Sadistic Fever
My oh my, Ok so lately I've been feeling like a pregnant woman, yes hot flashes, strange food cravings, morning sickness, mood swings, and it's like. I would be afraid if I was a chick, because then I would have the second baby Jesus on the way, hmmm maybe I have the anti-Christ on the way (I would bet a gay 17 year old boy would be the one to deliver that little parcel). If anyone has some curry with lamb chunks, I would be most obliged if you gave me some and some cookies… and some onions… ok there's lots of things I am craving.
Dedicated to a Close friend, he is my inspiration! Not Jordon though he still has my utmost respect (Even if he doesn't know it…)
Shadow DarknessDragon: Thanks for Reviewing a second time, sorry about the hyperventilating part, used the first word that popped in my head. As for the morbidness, I'll try to at least get a nice morbid part in next chapter… yes, yes (screams manically then grabs a pint of ice cream). Yeah, I said I was just cutting back, yeah; I don't plan to get rid of my morbid ways. Ohhh one more thing, explain that thing about the Minister in your next review… I didn't quite get it. I'll work on the morbidness next chapter don't you fret.
Mistress of Muses: Hey, I know you; yeah I work on the co-op story at home, and this one at school, because all the file of this story is here. No worries, I am in odd mood too (I am now hungry for oysters, yes in less then 3 minute of writing I have another craving). Thank you so much for being kind… I need to get better
Victor: Hey thanks for Reviewing, I'll try and make it less confusing for ya.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REVIEWS!
Disclaimer: The story is mine, but every character and plot and all that good stuff is owned by the godliness J.K. Rowling (feel free to use anything I write J.K.)
WARNINGS: Yaoi (guy/guy) content, pairings Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy. OotP Spoiler as well as HBP through 1-4.
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Concerto of Agony
"No!" Harry was at a loss for words, it was the first thing that came to mind.
"Please Harry…" Scrimgour said in a surprisingly calm voice before he was cut off.
"No" Harry stated again like a petulant child, finally his brain kicked in. "I will not live with that murdering bastard"
Scrimgour opened his mouth, but was cut off even before he could get off a word. "I am not a murderer, I am a very nice man if you get to know me" Lucius voiced in a lucid tone. Walking over to Harry, he placed a hand on the back of the chair. Harry wasn't sure if he was trying to get a rise out of him by coming close or was just being bold. Looking over at Arthur, Lucius gave a smile that was either very kind or antagonizing "Arthur, how nice to see you, it's been some time" pulling back his robes slightly, he gracefully put his hand out, his smile continuing to beam.
Harry's stomach turned as Arthur accepted the handshake hesitantly. He wasn't sure what Lucius was doing, but it didn't seem right. This amiable, almost kind, Lucius was sickening, contrasted to the previous noble he remembered, from the first time they met. 'This isn't right' was the first thought that snaked in and around his head. Scrimgour just sat there staring at the interactions between the two fathers before he got up and started to speak "If you please Arthur, I'll need a word, with these two alone. Besides you still have work today, I saw your son outside, take him home before coming back, the letter will inform you basically of everything". Sitting back down Scrimgour, watched over his hands as everyone's goodbyes unfolded.
"Harry, I'll see ya soon, no worries, we'll get all this worked out in the end" said in a firm tone, he then turned to Lucius "good talking to you Lucius, and I will contact you soon." Harry just sat in silence as everyone betrayed him, this wasn't right to him; he knew Lucius was playing everyone like a fiddle. He watched as two old enemies basically displayed they were good friends and nothing of this was wrong. He felt like he should speak but he waited, because he knew if he did speak, he would blow up. The smirk underneath Scrimgour's beard was obvious, like he knew Harry hated what was happening, and this was just some little game.
Placing his hand on Harry's shoulder he said something that calmed Harry down quite a bit, because at that point Harry needed encouragement "Everything will be alright, I'll try and get this all worked out, but in the mean time just try and go with the flow". Arthur left without much display, he just watched as Lucius took the seat Mr. Weasley had just sat in. "Shall we get on with business then?" asked a very calm Scrimgour. That didn't seem right either to Harry, it was as if everything was like a broken top, wobbling about and he had no idea where it would go. Scrimgour presented paper work to Lucius, who flipped through it reading some lines more carefully than others. "It's all the paper work to be the permanent guardian of Mr. Harry Potter here" he said it so blandly as if it were nothing, but to Harry; it was the thing that set him off.
"This is beyond belief, I can't believe you would let someone like him, a known supporter of Voldemort, be the guardian of me" Scrimgour flinched at the name Voldemort, but Lucius was unaffected. Out of his chair he was walking towards the door completely in a rage when something he heard stopped him in his tracks. He wanted Dumbledore alive at this moment more than ever, he would never have allowed this meeting to have even gone this far. Lucius would probably still be in Azkaban, and for some reason he felt Scrimgour was taking a side he felt was now winning.
"My son is a captive of these wonderful Death Eaters, I know you and me have not been on good terms, but understand that's the reason why I accepted to do this, to make up for everything between all this absurd fighting." Harry heard no lies in his voice as he said this, the eyes showed nothing though. It was the next line however that convinced him he should at least try and work with this. "My son's wound had fully been healed when he was taken away, he still has a scar, you both have a scar from something that could have killed you, that was enough to make me realize you and my son are not so different" Harry knew that Draco left of his own accord, but he remembered the way Draco acted right before Dumbledore was killed, the fear on the boy's face. The day when he cast that damned spell was also burned in his memory, the tears that were welling up in Draco's eyes, how Draco looked at those moments were forever burned into his mind and made Harry's heart skip a beat.
Somewhat calmed down, he took a seat across from the Minister, Harry still didn't know what was different about him, but the Minister seemed 'not all there'. Barely listening to the conversation, Harry got out another piece of candy out of his sweet filled pocket; slipping the butterbeer barrel in his mouth without anyone noticing. Everything seemed surreal to him. Here he was sitting and listening to people who he knew didn't have the best interests of him in mind, 'here I am listening to two men who have shown nothing but contempt for me, and saying where I am going to live for the next three years, and I am taking it sitting down!'. That sounded so wrong in his mind yet, for some reason very right. Shivering about his own thoughts he sat there quietly still sucking on his butterbeer flavor candy. 'What will they come up with next? Well, it's a better idea than Bertie Bott's every flavor beans.' he thought sarcastically. Snapping out of his thoughts he found a stack paper shoved under his nose.
"Sign this please, and you can then go with Mr. Malfoy" Scrimgour gruffly stated, continuing to push the papers further at him. He read over some of the lines but it was all just little formalities that made his head hurt; he took a deep breath trying to come up with a way out of this. The smell of the dusty office brought no ideas, though the oak wood smell made him take another deep intake of the warm homey sent. Taking his wand out, he then decided it was best he went along with their plan, either which way he'd find out if it was a trap, which he'd defeat, or they really were looking out for him. Deciding it was a win, win plan; he pointed the wand to the paper and made his magical signature. This wand signature was another thing he had learned while studying at the mansion, it always amazed him how it basically burned on to the paper. With raised eye brows he watched something he rarely saw, "Well our business is complete, I will see you in a month's time to see how everything is going" the Minister muttered, not sure what to say about someone who hadn't taken the ministry's course on how to wand scribe.
Lucius and Scrimgour got up and shook hands. Lucius was about out the door before he turned around, "You're coming right now you know, so please hurry up" Lucius snapped, turning again so quickly his robes flourished about him. Harry hesitantly left, with out much to discuss he followed his new guardian, head down, it seemed like he was still a child. Lucius came to a halt at a door, 'Private leaving area'. "This is what those who have contributed to the ministry, it's all based on status here; this will be your first time in this room won't it?" As he opened the door Harry almost gasped out loud. The chaos that lay before them would astound anyone who first saw it.
Harry couldn't even call it a room. It had no floors or walls, it was just a swirling mass of color, intertwined with darkness and instant streaks of solid clear that reflected with some of the light that seemed to come out of nowhere and yet everywhere. Lucius stepped right on into the nothingness. The place was endless yet seemed like you could walk right into a barrier the next step you take. There was just a faint amount of sound, like the constant whirl of wind, with the small amount of water trickling and crystals tinkling down. Harry just stood there awestruck, while Lucius walked to the center of the room.
"Hurry get in." he said in a harsh tone, snapping the seventeen year old out of thought. His first step he took made him stumble; walking in the room was different, kind of like walking on sand. Trying to gain his balance, he took a few steps closer to Lucius, and then fell. The older man stepped forward, grabbed the back of his shirt and stood him up, then in a softer tone than Harry had ever heard come from his new guardian "It will get better as we move, this method takes getting use to, but it's the safest way for us right now, you're going to have to hold on to my arm, this place will take you to where your magical field is attuned to, so if you let go you'll be walking directly back to the ministry, or somewhere worse, as long as you're touching me and I am leading, it'll take us to Malfoy Manor" Harry didn't like the sound of other wizard's tone when he said 'worse', therefore deciding it was best to listen to him, he grabbed on to the arm Lucius held out.
Looking back, Harry saw that there wasn't a door there anymore, and that there was no turning back. He felt his wand in his pocket while still holding to Lucius' arm. It felt odd to Harry being helped by someone he loathed. When he felt the tug of arm he started walking, and he instantly felt the change in the way things felt easier to walk on, and after about tree minutes it felt as if walking on firm rubber. As they walked things started shaping into some notable objects like a tree, but they weren't quite all there, still just swirling masses of color. Every thing didn't seem to change places; it just got clearer as to what it was.
"The way this works is very different than typical travel, usually it takes ten minutes to get places, but it depends on how well you're linked with the place, it goes around defenses" Harry found it interesting to listen to him talk with out motive, it seemed almost fatherly.
Things popped into existence, which disoriented Harry slightly. Looking around he took in his surroundings. They were standing on the inside of a gated court yard, right in front of a huge ornately carved granite door, with no way to open it from the looks of it. The door was oddly decorated, it depicted a huge fight, one side being dragons and serpents, the other side was demonic in nature, and people in the middle were fleeing towards the dragons for protection. Rose bushes, roses all different colors, were perfectly trimmed and encircled the entire area, with an opening that lead to other parts of the seemingly endless court yard. The thing that caught Harry's attention though was the fountain behind them. The fountain obviously made for this family; at the center were two dragons battling, one spraying fire, and the other water, which hit each other causing steam which sprawled out to cause a warm mist everywhere. Water pours out from the tips of their wings and tails into the pool, which its rim was a huge rendition of a snake coiling around the base.
Lucius took a deep breath then said under it "Coming home never gets old." Regally he regained his composure and took a step on to the stairs leading up to the great doors, and with each step it opened slightly more. Turning around at the top, he looked down at the awed teenager, articulating the sentence "Come on boy, we have to get you settled in."
Snapping out of his reverie, he took one more glance over the landscape before ascending the stairs. Going through the doors to his new life, he was greeted to a great hall with red carpet and all. About forty house elves lining the red carpet, heads bowed. Lucius walk forward, motioning Harry to move with him. "These are the head house elves; they greet every member of the family, and from now on, expect this every time you arrive, because you are now considered a part of this house. They will be dismissed once you reach those doors." he said while pointing to a large rosewood doorway, typical dragon and snake motif carved into it, "and tell them some new tasks to complete or just say 'dismissed'".
Stopping at the door he spoke the new instructions "This right here is the Harry Potter, he'll be staying here for a while as you already know, I will assume everything is prepared for him, and I expect everyone to treat him as a Malfoy." Pointing to a house elf in the right column of the green little dudes and dudettes (A/N I had the urge to add that in, sorry for the inconvenience). "This will be your personal house elf, her name is Diuma (de-u-ma for all you pronunciation fools, I love you all) ask her for anything you need. She'll show you to your room now."
At this point Harry was sick of all this, grabbing the arm of man who had so rudely entered his life suddenly. His suspicion got the best of him so he just burst out, "What the fuck are you doing, why are you doing this? And what reassurance do I have that you're not with Voldemort?" The look in Lucius's eyes was enough to tell him he had already crossed into a place where there was no turning back and that asking now was like teasing a lion in his own den.
"Watch your tongue boy. My reasons we shall talk about later tonight during dinner." at this point he was walking towards the doors. Stopping for a second as he reached for the handle, he looked over his shoulder and said something that really made Harry think, "As for Voldemort, if this was his plan, wouldn't he been prepared to attack you once you first got here? Even with the Aurors searching this place, I could easily hide all operations in my house. The better question is why did the Ministry place you here with me?"
Opening the doors he walked into a huge dinning hall, and the doors shut automatically behind him. Just like that, all the other house elves, besides Diuma, popped out of room. Standing there he had no clue what to do, he wasn't sure if he should go after Lucius and demand answers or to just go to his rooms, which he had no idea where they were. He decided the best idea was neither; he needed something to clear his cluttered head. The first thought that came to mind was to explore the huge mansion. Taking a little journey around the place would take his mind off things and maybe he'd find something to do besides just standing around in the foyer. Fixing his sights on the house elf near him who, with her hands together in front of her, she stared back at him intently. Deciding he'd get to know her later he asked her a quick question, "Are there any rules I should know about before going around here?"
Taking in the question, she stared into his eyes for a moment as if trying to figure out something then spoke in a squeaky but at the same time gruff voice, "The only rules that one must adhere to while in the manor is..." she paused for a moment, this house elf was different from the others, he wasn't sure if he liked that fact yet or not, "No entering the Master's study without his permission, and one must always dine with the family, dinner begins at seven sharp, and for you; you may not leave beyond the gates of the manor…not like you could". This house elf was definitely different, she acted more like a human nanny than a typical house elf. "There is also the fact that if you can't get into a place, then you shouldn't be there, such as the most private rooms much like Narcissa's observatory."
Taking a piece of taffy out of his pocket, he chewed it for a minute then swallowed. 'Where to begin, where to begin...' looking around. There were several doors on either side of the great hall, and several more up above around the catwalk that stairs lead up to. Thinking now that wondering around aimlessly was a bad idea considering that fifty rooms in this place would be like a tip to an iceberg and he might get lost in the process. Deciding to ask might be a better idea, "So... uh is there anything fun to do around here?"
She looked at him strangely, like fun wasn't in her vocabulary "Define fun sir".
Harry shook his head 'guess it really isn't in her vocabulary'. Thinking about it for a second, he came up with the best way to ask. "What would Malfoy do?" Then it struck him there were multiple Malfoys in this house.
Obviously picking up what he meant without much trouble, she responded in a monotone voice. "Master Draco likes to do many things, unless you were talking about Master Lucius, would you like a list?"
"I would" he said, not quite understanding how this creature was truly different than the typical house elf like Dobby.
Putting a hand in the air she started naming off several things a finger popping up with each suggestion, "Quidditch, Swimming, sleeping, reading in the libraries, sparring."
It didn't take long for Harry to choose, reading was one of his favorite activities, he thought about Quidditch, but he wasn't in a really energetic mood. He had forgotten that in a place like this of course there would be a library. "Can you take me to the library?"
"Which one sir?"
He realized that she had said libraries not library. "How many Libraries are there?"
"Eleven not including the dungeon library, and Master Lucius's private library." she stopped for a moment as if she wasn't telling him everything then moved on to list the different kinds, "The ten libraries are based on the topic: Wizarding literature, Muggle literature, Herbology and gardening, potions with built in potions lab, Culinary arts complete with kitchen, spell books, Wizarding history, Muggle history, Innate Magic's, the Malfoy house Library ,and Master Draco's personal Library but that's open to everyone welcome in the manor."
Harry was surprised that there was two divisions set up for muggles. He knew from the moment he heard it, that Draco's was the one he wanted to go to. "Can you take me to Draco's?"
Walking up the left flight of stair she turned to him and waited for him, he moved quickly to follow. Taking her time she opened the door and started walking, winding her way through the corridors. Amazed at how well she navigated this fortress, Harry was always a few steps behind, and easily distracted by some of the things he saw in the hall. Several paintings caught his eye, instinctively she always told him about a painting they passed if he was interested. Then they came to a door with two statues of Draco. One being his typical stance with his arms across his chest, the other with him in dueling stance.
Harry let out a small snort of laughter at the obvious dramatic flair put into this place. "What is this place?" he asked while putting a hand on one of the statues feeling its smooth surface.
"This is the entrance to Draco's wing of the house, everything from here on is Draco's, and your bedroom will be in this wing."
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"Why are you doing this?"
"You know why" He said while adjusting the broach on his robes. Shifting the cloak slightly to the left, he undid the chain holding it. Throwing it on the bed he turned back to the mirror to see her come up behind him.
"No I don't, you're hiding something from the most powerful wizard in the world, a man who frequently comes here." She wrapped her arms around his neck, placing her chin on his shoulder. Their eyes connected in the mirror for a second before Lucius started unbuttoning his robes. Taking a deep intake of his scent she closed her eyes then contented tone whispered "Either which ever way this war will turn out, our family is safe no matter the outcome of this war, why jeopardize that?"
"Because, I have failed to do the right thing for the last time" pushing her arms off him, he started to pace back and forth. Moving directly at her he put his hands on her waist, putting his face so close to hers that she could smell his sweet breath "please Narcissa, have faith in me, I've let too many people die already, this boy's parents have died because I didn't stop it and he has no where safe left to go, not only have I invoked the Fidelius charm for his protection, I have even made an unbreakable vow for this, there is no turning back and you're just going to have to trust me, besides how long did you plan on acting like stuck up aristocrats out side of this house" he said while letting his lips brush against hers in a teasing way.
She pulled back, the notion of ending the conversation there was not what she wanted. "I have faith in you, but what if this gets out of hand, what if Draco becomes another orphan because you took a risk? With Dumbledore dead, the war is looking in favor of the Dark Lord, the Ministry has very little leadership, I am almost certain that Scrimgour is only going with this plan because he feels that what you're doing is a win-win situation, if Harry dies then it will improve his favor with the Dark Lord or he doesn't and Harry is safe he gains points with the good wizarding world"
"I am aware of the consequences, but Draco is in the safety of his home, with two of the most powerful witches and wizards in the world, the one who survived the deadliest curse nearby, and Severus the potion god barely any distance from here in case anything happens wrong" Unbuttoning his pants, he let them fall down before taking them off completely. "Now that Dumbledore is dead, there is no leader of side of good, leaving us in a predicament that leaves factions vying for power, while Voldemort has everyone whipped back into shape and has everything progressing quicker than the other side".
At this point the blond woman had already let her silken bath robe fall off her shoulders that now lie around her feet. "So where does that leave us? In that weird strange number of three that you, oh so, love?" saying it in a seductive tone as she slide back onto the bed.
Nodding as he eyed the woman he loved. "Three, best number besides in the bed, that burden has always resided on the number two". Raising his eyebrow to the beauty that awaited him.
She laughed while shaking her head. "You and your numbers, just shut up and get over here you sexy beast" pointing her finger at him and dragging it towards her self very slowly.
Throwing his robes to one side he jumped on the bed standing over her. "It's been a while hasn't it"
"Stop stalling, we're both rusty" she screamed playfully pushing his legs out from under him.
(A/N I stopped here because well, lets leave lovely married couple alone while for their first time since he has gotten back, besides I am not sure if I could pull off a strait sex scene yet, and I am not sure if would allow it. I want to hear YOUR opinions in your reviews if I should extend it the next time)
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"Isn't there anywhere else you can put me, maybe in a guest wing?" Harry stammered.
"Sorry sir, Master Lucius made it specifically clear he wanted you in this wing, your bed room is prepared in this wing, and will be to your liking I am sure" she said calmly.
"Fine, this party is already weird enough, next thing you'll tell me is you're going to throw cans of string cheese at me" he said pretentiously
Ignoring his mumbling she continued to tell him something he had forgot about "Sir, you have none of your stuff with you since you had an abrupt arrival, Master Lucius has already had clothes bought for you, but I am sure you'll want everything back in your possession , but until then, every thing is already for your stay"
Harry noticed some movement out of the corner of his eye, but like Hogwarts he had already learned not to worry about all things in a place where he was sure he wouldn't understand everything. So taking in his surroundings, he looked up at the statues again. 'Might as well accept the fact, I might be here for a while, I better get used to it' he thought while touching the statue one more time, enjoying the warmth of the stone, which has been bathed in the light shining through the huge windows for hours. It was at that point occurred to him, "It's not raining..." he mumbled under his breath.
"The weather around the Manor is connected to the will and mood of the family, seems like everyone is pretty happy then" He realized he better keep everything in his head considering how well her hearing was.
"Shall we continue?" Diuma asked.
He noticed she too looked down the hallway; maybe he was right about there being something down there.
"Sure, I am starting to get a bit hungry; can you take me to the dinning hall instead?"
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"So what are you going to do" she said floating next to him. He looked at her in the mirror, and just look back into the basin. "I know what your thinking, and it's true, you really need to talk to me" he looked up about to say something but then it was all gone in a swirl. Placing him in a place where the next words sent a shiver down his back.
"I am very happy with your performance tonight; though you're lucky Severus was there to help." Voldemort said, wrapping his tongue around every word creating a reptilian resonance. Draco stood, doing nothing, watching as the cold hand wrapped around the wand at his side. As it pointed directly at him the face changed from that of the dark lord to that of Harry Potter, with the corpse of the wizened old form of Dumbledore at his feet. Draco turned to run but couldn't. Looking into the cold eyes of someone who struck more fear in him than anyone else, everything went black. After that all he heard was "Sectumsempra"
Waking with a jolt, he felt the sheets clinging to him with moisture. Draco wiped off his forehead which was dripping with a chilled sweat. The sun was still visible through the curtains, but it didn't matter. He preferred to sleep during the day; it meant less people bother him while he was awake. He look at the mirror that was opposite the bed, he saw someone he barely recognized, someone that didn't look well. He knew though this was the best he had looked in weeks. He had started eating again and his nightmares were getting better. A slight hint of a scar still remained from the spell that happened almost two months before.
The dream still plagued him though, and he didn't know why. Draco took a second to calm down and try to place his thoughts on something besides his dream, but nothing took hold. He pushed his face against his pillow and took three deep breaths before sleep overtook him again. This time the dream was pleasant.
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"I don't understand, you know this is the most dangerous game you've played Lucius" puzzling out plans was not his strong point, especially with a man like Lucius who lived for it. Though some might have called him a genius, he knew that to be only academically and technically, though when it came to putting it to good use it wasn't exactly where his strengths began. Lucius on the other hand was the epitome of a genius on all grounds, not only academically perfect, he was also a genius of life and making things work for him.
"I know exactly what I am doing, it's just a matter of pulling it off that's the problem." pausing at random places as he scanned over parts of a spell book. Making small notations on the edge of the pages, not exactly paying full attention to Severus. Shutting the spell book abruptly, he looked directly at the man who had been like a younger brother to him for as long as he can remember, and spoke softly in reassuring tone "All the winning cards are in our hand if we play this right, I know you are having doubts, but have no fear I have very little doubt that if anything happens, you will be not found out by the snake, you're safe." Turning and grabbing another grimoire from a pile to the right and he started going through it like the previous books that lay in a pile to the left of him Severus opened his mouth to speak then shut it, several times, then just sat quietly staring at painting above the fire.
"Dumbledore's death will not be in vain, you do know that right Severus" He said knowing what was running through his best friend's mind. "Look, surprise is our best advantage, frankly my son was forced into position where he would have had to kill Dumbledore or die himself, and you saved him and you for die if you had tried to save him, even if it was a horrible loss of life, this is war." Dipping an ebony quill into an ink pot at his and places a few notes in the edges of the book before returning to the conversation. "I am not sure if I could have done it Severus, killing a paragon of ethics and virtue" Severus opened his mouth and but was interrupted. "I know Narcissa forced you into it, which she was acting irrationally, but I have to thank you for saving my son from doing such an abomination, besides I think Dumbledore knew it was coming it, and probably was already prepared to give his life for his students"
The words came to an uncomfortable halt for Severus, so he just sat there taking sips of his tea, hoping that Lucius wouldn't continue down the uncomfortable topic. His thoughts shift to his personal problems and he kinda faded off into the fruity scent of the tea.
"How goes the man hunt?" Lucius questioned over his book.
It always surprised him that Lucius knew what he was thinking about, Lucius studied people and knew what they were thinking with out legimency, then again this could have been one of the great Lucius ice breakers. He paused to consider the question, and guessed at how much the every puzzling wizard across from him knew. The truth was his only way out. "Well considering that I am wanted by few on the either side, and that the dark lord has forbid any homosexuals to be what they are, that or death. I am likely to be a lonely old codger for life"
"Don't think that, you will find the right man, the hateful things with this entire war will end and then your life will blossom into a flower almost too beautiful to look at" Snape grimaced at the sickening image Lucius painted. Slamming the grimoire shut he got up in a flurry, and grabbed another book off the stack he hadn't looked through yet. "Well Narcissa should be out of her bath by now, and I think we could both use a bit of lunch"
"I think I'll stay here, I am not in the mood for Narcissa" Snape said in disgust.
Lucius looked at him and chuckled, "suit your self" he came to a halt at the door "then ask your elf for something, I want fix my self something for my self so I might be a while"
They walked quickly down the hall; rounding the corner they spotted what had made the movement. There was a young looking house elf, which was looking at them with large blinking eyes. Diuma snapped her hand across the face of the other house elf without any warning and start shouting, "Groxxy, what did I tell you, you are to be in the kitchen waiting when your needed" turning to Harry "this right here is one of you other assistant elves, though only for your nutritional needs"
"But I ams here because I'ms needed, heard the ringing in my head, hungry he must be" Groxxy said in a snappy but high voice. "sos the new mastur should givies me request"
Harry looked curiously at the strange little creature. "I am confused, what am I suppose to do?"
Diuma sighed out in frustration "You tell him what you want to eat and he'll take the order to the kitchen, and have the order brought to you wherever you are"
"Anything?" Harry like this prospect, he always did have strange craving sometimes so this would be nice. "I don't know what I want right now, can you come back in a few minutes"
"yes Master, Master Lucius says you can join him for lunch in the family kitchen"
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He was walking through a hedge maze, he was late he could feel it and he was lost. He finally came to a path of rainbow colored flower petals. He started running as fast as he could along the path. He came to the end of it and out into the clearing. It was the front of Malfoy Manor, and it was bright for night. The moonlight gleamed softly off the water of the pouring fountain. He took a seat on the edge to rest and enjoy himself while he waited. He looked deep into the water and was amazed for some reason at what was shimmering back at him. It was himself, only much to his surprise healthy and content looking. He touched his face tracing the line where his scar should be, finding it smooth and non-existent. He saw a dark figure in the shimmering water, he wanted to look back to see who it was. He was there to meet this person, he knew them but didn't. When the arms embraced him he just fell back into the warmth, knowing he was safe. The dark figure said softly into his ear "I am right here".
"So that's what you want is it" Moaning Myrtle squealed. She floated right next to him and looked at him through the mirror, smirking she stated"So you want someone that will hold you". She spun up in the air and squealed again "You are cute, cheesy but cute"
This time he woke up slowly, and content. He sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He didn't know why Moaning Myrtle kept appearing in his dreams, but it for some reason comforted him that he had someone out there who understood him.
He liked this room, of all rooms in the house it was one that was the nicest to sleep in, plain, dark and quiet. The best thing about this room was the fact of who it belonged to, Abraxas Malfoy. He wasn't exactly sweet, and he died when he was five, but he was still always softer to Draco than anyone else. Weird thing was that he never used this room except when he stayed. Abraxas liked to travel, it's the reason why he got Dragon Pox and died from it. When he was infected he too far away from any hospitals and died before he could even get to a place that had proper treatment.
He looked over, on the nightstand there was a tray with a glass of fresh watermelon juice and a plate of sugar cookies. He was really glad to have the elves look after him; they were always there if his parents weren't. Taking a cookie, he ate it quickly then washed it down with the watermelon juice. He loved watermelon juice, because it was soft without too much flavor but not too little. Lying back down, he enjoyed the rest of the day in a peaceful dreamless sleep.
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Narcissa was sitting at a small table near a huge bay window, sipping on a cup of coffee. She took a long swig looking over the rim of the cup at her husband, who was in a flurry of cooking. She sat down the cup and circled her finger around the rim while looking out the window. "Do you think he'll come?"
He looked up at her, continuing to cut the green bell peppers without stopping for a second. "Possibly, I hope he will" having diced the peppers he scrapped them into a glass bowl and moved to dicing some tomatoes before he spoke again. "There's questions that he wants answered, besides I bet he hasn't eaten at all today" Turning the chicken strips, he poured the peppers and tomatoes in the skillet. "So I think we a have a good chance of him showing up"
"Did my crop turn out nicely?" Narcissa asked when she saw him stirring the skillet.
"Perfect, even better than last time and that time I didn't think they could get better even with your skilled hand" he said while smirking.
"Stop that annoying flattery, it may have gotten me when we first met, but you're spreading it on too thick" She took another sip of her coffee and looked out the window towards the garden then back to her husband. "you are not as cute as you were back then, but I suppose they were a good crop though so I'll let it slide."
"A bit of flattery never hurt anyone, besides I know you still like it" He took a noodle out of a boiling pot of water and tasted it. "Done" Hearing loud footsteps he turned to the door and leaned on the marble counter as Harry came bursting into the small kitchen/coffee room.
"Ok I am here and this time I want answers, now!" Harry yelled.
"Just in time for our guest too" Lucius said smirking.
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Severus shifted his body so he rested horizontally in the chair so he was more comfortable. His mind wondered to the person he had been think about since he had last seen him. Remus Lupin had been on his mind since that night when Sirius Black had returned from his exile. He didn't want to admit it, but the situation just made him want to help the werewolf. Here he was trying not to think about someone that probably hated his guts, but just couldn't stop and fantasize about the situation.
He jumped up; he had to get out of this house. He wrote a small note and left it on the table next to Lucius's chair.
Sorry I couldn't stay, I needed to get out. I need to go see my father, so I'll be missing dinner which is good thing I believe considering who will be joining you, but I bet you knew that I wouldn't come anyway.
Severus
He fingered the locket around his neck; he hoped that he made the right choice that night. Deciding that it was best that he left this here for tonight. He leaned down and wrote a P.S. At the bottom of the note.
P.S. Give this locket to Harry at the dinner tonight it might help straighten things out.
Taking the Locket off he dropped it on the note. He tightly clutched his shawl draped over him. He opened the door, and it felt as if maybe Lucius's plan would be what opened the door for him to happier life. With that moment of fleeting hope he commenced his walk to a safe place to Apparate.
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"I know what I saw, it was Malfoy's dad"
"Well it's possible that Harry was put with the Malfoys, but why" questioned Hermione while she work on her gift for Fleur and Bill's wedding. "the better question might be though, how is Harry taking it, I mean I haven't even seen him since we left school" She stopped and grabbed some more thread before starting to embroider again. "How did he look?"
"Like the Hogwarts Express had hit him, he looked as if he had barely been eating" Ron said with concern. "I sent pig with a letter to him, so hopefully he gets it" Ron said.
He fell into the armchair that was near Hermione and watched as she worked on the 'something blue' for the wedding. "You think he'll be able to come to the wedding?"
"I don't think Harry would miss it even if there was an emergency" she set down the handkerchief and got up. "lets go eat I am sure he'll come if he can, and he'll send us a letter soon I am sure"
As they came down the stairs Mrs. Weasley was in her cooking Frenzy. She turned as they walked down the stairs and in a hushed strained voice she spoke with such anger "I am going to kill that Fleur if she tries one more time to help me4 in the kitchen."
As she said that the Phlegm filled maiden came gliding in as she always did. "Ohhh I am so sworry about 'Arry not being here, Arthur told us all he wouldn't be coming right away" Fleur sniffled as she wrapped them in a hug "I just hope he can make it to the wedding, it would mean a lot to Bill..." she trailed off and started sobbing.
"He'll be fine, he's a Weasley" Arthur said coming in behind. "Saint Mungo's said that he'll be fine for the wedding, and they said that with study they might be able to help make better remedies for that horrible plague which effects so many." The confidence in Arthur's voice put everyone at ease, as lately he seemed to be a pillar of strength for the entire family. The only one who took more responsibility on than Arthur was Charlie who had taken on the entire planning of the wedding and all the aspects of keeping everything running smoothly.
"How is Bill doing dad?" Ron said in a worried voice
"Pretty good considering" Arthur said while taking off his hat. "the full moon is hitting him hard, but he has a few more days before the waning helps any" He took a seat at the table which was already being stacked with food by Mrs. Weasley. "He is so happy that everything is going well with the wedding, though I have yet to tell him that Harry might not be coming" Shaking his head he took a sip of tea that was just set out. "Enough of this depressing business where's Charlie and Edan"
"Still working on the wedding plans, I swear those two are angels doing all the work. I am so glad they found each other" Mrs. Weasley stated as she sat down near her husband. "Ok lets eat everyone, we still have a lot to do, and me and your father are heading back to the ministry soon to contest this entire problem."
"Ron and Hermione, could you be dears and run the food on the counter out to the love birds" Mrs. Weasley asked politely.
"Sure thing mum" Ron said while grabbing the food and heading for the back door. "We'll be back in to get our food and we'll out here eating with Charlie" He yelled just before Hermione shut the door.
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Harry didn't know where he should start. "I want to know..." His voice trailed off as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He hadn't even realized that Narcissa had even gotten up, but what really surprised was how she had advanced on him so quickly. He found himself being lead without much resistance towards the table.
"lets not talk about that right now, you look famished and I am sure that you're stressed enough as is" She said in a soft tone sitting him down in a pulled out chair at the table. "Look we will discuss this all when we sit down for dinner tonight, but if you wish we'll give a few answers to some of your questions but first you have to eat"
Lucius set down a plate of food in front of him. Harry looked down at what seemed like an irresistible plate of food. Linguine topped with a creamy sauce with chicken, green bell peppers and tomatoes. He was hungry, after all the sandwich he had made earlier was one of the very few things he had eaten all week. 'why not, what's the harm in this' he took the fork and began to eat. He looked around to see both Narcissa and Lucius both staring at him intently.
"I made it my self, any good?" Lucius said with a smile. He almost spit up the food, but he didn't. Even though this entire scene disturbed Harry, he wasn't feeling the same malice he typically felt from Lucius. He would have thought there was poison in the food had he sensed anything wrong, but this was a different situation that his body felt like this was right. Lucius looked away in triumph "I'll take the silence as a complement"
"Why are you doing this?" Harry asked after he had swallowed
"We both thought that we might be able to help protect you better than anyone else." Narcissa said with out a pause.
"You may think us heartless less than human aristocrats, I know, but you have to trust us when we say the things we are saying right now" Lucius stated. "We're not as bad as you think"
"We won't lie to you, there are forces that mean to hurt you Harry, but we are not one of them" Narcissa says while taking another sip of the coffee. "I want you to treat this like your home, because right now you need to unwind before tonight, we'll discuss everything later this evening" She patted his shoulder and gave him a reassuring look. "So eat up and we'll talk about less important matters"
"How are you enjoying your stay with us?" Lucius asked sincerely.
"Confusing, I am still not sure why I am even sitting here with you to, no offense but I still don't trust you." Harry said after another full bite. The change of Lucius from the start of this crazy journey to this point has been so drastic Harry was at a lost for words. Going from so cold to so warm and kind didn't make sense, but Harry wasn't going to trust him just yet.
"Maybe you'll trust us tonight" Narcissa said.
After that there was plain silence and Harry just continued eating without a care, Lucius got and grab some for himself and Narcissa then they started eating themselves. Harry finished eating before them and so it was his turn to watch. Not surprisingly they were both eating in a very prim and proper way.
"Do you mind if I excuse myself" stating it more than asking.
Knowing that it was more snide than anything he countered with kindness, "Perfectly fine, please have fun here, we got almost everything that Draco wanted, so feel free to use anything around the manor" The stately man said. "if you need anything, Diuma will know where to find us ok?"
Harry got up and at that point, he was almost glad to be in this crazy circus. He moved to the door and turned to look at the people who would decide his future. "Thank you for the Lunch"
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Hermione and Ron sat in the newly transformed garden that Charlie and his new found lover had been working on since Bill got injured and infected. Edan had been helping Charlie cope with the entire ordeal, he kept his partner working on the wedding and he took time out of his own schedule to help. Their work showed, the place had been clear of all weeds and was now a lush paradise, with fountains and flowers decorating the entire area.
Ron looked at Edan, he look almost exactly like a Weasley except paler skin with no freckles and his hair was a much darker shade of red. He had a similar sense of style as Charlie although he was obviously the bottom in the relationship, but he was the emotional stability of the relationship. Today they both wore dragon leather pants Charlie was shirtless showing off his built body while Edan wore a light lavender silk shirt. Edan was walking around barefoot the garden commanding a few brownies as where he wanted the flowers to be placed.
Edan sat down lightly near his boyfriend and kissed him on the cheek. "I swear if we have to loose our jobs making this the best wedding possible then I will never see another Dragon for the rest of my life".
"So how did you two hook up?" Ron asked between stuffing his face
Charlie rest his arm around Edan's neck and looked back "I happened upon this red headed fairy on the side of the Zugspitze while we were working with a Germanic Goretusk, everyone besides Edan here had no clue how to handle one, and me and him were working together and we just kind of figured out we were attracted to each other and the rest is history"
"Funny that you might be adding another red head to the Weasley family" Hermione said in a sly remark. "Though I am kind of surprised that homosexuality is so accepted by the wizarding world."
"It's not really that accepted, the Weasley family has always been pretty accepting, but there are people like 'you know who' that hate us just like some muggles do" Charlie uttered "It's not split down such a defined line, people hate us no matter which world you're in"
The four sat there for a moment enjoying the full feeling Mrs. Weasley's food gave them. Ron couldn't believe how much the two of them had done, and they still wouldn't tell their secrets for the wedding day.
"Well enough rest, Charlie and I need to start working on this wedding before things start piling up" Edan raised his wand and started moving stone benches in rows "I swear the planning is the worst part of a wedding, a real concerto of agony"
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Well there's my chapter, it took a lot longer than I thought it would but the others should go by easier. I will be going back to school soon so I may be a little tied up with that, but I know where I want to go with my story and writers block has finally left me. Please review because all reviews are good, and constructive criticism is always wanted.
-Tohma