Give Me One More Chance
Pairing: Lucius/James
Rating: Kneazle
Disclaimer: The characters of Harry Potter are not mine; they are the property of JK Rowling and Warner Bros. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
WARNING: This is about male pregnancy and male/male relationships. I'm letting you know now what the relationships WILL contain. So, if you are AGAINST such pairings, please find something else more to your liking, you have been WARNED.
Flames will be ignored.
This chapter is not beta-read. All mistakes are mine.
Notes: Here is the long awaited chapter!
Special thank you to: Slytherin vs. Gryffindor yahoo group, and for those who read and didn't review thank you for even taking the time read up to this chapter.
Enjoy!
oOoOoO
Chapter 25: The Department of Mysteries
September 1, 1995, London King's Cross railway station
Standing on the platform of 9 3/4, James still couldn't believe that a month had passed by since he woke to Lucius telling him the un-expectant but greatly welcomed news of him being pregnant for a third. Although it saddened James that he couldn't remember his second pregnancy, he was quite sure that, if had not gotten mugged that fateful Halloween night, James knew that he and Lucius would have had a beautiful little girl.
Doctor Bloom confirmed Madame Arterberry's findings a couple of days afterward and immediately scheduled James for his future follow-up appointments. He wasn't taking any chances of James having another miscarriage.
James was already approaching his second tri-mester. At being twelve and a half weeks (in pregnancy terms were not very far along), James already had a slight visible bulge and if any one cared to look closer they would be able to see it since James was slender.
Jarred out of his musings, James gave his teenaged sons a once over making sure that they were presentable as the Malfoy heirs.
Draco was the mirror image of Lucius—having a tall slender build. Draco recently cut his glorious blond locks to sport his own stylized looks. And dressed in a dark navy blue three-piece suit and dress shoes of the finest quality that money could buy, the younger Malfoy heir most definitely will be the desires of all at Hogwarts.
Turning hazel eyes from cropped flaxen hair to wind swept raven tresses, James frowned at Harry. Dressed in faded skin-tight denim jeans and a black t-shirt (that showed-off Quidditch toned muscles) and black hiking boots, Harry looked like a poster boy for eye-candy that screams "eat me", with Harry's shy smile and big silver eyes, James just knew that this would be the year Harry would start dabbling with the oppose sex or at the very least start experimenting with his own gender.
It was a thought James was not pleased with, at all. He knew that Draco was already sexually active, thanking Merlin that the boy had enough common sense to use some type of birth control.
The former Gryffindor nearly choked on his tea one night when his son approached him about it. It was a night that James was not going to forget any time soon. Plus, James wasn't quite sure how Lucius would react to his either of his sons having with the potential of getting a girl or guy pregnant or worse, one of them coming home telling him and Lucius he's pregnant.
Lucius would definitely have kittens over that.
oOo Flashback oOo
James was sitting in his study he took over as his own, when there were no other places for him to hold himself in. He hated going into Lucius' study because his blond lover never completed his work as James proved to be a serious distraction.
A timid knock drew James out of his musings. "Enter!" he called out wondering who it might be. He knew it wasn't Lucius as he left for the morning with Calhoun for court to enter verbal depositions to Narcissia's alleged crimes of child abuse.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mum?"
Surprised was written across James' face. Since both his boys were getting bigger, they were more or less distancing themselves away from him and Lucius. This was a welcomed interruption.
"No, Draco. Please, come-in and sit down," James offered. He always told his children that he was available any time for either of them.
James studied Draco a bit closely, noticing the growing hue of crimson highlighting the teenager's visage. He couldn't imagine what was going on in Draco's mind that would cause him to blush to the tips of his ears.
"Mum, can I ask you something?" Draco cautiously ventured.
"Anything, Draco, you know I won't deny you. First, let me pour us some tea. You look about ready to pass out."
The former Gryffindor filled to two cups of the hot streaming herbal tea from the set that was on the table in front of them, which the house-elves left for James just in case he wanted something to drink and relax with.
"Okay, Draco, now tell me what's on your mind," James said taking a sip.
With that as his opening, Draco blurted out, "Mum… I need to talk to you sex."
Well, whatever James was expecting that definitely wasn't it. The older male choked on his tea then proceeded to have a coughing fit trying to get air back into his lungs.
Draco immediate took James' tea cup out of his hands and gently patted him on the back.
"What… did you say," James gasped out. His eyes began to water from the strain of coughing so hard.
The Slytherin for his part remained quiet.
"Draco, now is not the time to act like a reticent child. If you prefer, we can wait until Lucius gets home and we can discuss it then," James threaten.
"NO!" Draco did not want his father knowing any of this. "Fine, I said I need to talk to you about sex."
"That's what I thought you said."
"If you already knew what I said the time then why in the hell did you make me repeat myself?!" Draco said clearly exasperated.
Smirking, James replied, "Oh, I just wanted to see if you would actually repeat it without me having to drag it from you."
Nearly growling, Draco was ready to throttle his mother. "Now, I understand why you and father are together. You both have the same sadistic streak. Anyway, Mum, I need to-"
"Yes, you already said it, twice, mind you. Now, my question to you is: are you having sex?" James demeanor changed completely, gone were the jokes and playful banter.
"Would you hex me if I said no?" Draco shyly answered.
"No, but I would hex you if are lying that you're not, knowing full well that you are then I would let your father know," James said. As an afterthought he asked, "Don't tell me that you're pregnant, Draco, your father would have the worse fit ever!"
"No! Mum, please I'm not pregnant! And no, before you even ask, I didn't get someone pregnant. At least I hope not," Draco said, mumbling the last part.
"Are you using protection?"
"Well, I was kind of hoping you could help me with that part. The last thing I need is some witch owling me or Merlin forbid, Father, and letting me know that I'm to be a father. Can you imagine the scandal? Father would not be pleased," Draco explained.
"You got that right."
Sighing, James was starting to feel his age. "Okay, Draco, is the girl on any type of birth control?"
"They all say yes, but I'm not one to believe them and I need to insure that I won't have any illegitimate children running around."
"Good point."
Standing up, James stretched until his bare tummy was on display. He was only a couple of weeks into his pregnancy, so he was still able to bend and flex his tired muscles.
"Come on. We have to go to Muggle London then see Madame Pomfrey."
"Why are we going into the Muggle world? And why on earth would I need to see Madame Pomfrey?" Draco questioned.
"I know this is something that you don't want to hear but Muggle contraceptives works just as well as magical ones, especially if the receiving party is lying about being on anything," James explained to the teenager. "And we're going to see Poppy because I want you to have a complete physical and a pregnancy test, just in case."
Draco didn't look too happy about it but he accepted it owing to the fact that his mother was willing to keep to this from his father. But he knew that Lucius would eventually find out.
For now, he was going out with his mum and that warmed him more than any cup of tea.
oOo End flashback oOo
Before boarding onto the train, Harry gifted his mum with a shy smile. James smiled brightly as he soaked up the love and warmth of both his sons.
"Mum, your staring," Harry said as the platform was slowly being emptied. He was a little embarrassed as the students were now peering out the cabin car windows, watching them.
"Oh, right," James answered. Luckily, his robes covered him in all the right places as he smooth it out. Staying at ear level in order for Harry to hear, he whispered, "Harry, if you need to talk to me, about anything at all, don't hesitate to owl me."
Standing up straight, James added, "And that goes for you too, Draco."
"MUM! Please… Everyone is watching," Draco replied, horrified. He couldn't believe that his mother would much make such a comment! Grabbing his older brother by the arm, Draco nearly ran onto the Hogwarts Express.
Light ringing laughter caused James to turn around.
"Sirius, what are you doing here?" the former Gryffindor asked.
"Same as you, mate, seeing the twins off. You know, Jim, you may as well just screamed 'your-fifteen-we-need-to-have-the-talk'."
It took James a minute before realization dawned on his face. "That's not what I meant, Sirius. I'm worried about Harry. He hasn't completely gotten over what happened at the Tri-wizard tournament. He still blames himself for Cedric's death. I wanted him to know that he could talk to me, that's all," James replied.
"Well, if it's about sex than you can forget it—you're that last person he's gonna talk to about that," Sirius said.
"What do you mean by that?" James narrowed his eyes at his friend.
"Ah, Jamester… don't you remember when we were their age?" Sirius said as that would explain everything. And in a way it did.
"I remember you being randy with the female population then by some miracle, you started chasing Snape."
Coughing into his hand, Sirius ignored the comment. "That's not the point, mate."
Hazel orbs glared at the bearded man. "Then what is the point, Sirius? Because I don't see the one you're trying to make."
"The point is that, that boys, Harry and Draco's age are gonna to talk to other boys their age."
"You mean like Orion?" James tossed that around in his head for a minute and he was loath to admit it, but Sirius made perfect sense in a round-about way.
"Well, I don't know about him but maybe," Sirius answered cryptically.
"Sirius, if you're trying to make me feel better-"
"Hey, what are friends for? Anyway, I gotta go. I'm going to check on Regulus and the baby."
Stopping short, James turned worrisome eyes to his longtime friend.
"Don't worry, they're fine. Apparently, Cassie developed a slight cold. You know being born a bit too early tends to wreak havoc with the baby's immune system."
"Did you get everything all cleared up at the Ministry with your accounts?" James asked.
"Of course! That idiot Fudge thought he was going to keep my family's fortune. Regulus and Remus were quite happy to be moving from Number 12. Not that I can blame 'em, that place is not conducive to raise children."
The pair started walking once more until they passed the barrier of nine and three quarters. Out of the over crowed Muggle train station, Sirius escorted James to the awaiting limousine.
"I thought you hated riding in this contraption?" Sirius asked, curious as to what his friend's answer would be, smirking.
Another blush highlighted James slightly round face. "Well… um… you see, Lucius and I have… uh…"
Enjoying watching his friend flounder, Sirius busted-up laughing. "Oh, in the name of Merlin! How are you going to talk about sex to two teenage boys when you can't even talk to your best friend about backseat sex?"
"And how would you know about backseat-sex?" James hissed; unmistakably mad about being made fun of.
"Simple. Just because I drive a motorcycle, doesn't mean I don't know anything about cars—especially the backseat—how do you think Sev got pregnant? We were snogging in the backseat and one thing led to another—and smack-bang—I'm being summoned to Dumbledore's office a couple of months later. Being told Sev was preggers and getting married all-in-one go."
Now James was lost and his head was starting to hurt from the confusion. "You didn't want to marry Severus? I thought-"
"Oh, no! Quite the opposite really. I wanted to marry him. I had the ring all ready to propose and all; I just forgot to ask him the night Ori and Sheri were conceived."
"Good-bye, Sirius," James exclaimed, noticeably exasperated by Sirius and his forgetfulness.
"Catch you later, mate," Sirius said, bidding James farewell.
oOoOoOo
The Beginning Term feast had its usually fare of welcoming back old students, sorting first years, and any announcements that the Headmaster deemed worthy of their noticed, which included the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Dolores Umbridge.
She interrupted the Headmaster as he was wrapping up school's business. The students were shocked as well as some of the other teachers.
Harry and Orion chanced a glanced at Professor Snape and by the pinched looked he was wearing this news was not promising.
"What did she mean by all that rubbish?" Harry whispered to his friends.
"It means, Harry, exactly what it means—the Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts—and I bet you that it also means that whatever we do will be closely watched," Hermione answered.
And Hermione was rarely wrong about anything, including this.
oOoOoOo
Once again, Harry found himself alienated from the rest of the Gryffindors as the rumors of what happened last year were in the Daily Prophet.
Harry tried not to let any of them bother him, but it was hard when he was the center of attention. Hermione and Orion herded Harry upstairs to get settled.
Hopefully, in a couple of days the newspaper will find something to badger him about and forget about what happened at the Tri-wizard tournament or the fact that Voldemort is back to take over the world and to kill him.
oOoOoOo
Not only was Dolores Umbridge the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, she was also assigned to the professors yearly evaluations as Dumbledore had been away from the castle.
Of course, the day she had to make her rounds would be Snape's fifth year potions class—Snape, to say the least, was not impressed—he was downright livid.
"You applied first, to the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, is that correct?" she asked in a condescending tone, knowing full well that he had applied for the position.
Barely keeping a tight reign of his temper, Severus replied, "Yes."
"But you were unsuccessful," she added.
"Obviously," he replied in a monotone voice as he heard Weasley sniggered next to him.
She marked on her clipboard before striding out of his class room and what followed was just the beginning of a storm that was brewing. He actually thumped Ron on the back of his head with his instructional notebook and snarled at the rest of the class.
"You have less than forty-five minutes remaining to complete your potion! Anyone who fails to brew it properly will be serving detention with me—tonight! And trust me when I say, I will make your life miserable for what I have in mind for failing to finish your assignment in a timely manner."
That got everyone moving.
When class was over, five students stayed behind as their potion was the positive results it should have been. As shocking as it were there were two students from Gryffindor, and three from Slytherin. Some of the cauldrons melted, others were smoking and every ones favorite, bubbling over with viscous ooze. Of the five, Ron Weasley was included.
Upon looking at the Weasley boy, Severus had a malicious smirk etched on his face causing Ron to gulp in fear.
Everyone practically ran from the classroom in fear after witnessing their Potion's professor parody of a smile. None of them felt any sympathy for the five that screwed up their potion project.
oOoOoOo
The Great Hall was nearly silent coming into the second month of the school year. Umbridge was all but sitting in the Headmaster's chair.
Where was Dumbledore? How could he be gone with all of things goings-on at Hogwarts? Does he even know?
Orion peered at his mum and he looked murderous as Umbridge was attempting to hold conversation with him. It was only a matter of time before Severus snapped.
Ever since that day in potions, students and teachers alike tip-toed fearfully around Severus; more often than not, anyone who was unlucky enough to cross paths with the former Death Eater had them crying within the first five minutes of the confrontation.
And it was then, Orion got the hint, something was seriously wrong with his mother. Grabbing his bag and another bread roll, Orion got ready to leave the hall; he was going to write to his father.
Fortunately, before Severus could spill any blood in front of the student body and staff, the double doors opened. Immaculately dressed in black with stunning long blond hair, Lucius Malfoy strode down the aisle to the head table. Harry ducked his head, not wanting to know the reason why his father was here. Probably for the first time, he hadn't done anything so far that would garner his father to come to school.
Hopefully, his father was there for something Draco has done and as always, he would get roped into the trouble as he was the older of the two, which in his opinion didn't make any sense.
Coming to stop directly in front of Umbridge; Lucius kept his cane aloft in his gloved hands.
"Why, Lord Malfoy, what do we owe this pleasure of your presence?" she said in greeting.
"I'm here to see the Headmaster. I received an owl of great concern of certain disciplinary actions to the students that are prohibited. As a member of the School Governors, I think that I'm entitled to know exactly what is going-on here and let's not forget that I'm a parent of two of those students who attend here."
Dolores lost her smile and rose from her seat. "I assure you, Lord Malfoy, that everything is as it should be," she answered.
"Well, for your sake, Madame Under-secretary, it better be," Lucius replied as he turned sharply and headed straight to Harry.
"Come with me."
Lucius continued walking with his son trailing behind him with all eyes burning a hole in the back of Harry's head.
oOoOoOo
Inside an empty classroom, Lucius sat on the edge of the teacher's desk as Harry took a seat across from him.
"Dad, whatever it is, I swear, I didn't have anything to do with it," Harry announced, quicksilver eyes wide from behind circular wired glassed.
"You're not in trouble, Harry, I wanted to see for myself what that cow has been doing," Lucius said, getting up and kneeing in front of his son.
Carefully, taking Harry's left hand in his much larger ones, Lucius could see the faint words, 'I must not tell lies' etched into Harry's once flawless skin.
"How long has this been going on, Harry?" he asked.
"Dad, I don't want anyone to think that I had to call you to bail me out of something," Harry finally said, trying to keep his tears at bay.
"You have been through enough in your short life and you will face many more trials than anyone your age will and as my son, it's my right to protect you," Lucius responded.
"Then protect the younger students as a governor. I can take care of myself," Harry said yanking his hand back.
Standing, Lucius could do nothing else other than to watch Harry tremble with a shiver of cold from the room. "Very well. You may go back to the Great Hall and I'll deal with Umbridge."
Harry fled from his father as if Fluffy was after him.
oOoOoOo
Walking into the Gryffindor common room, Harry was bombarded with questions from Hermione and Orion (who sent his letter off to his father about how strange his mother had been acting). Ginny was at his side and Neville.
"Somebody told my father about the punishment I got from Umbridge and he's madder than I've ever seen him," Harry said cutting off all chatter around him. This was nothing compared to the day when his father almost succeeded in killing Vernon and Fudge.
"Harry, I know you're upset but this could be a blessing that he knows about the horrible treatment," Hermione offered.
"Don't you get it?! I don't want or need his help. This is the last thing I want help with." Harry trembled with anger. He was going to be a social outcast again. If this keeps up he was never going to get a date for the Yule ball.
"Harry, I-"
"No, Hermione!" he yelled. "Look, I'm sorry. It's just that… That don't want everyone thinking that I can fall back on the Malfoy name or go running to my father every time I get into a jam or something," Harry explained. He huffed a bit while pacing.
"I'm going to take a nap or something." Harry stomped upstairs slamming the door in his wake.
"I wondered who told," Ginny asked to no one in particular.
Hermione sat back sighing wondering if she'd done the right thing.
oOoOoOo
The atmosphere in Dolores' office was stifling with Lucius' temper flaring at odd intervals. Severus and Minerva was also in attendance, just to make sure that Lucius didn't accidental kill Umbridge for using a Blood Quill on Harry.
"Things are much worse than I had feared here at Hogwarts," Dolores began. "The students are not learning as they should and foremost are not respectful to those in authority."
"By authority, you mean yourself," Lucius said, sneering.
"As professors we are to be held in high regard, not as some cosmic joke. These children are our future, can't you see what is going on," Dolores pleaded.
"I see that the children are being punished with the cruelest of methods known to the wizarding world! There was a reason why those methods were banish! And I will not allow you or the Ministry to undermine this institution," Lucius vented slamming his cane down, cracking the concrete tile flooring.
"Is that a threat, Lord Malfoy?" Dolores said coming from behind her desk with her wand in hand.
But Lucius was faster on the draw and unsheathe his wand concealed in his walking stick. "It's a promise, dear lady."
"Mister Malfoy, let's not be too hasty," Minerva said trying to settle flared tempers.
Dolores was scared knowing that she didn't stand any chance of winning a duel against the Malfoy heir. She would be dead before she could ever get a single spell off.
"You will cease all punishments; you are to get clearance from the Headmaster or Headmistress if you feel that the regular detentions will not keep the students in line. If either one of the aforementioned persons are unavailable you will go to the student's Head of House and he or she will deal with the troublesome students. Do I make myself clear, Dolores," Lucius stood at his impressive height towering over the Defense Against the Dark Art instructor.
Dolores back down immediately. "Yes, perfectly."
"I would hate to come back here. If I do, I guarantee you, heads will roll—namely yours."
Lucius swiftly left the tiny office as did Severus.
"Lucius, wait-a-minute," Severus called out.
"I'm sorry," Lucius said coming to an abrupt stop.
"For what? Loosing your temper, again," Severus said smirking. "I was hoping that you hexed that bitch and be done with it."
"My, my, Severus, such violence," Lucius teased. "And here I thought Sirius is the one for such bloodshed."
The other glared. "How did you find out about what's been going on?"
"A little bird told me. Besides, Harry has a habit of repeating himself and not looking you in the face when he's lying. He's not very good at, which I don't understand why he tries to do it.
"So, naturally James became worried and asked me investigate," Lucius explained. "At any rate, I must report this to the rest of the governors. Maybe now they'll take an active interest in the students here. I'll owl you later. Let's have lunch sometime this week."
With that, Lucius was out the main doors and out of sight before Severus could confirm or decline the lunch offer.
oOoOoOo
Leaves were turning from green to gold as the fall season slowly descended upon Hogwarts. It would rain every so often, leaving the air crisp and slightly cold. The Halloween party was in a couple of weeks, which was a needed respite as students were preparing for the upcoming Quidditch games.
The gruesome detentions with Umbridge eased up, not to mention the type of punishments, especially after Lucius Malfoy's visit. Umbridge's favorite practice was changed for something a bit less biting.
The O.W.L exams were just around the corner and all the students were on pins and needles, including Harry, but for whatever the reason, Harry just couldn't stay alert in some of classes particularly Potions. The subject alone was dangerous being wide awake.
Twice Harry fell asleep in his potions class and at least once in his Transfiguration class. Severus was not at all pleased with him for closing his eyes while handling volatile ingredients, placing not only himself in danger but as well as his classmates.
Harry had been up at night fighting to stay awake. Nightly, he'd been watching things through Voldemort's eyes of people being tortured or worse.
One dream (or an actual event Harry couldn't figure out which it was) continue to haunt him and tonight was no different.
"Aaghh!" Sirius screamed out, falling to his knees, gasping for air; sweat beading across his forehead from fighting the Forbidden cruse but to no avail.
"I need that prophecy and you're going fetch it for me."
Shaking his head negatively, Sirius painfully replied, "No, you're going to have to kill me."
The figure cloaked in black tutted. "And I will—CRUCIO!"
"SIRIUS!" Harry bolted up right shouting for his godfather before leaning over the side of his bed to throw-up.
Orion heard the yelling then something wet hitting the floor; he swiftly made his way to his best friend, who was gagging after emptying his stomach of its contents.
"Harry?" Orion called out on the other side of the bed gasping in shock at Harry's sweaty, shivering form." "Moppy!"
The house-elf appeared in an instant for its young master. "Get Professor McGonagall."
The other boys in the dorm were up as well after hearing all the commotion. A while short later Professor McGonagall was hurrying to Harry's bedside.
Together, Orion and Professor McGonagall; had practically half-carried; half-dragged Harry into Dumbledore's office at two o'clock in the morning.
"Professor," Harry weakly called out.
The Headmaster was issuing out orders, left, right and center. He barely heard Harry over the buzz of activity.
"Professor, please, what's happening to me?" Harry attempted again to gain Dumbledore's attention.
But the Headmaster continued on without pause, sending out portraits to the Snape residence and to the Ministry.
Finally getting fed-up at being ignored, Harry did something that took everyone in the office by surprise, he yelled.
"LOOK AT ME!"
Staring at the young man before him, Albus considered his words carefully as to not spook the boy further than what he was already.
Sniffling somewhat, Harry asked, "Wh-what's wrong with me?"
As he was about to answer his student Professor Snape entered the already crowded office.
Unlike everyone else who was dressed in sleeping gowns and pajamas, Severus was fully dressed in his tradition Eton white shirt, frock coat, black trousers, and dress shoes. He seemed too had been wide awake for quite some time.
"You wished to see me, Headmaster." Severus cautiously walked into the room, unsure of what was going on.
"Ah, Severus. Good…" Pulling the Potions master aside, he continued, "We can't wait any longer. I will inform Lucius and James of what's happened but you need to get started straight away."
Severus peered at Harry, not liking how the boy was looking. Harry's stunning eyes seemed too large for his sockets and were a bit glassy looking and rimmed red, the boy was panting as if he ran around the Pitch non-stop. In addition to that, Harry's nightwear was soaking wet with sweat.
Not saying a word, Severus grabbed Harry by the arm and left with Orion hot on his heels.
"Mum!"
"Orion, go back to your dorm. You'll see Harry later today," Severus said whirling on his oldest child.
"But-"
"No buts, young man. This is no longer your concern."
Taking his leave once more, Severus left Orion fuming in the middle of the corridor leading down into dungeons.
oOoOoOo
Everything was happening so quickly that Harry had the urge to vomit again. His head ache and his stomach was doing somersaults that made him feel as if he was on a round-about.
The first thing Severus did was hand Harry a glass of water. Then he sat down on the stool adjacent from Harry, studying the young man with intense scrutiny.
"Harry, I want to know how long this has been going-on?" Severus asked as gently as he could.
"Um… I'm not sure, Uncle Sev. I would have these weird dreams about flashes of green lights. But the dreams… I don't know what to call 'em. They… uh, gotten worse in third year when the Dementors were searching for Padfoot. And you know the rest," Harry explained.
Trying not to pinch the bridge of his nose, Severus sighed and shook his head, long wavy raven hair swayed with the motion.
"Harry, I'm going to teach you how to block your mind from being invaded. But the trick is that you must practice and concentrate. You can't do one without the other. This is very important. I believe… The Headmaster believes that the Dark Lord knows about your connection with him and he's using every means possible to obtain something that he himself cannot get his hands on.
"You must promise me that you will come to me straight-away if you get another vision, okay," Severus asked knowing that the boy would more than likely forget as soon as they were finished.
"Alright, Uncle Sev, I promise," Harry answered.
Thus Harry's lesson began that evening on Occulmency.
oOoOoOo
Actually it was a few days later that Orion saw Harry again. Apparently, his mother had schedule regular meeting sessions with Harry and under pain of death, Harry was barred to reveal why and what the meetings were for.
Now they were sitting in the Room of Requirement, patiently waiting for Harry to begin lessons.
Hermione felt that with Umbridge teaching Defense they were not getting the proper training to protect themselves when the time comes. She organized the students who wanted to learn other type of spells or how to cast them correctly. She also knew that Harry, Draco and the Black twins have extensive familiarity of hexes and curses, which included Forbidden curses. It was their knowledge that was going to keep them alive for when the need arises.
Everyone knew a war was on the horizon, they just didn't know when it would begin.
Umbridge had already denied the fact the Voldemort had returned—worst still the Ministry was keeping a tight lid on security about Voldemort's return. Even the Daily Prophet and other newspapers have been banned to print anything regarding the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
It seems that the Dark Lord was after something, which pertained specially to Harry, and he was using any underhanded means necessary to achieve his goal.
"Harry," Hermione whispered.
"Oh, right. First, let's break-up into pairs. Next, we're going to test out what is your strongest spell," Harry began.
Thus, the start of Dumbledore's Arm.
oOoOoOo
Wiltshire, South-west England, Malfoy Manor
The house was extremely quiet without the Harry and Draco and their friends running about causing mischief and mayhem. Alas, those treasured memories were almost gone as his grandsons were growing older by the day. Lucien heaved heavily. It seemed that he was fated to be alone.
Deep down in his heart, he knew that Lucius and James would want to leave to have their own home, considering that James was pregnant again. He was delighted about having another baby about to spoil. Lucien had always wanted the manor to be filled with laughter of children running through the house.
He sighed again taking a long sip of Brandywine.
"Why such the long face, Father?" Lucius asked, thrilled that there were no fires needed to be put out.
His sons were behaving (for once) at school. However with the sudden turn of events at the Ministry, Lucius had been informed that Dolores Umbridge was the Head Inquisitor after the mere fact that she has practically tortured his son and quite a few other students with medieval devices as a blood quill was unfathomable. The School Governors were not pleased when he had informed them of the situation.
Needless to say, the governors re-instated Lucius' position as head director of the board.
"Nothing, my son. I just received an owl from Matthew cancelling our dinner date, so I shall be dining alone tonight," Lucien responded rather dejectedly.
He had been looking forward to spending some time with his current lover, but those plans went-up in flames. Matthew was called to an appointment and was going to run well pass their dinner arrangements.
"Father-"
"Don't, Lucius. I'm not blind. You and James will be leaving and I'll be left here… alone," Lucien admitted.
"Father, please, don't do this. I know that you miss Mother, but… anyway, it's not my place to prevent you from having any type of relationship that brings you happiness. And what gives you the idea that James and I would be moving? Hmm?" Lucius stared at his father wondering what goes on in the man's head sometimes for thinking foolish nonsense.
"I heard JamesS the other day about boxing up some things. I left as soon as I realized that he was talking to his friend, Sirius," Lucien replied.
Sighing, Lucius briefly closed his eyes, he remembered that conversation. James wanted to go to Godric's Hollow to see if he could savage anything from the ruin house, but Lucius simply forbid his lover to venture there in his current condition and gave James an incentive to go shopping.
"James was talking about packing some of Harry's and Draco's baby things in the nursery to make room for the new stuff that he's ordered. We're not going anywhere, Father," Lucius explained.
Feeling a little relieved and foolish at the same time, Lucien gave a tight smile. "I'm going to Firecall Calvin and see if he's available for a late dinner, since Matthew has negated our appointment."
Lucius didn't comment as he gripped the end of his cane, plotting his friend's untimely demise. This did not sit well with the pure-blood; his father would be hurt in the end by either son or father. However, before any more input could be added to the homicide, Sirius tumbled out of the fireplace.
"Quick, Lucius, we don't have a lot of time, we've got to get to the Ministry," Sirius huffed, attempting to catch his breath.
"Why, what's happened?" Lucius asked.
"Severus just came from Umbridge's office. She had a group of Gryffindor and some Slytherin students in there. Harry was there too and…"
"And what, Sirius?" Lucius asked with dread.
"They're going there, Lucius. Harry and Draco are going to the Department of Mysteries."
oOoOoOo
Finally making their way into the Ministry of Magic with the cooperation of the Thestrals, the group of teens ran straight for the Department of Mysteries.
Not a living soul was about to stop and question why they were at the Ministry at such an ungodly hour of night, which none gave a second thought too.
They made it to the Prophecy chamber. Rows upon rows of high vaulted shelves were filled with various sizes of crystal receptacles that glowed an eerie incandescent blue almost celestial in color.
With Harry leading the way, he read off the etched numbers of rows until he reached the one he was searching for that Voldemort held his godfather in front of.
"Ninety-one, ninety-two," he prattled on to himself. "Ninety-four, ninety-five, ninety-six…"
He was a bit confused. This was the place. He was sure of it! He held his wand high looking for any signs of a struggle. Anything to indicate that Sirius was here against his will.
"Sirius was here," he said turning to his friends. Hermione had a pitying look of concern on her face.
"Harry… this one… this one has your name on it," Neville said, staring intently at the globe.
All of them gathered around Harry as he carefully lifted the crystal from the holder.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…" Harry's tongue felt like lead in his mouth after hearing the prophecy. He knew without a doubt that it was about him and Voldemort and what must be done for the world to be rid of the dark creature and his evil. And Harry wasn't sure if he was prepared to make that type of sacrifice.
The footsteps of shoes echoed as someone approached them.
Immediately, Harry turned, wand at the ready, "Where's Sirius?"
A low seductive alto broke the eerie silence of the prophecy chamber.
"You know… you really should be able to differentiate between dreams and reality."
A slender figure draped in a black flowing robe, slowly approached the group of underaged wizards. An intricately designed mask made of Mithril glimmered and sparkled in the dim light, vanished in a small plum of charcoal vapors with a casual wave of the person's wand.
Shocking blonde hair stood out among the blackness around them. Cerulean colored orbs twinkled with vengeful fire.
"You saw what the Dark Lord wanted you to see. Now hand me the Prophecy."
Shaking his head negatively, Harry responded, "You do anything to us, I'll break it."
Cackling laughter resounded off the distant wall of the room, causing everyone to shiver.
"He knows how to play."
Never in all the time they knew him, Neville spoke, "Bellatrix Lestrange."
Harry then heard a quietly whispered, "oh, shit" from behind him.
"Neville Longbottom, now is it?" she inquired, giving him a saucy wink, Bellatrix added, "How's mom and dad?"
Stepping around his big brother, Draco stared into cold blue eyes.
"Draco," the woman standing next to Bellatrix said.
Bellatrix glanced between the young man and her companion.
"Ah, so this is my darlin' nephew."
Caught like a Hippogriffth under the chopping blade, Harry choked out, "NEPHEW?!"
"Yeah, nephew. This is my Aunt Bellatrix," Draco announced. "And this is her sister, Narcissa… my mother."
Startling gasps erupted from all including Harry.
"Come with me, my Dragon," Narcissa said, holding out her hand for Draco to take a hold of.
"No. Is this why Harry was lead here, to do Voldemort's dirty work?!" Draco spat.
"You dare speak his name!" Bellatrix raged, eyes going wide with a twinkling madness.
"Prophecies can only be retrieved by those about whom they are made for," Narcissa explained.
However, the longer they spoke; it became quite obvious that the teens were being surrounded by Death Eaters. Narcissa slowly advanced with Bellatrix dogging her every step, coming to halt right in front of Harry and Draco.
"Don't you want to know the secret of your scar?" she asked sweetly, calmly while pointing to the glowing orb that Harry held. "All the answers are there, Potter, in your hand."
"Don't, Harry, it's a trick," Orion said. He heard his cousins were bitches but to see it first hand was nothing short of disgusting. His father didn't have a kind word to say about either of them.
Sighing for dramatic effect, Harry looked back at his brother's birth-mother. "Well, I've waited fifteen years… What's a few more—NOW!"
Shouts of disarming spells came from all directions as the teens disburse. It didn't take long for Harry and the others to run head first through the prophecy's room door.
All of them free-fell with frighten screams as they plummet to what they thought were their deaths. But as fortune would have it, they abruptly stopped—hovering a few inches above the floor before falling the rest of the way flat on their faces.
Standing slowly and nursing their aches, harry cautiously walked up the slope, which held a rather large archway with a flowing black veil.
Captivated by the sounds, Harry crept closer. "Voices… don't you hear 'em?"
Hermione stood beside her friend, worried that Harry was having another episode of some kind.
"What voices, Harry? There are no voices," Hermione said, nervously peering around the chamber, searching for any signs of danger. They were not safe yet, not until they were back at Hogwarts.
"No, wait. I hear them too," Luna replied, staring at the veil also.
Not bothering answering the other witch, Hermione ploughed on, "Come-on, we have to get out of here."
And before anyone could move a step, they were ambushed.
Alone now, Harry stood as Narcissa walked confidently toward him.
"Did you actually think that you could best us? No hand over the prophecy."
Exhaling quietly in defeat, Harry reluctantly placed the orb in Narchissa's hand.
"You know, Potter, it was only a matter of time until the Dark Lord had you and your tramp of a mother," Narcissa taunted.
"Don't talk about my mum!"
"Why not? James only wanted Lucius for his wealth and name, he cannot have that—I won't allow it. Lucius is rightfully mine," Narcissa spat as she raised the globe to hear the prophecy until a gentle tap on her shoulder prevented her from hearing the first words.
Turning around, Narcissa was surprised by, "Get away from my son, you bitch!" She wasn't prepared for the oncoming right to her jaw—dazing her in the process.
As the curses started flying, Harry was instantly pulled aside to take cover behind a huge bolder.
Shocked quicksilver orbs stared into familiar eyes. "Dad, how did you find us?"
"Severus. You really need to practice Occlumency. Sev said you were broadcasting so loudly it made his head hurt. Now, I want you and the others to leave," Lucius instructed.
"I want to stay and fighter," Harry argued.
"No. This is—Harry, you've done splendidly up until now. Let us handle them. Besides, this is one arse kickin' that has been in the making for a long time now," Lucius said, giving his son's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Well, well, Lucius, will wonders never cease," Narcissa said above the noise of thunder and Bellatrix' cackling laughter.
Quickly standing, Lucius unsheathe his wand. "I should have known that you would reduce yourself to kissing that maniac's feet, Narcissa," Lucius sneered.
"You dare to speak about the Dark Lord in such a disrespectful manner?"
"Please—you should know by now that only a selected few that I hold in high regard and Voldemort is not one of them," Lucius replied as he and Narcissa sized each other up.
"I should have killed that whore and your bastard child instead of leaving it up to Wormtail. If only the Dark Lord had listened to my warning that night," Narcissa prattled.
In that moment of clarity, Lucius realized what she admitted. "It was you?! You told Voldemort about James and Harry," Lucius seethed.
"Yes, I wanted him out of our lives. I didn't have you wholly. I had birth you an heir already; there was no need for you to beget another one. Potter was nothing more than a power hungry gold-digger—he had nothing! Yet, he was able to hold the one thing I could never have," Narcissa lament.
"And you never will," Lucius answered.
Without saying another word, Lucius hurled curse after curse toward Narcissa. She blocked and cast a curse back but Lucius began backing her into the wall behind her until she was joined by her sister.
Bellatrix was able to prevent Lucius from advancing further, yet even with the two of them dueling against him, they were still no match.
Harry watched in fascination as his father fought bother Narcissa and Bellatrix. Lucius held his wand in his left hand and his cane in the other. The sisters twirled and parried in synch to each other to avoid being hit by whatever curse Lucius was sending.
In the next moment, the wall behind the Black sisters exploded; causing her to stumbled and lose her footing. A stray hex hit Bellatrix as she was going down, which sent her sailing across the room. Taking advantaged of Narcissa's shock, Lucius disarmed her.
Narcissa held her hands up in surrender but Lucius either didn't notice or didn't care as he cast another spell. Narcissa hit the onyx wall with a loud thwack. She slowly slid down to the floor in a rumpled heap at Lucius' feet.
Walking up to the unconscious witch, Lucius glared hatefully at Narcissa. Maybe after she's been arrested he wouldn't have to go to court. Thinking of his sons, he turned to make sure Harry was alright but…
Harry was gone.
oOoOoO
Running swiftly behind Bellatrix through the main lobby of the Ministry, Harry let fly a jelly leg jinx. She fell. Harry then followed-up with an Unforgivable Curse.
Bellatrix laughed at his feeble attempt to kill her. Harry was upon her, breathing heavily, sweat running down the sides of his face. His hand shook with rage.
"Go on, Potter, do it," Bellatrix said egging Harry to strike her while she was down and helpless.
"You have to mean it, Harry," a slick oily voice hissed inside Harry's head.
"Get out!" Harry shouted truing around to face his godmother's murderer.
"Expelliarms!"
But the disarming spell was block and in-turn, Harry was wandless.
"You think, you can beat me, Harry Potter?"
Unnoticed by them, Bellatrix edged away from the on-coming duel. Flames erupted from one of the many fireplace entries.
"You shouldn't have come here tonight, Tom."
"Everyone shall know of my return, old man," Voldemort replied. "And there's nothing you can do to stop inevitability."
oOoOoOo
THE DARK LORD IS BACK!
Apparently, after everything was said and done, Harry and Dumbledore spoke the truth of Voldemort returning. The Daily Prophet and other newspapers wrote various articles of the Dark Lord's return and the duel between him and the Headmaster that rind the Ministry's lobby asunder.
Of all the articles that were written, none was more satisfying than that of Dolores Umbridge being sacked by School Governor, Lucius Malfoy.
The students cheered and celebrated of being freed of Umbridge's militaristic rule. However, one student in particular did not join in with the festivities. Harry sat in the Headmaster's office. The solemn air about Harry seeped into everything—the pictures were silent, some with bowed heads or dabbing the corner of their eyes and sniffling. The drooped with grim look etched upon its' cloth features and Fawkes' trill was of a haunting melody.
Harry smiled but it didn't reach his eyes as he glanced around the office. The thrill of watching all of Albus' gadgets never wore-off but Harry wasn't interested in fiddling around with any of the whatchamacallits.
Quicksilver eyes finally came around to land on the man who he thought of as a grandfather. The events at the Ministry were startling to say the least. Nevertheless, it was terrifying all the same. Any of his friends could have died, his brother—he was older than Draco and he should have known better! Yet, he allowed his baby brother to do something as foolhardy as to fight Death Eaters with Draco's mother leading the pack!
The only good thing that came out of the whole ordeal was Narcissa being arrest for criminal activity. Plus, Harry had discovered after getting back to Hogwarts that Remus was severely injured: someone cut him pretty badly using silver and they're not sure if he's going to make it.
Even his father received a broken wrist from punching his ex-wife and that was healed in no time by the healers who arrived on the scene to tend to the wounded.
There was one fatality—Alaster Moody. Apparently, while his back was turned Bellatrix hit him with the Killing Curse. His funeral was scheduled for the next day.
"I'm ready, Professor," Harry quietly said.
Dumbledore pushed an object across his desk in front of Harry. It was a pair of Muggle sunglasses, made of a white hard, thick plastic frame with gleaming studs and sparkling rhinestones on the outer trim and along the broad temple arms. The lenses were dark and wide.
Harry couldn't imagine where Dumbledore nicked a fancy pair like that from and he wasn't going to ask just as long as it was a safe portkey, he wasn't questioning anything.
Grabbing onto the sunglasses, harry held his breath, waiting for the pulling sensation at his navel.
"We'll talk later, Harry," was all Albus said and then Harry was gone.
oOoOoOo
FORMER MINISTER OF MAGIC FOUND DEAD
In a bizarre twist of events, the former Minister Cornelius Fudge was found dead in his cell early yesterday morning. The cause of death is still unknown. However, the gruesome discovery led authorities to believe that it's a common case of food poisoning. But Lead Healer Lowen Goodlaw of St. Mungo's reports that no know potions or curses were found when he examined the remains.
"…Every test has been conducted to determine what caused the complete decomposition of Mr. Fudge's body. Unfortunately, the test revealed no traces of any kind of magic or any kind of trace elements from potions—we are truly at a loss."
Ministry Law Enforcement asked the Wizarding world's Master Potions Maker: Octavious Tobias Snape for his expert opinion.
"There are no potions today or even centuries past that could produce such damage to this extent from the inside-out."
And as our readers know—He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned. Could this be another elaborate scheme of his or could someone wanted Mr. Fudge's death. There are no longer Dementors guarding Azkaban and all the house-elves have been questioned—none of which were able to provide any useful information.
As it stands—the former Minister's death is an unsolved mystery. Reporting to the community as this story develops, I'm Marshall Mactrillian.
oOoOoOo
Smirking as he folded the paper and tossing it off to the left of him, Severus reached over to adjust the blanket around his husband. They have been at St. Mungo's since Remus was brought in form the fight at the Department of Mysteries.
Recalling what Sirius had said earlier about the articles, Severus was all too please, "It's a damn shame really. I wanted to have a go at the bastard and someone else got to him first." And that pleasure was all Severus'. The Death Eater that followed Severus all those months ago, apparently was a guard
His gaze traveled across the private room to where Regulas was lying on the other bed with Cassie in a fitful sleep. Then his eyes landed on James on the extra cot. His bell being more visible with his hand splayed over it. Sighing, Severus copied the gesture and waited… and waited, but he felt no streams of life from within.
Maybe he lost his chance fifteen years ago. Maybe Orion and Sheridan would be his and Sirius' only children. But for now at least Severus was secure with the knowledge that Fudge got his just desserts.
Revenge… as the saying goes was a dish best served cold.
oOo TBC oOo
A/N: How was that? I know it was a lot. I had much to say, twenty pages worth of words. Plus, this was to make up for not posting in nearly five months! I've recovered my flash drive and I'm back in business. Oh, and as a side note, if anyone is interested in seeing what the Muggle sunglasses look like please let me know and I'll be more than happy to post a picture.
Was Lucius awesome or what? He really wanted to beat the living snot out of Narcissa. Was anyone surprised that Fudge died and how? So does anyone believe that Remus will die? Don't know? Well stay tuned for the next chapter.
Nemesis
oOoOo Teaser for Chapter 26 oOoOo
"Madame Pomfrey, I don't feel so well."
Tutting, Poppy wasn't surprised. "It's one of the side effects that you're going to have to deal with, dear. Go lay down and I'll deal with your parents."