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The Aftermath of War	By : ReighHPFiction Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Lucius Views: 29579 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 15
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., and other assorted publishing, producing companies. I do not make money from writing this story, as I do not own any of the rights to the characters or canon plotlines.

Author's Note : A bit shorter wait for an update right? I swear I'm doing my best lol! Work is a bit hectic because we're coming up on our annual evaluation. Still, I've taken any freetime I can get to work on the chapter when I could
I have lost contact with my Beta-reader, so until I find a new one please forgive any mistakes I missed while reading this over.

Title : The Aftermath of War
Warnings : Slash, Ginny-Bashing, Anal, Oral, Rim, H/C, Future M-Preg, Un-Beta'd
Pairings : Lucius/Harry, George/Draco, Ron/Hermione, Narcissa/Kingsley

Chapter 12: First Steps of Moving Forward
Narcissa Malfoy sat before the large desk of the Headmistress' office feeling for all the world like she was eleven years old again as the shrewd eyes of Minerva McGonagall assessed her. It was strange, being back at Hogwarts when only a few months ago Narcissa came with the army that destroyed this place and killed many of its inhabitants. Her eyes couldn't help but flick up to where Severus' portrait was set to hang, though it was not hanging there yet.
"They have not yet finished the commission. I was only able to commission it a month or so ago when the board of Governors finally gave in to my demands," McGonagall said, breaking Narcissa out of her thoughts and causing her to look back at the Hogwarts Headmistress.
"I am astonished that they allowed it at all, considering he was appointed Headmaster by The Dark Lord himself," Narcissa replied.
She was glad though. Most would never know how much Severs Snape did to protect those children during his time as Headmaster. If any other Death Eater had been appointed, Narcissa shuddered to think of how much worse it would have been for the children. Severus deserved a portrait up there as much as any of the others, despite the ideas of him a lot of people stubbornly clung to after the war. As with herself, some people saw Severus' actions as selfish actions based around self-preservation instead of the heroism that Harry Potter and his supporters saw.
"I had to fight with everything I had, but in the end they were swayed by the unanimous wishes of the staff," McGonagall replied.
"I am glad. Severus deserves to be remembered for the good he did," Narcissa said.
Were it not for him, Draco would have died in his sixth year after failing to kill Dumbledore…along with the rest of her family. She already lost one child to that monster and his followers. To lose Draco and most likely her husband would have destroyed her. The only solace she would have had was that she would likely have been killed with them. Severus saved them all with his Vow. Even without it, Narcissa knew he would've protected Draco. Spoiled brat though Draco was, Severus always loved his godson and tried to show the young man a different road than his own. Perhaps it didn't work out as the Potions Master had planned, but Draco was alive. Narcissa knew that Severus would be as happy with the outcome as he would be if he had lived to see Harry Potter defeat the Dark Lord.
"Indeed he does. With that said, I believe we should get to the point of why you're here," McGonagall stated bluntly. Even back when Narcissa was a student, Minerva McGonagall had never been known as a woman who beat around the bush. Straight to the point she was, and it was no different in this circumstance.
"Yes, you see…I had words with the Minister of Magic about a week ago. He told me some things that, quite frankly, I am very hesitant to believe. If they are true, I would appreciate an explanation of the thought process behind it. I find myself having a hard time understanding," Narcissa said.
"As hard as it may be for you to understand, Ms. Black, everything that Minister Shacklebolt said to you was the truth. We are implementing the Magical Culture Curriculum as early as this fall, when the school reopens. Many candidates were considered, and my choice was you," the Headmistress explained in a calm, even tone. There was no sign of deceit or mockery in her expression. Her eyes told of complete honesty.
"Why?" Narcissa asked, her tone skeptical with a hint of confusion leaking through her usual perfect control. Minerva looked at her quietly for a few moments before answering. It wasn't a calculating silence, which put Narcissa more at ease, but she was clearly trying to formulate an explanation the younger witch would understand.
"You must understand, Ms. Black, that whether we like it or not…we are both pinnacle figures of the war. Perhaps your allegiances were misguided at the time, but in the end your love for your son showed you the right path," the Headmistress said calmly.
"I chose you not only because I know you could teach this class without a lick of training, but because you are the one person in our world that will make the most impact teaching it," the older woman finished. Narcissa was still confused. The impact of her teaching this class may only bring negative attention to the school and to her family. Would it not be taken as a Pureblood Supremacist trying to force her beliefs into young malleable minds?
"I suppose I do not see how the ramifications of my teaching this class will benefit either of us, or the Wizarding World," the blonde admitted, looking to McGonagall for some kind of guidance.
The Headmistress seemed convinced that this was a good idea, and Narcissa wanted to understand it from her perspective so that maybe she too could see some positives in making this choice. While she'd never worked a day in her life, Narcissa was more than happy to take on this job if it would be beneficial to herself and her family. Not only would it help bridge the gap of bigotry between Purebloods and the rest of the Wizarding World, it could put a more positive light on the Malfoy family as a whole. She would do anything to help her family gain a better image, for the sake of Draco's future. Also, working might help her to find a purpose that could help her heal from all the things she lost while under the Dark Lord's rule. Perhaps she could make herself whole again, by contributing something to society.
"And what do you believe those ramifications are, Ms. Black?" the Headmistress asked, her green eyes peering in a curious manner at the blonde before her. "Please feel free to be honest. Whatever is said between us will not leave these four walls. I have cast muffliato so that they cannot hear us."
Without an explanation, Narcissa knew who they were. The portraits on the wall who all seemed to be leaning forward trying to hear what was being said, most of all a certain late Headmaster with a long white beard and flamboyant purple robes. Narcissa saw his twinkling blue eyes behind those half-moon spectacles and felt a stab of guilt pierce her heart. Her family was the reason he was dead. The Vow she forced on Severus directly resulted in his demise. He had never been anything but kind to her, and to Draco despite his tumultuous relationship with Lucius. In the end, he even offered them sanctuary. All of them. Even knowing now that he had always planned to be killed by Severus, she would forever feel the blood of his death on her hands.
"I believe that hiring me will not benefit Hogwarts in the least, and certainly would not benefit my family. We are already pariahs of the Wizarding World, and rightfully so despite our last minute contributions to the Dark Lord's defeat. I believe my taking this position would only enrage the world more. The parents would believe I was teaching their children the same kind of bigotry my parents taught me. I believe it would only bring scandal and pain to my family, and to the school. This is why I cannot fathom why you, one of the most intelligent witches in our world, would even think to put me on your staff when there are other more beloved, more qualified choices," Narcissa answered in a direct and bluntly honest tone. McGonagall's eyes seemed to twinkle in amusement at her, not unlike her predecessor.
"Of course I can understand your concerns. I also agree with some of them. Yes, it will indeed be difficult for the world to accept you as a Professor here at Hogwarts. Possibly as difficult as it will be for them to accept the idea of a class with the subject matter that we are proposing to be a core curriculum class," the woman began. Narcissa patiently waited for her to get to whatever point she was trying to make, because at the moment she was not convinced that this was a good idea.
"However…they will just have to get used to it. As figureheads of the war of opposing sides, it is our job to highlight and point out that the chasm between the two sides is not the fault of just the Purebloods. Nor is it solely the responsibility of Voldemort or his supporters. This immense divide between Purebloods and Muggleborns was created by a lack of understanding on both sides. If young witches and wizards who grew up in our world must learn about muggle traditions to better understand their peers, the ones who grew up in the muggle world should learn about ours. It will decrease the cultural misunderstandings between everyone and ultimately bring them together."
Narcissa managed not to flinch at the sound of the Dark Lord's true name, though her belly did squirm in response. This was the same argument that the Minister of Magic had made to her when they'd spoken a week ago. While it made sense and was a sound idea, the argument still did not explain why they thought she should be teaching this course.
"Appointing you as the Professor of Magical Culture, with your acceptance of course, would be a huge statement of both sides of the war. It would be a statement of forgiveness and understanding. It would show the world that bigotry, no matter where it is aimed, is not good for our world. You are the most qualified candidate to take this job, bar none, and no matter your political allegiances during the war I want you to be teaching this course. This could be a move that sets a tone of tolerance between both sides."
So it was a political choice. Narcissa should have expected that much. Then again, McGonagall had said that she felt the blonde was the most qualified for the job. The Headmistress was not in the habit of lying or sugarcoating things. If she said she wanted Narcissa for the job over anyone else, she meant it. If Narcissa chose to take this position, the road would be rocky and she would come under a lot of public scrutiny. She would probably have the Board of Governors and most likely the Ministry of Magic breathing down her neck throughout her first year. Possibly longer. But…she could also see the potential gains from taking the position as well.
"If you are considering taking this position, it will be difficult. People will not accept you at first, and will question every move that you make," McGonagall said, confirming all of Narcissa's fears.
"But, you will have the support of myself and my staff behind you…as well as the support of the Minister of Magic himself. I do not doubt that Mr. Potter would also stand up for you. With him both Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger will do the same. The Weasley family as a whole will stand behind their son, and many witches and wizards who fought with them in the final battle will follow."
Narcissa contemplated the other woman's words for a few moments. She was right of course. Knowing Harry as she did now, Narcissa knew he would stand up for her right to take this position. He would probably make a public statement if he thought it would help. While she knew that Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley were still skeptical and a bit suspicious of her family…she also knew they were being very supportive of Harry's decision to stay with the Malfoys. They would stand behind him through anything. With the Golden Trio behind her, even if it was difficult in the beginning, Narcissa could see herself making a good name as a Professor and for her family.
"The final reason I wish to hire you for this position, is that in losing Severus…we have also lost our Head of Slytherin House. Professor Slughorn has no wish to continue teaching potions, and will not be able to take over. Having graduated from this school as a Slytherin yourself, I believe you would be a good choice for Head of House."
Once again Narcissa was struck speechless. Head of House? Not only did the Headmistress want her to take on a revolutionary new class to the Hogwarts curriculum…she wanted to give her a position of power within the school as well? If she didn't know how serious a woman Minerva McGonagall was, Narcissa would think she was being had.
"We will have many others like you returning to the school. Children who were thrown onto the wrong side of the war by following their parents ideals. Even the first years sorted into Slytherin will probably face the misguided distrust of the other Houses who will, like the children they are, try to use the Slytherin House as a scapegoat for what happened to their family or friends in the war. The entire staff will do their part in reminding all students of who is really to blame, but it will not be easy for the Slytherins in the beginning of the year. Having been at Voldemort's right hand for as long as your family did, knowing what it's like on the other side, I believe you would be the right one to help these young ones adjust to life as regular students," the Headmistress went on to explain.
It made sense. Currently on staff, there was no one who had been in Slytherin house to take the position. It wouldn't make sense to hire someone who was not a Slytherin to be Head of House. They would not be able to relate to the children under their care. Also, most of the Slytherins returning in the higher years were part of the war. Some of them had fought beside the Dark Lord's forces, or supported from the sidelines. Many had simply run for their lives in lieu of fighting to protect their peers like many Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws did. It was a well-known fact that the Dark Lord was the heir of Slytherin, and that would cast the Slytherin House in a very bad light for some time to come. These children would be social outcasts, some with good reason, but Narcissa would be entrusted with making sure that was not a title that stuck. Could she do such a thing? Could she really help those children? She had to at least try. Prejudice was what started this war. Living through it made her see just how wrong everything her parents had ever taught her was. She would not allow another generation to come up believing the same nonsense, nor would she allow them to be blamed for a war they had no part in creating.
"Headmistress McGongall, I would be honored to accept this position as the Professor of Magical Culture and Head of Slytherin House. I look forward to working with yourself and your colleagues in the coming year. Within the next week, I will have a rough syllabus for the class ready for your review. Thank you for this opportunity," Narcissa said. It was her turn to shock the Headmistress it appeared, for Minerva's shrewd green eyes widened before warming brightly with happiness.
"I am glad that you have accepted my proposal. In a week's time, you may return here with your syllabus and we will speak about your salary as well as your living accommodations," the older woman said, her tone changing from curt professionalism to warm acceptance.
Narcissa shook hands with her former Professor, feeling an odd flutter of happiness that she'd not felt since before the Dark Lord returned and began nesting in her home. It had been a long time since she'd had something to be truly excited about. The cogs were already turning in her mind about what she wanted to teach in the class and how she wanted to teach it. She was already thinking of how she was going to help the young ones under her care. For the first time in a long time, Narcissa felt like she could do something good for the world that she lived in, and for her son.

Harry was sitting in Lucius' office quietly, awaiting the other man's return. They had agreed that today would begin his "sessions". It was still a bit odd, knowing that he would have to open himself up to the person in the house that he still had the least trust for, despite his growing attraction to the Malfoy Lord or their burgeoning friendship. He also knew, however, that he did not wish to burden Draco or Narcissa with his issues. Draco was working through his own problems, slowing reforming into a person who was whole piece by broken piece, with the help of George. Narcissa was busy flitting around getting things done that her husband could not while under house arrest. He could also see that she was healing from quite a bit of pain herself. Whatever she had lost in the war, besides good friends and her marriage, had put this shattered gleam behind her icy blue eyes that could only be seen when she wasn't paying attention. Harry hoped that one day, he would no longer be able to see that. She really was a good person, underneath all the pureblood bullshit she'd been taught her whole life.
"Ah, Harry. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but I was allocating my funds for the month to the various reparations and accounts," Lucius said by way of excusing his lateness.
Harry just shook his head. He didn't mind. Lucius was basically responsible for funding the rebuilding of almost the entirety of Wizarding Britain. He could only imagine how confusing and annoying it must be to have to sort through all of that every month. Lucius deserved it, and probably much more for what he'd done in the war no matter his reasons, but it did seem tedious.
"No worries. I'm not entirely sure what to do, to be honest. I've never really spoken to anyone about how I've felt over the past seven years, and definitely not about the war," he said honestly.
Lucius nodded in understanding, taking a seat in the chair opposite of Harry's and looking at him with a steady gaze. He was glad that Lucius agreed to a give and take kind of "therapy". As curious as Harry was about the other man, he felt that it would motivate him to get talking about himself. Also, getting to know the other man would definitely make him more comfortable talking to him.
"When I speak to our family therapist, she doesn't ask any specific questions. She usually begins by asking how my day was, and allowing me to talk," Lucius said. Harry nodded, still feeling a bit awkward.
"So, Harry, how was your day?" the blonde man asked with a slight quirk of his lips on his otherwise expressionless face. The slight smile and attempted levity from the other man made Harry relax a little bit.
"I suppose it's been alright so far. I didn't sleep very well, then again I never do anymore," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"You've already witnessed my nightmares first hand, so I guess I don't have to feel bad telling you about them."
"Do they occur every night?" Lucius asked, his tone gentle and without any demand.
"Most nights. Mostly I dream about dying….but sometimes I dream about Dumbledore, or Fred. Sometimes I dream that Voldemort won, and everyone I love is dead around me," Harry said, surprising himself with his own honesty. Still, just saying it aloud to another person somehow made his heart feel a little lighter. He saw Lucius stiffen at the mention of his former master's real name.
"Yes, I can see how that would be troubling. I often have similar nightmares about Draco and Narcissa. The Dark Lord was not a gracious master. There are many things I wish I could erase from my memory. I dream of them almost every night," the older man supplied, making Harry feel even less nervous about his revelation by affirming he too was having a similar issue.
"Sometimes I dream about my scar burning, and when I wake up it almost feels as if it had been doing just that. Then I'm too terrified to go back to sleep, because even though I know he's dead…he has beaten death before. Rationally I know I destroyed him this time, but the fear of his return is not a rational thought," Harry continued.
He knew he destroyed all of the Hocruxes. He had died to do so, but the nightmares of his scar burning truly terrified him. He had to stay awake until the sun came up just to make sure that he wasn't really feeling it.
"There are nights when I swear I can see the Dark Mark moving on my arm, or that I feel the phantom burn of his call. I do not sleep on those nights," Lucius replied, catching Harry's gaze with a pair of haunted grey eyes. Seeing that look in the usually unreadable eyes of the blonde caused Harry to blurt a question that was probably insensitive and rude. Still, he wanted to hear the answer, if only to assure himself.
"If he came back….would you go to him again?"
Lucius' eyes widened, shock flashing over their depths like lightning before sorrow once again filled their depths with shadows. Harry waited with baited breath for the answer. In all honesty, he had no idea what to expect.
"I don't know. I would not wish to, not by any means. But, I still have this mark on my arm. I am not sure if I could flee him. I am not sure if I could keep my family safe," the other man answered honestly. Seeing the naked conflict in the other man's expression somehow made Harry feel better about his answer.
"Then again, I couldn't protect them when I was with the Dark Lord. Through my failure, Draco was given an impossible task the Dark Lord knew he would fail, and Narcissa was tortured within an inch of her life. That was the night my marriage was lost, and my wife forever broken in a way that no woman should ever have to experience in her life. All of it happened because of my choice to follow that man."
Harry could see how torn Lucius was by the question, and he wanted to comfort the other man. He didn't know what Lucius meant by Narcissa being broken in a way no woman should ever be, but whatever it was it had to be extremely traumatizing for her. Also, the clear fact that Lucius was blaming himself for her pain showed Harry that it was equally traumatizing to the Malfoy Lord. Reaching out a hand, Harry carefully laid it over the ones gripping each other white knuckled in Lucius' lap. Those same haunted eyes lifted from the floor to look at the younger man. Harry smiled at him and squeezed his hand in hope of lifting his spirits a bit. Lucius didn't smile back, but his eyes warmed almost imperceptibly as he lifted Harry's hand to his lips and brushed the softest kiss against his knuckles.
"You really are the kindest person I have ever met, Harry Potter. I sincerely hope that I can know you better and help you to overcome some of the sorrow that you are feeling. Perhaps we can heal together."
Harry was too busy blushing so brightly he may as well have been a tomato to answer the other man, but he did manage to nod his head enough for a confirmation. His feelings about Lucius were still very confused, but he knew one thing. He was extremely attracted to the other man, and on some level they understood each other better than most others. He felt a closeness to Lucius that made no sense, and found himself thinking of the blonde often when he was alone. He had no idea what any of this meant, though he was starting to suspect he had at least a crush as silly and childish as that sounded. Still, he was in no way ready to make a move or be moved on…there were things he had to sort out before he could ever allow their still blooming friendship to transcend that status.
"I think we should stop here for today, Harry. You seem to have stumbled upon thoughts that you should sort out before we go any further. Meet me again on Friday and we will talk some more," Lucius said, his smooth voice breaking Harry out of his thoughts.
Their hands separated, and Harry felt himself missing the warmth of the other man's skin against his. With that thought in mind, Harry smiled and excused himself from the office to go think. Also, he figured he should probably talk to someone else about the whirlwind of feeling he got when it came to Lucius Malfoy. The only person he would trust not to judge him immediately or condemn him was of course, Hermione Granger. He wrote her a quick owl asking for her to come visit him. He really hoped that she would agree to meet him here, as his suite in Malfoy Manor was much more private than any of the rooms in the Burrow or the hotel room her parents were currently living in while they awaited their housing to be approved by the Ministry. He alerted Lucius that he had a friend coming, but did not mention who it was. He didn't think that Hermione was ready to face any of the Malfoys yet after what she had experienced the last time she was here. Of course, knowing them as he knew them now, he knew that Narcissa would be rushing to apologize for her sister's actions. He wasn't sure Hermione could take an apology from them yet.
'It'll be hard for her to come back here, but I hope she does. It might help her to understand more what I'm going to be telling her…'

A/N: Well that's all for now. I hope you like it! I know it's not as long as some previous chapters have been, but I feel like it's best left here. I hope to get the next chapter out as soon as I can!
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The Aftermath of War