Summary: The summer after his godfathers death, Harry Potter discovers something very important, but unexpected, about himself. He seizes the chance to save lives and works towards an ideal future. When this perfect tomorrow begins to slip away, Harry realizes the only way to prevent a bleak and dark future is to step outside of the machinations of Dumbledore, Voldemort and Fudge. Will Harry be able to save this perfect future?
Disclaimer: Tragically, it's not mine
Warnings: This story contains slash. The pairing is Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.
I hope you like this story! Please review.
I Want Tomorrow
Chapter One
July
Minister Cornelius Fudge paced behind his desk for a long moment. Rufus Scrimgeour, Gaiwan Robards and Kingsley Shacklebolt watched with a sort of annoyed apathy. Fudge was obviously in a snit, again. None of the three Aurors had the time or patience to wait around until Fudge began bemoaning about whatever or whoever had upset his delicate balance. But when he finally decided to get to the point, all three men were surprised.
"I'm issuing an arrest order."
Scrimgeour replied to this unusual statement, "Minister, I think Madame Bones should be present for this meeting."
There was only one reason that the Minister wouldn't want the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at this meeting: He was planning to toe the edge of the law, if not outright break it. Madame Bones was the only one with the authority to counteract a direct order from the Minister.
"That's not necessary," Fudge spoke, "And don't bother her about it. She's over worked enough, as it is, poor woman. No, I see no reason to add to her stress."
None of the Aurors were convinced, but they did not protest.
"I want this executed in absolute secrecy. It is very delicate…. I can't reveal all the details to you just yet, of course," he blathered on; "It's a serious matter of national security."
He continued when none of them responded:
"The order is for Lucian Maleficus. Alive, if possible." He spoke in a manner that made it obvious he hoped that executing the arrest order would end with the man dead.
There was a very long pause, before Scrimgeour spoke, "Lucius Malfoy?"
Fudge scowled, "Don't be ridiculous. Lucius Malfoy is already in Azkaban. Lucian is in the country visiting relatives. You shouldn't have any trouble apprehending him once he leaves the safety of Malfoy Manor. Any questions?"
"Prince Lucian Maleficus Carolingian?" Scrimgeour tried one last time, hoping the title would shock Fudge into realizing the dangerous ground on which he was treading.
"If you feel unable to carry out your duties-"
"No, sir," Scrimgeour growled out.
"Dismissed," he waved his hand impatiently.
The three men filed from his office, remaining silent until they were in the lift, heading back to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"If we report this to Madame Bones we'll be sent to Azkaban for treason," Robards said quietly, his normally bright blue eyes clouded and wary.
Scrimgeour nodded, "I can't believe his boundless idiocy. He'll cause an international incident. That boy is a Carolingian! The last thing we need is more trouble on our hands. Do have any thoughts, Shacklebolt?"
Robards interrupted, "This is worse than you know. I need to tell you both something," he halted the lift.
"Well, go on then," Scrimgeour replied gruffly.
Robards shook his head, "It's complicated. It's about why I was sent to this department."
Scrimgeour's eyebrows rose sharply. It was no secret that Gaiwan Robards had been an Unspeakable for five years before he was rather abruptly sent to the Department of Magical law Enforcement and enrolled in Auror training. Even the normally unflappable Shacklebolt looked surprised.
"Should we go into muggle London for lunch?" Scrimgeour asked casually.
Robards shook his head sharply, "Not necessary. I'm not being monitored. I'm the only one who remembers this. Under orders, I obliviated everyone else involved in the project."
"Merlin," Scrimgeour's eyes widened, "What the hell is this about?"
"The Prophecies about the Destined. About Harry Potter."
Shacklebolt visibly startled, "Prophecies? As in more than one?"
"You know about one of them?" Robards quirked a smile, "You're a member of the Order of the Phoenix? Dumbledore's group."
Shacklebolt didn't deny it, but he did cast a somewhat anxious look in Scrimgeour's direction.
"At least you people are getting something done," Scrimgeour admitted without rancor, "That's a sight more than the Ministry can claim."
"Which Prophecy does the Order know?"
Shacklebolt shook his head, "Only Dumbledore and Potter know the contents of the Prophecy."
"Exactly how many Prophecies are there about this boy?"
"A lot. And some of them are very old. Most of the Prophecies refer to a group called the Destined. Even when made by different Seers, they are still referred to as 'The Destined'."
"And they are what, exactly?"
"They're going to save us all, Sir."
Scrimgeour nodded slowly, "From you-know-who?"
"And then some," Robards admitted, "I'd prefer to let you draw your own conclusions after I show you the research we did."
"What does this have to do with your transfer?"
"It was decided that I would have a better chance of being approached by the Order and getting direct access to Potter as a part of this Department. Technically, I'm still an Unspeakable but no one knows that."
"What does this have to do with Lucian Carolingian?" Scrimgeour wanted to know.
Robards sighed, "We were only able to conclusive identify one of the people that the Prophecy spoke of, besides Harry Potter."
Scrimgeour winced, "Lucian Carolingian?"
Robards nodded, "Sir, he cannot be removed from the course of events. He has a very important role to play."
"The Malfoys are Death Eaters. Are you positive that these Prophecies are referring to him? And that he is going to work against you-know-who?"
"I am," Robards replied to Shacklebolt, "There can be no doubt that Lucian Carolingian is going to instrumental in the downfall of you-know-who. We cannot arrest him."
"Is there any chance Fudge is aware of these Prophecies that you were researching?" Shacklebolt asked.
Robards thought for a moment, "Prophecies are tricky things. The Department spent nearly a hundred years gathering together written records of these Prophecies. I cannot be sure that we are aware of every Prophecy made or that no one else is aware of them, especially the older ones. There is no way to tell where or in the presence of whom the Prophecies were made."
Scrimgeour ran a hand through his mane like hair, "I'm mostly convinced, Robards. Let's see those documents and then we'll figure out what to do about this blasted situation!"
He pressed a button and the lift resumed its movements. They stopped briefly at Robards' hole in the wall office before moving to Scrimgeour's more sizable office to study the documents. Scrimgeour and Shacklebolt spent over three hours reading the materials before they were finished. They were both convinced and concerned. Scrimgeour looked tired.
"Merlin. What the hell are we going to do now?"
Kingsley Shacklebolt took a deep breath, "I- I think I have an explanation for one of the Prophecies." He lifted a crinkled piece of parchment and read the short proclamation aloud; "A man called dark fell to a place from where only whispers are heard. Without him, the boy will toil. And the boy will come for him, under the cover of his father, and free the fallen star."
Robards nodded for him to continue.
"Sirius Black. He fell behind the veil when the Death Eaters and the Order clashed in the Department of Mysteries."
Scrimgeour's eyes widened, "Someone… Harry Potter I imagine… is going to bring Sirius Black back from beyond the veil? Sweet Merlin. How can one person, one boy, have that kind of power? It shouldn't be possible."
Robards nodded, "I know. It's a little frightening, isn't it? Thank Merlin Harry Potter is one of the good guys. Sir, I think we should resolve the situation with Lucian Carolingian before working with the rest of the prophecies."
Scrimgeour nodded curtly, "I agree. Suppose we purposefully blunder the mission. If we're subtle, the Minister won't know, and hopefully it will be enough to send Lucian Carolingian running back to France, or irritate his family enough that they insist he return."
An alarm began to blare. Scrimgeour looked to the gigantic clock in the corner of his office. Of the number of hands resting at various places, one had moved into the category of mortal peril. The hand sported a picture of a young witch with bright purple hair and the name Nymphadora Tonks barely legible under it. All three men jumped to their feet in alarm.
The door to Scrimgeour's office flew open and John Dawlish ran in, red faced and out of breath, "She's not in the field and she's not at her flat."
Shacklebolt moved to the fireplace behind Scrimgeour's desk. He tossed a handful of floo powder into the fire and stuck his head in. He was in quiet conversation with someone for less than a minute. He shook his head silently at Scrimgeour.
"Fuck!" He cursed, "Dawlish, take a team to her parents place."
Dawlish ran out, shouting out orders as he moved down the hallway. A few seconds later, the floo activated behind Scrimgeour's desk.
"Kingsley!"
Shacklebolt dropped to his knees before the fire, "Minerva? Do you know where Tonks is?"
Minerva McGonagall nodded, "She switched guard duty. She's at Harry's relatives right now. We'll meet you there!"
Shacklebolt grabbed the vase of floo powder, took a handful and shoved it to Scrimgeour, "The floo address is Figg Residence."
Scrimgeour nodded, "Go."
Shacklebolt flooed to Arabella Figg's house first, followed closely by Scrimgeour and Robards. A pale-faced Arabella Figg met them.
"Five houses down, you can't miss it."
With Shacklebolt in the lead, the three men ran down Privet Drive. She hadn't exaggerated. There was a battle going on in broad daylight between Order members and masked Death Eaters. And next door a muggle man was moving his lawn, completely oblivious to what was going on because of the powerful notice-me-not charms.
"I'm going to send the signal for backup. Shacklebolt, find Tonks. Robards, find Potter. Keep him safe."
"Yes, sir."
The three men threw themselves into the chaos.
Neither Shacklebolt nor Robards had any trouble finding their targets. They were together, with another man, in the centre of all the chaos. Order members ran around them, trying to keep the Death Eaters or their spells from getting too close. Harry was doing his best to keep a barrier shield erected around them, but going by the shaking of his hands and amount of sweat pouring off his body, was obviously beginning to wear. Tonks was pale and prostrate on the ground. The young man beside her was meticulously working to heal her. His brown hair obscured his face, but his startling blue eyes and pale skin caught the Aurors' attention. His resemblance to Lucius Malfoy was subtle; he tended to favor his fathers family, but was noticeable. Harry allowed Shacklebolt and Robards into the shield, giving the unfamiliar Auror a quick glance over.
"New friend, Kingsley?"
"Gaiwan Robards. He's trustworthy. Who is this?"
"He's a friend," was the only reply Harry offered.
There was an almost deafening sound of apparation as a large group of Aurors arrived. All the Death Eaters that were able to flee left in hurry, with little concern for their unconscious or restrained comrades. Harry let down the shield and dropped to his knees. He turned to his friend.
"Is she going to be okay?"
"Hush," He chastised gently, the French in his accent barely detectable, "I need to focus."
Tending to the wounded and captured Death Eaters, no one besides Harry, Shacklebolt and Robards seemed to notice the strange man working to heal Tonks, Albus Dumbledore paused only long enough to make sure Harry wasn't injured, before returning to deal with the situation. The two Aurors exchanged a glance. Harry stood shakily.
"Is Fudge going to hush this up too?" There was a hint of a challenge to his voice, but no noticeable accusation.
Shacklebolt replied with a question of his own, "Is that Lucian Carolingian?"
Harry's lips tightened, "Let him be. He is a friend of mine."
"He needs to go back to France," Shacklebolt said softly, "Immediately."
Harry calmed, but was obviously wary about the force in the other man's voice and expression, "Why?"
Scrimgeour ran over to them, "Tonks came here with us. She was injured after we arrived, got it?"
"Yes, sir," Robards and Shacklebolt agreed.
"Who the fuck is that?"
Robards winced slightly, "Lucian Carolingian."
Scrimgeour's eyes widened.
There was a crack of apparation and everyone went for their wand, calming only when they saw it was Amelia Bones. However she was not even remotely calm.
"Fudge is coming! Amos, Arthur, get out of here!"
Both men hesitated.
"Go!" Dumbledore yelled.
They disappeared just before the Minister appeared with Percy Weasley at his side. He took in the scene for a moment before beginning to bellow.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Oh, fuck," Scrimgeour whispered.
"I demand an explanation!"
Dumbledore pulled the mask off the nearest bound Death Eater and tossed it at Fudge's feet. Fudge paled dramatically.
"I'll have you put in Azkaban for this stunt, Dumbledore. Scrimgeour, I want all these people arrested! NOW!"
"Stand down, Auror Corps," Madame Bones countered, "Go about your duties and tend to the wounded. Take in for questioning anyone here that is wearing a mask or not vouched for by Dumbledore or Scrimgeour."
There was a very long pause, but the Aurors obeyed Madame Bones after a curt nod from Scrimgeour. Fudge's face turned purple and he opened his mouth to scream. Lucian stood up.
"She'll be fine," He proclaimed cheerily, glancing around, "Oh, is the fight over?"
Harry covered his mouth with his hand to hide his smile. Tonks eyes fluttered open for a moment.
"Harry? You okay?"
"Yeah," He assured her.
"Dumbledore here?"
"Yeah. Everything is fine. Rest, okay?"
"Okay," She closed her eyes easily.
"Anyone else injured?" Lucian inquired loudly.
"Who the devil are you?" Fudge screamed.
Lucian replied coolly, "Lucian Carolingian, sir, and yourself?"
Scrimgeour, Robards and Shacklebolt held their breaths. The Minister was so enraged it wasn't likely that he was going to let Lucian Carolingian's presence slide without trying to go forward with his agenda.
He inhaled sharply, "Minister Cornelius Fudge."
Lucian raised a disbelief eyebrow, "An honour, sir. I say again, is anyone injured? I am a willing and qualified healer."
"Scrimgeour, arrest that man!"
"Minister-"
"He came here with the Death Eaters to kill Potter! Arrest him!"
"Actually, he is here as a friend of mine," Harry replied coolly, "So I'll thank you not to harass him, Minister."
Fudge's mouth opened in surprise before twisting into a sneer, "Listen here, boy-"
"No, I won't, so don't bother with whatever it is you're about to say."
Fudge's eyes widened at the blatant disrespect, "You insolent-"
"Yeah, whatever," Harry waved his hand carelessly.
Before the Minister could explode, Dumbledore joined him, after shooting Harry a disappointed glance. He had just calmed the man down sufficiently for him to be breathing regularly, when noticing that the fight was over, the Dursley's emerged from hiding in the upstairs bathroom.
Vernon Durlsey went straight for Harry, leaving his wife and son on the front step, and hit him so hard his glasses flew off his face. He moved to strike again, but Lucian stepped in front of Harry and raised his wand.
"Think carefully before you touch him again."
Vernon took a step back, "I want you off my property. All of you! And take that good for nothing boy with you! He's a menace and he's not welcome here!"
There was a very long and uncomfortable pause. Harry refused to meet anybody's gaze and moved away from Lucian when he tried to examine his face. Lucian gave up trying to examine his face, but kept a firm grip of his elbow when Harry did not again try to distance himself. Dumbledore moved in to placate Vernon. He spoke softly to him, but in response Vernon just screamed about the freakishness of magic and his nephew. A slow smile spread over Fudge's expression.
"It looks like you're now a ward of the Ministry, Potter."
Harry paled dramatically.
"That's not necessary, Cornelius," Dumbledore began.
Fudge did not relent, "Petition all you want. These things take time. For now, however, Mr. Potter will be-"
"Harry?" Lucian interrupted loudly.
"Er, yeah?" Harry asked.
"Terribly sorry about your relatives and all that. Seems like just another reason to continue on with our plans."
Some of the color returned to his face, "You're right."
"What plans?" Dumbledore asked.
"I invited Harry to spend the rest of the summer under my families guardianship and he has accepted. We were about to depart when we were attacked by those robed men."
"You have no authority-" Fudge began.
"Of course I do," Lucian smiled calmly.
His relaxed demeanor only served to further anger Fudge, "He is a minor and a British citizen."
"His citizenship is dual with France and he's been granted protection by my father."
Scrimgeour nearly dropped his wand in surprise. Dumbledore looked as though his entire understanding of the world had been turned about. Harry Potter and Lucian Carolingian were close enough that Lucian was able to convince his father, the King of France, to risk upsetting their alleged neutrality by extending to Harry Potter the rights and protections of a member of the French royal family. And the implication that came along with that status….
"You cannot do that!"
Lucian's eyes narrowed, "You dare challenge the authority of the King?"
No one spoke. Even Dumbledore seemed taken aback at the turn of events.
"Well, we're off then."
He offered his hand to Harry, who took it instantly. After a moment, he put his arm around Harry's shoulder instead. Harry seemed to lean into Lucian.
"Goodbye."
Harry was less comfortable than Lucian, "Bye, everyone," he called awkwardly.
The pair disappeared together before anyone could react to the farewell.
The moment they disapparated, Lucian pulled Harry into a tight embrace before he could even get his bearings. At first, Harry only allowed it, but after a moment he clung to Lucian with a desperate terror.
"How did they find me? Tonks almost died! And Fudge and my Uncle… Dumbledore looked so mad. I don't think I care if he's mad, but what if he refuses to let me back into Hogwarts?"
Lucian smiled to himself and gently rubbed Harry's back, "Don't be silly. It would be an insult to my family. Besides, you know my opinion on that. I don't think you should return. You could attend any magical school in the world, if you wanted. Or you could have tutors."
Harry blushed, taking a step back, "You've made them think you intend to wed me."
Lucian shrugged, unconcerned, "They may come to that conclusion. I don't particularly care, especially if it serves to make life a little easier for you."
Harry took a deep breath, running a hand through his messy locks, "And what will your father think when we don't actually marry? I'll drive away all your prospects."
"You fret too much. My father is very aware of the situation, Harry."
"And your mother?" He asked quietly.
Lucian was more deliberate about this response, "My mother is not an extremist. She is not tied to that despicable excuse for a wizard apart from love for her brother and nephew."
Harry nodded slowly and began to glance around the room. It was the grandest entrance hall he had ever seen. There were four grand staircases slowly twisting in four separate directions and a great hall loomed before them, seeming to go on forever.
"Where are we?"
"Château Regina. It is the castle my father had built for my mother as a wedding present. My mother has offered it for our use for the remainder of the summer. She's raised the wards, so we won't be disturbed here."
Harry swallowed, "That is very kind of her."
"Why don't you rest? I'll wake you for dinner and then we can discuss everything that transpired this past week."
"Okay," Harry mumbled.
Lucian smiled, "Come on, then."
He led Harry up the staircase to the North Wing. Harry vaguely tired to take in the splendor of everything he saw, but he was too tired to really see anything. Lucian had barely got him into bed before he fell asleep and for the first time since the summer began, his dreams were normal. When Lucian went to wake him for dinner, he didn't have the heart to do it and decided to let the younger wizard sleep until the morrow.
The next morning Harry woke slowly, surprised to see the sun shining through his curtains. It immediately occurred to him that Lucian had let him sleep until morning and he was grateful. He found a plastic bag in his pocket and sighed. All of his belongings were shrunk. He'd have to find Lucian to be able to get into his things. Feeling grateful that no one else besides Lucian was in the castle, Harry set about finding Lucian. After an hour or so he located the informal dining room. Lucian was reading a French newspaper and eating strawberries for breakfast. He smiled.
"Good morning, Harry. Hungry?"
"Good morning," Harry sat down, slightly surprised at how ravenous he felt.
He ate his way through the breakfast table under Lucian's approving, and impressed gaze. Once he felt full, he turned to Lucian.
"Can you resize my things?"
Lucian's grin was mischievous, "You can do magic here. No one will be able to detect it."
"Really?"
"And I'll take off the spell on your wand that informs the Ministry when you perform magic."
"You can do that?"
Lucian nodded, "But I hope you aren't asking because you want to get into your trunk for clothes…?"
"Actually, I am."
"Your fat cousins hand-me-downs aren't fit for rags, let alone clothing. We will go shopping. I'll take you to the wizarding district in Brussels. We'll wear glamours, of course."
Harry hesitated, "I don't have my key."
Lucian frowned, "Why not?"
"I- I don't know. I think Dumbledore has it. Should I have my key?" Harry asked in concern.
"Yes," Lucian replied, "It is highly irregular for Dumbledore to have it. Perhaps he is trying to protect it from your worthless relatives. Never mind that, we'll have a new one made later. This trip is my treat."
"Lucian…"
"I am more stubborn than you are, Harry," Lucian smirked.
Knowing that Lucian would hold out until he relented, Harry decided to give in now and save them both some serious time. Lucian sent Harry off to shower, promising to lend him an outfit. Sure enough, Harry found a pair of dark jeans, a dark green shirt, boxers, socks and a pair of black converse sneakers laid out on the bed for him. Once he was dressed, he shoved his wand into his front pocket and met Lucian in the entrance hall.
Lucian smiled, "Much better."
Harry studied Lucian for a moment. The taller man was wearing gray slacks and a light black coat.
"You prefer muggle clothes?"
"Generally," He admitted, "We'll get you a bit of both."
Lucian led him to the library and the largest floo he had ever seen. Lucian let him gawk for a moment and cast the glamour while Harry was occupied. They flooed to Belgium and then Lucian and Harry were off into the wizarding district in Brussels. It reminded Harry of a more elegant Diagon Alley. They went into a clothing store and Harry spent the next three hours trying on a whirl of muggle and wizarding clothes. Lucian shrunk the bags and stored them in his pocket. They stopped in an upscale restaurant for lunch. And then they were off again. Lucian dragged Harry to the wizarding version of an optometrist. Harry left with muggle contacts and a new pair of glasses. They were more comfortable and fashionable that his old glasses, but also served a more practical purpose than fashion: Harry had zoned out through part of the appointment and somehow without him noticing Lucian had bought him glasses that were equivalent to Alastor Moody's magical eye.
They returned to Château Regina for dinner. Afterwards, he played Lucian at chess. After his first abysmal loss, Lucian taught him to actually play chess instead of just expecting him to pick up strategies from simply playing over and over as Ron did. By the end of the night Harry knew he'd never be as imaginative at chess strategies as Ron was, but his losses wouldn't be so sudden or embarrassing. He would be able to hold his own for a while.
The next morning Harry woke and dressed in a casual pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt. He resized his belongings and located his firebolt. Finding out from one of the house elves that Lucian wasn't up yet, he took a quick breakfast in the informal dinning room before and then went flying. By the time he returned, Lucian was eating breakfast and reading the French paper. He vaguely considered asking Lucian if he could get the Daily Prophet, but then realized he had no desire to read that rag. He helped himself to some juice.
"What's the news?
Lucian smiled at him in greeting before responding, "In general or from England?"
"Whatever is interesting."
"The EU is going to meet about the situation in England. Did you know that the magical EU is much older than the muggle one?" Lucian continued on, so he obviously wasn't expecting an answer, "My mother recently hosted an annual charity ball to raise money for the Beauxbaton Scholarship Fund. Apparently it went rather well. There is nothing about you."
Harry nodded before he drank the last of his juice, "Good. Do you have any plans for today?"
Lucian nodded, "We'll glamour ourselves and go back to London. We'll have to deal with Gringotts in London to deal with your key situation. Also, I want to get you a deck of cards, a bag of elder furthak runes, a crystal ball and some books on different mediums and types of Sight. But we cannot do that in England. We should probably go to Canada to be on the safe side."
Harry frowned, "Why?"
Lucian frowned as well, "I guess they don't tell you about what happens to Seers in History of Magic class, do they? Well, it isn't something generally remarked on. It isn't as big of a problem on the continent as it is in England. Seers, especially English Seers, have a habit of disappearing."
"Disappearing?" Harry echoed timidly.
"Harry, how much do you know about your Sight?"
"Not much," Harry admitted, "It only began this summer and I haven't been able to research it or ask anyone or anything."
"Harry, who else knows about your ability to divine?"
"No one."
"Be very wary about who you share this talent of yours with," Lucian cautioned, "I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Wizards have done terrible things to force a Seer to See or to divine."
"A Seer can be forced to See? How?"
"Drugs, mostly. A few of them are safe. Most aren't. I don't know enough about it to say much. I think we'd best see what we can find after we deal with your vault. Sound good?"
Harry nodded. He was infinitely grateful to Lucian and a little embarrassed that the older man was doing so much to help him. He found himself liking Lucian more and more and hoped that Lucian genuinely liked him as well and that his assistance didn't come from the feeling that he was in Harry's debt.
"How are we going to get there?"
"We'll go through Malfoy Manor."
Harry's jaw dropped, "Um, is that safe?"
"Perfectly. The Malfoy's are being shunned by the Death Eaters for Lucius's failure."
Harry nodded slowly, "You'll put a glamour on me all the same?"
"Before we leave? Sure, if you like. I'll put one on too once we leave the Manor. I don't feel like dealing with the Death Eaters, the Ministry or Dumbledore's people."
Lucian spent nearly twenty minutes applying the glamour this time. He wanted to be very sure that no one would recognize Harry. He gave him unremarkable brown eyes, chin length brown hair, an extra four inches in height and a little extra weight. The most impressive part of the spell, in Harry's opinion, was that it charmed his accent to sound French.
"If someone speaks to you in French, just reply rudely that you speak English and they should not bother with their butchering attempts to speak French. But don't say that to my Aunt," he amended, "I'll start the conversation in English, and she isn't likely to switch to French."
"Okay."
Lucian had just enough time to spell both of their clothes clean before Narcissa Malfoy met them in office they had flooed into at Malfoy Manor. She looked nothing like the elitist snob he had seen at the Quidditch World Cup. She threw her arms around Lucian enthusiastically.
Lucian laughed, "Hello, Aunt."
"Oh, Lucian, I'm glad everything is well. I was rather worried when you left so suddenly. Thank you for the letter."
He kissed her cheek fondly, "Aunt, this is my good friend Étienne Benoit. Étienne, my Aunt, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy."
They nodded to each other in a polite manner, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Malfoy."
"Please, call me Narcissa," she smiled.
"If you will call me Étienne."
"What brings you both to England?"
Lucian shrugged carelessly, "We were bored. Thought we'd pop over here and visit London for the day. Is my cousin about?"
"Yes, I'll send a house elf for him."
"No need, mother, I am here," a cool voice called from the doorway.
Draco Malfoy entered the room, pressed a kiss to his mother's cheek and hugged his cousin before being introduced to Harry as Étienne Benoit. Lucian spoke with Narcissa, and both missed Draco's blatant and vaguely sexual perusal of Harry. As casually as he could, Harry took a step back. He and Draco Malfoy had reached an agreement at the beginning of fifth year and Harry had almost considered them friends. In fact, it was beginning to seem very likely their relationship would move past friendship, but that was before the incident at the Department of Mysteries. They hadn't communicated since. Harry had the sinking suspicion that Draco wasn't fooled by the glamour. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked at the ground for a moment before peeking up at Draco through his fringe. Draco's smirk widened.
Harry paled so rapidly that Narcissa took notice, "Étienne? Do you need to sit? Is floo travel rough for you?"
"Yes, just a bit. I'll be fine, thank you."
All the same, Narcissa ushered him to the nearest couch and a moment later a house elf appeared with a glass of water. Draco smiled at his mother.
"Speak with my cousin if you like, Mother. I'll sit with Étienne until he is recovered. In fact, weren't you saying you wanted to show my cousin the progress you have made with the garden?"
"Oh, yes! It completely slipped my mind the last time you visited, Lucian. Can you spare a moment?"
Lucian hesitated.
Narcissa's expression fell, "Of course I am keeping you from your plans. Please, another time will be fine."
Harry felt a little guilty at her disappointment, "Really, Lucian," Harry spoke softly, "I could use a few minutes before we floo again. If your cousin doesn't mind remaining with me, that is."
Draco's expression was cool, "Of course not."
Lucian followed Narcissa out of the room, but not before he stopped to put his hand on Harry's shoulder and give Draco a very pointed stare. Draco seemed to wither slightly under the force of Lucian's glare. Harry began to worry, but Draco remained perfectly polite once his mother and cousin were gone.
"Are you feeling any better?"
"Yes, thank you."
"You seem familiar. Have we met before?"
"I spend very little time outside of France," Harry replied.
"I see," Draco didn't remark on the fact that the other man hadn't really answered the question, "My cousin seems fond of you and perhaps a little protective."
Unsure of how to reply to that statement, Harry decided to remain silent. After a moment of silence, Draco took the now empty glass of water and banished it.
"So, what plans do you and my cousin have?"
"Just catching some sights, whatever catches our fancy," Harry replied casually.
Draco smiled, "Sounds fun."
Harry nodded, "So you're a student?"
Draco nodded easily, "I go to Hogwarts. What about you?"
"I had tutors," Harry smiled and ran a hand through his hair before pushing his fringe down over his forehead.
Draco shook his head, "You remind me of someone. It's almost uncanny."
Harry forced a smile, "A physical resemblance?"
"No," Draco said thoughtfully, "You don't look anything like him. It's your mannerisms."
Harry met Draco's eyes and hoped the other boy didn't notice the shaking of his hands. He was half tempted to reveal himself to Draco. He felt horrible that his trust in the Slytherin had been shaken by actions committed by his father. It was too risky to reveal himself here, especially if Draco revealed his true identity to his mother. He was spared any further thought on the subject when Lucian and Narcissa returned. Lucian took Harry's hand and helped him up, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He offered him a pure, blood red rose.
"From my Aunt's gardens."
Harry smiled at Lucian and then Narcissa, "Thank you. It's beautiful."
Narcissa beamed. Draco's eyes darted between his cousin and Harry suspiciously, but he stood and did not interject himself into the conversation.
"We'll be on our way then."
"You'll stop in on your return to France?" Narcissa asked hopefully.
"Of course, Aunt. Perhaps after dinner?"
She kissed his cheek, "You'll take coffee with Draco and me?"
Lucian nodded, "Thank you."
To Harry's surprise, Narcissa also kissed him on the cheek, "It was lovely to meet you. Enjoy your day."
Neither Narcissa or Draco were fazed as Lucian applied a glamour. They took the floo to the Leaky Cauldron and easily passed through the half empty bar. Harry spoke once they'd passed through the archway into Diagon Alley.
"Why did you glare at your cousin like that? And why did you kiss my cheek?"
"I didn't want him to come onto you. He was eyeing you."
Harry blushed darkly and avoided Lucian's gaze. Lucian stopped walking and stared at him.
"Is there something you haven't told me about your relationship with my cousin?"
"I told you we're friends," Harry murmured somewhat sullenly.
"But you never told me you were attracted to him."
Harry shrugged.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, "Are you in love with him?"
Harry took a deep breath, "Remember the first letter I sent?"
"Of course I do. That letter saved my life."
Harry ignored him, "Do you remember what I wrote about the perfect future?"
Lucian nodded, "Yes, I remember," he gasped, "The man. It's Draco."
"Yes."
They resumed walking, but Lucian's expression was somewhat far off. Harry bit his bottom lip.
"Are you mad at me?"
Lucian shook his head, "I'm worried about you. I love my cousin, but he tends to spout the same propaganda as his father."
Harry shook his head, "He isn't like that. We've had a truce since the beginning of last year. He- he doesn't want that future. He hates it. He told me things…things he overheard."
Lucian hesitated, "Do you trust him?"
"I did," Harry admittedly readily, "I'm not sure how he feels about me now that I've had his father sent to prison."
"My Uncle made his own choices," Lucian corrected.
Harry shrugged, but let the matter drop as they entered Gringotts. They approached a Goblin seated behind a desk. He glared at them with blatant disapproval. Lucian held up a hand and spoke gently.
"We mean no insult by hiding our true appearances. We have what may be described as an inheritance issue. We'd like to discuss this in private."
"Very well," the Goblin agreed, "I am Ironkey. You will follow me."
They followed the Goblin through the hallway and into a moderately sized and furnished office. He took a seat behind the desk and stared at them silently as they sat on the chairs before him. He did not speak until they removed their glamours.
"Lucian Carolingian. And Harry Potter. How may I help you?"
"He doesn't have his key."
Ironkey frowned, "I am not familiar with his estate. Allow me to retrieve our file."
He stepped out of the room without waiting for a response and Harry turned to Lucian.
"They won't tell anyone we were here?"
Lucian shook his head, "They take confidentiality very seriously."
Ironkey returned, clutching a thick file. He opened it on his desk and studied the contents for a long moment before speaking again.
"Which key have you lost track of, Mr. Potter?"
Harry stared at him blankly, "Should I have a duplicate key?"
Ironkey eyes narrowed, "You should have a separate key for each vault. After the death of your parents, the master key was automatically returned to Gringotts until you are of age. It is the only key that will allow you to move between the vaults themselves."
Harry shook his head, "I've only ever seen one vault. I- are you sure there are more?"
Ironkey ignored his question, "Yes, the trust you're parents set aside for your schooling."
Harry's eyes widened, "That's just a trust?"
"Mr. Potter, am I correct in that you have no knowledge of your inheritance?"
Harry shrugged, "Apparently you are. What can you tell me?"
"You're parents left you six vaults. Your mother and father each had a separate vault, a shared vault, the Potter heir's vault, your trust fund from your parents and another from your grandparents."
Harry's mouth opened in surprise.
"How much is in them?"
Ironkey wrote a sum down and handed the paper to Harry, who just stared in shock. Lucian chuckled.
"There must be an error."
"There were also several properties left to you by your parents. Godric's Hollow, Number Four Privet Drive, Potter Manor and Potter's Keep."
"I own Number Four Privet Drive? But- But that's my Aunt and Uncles house!"
"This is in addition to the fifty vaults, eight properties and island that was left to you in Sirius Black's will. We are in possession of all but one of those keys, Sirius Black's personal vault."
Even Lucian startled at that bit of information, "Island?"
Ironkey actually answered his question, "Nigellus Island."
"Isn't that a myth?"
"No," He replied a little coolly, "Mr. Potter, you would already have all this information if you replied to the banks requests for a will reading."
Lucian's eyes darted between Harry and Ironkey.
"Will reading? I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't receive any requests."
"Someone certainly did on your behalf then."
Mouth pressed into a thin line, Harry made a decision, "Is there some way to invalidate a key?"
"With your permission I can cause the key to dissipate and have a new key issued to you."
"I'd appreciate if you could do that today."
"For which vaults?"
"Every vault that you don't have the key to."
Ironkey nodded, "As you wish. Do you wish for a key to all of the vaults left by your parents?"
Harry nodded.
"And your godfather?"
Harry hesitated, having no real desire to keep fifty keys, "No. Could you detail the vaults and have an inventory sent to me? There is no point in having fifty keys if each vault just contains a different amount of galleons."
Ironkey nodded.
"And I'd like a copy of both wills and all the information you have on all of the properties left to me by my parents and my godfather."
Ironkey nodded, "It will be done shortly. I will return soon."
He left Lucian and Harry alone again. Harry slouched in his chair and stared at the ceiling. Lucian watched him for a moment.
"What are you thinking?"
"Someone interfered with my post to keep me from understanding the extent of my inheritance. From my parents' alone, I could live outrageously for the rest of my life and not put a dent in the money."
"Who do you think it was?"
Harry's expression was cold, "I can only have been Dumbledore."
They didn't speak much until Ironkey returned with the information Harry wanted and the new keys. He promised to send information about the Black estate to Harry through Lucian. Lucian reapplied the glamours before they left. Harry vaguely wondered if Lucian still hoped to go to Canada and was relieved when the younger man suggested they call it a day after the stress from the Gringotts visit. They returned to Malfoy Manor and were almost immediately caught by Narcissa.
"How was your trip? You're done much earlier than I expected."
"Eventful."
She seemed so excited to see them. Harry began to wonder if she and Draco were exceedingly lonely at Malfoy Manor.
"I think it was perhaps too much excitement for poor Étienne. He's practically asleep on his feet," Lucian said regretfully.
Narcissa's face fell for a moment, before she nodded in understanding, "Of course. London can be overwhelming."
Harry shook his head, "Lucian, I hate to drag you away from a visit with your Aunt. Narcissa, if you will not be offended if my attention begins to wane…"
"Of course not," she assured him, "I'm sure a sit down and a cup of tea would do you well, Étienne."
Lucian shrugged, "Very well. Is my cousin about?"
"I am," Draco spoke again from the doorway.
He studied his cousin and seemed to take in Harry's white face and blank expression before turning to his mother, "Shall I send for tea, then?"
Draco disappeared to do that while Naricssa lend them to a small room adorned with potted plants and a circular table. They sat around the table and Draco joined them a moment later, sitting between his mother and Harry. Harry let his mind wander as Lucian and Narcissa chatted. He ignored Draco's subtle stare, hoping the other boy would desist, but he did not. Eventually Lucian insisted that they return to France. Narcissa bid them both goodbye and insisted they visit again soon, trusting Draco to see them back to the floo. Lucian took hold of Harry's elbow as he walked. The moment Lucian stepped through the floo, Draco's hand grabbed Harry's wrist.
"Tell me the truth. I cannot be coincidence. You are too much like him."
Harry tried to jerk his wrist free, but Draco's grip was firm and his anger was mounting, "Tell me!"
"Your cousin is expecting me."
"Why are you with my cousin? What kind of game are you playing?" He demanded suspiciously.
Harry pulled his hand away and went through the floo before the other boy could stop him. He fell into Lucian's arms, who seemed about ready to return to Malfoy Manor for him. Lucian was quiet for a moment.
"What happened?"
"He was suspicious. I think he knew."
"Little brat. Are you okay?"
"He didn't hurt me."
They kept the rest of the day low-key. Harry woke the next morning half dreading the trip to Canada. He still wasn't over the excitement of the previous day. Lucian glanced at him over his newspaper at breakfast and seemed to be able to tell that right away.
"I'll see what I can send away for by mail order."
After breakfast he took Harry up in the library to work on his summer assignments incase he was not able to convince Harry that returning to Hogwarts was not in his best interests. He left after telling Harry to summon a house elf if he needed anything. It took Harry the better part of the day but eventually he finished his Potions homework. He'd put a lot of effort into it and hoped Snape didn't fail him anyway, out of spite. The next week passed in a similar fashion. Once Harry finished his school assignments, he went through the information Ironkey had sent about his properties. He was most fascinated by Nigellus Island. It was well known, but generally thought to be a myth. Harry found its approximate location on the globe. It was in a tropical area. He remembered the flashy, colorful bird Sirius had used instead of an owl and wondered if his godfather had used the Island as a refuge to hide from the Ministry. A thought occurred to him and he wondered if he might do the same, if the need arose. But first he would have to figure out more specifically where the Island was located and how to get there.
That night at dinner Lucian had several parcels for him. The books on Sight and the mediums he had ordered for Harry had arrived.