I have the attention span of a toddler and I've been studying for my exams, which are horrible, so forgive me for the wait. The next one will have a bit of everything; from fluffy to steamy and some sad moments, because Harry has to go back to Hogwarts. I make no promises, but I'll try to get the next chapter up faster. Give me reviews and I will be happy.
Chapter 27
Morning in the Burrow was as always, hectic. The twins had stayed over as well as Percy, Charlie and even Bill. The pranksters had been in charge of making breakfast while Bill had taken care of setting the table. It was nice to reconnect as a family, spending time with one another and supporting each other through the hardship. Out of all the Weasley children, Ginny and Ron were the ones who had taken it the hardest. Ginny still wanted to visit her mum, to be there for her even if Molly didn't believe she needed any help. The youngest of Molly's children knew that there wasn't much anyone can do about Molly's illness, but she still had hope that maybe she'll have her mum back one day. Ron one the other hand had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the woman who had gave birth to him and raised him, was nothing more than a liar and a manipulative witch. Harry was like a brother to him, his best friend from the time they had first entered Hogwarts. To know how poorly Molly really thought of Harry frustrated Ron to no end. Ron had been oblivious to it before, but now he understood how Molly had treated the dark-haired wizard. Always babying him yet belittling Harry as if the teen had no sense of his own. Ron had connected the dots after finding out about Molly's mental state and he had realised that the woman had planned for Ginny and Harry to get married from the start. They way she always seated them together, telling Ginny that one day Harry will notice her. But Ginny and Harry had both seen sense and ended their nonexistent relationship before it got any further. Ginny was happy with Dean, now that they had rekindled their relationship and anyone with a pair of working eyes could see how happy Harry was with Lucius Malfoy. It had taken Ron a bit of time, but he had finally accepted that his best mate was in love with the blonde Slytherin. He saw how the dark-haired teen's eyes lit up every time he spoke of Lucius Malfoy. It was too bloody obvious to ignore. Ron had even grown to like Snape, though he'd never admit it out loud.
" Ron, you coming too?" asked Charlie.
The redhead blinked stupidly and asked " What?"
" We thought about going to Diagon Alley." said Charlie.
Ron shrugged " Might as well."
Before the family of redheads could move to the fireplace, a Fire Call flashed green in the Floo. The head of Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared.
Arthur asked worriedly " Kingsley?"
The Minister asked " Can I step through, Arthur. I'm afraid it is rather urgent."
The redhead said " Of course, step right through."
The Minister of Magic strode out of the green flames and said " I'm afraid the news I bring are not of the good sort."
" This is about Molly, right?" Arthur asked with dread.
The man gave a short nod and said " Things did not go as we had planned. Molly will not be taken to St. Mungo's today. The Members of the Wizengamot have a few concerns regarding my involvement. The common opinion is that my connection to your family has made me biased and therefore they question my actions towards Molly."
" They think you want her to get off easy?" asked Bill.
Kingsley sighed " Yes and as much as I tried to avoid this, Molly will have to face a trial. Probably not in full scale, but they want to make sure Molly truly needs treatment and that this isn't just a conspiracy to get her a lighter penalty."
" What happens now?" asked Arthur.
The other man said " The Healer who performed the potion detecting spell on her will be attending her trial to explain her condition. She will have to answer questions about her illegal activities. This is exactly what we wanted to avoid, her in a courtroom. Unfortunately the Wizengamot is unanimous and they want to make sure there is no foul play at work."
" Does this mean that she might be sent to Azkaban? If they feel she isn't crazy enough." asked Ron.
Shacklebolt gave a nod but added " Though I am certain that the Healer and Molly herself will show them that she needs help not Azkaban."
Arthur stated " I should be there."
" Only if you want to. The hearing will be closed for anyone who isn't a family member or somehow involved. No reporters will be allowed anywhere near the Ministry." the Minister said.
Ginny asked " Dad, can I come with you? I want to see her. Even if she thinks I'm plotting her ruin. "
Arthur eyed his daughter and the passion in her eyes " Alright, but if you want to leave, you tell me and we'll leave straight away."
Percy said "I'm coming too, I need to see how bad it is."
"Do you think we should tell Harry? Perhaps he'd like to come too." asked Ron.
Arthur said " After the last time, I'm not sure if Harry's up to it."
Bill said " I'll owl him a note."
The eldest Weasley son went to pen a letter to Harry. Ginny followed him out the room.
She caught up with her brother and asked " You think I shouldn't go?"
" Honestly, yes... I don't want you to get hurt." Bill said.
Ginny said " Neither do I, but I feel like I need to see her with my own eyes. I've heard it from dad and Harry, but I guess I need some kind of closure. She's my mum and I'd like to remember her as she was before the war, before it all went to hell. I know she will never be the same, but I can't suddenly forget her or stop loving my mum."
Bill pulled the girl into a hug and said " Do what you have to do, Ginny. I don't want her words to hurt you, but I can't stop you from going. Just don't let her upset you."
Ginny let out an almost inaudible sob " I'm going to miss having a mum."
" We will all miss her, no matter what has been done or said. Just hold your head up high when you see her and don't let her hurt you." the man said.
Meanwhile in the other room, Arthur was conversing with Kingsley in one end of the room. The kids were all sitting behind the kitchen table, everyone feeling depressed over the recent development.
" This is bloody insane." Charlie grunted.
Percy told his brother " You can say that again."
Ginny walked back into the kitchen and took a seat, the same moment Arthur came into the room.
" The hearing will start at midday." Arthur told his children.
Charlie said " I thought mum was all set, a nice room in St. Mungo's; we'd be able to visit. Now they'll drag it out and make us all go through with it again. Fucking interfering old coots."
No one said anything because it was agreed upon that the nightmare will continue.
X
" You look more worn-out than usual. Old age catching up already?" Severus greeted his long-time friend as he stepped through the Floo in Lucius' study.
The blonde deviously " Harry wore me out last night."
" Cease talking. I have no interest in your activities with the Potter brat. It's bad enough that I know that you took the virginal Gryffindor to bed, I'd rather not hear the details." Severus groaned.
Lucius was in a teasing mood and continued " You seem to be suffering from sexual frustration, Sev. Still playing hard to get?"
" Shut up." the onyx-eyed man growled.
The blonde chuckled " You should loosen up a bit. Perhaps wear something other than black."
" Says the most stuck up ponce on the planet." said Severus.
Lucius said " All I'm saying is that you should consider letting Lupin in. He's a decent wizard and according to Harry, he's the sweetest and kindest man he has ever met. Perhaps that is what you need."
" Dear Salazar... Potter really has turned you into a Hufflepuff ." the man said.
The older of the two said with a smirk " He also tied me to the bed, your point being?"
Severus's scowl deepened and he drawled " You've hit puberty again."
Lucius told the Potion Master " Harry brings out the best in me."
" Who would have thought? Lucius Malfoy making puppy eyes at a teenager, a Gryffindor no less." Snape said.
Lucius said " I was sure I wouldn't be seeing daylight again after the Aurors took me to Azkaban, but at the time I was more worried about Draco than myself. When I saw Harry at the trial, I thought he was there to tell everyone what an evil bastard I am. He was so different from what I remembered. More confident and he had an air of grace around him. Harry was captivating and I had to think back at the times I saw him either battling the Death Eaters of the Dark Lord himself. The fiasco at the Department of Mysteries showed us all what an adversary he really was. Bellatrix couldn't control herself and sent Sirius Black through the Veil, all the while cackling like the crazy bint she was. I tried to use spells which wouldn't actually kill anyone. Merlin, Severus...they were just children. If Dumbledore was so bloody brilliant, how in Merlin's name could he allow it. The old fool knew far more than he let on."
Severus said " Dumbledore was only focused on the big picture, he did it for the greater good. Harry was his key to win the war. I don't doubt his fondness for Harry, but sometimes he forgot how damaged the boy really was. Thrusting him into the limelight only made it worse."
" What's done is done, there is nothing that will change things now." Lucius sighed.
Severus asked " Have you discussed the future with the brat?"
" Would you please stop calling him brat or Potter." the blonde pointed out.
Snape said " Fine... Now answer my question?"
" We haven't discussed anything really." the blonde admitted.
The dark-haired man asked " Idiots, the pair of you. Harry is leaving for school in a few days time and I assure you that McGonagall will not be making any exceptions for the two of you, so you could get cosy with Harry. I know that Potter wants a family, he's desperate for it. Another thing Remus mentioned was the little brats Harry wants." Severus explained.
Lucius said " I know that he wants children, it came up during our argument."
" The question is do you want them? Because trust me when I say that it will drive you apart if you deny him his biggest wish." Snape told the blonde.
The Malfoy Lord sighed " I always wanted more children, but Narcissa wasn't an option. Then 'he' came back and I didn't want to put another child in danger like I had done with Draco. And then I just let go of the idea completely."
" But you want them with Harry?" Snape asked, though he already knew the answer.
Lucius said " It isn't something I'd say no to. But we just started our relationship, children will have to wait."
" I assume Harry knows that wizards can carry children." the man half asked, half stated.
The blonde said " I believe so, but I think his muggle upbringing will make it hard for him to imagine a pregnant male."
" Hopefully I will retire from teaching before Potter's spawn starts school." Severus drawled.
Lucius said " They will also be Malfoys."
" The Potter genes will somehow find a way to overrule the Malfoy genes and create another generation of Gryffindors, who cannot understand the concept of staying out of trouble." the man explained.
The blonde said " Perhaps this is exactly what the Manor needs; children who would fill this cold place with a bit of warmness."
" Salazar, you really have turned into a sentimental idiot." snorted Snape.
Lucius replied smugly " You just wait, Severus. It will happen to you one day."
X
Sitting in Hermione's kitchen, Harry tried to remember the last time he had been in 4 Privet Drive. All contact with his relatives was severed long before the Horcrux hunt. Petunia and Vernon never wanted to take care of him, but Harry liked to think that perhaps Petunia cared even a little about her own sister. But the teen couldn't be bothered to concern himself with his so-called family who had neglected him as a child and later as a teenager.
Hermione placed a steaming cup of tea in front of Harry and said with a smile " You were going to tell me about last night."
" It was brilliant; He took me to Paris." the dark-haired teen said.
The girl gaped and asked " Paris as in the most romantic city in Europe?"
" With the Eiffel Tower and all." Harry grinned.
Hermione said " I've always wanted to go there."
Harry continued " He took me into this little restaurant, the best in the city. A friend of his owns it. We had dinner and I heard a few stories about Lucius, but I am sworn to secrecy. It was nice to just enjoy a good meal and good company."
" I'm sure I already know the answer to my question but I'm going to ask anyway... Have you thought about what happens when school starts again?" Hermione pointed out.
Harry sighed " I'll be in Hogwarts and Lucius will be in the Manor. I haven't thought about it much because I know that it's coming and there is no escaping it. Unless I don't go back, but I know you'll skin me alive if I abandon my education, especially now when graduation is so close. I will miss him, more than I can imagine. I'll be sleeping alone, sitting in classes thinking only of Lucius and the fact that I will only get to see him during Hogsmeade weekends with everyone watching and most likely gossiping about us."
Hermione chuckled " Don't forget the more intimate parts of your relationship that you can't practice in school."
Harry said " McGonagall would never allow Lucius to visit during a school week or vice versa. I'll be sleeping in a cold bed, alone and miserable."
The girl said " It can't be that bad, Harry."
The dark-haired Gryffindor said " It is, Hermione... Imagine not being able to see the one person you love the most. That one person that makes you feel happy and loved; that one person you can't live without."
Hermione sat down heavily and said "I'm glad you found each other. I wasn't sure at first, no one really was, but I've seen it with my own eyes and you can't fake feelings like the two of you have for one another. Merlin knows you deserve it, to be loved and cared for. You two deserve each other and I mean it in the best way possible. You've been through so much, no one seems to give you a break. You are lucky to have someone like him, someone who understands what you have gone through in life and the losses that you have suffered during your relatively short life. And Lucius Malfoy is lucky to have you, because you have a tremendous amount of compassion in you and a kind heart. You were willing to forgive him his mistakes. You complete one another, giving each other something the other is lacking."
Harry chuckled a watery laugh and said " You're right... He filled the void in my heart and soul."
Hermione smiled "You make a gorgeous pair, according to my mum. I think the Malfoy charm really does work wonders, even on glossy paper."
" How are your parents?" asked the wizard.
The Gryffindor witch said "Excited about the baby and my upcoming wedding. Mum can't wait for the doctor's appointment and dad keeps insisting that I bring Fred over more. They're absolutely in love with Fred, can you believe it."
" Fred's a lovable guy." Harry said.
Hermione laughed " He tried to prank my dad. Nevertheless, they love him already."
Harry asked " Have you set a wedding date?"
" No, but we're thinking about having the wedding in April, during Easter perhaps. With everything that's been going on with Molly, Fred thought that perhaps our wedding would cheer everyone up a bit. And we can't wait until the Summer." Hermione said.
Harry told the girl " You'll graduate Hogwarts as a married couple."
" I know and I can't wait." the girl said.
After finishing their tea, Hermione suggested going out. She wanted to get her baby brother or sister something from the shops and she didn't take no for an answer. Harry had no choice to go along. As they walked the aisles of the store, Hermione sprinted towards the back.
" Look how cute, Harry." the girl said and pointed at a tiny black vest.
Harry didn't have time to say anything because Hermione was already reaching for a pink and blue bodysuits that had pictures of lions on it.
" What do you think about this one. For a little Gryffindor girl or a boy." Hermione said.
Harry said " You know, there is a shop in Diagon Alley that sells all this baby stuff."
Hermione asked " And how do you know about this baby shop?"
Harry shrugged " I happened to see it when I was out buying books with Andy."
Hermione placed the clothes back and said " We should go there, maybe they have something with magical animals. Dad would like that. He's like Arthur, but with him it's the other way around; obsessed with magic."
Harry chuckled as they made their way out of the store.
X
Ginny felt cold and uneasy as they were shown into the courtroom. She was thankful that Percy was there as well, giving her some comfort. Some members of the Wizengamot were gathered in their seats, wearing their usual ugly coloured robes. Ginny counted about ten or twelve of them to be present.
In the middle of the room was her mother, magically bound to the chair. She resembled something rabid, that wanted to break free from the confinements holding it down. Her red fiery hair was a mess, the glint in her eyes almost manic. Percy ushered his sister in the back, not wanting Ginny to be too close to Molly.
The beginning of the trial was a blur for the girl, only when it was time for Molly to answer the questions did she perk up.
" Molly Aurelia Weasley, you have been charged with the usage of illegal potions and attacking an Auror. Do you understand the charges?" asked the Wizengamot official.
Molly said with a shrilling tone " I haven't done anything of this sort, this is all a plan to lock me up."
" We have Healer Blackthorn's testimony that you have been using an illegal potions for some time now. Upon casting the needed spells it was proven. Both Aurors Nymphadora Tonks and Henry Lockwood stated that you refused to go with them and then attacked them, using various dark spells. Your wand tested positive for the use of dark spells. This court has been presented with evidence of your unlawful activities." the man said.
Molly looked over to Kingsley and said " You're in this together, all of you."
A woman from the council asked " Tell us why you believe that your family and the Minister is behind it."
The redhead said " Of course they are... First my husband took his son's side, even though I'm right. They were the ones who accused me of these things. They think I'm crazy, that I can't see what is really going on."
" What do you believe is going on?" asked the same woman.
Molly snarled " It's that Malfoy bastard and his son, they are the ones who turned everyone against me. He's poisoned Harry's mind with lies. No one can see what is really going on, but I know what he's after. Lucius Malfoy should be locked up in Azkaban, not putting his dirty hands on the Chosen One. I see what he really is."
" Harry Potter's personal life is not the subject of today's trial, nor is Lord Malfoy's. This council is here to determinate whether Minister Shacklebolt's suggestion to place you in St. Mungo's was based on your actual medical state." said the woman in a plum coloured robe.
Molly said " There is nothing wrong with me."
" I believe I speak for the entire Wizengamot when I say that the proof given to us by Healer Blackthorn is rather convincing. In addition you have proven that the Healer was indeed right in his assessments." said the man who had spoken before.
The woman spat out " You have no idea what you are talking about."
Two Aurors approached Molly and the woman said " Healer Blackthorn assured us that administering a small dose of Veritaserum would not harm you in any way. This can either go one way or another, it is up to you, Mrs Weasley."
" You think you can just ship me off to a nuthouse and be done with it. I'm perfectly fine, I'm not crazy. So I took a potion, it isn't like I'm the only one, who has ever done it." ranted Molly.
The woman from the council asked " You admit to it then, using illegal potions?"
Molly stop ranting and spluttered out " What? No, I didn't say..."
" Yes, you did... Now how about you stop wasting our time and tell us what we want to know. Did you or did you not use illegal potions?" the woman asked.
Molly yelled with frustration " Yes, alright! I've been using a bloody illegal potion since I was in my teens. You have my confession."
"Now on to the matter of your marriage. It seems that your marriage to Arthur Septimus Weasley was arranged between your fathers and that your signature was on the contract. Your signature is null and void, since you tested positive for potions that altered your right state of mind. The contract has lost its credibility due to your predicament. A hearing was supposed to take place on the 4th, am I right?" the woman stated.
Kingsley gave a nod and said " Yes, to dissolve the marriage between Molly Weasley and Arthur Weasley."
The woman asked " Was the decision for an annulment mutual?"
Molly shrieked " No, I won't let him divorce me!"
" Unfortunately your opinion on the matter does not matter, Mrs Weasley. Your husband filed for a divorce on the grounds of the safety of your children. You are, according to witnesses and Healer Blackthorn, a danger to those around you. Also the contract between you and your husband does not exist anymore, the annulment will only make it official. Arthur Weasley has presented us with enough proof on the issue, there is no doubt that you indeed tricked him into marrying you. You didn't tell him about the contract, you withhold vital information. Marriage and bonding is considered to be sacred in the Wizarding World, there are laws protecting it. To allow someone to enter a marriage without knowing the full consequences is highly frowned upon." explained the woman.
The Minister of Magic said " I believe the members of Wizengamot have enough proof on the matter. Placing Mrs Weasley into a secured hospital ward is for the best. It will be easier on her children as well."
The woman from the council said " We will vote on the matter. All those in favour of Minister Shacklebolt's suggestion?"
Practically all the members voted in favour of St. Mungo's, only one didn't raise his hand.
Shacklebolt said " The Auror Office will supervise the transfer."
Molly shouted " No, you can't lock me up... You're all against me! But they will pay, everyone will see that I was right."
" I will advise you not to make threats, Mrs Weasley. Whatever you seem to think of Lord Malfoy does not give you the right to make accusations that are only based on your personal dislike for his family. The war is over and times are different, I suggest you heed the warning. It seems that Mr. Potter is very much capable of making his own decisions and I for one trust his judgment. It was this council's decision to free Lucius Malfoy, there have been no reasons to regret that verdict." said the Member of the Wizengamot.
Arthur was sitting next to Ginny and Percy, far enough from Molly. The woman's attitude didn't surprise Arthur, she was still sticking to her story that everything is just a plan to get her locked up. But the men and women sitting there with their crimson robes were not fooled by Molly's ranting. It was also no surprise that she had pulled the Malfoy's into it, accusing Lucius of manipulating with Harry. As the family watched Molly being taken away, Percy said " They didn't need much convincing."
Arthur sighed and told his son " Considering her frame of mind, I think they saw and heard everything they needed."
" She wasn't like this when Ron and I left for school." Ginny said.
Arthur replied " The changes in her have occurred over the past few months. These last few weeks have been the worst. When everything came to light, she just snapped. She is still convinced that Harry will marry you, that's one more reason for her to hate Lucius."
" I knew she would not accept it. I told her that Harry and I are no longer together, that we are better at being siblings than being in a relationship. She just smiled and told me that Harry will come around one day and realise what he really wants. After she went into her usual mothering mode, I just left. Why is me marrying Harry so important to her? Is it the money, does she think Harry is her ticket to prosperity? I told her that I'm with Dean again, but she completely dismissed it and said that I should convince Harry to marry me." Ginny explained what had happened before school.
Arthur said " It's difficult to know what goes on in her head."
" Do you think they'll let me see her before she'll be taken away to St. Mungo's?" asked Ginny.
Percy said " I'll go and ask Kingsley."
Ginny smiled weakly and told Percy before the man could leave " I know you think I shouldn't, but I have to speak to her."
Arthur said " No one is judging you, Ginny. She is your mother and if you want to see her, it is your right."
X
" I never knew it was even here." Hermione said to Harry as they stepped inside the store in Diagon Alley.
Harry pointed out " Usually we get our books from the other end of Diagon Alley."
As they moved around the shop, a middle-aged witch approached them with a smile.
" Perhaps I can be of any assistance?" she asked.
Hermione said " We'll just look around."
The woman said with a motherly tone" Just come and get me if you need any help, sweetheart."
Harry was already walking towards the rack with various baby outfits and clothes. He picked one up and showed it to the girl. Hermione rolled her eyes and said " Explaining why the brooms are actually flying around on my sibling's clothes would be rather difficult."
" But your dad would love it." the teen said.
Hermione said " How about we look at the teddies and rattlers for now. I'll get some more stuff when the gender isn't a secret anymore."
The proud sister headed for the toy section, leaving Harry alone. The teen eyed the tiny piece of clothing in his hands and couldn't help a small smile. He would definitely buy it for his little baby boy or girl. He marvelled at the sensation that it gave him. He was young, but knew that having a family was what he wanted. Harry would be the proudest father standing on the Platform or swollen with pride when they would catch their first Snitch. He would make sure that they would never know the feeling of neglect or the feeling of not being wanted. The dark-haired teen placed the animated attire down and went to find Hermione with his mind filled with images of the future.
After their little shopping trip, Hermione had suggested having lunch at South Side where the cafés were located. Now sitting outside with hot chocolate in front of them, Hermione asked the other teen "I think that lady in the baby shop thought you and I are having a baby. She kept giving me funny looks."
" I can already picture the headline of tomorrow's Daily Prophet." Harry said.
Hermione chuckled " 'The Potter-Malfoy affair shattered' or 'Harry Potter's secret pregnant mistress'."
Harry laughed and suggested " How about 'Potter's lovechild' ?"
The girl suddenly drew her wand and erected a few privacy charms around them.
" In case Skeeter is snooping around... Harry, have you and Lucius talked about children?" Hermione asked.
Harry sighed " Not really, It has come up but we haven't actually spoken about it. We have been together since Christmas, that isn't a very long time. Talking about kids is a bit rushed, don't you think?"
" Yes, I agree. But I know you, Harry. You want a big family, with a flock of children running around. I noticed you earlier, you had that ridiculously excited grin on your face and I know what went on in your head. It might not be the easiest thing to hear, but you have to think about the possibility that perhaps your desire to have a family isn't what Lucius wants. I'm sorry to sound so negative, but..." the girl explained with an apologetic smile.
The green-eyed wizard said " No, I understand what you're saying and truth be told, I have thought about it myself. Lucius already has an heir, there is no need for other children. At least that's the usual pure-blood tradition. But he's different now; he isn't stuck in his old way of thinking anymore. He doesn't have a lot of faith in his abilities as a father. He sees the way things turned out with Draco, even though it wasn't his fault."
" Perhaps you need to tell him why having a family is so important to you. You told Draco, but maybe the person who needs to hear it the most is Lucius. That way he could understand your reasons for wanting a family; children of your own." Hermione advised Harry.
The dark-haired teen sighed " We had the stupidest argument when he confessed that he had fears about Draco being a Squib after being born. Babies need their mother's magic while in the womb, but Narcissa never supported Draco with her magic."
" That's why Draco takes after his father so much. Lucius gave a proportion of his magic to Draco, since Draco's mother didn't. I've read about it. Usually the carrier or mother provides the child with magic, giving a part of her or his magic to the child. There have been a few cases where a magical child had very weak magic or none at all because the amount of magic they received was too little or something had damaged it. But those few occurrences have all happened due to other reasons, never because the mother refused to bond with her child. Narcissa must have resented Draco and her magic never connected with him." Hermione explained.
Harry gave a nod " That's why Draco is a carbon copy of Lucius."
Hermione said " Not only in the looks department. They have the same magical signature. Well, not exactly the same, but a large portion of Draco's magical core, so to speak, is made up from his father's magic. A magical child develops their own magical signature, something that is entirely their own. But before they are born, the magic is a mixture of their own personal magic as well as the magic that they got from their mother or carrier. Since Draco got nothing from his mother, his father's magic reached out to him. And Draco just absorbed it like a sponge. It's all very complicated, but the short explanation is what I just told you. "
" So in essence Lucius is actually Draco's mother?" Harry was confused.
Hermione laughed and said " No, Narcissa is still his mother, but magically speaking Lucius had more to do with Draco's development than Draco's mother."
Harry asked " Where did you learn all of that? They don't teach us that in Hogwarts, do they?"
" I have a book about it. It also explains how muggle-borns get their magic. It is like a dormant gene that is passed on until it finds the suitable conditions to activate. It acts as the other source of magic in addition to the muggle-born's own magic." Hermione said.
The green-eyed teen said " Well, anyway as we were talking about Draco, the famous Harry Potter temper came into play and I got angry over the stupidest thing. I get that pure-bloods think differently of blood, but there is a part of me that will never understand how something as insignificant as blood purity could decide how much you love your own child. That's why we argued."
"Lucius was raised to believe that pure-blooded families are better. I'm not saying that he has a right to think so, but imagine how hard it must have been for him. In a way, you are alike when it comes to bad childhoods. I really think you ought to tell him about the Dursleys and what it was like growing up in a family that hates magic. Ignoring the issue will only make it worse, Harry. Talk to him and make him see it through your eyes." Hermione suggested.
Harry said " I will... before school starts."
" How much to you know about magical pregnancies?" Hermione asked.
The Gryffindor said " I know that wizards can have children, with the help of a potion or something."
Hermione made a disapproving sound and lectured " Usually it takes a potion to help things along, but magically competent wizards can conceive without any aid from a potion. Muggle-borns and half-bloods might not be able to have children without outside help, but it isn't a problem for pure-bloods, since they tend to have old and powerful family magic."
" I'm a half-blood." Harry said.
Hermione chuckled " You're also Harry Potter, meaning that you are an exception to the rules. You are more than proficient, magically speaking."
" But that's what the contraceptive charm is for, to avoid mishaps." the dark-haired teen said.
The girl told Harry " It is illegal to have an abortion in the Wizarding World. Every magical child is important and welcomed. There are exceptions for those who have been violated or for those who have been dosed with love potions. Otherwise, it is a crime to harm your unborn in any way, magically or physically. If you don't want children, a contraceptive charm is the most efficient way to protect yourself. Have you been using it?"
Harry cringed, but said " Yes, Hermione."
"Good, you have to finish school first." the girl said.
The wizard replied " Sometimes I wish I wasn't muggle raised. I only found out that men can get pregnant, it's a lot for my brain process through. I haven't even seen a pregnant woman up close."
" I guess people like Ron and Draco, who were both born into the wizarding traditions, know more about such things. The first time I learned about magical creatures was in Hogwarts. Ron grew up with the knowledge. They really should educate muggle-borns on such things. It wouldn't hurt to have an introductory class for the First Years or a class to simply integrate muggle-borns and muggle-raised children into the Wizarding World." Hermione said.
Harry pointed out " You could raise the matter with Professor McGonagall. As the Headmistress, she has a right to suggest new classes to the Hogwarts Board of Governors. Maybe they will approve of the idea. Merlin knows we were clueless. Well, not you obviously, but I didn't know the first thing about wizarding customs and traditions."
Hermione gave a bright smile " You're right, McGonagall will be able to help. Wasn't Lucius on the Board?"
" He was, but he got kicked out after the whole diary incident." Harry sniggered.
Hermione said " Right, the Basilisk and Riddle's diary."
" I can't believe I was twelve when I first met Lucius. A scrawny, four eyed kid, who was covered in soot." Harry laughed.
The Gryffindor girl said " And now, six years later, you're sharing a bed."
" Sirius would have a stroke if he knew. Who knows, maybe he is seeing this wherever he is now." Harry joked.
Hermione said softly " I'm sure Sirius would have supported you. He would have ranted and raved, but in the end he would have realised that you are more important to him than his hatred for Lucius."
" I'd like to believe that. Molly tried to use my parents to influence me, but I trust Remus more than I trust her. My mum would have been happy for me, because that was who she was, a loving mother. And dad would have sulked and ignored the situation until mum would have whacked him on the head for being an idiot. Being a parent means that you'll be there for your children no matter what; I didn't have that growing up, but that is how I would raise my children. I'd teach them to be accepting of others, no matter their blood status or orientation." said the green-eyed wizard with conviction.
Hermione agreed with Harry " You're right, it's absolutely horrid that there are people like Molly, who seem to think that their bigoted opinion is right. Discriminating others for who they are or love is simply idiotic."
" Speaking of Molly... Bill sent me a letter saying that Molly will be put on trial. The Wizengamot isn't entirely convinced that she needs to be placed into St. Mungo's. Kingsley is a long-time friend of the family, making his judgment a bit clouded, at least according to them. I thought about going, but I honestly don't have anything more to say to Molly. She knows what will happen to her if she continues to discredit both Lucius and Draco. And she knows that my relationship with Lucius is not a matter of discussion." Harry told the girl.
Hermione sighed " I wish that all of it would just be over. I don't know about the rest, but Ginny is really upset about the situation. She is the youngest and has always idolized her mother; to know what she is really like hit Ginny hard."
" Bill mentioned that Ginny was going to the trial, so she could speak to Molly. I can't blame her for wanting to see her mother, but I agree with Bill; she is only going to get hurt by Molly." Harry said.
" School will start in a few days and hopefully she can get her mind off Molly." the girl said.
Harry grimaced and said " Can't I be home-schooled?"
" No, you can't. Firstly, we would miss you too much and secondly, you would spend most of your time snogging Lucius, not studying." Hermione said.
Harry argued " I would study."
" Even you don't believe yourself." Hermione said.
The green-eyed teen shrugged and Hermione chuckled " Come on, let's get you back home to your Slytherin."
"It's funny but truth be told, the Manor already feels like my home." Harry confessed.
Hermione said " The Manor is certainly big enough for an extended Potter-Malfoy household and perhaps a Weasley-Malfoy family. You would have live-in babysitters. "
" Somehow I can't imagine Draco changing dirty nappies." Harry snorted.
The girl asked " And have you ever changed one, hmm?"
Harry stated weakly " No, but it can't be that hard."
" When my cousin was no more than a year old, he accidently got a hold of his nappy. Needless to say, he created a mess even his parents didn't want to clean it up." Hermione said.
Harry made a face and said " It's a good thing we have magic."
" Finish your cup and then we're going to a toy store." Hermione told Harry.
The teen sighed " As long as we have time to visit the Burrow."
Hermione got up and said " Don't worry, I'll have you home before it gets dark."
X
Molly was sitting in her cell, like a ruffled and agitated bird. She didn't see or hear Ginny come in with Arthur. The man stood in the back while Ginny walked closer to her mother.
" Mum?" Ginny began.
Molly whipped her head around and saw her daughter standing just a few metres away, she said " Ginny dear, I knew you wouldn't leave me."
Ginny walked a bit closer and said " Mum, no one is leaving you. But you have to understand that what you did was wrong. They have a right to charge you."
" Surely you don't believe them. It's Bill and the Malfoys, they are the ones who are against me. They have even corrupted your father." Molly explained vehemently.
The younger redhead said " Bill hasn't done anything wrong and neither have the Malfoys. You are the one who turned your back on Bill, saying hurtful things about him and his partner. You are the one who chased us away, mum."
" Ginny..." Molly began, but she was cut off by the younger redhead.
" No, mum... You know I'm telling the truth. Dad and Bill didn't do anything wrong, they're trying to help you. So is Harry, but you can't or won't see it. You have no right to disrespect his relationship with Mr Malfoy, it doesn't concern you. Everything I thought I knew about the Malfoys wasn't at all true. The war affected us all, both the Light and the Dark. I never once thought that perhaps they suffered as well. But the war is over and Voldemort is gone, now is the time to build ourselves up again." Ginny said.
But Molly didn't want to listen, she told Ginny " You can't let them manipulate you. You belong with Harry, he's yours not that bastard's"
" Mum, don't you get it... I will never marry Harry, we broke up because we don't love each other. He's like a brother to me. And Harry is gay, meaning he'll never marry a woman and be miserable. I support him, because I love him like I love Ron or Bill or the twins. I'm with Dean Thomas, because I want to be. Why can't you see that, why can't you just accept that Harry will never be your son-in-law. He is a part of our family, always will. He tried to help you, but you can't accept him the way he is. Harry loves Lucius Malfoy, a man, who is dedicated to his family and sees Harry for who he really is. They're together despite everything that their past holds, despite people like you, who cannot understand that loving someone is never wrong, no matter the gender or age." the redhead told her mother.
Molly berated " Disgusting... Malfoy is meant to be in Azkaban, like the rest of them. He has twisted Harry's mind. Love, don't make me laugh... Lucius Malfoy loves only himself. Harry is just a passing fancy, a way to get revenge for his precious Master. He was more than willing to bend over for You-Know-Who; his kind never changes their spots."
" Why is it suddenly so important to you, mum? You never cared much for the Malfoys. Is it because Harry chose him over me? Or are you angry that the Potter and Black vaults won't be joined with ours?" asked Ginny.
Molly spluttered " Nonsense... I care about his wellbeing, always have. We can't let the Malfoys sink their claws into him, you have to talk some sense into Harry. He won't listen to me, but he'll listen to you, dear."
Ginny sighed inwardly and had to admit to herself that Molly really was delusional. There was this little fragment of hope still lodged into Ginny's heart, but seeing and hearing her mother's illusions and ramblings finally made her see that everyone had been right about Molly.
" I won't tell Harry anything, because I'm happy for him. Harry deserves to be loved by someone who values him for who he is. He's been through so much already, it would be cruel to deny him what he wants and what he is worthy of. I will never come between him and Lucius, because I know love when I see it. They both deserve this change and no one, including you, will take it away from them. You're my mother and I love you, but if you ever try anything to harm their relationship, know that I will not hesitate to go up against you. Mother or not, you have no right. I hoped that perhaps dad was exaggerating, but I see now that you need help." the teen told Molly with a fiery passion behind her words.
Not wanting to hear what Molly had to say, Ginny turned to leave. Arthur gave her a reassuring smile and a kiss on the forehead. Seeing Ginny slip through the door, Arthur sighed and turned to Molly.
" You turned my own daughter against me! I hope you're happy, taking everything from me... You're going to be sorry, Arthur Weasley!" Molly threatened.
Arthur said calmly " No, Molly... It was you who turned everyone against you. They're smart kids and can see how much you have changed. But we can't help you if you don't admit that you need it. No one is trying to ruin you, Molly. We only want to help you get the treatment you need."
" Alright, I'll agree to go to St. Mungo's, on one condition though. You will not divorce me." Molly demanded.
The man said " You don't have a choice, Molly. They will take you there with or without your consent. As for our marriage... we can't rebuild something that wasn't there in the first place. You knew from the beginning that I didn't share your feelings. I love you and care about you, but I was never in love with you, Molly. I grew to love you during our marriage, but... there is no point in dragging this out. Our marriage was based on a lie and as of tomorrow that lie will be dissolved. I will help you get the best treatment and hopefully you will get better. That is all I can do, Molly."
The woman was silent, not even looking at Arthur. She didn't know how to feel. How had it all come to this? How had her perfect world crumbled to the ground? It wasn't fair, it couldn't all end like that. Locked up in a mental hospital, divorced and alone. She knew who was responsible, alongside Arthur of course. Everything was ruined now, her daughter's future and her own marriage. It was all in shambles before her feet. But she also held herself responsible for what had happened. Why didn't he hide her potions better? Why didn't she suspect it before; Bill's obvious retribution. But of course most of the blame was on Arthur and Bill, and to her horror, on Harry as well. But the boy was under Malfoy's charm and his lies made him act up against Molly. Surely her Harry would never do such a thing. Molly needed a new plan; one which would show everyone that she had been right all along. She would deal with traitors like Arthur and Bill, but she wanted something entirely else for Lucius. Something that would eliminate the problem once and for all.
X
It was an odd sight to see Lucius and Andromeda Tonks having a civil conversation, but stranger things have happened. The witch had Flooed over, in the hopes of seeing Harry and discussing the teen's Potion studies, but Harry had gone out with the muggle-born witch. The entire Manor had been quiet and she had learned that only Lucius was present.
Sitting in the blonde's study, Andy felt that perhaps she needed to have a talk with Lucius " Thank you for giving me a chance to get to know Draco. I know you do not think very highly of me or my beliefs."
Lucius said " You are Draco's family. Narcissa may not have been a proper mother to him, but you are her sister and therefore his family on the Black side. As for your beliefs, I must admit that I care little about them now. Harry has put some things in perspective for me. You are welcome to visit whenever you wish."
" That is one of the things I love about Harry, he's ability to get through to even the coldest of hearts. When I first met him, I didn't really know what to think of him, but now I feel as if I have gained a son." Andy told the man.
The blonde said " I think he was twelve years old when I first met him. Too skinny and shorter than other children his age. But he was driven, it showed in his eyes."
" I believe he tricked you into freeing an house-elf?" Andy chuckled.
Lucius remembered that incident quite well. He had been outsmarted by a Second Year Gryffindor, who apparently had some snake in him.
" Sirius would hex me for saying this, but that boy has more Slytherin in him than anyone likes to admit." Andromeda stated.
The blonde man gave a nod and said " He told me how he almost ended up in the snake pit, but as I understand, he gained a family in the Gryffindor House. As much as I hate to admit it, the Weasleys are a decent family. Instead of vaults filled with gold, they have something that my family never had."
" Narcissa was so much like Bella that at times I doubted that we were sisters at all. Bellatrix was insane, but Narcissa knew how to manipulate others. While I was glad to escape my family, I also felt sadness. Having Draco in my life will give me back a small piece of the past, no matter how much I hated it at the time." Andromeda spoke.
" That is the reason my father liked her so much, she was perfect. I don't deny that she was indeed a beautiful witch, but she cared for no one but herself. I'm sure she wanted to poison my morning coffee more than once." Lucius said.
Andromeda said " You have a chance to start anew with Harry."
" I intend to." Lucius offered.
Andy continued " As a concerned mother figure, I want to know what your intentions are with him. Harry is not what everyone believes him to be; he isn't a spoiled prince, who has everyone at his feet. He hates all the titles that the public has granted him. I want to be sure that what you are offering him right now is real."
" I love him, that will not change; he is mine as I am his. Severus seems to think that I'm a sentimental old fool, but Harry has changed me. I am what I am, I cannot change the mistakes I have made nor can I take back the decisions I have made in the past. Harry knows this and he knows that it will not be easy. But he is willing to take the risk and give me a second change, regardless of what the rest of the world thinks. I want to share a life with him and I will gladly give him the world if he asks. I hope that answered your question." Lucius told the witch.
The woman smiled and said " Oh, I have no doubt that you love him, but what concerns me is the future. I know him well. What I want to know is if there is a possibility of little scruffy-haired wizards or fair-haired witches running around in the Manor?"
" I know Harry wants a family, but he and I have not discussed it. Perhaps we will leave that conversation for another time, after he finishes school." Lucius evaded the question.
Andy chuckled, but reminded the man " Graduation is just around the corner."
" Draco was a very demanding baby, always wanting attention. He cried most of the nights. Of course Narcissa pretended that he didn't exist. I think he turned half of my hair grey before he was one. He threw food at me and wailed whenever I left him alone." Lucius told the Black sister.
Andy said " Not all babies are like Draco; my Dora was an angel when she was a baby. I wanted more children after Dora, but I never did; now I wish I had."
" You are still young for a witch." Lucius pointed out.
Andy laughed and said " You are as young as you feel, Lucius. I think I'm far too old to take care of a small child. Perhaps I will have the chance to be a grandmother to any children my daughter has or the ones you and Harry will have one day. Knowing Harry, I'll have an army of children to look after."
Lucius frowned and asked " How many is an army?"
" Oh, I'm sure four to six children." Andromeda said with a wave of her hand.
The blonde tried to imagine that many children and started to feel the strain of his almost forty-five years. He would have grey hair before he reached his fifties.
Andromeda started laughing wholeheartedly and Lucius said " Harry and I definitely need to have a chat on that subject."
