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

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
Chapter 3

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

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Standing in the park across the street from Grimmauld Place, Harry just stood there, looking at it. Mostly, the issue with going over was one of courage. It had, after all, been 10 years since he had seen his godfather. He was a little frightened of what the reaction could be. Though, knowing Sirius, he wouldn't be mad at him, more like overjoyed to see him once more, that niggling that he would was there. Checking to make sure the Disillusionment spell was firmly in place as a way to buy time and build his courage, the young man rubbed his eyes in a tired way and sighed. Well, he was tired! And he could easily go with going home to get some rest but he wasn't going to do that. That was an escape and nothing more than a way to put this off longer, something he wasn't going to allow himself.

With a sigh, his shoulders slumped as he looked at the front door to the old Black family home. It was time to put some of that courage he had so much of and was known for to good use, then actually do this rather than standing there like an idiot. Shaking his head, he reminded himself that this wasn't going to be any worse than the multiple times he had faced Voldemort.

With that thought in mind, though his insides were quivering slightly, he began what seemed like the million mile trip to the old Order of the Phoenix. Hand on his wand, just in case, eyes darting all over, he made sure that he wasn't noticed by anyone until he reached the front door. Canceling the spell that hid him, he, with a shaking hand, pressed the doorbell then waited for the inevitable to come, quaking slightly. As Sirius told him that he had finally managed to get rid of the picture of his mother, he felt safe ringing the bell. In the past, it had always been known that he could just walk in anytime but that was 10 years ago and he wasn't sure about such things anymore so he thought this was best. Plus, the wait for Sirius to answer would allow him to gather his courage to face this.

After what seemed like an eternity and just as his courage was about to fail, making it to where he was about to turn tail then head to his new home, he heard Sirius' dulcet tones bellow that he was coming. Remembering that tone from so long ago, knowing he had woken his godfather, Harry couldn't help but grin. That seemed to ease some of his fears slightly, letting him know that, maybe, some things hadn't changed. It was still, technically, the morning and Sirius wasn't by any stretch of the imagination a morning person. Even though he was now teaching, it appeared that such things were still the case.

Grinning bigger as he listened to Sirius' mutterings through the door and as he undid the locks, he crossed his arms and waited.

Throwing the door open, Sirius snarled out, “What? You lot all know better than to come over before sometime mid afternoon!” Right there is where he stopped cold when he saw who was standing there. Eyes growing almost comically wide, his mouth dropped open then he managed to stammer out, “H-h-harry? Is that really you?”

Nodding, smirk showing, eyes dancing, Harry nodded then said, “Hey, Sirius!”

Bounding out the door, Sirius pulled Harry into a bear hug, holding him close, “Oh, Merlin's beard! It is you!”

Hugging him back, Harry relished in the feeling, all those fears he had before knocking seeming to slide away. “I missed you,” he whispered, voice breaking slightly.

Pulling back, holding Harry at arms length, Sirius looked at him, grinning like an idiot, eyes shining wetly. “I missed you too, Harry! Come on inside and let's get caught up! We'll call everyone over so they can see you.”

Figuring when he decided to come over that the others would get involved, Harry shook his head then said, “Alright. Just for a while, though, let it just be us. I want to talk to you alone before the masses converge on you.”

Liking that idea, Sirius nodded then said, “Just me and you for a while. No problem, Harry!” Slipping his arm around the younger man, he led him inside saying, “Damn don't you look good! Filled out, grew up, looking healthy and all that!”

Grinning and shaking his head, Harry allowed himself to be led inside. Now that the worst was over, he was sure that he was going to enjoy the rest of the visit.

Sitting in the refurbished living room area, sipping at a butterbeer, Harry grinned at his godfather. Sirius had yet to calm down after seeing him. As excitable as he could get, it was amusing. He had, really, missed this more than he realized.

Leaning back after Kreacher had delivered them some snacks, Sirius found he couldn't quit grinning. Harry was here! That was great. First thing he asked, though, was, “So, Harry, are you back for good or is this just a visit?”

Unable to stop it, Harry's grin widened then he said, tone casual, “I'm back for good. I bought a house in Hogsmeade, actually. Did the paperwork on it this morning then had people in doing the wards on the place. My house elves are moving my stuff as we speak.” Though this was all the truth, he left out that it was Lucius and Severus that had done the wards, part of them anyway, along with the goblins. He, too, had laid a few on it, making his home one of the most secure ones in Britain. “I'll be completely moved in and staying there tonight. It goes without saying that you're going to have to be let through the wards for obvious reasons.” Harry shrugged but smiled at his godfather.

“Perfect! Just perfect! With me working at Hogwarts, I'll get a chance to come visit you quite a bit!” Sirius told him, nodding. “You going to let the unwashed masses know you're back or going to be hiding out?” He assumed, knowing Harry as he did, that disguises were going to be employed as his godson didn't like the publicity surrounding anything to do with his name.

Sighing, Harry shook his head. “No, most won't know I'm back. Those of you lot that I'm close with will know, but the rest won't. I'll be using glamours when I go out for the most part. Especially in Hogsmeade. I assume, knowing what I do, it's eventually going to slip that I'm back but I want to stave that off as long as possible.”

Understanding that completely, Sirius nodded again, sighing. “You deserve to be left alone, Harry. I don't think anyone's going to allow it though, especially if they know you're back.” Stopping, taking a sip of his butterbeer and nibbling on one of the snacks Kreacher brought in, the older man debated on the next question, not sure if he should ask or not. After a few moments, his curiosity got the better of him so he asked, “Why did you come back, Harry? I assume, from what your letters said, that you were happy where you were and had built a life there. Why now? Just one of those things and you decided it was time or was it something else? Not that I'm complaining, mind you!”

Sighing heavily, Harry looked at the floor. He had assumed, going in, that this question would come up. In fact, probably more than Sirius would ask it, as a matter of fact, since he had made it clear that he was happy and content where he was, not wanting to return. Here he was, though, so they would want to know. Scrubbing a hand through his hair, he finally said, voice soft, “I've met someone and we're seeing each other. Since they are from Britain and we wanted to continue on with the relationship, I decided that it was worth a shot so I came back.” It was a simple explanation and the whole truth, just with a lot of things left out was all. He would, eventually, tell Sirius who it was he was seeing but not right now. It was best to let things settle first before he sprung on him just who he was seeing.

“That's great!” Sirius chuckled, grin returning full force. “Remind me to thank her when you allow me to finally meet her!”

“It's not a girl, Sirius,” Harry told him quietly, looking down while he sipped at his drink.

“Pfft... like the sex of the being matters if you're happy? Him then!” Stopping, he eyed his godson then asked, tone softening, “You are going to let me meet him, right? 'Cause you know that the whole same sex thing doesn't matter to me. As long as you're happy, I’m good with it, Harry.”

“Thanks, Sirius,” Harry nodding, smiling. “You'll eventually get to meet them. Just not right now, yeah? Let me get things settled first then we'll work towards that. It's... complicated right now.”

Waving a dismissive hand, understanding that things had to be with an upheaval like this, Sirius said nothing more about it, changing topics. “So, since you never did say, where exactly did you finally settle at? And what have you been up to?”

“I settled in France and made a career out of being a beach bum! Well, that and owning a restaurant. I'll be going back there once a week to handle that.” Harry explained. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “I loved it too. Would have continued on until this whole relationship thing started.”

“Beach bum? Shite, I love it!” Sirius grinned. “And you deserved it! After all the shite you went through, you deserved to just do what you wanted, no matter what it was. At least you enjoyed it, all that matters. Though I can't say that I'm complaining about whomever it was dragging you back here, mind you.” Stopping, face taking on a serious expression, he then asked, “You are going to be alright being back, aren't you? I mean... well, you know what things were like and there is so much that was unresolved when you left... You won't be uncomfortable with it all, will you?”

Sighing, Harry nodded to show he understood what Sirius was going for then said, “It's going to be a wait and see thing. Though I am in it for the long haul. That's obvious with me buying the house and all. The rest is just going to take some time to work with.” Stopping, he thought about what was said, and more to the point what wasn't, then added, “And, no, I don't want anything to do with Dumbledore, Sirius. Please don't bring it up. I don't want to see or talk to the man.”

Frowning, Sirius sighed then nodded, “Got it, Harry. Look, I know it was bad and some of what he did...”

Cutting his godfather off, Harry shook his head, “Please don't. I don't want to get into this. I also don't want to see the man. The fact that he set me up to die, even if I didn't, really, is something I can't forgive him for. There is no way I want to see or talk to him.”

“Gotcha,” Sirius nodded. “No Dumbledore. I can handle that.” Stopping, he said, wanting to change the topic, “It's lunchtime and I had just woken up when you knocked so let's say we get something to eat then invite everyone else over when we're done. Work for you?”

“Yeah, I could go for some food right about now. It's been a long morning,” Harry told him, grateful for the shift in conversation.

“Sounds good! Let's do it!” Sirius said, standing.

It was just turning full dark when Harry managed to finally get away and Apparate to Hogsmeade. First thing he did when he went in was flop in a comfy chair in the living room with a heavy sigh. He knew, knowing what house elves were like, that he should check to make sure that everything had been put up like he wanted it, but he didn't have the energy for that right now. It had been a long day, especially with the visit, and all he wanted to do was rest with a bottle of his favorite dark beer.

All but melting in the chair, he was pleased when Mimi popped up with a beer without him having to ask. Taking it then asking for some sandwiches, he settled back to relax awhile.

It had, as he had expected, been a dramafest with tons of tears and other things he hated. Sure, it had been great, especially with things like Remus almost tackling him to the ground in order to hug him and meeting his godson Teddy for the first time but other things, like the tears from Hermione and Mrs. Weasley were things that made him uncomfortable. Overall, it had been great though he had been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people that had shown up to see him. Hell, even Hagrid had managed to squeeze his way through the Floo to come for it! On top of that, there were plenty of questions that had been tossed his way that he just hadn't wanted to answer or talk about. Most that did weren't like Sirius and had pressed the issue. It had been expected, knowing what he did about the personalities involved, but hadn't been something he wanted to deal with. In the end, though, he managed, dancing around some things or making it clear that he didn't want to talk about it. All in all, it had been a great visit. Those closest to him did know his address and were allowed to owl him. He also was sure to make them aware that they would have to be let through the wards to get in, something that they understood. He was just going to have to make certain that he came up with a different glamour than normal to wear if he met them out and about in Hogsmeade or other places.

Sipping his beer, he frowned slightly. It appeared that there were beings that he was going to have to be wary about meeting. Hagrid had already pressed him to see Dumbledore, something he made clear to the half-giant he didn't want to. McGonagall was already trying to talk him into taking some kind of position at the school. Hermione had wanted answers to just what he had done and where he had been. Though most of those were expected, he just wasn't used to dealing with such things anymore, making it hard on him to stand firm in what he wanted. Then he had talked with Ginny. That had been more than slightly awkward even though she was married now. It still made him slightly uncomfortable with how the relationship ended with her, though she seemed as pleased to see him as everyone else. And there was the inevitable bickering between Ron and Hermione. That had gone on since the two had become friends but he had been away so long that he wasn't used to it anymore and it got on his nerves quickly.

Sighing, he shook his head, nibbling at his food. Ron was going to be an issue. That, too, he had expected. As anticipated, his old friend had been a bit shocked that he was in a relationship with a man. As he was well aware of when it came to Ron, he would come around, it would just take a while. He was also going to have to be on the lookout for things like his old friend trying to set him up with women. That was just Ron being Ron was all. He could still be as thick as ever until Hermione stepped in and did something. He hoped, since the two had kids, that they were busy enough between that and working that Ron wouldn't have time to badger him about finding a female.

Beyond that, since he knew that he was about to be barraged with visitors for the next few weeks, he was thinking that it was going to be a logistical nightmare. Sirius and Remus would be coming by the following day to see the place. As Lucius and Severus would be up at the school all day, he thought it would be fine though he felt he should warn them who was coming by. He wasn't sure if he was ready for his godfather to know who he was involved with. Remus, he was sure, would be as unflappable as ever about it, accepting it. Sirius... he wasn't sure. Nor, honestly, was he certain he was ready to deal with such things just yet. There was already so much on his plate he had to do that he didn't think he could handle that end of things right now, not with everything in so much of an upheaval. There was also going to be the matter of dealing with Draco when he turned up. He hoped that he headed part of the issue off at the pass by making sure those he knew would give warning before popping up. Draco, he was sure, wouldn't do that. If Lucius' son turned up at the same time as some of his friends, it was a sure-fire bet that the younger Malfoy was going to figure out just who he really was then shite was going to hit multiple fans and splatter everywhere. That he didn't want to happen. It was going to happen, eventually, but he wanted to put it off as long as possible.

He had just finished his snack and was moodily sipping his beer, still not having enough energy to get up and check anything when Lucius and Severus came in. Giving them a smile, he gestured for them to take a seat then called for Mimi to grab them something to drink.

Settling into chairs across from him, the two older men accepted their drinks and sipped them, looking at Harry. Severus noticed that he seemed to look tired then asked, “Everything went well with Black, did it not? He didn't give you grief I assume?”

“It was fine,” Harry nodded. “Just tiring is all. Everyone and their bloody aunt showed up to see me. Then there were the inevitable questions and other things to deal with. Not to mention the normal of trying to offer me things, like jobs, I'm not interested in.”

Nodding, Severus was relieved to hear that then said, “Normal then, good. I was hoping that it wouldn’t go badly.”

“Nothing I couldn't handle. Just not used to that after all this time, you know.” Harry sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “A couple things did come up though that we need to work around on our end.”

Looking at his younger lover, Lucius asked, tone slightly concerned, “What are those? If we know, perhaps, we can plan enough so that there isn't an issue.”

“Well, one, tomorrow, Remus and Sirius are stopping by here before they go to the school for whatever meeting you lot are having. As I know you two will already be there, I don't see this as a problem. I just wanted you aware of it since I sure as hell didn't tell them who I was in a relationship with yet. I'm not sure how well Sirius would handle that one right off the bat.” Harry told them with a sigh.

“Hexes would be thrown and curses would be tossed about casually, I'm sure,” Severus snorted, taking a drink.

Grinning, Harry nodded, “I assumed that. I think, for now, unless you two say otherwise, we should let things settle down first before we tell him, or any of the rest of those I know. Some will handle it well but others...” he let that thought trail off with a grimace.

“I tend to agree with you, Harry,” Lucius nodded. “It would be similar to the situation with Draco in that aspect. I'm not saying forever, but until things settle.”

“Though I don't usually advocate putting off such unpleasantness, as this is Black we are discussing, I can see a short period of saying nothing until you have time to sit and talk to him,” Snape sighed. “Let the newness of you being back and for him to see you're happy before you spring it on him.”

Nodding, Harry replied, “That's what I thought. Give it a month then I'll spring it on him. He won't like it but will learn to deal with it.” Sighing, Harry slouched down then said, “The other issue relates to that; Draco.”

Eyebrow arching, Lucius asked, “How is it related? I know that will be an issue but am not sure how the two are bound together.”

“Most close to me now know where I am. I've gotten them to agree to ask before showing up but if Draco turns up with either Ron or Hermione here he's going to figure out Jay might be someone other than who he says he is, because those two aren't likely to know a beach bum from France let alone be close to him. Plus, they aren't going to be calling me Jay but Harry. And, well, honestly? I don't see Draco asking permission to show before he does. He does tend to just turn up out of the blue. Then, if I tell him he can't come in, there will probably be hell to pay. Not to mention others who are here would likely be curious as to why Draco Malfoy was here to start with!”

Alright, that wasn't something that Lucius had thought of. Giving a weary sigh, he scrubbed a hand over his face. “You're right, about all of it.”

“Which is why we need to tell him, to stave off some kind of huge fight when he does figure it out,” Severus interjected gruffly. The more involved and complex the situation grew, the more the Potions Master realized that Draco had to be told the truth. To not do so was just going to lead to serious issues down the road.

“I understand, Severus, really I do. Right now... it isn't the time. He's already having fits thinking this is just Jay and that I'm going to be seeing him when he doesn't like him. It would be worse if he found this was Harry. However, I'll try to impress upon him that to come down he has to ask first or he won't be admitted.”

“And that won't work,” Severus told him, tone exasperated. “You know your son, Lucius. He feels entitled to do what he wants when he wants, especially if it's somewhere you are. He will just show up and demand admittance since he can't get through the wards. Hell, the first time he comes down and realizes that he can't get through them, he's going to throw a fit!”

Wincing, Lucius sighed then shook his head, “You're right, of course. I'll try to talk to him and impress upon him that this is Harry's, or rather, Jay’s house and he isn't allowed to just walk in when he feels like it. I'm hoping that with school starting he won't feel the need to come down for any reason. If we aren't there, though, he may. Then there will be problems.” Glancing around, he said, tone soft, “We'll work through it though. It'll just take time. I will go with Harry's timeline for Black; a month to let him settle then I'll start talking to him about it. Unless something comes up before then.”

Though he didn't like that, there was at least a time frame to telling the young man so Severus nodded. “I can accept that. The same as Black.” Glancing back at Harry, he asked, “He does know you're in a relationship, right?”

“I made that clear. It was also made clear that the reason I'm back is because of that. I just didn't get into who it was at all though I did say I'm not in one with a female.” Harry explained with a nod. “Unlike others, he doesn't ask too many questions about that stuff. He is curious about it, of course, but won't push.”

“That works out well,” Lucius told him, relaxing back in his seat.

Nodding, Severus, too, thought so. At least Black could be mature about many things of this nature. Figuring they all needed time to relax to deal with various stresses, he asked, “Beyond the visit tomorrow, do you have any plans, Harry? Lucius and I will be at the school all day since it starts next week.”

“Yeah, actually, I do. I'm going into London after you two leave in the morning to pick up some clothes more suited for the weather and anything else we need for the house. Then, after they are gone, I’m going to work on getting things situated the way I want them. Mimi and Claude do a wonderful job of doing things how I want but my personal touch is needed on some things.” Harry told them.

“Have you checked to make sure things are as they should be?” Lucius asked.

“No, not yet. I didn't get here that long before you guys did. Then I was beat so I was relaxing before I even took a look.” Harry said with a shake of his head.

“I assume that dinner won't be for a while yet so why don't we take a look around and make notes on what is needed,” Severus suggested. “I assume that they left my lab alone like I wanted so I'll have to attend to that myself.”

“There are some things I just wanted put somewhere to take care of myself as well,” Harry nodded then stood. “Let's go see what's needed and anything that I might have to pick up. They told me dinner would be ready an hour after you two got home so we should have plenty of time.”

Standing, Lucius drained his drink then said, “Agreed. This way I can see what else needs to be moved over from Malfoy Manor.”

Plan in place, the three headed out to attend to things.

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And Another Life Begins