p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry shook the elder Malfoy's slender hand firmly, speaking with confidence./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would also like to extend a formal invitation to you and your family, Lord Malfoy, to stay at Potter Manor," he explained further. "Severus will be joining be there as soon as it is safe to move him home, and I know that your presence would help to ease him. You don't have to stay, of course, but know that you have access to my floo whenever the desire takes you."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius rose an elegant eyebrow in a way that was like how Severus usually did when met with something confounding./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You would invite dark wizards into your home, Lord Potter? How… trusting."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry chuckled darkly, gripping this hand in his a little tighter than absolutely necessary./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have strong wards and a strong wand, Lord Malfoy," he promised before releasing his hand and smiling warmly. "And besides, you're family now. Let's not waste time discussing bad blood!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius coughed lightly, surprised when he noticed that the young wizard had slipped a piece of paper with his floo address upon it into his palm./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Family should call each other by their given name, Lord Potter."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He memorized it before handing it swiftly to his son, who did the same before burning it./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Then call me Harry, Lucius."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry nodded and turned away only to pause at an unexpected hand on his shoulder./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yes, Lucius?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The regal man shocked him by glaring heatedly, his formal composure lost as his closed in on the other wizard./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I should notify you that I consider Severus a brother in all but blood," he warned. "If you harm him in any way— "/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry jerked out of the man's hold, scowling down at the wizard./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You dare doubt my blood and bond? I would never hurt my mate, and I find it appalling you would even insinuate that I would."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Draco sneered at their dramatics./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""He means to be careful with him, Potter," he hissed, pulling his father away from the irate savior. "My godfather is not as strong as he would like everyone to believe."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry softened at hearing the truth leave the younger man's lips./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He nodded jerkily at the two before turning again, moving swiftly to the podium at the front of the great hall before addressing the room at large. He didn't even have to say anything to quiet the room, as everyone's mouths closed and eyes moved to him the moment he approached the platform./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would like to start by thanking you all for helping us tend to the injured and give proper respects to the dead, despite how much I'm sure you would all love to go home and spend this time with your family. The wizarding world has been brought to shambles, and it's up to everyone in this room to help put it back together."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry took a deep breath, moving in stride now that he knew that everyone was paying absolute attention to his words./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would like to do more than just put our crude puzzle back together, however, I would like to build anew. We have a lot to answer for, and we have a lot of reformations to make to help insure that this madness will not come so far again. This is why I stand here today, promising to do more than just rebuild—but also to help recreate./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"This morning, I laid claim to my title and the responsibilities that come with it. As Lord of the Esteemed House of Potter, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, the Revered House of Gryffindor, the Archaic House of Slytherin, and the Dignified House of Le Faye; I will do more than wish for change, I will personally see to it."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Whispers filled the room as people turned to one another to express their shock at the young wizard claiming the title of Le Faye at such a time and what that could mean, but it stopped just as quickly when it became clear that the powerful man had more to say./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""The Wizengamot will meet Saturday morning to begin legislation on what I hope to become a new ministry built on progress and equal opportunity. We will be discussing not only what went wrong in and how to fix our lawmaking process, but also how to reconstruct this school to better shape and prepare the future generations. I expect nearly every member of the council to be represented, and I know that most of you belong to one of those families. I hand you all the responsibility to share your ideas and griefs with your representing member before we begin council so that we may develop on that."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The knowledgeable members of the congregation nodded understandingly at his words, some of them even transfiguring notebooks to write down new ideas on so that they may pass those onto their house leaders. Harry narrowed his eyes at the Malfoy family before continuing./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""All in attendance will be given diplomatic immunity until such a time that we may properly give trial to all that deserve it. Wards will be in place to insure the safety of everyone there. Now that you are all aware of the things coming forth, I ask Hermione Granger and Remus Lupin to join me on the platform."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Both people in question obeyed the concealed order with mild confusion, Remus limping due to the slicing hex he took to the leg during the battle./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I ask you all to bear witness," he began, connecting eyes with Hermione first then Remus. "Miss Hermione Jean Granger and Mister Remus John Lupin, will you, before this congregation, accept the role of speaker of the Revered House of Gryffindor and the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, respectively, until their heir, Theodore Lupin, is of the age to take over his seats, along with all of the privileges, rights, and responsibilities it demands?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Hermione immediately recognized the legal wording from their earlier discussion with Gringotts, nodding surely as she responded, "I will."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Remus was much more hesitant, asking with his amber eyes if Harry was unquestionably certain before almost whispering, "I will," in answer./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Draco pursed his lips before shocking the room at large, crossing his arm over his chest and nodding firmly to accept the decision and transfer of responsibility legally as the speaker for the Sacred House of Malfoy. Neville followed him without any hesitance, as did Arthur Weasley and Aberforth Dumbledore. With a smirk and a wink, he slid the house rings onto their counterpart's right middle fingers, legally binding them to the roles unless another nomination was made by him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The crowd clapped for him and his nominations, whom he embraced fully with the words, "Welcome to the fold, Lady Gryffindor and Lord Black. I expect you will fulfill your duties to your houses to the best of your ability?" Hermione beamed at him, nodded excitedly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'll go make that list of changes for us, Harry!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The curly haired girl scampered off to do some research. Harry chuckled after her exit, gripping Remus's shoulder comfortingly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You should join her if you want to know what will be happening Saturday. I have to run."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry was gone before Remus could argue, and he jumped slightly when the cold hand of Lucius Malfoy landed on his elbow./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have books on the duties and expectations of the role you will be filling for the next 17 years, Lord Black," the man drawled, "if you would like to do some research before diving in head first." Remus nodded unsurely, accepting the offer of aide without question./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Join us for tea," the man suggested, his son already making his way to the gates to apparate home./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"~~HPSS~~/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry rubbed at his chest, striding into the wing and directly to Severus' bed. He pulled the blankets up around the man without speaking and slid his arm behind the other's back to pull him forward. Severus glanced down to see a glass of water being held to his lips, sighing in relief as it flowed down his dry throat./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Why are you in pain?" Harry questioned him, gesturing to the man's chest where he was certain a burning sensation was being felt. "Have you not taken your potion this hour?" Severus frowned./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Poppy is much more concerned with the children at the moment, Po— " Severus broke off, frustration clouding his features./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry nodded his understanding, summoning the potion Severus needed and uncorking it for him before guiding it to his awaiting lips./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You may call me Harry if you so wish, as well as anything that isn't Potter or Master." Severus looked unsure, and Harry caressed his cheek with a soft smile./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""If you wish to call me Dominant, Alpha, or Sir; know that no judgement will pass. I am willing to be all that you need, my love."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus scowled slightly at the endearment, not liking the warm feeling that filled his chest. He had no room for hope. Hope was dangerous for a man like him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'll surely be returning to my own bed soon enough," Severus muttered, changing the subject quickly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry pretended not to notice, rolling his eyes when the matron hustled over to admonish him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You most certainly will not be!" she demanded. "You will remain right here until you no longer need a potion every hour. You'll be here at least another week unless little Draco decides to come take care of your every need until you get better!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus' sneer dropped into sadness./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You know that I would never ask that of the boy. He just lost his mother. Surely, I can take care of myself." Poppy opened her mouth, but it was Harry who responded./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Severus will be returning with me, Madame," he informed them, turning to look directly into his mate's dark eyes. "I will take care of him from the comfort of our home, and I will leave the floo address for you in case of emergency." Poppy nodded surely./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Just notify me before you leave, and I will be sure to give you your potion stock that you will be needing." Harry faced Severus, taking the man's hand in his own./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I feel your pain, due to my Haltija blood, and it is not only my nature's desire to take care of you as I should. I hope you do not mind leaving this place."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Though it was his right to make decisions for the other man, he didn't want to upset him. He had abandoned his submissive in a time of need, and he felt he didn't deserve all the rights of being his dominant until he demonstrated that he would never do so again./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Nothing could keep me here. Not even a direct order from Poppy. Hell, not even a direct order from you would suffice."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry gasped, shaking his head./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Don't say such things, little one. Do you care for your own life so little?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus frowned, gesturing to the room of pain and mourning before shrugging in a very unsnape like gesture./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry understood, but that didn't mean he had to like the other man saying that he would rather die. It really rubbed him the wrong way./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We will leave tonight then," Harry told him. "I will pack your things. Is there anything specifically you would like me to get? I promise I will not invade your privacy any more than is necessary to fetch your things." Severus averted his eyes, settling back against the stiff sheets./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""What's mine is yours, P—Al—Harry. Just bring what you feel is needed."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry brushed the hair from his face before gracing his forehead with a light kiss, nodding his understanding./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Of course, darling."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus breathed shakily, his mind in a befuddled turmoil as he tried to process everything./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Thank you," he whispered, regardless of Harry already being close to the exit. Harry smiled, knowing that he wasn't supposed to hear him but taking it to heart anyway./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He would be able to fix this./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"TBC/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would also like to extend a formal invitation to you and your family, Lord Malfoy, to stay at Potter Manor," he explained further. "Severus will be joining be there as soon as it is safe to move him home, and I know that your presence would help to ease him. You don't have to stay, of course, but know that you have access to my floo whenever the desire takes you."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius rose an elegant eyebrow in a way that was like how Severus usually did when met with something confounding./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You would invite dark wizards into your home, Lord Potter? How… trusting."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry chuckled darkly, gripping this hand in his a little tighter than absolutely necessary./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have strong wards and a strong wand, Lord Malfoy," he promised before releasing his hand and smiling warmly. "And besides, you're family now. Let's not waste time discussing bad blood!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Lucius coughed lightly, surprised when he noticed that the young wizard had slipped a piece of paper with his floo address upon it into his palm./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Family should call each other by their given name, Lord Potter."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He memorized it before handing it swiftly to his son, who did the same before burning it./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Then call me Harry, Lucius."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry nodded and turned away only to pause at an unexpected hand on his shoulder./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Yes, Lucius?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The regal man shocked him by glaring heatedly, his formal composure lost as his closed in on the other wizard./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I should notify you that I consider Severus a brother in all but blood," he warned. "If you harm him in any way— "/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry jerked out of the man's hold, scowling down at the wizard./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You dare doubt my blood and bond? I would never hurt my mate, and I find it appalling you would even insinuate that I would."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Draco sneered at their dramatics./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""He means to be careful with him, Potter," he hissed, pulling his father away from the irate savior. "My godfather is not as strong as he would like everyone to believe."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry softened at hearing the truth leave the younger man's lips./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He nodded jerkily at the two before turning again, moving swiftly to the podium at the front of the great hall before addressing the room at large. He didn't even have to say anything to quiet the room, as everyone's mouths closed and eyes moved to him the moment he approached the platform./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would like to start by thanking you all for helping us tend to the injured and give proper respects to the dead, despite how much I'm sure you would all love to go home and spend this time with your family. The wizarding world has been brought to shambles, and it's up to everyone in this room to help put it back together."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry took a deep breath, moving in stride now that he knew that everyone was paying absolute attention to his words./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I would like to do more than just put our crude puzzle back together, however, I would like to build anew. We have a lot to answer for, and we have a lot of reformations to make to help insure that this madness will not come so far again. This is why I stand here today, promising to do more than just rebuild—but also to help recreate./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"This morning, I laid claim to my title and the responsibilities that come with it. As Lord of the Esteemed House of Potter, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, the Revered House of Gryffindor, the Archaic House of Slytherin, and the Dignified House of Le Faye; I will do more than wish for change, I will personally see to it."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Whispers filled the room as people turned to one another to express their shock at the young wizard claiming the title of Le Faye at such a time and what that could mean, but it stopped just as quickly when it became clear that the powerful man had more to say./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""The Wizengamot will meet Saturday morning to begin legislation on what I hope to become a new ministry built on progress and equal opportunity. We will be discussing not only what went wrong in and how to fix our lawmaking process, but also how to reconstruct this school to better shape and prepare the future generations. I expect nearly every member of the council to be represented, and I know that most of you belong to one of those families. I hand you all the responsibility to share your ideas and griefs with your representing member before we begin council so that we may develop on that."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The knowledgeable members of the congregation nodded understandingly at his words, some of them even transfiguring notebooks to write down new ideas on so that they may pass those onto their house leaders. Harry narrowed his eyes at the Malfoy family before continuing./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""All in attendance will be given diplomatic immunity until such a time that we may properly give trial to all that deserve it. Wards will be in place to insure the safety of everyone there. Now that you are all aware of the things coming forth, I ask Hermione Granger and Remus Lupin to join me on the platform."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Both people in question obeyed the concealed order with mild confusion, Remus limping due to the slicing hex he took to the leg during the battle./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I ask you all to bear witness," he began, connecting eyes with Hermione first then Remus. "Miss Hermione Jean Granger and Mister Remus John Lupin, will you, before this congregation, accept the role of speaker of the Revered House of Gryffindor and the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, respectively, until their heir, Theodore Lupin, is of the age to take over his seats, along with all of the privileges, rights, and responsibilities it demands?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Hermione immediately recognized the legal wording from their earlier discussion with Gringotts, nodding surely as she responded, "I will."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Remus was much more hesitant, asking with his amber eyes if Harry was unquestionably certain before almost whispering, "I will," in answer./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Draco pursed his lips before shocking the room at large, crossing his arm over his chest and nodding firmly to accept the decision and transfer of responsibility legally as the speaker for the Sacred House of Malfoy. Neville followed him without any hesitance, as did Arthur Weasley and Aberforth Dumbledore. With a smirk and a wink, he slid the house rings onto their counterpart's right middle fingers, legally binding them to the roles unless another nomination was made by him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The crowd clapped for him and his nominations, whom he embraced fully with the words, "Welcome to the fold, Lady Gryffindor and Lord Black. I expect you will fulfill your duties to your houses to the best of your ability?" Hermione beamed at him, nodded excitedly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'll go make that list of changes for us, Harry!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"The curly haired girl scampered off to do some research. Harry chuckled after her exit, gripping Remus's shoulder comfortingly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You should join her if you want to know what will be happening Saturday. I have to run."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry was gone before Remus could argue, and he jumped slightly when the cold hand of Lucius Malfoy landed on his elbow./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I have books on the duties and expectations of the role you will be filling for the next 17 years, Lord Black," the man drawled, "if you would like to do some research before diving in head first." Remus nodded unsurely, accepting the offer of aide without question./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Join us for tea," the man suggested, his son already making his way to the gates to apparate home./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"~~HPSS~~/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry rubbed at his chest, striding into the wing and directly to Severus' bed. He pulled the blankets up around the man without speaking and slid his arm behind the other's back to pull him forward. Severus glanced down to see a glass of water being held to his lips, sighing in relief as it flowed down his dry throat./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Why are you in pain?" Harry questioned him, gesturing to the man's chest where he was certain a burning sensation was being felt. "Have you not taken your potion this hour?" Severus frowned./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Poppy is much more concerned with the children at the moment, Po— " Severus broke off, frustration clouding his features./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry nodded his understanding, summoning the potion Severus needed and uncorking it for him before guiding it to his awaiting lips./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You may call me Harry if you so wish, as well as anything that isn't Potter or Master." Severus looked unsure, and Harry caressed his cheek with a soft smile./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""If you wish to call me Dominant, Alpha, or Sir; know that no judgement will pass. I am willing to be all that you need, my love."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus scowled slightly at the endearment, not liking the warm feeling that filled his chest. He had no room for hope. Hope was dangerous for a man like him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I'll surely be returning to my own bed soon enough," Severus muttered, changing the subject quickly./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry pretended not to notice, rolling his eyes when the matron hustled over to admonish him./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You most certainly will not be!" she demanded. "You will remain right here until you no longer need a potion every hour. You'll be here at least another week unless little Draco decides to come take care of your every need until you get better!"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus' sneer dropped into sadness./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""You know that I would never ask that of the boy. He just lost his mother. Surely, I can take care of myself." Poppy opened her mouth, but it was Harry who responded./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Severus will be returning with me, Madame," he informed them, turning to look directly into his mate's dark eyes. "I will take care of him from the comfort of our home, and I will leave the floo address for you in case of emergency." Poppy nodded surely./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Just notify me before you leave, and I will be sure to give you your potion stock that you will be needing." Harry faced Severus, taking the man's hand in his own./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""I feel your pain, due to my Haltija blood, and it is not only my nature's desire to take care of you as I should. I hope you do not mind leaving this place."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Though it was his right to make decisions for the other man, he didn't want to upset him. He had abandoned his submissive in a time of need, and he felt he didn't deserve all the rights of being his dominant until he demonstrated that he would never do so again./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Nothing could keep me here. Not even a direct order from Poppy. Hell, not even a direct order from you would suffice."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry gasped, shaking his head./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Don't say such things, little one. Do you care for your own life so little?"/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus frowned, gesturing to the room of pain and mourning before shrugging in a very unsnape like gesture./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry understood, but that didn't mean he had to like the other man saying that he would rather die. It really rubbed him the wrong way./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""We will leave tonight then," Harry told him. "I will pack your things. Is there anything specifically you would like me to get? I promise I will not invade your privacy any more than is necessary to fetch your things." Severus averted his eyes, settling back against the stiff sheets./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""What's mine is yours, P—Al—Harry. Just bring what you feel is needed."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Harry brushed the hair from his face before gracing his forehead with a light kiss, nodding his understanding./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Of course, darling."/p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"Severus breathed shakily, his mind in a befuddled turmoil as he tried to process everything./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;""Thank you," he whispered, regardless of Harry already being close to the exit. Harry smiled, knowing that he wasn't supposed to hear him but taking it to heart anyway./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"He would be able to fix this./p
p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"TBC/p
