The Games They Play

Chapter 51

Lucius had absolutely refused to meet 'Blake Slytherin' anywhere but in public. Severus found it entirely amusing, Lucius Malfoy must be absolutely terrified of Blake to insist as such. It made Severus see Blake in a whole new light, yes, the duel had been absolutely bloody to observe…but just what kind of reputation had Blake amassed to make even the likes of Lucius afraid to be in a room alone with him? How much blood was in his ledger? He hadn't asked, not because he was intimidated, he knew Blake would never harm him, but rather not wishing for Blake to focus on a future (his past) that no longer mattered. In the end they'd agreed to meet in the Leaky Cauldron, much to Lucius' distaste, he'd much rather meet somewhere more upscale.

"Severus, Blake," Lucius drawled when the two approached the booth he was sitting in, gesturing for them to take a seat. He would have looked utterly nonchalant if not for the fact Severus could see how precariously close his fingers were to his wand.

In a stark contrast, Blake had both hands on the table, utterly relaxed and clearly unafraid of Lucius.

Severus had to smother his amusement as he cast a Muffliato around them, prevent them from being heard or their lips read. His own creation and one of the handiest ones he'd done.

"Lucius," Blake replied, green eyes gleaming with coldness barely hiding the thinly veined contempt. They would never get on, he and Lucius, regardless of the past they shared…or the lengths they'd gone to protect the magical world.

"Does Narcissa know about your journey?" Severus questioned, what had been a decent friend to him.

Lucius plucked out a whiskey when three floated over, along with the bottle. All checking to ensure it wasn't tampered with. Sipping the brew, sighing softly, Merlin, at least they did good drinks, it was the only thing he could compliment this 'fine' establishment with. "No," he confessed, his fingers rubbing the side of the glass, finding it exceedingly odd to talk about. "I returned after a rather…terrible night, the Dark Lord was still…annoyed by my allowing the diary to be destroyed. It wasn't out of the blue, I think Narcissa just believed that I had snapped, decided to fight back."

"You don't intend to tell her," Severus deduced quietly, sipping his own drink knowing it was entirely safe to do so.

"No," Lucius said, swallowing the rest of his drink, and topping it up. Inhaling sharply, "It's bad enough that I had to live it without letting her have nightmares about what could have been." A shudder wracking his frame, he loved his wife enough to bear the burden alone.

"Why didn't you collect the Horcruxes yourself?" Severus questioned bluntly.

Lucius smirked wryly, a broken, bitter look, "I'd have had to known what they were…I knew of one or two and their possible locations through the grapevine, and perhaps a few more potential's but I didn't know for certain. Or the number of horcruxes created." Lips pursed, it had been a very difficult decision to wait and watch, while dealing with everything else that might get in the way. He'd begun to lose hope that Potter had returned after all, thought his actions were all for naught. "For a brief time, I believed it was all for naught, until you walked into the trial." It had not happened the last time, and the name? Well, the name had been designed to piss the Dark Lord off. Of that he had no doubt, he'd always respected Potter's lack of fear where it came to the Dark Lord, he'd never admit it though. He'd expected Potter, like himself, to return to his younger body, but the boy he saw at the trial had been a terrified teen of being expelled.

Blake felt a smirk tugging at his lips, he'd chosen that name with care and due consideration. It would make sure people left him alone, so Peverell had been off the list, as had Gryffindor…added benefit of pissing Voldemort off well…yes, that had clinched the deal for him. "First time for everything, isn't there?" he said dryly.

Lucius couldn't help but snort, "Indeed," he agreed, it was true enough, who would have thought he'd be glad to see Potter of all people? The relief had almost bowled him over, then he'd had a good laugh in the privacy of his own home just remembering the show down between Dumbledore and Potter as well as Potter and Umbridge. It had been the first time he'd laughed in decades, the last time being when his son had been young.

"It was a hell of a fucking risk you took," Blake bit out, unable to keep silent on the subject any longer.

Lucius grimaced, "Honestly Potter…"

Severus almost looked for Harry, so unused to thinking of Blake as Harry anymore.

"Blake," he growled out, eyes flashing, "I am no longer Harry Potter."

Lucius conceded that with a incline of his head, "Blake…if I had approached you, with this idea, albeit if you'd even let me get close…would you have trusted me to do it?"

"No," came Blake's immediate reply. No, he wouldn't have trusted Lucius or even allowed him to get close. He would have killed him, he got it he did, but it was still a bloody risk and not all his to take.

"Exactly," Lucius replied simply, throwing back another drink, "Better to seek forgiveness than ask permission."

Severus squeezed Blake's hand; this was as close to an apology he'd get from Lucius.

Naturally Lucius observed it, there had been rumours of their pairing. Perhaps they weren't rumours after all. Severus hadn't dated anyone in the years he'd known him. Didn't talk about any sort of private life, the desire for family or anything of the sort. He wished he could say he was surprised, but he wasn't. "I missed you, old friend," Lucius admitted, missed having a confidant who would actually keep his word. "How much do you know?" he belated wondered.

"Everything," Severus replied, "Well, almost everything, I have no doubt there's things I still don't know about…and quite frankly don't want to know."

"You're right not to want to know," Lucius said hauntingly, "All the years of you telling me not to underestimate the Muggles…I was a fool to discard your word so easily." Not ashamed to admit it after what he'd seen they were capable of. Understanding all too well now why they had to remain hidden. They would be obliterated, completely removed off the map. To think all the years his parents saying how mundane they were, how pathetic…they'd truly not had a clue.

Blake swallowed thickly, stomach twisting, he didn't want to think about it let alone talk about it. Although, hearing Lucius say that wasn't a surprise, admitting it was though.

"The Dark Lord should have known better, as well," Severus agreed, pouring himself a second drink. "He was a child during the second world war, and saw first hand the atrocities that Muggles were capable of. What they were capable of doing to their own, to other humans, never mind those they'd consider abnormal."

Blake grimly nodded, he was right, but the reality was so much worse than any silly thought you could have. Then again wasn't that always the case? They had a second chance here and now, perhaps Malfoy had been right. "We'll never get along, that much we know, but…we do have a few things in common that won't disappear, so you have my forgiveness for acting without my consent, and only that."

"I don't need forgiveness for anything else, Slytherin, nothing else has happened," Lucius gave Blake a look that suggested that they both clear the air.

Blake stared at Lucius for a long moment, and Lucius held his breath, waiting. He honestly didn't want to spend his entire life looking over his shoulder for when Blake would strike. He wanted to enjoy his freedom that he'd worked so hard to get. Yes, he paid others to kill the Death Eaters, but he got his hands dirty too.

"Clean slate?" Blake said thoughtfully, they'd never be friends, not ever. He knew Severus and Lucius were friends despite everything, and apparently Lucius had missed him a great deal. A Slytherin wouldn't admit to anything unless it was genuine and heartfelt.

"Clean slate," Lucius agreed inclining his head, raising his glass, holding his breath again.

Severus said nothing, merely leaned back watching the two of them. Neither would ever end up being good friends, despite their personalities being similar. Too much bad blood to be had between them. No, this was entirely up to them. He wasn't about to get involved.

Blake shook his head in silent defeat, clinking the glass and downing his first drink. "But be warned, screw me over it will be the last thing you ever do. Not only am I more powerful…I have money enough to see that I end the entire Malfoy line, are we clear?"

Lucius twitched under the table, gritting his teeth a little, he gave a curt nod. "Crystal." He had no intentions of 'screwing' him over. He was well aware of the fact despite his demeanour he was becoming very well liked. His killing Voldemort had just aided that awe they felt of him. It seemed, regardless of his identity, he was always going to be revered to an extent. He was almost jealous, but he wouldn't want to be watched with the close scrutiny Potter and Slytherin were watched.

"To new beginnings," Blake added, raising his glass again before swallowing his second drink. "Last time I was in here…it was naught but smouldering ruins, Floo networks were the only things still working. Too late in warning everyone to get the fuck out. Just like that Diagon and Knockturn Alley were gone…hundreds of people dead…it's when I realized they had someone high up, either feeding them information…or they tortured the information out of them."

"I was supposed to be there," Lucius informed them, pouring another drink, Severus and Blake accepting another. "Fortunately, or unfortunately, Narcissa had just…miscarried, I remained with her and Rowle went in my place."

"Ironic, the Muggles could ensure your wife has a child to term," Blake clicked his tongue as he shook his head.

"How's that?" it was Severus who spoke, anything to take their minds off what was surely a traumatic memory regardless of how strong they were. It made him shiver in fear for Merlin's sake, just the thought of what the Muggles had done to Diagon and Knockturn Alley.

"IVF," Blake explained, "In Vitro Fertilization, they remove an egg from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with the father's sperm in a lab and returned to the woman's womb to grow and develop. Hell, you could use a surrogate to carry the baby. And I've had way too much to drink." Why else would he be sitting talking about IVF for Christ sake.

Severus arched a brow, finding that hard to believe, while it's a strong drink, he knew Blake could hold his liquor. He was just smarting because he was actually talking and getting along with Lucius. Still, he had to get some books on IVF, his mind was already going off on a dozen different tangents when it came to potions to aid Lucius and Narcissa. He kept up with some of the scientific news released by the Muggle world…but evidently not well enough.

"Regretfully we have a prior engagement we must attend," Blake gestured between himself and Severus. It was true actually, it was regretful, honestly, he was dreading the damn 'Weasley' family dinner. Nobody could stand Molly Weasley for long, not even her own children. There was a reason for that. He'd rather sit here and be depressed with Malfoy.

"Down to business then," Lucius deduced, "What do you want to know?" resigned to playing nice with Potter.

"Aiden Williams, was he already a Death Eater?" Blake demanded to know, eyeing Lucius shrewdly.

"Yes," Lucius confirmed, straightening up a little, "I am not foolish enough to target those that are not Death Eaters and never will be. It would just complicate matters, it was just after the Dark Lord's return, the second meeting, you did not attend still recovering from the Dark Lord's…displeasure." Giving Severus a commiserating look, he knew just how awful you felt after the Dark Lord had finished taking his mood out on you. They'd both messed up, and both paid for it in blood, sweat and tears. Luckily it seemed…he and Severus both had someone to care for them afterwards.

"How many more?" Severus questioned, frowning.

"Frankly? Seven, but it's not going to be easy, they're starting to wise up," Lucius grumbled, "Refusing to meet with anyone and remaining in their manors, not even coming out for food." They didn't need to; their manors were all self-sustaining. "I'll get there," he wasn't going to give up until every single one of them was dead.

"And when you're the last man standing?" Blake questioned with an arched brow. "Both last men standing? You get the Aurors will jump on the pair of you?" and he knew Lucius will have thought that far ahead, he was a Slytherin for Merlin's sake. Nothing was started unless the pros and cons had been heavily debated.

"You're going to allow yourself to be beaten blood?" Severus deduced, pretty much in sync with Blake over the news.

"Left alive as a message," Lucius nodded curtly.

"And leave Severus as the only other possible suspect?" Blake's eyes began to take on a glacial look, seconds away from losing his shit.

"No," Lucius sighed, "I had intended to try and catch him unawares and have the same thing happen to him." Without telling him anything, now it seemed he wouldn't need to, instead they'd both endure one last ass kicking, it was all for good cause.

"Hardly, you're both powerful…smart…" grimacing as he complimented Malfoy. "It's well deduced you're both high up, all you need is a scapegoat." Not against using someone as a scapegoat.

"It would need to be realistic," Severus mused, "Someone who has so far succeeded in killing everyone else. Should have left one of the higher up Death Eaters alive,"

"I have…" Lucius said, "I've yet to get Carrow,"

"He's insane," Blake scoffed, "Nobody will think he had the smarts to pull this sort of thing off…plus, you'll need a good reason as to why…better off using an Order member." Not to mention there was no way Carrow would off his twin sister, the bond they shared was rather…incestuous if rumour was to be believed.

"Please, they cannot do anything without Orders," Severus sneered, "It's less likely that they'd go around killing the Death Eaters."

"You mean acting as a vigilante?" arching a brow, precisely what they'd been doing before the war ended.

"Touché," Severus conceded. Slightly surprised that Blake would be willing to allow someone in the Order to take the fall for this. As much as he hated them for following Dumbledore sending them to Azkaban was another thing entirely.

"Leave Carrow alive for now," Blake sighed, brow furrowed, "I'm not having Severus coming under suspicion. We'll need to deal with this in a way that wraps it up nicely without it being too easy."

"The Aurors will hardly notice the difference," Lucius sneered, they were pathetic the lot of them.

"Depends on who caught the case," Blake shrugged, not disagreeing with him, most of them were stupid. Logic wasn't something of a strong suit for wizards, and Blake wasn't sure why.

"The entire department is working on it, there's no single Auror," Lucius admitted, lip curling just a bit, showcasing his disgust.

Blake just shook his head, "We'll meet again to discuss this in a few days," unable to believe he was actually going to meet with Malfoy of all people again. "Thanks for the drinks." He tipped the glass in his direction before gulping the rest of the contents of the glass before moving away allowing Severus and Lucius to talk.

"Listen…if you need to talk about this, and if you're insistent on not informing Narcissa I'll listen." Severus stated, "I've seen memories, I have seen and heard Blake's point of view, and I know yours is probably worse." Being with the Dark Lord it was always going to be worse. Although he presumed nothing was worse than the actual all out wars with the Muggles. His breath hitched seeing the broken look on Lucius face, Merlin…what had he been through?

"If I didn't have work to do, Severus," Lucius confessed as he stood, "I would ask that you obliviate the memories from me and let me live my life in peace." He couldn't do that though, he had to change the world. Had to stop the magical world's exposure, for his son's sake, for his grandchild's sake…to prevent the end of all magical beings. When you've been through things, he had…blood stopped holding any meaning, magic was magic, and they'd all been targeted, they'd all fought.

"I think Blake feels the same way," Severus offered up neutrally.

"I have no doubt," Lucius sighed, the nightmares and sleepless nights alone were hard enough without every waking moment aware of what could be. Still, plans were in motion, he would do it, he would save magic. Save everyone from the savagery the Muggles would perpetrate on them.

"I'll send you some Dreamless Sleep draught, you'll use it appropriately?" Severus asked grimly, giving him a look, he'd made it less addictive, but given the memories Lucius and Blake hid from…using it every night could be detrimental to their health. He knew Lucius wouldn't trust potions from the apothecary, he was Lucius' personal Potions Master. Every potion in the Malfoy household he had personally brewed and sent over via the Floo. Lucius didn't take risks, the risks of someone intercepting the parcel and doing Merlin only knows what. No doubt he'd been too busy and cautious of approaching him for the draught.

Lucius closed his eyes, inhaling sharply, "I'd very much appreciate it, Severus," Lucius admitted, he'd just been about to ask for it. "Thank you,"

Severus blinked at the thanks, before nodding, "You're welcome, take care, Lucius…don't make any mistakes." Making a mental note to brew a double batch, for both Lucius and Blake…they needed it far greater than he'd realised. With that Severus flicked his wand and cancelled the spell.

With that Lucius and Severus parted ways, Lucius headed for the Floo network while Severus joined Blake at the door.

"Done already?" Blake asked, surprise flashing over his features.

Severus nodded, "Let's get this over with." He sighed dramatically, at least it would only be the once. When they returned, he could brew potions and just enjoy his silence and solitude. He'd definitely need it after dealing with Molly Weasley for an hour or so.

Blake smiled, it was a genuine, utterly amused smile, one that didn't often grace his face. Merlin, help him, but he was happy, he'd almost forgotten what that feeling was. Especially when it was unadulterated happiness, nothing mixing in, like fear, worries and anxieties.

Severus had to consciously make an effort not to show just how pleased he was that he could elicit such a response from Blake. Instead he smirked and Apparated away, no doubt Blake would do the same. He did however, make an effort to ensure he memorised the memory so that he could think on it again. It happened so rarely that he honestly wasn't sure what caused his genuine smiles. Still he had a lot of time in the future to figure it out, it could well be that Blake was just having a good day…alcohol did have the habit of covering a lot of feelings and making you a bit light.

They stared at the Burrow from a distance, its ramshackle build actually rather homely looking. Neither believed it was a home to many of the children, Molly was overbearing, for sure. All her children couldn't wait to get away from her except the youngest two who had clearly been spoiled beyond comprehension. Or as much as the likes that Molly Weasley was capable of, they didn't have much to actually spoil them with when it came to actual monetary possessions.

Bill and Charlie had actually left the country to get away from it, very rarely returning home. Percy had full out distanced himself, the twins didn't speak very highly of their parents either.

"Merlin, I forgot she was here," Blake said in dismay, seeing Hermione Granger picking fruit from the apple tree at the front of the property. Doing it the normal way due to the fact she was no longer capable of magic.

"I am surprised she allowed her to remain," Severus agreed, Molly and Arthur barely got enough to feed themselves and their children without the added burden of someone else. They did what they could to grow and make their own food, between the fields at the back, green houses and of course, the trees that bore fruit. Then there's the animals, pigs mostly.

"Doesn't look like she's eating a lot anyway," Blake said wryly, she did look awfully thin and frail but they were looking at her from a distance. Obviously, her new living situation was hitting her really hard and taking its toll. Eventually the basket was filled with apples and Hermione wandered back in, not even glancing around her surroundings.

"True," Severus agreed, shaking off his pensive thoughts, the pair began to make their way towards the Burrow. They felt the wards shimmer, allowing the ward holder to know that they had passed the boundaries keeping them safe. It wouldn't have anything on the Death Eaters, just general wards, but it was enough now that the danger had passed of a mass attack.

"Severus, Blake, welcome to the Burrow!" Arthur said, his words genuine delivery unsure. He clearly didn't know how to deal with them being in his home, or being family. Which if Fred, George and Harry bonded…they would be of sorts. Not by blood, but Harry had made it more than clear he cared very much for Blake, loved him actually, and well, if Severus and Blake married…it would make Severus also Harry's parent/ward.

"Is Harry here yet?" Blake asked, he had nothing against Arthur, so his tone wasn't quite so…frosty.

"That will be them I believe," Arthur said, hearing the familiar dings of his family clock, and he knew every single individual sound it made. Harry was also on the clock, right between Fred and George now. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Sure," Blake replied, he'd probably need it to sit through the coming hour. "We can't stay too long I'm afraid, we have potions brewing that will need direction."

Severus' face didn't even twitch at the dirty rotten lie, if anything he was grateful for an excuse on hand.

Arthur just gave them a small smile, as if suspecting it was a lie and letting it go. He knew this could all blow up in his face, he rather hoped not. They all had the capacity to be extremely bad tempered. All highhanded, opinionated and easily angered, Molly could usually keep her composure in company but with these two well, who really knew?

It was going to be a miracle if this was pulled off the way he hopes. He just wants to spend time with his family, his entire family. Instead of getting to see them only once or twice a year. Hell, even before the war started again Bill and Charlie had made excuses not to come home for Christmas. Which hadn't turned out the way the wizard had hoped no doubt, as they had gone instead to see him. It took Charlie a few years to come home, and because of a war not his family, this was the most time he'd spent with them…he loved them wholly and unconditionally.

If this went well, perhaps they'd visit more often.

"Let me introduce you to my three eldest boys," Arthur said, positively beaming with pride. "My eldest son, William, but we call him Bill, he's a ward breaker, Charlie who is a dragon handler and Percy who works in the Ministry of magic."

Blake held out his hand firmly shaking them when he was introduced to them, "It's nice to meet you." Pretending not to know exactly who they were, and what they did. "What are your ultimate aspirations within the Ministry, Percy?" knowing Percy suffered from self-doubt, and invisibility being the middle child. It didn't help that he didn't have a 'fascinating' job like his brothers. Arthur was already on the move.

Percy startled, surprised by Blake even speaking to him, let alone asking what he wanted to ultimately do with his life. He'd never been asked that outside of his job interview when he'd applied for the initial position as a scribe when he left Hogwarts. "I'd like to take over the Department of international magical cooperation." He confessed, a little stiff, as if he was excepting mocking to come his way.

"You're definitely going about it the right way, being able to observe Minister's at work is the best way to observe and learn." Blake nodded, surprised by the admission, he hadn't known that's what Percy had wanted to do. He'd half expected him to say he wanted to be the Minister for Magic. "You have a back up plan?"

"I do," Percy nodded, slightly abashed that he was being taken seriously. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

"Both of them are very worthy career path choices," Blake replied, "I wish you the best," meaning it, Percy had worked hard all his life to get what he wanted, regardless of how his family felt and how much he had to put up with.

"Course he can," Fred cooed.

"Our Percy is smart," George added. Both of them hooking an arm around their brother with identical mischievous grins.

"Get off!" Percy said, shrugging the twins off, his cheeks heating up, blazing red.

"While good grades are commendable, they aren't everything," Blake said wryly, smirking in amusement. "You two are fine examples of that, you became entrepreneurs at the age of fourteen. It just depends on your chosen field." Saying it loud enough so that Molly overheard what he said.

"I've heard you gave the twins their start up business money?" Bill spoke up, genuinely curious.

"Not me," Blake shook his head, "Technically the twins have had two sets of start-up funds from Harry. The first being the Triwizard winnings that Harry wanted nothing to do with. The second is no doubt what you've heard of, the contract that was set up, yes,"

"A contract?" Bill asked visibly alarmed, his respect for his brothers being able to look after themselves battling with his need to make sure they weren't taken advantage of.

"Mm, yes, don't worry, Bill, the profit Harry's going to receive isn't all that much, compared to what we believe will be the yearly takings the shops going to make." Blake reassured the wizard, "If you want, I'm sure the twins will let you look at it if it eases your mind." Respecting the wizard for taking care of his younger brothers. Contracts were not to be entered into lightly.

"Harry!" Ginny said, "Here I made a drink for you," handing it over, heart pounding.

"Thanks, Ginny," Harry said, accepting the drink, he'd been worried about how everyone would behave towards him. He wandered over to the twins, joining the conversation, Arthur had just taken him aside to reassure him that he was happy for them, that he was always welcome at the burrow. It was a relief, to know that they accepted them. He honestly didn't want to know what would happen if nobody approved. He never wanted to split the family up or worse, have the twins forced to choose. He'd assumed everyone expected him to marry Ginny not date the twins.

"George, let me see the contract," Bill requested, curious now not concerned, he wondered just how much money they'd given over.

"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes!" Molly called out loudly, "Take a seat anywhere!"

"Here's your drinks," Arthur said, handing over glasses, opening the new bottle of whiskey and pouring it for them as they all sat. Aware that they probably wouldn't accept pre-poured drinks from anyone. They were a cautious pair; Severus didn't even accept coffee's during order meetings when they desperately needed them. Admittedly he wasn't the only one, Moody had always bought a flask.

They checked them nonetheless, before taking a sip, politely nodding their thanks before grimacing at each other. After having drank a relatively good year at the Leaky Cauldron…this was swill. Thankfully they were sitting next to one another and everyone else was busy getting their own drinks to notice.

Severus narrowed his eyes on Ginevra Weasley, following her line of sight, to find Harry. It appeared as though she still held onto hope that he would suddenly notice her. That would not happen, the twins might be Bi but Harry? Harry was gay, she had entirely the wrong set of parts for Harry's interest to ever be roused. He noticed her almost vibrating out of her skin, frowning in contemplation, keeping an eagle eye on the pair.

"This is not a bad contract at all," Bill was saying as he looked it over from his seat on the kitchen table.

"Told you," the twins said in sync.

"It's more about your relationship, I think it's a good thing," Charlie commented, from where he was reading it over Bill's shoulder.

"Yeah, relationships and businesses don't often go hand in hand," Percy conceded, it was nice to know where they'd all stand if things went wrong. "Not that we Weasley's tend to have more than one serious relationship."

"How do you mean?" Harry asked curiously, craning his neck to see Percy.

"Well, our grandparents on both sides and parents and cousins all married their first real girlfriends. I plan on marrying Penelope." Percy explained.

"Congratulations man!" Charlie and Bill thumped him on the shoulder, giving cheers to their brother while Fred and George cooed and squeezed Percy's cheeks.

"Fred, George stop that," Harry said giving them a firm look, they might think they were playing, but Percy didn't look like he saw it that way. It was a look reminiscing of his childhood days, having to endure everything Dudley did. "Thanks, Mrs. Weasley, it smells wonderful," he said giving her a smile as a plate full of food was set in front of him by magic.

Molly beamed, as always happy to receive praise for her food.

Fred and George glanced at their brother, "We like Penelope, she's good for you," George spoke for both of them, having not noticed how downcast Percy was until Harry pointed it out to them.

"Thanks," Percy said, accepting the unspoken apology, rubbing at his sore cheeks where the twins had pinched harshly.

Harry pressed his arm to Fred and then George, silently thanking them for looking. To see what they were doing to their brother.

"So, Blake, are you remaining at Hogwarts, I understand you originally decided to go in order to keep Harry safe?" Arthur asked as they all dug into their meals, making a point to talk to him, so that neither left out. "How about you, Severus?"

"I did, the Defence teachers were deplorable." Blake commented, "It's a wonder anyone managed to pass their tests or worse exams over the years. The whole thing was a mess, they missed out on quite a few obvious things, when I was doing my tests."

"Remus was good!" Ginny pipped in, defending Remus immediately, chin raised defiantly. Watching Harry from the corner of her eye, frustrated that he wasn't drinking.

"Yes," Blake drawled, "He was, but he missed too much and it made it difficult for the children who had two years' worth of work to catch up on…to reach the standards Hogwarts was once known for."

"Severus isn't going to be returning at the Potions Master, he's retaining his Headmastership." Blake commented, bringing Severus back into the conversation. "Will you be having Slughorn taking over full-time?" he asked Severus.

"If I can convince him, yes, at least until the wizard I have an eye on passes his exams." Severus nodded.

"How long will that take?" Arthur asked after swallowing down his piece of roast chicken.

"Anywhere between six months and years," Severus explained, staring at the food as if it were betraying him. It was good, definitely not restaurant quality, but definitely really nice food. He had assumed they would have passed by this, but so far nothing, so yes, hopefully he could keep Slughorn on for at least a year.

"Do you need an assistant?" Molly asked, blatantly gesturing towards Hermione, "Hermione here is looking for a job, even something for the summer holidays." The girl spent all her time applying for jobs and they didn't have the kindness to interview her, it was straight up 'found someone already' and Molly wasn't sure whether it was a lie or not.

"Everything has been prepared already," Severus said dryly, "The Aurors will be strengthening the wards this year," properly for the first time in decades, which meant everyone was supposed to leave the school, including the professors.

"I'm sure Minerva will be more than willing to help," Charlie pointed out, there was no need for a girl with no experience being at Hogwarts with classified material.

"Minerva has elected to retire at the end of this year," Severus corrected that presumption.

"What? No way!" Ron gaped, shaking his head, "Who's going to be the Head of Gryffindor?" he cried out shocked.

"Ron," Arthur's tone held a warning for him not to start anything.

"Can you believe this Harry?" Ron grumbled, "Man, school's going to suck next year!"

"I…er, won't be at Hogwarts next year," Harry confessed, everyone paused staring at the teen, as magic floated their empty dinner plates to the sink, the smell of apple pie had long since replaced the roast chicken.

"What?!" Ginny shrieked, staring stunned.

Severus chuckled under his breath.

Ron laughed, "Good one, Harry,"

"I'm serious," Harry replied, biting his lip, he hadn't even discussed this with Blake and Severus or even Sirius.

"That is entirely irresponsible young man!" Molly declared shocked, "See the bad influence you've been," she added shaking her head at her sons in sheer disappointment.

"What? No! We didn't even know!" Fred protested, "But Harry's old enough to make his own decisions!" added George.

"He's a child!" Molly was quick to refute her sons' statement.

Blake cleared his throat, "I do believe I have warned you in the past about trying to treat Harry like your child. He is not, and never will be, your son. He's capable of making his own decisions." Giving her a warning not to start anything.

"And you? You're going to let this…this irresponsibility stand?" she spluttered, giving Blake a gimlet glare, cursing when the smell of burnt crust hit her nose, quickly getting it out of her oven.

"Harry doesn't need to remain in Hogwarts to gain his qualifications, he has his own fortune, I'm sure he could pay to take his exams whenever he likes." Severus defended Harry, taking a dig at the Weasley's, "If he has no desire to return to Hogwarts, then as Harry's guardian, I'm sure Blake will support him as any parent should." Disgusted with her desire to constantly put her children down. Worse still that Arthur just allows it. Either he was the biggest dimwit on the planet, and it flies over his head…or he was just letting it happen.

"Molly, please, let us just enjoy dinner…" Arthur said firmly, just one blasting dinner! Was that too much to ask? He could see that his sons all just wanted to leave.

Inhaling sharply, Molly deflated, remembering the last time Blake blew up at her. She still hadn't really recovered from his icy words. "Of course, apple pie, cream and ice cream!" she said in faux cheerfulness.

"We will be discussing this when we get home," Blake commented, not sounding the least bit upset. How could he be when even he hadn't graduated from Hogwarts?

Harry nodded, not at all concerned.

"Drink, Harry, Hermione?" Arthur asked noticing the glasses were empty, as Molly plated up the dessert.

"He's got one," Ginny piped in immediately, giving her dad a smile, which he hadn't touched, yet.

"You've still got that drink?" Fred said, "It's bound to be stale by now!" he'd gotten it at least an hour or so ago. It was non-alcoholic of course, a butterbeer poured into a goblet. "Want me to get you a fresh one?" already standing.

"I'll get it," Arthur waved his son to sit back down.

"I just gave him in five minutes ago!" Ginny called out; her voice slightly shrill.

Severus narrowed his eyes, having been keeping an eye on her, finally understanding her twitchiness. "Harry, hand me that goblet immediately," Severus held his hand out for it.

Harry blinked, before picking it up and beginning to hand it over to Severus, confused by his sudden demand. Only for Ginny to swat at his arm, causing the goblet to clatter onto the table and splatter all over the dessert.

"What the hell! Ginny!" echoed around the room as they all stood.

"What on earth is the matter with you, Ginny?" Arthur asked wondering at his daughters' actions.

"Ginny, dear?" Molly said, trying to sooth her daughter, just as confused.

Severus snatched up the goblet, easily finding the remnants.

"NO!" Ginny cried out, trying to snatch it back like a feral beast.

Blake reached out and snatched her hand in mid-air, before she could curl her hand around the goblet and snatch it back. The kitchen becoming very grim, indeed, as they begun to realize there was something seriously wrong.

Fear and apprehension began to gleam in Ginny's brown eyes, as she watched Snape with dread.

Love potion? or was Ginny planning something much more sinister to get Harry to marry her? Azkaban or St. Mungo's for the insane? Or will they just make her swear a vow? What's made Harry wish to leave Hogwarts? What will he do? what job does he want now that he's no longer a student?! R&R please