It seemed as though Draco was right in what he said that night. Severus and Harry, surprisingly, got on really well now that there weren't any restrictions such as being teacher and student, nor that Harry was underage, and even no Dark Lord and war to interfere. Yes, Severus and Harry had hung out plenty since their run in at the pub that night, but it was just drinks and some bar food while talking about how things had been. It had only been a month or so since the start of their arrangement, but so far, neither male had reservations that things could work out if they became a couple. The dates that they went on were casual, simple, and enjoyable. There was no pattern to when it happened, no alternation to who asked who out. The times chosen ranged between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They always split the bill and not every outing was a sit down meal.
Severus and Harry had sometimes agreed to just take a stroll in the park, maybe grab ice cream. A time or two, they went to the cinemas for a movie, or the theater for a play. Of course, there had been some rescheduling, or canceling of their plans. Severus would get a big order of potions, or an emergency request. Harry too ran into problems with his work, or once, he'd gotten hurt. Severus actually visited him in St. Mungo's since Draco let slip that Harry was wounded the night before. There hadn't been a date planned, but Draco was visiting Severus and the potions master mentioned he hadn't seen Harry since the man left for work that morning. So Severus went to the hospital to make sure Harry was okay.
It was never a big deal, but it proved that they could manage their lives without a worry of either feeling like they were forgotten or there wasn't time for one another. Most of their meal dates were just talking. Current, past, general questions about one another so they could get to know each other better. It was very nice, and they liked that they agreed to give things a chance. It seemed like it was going well enough that they may start dating officially, though, neither had brought that topic up yet. As it had been, they hadn't kissed or done anything more than hold hands during walks, perhaps a hug goodnight.
It was now July 2007, about a week until the end. It was a Saturday, around 3:30 pm. Things were going so well that Harry felt maybe they could try something different. In all their trial dating, not once had either of them been to the other's house. Well, Harry did spend that one night drinking in his backyard with Draco and Severus, but they hadn't been into one another's houses yet. Harry seemed to be lost in his thoughts, wondering if he should invite Severus over to his house for dinner. One of their date nights.
"Good to see that day dreaming hasn't been something you grew out of with age," Severus's voice pulled Harry from his ponderings.
Harry, of course, smiled. They would likely always take little jabs at one another, it seemed to just be how things worked. It always had between them. In school, Severus would crack an insult and Harry would rise to the remark with something sarcastic. Back then, it typically landed him in detention or lost points. These days, the two would laugh about it. Some of their date chats had been Severus actually admitting that Harry's snarks were clever and if they hadn't been teacher and student, Severus might have patted him on the back and said well done. It was understandable, in school with what they'd been to one another, students were to respect teachers.
"I wouldn't call it day dreaming, just thinking." Harry told him. "You just get in from work?"
"I've been mostly in my lab all day. Just had to run to the shop for something." Severus replied. "What were you thinking about?"
"Asking you to dinner tonight, but I wasn't sure you'd be up for it since we just went out on Wednesday for lunch." Harry admitted.
"I wouldn't be opposed to the idea." Severus responded. "What did you have in mind? In town, farther?"
"I was thinking we could stay in and…I would cook for us over at my house?" Harry revealed.
Severus was a bit surprised by the invitation, and he couldn't deny his curiosity of wanting to see Harry's home, and try his cooking. "I find that offer to be one I can't possibly turn down." Severus finally spoke, not wanting Harry to think the idea was foolish or anything. "That sounds quite enjoyable." Harry beamed that he accepted. "What time shall I come?"
"5-5:30?" Harry stated. "Gives me enough time to cook everything."
"Then I shall see you in a couple hours, Harry." Severus said. "I look forward to it."
"Me too." Harry nodded.
The two waved goodbye and went silently to their homes. Harry immediately tidied up his house, and then hurried to the kitchen to work out what the hell he was going to cook. By 4:30 pm, cleaning was done and Harry figured something he could make. It wouldn't be anything overly fancy, they'd kept their dates to simple outings and meals. Harry hadn't even watched the time and while he was about to get the chicken going, he felt the wards shift with magical energy, which meant that the person on his property was a witch or wizard. However, Harry was enough in tune with magic that he could tell who was there when they made contact with the wards and this energy belonged to Severus. Harry checked the clock on the wall and found it was 5:15 pm. Well, he had told Severus between 5 and 5:30. He was right in the middle, impeccable timing.
Harry headed for the door and opened it just as Severus had raised his hand to knock. "Did you see me walk over?" Severus inquired.
"Ah, no. I felt the wards shift and you were the only one I was expecting. If it had been any of my friends, they'd use the floo." Harry informed. "That and my wards allow me to feel who is here, I know your energy, Severus." He added. "Please, come in," He stepped to the side to let the man in.
"Thank you," Severus walked through and Harry closed the door afterwards.
"I had planned on giving you a tour, originally, but I ended up distracted and got started on dinner late. It's not quite ready yet," Harry admitted.
"I can come back when it is, if you prefer?" Severus offered.
"Don't be silly, Severus. You're already here," Harry smiled. "Please, make yourself comfortable anywhere. Living room and kitchen are basically the same space. Towards the back is a half-bathroom, laundry room, and the porch into the backyard." He chuckled as he headed over into the kitchen and Severus decided to follow him, grabbing a seat at the island. "You want something to drink? I've got Whiskey, Rum, and maybe Wine, somewhere. Beer. Aside from that, average drinks. Water, juice, milk. Coffee and tea?"
"Tea sounds good." Severus replied.
"Black, right?" Harry asked as he got the kettle on the stove top and looked to Severus, who nodded to confirm what was questioned. "So how was your brewing today?" He inquired while moving back to his original spot so he could finish the chicken preparation.
"Satisfactory," Severus responded. "I received the anticipated potions order from Hogwarts. Sure to be the first of, at least, three." Harry knew that Severus still brewed for Poppy Pomfrey, the school's healer. "Couple of requests from St. Mungo's," He added. "I believe there was mention in their letter that they want to start a contract with me for my brewing."
"That's great, Severus." Harry smiled. "So they want you to brew potions for them regularly then?"
"More of an assisted help. They have several contracts with potion providers, which is expected given their work. I would become one of those providers, but the bonus would be that I'd be their potions master. Brewing specialized potions that the other providers can't handle due to complexity." Severus explained. "I'm also specialized in creating new things, improving old ones. It's not something amatuer potioneers possess the knowledge or skill to do."
"Sounds like a great opportunity for you, and probably pretty good advertising for your shop." Harry stated. "Are you going to take it?"
"I'm considering the idea, for now. I won't put full thought into such until I sit down with them and go over the details involved." Severus responded.
"Seems wise." Harry agreed softly. The kettle whistled slightly as Harry wiped his hands on a dish towel and walked over to flip off the burner, then pull down a tea cup and saucer from the cabinet. He went on preparing Severus's tea and then brought it over to him.
"Thank you." Severus gave the younger male a small smile.
"You're welcome." Harry returned to finishing up the chicken prep, then waking it over to the stove to begin frying it up. In between frying the chicken, Harry also got a pot of water boiling.
"How was your day, Harry? Did you work? I know sometimes you end up on a weekend shift." Severus inquired.
"I went in this morning to finish off a report, then came back here to clean up. But that got interrupted by Andromeda coming over with Teddy, who missed me, so we hung out and had lunch until about 3." Harry said. "Pretty uneventful, actually." He added while finishing up the chicken on a baking sheet, adding something Severus couldn't see on top of it before placing it in the oven.
"Do you see your godson often?" Severus wondered.
"As long as I'm not working the weekend, or doing a Friday night stakeout case; he usually stays the whole weekend with me. Come over Friday, stay until Sunday." Harry mentioned.
"How old is he now? I knew Remus and Nymphadora married sometime in 1997, the Dark Lord made mention of it, asking Narcissa and Bellatrix how they felt regarding their niece marrying a werewolf, but wasn't sure when their child was born."
"April of 1998." Harry said. "He's nine now."
"Does he call you Harry? Or Uncle? Draco used to call me Sev until he got Uncle and Severus down." Severus recalled.
"When he was younger, it was…Unka, I think. But yes, now he refuses to call me anything but Uncle Harry." The male answered while draining the pot of water that had been cooking pasta in it. Harry added sauce on the pasta, then he pulled out the chicken and started plating it up before bringing it over to the island and set one in front of Severus, along with silverware. Harry grabbed himself a drink and took a seat next to Severus.
"Chicken Parmesan?" Severus inquired curiously as Harry nodded. "Well, I'm impressed."
"I hadn't been sure what to make, but I remembered you liked Italian, so figured I couldn't go wrong with this." Harry chuckled.
"It is one of my favorites next to Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli." Severus stated.
"Noted for next time," Harry said.
"Next time, I shall have to invite you to a meal at my home." Severus informed. "My elf is an amazing cook. I'm surprised you don't have a house elf with how busy you can get in your work."
"I haven't had an elf since Dobby." Harry confessed.
"I did hear that he died." Severus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "He had a good life, though, didn't he?"
"Maybe after I freed him from the Malfoy's in my second year." Harry responded. "Even after he was a free elf, he basically bound himself to me."
"I know. He mentioned always being happy to serve his friend." Severus claimed.
Harry smiled a bit. "You met him?"
"I knew he belonged to the Malfoy's, and I was over there often enough to see him." Severus nodded. "I called on him once, to help you."
"You did? Whatever for?" Harry wondered.
"When you were in the Forest of Dean, with Granger. One of the portraits in the Headmaster's office told me, and Dumbledore's portrait told me where the sword was. I called on Dobby to hide the sword in a place close to, then used my patronus to lead you to it." Severus enlightened. "How…Did he die? I know elves usually live very long lives."
"Bellatrix killed him." Harry revealed softly. "When we escaped Malfoy Manor, she threw her dagger mid-apparition and it came through with us when we landed. Dobby was pierced in the stomach, and died in my arms." He continued.
Severus leaned over and gave Harry a one-armed, comfort-like hug. "I'm sorry, I imagine that was very hard on you. Didn't you get Sirius's house and elf when he died?"
"I did get Kreacher, but he's old and wouldn't move anyway. I know I could command it as his master, but he likes his solitude in the old Black house. I'm not going to take it away from him. I call on him for some things, mostly delivering letters since I don't have Hedwig anymore either. It keeps him busy." Harry stated.
"I heard about your owl passing as well. In the transport of you leaving your relatives' home to the Weasley's, wasn't it?" Severus inquired.
"That's right." Harry nodded. "I don't remember who was even chasing Hagrid and me, but I know Hedwig had flown between us so she could protect me from getting hit."
"It wasn't your fault, Harry." Severus reminded. "Everyone who died was because of Voldemort's bid for power. Everyone who fought and died, chose to do what they did. It was war, Harry, and regretfully in war…There are always casualties. Regardless of the losses, so many people survived. You did all you could to save as many as you could. Unfortunately, one of the harder life lessons is that you can't save everyone and those who did die; they went down fighting to protect the people they love. And the best way to honor them is to enjoy and live the lives they died for us to have. Also, remember the good times."
"Sirius used to tell me that the ones who love us never really leave, and you can always find them in your heart…" Harry said.
"Well, I may not have liked the mutt very much as a boy…But I suppose he grew up eventually and turned into the role model you needed as you grew up. The wolf too, I suppose." Severus muttered as Harry tried to hide a laugh.
"Aw, Sev…That's the nicest thing you've ever had to say about Sirius and Remus," Harry giggled a bit.
"And it's the only compliment they're getting from me." Severus huffed. "Come on, let's eat. I'd hate to see your hard work go to waste." He pressed a soft kiss to the side of Harry's head, which definitely made the younger male blush, before the two began to eat and get on happier topics. Tonight was great so far, and Harry looked forward to where else things would go with Severus.
. . .
The rest of that date had been nice. After dinner, Harry and Severus just sat together on the couch to talk about whatever came up. Severus went home around 11 pm after they agreed to get together again soon. It had been a week or so since, now the 31st of July, which meant Harry's birthday. Severus figured tonight would be good to invite Harry over to his house for dinner, unfortunately, Harry didn't appear to be home from work yet.
"Uncle Sev?" His godson's voice brought him from his thoughts.
"In the lab, Draco." Severus called.
A few moments later, Draco walked into the lab. "Hi."
"What brings you by?" Severus questioned.
"Inviting you over for a party." Draco stated.
"Party?" Severus arched his brow.
"Harry's birthday. I'm throwing him a party at the manor, not that he knows. I just told him it's been forever since we've been able to hang out and he's coming to dinner tonight after work, which should be 5:30." Draco said. "I've invited all his friends, his godson, and now you. I figure you two are good enough friends now."
"Why wouldn't you tell him that it's for his birthday?" Severus inquired.
"Granger and Weasley suggested that I don't because he'd find a way to get out of it. Apparently he's made excuses up the last several years to avoid a party being thrown." Draco shrugged. "They think Harry must hate his birthday because him being born on the last day of July is why Voldemort targeted him all those years ago as the child of the prophecy, so he blames himself for everything Voldemort did after he was born. Only theory, of course. Granger and Weasley don't actually know, but Harry has clear avoidance to the event."
"Then perhaps it wasn't the best idea to underhandedly get him to come to what he thinks is a calm dinner when it's really a party for him." Severus informed. "Like a lot of people, the war affected him. He was made the center of it, because of the prophecy, and everyone put their faith into him. He was just a boy, same as you. Surely, godson, you understand how it feels to be forced into something you had no control over, have so much on your shoulders and couldn't afford to fail because the consequences would be devastating?" He reminded calmly.
"I…Guess I didn't really think about that," Draco realized. "His friends said it was a good idea, get everyone together. They've been worried about him, evidently. I don't know, but they said Harry was getting distant and quiet when he made the choice to move here, and since he's been in Godric's Hollow, he's been too busy to see or talk to them much." He informed.
"It's fine to be concerned for a friend, but lying to that person to get them to do something you have been told they clearly don't want to be part of isn't right." Severus remarked. "It wasn't your best decision, godson and it would be a pain to try and change all the plans now. I'll come, if nothing more to ensure Harry doesn't get upset."
"You like him…" Draco teased as Severus folded his arms. "Don't give me the grumpy old potions professor look, Uncle Severus. It's obvious you like Harry as more than just a friend. You literally agreed to come to this party, for the sole sake of making sure Harry doesn't get upset. You care about him. Just admit it."
Severus tried to glare at his godson, but he couldn't. His arms dropped and he sighed, closing his eyes. "Fine. Yes. Yes, I like him."
"So what's holding you back from telling him?" Draco asked.
"Not wanting to ruin a good thing." Severus enlightened.
"Seems like it would only get better if you were more to one another than what you are, godfather," Draco remarked calmly. "Are you worried he won't feel the same? I don't believe you've anything to fear. You're everything Harry could want and more in a partner. Believe me, we've had plenty of discussions over the years with his failed relationships." He paused. "That's what holds Harry back."
"What? You speak as if you know he likes me," Severus claimed.
"The evidence was quite clear the night we drank around the fire. The interactions said everything. You both have what the other needs." Draco continued. "You both just have to let go of the fear and take a chance, be happy." He paused for a moment. "Harry's due to arrive at the manor for 5:30 pm, I've told all the others to come between 4:30 and 5 pm. It taking place in the ballroom. Gifts aren't required, but you can if you want to."
"I'll be there." Severus responded.
Draco waved and left the lab. Severus mumbled something to himself about hating how his godson had somehow seen all this working out for Severus and Harry. Yes, Severus liked Harry, but there was also that fear of ruining what they had now. If they dated, and things didn't work out…Could they go back to being friends, or would it be like it was in school. Seemingly hating one another, and worse, they were next door neighbors. It was clear that Harry had hesitations too, not wanting to get hurt again was understandable after the last however many years of failed relationships. Draco felt they could be good for one another, balance out those insecurities and have a healthy relationship as a couple and not lose the dynamic they currently had as friends.
It was too much to think about right now. Severus had to figure out what he could give Harry as a gift, and it was already 3:45 pm. Severus quickly checked on his potions, finishing up the ones that were done, then completing next steps to others. Severus left his lab and headed to get ready for the party. Hopefully, it will be a good night.
. . .
By 5:15, almost everyone had arrived at Malfoy Manor and things were set up for Harry to arrive. Plenty of food, music, places to sit. Severus was one of the last to come, flooing right into the main room and then making his way to the ballroom.
"Uncle Severus," Draco smiled. "Glad you could come."
"My thanks for the invitation," Severus responded calmly.
"Hello, Professor Snape," Hermione greeted.
"Greetings, Miss. Granger, or is it Weasley now?" Severus asked, though he already knew.
"Ah. Granger-Weasley, actually." Hermione informed. "How have you been, sir?"
"I believe enough years have passed that we can drop the formalities. You may call me Severus," The potions master stated to Hermione, and subsequently, all the other younger adults in the room whom he taught over the years.
Molly and Arthur were there, with Bill and Fleur, plus their three kids. George was also present with his wife, Angelina Johnson, and their two kids. Obviously, Hermione and Ron with their daughter. Draco seemed to have invited Neville Longbottom, who was with Hannah Abbot. Then Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. Luna Lovegood was there, she didn't appear to be married or have children yet. Though odd because Harry had never been friends with Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, or Theodore Nott; all three of them were there too. Blaise and Pansy were married, had two kids. Theodore Nott was present, but wasn't married or had kids. Given the location of the party, it was standard that Lucius and Narcissa were in their own home, so was Draco's wife, Astoria, and their son, Scorpius. It would be a nice little get together, hopefully Harry wouldn't immediately try to find a way to leave when he realized it was a birthday party for him.
"How are you, old friend?" Lucius inquired while approaching Severus and shaking his hand.
"Quite well, Lucius. How have you fared since we saw one another last?" Severus wondered.
"Good as one could expect." Lucius nodded.
"How is your potions business running, Severus?" Narcissa asked gently as she gave Severus a hug, kissing one of his cheeks.
"Booming day to day business and having more than a few contracts with other places." Severus said.
"It's been so long since we've seen you, Severus." Arthur pointed out. "You vanished after the trials."
"I've always been a private person, Arthur." Severus replied. "There was no need to stick around where I had been. I took my surviving the battle as a chance to start over, pursue an old dream."
"I believe many people had the same line of thinking," Molly agreed. "You must meet the next generation." She smiled.
"While I may not have met them in person, I assure you, Molly, I know who has married into the family, and their children. Harry and Draco have kept me quite up to date with the changes." Severus told her.
"Harry?" Ron questioned. "When have you seen him?"
"Ah, then he hasn't told you we're neighbors?" Severus informed.
"No, I don't believe he's mentioned that," Hermione looked at her husband, then back to Snape. "You live in Godric's Hollow?"
"Next to Harry's house, in fact. Surprising, I know. I didn't even know he'd moved there until June, I was outside gardening my ingredients and I saw him in his backyard." Severus stated calmly.
"But you had seen him before then, right, Unce Severus? You told me you two met up pretty randomly at the pub, talked over drinks."
"That's correct." Severus confirmed.
"You and Harry?" Ron blinked a few times.
"Is that such a ridiculous notion that Mr. Potter and I can get on well enough to talk over drinks?" Severus asked them.
"But you've always given Harry a hard time," Hermione mentioned.
"Much of which was my own hatred of his father, godfather, and unofficial uncle being bullies. I also couldn't afford to get close to Potter given my position as a spy." Severus informed. "All that is past now, and I've apologized to Harry for my treatment of him in school. He's forgiven me."
"They're basically friends," Draco shrugged. "The three of us sat around a backyard fire drinking a month or so ago. Was a good time."
"When did you say you told Harry to come, darling?" Astoria looked to her husband.
"I told him 5:30." Draco replied.
"It's nearly fifteen minutes after now. Did he get held up at work?" Narcissa mentioned gently.
"He shouldn't have been, there weren't any field assignments today. He was just doing reports when I talked to him this morning." Draco considered. No sooner than he spoke, a silvery-blue ball flew into the room.
"Patronus message?" Severus wondered.
A Stag took form. "That's Harry's…" Ron pointed out.
"Malfoy, I need backup now. My team is down. Step into Prongs, you can latch onto the energy and apparate right to me." Harry informed.
Draco didn't waste time as he pulled his wand and waved it to change into his auror uniform. "I'm going to help." Ron stated.
"No chance. You're not an auror anymore, Weasley. You know the rules, no civilians. Potter and I could get into serious trouble for that, especially if you end up hurt. You're not as trained as we are. Harry and I know how to work together in the field. I got this. I'll be back soon." Draco stepped into the glowing orb as the Stag wrapped around him and then Draco was gone with a crack.
"It's times like these, I probably shouldn't have quit…" Ron muttered. "He could be hurt."
"He'll be alright," Hermione comforted him.
"All we can do is hope and wait," Molly revealed.
It was about 6:15 pm when Draco appeared back in the room with Harry right beside him.
"One of these days, Potter, you're gonna get yourself into something you can't get out of!" Draco scolded. "You're not invincible, ya know."
"Hey, I didn't get myself stuck in that on purpose! We weren't even there looking for them, they walked in and started it." Harry countered. "What were we supposed to do? Say sorry, you're not on my list of people to capture today?" He remarked.
"Why the hell did Robarbs even send that group out with you? They weren't cleared for field work yet." Draco asked.
"It was a training exercise for recon," Harry told him. "There were no reports of those two being in that area, Dray. And again, they started the whole thing. We couldn't just leave, there were too many civilians around to just bail. You know Robarbs tells us to engage if we have to. There was no choice. I thank you immensely for the help."
"You know I have your back, Potter," Draco reminded. "You sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine. Stop behind a mother hen." Harry sighed.
"Someone has to worry about you, Harry. Merlin knows you never worry about yourself. That Gryffindor bravado is gonna get you killed." Draco argued. "Yes, you are ridiculously powerful, Potter. Some would argue that you're right up there with Dumbledore, and Voldemort." He paused. "Those people on your team left you to duel two against one with the Lestrange brothers." Draco stated. "Just because you vanquished the Dark Lord does not mean everyone has to step back and let you make the sacrifice! You've done your part, it does not always have to be you." He commented.
"I usually don't agree with Malfoy, Harry, but he's right." Ron interjected.
"Now, are you hurt? And don't you dare tell me I'm fine again." Draco remarked firmly.
"It's all the usual we get in work, Dray. I will live. It's nothing I won't recover from with a good night's sleep. So how about we have that dinner you demanded I come to tonight, and not worry about earlier." Harry suggested. "Why is everyone here, anyway?" He wondered.
"Well, it's a birthday party for you." Hermione smiled.
"You two know I don't do anything for my birthday. It's nothing special." Harry reminded. "I should get home."
"But Harry-," Draco started.
"But I didn't," Severus stepped in as Harry looked at him with curiosity. "They didn't plan this, I did."
"Why would you plan a birthday party for me?" Harry inquired.
"One of the times we ran into one another at the pub, you mentioned that you've never had a birthday party and never told me why. So I just thought it was something that everyone should get to experience once." Severus explained. "Don't be upset with them. I didn't know you didn't celebrate your birthday, and I told them you were aware of the party. As well as I told Draco to invite you to dinner here so you wouldn't know and he didn't know either. My apologies. Forgive me, Harry,"
"You didn't know, I can't very well be upset with you for it." Harry told him. "It's fine, Severus. Thank you. It's very thoughtful of you." He added with a smile.
"So are you going to let my hard work go to waste or can we celebrate your birthday?" Severus asked.
"I suppose I'll survive through one party." Harry agreed. "After all, I wouldn't want to make this a waste of your time…I know how much you hate that." He grinned.
"That I do, Potter." Severus nodded.
"Good, now all that's settled." Draco patted him on the back hard. "We can start having fun."
"It's good to see you again, Harry." Astoria greeted gently as she stood beside her husband, and little Scorpius was on her hip.
"You as well, Astoria. Hey, Scorp." Harry ticked Scorpius's cheek and the toddler giggled, reaching for him. Astoria shifted a bit as Harry pulled Scorpius from her arms and held him. "You're getting so big."
It didn't take long for Harry to have been immediately rushed by his unofficial nieces and nephews, though, little Rose hadn't quite learned to walk or crawl yet, so Harry held her last when he was sure he would not get tackled and risk her getting hurt. The same went for Dominique, who was Bill and Fleur's youngest daughter. They also had Victorie, the eldest, and Louis, the middle. George and Angelina Johnson, now Weasley, had Fred the Second and Roxanne. After the kids got their fill of their Uncle Harry, the rest of Harry's friends got in for their hugs or handshakes. Of course, Harry too greeted Pansy, Blaise, greeting their kids and then there was the hello to Theodore.
Harry had to say hello to Molly and Arthur, and Molly didn't waste time giving the young man a bear hug, as well as a kiss on each cheek. Then Harry went to say hi to Lucius and Narcissa, how could he not? It was their house and the past had been let go between Harry and Lucius. Narcissa, of course, had saved Harry's life by lying to Voldemort about him being dead.
"It is good to see you again, Mr. Potter." Lucius shook Harry's hand.
"You as well, Lucius. I've heard you're doing great work in the ministry," Harry praised.
"I've heard the same about you. Kingsley has said you're revolutionizing the department." Lucius chuckled.
"I'm just doing my job," Harry assured.
"That is one thing I can understand." Lucius nodded. "Draco, I believe the last guests just arrived. Why don't you show them in?"
"Yes, Father," Draco replied as he left the room.
"Who…Else is coming?" Harry inquired.
"You'll find out," Severus remarked.
Draco returned a minute later. "Uncle Harry!" Shouted an excited voice.
Harry turned around to see Andromeda and Teddy, of course, he smiled as Teddy instantly rushed forward to leap at his godfather. Harry caught him, barely, and staggered to stay on his feet. After all, Teddy was nine now and no longer little.
"Edward Remus Lupin! What have I told you about charging at your godfather? You're too big for that, you're going to hurt him one of these days." Andromeda scolded.
"It's fine. I don't mind," Harry assured her.
"Nana! Don't call me that…I'm Teddy!" The boy complained. Andromeda sighed.
"Just like his mother," Harry reminded with a smile. "She never went by her name either."
"Oh, I can't possibly forget." Andromeda closed her eyes.
"At least there's no denying who Teddy is the child of," Harry stated.
"You are absolutely correct about that." Andromeda agreed. "It's good to see you again, Lord Black,"
"Andromeda, how many times have I told you that you don't have to call me that. Harry is fine." Harry stressed gently.
"Lord Black?" Narcissa questioned. "How is that so? The last known lord was my cousin, Sirius, and he had no children."
"Sirius named Harry his heir," Andromeda informed. "When Sirius passed, Harry inherited everything. Including Lordship. He just wasn't old enough to take them at fifteen,"
"That's actually also incorrect," Harry interjected. "I may not have been seventeen, but participating in the Tri-Wizard Tournament emancipated me as an adult three years early."
"Wait, what? You never told us this?" Hermione said quickly.
"It was kept quiet," Harry revealed.
"How did it make you an adult?" Ron asked.
"The age limit was set at seventeen or older, but you had to be at least seventeen to enter. As you know, my name was entered by Barty Crouch Jr, who confused the goblet enough to believe that I entered my own name and that I was seventeen. As you saw, it rejected those who were not." Harry explained. "When you enter, you are magically bound to the contract that if you're selected, you will participate or you lose your magic. So when the goblet chose me as a contender, it sealed the contract that Harry Potter was seventeen and another competitor from a fourth school."
"That is how come there were two Hogwarts champions, when Barty confused the cup, it was entering me as a student from a fourth school. Such binding contracts legally emancipated me from being underage to participate. I was considered seventeen while only being fourteen. The only limit to emancipation was still needing a wand trace, and being forced to live at my aunt's house until my actual seventeenth birthday." Harry finished the explanation.
"So you took on being Lord Black right after Sirius died," Severus mentioned.
"Yes." Harry nodded.
"But a month ago when you, me, and Severus drank around the fire you also said you were Lord Potter." Draco reminded.
"I am that as well. I am Lord Potter-Black." Harry informed. "I claimed Potter when I took on being Lord Black, I just didn't wear the rings until after the war was over."
"Harry has already reinstated me into the family," Andromeda smiled. "Which, again, I still cannot thank you enough for, Harry,"
"It was a foolish thing to be disowned for." Harry commented. "Everyone here knows where I stand on blood status."
"Not many follow your sentiments," Astoria smiled at him. "But I understand your beliefs."
"It's just the way things have always been, Mr. Potter," Lucius informed. "Purebloods are very proud of their status, power, wealth even. It's been proven we're the superior-,"
"Don't go there, Lucius. I can shut down your whole argument by making you aware that you're a pureblood with all your superiority, power and whatever else and you chose to follow a half-blooded leader." Harry told him calmly as Lucius stared, surprised. "Or have you forgotten that Voldemort was a half-blood?" He inquired.
"Well," Lucius began.
"I am not knocking your status of being a pureblood, Lucius. Please don't take it as an insult. What I am saying is that it's fine to be proud of what you are, but it does not mean you are top tier and all powerful." Harry informed.
"But…The Sacred Twenty-Eight?" Pansy started.
"Was made by someone who felt purebloods were better than everyone else and if you updated that list to current, I assure you it would no longer be twenty-eight completely pure families." Harry replied. "The Black's sure as hell wouldn't be on it anymore."
"I beg your pardon." Narcissa looked affronted to have her family name be questioned.
"There are several breaks off the Black family that lead into other families through marriage. Let's start with something well known. Andromeda married a muggle, she produced a half-blood child, who married a werewolf and produced another half-blood child being Teddy here. By birth, Andromeda is a Black." Harry mentioned. "A second break is the Weasley's to the Black's. Cedrella Black married Septimus Weasley, that eventually ended up leading to Arthur, this his marriage to Molly produced their seven children. George, for instance, married Angelina. She isn't a pureblood, but they have two half-blood kids. Ron married Hermione, they have a half-blood child."
"And another on the way." Ron announced proudly.
"Even Fleur is not pureblood, she's part Veela and married to Bill. They have three kids." Harry continued. "Another break actually includes my family. Dorea Black married Charlus Potter, who happens to be my great-great-great uncle. Charlus was brother to my great-great-great grandfather. And this one is really gonna throw you for a loop about who didn't follow traditions with her supremacy nonsense…" He paused. "Bellatrix also caused a break in the Black line."
"She was married to Rodolphus Lestrange, he's a pureblood." Narcissa remarked.
"That she was…Yes. She was married to a pureblood, but we all knew who her heart belonged to. Voldemort. A half-blood. And here's the best part…" Harry smiled. "Bellatrix and Voldemort had a kid together."
The room went quiet. "What?" Narcissa stammered, shocked by the information. "No, we would have known…"
"It's possible, darling. Bellatrix wasn't around between August 1997 and most of March 1998. We were told she was on a mission for Voldemort." Lucius reminded.
"Bellatrix gave birth in March of 1998, to a half-blood daughter." Harry stated. "The child was found during a raid at the beginning of this year. She was in the care of Euphemia Rowle. An inheritance test proved she was the child of Bellatrix Black-Lestrange and Tom Marvolo Riddle." He revealed.
"Where…Is this child now?" Severus asked.
"Orphanage for magic children who lost their families in the war." Harry said.
"But…She would be my niece, why wasn't she placed with me? Or even Andromeda?" Narcissa wondered.
"I'm afraid I can't reveal that to you. Things are still being worked out, and until that is cleared; she is to stay where she is." Harry told Narcissa.
"What…Is her name?" Andromeda wondered.
"Delphini is the name she gave in questioning. No last name, but I believe that given she's the child of Voldemort and Bellatrix, she will be formally listed as Delphini Riddle as tradition stands to give the child their father's last name." Harry assumed.
"But, my point in this has obviously been made. The Black family, ancient and noble house that it is, has had several breaks in it that would immediately remove it from that Sacred Twenty-Eight. A fair number of those families have actually died out too. Let's not even get into the fact Voldemort and I are distant cousins." Harry informed.
Ron blinked. "Bloody hell mate. You're actually related to Voldemort?"
"Related to Salazar Slytherin too." Harry shrugged.
"Are you really?" Draco's eyes widened some. "So then…You really were the Heir of Slytherin in our second year?"
"No, that was Voldemort. And now, by extension, the next heir would be Delphini. I am related to Salazar, but I'm not a direct descendant." Harry clarified.
"I find myself curious. How, Potter, are you related to Voldemort?" Severus asked.
"The Peverell Brothers. Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus. Antioch had no descendants, he was killed before siring a child of his own. Cadmus's line crossed with Slytherin somewhere, and then Slytherin ended up crossing with Gaunt. The Gaunt line leads to Voldemort as his mother was Merope Gaunt. My line crosses with the other brother, Ignotus, because his granddaughter married Hardwin Potter. And obviously, from Hardwin and Iolanthe, Peverell, the line continues down to me." Harry explained.
"So, I have a question, Harry…" Blaise paused. "People searched the school many times over for the Chamber of Secrets. Never found it. How did you?" Blaise asked.
"I asked Moaning Myrtle how she died and she told me that she heard someone talking in a funny, made up language. She knew it was a boy, so she opened the door to tell him to go away and she died. All she remembered was seeing a pair of big yellow eyes by one particular sink in the girl's bathroom." Harry informed.
"So the chamber was in the girl's bathroom on the second floor?" Pansy blinked. "It was that easy, the whole time?"
"No, the chamber wasn't in the bathroom. It was much farther down. The entrance to the tunnel was in the bathroom and you needed to be a Parselmouth to open it." Harry remarked.
"What was it like?" Draco inquired.
"I don't know, Dray. I wasn't down there on a vacation. I was a bit preoccupied trying not to get killed by the sixty-foot Basilisk." Harry rolled his eyes. "And also stop Voldemort from regaining his body back."
"Man, I'd give anything to see the chamber…" Theodore sat back, relaxed in his chair.
"Well, I doubt Headmistress McGonagall is going to approve a group of old students taking a field trip down there." Hermione giggled.
"True, we can't physically go there. But I could show you the memory from that year." Harry offered.
"Could you really?" Draco wondered. "We'd have to save it for when we have a pensive and take turns."
"Who said we needed a pensive?" Harry questioned calmly.
"Um, how else would you view someone else's memories?" Blaise mentioned.
Harry chuckled a bit as his wand slipped into his hand before he brought the tip up to his temple before drawing it back to pull a blue wispy strand from his head. Harry light swirled his wand in a circle as the strand followed the trail and grew in size until Harry had created something like a large circle with foggy figures taking form.
"How the hell are you doing that?" Severus sat forward now, shocked by what he was seeing.
"A good magician never reveals their secrets." Harry stated with a smile. "Anyway, this will let you see everything that happened. Just like in a pensive, it shows third-person view with voices." He told them. "This here starts when Ron and I basically held Lockhart hostage for trying to run away." Harry explained.
So they watched. Just as Harry said, it showed everything that occurred from Lockhart trying to run away to them speaking to Myrtle and Harry figuring out where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was. It showed how Harry and Ron got separated due to Lockhart trying to obliviate them, but it backfired. Then went on to show Harry in the chamber finding Ginny before a boy appeared. The group saw how Harry came to understand that Tom Riddle was Voldemort, how he rearranged his name. Then came the Basilisk, how Harry killed it with the sword of Gryffindor, but got himself bit and was dying. However, Harry was able to destroy the diary, then Fawkes coming to heal Harry's arm before they all escaped and returned to Hogwarts.
After the scene showed, the image faded away to nothing. "That's…Merlin, you were only twelve." Pansy squeaked in surprise.
"I know. But there you go, that's the Chamber of Secrets. Or as much of it as I saw." Harry shrugged as he put his wand away.
"I wanna know how the hell you didn't end up in Slytherin," Theodore remarked.
"You want a truth I've never told anyone?" Harry smiled as everyone nodded. "That's where the sorting hat wanted to put me. In Slytherin."
"And why the heck did you end up in Gryffindor then?" Draco wondered.
"Because I asked the hat not to put me there." Harry admitted. "I hadn't wanted to be in Slytherin after meeting Draco and knowing he got sorted there. And don't even ask why, Dray. You were a right arse in school and you bad-mouthed Ron right off the train. Plus everyone kept saying Slytherin was the evil house. I was eleven, and new to the wizarding world, I didn't know any better. So when the hat said I'd fit well in Slytherin, I said no. It seemed to sense my aversion and chose Gryffindor instead. Even in second year, I talked to the hat waiting for Dumbledore and it told me that it hadn't changed its mind that I should be in Slytherin. Dumbledore told me I had certain traits that Salazar Slytherin prized in his hand-picked students. Resourcefulness, determination, and a certain disregard for the rules."
"You can say that last one again. But I promise you, Potter…If you hadn't somehow got the hat to change its mind and you ended up in my house, there would have been no rule breaking." Severus scoffed.
"I have no doubts about that," Harry agreed.
"Alright, come on…Enough seriousness about the past. We're celebrating," Draco reminded everyone as they'd literally spent that last hour or so talking about the past with a lot of things coming to light.
"Well, we can do presents." Ron offered.
So Harry ended up opening gifts from everyone, getting quite the assortment of random things. Harry hadn't needed presents, but appreciated that his friends did it anyway. The only person who hadn't given one to Harry was Severus, though, the man did have one for him and wasn't sure if it would compare to the others he got this evening.
"I think that's everyone," Hermione said.
"Ah, it's not." Severus stepped closer to Harry and pulled out an album before presenting it to the younger male. "Happy birthday, Potter."
Harry accepted the album from him and set it on the table to open up. One of the first images was of a young Snape, and a young girl with him. "Are these all of you and my mum?" Harry asked.
"Your mother was quite fond of taking pictures." Severus replied. "I'm sure you remember from my memories that your mother and I met before we went to Hogwarts. I recall you mentioning that Lupin and Black usually only had stories and pictures of them with your father, but you wanted to know your mother better. As we were best friends until our fifth year when I screwed that up, I felt that I'm the only one who would be able to share such information with you."
"You don't want to hold onto these memories for yourself?" Harry inquired.
"Don't be daft, I made copies." Severus remarked. "But the point of this was that between this and whatever you learned regarding your mother from your dogfather and uncle wolf," Harry rolled his eyes at the names. "You should be able to get a pretty decent idea of her life through the years. Of course, I'm content to share full memories in a pensive, or tell you anything you want to know about your mother."
Harry couldn't help but smile. "Aren't you sweet? It's amazing so many students in my year called you bitter."
"There's far less to worry about with the Dark Lord gone, I don't have to seem heartless to hold my position as a spy." Severus stated.
"That's not all it was. You closed yourself off after my mum died," Harry mentioned. "I know you loved her."
"I loved her as a dear friend," Severus revealed. "Perhaps I had a crush on her in our younger years at school, but it faded as we got older. I knew she liked your father, she just refused to accept his advances or anything because he was a bully with the others." He explained. "Also, I don't believe I ever said it, but thank you for saving my life and keeping me out of prison." Severus said.
"You didn't deserve to be punished for everything you did to ensure we won. If they hadn't agreed, I had a back up plan." Harry shrugged.
"I dread knowing what you came up with." Severus remarked.
"A lot of people owe me, Severus. I could have used the influence of my fame to remind the ministry of all the nonsense they put me through during fifth year with Fudge and Umbridge. When it came out Voldemort was in fact back, a lot of people in the ministry suddenly wanted to apologize for calling me a liar, promising that if I needed anything at all, let them know. Trust me, I had ways to ensure your freedom."
"You would have used a favor the ministry owes you on me?" Severus asked.
"Why does that surprise you? I used one on Lucius even though he's been rude to my friends, actually worked for Voldemort, and tried to kill me once." Harry mentioned.
"You used a favor on me?" Lucius looked genuinely shocked.
"You knew you stood no chance, Lucius. You got caught and imprisoned after the battle at the ministry, and Voldemort broke you out again. You were a confirmed Death Eater." Harry said.
"But why?" Lucius inquired.
"Despite all you did…" Harry paused. "I knew you wanted out, and couldn't leave because it meant your death. And if nothing else about you is remotely close to honorable…I know how much you love your family. You stayed in Voldemort's service long enough to get to Hogwarts to save your son and then you three left the battle until it was over. You returned of your own free will and let them arrest you." He explained. "You were also willing to go to prison if your wife and son were spared from it. That was respectable and honorable enough for me to use a favor to get you acquitted of charges."
"Did you…Use one on me and my mother too?" Draco questioned.
"Didn't have to. Your actions to aid me were enough for you two to be exonerated." Harry revealed. "You never told Bellatrix it was me and your mother straight up lied to Voldemort's face about me being dead."
"I still appreciate what you did for me, Harry. I heard a rumor that you threatened a few people if they tried to take me before I healed." Severus chuckled.
"It wasn't a rumor, sir," Hermione chimed in. "When aurors came to arrest you, you were still unconscious in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. Harry didn't leave your side."
"Yeah, he basically slept there…Guarding you, until you woke up. It was right after the battle ended, others were cleaning up, repairing the castle…Harry stayed with you. When aurors came, Harry refused to let them take you. It was verbal at first, them saying you were a marked Death Eater, had killed Dumbledore, and a lot more. Harry called you a hero and if they wanted you, they had to go through him." Ron added.
"They threatened to arrest Harry for interfering, and threatening officials. But then Kingsley came and told them you weren't to be arrested until you had woken and healed fully." Hermione smiled.
"You nearly got arrested, for me?" Severus looked at Harry now.
"As I've been saying…You didn't do anything wrong." Harry repeated. "You were in a hospital bed, unconscious, and it had only been a day since the battle ended. Your wounds hadn't even closed yet." He said.
"Well…Thank you." Severus told him.
"You're welcome." Harry smiled. "And thank you to whoever actually came up with the party idea. I know it wasn't you, Severus. You jumped in far too quickly to cover for the others." Harry grinned. "I saw right through your lie."
"I find it shocking you were able to see through something so easy when not even the Dark Lord could get past my shields." Severus chuckled.
"Well, Voldemort was a psycho obsessed with power. He split his soul seven times, he was insane. He wasn't looking for things that would seem out of character for you." Harry remarked. "Throwing a birthday party for an old student of yours who you seemingly hated for years is extremely out of character for you,"
"That is true. Good on you, Mr. Potter. Five points to Gryffindor for exceptional deduction and debate." Severus claimed.
"That's also out of character for you. You never awarded Gryffindor points," Harry laughed. "Regardless, it's been a good night. So thank you to whoever came up with the idea."
"That would be me." Draco smirked.
"Well, thank you." Harry told his friend.
"Night isn't over yet! There's still cake to be had!" Draco mentioned.
Harry laughed and shook his head. It was a good night, even if he wasn't big on his birthday, he was happy to be with the people he called family and friends.