Second Place - Romance

The weeks passed quickly as Harry and Severus became used to having love in their lives. Odd how that could so easily be assimilated, Severus thought idly one day while waiting for a potion to cure. Where once he would have found the idea of having someone waiting anxiously for his return to be ludicrous, now he found it to be a comfort beyond compare. Never in his wildest dreams would he ever have thought that he could have found such love and devotion as Harry daily showered him with. But sometimes, Severus found himself wondering when the other shoe would drop. He had learned early in life that good things weren't meant for him.

Harry rejoiced in the feelings of family and togetherness that being with Severus invoked. He had recently been reunited with Ron again and his friendships within Gryffindor house had continued. In addition, surprisingly, he had been extended the hand of friendship from none other than Draco Malfoy. The once arrogant blonde had seemingly changed and was persistent in his desire to befriend the mate of his godfather. If Harry had been asked six years ago if he and Draco could ever be friends, he would have answered with an unequivocal �no'. But now, after having seen the obvious concern the blonde had for his husband's welfare, Harry had begun to understand that in his own way Draco considered Severus to be a very real part of his family. That alone was enough to grant him merit in Harry's book.

All in all, after the fall of You-Know-Who, house rivalries seemed to be too trivial to continue and many brave souls found the fortitude to stride across formerly impassible boundaries. Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors and Ravenclaws and Slytherins alike determined that enough was enough and new friendships and new camaraderies were formed.

The new Minister of Magic was finally named as being Madame Amelia Susan Bones and none could find fault with the nomination. The witch was well known as being both tough and fair. An early attempt was made to discredit the witch, but Dolores Umbridge had long fallen out of favor within the Ministry ranks and she was universally ignored. In the end, no other candidate had been able to match Madame Bones' ability or knowledge of wizarding law and tradition. Susan Bones of Hufflepuff house was understandably proud of her aunt and the entire house rose in the estimation of the other students.

Life began to settle as the wizarding world began to believe that the worst was behind them. Defenses were relaxed and lives began to return to normal. But now, for the first time in perhaps centuries, the distinctions between purebloods and half-bloods and muggle-borns no longer seemed to be at issue. Too many had finally heard the news that the Dark Lord, a pureblood fanatic, was in actuality a half-blood. All the pureblood mania of the past generation had been a lie. Voldemort, and yes, people were actually beginning to find the courage to say the dreaded name, was a lie and a liar. All the killing and the fear had been based on falsehoods.

The holiday season approached and the Weasley patriarch and matriarch invited Harry and Severus to spend Christmas Day with the family. After some careful and well, rather enjoyable, negotiations, Severus finally agreed to accompany Harry to the annual Weasley fest.

Harry had been surprised, then pleased when he had found out that Remus was also attending the Weasley Christmas celebration. All it had taken was one look at his new godfather's face to realize that the man was truly happy. Harry didn't think he had ever seen Remus so content. As such, the young man was not going to question the circumstances, although he wouldn't be averse to hearing some of the more intimate details of his and the twins' relationship.

Even more exciting to Harry was the private knowledge that Ron was planning on proposing to Hermione on Christmas Eve in front of the entire Weasley clan. Harry was thrilled for his friends, as he had always felt that they were meant for each other.

Molly was in her element as she welcomed her guests to the Burrow that Christmas holiday. As the twins were living in their own flat now she assigned Harry and Severus to their old room and Hermione was put up with Ginny.

The poor woman went into a panic though when she learned that Bill intended to bring his paramour over for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Now that would not normally have been a problem, but to learn that the woman in question was none other than Narcissa Black? Well, let's just say that it is good that Molly considers herself to be a lady. Strangely, though, she had been much more understanding when informed that Draco Malfoy was coming as a guest of Ginny. The mind of a mother can be difficult to fathom at times.

Harry chuckled as he helped to prepare the huge Christmas Eve dinner. While he knew that Molly didn't expect his help, he was more than glad to give it. Somehow it made him feel more a part of the family. He was just putting the finishing touches on the baked sweet potatoes when a firm knocking sounded at the kitchen door. Turning, Harry was shocked to see Percy Weasley standing rather awkwardly at the door.

Molly shrieked and rushed to greet her wayward son. Arthur poked his head into the room to see what the commotion was and his jaw dropped when he recognized his third born son. Turning around he passed Fred and George who grinned when they saw an easy mark. Remus curiously followed his young lovers to find them quietly planning more family mayhem. Shaking his head, the werewolf left the pair to their plotting.

Bill took his leave from his guest to see that his younger brother had come home for Christmas. After a moment he returned to Narcissa, wondering what Percy wanted. Bill loved his brother, but he knew that the boy was opportunistic and only did things that benefited himself. If ever there was a Weasley who should have been in Slytherin, Bill thought...

Charlie looked up to see his older brother shrug at the sudden appearance of their younger brother. Charlie was of course fond of all of his family, but Percy had always been an odd duck. Shaking his head bemusedly, the stocky young man went back to his reading on the latest advances in dragon healing potions. He rather looked forward to speaking with his former professor about the merits of some of these new innovations.

Ron ran into the kitchen to see what had upset his mother so. He pulled up short when he saw that his brother Percy was the reason for the discord. Ron and Percy had never been close and since the older boy had abandoned his family, Ron had had even less use for the older boy. Hermione put her arms around her boyfriend as he watched his mother fawn over his brother. She knew how much Percy's defection had hurt her boyfriend and she hoped to lend her silent support to the stubborn red head.

Ginny popped her head around the doorframe and frowned at the sight of her older brother being welcomed back home. Percy had never had time for her and as such, she had not been too unhappy when the stupid boy had disowned his own family. But she knew her mother well enough to know that Molly would never be happy without all of her family around her. If one of her children was a gnat, she would be wanting that child flying around her head, Ginny thought amusedly. She felt strong arms enfold her and without thinking leaned back into Draco's chest. These past few weeks had shown her just how much the senior Malfoy had controlled his son. Draco had truly been living in fear for most of his life and as such, had been unable to be himself. Now that his father was safely locked away, the young Malfoy heir felt free to just be himself. Ginny sniggered when she recalled the expressions on her parents' faces when they realized that two of their children were dating Malfoys.

Severus stepped up behind his husband even as Molly fussed and exclaimed over her long-lost son. Something did not feel right and the potions master felt a tension coiling throughout his body. Long ago he had learned to trust his instincts and right now they were screaming to be heard. Sensing a similar feeling in his bonded, Severus sent the message that they should wait and see what happened while still being careful. He knew that without proof they could only cause more problems. Like it or not, they would have to wait for an actual threat before acting.

Harry leaned back against his husband and reluctantly acknowledged the wisdom of Severus' insights. Looking around, he noted that he and Sev were not the only ones suspicious of the sudden arrival of the prodigal son. Percy had shown too many worrying traits over the past couple of years for his appearance to be taken lightly. Accepting that there were enough of them who were on the alert, Harry allowed his body to relax into that of his taller husband. He didn't think that he could ever tire of being in Severus' arms. And being here, in the home of the people he considered to be his family, and with the man he now knew he loved more than anything, he felt as if nothing bad could ever touch him again. Sorry, Harry. If only life worked that way.

The Flipside of Sanity - Chapter 28

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