Windows of the Soul

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Author's Notes: This story ignores HBP and DH; it starts the beginning of the summer before Harry’s seventh year. Thank you to my beta Sometimeselkie for all her hard work.

Chapter 24 – Choices

Dumbledore waited until Harry had composed himself and sat between his fathers.

He stood. “Earlier this evening we got word that there was to be an attack on the school, tonight.”

There were many gasps. “Fortunately it was not a physical attack, but one that has to be combated.”

Molly spoke up. “Albus, where did you get the information? And Harry, how is poor Draco?”

Albus looked at Harry. “Draco is still sleeping, Pansy is looking after him. He has taken this really hard, but we will get through this.”

Severus spoke up. “Until graduation and the boys’ bonding, I...we will be asking Draco if he will allow me to become his guardian.”

Molly nodded and turned to Albus. Albus sighed; Molly was like an owl with a mouse when she wanted answers. “It is not common knowledge, but there is a spy in Voldemort’s ranks and it was from this source that we got the information this evening.”

There was some outraged blustering, until Albus held his hand up.

“The life and safety of this individual is dependent on his continuing anonymity.”

Albus looked around the room; he sat down with Minerva standing behind him, her hand on his shoulder.

“We do need to address tonight’s events. It was very unfortunate that Draco was disowned in a very public and humiliating way. He will need to be watched when with the other Slytherins and it is a good thing he has moved into your quarters, Harry.” Harry nodded, and Severus hugged his son.

“I will watch my Slytherins, Albus. I know which ones have an allegiance to the Dark Lord.”

“Very well, Severus.” Albus’s eyes lost a bit of their sparkle. “In view of tonight’s events we need to be more vigilant. If four known Death Eaters can enter the castle unseen, and then we have a serious problem.”

Remus spoke up. “Albus, you also need a new DADA teacher, as I am unable to carry on teaching.”

Albus smiled and his eyes twinkled. “And why would that be, Remus?”

Remus looked bewildered as did Severus. “I am a werewolf and the governors didn’t approve my posting, so I will stay here because of my husband, but I can’t teach.”

Albus leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. “I am sure we can come to an understanding. After all, we have no DADA Professor and whilst we wait for one, you could always help out.”

Severus’s snort brought many shocked looks the Potions master’s way.

“And exactly how long will it take to hire a DADA teacher, Albus?”

Albus smiled and leant back in his chair.

“Oh, it could take a few months, my boy, probably a few months, at least until the summer.”

There were a few chortles and laughter around the office.

Harry stood. “If that’s all, Professors, I really need to get back to Draco.”

Albus nodded and with a quick hug for Remus and Severus, Harry walked quickly to his rooms and his fiancé.

Walking into his rooms, he heard Pansy’s voice trying to soothe a crying Draco. Harry quickly went into their bedroom and found Pansy holding a nearly hysterical Draco, who was sobbing into her shoulders.

Harry climbed onto the bed; Draco’s head came up and without warning he threw himself into Harry’s arms. Pansy looked relieved. Harry held his crying fiancé, rubbing his back and murmuring soothing things into his ear. Harry looked at Pansy, speaking quietly. “Pans, go get my father’s please. They were in Dumbledore’s office, but they might have gone to their quarters.”

Pansy nodded and ran out of the door.

Harry and Draco stayed like that until Severus and Remus came into the room. Remus, seeing his boys, climbed on the bed and took both boys into a big hug. Draco turned and hugged Remus. Severus sat on the bed, with Harry leaning against him.

“Draco, we need to talk to you.”

Draco shook his head and burrowed closer to Remus.

“Draco, I understand tonight has been horrendous, but we hope that you will agree on a temporary solution.”

Draco stopped crying and slightly lifted his head from Remus and peered around Harry to look at his godfather.

“A temporary solution?” Draco whispered.

“As you have been disowned and without a name, Remus and I thought that we could be your guardians until your bonding with Harry after your graduation. This way you will be part of the family already and the name Lupin-Snape will give you some protection, if that is acceptable to you?”

Severus couldn’t believe the change in his godson’s face. One minute he was desolate and the next he was smiling and nodding with tears of joy in his eyes.

“I would be happy to have you both as guardians and to take your name. Thank you.” Draco hugged Remus, nodded to Severus and snuggled with Harry.

Remus kissed both boys’ foreheads and got off the bed. Taking Severus’s hand, they both walked to the door and turned to the two on the bed. Remus smiled.”Get some rest and in the morning we will do all the paperwork.”

They left the room and slowly walked to their quarters. Severus stopped outside. Remus looked at him. “What’s wrong, Sev?”

Severus shook his head. “Nothing, except Elli is inside.”

Remus looked at his husband. “Well, let’s go and see what’s made our little girl so upset.” Opening the door and entering their quarters, Severus hesitated a moment and with a muttered, “I know who and he will die a slow and painful death,” he followed his husband into their quarters.

A/N: - I’m sorry this is a short chapter more of filler than anything, but next chapter is much longer and there’s a few shocks in it. Thanks for all the reviews, I am gobsmacked by them all, thank you.