Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., and other assorted publishing, producing companies. I do not make money from writing this story, as I do not own any of the rights to the characters or canon plotlines.

Author's Note :

I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped in the reporting and eventual takedown of the plagiarized version of this story on someone else's profile. Seeing that support, literally gave me the drive to sit my busy ass down for a couple of hours and write this. I can't guarantee when the next update will be, but I can guarantee I will always keep trying. You guys are awesome!

I have lost contact with my Beta-reader, so until I find a new one please forgive any mistakes I missed while reading this over. If anyone is a beta-reader for HP or knows a good one, please PM me.

Title : The Aftermath of War

Warnings : Slash, Ginny-Bashing, Anal, Oral, Rim, H/C, Future M-Preg, Un-Beta'd

Pairings : Lucius/Harry, George/Draco, Ron/Hermione, Narcissa/Kingsley

Chapter 16: An Unlikely Partnership

When Draco and George came to Harry to tell him of their intentions toward one another, Harry couldn't help but laugh at them. He couldn't help himself. They were so cute. Did they really think he hadn't noticed? Did they think that no one noticed? Molly had known since the night of the funeral. Both of Draco's parents had come to the realization throughout George's stay at the Manor. If they thought for one moment that they were sneaking around…they were pretty far from the truth.

"You don't need to laugh you prat!" was Draco's indignant response to Harry's laughter.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I just can't believe you felt like you had to inform me about you two! I've been here watching you fall for each other since George arrived!" Harry explained through heaving breaths.

It wasn't long before George lost it too, realizing how ridiculous the whole situation was. Of course, Harry would've seen it. The kid always was a bit too observant for his own good, well, at least when it came to things that involved other people. When it came to himself, he was thick as a brick wall. He laughed even harder when he saw Draco pouting sulkily at them for their uncontrollable giggle fit.

"Okay, okay! I'm done I swear!" Harry said, breathing deeply to try and calm the laughter.

"The two of you…honestly," Draco huffed crossly.

"I'm sorry, Draco. I hope you weren't agonizing over telling me or anything. You two should both know that I could care less who you fall for, so long as you're happy," Harry said.

Draco glowered at him for several moments before sighing and giving up his irritation.

"We didn't agonize over it. We knew you wouldn't have a problem with it, especially with the way you and my Father have been carrying on," Draco said, causing Harry to flush bright red.

"Did you think no one noticed? My mother's been on to you two since the beginning," the blonde added. George snorted out a laugh.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything to anyone. Last thing we need is for the public to have all of their crazy conspiracy theories validated," Harry said. "Besides, there's not a whole lot going on, really."

Draco merely rolled his eyes, and Harry relaxed.

"Of course, I will be quiet about it. Do you know what they would do to my father if they thought he'd corrupted you in any way?" the blonde said. Harry frowned.

"Yea…I do. That's why I don't want anyone to know. It'll be awful when it comes out, no matter what. So, for now I want to keep it quiet. I don't even know if this is going anywhere. If I want it to…." He said. Draco's expression softened and his hand came down on Harry's shoulder.

"Don't worry about it. It'll turn out however it's supposed to, and until then no one else needs to know about it."

Harry smiled gratefully at the blonde, happy to hear that he wasn't upset by what he'd noticed. Of course, Harry would completely understand if Draco was upset. It's not every day your former classmate and your father develop an attraction towards one another.

"Thanks," Harry said. "I'd better go check on Teddy and see how he's doing."

Narcissa was on her way to meet Shacklebolt after submitting her drafted syllabus to McGonagall for review. The older woman was very impressed with her work and said she would have it further reviewed by the new Muggle Studies Professor to make sure that everything was presented in a way that Muggleborn students would understand. McGonagall scheduled her for another appointment later in the week where she would be shown her living quarters for the school year and meet the Muggle Studies Professor who she would be working very closely with to implement this new curriculum. The Headmistress also explained that several weeks before the official opening of the school, all the newly hired staff would be gathered for intense training to make sure they were prepared for the school year ahead. Narcissa was nervous, but excited about what this new opportunity would bring.

"Death Eater scum!" a voice hissed from behind her.

Broken from her thoughts, Narcissa whipped around only to have something wet and hot hit her skin. She cried out in pain, turning just in time to avoid having what she could smell was hot tea, hit her face. She could feel it trickling down her shoulders and chest, searing against her sensitive skin. There was cruel cackling behind her but Narcissa didn't stay to catch a glimpse of her assailant. She took off running down the street. She wasn't far from the Ministry building so she sought refuge there, making her way to the lavatories to hopefully clean up. She didn't want to look like a complete mess when she met with the Minister. That just wasn't proper of a Lady of her standing. On top of that, she would prefer no one see her in her current state because she could already feel the emotions welling up inside her fighting to escape her control.

"Oh Ms. Black! Perfect timing, the Minister is waiting for you!" a voice called.

Narcissa tried to go into the bathroom anyway, but the other woman, who she realized was Shacklebolt's assistant Ms. Abram, had already gotten to her. The younger woman's eyes rounded with surprise as she took in Narcissa's appearance. Shame hit her in a way she hadn't felt in a very long time as those same eyes looked her up and down slowly. When that horrified gaze finally came back to lock with hers, the blonde felt as if she wanted to vomit. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black had never been seen in public in such disarray. Not since the Battle of Hogwarts, which she quickly stamped from her mind not needing those memories to compound on top of everything else she was currently feeling. She felt the training of her mother well up in the back of her mind, she could almost hear the long-deceased witch screaming at her.

"Ms. Black, you're injured!"

She looked down to where Ms. Abram was pointing to see that her shoulders and chest were bright red with burns from the hot liquid that'd been thrown at her. She could already see the blisters forming over the burned skin.

"Please Ms. Black come with me!" the younger woman said in an urgent tone.

Narcissa was lead quickly through the halls of the Ministry building, finding herself extremely grateful that the assistant seemed to be taking her through halls that had less foot traffic. She made a mental note to mention the girl's compassion to her boss, for whatever it was worth.

"Here, sit down Ms. Black. I will call in the Minister and…"

"No!" Narcissa couldn't help but interrupt. Her outburst surprised the other woman, and Narcissa suddenly realized how out of sorts she was. Quickly, she gathered her wits to the best of her ability.

"Ahem…I do not wish for the Minister to worry himself about such a trivial matter. Please, just tell him that I was unable to make our meeting and can reschedule for whenever is most convenient to him. I will return home and see my family healer at once."

Narcissa wanted to avoid any more drama about her current situation. If this hit the papers it could spell danger not only for herself, but her family. She could see the nasty headline already, Former Death Eater Gets What She Deserved, and the rush of copycat crimes after. Not only would her family be in danger, but others like hers as well. Children who'd had no choice in their allegiances would be targeted, family members who never served the Dark Lord as well. If she got the Minister involved, it would only be worse. The Wizarding World would not doubt accuse her of bewitching Shackelbolt the way they accused Lucius of bewitching Harry. Ms. Abrams looked at her for a few moments in confusion before vehemently shaking her head.

"I don't need to call him, but I am sorry Ms. Black, I cannot allow you to leave this place without some medical care. If you would just wait for a few moments while I summon a healer. I will be right back!"

The younger woman didn't give her a chance to answer before she rushed off. Narcissa sat in silence trying to process what had happened. She'd experienced angry people in the streets before. After the first war, and after this one. She'd been called names and screamed at by grieving witches and wizards who recognized her. That's originally why she had stopped leaving the Manor. She'd never been blatantly attacked like that before. Had it gotten so bad already? Was she unsafe outside the walls of the Manor? No, she'd been outside before. Then she remembered…most recently all of her outings from the Manor had either been with Harry or accompanied by Aurors. Of course no one would dare attack her in the presence of the Savior, and certainly not in front law enforcement. Did that mean it was unsafe for her to travel on her own?

"Lady Black," a deep, concerned voice. "Are you alright?"

Narcissa's entire body stiffened in response to the familiar cadence of Minister Shacklebolt's voice. Of course, he would arrive now, of all times. She had not, under any circumstances, wanted him to see her this way. She hated being vulnerable in front of other people, especially people she didn't know. It just wasn't her way. The look in his eyes as he took in her appearance caused her stomach to twist in shame.

"Minister I am sorry, but I must go," she said shortly, standing up and making a hurried motion toward the exit.

She jolted when a warm hand closed around her wrist, turning her head to look at a very concerned expression of the Minister of Magic. He wasn't holding her tight, and he didn't seem to be putting any strength into the grip, but it was evident that he did not wish for her to leave. For some reason, those brown eyes glimmering at her with genuine concern held her in place.

"Please, Lady Black. Tell me what happened," he said, seeming to sense that her injuries were not caused by a clumsy mistake.

She couldn't look away from him, but she didn't want to say anything either. The whole situation was not only embarrassing, but possibly detrimental to many people. His expression left no doubt in her mind that he would get to the bottom of what happened whether she told him or not. Someone had to have seen the altercation, and it would be better for her to tell her side now before others made up stories of how she was the aggressor. How she deserved it…'maybe I do'… she quickly shoved that thought aside to answer.

"I…it happened on my way here," Narcissa said. "She was angry."

Narcissa shivered at the sight of the anger darkening Shacklebolt's handsome features. He was quite intimidating when he was angry. Before he could respond, his assistant had returned with a healer on her tail. The Minister watched in silence as Narcissa's wounds were treated. She felt naked under his gaze, ashamed of everything she was and had been. Those burns were physical reminders of her poor choices, and her failure as not only a mother to her children, but as a human being. They were her penance for making all the wrong choices.

"Stop blaming yourself…" Shacklebolt's deep voice broke her from her thoughts. "No matter what happened during the war, this is not an acceptable way to treat someone."

It was as if he'd been reading her thoughts. Were they so obvious on her face? Were her usual shields down from the sheer amount of emotion she was currently experiencing? Narcissa felt herself trembling, her breath picking up pace as her heart did the same. Was she losing everything she'd ever been? She usually had so much more control than this. Why was she breaking down? Why was she so weak? That's what it always came down to, right? She was too weak. Too powerless to be useful to anyone or anything she ever cared about. Things became foggy and Narcissa barely registered the Minister ordering the other two women out of the room.

"Shhh…it's okay Lady Black," Shacklebolt's voice sounded far away even though he was right beside her.

"Just breathe. It's going to be okay. Just breathe…."

When Lucius walked into the nursery, his eyes were met with the sweet picture of Harry Potter rocking in a chair with his godson Teddy as the little one fell asleep. Harry was humming a soft lullaby, one that Lucius did not recognize. Lucius couldn't help but notice how strong Harry's paternal instincts were, he would make a great father someday. He stopped his thought process there, not wanting to start thinking in that direction just yet. It wasn't that he couldn't see himself having a child with Harry, but they were just barely forming their relationship as friends and potential lovers.

"Harry," Lucius greeted quietly. Green eyes flicked up to him as a small smile turned the younger man's lips.

"Lucius," Harry returned. "Let me just put him down for his nap, and I'll follow you to your office."

They're meetings had been going well, and Lucius had been rather surprised with how much Harry was willing to talk about concerning his childhood. The younger man had explained that since Lucius was already reading the memoir that Harry was writing, it was easier to talk to him about things. He said that since Lucius had already read a lot of the things Harry was saying, that it made it easier for the younger man to say it. Lucius was grateful for this, because he had noticed a positive change in Harry's demeanor recently. While still very troubled and confused, Harry seemed to be viewing his life with happiness instead of pessimism.

"Alright, I'm ready," Harry said.

They made their way to his office in comfortable silence.

"So, how have you been?" Lucius asked when they sat down. He noticed that starting the conversation like they were just talking about any old thing seemed to make Harry relax.

"Things have been….better. I am starting to realize all the support I have behind me, all the people who care about me. Having Teddy here has definitely brightened my mood. Now that I'm talking about everything, I don't know…somehow I feel better about it? It's strange how just saying it out loud is helping me to process things better."

Lucius nodded his understanding. Their meetings weren't all one sided. Lucius often shared some of his experiences to put Harry's anxieties about being freakish or strange at ease knowing someone else understood his pain. Talking about them with Harry had helped him to come to terms with some of it as well. He didn't think he could ever forgive himself for all of his failures, but he was starting to realize that he could accept them and move on. His son was surviving and thriving. Things would be tough for him, but Draco was a survivor and he had some very loyal, powerful people behind him that would make his future success a possibility.

"I am glad to hear it. You deserve to be happy Harry, regardless of what was put into your mind as a young child. You deserve to live a life that you want to, with people in it who love and respect you. I think this is a realization you are slowly coming to, but have not quite reached yet. I believe you soon will."

Harry smiled his lovely little smile and nodded his head which made Lucius feel warm inside. Above all things, he wanted to help Harry become a person who could move past his pain and go on to live happily. Even if they didn't end up together. Even if this chemistry between them ended up going nowhere, Lucius found himself hoping for only the best when it came to Harry. Did that mean something? Had he truly come to care for this young man to an extent that he had no real selfish feelings toward him? Looking at those bright green eyes, and feeling the warmth of happiness spread through his body, Lucius knew that it must be true.

"Is there anything in specific that you would like to talk about today?" Lucius asked the other man. Green eyes flickered down for a moment as Harry considered his next words.

"Well, I don't know if you've read the most recent stuff I've written."

Lucius nodded his acquiescence. Harry nodded back and continued.

"I've been thinking about Dumbledore a lot lately. I understand that rationally, the things he kept from me were things that I wouldn't understand or be able to comprehend at the time. Things that needed to be said at a certain time. But I am having trouble getting over the betrayal that I feel for his dishonesty."

Harry had been thinking for a long time about the way Dumbledore had handled things before and during the war. He always wondered why Dumbledore hadn't trusted him with the news of the horcruxes sooner, why he'd felt he had to keep his plans from Harry so much. Harry wondered if Dumbledore had trusted him more, could they have ended the war sooner? Could they have destroyed the horcruxes quicker, and saved so many lives? He knew rationally that the Professor probably had perfectly good reasoning for his choices. He just couldn't help but feel a little betrayed that someone he trusted with so much, didn't trust him with information that had such an enormous effect on his life.

"I believe that Dumbledore wanted you to live as normal a life as you could and did not wish to involve you in anything until it was clear that the Prophecy was indeed valid. He was such a powerful wizard, and while humble about many things, I believe that Dumbledore thought he could contain the situation before the youth had to become involved," Lucius said.

"But then why didn't he just say so? I would have understood," Harry said, he blinked up at the older man when a chuckle rumbled across the room.

"I don't know, Harry. From what I've heard, you were quite brash and quick to take things into your own hands as a child. The late Headmaster may have feared you would try to figure things out on your own and rush in without proper preparation."

Harry blinked stupidly at the other man for a few moments before realizing that he was right. The Sorcerer's Stone, the Chamber, Sirius…he'd never waited for any information before he put himself into those situations and he nearly got himself and his friends killed on several occasions. He'd had thoughts like this before when he tried to dismiss his distrust of Dumbledore's actions, but could never do it on his own. For some reason, hearing it from someone else made so much clearer to him.

'So therapy is basically having someone else tell you all the things you already knew, but didn't have enough faith in yourself or others to believe.'

"I guess that makes sense. He was protecting me, as well as he could. He hoped he could defeat Voldemort before I would ever have to," Harry finally said.

"That does not mean that you have no right to feel betrayed, but perhaps only means that you should consider Dumbledore's position when you are processing and trying to move forward," Lucius said.

Harry considered these words, and while his sense of betrayal was not gone, he felt that continuing to look at it with Dumbledore's perspective in mind might help him to resolve the issue. Something he'd been working on in these meetings was acknowledging that his feelings were valid and that he was allowed to have them. It was okay if he felt hurt by another person or experience that had happened in his past. However, it was not good to dwell in those feelings and allow them to consume his mind. He had to learn to move forward at the same time as he was accepting feelings he'd tamped down and ignored for most of his life. It wasn't easy, but he was learning.

Narcissa was beyond mortified as she sat in Minster Shacklebolt's office with some iced tea (the Minister's idea once he put together what had happened to her) and biscuits. She couldn't believe that she'd broken down into a full-blown panic attack in front of arguably the most powerful man in Wizarding Britain. She felt like a fool, a child who couldn't control her emotions. Shacklebolt's intensity since had been a bit overwhelming as well. He'd called in Aurors to take her statement, filed an official report, and was currently making plans to hold a press conference condemning the actions of her assailant. The whole thing was making Narcissa nauseas.

"Please, Minister, you must understand," she said as calmly as she could.

"If you bring this to the public, the media storm that will follow will only encourage copycats and further disparage my name with accusations that I have somehow bewitched you into my service."

He looked up at her from his desk, brow slightly furrowed in thought. Then, his face broke out in a smile that made Narcissa want to squirm uncomfortably in her chair. She didn't, though she did feel a slight spasm in her muscles from the effort of restraint.

"Lady Black, while you certainly are a bewitching woman," he said, causing a flush of color to heat her cheeks against her will. "I don't believe anyone who knows me would think that I am the kind of man, or Minister of Magic for that matter, who could just sit by when things like this are happening on his watch."

"Besides, I won't be naming any names. I will just mention that it has come to my attention that these things are happening, and that anyone caught behaving in such a way towards anyone will be punished accordingly."

The assurance of anonymity made Narcissa feel a little better, though she was still rather terrified someone had witnessed her incident and The Prophet would somehow manage to know it was her. They had a knack for being invasive and overly informed on other people's lives. He seemed to sense her nerves and came around the desk to place a gentle hand down on her shoulder. It was strange, he'd never touched her before, but couldn't seem to stop doing so now. In her walk of life, no one was ever so physically attentive, especially not with those who they did not really know. It was strange, but also pleasant at the same time. This man who knew little to nothing about who she was felt compelled to comfort her. Still, it was entirely inappropriate, and she needed to stop it before someone walked in and saw them.

"I suppose that would be acceptable," she said, with all the coolness she could muster.

She moved just slightly so that the man's hand was jostled from her shoulder. An expression of disappointment flickered over his face before he restored his smile. Why he would feel such disappointment because of her subtle rejection, she wasn't sure. Surely, he knew that such conduct between two individuals such as themselves would be considered uncouth. It wouldn't do for the Minister of Magic, hero of the Light, to be fraternizing with such a high-profile witch from the opposite side.

"Great," Kingsley said as he tried to read the expression of the woman who'd just gone from complete vulnerability to ice queen in a matter of moments.

Narcissa Black was an enigma. She'd broken down in front of him, allowed him to comfort her through her attack, and now rejected that same comfort as if it were somehow offensive. While the changes in her body language and tone were minute, he had noticed them. Had he offended her in some way. He had only been trying to help. Then again, knowing the proper lady she had been brought up as, he knew she must be highly embarrassed by her behavior. He wished he could tell her that it was okay to be human, and act on human emotions, but it really wasn't his place. She barely knew him.

"Well, Lady Black, I think it is appropriate that we reschedule our original meeting for another time. You have been through a lot and I am sure could use some time at home to relax," he said.

She looked up at him with those icy blue eyes, sharp and critical, like she was trying to figure him out. If only she knew he just wasn't that deep. You get what you see with Kingsley Shackelbolt. Nothing more and nothing less. Maybe next time they met, he would try to get to know her a little better. He wanted to know what it was that made her tick. Then maybe he would know how he could get closer to her. Through their few meetings, Kingsley had found himself struck thoroughly interested in the former Mrs. Malfoy. Her strength in the face of all that had happened was inspiring. Her determination to protect her son and her family as well.

"I think that would be best. Goodbye, Minister Shacklebolt," the blonde said.

"See you soon, Lady Black."

George couldn't have been more comfortable than he was, lying on his bed with Draco's head on his chest and body pressed warmly against his. They'd napped together after some flying, and unfortunately separate showers. Still, it was nice waking up with the blonde snuggled against him. Draco seemed to sense he'd woken, silver eyes fluttering open to look at him.

"You alright?"

George could only smile.

"Yea…I'm great actually."

He didn't wait for Draco to answer, but instead closed the distance between them for a kiss. He felt Draco melt into it, soft lips moving against his with grace. They'd become quite good at this, after some practice. George let his hands wander the expanse of Draco's back. The blonde arched into him with a soft hum, his soft tapered hand slipping under the hem of George's shirt. At the same time, Draco's leg moved to lay across George's hips, and the redhead adjusted himself so that their lower bodies fit together snugly. He wasn't sure if it was him or Draco who started the gentle grinding motions, but he didn't care. He slipped his hands under the other man's clothing and explored the soft, warm expanse of Draco's skin.

"George.."

The hesitant, breathy sound of his name filled his belly with warmth. He looked down at the blonde, who was staring up at him with bright, but slightly unsure eyes. George kissed him gently on the lips again in assurance. Draco was afraid of going to fast for him, it was something the blonde had expressed on several occasions. Right now, George couldn't think of anything he wanted more than to watch Draco fall to pieces in pleasure.

"It's okay. I'm okay. I want you," he replied.

Draco couldn't help the bolt of lust that coursed his entire body at George's words. He'd wanted to become more intimate with the redhead for a little while now, but he always held back in fear of pushing George too much. He'd been doing much better as of late, but Draco knew that George was still quite crushed. With the other man's assurance, Draco pushed himself up so that he could properly straddle George's hips and ground down against him firmly.

"Fuck," he heard George murmur.

He panted a little as he felt the warmth of the redhead's arousal harden against him.

"We don't have much time…" Draco said, knowing it was close to dinner time and a House Elf would surely be up to beckon them soon.

"We've plenty," was the response he got.

With that, Draco felt a hand pull at the waistband of his pants. A whine escaped him when he felt the heat of George's length against his own. The large calloused hand of his lover closed around them both and began a gentle rhythm. Draco couldn't help but buck his hips into the feeling, tossing his head back and letting another moan escape his lips. He could already feel he wasn't going to last long. It'd been too long and he'd wanted this too much. George's low hums of pleasure were like music to his ears as his body soared higher and higher in pleasure.

"God-damnit you're beautiful," George growled as he stared up at Draco's gorgeous face twisted in ecstasy.

"S..soon," was the blonde's response.

Silver grey eyes stared down at him, glowing with need and pleasure. George didn't need more than that to understand. He upped his pace against, relishing in the feeling of Draco's arousal moving against his. It was all over far too soon for George's liking, but still…it was perfect. He watched Draco's eyes flutter shut and listened to the long keen of pleasure as that lithe body tensed and the hardness in his hand twitched. The hot coil of lust that'd been writhing and sparking in George's gut tightened and exploded. He felt the liquid heat of both their pleasure run down his knuckles as he saw sparks go off behind his eyelids. They collapsed against one another, managing a final slightly sloppy kiss in their spent exhaustion.

"Well…"

"Hm…"

George chuckled at the blonde's response, kissing his sweaty forehead before reaching for something to clean them up a bit. Wouldn't do for the an elf to pop in on them in this position. Poor thing would probably punish itself for months.

"We're gonna have to do that more often. I'm far too out of shape!"

Draco snorted, running his hand over the toned muscles of the redhead's abdomen.

"I think you're pretty fit," he replied.

"Oh? Well I guess I can let myself go then!" George said. Draco rolled his eyes.

"I don't care what you look like, Weasley. I'm not going anywhere."

a/n: that's all for this one. I will continue trying my hardest to find time to write. Between fulltime school and fulltime work it's hard. But I love this story and don't want to abandon it.