Chapter 10
Draco smiled as he apparated at Central London. He had finally finished talking to their family lawyer, Corvus Selwyn, about his request for pushing forward his godfather's divorce. Corvus told him earlier that their case will be a hard one since they’re up against Harry Potter. His fame and image can do a lot to boost up his favors towards the jury. But then again, Corvus is confident that they’ll win since they have solid evidence of Potter’s neglect and abuse towards Severus and Jamie, may it be intentional or not.
Draco quickly went inside the lift and waited. He wanted to stop by at the Auror Headquarters to have a chat with Ron to let him know that he’ll be asking his wife to testify against Potter should the situation get worse. His godfather confided with him the day he was released from St. Mungo’s. He told him that Hermione saw everything – from the bruise on his face to Potter drifting away throughout the past few years.
Her testimony and memories can help a lot for the case.
After the war, they have been able to set aside their differences and form a formidable friendship. It was only for Severus at first, since he started dating Potter, but as it turns out, they really got along quite well if they weren't so focused on their rivalry.
He still calls them names, of course, but the heat behind his words were long gone. Potter didn't need to know that. He doesn't know why, but his blood still boils whenever he sees Scar Head even though the war is over.
The bloody prick had the nerve to ask for his blessing for Severus' hand. He made a show of convincing him that he truly loves Severus and that he would be there for him until his last breath. He let it slide at first, since his Uncle looked so happy whenever he's with Potter. But that didn't stop him from being wary about him.
As it turns out, his instincts were right, the bastard really did deserve his wrath. Just after five year of marriage, he bloody cheats on Severus and neglects his child. He shouldn't have given his blessing after all. His godfather didn't deserve any of this.
Hence the reason why he's doing everything to set things right for his Uncle Severus. He wants to repay him for everything he has done for him and his parents.
Draco was a step out of the lift when he bumped into someone familiar. Ron Weasley. Just the very man he was looking for. But something was different with the redhead. He noticed that Ron carried out himself as if he stared at death in the face and lost. Deciding against talking about his uncle's case, he led Ron into the lift and down they went. He needs to find some answers to his companion's behaviour first.
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Ron Weasley silently followed his best mate as he gripped his resignation letter tighter. He casually made it look like as if he didn't see Harry by keeping away within a 10 meter distance. He actually had to take the other lift in order to avoid suspicions.
When the lift finally opened, he quickly rushed towards the headquarters. He was a bit baffled when he couldn't spot neither a hair or hide of Harry. He asked his colleague about Harry's whereabouts but none of them seem to have seen him.
After going around the headquarters for three quick laps, he finally gave up. He made his way towards Kingsley's office to give his resignation letter but the door was locked. He was about to cast an Alohamora with his wand, when Dawlish coughed in the corner.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you,"
"What?" He was baffled. What did he mean by that?
"What I meant was don't open the fucking door." Dawlish said as he leaned against the wall adjacent to him.
"And why shouldn't I? I was only gonna put my resignation letter on his desk, and then I'll be on my way." Ron raised his hand once again, but Dawlish quickly went towards him and gripped his wand arm tight.
"What the bloody hell is your problem?!"
"You. You're my bloody problem. Didn't I told you to leave it the fuck alone?!" The redhead forcefully tugged his arm out of the other's grip and glared. Something's definitely wrong here.
Ron decided to leave with a huff, his eyes never leaving Dawlish as he goes towards the lift. The moment the Auror looks away, he immediately whipped out his wand and casted a modified Notice Me Not charm on himself. It was specially catered to not alert the wards while keeping him unnoticed by anyone.
He carefully went back to the door and eavesdropped. It wouldn't do for him to open it since Dawlish was still scrunching his eyes at the door like a damn hawk. He thanked Merlin that he thought of bringing these today. He slowly placed the extendable ear on the door and listened.
What Ron didn't know, was that Gawain Robards was making his way towards the door. The redhead was too preoccupied with what he was hearing to even notice the incoming Auror. His eyes dilated and his hands trembled as the information he had heard tried to sink in his brain. How could they do this to Harry?
Ron's train of thought was suddenly interrupted when the Auror tripped on him, effectively making him scramble to yank the extendable ear back.
Robards quickly sent a Priori Incantatem towards the spot on the floor and gasped when he saw Weasley there. He immediately saw the extendable ear on his hand and sent a glare to Dawlish. He knew he couldn't trust him to watch over the door.
Before Robards could even look back, Ron sent an Obliviate and Locomotor Wibbly towards him before making a sprint. Dawlish immediately went hot on the redhead's heels, with the intent of capturing and obliviating his former colleague.
Ronald ran faster, occasionally looking back and firing curses to lose Dawlish on his trail. He can't let him catch him. Who knows what they'll do to him if they do. As much as he wants to help his best mate, he needs to save himself first. He can't lose Hermione and Rose!
He immediately halted and with dead accuracy fired an Obliviate followed by a Petrificus Totalus towards Dawlish. The Auror lost his momentum running when he saw Ron skid to a stop. He tried to fire an Incarcerous but the redhead easily dodged, his futile attempts completely forgotten as he was hit by both spells sent towards him.
After watching Dawlish get hit by his spells, Ron continued on sprinting towards the lift. He needs to tell Hermione about what he had just learned.
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The sun was almost down when they went back from the village. Severus told Jamie go to his room to get dressed while he finds Draco. The little tyke squealed and ran up to his room in a rush as he can't wait to tell his uncle everything that they did earlier. Severus just shook his head at his son's antics and went to find his godson.
Normally he would find him inside the study or library, but it seems like he went out. He sighed and called a house-elf to inform him when Draco arrives. He also asked to watch over Jamie while he goes to his rooms. The house-elf nodded and disappeared with an audible 'pop'.
Severus went upstairs, feeling emotionally drained but satisfied at the same time. He may have his old Harry to cuddle and comfort him anymore, but at least he's got his children and his godson. He slowly removes his clothes as he made his way towards the hamper. His reflection caught his eye, making him stop dead at the body mirror and stare at himself.
He ignored his face and proceeded on looking at his lower abdomen instead. He already knew what he looks like. He more or less resembled himself when he was still spying rather than his natural looks. In short, he looks tired of living. He never thought that he would come back to this state.
His right hand made its way towards his small baby bump. It's small enough that you wouldn't notice it until you really look or feel it yourself. He suddenly recalled on how his husband reacted towards his first months of pregnancy with Jamie.
Harry would always cuddle and talk about his plans right after he would give birth. He would caress his bump daily and would whisper things that he thought he only would've heard in cheesy romantic stories. Like how excited he was that he's finally becoming a father. Or how he can't wait to finally meet our unborn child.
He snapped out of his daze and before he knew it, he was full out crying again. He thought he's been over this. Apparently not. He looked pathetic, self-criticizing himself in front of the mirror and crying over spilt milk. He partially blamed his hormones on how he was feeling, but then again, he still wasn't over the fact that he's having a divorce.
Severus slowly forced himself to look away from the mirror and continue on changing his clothes. After that, he went to the library to find a book about the wizarding laws regarding divorces and child custodies. From what he can remember from his small talks with Draco, the action given varies towards from situation to situation.
It's been hours since he delivered the divorce papers and there's still no sign of any reply from Harry. Was he still in denial of their failing relationship? Was he still fighting for their marriage even though he's the one who ruined it?
It somehow made him want to laugh. To think that his husband is defending something already broken. Why would he still want them in his life anyway? He's obviously happier being an Auror and bachelor. If he truly did love them, then he wouldn't have screwed up in the first place.
He shouldn't have asked for his hand in marriage then. He would've rather taken it earlier while they were still dating rather than they were married. The pain would've been less, and both of them would've been able to move on.
Well, not really.
He could picture himself wasting his life away by drinking and wallowing in self-pity. He'd end up going to Prince Manor, crying for days about how he failed as a submissive to please his partner. He'd question himself continuously about why they did break up and then blaming himself for falling in love in the first place. All rational thought would be thrown out of the window at some point and then he'll lose it.
Should he never get over it, he'll probably disappoint Lucius by making the most potent poison he can brew before drinking it in one gulp. He sure as hell won't regret it because he has nothing to lose anyway. And then he'll be at peace. He'd even be happy in the end as he'll finally join Lucius, Reggie and Narcissa in the afterlife.
But that's not the case in his situation. In reality, he's a single parent living with his godson and fighting for his divorce to cut off his husband in his life. It would be better this way. One day, he'll be able to forgive Harry about his betrayal but he will never forget how he ripped him apart.
Severus didn't even notice the time as he continued reading the books he had found. He read that both parties must sign the divorce papers in order for the Ministry to acknowledge it as legal. The only other option was if it was proven that the spouse of the complainant violates any of the multiple cases. It will take a longer process than the first, but it would still legally separate them if the case wins.
Then there's also their children's custody. He had originally planned to file for sole custody for Jamie and his unborn child, but he knew that he was pushing his luck. He still needs an excellent lawyer for him to win this case. Even with all his savings from his time at Hogwarts, it still wouldn't be enough to pay for a lawyer.
The only way to truly pull it off was if he takes the Prince title. His grandfather named him as his heir even though he despised his daughter for running away with a muggle. It seemed like a perfect plan. To go to Gringotts, take the Prince mantle, and have him and his children move to Prince Manor like he originally dreamed about.
Yes, it would be quite a feat. He won't back down without a fight this time. He might've let Harry hurt him, but he wouldn't let him take away his children from him.
Severus stood up from his chair and returned the books to the shelves. He exited the library and walked towards Jamie's room. He would tell it to Draco when he gets home, but for now, he needs to talk to his son about his plans for them to move to Prince Manor. Hopefully everything finally goes as planned.