Harry ran a hand through his mess of raven black hair. This heart thumped painfully loud in his chest as he looked down at the naked form next to him.
What the hell had he done?!
24 hours before:
Harry looked over Kevin's shoulder, desperate to not look him in the eyes. The door was opened; Blaise was standing there, looking straight back at Harry, a note clutched in his hand.
Harry watched, frozen in place, as Blaise sat the note down on the small table and disapparated.
"Harry?" Kevin hadn't seen Blaise, or heard him.
"Huh?" Harry asked weakly, turning back to Kevin.
"Will you marry me?"
Harry's mind went blank. "I'll think about it."
Kevin looked disappointed with the answer. "Oh, well, when you decide, come see me."
Harry nodded as Kevin left, but not after placing the ring box in Harry's hand. When he had left, closing the door after himself, Harry went to the table.
Mr. Potter,
We here by declare that you will be trialed on the murder of one Mr. Gerald Ruth. Please appear in court today at noon sharp for your testament.
Yours sincerely,
Edward McKenzie.
"Daddy, why was Mr. Ass here?" Hope asked, tugging on Harry's leg.
He looked down into the silver-grey orbs and sighed. "No reason."
"Harry?" Harry looked over at Isabella who was watching him carefully. "Is everything alright?"
Discover morePublishing resourcesCopyright guidance serviceWriting contestsBook recommendationsWriting workshopsHarry silently crossed the hall and handed her the note. She scanned it silently before turning pale and handing it back. "Well, you better get ready."
"Can you watch the girls?" Harry asked, already heading back to his rooms.
"Sure." Isabella nodded and picked up Hope.
"Where is Daddy going?" Hope asked quietly.
"Out." Isabella smiled, carrying her back to her room.
"Out where?"
"Just out."
By noon Harry was flooing his way to the Ministry. As he tumbled out of the fireplace he was met with an on slaughter of cameras and egger journalists.
"Mr. Potter, is it true you were the one to kill Mr. Ruth?"
"Mr. Potter, is it true that you were having a secret trial for the parental rights of your children with Mr. Ruth?"
"Mr. Potter, was Mr. Ruth the father?"
Harry had no idea how they had found out about the trial or more important why they were in the Ministry.
He pushed his way into the court room that was packed with selected Ministry members and highly respected Wizards and Witches. Dumbledore smiled at him from the back row, seated beside him was Constance who gave him a small wave that he returned.
Discover moreFan art commissionsComic book subscriptionsGaming merchandiseMobile app promotionGrammar checking toolsBlaise was seated at the small table and looked up. "Potter."
Harry blinked. "How much did you see?"
"Enough." Blaise bit back.
"I didn't say yes, OK?" Harry hissed, sitting beside him.
"You didn't?" Blaise frowned.
"No!"
The two sat in silence until the jury was all seated. McKenzie stood and addressed the court room.
"Mr. Harry Potter. You stand as a suspect for the death of Mr. Gerald Ruth. Make your plea."
Blaise stood. "Innocent."
McKenzie nodded. "You will be questioned under veritaserum."
Harry stood and took the seat before the jury, taking a sip of the clear, tasteless serum. He relaxed and waited.
"Name?" McKenzie asked, taking over the questioning.
"Harry James Potter."
"Parents?"
"Lily and James Potter."
"Did you kill Mr. Gerald Ruth?'
"No." Harry answered truthful, causing a whisper to break out amongst the viewers.
"Did you have anything to do with the murder of Mr. Gerald Ruth?" McKenzie sent a chilling glare to silence the court.
"No." Harry answered again.
McKenzie nodded. "Your name is cleared."
Harry stood and left the courtroom with Blaise, Dumbledore and Constance. The three slipped off into a side room to talk.
"What happens now?" Harry asked.
"You're free. They'll question a few others and try to find the culprit." Blaise shrugged.
"What about Constance?" Harry asked, looking down at the girl who smiled a little.
"Constance will be sent to a relative." Blaise explained.
"I don't have any living relatives." Constance whispered softly.
Harry blinked. "So, what happens now, for Constance?"
"I suppose adoption." Blaise sighed, sending the girl a sympathetic smile.
Harry looked down at the girl. All he could see was Hope and Truth and his heart clenched. "Can I adopt her?"
Discover moreAuthor interviewsTV show guidesStory writing softwareCommunity forumsGaming merchandiseEveryone looked around, startled. "What?" Constance whispered.
Harry smiled a little. "Would you like to become Constance Potter?"
Constance smiled. "You mean it? For real?"
"Of course." Harry nodded solemnly.
"Yes!" She grinned.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Well Harry, it seems instead of losing two daughters you have gained another."
Harry smiled under the older man's glow. Blaise smiled a little.
"I'll get everything set up." He promised. "But first, could I have a word with you Harry?"
Dumbledore and Constance left them to discuses the pressing matter between the two. Once the door closed with a soft snap Blaise turned on Harry.
"What are you going to do now?"
Harry thought over his words carefully before answering. "I'll wait for the adoption papers to pass. After that I'll head back to Australia."
Blaise shook his head, barely containing himself from yelling at the man before him. "You need to talk to Draco."
Harry looked away. "He's getting married tomorrow." At Blaise's confused look at the information he had acquired Harry shrugged. "It was in the papers."
"He loves you Harry, more than you know! You have to talk to him." Blaise handed him a scroll of parchment. "His Bachelor party is tonight."
Blaise left the room and Harry looked down at the invitation debating carefully what he was going to do.
As the brilliant lawyer he was, Blaise was able to pass the adoption papers in a matter of hours. He got Harry's signature and Constance and there, she was now legally Constance April Potter.
He had headed over to see Draco. When the news had leaked this morning Pansy had all but thrown a tantrum to have Draco change the date from next week to tomorrow.
Blaise felt deep sympathy for his friend. Hell would be better than marrying Pansy.
Draco was looking over some documents when Blaise entered. The blonde looked stressed and bags were beginning to form under his eyes. Blaise guessed he had stayed up last night as Ruth was strangled to death by his private hit-men.
"What do you want, Blaise?" Draco asked, a strain in his voice as he glanced up.
Blaise smirked. "I am here to arrange for your bachelor party tonight."
Draco didn't seem as amused as Blaise. "Hmm."
"Oh come on Draco, it's your last night of freedom!"
"Don't remind me."
Harry brought Constance home after they signed the papers. He supposed being the Wizarding world's savior had its pay offs.
"Daddy!" The twins bounded into the room with Joey at their heels.
"Hey girls." Harry smiled, hugging the twins close.
"Hey Constance!" Hope grinned.
Constance smiled down at the small twin. "Hello Hope, Truth."
Harry smiled at the girls. "Hope, Truth. I have some news."
"Ooh what is it?" Truth asked, eyes lighting up in excitement.
Harry smiled. "Meet your new sister, Constance."
Hope and Truth grinned and cheered. They liked Constance and hoped to see her again but having her as a sister was much better!
"Come on!" Hope demanded, grabbing Constance and beginning to drag her to the twin's room. "You can stay in our room!" Truth and Joey followed and soon Harry heard the soft click of the door.
"You adopted Constance?" Isabella's voice drifted over and Harry looked up.
She was standing in the kitchen doorway wearing white dress pants and a dark blouse her hair pulled into a high pony tail out of her face.
Harry nodded walking over to her. "You think it was the wrong thing?"
Isabella shook her head. "I think the wrong thing is not looking at those blood test papers."
Harry bit back a groan. For the fleeting moments of Constance sudden adoption he had forgotten entirely that he still had a pressing issue on his hands. "I'll look at them now, I swear."
Isabella smiled in a soft sympathetic manner. "I know." She handed him the envelope. "Open it."
With trembling fingers Harry accepted the envelope. "Harry?" His eyes snapped up back to Isabella's concern frown. "I found this too, on your floor. I think you should read it first." She handed him a folded piece of slightly yellowed parchment.
Harry unfolded it carefully, wondering why Isabella had given it to him.
Dear Harry
He knew that writing anywhere, it was Draco's.
I know you've gone through so much, every time I look into your gorgeous green eyes all I can see is death and the war. I'm so scared I'll look into your eyes and see nothing. I thank whatever divine one above that you are here with me. I can't even think about life without yout. I need you, I love you. Always remember I love you, no one could ever replace you, I wouldn't even think of finding someone to. I'll always love you.
Draco.
Harry sniffed back unshed tears. He looked up into Isabella's eyes who smiled at him. "Open the envelope Harry."
Harry broke the seal with trembling fingers and withdrew the documents within.
Draco straightened his shirt with an annoyed huff. It was dark blue button down with black dress pants. He looked at Blaise's reflection. Blaise wore a white dress shirt with black dress pants. He smirked at the blonde Malfoy.
"Come on Dragon, the night is young!" He grabbed Draco's arm and dragged him out of the hotel room.
For his bachelor party Blaise had booked the biggest party room in LeRoy a very famous and expensive Wizard hotel. He also booked a floor of rooms for the guests who were more than likely to get drunk and pass out, at least this way they had somewhere to go.
They entered the room, which was decorated in a festive theme. Coloured streamers and balloons were littered everywhere. Every man Draco knew was invited, even his robes designer.
"And here he is! Draco Malfoy!" Blaise whooped. The room cheered loudly as they entered and Draco spared them a half hearty wave.
He was soon loaded down with drinks and dance offers from some trained lady entertainment. In no time he was drunk with a brunette beauty hanging off him. That was until a rather unexpected guest arrived.
Walking into the flashing lights and decorated littered room Harry felt his nerves take over. He was dressed in casual jeans with a plain white shirt. He glanced around looking for Draco, papers clutched tightly in his hand. He found a drunken Blaise being entertained by a red head.
"Where's Draco?" Harry asked.
Blaise looked up with clouded eyes. "Somewhere. You should get a drink and have some fun!"
Harry dismissed the idea immediately and went again in search of the blonde. He soon found Draco and his stomach tightened painfully.
"Draco, can we talk?" Harry asked, dragging him away form the girl who had found company with another man.
"Sure." Draco slurred. "You are so hot!"
Harry blushed and sighed. "I need to tell you something important."
"Sssh!" Draco placed a hand over a rather startled Harry's mouth, swaying rather dangerously. "I really like you." His hand was soon replaced by soft lips.
Harry fought against his desire and pulled back harshly, glaring at Draco. "I'm leaving tomorrow! I wanted you to know the truth before I'm gone."
Draco pushed a glass of whiskey into Harry's empty hand. "In that case! Let's drink!" He drowned his glass and stumbled off.
Harry bit back a growl and drowned the glass, wincing at the burning liquid. One glass became three, three became half a dozen and soon Harry couldn't tell up from down.
Harry's head pounded. He groaned and forced his arms open. Despite his headache he felt so warm. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so warm and content. Beside him something or someone moved.
Harry forced his eyes open to face the darkened room and whoever his bed partner was. The silk sheets were like water against his warm skin. He could smell the faint scent of lavender and rose candles. He struggled to sit up and finally, squinting slightly looked at whomever it was who was sleeping beside him.
Harry ran a hand through his mess of raven black hair. This heart thumped painfully loud in his chest as he looked down at the naked form next to him.
What the hell had he done?!