Harry's current condition they had hoped to keep from the public as long as possible, but the story was leaked, and they had no doubt by whom. Albus who had told Remus he could not teach if Harry was four, seemed to have changed his mind on the topic. He sent a letter to them suggesting Harry would be more of a target since he could do no magic, and that they would be safer at school. Severus could have his job back, or simply do potions there, but he received a very clear, no. Lucius who was released from the hospital two weeks after the birthday, promised any security and aid needed, as his brother had done so much for him.
Harry may never have been good with strangers, but he had heard so much of the Malfoys, and wanted to meet them. They would be staying there for a few weeks, before Draco returned to school, officially so Harry could be with Draco. Unofficially, it was so new security, both muggle and magic, could be installed at home.
Draco carried Harry up the front drive. "You know you'll have to come visit here often. Mom and dad have horses, and a pool, and a television."
Severus laughed at Harry's pout."We will come a lot. Besides I had a TV added at home, and no pool, but there are swings in my yard."
He had more then a bedroom done for Harry, he thought some part of the garden given up, would not hurt. Since they were putting in muggle security, a TV set was added, for Harry and Draco had been watching a cartoon together most mornings. Besides the manor, there was also a local pool, perk of a muggle community.
Lucius appeared with his wife. "And this must be my new nephew Harry. I am sorry we missed your birthday. I hope you got our gift though."
Harry nodded "Thank you Mr Lord Malfoy sir, Uncle Sev says I can try it out here."
Laughing at the poor child's mouthful of an address, Lucius and Narcissa insisted on Uncle Luc and Aunt Cissy. Narcissa would have taken Harry, but even after all the time with Draco, he was a bit shy, so Draco carried him for a tour. Harry's eyes shone when he saw his room here, looked like the one in Cornwall, and was reminded he would visit often. Though excited by the pool and stables, Harry really wanted to try out his kiddie broom. Soon Draco had him soaring around the lawn.
Lucius looked at the men."My sources say the last few renegades are gone, dead or caught, the real threats. The others, low level thugs, none closer then France."
Severus thought as much. "They would be fools to risk the kiss, to get Harry, their leaders are gone. It's not them I had you help me with security over, anyways."
They both knew what he spoke of, and the four adults who went to sit down on the patio, all agreed. In failing to get the Weasleys or Tonks to help, and Remus was in the will, Albus had few options, but they knew he would not give up. The man was not one to back down, and they worried how far he might be willing to go in this.
Narcissa looked towards where Harry was playing. "You don't think he would kidnap Harry do you? I mean what could he hope to gain from doing that?"
Remus answered. "No, but he could stage a kidnapping, and make it look like Harry is at serious risk. Then he would have two chances at Harry."
One, he could have the ministry force Harry back to his proper age, though they were not even certain it was possible, for too much time was gone for a turner. He would then return to school, and with neither man there as a teacher, he could have such influence. Or if it was impossible, then make it look like Harry was in physical danger, and needed to be removed from their care, and either gain custody or put him with Molly.
Lucius knew they made sense. "Well the security I am putting in place will be stronger then the school and bank combined. The issue is when not home."
Narcissa looked back and forth between them. "Have you considered blood adopting Harry at all? If he did not have the scar, and looked different................"
They considered glamour for the charm, but they had spoken of the adoption too, but both were reluctant. It was not that they did not both love Harry, and wanted to raise him, but they both were not certain about erasing his true parents. If it became too dangerous, they would do it, they would do anything to protect Harry.
Harry broke them from their serious talk when he zoomed bye. "Look I fly like Jolly."
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They were not certain about taking Harry, for the world knew about him now, but Harry wanted to see Draco off on the train. For a moment they wondered what classes Harry would have taken, or if he would have competed next year for head boy, but reminded themselves how happy Harry was now. They knew they would be in a public place, and would keep an eye on Harry close, so they agreed they would go.
Draco saw Harry was in tears. "Hey no tears, you know I'll write every week and be home for holidays. You can send me pictures to hang up in my room."
Harry's tears slowed some. "I come see you win quidditch?"
Laughing Severus assured Harry they wouldn't miss the games, and even though he was no longer there, he hoped his house would win, not just for Draco. Rumour had it Ginny was the new seeker, but she was no Harry, and Katie was the only old team left so Slytherin had a chance finally.
Remus pointed to where the Weasleys were coming. "And you know Fred and George are not in school any more. I am sure they will come visit all the time."
Fred had over heard and smiled. "Of course squirt, who else are we going to try our prank candy on? Don't worry, we save the bad kinds, for Ron."
Giggles came from Harry whose tears were finally forgotten for now, and he went to Fred, as Draco needed to put his trunk on board. The twins had not told anyone that Harry was their silent backer, but they would still honour it. They knew Harry had two fortunes, but he would still have shares in the shop, one day.
Ron came over to them and looked at Harry. "Maybe for once I can have a normal school year, and not just be your side kick."
Ginny kicked her brother hard in the shin "You were lucky to be it, no one would know you otherwise. And just yesterday you were plotting for a time turner."
Fickle was definitely the best way to describe Ron as a friend, the tri-wizard a good example, and it proved true even now. He had mixed emotions, Harry was his best mate, and he would miss him, especially all the fun with the map and cloak. On the other hand he already lived in the shadows of his brothers, being youngest boy of six was hard, but he was also known as the golden side kick. He was only decent in quidditch, and bad in class, unlike Hermione who at least had the brains.
Molly came as Ron was finally ushered on to the train. "We'd like to have Harry come for an afternoon some time. We promise Albus will not come near him."
Severus looked down at Harry."There are other issues, but if they can be worked out, I am sure Harry would like that. Especially if the twins were home."
Their attention was drawn to the train, where Draco, and down a ways Hermione and Ginny, were waving to Harry. It was always good for Harry to have more time with other people, for he was too young for the Muggle School for another year. They would still need to find him some kids, but the Weasleys were important as well.
Harry drew their attention back when he saw a lot of people moving and looking at him. "Uncle Sev?"
Severus scooped him off the ground. "It's okay Harry. I think it is time for us to head home though."
They headed to Spinner's end and Harry soon found his wonderment back as he looked around, sure enough a TV added. The back room, across from Severus' bedroom looked like a beach, not a jungle like at the coast, to remind him of the fun of the summer. And along with the swing and slide set, there was what looked like a normal kiddie splash pool, but actually could be swam in a bit, and in the center of a sandbox, felt like the beach. Dobby at work again.
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A few days later Harry was out in the back gardens where he was in the sandbox, when an owl arrived from Draco. Hedwig was there, and they had introduced Harry to her. While he was not scared of her, an owl really was not a pet for him.
Harry was making a castle when he heard a voice. "Who are you? They moved my tree for this?"
Harry looked around and was spooked when he saw a snake. "Don't hurt me snaky, I'm sorry they moved your tree."
A long green garden snake had appeared, from the tree in question, and slithered closer to Harry, for he had never met a human who could speak to him before. Harry was of course not aware he was not speaking English any more, or what a rare talent it was. He was simply trying to decide if he liked the snake or not.
The snake came over to him. "You can understand me? Interesting. I will not hurt you child. I have not met one of you. I am Nyx."
Harry cocked his head to the side."I am Harry. Can I touch you?"
The snake moved closer so Harry could touch him, and Harry giggled when Nyx's tongue came out, and ran along his skin. Nyx told Harry he would be his familiar, and when Harry was not certain what that meant, he said protector. Harry liked the sound of that, but warned about Jolly, his very protective panther kitten. Nyx just said he would rather not be introduced to the cat, thinking it odd such a child had a wondrous pet.
Remus had appeared with Severus and they had been listening in shock. They had not been certain Harry would still be able to. He had been able to as a child, but since Voldemort died, Harry had not shown any of his powers.
Remus knelt down. "Hey Harry, were you talking to the snake?"
Harry shielded Nyx. "Nyx is a nice snake, he not hurt me, he came out because we moved his tree. He promises he is a nice snake."
They knew it was a common grass snake, not poisonous and no threat to Harry, definitely much safer then Jolly when he transformed. Severus thought, leave it up to Harry, to collect a flying panther and a snake for pets, but Nyx was harmless, and promised he would not come in the house.
Severus kissed Harry's head. "This is like Jolly though, a little secret, you able to talk to snakes. It is a very special gift you have."
