A Second Chance

by Breanie

What if Sirius didn't spend twelve years in prison, but was given a trial after four years? Follow the story of Sirius Black as he learns what it means to be a father/brother/guardian to his young godson & the story of Harry Potter, a young boy with a loving home who learns about the Marauders from the two men who should have raised him. Slow-burn Hinny. M for sex & violence.

334. The One With the Slope

Author's Note:

To my Canadian friends — 🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

Reviews and Comments: To darkhk: Um, thanks? I think. To Tmrpotterhead250: Thanks for loving all of the Weasley relationships! I hope you find the trial as interesting as I did writing it! Remember, it's a parole hearing more than a trial. George and Angelina are definitely made for each other with those rings! I love Ron's obsession with his arse! It makes me smile! You think Fiadh is pregnant? Interesting. Thank you! To Guest: Thank you! It was fun to have all of the Weasleys in one place! I'm glad you loved the Romione anal sex scene. I loved having them take that next step in their relationship together. Thank you! To wolfjinx15475: Thank you! I'm so glad that you missed my Weasley interactions! It's fun to show them what's going on. I love trying to show the different balance between each Weasley sibling and how alike and different they are from each other. As to what's wrong with Fiadh, sardines and overwhelming for sure! We will see Sebastian interact with the Weasleys at some point (not too far away actually). Thank you very much! To Cassiopeia Anastasia Black: Thank you! To scrappy8: Thank you! A wild dinner at the Burrow — I don't think we can expect much else!

To Wolf's scream: It's true, George is always dramatic! I think he and Ron are the two most dramatic members of the Weasley family. I love all of Ginny's brothers (especially Charlie) being supportive over Ginny's news. Thank you! To Nuno Neves: Thank you! It was fun to show a bit of all of the couples in the Weasley clan! Thank you for saying that was the best Romione smut I've done so far! I loved showing how beautiful Ron is in Hermione's eyes. Ha, yes, Victoire is loading LOL! Harry and Ginny know so much about each other and want to take care of each other in every way possible. He is her anchor as much as she is his. I loved that moment! I loved Ginny turning Ron's comment about Harry being thick into something dirty, it just makes it better in my opinion lol. Thanks for loving my Burrow dinner scene, it's so fun to write everyone just being everyone! Thank you very much! To the Mandalorian terminator: Thanks for loving Molly's interactions with her future daughter-in-laws. I love having Molly be such a great mum to everyone she meets! Thanks for appreciating the smut as well! Thank you! To Guest: Yes, we will see Zee, Mina, and Leo again soon! Thanks for loving my Weasleys! To michealrieken: Thanks for catching up and thanks for reading since 2019! I am honoured that ASC has helped paved your way into the world of fanfiction! Thank you!

To ascfan: Thank you! I'm glad it made you forget about the war a little. Aydin is very adorable! Thank you! To CherrySara: Thanks for finding the chapter super hilarious! Yes, Romione anal and Angelina and George sharing their proposal, Bill and Fleur talking about kids and Fiadh finally meeting everyone — it was a whirlwind of a chapter! I loved Molly and Arthur teasing Ron that he had his dad's bum lol. Yes, Theo has too much going on and it wasn't his time to attend. But Bas will meet the Weasleys soon and double date with Harry and Ginny. Thank you! To alix33: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed Aydin's vocabulary! Thank you! To AnonymousHufflepuffWriter: Thank you for saying "this was like the greatest family event of all time." It is challenging to write scenes like that so I tried to do it how I envision my own family gatherings — pure chaos. Thank you very much! To Slaidback: Thank you! Mānawatia a Matariki to you and you kin to you as well! To samashhh: Glad I could make you laugh so much! I agree, sometimes we need some humour amidst the darkness. Thank you! To A Huge Fan: Thanks for loving my Weasley family! I love writing supportive Molly. I can't imagine her being anything less than a fantastically supportive mum! Thank you!

To DeadFish37: I'm sorry that you think Ron has gotten so terrible. I love writing his confidence levels over his arse. As to Fiadh getting sick, well sardines aren't really that appetizing. Thank you! To EnigmaticEmperor: I am honoured that ASC is the first time you've read Percy smut and have enjoyed it — you're welcome. I love that Audrey can help him embrace his fun side. Percy needs that. Thanks for loving my George and Angelina and their pirate ring. Fred and Fiadh are taking the next step together and when Fiadh greets Molly and Arthur, it shows how much they are willing to take that next step. Thanks for loving Hinny! As to Victoire, Bill and Fleur just started talking about it, she's not pregnant yet. Thanks for enjoying my big family Burrow dinner. Aydin definitely is picking up swear words lol. Thank you very much! To CarpenL: Fiadh is pronounced (fee-ah). Thank you! To the frozen flame: Thanks for catching up and returning to ASC! Yes, there are dark undercurrents, but it's nice to take a break and show a little light and humour in the lives of my characters. I'm glad you enjoyed the little jump into all of the Weasley couples as well as the dinner with all of them together. I'm honoured that Fred and Fiadh are your favourite couple in the story! Thank you!

To anika: Thank you for starting to read from the beginning again! Yes, the parole hearing is very stressful and that's why Theo didn't go to the Burrow because it's two days later and he is very worried, but thankfully he has Bas. Sebastian was the exact source of comfort and support he needed. Yes, Fred and Fiadh are official! Thanks for saying this is your favourite fic to read! Thank you! To Driftwood1: Thanks for enjoying the light and happiness of before the trial! I think we needed it, too! Yes, a seat at the Weasley family dinners would be very entertaining! Fiadh definitely feels mortified to have thrown up at her first dinner meeting them all! As to if her throwing up was for a different reason, you will have to wait and see! Ron can totally be such an arse sometimes and it's what I love about him. The man has many sides. I love him just never learning how to undo bras properly, like an endearing quirk he can't master. I love writing Angelina being supportive and Ginny and her talking about it. I think it's important that Ginny gets along with her future sister-in-law. Thank you very much for enjoying my Weasley family moment! To Guest: Thanks for catching up! I'm glad you enjoyed it! To puttyman24: Happy to make you laugh so hard! Thank you! To pix25: Yes, definitely an interesting dinner, LOL. Thank you!

To Gigi87: Yes, 🇨🇦Happy Canada Day to you, too! 🇨🇦 I love Percy being a tad protective over his little sister and not wanting to admit she's growing up. I think he's always been the more serious of the brothers so it made sense to show it from his point of view. I love Percy and Audrey just having the most interesting sex life just because. Angelina is getting her life back on track and she's finding a new dream, with George, but yes, she is still sad. As to George's leg, you will have to wait and see! You thought Fiadh was going to tell Fred she was pregnant? Interesting. I love that I surprised you with Fiadh bringing up the relationship talk and not Fred. I love Ron's obsession with his arse. I think it just is something he's confident about and he doesn't have a lot of confidence in himself sometimes so when he does, he sometimes overcompensates. Thanks for enjoying Ron's continuous struggle with Hermione's bras lol. Harry and Ginny are definitely shagging like rabbits! These two cannot and do not want to keep their hands off of each other. Ginny has dealt with her trauma and with Harry, she's not afraid. She trusts him and knows that if something triggers anything, he will one hundred percent support in her any way she needs him to and I think that helps her. Happy to know that Ginny's "thick" comment to Ron made you laugh. There really is nothing better than making your brother squirm/cringe lol. My SIL and I were talking about a book of hers the other day and about oral sex and my brother walked in and was like nope, I'm out LOL. Brothers are weird! As to Fleur being pregnant, her and Bill are only talking about it! Yes, my chapter titles are in reference to Friends' episodes with "the one with or where." Thank you very much for enjoying my Weasley centred chapter! Enjoy your holiday!

To Zarathos Morgenstern: Thanks for loving the Weasleys interaction and them welcoming Fiadh into the family. Thanks for saying the smut scenes were on point! To ellyann13: Audrey and Angelina definitely both know their men! LOL, you think Fiadh got more than an orgasm when her and Fred checked out the front desk? You think Fiadh is trying to trap Fred into something? I do think Ron still gets a bit jealous of other wizards around Hermione, he is very confident and very insecure at the same time. Charlie is very impressed with his sister. Thank you! To Shivani: Thanks for finding the chapter so fun to read! I love dropping in on the Weasley siblings and seeing how they are all doing! As to not killing anyone — I make no promises! I love Fred's cheesy puns lol. Ginny has told her family and now she has to prep for the next tryout! Thanks for loving the chaos of the Weasley family dinner! Thank you! To hopelesscourage : I know your review was from chapter 209, but oh my goodness, so many Princess Bride references and I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for making me smile!

To AQuickRead91: Thank you! I will take it as a compliment that "this was the most chaotic yet fully understandable thing" you've "ever read." You're welcome lol. Thank you! To 19HuffleClaws: Thank you for loving how I write Molly. I've never liked stories that make her so overbearing and judgmental and pushy. She is definitely a fiercely loyal and loving woman and thank you for appreciating her. To TatiRena: Yes, poor Fiadh! It was definitely an interesting way to meet the family! Thank you! To briana_t: Thanks for saying that chapter 333 might be your favourite chapter yet! I love showing he different dynamics of each Weasley couple and then how they all intermingle together. Fiadh was definitely nervous and the smell of fish didn't help! Thank you! To shuweet: I understand that sentiment and the trial is this chapter! Theo will definitely be suffering, reliving something like that is never easy. Thank you! To CorbanD17: Thank you! To marauders_mowopapr: Thanks for loving my Molly and Ginny moment. Mums always know! I hope you enjoy the trial coming up and how it plays out. Thanks for loving the Burrow family dinner scene! I like having Harry be so oblivious sometimes, it's part of his adorable charm! Thank you for loving my Romione! To Ishani Pai: Thank you for leaving a comment for the first time. I love that you loved my Weasley family dinner, I wanted it to be fun. Fiadh definitely wasn't very tolerable to the fish, no. I'm glad you're nervous about the trial (so am I and I wrote it months ago!). Thank you very much! To RiverFord: Sometimes even the best of betas and writers miss things. Thank you!

To LadyRava: Thank you! You think Fiadh is pregnant? LOL, well that is a good story! Thank you! To Merrillma22: Thank you! I love that I made you fall in love with every couple all over again! Yes, bad things are coming, but not quite yet. You think Fiadh is pregnant? We will see. To I_heart_cat: It has been a while since we checked in on all of the Weasley boys and I thought it was time. I love the chaos as well so I'm glad people appreciated it. Thank you very much for saying "the best part about ASC, besides the amazing character development and POVs, is that even though the story is a long one, the pacing feels just right." That means a lot to me. Thank you! To reginaphalange: Thank you very much! I love Adyin learning bad words, too! Yes, the trial is next! Is Fiadh pregnant? We'll see. Thank you! To SmoothLikePeanutButter: Thank you very much! I like to think Ginny takes after her mum a little bit. I love writing supportive and loving Molly! Thank you! To AmericanDesi: Thanks for loving the family interactions, even if you don't enjoy my smut scenes. Thank you!

To AnaGPotter: Yes, Sam did give me some advice on the Burrow scene and added a line or two! As to Fiadh not like fish or being pregnant, we'll see! Yes, Bill and Fleur are talking about babies! Thank you! To BleedRedandGold: Calm before the storm is true, yes. Thank you! Is Fleur's cooking bad or is something else brewing? Wait and see. Thank you! To yomama: Thank you! I love the chaotic family, too! Is Fiadh allergic to fish? Wait and see. To BadWolfKris: Yes, as I mentioned at the end of the last chapter, that was a Joey-esque line. Thanks for loving cussing baby Aydin! Thank you! To free_bee: Thank you! To Joyce Foesenek: Thanks for enjoying my Weasley family night! You think Fiadh is either pregnant or can't stand sardines? We will see! Thank you! To Khanate: Thank you very much and thanks for appreciating my posting schedule! I am honoured that you keep rereading it! To bandhoez9194: Thanks for thinking little Aydin is amazing and yes, kids really do pick up on everything! Thanks for being excited about the trial and Ginny's next tryout! To Potterm1997: Thank you!

To ravenclaw_rockchick: Thank you! I love moments like that so I love that you had a similar one at your brother's wedding! Fiadh definitely wasn't fond of the fish! Aydin knowing swear words before too many real words is entertaining. Thank you! To Bellmel: Yes, I suppose it was a Weasley Ship Showcase LOL. Thank you! Haha, "full of funniness and smuttiness and fluffiness and bay-making and gaudy pirate rings." I think that does sum it up pretty well. I'm glad you enjoy Fred's cheesy sexy puns. He does want more and I love those two coming together to admit that. Fiadh is sure of Fred and she's willing to throw herself all in to meet his family and that tells Fred everything. Thanks for appreciating the Bill and Fleur moment where eBill wants to have a baby with Fleur, he's ready to start a family with the woman he loves. I love oblivious Harry who doesn't even think about him obviously being invited to the family dinner lol. Thanks for appreciating Ginny's nicknames from her brothers (I love them and I know a lot of people don't, but I don't care). I wanted Molly to broach the subject of sex and to be supportive of her daughter and her choices after everything Ginny has undergone. Yes, the next time there is a Weasley dinner, Sebastian and Theo will be included (promise). Thank you very much! To katelyn453: Thank you! Yes, Aydin is learning bad words LOL! To aproseofroses: Thank you for loving my George and Angelina! Thank you! To adelkins83: Thank you! Is Fiadh pregnant? Wait and see. Theo will definitely be stressed over the trial and Ginny's next tryout is coming soon! Thank you!

My posting schedule: Weekly.

Thanks to Dusk for her amazing editing skills.

As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!

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CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR:

The One With The Slope

Fred left his family behind as he chased Fiadh out of the kitchen and into the living room. She almost made it to the front door before he grabbed her hand, turning her around to look at him.

"Please, Fiadh, don't leave. No one is going to think any less of you."

"I have to leave," she insisted. "Goddess, I puked on you!"

"It's fine!" Fred insisted. "It had sardines in it. You saved me from puking too!"

"It wasn't the sardines, Fred," Fiadh said, crossing her arms in front of her.

"Well, it was probably bloody awful. Harry Bloody Potter didn't even eat it after that display. I mean, Ron and Charlie did, but they have iron stomachs and can eat literally anything —"

"— Fred —"

"—My family has done way worse than puke during a meal," Fred continued. "Trust me. Did I ever tell you about the time George and I put dung-beetles in Bill's soup? And don't even get me started on that time we added laxatives to Percy's porridge. You think a little puke is embarrassing, you should have seen Percy's face when he shit his pants at the dinner table."

"Fred," Fiadh said again.

"You're one of us now!"

"Fred, I'm pregnant!" Fiadh exclaimed, her hands covering her mouth.

A squeak sounded from the doorway and Fred turned around slowly to see his mother standing there with wide eyes. Fred just blinked at her, trying to process what Fiadh had just said to him.

Molly gave them a small smile. "I'm sorry about eavesdropping. I just wanted to make sure Fiadh was all right. I'll leave you two to discuss… things. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

Fred watched his mother disappear, a small giggle escaping her. He turned to stare at Fiadh once more, blinking in shock.

"W-w-what?"

"I'm pregnant," she whispered. "And they're yours."

Fred snorted, suddenly feeling like he could laugh. "That's funny. I could have sworn you just told me you were pregnant and that I'm the father."

"I did."

"Which is preposterous," Fred continued. "Because I mean, you can't be pregnant. We can't be pregnant. We're careful."

"I think it happened in your shop," Fiadh told him. "When we were behind the desk and on the cash register… I… it was a shock for me too."

Fred blinked. "And you're… sure?"

She nodded. "Yes."

Fred stared. "You knew… when you came to see me you… you knew then."

It wasn't a question, but Fiadh nodded just the same.

"Bloody hell," Fred said, dragging his fingers through his hair.

"I want them," she whispered, holding a hand over her stomach. "I love you, Fred. You make me laugh and you make me smile and I know that it's all really fast and if you don't want this, I completely understand. But I want them."

"Them?"

Fiadh bit her lip. "It's twins."

"Bloody buggering hell," Fred muttered, falling into the armchair.

Fiadh knelt down in front of him, placing her hands on his knees. "I know it's a lot to take in. I know it's a shock. Trust me, it was a shock for me as well. I'm only a few weeks along and… I don't know, Fred, it just feels right."

Fred stared at her.

She squeezed his knees. "Say something. Please."

"You puked on me."

Her lips twitched. "Well, it was sardines…"

Fred leaned forward and cupped her face in his hands. "If I admit that I've been in love with you for months do I lose manly points here?"

Her green eyes softened. "It's funny that you think you have manly points to begin with."

His thumb brushed her lip. "So, you're saying that when I shot my arrow, I didn't miss my mark?"

Fiadh hit him and he grinned.

"I released too early and gave us both a surprise."

She hit him again and he kissed her.

"Must be love. You have vomit mouth."

Fiadh blushed and waved her hand over her face to do a freshening charm. "I take it back. I hate you."

Fred pulled her into his lap, holding her legs over the arm of the chair. "Can't take it back. You're stuck with me now and my looney family out there."

Fiadh's fingers brushed his hair out of his face. "I'm scared. It's fast. Too fast. What if we mess it up?"

"I reckon that means we're probably doing it right." He pressed his forehead to hers. "I'm fucking terrified."

Fiadh's fingers tightened in his hair. "I knew I loved you the moment I saw your shop on fire. I've never been so scared in my whole life that I had lost you and then… I was too afraid to tell you. To admit that I…"

"I think I knew the moment you told me you wanted to be full of me again after admitting you loved my jokes."

"I never admitted to such a thing."

His lips twitched. "You did. Our first night together."

Her eyes darkened. "I love you, Fred."

Fred's mouth met hers for a long kiss. "Guess it's a good thing we finally agreed to date, right? All of the shagging aside, of course."

Fiadh hit his shoulder. "Don't you have anything to say to me?"

"Like what?"

"Never mind."

He pulled her back into his arms when she made to stand. The little pout on her lips made him want to kiss her senseless. Instead, he cocked his head.

"Oh, you want me to say it, do you? Do you need to hear the words?"

"Yes," she whispered. "Just because I want this doesn't mean you have to want it, too. I won't hold you responsible."

"Because I early released?"

Her lips twitched. "I hate your jokes."

Fred kissed her nose. "You love my jokes. If I say it, Fiadh… there's no going back."

"I don't want you to say it, not unless you mean it."

"I do. Mean it." He dragged his fingers through his hair. "There's never been anyone else for me. I was waiting for you."

"Fred…"

"I love you, Fiadh Alexander," he whispered, holding her hand over his heart. "I'm so in love with you I can't see straight. I'm mad about you. You're the only girl I've ever brought home to dinner. The only girl I've ever missed when you're just across the room. And now," he slid his hands over her flat stomach. "You're the woman I've knocked up."

Fiadh snorted. "And you were doing so well."

He kissed her. "I love you, Fiadh. I am in love with you. And I want this. I want us. I want… them."

Fiadh linked her arms around his neck. "It's too fast."

"Much too fast."

"We've barely dated."

"But we've shagged a lot."

"I'm a fae princess and you're a wizard."

"I want them to be as beautiful as you with your golden wings."

Tears welled up in Fiadh's eyes. "You're not scared?"

"Bloody fucking terrified!" Fred admitted. "I can barely take care of myself."

She tilted her head towards the kitchen. "You have a pretty big supportive family in there."

"The biggest and the best," he agreed. "My mum's probably having kittens in there. If she hasn't spilled the beans already, I'll be shocked. You have a big scary royal family in Tara."

Fiadh bit her bottom lip. "They'll probably hate you."

"Hey, I'm loveable!"

She smiled. "I'm kidding, they'll love you… but this and us and them and it's all… it's just so fast and I'm scared and I don't want to rush it just because it's rushing us."

"Never," he agreed. Fred's fingers rubbed her flat stomach. "Twins, huh?"

"They run in both of our families, but I think only on my side in the whole passing it down way of things."

"Just my luck," he muttered. He pressed his forehead against hers again. "I'm in. I'm all in."

Fiadh's green eyes met his before she kissed him so deeply that he felt her wings flutter behind her. He stroked his hand over the edge of them and she trembled. "I'm all in, too."

Fred carefully stood, lowering her to her feet and kissing her once more before he took her hand in his. "Let's go face the firing squad."

Fiadh squeezed his hand in hers and let him turn her towards the kitchen, her wings disappearing into her like magic. Merlin, he was head over heels for this woman and she had no idea how much. When she turned to look at him, her lips slightly parted, he grinned back at her.

"Just please keep the sardines away from me this time."

"Already noted," he promised as they walked hand in hand back into the kitchen.

His mother was beaming at him when they entered, her eyes wide in suppressed glee. Fred pulled Fiadh's arm to him and cleared his throat.

"If we could remove the sardines from the table, Fiadh would appreciate it."

"No need," Charlie assured him. "They're all stuck in Ron's teeth."

Ron made a rude hand gesture and Hermione smacked his shoulder.

"Ron, no breathing in our direction," Fred insisted as Ron made a second rude hand gesture.

"Feeling better, Fiadh?" Ginny asked. "There's no need to be embarrassed by a little vomit. Did Fred ever tell you about the time Percy shit his pants at the table?"

"You did?" Audrey inquired.

Percy scowled. "Bloody pranks."

"Much better," Fiadh said. "Thank you. You've all been very kind."

They each took their seats back at the table and Fred scooped up some scalloped potatoes, stabbing his fork into them happily before he noticed his mother's eyes on him. He kept his face as neutral as he could.

"Want the potatoes, Mum?"

"No, I don't want the blasted potatoes!" Molly exclaimed.

"Mum!" Percy uttered in surprise.

"Fred, are you two honestly going to sit here and eat dinner after I heard what I… I mean…"

"When you were eavesdropping," Fred corrected, a small smile on his lips. "What did you hear, Mum?"

Molly clamped her lips shut, her eyes wide.

"This dinner is delicious, Mrs Weasley," Fiadh said, breaking off a piece of the rosemary and garlic bread smothered in warm butter. "Thank you for inviting me."

"You're always welcome, Fiadh," Arthur said. "You know you're the first girl Fred's ever brought home and properly introduced us to. The ones he snuck out of his room when he thought we weren't aware of didn't count. I don't think we actually got any of their names."

Fred shrugged. "Weren't important enough for names. Not like Fiadh. She's… she's more than important. She's the one for me."

Molly's eyes softened. "Fred…"

"Can you pass me the pot roast?" Fred asked, his lips twitching. "Thanks, Mum."

"Mum, are you all right?" Percy asked. "You look like you're going to burst."

"Or puke. Please don't puke," George said. "One can only handle so much vomit at a family dinner. Poor Harry is positively grey!"

"I'm not grey," Harry said, raising an eyebrow when Ron pointed to the two sardine tartines left on his and Ginny's plates. "Go for it. Ginny and I don't want them."

"Oh, they are very delicious," Fleur assured him.

"We voted against it," Harry said.

"Aww, listen to them, speaking in we's," Fred teased. "How adorably revolting. We thought you were cool, Potter."

"Molly, dear, are you all right?" Arthur asked, reaching over to touch his wife's arm.

"Yeah, Mum, you look like you're going to puke now," Ron added.

"Ron! Stop breathing on people!" George snapped.

"Sardines are not that bad!" Fleur protested.

"I have to breathe!" Ron shouted. "My breath is like the ocean!"

"Yeah, an ocean of dead fish," Fred said.

"Enough, boys!" Molly interjected. "I'm not going to puke!"

"She's right. Mum's just upset because I asked her to keep the secret about Fiadh's new job. It's why she puked. She's nervous about it."

"Fred!" Molly exclaimed. "I did not hear anything about a new job!"

"Didn't you?" Fred asked, cutting into his pot roast. "Interesting."

"What's your new job?" Audrey asked.

"I… I don't have a new job," Fiadh said, looking at Fred curiously.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Why does Fred think you do then?"

"We both do," Fred said.

"I'm confused," Ginny admitted.

"Oh, Fred, please don't make me say it!" Molly exclaimed, biting her bottom lip.

"Say what?" Arthur asked.

"That Fiadh and I are going to have babies together," Fred said.

"Wait — what?" George said, staring at his twin. "How did you go from zero to a hundred? A week ago you wouldn't even admit she was your girlfriend."

"I knocked her up."

"Ah. Makes much more sense," George surmised. "Welcome to the family, Fiadh. Ginny, pass the peas."

"Thank you," Fiadh said, drinking the water from her glass as a bowl of peas passed over her plate towards George.

"You're pregnant?" Ron blurted, his eyes on the tiny fae. "With Fred's spawn?"

"That's why you don't early release, Ron. Surprises happen," Fred cautioned. "Or in our case. Two."

Ginny squealed, her hands coming up to cover her mouth. "Oh my gods, you're having twins!"

Fiadh nodded. "Yes."

"And we're weirdly happy about it," Fred told them.

Congratulations moved around the table as everyone hugged Fred and Fiadh and when Arthur pulled him close, his father's lips near his ear gave him the comforting words he needed.

"I knew that she was the one for you the first time you said her name. A man knows his heart and even when it scares him, he knows when he's making the right choice. I've never been so proud of you as I am at this moment. I love you, Fred."

Fred tightened his grip on his father's hug and when Charlie hugged him he hoped that he could become half the men his brother and father were when it came time for his babies to be born.

Because fuck, he was going to be a dad and wasn't that one hell of a punch — and as his eyes met Fiadh's he knew that he'd never been as happy as he was right now with his woman by his side.

~ ASC ~

Harry thought that, by the Burrow standards, that dinner had definitely had some more surprises than anticipated. The four of them headed back to Hogwarts feeling full after learning about all of those surprises. He was happy to know that George and Angelina were getting married and he was pleased to hear that Angelina had found a new job in a field she loved. Being a Quidditch Public Relations Agent was a great job for her and he couldn't imagine anyone being better at it. He knew that when Ginny passed her next tryout, Angelina would definitely sign her.

Then of course there was Fred.

Harry had to admit, meeting Fiadh had been a surprise. He'd only met Finn a few times and the short dark-haired fae may have shared her brother's eyes, but little else. Fred was clearly in love with her. He couldn't ever remember seeing Fred so happy as when he looked at her and to think that he was going to be a father — to twins. It was definitely hard to believe.

"What are you thinking about?" Ginny asked as Harry took a seat in the armchair by the fire in the Gryffindor common room.

Harry pulled her down into his lap, holding her sideways and resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'm trying to imagine Fred as a dad."

"Scary, isn't it?" Ginny said, a soft smile on her face. "He's going to be a great dad."

"That's a lot to take in for them. Twins."

"I'll say," Ginny admitted. "Seems that's two of my brothers who were surprised to have knocked up their witches. And I must say that out of all of my brothers, Charlie and Fred are the two who I thought would be the least likely to have children until they were much older, if at all."

"Well, it was a surprise," Harry surmised, making Ginny elbow him.

"Charlie's an amazing dad," Ginny said. "I love watching him with Aydin. The way he looks at her… every little thing she does just makes him light up. He's so good with her. Fred will be a great dad, too."

"They have a great example to look up to."

Ginny smiled. "They do. But not all men need great examples to be great dads. They just have to love their kids and Fred is going to have two. Two babies! Oh my goodness, Harry, that means we will have another set of twins to babysit."

"Lucky us," he teased. "And don't forget there will be baby Teddy soon, too."

Ginny's fingers carded through his hair. "How could I forget? So many little humans coming into the world it makes me think about what our babies will look like."

"Our babies?" Harry said, his green eyes widening.

"No," she said, kissing his cheek. "Breathe. Unlike my brothers, we are careful with our contraception. Just our hypothetical someday babies. I think I want a little boy with your dark hair and green eyes."

Harry held her closer. "Funny. Because I'd want a girl with your red hair and chocolate eyes."

Ginny's eyes softened. "I love you."

"I love you, too," he said, bringing his lips to hers. "Do you think that it's too early to sneak up to bed?"

"Tired already?" she teased. "Did our family exhaust you?"

He kissed her again. "No. I mean, you did a little when we snuck off after dinner."

Ginny's lips curved and he knew that she was thinking the same thing he was. In the chaos of dinner ending, Ginny had taken his hand and snuck him upstairs to her bedroom. They'd been kissing before her bedroom door was even closed and he'd taken her fast, bent her over the bed, and ravaged her. Just thinking about it made him hard again.

"No, I definitely liked that. But I was thinking we could try out another position."

Ginny's brown eyes heated. Last night they had tried two new ones. One called the reverse cowgirl where Ginny had control. Harry had nearly lost his mind watching her gorgeous arse as she rode his cock. Then after, when they'd been ready for a second go, they'd tried something the book had called the Knight position. Ginny had slouched down on the bed, her legs dangling down the end. Harry had knelt over her, bending her one leg at the knee on the bed, hovering over that leg, his cock brushing her thigh. Then he'd lifted the other leg, letting her foot sit on his shoulder, entering her like that. It gave him plenty of access to her breasts and the right angle had allowed for shallow thrusts that had drove them both mad with lust.

They went to bed every night with the book, making markings and comments as they checked off new positions to try. Harry couldn't wait until they'd tried all two hundred and forty-five. But he had to admit, once they'd started reading them all aloud together, he'd noticed that they'd already done a lot of the oral sex ones without having realized it.

Ginny's mouth pressed over his throat and he was already hard. "Tower room," she whispered.

Then she was standing, holding her hand out to him and he carefully adjusted himself, attempting to hide his erection as he stood. By the time they made it to the tower room, they were already tugging at each other's clothes. Her hands found him as he pulled her knickers off and heat seared through him.

He didn't know how it was possible for Ginny to make him want her so badly with only one touch. He pushed her back towards the long sofa, his hands finding her breasts as they fell into the cushions and his mouth meeting hers.

"I want to try the Slope," she said, tearing her mouth away from his. "We'll just have to expand the sofa."

Harry grabbed his wand from the floor and transfigured the sofa into a large bed, lifting her and tossing her up into the middle of it it. She laughed as she bounced on the soft mattress and blankets.

"Never mind," she said. "This is better."

Harry only made a sound of agreement before he lowered his mouth to her breasts, sucking tenderly while massaging the other. Ginny moaned, her head arching back and her fingers finding his hair. He took his time, sensually exploring each nipple and breast with his tongue and mouth.

He loved giving her breasts his attention. He loved the taste and texture of each nipple. He loved the smell of her skin, the smoothness of her breast, and the pebbled texture of her areola. He loved tracing his fingers from freckle to freckle, feeling his lips on her skin, and he loved sucking on her nipples while he massaged the breast in his hands. It wasn't long before she was already writhing beneath him. He held her under him, his hard cock leaving a wet trail on her thigh as he tried to will himself not to come. The sounds she made…

Harry kissed his way down her torso and spread her thighs. She whispered his name and he lowered his head to kiss her in a featherlight tease. His fingers were already working her and when he used his tongue, his glasses fogged, but he made no effort to remove them. He was too busy enjoying himself as he licked and twirled and curled his tongue into that delicious hot heat. She came in a long wave that made his own cock ache for her. He licked her more thoroughly before he kissed his way up her stomach to suck on her nipple again.

"You're sure that you want to try this one?" he asked, his glasses slowly defogging once he was away from the heat of her. "It takes a lot of arm strength."

Ginny's tongue slid over her bottom lip. "Worried I won't keep up?"

His fingers continued to twirl inside of her and her eyes rolled, making him smirk. "Never."

Ginny whimpered when he slid his fingers out of her. Harry crawled up the bed and Ginny moved down to the end, turning herself around to face Harry. She was rubbing her breasts, her fingers tweaking her nipples as she looked at him and he automatically reached down to give himself a slow pump.

"Merlin, you're gorgeous," he whispered, licking his lips.

Ginny smiled before she spread her legs and told him to hold her ankles. Harry's hands gripped them tightly and watched as she slowly leaned back, tilting her head over the side of the bed until her palms were resting face down on the floor. Harry shuffled closer, holding her hips as he bent her legs around his waist until her knees were resting against his arse. He pushed his glasses up his nose, determined not to miss a moment of this as he slowly slid into her.

The feel of her so warm and tight and perfect made him bite his bottom lip. He swore it felt more amazing every time he was inside of her than the last. She was perfect. This was perfect. Her breasts were tilted down towards her face and with every deep thrust, they bounced and he longed to take them in his mouth again, but he held her in place, not daring to move an inch as he continued to thrust in and out of her.

Ginny was moaning and when he shifted just a little she cried out his name, her fingers curling into the carpet under her palms.

"Oh Godric, yes! Oh, yes, Harry, right there. Right there!"

Harry, attempting to hold off his own orgasm by any means possible, kept going right where she told him. The sounds she made, the feel of her like this, watching her body arch and move was too much for him. He thrust his hips a handful more times before he lost it. Ginny gasped and to his delight, came a moment after he did, her knees digging into his arse as they both cried out in ecstasy.

Harry pulled her back up onto the bed fully, his face falling into her breasts as he collapsed against her. A glance at his watch told him that this time he'd been inside of her for almost three minutes. She pulled his glasses off, tossing them on the bed next to them; her fingers threaded through his damp hair.

"Fuck," he murmured, sucking a nipple into his mouth. "There has to be way for me to last longer."

Ginny chuckled. "You're already lasting longer than the first few times. I think it comes with practice."

Harry's teeth tugged at her nipple before he let go to look into her eyes. "I want to make that feeling last, being inside of you… it's bloody amazing, Ginny. It's like the greatest thing in the whole world and it always ends much too soon."

Ginny brushed her thumb over his cheek. "We'll practice more. It can't last forever."

"But I want it too," he insisted. "I want my cock inside of you from now until eternity. We'll stay right here, in this transfigured bed, and make love until we die."

Ginny pulled his mouth to hers and kissed him deeply. "How about we just keep doing it over and over again and you stop worrying about something silly like how long your lasting? It's amazing. You're amazing. I love watching you lose control."

Harry rested his face between her breasts again, his hands kneading them as his tongue stroked the nipple near his mouth. "Good. Because I think we're going to rest a minute and then we're going to do that again."

"The Slope?" Ginny teased. "I liked it. No, I really liked it, but I don't think that I can support myself on my arms again right now. I feel like they were hit with a jelly jinx."

"No," he said, licking her nipple. "But I am definitely going to take you again. And again. And again. And again," he continued in between each lick.

Ginny moaned, her hands sliding down his back. "I'm certainly not going to complain about that, Harry."

His lips curved and he sucked her nipple right into his mouth. Yeah, sex with Ginny was bloody fantastic. He wondered if Slughorn would be upset if he skipped Potions again to make love to his girlfriend. He felt his cock start to harden again as he worked her nipple and thought that he was definitely going to consider it.

After all, if they were going to become experts at two hundred and forty-five positions, they would have to do them all at least a few hundred times to make them perfect. And he knew that his witch was more than willing to help him out with that task.

There was no question about that.

~ ASC ~

Rossi had finished the sketch of the mysterious young man within a few hours of viewing Bellarosa's memory. He agreed with her assessment, he was young and handsome, but was no one he recognized.

How were they going to identify someone who had stolen a wand almost a century ago?

It turned out to be easier than they expected.

When Rossi returned to Avery Castle with Bellarosa, Belladonna, and Bellatrix in tow a few days later, Voldemort merely crooked his finger at them. Bellatrix immediately filled Voldemort in on everything that had happened with Gregorovitch and what they learned.

Voldemort tapped his long fingers on the sides of his throne. "Bring Ollivander back in here."

When the old man was dragged back into the room, Rossi noticed that his wrists and ankles were chafed from the shackles. Voldemort stood up, twirling his wand between his fingers.

"The Elder Wand, the mythical wand that was designed and crafted by Death himself and holds the centre of the mythical Deathly Hallows… that's the wand Gregorovitch claimed to have."

Ollivander swallowed. "It was a rumour."

Voldemort used his wand to levitate the old man to his feet, making him hover an inch above the ground. "It's more than a rumour. Did this wand really exist? Did Death actually build a wand that was unbeatable to all who attempted to fight against it? Is such a thing possible?"

"I don't know," Ollivander replied. "It's a myth! It depends on what you believe."

"I believe in getting the truth," Voldemort declared, his voice dripping in ice. "I believe in finding out the answers I seek."

When Ollivander didn't answer him, he pointed his wand at his chest.

"Crucio!"

Ollivander screamed.

Voldemort held the curse over him, watching his limbs flail and the veins in his throat rise to the surface before he let him fall to the floor. Rossi swore he heard something crack when the old man fell.

"Does the Elder Wand really exist?" Voldemort demanded.

"I don't know!" Ollivander cried out. "Gregorovitch swore he found it, but I've never seen it! I don't know!"

Voldemort levitated him back to his eye level and lifted the sketch up, holding it in front of Ollivander's face. "Do you know who this is? Don't lie to me, Garrick."

Ollivander's bottom lip trembled. He was sheet white and Rossi could see that his hip was clearly broken. "I-I don't know for s-sure, but he looks… he looks like Grindelwald."

He cried out when he crashed to the floor again.

"Grindelwald?" Voldemort said, his eyes widening in surprise. "Someone find me a photo."

It took ten minutes for Crouch to come running, an old copy of A History of Magic clutched in his hands. Voldemort flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for and when he held up the sketch next to the photo, his thin lips curved into a smile.

"Well, it looks like you were useful after all, Garrick. I'll let you live another day."

Ollivander whimpered as he tried to stand.

"Pucey, take a look at the old man's hip before you bring him back to the dungeon," Voldemort demanded, his eyes still on the photo of Grindelwald, the red gleaming in the light.

When Ollivander was dragged off, Voldemort sat back down in his throne and turned to look over at them.

"Gellert Grindelwald has the answers I seek. I want to speak with him."

"My Lord," Titus Avery Senior began. "Surely you know that he's not easily accessible. The fortress he built for his enemies is said to be nearly impenetrable."

"Nearly being the right word," Voldemort drawled. "I want to know everything possible about Nurmengard Castle and I want to know now."

"My Lord," Bellatrix began, bowing to him as she spoke. "My research says that the prison is well guarded. It was not built like Azkaban and —"

Voldemort scoffed. "So, it is impenetrable? Is that what you're saying, Bella? That what I wish is too difficult for even the likes of you to succeed?"

No one spoke.

"Well, if I want something done right then I guess I must do it myself." His cloak billowed behind him when he turned. "I require two volunteers to come with me. Who would like that honour?"

Crouch immediately bowed reverently. "I would, my Lord! I would be so pleased to serve you!"

Voldemort's wand pointed into Crouch's cheek. "But you have work to do here, Bart. I gave you Severus to play with. Would you abandon him now?"

"No, my Lord," Crouch said, bowing his head again.

"It would be my honour to go, my Lord," Belladonna declared, stepping forward and bowing her head. "I've been to Nurmengard many times and I could assist you with the language barrier.

Voldemort nodded. "Very well."

"And I, my Lord," Rabastan said. "I would like to go with you as well."

Voldemort nodded again. "Rabastan, Belladonna, Bellatrix, you may stay. Bellarosa and Emilio as well. I want the rest of you out of my sight until you've proven to do something worthy for once in your pathetic lives!"

There was a flurry of movement as everyone deemed to leave the room. Voldemort crooked his finger at Bellarosa.

"Bellarosa, my beautiful lady, come here."

Bellarosa walked towards him, a soft look on her face. Rossi stayed where he was, his eyes carefully on his wife as she stepped towards Voldemort.

His long fingers cupped her face in his hands. "As beautiful as always."

"Grazie, mio Signore," she said, bowing her head.

His fingers tightened on her cheeks. "I will need your beauty to access the castle."

"Anything, my Lord."

He dropped her chin. "Belladonna, tell me what you know."

"The MIA controls the castle, my Lord. A unit run out of the German branch and rumours are that they have a headquarters in Munich and that Knights of the Auror protect the castle."

"Mantegna, what do you know about the Knights of the Auror?" Voldemort demanded.

Rossi's spine stiffened. "I know that they are a myth, my Lord. No one has ever proven their existence outside of stories."

"So, you don't think that they are guarding the castle then?" Voldemort asked, his red eyes boring into his.

"My Lord, if the Knights of the Auror are as mysterious and as mythical as they are rumoured to be, surely they would be doing something much more prestigious than guard duty on an international wizarding prison," Rossi said.

Voldemort's snake-like nose flared. "There are no Dementors, Belladonna?"

"None, my Lord," Belladonna declared.

"How is it guarded?"

"It is warded carefully and like Azkaban was, unless you know the exact place to travel there, it is impossible to reach," Belladonna explained. "It's rumoured to be guarded by charms and wards along with specially trained guards."

Voldemort nodded, his wand tapping against his thigh. "So, not impossible."

"My Lord," Bellatrix began, stepping forward. "It's rumoured that many of the Alliance members are still imprisoned there. How will you know where to find him?"

Bellarosa spoke now, her eyes on Bellatrix. "Bella, everyone knows that someone as important as Grindelwald is held in the highest tower of the castle. It was never a secret as to where he was sent. Dumbledore's defeat of him is, after all, quite legendary."

"Indeed," Voldemort said. "I want to know more. By the end of the week, I want to be speaking to Grindelwald myself. It is up to all of you to figure out how and when we will get through the fortress to see him. I do not have patience to wait much longer for answers."

"We will give them to you, my Lord," Bellatrix declared, kissing his fingers.

Voldemort cupped her face in his hand and smiled his cruel, thin smile. "Yes, you will. For if any of you fail me, I will not be lenient and Crouch will have final say in how you'll die."

Rossi's stomach clenched nervously as Bellarosa gripped his hand in hers. They definitely had a lot to think about.

~ ASC ~

Theo woke with his heart pounding and when he turned to Sebastian for warmth and found the bed cold, he trembled. He slipped out of the bed, finding his pyjama bottoms on the floor and pulling them on before he went downstairs in search of his boyfriend. He found him kneeling in front of the fire, talking to the floating head that was there.

"Absolutely, Sir. Thank you."

"Gordon Ferguson will meet you for ten AM sharp at the Azkaban Crypt."

"I'll be there."

The head nodded before disappearing into the flames.

"Who's Gordon Ferguson?" Theo asked, holding onto the railing at the bottom of the spiral staircase.

Sebastian stood up and moved to pull Theo into a kiss. "I think my answer to helping Goyle. I didn't mean to wake you. It's only seven."

"You didn't," Theo said. "I couldn't sleep."

Sebastian kissed his forehead. "Are you hungry?"

Theo shook his head. "No."

Sebastian didn't say anything when Theo turned to burrow himself into his embrace. "I have to take this meeting this morning, but I'll be back to pick you up before noon."

"I have to meet Franklin," Theo whispered.

"Okay. What time?"

"At ten," Theo said.

Sebastian nodded. "Okay. Who do you want to be there with you?"

Theo's cheek rested against his heart. "That's not necessary. I can do that by myself."

"I know," Sebastian said. "But it doesn't mean you have to."

He tilted his head back to look up at him. "Am I doing the right thing?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"I look sure, don't I?"

Theo's lips curved. "I don't think that's a real answer."

Sebastian smiled and pecked him on the lips. "You are absolutely doing the right thing and I promise you, Macmillan is not going to get parole today."

"But what if he does?"

"I don't make promises that I can't keep."

Theo stared into those gorgeous blue eyes and felt relief wash over him. "And you'll be there?"

"I promise," Sebastian assured him.

Theo stayed in his arms a moment longer, still feeling worried and anxious for the day. He'd spoken to McGonagall yesterday afternoon and she promised him that not only had she sent in a written statement but that she was willing to testify on his behalf if he needed her. As would Harry and Ginny. Draco and Blaise had even sent in written statements on his behalf when he'd reached out to them yesterday. He appreciated all of them, but as Shacklebolt had told him, this was for him to do. Not for witnesses.

Everyone told him that he had a strong case and it wasn't that he didn't believe them so much as he was afraid to get up there and to face Ernie again. He didn't think that he was brave enough to do that. He didn't think that he could stand up there and see his pompous smug face without having a panic attack.

Sebastian seemed to understand because he ran his hands up and down his back in comfort. "Let's go upstairs and take a hot shower. It will help you relax."

"I'm too tense," Theo insisted. "I can't relax."

"You will," Sebastian said. "The hot water will soothe the tension away."

"It won't."

Sebastian urged him up the stairs and into his small bathroom, turning on the shower to let the water heat up. "Trust me."

Theo sighed and slowly undressed, unable to keep his eyes away from Sebastian as he did the same. The two of them could barely fit together in the small shower, but they somehow made it work. When Sebastian kissed him, he held onto him, trying to relax his nerves.

Sebastian smiled against his lips, running his hands up his back to card his fingers through Theo's hair under the hot water.

"I know you're nervous. I can't imagine how terrifying it must be to think about standing up there before this arsehole and seeing him again. But I know that you can do this. I will be right there with you and you can look straight at me the whole time. I won't look away. I will be right there until you step down and you can come right back into my arms. Okay?"

Theo kissed him. "You didn't bargain for my breakdown when we started out. If you want to run, I would understand."

He chuckled, his hands sliding down Theo's back. "I have no plans of running."

"I'm a mess," Theo whispered.

"We all have our demons, Theo," Sebastian said, kissing his shoulder. "And sometimes we need a little help to take our mind off of them."

Theo sighed. "I told you, the hot water isn't enough to sooth my tension."

Sebastian smiled. "The hot water will help, the blowjob will take away your tension."

Theo's breath hitched when Bas knelt before him. The look in those blue eyes as he looked up at him and took him in his mouth… Theo had never felt so treasured and so cared for. He took more of him down his throat, his hands moving over his balls and Theo let his head fall back, and thought maybe Bas had a point.

By the time they shut the water off, Theo felt like a limp noodle from the incredible orgasm his boyfriend had given him. Sebastian left him to dress and when he came downstairs, he found Sebastian putting a plate on the table of toast with jam and a side of blueberry porridge.

"Try to eat a little," Sebastian urged, pouring him a glass of orange juice and a cup of tea.

Theo ate half a piece of toast and when Sebastian kissed him goodbye, he clung to him a moment longer.

"I'm okay," he said, when Bas kissed him again.

"I know," Sebastian answered. "I'll see you in a few hours."

Theo watched him head out and he nervously looked up at the clock. He had never wanted a day to be over with so badly. Oliver meowed near his feet and when he leaned back in the chair, the cat hopped up onto his lap and purred into his hand.

"Thanks, Oliver. I needed a little boost."

The cat stared up at him and he sat there, stroking the cat's soft blue-grey fur until he finally motivated himself to stand and to go meet Franklin Smith and Kingsley Shacklebolt. When he arrived at the Ministry of Magic, Kingsley met him in the atrium to walk with him down to the courtrooms. They went through security and Theo's hands trembled so badly that when he passed over his sword that the guard gave him a curious look. It took him twice as long to get through as usual and Kingsley's sympathetic looks only made him feel more apprehensive.

"Your lawyer is meeting you here?"

Theo nodded. He knew that he was pale and his hands wouldn't stop trembling so he shoved them into his pockets.

"Aurors Lupin, Higgins, and I obtained formally written statements from McGonagall, Potter, Longbottom, and Sprout. We also have Snape's statement from before, but obviously we were unable to get him to corroborate on that since he is currently missing and presumed dead. I also have the reports Smith sent me from Malfoy and Zabini as well as my original report from Prince Finley Alexander."

Theo swallowed, but only nodded along. He was afraid if he spoke, his voice would come out in a tiny squeak. He spotted Smith near the lift and made his way over.

"Good morning, Lord Norfolk," Smith said. "I see Head Auror Shacklebolt has kept you up to date. If everything goes as it should, it won't be long in there. An hour or two would be my guess."

"If," Theo whispered.

Smith gave him a sympathetic look. "You have a strong case, Lord Norfolk. You speaking up in there will seal the deal. I'm sure of it."

Theo was glad that someone was sure of it because he most certainly wasn't. He spent the next hour and a half going over everything once more with Smith and again with Kingsley. But the thought of standing up there and rehashing everything that had happened in explicit detail… he was dreading it. He suddenly wished that he had taken Sebastian up on his offer to have someone here with him.

He followed Smith into Courtroom III where the parole hearing was taking place and the sight of Mrs Weasley sitting there next to Zahira Zacarias surprised him. Mrs Weasley stood up and immediately pulled him into her arms. His fingers curled at her hips as he turned his head into her neck, suddenly wanting to cry. When Mrs Weasley let him go, Zee opened her arms for him.

"W-what are you doing here?" he asked, letting himself be hugged by Zee. "You don't even know me, Zee, not really."

Zee kissed his cheek. "Harry thought you could use some support and when I mentioned it to Molly, she practically insisted on it. Harry and Ginny may have to be in class, but we wanted you to know that you have support here today."

"A lot of it," Mrs Weasley insisted. "Bill and Arthur wanted to be here too, but something came up at work for Bill and Arthur's stuck on a raid."

Theo's bottom lip trembled and Mrs Weasley hugged him again.

"You are one of my daughter's closest friends, Theodore. I consider you part of the family which means Zahira feels the same."

She kissed his cheek and he smiled gratefully at the two of them.

"Thank you," he whispered. "I… I don't know if I can do this."

"You can," Molly said, squeezing his shoulder. "Now, we might not know all of the details of what happened here, but we do know that you were a victim, Theo. I know that this is a lot for you and I cannot imagine how terrifying it is to admit it all aloud in a room full of people, to be forced to relive it. But this will ensure that parole isn't granted and I can assure you, nothing is more important than making sure you feel safe. We'll stay as long as you'd like us to be here."

"For whatever you need," Zee insisted. "If you just want some motherly hugs, we can do that too."

Tears welled up in Theo's eyes and he threw himself into Zee's arms, making her laugh. With her heels, she still only reached his shoulder, but when she hugged him closer, he was suddenly vividly wishing his own mother was here.

"Thank you," he said again. "I don't know what else to say."

"It's nice of you to stop by, Molly, Zee," Kingsley said. "But unfortunately since it is a parole hearing and not a trial, you won't be permitted to be in here once the praetor arrives."

"They can't come in?" Theo said, suddenly feeling very alone again.

Zee and Molly both tucked an arm into their own.

"No," Kingsley said. "I'm sorry, but they can't. The only people present can be law enforcement or those who are here to speak for you and Macmillan."

Theo hugged the two of them tightly again and thanked them for their support, promising to send word to each of them once it was done. Molly and Zee both kissed his cheeks and hugged him once more before they told him that he could do it. He watched them go and made a mental note to hug the daylights out of Harry Potter when he saw him next. The man had sent his two mothers to him for support. Theo couldn't imagine anyone doing anything else nicer for him in his whole life.

He took his seat behind the table next to Smith, his eyes on the clock and when they were told that the praetor was delayed, Theo started picking at the material inside of his pockets, chewing his bottom lip continuously.

Finally at ten after twelve, a tall, handsome man with dark skin, a dark beard, and beautiful white runic tattoos on his exposed forearms as well as on the back of his hands, strode ahead of them into the room. He watched the man flash a badge and put a signed roll of parchment on the praetor's stand just as the praetor took his seat.

"Signed statement declaring Ernest Richard Macmillan is unfit to be released for parole, Praetor Buchanan."

"Noted," Buchanan declared, looking at the man over his half-moon glasses.

Theo noted that he had a head of curly white hair and a rather impressive moustache. His half-moon glasses sat low on his nose and the frames were a rather bright pink. Theo decided that he liked him immensely.

He was focusing in on the rather obnoxious bowtie the praetor was wearing beneath his robes. It was lime green with pink and yellow swirls on it. It popped against the off white shirt he wore. Theo thought it was a bit of an odd outfit for a praetor, but it gave him something to focus on. He needed it for the praetor's next words.

"Please bring Mr Ernest Macmillan into the courtroom and we can get started."

Theo trembled from head to foot. He put a hand over his mouth, suddenly worried that bile was going to come out. Macmillan was dressed in prison robes, hands and feet shackled before him as two guards escorted him inside. He was shackled to a chair at the table to the left of Theo, seated next to another advocatus that Theo didn't know. Theo's heart sped up.

He looked the same as he remembered him; sandy blonde hair, pompous face. He was paler now, eyes downcast, but when Theo's name was called, those eyes met Theo's and revulsion tore through him.

He really didn't want to be here.

"I would like to call the two lawyers forward, Smith for Nott and Forbes for Macmillan," Buchanan said.

Theo's hands trembled even more and a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to see Sebastian sliding into the seat behind him and he gripped Sebastian's hand tightly, holding it in place on his shoulder, more relieved than he wanted to admit to see him there. When Kingsley had declared Zee and Molly had to leave, he'd been terrified that meant that they wouldn't let Sebastian in either since he hadn't been part of the original case. Sebastian took a seat next to the man with the white runic tattoos, but Theo didn't let go of his hand.

Buchanan raised his wand as he spoke. "Today is a parole hearing which means I am looking to hear about the crime, the sentence, and then onto why Mr Macmillan is speaking for early parole. This is not a trial. However, it is like a trial in that we will be revisiting the events of the crime in as much detail as possible. I have Geordie Forbes as Advocatus of Mr Ernest Macmillan and Franklin M Smith is here on behalf of Lord Norfolk, is this correct?"

"Yes, Praetor," Smith and Forbes answered.

"Good."

Buchanan's eyes roamed across the small courtroom for a minute, falling on Kingsley. Higgins had slipped in through the back to sit next to the tall man that Theo didn't know who was on the other side of Sebastian. The only other person in the room was a short older woman with grey hair whom he didn't recognize. She was sitting behind Macmillan and Forbes, her hands folded in her lap. Theo turned back to the praetor when he spoke again, his fingers twining with Sebastian's on his shoulder, giving him support.

"And for those of you who don't know, I am Berton Buchanan, Praetor to the Wizengamot Parole Board. Now, let's review the case to begin," Buchanan said, looking over his bright pink half-moon glasses before looking down at the file before him. "From the 2nd of September 1995 until the 21st of January 1996, Ernest Richard Macmillan was accused, tried, and convicted of blackmail, physical assault, and oral rape of Lord Theodore Thaddeus Nott of Norfolk. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for his crimes and at the time of his arrest was sixteen years old. Is this correct, Head Auror Shacklebolt?"

"Yes, Praetor," Kingsley confirmed.

"It says here that Macmillan has served two years of his fifteen year sentence and you are looking for an early parole based on his juvenile status as well as physical injury to the prisoner. Is that correct, Advocatus Forbes?"

"Yes, Praetor."

"Lord Norfolk," Buchanan began. "Do you think that Mr Macmillan should be paroled here today?"

"No," Theo whispered, clearing his throat when Smith looked at him. "No, I don't think that he should be paroled after only two years."

Buchanan nodded. "Very well. I have witness statements here from Aurors of the DMLE, Hogwarts professors, and a few students from Hogwarts who were privy to the crime. I have also been given today a statement from the MIA declaring that Macmillan's Degradation Level Prisoner Status means he is unfit to be paroled for a minimum of five more years, signed by ten MIA Aurors as well as two prison guards. On the subject of parole, I have only a statement from Geordie Forbes and Mr Macmillan himself. Lord Richard Macmillan, the accused's father, has declared no comment on the matter of his son's parole."

Theo licked his lips, his eyes on where Buchanan was tapping his wand in front of him.

"All right. Very well. I think that I would like to review the case in more detail now. Advocatus Smith, you may begin."

Smith cleared his throat as he stood up. "Thank you, Praetor Buchanan. I would like to ask Lord Norfolk to speak first."

Theo began to worry his lip more aggressively.

"I like your lips," Sebastian's voice whispered in his ear. "If you chew them off, I'll be terribly cross with you."

Theo couldn't help but smile at that. He squeezed the hand on his shoulder once more as Smith spoke.

"My client, Theodore Nott, was the victim of Macmillan," Smith declared, making Theo focus back upon him. "He psychologically and physically tortured him for months. Someone capable of such disturbing behaviour should not be given a chance at an early parole. Lord Norfolk is still afraid for his life. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask Lord Norfolk to tell us what happened between himself and Macmillan in unequivocal detail."

Forbes wand rose into the air. "Permission to ask questions as well, Praetor?"

"Granted," Buchanan said. "Lord Norfolk, can you please come up here and have a seat?"

Theo's heart raced. He stood up slowly, letting go of Sebastian's hand as he slowly walked up to sit in the chair next to the praetor, holding his hands together to stop them from trembling. Once he was seated, his eyes immediately sought Sebastian's blue ones, who gave him a reassuring nod. He let out a small breath. It was just nerves, he told himself, just nerves. But he could feel Ernie staring at him and he refused to look away from Sebastian. He remembered the warm hugs of Zee and Molly and fought the urge to squirm. He wanted to shower, to scream, and to cry all at once.

He could do this.

He swore on his magic and his word to say nothing but the truth and Smith cleared his throat.

"Lord Norfolk, can you tell us how this all began?"

Theo swallowed, his tongue moistening his bottom lip before he spoke. "It was the first weekend back to school in my fifth year at Hogwarts. I was returning to my dorm and he stopped me."

"Who stopped you?" Smith asked.

"Ernie Macmillan."

"Why did he stop you?"

"He was a prefect and I was not in my dorm at curfew," Theo said.

"So, he was in his right to stop you?" Smith asked.

"Yes," Theo whispered, biting his bottom lip.

"What happened?"

"He told me that I was breaking curfew and that as a prefect he would have to take house points away."

"How did you respond?"

"I mocked him. It was barely fifteen minutes past and only the second night back. I was almost in front of my house common room as it was."

"How did he react?"

"He mocked me back," Theo said. "Said that he was a prefect and that he could take points away for my disobedience. I believe that I made a comment about his new power going to his head."

"So, you deliberately provoked him?" Forbes asked, making Theo look over at him surprise.

"What? No! We were just… no!"

"Objection!" Smith exclaimed.

"Sustained. Change your question, Forbes," Buchanan said.

Forbes pushed his horned rimmed glasses up his nose. "So, you and Mr Macmillan were… bantering and then what happened?"

Theo swallowed. "He… he told me that he'd heard a rumour about me."

"A rumour?" Forbes asked.

"Yes. That I have a mouth made by the gods. He said that if I gave him a blowjob, he wouldn't take away house points."

"So, you were known to whore yourself out to the student body?" Forbes demanded.

"No," Theo replied. "I'm not a whore."

"Objection," Smith interrupted. "That line of questioning is uncalled for."

"Granted," Praetor said.

"And how did you respond to Macmillan's proposition?" Smith asked.

"I laughed," Theo admitted. "I told him that he could take points away if he wanted and I walked away."

"And how did Mr Macmillan deal with your laughter?"

"He grabbed me and… he forced me to do it."

Smith raised an eyebrow. "He forced you? How? Did he use an Imperius?"

"No," Theo said. "He… overpowered me and he took my wand. He took me my by surprise."

"Did you think that your life was in danger?"

"Not at first."

"Did you fight back?"

"I tried. But he… he punched me in the face and kicked me to my knees and before I'd even fully realized what was happening, he exposed himself and demanded that I blow him."

"And did you?"

Theo's bottom lip trembled. "I refused and he… he grabbed my hair and forced me…I bit him."

"You bit Macmillan's penis?" Forbes confirmed.

Theo nodded. "Yes. I tried to get away, but he punched me in the head hard enough that I saw stars and then he… he tied my hands behind my back. He grabbed my head and he… I thought if I just did it, he would leave me alone."

"And did he?" Smith asked.

"No," Theo whispered, bile rising in his throat again. "He told me that I was no one. That I was the gay son of a wanted Death Eater and that no one would ever believe me over him, an honour student and a prefect. And he told me that I would keep doing what he wanted and that I couldn't stop him. If I tried, he would make sure my father knew of my sexuality."

Smith's eyes met his. "Were you afraid for your life, Lord Norfolk?"

"Yes."

"No further questions."

"I have another question for Lord Norfolk," Forbes interjected. "Did you ever attempt to tell anyone of this abuse?"

"No."

"Why not?" Forbes asked. "If you were in fact afraid for your life, why did you not tell someone that first night?"

Theo swallowed and he closed his eyes. "Because I was afraid that word would get back to my father."

"Why would this be a problem?" Forbes demanded. "Thaddeus Nott was a wanted Death Eater. From what I understand, you were not living with him at the time. Why would your father having knowledge of something as mundane as your sexuality be a problem for you? Why would it encourage you to be with Macmillan?"

"Objection," Smith exclaimed. "Lord Norfolk was not encouraging Macmillan, but assaulted by him."

"Poor choice of words," Forbes corrected. "Lord Norfolk, why did you not want your father to become aware of your dalliance with Macmillan?"

Theo felt Sebastian's eyes on him and he locked eyes on those blues one again as he bit his lip. He felt calmer when he looked at him and when he spoke, his voice was clearer.

"I was trying to gain my title and estates from him when I turned sixteen. My birthday wasn't until October. I was worried that if he found out before my sixteenth birthday, he would put a stop to it."

"You didn't tell a teacher?" Forbes inquired.

"No," Theo replied. "I was worried that Macmillan was right and that they would believe him over me. He was a prefect and I was… embarrassed that I'd let it happen. Ashamed."

"But he overpowered you?" Smith asked.

"Yes."

"So, it wasn't your fault," Smith confirmed, "yet he made you feel it was?"

"Yes."

"And how soon was it before he demanded you to service him again?"

"The next evening," Theo admitted.

"And what happened the second time? Was it just a blowjob this time? Or did he become more violent?"

"Yes," Theo said. "It escalated again."

"Escalated how?"

"He hit me," Theo confessed. "He hit me a lot."

"When you mean 'a lot' do you mean that evening or each time?"

"Both," Theo said. "I realized it wasn't just about me sucking him off. He liked having power over me. He hit me. He punched me. In the jaw, in the head, in my ribs. I became a walking bruise. Sometimes he even strangled me while I was blowing him. I would choke and black out and he'd… get excited."

Smith frowned. "Define 'excited,' Lord Norfolk."

"He would get hard," Theo said as he explained how the bruises would make Macmillan get more excited and more aroused; how when he made him bleed, he would smear Theo's blood on his erection before forcing it down his throat; how he stalked him in the halls and when Theo tried to avoid him, he would find a way to get him alone; threaten him. When he got to the point where he admitted to contemplating suicide, Forbes interjected.

"My client cannot be held responsible for Lord Norfolk's suicidal thoughts. That's not part of the questions asked."

"But it goes to Lord Norfolk's state of mind and how it came to be known of what was happening to him," Smith insisted.

"Continue, Lord Norfolk," Buchanan said.

Theo kept his eyes on Sebastian as he answered questions about how Harry Potter had found them and how Theo had lied, claiming Macmillan was his boyfriend; how he'd lied to the school healer about falling down the stairs, and how ultimately despite not telling his friends the truth, they began to insist he no longer be alone at any given time in the castle.

"But in January, Miss Ginny Weasley and Mr Draco Malfoy accosted Mr Macmillan on your behalf," Forbes said. "They threatened him."

"They found out that he'd hurt me, but they didn't know to what extent," Theo admitted.

"And how did Mr Macmillan take that threat?" Smith asked.

"He accosted me in Hogsmeade in the alley behind the Three Broomsticks a few hours later," Theo confessed. "He accused me of telling them. I denied it and he slapped me and split my lip."

"Were you afraid?" Smith asked.

"Yes," Theo whispered. "I was meeting Advocatus Smith to discuss finalizing my getting the title of Norfolk and Macmillan stopped me from meeting him. When he slapped me and grabbed my wand I… I thought it was the end. I thought that he was going to kill me."

"What made this time different than the others? Why did you consider your life in jeopardy this time?"

"Because he held me by my scarf, almost strangling me. I was… I couldn't breathe. It wasn't until I was on my knees in front of him that he loosened his grip. He undid his trousers and pulled out his penis and then suddenly he was gone."

"Gone?" Forbes asked. "What happened?"

"Prince Finley Alexander of the Royal Court of Tara slammed him into the brick wall," Theo said. "He held him above the ground by his neck and… he demanded of him if he wanted to know what it felt like to be treated the way that he was treating me."

Forbes nodded. "He assaulted my client."

"He defended me," Theo interrupted. "He stopped him from hurting me."

"Macmillan claims that he used fae magic on him and made him see horrible things," Forbes said. "He was left in this state until he was thrown at the feet of Professor Severus Snape, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Professor Albus Dumbledore, bound and gagged by Prince Finley. Is this correct?"

"Yes," Theo confirmed. "He was then arrested by Auror Lupin, Auror Higgins, and Head Auror Shacklebolt."

Smith told Theo he could return to his seat. When he sat back down, Sebastian's hand returned to his shoulder, Theo reached back to hold it in place, grateful for him as he listened to Smith. He confirmed Theo's statements to the Aurors, to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and to Smith himself.

Buchanan read over the witness statements along with Madam Pomfrey's healing charts that documented his injuries when she did a full magical physical to look back on the last year of his injuries. Theo remembered how her spell had brought to the surface every bruise, every cut, and every broken or sprained bone he'd suffered in the year prior as Forbes raised his wand to speak.

"I implore you to look at this young man, Praetor Buchanan. He's barely eighteen. He made a mistake and he is aware of that mistake. He has made amends and wishes for a chance to resume his life. I have witness testimony from his fellow students in Hufflepuff House detailing that he had changed that year; that his personality caused him to be susceptible to the Imperius Curse or other forms of mind control."

"Advocatus Forbes, are you claiming that someone forced Macmillan to hurt Lord Norfolk?" Buchanan asked.

"Not that we're aware of, Praetor." Forbes admitted. "But it shows a weakness in his magical signature that shouldn't be overlooked."

Buchanan nodded, before he motioned Kingsley forward. "Head Auror Shacklebolt, if you would."

Once Kingsley was seated, Forbes stood up. "When Mr Macmillan was arrested, was he thoroughly checked for any signs of magical tampering in his personality?"

"He wasn't under the Imperius Curse," Kingsley's smooth voice replied. "He was terrified from whatever it was that Prince Finley did to him. He'd pissed and shit himself by the time we brought him into the DMLE. He was well aware of the trouble he was in and when a healer checked him over, they confirmed that he was in perfect health outside of a few bruises."

"But a magical tampering like a spell or potion could have left his system by the time the healer looked at him," Forbes insisted. "After all, Macmillan didn't arrive at the DMLE until almost four hours after he'd first been accosted by Prince Finley."

"It's extremely unlikely," Kingsley said.

"But is it possible?" Forbes demanded.

"Yes," Kingsley admitted. "It is possible."

"Nothing else, Praetor," Forbes said. "But I would like to ask Mr Macmillan to speak on his own behalf."

Theo watched Ernie rise to his feet. The guards led him up to the stand, locking his shackles into place as he did. Theo began to chew his bottom lip nervously again. Sebastian's thumb brushed over his lip, startling him.

"Stop that," he whispered. "Breathe."

Theo's fingers entwined with his on his shoulder as he stared into the pale eyes of the man who had assaulted, raped, and blackmailed him. He'd grown a little taller, Theo noted. He was thinner, his face leaner, but those pale eyes did nothing but remind Theo of how they would glow when he hit him.

"Praetor Buchanan, my client was in a holding cell in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement when He Who Must Not Be Named attacked the Ministry of Magic in June of 1996," Forbes began. "The Azkaban Crypt was still in the process of being finished and he was one of the prisoners classified as low profile. He was left in the holding cell where he in turn was injured in the assault on the Ministry. Mr Macmillan suffered broken ribs and a broken wrist during the attack. When he was moved to the Crypt a month later, he was placed in the fifth level — Degradation — the level made to hold prisoners who were being punished for hate crimes, where he was a model prisoner. He spoke to a Mind Healer twice a week and volunteered to help other prisoners on his level come to terms with what they had done and why it was wrong. Two years in the Azkaban Crypt have helped him grow up into the man you see sitting before you."

Buchanan stared at Forbes before he turned to look at Macmillan. "Mr Macmillan, do you have anything to include on your crimes?"

Macmillan let out a long breath his eyes coming to rest on Theo. Theo froze. Sebastian's fingers continued to brush over his knuckles as he did. His heart was racing and the sound of his voice only reminded him of the nightmares he still had. Sebastian's fingers brushed his knuckles again and again, urging him to relax. But Macmillan's pale eyes staring at him only made his heart race faster.

"I am sorry," Macmillan said, slowly. "I understand that I hurt Theodore Nott and I can only hope that one day he will forgive me for my actions. I know what I did was deplorable, but I have made amends. I've been imprisoned now for two years. I was a child when I made these decisions and I am a man now, a man who knows right from wrong and I want to get on with my life."

Despite his remorseful words, Theo didn't feel any warmth or truth come from his abuser. He only felt a cold chill down his spine.

"Praetor Buchanan, I would like to ask Mind Healer Martha McNeill to speak," Forbes said. "To let the court know of Mr Macmillan's mental state over the last two years."

Theo watched as Ernie was brought back to his seat and shackled once more before the older grey-haired woman took the stand. She was short and plump and rather looked like a kindly old grandmother.

"MH McNeill, you've been a Mind Healer for forty-nine years, is that correct?" Forbes asked.

McNeill nodded. "Yes."

"And it is your job to speak to prisoners?"

"It is now," McNeill confirmed. "When the Azkaban Crypt opened, one of the facilities provided in the healing quarters was to have Mind Healers readily available to interview and speak with the prisoners."

"Why?"

"To check in on their mental state," McNeill said. "Prisoners have rights just like everyone else. Part of the plan for the prison was to make sure that they not only were given healers, but a chance to redeem themselves by talking about their crimes, their feelings, and their mental state of mind. It helps heal and is good for the soul."

"How long have you been a Mind Healer for Mr Macmillan?" Forbes asked.

"One year," McNeill confirmed. "Twice a week, every week."

"And in that year as his Mind Healer, have you felt that Mr Macmillan is trying to make amends for what he's done?" Forbes inquired.

"Yes," McNeill said. "He is trying to make amends."

"No further questions."

Smith stood, his wand raised. "May I?"

Buchanan nodded and Smith cleared his throat.

"MH McNeill, when you claim that he is trying to make amends, do you believe that means he is ready to do so? That he is truly sorry for what he did to Lord Norfolk?"

McNeill stared at Smith. "I've been a Mind Healer for forty-nine years, Advocatus Smith. I've spoken to people from all ages and walks of life. People who have been victims, people who were abusers, and people who suffer from diseases. I've seen it all. I believe that Mr Macmillan is trying to make amends for his crimes, but no, I do not think he has yet succeeded."

"Can you elaborate on that?"

"Amends takes time," McNeill said. "He may say that he wants to do better and he may say that he wants to get on with his life and I do believe he means that. But to say that the mistakes he made were that of a child is not so. A child may be capable of violence, but a child is not capable of the sadistic and psychological torture that Mr Macmillan subjected Lord Norfolk to. Mr Macmillan knew exactly what he was doing and he enjoyed it. He'd admitted to such. Inclinations such as those do not disappear. They can be handled and they can be reined in, but they cannot be healed completely. However, I do believe that Mr Macmillan could be reintegrated into society at this time as long as he continues to see a Mind Healer to discuss those urges and proclivities that led him to hurt Lord Norfolk in the first place."

Buchanan nodded and asked a few more questions before he tapped his wand on the table. "After reviewing this case and hearing from all sides, I think that it is in the best interest for all that I call a short recess before making a final decision."

Theo let out a slow breath when the praetor stood up. Smith gave him a reassuring smile.

"It looks good, Theo. Just try to relax, all right?"

Theo nodded. Sebastian tugged him to his feet and turned to hold him in his arms and Theo relaxed a little, the hug making him feel better.

"You were amazing up there," Sebastian said softly in his ear. "I'm proud of you. I know that wasn't easy."

Theo's fingers clung to Sebastian's cloak. He was too afraid to speak, worried his voice wouldn't come out right. He noticed that Higgins, McNeil, and the mysterious tall, dark man had left the courtroom. He didn't let go of Sebastian until Buchanan came back into the room five minutes later. He took his seat, Sebastian's hand resting on his shoulder again as Buchanan called them to attention.

"After further discussion on the matter, I have decided that Ernest Richard Macmillan is to be denied parole at this time. I will set a new potential parole for five years from now as suggested by the Magical Intelligence Agency and we will reassess the situation at that time. Until then, Mr Macmillan will return to the Azkaban Crypt to carry out his thirteen year sentence in the Degradation Level for his crimes. Meeting adjourned."

"Meeting… does that mean?" Theo asked, his voice hopeful.

"He's not getting out," Smith said, shaking Theo's hand. "He has thirteen years left on his sentence and in another five years, we will reassess where he sits. Until then, he will return to the Azkaban Crypt without parole."

"Thank you," Theo whispered, surprised to find tears building at the back of his throat. He swallowed them down. "Thank you."

Smith smiled. "You did this, Lord Norfolk. You spoke the truth. It was what we needed to hear today."

Theo watched the guards lead Macmillan out of the courtroom and he suddenly found himself engulfed in Sebastian's arms again. He buried his face in his chest, holding him tightly.

"He's not getting out," he whispered, his fingers tightening on Sebastian's cloak.

"Of course not," Sebastian said. "I promised, didn't I? And I told you. I don't make promises that I can't keep."

Theo tilted his head back to look into his eyes and smiled. "I'm going to hold you to that."

"Good," Sebastian said. "Now come on. You don't have to return to school until your classes tomorrow and I'm taking you home with me."

"Don't you have to work?" Theo asked as Sebastian led him out of the courtroom and down the hall towards the stairs.

"Took the afternoon off," Sebastian told him. "Come on. I'll even let you drag me shopping."

Theo's lips curved. "Shopping would be fun."

"But margaritas would be better," a deep voice said from behind them.

Theo turned to look at the man who had spoken and was surprised to see that it was the tall, handsome dark skinned man who had been in the courtroom earlier. His eyes went to the white runic tattoos on his exposed forearms and over the backs of his hands. When the man smiled, Theo wondered how it was that he kept finding himself in the presence of the most stunningly handsome men he could imagine.

"I like margaritas," Theo said.

"Who doesn't?" He held his hand out, stopping them on the landing. "Durant D'Estienne d'Orves, it's nice to finally meet you, Theo."

Theo's eyes widened. "Durant… as in Bas' Durant?"

"As in one in the same," Durant said with a wide smile. "I think margaritas and tacos are exactly what we need tonight. Jin and I will be there after five."

"We're going to be busy," Sebastian said, glaring at his friend.

"Never too busy for margaritas and tacos," Durant insisted. "You can't keep Theo to yourself any longer, Bas. Jin and I want to meet him properly."

Sebastian glowered. "He's had a long day! Tonight isn't the time to force him to hang out with you and Yeona."

"Force?" Durant laughed. "He likes margaritas. He just said."

Theo looked between them curiously just as a short Korean woman came down the stairs towards them.

"D, did you already tell Bas that we're having tacos and margaritas tonight? I thought that you were going to wait for me to get here."

"He was trying to make a run for it," Durant said. "And he said no."

"Big surprise," she said, rolling her eyes. "Hi, I'm Yeona Jin and we're having tacos and margaritas at Bas' flat tonight whether he likes it or not. How do you feel about games?"

A laugh bubbled in Theo's throat when Sebastian growled. "I like games."

Jin grinned. "Excellent! See you in a few hours then. Come on, Durant."

The two of them hurried off up the stairs and Sebastian swore under his breath.

"I'm sorry. I tried to tell them that tonight wasn't the right time, but they don't take no for an answer."

"You should be nicer to your friends, Auror Arsehole," Theo said.

Sebastian's lips twitched. "They're annoying." He stopped Theo on the landing just outside of the door leading to the lifts. His body locked him against the wall and a hand came up to cup his cheek. "Look, I'll cancel on them and tonight can just be about you and me. I know how hard today was for you."

Theo wrapped his arms around Sebastian's neck, standing on his toes to kiss him. He lingered a little longer on those soft lips and when he looked into his eyes, Sebastian sighed.

"Let's go back to mine. I'll open some wine and we can snog some more, have a nap. Then we'll lock the doors so that D and J can't get in and fuck ourselves into oblivion."

Theo grinned. "Into oblivion, eh?"

Sebastian smiled, his lips moving under his ear. "How many times do you think I can make you come before we make it to the bedroom?"

Desire tore through Theo's stomach and his eyes darkened. "Well, that's certainly not playing fair."

Sebastian's eyes twinkled. "Who said anything about playing fair?"

Theo let Sebastian take his hand and lead him out of the Ministry of Magic to the Apparition point before he stopped him.

"Wait, Bas."

Sebastian turned to look at him, his eyebrow raised.

"Don't you want me to meet your friends?" he asked.

Sebastian's eyes softened. "Of course I do. It's just… once we do the friends and family thing, it means those stolen moments we have will be even shorter. I want you all to myself and as much as I love Durant and Yeona, they're annoying. If we let them come over tonight, we'll never be rid of them."

Theo frowned. "Are you worried that they won't like me?"

"No," he said, running his thumb over Theo's bottom lip. He sighed. "Okay. New plan. You come back to mine and I'm going to shag you senseless before we have a nice nap. Then in a few hours, Durant and Jin will show up with margaritas and tacos and interrogate you."

Theo's lips twitched. "Interrogate me, huh?"

Sebastian draped an arm over his shoulders. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

But despite the protest in his voice, Theo heard the twinge of amusement and nervous energy and he grinned back at him.

"Can't wait."

---

End Author's Notes:

(Italian) Grazie, mio Signore = thank you, my Lord
(Latin) praetor = judge
(Latin) advocatus = lawyer

Just a reminder of the levels of the Azkaban Crypt located in the London catacombs:

1. Limbo: House to those criminals who were being questioned by the DMLE because of short term arrests or holds due to warrants. Until they were released or processed, they were left in Limbo.
2. Treason: All prisoners who were accused of anything considered political treason, blackmail, threats against the Ministry, or considered a betrayal to the Ministry of Magic.
3. Virulence: Held all prisoners involved with the selling or giving without consent, of potions or charming objects to enact harm upon others. It covered most crimes involving intoxicating substances and improper use of magic.
4. Anarchy: Held prisoners accused of theft, extortion, or fraud
5. Degradation: Held prisoners who were accused of causing physical harm to Muggles or hate crimes against any witch, wizard, or magical being.
6. Terrorism: Held prisoners who were accused of crimes perpetuated to hurt the many including stalking, harassing, threatening, and those who were involved in any large scale assault on a big area.
7. Barbarity: Held prisoners accused of cruelty to magical creatures or animals
8. Desecration: Held those prisoners accused of rape, sodomy, assault, and domestic abuse.
9. Brutality: Held prisoners accused of murder.
10. Inhumane Atrocities: Can only be entered through warding put up by the Head Auror and the head of the DMLE together. Holds prisoners of the worst caliber.

Thank you for reading and please review!