AN: Thanks to the few who voted, Lucius won hands down.
This chapter will focus on Andromeda drama, but I promise next chapter will have more Harry/Lucius and we will see Eileen/Severus paintings. Albus and his meddling not to be forgotten long.
Harry and Remus had settled into the Black home on the coast. Remus had told Harry that it had been a favorite of Sirius when he was a child. There were several other Black homes in the country and abroad. Harry was considering having Grimmauld renovated while they were there. He knew it would be more practical as an every day home. He had several homes from the Potters and the Prince family as well. He had the leases sent to him from the bank when he had got the Prince papers sent as well. He had not considered his inheritance until now. He had only ever seen the vault that he had used for school which he learned was only a trust fund. Bill thought he likely could spend months exploring his vaults and never get bored. Some of them would be far larger and filled with things other then coins.
Remus came down to find Harry in the den a few days after they had moved to the coast. He was surprised when he saw the papers all over the table and he leaned down to see what Harry was doing. Harry noticed him but didn't seem bothered.
Remus picked up a deed. "This is the Potter home in Wales."
Harry turned to him. "I thought that the home was lost."
Remus shook his head. "That was a safe house, not the family home."
Harry looked at the stacks. "I never thought to even own one house when I was young."
Remus sunk down with him. "I know it's a bit over whelming. Decided to explore?"
Harry shook his head. "I was trying to sort out what home."
Remus was confused. "Which home? I thought we were planning on a summer here."
Harry agreed. "I meant which home I will be giving you."
Remus stopped him. "Giving me? You can't just give me a home."
Harry reminded him. "You are my family. And as you pointed out, I have many to spare."
Remus sighed. "They belong to you."
"Andromeda said a father should have his own home."
Remus grunted. "If you want your space, I will take Teddy and go find a….."
Harry cut him off. "I am not kicking my dad and little brother out."
"You are a bachelor, I don't want to cramp your style."
"You are not cramping my style. And if I wanted some space, I could go to another wing."
Remus laughed a little. "Then you don't need to give me a house."
Harry stopped him. "Andromeda may use it in the adoption case."
Harry explained the full part of the conversation over the house. Harry had asked the attorneys and they had suggested it might be a good idea. Really housing should never be used against Remus as long as he had a safe roof over his head for his son. But they wanted to cover any bases they had. Harry had the deeds brought and he planned to sign one of them over to Remus. In no way did he intend for Remus to move into the home unless he wanted to. He wanted Remus and Teddy to remain with him here or Grimmauld. He knew Remus could use his support with Teddy as he mourned and beyond that. And part of Harry was selfish and could admit how much he wanted to have his godfather with him.
Remus knew he could not argue as his godson had his mind set on it. But he did insist the home would be placed in Teddy's name instead of his. The lawyers had assured Harry that would work fine as long as Remus was trustee of the house. Remus wouldn't take it for himself.
Harry motioned. "I think we should stick to a Potter or Prince house though."
"I agree. Andromeda had a point about her family estate."
"Teddy is a Black as well, but I really don't want to argue more then needed."
Remus understood. "I know you care about her, that she is family."
"You and Teddy are the most important. But I don't want her hurt."
Remus swore to him. "I don't plan to cut her out of Teddy's life if I win this. I know he should have his grandparents."
"When you win this case." Harry assured him.
Remus was shocked when he saw some papers. "How?"
Harry looked down. "It looks like some cottage. Definitely not like the other homes."
Remus nodded. "It's mine. Was mine."
"What do you mean?" Harry was confused.
"The home my parents owned. I had to sell it after dad died. I didn't have a job, and mom's medical bills to finish paying."
Harry had heard he sold it. "But how do I have the deed?"
Remus was just as confused. "Its listed as a Prince estate. I don't get this."
Harry found a note attached to the back. "Its from him. Its addressed to you."
Remus was shocked and read the note. "He bought it for me. A thank you for helping him be a spy, and our friendship."
Harry was amazed. "If anyone, I'd have thought Sirius."
Remus looked up. "I told you he was a better man. Sirius mentioned once but I forbid him."
"And of course Severus would never listen."
Remus smiled. "Stubborn seems a family trait."
Harry picked up a quill. "Seems we have your house. Unless you want another."
Remus shook his head. "I didn't want any. But I can admit having that back means a lot."
It was a pretty modest home. It was a three bedroom home a few hours away from London. But it was the home Remus had all his childhood memories in. He didn't plan to move but he wanted to show Harry and Teddy the home. Harry could admit that perhaps he saw another side of his so called father in this act. The fact he had bought Remus' childhood home for him showed him that. Remus had been his friend since he was eleven, in secret the last few years of school, and helped both him and Lucius spy. It seems Severus had bought the home shortly after he had become Lord Prince. He couldn't tell Remus or make it known during the war because he was a spy. Harry was happy he found the papers. He signed over the deed to Remus and had copies sent to his lawyers and to the bank as well.
Remus hugged him and reminded him their company should be arriving. Harry had invited the Weasleys and Hermione to come and have an early dinner with them on the coast. Harry had done some of the cooking himself but the elves were over seeing the final as he was here.
Arthur came in with his wife, the first to arrive. "I hope we are not too early."
Harry smiled. "Not at all. I have had some tables set up outside."
Molly hugged him. "Not very often I am not the one cooking."
Harry shrugged as he led her outside. "I thought you could use a break."
Arthur turned to Remus. "It looks like we were interrupting."
Remus sighed and looked at the papers. "Just finishing up."
"Looking at houses?" Arthur was surprised.
Remus reluctantly admitted about the house. "I feel bad. But Andromeda….."
Arthur cut him off. "It seems the house was intended for you anyways."
"It was but Harry would have given me one of the others. What kind of father am I?"
Arthur stopped him. "What kind of father do you think I am?"
Remus was confused. "The kind of father I could only hope to be."
Arthur admitted. "I don't own the Burrow. Well I do but I never bought it."
Remus was surprised. "I know you didn't have much money but…."
"I originally bought the land and the tiny house on it. But I almost lost it taking loans trying to expand with the family."
Arthur sat down with the man and explained more. Even his sons had little idea. Like many newly married couples he and Molly had bought with a huge mortgage. And some money left to Molly by her dad and Uncle. But he had struggled to pay the mortgage, even before kids, and then they needed to grow the house. His Aunt Muriel had stepped in though and saved him from losing the house. She had bought his debt from the bank, and had gifted it to him and Molly. She went further and bought the orchard land for him so the rent from the land could help with the home. He could admit that he had no idea where he would be without his Aunt. Muriel had no children and Arthur was her only nephew. She had never taken a sickle back in payment for the house even though he tried. She reminded him that she planned to leave her money to him anyways.
Arthur looked outside to where his wife and Harry were. "I had my doubts at times what kind of husband or father I was."
Remus assured the man. "You are a wonderful one. You have raised seven amazing kids because of it. Money didn't matter to them."
Arthur agreed. "And it wont matter to Teddy. Harry and Teddy both are lucky to have you."
Remus sent him a grateful look as he held his son on the baby monitor. "I hope I can convince a judge. Andromeda doesn't agree."
Arthur actually came with him. "You have Molly and I's support any way you need. Even in court."
Remus could admit as he retrieved his younger son that speaking to Arthur helped. He loved his son and was so happy to have his support. But part felt guilt relying on him so much and not just financially. He knew Arthur and Molly lost their son but they were there. They were Blacks as well but had even less to do with Andromeda then Harry. The others soon arrived and dinner was laid out on the beach. It wasn't simply about giving Molly a break that they had dinner there. With everything they were going through, a change of scenery was thought to be good for all.
Arthur turned to Remus before they left. "I meant what I said. Molly and I are willing to testify, or just here for advice if you need it any time."
Harry had noticed Remus had a talk with Arthur but he didn't ask. He was happy Remus seemed to be a bit more at ease after whatever had happened. He knew they needed to have this custody dispute settled the quicker the better. Remus deserved to simply mourn his wife and focus on his son. The sooner this trouble was dealt with the sooner he would be able to focus on both of them. Harry knew how badly Remus was struggling with the loss of Tonks who had been his soul mate. He should have been allowed the same peace any widower deserved.
It seemed that they would have their wish and for better or worse they were summoned to the ministry. The attorneys had worked out for them to go to arbitration and hopefully this could be settled there. Remus didn't want to take it to full court and just wanted this to end.
Harry reminded Remus as they went. "You are his dad."
"I just hope that is enough."
"You have done nothing to lose him. And you have letters of support from the Weasleys and others."
Remus watched as Andromeda came down the hall. "I hope it is enough."
Harry was surprised. "I don't see Ted."
Andromeda heard him. "My husband is ill."
Remus was concerned. "We can wait."
Andromeda went to open the door. "No need."
Harry had to wonder. "Is he really ill?"
Remus wasn't sure. "He has been under stress."
A surprise voice came from behind them. "My Uncle has chosen not to come."
Harry turned to see both Malfoys behind him. "Your Uncle? I wasn't sure you had met them."
Draco shrugged. "She came to visit me a few days ago."
Remus ground his teeth. "Wanting your help."
Draco didn't deny it. "Thought she could use family to testify."
Harry had worried Draco would back the woman up to try and spite him. Draco had never known the woman and he couldn't have any real affection for her. He certainly had no idea what kind of mother she would be to her grandson. But Harry could still see Draco's reaction to Harry being heir to the Prince estate when they were in Albus' office. He thought he deserved everything that his Uncle had.
Draco shared a look with his father. He had spoken to Andromeda but he had not come here for her either. He hoped he could get to know her and his uncle now the war was over. Due to his father being a spy and his mother a criminal, he had never known them before.
Harry grunted as he went to go inside. "Of course you jumped to help."
Draco stopped him. "I told her that I could not testify."
Remus turned to him. "You did?"
"I don't know her, or the kind of woman she is." Draco pointed out.
Harry didn't buy it. "But you knew it would stick it to me."
Draco spat. "And why would I stick it to you? Besides Teddy is my cousin or sorts."
Harry reminded him. "You were angry I was named heir."
Draco corrected him. "I didn't believe my Uncle would pass me over for an unknown family member. And he didn't."
"And yet you are still here." Harry pointed out.
He shrugged. "I told her I would be at her side. She needs someone when she loses."
Lucius watched his son go in and turned to Harry. "As you pointed out my son doesn't need any more."
"He didn't seem to agree in the room."
"He knew his godfather. He knew he wouldn't care about distant blood. He thought that Albus was trying to pull something."
"I know the feeling." Harry admitted.
"He loved his Uncle enough to respect his choice, even if you two don't get along."
Lucius did not follow his son into the room but headed off down the hall. He was not going into the room with them. He had never met his sister in law as Andromeda had been married to Ted before he married Narcissa. His son had come to speak to him in his office before coming here. Draco had been unsure about his actions. Whether Harry would believe it or not, Draco felt conflicted. He felt some family loyalty and like he should back the woman up. But he honestly didn't know her or what kind of parent she was. Or any reason to deny Remus his son either. His father convinced him that he could be there for his Aunt without actually testifying. She didn't need to go into that room alone.
Harry went in with Remus and spoke to the attorney. "You have the paper work we sent."
The lead attorney assured him. "The judge has been provided copies as has the other lawyer."
Harry looked across the table and back. "They are willing to testify in person if needed."
The man assured him. "It likely wont be needed. This shouldn't take long."
Andromeda looked at Remus as she sat down. "We can end this."
Remus looked at her. "You are willing to drop your law suit?"
"I meant you could agree to terms."
Remus remained calm. "Terms?"
"You can have him for his birthday. And a few days over Christmas every year. Harry will of course be allowed visitation as well."
Remus was seething but he remained calm outward. "His birthday and Christmas? You are being so generous."
Andromeda reminded him. "You could get nothing."
Draco quietly said. "He is the dad. At the very least he will get weekends, and I don't….."
Andromeda shook off her nephew. "The judge will see reason."
The judge came into the room as they all took their seats at the table. Andromeda was relieved her nephew had come to be with her. She was not happy he wouldn't speak for her though. But she thought him being there would at least help. She had been shocked when her husband had refused to come with her that morning. He told her that he was not willing to try and take Remus from their grandson's life like this. Andromeda knew her husband would be happy when this was all done. She was sure she would walk out of the room with Teddy in her custody.
The judge looked at them all. "Are we ready to get started?"
Andromeda's attorney spoke. "We have presented evidence of Mr Lupin's inability to raise his son."
Remus reminded them. "Werewolf laws were over turned."
Andromeda reminded him. "You need work and a home. Not a guest of your godson."
Remus handed her the deed. "The deed to my family home."
Andromeda was steaming mad. "Your godson gave you a home. You will lose it again with no work."
Remus though presented papers. "My contract for texts. It has been extended for all seven years in both charms and defense."
The judge saw the papers. "That is a substantial increase."
Harry reminded the judge. "There are also the testimonies of myself, Arthur and Molly Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebot."
The judge looked down at his stack. "I have read."
Andromeda smirked. "And a single man like Kingsley knows what of raising children?"
Remus simply said. "He offered to be a character witness. Head of the auror department and all."
Andromeda was stewing. "I am a nurse, my husband works in the ministry. We are far more stable."
The judge turned to her. "And yet your husband is not here and I did not see his name on the petition."
Andromeda sighed. "We both wish for the best for our grandson."
The judge nodded. "That is why we are here."
Remus turned to him. "That is all we want."
The judge closed the file. "I see no reason to remove custody of the child from his father."
Andromeda was upset. "I had it for three months."
Remus reminded her. "It was temporary."
The judge quieted them. "Sole custody of Edward Lupin will remain with his father Remus John Lupin."
Andromeda was furious. "You cant take my grandson from me. I am his grandmother, I deserve to have him."
The judge turned to her. "That will be up for his father to decide. My ruling is final."
Remus looked at the man before he left. "I'd like to file these papers to name Harry his guardian if something should happen to me."
Harry saw Andromeda ready to explode. "Maybe this isn't the time."
The judge looked at Harry. "The forms are all in place, I see you are his godfather. Are you willing?"
Harry saw the pain in Andromeda but he nodded. "I do."
As the judge signed off on the papers Andromeda shot Remus a look. "This isn't over. You will not keep me from her son."
Draco tried his best to calm down his aunt and he left her. Harry had conflicting emotions as they took the forms and left the office. He was relieved that Remus had won though he had not been overly worried really. And he was happy to be guardian in case something happened. He had agreed to it when Teddy was born but it had not been official then. But he did care about Andromeda and he wasn't happy she was hurting. Remus knew his son's feelings and wasn't hurt. He knew while Harry supported him, he did care for the woman.
Remus assured him. "They are Teddy's grandparents, I won't cut them out of his life. Or just invite them for a birthday and Christmas either."
Harry hugged him. "You are far more reasonable then she was. I just hope for Teddy's sake that she will calm and see reason."
