oooOOOoooOOOooo Chapter 24
Harry made it home in time to eat lunch with his family before they would leave for France. It was honestly a rather short trial, veritaserum made the wheels of justice turn more quickly. Yet, five hours felt like a long time to Harry. He felt like a lifetime had passed since yesterday; so much had happened. Harry had been so preoccupied with the attack, then the ball, and finally the trial for the death eaters that he'd completely forgotten to be worried about meeting Gabrielle's parents.
Right as they were gathering everyone for the portkey, a swatch of owls flew into the room. There were seven of them and they were all carrying a newspaper.
Harry took them all. He paid the birds and gave them each a treat before he looked at what the papers had to say.
"Lucius Malfoy Finally Brought to Justice After 13 Years!" cried the International Magical.
"Bastion Lord Malfoy Brought Low: Pictures of his trip through the veil on the center page!" cried the Magical Inquirer.
"Malfoy Tries to Resurrect Dark Lord Using Potter Heirs!" screamed the headline for the Daily Prophet.
"Ministry Representative to the Triwizard Tournament Embarrassed Herself and England," spouted Witch Weekly, a large full-color picture of Umbridge's escape from the Ball last night on the cover.
"Potter Babies Adorable and Well Cared for!" shouted the front page of Your Magical Baby.
"Will the new Lord Malfoy Escape His Father's Legacy?" asked the Magical Minute. A picture of Lucius Malfoy standing before the veil on the cover.
"Heliopaths Succeed Against Bastion Family!" strangely decreed The Quibbler. A picture of a small elephant with wings graced the cover. Under that was the headline, "Harry Potter Slays Slytherin's Monster!" with a picture of Harry standing before the dead basilisk with the sword of Gryffindor.
Harry laughed and passed the papers around. Hermione smacked his arm, gently.
"Harry! Someone died. You shouldn't be laughing," Hermione chastised.
"A death eater who meant to harm me and my children is dead. He wanted to reanimate Voldemort, Hermione," whined Harry. He wanted to enjoy this. He could tell Padfoot was enjoying it.
"Yes, well. I'm glad the wheels of justice turned but we should still mourn the loss of life," said Hermione, primly.
Padfoot scoffed. He didn't feel sorry for Lucius at all.
"Thirty seconds until the portkey," warned Moody.
The elves quickly shrank all the luggage and put it in their pockets. Harry and Hermione double checked that they had the twins firmly in their baby carriers, tied onto the rope. Everyone grabbed hold, including Padfoot's grip with his mouth. In just a moment, they were all gone.
After what felt like an eternity of swirling through the ether, they finally came to a jarring stop as the ground reappeared below them.
Harry teetered on his feet and tried not to throw up. The babies had no such compunctions. They vomited quite spectacularly on their adorable Christmas themed robes.
Harry gulped air quickly and pulled himself together. He cast a quick spell to clean up his sons while Remus cast a quick spell to heal the cut on Tonks' chin. The clumsy auror tripped over her own feet and caught the ground with her face.
The thoughtful Hermione passed around some pepper up potion and stomach soothing lozenges to help everyone get back to rights. By the time everyone felt well again, the Delacours were present and waiting to be acknowledged.
"Mama! Papa!" cried Fleur and Gabrielle. They rushed forward to hug their parents, grandparents, and little sister. A line of French aurors stood against the back wall, providing protection for the important family.
"My little doves. You're home!" cried a beautiful woman that looked almost exactly like Gabrielle, only she had soft violet eyes instead of the cornflower blue of her daughter. All three girls had their mother's honey blonde hair and slim figure, though Gabrielle had her father's slightly smaller stature while Fleur was tall like her mother. The French Minister for Magic hugged his girls and held them at arm's length to look them over.
"You both look well," said the proud man. Fleur and Gabrielle's mother studied her daughters carefully.
"You have found les amoureux, oui?" said the excited woman. Both of her girls blushed and glanced behind them. The attention turned to their other guests.
A gorgeous little girl that could be Fleur's twin squeed in joy. "Oh, mama! Look at the precious bébés!" The girl who was most likely seven or eight years old looked around at the adults in Harry's group.
"May I please say bonjour?" she asked with pleading violet eyes. Harry smiled.
"Yes, you may. Thank you for asking first. The baby in Blue is Jameson. The baby in Aquamarine is Julius," said the young father.
The woman stepped forward and warmly welcomed Harry's group.
"Bienvenu, friends of Fleur and Gabrielle. I am Lady Julia Delacour. This is my husband, Lord Jean Claude Delacour, the Minister for Magic," she said, gesturing at her husband. He bowed formally to the group. Harry felt awkward with such an unfamiliar greeting but he bowed in return. Julia looked at her youngest daughter, "This little one is Lady Noemie. We are so glad you could all join us for the holiday."
Everyone looked at Harry to introduce them. Jean Claude stood back and observed the dynamics of the group. He found it interesting that the group deferred to one of its youngest members.
Harry blushed a little but started the introductions. "Erm, thank you for inviting us. We're very happy to be here. My name is Harry Potter…" Padfoot growled a little and tugged on Harry's robes. He looked pointedly at Harry's house crests. Harry rolled his eyes. "I apologize. I don't usually stand on formality but it seems I should, this once. I'm Lord Harry Potter Black Gryffindor Slytherin Peverell," said the boy, uncomfortably. "These are my sons, Heir Jameson Potter and Heir Julius Black." Harry introduced everyone else, remembering their formal titles. It was a long introduction since Harry had twelve people to formally introduce. Luckily only Harry, his boys, Hermione, and Bill had super formal titles. Harry felt a bit like a pompous berk introducing them with such highfalutin monikers.
Jean Claude appreciated someone who didn't hold too much value in inherited titles though he hoped this young man knew how to use those titles to his advantage when necessary. He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows at such a young man with children of his own already.
Jean Claude stepped forward and shook everyone's hands. He bowed to kiss each lady's hand, even Tonks who was trying to look her most competent and deadly.
Jean Claude stopped at Padfoot. He stared at the dog. One of his personal guards stepped forward and whispered in his ear. Jean Claude nodded.
"Please, sir. You have been granted temporary asylum until your trial. Unless you wish it so, you are welcome to leave your disguise behind," said Jean Claude, formally. Padfoot glanced at Harry who took a fortifying breath and nodded. In just a moment, Sirius was standing in his best set of casual robes instead of his doggy disguise.
Jean Claude nodded. "Sirius Black, may I presume?"
"In the flesh," grinned Sirius. The Minister's personal guard looked more alert but no less relaxed. Sirius glanced nervously at them.
"I hope you do not mind. A guardsman will attend you during your stay until after your trial. I have arranged it for tomorrow. We thought it best to have the matter taken care of as quickly as possible. Your state provided solicitor will be here later this evening to prepare your case," said Jean Claude. It wasn't really an option to put it off. Jean Claude would know this man's guilt or innocence before he allowed him to spend too much time around Jean Claude's precious family.
Sirius swallowed thickly and bowed regally in thanks.
"Certainly, Minister. I'm just glad that France is willing to provide the justice that Britain seems set against," Sirius said. Jean Claude only just refrained from snorting.
"Your Minister for Magic's reputation precedes him. We do not require gold to find justice in France," said the French Minister slightly scathingly.
Sirius just grinned in return. He couldn't deny the truth of that statement. Harry had paid a literal fortune just yesterday for an obvious criminal to see justice.
Jean Claude turned curiously back to Harry, Hermione, and Bill. He knew from his daughters' letters that these were the young people of the hour. The potential future love interests of his children.
"May I call you Lord Potter or do you prefer your full title?" asked Jean Claude. Harry blushed and looked beleaguered.
"Um, just Harry, if you don't mind," Harry said. Jean Claude nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"Harry, please, follow us to the rooms we have set aside for you and your guests," said Jean Claude. He swept his arm towards the doors. Julia insinuated herself beside Hermione while Jean Claude walked with Harry. Each of the teens carried a baby.
"How is it a person of your age has managed to become the lord of so many houses?" asked Jean Claude. He heard his intellectually minded wife grilling Hermione about her studies. Bill walked on Jean Claude's other side. He laughed softly at the question. Jean Claude raised his eyebrow in question. Harry just looked mildly annoyed.
"I … sort of don't exactly know," Harry said, frustratedly. Bill outright laughed this time. Jean Claude turned to Bill.
"Maybe I should answer as your steward," Bill teased. Jean Claude turned back to Harry, somewhat impressed. This boy had vassals? Harry just blushed deeper and nodded. "Harry's godfather abdicated the Black lordship to Harry. It was meant to protect him. When Harry became a father, he was automatically elevated to Lord of the Potter holdings and the Head of that House," said Bill.
"Not that anyone had ever bothered to tell me that the Potters were noble or that I would be a lord someday," said Harry, quietly. Jean Claude still heard him.
"By becoming a lord, Harry was also emancipated. He became his own guardian and was able to claim full guardianship of his children," said a grinning Bill.
"You do not have any other guardians watching out for you or your interests?" asked Jean Claude, mildly disturbed.
"No," Harry said, sadly. "My parents died when I was very young."
"Oui, we know the story in our country as well," said Jean Claude.
"Yes, well, my godmother was attacked and incapacitated and my godfather, Sirius… I reckon you know his story, too?" asked Harry.
"Obviously not the true story. We had heard he was the person who betrayed your parents," said Jean Claude, ruefully. Fleur had written to him extensively about Sirius Black's plight.
"If you know that story, you don't know the truth at all. I have some documents I can share with you later about that," Harry said, angrily.
Jean Claude nodded. "We will plan for a gentlemans' meeting after dinner in my study. I would hear the true story for myself. Mr. Black's solicitor will join us at that time."
Harry nodded. Bill continued. "If you know Harry's origins, you know he defeated the person known as Lord Voldemort?"
No one jumped or screamed at the name here. Jean Claude merely nodded.
"That person was the Heir to the House of Slytherin. Harry conquered him and became the Heir of Slytherin by conquest," explained Bill. Harry looked uncomfortable with that information.
"During Harry's second year, he discovered he was the Heir to the House of Gryffindor. This year he learned he inherited the line through his mother. The line had been squibbed for some time," said Bill, practically laughing at Harry. Harry just looked a little disgusted about the fact.
"The Potter line was formerly known as the Peverell line. This fact was lost to history until Harry uncovered the fact. The house and seat had never been relinquished, so Harry merely revived it," said Bill. Harry looked a little pessimistic about it all. Jean Claude didn't understand the reaction. Most people would be extremely glad to discover such prestige belonged to them.
"I am sorry if this question is rude, but why don't you seem happy about these facts?" asked Jean Claude. Harry sighed.
"I'm not unhappy, it's just… I grew up with my mother's sister. My Aunt Petunia and her family hated me. I hate to trauma dump on you but I literally grew up in a closet. I didn't even know my own name until I was six years old and started school. They only called me rude names. It seems quite the farce to me that I was basically the lord of the world and no one bothered to take care of me. I'm grateful to my lordships or whatever. It means I can protect myself and my children now. I don't have to rely on anyone else but still. It is a little ridiculous to discover. People in power conspired to keep me ignorant for their own purposes and to keep me right where they wanted me," said Harry. He had mostly forgiven Dumbledore but he hadn't gotten over his childhood abuse yet. He didn't think protecting Voldemort's secrets was worth allowing a child to suffer.
Jean Claude walked in silence for a moment. He didn't understand this boy's backstory completely but what he had just revealed was quite different from the story put forth by the British Ministry. It didn't surprise Jean Claude that they would allow a child to suffer but it still didn't make any sense.
Harry could see the man was even more confused now. Harry sighed. "Perhaps this is a story for later as well? I might be applying for asylum in France at the end of this year. It might be best if you completely understand my situation," Harry said, sick to his stomach at the thought of sharing his plight with anyone else.
Jean Claude nodded and led them into the guest wing. The next hour was a whirlwind of settling into rooms and unpacking.
Then, Jean Claude and Julia led them all on a short tour of their home. It was a rather large enclave but it truly did belong to Jean Claude's family, not the French Ministry. Several members of Jean Claude and Julia's family lived on sight, including Jean Claude's uncle, Julia's parents, her sister, and her niece.
Meeting Lya and Anna was the highlight of Sirius' day. The gorgeous 30-something brunette, Lya, who shared Julia's eyes was a vivacious jokester. Sirius was half in love before she left to go check on their dinner arrangements.
Harry's group was led back to their rooms a couple of hours before dinner. The Delacours left them to rest and prepare for the semi formal dinner party that would include everyone in their family group. It would be a rather large party that would include Julia's family as well as Jean Claude's bachelor uncle who lived at the enclave. Jean Claude's parents were sadly no longer with them.
Harry tucked his boys in for a nice long nap and turned to rest in the sitting room that was shared by all of the guests. Tonks sat with Harry while Moody went to check in with the head of security for the house. Moody wanted to make sure that Harry's security detail was included in the protection plan for Harry's family.
Harry rested his eyes and thought about how to explain his life to Gabrielle's family in a way that wouldn't turn them off completely. He sighed. He wasn't sure it would be possible. He decided to think about something else.
If Harry decided to try to come live in France next year, and after the drama of this school year and his knowledge of the fickleness of the Ministry, he was feeling an ever more pressing need to take his family and run. Harry called for Dobby to bring him the deeds to the new properties Harry had acquired from the Malfoys. Two of the properties were in the United Kingdom. One was a decent sized plot of land and the other a row of shops in Diagon Alley. Neither was what Harry was hoping for. The other two properties were ancestral properties in France. A lovely set of row houses in Marseille and the Malfoy ancestral home. It was also located in Nice. Harry looked at this one with interest. Like many magical properties in Nice, it was an ancient enclave. Harry didn't know exactly what that meant but if it meant the house was a sort of small self-sustaining village like this one, then Harry might consider it for his new family home.
"Dobby," Harry called. Dobby popped into the room. He was wearing a beret and a set of pantaloons that looked downright hilarious when paired with Dobby's Megadeath t-shirt. Harry wasn't here to judge. He just shook his head at the strange fashions of his free elf friend.
"Yes, Mr. Harry, sir?" asked the eager little being. Visiting someone else's house was sort of boring for the elves. They could still help take care of the babies but there was no cleaning to do or castle elves to help. The Delacours didn't have elves. They had freeman brownies who received room, board, material for clothing and such, and a fair wage, instead of bonded elves. The brownies didn't want to be edged out by what they saw as slaves so they refused to let the elves help at all.
"Could you go to the goblins for me? I want the wards updated on all of my new Malfoy properties. I don't want anyone to be able to find any of them, except the shops, until I'm good and ready. I don't want anyone related to or vassals of the Malfoys to be able to be able to ever find my properties again," Harry said, firmly.
"You is being wise, Mr. Harry," said Dobby, with his ears wiggling in approval.
"Ask them to please start with the property in Nice. Tell them to clear out and destroy anything dark. I don't want anything that could be a danger," Harry said of the enclave. "Can you check it out for me?"
Dobby jumped up on his toes in excitement. His kind boss was trying to keep his elves happy by keeping them busy.
"Yes, sir, Harry Potter, sir," said Dobby with joy in his voice. He popped away quickly to talk to the goblins.
Harry shook his head at the strange elf.
Tonks looked over at Harry, quizzically. "You got some new properties from the Malfoys?"
Harry nodded. "I did. I got a bunch of gold and four new properties. Two of them are in France. If we might move here, then I'm hoping one of them will be good enough to be a home for us,"
Dobby was gone for two hours. He came back, happy as a lark. Their potential new home was huge and would require more cleaning than Harry's two elves could hope to do alone. Thankfully, there was already a family of elves there keeping things up.
"Mr. Harry Potter, sir," Dobby said, excitedly. Harry almost jumped out of his skin as the enthusiastic elf appeared right behind him while he was putting on his trousers.
"Ahh! Dobby! Don't scare me like that!" Harry called, trying to stay upright with one of his legs halfway into his bottoms.
Dobby giggled. He knew Harry wasn't angry. Harry pulled up his fancy slacks and did up the button and zip before he turned around.
"What did the goblins say?" asked Harry.
"They has already been starting to update the wards. Your new home will be done by tomorrow. Harnock be saying you must be calling your new elves to you and be binding them," said Dobby.
"New elves?" Harry asked in dread.
"Yes! Youse new home has eight elves. An older couple, they's two sons and daughter, they's mates and three babies. The sons is being in a thrupple like the great Harry Potter. They share one mate while the daughter has only one mate of her own," said Dobby, factually. Harry blinked and nodded.
"Whatever works for them, I guess," said Harry. "Do I really have to bind them?"
Dobby nodded solemnly. "You must bind them and be ordering them to never answer a Malfoys call again. Order them to show you the secrets of the house and to be obeying youse family," said Dobby. "If you do not, the Malfoys might be using them against the great Harry Potter, sir, and his family."
Harry groaned. "Now?"
Dobby grinned and nodded. "Sooner is being better than later."
Harry called all of his new elves to him. Eight elves from the newly moniquered Potter Enclave and six elves from the row houses in Marseille showed up. Hermione would kill him.
"Do any of you want to be free? I'd be glad to hire you and pay you," offered Harry. The elves acted like he'd offered to behead them and eat their children.
"You don't have to but if you want to be free now or anytime in the future, like Dobby, just let me know?" said Harry, uncertainly. The elves nodded agreeable but backed slowly away from the strange Dobby. Harry sighed. He asked Winky to join them.
"Fine, let's get this over with. Please form a line so I can bind you," said Harry. He quickly moved down the queue, binding each elf to himself, even the babies at the parents' insistence.
"I order you to never answer the call of a Malfoy or anyone associated with a Malfoy ever again. You're to answer the calls of myself and my friends here with me. Please, show Dobby and Winky any secrets of the properties you oversee. Winky and Dobby are my head elves. You're to obey them the same as you'd obey me and my ladies, Hermione and Gabrielle, understood?"
The elves quickly agreed. Harry turned to Winky, "Can you take down their names and duties? They'll all be getting the same pay and time off as you and Dobby. Make sure they have everything they need?"
Harry looked at the slightly dirty and emaciated elves. "Make sure they all see a healer, too, please?"
The new elves looked shocked at Harry's kindness and attentiveness to their needs. Several of them rushed forward to hug Harry. Harry looked at the sky and shook his head, patting them all to show he appreciated them.
Hermione walked in at just the wrong moment.
"Harry Potter! What is all this?" she asked, upset at the new elves.
Harry whirled around and looked guilty. Hermione put her hands on her hips and stared at Harry.
Harry quickly explained about the Malfoy properties he'd acquired and the elves that came with them.
She softened somewhat after he explained he offered them freedom and they refused. He looked so frustrated by that fact that she was willing to forgive him for acquiring 14 new elves. He introduced Hermione and Gabrielle who came in right behind her. The elves clamored around their kind new missies.
"Everyone, umm, go do whatever it is you usually do. Just, no punishing yourself. If you think you need punishing, ask one of us," he said gesturing at himself, Hermione, and Gabrielle. "There will be no physical or, like, emotional abuse. You might miss out on dessert or something if you do something really wrong but that's probably it," said Harry, sternly. The elves looked at him like he came straight from the heavens. It made Harry uncomfortable.
"Just try to clean up Potter enclave. I'm hoping we'll have time to come see it sometime this week," said Harry. "Make sure you work no more than 7 hours per day! You're all required to take one day off per week, at least, but you're allowed two days, if you want! Dobby will make sure you get your pay and anything else you need. Go to him or Winky if you need something."
The elves looked shocked at Harry's strange requirements but they didn't complain. They liked dessert too much to do that.
"Oh, and pack up anything that looks personal to the Malfoys. We'll ship it to them. I don't want family pictures or anything like that. I don't want anything left in the house that they could use to spy on us," said Harry. The elves grinned at that idea. They all popped away to get the Potter enclave in tip-top condition.
"Potter enclave?" asked a curious Gabrielle.
Harry shrugged. "One of the properties I acquired from the Malfoys is an enclave. Dobby, did you check it out?"
Dobby nodded enthusiastically. Winky looked curious.
"Can Winky go be looking?" she asked.
"Sure," Harry shrugged. Winky popped away.
"It is being a large property, Mr. Harry. It has a Manor house, seven large cottages, a crofter's cottage, a guard house, a storehouse, and three barns. There is being two manicured gardens and 500 acres of farmland and another 500 acres of grazing land. It is being having everything you might be needing except a road and a garage for Mr. Sirius," said the excitable elf, who was bouncing on his heels.
Harry blinked at the excessive property. Hermione gaped while Gabrielle laughed. "The Malfoy ancestral home? Mon ami, it is only two kilometers away!"
"That's close," said Harry, surprised.
"What were you thinking?" asked Hermione.
Harry shrugged. "I was thinking that if we ask for asylum here next year that we might want a place of our own. I admit, I didn't think it would be such a large property," said Harry.
"There would be room for all of us," said Hermione, consideringly.
"And then some," muttered Tonks. She shook her head at the good and bad luck of Harry Potter.
Remus, Sirius, and Regulus came into the room. They saw Harry's look of consternation and Hermione's look of thinking hard. Gabrielle kept laughing at them. Tonks look kind of annoyed and exasperated.
"What? We want in on the joke," said an eager Sirius. Tonks explained. Sirius looked a little disgusted with the idea while Regulus looked excited.
"That is a lovely property," he said slowly. He was still a little stiff and slow but he could get around and hold a conversation now. It was great progress for the young man.
"You've been to it?" asked Harry, interestedly.
Regulus carefully nodded once. "For Narcissa's wedding. It is an old and well maintained property." Dan and Emma joined them. They looked regal in their dinner clothes. Everyone looked very nice.
"It definitely sounds big enough for us all," said Harry, consideringly. "There's also three row houses in Marseilles, if someone didn't want to live in Nice," said Harry, shrugging. Regulus looked shocked.
"You plan to put us all up?" asked Regulus.
"You're my family," Harry said, simply. To him, it was obvious that he'd share the wealth, so to speak. Regulus just slowly shook his head and smiled. He was a very lucky man. Not only had this young man saved his life, he seemed bound and determined to take care of him for life, too.
A brownie appeared in the room. Harry glanced at the little being. It was smaller than an elf, with brownish gray skin instead of greenish gray. Otherwise, they could be cousins. The only real difference was that brownies spoke like normal people instead of with a dialect like the elves.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Bastien. Is everyone ready?" asked the brownie. Everyone agreed that they were.
Harry's group followed Bastien through a maze of corridors to arrive at the formal dining room. There were little name tags in front of each seat. There was even a spot for Dobby and Winky, right beside Harry's sons. Dobby looked consternated for a moment. He disappeared and reappeared with an absolutely beaming Winky in tow.
Winky ran over to Harry and hugged him. She would have kissed his face if she could reach it without being rude. Harry looked confused.
"You has been being finding the most wonderful house for us, Mr. Harry," she beamed. Harry rolled his eyes and looked for his seat. Harry gulped when he saw he was sitting right next to Jean Claude. When he saw the number of forks on the table, he started to sweat.
"You have acquired accommodations in France?" asked Julia hopefully.
"I… yes, I did. Probably. I acquired two properties here. I haven't seen them yet. I'm hoping there will be time to check at least one of them out sometime this week. I take it the one I'm most interested in is pretty close to your own home," said Harry, feeling a little stiff. He didn't know what to do.
Hermione laid a hand on his. She leaned over and whispered.
"Just relax. You start with the cutlery on the outside and work your way in. Use a new fork, spoon, and knife for each course. Okay?" she said, patting his hand. Harry smiled at her in relief and nodded. Julia thought it was sweet.
Gabrielle, who was sitting beside Hermione, just nodded her head encouragingly. Bill sat next to Julia. Fleur sat next to Bill, with Noemie beside Fleur. The Delacour girls were towards the middle of the table. Both Gabrielle and Noemie had a baby next to them. Harry felt weird about that, like he was pawning his kids off on them because they were female but really, the elves would be caring for the boys. The rest of Harry's group sat at the other end of the table with Lya and Julia's parents with Jean Claude's uncle as counterpoint.
"It is nearby?" asked Julia, excitedly. "Is it a mundane property? I'm afraid there are only two magical properties nearby and both are taken, to my knowledge."
Gabrielle grinned excitedly at her mother. "Oui, it is close by. Harry has acquired the former Malfoy enclave. Harry received half of the Malfoy holdings as just compensation for the attempted kidnapping and…" Gabrielle glanced at Noemie. "Well, we will just say the now deceased Lord Malfoy meant Harry's children harm."
"Deceased?" asked Jean Claude.
Harry looked satisfied when he answered. "Yes. For once, justice was done by the English Ministry."
"Only because you paid them to hold a fair trial," pointed out Bill. Jean Clause studied Harry.
"You made sure you received justice for a wrong done to you and your family? The Malfoys are a persona non grata in this area. They have a vast holding and are very wealthy but they are known as dark wizards with ill intentions," said Jean Claude.
"Yes, well, thanks to the English Ministry, they're known as philanthropists or at least they were until I paid Fudge to give Lucius veritaserum. Now the truth has come to light," said Harry.
Jean Claude raised an eyebrow and a glass to Harry.
"Congratulations are in order," said Jean Claude. Everyone else was listening in. They all raised their glasses and gave a small salute to Harry.
Julia toasted Harry but wanted to know more. "You acquired the Malfoy enclave?"
"It's the Potter enclave now, Lady Delacour," said Harry.
Julia squeed in happiness. "Oh, my dear boy! You would keep my daughters so close to me! I am well pleased!"
Harry blushed and looked down at his plate. It wasn't done on purpose. Julia thought Harry was just precious.
The conversation was light for a little while. The Delacours focused on Harry's new properties and what he planned to do with them. Harry didn't know what the Roucas-blanc was but he was glad his Marseille properties were worth the paper they were written on, too.
Finally, dessert was finished. The Delacours had been very polite and relaxed as they grilled Harry, Hermione, and Bill about everything in their lives. Fleur and Gabrille made sure to spout off plenty of humble-brags and straight up compliments about their hopeful beloveds.
Harry was so focused on not saying anything wrong that he barely noticed he'd managed to use the right fork most of the time. Sirius kept everyone at the other end of the table entertained but both he and Remus kept their sharp ears peeled for what the Delacours were saying to Harry.
Harry's precious babies were the stars of the show. They were quiet and good through most of dinner. When the desert rolled out. They had the happiest chubby baby grins while they ate some delicious chocolate pudding. After they finished their own dessert, the babies started to look quite sleepy.
"Well, perhaps we should retire to our lounges? I know that Julia was hoping to have a chat with just the ladies, if the gentlemen would like to follow me?" Jean Claude said.
"Umm, would it be alright if I tuck the boys in quickly and then join you?" asked Harry. He winced to have to ask but his lads were looking quite tired.
Jean Claude smiled at the attentive father. "Of course, Harry. It was remiss of me not to think of them right away. Perhaps we would all like to change into something more comfortable, then reconvene?"
Harry smiled in relief. "That would be perfect."
Gabrielle led the way back to the guest suits. She helped Harry and Hermione give the boys a bath and settle them in their adorable onesies with the reindeer faces over the bum.
Hermione read a story to the boys while Gabrielle and Harry rocked them and slipped them into bed. Gabrielle sang a sweet song to the dozing lads until they were asleep good and proper.
The three teens turned and saw Julia and Emma standing in the doorway with tears in their eyes.
The two mother's clomped on the grown-up teens when they stepped out of the room. Harry didn't know what to do with receiving motherly cuddles from two moms when he grew up with none.
The two mothers finally gave a watery laugh and let the teens go.
"You look so precious with those little bèbès. It is joyful and nostalgic to see," said Julia, wiping a tear from her eye.
"You should see them at school. They're scholars, excellent friends, and stalwart supporters of what's right. They have such grace under fire; it's unbelievable what they go through," said Emma, proudly, tears glimmering in her own eyes.
Julia looked concerned. "Do they find themselves under fire often?"
Emma looked disturbed and angry. "The adults do nothing to control the bad elements among the student population. It's infuriating," Emma spat.
Gabrielle looked with concern at her own mother. Julia looked disheartened and furious.
"I know my Gabrielle tells me that Harry is persecuted fiercely by professors, students, and Ministry officials yet he does nothing to earn these trials," said Julia.
Emma snorted angrily.
"I hope they'll consider my advice and change schools next year. They shouldn't have to deal with such horrid situations all the time," said Emma.
Julia looked hopefully at the thrupple. "Is there a chance that you might consider schooling in France next year?"
Harry, Hermione, and Gabrille exchanged glances. Harry sighed and nodded. "There is. I've already had a dirty politician threaten to take my sons away and put them in bad homes. That's my worst nightmare," said Harry.
"What? I can already tell you are a wonderful father!" exclaimed Julia, aghast.
Harry snorted. "I'm still learning but that doesn't matter to people like Dolores Umbridge."
"Well, it should. Come. You must speak to Jean Claude. He will have advice for you. He is wise and caring," said Julia. She gathered up the men and walked them back to Jean Claude's study, before she escorted the ladies to her salon. She had every intention of plying the adult women with liquor and convincing them to spill all of the juicy secrets about the amazing young people who'd captured her daughters' hearts.
Harry, Dan, Remus, Regulus, and Sirius entered Jean Claude's study where two beautiful women and an eager young man waited.
"Lya," said Sirius, grinning at the jokester he'd been so eager to meet. She grinned at him from her place beside the besuited duo.
"Sirius. This is my team, Benjamin and Violetta. We will represent you tomorrow. Please, come sit with us," said the beautiful woman. Sirius chuckled.
"You've pranked me well, my lady. I had no idea you were my avocat," Sirius said with a grin.
She smirked at him in return. "I couldn't give myself away too soon. You might try to hide things from me before I get a good read on you. I think I have an idea of who you are now. I am glad to fight for you."
"No need to fight. There's plenty of me to go around," Sirius said with a sashay in his walk. The young male attorney snorted a laugh.
"She'll eat you alive, ami," said the young man.
"I'm a smorgasbord for the right woman," Sirius said with a wink. Lya rolled her eyes at him.
Sirius took a seat and a glass of cognac from Jean Claude. Harry asked for a glass of wine instead. He wanted a clear head while he chatted with Gabrielle's father. Everyone else accepted the cognac. Jean Claude felt that even then, Harry was behaving responsibly.
"Harry, please. Maybe you could explain to us what we need to know," said Jean Claude. Everyone else looked at Harry and waited.
Harry pulled the papers out of his folio and made some quick copies. He handed them around to the attorneys and Jean Claude. It was the testimony from Peter Pettigrew.
The attorneys read the documents silently, taking notes of questions they wanted to clarify. Jean Claude sat back in his seat and read with little exclamations from time to time.
"You poor child. This man conspired to kill you. How old were you?" Jean Claude asked.
"I was 15 months old when my parents were murdered. The rat, Peter Pettigrew, convinced my parents and Sirius that Remus was the traitor. He was not," said Harry.
"He hid for 12 years as a rat? Literally?" asked Jean Claude.
"Yes, while my godfather, Sirius, was thrown into Azkaban without even being questioned. The rat set Sirius up to appear as his murderer, too," said Harry, angrily.
"Azkaban," Jean Claude scoffed. "That place is for torture, not for justice. Better to put someone to death then leave them to languish in that pit."
Even though Sirius had managed to escape, he had to agree.
"He says that this dark lord, Lord Voldemort," Jean Claude scoffed at the name. "That this man is still alive?"
"Somewhat. Voldemort undertook dark, necromantic rituals to create horcruxes. He has seven of them. We have found and destroyed five. Two more remain," said Harry.
Jean Claude gasped. He was the Minister of Magic. It was his duty to know of such abominations so that his people could be protected against them. Yet, this child knew? He was hunting them himself?
"Do you know what they are? Do you have an idea where they are?" Jean Claude asked, sitting up quickly.
Harry and his group exchanged looks. Harry looked uncomfortable.
"You might as well tell him, Harry," said Bill, seriously. "He'll know soon enough anyway."
Harry took a fortifying drink and turned to Jean Claude.
"Yes, I know what they are. I have an idea of where to find both. I… Lord Delacour, I am a horcrux," said Harry.
The attorneys and Jean Claude stared at the boy. "What?" asked Jean Claude
"I am infected with one of Voldemort's horcruxes. His real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. He infected me with a horcrux on the night my parents were murdered," said Harry, his voice shaking a little bit. He couldn't help but get emotional when he thought of it.
"That is a death sentence," said Jean Claude, in shock.
Bill spoke up. "Not so. Harry isn't truly a horcrux. He has a soul leech. If the horcrux was properly cast, then Harry would have died immediately and Voldemort would have taken over his body. Harry still lives and is himself. That tells us we rather have a soul leech situation. There is another way to free Harry from this abomination," said Bill.
Jean Claude stared at Bill, then at Harry. Harry sighed.
"I have the opportunity to bind myself with the bounds of love. If I can convince two people to truly love me and willingly enter into a soul-bound marriage with me, I'll have the opportunity to fight the dark bastard off. There's some ritual that Bill knows. I'll admit, I only know my part of it, but… yeah," said Harry, shrugging uncomfortably.
Jean Claude cottoned on quickly. "Gabrielle and your friend Hermione," said the man, shocked.
"It can work; I swear it. Harry's so strong. I know he'll be able to fight Voldemort off," said Bill, with certainty.
Jean Claude stared at Harry. "Is this ritual your only interest in my daughter," the man asked in a hard voice.
Harry shook his head so fast and so hard, his neck cracked. Everyone heard it.
"No sir, Gabrielle…. She's so smart. She shows kindness to everyone, even the people who don't deserve it. She's sensitive and she makes me feel cared for. Just like Hermione. They're a perfect pair. I honestly don't know …" Harry trailed off.
"Know what?" asked Lya.
"I don't know how she can like me back. I don't have anything to offer her. I feel terrible for even dating her. She's already being treated badly because of her association with me. I've got so much baggage and I don't mean the twins, though that can't be easy for a girl her age to want to take on, too," Harry said. He started twitching with anxiety. He wanted to stand up and pace but he felt that would be rude. He pulled at his hangnail instead.
Jean Claude just shook his head. This boy thought he had nothing to offer? He had five lordships and must have millions of galleons. If anything, his two sons were a boon to a Veela. Only females propagated from the line. Jean Claude was glad his sister had a son or the lordship would pass out of their family. Gabrielle, bless her tender heart, was treated horribly by many people. He would bet that Harry Potter was not the only reason she was treated poorly in England either, the bunch of bigots.
"What is this ritual?" Jean Claude asked. Bill explained it but Harry honestly couldn't concentrate on the explanation. He was too worried that Jean Claude would think he didn't really care about Gabrielle. How could he prove it to the man without sounding like a creeper?
Jean Claude sighed when the explanation was done. He took a swig of his cognac. His daughter would want to do this. Jean Claude could already tell she was in love. He stared at this young man, Harry Potter, and weighed him.
Harry looked downright panicked. He glanced at Jean Claude and froze. Jean Claude couldn't help himself. He laughed. The lad looked exactly like Jean Claude had felt the first time he'd met Julia's father. He could tell, this boy was also in love.
Jean Claude turned to Sirius. "Tell me your story, s'il vous plaît."
Sirius started talking. The attorneys took notes while Harry looked relieved for the reprieve. He planned a speech while Sirius talked and the attorneys grilled him.
When it was done, everyone turned back to look at Harry.
"Lord Delacour, if I may, please? Just, let me explain my feelings," Harry said, blushing hard. He didn't wait for permission. "The first time I looked in Gabrielle's blue eyes, I knew. You can ask Dan, Hermione and I both knew. We said, "I'm going to marry her." It was like, I could feel the connection between us before we even met," said Harry, in a fast, high-pitched tone. Dan grinned.
"It's true. They were all smitten the moment they saw each other," said Dan. "My Hermione, well, she's never liked anyone that way before but she was practically floating."
"Then, she spoke to us. It was like the angels opened the heavens and I could see the light of god for the first time. She has been by our sides ever since. I knew I could trust her from the minute I met her. She just has this look in her eyes. I don't trust anybody," said Harry, blushing at the admission.
"Isn't that the truth," said Moody. "He's a lad after my own heart."
"Then, she was able to accept me even though I have kids and I'm not even a fully qualified wizard yet. Gabrielle is so smart, she can keep up with Hermione in her studies, and no one can do that," said Harry, a little dreamily.
"They are both excellent students," agreed Remus.
"Gabrielle, as soon as she knew that I was infected with an evil soul piece or whatever, instead of running from me, she wanted to help me. She was willing to give me a chance. Not even my own relatives were willing to do that," said Harry, imploringly. He looked Jean Claude right in the eyes.
Sirius growled at the truth of that statement. Jean Claude could already feel the echo of the feeling in his own heart.
"She treats my lads like her own children. Gabrielle, she is so strong. She stands up to injustice even though we're basically powerless in that school. She didn't even judge me for getting tricked into a surrogacy contract! Instead, she was happy that I already had children. She's so loving and kind, she's unreal. Hermione and I both love her. She's so special, how could we not?" asked Harry. Bill winced. Harry maybe shouldn't have shared the news about the surrogacy contract.
Jean Claude smiled at Harry in return. The boy looked and sounded so sincere. Jean Claude could see that he meant every word of his speech. He never even mentioned Gabrielle's outer beauty. He only mentioned the parts of her that mattered most.
"Now I'm halfway in love with you," joked Lya.
"What do you mean, you were tricked into a surrogacy contract?" asked the other female attorney. Harry winced. He hadn't meant to mention that. He sighed. He'd already told them all so much. Might as well fill them in on the rest.
Harry explained about Luna and her guidance from the goddess Selene. Lya was also a practitioner of the ancient magics. She was probably the only person who didn't think Luna was crazy.
Jean Claude just shook his head at the naivete of Harry. The boy obviously needed someone to guide him in the ways of the world. Many men and women would want to take advantage of a wealthy lord. Even if this boy did grow up unloved and impoverished, he wasn't those things any more. It was high time someone taught him to care for himself properly.
Harry wouldn't look at anyone. He realized he'd been a bit of a fool. There was nothing for it now. "I wouldn't change it if I could, even if I've been a bit of an idiot. My lads… they make my life worth living. Like, maybe there is some purpose to my life beyond fighting and dying so everyone else can live in peace. With the help of the Grangers and the elves, it wasn't even the overwhelming experience it could have been. With Hermione and Gabrielle, and all of my true friends and family, I don't feel alone anymore."
Jean Claude stared at the boy for a few moments. Harry winced, waiting to be rejected, but he didn't look away. Jean Claude could see what would draw Gabrielle to this wounded little bird. He was obviously strong. He had been through too much to be anything else. Yet, he still continued to fight. He was not hard and bitter but like a small, delicate plant, striving to thrive.
"I will help you. All of you. I think you might have an important question to ask me," said the man. He would allow his daughter to move forward with this. He couldn't stop it at this point, but he would not resist. Instead, he would take this young man under his wing and teach him to live the abundant life he deserved.
Harry froze. He literally choked in midswallow. Jean Claude smiled. Everyone else laughed.
Sirius nudged Harry. "Show him the rings," he said.
Harry reached in his pocket and handed the ring box to Jean Claude. Jean Claude opened the box. He whistled at the gorgeous, obviously ancient and powerful set of rings.
"These are something special," said Jean Claude.
"I found them. In a Slytherin property," said Harry. He was vague about exactly where.
Jean Claude looked ruefully at Bill. "You'll have a hard time topping this one," he said, gesturing at Harry. Bill laughed and handed over the ring box he still had in his pocket. He planned to carry it until the time was right to pass it along.
Jean Claude looked at the ring box in surprise. "You plan to ask my daughter to marry you?"
"Next year," agreed Bill with a grin. Jean Claude looked at the rings. It was another priceless antique set.
"How did you get this?" asked Jean Claude.
"Harry knows how serious my feelings for Fleur are. He gave them to me when he made his discovery," said Bill, ruefully.
"It's just jewelry to me. I thought Fleur would like it. Plus, Bill's my brother basically and he's helping me. I owe him for being my vassal; I can never repay him for that," said Harry, hurriedly. Bill shook his head ruefully.
"Most people would say I owe you for what you're paying me and giving me. No, working with you will never be dull and will always be lucrative. You're the best little brother I have," said Bill, with a grin.
Jean Claude looked interested.
"How many vassals do you have?" asked the man.
"I have four, but I expect I'll have five soon," said Harry with a wince. "Bill, Remus, Regulus…"
"And?" asked a flabbergasted Jean Claude.
Harry sighed. "Albus Dumbledore."
Jean Claude laughed in disbelief.
"How did you manage that?" asked the man.
"It was an accident!" Harry cried.
"It was a miracle. Harry bound the headmaster to him and cured him of a dark wasting curse that would have ended his life within the year. Harry's life is haunted with horrors but also with the touch of the divine," said Remus, seriously.
"I see that," said Jean Claude.
"Do we have everything we need?" Lya asked.
"We do," said Violetta.
"Let us adjourn. Harry, if you need representation for your asylum request, reach out to me. We will help you with any of your legal needs in France. The French Ministry does not allow such atrocities to stand," said Lya. She stood. Sirius jumped to his feet.
"Should I come with you?" he asked, somewhat breathlessly. She smiled at him.
"Your trial is at 10am. Let us plan to meet at 7am. We will go over any remaining questions and practice with questioning, oui?" asked Lya. Sirius slumped a little in disappointment.
"Bene. I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow," said the man, bending over and kissing her hand. Lya smiled at him and turned to walk away.
Jean Claude handed the rings back to the anxious young men.
"Bill, ask me again next year if you may marry my daughter. I will say I am pleased with what I know of you so far but we are not in a rush, are we?" asked Jean Claude. Bill happily agreed to that. He was ready to prove himself. Jean Claude turned to Harry. His expression softened somewhat.
"Harry, you have my permission to ask my daughter to marry you. I understand a timeline is in place. While it is not my joy to rush such things, seeing my daughter settled with such a fine young man, a man she loves, is something I am willing to do. I hope you will wait to have more children until you are much older," said the father, sternly.
Harry gulped deeply. "I promise, sir," he said, quickly. Jean Claude nodded.
"Let us never speak of it again," Jean Claude said, not ready to think of his baby as a mother. "Now, tell me more of your years at school? I wish to understand."
Harry blushed and tried to mumble through. That's when everyone else took over telling the tales of Harry and his years at Hogwarts. The poor child had been in a prolonged battle for his life against Tom Riddle's soul. Jean Claude felt the fire burning in his own heart to see that bastard put asunder.
"You killed a 30 meter long basilisk with a sword?" asked a shocked Jean Claude. Sirius grinned and whipped out the newspaper article and the pictures. Harry covered his face with his hands and tried not to die of embarrassment. Jean Claude could see the basilisk fang scar on the boy's forearm. The pictures spoke a thousand words.
"If you come to Hogwarts for the second task, you can see the skeleton yourself," said Bill, with his eyes twinkling.
"That would be a sight to behold," admitted Jean Claude. This boy had returned the philosopher's stone? People would have killed for the opportunity he willingly passed from his hand. He had saved his godfather from certain death at the hands of those demons, the dementors. This boy had fought a dragon and managed to have not only the power to prevail but the compassion to save the beast's eggs at risk to his own life? Jean Claude's breaking point was when he learned that Harry had brought Regulus literally back from the dead and that he'd cured Remus of his lycanthropy with the mere power of his desire for it to be so.
Jean Claude started laughing. He laughed so hard, he snorted. It took a few minutes for the gales of laughter to settle down. When he looked at Harry's flaming red embarrassed face, he started laughing all over again. It took a shot of excellent cognac to stop the fit.
Dan was the only one who wasn't looking at him like he was nuts.
"Right?" said Dan. "Kid is a lord many times over, a billionaire, he made sure all of the kids in his school got their pictures taken at the ball, and he does miracles on a regular basis. I would normally say no to my daughter getting married at such a young age but this is ridiculous! And he's got the most adorable damn babies in the world, so I can't even judge him for that!"
Jean Claude snorted a few more laughs. "If I didn't know better, I would think you all were con artists set to steal my daughter away but I believe you. As crazy as your story is, I believe you," he said. He looked at Harry with a grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye.
"Welcome to the family, son," said the man. Everyone toasted to that. It led to everyone having a couple of rounds, except Harry, who sipped his wine. Soon everyone was tipsy except for Harry. Padfoot was regaling them all with his best marauder tales, most of which Remus could vouch for.
Harry finally relaxed back in his seat. Jean Claude had said yes. Maybe this trip wouldn't be a disaster after all.
The next morning, everyone except for Harry, Hermine, and Gabrielle had hangover potion with their breakfast. Those three had kept their drinking to a minimum but everyone else was busy celebrating what they knew would be a successful engagement in a very short time.
After the potion kicked in, everyone had a lovely breakfast. Sirius disappeared with Lya while Gabrielle showed Harry and Hermione her home. Bill and Fleur disappeared to do the same. The other adults spent the morning together, secretly planning the engagement parties.
Finally, it was time to leave for Sirius' trial. Harry was extremely nervous for his godfather. There would be no helping him escape if the French Ministry failed to provide justice. Harry started berating himself, certain that he would end up regretting trusting his godfather's life with any government.
Harry went inside with his group and sat down in the public gallery to watch the trial. Sirius sat at a table with Lya and her team. A panel of ICW judiciary panel member countries were present as well as the French Wizengamot and several members of the international press. The public galley was somewhat empty. It was three days before New Year's Eve and French people didn't really care that much about Sirius Black or Harry Potter.
"He'll be alright, Harry," promised Hermione.
"Papa will assure he receives a fair trial," said Gabrielle.
"Justice will be served by France," said Julia, confidently. "You will see."
Harry tried to smile but it looked more like a grimace.
"I'll believe it when I see it," he muttered as the bailiff called the courtroom to order. People settled down and the opening procedures and statements began.
Lya and her team did a wonderful job setting the scene.
"Sirius Black was railroaded by the English Ministry of Magic. He was arrested and thrown directly into Azkaban without being questioned and without trial. Even now, that the true betrayer of James and Lily Potter has been captured, questioned, and kissed by the dementors, the English Ministry of Magic refuse to provide Sirius Black with a fair trial. It is true, Sirius Black did manage to escape the hellish torture that is Azkaban Prison but he committed no crime deserving of imprisonment. He was not a convicted prisoner. He was merely a detainee who was kept beyond what any person would believe is a reasonable period of time without due process," said Lya. Her voice rang around the courtroom.
Before the prosecutor could move to release Sirius Black and dismiss all charges, Cornelius Fudge ran into the room with four aurors.
"There he is! Seize him! There's no need for a trial. We know he's guilty. I'll see that he's kissed within the hour!" cried Fudge in a panic. It was his decision as the arresting auror to move Sirius Black straight to Prison. Of course, Barty Crouch signed off on it, but that wouldn't matter for his career.
"Order in this courtroom! You have no authority to take anyone into custody in France!" spat the bailiff. French aurors moved into position around Sirius, protecting him. They moved into position around the judges and Jean Claude as well.
"I certainly do have the authority! He's an escaped prisoner and an English citizen! You have no right to stop me!" said Fudge, getting desperate. He signaled to Dawlish. The man was supposed to take his shot if he got a clear one.
"No, you do not, Minister Fudge," said the Head of the ICW Judiciary Committee. "Mr. Black has requested review under international standards. We have granted his request."
Dawlish took his shot. Sirius ducked but it didn't matter. The French aurors had shields up in plenty of time. ICW peacekeepers took Dawlish into custody. Fudge protested.
"That's my auror! You can't take him into custody!"
"I most certainly can. He did not have jurisdiction or authority to act with violence in this courtroom, sir," said the angry bailiff. "Hold him in contempt."
The French aurors took Dawlish away while Fudge blustered.
"I've had enough of this! Give us Black and we'll leave!" said Fudge, frustratedly.
"Sit down and remain silent. You have no authority here," hissed the bailiff. "Or we will take you in on charges for interfering with an ICW administrative process!"
Fudge and his aurors sat down surrounded by French aurors. The trial continued.
Lya passed around the certified record of Peter Pettigrew's questioning.
Fudge protested.
"I didn't sign that!" he shouted.
"Bailiff, please verify the signatures," said Lya. The bailiff verified the signatures.
"This is your signature," said the bailiff.
"I didn't know what I was signing!" said the anxious man. He didn't realize he was hurting his reputation more by protesting than he would have ever done by just admitting an injustice occurred.
"Are you willing to testify under veritaserum that this questioning did not occur or is severely misrepresented in this document?" asked the Head of the Judiciary Committee, distrustfully.
"Pettigrew was under some kind of mind control. It's the only explanation! It was very common under you-know-who!" said Fudge, sweating bullets. The Head of the Judiciary Committee snorted.
"Where is the transcript from Peter Pettigrew's trial showing this to be the case?" asked the Head.
"What?" asked Fudge.
"Or are you admitting that your administration committed the crime of putting a citizen to death without due process?" asked the Head, threateningly. Fudge didn't know what to say.
"We'll be investigating this matter," the Head promised. "For now, we will give Sirius Black the fair trial he deserves."
The trial moved quickly from there. The prosecution had no evidence to counter the proof provided by the defense. There was no case file because Sirius was never questioned, his wand was never tested, and he received no trial.
The judiciary committee quickly ruled in Sirius' favor.
"We promise we will review the situation in the United Kingdom and will attempt to make certain that these miscarriages of justice do not stand," said the Head of the Judiciary Committee to Sirius.
Everyone in the public section cheered. Fudge and the aurors from the UK hurried from the room. They had records to fabricate and destroy before the ICW came to call.
Harry hurried down to Sirius with Remus hot on his tail. Sirius had Lya in his arms. They were both laughing.
"Sirius!" cried Harry. Sirius let go of Lya and turned to hug Harry and Remus.
"I'm free!" cried Sirius.
The next hour was a whirlwind of congratulations and questions from reporters. Harry stayed back and out of it but Sirius ate up the positive limelight.
Soon enough, they were on their way back to the Delacour enclave. They had a celebratory lunch with a glass of champagne that turned into two glasses, which soon had them all dancing in the back garden, celebrating Sirius freedom.