Chapter Text
Monday May 11, 1998
For the second day in a row Harry woke up cozy and warm and wrapped around Theo’s little Brothers. Only this time he was holding Theo’s hand as well. He smiled in contentment before remembering that they were going to start book two today. His mood instantly plummeted. Second Year. A right shitshow. Ginny nearly died. He nearly died! Hermione petrified. The whole school afraid of him. Bloody Colin. Dobby. Oh Merlin! The car! The diary. Riddle. The horcrux. Harry shot up in bed, waking Theo and the boys.
“What’s wrong?” Theo asked in alarm.
“I…I forgot to tell you something! You, Luna, and Neville actually. It’s kind of important. Maybe Draco told you but I totally forgot!” He glanced nervously at the boys for a moment and Theo took the hint. He left the room and returned a few minutes later with Narcissa.
“Cissa’s going to get the boys ready for the day. We’re going to dogpile Drake. We’ll grab Nev and LuLu on the way, assuming they’re not in with Drake already.”
Once the five of them were assembled in Draco’s bedroom, with tea and coffee because, dragons, Harry started.
“OK so first, don’t panic. There’s a solution and it will be dealt with as soon as we go back.” Draco seemed to realize what this was about and took Theo’s hand in preparation.
“Just say it, Hadrian.” he said, not unkindly.
Harry looked at Theo and said, “I’m a horcrux.” and waited for the explosion.
Theo however, was as calm as usual. “Yeah, I assumed.”
“Wait. What?” Harry and Draco said together.
“How do you even know what they are?” Harry asked.
“I read. And hide in secret passages.”
“Ok, we don’t have time for this conversation right now.” Harry said with a shake of his head. “So, you’re OK?”
“Obviously I’m not OK but you prefaced your revelation with, don’t panic there’s a solution, so I’m not panicking. I’m assuming that solution involves the Goblins?” Harry nodded.
Theo thought for a moment and swore. “And the rest of the pieces just fell into place. Fucking Dumbledore.”
As they walked down to breakfast Harry noticed Draco was starting to look a bit anxious. “You OK Draco?”
“No. This book is going to be bad. For me, I mean. Well, obviously for you too, but you’re not the one who was hurling slurs at people and basically saying you wished they were dead. I’m just dreading the reactions. From Mum especially. She’ll be expecting some, um, fuck. This is going to be bad.”
“I’ve got your back.” Harry said and then stopped dead. “I can’t believe I just said that. I mean, I absolutely meant it but, huh. I wonder when that happened.”
Theo and Neville laughed and Nev said, “That’s how it happened with me!”
Once they’d eaten they all headed into the main chamber. Lady Magic was there, starting intently at Albus, who was still locked in his cell. When she saw that Harry and the others had arrived she smiled widely.
“Good morning My Chosen. I was just considering whether to let Albus out of his cage. I really don’t want to but my Brother disagrees.” She sent a pointed look at Albus, “I’m talking, of course, about my Brother Life. My other Brother thinks you belong in a more…permanant cage. So to speak.”
Harry snorted and said “I get the urge to keep him locked up but his power is in his voice, the way he manipulates his words to sound kind and like he’s sorry. A permanent silencing spell would be more effective, I think.”
“Well, I think if the vigilant Mr. Moody will promise to stay vigilant we can let him out then. But understand this, Albus. You are on borrowed time.”
She released him and went to sit down in the Chosen’s area and waved her hand. The second book appeared on the table next to Filius.
“Before we begin I would like to talk about a couple of things.
As I have said already, with the exception of Albus, who is here only to learn what his hubris has wrought, every single person in this room, no matter what they’ve done or said in the past, is here for a reason. Each one of you has the potential to be a vital support to my Chosen.
Having said that, I will also say that some of you are…disappointing me. Greatly. Take care that my disappointment does not turn to anger. I will not hesitate to remove you from this chamber. You will not be merged with your past selves. You will not retain your memories of the last seven years.
Our Chosen Children are in charge. Do not question them. They answer to us. And only us.
Many of you have been chosen as potential advisors to our Children. Particularly because they will appear as children when you return and will need adults to publicly act on their behalf. They will listen to your suggestions, they will also listen to your objections, but ultimately the final decisions will be theirs.
One final thing. As you listen to this book I want you to keep in mind that not everything is as it seems. Not every person is as they seem. Sometimes there is more to the story. And some of those stories won’t be told for a while. Understood? Good.”
Lady Magic rose, crossed over to Draco and kissed him on the forehead, and vanished.
After a couple of minutes of stunned silence Harry nudged Theo into action.
“OK then. Professor Flitwick? How many chapters? Filius checked, “18 chapters, Mr. Nott.”
“Theo. For the love of Merlin, please, everyone, call me Theo.
So that’s 6 chapters a day leaving 2 days for discussions and plans and 2 days off. Perfect.
I’m changing this up a bit. Since nobody seems capable of controlling themselves we’re going to read the assigned chapters and then open the floor to questions and comments. Please, for the love of all things sacred, please use your parchments to jot down your questions and comments during the reading. And when the time comes to discuss please at least attempt to control yourselves. Professor Flitwick? If you will?”
Filius cast the charm and the book began.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Chapter One - The Worst Birthday
———-
They got through the first six chapters with minimal interruptions, easily dealt with by Moody.
When the book stopped most of the chamber looked as though they were trying to decide who to yell at first, Albus or Molly.
Theo took a deep breath and stood up. “Alright. Lots to discuss here. Maybe we should break for lunch before we get into it?”
Everyone rushed through their meals, eager to get to the yelling.
“Who wants to go first?” Theo asked with trepidation.
Over a dozen hands shot up but Poppy’s was first. “Poppy? Go ahead.”
“I realize that this won’t happen in the future but I feel as though it needs to be addressed. Molly. Harry was starving. And I don’t mean he was extra hungry. He’d been starved for weeks. He was suffering from malnourishment. If he’d even attempted to eat all that he’d have brought it all back up. He needed light, easily digestible foods, in small portions.”
“But he’s a growing boy! He needs food! Besides, he ate it and he was fine!” Molly defended. “Weren’t you, Harry!?”
Harry blushed a bit and said, “I slipped most of it onto Ron’s plate.”
“Well why didn’t you say so?” Molly asked.
Sirius laughed a bit bitterly. “Have you even been listening to these books, Molly? Hadrian never tells people what he needs or wants. Or at least he never used to. He’s getting better at that.”
Harry nodded, “I’m working on it.”
“Well, I’m sorry.” Molly said indignantly “How was I to know he was being starved?”
Fred scowled. “If you’d listened to us you’d have known. We tried to tell you about the bars on the window and the cat flap and that they were starving him but you didn’t stop screeching at us long enough to hear it.”
“And there it is. Bars on the windows and a cat flap for the meager amount of food they’d allow him.
I don’t know who I’m angrier at right now. The fucking Dursleys for abusing him, Albus for putting him there in the first place and never once checking on him, or you Molly. Your children told you and you were either too busy ranting to listen or just ignored it. You saw the rags he was wearing, you saw how dangerously thin he was. He literally told you his Aunt and Uncle wouldn’t mind if he got lost in the Floo network. Did none of that register?”
Molly just crossed her arms over her chest. Sirius shook his head in disgust and turned to Ron and the twins. “Thank you, for rescuing Harry. Thank you for realizing he needed rescuing. I owe you.”
George shook his head. “He’s our Brother. We don’t need thanks, or repayment. We love him.” Fred nodded and shot a dirty look at Molly.
Theo smiled at the twins before looking at Amelia. “Madame Bones?”
“It’s Amelia, Theo. And way too many things.
First of all, that idiot Mafalda Hopkirk is very, very fired. I remember you mentioned a previous warning at your sham of a hearing before your 5th year, Hadrian, and that it was an Elf. I should have followed up on that and I didn’t. You never should have received that letter in the first place.
The entire system needs to change. We do not punish children for accidental magic, not that that happened in this case but still. And accusing you of performing magic in front of Muggles? Ridiculous! You live with them! They obviously know about magic!”
She finished her rant and found Cyrus Greengrass in the crowd. “Cyrus, we need to totally rework that legislation.” He nodded and replied, “We’ll start working on it this week.”
Theo added “We need to change the law about using underage magic altogether. It’s bollocks.”
Molly huffed, “You just want to be able to use magic outside of school.”
“That’s just it. I do. Constantly. Anyone living behind family wards can perform any magic they like without any repercussions. Even without the wards, if there are enough adult Wixen performing magic in the area, like in Diagon for example, underage Wixen can perform magic without getting in trouble with the Ministry.”
“That’s not fair to Muggleborns!” Hermione interrupted.
“Which was going to be my point, Granger, if you’d given me 30 more seconds to get to it.”
Hermione let out a huff but remained silent.
“Muggleborns, or I suppose Squib born…I don’t like that term either. Magical children living in the Muggle world should be able to perform magic at home like the rest of us. Now, I realize there would have to be some restrictions in place but I’m sure we could come up with something that would work.”
Justin raised his hand and Theo smiled at him and nodded.
“I have a tutor in the summer. I use the Floo at the platform to go to his place, since we obviously don’t have a connection at home. I go at least twice a week and practice there. I’ve never received a letter so how does it work exactly? It’s obviously not on our wands because if it was I’d be getting letters all summer and Hadrian wouldn’t have received one at all since Dobby performed the magic. And if, say, Theo popped over to my house and put up wards could I do magic at my house? When we go back I mean. It does seem a bit ridiculous that the law only applies to Muggle raised.”
Hermione couldn’t help herself and interrupted again. “They’d have to be pretty complicated wards. Nott obviously couldn’t do them, but maybe someone could.” At this several people burst into laughter, including Bathsheda. Hermione looked baffled at that but continued. “I want wards on my house. It’s not fair that I can’t do magic in the summer.”
Theo just sighed “What have I wrought? Look, we can discuss how the trace works and how to adjust the law later. Let’s get back to the books. Amelia? Did you have anything else to discuss?”
She smiled and Sirius shuddered and whispered to Harry. “That was not a good smile. Someone’s in trouble.” Harry snorted.
“Arthur Weasley. Where to begin. Oh I know!
A LOOPHOLE IN THE LAW THAT YOU YOURSELF WROTE? I’m sending my Aurors to your home as soon as we get back and if they find that car and it’s already been charmed I will instruct them to arrest you.”
“Amelia…” Arthur started.
“I’M NOT FINISHED!
How long did it take for you to return to your car and find it missing? At least 15 minutes according to the text. How did you not notice that your 12 year old son and Harry Potter had not come through the barrier immediately behind you?
Why on earth would you even enter the Platform before ensuring that all of your children AND HARRY POTTER had entered first? What is wrong with you!?!”
She swung her head around to confront Minerva “And you! Was there an investigation done to find out why the Platform barrier was closed? I heard about the boys flying the car to Hogwarts, of course, but I never heard about the barrier being blocked until today.”
Minerva sniffed. “I did Floo to the barrier the following morning to check it, just in case, and it was fine. I thought…well I thought they were making it up.”
Amelia sighed. “Yes, well, you thought wrong.”
She swung her head again, this time to face Severus. “If I get confirmation that you’ve been using Legilimency on children I am going to hex your bollocks off. And that goes for you too, Albus.” she added with a glare at Albus.
She smiled at Kingsley, “Kings, I know you have something you’d like to address.”
“I do.” Kingsley replied. “And this one is for Arthur and Molly as well. You didn’t even explain how to use the Floo properly! Why didn’t one of you go through with him?
And where were you when that idiot Lockhart was physically accosting Hadrian in the middle of Flourish and Blotts?
And speaking of… Hagrid, I’m thankful you were there to find Hadrian but please try to remember how big and strong you are. I know you’d never hurt anyone on purpose but you need to be mindful. You could have really hurt him.”
Hagrid nodded. “I forget to be gentle sometimes. I’ll do better! Sorry Harry.”
“It’s OK Hagrid! I was so relieved to see you!” Harry said with a smile.
Molly stood up and waved her hands in the air wildly. “I’m getting sick and tired of all of you ganging up on my family. WE DID THE BEST WE COULD! I’D LIKE TO SEE ANY OF YOU MANAGE SEVEN CHILDREN!” She stormed off towards her suite yelling “COME ALONG ARTHUR!”
For once, Arthur didn’t obey his wife.
After several moments of awkward silence Richard spoke up. “May I say something?”
Theo nodded his head and said “Of course, Mr. Granger.”
“It’s Doctor Granger!” sniped Hermione.
“My apologies, Sir, I didn’t realize.”
“It’s perfectly fine, Theo, you couldn’t have known. And it’s Richard.” Theo nodded “Thank you, you honour me.”
Richard smiled at Theo before giving a stern look at Hermione before speaking. “I’d like to ask the Professors to please stop rewarding my Daughter for her very poor behaviour in class. Giving her points for speaking out of turn, rewarding her for writing her own questions and answers on exams? Regularly submitting 36 inches of parchment when the assignment was for 12? And Ron’s right. Her writing is small. Honestly. If Hermione attends Hogwarts this time, and that’s a big if, I need that to change.”
Parvati spoke up for the first time. “Allowing her to do extra credit when other students are turned down!” Padma blushed at this but bravely backed up her sister. “I’ve asked for the opportunity to do extra credit work several times but was told it was against Hogwarts policy.”
“Draco asked too and even Severus turned him down.” added Blaise. Several of the students in the chamber nodded in agreement and Blaise continued. “Was Granger the only one in our year permitted to do extra credit?”
Minerva looked a little sheepish. “I believe she was.”
“So she wasn’t the top of the class, was she?” asked Lavender a little smugly. “Good to know.”
“Like I said, I need that to change, assuming my Daughter attends Hogwarts.”
“Dad!”
“Don’t!”
Minerva stepped in before a fight could start. “I apologize, Dr. Granger. Hermione is just such a bright child and so eager to learn I didn’t think it would do any harm to make an exception. I was clearly mistaken.”
“There’s a solution to that though.” Theo said. “Muggle schools have, what’s it called, Granger? Advanced Placement? For gifted children, right? Or they can just skip entire grades?”
Hermione had a stubborn frown on her face, still angry at her father for chastising her in public, so Richard stepped in. “That’s right. Hermione skipped two grades in Primary School. Which, in retrospect, may have been a mistake. And Advanced Placement, yes. Though it’s an American practice I believe. Students can start taking University courses while still in Secondary School. Those credits would be applied to their University degree.”
Snape looked interested at this. “So it would be similar to me allowing Theodore to start his Mastery immediately following his OWLs. It didn’t affect his Hogwarts grades but allowed him to complete a Mastery before he actually finished Hogwarts. I planned on letting Draco start his Mastery in 7th year but, well. That didn’t happen, for obvious reasons.”
“Wait! Theodore Nott! You were working on two Masteries in 6th year?” asked Bathsheda in shock. “I thought you were only doing Runes! You were doing Potions as well? I don't know whether to be extra proud of you or annoyed you didn't tell me!
“Merciful Odin. Can we get back to Granger?” Theo said in exasperation. “Better yet, can we get back to discussing the book?”
“Oh sure, throw me under the bus.” Harry snarked. Theo laughed. “Sorry, Hadri. I like being the centre of attention even less than you do.”
“Speaking of. Mr. Potter, I…I owe you an apology. Several in fact. But since we’re on the subject, I was told” he turned and glared at Albus “well, it’s no excuse really. I thought you enjoyed the attention. The fame. It’s clear you don’t. And looking back there were obvious signs that I either missed or ignored. And not just about this. I’m sorry.”
Harry gaped at him for a moment before stammering “It’s OK Professor.”
“Call me Severus.” Harry’s mouth fell open in shock and Theo reached over and nudged his chin up with a laugh.
Hermione had found her voice “ARE YOU TELLING ME NOTT WAS TAKING TWO MASTERIES BEFORE HE’D EVEN TAKEN HIS NEWTS? HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE? HE’S NOT EVEN TOP OF THE CLASS!”
Neville spoke up at this, “Perhaps we should save this discussion for the next Hogwarts meeting? Because this really needs to be addressed. We’re, all of us, going to be so far ahead of our classmates it’s a bit ridiculous. We’ll need to come up with a plan but now’s not really the time. And for the record, Hermione? I started working on my Herbology Mastery with Professor Sprout in 7th year. It got put off because, well, because of, well, everything else going on but I’d started.”
Hermione opened her mouth to argue but Richard cut her off. “Enough, Hermione.”
Lady Magic appeared and sighed. “Well, I continue to be disappointed in some of you.
You all clearly still have a lot to discuss but it’s going to have to wait. Yelling at each other isn’t going to solve everything and it’s going to drive my Theo completely mad.
I have something else for you to discuss. I’m going to bring in someone new. He’s actually been here all along but it’s time he joined the group. Now, I will not have any of you attacking him. He’s here because I want him to be. He has a great deal to contribute and I will not allow any of you to shame him. He’s ashamed enough of himself already.” She waved her hand and Augustus Rookwood appeared.
Every Auror in the chamber tensed but Saul and Broderick jumped up in excitement.
“This is excellent, My Lady! He’s the perfect man for the job.”
Everyone looked at Saul in confusion. “What job? Asked Gawain.
Saul looked puzzled. “Did I not mention?”
“No, Saul, I don’t believe you did.”
“Oh. I want to prove that Muggleborns are descended from Squibs. I know that the Gringotts tests will prove it but I want to prove it, prove it. If you know what I mean. I want to test all the Muggleborns and the Grangers, and I suppose I’ll need to test the half-bloods and purebloods as well just to be thorough. I want to compare their DNA and…”
Gawain started laughing. “We get the picture. And it’s a fantastic idea.”
“And Rookwood will be invaluable!”
“I don’t doubt that but, and I’m sorry My Lady, I trust you completely but I’d like to hear from Rookwood himself before I even consider trusting him anywhere near Saul, or anyone else for that matter. Not that I don’t trust your judgement, My Lady, I do, unreservedly.”
“What was it you called him, Theo? Brave Sir Gawain? Yes, that was it. Fitting.”
Gawain raised an eyebrow at Theo and smiled when Theo blushed. “I’m a Knight of the Round Table, am I? I suppose that fits since I’ve vowed to serve and protect Lord Pendragon and Lord Emrys.”
“Wait! Lord Pendragon? Lord Emrys? I thought those were myths! Harry? Do you have those titles too? How?” Ron shouted in shock.
“Not now Ronald. Augustus, dear? Come and join me.” said Lady Magic gently. Augustus stepped up hesitantly and began.
“Gawain. Your protective nature is still strong, I see. I’m glad.
I won’t defend myself but I will offer a bit of an explanation if I may.
I never took the Mark during the first war. I did, however, spy for the Dark Lord, or Riddle I guess we’re calling him. I wish I’d known that then. I may not have been quite so afraid of him. Or in so much awe of him.
When Karkaroff was arrested I was one of the names he traded for immunity. I wasn’t given a trial. They didn’t even check to see if I had the Mark. I didn’t raise much of a protest because I was guilty of working for him.
When the mass break-out happened I wasn’t given a choice. They just took me with them. I was forced to take the Mark then. Well, I could have chosen death I suppose.
I won’t apologize for choosing to live but I will apologize for the pain and suffering I caused. I’d like the opportunity to make amends.
If I could help Saul and Bode prove that Muggleborns are descended from Squibs, I can’t tell you what that would mean to me. Not that any of you would believe me.”
“And once we return? Amelia asked “What are you expecting?”
“Nothing. I expect nothing. Lady Magic and I haven’t discussed it but I assumed I’d remain in Azkaban. And I’m OK with that. That’s not accurate. I’m not OK with it but I accept it.
I’m not asking to join you, as one of you. I’m asking to be allowed to help Saul and Bode prove their theory. Gawain, you can post one of your Aurors in their lab if you feel the need. I obviously have no objection. But you of all people know that even if I were inclined to violence Saul would be my last target. I would never harm him.”
Gawain sighed and looked at Amelia. “It’s your call, Boss.”
“If Lady Magic wants him to help then he helps. If you want to post a guard to protect Saul and Bode I won’t stop you but, Gawain, you know you don’t need to. Augustus would’ve taken an AK for Saul in school. We all would have. I very much doubt that’s changed.”
Theo rose at this and said, “So, welcome Mr. Rookwood.
It’s just about time for supper. You can continue to argue if you like but I think we’re officially finished for the day. Unless anyone else has something that can’t wait?
Blaise raised his hand and Theo raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“I just have one quick question.” Theo sighed but nodded.
“I’m wondering, Mr. Weasley, why didn’t you just shrink everyone’s trunks rather than expanding the boot and trying to fit them all in?”
Arthur blushed. “Do you know, Mr. Zabini, I never thought of that. It would certainly make things easier at the Platform too, wouldn’t it?”
“Salazar save me.” Theo said. “I’m done. Good night everyone.” And without another word to anyone he turned and walked into the Chosen’s Suites.
Blaise laughed and walked over to flop down beside Draco and Harry. He threw up a silencing spell before looking at Draco in concern. “He’s going to lock himself up in his room isn’t he. He’s people’d out. After the year he’s had I’m actually surprised he’s lasted this long.”
“He’s talked more in the last year than he did in the previous nine years combined.”
“True. So, can I come for dinner?”
Before Draco could respond Harry did. “You absolutely can. In fact, I was thinking of inviting you and Daphne. We kind of need to talk to you two about something.”
“You mean about you and Theo hooking up?” Blaise asked.
“Did Luna tell you?” Harry asked with a laugh.
“No! Of course not. Luna’s a closed book when it comes to her friends and family. I’ve got eyes don’t I? It was obvious.”
Draco laughed. “He’s gifted, our Blaise is. He can spot this stuff before it even happens. But he’s a closed book too. He’d never spill unless given the OK.”
“It’s not a secret, really. We planned to tell everyone today but…I really don’t want to tell Ron and Hermione. I was already dreading it but after today, I. Fuck. Hermione seriously hates Theo! She used to complain about him beating her in Runes and Arithmancy. It made her so mad. And now? It’s going to get worse! I can’t deal with that.”
Ron was walking towards them so Blaise dropped the silencing spell.
“Harry? Can I talk to you for a minute?” Ron asked.
“Talk, yes. Yell, no.”
“Just talk.”
“Then yes.”
Draco nodded politely at Ron and got up. “I’m going to check on Theo. I’ll see you later.” Harry nodded and Draco headed for the Suite. Blaise sighed and said, “I suppose the polite thing to do would be to give you two some privacy.”
Harry snorted. “Go away, Blaise. We’ll do dinner tomorrow, maybe. Tell Daphne.”
“Will do.” He nodded at Ron and wandered off.
Harry mentally braced himself and looked at Ron. “So, what’s up?”
“You were jealous of me?”
Harry was a little startled. “Well, yeah. You had everything I wanted. A home, parents who loved you. Siblings. I mean, your Mum was a little terrifying but it was obvious she loved you.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if she did, if I’m being honest. I didn’t notice back then. I didn’t know any better I guess. But, Merlin, this is hard to say. I don’t think she loves us the right way. Does that make sense? Like, she only loves us when we act like she wants us to.
And, shit. I think I might be like that too. I think I do that to you. And Hermione. Like, I was lying in bed the other day and trying to remember 2nd year and it’s kind of a blur. But I kept thinking of stuff I said over the years and, Godric, I was kind of awful. Especially 4th year. And, well, this past year.
And even yesterday. I totally lost my temper with you, twice! And I was fuming most of the day. You’re not acting like yourself and I don’t like it. But, that’s kind of stupid isn’t it. Everyone changes as they get older. I guess I keep expecting you to be like 1st year Harry but that’s not who you are anymore. You’re not even Harry! Am I supposed to call you Hadrian now? It’s kind of…fancy purebloody, I think. Anyway, are we OK?”
“Not yet. I have some things to say first. And then I need you to really think it over and decide whether you still want to be my friend.
I’m not the same. None of us are. This past year changed everything. Changed me. Had Lady Magic not intervened Voldie would have killed me. And I would have let him. I don’t really want to talk about that right now so don’t ask. My point is, I’m not Dumbledore’s trained dog anymore. My eyes are open. I’m still figuring out who I am but I know who I’m not. I’m not going to allow anyone to even attempt to control me, ever again. Not your Mum, not Hermione, and not you.
You were kind of awful at times. Other times you were the best friend anyone could have asked for. I’d like to get back to that but…Ok shit, this is hard. Things have to change. It’s never going to be just the 3 of us again. I’m not going to put up with you and Hermione bickering and putting me in the middle.”
Ron started to protest but Harry cut him off. “Nope. I’m not finished. I’m being kind of harsh but this shit has been festering so I’m getting it out. I’m not putting up with your jealousy or your temper. If we disagree on something we need to talk it through like adults, not storm off like a child having a tantrum, or in my case, ignore it and hope it goes away. I’m going to have other friends. I’m not going to limit myself. I will very likely end up in Slytherin but even if I don’t I’m going to have Slytherin friends. Including Draco Malfoy. He’ll be more than a friend actually. He’ll be my cousin. Sirius is going to blood adopt me and he and Narcissa are already pretty close and bound to get even closer. He’ll be my family. And I won’t let you talk shit about him. I know the two of you will probably have to have it out at some point, I get that. I just mean, I won’t put up with it once we go back. You’ll either have to accept that Draco and the other Slytherins are going to be a big part of my life…or you won’t be in my life.
I really, really hope you decide to be OK with it. I don’t want to lose you. You’re so important to me, Ron. But I can’t keep living on other people’s terms.”
Ron was a bit red in the face but he was controlling himself admirably. Harry was impressed. And he fired his final shot hoping Ron would keep it together. He stood and looked Ron in the eye.
“Also? I’m dating Theo. I’m pretty sure I’m going to marry him when I grow up…again.”
And with that Harry walked back to his Suite.
—--
Ron sat there, dumbfounded, for several minutes before heading back to the Weasley Suite. He didn’t know how to process the last 15 minutes but knew he’d have to if he wanted to be a proper friend. And he did. He just wasn’t sure how to do it.
When he walked in his Dad was waiting for him.
“Oh good, I thought I might have to go and find you. Let me just call the others.” He was back in a few minutes with everyone but Molly, and Bill, who was with Fleur.
“Your Mum isn’t joining us. I’ll speak to her later.
So today was…not very good for our family. At first I was quite angry at the way people were talking about us and to us. But, I’ve been thinking it over and I think we’ve, your Mum and I, done you all a disservice.” He paused for the expected protests but when none came he continued. “Well. That answers that. We have done you all a disservice. I’m sorry.
I don’t know how I’m going to manage it but I’m going to try to convince your Mum to see the Mind Healer. And, of course, I’m going to go too.
I’m not going to order you, and I don’t think I could at this point, you’re all adults. But I’d like all of you to see her as well. Especially you Ronald and Ginny. This school year was especially difficult for you both. You must have some, um, unresolved feelings about it.
And I think perhaps, we should see her as a family. Fred and George, you seem particularly angry with your Mother, and honestly, I think you have reason to be.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you all that I love you very much and I’m very sorry. Very sorry indeed.”
He left them all sitting there staring at each other in shock.
-----
When Harry arrived in the Chosen’s Suites he immediately looked for Theo but he wasn’t there. He looked questioningly at Draco but he just shook his head.
“He does this. Locks himself away. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s…I feel like locking myself away to be honest. I was just hoping to, you know, lock myself away with Theo. I told Ron.”
Draco winced. “And how did that go?”
“I have no idea. I didn’t actually stick around for the response.”
Sirius laughed. “I’m not sure I blame you.”
“There wasn’t any yelling when I walked away so I’m hoping he thinks about it and accepts it. There was a whole speech and stuff. I told him that if he wanted to stay my friend there’d have to be some changes and stuff. It was a thing. I hope it worked. I really don’t want to lose him.”
Draco looked apologetic. “I’ve been putting it off, mostly because I didn’t think he’d be receptive but, do you think he’d let me apologize?”
“All you can do is try. If he doesn’t accept it it’s on him. It wasn’t all one-sided. I mean, you usually started it but he gave as good as he got. You both need to apologize but I’m not getting involved. You two need to work this out between you. I did tell him that too, by the way. I told him you were going to be in my life and he’d have to accept it or walk away.”
“I’ll try tomorrow then. Salazar give me strength.”
Harry laughed. “I’m going to go knock on Theo’s door and see what happens. Good night everyone.”
He wandered up the stairs and hesitated. A thought struck him and he smiled. He cast his Patronus and whispered a message for Prongs to deliver.
Less than 30 seconds later the door cracked open and Harry walked in.
“Hey. I know you’re probably sick of people and want to be alone but I was hoping you’d make an exception. We don’t have to talk or anything. I’ll be quiet…after this I mean.”
Theo didn’t move but he whispered. “I can be alone with you here.”
Harry smiled and crawled under the covers and curled up beside his boyfriend. He was asleep within seconds.