A/N: Thank you all for the great comments, suggestions and theories! Keep them coming - they sometimes inspire me to write something totally different than what I had planned ;)
Yana5: Right on the first try! :)
Kanisha Argawal: Thanks :) OF COURSE! I plan to write one but I thought I should let them get acclimated first before I throw a full moon into their family ;)
Zoysite: Ich freu mich einfach schon so, wenn meine letzte Prüfung für das Semester vorbei ist und ich die Ferien genießen kann... es wird mir gerade mal wieder viel zu stressig - aber das ist immer so im Juni :P Wir wollen nur in eine andere Wohnung ziehen - also selbe Gegend - weil uns die Raumaufteilung nicht ganz passt. Es geht viel platz verloren weil die Zimmer relativ groß sind und wir hätten lieber einen weiteren Raum anstatt so riesen Zimmer (Altbau hald...)
Charm93: He can - for Harry :) They will come up soon ;) Maybe I should start telling you which day it is :D It is only Monday the 10th of June - Hogwarts has only been out for a week and a bit ;) And everybody still thinks that Harry is with his relatives ;)
randomplotbunny: Of course it is stuff he rather no one knew about ;) But he is still arrogant enough to believe that a team of trained aurors won't find his hiding places :D
ThePhoenixandtheDragon: He will have many more once everything comes to light ;) It is what they always say about prisons in movies - people who use children for their own gain are worse than murderer :P
Dixie.f.9: Sadly it was probably the easiest I have had in a long time and all the others are hell :P They do and now everything will be great and they will live happily ever after ;)
jinxedbycoffee: Yes Nagini is the queen of comebacks ;) I'm sure something will happen during the trial ;) Thanks!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling - I just played a bit in her universe.
Thanks to miu-sama95 for prereading, betaing and helping with the storyline ;)
Chapter 47: Annoying Minister & Cheeky Brat
Words: 3271
They had been walking quietly for quite some time. Remus was practicing his breathing techniques while Sirius mulled over how he could explain everything to his best friend. After twenty minutes of silence they ended up on the quidditch pitch where they sat down in the grass.
"Is it all true?" Remus broke the silence. He felt he had enough control over Mooney to broach the subject.
"Yes. As far as I know." Sirius replied before he started explaining everything that had happened over the past year. (Remus had left for the mainland shortly after leaving Hogwarts last June.) He told the werewolf about the tournament, how Harry had been forced to compete and all the drama involving the tasks.
Once he got to the third task he went into a lot more detail since it was a lot more important. Sirius had been watching as Padfoot from the edge of the forbidden forest and he had been worried sick for Harry.
Without many pauses he told Remus about the message he had finally gotten from Harry and about their call on the mirror. He thought it best to get everything out as one, so he also told his best friend about his arrival here, the Wizengamot session and his more or less confirmed suspicion that Marvolo used to be the Dark Lord.
"The Dark Lord?!" Remus exclaimed and jumped up only to start pacing back and forth. "We need to get Harry away from him at once!"
"Relax, Mooney."
"Relax!?"
"Yes. Sit down and let me finish explaining." Sirius stated calmly. Once Remus had sat down next to him again he began his explanation.
"The first evening I was here we had a talk once Harry had gone to bed. He didn't outright admit to anything and I didn't outright ask but he assured me of our pup's safety. He promised to keep his business and family separated and that Harry's safety was also his priority."
"How can we trust him? He tried to kill our cub once! What will keep him from trying again?"
"That's the beauty in all this. He can't!"
"What do you mean? He can't?" Remus asked confused.
"Harry was conceived after Severus and Marvolo were bonded which means that even back then magic accepted Marvolo as Harry's father. But now he has officially adopted our godson which activated century old magics." Sirius explained with a smug grin.
"I have never heard of any ancient adoption magics."
"You would know them better under a much simpler term. These magics make it impossible for wizards and witches to kill or permanently harm their children. It would not even work if he let someone else do it."
"Oh! You are talking about the family line continuation? Great, our pup is safe, but he is still living with a madman without even having a clue as to who the man really is." Remus grumbled. He was finding it harder and harder to find faults in Marvolo.
"I'm pretty sure Harry knows exactly whom he is calling father. He played Slytherin when Marvolo asked him to be his heir. He got the Dark Lord wrapped around his pinky and he knows how far he can push him."
"But how can he stand to be in the same room as his parents' murderer?!"
"First, remember that Severus is Harry's father. And secondly I believe you can't miss what you never knew... Harry had no memory of either Lily or James and as far as I could gather the Dursleys have at least been neglecting him if not more."
"Still…."
"Let it rest, Mooney. As far as I could tell the had had a few spectacular rows in the beginning, but they managed to bond over searching for their perfect home – of all things! We also believe that the adoption and their Lord – Heir bond are helping them along."
"I would have to look it up but yes there is some magic in those bonds. So, we just accept all this?"
"They will give you some time and be considerate around you but in the end, yes, accept it if you want contact with Harry. It's actually quite nice here."
"Even with Severus? What's the deal between you two?" Remus asked to change the subject. Sirius knew exactly what his friend was trying to do, and he indulged him since it was really a lot to deal with.
"We have a shaky truce. For Harry. They also helped a lot to get my name cleared."
"That was very nice of them."
They both dropped into that kind of comfortable silence that is only possible if you have known each other for ages.
Sirius and Remus simply enjoyed the beautiful summer day while thinking about the Prince – Slytherin family. They on their own were a family you wouldn't want to anger, let alone if you looked at their support group. The name Black still carried a lot of weight even though it has been on ice for the last decade.
Then there were all of Harry's friends and Severus' colleagues at Hogwarts. Not to mention all the people behind Lord Slytherin.
It also seemed as if they had managed to befriend Madame Bones which was a feat in itself. That woman didn't play favorites. Yes, the Prince – Slytherin's were a force to be reckoned with.
"Amelia! What is the meaning of this! Where are you! I expect you in my office in ten minutes!" The shrill voice of the Minister faded out as his Patronus did.
Madame Bones sighed deeply. The last week had been so good to work in and wonderfully quiet. She had completely forgotten that the Minister would be back from his holiday today.
"It was nice while it lasted." Amelia muttered and set down the letter she had been scanning through.
"What is his problem now?" Minerva asked sourly. She held no regard for their current Minister. Especially after he ordered Dementors to the school.
"It seems as if out esteemed Minister finally got through enough of his piled-up parchment work to find out there has been a great deal of things happening. I will have to go and smooth things over now."
"I don't envy you one bit, Ami. But if you would like and of course if it is acceptable, we could share a glass of my finest tonight."
"That would be lovely, Minnie. Which reminds me! Tonks!"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Please take the standard oath from Professor McGonagle as soon as possible. We don't want this thrown into our face later on."
"Of course, ma'am." Tonks nodded.
"Now, I best get going." Amelia sighed again.
"We are finished with the fireplace. You can use it, boss." Kingsley told her as he stepped over to them.
"Great. Thank you."
The head of the DMLE made her way over to the fireplace and after throwing down some floo powder and shouting out her office address she was gone in a whoosh of bright green flames.
In her office Amelia quickly cleared her outfit from any lingering sooth and gathered a few of the current files before making her way to the top floor where the Minister had his office.
Once there she nodded at the young redhead (a Weasley if she wasn't mistaken) occupying the desk in front of the door she had to go through.
"He's expecting me."
"Yes, ma'am. Go right in."
With sweeping robes (not unlike Severus') she marched into Fudge's office ready for anything.
"Hello Cornelius! How was your holiday?" She asked sweetly while she sat down in front of his desk without being offered a seat.
"Amelia! What is the meaning of this!?" He demanded, waving his hand at some parchments on his desk.
"Since I have no idea what you are talking about I cannot answer your question."
Amelia watched in amusement as a mirade of emotions rolled over his face before he finally managed to reign in his anger. How he got to be Minister she would never understand.
"What has been going on in the last ten days that led you to arrest Dumbledore of all people?!"
"Although it was actually the goblins that arrested him I can answer this question. Since it is a rather long one, why don't we order tea and I will tell you everything you need to know." She told him calmly.
If she spun this right that bumbling idiot would do exactly what she wanted. Cornelius nodded before he called one of the ministry elves and ordered tea for them.
It was only his first day back after his vacation and he felt as if he would need another one by the end of the day. He was already exhausted just from shuffling through reports to find out what had been going on and that had only been the edited versions of events in people's reports. Now he would get the hard facts from Amelia.
That was one of the things he admired about her – she would always tell you the truth no matter how hard it was.
Once tea arrived and they both had a cup made to their liking in their hands he looked expectantly at her.
"So, for me it all started with information the goblins brought to me." Amelia began explaining her investigation.
It all sounded completely unbelievable until she supported each and every point of her investigation with the evidence she had collected already.
Cornelius' face got paler and paler the further she came in her report and once she was finished he looked as pale as a ghost.
"Cornelius? Are you alright?" Amelia asked carefully.
"All the extra work! So much overtime! What will the people think of me?! They will vote me out of office!"
"If we spin this right they will see you as a hero." Madame Bones told him and at his disbelieving look she elaborated:" It was the old Minister that put Black into Azkaban while you had him cleared once evidence was shown to you."
"That is right! Brilliant! Bagnold is dead, so it doesn't matter if I put fault in the old Minister's shoes."
"I need to return to Hogwarts to continue my investigation." Amelia requested, or more like commanded. She had spent enough time in this office for today.
"Of course, of course, Amelia! Do your work and keep me informed when I shall speak to the press."
"I will." Amelia promised before she made her way back to her office and back to Hogwarts.
Harry was B-O-R-E-D. Yes! Capital letter, that's how bored he was. He was not allowed to talk, and he had gotten bored of reading (no matter how good the book was) some time ago.
He was a very active young man and loved to be outside but right now he was stuck on a couch with his parents. Not that he minded them or the gentle caresses through his har he got from his Dad, but he was BORED!
Why would he need to lie down and rest only because his voice was gone? His body was alright otherwise so he could take a walk or fly or… something.
When he sighed for the third time in as many minutes his Dad had enough.
Severus put his own book down and gave his son a questioning look.
"What is the matter, Snitch?"
Harry looked at him in surprise – he hadn't even noticed what he had been doing – before shaking his head and sighing again.
"None of that, Harry." The Potions Master scolded gently.
That was when Marvolo got involved in the matter as well.
"He may not be able to answer you because he is forbidden from talking, love."
"Right! Accio parchment and quill!"
Only seconds later Harry plucked the items out of the air and started writing furiously. There were a few moments of silence – only disturbed by the scratching of the quill – before Harry handed his Dad the parchment.
"Do you want me to read it out loud?" The Potions Master asked.
Harry nodded vigorously so he cleared his throat and started reading in his most fearsome teacher voice.
"I'm bored! As in B-O-R-E-D! Capitals, Dad!" Severus was interrupted by snickers coming from both other men in the room. "I believe we get it, Snitch."
Harry just grinned and motioned for his Dad to continue.
"Why can't I go outside? Flying won't hurt my voice! I promise not to scream or holler as well. Or at least take a stroll in the gardens? Please?"
"Harry." Marvolo drew his son's attention. "Am I guessing correctly that you feel cooped up and antsy?"
The teen nodded before pouting with his best puppy eyes at his Dad again.
"That won't work on me, Snitch." The Potions Master said amused. "You can't go flying because although only your voice is affected your whole body needs rest. Or have you already forgotten that you had part of your magic unblocked only a few hours ago?"
Harry started to answer but wisely closed his mouth again and with a huff he crossed his arms over his chest and before Severus could say anything the cheeky brat stuck his tongue out at him.
"You know tongues make great potions ingredients." Severus told his husband casually which had his son pulling said part back where it belonged rather quickly.
"I have heard about that. Especially those of naughty children." Marvolo joked back before offering Harry a chance to get out of the house.
"Why don't we go to the gazebo by the big willow and relax there for a bit? The walk will do Harry good but won't overtax him."
The boy nodded eagerly and jumped up from the sofa, ready to go while the Potions Master answered verbally.
"Good idea, Marv. Let's go before this bunny destroys anything."
He just hoped their two guests were in another part of the gardens, so they wouldn't interrupt them in their much-needed talk.
The small family of three got their shoes before slowly walking through their beautiful garden. Harry had done nearly all of the gardening at Privet Drive and he was fascinated by all of the gorgeous magical flowers that were blooming all around him.
Severus and Marvolo were both rather impressed by all the work their house elves had managed to accomplish in such a short amount of time. They had planted beautiful arrangements of flowers and herbs that complimented each other greatly.
Severus had a small moment of amusement when he figured out the order of flower beds must resemble their house crest greatly. He would have to take a look from one of the upstairs windows later on.
The little gazebo they were heading for was an open wooden structure that was overshadowed by a huge willow and next to it was a small stream.
It was a tranquil place to just enjoy nature in. Severus and Marvolo took a seat on the bench that was the only thing in the small open gazebo while Harry just flopped down in the grass on his back. He loved the feeling of the fresh grass beneath him.
Although he would never admit it, he actually felt a little drained from that ten minute stroll. Hopefully that was just one of the effects of the blocks being removed.
Before he could fall asleep he sat up again and rummaged in his pocket until he found a spare piece of parchment and quill. With a few quick strokes he jolted something down and handed it to his father for once.
He just thought that his father would be more inclined to give in to his request than his Dad would be. No matter how close they already were, Severus would always be an unbelievable private person.
"Can you tell me a story?" Marvolo read aloud from the parchment. He glanced at his husband for a moment before sending his son a confused look. "What shall we tell you?"
Harry motioned at both of his parents before making kissing faces at them.
"I believe you want to know how we met and got together?" Severus asked his son in amusement.
Harry just nodded and watched them expectantly.
The husbands shared a look before Severus sighed and began their story.
"To start off you should know that I have been very good friends with Lucius since our Hogwarts days. Although he was a few years older than me we always got along very well."
Harry looked confused for a moment before his face was overtaken with curiosity.
"So, it was no surprise that I was incited to spend the Christmas holidays at their manor. Especially to attend their famous Yule Ball. It is held every year on the 24th of December."
"I was acquainted with Abraxas Malfoy, Lucius' father, so I was there as well." Marvolo continued their tale. "Although I had started my work for the Dark Faction, there were many people alive who knew me as Tom Riddle which was why Severus had no idea who I was."
"I just thought you were another political friend of Abraxas. Since I had never actually seen you before I thought you were not one of his closer friends to be honest." Severus took over again. "I had been watching him all evening as inconspicuous as possible, but he still noticed."
"You just weren't that good back then. My heart had been yours the moment I saw those deep obsidian eyes of yours. I knew I had to get to know you." Marvolo said sweetly and leaned over to kiss his husband which earned them gagging noises from their son.
"Brat!" Severus said. "Do you want to hear the rest of the story?"
Harry nodded eagerly before he stretched back out on the grass in front of his parents.
"Alright. I had noticed Sev looking at me all evening so I took my chance and asked him to dance with me. For me it was a done deal right then and there. I knew he was the one for me but this stubborn sixteen-year-old wasn't that easily caught."
"No, I wasn't. And before you ask, Harry, I turned seventeen only two weeks later. Dancing with Marvolo felt amazing and I was on could nine all night but still something held me back. I just couldn't believe that someone would want me for me."
"It took me six months to wear him down. Of course, it was a lot more difficult because Sev was still at Hogwarts. We would meet up on Hogsmeade weekends and exchange endless letters."
"Just before the final exams I got a package from him that included not only my favorite sweets but also communication mirrors. We started talking each night before going to bed."
"Once Severus was done with his NEWTS I invited him to Riddle Manor and showed him all of my cards. I wanted to be as honest with him as I could."
"I was shocked at first, but we talked through it all and his reasoning was supported by a lot of evidence. I decided that I really wanted this relationship to work so I accepted what Marvolo did."
"Still left me waiting for three months before you answered my proposal." Marvolo grumbled, making Severus laugh.
He shot a quick glance at Harry – it was too quiet down there – and found his son asleep in the grass in front of them.
There was a soft smile playing around the boy's lips – even in his sleep – and Severus' heart swelled at the thought that he had put that smile on Harry's face.
TBC
I made it! This was taking my last nerve today...
I had the beated chapter in my inbox this morning but our wifi broke down around lunch time and apparently it was a bigger problem because I couldn't even phone or text :P
But it's here now and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did ;) I especially love the Amelia Fudge interaction :D I have been planning that out in my head for days because I didn't get the time to write it down right away.
First posted on: 10. June 2018
Next update planned: 24. June 2018