HOME IS WHERE HIS HEART IS

Chapter Twelve


The next morning Harry was riding the chestnut horse, going around the corral so the horse could get used to a rider again. The horse’s burns and abrasions were healed with just a hint of scarring. He could have got rid of the scars completely, but the horse belonged to the Hinnard’s who were Muggles.

He glanced to the side to see Draco and Severus watching him. He hid the rejection from his eyes, before he rode over to them. He had been disappointed that morning when Draco was not there when he woke up. The bed had been made, leaving nothing but a memory that he was even there.

“How’s Remus?” Harry asked, approaching the two.

“He’s tired. Full moon’s tonight so he’s taking it easy,” Severus replied.

“Michael will most likely stay in bed most of the day also,” Harry said.

“Severus and I were thinking of going to the wizarding village, and wondered if we could pick up C.J. from school,” Draco said.

“He’s done in a couple of hours. I’ll contact the school to let them know,” Harry said, not looking directly at Draco.

“That would be great. I need to go to the Ministry here first anyway, then we can pick him up. Are you averse to having pets?” Draco asked.

“No,” Harry said, his lip curling up in a smile. “Why?”

“Remus was saying Colby’s birthday is coming up in a few weeks. I was thinking of getting him a gift,” Draco said.

“You don’t need to do that. He likes you already,” Harry said.

“I want to get to know him better,” Draco said.

“Just don’t make any promises you can’t keep,” Harry quietly said, giving a slight tug to the chestnut’s reins to turn him.

“What was that about? And why do we need to go to the Ministry?” Severus asked, after they watched Harry head towards a ranch hand.

“I don’t know. We had a good time last night and no, we didn’t do that,” Draco grinned. “I didn’t want things to be awkward this morning with Colby, so I left before they got up.”

“And why the Ministry?”

“I need to contact the London Minister of Magic.”

“Why?”

“To tell him I’m not going back,” Draco smiled.

“You’re serious?” Severus asked, surprised.

“Yes, I still love him, Sev. I don’t know how he feels about me, but I’m not giving up.”

“Well, that makes two of us,” Severus mused out loud, walking back to Remus’s so they could use the Floo to go to the Ministry.

“You too?”

“Yes, but I’ve already talked to the wizarding hospital here, and they’ve decided to accept me there. I’ll be heading the new research lab there, for magical maladies and such.”

“And when were you going to tell me this?” Draco asked.

“I just did,” Severus smugly replied.



The two of them Flooed to the Ministry and talked with the Minister of Magic there, then Firecalled London. When they left, an hour later, Draco was grumbling about the fact that yes, they accepted his resignation, but he had to come and tie up some loose ends before he did. He was going to go back to do this, as he was treated well there, considering his father had tainted the Malfoy name. It had taken years to show them that he wasn’t anything like Lucius Malfoy.

“At least you know you have opportunities at the Ministry here,” Severus said.

“Several offers there, but I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I know I want to be with Harry and Colby though.”


The two of them Flooed to the wizarding school, where Michael and Colby went. When they appeared, a young woman approached them.

“Hello. I’m Tania, the Headmaster’s Assistant here. Is there something I can help you with?’ She greeted.

“I’m Draco Malfoy, and this is Severus Snape. We had arranged to pick up Colby Sutton from school today,” Draco said.

“They still have a half hour until the end of the day. The Headmaster let me know to expect you. If you’d like, I can give you a tour of the school while we wait.”

Severus and Draco nodded in agreement, then followed her down the stone steps. “The school originally was a manor belonging to William Forsythe. When he died, there was no heirs to speak of. He loved children, so he wanted it turned into a school,” Tania said.

“Muggle or magical?” Severus asked, seeing the non-moving portraits in the halls.

“This is a magical school that also teaches Muggle classes, like Muggle history, arithmetic, languages, and science.”

“Why?” Severus asked, used to either one or the other.

“There are so many kids who are home schooled, and they aren’t prepared for the Muggle world. We teach them that they could live in either world competently.”

Severus and Draco glanced in the classrooms through the windows of the doors, seeing the teachers and students dressed casually. “Is it always so casual here?” Draco asked.

Tania nodded. “Unlike some schools, we have no uniforms or separate house systems. We like the kids to show their individuality. There are the few teachers that wear robes or dressier clothing than jeans, which is fine, but the majority dress for comfort.”

“What are the grades like?” Draco asked.

“We start at around the age of five, kindergarten, then go to age twelve, grade seven, very much like the Muggle school system. They are taught mostly the fundamentals of magic until grade seven. We help them with their wands at that grade. There are also advanced classes for some of those students that have need to control their magic,” Tania said.

They came upon a giant gymnasium that had young children running through an obstacle course. When they entered, Draco saw the familiar mop of blonde hair.

Colby saw them then rushed over to them. “The teacher said someone was picking me up. Did he mean you?” He breathlessly asked.

“Yes, we thought we would take you to the wizarding village so you can show us around,” Draco smiled.

“Really?” Colby excitedly asked. Draco nodded. “Can we go the Quidditch shop?”

“Of course,” Draco grinned. “Now go back to your class. We’ll be waiting by the . . . ” Draco began then looked at Tania.

“The fountain,” Tania finished.

Draco watched Colby run back to a young girl who looked back at them.

“Is the young girl that Colby’s talking to a vampire?” Severus asked, seeing the points of the smaller fangs.

“Yes, actually she is. Tessa’s a born vampire. She’s been learning to withdraw the fangs, but sometimes she slips. We have a few races here like elves, veela, vampire, and a werewolf or two. We help them cope with their extra abilities as well as give them potions to help in their control.

The three of them walked back to the main hall and down to another room. Inside was a large glassed in room, cages and tanks with various animals around the perimeter. At the head of the class was a woman, a very pregnant woman with a smallish Kneazle on her shoulder. Desks were taken by early teens with their books open as the teacher lectured.

“That’s Nicolette. As you can see, she’s very pregnant,” Tania grinned. “There’s only a month left of school, but we don’t think she’s going to make it that far before having the baby.”

“Is she coming back after?” Draco asked, not noticing Severus’ gaze at him.

Tania shook her head. “She’s planning on staying at home. This is her second and she wants be a stay at home mom. The children will miss her,” She added as they approached the fountain.

“Is the Headmaster busy at the moment?” Draco asked.

“He’s just doing some correspondence. Would you like to speak to him? I can let Colby know to come up there when he’s done in class,” Tania said.

“Yes, if possible. I’d appreciate it,” Draco smiled.

“What are you up to, Draco?” Severus quietly asked as they followed Tania through the portrait that led directly to the Headmaster’s door.

“I figured out what I want to do,” Draco said.

Severus held his tongue as they were greeted by the headmaster. Tania left to go to her desk as Draco and Severus sat before Headmaster Thornbrooke.

“Ah, Severus Snape, I’ve been to a few of your lectures. Nice to meet you,” the Headmaster smiled. “And Mister Malfoy, pleasure also. What can I do for you gentlemen today?”

“I’ve recently decided to settle here, and would be interested in a teacher’s position. Was there anyone you had in mind to take over the creature class when the teacher leaves to have her baby?” Draco asked.

“I’ve been looking and have a few potential candidates. Are you qualified?” The Headmaster asked.

“I’ve been working at the London’s Ministry of Magic in the Liaison Department for several years now. I spent seven years at Hogwarts, as Severus here can attest. He was the Potions Master during that time. I’ve always been interested in the creatures of the wizarding world,” Draco said.

“Hogwarts, a very fine school. I met Albus Dumbledore many years ago. Does he still like those lemon drops?” The Headmaster grinned.

“Yes, very much so,” Severus spoke up, a slight grimace on his face.

“We are looking for a few new teachers for the magical creature class, and are thinking of adding two new classes for the seventh grades in Magical and Nonmagical races of the world, and also Herbology,” the Headmaster said.

“What is needed for these positions?” Severus asked.

“You will need teaching credentials from the Ministry of Magic for grade school level. They will also look up your past school records and such.”

“Will there need to be training?” Severus asked.

“The exam takes two days to complete at the Ministry. Unlike the Muggle world, we don’t take years to complete training.”

“I’ve been taught magic since I was old enough to walk. My grades at Hogwarts were at NEWT level,” Draco smiled. “Do I need an appointment to take the exam?”

“Yes, you do. When would you like to do this?”

“Tomorrow?” Draco hopefully asked.

“We are going on a search for a Negrasus that was spotted in the canyon with Harry Sutton in three days time,” Severus said. “So either very soon, or after.”

Headmaster Thornbrooke nodded and picked up the phone to call the education department at the Ministry.

“Do you think Albus would give me a recommendation?” Draco quietly asked.

“I’m sure he would. Harry probably would too,” Severus said.

“I don’t want to do that,” Draco said shaking his head. “I don’t want to reveal to anyone who he really is?” He softly said.

“We’ll Floo call Albus when we get back to Remus’s,” Severus said.

“Alright. You are in luck, Mister Malfoy. A gentleman had to cancel on the exam due to some personal problem and there is an opening tomorrow. You must be there at seven in the morning and will be there the full day. First day is written exams; the second practical. Here is a list of the things needed and what you will be doing for the practical,” the Headmaster smiled, handing Draco an envelope. “Good luck, Mister Malfoy.”

“Thank you, I hope to see you soon,” Draco grinned, then looked up when he heard the door open.

“Hello, Drake, Sev,” Colby greeted.

“Hello Colby,” Draco smiled, standing up and taking Colby’s hand. “You ready to show us the sights?” He asked, adjusting the backpack on Colby’s back.

“You may use the Floo in the next room if you like,” Tania offered.

“I’ll go first,” Severus said, taking a pinch of glittery Floo powder, then disappeared in the green flames.

Draco picked up Colby and stepped into the large hearth after Severus left, repeating the destination that Severus had clearly spoken. He held on tight as they spiraled through the Floo system, landing in the Floo room of the wizarding village. Draco looked around at the large room. Numerous fireplaces stood with people coming and going, benches lined up in the middle of the room. Looked very much like a Muggle train or bus station.

“Not many people wear robes here, do they?” Draco said after he did a quick spell to clean the soot from Colby and himself from the Floo traveling.

“It’s much more laid back here,” Severus replied.

“I like it,” Draco grinned, putting Colby down, squeezing the little hand that slipped into his.

The three of them went shop to shop looking or buying what they needed. They went to the apothecary, where Severus got a few ingredients needed, and to the book store where Draco got what was recommended to look over from the Headmaster. Severus also bought a dragon book that Colby was looking at, as well as a book on magical races for Michael.

They looked through the Quidditch shop, the joke shop, and the clothing shops which Draco bought a few more things until he could get the rest of his things from back home.

They made two last stops before going back to the ranch. One at the ice cream parlor to get some flavored ice cream that was magicked to stay frozen, then the pet store.

“Okay, I know it’s not your birthday yet, but I want to get you a present now. I might not be here for your birthday,” Draco smiled.

“You won’t?” Colby softly asked. “But why? Don’t you like it here?”

“Yes, I do,” Draco replied, kneeling down to Colby’s level. “I need to go back to work in London.”

“Okay,” Colby quietly said. “You gonna come back?”

“Yes,” Draco reassuringly smiled. “Now, your dad said you were allowed a pet, so you get to pick. Nothing too dangerous mind you.”

A half hour later, not surprising to Draco and Severus, Colby picked out a snake, a scarlet snake, which he immediately named Lizzy when the snake flicked its tongue against Colby’s cheek. With a shrunken tank and all they would need for it in Draco’s pocket. What was surprising was that Severus was now the owner of a black kitten with white paws and nose that had attached itself to Severus as soon as they entered the store. The kitten was a metamorphfelis. It will be able to turn into any kind of feline once it matured a bit.

The three of them Flooed home with their purchases and new additions to their family just in time for dinner that Harry was preparing in the kitchen.

Harry had invited Draco and Severus to stay for dinner, with them mostly listening as Colby went on with what he saw at the wizarding village. Afterwards they adjourned to the living room, talking and playing with the animals. Hedwig eventually came in through the open window to see what all the commotion was about, then perched on the back of a chair, flicking her wing at the kitten which was trying to jump up at it.

Draco and Severus did not stay late. Harry saw that Draco’s mind was occupied, but smiled to himself when he thought of the brief kiss Draco had given him before he Flooed to Remus’s. After making sure Colby washed and brushed his teeth, he tucked him into bed.

“Did you have a good day?” He asked, smiling as he brushed a lock of hair from his son’s face.

“Yeah,” Colby grinned.

“Did you thank Draco and Severus for their gifts?”

“Yeah, Draco said it was early because he wasn’t gonna be here for my birthday. I like Lizzy. I like Draco too. You gonna marry him, Daddy?” Colby finished innocently.

Harry’s heart was beginning to break at the thought of Draco leaving. He wasn’t surprised, but he had hoped the blond would have wanted to stay after visiting with them. He was brought out of his brief musings by Colby repeating the last question of marriage. “I don’t know C.J.”

“Do you love him, Daddy? Like mommy?”

“I loved your mommy, Colby. She was my best friend. Draco and I like each other, at least I like him.”

“I like him too,” Colby smiled.

“I’m glad you do, C.J. Now sleep. You have school tomorrow,” Harry smiled, leaning down to kiss the smooth forehead.

“Night, Daddy. Love you.”

“Love you too, C.J.,” Harry smiled. He turned and left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Harry lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Draco hadn’t been here very long, but the feelings he had for the blond were just as strong as before. He wanted a life with him, but didn’t think he could go back to London. His life was here now and he had Colby to think of. He had really hoped once Draco saw how it was here that he would want to stay. He wished he could tie him up in order to keep him here. Harry shook his head at the very erotic images in his mind then turned on his side. By the time sleep overcame him, he had decided to enjoy the time with Draco while he could.


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