Title: Truth behind the name and the lies pt.5
Pairing: DracoxHarry, OliverxPercy, twincest?
Fandom: HP
Notes: An abused boy finds out he's a wizard and a hero; his tormented mind rebels. One person sees through the misconceptions to the real Harry and treats him the way he deserves. How does this change them both and those around them?
Chapter 26B- Charlie and Fred meet Caradoc, Coraline and Nevile at St. Mungos and Caradoc meets his sons
Fred and Charlie met at Malfoy Manor, dropping off their children before Apparating their way to the village Colin and Dennis Creevey's Hogwarts Letters were sent to. They found a tiny house in a tiny town called Neyn it was in Gwynedd, Wales. Neyn was a tiny town on the coastal peninsula of Northern Wales. They'd gone early knowing that Dennis said their dad left for work just before four but came back after his deliveries about eight. It was nearly that now; Narcissa had sent them with fresh orange cranberry muffins and a silver pot of hot coffee.
A slim man was walking down the street, as a milkman they had been expecting a transport for some kind but he must not own the one he used.
Fred and Charlie stood in front of the house, politely waiting.
The man who was about 174 centimeters in height, smiled in greeting, at first he spoke in a language they did not understand, then switched to English, "G'mornin. How are you this foggy morning?" his eyes widened in recognition as he spied Fred, "Gide…" then they seemed to fill with fog. "I don't think we're met. My name is Carey Creevey."
"Actually, that's what we're here about." Fred spoke gently, "You see, my name is Fred Weasley and I'm Gideon's nephew."
For a mere moment there seemed to be some recognition, then the light in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, who are you?"
"We're friends of Colin and Dennis," Charlie began. "My spouse is merely a year ahead of them at Hogwarts."
"Yes, yes, my sons are away at school. Boarding school, wouldn't you know. I'm so lucky they got scholarships, I don't make a lot as a milkman. This house is pretty shabby but I do my best to keep it up."
Charlie and Fred were a bit shocked, something was seriously wrong. His mind was a bit damaged somehow. How much trouble had that Jezebel caused?
Charlie pushed the thought away, "We brought hot muffins and coffee, we thought perhaps, we could discuss the boys' futures?"
"Oh, come in. It's probably a mess; I'm not much of a housekeeper being a single dad and all. Colin lectures me some when he's home. Poor kid is always looking after me and Dennis, you'd think he was a mother."
Fred wondered if there was any way to help the poor bloke, he didn't like the idea of messing in someone's head without permission but his uncle's lover deserved better then this.
"So what do you know about Colin and Dennis's school?"
"Not much, it's a bit of an odd place but scholarships. I could never afford to send them to a good school with what I make." Carey said as he pulled chipped cups and plates out of a cupboard.
"You don't remember going there yourself?" Charlie asked a bit worried.
"No, I don't remember much of my childhood. When I met Jeezy, I was suffering from amnesia. She nursed me back to health, she helped me get a job and let me stay. When she was pregnant I married her. I'm pretty sure they're my kids, I adore them so don't tell them."
"Oh they're your sons alright. They're twins."
Carey's face grew red with anger, "Get out. Take your filthy gifts and get out."
"That's it." Charlie tried to pull out his wand but was shocked.
Fred shock his head, pulling knock out power out of his pocket, poured some in his hand and blew it in Caradoc Dearborn's face.
The irate Hufflepuff sunk to the ground, Fred picked him up and turned to Charlie, "We have to get him out of here."
The house gave a tremble, the windows and doors slammed shut.
"Oh Hell. Merlin, this is ridiculous."
"Leave the man and you'll go free."
"Jezebel?" Charlie asked,
"He's mine." Fred rebalanced the man in his arms, summoning a potion that would destroy wood and hurled it at the door. The bottle exploded on impact, the acidic potion worked slower then he wished. Sighing he pulled out an experimental powder that would eliminate most common traps. He shattered the bottle and with conjured wind spread it through the house.
"What in Merlin's name are you doing?" Charlie asked.
"Just field testing defense items I'm making for Dad." Fred growled, what to use next? He closed his eyes and then spoke, "Hold onto me."
Charlie grasped onto Fred's shoulder.
"You have one minute to release us before I bring down the house." Fred said firmly.
The air was filled with maniacally laughter, "What can you do?"
Bring down the house? What was Fred thinking? They'd be killed!
A minute passed by the watch he'd received from Draco, "Very well. You've tried my patience too long wench. Thunder Shock."
The house shook as though there was a storm.
"How dare you!"
"Release us."
"Never. Return the wizard."
"Earthshake."
The house tremble, things crashed from the walls.
"Curse you. Interferers. Morons."
The acid had eaten away most of the door now.
Fred tossed Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, and ran dragging Charlie through the door. Tossing his older brother on the street he could hear the house scream, Fred muttered, "Rock slide" under his breath and house collapsed like it had been built with twigs from an ancient broomstick and something fell on it.
There were few near, Fred transfigured some rocks into signs that read condemned, dangerous. He also cast anti-muggle charms on it, doing his best to hide the place. He'd see if someone from the ministry could destroy it. Houses like that were dangerous to all, muggle and wizard alike.
"You alright Charlie?" Fred asked a bit worried, he'd thrown him clear pretty hard.
"You guys and your weird magic. Warn a bloke sometime. What in Merlin's name was that stuff?
"Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, one of my inventions. It's a quick get away only the person who throws it can see." Fred said simply, "lets find a safe place to leave from. I think he needs a healer first, then we can see if Severus can make sense of his mind. It's been damaged and blocked somehow."
Charlie nodded, leading him into a small cluster of trees and they Apparated away.
The moment they arrived at Malfoy Manor, Fred sent off a Stallion Patronus with a message to Severus, 'Come quick as you can. Mission not went as hoped. Meet at Manor. Need expertise.'
XoooooX
Severus was teaching when the Patronus arrived, he stepped into his office before it could deliver its message. He had a sickening feeling; he would have to leave sooner rather then later. He sighed and went back to teach, he had a free period next. He'd ask Draco to teach his first years, his godson could handle that.
XoooooX
Narcissa was appalled when they showed up dirty and carrying an unconscious man, she was just coming down the main stairs, Bassinets with infants hovering in front of her. "What happened?"
"The house attacked. We tried to speak with him but every time he nearly said Gideon's name or we did he'd be there for a bit and then disappear."
"That house attacked? How awful, that shouldn't be possible. However did you get away?" Narcissa asked, "Come into the music room, I'll set the babies down and I'll look you both over. Charlie you're bleeding dear."
Charlie looked embarrassed, vanishing the blood; "Fred tossed me out of the house. I landed rather hard."
"Fred, are you alright?"
"A bit tired but otherwise fine." Fred said, shifting Caradoc some more.
"Come then, I take it you didn't have my coffee or muffins?"
"No, I did manage to retrieve the coffee pot when it was thrown at us but the muffins I wasn't quick enough for." Charlie apologized.
"I'll send for some. You must be ravenous." Narcissa said, the door to her Music Room opened. Waiting there was a changing table, a large nappy bag and a dresser as well as a pianoforte, a harp, a wireless and a lute.
Fred blinked, "Why is there a dresser?"
Narcissa laughed, her voice had a musical lilt, "In case they get messy I have to have clean clothes for them. They're all quite young so they mostly sleep and eat; the music soothes them. Just set the poor man on that settee, I'll tend to him after I check on the babies."
Fred was in awe; there were quite a few infants. He saw his twins Clarissa and Gawain, Charlie's Athena and Perseus, Severus' Aurelian and Lucan, Harry's Artemis and Tritan as well as Narcissa's own Carina. Near the hearth but not too close was a basket with three eggs; he remembered that the attack on his father had sent Blaise and Fleur into a stress induced early heat, which had them produce out of 'season'. There was meant to be between two and five years between clutches, sometimes more. It was rare to have two clutches within a year. He set his uncle's lost lover on the settee, "You know much about memory damage?"
Narcissa shook her head, "That's more Severus and Ted's forte. I'm just a regular healer. Charlie sit down so I can tend those scratches."
"Yes Miss Cissy."
"No Miss Cissy to me. I'm your mother in law, why don't you call me Mother like the pureblood you are." Narcissa chastised him, "You should know better."
Charlie flushed, "Yes Mother." He had no problem calling her that…
Narcissa finished satisfying herself that the babies were settled before turning herself to her patient. Casting a refresher charm on the poor man, "Poor thing hasn't been eating well. His clothes are very patched…" she summoned a nutrient potion from her healer's kit, pouring into his mouth and with a whispered spell helped him swallow. She gave him a full exam, "He needs quite a few meals, I'll warrant he'll need to be brought up to date on his vaccinations like Harry was when Severus took him in. We'll have to make sure that his sons are as well. No need for anyone to suffer from something preventable." She noticed a scar on his scalp, he'd been hit hard a long time ago and probably suffered some memory loss.
By the time she finished not only her exam of poor Caradoc and healed Charlie's scraps, Severus had arrived.
"Where is," Severus noticed the thin man in patched clothes, "…never mind." He went to examine the man himself, "He shows signs of malnourishment and even abuse, old and surely not from Gideon. That damnable Jezebel, what happened?"
"he has some memory but it closes off suddenly as soon as he remembers. He remembers nothing of Hogwarts and closes down if we mention anything magical." Charlie spoke up.
"Eneverate." Severus muttered.
The poor man's eyes sprang open, he wrapped his arms around himself, "Where am I?"
"Malfoy Manor," Severus said mildly, "Under the care of two healers."
"I…want to go home. I don't like it here." Carey stammered.
"Your house tried to kill us. It's destroyed now." Fred said, "I'll see if dad can see about having it examined."
"My house?" Carey grew angry, "How dare you?"
the same strange anger from before…
"Legimens," Severus said stiffly, entering into the man's mind. Inside it he found similar blocks to Colin's, gently he eliminated them. He found the damaged parts that locked away much of his memory due to his injury, finding evidence of a brutal mugging that sent him wandering. With painstakingly careful magic he did his best to repair the damage, he found evidence of two magical signatures in Caradoc's mind; Dumbledore's and Jezebel's. Dumbledore hadn't discovered who the man was but had reinforced the memory blocks that kept him from discovering anything magical or learning about it. He'd made Carey believe his sons merely had a scholarship to a private school and hadn't explained anything, Sighing after his repairs were complete and withdrawing from the poor man's mind. "There Caradoc, you should fell a bit more like yourself."
Carey blinked, after a few minutes he glared, "I know you. You're Snape, Evan's snake friend. Where am I?" he saw Fred and gasped, "Gideon?"
Fred grinned, "Sorry old chap, the name's Fred. I'm Molly's boy."
Narcissa was tending to little Clarissa, "You're in Malfoy Manor and you're quite safe."
"Malfoy? Malfoy is a Death Eater." Carey dug in his pockets, "By Godric's sword what on earth am I wearing? And where's my wand?"
"You were mugged years ago but Muggles, left to wander and you felt into the clutches of a mad disgraced healer. Did you know you were pregnant?" Severus asked.
Caradoc looked down, "I'd hoped I was, we'd talked about it. He was going to tell his father about us and we'd be bonded. He was worried about how Molly would take it, she was always trying to fix him up with girls. She wanted him with Amelia or Emmeline but Gideon just laughed her off. What's happens since I left?"
"The Prewett twins died bravely in a duel with five Death Eaters, only one of whom escaped." Severus began.
Carey stiffened, "Gideon? Dead?" he went pale.
"The Dark Lord killed Lily and James, but their children survived and the Dark lord was nearly killed. The Lestranges tortured Alice and Frank with the Cruciatus until their minds were gone in hope of discovering their master's whereabouts. Pettigrew framed Sirius for betraying Lily and James. Many Death Eaters were rounded up; I was freed for being a spy. Dumbledore promised to save Lily and James if I were to betray the Dark Lord. Lucius got off because he was under the Imperious. Nott was released because there was no one to care for his infant son. Benjy was found in pieces, the Prewett twins searched for you for months before they died." Severus began reciting,
"Remus was forced to disappear for a while because of prejudice against werewolves because of Greyback. Molly had seven Children, six boys and one girl. Bill the eldest is head of the Weasley family, Charlie, the second eldest is head of the Prewetts, Percy is head of a Ministry department, Arthur is head Auror, Fred and his twin George have their own business. Andromeda is head of the Black Family, she had one child as did Narcissa until recently. Draco Malfoy is Bonded to Harry, James and Lily's son. His sister Coraline is quite attached to your youngest."
Carey gasped, "I gave birth? I don't remember."
"Those memories never formed, so I could not return them. Your sons, twins Colin and Dennis resemble you both. They are smaller in stature then their sire and are both considering betrothals." Severus continued, "The house you were residing in was cursed."
Charlie spoke up, "You are welcome to stay with us; dad, my Bondmate Blaise and our children at Eagle's Nest."
Carey blushed, "I remember that place. I sometimes spent weeks at a time there."
Fred chuckled, "I can imagine."
"Whom are you believed to take after?" Carey asked.
Fred smirked, "Fabian, I'm a prankster at heart and I run my own joke shop."
Carey nodded, "I expected as much. Quidditch?"
"Beater for Gryffindor, four years running. I fly for the Cannons when I'm not caring for George's twins."
"George?"
"My twin, mum says he's like Gideon but I don't think so. He's a bit too sensitive, he is almost a seer but not quite. We leave the future stuff to Blaise." Fred took Clarissa from Narcissa, "This is my girl, Clarissa Isadora. Isn't she beautiful?"
Carey saw she had the Prewett red hair and blue eyes, he'd almost hoped for a daughter. "She is…I'd hoped for a girl. I guess boys were too strong. Molly had almost all boys."
Charlie laughed, "Blaise has given me one of each, so had Bill's mate, Percy had a boy and as you can see George had one of each as well."
"You said there were six boys."
Fred grimaced, "Yes but he's of no consequence. He's been expelled from Hogwarts and disowned. Mum lives at the Burrow with him and Ginny when she was home. That wench is currently at St. Mungos. She made the mistake of attacking Coraline and Dennis; our friend Hermione cast a spell that makes one contemplate their mistakes. If she comes to regret the things she's done and wishes to make amends then perhaps she'll wake. I hope she doesn't that girl is more trouble then she's worth. Dad disowned her too."
"Dennis? My son was attacked by you sister?" Carey asked dumbfounded.
"Ginny's a strange bird." Fred shrugged. "A bit crazy, fancies herself the next Lady Potter."
"I thought Snape said Harry was already bonded, to the Malfoy heir no less." Carey said, though a Potter bonded to a Malfoy was odd.
"Try telling her that. Stubborn just like mum that one." Fred grumbled.
"I take it you're not on good terms with Molly then."
"I tried to tell her about Colin and Dennis, she insisted she had the right to see them. I told her if she persisted in her prejudicial opinions she wasn't going to even see them."
"Opinions?" Carey asked.
"She can't believe she raised four bent wizards." Charlie replied, "As such, Dad left her and is living at Eagle's Nest. Mum has not met her grandkids yet. Half of which are here, Bill's children are at Shell Cottage with his wife and his mother-in-law Janie Wood with whom he has an excellent relationship is probably watching Percy's."
"I see." Carey said thoughtfully, "Anything else I should know?"
"The Dark Lord's back, Severus is a known defector. He's Harry's guardian, he's Bonded to Remus Lupin, those twin boys over there are theirs. Harry's recently had two kids; Artemis and Tritan. Lucius is definitely on the Dark Lord's bad side. Dumbledore's been fired from Hogwarts, amoung other places. He's responsible for a lot of suffering; he stole Lily's daughter, put Harry with Muggle relations who beat and starved him almost to death, cursed his sister a curse your son Dennis broke, Colin is seeing Seamus Finnigan, grandson of O'Shanesey. Narcissa has a daughter. Andromeda's daughter is bonded to the bassist of popular music group the Weird sisters. Sirius is bonded to Charity Burbage. Your fellow Hufflepuff Amelia Bones is Minister for Magic, she's seeing Kingsley Shacklebolt who is head of International Relations. Lucius is head of the Board of Hogwarts governors. McGonagall is Headmistress. Dumbledore is on the run and hates everyone apparently."
"Charlie dear, I think that's more then enough to process. I say you take him back to Eagle's Nest and have Jocy make him something to eat. I'm sure Winky or Audy can have a room made up for him." Narcissa chided.
"Yes mother." Charlie said nodding, "He can see his sons tomorrow."
His sons, he had no memory of them. He hoped it would come back…Gideon's sons…Carey couldn't wait to meet them.
XoooooX
The next morning…
Neville sighed, holding Adrian's hand as they went to meet Coraline in Severus and Remus' apartments.
Luna was dreadfully nervous but determined to go.
Severus looked at his bondmate, "Take Prewett boys to see their father. Send for me at once if anything happens."
Remus kissed him soundly, "I've already edited their records. Dennis will do some studying with Hermione, Colin and Coraline when they get back. Hopefully he can finish the year as a fourth year."
Coraline blushed, finding out her boyfriend was actually older then her was a surprise much less that he was Charlie's cousin. He really did look nice with those blue eyes and reddish blond hair. She hoped meeting his dad went well.
They stepped into the floo.
When they arrived at St. Mungos, Neville ignored the witch and the information desk and let his companions to the Janus Thickey ward. Holding Adrian's hand he went to see the bed where his mother was sitting. Smiling he sat on the chair beside her bed, "Hi Mum. It's Neville. We came to see you."
"Hello Mrs. Longbottom. It's Adrian; I wanted to tell you that your son is making you proud. He has some of the best marks in his year, he's just like his father and is one of their best Keepers it's hard to get a Quaffle past him. He's very keen at Herbology and is one of my most reliable Prefects. You'd be very proud of him." Adrian said resting his hands on his boyfriend's shoulders.
Luna made her way to the still form of her former tormentor, sitting on a chair at the side of the bed. "It's Luna, but my real name is Coraline. I'm Harry's sister, not that we look alike. I want you to know I'm sorry that my curse got you in trouble; I don't think you would hurt me on purpose. Harry is flattered that you like him but he doesn't have any room in his heart. I'm his sister I know; he really does love Draco. I hope you find someone wonderful. You're so lucky to have your mum; I miss mine every day. I just wanted to say I forgive you."
Severus looked up from his exam, this girl tormented Luna worse then James and Black tormented him and she forgave her?
A single tear fell down Ginny's face.
"Take as much time as you need to, to forgive yourself, your family will be here fore you when you wake up. I know your brothers are worried about you." Even if family had problems they still cared about each other. Mr. Lucius didn't like Daddy but he still told Scrimgour to leave him alone and stop saying mean things about him.
Neville reached out to touch his mother's hand, "I love you mum. I thought it might be nice to come once without Gran thinking she's dragging me. I really am proud of you. It's easier to say I'm the son of heroes now that I'm doing so well. Gran sent me to Hogwarts with dad's wand, it wouldn't mind and I was doing terribly at everything. Adrian figured out that I wasn't a complete dunderhead and bought me a wand," he reached up to cover Adrian's hand and smiled up at him, "He's wonderful, I think you'd really like him. Gran likes him, he's Head Boy did I tell you that before? You'd forgive him for being a Slytherin wouldn't you? He's so good to me."
"She's still there you know." Luna spoke up, "she might be savable but your father is gone." She touched them both, Frank and Alice Longbottom disappearing into Frank's mind.
She went deep enough to find the smallest fragment of Auror Frank Longbottom.
"Who are you? How did you get here?" the tall man who had Neville's eyes asked.
"I've come to bring you a message from your son. He loves you and he's proud of you. He's met someone who loves and appreciates him, whom he loves in return."
"How old is he?"
"Fifteen going on sixteen."
"Tell me about him."
"Neville is a whiz at Herbology, he's a prefect and he's Gryffindor's Keeper. He's being courted by Adrian Pucey."
"Nathaniel's son?"
Luna smiled, "Yes, he's Head Boy, has the best marks in his year and was formerly captain of the Slytherin team. Adrian tutored your son and turned him into one of Gryffindor's best Keepers."
"I'm not going to wake up am I?"
Luna shook her head, "I'm sorry. You're too damaged; the Lestranges cast the Imperius Curse on you too many times."
"How is Alice?"
Luna smiled sadly, "A little better. She has a chance."
"What does she need? I'll do anything, I should have made her stay home or go into hiding like the Potters, not that it did them any good. She insisted that hiding was giving He Who Must Not Be Named too much power. Alice wanted to keep fighting…"
"You have to open the connection between you; the one that was opened a little when you were Bonded, the one that shared your magic. You have to give her everything you have. If it works she'll be able to attend your son's Bonding."
Frank nodded, closing his eyes, his magic leaving him.
Luna smiled at him sadly, "Anything you want me to tell them?"
"Tell them I love them. Tell Alice I love her and I'll wait for her in the Veil."
Luna nodded and withdrew from his mind.
"Coraline? What happened?" Severus asked looking down at her.
"He said he loves you Neville and he's so proud of you. Take care of your mother." Coraline said ignoring him.
Neville glanced over at his father, "What is happening?"
"He's given his magic to your mother to try to heal her."
Severus stared at her, "Frank did what? He's gone."
"He will be, I touched the last bit of him. He."
Neville stood so fast that he knocked his chair over, rushing to his father's bedside, "Dad? Dad! Don't leave me."
Severus felt Frank Longbottom's magic rising from his body, he glimpsed a golden cord connecting him to Alice. The former Auror's magic flowed through the golden cord and into Alice.
She glowed briefly, her eyes filled with tears and her lips tried to form a name.
"Nev, your mother." Adrian said trying to turn his lover around.
Neville sank to his knees, "Dad…" his chest shaking in sobs.
"Neville, your mother. She looks more aware." Adrian said hugging him gently.
Neville turned slightly.
Alice Longbottom tilted her head and looked at him.
Neville's tear-filled eyes saw awareness in them for the first time in his life, he sprung up and buried his face in her lap, "Mum. Dad's gone."
Severus instructed one of the junior healers to send for Dowager Lady Longbottom.
Adrian smiled at her, "It's very nice to meet you Mrs. Longbottom."
Severus whispered, "Legimens." Entering Alice Longbottom's mind and attempting to repair some of the damage assisting what was left of Francis Longbottom's magic. It would take time to relearn many things and he very much doubted she would return to work as an Auror in this lifetime.
When Severus removed himself from Alice's mind, Dowager Lady Longbottom was there.
"Professor Snape! Just what do you think you're doing? I have not given you permission to treat my daughter-in-law." Augusta Longbottom was a bit frightening when angry.
"My apologies I thought you would like her treatment to be supervised by someone who actually was skilled at Legilimency. Especially in light of the fact your son gave his life to give her the ability to heal."
Augusta gasped and grabbed the bed, "Francis…is dead?"
"Yes Gran." Neville looked up from his mother's lap, her fingers were caressing his hair, "he's gone…"
"How could this be? The Healers told me he would live until his body wore out."
Luna spoke up nervously, "I have special magic you see. I talked to him. Really, I did." noticing the imperious woman's disbelieving face.
"What kind of special magic?" the head of the Longbottom family asked.
"Magic I was born with. I can't explain it here. I really hope Neville's mother will be alright." She sagged, blushing. "I think I used up too much magic."
Severus picked her up, "I understand completely." Only with serious pride did he manage to not look as tired. "I should take you back to school and let you rest. If you wish for me to look in on Neville's mother, send me and owl."
"I'll think about." Augusta said stiffly as she attempted comfort her daughter-in-law and her grandson.
XoooooX
At the same time…
Remus flooed with the Prewett twins to Eagle's Nest, Blaise and Charlie had decided to spend the night there.
Charlie had invited them for breakfast, which Remus had politely accepted.
"Welcome to Eagle's Nest." Charlie said as they exited the floo.
Colin shifted nervously.
Dennis was excited, "Our father actually lived here?"
Charlie laughed, "I inherited it from them on my seventeenth birthday when I came of age. Come, your father is anxious to meet you."
"Meet us?" Colin asked confused.
"Slight side-affect of having his memories of the magical world returned; he seems to have lost his memories of the last fifteen years or so. " Charlie said with a grimace, "It may or may not return."
Dennis nodded, "I guess I can understand that. He had amnesia? He acted very odd when we mentioned Hogwarts and such."
"Come along then." Charlie led them out of the library, down a corridor covered in portraits and into the small dining room.
Blaise was feeding smashed apples to Athena while sipping tea, "Good morning."
Arthur was wolfing down his breakfast, "Hate to eat and run but I just received an owl about another attack. They think it's the Lestranges; Cruciatus curse. Their favorite curse and a bit of a signature with them."
Charlie frowned, "Dad! You'll scare them."
"Lestranges? You mean Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan?" Carey asked from his place across the table.
"Yes, they were imprisoned but somehow escaped." Arthur said chugging the last of his coffee.
"Be safe dad."
Arthur ruffled his hair, "I'll do my best." He kissed his grandchildren and patted Blaise's shoulder before disappearing to Apparate to the sight of the most recent attack.
Carey looked increasingly nervous as he looked at his twins, who true Charlie's word resembled their sire but were softened by his own looks. He would know his sons anywhere. "I know this is weird but which is Dennis and which is Colin?"
Dennis attempted a smile, "I'm Dennis, dad. This is Colin."
Colin was a bit lost and wished he'd asked Seamus to come. "Hi."
"I told you Cols that bringing Shay was a bad idea right now." Dennis whispered.
"Shay?"
Dennis gave his dad a shit-eating grin, "Cols' boyfriend. He's got to get Bonded soon because Coraline's magic is getting too strong and she needs to be Bonded to me. I broke her curse and I'm not letting anyone else be Bonded to her, she's gorgeous; silver spectacles, honey coloured eyes and reddish blonde hair. Absolutely adorable, I can't wait for you to meet her!"
"Lily Evans and James Potter's daughter?"
Remus nodded, speaking for the first time, "She has Lily's hair and James' eyes."
"She must be lovely then. A pity she doesn't have Lily's eyes."
Colin blushed, "Harry has green eyes, they match his Slytherin robes." He didn't have a crush on the older teen anymore, he really did care for Seamus but he couldn't help thinking Harry was gorgeous.
"Lily Evans and James Potter's son is a SLYTHERIN?" Carey asked appalled.
Remus pinched his nose trying not to let his wolf out, "Yes, I'm bonded to a Slytherin and so is Charlie, who is Head of your House."
Carey gulped, "A Potter in Slytherin, the world must be at an end."
"He's still against the Dark Lord."
Carey shivered, "Why do you call him that?"
"I'm not in anyway his supporter but because that is what he is; the most powerful and dreadful Dark Lord in history. He wants my mate dead for betraying him by adopting Harry." Remus said his hands clutching his robes in an attempt to keep his temper.
"Remus, I understand your desire to defend your mate, I'd feel the same way myself if I felt Charlie was in any way maligned. Please no bloodshed at the table, especially with pups around." Blaise said as he fed mashed peaches to Perseus.
Remus forced his wolf down, "Let's just…eat breakfast." Filling his plate with lots of meat and pouring himself a glass of chocolate, he toasted his hosts.
"I didn't mean to insult anyone, but a Potter in Slytherin…Potters have been Gryffindors for time out of mind."
"Some brilliant person decided Weasleys were meant to be all Gryffindors. My two closest brothers were meant to be Ravenclaws while my twin brothers and myself were supposed to be Sorted into Slytherin, apparently we are wildly talented and have a certain disregard for school rules plus we're sneaky." Charlie said eating as if he was starving (which he was) and hadn't eaten for days (which wasn't true).
"I thought Weasleys were Gryffindors," Carey said sipping his coffee.
"We're supposed to Sorted on who we are, not where we come from." Blaise said as he set down what was left of Perseus' breakfast and started to eat himself, politely eating an entire fruit salad. "I am not a pure pureblood, I have magical creature blood flowing through my veins- I am sure that Slytherin himself also had such blood. What Slytherin House stands for is cunning, power and a slight disregard for rules. Gryffindor stands for bravery- sometimes foolhardy, Ravenclaw for wisdom and Hufflepuff- who are far from the lot of duffers most believe are actually loyal and welcoming. Then again my guardian and the only mother I truly have has a sister who married one and a niece who not only became one but married on herself."
"Who is your mother?" Carey asked, forgetting for a brief moment.
"Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, the woman who raised me is more mother to me then the one that bore me for she can at least remember. My mother was wild with grief at the death of my father, only through the suppressing of those memories could she continue to live. I do care about her but she doesn't know me, to her I'm someone else's child and in all but blood I am. Mother, Father and Draco are the only family I had for the longest time. Then we met Harry, Hermione, Fred and George; I grew closer to the Weasley family only to end up Bonded to one." Blaise reached for Charlie's hand, "We've been through some tough times but we've got each other."
Charlie nodded, "I still want Nott and Dumbledore's heads; if only to make sure you're safe. I won't have you in danger Blaise, it would kill me to come home to find our children screaming and you're seemingly gone because that arrogant old coot decided to send you a letter laced with the Draught of Living Death."
Blaise smiled at his mate, "I doubt it would work on me but I wouldn't want to chance it. Besides, you need me too much."
"Damn right." Charlie lifted his chin and kissing him right there at the table in front of their guests.
Blaise flushed, he always craved contact with his mate and Charlie knew when he needed it most, even if it was just resting his hand on his shoulder or holding him. Charlie was a good man, he trusted him…
"So boys," Carey began trying to change the subject and get to know the sons he couldn't remember. "…tell me about school, what subjects you like and what you do when you aren't studying."
Dennis grinned, "I love Transformation, it's so cool to change things from one class to another. Professor Black was okay but I like Headmistress McGonagall much better."
"I remember her, she taught when I was in school myself. She was strict but fair." Carey nodded pouring himself more coffee, enjoying learning about his sons."
"I'm on the Quidditch team with Shay, he taught me all about the game. It's so cool, I'm Seeker, you see."
"Seeker? I remember your father used to play." Carey's eyes got a far away look, "I used to watch him play all the time. We were from different House; but I used to really enjoy seeing him fly. We only spent time with our acquaintances in our group of bent wizards that hung out in Room of Requirement. Until graduation that is, then we were inducted into the Order of the Phoenix and I mostly lived here. Fabian never told on us, he was a decent bloke more of a playboy then Gideon. Gideon was a good student, an excellent wizard and a great friend. I really wanted to be Bonded to him. We had plans for it to happen, I had taken the potion but I didn't know it worked. We were already talking about my moving in here but then Muggles attacked me, I think they got everything I had when I was attacked, which happened when I was in Wales seeing my folks." he rubbed his left ring finger with his thumb, "They must have taken the ring your father gave me." his eyes were filled with sadness, "I must have been wandering for days before that woman found me. I don't remember any of that or what happened afterwards."
Colin was rather shy; this man was so different from the man who raised them. It was nice to have dad paying attention to them and talking.
Dennis liked this man, there was life in his eyes and he really seemed to listen. "So you think you want to come to our next match? Please dad? I want to you to watch Shay and I fly. You can even meet Coraline. She's the nicest girl, so smart. I wish she could have come."
Remus chuckled dryly, "I would have considered letting her come if I didn't think it would overwhelm him. I thought Caradoc should meet his sons without having to worry about their futures right away. Besides, Coraline is with Severus, Neville Longbottom and Adrian Pucey at St. Mungos."
"Longbottom? Alice and Frank's kid? He was born just before Harry I believe. Why are they in St. Mungos?"
.
"After James and Lily were killed by the Dark Lord, the Lestranges; Bellatrix, Rabastan and Rodolphus as well as Barty Crouch Jr. tortured them with the Cruciatus curse. It drove the Longbottoms out of their minds. Frank is completely non-responsive and Alice was a bit more coherent. Frank's mother raised their son, but was a mite over-protective." Remus added while digging through the stack of Danishes to find a chocolate one. "Ah yes…"
"You sure you're not craving?" Blaise teased.
"Remus was always eating chocolate. I remember everyone teasing him. He'd sneak into the kitchens and talk the house elves into cakes, cookies and hot chocolate. He would also spend all his spending money at Honeydukes." Carey said with a quirky smirk.
Remus grinned, "Haven't changed a bit have I Caradoc?"
"You're older and a bit grayer but happier. Being Bonded has done you a world of good, so was Severus the Slytherin Fabian used to tease you about?"
"Yes, they'd seen my Patronus. Hard to hide a snake…" Remus chuckled.
"I used to wonder who it was. Not many Slytherins in our little club, most of us were Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs- I think Fabian, Gideon and yourself were the only Gryffindors." Carey said as he nibbled on a slice of toast with orange marmalade.
"Didn't Arthur come with us a couple of times?" Remus asked thoughtful.
Charlie blinked, "Dad? What was dad doing with you guys? I thought he'd been attached to mum from the word go."
"Really? He was more attached to the Prewett twins then their younger sister for a good while. Arthur Weasley was gorgeous, he played Chaser one year it impressed Molly. I always wondered about him, he seemed to fit in best with us." Carey said.
"You're not saying Dad's bent are you?" Charlie was in shock.
"Not bent, I wouldn't say that but Bi? Quite probably, it's not that uncommon. I always liked Gideon but Arthur was my type- soft-spoken, not confrontational and very focused. He wanted to be an Auror from the beginning, went through training with Alice and Frank. Fabian wanted to be a Hit Wizard but your father; you see he was very different from his twin. I wish there hadn't been a war, Gideon wanted to be a Mind Healer because he wanted to help people." Carey seemed a bit lost in memories.
"Wow, the way mom talked about them you'd think dad never noticed another person." Charlie was still processing this; dad being bi might explain why he was so protective of his sons and why he was so angry with Molly for being homophobic. His father had claimed to know of his own preference for men because he'd caught him wanking to his posters of Cannon Seekers and Chasers. Perhaps, he had known before…
They retired from the dining room to the front parlour, where Colin but mostly Dennis regaled Caradoc with tales of their life at school while Remus looked on mostly reading something he'd found in Charlie's library and drinking chocolate.
~AUTHORS NOTE- IMPORTANT~
Now we dive right into more drama!
I expect Colin and Dennis' origins might seem a little far fetched. I apologize. it seemed to fit and i have plans for them- as powerful as Muggleborns can be; Lily and Hermione being supreme examples, it was strange how a seemly average wizard could break a curse cast by one of the most powerful wizards of his time. Then again, it is Dumbledore who claims that love is the strongest magic of all. But can one 'chance' meeting spark a love that strong? The question remains, if Charlie is the head of the Prewett family does that mean his son doesn't inherit the title? does it instead pass to his one of his cousins? We shall see...
So finally the chapter is ended? So? Outstanding? Exceeds expectations? Acceptable? Troll?