WHAT THE HEART WANTS | By : Mistress Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 15904 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any characters associated with the story, nor do I receive any compensation in any form for writing here. |
Finally posting this chapter. Took me some time to work on, but I like how it came out. The story ends in the next one and of course there will be an Epilogue. I’m a real sucker for those, always want to see what happens after the end. Hope you like it.
Kingsley arrived at the ministry to be immediately approached by one of the aurors – “Sir, we’ve been waiting for you. Would you please follow me?” – “I don’t have time right now. I have an important business to attend to and I’ll be leaving in a few minutes. Whatever it is, it can wait” – “Sir, the members of the court have been waiting for your arrival for quite some time” – “On whose orders? I don’t remember scheduling any meetings today” – “I don’t know, sir” – “Get out of my way, you incompetent fool” he said, shoving the auror out of the way. The doors flew open as he entered the courtroom, his eyes immediately stopping on the man that supposedly entered his office a few hours ago. – “What is the meaning of this?” – “Minister, we are glad you could finally join us” he heard a voice of his head of the department of Magical Law Enforcement.
- “Madam, I would like to know what is going on here?” – “Mister Malfoy sir, is requesting a re-vote on your position” – “That is preposterous. On what grounds?” Lucius gave the Minister a cold look – “On the grounds of being a better man for the job” he bowed graciously to the members of the court. – “I don’t have time for this. Madam, I order to arrest this man at once. He is a death eater and should be treated as such” – “I’m sorry Minister, but mister Malfoy just presented us with the copy of your agreement that grants a full pardon for him and his family and the full return of their assets for the assistance in capturing Mister Grayback” she said handing him the document “As you can see, it has your signature. As you know sir, Mister Grayback has been captured by the aurors right after the fall of the Dark Lord, so if you can be so kind to explain what made you make a deal like that with Mister Malfoy?”
- “The decisions I make madam, are none of your business. My position grants me the right not to explain my actions. I did what I thought was best” – “With all the respect sir, but I’m afraid that you will have to explain this one to the court.” Lucius smiled, turning to the dark wizard – “Please also explain Minister, how my unfortunate passing was a part of your plan” – “These are some serious accusations, Mister Malfoy. Unless you can present a proof of your words to the members of the court, I suggest you hold your tongue” Kingsley drawled turning to his opponent, his voice low and dangerous. – “I can and I will, Minister. Unless you would like to tell them yourself about your involvement in the plan to bring the Dark Lord back to life, by using the copy of his diary.” A loud gasp shook the room, making the head of Magical Law Department Amelia Bones address the blonde wizard again – “Mister Malfoy, while we still can’t explain the reasons of your contract with the Minister, we also cannot allow you to make statements like that without proof. Minister’s work for the Order and help with bringing down Lord Voldemort is undeniable, so unless you can present us with evidence, I will have to adjourn this meeting. Do you have any corroboration to prove your statement?” – “I do” Harry’s voice made everyone turn their heads to the doors, as he walked in with Severus Snape following behind.
- “Mister Potter, I don’t know how you heard about this meeting, but you better have something to attest to your words” – “I can, madam. If you’d be so kind to order to bring a pensieve into this room, I’ll present you with my memories” – “Very well, Mister Potter.” Lucius took a few steps to stand by his friend’s side – “Took you long enough” – “I’m sorry, I was a little preoccupied” Severus retorted with a smirk. “All this near death experience, takes a toll on my punctuality. – “Where did you find them?” – “In Kingsley’s house, in the dungeons” – “Thank you, I appreciate your help.” They both turned to look at the young wizard as he extracted his memories one by one, putting them into the pensieve.
Loud gasp shook the room after Harry’s recollections of the past two days were viewed by the members of Wizengamot. – “Mister Potter, I must congratulate you on your excellent deductive skills and thank you for not letting the wizarding world slip into darkness once again. We are all in your debt.” Red haired witch turned to the potions master “And thank you professor, for helping Mister Potter, you have proven your loyalties time and time again. I’m afraid without your help, Mister Potter wouldn’t be standing here with us” - “Thank you, madam” Severus said, bowing his head slightly, after which she turned her gaze to Kingsley – “Considering the evidence we were just presented with, you sir will be taken into custody where you will wait for your trial at which you will be prosecuted for treason. You are also being relieved from your current post of the Minister of Magic starting immediately.” – “You can’t do that. My work for the Order…” – “Will be considered. What this court can and can’t do is no longer your concern. Guards, please take Mister Shacklebolt out of this courtroom. This meeting is adjourned for now and will continue in an hour” she said getting up from her seat and making her way out of the room, the rest of the members following.
Lucius took a deep breath and stepped closer to Harry – “You just can’t keep that hero complex of yours under control, can you Mister Potter?” – “I guess not, sir” Harry said giving him a sheepish smile. – “What you did was very brave… and very stupid. If it wouldn’t be for Severus, my crazy soon to be ex-wife, would have had her way and then who knows what would happen” – “I know, sir” – “Nevertheless, I thank you for that. I owe both of you my life” he said offering Harry his hand, which the young wizard shook without hesitation. “Now, why won’t you get back to the mansion? I presume your friends must be anxious to see you, not to mention a very distressed young wizard who is probably worried sick by now.” – “I’d like that, sir” – “Good. Get some rest, you look like you need it and…what do you say we drop the formalities? You can call me Lucius.” – “I think I’d like that too, sir… Lucius.” Blond wizard nodded his head in approval, before turning to Severus - “Will you take him?” – “Sure. I’ll be back before the meeting proceeds.” He took Harry’s hand and apparated them both to the mansion.
- “Harry” a whisper rolled from Draco’s lips when they stepped into the study. “You’re back.” – “I’m back, love.” Draco came closer and wrapped his hands around Harry almost pinning him to himself, as if to assure Harry won’t disappear again. Harry let him take his time, placing small kisses on Draco’s neck and muttering soothing words until he felt him loosening his grip on his neck and shoulders – “I’m sorry I got you worried so much. I promise I won’t do it again. It’s just when I heard your mother’s conversation with Kingsley, I knew that the minute your father steps a foot into minister’s office, he’ll be trapped, so I had to do something and it seemed like the best idea at the time” – “I know. You don’t have to apologize, you saved his life and I’m grateful for that. Just promise that you won’t scare me like that anymore. I… I thought that you…” he shook his head, not being able to say the words out loud. – “I won’t, I promise” Harry gave his boyfriend another gentle kiss before letting him go.
- “Now can we have our turn?” Ginny said, looking at Hermione who was still in her wizard’s arms. – “Yes, sorry” Harry gave both girls a big bear hug. “I’ve missed you guys too. How are you feeling Ginns?” – “I’m ok. I was really worried about you, we all were.” – “Yeah, I know. Sorry for giving you a scare like that.”
- “Hermione” Severus called, his voice sounding uneasy “Dumbledore?” – “He’s fine, love. It took some time, but the potion helped. We floo called Minerva and she came to take him back to the castle.” That took a load off his shoulders and he breathed out with relief. – “Good. Thank you. Both of you did great” he said taking a quick look at his time piece. “I have to go back.” Ginny turned to look at the potions master – “Are you going for Lucius?” – “Yes, Lucius has some unfinished business in the ministry and I told him that I’ll be there for him.” – “What sort of unfinished business, uncle?” Draco asked, taking hold of Harry’s hand again, making sure he won’t think of going back to the ministry with Severus. – “I don’t think it’s up to me to tell you, Draco. I’m sorry, but you’ll just have to wait for him to get back and…” – “I think you have to stop keeping secrets from me and just tell me what he’s planning this time, so we would all be prepared if he gets himself into more trouble. So, unless he’s running for the Minister of Magic position or something, I don’t think that it should be that big of a deal.”
Severus and Harry took a long look at each other before turning to Draco – “What? What are you two looking at me like that for?” He slapped the palm of his hand over his eyes as the realization hit him. “Don’t tell me I’m right.” – “Your father is trying to get your family the status it always had, Draco. You have to understand.” He came closer to his witch, taking her hand and kissing it lightly – “It shouldn’t take too long. I’ll try to get back as soon as possible.” – “Just be careful” – “I will, love” he said, as he disappeared from the study for what seemed to be a hundredth time within the past few days.
- “Mister Malfoy, as we just witnessed, your accusations of our former minister have been confirmed. You have to know that your wife was found in his mansion and taken into custody. The copy of Lord Voldemort’s diary has been found in her possession and taken by the aurors at the time of arrest.” Lucius bowed his head courtly to the Chief Auror – “Thank you for letting me know, madam.” – “Now, since that is out of the way, please explain what makes you the best candidate for the post of Minister of Magic. As we all know, your family has a history of supporting the Dark Lord in both Wizarding Wars and even though it’s obvious that since his defeat your views had changed drastically, the real reason behind your motives, still remains unknown.”
- “Madam, I will not deny my family’s association with the Dark Lord. My only defense is that like many, I have been deprived of a choice to refuse to serve him, because my refusal would mean the death of my son and I simply couldn’t let that happen. It is a well-known fact that the ministry has been relying on the money of the pure blood families for years. Now, with almost one third of the population of the Wizarding Britain gone, our country needs the financial support more than ever. With many pure blood families killed and some that got lucky enough to leave the country in the beginning of the war, we need someone who could contribute not only his family’s wealth, but who could give a new standpoint to the way our country is being ruled.” – “And you think that you could be that person?”
- “Yes, Madam. I believe that my relationship with the French Minister can be of use to us. The amicable agreement between our countries, as well as Wizarding Italy, Germany and Belgium will help to stabilize the financial situation, conduct all the necessary repairs and create more jobs.” – “I see your point, Mister Malfoy” she said standing up and turning to other members of Wizengamot. “Ladies and gentlemen, all in favor of assigning Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy as the next Minister of Magic, please raise your hands.” She nodded her head slightly as half of the members raised their hands. “Now, all who are against it, please do the same.” Lucius watched carefully, as the other half raised their hands.
- “Mister Malfoy, as you can see, the votes have been divided. By law, you can only be elected as the Minister of Magic if you have at least fifty one percent of the votes, which unfortunately is not the case. Therefore, I have no other choice but to adjourn this meeting and…” The heads turned and bowed in unison as the doors of the courtroom opened and the oldest, most noble member of the Wizengamot gracefully made her way to the center of the room. – “Please accept my apologies madam, for being late. Unfortunately, my age no longer allows me to participate actively in the ministry affairs. However, as I have never resigned from the position, I too would like to cast my vote.” – “Of course, my Lady. It’s good to see you here with us.” – “Thank you. Now Mister Malfoy, Severus told me about your plans to strengthen the international relations between the Wizarding England and the neighbor countries.” Severus that was quietly standing in the corner of the room, made a courtly bow to the participating members of the Wizengamot. – “I agree with your ideas. I think that these kind of changes is exactly what this country needs right now. Madam…” she said turning her head to face the Chief Auror “I’d like to place my vote in favor of assigning Lord Malfoy as the next Minister of Magic.”
- “Very well, my Lady.” She turned her gaze to the blond wizard “Congratulations, Mister Malfoy. Your new position is effective as of today. I will give all the necessary orders to prepare your office.” – “Thank you, Madam.” – “This meeting is adjourned.” Lucius accepted congratulations from the members of the Wizengamot, as he watched them making their way out of the courtroom. He walked to Elizabeth, taking her hand and placing a light kiss on it – “Thank you, my Lady. I am forever in your dept.” – “You are certainly welcome, Lord Malfoy. I gave you my vote because my grandson assured me that you will be the best man for the job” – “I will do my best to not disappoint you, my Lady.” – “I hope so. Life doesn’t give second chances too often, try to use it wisely.” She turned to Severus – “I think it’s time for me to return” – “I thought you’d want to come with me” – “No, I’d like to go home and get some rest, but I would like to see you next weekend. Make sure to bring that little witch of yours, I feel we will have a lot to talk about. And of course extend the invitation to your friends.” She took a quick look at Lucius – “I hope to see you there too, Lord Malfoy.” Lucius bowed his head to the old witch – “Thank you, my Lady. I’ll certainly try my best to attend. ”She gave both wizards a gracious smile before disappearing with a pop.
Lucius turned to face the potions master, offering him his hand – “Thank you, my friend. It all wouldn’t be possible without your help.” – “You’re welcome. Now, let’s drag your minister arse back to the mansion. I feel you have a lot to discuss with your son, not to mention a certain red headed witch that I gave my promise to.” – “What could you possibly promise Ginevra?” – “I promised that I’ll bring you back.” – “I can’t go back. Not yet. I have a lot of things to do.” Severus looked at his friend and shook his head in disapproval – “I hope you know what you’re doing. You know she’s waiting for you.” – “I know. I just can’t… yet. I…” He took a deep breath – “Narcissa will be interrogated by Aurors and based on how it goes, I’ll need to determine whether she spends the rest of her days in Azkaban or mental institution. I also need to contact my lawyer and start the divorce process and make sure Kingsley gets what he deserves. I hope you understand.”
- “I do. For what it’s worth Lucius, I hope you’re not late” – “Yeah, me too. Now go back to your own witch, tell her I am thankful for all the help. Also, please tell Draco I’ll see him in a little while. I’m sure he’ll appreciate a few days of peace and quiet with Mister Potter.” – “All right. Good luck with all the crap that you’ll now have to deal with” Severus said with a chuckle. – “Thank you. Aren’t you a kind soul?” Lucius laughed, looking at his friend. – “Goodby Lucius. Let me know if you need anything.” – “I will.” He offered Severus his hand which the dark haired wizard shook, before leaving his friend to what promised to be a long day.
Severus once again stepped into the study room of Malfoy mansion. Surprisingly it was empty this time. He sat on one of the couches, leaning his head back exhaustingly on the cushions and closed his eyes. The madness that was going on for the last few days was finally over and he felt his body relaxing against the soft pillows of the couch as he drifted away in sleep. He was brought back from his slumber with gentle caresses of his cheek bone by the soft fingers that could only belong to her. Without thinking he picked up her hand and kissed it. – “Sorry, love. I closed my eyes for a second and…” – “You have nothing to say sorry for. I’m just glad that you’re back.”
– “Where are everybody?” – “Draco and Harry are upstairs and Ginny headed back to Burrow to pick up some of her things and bring it over to my place. Her family is about to return in a few days and she’ll have to break the news to them about her pregnancy, so she’s just wants to make sure that she wouldn’t have to go back there for a while, as you can guess their reaction when she tells them.” – “Yes, I assume that won’t be easy on any of them. Tell her I am sorry for not bringing Lucius back with me.”
- “She understands. Lucius is a grown man. You can’t make him do something he doesn’t want to and I think you’ve helped enough.” She put her head on his shoulder and nuzzled into his neck. “All I want is to go home and get some rest. We only have a few days till the school term starts.” – “Me too, Love. Hold on to me” he said, as he wrapped his hand tightly around his witch and apparated both of them to his chambers. After shedding their clothes and taking a quick shower, both got into bed, lack of sleep and stress of the last few days, making them close their eyes in exhaustion.
– “I love you” he whispered into her hair, his hand possessively draped over her waist. – “I love you too, Severus.” – “Will you be my wife?” he said quietly into her ear, making her turn quickly in his arms to face him – “What?” – “I was thinking how to make it beautiful and romantic for you, maybe a special place of some sort, but…” he gazed deeply into her eyes “I don’t want to spend another day of my life not being married to you. It seems like I wasted too much time already, so I thought…” – “Yes” she said, lovingly kissing his lips. “No other place is more beautiful and romantic then here, in your arms and my answer is yes.” – “Thank you” he said pulling her tighter into him and conjuring a little black box from one of the drawers. He opened it and a small diamond encrusted snake with glowing emerald eyes slithered its way onto Hermione’s palm and stilled, coiled around her ring finger. - “It’s beautiful” she said kissing his lips one more time. – “You are beautiful and I am the luckiest man alive.” – “And the sleepiest” she giggled, putting her neck on his shoulder as they both closed their eyes and drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
Draco wrapped his arms around Harry’s body, pulling him closer. – “You’re not letting me breathe, love” Harry said, trying to wiggle his way out of his boyfriend’s tight embrace. – “’I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I just can’t seem to let go of you. For the last few days, all I could think about was losing you and not being able to hold you anymore. I didn’t know if you were still… I… I didn’t know.” Harry turned to face him, cupping his face with the palms of his hands – “I thought of you too. You and our future family” – “Will you tell me what happened there?” Harry chuckled lightly – “Severus happened. Narcissa cast Avada at him and I saw the man die, you know. For the second time in my life, I saw him die. Except he knew that something like that might happen, so he took the potion to stop death.” – “Spissamentum Mortis, that’s how it’s called. He taught it to me in our fifth year.” – “That man is just… I don’t know.”
- “He’s in love. He has finally moved on from the feelings he had for your mother and he has someone to come back to now. Before we went searching for you, he took me to his lab to pick up some potions. I suppose when you work as a double agent for half of your life, you get used to think ahead.” – “I suppose so. I’m sorry about your mother.” - “Everyone choses their own path. I guess she chose hers.” He kissed Harry’s lips and ran his fingers through his dark locks – “You are my family… My love… My life…” He took a deep breath, reached into his pocket and pulled out a box with a simple platinum ring. “Marry me?” Harry closed his eyes and nodded, not being able to say the words out loud. – “Open your eyes and tell me.” – “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you” Harry whispered, losing himself in gray blue eyes of his beloved. Draco slipped the ring onto Harry’s finger and both watched as the same ring appeared on his own, light glowing from both of them, pulling their hands together.
Slowly glowing went away, leaving a beautiful engraving on each ring. – “For eternity” Draco said, looking at his wedding band. – “For eternity” Harry echoed, not being able to take his eyes off his own. After a few moments, both looked at each other smiling. – “I guess you’re stuck with me now, Potter.” – “I’ll figure out to get back at you for that.” – “Oh yeah? And how exactly are you going do that?” Harry gave him a seductive smile – “I have a few ideas. Now, go close the door and get your cute arse back here. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in on us this time.”
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