Chapter 36: Arrests

Asleep on the sofa in Jasper's arms, Harry was awakened by indignant hooting. He grunted as he rose, making his vampire laugh, and staggered to the window. A dozen birds entered and Harry flicked his wand to summon food for them. He'd hardly slept the night before and could hardly put one foot in front of the other.

The night before, he had celebrated Christmas with the whole Cullen family and Blaise. The Christmas decorations, the tree, the meal and the presents had initially filled the Survivor's heart with joy, but as the hour wore on and the alcohol consumed had gradually pushed him into a state of depression. He was glad to be spending these moments with Jasper and that the immortal's spirit was celebrating and far from his memories, but he had also realized that the restraining order against Ginny had distanced him from his family at heart. For the first time in eight years, he hadn't spent Christmas with Ron and Hermione, or with the Weasleys. Around three in the morning, he'd found himself downing whisky after whisky with Blaise, who'd lost his whole family in the war, sharing their dark thoughts. Around five o'clock, Jasper had forced a little balm into them, no longer able to bear their negative feelings, had led them back into the living room and taken Harry against him. The murmur of conversation had lulled the two mortals to sleep there.

Before Harry realized it, Esmée had placed two cups of coffee and pancakes on the coffee table, Edward had picked up the mail and Jasper had wrapped his arm around his waist to pull him back into the sofa. Blaise joined him for breakfast and they both saw more clearly after drinking their coffees. Harry's gaze wandered over the presents still piled around the tree. Jasper had been spoiled by his family, receiving clothes from his sisters, modern history books from his parents and motorcycle gear from his brothers to go with the vehicle for when they returned to the States, the message being clear, they intended to fly as soon as possible.

Harry had given his soulmate a white gold ring with a note reading "soon officially yours". Jasper had been very touched by this gift and the message that went with it; it meant that the wizard had agreed to become his chalice. The two of them had talked a lot about it, but Harry had expressed reservations and wanted to clarify certain points before making up his mind. The knowledge that he had made up his mind, and even more, that he had begun to do what was necessary - Blaise had concocted the potion they would need with George's help and given it to them with the gifts - had shaken the empath, who still found it hard to believe that he too had the right to be happy.

Harry had received clothes from his sisters-in-law, an invitation to a field hockey game from his brothers-in-law, and the same leather bracelet with the Cullen family crest worn by the three youngest men in the family was given to him by Esmée and Carlisle. He was surprised and moved to discover a snake-shaped ring on a chain from Jasper.

Jasper had instructed Edward, since he couldn't surprise him, to take the gifts for him. The telepath gladly complied, delighted to be able to help his brother and see him smile a little more every day.

Jasper had been steadier and happier since completing his link with Harry, but the newspapers and letters on the table brought the shadows back into his eyes as soon as they were opened.

"More arrests than snow for Christmas!"

"Biggest arrest in our history outside of mangemort arrests."

"Scandals over former ministries, twenty-three people arrested."

"Twenty-three arrests, including that of former Minister of Magic Fudge, for torture."

The papers were accompanied by letters, which Harry read while the vampires consulted the papers.

The first was from Master O'Murray, informing them of the arrests and asking to meet them at Zabini Manor later that day, which meant Edward had to leave the estate for the duration of the appointment. The telepath grimaced, but suggested that Alice take the opportunity to go for a romantic stroll around London, which Emmett and Rosalie agreed to do. Harry replied to the lawyer that he could come at eleven o'clock, gave the letter to the owl who was waiting for his reply, and opened the next letter.

It was from Percy, telling him that the press was running amok and trying to break into the Aurors' offices to get more information. So far, nothing was leaking out, but he feared it wouldn't last.

Kingsley had also written to him, informing him that he wished to see them the following day.

He then opened a letter from Ron and Hermione wishing him a Merry Christmas and asking if the Christmas with friends they'd planned for December 27 was still on despite the news.

He was very touched to discover two sweaters knitted by Molly in one of the packages, one for him and one for Jasper. A mixture of relief, love and sadness washed over him, and he was immediately drawn into the strong arms of his vampire, who had almost dropped the newspaper he was holding under the force of the emotions he received. Harry didn't try to explain his reaction, the letter Jasper had read in two seconds was enough to justify it, he himself was touched by the words.

"Harry darling,

We're sorry you couldn't be with us this year to celebrate Christmas, but know that you were in our hearts. I hope you had a lovely New Year's Eve with your companion, Ron told us he makes you happy and we're delighted to know that.

Thank you for your gifts, they went straight to our hearts.

We'll see you very soon, we'll be here to support you through the ordeal ahead.

We send you our love.

Molly and Arthur."

It took him several minutes to collect himself and open the next letters. These were from Neville, and from Dean and Seamus. All three wished him a Merry Christmas and asked for news.

Harry took about twenty minutes to answer all the letters before luring Jasper away for a naughty nap. They had a few hours before O'Murray arrived and they both needed the time.

They made tender love, reminding each other that they were there for each other and would be there for eternity very soon. Although they showed each other their feelings almost every day, Jasper marveled every time they made love at both being able to do so without hurting his lover, but also being loved with such strength. He still had trouble convincing himself that contact could be gentle and tender, passionate and ardent, without ever being painful.

Harry fell asleep very quickly after his orgasm on the vampire's chest, trapped in his arms, lulled by the sensations of being loved, protected and complete. Jasper enjoyed this moment, one of his favorites, when both their hearts were filled with love and well-being, the feelings of the other inhabitants of the manor were inaccessible to him thanks to a spell cast on their room by Hermione, and he could recharge his batteries by enjoying the sight of his lover's naked body.

The hours passed too quickly for his liking, and ten minutes before eleven he woke the sleeping beauty with kisses on the neck. Together they took a quick shower and went into the study Blaise had lent them. Esmée had laid out tea and a few scones, as well as a bottle of blood, Carlisle had gone to the gate and they began to stress as they waited for him to return with the lawyer. Jasper was looking forward to what would happen next as much as he was dreading it. Of the thirty-three people he'd testified against, only twenty-three had been arrested, and he wanted to know why. Harry was just eager to put all this behind them and hoped that everything would turn out well for Jasper. He'd also decided to confirm with O'Murray that it would work in their favor if he became Jasper's chalice. From the start, he'd had it in mind that it would be very complicated for the vampire if he were ever imprisoned again and could only feed on his blood, but the jury might be sensitive to this argument.

The door opened on Carlisle and O'Murray, they both sat down and the meeting began.