Severus found Remus alone when he got back. He had been gone a bit lover then planned. Tom had told him he had no plans to abduct Harry. He wouldn't even try to remove him if they backed off. As Tom he was now free to follow another path and in his mind that path was Harry. He claimed he wasn't looking for a pet. His dark tendencies were gone and according to the man he wanted to court Harry. Severus of course trusted the man as far as he could throw him.

Remus had sent the boys into town. They were going to the sports club that evening so told them to go out for a bite to eat first. He of course hadn't known how it would go and thought it better Harry not be home. He didn't want his son to be worried.

Severus told him what the man said "We could just allow the man to be here. Harry is not about to fall for him."

Remus shook his head "Can we trust him?"

Severus sighed "I never thought I would ever but it does seem the man genuinely loves him."

He had never been one to trust a person easily at all. And the thought of trusting this man made him almost question his own sanity. He was reminded why they hadn't thought to turn him in. He was now Tom and wasn't Voldemort. Remus had thought he simply split the two. He had not only used the man's love for Harry to make the spell. He literally made that love nearly obsessive. Tom was back at a time when he was still an innocent student because of that.

Remus was shocked when he found out how he was tracked. He hadn't even considered the fact Harry's blood was used to resurrect him in the graveyard. He hadn't been concerned as Voldemort never used it before. But Harry was not hid by wards here. And in many ways Harry and Tom were all but bonded since the spell.

Severus added "He's right Harry won't take a blood adoption for no reason. All the progress he has made will be lost if he knows the man is alive."

Remus was concerned "But if it turns out Tom can't be trusted?"

Severus was of course not about to rule it out "Then we press blood adoption for all four boys."

They knew there was a risk even if Voldemort was gone. Severus had spoken about the chance with his own godson. They had been using the cover of family so it wouldn't seem off. And since they would be moving when they did it no one would question new looks. For the twins it may seem the oddest for them to be blood adopted. But if there was increased concern Lucius was after George they would agree to it.

Remus didn't like this and either did Severus. Tom may not be dark any more but he was still a concern. Harry was very vulnerable from his months of captivity. He still had the collar. Remus had thought he could convince Harry by now to burn it but he hadn't.

Severus calmed him "Neither of us will let our guards down but this is better. It is not uncommon for a young man to have suitors."

Remus finally agreed "We have made a life here. Even if we leave and don't tell him we will have to start all over."

Moving to Australia away from all they knew was a hard enough adjustment for them. Moving them to another new country would be more. They were comfortable as a family but the boys were finally feeling safe again. No matter what spin they put on adoption and moving that sense of safety would vanish.

Remus attempted to look on the bright side "Well it isn't like Tom is some natural charmer. I mean my son is not about to fall for any one after all this."


Lucius was out of the hospital in time for the trial. Well really that was no surprise as he pulled some strings. He didn't need to testify but no one could deny him the right to be there. Hermione who had been sentenced already was forced to come with him. She was under permanent house arrest and confined to their bedroom when her husband was not home. The only contact she had when he was gone was a house elf who wouldn't speak to her. Lucius told her if she was a good little girl he might lighten up when the baby came but she doubted it. All he was doing was making her more resolved to kill him.

He brought her on the last day of trial. Hermione could see the rest of the family on the other side of the room. For once she was actually happy to have her husband there. If looks could kill she would have been dead on the floor by now. And part of her wondered if they may try. All that was left were Percy and Ginny Charlie left for Romania.

Lucius whispered to her as her lovers past and present were found guilty of poisoning Lucius "It was a pity the court ruled against Vertiserum."

Hermione looked at him "You knew?"

Lucius laughed "I know all. I know the little fool was your scapegoat. He can keep his brother company."

Hermione watched as they were both sentenced to ten years in a black cell. Hermione knew it was because of Lucius as the sentence was too stiff. Her and Bill had been sure Ron would never go to prison for this. There wasn't enough evidence they were certain and a vertiserum trial would be required. She watched and tried to contain her horror as they were led off to ten years of a windowless cell and dementors. Ron was a fool but innocent. And Bill was the love of her life.

Lucius steered her out but he stopped so the red heads could come over "I think I earned some amusement."

Molly slapped her across the face "I should have known you for a little whore. My sons are both in prison because of your filth."

Percy spit in her face as his dad took their mum "You deserve him. You will both get what you deserve one day."

Finally Lucius led her off and took her home. She was furious her husband allowed her to be treated like that. She was his wife and the mother of his son. He wouldn't have allowed Narcissa to be treated like that in public. He backhanded her and reminded her Narcissa was a pureblood. She was a social climbing muggle whore. He also reminded her how his former wife died. He treated her proper in public but she paid for being a spy in the end.

He held her "You will never touch our son. He will be taken from you when born. And rest assured if I die you will not have him or my fortune."