Disclaimer – The only thing that’s mine is Aria

I hope it was worth the wait. You guys have the patience of saints.

Chapter 2 – The Consequences of Revenge

Dumbledore blue eyes studied the younger man for several moments. ‘I could never have been disappointed in you, Severus. Not really. You gave two decades of your life to help the light. You deserve some happiness. And Aria is proof of the love you and Harry shared.’

‘Yes.’ There was a small smile on the potions master’s face.

‘What I can’t understand is how he carried her.’ The headmaster said thoughtfully. Snape’s black eyes flicked back to the older wizard.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Male pregnancies are rare, and they are sustained and completed by magic. It the fates had bound his magic completely then the pregnancy should have terminated, particularly one so immature. I wonder how he carried her to term.’

Snape’s eyes widened. ‘I…I don’t know. I didn’t even think to bring it up.’

Dumbledore smiled and reached over, patting the potions master’s arm. ‘I’m not surprised, Severus. I would imagine you have quite enough to be concentrating on. Why don’t you go and find Harry now. I imagine he’s feeling a little lost being back here after so long. I have a bit of research to do.’

Snape nodded and smiled. He knew the old man would be up, probably for the rest of the night

Severus walked into his daughter’s room, knowing that’s where Harry would be. He longed to take the young man to bed, just to hold him tightly to him and never let him go. But he knew it would take a long time for Harry to ever trust him again. If he ever did.

He stood at the end of the little pink bed and stared down at the sleeping forms of his daughter and the only person he had ever truly loved. Harry lay on his back, Aria tucked onto his side, almost on top of him. Severus could see the man’s eyes flicking underneath the closed eyelids and wondered just what he was dreaming about.

‘No.’ Harry whispered in his sleep and Aria automatically snuggled closer to him, burying her little face in his neck. ‘No.’ Harry said again, a little louder this time, and rolled onto his side, curling around the four year old as if to protect her.

Severus’ eyes filled with tears as he watched a grimace flash on the other man’s face. ‘I’m so sorry, Harry.’ He whispered before moving to the old armchair in the corner and sat down, watching over the two figures in the bed. There was no way he’d be able to sleep tonight, and he didn’t want to try.

His mind flicked over the memories of the past. Harry playing Quidditch, in potions classes, appearing suddenly in the corner of the older man’s room, his invisibility cloak tugged off his head and his hair sticking up everywhere. Dueling against half the staff and most of the Order, his green eyes flashing as spells shot from his hands. Those same eyes filled with passion as Severus moved over and within him. And those same eyes completely and fathomlessly blank as he stared at the potions master and his worst enemy entwined together in bed.

The potions master couldn’t stop the tears that dripped down his cheeks and as a sob threatened to choke him he leant forward and buried his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking. His chest ached with the hurt he had caused and he wondered how in Merlin’s name he could ever make it up to the younger man.

‘Severus.’ Harry’s whispered voice so close to him started him and he flinched, causing the gentle hand that had landed on his arm to lift again. The potions master tried to pull a stoic mask over his face before Harry could see it but he was too late. ‘Don’t…please.’ Harry pleaded. ‘Don’t hide from me.’

‘Harry, I…I just wish there was something I could say to make it better. To make it right.’ Snape gasped out.

Harry reached up and cupped his cheek, bringing his head down so their foreheads were touching. ‘I told you, Severus, it doesn’t matter. I know what he did, and I know why you did what you did. I’ve had many years to ask why and I realised that it didn’t matter. I loved you with everything I had. All I wanted to do was protect you, and I failed to do that.

‘No.’ Severus shook his head, tears still streaming down his cheeks. ‘I broke your trust. It was me.’

Harry smiled sadly, his own cheeks wet. ‘Do you have any idea of what that bastard had planned for you if you’d resisted?’ He questioned, not waiting for an answer. ‘He had pictures of us, and recordings…and a Portkey.’

‘Harry.’

‘No Severus, listen to me. You would have died. Malfoy wasn’t going to wait to spread the word. It would have been instant, and then Aria would have lost her father. You must believe me when I tell you. I wish I could show you.’ He added sadly.

‘What about…?’

Harry shook his head. ‘No, my walls were up when my magic was bound. They cannot be removed, and trust me, I have tried.’

Severus reached out and clasped the smaller man’s upper arms, lifting him and pulling him to straddle his lap before cupping his cheeks with both hands and staring into the amber eyes. ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I wish I had been there when our daughter was born. I wish I’d been there when the Fates came for you. I wish…I just wish I’d been there.’

Harry leant forwards, hesitating a moment before he placed a slow gentle kiss on the older man’s lips. ‘Be there for me now…please.’

Severus didn’t hesitate, wrapping his arms around Harry’s waist and pulled him close. ‘For as long as you’ll have me.’ He whispered before he hugged Harry tightly to him.

‘It is very odd, Fawkes.’ Dumbledore murmured distractedly, idly stroking his beard as the fiery red bird trilled from his stand nearby.

He’d spent hours over the ancient tome on his desk but still he had no answers. The Fates hadn’t had much actual contact with living creatures and so not much was actually written down about them. For them to have not only have answered Harry’s call, but granted his request, was almost unfathomable. How in Merlin’s name the boy had even managed to find the details for the ritual required was mind boggling.

‘A Lustitia, Fawkes. Whatever is the Ministry going to think about that?’

Fawkes trilled and chirped several times.

‘That is true. If Harry is no longer a Lustitia, then they do not need to be told.’

There were another set of trills and chirps before Dumbledore sighed.

‘Yes, explaining the loss of magic will be very difficult.’

Man and bird sat in reflective silence then as they contemplated the riddle that was Harry Potter.

‘Are you coming to breakfast in the great hall, Daddy?’ Aria asked as she crawled over the prone figure still lying in bed. After several hours of almost desperate holding and whispered promises, Harry had fallen back to sleep and Severus had reluctantly placed him back in bed with their daughter. He hadn’t slept though, instead moving back to his armchair and watching until the first rays of light pierced through the tiny window high on the wall.

When Aria had woken he’d coaxed her quietly from the bed and helped her get ready for the day until the now joyful four year old, neatly dressed and ready to go, had run back into her bedroom and climbed on the bed. ‘Daddy?’ Aria said again.

Harry opened a bleary eye, almost as bloodshot as Severus own, before letting out a groan. ‘Morning, poppet.’ He said, as cheerfully as he could given the circumstances.

‘Are you coming to breakfast, Daddy?’ Aria asked once more, a trace of impatience in her voice that had Harry raising an amused eyebrow at the black cloaked figure in the doorway. Severus, for his part, just smirked at him.

Harry looked back at his daughter, big green eyes almost the exact shade his had been and shook his head. ‘No darling, Daddy might just rest down here for a while. I’ll see you when your Papa brings you back before classes alright.’

Aria nodded and kissed his cheek before sliding off the bed and skipping to the door. ‘I’ll bring you a waffle, Daddy, okay?’

Harry snorted and nodded, waving goodbye before dropping his head and closing his eyes as the potions master took his daughter’s hand and headed for the door.

‘So you see, Papa, a picnic would be a really good idea. Especially if Dobby makes those nice biscuits with the chocolate chips.’ Aria had chatted incessantly since they’d left their rooms, skipping at Snape’s side, her hand holding his tightly.

Normally the irascible man would be at the end of his tether but he was unspeakably happy to see his little girl so lively and animated that any thoughts of asking her to pipe down were soundly squashed and he couldn’t stop a small smile breaking out on his face, something that scared most of the Hufflepuff table stupid as they made their way into the hall and up the centre aisle.

Dumbledore’s blue eyes were twinkling also at the happiness clearly showing on Aria’s face. ‘Good morning , Severus, Aria.’

‘Morning, Grandpa Albus.’ Aria called out cheerfully as she pulled herself up on the chair next to her father.

The headmaster glanced at his employee. ‘Is he okay?’

Snape nodded, taking his napkin off his plate and placing it in his lap before pouring Aria a glass of milk. ‘Yes, just very tired. We talked for a long time last night.’

‘Is everything alright?’ The elderly wizard asked hesitantly as he passed the platter of eggs down the table.

The small smile returned to Snape’s face once again and he nodded, his eyes suspiciously bright. ‘Yes, everything is fine. Everything is better than fine.’

Dumbledore beamed. ‘Wonderful.’

Snape made sure Aria had enough on her plate…if only she’d stop chattering to Madame Hooch long enough to actually eat it…before he turned back to the Headmaster. ‘Thank you, Albus. Thank you for finding him.’

‘Papa, Aunt Rollie says I can practice on my little broom with her this morning if I want too. Can I?’ Aria’s voice was full of excitement and Severus just couldn’t believe the change in the little girl since yesterday and he snorted softly.

‘You will’

‘Stay where I’m told and not push my broom too far.’ Aria chimed, rolling her eyes as if she’d heard the speech many times, which in fact she had. ‘It’s a baby’s broom, Papa, how far can I go?’

Snape opened his mouth to reprimand her but stopped, today he didn’t want to do anything to spoil her mood. ‘Have fun, Aria. Your father and I will see you at lunchtime.’ He added, almost too softly to be heard.

Aria’s eyes narrowed and her quick mind realised that her Daddy being at Hogwarts was supposed to be a secret and she nodded once before turning back to her breakfast.

He’d kissed his daughter goodbye, taking the waffle she’d neatly wrapped in a napkin for Harry, and watched as she’d skipped out of the hall with Rolanda, still chattering away before, shaking his head, he moved back towards his dungeon rooms, intent on seeing Harry for at least a moment before his first class started in twenty minutes.

He murmured the password and crossed the sitting room towards Aria’s, entering almost silently and stopped at the sight. Harry was now sprawled on the bed, one arm across the pillow, one flung above his head causing his shirt to ride up and show the horrible scarred skin on his stomach.

The potions master swallowed heavily, wishing more than anything that Harry hadn’t been hurt as he had been. He crossed to the bed and sat on the edge, lifting a hand to place it gently on Harry’s shoulder.

‘Harry?’ He murmured and a moment later amber eyes blinked open and a slow smile spread across the man’s face.

‘Sev.’ Harry’s voice was husky from sleep and Severus restrained the urge to kiss him hard. Harry’s smile widened and he reached up and grasped the back of Snape’s neck, dragging the potions master down and doing just as the man has wished.

‘Merlin, Harry.’ Snape gasped as they pulled away.

‘Your eyes tell me everything, Severus. They always have.’ Harry whispered.

The older man traced the planes of Harry’s face before trailing down the scarred neck. ‘I love you, Harry.’ He breathed.

‘I know. I love you too. I never stopped loving you. That’s what made it so hard.’

Snape studied the man’s face before kissing him again until they had to pull away lest they get into something they couldn’t stop.

‘Where’s Ari?’

Severus arched an eyebrow. ‘Hooch didn’t have a class this morning and offered to let Aria practice. She certainly takes after her Daddy when it comes to flying.’

Harry couldn’t stop the small proud smile that lit his face.

‘Can I ask you something?’ Severus questioned.

The smile turned into a wry smirk. ‘You mean other than what you just did?’

Severus rolled his eyes, ignoring the question. ‘Why Aria?’

The smirk returned to a smile. ‘Because Verdi wasn’t suitable for a girl.’ Harry said softly.

Severus frowned before he remembered those terrible nights when Harry would wake screaming, the visions from Tom Riddle causing him to retch repeatedly and afraid to sleep again for hours. Severus would bundle him tightly in the blankets and hold him close, singing in that soothing baritone from Verdi’s La Traviata. It was his favourite opera and it seemed to help Harry forget, at least for a while.

‘You remember that?’ It wasn’t so much that Harry remembered his singing to him, but that he remembered enough to find out what he had been singing.

Harry nodded. ‘Yes. I heard it one day, on television. I was really ill that day with morning sickness so I just lay in bed and watched the TV. I fell asleep and when I woke up they were part way through La Traviata. I think that’s what woke me actually. After that, I went straight out and bought the video. I couldn’t stop watching it, listening to it. It was at that point that I realised I still loved you.’

Severus felt his eyes itch and looked away from the amber ones watching him so intently. ‘Do you have any idea of the amount of times I wished I could have heard you say that just one more time?’ He whispered.

‘Do you have any idea of the amount of times I’ve actually said it over the last five years.’ Harry murmured, reaching up and grasping Snape’s chin and turning it back until he could see the onyx eyes. ‘I’ve had enough of dwelling on the past, Severus. I cannot blame you for what happened. I may hate Malfoy until my dying day but I will never forgive myself for what I did to him. If it had been me in your place, I may well have done the same thing if only to keep you safe.’

The black eyes flashed angrily. ‘My godson.’ He all but snarled the word. ‘Deserved what he got.’

Harry shook his head, shifting until he was sitting up and taking the potions master’s hands in his. ‘No, he was young, and desperate. He really loved you, and he decided this was the only way to get what he wanted. He never learned to think about those around him, about the feelings of others. He was never taught to. The Fates were right. What I did was so very wrong. I let my heart rule my head, something I had sworn to them I would never do.’ Harry’s voice was very soft and he slid from the bed, pulling the potions master to his feet also. ‘And now, I will live with consequences of what I did every day.’

Severus’ eyes were suspiciously bright and he opened his mouth but found himself without words.

Harry gave him a wan smile. ‘I know, Severus.’ He whispered, tilting his head to kiss the pale cheek. ‘You’d better get to class.’ He added before disappearing through the door and into the bathroom.

‘Daddy!’ Aria shrieked as she caught sight of Harry standing in the warm sun by the side of the Quidditch Pitch. She did two barrel rolls before practically cannoning into him, the small baby broom dropping to the ground as she wrapped her arms and legs around him tightly.

‘Hey poppet.’ Harry chuckled hugging her tightly in response as Rolanda drifted her broom downwards to land beside them.

‘My word, Harry Potter, is that you?’

Harry smiled. ‘Hi Madame Hooch. It’s good to see you again.’ He said sincerely.

Hooch just stared him up and down, taking in the child in his arms. ‘You are Aria’s other parent?’

‘Yes, I carried her.’ Harry said simply.

Aria looked up then and stroked her little hand down Harry’s cheek before kissing it softly and laying her head on his shoulder as he shifted her in his arms and watched the woman’s mental calculations in her head.

‘But that would mean…’

Harry snorted and rolled his eyes. ‘Yes, it would.’ He agreed, knowing that particular look was one he would have to get used to.

‘I’m hungry, Daddy.’ Aria pouted.

‘Then we’d better get you fed, hadn’t we.’ The Boy-Who-Lived laughed and bent down to pick up the little broom, an action that had Hooch’s eyes widening. Harry ignored it though and glanced down at his daughter. ‘Say thank you to Madame Hooch for teaching you.’

Aria gave the woman a blinding smile. ‘Thanks Aunt Rollie.’

The witch couldn’t help but smile. ‘Quite alright, Aria. Watching you fly is second only to watching your father.’ She said, gesturing to Harry with a nod of her head.

Harry felt his stomach clench but he just sighed inwardly and ignored it as he turned back towards the castle and lunch where he knew he was going to have to face an inquisition like no other.

Severus met them just outside the great hall, surprised at first to see that Harry had left his rooms but happy all the same. Harry completely ignored the students around them, all heading into the hall for lunch, and stepped right up to Severus, placing a kiss on his cheek.

‘Are you sure about this, Harry?’ Severus murmured.

Harry nodded and smiled. ‘Yes. I cannot hide forever. Not here anyway.’ He added.

Severus nodded also, but he didn’t look convinced as he took Harry’s hand in his and led him into the hall and up to the head table.

Dumbledore was beaming but Severus felt Harry’s hand clench when the whispers started.

‘Merlin’s beard, do you know who that is?’

‘That’s Harry Potter.’

‘It can’t be.’

‘I thought he died.’

‘Why is he holding that git’s hand?

At the last one Harry turned to the offending Gryffindor and let loose a glare that would have done the potions master proud before turning away once again and continuing his path to the head table.

He faltered when he caught the expression on his old head of house’s face and when she stood and moved to greet him he passed off Aria to her Papa lest the woman let loose the curse that looked to be on her lips. She didn’t though, instead suddenly bursting into tears and throwing her arms around him.

Harry looked almost in pain as he closed his eyes and hugged her tightly in return. ‘It’s alright, Professor.’ He whispered.

‘Oh Harry, it’s so good to see you again. I thought…I thought….’ Minerva McGonagall couldn’t continue but Harry knew exactly what she was saying.

‘I’m sorry.’ He murmured, his own eyes glistening. He felt Severus’ hand come to land on his back and pulled away as Poppy Pomfrey came to take Minerva’s arm.

‘Hello Harry.’ She said with a wan smile.

‘Hi Poppy, thanks for taking such good care of my baby.’ He said sincerely. ‘And Severus of course.’ He added as Aria reached out and grabbed his shoulders, pulling herself from her father’s arms and clinging to Harry once again.

‘I knew she was yours the moment I saw her.’ Poppy murmured as she guided Minerva back to her seat. ‘I remembered that morning…You just never told me who her father was.’

‘What? Little Aria is yours, Mr Potter?’ Filius Flitwick squeaked so loudly he almost fell of his seat and Aria buried her face in Harry’s neck as she snickered softly.

‘Yes.’ Harry said glancing up at Severus who remained at his shoulder, that comforting hand on his back.

A new wave of whispers broke out throughout the hall and had Harry’s jaw clenching once more.

‘Perhaps we should all sit down and enjoy our meal and we can finish this conversation in my office at the end of the day.’ Dumbledore suggested and Harry nodded gratefully, allowing Severus to guide him to a seat next to his and pull it out for him, placing Aria in another chair on the other side of him that Dobby immediately provided.

‘You’re definitely a Gryffindor.’ The potions master murmured as he passed Harry the platter of sandwiches.

Harry glanced up at him and gave him a wry grin. ‘I also have quite a Slytherin side, Severus. Or have you forgotten.’

The potions master snorted. ‘Oh no, I haven’t forgotten.’

Harry felt like his head was going to explode. The meeting with the rest of the staff had been going on for more than two hours and there was no sign of it finishing up anytime soon.

‘But I still don’t understand, Harry.’ Minerva returned, wringing her hands. ‘Why would you do such a thing? Particularly when you knew the consequences. No matter what Mr Malfoy did, he didn’t deserve to be killed.’

‘Don’t you think I know that?’ Harry snapped back, his fists clenched angrily. ‘I see his face every time I close my eyes, his eyes accusing me. Not one night goes by that I don’t see what I did over and over. I was young and stupid, something I couldn’t afford to be, and I’m paying for it. Every day I’m paying for it, and I will continue to pay for it until the day I die, which without magic will be much sooner than I originally hoped.’

‘Hush. Don’t say such things.’ Severus murmured, glaring at the elderly witch as he wrapped his arms around Harry’s shoulders and pulled him close. The rest of the staff watched as Harry turned in the man’s arms and held onto him tightly, his hands grasping the black robes tightly as he tried to calm down. It was the most amount of anger Harry had shown since his return and it quite clearly showed the differences between the old Harry Potter and the new. When angry the old one was a sight to behold, eyes flashing and fingers sparking. The new one just looked tired.

‘Where do we go from here, Albus?’ Poppy said quietly. ‘Harry’s return will be in the Prophet tomorrow without doubt.’

Severus stiffened and removed his arms, clasping Harry’s shoulders and drawing him away to look into the amber eyes. ‘Lucius.’ He breathed.

Harry nodded. ‘I know. I knew the moment I set foot outside your rooms that it wouldn’t take long. It was my choice. I’ve hidden before, but I cannot now, not now I’m here, not anymore, and especially from Lucius Malfoy.’

‘Severus?’ Dubledore questioned. ‘What is going on?’

Severus pulled Harry back to him and looked to the headmaster. ‘Lucius is aware of what happened to his son and Harry’s part in it.’ He murmured softly. ‘He has been searching for him for some time.’

‘But how did he even know you were alive?’ Poppy questioned.

Harry shrugged and lifted his head, his expression suddenly weary as if he just wanted everything over with. ‘I can only assume he broke the Obliviate I cast on Zabini or Goyle.’ He said softly

There was a stunned silence that lasted for several moments before Minerva spoke.

‘My word.’

‘It would take some seriously dark magic to break something like that, particularly at the strength you would have cast it.’ Albus murmured.

‘I know.’ Harry sighed.

‘Well, I for one think it’s highly unfair.’ Rolanda scowled. ‘Lucius Malfoy is a mindless barbarian when it comes to the welfare of others. How can the Fates leave Harry defenseless against a monster like him?’

‘Madame Hooch, don’t. Please.’ Harry’s voice wavered. ‘I chose the path. I knew the consequences. The Fates were right in their decision.’

‘I don’t believe you did know the consequences, Harry. Not in the heat of the moment anyway. Afterwards maybe. But not at that moment.’ Dumbledore sat back in his chair with a sigh of his own.

Harry’s jaw clenched and he pulled away from Severus to cross to the window, staring unseeing out of the moonlit grounds. Those watching were silent at the surreal picture, all thrown back five years before when Harry had stood many nights like this as they planned for the final battle. Not much had changed. Harry was a little taller, a little thinner, and a little greyer.

‘Harry?’ Dumbledore prompted.

Harry closed his eyes and swallowed convulsively. ‘I was Lustitia, Professor. There was no heat of the moment. It was not allowed.’

‘You were seventeen years old, Harry. Surely the Fates aren’t that harsh.’ Flitwick’s squeaky little voice made the corners of Harry’s mouth curve up but when he opened his eyes and turned to them it was easy to see the sorrow clearly visible within.

‘They must be, Professor.’ Harry said quietly. ‘To wield the power of a Lustitia is a great honour. Only those with the strongest of wills can survive the trials it takes to receive such a gift. The Fates gave me this gift, they found me worthy. And I betrayed them. It matter’s not how old I was. I let my love for Severus, my hatred for Draco and what he did, break the one oath I swore I never would.’

‘But Harry.’ Severus tried to interrupt but Harry shook his head.

‘You cannot understand. None of you can understand. Until you have stood in my place, endured the trials and faced the Fates, felt that flow of justice surge through you…and know that you are responsible for what happens…you cannot understand. If you will excuse me.’ He added softly, his eyes filled with tears as he hurried across the room and out the door before anyone could speak.

For the third time in two hours there was another stunned silence, this one lasting for almost five minutes before someone spoke, surprisingly it was Sybil Trelawney, sounding as collected as anyone had ever heard her.

‘I wonder if the Fates have any idea of what they’ve lost.’

Breakfast the next morning was calm and quiet especially considering Harry’s return had splashed across the front page of the Prophet. Aside from the slightly higher than normal level of chatter there was not much to see, at least until the form of Lucius Malfoy, almost white with rage, appeared at the doorway to the great hall, his wand already drawn.

‘Potter!’ He barked, startling those students who hadn’t seen him yet.

‘Lucius, no!’ Snape yelled, standing and handing Aria off to Poppy as he quickly pushed Harry behind him. ‘You don’t want to do this, especially not here.’ The potions master tried to get the blonde aristocrat to remember the children surrounding them but it was in vain.

‘I’ve waited five years to avenge my son, Severus, your own godson, and I will not wait a moment longer. Now stand aside. I’m sure Potter is capable of defending himself and I challenge him to a Wizard’s duel.’ Lucius snarled.

‘Harry cannot fight you, Lucius.’ Dumbledore said calmly.

‘Then he will forfeit his life. He took my son’s, so I will take his in return.’

‘That isn’t an answer to anything, Mr Malfoy, trust me on that.’ Harry spoke softly as he moved away from where Severus was trying to shield him and stepping around the end of the table, stopping only as Severus’s hand clamped down on his shoulder, not allowing him to go any further.

‘What would you know about it, Potter?’ The Malfoy Patriarch growled.

Harry glanced around the hall and gave a small sigh. ‘Because I am intimately acquainted with the consequences of revenge.’ He murmured.

The blonde wizard stared at the dark haired man, his eyes narrowed, ignoring the wands pointed at him from all directions as he tilted his head slightly. He remembered the potions master pushing the Boy-Who-Lived behind him. He remembered the way the staff instantly rose to defend him, in spite of the fact that the man who had defeated the Dark Lord was eminently qualified to look after himself. And lastly, he remembered what the seventeen year old wizard had looked like those five years ago. Of how the magic had seemed to almost float around him even when sitting calmly….and he smiled.

‘Oh ho, Potter. This will make it so much easier.’ He chuckled darkly raising his wand.

‘Lucius.’ Severus began but Harry turned and shook his head.

‘It’s alright, Severus.’ Harry whispered, shrugging off the older man’s hand and moving towards the blonde. ‘You can strike me down if that is what you truly wish, Mr Malfoy.’ Harry said quietly, coming to a stop only feet from the other man. ‘However it won’t bring Draco back. I am sorry for your loss…and I’m sorry that it was me who took him from you.’

‘You should be.’ Lucius growled but didn’t raise his wand any further.

‘I was young, and stupid. I made a terrible mistake, just as Draco did.’

‘Potter.’ Malfoy growled again, slightly louder.

Harry glanced at the avid listeners and looked back to the stormy grey eyes in front of him. This wasn’t a conversation that should be had in front of others. ‘Please, Mr Malfoy.’ He whispered, gesturing to the small room off the great hall. Lucius seemed to hesitate. ‘I am no threat to you any longer.’ Harry added and the blonde nodded stiffly before he stalked into the room. Severus looked to be about to follow but only Harry’s vehement shake of his head and Dumbledore restraining hand on his arm held him back as Harry followed and closed the door softly behind him.

The hall remained almost silent, just the whispers of the students who hadn’t left even after the bell rang when it was clear the teacher’s weren’t going to. Albus, Poppy and Minerva were talking softly far enough away from the door not to hear but close enough to dash in should they hear anything over the normal level of conversation. Snape paced nearby with Aria in his arms, his face an expression of concern that he couldn’t hide.

The two men stayed in that small room for almost half an hour before the door opened and all conversation in the hall stopped as the two stepped out of the room. Lucius Malfoy’s frame was hunched and he looked as if he’d been crying. Harry kept his eyes on the man’s face as he frowned.

‘I am very sorry, Mr Malfoy.’ Harry said softly.

Lucius nodded. ‘I know.’ The aristocrat said hoarsely before nodding once in regret to Severus and moving swiftly from the hall.

No one moved for several minutes until well after the man’s robes had swirled out the door. Severus shifted Aria to one hip before stepping up to Harry and visually inspecting him all over.

‘I’m fine, Sev. I promise.’ Harry sighed wearily, lifting his daughter from the older man’s arms and accepting the fierce hug the man bestowed on them both, ignoring the gagging from the nearby Gryffindor table.

‘What happened, Harry?’ Dumbledore couldn’t hide the curiosity in his voice even as he steered the young man back to his seat.

‘I told him the truth.’ Harry said simply, not actually taking a seat.

‘The truth?’ Most of the teachers were stunned at this revelation.

Harry nodded, shifting the squirming Aria in his arms. ‘Yes, the truth.’

Severus frowned, placing an arm around Harry’s shoulders and tugging him gently back against his side. ‘But I don’t understand. He was ready to kill you, Harry. What in the truth could have made such a difference?’

‘I assume that finding out that not only was your son gay, but that he was also blackmailing his godfather to sleep with him was quite a shock.’

‘I doubt he would care quite frankly. You killed his only heir.’

Harry gave the man a wane smile. ‘Do you remember Darshall Everton?’ He asked bluntly.

Snape’s eyes widened and he and Dumbledore exchanged a pointed look.

‘He was the heir to Everton House. He died when Severus was in third year. Committed suicide off the Astronomy Tower if I recall correctly.’ Albus said thoughtfully.

‘No, he didn’t.’ Harry glanced up at the potions master. ‘He’d propositioned the future Mrs Malfoy the day before. Lucius was not pleased.’

The rest of the staff gaped at him. ‘How can you know these things?’ Minerva questioned.

Harry bent his head and closed his eyes, shielding his face in Aria black curls. The others around him thought he might not answer but eventually he looked up again. ‘I know lots of things. About lots of people. Hogwarts speaks to me. Well, she used to anyway.’

This time there were raised eyebrows to go with the gaping looks.

‘I still can’t see how that would calm the rage that was in Lucius eyes.’ Severus muttered finally.

Harry looked up and gave him a sly grin. ‘It’s called empathy, Sev. Perhaps you should try it sometime.’ He chuckled softly.

The potions master’s eyes narrowed and Harry knew he’d pay for the comment later but right now he was just too tired to care.

‘Perhaps we should think about classes, Albus.’ Minerva suggested, gesturing to the listening students.

‘Good idea, Minerva’ He called out turning to the students. I think it is almost time for your second class of the day. Why don’t you all run along and your teachers will be there shortly.’ He said encouragingly before turning back to Harry as the students all rose from their seats behind him.

‘If it was that easy to calm him down, dear boy.’ He questioned. ‘Can I ask why you didn’t do it before now?’

Harry sighed. ‘To begin with, I needed him to hesitate long enough to listen in the first place. He wouldn’t have done that if it had just been the two of us. And secondly, time heals all wounds. Lucius might have been a bastard of a father, but he truly loved Draco. I knew the longer I waited, the quicker he would be able to see through his anger to the truth.’

Severus studied him in silence for several minutes as the rest of the staff nodded in understanding around them. He let out a derisive snort and cuffed the young man across the back of the head.

‘You had no idea of what he’d do, did you.’ He scowled.

Harry gave him a wicked grin but didn’t say a word.

‘Bloody Gryffindor.’

‘Absolutely.’ Harry laughed.

Snape let out another snort and mindful of the four year old in her father’s arms grasped his chin and kissed him soundly before patting Aria’s head once and turning on his heel, the billow of robes when he left the hall still impressive as he left Harry and Dumbledore both chuckling and the rest of the staff looking highly amused.

Thanks for waiting everyone. I will try to be a bit quicker with the next one but life is hectic at the moment.

Regards,

Mione