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If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Lucius Views: 96985 -:- Recommendations : 12 -:- Currently Reading : 15
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no form of profit off this story

Chapter List
- 29
- 30
Chapter 30

Beta'd by the most wonderful, amazing and stupendous Tenchi. Woman, you are the best and love you for all you do for me!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Standing there, feeling Remus' hand on his shoulder as Sirius fiddled with his robes and tie, Harry was trying not to shake from nerves. This—it was a bigger step for him than the one he took five years ago to the day when he left Hogwarts for the last time. It was one he wanted, no doubt there, but it still had his guts twisting to think he was doing it. He supposed it was compounded by what was coming later that night as well. They had all talked to him about the timing of this, wondering if it might be better to either do it before or after tonight, but he had been firm in wanting it done today. All there was to it. To him, it symbolized him truly moving on and how much better his life was. When he laid that out, with the help of his therapist, they got it and plans were made. Besides, this was going to be the last official duty Minister Jacques would perform while in his office. That he wanted too. The man had one more thing to do tonight before he retired and he wanted him to do this because of all the help he had given him five years before. It was only right after all.

Stepping back after making sure that everything looked right, Sirius nodded, grinning as he did. “Looks good to me! We'll get Cissy in here to make sure, as she would have all our heads if we didn't, and for her to check your hair to make sure it lays flat, but I think we're ready.”

Giving a shaky nod and letting out quivering sigh, Harry told him, “Yeah, you might want to get her. It's probably about time.”

“Let me go do that,” Remus told him gently with a smile, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He thought it best to leave poor Harry alone with Sirius for this because of the relationship.

Waiting until Remus closed the door to the small room they were in, Sirius put a hand on Harry's cheek and said, “I'm sure he has a case of nerves as bad as you do over this. It's normal. Nothing to worry about. After all, you two have waited a long time for this.”

“Yeah, I know,” Harry said with a grin and uneven chuckle. “He's just had experience with it. I haven't.”

“True that,” Sirius grinned. “And it's a big commitment, no one would argue that. You two, though—it's been heading here for a long time. It's just time is all. We'll be right beside you. Because none of us here would miss it for the world. The others—they want to, but it's best they don't. It would chance exposing them. They'll be waiting when you get home.”

“Yeah, I understand,” Harry nodded, smiling.

Leaning forward, Sirius kissed him on the temple and told him softly, “And I'm so glad I get to be here to see this.”

“No way I would do this without you here,” Harry told him softly, leaning into him.

Pulling back and looking at his godson, Sirius grinned at him, not sure what to say. He was happy for Harry. His godson had gone through hell for so long that it was time for him to get something he wanted more than anything in the world. As he heartily approved of this, Sirius was happy for him. It was great.

Not sure what to say to alleviate his godson's case of the nerves, he looked up when the door opened. Seeing Remus lead Cissy in, Padfoot along on his leash, he gave a soft chuckle when he saw her dab at her eyes with a lace hanky. Yeah, she was emotional too. He supposed, with all she knew of the relationship with Harry, this was something similar to watching Draco take this step and it was bound to be emotional for her.

Stepping back and straightening his own robes, he told her, “I think he's ready. We just want you to give him a once over to make sure and that his hair stays down. At least until it's over and the pictures are taken.”

“I'll make sure,” Cissy assured him, voice a little uneven herself. Stepping in front of Harry, seeing his apprehension, she cupped his cheek and squeezed it then went to work. After all, it wouldn't do to run late for this.

Standing by Lucius in front of Minister Jacques desk, Harry tried not to fidget, holding onto Padfoot's leash to give his hands something to do while they waited for this to begin. Feeling Sirius put a hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze, Harry let out a ragged breath, trying to calm himself at least slightly. There was no way to fully do so, he knew that, but he was trying. Then he stiffened up when Minister Jacques and the smiling Jean-Pierre stepped in front of the desk. It was time.

Smiling at the two men, Minster Jacques folded his hands in front of him, clutching the small book in them. “Before we start, I want to say that I'm honored that you wanted me to perform the ceremony. While it's not something that the Minister of Magic normally does, in this case I'm quite pleased the two of you asked. And it's even more poignant that you chose this day to do it. Yes, I'm happy about this.”

“We wouldn't have it any other way,” Lucius told the man with a small smile. He, too, was on edge about this though he wanted it more than anything in the world. The divorce with Narcissa had been finalized about six months ago, so it was time. There were just some nerves was all.

That smile growing, Jacques looked around and asked, “Are we ready?” Seeing nods, he pressed on. Holding the book, he began to read, “A wedding is a more magical occasion than anything else in our world. While Magic dominates our lives, the coming together of two people who love each other far surpasses anything else we ever experience.”

Listening to Mister Jacques read the standard civil ceremony, Harry leaned against Lucius, still trembling. Feeling his soon to be husband take his hand and give it a squeeze, he then smiled. This—oh, it was so worth everything he had gone through. And it was what he wanted more than anything. Though the nerves were there, something he was sure everyone went through at this moment in their lives, he was happier than he had ever been or could have envisioned those five years ago. Yeah, this was great!

Looking around the full ballroom, Hermione took her husband's hand. They were there with Ron's parents, having been invited to the normal celebration and speeches after the swearing in of the new Minister of Magic because they worked for the Ministry. Ron was now an Auror and she worked in the Magical Creatures division. Arthur, of course, still had his old job. Gazing around the room as she leaned against Ron, she sighed. There were so many here she knew and not all of them were part of the Ministry. Since Ansen Pritchard won the election, there had been rumblings of something big coming with this ceremony. Of course, no one said anything outright, but the rumors were there. One thing for sure was the outgoing French Minister of Magic was attending and going to make a speech. She wasn't certain what that was about as no one would say a thing about it, but it had her curious. After all, Minster Jacques was the one that had given Harry asylum.

Tuning out everything, Hermione gave an internal sigh as she thought about what anniversary this was. The five year one of Harry leaving the UK. He hadn't been back either. People hadn't even heard much about him since then. Oh, sure, here and there an article cropped up in a French paper about him, usually something small, but that was all. He had moved on. Occasionally, she and Ron got a letter from him. Those, though, weren't like they had been in the past. He talked about some mundane things, like what it was like in France, schooling or stuff like that, but it wasn't personal in the way letters had been before he disappeared. She supposed she could understand that. Harry had moved on and had a new life. As they couldn't be a part of it, they drifted apart. That saddened her, but she accepted it. Ron still clung to the hope that Harry would come back to them and things would pick up where they left off, but she knew that wasn't in the future. Harry's life didn't include them anymore.

Of all the old gang, only Neville got long letters from Harry. She understood that as well. After all, the two of them shared something that none of the rest of them could understand. Thinking about it over the last few years, she finally realized that the two were probably helping each other deal with all they had been through. Only someone that experienced what the two had would truly understand it. That was good, though. At least they talked. It would only help them heal. Neville—he needed that. Their friend was getting better, but what he went through and dealt with was hard, changing him and giving him challenges that caused him to withdraw from almost everyone. Now he spent all his time in the greenhouses at his family home, the ones his grandmother built for him. He ran a small business out of them, one that supplied the rare plants he grew to plenty of places. Though he ran it, someone else dealt with the people as he couldn't face them. Even those that were his friends, like her and Ron, found it hard to get him to talk to them. He seemed to like to be around them, but didn't say much anymore. She hoped that talking to Harry through those letters helped.

Shaking her head, remembering that night five years before and the week that followed, she gave a soft sigh then focused when the French Minister was introduced. Because of the rumblings, she wanted to pay attention to this. If something big was coming, she was sure that the French Minister was part of it. Leaning heavily against Ron, she gave his hand a squeeze and listened carefully.

Scanning the room as he neared the end of his speech, talking about the events of five years ago and the quake it caused in the UK, something that had changed the populace in a wonderful way, Minster Jacques smiled at all the people paying rapt attention to him. Lifting his chin, he said, tone clear, “So much for all of you has changed. And I don't think I'll hear any disagreement that it's for the better. Disgraced Minister Fudge went to prison for two years. Though it's not a lot of time, he paid for what he did and the Ministry learned many lessons on corruption. Dolores Umbridge finished her term in prison just months ago. She won't ever hold another position in the Ministry. The Prophet survived, but was bought by someone who runs it the right way. Once more Britain has a free press that doesn't pander to the government line. It's also shown that a healthy competition in the news business only benefits the country. Reporters such as Rita Skeeter, who spent a year in prison, aren't tolerated. While the scramble to get a story is important for papers, all of you learned that such endeavors shouldn't be done by illegal means and the Ministry makes sure that such a line isn't stepped over again. Hogwarts is slowly recovering with the Board making sure that what is best for the school and students comes first. They are also making sure that events from the past never take place again and its students are protected. Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour make sure the DMLE keeps a watchful eye over matters, stepping in and tending to it when needed, not ignoring so much as in the past. All wonderful events! France, and myself personally, are pleased that we could help in such matters. While not everything is resolved, such as Peter Pettigrew not being found, Britain is moving in the right direction.”

Stopping, he gazed around then chuckled before pressing on, “As this is my last official duty as the French Minister of Magic, I've decided to give you something akin to a sneak peek of a few things that will be in both the Prophet and Seer tomorrow.” Hearing twitters from the crowd, seeing them focus more on him and a deep chuckle from the British Minister, he pressed on, “One of the most speculated items that came out of the events of five years ago, and the one that still persists, was who helped Harry Potter get to me. That will be revealed tomorrow in the interview Mr. Potter gave to the Seer. I think, though, those of you here tonight might like to know.” Hearing loud murmurs from the crowd, he smirked then said, “It's my pleasure to reveal to you the two people that brought Mr. Potter to me.”

Eyes wide, Hermione looked at her husband then to her in-laws and the rest of the Weasleys and their spouses. This was something all of them had wondered about for the past five years. Now they would know. Anxious, she focused and waited, clutching onto Ron tightly.

Holding out a hand and looking to the left wing of the stage, Minister Jacques said, “It's my pleasure to reveal the two. If Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black-Gaunt would join me?”

Mouth dropping open, Hermione stared as Lucius and Narcissa walked out on the stage, both looking smug. Glancing at the Weasleys, all of whom were as stunned as she was, she didn't know what to say. This was—no one ever would have guessed it!

Looking around at the stunned faces, the Minister chuckled, “Yes, ladies and gentleman, these are the two that brought Mr. Potter to me. It was Lucius that put out the feelers about asylum. Though I didn't know at first who he was helping, I was happy to assist. Especially after I learned what happened. Though I can see all of you are stunned, I can assure you that they are the ones that helped. And with no agenda other than helping Mr. Potter. They should be commended for doing so. I can also say that France was pleased to step in and help not only Mr. Potter, but Lord Black while Britain dealt with the mess here.”

Looking around the crowd, smug, Lucius reached out and took his ex-wife's hand then gave it a squeeze. Oh, this was perfect. The best was yet to come, though, and he couldn't wait to see the reaction. A glance back at the wing they came out from made him smirk bigger because of who was standing there.

Chuckling, Minister Jacques pressed on, “I want to say, from the perspective of an outsider, the changes in this country have been amazing. Though the events that precipitated them were horrific, the changes that have come about are nothing short of astonishing. And all of those that helped bring them about should be commended. You have truly shown what a strong country you are and how you can make changes when needed. Your commitment to fixing what was wrong shows true strength and character, something that always was a trademark of Britain. It's most wonderful to see it emerge again after some very dark times.” Stopping, he gazed around then actually grinned, “And I have the distinct pleasure of showing you just how far you have come.”

Standing in the wings with Sirius and Remus, Harry looked towards the stage, listening to what the Minister had to say. Letting Sirius straighten his tie, Harry focused on Lucius, who kept glancing at him. This was more nerve wracking than the wedding. He wanted to do it, though. No, he wasn't coming back to live, but he wanted to do something for those that helped fix what was wrong. This would manage it, even if it was just a show of support.

After taking time to distance himself from the pain, he had finally learned what was done here after he left. Some was bad, like what Dumbledore planned for him and just how rotten Snape was, but others were good. Though he still thought it too little, too late for so much, at least justice had come. The ones the Minister mentioned were part of it. Others, like the Dursleys being prosecuted, though his aunt didn't get jail time and his uncle only a year in the Muggle system, helped. It at least showed someone wanted to do something. Other bits, like laws changing and how things were run being fixed, were good. And the right thing to do. Part of him was also pleased that he helped do that. Lucius and Tom had set up something that gave the push for that. Oh, they had their own agenda when they did, but it was a good one that helped. That was fine.

Hearing the line that they had been waiting for, Sirius grinned at Harry and asked, “Ready to rock everyone's world?”

Giving a shaky nod, Harry turned and waited until the Minster called for the surprise to come out then began to walk onstage, focusing on Lucius as he did.

“One of the last things Mr. Potter said in his initial interview was that he wouldn't come back until there was true change. He made that very clear. I know it meant nothing to most, other than being symbolic of how much work needed done, but it was there. And all of you have managed that. It's taken hard work, but you have accomplished it. So, I have a surprise for you.” Looking at the wing of the stage, he asked, “Can the surprise please join us?” Then he smiled bigger as Harry came out, flanked by Remus and Sirius.

Hearing gasps then the start of thunderous applause, Minster Jacques waited until the trio joined him with Harry standing next to Lucius, Sirius and Remus behind him, each having a hand on his shoulder. Scanning the crowd, he said, “Mr. Potter agrees that, indeed, you've changed, for the better. So, he came back. He doesn't want to say anything or nor does he have any plans to move back to his home country, but he wants you to know you've done the right thing and changed what is needed by being here.” Hearing more applause, he looked at the five standing there and waited.

Hands over her mouth, tears stinging her eyes, Hermione gazed at Harry, Sirius and Remus. This was wonderful! Oh, Harry looked so good. All of them did, actually. And it was great to see him. Hearing her family exclaim about the same things, all she could do was stare. Finally, after five years she could see Harry for herself and he looked fantastic.

When the noise started to lower, the Minister smiled. “I'm going to let another kneazle out of the bag. It will be in both papers tomorrow, or so I've been told, but you'll get to hear it first. The last official duty in my office today was something that was more pleasing than almost anything else I did in my term as Minister. I had the distinct privilege to perform the wedding ceremony for Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Of all the things I've done, the fact that I was allowed to preside over their nuptials brought me more happiness than almost anything. The first meeting with Mr. Potter five years ago wasn't a pleasant one, though I was glad to help. For my last official duty in my office to be something so happy for the man that I met five years ago was amazing to me and pleasing in a way nothing else could match. For that I'm thankful. Despite the horrible things that happened all those years ago, Mr. Potter was able to press on and find happiness. I think that is the moral from all of this. From bad comes plenty of good and happiness. That was worth all the trials and tribulations of that mess, don't you think?”

After the speeches, Harry and Lucius didn't plan to stay. Narcissa was going to remain for a while with Draco. Sirius and Remus were going to meet them at Tom's. They were going to tend to one last thing before he and Lucius left on their honeymoon. However, there was one other thing Harry wanted to do. He knew the person that he wanted to talk to was in attendance.

Allowing Lucius to guide him through the crowd, he kept a wary eye out. There were plenty there he knew, like Professor McGonagall, but he didn't want to talk to most of them. When he saw Hermione and the Weasleys, he gave an internal sigh. This he would deal with.

Stopping when they came to them, he smiled at Ron, Hermione and the twins, but shot a cold look to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Percy. He knew that Percy didn't get prosecuted for any of what he did, but he wasn't ever going to rise above the menial job he held in the sports division there. That was good and perfect punishment for someone that wanted so much power. Smiling at his old friends, holding onto Lucius, who was keeping an eye on everyone, he said, “Hey Ron, Hermione, Fred and George.”

Looking at Lucius, Hermione didn't know what to say. Her first instinct was to hug her old friend, but as close as Lucius was, she wasn't going to try that. That part, that they were married, was stunning and she didn't know what to think about it. “Oh, Harry, you look wonderful!” She finally said, voice slightly watery as tears stung her eyes.

“Thanks,” Harry said with a bit of a sheepish grin.

Though he didn't know what to think about the bit with Lucius, Ron said, “Mate, it's great to see you! Are you staying?”

“No, I'm not moving back here,” Harry told him with a firm shake of his head. “I'm staying in France. I like it there. I might come back here and there with Lucius when he has to take care of business, but my home is there.”

Though saddened by that, Hermione nodded. “I understand,” she said softly. “We need to catch up, Harry! There is so much here and we miss you.”

Thinking it over, Harry said, “I'll write more. That's all I can promise. My life is pretty busy most times. I rather like it that way. With Lucius and me getting married, I’ll be even more so. I'll try though.”

“We'd like that,” Ron said with a nod. However, for the first time, he realized that what they had in school was gone forever. Harry had moved on and they weren't a part of his life now. That hurt but he understood it.

Waiting for a lull, Arthur cleared his throat when it came. When Harry and Lucius focused on him, he said, patting his trembling wife's hand, “Harry, we want to say we're sorry for our involvement in this mess. We understand now how wrong it was.”

Looking over his shoulder as Sirius, Remus and Narcissa joined them, Harry then glanced between Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Quietly, though in a firm tone, he said, “Sorry doesn't even begin to fix it. I want you to know that. We won't go into it other than for me to say what happened isn't repairable.”

“We understand,” Molly said softly, looking sad. The damage was too great for them to fix it or Harry to want any kind of relationship. That hurt but she understood it.

As Harry was talking to Fred and George about their joke shop, his eyes lit on the one person he wanted to see. Grinning bigger, he cut off the conversation then made his way over to Neville, who was looking at him, grinning as well. When he got to his old friend, he gave him a hug, clapping him on the back. After breaking it off, he grinned, looking him up and down then said, “You look great, Neville!”

“So do you!” Neville told him with a big grin of his own.

Quietly, Harry said, “We made it, Neville. He didn't win.”

Eyes stinging a little, Neville nodded, “We won, he didn't.” Feeling his chest ache, all he could do was look at Harry. Through the rotten times over the last five years, there were times that the only thing he had to cling to was Harry's letters. Time and again, he focused back on that first one and what his friend said. Those words helped him get through so much. For the first time, he realized that they were true. By going on, they won, not Snape. Voice firmer, though full of emotion, he said, chin held high, “We won. And got through it together.”

“We did,” Harry told him with a grin, his own eyes stinging.

Standing at the door to his cell, Albus clutched the bars and watched the activity. To his eyes, there seemed to be more goings-on than normal. He couldn't be sure though. Things—well—they were foggy anymore and seemed to run together. He wasn't as sharp as he used to be. That bothered him, of course, the same with so much else, but he dealt with it. All he did was focus on trying to get himself out of here. That he couldn't manage, though. Every time they tested him to see if he was competent to stand trial, he couldn't manage to get them to declare he was. That meant he stayed right here with no way to get out and stop what he knew had to be happening.

Shaking his head, he watched as the few guards that were in the hospital wing bustled around. Yes, there was more activity than normal. Which made him wonder what was happening. Just as there seemed to be some kind of gathering at the end of the hall, he could hear a door creaking open and footsteps approaching his cell. Waiting, he wondered who this was. Then his eyes widened when he saw who stepped in front of his cell. “Harry?” He whispered.

Glaring at the old man who put him through hell, Harry said, tone cold, “Oh yes. I came to see you one last time.”

Pleased with this, Albus said, “I understand I made mistakes, Harry. Being smarter than most, they were big ones--” before he could finish, though, he was cut off.

“Those weren't mistakes,” Harry spat, eyes cold. “You planned it all out. I saw Snape's confession, so I know just what you planned for me. Forget it, old man.”

“Voldemort is back, Harry. You need to understand that he's a threat! Only you can stop him,” Albus told him urgently. Maybe, just maybe, this could work and Harry would see sense. If he was here, there might be a chance.

“I don't think so,” Harry chuckled dryly. Stepping closer to the cell, though keeping out of reach as he promised, he said, “Give it up. It's not working. As for Tom? Well, we came to a truce long ago. Long before I vanished. And it was Lucius Malfoy that got me out of the castle that night. I married Lucius earlier tonight, in fact. He's wonderful.” Lifting his chin, Harry said, “I just wanted you to know that none of it is going to work. What you tried with me failed. I have an amazing life with a husband that loves me.” Stopping, he waited until Lucius, Tom, Sirius and Remus joined him. Grinning, something icy, he said, “You failed. It's all over. Tom protects me and has for years. I won't fight him the way you planned. The war won't ever come.” He then added, after looking between those that joined him, “You lost, old man.”

“And no one will ever believe you when you tell them about this,” Tom added with a chuckle, grinning at Albus. “Harry and I came to terms long ago, Albus. That war was never going to happen. And it won't now either. You failed.”

Feeling Lucius nudge him, knowing they had to go, Harry looked at the old man and said, “You lost.” Leaning against Lucius, he let his husband lead him away.

Staying behind as the others walked to the door, Sirius looked at the old man in the cell and added, “Now you get to see what I felt like all those years. While you sit here waiting to die, keep this in mind; Harry is forever out of your reach, protected by those that you tried to get him to fight. He's happy and has a wonderful life. Everyone now knows what you planned for him and won't ever believe a word you say. You're going to die here a lonely old man that our world now thinks is insane. That's the best justice there is. You were right about so much, but no one is ever going to believe it. And that is perfect.” After one last look, Sirius turned then went to join the others so they could leave.

Watching them go, bony fingers clutching onto the bars, Albus didn't know what to do. His plans, all of them, the ones he had honed for years had failed. Even if he got out, there was no chance of convincing Harry to fulfill his destiny. Tom had won. And knowing that was a worse punishment than being in this cell.

The breeze blowing through the bedroom window ruffled the curtains and the pages of the Seer that had the interview with Harry in it, but it didn't disturb the two wizards sleeping on the bed. Harry, curled up to his new husband, smiled in his sleep. He was happy, truly happy. He had a wonderful life, people around him that cared about him and a husband that loved him. For the man that had spent the first 11 years of his life living in a cupboard then spent his school years being manipulated and abused, he had found the one thing his mother had wished for him; happiness. And it felt wonderful.

A.N.- And it's done! What a ride! And, damn! I had no idea this one would be as popular as it was. You lot shocked the hell out of me when it came to that!

I want to thank the most amazing and wonderful Tenchi who spent countless hours working to beta this story. Woman, you're the best! Never forget that!

I also want to thank Lynn who came in towards the end to help with other areas. You're wonderful and thank you!

To the fans, especially those that reviewed and poked me about this on FB, thanks! It helps more than you know when you struggle with something to get it right when people do that.

Now, it's time to celebrate another one done! Chocolate whipped cream wine all around!

--Speedy
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If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...