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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
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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 : Here goes chapter one! This story is unbeta'd. Please forgive small mistakes.

Title : The Aftermath of War

Warnings : Slash, Ginny-Bashing, Anal, Oral, Rim, H/C, Future MPreg Unbeta'd

Pairings : Lucius/Harry, George/Draco, RonHermione, KingsleyNarcissa

Chapter One : The Trial of Lucius Malfoy

When Harry arrived at the Ministry, he was greeted by the sight of Draco and his Mother, both waiting for him by the fountain statue so they could board the elevator together to the courtrooms below. Narcissa looked as ethereal and regal as always. Gone were the bags under her eyes, the strain of anxiety that had graced her features during the war. Before him stood the epitome of what Harry expected every little Pureblood girl wanted to be. Dressed in semi-formal, dark blue robes, Narcissa turned to greet Harry with an extending of her delicate hand and a demure smile.

"Mr. Potter, I am so glad you were able to make it here," she said, her tone smooth as glass with just the barest hint of warmth in her tone. He supposed that his arrival had pleased her.

"Erm...you can just call me Harry, and it was no trouble," Harry replied awkwardly. Formality had never been his strong point. The woman's pale blue eyes took on a gleam of what looked like amusement at his response.

"Harry then," Narcissa amended. "Come now, we must make our way to the courtrooms."

Draco, who had been silent through the entire exchange, barely peeled his eyes from his feet as he followed his mother and Harry towards the elevator. The other boy's silence was off-putting, to say the least, but Harry supposed he wouldn't be very talkative if he were walking to the trial that would decide his father's fate. With a quiet sigh, Harry leaned his head back against the elevator wall and waited for the drop to the courtrooms to be done.

Lucius Malfoy sat in a cage, warded with some of the strongest shield magic in the world as he awaited the trial that would decide his future. Nervous wouldn't be quite the word to describe what he was feeling at the moment. Terrified? Anxiety ridden? Desperate? Those might all work to describe his feelings, even if they still lacked in his opinion. He knew more than anyone that if he was sentenced to a life term in Azkaban, or even the Dementor's Kiss...he would deserve it for all the crimes he had committed. He was guilty, plain and simple. He knew that. He had willingly followed a madman into nearly destroying the entire world.

However, no matter how guilty he was, Lucius still held out hope that somehow he would go free. For his son's sake if for no other reason, Lucius wanted to go free. He had failed as a father to Draco. His choices had ruined his son's childhood and forced Draco into situations no father would ever wish on their child. It was his fault that Draco was broken, and even though their marriage was dissolved, Lucius knew that his son would need both of his parents to recover.

When the people started to file into the courtroom, Lucius did not look up from his lap. He couldn't bear to see the expression of hopelessness on Draco's face, or the cold as steel mask of his ex-wife staring back at him. Narcissa and he both hoped to retain a friendship if he was let off, but they both knew they could never be together as they were before the war had destroyed everything.

He paid little attention to most of what was said by the persecuting side. He knew their entire argument back and front, they were his crimes after all that were being laid before the Wizengamot for judgment. When it was the turn of the defense team to prove their case, Lucius listened to his ex-wife explain every detail of what happened in their home while Voldemort was using it as his headquarters. He knew her side as well. She would defend his actions to the Wizengamot as a desperate attempt to protect his family against the newly risen master he had thought long dead. She would explain the power of the Dark Mark, and why it meant they could never truly hide. He knew, even with that as evidence, it would not be enough to convince the Wizengamot.

When Draco took the stand, it nearly broke Lucius' heart. His son, once so confident and strong, sat stuttering and shaking through his version of life under the Dark Lord's watchful eye. By the end, Draco was basically just pleading for the Wizengamot to not take Lucius away. Lucius could watch no longer. It was obvious his son was still damaged from his experiences, and knowing that the damage was all his fault made Lucius feel even worse about his situation. He kind of fazed out for a little while after that, until the next witness was called.

"Defense now calling Mr. Harry Potter to the stand."

Lucius' head whipped in the direction of the stand, his grey eyes wide and wild with confusion as he watched the Savior of the Wizarding World stride forward to the stand. Whispers had broken out in the courtroom, and Lucius could hear the scratching of more than one Quick Notes Quill dashing across partchment as the press no doubt went insane over the turn of events.

"For the record, please state your full name," the Head Warlock requested.

"Harry James Potter," Potter replied in a deep, unreadable tone.

"And you wish to testify in support of the freeing of Lucius Malfoy, admitted Death Eater and second in command to the man formerly known as The Dark Lord?"

Green eyes turned up to the man behind the podium, honest and strong, as the young man nodded his assent.

"I do. It is my belief that while Lucius Malfoy undoubtedly committed the crimes of which he is accused today, that for the sake of his family he should not go to Azkaban. I know that it is not in your usual practice to make exceptions, but in this case it would be completely destructive to send this man to jail. His son, like many of the people in our generation, has lost more than most can imagine. Most of his friends are either dead, or on the run. He has no other family than his mother and father, and because of the decisions that were forced upon him by his family it is not easy for him to make new friends. All Draco Malfoy has to help him through this are his parents. To take one of them out of the picture would not only be cruel, but unnecessary. You've all heard today the case that Lucius Malfoy's defense has been trying to prove to you. At the end of the day he acted as a desperate father, in far too deep on the wrong side, to protect his family. Would you have been able to make different decisions in his situation? Would you have had the courage to stand up to Voldemort, when you knew that no matter where you ran he would inevitably find you? I don't think I could have."

Lucius could do nothing but stare in shock as Harry Potter vehemently defended his need to be kept out of Azkaban. He couldn't believe his ears. Shooting a glance over to Draco and Narcissa, he could see that both of them seemed surprised at the determination the dark haired young man was showing in his efforts. Lucius knew that it was undoubtedly his ex-wife that had called on Potter to testify, but she obviously had not expected the amount of heart the young man was giving behind his words.

"So you think that this man who has killed, tortured, and injured dozens...deserves to go free into our world as if none of it had ever happened?" a member of the Wizengamot asked snidely. Potter's fiery green eyes shot to the member, who instantly cowed at the sharp look, before the boy opened his mouth to speak again.

"That's not what I said, and I'd appreciate it if you kept your words out of my mouth," he replied shortly. "I said he shouldn't be sent to Azkaban, for his son's sake, not that he shouldn't be punished."

Now, Lucius was confused. Punished? What kind of punishment would one give a former Death Eater if not imprisonment in Azkaban?

"And just what kind of punishment are you recommending, Mr. Potter? A slap on a hand and a few months of house arrest? This is a Death Eater we are talking about! A former member of The Dark Lord's Inner Ring!" another Wizengamot member said incredulously.

"Again, keep your words out of my mouth. I can speak on my own. A slap on the hand is hardly a punishment worthy of Mr. Malfoy's crimes. But, before I outline what I think should be done, I would like to know one thing. If I give you this alternate punishment, will you consider it? I promise that I will personally take responsibility for Mr. Malfoy's actions if he is allowed to leave this hearing a reasonably free man," Potter said, causing Lucius to turn his wide eyes back on the Savior.

This time it was the Wizengamot that broke out into furious whispers. After a few moments of arguing, the Head Warlock raised his hand to silence to room, and turned his eyes on Potter.

"Well, Mr. Potter..it is no secret that the Wizarding World owes you no small debt for what you've done for us. If you outline to us a reasonable alternate punishment for this man, and give us your word you will personally see that it is carried out to all of its specifications, we will consider your option," the old man replied.

Lucius felt his heart rate sky rocket at this. This was really happening. Harry Potter was about to win him his freedom to go home with his family. He watched in riveted silence as the young man on the stand collected his thoughts to begin his outline.

"I propose that Lucius Malfoy be released to the custody of his son, with some stipulations of course. First, his magic should be restrained for a while..maybe six months or so at your discretion. Second, he may not leave Malfoy Manor under any circumstances besides a physical or family emergency. Third, he should be under Auror surveillance for no less than two years, longer if you feel it is necessary. Fourth, I know that the Ministry was unable to seize his assets because the Malfoy Fortune and properties are all linked by ancient blood magic to himself and those he has privileged with the Malfoy name. In order to make up for his despicable crimes, Mr. Malfoy should have to fund the reconstruction of Hogwarts as well as pay reparations for his crimes to the Ministry of a reasonable sum. Like I stated before, I will give you my word that I will personally take responsibility for Mr. Malfoy's actions when he is released and see to it that his punishments are handled accordingly."

When Potter finished there was a long silence that took the room. The only sound that could be heard was the constant scratching of the quills along parchment and the tapping of the stenographer's keys. Lucius chanced a look at the Wizengamot, who all wore blank masks of contemplation as they stared at the young Savior sitting on the stand before them. It was a few more moments before the Head Warlock seemed to pull together the words to speak again.

"Very well, Mr. Potter. I will now take a vote," he said. "All those in favor of Mr. Potter's alternative method of punishment raise your hands."

Lucius could not bear to look. Instead, he let his eyes slide back down to his lap realizing quite suddenly how tightly he was gripping his knees. His knuckles were white and his joints ached. He waited for what seemed like forever for the Head Warlock to speak again.

"Okay then, all those against Mr. Potter's suggestion...I see. Well, by vote of the majority it is the jugement of this court that Lucius Abraxas Malfoy be released into the custody of his family and punished in the manner that Mr. Potter has thus outlined in this hearing."

The silence was obliterated in seconds, cries of dismay nearly drowning the small squeak of delight his ex-wife had let out and the surprised gasp of his one and only son after. Camera flashes went off like lightning flashing over and over, the sound nearly deafening to Lucius' ears. It wasn't until the Warlock's hand raised up once again to silence the room that the noise trickled to a lower decibel.

"I have one stipulation of my own to make, Mr. Potter, before I allow you to step down from the stand," the Head Warlock said. Harry Potter's Avada green eyes lifted to regard the old man curiously.

"Name it," he said.

"Mr. Potter, I will fully accept your idea of punishment if, and only if, you move into Malfoy Manor to supervise Lucius Malfoy's punishment personally," the old man said.

Lucius felt his heart plummet into his shoes once the words were spoken. He was doomed. There was no way Harry Potter would agree to living in the home of three former Death Eaters, the house that formerly housed The Dark Lord, the house in which Potter was nearly murdered only months ago. Lucius steeled himself for the reversal of the previous judgment. He was going to Azkaban. This was the end.

But when Lucius looked up at Potter to watch his own eminent doom...he saw the young man's lips curl upwards into the most Slytherin of smirks Lucius had ever been witness to...and Lucius had personally known the Heir of Slyhterin himself.

"Agreed," was Potter's answer.

"Then we have an accord. The judgment stands," the Head Warlock stated, firmly smacking the mallet down on the desk as the room went wild around them.

The moments after the verdict had been sealed were a blur to Harry. The room dissolved into chaos, cameras flashing and reporters yelling one over the other to try and get their questions heard. It was only after they were ushered out of the room, that Harry stepped down from the stand. A survey around the room revealed the Malfoys huddled in a darkened corner together, Draco standing beneath the weight of both his parents arms. The scene immediately reminded Harry of when he'd walked back into the Great Hall after Voldemort's final demise. He felt his heart lurch for them. Despite the wrongness of their actions and choices, the Malfoys loved one another. Harry had always wished for the kind of love Narcissa and Lucius had for their son. Cautiously, Harry walked closer. He approached slowly and tried to be as non-threatening as he could.

When he stood about a foot away, he stilled and waited to be acknowledged. It was Narcissa who looked up first, her lovely face breaking into a smile brighter than he had ever seen from her before. Of course, it was a Narcissa Black bright smile, not a Ginney Weasley bright smile..but it was nice to see all the same. Harry couldn't help but smile back shyly, feeling his cheeks heat a bit as the other two Malfoys turned to look at him.

"Mr. Pott_ Harry...I can not express in words the gratitude I feel towards you right now," she said quietly. Harry fidgeted and shrugged his shoulders. "Though it might have taken a life debt to get you here, you came through with much more than any of us ever could have hoped for."

Harry blinked when he was suddenly reminded of Narcissa's letter saying that if nothing else, he should come to settle his life debt. He hadn't even given it a second thought after he sent the owl. He'd come here of his own volition, because he didn't want to see another person he knew from school destroyed in the aftermath of Voldemort.

"I...no, you can consider your life debt un-called on. I didn't come here because of that," he said, proud of himself for managing to keep eye contact with her. "Malfoy didn't deserve to lose his father on top of everything else. It was what any decent person would have done."

For that he received a musical giggle, and amusement glimmering in Narcissa's pale blue eyes.

"And I am truly astounded that you believe that, but no matter," she said flippantly, but fell silent as her ex-husband moved forward.

Harry tensed up a bit as the Malfoy Patriarch faced him. He knew in his mind that Lucius wasn't going to harm him. It wouldn't make sense for the man to do so only moments after having barely dodged a prison sentence. But, that didn't mean Harry was anywhere near trusting the man. This was the man who had tried to kill him numerous times, nearly killed Ginney, and led the attack that had ended in Sirius' death. He hadn't spoken at this trial for Lucius' benefit. It was because of Draco and Narcissa that Harry had come at all.

"Mr. Potter, I would like to formally thank you for coming here to day and accomplishing what you have accomplished. If it weren't for you, I would surely be rotting in a cell in Azkaban for the rest of my life, or worse. I only regret that you have gotten stuck living with us in our home which must only hold terrible memories for you," the man said in a smooth, neutral tone. Harry just smirked at him.

"No need for regrets, that was my intent after all," he said in response, watching as the shock fluttered over one blank Malfoy expression to the other before all three were shuttered again.

"You see, I didn't just come here because Malfoy drew the short stick in the father department," he said, his tone confident as he noted Lucius' barely restrained flinch at the barb at his character. "Malfoy Manor has some of the thickest, most powerful wards in all the Wizarding World, and moving in with you will assure me that I will be safe from the rabid press that will do anything short of kidnapping and restraining me in some basement to get an interview with the Savior ," Harry explained, spitting the title as if it were acid in his mouth. The bitterness in his tone seemed to shock the three before him, so he gathered himself once again.

"So you see, you're doing me a favor as well. It's not entirely selfless," he finished.

There was something about their shocked silence that was infinitely amusing to Harry. He couldn't help the smugness that welled up in his body at the fact that he had just rendered three Malfoys..well, technically two Malfoys and Black, speechless. Finally, after moments of uncertain quiet, Narcissa spoke.

"Well, Harry, I think I am speaking for all of us when I say that I had not expected something quite so...Slytherin of you," she said, her tone as calm as ever. Harry just grinned at her, unable to fight his amusement.

"I was almost sorted there after all," he said, biting back a laugh at Draco's dropped jaw and Lucius' widened eyes. "But that's a story for another day."

"Indeed," Narcissa said, seeming almost as amused as Harry. "Well then, let's have some tea and discuss when you'll be moving in."

With that said, Narcissa turned and glided away gracefully, leaving the three men behind her with nothing more to do than follow.

'This might be even more interesting than I thought,' Harry thought.

It was an odd feeling, sitting in the Tea Room of Malfoy Manor with three people he'd considered enemies only a few months ago. But, Harry had given up long ago on the idea of his life ever being normal, and the Malfoys were offering him something he'd always wanted since the first time Rita Skeeter posted lies about him in the Prophet. They were offering him cover from the press. Of course, Grimmauld under Fidelus as it was, was safe from reporters. But it was so dark and dreary. The Manor was open and bright, much brighter than he remembered it from that night months ago. Also, Grimmauld had a distinct lack of human presence that really drove Harry mad sometimes. Even if the people here weren't exactly his friends, he figured they'd at least be cordial to him out of gratitude for his saving their family.

"So, Harry, how long do you think it will take you to pack your things and move in. I would like to know which day you are planning to do so as well, so I can have a house elf make up a room for you before you arrive," Narcissa said, breaking the ice of the conversation easily.

"Oh, well to be completely honest Mrs. Malfoy...ermm...Miss Black..ah, Lady Black?" Harry's cheeks flushed as he failed to figure out the correct way to address the woman sitting across from him. He heard a sound suspiciously close to a snort come from Draco's direction, and a sigh from Lucius. Narcissa, for her part, only smiled graciously at him.

"You may call me Narcissa, Harry, as you have extended your permission for me to call you by your given name," she said gently. Harry just nodded, fidgeting in his seat before he pulled his thoughts together to answer.

"Okay, well, to be honest with you Narcissa, I really don't own that many things. Before I started Hogwarts, I didn't have much. My Muggle family really only provided the necessities," he said, leaving out the 'sometimes not even that' he should probably tack on to the end of that.

"And while I was at Hogwarts I needed for nothing, so I never really bought more than I had. Since my clothes were given to me from my much larger cousin, they never really got too small on me, and I was so busy with...other things, I didn't really think of going shopping for myself," Harry finished.

Narcissa looked curious, but didn't ask him to expand on anything. He figured there must be something in Pureblood etiquette that said prying was rude. Or maybe that was just etiquette in general. He waited a few moments while the others processed his words, before smiling and shrugging his shoulders again.

"So I can really move in whatever day is the most convenient for you, though I think we should do it sooner rather than later, so the Wizengamot doesn't freak out," he said. Narcissa nodded her head in assent.

"I agree. Well, if you have no objections, I can have a room made up for you by tomorrow. Do you have any preferences? Perhaps facing the gardens, or on the top floor, or maybe near the library?" Narcissa asked.

Harry just blinked in surprise. Somehow he'd forgotten how big Malfoy Manor was. Having options like this was not something he was used to, he'd almost rather be told which room he could have...because he didn't really ever have another option. Not even at Hogwarts.

"Um..well, if it wouldn't make you too uncomfortable, I would just like to be placed in a room near one of you. It might sound stupid, but I don't like to be alone as much as I'm used to it," he said with another unsure shrug. For a brief moment he thought he saw Narcissa's light blue eyes soften before becoming unreadable once again.

"It does not sound stupid and I will let one of the house elves know later tonight," she said. Harry nodded and looked down into his untouched tea. He'd forgotten all about it.

"Well then, I guess I'll get going. Shouldn't take me too long to pack things up, but I would like to try to get some sleep tonight. Is there a time you prefer to get this done?" he asked. Narcissa looked thoughtful for a few moments.

"I will send Linney for your things at ten o'clock? And you may come then as well if you'd like," she said. Harry nodded and stood.

"Sounds good. I'll be on my way then."

"I will see you out."

Once Harry was outside the Manor's main gate, he apparated home to Grimmauld to start packing.

A/N: Alright! That's it for Chapter 1! Hope you liked it and please review!
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The Aftermath of War