Chapter 2
THE DEVIL I'VE SEEN
Chapter 1
There was a great crash that reverberated off the walls before twin flashes of light filled the room. The light solidified and condensed until two groups were standing next to each other, shocked yelps and yells breaking the air as they looked around and noticed one another. The two groups continued to yell, except for a select few, mainly the purebloods, just stood back and watched the chaos that was conjuring around them.
“Potter what’s going on?” Draco Malfoy demands, shoving himself to the front of the group from the year 1996. Harry Potter blinks at him before scowling a little at the look on Draco’s face.
“I haven’t done anything! Why are you asking me, Malfoy?” Inhales of surprise comes from the group that came from the year 1976, all of them staring between Draco and Harry with wide eyes.
“Jamie, that must be your son! And that’s Malfoy’s spawn!” Sirius Black whispers hastily. James Potter stares at the boy that looks so much like him and swallows past the lump in his throat. Of course, he’d always wanted children and preferably with someone he loved instead of being married of like Sirius was almost done before he escaped Grimmauld Place in the summer and ran away. He’d been cast off the wall in the house and thought to be disowned as Walburga Black had vowed to do.
“James Potter.” Fred Weasley whispers, sharing a look with his twin. George Weasley frowns softly and exchange glances before gripping a suddenly pale Harry by the waist, steadying him when he looks ready to keel over. Draco examines him before scoffing a little and going back to his group of two Slytherin’s that consisted of Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini, who shared a glance before staring at the 1976 group.
“Well it’s clear that Potter hasn’t done anything, Draco, so something else must be going on.” Marcus Flint spoke up, eyes roving over the space. Oliver Wood hums softly and places a finger to his chin in thought.
“We’re in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. But it’s completely empty. So unless it’s the summer holidays and it’s empty then—” He’s cut off when Percy Weasley speaks up, the other four siblings startingly in surprise at his voice, not expecting him to be there.
“Then it must be an illusion. Something’s going to happen and we’re all going to be here as witnesses.” Percy said to the group at large. Charlie Weasley and Bill Weasley glance at each other before staring at Percy for a long moment, noticing when he becomes uncomfortable with their eyes on him. Percy bites his lip and then the two gazes are off him and looking around once more.
“So vhere are ve?” Viktor Krum questions. Harry looks up.
“Oh, hi, Viktor, I didn’t see you there.” Harry says in delight at seeing his fellow Triwizard champion standing a few paces away. Viktor smiles at him and comes over, shaking his hand.
“It is good to see you again, Harry.” Viktor murmurs. Harry grins up at him.
“You too.” Viktor lets go of Harry’s hand but doesn’t go far, settling in beside one of the twins with a curious look on his face when he looks around the illusion of the Great Hall, eyes sparkling a little. Harry hums. “Well wherever we are, this is some powerful magic. Whoever’s done this isn’t to be underestimated.”
“You’re talking like we’re going into battle.” Remus Lupin speaks up. Harry’s eyes go to him, and he gulps back the lump in his throat.
“Well when you’re a Potter, trouble tends to find you, Uncle Moony.” Harry says, grinning a little. Remus’s eyes widen and Sirius gasps as he elbows James in the side abruptly, grabbing onto Remus’s arm and shaking it excitedly.
“And me? Do you know me?” Sirius whispers, face hopeful. Harry laughs.
“Of course I know you, Uncle Padfoot, you’re my godfather.” Sirius squeals and jumps up and down in excitement, turning to face James with a happy look in his eyes, his face lit up with elation.
“You named me godfather!” He squeals. Harry snickers. James pats his head. Regulus Black makes a noise and rolls his eyes.
“Of course he named you godfather, you’re his best friend, idiot.” Sirius glares at him and sticks his tongue out, turning his back when Regulus expression turns indignant. Evan Rosier snorts in amusement and pats Regulus on the shoulder with a soothing quality to it. Barty Crouch Jr snickers at the display and shakes his head.
“Enough, children.” Orion Black speaks up. Regulus and Sirius turn to him with wide eyes.
“Father, what are you doing here?” They both demand. Orion’s eyebrows raise and he looks amused.
“There’s a fair many of parents here, Regulus, Sirius.” He gestures to the other parents which include Euphemia Potter, Fleamont Potter and Abraxas Malfoy. There’s also Tom Riddle who stands next to Abraxas with dark hair and glowing crimson eyes. Harry inhales at the sight of him and grasps George’s hand with a tight grip that makes the redhead wince. Fred opens his mouth to answer when Charlie gasps.
“Dad?” He’s staring right at Arthur Weasley, who’s the youngest they’ve ever seen him. He looks much like Bill, with the longer hair and everything. He looks healthier and he has much more muscle than before. The Weasley’s eyes widen in surprise when Fabian Prewitt and Gideon Prewitt clap him on the shoulders with broad grins.
“Oh, Arthur, lookie, it’s your children.” They coo. Arthur glowers and elbows them, shoving them away with a small growl.
“Woah, Fred, George, your dad is hot.” Lee Jordan breathes. Arthur turns to him and smirks roguishly which makes Lee squeak as Fred and George gasp in horror. Percy snorts and crosses his arms across his chest.
“Not to interrupt this lovely moment,” Lucius Malfoy interjects before the twins can say anything, “but can we get back onto track. Like where we are and why we are here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Fenrir Greyback growls. Several people startle and James pointed a finger at him.
“You! You bit Remus!” Fenrir stares before he looks to where Remus is standing, chalky white and eyes scared, filled with fear at who he thinks Fenrir is, what the masses have told him. If he’s a student at Hogwarts, which Fenrir is willing to be he is then there’s no telling what he’s been told by Dumbledore.
“I didn’t bite him. I’ve only bit two people, both females when they were close to death. You’ve got me confused with someone else and besides, I don’t bite people unless they’re close to death. Some people don’t accept the bite. I wouldn’t risk it.” Fenrir snaps at them. Their faces turn dubious and it’s clear with one look that they don’t believe him. Fenrir scoffs quietly; he doesn’t need them to believe him. the people that matter know what he’s truly like. Except … except when he looks to the wolf that he’s supposedly bitten, he finds himself inhaling and breathing in his scent.
Mates. His eyes go to the one holding the boys hand and a frown curls his lips. He meets the boys defiant grey eyes and could’ve cursed if he had the energy. He’s just found his mates and one hated him and the other one is absolutely terrified of him.
“You don’t have to believe me. I’m sure we’ll see what really happened anyhow.” Fenrir says. “For if I’m right then Lady Magic herself believes that a great injustice has occurred and is trying to set things right.” Fenrir murmurs. There’s silence for a moment before the room goes up in absolute uproar at his statement.
“What do you mean Lady Magic?”
“She doesn’t exist!”
“What the hell is going on?”
“This isn’t happening, maybe I’m just dreaming.”
“Let’s hope we wake up!”
“Enough!” Harry roars, eyes glowing green as he glowers at everyone. The room goes quiet, and they stare with wide eyes at the sixteen year old as he inhales ruggedly, trying to calm himself. “There’s no use bitching about this. It’s clearly happening. All we can do now is sit and wait until Lady Magic shows herself.” Harry says, glaring at anyone that dares open their mouths to protest.
It’s at that time when two long tables spread their way down the room for the people to sit. There’s a little label in the middle, the one to the left saying 1996 and the other labelled 1976. They all stream off to sit and their eyes widen when they see little name tags in front of different seats that disappear as soon as the said person sits down. Once everyone’s seated there’s two twin bangs and flashes as a note drops in front of two people from different tables. One seats itself in front of Harry and the other seats itself in front of Regulus.
“What does it say?” Sirius demands, leaning forward from where he’s lodged between James and Remus. Regulus is seated opposite Sirius, with Barty in front of James and Evan in front of Remus. Severus is sat slumped next to Evan, Rodolphus Lestrange seated next to him, his younger brother Rabastan next to him.
Regulus frowns softly. “To the people of the year 1976, I’ve gathered you all to look at events that pertain to the future as you know it. A great injustice has been done to those here by others around them, people who are fake and display unloyalty to you all. You shall watch events from all the way back to the 1920’s to the 2000’s to see what happens and what you can do to fix this. The Hall you are in is created by pure magic and no one can leave until the events you’ve watched are finished. Everything and anything you need is here for you; all you have to do is ask. Signed, Lady Magic.”
Regulus looks up at the gaping faces and snorts, placing the paper down on the table, only to startle back as it goes up in flames. Evan makes a noise and shields Regulus’s face with his hand abruptly when a spark jumps up. He hisses a little and peers at the small blood droplet that wells up. Barty grabs it and tugs, making Evan gasps as he almost goes sprawling on Regulus’s lap and watches as Barty heals it absentmindedly before letting go.
Evan opens his mouth to say something when there’s an impatient noise from the other table. “Read the note, Potter, honestly. Gryffindor’s.” Draco sighs exasperatedly. Harry just flips him off and peers at the note.
“To the people of the year 1996, I’ve gathered you all to look at events that pertain to the future as you know it. A great injustice has been done to those here by others around them, people who are fake and display unloyalty to you all. You shall watch events from all the way back to the 1920’s to the 2000’s to see what happens and what you can do to fix this. The Hall you are in is created by pure magic and no one can leave until the events you’ve watched are finished. Everything and anything you need is here for you; all you have to do is ask.”
“So it’s the same.” Neville Longbottom murmurs. Harry swallows before shaking his head.
“There is a reason that I’ve decided to do this. I have a chosen champion whose life has been meddled with every second of his life alive. Cruel things have been done to him. He does not deserve what’s happened. I want this to change. Along with the fact that if magic continues this way, wixen will die out and no longer would magic grace the Earth. It would go extinct.” Euphemia gasps. Harry wets his lips. “My chosen, Hadrian Potter … you … you …” Harry shakes his head and hands the paper to Fred, who takes it gently and runs a hand through Harry’s hair.
“My chosen, Hadrian Potter, you have been done an injustice. It is time I fixed that for you. Your life was supposed to be filled with love and happiness, but it was forcefully taken from you. This will not slide. Whenever you need me, call. I will answer and rectify the mistakes, punish anyone that’s done magic a dishonour. It is time something was done. Know this, Hadrian Potter, you deserve better. And you will get it. Signed, Lady Magic.” Fred’s lips thin as he places the paper down, George putting up a shield hastily when the page bursts into flames, so no one gets hit by the magic.
“Lady Magic is right. A grievous injustice has been done to you, Harry.” Seamus Finnigan murmurs, Dean Thomas nodding next to him, his arm around the Irish wizards shoulder. Seamus leans into him.
“Thanks, guys.” Harry says uncomfortably.
Antonin Dolohov interrupts before more conversation could occur. Harry’s secretly relieved the man chose to interrupt, even if he was a Death Eater and battled him in the Department of Mysteries when he was there. Though this man wasn’t the one in the future and he supposes he has to stop thinking that he is. That all of them were who they were in the future, especially after this, they would never grow into who they were going to be. “So we just watch events? Seems easy enough.”
“Not necessarily. I assume some of the events are going to be hard to watch.” Thorfinn Rowle shakes his head, eyeing Antonin. Antonin smirks at him and Thorfinn looks away hastily, wetting his lips awkwardly.
“Let’s just watch and find out.” Augustus Rookwood speaks up for the first time. Others glance at him but his eyes are focused on the screen in front of the staff table where it goes from being a midnight black colour to full on white. Words sprawl onto the screen.
“Woah, that’s cool.” One of the purebloods murmur, Daphne Greengrass. Her sister Astoria Greengrass by her side makes a noise of agreement.
[1981, September 5th:]
“1981, that’s a year after most of us were born.” Luna says with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Or the year when I was born for that matter.” Luna says brightly, barely even looking up when several people turn to face her. They see her whole demeanour with the radish earrings and blonde hair and coloured glasses for seeing wrack spurts and eye her warily.
“So … that’s what five years from now?” Evan checks. Severus hums.
“Just a few months before five years.” Severus clarifies. Evan glances at him and raises an eyebrow but Severus just raises both of his back defiantly. Evan chuckles and turns back to the screen, just in time as Severus’s cheeks glow faintly with a blush. Evan Rosier was quite goodlooking and since he was a year below Severus in Slytherin, they didn’t interact much nor saw much of each other except in the Common Room, but it was completely different now that he was sitting next to the pureblood and only had to glance to the side to get the full force of the males side profile.
[The screen shows a room. It’s fairly simple and laid pack. Pictures are displayed proudly on the wall and placed on the banister overlaying a small fireplace. There’s a roaring fire in it and the smoke drifts up the chimney pleasantly.]
[“Dada!” A voice cries happily. The screen pans to a little boy sitting on the floor. In one hand there’s a pacifier and he waves it to get his father’s attention.]
Fred coos. “It’s little Harry!” Everyone looks closer and realises that yes, yes it is Harry Potter sitting there. Though they don’t recognise him as his eyes are a greyish green and his hair is dark and slightly curly. Vastly different from the straight haired Harry sitting between the Weasley twins. In addition, there’s no striking lightning bolt on his head and he looks very happy. There’s a healthy flush to his cheeks.
All in all, this Harry is happy and loved.
“His hair is curly.” Lee says faintly. “And surprisingly long for being only one.”
“Never mind that, Jordan, Potter looks … like a proper pureblood baby. A content pureblood baby.” Cassius Warrington comments, eyes roving the screen. Lee nods a little.
“He does.” Lee agrees which seems to shock some of the Slytherins. Cassius and Marcus Flint share an unreadable look between themselves.
[“I’m coming, baby, don’t worry.”]
[The screen flickers over to the other side of the room where James Charlus Potter is sitting, one leg thrown over the other. In his hand is the Daily Prophet with the words ‘BATTLES STREWN ACROSS MAGICAL BRITAIN: VOLDEMORT ON THE RISE’.]
“The war is still happening?” Remus sighs. He should’ve known and he had suspected that it would carry on, far longer than he would be alive at least—he had long suspected he’d die in a battle, likely dragged along to fight next to Sirius and James who were especially excited at the prospect of duelling these days.
“This must be where the war started properly getting bad.” Marlene McKinnon comments. “Look what is says, Voldemort on the rise. That probably means that more battles are happening across Britain and that more people are being dragged into it. Innocent bystanders being killed. More carnage.” Marlene says.
“Is no one commenting on the fact that we’ve just seen older James?” Sirius demands. Regulus raises his eyebrows.
“I think the war is more pressing, Sirius.” Sirius shoots him a sullen look and sinks further downwards into his chair. James just snickers when he looks to him for help which makes Sirius pout and cross his arms.
[“Dada! Play!” Harry says. James places the newspaper next to him, folding it nicely.]
[“I’m coming, you demanding thing, you.” James laughs, standing and approaching the small baby, almost a toddler. Harry stands shakily and trots over to the older man before falling into his lap when he sits down.]
“Aw, that’s so cute!” Barty squeals, making grabby hands at the screen.
“Did you just call Potter’s spawn cute?” Rodolphus Lestrange asks. Barty leans forward to glare at him down the table, eyes dark.
“He’s adorable.” Barty’s voice is venomous, a contrast to the words he speaks. “And don’t call him a spawn.” Barty’s tone makes it seem like a demand and a threat all mixed into one. The unspoken ‘or else’ is clear and Rodolphus nods speechlessly, making Rabastan Lestrange and Pandora Lestrange, his brother and cousin, snicker together. Rodolphus clears his throat and shoots them a look that makes them shut up though their lips are still pursed to stop and hide their smiles and laughter.
“Sorry.” Rabastan whispers. Rodolphus sighs and links their fingers together, squeezing lightly. Rabastan smiles and squeezes back. It’s nice to know that his brother is here, right next to him, ready to face whatever they’re going to watch.
Together.
[“Dada, play. You. Me. Gether.”]
[“Together, baby. Say it with me. To. Gether.” James encourages, nudging his ribs to get an answer. It dissolves into tickles that make Harry squeal and scream with laughter, giggling himself breathless. James grins throughout it all.]
[“No, dada, no ickles.” Harry breathes, giggling still even though James has stopped his tickle attack.]
“You’re good with him, son.” Fleamont says with a proud look in his eyes. James meets his father’s eye and blushes a little at seeing his father nod at him like he’s done something good, like when he got O’s in most of his subjects when his O.W.L’s came in by owl post. He supposes it’s the same even if it’s different. He’s taking care and loving a baby, a whole human that he and someone he loved made together.
He wonders who it could be. His first thought was Lily Evans, the girl he’d been trying to get to go on a date with him for years and was completely enamoured with for the first five years of his time at Hogwarts. But now … now him and Lily Evans—with Harry in the picture—just didn’t seem to fit. She didn’t seem like the mothering type and James doubted she wanted a baby. Especially not with him—a bloody ‘toerag’—so he didn’t think that was going to happen. And his feelings for Lily had been fading towards the end of his fifth year and was completely gone by the time he started sixth.
Though it was strange. This year Evans had started flirting with him once she’d seen him. It was probably because he’d had a growth spurt and grown into his body a little more, had started building up muscle after he started training with his dad, Fleamont, as he wanted to become an Auror. Since his dad was Head Auror for some time before he’d stepped down, there was no better person than to train from.
The fact that after he’d come into him that Evans had started flirting with him … well, it put him on edge. Like something was coming and he was powerless to stop it.
[“Alright, baby, no tickles.” James smiles. “Now, what are we playing with, Had?”]
[There was a look of utter concentration on Harry’s face before a bunch of toys suddenly appeared in front of them, making James startle in surprise. Harry grins and leans forward to pick one up, showing off a stuffed wolf.]
“Huh.” Abraxas Malfoy says. “Summoning from a different room at aged one is quite an accomplishment. That boy will grow up to be quite powerful.” Abraxas tells the rest of them. Draco looks stunned at his grandfather complimenting Harry, a Potter. Harry smirks at the blondes face and turns to Abraxas.
“Thank you, Lord Malfoy.”
Abraxas looks surprised before he dips his head. “You’re welcome, Heir Potter.” He says, tone warm. Harry grins and turns back to the screen, ignoring the slightly ill look gracing Draco’s face at the fact that Harry and his grandfather are getting on amicably.
[“Moony! We play rauders.” Harry exclaims. He turns and grabs a teddy of a stag. Then a teddy of a black dog, handing it to James with a happy look in his eyes. “Padfoot! I Moony and Padfoot. You Prongs, dada.”]
“Sweet mother of Merlin, James, your kid …” Remus stops and wipes at his eyes where tears have been forming. Sirius sniffles and leans against him even when there’s a big broad grin spreading across his face.
“My kids pretty amazing, huh?” James whispers, smiling softly in affection. His eyes are focused on his grinning sons face as his older-self accepts the teddy with an identical smile.
[“There’s only one of daddy though. I’ll get lonely.” James says, watching with a smile as Harry frowns and turns back to his teddies, crawling out of his lap to peruse through them. He seems to be contemplation each other and lets out a happy sound when he finds the one he’s looking for.]
“A … a raven?” Theo murmurs, sounding confused.
“It’s got to mean something. The three others were Potter, Black and Lupin. This one’s got to be someone special to the Potter’s. Someone that can turn into the animagus form of a raven.” Blaise explains. Harry frowns.
“How do you know that?”
Blaise gives him a dry look, one eyebrows raised. “I pay attention. Besides, it’s quite obvious, Potter talks about this Prongs as though he is him. The fact that it’s a stag, an animal, ticks the box of animagus’s, plus your father won many awards for Quidditch and his work in Transfiguration. He was one of the top students. Black and Lupin are some of his closest friends, plus with third year we know who the wolf is … that just leaves Black as being the dog. So this raven must be an animagus.” Blaise reasons. Harry stares at him with a surprised look and a parted mouth.
“You sure you’re not a Ravenclaw?” Adrian Pucey clarifies. Blaise gives him a deadpan look.
“Does it look like I’m a Ravenclaw?”
“He’d eat them alive.” Draco snorts. Blaise elbows him in the side and then proceeds to ignore the impressed looks though inside he secretly preens to himself at the positive attention. They don’t get much of that these days, what with Voldemort being back and everyone hating Slytherins ever since the First War. Not to mention the fact that his mothers had several husbands, and everyone thinks she’s killed every single one of them. Six have died so far in mysterious accidents and she’s on her seventh.
[“Oh.” James whispers, eyes going impossibly sad when Harry shows off the raven teddy proudly.]
[“Papa.” Harry says.]
“Oh.” Barty murmurs. “Oh the poor dear.”
“What?” Alice Fortescue asks, her boyfriend Frank Longbottom, soon to be fiancée, sitting across her. Barty gives her a sad look. He seems close to tears.
“The poor dears other father is … well, I think he might’ve died. Probably in the war. Potter looks sad.” Eyes go to the screen where it’s frozen on the frame of James, one hand reaching forward to take the teddy. His hand is shaky. His eyes look a little glossy now that they’re focusing harder.
“Oh no.” Alice murmurs in sympathy. Barty nods.
“At least we know that Potter had a male as a spouse, or so I’d assume. It narrows it down. They’re probably here on the table.” Barty says. Immediately people start trading glances around, looking to see who it could be. Sirius snorts.
“Stop looking so terrified. We’ll find out later anyways.” Sirius grumbles. Others relax as the other table snicker amongst themselves. Harry’s blushing at the thought of both of his parents being together despite the fact that he doesn’t know who it is and that apparently his mother wasn’t Lily Evans. Or even the fact that he had no mother at all. His head was whirring with the fact that males could apparently get pregnant in the wizarding world.
The world never ceases to amaze and shock the bloody hell out of him.
[James’ mouth quivers. “Yeah, baby, that’s your papa.”]
[“Papa come here? I miss him.”]
Several people inhale at that, and James is seen clenching his fingers together into a fist. The fact that his son is so sad and is missing and craving the touch of his other parent but can’t have him makes something inside James ache. He aches for someone he’s never met, that he doesn’t know of yet.
Seems even before they get together, this person could make him feel deeply. Wasn’t that a shit show indeed?
[James breath hitches. “No, Had. Your papa, he …” James sighs and lays down. Harry, sensing the tone in the air, cuddles the raven closer to himself and crawls onto his dad’s chest, curling closer to the older man’s warmth.]
[“Papa gone? Better place?” Harry’s voice is small.]
“Merlin and Morgana.” Dorcas Meadowes whispers brokenly. Several people across the Hall are sniffling and wiping their eyes, or in some cases hiding their face completely, not wanting to look at the heartbreaking scene. Harry squeezes his hands together under the table and breathes through his grief.
[James looks like his hearts been ripped out of his chest. “My sweet, smart baby boy.” James chokes out. “Your papa was beautiful, and he was amazing. He was strong and cared for you deeply. Your papa died a hero, he wanted to help the world so that you would grow up happy and loved.” James voice is hushed, and it breaks at the word ‘loved’.]
“So he was not a Death Eater then.” Fleamont says. Orion glances at him, eyebrow raising.
“And why would you say that, Lord Potter?” Orion inquires cooly. Fleamont eyes him defiantly, not willing to back down to the man.
“Well, it narrows it down more. Though, knowing my son, it was probably a star crossed romance kind of love. He’s known to do the impossible.” Fleamont says, making his wife, Euphemia, laugh. Charlie snickers.
“Like father, like son.” He comments. Harry blushes at the looks that turn his way. He can feel the appraising eyes of the marauders and most importantly the proud look coming from his father, James.
[“Hero? Papa, hero?” Harry whispers. James releases a long breath.]
[“Yeah, Had, your papa was the biggest hero. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.”]
“I think it might be a Death Eater.” Remus says. “‘Don’t let anyone tell you any differently’? That seems like a phrase that could mean that people have different opinions about someone. Or something about the person was not what everybody knew other, that he had a whole different personality of life. Maybe the Death Eater was a spy or someone that was forced to join.” Remus proposes carefully.
“That still doesn’t give us an exact person nor idea on who it could be.” Gideon interjects. Remus sighs.
“True. I suppose we’ll just have to watch and see then.”
[Harry shifts a little. “Dada, we play. Papa save dada and me. Papa hero!” James sits up and smiles. His eyes are still misty and when Harry turns away, a few tears drip down his cheeks that he wipes away hastily. Harry turns around, looking curious and a little demanding and bossy.]
[“Okay, okay, baby, let’s play.” James chuckles, accepting Prongs and the raven stuffie back.]
[The screen goes white as they begin to play together, smiling at each other.]
“That was sad but absolutely adorable.” Tracey Davis murmurs softly.
“Really puts Potter’s life into perspective.” Millicent Bulstrode grumbles, shooting a look down the table at where Harry’s sitting, his drawn in misery and longing so deep in his eyes that many don’t want to look at him to see such strong emotion. Most of the Slytherin’s were used to shielding their thoughts and feelings so to see someone so … unashamed in how they were reacting to something that caused them deep emotion wasn’t something they were used to.
Most of the Slytherin’s weren’t used to dealing with things like this day to day. They were used to doing it behind doors without others they didn’t know watching their every move.
[1995, July 10th:]
“The holidays before fifth year. Who do you think it’s going to show?” Neville asks, eyeing the screen in contemplation. Harry wets his lips and swallows back the lump in his throat when people turn to look at him with something curious in their eyes. Someone scoffs; he thinks it’s one of the Patil twins, either Parvati or Padma Patil.
“Isn’t it obvious, Neville? It’s probably Harry. You heard the letter from Lady Magic saying that he was her chosen wixen and that it was supposed to make his life better. Most of these are probably memories that shaped the future he’s living now.” Parvati says, the one attending Gryffindor unlike her sister Padma who was in Ravenclaw.
“Maybe not.” Lavender Brown counters suddenly. “It could be any of us. It could be the people and students from the past.” She says, tone so different from the gossipy one she used at Hogwarts. Harry eyes her inquisitively and she turns, winking at him, sensing his gaze. Harry snickers and hides it in George’s shoulder. George’s shoulder shakes as he laughs as well, obviously having seen the slightest bit of mischief in Lavender’s eyes. They could sense mischief a mile away like bloodhounds the twins could.
[Grimmauld Place appears, just as dreary as most remember it to be. We see a bedroom with two beds in it.]
“Grimmauld Place? What the hell is my godson doing in that place?” Sirius exclaims, glaring at the screen. Regulus eyes him before looking to the screen, making a soft noise of clarity. Sirius looks to him, glare softening. “What?”
“If … if your godson’s living there then … then the rest of the Blacks are dead. You’re the only Black from the main family left.” Regulus whispers. Sirius seizes in terror then, eyes darting between the screen and his little brother, looking even more horrified every time he meets Regulus’s resigned gaze.
“No, no. I can’t outlive you! You’re younger! You’re not reckless like me!” Sirius shouts, lurching to his feet and pointing at Regulus. His fingers are shaking like a leaf in a strong storm, blown astray and utterly lost. “What did you do? W-What did you do?”
“Nothing!” Regulus snarls at the accusation, even if it’s coming from a place of terror and worry. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Pads,” Remus soothes, “come sit down, love, sit down. It could be just that Regulus has left the country and gave you the house for a little while.” Remus reasons. Sirius takes a deep breath and nods, sitting himself down and turning, pressing his face into Remus’s shoulder. He says something unintelligible that Remus just smiles to. The werewolf kisses the Black heirs head.
[There’s a bed already occupied by the snoring form of Ronald Weasley.]
“Ugh, Weasel.” Draco makes a disgusted noise which turns into a surprise noise when none of the other Weasley siblings don’t make any noise or try to counter his statement with any defence. “Aren’t you going to defend your brother?”
“We’re not on good terms with some of our family, Malfoy.” Charlie says and leaves it at that. His broad back turning on the sixteen-year-old blonde makes it clear that he doesn’t want to talk on it further.
“You’ll see why.” Bill murmurs uncomfortably. Draco hums in thought and intrigue.
[The camera shifts to show Harry sitting on the window sill in clothes that are clearly four times bigger than he. Hedwig sits on the other side of the sill, watching her owner and the oversized tee slips further to show a pale collarbone. The bone is practically jutting forth, unable to conceal how skinny the fifteen-year-old boy is.]
“He look like a fucking skeleton.” Someone from the 1976 table whispers, causing belatedly agreement to go travelling throughout the students and parents seated there. The whispered “language” from Euphemia doesn’t even deter them in the slightest.
[Harry stands and creeps to the door, stilling when Ronald’s figure snuffles in his sleep. It’s only when the boy turns over and goes back to snoring does Harry relax and continue on his way, creeping down the steps, dodging the creaking steps.]
[He slides down the banister, feet silent as he hits the ground.]
“He’s used to sneaking around.” Rabastan observes. Harry glances over his shoulder, a grim tilt to his lips.
“You have no idea.” He grumbles, looking back to the screen, not noticing the way the Lestrange brothers trade glances filled with dread at wherever their thought process has travelled to.
[Harry waltzes into the library on the first floor, grinning at whatever or whomever he sees.]
“Who do you think he’s grinning at?” Barty asks.
“Probably one of the red-haired twins. He’s close to them.” Evan replies with a thoughtful look on his face.
[Harry walks over to the person he was smiling at, jumping gracefully onto the sofa, and draping himself over the older form of Remus Lupin, who’s reading a book. A cup of tea is set on the small table in front of him.]
“Moony!” James and Sirius scream. Remus goes pink in embarrassment as the two continue to talk, chatting over each other and not paying attention to whatever the other is saying.
“Boys, please.” Fleamont interrupts sternly and smoothly. The two stop talking, trading sheepish looks. Sirius, however, continues with just one comment that has Remus’s whole face flaming bright red.
“Older you is absolutely smoking, Moony.”
“Pads.” Remus groans, hiding his face. There’s a smile peeking out from between his fingers. Harry giggles at their antics from the other side of the other table.
[“Hey, Prongslet. Sleep okay?” Remus asks, kissing the boys forehead.]
“The cutest thing ever!” James declares. Remus groans anew.
“Prongs.”
“He’s not wrong.” Sirius counters.
“Sirius.”
The two just snicker at the exasperated tones of their names, dripping resignation.
[“It was alright, Uncle Moony. What’re you reading?”]
“Uncle Moony.” Euphemia coos with a soft smile. Remus blushes again.
[Remus gives him a glance and closes the book, fingers in the dip of the page he was reading, so that Harry can read the title. Harry hums and snuggles into Remus’s shoulder.]
[Someone trots into the room, grumbling. “That damn witch, it’s my bloody house! Moony, Moony, do you know what that bitch said to me yesterday—oh.”]
[The camera pans to show Sirius Black, hair soft and curly around his head and shoulders. An immediate smile tugs at his lips.]
“Forget me, look how gorgeous you are.” Remus speaks, making Sirius go a deep pink. He shoves Remus’s shoulders thought there’s a shy look on his face and his smile is soft.
“Well you’re going to have to wait until I look like that, Lupin. I’m gonna’ grow old with you, Moony!” Sirius declares. James cheers and Remus chuckles softly, kissing Sirius’s cheek.
[“You started a cuddle sesh without me.” Sirius pouts, running over. He cuddles on Harry’s free side and smothers him in his embrace. Harry lets out a muffled yell, fighting belatedly and half-heartedly as he laughs.]
[“Uncle Padfoot, no! No tickling!”]
“Anyone getting déjà vu?” Fabian whispers. Several people hum in agreeance.
“You’d think Black and Potter were the same person.” Pandora says, snickering when dubious glances go to the two marauders who grin at the attention, sharing a look before standing and bowing. Fred and George whoop their encouragements, whilst Harry just giggles.
[“Fine. No tickling, Prongslet. You used to hate it as a baby as well. You were always telling your dad off for doing it.” Sirius snickers and drapes himself over Harry’s lap, wiggling until his head touches Remus’s thighs. Remus glances down at the male and bops him on the forehead with his book. “Ow! Moony!”]
“Not much has changed with Sirius then.” Regulus snorts, ignoring his brothers indignant face. It turns into a pout when Remus chimes in that Regulus isn’t wrong whilst James just goes breathless with laughter. Eventually they calm down and turn back to the screen.
[Remus snorts and bends in half to kiss Sirius’s forehead where he’d hit him gently. Sirius grins dopily up at him and puckers his lips. Remus snorts once more and pecks him on the mouth, straightening and snickering when Harry lets out a playful yacking sound, lurching to his feet.]
“I think I’d throw up as well.” Regulus comments, smirking. Sirius shoots a glare at him before seeing the mischievous glint in his eyes and the playful, teasing tilt to his lips and smirks right back at his little brother.
“You’re just jealous, you’re still single, Reggie and I’ve got myself a hunk of a man!” Remus sighs and goes pink again. James snickers.
“I have a feeling after this you’ll be permanently pink, Moony, mate.”
Remus runs a hand through his hair. “Suppose it comes with dating a Black, huh?”
“You’re not getting rid of me, Moony! No takebacks you said!” Sirius reminds him smugly. Remus rolls his eyes and turns, ignoring him. Sirius pouts grumpily.
[“Not in front of me. Gross.” Harry whines. Sirius and Remus share a laugh. “Fine, gang up on me then. I’ll just call in reinforcements.”]
[Sirius sits up immediately. “Prongslet don’t you dare—” Harry smirks widely, a mischievous glint entering his eyes.]
[“Kreacher!”]
“Not that elf!” Sirius screeches, looking betrayed, turning to stare at his godson who just laughs and laughs. “He hates me! How could you do that to … wait, he likes you? He only likes Regulus, and he tolerates the rest of the Black family.” Sirius’s eyebrows furrow. Orion shrugs when people looks to him.
“It’s true. Kreacher isn’t a Black elf like Walburga tells him. I told Kreacher that the only orders he was to follow were from Regulus. They basically grew up together.” Orion tells the others. Harry frowns, laughter cutting off.
“I don’t know why. Though he did say I reminded him of his previous Master.”
“That’d by why.” Evan says, nodding. “You remind him of Reg. He likes Reg, so he likes you. Simple.” Harry’s still frowning when the screen starts up again.
[Kreacher pops into the room with a grin. “Master Hadrian called! Kreacher will serve.” Kreacher beams. Harry sits on the floor.]
[“Kreacher!” Kreacher trots over and jumps into Harry’s arms, taking him to the ground fully. Harry laughs as Kreacher snuggles against him, practically hissing at Sirius like a cat when he tries to get up and intervene. Sirius pouts dramatically as he collapses back into Remus’s side. Remus snickers.]
“So Kreacher loves Potter’s son. Can’t say that’s something I was expecting.” Thorfinn grumbles. Charlie glances over his shoulder at him.
“Expect the unexpected when it comes to dealing with Harry.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Weasley.” Thorfinn says in amusement. Charlie nods and turns back around. Thorfinn ignores Antonin’s raised eyebrows, shooting him a dark look.
[“Ready, Kreacher?” Kreacher nods with a slightly scary grin. “Charge!”]
[The screen goes white as Sirius’s scream echoes.]
Regulus bursts into laughter.
“Oh shut up, Reggie.” Sirius snaps grumpily. Regulus’s laugh taters off.
“At least Potter’s son has got the right idea.” He says, laughing some more as he looks back to the screen, watching it go back to black before another date sprawls there. James’s gaze lingers a little longer on Regulus’s stress free face and Evan clears his throat, shooting a narrow-eyed look to the male when he meets his gaze. James shifts and turns away, flushing a little.
[2003, December 25th:]
“Oh, Yuletide!” Sirius grins excitedly.
“This is in like … thirty years!” Barty exclaims in shock. Severus hums.
“Just about twenty-seven years.” Severus corrects. Barty pouts and sinks in his seat, making Evan snicker.
“At least it wasn’t me being corrected this time.” Severus sniffs but smirks as he looks away.
[The screen shows a bedroom with a nice dark brown colour on the walls, like oak bark from the trees peeking outside the manor they’re in. The tip of the bed is shown, all they can see is the emerald silk of the covers.]
“Must be a Slytherin’s room.” Lee says. “One of the purebloods if we’re talking about size.”
Draco narrows his eyes. “It kind of looks like the Zabini manor. See the patterns on the wood around the banister going around the middle of the wall? That’s the Zabini crest.” Draco points out, glancing at Blaise, who smirks and shrugs a little.
“If you’re looking to me for answers, remember that this is seven years in the future. I’d be twenty-three. I have no idea what’s going on just like all of you.” Blaise reminds them. Bill makes a noise, drawing everyone’s attention to him.
“Just because Lady Magic said Harry was her chosen, doesn’t mean every scene’s going to include him. She specified him being her chosen wixen, not that it’d be focused on him. She’s showing everything which means everyone’s life here. All she specified was that Harry’s life had been effected the most by these events.” Bill explains. Draco nods and looks at the screen.
[The door creaks open and a small face peeks in. It’s clearly a son of Blaise Zabini, done to the dark eyes and skin complexion. He’s wearing nice silken blue pyjamas.]
“That’s your son!” Theo whispers excitedly, pointing to the small boy whose face transforms into a small grin. Blaise stares for a long moment, not answering. He seems to have stilled in surprise.
“I think Lady Magic broke Zabini.” Padma says in amusement. Blaise shocks back to the present and shoots her a glare.
“She has not. I was just surprised. I didn’t expect to have an heir so young. He looks like he’s three or four, which means I must’ve been twenty or nineteen when he was conceived.”
“Do you think your mother arranged a marriage?” Draco asks, face blank. His eyes are showing his concern, however. Blaise shrugs.
“Maybe.”
[The boy pushes the door open further and runs over to his fathers bed, climbing up agilely and squirming over the covers to where Blaise is sleeping peacefully. At the shift in covers, one of Blaise’s eyes open and he smiles at seeing his son.]
“Aw, you clearly adore him.” Tracey coos. Blaise blushes.
[“Mia stella.”]
“What do that mean?” Luna asks inquisitively. Before Blaise can answer, Severus speaks up.
“My star.” Severus responds. At the shocked looks, he shrugs his shoulders. “My mother was an Italian pureblood. I grew up speaking it.”
[“Daddy, it’s Yuletide!” The boy whispers excitedly, rolling onto Blaise’s chest. Blaise makes a noise before he begins chuckling softly.]
[“Uh-huh. And have you told your papa it’s Yuletide as well, Neo?” Blaise asks in amusement.]
“Neo? How cute!” Barty coos like he had with baby Harry. “I assume it’s a nickname. What do you think his full name is?”
“Antoneo. Antoneo Zabini.” Theo says suddenly. Eyes turn to him, and he smiles a little. “It’s what Blaise’s father was called.”
“Antoneo Zabini-something.” Draco adds. The blonde turns to Blaise. “So you got a bonded. A husband. Congratulations, I guess.” Blaise raises his eyebrows and stares at Draco for a long moment before he snorts.
“Thanks, Dray. I guess.” Theo giggles.
[“Of course, I told papa, daddy. Papa said to get your cute butt up and help him cook breakfast. He’s making pancakes!” Antoneo beams. Blaise laughs.]
“He cooks?” Theo whistled. “Score.”
“Blaise can’t cook worth anything. He would burn water.” Cassius snorts. Blaise shoots him a glare, shoulders hunching a little forward. Yet he still looks elegant like his name.
“Your mister is bossy.” Millicent teases. Blaise shrugs.
“S’ how I like it.” He smirks. Millicent’s face goes disgusted as the other Slytherin’s snicker.
[“Daddy! Come on, up, papa’s waiting!”]
[“Okay, okay, I’m coming!” Blaise pushes back the covers, and it shows that he’s not wearing a t-shirt, just a pair of silk green pyjama bottoms. He scratches at his chest as he picks Antoneo up, placing him on his hip and smiling at his laughter.]
Fred and George whistle appreciatively. Blaise smirks at them, to which they leer back.
[Blaise makes his way down the stairs and towards the kitchens with Antoneo in his arms. Antoneo is telling him how excited he is that he’s going to be opening his presents and that he wants both of his parents help to write thank you letters to everyone who gets him a gift.]
“Oh, he’s so polite.” Marcus says in slight surprise. Then he smirks. “Must be his papa’s influence.”
“Oi!” Blaise scowls. Draco laughs, slapping his best friend on the shoulder.
[They enter the kitchens, and the house elves greet them, Blaise placing Antoneo on the ground as he trots off to greet them and hug them tightly, giggling all the while. Eventually, they sit on the floor in a circle and start to gossip. Blaise snorts and shakes his head, turning to face someone behind the screen.]
[“This is your fault, you know? They’re gossiping with our four-year-old. He’s going to turn into Draco.”]
“What the hell? Blaise!” Draco says in outrage. Blaise laughs as he moves out of Draco’s hit.
“That’s older me. I haven’t said anything yet!” He chuckles.
Theo makes a soft noise. “So you had Antoneo at nineteen. I’d assume your bonded carried him then. Most of the time, if someone’s referred to as papa then they carried the child and dad, they sired the child.” Theo says. Blaise blinks.
“Only in three years. Then I’ll have a son on the way.”
“Maybe not.” Adrian counters. “Things will change after we’ve watched this. Things are most likely already changing as we watch.”
[There’s a laugh and the screen pans over to where a figure’s cooking, mixing a bowl of batter in his arms. He turns and the grinning face of Hadrian Potter stands there. He stops stirring to reach up and push a curl of dark hair behind his ear.]
“You bonded with Potter!” Slytherin’s shout as Draco jumps to his feet, staring at his best friend with horror. Blaise blinks rapidly, eyes darting to the other male who’s staring with surprise at the screen where older him is smiling widely, no burdens on his shoulders. Fred makes a soft noise, which causes the Slytherin’s to look at him.
“Harry … Merlin and Morgana, you look so happy.” Fred breathes. Harry nods emotionally as Draco sits down and the Slytherin’s recover themselves.
“So Antoneo Zabini-Potter. Has a nice ring to it.” Neville says, grinning a little in encouragement at the boy. Harry’s smile is shaky when he returns it.
“He’s beautiful, Harry, Zabini.” Lavender murmurs. Harry’s smile is stronger.
“He is, isn’t he?” Harry whispers, smile widening to a full on beam. The twins wrap their arms around his shoulders in comfort and he lays his head against George’s, sighing happily.
[“Don’t be a sourpuss, handsome. You decided to bond with me. Wouldn’t stop trying to ask me out in seventh year, remember?” Harry smirks at him and flicks his wrist, the bowl lifting and floating in the air. Another flick of his fingers and the batter continues to get mixed.]
“So Zabini went after our Harrikins.” Fred coos. Harry grumbles, flushing a little.
[Blaise shrugs. “What can I say? I like a challenge.”]
[“Uh-huh.” Harry makes a deadpan face. “Here’s another challenge. How long do you think you can sleep on the sofa until you get back problems?”]
“That’s my godson!” Sirius cheers. “You tell em’!” Harry snickers as the trio of Slytherin’s opposite him give him astonished looks at his cheek and mischief.
“Sassy Harry’s back.” Neville comments, looking amused. “It’s always hilarious to see the look on someone’s face when that side of Harry comes out. It’s not often by Morgana is it memorable.”
[Blaise swallows. “Understandable, mi amore.”]
[“Better, love.” Harry smirks and turns, snatching the bowl out of the air. With a jerk of his head, two frying pans zoom out of the cupboards and sit themselves on the stove, the stove turning on. A small fire begins beneath it. Harry scoops up some batter and places it on the pan, hearing it sizzle.]
“Wandless, wordless magic. Merlin, he’s powerful.” Arcturus Black murmurs.
Orion nods to his face. “Heir Zabini is lucky to be bonded to Heir Potter.” Harry blinks at them as James beams proudly.
[Antoneo gets up and rushes over to Harry, hands clamping in the males pyjama bottoms. “Papa, papa, I help too. Can I make a tree?” Harry glances down at his son and smiles softly at him.]
[“Of course, baby. Though be careful it’s hot.” Harry summons a chair and places the bowl down, lifting Antoneo onto it. He grabs a small bag used for piping icing and puts some batter into it, cutting off the bottom and tying the end. He hands it to his son and lets him do the design. It looks a little wonky and strange, but Antoneo seems satisfied.]
“Aww! They’re so cute working together. It’s adorable.” Astoria grins.
“Notice how Blaise isn’t going near the cooking. Potter must know about his bad cooking skills.” Cassius snorts. Blaise scowls as Marcus and Adrian snicker.
[“Daddy, daddy, look at my tree!” Blaise trots over and makes a wow noise that makes Antoneo puff up in pride. Blaise congratulates him, tells him how good it is as he winds an arm around Harry’s waist, pressing himself against his partners waist, hooking a chin on his shoulder.]
“You seem so comfortable with him.” Charlie murmurs. Harry nods, eyes focused on the screen.
“Well, he’s been bonded to Zabini for around four years, so I assume after that, he would be.” Parvati replies chipperly.
[After everything’s done cooking and placed on plates, they trot into the living room, all sitting on the floor in front of the tall tree with a mass of presents underneath. Antoneo opens five of his, exclaiming over them, grinning widely.]
“So fricking cute!” Someone whispers.
[“Before we go on, Neo, how about you give daddy his gift from you and me?” Harry asks, smiling softly. Antoneo gasps and the slightest bit of mischief enters his eyes as he giggles and crawls closer to the tree, grabbing a small box. He crawls back to his dad and hands it to him.]
[“What’s this?” Blaise asks, amused.]
“What do you think it is?” Alice asks in intrigue.
“A gift?” Augustus rolls his eyes. Alice leans forward and glares at him down the table.
“Tickets!”
“A gift card!”
“Clothes.”
“A ring!”
Evan snorts. “They’re already married. Why would they need a ring?” Barty pouts at that.
“It’s romantic.” He whines.
[“Just open it, love.” Harry chuckles. Blaise smirks and rips off the wrapping, opening the white box, frowning at the card he tugs out. He opens the card, and a soft flutter of paper falls out. He looks to Harry in confusion. Harry smiles at him, small and shy. “Read the note, love.” Blaise’s eyebrows furrow.]
[“Congratulations?”]
“No way. No way.” Draco whispers. Others turn to him.
“What?” Blaise asks. Draco shushes him, looking excited.
“Just watch!”
[Harry giggles at the confused tone. “Now look at the paper that fell.” Blaise picks it up and his mouth falls open, his eyes going wide.]
[“Are you serious?” He whispers. Harry giggles again.]
[“No, that’s my godfather.”]
Sirius begins cackling.
[“But no, no, I’m being quite serious. Congratulations, love. Looks like you’re becoming a dad again.”]
“MERLIN AND MORGANA! TWO GRANDCHILDREN!” James jumps to his feet and fist bumps the air, grinning widely. Sirius beams and laughs, jumping up and down in elation.
“James Charlus Potter, Sirius Orion Black, sit your asses down!” Euphemia barks. James and Sirius grumble as they sit, though the big smiles don’t disappear. Euphemia turns to Blaise and Harry. “Congrats, dears, even if it hasn’t happened yet.” They both blush at that, glancing at each other. Harry averts his eyes quickly, hiding his red face in George’s shoulder.
[Harry makes a soft sound of amusement at the wide-eyed shock of his husband and bonded before retrieving another gift and handing it to the male. “Open this one as well. It corresponds to this one.”]
“What’s this gift?” Draco asks in excitement, leaning forward, eyes stuck on the screen where it’s paused on where Blaise has just taken the gift, Harry’s hopeful yet worried face staring back at them.
“Shush. I wanna know.” Theo scolds. Draco pouts, making Blaise snicker.
[Blaise rips open the box, reaching into it. He pulls out a small baby onesie that makes him frown. With an encouraging look, he unfolds it and peers at the lettering that would got over the torso of the child when they were born. “Daddy’s princess? Merlin—a girl? A daughter?” Harry beams widely and nods as Blaise yells open, tackling Harry to the floor and kissing him heatedly.]
“Oh, wow.” Sirius mutters, eyeing the screen in fascination. Remus slaps a hand over his lovers eyes and rolls his own now amber gaze. “Moony—let go!”
“I will when you stop being a pervert.”
“Looks like you’re never letting go—ow!” Regulus hisses, moving his leg away when Sirius delivers a swift kick to his calf.
“Shut up, bastard.”
“Our parents were married when they had me, you prick. If anyone’s the bastard, it’s you—”
“Boys.” Orion’s calm and stern voice reminded them that there father was indeed there and could hear every single word they were saying and every kick under the table, every hissed threat and insult to each other. The two brothers settled down, shooting each other glares as they turned back to the screen. Orion released an exasperated sigh and shot Abraxas a look when the male made a soft sound of amusement. Abraxas raises white eyebrows back at him. Orion turns away quickly.
[“A sister! Yay!” Antoneo throws himself on top of them and Blaise peels himself away from Harry, the male laughing delightedly as Blaise sweeps his son into his arms.]
[Harry’s laughter is the laugh thing they hear before the screen turns white.]
“I want that.” Daphne decides with a longing sigh. “Someone that loved me that much.”
“You’ll get it, sister.” Astoria says. Daphne shoots her a fond look.
“And when did you become the older sister?” Teasing shone in her voice, but Astoria merely giggles and winks her way which makes Daphne splutter with laughter at the mischief and cheek her younger sister is showing. Now that they’re out of their parents admittedly overbearing and … frankly appalling grips, they had time to be young again, be themselves again.
And it seems Astoria was taking advantage of this as much as she wanted and as quickly as she dared.
[1981, July 19th:]
“This is only a couple of months before the first memory.” Arcturus says in slight surprise. Everything had been a decade or more before or after when it came to the memories. This was, however, close.
[The scene is the familiar one of the Potter’s manor before they went into hiding just a mere few weeks after. The sight they’re greeted with is the kitchen, wide and expanding.]
“Potter manor.” James grins, wide and carefree. Euphemia sighs and trades an amused look with her husband who just smiles at her, chuckling a little. His eyes are sparkling as he stares at the screen, eyes wandering the familiar room. This was his home. His sons home. His wife’s home. And his grandsons home. Maybe even more of his family’s home after that.
[There’s the sound of music playing from somewhere. Someone’s cooking at the stove, humming softly to themselves.]
“Is that …?” Sirius whispers.
Barty’s mouth falls open as Evan wheezes. “No way. No way!” Barty shrieks, grabbing onto Regulus’s arm, shaking the wide eyed pureblood.
[“Papa! Papa!” The male turns, grinning as he crouches down and catches the waddling baby that crashes into him. He lifts him into his arms, straightening and plopping him onto his hip. He frowns a little when he sees something on the baby’s lips.]
“Oh my god.” Remus whispers, grin dancing across his lips as he shoots a sly look James’ way. The male is flushed bright red.
[Regulus smirks a little. “So, bébé, did daddy give you some chocolate to eat?” Hadrian’s eyes widen as he gives an innocent look to Regulus, who laughs as he tweaks the little boys nose. “I’m guessing that’s a no then. How much did you have, bébé? Answer papa truthfully.” Hadrian pouts and grumbles.]
[“One bar. Daddy kept them on the table. I want them. Pop! I have!” Hadrian says proudly. Regulus coos.]
“More accidental magic? Merlin and Morgana, Potter, Black, your son is impressive.” Tom Riddle murmurs. James’s chest puffs up like a peacock. Regulus blinks before his cheeks flare red with a blush as he registers that Tom is talking to him as well. That and the fact that the little boy was indeed his son. With James bloody Potter.
The male he’d been in love with since second year.
Blast it all.
[“More magic, bébé? Papa’s so proud of you.” Regulus murmurs, rubbing their noses together. Hadrian squeals and giggles, little hands framing the pureblood’s face as he nuzzles into his papa. Regulus rests their foreheads together before tugging back. “But you know that you’re not allowed lots of chocolate—no matter how much Uncle Moony raves about it, okay? So what’s going to happen now?” Regulus asks, expression stern. Hadrian pouts.]
[“No sweeties after dinner. For five days.” Hadrian grumbles. Regulus laughs, kissing the boys forehead before placing him on the floor.]
[“Good, now are you going to show me the drawing you did today? Daddy got to see it, but I didn’t.” Hadrian gasps and runs from the room, well, more like waddles really. Regulus laughs, turning back to the stove.]
“Wow. That was …” Alice starts, only to be interrupted by Barty who surges to his feet.
“I HAVE A NEPHEW!” He screams. Regulus blinks up at him as Evan grins widely.
“Me too, don’t forget about me!” Evan reminds. Barty coos and collapses next to Regulus, grabbing him roughly and tugging him into his chest. Evan cackles as Regulus flails.
“Barty let me go!” Regulus yells. Barty ignores his flailing, rocking them back and forth.
“Oh, Reg, my sweet summer child, I’m an uncle! You’re a daddy! Oh, it’s beautiful!” Barty pulls back. Regulus gasps loudly, sucking in some much needed air. Regulus slaps Barty around the back of the head hard, glaring darkly at the male.
“You ever do that again, Bartemius Crouch and I will hex you all the way to Death’s realm, make no mistake.” Regulus growls. Barty’s eyes widen before he pouts.
“But—but Reg—”
“No.”
“—Reg! I have a nephew!”
“I heard. The first time.” Regulus sniffs and turns to face the screen, crossing his arms. He glares at Barty once more, making Barty cower, grumbling under his breath. Remus chuckles softly.
“Good luck with Baby Black, Prongs.” Remus snickers at James’s terrified face.
[1970, May 2nd:]
“May.” Someone murmurs.
Another whispers, “1970.”
[“I’ve had enough of her, Merlin, I’ll hex her black and blue if she comes near me again!” A seething Arthur Weasley walks down the pathway, Gideon and Fabian standing next to him. Fabian snorts wryly, grinning when Arthur pauses and glances back sheepishly. “Sorry, I know she’s your sister. But I hate Molly.”]
“You do? Then why did you marry her?” Lucius snaps, glaring darkly at him from across the table. Arthur blinks a little before a scowl comes to his face.
“What’s it to you, Malfoy?” He sneers back. Lucius jaw clenches before he shakes his head and looks way. Abraxas glares in his sons defence.
“The fact that you were betrothed to him before you suddenly married Molly Prewitt because you got her knocked up!” Arthur rears back like he’s been slapped. The Weasley children across the Hall gasp and Draco inhales sharply.
“That’s why you had to marry Narcissa.”
Abraxas sighs, rubbing his face. “I had to. The Black’s were willing. And we hadn’t announced just who it was he was marrying. It was to be announced in the Prophet sometime in June. Then suddenly Weasley announces he’s marrying Prewitt. I had to reach out to Cygnus.” He explained. “I didn’t want to. Lucius … my son deserved better but … I had no choice.” Lucius grasps his father’s hand.
“I know, father, it’s alright—”
“But it’s not, damn it! You’re my son and you deserved better!”
Lucius sighs and lowers his head onto his father’s shoulder.
“Wait.” Gideon suddenly whispers. “I don’t … I don’t remember this. Do you, brother?” He turns to Fabian, who shakes his head.
“No.” Fabian glances at Arthur, who has a pondering look on his face. “Do you, Art?”
“Not at all.”
[“She’s our sister, Art, and we hate her as well. Knowing she’s trying to come between Luc and you—” He suddenly stops, eyes going to something off the screen.]
“Anyone getting a bad feeling about this?” Sirius whispers. Remus nods, grasping Sirius’s hand tightly.
[“Arthur!” Molly Prewitt’s voice screeches before she runs over. Arthur eyes her warily, but it eventually goes over to Dumbledore who trails after her, smiling grandfatherly. Arthur glares.]
[“What do you want, Prewitt? I told you; I will never marry you. My heart belongs to Lucius.” Arthur snaps. Molly’s eyes fill with anger as she and Dumbledore stop in front of the trio.]
Lucius inhales shakily, eyes filling with tears. Arthur groans, grasping his head as he peers at the screen.
[Molly stomps her foot. “You’re mine, Arthur Weasley, we’ll get married and have a beautiful baby girl to spoil!” She exclaims. Arthur grimaces.]
[“I’m gay, you idiot! Lucius is the only one for me. We’re betrothed, set to get married in September. And for Merlin sake woman, I’m pregnant! With a boy! Now, move, I need to go into my house—you’re trespassing by the way so leave before I floo the Ministry—and tell my betrothed the good news.” Arthur growls at them. Molly takes a step back, disgust on her face. Dumbledore’s eyes lose their twinkle.]
“You … you were pregnant?” Lucius whispers.
Abraxas’s eyes are wide. “A … a grandson?”
Arthur groans, still holding his head, blinking the tears out of his eyes. “Yes, I … I was, I remember … I was spelled. But I—they didn’t get rid of the baby, I gave birth. November twenty-ninth, 1970. They had to spell me to … to cancel the marriage contract, stunned Fabian and Gideon, bewitched them to think I’d been dating and dallying with her.” He spits it like a foul curse. “I named him William … William Abraxas Weasley-Malfoy on his birth certificate before Dumbledore and she could intervene. They had to make a false one instead.” Arthur remembers, eyes dripping with tears. Lucius sobs and buries his face in his hands.
“Wait … wait, I’m a Malfoy as well as a Weasley?” Bill demands, turning around in shock. Arthur nods, groaning again, almost doubling over from the pain. Fabian reaches forward, eyes wide in fear. There’s a flash and a letter is in front of Regulus, who frowns, picking it up.
“The pain will pass. This will happen to those that have memory charms on them along with potions. I shall give buckets in front of those that need it when they feel nausea. In addition, any glamours and blood alterations will fall once the memory has finished. Do not despair for those in pain for it will pass. Lady Magic.” Regulus reads. Fabian sighs and pats Arthur’s hair. Lucius’s eyes are stuck on his son—his son with Arthur.
His one and only love.
[“No, you’re not, my boy.” Dumbledore smiles, tight lipped before aiming his wands at the trio. Fabian and Gideon grab their wands but they’re too late for stunners hit them. Arthur gasps, staring at his friends before his closes his eyes and tries to apparate away, looking panicked when it doesn’t work. “I truly am sorry for this, my boy, but it’s for the greater good.” Arthur stumbles back before shoving Molly when she comes near, taking off for his home, ducking an dodging the spell that flies at his back.]
“Merlin.” Lucius whispers, hand covering his mouth, looking sick to his stomach. Abraxas is pale, gasping.
[Arthur grabs the doorknob and throws it open, lurching inside and towards the floo. He grabs some powder and throws it into the floo. “Malfoy Manor!” He’s about to step through when hands grab his robe and he’s dragged back, screaming. “Let me go! Lucius! Lucius!” He shouts, fighting and kicking. Molly yelps and scowls, kicking at him so he lands on the floor, hands covering his stomach. He scrambles back, looking terrified.]
“Merlin and Morgana, dad.” Bill whispers, eyes filling with tears. Arthur is crying in his seat and his previous lover isn’t too far off. Abraxas shakily brings a hand to cover his mouth. The others are watching on in silent horror.
[“No. Get away from me! Get away!” Arthur scrambles towards the floo, looking desperate. Tears are streaming down his face. “Lucius! LUCIUS!” He screams, a blood curdling and terrified one that rips from his throat. Molly snarls and Dumbledore takes a step forward into the house before flicking his wand.]
[“Imperio.” Arthur stops fighting, falling still. “You will sign the marriage contract between you and Molly Prewitt. You will forget about Lucius Malfoy. You will raise your son to be light and you will quit your job of being a curse breaker to join the Ministry.”]
“Y-You were a curse breaker?” Fred whispers, looking towards his pained and crying father. Arthur looks lost.
“I don’t—I don’t—I don’t know. I can’t remember.” Arthur sounds close to hyperventilating. “I can’t—I CAN’T REMEMBER!” He shouts. Lucius flies out of his seat and throws himself at Arthur, crouching down behind him and tugging him back into his chest. Arthur turns and buries his face into Lucius’s neck, throwing his arms around the pureblood’s neck as he sobs. “Lucius.” His voice breaks. “I’m sorry—I’m so sorry.”
“For what, love? It wasn’t your fault. None of it was your fault.” Lucius murmurs soothingly. Arthur hiccups and nods. The table rearranges so Lucius is sitting with Arthur, the male perched on his lap, cheek resting on the males shoulder.
“A Malfoy and a Weasley. Never thought I’d see the day.” James comments. He examines the two before he smiles. “You suit each other. I’m sorry for what happened to both of you.” James bows his head, Sirius and Remus following suit with their own apologies. Lucius nods to them, face buried in Arthur’s hair.
“Thank you, Heir Black, Heir Potter, Mr Lupin.” Remus smiles.
“Just tell me where the she-devil is, and I’ll sick these two on them.” He gestures to the boys who nod enthusiastically.
“I’ll teach her not to mess with us!”
“We’ll kick her ass!” James cheers. Lucius chuckles whilst Arthur giggles.
“Thank you, Remus, Sirius, James.”
“It’s no problem, Arthur.” Remus murmurs kindly. “No one deserves to go through what you both did. No one.”
Arthur nods silently, throat feeling thick before he buries his face back in Lucius’s shoulder and tries to forget about the outside world and the knowledge that who he loved the most had been taken from him from the person he hated the most in the whole world. Lucius’s arms tighten around him like he knows what the males thinking. There’s a pressure on his head like Lucius has kissed his hair and his smile becomes a little more real.
He’s missed this. Him and Lucius.
His Lucius; his world.
[1998, August 30th:]
“1998.” Harry whispers, running his fingers along his arm, frowning a little at the screen. Fred and George squeeze him from where he’s wedged between them comfortingly.
[“Prick your finger for your inheritance test. Only three drops of blood is required.” The goblin instructs, beady eyes watching over the wizards in the room. Harry sits in the middle along with all of the Weasley’s except two—the youngest’s, Ginerva and Ronald—Draco, Neville, Luna, Theo, and Blaise.]
“Wow, all off us look so old!” Draco exclaims. Blaise snickers when Theo turns to face him.
“Are you calling me old, Malfoy?”
“U-Uh—no, no, of course not!” Draco says immediately. Theo hums, eyeing him suspiciously before turning back to the screen. Draco relaxes, elbowing Blaise when he chokes on another laugh.
[“What the hell?” Draco gasps, lurching to his feet. He turns to face the Weasley’s, pointing at them. “You—”]
“What? What the hell’s going on?” Draco demands, leaning forward as if he could see what the inheritance test said. Theo smacks his elbow away and he hisses through his teeth, pouting at the Nott heir, who ignores him. Blaise snickers.
[“Oh Merlin, dad shackled up with Lucius Malfoy!” Fred and George shout, showing their inheritance tests to the other Weasley’s. Draco falters.]
[“Your … who’s your sire?” Draco asks. His eyes widen when Bill says Lucius, practically wide as saucers when both the twins, Charlie, and Percy all say their sire is Lucius Malfoy.]
“Merlin! So we’re all related to Lucius Malfoy?” Charlie demands, blue eyes wide. He turns to face the twins, Percy and Bill who’re staring at each other with wide eyes and astonished expressions.
“That means …” Abraxas whispers. “Six grandsons?” Abraxas turns to a surprised, emotional Lucius who’s arms are tight around Arthur. Arthur grins widely, rubbing his cheek against Lucius.
[“Your sire is Lucius and I assume your bearer is Arthur Weasley, right?” The Weasley’s nod. “But my sire is Arthur Weasley, and my bearer is father—uh, Lucius.” Draco says, a little awkward.]
“AW, BABY BROTHER!” Fred and George shout, grabbing Draco and dragging him towards them. Draco yelps, making Theo and Blaise start laughing. Draco’s dragged into their arms and tenses for a long moment before he relaxes and hugs back. He’s always wanted siblings and now apparently he had five older brothers—proper full blooded related brothers, not half-brothers either, though he wouldn’t have cared if they were.
But this just made it better.
[“AW, BABY BROTHER!” Fred and George scream, grabbing Draco and dragging him into a hug, Charlie and Bill dragging Percy over, collecting them tightly. Draco huffs, meeting Percy’s eyes.]
[“Better get used to this, baby brother. It happens a lot. We Weasley’s are very tactic with hugs and physical touch.” Percy says in amusement, chuckling softly when Draco frowns before shrugging a little. He hugs tightly onto one of Charlie’s muscled arms, Charlie running his fingers through the blonde’s hair.]
[“Fine by me.”]
“So the twins haven’t changed a wit then.” Bill says in amusement. The twins puff their chests up proudly.
They don’t even notice the screen going black before another memory begins.