The Contract

Chapter 127


Corvus Lestrange wasn't using the formal dining room for Rabastan and Harry's engagement party. The plans had been changed after the direct threat to not only Harry but his son's life. Only a fool would not take such threats seriously. The fact they didn't know who it was or what he was capable of, left them nigh on alert. His first instinct had been to cancel it, regardless of what people thought. However, Harry would not hear of it, he pushed for it to go ahead. He was not going to stop living his life and hide away in the shadows. If someone wanted to get to them, then let them try.

Corvus stalked into the ballroom, which had more security ward wise. The wards on this part of the property were older and far more lethal if activated. If anyone was foolish enough to come in uninvited? Well, they would be cut to ribbons.

The dais was already set up with instruments, gold and silver balloons and streamers decorated the room, set in the most aesthetically pleasing manner. The silver was from one of the Lestrange colours and the gold from Potter naturally.

Observing the house-elves were giving the dozen or so chandeliers one last polish and adding their decoration to it. At either side was a grand staircase, roped off naturally. The rope was just so that people know not to venture further. If they did, well there would be warning spells, if they persisted? It would lead to consequences they'd not live to see.

"Lord Lestrange," Renata curtsied, when she noticed him, standing from her sitting position, and sliding away from the piano. Just as congratulations on your engagement balloons were strung up top along the stage as it's centre piece. The House-elves used magic to get most things done, including this, they were far too small, but they could have used ladders if need be.

"Please continue," Corvus said, giving her a kind smile, not wishing to interrupting her practicing before everyone arrived. She was prefect, she didn't need to practice, there was a reason he'd hired her for this evening. Along with the rest of her entourage, they found employment primarily in an orchestra or opera. No doubt they went where the money did. The others were also beginning to settle for a night of performing.

Trays of flutes of champagne, glasses of red wine, white wine, and even tumblers of whiskey and harder liquors. He'd been fighting with himself about drinking since that bombshell. Just something to take the edge off, but he'd refrained. He needed all his wits around him, and the fact none of them could place the voice really irked them something terrible.

The soft gentle melodious sound of the piano started up, and Corvus relaxed. It was a beautiful piece, more so when the harp and the violin slowly joined in, adding to the piece. His lips twitched up into a small smile, today was the day, the entire magical world would become aware of the soon-to-be marriage of the Potter and Lestrange families. With Sirius and Rodolphus as well, very well connected he was very pleased with how things had worked out.

Now all he had to do was wait for his very much desired and anticipated grandchild. He knew, he'd likely be waiting about ten to fifteen years for that most cherished child. For a man who had feared that his line would end with him for that amount of time as well? Oh, he had all the patience of a saint.

Giving one last look around, ensuring it was perfect, each window pane squeaky clean, the curtains drawn back and with the colour scheme. Windows open allowing the air into the room, it had been airing since they decided to use it. The smell of lemon wood polish certainly helped relieve the room of dusty smell. The two long tables set out perfectly, with gleaming and sparkling goblets, glasses, placemats and plates.

Plucking a flute of champagne from one of the trays, another flute taking its place almost immediately. Sipping the drink with relish, the citrus notes hitting just right. Perfect, he was determined that tonight would go perfect.

"The place looks amazing," Sirius admired, as he made his way inside, joining Corvus alongside his husband. He'd never been shown this part of the place before, but it was hardly surprising, there was probably quite a few areas he hadn't ventured into. "Bit chilly still though."

"I can't even remember being in this room, but I have a feeling I have," Rodolphus said thoughtfully, eyeing the room with contemplation. "Is this fireplace even connected to the Floo?" he asked as his father set the fire higher, well aware that neither of his sons did well in the chill.

"You have been, we celebrated both your births here," Corvus said fondly, "And your mothers' birthdays." Some of his best memories had been held in here, and he'd actually put them into pensives so that his sons could see their mother, and remember it bright, laughing and vibrant. Oh, he missed her so much, but they would be reunited one day. They'd never missed an occasion to celebrate, many great nights had taken place right here in this very room until…well, best not think on that, not today of all days.

"By your appearance here, and dressed up, you had no more luck than we did of convincing Harry to give today a miss?" Corvus asked, swallowing down half the flutes contents.

Sirius snorted, "You're kidding right? I don't think anyone could stop Harry from doing whatever he wanted."

Rodolphus smirked, "He's a stubborn brat," he grumbled, shaking his head, "But we'll keep an eye on him, has Lord Slytherin returned yet?" hopefully he would have some information for them. Although, if he knew his Lord as well as he liked to believe, then he wouldn't stop digging until he had exhausted all avenues and or had his answers. He and Barty had helped until just under an hour ago, enough time to get ready.

"No, which is troublesome," Corvus murmured, lips pursing a little.

A loud bell echoed throughout the property; it would seem the first of their guests had finally arrived. Corvus drank the rest of the champagne and set the glass aside. It was only thanks to the Potter house-elves they had working here that the change of room had been pulled off so successfully. "So much for fashionably late."

Neither Rodolphus or Sirius offered to go to the door for him. Well aware, that they would need to cross the threshold with him to avoid setting the wards off. Only those that arrive via portkey will even get onto the estate.

It took no time at all before Corvus reached the door.

"Ah, Lord and Lady Bulstrode, heiress Bulstrode, welcome to Lestrange manor," Corvus said, inviting the family into his home. The last time he'd seen the girl, she'd been rather…unattractive, which he had thought a shame. Witches truly got the short end of a straw most times. Being dictated by their parents, then ultimately their spouse. Nowhere near as bad as it used to be, but it was still prevalent in society. "You are growing into your own, Heiress Bulstrode." She was, her hair had grown longer, and she'd lost the baby fat that clung to her cheeks. In a few years she would look more like her mother than her grandfather – who was a Crabbe by the way – which he was happy to see.

"Thank you, Lord Lestrange," Heiress Bulstrode spoke clearly and concisely, making all the right moves, but the fear in her eyes spoke of her knowledge of his family and their…reputation.

"What is your favourite class at Hogwarts?" Corvus asked the youngster, wishing to see her relax a little. He took no pleasure in scaring children, and he knew that it would take time for such fear to abate. As they walked towards the Ballroom.

"I enjoy Ancient Runes, and I want to take Alchemy." Heiress Bulstrode confessed, taking a quick look at her father before looking at her surroundings. It was a beautiful home, vasty and spacious from the farm house she lived in with her parents. Most of the farm had been sold off, so only a small part of the 'farm' actually belonged to the Bulstrode family now.

"There is no need to take such a complicated class," Lord Bulstrode said in a condescending manner, still suffering from that perpetual disappointment that his wife had had a daughter and not a son. Especially such an unattractive bore that was all but a squib! Nothing remotely about her stood out. That and there wasn't a family in the UK who had a second son, a spare, that could marry her so that the Bulstrode name could continue. With such little prospects, the only thing that could help was the fact the family had a good name, good standing and a good fortune. One he would ensure only his grandson would get, he wouldn't trust a stranger – married into the family or not – with the family fortune. No, he would rather die first. Even if the family prospects were dwindling with his borrowing trying to maintain cover with his societal friends.

"Just because you'd find it complicated Barry, it doesn't mean your daughter will." Corvus chided him, noticing that the heiress and Lady succeeded in keeping their amusement to themselves. "What made you take a liking to Alchemy?"

"I overheard a few Slytherins discussing it, it sounds amazing," Heiress Bulstrode confessed, she'd always been shy, and was best friends with Tracy, both of them were majorly overlooked. They didn't spend much time with the main group that made up the majority of their year mates and Lord Black-Potter. Harry did take his time to talk to her, and spent some time in the library with her and Tracy for brief times.

At the entrance of the ball room, a large beautifully calligraphy sign saying Harry & Rabastan and the date they got engaged. Only those that actually knew about them, saw it. The rest would find out later when everyone was finally here.

They didn't get engaged on today, but today was most certainly their engagement party. There was supposed to be a minimum of four weeks before the big day or a maximum of six weeks before the wedding traditionally. Rabastan and Harry were not one for tradition, given the length of their betrothal from the first meeting not signing of the contract, their engagement and of course, the wait until they actually got married.

"Lord Lestrange, where is the cake to be sat?" the chief asked, his accent thick but words carefully enunciated. He had been up all night making it, the cake was 7-teir and as big as him, well bigger, as a matter of fact.

Corvus could have smacked himself, of course, no wonder he was being asked. He hadn't informed the wizard where to set it when it was time. Tonight, had been planned almost meticulously for a perfect night for his son and soon to be son-in-law. "Please help yourself, and mingle." He gestured towards his son and son-in-law Sirius Lestrange. Who were both dressed in stunning grey and blue accented suits, they couldn't after all, wear the same outfit to the engagement and wedding now could they? "Follow me," he asked of Rene their chef for tonight. He came highly recommended, the chief he'd originally hoped to book, was regretfully unavailable tonight and for the next seven months.

"Merlin, save me," Rodolphus murmured, with a pained grimace as he stared at his husband.

Sirius arched a brow, "What?" looking around almost smacking his face into the flowers that were absolutely everywhere, Harry's favourites, the honeysuckle, the best of the best picked for today and not from around the manor.

"Lord Bulstrode," he grimaced, "He's heading this way, and is so boringly dull I'd prefer to watch water boiling and he hasn't caught a clue yet." The wizard was three years older than him though, so he hadn't really spent his entire Hogwarts years with him thank Merlin.

"He can't be that bad…" Sirius said thoughtfully, struggling to remember the wizard but nothing came to mind. He was entirely unremarkable that Sirius couldn't even remember a single interaction with him.

"Lord Lestrange," Lord Bulstrode said, puffing out and up proudly. The squat wizard was lucky if he came up to the middle of their chests. He was wearing lime green, and honestly, he quite resembled a frog, it did not help that his voice had a croaky sound to it. He was perhaps not all that well, but had chosen to come regardless. "Consort Lestrange."

"Lord Lestrange," Rodolphus corrected, they were both Lord's in their own right, even if Sirius had been disowned. When they married, he had written Lord Lestrange on the marriage certificate with his approval. He was insulting Sirius by implying he was a mere consort instead of using his title, Lord Lestrange.

"Yes, yes, still no sign of an heir?" staring between them, beady eyes smug, feeling superior that he'd been able to produce an heir when they had not. You could almost feel it stamped across his forehead. Anything that made him feel superior than anyone else. To be fair he didn't get the opportunity to feel superior often.

"Lady Bulstrode, Heiress Bulstrode," Sirius said charmingly, giving them an award-winning grin that would have put Lockhart to shame. He kissed them on the hand, if Bulstrode wanted to be rude, then that was on him, they weren't going to give him the time of day. He honestly didn't care about his opinion. "Can I get you ladies a drink?" noticing that his Lordship had only got one for himself and hadn't even passed one to his own wife.

"A glass of champagne sounds lovely," the blonde, tall but thin witch said her cheeks going red, a pleased look on her face. Her husband had never been romantic with her, and ever since she hadn't been able to give him a second child (the heir he so desperately wanted) and that led to her being very careful about what she ate and drank. She didn't want to end up in an 'accident' or 'targeted' like her husband threatened to do in the past. "And please call me Marianne."

"Then you have my permission to call me by my first name," Sirius said, roguishly handsome and using it to his benefit. He could see that Lord Bulstrode was going an ugly purple colour as anger got the better of him. "You must be Millicent, right? Harry has mentioned you; he pairs with you a lot in Ancient Runes?"

Surprised disbelief gripped Millicent, who dumbly nodded, she hadn't expected him to ever mention her. Hell, she honestly believed he was just being polite when he spoke to her.

"Millie," Marianne chided, glancing to where her husband was, "Use your voice honey," her husband would get really angry if Millicent acted anything less than with one hundred percent decorum.

"I am," Millicent murmured, her shy nature ever-present despite her elocution lessons she'd had as a youngster. One thing wasn't like the other. Unfortunately, her father never really saw it that way. He thought she was deliberately trying to embarrass him.

Given how her father treated her mother, it was not surprising that the girl was shy to the point of appearing speechless. Sirius thought, see, this was why he hated these pureblood scenes and the life sometimes. They didn't deserve that shit, at least James' parents had let him marry for love. Now here he was steeped in old pureblood traditions. His godson was marrying his betrothed, and genuinely very much in love with him. He was married to the heir of the Lestrange family, he had to remind himself that not everyone was unhappy.

"Do you enjoy being at Hogwarts or are you like Harry counting down the days until he leaves?" Sirius asked Millicent, eyeing up Lord Bulstrode like he was measuring him for his coffin, wondering if his husband would do him a favour. It was a heady, heavy smug satisfaction in knowing that one word from him and his husband would do just that.

It was for good cause, right? Did that make it a good thing or a bad thing or worse? Sirius groaned; he had spent too much time around his father's portrait. That was to blame, he was sure.

Not that Sirius had been able to follow through on that threat. It was like after the first person arrived, it was unspoken permission for everyone else to come in, and they did so in droves. It got that bad that Corvus was having to excuse himself mid greeting to gather the rest of the people. He had to be there, grant them entrance to the party, and their invite acted as a Portkey and granting them access. He had wards up to detect and rip through Polyjuice potion and any kind of glamours. To ensure that the portkey couldn't be used by an enemy using Polyjuice potion.

It wasn't long before there was a low hum of music playing in the background and everyone chatting. Corvus, Rodolphus and Sirius doing rounds, trying to speak to everyone.

"You make me do this again, and I'll be sleeping in a separate room," Sirius said with a fixed smile.

Rodolphus smirked, "As well you know, Siri, nobody can make you do anything." He said saucily into his husband's ear.

Sirius narrowed his eyes on his husband, before unobtrusively stomping on his foot as hard as he could. Twisting his foot for good measure, and he was grudgingly impressed by the fact his husband's impassive features didn't change at all.

Rodolphus smirked before stalking off to gather another whiskey.

Or he attempted to do so, but the music chose that moment to dwindled down to nothing. As his father stood on the stage, the staircases making the space look more confined than it actually was. Rodolphus did hear his husband curse, and mutter about not having the chance to tell him before his voice trailed off entirely.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all so much for coming to tonight's festivities," Corvus called out, his voice echoing a little due to the sonorous spell he had applied so that he would be heard. His flute glass held aloft, sensing the wards emitting Tom entrance. Hmm, perhaps he was coming with good news, he rather doubted it though. If there were anything to be found, it would have been found long before this.

"Now I shall save the real heartfelt speeches for the wedding reception, and give the two that need no introduction…as we help them celebrate their engagement…please help me in welcoming my sons, Rabastan Lestrange and Harry Potter soon to be Harry Potter-Lestrange!"

Naturally it didn't come as a surprise to absolutely everyone there. For quite a select few had been there for the original announcement. They had naturally been spelled to secrecy, something they hadn't found out until after the fact. No doubt, the second they opened their mouth to gossip the moment they were free of Lestrange manor.

If they had been any less composed, they would have been gossiping far more than the first years after their sorting. Instead, they watched Rabastan and Harry emerge from the doors, and descend the stairs. Dressed in the finest dress robes a wizard could buy, and adorned their hands were rings, and other finery they didn't wear every day.

The applause was deafening, the 'innocent' Death Eaters (they really hated that name) were very much aware of whom they owed their freedom. It wasn't just Rodolphus and Rabastan, admittedly though, it was because Harry had been invested in seeing Corvus granted his most ardent wish.

Harry had worked long and hard these past few years for the betterment of wizardkind. Even the prisoners of Azkaban now had a hope in hell of getting released, and paroled. Such a thing wouldn't have happened if Dumbledore was still in charge. Now though, with Ogden, he made sure to keep up to date on all muggle laws, and any that pertain to them, he ensures comes before the governing body.

The dark and neutral families had more to revere Harry with than the light ever would.

The most important thing of all, was the fact that Harry had given them all back their leader. The one they'd known before his decent into madness. Although, for some, it would have taken some getting to use to. Especially for Barty, he had felt a little lost trying to integrate himself back into society. As would have Rodolphus and Rabastan (and Bellatrix truthfully had she survived) if not for the strong support system they had in place.

Thankfully between Lord Slytherin, Rodolphus and Rabastan, Barty was beginning to find even ground. In fact, Harry had suggested a department made entirely to help prisoners assimilate to society again, help them find a job, and such. It was a very good idea, and Minister Welwyn would surely see it through.

Most were actually envious of Wolfgang Welwyn, not only was he an Unspeakable, but was now Minister which made him privy to all the information pertaining to the Ministry.

"This is so pretentious," Harry murmured to Rabastan as they finally reached everyone, clamouring to gain their attention in hopes of climbing the social ladder which the Lestrange's were at the top of these days.

"It can be, personally I think father just wanted to see everyone's reactions," Rabastan leaned over and murmured into Harry's ear.

Harry smothered his amusement, "Agreed," craning his head to see Corvus watching everyone with an aura of smugness. From his perch which was really just the raised platform where he'd given his introductory speech.

Rabastan followed his gaze and laughed, unable to contain it, buoyed in spirit just seeing his father's reaction. The first friend to congratulate him was Lucius, handing him and Harry drinks of their own before accepting his own back from his wife.

"Wow, Draco you look…amazing," Harry said, blinking at the sight of one of his best friends. He was dressed in silver dress robes, the Malfoy's were slightly closer to them, Rabastan speaking to Lucius and Harry kissed Narcissa's hand, "Thank you for coming tonight." He murmured in greeting, noticing that Narcissa was a lot less frosty in her reception of him, either that or she was hiding it better.

"It's handstitched," Draco preened, proudly displaying his dragon, "The star constellations on my back." He added, showing his back very briefly.

"It's amazing," Harry said sincerely, the stitchwork was quality, she (assuming it was Narcissa) must have worked on it for days. He knew how time-consuming handstitched garments took; he'd done his share of work fixing up the Dursley's clothes. The thread glimmered green, yellow like the stars to pale white then green again. It was a work of art. "Especially since this material isn't exactly made for it."

"What are you, a girl?" Draco rolled his eyes, but still felt smug.

"I will curse your clothes off you and make you run around here in nude." Harry threatened him with a pointed glare.

Draco gulped before stepping back, "I'm sorry," he said, cringing a little, expecting his father to chastise him for apologising. He'd gone his whole life being told that he didn't need to apologise to anyone. That he was above the chaff and born into wealth and obligation. He knew that Harry wasn't kidding, when he made threats, he would follow through with them. Never once had he said something and not gone through with it. Everyone in their group knew this.

Lucius however, didn't even seem remotely perturbed by his son's actions.

Rabastan however watched over the interaction with an arrogant grin, pleased to see that even Harry's friends knew better than to mess with him. If Draco was anything like Lucius (which he knew he was from all Harry told him) then he could do with a bit of humility. Draco would be lucky if he'd had to lift a finger once in his life. Thank Merlin his own father hadn't been like Abraxas and Lucius.

"Do tone that down," Lucius said dryly, "Merlin, help us, you're preening." Amused by Rabastan's peacocking, and he should know he had a whole muster of them. Muster was what they called a group of peacocks, and he had more than a small Muster. He bred them, they were worth a great deal of money, and topped up the estate frequently. Given their…lifestyle it was very much needed.

"Don't I have a right to be?" Rabastan asked, eyes gleaming as he stared Lucius down. "Intelligent, powerful, lively, with more connections than both our families combined, and our estate when it's combined? We'll become the ultimate power couple." Not that he cared about all that, but he wasn't going to confess to it. Only his brother, Sirius and his father would ever know that. And Harry too but that was a given.

Or so he thought.

"You have no idea how lucky you are," Lucius murmured quietly to Rabastan as the music started getting a tad louder. "To go into your betrothal, your engagement sure of your feelings for your significant other." Slightly envious, he could see how much they cared for one another, as flippant as Rabastan tried to appear. He and Narcissa had been an arranged match, he'd barely spoken to her more than a few times when his father gave him his mothers engagement ring sized already to fit Narcissa with orders to give it to her. The Daily Prophet had made them out to be a dream match, already 'besotted' with one another.

"At least you grew to love one another, its' something…more than most get," Rabastan smacked Lucius on the back in silent support.

"Very true," Lucius agreed, but in the early days before their son was born, he had contemplated the idea that he loved her because of the expectation. He knew he was lucky, there were some pairings that couldn't stand their husbands or wives. Perhaps it was inevitable, as they went through so many heart-breaking miscarriages before Draco was born. "Hopefully you'll be able to keep up with him." he added wryly.

"He will," Harry re-joined the conversation, "If not there are potions that will ensure he does."

Rabastan and Lucius choked on their champagne they'd been swallowing, coughing and stuttering. "Not for polite company." He rasped out, glaring balefully at his fiancé. Unable to help the amusement surging through him, despite his best efforts.

"What isn't?" Harry asked innocently enough, if it weren't for the mischief in his eyes, they would have bought it.

"He's good, isn't he?" Rabastan told Lucius smugly, he could have anyone eating out the palm of his hand. Arm going around Harry's shoulders and absently rubbing his back. He no longer had the willpower to maintain a distance, not that he really had to since they were engaged. It was his young age that Rabastan had been bothered by. Soon he would be an adult, and they would be able to find their footing on sexual matters. Given the pull they felt to each other…Rabastan didn't think it would be a problem at all.

"I already know that, Rabastan," Lucius commented, setting the flute aside, he collected a fresh one. Having no intention of drinking something he'd sputtered into like a Mudblood. "He is…magnificent when arguing in the Wizengamot chambers, and having both sides in awe of him and indebted to him…not many feel they can deny him." the ultimate Slytherin. He was quite frankly awed and impressed, and continued to be to this day when Harry showed his cunning. He could only hope that some of that cunning rubbed off on his son, who had a bit too much of the Black impatience in him.

"And don't you forget it." Harry said grinning cheekily. "Excuse me! Millie! Millie!" greeting the Slytherin happily as he made a beeline for her. He made no effort to hug her or touch her, he still wasn't one for welcoming any sort of contact except by his family.

"Hello, Harry, congratulations," Millicent said, almost beaming in delight, only Tracy and Harry called her by her nickname. "Our gift is on the table; I hope you like it…father chose it." She hadn't had any say, and her suggestion had been shot down immediately.

"Thank you," Harry said, giving her a smile, glancing at the table with a little trepidation, that was a lot of gifts, then again there was a lot of people here. They were celebrating the engagement since they knew they wouldn't be at the wedding. The wedding would be for his nearest and dearest an intimate thing in the magical world. Here though, he was attempting to let everyone here celebrate with him. "Did you get the book I sent you?"

"I did," Millicent enthused, "It's fascinating how it works! It's so similar to Potions, I didn't expect it! My father though says I shouldn't take the class…" not revealing what else he'd said to her.

"He's not living your life, it's yours to choose," Harry pointed out before he delved into the subject with more enthusiasm than she could scarcely know what to do with. He kept it to the basics, aware that she was just reading a beginner's book, they sent books back and forth, admittedly copies. He'd delved into it in his free time since his second summer at Lestrange Manor. They all had access to libraries so making copies wasn't unusual since the books they copied were made before the copyright spell was added to books to prevent it. "One of the portraits in Gallifrey Hall have a Mastery in Alchemy so I do have a bit of a…"

"Wait, what's Gallifrey Hall?" Millie queried, startled to hear the unfamiliar words, "Is that a library I don't know about?"

"Oh, no," Harry laughed, sheepishly, "No it's where my grandparents' portraits are. It's part of the Potter estate where Rabastan and I will move into one day." Forgetting that Millie didn't hang around with him often enough to know what Gallifrey Hall was.

Millie had so many questions, but held them in, why had his parents gone to a small cottage if they had other Potter holdings they could have used? She knew whom Harry's grandparents were, Dorea Potter, she used to be a Black and there was no way any property she stayed in was subpar. She'd asked her own grandparents about Harry's grandparents. Her mothers' parents, she didn't get to see them often, her father didn't like them. They 'interfered with the running of his household' he'd said.

"Have you read chapter five yet?" Harry asked, watching Rabastan and Rodolphus move off towards Corvus, who was standing with Lord Slytherin. The urge to follow, was strong, but he'd find out what they spoke about afterwards. A smile left his lips when Rabastan ever drawn to his orbit looked up.

"I stayed up nearly all night, I got to chapter fifteen…" Millie spoke still on the side of shy but far more confident now. Even after Draco and Theodore and the others joined the conversation, giving their own impressions of the book. Only a few of them didn't add anything, for they weren't as enthusiastic about the subject or taking it for that matter.


"Did you find anything?" Rabastan asked, relaxing a little at having Harry within his sight. He was safe in the manor, and Harry could look after himself. He didn't need to worry about him, no, he was capable of getting himself out of all manner of trouble. Capable or not it did not ease the fear of something happening.

"Nothing," Lord Slytherin said, gritting his teeth. "I've viewed every single memory left of what I got from the waitstaff. There isn't a single glimpse of someone who sounded remotely like the one Harry heard in the bathroom." Lips pursed in displeasure; he was furious with his inability to get answers. He'd listened to it, memorised it and gone through an entire days' worth or memories, from multiple sources to see. He hadn't been alone, Barty and Rodolphus had viewed a considerable few of them.

"Do you think it's a legitimate threat?" Rabastan asked the Dark Lord, whom he held in very high regard.

"The cadence in his speech relayed calm resolution, steeped in steel determination, so, yes, I believe it's a legitimate threat." Lord Slytherin informed Rabastan. "There was no note of laughter that indicated it was a joke." No, he believed this wizard had been entirely serious. He had a grudge against the Lestrange family, it wasn't the Longbottom family. Although, he could have been hired by them, but warning Harry off seemed a strange thing to do. As far as the magical world was concerned, they were innocent, sure there was people who didn't believe it, but none that would threaten Harry off the Lestrange's.

Rabastan nodded, unsurprised to hear this, and seething, truly over the threat that had been delivered to his fiancé. If, no when, when he found them, he was going to kill them, torture and kill them in the most painful manner he had in his arsenal. It drove them to be cautious in a way that they hadn't even practiced with Dumbledore.

"There's nothing more to be done about it, if he's honest about his threats, we'll hear from him again," Corvus said grimly, "Now you wanted to have this party, so go ahead, enjoy your night. Go, spend time with Harry."

"Speaking of which, just how did you get your claws into the Potter boy before Dumbledore?" presuming that Corvus had manipulated, gaslighted Harry into the young man he was right now. Interrupting their conversation, which was at the height of insolence.

"Reginald," Corvus said, turning around giving the wizard a once over, judgemental despite his best efforts, "How is your father doing?" not answering his question. How dare he imply such a thing about his soon to be son-in-law? Did he not see the nuances? Didn't he realize just how much Rabastan cared for Harry? How much they all did? Then again, Reginald hadn't had enough time around Harry to know. The only reason he got an invite was because of his father.

"He's well enough," Reginald frowned, "Bed bound these days, I'm afraid. He doesn't get out much anymore." He worried about him constantly, despite the fact part of him hated his father. Who hadn't given him permission to marry Mary, just because she was a Muggle-born witch. His father vowed he would cut him off if he didn't stop seeing her, never mind if he married her. So, he had lied to his father that he had cut off all contact. He met up with her frequently, hating the fact he treated her like a dirty little secret. She would become Marry Cattermole one day; of that he was determined.

"I am sorry to hear that." Corvus murmured, "I shall write to Christopher soon, see if he's up to company." Christopher unlike his son, had manners, had worked hard all his life, stopping only when his ailing body couldn't handle the strain.

"Excuse me," Rodolphus and Rabastan murmured, giving their excuses and inclining their heads before they took off to find their significant others. There was nothing more to be learned here, and he didn't really want to converse with the maintenance wizard, he didn't seem inclined to work his way up, just put in minimal hours then left. He had no aspirations. Well, other than taking over after his father passed, who refused to let his son sit in his seat in his stead in the Wizengamot. Which meant the place he used to sit at remained vacant, and votes he could have sworn in or out remained unutilised.

"He would like that," Reginald said sincerely, "Still curious about how you gained control over Potter." Glancing at the boy he observed in the background. He loved Mary, she might be a Muggle-born, but he didn't care, he still judged everyone else. It was the way he'd been raised, once they married, nobody would know, their kid would believe it was pureblood. It would never know it's mother's grandparents. Hypocritical as it was, love, emotions didn't make sense, and ensnared your senses.

Corvus arched a brow, "You are mistaken if you think anyone could control that young man," his voice turning stern, unforgiving. His eyes, if they were capable, would be spitting out killing curses, furious at his assumption that Harry was in any way weak given all he had been through. He was strong, stronger than any teenager had a need to be. The obstacles he'd overcome, would have destroyed lesser men.

Reginald paled and took a tiny step back, realizing he'd pissed the host off. "My apologies," inclining his head before scurrying off. For someone who spent all day with questionable people in the Ministry, he did seem to notice subtle and not so subtle nuances. Not enough to not get eaten alive if he entered the Wizengamot chambers though.

"Foolish idiot," Lord Slytherin said darkly, watching the retreat, vividly reminded of Pettigrew, except of course, Reginald was slightly taller and a lot thinner than Pettigrew had been.

"Indeed," Corvus agreed wholeheartedly, watching the wizard go, deeply regretting his addition to the list. Unfortunately, he couldn't slight the family, not when they were allies, or had been, it would be over when Christopher died. He wasn't reapplying it when he passed away.

"Has Bill come? He indicated he might not be able to due to prior commitments." Lord Slytherin asked, changing the subject entirely.

"He came, he's over there speaking to his father, the twins, Percy, Sirius and Rodolphus," Corvus pointed to where the gaggle of redheads were situated alongside his son and son-in-law. "And Rabastan." He added when he noticed his other son carrying a tray over for all of them. His gaze seeking out Harry, and finding him deep in conversation, but he couldn't say whom. The person he was conversing with was entirely obscured from view with Harry's body.

"So, I see," Lord Slytherin said, the urge to make even more connections was strong, but he could wait an hour or so until the meal. Let them drink and let their guard down, they'd be more open with him if that was the case. "What about the Minister?"

"He and his wife have come, yes," Corvus nodded, smugly, "Nobody would be foolish to turn the invites down…" even more so for those that were in the know. With the power that Harry wielded. It's him they'd be looking to for answers. Him they would revere; it had been written in the stars in the early hours of November 1st all those years ago. When the magical world proclaimed him the 'Boy-Who-Lived'.


"Hi, Anthony, I…how is your mum?" Harry asked, well aware of his roommates' woes. Anthony was like him, a half-blood. His mother was a Muggle-born witch, marrying into a pureblood family. Which was likely to happen more often these days, with the knowledge of just how powerful half-bloods tend to be over pureblood children.

Anthony smiled, "She's doing well, as is my baby sister." Beaming in pride and happiness. Two years ago, his mother had given birth to a stillborn son, so this pregnancy had been considered high risk. So, they'd been to see a healer every month, they'd named her Poppy after Porpentina a distant relative, way back, through the Scamander family, his grandmother through his father's side if he recalled the family tree accurately.

"Did you bring a picture?" Harry asked, truly happy to hear that all had been well, Anthony had told him how worried he was. It was months ago, he'd been sitting in the darkened common room, clearly worried. Despite not being at home, he'd been truly concerned and just wanted to be with his family just to be on the safe side.

"Not with me, I'll bring an album when I return to Hogwarts," Anthony promised.

"Are your parents here?" Harry asked the blonde.

"My dad, my mum still has a bit recovering to do, and well…" Anthony shrugged, he wasn't sure how welcome his mum would be in mixed company. It made his father really angry when they judged his mother that way.

"Did they decide on a name?" Harry asked, he was far from best friends with his roommates, but he was good enough friends to see Anthony was a little conflicted.

"Kali," Anthony puffed up in pride. "Kali Goldstein," they had once hailed from India, it seemed prudent to honour his mothers' ancestors. That and it was a good strong, powerful name and in the magical world it held meaning.

"Congratulations," Harry said sincerely, it was a shame there was such a large age gap between them… though. "You're incredibly lucky. Are your family accepting gifts?"

"Of course," Anthony answered, not at all perplexed by his question. Some families don't allow gifts of any kind for their new born child. Too afraid that someone could send something to cause harm to their newest addition. Which happened all too frequently. Jealousy and spite ran rampant, especially in the old pureblood families, mostly when it came to who would inherit. His family was only his mother and father and now a sister, he had no cousins, aunts or uncles or even grandparents. His fathers' parents died of Dragon pox during the pandemic, whereas his mothers' parents died in a housefire when his mother was sixteen during school year.

"Is there anything in particular your parents would like for her?" sounding a bit hopeful, he didn't want to send an entirely generic gift, or worse, something they already had.

"Honestly? Just send a basket, nappies, wipes, some baby medicine, father is having her inoculated soon against Dragon Pox." He'd lost his parents to it, so he was being extra cautious. "My mum had a baby shower/and gathering to welcoming to Kali and made sure she had godparents/magical guardians." Godparent didn't mean Christianity, pagans had gods too, and it was frequently forgotten. However, they didn't need a 'church' they wrote their names on a piece of paper, and it was official. You could choose anyone, anyone you pleased. Godparents were essentially magical guardians, another thing the began using to help Muggle borns integrate into magical society.

Even Sirius called himself his godfather, instead of magical guardian and he was the son of pureblood Blacks. Which said a lot, but then again, Sirius had spent a lot of time around Lily and had evidently picked up on the use of the name.

Oddly enough, you can be godfather but not magical guardian, as proven by Sirius Black. Or perhaps more accurately, you can have a magical guardian, a temporary magical guardian or an appointed magical guardian.

The Malfoy's did the same, Harry had noticed, since Draco referred to Severus as his godfather. Severus was raised in the Muggle world, but knew about magic, knowledge he had given to his mum. He had never heard Narcissa or Lucius refer to Severus as such. He didn't spend as much time with Lord and Lady Malfoy to know much about them, perhaps they did use the term but it seemed stupid for those that profess to desire a return to the olde ways.

"Then look for a gift from both of us," Harry informed his fellow Ravenclaw.

"Rabastan Lestrange?" censure coated Goldstein's voice. "Out of everyone you could have chosen you chose him?"

Harry blinked, "What?" he was surprised, the Goldstein family was renowned neutral, well, more like light orientated due to his mother's status as a Muggleborn. Not that he cared, not really, he shared a dorm with him, they spoke, did some study time together. He wouldn't be hurt if the boy began ignoring him. He had a family, and friends that held a far more cherished place in his heart than Goldstein ever would.

"I mean I sort of get it, he's attractive enough, got more money than even the Malfoy's but they're going to drag you down. I know you want to be a lawyer, surely, you've realised by now they're powerless?" speaking urgently but lowly, having no desire of being heard. "I mean there are rumours they are really guilty…"

Harry blinked, he could see the jealous and envy living like a massive green goblin inside of Anthony. Blinking again, astonishment thrumming through him, bloody hell, he hadn't realized Anthony liked him like that. If anything, Anthony had always been a little dismissive of him. As if he couldn't care less where he was, he'd never asked where he was or what he was doing. Never asked if he was alright, or if he needed help. Before he could say anything, he was interrupted, as one so often was at a gathering.

"Lord Potter, may I congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials?" Lord Clearwater asked in very high spirits, but within the respectful pureblood decorum. When Harry smiled and turned his attention to him, he continued on, "I do believe you know my daughter Penelope?" she had been a Ravenclaw, but had graduated along side her long term boyfriend Percy Weasley. He had better prospects than when they first begun dating, not that she'd cared about his prospects. Her parents though were very relieved and happier at her choice.

"I do, even though she spent her last year at Hogwarts with her nose buried in a book," He teased, kissing her on the hand, as was appropriate. Harry grinned when she laughed a little, her last year had been intense to say the least as she tried to ensure she got a good amount of N.E.W.T's. "Isn't Percy here?" he asked her.

"No, he's taking a few tests at the Ministry," Penelope said, fondness suffusing her voice. He had decided upon a career, and had been given money from Bill to retake a few tests. Promising to pay it back, but his brother didn't seem to mind it at all. It was a shame that Bill was able to take care of all his siblings far better than Molly and Arthur had been able to. When she and Percy first entered Hogwarts…the classes that were now widely available for the students weren't for them. So it required a lot of independent study, but they were pleased to say that they had done very well.

"And I'd like for you to meet my son and heir, Paul Clearwater!" Lord Clearwater said, showing off his twenty-four-year-old married son, Heir Clearwater, they were not noble or ancient but they could trace their magic back for more than ten generations. "He left Hogwarts before you entered, so it's unlikely you've met!"

"Well met, Heir Clearwater," Harry said, inclining his head.

"You also, and congratulations on your engagement," Paul said sincerely, "I'd love to introduce you to my wife…but she's nowhere to be found." Sounding amused rather than concerned.

"We have all night," Harry said laughing a little.

"Will you be having a proper bonding or a wedding?" Lord Clearwater asked, he had bonded with his wife, his son had bonded with his wife. Penelope would have nothing but a bonding, anyone that didn't want to do it? Wouldn't gain his permission to bond with her. Marriages were cheap and the contracts decidedly unfair, no, bonding was the only way and it would keep both spouses safe.

"Father!" Penelope gasped, aghast with his question, or rather the way he asked. The hidden implication as well, that a wedding was subpar compared to bonding.

"It's a perfectly understandable question," Harry reassured her, "And we do intend to bond."

"You do?" Anthony blurted out, surprising Harry that he was still around, having frozen in shock at the statement as he accepted a drink from his father. Pumpkin juice, since he wasn't quite yet legal to consume alcohol. The Clearwater's however, had looks of approval on their faces.

"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, but I'd like to ask my fiancé to dance," Rabastan interrupted their conversation, grasping Harry's hand, and gently tugging him away.

Harry waved his hand in a goodbye gesture, smiling at the family, not the slightest bit apologetic either. He'd never apologise for his fiancé wanting to dance with him. "Oh, you smell so good today," he murmured, as he snuggled up against Rabastan as they made it to the dance floor. The chuckles reverberated through his chest, rumbling soothingly.

"I'll need to remember to use that one more," Rabastan murmured, kissing Harry's head. "I'm glad we chose to go through with tonight." He told him, he'd admittedly been very leery over the party, worried about all of them actually, but he was really enjoying it more than he expected while low-key worrying.

"Me too," Harry murmured, closing his eyes, just relishing in the close contact with Rabastan in public. No more cloak and dagger, no more hiding and secrets. Everyone would know, the news would reach all the corners of the magical world by tomorrow morning. "And not just for all the gifts." Grinning into Rabastan's clothes amused.

Rabastan's eyes roamed over the table, which was massively overburdened. If they could make a noise, the table would be groaning under their weight of it. The table was the length of half the room, snug in the corner, and gift after gift perched on top, for both of them. It was going to take them an entire morning to sort through them and likely a day to write out the thank you notes. "It is a lot." He agreed, smug in the knowledge that Harry was his and now everyone would know it. Everything else was…incidental.

The dance and the song lasted for what felt like forever, but also not long enough. When Rabastan tried to step away, Harry held on, insisting on "One more," his eyes still closed. Content in a way that he hadn't ever been before.

Rabastan laughed, "Alright, alright," he conceded, truth be told, he didn't want to part either.

Sirius watched his godson and Rabastan with tears in his eyes, "Potters always have the best luck finding their one and only early." He was so incredibly happy for his godson. He knew one day that they wouldn't live together, he was going to miss that, but considering the alternative…he'd relish each and every day. Leaning back into Rodolphus, enjoying the closeness as they swayed together to the music. "I don't think I've seen anyone look the way Harry looks at Rabastan." It was a good thing he'd threatened Rabastan to never hurt his godson or he'd send him straight to the Hades himself.

Rodolphus hummed noncommittally, "Come, let's dance, we don't get another chance for about an hour after this." Noticing that the dining table had been lit up, it was almost time for the meal to be sent up. He was glad the preparation stage was over, his father and Harry had gone over every little detail, he'd stayed far away as possible. It helped that Sirius was in the same mind as him.

"Not yet," Sirius shook his head, refusing to move, "Let them have this." Nobody else was on the dancefloor, some were doing the same as he and his husband was. Standing on the edge of the dance floor. The chatter was ignored by Sirius, almost as much as the music became background noise. His godson took the majority of his attention, it was a bittersweet moment. Lily and James should be there for this, but at least Dorea and Charlus were here. The frame had been moved particularly for today and would be returned after. Not that many of their acquaintances were still alive or here for that matter. Sometimes he felt like he was betraying them, but other times he realizes what Dumbledore would have had in store for him then he realized that Lily and James wouldn't care. They just wanted Harry to live, to survive, and Sirius vowed that Harry would live beyond James and Lily's twenty-one tender years on this earth.

Rodolphus tightened his hold on Sirius, as if suspecting where his mind had wandered off too, or perhaps just that his mind had wandered at all. "Dance with me," Rodolphus nudged him forward, "It's one last dance before our meal is served." They didn't get to choose, everyone was getting the same, as well they should. His father had gone all out, buying the most expensive cuts of meats and everything. He'd hired chefs (with the House-elves being sous chefs) the best musicians he truly had gone all out and it was turning out to be a magnificent night.

Harry and Rabastan would remember it, that was most important.

"She's delightful," Harry motioned towards the musician who was singing quite a popular number. She brought shivers to their spines, with her words and melody. Giggling madly as Rabastan twirled him around, almost to the point of utter dizziness. He laughed as he leaned fully against Rabastan, he loved how tactile Rabastan had come with him.

"Yes, I agree, but did you expect anything less of father?" Rabastan teased, utterly engrossed in Harry's delight and happiness. It hurt to think that his life had been in such dangers – one way or another – that this threat bore no further thought to his young fiancé. Part of him was glad he wasn't boggled down with worries that he could do nothing about. The other part of him was saddened by the life he'd led that a threat bore no thinking about.

"No, not at all," Harry breathlessly uttered, face flushed red, in his breathless merriment.

"The question is, is she good enough to return for our bonding?" Rabastan asked, as the music began to slow to an end. Glancing to the front of the platform to find his suspicions confirmed.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please find your seats, dinner will be served momentarily." Lord Lestrange called out, "On behalf of myself and my family…please enjoy and may I add…nothing here is vegetarian!" each of the plates had a name plate perched atop of it, and in beautiful handwritten calligraphy.

There was no mad dash to get to the seat, it was all done in a slow orderly fashion. With people having time to sit down before anyone passed their chairs. The rows were evenly spaced enough that there was still space to walk down, even if two people in the opposite row stood up.

"Maybe, although as long as it isn't the Weird Sisters, I don't mind." Harry commented, hand clutched in Rabastan's as they made their way to their seats.

Rabastan burst out laughing, "Dear Merlin, agreed!" they were loud, overbearing and just downright diabolical. They couldn't really sing, at least in his opinion. The lesser purebloods like the Weasleys – back a few years ago – would have liked it. Only because it was the only music they could afford, except what songs came on the radio.

Rabastan remained standing, his left hand held loosely in Harry's, once everyone had seated, "Thank you for coming here tonight to help us celebrate our impending bonding. Now to the most important part, enjoy tonight's menu and the starter consists of Ragu of Morels and Asparagus with cultured cream with a perfect 2000 Pinot Meunier." The drinks were paired with the meal, but they still had others they could switch out for if they were unsatisfied.

Harry was the only one under the age of seventeen to get alcohol, he was after all, an adult in the eyes of the law.

"To Rabastan and Harry," Lord Lestrange said, with a bright smile on his face.

"To Rabastan and Harry!" they echoed, raising their glasses and toasting to the happy couple.

The couple inclined their head, and everyone focused on their meals, and quiet chatter started up again.

"You look wonderful tonight, Harry," Lady Abbott declared, smiling at him, she'd seen him grow up into a wonderful man. Given his childhood it was a surprise that he wasn't bitter, perhaps Corvus was correct, maybe he had been found just in time. "Both of you do." She amended her statement, a sweet smile on her face.

"Indeed," Antonio agreed wholeheartedly. "And this new piece of legislation you've proposed, is ingenious."

"Oh, now, Tony, please, no work talk, you promised." Lady Abbott chided her husband gently, as she sipped from her glass of wine. It was delicious but it was no surprise. The Lestrange's had a lot of money, thus they could spend more frivolously, and knowing just how closely Corvus had despaired before his son's release…it was no surprise they were celebrated so ardently.

"And you believed him?" Lord Slytherin teased; his tone wry as he smirked. "Wait until you see his next piece."

"No, not another one…I'm still trying to read through his previous amendments!" Antonio groaned dramatically, "You have a fine mind for this sort of work. I don't even want to begin to imagine how bored you would have been had you chosen any other career. You were meant to be a lawyer."

"You should try to decrease your caseload if it's too much, or have your wife take over your Wizengamot voting." Harry suggested, "Doing too much will be detrimental to both your career and your family."

"What age are you again?" Antonio teased, shaking his head genuinely amazed. Honestly, he sounded like he was middle aged, not still a teenager. Who still had a few more 'teenage' years to go before he wasn't considered one anymore.

"Doesn't make it any less true," Rabastan agreed with Harry wholeheartedly, "Family first, always."

"Here, here," Antonio agreed, clinking classes with Rabastan, his wife, Harry and Aurelius before clinking classes with Corvus' as well. During that time, the plates disappeared, and Rabastan stood, revealing the second course as the House-elves brought it out magically from the identical tables below.

"Second course, Hard-seared Copper River Salmon Mangalitsa lardo, with a 2012 Pinot Nior!" Rabastan informed them, before sitting to enjoy his meal. "That was what father was drinking when he got the urgent letter from the goblins at Gringotts." Rabastan revealed, the very beginning of their betrothal negotiations.

"And the first one?" Harry asked, intrigued and more than a little warmed. He hadn't chosen any of the alcohol because he honestly didn't care. So, he'd left that for Corvus to deal with he'd know what drink went best with which meals.

"Your first drink during the Opera with father," Rabastan said fondly.

Harry smiled widely, glancing over at Corvus who was deep in conversation with Aurelius. His affection for the elder wizard evident in his gaze. Shaking his head, he turned back to Rabastan, and leaned against his fiancé as they finished their second course. The meals were small, expensive but small, you could eat it within a few bites.

The dessert was hazelnut meringue with devil's club infused chocolate, sweet cicely, fennel, and wild liquorice fern ice cream. The drink with that was a port, one that Harry had no intention of drinking from. Rabastan laughed though, "Rodolphus and I stole a bottle of port from father, shared it with our dorm mates, big mistake."

Harry pursed his lips, amusement evident, "What happened?"

"Dumbledore tried to give us detention for a month, but Slughorn came to our defence, arguing that if his Gryffindors could get off with a slap on the wrist, with a 'boys will be boys' then his Slytherins' could too." Rabastan said wryly, "I've never touched port since."

"Does it happen often?" Harry asked curiously, swallowing the spoonful of food before adding, "The drinking? None of the Ravenclaws did it…I don't think." His brow furrowing deeply as he tried to figure it out.

"In Slytherin? Yes, its almost a right of passage," Rabastan said wryly, "But we're definitely not the only ones."

"Did he pick food to match the drink or the other way around?" Harry asked grinning, as the smell of coffee permeated the air as the House-elves finished up with beverages.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter, "Right?" in agreement with Harry on that front. His cheeks were rosy, giving away the amount of drink he had packed away.

"You know father, he never just does something for one purpose," Rodolphus smirked wryly, as he finished his second glass of port. The music was going again, and the singer was singing a slow melodious tune that wasn't grating on the ears. That and it allowed those that just want to sit and chat (or make more connections by the look of their Lord and the Minister making rounds) instead of dancing.

"Did I really choose any of those foods?" Harry asked wondering. "Or do I just think I did?"

Sirius snorted, "Admit it, you were out Slytherin'ed by a Slytherin."

"Does it even count? I am a Ravenclaw!" Harry said in thin protest.

"It counts," Rabastan, Sirius, Rodolphus and the Abbotts all agreed, joining in on the merriment.

Despite the coffee or tea being drank, everyone continued to chat, make merry and dance until they had holes in their tights and their feet ached. To sit down before getting up and dancing some more, a few left early due to prior commitments, such as work or family. However, most of them danced the night away and only left once dawn began to show up on the horizon a brand-new day. Leaving with a gift bag as 'thanks' with many wonderous gifts.

It was hardly surprising that the news showed up in the newspapers despite most of them partying the prior night away.


Remus Lupin shivered in cold and wet, as he shoved his cloak off him, and dried his robes best he was able. It was raining heavily, and he still had to fix the rest of the roof, unless he wanted the flat to smell even worse of damp. Luckily for him, it didn't require another climb outside. His pale and wane features showcased that the night of the full moon had just passed. Another night as Moony without his pack…who had wilfully abandoned him, for the likes of Rodolphus Lestrange, a Death Eater. Introducing his cub to the wrong sort of people, the very people Sirius would have called the 'Wrong sort' just a few years ago.

Looking around the room, his favourite armchair, with the couches and bare wooden floor with a few electronic items. A TV and a stand. He kept everything shrunk in his trunk until he got a new place to go, including a bed, of course, bedding, some toiletries and such. All old and worn, but still had plenty of life left in them. The skip and the second-hand stores in the Muggle world were very handy for a wizard like him.

Leaving the sopping wet cloak on the floor, he fixed up the rest of the roof in record time. While doing so, he heard the hooting of an owl. A surprised glance at the time, an old Muggle wristwatch that Lily got him when they were seventeen, he realized that it was well passed breakfast time. Luckily for him, he had enough food to give himself a decent breakfast, he always needed that extra food after the full moon.

Accepting the newspaper, he put the coins in the pouch before setting it aside while he cooked breakfast. His aching body being pushed to the max. However, it was used to Remus' hardhanded aways when it came to forcing himself to be on the move instead of resting.

Once he had his breakfast made and a steaming plate of hot food, and the last of his milk in a cuppa he sat down. Groaning in relief, which drowned out the groaning of the wooden chair he had sat in. It's old age making it less comfortable in taking a fully grown mans weight.

Picking up his fork and knife, he dug into his full English breakfast, between drinking his coffee. It was time to start looking through the paper for jobs again. It wasn't easy, since he had to leave jobs after they figured it out or were close to. So, he couldn't get references, and when he did? They weren't good, with the time off for being 'sick' all the time. Luckily logic wasn't exactly a wizard's strong suit so his employment lasted more than just a few months.

He knew, he knew if he took on a Muggle job, he'd be making a lot of money, but he couldn't lower himself to do it. It would be the ultimate humiliation. Taking orders from a Muggle? He didn't mind them, honestly, but he just couldn't take orders from them and remain around them for work.

Setting the plate aside, he took the paper out of the bag and opened it up ready to do what he must. Only to pause in shock, and blink thrice rapidly.

HARRY POTTER BOY-WHO-LIVED ENGAGED TO RABASTAN LESTRANGE!

Remus choked on nothing, aghast, how on earth could Sirius let this happen? Why? The disgusting filthy Death Eater was old enough to be Harry's father! He'd been part of the organization that did kill Harry's father. How dare he besmirch James's memory like that? How dare both of them? Snarling like the wounded beast he was, he scrunched up the paper only to pause, his amber eyes catching sight of Harry and Rabastan's faces, the look of utter adoration they shared between them.

Choking in sheer shock of it, blindly gaping, this…this was genuine, he hadn't seen that sort of gaze since…well, since Lily and James.

Never had he felt more alone as he stared at it, the picture included Rodolphus and Sirius in the background a bit. Envy clawed at Remus, that could have been him, if he had just approached Sirius before Rodolphus had sunk his claws in. If he'd just been brave enough to visit.

Depression consumed Remus whole, and suddenly, despite knowing he had all these tasks to do, Remus shuffled to his bedroom. Wrapping his dressing down around him, he took to the bed.

In his dreams he was warm, with Sirius' nagging, good food, dressed decently…and happy.

Which naturally just made him feel even more depressed upon regaining consciousness.


Molly No-Last-Name sat huddled on the metal bed curled up in a feeble attempt to retaining heat. Her Azkaban jumpsuit was…far to lose now upon her frame. She had lost a significant amount of weight since ending up in Azkaban. Which surprisingly, didn't help her when she tried to keep warm. She was lucky the spells on the building prevented the water from sloshing inside, soaking her and the bed and everything else it could get in water.

She had no idea how long she'd been here, but she knew it had been a long time. Long enough to lose a significant amount of weight. That and she had started counting the days, she wasn't sure how far into her incarceration she'd started it. Each day she waited with bated breath for her children to get in touch with her. Or her husband. For surely, they would show her some mercy. She was their mother at the end of the day, she'd given birth to them. Yet nothing, not a single letter, no single visit, nothing. She worried for her daughter.

The lack of human interaction was beginning to have its affect on her.

The dementors, horrid creatures they were, constantly and vividly reminded her of her little Ronnie's death. She felt to blame, she'd clearly picked something that was dangerous and put it in the stew. She'd killed her own son, and perhaps this was exactly where she belonged. Or she'd believe that if not for the fact she had other children whom she loved and wanted to see. Her Percy would be graduated by now, wouldn't he? Old enough to make his own decisions, why wasn't he coming to visit her?

Molly slowly at up as the food tray was shoved through the slot, porridge, the food was adequate, for a prison that is. There wasn't a lot of it, a ladle full in the middle of the bowl. Beside the bowl was a spoon and the newspaper. Her eyes widened, before jerking to her feet quickly ensconcing herself on her bed once more.

She hadn't seen the paper since she came here.

Spreading it open in delight, blanching not just at the title but the date, unable to believe how long had passed. it had been so long, Percy had graduated, the twins would be too, soon. Swallowing thickly, the bile coming up the back of her throat. No, this wasn't supposed to happen, Ginny was meant to marry the Potter boy. He didn't belong to that horrid Death Eater! They killed her brothers; they don't deserve a happy ever after. Fuming mad, why wasn't anyone doing anything about this? Narrowing her eyes, she took in the pictures, which had been given to the newspaper by the way, without Corvus' approval.

Molly recognized that gaggle of redheads anywhere, "Not possible," she croaked, squinting as if she couldn't very well see. She could see just fine, and she narrowed her gaze on her ex-husband and the arm that was very intimately around her man, and screamed and raged, ripping the paper to pieces, and throwing the bowl with the meagre food on it at the wall, and smacking the metal tray against the cell door with all her might. All the while screaming and raging, declaring it to be a mistake. Her ex-husband was not with that monocle wearing bitch. She didn't deserve Arthur, he was hers.

"SHUT UP!"

"MERLIN'S BALLS WOMEN SHUT THE HELL UP!"

"GIVE IT A REST, WILL YOU?!"

"YOU SCREAMING HARPY SHUT IT!"

Her surrounding neighbours weren't as happy about her screeching any more than her children and husband had been. Although, they had remained quiet until she calmed herself down, and usually did what she asked. This time, no such thing happened, and Molly just sat in a crumbled heap in the middle of the cell seething in fury. Not just about Potter but her husband too.

The guards just laughed, trading gold coins with smug knowing looks. "Still got Tonks to go!"

They just shook their heads, "She's been quiet." She'd always been quiet, the loss of her 'gift' had broken something in Tonks. She was quite frankly a model prisoner; they were unaware that she was basically a squib. It wasn't just her Metamorphamagus abilities she'd lost but the majority of her magic. The Black's had always been known to be extraordinary powerful – making them terrifying enemies – but she no longer had a trace of Black blood in her.

She would regret what she had done until the day she dies.


A figure shadowed by darkness, the room he was in, shrouded in darkness, heavy dark black out curtains cloaking the room. The only light came from the lampshade and the fireplace, the room was pretty much empty regardless. There was only a table and a chair and a currently empty bookcase with fixings on the walls. The lamps were enough light to read the mornings Daily Prophet. The figure gazed coolly at the lines before slowly scrunching the paper into a ball, and tossed it into the fireplace, it quickly burnt, the ashes of its remains smouldering in the grate.

"So, you have chosen death." He said, sounding so sensibly calm and composed.


A/N – I know I've not written in over a week! Hopefully the extra-long chapter will make up for it, but we so rarely get this lovely weather that I wanted to enjoy it. I mean we get 22 degrees weather (I know you guys have it worse 😉 lol) but we get it for maybe a week or two before our weather goes back down to 16 degrees for the rest of the summer before dipping to below 0 for a good portion of the winter. 😊 Will Sirius take the plunge and make demands of his husband that he'd have no qualms about fulfilling? (Millie's father) lol

I suppose I could add Hermione's 'reaction' but it would likely just be on my Facebook since there's not anywhere, I can really place it in the story…and maybe added when the story is finished as a wee 'side piece' or something like that. It feels a little rushed after the meal portion but if I hadn't stopped you might have ended up getting three chapters in a single post 😊 lol well, there we go I hope you've enjoyed it regardless and I do wonder if you've guessed at the mysterious persons identity 😉 It honestly wouldn't surprise me if you have LOL READ AND REVIEW PLEASE xx