The next few days were a flurry of activity, students had begun to pack up their possessions and get ready to leave the castle. There was a lot of work to do on the school and it couldn't be done with students still around. Moreover, no one was going to try teaching after everything that had happened. Harry was currently standing in the dungeons putting his dress robes on, today was the day he and his family would receive their Orders of Merlin first class. Harry really didn't want to go and shake hands with everyone and smile for the cameras as Minister Scrimgeour tried to use Harry and his loved ones to save his floundering career, but Harry also knew that not going would looked at as a rude snub by everyone in the wizarding world. As much as Harry hated it this was necessary step and he felt that his Dad and Draco both deserved the Order of Merlin and Harry knew he should be there with them and receive his as well.

As Harry came out of his room and into the living room he saw Draco standing in front of the fire starring off in the distance. Draco had become slightly withdrawn as the days since the final battle had continued and Harry and Severus both knew what the problem was. Draco was worried about his mother, there had been no sign of Narcissa since she had brought her son to Hogwarts over nine months ago and Harry and Severus both knew Draco was beginning to fear the worst. As Severus came out of his room he spotted Draco and instantly walked over to him, "Draco?"

Draco looked up as though he had only just realized anyone else was in the room with him. Severus grabbed Draco's chin with his right hand and said, "Give it time Draco. I know this is a cliché, but no news is good news, they haven't found any trace of your mother and if she were." Severus paused obviously trying to think of a delicate way of putting things, but Draco simply waved him off.

Draco said, "It's o.k., you can say it. If she were dead."

Severus nodded, "Yes, if that were the case they would have found the body already. We have no way of knowing where your mother went when she left she could be on the other side of the world or so deep in hiding she hasn't even heard of Voldemort's demise. Have you tried writing to her?"

Draco nodded, "There hasn't been any response. The letters all came back."

Severus sighed, "If she is under the fideleous charm then you would not be able to reach her without going through a secret keeper. Give it time Draco, when this all settles down I swear we will go search for her."

Draco finally turned and wrapped his arms around Severus' middle. Severus returned the hug, while Harry hung back. Harry was no longer jealous of the attention his father gave his brother and understood that Draco also needed one-on-one support form Severus just as Harry himself did at times. Finally the two of them pulled apart and Severus asked, "Are you ready to go."

Draco took a deep breath and squared his shoulders instinctively putting on the blank Malfoy mask he had worn so many years. Severus would normally have told Draco not to hide his feelings, but he could tell that the young man was trying to get through this day without a break down and this was the only way for him to do that.

Deciding to speak to Draco again later Severus stepped into the floo and shouted, "Ministry of Magic" then in whoosh of flames he vanished. Draco followed after him and Harry came last, Severus had planned it this way so he could protect both of his sons from the avalanche of reporters that would obviously be awaiting them when they arrived.

Harry closed his eyes as he spun through the floo and tumbled out in his usual fashion to a crowd of people shouting questions and snapping photos. Severus caught Harry around the waste to keep him from falling flat on his face and possibly injuring himself. Harry got his bearings and stood there not sure what to say, Severus noticed Harry's unease and began to steer both boys away from the incessant reporters. They were all shouting at once making it impossible to make out what they wanted. Kingsley seemed to suddenly appear at their side and helped Severus and the two young men get to a quiet room of the side that the press couldn't enter.

Once the door closed Harry sighed in relief Kingsley turned to them and said, "I'm sorry about that, they've been camped out here since this morning waiting for you to show up. "

Harry rolled his eyes, "Maybe I should just start shouting in parseltongue until they go away."

Severus scowled, "Harry, the last thing you need to do right now is add to the rumors that you are the next Dark Lord."

Harry shrugged, "It would probably get them to leave me alone."

Severus said, "Yes, for a short time and then they would start to hound you like never before."

Harry looked back at the door, "I'm not sure that's possible"

Kingsley piped, "Oh it is, believe me it is."

Kingsley gestured for them to take a seat and once everyone was comfortable he said, "All right, so here's how things are going to go. In a few minutes two other aurors are going to come in and the three of us will escort you to the auditorium. You'll be seated on stage and the Minister will come to the podium to make a speech then he will call your names and the three of you will stand. The Minister will place the medal around your neck and shake your hand, be sure to thank him when he does so, and the crowd will applaud. If you wish to say a few words after the presenting you may, but IU suggest you keep it short, sweet, and tactful."

Kingsley seemed to be staring at Harry in particular when he said this. Harry simply smiled and said, "I will be on my best behavior you have my word."

Severus added, "and if he is not he'll be grounded for the rest of the month you have MY word."

Harry scowled, but finally shrugged in resignation. He hadn't been planning on doing anything anyways (well not really, after all imagining dropping a dung bomb in the middle o the room just as the minister went to shake your hand wasn't all that bad was it?). Sure enough a moment later two aurors came in and lead Harry, Draco, and Severus out of the room, Kingsley took up the rear.

Harry couldn't help feeling a bit like he was being lead to an execution as they were brought to the auditorium surrounded by a sea of reporters. They entered the auditorium a large room done in gold with hundreds of seats and were lead to three large armchairs on the polished maple stage.

The reporters and ministry officials began filling in taking their seats, it took a good ten minutes before everyone was seated and five more before they had all settled in. Once the room had settled Scrimgeour entered wearing a long elaborate dark blue dress robe with gold rope on the collar and cuffs and embroidery all around it in the pattern o leaves. The entire audience erupted into applause, Harry clapped politely knowing how it would be viewed if he didn't. The minister took his place behind the podium and muttered the sonorous charm then began to speak, "Ladies and Gentlemen it is a great honor for me to be here today to present the most prestigious award the wizarding community can bestow on anyone to three of the greatest heroes of the final battle."

The hall erupted into applause again and Harry fought to keep from rolling his eyes as Scrimgeour continued, "As you all are well aware these three individuals were crucial in defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Severus Snape served as a spy for the light since the first war with the dark wizard and risked his life several times in the process. Professor Snape was instrumental in the final battle, not only did he provide the distraction necessary to allow Harry Snape to succeed in destroying You-Know-Who, he also had worked for months training the young man so Harry would be prepared for that moment. Draconias Snape."

Harry saw Draco wince at the use of his full first name, but the Minister continued without a care, "Assisted in the defense of the castle and its students, he dueled bravely in the final battle and defeated many death eaters in the process including Bellatrix Lestrange. Then of course there is young Harry Snape formerly Harry Pitter."

The crowd erupted into applause again, "As we all know Harry defeated You-Know-Who as an infant and gave our world 13 years of peace, he faced the dark wizard on numerous occasions throughout his time at Hogwarts and was the one who finally destroyed He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named when no one else could. It is my great honor to present them now with the medals they have earned several times over."

Harry, Severus, and Draco stood from their seats and each walked up to the podium as Scrimgeour walked over to them with an auror following holding the boxes containing the medals. Scrimgeour opened a box, lifted the medal out, and hung it on Severus' neck. Severus bowed his head slightly to make it easier for the Minster to present him with the medal then shook Scrimgeour's hand and said thank you. Scrimgeour did the same thing for Draco then came to Harry. Harry bowed his head and shook the minster's hand as his father and Draco had done, then Scrimgeour clasped Harry around the shoulder like Harry was an old friend or favorite relative of his as he smiled at the camera. It took every ounce of self-control Harry had in him not to throw the hand off him in disgust and tell Scrimgeour exactly what he thought of him.

As it was Harry managed to stand for the photo without throwing up or scowling, he could now understand why his father had done it so often. The press took photos of all three of them with the minister of magic while shouting all sorts of questions.

"Mr. Snape, what are your plans now that You-Know-Who is gone?"

"Professor Snape are you planning to continue teaching at Hogwarts?"

"Any comments on the rumors that you three will be collaborating in order to write a book about your experiences?"

Harry finally couldn't take anymore and waved his hand for silence the reporters quieted and Harry muttered a sonorous spell before speaking, "My family and I are not going to be writing any books about what we have been through or making any sort of public appearances or press releases aside from the one already printed. We will be attending as many of the funerals of those who fell in the final battle as we can and we will continue to lead our lives as we always have when Voldemort." The whole room shuddered, but Harry continued undeterred, "Was quiet, all we want is the opportunity to live a peaceful life together as a family free of dark wizards and we would appreciate it greatly if all of you and the wizarding world as a whole would respect those wishes."

The reporters were silent for several minutes before the shouting began again.

"Mr. Snaps is true you've been offered early admittance to the auror training program?"

"Mr. Malfoy, are you going to lay claims to your families properties now that the war is over?"

"Professor, do you have any plans to expand into the world of private portions brewing?"

Harry groaned slightly as Kingsley and several aurors escorted them off the stage and back into the quiet room. When they got there Severus pulled both young men into a hug, "Harry, I am very proud of you and appreciate your attempt to protect us, but I'm afraid the press will continue their pursuit of a story where we are concerned."

Harry signed heavily, "I know, maybe I should die my hair, change my name, move to the muggle world, and just call it a day."

Severus pushed Harry back so he could look his son in the eye, "no Harry, running from your problems has never and will never solve anything. You may not like the way the wizarding public reacts to you, and I am not overly fawned of it myself, but it is something you must simply learn to accept. Besides, Draco and I are equally well-known now and while there are people who will always see us as dark wizards the press would continue to hound us even if you were to leave"

Harry sighed heavily, "I know, I just wish we could do something to make them leave us alone."

Draco looked slyly around and said, "You could ask Fred and George to lend you some jokes you would throw around whenever reporters start bugging you that might teach them to buzz of."

Harry snorted, "I can see the headlines now, 'News flash Harry Potter a juvenile delinquent, attacks innocent reporter and accompanying photographer.' That'll just make things worse not better. Still, maybe we can use this attention to do some good."

Severus smirked slightly, "What did you have in mind Harry?"

Harry said, "Well the reporters will be following us around everywhere including all the funerals we go to, we could use that to bring attention to the families who've lost loved ones and encourage the wizarding world to support them as best they can. Maybe start a fund for those who lost loved ones in the final battle. Use some of the money Mom, Papa, and Sirius left me to start an orphanage there are going to be more children left without parents now and I want to do everything in my power to see to it that other kids don't have to go through what I went through. We could also try to make it required for Professors at every wizarding school to attend mandatory classes on how to recognize abuse and how to deal with and report children who are in abusive situations."

Severus felt a surge of pride at Harry's words, "That is a wonderful idea Harry. Perhaps there is something we can do to dissuade the reporters as well."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"

Severus said, "Perhaps if we don't do anything overly exciting when they are around it will deter them from following us because there will be nothing to report on."

Draco said, "Yes, bore them to death, but it might not work. I mean a lot of reporters will right stories on well-known witches and wizards just going to the grocery story or visiting a friend. I personally think that's ridiculous,

Harry and Severus both nodded as Harry said, "I agree I've never understood what in the world is so damn interesting about going to a store just because a famous person is the one who happens to be doing it at the time. Muggle reporters do that as well, they take pictures of famous people at the pharmacy and amusement park with their kids and I always feel like, 'so what they're not doing anything interesting so who the Hell cares?'"

Severus said, "Obviously there are people who do, or they wouldn't make any money selling those types of photos. Harry, Draco I want you both to know that you did very well today."

Harry and Draco both said "Thanks" together and Severus said, "The minister will want to take a few more photos with us and possibly speak to us in private before we leave."

Harry groaned as Draco pulled a face. Severus nodded, "I know, I know I don't like it either, but it's necessary."

The three of them headed back out and spent the next hour and half posing for photos, by the time they were done Harry's face felt swollen and sore as though he'd had a severe allergic reaction or just had his wisdom teeth pulled. He was more than happy to go back home and relax a little away from the prying eyes of the press. One thing Harry loved most about Hogwarts is that they could at least have privacy here (now that he knew what Rita Skeeter's animagus form looked like that is).

Harry woke the next day and got dressed in a black suit; it was time for Charlie's funeral. Harry found it a little harder to get going than usual, as his family stood in front of the floo Harry could feel his reluctance to go through. Severus noticed and grabbed Harry's shoulders in a firm, but gentle grasp, "Harry, I know this isn't easy for you, but you need to do this, you need to say good-bye. If you don't you'll always regret it, and the guilt will eat you alive if you let it."

Harry looked into his father's eyes and realized the man was speaking from personal experience, Harry knew there were only a handful of people whose deaths would have affected Severus so profoundly, "Mum?" he asked hesitantly.

Severus closed his eyes briefly, obviously remembering a particularly painful moment and said, "Yes, I couldn't bring myself to go to her funeral and I have never truly forgiven myself for that."

Harry hugged his father and walked over to the fireplace shouting, "the burrow" as he tossed in the floo powder and entered the flames. Harry spun through the floo network and came out on the other side landing flat on his ass. Draco, who was still standing in the Weasley's living room snorted with laughter and Harry muttered, "Oh shut up."

Draco helped his brother stand and said, "Come on, it's a little funny, the great Hero-of The Wizarding-World, the youngest seeker in a century, someone who could probably out-fly Victor Krum is a complete klutz when it come to using the floo network."

Harry said, "Well if you haven't noticed Victor isn't exactly Fred Astaire when he's off his broom either."

Draco and Harry stepped aside as Severus came through, Draco raised an eyebrow at Harry and asked, "Who?"

Harry rolled his eyes as Molly came into the living room, "Never mind I'll explain later."

Molly hugged all three of them including Severus then led them outside. Harry, who had been expecting a somber quiet occasion, was incredibly shocked to walk out into what essentially looked like a party. There were several photos of Charlie hanging around the back garden and dozens of people milling about talking and telling stories. Harry saw two of the guys who had come to pick-up Norbert back in his first year standing together laughing their heads off. A wild jazz tune was playing in the background and the rest of the Weasley's were milling about. There was a small tent off to one side, where Harry assumed the casket was being kept, but otherwise the setting wasn't anything like any of the funerals he'd seen on the muggle television.

Severus noticed Harry's confusion and said, "Unlike some muggles we in the wizarding world prefer to celebrate a person's life rather than simply mourning their loss. Charlie's death was indeed a tragedy, but the people here are laughing and enjoying themselves just as he used to. They are honoring Charlie's memory by allowing him to pass in atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration."

As Harry looked around he asked, "Why didn't the ministry do something like this for the memorial? I know Dumbledore had people tell stories, but Scrimgeour never even hinted at it."

Severus answered, "The minister wanted it to be a solemn affair in an attempt to gain favor with the public and because he did not wish to appear insensitive. Also, while Hogwarts' grounds are large could you imagine doing something like this with the group that attended the memorial?"

Harry shook his head thinking of the fast amount of people who had attended the memorial and the chaos that would have occurred if things had not been well organized. Harry wasn't really sure what to do, he mingled around the fringe of people before Ginny spotted him and grabbed his hand dragging Harry over to Lexi who was standing talking to a wizard Harry had never met before. The wizard was about forty something with salt and pepper hair and blue eyes, Harry could tell the man was had worked with dragons because like Charlie he had several burns and calluses on his arms and hands.

Ginny said, "Harry this is Mr. Greeves, he was Charlie's dragon master in Romania."

Harry shook Mr. Greeves' hand saying, "Hello sir."

Mr. Greeves instantly caught site of Harry's scar and gasped in shock, "Harry Potter, what an honor." The man spoke with a very thick accent and Harry couldn't help feeling annoyed at being the center of attention once again. However, to Harry's immense relief Mr. Greeves said, "I was just telling young Miss Weasley and her friend here about Charlie's apprenticeship the boy was natural from the beginning, fascinated with dragons, I can't tell you how many times I had to order him to stop working and get some sleep he was so enthusiastic about the creatures. Charlie loved being outdoors and he had a natural touch with the dragons, I've never seen anything like it, he could calm eve some of the more wildly ones easier than people who've spent their whole lives studying a dragon's nature."

Harry could see slight misting around the man's eyes and felt a slight pang at the loss they had all suffered. Harry spent a little bit of time walking around talking to various people and making sure to spend time with the Weasley's in particular. While Molly never said anything Harry could tell that the loss of her second child was hard for her, Harry made a point to go and give Molly a hug several times throughout the day. Finally it was time for the actual burial, everyone went into the tent and a moment later they were all transported to a near-by cemetery.

Harry couldn't help feeling queasy from the portkey, but fortunately he managed to keep from throwing up this time. As soon as everyone was settled Arthur Weasley stepped forward. Unlike muggle funerals only one person spoke at a wizarding service, if the person was unmarried their father spoke for them (unless their father was already deceased then their mother would) if the person was married their spouse spoke for them, and if the spouse was deceased their oldest child spoke for them.

Arthur stood looking much older than Harry remembered, for once the head of the Weasley family was not smiling, "My son Charlie was an incredibly gifted young man, he was always an active child frequently running around and exploring the world around him. He was so excited when he received his Hogwarts letter because it was a chance to really challenge himself, and also to finally see the place his older brother Bill had been talking about for so long. Charlie thrived beautifully at Hogwarts, he did very well in all of his classes and took a natural shine to quidditch, he was seeker for the Gryffindor team and then became captain as well. Charlie could have gone on to play professionally, but his heart had always been elsewhere. He loved the outdoors and being around magical creatures, dragons had been his favorite since he was small and so he began studying dragons as his chosen career. Molly and I were very proud of him as he excelled in his studies and had as natural touch with the dragons he worked with. Charlie was determined to fight in the final battle because he wanted to stand up for those he loved and also to defend Hogwarts and the wizarding world as a whole. Molly and I will always miss him."

Mrs. Weasley gave a muffled sob as Ron and Ginny (who were sitting on either side of her) wrapped their arms around her shoulders. Arthur continued, even though everyone could tell he was fighting back tears, "Molly and I will always miss Charlie, but we are proud of the life he lived and we respect the choices and actions he took in the end we have also decided to honor our sons memory in another way. My family and I were recently gifted with a larger sum of money" Harry flushed knowing Arthur was talking about the basilisk skin he'd given them for Christmas. Arthur continued "And we are donating a large portion to a scholarship fund for young people studying dragons, this fund will be named after our son Charlie so that his memory may live one and inspire others."

Arthur stood back and magically lowered the casket into the ground, the grave would be filled in once they had all left. Bill raised his wand and shots sparks from it in salute and soon everyone was following. A rain of multicolored magic fell around them and Harry felt a slight peace settled over him as it did. People began to stand and walk forward offering the Weasley family their sympathies and their respect. Harry, Severus, and Draco approached the family, Severus bowed low saying, "You have my deepest sympathies for your loss Arthur, I offer you the protection of the Potter and Snape families."

Arthur inclined his head, "Thank you Severus."

Harry walked up and shook Mr. Weasley's hand, "If there's anything you need just ask and I'll be here to help just say the word."

Arthur nodded, "Thank you Harry."

Draco was last, "I wish nothing but the best for you and your family."

Arthur shook his hand, "Thank you Draco."

The three of them stayed longer than the rest of the guests so they could help clean up, Harry didn't think it was right or fair for Molly to have to do dishes and pick leftovers off the lawn on the day she had buried her child and Severus strongly agreed. Remus and Tonks, who had also come for the funeral, helped as well by putting the extra tables, chairs and other things away so that the Weasley's could have time alone together as family. When they were done Harry walked over to hug Remus, "I'm so glad you're alright."

Remus returned the gesture, "I'm still a little sore, but I will be fine and so will Dora."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "Dora?"

Remus blustered slightly and said, "We will discuss this later."

The sun was sitting giving everything a red tint to it, but even so Harry could have sworn he saw Remus blushing as he walked way. Severus walked over to Harry as soon as Remus had left, Severus wanted Remus and Harry to have time to discuss whatever they were discussing in private. Severus walked over to Harry and put a hand on his shoulder, "Harry son it's time to go."

Harry looked around, then he nodded, "Can I say good-bye first?"

Severus gave his shoulder a squeeze, "Go on, Draco and I will be waiting."

Harry walked into the house and saw Mrs. Weasley sitting on the coach surrounded by her family. They were looking at a photo album and Harry heard Bill talking, "Yeah that was Charlie's first quidditch match, and the first time he ever broke a bone. Man was his shoulder sore."

Harry smirked slightly hearing how Charlie Weasley seeker extrodinaire had broken his shoulder or collar bone by taking a bludger to his arm in first match. Harry walked over to Mrs. Weasley and gave her a hug, "We're leaving." Molly returned the hug, "Thanks for coming Harry dear and thank Severus and Draco as well."

Harry said, "We wouldn't have missed this for anything." Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek and said good-bye to everyone it turn then met his dad and Draco at the floo. The three of them headed back to Hogwarts and sat together in the living room. No one really said anything they all just stayed together as a family.

Hpsshpsshpsshpss

The next few weeks were full of activity Harry and Draco packed up there things and to be ready to go to Snape manner with their father and the last of the students had left the school so repairs could be started on the castle and the grounds. They had gone to many funerals for those who had fallen in the last battle. Severus and Christian made sure Harry and Draco took breaks and talked about how everything was affecting them. Harry couldn't help the slight glow that came from receiving support from his father.

Harry was sitting in the living room drinking a cup of tea when a tapping came from the kitchen window. Harry walked over and saw, "Hedwig?" Harry let her in wondering who would be writing to him right now. Albus and his Dad were going through all of the fan mail Harry had begun to receive since the final battle so this had to be from someone he knew.

Harry opened it and read

Dear Mr. Snape,

As a representative from Harlington book restorations it is my pleasure to inform you that your collection of text is fully restored and ready for you to claim. Please write back so that we may make an appoint for you to retrieve your materials.

Yours sincerely,

Gerald Thompson

Restoration expert

Harry grinned as he finished the letter, Draco and Severus came in from the potions lab. Severus saw the letter and asked, "Who's the post from?"

Harry answered, "The company we asked to restore all of those books from the Black vaults, everything's done and ready for pick-up."

Severus nodded, "good we can retrieve them tomorrow before we go home." They had already decided they were going to donate the materials, the books were a wonderful treasure that would be enormously helpful to several magical schools and universities. Harry knew there was no way he would be able to read them all (and many were going to be transcribed into modern texts by experts at the universities in order to make them accessible to everyone).

Harry, Severus, and Draco were going to eat one last dinner in the great hall with the rest of the Hogwarts staff then the next morning they'd be leaving for Snape manor. The three of them walked to the great hall together a small table was set-up for the staff and Draco and Harry, just as it was for Christmas mornings at the castle, Hagrid was the only one not there and Harry assumed the half-giant was in the forest or helping the aurors work on the grounds he loved so much. They all sat down and began to eat, nobody had much to talk about and the meal looked as though it were going to pass in relative silence until something strange happened. Hagrid, came in leading a small figure wearing a long blue cloak. The cloak was dirty and had holes in it, but Harry could tell it had one been of good quality and was probably made of silk or something similar.

The others stood as Hagrid said, "I saw her outside the school, when I realized who she was I brought her in."

Dumbledore asked, "Who?" but before he could finish the figure lowered their hood and Draco shouted, "Mother!"

Narcissa Malfoy was dirty and disheveled looking, there were dirt smudges on her face and her hair was in a filthy tangle. Harry also spotted several bruises on her arms and neck. Where ever she had been Narcissa had clearly been through a long difficult journey. Draco ran into his mothers arms and the two of them stood their holding each other. Severus, however, looked a pit curious, "Narcissa?"

The woman looked up, "Severus?"

Severus asked, "when was the first time you spanked Draco and why?"

The woman looked up, "always have to confirm don't you Severus? Very well, Draco was three the first time I spanked him, he took his child's broom that Lucius had bought him (despite the fact that I had told him Draco was too young to have one) flying over the stairs and fell off. If I hadn't happened to be in the entryway and caught him with my wand he would have fallen and broken his neck or cracked his head open, probably both."

Severus asked, "And who was the maid of honor at your wedding?"

Narcissa rolled her eyes, "I wanted Alice Longbottom, but of course my parents would never allow such a thing so I asked Millcent Parkinson (of course her last name was McMillan then)."

Harry raised an eyebrow, he had never known Earnie McMillan and Pansy Parkinson were related.

Severus asked, "Finally, where is Malfoy Manor located?"

Narcissa shook her head, "24 Devons Hill Whitehall"

Severus smiled, "welcome back."

Harry could have sworn he saw something else twinkling in Severus' eye, but a moment later it was gone. Madame Pomfrey stood, "Narcissa, I'm glad you're back, but I must insist you come up to the hospital wing this instant. Merlin only knows what you've been through and I need to give you a proper check-up."

Narcissa stood, her body was obviously weak so Draco wrapped her right arm around his shoulder and led her towards the infirmary. As Harry saw them leave he felt a brief flash of confusion what was going to happen to their family now that Narcissa had returned? Draco stayed with his mother all the way to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey took Narcissa into her office and helped the other woman change into loose hospital pajamas then sat her down on an open bed. Albus managed to wrangle the other teachers and send them to their various offices, the headmaster knew Poppy didn't need all those people around when she was working and the family deserved some privacy. It was the least Albus could do after everything he'd put Harry and Severus through.

Once everyone was gone Poppy began running a diagnostic, "Well Mrs. Malfoy…"

Narcissa interrupted, "Ms. Black, I'm filing for divorce as soon as you declare me fit, I would have done it years ago, but Lucius would have made sure he had custody of Draco and I couldn't leave Draco alone with him."

Draco grabbed his mothers hand as Poppy said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Black you are suffering from malnutrition, iron deficiency, dehydration, sleep deprivation and anemia. You also have several bruises and scratches, you're right wrist is broken and you need plenty of rest and potions before you're ready to get back on your feet. Frankly I'm amazed you're still standing."

Severus said, "Poppy do you need any potions from me?"

The medi-witch turned, "Oh, yes thank you Severus" Madame Pomfrey flicked her wand and small list appeared in her hadn, "If you could go down to your office and bring these up for me I would greatly appreciate it."

Severus took the list and headed to the floo, "of course."

As Severus left Poppy asked Draco and Harry to wait outside so she could apply topical potions to Narcissa and speak to her for a few moments in private. As they stepped out of the hospital wing Harry noticed Draco looked a little uneasy, "Draco? Are you alright."

Draco turned to him shaking slightly, "She's alive. She's alive." Harry realized Draco was overwhelmed, he'd spent the last couple of weeks (probably more like the last nine months) preparing himself for the worst, news that his mother was dead. Now she was back, and Draco was obviously happy to see her, but all the emotions had flooded into him at once. Without thinking or stopping Harry pulled Draco into a hug.

The other boy stood stiffly for a moment before he broke down, Draco sobbed and shook, he kept repeating, "She's alive." Harry held Draco and talked to him, telling him to let it all out and that everything was fine. It was the same things Severus did for either of them when they were upset. Draco finally calmed down and sat on the floor, leaning his head against the wall, "This is so surreal, I keep expecting to wake up or have someone say it's all been a mistake. It's insane."

Harry wrapped an arm around Draco's shoulder, "I sorta know what you mean, when Severus and I found out the truth and started to become a family (and you to) it all felt so weird, I couldn't believe it. I expected the same thing myself for months after I was taken from the Dursley's. I kept thinking I was going to wake up in my old room or Gryffindor tower one morning and have someone tell me none of it had been real."

Draco nodded and the two of them sat in silence for a while before Severus came out, Draco stood, "is she all right?"

Severus nodded pulling Draco into a hug, "She's exhausted and suffering from several injuries, but with time, care, and proper rest she will make a full recovery. Fortunately none of her injuries are too severe or permanent, most she received running and hiding from death eaters. Narccissa said she's been running from one protected location to another almost constantly since she brought you here. I believe that is the only reason she managed to survive."

Draco tensed slightly, "What's the ministry going to do? Mum's not going to be arrested is she?"

Severus shook his head, "No Draco, I give you my word that she will not be arrested. We told Kingsley what happened the day you were brought here and he reported it to the minister. While your mother does have the dark mark she, like many death eaters wives, only took it because Lucius demanded it. Albus also said he would put a good word in on Narcissa's behalf."

Harry stood, "So will I, the ministry will have a lot to handle if I speak out for Narciss then they arrest her."

Draco smirked, "Thank you."

Severus said, "You can go it now, but Narcissa is sleeping, she needs a lot of rest right now."

Draco nodded and they all went in, there wasn't much to do, but Harry wanted to be here to support his brother. Narcissa woke just after lunch and carefully sat up in bed. Madame Pomfrey gave her some potions and Severus called Dobby and ordered some soup with bread and fruit for Narcissa. After she ate Draco walked over to her, "Mum?"

Narcissa looked up, "Yes Draco?"

Draco shuffled his feet nervously, "I think you should know, uncle Sev adopted me several months ago."

Draco braced himself, obviously waiting for some sort of violent reaction, but Narcissa merely smiled, "Well that's wonderful. Severus, thank you for taking care of my son so well."

Severus gave a stammered thanks as Draco looked at her in shock, "You're not mad?"

Narcissa shook her head, "Why would I be?"

Draco stuttered from nerves or emotional overload, "wwwwwel, you're back now, and I'm not sure who I'll be living with."

Narcissa took Draco's hand in hers, "Draco, you are my son, I love you and nothing will ever change that, but all of your fathers assets (including my marriage dowry) have been seized by the ministry. I have no money and no place to live, the only reason I was able to hide in Malfoy properties was because Lucius and I are still technically married, but that will not last long. I have no employment history and no idea where I will live once Poppy releases me. I will always be your mother and always see you and spend time with you, but for now you need to stay with Severus."

Severus stepped forward, "And so do you Narcissa."

Narcissa looked up her curtain of golden hair (now washed and free of debris) swirled around her as she said, "what?"

Severus said, "Narcissa, you have nowhere to go and no one to live with. You need a place to live and you are more than welcome to stay with us once you have fully recovered and I will hear no arguments against that."

Narcissa looked torn between shock and surprise for several minutes before she smiled and said, "Thank you Severus, thank you."

Harry grinned as he felt relief run through him, Draco and Narcissa were going to stay and they would remain a family (at least for now) and for Harry that was enough.

o.k. I know I said this would be the last chap, I'm going to do an epilogue and that is all please review.