Hey everyone, so onto the next chapter. Now that it is completed the updates will probably be quite regular now. It has been rounded off at Twenty Three Chapters in total. I hope you have enjoyed it and keep a look out for my next one. I am only halfway through the next story but hopefully by the time I am posting the last chapter of Ashes my new story will be complete.

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Chapter Seventeen

Harry

I hate Halloween, every year the Daily Prophet trots out an Anniversary piece on my parents. The looks throughout the school on my way to breakfast was pretty pitying. I understand that they were prominent figures on the side of the light but it seemed to get worse as the years passed.

Elena was finally here in England and she met us a few times in Hogsmeade, Rita Skeeter published an article when she was snapped holding the arm of Severus. She had been called his girlfriend before she slapped Rita in the face and I quote 'he's my dad you ignorant bitch.' needless to say Severus grinning smile should have been front page news at her decking the beetle instead she was now the centre of the world.

The scandal of Severus Snape love child was flavour of the month for a while before suspicion went to her mother and it ranged from Bellatrix Lestrange, Alecto Carrow and even Minerva McGonagall much to the headmistress amusement.

All of those events led to us sitting in the Hogs Head waiting for the beetle to give an exclusive. Severus, Elena and I were sitting with Narcissa whom apparently had a Magical Law Degree and was there for legal reasons to draw up a contract between Rita and us. The pub was quiet even though the village was heaving with students.

Later on this afternoon the Grand Opening of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes and Apothecary was being opened at Four PM. Severus and George have been working hard on new inventions and Potions. It was a strange partnership but it surprised me that they worked quite well together.

Mr J Pippen fled in the war and decided to shut up his Apothecary shop but that along with a spare unit was bought between George Weasley and Severus Snape to open something everyone was waiting in eggshells to see.

TheJoke Shop was a huge success and apparently it was Fred's idea to ask Snape for his partnership after the war was over and George wanted to honour his brothers request for opening a shop in Hogsmeade. For now though we had a beetle to squash.

"Quite the unexpected group you have accumulated Mr Potter." There she stood In all her neon Orange Glory, the woman was practically flying at the juicy gossip of Severus, Elena, Narcissa and I sitting waiting for her.

"Ms Black, have you decided to come out of the woodwork as young Elenas mother?" Narcissa was no nonsense and had that Ice Cold Mask in place that would have made most people piss themselves.

"No Rita dear, I am here in a legal capacity. I was a bored housewife for Twenty Years and accumulated quite a few educational degrees and Masteries." Before Rita could answer her Narcissa handed her a piece of paper for her to sign.

"This is an affidavit you need to sign in exchange for exclusives from Harry Potter for example engagements, wedding day exclusives. If you sign it Mr Potter has agreed to use you as his go to for major life events. If you do not sign it, anything you print that isn't truthful will tie you up under so much scandal and litigation you won't be able to fly away from it." Galleons were practically growing in Rita's eyes and realistically it was too good of an opportunity for her to pass up. She read through the Parchment with her quill in hand.

"What is the catch?" Narcissa shook her head at the witch and just explained we needed final approval of all articles she chose to print about Harry, Severus, Elena, Hermione, their close friends. Predictably she signed it and got out her notebook and quill for the story we are about to give. Severus cast a muffilato before looking the woman in the eye.

"This is tomorrow's edition, Mr Weasley has worked too hard for this to overshadow the opening of our store. Do you understand?" She nodded with gleaming eyes as I took Elenas hand in my own.

"Elena is my daughter as you know but she is also Harrys sister. Her mother was Lily Evans, Lily Potter. I only found out about her when the war ended." I could tell that was not what she was expecting and stood in silence for a moment before she went into overdrive and asked Question for a solid half hour and we answered them honestly.

Within an hour she had the article written and we approved it before she disappeared and told us we would see her later at the opening. None of us liked doing it but better the devil you know than letting her float through the years printing bullshit.

"Does anyone else feel like taking a shower to wash the shame off themselves?" Severus smirked at me and nodded before we all went our separate ways and told Severus good luck and that we would see them soon.

"Wow! So this is Hogwarts!" Narcissa smiled at Elena, offering her a small tour of the grounds before the opening and she was like a doggy on a dashboard trailing the unsuspecting woman down the cobble streets with her heels clicking away.

"I am assuming that spirited girl was Elena?" Minerva McGonagall smiled at me and I realised she was no longer looking down at me. I was getting slightly taller than her as I nodded before a look of contemplation overcame her.

"She really does look like Severus doesn't she?" I nodded at the older woman before Hermione, Draco, Neville and Luna came over to us and smiled.

"Headmistress looking good." She blushed at Neville for a moment before bustling away and telling us, she will see us later.k

"Well how did it go with Skeeter?" I smiled at them and nodded before relaying the meeting and wandering around Hogsmeade. A bite of lunch from the new little Kiosk open on the street and window shopping as he ate dirty fries which was an experience for Neville and Luna.

"Nearly four guys, there is, a crowd gathering so we should go and join it." Walking close to the store I spotted Andromeda standing with little Teddy strapped to her chest. The older woman waved us over before I offered to take my godson who was wide awake and gaping at the bright storefront. Upon seeing me attach the carrier to the front of my body women all over visibly melted. Draco found it hilarious and whispered in my ear which made me shiver at that moment.

"You are gonna be drowning in dinner offers Potter." He was close to me, much closer than he had been before. It caused goosebumps to appear on my skin and a small stirring in my pants as his breath on my neck.

I couldn't bring myself to say anything, thankfully we were interrupted by Blaise who slung him arm around Hermione and Luna before winking at me.

"Granger, Lovegood! Looking good ladies!" Luna thanked him with a smile before he spotted Andromeda who had her back turned momentarily and landed on her arse in the jeans she was wearing. As she turned around she caught where his attention was and laughed a little bit which broke his concentration.

"It is a pleasure to see you again Madame Tonks." All the Pompous pureblood training he has had was plastered on thick, not realising who he was speaking to she stroked his cheek and laughed in his face. As if Costa Rica didn't teach him to not be an arse, Luna just turned and took his arm in her own with a small smile.

"Oh Blaise, you couldn't handle a Black sister, she would break you before breakfast, although her bottom is nice to look at." He looked at the little blonde fairy and his jaw slowly dropped before throwing his arm around her as Andromeda giggled.

"I honestly think I am in love." Andromeda was polite and smiled before turning her back again and moved forward. The queue was slowly starting to move and seeing people come out with bags upon bags of things I realised what kind of lucrative venture it was going to be for Severus and George.

Slowly but surely we managed to arrive at the entrance to the shop. Lee Jordan was taking names and smiled at us in greeting before letting us in and stopping the next group. They were staggering patrons, it was a good thing it wasn't raining because they floor would have been a disaster.

Looking at my surrounding I am unsure as to who did the decor because it was different to say the least. One half was bright and colourful and the other was, elegant and understated buggy somehow it worked.

Snape was behind the counter ringing up purchases as George zoomed around directing people to different products. It truly was amazing, Severus had all kinds of Potions on shelves all around the room. Behind the counter was more controlled ones and Angelina was giving out hot drinks in reusable cups and cakes to whoever ordered them.

All in all it was great, I decided to buy a couple of sets of Bath Products and some random Potions before heading over for Snape to ring us up. He truly was a different man now, the weight he used to carry in his shoulders were gone and he looked a decade younger.

"Potter, littlest wolf, thank you for coming. We appreciate your business." I nodded and this is probably as civil as we were going to get, we were forever connected now due to Elena but we would never be friends.

"The place looks great Snape. Honestly it's, exactly what the wizarding world needs after the war. Slytherins and Gryffindor working together was something I never thought I would see." He nodded and made small talk before I went outside with little Teddy and waited for my friends.

Seeing Hermione and Narcissa speaking hushly in the corner I couldn't help but walk over to them both. My friend is in love, I wasn't going to judge her for her choice because Narcissa was in actual reality a very kind person. It was then that inspiration struck, I knew how to get Lucius to sign the papers.

"Narcissa!" Practically running the last distance she smiled at me greeting her and Teddy who was now sound asleep, did not even flinch at my loud shout.

"What were your contracts signed with? Your marriage contracts?" She was giving me a strange look and shook her head.

"I am not sure, our contracts had blood ink on it and I think it requires Lucius blood. " I nodded and smiled before detangling the baby and handed him to the startled older Slytherin and took off.

"Harry where are you going?" I smiled and walked back to Narcissa with a smile and kissed her on the cheek. Hermione shrugged her shoulders as she was used to my weirdness by now.

"I have a plan and if it goes off without a hitch you could be free by days end." Not giving her any other explanation I grabbed Draco who was just exiting the shop by the hand and trailed him with me.

"Potter, unhand me where are we going?" I was, determined and walked to the apparation point before looking him dead in the eye and holding him closer, ignoring the way he was making me feel.

"I am are going to see your dad. I have to piss him off a little." Draco half smiled at me and nodded before popping away and landing in the Atrium of the ministry. Wasting no time I trailed him to Kingsley office. His secretary looked flabbergasted for a moment before letting him know we were here. A flustered and tired Kingsley appeared at the door.

"Harry, what can I do for you?" He offered us both a seat and it was the first time I let his hand go since Hogsmeade. I would be lying if I said I missed it.

"I need in to see Lucius Malfoy. I have permission from Draco." Kingsley shook his head at me and laughed before seeing the resolve on my face.

"Why Harry?" I held out my hand and showed him the Black family ring that Sirius had left for me. It had the Black family crest on it and he nodded his hand.

"I want to get him riled up so I can get his blood. I want to sign Narcissas divorce papers. Once I have his blood in my signature I can grant it without Ministry approval and get Narcissa dowry back, and enchantments she has placed upon her marriage contract will be broken. Immediately. " With a click of his fingers a file appeared in his hand and it had the names Malfoy and Black in ink on the front.

"How do you plan on getting his blood? He won't make it easy." I nodded and although it would work I might get in trouble. I could punch him, it didn't say it had to be willingly given. He grasped the file and nodded his head before standing and declaring he was coming with me.

Draco hesitated before declaring he couldn't face him. I just nodded as he headed back to Hogwarts.

"I have wanted to help Narcissa until now, the wards on her marriage contract are brutal and horrible. She deserves to be free." He held out his arms for us to take and I realised the Minister must be able to apparate within the Ministry. With a final Pop both of us were gone and came to land outside a wrought iron fence with barb wire the whole way around it.

The wind whipped my face and the rain battered against it. The long strides of the Minister were hard to keep up with as we got closer to a guard who was standing out of a booth to meet us.

"Minster Shacklebolt. Pleasure to see you sir, if you could sign in and indicate who you are going to see." As soon as it was indicated Lucius Malfoy we received a guard to go with us as well as one other to ensure we don't beat him to death.

There were no more dementors and it was still a prison but not nearly as bad as what it had been. Kingsley had made some positive changes to the judicial system. We were directed to a meeting room where Lucius sat shackled to the chair and he looked horrendous.

"Potter! You have a cheek to show your face here!" I couldn't help the childish smirk that appeared on my face as he sneered at me.

"I am here for one reason and one reason only. Narcissa. Why won't you grant her a divorce?" He looked flabbergasted for a second and I realised the once proud Malfoy Patriarch had well and truly lost his mind. Her divorce should be granted nearly because he is a complete buffoon.

"Is it you keeping my wife's bed warm? She cannot fuck you though can she? My father made sure of that. No, it's not you, is it you Shacklebolt? Are you trying to bed my wife? A Minister's Mistress would be a step up for even Narcissa Malfoy." I didn't rise to his idiocy and instead sat down and took the file from Kingsley and tried to negotiate with him.

"Listen Malfoy you are here for life and if I had it my way the Dementors would dispose of you and Narcissa would be rid of you one and for all but it seems you are making things difficult." I was trying to throw out all of my training Andromeda had been giving me on the sly, even Draco was helping in that regard.

"What did you think was going to happen here Potter? You say some words of wisdom and I will cave? Surely not, my wife is truly an exquisite fuck and well worth the wait but I will not be signing papers to allow you of all people to defile her." All it would take was Snape Sectumsempra curse and this vile, bigoted prick would be no more but that isn't up to me.

" I am not the one who has fallen in love with your wife but let's just say she will be dining in Red and Gold instead of Green and silver." He was enraged at me and tried to free his arms but they were locked under the weight of chains.

"The stupid bitch warped my son, my heir it, made him weak." I could call Draco Malfoy many things but weak was not one of them.

"Your son despises you! He hates your guts for everything that had befallen him since he was a child. He is kind, caring, patient and intelligent which considering his upbringing is a miracle. Draco told me what you did to your wife." He looked scared for a moment as I advanced toward him and knelt in front of him.

"Last I heard you were enemies Potter, how do you know so much about him?" I smirked getting ready for the final blow which would wound his precious ego.

"Well he is my friend and who knows, maybe in the future we will be more than friends. I mean, little half blood Malfoy /Potter babies what do you think." He was two inches away from me and he did something that I would have thought the pompous bastard would be too refined for it.

He drew his head back and swiftly cracked me in my face, without warning I retaliated with a hard punch to his face, as my vision swam with what was sure a broken nose I was satisfied enough to see blood ooze from his face where my Black Family ring embedded in his cheek.

"What a savage turn of events! The Proud Pureblood having to fight like a common muggle. Can you stoop no lower?" He glared at me for a moment and I lifted a quil dipped it into his blood and signed the contract.

"Let them free Lucius or I will be here everyday taking turns to cut a body part until you agree. Do something good for once in your life and let you wife and heir live. You are responsible for so much destruction and death, the Malfoy name is shite, restore it to its former glory. Stop sending them letters, stop making it impossible for them to move on." He looked contemplative for a moment but just turned his attentions to Kingsley. I was suspicious of the man but didn't say anything to Kingsley and mentally fist pumped the air as Kingsley scrawled his own signature.

As the minister looked them over I glared down at the man who was probably responsible for Ginny warped mind. I got what I needed from him but somehow I had a feeling this was going to come back and bite us on the arse.

"Potter! You should have been in Slytherin." I nodded and took the parchment and looked over my name as Black Heir annulling the marriage before giving Kingsley the original copy and multiplying it to give Narcissa another copy.

"The sorting hat seemed to think so." A slow feline like grin overcame his features and he just sat back in his chair as Kingsley called a guard to come take him back to his cell.

"Auror Watson, Mr Malfoy is free to go back to his cell. Always supervised and never unshackled do you understand?" The Auror nodded and within five seconds Lucius was gone and I could not stop the smile that erupted from my throat.

"I cannot believe that worked." Kingsley and I walked back down to the boundary of the prison before he offered to take me back to Hogwarts.

"I have to file these, I will personally stamp it tonight and try and delay the press but thanks to you she is now free. See you soon Potter." He apparated away leaving me with a smiling Auror and after bidding farewell I too left behind the biting wind of Azkaban to give my new friend the news.

I landed back into Hogsmeade again and seen plenty of people milling about when Draco spotted me. Life is so fucking short, why waste it, before he could open his mouth I grabbed him by the hand and trailed him with me to the castle.

"Potter what are you doing? What happened your face? Where are we going? What happened with my father? I'm sorry I kind of abandoned you at the ministry. " He kept up with the questions until we got to an alcove on the ground floor. I would not let Lucius Malfoy ruin a thing, least of all an ill-timed letter to his only son and heir. Without warning I pushed him up against the wall and kissed him on the mouth.

It took him a second to respond but as his hands gripped my hips I couldn't stop moulding my body against his. Nothing felt right when I kissed a woman, Ginny was too enthusiastic, Cho was not the right fit either. This is why...Draco was my future I know that now.

"What has brought this on Potter?" Always with the fucking questions and Slytherins distrust.

"I have wanted you for a while. Probably longer than even I think, now we can just be. Will you be my boyfriend?" Malfoy nodded and pulled me in for another kiss before my brain caught up with the rest of me and I remembered I had to go see Narcissa.

"Meet me in my rooms. I have to give something to your mother and then your all mine." He nodded and I whispered the password into his ear before sprinting away from him down to the dungeons.

It was late enough that it was dark outside and as I got closer and closer to the dungeons I heard music streaming from the Potions classroom. Inside I saw Narcissa standing in a silk bathrobe, barefoot with her long hair down her back.

In this moment she looked like a goddess and she must have noticed my thoughts because she turned to look at me and smiled before beckoning me in.

"Harry, can I get you a cup of tea? I am, afraid I don't have one of those delightful teasets but I guess the old fashioned way is just as good." She truly was a beautiful and kind soul, Hermione was very lucky.

"I won't keep you long, I just wanted to give you this!" I thrust the parchment into her hands and as she opened it and her eyebrows went almost to her hairline in shock and awe.

"Harry, what did you do?" She came closer and touched my nose before waving her hand wandlessly over it to heal it. I couldn't help but smile at her before taking her hand in mine.

"Your free Narcissa. Your life is your own." A soft tear ran from her eyes as she pulled me in for a hug. I wanted to be able to do this for her and I am glad she gets a second chance to be loved and to love my best friend.

"I have to meet Draco but I wanted you to have them ASAP." She smiled and held onto me tighter before pulling back and holding my face in her hands.

"Thank You Harry! You have no idea what you have just given me. A better match I couldn't think of for my son, I look forward to one day calling you family." Was I projecting my kiss to Draco, did she see it, I bid her farewell and left allowing her to meet Hermione if that is what she wanted.

I hurried back to my rooms and waiting patiently was Draco who was lazily flicking through a book on my couch. His concentration was almost on par with Hermione because he didn't even look up when I walked into the living area.

It wasn't until I stood in front of him that he smiled up at me. I just took the book from him and climbed onto his lap to kiss him. It seems everything is working out the way it was supposed to. Now I have my own Blonde Slytherin to satisfy.


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