Engagement Season; Chapter Three

The next morning dawned bright, Harry waking up on the fringes of a dream that filled him with happiness and with heat. His hand wandered down to caress his stomach, picturing the way it would look if actually filled with his child. He'd been having the same dream for over a week now, and while confusing, it also filled him full of hope and elation… and longing. Though puzzled about his feelings from his dream, and about the longing for a stomach bulging with child, about the rightness of it, especially since men couldn't have children, he put it off as simply finally being able to see a future free of war.

His hand wandered down further, recalling how the dream had started. A large body pressing him against a wall, a fight for dominance; lips, teeth, and tongue, claiming, filling, possessing, and then large warm hands wandering over his flesh; exploring soft skin, tracing across muscles, and mapping territory before finally curling around his straining desire.

Harry's hand gently stroked his hot flesh, his erection warm and heavy, throbbing in the palm of his hand. He traced the vein on the underside of his cock with a single fingertip, teasing himself, before fingering the slit at the head of his shaft, spreading the evidence of his arousal around his fingers. His slickened hand pumped once, then twice, his other hand joining the first, palming his balls, rolling the tightening flesh through his fingers, his breaths short and gasping.

The fingers of that second hand traveled down even further, wandering over sensitive, heated, skin, before finally finding the opening to his body. Tracing a single finger around the quivering hole, he gripped his cock tighter with his other hand and stroked up firmly once as the tip of that single finger breached the muscles guarding him, his inner walls hot and grasping. Already so far gone from his dream, Harry came hard into his hand, his hips thrusting up searching for that other body, those other hands. His own hands lazily traveled up, caressing his thighs and lower stomach, like he thought a lovers would. He breathed deeply to calm his rapidly beating heart.

Feeling sated, he slipped from his bed, waving his wand at the sheets to clean his mess before heading to the shower. Harry was awfully glad that he had thought to put up wards on his room; it would be highly embarrassing for both Remus, and himself, if the werewolf could hear and smell his activities. A quick shower later left him feeling refreshed and finally willing to face the day.

Harry's happiness was somewhat dimmed though, upon remembering the night before. He still felt incredibly guilty about hurting Ginny. He had known before that Ginny had had a crush on him, but he had thought that after coming out during the Yule Ball, that she would have realized that he would never be interested in her that way. Pulling himself from his depressing thoughts, he dressed and thought about Mr. Weasley. The man was right, this wasn't his fault, and in fact, it was unfair of Ginny to blame him for shattering her dreams of becoming Lady Potter.

Harry had never once hinted that he thought of Ginny as anything other than a little sister, therefore it was not his fault. With that thought firmly in mind, he headed downstairs to start breakfast.

Remus was already seated at the table, a cup of tea and the Daily Prophet in hand. "Good morning Cub, how are you feeling?"

"Pretty good Moony, and you?"

"Ready to begin the day after a good breakfast I believe."

Harry laughed getting the hint. "And what would you like for breakfast?"

Remus smiled happily, "Pancakes?"

"Blueberry pancakes ok? They're my favorite."

"Absolutely," Remus agreed smiling. "I'll fix a fresh pot of tea; I can hear Sev and Siri finally getting up."

Harry nodded and turned to prepare the pancake batter. "Anything interesting in the Prophet?'

"Well, Skeeter is speculating that now you are of age, you will be announcing an engagement soon, to one miss Ginerva Weasley. There's even a statement from the future bride."

Harry dropped the whisk and whirled around. "What?" he screeched.

Remus sighed, he'd been expecting that. "We'll contact the Prophet after breakfast and give a counter statement. Molly has already flooed to apologize."

Harry wrung his hands feeling somewhat distressed. "I just don't understand Remy! I… she's known that I was gay since her third year. I never hid it."

Remus got up and pulled the distraught teen into his arms, Harry's head burrowing into his chest. "I'm so sorry Cub. Maybe something more happened that affected her than we thought down in the Chamber, or maybe her crush is just a little more intense than we all believed. Just remember that this isn't your fault, ok?"

"What's going on?" Sirius asked from the doorway, Severus standing right behind him.

Remus waved at the paper with one hand while continuing to stroke a soothing hand up and down Harry's tense back. "Ginny," he explained shortly.

"When on earth would she have had time to do this?" Sirius wondered.

Severus who was reading the article over Sirius' shoulder snorted in disdain. "That girl is completely nuts." He walked over and kissed his son on the head. "Let's just have a nice breakfast, and then deal with this after, ok?"

Harry looked up meeting Severus' eyes and nodded, not noticing when his dad froze in shock for a moment.

Severus was indeed shocked when his eyes met Harry's. Harry's pupils had contracted to pinpoints, the emerald green irises completely dominating his face. It reminded Severus of something…but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Harry's eyes returned to normal a moment later, so Severus decided to, for now, file it away with the other odd thing's he had noticed.

Harry gently extracted himself from Remus' arms and turned back to his pancake batter. "Blueberry pancakes for breakfast."

They had just finished breakfast when the floo chimed, Albus walked into the kitchen looking half amused, and half exasperated a moment later. He accepted a cup of tea from Harry and sat down. "You've seen the paper this morning?"

Severus snorted. "We've seen."

Albus sighed. "I had just sat down with Minerva for breakfast when Cornelius stormed into my office. He is apparently under the impression that Harry must have been kidnapped from Privet Drive by rogue death eaters."

Sirius choked on his tea. "Where on earth did he get that idea? He knows that the death eaters who were loyal to Voldemort have all been captured and have been kissed or put in Azkaban."

Albus chuckled. "Well it seems that he, upon reading this morning's paper, went to Privet Drive to confront Harry about his betrothal only to find that he is no longer there. He then came straight to Hogwarts demanding that we hand him over as he is still answerable to his magical guardian. After we explained that Harry was not with us, Cornelius decided that he must have been abducted. He left for the Burrow immediately after to speak with Miss Weasley. I'm afraid that he will probably be here in a few minutes."

"But he can't make me leave, right?" Harry asked anxiously. "I'm an adult now, Lord Potter. He has no more authority."

"That is correct Harry," Albus assured him.

"He has no idea I made it to my claiming meeting, does he?" Harry asked amused.

"Not unless he's tried to make a withdrawal since your birthday." Remus agreed. "Let's clean up the dishes, and head into the sitting room to wait for the Minister."

Severus and Sirius waved their wands quickly cleaning up the breakfast dishes, and the men all trooped into the sitting room.

"So what do we have to do in regards to my accounts?" Harry asked.

"We need to get all the statements dating back to when you were placed with the Dursley's. We'll double check the amount that James and Lily had set up for your care, then file charges against Fudge for embezzlement for the rest." Sirius smiled gleefully. "I'm really going to enjoy this. We also get to make him return every heirloom that he has absconded with. That may take awhile depending on how many he sold. Or you could just make him pay for them,-"

"I would rather have the actual pieces back." Harry confirmed.

The floo chimed interrupting them, and they turned to see Cornelius Fudge's head floating in the fireplace. "Harry Potter," the head shouted, "What the bloody hell do you think you are doing here?"

Remus moved forward to open the floo for the Minister to come through; he wasn't on the approved list. "Good morning Fudge," Sirius greeted. "What can we do for you?"

Cornelius straightened up dusting the soot off his robes. "You can return Mr. Potter to his relatives home right this moment." The red faced man turned to Harry, "And we'll be discussing this marriage contract young man."

Harry returned the glare. "First, I am not betrothed to anyone, and second, I will not be returning to Privet Drive."

"Now see here," Fudge's face began to purple in rage, reminding Harry eerily of Vernon.

Harry moved over to Severus and grabbed his hand -for support?-, Severus noticed the pupils in his son's eyes contract once more, and then the teen pulled himself up to his full height. "No," Harry said coldly, making the Minister splutter in indignation. Harry tightened his grip on his dad, "You will listen to me. You dear Minister, have a lot of explaining to do." Harry held out the hand with his family ring, "Beginning with trying to block me from claiming what is rightfully mine, and ending with the blatant embezzlement from my vaults, and using my seats in the Wizengamot."

Fudge paled, his eyes widening, the fear of his discovery evident in his every move. "I, I don't know what you're talking about."

Harry smiled, the action chilling Fudge to his very bones. "I'm afraid that your days as Minister of Magic are numbered Fudge."

"Is that a threat Mr. Potter?" Cornelius drew himself up in a desperate attempt to save face.

Harry stepped forward, still maintaining his grip on Severus, "That is a promise sir!"

Cornelius turned on his heel without another word, quickly flooing away, and Harry collapsed shivering into Severus' arms.

"Are you ok Cub?"

"Please," Harry turned a pale face up to meet Severus' eyes. "Just don't let go." Severus simply tightened his arms in reply.

"Please tell me that Lucius kept copies of all the documents he found?" Sirius turned to Severus.

The man grinned in answer.

~oOo~

The Minister who lived to embezzle from our Savior

Shocking news has reached across Britain. How far has our system of justice fallen, when our very own Minister of Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, has been found guilty of not only signing over magical guardianship of four rich orphaned witches and wizards to himslef, but of also embezzling funds from their family's vaults while leaving the children in less than desirable situations? The wizarding world has to wonder if this information would have ever come to our attention if the Minister had not attempted to stop Lord Harry James Potter from attending his claiming meeting on his 17th birthday…

"Wow," Harry finished reading the article. It had been a long month, but after they had gotten the ball rolling, with help from Lucius, things had moved quickly. "I guess Rita is good for something afterall. Turns out Fudge has been doing the same thing to three other orphans. Luckily for the others it was just money, and all of it was able to be returned right away, and they have been put back into the system properly."

"I can't believe how stupid that man is," Sirius rolled his eyes. "Of course it's also lucky for you that the idiot kept most of the Potter heirlooms, as well as sitting on the bulk of your funds. The auror's found ninety five percent of your missing inventory just hanging around Fudge's manor, and the Potter money just hanging out in a vault at Gringotts. He wasn't even smart enough to hide it somewhere else."

"No one has ever accused that man of being smart." Harry muttered returning to the paper. "But I wonder…"

"What?" Severus asked curiously.

Harry turned thoughtful eyes on his dad. "Why us four orphans specifically? True we all had money, but so do a few others. I wonder if there is something… else?"

"Naw," Sirius shrugged. "It was probably just random Cub."

Harry quirked an eyebrow in acquiescence, but Remus could still see the wheels turning in his cub's head.

"You ready for your last year Cub?" Remus smiled at Harry, changing the subject.

"I don't know, somehow I just can't believe that I'm actually here and alive, let alone going to be finishing up my last year at Hogwarts."

"Do you know what you want to do after, do you still want to be an Auror?" Severus asked.

Harry blushed bright red and turned away. He wasn't sure about telling them about his dreams of having a family right away and staying at home to raise his children. Or about the pull to… towards something that he couldn't quite identify. The pull was getting harder and harder to ignore as the weeks progressed.

Severus sat forward in his chair watching Harry with worried eyes. Several times over the last month, Severus had observed odd behavior from his son. Harry's eyes were just the beginning. True, Harry had always been affectionate with those he loved and trusted, but it had gotten… more so recently. When Severus had spoken with Sirius and Remus about it, they had mentioned noticing it as well. Sirius put it down to possibly being that with Voldemort no longer around and Harry finally being free of his relatives, he was just making up for lost time. Remus though, he had mentioned that sometimes Harry acted extremely odd around him, deferential, and when that happened, he could scent something on Harry that he couldn't quite identify.

At one point, Severus had taken the time and sat Harry down and questioned him about his intense need for physical affection, he had nixed the plan when Harry's large green eyes had filled with tears, and his pupils had once again contracted leaving him with large emerald irises, leading Severus to assume that his sons eyes changed?, manifested?, during times of intense emotion, or in response to certain behaviors. In this particular case, in Harry's mind, Severus questioning him had translated to Severus not wanting anything to do with him, that he didn't like the hugs or when Harry cuddled up in his lap. It had taken the potions master almost a full week to convince Harry that that was not the case. The experience had left Severus frustrated; and he still wasn't able to pinpoint exactly what Harry's eyes reminded him of, and he was afraid to ask any more questions, deciding that simply observing would be safer. Fleur hadn't been anymore help either, whatever it was, it just wasn't enough… yet.

Then there was Ginny, though the girl had apologized, Harry was no longer comfortable around her. He had confided in Severus, Sirius, and Remus, his feelings of intense unease around her, unable to identify exactly why it was she made him so uncomfortable.

Severus had taken to watching the youngest Weasley after that, and had observed the many calculating looks she sent his sons way; he had resolved himself to the undeniable fact that she was not about to give up her dream so easily. Luckily for him, Miss Granger had agreed and promised to be on the watch for Harry's food and drink. Harry was already so uneasy, Severus didn't want to worry him more. Ron had also noticed his sister's unhealthy behavior, and he too agreed to watch her; both for herself, and because he thought of Harry as his brother, and he didn't want either one to get hurt.

Also during that month, when Harry was not needed at Gringotts or at the ministry, he spent a lot of time with his two best friends and the twins. Ron and, unluckily enough for Severus, the twins had taken it upon themselves to start Harry's wizarding education. Starting with the traditions and customs they learned as children, to everything about Wizarding politics that is taught in every pureblood household, even the Weasley's. Since Harry currently held two titles, and would eventually come into two more, they decided that he should learn everything that they took for granted as common knowledge having been raised in the wizarding world. Hermione, unsurprisingly, sat in on these lessons with passionate interest; Ron, for his part, was relishing in his role as the one with all the knowledge this time around.

"Harry?"

"What," Harry blinked. "Oh, sorry; I guess I kind of got lost in my thoughts. To be honest," Harry turned earnest green eyes on his dad, "I hadn't once thought beyond Moldypants. I have no idea what I want to do; though I do know that I have no interest in being an Auror. I've had quite enough of fighting dark wizards."

Severus laughed and stood, pulling Harry into his arms. "I think you've earned a rest. As long as it doesn't translate into neglecting your studies, you can take all the time you need."

Harry heaved a sigh of relief. Severus had been the one he had worried about disappointing the most. "I think for know, I'll continue my wizarding culture education via Weasley. And I had a few thoughts about other things, but I want to talk with Hermione about them first."

Severus tightened his arms around his son and just held him, the teen as was his way, burrowing into his warmth and placing his ear over Severus heart. "Love you Cub."

"Love you too Sev."

Sirius and Remus watched from their places at the table, observing their mate, friend, and son. It had taken a long time to get here, but in the end it had been worth it. "It's time to head for King's Cross," Remus said softly, reluctant to break up the moment.

Harry sighed, "Ok," he said still clinging to Sev. "You may go ahead and apparate."

Severus rolled his eyes, "Oh thank you."

The other two men chuckled, then with Sirius grabbing Harry's trunk, and Remus Hedwig's cage, apparated away with two large cracks; Severus and Harry right behind them.

~oOo~

The station was busy as usual, though this year didn't cling to the same edge of fear; the parents no longer afraid of sending their children all the way to Scotland now, with Voldemort finally being gone for good. Harry turned in Severus embrace, making sure to secure the man's arms around his middle, and looked for his friends. He waved at several year mates who were gawking at him; he supposed it was a shocker to be found in the feared dungeon bat's arms.

"I'll see you at school dad," Harry turned back around and leaned up to kiss his cheek. He turned to hug and kiss Remus and Sirius as well, before heading for the train, his trunk and owl floating along behind him.

Sirius moved to bring Severus back against his chest and leaned down to kiss the man's neck. "What do you think you are doing Mutt?"

"Scaring all the little children," Sirius giggled.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Well knock it off," he grumbled making Remus chuckle.

"Come on then," Sirius said pointing out Ron and Hermione who had found Harry. "Let's head for the school. I can't wait to see the expression on our cub's face when he finds out that Remy and I will be teaching DADA."

~oOo~

"Found one," Harry led the way into an empty compartment. The three teens settled in, and turned to watch the platform.

"I can't believe we made it," Hermione sighed. "It's almost over."

Ron rolled his eyes and sat beside his girlfriend, pulling her into his chest. "It's not almost over Mione. It's, what does Dumbledore say, 'The next great adventure'."

Harry and Hermione turned amused expressions on Ron. "I can't believe after seven years he's finally decided to grow up." Harry smirked at the redhead.

Hermione laughed, nodding in agreement. "I would say it really started to change the beginning of last year. I clearly remember almost fainting from shock when he nodded politely at Malfoy in the corridor."

Ron snorted in amusement. "What was I suppose to do? I did faint in shock when the ferret and his family suddenly showed up at Headquarters. I still can't believe they were spies this whole time."

"I still can't believe it was Lockhart who slipped that diary to your sister," Hermione said.

Harry nodded. "Well whatever, the war is over and I, can't believe I'm sitting here alive."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at her best friend. "I never had any doubt," she said fiercely.

Harry grinned. "Thank you."

"Anyway," Ron interrupted, if he didn't stop them now, Hermione would start crying, and then Harry would begin to tear up. It always broke his heart when he saw tears in Harry's eyes, worse even then when Ginny cried; he supposed it had something to do with being the big brother and Harry's first ever friend. "Where did we leave our lecture off?"

"Oh," Hermione's eyes started to sparkle keenly, making her boyfriend smile indulgently; the look was directed at him after all, instead of a book like it usually is. "We were on the traditional roles of heirs in titled families."

Ron nodded, and started his lecture. At one point Neville joined them and had also been able to add points from his perspective being a Lord himself. The lecture lasted all the way to Hogwarts, with only one interruption in way of Malfoy and Zabini. The two heirs had strutted around their compartment, singling out Harry in an odd parody of past behaviors. The emerald eyed teen had given as good as he got, the encounter being much more intense than any of them could ever remember. In the end they had shrugged it off, it was Malfoy after all.

~oOo~

Harry and the others had a welcome shock at the welcoming feast. Remus and Sirius had been announced as the new DADA teachers, and to Ron's intense shock, his older brother Charlie as the flying and NEWT level COMC professor, and Percy as the new Runes professor.

"You knew didn't you, and you didn't tell me?" Ron accused Harry.

Harry shrugged and smirked. "Yep; well about Charlie anyway. I had no idea that Percy would be here as well. I thought he was finally happy in the Ministry."

The two had glared at each other for a moment before bursting into hysterical laughter. "This year is going to be great!" Ron exclaimed happily, slapping Harry on the back.