Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Chapter Fifty-Three – Final Term

The changes Harry had outlined in his law reform had been implemented immediately after he had successfully argued it into law. It would take some time to dismantle the old laws and instate the new, and to get the structures into place that his reform had outlined, but it was being done, immediately, and as quickly as was safe. The safety measures that were needed to allow magical creatures to attend Hogwarts were going to be ready in time for the new school year in September. Harry was regretful that he wouldn’t be a student any longer, so that he wouldn’t be in a position to help those magical creatures who would be attending come the new school year.

It wasn’t all good news, though. He had to be excessively careful when opening his mail in the mornings and, by the weekend just two days later, he had asked Professor McGonagall to stop his mail altogether as he was being drowned by letters; both congratulating him and reviling him. He had well wishes, desperate thanks, gifts, little stories from people his reform would help, but he’d also received cursed parchment that had tried to bite off his fingers the moment he’d opened the envelope. That had been sent on to the Law Enforcers to investigate. But no, all of his mail had now been redirected to Malfoy Manor, for his parents to go through for suitability, for his own safety. Anything that his family wished to send him now had to come via Draco, which was annoying, but he hoped that it would calm down a little soon.

He had caught up with the work he’d missed very quickly, with the help of Draco and his friends, and he was back on track with his revision work now too. He was very pleased and, on the back of his victory, he was highly motivated too.

On Saturday the second, he had begrudgingly allowed Draco to come with him to his final hospital appointment. Or, Harry was hoping that it was his final appointment, but since he’d had the runes carved back into his throat, he was more secure and he was eating a lot more than normal and he was off of all of the potions. He was feeling better. He was better. He just hoped that Healer Munrow agreed.

“Are you nervous?” Draco whispered to him, as they sat in the waiting room.

Harry shook his head. “No. I’m feeling so much better. I know I’m going to be signed off completely. It’ll be behind me soon enough. Just a bad memory, but I already have plenty of those.”

Draco blinked at the direction his thoughts had gone to and he gave him a strange look.

“Are you thinking about your other appointment today?” He asked.

Harry scowled. “I suppose I am. I have some things to work out. A lot of things.” He amended. “Getting my thoughts into order helps me, but some of those bad memories have been knocked loose and I want to talk them through.”

Draco took his hand and gave it a squeeze. Harry could feel that Draco was actually trembling and he sighed, putting his arm around Draco and comforting him back.

“I’m going to be fine.” He told Draco. “This is why I didn’t want you to come, you know? You’re more nervous for this than I am.”

“Here or back at school, I’d have been the same. At least here I can support you.”

Harry didn’t say that he didn’t need any support because he was feeling fine. If Draco wanted to think that he was helping in any small way by coming with him, Harry wouldn’t shatter that illusion. But he was feeling fine. Better than fine, really. He was feeling like himself. Completely normal and better than he had been feeling all year. He supposed he couldn’t grumble about anyone’s fears, though, when he’d already proven to them that he wasn’t very good at asking for help or telling anyone when he felt sick or was in pain. He had let himself get so bad this year that he had collapsed and almost died before he’d sought any help. That certainly didn’t help any of his family have any sort of faith or trust in him.

It was a sickening thought, that he had almost died because he’d been poisoned and he’d tried to sweep that under the rug and carry on with his usual routine. Of course no one trusted his word for it now and would rather, instead, wait for a medical professional to say the same thing. He was glad that his appointment with Healer Vasey was later today, he really had a lot to talk about.

“Lord Potter-Black.” An orderly came right up to them to speak, instead of shouting through the waiting room, which Harry appreciated. “The Healer is ready to see you now.”

Harry was escorted into the examination room with his family and he sat on the bed, waiting to be seen.

Healer Munrow did not keep them waiting, as barely a minute later, she knocked on the door and entered the room.

“Lord Potter-Black.” She greeted him. “And how are you feeling today?” She asked, even as she sat in the chair at the desk and started twirling her wand, summoning a clipboard to herself, taking out a fresh chart, and then snatching a self-inking quill out of thin air.

“I’m fine.” He assured her.

Healer Munrow gave him what was clearly a very critical, assessing look. “I have to say that you are looking much better this visit than your last. I am going to check on your weight as a priority.” She said, almost as a warning, but Harry had been eating more than he usually would have now that the runes were back on his body. His robes fitted him again, like they used to when he’d first been tailored for them. He no longer looked haggard or gaunt or as if a gust of wind would knock him over. He was feeling much better.

Harry felt the magic flit about him, but he was used to this now, so he didn’t react more than to give Draco’s hand a squeeze to control the urge to fight against someone else’s magic.

“Well, I am very impressed. You have regained all of the weight you lost and then some.” Healer Munrow praised him, sounding as pleased as she looked.

She made several notes on the chart that she had on her clipboard before looking up at him again.

“Have there been any issues or niggles?” She asked seriously.

“None. Honestly.” Harry stressed. “I’ve been feeling better now than I have been all year.”

“No headaches, stomach aches, dizzy spells, or memory issues?”

“No.” Harry said, shaking his head for emphasis. “There’s been none of that, Healer Munrow.”

“And you are coping well without the potions?” Healer Munrow asked him.

“Yes. I haven’t noticed their absence.” Harry assured her.

“Then, it was the right decision to take you off of them when we did.” Healer Munrow said quietly, almost to herself, as she made even more notes.

Draco shuffled closer and Harry made room for him, accommodating him beside him on the examination bed, aware that Draco was more anxious over this checkup than he was. Only he knew how he was truly feeling, after all, and, after his stellar past record, no one believed him when he said he was feeling perfectly fine, even when he actually was.

“Now, I’m going to run a few extra tests, just to make sure that everything is healing as it should be.”

Harry nodded his permission and then breathed through the urge to fight against the magic that washed over him. It took longer this time, as Harry assumed that Healer Munrow was checking on absolutely everything that she could think of. Then, knowing his parents as he did, if anything at all happened to him at a later date because of this, he knew they would sue Healer Munrow, and the hospital, into the ground. So he didn’t blame Healer Munrow for being extra thorough, regardless of how twitchy it made him to be exposed to someone else’s magic for extended periods.

It only took another half an hour to finish his checkup and then Harry was leaving the room, heading for the floo banks with Lucius’ hand firmly on his shoulder, with a clean bill of health. It felt amazing.

Harry, and Draco, were going to have lunch at Malfoy Manor, and then they would be back in Hogwarts for the afternoon and, for Harry, well ahead of his late afternoon appointment with Healer Vasey.

Harry was not surprised to find the Lestranges waiting for him in the parlour and he smiled as he greeted Xerxes with a cheeky hug, before hurrying over to Rabastan.

“Can I assume from your sunny disposition that the checkup was good news?” Xerxes asked him.

“I have been declared completely healthy once more.” Harry said happily. “I don’t need any more potions, I’ve completely healed from the damage that was done to me, and now I’ve regained the weight I lost too. I won’t need any more hospital visits and I can finally put it all behind me and move forward with my life.”

“I’m so pleased.” Rabastan said, hugging him tightly.

Harry hugged him back before twisting his head to get a deep kiss.

“Do not push your luck.” His mother chastised.

Harry and Rabastan broke apart, but Harry was laughing breathlessly while his fiancé looked terrified.

“Boys, I will have lunch served at midday, so that you may relax a little beforehand, but you are expected back at school soon.” Narcissa told them. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?” She asked them.

“I’m going to be spending some time with Astoria and studying, Mother.” Draco told her.

“I’ll be studying and then going for my appointment with Healer Vasey, and then I will likely be studying more afterwards.” Harry chuckled.

“Please do let us know how the appointment goes, darling.” Narcissa told him. “Even if you are not comfortable giving us details, I would like to know if you are upset or distressed, or if the appointment went well.”

Harry nodded. “I never know how I’m going to feel after a session with Healer Vasey. Each one is different as we explore my feelings and my memories, but I will try to tell you as much as I’m comfortable with afterwards. Oh, which reminds me, did I receive any more curses today?”

“No.” Lucius told him. “The example made of the man arrested over the one previously sent to you seems to have jolted people back to their senses, but there were some more inappropriate messages addressed to you, so I will insist on a few more days of having control over your mail.”

Harry nodded as he assumed those inappropriate messages were sexual in nature. He’d read a few of them and he’d been disgusted. He was glad that he didn’t have to see any more of those messages. Unless they came from Rabastan, he didn’t want them.

He settled down and accepted the cup of tea that Rabastan had made for him, just how he liked it, and he took this time to relax and absorb the presence of his fiancé while he could. He was now medically cleared and all ill effects of the poisoning had been healed. He was right back on track and he was determined to stay there this time. There would be no more foolish mistakes like eating chocolates from assumed sources. Though, with Rhadamanthus now dead he wouldn’t become so paranoid as to jump at every shadow. He had been the one who was so staunchly opposed to him and Rabastan getting married and carrying on the Lestrange family, but Harry was aware that he had other enemies, with other complaints against him. He would be aware from now on. He would not be so idiotic again and this wouldn’t be repeated. He had just one more term of school left and then…then his life could start in earnest. He couldn’t wait and he was very excited for everything that was still to come.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

On the third of May, Harry had gotten a surprise visit from the Law Enforcers, who had come to update him at Hogwarts of his ongoing investigation.

They had, thankfully, come in the evening. Professor McGonagall had made sure that he’d finished eating before she had come to tell him about his visitors, which he appreciated as he didn’t want to start skipping meals only a day after he’d been cleared by Healer Munrow.

Harry’s mind circled around what he’d learned as he headed back to his rooms, where, no doubt, Draco and everyone else would be waiting anxiously for news.

It was almost too perfect and Harry had to hide his vicious smirk. Everything was coming together and moving on nicely. His plans, long laid, were finally coming to fruition. It was a thrilling, very satisfying feeling.

He opened the door to his rooms and, as expected, everyone had made themselves at home, waiting on him.

“What’s happened?” Draco asked immediately, worriedly.

Harry let his smirk show. “Exactly what we wanted to happen.” He answered, even as he went to the space on the settee that had been left for him and reached forward to make himself tea.

“You’re getting sadistic.” Blaise told him. “Get on with it.”

Harry chuckled. “Dumbledore has been charged with neglect.” He said with no fanfare. “The Law Enforcers are still investigating the poisoning, especially after Councillor Cummings’ attack on me pointed at his involvement, so they haven’t charged Dumbledore with that, or formally arrested him yet; they’ve assured me that will come later. But they do have enough evidence to charge him now with my neglect and endangerment pending a trial.”

“He’ll be out of your life for good.” Theo said, pleased.

Harry nodded. “Exactly that. He has been formally warned that he is not to contact me in any way, not even via other people, and he can’t approach or speak to me, otherwise, he will be arrested immediately and charged with victim badgering too.”

“I can’t wait to see the papers tomorrow.” Blaise said with an evil grin.

Harry snorted. “I have also been warned, because of my delicate disposition, that the Law Enforcers couldn’t keep the information away from the Minister, or the journalists. So they are expecting there to be extensive coverage in the papers and on the radio tomorrow and, if I don’t want to see any of it, to avoid reading or listening to it.”

All of them laughed, as Harry was playing a very intricate game with everyone. He wasn’t bothered by Dumbledore having poisoned him, because he hadn’t. This was his revenge and what made it sweeter was that Dumbledore would know it. He wasn’t hurt or upset by any of it. He was angry and he would have his sweet revenge.

“So, when will he be arrested now?” Astoria asked curiously. “Did the Law Enforcers say?”

“They can’t say when it might be, but now they have charged him with neglect, it won’t be long. They’re just finalising everything, getting all the evidence into order, and then they’ll hit him with the arrest for everything.”

“Soon?” Draco asked eagerly.

Harry nodded. “I imagine it would be soon, given that they have already charged him and told him he’s going to trial. He’s not allowed to come back to the castle while I’m here.”

“Aren’t they worried he’ll run?” Theo asked.

“Dumbledore?” Harry scoffed. “No, he’s got too much at stake here. He’s already going to be working out a strategy to worm his way out of this, I’m sure. Plenty of false tears for what I went through, insisting he didn’t know how bad it was, and doubling down on how he thought leaving me with my only remaining blood relatives was for the best. He doesn’t know yet that he’s going to be arrested for my murder attempt as well. He won’t even see it coming because he didn’t do it.”

“How are you feeling about all of this?” Luna asked, looking at him closely.

Harry inhaled deeply as he considered that question carefully. “I’m angry, of course. After everything he’s done to me, I can’t help but be angry, but there is some sadistic anticipation for what is to come too. No doubt I’ll struggle through the trial, as I did before when giving testimony against Umbridge, but I’ll do my best to bring him down. I want my revenge too, for a lifetime of suffering.”

Harry took a drink of tea, reaching for a biscuit too. He was going to do his damned best to hold it together during the trial. He hated showing weakness to anyone, particularly the Wizengamot, where he had enemies, but he would do anything to get Dumbledore thrown in Azkaban. To get the justice he deserved. It wouldn’t be long now, and then everyone would see Dumbledore for the monster he truly was.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

The castle was abuzz with the news of Dumbledore’s charges the next morning and Harry saw groups of students in corridors and corners, all holding copies of The Daily Prophet and talking about it.

The Law Enforcers had not warned him enough of what the articles might contain. He had known it was coming, but he hadn’t known that some of his personal details and grievances against Dumbledore had been leaked. He was furious as that leak could compromise the trial, which needed to have the illusion of being impartial, lest there be a mistrial. He would not allow Dumbledore to worm his way out of justice in such a way, especially as he was sure that some of the anonymous commenters who had spoken to the reporters were members of the Order. There were things leaked that only he, Dumbledore, or the Dursleys would have known and he was not happy about it.

He had already sent a letter to Lucius about it. He knew that his parents would be just as angry as he was about the leak. Minister Thicknesse would need another ‘talking to’ about his regime. If he wasn’t careful, then he could be pushed out of the Ministry for negligence and, after what Voldemort and his Death Eaters had gone through to get him elected in the first place, all the bribes and threats and blackmail and murder, Harry thought that they’d be running a tighter ship than this. No doubt, a Death Eater was going to be tortured over this, if not outright killed. Harry hoped he didn’t see that later, the last thing he needed right now was disrupted sleep.

Harry knocked on Professor McGonagall’s office door and waited. He had been invited to talk to his Head of House on his final career path, like how he had gotten careers advice back in his fifth year. This was a follow up session and to see if he would make it in the field he had chosen with the marks his Professors estimated he would receive on his final NEWTs, taking in their considerations and the marks he had been receiving in his classwork and mock exams.

Harry remembered saying that he wanted to be an Auror, mostly because he hadn’t known what he’d wanted to do back then. It was only two years ago, but he had done so much growing and learning in the two years since. He shook his head. His entire life had changed within the last two years; he was unrecognisable from the boy he’d once been and he was much better for it.

“Enter.” Professor McGonagall bade.

Harry opened the door and entered the office, taking the chair that was offered to him, watching as Professor McGonagall sorted through his personal file. Harry was at least glad that it was just the two of them, and some sleeping portraits, this time. There would be no Umbridge coughing from the corner of the room, trying to tear him down, making snarky comments. He hoped she was enjoying her life sentence; it was the least she deserved for the horrors she had committed.

“As you know, Potter, graduation is coming up soon. This is a chance for you to run through your options, ahead of your graduation, to see what fields you can enter given your projected NEWT results.”

“Yes, Professor.” Harry said.

“The change in you in the last few years…well, it hardly needs to be said that you are in a much better position now than you were when we had this talk in your fifth year.”

Harry smirked. That was an understatement.

“I understand, Professor. I was…lost, back then.” He said carefully. “No one really cared what I did, so why would I have cared? Being an Auror was the only thing I could see as an acceptable career because that is what I was being pushed towards. It would have been the biggest mistake of my life.”

McGonagall gave him a considering look. She nodded. “Perhaps I should have made more time to speak with you over the years about your future, Potter. For that, I can only apologise. Can I assume your planned career has changed?”

Harry snorted a laugh. “I had considered going into teaching. I found I had a knack for it during my fifth year, but I didn’t think I was smart enough.”

“A lack of motivation does not equate a lack of intelligence.” McGonagall told him.

Harry nodded his agreement to that.

“You said that you had considered it?” McGonagall said carefully. “Is that not your final choice?”

“No, Professor. It was my choice last year, but given the things I’ve managed to achieve this year, I’ve decided that I’m going to finally back myself and go all in for politics and law reform. I…it might sound a little arrogant or optimistic, but I want to be Minister for Magic one day. I want to make real, lasting change. I want to strive for equality and equity. I know getting my creature law reform passed was only one hurdle in many, but that I did actually manage to do it; it’s given me confidence that I can carry on. I can do this. I want to.”

“Your parents would be exceptionally proud of the man you’ve become. I want you to know that.”

Harry swallowed at the mention of his birth parents. He hoped that it was true. He hoped that they would have been proud of him and everything he was planning to do, despite that he was taking down Dumbledore and the Order and, technically, working with Voldemort. Their murderer.

He had his own reasons for everything that he was doing and he wanted to think that they would have understood those reasons given the things he had found out since his early morning trip to Gringotts two years ago, and despite the people he was now allied to and associating with.

McGonagall had opened the folder and she was going through various bits of parchment and Harry noticed that there were grades noted down in tables too.

“Your Professors are all very pleased with your current work ethic, Potter. As am I.” She told him, flipping through more pieces of parchment. “You have been doing so well recently, that I can tell you that you are expected to get straight Os on all of your exams and this would have allowed you to do almost anything you’d wanted in future, especially with the change of electives for your sixth and seventh years. There is nothing stopping you from pursuing a career in politics, as I am sure you already know. Your recent foray into becoming a lawmaker has also set you up well for a future in this career path.”

Harry had known all of this, but it didn’t stop him from ginning happily to hear it said out loud. To have it confirmed that all of his work was now going to pay off. Everything was falling into place for him. He had a future and he was going to take excessive advantage of it.

“You have done well with your duties as Head Boy, and also as Quidditch Captain. Both of these roles will help to show that you have leadership qualities, which is sought after in the career path you have chosen.” McGonagall told him. “Especially if you do want to become the Minister for Magic in the future, the leader of the government.”

Harry was very grateful for the little badge pinned to his robes. He hadn’t really wanted it when he’d first received it. He had even wondered at the time if it was some sort of trick by Dumbledore; given to him as a ploy to draw him back into his sphere. But now, he knew that wasn’t true as McGonagall had argued for him to have the badge, the position, and he was glad for it because it would help him climb the ladder to his desired position. It was a shame that he couldn’t ask that his tutoring sessions be placed on his record as he had done really well as the teacher for the DA and it would again show that he had leadership skills, but that would likely have done him well if he had gone in for teaching, not so much a political career.

“Do you have any questions, Potter?”

Harry shook his head. “No, Professor. I am very happy with my choice and that I’m predicted to get the marks that will allow me to achieve it.”

“And then some.” McGonagall told him. “You have done well for yourself, Potter. Keep that in mind as you go forward, post-graduation.”

“Thank you for everything, Professor.” Harry said gratefully.

“Can I ask, how has your health been recently, Potter?”

“Better. Much better. I was declared fully healthy again over the weekend. My health won’t stop me.”

McGonagall nodded, looking slightly pensive. Harry wondered if she was going to bring up Dumbledore, but the moment passed and she didn’t mention it.

“Make sure that you rest, Potter. Keep up with your studying and make sure that you thoroughly beat Ravenclaw on the twenty-third.”

Harry laughed. “Oh, we will, Professor. The Quidditch Cup is coming back to Gryffindor this year. I won’t accept anything less.”

McGonagall gave him a smile and nodded her head and Harry took it for a dismissal. He thanked her politely and stood and he left the office quickly, feeling more reassured than when he’d entered. He was on track for straight Os. He couldn’t wait to tell his family.

He had a future. He had plans. He had a career to look forward to and a family of his own. He smirked to himself, he also had a future family to start creating. That would have to wait until he was actually married, of course, but that wouldn’t be long now. He calmed himself away from those thoughts that drove him crazy. He had to get through his final term and his exams first. He wouldn’t let himself become distracted so close to those exams. He could dream of babies and fantasise about sex with Rabastan after his final exam. Until then, he would dream of studying and fantasise about those straight Os that McGonagall had teased him with.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

Voldemort stared down at the disappointment on his rug. He stood still, outwardly calm, but he was furious underneath the veneer. He let the senior undersecretary squirm on his knees. He could hear the man stuttering his sobbing and it was making him angrier.

“You had one job to do.” He said coldly, watching as the man kneeling at his feet jumped out of his skin as he finally broke the silence.

“My Lord, I’m sorry.” The man said. The snivelling, wet tone to his voice angered him even further.

“You have put this entire trial into jeopardy, undermined the integrity of my Ministry regime, and put vital alliances at risk.” He said softly, quietly, his rage simmering under the surface.

He had contacted Lucius to seek insight into Harry’s feelings about the article in the news, only to be told that Harry was furious over the release of his personal details ahead of the trial.

It had been the fault of this man, who was supposed to have complete control over Pius Thicknesse, who was supposed to use the Minister to ensure slips and leaks like this couldn’t happen. He had failed and it had risked everything.

“Crucio.”

The screams did nothing to calm his growing rage. He held the curse in place, watching as this disappointment writhed over the floor and clawed at himself until he bled.

His mind wandered to other things. How he could fix this monumental cock up. A new senior undersecretary would have to be put in place. One who had more discipline and decorum. This was not the first slip up caused by this man. Runcorn had had nothing but derision for his conduct within the Ministry. Voldemort could admit now that the man was a poor fit for what he needed. A shame. One that this man would pay for.

He lifted the curse and watched as the man on the floor panted for breath and retched, vomit mixing with blood on his face. His lip curled in disgust.

He had had such high hopes. He had thought himself oh so clever as he picked a young, unknown Death Eater to be Thicknesse’s senior undersecretary. One with no links or ties to him or those who were suspected or accused of being his followers. Perhaps he had been too clever. This man had caused so much damage and it was unlikely that it could all be reversed or rectified. Not with the leak to the newspapers over young Harry’s personal life. He would force the trial to go ahead. Not so much damage had been done as to threaten that completely, but his alliance with Harry needed to be upheld. The boy was young and emotional and this was just the sort of thing to upset him. It could never happen again.

“Crucio.”

He thought of what to do as the screaming started anew.

His next move had to be to replace this man as senior undersecretary. He needed a better choice. One who would learn from the mistakes of his predecessor and would work to do better.

He would once again have to assure Harry that this had not been purposeful, or at all within his plans. He would not have wanted the trial put at risk, nor for these details to come out outside of the trial. Leaks like this would minimise the full impact, when they were all revealed during the trial, and water down the public’s reaction. He needed them to be rightfully horrified of those details, of just how Dumbledore had treated Harry Potter, their idol. He needed all of those disgusting, fury-inducing details to be revealed in one fell swoop, to pile accusation on top of accusation to show just how cruel and depraved Dumbledore was, so that the public wouldn’t fight against the coming Azkaban sentence. He wanted the public to scream for that sentence, and they would, but having all the details leaked prematurely, piecemeal, was going to ruin his plans, and the shocking reveal, and upset young Harry too. He needed tighter control of the Ministry. The leaks needed to be plugged and all threats to his plans eliminated. He would need to think on who to name to the position of Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, a position of high power that came with the added duty of holding the Imperius curse over Thicknesse. He had considered young Charlie Weasley for the position. After all, who would suspect him of being a Death Eater with his familial ties? It would ease the pressure off his Ministry regime and bring back a touch of trust and confidence. The problem with that appointment lay with Charlie not being qualified for the position. He was a dragon handler, he couldn’t go from that to a senior Ministry position without questions being raised. Perhaps if they had been able to turn the younger Weasley boy, Percy, who did have experience with being the Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic. That promotion could have been easily explained away, but not a man who had no experience working within the Ministry at all.

Albert Runcorn had been his next choice, but he was doing such a remarkable performance as the Chief Warlock that he was not convinced that removing him from that position would not collapse his Wizengamot. He didn’t want to remove Albert from a job he was performing wonderfully in, only to find he wasn’t suited to the position of Senior Undersecretary. No, it was best to leave him where he was and shore up the Wizengamot as a priority. He couldn’t have a Chief Warlock voted in who wasn’t one he had personally chosen. He couldn’t risk losing control of the highest court of the wizarding world.

No, the position had to go to one of the younger, more unknown of his followers. Someone hardworking, who wouldn’t seem unfit for the promotion to the Senior Undersecretary position so as to allay suspicion. Perhaps he should look into young Sullivan Fawley, or one of Lord Manton Lawson’s sons. He had choices, he had those he could look into, but this could not happen again. He could not have his Ministry undermined, nor the Minister’s conduct called into question. The last thing he needed right now was for Thicknesse to be removed from his position through negligence and have to start the election process over again.

His mind made up and feeling calmer with a working plan in mind, he removed the curse and stared down at the whimpering, vomiting mess who had clawed gouges of flesh out of his own face.

“Avada Kedavra.”

The flash of green light, a shocked gasp, and then blessed quiet. He took a breath and then turned.

‘Nagini, eat.’ He commanded the snake in Parseltongue.

She uncoiled herself from where she had been resting on a rug before the fire and she slithered over, her tongue flickering, tasting the air. He moved to give her room to gorge herself as he went to his desk and started working to fix the mistakes this man had caused for him, as well as giving more thought to just who would fit the now vacant position of Senior Undersecretary. It would be a long night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

Minerva studied the lists of names on the table in front of her and her fellow colleagues. There was only one name that kept coming up and she was smugly proud as Potter was placed at the top of his year mates to receive special accolades upon his graduation.

He had worked so hard and all of them had noticed, even Severus didn’t have much to say against Potter earning the prestigious award.

There were some other names put up for the award also, but only Potter was unanimous between all of them. Granger, in her opinion, had lost all credibility and respect she had once earned with her recent actions, so Minerva hadn’t even put her name forward for consideration, which might have shocked her colleagues, but only slightly. Granger’s behaviour had been extreme in the last year, culminating in her attempt to get Potter suspended, or even expelled, merely because he had received a higher mark than she had on a mock exam paper. Minerva had warned the girl beforehand, personally, to keep her head down and to focus on her classwork, on her coming exams, and then she had gone and filed a complaint with the governors over Potter’s marks because she had been jealous; very unbecoming behaviour of an adult witch on the cusp of graduation.

“We have had a really good batch of seventh year students this year.” Pomona said, pleased.  

“Mister Potter has worked so hard.” Filius said, smiling. “None other, but him, deserves the highest award we can give.”

“I agree.” Bathsheba said. “His turn around in the last few years…well, I can only speak of the last two years.” She said. “I did not teach him before, but since he entered my classroom two years ago, he has been so curious and studious. He always asks for extra work from me and he is one of the most intelligent students I have ever had the pleasure to encounter.”

Minerva was more smug to hear that. She knew that Potter’s attitude since his adoption had been the talk of the school, the staff included…no, it was the talk of the entire wizarding world, but it had clearly done the boy good.

Her thoughts went back to her final careers meeting with him and the choices he was now making, his own insight into being lost and alone before his adoption. She felt a terrible sadness as he confided that he hadn’t given any thought to his own future because no one had cared what he did. She had known what those muggles were like, but she had feared that Potter would have been treated like the other boy, his cousin, not excluded and treated so terribly. She’d had no idea that he was being abused behind closed doors. Perhaps she should have seen it in his overly thin frame, the hungry look in his eyes, his desperation for acceptance and affection, but he had seemed settled, well-rounded, and sociable. Albus had convinced her not to look deeper and, like a fool, she hadn’t. Of course she regretted it now, with hindsight, knowing a fraction of what had actually been happening.

The Law Enforcers were fully investigating Albus, as they would given that the Ministry was being run by Death Eaters, and she and the Order were planning for the worst. Albus was trying to claim his innocence, that he also hadn’t known how bad the abuse had been, but some of the details…someone had to pay for what had happened and she knew that it had been his decision to leave Harry in that house. Minerva took a breath and focused back on the staff meeting.

“So, we’re all in agreement?” Aurora asked.

“I would say so.” Septima said, nodding, and looking at all of the names on the table. “I agree with all that Bathsheba has said; Mister Potter’s transformation these last two years have been remarkable and he deserves the recognition for all his hard work. He is a consistent O student in my class, despite picking the subject up three years later than the rest of his year mates.”

“He has been such a kind boy throughout his time here.” Pomona said, smiling gently. “In his capacity as Head Boy, he has taken the younger years under his wing, even from other houses, and he prevented a case of bullying within my own house just by being kind. He deserves the award.”

“Are there any arguments against Mister Potter receiving the excellence award this year?” Minerva asked, as acting Headmistress.

No one said a word, as they eyed one another, curious if anyone had any complaints.

“Then, we are decided.” Minerva said, very pleased with the outcome. “Our seventh years will be taking their exams in a little over two weeks. We owe it to them, and their futures, to ensure that this time is as calm, as quiet, and stress free as possible.”

“The younger years have to be kept properly distracted.” Severus said bitingly.

“Agreed.” Filius said. “They need to be kept in their lessons while the older students are taking their exams, and then the older years need to be distracted once their exams have finished and the younger years are taking their exams.”

“If they keep to the usual routine, then the older students will be too exhausted to do much of anything after their NEWTs.” Bathsheba chuckled. “They will lounge in their common rooms, or outside if the weather permits, and just rest.”

“They are called nastily exhausting for a reason.” Rolanda said with a hawkish smirk.

Minerva agreed that the seventh years likely wouldn’t give them much trouble, not since Potter had started behaving himself after his adoption. It was likely to be the sixth years once they finished their exams, or even the fifth years, but she would keep an eye on all of them regardless, just in case.

Potter was going to be awarded with the highest accolade the school could grant a graduating student and it would look perfect on his record in his bid to become Minister for Magic, and it was thoroughly deserved too. She was pleased and very proud. She would be sad to see him graduated and starting a career, but she was used to this by now with all of her graduating students. She would follow his achievements through the articles in the papers and on the radio. Perhaps he would even like to visit her on occasion. She sighed. Given the sparse details that were recently leaked in the paper, she wasn’t so sure that, when this trial started and everything was revealed, if he wouldn’t also hold her responsible. She hadn’t known the extent, but she had known enough, and she had chosen not to look into it further. She knew that Potter could be stubborn and unforgiving at times. It wouldn’t surprise her, though it would be upsetting, if he chose not to forgive her overlooking him and his homelife. Minerva could understand it, she was half expecting it, but it would hurt too. She felt that it was going to get much worse when the trial started…and all of the details that were being hinted at were revealed in full.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

Everyone was getting used to Harry becoming a lawmaker. It was old news now within Hogwarts as the exam season approached and, though the papers and the magazines had finally started to ease up on the articles about him after a week or two, there was occasionally an article about him if there was a slow news day. It was mostly speculation about what he might do next, but sometimes it was also good news stories about those people his reform was helping now that the laws had been changed. Voldemort doubling down on the papers to print everything good about the reform as ‘evidence’ that it was a good thing, so that no one would look too closely at what his vile followers were doing in the dark corners, no doubt. It also worked as a distraction from the leaked details of Dumbledore’s looming trial, which eased some of Harry’s fears that it would affect the trial, at least, as people were distracted away from speculation on the leaked details.

Harry had once more been allowed access to his own mail. He still got the occasional letter to thank him for his work on the reform, and for getting it passed into law, but he didn’t receive any more hate mate, sex mail, or curses. It was a relief to once again receive letters from Rabastan and to be able to send them without anyone else getting their hands on them, especially considering some of the content they contained, which was certainly unsuitable for anyone’s eyes but theirs.

It was the twenty-third of May, just two weeks and two days before the start of the exams. Today was nerve-wracking for another reason, though. It was the final Quidditch match of the season. Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw. One last ditch effort to get out all the stress and have some fun before the exam season was upon the whole school.

Harry had eaten well for breakfast, already in his red and gold Quidditch uniform, which made him stand out even more at the Slytherin table among a sea of silver and green, but he’d gotten used to it over the last two years.

He was so used to Quidditch, with the familiar butterflies in his belly, that it no longer bothered him and he used the nerves, the adrenaline, to eat well and plan strategies. He wanted to go out a little earlier than everyone, just to check the weather conditions and to have a chat with his team, but he was expecting favourable conditions and fair weather given that it was late May and almost summer. The only obstacle he was expecting was full sun glare, which would prove especially problematic for the keepers. He could only hope that one side of the pitch was in shade, and that Gryffindor won the coin toss to have the shaded side.

“How are you feeling?” Blaise asked him critically.

Harry chuckled. “Fine. Perfectly normal and strong.”

“You’re eating well, at least.” Draco said approvingly.

“There’s nothing wrong with my appetite and I’ve been on the team since my first year, I’m used to this. We’re in a good position, this match is a formality and everyone knows it; Gryffindor have already won.”

“Slytherin can still win if you lose by enough points!” Blaise said, smirking. They all knew Harry wasn’t going to let that happen. “We’ll be at two wins and a loss each this season, so it’ll come down to points.”

“Oh, just accept it, Blaise. That’s not going to happen. The Ravenclaw team haven’t shown up all season. Their best players graduated last year.” Harry laughed. “I’m going to destroy them, and have fun while I’m doing it.”

Blaise sighed and shook his head. “We haven’t won the Quidditch Cup once since I’ve been here.”

“You’re not going to either.” Harry pointed out smugly. “Not with me here.”

Harry had finished eating, he’d finished his cup of tea, and he saw some of his team loitering at the doors.

“Make sure you all cheer for me, okay?” He teased as he stood up, grabbing his Firebolt that had been resting against the table beside him.

“I’ll cheer for you to fall!” Blaise insisted.

“Shut up, Blaise!” Draco snapped. Harry smiled. Draco couldn’t even bear to hear jokes about Harry being injured or sick anymore.

“I’ll see you after the match, we can celebrate a bit and then dive right back into revision.” Harry said, giving a little wave before striding to the doors to collect his waiting team members, all of them with their brooms slung over their shoulders.

“How are you, Captain?” Demelza asked him.

“Really good. We’ve got this. We just need to keep a clean sheet and keep scoring points. Their keeper is new, and their seeker is not even close to being my equal.” He said as he led them out of the castle and into the grounds. “That said, anything can happen in Quidditch and I’d rather it if we didn’t relax and let our guard down.”

“We won’t!” Ritchie said determinedly.

“We’ll miss you next year when you’ve graduated.” Paulie said sadly.

“You won’t.” Harry said. “You’ve been learning so much with me as Captain, you’ll carry on the Gryffindor legacy when I’m off conquering the law courts and the Ministry.” He chuckled. “Dillan is a really good fit with the team.” Harry said, finding Dillan, now a third year, in the squad and nodding to him. “You’ll all do just fine when I’m gone.”

“We’ll still miss you.” Demelza told him stubbornly. “You’re our rock, you know? We all look up to you, and you help us through everything we need. Any worries or anxiety we have and we know we can go to you and you’ll help.”

“That will be your job next year, Demelza, as the senior member of the squad.” Harry said seriously. “I know I’m leaving you all in good hands and you’ll be just fine without me because I’ve prepared you all to carry on without me. That’s my job as the outgoing Captain done, right there.”

Everyone was quiet for a moment, absorbing the truth that Harry wouldn’t be here in any sort of capacity next year. It wasn’t just Quidditch, it was everything else too, because Harry had taken time to make sure everyone was settled and he talked them through their worries and fears because he knew from experience how suffering in silence made everything worse. He might not be speaking to his former friends from Gryffindor, and he hadn’t been to the tower since their last Quidditch win, but he was still a Gryffindor and, more than that, he was Head Boy for the entire school. Just because he didn’t abuse his power to write up every student he found wandering the castle at night, and he’d never taken points from anyone despite that he could, didn’t mean that he hadn’t taken the role seriously. He had, just in different ways. His mind automatically went to Felix, his little Hufflepuff shadow.

Maybe Harry was unduly biased against bullies and bullying in general because of what the Dursleys had put him through. He was used to taking a lot of abuse because of the way they’d treated him and he hadn’t really noticed just how bad that had gotten, or how badly he was being treated, until his adoption. When he had been treated as a person for the first time in his life. Respected and protected; loved as a son and even a brother. The thought of anyone else going through what he had been forced to endure made his skin crawl.

Thinking of what he’d had to endure, his mind wandered to Dumbledore. His fist clenched without thought. That cruel, manipulative man would get what was coming to him. No one had dared bring it up to him, the charges against Dumbledore, that was. He’d thought, for a moment, that McGonagall would during their final careers meeting, but she hadn’t. None of the other students had brought it up either, not even to try and taunt him. He couldn’t wait for the trial…and what would come after.

“Conditions look good.” Demelza said, a touch quietly.

Harry looked to her and saw her worried look. He had been silent for too long and, clearly, his expressions had matched his thoughts. He smiled softly.

“The conditions are perfect for today. A little overcast, but not too cold and barely any wind. This will be good for us.”

Harry got his mind back on the coming match. He could deal with everything else later. He deserved to have a little bit of fun and he loved flying. He needed a break from his own heavy thoughts.

Harry got everyone into the Gryffindor changing room, though all of them were already dressed, it would give them a chance to settle as the bleachers filled with students and teachers alike.

Harry took the time to run through some last minute strategies and game plays with his team, giving them their very last pep-talk from him. It was sad to say goodbye, to leave all of this behind, but he was excited for his future too. One section of his life was going to end when he graduated and his time as a student came to an end, but another was only just beginning and that was utterly exhilarating. Especially when it included marrying Rabastan and having children with him.

“Right, it’s time.” Harry said. “We’re going to win this game and the Cup.” He insisted.

His team cheered and it made him smile.

“Reservists, remember to keep your head in the game.” He said warningly. “Just in case you’re needed. If we lose this game by enough points, Slytherin will win and I can’t abide that thought.”

“We’d have to lose by two hundred and forty points, Captain!” Jimmy complained.

“Stranger things have happened.” Harry said. “The snitch is worth one hundred and fifty points, if that’s caught by Ravenclaw, we’d only need to be ninety points down.”

That sobered his team a little and Harry saw his reserve team sharing looks.

“Well, I’m not going to let the Ravenclaw Seeker catch the snitch if I can help it, but we’ve seen it before where I become the target for the Beaters.”

“Captain, do you want us to keep on you?” Ritchie asked him.

Harry shook his head. “Keep on the Chasers and, if you get the chance, take out their Beaters or their Keeper. I’m used to avoiding bludgers and even players using themselves to block me. I can handle myself, so keep the way clear for our Chasers to score.”

Jimmy and Ritchie nodded determinedly.

“Demelza, Sarah, Cory. I need you to keep us above that ninety point threshold. Do not let them get ninety points above us, not that I think they will, but if we cover all bases here then they’ll have no hope of winning and we’ll walk away with the Cup.”

“I’ll try not to let anyone score.” Pauley said quietly.

“You’re a great Keeper.” Harry praised immediately. “You can’t keep out every shot, so don’t kick yourself if they do score, Pauley, just move on and focus on the next shot. Got it?”

“Yes, Captain.”

Harry led the team out of their changing room across the Quidditch pitch, towards Madam Hooch who would be refereeing. Ravenclaw were waiting for them and they looked defeated already, their shoulders hunched, their heads hung low, and their posture was curled inwards. Harry took a deep breath to control the urge to grin triumphantly. This game wasn’t over until the snitch was caught and the whistle blew.

“You will keep this game clean.” Madam Hooch warned them all. “Captains, step forward.”

Harry and the Ravenclaw Captain both took a step forward and Harry had his hand already raised, held out to shake. His Quidditch gloves were steel boned at the fingers to help him catch the snitch, so anyone who tried to crush his fingers would be sadly disappointed. The Ravenclaw captain didn’t bother to try anything of the sort. He barely shook Harry’s hand once before letting go.

Harry had been hoping for a good game for his final ever match, but it looked like he would just have to settle for a final win. The Ravenclaw team had once again not shown up on the pitch for the match. They were behaving as if they’d already lost; a mental brick wall for positivity and mindset. They’d lost this game before they’d ever set foot on the pitch.

Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the game was on.

Harry coasted up above everyone else; above the game happening down below him. He could see some Slytherins wearing Ravenclaw apparel, showing exactly who they wanted to win this match, but it wasn’t going to happen. The game had barely started before Demelza passed quickly to Cory, who wasn’t being marked, and he caught the Quaffle with one hand and then launched the ball into the right hoop, giving Gryffindor ten points.

Harry smiled. He could trust his teammates to play while his focus was on the snitch. He flew around almost lazily, enjoying his last game, keeping an eye out for the snitch, keeping his other eye on the new Ravenclaw Seeker, but as Gryffindor dominated the possession of the quaffle and went forty points ahead in the first several minutes, he wasn’t worried. Even if Ravenclaw did catch the snitch now, it still wouldn’t be enough to give Slytherin the win on points. Gryffindor would win overall, but that would be a rather poor end to his Quidditch career, in his opinion.

As he drifted, waiting for the snitch to make its appearance in the game, he reminisced about all of his previous games over the last seven years. It would be a shame to give this up, and he wouldn’t completely, he would still go flying and he would delight in teaching his children to play too, but it was going to be difficult to not only find the time between his political career and his law reforms, but also being pregnant too. He wouldn’t risk his unborn children, his precious babies, just because he wanted to fly. He would take excessive care of them, always, and he was sure that Rabastan, and indeed the entire family, would too. The thought made him smile softly. He’d never been taken care of so thoroughly and completely before in his life and he was sure that, the moment he announced his pregnancy, even more care would be given to him.

A glint of something, a sparkle as the sunlight reflected off of something, and Harry was turning on instinct and giving chase. A collective roar from the eagerly watching crowd broke through Harry’s usually blocked mind as they saw him moving so suddenly, knowing as they did that it meant he had either seen the snitch, or he was trying to goad the opposition Seeker into a dangerous chase which, with him, usually ended in a Wronski Feint…and the opposing Seeker getting injured.

It was the snitch and Harry closed in on it easily. The Firebolt was still unmatched for speed and manoeuvrability and Harry felt as if he and the broom were one entity as he moved. A bludger sailed straight in front of his face and Harry was forced to swerve to keep himself safe. The moment over, the snitch had vanished into the chaos of the game and Harry cursed, turning his gaze to the Ravenclaw Beater who had sent the bludger after him. Harry turned his head to find one of his own Beaters; both Jimmy and Ritchie were watching him, waiting for his signal and Harry nodded, holding up five fingers, telling them from afar that they were to target the Beater wearing the number five on his back. He got twin nods from his Beaters, indicating they’d understood his message.

Harry put a bit of space between himself and the game still being played furiously underneath him. The snitch would come back out of hiding soon, he was sure. He’d seen it once and he could chase it down, but the last thing he wanted right now was an injury.

Gryffindor were one hundred and ten points up when the whistle blew suddenly, cutting over all the other noises, and Harry’s heart was thumping, the terrible thought that he’d missed either the snitch or the opposing Seeker chasing it, but it was a call for a timeout.

Harry quickly flew to huddle under the Gryffindor bleachers. His three Chasers were dripping with sweat, so he took out his wand and cooled them all down, letting everyone catch their breaths.

“The Ravenclaw captain wants to make some substitutions.” Demelza told him. “I heard him saying so to Madam Hooch.”

“It won’t make a difference.” Cory said as Demelza quickly guzzled down a bottle of water. “We’re a hundred and ten points ahead of them already. They won’t catch up now, they’ve barely had any possession of the quaffle and haven’t made a single attempt at the hoops.”

“I have been quite bored.” Pauley said with a grin.

“I wasn’t even aware that Ravenclaw had reserves they could substitute.” Harry said, sipping on his own bottle of water. “That’s my oversight, I’m sorry. As captain, I should have done some digging to prepare all of us for every eventuality.”

Jimmy scoffed. “Captain, you’ve done so damn much this year. Who cares what substitutes Ravenclaw have? If they were any good they’d have been on the first team given how crap they all are.”

Harry had to choke back a laugh. He tried to be serious; a mature adult. “That’s not very sportsmanship of you.” He chastised gently, then looked over the field to where Ravenclaw were scuttling around in their bright blue robes. “Though, you are right. If they had any good players to pick they’d have put them on the first team, so we should keep our guard up, be alert to any tricks, but I wouldn’t be overly worried. Not when we’re more than a hundred points up and they have yet to score. How are you dealing with the number five Beater?” He asked Jimmy and Ritchie.

“He’s one of those they’re subbing.” Jimmy said with a grin. “Ritch got him right in the chest!”

Harry smirked and nodded his approval. Anyone who targeted him would get back double.

“Their Seeker isn’t even close to being my equal. There’s no way he’s getting the snitch first. We just have to hold out until the snitch decides to come back into the game.”

His team cheered and Jimmy and Ritchie smacked their bats into the other’s. It made Harry smile. He would miss this when he was stuck in the Ministry, in the Wizengamot meeting room, all day every day, surrounded by ancient men. Best to make the most of it while he still could.

Ravenclaw were done making substitutions and Madam Hooch’s whistle blew, calling both teams back into play.

“Are we all ready?” Harry asked, supervising his team taking last minute drinks and readjusting their robes and gear.

“Yes, Captain!” They answered.

Harry grinned. “Let’s go and give them hell.”

The second part of the match did not go any better for Ravenclaw. Their substitutes weren’t up to scratch; a brand new Beater and an even younger Chaser who, the first time he was passed the quaffle, fumbled it and dropped it right into Sarah’s waiting hands. Sarah passed immediately to Cory, who offloaded the quaffle back to Sarah who had zoomed superbly into a better position on his right, and she had scored another ten points for Gryffindor as the Ravenclaw Keeper had been hovering over the central and right hoop to cover Cory’s movement, leaving the left hoop completely unguarded.

Harry was back to coasting above the game going on below him and it was difficult to force himself to stop watching them and focus on what he had to do. Gryffindor had already won, much to his growing delight. He just needed to catch the snitch now to end the game.

He got his chance when the snitch almost caught him in the head. Harry snatched at it, but he hadn’t been ready, he hadn’t been expecting it, and his fingers closed on air. He gave immediate chase, stirring the crowd back up as he started weaving and almost dancing through the air, around other players, through the furious game going on around him now, as he followed the snitch where ever it led.

He ended up catching the snitch almost right in front of Madam Hooch. He snatched it from the air after a hair-raising dive and a barrel roll to end.

The whistle blew and it was official. Gryffindor had won three hundred and forty points to absolutely nothing.

It was the greatest feeling in the world when he accepted the Quidditch Cup from a beaming Professor McGonagall and taking it, surrounded by his team, on a lap of honour around the Quidditch field. They had won all three of their matches this year and they deserved the cup. The celebrations would go on all afternoon and into the night now…or for as long as Harry could stand to be around the other Gryffindors. They would, at least, love him today for winning, such were the fickle hearts of teenagers. He wouldn’t let it bother him.

Harry kept the cup close as they showered and changed, before it was taken with them to Gryffindor Tower for the afterparty. Tomorrow morning, it would be his duty to take it to Professor McGonagall’s office, as the Head of Gryffindor, for her to display it. But, for right now, it belonged to his team, to all of Gryffindor, and they would show it off.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

Friday the fifth of June was a rather special day. They still had lessons, though the only thing they were doing in class now was revising everything they’d already learned ahead of the exams, which started the following Monday, so everyone was more than a little stressed.

But the fifth of June was Draco’s eighteenth birthday and Harry was already planning to host a small party in his rooms in the evening. He’d already gotten Dobby to get him a cake and, honestly, they could all use a touch of stress relief with the exams so close.

At breakfast, Draco had gotten so many letters and gifts that he’d gone a bit pink-cheeked at all the attention, but it was only to be expected. Draco was spoilt and he was used to being spoilt.

“I need to go and put these in my room.” He said, stuffing the unopened gifts into a giftbag and hurrying it away quickly.

Harry chuckled as he watched Draco rush out of the Great Hall with his gifts. It actually made him glad that his birthday was during the summer break, he definitely wouldn’t know how to deal with so much attention on him or so many gifts.

Hedwig landed in front of him and Harry’s eyes lit up to see her, giving her a gentle touch, poking his index finger through her feathers and giving her a careful, gentle scratch.

“Hey, girl.” He greeted. “Do you have something for me or have you come for a visit?” He asked with a grin, even as he could see that she was carrying something.

Hedwig stuck out her leg and hopped closer to him. Harry took care as he untied the letter and the small box she was carrying and indicated that Hedwig could take what she wanted from his plate as he fussed her a little more, smoothing his hand over her head, making her close her amber eyes in pleasure.

She left in a powerful beat of her wings and Harry turned to the letter, opening it, hoping that it was from Rabastan. It was.

Harry had to lock down his facial expressions so he didn’t grin like an idiot, squirm, or blush at the contents of that letter…Rabastan was getting worse the closer to his graduation he got, and closer to their wedding. Harry coughed to cover a naughty giggle, but he had to swallow too. He wasn’t sure what Rabastan was describing was even physically possible, but he was sure that they’d both delight in trying their best to recreate it once they were married.

The bell rang and everyone packed their things away and hurried to their first lesson. Harry slid the little box into his bag, he couldn’t wait to open it on their first break. He wanted to see what Rabastan had sent him. Or maybe, considering the content of the letter that had been sent to him, he would be better off waiting until tonight, when he was alone in his rooms…just in case.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

Harry smiled as he watched Draco getting more and more uncomfortable as he was fussed over. His brother was used to it, but still, he was distinctly pink-cheeked as Harry presented him with yet another present and a beautifully decorated cake in the Slytherin colours of green and silver.

“This is excessive.” Draco complained.

“Words that you’ve never spoken before.” Blaise teased.

“We need the stress relief.” Harry insisted, waving a nonchalant hand. “Our exams start in three days, this is just an excuse, so enjoy it, your next birthday won’t even be acknowledged.”

Astoria giggled softly, watching as Draco opened Harry’s present. A box of artisan ice mice; Draco’s favourite sweets.

Harry had served everyone tea, they had biscuits, and Harry happily cut the cake up into portions for them all, passing out plates.

It was relaxed, a touch dignified, which wasn’t anything that Harry hadn’t been expecting from purebloods. But there was still a hint of tension under everything because of the looming exams. For most of them in the room, the seventh years, they knew exactly how important these exams were. The results of these exams would decide their entire futures and what careers they could even apply for. It was agonising to wait for them, fretting about if they’d done well or not before they’d even looked at a single paper.

Harry took a breath and pushed those thoughts away. They were already planning to spend the entire weekend revising and studying ahead of the exams, but today was for Draco. The very last chance they had for rest and relaxation, to laugh and mess around a little; next week was going to be incredibly stressful until those exams ended on Friday afternoon.

“Have you had a good birthday?” Luna asked Draco in her dreamy voice, even as she was sitting, tucked into Theo’s side, snuggling happily.

“As well as I can while still in school.” Draco said, shaking his head. “Not to diminish any of your efforts, but my birthdays haven’t been of the same calibre since I entered Hogwarts.”

Blaise laughed then. “Oh, Harry wouldn’t know what your birthdays were like before you came to Hogwarts. I still remember your eighth birthday, when you were going through that pretentious art phase.”

Draco blushed so hard that he surpassed pink and went bright red. “Shut up, Blaise!”

“No, I remember this.” Theo laughed. “You had your party at that magical art gallery in London and made us all traipse around behind you as you explained every piece as if any of us were interested!”

Blaise laughed harder. “I was so damn bored!”

“That was mother’s influence.” Draco replied quietly. “She loves art, so of course she tried to instil that in me as well.”

The little story just made Harry think of what his own future children might like when they were older…once they were born at all. He imagined himself, and Rabastan and Narcissa, taking them to a magical art gallery, to introduce them to culture and art. Harry had never had any sort of experience that could be comparable to that. The Dursleys had never taken him anywhere and Dudley had never been interested in museums or art galleries, the thought of it was laughable, so Harry had never gone to one either. He hoped that one of his children was interested. He was going to give all of them all the experiences he possibly could, everything he’d never had. His precious children were never going to have a life like his.

“What are you thinking so hard about?” Draco asked, nudging him gently.

Harry smirked. “I’m thinking about the future, and forcing you to take all my children to the London art gallery when they’re older.”

“No! Harry, you want like seven kids, I’m not doing it!” Draco said immediately and Harry laughed loudly.

“Oh, I want more than seven, Draco! I want as many as I can and you will do your part as their uncle.”

“You take them, then!” Draco said.

“Draco, Harry will be very busy running the world.” Astoria said, giving her betrothed a soft smile before turning to Harry. “We would be delighted to take your children to the art gallery.”

Harry let out a very hysterical giggle at the look on Draco’s face as Astoria agreed to take his children to the art gallery for him.

“I’ve never been to an art gallery before, I wouldn’t know how to show my kids around.” Harry said. “It has to be you.”

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll take you to the gallery in the summer, before you’re bloody married, and show you how to behave and how to interact with the pieces, and then you can do it yourself!” Draco said desperately.

That made Harry laugh all the more. “No deal!” He said, giggling. “My kids are going to be naughty terrors, I’m not taking them anywhere.”

“So why are you making me do it!”

“You’re going to be their uncle, it’s your solemn duty.” Harry insisted.

“Tell Rodolphus to take them then!”

“Oh, hell no.” Harry said, holding up a hand. “If I let Dolphus take them, there wouldn’t be an art gallery left standing. Imagine how much money and sweet talking I’d have to do as Minister for Magic to deal with that sort of situation!”

All of them fell about laughing, getting out all the nerves and stress of the upcoming exams. They were coming, it was hovering over the entire castle, but here, right now, they could laugh and have some fun with one another. It would be the last time until this time next week, when the exams were all over and they couldn’t change any of what they’d done. It was going to be stressful, and the wait for the summer until they got their results was going to be a sort of nerve-wracking hell. Harry was still going to do his absolute best. He was studying, revising, and he was as prepared as he could be. He was ready for this all to be done and over with now. One week, just one, and it would be.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

The morning of the exams had finally come and Harry had nervous butterflies in his belly because he knew his future plans hinged on him doing exceptionally well on his exams.

He picked at his breakfast, trying to eat because he knew it would help keep him focused if he had a full stomach, but the nerves had the food threatening to make a reappearance.

He stopped eating to take some sips of tea to calm himself a little. He was grateful that he wasn’t the only one who was struggling to eat. All of the seventh years looked a little pale and sweaty and many of them were merely picking at their food, like he was. Draco was slowly chewing on some toast, but that was all he was eating. Blaise wasn’t eating at all; he was furiously flitting his gaze over some notes while drinking mug after mug of coffee as if the coffee plant was going extinct.

Harry took some deep breaths and then started eating his eggs and toast again, trying to get some substance into himself, to give him the energy he needed to get through the next few hours until lunchtime. Hopefully, after the first exam, he would settle and feel more reassured…depending on how he felt it had gone, that was.

Harry managed to finish his breakfast, he drank a full glass of strawberry milk, and he ate a banana as well before he stopped eating to drink his tea. He was still breathing slowly and rhythmically, preparing himself and keeping himself calm. It was nerve-wracking, of course, but he could do this. He had studied so hard, he knew all of the material, he had practiced several prominent charms, spells, and transfigurations for his practical exams and he had reassured Marcus that, yes, he had practised carving his rune sets and he remembered the dangerous pair combinations. He was as ready as he ever could be.

The bell rang and Harry heard Blaise curse while Pansy started breathing heavily.

“We know this.” Harry said, his tone measured. “We’ve done so much studying in homework club. We have this. Come on.”

He sounded a lot more confident than he felt, but he believed in himself too. He could do this. They all could.

“Seventh years taking Charms, wait in the entrance hall for ten minutes.” Professor McGonagall called out to them, as the younger years all shambled out to their first lessons and Astoria gave Draco a sweet kiss and wished him luck before she headed off for her own lessons.

They mingled for a while. Blaise was still running desperately through his notes while they waited for the great hall to be set up with individual desks for their first exam.

Those who weren’t taking Charms, and didn’t need to take this exam, were hurrying away to the library for an extra hour of revision before the next exam. It was Ancient Runes next and, honestly, Harry could have done without the harder subjects coming out on the first day. He’d have preferred a day to get into a rhythm, to ease himself into his exams, but at least Ancient Runes wasn’t the very first exam up. His nerves might have keeled him over.

They were called back into the great hall and told to find their labelled desks. They were in alphabetical order, so it wasn’t that difficult. Harry had been near enough sitting in the same seat for his exams for seven years now.

He sat down and took some deep breaths. He could do this. He knew it.

His fingers twitched to turn his paper over. The urge was strong to see which questions were there so he could start formulating answers. Instead, he fiddled with his examination issued quill and ink, which helped to prevent cheating, and made sure the inkpot was close enough to him as he dipped his quill ready to start.

“Seventh years, you will complete this exam in silence. You have one hour.” Professor McGonagall called out. “Begin.”

Harry flipped his paper and turned to the first page. Now that they had started, he couldn’t wait until the exams were over. He’d be one step closer to his graduation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

By the weekend, it was all over. The exams were over. Harry was so exhausted he wasn’t going to move from his spot on the grass out by the lake, lying in the shade of a tree.

His brain felt like it had been taken out and swung at a wall before being placed back in his head. His body wasn’t feeling much better. He was sore, as if he’d actually used his body to write his exams, but it was actually the practical exams that were to blame. The sheer amount of what they had been asked to do as NEWT students…Harry took a breath and let it go. He couldn’t do any more now. None of them could. The exams were over.

The younger years were now taking their own exams, but the seventh years were being left to roam about like ghosts, trying to recover from the horror of their ordeal. They would have a special graduation ceremony in two weeks and then they would take the boats they’d arrived in seven years ago back across the lake and take the Hogwarts Express for the very last time. It was going to be nostalgic, upsetting, but he was excited to start his adult life too. He had so much planned, so much he wanted to do. He couldn’t wait to get started…no, to continue. He’d already started with his creature reform passing. He was already a lawmaker and now he could expand on that and further his plans and ambition. He was ready. More than that, he was excited. It was a good sign for what was to come.

“Are you asleep?” Draco asked quietly, close to him.

Harry opened his eyes to look up at his brother. “No.” He said. “I’m just resting and enjoying this calmness. It’s nice, peaceful, out here.”

“I know what you mean.” Draco said, still with a hushed voice as if they were in the library. “I don’t even want to move.”

Harry hummed in agreement, feeling the blades of grass against his skin, tickling almost, and the heat of the sun above him. He didn’t want to move either.

All of them had made a strict insistence that none of them were allowed to talk about the exams once they were over. It was useless to speculate anyway. Even if they did realise they’d made a mistake, they couldn’t do anything about it, so they had insisted they weren’t allowed to wind one another up with speculation and all talk of exams was banned. It meant they were a little quieter than usual, but after the exhausting week they’d just had, Harry didn’t think any of them minded. He certainly didn’t.

“Not long until graduation now.” Harry said with a smile, his mind turning to Rabastan.

“Then, it’ll be wedding season.” Blaise chuckled. “I’m spending a fortune on dress robes.”

“So you should.” Theo said, giving Blaise’s leg a nudge with his foot. “I have three weddings to attend, you only have two.”

“Marcus actually invited you to his wedding?” Blaise asked interestedly.

“We are cousins.” Theo pointed out. “Just because he hates his mother doesn’t mean he hates me. He’s mellowed a bit now that he’s got Eleanor, I’ve never seen him so settled and comfortable before, not even when he was with Amelia.”

Amelia Mercier had been the woman who had cheated on Marcus with one of his work colleagues, who had been staying in Marcus’ manor as a guest. Marcus had killed him with an unknown runic sequence and he had terrorised Amelia to the point where, if she heard the name ‘Marcus’ she burst into tears. None of it had been able to be pinned to Marcus, despite the rumours, so he had never been prosecuted for anything, but they, in certain social circles, knew what he’d done to the cheating pair.

“He’s found love.” Harry said. “Love softens all of us if we find the right sort.”

“I wouldn’t call Marcus soft.” Theo said with a grin. “Especially not to his face.”

Harry snorted. “You literally just mentioned that he’s mellowed. You’ve noticed that he’s different with Eleanor. Love does change all of us, but it’s for the better. Marcus might not like to show it, but he can’t help but relax when he’s with Eleanor because they love one another. It’s beautiful.”

“I feel the same way about Luna.” Theo confessed. “I just feel better when I’m with her.”

“I’m the same with Rabastan.” Harry agreed. “I don’t want to be apart from him, but for most of our time, for most of the year, I have to be, which has been so damn hard. I want to cling to him now, once I’ve graduated, and just stay attached to his side.”

There were snorts and laughs, but Harry didn’t care. He wasn’t embarrassed of his love, or the strength of it. He did want to cling to Rabastan after two years of having to spend most of their time apart because Harry had to finish his schooling. He had just two weeks left of the term and then he would graduate and he could spend all of his time, every moment he could, with Rabastan, which is what he wanted. They would be married now in just eight weeks. His wedding was inching ever closer and he was so excited that he couldn’t think of it too much or he was going to burst.

Everything in his life was coming together and now, with his exams over, he would wait for his NEWT results and then slingshot right into his political career. All he really wanted now was a little family of his own. He really hoped that, just after his wedding day, he would fall pregnant. He wanted a baby, he wanted that connection to his husband. He wanted to see a little piece of himself, and a piece of Rabastan too, come together in their shared child. These next few weeks of nothing, waiting for the official end of term, was going to be excruciating.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

The graduation ceremony was…not what Harry had been expecting. It was long-winded and formal. Very traditional and ritual with its language and the way it was being performed, but, with the concluding of this graduation ceremony, he was going to be a legal adult in every way and he would be free to start his life. He could hardly contain himself as he thought to his upcoming wedding. Six weeks and counting now.

He and his year mates were sitting in the Great Hall, right up against the teachers’ platform where the staff table was still located, all of their professors were in attendance as the graduating students were called up, one by one, to receive their graduation certificates. Their family members were all in attendance too, sitting behind the students, watching the ceremony. Harry hadn’t been able to control himself as he turned to look in the crowd, smiling as he saw two proud, platinum-blonde heads right in the front.

It felt…odd maybe, to have people here for him. Draco too, of course, but he knew that they’d have come just for him too, if he and Draco had been in separate school years. It made Harry sit a little straighter, it gave him more pride in himself to know that they were here. That he had parents to sit and watch his graduation ceremony.

No, it was alright for everyone to keep reminding him that James and Lily were his parents, and they were, but why couldn’t he have another set of parents too? Those who were alive, to support him when he needed it, and to come and watch with pride as he graduated? He didn’t see why it had to be one or the other. Why accepting his adoptive parents had to cancel out his birth parents. He certainly didn’t see it that way, so why was the word traitor being attached to him because he’d leaned into his adoption and accepted his adoptive family eagerly and longingly? He had wanted a family, a proper one, for so long. For as long as he could remember, it was all he had truly wanted. There wasn’t any part of him that wouldn’t have seized that opportunity with both hands…and he had. He would now eagerly cut off anyone who dared demonise him for his choice. He deserved this. He deserved to have a family of his own and, very soon, he would make his very own little family. He smiled to himself, distracting himself from the boredom of this very dry, long-winded ceremony. At least until Draco’s name was called. Harry smiled and watched as Draco stepped out of his row, walked to the dais and shook Professor McGonagall’s hand. He accepted his framed graduation certificate, had his photo taken with it, and then he was stepping back down and sitting back in his seat as Harry clapped with everyone else.

Harry tuned out of reality and back into his fantasies of marriage and babies as the ceremony carried on. There weren’t very many students between him and Draco, who was only a few rows in front of him and his name was called as Professor McGonagall, as acting Headmistress, reached the ‘Ps’ and Harry was called up to receive his certificate, starting a wave of hiss like conversations from the adults. So predictable. Harry almost rolled his eyes into the back of his head.

Harry stepped forward and shook Professor McGonagall’s hand, accepting the framed graduation certificate in the other. He paused for a moment to have a photo taken, and then his part was over and he was stepping back off the dais to applause and shuffling back into his seat as the student seated next to him was called up.

Now it was just a long wait until the end of this ceremony. They would ride the boats that had sailed them to the castle seven years ago back across the lake to Hogsmeade station, where they would ride the Hogwarts Express for the very last time.

It was a touch sad to think about it in those terms, but one section of his life was coming to a close so that another could begin. His adult life, with a full career ahead of him, whatever opportunity he chose to pursue at his fingertips. He could change the world…and he was planning to do just that. But, it was not just his professional career either; the next chapter of his life involved a husband. It involved creating a beautiful family for himself. Everything he had always wanted. It was within his grasp now. He was excited about the future. He was anxious to begin. He couldn’t stop thinking about it, planning for it. To just dive in and start it already. He’d been forced to wait. Not much longer now and the anticipation of it was making him antsy.

The final student, always poor Blaise, was called up to receive his certificate and Harry clapped for him too, grinning as he knew this ceremony was almost bloody over.

Professor McGonagall waited until Blaise had taken his seat again, right at the back of the student seating, before commanding attention once more.

“The faculty and I have had the pleasure of seeing all of you grow into the men and women you are today. We are so very proud of all of you.” She told them. “May you go on to do wonderful things in the world.” Harry was sure that her gaze landed on him as she said this, before she looked away and turned to pick up another frame, this one larger than their graduation certificates, and framed in gold and not dark wood. There was a blue ribbon sealed to the bottom of this certificate.

Some of the students shuffled and seemed to sit up straighter, but Harry didn’t know why. He didn’t know what this was. Was it normal? A usual part of the ceremony? He didn’t know and Draco, nor any of the other purebloods, had told him about it. They hadn’t even speculated on anyone receiving an additional certificate…or was it an award of sorts?

“This year, the faculty and I have decided that the Excellence Award, the highest honour this school can bestow upon a single, graduating student, will go to the person who has shown such growth and promise throughout the years. A straight O student who has shown a keen intellect and also unfailing kindness and bravery in the face of adversity. With a keen knack for leadership in his roles as a team Quidditch Captain, a tutor to fellow students, and in his role as Head Boy. From earning acclaim for his bravery very early on in his years at this school, including saving the lives of fellow students at risk to his own, to taking the time to teach and instruct others in fields he has shown great aptitude for, this student has proven he possesses valuable qualities as well as an unwavering kindness to others as a role model in his duties as Head Boy. While also working for these past two years as a member of our esteemed Wizengamot, not once has he complained or let his grades slip. He has, in fact, very recently successfully argued a reform he constructed himself into law while simultaneously preparing for his NEWTs, an undertaking that is certainly not enviable by any means. Therefore, I am delighted to offer this prestigious award to Harry James Potter.”

It felt dreamlike. He heard his name being called but it didn’t really sink in. The moment Professor McGonagall had said the words ‘Head Boy’ he’d known it was about him, but it still came as a shock that she had called his name. Despite hearing her talk about his recent achievements he’d still heard them as if she was talking about someone else. Not him.

He stood on wooden legs, hearing the raucous applause as he shuffled out of the row for a second time and stepped up onto the dais.

He must have looked as shocked and stunned as he felt because Professor McGonagall rested a hand on his shoulder.

“You deserve this, Potter.” She told him quietly as she handed out the framed award. “For your hard work and for everything you have been through while here at this school.”

He took the frame with numb fingers, resisting the urge to look at it. To study it and commit every word written on it to memory.

Harry swallowed and forced some composure over himself as he turned to have another photo taken, this time with the Excellence Award. He caught sight of Hermione’s devastated face and he suppressed a laugh, but he let the smile fully unfold. He wondered if she’d known about the Excellence Award…perhaps she’d read it back in Hogwarts: A History in their first year. If she had, she’d never mentioned it, but perhaps she’d thought she would receive it for her studious attitude over the years. She was, undoubtedly, highly intelligent when it came to academics. He felt a spiteful joy at having received this award right in front of her.

He looked instead to Draco, who was almost beaming with pride, to Lucius and Narcissa who seemed to be preening. It made his smile morph into a full grin. They were his family and he’d made them proud.

His mind inevitably went to Rabastan and he knew his fiancé would be just as proud of his achievements. Xerxes would be too as it would reflect well on the Lestranges when he married into the family in August. The jury was still out on Rodolphus. He might care about it, but he also might not give a shit about awards and certificates. His idea of achievement was more visceral and physical and Harry wanted no part of it.

He stepped back down and retook his seat, now holding onto two framed certificates. He was almost bursting with pride, with accomplishment. He was so happy and all he wanted was to go to Lucius and Narcissa and show them his award. There was a part of him who would always be that lonely, yearning little boy who was desperate for parental approval. He was grateful that he could indulge in that now.

“That concludes the ceremony.” Professor McGonagall told them with a proud smile. “You are no longer students, though we will always remember you fondly and Hogwarts will always be a home to those who have passed through these halls. I, and the rest of the staff, wish you every success in your lives. Do be sure to keep in touch now and then.” She added as a little parting comment and then, there seemed to be a clamour as people stood around him and former students rushed for their families in the crowd behind.

Harry was more sedate, feeling a little distracted and numb still. Draco came to him first, wrapping him in a hug.

“I knew you’d get that!” Draco said, almost bursting with pride.

“I didn’t even know about it! You didn’t give me any sort of warning.”

“What do you mean you didn’t know? I thought everyone knew!” Draco complained. “It’s the most sought after award granted by the school, whoever receives it every year always goes on to get the best jobs and opportunities. You’ll have employers begging for you to work for them.”

Harry laughed. “Too bad I already have a job.”

“Oh, the unfailing kindness!” Draco mocked.

Harry elbowed him in the ribs.

“Boys.” Narcissa greeted, coming to them and smiling, placing a hand on each of their cheeks. “I am so proud of both of you.”

“Indeed.” Lucius said, standing behind Narcissa and, in a mimic of her, placed one of his hands on each of their shoulders. “We will be heading to the Garnet Swan for the evening meal, to celebrate your graduation.”

“I don’t see why we can’t just apparate back home.” Draco complained.

“It is tradition, darling.” Narcissa told him. “A touch of nostalgia before adulthood crashes down upon you both.”

Harry took a breath and held both of his framed certificates tighter. He couldn’t wait for adulthood to crash upon him. He already had half of himself eased into it. The only thing that had still been holding him back had been his graduation and, now that that was over, the moment he got his exam results, he would be eagerly diving in. Next on his list was the overhauling of all of the laws and traditions, many of which were horrific, outdated, or just plain silly by modern standards. It was still a way off, as he had stopped working on it to focus solely on the creature law reform, but he would have the time now, almost endless time, to sit and focus solely on that and he could get it done by the end of this year, or perhaps early next year, if he put his mind to it. He was still riding high the success of his creature law reform. He knew he could argue this law reform through too.

“We will leave you both now, but stay together. Draco, look after your brother.” Narcissa warned.

“I will, Mother.” Draco assured her.

“I am more responsible than he is!” Harry argued. “I am only two months younger than him!”

“But you are younger.” Draco boasted smugly. “I’m eighteen. You’re still just seventeen.”

“For five weeks!” Harry complained.

The three Malfoys chuckled at his expense and Harry puffed out his cheeks for a moment before composing himself.

“We will be celebrating both of your achievements, with family.” Lucius added, which Harry took to mean the Lestranges also, which made him perk right back up again. “Just take some hours now to rest on your return journey. I still remember how exhausting NEWT exams were.”

Narcissa nodded her agreement and sympathy. “They are among the hardest generalised exams in the world, so I would like you both to recover.”

The two of them nodded, knowing how protective Narcissa was of them both. She would likely prefer it if all four of them apparated home right now too.

Parents had started leaving the hall. It was getting on for mid-morning, when the train would be leaving within the next hour or so from Hogsmeade. It was time to say goodbye to Hogwarts.

Harry stayed with Draco for the boat journey. Unlike in their first year, they could only sit two to a boat as they had all gotten so much bigger, but it was nostalgic, a touch of whimsy, as they sailed back across the lake towards Hogsmeade station, the imposing castle at their backs. Harry did enjoy it, though a part of him was sad too. Hogwarts had been his home when he hadn’t had one. After his adoption it had become a home away from home. There was always going to be a special place in his heart for Hogwarts, but it was time to move forward. It was time he got his own life. His own home. His own family. It was sad to say goodbye, but the biggest part of him was eager to throw himself into this next era of his life. He was more than ready for it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X

Harry was dressed in beautiful charcoal grey dress robes and he was accessorised with his engagement ring and some silver pieces.

He was right that they were going to dinner with the Lestranges, but he hadn’t realised that they were also dining with the Greengrasses. Harry hoped that Daphne didn’t accept the invitation.

The four of them arrived at the Garnet Swan and they exuded sophistication with every step. Narcissa had linked her arm through his, keeping hold of him in public while making it seem less about protection and more about class.

They were shown to a private room upstairs, as was customary now, and Harry was excited to realise that the Lestranges were already here. Harry ran straight for Rabastan and embraced him tightly.

“Congratulations on graduating, my love.” Rabastan told him, holding him just as tightly.

“I’d hoped you were at home when I arrived back.” Harry confessed.

“I wanted to help set up this dinner for us.” Rabastan told him. “I know we are sharing the room with family this time, but I want you to myself for a bit.”

Harry smiled and rested on Rabastan’s chest, holding on and being held.

“Am I to be ignored?” Xerxes asked teasingly, watching them with an indulgent smile.

“Only for a while.” Harry said back cheekily.

“Harry!” Narcissa chastised.

Harry laughed. “I’ve missed Rabastan.” He insisted.

“He never shut up the entire train ride back home.” Draco agreed snootily.

“He says as he was able to touch and speak to Astoria whenever he wanted!” Harry shot back.

“Please remember that you are both graduates now.” Lucius told them, even as he pulled out a chair for Narcissa, easing her into her seat at the table before pouring her a glass of white wine after first sipping on it, to make sure it was one that she would enjoy.

Harry chuckled and took a seat, pulling Rabastan next to him. Harry preferred red wine to white, and sweeter rather than dry, and Rabastan knew this as he poured him a glass from one of the numerous bottles on the table.

“I’d better enjoy this now.” Harry said quietly, slyly, giving Rabastan a sultry look. “I won’t be able to drink in a few weeks, once I’m pregnant.”

Rabastan almost dropped the bottle and had to stabilise it with his other hand quickly. Xerxes and Rodolphus both gave him odd looks, but no one mentioned it as the door knocked once before the Greengrasses entered.

There were greetings and well wishes and Draco and Astoria held one another as if they hadn’t seen one another an hour before as they left the train platform.

“If you’re going to start this game up again, my love, I will remind you that you can’t control yourself.” Rabastan whispered into his ear in the hubbub.

Harry shivered with lust and want, turning to stare at his fiancé with wide, longing eyes. Harry watched as Rabastan swallowed involuntarily.

“You’re the one who can’t control yourself, dear.” Harry said softly, giving Rabastan a once over. “I might be a teenager, and full of lust and want, but I know just how to rile you up.”

“Oh?” Rabastan asked, cocking an inquisitive eyebrow.

Harry chuckled. “All I need to do is sit in a certain way, or insinuate about pregnancy, and you’re gone.”

Rabastan bent closer, his mouth almost to Harry’s ear. “I will drag you right down with me.”

Harry grinned happily. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” He insisted.

They were forced to break off their little private conversation when menus were delivered to them. The menu changed with the seasons and Harry ogled the options on the summer menu, trying to decide what he wanted.

“I will be bringing you back here, just the two of us, often.” Rabastan assured him, seeing that he was warring between multiple options. “Milo has worked hard on the new menu for this year and he is very interested in what you might like.”

“Why me?” Harry asked curiously, folding his menu after deciding what he wanted.

“The Garnet Swan is the only restaurant that can boast having Lord Potter-Black as an exclusive diner, of course.”

Harry snorted. That was only because Rabastan couldn’t go out in public, but no one knew that. To everyone on the outside, of course it seemed as if this was his very favourite place to eat as he never went anywhere else.

“I’m sure he’s cashing in on that, as part payment for the use of one of his exclusive rooms.” Harry said with a smile.

“He is a businessman.” Rabastan pointed out. “He’d be a fool not to play on it and he has noticed an upwards trend in footfall since the media keep taking photos of your return visits. But, as a result, he does want to please you and your tastes with the menu options, hence him wanting to know your thoughts on the new summer menu.”

“I want to try everything.” Harry said with a smile. “So we may need several visits, my love. Not that that is any hardship with you as a partner, of course.”

Rabastan bent to kiss his cheek.

“Father, may I have a glass of wine with dinner?” Astoria asked Harvey.

Harvey Greengrass considered his daughter critically before nodding. “Only half a glass, sweetheart.”

Harry got the feeling that he had only agreed because they were in company, and Astoria would be seventeen, a legal adult, in just four months. Her birthday was in November. Harry would have to get her something special for her coming of age, though she had loved the shoes he had gotten her on her last birthday. He had seen them in a catalogue while he’d been wedding planning and he’d known she would love them. She absolutely had.

Harry was glad to note that Daphne either hadn’t been invited, or she had declined to come. It was only Astoria, Harvey, and the sour-faced Lucille, who had once been an Avery, the younger sister of Lord Anton.

The Malfoys were the ones with all the power in the betrothal, though. The Greengrasses needed the Malfoys, and Draco, a lot more than the Malfoys needed them, which was probably why both Harvey and Lucille were at their most gracious and polite, especially in light of Daphne’s public humiliation and the loss of her betrothal to Theo. They couldn’t afford to lose the Malfoys and the betrothal to Draco now and everyone knew it.

After everyone had ordered, Harry was fully engaged in conversation, not just with Rabastan, though he happily showed off a little that he had received the Excellence Award.

“A member of the Lestrange family has not won the Excellence Award in almost two hundred years. He went on to become Minister for Magic.” Xerxes said, rather pointedly.

“A member of the Malfoy family has never won the Excellence Award.” Lucius said, looking at Harry proudly. “You are a credit to us, Harry, and we are very proud of you.”

“I’m just glad that Granger didn’t get it.” Draco said viciously. “I knew it would be you, Harry.”

“I didn’t know it was a thing.” Harry said, giving a small shrug. “I absolutely wasn’t expecting it, well…I didn’t even know about it to expect it, so it was a surprise.”

“I would have thought Granger would have told you, or at least Weasley.” Draco said.

Harry shook his head. “Nah, then they were shocked that I got the Head Boy position too, so I doubt they would have expected me, out of our entire year, to get a special award. Hermione would have expected to win it herself, so why bother mentioning it to me, and Ron wouldn’t have cared about academic awards.”

“You have worked so hard, Harry.” Astoria insisted stridently. “You were so sick at the beginning of the year, it hasn’t even been that long since you recovered and you still kept up with everything you were juggling, of course you deserved it more than anyone else.”

“You’re betrothed to me, you know.” Draco teased.

“A shame.” Astoria teased right back.

Harry laughed, even as Rabastan possessively wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders and pulled him into a hug.

“Astoria, sweetheart, don’t say such things.” Lucille chided, giving the Malfoys a worried look.

“Nothing was meant by it, Mother.” Astoria insisted primly. “Draco already knows that everyone is after his exceptional younger brother.”

Draco chuckled. “I should buy a swatter to make it easier to keep everyone away from him.”

Harry got the mental image of Draco holding an oversized fly swatter, hitting Blaise over and over and he laughed happily.

“Who keeps bothering you?” Rabastan asked lightly…too lightly. His hand pressed Harry into his body tighter.

Harry smiled, turning to give his fiancé a kiss. “They don’t have a single, fleeting hope.” Harry assured him. “I’ve never looked at anyone other than you.”

Rabastan pressed a sweet kiss to Harry’s forehead and the distraction came in the form of their starters arriving. Harry had gone adventurous and ordered broccoli and burrata crostini; it was adventurous to him as he only knew what broccoli was, but it seemed to be tiny toasted breads with cheese, broccoli and pomegranate seeds. Harry bit into the crunchy bread and hummed. It seemed his palate was expanding the more he explored different foods, as he liked the combination, despite that he would never have thought to put these ingredients together in one bite himself.

The conversation turned into little groups of chatter, rather than the entire table talking together. Lucius, Xerxes and Harvey were talking about work. Lucille and Narcissa seemed to be talking about a charity event they were both going to be attending next week. Draco and Astoria were sitting close, bent together and giggling. Harry smiled. He decided to entertain both Rabastan and Rodolphus, as he didn’t want the older man to be left out, though he seemed very invested in his appetiser. Both his and Rabastan’s appetites had gotten much better since the start of the year, now they weren’t filling their stomachs all the time with the potions they needed to take to get healthier.

“Here, Harry.” Rabastan offered him a forkful of his own starter, what seemed to be a small watermelon and feta salad.

Harry happily dived onto the fork, eating with relish, wondering how watermelon and feta actually worked together with some green leaves.

“I prefer mine.” Harry said, smiling, offering one of the small breads to Rabastan to bite.

His fiancé considered the flavour, before nodding. “You’re right, that is better. I was wondering if it might not be too bland, but the garlic and pomegranate bring it to a new level.”

“I was worried the broccoli might not be a bit strange, but I like it.” Harry insisted. “Want to try, Dolphus?”

Harry offered his last little bread to Rodolphus, who took it and tried. In exchange, he offered Harry the last of the flat fritter things he’d ordered. It had honey drizzled over it, so Harry took an experimental nibble. The fritter was…strange was the only way he could think to describe it.

“What was this made of, again?” He asked, looking at the fritter in his hand.

“Halloumi, which is a type of cheese, and courgette.” Rabastan told him. “If you don’t like it, don’t force yourself to eat it, love.”

“It’s just strange.” Harry said, taking another bite. The best part of it, in his opinion, was the generous honey drizzle.

“I think you picked the best starter of them all.” Rodolphus told him, licking his thumb after taking the last bite of crostini.

“I’d have to try them all first.” Harry said. “There were several more starters that I liked the look of. I want to try those little herb and feta pies next.”

“I am more than happy to take you to dinner.” Rabastan assured him. “The next time will be just us.”

“I like having you to myself.” Harry said, smiling.

“We’ll be married soon.” Rabastan said, his eyes gleaming at the thought.

Harry licked his lips. “Six weeks.” He said. “I’m getting really excited for it.”

Rabastan cupped his cheek. “I’m happy to hear that you’re excited, not nervous.”

Harry shook his head. “I’ve been waiting so long for this now, what’s there to be nervous about?”

“Are you worried about the pregnancy?”

“No.” Harry said immediately, then gave Rabastan a considering look. “Are you worried about it?”

“A little. Not to having children, but from what you told me the healer said, about you being too small and narrow to carry well. I have been worried about how that might affect your health, especially now, after you were poisoned.”

Harry thought of that seriously. He could understand why Rabastan was so worried. Harry could potentially leave him a single father if anything happened to him as a result of the pregnancy. Instead of brushing those fears aside, or waving everything off as being ‘fine’ when Rabastan was clearly agonising over it, Harry actually thought about what could happen if the worst did happen. He would need to go to Gringotts and submit a will in the event of his death. He also needed to talk over these concerns with a healer to maybe get a better idea of what he was facing. He wanted children, not having them wasn’t an option, even if both of their families didn’t need heirs to carry on their family lines. He wanted a family. It wasn’t negotiable.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.” Rabastan said softly.

Harry shook his head. “You haven’t. It’s proactive to think of the worst case scenarios so that they can be taken into account in the whole picture. I will go to a prenatal specialist and talk through everything and see if, maybe, that early prognosis might not have changed now that I’m healed. I’ve put on weight, I’m almost eighteen now and not a skinny sixteen-year-old, and more than that, I’m healthy. The hypocalcaemia has been rectified and the damage done by the poison has been healed, so we’ll see where I stand now that I’m older and healthier.”

Rabastan just stared at him and Harry smiled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

“We’ll do this together.” Harry said. “If you’re worried that my ill health might cause issues, we’ll talk to a specialist about it and then make a plan to move forward. I want children, though, Rabastan. I want as many as I can get, that’s not up for discussion.”

“I won’t have pregnancy, my child, kill you.” Rabastan said seriously.

Harry blew out a breath, trying not to let his anger be roused. He’d found he really didn’t like being told what to do now that he had reclaimed his own autonomy.

“I will go to a specialist and we will see if this is even going to be an issue, my love.” Harry said calmly. He didn’t tell Rabastan that this conversation had also brought up his desire to get his affairs and assets in order and put his wishes down in stone. It wasn’t appropriate to stir up Rabastan’s fears further by mentioning this conversation had brought up his desire to write a will.

“I will be pardoned next week.” Rabastan reminded him softly. “We could go together.”

Harry smiled and squeezed Rabastan’s hand tighter. “We’ll do this together then, but I’m sure everything will be fine, love. I’ve been feeling so much better and I’m not sixteen anymore. I’ve grown.”

Rabastan blew out a calming breath. “I’ll try not to worry about it, but I care for you, deeply, Harry. I know you want children, I know we need to have children, but…the thought of putting your life at risk for it, I just can’t do it.”

Harry hummed and smiled. He moved to give Rabastan a sweet kiss. “Then, let’s make an appointment and find out if there is even anything to worry about first, Basti. We’re talking about risks and there might not be any to fret over now. I’ll make sure it’s as soon as possible, so we can enjoy our wedding and our honeymoon.”

Harry gave Rabastan a sultry look. Rabastan chuckled and cupped Harry’s face with both hands, pulling him into a kiss, which deepened by mutual decision. Harry completely forgot that they were at dinner with, not just his parents and the Lestranges, but also the Greengrasses too. A stinging hex to his back reminded him as he broke the kiss, hissing through his teeth.

Narcissa gave him a narrow-eyed stare, a silent warning to watch his behaviour, before slipping back into conversation with Lucille.

“I really can’t wait until we’re married.” Harry declared, turning in his chair until he was facing the table again. He reached for his wine glass and took a large, healthy sip.

“Soon, my love. Very soon.” Rabastan soothed him, taking Harry’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Their main courses arrived and Harry focused more on his food than not being able to kiss his own fiancé. They were six weeks away from their wedding day, what the hell did it matter if he was caught kissing him now? Perhaps he’d actually understand when he was a parent himself, but until then, he didn’t understand it.

He ate his grilled lemon and herb chicken with utter relish. He enjoyed food so much more now. It was strange what a little praise and encouragement could do for his mentality and he had latched on so tightly to it. Now his appetite was healthy and his enjoyment of food was flourishing. No, he was in a much better position, and he was much healthier, than he had been when he’d first been told that he was too small, too narrow, too sick, to carry a pregnancy well. He would go to see a specialist and he would get another opinion on that now he was older and healthier. Hopefully, on the back of that, he and Rabastan could put aside such worries and fears and move on with the next adventure in their lives…an adventure they would be taking together, as husbands and parents.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ X