Chapter Sixty-Eight
Breaking News
The Malfoy-Potter Scandal
Since the attack on Heir Hadrian Slytherin there have been many rumours about our young Boy-Who-Lived's status who has been yet to be seen. It was known that he was one of the fourteen to be committed to St. Mungo's after the incident on the first of August. Jenny Krause, 64, of Hogsmeade who witnessed the event has this to say:
"The Healers were treating me for the head injury from a stray bludgeoning curse when I heard a Healer shout "pregnant teenager, collapsed, with malnutrition" I looked up and saw that it was Harry Potter – I recognised him from your articles. I can't believe he's pregnant – he's just a boy. It is totally irresponsible."
You heard it here first Hadrian Salazar Slytherin, the Boy Who Lived, is pregnant at only just seventeen. I am sure my readers are speculating on who the father of the Slytherin Heir's child is. Hadrian Slytherin did attend the Quidditch match with Heir Draco Malfoy, so he is the obvious candidate. But this it appears is not true as was discovered when speaking to an anonymous source within St. Mungo's:
"The Aurors were guarding the door to Harry Potter's room when Lucius Malfoy came barging in. Naturally his guard refused to let a Death Eater into see the Boy Who Lived!"
We would like to remind the readers that Lord Lucius Malfoy was fully exonerated in 1981 having proven that he was acting under the influence of mind control, specifically the Imperius Curse. Thus, none of the crimes committed by Lucius Malfoy was Lucius Malfoy culpable for. And since that day Lord Malfoy has worked hard for the betterment of the Wizarding World in the Wizengamot, the Hogwarts Board of Governors and his international business – Malfoy Enterprises.
"Lord Malfoy was not pleased by that and demanded entry to Harry Potter's room even claiming that Harry Potter's child was his!'
So, if this source is to be believed it is not Draco Malfoy but his father who is the true father. This journalist should note that the legal age of consent in Britain is thirteen so there is nothing illegal done on the part of Lord Malfoy. Although, it is highly questionable due to age difference and the obvious trauma that Heir Slytherin has lived through his childhood and the manipulation of Lord Dumbledore leaving him in a vulnerable position. Did Lord Malfoy take advantage of a young Heir's vulnerable state of mind? One must wonder what Lord Slytherin who has only just found his son might think although it might explain Lord Slytherin's campaign for more protection of children. But is it true, our source certainly doubts it:
'I think he was lying to gain access to Heir Slytherin that could not be refuted as by law the Aurors could be accused of line theft should he try to keep his unborn child from him. And if it is true it is disgusting that such an old man has seduced a child!'
This intrepid journalist requested a meeting with Heir Slytherin. Naturally, given the stress the attack put on Heir Slytherin his Healer did not want him further stressed out so I could only ask him a list of prescribed questions. The following interview between Heir Potter, Lords Slytherin and Malfoy is transcribed below:
RS: Is it true you are pregnant?
HS: I am.
RS: May I ask how far along you are?
HS: Three and half months. I'm due 28th March 1996.
RS: Now I've heard rumours that Lucius Malfoy is the father?
HS: Yes, it is true.
RS: How did this happen? I am sure you are aware that there is quite an age gap. There may be people who would be concerned about your relationship.
HS: Well shortly after I was chosen as Triwizard Champion we met and began talking. And well one thing led to another.
LM: I knew how young he was, how inappropriate it was, but Harry was charming ... I couldn't help but be seduced.
HS: (rolling his eyes) because you resisted so very hard.
LM: (laughs and places an arm around Heir Slytherin) well you were very attractive.
FS: (clears his throat)
HS: Yes, anyway, we began our affair. Naturally, I knew those I thought of as my friends would be unhappy if they knew about me and Lucius, so I hid it and sneaked around so we could meet up. That is actually how I found out about their duplicity; word to the wise if you are planning to murder someone don't talk about it at Hogsmeade where your invisible victim might just overhear.
RS: That must have been difficult for you.
HS: Very. I turned to Lucius then being the only person who I cared for who was not in on the embezzlement-murder-line theft plot.
LM: The first thing I did was take him to Gringotts where we found out about his true parentage.
FS: That was when I was contacted. I wanted to take Hadrian out of school immediately especially when his pregnancy came to light … but he was bound by the Triwizard Tournament and it would be dangerous if Dumbledore knew he was no longer under his control.
HS: I began to discretely befriend others at school and continued to grow closer to Lucius. I don't regret it!
LM: Nor do I.
RS: How did you feel when you found out you were expecting.
HS: Shocked and scared.
LM: It was a shock; we had of course been using the protecting, but Harry must be one of the few immune to conception charms.
RS: But are you happy about it?
HS: I don't know if I will be ready, but I am coming around to the idea.
LM: I was pleased from the start. Of course, it was very inconvenient time and I would never force a child on someone, but I always wanted more children.
RS: And you Lord Slytherin, how do you feel about your Heir's relationship and baby?
FS: I was initially unhappy and concerned about Hadrian's welfare. I still do not like it but I have to accept that Lord Malfoy will always be my grandson's father and Hadrian wants him in his life so I will accept him. As for the baby Hadrian is little more than a child himself and I do think the age of consent should be raised so incident's like this do not happen again. How is it someone can have a relationship with an adult before they are able to use magic?
RS: Are you planning on bonding, anytime soon?
HS: (coughs)
LM: Not currently. When and if we decide to bond it will not be solely because of our baby.
FS: And I think that is enough. Hadrian is still healing.
RS: Of course.
So, it is true Heir Hadrian Slytherin, commonly known as Harry Potter, is indeed pregnant with Lord Lucius Malfoy's second child. Lord Slytherin knowing and accepting, albeit reluctantly, their relationship. And both seem happy and love so we should wish them good luck.
As for the former Lady Malfoy and Heir Draco Malfoy they were not available for interviewing as they were holidaying in Greece. But given that Heirs Slytherin and Malfoy were observed attending a Quidditch match today it can be assumed that he at least is supportive of his father's relationship. Should we too be?
Albus placed the newspaper down frowning as he considered the news that Hadrian Slytherin was pregnant with the next generation of Slytherins. Albus cursed the fact that he no longer had access to the Book of Names to confirm the fact. He quickly sent his Patronus to Severus so that he could check in person. Severus arrived fifteen minutes later with a grim look on his face telling Albus everything he needed to know.
'It's true,' Severus said gravely.
'And you didn't know?' demanded Albus. 'I would have thought it would be you who brewed the potions the young Slytherin is sure to need.'
Maybe Voldemort was more aware of Snape's duplicity than Albus thought he would be. Albus would have thought that Voldemort would have killed him if he knew but he may be using Snape to plant false information. That may be problematic because it would mean they couldn't rely on Snape's word, but he was still able to get close even if Voldemort knew the truth.
'I was unaware that Potter was the mother,' Severus admitted. 'It was Lucius who requested the potions. And you are aware of Lucius' hedonistic nature.'
Albus nodded, 'do you think Voldemort is aware of your allegiances?'
Snape flinched at the name, 'if he did, I would be dead! No, I think the Dark Lord is being cautious after what happened with Potter and the boy and has not told anyone! Likely wouldn't have told anyone until you were dealt with! So, what are you going to do? This is going to affect your plans with the Weasley girl?'
'I think we need to speak to the Weasleys,' Albus said simply.
Ten minutes later and the Weasley females had arrived. The Weasley matriarch looked angry and worried. Meanwhile Ginevra Weasley was curled up in the comfiest chair in the room. At six weeks pregnant she wasn't showing but she did look a bit peaky. Albus would have to request Severus provide her with anti-nausea potions soon.
'How are you feeling?' asked Albus.
'Okay,' the girl said smiling weakly. 'Would you like some tea?'
'Please,' Ginevra said.
'It will be worth it in the end,' Albus said kindly.
'Will it?' demanded Ginny. 'Harry's three and a half months pregnant, I'm only six weeks!'
Severus snorted, 'male pregnancies are eleven months. Hence, why he and you are due for the same day.'
'We can of course induce your birth to ensure that your child is the firstborn,' Albus said quietly.
'Is that dangerous?' asked Ginevra biting her lip.
'There are some risks,' admitted Molly. 'Infection, increased blood loss and is usually more painful than a natural labour, but to be firstborn it may be worth it.
'But that doesn't help if Slytherin names the child he is bearing as his Heir,' Severus said grimly.
'Why don't you just kill him before he gives birth?' demanded Ginevra.
That might be a solution to all Albus' problems. However, something in Albus balked in giving up a potential pawn before it had become useless to Albus. Still it would be better for it to die so they could access the boy's vaults again.
'I think that would be unwise,' Severus said coolly. 'As we have seen with Potter, he broke free of control. Wouldn't it be preferable to keep the other child as a backup plan should your child break free of control?'
'I agree, Severus,' Albus said. 'But we cannot risk the child becoming the Slytherin Heir as we will only have access to the vaults through Ginny even if we manage to gain the second child. That we cannot risk, and even if we did have the second child it would be useless as we would have no way to gain control of the vaults through it.'
'Unless we were to claim that Ginny was having twins,' Molly said frowning. 'But there's still the matter of gaining the child.'
Albus frowned, 'we could induce the birth of Miss Weasley's child at the beginning of March ensuring it was older. Then kill the boy and cut the child out of his stomach, making it look like both bearer and babe were killed in the attack. That way even if Voldemort or Lucius were to survive, they would not be looking for a child who had never drawn breath.'
'And as Weasley here was observed to be pregnant no one would question the existence of two children,' Severus said.
'Exactly,' agreed Albus. 'That brings me to another point. What has Arthur said about the article?'
'He's on the night shift,' Molly said. 'Has yet to arrive back. Ron is keeping an eye on the clock and will contact us when he is on his way back.'
Albus wasn't sure if that was the best given that according to this article it was the Weasley boy and Granger who had outed them to the Slytherin brat. And he hadn't noticed that Slytherin had slipped his control for months! No wonder his plans kept falling apart, but now he had another plan and this time he would keep the Slytherin brats under tighter control!
'What will you say to him?' asked Albus.
Ginny shrugged, 'I'll be shocked and angry that he was cheating on me when we were together. I'll cry, that always has Dad doing everything in his power to protect me.'
'We can speculate that he was using you for some Dark reason,' Molly said.
Severus snorted, 'doesn't make sense. If they had wanted information, they could have left Potter where he was as a spy.'
'We'll manage,' Molly said glaring at Severus.
'What will you do if your husband figures out that there was primary line theft committed?' questioned Severus. 'I have no intention of being Kissed because you cannot control your idiot husband.'
'That will not happen,' Molly said. 'Even Arthur does figure out he will not do anything that will threaten his children, and worse come to worse there are always potions to keep him pliant.'
It was at that point that Albus' Floo went with the visage of Ron Weasley in the Fire telling them that Arthur was on his way. Molly and Ginevra were quick to clear off, so they beat Arthur home. Severus might be right to be worried about Arthur but after what happened with the Prewett twins Albus knew he could trust Molly to handle her husband without any emotions being involved.
'Molly will handle her husband,' Albus assured Severus. 'Now I want you to go to the Dark Lord and see what more you can find out.'
Severus nodded, 'of course.'
…
Arthur Weasley made his way home feeling a sense of disquiet when arriving home. It had been this way for the last six weeks ever since He Who Must Not Be Named had returned. Since Harry had betrayed them for protection. Since it had come out that Ginny was pregnant with Harry's child. Since his oldest five children had disowned themselves. Everything had fallen apart in a way that left Arthur wishing that he could go back to how it used to be even if that was a lie.
But now to add to everything it appeared that Harry was pregnant with Lucius Malfoy's child. It left Arthur feeling disturbed as Harry was a child even if legally, he was of age and Lucius was Arthur's age. Although, it did seem that He Who Must Not Be Named agreed with that sentiment which Arthur didn't know how to feel about. Arthur reminded himself that it was likely that He Who Must Not Be Named just disliked the fact that his Death Eater had taken liberties on what was his not any degree of care for his child.
Yet, it left Arthur questioning his daughter who had claimed that she and Harry had been an item at the time. Yet, according to the article Harry and Lucius had been sleeping together for about five months. And more to the point had known about the embezzlement for about three months. So why would Harry be sleeping with Ginny if that was the case?
All Arthur could think was that somebody else had desired Ginny and knowing of her crush on Harry had polyjuiced themselves to look like Harry. That left Arthur with a sick feeling in his gut. The idea that his baby girl could have been coerced into sex in that manner made him angry, scared and furious. He would have to speak to her when he got home to get to the bottom of what had really happened.
He arrived in the Burrow kitchen where Molly was frying up a pan of bacon, sausages and eggs. Arthur was sure Ron would be down soon attracted by the smell of fresh cooking. Ginny, however, over the last couple of days seemed to be nauseated by the smell of frying and was content to have toast and tea in her bedroom so probably wouldn't be up for another few hours.
'Have you seen the paper?' asked Arthur.
'Yes,' agreed Molly grimly.
'So, what do you think?' asked Arthur gently.
'I think it is obscene,' Molly sniffed.
'I know,' agreed Arthur darkly. 'Harry is a child and should not be having sex at all especially with a grown man. But unfortunately, that is not what I meant; I meant about Ginny.'
Molly tensed, 'I don't think that Ginny has anything to do with it!'
Arthur sighed, 'Molly, Harry at the point when Ginny got pregnant was himself already two months pregnant. He had already been sleeping with Lucius for months and was in contact with You Know Who … and was aware of the embezzlement. Do you really think that he would sleep with Ginny?'
'Ginny wouldn't lie about something as important as this!' Molly snapped back defensively.
'I know, I know,' Arthur said placatingly knowing how protective his wife was of their only daughter which of course made what he was about to say even harder. 'My worry is that … Ginny's feelings towards Harry weren't exactly a secret. It would be possible that she had an admirer who used Polyjuice to look like Harry and using that to manipulate her into having sex with them.'
Molly blinked, 'that's … that's not possible … Polyjuice is a Class III regulated potion.'
'Hermione brewed it when she was fifteen,' Arthur pointed out. 'I am sure there are other children who would be able to do the same.'
Molly's eyes darkened, 'I suppose it is possible, I hope it's not true, although not any better than the probability that the Slytherin brat was using Ginny to get information.'
'I still want to talk to Ginny,' Arthur said. 'Before she reads the paper.'
Molly nodded, 'I heard her get up this morning. Take her breakfast with her.'
Arthur nodded taking the white toast (with its crust cut off) covered in thick strawberry jam and large mug of hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows. He cracked open Ginny's door to see his young daughter curled up on bed reading a Quidditch magazine. Arthur smiled gently at the teenager who was just a few days off of turning sixteen … and six weeks pregnant.
'Dad,' Ginny looked up. 'How was work?'
'Chaotic,' admitted Arthur.
'As always,' smiled Ginny.
'I've got breakfast,' Arthur said.
As always Ginny dived straight for the hot chocolate like she was still six. Arthur smiled bemusedly at her hoping that she would eat something vaguely resembling food at some point before midday. Arthur sat down on the desk chair.
'Can we talk?' asked Arthur gently.
Ginny nodded, 'is this about the baby?'
Arthur hesitated, 'sort of. Look, how long were you with Harry?'
'I'm … I'm not sure I understand what you mean,' frowned Ginny.
'Were you going out with him? Or was it just sex?' asked Arthur.
Ginny just shrugged looking lost.
Arthur sighed again, 'please, Ginny, I need you to think about this … when you were together, did he act different than normal?'
'I suppose,' Ginny shrugged. 'But he was betraying us to He Who Must Not Be Named at the time.'
'Did he seem to know anything that Harry did, talk about anything you would usually talk to you about?' asked Arthur.
'Honestly, he didn't really speak to me much at all. I thought he just saw me as Ron's sister. Then one day he caught me in between classes and said that he really liked me, and then things just kind of happened,' Ginny said looking at her knees.
'And he told you not to tell anyone?' asked Arthur.
'Because of the reporters,' agreed Ginny bitterly.
'Afterwards did he mention it or treat you differently?' asked Arthur.
'No, he seemed content to pretend it had never happened,' Ginny said bitterly. 'Unless we were alone. I bet he was just using me.'
Arthur nodded, 'did he ever ask about Dumbledore? Or the Light?'
Ginny shook her head, 'no and even if he did, I wouldn't have said anything!'
Arthur shook his head, 'that's not why I am asking you. Did a lot of people know about your feelings to him?'
Ginny looked down at her magazine again, 'I was always making a fool of myself in front of him. What is this about?'
Arthur sighed, 'there has been a revelation in the Prophet this morning. Harry and Lucius Malfoy have been in a relationship since last winter.'
'That's impossible!' Ginny said angrily. 'He was with me! Was he cheating on me?'
Arthur sighed, 'he also revealed that he had overheard Ron and Hermione discussing their financial affairs in February and with Lucius' help contacted Gringotts, which meant he knew you were using him for his money, which you know was wrong of you to do and I hope you know that it was that action that pushed Harry into the arms of He Who Must Be Named's arms.'
Ginny blinked, 'its not our fault that he has bad blood! So do you think he was seducing me to get information about Dumbledore and the Light?'
Arthur was quiet, 'that's what your mother believes. I think that it is very unlikely that Harry would begin a relationship with you given the circumstances. And if he were to use his relationship with you like that, I doubt he would have been so public about his betrayal.'
'Then how do you explain it?' demanded Ginny.
'I think there may have been somebody else wearing Harry's face to manipulate you into having sex with them,' admitted Arthur.
Ginny blinked then looked horrified, 'no that's impossible. It was Harry! I would know!'
'You didn't know he had joined He Who Must Not Be Named,' Arthur said gently. 'I think there's every chance that the person you had sex with was not Harry Potter.'
'Well we won't know until after I give birth,' Ginny said.
'No,' agreed Arthur. 'We won't.'
But I am sure that Harry is the father!' Ginny said.
Arthur gets more information and begins to question things only to get the completely wrong conclusion but is incidentally closer than anyone else on the Light side has managed to get!
