The Lovers of Azkaban

Disclaimer: All characters, entities, magic and scenarios associated with the Harry Potter series belong to JK Rowling. Any additions to the foregoing were achieved by my twisted mind.

Summary: Slash Harry/Draco. Sent to Azkaban together, the pair finds themselves immersed in the Adventure of their lives and in something else completely unexpected...

A/N: Thank you all for the notes, they are very inspiring! It is wonderful that so many of you have continued reading from the beginning. We are in the home stretch!

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Murphy's Law

--

Harry raced down the stairs from the second level of the Room of Requirement with Hermione on his heels. The shouts combined with the large crash they had heard moments before had set his heart racing overtime. The two gained the ground level and stopped suddenly, staring into the kitchen area.

Draco and Blaise, covered from head to toe in what looked like black soot, lay sprawled on the ground shaking with laughter. Their amusement was so great, they were both gasping for air and the sounds of their mirth were barely audible. The kitchen table – what was left of it – was in various pieces about the floor and the pair was surrounded by broken glass.

'What the hell?' Harry murmured as he began moving forward once more.

Tears were falling from Draco's eyes, his mirth was so great and when he caught sight of Harry and Hermione he began laughing even harder. Blaise's mirth was ebbing, he began coughing and sputtering a little as his bout of laughter came to an end.

'I was perfecting the Portus spell,' Blaise gasped and then broke into laughter again.

Harry and Hermione joined in their laughter at that point and the four spent nearly half a minute trying to regain their sobriety.

Draco finally stood up, his wand in hand and aimed it at the broken kitchen table pieces, 'reparo,' he cried and the table snapped itself back into form.

Blaise held his wand at the floor, 'reparo,' he commanded moments later and the glass bits swept themselves upward re-forming a large glass pitcher.

'You two look like undercover muggle thieves,' Hermione declared.

Everyone laughed again as Draco and Blaise sent cleaning spells to remove the black soot-like substance from their clothes and bodies.

'What happened?' asked Harry.

'I don't know,' Blaise said frowning, 'I have been working on the Portus spell for a while and I really thought I was getting somewhere. Last time I tried it, I was able to make the Portkey I selected vibrate a bit, but this time something went drastically wrong.'

Hermione laughed, 'you're kidding?'

Blaise threw an arm over her shoulders and hugged her lightly, 'yes I am; actually we just felt like destroying the furnishings.'

Everyone laughed again and Hermione looked up at Blaise, 'well you know Murphy's law, whatever can go wrong…will…for Blaise Zabini.'

Blaise threw his head back and laughed at himself together with everyone else.

Harry moved toward Draco and sent a quick concept, 'Hermione knows.'

Draco smiled and sent back a couple of his own, 'good' then 'love you.'

Harry couldn't keep a very large smile from sweeping across his face and he lowered his head to hide the overt delight that fell across his features. He followed the others as they moved toward the salon area to sit down once more, but Harry put a hand on Blaise's arm and pulled him to the side.

Draco noted the action and sat down with Hermione; he was somewhat uncomfortable as the two had absolutely no relationship whatsoever to base a pleasant conversation on.

However, Hermione began speaking softly, 'you have changed a lot during the war Mal…Draco,' she said hesitantly.

Draco looked at Hermione with a bit of surprise in his eyes. The use of his first name – a first – indicated to him that she wished that they become friendly. That was unexpected, even if she had accepted his relationship with Harry. However, he had changed during the war…and still more afterward; befriending Hermione was something he desired…if just for Harry's sake.

'It was a long hard war…Hermione,' he replied and then immediately met her small smile with one of his own; both realizing that they were ready and willing to change things between them.

Harry and Blaise did not note the first signs of friendship forming between Hermione and Draco; they were immersed in a conversation.

'Blaise' Harry began, 'I just wanted to apologize; I was out of line earlier.'

Blaise looked at Harry appraisingly, 'listen, I know how much Hermione means to you, but I don't think you realize how much she has come to mean to me.'

Harry gazed at Blaise somewhat narrowly, 'while I still find it difficult to understand how she can mean so much to you, given her bloodline…I shouldn't have brought it up.'

'No you shouldn't have,' Blaise agreed, but his tone was not unkind. 'I know it doesn't make sense, but there you have it. She does mean a lot to me, despite her bloodline,' he met the Gryffindor's eyes, 'and I will never hurt her, Harry.'

'I don't think you will…at least not intentionally,' Harry mused.

Blaise frowned a little and dropped his eyes, 'there are a lot of things about me that Hermione doesn't know…things that may cause her to see me in a different light. I will tell her about them before…before we progress any further.'

Harry considered Blaise's words for a moment, 'she is very intelligent; if she chooses to be with you after you are honest with her, then I will be behind you both one hundred percent.'

Blaise looked up again and nodded slowly.

Harry's face fell into a frown, 'today what I said…it was a breach of trust…I know. I regret it because I had hoped…well I would like it if we could be friends.'

Blaise's smile creased his features, 'believe me, I would much rather have Harry Potter as a friend than foe.'

Harry laughed a little.

'Just forget what happened today, Harry,' Blaise continued, 'and while you're at it, try and forget about what I said the other day as well.' He sighed, 'I'm sure I'll sort it all.'

Harry looked at Hermione a moment and then met Blaise's eyes, 'something tells me that you will…or if you have problems getting your head around it, she'll do it for you.'

Blaise's face infused with a rare flush as he nodded in acquiescence.

Harry smiled and then inclined his head toward the salon area. The two joined their friends, Harry sitting on the couch next to Hermione while Blaise plopped down into the salon chair beside Draco.

Hermione and Draco had fallen into a conversation about Snape and how odd he continued to be. They were in full accord on that topic, although Draco did have a great amount of respect and admiration for their old professor. He was extremely grateful to him for saving his life and that of his mother during the initial portion of the war, but that did not blind him to Snape's peculiar quirks.

However, when Harry and Blaise returned, Draco began to speak to his Slytherin house mate and Hermione turned her attention to Harry.

'Harry,' Hermione said inquisitively once he'd settled next to her, 'I have been thinking about something. Earlier you said that the Head Auror survived the day that you and Draco attacked the Death Eaters coming out of Voldemort's headquarters. I thought they all died…that is what was stated at the trial.'

Harry looked quickly at Draco and then back to Hermione, 'we sent both stunning and killing curses that day, Hermione. Some of the Death Eaters survived.'

'Oh' responded Hermione, nodding her head with a knowing look in her eyes. She had a feeling that Harry had alone been responsible for the stunning curses; it was simply not a part of his character to send killing curses…she had always thought it strange that he had purportedly done so.

Harry began talking again, recapturing Hermione's attention from her private thoughts, 'there are so many things that I have to tell you Hermione…and of course I have to catch up on all that has happened with you…and with Ron.' Harry looked at Hermione curiously, 'who is it that Ron has taken an interest in?' he asked.

'Susan Bones,' said Hermione, her tone not exactly pleasant. She had never been particularly fond of the girl; Susan had been prone to gossip and tattle tailing when they were at Hogwarts.

Harry's head jerked up a little and he met Hermione's eyes with an intense stare, 'Susan Bones? She's still alive?'

Hermione looked at Harry a little strangely, 'yes…why shouldn't she be?'

'Hermione, she was among the group of Death Eaters that were outside of the cavern when we alighted!' declared Harry, his voice a mixture of excitement and agitation.

'What?' Hermione asked with surprise racing through her tone.

Harry nodded, 'how did Ron become friendly with her?'

Hermione frowned, 'She has been doing some work for the Order and somehow the two of them have become fast friends.'

'When did she start working for the Order?' Harry's tone carried increasing anxiety.

'I don't know exactly, sometime after the war I think.' Hermione wasn't fond of Susan, but the information was shocking. The Bones family had always been staunchly against Voldemort. Both her aunt and uncle had died at the hands of Death Eaters and Susan had constantly professed her allegiance to the good side in various ways…she had even been a member of Dumbledore's Army when they were at Hogwarts.

'It would have had to have been after the war!' declared Harry, 'I thought…I thought she was dead. I saw her fall, but I guess she had only received a stunning curse.'

Hermione's eyes widened, 'I can't believe it! She…she is a believer? A spy?'

Harry was nodding, 'you would be amazed at some of the people who have jumped sides Hermione.' Harry's tone was filled with apprehension, 'you have to tell Ron at once…and Snape.'

Hermione nodded, 'oh my god,' her eyes filled with a bit of pain, 'poor Ron.'

Harry knew Hermione was thinking of Ron's heart being broken, but that was the least of his worries, 'I am concerned that she may be using Ron, Hermione. You have to find him and tell him as soon as possible!'

'Of course,' agreed Hermione distractedly.

'Blaise,' Harry said, getting the Slytherin's attention, 'when were you thinking of going to see Snape?'

Blaise frowned a little and Harry hurriedly continued, 'Hermione just told me that Susan Bones has been doing work for the Order…she is a Death Eater!'

Intensity filled Blaise's expression, 'Susan Bones?'

Harry nodded, 'she was among those I thought were killed when we came out of Voldemort's headquarters.' Harry's expression became agitated, 'Ron…'

Blaise stood up, 'we can go now,' he said noting the looks of worry crawling about Harry and Hermione's features. 'I will tell Snape immediately and send word of the outcome.'

Harry nodded as he and the others stood and began walking toward the front wall of the room.

Hermione hugged Harry warmly and gave him a light kiss on the cheek, 'please be careful, Harry,' she said worriedly.

'Don't worry…just help Ron,' he responded hugging her back.

She nodded, Draco and Blaise had said their good byes and Hermione impulsively moved to where Draco stood and gave him a quick hug, 'goodbye…dr-Draco,' she said.

Draco looked surprised, but gave her a small hug as well, 'goodbye, Hermione.'

Draco cast a spell at the wall and a door formed before them. With a last look backward, Hermione followed Blaise quickly from the room.

When Hermione and Blaise had left, Harry and Draco returned to the couch and Harry explained about Susan Bones. Draco sympathized and then smiled a little.

'They will take care of it, don't worry. Ron will be fine.'

Harry nodded.

'So Hermione is alright with everything?' Draco asked, attempting to get his boyfriend's mind off of the depressing thought of his friend being manipulated by a Believer.

'Yeah she is,' responded Harry, 'that was a little miracle really. I thought she would reject me as a friend outright…or at least show scorn for my decision, but she was alright with it.' Harry's expression became a bit wry, 'it might have had something to do with me finally coming around to being alright with her and Blaise.'

'What is it with you and Blaise? Is it the muggle born issue?'

'That and his reputation,' Harry replied, 'Hermione is like a sister to me and I just couldn't see her being with someone like that. But she was adamant that he was coming around to changing his beliefs and I presume she knows about his reputation…everyone knows. I am still a little wary about it all, but I apologized to him.'

'I'm glad you did, Harry. Blaise has his faults, but underneath a more loyal friend doesn't exist,' Draco grinned, 'with the exception of you of course.' His face grew serious once more, 'if he loves her and he said he does, he'll likely mellow out with the ladies and I can tell you for certain that his stance on muggle born wizards is definitely changing. There was a time when he would have killed himself before admitting to being in love with a muggle born.'

Harry gave a small, breathless laugh while shaking his head a little, 'you Slytherins are a crazy lot,' he said with mirth in his tone.

'Hey now,' Draco responded terse, yet playful tone.

Harry chuckled and then sighed, 'I over-reacted as I do on occasion.'

Draco narrowed his eyes at the Gryffindor, 'sometimes it's a good thing…an unbelievably good thing,' he said softly.

Harry laughed and leaned in to give his boyfriend a kiss.

Draco got to thinking that kissing Harry would be an even better way to distract the Gryffindor from unpleasant thoughts and he began practicing his distraction techniques with a vengeance.

--

Remus, Tonks were in the meeting room with Snape who was filling them in on the latest developments. He ended with the tale of Draco and Harry having left the room of requirement and then proceeded to relate his disgust with the pair for having left their sanctuary.

'I am certain Harry Potter was responsible for them being out of the room so long and I am not sure they were telling me the truth about what they were doing either.' Snape's tone matched the terrific scowl on his face. 'Potter is just like his father, rebellious to a fault. And come to think of it just like Sirius; that man too arrogantly defied Dumbledore's request that he stay put when he was an escapee and he ended up getting himself killed for his trouble. The whole lot of-'

Remus, his face red with anger, banged his fist on the table and interrupted Snape's diatribe.

'I won't hear another word against James or Sirius, Snape! Or Harry either for that matter; perhaps you forget whom you are speaking to!' Remus glared at the Professor.

'How could I possibly-' began Snape.

But Lupin interrupted, his voice uncharacteristically loud, 'they grew up, Snape! James quite rapidly, although you won't credit it; he was an incredible individual, brave, generous, compassionate and a wonderful husband and father - and Sirius despite being confined to that house of horrors known as Azkaban was no less brave and compassionate. They both sacrificed their lives for others, both forwarding the cause we all fought for - are still fighting for and your attitude is simply childish and innane. Get over it!'

Snape's eyes flickered momentarily, and something akin to remorse seemed to lurk within their depths. However, seconds later his lips formed a tight line and his expression became mulish. He opened his mouth to speak, but the door to the meeting room burst open and Blaise and Hermione came rushing into the room.

The occupants of the room turned as one to look at the pair with surprise.

'We have urgent news,' declared Blaise, 'it is very important that we speak now, Professor.'

Snape narrowed his eyes, 'sit down,' he commanded.

Blaise and Hermione sat and Blaise started speaking at once.

'First, you should know that Susan Bones is a spy for the Believers. We have some idea that she may be using Ron for her own ends.'

Snape frowned, 'I know that. It is Ron who is using her for our ends while keeping a very close eye on her.'

'Ron?' Hermione asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Snape nodded briefly, 'he is aware of her allegiance and he has been feeding her false information for some time.'

Hermione sat back in her chair looking a little bit lost.

Blaise cleared his throat, 'well, that is just the beginning. We have also come across evidence that I believe will serve as definitive proof that Harry and Draco are innocent of the crimes they are accused of.'

Snape, Remus and Tonks all begin regarding Blaise intensely and listened while he told a slightly fabricated tale of how they came across the evidence and then presented both the scroll Harry and Draco had obtained and the one he and Hermione had uncovered to the Professor.

Snape read over the documents and his eyes widened slightly upon finishing Scrimgeour's signed testimony. He handed the documents to Lupin and turned to Blaise.

'Well done, very well done you two,' Snape remarked, his tone carrying uncharacteristic approval. 'We should be able to clear their names with this information,' he stared at the wall in thought for a moment, 'legally anyway. It still will not be safe for them to be about until we round up several key individuals.' The Professor seemed to be speaking to himself.

Remus finished reading and handed the documents to Tonks, 'that is amazing' he remarked, looking at Blaise. 'You say you discovered this in Harry's uncle's office?'

Blaise nodded.

Remus turned to Snape, 'we have to look into that as well.'

'Yes,' agreed Snape, 'but that is a secondary issue; at the present we are going to have to act with circumspection. I will talk privately with Kingsley Shacklebolt; we will have to move all at once against these individuals in order to capture them.'

Remus nodded.

Snape narrowed his eyes, 'it is crucial now that Harry and Draco remain in the Room of Requirement; the next couple of days are going to be very dangerous.' He looked at Blaise, 'that goes for you and Hermione as well.'

Blaise nodded.

'The problem is, I cannot trust Potter…I have a feeling he-'

'Let me speak to them,' Remus interrupted, 'I might be able to better stress the importance of their remaining in the room…at least to Harry.'

'If you convince one of them that will be enough; the other will follow suit. They are rather attached to one another,' Snape's innuendo was emphasized by his tone.

Blaise and Hermione frowned at the Professor and Remus looked at the three of them intently for a moment before clearing his throat, 'can you get me into the room?'

'Yes, however I will have to go there and open the door for you.'

'I would prefer to speak to Harry and Draco in private,' Remus responded.

Snape looked at Lupin a little scornfully, 'I meant that I would simply inform them that you are arriving so that they could create a door for you to enter. Or perhaps you have some means of psychically informing them that you are awaiting them outside of the room?'

Remus didn't respond; he merely narrowed his eyes at Snape and nodded.

Snape stood and looked at Blaise, 'was that everything?'

'Yes,' replied Blaise.

'Come before the entrance to the Room in exactly ten minutes, Remus.'

Remus looked at his timepiece and nodded.

--

Harry and Draco were still seated on the couch, their bodies now intertwined, as their kissing session became impassioned. However, they jumped wildly apart when five loud knocks sounded within the room.

The two settled themselves on the sofa before Draco called for their visitor to enter.

Snape blew into the room and stopped just outside of the doorway, 'Remus Lupin desires to speak with you; he will be at the entrance of the room in exactly nine minutes. Just create the door and he will be awaiting you in the hallway when you open it.'

The comment served both as a greeting and salutation as Snape turned without another word and moved back into the private room before disapparating.

Harry and Draco looked at one another.

'That man gets more peculiar by the minute,' Harry declared roundly.

Draco nodded, 'Lupin is coming…I wonder why…'

'I don't know,' Harry said, his voice infused with cheer, 'but I will be happy to see him.'

Draco created a door nine minutes later and opened it. Remus Lupin stood waiting in the hallway and strode quickly into the room, turning to watch the door disappear behind him.

He turned back into the room and found Harry before him grinning happily.

'Hi Remus,' Harry said cheerfully reaching out to hug the newcomer.

'Hello Harry,' responded Remus warmly, hugging him in return. 'Hello Draco' he added, his voice still warm.

'Hi,' answered Draco; his voice was pleasant, but he had little to no relationship with Remus Lupin.

'I came because I would like to speak with you, Harry.' Remus turned to Draco, 'you don't mind if I speak to him for a few minutes in private do you?'

'Of course not,' replied Draco, 'I will go upstairs and work out.'

'Upstairs and…work out?' Remus had finally begun looking around and was amazed by the beauty that surrounded him.

'It is a two story masterpiece, complete with a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and workout room upstairs' exclaimed Harry, 'Draco created it.'

Remus smiled at Draco, 'well done.'

'Thanks,' replied Draco, giving his boyfriend a small smile before moving toward the stairs.

'Let's sit down, Harry,' said Remus moving toward the sofa.

Harry sat down on the salon chair facing him and looked at his father's friend inquisitively.

Remus smiled, 'you look well. I take it all is going well?'

Harry nodded, 'everything is great here, we are completely cut off from the outside world, but the room is wonderful as you can see.'

Remus nodded, 'yes it looks very comfortable.'

However, Remus did not look very comfortable all of the sudden.

'What is it,' Harry asked looking a little worried.

Remus smiled, 'first, I have excellent news. The Order has uncovered several documents that basically prove that you and Draco are innocent of the crimes you were charged with!'

Harry's eyes lit up as if he were in complete surprise, 'you're kidding? That is wonderful news!' Harry frowned, 'but why didn't you want Draco to know that? He will be ecstatic.'

'Well I will leave you to inform him. Nonetheless, we need for both you and Draco to remain here for the next couple of days until we are able to ensure your safety.' Remus' face became serious, 'Snape told me that you and Draco have left the room-'

'Yes, but-' Harry tried to interject.

'Just listen to me Harry; you know how fond I am of you, I did not come here to scold. I am not at all desirous of knowing why you left the room in the past; I just want to stress the importance of you remaining in this room for the next few days. It will be extremely dangerous for both of you if you leave. We will be rounding up those who intend to harm you, but until we do, they will be looking for you with a vengeance.'

Harry nodded.

'Not even to re-create the room, Harry…you don't have to do so do you…for the next three days that is…?'

'No the room is all set for another week.'

Remus nodded, 'good.' He smiled then and his eyes began to sparkle, 'you have more of James in you than you know and I fear your godfather's influence has rubbed off a bit as well. That nod of the head you gave in promise to remain here wasn't a promise at all.' Remus chuckled lightly.

Harry flushed a little and smiled sheepishly, 'we have a means of being very careful, Remus.'

'The Marauders always had a means as well and it didn't stop us from getting in way over our heads at times.'

Harry laughed recalling many of the stories he'd heard about the antics of his father and friends while at Hogwarts.

'But this is serious, Harry, these people want both you and Draco dead. It is amazing to me that the two of you were successful at all…Snape said you made your way into the Ministry of all places.'

Harry looked at Remus thoughtfully. He completely trusted his father's friend and during the war, in fact, since his godfather's death, Remus had made it a point to be there for him whenever needed.

'We were careful Remus, but more careful than you know. We…we used polyjuice potion and change of essence whenever we went out and, well,' Harry exhaled heavily, 'and we are animagi.'

Remus looked at Harry with astonishment in his eyes.

Harry knew Remus would not require convincing, but he changed forms and flew in a small circle about the werewolf before landing once again.

'My god,' Remus said with awe shooting through his tone.

'So you see, we were not only very careful, but we were also able to use our animagus forms to assist us.'

Remus shook his head slowly, blinking a little.

'Please don't tell anyone…Snape…"

Remus snapped to attention, 'of course not, Harry. But how…?'

Harry smiled and gave Remus the details of their transformation including the fact that Dumbledore had assisted him.

'I see,' Remus said, his eyes sparkling again, 'well far be it for me to second guess Dumbledore. If the old wizard was in on all of this somehow…' Remus' voice petered out and then he frowned a little, 'nonetheless, Harry. It would be best if the two of you remained here.'

'I know that,' Harry agreed.

'Whatever that implies,' Remus responded wryly, 'well in any case, I told Severus that I would attempt to convince you to remain here and I do recommend it.'

Harry nodded and Remus chuckled a little and shook his head. He then smiled a little shyly, 'I have other news, Harry; I am going to marry Tonks, did you know?'

Harry's eyes went wide, 'no, congratulations,' Harry said happily, quickly hugging the man again.

'Thank you,' Remus replied, but he frowned almost instantly.

Harry met his anxious gaze, 'what is it Remus?'

Remus sighed, 'I suppose there is no point in dilly dallying about; there is another thing that I wanted to talk to you about. The fact is that Snape intimated that you and Draco have become…rather close.'

Harry looked at Remus wide-eyed, 'we are good friends now.'

'He intimated that your relationship was somewhat closer than good friends, Harry.'

Harry flushed.

Remus smiled a little sadly, 'Harry, I did not come to castigate you; if you have found love with Draco I will be the first to wish you both very happy.'

Harry looked at Remus with hesitancy in his eyes and his teeth biting firmly into his bottom lip.

'You have then?'

Harry nodded.

Remus smiled, happiness reaching his eyes, 'I am very happy for you Harry, you of all people deserve to find love and happiness. When you leave here you will finally be able to begin to live more like a normal wizard. However, because of your relationship with Draco, things might still be a little rough.'

Harry's face fell a little, 'yes I know,' he frowned, 'and if Snape is intimating that Draco and I are together to the whole world, when we are free again we will immediately be besieged by the press and everyone else about our relationship.'

'He is not doing so to my knowledge,' Remus looked uncomfortable, 'just to…your friends it seems.'

'Great,' murmured Harry.

'I will speak to him…only Blaise, Hermione and Tonks were present and I don't think Tonks understood what he was intimating. However I believe that Blaise and Hermione did.'

Harry nodded slowly, 'we planned to tell our friends in any case, but we wanted to tell them ourselves and in our own way.'

'I'll speak to Snape and ask him to be more circumspect in the future. I didn't want to say anything until I was certain.'

Harry nodded, 'Thank you. I am worried about it Remus, I mean some of our friends are likely to have a very negative reaction to our decision to be together.'

'I know exactly what you are going through,' Remus said softly.

'You can't,' Harry said impulsively, 'it is like the most beautiful thing in the world to you is seen by others as something ugly and…wrong.'

Remus didn't respond; he merely looked at Harry, his eyes emotive.

A realization suddenly hit Harry, 'I'm sorry, of course you know what it is like for many people to look down on you for something you can't help. It has been difficult for you being a werewolf.'

Remus nodded, 'you are right that being a werewolf does give me an inkling of the prejudice you would face, however, that is not what I was referring to.'

Harry looked at Remus quickly, his eyes intense.

'I too have experienced what you are going through in terms of being in love with another man.' Remus' face became reflective, 'I was young, younger than you when those feelings began and they carried on for many years. Even now I carry a great amount of love for the individual.'

Harry's mouth was slightly a gape when Remus finished speaking, but he quickly closed it and then frowned a little, 'but if you…I mean why would you marry Tonks if you have feelings for someone else?'

'The individual I am speaking about is dead, Harry.'

Harry stared wide eyed.

'I was lucky to find love again, I didn't think I would.'

'I am really happy you did, Remus, you deserve it.'

Remus smiled, 'thank you Harry, however, I am telling you this to say that it does take a great amount of bravery to be homosexual in the wizard world. Prejudice reigns; people will speak ill of you behind your back and to your face at times. The fact that you are the war hero may help in some ways, but in reality, that will just make the story more enticing for them.'

'I know,' Harry said softly.

'It is a hard decision and can make your life a little tough…at least at first. But like everything else, people become accustomed to everything…eventually I would imagine that the wizard world would tire of making an issue of it and come to grip with the facts. Those who are your friends – your true friends – will accept you for who you are, and that is really all that matters, Harry.'

Harry nodded, desperately wanting to ask Remus who he had been in love with. It seemed incredible to him, but he almost felt he knew who it must have been.

Remus continued speaking, 'I wish I had been braver, that we both had and that I had been willing to love the individual openly,' he said a little sadly, 'hindsight is always more accurate is it not? But at the time, neither of us could face the world or even our friends with the truth, something I do regret…things might have gone very differently in the past if we had been braver in that regard.'

Harry nodded, 'but you are going to marry Tonks…so you weren't really gay or you were only temporarily gay?'

'I didn't really consider the question Harry. I know I truly and completely loved my friend who was male, and yet, I feel an equal amount of love and devotion to Tonks now. I have not felt love for anyone other than those two people, so I don't have a definitive answer; perhaps I am bisexual.'

'Don't you feel more attracted by one sex than the other?'

'I don't feel attracted by either. I felt attracted to one person and now another and that is as much as I can truthfully say.'

Harry nodded.

'What about you, Harry?'

'I feel more attracted to males; I didn't know I did…I mean, it never occurred to me that I might. However, once I realized…well, I am certain that I am gay if that is what you mean.'

Remus laughed and soon Harry joined him.

Harry sobered, 'does Tonks know? I mean does she know how you felt toward the other person in the past?' Harry asked hesitantly.

'I am quite sure she does, although we have not spoken of it directly.'

'And she is alright with that?'

Remus nodded, smiling a little. 'She was quite fond of him as well,' he looked at Harry knowingly, 'we all were.'

Harry knew for certain whom they were talking about then, 'it was my godfather, Sirius…?'

Remus dropped his eyes and nodded his head with a slightly jerking motion.

Harry immediately gave Remus another a hug.

'I miss him so much - sometimes terribly,' Harry admitted softly.

'I do too,' Remus agreed.

Harry looked up, 'but now you have Tonks...'

Remus shook his head a little, 'Sirius will never leave my heart; as a friend of course, but as someone I loved deeply as well.'

The two didn't say anything for quite some time and then Harry spoke softly, 'thanks for speaking to me about this, Remus. I think you might have helped me more than you know.'

Remus smiled and slowly stood up, disengaging himself from Harry's loose hold, 'I'm glad. You know how much I loved your mother and father; I think they would have appreciated my keeping an eye out for you and I am happy to do so. If you ever need me…'

Harry nodded smiling, 'I know that and believe me, I appreciate it more than you know.'

Remus replied with a kind smile and squeezed Harry's arm.

He stood then and called Draco. The Slytherin came down at once and created a door for Remus to pass through. They bid him goodbye, Harry hugging him once more before he left, and then watched as the door sealed behind him.

Harry stood a moment staring at the wall and wondering if his father had ever figured out that his two best friends had carried on a secret relationship.

--

Severus Snape sat in a comfortable chair which he had conjured to replace the hard, stiff chair that normally sat before Kingsley Shacklebolt's desk.

The Minister was staring at Snape with intense surprise written across his features. He had just read the documents that Snape had provided; the scrolls created by his predecessor, ex-Minister Rufus Scrimgeour.

'I am hard pressed to believe that Scrimgeour was involved with the Death Eaters; it simply defies reason!'

Snape didn't respond; he merely stared at the Minister with his customary less-than-friendly scowl.

Shacklebolt pressed the scrolls onto his desk and met Snape's eyes, 'you realize this is going to cause a complete ruckus within the wizard world?'

Snape cocked a brow at Shacklebolt, 'should that statement have some impact on me, Kingsley?'

Shacklebolt frowned, 'I suppose not, after all, I am the one who will have to deal with it all. The Potter-Malfoy supporters will be ecstatic of course; but those who had friends and relatives among those who died with Scrimgeour will not be pleased at all. The wing we have built on the ground level of this very building, dedicated to those who died that day, will be finished in two days. Two days after that there is a huge ceremony taking place to honor them. Now we will not only have to cancel those plans, we will have to tell everyone involved that they were actually Death Eaters and they should be buried in the forgotten hills where we've placed Voldemort's remains.'

'Well I am terribly sorry to ruin your party plans,' Snape said caustically, 'however; you have always held that this would be the eventual outcome.'

'Yes I know; it was not only what I believed, but what I hoped for. I just hadn't planned on being Minister at the time I was doing all of that believing and hoping.' Shacklebolt sighed, 'I knew Harry Potter was far too gifted to make such a grave error. However, as Minister I had no choice but to move forward as if he was guilty as charged.'

'I am not very interested in the woes of your life as Minister, Kingsley.'

Shacklebolt laughed lightly, 'you are no more human than usual I see, Severus.'

Snape's scowl was neatly back in place, 'when can we move on this?'

'Immediately; I understand now why the examination of evidence is taking so long to get started. My Ministry is swamped with Believers.' Shacklebolt sighed again, 'I can have everything in place by tomorrow afternoon…let us plan for four o'clock. I will need the Order to back me up…at this point I am not sure who I can trust here. Bertram! I would have never believed it.'

Snape nodded and the two spoke for three quarters of an hour, working out the fine details of their plan.

When they finished Snape stood up, 'I must go and prepare the members who will assist us tomorrow. If there is anything else, you know how to reach me.'

Shacklebolt nodded, 'one other thing. The other day there was a pair in here, a Mr. Dean Stevens and a Mr. Ron Collins. They came purportedly to make an escapee sighting claim, however, it would appear that their motive was actually quite different.'

Shacklebolt explained the attack on Aubrey Bertram and his assistant and the subsequent capture and escape of Ron Collins.

Snape's eyebrows elevated throughout the tale until they looked as if they might leave his head altogether.

'From the description of what happened,' concluded Shacklebolt, 'I would say that we had a visit from the escapees themselves. While I do not know the extent of Potter's ability, there is simply no other wizard who could have enacted the magic that took place that day. The man was without his wand and yet he managed to evade a host of stunning spells that were directed at him within two meters distance and somehow managed to send stunning spells of his own…all without a wand.'

Shacklebolt pulled open a drawer and pulled out a wand, 'this is the wand that he left with reception upon entering. It tested completely untraceable, something else that has us baffled.'

Snape looked at the wand and instantly recognized it as the one he had given to Harry and Draco; his blackened aspect turned even darker if possible. There was an anger boiling up inside of him that threatened to cause him loss of consciousness. However, he had to maintain his composure and act carefully.

Snape feigned surprise, 'the man had an untraceable wand and was able to enact advanced magic without it?' he repeated. He shook his head slowly, 'it might well have been Potter. You are correct in there being no one else who could have achieved such a thing.'

Shacklebolt nodded, 'I believe it was them and so do those who were involved. We have kept it hushed up for the sake of our sanity. If word got out that we had them here and let them escape – again – we would look like a parcel of fools.'

Snape nodded, 'why don't you allow me to run a few tests on the wand. It is elementary now; even if it were them, we now know they are innocent of the charges. However, I am very interested in that wand.'

Shacklebolt narrowed his eyes for a moment, 'actually, I would like any information you could deduce from further testing. If you will report back to me on your findings, I will gladly allow you to test it.'

Snape nodded as Shacklebolt handed him the wand. 'I do hope the escapees remain in hiding wherever they are…now would be a bad time for them to make an appearance. They are innocent, but will be heavily chased.'

Shacklebolt nodded, 'hopefully they will…if it was them. I am convinced it was…there is simply no one else…'

Snape stood up, 'I had better go and prepare the Order members. We will arrive at four o'clock sharp tomorrow as planned.'

Shacklebolt arose as well, 'thank you for your assistance, Severus. I don't know how you obtained these documents or the information you have given me, but what you have managed to do is exceptional.'

Snape's mouth formed a thin line in appreciation. He felt no qualms whatsoever in accepting all of the credit for something he'd had little to do with bringing about.

--

When Remus left, Harry and Draco had settled on the couch and Harry had related the gist of the conversation he had had with Remus. Draco was happy that Remus had confirmed that their names would be cleared in a short time and a little bit intrigued at the news that Sirius and Remus had been in love with one another.

It was at that point that a message had come via coin from Blaise informing them that Snape knew about Susan Bones and that Ron was not being manipulated by her, but rather keeping an eye on her.

Harry had been greatly relieved by the news and Draco had gone at once to get two glasses of Berry wine to celebrate the news. When the Slytherin returned to the sofa, the two had picked up their previous discussion about Sirius and Remus. The discussion evolved in to what it would have been like for the two Gryffindor's if they had been brave enough to let their secret out and finally to Draco and Harry agreeing that they did not wish to live in secret.

Draco had laughingly suggested that they move in together immediately upon leaving the Room of Requirement and send a nice shockwave through the wizard world. Harry had not laughed however; he hesitantly declared he thought it was a wonderful idea. The Slytherin had stopped laughing immediately and looked at Harry with happiness shining from his eyes.

Draco had spoken with a rush of words, 'I know I sounded like I was joking, but in reality I think it would be brilliant! We should do it, Harry, as soon as we are free.'

Harry had smiled broadly and nodded in response.

However, Harry and Draco's accord had lasted only until they began to discuss the type of home they wished to live in. Draco was thinking expansively, a large, posh place with lots of rooms and tons of expensive amenities. Harry on the other hand had something much more subdued in mind; he merely wanted a place with adequate space that was warm and comfortable. They had continued putting forth various arguments on behalf of their ideals for a while, but being in love, they finally reached a compromise and had celebrated the conclusion of their rather long conversation with a romantic kiss.

However, what had started out as a romantic kissing session had escalated into a passionate session of desire. After only a few minutes, the Slytherin was lying on top of the Gryffindor on the sofa, shirtless, and Harry's button down shirt was button open.

Harry had reached down, unzipped Draco's pants and then shoved his hands into the back of the Slytherin's jeans. His hands had just begun to stroke the soft skin of his lover's well-formed rear, when the abrupt sound of five loud knocks resounded through the room.

The two jumped rapidly apart and began frantically trying to right their clothes. However, to their surprise, Snape did not wait for an invitation this time; he threw the door open and burst into the room, immediately after the knocks had sounded.

It was after midnight and the last thing Harry and Draco expected was for Snape to make another appearance. They froze from their positions on the sofa and stared at their ex-professor with amazement floating across their features when he burst unceremoniously into the room. A shirtless Draco was on his knees zipping his fly and Harry was seated behind him, madly trying to button his shirt and making a muck of it.

Snape, his eyes narrowed and his face in a snarl, did not wait for the young men to finish arranging their clothing; he immediately began speaking, his voice loud and angry.

'Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the Ministry and was given this!' he screeched without preamble.

Harry and Draco who were both flushed and had their eyes anywhere but on Snape's face while they attempted dress, looked up at the Professor. Both reacted with wide-eyed expressions of surprise at the sight of the familiar wand Snape held up before them.

'I know all about your little visit to the Ministry so I don't want to hear any more lies from either of you. I want to know what in the hell the two of you were doing there; NOW!'

Snape's final screech caused both young men to jump a little, but neither Harry nor Draco spoke. They merely continued to stare in wide-eyed silence at the viciously angry man before them.

Snape smirked, 'well I have to admit that your silence is better than hearing the lie the two of you are desperately trying to come up with. As it turns out, I already know the truth.' His eyes bored into Harry's, 'I know all about your visiting Aubrey Bertram's office and your subsequent use of magic…without a wand.'

Snape's voice was derisive, but at the same time a little inquisitive. He stood glaring at Harry as if awaiting him to speak.

Harry lifted a hand and absently began rubbing the back of his neck, 'I – I can do certain little things without a wand,' Harry finally muttered.

'Rather magnificent things I would say,' Snape snapped, 'evading curses from a wand less than two meters before you and sending stunning spells, all without a wand? I wouldn't call those 'certain little things' I would call those very big things. SO BIG THAT ANY WIZARD WITH A SMIDGEON OF SENSE WOULD REALIZE WHO WAS ENACTING THE MAGIC, NO MATTER HOW MUCH POLYJUICE POTION THEY HAD TAKEN!'

Harry's mind was leaping with thought; he wasn't sure why, but he didn't feel that he should divulge the extent of his wandless magic ability. However, while his brain was storming with thought, a clear and very firm voice interrupted his thoughts.

'Trust him.'

Harry hadn't heard the voice in so long, he was quite unprepared for its sudden arrival and his head jerked quickly upward in response. He rapidly recovered however, and looked at Snape, 'you are correct sir; I do have the ability to do many things without my wand…many advanced acts of magic.'

Snape nodded, his face cold, 'and you thought that this would be a good idea? TO GO TO THE MINISTRY AND ENACT MAGIC THAT ONLY HARRY POTTER COULD POSSIBLY ACCOMPLISH?'

Harry rubbed a hand over his face and seeing him, Draco began rapidly speaking while seating himself, 'we went to the Ministry, sir, because we found out that Aubrey-'

'I know why you went,' Snape interrupted coldly, 'what I don't understand is how you found anything out at all…certainly the fact that Bertram is associated with the Believers was not mentioned in the Daily Prophet!'

'Maybe you should sit down, sir,' Harry said slowly.

Snape regarded Harry for a moment before storming to the salon area and seating himself on one of the salon chairs facing them. He sat back and folded his arms across his chest, then waited in a tension filled, expectant silence.

Harry took a deep breath and began to give a tailored tale of what he and Draco had done. He told Snape about their visit to the PM's office and their uncovering the document. He told him that they had unexpectedly run into Blaise while returning to the room and had made themselves known to him so that they could give him the document to give to Snape. He then explained that they had gone to the office of the Ministry to try and obtain personnel records to help them identify the names on the document they had found just in case Snape was unable to do so.

Harry left out anything more concerning Blaise's involvement or subsequent actions; he didn't want to implicate the Slytherin any more than absolutely necessary. He had no idea that Blaise had already given Snape a slightly different version of the facts earlier.

Harry also neglected to mention that they were Animagi; instead he had changed his tale slightly so that it appeared they had accomplished everything using only his innate magic to help them. While he was certain he could trust Snape, the voice having told him so, he felt that he and Draco would have to be very careful about who they divulged information concerning their Animagi form to. They could never legally register with the Ministry and it would have to remain a secret among a very small and close group of individuals.

When Harry finished speaking Snape didn't say anything for a few moments. He merely continued to glare at the Gryffindor until that young man dropped his gaze.

Snape finally stood, 'unless I am mistaken' he said, his tone extremely cold, 'the two of you will be free in two days time. Until then you are NOT to leave this room. I mean that…if I have to chain your bottoms to the salon chairs I will.'

'Yes sir,' responded Draco immediately.

'We won't leave again,' added Harry a moment later.

Snape's face took on an evil snarl; he looked pointedly at Draco's bare chest and then to Harry's tousled shirt which he had miss-buttoned, 'despicable,' he declared roundly before slamming the wand he still held in his hand down onto the sofa table. The Professor then turned toward the private room and began walking rapidly toward it.

'My thoughts exactly,' Harry sneered angrily at the Professor's back. He was tired of Snape's innuendos and angry that the Professor was making them to others. The Professor's final nasty remark had set Harry's blood to a boil.

Snape pulled the door to the private room wide open and stepped inside before turning to regard Harry with one of the nastiest and vilest looks either young man had ever seen smeared across his face, 'that remains-' began the Professor.

However Harry had had enough, he sent a burst of energy and caused the door to slam swiftly and loudly shut in the Professor's face, cutting off whatever words he had been about to utter and whipping his unpleasant visage from view.

When a few moments passed and it appeared Snape wasn't planning to return, Draco looked at Harry, his face animated with amusement, 'that was wicked! Just brilliant!' he declared before collapsing against his boyfriend in laughter.

Harry's anger faded quickly in the face of Draco's mirth and a moment later he began laughing as hard as the Slytherin.