Chapter 26
"How's the potion master?" Lucius asked.
"As well as can be expected, under the circumstances. We're going to have to figure out what we're going to do about Potter's living situation." Kingsley said.
"Why? Isn't he staying with the Weasleys?" Lucius asked.
"Yes, but for some reason, I'm not comfortable with that arrangement," Kingsley said.
"Why? Doesn't Potter like the Weasleys? I can't see why..." Lucius said.
"Well, he does. It's the security that I'm concerned about. The Burrow isn't exactly Hogwarts or the Ministry when it comes to security." Kingsley said.
"Well, they can stay at my Manor until Severus is released," Lucius said. Kingsley cast a questioning look at Lucius.
"Yes," Lucius said in response to Kingsley's glance. "They can stay at my Manor and you can have the Ministry place all of the necessary protections around the place. You then can floo directly to my library to check on how things are going." Lucius said.
Kingsley considered that. It was reasonable. But...why was Lucius being so generous and cooperative?
"You can't stand the Weasleys and everyone knows it. So, why are you willing to have them in your home?" Kingsley asked.
"Because I know it will please you," Lucius said. Kingsley was caught short and didn't know how to respond to such a direct answer.
"Um," Kingsley said, "It would make sense for Potter to stay with the Weasleys at your home, Lucius…but I think that something different should be done."
Lucius sensed that something drastic was in the offing and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of Kingsley's desk. The Ministry was quiet today since it was a Saturday - almost everyone was away. That's how Kingsley liked it, just as he preferred his home to be peaceful and free of drama, Kingsley often came into work on the weekends because he was able to get many of his projects done. He could also have sensitive conversations away from prying eyes and ears, especially those of his Undersecretary, Percy Weasley. The young man was doing an excellent job and Kingsley was pleased with his work, but the Auror also knew that Percy always had an ear to the latest news in the grapevine about the latest in Ministry gossip and other interesting areas of news – Kingsley only had to ask. So, the Auror knew to make sure any information that he didn't want out, that to make sure that Percy was far away whenever he was in conversations that might be good fodder for gossip and innuendo.
"What do you want to differently, Kingsley?" Lucius asked as he took a sip of his Firewhiskey, "It is the boy's security that has you concerned, correct?"
"No, not really. As I said, security measures can be put into place at your Manor, but I think another option for Potter's placement should be considered," Kingsley said, standing. He walked over to one of the portraits on one of the far walls of the large office. Kingsley had most of the portraits removed from his office the week previously. He had no desire for any more tales to be carried by them about things that went on his office. The portrait was of a caramel-colored man in historical garb, who sported a lace necktie over a white shirt with Byronic sleeves that was covered with a velvet midnight blue smoking jacket. The portrait looked at Kingsley as he approached his frame.
"Do you know who this is?" Kingsley asked, looking back at Lucius who was still seated.
"No," Lucius said, "you look like him, though."
"Yes, he was my great-grandfather, Marcus Thibodaux, on my father's side of the family," Kingsley said as a weariness crept into his voice.
"I see," Lucius said. The financier knew only a small portion of the trauma that Kingsley suffered as a child and adolescent. Lucius could only imagine what other nightmares the Auror had experienced and that knowledge only made him more attracted and dedicated to Kingsley. I Similau.
"He made his fortune in the textile trades. As a gifted man and talented wizard, he was able to do things with cloth that no Muggle nor magic worker could do. His fabrics were world-renowned and people paid great sums of gold for them. He was also well versed in letters and rhetoric. A great philosopher with a keen and agile mind." Kingsley said.
"I can see why you admired him," Lucius said, looking at the portrait of the thin man in the frame. The portrait was looking gently at Kingsley as the Auror detailed his qualities. The man smiled softly as Kingsley spoke about philosophy and the man's gift for it.
"You are generous with your words, great-grandson. I thank you. You are a great man of high esteem and accomplishment as well. It is an honor to be spoken well of by you." Marcus said, from his frame.
"Thank you, great-grandfather," Kingsley said smiling. 'You see, Lucius, this is why I had another painting of him done and brought here to my office. I needed his support and wisdom when so often I'm surrounded by chaos and confusion."
"I can see that. A calming influence," Lucius said, taking a sip of his Firewhiskey.
"Indeed," Kingsley said. "If it wasn't for Marcus, it is highly doubtful that my family would be what it is today. We would have been like other wizarding families that started out well but ended in destitution and insanity."
"Now, Kingsley," Marcus said.
"You know it is true, great-grandfather," Kingsley interrupted, "You know the type of man my father was."
'True. I'm sorry about that, Kingsley." Marcus said, genuine sorrow crossing his thin features.
"Yes, I know. Thank you," Kingsley said, turning back to face Marcus, "And it was you that gave me the idea of what I want to do about Potter's living arrangements."
Marcus and Lucius shared stunned looks at each other.
"And what would those arrangements be?" Lucius asked as he walked over to where Kingsley stood next to Marcus' portrait.
"I want Potter to stay with me," Kingsley said.
Lucius and Marcus were thunderstruck and were silent for an entire three minutes. Marcus recovered before Lucius and said, "Why do you want this arrangement, great-grandson?"
"Yes, why do you want to do that? It wouldn't be a bad idea, but why?" Lucius said.
"Because I want Potter to have a fighting chance to make a life for himself without the hassle of financial troubles or burdensome family issues," Kingsley said.
"What? The boy isn't destitute. Is he?" Lucius asked.
"No, not that I know of. He isn't wealthy either and you and I both know the difference wealth and a decent family can make." Kingsley said.
"Wow! I'm proud of you Kingsley! You are showing that you are a Pureblood from an old money family. Yes!" Lucius said. Marcus nodded his approval as well.
Kingsley smiled begrudgingly at the financier because he knew the man was right. However, egalitarian Kingsley presented himself to the wizarding public, he and his family were like the Malfoys in profitability, power, and perspective. The Auror was better at interacting with the public and less-fortunate than Lucius, who had no need for the masses to like him or his family. Kingsley, as his mother often mentioned to him, wanted to make people feel good about themselves and their stations in life. Lucius, however, did not care. Lucius' life had not been a picnic either and he had survived. True, he was wealthy, but there were things that had gone on behind the gilded doors of Malfoy manner and that his uncles had done to Lucius that still gave the financier nightmares. He had buried those traumas long ago, but his recent relationship with Kingsley began to bring the pain back to the surface for Lucius. Because this was the first time his life that he began to think that there might be someone that he could share those long-buried secrets with and not only be free from judgment but also he may find in Kingsley a person who understood the depth of his trauma and deep shame. Lucius knew that the things that had been done to him were not his fault, he was a child, but the shame was still there brewing just beneath the surface of his smooth hair and chiseled features.
"Well, thank you, Lucius. I think," Kingsley said. "I think Potter would do well to stay in my residence here in London when he isn't at Hogwarts. I think, too, that he should still have contact with the Weasleys."
"Of course," Lucius said.
"I think, also, that you should encourage a friendship between Potter – Harry – and Draco," Kingsley said, as he walked over to the couch in his office and sat down. Lucius joined him.
"Really? They hate each other, Kingsley," Lucius said a twitch of a smile crossing his face.
"Perhaps, but I have found in my work as an Auror that often when people seem to hate or strongly dislike each other, there is a deep attraction underneath which neither party wants to admit to or deal with. Similar to you and myself. I am still struggling with the idea of us in our relationship. I like our relationship –" Kingsley said.
"So do I," Lucius said, moving closer to the caramel-colored man.
"And," Kingsley said, shifting away from Lucius. He didn't want to get distracted, he had to finish this thought. "So, I can only imagine the difficulties that young people may experience in this area of undeveloped interests. They need support and guidance. They are still young and need to remain young as long as possible and mature into healthy stable relationships. I believe if we handle our relationship correctly, I think we can do good by both Harry and Draco."
"I like it," Lucius said, as he reached and held Kingsley's hand his own. A small, hesitant smile came on Kingsley's face as he squeezed Lucius' hand in acknowledgment. Lucius grinned to himself. He was getting what he wanted, the powerful no-nonsense Auror and Minister of Magic was going to be his. The financier knew that there was a long way to go still, but the defenses and shields that Kingsley had built around himself were crumbling and that is exactly what Lucius wanted. Soon, he would show Kingsley levels of experiences that the battle-hardened Auror did not know even existed. Lucius placed an innocent, gentle expression on his face as he turned back to look at Kingsley.