Aiden stood numbly between Sirius and Ginny. Minister Fudge and the Aurors
were on the other side of the room, all present to witness Lucius Malfoy's
execution. Dumbledore entered slowly, looking his age, no twinkle in his
eyes. Two other Aurors who had interrogated the elder Malfoy, for the
Ministry's records, finally pronounced him to be put to death followed him.
Narcissa Malfoy stood between two of the Aurors, eyes unseeing, only
looking up when her husband and son entered.
Draco followed behind his father, pale faced and trembling. Lucius Malfoy's hands were tied behind his back, but he held his head high. He turned to face his son, staring at him coldly. He gave his wife one look, warning her with his eyes. She gave a dry sob, but refused to let her tears fall. Minister Fudge began his speech, stating Malfoy's crimes, and he commanded Draco to proceed when ready, giving him official permission to use the Unforgivable Killing Curse. Draco drew his wand, aiming it shakily at his father.
"Please.father.please" He sobbed.
Ginny had tears running down her face.Aiden wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned into his shoulder.
Lucius glared at his only heir. "Do it. 'son'. Kill me."
Draco's eyes darted over to his mother, who glared hatefully at him. He squeezed his eyes shut.
"I.could have loved you " He whispered with a sob. "I'm sorry. Goodbye, father. Avada Kedvara!"
Narcissa Malfoy let out a scream when she saw her husband fall. Ginny ran to Draco, taking the sobbing man into her arms. Aiden watched his friend, then turned, following the gathered watchers out.
He walked with Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, Hermione, and Severus to the entrance hall. He had fought long and hard with Fudge this morning, finally convincing him to let Lucius be buried at Godric's Hollow, with the rest of the casualties of the war. He wanted those who fought on the side of Dark to be remembered as well.
Severus stared at the casket containing his old friend. He had known Lucius since his first year at Hogwarts. The older boy had been one of the few that had befriended him. His parents had been so proud that he had a Malfoy for a friend. They had joined the Dark Lord's ranks together. He sighed as the coffin was lowered into the ground.
"Goodbye, old friend." He felt a hand on his shoulder. Aiden stood behind him, watching mournfully. He nodded, before turning away. He heard Aiden walk slowly away.
Back at the castle, Aiden decided to let Ginny and Draco be alone for awhile. He walked slowly around the lake. He thought about what had happen. He didn't know how to comfort his friend, as he had never lost a family member. He had never had any family members to lose, unless he counted the Dursley's, who, in his opinion, deserved anything they got. It was Muggles like them that made him see things from Tom Riddles point of view. That used to scare him, having even more in common with Voldemort. Now, he realized that it was nothing to be ashamed of. Riddle had a point; he had just gone too far. The Magical World's population was going down. But Riddle was wrong about thinking Muggleborns were the problem. Hermione Granger was born into a family of muggles, not a trace of magic, and she was one of the best witches he had ever met. Then there was Neville Longbottom, nothing special about him, just an average wizard, family had thought he would turn out a squib. He was a pureblooded wizard; you could trace it back for generations. Crabbe and Goyle.two of the weakest wizards Aiden had ever had the misfortune of knowing, and they were in Voldemort's ranks, merely because their bloodline was pure. He shook his head as he trudged back up to the castle, heading for the Great Hall.
The Head Table was unusually empty. Severus and Draco were both in their quarters, Aiden knew, but Remus and Sirius were gone as well. He looked around the noisy hall, before whirling on his heel and stalking out. "Professor Applin?" a voice behind him called. "May I talk to you for a second?" He turned to see Sean Sinclair, nervously waiting for his answer. He smiled. "Go ahead." Sean looked around. "Can we go somewhere else?" Aiden nodded. "Come to my office." He led the way down the corridor, to the huge Dueling Room in the dungeons. He pushed open the side door and sat behind his desk. "Have a seat." He gestured to the chairs in front of him. Sean nervously sat down. Aiden leaned forward. "So."
The teen took a deep breath, gathering his nerve. "I...I am sorry I almost got you killed." he trailed off. Aiden sighed. "Quite alright. Things have worked out for the better anyway."
"I saw.I didn't leave right away. I was watching out the window. You should have died."
Aiden sighed. "And?"
"I've been thinking about this for awhile.I don't want to stay loyal to the Dar-Voldemort." Aiden smiled at the tentative use of the name.
"Do you have the Mark?"
"Yes.I have had it since the beginning of summer holidays. But I swear I didn't know they would be in Hogsmeade today."
"Why did you come to me about this, instead of the Headmaster, or your Head of House?"
"I don't know.I felt more comfortable talking to you. You.the stuff you said about the Dark Arts."
"Ah. I see. You thought I would understand more."
Sean nodded. "Yes."
"Why did you take the Mark?"
"My father.he is a Death Eater too, he.he wanted me too. He would disown me if I didn't."
Aiden leaned back in his chair. "I think there is someone else you should talk to, instead of me."
"Who?"
"Professor Malfoy. I am sure you know he was a Death Eater as well, his situation is similar to yours. He got help from Professor Snape."
Sean's eyes widened. "Professor Snape is a Death Eater?"
"No. Was a Death Eater. He turned spy. They are both responsible for saving countless lives."
Sean nodded. "I'll talk to Professor Malfoy, then."
Aiden smiled and stood. "I'll arrange a meeting for you. He shouldn't be bothered tonight, I'm sure you know why. School gossip and all."
"Yes.we all heard."
"If that is all, you need to go back to dinner."
Sean stood and headed for the door.
"Oh, and Sean?"
"Yes Professor?"
"I took 20 points from Gryffindor and Slytherin. No more dueling in Hogsmeade."
"Yes sir. I'm sorry sir. Goodbye sir."
Aiden sighed and followed him out, turning and heading to his quarters. He silently peeked in the portrait hole. Ginny was holding Draco, singing softly. He smiled, and turned back around, heading for Sirius' and Remus' quarters.
Reaching their portrait, he nervously knocked. Sirius pushed it open; looking shocked when he saw Aiden standing there.
"Hello, Sirius." Aiden spoke softly.
"Aiden. is something wrong? Um.Come in!"
Aiden stepped through, looking around. Remus was sitting on the couch, reading the Daily Prophet. He turned, raising his eyebrows when he saw Aiden.
"Nothing is wrong.I just wanted.wanted to talk to you."
Remus stood. "I'll let you have some privacy then."
"No, Remus.I want to talk to you too." He went and sat in a chair across from the couch, Sirius taking his place by Remus.
"I've been thinking. I.I think I have been holding this grudge long enough. You two were like parents to me.and after today."
They both looked at him wide eyed. "You.you can forgive us?" Sirius eyes were hopeful.
Aiden nodded. "I don't want to push everyone away anymore."
The two men's eyes lit up. Remus spoke. "Thank you.so much.you have no idea how much that means to us.you are the only son we'll ever be able to have."
Aiden smiled and stood. "It's getting late.I'd better head back." The two men stood as well, walking with him to the door.
"Come back anytime you want, all right?" Sirius' eyes were dancing. He pulled Aiden into a hug. Aiden smiled as he hugged his godfather back. It was so good to feel like this again. "Thanks." He wrapped his arms around Remus too, who grinned.
He glanced around the corridor. He wasn't sure if he should go back to his quarters yet, he wanted to get there after Ginny and Draco went to bed. He aimlessly walked through the corridors, looking for students out of bed. He ended up in front of the portrait of fruit. Realized he hadn't eaten much, he tickled the pear, and entered. Glancing around, he saw he was not the only one who was hungry.
"Hello, Severus." He sat down at the counter, across from the Potions Master, who nodded at him. He had never seen the man look so relaxed. Trademark black robes gone, he was wearing black slacks, and a silky looking black collared shirt. He was leaning back, legs propped up on a stool, reading a magazine, munching on pecan pie and sipping coffee. Aiden was about to say something, when he heard happy cries behind him. He turned. "Hello, Dobby."
The house elf was sobbing happy tears. "Oh, Mr. Applin sir, Dobby has just heard, you is Mr. Harry Potter! I has been hoping and hoping to sees you sir! Dobby never forgets Mister Potters kindness, Dobby was knowing you is innocent, sir!"
Aiden smiled. "It is very good to see you too, Dobby." He saw Severus watching with raised eyebrows out of the corner of his eye. "Could I have a bowl of mint chocolate ice cream?"
Dobby bobbed his head up and down. "Of course! Anything for you, sir!" He dashed back into another room, appearing a second later with his snack.
"Here you is, sir! If you is needing anything else, sir, you just call Dobby, and he is bringing you anything you wishes, sir!" The little house elf was bouncing with joy.
"Thank you, Dobby. I will." With a happy squeak, the House Elf popped out.
Aiden sat, glancing at Severus, who was amused by the whole thing. "Old friend?" he asked.
"Long story. I freed him."
"Indeed." After that, the two sat in silence, enjoying their food.
Severus looked over the top of his magazine at the young man across from him. He had dressed nicely for today, black dress slacks, forest green silk button up, his long black hair clipped back, ponytail pulled over one shoulder. His eyes wandered to his chest.the first few buttons had been left undone, giving him a peek of a light spray of hair. He shifted in his seat.
Aiden felt Severus' eyes on him.felt his face growing warm. He finished the remainder of his ice cream, then pushed his bowl off to the side. He pulled himself up so he was sitting on his knees, leaned forward, elbows on the table, his chin resting on his palms, meeting Severus' black eyes. Severus raised his eyebrows, before taking a sip of his steaming coffee. Aiden's eyes silently followed every movement. Severus slowly closed his magazine, sat down his mug, pushing it and his plate aside, before mimicking Aiden's position. They stayed like that, neither one willing to be the first to break eye contact. Aiden could feel the Potions Masters warm breath, mingling with his own, cool from the ice cream.their faces were only a few inches apart. His eyes drifted down to the man's lips, which were slightly parted. He slowly leaned forward, pausing when he was about to touch his lips, looking back up at the onyx eyes. Seeing no signs of disapproval, he touched his lips softly to Severus'. He shivered when he felt Severus press back, and almost whimpered when he felt a velvet tongue run along his lips. He instantly opened his mouth, allowing Severus inside, their tongues dancing. He pulled himself closer to the table, so he could run one of his hands through Severus' hair.
Finally, they had to come up for air; both were breathing heavily. "Whoa." whispered Aiden, his hand still tangled in Severus' hair. So this is what people had talked about.that one kiss that only happens once in you life.In that moment, he knew he never wanted to kiss anyone else again.
Severus breathed deeply. He had never.felt.so much. He had never thought he would be kissed like that. He now understood what wanting forever meant. he shook his head. This was the same boy he had hated.before. He frowned. He had almost forgotten that. Harry Potter.the student. was the man sitting before him, with his hand running through his hair. Son of James Potter. Whom he had hated. Hermione Granger was one thing.but Harry Potter? He looked up at Aiden. He didn't care, he decided. He had never loved before, he was a malicious bastard and he knew it, bit he knew he could love this man, no matter who he was, and Aiden would love him back. It was just a.feeling. He just knew it. He pulled the other man towards him, kissing him again.
Draco followed behind his father, pale faced and trembling. Lucius Malfoy's hands were tied behind his back, but he held his head high. He turned to face his son, staring at him coldly. He gave his wife one look, warning her with his eyes. She gave a dry sob, but refused to let her tears fall. Minister Fudge began his speech, stating Malfoy's crimes, and he commanded Draco to proceed when ready, giving him official permission to use the Unforgivable Killing Curse. Draco drew his wand, aiming it shakily at his father.
"Please.father.please" He sobbed.
Ginny had tears running down her face.Aiden wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned into his shoulder.
Lucius glared at his only heir. "Do it. 'son'. Kill me."
Draco's eyes darted over to his mother, who glared hatefully at him. He squeezed his eyes shut.
"I.could have loved you " He whispered with a sob. "I'm sorry. Goodbye, father. Avada Kedvara!"
Narcissa Malfoy let out a scream when she saw her husband fall. Ginny ran to Draco, taking the sobbing man into her arms. Aiden watched his friend, then turned, following the gathered watchers out.
He walked with Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, Hermione, and Severus to the entrance hall. He had fought long and hard with Fudge this morning, finally convincing him to let Lucius be buried at Godric's Hollow, with the rest of the casualties of the war. He wanted those who fought on the side of Dark to be remembered as well.
Severus stared at the casket containing his old friend. He had known Lucius since his first year at Hogwarts. The older boy had been one of the few that had befriended him. His parents had been so proud that he had a Malfoy for a friend. They had joined the Dark Lord's ranks together. He sighed as the coffin was lowered into the ground.
"Goodbye, old friend." He felt a hand on his shoulder. Aiden stood behind him, watching mournfully. He nodded, before turning away. He heard Aiden walk slowly away.
Back at the castle, Aiden decided to let Ginny and Draco be alone for awhile. He walked slowly around the lake. He thought about what had happen. He didn't know how to comfort his friend, as he had never lost a family member. He had never had any family members to lose, unless he counted the Dursley's, who, in his opinion, deserved anything they got. It was Muggles like them that made him see things from Tom Riddles point of view. That used to scare him, having even more in common with Voldemort. Now, he realized that it was nothing to be ashamed of. Riddle had a point; he had just gone too far. The Magical World's population was going down. But Riddle was wrong about thinking Muggleborns were the problem. Hermione Granger was born into a family of muggles, not a trace of magic, and she was one of the best witches he had ever met. Then there was Neville Longbottom, nothing special about him, just an average wizard, family had thought he would turn out a squib. He was a pureblooded wizard; you could trace it back for generations. Crabbe and Goyle.two of the weakest wizards Aiden had ever had the misfortune of knowing, and they were in Voldemort's ranks, merely because their bloodline was pure. He shook his head as he trudged back up to the castle, heading for the Great Hall.
The Head Table was unusually empty. Severus and Draco were both in their quarters, Aiden knew, but Remus and Sirius were gone as well. He looked around the noisy hall, before whirling on his heel and stalking out. "Professor Applin?" a voice behind him called. "May I talk to you for a second?" He turned to see Sean Sinclair, nervously waiting for his answer. He smiled. "Go ahead." Sean looked around. "Can we go somewhere else?" Aiden nodded. "Come to my office." He led the way down the corridor, to the huge Dueling Room in the dungeons. He pushed open the side door and sat behind his desk. "Have a seat." He gestured to the chairs in front of him. Sean nervously sat down. Aiden leaned forward. "So."
The teen took a deep breath, gathering his nerve. "I...I am sorry I almost got you killed." he trailed off. Aiden sighed. "Quite alright. Things have worked out for the better anyway."
"I saw.I didn't leave right away. I was watching out the window. You should have died."
Aiden sighed. "And?"
"I've been thinking about this for awhile.I don't want to stay loyal to the Dar-Voldemort." Aiden smiled at the tentative use of the name.
"Do you have the Mark?"
"Yes.I have had it since the beginning of summer holidays. But I swear I didn't know they would be in Hogsmeade today."
"Why did you come to me about this, instead of the Headmaster, or your Head of House?"
"I don't know.I felt more comfortable talking to you. You.the stuff you said about the Dark Arts."
"Ah. I see. You thought I would understand more."
Sean nodded. "Yes."
"Why did you take the Mark?"
"My father.he is a Death Eater too, he.he wanted me too. He would disown me if I didn't."
Aiden leaned back in his chair. "I think there is someone else you should talk to, instead of me."
"Who?"
"Professor Malfoy. I am sure you know he was a Death Eater as well, his situation is similar to yours. He got help from Professor Snape."
Sean's eyes widened. "Professor Snape is a Death Eater?"
"No. Was a Death Eater. He turned spy. They are both responsible for saving countless lives."
Sean nodded. "I'll talk to Professor Malfoy, then."
Aiden smiled and stood. "I'll arrange a meeting for you. He shouldn't be bothered tonight, I'm sure you know why. School gossip and all."
"Yes.we all heard."
"If that is all, you need to go back to dinner."
Sean stood and headed for the door.
"Oh, and Sean?"
"Yes Professor?"
"I took 20 points from Gryffindor and Slytherin. No more dueling in Hogsmeade."
"Yes sir. I'm sorry sir. Goodbye sir."
Aiden sighed and followed him out, turning and heading to his quarters. He silently peeked in the portrait hole. Ginny was holding Draco, singing softly. He smiled, and turned back around, heading for Sirius' and Remus' quarters.
Reaching their portrait, he nervously knocked. Sirius pushed it open; looking shocked when he saw Aiden standing there.
"Hello, Sirius." Aiden spoke softly.
"Aiden. is something wrong? Um.Come in!"
Aiden stepped through, looking around. Remus was sitting on the couch, reading the Daily Prophet. He turned, raising his eyebrows when he saw Aiden.
"Nothing is wrong.I just wanted.wanted to talk to you."
Remus stood. "I'll let you have some privacy then."
"No, Remus.I want to talk to you too." He went and sat in a chair across from the couch, Sirius taking his place by Remus.
"I've been thinking. I.I think I have been holding this grudge long enough. You two were like parents to me.and after today."
They both looked at him wide eyed. "You.you can forgive us?" Sirius eyes were hopeful.
Aiden nodded. "I don't want to push everyone away anymore."
The two men's eyes lit up. Remus spoke. "Thank you.so much.you have no idea how much that means to us.you are the only son we'll ever be able to have."
Aiden smiled and stood. "It's getting late.I'd better head back." The two men stood as well, walking with him to the door.
"Come back anytime you want, all right?" Sirius' eyes were dancing. He pulled Aiden into a hug. Aiden smiled as he hugged his godfather back. It was so good to feel like this again. "Thanks." He wrapped his arms around Remus too, who grinned.
He glanced around the corridor. He wasn't sure if he should go back to his quarters yet, he wanted to get there after Ginny and Draco went to bed. He aimlessly walked through the corridors, looking for students out of bed. He ended up in front of the portrait of fruit. Realized he hadn't eaten much, he tickled the pear, and entered. Glancing around, he saw he was not the only one who was hungry.
"Hello, Severus." He sat down at the counter, across from the Potions Master, who nodded at him. He had never seen the man look so relaxed. Trademark black robes gone, he was wearing black slacks, and a silky looking black collared shirt. He was leaning back, legs propped up on a stool, reading a magazine, munching on pecan pie and sipping coffee. Aiden was about to say something, when he heard happy cries behind him. He turned. "Hello, Dobby."
The house elf was sobbing happy tears. "Oh, Mr. Applin sir, Dobby has just heard, you is Mr. Harry Potter! I has been hoping and hoping to sees you sir! Dobby never forgets Mister Potters kindness, Dobby was knowing you is innocent, sir!"
Aiden smiled. "It is very good to see you too, Dobby." He saw Severus watching with raised eyebrows out of the corner of his eye. "Could I have a bowl of mint chocolate ice cream?"
Dobby bobbed his head up and down. "Of course! Anything for you, sir!" He dashed back into another room, appearing a second later with his snack.
"Here you is, sir! If you is needing anything else, sir, you just call Dobby, and he is bringing you anything you wishes, sir!" The little house elf was bouncing with joy.
"Thank you, Dobby. I will." With a happy squeak, the House Elf popped out.
Aiden sat, glancing at Severus, who was amused by the whole thing. "Old friend?" he asked.
"Long story. I freed him."
"Indeed." After that, the two sat in silence, enjoying their food.
Severus looked over the top of his magazine at the young man across from him. He had dressed nicely for today, black dress slacks, forest green silk button up, his long black hair clipped back, ponytail pulled over one shoulder. His eyes wandered to his chest.the first few buttons had been left undone, giving him a peek of a light spray of hair. He shifted in his seat.
Aiden felt Severus' eyes on him.felt his face growing warm. He finished the remainder of his ice cream, then pushed his bowl off to the side. He pulled himself up so he was sitting on his knees, leaned forward, elbows on the table, his chin resting on his palms, meeting Severus' black eyes. Severus raised his eyebrows, before taking a sip of his steaming coffee. Aiden's eyes silently followed every movement. Severus slowly closed his magazine, sat down his mug, pushing it and his plate aside, before mimicking Aiden's position. They stayed like that, neither one willing to be the first to break eye contact. Aiden could feel the Potions Masters warm breath, mingling with his own, cool from the ice cream.their faces were only a few inches apart. His eyes drifted down to the man's lips, which were slightly parted. He slowly leaned forward, pausing when he was about to touch his lips, looking back up at the onyx eyes. Seeing no signs of disapproval, he touched his lips softly to Severus'. He shivered when he felt Severus press back, and almost whimpered when he felt a velvet tongue run along his lips. He instantly opened his mouth, allowing Severus inside, their tongues dancing. He pulled himself closer to the table, so he could run one of his hands through Severus' hair.
Finally, they had to come up for air; both were breathing heavily. "Whoa." whispered Aiden, his hand still tangled in Severus' hair. So this is what people had talked about.that one kiss that only happens once in you life.In that moment, he knew he never wanted to kiss anyone else again.
Severus breathed deeply. He had never.felt.so much. He had never thought he would be kissed like that. He now understood what wanting forever meant. he shook his head. This was the same boy he had hated.before. He frowned. He had almost forgotten that. Harry Potter.the student. was the man sitting before him, with his hand running through his hair. Son of James Potter. Whom he had hated. Hermione Granger was one thing.but Harry Potter? He looked up at Aiden. He didn't care, he decided. He had never loved before, he was a malicious bastard and he knew it, bit he knew he could love this man, no matter who he was, and Aiden would love him back. It was just a.feeling. He just knew it. He pulled the other man towards him, kissing him again.