Standing Against the Tides

Last time I looked at my driver’s license, it did not say J. K. Rowling. Yep, it’s just me, an unpaid and unknown aspiring writer. The characters of the Potterverse do not belong to me and I am making no money from this endeavor.

A/N: Spoilers through OotP. As I am still in denial, I refuse to acknowledge the events of HBP or DH at this point.

Unbeta’d as BabyGurl is busy with her own life.





Chapter 38 Research and Developments

As expected, Ron didn’t exactly take the news about Malfoy’s apparent change of heart very well. Hermione just frowned while her boyfriend ranted and raved about evil, slimy, untrustworthy, not to mention slimy Slytherin prats. Harry just shook his head and shrugged at the witch as they waited for their friend to wind down.

Finally out of breath, Ron just stood there, gaping at his nutter friends. What else could explain their calm acceptance of the situation? After all, this was Ferret-Boy they were talking about.

“Harry, tell me you are joking. Please?” Ron begged.

Shaking his head, the Headmaster sighed. “Sorry, Ron, but it’s true. Malfoy answered all the questions under Veritaserum and Severus and Kingsley are satisfied that he’s telling the truth. He really is serious about wanting to get away from Voldemort and his father.”

Seeing that her boyfriend was readying himself for another round of protests and inventive name calling, Hermione hastily interjected, “Ronald, we must give Malfoy the benefit of the doubt.”

Thankful for the girl’s help, Harry decided it was time to move on to the next part of the plan. “Severus has asked Draco to start searching for spells that might be useful in destroying a dark soul. Hermione, maybe you’d like to help Malfoy do this research?” Harry innocently asked.

The brown eyes lit up immediately lit up at the prospect of digging through the numerous old tomes in the library. Surely they’d need to look in the Restricted Section too?

Ron, seeing the gleam in his girlfriend’s eyes, spoke up, “Hey, if you think I’m going to let Ferret-Face be alone in the library with my girl, you’re mistaken.” Ignoring the smack to the back of his head from said young woman, Ron glared at his best mate.

Smirking as the trap closed in on its prey, Harry calmly answered, “Well then, Ron, I guess you’ll just have to help Hermione and Malfoy research spells so you can make sure he doesn’t try anything.” Yelping as he too felt the physical wrath of their female friend, Harry was none the less pleased that Severus’ plan to keep Draco occupied was working.


Draco proved to be even more useful than Harry would have imagined as the blond still had access to Malfoy Manor and its library filled with books on Dark Magic. It was a simple matter for Dobby, as a former Malfoy House elf, to pop to the Manor and retrieve the rare books that Draco had described. Even Severus had been unaware of their existence as Lucius had so jealously guarded the books from all but immediate family. Too bad for him that his son had decided to break rank, Harry thought smugly.

While Harry’s friends and Draco searched for anything useful in their fight against Voldemort and Dumbledore, Severus began working on a potion that was designed to destroy the darkness in a soul. The hope was that, combined with the proper spells, the evil that was housed in the Dark Lord and Dumbledore would at last be laid to rest.

Harry continued to study and train while also learning how to properly run a magical school. Minerva and Severus were a great help and Harry was grateful for their assistance and advice. Fawkes was also proving to be quite helpful as the phoenix took it upon himself to keep the castle’s inhabitants calm and happy. Of course, the fact that the bird would then sit on his perch and gloat about his accomplishments was somewhat less than helpful, but overall, Harry couldn’t complain.

At least one member of the staff seemed to be less than enthusiastic about Harry’s sudden appointment as Headmaster. Indeed, Argus Filch had been even more surly than usual as he shuffled around the castle and snapped at errant students and faculty. Thankfully, Hogwarts took care of this problem by ‘encouraging’ and ‘motivating’ the old squib to attend to his duties as caretaker a bit more diligently. On this matter, Harry really didn’t want to know the particulars.


Of course, Harry really should have known that things were going too smoothly. He thought that at the very least he should have been prepared for the news that Kingsley Shacklebolt brought him that day when the Auror arrived for his practical lesson on dueling.

“What do you mean the paperwork for Belleatrix’s arrest was ‘lost’?” Harry asked incredulously as he stared at the bald man.

“Exactly that, Headmaster,” Kingsley calmly replied, glancing over to the Potions master as he spoke. “Without the proper documentation, the Ministry has no choice but to release her.”

“But she’s a Death Eater!” Harry exclaimed. He angrily shrugged off the soothing hand of his lover as he continued to vent, “She killed Sirius! You can’t tell me that there’s nothing you can do!”

Sighing, the dark skinned man tried to make this angry young man understand. “I’m sorry, Harry. The Auror Department has tried everything, but Fudge is being insistent on this matter. We’ve been ordered to release Bellatrix Lestrange first thing in the morning.” Snorting, the Auror continued, “The Minister has also demanded that we apologize to the witch for ‘wrongfully’ detaining her.”

Severus spoke for the first time since hearing this news, “It would seem the Dark Lord has managed to place at least one of his people in an influential position, if they were able to manage such a feat, as the evidence against Lestrange was quite impressive.”

“That’s what worries me, Severus. Well, that along with the fact that Fudge is willing to overlook the Dark Mark that Bellatrix Lestrange bears on her arm and the fact that she is an escaped convict from Azkaban,” Kingsley reluctantly admitted.

The Auror paused for a moment before he relayed the next piece of information, knowing all too well how badly it would be received. “I’m afraid there’s more to tell you. You might want to sit down for this bit.” Waiting for the two men to warily settle themselves in the seating area, Kingsley braced himself for the maelstrom that would surely follow. “As you recall, Cornelius Fudge was furious when he found out that Harry was named the new Headmaster. Well, he has not been idle since then. I just found out that Fudge has petitioned the Wizengamot to become the legal guardian of Mr. Potter.”

Looking directly at Harry, Kingsley continued, “Apparently, he was able to persuade your relatives to dissolve all familial ties with you. With no relatives and you being under-aged, you have no legal rights under Wizarding law. Fudge filed the petition to gain guardianship over you that same day. I trust that you both understand the gravity of this situation.”

Harry could only sit there, his brain struggling to make sense of the words that the Auror had just spoken. Surely, the Dursleys couldn’t, they wouldn’t? But they hate you, his traitorous mind whispered to him; they’d love to be rid of a freak like you.

Severus, feeling the tumultuous thoughts and emotions coursing through his bond mate’s mind, laid his hand on his trembling lover’s arm. Feeding feelings of warmth and contentment through to the younger man, Severus waited quietly while Harry came back to himself. Forcing his own emotions to calm, Severus stated matter-of-factly, “We will have to announce our bonding in order to stop Fudge’s petition from passing.”

“Yes, I believe so,” Kingsley readily agreed. “While it may be possible to fight the guardianship, it would likely take some time. The legal battle is also a distraction that we cannot afford at this time.”

Closing his eyes as he acknowledged the inevitable, Harry knew that he trusted Severus to do what was best for them. The young Headmaster did have to wonder why the Wizarding World was bent on trying to control him, though.

After some more discussion, the three men decided that an interview with Rita Skeeter would be arranged. While Harry hated the idea of talking to the nosy and self-serving witch, he realized that an article in the Daily Prophet would be the quickest way to get their message out to the Wizarding public and Fudge.


Rita Skeeter was ecstatic at learning of her chance at an exclusive interview with that Darling of the Wizarding World, Harry Potter. Making sure she had a ready supply of parchment and Self-Inking Quills, the witch briefly lamented the stipulation that she not bring any Quick-Quotes Quills along with her. Rita sighed as she also remembered her promise to only write what the new Headmaster of Hogwarts authorized. Smoothing away her frown, the intrepid reporter checked her hair and make-up once again before Disapparating from her corner office at the Daily Prophet.

Arriving at the gates of Hogwarts, Rita smiled as she stared up at the venerable old school. Thoughts of what might have prompted the publicity-shy young man to contact her occupied her mind as the witch made the journey to what was sure to be a thrilling interview.

To her great surprise, Rita was greeted at the front doors by both the Boy-Who-Lived and the Potions Master, Septimus Snipe, or something or other. After exchanging pleasantries and proper introductions, the two men led the reporter to the tower that housed the Headmaster’s office.

Once inside the office, Rita looked around curiously and noted the portraits of the past Headmasters staring rather boldly down at her. Determined to ignore the rude paintings, she sat down in the proffered seat and looked expectantly at her hosts as she pulled out her parchment and Self-Inking Quill.

Nervously clearing his throat, Harry began talking. “Miss Skeeter, we have asked you here for a very important reason. I am sure that you have noticed that I am not a person who enjoys being in the lime light. The truth is that I would much rather live my life quietly, out of the public eye.” Holding up a hand when he saw that the witch meant to interrupt, Harry continued, “However, recent events have forced my hand and I find that I must speak out if I wish to keep control of my life.”

Looking over at his lover for reassurance, Harry took a deep breath before speaking. “I have recently found out that Cornelius Fudge has managed to convince my Muggle relatives to relinquish guardianship of me. Fudge then immediately petitioned the Wizengamot to become my guardian. I think you will understand my reluctance to allow this to happen. As I am still legally considered a minor, I would normally have no say in the matter.”

Harry paused while the witch hastily wrote the account she was hearing. Her brows furrowed as the meaning of the words sank into her brain. “Do you mean to say that you have a way to fight Minister Fudge’s gambit?” she inquired, her quill still scribbling across the parchment.

Smiling for the first time since the reporter arrived, Harry nodded. “Oh yes. You see, it’s like this…”


The next morning, Severus kept a wary eye on the student body as the morning owl post arrived. The rustle of paper signaled the opening of the Daily Prophet and the Potions Master was curious to watch the reactions from the promised front page story. He was particularly anxious to see what his godson would do once Draco learned the truth about his and Harry’s relationship. As they had insisted upon approving the final draft of the article before it went to print, Severus had no need to read it once again, so he settled in to watch the emotions wash across the students’ faces. Smirking as he sipped his morning cuppa, the former spy reflected that he did love surprising people.

Shaking his head in amusement as he sensed his mate’s thoughts, Harry opened his own copy of the Daily Prophet and began reading.


Minister of Magic’s Malicious Mischief

By Rita Skeeter, special correspondent,

This reporter is pleased to tell you that she was granted an exclusive interview with our very own Chosen One and newly named Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter. During this meeting, I learned many shocking and scandalous truths concerning our Minister of Magic. Astute readers will remember my recent award-winning and critically acclaimed expose on the real reasons behind Albus Dumbledore’s sudden resignation as Headmaster and the lengths to which that despicable man went to in order to harm our favorite boy wizard.

So it pains me now to inform you that Cornelius Fudge has also been plotting against the Boy-Who-Lived. Minister Fudge, through no doubt shady means, convinced Mr. Potter’s Muggle relatives to renounce all familial bonds, thus setting the stage for the next part of his nefarious plan. This reporter feels duty-bound to tell you that Cornelius Fudge has since petitioned the Wizengamot for guardianship of the young Mr. Potter. One must wonder why the Minister is so determined to gain control of the new Headmaster of Hogwarts. What exactly is the Minister’s agenda? Is this all part of some grand plan to bring Hogwarts under the direct control of the Ministry? Does Minister Fudge have some dark and dire fate in store for our hero?

Whatever the Minister has planned for Headmaster Potter and Hogwarts, this reporter is pleased to inform my good readers that this plot is doomed to fail. It was revealed to me that Mr. Potter’s status is such that any guardianship would be both unnecessary and invalid.

To my great surprise, Mr. Potter happily informed me that he is in fact bonded to Potions Master Severus Snape. Professor Snape sat in on our meeting, silent for the most part, seemingly preferring to allow his bond mate and new employer to do most of the talking.

Headmaster Potter related how he and his former professor had recently discovered that they were soul mates, a fact that had been carefully hidden from both men by the machinations of Albus Dumbledore. It was the discovery of this bond that prompted the men to search for answers, thus uncovering the many lies that the former Headmaster had woven over the years. With the truth revealed, the men completed their bond in order to protect the young Mr. Potter.

The Potions Master confirmed that while a formal ceremony has not yet taken place, their bonded state is considered legal in the eyes of the Wizarding World. Professor Snape went on to state that they plan to celebrate their union in a private ceremony after the end of the school year, when Mr. Potter will no longer be a student. In case my readers are wondering, the Potions Master reminded me that per Deputy-Headmistress Minerva McGonagall’s orders, Mr. Potter is technically not his student, so no favoritism in the classroom can be implied.

Both men assure me that they are quite happy in their bond. Indeed, this reporter cannot recall ever seeing the Chosen One’s emerald eyes so bright and full of life. (For a full understanding of the nature of soul mates and soul mate bonds, please turn to page 14.)

Mr. Potter stated most emphatically that Minister Fudge has no chance of winning guardianship over him and that the man would be smart to drop the attempt. The steely looks on both men’s faces convinced this reporter of their determination to stand strong against this unwarranted onslaught.

Rising as one, the Headmaster and his soul mate signaled that the interview was over. In true gentlemanly fashion, they escorted me to the front doors of Hogwarts before graciously bidding me farewell. In light of the situation, this reporter can only wish them the best and for a long and joyful union.

The questions regarding Cornelius Fudge’s true motives and agenda must be addressed. If he is willing to bend the law to gain guardianship of this young man, what else might he be willing to do to gain his ends? This reporter urges a full investigation into the Minister of Magic’s activities.

Draco slowly lowered his paper as he turned to stare at his godfather. How could the man not have warned him? Uncle Sev and Potter? Really? The young Slytherin’s attention was drawn away when he felt fingers push his jaw up. Realizing that he had been sitting there, mouth agape, like some simpleton, the blond aristocrat turned to the owner of those fingers. “Problem, Parkinson?” he drawled, as if she had been the one caught slack-jawed.

Smirking at her long-time friend, Pansy smugly replied, “Not at all, Draco, darling. We can’t have the Slytherin Prince going around looking like a common Gryffindor, now can we?” So saying, the girl went back to her conversation with her friends.

Shaking his head, Draco had to admit that his godfather had good taste. His rival did have that just-shagged look about him and the Malfoy heir had to admit that if he was so inclined, he might even be interested in Potter.


“Sir, I have those…” Percy Weasley ducked just in time to avoid the paperweight that shattered against the door jamb. Hastily jumping back as an ink well also came sailing his way, the young Ministry sycophant could only wonder what had riled Cornelius Fudge so badly. Staring dumbly at his boss, the red-haired man slowly backed out of the room, closing the door behind him. Percy heard Fudge’s shouts of “he was supposed to be mine! I had him in my grasp!” before he walked away, not wanting to be caught listening at the Minister’s door. Perhaps he should have an early lunch before trying to deliver his report on cauldron bottoms to the Minister of Magic. Hopefully, whatever had stirred the man to such anger would have blown over by then.


“Wormtail! Lucius! Come with me, I have plans I need to make,” Lord Voldemort hissed, as he tossed the crumpled paper to the floor beside his throne. How dare that traitor take what was rightfully his! Potter was his to take and break before killing. Now both Potter and Snape would pay for betraying him. Rising from his throne crafted from the bones and skulls of his victims, Lord Voldemort motioned for his loyal Death Eaters to follow him. He had plans to make: Hogwarts and the traitors would be his.