mildly, "Slytherin."
"Slytherin and corrupting the youth, Harry used to be such a sweet young boy before you got your claws in him." Remus shook his head in mock sadness. "I am glad Sirius and I will be here to reteach him the right and true ways of a Gryffindor."
"Should you tell them about the Hat amour? Or should I?" Regulus' eyes gleamed wickedly.
Harry glanced at Remus and Sirius who watched them in curiosity. "Oh go ahead and tell them love, I leave that to you." He nuzzled his cheek against Regulus' chest and kept his green eyes on his godfather and Remus.
Sirius drew close to Remus at the look in his brother's eyes, "What? What about the Hat?"
Regulus held Harry and his smile widened, "The Sorting Hat originally wanted to place Harry into Slytherin but Harry asked to be placed anywhere but due to a bad encounter with Draco, among other negative associations racked up in a short time against Slytherin."
Sirius gasped and clutched at his heart, "No! Say it isn't so!"
Harry chuckled. "Oh Sirius, it's not the end of the world. I'm loyal to my house...Mostly."
"You just tipped the world on its axis here, nothing will ever be the same." Remus wrapped his arms around his mate in comfort. "Our little lion, a snake in disguise...What will be next? Severus is really a Hufflepuff? My old heart can't take reveals like this."
Regulus snorted, "I wonder how you'd react if Rigel ends up in Slytherin. The Black family is usually Slytherin after all. And Siri weren't you the one talking about not letting house differences divide us before?"
"That's right." Harry nodded. "It's time to live up to that inspiring speech you gave. Live as you learn Snuffles."
Sirius sighed and slumped against Remus, "Not fair but you're right. How did this go from messing with my brother to well...this?" He shook his finger at Harry, "I still expect you to do your best to beat the pants off the other teams in Quidditch this year understood? Moony and I will give you and Reg your cuddle time so long as you promise to do that."
"Aww Snuffles." Harry moved to give his godfather a hug. "Don't worry, I will beat every other team into the ground. Gryffindor all the way and the house cup will be ours." Harry grinned. "If you're nice Regulus and I will even give you and Remus some cuddle time of your own...This living close together business goes both ways you know. And no complaining about our evil ways...Both Regulus and I have simply learnt from the best, you should be proud."
Sirius exchanged a look with Remus and lifted a shoulder in a shrug, though his eyes glimmered with plots and plans, "Alright I concede the point."
"Come on Pads, let's go retrieve our son before someone fills his head with unsavory ideas too." Remus knew his mate was having fun and he wondered what sort of wicked plans Sirius would come up with, he couldn't wait to see them carried out.
"Yes bien-amie let's!"
Regulus watched them leave and shook his head. "I refused to think about what's stewing in my brother's brain."
"Mm, it's better not to think about it. It will be enough when we're subjected to it." Harry agreed and took his lover's hand. "Well at least the coming year won't be boring, we know that and I have to admit, it will be nice having them close."
The older man nodded, "Irritating, but nice..." he snorted lightly, "Carrying on Albus' legacy already."
Harry chuckled. "Oh Merlin, if you really want to get to your brother, telling him that he's similar to Dumbledore should do the trick." Harry could practically see the look on Sirius' face if anyone were to tell him that. He looked around the Great Hall, taking in the familiar sights and the enchanted ceiling. Harry was happy to discover that despite the emptiness Dumbledore's passing left behind Hogwarts still felt like home. It was still the comforting, magical place it had always been. Harry had been afraid that some of that feeling would have vanished along with the Headmaster but he was relieved to find out he's been wrong.
"Hmm, I'll save that for a special occasion." Regulus ran his hands up and down Harry's arms affectionately and looked around at the people who were laughing and chattering in the Great Hall. Though there was still the overtone of slight sadness everyone here was moving on and taking their lives in hand, celebrating life instead of mourning death. He caught sight of his little blond cousin rolling his eyes in exasperation at his lovers, who were bent over some parchment obviously making plans, "Albus would consider what those two are doing better tribute than a thousand Orders of Merlin, though someone should tell them to scrap the jelly bean idea and go for lemon sherbets instead."
"Yeah that'd be amazing, Dumbledore would really like that." Harry watched the twins with amusement. "When they decide on doing something they certainly do it whole heartedly. I wonder how long it will take before they have the first prototype ready.
Draco shrugged and left his obviously occupied lovers to their own devices and went in search of Pansy, he'd seen the looks she gave his future brother in law and he wanted to question her about it. Draco would like nothing more that to be able to call Pansy sister.
She was leaning against a pillar and watching Charlie ruffle Percy's hair before the younger passed Rigel to him so the dragon handler could coo at the babe. Her lips twitched in amusement when Rigel grabbed his nose and Charlie just laughed and ran a hand over the little cap of black fuzz that was baby hair. She caught the movement of Draco joining her out of the corner of her eye. "Dray," she slid her gaze over to him, "how's my favorite pregnant person?"
"I'm very well thank you." Draco inched closer and followed her gaze. "How's my favorite witch-bitch? And just what is up between you and tamer boy? Do I need to pull him aside and question his intentions?"
She frowned and muttered a little bit irritably, "I half wish his intentions were just a tad less honorable. I've yet to get a good snog out of him." She wagged her finger at Draco's snort, "Hush you. Really you'd think with all that red hair and the Weasley temperament...on second thought maybe it's the Prewett temperament since Charlie's father is steady and calm as a river. Ugh, listen to me. Dray I'm losing my bite."
"Oh please, you're not losing your bite and you know it." Draco elbowed her gently. "Charlie is only a new breed of man, you usually date slags and Charlie Weasley is something as rare as a gentleman...That or he's simply retarded but since he will be family soon I'll go with gentleman." Gray eyes glittered. "Maybe what you need is a new approach, a more direct approach. I don't think flirting will get you anywhere, go for the goal honey. Grab him and plant one straight on him and I think your worries will be gone."
She gave him a look, "You're telling a snake to charge in like a lion, you realize that yes? And my exes haven't been all that bad. They're just...Slytherin." She sighed at his raised eyebrow, "And I'm after a Gryffindor so do as a Gryffindor would. Sneaky little bastard." She poked him in the arm. "When are the two miscreants making an honest man out of you by the way?"
"Soon I hope." Draco looked over at his still plotting lovers. "For some reason something always comes up when we're about to set a date but I want to get bonded before I reach whale size." He petted his stomach. "Can you believe that I'm already starting to show? When I take my clothes off there's a little bump there." Draco took Pansy's hand and placed it on his lower belly. "There, do you feel it?"
She face lit up as she smoothed her hand gently over the slight swell. "Goodness. Sirius didn't show this soon, this is going to be a big baby. That or you're being too spoiled and not getting enough activity," she gave the small swell a gentle pat. "I'm happy for you Draco, you and your family. Though I dearly wish I'd been there when your father learned he was going to be a Grandpapa and just who his dracling had taken up with."
Draco's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I sincerely hope that you are not calling me fat...And I can assure you that I'm getting plenty of activity, plenty." He removed their hands from his stomach and smoothed the dark charcoal gray robes down so that they were perfect and wrinkle free. "As for father, that would have been truly amusing to witness. Poor man must have had an apoplexy. He seems rather fine with it now though. I think he's looking forward to Grandchildren."
Pansy just chuckled. "Well of course he is. He and your Mum love kids, I still remember when I got dumped on you lot whenever my parents wanted to go off somewhere. They never minded and always treated me like the little girl they'd never gotten to have. They're going to pamper and spoil your babe like mad."
"I hope so. Merlin this is going to sound both plebeian and cliché but I really do hope that we can all get along as one big family." Draco snorted in disgust at his own words. "I'm not expecting miracles, I'll settle for non-hostility just fine." Draco pulled on her shiny black hair and flicked her nose with a long finger. "Of course my parents didn't mind when you came, I didn't mind either even though you were an icky, ickle girl. You are amazing Pansy and I am proud to call you family." He leaned against the pillar next to her and sighed as he looked as his lovers discussing and gesturing wildly over the parchment. "So...How long to you think it will take them to realize I'm gone?"
She chuckled, hand on her nose, rubbing it, "They've glanced over here a time or two. They knew the second you stepped away and they know where you are right now but they won't stifle your freedom." She kissed his cheek as two pairs of blue eyes flicked towards them again. "Go make a suggestion for us all mon frere, sherbet lemons instead of jelly beans. If they're going to honor Dumbledore they may as well do it right." She smoothed her hands down her simple, proper dress, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a dragon tamer to tempt."
Fred's lips twitched as he watched the little Slytherin Ice Queen walk up to Charlie, scoop Rigel out of his hands and return the babe to Percy before yanking the front of Charlie's robes forward and catching his mouth with hers. "Looks like Parkinson finally took out the clue bat to knock our dear big brother over the head with," his brows rose as, after three seconds, Charlie yanked Pansy closer and took control of the kiss, "and he definitely got the hint."
"Hm yes, our dragon seems to have a way of making people see the light." George chuckled, "Or at least make people see things his way." He watched their pale lover walk back towards them, admiring the way Draco moved. That easy elegance and contained heat always made George shiver.
"I've been told that you should drop the jelly beans and go for the sherbert lemons." Draco looked down at the parchment. "If you're going to do something, do it right." Draco's eyes flashed with amusement as Charlie and Pansy disappeared out of the Great Hall hand in hand. He hoped they found a different room then the one Blaise and Weasel must be occupying.
Fred looked up, his eyes shining with an 'aha' moment, "By Circe that's right! That'll prolong the effect and make a better delivery system than the beans." He picked up Draco's hand and kissed the back of it. "Speaking of doing things right love, if we get your Mum and our Mum working on it, you think they could have a tri-bond ceremony arranged in two to four weeks? Unless you've got your heart set on a certain date?"
"No I don't have a special date in mind...I just want to get bonded, want the three of us together. The sooner the better." Draco pulled his hand out of Fred's grasp and and caressed his cheek before doing the same to George. "And if we get your mother and my mother working on it together I honestly believe there's nothing they cannot do, forces of nature the both of them."
Fred grinned, "Then pick your colors love, we're not picky there, and get our Mums on it. And will it be Weasley or shall we take on your name Dragon?"
Draco looked up and locked eyes with Fred. "I really don't care about the name, it holds no meaning to me but for my father's sake I would like it if the babe at least could be a Malfoy or a Malfoy-Weasley. It would mean a lot."
George stepped close and nuzzled Draco's neck. "We've told you, we don't care either."
Fred turned away from the parchment to press a kiss to the corner of Draco's mouth, "Make it Malfoy pet. There's a gaggle of Weasleys and just you for a Malfoy. The world needs more Malfoys." His hand fell to Draco's belly and stroked the slight swell lovingly.
Draco's smile was radiant. "Thank you." He kissed Fred back and leaned back against George, feeling safe and loved standing between his lovers...his loved ones.
Neville leaned his head on Luna's shoulder again and watched everyone. "It's good, the way everyone's coming together and making their futures." He shook his head, "Hard to believe that this next semester will be my seventh year at Hogwarts, it feels longer but so short at the same time."
"Even when something ends it begins anew." Luna nodded and petted Neville's brown hair as he rested his head on her shoulder. "Nothing ever really ends." She looked out over the people in the Great Hall with a smile. "Only one year left of school, as seventh years you're all of age but being in school it's still like having a safety net...It doesn't matter if you screw up, it can always be fixed. I love school, it's what will come after that can scare me sometimes." She continued to pet his hair and watched Draco make his way over to Molly Weasley. "Things are already changing. Do you think Malfoy will be back for his last year of school? Pregnant and newly bonded?"
"Not sure. I think I heard that he was completing his schoolwork outside of the school and that he's got hopes for an apprenticeship to Professor Snape. He'll graduate but may finish his schooling off the grounds. I'm pretty sure the twins would happily move into Hogwarts if he wanted to finish here though." He smiled. "And an apprenticeship will wait. Snape won't want anyone but Malfoy as an apprentice."
"As I heard it Malfoy is not the only one with an apprenticeship lined up. Sprout's asked you hasn't she?" Luna smiled at Neville. "Not that there's any surprise that she did, you're the most brilliant herbology student Hogwarts has seen in decades, everyone knows it."
He kissed her forehead. "It's been offered, I'm still thinking. An apprenticeship takes two to four years to gain the Mastery." He looked around the castle. "I can't say I'd mind being around longer after I graduate and I'd definitely love to still be here when you finish your own seventh year." He played with the strands of her pale blond hair. "I've also been offered a place on a discovery team that looks for new potions ingredients in the wild. I'm not sure which is the best choice yet."
Luna closed her eyes and threaded her fingers together with his. The moment he said it she already knew what the best choice was but Merlin she would really, really miss him when he left. Being on a discovery team was a chance of a lifetime though and she would spend the year making sure that Neville realized it.
He squeezed her hand. "Whatever I choose, you're my Moonflower and that won't ever change."
"I know." Luna said simply and kept their fingers laced together. What she and Neville had was the real thing, something that would last. She had seen it and she had learnt long ago to not doubt those visions when they came to her.
Neville smiled at the assurance and certainty in her voice. He didn't know what Grace had nudged them together but he'd be forever grateful to them. That same Grace seemed to have worked her magic over most everyone in the room and he had a funny feeling that Draco and Sirius wouldn't be the only ones to reproduce for long. It was only a question of who would be next.