Unforeseen Circumstances

Unforeseen Circumstances

Chapter 9

“Listen up everyone,” shouted Harry, trying to get everyone’s attention. “Professor Snape and Mr. Malfoy will be helping with the DA from now on.” At the instant roar of protest, Harry gave a shrill whistle to silence everyone once again. “Dumbledore and I have a plan to defeat Voldemort, but we need the DA’s help if we want to succeed.”

“What do you need us to do?” asked Susan Bones, standing near the front of the group.

“We need the DA to keep the Death Eaters busy while we take out Voldemort. Simple, right?” said Harry, smirking slightly at the gasps of shock he received with the news.

“You want us to fight off the Death Eaters while you fight Voldemort?” asked Zacharias Smith, staring at Harry with utter disbelief. “No way!”

“Why not?” asked Harry, ignoring the nodding heads agreeing with Smith. “Six DA members, myself included, battled several Death Eaters at the Ministry, and we lived to tell the tale. Why do you believe that you are not capable of the same? Do you think my teaching was completely worthless? The whole point of creating the DA was to teach you how to defend yourselves against attack, and that attack is coming whether you like it or not. You do realize that Voldemort will be bringing the battle to our doorstep and very soon, right?”

“I’m in!” shouted Seamus. “I think Harry’s right. You-Know-Who will be attacking Hogwarts and I plan on defending my home against that monster.”

Harry smiled as he heard several shouts of agreement to Seamus speech. He glanced over to Severus and gestured for him to take the floor. Severus walked to the front of the group and immediately started instructing the students on how to erect proper shields. Within moments, every student in the Room of Requirements was steadily working on learning how to protect Hogwarts.

*****

“I am exhausted,” said Harry, flopping on the couch wearily. Lucius sat beside him and Harry immediately cuddled close. He positively purred when Lucius rubbed his back soothingly.

“You big baby,” said Draco, sitting in the armchair across from Harry and Lucius.

“Whatever. I noticed you didn’t strain yourself to learn anything new today,” said Harry, sticking his tongue out childishly at Draco.

“No one bothered to inform of the meeting, remember? I didn’t get there until the last hour,” said Draco petulantly.

“You mean you weren’t there the whole time?” asked Harry, staring at Draco in confusion. He could have sworn he’d said something to Draco earlier about the meeting.

“You don’t love me at all, do you?” cried Draco, jumping from his seat and running to Severus’ room.

“He was here when I asked you and Severus to help, right?” asked Harry, still staring after the distressed blonde.

“No, he wasn’t. If you’ll remember, you told us the following morning. I wore you out before you could tell all of us that night,” said Lucius smugly.

“Oh no!” cried Harry, jumping off the couch and running after Draco. He ran into Severus’ room and found Draco sitting on the bed with his knees pulled up to his chest. Harry hurried over to the bed, pulled Draco’s legs down, and climbed in his lap, hugging him tightly. “I’m so sorry, Draco. I was planning to tell you when I asked Sev and Lucius to help, but Lucius distracted me. They didn’t get told until this morning, and I asked Hermione to arrange the meeting during my first class. It didn’t even occur to me that you wouldn’t get the message. Please forgive me.”

What could you do with an adorable, clingy, green-eyed baby brother sitting in your lap but to forgive him? Draco had been completely shocked when Harry had run into the room and climbed in his lap. But between the tight hug and the pleading green eyes, Draco couldn’t help but smile at the brunette and hug him back just as tightly.

“Okay, you can get off his lap now, Harry,” said Lucius and Severus from the doorway.

Harry and Draco looked up to see their respective dads glaring at them fiercely. They looked at each and realized exactly how close they’d gotten. Harry had his arms wrapped around Draco’s back and was seated in his lap. Draco had been rubbing Harry’s back with one hand and smoothing Harry’s hair away from his forehead with the other hand when they had come into the room. Harry and Draco both got an evil glint in their eyes.

Harry buried his face into Draco’s neck and muttered, “I don’t wanna!” while Draco tightened his hold and shook his head firmly. He burst into laughter when Lucius and Severus’ jaws dropped and they glared even harder. Lucius walked over to Draco and snatched Harry off the bed and into his arms. He then snarled at Draco and left the room carrying his precious bundle.

*****

“Draco, what the hell was that all about?” demanded Severus furiously.

“Harry was begging for my forgiveness, and very prettily, too, I might add. He’d forgotten to inform me about the DA meeting, and I didn’t find out about it until the last hour. I accused him of not loving me at all,” said Draco, smiling at Severus.

“So you let him sit in your lap?” asked Severus, still glaring at Draco.

“Oh please, like you’re any better. I’ve seen Harry in your lap so many times, it’s a wonder you’re not attached at the hip. You know good and well that we weren’t doing anything wrong. Harry’s just really affectionate towards people he considers family, and I am glad he considers me family. If you don’t like it, you can just-“ ranted Draco.

“You’re right. I know you weren’t doing anything wrong, and I’m glad you and Harry have gotten so close. You’re both very important to me, though in very different ways,” said Severus quietly. “It’s just that he’s your age and I worry that you’ll realize that you would be better off with him.”

“I don’t know why you worry about that. I’m not stupid enough to try to steal Harry away from my father even if I was inclined to feel that way. Good thing for us both that I don’t feel that way, right?” said Draco, smiling wryly.

“I’m glad,” said Severus simply, climbing on the bed and gathering the blonde close.

*****

“What is it with you and climbing into people’s laps?” asked Lucius, tossing Harry onto the bed and climbing on with him.

“You’re not jealous, are you? I sit in Sev’s lap all the time, and you never say anything,” said Harry, staring at Lucius steadily.

“Sev’s practically your dad. It’s not the same. Draco’s just a little older than you,” said Lucius with a scowl. He didn’t like feeling jealous of his own son.

“And Draco’s practically my brother,” said Harry, climbing into Lucius’ lap. He got into the very same position he’d been in Draco’s lap. “You’ll notice I never do this with Ron or Hermione. That level of comfort is reserved only for close family.”

“You’re just too adorable and I worry,” muttered Lucius, tightening his hold on Harry.

“I love you, Lucius,” said Harry quietly, staring into those grey eyes intently. “When we defeat Voldemort, I want us to get married.”

“You’re really willing to tie yourself to a former Death Eater like me for the rest of your life?” asked Lucius seriously.

“I wouldn’t have mentioned it if I weren’t willing, Lucius. I don’t really consider tying myself to you for the rest of my life a real hardship. I actually look forward to the prospect. If that isn’t something you want to do, just say so,” said Harry, looking away and bowing his head.

Lucius just lifted his chin and said, “I love you, Harry. I would love to marry you and spend the rest of my life making you happy. I just wanted to make sure you were positive about this course of action because you are mine and I won’t ever let you go.”

“Now that’s what I wanted to hear,” cried Harry, raining kisses all over Lucius’ face.

“I do have one request, though,” said Lucius firmly, pushing Harry back a bit.

“And what is that?” asked Harry, staring at Lucius in confusion.

“I want us to get married this week,” said Lucius, holding up a hand to forestall the protests on Harry’s lips, “so that if something happens to me during the final battle, you will be taken care of.”

“Lucius, my parents didn’t exactly leave me a pauper, you know. I have plenty of money to support me for quite a while,” said Harry.

“It’s not just monetary support, Harry. You’ll have the benefit of the Malfoy name and the connections that go along with that,” said Lucius quietly. “Please do this for me.”

“Can we even arrange everything for the ceremony this week?” asked Harry.

“Just leave it to me,” said Lucius. “Wait right here.” Lucius walked over to his wardrobe and pulled a small square box out. He walked back towards Harry slowly and knelt in front of the stunned brunette. Lucius opened the box, revealing an antique emerald and diamond ring. “This ring has been in the Malfoy family for generations. I was supposed to give this to my wife, but I hated that woman. I wanted to give this ring to the person I loved, or if that never happened, give it to Draco for him to propose.”

“It’s beautiful, Lucius. Are you sure?” asked Harry tentatively. Tears started streaming down his face when Lucius nodded and pushed the ring onto his finger. He threw his arms around Lucius’ neck and kissed the man senseless. “Thank you so much,” he said as soon as he got enough air after the kiss ended. He pushed Lucius onto the bed, “Wait here,” and ran towards the door.

Harry didn’t bother to knock on Sev’s door and could only hope they still had their clothes on. He ran to the bed, very grateful to note that they were still clothed, and jumped on the bed between them.

“Harry, what the hell has gotten into you?” said Severus irritably.

“Don’t you mean who?” asked Harry slyly. He smirked as Severus blushed slightly and Draco snickered.

“What has you so excited that you barged in here and commandeered the bed?” asked Draco dryly.

Harry just held out his hand with his new engagement ring and waited.

“He proposed!” they shouted in unison. Draco grabbed Harry’s hand and inspected the ring intently. “This is the famous Malfoy Lover’s ring. He really does love you because he swore never to give this ring to anyone unless he truly loved them. I always figured I’d end up with it.”

“It’s mine now, pal,” said Harry smugly.

“Congratulations, Harry. When is the big day?” asked Severus. He was still slightly stunned that Lucius cared that deeply for his ‘son.’

“Dunno. Sometime this week,” muttered Harry.

“This week!” they screamed. They jumped off the bed and ran into Harry’s room to talk to Lucius, leaving Harry lying on Severus’ bed.

*****

“Harry! When did you get that and when were you going to tell me?” squealed Hermione as soon as she saw the gorgeous ring gracing Harry’s left hand.

“Last night and today,” said Harry, smiling brightly.

“I can’t believe he proposed so soon,” she sighed happily.

“Well, actually I asked him to marry me, but I was going to wait until after we defeated Voldemort. He said he would marry me, but he wants to get married this week,” said Harry.

“This week!” she screeched, causing everyone to look in their direction. Harry frantically shushed her. “You can’t arrange a wedding in a week,” she hissed quietly.

“That’s what I said, but Lucius said he would take care of everything,” said Harry quietly.

“I better get an invitation, Harry. I will not be pleased if I don’t get to see my best friend’s wedding,” said Hermione in an ominous whisper.

“I’ll make sure of it,” said Harry, backing slowly away from Hermione’s threatening visage.

“Now you just have to tell Ron,” said Hermione teasingly.

“You just had to ruin a perfect day, didn’t you?” said Harry glumly.

“It won’t be that bad,” said Hermione. At Harry’s look of absolute disbelief, she offered, “Do you want me to go with you to referee?”

“It will be your solemn duty to prevent Ron from wringing my neck,” said Harry resolutely.

*****

“Where did you get the new ring, Harry?” asked Ron cluelessly.

“Well, I- uh- it’smynewengagementring,” said Harry quickly, rushing his words together.

“You’re what? I thought I heard you say your new engagement ring, but that can’t be right,” said Ron slowly.

“You heard it right. Lucius gave it to me last night,” said Harry, tensing up in anticipation of Ron’s outburst of rage.

“He already proposed? I thought he would keep you hanging for years before he’d even think of marriage,” said Ron quietly.

“You don’t have much of an opinion of him, do you?” said Harry dryly. “And just so you know, I initially proposed,” Ron snorted at that, “for us to get married after we defeated Voldemort. He is the one who accepted the proposal, but added the stipulation that we get married this week.”

“This week!” shouted Ron. It really was a good thing that Harry had learned by Hermione’s example and had relayed the news in the Room of Requirements where they wouldn’t be overheard. “You can’t arrange a wedding in just a week!”

“You know, Hermione and I said the same thing. Of course, when I said that, Lucius just told me not to worry and that he would take care of everything,” said Harry wryly. “I figure if anyone can make it happen, Lucius can.”

*****

“Albus, I need you to officiate my and Harry’s wedding. And I need you to do this within the next five days, so pick your best day,” said Lucius firmly.

“Within the next five days? That’s impossible. It takes at least two weeks to make all of the arrangements for a wedding,” said Albus incredulously.

“Improbable, not impossible. It will happen within the next five days, so I just need your agreement. I will take care of everything else,” said Lucius determinedly. “I already have the bonding bracelets, only close family will attend, the robes will be delivered tomorrow, and the house elves have already agreed to make the wedding cake and feast. What more do you need?”

“When exactly did you propose?” asked Albus suspiciously.

“Harry proposed last night,” said Lucius with a smirk, “but I didn’t want to wait until Voldemort was defeated. I want him to have a family to support him if something should happen to me.”

“Harry actually proposed?” asked Albus bemusedly.

“Well, actually he just said he wanted us to get married after Voldemort’s defeat and I talked him into a wedding performed this week. So will you officiate?” asked Lucius persistently.

“What type of bonding ceremony you want me to perform?” asked Albus quietly.

“I think we should call Harry, Severus, and Draco up here before we decide,” said Lucius calmly.

*****

“I wonder if Lucius will consent to a voodoo purification spell before the wedding?” mused Harry absently.

“Why?” asked Hermione.

“Oh, the voodoo purification spells are really strong. The spell may cleanse away some of the dark magic that the Dark Mark exudes over Lucius. It may also dampen the link between Voldemort and me. It couldn’t hurt in any case, right?” asked Harry.

“Mr. Potter, the headmaster needs to see you,” said Professor McGonagall from behind them. Harry nodded, smiled apologetically at Hermione, and followed the professor from the library. “I hear congratulations are in order, Harry,” she said in the empty corridor. “Although, I don’t usually condone relationships like this during school, I must admit that it’s good to see you so happy.”

“Thank you, Professor McGonagall,” said Harry shyly. “He really does make me happy.”

“I better get an invite, Mr. Potter,” she said, stopping at the gargoyle statue. “Canary Cream. Good day, Mr. Potter.”

Harry stepped onto the winding staircase and thought of ways he could get Lucius to agree to the purification spell. Once he reached the top, he absently opened the door and walked in. He didn’t immediately notice that Severus and Draco were also in attendance until Draco slapped the back of his head and said, “Wake up!”

Oww, you didn’t have to hit me,” he whined teasingly. “You needed to see me, Professor?”

“Yes, we need your input to decide which bonding ceremony to use,” said Albus patiently.

“Oh? I personally like the idea of a heart, soul, and mind bond. What do you think, Lucius?” asked Harry firmly. He looked at Severus and Draco to see what they thought about, and instead burst into laughter. Both of their jaws were slack and they were staring at Harry with utter disbelief. “What is that look for?”

“You actually knew about different types of bonds. You were raised by muggles, so how did you know?” asked Severus.

“You’re forgetting my Christmas present from Hermione. She did give me a book on wizarding traditions and there was a whole section dedicated to bonding ceremonies. I’m not entirely clueless, you know,” said Harry indignantly.

“I was hoping you would agree to that bonding ceremony, as that is the type I wished to have as well,” said Lucius, smiling at his indignant lover.

“I do have one request that I hope you’ll consider, Lucius,” said Harry nervously. Lucius raised an eyebrow in question, so Harry continued. “I want us to perform a purification ritual the morning of the bonding ceremony. A voodoo purification ritual to be precise.”

“Why is that important to you?” asked Lucius curiously.

“Well, voodoo purification rituals are very powerful, and I believe that, if correctly performed, the purification will remove a lot of the dark magic coming from your Morsmordre, if not break the connection completely. Hopefully, it will also have an effect on my curse scar,” said Harry quickly.

“I think it’s a very clever idea,” said Lucius, pulling Harry into a hug. “It couldn’t hurt anyway. What do you think, Severus?”

“I think my son is absolutely brilliant. If the ritual works, then Harry won’t be tortured by visions, and you won’t be drained of magic through your mark. Besides, like you said, at the very least it couldn’t hurt to perform the ritual,” said Severus firmly.

“Well now that that’s all set, the wedding will be held five days from now at noon. You will have to perform the purification ritual by 8:00 that morning, and meet in the Great Hall at 11:30. Is there anything else you need?” asked Albus. They all shook their heads. “Right then. I have many preparations to make, so I’ll see you later this week.” He escorted them from the room and immediately started making his preparations for the wedding.