Now, let's talk about those wards.
~~~~~~~~~
“Before we get started and bring in the prisoner, I would like to volunteer to be the one to ask the questions,” Albus stated once they were all settled in the Courtroom.
“That won’t be necessary, Albus, Madame Bones is the Head of the DMLE and she will do the questioning as is her job,” Minister Fudge answered. “Even if she was unavailable to do it, there are others who would do it before you did, Albus. How odd of you to volunteer.”
“Nothing odd about it, I assure you Minister,” Albus responded a bit shortly. Hadrian just sat back and watched as the man seemed to try and look for another way to gain control of the situation. There was a glint in his eye when the Veritaserum was mentioned but Hadrian knew they already had a plan for that as well.
“I believe that we are ready to begin,” Amelia spoke up from her place directly in front of the chair in the center of the room.
“Then, bring in the Accused,” Minister Fudge instructed. Harry watched as Sirius was led into the Courtroom by Rufus and instructed to sit in the chair in the center. As soon as he was seated his arms were locked in place by chains. “Now, let us officially begin the trial of Sirius Black. Amelia you may begin.”
“We are here today to ensure that justice was truly served ten years ago. You stand accused of betraying James and Lily Potter to He who must not be named. You stand accused of hunting down your best friend Peter Pettigrew and murdering thirteen muggles before murdering Pettigrew. You are ultimately accused of being a Death Eater. Do you understand the charges as they have been presented?” Amelia asked him.
“I understand the charges as they have been presented,” Sirius answered. Hadrian was so glad that the man was acting seriously for once. This situation did not need his brand of humor.
“How do you plead to these charges, Heir Black?” Amelia asked him next.
“Not Guilty,” Sirius responded. Amelia turned away from Sirius to address the rest of the court. She held up papers that were then duplicated and sent to the other important people in the room.
“This is a copy of Sirius Black’s bill of health, if you will. He voluntarily submitted himself to a cleansing while in Goblin custody this morning with myself and Scrimgeour present. This is simply to prove that he is under no spells or compulsions of any kind. All of his answers will be his own and not under the influence of others,” Amelia informed them all.
“While we were there,” Amelia continued. “We decided that it may be advantageous to submit ourselves to the same cleansing. This is a high-profile case, and someone has already tried to prevent it from happening once. We want there to be no chance of this verdict being questioned or thrown out for any reason. So, you will see mine and Rufus’ clean bill of health as well.”
Then she turned back to Sirius, who had been sitting silently and patiently. Hadrian was so glad that he wasn’t fidgeting or making comments about things. He was being so good, and Hadrian knew it was because he wanted to be at home with them when this was over.
“Heir Black, you are going to be questioned today about your involvement in the deaths of James and Lily Potter as well as the death of Peter Pettigrew and thirteen muggles. Do you understand?” Amelia asked him.
“Yes, I understand,” Sirius answered her.
“Very good. Now, you have two options. We can simply question you and then debate your answers afterward or you can voluntarily submit yourself to Veritaserum and then we will know that your answers are truth. What is your choice?” Amelia prompted.
“I will submit myself to questioning under Veritaserum. I don’t want there to be anyway that my word can be doubted,” Sirius stated firmly.
Albus seemed to get a glint in his eye and watched as Elphius Doge reached under his podium for the supply of Veritaserum that was kept under there. But Amelia held up her hand and stopped him.
“That won’t be necessary, Elphius,” Fudge spoke up. “It was suggested that since someone has already attempted to poison Heir Black to prevent this trial, that the Veritaserum used for his trial would be made the day before and witnessed to make sure that nothing was tampered with.”
“Why wasn’t I informed of this change in protocol? I am the Chief Warlock I believe that I should be informed and included in these decisions,” Albus spoke up. The Minister gave him an unfriendly look.
“As I said, precautions were taken due to the fact that Black has already been poisoned once. Only seven people knew of this change. Myself, Amelia, Rufus, the Potion Master who brewed it and one person from each Section of the Wizengamot chosen at random and who all agreed to a cleansing. This was done so that the chance of another poisoning was reduced. I do not need to consult with you when I make decisions. I am Minister here,” Fudge declared.
Hadrian watched the anger flash through Albus’ eyes before he quickly hid it. He turned slightly and shared a knowing look with Lucius. Albus had done something to the Veritaserum that was going to be used in the trial. The man was still attempting to keep Sirius from speaking. But Hadrian had talked extensively with Amelia, Rufus, and Lucius and they had attempted to consider every possibility of poisoning or tampering. Hopefully, they had managed to counter all of it before it could even be attempted.
“May we continue now? There is other business to take care of after this trial before we can all go home,” Rufus spoke up from his place at the door.
“Of course,” Minister Fudge responded. “A few rules before the serum is administered. Madame Bones will administer three drops of the Truth Serum to Sirius Black. She will ask questions to determine the truth of the situation. No one else is allowed to speak while the Accused is under the Veritaserum. I do not care who it is, if you speak, you will be removed from this Courtroom and subjected to a trial as well. If you sit on this Jury, you will be stripped of your position and removed from the Ministry. Is this understood?”
There was a chorus of agreement and then everything fell silent as Amelia was handed the Veritaserum from the Minister. She walked back to Sirius and explained that she would be administering three drops to his tongue and then they would wait ten seconds for the potion to take effect before asking him questions. Sirius agreed and then held out his tongue for the Serum. They watched as his eyes glazed over.
“Please state your full name for the record,” Amelia instructed.
“Sirius Orion Black the third of my name,” Sirius answered in a monotone voice.
“And your birthday is September 12th. You are 34 years old,” Amelia asked him.
“That is incorrect. My birthday is November 3rd, and I am currently 32 years old,” Sirius answered once again. Amelia turned to the court.
“The Serum is working and now I will ask him questions relevant to the case,” Amelia announced to the court. Then she turned back to Sirius. “Were you the Secret Keeper for the Potters when their home was put under Fidelius during the first war?”
“No, I was not,” Sirius answered simply.
“Why not? You were their best friend,” Amelia asked him.
“I was going to be. But we were convinced that it was a bad choice and choose not to do it,” Sirius answered.
“Who convinced you it was a bad choice?” Amelia asked.
“Albus Dumbledore,” Sirius stated.
“What reason did he give?” She asked.
“That I was too obvious of a choice. Everyone knew that I was closest to James. I would be the first person to be suspected,” Sirius answered.
“And so, who was chosen as the Secret Keeper?” Amelia asked.
“Peter Pettigrew,” was the simple answer.
“Who chose him?” Amelia inquired.
“James did,” Sirius responded.
“Did you betray the Potters to Voldemort?” Amelia asked finally.
“No, I would never,” Sirius stated.
“Are you now or at any point in the past a Death Eater or a supporter of Voldemort?” Amelia asked.
“No,” Sirius answered.
“Were you present at the Potter’s home the night they were murdered?” Amelia asked him.
“Not until after they were dead,” Sirius answered.
“Did you hunt down Peter Pettigrew after you found the Potter’s dead?” Amelia asked him.
“Yes,” he answered simply.
“Why?” Amelia asked him.
“Because he was their Secret Keeper and he had been acting weird lately,” Sirius answered.
“Did you find him?” Amelia asked.
“Yes,” Sirius answered.
“What happened when you found him?” Amelia asked the question that they had all been waiting for.
“He was hiding in a muggle alley. He was laughing and admitted to betraying us. Admitted to having been working for Voldemort for months. Then he sent a blasting curse at the nearest building as a distraction before he cut off his finger, cast an overpowered cheering charm at me, turned into his Animagus form, and disappeared into the sewers,” Sirius explained.
“So, it was Peter Pettigrew that killed the Muggles?” Amelia asked.
“Yes,” Sirius answered.
“Why didn’t you chase him into the sewers?” Amelia asked.
“I was trying to pull the muggles from the wreckage of the building,” Sirius answered.
“Did you kill, Peter Pettigrew?” Amelia asked.
“No,” Sirius answered.
Amelia turned to Minister Fudge and waited. She would see if the court was satisfied with the questioning and his responses. Fudge looked down at his paper and then nodded up at Amelia.
“You may administer the antidote,” Fudge instructed. “We are satisfied.”
Amelia then instructed Sirius to hold out his tongue before she administered the antidote and allowed him to recover. There were murmurs of surprise and anger around the room from those in attendance.
“Sirius Black will be removed from the courtroom while we make our ruling,” Minister Fudge instructed. Amelia held up her hand.
“We have one more person we would like to bring before the court. Someone that we think will solidify and back up Heir Black’s claims of innocence,” Amelia spoke up. There were once again exclamations of shock and excitement.
“I don’t believe that further proof is necessary,” Albus stated. “He has spoken the truth under Veritaserum. There is no need for further questioning or witnesses.”
“Who is your witness?” Minister Fudge asked.
“Peter Pettigrew,” Amelia answered. “He was apprehended by the Goblin’s when they came across him. He had been posing as a family pet. The Goblins were aware that he had been reported dead and would be helpful with our case to prove Sirius Blacks innocence. So, he was kept in Goblin cells until today.”
“You have Peter Pettigrew in custody? Here right now?” Minister Fudge asked.
“Yes, Sir. Here are his papers to show he is clear of all spells and compulsions and his signed agreement to allow us to place him under Veritaserum,” Amelia informed them all. Hadrian had to work hard to keep himself from laughing at the look of pure rage that crossed Albus’ face.
“Then bring him in. Have Sirius Black moved to a holding room and watched over,” Minister Fudge instructed.
Rufus removed Sirius Black and returned a few moments later with a very anxious looking Peter Pettigrew. He was placed in the same chair as Sirius and whimpered when the chains wrapped around his arms.
“Peter Pettigrew, are you still voluntarily submitting yourself to the use of Veritaserum?” Minister Fudge asked. The Rat looked around and then locked eyes with Hadrian before nodding vigorously when Hadrian’s eyes flashed with power. He would not allow the rat to escape or wiggle his way out of this.
“We need your verbal consent,” Amelia added.
“Y..yes I c..consent to questioning under…under Veritaserum,” Peter stuttered out.
“Once again, Madame Bones will be the only one allowed to speak or ask questions while the witness is under Veritaserum. You know the consequences of interference,” Minister Fudge stated. “Proceed.”
Amelia stepped forward and administered the potion to Peter and waited until his eyes were glazed.
“State your full name for the record,” Amelia instructed.
“Peter Wayne Pettigrew,” Peter answered.
“Are you a registered Animagus?” Amelia asked.
“No, I am not registered,” Peter admitted. Amelia turned toward Fudge to get the go ahead. He nodded that he was satisfied that the serum was working properly.
“Were you the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter the night they were murdered?” Amelia asked.
“Yes,” Peter answered.
“Are you now or were you at any point in the past a Death Eater or supporter of Voldemort?” Amelia asked him.
“Yes,” Peter answered.
“Did you voluntarily give Voldemort or his followers the location of James and Lily Potter the night of October 31st, 1981?” Amelia asked him.
“Yes,” Peter once again stated.
“Why?” Amelia asked.
“I did not feel appreciated or equal in my friendship with James, Sirius, and Remus. I was always overlooked or disregarded. The Dark Lord gave me a place of importance in his ranks. Showed me respect and I will be rewarded greatly when he returns for helping him,” Peter answered.
“You betrayed the light and your best friends because Voldemort was nice to you?” Amelia asked a bit shocked.
“Yes,” Peter answered.
“Did you cast the blasting curse that killed thirteen muggles the night Sirius Black chased you down after James and Lily’s death?” Amelia asked.
“Yes,” Peter stated.
“Did you cut off your own finger and cast a cheering charm at Sirius Black in order to frame him for it and your murder?” Amelia asked.
“Yes,” Peter answered.
“One last question, because it has been brought up as curious. Who performed the Fidelius that made you the Secret Keeper?” Amelia asked him.
“Albus Dumbledore,” Peter answered.
“So, Albus Dumbledore knew that Sirius Black was not the Secret Keeper and could not have betrayed the Potters to Voldemort?” Amelia asked and she looked straight up at Albus while they waited for him to answer.
“Yes,” Peter answered. Amelia looked over to the Minister.
“I have no further questions,” Amelia stated and waited to see if there was anything else they would like added. Fudge nodded and Amelia administered the antidote.
“Have Peter Pettigrew taken into custody and placed in a ministry cell. Make sure that he cannot transform into his Animagus form and that he is kept under watch until he can be given a sentencing trial,” Minister Fudge instructed. Peter was led out of the courtroom in magic suppressing cuffs. “Now, I believe we have heard enough to make a ruling.”
There was a murmur of agreement throughout the courtroom. Hadrian was quite happy with the way things had gone. Amelia was a beast at her job and had done beautifully with her questioning. Nothing would come of this trial as far as punishment for Albus, but the smallest seed of doubt had been planted. It would grow every time they did something like this and mentioned his name in addition to something that wasn’t handled properly. The doubt would fester until he started losing power. This would be a long slow battle, but they would destroy Albus.
“All of those in favor of Sirius Black’s innocence in the betrayal of James and Lily Potter?” Fudge asked. Nearly every wand was raised. Fudge nodded. “All of those in favor of Sirius Black’s innocence of murdering the thirteen muggles?” Every wand was raised. “All of those in favor of Sirius Black’s innocence in the murder of Peter Pettigrew?” Every wand was raised. “All of those in favor of Sirius Black’s innocence of being a Death Eater or follower of You Know Who?” Nearly every wand was raised once again. Fudge banged his gavel. “Bring Heir Black back into the Courtroom.”
Hadrian watched as Sirius was led back into the room and sat down in the chair once again. He looked so nervous that Hadrian flashed him a quick comforting smile.
“Sirius Black it has been determined by this court that you were falsely imprisoned and are innocent of all the crimes you were accused of. There will be compensation given to you for this serious lack of justice that you were served. This never should have happened. We will take steps to ensure that it never happens again. You are a free man, Sirius Black. I do hope that you enjoy your new freedom and if there is anything that we can do to help you in your recovery or anything else please do not hesitate to ask. You are owed a few favors after what was done to you,” Minister Fudge revealed the verdict.
Sirius smiled and cried when the chains were removed, and he was handed his wand by Amelia Bones. Sirius took his wand and thanked the court before he nearly bolted from the room. Once everyone was settled down Fudge continued.
“We are finished here today. You will all be notified when a date is set for Pettigrew’s trial. You may go about your regular day,” Fudge stated.
“The Wizengamot will gather for its normal meeting in one hour,” Albus announced before he too stood and strode from the room.
Hadrian stood and was not surprised when Lucius made his way to him. What he was surprised about was how the Submissive Veela pulled him down for a chaste kiss to the cheek. They hadn’t had the opportunity to discuss what Lucius was comfortable with the public knowing about them yet.
“Come on, Love. Let’s go and see Black,” Lucius said with a smile. Hadrian smiled back down at him and led him from the room to where he knew Sirius was waiting. There were murmurs from the others in the room and he was pretty sure he saw a camera flash or two. There would be rumors and speculation now.
“There will be rumors now, Darling,” Hadrian leaned down and whispered.
“I don’t care. Let them talk. I don’t intend to hide our relationship, Love. I want the world to know that I am yours and you are mine,” Lucius answered just loud enough for others close to them to hear. Hadrian rewarded his lovely Veela with a light press of lips to his head.
“Perfect as always, Darling,” Hadrian said with pride. “Now, let’s find Sirius.”
They ran into Remus and Teddy first. The two of them had been hanging around the ministry waiting to see how things would go. They knew Hadrian and Lucius would have to stay for the Wizengamot meeting afterward. Hadrian didn’t say anything to them at first, he just simply indicated for them to follow him.
“Mooney!” Sirius exclaimed as soon as they stepped into the room. He launched himself at the wolf and sobbed in his arms as soon as he was securely wrapped in them. Remus held him tightly and nuzzled his head, neck, and cheeks. Pretty much any area that he could reach was soon covered in the wolf’s scent.
“Merlin, Sirius, I missed you so much,” Remus breathed out.
“Missed you desperately, Remus,” Sirius managed to say through his tears. “Want to go home with you. I never want to be parted from you again.”
Finally, the tears stopped and the two of them were simply holding each other and talking quietly. Hadrian was leaned against the wall with an arm around Lucius and Teddy as they waited for the couple to have their moment. The arm around Teddy was over his shoulders and had him tucked close.
The arm around Lucius was resting on his stomach. He hadn’t had the opportunity to speak with Lucius about the possibility of him being pregnant. But it was likely that the Veela was at this very moment carrying his child. It had his instincts acting a bit out of sorts because of it. Teddy, ever the restless wolf was the first to make a comment.
“Hey, Uncle Remi, stop hogging all of Uncle Siri’s hugs. I want some too,” Teddy called out. Sirius looked up startled as if he just realized that they weren’t in the room alone. He looked Teddy over. The boy looked exactly like Hadrian currently. The blood adoption had changed him. He was still small and cute, but his true hair color was no longer sandy blonde, it was black and curly, like Hadrian’s. His eyes were also the same green that Hadrian’s used to be when he was a teenager.
“Merlin,” Sirius said with a grin. “Now, this one looks just like James. Except for those eyes of course, those are Lily’s eyes. This is what I expected you to look like growing up. Instead, you are a giant.”
Sirius pulled Teddy into a tight hug, that Teddy was happy to return.
“We are going to have so much fun together. Your old dad is too grown up now to have fun. He is all politics and responsibility, but you and I aren’t old like he is,” Sirius insisted. Then he grinned wider if that was possible. “Wait, he is mated to Luci now that means the littlest Malfoy is there too. Oh, the pranks the three of us are going to pull.”
“Sirius don’t corrupt my sons,” Hadrian said with absolutely no heat.
“I am going to teach them all of the things I should have gotten to teach you growing up. The two of them and any other little ones you Sire are going to be the next generation of Marauders. You just wait and see,” Sirius argued.
“Merlin, help us all,” Lucius said as he leaned back into Hadrian more.
He loved that Hadrian claimed Draco. The Dominant Drake saw Draco as his son as much as Teddy and it made Lucius love him even more. He was glad that Sirius seemed to be just as accepting of the situation. He hadn’t given Lucius one bad look or made one bad comment to him since the first one that Hadrian had reprimanded him for.
“All right, we can floo home for a quick lunch before we need to be back here for the meeting,” Hadrian stated. He needed to get things moving along. He wanted Lucius to have time to eat something before they had to be back here. He would do nothing that might risk the baby that his mate could be carrying.
“Right, let’s get going,” Remus agreed.
He knew exactly why Hadrian was insisting. He was the only one aware besides Hadrian that Lucius could be carrying. He knew that as a dominant Creature he would be extra careful with Lucius, nearly to the point of smothering if he turned out to be carrying. All other dominant Creatures would have to be sure to stay away from the Veela or risk Hadrian eviscerating them.
~~~~~~~~~~
Severus was not surprised to find himself once again in Albus’ office. The headmaster was livid and had already broken a few things around the room. Things had clearly not gone the way he had wanted them to go during the trial and meetings today.
“I need that man under control, and I need it now,” Albus declared finally. “Black is free, and Pettigrew is in custody. Both of them know too much. I need to regain control or eliminate them completely.”
The spy said nothing. Albus didn’t want his input, he just wanted someone to listen. Albus loved an audience.
“I am more convinced now than ever that Duke Peverell is somehow Tom in disguise,” Albus mumbled after another moment.
That caught Severus’ attention. Albus thought Peverell was the Dark Lord? That was interesting. Severus knew he wasn’t, Lucuis would have said something. Severus would have felt something. Albus was becoming desperate and unhinged.
“Then he had the audacity to suggest that the ministry implement new, mandatory rules. In two weeks the Wizengamot will vote on new policies for all ministry workers including the Wizengamot. He wants to make it mandatory for all officials to be subjected to a cleansing every month and for all officials to be required to wear a piece of jewelry that will protect them from spells and potions that are designed to control or manipulate them,” Albus continued to rant.
Severus wanted to meet this man now more than ever. He had Albus completely on the ropes. He had been part of the Wizengamot for less than a month and already he was wresting control from Albus. Severus would not be surprised if Albus made a public statement declaring Peverell the next Dark Lord.
If he did that, he would make himself look desperate and stupid. Peverell had done nothing. There wasn’t a dark spot on his reputation at all. Right now, he was popular and new, and people were intrigued by him. Most of the Wizengamot were enamored of Peverell. Albus would be laughed out of the room.
“Tell me that you have started the potion?” Albus said finally addressing Severus.
“I have gathered all but one ingredient. It is hard to get because it is illegal and rare,” Severus insisted. “You have chosen a potion that is extremely difficult to even gather ingredients for. There is no way it is a legal potion to brew with all of the illegal ingredients that it requires.”
“What ingredient are you lacking?” Albus demanded.
“Dracunculus Vulgaris,” Severus answered. “It has been gathered and used until it was nearly extinct and that was before the ministry banned it from being grown or gathered. I have exhausted my contacts.”
“I will see what I can do to acquire it. Have you still learned nothing about Peverell from Lucius? He knows more about the man than anyone else I can assure you. They were very open and public about their affection for each other today,” Albus insisted.
“He will tell me nothing about him. Lucius is very protective of the man,” Severus repeated.
“We will learn more next month at the ball,” Albus stated finally. He sat down in his chair and visibly calmed himself. “If nothing else, I will have both of their sons at my mercy when school starts. I will get those boys under my control, and they will tell me everything.”
“I do not think it is smart to attack their sons. They are powerful men, Albus and if we are dealing with the Dark Lord, do you really wish to harm his son? He will raze Hogwarts to the ground if he learns that you have harmed his Heir,” Severus attempted to point out. He did not like the idea of Albus targeting Draco in any way.
“Severus, you and I both know that Tom had no children. Whoever that boy is, he is not Tom’s Heir. He may be a follower's son or an orphan that was chosen to help him seem kind. Tom cares for no one but himself,” Albus said with a laugh.
“Of course, you are right, Albus,” Severus agreed.
“You may go. I have many things to think about and I need to organize an Order meeting and find that ingredient. I need that potion brewed. It needs to be in people’s systems before they are cleansed. Once it has been ingested, there is no way to reverse its effects without an antidote,” Albus bragged.
Severus left the office and wrote out a letter to Lucius. He needed to meet up with his friend to discuss Albus.
~~~~~~~~~~~
“Severus wants to meet up,” Lucius announced at dinner and passed the note to Hadrian. “He says he is concerned about Albus and his plans for the boys among other things.”
Hadrian read over the letter. He wasn’t sure if he was quite ready to meet with the potion master face to face. He didn’t know how he would react knowing the man was his and not be acknowledged by him. Lucius’ creature had not been suppressed and he had reacted to Hadrian immediately Severus would not be the same.
“I can meet him at Malfoy Manor if you are not comfortable having him here, Hades,” Lucius said after a minute of silence. He reached over and grasped Hadrian’s hand and smiled comfortingly to his dominant mate.
“I think maybe, just for now, it will be best if you meet him at Malfoy Manor,” Hadrian agreed.
“My Uncle Severus is a good man, Dad,” Draco spoke up. “He wouldn’t betray you.”
“I know that, Dragon,” Hadrian said with a smile. “We just need to be careful with who we allow in our home. This is a safe place for us. Our family is in no danger from outside forces here. Severus has not been to the Goblins for cleansing yet. He could be under Albus’ control.”
“But, Dragon, this is an issue for adults to worry over. You don’t need to concern yourself with it until you are just a bit older,” Lucius added.
“Yes, Father. I didn’t mean to overstep,” Draco answered.
“You didn’t,” Hadrian spoke up. “It is only natural for you to defend your Godfather. Just know that there is no need for you to defend him. I know he is a good man. Now, eat your dinner and then you can beat me at chess.”
“Ok, Dad,” Draco said with a smile.
He watched his father smile softly at Hadrian before they continued eating. He looked around at the table and all of the family that he now had. Remus and Sirius had both insisted on being called Uncle. They told him that since he was Hadrian’s that he was theirs as well. Teddy spent so much time with him and treated him the way he always thought a brother would if he had one.
And Hadrian, he was the best of all. He had accepted Draco into his life and home with open arms and no hesitation. He treated him the same way he treated Teddy and made him feel like he wasn’t just here because he was Lucius’ son. Hadrian was a busy man, but he made time for Draco any time he went looking for him. Whether it was questions about his summer homework or wanting to go flying. Hadrian made sure he was available. Draco loved Hadrian and was so happy that he was part of their lives.
~~~~~
“I have something for you,” Hadrian said as Lucius came into his office the next morning. The books about male Veela Submissives had finally arrived.
“Oh? What is it?” Lucius asked and gave a happy trill when Hadrian pulled him down into his lap.
“When Remus and I met with the Creature Council, I was informed that there is a difference between male Submissive Veela and female Submissive Veela,” Hadrian informed him.
“I didn’t know that” Lucius said curiously. “It isn’t something that has ever been talked about because I am the first male Submissive in the Malfoy line in a few centuries.”
“Yes, well, Sabrina, the Veela on the Creature Council, brought it up. She promised to send books that were specific to male Submissives,” Hadrian told him.
“That was kind of her,” Lucius said with a smile. “Are those the books?” He pointed to a stack on Hadrian’s desk.
“Yes, Love. Don’t you want to know why she was curious and wanted to send books?” Hadrian asked as Lucius looked through the books.
“Hades, most of these books are about male pregnancies,” Lucius said pointedly. Hadrian nodded.
“Yes, they are,” Hadrian agreed. “Sabrina was quite certain that based on the length of your Heat, that you are most likely pregnant. So certain, that she sends her congratulations and says that she expects and invitation to the naming ceremony.”
Hadrian handed Lucius the note Sabrina had sent with the books. He rubbed Lucius’ very flat stomach and nuzzled his neck while his mate processed the information.
“When can we do the test to know for certain?” Lucius asked after a few moments. He placed his hands over Hadrian’s on his stomach. He prayed to every deity that he could think of that he was truly pregnant.
“In four days, on the 31st we can do the test and know for certain,” Hadrian said with a smile. “Though, from flipping through the book briefly, it says that I or another Dominant may be able to sense or smell it early. That my instincts may become very attuned to you and extra attentive.”
“You are already incredibly attentive,” Lucius teased. “How will we know the difference?”
“I don’t know. This is my first experience with all of this. If you are carrying, then it will be the first child born of my blood. I didn’t take full responsibility for Teddy until he was six and Draco at twelve. This will be my first baby,” Hadrian said with aww.
He had never been allowed to truly connect with the children that Ginny had given birth to. He hadn’t been involved in their care or upbringing. He knew that Lucius would not be the same. Lucius would allow him to truly bond with their child.
“I am happy to get to share this first with you, my Alpha,” Lucius purred up at him.
“You have been a few firsts for me, Darling. My first Mate, my first true love that I wasn’t under compulsion to feel, and now the first to carry a child of my blood. I am sure that you will be many more firsts for me as well,” Hadrian spoke to him gently as he kissed his neck.
“If you keep doing that, I am going to have to insist that you take me to bed,” Lucius gasped out when Hadrian nipped at his collarbone.
“Why take you to bed, when I can have you right here?” Hadrian asked him as he moved his hands up and started undoing the buttons of Lucius’ robes.
“Good question,” Lucius agreed. Then he gave himself over completely to his Dominant mate. Hadrian cast a wandless ward over the room so that they were silenced, and no one could enter. Then he stripped Lucius of the rest of his clothes and banished the things on his desk before laying the Veela on his back.
“Merlin, Hades if you don’t touch me now, I will lose my mind,” Lucius ground out when Hadrian stepped back and just stared at the picture he made laid out on his desk like an offering.
“We wouldn’t want that now. You have a lovely sharp mind,” Hadrian teased and then he did exactly as he was told and touched his lovely mate. He touched him everywhere until the Veela was begging to be taken. And Hadrian could deny his mate nothing.
When they were both sated, Hadrian spelled their clothes back into place, cleaned up the mess on his desk, and then carried his nearly purring mate down to the family sitting room. Hadrian summoned the stack of Veela books from his office. Hadrian sat and Lucius laid down on the couch with his head in Hadrian’s lap while the two of them read quietly.
Draco and Teddy were outside flying with Sirius while Remus read on the lawn and watched them. It was just a lazy Sunday at home and Hadrian was grateful for it.
“Oh, it says here that the gestational period for a male Veela is longer than a female by two months,” Lucius pointed out. “Something about it taking longer because the baby is being carried in magical womb.”
“This one says that I will need to be close to you often throughout the pregnancy so that the baby can take magic from me as well so that you are not the only one sustaining it. The more magic that I offer, the less you will be drained and exhausted,” Hadrian added.
“Pops?” Teddy called from the doorway. Hadrian and Lucius looked up to see all four of the other occupants of the house standing together.
“Something the two of you need to tell us?” Sirius asked with a smirk. He wasn’t stupid, he had barely been here a day and even he had noticed how careful and doting Hadrian had been toward Lucius.
Lucius sat up and scooted closer to Hadrian who draped an arm around his shoulders. He smiled up at the other four as they came into the room. Draco sat down next to Lucius and Teddy sat at their feet looking up at them.
“Nothing is certain or confirmed as of yet,” Lucius answered finally. “It is still too early.”
“But you think that you are?” Teddy asked.
“When Remus and I went to the Creature Council meeting, I was informed by the Head Veela that Lucius is most likely carrying because of the length of his Heat and because it is different for male Veela versus female Veela,” Hadrian informed them.
“When can we know for sure?” Draco asked.
“In four days on the 31st,” Hadrian answered.
“So, you might be pregnant, Father? Teddy and I are getting a little brother or sister?” Draco asked Lucius.
“Yes, Dragon. How does that make you feel, Love?” Lucius asked him. Draco had been an only child for so long and now suddenly he had an older brother and possibly a younger sibling as well. It might be too much too soon for the boy.
“Happy, Father. I am so happy. I always hated being an only child. Now, I will have two siblings. I am going to be a great big brother to this baby, just like Teddy is for me,” Draco said excitedly.
“Yes, you are,” Hadrian agreed. “And you, Kid? How do you feel about it?”
“Really, Pops?” Teddy said with a grin. “How many times did I beg for siblings? Or more accurately beg to see the three that we thought were yours? I am happy to have siblings. I hope you are carrying, Lucius.”
“Thank you, Ted,” Lucius said with a smile. Hadrian loved to see it. Lucius was so different from the man he remembered in his youth. So much less stressed or on edge. Still posh and eager to look down on those he deemed unworthy. Cruel when he needed to be and willing to murder to keep his family safe. But Hadrian found that it did not bother him the way it did two decades ago.
Hadrian was not a young foolish boy blindly following Dumbledore anymore. He wasn’t blinded by a child’s ideals of right and wrong. He had learned long ago that he definitely felt more comfortable on the Dark side of things. He learned he was not the Hero the world wanted him to be. He would burn the world down for those he considered family. He would murder, torture, and maim without regret or remorse if it meant protecting what was his.
“Lost in thought, My Love? What has you scowling so deeply?” Lucius asked him. He pulled himself from his musing and looked around the room.
“I was only thinking about what I would do to protect you all,” Hadrian said and then smirked in a way that would make someone tremble or run. “Well, I guess it is more like what I wouldn’t do to protect you all.”
“You look quite terrifying, Pup,” Sirius teased from his chair. “Any one stupid enough to challenge you when you look like that is quite stupid and deserves what you do to them.”
“Such a good Alpha he is,” Lucius said honestly. “We know that you will do anything to protect us all. Are doing anything to keep us safe.”
“All right, Pops how about a game of exploding snap?” Teddy asked.
“I’ll play a game of exploding snap with you and then we will take Draco to the Dueling room and start his lessons,” Hadrian agreed.
“Really?” Draco perked up. “We are going to start my dueling lessons?”
“Yeah, now do you want to play with us?” Hadrian asked.
“I think I will sit with Father and watch,” Draco responded. It wasn’t often that they got to just spend time lazing around. Lucius had been much more affectionate since meeting Hadrian. It was like now that he had found his dominant mate, he didn’t have to be so tough and composed anymore. Draco enjoyed the cuddles, not that he would ever admit it to anyone outside of their home.
“I would like that, Dragon,” Lucius agreed. Draco scooted closer to Lucius and the older blonde wrapped his arm around him and they talked quietly together about a few simple things while they watched Hadrian, Teddy, and Sirius play a few rounds of Exploding Snap.
It was the most chaotic game that Lucius and Draco had ever seen. It was like watching three overgrown children trying to startle each other enough to cause the other to lose. It was also wonderful to see Hadrian smiling and laughing. He was so often far too serious or busy.
“Hades,” Lucius called for his mate.
“Yes, Darling,” Hadrian gave his full attention to his beautiful Veela.
“It is time for me to leave and meet Severus,” Lucius pointed out. Hadrian stood from the floor and went to Lucius who was already standing near the door. He wrapped Lucius in his arms and nuzzled his neck and cheek before kissing him.
“Try and encourage him to get a cleansing or to at least go to the goblins and be tested to see if he needs one. I know that Severus is a master when it comes to Legilimency and that he can protect his mind better than anyone. But Albus is a subtle manipulator, and he could have started on Severus when he was still a teenager at Hogwarts,” Hadrian suggested quietly.
“He is a good man, Love,” Lucius insisted. Hadrian kissed him again.
“I know better than anyone that he is a good man. Remember that I know him as well, Darling. He protected me every year when danger came for me at Hogwarts. I owe him my life many times over. But I know things about him that neither you nor he know yet. He needs a cleansing, My heart,” Hadrian stated again.
“I will do what I can to convince him, Hades. He can be so stubborn sometimes though,” Lucius said with a smile.
“Don’t I know it,” Hadrian agreed with a chuckle. “Be careful and aware at all times, Luc.”
“I am only going to Malfoy Manor, Hadrian. There is no danger for me there,” Lucius answered with a laugh.
“I cannot help but worry, Darling,” Hadrian said before he kissed Lucius once more and then let him leave. He turned toward the others in the room. Sirius and Teddy were miming gagging while Draco and Remus laughed at them. Hadrian cast a very mild stinging jinx at them wandlessly and wordlessly.
“Hey,” Sirius cried out. “What was that for?”
“You know exactly what that was for,” Hadrian said with a laugh. “Now, come boys, it is time to begin Draco’s training.”
“Oh, can we come?” Sirius asked excitedly.
“You were an Auror, Padfoot. You know how to duel,” Hadrian pointed out. “And Remus isn’t too shabby either.”
“Yes, but your sons brag about your skills. Say that you can beat us both at the same time with your eyes closed,” Sirius stated. Hadrian looked between Teddy and Draco who looked completely unrepentant.
“It seems my sons like to brag,” Hadrian said with a smirk. “Come on then, the two of you are welcome to join but you will learn what Draco learns. Ted learned every spell with a wand and then without. Draco will learn the same way. He will learn it faster than the two of you will so try to keep up.”
“With a wand and without? You are asking for too much,” Sirius pouted.
“Remus taught me how to successfully cast the Patronus Charm when I was thirteen. A charm that most adults cannot cast. When I was fifteen, I taught twenty other teenagers to cast it successfully. Just because it seems like it is too much, doesn’t mean that it is,” Hadrian insisted.
“I am so ready to learn,” Draco said nearly bouncing in place. “Please can we go to the dueling room now, Dad?”
“Yeah, let’s go,” Hadrian agreed. The five of them headed up to the dueling room. “Ted, you will start with a simple shielding charm with Draco. The first one I taught you. Take that side of the room. I will start with these two.”
“A simple shielding charm?” Remus asked curiously. “We know how to cast a simple shielding charm.”
“You do not know how to do it, wandlessly and without a thought in the middle of a battle,” Hadrian pointed out. “Pull out your wands.”
Sirius and Remus did as they were instructed. Hadrian made them cast it over and over again until they could recognize the feel of it. Then he made them practice it with their wands and without using the word. Once they had that down, he took their wands and made them start practicing without the wand or the word while he cast low level spells at them.
Meanwhile, Teddy was working with Draco.
“Do you know the incantation for the shield charm?” Teddy asked him.
“Yes, it is Protego,” Draco answered. “Isn’t this a sixth-year spell?”
“It is, but Pop’s taught it to me at eleven. It is the first spell he taught me when he decided I was old enough to learn to duel. It is one of your most important spells. It will completely block all lower-level spells and will weaken higher level spells,” Teddy answered him.
“Was it hard?” Draco asked him. “It seems like something boring to learn. I want to learn real dueling spells like what the two of you did that first day.”
“I learned it with a wand first then I learned to do it without incanting the word. Once I had that mastered, Pop’s took my wand and made me learn it without it. I was not allowed to move on to the next spell until I could do it with ease and as a reflex instead a thought,” Teddy answered. “It took me a long time before we moved on to the spells you saw the other day. If you try to skip steps and learn spells on your own, he will stop teaching you.”
“I won’t cheat. Even if I think the spells are boring,” Draco promised. He had already had this conversation in depth with Hadrian and Lucius. There were rules that he had to follow if he wanted to learn to duel. If he broke the rules, he didn’t get to learn.
“Good, now pull out your wand, Little Brother and let’s get started,” Teddy instructed. Draco excitedly pulled out his wand and followed Teddy as he instructed him. He learned and practiced the wand movement over and over while Teddy explained the theory behind the spell.
“Ok,” Teddy said. “Now, I want you to put magic behind it.”
Hadrian paused when he heard a shout from the other side of the room. They had been in the dueling room now for a few hours. Then he watched as Teddy made Draco calm down and do it again. Hadrian was so full of pride at the way the two of them worked together. He swelled even more with pride when he watched Draco cast a partial shield. Draco glanced over to where Hadrian was to see if he was watching him.
“Very good, Dragon. You are doing magnificently,” Hadrian praised the small blonde. Draco seemed to just glow from the praise. He turned back to Teddy with a grin to show he was eager to continue. “You as well, Little Wolf. I knew you could teach him well.”
“Look at him, Mooney,” Sirius said with a sad sigh. “Our little Godson all grown up and a dad.”
“I don’t think ‘little’ applies anymore Siri. He is taller and older than the both of us,” Remus said with a laugh.
“And isn’t that just an odd thought,” Sirius added.
“It’s odd for me too,” Hadrian said, and he turned back to them. “I have memories of the two of you that you will never share with me. You will only ever know me as I am now, but I remember being thirteen and meeting you both for the first time. I also remember the devastation and heart break of losing you both to a war I aim to end before it even starts. It may be odd for the two of you, but it is a miracle for me.”
“Aww, Pup, we were only teasing,” Sirius said with frown. “We didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”
“I know you didn’t,” Hadrian said and clapped him on the shoulder. “Now, come on and let me see that wandless wordless shield.”
~~~~~~~~~~
“Severus, my oldest friend,” Lucius said as the Potion Master joined him in the sitting room at Malfoy Manor.
“Hello, Lucius,” Severus greeted and took the seat across from him. “I thought that you had moved from here?”
“I did,” Lucius answered. “Draco and I live with Hadrian now. But we are meeting here because he is a bit cautious about who he gives access to our home.”
“That is very smart of him,” Severus stated.
“You are not offended?” Lucius asked a bit surprised.
“No, as you said, you are my oldest friend. It makes me happy to know that you and Draco are being cared for the way that you should be,” Severus answered. “Your new mate is a force to be reckoned with and I like him, if for no other reason than he has Albus losing his mind.”
“Tell, me what has been going on,” Lucius asked.
“He wants me to brew Summa Mens Imperium. He plans to use it on your sons and your mate. He also plans to use it on Augusta Longbottom and her grandson Neville. These are only the people that I am sure of,” Severus revealed.
“Is that all?” Lucius asked. He knew that at least his family was safe from that. He fingered the cuff at his ear. “My sons and mate are safe from that threat.”
“How?” Severus inquired.
“My mate has connections with the Unseelie Sidhe, and they worked out a deal for protection against such things,” Lucius admitted. He had a suspicion about Severus that he was going to keep to himself for now.
“Of course he has,” Severus said with a rare smirk.
“What else has the old man been up to, Severus?” Lucius asked.
“He has a theory that is completely insane. He has convinced himself that your Hadrian is the Dark Lord in disguise,” Severus responded. “He is planning for war. Gathering his Order.”
“The man really has gotten old and lost his mind,” Lucius said with a laugh. “My Hadrian is the furthest thing from the Dark Lord. Well, not the furthest, he has the potential and power to be the greatest Dark Lord that the world has ever seen but he is not Voldemort.”
“And if the Dark Lord does return?” Severus asked curiously. “What will you do?”
“Nothing. He will not return Severus. But if he should, Hadrian would oppose him the same way that he does Albus,” Lucius insisted.
“Then I will side with you as I aways have,” Severus insisted.
“As always, I am thankful for your friendship and support,” Lucius said with a smile.
“You are happier, Lucius. Free in a way that you have not been before,” Severus pointed out after a few moments.
“Yes, I am. Finding my mate has been life changing. He wants to meet you officially and get to know you as the friend and ally that I know you as,” Lucius admitted.
“I would be open to that,” Severus stated. "He would be a powerful ally to have."
“Good,” Lucius responded. “The only thing is, Hadrian is very cautious about whom he allows in our home or to know our secrets.”
“As he should be,” Severus agreed. “What is it that he wants me to do before he feels comfortable?”
“He wants you to go Gringotts, to Axeclaw and ask for a test to make sure that you are clean of all potions or spells that could be used to control or influence you,” Lucius informed his friend.
“I am a master of the mind magics, Lucius. I know my own mind. I know when someone has tampered with it,” Severus stated. Lucius could tell that he was offended just a bit.
“Severus, just hear me out. You were not always so good at knowing your own mind. There is proof that Albus started manipulating certain people when they were still teenagers in school. If he planted a compulsion or altered a memory of that time, would you know it then?” Lucius asked his best friend.
“I..no,” Severus admitted reluctantly.
“Exactly. There is proof Severus. Proof that Albus has been doing this kind of thing for a very long time. The Goblins are helping him to gather evidence and build a case. There are so many things that I want to tell you about. Things that I cannot tell you until Hadrian is confident that you are truly in control of your own mind,” Lucius insisted.
“I will consider it,” Severus conceded. Lucius smiled at him. That was as good as an admission that he would do it. He would wait at most a week before he gave in and went to the bank.
“That is all I ask, Sev. Thank you,” Lucius responded.
They talked for a bit longer about less heavy topics. Caught up on what had been going on. Lucius didn’t tell Severus that he might be pregnant. He wanted to wait until he knew for sure before anyone outside of their family knew. Male Wixen could become pregnant with the help of potions, but only Submissive male Creatures could become pregnant naturally.
If it got out that he was pregnant there would be a lot of speculation about his status as a Wixen. They weren’t quite ready for that, yet. Hadrian had a plan for Creature Laws that he was working on with the Council. They would start working on it after Hadrian’s ball. Lucius couldn’t wait to stand beside his mate with his other Submissives and support him in every way during that fight.
After a few hours of catching up, Severus insisted he needed to go before he was missed. Lucius flooed home and headed up to the Dueling Room. He knew if they hadn’t been forced out of there, that they were most likely still in there. He was right of course.
He watched for a few minutes as Teddy gave Draco instructions on a few things about how he was holding his wand and the way he was feeling the magic. Then he turned toward the other side of the room when there was a crash and laughter. His mate was bent over in laughter as Remus helped Sirius out of the pile of rubble on the floor.
“Ok, ok, I get it. I wasn’t ready,” Sirius scowled. “Did you have to hit me with something that threw me across the damn room?”
“Sorry, Siri. I just wanted to test your shield,” Hadrian said without any sign of remorse. “Well, if you could call that a shield.”
“Well, it isn’t as if all of us can be as powerful as you are,” Sirius snipped and stuck out his tongue.
“Don’t pout, Siri. You actually did good today,” Hadrian offered. Sirius just growled and threw a piece of rock at him. Hadrian caught it and sent it back to the wall with a wave of his hand. Then the rest of the wall put itself back together with another wave of his hand.
“Show off,” Sirius mumbled as he snatched up his wand and headed for the door. He saw Lucius standing there and huffed before slowing down and respectfully passing him instead of storming out like he intended. He was not brave enough to plow through the man like he would have done in school. Lucius was Hadrian’s mate and possibly pregnant. He liked his head right where it was, thank you very much.
“Hello, Darling,” Hadrian greeted and kissed Lucius on the cheek. “Did you have a nice visit?”
“I did, how did things go here?” Lucius asked.
“Better than I expected,” Hadrian replied. “Draco can show his progress after dinner. He did a wonderful job listening and Ted did a pretty good job instructing him.”
“Good,” Lucius said. “Come on boys. Go and clean up, it is almost time for dinner.”
“Yes, Father,” Draco called out at the same time that Teddy replied with “Sure thing, Luc.”
“Come on, Love. You can tell me all about what Severus had to say today,” Hadrian said as he slung an arm around Lucius. He was happy to listen as they made their way downstairs to the dining room. It sounded like Severus just might agree to go for a cleansing. That made Hadrian happy. It meant that maybe when they finally did come face to face it would be easier for them both.
~~~~~~~~~
"Duke Peverell, it is good to see you again. May your vaults overflow with riches," Axeclaw greeted when Hadrian stepped into his office.
"May your enemies die screaming under your axe," Hadrian returned the greeting. The Goblin grinned and indicated the chair across from him.
"What can I do for you today, Hadrian?" Axeclaw asked when they were settled.
"Today, we are going to talk about the wards around Hogwarts. The first meeting of the school governors will take place on August 1st, and I want to be able to inform them of the reworking of the wards at that time," Hadrian answered happily.
"I do love being your account manager. I must remember to send my King a generous gift for choosing me to work with you," Axeclaw complimented him.
"Glad that you enjoy working with me. I enjoy working with you as well. I love the viciousness of Goblins," Hadrian responded.
"Now, I have news that may make you very happy. I located the Hufflepuff Lord. There has been an influx of Wixen coming in and insisting on tests and cleansing. He wants to meet with you. He knows that you have two Founder's titles and that between the two of you changes can be made in the school without Albus or the governors approval," Axeclaw informed him.
"That is wonderful news, Axeclaw thank you. If you give me his information I will write him today. Maybe we can meet up to discuss a few things before the school meeting on the first. Who is it?" Hadrian asked. He was curious. He had a few ideas he wanted to see if he was right.
"His name is Charis Smith. He is a pureblood Lord and part of the Sacred 28," Axeclaw responded.
"He has a son that goes to Hogwarts? Zacharias Smith?" Hadrian asked.
"That would be the one," Axeclaw confirmed.
"Well, then I was partially right. I figured it might be Zacharias, he was a snobby little shithead in school and always bragged about his family being related to Helga Hufflepuff. I hope his father is less annoying," Hadrian said with a chuckle.
"Guess you will just have to meet him and find out," Axeclaw stated.
"Yeah, I guess so," Hadrian agreed. "Now, let's talk about those wards."