Chapter 4: Contra Vitam
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Previously: "…Daddy? Why do they hate me so much?" He asked, his eyes pooling with unshed tears.
Hearing the child call him 'Daddy' gave Lucius an idea on what to do but he put that thought aside, choosing instead to comfort Harry.
"Why do I always hurt the people I care about? I know that I don't deserve any of this, I don't deserve any of you because every one who gets close to me just gets hurt because of me and my freakiness and –" Harry continued, his voice rising as he started to break down again. He stopped mid-rant when he was lifted off the ground by his father, before being tucked into bed.
"Harry, you are a wonderful boy and no one deserves our attention –" Lucius gestured to Severus and Draco, who were standing by the doorway, "More than you. Dumbledore, Ronald and Hermione are only jealous of you because they know that they could never be half the person you already are. They are jealous because they know that they will never be able to do any better than what you've already done for the wizarding world. They know that they could never be a hero like you because you are filled with so much envy that they need to be amongst the only person who could make them look good. That one person is you, Harry, because you are probably the most selfless person in the whole world. That you would risk your life to save others is proof of that."
"We love you, Harry, and nothing will change that." Draco added vehemently.
The slight upturn of the corners of Harry's mouth did not go unnoticed by the adults as the raven haired boy asked his brother if he could sleep with him tonight. Draco nodded, "You didn't even have to ask, Harry. I would've stayed in here even if Dad and Uncle Sev told me to leave."
"Thank you for saving me," Harry said to Lucius as Draco was tucked in beside him, "I love you, Dad."
Lucius kissed his sons' foreheads, his face hidden from his children as he felt a flash of anger at his son's words. You never should have needed any saving. "I love you, my sons. Good night."
As Harry entered the dream world, one last thought went through his mind. I'm so lucky to have my brother, father, and godfather here with me.
"Haaa~rry! Wake up! It's time for breakfast!" Draco said, shaking his brother's shoulder. "Go 'way, 'Co," Harry mumbled through his pillow, "But Haaa~rry, I'm hungry and you know everyone has to be at the table before we can eat breakfast!"
"Why do you all have to be morning people?" Harry groaned as he and Draco walked into the kitchen. He sat down beside Severus while Draco moved to sit beside their father, who was sitting across from Severus. Draco shrugged, "I've been waking up early since I started school." He said, his expression solemn as he remembered that the two of them should have grown up together.
Severus glanced at Lucius before asking the boys about their plans for the day. "I was thinking of going to the library to do any homework due on Monday, maybe Tuesday, until noon. Do you want to come with me, Harry?" Draco asked.
If I go to the library with Draco, I could look for information on how I can avoid being entered into the Tri-Wizard Tournament. "Sure, I've already finished any homework due Monday so I guess I could work on the stuff due on Tuesday." Harry answered.
"Well then, I have several potions to brew for Madam Pomfrey. I'll see you boys in the Great Hall for lunch. Lucius." Severus said, standing up. He nodded goodbye at Lucius and the boys before gliding out of the kitchen, his robes billowing out behind him.
Harry stared. "How does he do that? I've tried and it's impossible!" Draco nodded, "I know how you feel. I've asked that question my whole life."
Lucius chuckled, "well boys, I guess I will be going then. Be careful and I hope to receive letters every week, alright?" He stood, giving both boys a tight hug before heading towards the floo.
"Let's go, Harry. I want to finish all my homework today so that I don't have to worry about it tomorrow!" Draco said. Harry laughed, "Okay, okay. But shouldn't we change out of our pyjamas first?" He said with a grin. Draco blushed as he remembered that his brother was still in his pyjamas. "Sorry," he murmured, embarrassed about almost dragging his brother to the library in his pyjamas.
Contra Vitam
The contra vitam potion is a complex potion that requires the brewers' complete attention for 2 days. This potion will reverse the drinker to whatever age the potion is set to be. One vial of the potion will be enough for the drinker to remain at their desired age for a maximum of 6 months; the chosen age does not matter. The only ones who can reverse the effects of the potion are the brewer and the drinker with the spell contra potio. It is recommended that the chosen age for the drinker should be an age that still allows the drinker to speak and think for themselves. Should the drinker decide that the want to be de-aged into an infant, it is recommended that the only person in the room is the one who will be taking care of said child, because the babe's magic will create a parental bond with the first person they set their eyes on.
Harry stared at the paragraph with wide eyes. If he were to take this potion, he would definitely be exempted from entering the upcoming competition. "Dray," He whispered, "Look at this." He watched as Draco's eyes lit up as he read the paragraph. "Harry, this is perfect! No one in their right mind would let a baby enter the Tri-wizard competition, no matter who the baby is!"
The two boys were silent for a moment before Draco said, "I want to drink it too. We should have grown up together and with this potion, we will get the chance to do so!" he explained when he saw Harry's puzzled expression.
"Are you sure, Draco? You know you don't have to do that." Harry said, not wanting his brother to do something he didn't want to. Draco nodded, "I'm sure. You're my twin brother. If you are going to be turned into a baby, then I am too. Now come on, it's time for us to go to lunch. You leave first and I'll see you in the Great Hall in about 5 minutes."
Author's Note: I am so sorry that I haven't posted anything until now! My laptop broke and I only got it back three days ago. I still have three days of my spring break left so hopefully you guys can expect another chapter by Sunday!