Second Place - Romance

The two Aurors eyed each other suspiciously; though each had his own reasons for watching the other. Andrew was curiously glancing around the rather eclectic interior of the Burrow and was deliberately ignoring the dark looks from his colleague. Pretending to be fascinated by the wizarding clock hanging on the wall, Andrew kept an ear to the quiet conversation between the two other men. He was disturbed to hear that Malus was asking about the romantic interests of the Weasley family. Why would he care about Narcissa Black and Draco Malfoy, unless...

Molly came down the stairs with a large load of clean linens in her hands. Andrew saw the woman and hurried over to relieve her of her armful. Molly thanked her rescuer even while giving her son the evil eye for his neglect. Once Andrew had deposited the linens where directed by the Weasley matriarch, he turned and introduced himself. Smiling, Molly thanked the young man for his concern and as promised was indeed invited to stay for dinner.

Andrew graciously accepted and set about making himself useful. He had been born into a large family as well and knew only too well just how much work was involved in feeding a large group. Without meaning to, the young Auror had just endeared himself to the strong-willed woman.

Dinner was soon ready and the clan assembled for the sumptuous meal. Arthur had finally managed an early evening off and was in attendance, as were Charlie, Bill and Narcissa, Ginny and Draco, and Ron and Hermione. Molly and the two Aurors sat down to join the rest.

Andrew politely answered questions and kept an eye on his fellow Auror. He noted that the man seemed to be paying entirely too much time watching both Narcissa and Draco. But all the while, Malus was managing to ooze charm and attention on Charlie. Andrew frowned to himself as he realized he was feeling the stirrings of jealousy in his gut. He seriously wanted to punch the pretender. With difficulty he struggled to contain his emotions and to focus on the others.

Dinner was as raucous as ever, although without the added danger of pranks, what with the twins being absent. All in all, it reminded Andrew of his childhood and his own busy family. No matter how much they had going on in life they somehow always found the time to eat together. Andrew closed his eyes against the sudden pain. Even after all this time, it still hurt to think about the loss of his wonderful family. Andrew had followed in his father's footsteps and had become an Auror. It was his way of dealing with the pain and the guilt of their deaths. Andrew had been staying over at a friend's house one evening when the news came that the Dark Mark was visible over his own house. The small boy had been devastated to learn that Death Eaters had targeted his father and family after the first fall of the Dark Lord. It had taken many years for him to learn to forgive himself for not being there when his family had been murdered. The Auror sighed. He had not realized just how much he had missed being a part of a large family group. His determination to stop whatever Malus Bestian was plotting doubled as he thought that he did not want to let another family suffer more loss.

Malus kept up his bright smile and friendly demeanor during the meal. He didn't know what that interfering Clive-Parker was up to, but he would make sure that the man did not screw up his plans. He would watch for his chance to punish the ex-Malfoys for their desertion of his master. Malus smiled at whatever mundane thing the senior Weasley was spouting off about this time and continued plotting.

Charlie smiled over and watched as his mother beamed at the newcomer. Quite frankly the dragon researcher was a bit flustered by all the attention being paid him. Malus was being rather gallant and the other young Auror kept giving him smoldering looks. If Charlie didn't know any better, it also looked like Andrew would love to hurt Malus. Shaking his head, Charlie wondered at this latest development in his life.

Albus Dumbledore knocked at the heavily warded door to his potions master's chambers. Given the relationship between Severus and young Harry, Albus rather thought that discretion was the better part of valor and as such, had given up the practice of flooing directly into the potions master's chambers. And like now, even though he knew that Severus was elsewhere in the castle, Albus decided to make the long walk down to the dungeons. The headmaster didn't think that anyone would appreciate him popping in unexpectedly from now on.

Harry opened the door and stepped aside to allow the headmaster to enter. Remembering his manners, the young wizard summoned Tizzy who happily agreed to bring a tray of hot tea and biscuits for her masters and their guest.

"Ah, I see that Tizzy has survived her master's wrath at her romantic intervention," Albus commented airily.

Harry smiled, "Well, I think Sev was too happy with the outcome to be very mad at her. And he knows her well enough to know that she only wants what is best for him. Thankfully, she decided that was me."

Albus thought that was indeed fortuitous, as both men now seemed to be truly happy. Severus chose that moment to return from delivering the newly created potions for Madame Pomfrey and the infirmary. "Headmaster, to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Albus chuckled. Only Severus could make such an innocuous question sound menacing. "My dear boy, do sit down and enjoy some of this excellent tea your house elf has prepared for us."

Knowing it was useless to argue, the potions master complied and sat next to his young husband. Emerald eyes sparkled as he watched his mate being manipulated by the headmaster. Noting Harry's eyes, Severus thought the young man had spent entirely too much time around the barmy headmaster as he was beginning to pick up his behavior.

Harry barely caught himself from snorting his tea as he �heard' his husband's thoughts. Smiling, he sent back an image of him on his knees before his husband. Harry smirked when he saw that the older man had to adjust his pants suddenly.

Light blue eyes twinkled as he silently observed the interaction between the two mated men. One of his better ideas, he thought smugly. "Now, as to why I have come to visit you and Harry. I received word earlier from Kingsley Shacklebolt that one of his young Aurors is somewhat suspicious of another Auror in his department. Now this young man, Malus Bestian, seems to have designs on Charlie Weasley and is in the process of insinuating himself into the family. Auror Andrew Clive-Parker is rather special in that he is a natural empath. He is also one of those investigating the threads of corruption in the Ministry. Apparently, Mr. Clive-Parker has found reason to suspect Mr. Bestian. As such, the fact that Mr. Bestian is working to get close to the Weasley family - and may I remind you that this now includes Narcissa Black and Draco Malfoy, as well as you and Harry � is rather troubling. After Kingsley was informed he instigated his own search into the matter and decided that there was indeed reason to worry. As such, I wished to inform you that both Aurors are currently at the Burrow..."

Harry jumped up at the news that his adoptive family was in danger. Severus stood also and gently pulled the agitated young man to him. Running a soothing hand over the lightly muscled back, the potions master murmured comforting words in his mate's ear. Slowly Harry relaxed and allowed his husband to pull him back down onto the sofa.

"Now, Harry. I understand that you are concerned for the safety of the Weasleys. However, I wish to assure you that we have taken every precaution in order to protect them. Not only is Auror Clive-Parker there, but Kingsley, Tonks and another group of Aurors are waiting outside. In addition, Arthur has been informed so that he will also be ready for any trouble. I know that you will wish to be there, Harry, but at this time your presence would only create more problems. After the situation has been resolved, you will of course be allowed to see the Weasleys," Albus patiently explained.

Severus continued to rub his mate's shoulder and send soothing messages through their bond as they listened to the headmaster speak. The potions master had enough experience to know that Albus would not have told them anything unless he was sure of the outcome. Little by little Severus could feel Harry relaxing into his side. Again worrying about how much the young Gryffindor tended to blame himself for others' mistakes and misdeeds, he pondered how to best help his mate. Unfortunately, at this point all they could do was wait for the outcome of tonight's events.

The Flipside of Sanity - Chapter 36

Back to Chapter 34

Back to Results