Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Blood Quill Consequences	By : EarthandWater Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 31160 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: We have no claim on Harry Potter nor any characters or locations thereof. We make no money from the writing of this.

Chapter List
- 35
- 36
- 37
WARNING: VIOLENCE. TORTURE. DEATH. Fluff
Disclaimer: We have no claim on Harry Potter nor any characters or locations thereof. We gain only amusement from writing this.
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Hermione stood with her husband and the others ready to Apparate to Lestrange Mansion. Harry and Severus stood together talking quietly, Ron, Pansy, and Draco were speaking with Luna trying to offer some sort of comfort yet Hermione didn't think comfort was what the ethereal girl needed. There was a light in Luna's eyes that spoke of fury contained and Hermione could almost pity the one it would be unleashed upon. They were all waiting on Remus, who'd gone to his pack to see if any wished to help in their endeavor. Hermione had passed out pouches of the magic 'grenades' she'd concocted and those who knew how to wield one, had swords. She didn't but Draco, Pansy, Severus, Harry, and surprisingly Luna did. They'd all sent a message to the Aurors but knew they'd never manage to mobilize a unit quickly enough to save Neville. So once more they were on a rescue mission but she had a feeling this would shift into an all out battle.
There was a tension in the group as they waited to be on the way. Rescuing Neville was the first priority but Harry had a feeling that this was it. If he found Voldemort there in the Lestrange mansion he would deal with him. This might be the best chance they would get in ridding the world of Voldemort.
Luna gripped her sword tightly and tuned out the voices trying to offer her comfort and reassurance. She would be comforted when Neville was back with them and when the bitch who took him was in the ground and Luna would make sure she put Bellatrix there herself.
Draco was growing antsy and wanted them to leave, waiting was difficult. He felt responsible for what had happened to Neville. Just when he didn't think he could keep his mouth shut anymore Remus walked up, flanked by two of his betas who had jumped on the chance to to show Voldemort and his Death Eaters what a real werewolf could do.
Severus looked at the werewolves, Lupin had a broadsword and if he recalled correctly he was rather good at using it. The other two carried axes and had expressions of seasoned warriors. This would not be an easy fight by any means but they'd go in nonetheless and rescue Longbottom. He nodded at the assembled teenagers and men. "I've already checked, the Lestrange wards have been lowered. They're expecting us and have likely laid a trap at the doors. The best action of course then would be to Apparate directly into the Mansion's main hall, in the midst of all the Death Eaters."
Pansy was just a touch pale, knowing that her own parents would be there and be furious as she'd spent the summer with Ronald's family instead of returning home. She'd broken from their ideals and would not be forgiven for it. A single glance at the friends she'd made this year however proved that she had made the right choice. All this was for Neville but if it had been her the same would have been brought together. "It will surprise them just long enough to give us a small edge."
Severus nodded. "A few seconds but better than nothing."
"Perhaps we might be of some extra assistance then?" A deep husky female voice had them all turning to see Blaise Zabini standing armed and proud beside a woman of such startling beauty that she could have been called a goddess.
Ron's jaw almost dropped at the sight of the woman, he loved Pansy with his whole being but he had never seen a more beautiful woman than that.
"Blaise, Mrs. Zabini, thank you for coming." Draco walked up to them and shook their hands gratefully.
"Well like the old muggle book says, one for all and all for one and all that." Blaise ran his fingers through his hair and brandishing a slender sword, swinging it in the air.
His mother smiled. "Yes. You, dear, are family and though I am proud of my neutral stance I will not let family step into a fight without offering aide."
Pansy's lips twitched and she pinched Ron's arm lightly and whispered to him. "Cassia is half succubus. Twice as alluring as a veela and three times as deadly." She beamed fondly at Mrs. Zabini.
Ron managed to pick his jaw up and tear his eyes away. "Dangerous indeed, bloody grateful she's on our side in this."
"We're all really glad you came. Blaise, Mrs. Zabini." Harry nodded at them both. "I don't mean to be rude but we really need to get going. Neville is one of the strongest people I know but he's alone in Voldemort's stronghold. We need to get to him as quickly as possible."
Luna nodded. "Yes please, let's get going."
Mrs. Zabini nodded. "Of course. Severus, the apparation coordinates?"
He gave the apparation coordinates to those who could apparate and those who couldn't would be side-alonged. He put his hand on Harry's shoulder and nodded. "On three. One, two, three." With a sharp crack they all disappeared.
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Bellatrix was growing angrier and agitated, the foul little blood traitor hadn't so much as squeaked yet and still his eyes held hers in their disturbing calm. She took up the red hot iron on her tool tray and cooed. "Let us see if you remain so brave when your belly is being broiled."
"Enough!" Voldemort's voice was sharp and cold. "So far you have failed to amuse me completely, all you have shown is that you are not even capable of breaking a teenage boy. I fear I placed too much faith in you Bellatrix and it is disappointing." He leapt up from his throne and paced the floor. "Now leave your toy and help guard the mansion from attack...If you think you can manage that much."
Bellatrix laid the iron down and hung her head, tears of shame welling in her eyes and hatred for this whelp growing in her breast. "Yes my Lord." She turned to do as ordered, her head whipping up and her wand out as a crack of apparition sounded in the room. Her eyes widened as she saw Potter standing there with his band of merry idiots and Severus as well as other adults. She raised her wand to cast a curse at Severus.
"Protego." Harry deflected the curse easily as he looked around the room. He saw Voldemort in the corner, flanked by several goons protecting him. He heard scrambling and noticed that Luna, Hermione and Draco moved to release Neville from the chains holding him up.
Remus' wolves howled, even in human form and rushed forward, eager to get to the fighting.
Blaise and Mrs. Zabini moved to cover the teenagers freeing Neville, the half-succubus easily draining the life force from those who approached her and her son slicing through his own opponents.
Neville looked up and grinned at Luna, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth from where he'd been biting his cheek. His body felt like one raw nerve, the small cuts and needles in his joints shooting continued pain through him. "My Moonflower, never seen a more beautiful sight in my life."
Luna cupped his cheek and placed a gentle kiss to a small patch of skin that was unbruised. "I say the same my brave badger." Luna kissed him again as her anger grew, they had done this to her brave gentle Neville just for fun. She couldn't understand it and she loathed the creatures who had stood there and watched him get hurt.
"Oh how sweet, two blood traitors in love. I wonder, will he finally scream if I spill his little flower's blood?" Bellatrix's smile was sharp and feral as she conjured a long dagger and held her wand in her other hand.
Luna whirled around and raised her own wand along with her sword. "You don't understand the first thing about love, having never experienced it. Not even your precious Lord thinks you're worth anything now." Luna was very perceptive and she could practically smell Bellatrix's desperation to get back in Voldemort's good graces. People were shouting and fighting around them but Luna's focus was solely on the crazed witch. "I think you'll find that you'll be the one screaming."
An enraged shriek came from Bellatrix as she charged at Luna, slashing out with the dagger in wild fury. "I'll pull your intestines from your body like uncoiling a rope while your boyfriend watches and sobs from his inability to help you. Just as he can't help his parents."
Neville grit his teeth as Hermione helped him out of the chains and pulled the needles from his joints. His wand was placed into his hand by Draco and he nodded in thanks as he stood, the pain slowly ebbing as adrenaline flooded his system. He transfigured a rock into an axe. He could use a sword if needed but he was more comfortable with the axe. "Go, help the others. I'll back up Luna." He watched his girlfriend take on the most dangerous of Voldemort's servants and went to guard her back from the Death Eaters who tried to attack her from behind.
"Same old rehashing of things long in the past." Luna circled the witch and dodged the dagger when it came slashing. "No he can't help his parents because you destroyed them but despite that he has grown stronger than anything you could ever imagine. Neville is so far above you that you can't even see him. Rave and rant all you want but you have already lost. You can't break us and we're not afraid of you." That wasn't entirely true, Luna knew how dangerous the woman was but she also saw that she grew more livid and careless with each taunt.
Bellatrix lunged at the girl again and again, rage eating her alive, determined to prove that a simple little teenage blood traitor couldn't get the better of her. The tiny blond's sword deflected her dagger every time and she began to get small cuts and nicks from the girl's blade. Tired of playing she raised her wand, fully intending to cast the Cruciatus, and she aimed it at Neville rather than the girl. "Cruc-"
"Sectumsempra!" Luna spoke the spell as she jumped between Neville and Bellatrix, she would not let her badger get hurt anymore and she felt no pity for the Death Eater. The slashing spell struck Bellatrix straight on.
A short scream broke from the woman as the spell sliced through her wrist and struck her jugular vein. Her eyes widened and she clutched at her throat with her remaining hand as she stumbled to the ground, bleeding out. She looked towards her Master, who was standing tall and proud facing the Potter brat and wished, impossibly, that he'd grant her one last fond glance as she died. It was a wish in vain as he did glance her way but only with disgust and disdain. As her sight dimmed, tears welling in them, her last act was to cast a weak, wordless curse at the Potter boy in an attempt to aid her Master only to have it blocked by Snape.
Voldemort sneered at the boy facing him even as he noted his minions fighting, and being beaten, by teenagers and a few scruffy, undernourished werewolves. "I have had quite enough of you Harry Potter." He raised his wand. "Time to die."
"Time for you to die yes." Harry agreed. For some reason his mind was calm and clear as he stood facing his worst enemy. However it would end here, Harry knew that it would be the end of this dance he had danced with the dark wizard most of his life and as weird as it was that was somewhat comforting. He raised the Elder Wand he and Severus had found after speaking to Dumbledore's portrait and his hand was steady.
Voldemort motioned for his goons to attack Harry and cast his curse, "Avada Kedavra!"
Right as Voldermort cast his curse Harry raised his wand and screamed "Expelliarmus!" He had been wary to use the spell after what happened to Dumbledore but right now it was the first thing that came to mind. He heard growling and knew that Remus and his wolves were targeting the goons coming after him.
Severus ducked under a sword strike by Rabastan Lestrange and caught sight of the red and green lights of the spells colliding. Before his eyes the power of the Elder Wand and Harry's own impressive strength sent the killing curse flying back at the weakened Dark Lord, striking him down. Everything stilled for a few, breathless moments as Death Eaters and their opponents alike stared at the crumpled form of Voldemort. Severus didn't waste the time staring. He knew the Dark Lord was dead, Instead he took the opportunity of the startled Death Eaters around him to run Rabastan through, and stupefy the others. As much as he'd rather kill them all and let Hades sort them out, he knew that taking as many alive as possible was the best course of action. He cut and stunned his way through the remaining Death Eaters to stand at Harry's back, protecting him.
Hermione was busy fighting alongside her bonded, throwing the magical grenades and leaving tortoises, newts, and other useless animals in her wake. She caught sight of Pansy facing a woman who's mask had been knocked off and who looked a great deal like the Slytherin girl and she winced in sympathy.
Pansy blocked a sword blow from her mother and cast a stinging hex at her.
The older woman shook it off. "How dare you! How dare you side with the blood traitors against our glorious Lord you little bint!"
"In case it has escaped your notice Mother, your half-blood lord is dead!" Pansy's sword crossed with her mother's. "And I would take blood traitors over those who attack their own any day!"
"You're no daughter of mine! Insulting the Dark Lord like that!" Mrs. Parkinson thrust, her daughter parried.
"It's true! He was the half-blooded son of Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle! His name was never truly Lord Voldemort. That was an anagram of Tom Marvolo Riddle!"
Ron watched Mrs. Parkinson's stricken face and fought back his urge to gloat. "It's amazing that even with your bigoted minds and delusions you managed to produce a daughter who is brave and strong and smart as a whip. Despite buying in to every lie you heard you must have done something right along the way." He stepped closer. "If she's no longer a daughter of yours, know that she's wanted. I love her and I know I will spend the rest of my life loving her, just for being precisely who she is."
Pansy felt her insides melt into a warm puddle of goo at that but she kept her attention on her mother and when the woman raised her wand at Ron she had her own at the ready, "Stupefy!" Her mother hit the ground and she turned to grab the front of Ron's robes and pulled him in for a quick, fiery kiss. "I love you." Then she spun to stand at his back and fight with him as the remaining Death Eaters either tried to flee or kill them.
A few cracks of apparation caught everyone's attention and heads turned as Moody and several other Aurors appeared. Mrs. Zabini called out brightly as she casually broke the spine of a woman who tried to attack her. "Well it's about time you showed up!"
"Sorry." Kingsley Shacklebolt said and hit the remaining conscious Death Eaters with strong stunners even as his eyes widened at the formidable woman. "It was difficult getting permission to interfere." The disgust the Auror felt for the Minister was clear in his voice.
Draco breathed a breath of relief at the backup. They had all fought well but having a few more people on their side was never wrong.
With the arrival of the Aurors it didn't take long for the Death Eaters to be rounded up, including the ones who'd been turned into animals, and bound to be escorted to holding cells.
Neville leaned heavily against the wall and smiled a bit weakly at Shacklebolt. "I bet Gran marched right in to Fudge's office and threatened to whack him over the head with her cane."
"Cane and purse." Kingsley agreed. "Everyone ducked when that vulture hat became visible." The Auror grew serious. "I think we need to get you to St. Mungo's and get you patched up."
"We should." Luna agreed. "Before the flickleflerps hatch."
Kingsley raised an eyebrow at the nonsense the girl spoke but he remained silent.
Harry was sitting with his back against a wall, legs drawn up against his chest. Now that it was all done he couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that they had won and that Voldemort was truly gone. No loophole for him to return this time.
Severus sank to sit down next to Harry, slipping an arm around his lover's shoulders and pressing a kiss to his temple. He watched as Neville was taken by an Auror and apprarated to St. Mungos, Luna imperiously demanding that someone side-along her to the hospital as well. Not a single person was fool enough to argue with the fire in her eyes as she held that sword in her hand. The others helped the Aurors gather groups of Death Eaters to apparate away bit by bit. "Doesn't seem quite real does it?"
"It doesn't." Harry rested his head on Severus' shoulder. "We've been fighting for this for so long and it's over with a simple expelliarmus...Again." He took one of his lover's hands in both of his and nuzzled it. "It will take some time for it to sink in."
Remus thanked the betas and sent a quick patronus to Sirius to let his mate know that everyone was alright. He knew Sirius would be pissed to have missed out on a fight like this but Remus had to admit that he was happy that his mate was safe and sound far away from the danger.
Hermione smiled at the sight of Ron and Pansy talking quietly in the corner, chuckled as Mrs. Zabini charmed the male Aurors while Blaise rolled his eyes at the idiots, Harry and Snape were a sweet sight as well. She moved to rest in the arms of her bonded. "You know there are going to be a lot of bonding ceremonies once we all graduate. We have to find Blaise someone by then so he won't be going stag."
"Mmm." Draco held her tightly and rested his pointed chin on top of her head. "Well he's always had a thing for the Irish, do you think that Gryffindor Irishman of yours could be interested in a slimy Slytherin." He tilted his head and pressed a kiss against her temple. "And no matter how many bonding ceremonies...We were first."
"Such a superiority complex." She teased. "Seamus hm? He might be interested. He never was too terribly against Slytherin and since the houses grew closer I think he's been casting his roving eye on a few green and silver ties. Question is, could Blaise manage to take on that Irish temper?"
"You saw his mother right?" Draco's brows disappeared behind his bangs. "Believe me, Blaise knows how to handle temper of any kind and he has quite a temper himself, no matter how easygoing he seems." He kissed her again. "Now, I'm all about finding Blaise some nookie but right now I'm more interested in some nookie for us."
"Draco!" Her scandalized tone was diminished by the laughter that lay under it and drew a smile from even Severus.
The potions master leaned his head on Harry's. "We'll all jump at shadows for a while but as time goes on we'll get used to not having a constant threat over our heads. There are still the trials to go through but very few of the Death Eaters who were here will be able to wriggle free. Especially the ones who'd claimed the Imperious before. I will tell you this much, if Fudge is voted in as Minister again I'm moving to France and I'm taking you with me."
"Well I’d hope you were not planning on leaving me behind." Adrenaline flowed through Harry and he felt almost reckless. He knew he would crash soon but right now he was tense and rather giddy. "I'm glad that Neville will be okay and that we managed to get through this without losing anyone." It was close to a miracle and Harry was insanely grateful.
Severus nodded and looked up at Moody as he stumped over to them, lifting a brow in question.
"You and the rest of 'em need to come to headquarters. We need to take your statements and deal with a few formalities and don't worry, you're keeping your wands this time."
Harry groaned but started to get up from his spot, keeping his hold on Severus' hand though. "Okay, I guess the quicker we do this the quicker it's over. I'm telling you now though, we'll only speak to you, Kingsley or anyone of your team. The Minister keeps his mouth shut around me and I'm not talking to the press."
Moody smirked. "Oh no worries about Fudge boy. He's still got Augusta Longbottom ringing a peal over his head."
Severus chuckled and rose with Harry. This was, in a way, the beginning of yet another adventure. This one of healing the cracks in their society.
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Sirius paced and tapped his foot as it grew dark and then grew late. He knew Moony had come through the battle just fine but what about after. He was worried and he wanted his mate damn it.
Remus took the steps up to their room two at a time, longing to see his mate and excited for what he had to tell him. He had thanked the beta wolves and seen them to the pack site and now he couldn't wait to get home. Remus opened the door and found himself with an armful of mate.
"What the hell took you so long Moony?! I've been going out of my mind! Damn pregnancy hormones!" He placed nipping kisses on his mate's neck drawing in the taste and reality of his beloved safe and sound.
"I'm sorry Siri." Remus wrapped his arms around his mate and enjoyed the kisses. "I wanted to get back sooner but we had to give statements and then something else came up." He released Sirius so that he could rummage through his robes and come up with a rolled up piece of parchment. "Sirius Orion Black III, I hereby present you with a full pardon and an apology from the Ministry of Magic. All your vaults have been returned to you as have Black manor and your lordship, compensation from the Ministry has been paid to the Black vault. You are a free man." Remus couldn't stop his wide grin of happiness as he spoke and handed Sirius the parchment where everything was in writing.
Sirius took in the official seal, the words on the parchment, and the signature of that bastard Fudge and slowly a wild grin began to stretch over his face. He let out a loud war whoop and actually jumped into Remus' arms, his legs wrapping around his mate's waist, an impressive accomplishment for a six month pregnant wizard. He locked his lips over his mate's and proceeded to ravish the werwolf's mouth.
Remus felt proud that he didn't even stagger as he got jumped on. He placed his hands under his mate's thighs to hold him back and kissed back with equal enthusiasm. In his opinion the Ministry couldn't apologize enough or make up for what Sirius had lost but this was a start and Sirius was free. No more hiding in worry that he would be found and dragged back to Azkaban.
The animagus nipped at his mate's bottom lip and slipped his tongue past Remus' teeth to map out the already memorized surfaces within. Their tongues danced and twined around each other until Sirius broke the kiss with a thrilled laugh. "Finally! I can waddle through the castle and Hogsmeade without being furry!" He nipped along Remus' jaw. "I can visit Honeydukes and pick out some chocolate and I can drag you to Puddifoot's just for the humor value. We can walk the streets and hold hands in front of everyone now Remus. I can't tell you how badly I've wanted to do that."
"I've wanted it too love." Remus rained kisses all over Sirius' face. "I can walk beside you and burst with pride that you're mine." Suddenly Remus pulled away and placed his mate on his feet gently. "Sirius...This is many years too late but will you bond with me? I want to bind my being, my magic with yours forever. I want to know that nothing will ever be able to sever us again." Remus looked up at his mate, pure love shining from his eyes. "There has always been you, only you from the day I first saw you."
Am ear to ear grin split Sirius' face. "Merlin Moony you have to ask? Of course! I've wanted to claim you as officially mine for years!" He nipped at his mate's bottom lip. "My mate and damn well gonna be my husband if I have to get the entire pack and Harry to pull the puppy eyes on you."
Remus threw his head back and laughed, free and happy, like he hadn't laughed in years. "No puppy eyes needed love, there is nothing I want more that to be bonded with you. The sooner it happens the better." He kissed his mate back and ran his tongue along the seem of Sirius' lips, begging for entrance.
The animagus parted his lips with a sweet moan happily, greeting Remus' tongue with his as his fingers threaded through the short course brown hair. He couldn't plaster himself against Remy as usual since his belly got in the way but he wasn't bothered. He was touching his mate, his fiancee now, and wasn't that one helluva thrill, and he loved it.
Reveling in his beloved's touches Remus sighed happily and touched his mate back. Caressing him with rough hands and soft fingertips where ever he could reach. "Imagine it love, Voldemort is gone, you're free, we're going to have a cub and I'll soon be able to call you husband." It was almost as if was a dream, too good to be real but he could feel the warmth of Sirius under his hands so it had to be real. "I love you Siri, so much." He ran his hands down his mate's body until he could cup and caress the swollen belly where their child grew.
Sirius' hands fell to cover the scarred backs of his mate's and he nuzzled Remus' jaw. "You know I love you Moony, more than I think it's possible for words to express. You know, even in Azkaban, where everything good and happy gets sucked away, I still remembered you, still remembered us. There was just too much love and happiness in those memories for the dementors to be able to take it all away."
Guilt flooded Remus again, guilt he would never be able to get away from. "I should have done more when you got sent there, put up a fight or broken you out of there myself. I was weak and it lost us so many years." He smothered Sirius face with desperate butterfly kisses. "I don't understand how you ever forgave me."
The pregnant man met his mate's eyes. "Remus there was never anything to forgive. If you recall I suspected you as the spy as well, how stupid as I was then, and you knew just how bad my temper could be, and how impulsive I was. It hadn't been too long since I'd pulled that stupid, dangerous stunt with Batty, telling him about the Willow either so you had reason to doubt how much you could trust me pet. I'm still so very sorry I did that, I could have cost you everything."
Strange...How easy it was to forgive and forget others' mistakes and cling to your own. Remus had forgiven Sirius for that close to two decades ago and he knew that Snape had forgiven him too...Now that he had Harry and happiness. "Let's leave our regrets and mistakes in the past where they belong then and look at the future. The future we will have together despite everything that's happened. I only think every minute together will be so much more precious because of it." Remus sat down on their bed and pulled Sirius down with him so that his mate could rest between his legs and they both could have their hands on Sirius' stomach. "We're here, we made it through it all...That's all that matters."
If a dog could purr Sirius certainly did right then as he snuggled back more comfortably against his mate. He chuckled. "The future is bright alright. Considering Batty's reaction to our announcement of my pregnancy I wonder how he's going to react to us planning a bonding? think he'll get that pained 'oh Merlin help me' look on his face again?"
"Either that or he'll get competitive...Harry has turned seventeen remember? Maybe he'll decide to beat us to it." Remus chuckled and kissed that special spot on Sirius' neck that always got a shiver out of him.
Sirius did shiver and then he growled, "He'd better not! No bonding with the pup til he graduates! I don't want Batty getting 'family' ideas until Harry's finished school."
Remus hid his grin against Sirius' neck, his mate didn't look terribly frightening shivering and pregnant but he would never tell Sirius that. "I wouldn't worry too much, I don't think Harry is ready for babies just yet."
"Good. He's got this year and next and then, if they want a few pups of their own, they can go for it, no sooner though." He reached down and poked Remus' thigh. "Don't think I don't feel that crazy grin you've got there Moony. I know I'm not too intimidating right now but three more months and I'll be in arse-kicking form again." He angled his head to grin over his shoulder at Remus. "But we're doing the bonding before then, we've let too much time go by already. So, what do you say the end of August in the Forbidden Forest, just family and pack?"
"I say that that sounds like the best idea ever." Remus resumed his nibbling and laced his fingers together with Sirius'. "Thank you for including the pack, for being so understanding about the whole thing. I know that it wasn't exactly in the plans to inherit a pack of werewolves."
"Moony, they're innocent people who've been oppressed by idiocy. I'm glad you 'inherited' them because now you and I can show them that they don't have to stay hidden away, that they're still people. And let me tell you, I'll be out and out shocked if Hermione doesn't get some better legislature for Magical Creatures in place within ten years. Things are a-changin Remus. Fudge won't last through this election...hmm now that I've got my lordship back I know just who I'm gonna suggest for the new Minister too."
Again all the reasons Remus was head over heels in love Sirius floated to the surface and Remus was pride that this incredible man was his. "You are one of a kind Sirius Black, one of a kind and I love you. So who do you have in mind for Minister? Anyone would be better than Fudge but I wonder who it is you're thinking of with that brilliant mind of yours."
"Shacklebolt. He's seen the front lines and knows exactly what needs to change. He's not so mired in tradition that he'll let it stagnate us, he's fair, and he's got zero tolerance for press leaks. The Wizengamot is already getting its face lift since Lady Bones was voted in as Chief Warlock so the Ministry needs to follow suit don't you think?"
"Yes I do think so and I think you're on to something with Kingsley Shacklebolt. As an Auror he's seen both the best and the worst of the Wizarding world but he hasn't grown paranoid or let it color his judgement in any way. He would make a good Minister. I'm sure Harry would back his nomination too...That's two heavy names on Shacklebolt's side, Fudge won't stand a chance." Remus ran his fingers through Sirius' hair.
"Mmm." The animagus turned to snuggle his face into his mate's neck. It was late, he'd been worried out of his mind, and he was pregnant. It made for a very tired Grim. "Batty'll probably back him too, n' Neville's Gran, n' Malfoy..." he trailed off as sleep stole up and drew him down into her waiting arms.
Remus spelled their clothes off with a fond smile and maneuvered them into a more comfortable position before pulling the covers over them and turning off the lights. "Good night love, sweet dreams." He whispered, wrapped his arms tightly around his mate and fell asleep as well.
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Augusta Longbottom clipped sharply down the halls of St. Mungos, the vulture on her hat bobbing and her face set in fierce, stony determination so intense that everyone gave her a wide, wide berth as she headed for her grandson's recovery room. She swung the door open and stepped in, pausing and taking in the sight of the delicate pale blond girl holding Neville's hand. She'd heard of Luna Lovegood from her Grandson over the summer but had yet to meet her, now it appeared that she would.
Not releasing Neville's hand Luna turned her head towards the older woman and met her gaze steadily. "You must be Lady Longbottom, Neville has told me so many things about you." She gave a little smile. "And what a wonderful hat you have, it must give the Nargles a great home."
Augusta blinked then scowled as she stumped over, her cane clacking on the floor as she inspected the ethereal blond. She hadn't the slightest idea what a Nargle was but Neville had told her that this girl believed in many things not yet heard of, proven, or generally well known. That didn't particularly bother her as she'd lived long enough to see new species, spells, and techniques develop that had previously been deemed unbelievable. She studied the soft blue of this young woman's eyes shrewdly and saw a spine of pure steel hidden by that delicate exterior. The grande dame moved to sit in a chair across from Luna. "You're Xenophilius and Cressida's girl are you not?" It was a rhetorical question as she nodded to herself. "Yes, Neville spoke of you quite a bit this summer." Her gaze lit on the sword still strapped to Luna's side. "So girl you like my Neville do you?"
"Yes I do, I love him even." Luna looked from Neville to his grandmother. "What's not to love? He's kind, funny, brave and loyal. When you talk to him he really listens and make you feel like the most important person in the world." She squeezed his hand gently. "You have done an excellent job raising him Lady Longbottom. I truly believe he's the best person I've ever met."
Lady Longbottom settled back and looked over at her grandson. "You know, until this last year I had quite despaired of him ever finding his feet and growing into himself. My Neville has always been rather shy and uncertain but he changed last year at Hogwarts, he finally came into his own in more than Herbology. I do believe I can thank you for that dear." She reached out and brushed some of Neville's hair off his forehead. "Oftentimes one can not see their own worth until it is shown through another's eyes."
"I believe you maybe right about that but I also believe Neville would have grown into the man he is without me. I am glad and humbled to have been apart of it though." Luna looked at Neville's sleeping face, feeling relieved that he was resting peacefully and without pain. "Even when he was shy and insecure of his path he has always been a grandson to be proud of, he's always done his very best."
"Yes I know. I always pushed him so hard because I knew he could do more if he could break out of the self-deprecation but I did always think he made a wonderful Gryffindor. He's always been braver than most believe. Strong at heart where many others are not." She looked back to Luna. "I am quite pleased to see he's chosen a lass who matches him well."
"Thank you Lady Longbottom." Luna didn't flush or blush easily but she did appreciate what the older woman said. "Both of us only want what's best for Neville and because of that I think we'll get along just fine." She smiled at the older witch. "That and I really want to know where you got that hat, it's really striking." She fiddled with her radish earrings and leaned in to give the hat a closer look.
Augusta chuckled. "Oh this old thing? I've had it for years child. It was a gift from Neville's grandfather, I think he got it out of a Christmas Cracker truth be told but it is, of course, the thought that counts."
Neither woman noticed, as they spoke, Neville's lips turning up in a smile before his breathing deepened.
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Severus carried his and Harry's swords used in the battle to the case and set them inside having cleaned and sharpened them for when they were to be used once more. His lips had a faint upward tilt to them, as they'd had since the Wizengamot had castigated Fudge for his handling of the abduction of Neville Longbottom. It had been a beautiful sight to see the old fool backed into a corner and unable to offer a true logical reason for his actions.
Harry turned when his lover walked into the room, he'd been trying his best to calm a very irritated Anguis down. The basilisk had not been happy to be left behind while her people were out fighting. "You look like a cat who swallowed the canary." Harry smiled at Severus' very pleased expression.
Snape turned to look at his lover. "I was just thinking of how Fudge's carefully built nest of tradition and hiding his head in the sand is falling apart from under him. It's glorious."
Harry chuckled. "It is rather delicious isn't it? I shouldn't be so happy to see someone's life's work crumble but Fudge has brought everything on himself. In a way he's just as deluded as Voldemort was."
"More I think. Voldemort recognized the stagnation of our culture and, as wrong and sick as he was going about it, would have forced change. Fudge tried to stop change at all costs and never once saw that he was doing more harm than good."
"Well he won't have a choice now, change is coming and he can't stop it." Harry gave a sulking Anguis one last caress and stood to slip into Snape's arms, wrapping his own around his lover's waist. "After what happened today, change is bound to come."
He nuzzled his lover's temple. "Yes and it will flatten any of those who are too set in stone to move with it. Things will be upheaved and shifted and one by one they'll fall back into place, a better place."
"It's probably going to be both difficult and chaotic but if everyone comes together I really do believe that it's going to be a better world." Harry rolled his eyes at himself. "And now I sound idealistic and corny, feel free to slap me."
Severus chuckled. "I seem to recall you saying something similar not long after Draco defected from his father's path." He pressed a kiss to Harry's brow. "I'm not going to slap you. We need idealists now. Corny just comes with the territory." He stroked his hand through the inky black silk of the younger man's hair. "You're supposed to be corny, you're a Gryffindor remember?"
"Hmm." Harry almost purred, he loved to have his hair played with. "I'm lucky, I can be corny and you'll balance me out. Snarky and corny, that's us." Harry smiled and nuzzled his nose along Severus' jaw. Harry was aware that he was very close to starting spewing utter nonsense but he couldn't seen to help himself. He still found it difficult to take in that the day had actually happened at that Voldemort was gone...He was gone, would return no more. Harry could finally start to focus on his own future without worry that he would live to see it.
The older man pressed a kiss to the corner of Harry's lips. "Let's go to bed. Tomorrow is soon enough to deal with everything else don't you agree?"
"Yeah, that sounds like a brilliant idea to me." Harry leaned up and kissed Severus' lips lightly before taking hold of his lover's hand and leading him towards the bedroom. "Bed and sleep sounds wonderful right now."
Severus murmured a couple of spells that had them cleaned and in night wear then tugged Harry down onto the bed with him, pulling the thin comforter up over the both of them. "I love you Harry."
Harry scrambled closer and rested his head on Snape's chest and his right arm slung over his waist. "I love you too Severus, always will." Harry rubbed his cheek against his lover's chest and felt his eyes grow heavy. He felt loved, safe and comfortable. In Severus he had found his dreams, his love and his future...He wouldn't want for anything as long as they were together.
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