A/N: Hey

It's been a while! This was done a while ago. I didn't post cause there are a couple of parts I'm struggling with (mostly those based for the future) because I wasn't sure exactly what kind of tone I wanted to set.

For those who do not know, I hate slow burns. I hate fanfics with slowly developing relationships because, I have the attention span of a goldfish. Its annoying to read something that's fifty chapters long and to still have characters doing that whole will-they-won't-they thing on chapter thirty-two. Stop wasting my time and get to the good stuff already. Usually I give up around chapter five and look for something else to read. Chapter seven if the set up is interesting enough, yeah my condition is that bad

Point is, I don't like slow burns. I've made it my policy to never write something that I myself wouldn't want to read.

But then there's this story, and the problem with this story is that a little bit of the slow burn is unfortunately unavoidable. At this point I'm a little annoyed with myself. I'm aiming for fifteen chapters with this story, I'm trying to stick to that but again, certain elements in this story require a little bit of a slow burn which is why I'm annoyed with myself.

But we are going to push forward and see how this goes, hopefully I can stick with that fifteen chapter mark.

Thanks for all the reviews

Let's just jump right into it

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Dumbledore had him and Blaise leave the room so their parents could have a proper discussion, since Lady Zabini's announcement of invoking the right to the house of Zabini needed some further… discussion.

It was odd.

Ron felt odd as he walked out of the room and into Dumbledore's office. Everything felt hazy and just off. It didn't even really feel like he was walking, just moving from one place to the next.

He expected Molly to be upset. He expected his mother to throw some kind of fit, make idol threats or maybe even chase him around the room with a wooden spoon.

But he didn't expect that.

"Ron… Ron."

The redhead looked up in a pause and found Blaise looking at him in concern, one hand on his shoulder. Blaise Zabini was concerned, Ron couldn't even find it in him to appreciate the sight.

"What?" he croaked out and Blaise's lips pursed together in a tight line for a brief moment before he nodded his head to the side.

Ron turned and could only blink in surprise at the figure he saw sitting in front of the desk in the office.

Bright red hair, neatly combed to the side, deep grey robes cleaned and pressed with the utmost care and precision draped around the lanky pale form of his older brother.

"Percy?" He asked quietly and Percy gave a nod. He hesitated, making to stand only to settle back before just getting up anyway.

"Hello Ron."

"What're you doing here?"

"I…" Percy paused before just blurting out, "I know about the pregnancy."

Ron paled, "You what-"

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

"How do you know?"

"The ministry keeps records on all blood inheritances." Percy said simply and Ron took an involuntary step back.

"Records… what do you mean records? Records of what?!"

"Ron-"

"How would the ministry know that I was a carrier when I didn't?"

Percy looked away, his jaw clenched. He felt the hand on his shoulder clench in a similar way and looked up to see Blaise frowning.

"If the ministry has records, it means that your parents must have known."

"No." Ron pulled from his grasp as he walked over to his brother. "Percy?"

When Percy didn't respond Ron started to shake his head, "No-"

"Ron-"

"If they knew they would've told me."

"Dad didn't know." Percy said clearly cutting into the argument before it could really begin, "But Mum did. Her signature is on the papers."

Ron was breathing hard. All this time… have they been lying to him, keeping this secret? But why? And if his mother knew then why did she say all those hurtful things? Somewhere in the back of his mind Ron thought that maybe it was just shock. Molly was just as shocked to find out about this carrier situation as he was and that's why she reacted the way she did. But if she knew… then why?

His chest felt tight, it felt like he wasn't breathing fast enough and then he felt arms wrap around him. He would've thought it to be Blaise if the hold didn't feel so stiff and awkward, unfamiliar. He looked up and saw the profile of his older brother. They were on the floor and Percy was hugging him, softly petting his brother's head as he moved a little in what could be imagined as a rocking motion. He's always been awkward with affection. The twins used to tease him mercilessly about it for years. But right at that moment, Ron couldn't help but feel warm and he let himself collapse into his big brother's arms and started to sob.

Percy jumped, startled for a brief moment at the sound that came from his youngest brother's form. But he didn't say anything as they sat there, didn't try to shush him or whisper words of comfort, maybe he just wasn't sure how. Ron appreciated it all the same. It felt like forever before he felt calm enough to talk and even then, Percy was the one to break the ice.

"From what I've read, male pregnancies aren't too difficult to manage once you get the hang of it."

Ron couldn't help but scoff, "I'm not sure about that."

There was a slight pause.

"What did Mum and Dad say?"

Ron's arms tightened around Percy's waist and he buried his face deeper into his neck.

"I see." Percy took in a deep breath, "Are you keeping it?"

"Yes."

"It would be better if you gave it away for adoption."

At that Ron immediately started pulling away, "Typical."

"Ron-"

"I don't-… It's my baby Percy! I don't want to give it away. If you can't understand that-"

"I'm not trying to force you. I'm just making sure that you understand what your best option is." Percy took in a deep breath, "You're still so young Ron and if Mum and Dad make things difficult, this could make things near impossible to deal with. I just… I want you to be prepared for how ugly things could get. I don't want things to turn out like… I don't want things to be difficult for you."

Ron looked up at him, "Why are you here, Percy?"

The older Weasley paused, "I found out about what happened and that Headmaster Dumbledore had called a meeting. I was worried and I wanted to make sure that you'd be alright."

Ron didn't know how to respond to that, so he just didn't.

Percy sighed, "I-… I'm not sure how much I could do but, if there's anything you need… I-"

Percy trailed off, Ron just stared back at him, still at a loss for what to say. Percy still looked so awkward and uncomfortable, really most people have been that way around him lately. But seeing Percy at such a loss for words somehow just felt different from how it did with everyone else.

Percy was trying. Usually Percy was so distant and closed off, but this time he's actually trying. He found out that something had happened and took out the time to make the trip to come and see him. He didn't even let the possibility of running into their mother turn him away… the thought made something in Ron's chest twist and pull tight.

"Percy… I-"

"Ron."

He looked up and found Percy suddenly staring at the rooms only other occupant with a frown, "What's Blaise Zabini doing here?"

"You know him?"

"He's lady Zabini's only son, everyone knows-"

Percy cut himself off and his frown deepened as he looked at his brother seeing the flush in his cheeks turn darker before looking up at the Slytherin again, who immediately avoided his gaze and his eyes went wide.

"Merlin." Percy gasped before looking back at Ron, "Really?"

Just then the door leading to the hidden room opened and they looked up to see Lady Zabini confidently stride out of the room though the annoyance in her eyes betrayed her calm composure.

"Impudent cur." The woman hissed out, as she approached her son, "How I'm ever going to be able to deal with that woman is beyond me." She let out a soft sigh just as her eyes dropped down to the two on the floor and she arched a brow.

Ron quickly got up and wiped his face on the back of his hand, Percy got up with him pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and subtly handing it to his brother. Ron took it without a word and turned away.

A frown pulled at her lips.

"Mother." Blaise suddenly said, drawing his mother's attention and the woman pulled her gaze away from the two to look at her son. His eyes were filled with similar concern, though he didn't do more than glance over towards the brothers for a brief second.

Alexis took a deep breath and gave the teen a smile, "It's alright dear, everything is taken care of."

"Are you sure?"

"Would I ever lie to you?"

Blaise gave her a dull look and Alexis rolled her eyes, "Come now, we both know that that was for your own good."

The door suddenly opened again, Molly came storming out; flushed with rage. She paused for a brief moment, locked eyes with Percy and then with Ron before she just continued on her way out.

Ron's jaw clenched as he fought back against the tears in his eyes. Arthur left the room soon after with headmaster Dumbledore close behind him. The headmaster had a hand on Arthur's shoulder as he spoke softly, Arthur only nodded as he spoke back until he looked up and saw the people standing in the room. His eyes locked onto Ron and he paused, took in a deep breath and walked up to the boy.

Ron tensed unsure of what to expect only to sigh in relief when Arthur wrapped his arms around him in a hug and pulled him in tight.

"Merlin Ron, where do I even start?"

"I-I'm sorry dad-"

"No, no. It's not your fault, you couldn't have known. I … I didn't know… Molly – I don't… but, we'll sort this out somehow." Arthur stuttered out, he took in a deep breath of the boy's hair before pulling back to look at him, "Are-are you feeling alright… I don't know much about this but, are you alright?"

Ron let out a scoff, wiping his face yet again, "I'm… I think I'm fine." Then he paused, "Is Mum alright, what did she say?"

Arthur stared back at Ron for a moment his lips pursed together for a brief moment, "I think, we should just let her have some time to think through this for now. I'll deal with Molly."

"She's livid. You don't have to lie to me dad. I know I messed up and I know you're probably livid too."

"I'm… shocked and honestly a little livid, sure. I think we both know there are very limited ways for how you could have managed to get yourself in this position." Ron flushed, Arthur huffed out a scoff before shaking his head. "But you still couldn't have known. I can't imagine she was thinking to-" The older man shut his eyes to take in a deep breath before he lowered his voice as he looked into his son's eyes, "I will deal with your mother, so don't worry about that. We'll sort this out, I promise."

Ron nodded his head, "So, what now?"

"Well, it seems that I'm about to become a grandfather." Arthur joked and Ron couldn't help but huff out a laugh as he wiped his eyes again. His father smiled only to pause as he tensed ever so slightly, "But there are other things that are a bit more complicated."

"What do you mean?"

"Lady Zabini has invoked the right to the bloodline of the Zabini household." Dumbledore suddenly cut in and Ron remembered that they weren't alone as the man continued to explain, moving behind the large desk to sit down in his chair. "As such, you'll be experiencing some changes for the time being."

"What kind of changes?" Ron asked looking over to the woman on question who simply folded her arms over her chest as she tossed her head back to flip her long curls over her shoulder.

"After the charming display your mother put on, you can't honestly expect me to trust anyone in your family with your well-being, could you? Not when you're carrying my grandchild." Alexis explained and Blaise seemed to huff in annoyance.

"Mother."

"Blaise, please don't pretend like you don't agree with me when you clearly do. The Weasley boy will be safer in our protection."

"Wait, what does that mean?"

"Invoking rights to the bloodline, means she's invoking her rights over the last heir. Claiming it as a Zabini." Percy explained albeit a bit awkwardly, "In this case, the last heir would be your child with her son."

"But, the baby isn't even born yet."

"Right but, in cases like these, it means that lady Zabini is claiming you as a Zabini. That's what invoking the rights to the bloodline means."

"I don't understand." Actually he did understand… its just… no way right? It couldn't possibly mean what he thinks it means. "Exactly what changes will I be making?"

"Firstly, you'll be living in the manor when you're away from school. Again, I won't have that woman anywhere near my grandchild."

"More pressingly," Albus interrupted. His tone was odd, not the normal cheery tone he used but not the one he used when things got serious either. Something about it was off, Ron isn't sure if he's ever heard the man sound like that. "Among the many other privileges lady Zabini has as your current guardian, she's requested a resort on your behalf."

"Resort?"

"Much like the sorting ceremony you had when you first arrived at Hogwarts. We'll have another sorting ceremony to see if you're eligible to be placed in one of the other houses."

Ron's eyes went wide, "What? Why?!"

"Professor Snape is head of house for Slytherin. I'd prefer it if you were placed under his care while you were at school." Alexis said simply, "If all goes well, then I'll know at least that much is taken care of."

Ron looked at her with wide eyes, "Excuse me?"

"Its part of the blood rights, I'm afraid." The headmaster explained, before giving the teen a smile. Something about it was tight, tense. "Its nothing to worry about, resortings which were done in the past never sorted students into new houses. The hat doesn't make mistakes. This is really just a formality."

Ron nodded his head but that didn't ease any of his tension.

"It'll be fine, Ron." Arthur said putting his hands on the teen's shoulders. "Don't worry, we'll work this out."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was an average night. The pub was mostly vacant with only a few of the tables occupied here and there. Lee sat in a booth near the back, lazily flipping through the pages of his note book, lifting his mug of beer to take a sip before lifting his pen to his lips to chew on the hard plastic instead.

He was thinking about Rodolphus and Rabastan… and Hogwarts and Headmaster Dumbledore and the Longbottoms and just everything and honestly at this point it's a miracle he doesn't have a headache yet.

On October 31st 1989, the Longbottoms were tortured by use of the cruciatus curse repeatedly until they lost their sanity. The perpetrators responsible for this crime were alleged to be Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange with the assistance of Bartemius Crouch Junior. At the trial, Bellatrix Lestrange admitted guilt and proudly confessed to the crime. Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange were silent throughout most of the proceedings and Bartemius Crouch Junior insisted on his innocence even after his incarceration.

Lee couldn't make sense of it. Something about all of this didn't make sense, something didn't feel right. After speaking with the Lestrange brothers, after being around them, somehow Lee couldn't place the crime that was committed with either of the brothers. Were the Lestranges dangerous? Yes, absolutely, Lee didn't doubt that for a second. Were they capable of the crime? Again, yes they are. But for some reason, as Lee flipped through his notes and went through the files over and over again… something about it didn't quite click. It didn't help that Rabastan was so tight lipped about the incident when Lee asked. Something else happened that night, something he won't talk about. Lee just couldn't figure what that was.

He could always ask Rodolphus. Rodolphus seemed a bit more upfront than Rabastan. He might be able to get a more direct response out of the older man but-

"Say my name."

A shiver rushed up his spine. Lee tensed and almost dropped his mug before he could set it back down on the table. He can't see Rodolphus just yet.

Well then maybe he should take another run at Rabastan-

"Perhaps, I could make an exception for you."

Lee tensed tremendously and had to shut his eyes as he took in a deep breath.

Merlin.

What the hell is wrong with him?

"Is this seat taken?"

Lee looked up just in time to see a figure slide into the chair in front of him. The young man huffed out a soft breath.

"I suppose it is now, so polite of you to ask."

The other man laughed, a warm smile spreading over his lips as he set down two mugs of beer on the table. He was tall, long dark hair tied back at the base of his neck, pale skin, a trimmed beard, dark eyes. His voice was oddly-

Lee frowned.

"You seemed a bit distracted, I thought you could use a refill." The man explained, "Its not often I see a familiar face around these parts."

"Familiar."

"Right, you probably don't recognise me. Azkaban has its guards wear glamours around the prison. Security protocol to make sure we aren't compromised when we're outside. But I think, considering the circumstances, I won't have to worry about you." The man then held out his hand, "Edward Reilly. I work on the maximum security level at Azkaban."

Lee blinked before setting down his pen to take the man's hand, "Lee Jordan."

"I know." Edward smiled, "I've been escorting you during your interviews with the Lestrange brothers."

"You have?"

"Yes." Edward pulled his hand away, "Between you and me, I've never seen those two become quite so chatty."

Lee's head gave a tilt, "That much I believe."

Edward scoffed, "Then again, they don't usually get any visitors."

"Well, what are they usually like?" Lee asked as he took the offered beer mug and took a sip. Edward shrugged.

"Quiet, the older one kicks up a fuss every now and then but they're usually quiet."

"Kicks up a fuss how?"

"Screams, shouts, throws things at the walls, sometimes he attacks the guards. We try to keep a close eye on him though."

"What about Bellatrix?"

Edward scoffed, "That harpy? She's in solitary most of the time. That woman is absolutely mad. Although I can't deny its been a bit different as of late."

"Really? I don't see Bellatrix suddenly becoming well behaved."

"Not Bellatrix." The man said, "Rodolphus, he's been different."

Lee paused, "Different how?"

"He's been quiet. Occupied." He shook his head, "He isn't usually so cooperative."

"Any idea on why?"

"Sort of." The raven said with a pause as he looked over to the younger man for a moment before shaking his head, "How's your story going? Do you have what you need yet."

"Sort of." It was Lee's turn to pause, "I mean, I have what I need for the story my editor gave me but I can't help feel like there's more here."

"What do you mean?"

"How long have you been working at Azkaban?"

Edward shrugged, "Five years."

"And you never heard anything about the Lestranges? About the night they attacked the Longbottoms?"

"Something like what?"

"I'm not sure." Lee let out a sigh lifting his mug again, "You said Rodolphus usually kicks up a fuss. Does he ever say anything specific or is it just ramblings of a madman?"

"They just sound like ramblings to me. Although,"

"What?"

The guard scoffed, "Sometimes they're songs of a madman."

Lee's lips twitched up into a smile, "Rodolphus sings?"

"Like a beggar drunk on fire whiskey." Lee laughed, Edward shrugged, "It's all muddled offensive nonsense, a bit put on."

"Like he's putting on a show?"

"Between you and me, that man doesn't seem half as mad as he pretends to be." Edward's head gave a tilt, "Though the most normal I've ever seen him is when you come to visit."

"Really?"

"He asked about you once, when you hadn't come but went to see Rabastan instead."

Lee felt himself flush but forced himself to scoff, "Didn't have anything to amuse him for the day?"

Edward laughed, "Probably. I just…" He paused, "You should be careful around them."

"Azkaban magic, prison bars, guards every where and they're not allowed to have their wands. That's ignoring the dementors. Not really sure how much safer I could be-"

"It's not often that either of them shows much of an interest in… anything. That in itself is something to be worried about."

"What? You think the Lestranges have taken a liking to me?" Lee asked teasingly expecting the other to scoff only to get a quiet stare. He shook his head, taking another sip of his drink. "Hardly, if anything they probably just enjoy having a new victim to toy with. I can handle it. I'm not worried."

"I've noticed. That's why I'm saying; you should be."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He went to class. Against his better judgement he went to class. It was mostly for the routine. Ron just wanted to forget everything if only for a few hours. When he left Dumbledores office it was just in time for Transfiguration. Ron pulled himself together as best as he could, hoping against hope that he didn't look like he'd been crying. Thankfully he got there just before McGonagall walked into the classroom so no one really had time to take much notice of him when he slipped into the classroom. No one except for Harry of course.

The raven had tugged at his robes the moment he sat down, those green eyes glowing with concern.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Harry lowered his voice, "Your eyes are red."

"I-…" Ron paused at the look on his best friend's face, that's when McGonagall came in. "I'll tell you later."

Harry's frown stayed right where it was but he still nodded all the same.

Once class ended, Harry barely let Ron have enough time to get his things before he dragged him over to the nearest bathroom ad checked to make sure they were alone before he turned to the redhead.

"Alright, what's wrong?"

Ron looked away, "When I said later, I meant after lessons Harry."

"We have a free period."

"Harry."

"You've been crying. I can't remember the last time I saw you cry." Harry said and Ron flinched back. "Is it Zabini? Did he-"

"Surprisingly, Blaise isn't the problem right now."

"Blaise?" Harry's frown deepened, "What is the problem?"

"Harry-"

"Ron please, don't shut me out." Harry pleaded and Ron had to take in a deep breath before he spoke.

"Alright, alright. My… Mum and Dad were here."

Ron went over everything that happened, trying to keep his voice steady, trying not to let the emotions overwhelm him. Harry listened, surprisingly not interrupting once as the redhead spoke. Well, at least not until-

"I can't believe Molly said that." Harry started in disbelief, "I'm so sorry Ron-"

"Harry I really don't want to talk about my mum right now. I only told you because you asked." Ron sighed dragging a hand through his hair. "I'm more worried about Blaise's mother at this point anyway."

Harry nodded, he went to sit down next to the redhead by the wall. "So this, blood claim. There's no way to get out of it?"

"I don't know? Dad said he'd look into it but from what Percy said, I don't think so."

"But she can't really do that, can she? Force you to resort, move you away. It's not even like you and Zabini are married anyway."

"I'm pregnant with his kid, apparently that's enough." Ron shut his eyes and let his head fall back against the wall. "I don't know what to do."

Harry paused staring at his friend for a moment before he reached out and slid his arm around Ron's shoulder to pull him closer into his side and Ron let him.

"We'll figure it out."

Ron huffed, "I'm getting tired of hearing that you know. I wish there wasn't anything to figure out."

Harry stayed quiet for a moment, "Have, have you been to see Snape yet?"

Suddenly remembering their earlier conversation Ron flushed and pulled out of his friend's grasp, "Oh for the love of – Harry I already told you, there's nothing going on with me and-"

"That's not what I meant." Harry said quickly, suddenly also feeling himself flush. "I just thought, you said it felt after talking to him. I thought if you went to talk to him again-"

"No, its fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Ron tried for a smile as he started to get up, "I already feel better. Thank you, Harry."

Harry seemed to return the smile as he got up as well, "Free period isn't over yet, want to so something before we head to Divination?"

Ron paused, "We should probably catch up with Hermione first. I feel like I haven't talked to her in ages. I should probably tell her about Blaise righ-"

"How about we go flying?" Harry suddenly said and Ron frowned.

"Madame Pomfrey said I shouldn't be playing quidditch."

"Then we won't play Quidditch, we'll just fly around for a bit. Stay close to the ground." Harry said as he cast an unlocking spell on the door. "I promise I'll keep you safe."

Ron rolled his eyes, "Harry-"

"We can even get something to eat. I hear food cravings get weird when you're pregnant. Have you started getting any of those yet?"

"Not really but, I do actually feel a bit hungry."

Harry gave him a warm smile as he opened the door, "Dobby's working in the kitchen today. How about some treacle tarts?"

Ron gave a snort but still followed his best mate out of the bathroom. Honestly after the morning he's had; he's absolutely starved.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Percy!"

Percy stopped right in his tracks at the voice that suddenly called out to him. He had just made it out of the castle's doors. He's going to use a floo to get back to work, apparation isn't allowed on school grounds. But he needed to get some air. There's still a few more hours before he has to get back to work. A few hours for him to pull himself together and think through everything that was happening.

It wouldn't do to get back to the ministry and be distracted. If he goes back now, work will be the last thing he'll be focused on.

He'd just stepped out of the castle when he heard a voice call out to him.

He stopped and turned to see his father jogging up towards him. His hair was in the typical disarray that all Weasley hair seemed to be cursed with, his brown and burgundy robes had all sort of trinkets jangling loudly with every step he took from his pockets. Percy almost smiled at the familiarity of it all but quickly composed himself.

Arthur finally made it over to the younger man and gave a small smile before huffing out a breath. "Leaving already? You know, you can't apparate from here-"

"No, I just wanted to get some air after…" Percy trailed off and Arthur nodded as he composed himself, straightening out his robes as he spoke.

"Right, that's actually a good idea." Arthur then let out another breath, "Would you mind, if I walked with you?"

"I-… of course not." Percy said and Arthur seemed to let out a sigh as his smile grew and they started walking along the path.

"How have you been? Its been a while since we spoke and last night you didn't stay very long."

"I've been fine. Work keeps me busy, but I'm grateful for the distraction." Percy said shortly before looking over at his father for a brief moment as he cleared his throat. "What about you?"

"Oh more of the same I suppose." Arthur said.

"And the twins?"

"Busy as ever, always tinkering away at the shop. But there's always a bit of extra mischief with those two." Arthur gave a fond smile, "You should stop by. See how they're doing. I'm sure they'd love to see you."

Percy almost paused, "Maybe."

Arthur let out a sigh, "Percy, about what happened-"

"Dad, I really don't-"

"No, let me finish what I'm saying." Arthur said, just a bit sternly and they both stopped in the middle of the path. "I'm sorry about what happened and how we left things. It wasn't right. Your job at the ministry is important to you. Your mother and I should have been more supportive. Now, that's not to say either of us is particularly happy about you working under Fudge-"

"Dad-"

"But your happiness should have been our first priority. So I apologize, because I really do want you to be happy Percival, that's all I've ever wanted for our family. And if this job makes you happy, then you have my full support."

Percy just looked back at his father unsure of what to say.

"I'm sure your mother would agree."

And then he felt the urge to roll his eyes hit him with a surge.

"Somehow I doubt that." and he started walking again Arthur followed.

"She's a stubborn woman."

"I'm not sure if stubbornness is really the problem here."

"Percy-"

"What do you think about Ron? I mean what do you really think about his… condition?"

Arthur sighed, "I'm not sure. The news might have been easier to digest if I'd had any knowledge of all this but-"

"Molly lied to you."

"Percy-"

"She lied to all of us." Percy let out a huff of frustration, "If she'd at least told Ron about this, then I could have forgiven her but she kept it a secret from everyone."

"I'm not sure what Molly was thinking, and I can't say I agree or even understand her behaviour but like I told Ron earlier, I will deal with your mother." Arthur said with finality as he shook his head. "For now we need to think of Ron, he needs our support right now."

"Lady Zabini seems to have that taken care of." Percy said and Arthur sighed again.

"Of all the boys for Ron to get involved with it had to be her son."

Percy arched a brow at his father, "Do you know her?"

"I know of her. We had very brief interactions back in school, none of which were pleasant." Arthur said dismissively, "I've heard the rumours. I'm sure you have as well. The woman is a tyrant."

Percy couldn't help but crack a smile just as Arthur finished, "Still, I never thought that Ron would be the first one to give me a grandchild. If I'd had the chance to guess my money would have been on Bill or Charlie, maybe even you."

Percy scoffed, "I don't have an aptitude for children. But I think Ron should do alright."

"Hmm." Arthur said as he took his glasses off and cleaned them before setting them back on his nose, "I want to do what I can to help him. If the Zabini blood rights get in the way, it'll be difficult, but I won't have him alone at a time like this. Percy, I'd like to ask a favour."

"What kind of favour?"

"That file you had with you last night. I need to see it."

Percy tensed, "What file?"

"You know what I'm talking about." Arthur said clearly as he looked right at the younger man, "You forget that we both work at the ministry. I saw the engraving on the edge of one of the paper and I had my suspicions. The meeting today confirmed it. You came over last night to confront Molly about the inheritance tests, didn't you?"

Percy didn't bother denying it.

"Yes."

Arthur nodded, "I need to see that file."

Percy took in a silent breath, "Headmaster Dumbledore's signature is on the papers instead of yours."

Arthur seemed to tense but nodded all the same as he looked back at the castle, "I had a feeling it was. But I still need to see those papers. There's something else I want to confirm."

Percy frowned, "What's that?"

"I'm not sure but, I think for now… It's safer that Ron's under the protection of the Zabini's." Arthur said shaking his head before looking at his son with another smile, "Now, about that file. I need to see the original."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They stumbled into the room. Despite the current distraction, Lee made sure that the door shut behind them as they fumbled their way through his apartment.

Shoes were kicked off just as two jackets hit the floor. After a few bumps and some awkward stumbling Lee managed to steer them towards the bedroom before they ended up stumbling onto the bed. Lee gasped but didn't allow that to slow them down as he grabbed hold of the other man to drag him in again. The tie holding Edward's hair back had come loose at some point and Lee dragged his fingers through those pitch black locks as they kissed, hands running all along his sides under his shirt. Edward suddenly broke the kiss and Lee's eyes fluttered open.

"Lee."

The younger man blinked and tensed.

Those dark eyes were somehow even darker even in the shadows of his room and yet, for a moment, Lee could have sworn that he saw those eyes flash green for the barest second. The shadows were playing tricks on his eyes, they were making him see things and also hear them apparently. Because for the briefest moment he thought… he could have sworn-

"Is something wrong?" Edward breathed out and Lee shook his head.

"No no nothing's wrong."

"Do you want to-"

"No, don't stop." He said with a reassuring smile that Edward returned before he leaned in and kissed the younger man again before breaking the kiss to bury his head in the side of Lee's neck as he started to grind into him, earning a shock of arousal that caused Lee to gasp as his hands clutched at the other's shoulders.

His eyes were on the ceiling the whole time, only ever letting them shut for the briefest moments. He needed to keep them open, needed to remember where he was and who he was with. He needed focus on the soft pale light coming in through the window from the moon outside. He needed to keep the shadows away. Keep them from crawling inside and under his skin.

A/N: Right

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