42-44

Chapter 42

"Good morning," Lucius said, kissing his wife on the cheek in greeting as he moved to the head of the small table -for four -and sat down the mail and his newspaper was already laid at the side of the table along with his coffee. A few moments later a plate of food appeared for him, a full English breakfast. "How are the ladies doing?" speaking of Narcissa's 'friends' if they could be called as such, they merely got together to gossip or try to find out whatever they could on certain things.

"They are curious about your new venture and the reason behind it," Narcissa said, eyes twinkling in amusement, "They weren't even subtle about it," it was finished actually, the building, now it was her turn to begin decorating it, giving it a homely feeling so that the children didn't feel as though they were in a hospital or a temporary accommodations. Even though it was built to be a temporary home for them, she wanted them to feel at home, to be happy there. Some of them would end up being there until they were old enough to venture out on their own at the age of eighteen. Which is what they had decided upon unless of course, they had an inheritance and could safely leave the children's home with a place to stay.

"New venture?" Lucius drawled, "I am surprised its taken so long for them to ask," shaking his head in amusement, before digging into his breakfast, sipping coffee in-between bites. Hangleton had been like a ghost town before he bought it, no Muggle ventured up that way terrified as they were. Now though, they would not remember the area, to the Muggles it was completely off the map. They would remember Riddle Manor and the Gaunt shack being much closer than it had been in reality to accommodate their memories but that was it.

"They've been curious for a while now," Narcissa pointed out, she would be the one doing the interviewing, Lucius had enough to deal with without interviewing people. Plus, she didn't think people would be comfortable being interviewed by Lucius due to his reputation, while he had been cleared by the Ministry, the public had still seen the bad side of him, they weren't as easily placated or fooled as Lucius quipped from time to time. They were beginning to ease up on the Malfoy family, treating them less like 'Death Eaters' willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. "I do hope we do not get a lot of people wasting our time during the interview process."

"Unfortunately, it has to be done," Lucius sighed, he did need people to run it, he didn't want the Ministry having any say in it. "The Ministry know where to bring magical children should they require accommodation," which was one less thing for them to deal with the second the doors were opened.

"And have you given any thought to Severus' suggestion?" Narcissa queried, she was already going through her contacts trying to find someone adept enough to ensure the education of teenagers and ensure they received the necessary tutelage to pass their O.W.L's and depending on the success their N.E.W.T's too. To think there were children, magical children out there uneducated due to the fact they didn't have a permanent residence or money to go to Hogwarts or any magical school was horrifying. Severus had informed her that many of them lived down in Knockturn Alley because if they slept in Diagon Alley the Aurors would hex them to get 'rid of them' so they didn't 'interrupt normal peoples lives' and they say those on the dark side were the bad people.

Lucius pursed his lips, "I do not believe they would trust anything I say," he revealed, and it wasn't because of his past…associations as surprising as that was for him to swallow. "I shall ask Severus what he recommends in dealing with this particular problem," he had seen them from time to time while visiting Knockturn Alley but hadn't paid any attention to them. Not everyone who is dirty is homeless, just teenagers being teenagers, even Draco - not that he was a teenager - got dirty from time to time, and got reprimanded if he had his good clothes on, but he was an heir, and one day going to be a Lord of the Malfoy estate he had greater expectations than most children his age.

"I do hope you aren't going to cancel on Severus and Draco again, the weekend is only time your son gets to spend time with you," Narcissa gave him a warning look, not to let their son down again. "He's looking forward to seeing his godfather and Harry,"

"I have no plans, I promised Draco, and I will keep it," Lucius stated firmly, he wouldn't dare go against his wife when she gave him that look, it would regale him to the guest bedroom for weeks if he did.

"Good," Narcissa said smugly, finishing the remains of her coffee knowing she had her husband exactly where she wanted him. "Are you ever going to tell me what was in those files?" it had been two weeks since Severus, Sirius, Remus, and Lucius had met up leaving her with Draco and Harry to do research. She'd been waiting for him talking to her about it, but he hadn't, she would have wondered if he had just forgotten about it but she knew her husband better than that.

Lucius glanced up momentarily confused before his face smoothed over, "That file was information regarding the cold case of the Dark Lord, it seems that despite the celebrations and conclusion that the Dark Lord was dead…the Ministry did not believe it themselves, this you know. They tracked him from country to country quite successfully might I add for chasing a phantom." he had been dutifully impressed with them.

"Until of course, they lost him?" Narcissa deduced, quite curious, he had fled the country, it wasn't something she'd expected, but his thirst for survival would have made him go to any lengths to evade justice.

"Or he remained in the same area and did not flee further," Lucius pointed out, "If that is the case…as weakened as we have ensured he is…without help that is, he will remain in the same spot, at least we hope so. We may just be lucky enough to find the last shard, end this once and for all." and he would have to ensure success, he had publicly declared himself on Harry Potter's side, regardless of whether the child was dead or not, the Dark Lord would not tolerate betrayal and he would see it thusly.

"And where was the last country he was suspected to have evaded the Aurors?" Narcissa questioned shrewdly.

"Tirana, the Republic of Albania," Lucius revealed. "This remains between us," he warned her, despite the fact she probably didn't need to be warned how dangerous this information actually was. The look she gave him in retaliation was enough to calm him down if any of the Death Eaters found out…and found him, well the thought horrified him.

"And this information can be found in the achieves?" Narcissa was horrified to hear that, "Anyone could have gotten into it? He had spies within the Auror department, they could have gotten that information anytime!" the thought of what could have come to pass was terrifying.

"Relax, the files are no longer there, Black has no intention of returning them," Lucius calmed her, truthfully he'd reacted quite the same way as Narcissa was right now. He knew Severus had been apprehensive too, but he was better at concealing it. Probably because he knew better than to fret over what could have come to pass and concentrate on the here and now.

"When are you leaving?" Narcissa then asked, leaning back against the chair but remaining upright with her bred in pureblood posture. Figuring out why Lucius had chosen to speak of what was in that file now of all times. It would be soon and had better not be during the weekend, but considering their mission…she could perhaps give him some leeway especially if it was complete.

"Severus is the one dealing with that side," Lucius explained before dabbing his mouth to get rid of the grease lining his lips. "He says it's best that I do not deviate from my schedule, especially if there is a chance I am being watched."

"Severus is a known close friend, they may be watching him too," Narcissa cautioned.

"They will not be investigating what he does in the Muggle world, it's too alien for them," Lucius reassured her, and it was true, they wouldn't know what was what in the Muggle world.

"You're traveling by Muggle means?" this startled Narcissa badly.

"We are," Lucius confirmed.

"I…see," Narcissa stared wide-eyed, "You are taking Draco and Harry to Albania?" not to mention her. This would draw a hell of a lot of attention to everyone.

"They're less likely to wonder why if everyone goes," Lucius said, putting forth their thoughts on the matter. "This is only a precaution just in case." the likelihood of anyone paying any attention to anything Muggle was low, but Severus and Minerva - as well as himself - didn't want to risk it. They wanted to deal with the Dark Lord once and for all.

"Very well," Narcissa conceded to the precautions and understood them. "I will pack everything we may need."

"In Muggle worthy cases," Lucius added, "Minerva has kindly offered up a few cases for us to use, she said she'd drop them off at Severus', he may already have them."

"Nothing came from them today," Narcissa said, they had proof now that it was Avery and that he was working with Crabbe Senior, it was no coincidence that Crabbe Senior had stopped writing or associating with them and then the letters began, which had only hit them in retrospect.

Lucius' eyes darkened just thinking about those lowlife scum who would dare to threaten a child, especially when they had children the very same age who would all attend Hogwarts together. He and Severus were both out for blood, it would take good planning and a great deal of patience in getting those idiots who were stupid enough to threaten Draco. They already had planned it all out, they were just waiting on Crabbe and Avery screwing up and leaving themselves weakened and vulnerable. He sincerely hoped it didn't happen until after they had defeated the Dark Lord permanently, but when did things ever go the way they wanted them to? Plus, once the mark was completely gone…who knows how they would react? This was another reason he was glad his wife and son were coming on this trip with them, it would ensure they were safe.

"We have had word that the children's shelter is complete," Narcissa added, "All that is required now is decorating, I shall use Tanya Brown, she did superb work of the sitting room last year."

Lucius' lips twitched, "You mean when you let her do anything?" deeply amused.

"I had a very specific way I wanted the sitting room, it's where I spend a great deal of my time entertaining," Narcissa stated, removing the cloth napkin from her lap and placing it on her empty plate, it had been empty before Lucius ventured into the small dining room. "She was very understanding and accomplished what I asked for."

"Very well," Lucius agreed, quite honestly he was glad he wasn't getting pulled into it, he wanted nothing to do with woman's work, and decorating was a woman's work in his view. Narcissa was hardly offended by it, and quite gleefully undertook any project on the manor and had done so since their marriage many years ago. That's not to say he didn't have an opinion on it, but the times he had it had been ignored.

"I suppose I shall have to wait until we return," Narcissa explained, there was just no point in writing to her until after they're done, she wasn't going to be here to suggest anything or show Tanya around the children's shelter to let her get a mental layout and see what she thinks.

"That would be for the best," Lucius said in affirmation. "I do not believe Severus will have us waiting around long,"

"Are Mr. Lupin and Sirius coming as well?" Narcissa nodded to the House-Elf as it got rid of everything they'd had on the table.

"They are, he's an Auror, he may be able to help," especially with discretion Lucius thought to himself. "Minerva too," the entire gang was going, surely between them all, they would succeed in their venture.

Their lives had changed so much, who would have thought it all started when Severus brought a young boy to their doorstep in need of aid and discretion?

Chapter 43

"I do not intend to ever use Muggle means of transportation again," Lucius declared, eyes gleaming with determination still looking green around the gills. This had been the longest day of his life, and he shan't be repeating it. "We are returning via a Portkey, even if I have to go to the Albanian Ministry." The plane ride had begun well enough, but the pain in his ears and the feeling of sickness had not to be tolerated.

"It wasn't too bad," Sirius admitted, shrugging his shoulders, not seeing why Lucius detested it so.

"I beg to differ," Remus shuddered, he too would prefer to go back by Magical means.

"It's not uncommon for people to feel sick during plane rides, some even get car sick," Minerva explained, as they waited impatiently for their taxi. They'd just spent the past hour waiting at the carousal for their baggage, and immediately decided they'd been idiotic to do this the full Muggle way. They could have already been on their way to the hotel, but no, instead of shrinking their luggage they'd let it get done the Muggle way.

"Just be grateful you didn't fly economy, you'd have felt quite suffocated," Severus said with a grin, a very rare sight on his face. Imagining Lucius' reaction to being in close quarters with Muggles was amusing to say the least. Even more so if Lucius had been forced to sit next to a Muggle, they had been uneven numbers.

Lucius just glared darkly at his friend, scowling petulantly at the amused look gracing his features. He knew whatever it was, he didn't want to experience it. Severus was quite a vindictive shit when he wanted to do, but then again, so was he. Perhaps that's why they got on so well.

"I believe that is our taxi," Minerva pointed out, the Muggles didn't seem to notice it, or the fact it had gone faster than what they'd say was 'humanly possible' so to speak. It was a smaller version of the night bus, and Lucius quickly hurried over as did everyone else. Making sure the kids were between them, so that they didn't get lost. Everything was quickly packed into the taxi.

Lucius spoke to them, informing them in their own language which hotel they were to go to. Being bilingual came in handy, especially for occasions such as this.

The driver quickly agreed, waited until they were all situated before he took off, both Draco and Harry were gleeful over the extremely fast ride.

"How long will this take?" Sirius asked, it was his turn to feel sick at the ride.

"Fifteen to twenty minutes," Lucius answered, a wry smirk adorning his features, it served him right for getting amusement out of his predicament for hours on that horrid plane ride. Who would have thought Sirius Black would be alright during the Muggle ride but sick with a magical ride that he'd grown up using.

"This is so much fun!" Harry said, gleefully, positively beaming at Severus, his dad as if he hung the moon and stars. "I've never been anywhere!" he was always left behind when the Dursley's had gone on holiday, and he'd half expected Severus to do the same. Well, he had been reluctantly allowed to go with the Dursley's when , but that was different, it wasn't abroad.

Severus' eyes softened, turning into a pile of mush for his son, who he adored. "I'm pleased you're enjoying yourself," he told the young boy, brushing his hand through his hair absently. He was so very grateful he had gone home that day, he detested the place, so to have bumped into Harry was…a miracle really. It hadn't been difficult to get a passport for Harry, which worked as both a mundane and magical one.

Harry just beamed again before turning back to Draco who as always commanded Harry's attention.

Neither of the children were aware of why they had come to Albania, and never would if any of the adults had a say. To them, it was a holiday, a short one it may be, but a holiday nonetheless. For the adults? It was almost all strictly business, they were here to end the threat that was Voldemort once and for all. Before he could return and cause more havoc in their lives.

"It should have been done sooner," Lucius sighed, sitting next to Minerva, he absolutely refused to sit next to Sirius and Remus. The boys were sitting up front next to Severus, quite content to read a book together, when they could, with how fast the taxi was going. Harry seemed entirely too fascinated with how fast it was going, and the look on his face…he wouldn't be surprised if Harry took to quidditch.

"Can I ask why you didn't?" Minerva asked, no accusation just simple curiosity, speaking without giving too much away for the curious ears in front should they elect to listen into adult conversation.

"Nearly everyone did," Lucius replied, "Only the Lestrange's and Crouch went too far, and it sort of drove them a little more underground in their attempts to locate him."

"It took a few years before they gave up their attempts, which were constantly being thwarted by the Aurors, it was the last thing they wanted was to be caught." Severus craned his neck to inform them. They valued their freedom more than bringing the Dark Lord back, which Severus was actually very thankful for.

"But has everyone given up?" Minerva queried.

"I do believe so, I mean even the Aurors did," Lucius confessed.

"They begun to believe what Dumbledore was telling everyone, that he was gone, and they were chasing shadows." Sirius gave his own input.

"Idiot," Severus sneered derisively, if he hadn't gone around telling everyone that the Dark Lord was dead…the Aurors might have found him and dealt with him. admittedly with the Horcruxes still out there, he may have found a way back. Perhaps this way was for the best, they'd destroyed all the horcruxes, and now all was left was to get rid of the last piece.

"It matters very little now," Remus said, always the one to calm any situation down, regardless of his group of friends. Whether it was just the marauders or this new group he'd found himself immersed in. It was difficult to tell which one was the worst off when it came to hot tempers. "We're going to deal with the situation and enjoy the knowledge that it's done."

"Yes, very true," Minerva agreed, lips pursed, "How is your own situation, Lucius? Has it been resolved?"

"Black found traces of the magical signatures, yes," Lucius said, eyes gleaming with a look that could kill.

"I'm going to assume you aren't going to the Ministry to have them deal with the threat?" Minerva sighed, already suspecting the answer.

"No," Lucius said coolly, "There is only one way that will get through to them, going to the Ministry…would make me be seen as weak. It's currently very unadvisable, especially given the perilous situation that will occur once our task is finished." Grunting a little as the taxi veered around a corner harshly.

"How many?" Minerva asked, how many children would end up without a father because they were stupid enough to threaten Lucius Malfoy? Especially threatening his heir of all things.

"Three, and exactly whom I suspected," Lucius said, barely refraining from gritting his teeth in fury. They would pay for threatening his sons life, how dare they? It was one thing to threaten him but to resort to threatening his heir? That was…a step too far in his opinion.

Minerva nodded, closing her eyes, she knew they'd never find the bodies…and that Lucius wouldn't be going alone. Severus was going to be risking himself as well, to protect both Lucius and his godson. "Just don't go doing anything stupid like getting caught," she informed them resignedly. She would have talked them out of such drastic action if she thought it would work, but like the past, they'd both do what they could to protect their loved ones, including murder.

She wondered yet again, what she'd let herself in for, but once upon opening her eyes and watching Harry and Draco play…she realized it would be worth it. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if Harry or Draco got hurt because someone was too immersed in the past…the war with Voldemort was over. It no longer mattered, the aims and goals were gone, life continued on, trying to revive the past would just cause more unnecessary deaths. If it meant a few had to die for the need of the many, well, it was something she'd live with quite happily.

Remus listened to everything that was being said, watching Minerva's reactions closely. He himself wasn't as comfortable as the others with all the deaths. Voldemort, yes, that was a given, he had destroyed a lot of people's lives. Everyone else? It made him deeply uncomfortable, he didn't want to know, the less he knew the better it was for all concerned. Everyone deserved a second chance didn't they? He froze when those thoughts creeped in, no wonder Dumbledore had gladly accepted him into the Order…hearing it over the years, he'd adopted it into his own way of thinking. There was no redeeming the likes of Avery and Nott, but he would have thought the same of Severus and Lucius before all this.

"Does the hotel we're going to have a pool?" Harry turned to ask Lucius, a shy look on his face, he still wasn't entirely comfortable with asking questions to others. When it came to his dad he'd do it in seconds, he knew he'd never be hurt by him, he'd proven that. Relaxing further when he felt his dad rubbing his back soothingly, letting him know he was doing well and there was nothing to be afraid off, that he had his back.

"It does, both an inside and outside pool, with slides," Lucius said smoothly, his blank façade fading a little, as he spoke to Harry. Making it clear he didn't mind the questions, although if it had been anyone other than his son or Harry asking questions he would have been annoyed. "There's also an aquarium tank that you can get into and swim up close to fish and such."

"What about sharks?" Harry asked wide eyed, agog over the new information.

"Oh, no, just fish," Lucius replied, he had heard of sharks and they sound as barbaric as the Muggles. "All different kinds, colours and temperaments."

Harry's brow furrowed, what did temperaments means? He asked this question, mangling the word so badly that Lucius had to refrain from laughing uproariously. Children, they were so innocent and charming that it was a sight to behold. He wondered if he'd ever been so innocent like them himself.

"Their natures, their characters," Lucius went on to explain, "Like how some people are loud like Black, some are quiet like Lupin and some are shy like you."

"Ohhh," Harry said, nodding, he understood, "Can we go see the fish, dad?" turning to Severus eagerly.

Sirius and Remus smiled a small painful smile, this should be James here with Harry being called dad. Dying so young, just twenty-one, he hadn't had the chance to be the father Harry deserved. Unfortunately, James was gone, and Severus was all Harry had. Well except for them, and Harry was okay with them now, but nowhere near as comfortable as they wished he was. They were giving him time though, and maybe one day soon, he would be fully comfortable with them like he was with Severus and Lucius.

"How about I take them?" Remus suggested, "While you investigate?"

"You're not coming?" Harry caught on immediately, gaze swinging to his dad a hint of apprehension on his face.

"Well, we aren't going to be just doing it once," Severus said with a flippant air, "So why don't you go with Remus, Draco and Minerva first and learn everything then tell me? You and I can go another time." He was well aware of how to deal with Harry's insecurities. Making plans always, always soothed him.

"I need to borrow your dad for a bit, but we will join you later, how do you feel about that?" Lucius said, treating it solemnly as it deserved, "Is it okay if I borrow your dad for bit?"

"Me and Harry aren't little babies! We'll be fine!" Draco protested, deciding to join the conversation.

"Draco," Lucius said his tone turning a little stern, "Being worried doesn't make you a baby," but he noticed Draco's words had calmed Harry considerably, oddly enough. Whether it was his words or Draco's though he couldn't be entirely sure.

"Okay," Harry said, brightly, already forgetting his earlier worries and fears. "Dad can help,"

Lucius gave Harry a small smile in turn, nodding a little in silent thanks. He was sure between, Black, himself and Severus they would find what they needed to in their time here. Four days they'd given themselves, but if they don't get lucky, well, he had enough money to make sure their stay here was more than comfortable. He'd hired to of the penthouse suits, more than enough room for all of them.

The driver spoke rapidly in his own tongue, as the taxi slowed to a stop.

Lucius replied, before handing over gold coins, the look on the guys face was one of wonder and happiness. Then they could all deduce he was probably thanking him profusely. Then he proceeded to help them much more than he had when he arrived, getting all their luggage onto the trolly for them, before saying something more and then he was off.

"How much extra did you give him?" Sirius asked, amused by the drivers appreciation, which didn't need a translation to be seen.

"Three galleons," Lucius explained, it wasn't much to them, but here, it was quite a lot, especially for a family to live on. Judging by the picture he had up of a woman and three kids, he suspected that it was his wife and children. Plus, he had driven quite carefully all things concerned, only jolted quite badly twice during the entire ride.

"Come on, let's get settled into our rooms and head for something to eat," Severus urged the children into the hotel, the trolly levitating behind them. This area was a fully magical one, they had no fear of hiding their magic here, nobody muggle could get near. It was probably why Lucius had chose this particular hotel.

"I'm in complete agreement, I'm absolutely starved," Lucius agreed, "The food on the plane was inedible."

Nobody argued him on that front, it had been bad.

Only Harry had tried eating it, and declared it was fine. Harry didn't like wasting food, after going hungry for years more often than not, it didn't surprise them. Severus had told him not to eat it, and had proceeded to hand out sandwiches, and that was all they'd had since they began this journey. Which in reality had only been three hours plane ride, but getting there and waiting.

"We should have ate in the restaurant in the airport," Remus commented idly. Even his own stomach was rumbling quietly, and he wasn't a food snob like Lucius was, hell even Minerva and Severus were so used to Hogwarts food that anything less was unacceptable. Although, quite honestly? Nothing bet the food prepared at Prince Hall, it was food heaven. Their meal at Yule had been the best yet, everything prepared to perfection. With decent company…it had been the most enjoyable Yule he'd had in years…ever since his Hogwarts years. Being on the run…didn't allow them to get together a lot, even at Yule.

"At the very least bought something to bring along," Sirius agreed, as Lucius spoke to the concierge and then the receptionist. They were then handed their keys to their rooms, and with that done, they made a beeline for the elevator, trolley moving behind them by concierge.

"You got the penthouse suite?" Sirius blurted out, agog, "But that's expensive!" even for the likes of Lucius Malfoy.

"For a lifetime of safety, it's worth it," Lucius drawled, before sniffing, "As if I'd lower my standards anywhere I go, regardless of the price."

"Heaven forbid," Severus drawled, a subtle smirk twitching at his lips.

"There are four rooms, Black and Lupin can share one…Minerva the other, and of course we will take the other, I'll share with my son, and Severus with his." He handed over two of the four keys to Minerva, and then one to Severus. He doubted Lupin and Black would separate so only one needed a key, personally it was best if Lupin took it, he was the more responsible of the two.

Harry tugged on Severus robe, and when he looked down, "You remembered my nightlight…right?" Harry whispered, he didn't want everyone overhearing, peering up at his dad, eyes shadowed with slight worry.

"I did," Severus said back quietly, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and ruffling his hair, beyond elated that he didn't even watch his hand or even look slightly apprehensive. He didn't normally show affection quite that way, it just wasn't who he was. Harry was changing him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

Harry sighed softly, the thought of sleeping without his nightlight had been terrifying for a moment there. It wasn't until just now that he'd wondered about it. Too excited about being here to really think it through.

"You really should market the idea," Lucius added, "The income that would be gained from it…astronomical." Having overheard of it.

"I have been playing about with a design," Severus admitted, much to Lucius' shock, judging by his eyes widening he hadn't expected him to take his idea to heart.

"Really? May I see it?" Lucius asked curiously.

"It's pretty," Harry said, cheeks flushing red in embarrassment that someone had heard him.

"I'm sure it is," Lucius agreed.

"Harry! Harry! Harry! Come look! The pool!" Draco said, sounding composed despite his excitement. The pureblood heir he had been raised to be shining through. "See!" it broke as he jumped up and down a little, exuberant and gleeful over his little holiday. He'd been to France, but the food there was horrid and his mum always went to the same place, and he never had a friend on holiday either.

Harry glanced at Severus who nodded, they wouldn't be in any danger, there were spells preventing any accidents. Much like the astronomy tower at Hogwarts. Although only those who are depressed and suffering enough to try and end their lives know about that particular spell.

Severus dug through his possessions until he found the experimental Patronus night light. It was small, lightweight, and circular, and more importantly at the moment a dull grey like a storm cloud. He handed it over to Lucius who took it with a curious look, probing at it in inquisitiveness. "How does it work?" he asked. It was doubtful you'd need a wand to activate it, considering it was meant for children, to do so was quite pointless.

"The initial activation requires a wand to set it up, once done, all it requires is touch, the rune on the top," Severus turned it around so it was facing the correct way. Severus easily demonstrated having already set Harry's one up, and a single press of the rune with his middle finger had the glow encompassing the entire room, and the doe floating through the air, calming any residual anxiety they may hold regarding their latest venture.

"Does it remain that way the entire time?" Lucius asked, watching the Doe with wonder, it was a beautiful piece of magic, Patronus' and the animal made it more so. Graceful, peaceful and beautiful.

"No, once there's no fear or anxiety it will return to the globe but it will remain active until its light or been switched off." Severus informed him, pressing the rune again, and the globe from shiny bright to dull grey as the doe faded into nothingness. "It's unbreakable, and it's easy enough to create a stand for it."

"I'll get in touch with Mildred Danvers for you, she'll patent this and within weeks you could be making a lot of money," Lucius informed him, "Shall I set a meeting for after we return to Britain?"

"It's not about the money," Severus said, there were many children out there like Harry who could use the comfort the Patronus brings. "I make enough with my potions," which was true, both his new inventions and his older ones, all were bringing in a steady income. If anything he was making more now, even while being a full time father to a child who needed him nearly all day. He might be brewing less, but with only Harry, his concentration wasn't being eaten up by being a teacher responsible for over thirty children, responsible for all his Slytherins which was over one hundred students, he'd hardly had any time to himself. With Harry his attention wasn't so divided, this whole thing aside, it was vital to Harry's future, and once it was done… that was it, no repeats.

Lucius just gave him a resigned disbelieving look, well used to his friends ways, he was just thankful that he was actually listening to him…and not just giving away his idea for free. Although, he had a feeling he wouldn't be impressed with how much he sold the nightlights for…but he'd wait and see before judging. If he had an ounce of Severus' inspiring ingenuity he would be using it to fill the Malfoy coffers more. Fortunately, he made his money off other people's ingenuity, by sponsoring them, investing in them.

"But yes, go ahead set up a meeting," Severus added, watching Harry, the boy would one day inherit everything. Prince Hall, the estate, and all the money he made. Hopefully not for a long time, but if anything happened to him, he wanted to ensure that Harry was set for life, that any family he had would live a comfortable life too. That none of them would know the struggle he had endured, the horror that Harry had ensured.

"I'll write to her this evening," Lucius declared, handing the nightlight back to Severus, "It's very well made, Severus," he did not give praise often, and when he did it was well deserved. He only said it because there wasn't anyone else to praise Severus' ingenuity.

"Thank you," Severus murmured, placing it back within his case, and flicking his wand and levitating his and Harry's belongings. Making his way towards the closest door, and opening it, placing the case on his double bed, there was another double bed in the room for Harry. No doubt they'd been added at Lucius' request, and the room enlarged slightly to accommodate the new bed. You could tell for the sole reason that there wasn't a nightstand or cupboard to accommodate four people in a single room.

"Harry? Time to go and get some dinner," Severus informed Harry upon exiting the room, Lucius and Minerva emerging from theirs at pretty much the same time.

"Hotel restaurant or finding one in the district?" Lucius questioned, being accommodating for his guests.

"We could have had room service brought up," Sirius pointed out emerging, wishing he had the time to have a quick shower, but a cleansing charm just had to do the trick.

"The whole purpose of allowing children on this trip is to allow them to experience another culture," Lucius rolled his eyes, well that wasn't the entire truth, but now that they were here, yes, allowing them to experience it was the right thing to do. Sticking to their rooms was just…boring, the children deserved to experience the rich culture Alania had to offer. It certainly wasn't just the Dark Lord's death on the menu. No they weren't going to be stuck in the rooms the entire time they were here.

"It is getting dark, perhaps we should explore in the daylight?" Minerva suggested, preventing any possible arguing that might occur. All these men were headstrong, always wanted their own way, especially Lucius and Sirius. Best to head it off before it got too heated. They were here for a reason, and hopefully they wouldn't forget that with all their squabbling.

"Then the hotel restaurant it is," Severus declared, placing a cooling charm on Harry's cloak and helping him into it, Lucius absently doing the same thing, and then they were all off, stomachs grumbling hungrily.

The seven of them were quickly seated, the chef coming out to greet them and personally deliver their food. which was exquisite, all three meals. Remus tried to get the least expensive thing on the menu out of sheer habit before Sirius ordered for him. Harry didn't quite manage to finish his, but that wasn't at all unexpected, it was quite a large helping.

"When do we leave?" Sirius asked, as Draco and Harry played exploding snap at the table, completely immersed in their game.

"Both will be awake by nine o'clock," Lucius mused, "We can have breakfast in the room, I can order it for us for then, say half past nine?"

"How likely do you think it will be that you'll find what you're hun…looking for tomorrow?" pausing on the word hunt and correcting himself. While it was a hunt, it was best not to use those terms at all. While not everyone here spoke English, enough did for them to be cautious at all times.

"We have the map, and if its still functioning accurately, and there's nothing too dangerous in the forests we should succeed before dinner…what do you think Severus?" Lucius said, gesturing for Severus to give his own input.

"I agree, the map should definitely function, at least until the magic is gone," Severus confirmed, and the magic would remain active until Voldemort died. When the Dark Lord was successfully destroyed for good, the blinking dot on the map should cease to exist. When that did…it was going to feel so good.

"Here's to success," Minerva said, raising her wine glass, Remus clinked his own wine glass against hers, and the others raised their tumblers and took a sip. They all indulged Draco and Harry when they wanted to join in, their goblets thankfully didn't smash the delicate glass as they were careful when instructed.

Once the drinks were swallowed, they decided to call it a night, the exhaustion weighing down upon them heavily. They were all in silent agreement though, Portkey would be their mode of transport home. As novel as the experience was…it wasn't one they wanted to indulge again. A whole day to get to their destination instead of a few minutes, well, how Muggles could cope with it, most of them honestly did not know.

It wasn't until they were in the lift that another word was spoken.

"Well, we definitely weren't followed," Sirius commented, "Nobody has even looked at us twice today." They were just another group of tourists, in fact they thought Minerva was their mother, and Harry and Draco her grandchildren. He'd gotten a laugh out of that one, although to be fair, Minerva was probably old enough to BE their mother.

"I wouldn't be surprised if someone shows up," Lucius sneered, as if they didn't have anything more to do. All of them suspicious because he was doing something openly decent. He knew he should have just been a secret backer, let someone else have the limelight, but he wanted to shine a little goodness, a little light, on the Malfoy name since it was so blackened after the Dark Lord. Two generations, sullied, he wanted to do this for Draco, so he could have something to truly be proud of. To be able to hold his head up high and genuinely be proud and not the faux pride that he liked to try instilling in him.

"Hopefully not," Minerva stated, even if they did, they wouldn't be able to follow Lucius, Sirius and Severus, they were far too good at evading anyone trying to follow them to end up caught. The lift opened to the penthouse and all of them entered,

Severus ensured both Draco and Harry prepared for bed, a quick shower, teeth brushed and they were out like a light. Severus remembered to place Harry's globe nearby and glowing softly so that he knew he was safe. When he emerged he found Sirius, Remus and Minerva looking over the maps.

"It looks like he's not moved all that much," Minerva observed from the map.

"He will be feeling the weakness I'll bet," Sirius said, despite the fact he had no idea how not having the Horcruxes was affecting him.

"If that's true he's made good work," Remus pointed out, "He's managed a mile I'd say," it was difficult to gage from a map.

"Desperation can lead to wonders," Lucius said with sadistic glee at the thought of Voldemort suffering.

"Indeed," Severus agreed wryly, giving Lucius an amused look, very much in sync in what he was thinking.

Chapter 44

The kids did end up sleeping in, but the breakfast came at nine, just as they'd ordered. Soon after the smell of breakfast permeated the air, Harry was awake and quick to sit in his nightwear and wait for his portion. Lucius had to wake Draco, and after that they had a large leisurely breakfast, while Minerva and Remus made plans with the kids. They decided on going swimming in the inside pool, with the slides and such, and leaving the investigating of the aquarium until their fathers could join them.

Surprisingly Harry seemed fine – actually excited – despite the fact Severus wasn't going to be there. He was a little clingy at breakfast, but still quite excited about getting to have fun in the pool. Draco's own excitement probably buoyed him.

The second they finished breakfast, "I'm going to put my dragon swim trunks on!" Draco declared gleefully, of course, Draco had more than one pair. The first green pair he got were too plain for him, he'd decided he wanted dragons, then Kelpie ones then a pair of hippogriff ones.

"Yours are lying on your bed, little one," Severus murmured softly, brushing his hair back, when Harry scooted gleefully off his seat and made a beeline for his room.

"You're going to find it difficult when he goes to Hogwarts," Minerva commented, watching the interaction closely lips twitching in amusement. "Are you sure you don't want to return at a later date?"

"Merlin, no," Severus retorted, he'd loathed teaching students. "I still have five years before I need to worry about that." worry about Harry being off at Hogwarts. The worry would just be a general one, such as how he was doing emotionally, and of course, how he was doing academically. There was no Dumbledore to fear getting to him, and hopefully no Voldemort if they succeeded.

"Those years will fly in," Lucius admitted, a faraway look on his face, "Sometimes it feels like just a few months ago I had Draco in my arms for the first time." And what an experience that was, he'd suddenly been absolutely terrified for him, saw the world in a different light. Realized he didn't want the life he had to be his sons, but he was stuck, there had been nothing he could do but serve in hope of keeping his family safe. Then just like that, when his son was barely over a year old…the Dark Lord was defeated but not gone. The branding on his arm had kept him well informed of that. And well chained to Draco's inevitable fate.

This, this had been a miracle, something he'd never imagined happening.

He could free his son from the shackles of his father and grandfather.

He would not be doomed to serve a madman until he was either killed for 'disappointing him' or died fighting Aurors during a raid or whatever mission the Dark Lord would send him on. Being a father really does change you, in ways he hadn't anticipated at all. From the very first second that vulnerable little life is placed in your arms. Depending on you to keep them safe.

Today was the end of that reign of terror for good, to ensure he would not, could NOT return.

He would not fail.

"Do not let them out of your sights," Severus warned Remus and Minerva, especially not in a damn foreign country where they couldn't understand the language. They'd be lost in more ways than one, and he did not want to spend the entire mission worrying about his son.

"Oh, don't you worry about that, I'm putting a charm on them that will prevent them going more than thirty feet from me." Minerva stated firmly, children were sneaky as hell and very easily distracted. She was not going to let that happen on her watch. They'd have plenty room to play in the pool without spoiling their fun, but she absolutely refused to let them wander off.

That enabled Lucius and Severus to relax fully, giving nods of consent.

"Just you focus on what you need to and be careful," Minerva warned them. If anything happened to either of them…she did not think Harry would recover.

Sirius just watched the scene with a blank face, it hurt that his godson was so cautious with him still. Sure, he wasn't as bad as he used to be with him, but nowhere near as comfortable as he was around Lucius and Severus. Two of the people he had hated since he was an eleven-year-old kid. Hell, if he died tonight, Harry would barely miss him, and that hurt so much.

Not even shifting had accomplished what he had hoped.

"Has he gained more control over his shifting?" Sirius asked, the very one thing they had in common, they both had the ability to shift into an animagus. Cat's and dogs, he wondered if that was a sign of what his life was going to be like for them.

For the first time in his life, Sirius was having to work extremely hard for something he wanted in his life. He didn't just get it handed to him, he couldn't just breeze through it. Even his Auror badge was given to him during turbulent times that saw Aurors being given badges even if they failed certain courses. Too desperate for numbers to fight the looming and ever threatening darkness.

That's not to say he hadn't been a decent Auror.

"He's never been uncontrolled," Severus pointed out, every time he was told to turn back into his usual self, he did it without hesitance or sass. He had full control, ever since he copied Minerva, the magic his son had at his disposal should be absolutely terrifying. Minerva had done research and found that nobody younger than fifteen had succeeded in transforming themselves into an animagus. Sixteen when the Marauders were concerned.

"Ready to go?" Lucius asked his son, who had his towel in hand, already set to get into the pool.

Draco nodded eagerly, his blonde hair in slight disarray. It would be wet soon, no point to trying to fix it.

"When will you be back?" Harry asked, almost causing Severus to jump, having not heard his son come out of the room.

"Hopefully before lunch, but definitely before dinner," Severus promised, and he would do all it took to keep his promise. He wanted Harry to know he could always count on him to keep them. Plus, children had long memories, he should know, the more promises he broke…the less likely he'd ever be to believe them.

"Okay," Harry murmured, leaning against his dad for a side hug.

"You stay close to Minerva and Remus, do not go out of their sight, if you want something ask," Severus informed Harry seriously, he could hear that Lucius was giving his own son the same set of instructions just different words.

"I will, I promise," Harry agreed solemnly, with too much seriousness for a five-year-old child, of five and half as many children would insist as if it made a bit of difference.

"Good," Severus nodded very pleased, he knew Harry would make a conscious effort to keep his promise.

With that they split up, Minerva and Remus took Draco and Harry down to the pool. Severus, Lucius and Sirius didn't even bother leaving the room to get to their destination. Instead elected to Apparate from within the room, it would help keep them on the downlow. Taking with them the map of the Dark Lord's location.

They apparated straight outside the forest they were about to enter.

It chilled them to the bone, and looked as foreboding as it felt.

"Well…this will be interesting," Sirius said, gazing cagily at the sight before him. "I don't think we'll need to worry about anyone else being in there." Which was true enough, the damn place exuded menace, like it was warning people away from the danger within it.

"I just wish I knew what we might meet in there," Lucius said grudgingly, "Unfortunately, all I got was that the place was swarming in vermin, snakes, rats and other small critters like that. They said nothing of which kinds of snakes it was or if there were anything bigger inside."

"So not only do we have to watch our front, back but feet too…wonderful," Sirius shuddered, snakes, it had to be snakes. He detested those damn slippery sneaky things, he was going to hate this entire outing.

"The outcome will be worth it," Severus stated wryly, remembering them exactly why they'd come here. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing up. The area around them was chilly despite the beautiful day it was, he wondered what sort of magic had been used on his place. Not even the forbidden forest could elicit this kind of response from him and he knew what was in there.

"Then let's go," Lucius stated sharply, stiffening his spine, he was many things but he wasn't a coward. Tapping his wand putting his own location into the map, giving them a guideline to where the Dark Lord was currently situated. Sirius and Severus stepped in line beside him, all of them had their wands drawn, as they begun to step into the unknown.

For Harry. For Draco. For a better, peaceful world.

For the next few hours they trudged through fallen rocks, trees, even discarded house items, bedding, broken down wardrobes, bikes, things people had brought here and abandoned. During that time, they had to deal with over a dozen snakes, all of them poisonous to the extreme. They did not want to risk getting bitten by anything. The farther they went in, the dot representing Voldemort moved a little too, his pace much slower than theirs.

"If he's a spirit…why is he going so slow?" Sirius asked, panting as he jumped over yet another rock, he'd hurt his ankle, almost twisted it getting it caught in-between rocks earlier, he didn't want to make the same mistake again. "What? It's a perfectly reasonable question!" he grumbled seeing their looks.

"It is, that's the point," Severus said, sounding more teasing than mocking.

"We don't know enough about spirits to say for sure though," Lucius conceded, "He might not be able to move, he might have lost his powers…we just don't know." which was really irritating. Ghosts they knew everything about, but spirits that had been blown out of their own body? No, it's why they couldn't predict how they'd find Voldemort.

"If that's the case why hasn't be just possessed someone? Got a lift to the UK and got someone to help him?" Sirius asked, grunting as he jumped down of the edge.

Somehow Lucius and Severus managed to accomplish it with grace that Sirius would never be capable of.

"Look around you? See anyone he could possess? IT would require magic that he doesn't have, Black." Lucius sneered, sometimes he had the thought process of a child. That is to say he didn't think before he spoke at all.

"It's a bad idea to underestimate him," Sirius argued, "We really should have a plan of action…especially if this goes bad."

"How about we run and leave you to it?" Lucius sneered, it was as if Black was just hoping something would happen just for fun. Which wouldn't surprise him at all, Sirius Black had a few screws loose, just like the rest of the Black family. Considering Sirius' parents were cousins…it was no surprise they were not fully functional.

"Very funny," Sirius said bitterly, rolling his eyes when Lucius doubled over, way to be dramatic much to prove a point, and they called him a drama king.

"Lucius!" Severus called out, his tone filled with genuine worry, barely noticing the half dead snake at his feet.

"Watch out!" Sirius shouted, jumping to avoid the snake that was NOT moving even the slightest bit threateningly towards him. "What's wrong with him?"

"The Dark Lord," Severus muttered, his eyes roaming around, dead snakes, dozens of them, realization began to dawn on him. "He's been taking the lifeforce of animals, possessing them to survive." Was it just recently due to the lack of Horcruxes or had he been doing it this entire time? You'd think the animals would have the sense to avoid this place if that were the case, they had better instincts than humans.

Sirius belated looked around and noticed the same thing Severus had almost right away. Swallowing thickly, they should have listened to him, he was an Auror, he knew things others didn't think about. He'd read the information that the others suspected, they had too, it should have dawned on them.

"Lucius fight it!" Severus snapped, "Think of your son!"

Lucius just groaned spread out on all fours, fighting the possession with all he had in him.

"Do you want him getting to Narcissa and Draco? Fight it!" Severus ordered, knowing how to rile up his best friend, knew how to make him fight tooth and nail.

Sirius just watched on in horrified fascination, he could have sworn he saw a face appear on the back of Lucius head for a few seconds. Ghostly, but nonetheless there what the ever-loving fuck?

"Kill…me," Lucius ground out, face spasming in agony, as he fought as best as he could. Falling to the ground completely, unable to keep holding his weight on his hands and knees. Writhing in agony, as he fought the Dark Lord for control, refusing to let him take control even for a second. Everything burnt, everything hurt, and Merlin help him, the pain…not even the Cruciatus Curse hurt this badly. He just wanted it to end.

"Serpensortia!" Sirius cast the spell, calling forth a snake, grimacing as it shout out of his wand, "We need to get Voldemort into it!" his voice surprisingly calm, his Auror training coming in handy for once in his life. Mind whiling, he didn't know any spells that would accomplish that.

"Spiritus relego!" Severus cast, "Relego spiritus!" trying both ways, neither worked, Lucius continued to scream and writhe on the floor, face screwed up in sheer agony.

"Asportare!" Severus enchanted, "Come on Lucius! Don't tell me you're weaker than Voldemort! He has only a portion of his soul left!"

"Aufero!"

"Aveho!" Severus' spell casting became more desperate.

"Kill me!" Lucius spat out, spit running down his chin, eyes flashing red in-between sentences. "Do it now!" sheer desperation coming from him was immense.

Killing him would kill the spirt form Voldemort held once and for all.

"Agero!" Severus was trying every spell he had to banish spirits, but it seemed Voldemort was still either too strong or he was using the wrong magic.

"Exc…" Lucius got out, before his eyes flashed red and a snarl ripped forth.

Sirius clutched his wand tightly, lips pursed so hard they were pale. The urge to kill Lucius and just end this once and for all was strong, after all they had his permission. Yet Narcissa's possible devastation stayed his hand, she'd never forgive him. In fact, he knew she'd find a way to kill him for it.

"ipi…" Lucius rasped out a second later.

Severus stiffened, what was Lucius trying to tell him?

"o,"

Severus' eyes widened, "Excipio!" he chanted, flicking his wand in an upward motion, before bringing it down in the direction of the snake. "NOW!" holding the spirit in the snake, refusing to let the Dark Lord succeed in getting away.

"Avada Kedavra!" Sirius cast, flinching as he did so, his wand pointed at the snake he had summoned.

Lucius watched the scene through half lidded eyes, before they rolled back and his body laxed as he went unconscious.

"Lucius!" Severus knelt beside his friend, shaking his shoulder, trying to get him to wake up.

"Is it done?" Sirius asked, walking forward staring at the dead snake, had they really just destroyed the last shard of Voldemort's?

"Burn it," Severus spat, glaring at the snake as if it was the cause of all their problems, a quick diagnosis had him looking at the results instead. His friends life was more important than the dead body of the snake Black had just killed.

Sirius did as suggested, it didn't even take three minutes for the snake to be reduced to naught but ashes. Shivering in cold, he glanced back up, "How is he?" surprised by how worried he actually was, and not for his own neck, he hadn't done anything so Narcissa couldn't blame him.

"His magical core is utterly depleted," Severus said, "He's exhausted, we need to get him back to the hotel immediately." Thankfully he took his potions with him everywhere, including the very things he needed to recuperate.

"Alright, you go ahead, I'll find Remus and Minerva and tell them what I know…" Sirius said, "Should I get a healer…or what?" a big hotel they were in had to at least have a Medi-witch or Medi-wizard or a healer at least to see to them in the event they received minor injuries.

"No, I'm able to help," Severus retorted, Lucius would kill him if he let a stranger anywhere near him when he was vulnerable. He couldn't help Harry, understandably, his state had been much more severe than this. Lucius had fought off Voldemort's possession for half an hour, although it didn't feel like that at all, felt like five minutes if that. It was funny the perception of time when things were at its worst or having a good time. "Just don't let it show on your face, Draco can read you a mile away." he might young but Draco wasn't stupid, and his smarts were sharpening still with Harry pointing out signs of body language to him.

It was a good job he and Lucius held such ironclad control.

"Then go, I'll tell them," Sirius urged, Lucius looked extremely pale and clammy, well, what he could see over the dirt that was all over him, he winced seeing the bits of rocks embedded in his face, blood oozing from his wounds. "I'll keep them away from the rooms as long as possible," no doubt Lucius wouldn't want his son to see him in such a state.

Quite frankly, Sirius wouldn't blame him, he looked like death warmed over.

Severus gave a nod of thanks to Sirius before he apparated with Lucius, cloaking the wizard in his own magic so that not even a single strand of magic was needed on Lucius' part. Any more magic usage could prove very dangerous to the wizard. Lucius wouldn't be able to live without his magic, he'd rather die, this Severus knew and understood.

Sirius stared at the spot, banishing the trickles of dried blood out of sheer habit. It had been drummed into him as a kid, wipe up after yourself do not leave even a drop behind. Blood had magical properties, and well, the last thing the Black's wanted was cursed or one of their kids used unknowingly in a ritual of any kind.

Then he stared at the pile of ashes, realization belatedly and finally dawning.

They'd done it.

The Dark Lord Voldemort had been defeated.

Elation, jubilation and sweet relief enveloped him.

Staring up at the sky, which seemed so much darker than it had been before, "We did it, guys, he's finally gone for good," he murmured, a tear running down his face, at the remembrance of what it had cost to have this freedom. "I'll make sure Harry's looked after, I promise, I'll do anything, I'll prove you made the right choice making me godfather." He vowed to Lily and James, who he knew would be watching over their son.

After a few moment of silent reflection, he apparated, turning up at the Apparation spot, next to the cloak room. Emerging from the small room, he begun his search of the hotel, looking for the inside pool, where his godson and best friend were currently having fun unaware of what had transpired.

It took him ten minutes of searching, since he couldn't speak or understand Albanian. The pool was filled with happy shrieking children, speaking a lot of different languages by the sound of it. All of them enjoying their holidays. His grey eyes roamed around looking for any sign of Minerva and Remus or even Draco and Harry, but it was difficult to do in this crowd. Why they were using the inside pool he had no idea, it was silly really, they could be out in the sun…enjoying their holidays.

"Sirius!" came the loud call, from the opposite direction than he was going, apparently they'd found him before he found them. It was Remus' voice, not Minerva's, turning around, he zoned in on the area he'd heard him, and looked around until he found the waving hand, gastrulating in Remus' own direction.

Minerva and Remus frowned, clearly perturbed by the fact he was alone.

"What happened?" Minerva's tone was curt and demanding, clearly not in the mood to play around. She wasn't looking at Sirius at all, but in Draco and Harry's direction. Making sure they were safe, there and more importantly a good distance from this conversation…if what she suspected was true.

Sirius glanced over himself, a small smile appearing on his face, watching this, you wouldn't think his godson had been through the trauma he had. "They're alive, back here," he informed them, "It's done." He said nothing else, merely sat down and watched his godson.

He would keep his promise, his vow, that he had made to Lily and James this day.

"How badly are they hurt?" Remus asked, knowing if they weren't they'd be here without a doubt.

Sirius shook his head, "They're alive, Severus is tending to him," was all he said, they couldn't talk about Voldemort possessing Lucius here of all places! Far too public for such a thing, even if most of the people here didn't actually speak English, or give the appearance of so anyway.

Remus frowned while Minerva asked, "What's the worst?" of the damages.

"Magical exhaustion I think," Sirius said, "I didn't see the diagnosis paperwork," which was true enough, only Severus had. Refusing to say more, if they wanted answers then they'd damn well go up stairs and talk to them in private.

"Well, we haven't had lunch, I suggest we have it up stairs this afternoon," Minerva stated curtly, "Lucius is the only one that can understand and speak Albanian." At least they had people in the hotel that could understand English, at least answering the phones anyway, since Lucius had ordered breakfast for the morning speaking English.

"Very well," Sirius sighed, "At least let them continue to enjoy their afternoon, and give Severus enough time to clean Lucius up."

Minerva agreed, and the time they spent there was sat in stifling silence. Minerva and Remus worried about Lucius and how bad it truly was and what really happened. Sirius fed off their silent agitation, not even feeling elation that they'd done it. They only spent twenty minutes in silence before the children were bounding over.

"Can we get ice cream?" Draco demanded, before softening his tone, "Please?" well aware Harry didn't like demanding voices, and thus making an effort not to scare away his friend. A friend who really liked him, even if he was a little shy at times.

"We can certainly get you some for desert," Minerva agreed, nodding in approval, by the time he came to Hogwarts he would definitely be a little politer.

"Can we go for lunch now?" Harry asked, his tone quiet, shifting slightly behind Draco as if seeking protection from the slightly taller boy. "I'm hungry, and dad always says to ask…" in fact he didn't like making his dad upset, so he always made sure to say, so that he didn't make his dad sad. "Where is dad?" belatedly noticing Sirius and knowing Sirius had gone with his dad and Lucius.

"Where's my dad?" Draco demanded, a hint of worry in his eyes so like his fathers.

"They're cleaning up," Sirius told them immediately, "In the hotel bathroom," which wasn't beyond the realm of possibility given the fact he was absolutely filthy himself. "I just came here to let you know we were back." Hopefully by the time they all got up there…Lucius would be cleaned and outwardly healed.

The two five-year-olds accepted his word, "Lunch?" Harry asked yet again, his stomach grumbling hungrily, he didn't like going hungry anymore.

"Shall we gentlemen?" Minerva stated, standing up, "Grab your towels," she added to the boys who scrambled to do as she asked.

With that the five of them begun the trip out the pool, to the reception where Minerva spoke to him about lunch being sent up to the room. Including ice cream on the menu, after all it was a holiday and the children deserved to be indulged…not that their fathers needed a reason to do so.

"Mom!" Draco called out in delight when he spotted her the second the entered their rooms.

"Narcissa," Remus and Sirius echoed just as surprised to see her.

"Hello, boys, having fun?" Narcissa asked them, giving them a beatific smile, one she only ever bestowed upon them or Lucius.

Draco quickly begun to tell her everything he'd done that morning, including how outrageously rude a boy had been to his mum after he dropped his ice cream. How they'd gone to the deep end, and how they'd swam under with a bubblehead charm on! How he and Harry raced and spoke underwater like it was a secret language. Harry added a few titbits of his own afternoon when Draco would stop to take a breath. Draco would have blabbed some more if not for the knock on the door cutting off his rendition of his tale.

"That must be lunch, excuse me," Minerva said, having disappeared into the bedroom to check on Severus and Lucius.

Sirius and Remus were nowhere to be found.

"Has father had to return home for the Ministry?" Draco asked solemnly, staring up at his mum in enquiry. It wouldn't be the first time their fun had been cut short because his dad had important work to do at the Ministry of magic.

"No, your father is just a little tired, he's sleeping at the minute, but tomorrow we're going to go out and explore, all of us, how does that sound?" Narcissa asked her son. She wasn't going to outright lie to him, no matter how easier it would have been. Instead she was giving him the simplified version, Lucius was going to be just fine, anything else would be unacceptable.

"Oh, okay," Draco agreed, "Are you staying?"

"I am," Narcissa agreed, "I think it's time for lunch, don't you agree?" hearing their stomachs grumbling hungrily, little wonder considering the adventure they'd had in the pool today. Her husband had his own adventure…which had bore fruit. They would never have to worry about their son again, he was free, and she was beyond elated.

Everyone except for Lucius had lunch, the children unaware of anything untoward happening. Just enjoying their holiday as it should be. When the children went to bed that evening, they'd finally have that conversation about what happened and celebrate with a few drinks of their own and finally, finally have the news sink in that Voldemort cannot and will not ever return to ruin their lives.

They were free.

To think all this started with a vow…and its possible consequences.