New Beginnings

Chapter 42

Tonks was gone. Not that Severus was particularly upset, he'd hated her when they'd first met and nothing had changed, but if she was missing than a new investigation would have to be opened and he wasn't sure which Order members they'd send to Hogwarts next. He could imagine what a mess the next few weeks would be, although most of the blame would be directed towards the ministry's incompetent workers anyway.

In front of him stood his husband, son and godson, all three of whom were grinning innocently at him. (It had nothing to do with Tonks, but that didn't mean Severus wasn't scared about what the three of them were capable of)

"We are going to pretend nothing has happened until after the half term." Severus pointed between the three of them, trying to act serious but failing. "I don't need any interruptions." Than purely to get a reaction, he winked at Barty, the resulting noises of disgust from the teens well worth it.

Barty almost skipped forward to wrap his arms around his husband, "no interruptions and six babysitters."

"don't headteachers get special quarters?" Draco leaned to whisper in Harry's ear.

"Yep."

Barty rolled his eyes, "come on, we need to leave soon." He grinned when he got to wrap Harry in a hug, unashamedly winking at Severus who somehow managed to envelope the three of them. 

The next second Harry found himself peaking out under his mums arm to see his godfather, Tom, waiting with a wide grin. Like the child he was, Barty pulled a face when Harry and Draco ran to hug Tom. Like the child he was, Tom stuck his tongue out at Barty.

Whilst Severus, Barty and Harry had been taking things slow as they properly got to know each other, the two adults couldn't help but feel a little jealous about how comfortable Harry was with Tom compared to them.

(Little did they know the only reason Harry was still so awkward with them was because Harry was incredibly scared of disappointing them.)

Severus sighed like he'd been greatly wounded and went to find some actual adults, all the while wondering how Lord Voldemort was really just a teenager. He found the Lestranges first, the family taking advantage of the temporary sunshine to sit outside under one of the gazebos. Rudolphus was the first to greet him, actively going for a hug even though years ago he would've pretended to hate them.

(None of them mentioned his wide smile)

Soon after the four found the Lestranges and Severus laughing with each other. Immediately Barty ran to hug Bellatrix, grinning wildly even as Severus and Rudolphus shared an amused look.

Unfortunately the Malfoys were at the ministry, dealing with some wizengamot session that they would have liked to avoid. If it were not for her taking over the Black house in Sirius's absence, Narcissa would've just stayed at home, the sessions tending to run on for hours.

"Harry Potter." 

"Bellatrix Lestrange."

The teen started to wonder if this was how he'd meet people for the rest of his life, then saying his name and staring and him trying not be awkward and rude. After a few moments Bellatrix smiled, patting the empty seat next to her though she didn't outright force him to sit next to her, which he was thankful for.