Chapter One
The Cause
This is my first HP story in a year or so, so I apologize if it is in any way factually incorrect or sloppy. I can't be bothered to read them all again….
Also I love Lucius Malfoy, so needless to say, Narcissa Malfoy is not around. She has just conveniently not ever been around in this story.
Disclaimer- I don't profess to own anything connected to Harry Potter. Except the eighth novel, which Twannee and I tirelessly wrote at camp in the summer.
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"How many is that now?" Remus Lupin asked quietly as he walked slowly alongside Dumbledore.
"The Malfoy boy made it eight." The old wizard sounded distant, as if he were only half paying attention to Remus. The younger man seemed to notice, and sighed, placing his hands in his pockets as he walked.
Dumbledore looked across at him, turning his distracted gaze away from the night sky.
"I apologize Remus; I must admit that I am deeply troubled tonight."
"You don't need to explain yourself to me headmaster, I understand. I too fear for the boy, and indeed for all eight of them."
It was true. Lupin feared at the best of times in this dark war, but seeing Dumbledore, famous for his calm self control and gentle yet powerful presence, as distracted and fearful as himself only elevated his worry. It was like watching a pillar of strength beginning to crumble. It was true that Dumbledore was indeed the pillar, Lupin and the others being the structure that he supported. He wondered silently how much longer they could remain standing. Dumbledore broke the silence.
"Forgive me Remus. I must shake off this negativity. Where are the others?"
"They are back at the house, with the young ones."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, and began to lead the way back to the house.
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"How many times do I need to tell you Potter, I don't drink tea." Snape's slow sneer annoyed Harry as much out of school as it did in school. He knew very well that his potions teacher did not like tea, but delighted in finding any way possible to irritate him in the slightest.
"Harry," Lupin said softly, spotting the truth. He attempted a frown, but Harry's grin spread, causing his own to do the same.
"So you think it funny Professor?" Snape snapped at Lupin.
"Gentlemen, let's not argue over things as trivial as cups of tea," Dumbledore said from his arm chair. "Our cause, remember, requires us to remain together, our links strong. It would be a shame to ruin what we have done so far over a pot of earl grey."
Harry said nothing, but removed the cup of tea from in front of a now scowling Snape and placed it in front of his godfather instead.
"And Harry," Dumbledore added, not looking up from his newspaper, "Perhaps you could try to remember that Professor Snape is not a fan of tea?"
Harry mumbled his consent, turning towards the kitchen. He did not remember signing up for kitchen duty when he'd gone to Dumbledore over the whole affair, but he didn't really mind. He had enough respect for the old wizard to do what he asked without complaint. If the truth were told, was that not why they were all here?
A sudden occurrence caused them all to turn their attention to the front door, which had flown violently open and let a strong gust of wind in. Lupin, Sirius and Snape shot to their feet and drew their wands, standing defensively in a trio. With all eyes on the open door, a tense silence settled momentarily. When the smoke cleared, none other than Lucius Malfoy stood in the doorway.
"Potter and Weasley, get behind me," Snape growled. "Granger, behind Lupin."
Harry did as he was told, but was surprised to notice that Dumbledore sat calmly in his seat, his newspaper folded neatly in his lap.
The three men stood poised, their muscles all tensed and their wands raised in their fully extended arms.
Harry had met Lucius Malfoy only a few times, and each had been unpleasant and mildly terrifying. His reputation was equally as frightening, and was common knowledge. But tonight, standing in the doorway of the decrepit house, he did not look at all as his reputation would have him look. He looked tired and distressed, and his hands were empty, no wand. He stood still, his black cloak fluttering slightly after his apparition, his face not completely clear in the darkness. The calm, arrogant suaveness was missing from his presence.
Snape looked at him through narrowed eyes- he of all people knew Lucius, after spending so much time with the Dark Lord's people. But his expression implied that he almost did not recognize the man before him. Lupin and Sirius shared a confused glance, and still Dumbledore sat calmly in his chair. Ron shuffled sideways slightly behind Snape, his hand on his wand and his face full of contempt. Hermione stared at Dumbledore in confusion, as if awaiting some sort of instruction.
Lucius looked wearily at the three raised wands and the group of angry, confused people facing him, then looked at Dumbledore.
"I thought you might come." Everyone else in the room jerked to look at the old man, as he stared back at Lucius.
"What?" Snape snapped, not lowering his wand.
"I expected Mr. Malfoy's presence here this evening. It comes as little surprise to me." Dumbledore picked up his mug of tea and rested it on one of his knees.
"Well then perhaps you'd like to explain headmaster, because I for one would like to know why there is a notorious death eater and killer on our doorstep." Snape turned back to Lucius and clenched his teeth.
"If I am not mistaken, there is a very simple explanation for this. Am I right, Lucius?"
The blonde haired man leaned against the doorframe, having seemingly forgotten that three trained wizards were threatening him.
"Yes, very simple. He has my son."
"What?" Snape's hand dropped slightly. Lucius did not notice.
"The Dark Lord has my son."
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Ok, so it's probably obvious that I have set this somewhere random in time, and have changed a fair few plot elements, but that's what fan fiction is all about, no? Alternatives. Reviews appreciated.
