Life Renovations
Chapter Twenty
Surprising Nuptials
Remus let himself into Grimmauld Place and immediately knew something was wrong when he saw broken picture frames and shattered glass all over the floor.
"Sirius? Are you here?" he called out, and pulled his wand from his robes. The place looked like a disaster, like someone had gone through intent on demolishing the place. "Padfoot?"
"Librrary, Moony!"
Remus frowned and carefully stepped over the damage splayed across the ground. Sirius had been into the drink, it seemed. Remus recognized that by the way Sirius had slurred. And if that were true, Sirius was responsible for the damage to the house as well. Remus tucked his wand away and started to shake his head as he entered the small library.
"What happened?" he asked, and stopped when he saw Sirius on the ground, slouched against the wall at the back, his face buried in his hands. Remus sighed. He knew what this was about. "Malfoy?"
"He's not married to Narcissa anymore. He tried to tell me he wanted me back. How could he even think I would agree?"
"Because it's obvious to anyone who really knows you that you still have feelings for him."
"Remus, I can't do that again. You know what happened to me after he dropped me. I can't do that again."
Remus sat next to Sirius and threw an arm around his friend. Dammit, he knew this was going to happen. As soon as Harry and Draco had become a couple, he knew this would eventually happen. What was he supposed to say? How was he supposed to comfort Sirius when he knew his best mate wanted Malfoy back? And apparently Lucius still wanted Sirius. But for how long? If Remus knew Malfoy better, he would have been able to determine whether the Slytherin was serious, and he might have told Sirius to give it a try, but…. Remus suddenly sat up straighter.
"Sirius, if you knew Lucius was being serious and wasn't looking for a short term thing, would you consider getting back together with him?"
"What are you saying? Do you want me back together with him?"
"I don't like him. Never trusted him. But if it means that you'll be happy, then yes, that's what I'm saying."
"How am I supposed to trust him again?"
"Make some demands, Sirius. You need to take charge now that you have the option."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this from you!"
"He made you happy once! Even I can't deny that!"
"No, it's not going to happen." Sirius grabbed the Firewhiskey bottle and prepared to ignore the world. Remus sighed and rose, he would make Sirius some coffee and maybe then the Animagus would think reasonably.
Two hours, a lot of coffee, and a shower later, Sirius was cursing himself as he brushed the ash off his robes after having just flooed back to Malfoy Manor. He'd gone and left his wand with Lucius! He was reasonably sober now and more calm, and figured he could deal with Lucius for a couple more minutes. And hopefully maybe he wouldn't have to see Luce at all while he was there. He would also try and find Harry so that he wouldn't worry when he found out Sirius was no longer living there.
He briskly walked to Lucius' study and didn't knock before walking in. He was immediately hit with the smell of alcohol, and the office was in far worse shape than it had been before he left. It looked liked Lucius had continued the destruction after Sirius had left. Sirius shut the door and leaned back against it. Lucius must have really been upset to lose so much control that he would have blasted his office apart. Even his priceless books had been thrown around and pages were ripped from them. Sirius knew how much Lucius coveted those books, which was why he kept them locked away in the study.
There was really only one thing in the study that looked to be undamaged. That being his wand. Sirius approached the desk and reached out to grasp it, and noticed the paper his wand had been sitting on. He picked that up, flipped it over, and nearly dropped it. It was a picture, an old one. Taken near the end of their sixth year. At that time, they had long since been an established couple. He and Lucius were sitting by the lake at Hogwarts, smiling at the camera, and then smiling at each other.
Lucius' hair had been up before the picture was taken, but Sirius remembered snatching the hair tie away so that Lucius' hair would fly around him in the brisk April wind. He watched as his picture self grasped Lucius' chin firmly and brought him in for a kiss, with his blond hair swirling around the both of them. Lucius pulled away moments later with the brightest smile anyone had ever seen a Malfoy wear. Sirius had to admit that he hadn't seen Lucius smile like that since the day before they broke up.
However, his attention was not caught by the images themselves, because he had memorized that picture so that it was always in his mind. What struck his heart was the fact the picture had obviously been handled many times over the years. If Lucius had forgotten him, like he naturally assumed, why did the picture look like Lucius had handled it every day since their breakup?
The memory of what happened right after that picture was taken barged to the front of his mind suddenly. He had grabbed Lucius, carried him bridal style to the lake, and then threw him in it. Sirius ran after that, dodging curses left and right, laughing all the way back to the castle. He snorted, thinking about all the death promises Lucius had yelled after him with. Sirius peered at the picture once more and came to a decision. He would take Remus' advice and everything would be determined on how Lucius reacted.
He jumped back from the desk when a groan came from beneath it. When all remained silent, Sirius moved forward and peered under the desk and found his ex lover sprawled on the floor, clutching an empty bottle to his chest. "Gods, Lucius! You git! You know you can't hold that much liquor." Sirius bent down and wrapped Lucius' arm around his neck, then hauled the unconscious Slytherin to his feet, but Lucius was in no state to stand on his own so he sagged against Sirius' side.
"Go way, whoever you are. I'm trying to die," Lucius mumbled, his head rolling to the side unrestrained.
"By the way you look, I'd say it's working." Sirius held onto the arm around his neck and threw an arm around his waist. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up. You would hate for anyone to see you like this."
They walked to Lucius' rooms in silence. Sirius was thinking about what he was going to say to the blond while Lucius was too drunk to realize where he was or who was carting him, so he let his mind shut down until he felt himself shoved into the shower, clothes and all, and ice cold water showered down upon him. Sirius sat down and grinned at the curses and yells coming from the shower stall.
"You good now? I don't have to worry about you drowning?" Sirius called from where he sat on the lidded toilet seat.
Lucius hurriedly turned the water to warm and started stripping off his clothes, trying his best not to stumble while doing so and verbally cursed Sirius. "My robes are ruined, you ingrate!" he shouted and threw the wet clothes out of the shower. Sirius laughed and kicked them into a pile before going over to throw open the door and wait for the blond in his bedroom.
Sirius had to wait an hour before Lucius came out again. One bloody fucking hour!
"What the hell were you doing in there for an hour? You're not even dressed yet."
Lucius, dressed in nothing but a black silk robe, ignored Sirius and went into a walk-in closet that could have doubled for another bedroom. "Why are you here?" he finally found the nerve to ask. "You've made your decision."
"I have more to say."
Lucius slowly walked out of the closet and looked at Sirius with a blank mask; his eyes had gone back to the cold gray he presented to the world. "You've made your decision," he said again. "It would be best if you left."
"No, Luce." Sirius approached the Slytherin and was happy to see Lucius twitch nervously and start to back away. "It seems our roles have finally reversed. As it should be."
Lucius stopped backing away and firmly planted himself where he was, only moving when he had to crane his neck back to look up into Sirius' arctic blue eyes. He was surprised to see the Animagus was amused. "What do you want?"
"I want you, obviously."
"That is not what you said before."
"You want me, Luce?"
"I'm not going to say it again," Lucius sneered. "I've degraded myself more than enough for one day."
"Say it again," Sirius ordered lowly. Lucius tried to back away, but Sirius grabbed his shoulder to keep him in place.
"Yes, alright! I want you. I want you today, tomorrow, and forever! Does that satisfy you?"
"It does, yes. Lucius, the only way I'll give you another chance is if you marry me."
"I…WHAT?"
"Marry me, now. That's the only way I'll come back to you."
Lucius frowned."We can't get married right now. What would Draco say?"
"Draco would probably say it's about time. Besides, he wouldn't have a problem with it, as he's already preparing to marry Harry."
"How do you know that?"
"He gave Harry the necklace. Harry told me about it, though he has no idea what it signifies. Draco has yet to tell him what it means. And anyway, this isn't about Draco or Harry. This is about us. You want me? Then you will marry me. And when I say now I mean now, Lucius."
"But we can't just get married without any planning!"
That wasn't a no, Sirius thought in jubilation. It was a 'Lucius is blindsided and needs time to plan out every detail' yes. "Fine, Lucius, if that's your decision." Sirius turned and began to walk towards the door. He knew if he looked back he would have seen Lucius' eyes swirling with indecision. He walked a little slower. Sometimes it took Lucius a while to figure out what would be best.
"Yes! All right, come back. I will marry you."
"Today?" Sirius asked, still facing the door.
Lucius sighed. "Tomorrow. You have to at least give me until tomorrow. I haven't anything to wear, I need to make arrangements, and-"
Sirius had Lucius in his arms within seconds. "You're such a woman, Luce. Fine then. You'll have until tomorrow." Lucius allowed Sirius to kiss him, but when Sirius tried to push the robe off his pale shoulders, Lucius pulled away.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait."
"Wait? I don't know the meaning of the word. And besides, it's been over a decade, and I want you on that bed now."
"You've demanded a wedding tomorrow. You can wait." Lucius was very firm, and moved around Sirius to go into the closet once more, leaving a grumbling, but relatively happy Sirius in his wake.
Harry and Draco were eating an early lunch in the kitchen, trying to ignore Hermione, who couldn't stop badgering them about their new powers. There was only the three of them in the kitchen as Hermione had chased away all the house-elves within five minutes of walking in.
Everyone thought Harry would have been in an awful state when he came out of the Pensieve, but in fact, he seemed to have come out of the Pensieve empowered and more resolved. He'd immediately pushed the pain away, thinking about all the things that were right in his life, so that now he could joke around and flirt with Draco and laugh at Hermione's attempts at helping the house-elves.
He witnessed what happened. He understood that Dumbledore had fucked up more than just his life, but the lives of his uncle and his new friend, Tom Riddle. Severus had told him about Dumbledore's plans for Tom long before Tom had begun to think of himself as a Dark Lord. Everything could have been avoided; all the death and pain, if it weren't for one man's manipulations.
Harry still had no idea what it was Dumbledore was after in the long run. So Harry had gathered all his hate, anger, and pain and pushed it back, away for when he decided it would be the right time to release it. He wasn't the only one who deserved revenge and he planned to see that everyone who had been affected by Dumbledore's actions had a part to play in his ultimate downfall.
"You should have seen it, Harry! Draco walked around in a circle, his wand pointed to the ground. Wherever he pointed to, the ground started to smoke. Then when we got into the smoking circle, he clapped his hands and we were gone. It was like Apparating and using a port key at the same time, except you weren't left with any nasty side effects. It was brilliant."
"Hermione, everything I do is brilliant. You don't have to keep reminding him. He knows."
"Please stop feeding his ego," Harry returned. "And besides, I know how the circle works. I know the same way he knew." He went back to chewing his sandwich, but suddenly stopped and looked up, a grin spreading across his face. Hermione looked at Draco, and found the same look on his face as well.
"That didn't take long at all!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yeah. Not sure Father has ever been this happy."
"Ahem… mind telling me what you're talking about?"
"Sirius and Lucius have finally resolved their differences and I presume, by the happy feelings buzzing around in my head, that they've gotten together again. In one way or the other."
"Really? You can feel their emotions now?"
"Seems we can't feel each other anymore, but when other people around us have a very strong emotion, we're receptive to it."
Hermione pulled out a soft cover journal and a muggle pen from her robes, ignoring the incredulous looks coming from across the table, and began to jot down notes.
"Mione, what are you doing?"
"I'm writing down everything that I learn about you two."
"You can't show that to anyone," Harry said in a deadly calm voice that made Hermione pause and look up. "We can't allow you to show anyone what you discover."
"However, you can write what you learn about us, but you have to swear never to show it to anyone who is not a Ukatae," Draco went on.
"Really?"
Both Ukatae nodded, and Hermione recognized that they were serious. "I will abide by your wishes then. I won't show anyone." But she looked like her cat had just died. "You really are Ukatae now, aren't you? You two aren't the same."
"I'm sorry, Hermione," Harry said soothingly. "But we have to protect our kind."
"I understand." Then she perked up. "I feel honored that you two will allow me to document what I see. I swear not to let this be seen by anyone else besides you two and myself. I'll put as many privacy spells on this book as I can find just to be sure."
"Thanks, Hermione."
"But what about everything everyone has already seen you two do? How are you going to keep that a secret?"
"We haven't really done all that much that hasn't been recorded before. We'll just have to watch what we do from now on," Draco said, looking at Harry who nodded in agreement.
"And we can always modify a person's memory if we think they have seen too much."
Just then a house-elf popped in. "Master Draco, Master Harry?"
"What is it?"
"You don't have to call me Master," Harry began.
"Oh, yes sir! Tinky does have to call Master Harry, Master Harry. You is-"
"What is your message?" Draco asked quickly, and Hermione shot him a questioning look.
"Oh yes! Master Lucius and Master Sirius is asking for you to be ready to travel in half an hour."
"Master Sirius?"
"Yes, young Master!" Tinky clapped her hands and bounced on her toes in excitement. "They is now engaged, Master Draco!"
"WHAT?" Both Draco and Harry shot up from their seats.
"When did this happen?" Harry wondered.
"Tinky is not knowing, Master Harry."
"Must have happened just now. They don't move slowly, do they?" Draco said.
"I already told you, you don't have to call me that."
"But we do, Master Harry!"
"All right, Tinky. Thank you for the message. You may go," Draco said, quickly shooing the house elf away. Tinky bowed then popped out. Harry turned to Draco.
"What was all that about? What's up with the Master Harry stuff?"
"I'll tell you later. Let's go find out where we're going."
"Draco, I want you to tell me now. Why do your elves have to call me master now?"
Draco looked at Hermione for some help but she only shrugged, no doubt wanting it to be explained to her as well. Though she did have a slight smirk on her face, and Draco assumed she had a guess. He sighed and took Harry's hand.
"All right. You know that necklace I gave you?"
"Yes."
"Well basically, the moment it disappeared into your skin, you went up onto the Malfoy family tree as my intended spouse."
Draco looked away, afraid of the reaction he would get. He knew Harry didn't like when people took control of his life, but Draco had been desperate to label Harry as his in a more physical and permanent way.
"You could have just told me. Did you really think I wouldn't want that? Merlin, you're an idiot and a sneaky Slytherin bastard." Harry just grinned at Draco's surprised look. "It's fun not being able to feel your emotions. Seeing that look on your face is priceless."
Draco grumbled and threw an arm around Harry's shoulders. "Whatever. And you're the idiot Gryffindor here."
Harry winked at Hermione as they all walked out of the kitchen. "And anyway, if all that's true about the necklace, doesn't that mean we're engaged as well?"
"Yeah, I guess that's what it means."
Harry stopped and looked at him seriously. "Where's my ring then? I want a ring, Draco. And I want you to ask me properly as well."
Hermione tried to keep from laughing at the astonished and perhaps rather fearful expressions crossing Draco's face, but it was a losing battle and she ended up having to cover her mouth with her hands to hold in most of the laughter. Both Ukatae looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"I'm sorry. Romantic and personal moment and all that. I'll go. But I just wanted to say goodbye before I left."
"Where are you going?"
"Home to stay with my parents for a little while. Since they aren't in any danger from Voldemort anymore. I miss them, and…I can't stay here anymore."
Harry knew the real reason why she was leaving, and nodded. "But don't stay away too much."
"Harry, school will be starting soon. It's not like you won't see me. And besides, I know Draco will keep you busy and you still have Ginny here."
"She's not going to want to stay if you're gone."
"Well then. Draco will have you all to himself, wont he."
"Excellent," Draco said, and drew his mate closer for an impromptu kiss that Harry seemed to want.
Hermione stood there, tapped her foot and waited for it to end. Waited. And waited… "Um, hello! I haven't gone yet."
Sirius came running up then and dragged Harry away from Draco. "Lucius wants to go to Paris for shopping. I refuse to go without you, Harry."
"No! I don't want to go! I've seen all those shops…"
"Sirius? Have something to tell us? About you and my father?"
Instead of looking embarrassed like Harry assumed he would be, Sirius nodded and grinned. "Lucius is going to marry me. Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Three shrill voices echoed throughout the hallway. Sirius grinned and nodded.
"But you can't get married tomorrow! There's too much to do! What will we wear?"
"I think that's why Luce is planning on going to Paris. You don't mind, do you, Draco? I mean, about me marrying your father?"
Draco looked pleased that Sirius wanted his blessing, and he immediately held out his hand for the Animagus to take. "Of course not. Maybe you can keep my father in line."
"Oh yeah." Sirius nodded and grinned lecherously. "I know quite a few ways which includes a whip and some rope and-"
"That will be quite enough," Lucius said coldly, joining the group. His cheeks looked suspiciously pink. "Draco, we're going shopping."
"Of course."
"I'm not going," Harry stated.
"That's fine, Harry. We still have to make another trip before school starts anyway," Lucius said and smiled when both Harry and Sirius groaned.
"Well I obviously can't leave now. There is too much to do. I'll call Mrs. Weasley. She'll help me get everything ready by tomorrow."
"Excellent idea, Hermione." The witch looked surprised that Lucius had used her first name, but she smiled and nodded at him. "And you may of course throw out the Malfoy name and our Galleons to get whatever you need. Spare no expense." Lucius withdrew a pouch and handed it to the astonished witch.
"It's a Never-Ending pouch!"
"Yes. Connected straight to one of my vaults. Don't let Miss Weasley get a hold of that," he warned.
"You're going to trust me with this?" she asked incredulously.
"Of course. These three trust you, why not I?"
"Better run now, Father. Before she cries and throws herself into your arms."
Lucius only saved himself by quickly standing behind his fiancé. Sirius didn't mind and hugged the happily crying witch while grinning madly at Harry and Draco.
When Draco and his father left for Paris, Hermione immediately went in search of Ginny and then they went to the Burrow. Sirius and Harry moved on to the library where Voldemort was ensconced in his reading.
"Oi, Tom! I need Pettigrew. Sirius is getting married tomorrow and I want him married a free and clear man."
"Of course, Harry."
"Well, um…thanks then Voldemort," Sirius said grudgingly.
"You are welcome, Black. And I believe congratulations are in order." Harry grinned at Sirius' almost permanent gob smacked expression when the Dark Lord stood up and held his hand out to his godfather.
"It's rude to keep me waiting, Black. Generally one takes the hand that is held out to him."
Harry nudged Sirius. "Er…Right. Thanks." Sirius shook Voldemort's hand and refrained from commenting on how weird it was.
"Maybe now Lucius will get his head out of the clouds and will be able to focus more on his tasks."
Immediately Sirius' look darkened. "If you put so much as one blond hair from his head in danger, I will find a way to destroy you. Got that?"
Voldemort's eyes flashed a dangerous red. "And what do you plan to do then, Black?"
"I will do anything to protect what's mine. Lucius, Harry, and Draco included."
"That's right!" Harry said, beaming. "Draco's going to be your step son now." And then he peered between the two. "Both of you calm down. And Sirius, you have to remember, Lucius is still a Death Eater."
"Whatever, I meant what I said. Not one hair!" And with that, Sirius stomped out of the library. Harry sighed and turned back to the smirking Dark Lord.
"Do you enjoy getting a rise out of people, Tom?"
"Yes I do. Since you've come around, Harry, I've been having a grand time. And I suppose it helps that I discovered what spell Dumbledore used on me and was able to disable it."
"You have? That's brilliant."
"Well it was deteriorating anyway. That's probably why I've regained my senses."
"Also good news. Now, where have you been keeping my good friend Peter? I want to bring him into the Ministry myself."
"He's in the dungeon with Bella. Being together is more than enough torture. I must say I'm a bit disappointed that I have to let Bellatrix go. She's a wonderful Death Eater."
"Yes well…You'll do much better without that psychopath causing more chaos. Do you really think she's going to like that fact that you are now sane and not intent on ridding the world of Muggles?"
"No I suppose not. And a deal is a deal. By the way, I'm not sure going to the Ministry yourself is a good idea. I've heard from my sources within that Kingsley has a small warrant out for you."
"Does he?" Harry was really surprised by this. "And what about Draco?"
"No. Not yet."
"That's good. I'll still be going. I have a feeling when they get Pettigrew, I'll be able to work out some sort of deal."
"Do be careful, Harry."
"You sound as if you care about my well being, Tom. I'm touched." Harry grinned cheekily.
"Stop flashing that smile around. It really is quite blinding. It makes people forget things…."
"Really? Do you find me attractive?" His smile grew brighter and he rounded the table and was amused when Voldemort backed away from him.
"You are a Ukatae now…Full of power. Of course I find you attractive. Anyone with a beating heart would."
Harry covered his mouth in mock shock. "You have a heart?"
"You will cease with this mockery. Stop flirting with me or I'll tell Draco."
"You're just no fun, Tom. Come on, I want you to go down to the dungeons with me. The look on both Peter and Bella's faces when you tell them they are mine…I'll want to remember it always."
Voldemort watched as Harry's smile turned malevolent and even he had to admit it made him quite a bit nervous.
They went down to the dungeons, and once inside, Harry had to fight the temptation to cover his nose and mouth. The place smelt like a combination of vomit, urine, and feces. "Really, Lucius should get the house-elves to clean up down here. It's disgusting!"
"It's a dungeon. It is not supposed to be clean."
"But I can smell every little thing…" Harry whined.
"Desist in your complaining," Voldemort muttered and pushed the Ukatae into the cell holding Lestrange and Pettigrew.
"Master! Oh, Master I knew you would come!" Bellatrix jumped up from her position in a corner where she was chained up and tried to run to Voldemort, but had to stop several feet away due to the chains around her wrists. "McNair and Parkinson did this!" she hissed. "You must give me permission to seek my revenge!"
"Hush now, Bella," Voldemort said, walking to stand in front of her. He ran one long pale finger down her cheek. "Were you not told why you were brought down here?"
"No, my Lord! It must be a mistake, whatever it is. I have done nothing wrong. I have fulfilled all my duties to you and more."
"I'm afraid that you no longer belong to me." Voldemort stepped away; enjoying the incredulous look the witch was giving him. "You now belong to Mr. Potter."
"WHAT?" she screeched and looked over to where Harry was standing, studying the cowering Pettigrew. "But you can't mean it! What have I done to deserve this, my Lord?"
"You've done good work for me but I need something from Harry and he asked for you and Pettigrew in return. I, of course, had no problem with giving you two up."
At this declaration, Bella started to wail and Peter shrunk more into himself where he'd curled up into a ball. "That's right, Pettigrew. You're mine now." Harry pointed his wand at Pettigrew and forced him into his Animagus form and froze him. He conjured a steel box and locked the rat inside.
"You should feel lucky, Aunt Trix." Harry grinned when Bella hissed at him. "At least I don't plan to drop you off at the Ministry." At that Bella went silent and stared at him as he approached.
"You've changed. Again." Harry grinned and stood toe to toe with her, and didn't flinch when she leaned forward; though he did quirk an eyebrow when she began to sniff him. He was happy to note that he was now taller than her. "You smell like a Malfoy." She didn't make it sound like a compliment, but Harry grinned and took it as such.
"Well thank you."
"He will be a Malfoy soon enough," Voldemort said as way of goodbye, and exited the cell.
"But my lord…"
Harry hissed and grabbed her chin roughly, bringing her dark surprised eyes back to his. "I am your lord now, Bellatrix Lestrange. If you want to live longer, I suggest you get used to it."
Harry spun around, with the steel box securely under his arm, and strolled out of the dungeon cell, leaving a shell shocked Death Eater behind. He really wished to know how Severus was always able to get his robes to billow out around him. It had a great dramatic effect that would have been perfect at that point.
"I am your lord now?"
"What? I thought it was a nice touch. Too much?" Voldemort said nothing, and Harry understood. "Oh come on. We all know you, Tom Riddle, are Lord Voldemort. If you're worried I'm trying to take over as you, I'm not. But Draco and myself are your partners, correct? We need some standing with the Death Eaters or we will not be taken seriously."
Voldemort sighed and nodded. "You make sense. And perhaps three lords are better than one."
"See, I knew you were smart." Harry grinned and patted the Dark Lord on his skinny arm.
Harry glamoured himself so that his ears shrunk down to what they looked like before the transformation, but he kept his height and his fangs the way they were, then he and Sirius Apparated into a dark alley a block away from the Ministry and walked the rest of the way to the telephone box. Once they were both in, as well as Pettigrew in his cage, Harry shut the door and dialed the word M-A-G-I-C from the number pad.
"State your business," a disembodied voice of a female ordered.
"Two visitors to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. We have a prisoner to drop off."
A moment went by and then two visitor badges appeared, names unknown printed on them. Harry snorted. "The security here is sadly lacking," he replied once the lift started to take them down.
"Or maybe not," Sirius muttered when the lift doors opened and dozens of wands were pointed at them.
"Harry Potter and Sirius Black, you are under arrest under the order of…"
"Blah blah blah. Just get me Shacklebolt will you," Harry said loudly. "I have someone he's been looking for. It's not Sirius Black. And we'll come peacefully. Don't even think about touching me." He stared at the Auror in front of him darkly. The wizard was smart enough to take a step back. As Harry and Sirius moved out of the lift, their wands were freely given over, and a tight nit group of Aurors circled the two as they moved through the Atrium and to the main lift.
They were taken to the second level, and attracted quite a lot of attention. Harry smiled and waved at Arthur Weasley after the man had heard all the commotion and poked his head out of his office to see what all the noise was about.
"Harry! Sirius! What are you two doing here? Move aside!" In a surprising move of strength, Ron's father shouldered his way past the circle of Aurors to fall in step beside Sirius. "What could have brought you two here? You must have known you are both wanted. Sirius! This was very reckless! Molly will have your-"
"We've brought Pettigrew," Harry broke in. "I want Sirius free before he marries Lucius."
Arthur began to nod, and then stopped moving all together. He quickly ran to catch up again. "Marry? Lucius Malfoy? Sirius?"
"It's okay, Arthur. We'll explain everything tonight. After I'm free," Sirius said. Arthur nodded.
"This is as far as we'll allow you to go, Arthur."
"I'll be waiting right out here for you, boys. I'll have Molly notified."
"That's okay, Mr. Weasley. We'll be fine."
"And Molly is busy helping Hermione and Ginny plan the wedding." Sirius grinned and walked into Kingsley's office, with three Aurors in tow.
"B-but… it's Lucius Malfoy," Arthur stuttered, watching the two disappear into Kingsley's office.
"You have some nerve just waltzing in here like this, the both of you," Kingsley said, rising from his chair. He would have said more, but Harry dropped the steel box on his desk. "What's this?"
"It's Peter Pettigrew," Harry answered and crossed his arms over his chest.
Harry, it has been brought to my attention that you have gone TO THE MINISTRY!
"How in the hell did he find that out?" Harry wondered aloud.
"Pardon?"
"Oh, I just have Draco yelling at me. Excuse me while I speak to him. Sirius, you can explain." Harry moved away from the desk to stare out of the fabricated window while he conversed with his irate lover. We've brought Pettigrew in. Sirius deserves to be free before he marries your father.
You didn't have to go yourself!
Calm down, Draco. We're fine.
And how do you expect to leave once Sirius has been cleared? You are still wanted.
Harry frowned. How was Draco discovering these things? He only found out earlier himself.
I'll be fine. I promise. My warrant is for something stupid. He can't keep me here. I don't have a Dark Mark, and I really didn't do anything illegal. Kingsley was just pissed that you got away. Draco's mental sigh made him grin. Have fun with Lucius. I'll see you later. I promise.
Fine, Harry. But be careful. Another pause. I'm not used to saying that so much. You're turning me into a Hufflepuff!
Hey Draco?
What?
I love you.
Draco didn't verbally reply, but Harry was soon wrapped up in a warm mental embrace, and then he started to blush when that embrace turned a little frisky. He was surprised they could still do things like that when their emotions were blocked from each other; but as Draco was doing a bang up job of turning him on, he wasn't going to complain or worry about that.
"Harry!" Startled, the Gryffindor turned to find all eyes on him. He masked his embarrassment and returned to stand beside Sirius. "Open the box, please."
"Gladly. Wands ready. He really is a rat." Harry waved his hand, since the Aurors still had his wand, and vanished the box. Oh yes, he could get used to feeling other people's shock. It was an addicting rush.
Immediately when the box vanished, the rat's shorts legs began moving rapidly, and scratching noises were the only thing heard in the silent room. Harry waved his hand again, and Peter Pettigrew in his wizard form scrambled right over the side of the desk and landed with a groan. He whimpered when four wands were pointed in his face.
"Get up," Kingsley ordered.
"Blimey, it really is Peter Pettigrew. How did he survive?" the first Auror said.
"He's the one who blew those people up!" Sirius shouted and stepped towards the cowering Animagus.
"I don't believe it," said the second Auror. "This is just a trick you've concocted. Everyone knows how insane Black is, and everyone has been talking about how Harry Potter has lost his mind."
"Yes, and everyone knows everything the Prophet reports is the truth," Harry spat back.
"It could be Polyjuice Potion…" the third Auror suggested, but Kingsley was shaking his head.
"Not likely, Roche. This man is missing a finger. And you know Pettigrew's finger was the only thing that remained after that explosion. If it were Polyjuice, then whatever part of Pettigrew that was used for the potion would have had to been taken before his death, before he lost his finger, and the person under the Polyjuice would not have a missing finger. You turn into the state the person looks like at the time the part of them is taken. This is Pettigrew." Kingsley studied Pettigrew for a moment, and then looked at the Aurors. "Take him to interrogation. I want Veritaserum in him immediately. And bring me the dropped charges forms."
"But sir…" the second Auror began.
"Now, Dodson! Sirius Black will be released a free man as soon as Pettigrew talks."
"Make sure you don't lose the rat on the way to interrogation, or it's your arse!" Sirius barked at the backs of the retreating Aurors. He then he sighed and sank down into a chair. "Now then, about this stupid warrant you have out for my godson, Kingsley."
Kingsley sat down as well and rubbed his temples. "You lot are giving me so much trouble."
"I don't see how. We were at that house because of my Inheritance. I didn't ask that anyone be there besides Draco. You had no right to be there and try to apprehend anyone because there was no way you could have known who was inside. On top of that, I was protecting my fiancées property. No court in the world will say that you were in the right. But please do try. It might be amusing." Harry laughed on with an air of indifference.
Sirius leant over to whisper in his ear. "Forget Draco, clearly Lucius has been rubbing off on you."
"Harry, I can't let you out of here without asking you some questions."
"Kingsley, in case you didn't know, Sirius is getting married tomorrow. I don't have time to linger here."
"You can't go without being questioned," Kingsley said in a voice that brooked no arguments. But Harry wasn't intimidated, and he withdrew a vial and held it up for the Auror to see.
"Perhaps we can make a deal."
"What's that?"
"A Pensieve memory."
"It sure was nice of Kingsley to provide an escort for us through Diagon Alley, don't you think?" Sirius asked as they headed towards Gringotts.
He looked up at the soggy gray sky and breathed in the London air as a free and clear wizard. They had already visited the barbers, as Sirius wanted his hair to reflect his mood, so he got it cut short. If that hadn't been an indication to Harry as to how happy his godfather was, then the permanent broad grin gracing Sirius' face would have been.
"He really had no choice when you refused to wait a day before going out in public. Think of all the people who would try to capture you themselves without these Aurors to back them off. Just more problems for Kingsley to have had to deal with." Harry looked over his shoulder at the two Aurors trailing them, and snickered. They didn't look happy at all having to basically baby-sit him and Sirius.
"Ah, cheer up, mates. It's not so bad. We'll take you to the Leaky Cauldron for a couple of pints after this," he called back to them. One Auror grinned while the other frowned.
"No thank you. We are on duty," Dodson said with a sniff.
"But we won't be in fifteen minutes. Then its overtime. And a pint sounds good right about now." This came from the other Auror, Roche.
"Come on, Dodson. I know you're upset that that turned out to really be Pettigrew, and that you didn't get a chance to interrogate me, but just think how I feel," Sirius said and dropped back so he was standing next to the morose Auror. "I was locked up in Azkaban for thirteen years, and I was innocent. You heard Pettigrew confess! And don't act like you're not interested in seeing what Harry Potter is really up to…"
Up ahead, Harry rolled his eyes and then grinned when he spied one of the Weasley twins exiting Gringotts as he, Sirius, and the Aurors began to climb the steps. "Oi, Fred!"
Fred looked over and did a double take, and then he stopped and stared, his jaw hanging wide open. "Harry!" Fred shook himself awake and rushed over to give his friend a hug. "Wow, you look great! You're almost as tall as me now! Taller than Ron for sure. You and Draco doing okay?"
"Yeah, better then okay. Sirius' name has been cleared." Harry pointed over to the man easily making friends with the Aurors. Sirius even had Dodson laughing by then.
"Is that Sirius? What happened to him? He looks handsome again. Back to looking like he used to before Azkaban. Mum had some pictures of him before that happened."
"He's happy now. He's got his man and is getting married tomorrow," Harry explained, and Fred started to nod.
"Ginny and Hermione came by earlier and told us the news. Unfortunately Ron was there so he knows too."
"Is he at your shop now?" Fred nodded. "Let's go visit then. Sirius, I'm going to the twins shop."
"'K, Harry. 'Ello Fred."
Fred whistled back at him, and then grinned when the Animagus waved him off with a grin, and then dragged Dodson into the bank, while Auror Roche went on with Harry and Fred.
"Why do you two have Aurors trailing you?" Fred asked Harry.
"Kingsley thought it would save him trouble if we had some Aurors to protect us out in public until news of Pettigrew's capture could be reported."
"Is Sirius really marrying Malfoy?"
"Yes."
He and Harry dashed into the store and away from the door. Poor Roche strolled through the door, and a moment later, was seen barging to the front of the store sporting two gray bunny ears, a fluffy white tail, and a pink tutu. And when he came up to berate the unrepentant owner of the shop, instead of his voice, they heard a very loud lion's roar.
"I guess that's three pints I owe you now," Harry said, grinning widely.
"I heard a roar! Who'd you get this time…?" The sound of Ron's voice trailed off as he came from the back and spotted Harry. A sneer immediately graced his face.
"Potter."
"Nice look. Almost beats Draco's although unlike him, it makes you ugly," Harry told him before he turned his back on Ron to ignore him, knowing that would anger the redhead.
"What the hell are you doing? You shouldn't be here!"
Harry turned around with a forced smile. It was probably a mistake coming over to face Ron. It's the first time he'd seen the red head since coming out to him. The first time since when Ron told him no one wanted him around. And that anger was starting to surface. Odd how he only felt anger and no lingering regret. Ronald Weasley had made his choice and Harry wasn't going to cry over spilled milk. He had too much to think about and frankly his life was full of people who loved and supported him. That support coming from the most unlikely people. He didn't need Ron and he'd be damned if he would regret losing him. And on a brighter note, he was very pleased to see he was taller than the arse now.
He walked right up to Ron so that the redhead could see how tall he had become, and Harry enjoyed the fear Ron was transmitting when he caught sight of this and of Harry's fangs. "I don't recall seeing a sign forbidding dark haired wizards from entering, and as I'm a stock holder, I have every right to be here, Ron."
"You're not even a wizard anymore, are you?"
Harry smirked, surprising Ron. "No, I'm something better."
"And I bet it's true that you have joined You-Know-Who!" Ron turned to Roche, who was back to normal by that time. "Why haven't you arrested him yet? Severus Snape told Alastor Moody that Potter had joined forces with You-Know-Who. He should be locked up!" George came out from the back then and rolled his eyes behind Ron.
"Is that true?" Roche asked Harry, though he knew whatever the answer, he really couldn't do a thing about it. Harry turned and grinned, but did not directly answer the question.
"I got it, Harry. We can go now," Sirius said, running in. Pushing Dodson in front of him and away from the door.
"How come you just let me get hit by their prank?" Roche wanted to know, and glared at the twins who were snickering.
"It was funny," he replied. "And now you'll be prepared for next time."
"If there is a next time," Roche muttered.
"Oh, come on. It was all good fun," George said, and threw an arm around the annoyed Auror.
"Tell you what. Since you're protecting our Harry and Sirius from those who would try and mistreat them," here George glared at his younger brother. "You can pick any item out you want and we'll give it to you for free!"
"Really?" Roche perked up and his eyes scanned around the store. Harry found it funny that the Auror perked up like a child at a toy store. Though that was exactly what Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes was. A toy store for kids and adults.
"Yeah, no problem. Anything you want," Fred agreed.
"Not now, you won't. We're still on duty," Dodson replied and his partner gave a reluctant nod, even though there were only five minutes left until their shifts were over.
"No problem, mate. You can come back anytime," George said. Roche perked up.
"That's great. Thanks."
"See you blokes later. Ron, see you at school."
"Do you really think Dumbledore is going to let you back into Hogwarts?" Ron called out as they left.
"He may not even be there this year. And if he is, he can't keep me from completing my last year. Don't worry, you'll be seeing me."
"I'd rather not!"
"It's too bad I don't care what you want anymore, isn't it?"
"So did you get all that out of your system, pup?" Sirius asked as they made their exit from the shop.
"Fraid not. I feel…tense. Disappointed? I don't know. I wanted him to do something. It's pretty easy to ignore when he opens his mouth to spout off. I really don't know what I'm feeling."
"Hey, I understand. You want to beat the shite out of him. Suits me fine."
"Beating Ron up wouldn't solve anything, and I really don't think that would make me feel better, Padfoot."
"Trust me. It would." Sirius gave a sharp nod for emphasis, then turned back to their Aurors who were keeping back a respectable distance. "So tell me, which memory was it that you gave Kingsley?"
"The one where Dumbledore visited my parents in the morning. It will cause Dumbledore problems even if it doesn't show him doing anything illegal and Kingsley knows there is another one. He'll be asking Dumbledore a lot of questions. I didn't want Kingsley to see the other yet, because I don't want Dumbledore getting thrown into Azkaban where we can't touch him."
Sirius nodded then turned to the Aurors. "Let's go to the Leaky Cauldron. I wanna drink."
Draco and his father returned to Malfoy Manor at half past eleven, and they ran into Sirius who was only out wandering the halls sneering at the portraits. He had taken over an hour to stand in front of Lucius' father's portrait to gloat at the old man, who continued to throw threats at the Animagus even after Lucius came up and pulled Sirius away.
"You're spoiling all my fun. The least you could do is let me torture the painting since the old man went and died before I could do it in person."
"You cut your hair," Draco noticed, and then raised an eyebrow when his father smirked.
"Well yes. I felt it was time. Besides, Luce likes it when it's short. Don't you?" Lucius began to nod, but was surprised when Sirius pushed him into a shadowed corner and began to molest his lips. Sirius reached back and shoved Draco away, and took a moment to say, "Harry's in bed already. He was run down by the time we got back."
Draco nodded, took one last amused look at how his father had turned into complete putty under Sirius' skillful moves, shook his head, and moved on. If he witnessed any more he would probably be traumatized for a very long time. Besides, he had a yearning for his mate.
On his way to the large elaborate staircase, Draco passed the library and paused when he heard voices. He peeked into the brightly lit library, and held back a chuckle. Molly Weasley was inside, surrounded by the dozens of Malfoy house-elves, giving them orders regarding tomorrow night's wedding ceremony like a general to her army. Hermione and Ginny stood off to the side, with Hermione looking like she wanted to say something about the house-elves. But she stood silently, her lips pressed into a thin line, and she was giving Mrs. Weasley a small scowl now and then. Shaking his head, Draco ducked out before he could be pulled into their plans and hurried to his bedroom.
Harry had left some light on for him before going to bed, which made Draco smile. He looked over and found his Gryffindor curled up in bed, the light reflecting off a pale arm and shoulder splayed across Draco's pillow. At first, during the Inheritance, Draco had thought Harry would remain tanned, but by the end, Harry had come out paler. Not as pale as Draco, but enough that his hair, eyes, and lips stood out in a pleasing way.
Draco doused the lights as he could see perfectly well in the dark and began to undress. He looked over when Harry began to whimper in his sleep and frowned. He stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed, pulling Harry against him, relieved when the whimpers immediately stopped. And then he was struck dumb when he realized Harry was completely nude.
Harry's eyes opened slowly and moved a hand to brush Draco's hair away from his silver eyes, and a sleepy smile spread across his face when he caught the hot look in his lover's eyes.
"You're back."
"Obviously. Were you having a nightmare?"
"Don't know. Can't remember. Why?"
"You were whimpering in your sleep."
"Maybe I was just missing you."
Draco stared at Harry for a moment. Large green eyes were partly hidden by his hair and blinking drowsily at him and were filled with the same hot wanting Draco was feeling. Thank Merlin! Harry's full lips were red and partly open, looking very inviting. Draco bent down and softly kissed him, then pulled back and grinned when Harry hissed at him.
"What's the matter?"
"I didn't go to bed naked for no reason, Draco."
The blond rolled onto his back and pulled Harry over on top of him. Harry licked his lips before doing the same to Draco's. He wanted Draco's blood, but knew if he were to drink now then he would be up all night, and they needed some sleep before tomorrow. Mrs. Weasley had a full schedule for them starting at dawn. As if sensing his need, Draco wrapped his arms around Harry's back, pulling his mate down and nuzzling the brunet's neck.
"We'll drink tomorrow. But right now, I want you." Harry nodded and whispered some words in Parseltongue into Draco's ear, enjoying the growls that came from his lover. Draco bucked his hips, and Harry reached down to pull off Draco's boxers. Harry began to kiss his way down, starting at Draco's mouth, where he lingered there while Draco's hands gripped his arse possessively, growling while their tongues played. Draco hissed at the Gryffindor when his mouth was free, but lay back against the pillow when he felt his mate's tongue dancing over his pulse points at his neck, and then lower over his chest to tease his nipples.
Harry's hands gripped Draco's broad shoulders and moved lower, dipping his tongue into the Slytherin's naval. Draco moved his hands until they were buried in Harry's hair, and he lifted his hips again when that tongue dipped lower past his pubic hair.
Draco groaned when he felt Harry's hot breath over his cock. He wanted that mouth on him, but he would not beg. He would not! But instead of a mouth, he felt Harry grasp his cock with his hand and start to pump him in a slow torturous fashion that soon found Draco whimpering. When Harry's tongue ignored his cock and went straight for his balls, the blonde nearly fainted.
"Fuck!" he cried out, pulling at Harry's hair. Harry moved his head to the side to nip at the inside of Draco's thighs with his teeth, then soothing the action with a few licks of his tongue, sending the Slytherin into mad shudders.
"Harry…" he whined, finally unable to hold back the pleading.
"You're not the only one allowed to be a bastard in bed," Harry answered, his voice a husky purr, which did nothing to calm Draco down.
Harry was enthralled by his own actions and Draco's consequent reactions. He was the one in control, which gave him the power. And thanks to being a Ukatae now, he enjoyed feeling powerful. Not to say that he wanted to be anything but bottom, because he loved being submissive to Draco, but he could still be in control this way, on top. And since he had always been adventurous and always leaped forward, usually without looking back, he surprised his mate by sitting up and completely straddling his partner.
"Harry," panted Draco, he sounded worried, but was looking incredibly pleased with his mate. "Are you sure you want to do it this way so soon?"
Draco groaned when Harry grasped his cock and shifted over him, and then closed his eyes in bliss when Harry took the length of his cock inside him. Harry sat still, trembling as he felt Draco pulsing inside him, the pleasure shooting spasms throughout his body. "You feel so good inside me…" Harry started to move and Draco gasped and grabbed his hips to keep him still.
"Wait." Draco pushed himself up and snaked an arm around Harry's waist to keep him where he was. Draco moved until his back was against the headboard where he was half sitting and half laying. Harry leaned forward into his embrace and kissed Draco, his arms around the Slytherin's neck, fingers firmly planted in the soft blond locks.
"Move. Now," Draco hissed against his mouth. Harry pulled back and smirked. Draco grabbed Harry's hair and yanked his head back, exposing Harry's pale neck, eliciting a growling hiss from his lover.
Harry ground against Draco's pelvis and bent over so he could take Draco in and out at a slow pace, trying different angles to see which would make Draco moan more; which sort of backfired because he couldn't help but notice all the noise he himself was making, and Draco was looking smug in between each thrust of his hips. Draco yanked on his hair once more before letting go to grip Harry's hips and started to thrust up into Harry at a more rapid pace. Harry threw his head back and started to ride Draco matching his pace, thanking Merlin for their heightened senses. His blood felt like lava, and they were both shivering from the pleasure spiraling through them.
"Not going to last…" Draco groaned and started to palm Harry's cock. Harry cried out and grabbed the silver headboard, his fingers clenched so tightly his knuckles were turning white.
"Please come for me, Draco."
"Mmm…you first."
Their eyes met, and as one they grinned. As was usual for them, they turned it into a competition. One wild ride of a competition that would obviously end with both of them winning.
Draco, Harry leaned forward to trace the shell of Draco's ear with his tongue. You're gorgeousss…and…Fuck!
"Not fair!" Draco moaned, and then his eyes went wide when his orgasm hit, his entire body shuddered before every muscle tensed and it literally felt like he was being pummeled by a massive wave, leaving him gasping for air. Harry fell forward and buried his face against Draco's neck. He didn't need Draco to try and make him come, because the blond was desperately trying to move to grab Harry's cock, but Harry was already there, and cried out against Draco's neck as he exploded come all over them both.
"That was not fair…" Draco said some time later. Harry chuckled.
"You're only mad because you lost."
The next day moved ahead quickly for everyone, except of course for the two grooms. Lucius had insisted that he and Sirius wait until after they were married before consummating their relationship again, which of course pissed Sirius off, as he just knew Lucius was doing it to get back at him for demanding that they marry right away, so Sirius had gone back to Grimmauld Place for the day. And Lucius spent most of his time in his rooms alone where he could hide away and be nervous without anyone actually seeing him displaying such an undignified emotion.
The wedding was to take place at sundown and by the time the sun began to set, Harry, Draco, Hermione, and Ginny were already tired from helping set everything up. They had been in charge of making sure the wards were tripled because somehow the news of Sirius Black's innocence took second page to his upcoming marriage to a suspected Death Eater, and it was rumored by the Prophet that the wedding would take place at Malfoy Manor, which it would.
Everyone was sure Aurors would be swarming around the wards trying to find a way in, because, of course, most of Lucius' friends were Death Eaters. Lucius had escaped Azkaban, but because there were many in the Ministry who were loyal to Voldemort, he easily paid his way off the wanted list. Harry couldn't understand how Shacklebolt let that slide, but he had a feeling it had a lot to do with Fudge and that fat toad of a woman, Dolores Umbridge. Harry still had a bone to pick with her. Even if the scar on his hand had disappeared during the transformation, she was nothing but a bitch and Harry wanted nothing to do with her. And he told this to Draco, who nodded immediately. To do anything else would have been his arse, as he'd helped Umbridge quite a lot with getting Harry into trouble in their fifth year. She would not be allowed at the wedding.
Harry had quite forgotten yesterday to buy any suitable robes for a wedding, but he needn't have worried.
"I knew you would forget. Father and I did the shopping for both you and Sirius," Draco called out to him from inside their closet. When he came out he held two sets of dress robes and passed one to Harry.
"Green and silver? Really, Draco, isn't it enough that the entire Wizarding world knows we're together? No need to keep advertising it." Harry was shaking his head, but he shot a grin at Draco, who merely shrugged. Harry had to admit, his robes were exquisite. The outer robe was dark velvet green, while the inside was lined silver, which shimmered nicely as the fabric moved.
"Green is your best color. You know this."
"Let me see yours." Harry moved over and Draco held his robes out. "You could have picked a brighter color than black and silver. It's a wedding, for Merlin's sake."
"I wasn't about to parade around in purple or some such color. And since you already have green, black was the next best option."
"I don't know…I think you would look fantastic in scarlet and gold."
Draco pretended to vomit all over his nice new dress robes.
Once they were dressed the two started to make their way to the gardens where the ceremony would be held. It wasn't a fast journey as they were continuously finding dark alcoves and shadows in which to disappear into, and then when they emerged, they had to take several minutes to fix their clothing and hair.
The last time they emerged from the shadows, they bumped into Hermione as she was running about making sure everything was set up. She had a large bouquet of flowers floating behind her. "C'mon, you guys! It's very nearly time! And the guests are arriving."
"How are the guests arriving when the Aurors can't get through?" Harry asked as they sped walked the rest of the way.
"We sent special invitations to those who would have…erm, problems with the Ministry. Those who have them are the only ones allowed through the Floo. If you don't have one of those invitations, the Floo automatically spits you out at the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone else can just Apparate and walk past the wards with their invites. But if you don't have an invitation of any kind, you won't be getting past the wards. Honestly, weren't you paying attention when we helped Severus and Remus with the wards?"
"No," Draco bluntly replied, still eyeing Harry up and down, and wishing the stupid wedding was over with already. Harry tried to ignore the looks Draco was passing him; his face seemed to constantly burn when under that intense silver gaze. But once he looked back, he couldn't stop himself from giving Draco the same look, because honestly, no one should look so good in black and silver.
The few guests attending were herded to their seats and Harry took his place at the front where he would be sharing the role as best man for Sirius, who was being referred to as the groom; with Remus being the other best man, while Draco waited at the back for the bridegroom, as he was to be his father's best man. Severus was already at the front where he was to stand behind him. Voldemort was also present, but only a handful of people were aware of it. The Dark Lord had chosen to attend and he stood back against the manor, hidden in the shadows.
Sirius entered from the side and clapped both Remus and Harry on the back before taking his place. He wore midnight blue dress robes, with small bright golden suns, moons, and stars woven throughout the fabric. He flashed everyone a grin before staring at the back waiting for his wizard.
Draco grumbled to himself when the time passed for Lucius to show, because he could hear his father breathing just around the corner. Draco held up a finger to an impatient Sirius and slowly made his way around a hedge bush to where his father stood; still as a statue and staring up at the sky. Draco chuckled upon seeing the robes Lucius had selected. They were a blinding white, trimmed with golden vines and leaves. It wasn't something Draco had expected of his father, but he looked good in the robes, and knew Sirius would say Lucius looked beautiful.
"It's time, Father. Everyone is waiting."
"Let them wait," He hissed quietly.
"It's all right to be nervous."
"A Malfoy-"
"Yes we do. We're still human... or at least you are. Listen, you love Sirius, right?" Lucius nodded. "You want to be with him?" another nod. "Then don't waste anymore time. How much has been wasted already?"
"It wasn't this way with your mother."
"Don't call her that again," Draco whispered darkly, and then he forced himself to relax. "And it's because you never loved her. You didn't care. You were forced into that marriage and away from Sirius."
"What if this is a mistake, son? How can I bind Sirius to me when I'm probably not the best for him? I broke his heart once before. What's to say I won't do it again, even unintentionally? He deserves more."
"Stupid Slytherin! You are the best for me, and if I ever had any doubts, which I didn't, then what you just said would have vanished them," Sirius said. After having lost his patience and some of his nerve, he had rushed off after Draco and had come upon them just in time to hear Lucius' worries. "Now come on, Luce. Let's show everyone how beautiful you are and get this hand fasting over with cause I don't want to wait any longer to get you into bed." Sirius grabbed Lucius' hand and pulled the weakly protesting wizard down the aisle.
Lucius glared at Sirius for a moment. Being dragged down the aisle was not how he saw this starting. But then Sirius just grinned and faced the slightly flustered wizard who was to proceed over the ceremony and Lucius slowly relaxed, and as the ceremony progressed, the nerves disappeared into a calm assurance. All he wanted was Sirius, and by the end when the magical knotted rope bonded their hands together in a powerful golden glow and then released, leaving behind two identical rings, Lucius felt he had never been so alive and free, and dare he say it, completely happy.
A/N: Edited on 10/18/2011