Chapter 30

Harry smiled into the mirror. His dress robes were a deep forest green and they brought out his eyes.

Sirius had arrived while he'd been in class and they'd spent a little while talking before Harry reminded him that he had to get ready for the ball. Knowing that his godfather would see him through his first real date as well as the anniversary of his parents' death was a heady feeling.

"Wow, pup. You clean up nicely!" Sirius grinned as he walked into Harry's sitting room.

"Yeah?" Harry chuckled. "Better than last year, I guess. I hope I can dance a bit better."

"Do you remember your lessons?" Sirius asked.

"The one lesson Mcgonagall gave us? Yeah, I think so." Harry smirked. "Maybe my lack of rhythm was just part of the potions too?"

Sirius laughed out loud. "I hope so for the sake of Draco's feet."

Ginny knocked at the door. "Looking good, Harry! Did we hear correctly?"

Luna popped up behind her. "Do you need practice dancing?"

"It might've been helpful a few days ago but the dancing is moments away!" Harry laughed.

"Every second counts, Harry!" Ginny scolded and came up close. "Place your hands on my waist!"

Harry snickered at the nearly perfect impression of Professor Mcgonagall but followed her instructions and danced a passable waltz with only two minor toe injuries.

Sirius grinned proudly. "Good job, but if you don't leave now, you'll be late!"

Harry grabbed his cloak and rushed out into the night. A secret passage shaved critical time off his journey and he knocked on the portrait just as it was opening to allow a sixth year couple to exit. Rather than wait there for his date, he walked into the common room and sat down next to a couple of firsties.

"Hello, Jonathan." Harry said politely.

"Hi." The younger boy said, barely glancing at him until his friend nudged him. When he saw that it was Harry, Jonathan froze. "L- Lord Potter, sir. Hi!"

"I'm just waiting for Draco and wanted to say hello." Harry smirked at him. "How's your year going?"

"P-pretty good, sir. You can call me Johnny. I actually volunteered for the herbology project and it's been really fun."

Draco swept into the room and blinked when he saw Harry in conversation with a first year student. "Thank you for entertaining my date, Langford. We'll be going now."

Harry smirked mischievously at the blond as he stood up. "Jealous, Malfoy?"

"Of a firstie?" Draco scoffed. "Hardly. A little surprised you took the time to speak with him but you're always doing crazy things these days."

"It's not crazy to talk to a cute kid I helped through the barrier at the train station." Harry chuckled, rolling his eyes.

"Yes, yes. Fine, fine. You're a credit to all four houses." Draco said exasperated. "Now, come on! I want to dance!"

Harry laughingly offered his arm and the two walked up to the Great Hall together.

Because of the special occasion, the students were allowed to mix houses for the festivities. There were a few slow formal dances to warm the students up but after that, a Weird Sisters cover band took over and played for a few hours before they were all encouraged to find their beds.

Harry escorted Draco back to his dorm and kissed him goodnight in an alcove several feet from the entrance to Slytherin house.

"Hem hem."

They ignored her for a moment, but when she continued to stare at them and repeated her little throat clearing noise, Harry couldn't wait to find out what Madam Umbrage had to say that might be important enough to interrupt a private moment such as this. "Is there something we might help you with, Madam Umbrage?"

"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, you are role models to the rest of the students here at Hogwarts and public displays, such as this, set the wrong example!" She gave them a high pitched giggle.

"First of all, Madam, I am addressed as Lord Potter...not mister..." Harry gritted his teeth in an attempt to remain polite. "Second, a simple hug and kiss hardly qualifies as a 'public display'."

"Oh but it does... according to the school charter." She giggled again. "Now then, I cannot take points in my current position but I can report you to the Headmaster. Come with me!"

Harry glared at her. "If we come with you, we might miss curfew."

"This takes precedent." She smirked smugly. "Come along."

Draco met Harry's eyes.

Harry took the blond's hand and squeezed lightly.

They listened as Umbrage gave a password to the gargoyle and followed her in.

"Hello, Madam Um... hello, boys. What seems to be happening here?" Headmaster Dumbledore asked with a frown.

"I caught these two engaged in a lewd display outside the Slytherin common room, Headmaster Dumbledore." Madam Umbrage proudly stated.

Harry suppressed a smirk at the word she'd used. "Please, sir. It was hardly lewd. No clothing was missing or even askew. My boyfriend and I were simply hugging. Alright, I suppose we also kissed for a moment as well but it was brief."

Draco nodded silently in agreement.

Dumbledore sighed and walked over to his fireplace. He called the heads of both houses and began conjuring chairs. Several minutes later, he had to conjure another because Sirius had apparently accompanied Harry's head of house.

After everyone was seated, Madam Umbrage repeated her story and waited for some consequences to be delivered, but Professor Mcgonagall asked Harry for his side of the story. Harry promptly informed the group of the true circumstances of their crime.

Sirius smirked at his godson while Snape rolled his eyes at his own.

"Normally, I would take a few points from each and be done but I have been meaning to speak to you boys about a related matter." Dumbledore smiled sadly at the younger men. "Harry, I've seen the two of you getting closer and I'm honestly not sure that it's a good idea. You seem to be getting quite serious and young men your age should be having fun with friends and enjoying life, not starting long term relationships."

"I'm a Lord, Headmaster. As an earl, I have a responsibility to pass on my title. I may be fifteen, but I know my duties to magic and the queen." Harry said as politely as he could manage.

"Well, if you'd spoken with me at the time, I would've counseled you against taking your lordship - at least until after the war, Harry." Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgement. "In my opinion it is unnecessary stress. This is also your OWL year which is very important for your future, my boy."

"War?" Madam Umbrage frowned at him. "Are you saying that you believe a war is coming? He who must not be named may be back, but he hasn't made any newsworthy attacks."

"We can speak about the war later, Madam Umbrage." Dumbledore smiled tightly. "Now, Harry... I'm sure you can see that Mr. Malfoy is hardly a good influence on you. Consider his father, not to mention his mother's family."

Harry smirked at the man and gestured toward his godfather. "Oh, yes, let's talk about his mother's family, Headmaster."

Draco smirked, wanting very much to say something, but he knew this situation would go smoother if he let Harry have his say.

"Fine." Dumbledore sighed heavily. "I didn't want it to come to this but I'm afraid you've given me no choice. Both of you have flouted a number of rules over the last two months, Harry, and..."

Harry felt his eyebrows rise. He thought they'd both been fairly obedient to the rules.

"I've allowed it to slide up till now but you boys are no longer allowed to associate with each other." He looked at his professors. "Tomorrow I want you, as their heads of houses, to arrange different class partners for them and an entirely different schedule to keep them apart."

The teachers began arguing that they hadn't any right to interfere in students' personal lives but Harry just turned to his boyfriend in order to see his reaction.

Draco took a deep breath and nodded.

"Headmaster!" Harry said loudly enough to draw the old man's attention away from his discussion. "You can change our schedules and make life difficult for us if you want but I'm afraid there's nothing you can do to legally separate us."

"Short of convincing my parents that Harry isn't husband material..." Draco smirked suggestively.

Harry turned to his head of house. "Professor Mcgonagall, if you need it, I can have a copy of the betrothal contract on your desk by breakfast, but he's moving into my suite tonight."

She nodded once in acknowledgement but glanced worriedly at Dumbledore.

Sirius was the only adult who was free to act like he wanted to. He laughed loudly and stood up clapping a hand on his godson's shoulder.

"I believe the school charter allows for a different code of conduct between an engaged couple?" Harry asked innocently as his eyes swung over to Delores Umbrage.

She stared at him, shocked, but nodded stiffly and watched as they walked out the door with Sirius not far behind.

As soon as they were inside the suite, Harry called Dobby. "Please deliver a note to Blaise Zabini for Draco and have his things moved into his room here as quickly as possible."

Draco felt simultaneously warm and chilled but he didn't understand why.

"Draco are you alright?" Harry asked softly.

The blond blinked rapidly. "Can we talk about it in the morning?"

Harry nodded and followed him to their rooms while Sirius sent a letter off to Draco's parents.

Blaise read and reread the note Dobby had delivered the night before. It was from Draco.

Apparently, the Malfoy heir wouldn't be sleeping in the Slytherin dorms any longer because Potter's prediction had come true. The headmaster had forbidden them to see each other.

He chuckled. Dumbledore had no idea who he was dealing with. Well, before heading up to breakfast, he figured that he'd best do a quick check of Draco's area and make sure the elves had gotten everything.

Turns out the elves had been thorough, so Blaise grabbed his books and made his way to the common room to meet Pansy, who immediately began to talk his ear off.

"Where's Draco? I need to talk to him. Don't tell me you let him sleep in again! Snape will have his head if he skips class!" Pansy ranted.

"Pansy!" Blaise hissed. "Draco's moved into Potter's suite."

Her eyes widened as her lips slipped into a small o. "Let's get to the Great Hall. I want to know what happened."

Blaise handed her the note. "He won't be there."

"What do you mean 'he won't be there'?" She snapped but waved him off to read the note. "He has things to talk about with Potter? Rude! He has friends to explain things to!"

"Well, we'll have to wait for lunch." Blaise grumbled.

It wasn't long before they reached the Slytherin house table and sat down. Blaise looked over at the Gryffindor table where Ron Weasley was sitting with his brothers, when suddenly, the girl Weasley came running in and whispered to the three already seated before throwing a quick look at the faculty table and joining them.

"I think it's safe to say that whatever happened, it did so after curfew." Pansy smirked. "Go, Draco!"

Blaise chuckled. "Clearly, the Weasley boys just found out about our boy moving in."

Pansy giggled. "The look on the youngest brother's face!"

"He looks cute when surprised like that!" Blaise's smile was soft and Pansy gagged jokingly.

"Just kidding, B. To each their own." She kissed his cheek and went back to her meal until several teachers approached the Gryffindors. "

Excuse me, Ms. Weasley." Professor Mcgonagall said softly. "May I assume you have some idea of Lord Potter's whereabouts?"

"Yes, Professor, he and Malfoy needed to discuss some things." Ginny said primly. "They told me that if anyone asked, I should say they'll be at classes and lunch. It's never been a problem before."

"I see." Mcgonagall frowned. "Unfortunately, this leaves us with a dilemma, as their presence is necessary. Severus, I suppose we shall have to visit Potter's suite."

"You needn't bother yourself, Minerva. I'll go." Snape grumbled and made his way to the doors. He was grateful she left him to it because he had news for his godson. As he approached the door to the Heir's suite, he felt a push at his occlumency shields. He pushed back gently and noticed the snake on the door. It blinked at him! "That wasn't there when I escorted Potter here on September first."

"Hello, Professor." Luna said softly as she opened the door. "Did you need something?"

"I have come to speak with Lord Potter and Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Lovegood." Snape sighed.

"They're in their sitting room." Luna grinned as she stepped back to allow him entry. "I can show you."

Snape frowned as he walked in and saw the new door leading off the empty sitting room.

"Shall I give you a tour?" Luna asked and continued as if he'd said yes. "This is the family sitting room. The castle gave Harry an office, which is through that door. Here is the bathroom I share with Ginny and Zack. Then there are two dorm style bedrooms; girls and boys..."

"Did you say the castle gave him an office?" Snape asked in a slight daze.

"Oh, yes! The castle is quite accommodating to it's heir." Luna grinned as she pointed out the guest room and owlry. "Here we are, sir." She said as she knocked on Harry's door.

"Luna? Come on in." Harry called. "I thought you left."

She opened the door. "I ran into Professor Snape on my way out. I'm leaving now."

Snape walked into the small sitting room and looked around. "This was not what it looked like this summer."

Harry stood up, smirking. "The castle has been making adjustments as needed, Professor."

"This was a single large bedroom." Snape muttered in confusion.

"As soon as the contract was signed, the castle gave us an extra bedroom and a private bathroom." Harry explained casually. "Was I supposed to inform the faculty that my suite conforms to my needs?"

"And the snake on the door?" Snape asked suspiciously.

"Was there something you needed, Professor Snape?" Harry asked innocently, Draco smirking at his godfather.

"Yes." The older man cleared his throat and shook his head. "I have news. Dumbledore has decided not to go through the hassle of separating your schedules. He is very unhappy with the situation but he seems to realize it wouldn't do anything but aggravate the staff."

Harry grinned. "Brilliant!"

"Indeed." Snape nodded grimly. "Something that is not ...er... brilliant ...is the news I have to give you about the samples Dobby brought me last night. As we suspected, the beverages at the Halloween feast had been altered."

The young couple looked at each other, happy they'd had Dobby bring their refreshments last night rather than rely on the kitchen elves.

"Right now, all I know is that they were altered. There is a process the samples must go through in order to find exactly what potions were added." Snape informed them. "I have begun that process and we will have the results by this evening."

"That's great, Uncle Severus." Draco gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Snape simply nodded before turning to face Harry. "Lord Black has been granted permission to take you out of the grounds after your last class of the day. You are expected back by curfew."

"Just me?" The young lord asked.

Snape nodded once before grimacing in Harry's direction. "It seems moot, as you've told me there is a separate bedroom for Draco... but one of the reasons I was sent is to make certain that the accommodations are adequate and there is no bed sharing going on."

Harry's eyebrows rose as he indicated his bedroom and Draco's. "Hard to believe that Dumbledore cares what goes on in my bed."

Blushing, Draco hissed. "Perhaps he shouldn't know you have the ability to change the castle?"

Harry hummed thoughtfully before turning to Snape. "It would probably be helpful if you reported that the door was always there but it didn't open during the summer?"

After looking into the two separate rooms, and seeing they were both livable, Snape glared at them and stalked out.

They waited a few minutes to be sure he was gone before laughing.

"So..." Harry said softly. "I know there's not much time, but can we talk about last night?"

"I didn't want to talk at the time because I was confused about my feelings." Draco admitted, nodding slowly. "Harry, seeing you with your 'take charge' attitude made me..."

"What?" Harry asked gently.

"It turned me on." Draco murmured, eyes fluttering shut. "I liked it. A lot."

Harry smirked mischievously. "Yeah?"

"The way you handled Dumbledore and Umbrage...? You brooked no arguments from two authority figures. Then we arrived here and you called Dobby!" Draco bit his lip. "Commanding him to gather my things was one thing but you also thought to reassure Blaise!"

Harry blinked in surprise. "That... uhm... that was okay?"

"Yes, Harry, that was good." Draco chuckled. "You know, little things that you barely notice have been making an impression on me."

Harry stared. "If we didn't have to get to class soon, I'd snog you."

"Even that!" Draco laughed. "In the past few weeks, you've shown me so much about yourself and how you'll be as a partner in this relationship. That's why I felt able to move in here with you."

"I don't understand." Harry frowned.

"You've come to me for help with the plant project, which shows me that you know you don't know everything." Draco smirked. "You were protective and commanding last night which shows that you're confident. You also remembered that my friend would worry and you took steps to ease that, showing that you're thoughtful as well. We have to get to class so now you're showing restraint! Harry Potter..."

"What?" Harry asked innocently.

"You're a good man." Draco slowly stood and came around the small table.

Harry stood to meet him and wasn't surprised when the blond kissed him lightly.

Without another thought, they grabbed their things and hurried to their first class.

"Beginning next week, we will have a guest speaker join us. Her name is Lorelle Brooks and she specializes in dark and dangerous creatures." Snape told his students. "She fights them and obtains potions ingredients for apothecaries from the corpses of said creatures."

Harry smirked as Hermione's hand sprung into the air.

"Will she be speaking in any of the other classes, sir?" She asked eagerly.

"Indeed, Ms. Granger." Snape sneered. "Ms. Brooks has been asked to speak to several classes, though only OWL year and above."

Harry raised his hand. "Might we know which ones, sir?"

"As her specialties are varied but connected, Lord Potter, you may expect to see her during DADA, potions, and Care of Magical Creatures." He explained blandly. "For your assignment this week - I want each of you to compile three questions for her. She will choose one from each student to answer during her stay."

The final minute of the class was filled with chatter and when the bell rang the students rushed out.

Harry gave his Care of Magical Creatures notebook to Ziva as he entered the suite and walked over to the secret panel that allowed access to the guest room. Hitting the trigger, he walked through to find something he hadn't expected. Remus had arrived and he was on the bed with Sirius snogging.

"Gah! My eyes!" Harry teased as they jumped apart.

Sirius glared playfully at his godson. "You'd better watch it, kiddo! You're poking a sleeping dog!"

"Yes, Harry, you're supposed to let sleeping dogs lie." Remus smirked at him.

"I can take it! Anyway..." Harry chuckled. "When Snape was here this morning, he said you're taking me off school grounds?"

"Aw, he ruined the surprise!" Sirius whined.

"He didn't say where!" Harry protested.

Sirius pouted but suddenly shrugged. "Get your cloak."

"So it's somewhere wizarding?" Harry guessed, calling for Ziva.

"Not telling til we get there." Sirius shook his head.

"Stop being so ridiculous, Siri." Remus chuckled. "Harry, we're taking you to Godric's Hollow."

Harry stopped short in the sitting room. "Oh. Alright."

"Did you not want to go?" Sirius asked worried he'd upset the younger man.

"I just know that today is already going to be an emotionally charged day and I hadn't considered going to the house...or the graves." Harry swallowed visibly. "Will there be other people there?"

"Molly and Arthur have said they want to visit, especially now that they know of the familial connection, and Bill is still in town so he might accompany them." Sirius told him quietly.

"My parents might be there." Zack spoke up from a cushion in the corner. "They went the first few years but, being that they weren't that close before their deaths, they thought it wasn't appropriate to keep going. Now that Mother knows they were related, she might change her mind. Luna's dad always goes but usually on Halloween night."

Harry nodded sadly. "Alright. I've never been and I suppose it's time."

Remus nodded, placing a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "Do you want to bring Ron...or Draco?"

"I'm so sorry! I didn't think of that!" Sirius whirled toward the fireplace. "Should I floo Arthur? Or maybe Cissa?"

"No, it's fine." Harry shook his head. "It- it's enough that I'll be there with you."

"Harry..." Sirius sighed.

"No, you don't understand." Harry tried to explain. "In the years before I came to Hogwarts, I only knew the date they died. I didn't know how they died or where they were buried. I didn't even know where we'd lived while they were alive and suddenly, at eleven years old, I was thrust into this amazing new world and I was told how they died and who had killed them but nothing else and, until third year, I had nobody around who could fill in the blanks except for books that had been written without my knowledge, consent, or input."

Remus dabbed his eyes. "Oh, Harry!"

"Then, I had both of you but you had obstacles!" Harry's eyes hardened. "Now, the spells and potions are gone and I have two people who knew them and loved them and you're both finally free to tell me the stories and show me the house and take me to their graves. Can you understand that you are enough?"

"Somewhat...I do think there's someone else that needs to be there, though." Sirius said quietly, nodding. "Dudley."

Harry considered this and nodded. "Ok."

"I'll go get him and meet you there." Remus agreed.

"I think he needs to know about Lily." Sirius said softly as they made their way out of the castle.

"Tell us both together." Harry murmured.

Sirius nodded and, once they reached the gates, Harry took hold of his godfather's arm so they could aparate.

They appeared on an empty stretch of road.

"This is the outskirts of Godric's Hollow, pup." Sirius said softly. "Moony will be here shortly and then we'll walk up this way, into town. The house is on a street that's off the main road but they're buried in the graveyard beside the church."

There was a soft pop behind them.

"Heya, Harry." Dudley called, seeming to understand that this was a solemn occasion.

"Hi." Harry replied. "We thought ... Well, they thought I needed more than just them for this visit to the cottage where I lived the first year of my life. I thought you might appreciate what happened a bit more if you saw it."

Sirius led the way with Harry and Dudley in the middle and Remus guarding their backs. "Lily was the sweetest person from a very early age."

"Lily was the kindest soul. She helped people whether they deserved it or not." Remus contributed. "Many times, because of my ...furry little problem... I thought I was undeserving and she helped me see myself differently."

"As a kid, James was quite different from his adult self but Harry knows that part so we'll skip to the seventh year of school and beyond." Sirius began.

"He was a jerk." Harry said bluntly. "My dad was a bully and a jerk... but he grew out of it, Dudley. You have, too...or at least, you're in the process of growing out of it. No need to sugarcoat it, Siri. He needs to know it's possible."

"They - all of us - joined the Order of the Phoenix because we believed in Albus Dumbledore and thought he was the right side in the war. Little did we know that we were on the wrong side." Sirius sighed. "There's a statue of the Potter family in the intersection. The muggle passers-by see a war veteran's memorial. The church is across the street from it."

Harry and Dudley looked up at the statues. "I have pictures but it's nice to know the public knows their faces."

Remus and Sirius stood on either side of Harry until he was ready to move forward.

"I see Molly." Dudley murmured. "Arthur, Bill and your assistant Percy are with her."

Harry glanced toward the spot his cousin had gestured and their small group moved to meet the Weasleys. Harry greeted each of them and was surprised to note another familiar face. "Fleur?"

"Yes. It is me! 'ello, 'arry!" She smiled. "I 'ave been seeing Bill for several months now."

"He told me in September. I'm happy to see you're still getting along." Harry smiled at her. "I'd love to catch up sometime, but if you'll excuse me, I have yet to see my parents' grave."

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Fleur said sadly. "Of course!"

He let Molly hug him once more before carefully making his way across the road. As he walked through the grave stones, Harry saw numerous names from the family tree the goblins had made for him. Peverell stood out along with another well known name ...Dumbledore.

Harry pointed them out to Sirius but kept going with a stubborn single-mindedness. He was here for a reason and he would see it through. He stared at the large marble stone and the phrase someone had carved into it, which read - The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. "Have you..." He trailed off.

"I visit every year on this day and on their birthdays." Remus murmured as he pulled something from his pocket. "I leave gifts on the anniversary - a single conjured lily for your mother and I learnt to whittle so I could leave something for James."

"You learnt to whittle?" Harry asked, touched.

"He learnt to become an animagus for me, Harry." Remus said gently placing a stag on the stone and conjuring a white lily. "It seemed the least I could do for him."

"I visited just after my escape and the last two anniversaries." Sirius told him sadly. "I'll come whenever I can now that I'm free."

Harry nodded. "They'd understand, Siri."

Sirius sniffed, tearing up, but one deep breath later and he was calm again. "Are we doing the right thing? Working with-"

"Tom is as much a victim as me, Sirius - maybe even more of one. Mum and Dad were victims too." Harry frowned at his godfather. "Snape is looking into the potions he puts in the school's holiday beverages so we'll have proof soon. Then we can get him removed from his positions - all of them."

Sirius sighed but nodded in agreement.

"Can we not talk about this for a while?" Harry asked softly. "I want to know why my parents are buried in the same cemetery as his relatives."

"Dumbledore grew up here." Remus told him carefully. "Those are his mother and sister who died in a freak accident during his seventh year."

Sirius cut in. "His father died in Azkaban and his brother runs the Hog's Head bar in Hogsmeade."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting."

"Have there been any other strange happenings in this town?" Dudley asked.

Remus frowned. "I'll look into it."

"Let's go see the house." Harry said softly, running his fingers over the stone as he turned away from it.

"Lord Potter?" A female voice called out.

Harry turned and found a woman walking toward him.

"Mabel Smith. My son, Zack, and I are your distant cousins on your mother's side." She said, "I was a couple years ahead of her and James in school. I'd like to think that, if I'd known we were related, we might have been friends."

"It's nice to meet you." Harry nodded and shook her hand. "Zack mentioned that you might make a visit today."

"I came because I wanted to thank you, Lord Potter." Mabel replied. "I don't think he's told you, but he was getting close with some bad kids. I was afraid he'd be a bully by his NEWT year if something didn't change."

"He didn't tell me but I found out on my own and gave him a choice. He made the right decision or I wouldn't be letting him live in my family suite." Harry confessed. "He's become a real help to me in many ways."

"I'm so glad!" She smiled brightly. "I'm going to pay my respects now. Good night."

Harry nodded and moved toward where Remus, Sirius and Dudley were waiting.

"Siri, have you told Remus what we talked about the night before I left for school?" Harry asked quietly as they began walking down a side street.

"Not yet, pup." Sirius said carefully.

"I'm expected back at Hogwarts by curfew." Harry said slowly. "I know that's fairly soon but I don't want to be specific in public so I'm going to ask you to tell them when you get home because what I'm about to say won't make any sense until they know."

"Ok, Harry. What is it?" Sirius asked.

"Remember how I wasn't sure if the earth was stable? Well it turns out that it wasn't. I had to fix it...support it." Harry explained.

"So it wasn't you that needed the earth?" His godfather asked.

"Technically we needed each other." Harry smirked. "He's the key to my pureblood roots but I got him away from some bad seeds. Helped him turn over a new leaf, so to speak."

"Interesting." Sirius grinned. "You're right. It doesn't make sense out of context like that... but speaking of plants, Cissa told me about the charity. I think I came up with a good name for you."

"Oh, yeah?" Harry asked with a smile.

"Ok, what do you think of this? Society for the Study and Salvation of Hufflepuff's Extinct or Endangered Plants!" Sirius grinned expectantly. "SSSHEEP!"

Harry laughed with a beaming smile. "I love it!'

"Great! I'll let her know!" Sirius cheered.

Harry nodded, sobering as they came to a stop in front of a half destroyed house. A sign popped up announcing that this was the Potter Cottage where Harry Potter had defeated Lord Voldemort on the night of Halloween in nineteen eighty. There were messages from visitors and admirers.

"It still belongs to me?" He asked quietly, already knowing the answer because Korlag had told him back in July.

Sirius nodded sadly.

"I want to fix it but I don't want to let the world know yet that I don't believe these lies anymore." Harry told them carefully.

"We can find a way to create a glamour to hide the changes, Harry." Remus suggested.

"Lily was always better at Charms than me, pup." Sirius said with a wistful smile. "Maybe Cissa can help. She's good at that kind of thing too."

"You know? Over the years, I've learned to never underestimate a house elf. I'll speak with my elves and see what they think is possible." Harry smirked before turning to his cousin. "Dudley, you've been awfully quiet."

"Just taking it all in." Dudley said solemnly. "I never imagined what you might have been through."

"If the situation was reversed, Lily and James would have taken you in and raised you as their own." Sirius said in a low growl.

"Siri, I know we're all angry about how his parents treated me, but that's over now. He understands that it was wrong." Harry said soothingly. "Life goes on. Now, let's get me back to Hogwarts."

Sirius hugged his godson and apparated away leaving Remus to bring Dudley back to Potter Grove.

"There's still a little time, pup. You want to get a drink?" Sirius offered.

"I kind of want to have a little time with Draco, Siri." Harry explained. "We haven't talked all day and I didn't bring him to visit Godric's Hollow. He might be hurt or just confused and I want to talk it out... especially since he's just moved in."

"I understand, pup." He grinned. "I'll walk you to the gates."

Just as Harry arrived at the door to the heir's suite, Draco was coming out.

"Oh good, you're back! Uncle Severus just called me to his office and said to bring you if you were home." Draco smirked as he grabbed Harry's arm. "Where did you go, anyway?"

"Sirius and Remus took me to Godric's Hollow." Harry confessed.

"Oh. That must've been difficult." Draco said softly.

"It was... a bit." Harry admitted. "I met a few people and saw the grave. Then I saw the house."

"Wow." Draco sighed sadly.

"Have you ever been there?" Harry asked and Draco just shook his head.

The rest of the walk to Snape's office was silent.

"Draco, I've excused you from astronomy this evening." Snape said in greeting before glancing at Harry. "I see you've returned."

"Did he tell you where they were taking me?" Harry asked tersely. When Snape only glared, Harry glared back. "Have you ever been to the grave? Today was my first visit."

Draco settled in to witness another confrontation but was surprised to see his godfather wince as if in pain.

"I visit on her birthday." Snape frowned. "I'm surprised the mutts left it so long."

"Yes, we had things to do during the summer, Professor, and that wasn't a pressing matter until now." Harry said bitterly. "I assume you've figured out what potions are in the drinks?"

"Indeed." Snape replied, showing them a sheet of parchment paper. "It's worse than we originally thought. All the first years are given potions that encourage rivalry with their classmates along with stubbornness and resistance to anything different from an individual's norms."

Harry shook his head. "That's terrible!"

Draco took the paper and began to read aloud. "It doesn't all go by year. All Slytherins are given potions which disrupt focus and critical thinking and another that boosts disgust of Hufflepuff house. Yet another potion encourages aggression specifically towards Gryffindors and discourages romantic relationships with them."

"The seventh year Slytherins are then singled out." Snape added. "They are given a potion which inhibits their ability to conceive."

Draco blinked, not sure if this was a bad thing. "Is it just contraception or is he limiting our overall fertility?"

"How many Slytherin families have more than two children, Draco?" Snape asked his godson.

"None in my year." Draco growled, now outraged by such a violation.

"What about the Gryffindors?" Harry asked carefully, feeling his elemental powers begin to flare within him.

"Their potions boost recklessness and encourage a competitive spirit." Draco read from the parchment. "They also have one that boosts impatience with Hufflepuff Ravenclaw, and still another one to encourage aggression towards Slytherin."

"There's one that encourages romantic relationships with other Gryffindors." Snape added. "And another forces loyalty to Dumbledore."

"The Ravenclaws?" Harry asked. The candles flared as he grew angrier with each word they spoke.

Draco handed the paper back to Snape and walked over to his betrothed. "Their potions discourage emotional intimacy, boost arrogance, and limit their ability to concentrate and communicate with others."

"Another potion encourages romantic relationships with Slytherins and other Ravenclaws." Snape added. "The Hufflepuff potions limit their ability to connect with certain types of people and their competitive spirit. Another forces loyalty to Dumbledore."

Harry was deeply offended by every one of those potions and he wasn't sure what to do about it. On one hand, he wanted to destroy the psychotic man who thought he could get away with violating the children in his care, and on the other hand, he wanted to expose him to the world and get justice. Perhaps he could do both... with a little assistance. He stood and began to pace.

"He took the thing each house prizes most and performed a twisted sabotage." Harry felt his anger continue to rise. "I'm sickened."

Snape quietly stood. "We have to tell the other heads of houses."

Draco nodded. "We should also send this and the samples to Madam Bones."

"I've already packaged part of each original sample as well as a duplicate of this test result for Harry to send." Snape replied, gesturing toward a nearby box. "I did the test twice so I would have proof for this meeting."

"We didn't test the drinks at the faculty table ..." Harry mused. "You don't think...?"

"We will tell them and then I will offer to test them as I did for my Slytherins." Snape replied as comfortingly as he could whilst checking the time. "They should be on their way now."

"Will Dumbledore know you're all meeting without him?" Harry asked.

"Dumbledore is out of the castle this evening." Snape informed him. "The fiftieth anniversary of Grindelwald's sentencing is coming up and he's meeting with several people who wish to celebrate it in hopes of talking them out of it."

Harry snorted in derision. "As if a display of modesty could make up for violating his students' bodies with these potions."

A knock sounded at the door and Snape used his wand to answer it. Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Mcgonagall walked in and were unsurprisingly confused to see their students.

"I think you boys ought to be in bed by now, don't you?" Professor Mcgonagall asked, eyebrows rising in disapproval.

"I have asked them to be here as all three of us have had a hand in discovering the matter we must discuss." Snape informed his colleagues. "If you will all please sit?"

"Professor Mcgonagall, you finally get the explanation you wanted when we spoke last month." Harry said softly. "As the situation will soon come to a head, I need to tell you about this summer's revelations. I won't ask for secrecy oaths, as I have from my friends and family, but I hope you'll understand why I haven't been as open as I once might've been."

"My dear Lord Potter, if it's a matter of your safety, I offer my oath!" Professor Sprout piped up with Professor Flitwick chiming in as well but Harry shook his head.

"Thank you, but as long as Dumbledore remains in the dark for a few more hours, it is safe to tell you."

Professor Mcgonagall looked at Snape in obvious confusion. "You've never gotten on with Harry, Severus... now you're working with him?"

"For the good of the students... and for the good of my godson...?" Snape nodded grimly. "Yes."

Her eyes swung to Draco and back. "Tell us?"

Harry recounted his fight with the dementors and his subsequent flight from the Dursley house before telling them about visiting Gringotts and the healing ritual the goblins had performed, leaving out Nagini and his elemental powers.

"Now, I know the answer to this but do you?" Harry asked his teachers. "Who had access to me between the time Voldemort attacked and when I was left at the Dursley house?"

It didn't surprise Harry that Flitwick and Sprout shook their heads but when Professor Mcgonagall stood up with a gasp, he blinked.

"Hagrid and Dumbledore." Mcgonagall whispered, outraged.

"Yes." Harry frowned at her before explaining to the others. "Sirius actually gave me to Hagrid, quite reluctantly, mind you, because he was there under Dumbledore's orders to take me to a safe place. How did you know that, Professor?"

"Well, I..." She hesitated, but only for a moment. "I was there when he left you. I protested but he wouldn't change his mind. It was cold and I wanted to cast warming charms around you but he wouldn't let me. He'd already cast the wards and didn't want any more magic around the house than necessary. He said it would draw attention!"

Harry stared at her. Somehow, he knew she was about to say something important.

"I obeyed his wishes but stayed with you as a cat until your aunt opened the door." She lamented despairingly. "I thought nothing of it at the time, but... merciful Merlin... as they were leaving, Hagrid handed Albus an empty bottle!"

Harry couldn't breathe. He had a witness! He couldn't believe it. The candles flared while the coffee table rattled several feet away. His lungs suddenly demanded air so he began taking large gasping breaths.

Professor Flitwick conjured a cup and filled it with an aguamenti charm hoping to calm him but it was only when Draco pulled him over to a chair that he began to think more clearly.

Seeing this, Snape summoned a calming potion from his stores before calling out for Dobby to bring Sirius.

Harry swallowed the potion and ran into his godfather's arms when he arrived.

"What the hell is going on?" Sirius angrily asked Snape, taking in the scene.

Mcgonagall was livid and pacing while Professor Sprout was crying and Professor Flitwick sat attempting to comfort her.

Draco didn't know how to respond so he stood, quietly watchful, off to the side allowing Snape to explain as best he could.

Once he was sure Harry's breathing was under control, Sirius stared down his former head of house. "You will testify, won't you?"

"At this moment, wild hippogriffs wouldn't stop me!" She declared, the steel in her voice was as sharp as the sword on Harry's office wall. "Now, Severus, what has that to do with whatever it is you discovered?"

"Back in September, I felt... off." Draco stood up. "Severus tested me for potions influence and found me positive. Harry told him about the goblin's discovery and Severus tested several other Slytherin students."

"All of them came up positive." Snape continued. "We told Lord Potter and together we hypothesized that Dumbledore was dosing the students here."

"That's impossible!" Flitwick shouted. "It would require massive amounts of potions and getting them to drink it willingly would be a huge ordeal!"

"Not if they didn't know it was there." Harry's voice was shaky as he stepped away from his godfather. "We believe that the only way it could work was at the holiday feasts."

Draco stepped in and explained how the pitchers have the refilling charm on them which would include any potion mixed into the original sample.

They were appropriately horrified, so Snape continued the explanation, handing over the parchment. "I tested the beverages on several ordinary nights and then waited for the Halloween feast. These are the results."

Harry was gratified to see their reactions.

"I cannot believe that this has been..." Sprout trailed off. "Last month? Did you mean the articles in the paper? Tonks? My sweet little Dora Tonks?"

"The articles were true!?" Mcgonagall exclaimed.

"Yes." Harry nodded sadly. "Andromeda and Ted, too... and Hermione."

"It is very likely that he has been doing this to every generation since he took the Headmaster position." Snape snarled with disgust.

"My heavens!" Flitwick squeaked. "I'm shocked and appalled! I'm outraged!"

"Oh, Harry! I've failed you. I've failed all of you! I'm the deputy head of this school and I've been so blind!" Mcgonagall was quite shaken. "I'm supposed to protect you as well as teach you."

"This isn't the end of the story! We can fix this!" Harry's words came in a low growl as he looked at her. He'd always looked up to her as a strong fighter. She shouldn't be treating this situation as if it were an irreparably broken object. They might be victims, but they were living beings and they could fight back! "I am in the process of taking him down! Join my efforts! Help me! Fight with me!"

They all readily agreed.