Beta: Lounge256
A.N.: Hello, fellow humans! It is almost Christmas so I decided to publish this chapter as a present ^.^ On a not so positive note, my beta is currently unavailable for personal reasons. If you find any mistakes please let me know so I can correct them.
In any case, I hope you enjoy the Holidays vacations!
Most of the members of the Court were sitting on the last compartment of the last wagon of the train, the one they had claimed as their own many years ago. A lethargic atmosphere dominated the place, only the few who were not as affected by the lack of sleep were holding hushed conversations.
Harry observed his book for another moment before he decided to give up, he had been trying to read the same page for more than ten minutes now, but his body was not cooperating. Carefully, he placed the book in his backpack and closed his eyes. For the first time in a while, he noticed how tired he was. His brain felt like cotton, unwilling to cooperate with him. His eyes watered constantly and only eye drops kept them functioning on a decent level. If that was not enough, his body felt like a soggy noodle. It was strange to feel weak, in every sense of the word. Even his magic, which had always been his constant companion and loyal supporter, was not enough to keep the exhaustion at bay. 'Maybe it really is time to take a break,' he thought.
Almost everything was moving smoothly, his hard work was slowly but surely paying off. There was not any major move he could pull until the book was released for the public in a few days, and even then, he would have to wait until they were back in school. Almost everything related to Hogwarts was put on hold until he received the reports from the examiners and rune specialists, which would be delivered tomorrow morning. Besides, Marcus was having a tough time dealing with the Ministry's archives. The place was in such a state of disarray that not even with the help of a hundred elves, the man was able to find the blueprints of the department of Mysteries and other important buildings that Harry wanted to examine. Also, the second task would take place after the holidays and the elves were already working on the suits.
If anything, the ridiculous competition was useful for Harry to test the limits of their protective gear and find ways to improve them, so at least not all of his time was wasted. Thinking about it, he had totally forgotten about the golden sphere he won during the first task, placing it in one of his many drawers or maybe he lost it somewhere. According to Marcus, it held clues for the next event, but hearing said clues from the creator himself was far more productive. He would not waste those precious free moments on the Tournament when he barely had time to sleep.
All in all, he just had to wait for his plans to begin working so he was free for these couple of weeks... Well, he would visit the emperor and he had a trip planned with his sister, but nothing else.
Harry sighed heavily, scratching the purring cat on his lap behind the ears. 'It is time,' he decided. For months, no, that was not right. For years, he had avoided this subject, but it was time to talk about it with Sirius. Hwasa was right, it was time to grow up and that would be impossible if he ignored the neon pink elephant in the room. As reluctant as he was to have this conversation with his godfather, at least he knew it was necessary.
The man had matured far more than expected after he began dating Amelia Bones. The woman was wise beyond her years, but overall, she was observant and had a kind heart. She was the only one to notice the severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder that Sirius had been dealing with. Basically, she had forced him to be treated by a mind-healer and also a squib psychiatrist. The therapies were doing wonders for the man and, sometimes, Harry felt really guilty for how harsh he had been with him. That is how he learnt that mental illnesses were the most sadistic silent killers. He would have never noticed that there was something wrong with his godfather until it was too late.
The cat began licking his hand and Harry sighed. It would be good to give his new friend a name, but he was still not sure on whether he should do it. It was scary to name someone and love them, only to lose them. The cat began purring louder and Harry allowed the sound to lull him into relaxation, falling deeply asleep in a matter of seconds.
Harry heard someone whispering his name. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could not match any face to the familiar voice. It was frustrating, he decided, knowing something and yet being unable to use that knowledge because his brain refused to cooperate.
"Harry..."
He heard the voice again. It was so familiar he could swear that he had heard it before, but he had no idea of who it may belong. His brain suddenly conjured a face. It was blurry, so much that the features were rendered unrecognizable sans for one: a warm pair of emerald eyes. They reminded him so much of his own yet they were so different. While his eyes tended to express nothing at all, to the point he had sometimes compared himself to a porcelain doll, these eyes were warm. He could almost feel the affection oozing out of that person through those eyes.
Harry woke up with a sharp intake of breath and looked around. Luna was beside him, a hand still placed on his forearm.
"Harry, we are going to arrive at the station soon," she whispered, smiling at him. He only nodded in response and tried to calm down the rapid thump of his heart.
He petted the still sleeping cat absentmindedly. The person in his dream also had long, red hair. It was not the ginger tone of the Weasley twins, it was actually red. A really strange shade, if you asked him. Deep mahogany that clashed intensely with the vivid green of the eyes. Curious, it was the first time Harry had ever dreamt about any of his parents.
Until the moment, he had avoided looking at the pictures that his mother had left behind. It was already painful enough to dream about the life he had lost, he did not need to feed his brain with more information to make his fantasies much more vivid and a hundred times more painful. Maybe one day he would be ready to look at the pictures with fondness instead of mournful wistfulness, but that day was not close so he decided to ignore the dream for the foreseeable future.
"Hey, are you okay?" Neville whispered on his ear.
Harry turned his head to face his friend and nodded, deciding to open his eyes at last. Neville was sporting a slight frown, concern was written all over his face. He patted the boy's knee in an effort to ease his worry.
"I'm fine. But I have a really important question that needs to be answered, why is Fleur allowed to continue sleeping?"
"Because she growls at anyone who tries to wake her," Neville answered merrily, smiling with fondness at the girl sleeping on his shoulder. "... Harry, I don't think you realize this, but your magic can become a bit oppressive sometimes. I don't know how to explain this. It kind of feels like something is pressing your chest and stealing your air, sort of. You kind of lost control while you were sleeping and Luna decided to wake you before the others noticed."
"I'm sorry," he muttered with a sigh. He would look into this subject as soon as possible. It was counterintuitive to lose control in such a way, especially when he affected his friends. He looked to the side in order to apologize to Luna, but she was far too lost in the book he clearly remembered putting inside his backpack. Harry decided to just give up on the subject, he was not in the mood to banter.
"Don't worry about it. So, any plans for the Holidays?"
"Not really. I will travel with my sister after Yule and pay a short visit to the emperor in a few days. I also asked Leah to be with you for the holidays, so you can visit your parents every time you want."
"Thank you, I mean it," Neville told him and Harry smiled in response. "You know that you can come with me if you want to, right?"
"I would like that. It will be good to meet my godmother at last... Did you read the papers that Justin gave you?"
"Well, I tried," Neville muttered with a grimace. "To be honest, I understood almost nothing. Justin explained to me the basics and gave me all these muggle books to read. I could have never imagined that they have gained so much knowledge of the human body. It would be far more interesting if all the words didn't give me a major headache."
"That, my dear friend, is the beauty of science," Harry joked, amused at his friend's plight, but sobering immediately. "The doctors are running more tests on your parents."
"I know. Justin told me that all those tests had normal results so my parents should be fine, but they aren't. His mum is doing her best to find the reason why they are acting that way. I would have questioned her methods before because I already know that the Cruciatus is the reason why my parents are in that state, but that information was useless for the healers," Neville mumbled, almost mashing his words together in an unintelligible way.
"Calm down, the doctors will find a way of making sure your parents recover. Also, I am going to ask the emperor for one of his most trusted healers to work with Justin's mother. We will find a way, I promise."
Harry knew how dangerous it was to promise something that was out of his hands. However, he also knew that Neville desperately needed his parents and he would make sure he got them. At least in that way one of them could enjoy the life they were supposed to have. He was rewarded with a smile, one of the brightest he had ever seen his friend wearing.
"I want to visit my parents tomorrow."
"I have to go to the bank in the morning, but I will try to be there in the evening. You should tell Justin though; he might have some free time to join us."
"I'll call him later," Neville said, looking at the boy in question with a playful smile.
Justin was totally absorbed in a thick tome, taking messy notes on a notebook that had seen better days. Considering the notebook was not even a month old, Harry wondered how much time his friend dedicated to his newfound passion.
"It will be better," Harry agreed at last. "Be sure to visit the castle every couple of days."
"Of course, I still have to practice and Fleur sort of threatened me to visit her every day. She is really excited."
"She is not the only one," Harry groaned, "Rome began crying when I told him more people would be coming to the castle. I have never seen him so happy."
"It's a shame that I won't spend the Holidays with you, the castle will be full of life these days. But I really want to go to the Titicaca Lake. Daddy thinks we'll find grindillops in there," Luna commented, smiling at the duo before going back to the book.
Seeing Harry's pained expression, Neville pated his shoulder but offered no comment. Everyone knew that the last Potter was not a fan of socialization, coming off as aloof in the best of the cases and awkward in the worst.
"Fred, George, do you want me to send one of my elves to bring you to the castle? Ella will be pretty busy," Harry offered to the twins, reprimanding himself for not thinking about it earlier.
"Uhm, sure," a sleepy George agreed.
"I honestly don't know how the Holidays will go. Our dear mother was not overbearing during the summer, but now that perfect Percy has a job in the Ministry she will probably try to nag us to death," Fred commented in a nonchalant tone, as if speaking of the weather.
"What about Bill?"
"He and Ginny are the reason why we are going back. I think Charlie is coming too, but I'm not sure. Don't worry, it's not that bad."
"Did she review your grades?" asked Daphne, narrowing her eyes when Fred's shoulders sagged.
"Not really," George admitted, now fully awake. "Mum was too busy worrying over Ron and Percy. To be fair, she did not even check Ginny's grades."
"That woman-"
"That woman is our mother," George interrupted Daphne's tirade with a heavy sigh. "I won't pretend to understand her or that we are okay with it, but she's our mother. We can deal with it until it's time to leave the Burrow."
"I'm sorry," Daphne muttered after a brief moment of silence.
"Did you know that we are beginning out apprenticeships on Monday?" Adrian asked to no one in particular in an effort to break the tense atmosphere that had been created.
"We have only heard you whine about it for the last month," Terrence retorted playfully.
"Well, he is training under Moody while we only have to be in the hospital a few hours a week," George commented.
"Exactly, we are the ones who got the raw end of the deal! We have to deal with whining brats and annoying old blighters while he will be learning cool spells from one of the best Aurors in history," Terrence complained, glaring at a smiling Adrian.
"And don't forget that I get to enjoy tea with Edgar in the evenings," Adrian gloated, smiling impishly at his friends.
"See? It really is not fair, Edgar makes the best scones in the country!" Terrence whined, giving an accusing glare at his friend.
"Who's Edgar?" mumbled a half-asleep Fleur, looking around with almost closed eyes. At last, her eyes focused on the small group near her. The only ones who were awake for that matter.
"Moody's husband," Fred explained to the girl.
"And who's Moody?"
"Do you remember the scarred Auror that gave a few announcements before the ball?" Neville asked to the girl sitting beside him, receiving a nod in return. "That's him."
"So Auror Moody is married," Harry muttered, earning many curious glances.
"You didn't know? It's kind of common knowledge," Adrian asked, genuinely curious.
"Why should I? His marital status doesn't affect his job so I never really cared," was Harry's lackadaisical answer.
"The thing, Harry, is that it did affect his job," Fred explained, his brow furrowed and a slight scowl appeared on his usually cheerful visage. "The reason why he was never ascended to Head of the DMLE or any other position was because of his husband."
"All I know is that it was a big scandal when they decided to get married," Daphne provided, looking thoughtful. "Even my parents used to whisper about his marriage although it happened before any of us were born. The only reason why he was not kicked out as an Auror is because he is one of the best and that he had many friends who vouched for him."
"So muggles and magical are not that different," Harry said, a sardonic smile on his lips.
"What do you mean?" A somewhat wary yet curious Neville asked.
"For some reason, muggles and magicals share the same prejudices. I really don't understand. If you don't like something, then you don't do it and allow others to live in peace. As long as you are not hurting others and being a productive member of society, why should others mess in your life? It is ridiculous to try to preach your opinion as if it was a universal truth."
"It is, but isn't that what makes us humans?" Luna asked, smiling dreamily and going back to the book.
What was left of the train ride was spend in silence, with a few whispered conversations here and there. Everyone was far too lost in their own thoughts to worry about waking up the sleeping members so when the elves popped in the compartment to pick up their respective masters, it was a chaotic affair of hurried goodbyes and last-minute conversations.
At last, Harry Potter and his friends arrived at his house. From the living room, one could smell the food being served in the dining room. As always, Elizabeth hugged her brother to almost the point of suffocation as Eleadora watched.
"You all look tired so I'm guessing that you enjoyed the ball," aunt Eleadora commented while hugging every single one of the newcomers. "Blaise, I was not expecting to see you so soon!"
"I'm only staying for a few hours; my grandparents are waiting for me."
"A shame, you have to visit more often, young man. And I guess that you are Fleur, it's a pleasure to meet you at last, dear."
"I have heard many good things about you, madam," Fleur answered politely, though she was smiling warmly at the woman.
"Just Eleadora will do, or aunt Eleadora if you want to. Now kids, time for dinner, we can talk over there. Sirius will be joining us later on so we must take advantage of these moments of peace."
"We'll join you later," Harry told the group, pushing Elizabeth towards the others and signalling Blaise to follow him.
No one questioned the pair as they left the room, but many curious glances followed their wake.
Harry walked towards his room and Blaise followed without a word. After a silent trip, they arrived at last. Harry threw himself to the bed to his bed after kicking his shoes off and lay down with a tired sigh, patting the empty space beside him.
"So are you going to tell me what is bothering you?"
"A lot, really," Blaise muttered, collapsing on the bed and burying his face on a pillow. "You know that Andrea was my date for the night. To be honest, I didn't invite her because I liked her or anything. She was just available... I was not expecting to get along with her so well."
"Are you feeling guilty?"
"A little," Blaise acknowledged after a moment. "But that is not what is bothering me right now... Last night we left the ball after she noticed that I was slightly tipsy. She escorted me to the common room because, according to her, I was not even able to walk a straight line," he narrated, a slight smile adorning his face. "I didn't complain, you know, because I really like her. She somehow ended up in my room and we talked all night long."
"Is that all? You look far too miserable for only talking," Harry commented offhandedly.
"You are not good at being supportive, you know?"
"At least I'm honest," he retorted, but waited for his friend to tell him what was really bothering him.
"We only talked and that is the problem. I'm not kidding when I say that I like her, I really do. I have never gotten along with anyone so well this fast," Blaise grumbled, looking at the ceiling with intensity. "I asked her out. We agreed to exchange letters during the holidays and try dating when I come back from Italy."
"So you are feeling guilty because you also like Luna or is it something else?"
"...Because of Luna, and maybe a little because the guys will try to tease her," Blaise admitted after a minute of silence. "I don't want to ever make her feel as a consolation prize or a convenient second option."
"You really like her, right?"
"I do."
"Then she is not your second option," Harry said, smiling at the confused boy. "You have had many opportunities to ask Luna out, but you decided not to. You have already decided that friendship is the only thing you want from her. However, you really like that other girl-"
"Andrea."
"That other girl," Harry repeated, smirking at an annoyed Blaise. "You asked her out and I'm sure that you will give your best efforts for any kind of relationship that the two of you decide to have. In the end, you chose her over Luna."
"But I also like Luna, a lot."
"I know, but you decided she would only be your friend. Can I ask you something? It's merely out of curiosity, you don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Go ahead," Blaise nodded.
"What would you do if Luna asks you out?"
"That will never happen-"
"But what if it did, what would you do then?"
Blaise remained silent after that, he licked his lips before opening his mouth a couple of times, as if wanting to answer but he remained silent. Harry decided to not pressure his friend and was about to suggest for them to go and join the others for dinner until the silence was broken.
"I would reject her," Blaise whispered, looking resolute. "It would be hard, but I would reject her. I love her as a friend, I hope that we always remain as close as we are, a romantic relationship would definitely complicate everything and I am not willing to risk it. Being totally honest, I don't think anyone in the Court is willing to risk it..."
"Who knows? Everything can change."
"What about you?"
"What about me?" Harry asked back, tilting his head in confusion.
"What is going on with Hwasa? The two of you are always together."
"That is not true," he denied swiftly, swatting away the accusatory finger pointing his way. "There really is nothing going on."
"Sometimes you are really observant, others, you are as dense as a concrete block," Blaise stated, massaging his temples. "I don't know how to explain it, but when the two of you are together, you ignore the whole world. It is rather uncomfortable to be with you."
"I guess that it has something to do with the fact that we rarely speak English when we are together," Harry commented, smirking at his friend's obvious exasperation. "I like her, but not in a romantic sense," he admitted, "We get along surprisingly well and we have known each other for years... Maybe in a distant future we could even have a closer relationship, but I really don't see that happening, we are like water and oil. Besides, I have my priorities set and a relationship is something I really don't want to even consider until I am older. Much older."
"If you say so," Blaise muttered, his chagrined expression was replaced by a mischievous one. "But even if you don't like her that way, you can't deny that the princess is damn fine."
"Keep saying those things and I am accusing you with that other girl."
"For Morgana, shut up!" Blaise exclaimed, his skin tone concealing his burning face.
After an epic pillow battle, the duo lay panting on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Let's go to have dinner already, I'm hungry," Blaise declared between ragged breaths.
"What hour do you have to arrive at your grandparents' house again?"
"Bloody Merlin's beard! My nonnina will kill me," Blaise groaned, covering his face with a pillow after taking a look at the clock in the wall.
"She won't have to bother if you continue trying to auto-asphyxiate," Harry muttered, taking away the pillow Blaise was using for this purpose. "Go to my studio and use your portkey there, I will just tell the others that you had to leave."
"Thanks! I'll call you soon!"
Harry enjoyed lying down for a few moments before going downstairs, only his hunger motivating him to socialize.
"Where's Blaise?" Elizabeth asked him once he entered the dining room.
"He had to go take his portkey before it went off," Harry lied with easiness as he took his usual seat. "And the others?"
"In their rooms, almost everyone was half-sleep after dinner. Aunty just left with Fleur to show her around, they were waiting for you but you took too long," his sister accused him.
"We didn't take that long. The others were hungry because they skipped lunch in favour of a midday nap," he explained with a sigh and began eating his soup.
"By the way, I wanted to ask about your new cat."
Harry only raised an eyebrow as response, feeling slightly guilty for leaving his new friend on his own. Then again, what the cat lacked in looks was more than overcompensated in intelligence.
"It is not fair that you are allowed to have a cat. Even Flora and Hestia have cats!" Elizabeth whined in protest.
"You have three murderous fowls," Harry deadpanned, thinking on the contrast between his lovely Hedwig and gallant Nero and Elizabeth's baleful birds. Though he admitted, albeit begrudgingly, that they were useful.
Hades, the Andean condor with no aesthetic appeal whatsoever, was quick and efficient in his deliveries. Apollo, the somewhat plain yet overly large owl, had an eerily accurate memory and understanding of the language, only delivering the letters to the people they were intended to and destroying it otherwise. Considering that the latter dealt with the businesses rather than Gringotts, he had to be clever unless he wanted to be disposed of by Harry's competition in a futile effort to gain inside information... He wondered why he had decided to follow this particular train of thought, was he that tired?
"Don't call my babies that!" Elizabeth complained, directing an accusing glare at him. "And we were not talking about them. You have two birds and a cat, I also want one."
"You are only allowed to have one pet in school," he reminded his pouting sister. "Besides, the cat is not mine. I found him in the castle, we are trying to find his human, but until now no one claimed him."
"So he's already yours," she muttered. "For some reason, aunty almost cried when she saw him. She took him with her so I think you don't have a say on the matter."
"Did you enjoy the ball?" he asked, not really wanting to know why aunt Eleadora had kidnapped the poor feline and having an uncanny interest on how had Viktor behaved last night.
Dinner went by with Elizabeth telling him about her night with far too much excitement. He nodded and hummed here and there while he enjoyed his meal. Now, he felt a sliver of pity for Viktor, who had to deal with his over-excitable and hyper sister. For a second he wondered who this Boy Scout band was because his sister was gushing about them as one of those rabid teenage fangirls. He suppressed a shudder and decided that ignorance was the better option sometimes.
"Harry!" Sirius yelled from the doorway, approaching the two teenagers. "Hello, Lizzy."
Immediately Harry took notice of all the changes in his godfather. His posture, for once, was not sagged. His shoulders were relaxed but his back was straight. Also, the dark circles that he had once assumed were a genetic trait in the Black family were absent from Sirius' face. His godfather no longer looked as if he was carrying the weight of the world, and even though all those years in Azkaban had taken their toll on the man's appearance, the lines of his face were no longer as pronounced as they were a few months ago.
"You are looking good, Sirius," Harry complimented his godfather, accepting the hug the man was giving him. "Want to have dinner?"
"Nah, pup. I had dinner already with Amelia and Susan. Talking about that, I was going to ask you when you have a free evening because Amelia and I were thinking about beginning to know each other's families a bit better and she already knows Remus. Not that you don't know her already, but it would be nice-"
"Sirius, calm down. Choose whatever day you want after my trip to the empire and before the twenty-seventh."
"Oh, we are travelling! I already made a list of all the places we should visit while we are in the Tribes. Also, you have to tolerate my friend for a few hours," Elizabeth informed him with far too much cheerfulness. "I'm going to bed now because I have to help aunty with the book delivery that is arriving tomorrow."
"I am going to the bank in the morning, want to come?"
"Nope," Elizabeth answered while grabbing a spoon. "We have to catalogue and organize the books so there will be no time... Besides, I already had tea with Ragnok yesterday," she said before pecking his cheek and fleeing the room before he could stop her from taking the whole pudding bowl.
"She stole my manager," Harry grumbled.
"That is not important, she stole my pudding!" Sirius complained, holding an empty cup and looking as if his sister had stolen his first-born instead.
Harry only patted his godfather's shoulder and filled his favourite mug with the much-needed beverage, taking a second to appreciate the strong scent of a good black tea before taking a sip.
"Want some?" Harry asked his godfather when he noticed the man's gaze.
"I want to talk with you about a few things," Sirius muttered, looking utterly uncomfortable.
"Go ahead then, we have all night and it is barely seven."
"Okay then," the man grunted, playing with his empty cup in an effort to ease his nerves. "I should have talked with you about this a while ago, but this is something I never thought I would be preaching about. Argh, Remus should be here!"
Harry waited patiently as the man rumbled, curious about what was so urgent that had Sirius acting as an inarticulate teenager about to ask out his crush. Also, he was deciding whether it was a good time to speak about the matter that had been bothering him. Unfortunately, he knew himself too well. He would avoid the topic for as long as possible until it became such a heavy burden that needed to be vented, and even in that situation, he would be reluctant. No better moment than the present, right?
"I noticed that Hwasa arrived really late, or really early, depending on your perspective," Sirius began, giving him an inquisitive look.
"I showed her around the castle and then we chatted a bit, we didn't notice the hour. Sorry if we worried you, Sirius," Harry apologized, wondering if he would be grounded.
"Ah, there is no need to apologize pup. I was a teenager so I know how it is," the man muttered, not even looking at him. "I just hope that you were both careful... Well, I know that you are really mature for your age, but still... Ehm, no, that wasn't what I was going to say. You know what happens when a girl and a boy are together alone and when they like each other. Oh Merlin, have mercy on me!" Sirius whined, covering his flaming face with his hands.
"Are you okay?" asked somewhat awkwardly a confused Harry Potter.
"I should have listened to your mother when she tried to make me read all those parenting books," the man complained but steeled himself. "You are a teenager and have urges, I know, I have been there and it is totally natural. Your body is changing and also is your mind. It is totally understandable that you begin to feel attracted to girls – or anyone, it doesn't really matter... Well, it kind of does, actually. Being with a girl is different from with being with a bloke and the process is different but also similar, I guess... Well, of course it is different because girls and boys are different but it has the same procedure and of course, you have to use protection in both cases. Ehm, even if a boy can't have-"
"Are you talking about intercourse or physical changes?" asked a frowning Harry, trying to understand where was his godfather going with all his blabber.
"Thank you so much, Merlin," Sirius muttered, heaving a relieved sigh.
"You should thank muggle sex-ed and aunt Eleadora."
"Sorry about that, you have no idea of how uncomfortable it's to give the talk to a godson who already experienced the act," Sirius said, apparently, all the embarrassment had drained from the man.
"What gives you that impression?" asked a somewhat offended teenager that internally asked himself if he looked that easy.
"Oh, come on pup! I was once a teenager. Your princess arrived really late and the ball ended at midnight, maybe a few hours more but that is it and the castle is not that interesting."
"We left the ball pretty late," Harry explained, "and I did show her around. The inner courtyard was adapted to a spring-like temperature for many complicated reasons that I don't want to talk about and I took her there. We really talked."
"Until five in the morning?" asked an incredulous Sirius.
"I thought it was only until four," the teen muttered and then shrugged. "We caught up, talked about school and what is going on in general. Mainly she nagged me for not taking care of myself."
"You're being serious, aren't you?" groaned Sirius, his face turning into a hot pink once again. "I can't believe I went through all of this embarrassment only for that."
"If it makes you feel better, I have never been intimate with anyone and am not planning on doing so. Also, Hwasa is only a friend."
"It really doesn't, but at least I know that I don't have to go through this again."
"Aren't you planning on having children?"
"Amelia will take care of it," Sirius snapped, pouting at his godson until he realized what he had said, then proceeded to blush intensely.
"That is a wise decision," Harry agreed, ignoring the spluttering man in favour of his tea. "I also wanted to talk to you about something," he said, at last, steeling himself.
"Go ahead, I have nothing left to be embarrassed about," Sirius groaned.
"If you say so... I wanted to ask you about my father," Harry blurted after taking a deep breath. Sirius immediately raised his head; the blush had yet to disappear.
"I thought you were going to ask me about my experiences with – never mind, what do you want to know about James?"
"What kind of person he was. My mum wrote a lot about him, but mostly about their school days so I want to know what kind of man he became."
"Well, I don't know where to start," Sirius muttered, there was a slight smile on his lips though his eyes spoke of grief not yet forgotten. "He was my best friend, my brother in everything but blood. James was really kind and thoughtful; he always had kind words to offer or a shoulder to cry on when encouragement didn't work. He was a tough nut to crack, just like Lily. He didn't like to accept when he had been wrong, especially when we were young, but he recognized his mistakes... eventually.
"The war changed him, Harry, it changed us all. James changed for the better. I think it's a Gryffindor trait to be brash and impatient, he also was, but he learnt the hard way to eliminate those traits. We all did. He became even kinder, always offering help to the many families that needed it and even going as far as hiding muggleborns and forging documents... He saved many lives that way. He was far from being perfect, but James was a really good man, Harry, and he loved you unconditionally."
"Do you know how mum and he got together?" Harry asked in a quiet tone, trying to hide how much Sirius last phrase was affecting him.
"I am surprised Lily didn't write about it."
"She did, I just want to know how it happened from another perspective."
"Well, where to begin? James fell for Lily from the moment he saw her in the sorting ceremony. It was really funny, the notable Potter heir becoming a blushing mess when Lily told him that his robe was backwards and proceeded to ignore him. He tried to gain her attention ever since. We were young so we had no idea of what to do to gain a girl's attention and the only thing that came to our minds were pranks. That is how the Marauders were born, all because of a girl that didn't pay attention to the Potter scion," Sirius explained, his wistful smile being replaced by a stony mask when he continued talking.
"Lily was really close to Snivel- Snape. She was close to Snape. They were best friends, even when she was a Gryffindor and he a Slytherin. No one really understood that friendship, especially not James. He was really jealous so we kind of began playing pranks on Snape. Now, Harry, I want you to understand something. I know that we were wrong for acting that way and turning Snape in our victim, but we were young and immature. In the beginning, it was a way of warning him to stay away from Lily, but after a while, we forgot the real reason why everything began and lost our perspective."
"I know, mum wrote about it."
"She hated us, didn't she?"
"Mhm, but she got her payback so you shouldn't feel too guilty," Harry answered, nodding at the man while he filled his mug with more tea.
"Ah, I always knew that she was behind all our accidents. Never mind, neither of us understood that our behaviour was what pushed Lily away... Well, Remus did, but we rarely listened to him. Anyway, this was sort of a vicious cycle. James asked Lily out, she rejected him, we took it out on Snape, and Lily hated us even more. It lasted until fifth year. Lily and Snape had a bad fight after he called her mudblood, but James still hated him and Lily still hated us. I decided to play a prank on Snape, I thought it would be harmless, I really did... I told him that Lily went to the whomping willow, following Remus because she wanted to know his secret. It was a full moon night.
"He didn't believe a word I said, but he still went in, just in case. I never thought he would. James saved him from being attacked by Remus... That was the day everything changed. I have never seen James so angry, especially not with me, Remus was terrified of what could have happened and Snape was on quarantine. Lily though, she was downright murderous. We had no small accidents during that month, but we heard the teachers gossiping about how your mother demanded Dumbledore for our immediate expulsion. I think that the only reason why she didn't make it public was because of Remus, to not ruin his future and all that. But that doesn't mean we got out unscathed. Lily sent a formal letter to James' dad, as head of the Potter family, to inform him of his shameful behaviour. She documented proofs and names of witnesses.
"We were having breakfast when James parents stormed in the great hall. I have never seen aunt Dorea so angry. They took James away for a week, when he returned, he had none of the pride he left with. I decided to write to your grandparents, I loved them as my own so I really didn't want to disappoint them, but I would rather have them disappointed at me than at James. In the end, we were both grounded."
"You only got grounded? I read a copy of that letter and I would have disinherited any of my offspring if they acted... So that is what really happened," Harry said, taking a sip of his tea as he took a moment to process the situation.
"Yeah, that's what happened. Charlus erased James name from the line of succession until either he proved to be worthy of it or the next heir was born. The Potters have always believed in the Noblesse Oblige doctrine and you already know the family motto. So yeah, both were pretty angry with us. They normally bought everything we wanted, so we had no idea how much money was really worth. From that day, neither of us received a cent from them. You know? The Potters were more of a family than my own could ever be, I practically lived with them since I was thirteen so the fact that I had disappointed them was a hard potion to swallow.
"I think that was the tamer year for us, no pranks, no bullying, no more ego bigger than our heads. But even then, Lily hated us. During our sixth year is when your parents' relationship improved, though not much. We had a Hogsmeade weekend and we went to buy a few chocolate frogs with the money we earned during the summer."
"What did you work on?" Harry asked, curiosity forcing him to interrupt before he forgot.
"Well, that is a funny story. James and I were in charge of cleaning the sanctuary. Uncle Charles paid us a galleon a week," he commented, smiling at the memories. "We thought he was underpaying us so we searched for other jobs in the Alley and came back humbled and ready to shovel all that dung. Though aunt Dorea hired Remus to help her shopping. It's really hard to earn money, Harry."
"I know," he muttered, remembering those days where every penny he was able to scrounge seemed like a fortune.
"Yeah, either way, we went to Hogsmeade to spend our hard-earned money. I don't think I will be able to ever forget that day. Lily was walking, holding hands with some bloke we had never seen. James was confused, not angry or even jealous, just confused on why she had chosen that bloke over him. He decided to talk to her after dinner... It was not a nice chat, entertaining yes, for everyone who wasn't James.
"Your dad told Lily that she should have said she had a boyfriend and he would stop bothering her. He was not the most intelligent guy around," Sirius muttered when he noticed Harry's grimace. "Even I knew that saying that was basically telling her that he did not respect her, only her boyfriend. So Lily ended up destroying what was left of his ego in less than five minutes. I think that was the dressing down that James needed to understand that his crush on Lily had turned toxic."
"Because being attracted to someone doesn't translate into entitlement over that person."
"Those were almost her exact words. After that day, she hated us even more but it was the last push that your dad needed to mature. He decided to write to his mother, risking another punishment for his behaviour. Thanks to Merciful Mother Magic, aunt Dorea was not angry with him... Or at least she gave him her opinion on the matter and didn't punish him. James decided to apologize to Lily, for absolutely everything. Pup, when I say everything I mean everything. He wrote every single thing he should apologize for and used a whole roll of parchment.
"Lily didn't immediately forgive him, though she no longer glared at us with desire to murder us in our sleep. They kind of agreed on a truce. Though your mother still wouldn't even spit on any of us if we were on fire, except maybe Remus. This situation continued until seventh year, where James was named Head Boy. Trust me when I say that your father and your grandparents protested, but Dumbledore didn't change his mind. Lily was also named head Girl, but even though he still liked her, James was still reluctant to accept the position so the two of them complained to the Board of Directors, the teachers, and the headmaster. In the end, they were dismissed but they made sure everyone regretted ignoring them... By the way, your mum was the mastermind.
"Lily became really cold towards the teachers. She had always had a closer relationship with them than any of the students so it was a shock to them, the sweet Lily Evans treating teachers as unwanted acquaintances was a sight to behold. Of course, Flitwick also helped her. If I am not wrong, she entered some kind of competition as Flitwick's apprentice rather than representing Hogwarts. It was a bitch slap for Hogwarts in general to have the winner of the competition saying that everything she learnt was from Master Flitwick because if she were to rely in the school education she would have not even been able to qualify. I remember The Prophet trying to attack her for making Hogwarts look bad in an international level only to go silent and never breach the topic again. I still wonder what happened..."
"The emperor happened," Harry said and began to explain when he saw Sirius baffled expression. "She was dating one of his nephews. The emperor really liked my mom, so he told the press what would happen if they kept talking."
"The Emperor threatened the press because of Lily," Sirius repeated dumbly.
"He never threatens; he just tells you what is going to happen."
"Right," the man muttered, deciding to forget that inconvenient piece of information. "Where was I? Ah. So, Lily and James became the nightmare of the whole school and they could no longer take their position away unless they wanted to face the Potters. All in all, it would have been an entertaining year had the war not turned more violent. When we graduated, Lily no longer hated us. It was a big improvement, but I guess no one really noticed. We were far too focused on trying to find ways of helping in the war efforts. James and I entered the Auror training, Remus began spying on the werewolves, and Lily entered the unspeakable training along with a Marlene and another friend of hers. We also joined the Order.
"The Ministry was filled with Death Eaters, so it looked like the Order was the only group doing something against Voldemort. Lily and James became really close during those times. They were normally paired together, just like Marlene and me. She got to know your dad as the person he had become instead of the egocentric brat that he once was. They fell deeply in love. They got married on December of 1979, and then you were born. You already know the rest of the story."
"Mum wrote about the time she got pregnant," Harry told his godfather when it was obvious the man would not touch the subject. "I want to know what was going on my father's mind, Sirius. I know what happened... I just need to understand why he acted the way he did."
Harry was not one to beg, yet he could hear the imploring edge on his tone. He needed to know the truth if he was ever going to forgive James Potter.
"Those were really hard times, Harry," Sirius muttered, not gathering the courage to look at his godson. "We were living on borrowed time. Lily and James had become main targets of assassination along with a few others. We were all sharing a house just to protect our families, us, Lily, Marlene, Frank and Alice, and other members of the order. Lily lost contact with her friends in order to protect them. Those were really hard times. Lily and James really loved each other, they were planning a future together after the war was over."
"But they didn't plan to have me," Harry finished, not even bothering to look down at his hands, where the mug of tea was trembling with violence.
"They loved you-"
"Sirius, I know that my mum loved me from the moment she knew she was pregnant. What I want to know is why my father abandoned her for a whole month!" He clenched his jaw when he noticed he was losing control. His magic was thrumming on his veins.
"As I said, those were really dark times," Sirius muttered after a moment of heavy silence. "James had matured a lot, but he was still not ready to be a father. I will not try to justify him, he was a coward and chickened out. I just remember him entering our room, grabbing his bag and leaving. Lily was not the only one who didn't know where James was. I tried to locate him many times, but all I know is that he took the high-risk missions from the Order and the Aurors. He was suicidal for a whole month, it was his way of trying to cope with having another life he wanted to protect.
"Remus found him almost dead near a wolf camp. He brought him back to the house. The first thing he did when he woke up was ask for Lily and their child, that is how we knew you were on your way to this world, Harry. There was nothing elegant or romantic in the way Lily and James decided to get married, both were nineteen and prime targets in the middle of a war, but they loved each other. You have no idea of how hard James tried to end the war singlehandedly, only to give you a safe place to be born even if he was no longer alive to see you enjoy the times of peace. James loved you so much that he would have gladly given his life to protect you."
Harry listened, and as he listened, he felt the knot on his chest unravel. For some reason, his eyes were prickling and his throat was constricted. Was it relief? Perhaps. He had believed that his father had married his mother out of duty, even when she described the wonderful man he was. He had compared himself to Voldemort, torturing himself for countless nights, wondering when he would become like him. There were moments where he felt like a monster, so hideous that not even his own father could love him. But James Potter had loved his son.
He only noticed his vision blurring and something wet on his cheeks. He wiped the liquid emanating from his eyes. It had been a long time since he cried, far too long.
"Harry, both of your parents loved you," Sirius repeated, encasing him in a comforting hug.
"I know," he whispered and the knot on his chest totally dissolved. His magic no longer thrummed, begging for a violent release. Instead, it flowed gently, as if trying to soothe him.
'Is this what peace feels like?' he wondered as more tears escaped. His magic had never felt like this, so tranquil and compliant. It had always been comforting, but she almost had a mind of its own and begged to be free. Also, the voice in the corner of his mind that always reminded him of the monster he was had quieted down for once. Maybe it would make an appearance when his emotions settled, but for now, he would enjoy the quiet.
Sunday 18th of December, Hogwarts Meeting Room
A tense atmosphere dominated the room. Teachers were looking at each other, some even engaging in small talk in efforts to ignore the anxiety that seemed to emanate from every single one of the presents. Of course, they would have to be fools in order not to be intimidated by the people who were attending the meeting but were not part of the school staff.
Sitting between professor McGonagall and Flitwick was Madam Marchbanks, looking far too pleased with herself. On the head of the table were Minister Bones and her undersecretary, talking with the head of the DMLE. Last but not least, the Hogwarts headmaster was sitting on the opposite side of the Minister.
Lucius Malfoy himself was feeling uncomfortable, not only because he had the misfortune of sitting beside Dumbledore. No, forget it. That was the exact same reason why he was feeling that way. While had never liked Albus Dumbledore, he had respected the man. All in all, the Headmaster was formidable despite of being passed over his prime. He had never realized that he was used to see Dumbledore as that constant and unmovable force of nature. It was a chilling realization to see him as the mere mortal he was.
Lucius eyed wearily the old man beside him. Ghostly skin, sunken cheekbones, wiry hair. Albus Dumbledore no longer possessed that aura of power and omniscience that had once surrounded him. He wanted to know if the man was sick, but for some reason, he was not able to gather the courage to look at him full on, much less ask. However, he had to admire the old man's determination to keep his position. Any other person would be in intensive care of Saint Mungos looking the way he did.
The door was opened and the last persons entered the room. A tall witch in charge of all the analysts that swarmed the castle for the last month along with the representative of Mirror summons and some squib builder Lucius had no interest on. The woman looked strangely grave as she laid a thick pile of strange-looking parchment on the table.
"I apologize for the delay, but we had a few last-minute matters to discuss with our boss," the woman said, not looking apologetic at all, and began distributing the parchments.
Lucius eyed with weariness the stack that had been deposited in front of him. Years of experience had taught him that paperwork was one of the most terrible foes any person could face. Why had he come again? Ah, right. The moronic members of the Board had chosen him as representative and Sirius had somehow convinced him to agree.
"As you will read in the index, the first part of your papers is dedicated to all the maintenance and repairs that the castle needs. The second part details all the expansion and building plans for the next term and the third part explains all the added fixtures and fittings inside and outside the castle. Mister Ferlet is in charge of the building crew, so if you have any questions on the matter, please refer to him," the woman explained.
"Thank you, Miss Adams," Minister Bones said before anyone else could speak. "I will remind you that all these details are only being shared with the school staff in order for you to adapt your teaching methods to the new infrastructure. That is it. Hopefully, you will take full advantage of all the opportunities you will be given."
"Don't worry, Minister Bones. We, as educators, are extremely thankful for the chances that we are given," McGonagall told the woman, her smirk widening as she leafed through the last part of the parchments.
"If any of you have any suggestions, please contact either me or Mister Fogs, as the representative of our investor, he is in charge of this project," Madam Marchbanks suggested, signalling the dour man.
"That is all, Minister Bones."
"Very well, have a good day and don't doubt on contacting me," Amelia said, dismissing the trio of newcomers.
Lucius frowned, not understanding the reason why they had come all the way to Hogwarts only to stay five minutes and deliver some parchment. That is until he looked to the side. Dumbledore was reading the papers with an inscrutable expression, it was not hard to deduce he was not happy with certain things being proposed. So that was it. They had come as part of a power play, it was hard to remember that the Minister had been a Hufflepuff with how devious she was.
"Now that the matter is out of the way, I wish to discuss some things with you," the Minister announced, giving no time to read the papers they were given. "As you have been informed, the Ministry has decided to take an active role in Hogwarts after certain events. That is the reason why we will be doing things in a different way from previous years.
"First of all, you have to choose the new prefects and Head Boy and Girl before the Holidays are over. They will all have to assist special courses in order to fulfil their roles adequately. Second, the counsellors will begin working right after the Holidays. Their duties are clear and every single student will be going through an evaluation for different reasons, the main one is to examine their mental state and to see if they need any additional help. They answer to absolutely no one else than the students. Not a single teacher is allowed to ask for personal information that the counsellors will be confided with and they are totally prohibited to share. However, if you have any concern about certain students, you are allowed to ask for their help."
"Madam Bones, the meeting with the committee is starting in fifteen minutes," Marcus Travers reminded the woman, who nodded in acknowledgement.
"Unfortunately, I have to leave right now. Madam Marchbanks will answer to any doubts that you may have and Auror Moody will be explaining the new security measures. Have a good day."
The Minister and her undersecretary left the room with firm steps, not even bothering to look back. Lucius had to contain a smile that threatened to surface despite of his best efforts. Amelia Bones was definitely something else. The woman imposed respect despite her youth, her mind was sharp and she was beyond cunning. It was definitely hard to believe that she was a Hufflepuff at heart.
"Excuse me, Madam Marchbanks," Sinistra said, breaking the silence that was once again becoming tense, "I have a question about my new classroom for the next term. Here says that this 'planetarium' will allow me to give my classes during the day, but I have my doubts about it. Will it really be able to emulate the night sky?"
"Ah, I am glad that you asked, dear," Madam Marchbanks answered, her smile widening. "I also had my doubts until I was taken to one. I must say this, this planetarium is even better than watching the stars through a telescope. It is almost impossible to describe. If you don't mind, I can take you to one."
"Yes, I would like that. It seems unbelievable for muggles to be so advanced. However, that is not my biggest worry. If students don't learn from firsthand experience they will have a hard time trying to apply their knowledge in the future."
"I agree with you, but you have nothing to worry about. Practical classes will also be given once a month, that way the students get some hands-on experience."
"I have some concerns," Dumbledore stated with a croaky voice. The old man tried to clear his throat by drinking water and continued, "I understand the reason for so many changes, but I have to question a few that seem overkill. I don't see a reason to have three greenhouses being built in the entrance of the Forbidden Forest. The Centaurs will take it as an invasion of their territory, besides, there are many dangerous creatures lurking in that place."
"A sound observation," Madam Marchbanks noted, her smile vanishing. "But there is nothing to worry about. The leaders of the two remaining centaur packs have been contacted. They agreed on having the greenhouses built and even going as far as offering protection in exchange for some medicinal herbs and certain kinds of plants that don't naturally grow in the forest.
"Also, as you are aware, Albus, purchasing different ingredients for potions is extremely expensive, that is the reason why the students have to buy their own. However, you also know that many families barely have the resources to send their children, much less pay for extra materials. Our benefactor decided to ease the economic burden on many families. By cultivating potion ingredients, we will be able to provide the students with the needed materials and also give the ones that are interested in herbology first-hand experience in dealing with different plants."
"I am totally in for that idea," declared a teacher that Lucius had never seen before. "Many of my kids rarely have decent ingredients so their potions don't always have good results. Of course, as they are in their first years it would seem wasteful to give them first quality ingredients. But it can certainly affect their education if they don't learn to distinguish between an acceptable potion and a successfully brewed one."
"You are Mister Ramsey, right?" the old woman asked, receiving a nod in response. "My great-granddaughter is in your class, she told me that you provided the ingredients for all the students who need it, is that right?"
"It is, as I said before, it can really affect their education if they don't learn the basics."
"Good, I would like to speak with you one of these days. Our benefactor has many suggestions that we need help to implement to the Potion's program. Wilhelmina, Pomona, you should also join us. We need to decide what plants will be grown and what animals will be raised to complement the students' education."
No one missed the way that Madam Marchbanks had blatantly excluded Severus from the planning, despite of him being the main teacher of that subject. Lucius would have pitied his friend, but he had paved his way with all his bad decisions. It was time for Severus to reap what he had sown, no matter how much the idea pained him.
"I am curious about these new security measures that Minister Bones mentioned," Lucius decided to say in order to divert the room's attention from his friend.
"The main gates will be replaced for sphinx iron," Moody answered reluctantly, scowling at him and ignoring the reaction that his declaration had caused. "That is the best metal for rune wards."
"And why should there be additional wards added?" Severus asked in that low tone of his, not even reacting at the glare that the scarred man gave him.
"Detecting any kind of evil artefacts or evil intent and breaking any spell or curse, among other things."
"Isn't that excessive? Alastor, I understand your fanaticism for security, but this is a school," Dumbledore said, looking at the head of the DMLE with a disapproving frown.
"Exactly, Dumbledore. This is a school where part of our future generations resides most of the year, there is no excess in granting their safety. Besides, these are dangerous times and Voldemort has no reserve in harming children."
This statement was delivered with such a conviction that no one dared to disagree with the man. Not even the Headmaster, although he looked as if he had eaten a lemon. Once again, Lucius was forced to break the tense atmosphere that was beginning to form.
"What is this suggestion of having teachers in the train? Wouldn't it be better if a few Aurors were assigned?"
"It is a tradition for a teacher to ride the train with the students," Filius said, understanding what he was trying to do and receiving a thankful gaze for his efforts. "However, I have to agree with Mister Malfoy. Most of the teachers are not combatants, just authority figures. If we are talking about the children's safety, it would be better to assign an Auror or two to each wagon."
Moody grunted in agreement, even going as far as to stop glaring at Lucius. "My exact same suggestion, but we have a problem: the parents. Many won't want to have Aurors in the train for multiple reasons so Amelia decided to make the transition gradual so they get used to the idea."
"A really sound decision," he agreed, looking on the index for any other important point to discuss.
"Does anyone else have any question?" Madam Marchbanks asked, looking at the silent teachers. "Very well, you can send me a letter if you have questions about the curriculum or how the new infrastructure will affect your classes. Take your time revising the information provided, but if you have any suggestions, send them as soon as possible because the building efforts will begin in March. Alastor and I will be taking our leave, please discuss all the internal matters and send the names of the possible prefects and the new Head Boy and Girl. Enjoy the Holidays!"
As Madam Marchbanks and Auror Moody left, the teachers relaxed. Lucius could fully understand the feeling, both persons were intimidating in their own way. Unfortunately, he had to stay until the meeting was over. Stupid Sirius that convinced him that being the stupid Board's representative was a good idea.
"I think it would be good if we began discussing the prefects and the future Head Boy and Girl," McGonagall suggested, putting aside her parchments. "Let's begin with the future fifth-year prefects. Beginning with Gryffindor, it has been decided that Mister Longbottom and Miss Granger will be the main candidates, if they don't want the position, then Mister Thomas and Miss Patil will be up to par for it."
"I understand why the candidates were chosen, but I'm not sure about Miss Granger," the runes professor that Lucius couldn't remember the name of said. "She is an excellent student in the academic sense, but there are times where her competitive nature clouds her judgement."
"I know, Nina, I really do. However, Benedict and I have high hopes for her. She's a really smart girl and I am hoping that having this new responsibility pushes her to mature and learn how to interact with her peers. If she is unable to do it, then I will take full responsibility," the woman promised.
"If I may, I suggest Mister Weasley," Dumbledore announced, earning many curious glances. "I'm sure he is a bright young man that is rough around the edges. If you don't trust me, look at how his brothers turned out to be."
"I won't deny that he has matured a lot," Minerva agreed, looking at the old man with an inscrutable expression. "However, he simply doesn't qualify to be a prefect under the new standards. His grades have been improving, and if he continues this way, he will no longer be in danger of failing like last year, but he still has a long way to go. Mister Weasley still has much to learn but I don't doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him."
Dumbledore only sighed heavily and allowed the matter to drop, not without giving Minerva a disappointed look.
"I believe it is my turn," Sprout said, wearing her usual cheery smile. "Miss Bones and Mister Finch-Fletchley meet all the requirements. If they don't want the position, then Mister Smith and Miss Abbot will be more than able to assume the task."
"For my House, I suggest Miss Patil and Mister Boot," Flitwick said after no one opposed Sprout's candidates. "As a reserve, I suggest Miss Li and Mister Corner."
A tense silence once again enveloped the room when it was the next person's turn to give the name of his prefects. At once, Lucius' lethargy disappeared when he noticed the hostility directed towards his old friend. What had he missed? While he was the first one to admit that Severus had many flaws, he couldn't understand what he had done to deserve such a treatment. That is until he remembered his son's hostility towards his godfather. Draco had complained about the man hating Harry... So that was it.
Harry Potter was an incredibly charismatic boy, that combined with his almost perfect grades must have earned him the favour of many teachers. So Severus had obviously gone overboard with his hatred towards the innocent boy, earning the dislike of his co-workers. 'It is time for you to reap what you saw, my old friend,' Lucius thought grimly, looking at the potions teacher.
"I have-"
"Malfoy and Parkinson," Snape muttered, not even bothering to mention other candidates and interrupting the blond beauty that was about to speak.
"I must disagree with that nomination, Severus," Flitwick said, raising a placating hand towards the woman that was making an admirable effort to murder Severus with her glare. "On a merely logical perspective, your decision is not rational. Mister Malfoy has excellent grades, of that there is no doubt. However, Mister Potter is the undisputed owner of the title of the best student of his year. Also, Miss Parkinson's grades leave much to be desired. Miss Greengrass would be the first logical choice, followed by Miss Bulstrode."
"It is my decision as Head of the House-"
"Maybe we should have begun discussing that topic first," McGonagall interrupted with surprising brusqueness. "Because neither you nor I are the current Heads of our Houses. Let's not forget that our duties ended the moment the students left the castle because of our own carelessness. Benedict is not present for personal reasons, I am merely voicing his decision, not my own."
"I don't remember ever discussing my options with you, Snape," the blonde woman snapped, even when her face was neutral, clear disdain could be seen on her eyes.
"I believe it would be good to take Severus' suggestion. He has been the Head of Slytherin for almost fifteen years," the Headmaster said in a placating tone. Obviously, that had not been the right thing to say.
"Do you know why we were replaced, Albus?" McGonagall asked in a deceptively calm tone. "Me, because I was never available for my students. Severus, however, was ousted by his own House based on favouritism, bullying younger students, and blatant disregard of his duties in general. Both of us have lost any power we had over our houses."
"I believe it's Isabelle's turn to name her candidates, as the rightful head of the Slytherin House," Flitwick suggested, looking impassive.
"If my opinion doesn't count perhaps I should leave," Severus said in is whisper-like tone.
"If you wish to do so, no one will stop you," the blonde woman responded with a saccharine voice.
"Severus, stay," the Headmaster commanded when the potion's teacher stood up. "You are overstepping your boundaries, Isabelle. Don't forget I am still the Headmaster of this school."
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Headmaster. Professor Snape is the one who wished to leave, I just reminded him that no other teacher would stop him."
The woman's smile was almost gentle as she delivered the answer in the most innocent tone Lucius had ever heard. Yet, her eyes contained enough venom to make up for her polite words. He could see McGonagall failing to contain a smile and many other teachers doing an even poorer job. He could see how Severus' jaw tightened and his posture tensed. It was a shame to see such a bright man being wasted on a job he abhorred, all because of the mistakes he had committed during his youth. The man was playing a dangerous game while trying to redeem himself for causing the death of the only woman he had ever loved.
Lucius knew that Severus would snap sooner or later, having accomplished none of his dreams or achieved any of his ambitions. The worst part, perhaps, was knowing that he couldn't help someone that didn't want to be helped so the only option left was to watch as his oldest friend threw his life away and hope that he realized that he was destructing himself before it was too late.
"As I was saying, my main candidates are Mister Potter and Miss Greengrass. The secondary candidates would be Miss Bulstrode and Mister Nott, although I believe that most of the boys in that year could be exemplary prefects," the woman stated with finality, ignoring Severus' glare.
"I am afraid I have to disagree with your decision, Miss Kowalski." So that was the teacher that his son talked so much about. When Draco described the new defence professor, Lucius had imagined many things, but a fragile-looking beauty never even crossed his mind. "I believe that Harry already has much to deal with, he doesn't need all those extra responsibilities."
"And I am afraid I will have to disagree with you, Headmaster," Kowalski said, giving the old man a soft smile. "Mister Potter already fulfils all the duties of a prefect with none of the recognition. Older students trust his judgement and younger ones look up to him. He and Miss Greengrass are the unofficial confidants of the House, they even set up a tutor system to help the students that struggle academically and offer support to those who struggle emotionally. It is time for him to receive the benefits of the position instead of the responsibilities only."
"I have to agree with Isabelle," Flitwick said, "and I am sure that many of the teachers agree with me. Mister Potter is an exceptional student, but overall, he is extremely kind. Knowing him, he would barely remember being kind to anyone because he considers it basic manners. There is no one else more deserving of the position than him."
"You forget that this year he's also competing as a champion in a Tournament that he's not ready to face," Dumbledore retorted, ignoring the short man's words.
"A Tournament that you personally pushed to be reinstated," Flitwick retorted and Lucius wished he had some snacks to enjoy along with the spectacle. "Harry is not alone for the competition, besides, he has decoded the clues for the next task already."
"He has?" Sprout asked, looking incredulous. "Definitely inherited more than Lily's looks."
"I still don't agree with his nomination," Dumbledore insisted.
"Then it is good that you don't have to agree with my decision, Headmaster," Kowalski answered in a cheery tone, "because of the new reforms, at least five people have to disagree with my proposed candidates. Does anyone else disagrees with Mister Potter being a prefect?" she asked, waiting a few moments for someone to speak, only be answered with silence. "Excellent, then we have the Slytherin prefects. Now, it is time to discuss the new Head Boy and Head Girl."
Lucius was impressed, incredibly so. The woman had a silver tongue and the cunning to make use of it in its full potential. If he was not deeply in love with his marvellous wife, then his sight would be settled on her. As if sensing his thoughts, the woman looked at him, her sharp steel eyes looking right into his soul. Thanking all his years of training, he continued looking at the same direction with unfocused eyes. The woman tilted her head and looked away, almost making him sigh in relief... There was something wrong with that woman, he didn't know what, but her gaze had been enough to convince him.
"That is right! This year's batch is even more promising than the previous ones," an excited Sprout exclaimed.
"It is a shame that the new regulations dictate that the Head Boy and Girl have to be from different Houses. Miss Selwyn and Mister Higgs would be the ideal choices for that position," McGonagall lamented.
"Emilia Selwyn?" Lucius asked with raised eyebrows. The last time he met the Selwyn brat, she had been set on his parents' path.
"The one and only," Kowalski nodded, "I am new in the school so I have no idea what kind of person she was, I only met the girl she has become. She is quite mature for her age and many of her peers look up to her."
"Especially Mister Creevey after what happened," McGonagall agreed.
"I see..." that was the only response he could muster. Creevey was not a known surname so he was most likely to be a muggleborn or perhaps a half-blood. How curious was that? He wondered if the Selwyns knew about their daughter's behaviour, hoping they never found out just in case they decided to punish the girl for fraternizing with impure ones.
"We have to decide which one of them will be chosen," the blond woman said, looking slightly troubled. "I believe, based on that event, that Miss Selwyn is the best candidate. Both deserve the position, but she has earned the respect of the whole Gryffindor House, thing that Mister Higgs has not."
"True enough," Flitwick murmured, "even when the rivalry between houses is almost nonexistent between the younger students, the older ones still cling to it. Miss Selwyn certainly has an advantage there."
"Does anyone disagree with the decision?" McGonagall asked and no one talked. "It is set then. Now, onto who will be the next Head Boy."
"What I am about to suggest is highly irregular, but it has been done before," one of the teachers said, what was her name again? "I want to propose Mister George Weasley as the next Head Boy."
"That really is irregular," Flitwick said, looking disconcerted. "But you are right, Nina, it has been done before. First, tell us the reasons why you are suggesting him in particular."
"Bathsheda and I have discussed this on detail and we both agree that the Weasley twins have matured significantly. I was not present during their younger years, but I have been told of their pranks and general lack of motivation for anything related to learning. However, I think that we all see how much they have changed. I know that both of them achieved twelve OWLs last year and their grades are the highest amongst their year. Also, their conduct is nothing if not exemplary. Besides, both of them are well liked by the student body.
"Unfortunately, I don't know Mister Fred Weasley as well and perhaps I am a bit biased towards his brother. From my personal experience with George, I know that he is extremely dedicated to his studies. But as I said before, this is my personal bias and perhaps both are equally capable to assume the position."
"Actually, Nina, that is not a bad suggestion at all," McGonagall commented, looking thoughtful.
"I have to agree with you," Flitwick nodded, "the problem now lays on which Weasley will we choose. Personally, I am closer to Fred. The kid is fascinated with enchanting so I give him extra lessons whenever possible."
"I would commend both of them," Vector said in an even tone. "Maybe we should vote on the matter. Those who agree on George Weasley raise their right hands and those who agree with Fred Weasley raise their left. I think that if any of us is unsure, it would be better to abstain."
Lucius observed this new development with a bit of apathy. After all, his rivalry with Arthur Weasley was still going strong. However, he couldn't deny that those Weasleys produced surprisingly successful children. He allowed a sigh to escape as he drowned the discussion, not really interested either way and begging for the time to go faster so he could go back home.
'It is hilarious,' he noted with a certain degree caustic amusement. The feud between Weasleys and Malfoys had begun generations ago but it would end with him. He knew how close his son was with those twins and his grandchildren would see Arthur's grandchildren as friends. Centuries of tradition ended because of a Potter, one of the families that his family had despised the most but been too afraid to openly confront. 'I hope that you are screaming in your grave, father.'
Lucius did not pay attention to the rest of the meeting, deciding to read the parchments detailing the remodelling of the castle. If that squib could really build what was proposed, then he would be forced to change his perspective, but until then, squibs would remain as disgraces in his eyes.
"Now that everything is settled, I believe is time to call the meeting adjourned," the headmaster declared, breaking his trance with those magical words. "Happy Holidays!"
He nodded to the few persons in that room that had his respect and proceeded to flee before anyone could even think about engaging him in a pointless conversation. A few hallways away, he finally considered himself safe.
"Dobby!"
"Master calls?" the elf said, popping beside him.
Lucius took a moment to appreciate his elf's uniform and noted that he should have given that clothes store a much better tip for their work. He heard the echo of conversations.
"Let's leave this place before someone talks to me," he almost begged.
"To the manor?"
He the question for a second before answering, "No. Let's go to Hogsmeade. They close the candy store early on the weekends and Narcissa has been craving chocolate."
"Young master is also arriving today! Can we get him something?"
"Of course, you should also get something for Kreacher and for you."
Lucius winced when he noticed that his elf began tearing at his proposal. It had been hard to begin treating the creature as a person, but Merlin if it was not useful! Sometimes, it was still strange to talk with Dobby, but he had changed and if treating house-elves as people pushed him further away from the road he was treading, then he would do so without complaints.