Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, and the licensed copyright holders including Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Warner Bros., Inc. No money has been exchanged and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: I speak neither French, nor Gaelic so if there are problems with the phrasing I've used let me know; though I checked a few dictionaries and asked another author and she said they were correct. Of course, no one is perfect.
Le Cadeau means the gift.
Standard slash and mpreg and unbeta'd warnings apply. I finally had someone offer to beta for me though so I hope to have a corrected version up soon. Whether or not that's actually an incentive for you to revisit this story I don't know. However editing usually involves more than just grammatical and superficial changes, so there might be more to the story when editing's done. Along with the standards, I'm including language warnings, Rhi's back in this chappie and you know she has a bit of a potty mouth so warnings for four letter word usage. Oh and sugar warnings...this chapter is not for diabetics or people with cavities...pure unadulterated sugary fluffiness ahead. Don't say you haven't been warned--I'm telling you right now that if you read to the end of this story your cavities may develop cavities...k 'nuff said on that. As usual sentences in italics are thoughts; words in italics are for emphasis.
We've reached the end and I wanted to say it's been a helluva ride. Your comments and suggestions have been wonderful and I so wholly did not expect the kind of response this story got. You've truly made the experience worthwhile. So thank all of you very much for sticking with Restoring Faith as it made its way onto the keyboard. I find it apt that the last chapter is a "bonus" one, making its debut on 'I love my reviewers, they are some of the most wonderful folks on earth" day.
I feel this story is finished, that I've tied up all the loose ends, but as I read through reviews it occurred to me that the characters of this universe were fun for a lot of people other than me (grin!). So if you want an epilogue, let me know, do the review thing. I have no idea what it would cover, so I'm open for suggestions too. Alright…without further rambling, thank you all again. It's been wonderful. Happy Reading!
16. Conclusion
Draco was a horrible patient and by the time his week of enforced bed rest at St. Mungo's was over the harried staff was ecstatic with the news of his departure. He'd spent the time he wasn't haranguing and belittling the medi-witches and wizards with his family and was then in such good spirits that some of the staff wondered if he wasn't suffering the Muggle multiple personality disorder. Their attitudes didn't phase him, he just didn't like being in hospital and he especially hated being sedentary. When he wasn't being poked, prodded or scanned he was very agreeable, unfortunately the only interactions he had with the staff were when he was being poked, prodded and scanned.
They really weren't able to do much with him until Rhi, Harry, Hermione, Melody and Evan laid down the law. Even then he wasn't great, but things improved—slightly. He did behave much better when Harry was assigned as his attending healer; it gave them time to talk, and to argue about Draco's health and what steps he needed to take in future to remain healthy. Their arguments were long and loud, but loving nonetheless.
When his family wasn't visiting Draco wrote and rested. He was allowed two hours of visitation each day and his Bad Faith family rotated who would come when. Evan all but moved into his Papa's room so he was always there. Several healers and quite a few administrators tried to have Evan removed claiming a sick room was no place for a child and that Evan really couldn't be left with Draco unless he was attended by an adult. Harry stood back in those moments and learned just how Malfoy his seven and a half year old son really was.
As far as Harry was concerned Evan could debate, out-reason, insult, and outrightly threaten with the very best of them. Needless to say, not only was Evan allowed to stay, but his Papa's bed was enlarged so both of them could lay abed comfortably. Not that Harry was in any way complaining. Having Draco and his son together meant they had lots of time to talk and learn about each other and the time they'd been apart. He spent the better part of his rotations at Draco's bedside and more often than not, spent the majority of his off-duty hours there as well.
Evan was smart and sensitive and knew there were things his fathers needed to discuss without him so he made it a habit of taking walks through St. Mungo's and visiting with people he thought looked lonely or sad. Despite the ill feelings the concessions he'd wrought caused in the administration, and the frustration of the medical staff with his father, most felt Evan's presence was a beneficial and welcome one throughout the hospital. With his jokes and smiles and boyish laughter and charming tales he brought a different but necessary sort of healing to many and his parents were proud of him.
They didn't waste the time Evan gave them during his walks. They opened old wounds and cleared what festered there, sometimes causing them to bleed anew. They healed those hurts together and discovered the power of a love tempered in fire and pain, in distance and denial. They learned to love as the men they'd become, to have more than just the memories of a young love to build on, but a love based in a maturity neither had before. Their love had grown and changed just as they had, and that change was evident in the way they felt with each other and its expression.
Oh neither had any illusions about what kinds of sweaty, toe-curling, sheet-ripping, wrestling rumblings were slated for Draco's release from hospital, but they were driven by an elemental need for each other different from the hormonal surges they could barely control before. Though admittedly, they'd spent the time during a few of Evan's walks cataloguing the changes in their more mature bodies and those explorations led to activities that bore an uncanny likeness to the barely controlled hormonal surges of their youth.
Rhi and the other members of Bad Faith had hashed out some things on their own while Draco was in hospital. He was spitting mad when they returned to the townhouse and Rhi outlined their decisions. He was hurt that decisions had been made for him, that he hadn't been consulted and he railed at them before Harry lightly cuffed the back of his head and reminded him that they'd made these decisions for love of him, not to spite him. Chastened and a little embarrassed, he sat and listened to the outlined plan, none of which was set in stone because they'd been waiting for Draco's input. Simply though, the transplants were, for the most part, ready to come home. Nearly all the children would be attending Hogwarts in the next few years. Their families were getting older and they wanted to be around to share caretaking duties and just enjoy the time they had left with various parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends.
Draco falling ill had brought home to all of them that there were things they'd rather be doing than touring. They all loved to travel and they loved their music, but tour schedules were gruelling and as much as they were needed to promote album sales it wasn't the most enjoyable part of what they did. They'd thrown ideas around about that and it was Melody actually who suggested they go independent. They could continue living communally, record and release albums when they wanted and play small venue performances when they chose. It was an excellent suggestion and one jumped on eagerly by all of them, especially Alistair who'd been itching to try his hand at producing and thought they could eventually add other bands to their new label.
Their biggest concern was whether they could make this effort financially viable. They'd long ago combined finances and while they were sure they could get a goodly amount for the house in New York, a move of the proportions they were planning, plus resettling would be a huge financial undertaking.
Draco snorted as Rhi started talking about shifting investments and transferring accounts. She glared at him when he started snickering. "Is there something you'd like to share funny man?"
Draco smiled broadly and leaned back into Harry's chest pushing them both further into the chaise. He shook his head, "I have a confession to make," He chortled at his family's confused faces and noted that Rhi was working her way from simmer to boil. "Okay enough suspense. Rhi, right now I am thanking all the gods that you're a squib because what I'm going to say would probably get me hexed from here to Mars. Rhiannon Vaughn has been Bad Faith's financial manager in name only since we signed with Ramora Records."
He rushed through his explanation, "Rhi, you were great when we were a local band but the national and international scene and the financial aspect of that was too much for you and it hit too fast for you to learn thoroughly. I've been investing carefully in both Muggle and Wizarding stocks, purchasing shares of various profitable corporations and generally running the financial aspect for the last few years."
"B-but that's…how could you do that?" Rhi sputtered more shocked that Draco had pulled it off than angry that he had.
"I'm a wizard Rhi and a pretty decent one, if I do say so myself." He thumped his head back against Harry's chest gently, "nothing in league with the Great Potter, but I can handle a spell or two." He flicked out his wand and pointed it to his throat, "Vox Rhiannon." He smirked as a faint blue glow centred on his throat.
"This is Rhiannon Vaughn, no you idiot, I don't want to talk to the Mike Tomlinson in Public Relations. You get Peter Sands on the phone and you get him now or Bad Faith won't be making that little appearance at TRL you got me? Finite Incantatem. See…" he coughed as his voice changed back to his own, "I can spell myself to sound like you and as for your signature...well I'd mastered copying and forgery spells by my second year at Hogwarts. There's good money and excellent blackmail material to be had in doing homework for other people," he reached over and slapped at Evan's arm, "And you did NOT just hear me say that young man."
Evan smirked, "Yes Papa."
Draco frowned, "Don't you 'Yes Papa' me with that look cub; I have no qualms about Obliviating you."
Evan stood and hugged his fathers kissing them both before he sat back on the floor.
"You're going to corrupt our son Love."
He smirked, "Shows what you know Potter. I'll have you know our son would make a horrible Slytherin and I fully fault you and your moral fibre genes." He tossed a mock glare in Harry's direction, "Then again, his godfather is a Marauder and he's a Marauder's grandson."
The laughter died down as Draco was hit with a coughing fit. Harry propped him up and rubbed soothing circles on his chest as he sipped water from a glass Evan brought. "Thank you cub," he said softly when the fit had passed. This time Evan settled himself across his fathers' legs and wrapped his arms loosely around Draco's waist. "As I was saying," he cleared his throat as long fingers meandered across his son's back. "There are detailed portfolios for each of you in our office files in New York, but I'm more than willing to continue as our financial manager if we decide that we still want to pool our resources. Taking from our collective accounts though leaves plenty to live on. I can't give exact figures without looking at the records but living as we do even with the move none of us would have to work again."
"Draco, can you give us a rough estimate of what we're worth?" Joy asked. She wanted this but she was afraid to get her hopes up.
Draco sent an understanding smile her way, "Joy, there's certainly enough to bring the rest of your family from France." He grew serious, reaching for knowledge from the back of his mind and quickly making calculations, he nodded after a few moments, "I'm not certain without going over the books again but I'd say with some confidence that between our combined investments and the more limited revenue we receive from merchandising, ticket and CD sales, Bad Faith is worth about £42m but only about half of that is liquid assets, the rest is tied up in stocks and such."
Dai shook her head, and opened her mouth to speak, but managed to only shake her head again, "Holy shit."
Rhi smirked, "That about sums it up. All in favour of Draco continuing on as our financial planner say 'Aye'."
"AYE!"
Draco blushed, "I-um, since we're talking finances and such I have a proposition for all of you." He looked to Harry who nodded. "Harry and I've been talking and…well I promised I'd show you all around Malfoy Manor where I grew up when we finished the tour. But since we're not finishing the tour I think we should go out to Malfoy Manor today."
"No Draco, you just left hospital and you're a long way from being healthy yet." Melody frowned.
Draco sighed, "Fine then I will stay here and you can go out to the Manor with Harry and Evan. I want you all to see it for yourselves before we decide anything else." He crossed his arms over Evan's back, which they all knew was a sign that he'd dug in his heels and wouldn't budge on this.
Harry cleared his throat, "What Draco is poorly trying to say," he nudged the man laying against him gently, "is that Malfoy Manor is huge. The place is gigantic. Which makes no sense to me seeing as the Malfoy family has always been rather small historically, no more than 5 members in an immediate family."
Draco looked up and Harry blushed, "I did some research when I was trying to find you." He kissed his head lightly and turned his attention back to Draco and Evan's gathered family.
Hopefully someday my family too.
"As I was saying, it is truly grand, palatial even. I've seen pictures of your house in New York and while I can't make spot on comparisons in size, I'd say your house could fit in Malfoy Manor at least ten times over. And the Manor is situated on extensive grounds. There's room for everyone here and your families to come live at the Manor with room to spare. And Draco, Evan and I would very much like to keep the family together and moving to Malfoy Manor seems a good way to do it."
Jonathan stiffened, "Is it really that big?"
Draco sighed, "It's really that big and Harry's right, it is larger than any ten families could need. It was built solely to impress, but it's never been a happy house. It's never known the echoes of laughing children or joyful family dinners. I'd like it to be that kind of place." Draco turned his face and hid in Harry's chest. "I've spoken a bit about my parents. My father's views and my mother's…coldness."
He sighed, "I've never told anyone this…ever. When I was 4 or 5 I got lost in the house. Lucius was away on business and Narcissa's social schedule was quite busy at the time. I was lost for 3 days wandering through that house before anyone noticed I was missing." He coughed, "No child should have to live in a place that's large enough to be lost in without friends to get lost with and family to find you." He sighed as he felt Harry's arms tighten around him. "It's beautiful and cold. But it could be beautiful and full of life.
There are gardens Dai that you'd just adore. The Malfoys are known for their roses and those would flourish with your care Joy. There's more than enough space for a recording studio and offices…Actually, if we make this happen I'd like to keep the East Wing for business and our music…I would like our place of work to be separate from our home…"
Harry laid his hand heavily on Draco's shoulder, the blond was tiring. "Look it's not as though this all has to be decided right now. There's still lots to talk about, like whether you'll still be a presence in the Muggle world and how you'll make that happen if you do. I guess the townhouse could serve as a front if you decide to do that since Malfoy Manor is unplottable. I think it's unanimous that you want to move back to Britain, but there are lots of little details to go over and Draco is tired. I'm going to put him to bed and then if anyone wants to come to Malfoy Manor with me I'll be happy to take you."
Evan hopped up and Harry shifted and manoeuvred until he was standing with Draco in his arms. The blond's head was heavy against his shoulder, "Sorry Mine, I ran out of steam."
"It's okay Dragon and everything will work out, but you need time to heal and you have to have patience to give you body what it needs."
"I'm crap with patience."
Harry chuckled and kissed his forehead, "So you say, but I've seen you with our son."
"Doesn't count," Draco yawned, "Evan's immune to my fits of ill temper."
"Oh I see." He carried Draco down the hall and pushed open his bedroom door to lay him in the bed. He spelled the blond out of his clothes and into pyjamas before pulling the covers up to his chin. "I'll be back soon."
"Mmmhmm. Love you Harry."
Harry closed his eyes. "I will never tire of hearing you say that."
"Good. Plan on saying it lots, Mine."
Harry brushed his lips over Draco's then quietly left the room.
Everyone had decided to come along to Manor so it took awhile to get everyone through the Floo. Needless to say, they were all impressed and decided there was certainly more than enough room for all of them to live quite happily there.
They shared their decision with Draco over supper and started the long process of working out the details of relocation.
Harry decided to take indefinite leave from St. Mungo's. He liked and trusted Melody, but he was determined to see Draco through every phase of his recovery and recuperation. He also wanted time to spend with Evan on a day to day basis.
He was still a little bitter that Remus knew his son better than he did. Draco had explained why he'd chosen the werewolf as their son's godfather and Harry wholly approved. He understood that Draco extracted a Wizard's Oath that prevented Remus from revealing Draco's whereabouts unless he told Harry or Harry found him by himself.
He understood, but it still rankled a bit and he knew it was a sticking point only time would smooth over…time and a well-developed relationship with his son.
It took nearly four months for everything to fall into place, but eventually Bad Faith was happily settled into Malfoy Manor with those members of their extended family that had chosen to come live with them. The upper levels of the East Wing were converted into soundproofed practice rooms and a recording studio, offices and meetings rooms were underneath them and the bottom two floors were classrooms, child friendly libraries and playrooms. That didn't mean the rest of the house was bereft of the children's unique presence, just that the East wing was where everyone went for work and school. The rest of the manor was home, with all the requisite running, singing, playing, laughing, and general mayhem that entailed.
On Draco's next birthday, he and Evan again spent the day in Diagon Alley bustling everywhere, though this time Harry was with them; though he didn't fare much better than Draco in keeping their son from setting a frantic pace. They went going from shop to shop in an attempt to satisfy their son's relentless curiosity. After a fun but exhausting day they had supper at a fancy new restaurant, Le Cadeau, which was owned by Joy's sister who'd come to live at Malfoy Manor with the rest of her family. Evan was quiet during dinner which worried his fathers.
"Cub is everything okay? You've gone awfully quiet all of a sudden." Harry mussed his son's hair.
Evan sighed and poked at his mousse "I'm fine."
Draco frowned, "Alright Evan enough. You've been sulking since we came in. It's not like you and we're worried. Tell us what's wrong. And don't say nothing, we know you better than that."
Evan looked up from his desert dish tentatively. His Papa didn't break out the 'I am your father and you will do as I say' voice very often. When he did either he was very worried or Evan was in really big trouble. He knew he wasn't in trouble and he hated making his Papa worried. "I-I'm just a little sad that's all. It's no big deal."
Harry knew differently. Evan's confession altered his plans a little but it was important. He'd seen the scraps of parchment Evan had used to practice his cursive writing and his signature. He'd seen the boy's confusion and even indulged in a few chuckles as he observed his son in the library researching something he didn't understand. In that way he was much like his Aunt Hermione.
Draco was still frowning but before he could say anything Harry took his hand and shook his head. He pulled his hand back and reached into his robe pocket and placed a black velvet box on the table.
"Some time ago Evan I made a mistake. I lied to someone I loved very much."
He nodded at the confused denial on his son's face. "I'm just a man Evan. I'm not perfect. And I've made mistakes. I'll make other mistakes as I get older, but nothing was as bad as this mistake. It was the worst thing I've ever done in my life. It was a horrible mistake to lie, to tell such a cruel and vicious lie."
Evan's eyes grew wide, "You told a mean lie? On purpose? To someone you loved?"
Harry nodded solemnly, "I did. I thought if I lied it would keep him safe. But it didn't keep him safe. It just made him think that I hadn't really loved him. If there was one thing I could undo in my whole life. I would take back that lie."
Evan nodded, "It's hard to make things right if you've lied. The other person doesn't know what to believe."
Harry smiled, "You're right cub. You're exactly right, and that's what happened. He didn't know if my lie was the truth or if the truth was a lie and it hurt him. It hurt him worse than anything ever had and it was my entire fault because I'd told a lie."
Evan frowned, "If you apologised it would be okay Dad. Not right away, but if you love someone you can forgive them."
Harry beamed, "I think so. But it does take awhile. You have to earn that person's trust again. And you have to apologise and on top of all that you have to hope that they still love you enough to accept your apology and are willing to try to trust you again."
"That makes sense. If the lie hurt them really bad."
"This lie hurt really bad Evan. It hurt so much that…" Harry sighed, "Evan, the lie I told…I told your Papa that there was nothing between us, that there was only goodbye, it was just before the end of the war and I thought if I lied your Papa would be mad at me and go somewhere safe because I didn't want him to be hurt or killed. I made it sound like I never loved him I thought if I lied it would save his life. It didn't. Your Papa lived because he's strong and smart and because he fought bravely, not because he went away when I broke his heart." Harry closed his eyes then opened them slowly and faced his son, "He didn't know what to believe anymore because I'd lied, even though there was proof that I was a liar."
Evan looked confused, "If there was proof that you lied then why didn't Papa believe you still loved him?"
Harry's smile was bittersweet, "We all have doubt Evan, and you, Papa, and I, for us to be together we had to get over a lot of doubt, but doubt can be like a weed and choke out the good growing things around it. Part of him knew I loved him but I'd lied and fed the doubt and it grew like a weed choking out the part of him that believed, even in the face of proof. And that proof was you Evan. We made you out of our love. We made you and then I lied and nearly ruined everything."
Harry took a deep breath and opened the velvet jeweller's box to reveal three rings nestled inside. "This last year I've spent knowing you and loving you and learning to be in your life as your father. And I would be honoured if you Evan Harrison Aurelianus James Draconis Malfoy would accept me as your father and officially take my name."
Harry held the smallest ring out to Evan. It was platinum and the crests of House Potter and House Malfoy were on either side of a beautifully cut emerald. Next to the Malfoy crest was a smaller brilliant moonstone and next to the Potter crest was smaller gleaming ruby.
"This ring represents your heritage Evan. The crests of your houses, houses built on generations of tradition, and it represents you and the month that you came into the world. My birthstone is next to my family crest and your father's is next to his family crest. You are my son Evan, as much as you are your Papa's son and we love you. We want you to be proud of all that you are and become all that you choose to be. If you accept this ring, your name will officially change. You will become Evan Harrison Aurelianus James Draconis Potter-Malfoy. Will you take this ring Evan?"
Evan looked from the ring to his fathers "Papa?"
Draco shook his head, "This must be your choice Evan. We've talked about this. Some family you're born to, some family you choose. Your Dad is giving you the chance to choose to accept the family you were born to or not."
Evan nodded and plucked the ring from his father's hand, "Then I choose to be a Potter and a Malfoy." He slid the ring onto his index finger. That's how his Papa wore his signet ring and he would do the same. Evan giggled as a warm tingle flowed from his finger through his body.
His Dad smiled, stood and hugged him. "I love you Evan."
"I love you too Dad."
Draco reached across the table and cupped his son's cheek. "I'm very proud of you Evan. And I love you very much."
Evan smiled, "I love you too Papa. Is that why you didn't name me Potter before? Because you were hurt and you didn't know that Dad lied?"
Draco blinked his tears away, they were in public and he was of the old guard Malfoys after all, he nodded, "Yes that's why. I—something inside me broke Evan. I couldn't—I needed you to be just mine. You don't have to understand now. I'm not sure I understood when I made that decision. I didn't mean to deny you your heritage I just—I hurt too much to share you."
"I think I understand; you explained it just fine Papa."
Harry leaned over and kissed his lover's cheek, "I understand too Dragon. And I'm so sorry."
Draco reached for his hand and smirked, "I know Harry. I understand why you did such a wholly idiotic thing and I've forgiven you."
Harry smiled and kissed his Dragon's cheek again, "I'm glad I'm forgiven," he whispered against his love's smooth skin, his breath leaving a warm moist trail that sent shivers down Draco's spine. He pulled the jeweller's box closer. The remaining rings were wider than Evan's but similar in style. In each the centre stone was a diamond, but two small emeralds were mounted next to the family crests. Harry took one of the rings from the box and held it between his fingers. "These rings are spelled so that the sentiment in the giver's heart is inscribed inside if the ring is accepted. I asked you once to marry me. I knew then that I wanted you beside me forever, that you were the only one who would ever hold my heart, the only one who could make me whole. In fear I turned my back on that knowledge and I swear I will never again doubt the truth of my heart…"
Harry was loosing it, he'd never been good at emotional displays, and it was hard for him to speak what he felt, with Evan it had been easier. He was his son. But Draco was his own man and Harry'd made so many mistakes, and his heart was racing…and then it was still and as always Draco was there to catch him, to calm him. Draco was there knowing what he needed and felt and what he couldn't say…
"Just breathe Mine." The tension flowed from him as Draco smoothed elegant ivory fingers across his brow and over his cheeks and lips and across his eyes, sweeping all the panic away and leaving only peace, only love. "Open your eyes Harry." He opened his eyes. "What did you want to ask me?"
"Marry me? Grow old with me? Let me love you forever?" he whispered finally.
Draco held his face gently and kissed him sweetly with each word, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
Harry closed his eyes once more and held the ring tightly. When the flare of magic passed he held it out to his future husband who smiled slightly at the inscription. "Gaelic. How very you Potter." He slipped the ring onto his finger.
"What's that supposed to mean Papa? And what does it say?"
Draco smirked, "Not that its any of your business young man as this is a matter of sappy romantic mushiness settled firmly in the realm of adults, but since you asked nicely…the inscription is Gaelic, it says A chuisle mochroi Ta gra agam duit. A chuisle mochroi is an endearment, it means 'pulse of my heart' and Ta gra agam duit, means, 'I love you' and it is appropriate to your father because he is a very powerful wizard and in many ways his magic is tied more intimately to elemental magic.
It is widely believed that Gaelic is one of the more powerful languages for magic wielders, but more difficult because as it releases power it requires power and often that power is, like your father's magic, more elemental. It must be given from nature and her beings, it cannot be controlled or harnessed in the way mankind often thinks the natural world should bow down to us as though we are apart from nature and better."
Evan nodded, despite what his protests and abject House loyalty, his Papa would have done well in Ravenclaw. "Will your heart write in Gaelic too?"
Draco shook his head, "I'm afraid not Evan. Malfoys are powerful, but our snobbery has exacted a high price. Over generations we learned to denigrate the ways of the ancients and the lost respect for the power of the elements. We've come to value incantation over intent."
He cocked a brow at his son, "Perhaps you will go about changing some of those attitudes. My inscription will be in Latin I think, or maybe English. Let's find out."
He smiled and took the remaining ring in his hand and thought of his Harry. Harry who loved him, who'd made him laugh, who'd believed in him, who'd broken him, who'd given him a son, who'd found him, healed him and made him whole. Harry who was everything. Draco sighed as he felt the magic call to his very soul and relaxed as the flare faded away leaving a contentment he hadn't expected in its wake. He handed the ring over and almost laughed at Harry's look of irritated confusion.
"Well, don't prolong the suspense, tell us what it says."
Harry huffed and held out his hand, the ring resting in his palm, "I would if I could read it. Leave it to you Malfoy to…"
"Oi, give it here let's see…oh…" Draco smiled.
"Well tell me."
"It seems that what they say about French being the language of love is true," He grinned then reverently slid the ring home. "It says, 'Mon amour, le coeur de mon âme, qui reconstitue ma foi'—'My love, my soul's heart, who restores my faith.'"
End.
