Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter; J.K. Rowling does. I do, however, own this story's plot!
Chapter 20
The Main Event
"Why did we allow for this to happen again?" Blaise groaned, feeling his muscles protest at the lack of rest from their brutal training.
"Because Tom ordered it." Draco snapped. The blonde's irritation level was near sky high – with the continuous and copious amount of training, the blonde's muscles were in pain. And not even Severus's muscle relaxant potions were helping.
"No talking!" Alandair barked. "Unless you wish to run more laps!"
Harry bit his lip hard, preventing his harsh retort from slipping out. He, like everyone else, understood why the adults and the Guardians were all training them so hard. It was to better their posture, strengthen their muscles, calm their mind and help them power up. But Harry knew he wasn't physically fit like everyone else he knew – especially being a boy his age. Even after all the daily training, Harry was still shorter than most boys his age – yet both his father and mother had been tall, so the gene was already in him. Harry was starved and beaten when he lived with the Dursleys, so he didn't have enough nutrition to build his physique up to par. Even when Severus was helping to brew strong nutrition potions for him, as well as many other potions, to take at every meal, he still hadn't caught up to the boys his age.
Nonetheless, Harry knew it wasn't an excuse to use for the Guardians. Everyone else had grown up different; heck even Ron had compared to the other pureblooded wizards, but the redhead had still grown taller. But no matter what he thought, Harry wanted to rest so badly; the trio had gone through such strenuous training for days on end. And at that thought, his muscles gave out and the rope slipped from his hands.
"HARRY!" Draco and Blaise screamed.
The raven barely heard their screams as he slipped into unconsciousness. His body was going on automatic – starting the process of healing and soothing his aching muscles. Harry was soon caught in Egidio's arms, his limp form hanging off of the Guardian's arms.
Draco and Blaise didn't even bother climbing back down slowly. They had just jumped off from their height and landed safely on the ground besides the Guardian. Egidio bent down and laid Harry on the ground – allowing Tesia to step up and check on the unconscious wizard.
Draco quickly turned on Alandair, his aura just radiating anger and disgust. Alandair merely raised an eyebrow as if Draco's anger were amusing – similar to that of a child's temper tantrum. Draco bristled at that look before he punched Alandair in the stomach, adding a few volts of electricity into his attack. The Guardian coughed and bent over slightly, as if he had been winded from running before returning to his previous posture. He reached for his weapon but Macaire and Egidio held his hand and prevent him from drawing it.
"He deserves to be punished. Attacking me when I was trying to help them get stronger." Alandair gritted his teeth.
"Oh yeah?! And how did helping Harry into unconsciousness get him stronger?!" Draco growled, his eyes sparking electricity.
"I apologize Draco. We should have let the three of you rest." said Egidio.
"Well Harry's resting now." The blonde hissed, his hands glowing a bright yellow. Blaise automatically stepped in front of Harry's unconscious body as if to protect him in case Draco's anger went wild. Tesia had already stepped away from Harry and promptly gave Egidio the report.
"We'll give you two days' rest." Egidio ordered.
Alandair looked at him in shock. "Two days? When we were training, we were given minutes if not seconds to recover. They should be training like we were." He ignored the threatening growl emitting from Draco.
"You seem to have forgotten, my dear." Macaire petted Alandair's arm, soothing his anger by a tiny bit. "They have just been Gods this summer, not their entire life. They've lived in their wizarding world while we lived in ours. It is completely different."
Tesia frowned at the warrior. "I'll bring Harry to the makeshift infirmary." Quickly saluting Egidio, she picked Harry up as if he weighed nothing, and excused herself.
Draco was still sizing up the burly warrior, and Blaise did nothing to encourage or discourage the blonde from attacking. The olive-skinned wizard just looked at the situation from where he was, wondering to himself if he should attack Alandair as well. Somewhere deep inside him, there was that instinct to defend Harry and attack the one that caused Harry to fall unconscious. But, the wizard held it down as much as possible, drowning that instinct with his logical reasoning. Perhaps, the reason why Draco's acting in such a way, was because he automatically leapt onto the instinct and followed it. The blonde was usually a calm and collected wizard with an indifferent expression on his face – so it was somewhat surprising to the Zabini heir to see the Malfoy heir act in such a barbaric way. And quite frankly, it was kind of hot.
The way Draco's eyes would practically glow ominously, with his teeth bared. His body tensed and taut as if preparing to attack or defend himself. The way his hair would ruffle in the air due to his anger channeling his magic. Blaise gulped. Yep, it was definitely hot.
"Come now Draco." Blaise said, placing his hand on top of Draco's arm, slowly lowering it.
Draco whipped his head around, his eyes glowing widely as electrical currents ran through it. His hands were still emitting electrical shocks, but stopped once Draco realized who it was that touched him.
"We should check to see if Harry's alright." Blaise suggested.
With a tight nod, Draco slowly relaxed, before glowering at Alandair. "You're lucky I let you off the hook."
The duo left the room before Alandair walked to the nearest wall and punched it.
"Come now Alandair. You know you would've been bested if you were in a fight." Egidio chided.
Macaire chuckled. "Unable to control their god-like powers would be a downfall for us all, not just the world we live in."
"Two days." Alandair said gruffly, before leaving the room.
Egidio sighed at his subordinate's temper tantrum and waved his hand. The dent in the wall fixed itself before looking like new once more.
"Come Macaire. We must plan now." Egidio said, sweeping out of the room. Macaire just bounced on his toes as he followed his commander out.
….
"Harry!" Draco burst into the room screaming the wizard's name. Tesia shushed him quickly before turning back to heal Harry.
"How is he?" Blaise asked.
"He should be fine with a couple hours rest. I've already added this… drip? to help hydrate him while he's unconscious. Your potions master also said it would be fine to add another drip for the nutrition potions, but that's the only one needed here. It would help to quicken his healing, if even it was only by a few minutes or hours. The things humans create." Tesia said, her voice filled with wonder.
"Is there anything else we can help with?" Draco asked, worriedly. He sat down besides Harry's bed and held the wizard's hand.
"No, just leave him be. I recommend a light lunch or a light dinner – whenever he wakes up of course." The Guardian hurriedly amended when she saw the looks of horror on their faces at the fact that Harry would be sleeping for a long time.
"We're taking the day off." Draco said, his voice heavy with order.
"Of course. I shall tell the others." Tesia said, before bowing out of the room.
….
"What do you mean they're taking the day off?" Alandair snapped.
"That's exactly what it sounds like." Tesia said, blowing the pink bangs from her eyes.
"Come now Alandair. They have already undergone strenuous training these past couple of weeks." Macaire cooed, running his hands through his silvery white hair. Alandair quickly stopped his process – watching the guardian's fingers move like that through his hair was getting him a bit hard.
Noticing his subordinate's rising issue, Egidio cleared his throat, motioned to the problem and laughed with Tesia as Alandair pulled Macaire out of the room with him. Macaire giggled all the way, waving good bye to the two and telling them they would be busy for the next couple of hours.
"Commander? The boys?" Tesia asked, bringing the topic back into focus.
"We'll allow for this one day. And Harry will have the second day as well. Training will end this week, and we'll allow for them to have the week off before Lucius's and Sirius's wedding." Egidio finalized the plan.
Tesia nodded her head and excused herself from the room.
….
It had taken Harry until an hour before dinner to wake up. Pressed with worry from his two lovers, he reassured them that the rest had benefitted him. Draco and Blaise revealed that Egidio had allowed Harry another day to rest and then the rest of the week to finish training. He also said that they would get the week off before Lucius's and Sirius's wedding.
Harry was thankful for that and had shooed the boys off to eat their dinner, leaving him alone in the makeshift infirmary. After dinner, everyone had decided to visit the wizard, asking about his health. Harry smiled at their worriedness, and promised that he was right as rain. And he asked Lucius to set up an appointment with his lawyer to speak to him the next day. Lucius obliged and everyone left the room to allow Harry more time to rest up.
….
"I'd like to speak with the director of Grunnings." Harry said politely.
"And who might you be?" The secretary asked. She didn't acknowledge Harry as a person, but merely a child whom was bothering her with unnecessary things. After all, what could a child such as the boy who stood before her want with the director of Grunnings?
"I happen to be a major stockholder of Grunnings. Take note of this moment Miss… Featherway," Harry said, taking a small moment to read her nametag, "I shall be speaking to your boss about the lack of manners and hospitality that a company worker such as yourself has."
Ms. Featherway mockingly laughed at Harry. There was no way the child was a stockholder; he was barely in his thirties, let alone in his twenties. He was just a teenager. She looked at him with a cold expression, "You best leave right now before I call security." She threatened.
"By all means, please do." Lucius cut in. "I would love to see how your company will survive after losing Mister Potter as a shareholder."
The woman sniffed at them before calling security like she said she would. "There are two unwelcomed guests at the sixteenth floor. Please come and escort them away." She hung up before picking up her magazine and dutifully ignoring the two wizards.
Soon, within minutes, four burly looking security guards walked down the hallway and looked at them. "These the two you were talking about Francisca?"
"Yes, please take them away. I'm afraid they've mistaken Mr. Robinson for someone else."
The security guards made their way over to the wizards and gripped their arms, trying to manhandle them away from the area.
"Unhand me you brute! Your director will hear about this!" Harry shouted. His shout had brought attention from the entire floor as people began to peer from their cubicles and down towards the office.
"What's all the ruckus?" A loud voice boomed.
"Mr. Robinson, I apologize for all the noise. But these two have mistakenly thought you were someone else. I have just called security to take them off premises."
"Mr. Robinson, I'm sure that as your shareholder, you will be intelligent enough to tell these oafs to unhand me." Harry said, his eyes glaring piercingly at those cobalt orbs.
"And you are?" Mr. Robinson asked gruffly. Like his secretary Francisca, he did not believe the teenager before him could be a stockholder.
"I am Harry James Potter." Harry said, watching with glee as the director's face paled with him revealing his name. He pulled his arms away from slackened arms before attempting to remove the wrinkles on his jacket.
"You fool!" Mr. Robinson shouted at Francisca and the security guards. "He's the one that has a majority of our stocks in his possession! At least a good eighty percent of it! And now you've angered him!"
Francisca paled at those words before looking between her boss and the teenager who had been telling the truth. The teenager standing before them was the only reason they had their jobs and additional bonuses after their director had informed them of an impromptu takeover of stocks in the young teen's name. And now, she had angered the stockholder and her boss. Francisca knew that there was no way she was going to make it out of this mess unscathed.
"But Sir – "
"You're fired! I expect to see your things removed when I'm done having a meeting with Mister Potter and his associate." Mr. Robinson growled, before turning a weakly presented smile on his face to them. "I'm sorry about my secretary's thoughtless actions. Rest assured it has now been dealt with accordingly."
"Of course. Shall we adjourn to your room?"
"Yes, yes! Of course! Please, enter."
The director invited them in before closing the door and hastily making an introduction and his apologies. But Harry held out a hand to stop him from any further rambling.
"I was looking over your employee list, Mr. Robinson." Harry began, thoroughly snubbing the director and refusing to use his first name in the conversation. This was not an informal talk and would stay that way. It was then that Mr. Robinson knew something was wrong. Shareholders didn't bother knowing anything about a company unless it dealt with them receiving a substantial amount of income.
"I see you have an employee named Vernon Dursley." Harry said, pausing to allow the director to lead the conversation.
"Yes! Mister Dursley! I know him. The hardest worker I've ever employed to the company. He's the best man for a job and gets his work done. Top notch skills and is a people person." He praised.
Harry barely withheld the snort coming from within, but a sharp glance from Lucius made it clear that he should not have lost his composure, even for a tiny bit.
"I wish to have him in this conversation as well." Harry said, folding his hands onto his lap.
"Of course. He'll be with us shortly." Mr. Robinson walked out of his room, after realizing that he had just fired his secretary, and shouted for the nearest person to call Dursley on the sixth floor. "He'll be coming soon. Shall I get you anything to drink?"
"It is fine. Please do not mind us. We're only here for a brief amount of time."
Lucius was proud of Harry. His eyes clearly showed it. He was practically radiating pride all around him. His future son-in-law was taking the reins and Harry was doing a great job at it. He now understood why Hermione had insisted for him to lead the DA group and teach them Defense Against the Dark Arts – other than the fact that the four out of the five DA professors had been useless, of course.
A knock sounded at the door and Mr. Robinson looked up. Harry scooted up further against his seat with a smug look on his face.
"Come in."
"You called for me Mr. Robinson?"
"Yes Mr. Dursley. Might I introduce you to our shareholder, Mr. Potter?"
Vernon stumbled at the sound of Harry's name before whipping his head around and landing his beady looking eyes at the child.
"What are you doing here?" He asked with hate dripping off of every word.
"I'm here because I am your company's shareholder. Then again, after all that's happened in the past twenty minutes, I could care less about this company and pull my finances from it." Harry explained.
"Ah… So, you've met?" Peter asked. He took out a handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead, already feeling beads of sweat trickling down his face.
"What finances?" Vernon growled, completely ignoring the fact that his boss was even in the room.
"I've gone through my inheritance – from my father of course, and my godfather you know. Then with the additional inheritance from my lineage, it has enabled me to become the wealthiest person in both worlds." Harry said, his eyes taunting the overgrown man before him.
Vernon had turned a putrid purple in rage. The boy was wealthy?! And he could have gotten all that wealth and never had to lift another finger for the rest of his life?!
"Of course, this is all very drab. I'm sure this conversation is supposed to include your director, is it not, Dursley." Lucius interrupted. And he saw a semblance of recognition from the man – not from knowing of him, but knowing that he and Harry were from the same world, the same freaks he's always been disgusted with.
"Let's get straight to it." Harry said, turning to face Peter. "I wish for you to fire this man and make him unable to work at any other companies and or small businesses. Of course, if it isn't possible, then I'll have to withdraw my finances; not that I will not withdraw a considerable from the unfortunate mishaps that have occurred before I even met with you Mr. Robinson."
"What makes you think Mr. Robinson will even consider that proposal?" Vernon shouted, spit flying from his mouth.
"Rude, disgraceful and ugh." Harry said, drawing his handkerchief from his pocket and dabbing at the places Vernon's spit had touched. "I'll have you know. I currently hold at least eighty percent of this company's stock. And if I were to retract that, no one else would ever buy from here ever again. It would completely ruin this company and for what? Just so you can continue working here? Is the director really going to save you and ruin the lives of hundreds employed here? Oh, but it doesn't matter either way. If he does, every employee will hate you and you'll eventually get fired. And the news of certain … affairs will be leaked concerning your dealings with the company. If he doesn't, well, he's still going to lose a portion of my investment. It's still a win-win situation for me."
Peter didn't know what to do. This conversation had taken a hard left since Dursley entered this room, but he already knew something would happen. Not this though! It was completely random! Out of nowhere!
"Well Mr. Robinson? What's your decision on this?" Lucius asked.
And Vernon knew he was fired when Mr. Robinson looked at him with a sorrowful look. "I'm sorry Dursley, but –"
"You can't be serious!" He shouted. "You are going to take his side?! I've worked at this company for over fifteen years! You cannot fire me! I'm the best employee you've got! I'M THE BEST EMPLOYEE YOU'LL EVER GET!"
"I've heard complaints from your colleagues Mr. Dursley. I'm afraid this is good enough to have you removed from the company. The allegations towards your working ethic and attitude to others only reinforce my decision. Please remove your things. You're fired."
"COMPLAINTS?! WHAT COMPLAINTS?! I'VE BEEN AS NICE AS ANY OTHER PERSON THAT'S WORKING HERE!"
"Please remove yourself from my office and this building."
"YOU CAN'T FIRE ME! THIS COMPANY HAS MY BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS IN IT!" Vernon roared. "YOU! YOU DID THIS. I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" He said, turning to Harry quick as a flash. He lumbered over to Harry with his arms outstretched, beefy fingers curled to choke the life out of the teenager as his face flushed purple in outrage.
But before he could even get two feet close to Harry, security guards had gotten a hold of him. It seemed that the director had been smart enough to discretely call for help when he saw Dursley's expression at seeing Harry. Those eyes had been glaring daggers at the boy with the intent to murder, to kill. And now that his ex-employee had threatened to kill the teenager, he could now file a suit to court on Dursley. Mr. Robinson had no doubt that Mister Potter would be doing the same thing once he left the office.
"UNHAND ME! I WORK HERE! I AM AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS ESTABLISHMENT!" Vernon bellowed. The door to Mr. Robinson's office had been left open from the onrush of entering security guards and so everyone on the floor had peaked in.
"You are not an employee here any longer Mister Dursley. Remove him from the premises." Mr. Robinson ordered. The security guards nodded at the command and escorted Dursley away from the floor and out of the building. They literally, with difficulty, tossed the man onto his arse upon the opening of the building's entrance.
Mr. Robinson looked back at the shareholders, wondering how he would be able to fix this mess. Harry was looking smug and happy under these circumstances. He finally got one on Vernon, after all these years. Lucius was proud that Harry had kept his calm throughout the entire exchange. Yes, Harry was indeed the perfect one for Draco. There was no doubt about it.
"Mister Potter, about your investment…" Mr. Robinson began weakly.
"I will be removing my investment in increments." Harry stated abruptly. And the director of Grunnings paled. "I am not satisfied with this company, the director or the employees here. I shall have the city's decree for the decimation of the building before rebuilding another enterprise on it. You would do well to give your employees a warning. Because of you and two other employees, you have now lost hundreds their jobs. You have a year to remove everything off these premises. But not to worry, after the completion of the new franchise, I shall be looking to hire people. Just a heads-up." Harry said, watching with satisfaction as the blood drained from the director's face.
"But – Mister Potter! Surely there is something else that can be done!" Peter was grasping at straws. He had seen the look on the teenager's face – it was one that showed his final decision on the matter. There was no turning back. This entire company was over.
….
"Well done Harry." Lucius praised. He had never seen the Gryffindor take someone down a few pegs, or even crush the ground underneath them and let them diminish. Harry James Potter was truly a person to behold.
"Thank you Lucius." Harry beamed. Having that weight of his shoulders was something that had relieved him. Now that Vernon had lost his wife and kid and now his job, Harry knew that the last step was to have the man homeless.
Lucius looked at Harry and could practically see the gears turning in his head. The Gryffindor was a really vindictive person when he wanted to me. Lucius shuddered to think what would happen if Harry had been his enemy – not that he wasn't before, but it was under certain circumstances.
"I need to make my way over to a lawyer." Harry said.
"Might I suggest my own? Though he works as both a muggle and a magical lawyer, he is the best one I've hired. Of course, you are free to see whom else to hire. His company is full of lawyer who work between our worlds." Lucius offered. When Harry nodded his head at the proposition, Lucius took his hand and apparated to the front of his lawyer's firm.
"I'd like to speak with Darrel, please." Lucius said.
"Oh! Mr. Malfoy! How nice to see you again. Darrel should be in his office, just right around the corner. Do you need me to direct you there?"
"No, thank you." Lucius said, before leaving with a trailing Harry behind him.
"You were very courteous." The boy noted.
"Of course. This law firm is the best one yet. When Darrel has helped the family all this time – actually his whole family for the past generations, you start to trust him, even the people who work here. They are the top notch lawyers in both worlds – the best there is." Lucius said, singing their praise.
"All the documents are processed though? For the property I mean?" Harry asked.
"Yes Harry. Do not worry. It has been processed a couple of weeks back. All it needs is the go-ahead from you and they will start the eviction. They've already gotten all the documents they needed from the mayor of the area. Of course, you can give them an exact time to begin the eviction."
"How about give him until the beginning of September? The day before we head off the Hogwarts? I want to be able to see him get kicked out before I start my semester. It would brighten up my year."
"I am certain that it would." Lucius chuckled, before rounding the corner and knocking on the second door to the right. The name plaque on the door was made with gold and had D. Jans engraved into it.
"Come in." Lucius opened the door and closed it after Harry had entered.
"Ah Lucius! Long time no see." Darrel said. Harry noticed a hint of German accent while the lawyer spoke. "And who is this?"
"This, Darrel, is Harry Potter."
Harry was grateful for the lack of response to his name, but he saw Darrel raise his eyebrows in recognition. So the lawyer did know who he was.
"Mister Potter, so nice to meet you." Darrel said, gesturing to the seats in front of his table. "Please Lucius, just let me finish up some paperwork before we talk." He waved his wand towards the corner of his room and the sound of a coffee machine reverberated in the room. "Oh, where are my manners. Coffee or tea Mister Potter?"
"Tea would be fine. Thank you." Harry said. Another swish of Darrel's wand had the tea maker besides the coffee machine running.
"How is it that you're able to use magic on a muggle device?" Harry asked.
"Ah. The thing is, I'm not using magic to start the machines." Darrel laughed. "I've just merely sent magic to press several buttons in quick succession so it makes it look like magic has gotten it to work. The water and coffee beans are already added of course. Same with the tea leaves."
Harry nodded his head. Perhaps he should ask Tom or even Fred and George to better the muggle inventions in order for them to be adjustable to magic.
"So, what is it that you came here for? Did you need help with something?" Darrel asked, waving his wand to send the paperwork into automatic filing. The cups of coffee and tea drifted over to the trio, before floating before each person respectively. They each took a sip before Lucius began speaking.
"I've sent you some files for a certain eviction of a person from a certain property a couple of weeks back. Do you remember?"
"Of course." Darrel opened his right hand drawer and pulled out the documents. "It's all right here."
"Well, Harry here wishes to speak to you about it. But he isn't sure if he wants you to start the process or not. Harry might decide on another lawyer to take this case. He isn't quite familiar with the legal system between and of both worlds."
Darrel nodded his head in understanding. "I see. Well, Mister Potter – "
"Harry is fine."
"Well Harry," Darrel smiled, "I can explain the process to you and then you can decide whether or not you want me on the case." Harry nodded his head.
"So you see, you've already signed these documents and I've filed them already. But they are currently inactive because you haven't given me a specific time to enact the motions stated in these papers." Darrel explained. Harry could easily follow along. After all, Lucius had said the same thing earlier before. "Now, once you've given me a date, we'll start the process. Because you've shown proof that Dursley has somehow taken the property from you when it was clearly yours, it makes it a legal case. Your inheritance includes this property, and if not, you are able to remove this property from his hands, seeing as how Mr. Dursley is currently unemployed, and from what I hear, will never be again."
Harry looked surprised. How did Darrel know about this?
"Word gets around Harry. Especially when a good thirty to forty people heard the news when a certain someone didn't close his office door after the security guards entered it. It also helps that someone happened to be driving by Grunnings during that time to see and hear Dursley screaming profanities at the company, at you and at the director himself." Darrel admitted with a chuckle. "Anyway, once you've given me a set time and the okay, I'll have the process started. It should take up to a week before the letter is sent to Dursley. He will have another two months, or depending on how long he has or he is allowed, to move out and find another home and be left on the streets. After that, everything goes exactly as planned."
"I would like for the house to be newly renovated. I've nearly liked that the houses on Privet Drive were all similar to one another." Harry admitted.
"It will be done. Just give the word." Darrel assured him.
"Will it be rentable? I want an income from the estate."
"That is not in our jurisdiction, but when finding, selecting, and finalizing the process between yourself and the new occupants, it will be my job – or your chosen lawyer. Everything else, including advertising the property and the dealership will fall on you and the real estate agent." Darrel said. "Of course, our law firm also has close ties to a real estate agency if you ever need to find a realtor for your property." He offered.
"What do you think Harry?" Lucius asked.
"Can I see a list of the lawyers at the firm?" Harry asked. Darrel handed over the list on a muggle device and Harry looked through the names. He tapped on each name and saw the lawyer's information, picture, experiences, education level and cases done. He hmm'd at certain intervals and frowned at others before deciding that he was neither comfortable nor willing to choose any of them.
"None of them are to your liking?" Lucius asked. Harry shook his head.
"Would you be willing to take on this case Darrel? I don't mean to be a bother." He murmured.
"Not at all Harry. I would be glad to take this case. Let me draw up a contract first."
In a few minutes, Darrel and Harry had signed a contract discussing the situation, the case, and the payment after completing it. Harry had whined when Lucius told him to sign his entire full name – including the surnames that were hyphenated.
"Thank you. Now, when do you want this done?"
"Have the letter sent out today, give him about a week and a half. I want to speak to some architects about the renovation and afterwards, we'll go from there." Harry said.
"It will be done as soon as possible." Darrel promised him, "Is there anything else that you want me to do?"
"Yes. I also want a lawsuit drawn against Vernon Dursley. There are witnesses that will prove that that man has threatened and attempted to kill me." Harry said.
Lucius turned to look at Harry with a shocked expression. "But Harry, that would mean – "
"It's okay Lucius. It was bound to happen sooner or later. He'll be dealt with by the muggle judicial system and after finishing his sentence, he will be sent to the wizarding judicial system."
Lucius nodded and gave Darrel the 'okay' before the lawyer drew up another contract to become a part of the case. Soon, everything was completed and set. And with that, Harry thanks both Lucius and Darrel for their help and Darrel waved them off. Lucius and Harry soon apparated back home where Lucius immediately left to continue with his wedding planning.
….
"Ruddy boy. Ignorant director." Vernon was furious. He drove all the way home and slammed the car door hard, uncaring that it had caused several other cars to go off on their alarms. He scowled furiously when the car window shattered at the force. Great, another thing ruined. Vernon rustled through his pockets for his keys before jamming it into the keyhole and slamming the door shut behind him.
Vernon did not care anymore about what the stupid neighbors thought about him. His wife and son were missing. Gone from the house, from the area, and without a letter or a note from them. At first, the heavily obese man had to act like she was still home and tending to the house to keep the neighbors from finding out, but after several weekends of Petunia "missing" from the neighborhood housewives' weekly tea parties – rumors started to spread. It even led to rumors being spread about Dudley being missing and running away from home or even Petunia packing up and leaving with their only son.
He threw his keys onto the kitchen table and went to boil water. Vernon placed his coat onto the back of the chair and stared hard at the spot on the table before him. After weeks of having his wife and son gone, the rooms started to get dustier, dirtier and smellier. But of course, Vernon only cursed the bloody freak for his misfortunes. After all, none of this would have happened if they hadn't taken the freak in when he was a child.
Hearing the kettle rise in pitch and volume, Vernon got up to make himself a cup of tea. He cursed as he dropped the kettle back onto the stove, sloshing burning water all over himself, the appliances nearby and the kitchen floor. He quickly pulled his vest off and noticed a bright red inflamed area on his stomach. He cursed once more and stomped over to the chair, falling through it in his angry haze. Cursing loudly, he picked himself off up the floor and fought with himself. Should he write to the bloody old man who started this mess?
An owl hooted outside of the house and two letters flew through the mail slot at his front door. He picked up the letters and attempted to rip it up, but they floated from his grasp and one of them opened itself up before a voice was heard. No doubt the second one would be doing the same thing.
"Dear Mister Dursley,
As of today, Thursday August 20th, 1996, by order of the Muggle Mayor, I Darrel D. Jans, lawyer at the M&M law firm have the right to remove your person and your belongings from the property of Privet 4 Drive. This property has been bought, signed, leased and now is in possession of Mister Harrison James Potter-Evans-Black-Gryffindor-Peverell. If you are apprehensive about this and feel the need to take it up to court, I have no means of stopping you. However, please note that previous allegations to your upbringing of your nephew will be brought to play as well. This is not a matter to be taken likely, and if need be, you will be forcibly removed from the property in less than a week and a half if you still remain there. Please take this time, until August 30th, to remove yourself and your belongings from the premises. At exactly 8:00 am on the Sunday of August 30th, 1996, construction workers and several city laborers will be there to confirm your removal and begin the remodeling of the property. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Darrel D. Jans"
The letter immediately floated onto the ground after its contents were spoken. Next, the second letter opened itself up and the same process was repeated.
"Dear Mister Dursley,
As of today, Thursday August 20th, 1996, by order of my client, Mister Harrison James Potter-Evans-Black-Gryffindor-Peverell, I, Darrel D. Jans, lawyer at the M&M law firm am writing to notify you of your scheduled court case on the threatened and attempted murder of Mister Potter-Black. By order of the Supreme Court, your court case has been scheduled to be at 8:00 am on the Monday of August 31st, 1996. Please be advised that the court case will be held promptly at said scheduled time – no sooner, no later. Have a lawyer present to defend your case and please arrive on time. The court case will be done at Surrey Court House. We expect to see you there. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Darrel D. Jans"
Vernon could never be more furious than he was then. And so, he decided to write to the bloody old coot after all. He was unemployed as of today, and now he was going to be evicted! And now he was being sued?! His accounts had been frozen and the money in it removed! How was he going to get himself a lawyer?! That freak of an old man had better do something!
….
"Father, how are you feeling?"
It was the day of the wedding. Everyone was dressed up for the main event of the summer. Not even the Malfoy's Summer Solstice Ball or the Dark Lord's Ball could hold a candle to Lucius's and Sirius's Summer wedding. The event hall for the two wizards' wedding was surprisingly on Malfoy property. Lucius believed that the manor's magic would help to strengthen their bonding for the wedding as well as strengthen in its own protective wards. And so, the halls were heavily but not tackily decorated.
"Malfoys are not tacky." Harry remembered Lucius sniffing before walking away, dragging Sirius by his hand.
"I am fine Draco. There's nothing to worry about." Lucius answered briefly as he looked himself in the mirror.
"You're allowed to be frightened and scared you know." Draco said. He didn't want to sound like he was against his father's wedding, but seeing his father looking so composed as if the wedding was nothing more than a business transaction had made him feel uncomfortable. And just when he had finished his statement, Draco's arms were full of his father.
"Do you think he'll regret it?" Lucius whispered. Draco smiled softly before petting his father's hair.
"No he won't. He wouldn't. You should see the look in his eyes whenever he sees you. That spark in it practically lights up the room whenever Sirius glances at you. He ends up looking as sappy as ever and grinning like a loon whenever you touch him or speak to him. You must be blind not to see it father." Draco chided, loving the feeling of his father's soft silvery blond hair.
"Well, yes. He should be. He's marrying me after all." Lucius managed to say. Though there lacked any haughtiness behind his words.
Draco pushed his father back and looked his straight in the eyes. "Sirius Orion Black loves you, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy. And you both would be damned to let the other go."
Seeing the truth in his son's eyes, Lucius gathered his wits and smiled. "Thank you." Draco nodded before tending to his father's needs before the wedding ceremony.
In a room several floors down, Sirius himself was pacing to and fro. Harry couldn't help but laugh at his godfather's nervousness.
"It's no laughing matter pup! I'm getting married in two hours!"
"Sirius calm down. Sir- SIRIUS!" Harry shouted, when his godfather seemed to ignore his words. "Calm down and breathe with me. In and out. In and out. In – that's it. Good. Now calm down before you pass out. I don't want to tell Lucius that his fiancé fainted on their big day."
"What if –"
"He won't."
"But Lucius –"
"He's just as nervous as you."
Sirius choked on the next set of words before Harry shook him. "Get a grip man! Lucius loves you!"
"Harry, you're wrinkling my robes."
"Well, I wouldn't be if you calmed down." The Gryffindor stressed, flattening the creases. "Now, are you fine or do you want me to give you a good slap?"
Sirius gulped. "I'm fine." If Harry slapped as hard as Lily had back then, he would be bruised in that area.
"Good, now let me help you get ready. You have to be down there to greet the guests soon. The others are making sure all the preparations are good to go and leading the guests to their seats. It wouldn't do to keep them waiting."
….
The halls were beautifully decorated with extravagant ornamentations. The main hall and the wedding hall had sea foam green tulle attached from the chandeliers and ending up being draped along the walls before allowing them to slide all the way down to the marble floor. The chairs were covered with silver silk, the backs of them tied with silver tulle. The wedding isle was covered with a deep blue velvet carpet. Small soft glowing orbs of random colored light floated all around the ceiling of the wedding hall. The lights to the hanging chandeliers were lightly dimmed, though it illuminated the reception hall.
While Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny and the twins were dealing with the arriving guests, the Slytherins were dealing with arriving reporters. Luna stood at the entrance of the reception hall, smiling at each passing guest and handing them a small yellow flower, called a Tansy. She motioned to each of them, telling them to clip it on or to have it on their person, before her eyes narrowed at their backs. Luna had charmed the Tansies to change color should the guests have hostile thoughts towards any one of the hosts' family and friends. Other than that, she would keep the meaning of the Tansy a secret. The blonde witch immediately set about handing out the rest as soon as the next guest appeared, allowing the six Gryffindors to return to the portkey hub.
Guests with an invitation were automatically portkeyed through the wards. Reporters' invitations were done so in a similar way; it was to prevent unwanted visitors from crashing the event. Harry, with his big pleading emerald green eyes, had been able to get Kingsley and his top few Aurors to act as security for the wedding. The Gryffindor had made sure that none of those Aurors were biased against the Malfoys; after all, it wouldn't do to upset Lucius, especially considering the Malfoys had become like family to the young Lord Potter. As it was, two Aurors were posted at the portkey hub where the guests would arrive, one overlooking the guests and the other overlooking the media. Two others were posted along the halls, on the way to the reception hall, to prevent anyone from sneaking around the Malfoy Manor. Finally, Kingsley had one Auror posted in the shadows of the reception hall's entrance while the other three Aurors stood guard at the very back of the reception hall, hidden in the shadows.
Severus and Remus went about showing the guests to their seats and even engaging some of them in conversation – though some were cut short when they realized that Remus's amber eyes would flash intermittently whenever a guest made a subtle, but rude comment about either Lucius or Sirius. Though, the guests were not informed that once they entered the wards, they were bound by magic to prevent from speaking about the wedding and the entire event, to anyone who had not received an invitation themselves. The reporters on the other hand, were bound by magic to write only the facts. No gossip or reputation-bashing remarks would be allowed. The Malfoys had a reputation to uphold; that and the entire event was hosted by the Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Malfoy and the previous Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, being backed by the Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, Evans, Perverall and Gryffindor.
Yes it was true, the reporters had somehow found out that young Harry Potter was Lord to not only one Ancient and Most Noble House, but in fact, four! Bar the Evans family title, considering Lily Potter née Evans was a muggleborn. But much research to determine why Evans was considered an Ancient and Most Noble House was being done, considering there was only about thirty or so pureblood families that were truly worthy of being deemed an Ancient and Most Noble House. Other than that, no one wanted that sort of political power looming above their heads should they miswrite or misprint a single word concerning such a huge event.
…..
"Ah, Ms. Skeeter." Blaise greeted, eyeing the blonde reporter with hidden distain.
"The young Lord Zabini is sent to greet moi?" She smiled thinly, her quick-quill already hovering over her shoulder.
"Just making sure that the guests and reporters are cared for individually. Shall I show you to the reception hall?" The Italian wizard asked, his arm outstretched in the direction of the reception hall.
"It is not needed." simpered Rita. "I can find my way around, thank you." She made a moved to Blaise's right before he slide in front her, cutting the reporter off.
"I must insist. Though you may carry an invitation, the Malfoy wards will automatically eject any and every person who fails to comply with our hospitality." Blaise smiled.
"Is there a problem Blaise?" Pansy asked, as she glided towards the Slytherin's side. She gave Rita a swift perusal before turning to her friend.
"Nothing that I can not handle Pansy. In fact, why don't you assist me in showing Rita and her plus one to the reception hall? I'm sure you can show them to their seats afterwards."
"Perfect." The girl answered, before motioning Rita and the photographer to follow her, with Blaise walking a few paces behind the two witches and wizard.
Not letting this small mishap disparage her, the blonde reporter set about asking leading questions to both students. She was certain to get some juicy news from this event.
"Who was the one to propose? I bet it was set with a romantic atmosphere before someone popped the question. After all, the divorce of Narcissa Malfoy from the soon to be married Lucius Malfoy, must have been quite rushed. It has not even been two months since such an arrangement."
The two students stayed quiet, only speaking when greeting other passing by guests and their classmates from Hogwarts. Rita's feigned smile dropped as a small frown replaced it. She tried once more.
"Perhaps this is something that Sirius Black had arranged? To get back into the pureblood society? Of course, being damned to Azkaban only to be set free with evidence from the Savior of the Wizarding World has it perks. Has it been twelve – no, thirteen years already? Of course, when you're in hiding for the past two years – freedom is just within reach yet it is so far away." Rita accepted the yellow flower being handed out from the Lovegood girl before attaching it onto her shirt with a sticking charm. She did not notice that the flower had turned a dark greenish-yellow, nor did she notice the dark piercing gaze from Luna.
The two students remained silent, completely ignoring the reporter. Showing the blonde witch to her seat, the two left. And as soon as they did, Rita started to sneeze.
Luna smirked widely at Rita's action. Not only did Tansy mean hostile thoughts, but it was also widely used in insect repellants. The blonde witch masked her grin before continuing on in her task, watching as the reception hall quickly filled with guests and the media. Soon, the last of the guests had arrived and Luna quickly waved her hand over the entrance, closing off all entry to anyone without an invitation. She motioned to the four guardians to watch the room before she slipped to the front row. The Slytherins and the rest of the Gryffindors had found their seats, though Harry and Remus were standing beside Sirius. The animagus had already arrived about thirty minutes before Luna closed off the entranceway, and had put on a calm yet blank expression.
Those who had known Sirius for a long time saw specks of nervousness, anxiousness and worry in those grey eyes. Soon, the reception hall was drawn to a hush when a hovering ball of light shot a soft beam towards the back of the room.
It was then that Sirius made eye contact with Lucius.
….
To Sirius, Lucius looked like an ethereal being. His long silky white blonde hair was tied with a clasp engraved with the Malfoy family insignia. On his head sat an elven made silver circlet with an emerald as the centerpiece. His Alice Blue robes were spun from the finest Acromantula silk, weaved with the finest Egyptian cotton, decorated by the Wizarding World's most famous and best designer, and charmed with Luna's protection and blessing. The pale coloring of his robes made his hair gleam all the more brighter, highlighting the Malfoy's famous alabaster complexion. His dark colored dragonhide boots made to present a shocking contrast to Lucius's attire, yet it did nothing but justice to his outfit. And on Lucius's finger sat his engagement ring, soon to be joined with a ceremonial band. Though Lucius's ensemble was remarkably played down, it was definitely not understated in the least. In fact, it only seemed to underline Lucius's objective: he was laying himself practically bare to Sirius, in hopes of having the ex-Lord Black accept him for who he was, in nothing but himself and that the person he is.
It touched Sirius greatly to see his fiancé display himself in such a way – especially in front of the mass of people whom were invited to the wedding, especially in front of the horde of media whom were always noted to degrade the Malfoy name. Giving thanks to Luna and the guardians' handiwork on spelling the guests to speak of nothing but respect about the wedding, Sirius held out his hand to receive Lucius's.
Gently pulling his fiancé closer to him, Sirius was nothing but smiles staring riveted at Lucius's being. And that was when the ceremony began.
…..
Lucius had fretted at the back entrance of the reception hall. He had caught a glimpse of all those people sitting there, waiting and watching for him. Though he cared not for their opinions, Lucius was still nervous about Sirius's. He was about to be married to the wizard for Merlin's sake! After all these years of being away from him, to make such a large drastic change had practically threw Lucius off balance. But it was a good thing, he supposed. Narcissa was out of the picture. Harry was now siding with Tom's cause. A few extra Gryffindors had followed the young wizard. Dumbledore's downfall was eminent. His son was going to get his magical inheritance soon – even though he had passed his sixteenth birthday. His son was joined in a triad with the young Zabini heir and the young Potter-Evans-Black-Gryffindor-Peverell heir. No doubt the three of them would be the most powerful team when combined with Tom's experience, Hermione's intelligence, Ron's strategy, Neville's loyalty, Ginny's fieriness, Fred and George's humor and Luna's outlook on the future.
Overall, Lucius could not have planned to have the perfect path given to them. Strangely enough, though the blond wizard was quite used to paving the path for himself and his family, it was nice to have someone present something to him so easily.
The blond wizard's attention snapped back once he felt Draco nudge him on the side.
"It's time father."
As best man and the relative to give Lucius away to Sirius, Draco was standing besides his father, awaiting his move. With a firm grip on Draco's arm, the pair moved towards the aisle and down to Sirius.
…..
As Sirius took Lucius's hand, he gently pulled the blond wizard closer to him, draping his arm around his waist. The two could only see themselves in each other's eyes; they barely heard ceremony officiant call the wedding to begin. They kept their eyes firmly on each other; until it was time for their vows did the two wizards begin to speak.
"I, Sirius Orion Black, promise to love and to cherish, to stay with you during the good and bad times, to protect and nurture you. I have many things that pushed you away, only for me to use it as an excuse to say that I was protecting you, but with this ring," He took the ring Luna had procured for them, "I promise to be with you every step of the way. I will love you until the ends of the Earth, the world and beyond. I will be with you through the struggles, through the happiness, the sadness, and anger. I will stand with you as an equal and love you with my entire being." He slid the wedding band onto Lucius's finger, and rubbed the back of Lucius's hand gently.
Lucius managed a watery laugh when Sirius kept repeating words of love to him. "I, Lucius Abraxus Malfoy, promise to love and to cherish, to stay with you during the good and bad times, to protect and nurture you. I never have given up on you, even when we were apart. With this ring, I promise to be a person worthy of being called your husband, your lover, your partner, your confidant and your best friend. I promise to stand by your side when the going gets tough, and I promise to love you with my entire being, even when we are gone from this world." He slid the wedding band onto Sirius's finger and gripped his hands lovingly.
The wedding band was a wide antique scroll platinum ring with tiny diamonds embedded on each end of the scrolls. The inscription in the middle in Greek was translated to "Forever Entwined" and within the band engraving, the two could feel, was Gaia's own protection spell.
"I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss the –"
Sirius immediately drew Lucius close and kissed him in a ferocious manner that set off the twins to wolf whistle. Slowly, the kiss calmed into gentle lapses and they broke apart. Sirius grinned widely when he saw the slightly dazed look Lucius was giving him.
"Onto the reception party!" He shouted, drawing Lucius close to him. The entire group moved out into the wide backyard. It was immensely decorated like the reception hall, yet with the Guardians' help, they managed to raise the grounds where Lucius and Sirius's family and friends would be sitting, thus creating a dais fit for three large tables.
As the guests took to their seats, dinner went off with a hitch. It was then that Sirius and Lucius stepped off the dais and went to greet their guests, leaving Harry and Draco alone with their group of friends.
…..
"I must say, that's the happiest I've seen your dad." Blaise commented. He was sitting besides Draco, although the two of them had argued whether or not Harry would be sitting in between them. But Harry had immediately closed their argument saying he would be sitting with his Godfather. In the end, besides Draco sat Blaise, then Theodore, Pansy and Crystal. On Sirius's side sat Harry, followed by Remus, Hermione, Ron and then Neville. This group sat in the middle table.
The left table sat Petunia, Dudley, Fred and George, Ginny, Luna, Tom, Severus, Egidio, Alandair, Macaire and Tesia. The table to the right of the middle table sat the parents of Blaise, Pansy, Theodore and Crystal, as well as Crabbe, Goyle and their own parents. The rest of the backyard was sectioned off, invited guests were towards the front – closer to the wedding couple, while the invited media were behind the sectioned off area – in order to prevent them harassing the guests. Aurors poured around the vicinity, keeping their watchful gaze on everyone and everything.
"I'm glad he's that happy." Draco smiled. Harry cleared his throat and Draco amended his words. "I'm glad that both Sirius and my father are happy."
"Oh, you're definitely going to get a reward tonight!" Crystal teased, covering her giggles behind her hand.
Harry flushed red, and tried to hide it, but Draco had seen and was now grinning widely.
"What about me?" questioned Blaise, his voice low and husky. Harry shivered with pleasure as the tone reached his ears and seemingly caressed him.
"One kiss and only one." Harry said.
"Two and some fondling." Draco grinned wickedly. Blaise wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"How about none and I rip your balls off?" Harry smiled widely.
Draco and Blaise paled. "I think one is fine." Draco confirmed.
"One is good." Blaise reiterated.
"Oh, he's got you whipped." Pansy giggled, imitating the sounds of a cracking whip.
"Good; that means they know Harry means business." Hermione approved.
Scowling at the brunette, the two Slytherins were pulled from their sullen state with a quick peck on the cheek from Harry. With a smile, they each took his hand and held it, waiting for the wedded couple to return to their table.
"Oh Harry, I see Shacklebolt here." Neville said, motioning to the black Auror at the table directly below the dais. Harry stood up and walked to him, followed closely by Blaise and Draco.
…..
"Kingsley! How are you?"
"Harry! I'm good, thank you for asking. Congratulations. I'm sure Sirius is extremely happy about this wedding."
"For sure. They've been together for so long only to have the war tear them apart." Harry nodded. Their eyes followed the newly wed couple as Sirius and Lucius walked around to greet their guests.
After a few moments, Harry spoke. "So what do you think Kingsley?"
"Regarding …"
"Yes."
"I have to tell you Harry. I was surprised by the memories." Kingsley seemed to be thinking about how to word his next few sentences. "I must remind you… Dumbledore has been the leader of the Light for a long, long time."
"Yes. I can assure you that I have knowledge of that fact."
"He has undoubtedly persuaded the Wizengamot, the public and the ICW of his position to do everything for the 'greater good'."
Harry scoffed. "Please don't remind me of how he would justify his ways for those two measly words."
Kingsley smiled, his eyes tracking the wedded couple as they moved towards another table. "I have no doubt that your memories are fact."
"Then you believe that Dumbledore has ruined the Wizarding World?"
Kingsley winced. "I wouldn't say ruined…"
"Well all right; polluted."
Kingsley frowned, turning to the young wizard besides him. "Polluted isn't the correct word either."
"Then what is?" Harry scowled. "Brainwashing? Lied? Destroyed? Decimated?"
Kingsley winced with every negative word that spewed from Harry's lips. "I concede. It is true that he has thought to ruin your childhood Harry, but –"
"No buts. Have you ever seen him do anything that would benefit the Wizarding World?"
"He's the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He's the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and is the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards."
"No Kingsley. Has. Dumbledore. Done. Anything. That. Helps. The Wizarding World?"
Kingsley ran through his memories of the past decade or so regarding Dumbledore being seated in a position with power. He shook his head with a sigh. "He hasn't."
"Has he tried to pass laws that would give magical creatures and races equal rights to witches and wizards?"
"No."
"Has he given the students at Hogwarts a better chance at defending themselves whenever a situation arises?"
"…No."
"Has he done anything else that would benefit our economy? Our world? Our students and upcoming generations?"
With a heavy heart and a sigh, Kingsley answered, "No."
"Has he told you that Voldemort will be returning soon?"
"Yes."
"He has proof."
"Of that only because of what happened in the Ministry."
"And people should believe his every world as if he were a deity just because he happened to be able to prove one thing amongst everything that could have happened?"
"No."
"And he should be held at the highest regard just because he happened to save the Wizarding World from Gellert Grindelwald? His ex-lover?"
Kingsley gapped. "Gellert Grindelwald was Albus' lover?"
"Yes. You'd be amazed at how much evidence you can find against the leader of the Light." Harry smiled, his eyes still pinned on his godfather and Lucius. "Did you know, Kingsley, that after Dumbledore had become the Headmaster of Hogwarts, many classes were dropped from the school's curriculum?"
Kingsley swallowed. "Like..?"
"Healing. Dueling. Blood magic. Alchemy. Several others that would take too long for me to list out orally."
Kingsley winced. "Did you also know, Kingsley, that once Dumbledore had become the Headmaster, Slytherin was seen more in a negative light than it was originally supposed to?"
"Slytherin was always seen as a house of dark witches and wizards."
Harry shook his head. "No, it wasn't. Before Dumbledore had taken position, Slytherin was just a house known for being filled with pureblood families whom continued to hail the old traditions and customs – beliefs that have been whittled away by muggleborn that pushed their own customs into the Wizarding World so they wouldn't feel like they were any different."
"But they were." Kingsley surmised.
"Of course they were. I must remind you Kingsley that it is the muggle world – the muggles – that have created the Salem witch trials – burning any and all victims who were seen, heard or even thought to have been witches and wizards who believed in and used magic. Anyone who were following the Wiccan traditions was seen as abnormal, as evil… as freaks."
Draco and Blaise immediately put their hand on Harry's shoulder, soothing their Gryffindor lover.
Kingsley frowned. "We are not freaks."
"Did you know," Harry looked at Kingsley, "Dumbledore's sister was killed by muggles? That was why their father was arrested for killing the muggles and was sent to Azkaban for a breach in the Statute of Secrecy?"
"That case was labeled as murder."
"But of course it was. Killing three muggles in cold blood." Harry scoffed.
"Dumbledore loved his sister."
"Enough to hate the muggles for having attacked her."
"Is that why you believe he had a romantic affection towards Grindelwald?"
"Common interests, no?"
Kingsley frowned. "I suppose."
"Dumbledore needn't become Minister of Magic."
"He told us he didn't want to be the Minister."
"And why would he? As Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump, he holds power even more than being the Minister of Magic."
"All the power without the needless paperwork." said Kingsley, realization dawning upon him.
"I see you're catching up." Harry's eyes sought out his godfather and Lucius, seeing the couple make their way over to Fudge's table. He inwardly scoffed when the Minister had a fake smile plastered on his face; those fumbling hands would depict the Minister's greed, but it wasn't hard for anyone to see.
"I am a member of the Order of Phoenix." Kingsley finally said.
"Yes, and I know that."
"Dumbledore has his explicit trust in me."
"Not as much as a King would have towards his pawn nor would a puppeteer to his puppet."
"Surely he's done some good for the Wizarding World." Kingsley tried weakly.
"Not that I've seen or heard of."
With a sigh, Kingsley turned to look at Harry. "Very well. You have my partnership."
"Trust me Kingsley. You won't regret it." Harry smiled, shaking the Auror's hand.
"It always did bug me that a wizard as powerful as Albus would require a child to fight off You-Know-Who's advances."
"Oh? Didn't you know about the prophecy?"
"I do now." The Auror grumbled.
"I'll be expecting a missive regarding his trial." Harry said, taking his leave. Kingsley watched Draco and Blaise followed Harry away to their table.
…..
"Ah! Lucius, congratulations!" Minister Fudge crowed, his eyes depicting the greediness at having his advisor become a part of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Oh! He could almost feel all the extra money entering his own vaults already.
Lucius smiled coolly. "Thank you for accepting the invitation, Minister. I hope you enjoy the rest of the event." He dragged Sirius behind him, allowing his new husband to throw a vicious grin with a malicious gleam in his eyes. Minister Fudge swallowed the lump lodged in his throat before nervously chuckling and returning to his seat. The rest of his tablemates followed along, silently wishing the two newly wedded couple good welfare and a happy future.
"Why didn't you stay and chat with him a little more?" asked Sirius.
"You really want to spend a while standing with him?"
"No, but it would work if he were deeper in our pockets."
"After the incident you mean?"
"Yes. Now that he's realized that Voldemort is back, Albus has the upper hand."
"Worry not. Cornelius won't be our problem much longer."
After twenty minutes, the couple returned to the head table and gave a small speech before they ended their dialogue with the hopes of the guests being entertained in the event.
Soon the event had ended with a splendid showcase – one that had immediately sent all other uninvited guests into a titter. One by one the guests left; and one by one the media quickly fled to be the first to have the wedding printed out.
X – X
"W-Wait. S-Sirius! Mmmph!" Lucius tried in vain to keep Sirius from ravishing him, but the man was too strong, too much in love and in lust to give into the blond's demands.
The blond pulled away from Sirius's lips, gasping for air. The plump red lips were thoroughly plundered and his silver eyes were dazed. Sirius watched as Lucius's tongue ran across them, allowing Sirius to see it glazed with moisture.
"S-Sirius! W-Wait." Lucius breathed out when the Marauder dived in for another kiss.
"What?" He asked.
"Bedroom! N-not here. We've barely made it –" He couldn't finish his sentence as the dark-haired wizard swooped in to lay claim to his lips.
Sirius quickly stripped Lucius of his matrimonial robes, nearly waving his wrist to banish it.
"Don't!" Lucius cried out, halting the motion.
"Whatever for?" Sirius mumbled, kissing up and down the flawless neck.
"Those are my favorite dress robes." He pouted.
"Those are only to be worn once." Sirius ended his sentence with a brief kiss. "And are only to be seen by me, myself and I."
"But those are my favorite!" Lucius protested. He even had the urge to stomp his foot on the ground in protest.
Sirius balked at the childish tantrum that was nearly forming from his husband. "Fine, fine. I won't banish them, but it will be sent off for cleaning." Sirius said, diving in to continue the kiss.
Lucius pulled away. "Ironed and hand washed. Left hanging to dry and - mmph!"
"You're speaking too much." Sirius growled, throwing the robes onto the floor. In turn, he took off his own and had them join the pile left strewn all across the floor.
"No! Wait – Sirius, oh!"
X – X
A/N: Hope you guys liked this chapter! I know I've rated this story an 'M', but not yet (: R&R please. I want to know what you guys thought.