DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter (and associated characters, likenesses, concepts, etc.) belongs to J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Scholastic, Inc. AOL/Time Warner, Inc., among others. I make no claim, written or implied, upon Harry Potter. No money is being made and no infringement or disrespect to the creators / copyright holders is intended.
Warning: This story will contain slash (ie. male/male relationships) and mpreg, although neither will be graphic.
A/N: This is the first story that I have posted. It was inspired by the many wonderful stories that I have read and enjoyed here at fan fiction and any similarities to existing stories is not intended. This story is AU, meaning that the events that occurred in the OOTP have not been taken into account. Also, I am American so I apologize in advance for any Americanisms.
Chapter Fifteen – DecisionsThe sound of a door closing brought Draco out of his comfortable bed and over to the window. He ran a tired hand over his face, trying to get his eyes to focus on the view. He blamed his lack of sleep the previous night on the fact that he just couldn't seem to get his mind to shut down long enough to actually fall asleep. Thoughts of Harry and his sons, Harry on the beach, Harry pressed up against him, kissing him….raced nonstop and subsequently kept him awake long after everyone else had retired for the night.
After a moment, his blurred vision cleared. It had to be extremely early as the sun hadn't even started to rise yet and the beach still looked quite dark. There didn't seem to be anything out of place as far as Draco could see from his window. Wondering what the noise could have been, Draco started to turn away from the window to go back to his warm inviting bed. Maybe now, he would finally be able to get some sleep.
Just as he was turning, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Staring back out the window, Draco chuckled as he saw Emrys Kingston, dressed as he had been the first morning that they had been here, walk across the patio. He stopped over by the pool house and gathered that long board object that he had with him previously and started down the path that led to the beach.
Knowing where Harry was headed, Draco quickly threw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and started after the singer.
After reaching the patio, the blonde stopped and quickly assumed his animagus form. Sniffing the air to verify the direction that Harry had gone, the gray wolf raced down the beach in search of his prey.
* * *
Deep in his own confusing thoughts, Harry quickly walked down the sandy beach, not paying attention to the marine ecosystem that was gradually wakening from its slumber around him. Soon, a sound that seemed out of place on this early morning brought him back to reality. Harry stopped and listened, wishing for the more sensitive hearing that he possessed while in one of his animagus forms. The sound repeated itself over and over and seemed to be drawing closer. Identifying it as coming from behind him, he turned, placing his surfboard down, and waited to see what was coming towards him.
He didn't have to wait long when a familiar large gray wolf came into view. Harry couldn't prevent the smile from crossing his face as he remembered the first time he had seen Draco transform. The sleek animal just seemed to fit him somehow, strong, noble, intelligent and cunning. In the case of people who become animagus', their animal form is picked for them by the spirit guides, as the animal that best suits their personality. In Draco's case, it had been spot on.
The wolf skidded to a halt on the wet sand momentarily before rising up on its hind legs and placing his front paws on Harry's chest gently so as not to scratch him. Harry laughed as the wolf let out a loud bark and started to lick his face. "Okay, okay, I get the message. Sorry I left with out you this morning. How about you get down now?"
If a wolf could smirk, Harry was sure that this one would be smirking as it gracefully dropped back down on the soft sand. Kneeling down, Harry scratched the animal behind its ears. "So what are you doing up so early? I thought for sure that you would sleep for at least another couple hours," Harry asked sternly, but the twinkle in his eyes took the bite out of his remarks.
Standing back up, Harry glanced up and down the beach, making sure it was still deserted. "Well, I really wanted to go for a fly this morning, but seeing as how you can't fly, I guess I'll just have to settle for a run." A soft pop later and the place where the wizard had stood was now occupied by a medium-sized, friendly-looking sheep dog. Harry the dog shook his head to try to move one of his ears that had a tendency to flop over onto his face. Giving his companion a happy bark, the dog ran off down the beach, soon to be followed closely by a large wolf.
* * *
That afternoon after lunch, Severus approached the subject that they all knew needed to be discussed but where leery of bringing up.
"Listen Potter, the mini vacation is much appreciated, but it's time that we get back to Hogwarts. We need to know where you stand."
Knowing that he couldn't put this off much longer, Harry indicated that they should all reconvene back in his study.
Not one for being patient, no sooner had the door shut behind him than Severus was again demanding to know what Harry's decision was. "So what's it going to be, Harry? Are you going to help us or not?"
Both Sirius and Draco watched Harry carefully.
"If your asking me if I'm willing to go back to England with you, then the answer is no, I'm not."
Draco swallowed hard to try to rid himself of the sinking feeling in his stomach, 'Harry's not going back.'
"Well Potter, I can't say that I am surprised. It would take a bigger man than you to put everything past you and move on, I just hope that you'll be able to live with yourself knowing that you practically handed Voldemort the wizarding world on a silver platter."
Harry looked sharply at his former Professor. He hadn't heard that condescending tone since the beginning of his sixth year at Hogwarts. "You'd be surprised at what all I can live with, Severus," Harry sneered back taking a similar tone.
Knowing that there would be nothing gained by upsetting the Gryffindor heir further, Severus decided to change his approach. "You've certainly demonstrated that you are capable of living through much more than what a normal person could. Hell, this whole experience has certainly made you a stronger wizard, which is quite an accomplishment, but what about your sons? What can they live through?"
"What are you talking about Snape? You don't know anything about my sons."
Snape knew that by bringing Harry's children into the conversation, he was taking a big risk. The tall Potions Master took a long moment to look appraisingly at his former student. "I know that the Potter bloodline is one of the oldest and most noble bloodlines still in existence in the world today. Hence, Matthew and Evan Potter, like you yourself, are heirs to Godric Gryffindor."
Not sure if he wanted to know where this conversation was going, Harry couldn't prevent himself from glaring at Snape. "They are much more than that Snape, but I don't see your point. Everyone in the Order knew that I was the Heir of Gryffindor."
"Well I guess that it is that Gryffindor blood that makes you a little slow on the uptake. Consider it this way. How did you feel when you received your Hogwarts letter knowing that there was this whole world out there that you were a part of that no one had ever even mentioned to you? How did you feel when after years of asking you were finally told what your true heritage was? Hmm." Severus paused to let that sink in before continuing.
"If you don't remember, maybe I can enlighten you as I was there when Albus finally revealed the truth to you. Actually, we all were there, if you remember?"
Harry had carefully hid his emotions behind an expressionless mask. "If I recall correctly, I was less than thrilled."
Draco had to resist the urge to laugh at Harry's blatant exaggeration. 'Less than thrilled my ass.' Harry had thrown a fit that could be heard through out the castle. Some of the items that had incurred Harry's wrath had been so destroyed that even the strongest 'reparo' charms couldn't fix them. The rumors of that episode were still retold today.
"Call it what you will, Mister Potter, but consider this, how do you think your children will feel when they find out what you've been keeping from them? By not returning with us you are in fact denying them their rightful heritage. Don't you think that they will resent the fact that you took the coward's way out instead of fighting for them?"
When Harry's eyes flashed poisonously, Snape knew that he had pushed the young man too far. "What the hell do you call what I have been doing the last three years if not fighting for them? Everything that I have been doing is done for them. How dare you even question the way that I have decided to bring up my children? Matthew and Evan are none of your concern."
There was a pregnant lull in the conversation as the former adversaries took stock of their positions.
"Harry, won't you please reconsider? We'll be lost without you."
Harry looked into the sad face of his Godfather. "No, Sirius. I won't reconsider. I'm sorry, but this is the way it has to be."
Sirius nodded his acceptance of his Godson's decision. "You know, Harry, that now that Dumbledore has found you, he won't let you go. He'll send others to try to convince you."
Harry gave Sirius a reassuring smile. "That's a chance that I'm gonna have to take."
Deciding to make one last attempt to reason with the stubborn man, Severus added, "He's not the only one that won't give up. Once You-Know-Who has control of Europe what's to stop him from coming over here. You're living on borrowed time, Potter."
Harry rubbed his tired eyes, wishing that this conversation would just end. "I understand that, Severus."
"Then, logically wouldn't it be easier to stop him before he ever steps foot on American soil? If you won't fight for England, then at least consider fighting to protect the new life you've set up for yourself here."
"Who would have thought that Severus Snape, the bain of Gryffindors everywhere would attempt to use logic on a Gryffindor?" Harry chuckled. "Look, Severus, I know what you are trying to do, but before you wear yourself completely out let me tell you that my decision is final. Nothing you say will change my mind."
"Fine, then I guess there is nothing left for us to do here then. We might as well leave tonight."
Harry nodded. "If that's what you want to do, it can be arranged."
"Haven't you been paying attention Potter? It's not about what we want to do; it's about what we have to do." With those cutting last words, Severus stood up and abruptly left the study, shutting the door loudly after him.
"Well, I guess that didn't go too well. Before I leave Harry, I just wanted to apologize again for not being there when you needed me most. I will never forgive myself for that."
Harry stood and pulled his Godfather into a tight hug. "I already told you that you were forgiven, Sirius."
"I know. I'm proud of you, Harry; you have a good life here and a wonderful family. Please take care of my Grand Godchildren." Agreeing, Harry let go and stepped back away from the Marauder. "Before I leave, I just wanted to ask you to keep in touch. I don't think that I could stand to lose you again, not now that I finally found you."
"I'll do my best."
"Okay Harry, I better go see where Snape has stormed off too."
After watching his Godfather leave, Harry turned to the only remaining Order member left in the room. "You've been particularly quiet this evening."
"That's because Severus was saying more than enough for the rest of us." Draco smirked.
"So, are you angry with me too?" Harry asked, cautiously.
Draco stood up and walked over to where Harry was standing. Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss on the slightly smaller man's lips. "Never, Harry. How could I ever be angry with you for putting the best interest and welfare of our children first?"
Harry was grateful that Draco understood. Questions regarding what Draco intended to do now, and when he was leaving, ran through the Gryffindor's mind at a furious pace. Not wanting to know the answers at this moment, Harry tightened his arms around his soul mate wanting this moment to last forever so they wouldn't have to face being parted again.
With a large sigh Harry pulled away from Draco's embrace. "Let's go see what those two idiots are up to. I can't let them try to apparate all the way back to England from here; they'll splinch themselves for sure."
* * *
Finding the duo back out on the patio, Harry proceeded to give Sirius and Severus the address of a pub in San Diego from where they would be able to floo to a safe location in England. As the two older men were preparing to apparate to the coordinates provided, Snape turned and snapped at his own Godson. "Come on, Draco, we don't have time for long good byes. We need to get going."
"That's just as well, as I was never one for the emotional scenes. So, I'll see you around sometime, then Severus."
Snape was stunned. Surely, he hadn't heard correctly. "What did you just say?"
Draco pushed a strand of white blonde hair out of his face before turning to look at Harry directly. The love and astonishment reflected in those brilliant shinning emerald eyes reaffirmed his own decision. "I said, have a nice life Severus."
"But you can't mean to stay here; you are our last remaining spy. We need you Draco," protested the Potions Master.
"I can't help that, Severus. Over three years ago I made a terrible decision and it almost ended up costing me everything that I hold dear. I finally have the chance to make up for that unfortunate choice. Yes, the Light needs me, but I am also needed here as well. This time, I won't make the same mistake. My family has to come first."
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. Had Draco just resigned from the Order; had he really put Harry and their boys' wellbeing in front of everything else?
Seeing the question in his eyes, Draco approached Harry cautiously, slowly reaching out to take his warm hand in his own. "That is, if you'll have me?"
Harry studied Draco's face intently, looking for the slightest sign of betrayal or uncertainty. Seeing none, he took a deep breath and answered his soul mate. "Draco, I can't make you any promises. But I would like to give us a try. We never really had the chance to have a real relationship before and I want that, if that's what you want," Harry said cautiously, not yet able to believe that Draco was actually planning on staying here with him.
Draco reached over a placed a warm kiss on Harry's smooth cheek. "I want that more than anything," he whispered in the raven-haired man's ear.
The sound of someone rudely clearing their throat interrupted an otherwise perfect moment. "Excuse us, it's not that we don't want you to be happy, but you'll both be sorely missed," Severus said disappointedly.
Defeated, Severus and Sirius said their farewells and departed for a pub on the other side of town.
As soon as they were alone again, Draco found himself pulled tightly into Harry's arms. "I can't believe that you're really here and that you're going to stay with me," he muttered into the soft silver hair he loved so much.
Draco, positioning himself so that he could look at Harry, was surprised to see the moisture gathered in the other man's eyes. "I knew once I had found you again that there was no way I would be able to walk away a second time, Harry. I'm here to stay." Wanting to lighten the mood, he couldn't help adding, "Of course I left all my things in England, so that means that unless you want me raiding your closet every day, we'll need to go shopping."
Harry kissed the soft skin on Draco's temple. "I don't know Dray, between taking you shopping and fighting Voldemort, I'm not sure that I took the safer route."
Even though he was glad that his diversion had worked, Draco couldn't help but be concerned about how his defection would be received at Hogwarts. "Sirius was right you know, Dumbledore will surely send someone else now that he knows who you are and where you live."
"He would, if someone were to tell him where to find us."
"Of course someone is going to tell him, didn't you just see Snape and Black leave here? I know that they're our Godfathers and all that, but even they will break under Dumbledore's questions. I bet they'll have someone here the day after tomorrow, if not sooner." Draco said exasperated.
"I don't doubt that Sirius and Sev would inform that old meddling bastard about everything that happened here over the last few days, but love, you can't tell someone what you don't remember."
Still confused, as he didn't see Harry cast a memory charm on either Severus or Sirius, Draco pressed for further details. "Explain, please."
"I just happened to place a powerful memory charm on the both of them during dinner that activated when they apparated through the wards surrounding this house. They won't remember a thing about their stay in the United States except that they found me and I decided to reject their kind offer to return to be their minion once more."
Wincing at Harry's description of the Order's intentions, Draco couldn't help but be impressed at his soul mate's foresight and resulting action. "You really should have let the sorting hat put you in Slytherin, love."
"I know," Harry said wistfully.
"So when are we going back to Hogwarts?" If Harry was surprised at Draco's question, he didn't show it.
"I never could hide anything from you."
Draco smirked, "and you'd better never try."
Harry looked away to gather his thoughts, wanting to make sure he expressed his reasoning logically. "They were right about one thing, others will follow. While I'm not concerned about Order members, I am afraid that now that the Order found me once, that it won't be long before Voldemort sends his Death Eaters here. While I hate Voldemort, I can't but help appreciate his intelligence, even if he chooses to use it in such despicable ways." Harry paused, running his hand through his already mussed hair. "My wards are strong, but not nearly as strong as the wards around Hogwarts. As much as I hate to admit it, Hogwarts is probably the safest place for the twins to be right now. I thought about what you said about Hogwarts being at risk, but I would rather have the twins close by us there then tucked away somewhere else where we wouldn't know what was going on with them. Please understand that I need to know that they are safe. I need to be able to see them and touch them and not worry about them being used in this horrendous war. Besides, I refuse to use a secret keeper and make the same mistake that my parents did."
Draco knew that Harry would never get over the betrayal of his parents by one of their seemingly 'best friends'. That coupled with his own betrayal at the hands of his own friends and teachers, significantly decreased Harry's ability to trust. Harry would never be capable to turning over the safety and welfare of his children over to someone other than himself. He wasn't even sure if Harry trusted him enough to care for the boys. Nodding to let Harry know that he understood his reasoning, Draco indicated that Harry should continue.
"I need to get some things finished here first and then we'll pack up and leave."
Draco was curious. "What is so important to risk staying?"
"The band." Harry said simply. "They were there for me every step of the way. We've been through a lot together and the new CD is almost finished. I told you earlier that we were a head of schedule, I think that if we pushed it we should be able to finish with the recordings in a couple of weeks. I owe it to them to stay until it's done. There is no way that they can replace me and the band has invested entirely too much time and money in the process to simply scrap it now. I don't expect you to understand but there is no way that I can simply bail on them."
"Actually, Harry, I do understand. It's just you being you."
Harry reached over and playfully smacked Draco on the back of the head. "What the hell kind of comment is that?"
Draco sent the dark haired man an annoyed look as he rubbed the back of his head. "I just meant that you always put others first, it's just part of who you are. And this is just me being me." Not giving Harry any time to respond, Draco scooped the startled man up into his arms and threw him into the pool.
To Be Continued