The Contract
Chapter 10
Corvus watched over Harry with a watchful penetrating gaze, that spoke of protectiveness and not just curiosity these days. Harry was becoming more outspoken, gaining strength not just bodily but in spirit. Not so shy as he gained confidence, he was beginning to develop his own opinions on everything, not just information he was gaining while learning. He wasn't being entirely self-taught, Corvus was aiding him when needed, encouraging it even, but when Harry needed help, he was there and teaching him all he needed to know. He was far from being an expert in anything, but the small amount of time he'd been here, he'd shown resilience and determination to learn all he could. He was extremely proud of the young boy, he had the grit and fortitude to plough through everything and overcome his shortcomings.
As they finished feeding the last of the others Harry's voiced pipped up. He had been ready to get Harry in for a rest – and if the past was any indication something to read – he was no longer needing naps every hour or so. Harry delighted in helping him care for the animals, whether it was letting them out to roam, getting them back in to feed them, or even brush their coats.
"What's in there?" Harry asked, he'd never been inside, and the time he'd tried, it had stopped him in his tracks. He literally couldn't open the door to see for himself. He'd seen the rest of the animals, multiple times, Harry loves those hours where he and Corvus looked after the animals, not just looking after, interacting and Corvus told him everything he knew about them. Which was a lot, and he devoured any and all information Corvus gave him.
"Ah, I'm surprised you've taken so long to ask that question," Corvus didn't need to glance in the direction Harry was pointing towards. There was only one other outhouse out here. It was farther away from the other animals, and also secure as can be. Harry knew every nook and cranny of Lestrange Manor grounds, he'd even fed the birds and swans upon the moat. He got exhausted, didn't stop when he suggested it, due to his ill health, but Harry refused to be deterred. Honestly, Corvus wasn't sure whether Harry had been allowed outside to just play, to investigate so he couldn't bring himself to order Harry away. Asking the healer for her opinion, Millicent suggested as long as he was eating and doing his exercises that he should just let Harry set his own pace. Although, if he ended up falling and hurting himself, then definitely put a stop to his active wanderings. So far, Harry had been aware of his own limitations and that was enough for him. when he wasn't outside investigating he was buried in a book or eating – even both which Corvus definitely didn't approve of – considering it wasn't his precious books worth thousands of Galleons he didn't protest. Outwardly at least.
Harry glanced up at Corvus, who was like a giant compared to him, he was lucky if he came mid-chest if he stretched up. "Is it dangerous?" it was the only thing he could deduce. It had to be really dangerous though, since some of them Corvus had let him see were deemed 'dangerous' but maybe he was just being careful.
All animals had the capacity to be dangerous, Corvus said, especially if you don't treat them with respect.
"They are, as a matter of fact, inside that hut, is where I keep the snakes, Runespoor, their venom is very sought after, as is their eggs," Corvus stated, "They're extremely venomous and rather…temperamental," at least from what he could deduce from their hissing at any rate.
"Snakes?" Harry perked up immediately, eyes wide with wonder, "Can I see? Please?" his green eyes pleading with Corvus' his desire evident.
"Of course," Corvus agreed, instantly giving into Harry's begging. He would have hated himself if not for the fact he felt true fondness for the child. He was going soft, his sons would have been laughing at him if they had been there to see this. Laughing or judging him either way, not that he'd been able to deny his sons anything either.
"I went to the Zoo once," Harry confessed quietly, as they begun to walk towards the hut, Harry almost jumping in excitement, "My aunt couldn't get Figg to babysit because she'd broken her leg I think, I can't quite remember…or maybe someone she knew had broken their leg. I didn't pay much attention, they didn't like leaving me at home alone, I think they were worried I'd do something to the house."
"Ah, I see," Corvus replied, his anger at the Dursley's couldn't become any more apparent, he'd already heard the worst of it. As he gained more trust from the boy, he began to talk a little more about his life, especially when he was excited. Corvus found that Harry was less close mouthed when he was very happy. Almost as if he forgot he was meant to be quiet – as he often was told to be at the Dursley's – 'as if he didn't exist' was the words they liked to use. He never hid how much he didn't approve of the Dursley's and Harry soaked up the fact someone truly cared enough to be angry on his behalf.
"It was fun, I even got to have some ice cream that Dudley didn't like," Harry continued, "I liked the snakes the best, the one I spoke to was bred in captivity,"
Assuming Harry had conversed with the snake, a one sided conversation, he nodded, "I too often talk to the animals, they are smarter than people give credit for." it soothed them as well. Allowed one to confess all their secrets knowing they would actually remain a secret.
Harry gave Corvus a strange look, was it a wizarding magic trick? The ability to talk to animals? Then why could he only converse with snakes? Maybe it was different with them all? "You can talk to animals?" he queried, he supposed it wasn't that big a surprise if he had so many of them here at the manor.
"No, only specific wizards can talk to animals," Corvus explained, "There are bird speakers, and of course, my personal favourite…" Corvus opened the door and the immediate hissing was heard. "Parseltongue, a snake speaker, someone who can speak to snakes is referred to as a Parselmouth."
Harry made a little noise of surprise, so that's what he was? A Parselmouth and a choked chortle left his lips before he laughed, a full belly laugh.
Corvus stated nonplussed by Harry's behaviour at the same time a little amused, he hadn't seen Harry laugh like that before. "And what has tickled your fancy?" wondering what had gotten him so happy. Was it the fact he was seeing a snake with three different heads? He mused, it was perhaps something Harry wound find amusing, such sights might be new and a little incredulous for him.
"They're funny," Harry said, sniggering.
"Yes, I'm sure to you, they do look it," Corvus answered, lips twitching in amusement, "A common sight here, you'll find." Stepping closer so that Harry could see them a little more clearly, they were at the back of their enclosure.
"No, I mean they're funny, they call you the food human," Harry said with a wicked grin, "They aren't pleased you don't have anything for them though," he added offhandedly.
Corvus stumbled over his own feet, staring at Harry in unconcealed disbelief, embarrassment coursing through him. He had acted like a lowly Muggle-born brat, stumbling over his own feet like a toddler. Straightening up, his cheeks only slightly red, unnoticeable to most. He was grateful there was nobody else around to notice his slip in composure. Well, anyone except Harry of course. "Could you repeat that?" he asked, almost positive that he had misunderstood everything the boy had said only moments ago.
"They want something to eat," Harry pointed to them, "They have different personalities, its weird," it was like talking to three different people.
Corvus' jaw dropped, definitely hadn't misunderstood, his eyes widened when Harry begun hissing back at them. Bloody hell, the boy was a Parselmouth. "You're a Parselmouth," he murmured in awe, he needed to see the Potter lineage immediately. This gift was for only Slytherin descendants, Harry Potter had to be related to not only the Dark Lord but the great Salazar Slytherin. Merlin, help him, he truly wanted the boy to be in his family now. It would be the best thing that had happened to the Lestrange's for generations. To think he had been impressed with Bellatrix because she was a Black…this…this was so much more.
"I found out when I visited the Zoo," Harry explained, after the Runespoor became quiet after he hissed back, quietly reeling over the fact there was a snake speaker in front of them. "I made the glass disappear so that the snake could get away, I made the glass reappear and got Dudley stuck inside the enclosure. I paid for it too." Absently rubbing at his arm, his uncle had been beyond furious. In talking of his experience, he completely missed the look of reverence that crossed Corvus' face.
"How would you like to brew a potion with me?" Corvus asked, "Find out more about your family? Create a family tree?"
"Really? A potion?" Harry asked, perking up, easily distracted, "You'll let me?" he hadn't been allowed down to the potions lab that Corvus had in the Manor. Due to his healing hands, and the fact he'd need to stand for long periods of time but he'd read a lot of information about them. How to properly prepare them, the correct procedure for 'dicing' cutting, slicing and all prepared measures one took while dealing with the ingredients.
"You'll help," Corvus amended, he wasn't going to let Harry prepare a Mastery level potion while still recovering…or before actually brewing a basic potion. Although, if he was anything like Fleamont Potter, he'd find himself quite good and enjoying the process of brewing. Fleamont had actually created the Sleekeazy potion, ironic really, since it didn't work that well on the Potter's 'bird best' hair they all seem to inherit. To an extent, Harry hadn't used it yet. His hair was getting longer due to the potions he was taking, due to his health being better, it was no surprise. Harry didn't seem to have any desire to have it cut. As Lord of the Potter estate (soon to be) well, perhaps it was best he grew it in, most Lords had long hair, it was just a common thing they did when they reached a certain age.
Harry didn't seem to mind, he just nodded eagerly, every branch of magic was fascinating to him. He had no particular favourites, but he did have a few he didn't like the sound of. Divination and Arithmancy were two so far that he had no desire to immerse himself in. Although, he did learn a bit more about Runes than anything else…he wanted to be able to talk to Rabastan after all.
"Very well, let's go," Corvus commanded softly.
"Best feed them first," Harry commented at the sudden upstart in hissing as they turned their backs prepared to leave the hut.
Corvus coughed to hide his sudden laughter, increasingly amused, "Very well," he sighed, calling upon the House-elves to feed the Runespoor.
"Why is there only one?" Harry asked, normally there were more than one animal, despite the Runespoor having three heads and different personalities there was only one snake. The place was big enough to house at least three or four more.
"Runespoor are native to the African country of Burkina Faso. Runespoors are commonly six to seven feet long, with orange and black stripes. Since they are very easy to spot, the Burkina Faso Ministry of Magic has made several forests Unplottable for the Runespoor's use, and to avoid sightings by non-wizards. They have ten year life span, and I'm afraid the other I had passed only five months ago, I have been meaning to get another so that they have company, but other things have taken precedence. Their eggs are extremely valuable, especially on the black market, their eggs are good in potions to stimulate mental agility." He actually gave the proceeds to St. Mungo's anonymously of course, had done since his sons imprisonment. He couldn't undo what the group had done, but with every galleon St. Mungo's got, they got closer to curing a lot of things. Perhaps one day, the cure for insanity drive by the Cruciatus Curse would be included too.
"Oh," Harry said, nodding his understanding, so each country had its own Ministry of magic, he filed that information for later. Just like he filed away a lot of information as of late. Not that he minded, he'd rather this than sitting in his cupboard, locked away, waiting for high school to start. Which is exactly where he would be if he didn't have magic.
"They are also the only snake to produce eggs by laying out of their mouths," Corvus added, knowing Harry liked titbits of information like that.
"Awesome!" Harry said in amazement.
"Indeed," Corvus replied, Harry seemed to really like animals, it wouldn't be the first time he'd seen him immersed in a book for magical creatures. Harry had free reign on his library as long as he was reading the books that Corvus had suggested first. The list he had was endless, not that he was overwhelming Harry, just giving suggestions when he saw he was finished with the book he'd recommended before.
They strolled leisurely towards the manor, in no hurry to go down to the dungeons. Corvus hadn't wished to get Harry into potions, mostly due to his ill health and the fact spending a lot of time downstairs wouldn't get him the nutrients his skin clearly needed. Being outside in the sunshine, it was good for him. well, he was lying here, he definitely wanted to get down to the dungeons and get the lineage potion done. Unfortunately for him, it would take two days to be complete, between the potion and the spell required afterwards to get the actual results.
It would be completed in time to visit his son again, he wondered if the results he got would surprise them all.
It most definitely would.
Which reminded him, he'd need to put a piece of chocolate in his cloak pocket, just in case Harry forgets. That way he would be able to get something to ease the effects the dementors had on him. He ignored the stabbing of guilt he felt, for even contemplating letting Harry continue to visit Azkaban with hearing his parents deaths and his difficulty in the presence of the dementors.
Corvus was still slightly dazed by everything he'd just learned in the past ten minutes, it was hardly surprising that he wasn't fully himself for a good hour afterwards. Harry Potter could be a descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Now wasn't that mind boggling?
It took Albus Dumbledore embarrassingly two days to find out exactly where the Dursley's had taken up residence. He had Doge staking out the property, just to keep an eye on anyone coming or going – particularly wizards in question – to find out if they could find out to whom Harry was betrothed to if they showed up. He couldn't see the Dursley's allowing it, since one of the stipulations Petunia had demand was that no wizard ever darken her doorstep. He had agreed quite quickly, since he'd already planned on ensuring the boy didn't know of any wizards before he entered Hogwarts.
However, what was concerning him was the fact Doge hadn't seen a single sign of Harry Potter in or outside, since he'd begun staking out the property. It hadn't to begin with, after all, the boy rarely left the confines of Privet Drive except for school. Except to do chores and such, surely no matter where they were, he wouldn't change their attitude towards the boy.
As soon as he was finished with the ICW meetings, Albus apparated to the Dursley's residence, which belonged to Marge Dursley, from Doge's words she was an extremely unpleasant looking and sounding woman. It was unfortunate, that he was having to do this, but he was deeply concerned. If the boy was sick or there, then that was good, but his instincts were screaming at him that there was something really wrong.
"Albus," Doge whispered quietly, "They are currently eating breakfast, still no sign of the boy."
Albus' brow wrinkled deeply in concern, "Nothing?" the boy needed to eat at some point, surely he would have made an appearance at least once. Flicking out his wand, he murmured a spell under his breath, awaiting the results, which revealed all the people within the confines of the house.
"My apologies, I didn't think of that," Doge said, embarrassment clouding his features.
Albus waved his apology away, "Four people," he could only hope that one of them was currently away from the property and Potter was inside.
"They're eating breakfast, the boy isn't here," Doge informed Dumbledore, blue eyes squinting at the people sat at the table. Two morbidly obese Muggles that look terribly alike, another obese boy who was almost the same size as the other two, and of course the tall thin woman he knew to be Petunia Dursley, sweet Lily's sour sister.
"Could he have gone out?" Dumbledore asked, blue eyes beginning to darken, what if his 'betrothed' had taken him in? What if he was no longer at the Dursley's and didn't consider the place home? It would mean all the necessary measures he'd taken were destroyed. No, he had spent a decade on this, he refused to let all his measures be for naught.
"Believe me, I haven't seen him once since I began watching over the property," Doge said vehemently.
Dumbledore believed him, if anything Doge was a perfect watch dog, when he asked for anything, his good friend would be there to do it. he'd never once declined to do anything he wished, and he had been keeping a distant eye on the boy since he was placed at the Dursley's mostly keeping an eye out for any visitors of their kind.
"I'll take it from here," Dumbledore informed him, "You can head home,"
"Albus…you never did explain what was going on," Doge said, concern lacing his voice, "If there is anything else I can do…" he trailed off.
"I know, thank you, my good friend, I appreciate all you've done," Dumbledore said, gratitude in his voice but not in his heart.
Doge flushed, "It's nothing," he said, bashfully.
"Go home and get some rest, we have that Wizengamot meeting tomorrow," Dumbledore suggested, patting Doge absently, so easily distracted. He probably wouldn't realize he hadn't gotten his answers until later today and by then it wouldn't matter.
"I will," Doge agreed, without more ado, he apparated away from the Dursley's residence and returned home, looking forward to the comfort of his own bed instead of staying at the Dursley's keeping watch from a distance.
Dumbledore straightened up, swiftly making his way towards the door, which wasn't a simple trek. This place was open, spacious and quite large. With quite a few outhouses, where he could hear animals, dogs mostly, making noises as he passed them. He couldn't help but wonder what had happened to make the Dursley's move in with the odious woman. More importantly, wanted to know why the boy wasn't with them.
After five minutes of avoiding dug holes in the grass, he eventually made it to the door and rang the doorbell a single time. Waiting impatiently for an answer, praying to Merlin that there was an answer he'd like from the woman. That Potter was staying with a new friend he'd made or some such thing. He definitely didn't want to hear that the boy had been taken in by a wizard. Hoping against hope that he simply didn't know about the Betrothed yet, he knew it was unlikely, the boy had to have signed the contract, but he was holding out hope that he had signed it without realizing what it was.
Worst come to the worst he cold only pray that the wizard to whom he was contracted could be easily manipulated into breaking the contract. He would get things back to the way they were, even if it meant killing someone, or rather arranging it to be done. The boy was going to be in his control again if it was the last thing he did.
"Yes?" came a grating woman's voice, knocking Albus out of his stupor. "We aren't interested in buying anything!"
"Oh, my apologies, I'm here to speak to Petunia Dursley ma'am," Albus said pleasantly, smiling politely at the woman, hiding his utter disgust.
"And who are you?" Marge asked, suspicion lacing her voice, eyes narrowing in on the old man.
"My name is Albus Dumbledore, she knows who I am, could you let her know I am here?" Albus said, pleasantness coating his voice, as he used magic to make her more agreeable to his demands. He didn't want to have to break into the property in order to demand answers from Petunia.
"Of course!" Marge said, a smile of her own crossing her features, her eyes slightly glazed at the use of magic.
"Thank you," Albus said, beaming in happiness, as if nothing pleased him more.
"Please, come in," Marge said, not even realizing she was being utterly out of character and she wouldn't even once the magic wore off.
"Oh, no, I wouldn't like to intrude," Albus said, dimming the effects of the magic slightly, "I only wish to speak to her for a moment," he informed Marge hiding his annoyance.
Marge opened her mouth to insist, before she shook her head, and grunted before making her way back inside. The loud thumping of every step she took heard without even requiring enhanced hearing.
The smashing of glass was head also, before Petunia Dursley was suddenly at the door, closing it behind her, "YOU!" she screeched at the top of her lungs, "You swore I wouldn't have to see you or any of you freaks when I took the boy in!" she looked around her, anxiety bubbling within her.
"Where is Harry Potter?" Dumbledore demanded, without pretence, his annoyance unhidden.
Petunia swallowed and stepped back, as if suddenly reminded this was a wizard, a powerful wizard, "I don't know," she replied sounding like a small child.
Dumbledore's eyes darkened, "What do you mean you don't know?" Dumbledore almost boomed out in anger.
"He left," Petunia squeaked out, "Took his things, and left, we haven't seen him since." And that was the gods honest truth.
"When?" Dumbledore demanded, Merlin be damned, he couldn't believe this was happening.
Petunia blurted out the answer, clutching the door handle, wishing to be as far away from Dumbledore as possible.
"And you didn't think to inform me?" Dumbledore retorted.
"I never wanted the freak! He belongs in that freakish world, now just leave us alone!" Petunia found her backbone. Despite everything that had happened, she refused to let the world get her down. Not completely anyway. Unfortunately, her life couldn't get any worse as it stood. Not only was her husband actually being charged with attempted assault of a police officer, he was being charged with embezzlement, and he'd lost his job, the money they had left from the house – most going towards the debt they still denied – was being given to a lawyer to help him get out of the charges and to find out what happened with the debt they were supposedly incurred. Marge was currently letting them live here free of charge, and had promised to pay for Dursley's tuition next year. Private schools were expensive, something she and her husband could no longer afford.
"Remember your last, Petunia," Dumbledore warned, relishing in her paling before he apparated, he was going to get nothing from her here.
Four days later
"Are you ready to go?" Corvus asked, portkey in hand, already absently making sure the chocolate was in his pocket. Excitement thrumming through him, he couldn't wait to inform his son of his latest find. Ever since he had met Harry – he had been asked to call him thusly after all – he was constantly experiencing influxes of emotions. A lot of anger to begin with, but nowadays it was excitement and happiness. It had been such a long time since he felt anything other than the dreaded monotony of every day life, a decade to be exact.
"Yeah, I have everything," Harry said, quickly jogging towards Corvus, Corvus might not actually say anything but Harry knew he was excited.
He knew Corvus loved his sons, regardless of what they had done. Harry loved that, it meant that no matter what happened Corvus wasn't going to heap demands and expectations upon him. He might not be Corvus' sons, but Harry really liked Corvus and he was…the only father figure he'd ever known. He couldn't help but get attached, despite his misgivings and fears. He was always calm, patient and taught him everything he'd need to know in order to fit in. He constantly bought him gifts and things he'd need 'essentials' he'd call them. The Dursley's had never done that, so, yes, he'd gotten attached. He wouldn't say he loved Corvus, Harry didn't really understand what love meant but he cared.
"Then let's go," Corvus said, placing his hand upon Harry's shoulder, the second hand wrapped around his middle, making sure to keep a good grip of Harry. He had learned how to keep a hold of him, so that he didn't fall upon their appearance at Azkaban prison. So far, nothing had changed in that respect, he still ended up unconscious for a brief moment. "Do you want me to take the hot chocolate?" Harry had a flagon of hot chocolate with marshmallows in his hand.
Harry shook his head, he felt slightly uncomfortable being crowded by Corvus when they used the Portkey. Nobody usually touched him, the only time it happened was when someone hurt him. Uncomfortable it may be, but part of Harry relaxed into the touch. It was warm and safe, he knew Corvus would never hurt him. Harry swallowed thickly, almost close to tears, safe. Was this what it was like to have a hug from a parent? Was this what Dudley felt every time he was hugged? If so why did he complain so much? Why did he move away or protest? The tugging of his naval distracted him.
Corvus immediately tightened his hold a little, unaware of the revelation going through his young charge. "Harry?" he said quietly, slightly surprised he was still upright. "How are you feeling?" not releasing him just yet. Not worried about the flagon, after all, it was spelled non-spill able.
"I'm fine," Harry replied, almost whining when the warmth of Corvus left him as he let him go. Shaking off whatever the hell that was, Harry handed over the box of things for Rabastan. A small part of him just wanted to freeze that moment and just relish in it.
Harry was so touch starved he didn't even understand it.
"Good morning," Corvus said politely to the guards, his good mood showing through, as he waited impatiently for everything to be scanned. He wanted to tell his son everything that had happened in the past week. It had become increasingly clear, Harry saw nothing wrong with his gift, and did not see it as anything…embarrassing or shameful. Why would he? He knew nothing about the magical world. Corvus couldn't find it in himself to reveal just how reviled people would be if they found out he had such a wonderful gift. At least not yet, he would need to tell Harry before he went off to Hogwarts. For now though, he'd let Harry remain ignorant of the fear and prejudice that followed such a gift. And to him it was a gift, a beautiful gift, one he and many others would die for.
"Clear," the guard stated, as it always was, handing the box back over to the young boy, happy to see that he wasn't so badly affected today. "Morning," they weren't used to a cheerful Corvus and that made them very wary indeed.
The second guard opened the door, letting Harry and Corvus in, Corvus grabbed the box since Harry seemed to have forgotten about it.
"Hi!" Harry said, grinning mischievously remembering the photos of a baby Rabastan in the bath that Corvus had shown him. "Here, I made it for you myself," handing over the flagon of Hot Chocolate, "It has a nutrition potion in it, but it won't spoil it, promise!" he knew because he had to take dozens of the damn things.
As always Rabastan just looked bemused whenever he had to interact with Harry. Rabastan just didn't know what to make of the boy, he wasn't what he thought he'd be. He was in Azkaban prison for torturing people, yet Harry didn't seem to care about that the slightest. This had all just been a contract of mutual beneficial for both of them. Yet Harry went out of his way to talk to him, care for him, this hot chocolate was another example.
His father seemed to get too much enjoyment out of it, it was almost obscene.
"Thank you," Rabastan said, it was genuine and heartfelt, he was grateful, he felt more himself these days than he ever had. The warmth of the flagon soaked into his hands as he sipped the hot chocolate, which he realized had marshmallows in it. His lips twitched, reminded of his childhood. It was definitely better than the crap they gave him before visits here.
"One of the Granian horses have given birth, she had three babies!" Harry said, excitement obvious, "I helped, they're really pretty, Corvus said I could name them!"
"Did he now?" Rabastan said, slightly surprised.
"He named his owl, Hedwig, I believe he will come up with appropriate names for them," Corvus said wryly. He would definitely say something if he didn't approve of any of them.
"I will," Harry promised, shovelling the box that Corvus had placed on the table nearer Rabastan. He always ate a lot of chocolate when he visited, so he must always run out during the course of the week. Either that or he just ate it to make himself feel better while they were here.
"I also let him visit Jor," Corvus explained. The second Runespoor had been called Midgard, for Jormungand, the sea serpent from mythology. Midgard was just as self-explanatory.
"Which is?" Rabastan frowned, he couldn't remember any conversations about any animal called 'Jor' for the life of him.
That sobered Corvus a little, "The Runespoor,"
"You like snakes?" Rabastan queried, wondering when he'd stop being surprised by the boy.
"They're funny," Harry said, he'd spent quite a while with them in the past few days, only with Corvus' supervision though.
"Funny?" Rabastan echoed, arching a brow, snakes could be termed many things but not funny.
"Yeah, specially the Runespoor, they're all different did you know? One of them is really lazy and one of them is real smart, the other is moody." Harry explained, "The moody one constantly threatens to bite the middle ones head off,"
Corvus just watched realisation creeping onto his sons face, had he been just as stunned when he realised Harry could talk to snakes as well?
"Our Harry is a Parselmouth," Corvus said smugly, "Isn't it a shame that this contract couldn't be seen through?"
Rabastan gaped for a good few minutes, stunned beyond belief.
Corvus coughed to hide his laughter, but his son could easily tell.
Rabastan groaned, "Your eyes," he grumbled to himself, "Of course," that's what he'd been seeing. That's what had been bothering him.
"Eyes?" Corvus queried, wondering at his sons change of topic.
"Salazar Slytherins portrait," Rabastan explained shaking his head, "Your eyes are the spitting image," it's what had been annoying him for so long.
"I'm related to him," Harry said, nodding eagerly, he was related to one of the founders of Hogwarts. It was different, so far people had said he looked like his father with his mothers eyes, but it was nice for once, not to be compared to them so much.
"So was the Dark Lord," Rabastan stated, in fact the Dark Lord thought he was the last of the Slytherin line, evidently he had been wrong. He almost snorted, James Potter would have been beyond horrified if he had known he was related to Salazar Slytherin. He hated all things remotely Slytherin, although maybe that was why. "Might be how you survived that night,"
"I very much doubt it," Corvus cautioned Rabastan, "James Potter was very much related to Salazar Slytherin as well."
"But not the last of the line, along with him," Rabastan pointed out the 'him' spoken so reverently it could only be the Dark Lord.
"What does that mean?" Harry asked curiously, not perturbed by the fact they were talking about his parents. Rabastan brought it up every time he visited. When asked, Corvus said it was Rabastan's way of trying to prevent himself or Harry getting to close. Sometimes Rabastan was even short with him, it was self-preservation and anger at his situation. The belief he was never getting out of Azkaban weighed heavily upon him. In Azkaban darker emotions were easily found but happier emotions were all but obsolete. He'd tried to prevent Corvus returning to Azkaban at all, knowing his fathers single visit weighed heavily upon him.
"Some lines…took precautions to prevent their heirs committing patricide to take over the family, some lines went as far as to prevent their descendants from murdering their own blood." Corvus explained easily, making sure that Harry could understand what Rabastan was getting at.
"Oh," Harry murmured giving a slow nod, "I've been reading about Ancient Runes, I can see why you like it! Although there's a few that I'm confused about."
And just like that, Rabastan begun to help Harry with his Ancient Runes, teaching him what he knew, which was easy enough since it was just beginner runes. Something Rabastan could easily do in his sleep. Each moment spent with Harry, Rabastan fought hard to stop himself liking the boy, and failing miserably, he was just so utterly enchanting that it was impossible to dislike him. perhaps his father had been correct, it was a shame that the contract couldn't go anywhere. Not with him stuck in here. As far as husbands go, Harry seemed like the perfect deal, smart, dedicated, thoughtful, good breeding, he was from the Slytherin line after all.
He had no idea what the future held in store for him. Because being in Harry Potter's life…well, let's just say some things were going to heighten his feelings before Rabastan was ready.
All the feels.
There we go! and they finally found out about one of his abilities! Will we see more secrets spilled with another chapter with Harry still at Lestrange manor? Perhaps his metamorphamagus abilities? (just a little not fully like his hair etc..), what else would you like to see happen between Corvus/Harry or Rabastan/Corvus before he attends Hogwarts? will Dumbledore declare Harry missing in hopes of his betrothed coming forward? Or will he consider it too risky? instead beginning his manipulations upon Harry beginning Hogwarts? Will Harry and Corvus uncover a way for Rabastan and Rodolphus to have a trial soon or will it happen in a few years? Will Corvus reveal all to Severus with Millicent there to back him up or will he got to Hogwarts after getting reports of how Severus is treating Harry? Who will Harry befriend before Hogwarts? Theo, Blaise? OC who's distantly related to the Lestranges? the Greengrasses? will Corvus reveal Harry's abilities to them? and warn them that Harry's off limits to their offspring's taunting's or will that happen only after he's put up with it for a week or so? How long will it be before Dumbledore finds out who exactly Harry's betrothed to or will he remain ignorant to it until Harry's already married? And what is in store next for the Dursleys will Marge find herself on the shit list and them all near enough homeless...the question is how...someone setting fire to the property? condemning it? sooo many ways for it to go! R&R please!