Hi everyone! Second to last chapter! Yay! Thanks to all of you who stuck with me through the whole thing! Hope you liked it! Epilogue is the last chapter and I'll be posting it in just about a month! Hope to see your comments and reviews!
Lori
********** Chapter 19 **********
Harry stormed through the castle. He was not happy to say the least.
There were only three days until his and Draco's coronation but all the research he, Pansy and Hermione were coming up with about coronations sounded so archaic and outdated. He didn't like that there were costumes and quite a few changes of those costumes and that the oaths sounded so irrelevant to the current times. He wanted a simple ceremony that would pertain to recent times and events. Why was it so difficult to find something like that? As he was wandering the castle he came across an unexpected sight.
Sirius had Severus by the hand as they walked through an open courtyard garden. Most of the courtyards were enchanted to be climate controlled so the grass was green and the flowers were in bloom.
Harry sighed and smiled. Now that the danger was passed, people's minds had turned to romance and it looked like his godfather was no different in that regard.
"Oh, Harry! There you are." Draco said, surprising his husband by coming out of nowhere with Theo in tow. He stepped close and let his hand find Harry's. "Have you seen Uncle Sev?"
Nodding, Harry put a finger to his curved lips and pointed in their godfathers' direction.
Draco's head turned just in time to see Severus sit on a bench while Sirius took a knee next to him, still holding the other man's hand. The blond gasped softly realizing what they were witnessing. He felt a tear roll down his cheek as he watched his beloved godfather nod once before being pulled up into a passionate kiss by his lover.
"How wonderful! We must congratulate them." Draco took a step toward the newly engaged couple but was held back by Harry.
"Let them tell us in their own time, my love." Harry smirked. "Remember what happened after I proposed?"
Draco blushed as he recalled that night. The fireworks had been flying outside when Harry had dropped to one knee…and, after Draco had whispered his affirmative answer, Harry had kissed him soundly and passionately but it was the blond who had pulled his dark haired lover into their bed for a private fireworks show.
Sure enough as the small group of men looked back, Sirius and Severus were still hand in hand and appeared to be heading out the other side of the courtyard.
"What did you need Severus for, Draco?" Harry asked, looking down into his husband's eyes.
"Well, he wanted to be told when Theo's family would arrive so that he can brew a fresh batch of veritaserum and question them properly before the ceremony so we know they're not a threat." Draco confided. "And Theo just received the letter from his brother."
"They'll be here quite soon, Highness." Theo told Harry with a bowed head. "Already they are packing and they will reach Hogwarts by morning."
"I see." Harry nodded. "Well, let's allow our godfathers their privacy for the moment and just ask Dobby or Nobby leave Severus a note on his desk that you want to speak to him as soon as he's available."
Nodding, Draco sighed. He was disappointed at the holdup but the engagement of his beloved uncle to Harry's was an occasion to merit such delay. After a quick kiss upon his husband's cheek, Draco departed with Theo to make arrangements for the Nott family.
********** LTF **********
Several hours passed before the family met for luncheon, but Harry and Draco weren't a bit surprised when their godfathers entered the room with their hands entwined. Lucius on the other hand was wearing a startled expression.
Sirius grinned at his cousin as he slid Severus' chair out and held it for him. "Hello, Luce."
"Hello yourself." Lucius said eying the other man. "You two seem awfully…cheerful…this afternoon."
Harry shared a look with his husband allowing his lips to twitch in amusement.
Severus noticed his godson's pursed lips and blushed. "I suppose we may as well tell them the good news seeing as our godsons seem to have been enlightened somehow."
Harry lifted his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I was wondering the castle in a spectacularly bad mood and happened to see two of my favorite people walking in a garden. It lightened my heart."
Lucius' eyes flicked to Harry's face before glancing over at Draco's.
"Don't look at me." Draco shrugged as he began to serve himself. "Theo and I only happened to be looking for my godfather when we noticed Harry standing in a corridor by himself and smiling like a dope."
Harry huffed and glared playfully at the blond. "I wasn't being dopey."
Draco smirked for a moment before winking. "And I joined him to ask where Severus was…"
"Well, if you were in such a bad mood, Harry…What could've had you smiling?" Lucius asked and with one eyebrow raised he turned a curious expression toward his old friend.
"I was only being helpful by pointing you in the right direction, Love." Harry kissed Draco's hand and smirked at the three older men. "In answer to your question, Lucius…what had me smiling was something that is a joyous occasion…or will be when it is made public knowledge."
Sighing happily, Severus placed his left hand on the table in front of him and didn't raise his eyes from the ring on his finger. "I believe he must've seen how this got where it is…"
Lucius looked down at his friend's hand and sighed. His gaze softened as he nodded. "Ah, good for you both. It is indeed a joyous event, my friends. Congratulations."
Sirius grinned and reached over to run a finger across the engraved symbol of his family – a large black bird with its wings outstretched. "I waited a long time to put this ring on your finger, Sev. Twelve long years."
Severus had known that it would be a long time before he could marry the man he loved but he hadn't known how long Sirius had felt the same way.
"I knew I loved you…knew I wanted you for good…" Sirius confided in the group. "It was just after an incident with Harry's aunt and uncle…you comforted me."
Severus bit his lip thinking that he might recall the particular occurrence.
"Not with soft words or any specific action…" Sirius' eyes took on a far away look. "You simply sat quietly with me for a moment while holding my hand and waited for me to explain my mood and then you told me explicitly what we could do to punish them for the extreme insult they'd given to the five year old boy in their charge."
Harry stared at his godfather in shock and then looked over at Draco's.
Severus' blush had extended into the rest of his face. He did indeed recall this incident.
"What insult could they have given him at such a tender age?" Lucius asked with surprise evident in his tone.
"They had him doing chores on Christmas day! What child does anything but put his new gifts away on Christmas day?" Sirius ranted.
Harry had forgotten about that. The year he was five, his uncle had gotten to the Dursley's house early and Harry had still been busy cleaning the kitchen after breakfast. He'd not wanted to cause problems and so told his godfather that it was just his regular household chore and he'd be finished soon. He hadn't told Siri about the rest of the chores or that he was the only one performing the chores until he was seven. "That was nothing."
"Yes…" Sirius glared in Harry's direction for a moment. "I know."
Lucius' expression was a solemn one but there was a worrying glint in his grey eyes. "They are still in my jurisdiction for a little while…are they not?"
"Please, Lucius…don't." Harry's soft request barely reached the ears of the room's other occupants. "That wasn't the worst by far …and it was nothing next to what Draco went through under Riddle's guardianship. I'm with my true family now, and I believe it's punishment enough for them to never enter my mind again."
Lucius looked his son-in-law over. The lad did appear quite happy…as did his own beloved son. "The matter is laid to rest upon your request."
Harry smiled softly and sighed in contentment. The group ate their meal in peace and moved on to discuss the Nott family's impending visit. Sirius would meet them at the gates and take them to meet Severus in one of the sitting rooms – which would be warded from top to bottom by Remus for the occasion. Once they either passed or failed the interrogation, they would be moved to a guest suite that had already been chosen and outfitted by Draco and Theodore to await the coronation or one of the dungeons which Remus had warded the night before to await a trial.
Several hours later – just after dinner – Draco came up with the perfect solution to Harry's problem with the old versions of the coronation ceremony and once Harry heard it he immediately called Lucius and their other advisors together for a meeting. When all parties agreed, the matter was settled and they all went to bed happy.
********** LTF **********
Harry and Draco stood in the trophy room as they waited for their subjects to fill the Great Hall. Harry smirked fondly at his husband as he watched the younger man smooth his hair for the millionth time. "You look amazing, Draco." He murmured as he took the blond's hands in his. "Our people will fall as much in love with you as I am."
Draco looked down and blushed. "I was feeling a little queasy this morning…but it went away pretty quickly. It was probably just the nervousness from the ceremony."
Harry slipped a finger under his beloved's chin and urged him to look up. "I'll have a healer called if you feel that way again tomorrow, love."
Draco only nodded. "What if the realm's magic won't accept us?"
"It will." Harry was confident. "Not only have we fought to free the realm and our people from Riddle's terrible reign but we have the backing several powerful families. I have the blood of Godric Gryffindor. We fulfill the requirements of being married and that marriage has been consummated… several times over."
Draco hid his face in Harry's chest. "I know but…"
"No. There is no need to worry, Draco." Harry caressed the blonde's shoulders. "We have committed ourselves to each other, now it's time to commit ourselves to the kingdom and accept our crowns."
The younger man took a deep breath and let it out slowly before nodding his head. He was still a little nervous but Harry's reassurances had succeeded in taking the edge off.
Truthfully Harry was nervous as well; he was just better at pushing past it so it appeared as courage rather than fear. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly just before hearing the click of the door as it opened.
"Harry, Draco? Your Highnesses?" Theo called from the doorway. "It's time."
"Thanks, Theo." Harry nodded to the other man as he and Draco approached.
"Who comes forth to claim the Magical Throne of Scotland?" A very old wizard was standing between two large throne-like chairs. Dumbledore was seated in the audience due to his personal knowledge of those involved.
"I claim it as the only legitimate heir." Harry spoke loudly and stepped out into view of the public with a definite air of authority. He walked to the center of the room not ascending the few steps just yet. He and Draco were wearing their battle garb as part of one of the costumes. It would be changed during the ceremony via magical means.
"Is there proof of your bloodline, young man?" The old wizard asked tilting his head slightly as if he were a curious cat.
"I have it here, sir." Sirius stepped forward in his best robes holding out the scroll Severus had made during the trial against Voldemort. "As the lad's godfather, I swear to the authenticity of this blood scroll."
"The young prince was missing for many years." The wizard stated walking over to meet Lord Black. "But this scroll was made in front of many witnesses within the last week and so it is accepted as proof of his identity..." He let his intent gaze settle upon the young blond beside the claimant. "Who is this with you, young Harrington?"
Harry reached behind him to catch Draco's hand. "I present to you and my people, Prince Draconis Hyperion Malfoy formerly of England and currently my husband."
"I have his blood scroll here, sir." Severus stepped up to hand over the scroll he and his godson had made the night before. "I am his godfather."
"The realm's magic tells me this scroll was made within the last twenty-four hours. Let me see the cut." The old wizard commanded.
Draco held forth his left hand. The cut had been made on his left thumb and only loosely bandaged so that the elder would see the wedding bands as well as the cut when he was conducting the mandatory enquiry.
The old wizard took firm hold of Draco's left wrist, unwrapped the bandage and squeezed the pad of his thumb which began to bleed slightly. The old man nodded and healed it with a spell before turning his hand over to inspect the band that circled his ring finger. He then held out a hand toward Harry, who quickly placed his own hand into the elder's. "The bands are quite similar. Only differing in one aspect …the gemstones. Why?"
Harry had been told to expect this question. Lucius had explained that the realm's magic needed to know and understand what had gone through his head during this important ceremony. It needed to accept the nuances of Harry's mind and the elder would be its voice. "I wanted him to know he was special. I wanted him to feel that we were together but know that I treasure him beyond jewels and the most precious of metals. His worth is beyond measure to me and I believe he will prove this to our people as well before long."
Draco felt tears fill his eyes but refused to let them fall. Now that he knew this, he could let his heart rest easy. He'd thought the reason was more that Harry didn't want the complete connection ... wanted more of his own identity than to be a couple. He was glad to be wrong and bowed his head in his husband's direction.
"Has your marriage been consummated?" The elder asked, looking over the blond's body.
"Indeed it has...several times, sir." Draco lifted his chin in subtle defiance though his cheeks were tinged with the slightest hint of pink. "And with the aid of the potion, I may be carrying an heir as we speak."
"How do you propose to prove your strength to the realm?" The elder asked loudly after nodding to accept the younger man's answer.
The crowd watched silently as Harry stood at full height and spoke. "I have already done so, Elder. I was displaced as a child and – along with my husband – have led the attack to retake Hogwarts Castle. The reason we stand here in this great hall today is because of our efforts and those of my supporters."
"Will you be a fair and just ruler if you are accepted?" The elder asked.
"I believe we will be, sir. I have recently overseen two trials – one for a number of war crimes and the other for treason." Harry nodded solemnly. "My advisors tell me that I was not unreasonable in dealing with the perpetrators."
"And if you are accepted, will you rule in the kingdom's best interest or your own?" The elder asked.
"I believe they are concurrent, sir, but if for some reason the best interest of the kingdom diverges from my family's best interests, I will endeavor to find the middle ground with the assistance of my husband as well as my advisors." Harry bowed his head slightly.
The elder looked over Harry carefully before turning to Draco. "As Prince-Consort, will you do all you can to assist your husband in the ruling of this country? Will you do so with clarity of mind and purity of heart?"
Draco nodded twice. "The answer to both questions is a resounding yes."
The elder's eyes went unfocussed for a moment of silence before a large wave of magic flowed through the room and over the young princes.
Suddenly both Harry and Draco found themselves surrounded by it and their clothing transformed from battle armor to fine robes of white. Harry's had golden accents while Draco's had silver.
"The realm's magic has accepted these men to rule over Scotland's magical community and is amenable to joining their two kingdoms as one when the time comes." The elder wizard intoned. "Please take your places on the thrones, Your Highnesses."
Harry held his right hand out to Draco who rested his left hand on it as they took the steps together. When they stood facing their respective throne they turned toward each other and then faced the public.
Dumbledore came forward with the crowns from the princes' betrothal chests floating beside him on two separate cushions. "Elder these are the crowns which have been prepared for our young rulers."
The elder nodded and cast the spell to levitate the crowns into place above their heads.
Harry stared out across the room knowing that Draco would be doing the same. The difference was that the blond already had a picture in mind of what he wanted the crown to look like…Harry didn't. He'd seen his father's crown and Gryffindor's crown and didn't think those fit him all that well. James' was gold with many different gems encrusting it – that was much too flashy for Harry. Gryffindor's was solid gold with only a few large rubies – that was too simple and Harry didn't feel that such a style would fit his personality. He'd spoken to his mother and she'd only said that when the time came, the perfect design for the crown would just appear to him. It would just feel right. He closed his eyes and there it was…perfect…
The crowd gasped as the crowns took shape above their king's and Prince Consort's heads.
Draco's was a full circlet of platinum ivy vines which lifted to points at the front, back and both sides. At the front point, there was a diamond. The back point held onyx. The right side was set with an emerald and the left side bore a ruby.
Again, Harry's was similar. There was a band at the bottom – where the crown would meet his head – of platinum and gold twisted into a rope. The rest of the crown was made of gold with several platinum ivy leaves. Each ivy leaf held four square cut gems set tightly together – ruby, emerald, onyx and diamond.
The elder waited for the crowns to touch the mens' heads before turning to face the crowd. "Harrington James Potter and Draconis Hyperion Malfoy-Potter stand before you having committed themselves and their family's service to you – the people of Scotland! They have pledged use the full power of their swords and magic to support and protect you – the people of Scotland! The realm's magic has accepted them! Now the realm asks you – the people of Scotland to make your approval known…"
The crowd raised their wands with glowing tips and swore to uphold and protect the royal family.
"The crown asks those who wish to publicly pledge their support and loyalty to do so now." The elder bowed to the crowd and took a step back to allow several individuals to approach.
Arthur Weasley walked up to the bottom step and knelt on it. "Your Majesties, I – Arthur Weasley – come before you to pledge myself to serve you in any and all possible ways. I speak also at the behest of my family. My wife, sons and daughter are willing and able to serve you."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley…Thank you, Weasley Family." Harry smiled softly down at the man. "We accept your service and look forward to furthering our connection with you. Charles and Ronald may come forth." Harry stood and lifted his sword from its place beside him. At a thought, the sword flamed to life. "By the power vested in me by the realm, We dub you knights of our court. Charles has been a valuable advisor in the recent troubled times. Ronald has been a close friend and confidant. He is also a skilled soldier. We thank you both for your past service and hope that –with your help – We can avoid future conflicts but if We can't, We know We can count on you."
Ron and his brother bowed to both Harry and Draco before retreating to stand beside their family.
Kingsley Shacklebolt came forward and pledged himself not only to serve Harry and Draco but also to assist in the effort to combine the armed forces of both England and Scotland so that when the time came the transition would be seamless.
Harry responded by knighting Kingsley and a few of the agents who'd helped with the retaking of Hogwarts.
Theo Nott came forward. "Your Majesties, as you know, I am not the eldest of my family, therefore I cannot pledge their service." He knelt on the lowest step, as Arthur had done. "I can only pledge my own loyalty and service to you and introduce my brother."
A man who looked to be several years older than Theo stepped forward and took a knee next to his brother. "Your Majesties…I am Nathanial Hermes Nott. Our father, Raymond, was a follower of the usurper – Tom Riddle. I – speaking for my entire family – formally renounce any loyalty to Tom Riddle. He was nothing more than a murderer and Dark wizard. Instead, I pledge my family to your service. My brother, Theodore wishes to service as one of your knights if you would have him but our younger brother Mathis and I will gladly serve in whatever capacity you may find for us. My wife and sister are willing and able to assist you as well, though Isadora is pregnant at the moment and Lydia is quite young."
"Light and Dark are not to be held as unequal under my rule. They are just different ways of doing things." Harry told the crowd. "Part of the reason Riddle was successful was that he made being dark something to be feared and fear is a powerful thing. I may practice more light magic than dark but that doesn't mean its better than dark magic. If I use my magic to kill the innocent…that is when it is bad."
Draco remembered having a conversation with Harry about that once. He had agreed wholeheartedly with Harry's view so he smiled softly out at his people.
Harry looked down at the Nott brothers and nodded solemnly as he took the sword once again in his hand. He brought forth the flames and knighted Theo. "Theo was our inside agent…our spy that helped us gain admittance to this castle. He will make a fine addition to our knighted forces. We thank you, Nathanial Nott for your pledge as well as your helpful inaction during the takeover of Hogwarts. We accept your service and hope to further our connections with your family."
"Their Majesties are willing to receive any further pledges of service and loyalty within the next fortnight." The elder spoke loudly to allow everyone to hear his words. "Now – with the powers vested in me by the magic of the realms of both Scotland and England – present the rulers of Scotland and heirs to the magical realm of England…His Royal Majesty, King Harrington James Potter – and the Royal Consort, Prince Draconis Hyperion Malfoy-Potter! Hail to the King! Hail to the Consort!"
"Hail to the King! Hail to the Consort!" The crowd cried out lifting their wands. "Hail to the King! Hail to the Consort!"
Gold and silver sparks flew from their peoples' wands as Harry and Draco stepped forth hand in hand to watch the revelry.
********** LTF **********
Directly after the ceremony, Remus led the newly crowned couple and their crowd of guests out to the front gates. "I was asked by the king to ward this castle. It is more than a castle. It is a home for him and for me because I grew up with his father and godfather. I grew up thinking of King James as a dear friend – almost family. I can't think of anything more fitting than to ward his son's home. Your Majesties, I thank you for this honor."
He turned to face the gates and waved his wand. The audience applauded as the old wards exploded in red sparks and fell to the ground. Remus was not finished, though. His wand wove through the air in a complicated pattern of golden light. When he was finished, it looked like a spider's web. He let it hover there for a moment and then directed it to spin on its center. As it did so, it grew bigger and bigger until it was the perfect size to cover the gates and extend several feet to each side as well as the top and bottom. It then disappeared, seeming to dissolve into the physical objects it was tasked to protect.
The crowd dispersed and went back to their daily lives but Remus walked back inside with the royal party. "Over the last three days I've covered the entire castle in webs like that. I only left that one for last."
"Thank you. Remus…I can't thank you enough!" Harry stopped and hugged the man. "My family is safe. That means more to me than all the gold in Gringott's."
Sirius came to join them as Severus led Draco and Theo away. "Speaking of Gringott's…have you spoken to Gryffindor?"
"Yes." Harry said turning to face his uncle. "He said he was very proud of us all and officially gave Draco and me his blessing to rule."
Siri sighed happily. "Wonderful. Now all I have to do is figure out a date for my wedding to Severus, and life can move on as it should."
Recalling, Draco's earlier nausea, Harry smirked at his godfather. "Actually, I need you to do something first. Call a healer to see if Draco is pregnant? Please?"
"Alright." Sirius nodded. "It's probably too soon to tell but it can't hurt."
The words proved prophetic.
The Healer told them not to get their hopes up before casting the spell and then comforted the royal couple with reminders that this could be a false negative because Draco's body had yet to develop the necessary hormones to respond properly to the spell.
********** LTF **********
The next few days saw Harry and Draco negotiating with the delegates of Ireland, Germany and Romania. Peter Pettigrew had cousins in each of the countries so he would have a roof over his head as well as someone to keep watch over him. Ireland was too close for Draco's comfort so that quickly narrowed it down to the other two. The German government was willing to keep him under a tracking spell but the relative who would be housing him was rather old and Harry thought him too likely to be taken advantage of. The cousins in Romania were still fairly young and lived on a dragon reserve. If Pettigrew was placed there he would be put to work under their watchful eyes and wear a band around his ankle to keep track of his comings and goings.
Over the next few weeks Harry and Draco heard the pledges of several other major families from Scotland. Neville's grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, was among them as was Luna Lovegood's father, Xenophilius. Her mother had been killed by Voldemort and his agents while they'd searched for Potter family supporters.
It was during the meeting with Luna and her father that it happened…
********** LTF **********
**I changed the Black family symbol which was actually – a shield decorated with skulls, three ravens, a sword gripped by a fist, and a black stripe **