I hope this chapter turned out alright. I had to make a few last minute changes during the editing.

~talking~ = Parseltongue
'talking' = telepathy between Harry and Severus
"talking" = normal dialogue

Happy Reading and Enjoy!

Year 2
Chapter 4

In the weeks leading up to the last week of October were eventful in Wizarding Britain. A great deal shocked everyone including the magical creatures. No one had dreamed that something like this would happen. Though when the final votes came in to say everyone was shocked was putting it mildly. Some, more than half the majority, were outraged and demanded a re-vote. They were of course denied.

The news of Dumbledore's arrest spread throughout the country like wildfire. Those on the Light side were demanding his release. The Ministry denied everyone who wasn't an employee entrance. As a caution to prevent one of Dumbledore's supporters to release him from the holding cells, the Minister, DMLE and the Aurors had the entire floor warded. The only ones allowed on the floor were the Minister himself, Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour.

The day of Sturgis Podmore's trial was nerve wrecking for everyone. All the reporters were not allowed in. The only ones in the courtroom were the Wizengamot, the Minister, Madam Bones, a specialty handpicked team of Aurors, Podmore's family, the witnesses and Albus Dumbledore.

They were all locked in the courtroom for three hours. Podmore's barrister tried to go the Imperius route, the Malfoy barrister was able to tear holes in that defense. Dumbledore's barrister remained quiet unless his client's name came up. When it did the man tried to rip into Podmore and his barrister, completely going off on a tangent. Fudge or Madam Bones would stop him, but everything he said was still put on record.

By hour three the Wizengamot members declared that they had enough evidence and was going to vote. The voting took fifteen minutes. The Light side was trying to get a lesser sentence, while the Dark was pushing for the Kiss. In the end they voted on five years in the maximum level with Dementors visiting three times a day.

After Podmore was taken away, Dumbledore started making his demands. An Auror silenced him while two more dragged him out. The Minister thanked the Wizengamot and gave the date of the next trial before dismissing them.

Dumbledore's trial came two weeks later. The top Ministry members tried to hold out as long as they could but the Headmaster's main supporters were threatening to rebel if their leader wasn't released. The trial went the same as Podmore's. The only difference was Molly Weasley was forcibly dragged out of the room. She had tried to claim Dumbledore as family then went off screeching about how they needed to respect the Headmaster and let him go.

The old man was very predictable. He ignored every question asked about his involvement in the kidnapping. Instead he went to tell them that they couldn't afford to put him in Azkaban. That he was the only one who knew Lord Voldemort and how to defeat him. And if they put him Azkaban then the Death Eaters will see that as an opening to attack the Light side and the Muggleborns.

Fudge, with help from Lucius, had a statement prepared just in case Dumbledore did pull that card. He informed the Wizengamot that he, Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour had already talked and prepared a defense. They had decided to place the Aurors in all the major areas using a Dark magic detector that the Unspeakables had created last week. He also informed them that the Unspeakables were also going to work with the muggle law enforcement undercover. They were going to keep an eye on the cameras that will have the detectors attached to them. Then he went on to explain what the cameras were and how they worked, he even used a pensieve with his memory to show them.

The Minister looked at Dumbledore with a smug look while ignoring the man's heated glare. He knew one of the Aurors had silently cast a body bind and silencing charm on the furious Headmaster. With no objections coming from Dumbledore, the Wizengamot went ahead to discuss their vote.

Unlike Podmore, Dumbledore's verdict took longer to decide. Everyone was at the edge of their seats waiting for the Wizengamot to come back in. After an hour the purple clad members walked back into the courtroom. Some of them look displeased about the vote. The Auror released the bind on Dumbledore to allow the man to stand. Lord Rowle stood up and faced the accused.

"Have the Wizengamot reached a verdict?" Fudge asked concealing the glee in his voice.

"We have." Rowle answered.

"What say you?" Madam Bones inquired.

"We of the Wizengamot voted against the accused. Our vote is five months in Azkaban with three daily visits from the Dementors."

The whole courtroom erupted into an uproar. Dumbledore's supporters were yelling and demanding for a revote. The Dark side was yelling about the lesser sentence. They thought he deserves more time. Fudge used the sonorus to get them to settle down. Once everyone was quiet and seated he spoke to the Wizengamot.

"How did you determine this?"

"This is our proxy. We couldn't reach a reasonable vote, but we didn't want him to go free. He needed to face the consequences for his actions. So we settled with the proxy vote. We also felt that the Headmaster should also be suspended from the school after his release and shouldn't go back until a thorough investigation is done."

Fudge nodded and faced Dumbledore. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you are hereby sentenced to Azkaban Prison for five months, where you will endure the Dementors three times a day. Afterwards you are suspended until further notice pending the results of the investigation. Auror Dawlish and Robards take him back to the holding cell until his transportation is ready. Keep the suppression cuffs on."

The two Aurors took a Dumbledore out of the courtroom. Fudge dismissed the Wizengamot. He, Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour walked out of the room and to his office. Once the privacy charms were up they talked and reviewed their plans. Amelia wanted the Unspeakables to do the investigation while Rufus wanted to do it himself. To avoid a forming argument Fudge told Rufus to pick an Unspeakable that he trusted to work with. After the subject settle Fudge brought up the supporters of Dumbledore. Neither department leader was ready to discuss the possibility of someone they know betraying them.

Their meeting lasted two hours. When Amelia and Rufus left, Fudge firecalled Lucius and gave him the news. Next he flooed to Hogwarts and told Minerva McGonagall the news. He had felt it was better to do it in person. Cornelius was happy with that choice because it had allowed him to see the relief in the witch's eyes. That just made him more hopeful that the investigation will lead to Dumbledore's downfall. He left the school feeling a little bit lighter.

(*v*)

Minerva called a staff meeting when the Minister left. She wanted them to know the trials results. The cat animagus wasn't really happy with the vote, but it was better than nothing. It gave her more time to secure the school and make sure the students were protected for his eventual return.

Since it was a weekend the whole staff was able to show up. The ghosts and portraits would keep an eye on the students and report back to them if needed. Minerva had immediately told them the results of the trial once everyone was settled in. The majority of the staff had all let sighs of relief. Minerva had seen the joyful look Irma and Argus shared. Severus also had a joyful expression. She felt like she was missing something important.

After the meeting she and Severus went to her office to discuss things further. She wanted him to be the acting deputy, he only agreed to the role if she agreed to talk to Poppy and get the older woman to let Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy brew the school's potion supply. She knew both boys where at Severus' level in potion so she readily agreed to talk to the medi-witch.

Severus left Minerva's office went to the Slytherin common room where he collected his godson and mate. Once the three of them were in his personal quarters with the privacy charms up he told them the news. He wanted them to hear it from him and not the Prophet. Severus also told them about their new responsibility. The boys were excited and hugged him for letting them do the brewing. They had promised to not let him down and make him regret his choice.

They talked a little bit longer, mostly about the boys' research. Severus was proud of their dedication towards their Mastery. It didn't faze him one bit that he would soon lose the title of the youngest Potion Master. In fact he was thankful for it because it will finally get people to take him seriously. He hated that some of the apothecaries deny his contracts because of his age and that blasted title. When the boys left he got started on the list they would need.

(*v*)

A week after Dumbledore's trial Lucius Malfoy and Caleb Flint sent a joint letter to their sons. Marcus and Draco read it with their friends. Afterwards the five of them set out to find the twins. The red-haired pranksters were found outside by the lake with their friends Lee Jordan and Oliver Wood.

Harry had kept walking even though Marcus slowed his steps. Blaise, Theo and Draco stayed back with him for support. The second years knew that their friend and Wood didn't exactly get along. It ran much more deeper than Quidditch competitiveness.

"Fred, George is it a good time to talk?" Harry asked looking at his new friends before looking between their friends.

The twins looked at Harry and smiled. "Sure."

"We have an answer for you. Do they know or do you wish to keep it private?"

"They know. The four of us doesn't keep secrets." George answered.

Harry nodded. "Well Lucius and Mr. Flint both sent their apologies for the lateness. Mr. Flint had to deal with the trial and Lucius was doing something for the Minister. Lucius had mentioned that he should have let Cissy or Mrs. Flint send a letter but they both thought you two would rather hear it from them. Anyways both the Malfoys and Flints want to take you in. Blaise's mother help them work out a deal. You two will spend a week with one family then a week with the other during winter hols. We will all be together for Yule. For the summer you'll trade off and on every two weeks. Before we come back they are leaving the permanent residence up to you."

"So in other words both families arranged a custody agreement." Lee Jordan summarize.

"Yes. At the end of the summer it will be their choice to pick which family they want to live with."

"They want us." Fred said in disbelief.

"And they don't care that our last name is Weasley." George's voice mirrored his brother's.

"I wouldn't lie about this. Cissy and Mrs. Flint wrote a small note at the end of the letter. They wanted Draco and Marcus to tell you that they'll be sending you letters and expect one from you. I recommend writing your letter and handing it to one of us at the end of the day. We send our letters before going to bed every night, so we'll send yours too if you want." Harry informed them.

"Thanks, Harry. We'll give you the letters. That way we can avoid any questions Percy might ask. He watches the comings and goings of our family owl. If he gets suspicious he'll start asking questions. He won't tell our mother because of what she did, but he'll nose around nonetheless." George explained.

"Speaking of, did he mention whether or not your older brothers wrote back?"

"Yeah. They were outraged. Bill sent her a howler and Charlie wants us and Percy to spend the summer with him. He said that Bill was going to take off and stay with us." Fred answered.

Harry thought about what they said. He seen in their heads how much they love their older brothers. "You know the Malfoys and Flints will understand if you change your mind. No one will hold it against you."

The brothers shook their heads. "No we're sticking to this. During winter hols we'll find a way to explain it to them. They'll understand. Percy might feel betrayed but he'll understand." George spoke.

"Invite Percy to join you. Mum will love to have a full house for the holidays." Draco told them as he stepped forward.

The twins and their friends stared at the blonde with a dropped jaw expression. The Slytherins laughed lightly at their Gryffindor counterparts.

"Are you sure?" Fred and George asked together.

"Yes. If you don't believe me, write to Mother and ask her yourself." Draco told them.

"All of them would love to have more kids. It will be no bother." Marcus spoke from behind Harry. He still didn't want to get too close to the group and ruin things for the twins.

"Thank you." Fred smiled at them.

"We'll write and ask them ourselves." George added with his own smile.

"You can meet us in the library after dinner." Harry informed them.

"Granger might see us and report it to our mother and brother." Fred said in a concern voice.

Harry smiled at the group. "Don't worry about her. Ms. Pince will take care of her." The Gryffindor group just nodded. "We need to go before the menaces show up."

The Gryffindors laughed and said their byes. Harry and his group walked back to the castle and went straight to the dungeons. The five friends settled down in their rooms. Each one decided to do their own thing until dinner.

(*v*)

A week before Halloween the school was excited. Lockhart had announced that he was going to start dueling lessons for everyone. Today was for the second years. All four houses circled around the platform that was set up in the Great Hall.

Lockhart, the ponce, struts across the platform looking at everyone. No one in the school liked the man, except for a few females. Harry thought they need to see a mind healer or at least get their eyes checked.

"Welcome to your first day of dueling practice. Today Professor Snape has agreed to assist. We will start with disarm spells only. Anyone who uses combat spells will be given detention." Lockhart announce.

Snape and Lockhart took their places. They raised their wands and bowed. Lockhart's was flourished while Snape's was stiff. The Potion Master didn't take his eyes off his opponent.

Lockhart waved his wand casting the first spell. It bounced off Snape's shield. The potion professor wasted no time throwing the disarming spell. It hit Lockhart and tossed the man backwards off the platform. The blonde man stood up and laughed it off like he meant for that to happen.

"Let's not take all the fun from the children. Who should go first?"

All of them raised their hands, except Harry. Snape answered first to stop Lockhart from picking. He knew who the pompous ass was going to pick.

"Let Weasley and Malfoy go first." He drawled.

"Very well." Lockhart smiled even though he was disappointed about the choices.

Harry heard Draco say something about it being easy before walking up to the platform. He watched Granger whisper fiercely at Weasley. Subtly he threw a spell at her to prevent her from helping.

Weasley threw a jelly-leg which bounced off Draco's shield. Draco countered with Tarantallegra, Weasley managed to dodge and throw the disarming charm. The spell hit Draco and threw him backwards in a flip. The blonde Slytherin landed hard on his butt. Harry winced in sympathy. Snape helped him up and pushed him forward. Weasley went to disarm again but Draco was quicker.

"Serpensortia." A two foot snake appeared between the boys. It hissed and flashed it fangs at Weasley.

"Don't worry Mr. Weasley, I'll get rid of it." Snape said in a mocking tone.

Lockhart picked that moment to step forward. He threw a spell at the snake. Instead of getting rid of it, it threw the snake in the air. When the snake landed it started hissing angrily and turned towards a Hufflepuff. Harry stepped forward and quickly grabbed the snake behind it's head. He forced the serpent to look at him.

~No! It wasn't his fault. Calm down.~

~Ssspeaker. Can I bite the one who hurt me?~

Harry contemplated for a minute. ~Sssorry, no. You'll get us both in trouble.~

~Fine. Let me go free.~

~Okay.~ Harry set the snake down, pulled his wand and banished it to the Forbidden Forest.

The raven haired Slytherin then looked at everyone when he noticed that the room was quiet. The majority looked a little scared, the others were shocked. He looked at his mate, the older man had a blank face.

"What did you tell it?" The Hufflepuff he saved asked.

"I told him no. He asked to go free so I sent him to the Forbidden Forest." He explained.

"Thank you. I'm Justin Finch-Fletchley." He smiled and held his hand out.

Harry took the proffered hand and shook it. "No problem. I wouldn't have needed to do it if Lockhart left it alone." He spoke low enough for Justin and those nearby to hear. They all laughed.

Harry walked back to his friends, Severus was standing with them. He smiled at them but it quickly disappeared when he looked at the older man. Severus looked angry now and didn't have a problem showing it in front of everyone.

'My quarters. Now!' He heard the man order in his head.

Harry didn't say anything as he changed direction and left the Hall. The trek to the dungeons was thankfully uneventful. He gave the portrait the password and walked into Severus' private quarters. Harry sat on the couch and waited.

Severus couldn't find the right words for how he felt at the moment. He stood leaning against the wall outside of his rooms with his eyes closed. He was trying to calm himself down. It wouldn't do to face the boy in his current condition; that's how regretful things happen.

Once he was feeling somewhat normal he went inside. He stopped and looked at his mate. Harry was sitting on the couch fidgeting. It seems the boy wasn't immune to him.

"Harry." He softly spoke to keep from scaring the boy.

Harry whipped his head around towards the door. He stood up quickly once his mind registered that it was Severus. The younger Slytherin stood still and waited.

"What you did was extremely foolish. When the old man learns of this he will make our lives hell. The first thing he'll do is try to convince everyone that you are Dark and I'm the reason for it. He will get the Ministry to sign your guardianship over to him, then place you with the Weasleys while I'm getting thrown in Azkaban!" He couldn't stop himself from raising his voice. The thought of losing Harry scared him more than the Dark Lord's fury.

Harry felt the tears well up in his eyes. He realized that Severus was more scared than angry. He didn't understand though. All he did was stop a snake from attacking another student.

"I don't understand." Harry stated in a small voice.

"You were speaking in Parseltongue. A snake language. The Dark Lord was a known speaker. Dumbledore told people it was dark and evil. The British witches and wizards fear Parselmouths." Severus explained.

"Do you?"

"When the Dark Lord spoke it yes. He used it to make his followers fear him."

"What about me? Do you fear me?"

"No. I could never fear you. Parselmouth or not you are still Harry, my mate and husband. We'll find more about it and be prepared for any backlash. The only thing I do fear is Dumbledore succeeding in turning the Wizarding World against. He's very good at playing on people's fears. That's how he became Chief Warlock and the Supreme Mugwump. He manipulates people into seeing that only he can protect them."

"I thought he got those titles for defeating Grindelwald."

"The two are tied together. You see he waited until Grindelwald formed an allegiance with Hitler before doing anything. Afterwards he used that to tell people what would have happened if he wasn't there to stop the man. People, the weak minded sheep, start praising him and calling him the Merlin incarnate, and gave him those titles. The Minister at the time offered Dumbledore his position, but Albus turned him down stating that Hogwarts needed him. That he needed to protect the students and give them the right guidance."

Harry snorted. "Right. Sending children back to abusive homes or enslaving children to do what you order, that's some kind of guidance. I won't even touch the protection topic. That man wouldn't know protection if his arse was on fire."

"Language, Harry." Severus scold.

"Sorry. Is there a way to get people to see the true Dumbledore?"

"I suppose. The man has a lot of skeletons. Argus told you what happened to him, but we can't use that yet. Dumbledore would kill Argus and claim that he made it up because the man was infatuated with him and Albus turned him down." Severus answered.

"Maybe the goblins could help."

"We'll talk to them during Winter break. Now back to why you're here. Don't use that language outside of the common room or these quarters. If someone tries to force you inform me or Minerva. If they use a snake, send it straight to the forest then inform me. The more you ignore it the better chance Dumbledore will pass it off as a fluke. If for any reason its unavoidable speak another language, if it's possible. Understand?"

"Yes, Severus. Do you think he will try to test me or get Granger and Weasley to do it?"

"I wouldn't put it pass him. Stay on guard and never be alone."

"Okay. Good night, Sev."

"Good night, Harry."

Inside the Slytherin common room was a whole different story. The first and second years looked confused, while the third looked a little reserved. Fourth and up were split between curiosity and angry glares. The good news was none of them were looking at him fearfully.

Harry waited a few minutes for someone to say something. When no one did he went to his dorm. The raven haired boy was bombarded with excited chatter and tackled by his friends, they all landed in a heap on the floor. Harry rolled his eyes at their childish behavior and pushed them off. Once he was seated on the bed they started their questioning.

"Did you know you could talk to snakes?" Draco asked.

"What did you say to the snake?" Theo questioned.

"Are you in trouble with Professor Snape?" Marcus asked next.

"Can you teach us?" Blaise brought up the final question.

Harry smiles at them. "No I didn't know. I told it not harm Justin or bite anyone else. I sent it to the forest. No, Professor Snape was just concern about Dumbledore finding out. We're going to do more research. If its possible I will. Again more research."

"Didn't you and Uncle Sev get an inheritance test done when you went to Gringotts?"

"Severus did when Ragnarok asked why he didn't claim the Prince Lordship. I only took the identity test and listened to the wills. I claimed the Potter Lordship last Christmas."

"Go back to Gringotts." Marcus spoke. "The inheritance test will confirm if you come from Slytherin's line. It's known that Slytherin was a Parselmouth."

"I'll write to Ragnarok and talk to Professor Snape."

"Don't forget Quidditch practice after breakfast." Marcus reminded them.

After they completed their night time ritual then went to sleep.

(*v*)

The entire Slytherin House was excited the next morning. When asked by some of their clueless housemates, the ones who knew informed them of Dumbledore's appeal being denied. The Snakes cheered and made celebration plans before going to the Great Hall. The older years made sure that Harry Potter was protected along the way.

Severus had watched his snakes from the head table. He was proud that they were protecting one of their own. Though what did surprise him was seeing five Gryffindors-Longbottom, the Weasley twins, Percy Weasley and Lee Jordan, one Hufflepuff-Justin Finch-Fletchley and one Ravenclaw-Penelope Clearwater sit at the Slytherin table next to Harry and his friends. Severus made a mental note to talk to Harry along with some of his snakes. They, the snakes, needed a lesson on decorum. Their sneers and leers were unbecoming of a Slytherin and a Pureblood.

After breakfast the Slytherin team left for practice. Upon leaving the changing rooms they bumped into the Gryffindor team. Marcus and Oliver Wood glared at each other. The other Gryffindors were glaring as well.

"What are you doing? I reserved field." Wood snapped.

"Professor Snape and Madam Hooch signed off on the time schedule. I have three new players to train." Marcus replied smugly.

"They all have the new Nimbus." One of the female Chasers pointed out.

Marcus smiled. "Yes, they are gifts from Lords Malfoy and Nott."

"You can't take our spot." Wood protested vehemently.

"Gryffindor wasn't on the schedule. Madam Hooch can verify that for you. Go ask her while we practice." Draco countered.

"No asked you for your input, Malfoy." Granger sneered.

"You aren't even on the team. Get off the field and study the Charms book. Keep your Mudblood nose out of this." Draco growled.

There was a collection of gasps from everyone. The Gryffindors glared at Draco. Ron Weasley stepped forward with his wand raised.

"You'll pay for that. Confringo!"

The spell shot towards Draco only to bounce off a shield and hit Weasley. The red head went flying and landed ten feet away. When he recovered to sit up with Granger's help he found that his wand broke in half.

Harry stepped in front of Draco. He was quick to cast stunners on everyone, but Draco on the field. He carefully used Obliviate on them taking out the Mudblood comment and changing it for big. When he was finished he rounded on Draco.

"This is the only time I'm going to do this for you." His voice was filled with anger. He didn't want to do this, but he didn't want people to talk bad about Draco. This would ruin the blonde.

"Harry, what did you do?" Draco asked looking scared and worried.

"Saving you. After practice you and I are going to Severus. We have to tell him. If I ever hear that word leave your mouth again I will wash it out, then tell Snape and your parents. How would you feel if someone call you that? In case you forgot my mother was a Muggleborn. Calling someone that, even if it is a rival, is insulting me as well. Also, Justin is a Muggleborn. Do you get what I am saying?"

"Yes." There were tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry Harry."

Harry opt to ignore it for now. "Just stay quiet and let me do the talking."

He raised his wand. First he moved them all back a few feet then cast the Ennervate on them. They all woke slowly and looked around.

"What happened?" Marcus asked.

"Weasley's confringo. I used the wrong shield, it blasted you all back and knocked you out. I'm sorry."

"Not your fault, Harry." Fred said.

"Not his fault! My wand is broken!" Ron yelled.

"That's your fault. He was protecting Draco. He also saved you mangy hide. That spell would have killed Draco and landed you in Azkaban." George growled.

"We will be telling McGonagall and dad about this. You'll be lucky to still have a wand and continuing your Hogwarts education." Fred informed his little brother with a glare.

Harry stepped forward to be in between the group. He looked at the youngest Weasley. "Do that again and I'll break more than your wand." He glared then turned to Oliver. "Wood, this is our time. If you have a problem with that talk to Hooch. Now you and your team get off the field or I'll report your conduct to Hooch myself."

With one last glare the Gryffindors left the field. Harry stayed where he was until Granger and Weasley went into the castle. When it was just the Slytherins he turned to Draco giving the blonde a hard stare.

Practice went on for two hours. Marcus was excited to see that his team works well together. The tension between Harry and Draco wasn't hard to miss and he knew it had something to do with the confrontation with the Gryffindors. He just hopes they work it out. Having that kind of tension will be explosive when he, Theo or Blaise get caught up in it.

After practice Harry and Draco went to Severus' quarters. Neither of them say a word. They didn't want someone to know what happened.

Severus came out of his lab when they walked in. He was shocked to see the anger on Harry's face and the sadness on Draco's. His gut told him that he wouldn't like what they were going to say.

"What happened?"

Harry told him everything, Draco kept quiet and wished for the floor to open and drop him in. His mind went over Harry's words. It made him feel worse knowing he insulted his best friend, his brother. Draco's mind shifted to thoughts of ways to make it up to Harry. It was going to be a hard thing to do.

"I'm deeply disappointed in you Draco." His godfather's voice broke through his thoughts. His tears were now sliding down his cheeks.

That one word is causing him more pain than he thought was possible. He felt breathless like someone punched him in the stomach. His heart was hurting too. Draco would give anything to go back and stop himself. Even if no one else remembers. If someone did find out Harry would be in a lot of trouble and it would be his fault. Draco wouldn't be able to live with himself if that happened.

"I'm so sorry, Uncle Sev. I don't know why I said it, but I won't say it again." Draco tried and failed to keep his voice even, but it hurt too much.

Harry's resolve almost broke, but he held on, just barely. Draco needed to experience this or he'll never learn. Severus, as well, was close to breaking. This is the first time his godson did this, he had no clue how to handle this beyond doling out a punishment.

"I can't seem to pick the proper punishment. I never want to punish either of you, I know I need to. Draco, your parents need to be told. You understand that right?"

"Yes, sir. Can their punishment count as yours?"

"I'm sorry, it can not."

Draco looked down trying to hide the tears. "Okay."

"My punishment for you is two weeks detention. Every night after dinner you will report here. You will clean the cauldrons, straighten out the supply closet, restock the ingredients if I have them or write down which ones I need, and before leaving you will write fifty lines 'I will not say Mudblood again.' Also for those two weeks you will not play poker with your friends and for History you will write me an essay on the topic I give you. Understand?"

"Yes, sir. When will you tell my parents?"

"I won't, you will. I know you probably think my punishment is harsh and cruel, but I'm only doing this because I care and don't want you making the same mistake I did."

"I'm not friends with her."

"Doesn't matter, Draco. Justin became friends with Harry and I'm sure he'll want to be friends with you. If Harry hadn't erased that part from their minds, Granger or Weasley would tell Justin. He would walk away without a backwards glance. That word would not only ruin you but Harry, Marcus, Blaise and Theo as well. I don't want that to happen."

"I don't either, Draco." Harry told him. "That's why I did what I did. To protect you from the backlash. They wouldn't have hesitated to spread rumors about you."

"I'm sorry, Harry." Draco cried.

Harry hugged his friend tightly. "I know you are." He said softly.

Draco clung to Harry not wanting to let go. His earlier fear came back and he was afraid Harry would leave him. Something that would crush him.

"Draco, go to the common room and start your letter." Severus ordered softly.

Reluctantly he pulled away and nodded. The wards went back up when he left leaving Harry and Severus alone.

"What do I do? He's afraid I'll leave. He's also still in pain for disappointing you."

"Just be there for him. With time that fear would leave. As for the pain that will go away as well. After all this is the first time. Don't worry he'll be fine, even after his second punishment."

"Alright. I hope you're right, I don't want him to second guess our friendship every time I get mad."

"He'll bounce back, Harry. Share the punishment with the others. Don't play for two weeks and write the essays with him. Show him that you aren't angry, that you support him, and that you'll always be there for him. Also that is your punishment as well. You took a big risk. I hope you understand what the consequences would have been if you got caught. If your friends ask say that you are being punished for the shield and Draco is just being a good friend and sharing it with you."

"I'll tell them and make sure Draco knows. I'll be in the lab with him so everyone will just think that we are brewing. Sev, I had to protect him."

"I know, Harry. I would don't the same. It almost curfew. I'll see you in the morning."

They exchanged good night and Harry went to the common room. He sat next to Draco giving him his silent support. He hopes Severus is right.

(*v*)

Why wouldn't anyone listen to him? When did he lose control? How did he lose control?

Dumbledore asked himself those questions multiple times a day. Between the dementors bringing his fears and nightmares to the surface, and the lack magic he was feeling, Albus had nothing else to do.

He was too fearful to feel angry at everyone responsible for putting him here. His nightmares left him soaked in sweat. Albus has never felt this way and never wants to again.

He was thankful that Doge paid an Auror to bring him the newspaper. It kept him somewhat sane to know what was going on. If only his old friend would bring him news about the school. He didn't want Lucius Malfoy and the Board to take over. They would ruin all his hard work.

At least no one knew where he kept his memories and other important items and papers. It wouldn't do for them to learn his secrets.

Albus Dumbledore needed to get out of Azkaban and take back control of the Wizarding World.

(*v*)

Just a little bit more time. His instincts and bond was spreading a joyous feeling through his body. It felt better than any full moon run or hunt.

Remus Lupin was excited and anxious to see his mate and husband again. Eleven years apart was too long for both the man and wolf. He was thankful his Sire was around to help him. The separation had almost turned him feral, but Fenrir used his Alpha side to subdue Moony.

His Sire made him work from sunrise to sunset. Keep him too tired to think about anything other than eating and sleeping. During full moons his Alpha ordered him to run wide circles around the woods until he collapse in exhaustion.

Remus loved his Sire more for just that. Now his mate was coming, he wanted to go and find him but Moony told him that Sirius need to come to them. Moony had also told him that Sirius needed to beg for forgiveness for leaving them. No mating until he did.

Sirius needed to hurry up, Remus and Moony were at the end of their patience.