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The Auror and the Fountain	By : wherdatcomfrom Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 5138 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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AN:I might write an epilogue, but this is the last official chapter to this. My new story, 1 year (365 days), is now up and running with a double chapter start off. Please go and see if you like it. It's under the Harry/Snape heading, and I think it's worthy. I've already mapped out over twenty chaps, but it may run longer, like this one did. (This was only supposed to be ten.) I'll post the epilogue if I need to do some more review responses, for sure

unneeded: Sorry, I'm getting there. I'm assuming you mean the new story, which is posted, under Harry/Snape, after all.

Chapter Seventeen: Together, alone or in a crowd

Harry leaned against the wall, waiting for the bell that would sound the release of the students for their Christmas break. He was standing in the entrance hall, just to the left of a statue of Herman Clodonic, the ancient Alchemist who had invented the draught of living death, as well as dreamless sleep potion. He heard the gong and stood up straight, not wanting to look like a slouch in front of the entire school.

James was first to come down the stairs, amidst the crowd of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, and towing his small valise behind him. Albus drifted down at a more sedate pace, as befits a Ravenclaw, followed by Scorpius and a few other boys. When they reached him, Harry waved them over and placed a hand on his younger son’s shoulder. “As soon as Lily gets here, I have an announcement. Oh, here she comes.”

Lily was flouncing down the stairs amid her personal entourage of Gryffindor and Slytherin boys. She was flirty and coy, something that made Harry’s eyebrows pull together and a heaviness filled the air around him. The boys on the stairs looked up and slowed their steps, backtracking a few steps.

“Your feathers are a bit ruffled, Potter.” A voice drawled from behind him and Harry turned to see Draco standing there with his mother and father. “Don’t scare the little kiddies, Potter. They’ll have a bad holiday.”

“They’ll have worse than that if they don’t stop drooling on my little girl.” Harry announced loud enough for the boys to hear. A small stampede followed his words as the boys turned and ran up the stairs, obviously after something they forgot in their dorms or classrooms.

“Daddy, you’ll spoil all my fun.” Lily pouted and James cleared his throat and pinched her arm. “Ouch. James! Did you see what he did, Daddy?”

“Lily, we are going to have a long talk when we get home. . .” Draco cleared his throat and Harry stopped. “Oh, yeah. We’ll be spending the holidays with the Malfoys this year. They have generously invited us to the manor, It has been undergoing a refurbishing for the few months and now they are going home. How does that sound?”

“You are?” Scorpius was the first to react and he grabbed Albus and spun the boy around. “This is so great! We can swim in the pool, and James can fly in the pitch and I’ll show you father’s potions lab and the library.”

“Well, at least my son is pleased.” Draco said as the other children looked on curiously.

“Why are we going to their house, Dad? What’s wrong with our house?” James asked and Lily scowled at him.

“It sounds like an adventure. I’ve always wondered what a big house like that would be like on the inside."

Narcissa moved forward and stood regally, “You’ve been invited as a show of our appreciation for your father’s help in our recovering from a recent illness. It would be gracious of you all to show your appreciation in return. Say, ‘Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.’ And pick up your things. We’ll need to hurry before the coach arrives.”

The three Potter children bowed their heads and complied and the group turned toward the entrance. The coach that Narcissa mentioned was huge and pulled by five graceful unicorns. The beasts were the largest that any of them had ever seen and they pranced listlessly while they waited. The group climbed in and the coach started to move. In seconds they were traveling at a speed that none of them could imagine for such a contrivance, the Malfoys smiled and Narcissa said only, “Unicorns are the best choice when one is in a hurry.”

Wiltshire was bathed in pure white and Malfoy Manor stood regal watch over it. When the coach pulled up the long drive, the doors opened and a pair of withered house elves stood there, holding two babies in their arms, while two toddlers stood next to them, holding onto their free hands.

“Freddie! Maggie!” Lily cried as she raced from the carriage door and scooped up her sister. She took her brother's hand from the elf and jabbered to the toddlers as they led her into the house. “Isn't this magnificent? The front entry is bigger than our whole house.”

Albus and Scorpius were not far behind, discussing potions and books as they followed the younger children through the portals. Harry stood near the carriage door as Narcissa alighted, handing her to the ground and her waiting husband. James stood behind them, scowling. Draco nudged his lover and motioned to Harry's eldest. Harry sighed.

“I think it's time for us to have a talk, son.” Harry and James were in one of the Malfoy's many sitting parlors, a tray of cookies and fruit sitting on a low table between them.

“Mom hates the Malfoys. She talks about them like they were the darkest wizards in the whole war. Now, Mom isn't around, and you are all chummy with them. Is that about it?”

“No, that's not about it. Your mother is . . . well, she is around. There was an accident and the Malfoys were trying to help me fix it.” Harry ran his hand through his hair and glared at his son, who glared right back.

“What kind of accident?” James asked in clipped tones.

“More or less, a potions accident. Your mother drank a potion, or magic water, and it had a reaction. She's . . . she's Sissy.”

James shook, more like quivered, and his hands clenched and unclenched at his side. He would have been safer if he hadn't stood up, but Harry couldn't help that right now. He watched the boy shake, turn jerkily and stagger out of the room. “Well, that went well.” Draco said as he came in from the hall, just after James passed through the door.

Harry sighed from where he sat, reached out his arms and invited the blond into them. He needed to hold onto someone, and Draco proffered a perfect substitution for who he thought needed him. The aristocrat melded into him, carding long tapered fingers through his tortured hair and murmuring soothing things to him.

Albus had learned his lesson about spying, but Scorpius was still uninformed about the horrors that awaited one who snooped on his parents. The youngest Malfoy was practicing his stealth when he was passed by the catatonic Gryffindor and he looked down the hall to see where James had come from.

Albus arrived behind him as he took three steps toward the open door. “Scorpius, wait!”

Too late, the other Ravenclaw turned and glared at him, “You knew? You knew and you didn't tell me?”

The green-eyed boy stammered something about it not being his secret, but Scorpius waved him silent and turned toward their fathers, who had not noticed the commotion building outside of the parlour. Scorpius stormed through, throwing the door fully open and striking a pose just inside.

“Scorpius?” Draco would have pulled away, but his son was no fool, so he knew it was too late to try denying what was obviously going on. “Do not abuse the manor. That is no way to behave around our guests.”

Harry turned his head and smothered his laugh in the dark robes of his lover. Albus decided to keep his distance, but spoke from the hall. “I tried to stop him, Dad. I didn't tell him, I promise. I knew his dad wanted to do it himself.”

“So, tell me.” Scorpius demanded in a very un-Malfoy manner and Draco scowled at him.

“Auror Potter and I have been working together, and we've become rather close. You know that your mother . . .”

“Oh, Father. Just say it. You and Albus' dad are in love. Don't worry about me, and don't blame it on mother. If you love him, then that's that and I'm happy for you. You can be bonded and live here with us.” Before either man could speak, the smaller blond flew across the room and trapped them in a group hug that was surprisingly powerful. Harry playfully bit at Draco's belly while the blond struggled with his conflicting emotions.

“I didn't say that, but we are very fond of each other. I can't say what the future will bring, because we haven't spoken of it. Are we ready for that, Harry?”

“Don't ask me how you feel. I call it love. But, for now, let's just say we're working on it, okay?”

The blond boy smirked, in a very familiar way, and nodded. He turned to his friend and led the way back out of the room. “They are sooo in love. Come on, let's go choose a room for you.” he sneered and Albus laughed as they pulled on the handle. “Try to remember to close doors, Father. The little ones are still up.”

“Stop laughing, Harry.” Draco snapped, but this only caused the Chosen-one's chuckles to turn to guffaws. “At least, my son knows, so now you just have to tell your oldest and your daughter.” at this, Harry's laughter died. He looked up and Draco took pity on his pathetic face. “I'll be right beside you. I won't let the mean and evil Gryffindors hurt you.”

“So, you and Mr. Malfoy . . .”

“Draco, sweetheart. She can call you that, can't she?”

Draco nodded and Lily smiled. “So, you and Draco are dating? That's so romantic. And where is Mom?”

“Right here, baby. It was the fountain that Stan Shunpike found while he was running from the aurors.” Harry held Sissy and leaned down so that Lily could look at her. “I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner, but we were trying to find a cure.”

“But, there is no cure, right?” Lily's voice was subdued, and her eyes shone with tears. “I've lost my mother.”

“I'm sorry.” Harry repeated.

“And he's the criminal that caused it? He's that Stan?”

“He was.” Draco stepped up, shielding the boy with his body so that the girl could contain herself. “He's just a baby, now. Don't forget that, Lily.”

“Oh, yes. I guess that's true. He couldn't be held responsible, and he's gotten more punishment than he deserved.”

“It depends how you look at it, Honey. Imagine that you had a terrible childhood and you got a second chance to live it over. This time, instead of being poor and hungry, not loved or cared about, you were dropped into a good home and had people around who could love you, like no one else. Do you think that is a punishment?”

“He had that kind of life?”

“I don't know, but he did turn out pretty messed up. I think it's possible.”

“Then, we should love him. We need to make up for all that bad stuff that happened to him. But, what about Mommy? I mean, Sissy?”

“She's going to have that, too. Your uncles have decided to give her a second chance, and your grandfather, too. He's getting some of the fountain's water, just enough, and he'll be around to look after her, and spend time with you children, as well.”

“Grandpa Weasley? I'd love to see that.” Lily was all smiles as she trotted out of the nursery, her thoughts on what she'd wear for the visit to her grandfather's house.

“That was easier than I thought.” Harry said and Draco nodded.

“So, let's go finish our shopping, so that we can have a happy Christmas before this little family gets broken up. I think the first of the year was a good idea, Harry. A new year, a new start. And making their birthdays after the beginning of September will give us another year with Heath before he has to go to school, too.”

“You say that now, but when he's ten, you'll be wishing we had some privacy again.”

Christmas was a happy time, with more presents than any of the children expected, since even Scorpius had gone without his grandparents attention for the previous years, and Harry's kids were experiencing the wash of material love that was staple with a Malfoy holiday. They sat in awe when the opening was done and they could view the piles that they had collected.

“Just remember, now you have to write even more 'thank you' scrolls,” Harry reminded them discreetly and gained soft sighs in response. He smiled and picked up Maggie, who was dressed like a princess in the clothes that Narcissa had chosen, the woman seemed to be spoiling the baby daughter she had never had. “What did you get, Lovely?” he asked and she held up the toy scepter and tiara that completed her dress.

Meanwhile, James stared in awe at his complete selection of Weasley Weezes, new pairs of dragon hyde boots and gloves, and a complete set of dress robes. Harry smiled and nodded to him, his eldest was nearly a man and he had proven it by coming to Harry the day after their discussion and telling him he would help all he could to make their life work without his mother. Harry chose that moment to add more to the boy's plate, sharing about his relationship with the childrens' potions professor. Now, James nodded his thanks to the Malfoys, folded the clothing carefully and put the gloves on top, next the the soft suede ones that came with the outfit. “I'll wear them all, proudly.” he said.

“You'll be dashing, I'm sure. Just as your father and my son were, at their first yule ball. Do you remember that, Lucius? It was their fourth year, wasn't it? When the triwizard tournament took place? We were chaperones, young James. We stood to the side and watched as the young gentlemen sported their dates onto the dance floor and whirled about like gallants. Yes, I seem to recall that Draco took Pansy Parkinson and Harry was with one of those twins. Pherian's girls, right Harry?” Narcissa was transported and Harry couldn't help but join in the memory, even though there were others that were associated he'd rather avoid.

“Yes, the Patils. I went with Parvati and Ron took Padma.”

“Not Auntie Hermione?” Lily had joined in.

“No. Your aunt went with Viktor Krum, one of the champions.” Draco injected. "Your uncle didn't ask her quickly enough and she was already paired. He was lucky that his best friend had a spare.” The innuendo was thick but Harry only smiled at his lover.

“What about Mommy?” Albus asked, his eyes on Sissy who slept in a basket near the tree, with Heath.

“She went with Neville.” Harry announced and they all stared in shock, except for the Malfoys. “We weren't even dating then, children.”

“No, that was later. Harry dated another girl the next year, too. Cho, wasn't it, Harry?”

“Yes, but that wasn't .. .”

“Hmmm?” Draco baited him.

“One date. I go on one date with her and that is all anyone remembers. Merlin!”

“But, to Madam Puddifoot's? Even I never took a girl there. That place is so, so . .”

“It's so girly, Dad. It's like all pink and hearts and frills.” James announced and the rest of the group turned his way. “I mean, I've heard it is .. .”

“James Sirius, do we need to have another kind of talk?”

The boy blanched, flushed and then muttered some intelligible words that sent a wave of chuckling through the room. Christmas was perfect, this year.

New years came and the group gathered around the table, just after breakfast, and a more serious conversation was going on. James held Freddie and Maggie sat on Narcissa's lap. Arthur was coming today to gather up his daughter and the children were saying their final good-byes to the baby that had stayed with them and to their mother. Lily's eyes were red rimmed and Albus had his arm around her shoulders while Harry held Sissy to their level.

“I love you, Mommy. I'll never let anyone take your place.” she looked up at her father. “Draco is not going to be my mother, Dad.”

Harry smiled as she kissed the little red-haired girl. Albus sniffed, but his eyes were only misted over. “Mom, I'll make you proud, even if you don't know it. I'll be the best Minister this world has ever known. You'll vote for me, too.” He looked up to see if anyone was laughing at him, only to find Scorpius smiling encouragingly and the other two Malfoy men considering him carefully. “And I will never take a bribe, from anyone.” he kissed Sissy and she grabbed his hair for a bit before he pulled away.

James handed Freddie to Draco, since Lucius was holding Heath, and he strode across the floor, stopped directly in front of the baby. “I'll be your champion, Mom. I'll protect you when you're growing up, like a good nephew would. Or maybe like a cousin. I'll be the one who is there for you, and you can always come to me.” He put his finger to her cheek and smiled a wistful way when she held it firmly. “I love you.” He turned and left the room, keeping his tears in until he was in the room the Malfoys had called his, for whenever he came here.

Arthur arrived promptly at ten, escorted through the wards by an elf and he even shook hands with the elder Malfoy. “Lucius, I think we're old enough to bury all this animosity. And if you make a jibe at me for knowing that word, I'll hex your bullocks off.”

“Why, Arthur, how pleasant it is to see you. Do come in and say hello to our family.” Lucius returned, opening the door all the way to expose the gathered Malfoy/Potter residents. Arthur nodded and walked up to Narcissa and took her hand, kissed the back of it and wished her prosperity. He was rushed by his grandchildren who hugged the stuffings out of him, and shook hands with the younger Malfoys before he stood in front of Harry, reaching out for Sissy.

“She's just been changed and had a bottle. I think she'll sleep for a few hours. If you're lucky. Good luck, Arthur.” Harry said.

“You're not off the hook yet, Harry. The boys and I had a talk, and they've unanimously voted you in as godfather. You'll take the job, I assume? Fleur is godmother, too.”

“I'd be honored. Thank you. I guess Draco and I have to figure out who will stand in for Heath, too. Owl me with the details and I'll keep in touch. I'm sure the children will want to come for visits, too.”

“And they'll be welcome, anytime. I can always use help around the house and someone to read stories to. I've had that elf clear the field outside the cottage and we'll be planting some gardens. I think a play yard and a vegetable garden are in order, but some flowers would be nice, too. Don't you agree, Lily Darling?”

“Yes, Grandpa. I think that would be lovely. We'll come over for Easter hols. Won't we?” Her siblings agreed and the family bid the Weasley man and his baby good-bye. The atmosphere was thick with a humid realization of what had just passed.

“So, how about a picnic?” Lucius suggested.

“It's freezing out!” Lily chimed.

“Not out there. In the indoor gardens. Come, we need a change of scenery, to lift the mood. I'll make the arrangements, the rest of you go and dress cool. It's a bit muggy in there, what with the pool and all.”

“Oh, yes! Albus, let's get out suits on. I've been wanting to go swimming since we got here. Come on.” Scorpius led the way and the rest followed, Harry with Heath, as Draco and Narcissa carried the twins. Soon, they were sitting on a blanket, in shorts and tank tops, watching the older children splash in the water and Lucius giving the toddlers their first swimming lesson. Harry turned to his blond lover.

“Marry me?” he asked and Draco sat in shocked awe. “Marry me and make this a real family. I want to call your mother Mom and give your father palpitations when I call him Daddy. I want my children to call you Papa and for Scorpius to feel like he can turn to me and trust me like a father. I want you to be able to tell the world that you are mine and I am yours, and I want to announce it in the middle of the Atrium. Marry me?”

Narcissa sat just on the edge of hearing range, rubbing Heath's stomach as he slept and smiling while her eyes brimmed with tears.

“Harry, I . . .” Draco stuttered.

“Marry me and we'll adopt Heath and make him ours legally. Marry me and tell the Ministry and the Pure-bloods, Half-blood and muggleborms that nothing matters when you love someone. It's all about that . . . and passion.”

“Passion? Yes. Passion and the right person to share it. Yes, Harry. I'll marry you.” Draco leaned down and kissed the green-eyed savior. His savior.

If I write the epilogue, I'll put in their wedding, the children's reactions to returning to school and a little something about Heath and his background. I couldn't fit it into the story, so far, but it would work well in the last bit. Thanks for your patience with my slow updates and all, I've enjoyed this story and hope you have, also.

Love always, Anna.
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The Auror and the Fountain