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And Another Life Begins	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 13996 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money from this work of fanfiction

Chapter List
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Chapter 12

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Thanks, woman! You're the BEST!

Sitting in Harry's restaurant in France on Christmas Eve, Severus and Lucius were actually really enjoying themselves. Sirius was there with them as were a few of the Bums. Free eggnog was being provided by the house with some snacks so everyone was fairly mellow and just talking. Normally, this wasn't the kind of entertainment they went for, but Draco was 'working'. He was trying to get a feel for the place so he knew what he was dealing with on a really busy night and he could then gauge what worked and what didn't. Rather than leave him alone, the other four planted themselves to enjoy the night. Unlike most places in Britain the night before Christmas, the place was packed to the rafters. That had to do with the fact that the whole town was geared towards tourists. As such, most eateries and other such hospitalities were open on the holidays.

As the clock pushed towards eight the last couple of the Bums left with a friendly wave, off to join their families for the holiday and some celebrations, leaving the four men alone. After ordering up another of the free drinks, Sirius leaned back and grinned. “This was a damned good idea, you lot! Sure as hell is a lot better than freezing our arses off in Britain.”

“I do tend to agree there, Sirius,” Lucius nodded, watching his son, who was under a glamour, helping out. “Most relaxing, that's for certain.”

“Not to mention there are no homesick students to deal with,” Severus said, sipping at his drink.

“True, Severus!” Sirius laughed. “That I don't miss.” Reaching out, he ruffled his godson's hair then grinned, “And next year, you get to deal with that shite as well!”

Shaking his head, Harry grinned, “Will at Easter this year too.”

“Yeah, but that one isn't bad. They're used to the whole thing by then and like having the castle to themselves,” Sirius told him pointedly.

“Thus causing havoc,” Severus groused, taking another sip of his drink.

“Very true!” Lucius nodded. “The things they can get into boggles the mind!” Shooting a sideways look at Harry then smirking, he added, quietly, “Though I think they've met their match with staff that were once mischief makers themselves. I doubt they are going to pull anything that one of the beings at this table didn't in the past.”

Chuckling, Harry shook his head, “Yeah, well, true, that! Between me and what remains of the Marauders, they don't stand a bloody chance in hell.”

“Very true!” Sirius laughed, leaning back. Putting his drink on the table, he looked at the three of them then asked, softly, “Look, cause I’m trying to pretend I’m a responsible adult and all here, I was curious where the relationship between the three of you is going.”

Looking at Black, understanding where the question was coming from, Severus said, quietly, making sure they weren't overheard, “We've talked about doing a bonding. Marriage is out, as we all know. In fact, it's been discussed quite seriously. It wouldn't give us the same protections and benefits as the slip of paper that comes with nuptials, but it would afford some protections just living together doesn't.”

“You all on board for that?” Sirius questioned, looking around.

“We are,” Lucius said with a nod. “In fact, the honest truth is that, in some ways, a bonding is a better way to go. Unlike a marriage, what assets we have don't automatically become mutual to the marriage. We keep what we had before going in and can distribute how we like. What does become privy to the bonding is what is purchased once it's done. That is something we all like. We can also get some benefits when it comes to things such as decisions made in the case of emergencies, such as hospitalization. I believe the only thing lacking is government pensions. For us, it does sound like it's a viable option.”

“Yeah, we like the idea,” Harry said with a nod, sipping his drink. “It's just the idea of when to do it. We've been together almost every day for months now. I mean, if there was going to be real issues, they would have shown by now. We've had rough spots, no doubt, but we've worked them out. With what we know is coming when school starts back up, we've talked about it a bit more than we were.”

“He's correct,” Severus nodded. “The idea appeals to all of us, it's just the when. The second it's done in Britain, it will hit the papers the chaos will reign. That's the concern. With what's coming, that's going to be bad enough. We don't want to add fuel to a fire that's going to burn hot enough.”

“Yeah, Britain’s laws are arsed about that shite. The Prophet would be on it like flies on a dungheap. Then hell would come,” Sirius nodded. Stopping, he thought it over for a minute before asking, tone distracted, “What about other countries and doing it there? I mean, the bond is magical so all nations recognize it, just like a marriage. They just don't all allow such things publicized like Britain does. And if you do it elsewhere, even if it hits the local paper in that country, it's not going to necessarily make it to Britain unless it hits one of the wireless services.”

“And the minute my name becomes involved, it's going to,” Harry said with a snort and shake of his head. “Even here it would. The French can hold off the announcement for a couple weeks if you ask them to as so many elope to get married or bonded here, but it will hit.”

Head coming up, Lucius glanced at Severus, who had wide eyes, then over to Harry. Smirking, an idea hit him. Looking around, he cast a Muffliato then said, leaning forward, keeping his voice down, “Harry, how much pull do you have with the local magistrates?”

Confused, Harry shrugged then said, “Some. No more than any other business owner anyway. I'm registered as a resident alien, of course, same with my animagus. I know a couple of them because they're regulars here. It's not much. Why?”

“Could you arrange, as you said, a bonding that's akin to an elopement? We do it in the morning then hold off the announcement until the day the term at Hogwarts starts?” He asked.

Nodding firmly, Severus said, “That would work, it really would. The wireless in Britain wouldn't pick it up until the day after feast then it would end up buried with you coming back.”

Eyes wide, Harry nodded, looking at Sirius, who was grinning. “Alright, hang on. Let me see what I can do.” Downing the last of his drink, he took off out the door at a good clip.

Leaning back, grinning, Sirius said, “Alright, damned good idea there, Lucius! I like this!”

Smirking, Lucius nodded then said, “It's perfect!” Looking at Severus, he said, “You up for this, old friend?”

“I am,” Severus told him with a firm nod, smug look on his face. Though there were nerves and trepidation as he had never taken a step like this before, Severus was excited. It felt good and right so it was time to worry about consequences later.

Coming back a half an hour later with an older, portly man, Harry looked around, pleased, to see that only staff and the three he came in with were left. From this time until they closed at midnight, it would be slow. Telling the local magistrate, Francois, to have a seat at the bar and making sure he got some eggnog, Harry walked back over to their table. Standing there, putting his palms on it, he looked at the three there then said, quietly, “Can't be done tomorrow. He's too busy. However, he can do it right now. And that's only because he's one of our regulars and loves the food. You lot up for this?”

Smirking, Lucius nodded then said, “I'm ready. Where will we have the ceremony?”

Draco, sitting beside him, looked stunned but didn't object. What was going on had been explained so he was calm, understanding the reasoning behind it.

Grinning, Harry said, “Right here. Let the staff see. I have no problem with them finding out who I am. We shut the doors for thirty minutes and get it done. Work for you lot?”

Standing, Severus said, “Let's proceed.” Smirking, though nervous, Severus waited

Grinning from ear to ear, Sirius stood as well, “Alright! Let's do this!”

Quickly, Harry locked the door and put up a sign that said 'staff party, will reopen in thirty minutes'. Looking around, seeing everyone busy, he held up his wand and made a loud bang with it. Seeing that he got his employee's attention, he said, “Can everyone come out front, please?” As the staff was curious as to what was going on, they quickly assembled. Looking around, Harry grinned then said, “You lot have been with me since I bought the place, so I think it's time you were let in on a little secret, as long as you can keep it.” Seeing them all curious but nodding, he let the glamour down then grinned bigger when he heard the gasps and saw the startled looks. “Alright, we're shut for thirty minutes for our own little celebration. Severus, Lucius and I have decided that we're going to do a bonding tonight and we're going to include all of you.” Stopping, he grinned bigger at the applause.

Smirking, Lucius stood and put his hand on Draco's shoulder.

Looking around, Harry called for Mimi and Claude. When the two elves popped up, he explained to them what was going on. Tearful that their employer wanted them to watch, they stood aside with Sirius, who was grinning like a lunatic.

Looking over at Francois, Harry nodded, “Whenever you're ready.”

Walking over the genial looking man smiled then said, “Gentlemen, if you'll clasp hands, we'll begin!”

Holding out his hand, Harry grinned bigger when he felt Severus and Lucius put theirs with his, one above and one below then the three of them entwined their fingers the best they could. Looking at the man standing there, Harry nodded. The whole time, all he could think was he had finally found the ones to make him happy, after being alone most of his life, and he was going to love this.

Gripping his wand tightly, Francois began to chant the bonding incantation.

Stepping into the Burrow about ten that night, Sirius was mobbed, being hugged from all sides by old friends. Looking around as he disentangled himself, he nodded, pleased. Remus and Tonks were there, as he had asked of his old friend, as well as what were considered family. Hermione, of course, was included but the spouses were in the other room or at home with the children.

After giving Sirius a cup of tea, Molly asked, “Alright, what's going on? This is strange, Sirius! It's late on Christmas Eve so most need to be home to get ready for tomorrow. Your message just said it's important.”

Grinning from ear to ear, Sirius said, “It's worth it, trust me. It'll only be for an hour or so then we'll be going back to France for the rest of the break.” Stopping, he looked around then said, tone serious, “I need a promise though that you can't let out to anyone what you hear until after the term starts again.”

Looking around, seeing everyone nod, Molly said, nodding herself, “We give you our word. Now, what is going on!”

Holding up a finger, Sirius said, unable to keep from grinning bigger, “Hold on, I'll show you.” Quickly, he went back to the door, opened it then whispered something before stepping back, pushing the door all the way open.

Harry, though nervous, stepped in first, followed by Severus then Lucius, though the older Malfoy had a rather uneasy look on his face. Looking back at the room, Sirius said, “I brought you a Christmas present and have a helluva surprise!”

Immediately, Harry was mobbed, being hugged, kissed and getting handshakes. Grinning, he couldn't help but love it.

Severus, smirking, accepted hugs from Molly and a couple others as well as the pats on the back from the old members of the Order.

Lucius stood by the door with Sirius, looking slightly uncomfortable but smug. The only one that came over was Tonks and Remus, both of who gave him a firm handshake and grin.

When everyone finished, Hermione glanced at Lucius, brow furrowed then asked, “What's going on? No offense to Mr. Malfoy, but why is he here?”

Grinning, Harry pulled out the official copy of the bonding certificate and said, handing it to his old friend, “I think that'll explain it, Hermione.”

Taking the parchment, Hermione read it over, bewildered. The more she read, the wider her eyes became. Starting to shake, tears running down her face as she finished it, she threw herself on Harry, hugging him tightly, squealing.

Patting her on the back, Harry grinned then said, “I can't breathe, Hermione! You need to loosen up!”

Breaking off the hug, swiping at the tears running down her face, grinning like an idiot, she said, “Sorry, Harry! Merlin! You're bonded!”

“Yeah, I am,” Harry grinned, looking around, seeing stunned looks on everyone's face but Remus and Tonks. The two of them were just grinning from ear to ear.

“Harry, Severus and Lucius were bonded tonight in France!” Sirius crowed, laughing.

A stunned Molly looked at her husband then came over and took the paper from Hermione. Reading it quickly, she, too, was in tears then gave Harry a tight hug. “Oh, Harry! Congratulations!” Pulling back, she cupped his cheeks with both hands and grinned at him, “I'm so happy for you!”

“Thanks,” Harry said with a grin. Looking around, still seeing plenty of shocked looks, he said, softly, “Severus and Lucius were the reason I came back from France in the first place. I know it's odd and that there are going to be problems with part of this for you lot but I want you to understand that they make me happy. I think that's all that matters.”

Walking over, Fred and George stood on either side of their old friend and gave him a clap on the back each. “Mate, as long as you're happy...” George started.

“...we're happy,” Fred finished with a firm nod.

Ron, appearing stunned and pale, looked between the three then scrubbed a hand over his face. “Harry, mate, I don't know what to say! I mean you said it was a man but two?”

Grinning, Harry told him, “And no one knew who it was until after school started. I wanted you all to see I was happy. I am.” Giving a shrug, he said, “I don't think it matters who it is as long as we're happy.”

“And they are,” Remus said softly, smiling. “Sirius and I have seen them together. They're happy.”

“That's all that matters,” Molly said firmly, nodding, swiping at the tears. Flustered, looking around, she said to her husband, “I think we have something we can toast them with, don't you? This means Severus and Lucius are honorary Weasleys so a toast is in order.”

Nodding, though looking stunned, Arthur stood, “We do. Give me a minute.” Walking over, he, too, hugged Harry, giving him a clap on the back then said, “Congratulations, Harry!” Breaking it off, he shook Severus' hand then, though there was a conflicted look on his face, did the same to Lucius.

After Arthur left the room, the noise level went through the roof. While Harry was busy being mobbed by everyone, getting hugs and kisses on the cheek, Sirius stood by Lucius and Severus. Snickering, grinning, he said, unable to help himself, “And you're now officially a Weasley, Lucius.”

Groaning pinching the bridge of his nose, Lucius sighed then said, tone resigned, “One doesn't choose the family of the being they are with. I can deal with it.” Head coming up, he shot a glare at Severus, who he heard snickering softly, “Wipe that smirk off your face, Severus! You, too, are now a Weasley.”

Still smirking, Severus gave a nod, “Well, yes. There is that. I think it's a storm I can weather, though.”

“I will never hear the end of this from Draco,” Lucius groused but took a glass of sherry Arthur produced with a nod and tight smile.

About midnight, Draco was sitting in one of the rooms of Harry's house in France. Honestly, he was still slightly shell-shocked by the bonding but was weathering the whole thing well. It wasn't as though he didn't know they wanted to. Since negotiations with Potter to take on the running of his restaurant, he knew this was coming. Severus and his father had made it clear this was a step they wanted to take. He just didn't expect the speed of it was all.

Sipping at the wine he was holding, he looked at the three newly bonded wizards. Honestly? Even he could see they were happy. Though he still didn't like the fact that Potter was involved, he was accepting it. After all, if the Weasley clan could, something he heard about from his father, he would as well. It would just take some getting used to was all.

Looking at the fireplace, he couldn't help but smirk slightly. Though reluctant to go to work for Potter, he was going to do it. Tonight had proven to him that he could take that job on and would love it. The staff, as Potter had said, accepted him with no questions asked when Potter told them he was there at his behest. They even knew who he really was and there were no snide comments. Even when the quartet went to Britain for an hour or so to talk to the Weasleys, they had been nice, courteous and involved him in the celebrations. He liked that. It would work. There would be issues, he knew that, but he was going to give it a go. After all, it was his chance to start over. That he was willing to take. It also meant no more British winters, no students, no having to teach, all things he loathed. No, this was good.

Watching the three, he couldn't help but smile a little. They were happy. All of them. You could easily see it. He supposed, especially in the case of his father and Severus, who had gone through so much, that's all that mattered in this. Those two had been through so much in both wars and deserved to be happy. If this is what brought that on, he wouldn't say a word. Potter, too, though he would never say it aloud, was the same way. He guessed that if it worked, it worked and to let it go. After all, with the hell of the past for all of them in the room, happiness was something you didn't get much of a chance at.

He was pulled out of his musings by Black clapping a hand on his shoulder. Looking up at his cousin, he scowled, more for show than anything else, “And you're here to annoy me about what?”

Flopping down by Draco, Sirius said, “Harry was telling me about a couple places around here that are busy at this time of night, even the holidays. I was wondering if, maybe, you and I shouldn't hit them up and see if we can't find some company of the opposite sex to amuse ourselves. He says they cater to more of the local crowd and that the birds love the British accents.” Grinning from ear to ear, he waggled his brows. “Come on, you gotta admit that the company of the soft and all the curves in the right places crowd might be a good thing for the two of us! Won't lead to anything, probably, but you never know!”

Smirking slightly, Draco got what Black was going for. The other three in the room were probably going to vanish soon. After all, it was something akin to their honeymoon. With a sigh, as though he was put out by the suggestion, he said, “I suppose I can tag along to keep you company. No setting me up, though! I can pull on my own, thank you very much!”

“Wouldn't dream of it,” Sirius told him, chuckling. “However, you might have to me! I mean, if they go for the younger set, I'm going to have problems.”

Snorting, Draco shook his head then said, standing, “You can do for yourself, Black. Just change into that big fuzzy dog and they'll coo all over you.”

“Never thought of that! It would work though!” Sirius said, standing. Giving Draco a clap on the back, he said, “Let's go find some bodies that smell and look less masculine!” After a wave to the other three in the room, he all but shoved Draco out the door.

“Black is not the least bit subtle,” Severus smirked, watching the two go.

“Yeah, well, that was never his strong suit,” Harry grinned. “They'll have fun, though! I know where I sent them. Don't expect either back until the wee hours of the morning.”

Snorting, amused, Lucius shook his head but said, “It'll do Draco good.” Sipping at his wine, he then set it aside and leaned back on the pillows behind him. They were sprawled out in front of the fireplace on the floor on a mass of comfortable pillows. Locking his fingers behind his head, he looked at Harry then asked, “You sent a copy of the bonding certificate to Minerva? While we were in Britain?”

“Sent off and it should be on her desk by now,” Harry nodded.

“Good. It will stave off issues if we have that. No one can quibble about anything then,” Severus said, pleased.

Rolling on his side, propping his head up on one hand, Lucius quirked an eyebrow at Harry then asked, “Now, what plans do you have for revealing yourself at the feast. We are bonded so secrets such as this need to be shared, Harry!”

“Yes!” Severus said looking at his youngest partner. “This is something we need to know! Preparation for self preservation is the key.”

Grinning, Harry sighed then shook his head, “You sure you just don't want it to be a surprise? I mean, it'll be more fun that way! I'll tell you right before it happens. And, I promise, nothing dangerous! Just-- dramatic.”

“We want to know now,” both said in unison.

“Spoilsports! That's what you two gits are!” Harry laughed trying to sound exasperated.

“No, it's called wary gits that don't want to be hexed within an inch of our lives,” Severus told him pointedly.

“Exactly!” Lucius agreed with a nod.

“Alright, alright, I get it,” Harry said with a shake of his head but was still grinning. Slowly, he began to explain what he wanted to do.

When the younger man was done, Severus and Lucius, both, were smirking wickedly, eyes lit up. Picking up his wine glass, Lucius took a sip then set it aside before saying, “Though dubious, I do have to admit it's perfect! And, yes, completely safe!”

“I agree,” Severus nodded, looking smug. “And, as you said, worthy of the Marauders, though in no way malicious.”

“Exactly! Might as well do it big if it's going to set off a firestorm!” Harry chuckled evilly. Stretching, he sighed then looked at the two. “What say we adjourn for the night and see what we can get up to in the bedroom.”

“Yes, that is something I don't ever have trepidation about,” Lucius said, picking up his wine glass and draining it before standing and helping Harry to his feet.

“You both have a one-track mind,” Severus sighed, shaking his head but drained his own wine glass and stood to follow them.

“Yeah, well, you bonded with us knowing what we're like so quit your whinging and enjoy it like you know you do,” Harry laughed, walking out of the room.

“He does have a point, Severus,” Lucius told him smugly, following the younger man. “For all your grousing about our hormones, you do seem more than willing to join in.”

“I reserve the right to 'grouse' all I wish, Lucius!” Severus told the older Malfoy with a smirk.

“And if he didn't, he wouldn't be our Severus!” Harry shouted as he wandered his way down to the room they were staying in for the night.

“Too true,” Lucius said with a smirk, giving Severus a clap on the shoulder.

Smirking himself, Severus said nothing but followed along.

One chapter left so keep an eye out!

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And Another Life Begins