A/N: OK, here's the next piece. Its going to be a busy weekend for me, but I should have the next chap posted on or by Monday. Please drop me a review, let me know what you think. And thank you to AzureSkyTower who was this story's first reviewer! You made my day!

Somewhere to Stand

By ThornsHaveRoses

Chapter Two

It was that evening that Harry James Potter was escorted to the Manor by Ministry official Felix Snickett, a short, balding man with a too-thin face and eyes that made Harry uncomfortable to look at.

A house elf led them to the sitting room, where Lucius and Draco were. The Malfoys took in Harry appereance with a bit of surprise. Draco had seen him briefly around school just two weeks ago, but Lucius hadn't seen him in a year, since Voldemorts resurrection during the Triwizard Tournament. Harry Potter looked older than he was, a young man instead of a teenager. Only about 5'9", he stood with a confidence that took up a lot of space.

His jet black hair was slightly wavy and now chin-length, although it still looked as untamed as always despite the extra length. And he wasn't wearing those awful glasses, so his Avada Kedeava eyes were startlingly bright. They were also the only part of his face that showed emotion. The rest of his face wore a mask of indifference.

Likewise, in a moment Harry sized them up. Draco looked the same as always. That is to say, almost regal. Every bit the proud aristocrat he'd been raised as. Although, whereas at school Harry didn't think he'd ever seen him out if his school robe, here he looked equally comfortable and put together in light jeans, a T-shirt, and bare feet, his hair just long enough to fall into his eyes.

Lucius on the other hand was much different than Harry remembered from the few times they'd crossed paths. When he had been twelve, Lucius had scared him, looking intimidating and cruel and oh so tall, as only adults could manage. When he had been in the graveyard, he had bowed down before a monster and followed orders like a servant.

But here in his own house, Lucius looked dignified and proud. The same white-blonde hair as his son was worn long. Down to his shoulders and pulled back in a tie at the nape of his neck. He wore tailored grey slacks and a black long sleeve, and Harry guessed him about 6'1", with blue eyes and a handsome face.

"Introductions, then -" Snickett began, but Lucius cut him off smoothly.

"No need, Mr. Snickett. We have already meet prior."

He looked a little put out at the interjection, but pulled himself together with a little huff. "Well,,yes. In that case - Mr. Malfoy, you are aware of the Bond Laws? Hmm... and of course the date of the unification?"

Lucius nodded stiffly.

"And that Law dictates you are to share the marriage bed. Mr. Malfoy you are allowed full Bondmate rights to your pledges body at anytime." He continued.

Harry shot the man a glare that could freeze water.

Only years of practice kept Lucius from doing so as well, from openly sneering at the distasteful man in front if him. He was a Pureblood of one of the oldest remaining families. He was well aware of the stipulations that came with a Bond, even though there hadn't been one in his family for almost six generations. It was something all Purebloods of any statue learned at a young age, and for this man to come into his home and subtlety imply otherwise was grating on his nerves.

Snickett, either oblivious to the tension or enjoying stirring things up, listed a few more regulations, then departed.

After a pause and a deep breath, Lucius said. "Welcome to our home. Make yourself comfortable." The words were appropriate, but they did not slid off his tongue smoothly. It was... awkward, to say the lest, to stare across at an angry-eyed teenager after a complete stranger had just given them permission to fuck. While his son was in the room.

Lucius stood. "Would you like a tour of the house?"

"Fine."

It was the first word he'd spoken since arriving, and he sounded unbelievably weary.

After sharing a quick look with his son, Lucius moved to lead him around. He pointed out the sprawling gardens out the windows, then the main rooms of the downstairs. There were so many that were unused that he simply didn't bother, instead choosing just to touch on the kitchen, library, study and the like.

He had always been proud of his family home, had always pridefully relished a chance to show it off, but this tour had none of the same enjoyment. Harry took everything in quietly, barely speaking a word, giving no indication if he liked anything at all. It was the blandest tour he'd ever given.

Up the grand staircase he pointed out Dracos room. Then his own. Damn that Ministry bastard. "And this us. .. our room now." He pushed open the door so Harry could see inside, but he made no move to enter. He didn't want to scare the boy right away, especially after Snicketts comments. Didn't want Harry to think he'd jump him the first chance that presented itself just because he could.

He changed the subject as he started walking away. "We help ourselves to breakfast, but the house elves do prepare lunch for twelve pm and supper for six. It is almost eight, and Draco and I have already eaten, however, should you wish I can have something prepared for you."

"I'm not really hungry right now." Harry said.

Lucius understood that completely. He looked at the boy who would soon be his partner, and he didn't know what to do. "I know this Bond is the last thing you want to do, Harry Potter. But you have my word I will not harm you in any way. This is -" He hesitated again, unsure of how Harry would react, "-your home now, too. Please treat it as such. I also know the rules of this Bond - such as sharing a bed - and there will be drop-ins, probably from that idiot Snickett, so please call me Lucius, if you can."

"Another game to play." Harry murmured.

After a surprised pause, Lucius agreed. "Indeed."

Lucius then informed him he was going to his study -he felt it would be good to give Harry some time alone to adjust, and he wouldn't mind something strong to drink right about now.

Harry went to put his bag of belongings in Malfoy Sr.'s room. His room, now. And it was magnificent, just like the rest of the mansion. It had three large windows, each with a window seat and heavy curtains. The furniture was dark wood, the room was spacious but not empty. A few paintings lined the walls - still paintings, Harry noticed idly. And a bed just as splendid as the rest if the room. He tried not to linger on that.

A part if him wanted desperately to write Ron and Hermione. She would search throughouly for a loophole in this Bond, but he knew there wasn't one. Sirius had explained evetything he knew about Bonds the night before. And Harry had to give him credit, his godfather had desperately tried to put a positive spin on things. "Most Pureblood children grow up wishing for a Bond. There's a lot of perks that come with it... a lot of prestige."

Sirius had described it almost like a Bond to Purebloods was like a fairy tale to muggles. "Lovers would beg their parents to allow them to Bond, or to unite bloodlines, or to covet wealth. People would talk about all the amazing things true Bonds were supposed to do - grant the Bondmates healing powers or telepathy or strengthen their magic. There are bedtime stories about Bondates who could even share wands. But, yeah. Basically thats just Purebloods bragging to the world, finding any excuse to be better then their peers."

All Harry had thought was why don't they teach this kind of thing at school? It seemed kind of important. But Sirius had explained that too. "Bonding just sort of fell out if style. Now only a handfull of people even bother. One of my great-great uncles was Bonded."

And this - this was the kind of news he had to tell them in person. He couldnt even imagine what he would write. 'Hey, guys, I'm married to a man. Who's also a death Eater. Who's also Malfoys dad. No I'm not joking. How's your summer been?' No, he didn't want that.

He had had every intention of then exploring the house, but he got distracted by a bookshelf against the far wall. The books on it were clearly old, but just as clearly well taken care of. Books on offensive magic, defensive magic, magical creatures. Titles he'd never heard of and couldn't stop himself from gently pulling from their place to browse.

A few hours later Lucius went up to his room. He shamefully hoped the boy might already be in bed, so they wouldn't have any or much interaction. However, the door was ajar and the light was on. When he pushed his way in, his eyes immediately sought out the Boy-Who-Lived. He was sitting on the far side of the bed, with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.

"Harry?" He called softly, testing out the first name on his tongue.

"Hm?" Came the reply. Harry didn't look up.

"Are you alright?" Lucius felt stupid even asking that, as so many things about this situation were not right.

"Headache." Harry murmured.

Lucius almost sighed in relief. At least this was a problem he could fix. "I have a headache reliever in the cupboard." He said, moving towards it.

"No thanks." Harry said.

"I give you my word it's not poisoned." He tried not to let his temper get the best if him. Of course there would be trust issues. The boy had only been here a handful of hours. Lucius was determined to be a bit understanding, but this sounded too much like a moody teenager, and he did want to be reminded of the age difference again today.

"Don't want it."

"Don't be ridiculous." Lucius said. "Take the damn potion and be done with it."

"Leave off, Malfoy." Harry snapped. He still hadn't looked up.

"This Bond has only been official a few hours and you've already given up any attempts at being civil?" This must be the attitude that had caused his son many times to rant about the Boy-Who-Lived. "You have a headache. This potion will fix it. Stop being unreasonable."

"No. It won't." Harry insisted.

"I know a thing or two about bloody headaches. It's a simple fix." Lucius had told himself he was going to be calm and level-headed with his new Bondmate, but this stubborness was almost unbearable. "This hero-suffering is a bit tiresome, don't you think?"

"Go to hell."

"Original. Deal with your damn headache."

"It's not my fucking headache." Harry snarled, head whipping up to glare at Lucius.

Understanding hit the elder Malfoy like a punch. Then incredity. Of course he had heard rumors of the Dark Lord's connection with the Boy-Who-Lived. How did it work? It must be one way... otherwise he would have known more. And was Harry experiencing a headache because of something the Dark Lord was doing, or was the Dark Lord experiencing a headache, and the affects were just carried over? And why? How?

Lucius would ask, but not yet. But one day he would find out. He had an insatiable curiosity.

Softening his tone, he asked "Is there anything I can do?"

The anger had bled from Harrys face, and Lucius was struck again by how exausted he looked. He felt a twing of guilt for shouting at the boy, for taking his anger at Dumbledore out on a fellow victim of the old man's schemes.

"It'll pass. They always do." He whispered.

Feeling there was nothing more to say, Lucius went to the bathroom to change into loose black pajama pants and a white T-shirt, which was more clothes then he'd worn to bed at anytime since he was a child. He got under the covers and willed off all the lights save the lamp on Harrys side, resigning himself to an awkward night of sleeping hugging the edge of the bed. He wasn't a man to make allowances very often, but it couldn't hurt. He might not be able to salvage the evening, but at least he could prevent himself from coming off as a lecherous old man.

Harry just let his body list to the side, his knees pulled up to his chest.

That night Lucius did not sleep well.

Harry did not sleep at all.