Disclaimer: HP and Co. belong to J.K. Rowling, not myself. Orion and Sirius are mine however.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait between chapters, I was away on vacation and didn't have time to update. So here's the next installment of Moments of Happiness!
R/R
Chapter 5: Never mess with a Malfoy
Siri sighed, kicking his feet absentmindedly as he and Kevin went over his Herbology essay.
"This is really well written Siri" Kevin praised, smiling as the little boy as he beamed in response.
"Thanks Kevin" Siri said, carefully rolling up the parchment and sliding it in his bag. "I have to go and meet Ori by the Quidditch pitch" The blond haired boy said with a grin.
"Have fun, I'll see you at dinner" Kevin said with a smile, watching the little boy rush to his dorm room to store his bag before taking off and heading outside.
Running across the snow covered lawn, Siri headed towards the Quidditch stands where he saw Orion sitting with a few of his friends. He frowned as he watched some of his former friends, Haley and Cassie get up, stick their noises in the air and leave. He sighed, wondering why the two girls who he had once counted as being among his best friends, now hated him. He really hoped it wasn't based on his house but he had a feeling that the two die hard Slytherin girls were angry at him.
"Hey" He said, scrambling into the Slytherin stands and grinning at his brother and Michael.
"Hey" The two green-clad boys chorused, smiling at the Hufflepuff first year.
"What's up?" Siri asked, settling next to Orion and looking at the papers the boys had spread out around them.
"We were just working on some stuff for potions" Orion said, shoving the papers away hastily, as if he didn't want his brother to see.
"Did we have a potions assignment?" Siri asked worriedly, "I don't remember any assignments" He said, chewing his bottom lip worriedly.
"Its an extra credit assignment" Michael pipped up, "Nothing for you to worry about" He added, buckling up his bag and nodding to Orion. "I'll see you both later" He said with a wave as headed down from the stands and across the snowy grounds towards the castle. Orion nodded and refreshed the warming charm he had set on the bench so that he and his friends could talk.
Siri looked at Orion with a raised eyebrow, clearly not buying the 'extra credit assignment' story, but he didn't comment.
"So, have you heard from Father and Daddy?" Siri asked Orion curiously, he knew that the preliminary hearing had been that morning, which was essentially to decide if the case was worth pursuing and whether or not the allegations were serious.
"No, not yet" Orion responded, "But they said they'd owl us as soon as everything was sorted out, I'm hoping the wait means that the claims are being dismissed and that Daddy will be home for Yule" He said, shrugging. Siri nodded, he really hoped that the court saw this as a joke and dismissed everything because he really didn't want his family to be broken up.
Orion wrapped his arm around his brother, hugging him reassuringly though he too was worried.
Siri nodded, rubbing his fingers through his hair, another nervous habit of his.
"I just hope everything works out, I don't want our family to be all split up" He said, his voice low.
"Don't worry, Papa and Father would never, ever let them take Daddy, nor would Daddy ever allow himself to be taken, just because his legs don't work doesn't mean he's not capable of taking care of himself" Orion said, nodding his head to accent his point. Siri nodded again, letting his hands drop from his hair.
"You know that and I know that, but it sure seems like the Ministry is convinced that because you have a physical handicap like Daddy's not being able to walk that you're useless" The shorter blond said, shaking his head in disgust.
"Well as Papa always says 'the Ministry is filled with idiots' or something like that" Orion said with a chuckle. Siri giggled, nodding his head in agreement, it was no secret in their house how much their parents and grandparents detested the ministry.
MOA
Harry let out a relieved sigh as he and Draco left the large court room closely followed by Narcissa and Lucius.
"Well that went well" Lucius said, a pleased smile on his face.
"For now" Draco grumbled darkly, "I wish they had dismissed the case entirely" He mumbled in explanation at the surprised faces turned his way.
"Well I think that would be too much to expect at this point" Harry murmured, "I'm just pleased that the Wizengamot decided to drop this for now so we can have Yule together as a family" He murmured, letting Draco pull him into his arms in order to floo back to their home.
The conversation was stopped for the moment, until the entire family (minus the twins) were settled comfortably in the sitting room of Draco and Harry's house.
"I know it was a bit naive to hope for this entire thing to just get swept under the rug, but I'd like everyone to just realize they can't be so involved in mine and Harry's relationship" Draco murmured once he'd ordered refreshments from the house elves.
"Draco, I've had people overly involved in my life since I entered the wizarding world, they'll continue to meddle in my life for as long as they can. The most we can do is show them a united front and make them realize that our lives are just that, ours" Harry said, smiling at his husband. It was funny, before his battle with Voldemort, Harry had always been extremely easy to anger, and things like this court case would have set him off in an instant. However after the accident he had really had to learn to control his temper and work hard at rationally thinking things through and overcoming obstacles that had once been effortless for him. It had been a humbling process, but on some level he was grateful for it, without that final battle and that bloody curse, he would never had ended up with Draco, nor would he have had his children. Now, he just had to prove to the rest of the world that he was capable of being a parent to his children, and he was damn well going to prove that he was the best parent out there. Smiling to himself he accepted a glass of wine from Mipsy, taking a small sip and relaxing. He was not going to let the Weasleys or the Wizarding world boss him around nor try and control him, he'd fought Voldemort and won and he wasn't about to lose to some trumped up politicians and a family he no longer wanted anything to do with (barring Fred, George, Bill and Charlie of course).
Lucius nodded his head at his son-in-law, smiling proudly.
"Exactly Harry, we have to show the Wizarding community and the Ministry that you are a strong, capable young man and a wonderful father, and you shall have our support every step of the way. Severus' and Remus' as well" He said with a small smile.
"I know Lucius, thank you" Harry said, smiling lightly at the older Malfoy.
Draco let out a sigh, taking a relieved sip of his wine and nodded, blond hair falling into his silver eyes as he ddi so.
"Point made" He murmured, "It'll be a hard battle but we shall win" He smiled, "And we shall prove once and for all that we are in love and that no one can stop us from feeling that way"
MOA
Siri's eyes grew wide as he saw his Daddy's owl flying towards his table. Grinning as the pretty barn owl settled next to him and stuck out her leg, he carefully pulled off the letter and fed the pretty bird some of his chicken before she took off again. Across the hall, Orion was watching his twin intently, it was rare for owls to deliver mail at dinner so this could be either really good or really bad news. Siri carefully opened up the letter, which was addressed to both himself and his twin.
Dear Siri and Ori,
I have really good news for you boys! I will be home for Yule holidays!
We had the hearing this morning and it was decided that at this stage of the trial I can remain at home. On the other hand, the case with the Weasley family wasn't dismissed as completely ridiculous, so we still have to return to court after the holidays to deal with all of this some more. But we can worry about that later, for now just be happy that I shall see you both for Christmas! I'm very excited to see you boys, as is your father and we're both anxiously awaiting your return home in just a few short weeks.
I love you both!
Daddy
Siri breathed a huge sigh of relief as he read the letter before carefully folding it away. A happy grin blossomed on his pale face as he continued his dinner with vigor, he had been so anxious about this whole thing he had lost his appetite but now it was back and he was ravenous.
Finally dinner was over and Orion rushed across the hall to meet up with his twin.
"Well?" He demanded looking expectantly at the letter in Siri's hands. Chuckling, Siri handed over the letter, watching his twin's face intently as he read it.
"Thank the gods" Ori breathed, beyond happy his Dad would be home for Christmas.
"Sucks that the whole trial wasn't dismissed but at least we'll get to see him at Christmas" He added, handing the folded letter back to his twin.
Siri nodded in agreement, he couldn't wait to see his parents and now there were now dark clouds marring the coming holiday.
After a quick hug the boys parted way, Orion towards the dungeons and Siri towards the kitchens.
MOA
"So what have you heard?" Orion asked Michael as he settled in Slytherin Common Room, claiming a warm leather chair right by the fire.
"Weasley's been bragging in the Common Room about getting the 'boy-who-lived' living with her grandparents and out from under the control of the so-called 'dark side' and away from the evil influences of the Malfoy family" Michael said. Causing Orion to shaking his head and groan in annoyance.
"So she's taking credit?" Orion asked intently.
"Yes, according to my sources she's the one who discovered some of these obscure laws that the Weasley family are using in their arguments in order to gain control or guardianship of your Dad" Michael explained. Orion frowned, looking thoughtful as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"If she found the laws, that means she found the books at Hogwarts" He murmured, "If we can find the books and find the laws, we might be able to send the information to my parents and the might be able to come up with something from them to oppose the Weasleys" Orion said thoughtfully. Michael nodded in agreement, closing his charms book which he hadn't been reading anyway.
"Well it was beneficial to us that she's been bragging about this. She managed to really irritate some of the other Gryffindors. It seems the family doesn't have nearly as much support in this cause than they thought. She's been hexed and everything" Michael said with a grin.
"Good, public support will play an important role in this matter" Orion murmured, "If the Weasleys don't have public support, the Ministry will drop the case because the last thing they want is to look bad" He said, looking happy. Michael nodded in agreement, his eyes lighting up as he had a thought.
"Maybe you should talk to your parents about hiring a publicist? My parents did that when they first got married because of all the dark and light propaganda going on at the end of the war" Michael suggested. "I bet they could benefit from having someone help them change public opinion and promote them as a good, normal, happy couple"
Orion nodded, looking thoughtful once again.
"I think I'll owl them, tell them all about this" Orion said, snagging a piece of Michael's parchment and a quill and began composing a letter.
MOA
Harry sighed contently as he sank into the bath tub, relishing the warmth that seeped into his cold body. Ever since he'd been paralyzed he'd had a very hard time keeping warm and warming charms only did so much. Smiling to himself, Harry let his eyes close though he didn't fall asleep, he let his mind drift back to the scene in the court room from earlier.
-Flashback-
The atmosphere in the room was tense, Draco's hands were clamping tightly into Harry's shoulder as they sat behind the table set up for their and their lawyers use. The Weasleys were beside them, though there was a space between their table and the table housing the family of red heads. Ron, Hermione, Arthur, Molly and Ginny were all staring at him intently, and Harry's hands twisted anxiously as he regarded the current head of the Wizengamot, Minister Fudge. He'd been in control since he'd dismissed Albus Dumbledore after Harry's fourth year of schooling. The man looked as pompous as ever, though much older and with a bigger gut.
He coughed presumptuously, drawing all attention to him and Harry felt Draco's fingers bite into his shoulder once more before they fell from his back completely.
"Well we all know why we're here. The Wizengamot has examined all evidence presented by both parties and as of this time the court has not seen it as necessary to remove Mr. Potter-Malfoy from his home at this current time, we will be revisiting this case at a later date which you will be notified of via owl post" He said, all in one go. Harry blinked, gaping up at the man as Molly Weasley began to shake with fury.
Harry was shocked, he had expected this to be a long, drawn out process and for them to just announce whatever they'd just announced, well he hadn't expected that at all.
"Minister" Molly's shrill voice, "Surely you cannot just dismiss this for the time being. Harry is not safe in that home, nor are his children safe with him as the primary care taker" She shrieked, causing everyone around her to wince at the harsh tone of her voice.
"Mrs. Weasley, the Wizengamot understands your position and this issue is not being dismissed, its just getting put aside for the time being" Fudge snapped, "As of now there is not enough evidence to remove Mr. Potter from Malfoy care, nor is their any evidence suggesting he is an unfit parent. Like all our cases, the Wizengamot will be giving this the utmost attention, and we are taking a step back to review everything presented to us and allow for both parties to submit more evidence for their arguments" He said, his bowler hat shaking on his head as he tried to restrain his rage. "Case dismissed" He said, his tone strict to ensure no further arguing.
"But Minister" Molly appealed, turning pleading eyes on the man as did Ginny and Hermione. Ron and Arthur just looked extremely uncomfortable with the display.
"No buts Mrs. Weasley, case dismissed!" Fudge yelled, banging his gavel on the podium, causing the occupants of the room to flinch. "Now, I suggest you all leave" He ordered.
Harry and Draco took no time to rush out of the courtroom where they met Lucius and Narcissa who had been seated in the circular room, but not on the floor with harry and Draco.
"That went surprisingly well" Lucius drawled, ignoring the gaggle of angry Weasleys behind them.
"Just wait Malfoy" Molly snapped as they brushed past the pair harshly, "Soon things will be back how they're supposed to be and Harry can live with a family that cares for him and knows how to handle all his special needs" She said, her tone angry. Ginny made an angry noise and stalked past them, closely followed by Hermione and the Weasley males.
Harry's fingers dug into his legs to prevent himself from snapping at the red-headed family. He knew nothing he could say at this point would prevent the family from attempting to destroy his life. Sighing, he forced his attention back to his family, to the people who loved him.
"Lets just go home" He said, his voice soft, softer then he wanted it to be.
"Of course love, we'll have to let the boys know you'll be home for Yule, they'll be ecstatic" Draco said, heading towards the floo bank in the atrium of the ministry.
-End Flashback-
Harry sighed, shaking the thoughts from his mind as the bathroom door opened.
"You're pruning" Draco whined playfully, bending over to kiss his husband soundly on the lips. Harry chuckled, shrugging lightly and grinning unabashedly at Draco.
"Its warm though" He whined, splashing the water lightly as if to emphasize his point.
"Are you cold?" Draco asked, Harry always got rather chilly in the winter, despite warming charms and fires.
"Yea a bit" Harry murmured with a shrug. "The healers told me to expect that though, when I first spoke to them, they said its because I have like no circulation in my legs, so they get cold and by extension the rest of my body does" Harry sad with a small smile. "Just something I've learned to live with"
"I know, I just hate to see you so uncomfortable" Draco murmured, helping Harry out of the tub and wrapping him up in a big, fluffy, warm towel.
"Dray" Harry whined, laughing as his husband cuddled him much like they would the twins when they were younger after a bath.
"What love? Can't I be happy?" Draco asked, kissing Harry's forehead as he carefully set him on the bed and summoned a pair of sleep pants and boxers for him. Harry rolled his eyes and carefully dressed himself under the watchful eyes of his very overprotective husband.
"Of course you can be happy" Harry said with a smirk, pulling himself up so he was seated on the bed. "In fact, I'm very happy as well. I wrote the boys just after your parents left, I can't wait to see them" He said, accepting a warm pull over from Draco.
"Me neither, only a few weeks though" Draco said, kissing Harry's messy, slightly damp hair. "Should we do something? For Yule I mean?" Draco asked his husband.
"I was thinking we could spend it at your parents place. I'm sure the boys will want to be with their grandparents anyway, and we could have Remus, Sev, Fred and George over as well, for christmas eve and christmas day" Harry suggested.
"That sounds good" Draco murmured, "I'm sure my parents will be onboard" He added, grinning. Narcissa would be thrilled to have everyone in the Manor, and the wards would afford the family so much needed privacy.
"I wish time would move faster" Harry murmured, "I miss them so much, I never thought I would be so out of sorts without them here" He admitted.
"Well its understandable, four eleven years they've been with us and now for the first time we've been without them. Four months is a long time to go without seeing our children" Draco murmured. Harry nodded, summoning Siri and Ori's baby book from the nearby shelf. He had documented everything about the boys to-date and he liked reliving memories.
"Do you remember their first steps?" Harry asked Draco, showing him the picture, it had been adorable day for the entire family and extremely happy.
"Of course" Draco murmured, sitting down next to Harry and looking at the picture.
-Flashback-
Harry was seated on the floor, back leaning up against the couch as he watched his two sons crawl around the room playing. Draco was at practice and Narcissa and Lucius were shopping in Diagon Alley. The room had a perimeter charm on it, preventing either boy from going out of Harry's line of sight, near the fire place or near any of the doors. It worked well, and allowed Harry to spend quality time with his children without needing anyone else's help.
The floo flared, and Draco stepped through, covered in mud and water from Quidditch practice.
"Hey love" Draco said stepping through the charm which was keyed to Orion and Sirius, not any of the adults.
"Hey how was practice?" Harry asked, watching as Orion pushed himself into a standing position, absentmindedly he readied the camera, both boys had been standing quite regularly but no walking yet.
"Good, we had to quit early because of the weather" Draco said, watching Orion intently.
"Hey Ori" He cooed, bending down and opening up his arms. He'd done this a lot recently, he very much wanted to see his children walk, particularly to him. The baby gave a toothy grin and wobbled before taking a step towards his Father, arms outstretched towards Draco. Harry gave a gasp and began snapping pictures almost immediately. Orion made it a step or two before falling back on his bottom, only to be scooped up in Draco's muddy arms and kissed repeatedly on the cheek. Siri giggled, watching his brother and Father and used Harry's shoulder to pull himself up. Both men stilled, watching Siri intently as he clung to Harry before taking a hesitant step forward. The camera flashed again as the baby made it another step before falling forward, though before he hit the carpet Harry had scooped him up and was showering him with kisses similar to those Draco was giving Orion.
"I can't believe it" Harry said, tears in his eyes, "First steps from both of them" Draco was beaming as he cradled his giggling son.
"Mother and Father are going to be so angry they missed this" The blond said, kissing Ori's nose before going over and planting a kiss on Siri's brow.
Harry nodded in agreement, still stunned by what had just happened. He glanced at his husband, wrinkling his nose at the mud on Draco and subsequently on Orion.
"You're going to need a shower, both of you" He added, laughing at his giggling baby boys.
-End Flashback-
"It was so cute" Harry murmured, tracing the picture of Orion in Draco's arms, both of them covered in mud.
"It was, and you told me I needed to shower" Draco said petulantly.
"You were tracking mud all over the house" Harry said, chuckling, "And all over the kids, they were both muddy in seconds"
"Well, either way I'm glad I was there for that milestone" Draco said, kissing Harry's cheek.
"Me too Dray, I'm so happy we're together and with two great children" Harry said softly, a small sigh escaping him.
"I love you" Draco murmured, closing the book and pulling Harry into his arms.
"I love you too Draco" Harry said, pressing his face into his husband's firm chest.
A/N: Sorry for the shortness, this was a really difficult chapter to write for some reason. Anyway, the trial is a fairly small segment I realize, but this is sort of the calm before the storm.
Thanks for reading!