The Contract

Chapter 28

It was Saturday morning, and that meant once again, a trip to Azkaban prison to visit the Lestrange brothers. True to the suggestion, Voldemort had remained at Lestrange manor as a guest. He had not believed he'd be able to tolerate being around the Potter boy. He'd never been able to tolerate children, even whilst a child himself. Yet the boy was calm, undemanding and had a thirst for knowledge that may even surpass his own at that age. It was only a week, but he was finding himself more than just tolerating the boy's presence. Which had irked him somewhat, he didn't even want to tolerate him, in fact, he'd elected in the beginning after the vow to mostly ignore the boy. Now, however, not only did he quite like him, he found that Harry Potter was a Horcrux and definitely had to be protected at all costs.

He had discussed the boy with Corvus, and found that the boy would likely be returning to Hogwarts for what would be his 'second' year. He'd be taking his exams of course, at the Ministry when the time came, should it prove to be safe. Voldemort wasn't sure whether he was comfortable with that, but he couldn't forbid it, even if he did, he doubted Corvus would allow his interference when it came to Harry and the Vow would prevent any action on his part.

It would just require him getting one of his most faithful into Hogwarts, one unmarked, it was vital that he remain incognito. The more people he had in position to protect Potter the better. Albeit if they even succeeded in getting a job there. He would need to take care of one of the professors and get them out of the picture as unobtrusive as possible. Quirinius had remained teaching, finding he rather enjoyed teaching defence against the dark arts. Dumbledore remained ignorant of the fact Quirinius had allowed him to host on the back of his head. So, between two of his own and no doubt Snape to an extent, Harry should prove to be…protected.

"Good morning, Harry," Corvus said pleasantly, as the eleven-year-old joined them for breakfast, still dressed in his nightwear, a robe wrapped around his thin frame keeping the cold from bothering him. The fires were going, but it would take a while for the manor to truly heat up due to how big and draughty such places were and how big.

"Morning," Harry said, shuffling to his seat and sliding in, his aches and pains still prevalent until he plucked the pain relief draught from the table and gratefully drank its contents.

Corvus watched Harry take his potions, waiting until he was finished and the empty vials vanished before he spoke, "We need to discuss what happens when we visit the boys," he informed the young boy.

Harry glanced up baffled, "Why?" Brow furrowing, they'd never had to discuss anything before leaving, not ever. They didn't need to discuss anything other than what to get Rabastan, which had already been done, everything was all packed, including a delicious brunch for them that was still hot. So, yes, he was rather confused at the moment.

"You cannot discuss the Horcruxes with them," Corvus said, his tone grim and serious.

"But we don't keep secrets," Harry protested, it was a stipulation in the agreement, no lies. He didn't want to start lying, he'd be angry if people lied to him. He didn't want Rabastan or Rodolphus angry with him when they found out.

"They mustn't find out while they are in Azkaban," Corvus gently explained, understanding Harry's dilemma, "They will understand I promise you that." it wouldn't be the first time that the Dark Lord had demanded secrecy, and it wouldn't be the last.

Harry was clearly undecided on that pronouncement, green eyes shadowed with worries.

"The more information they have, the greater danger they are in," Voldemort informed the boy coolly, deciding to join the conversation. "Just remember, that they might be given Veritaserum while they are questioned. Which may well happen in an attempt to make sure that they are not released. Whereupon it will put us in a great deal more danger than you could fathom at the moment." And it was most certainly an 'us' situation. He wasn't sure how much Dumbledore knew, which was concerning but he rather hoped the old fool wasn't aware of his horcruxes. If he did find out…he would arrange for the boy to be killed, of that he had no doubt whatsoever. He probably wouldn't do it himself, Dumbledore didn't have the guts for that.

"Would a vow stop them being able to answer any questions that you don't want them to under Veritaserum?" Harry asked, "If it's worded well, and you enforce what they should say if questioned…" his brow furrowed, he might not be familiar with Veritaserum and the potion entirely, but he understood what Veritas meant, truth, truth-serum, which endangered everything he was attempting, which meant he had to make sure that everyone believed they were innocent if they were given it. It was already on his list of things to do thankfully but from what he understood, Veritaserum was very rarely used.

Corvus let out a strangled sound, "An oath would be better," vows were nothing to be played around with, and he'd rather not have his sons make one with such an unknown situation. He would do anything to see his sons freed, even oaths and Vows being called into play. He'd very much prefer oaths.

Voldemort's lips twitched, eyes gleaming with a vicious sort of pride. "That Heir Potter…is a very good question." His mind mulling over the best way to see to it being tested, a great many of his followers had been imprisoned within groups, which meant if the boy succeeded in gaining them all individual trials, well, it meant he may well be able to get a great deal many of them released and proven 'innocent' as it were, which could prove useful in the long run. It would mean throwing a few under the bus, such as Bellatrix regretfully, and it wouldn't be for long. He would free them all eventually, but it wasn't something easily done at the moment, he required gaining the Dementors allegiances again as well as gathering what was left of his Death Eaters before amassing an attack on the island but he'd rather have the world unaware of his return.

Which meant not perpetrating an outright attack on the island until he had control enough that the general public would be largely unaware of anything untoward happening.

Considering Potters' unrelenting desire to see the Lestrange brothers free…he knew to go along with it and control the outcome would be best than trying to prevent it. It was a curious thing really, the boy knew what the Lestrange's had done yet he still liked them, was still fond of them and still desired to see them regain their freedom. The boy wasn't like normal eleven-year-old's, and certainly his knowledge was definitely above a normal eleven-year-old child.

It was perhaps for that reason that Voldemort was fast becoming fond of the boy. He didn't see the world in black and white, light and dark, but he wasn't quite so…power hungry not in the way he was, he wanted power to better his own life only, he didn't care much for power over others, even with his…fame. Perhaps he was a bit young to truly understand the benefit gained from his fame. He was sure Corvus would educate him in it as the years pass, no doubt.

Under Corvus' tutelage he would flourish, he was almost jealous of the following the boy would have. Almost.

"Not revealing the information isn't the same as lying," Corvus added, "I doubt very much they'd specifically ask about anything, so you have nothing to worry about." Plus, there was a stipulation in there that allowed them the leeway of not answering a specific question if they had no desire to discuss it anyway. He hadn't expected Harry to argue with him, but he was still young, he had many ways to go before he truly understood the world as an adult, as mature as he was at the moment. His desire to be honest however, was…very revealing and good, especially when it came to the family, and he did consider Harry family.

"They'll be told when they get out?" Harry asked, a look of determination on his face. He wouldn't relent on telling Rabastan at the very least, he didn't care how annoyed it made Voldemort. He wouldn't tell anyone else though, he knew if he did he'd just be giving that person a death sentence. A death sentence in the face of a furious Voldemort.

When not, if, Corvus found himself smiling a little, the boy was determined to see that his sons were released. At first it was due to him, he believed, but Harry had grown to care and like Rabastan and Rodolphus for their own merits. He hadn't expected it, hopeful, yes, but his sons could be a bit abrasive with people they didn't know or care for. considering they'd probably spent a decade in prison cursing his very existence…yes, it was a sight to behold.

"They may be informed in an appropriate setting," Voldemort conceded, seeing that this wasn't something he'd win. So, measures would be taken to ensure that they learn the information but cannot repeat it to anyone.

Corvus glanced at Voldemort in undisguised surprise, he wasn't used to his old friend being so…accommodating. The question was why…because he understood the need to protect Harry and have them knowing how best to do so? Or because he felt the need to control the revelation realizing that Harry would tell Rabastan regardless of any orders that Voldemort tried to implement. He forced himself to remember that Tom wasn't the same, the Horcruxes had screwed him up in more ways than one. He'd seen the decline, but he couldn't believe he had been so oblivious to the cause now that he knew. Everything suddenly made a whole lot of sense.

"Okay," Harry agreed, and having reached an agreement, he begun to eat his breakfast, his stomach rumbling hungrily. Quite unaware of the absurdity of the moment, but this was the only Voldemort he'd ever known, so it made sense that he would be largely unaware of how…disconcerted Corvus was about how reasonable he was being and the extent he was allowing Harry to dictate his actions…which didn't happen, not ever.

"Is there anything you do wish for me to convey?" Corvus asked, after dabbing his mouth with his napkin.

"To be well, recover as much as they were able, to spread the word but only to those who have retained well use of their faculties." Voldemort informed Corvus, his morning would be spent looking through the books yet again. But he had thus far, found nothing of use, but as long as his Horcrux wasn't in danger…he wasn't concerned to the point of minor panic. It would have been major panic if not for the fact he had more than one. Not as many as he had in the past, but he felt so much more stable and he would not risk his sanity and life by creating more again. Not with his rational and clear thinking, no, he wouldn't be making more. He would keep which Horcruxes he did have now, very safe and secure.

"I shall be sure to pass it on," Corvus informed him, sipping on his coffee now that his breakfast plate was emptied.

Voldemort nodded, "Good," he declared contently.

"Ah, perfect," Corvus murmured, as the owls containing his normal letters and the daily prophet swooped into the dining room, through the small window in the rafters that was available for them. Easily removing the burdens from the owls, Harry and Tom did the same with their own letters and parcels.

"Interesting," Voldemort commented from where he was staring at the newspapers headlines, "It seems Mr. Potter, that the news has found out about Dumbledore's actions against you."

Corvus immediately abandoned all other missives that required his attention, and unrolled his own newspaper to see what Tom was referring to.

Harry continued eating, having put his letters aside to finish, but he was watching both of them curiously, relying on them telling him what was going on. He also begun to ponder on the ramifications of the article. Wondering whether it would be enough to get Dumbledore removed as Headmaster…he quite liked the thought of it if he was honest. Being able to attend Hogwarts without Dumbledore bothering him? Yes, it sounded good but Harry was also aware of the power Dumbledore held and how difficult it actually would be to get rid of him.

"They do not have all the facts, but they do have enough," Corvus commented as he read the article himself. "I do wonder how on earth she found out, I very much doubt Flitwick would have spoken to her, and she's got direct quotes here."

"Indeed, and this would have been before the students were in attendance, Dumbledore I'm sure, would not have allowed such a public spectacle." Voldemort conceded, putting the paper down, mulling over the information just gleaned.

"She has her ways, she does have the propensity of getting into places that she shouldn't be able to." Corvus mused, "Her articles are always dramatic and flamboyant, often taken out of context but nonetheless there is an element of truth to them that people actually listen to her." Rita Skeeter was quite sneaky, especially for a Ravenclaw, which she most certainly had been while in school. She had been in school with his boys, nearer Rodolphus' age of course, one year ahead of him if he recalled correctly. She'd gone from writing little articles and made her way to the big pages in the past decade.

Not without pissing off a lot of people, but she avoided those who were an actual danger to her job and life with ease. He had always been amused and impressed with that. Now however, he did not know how to feel.

The article was clearly aimed at Dumbledore, with Harry as a focal point, using the youngster to take a dig at Dumbledore. If he allowed it to continue she might become a problem down the line, not that he would have a 'problem' with dispatching her with extreme prejudice if she did go too far.

"I really dislike how they can just put whoever's name they like in the paper," Harry groused, "You aren't supposed to be allowed to do that, not until the person is legally an adult, they have a duty of care to keep children's names out the paper."

"That is indeed how it's meant to be," Voldemort agreed, "Unfortunately, your magical guardian allowed it uncontested, if anything he would have been pleased every time you were mentioned. He had plans for you after all, plans you seem to have scuppered." He added with no small amount of satisfaction. Dumbledore had no idea just how far he had scuppered them, and all on his own accord. No doubt Dumbledore thought it was all down to the mysterious new guardian the child had. Heaven forbid that an eleven-year-old boy had the ability to think about more than just when there next meal was coming from.

Harry sighed, "Well, I suppose the article isn't a bad thing," especially if it puts Dumbledore in a bad light, and allows everyone to begin seeing him for what he truly was. "What better way to ruin Dumbledore than the reputation of a kind hearted benefactor he's spent decades amassing?"

Voldemort gave the boy a shrewd look, "Indeed," he murmured thoughtfully, his mind mulling over potential plans…perhaps he should speak to this Rita Skeeter and have her fully focused on Dumbledore and bringing him down in any way she could. It would be a wonderfully amusing way to get rid of the old fool he must admit. With his reputation in tatters when and if the old fool figured out he was at full power once more…they might be less liable to listen to him believing instead that he was just trying to make a grab for power and to ease the way the public saw him, once more wishing to be a powerful protector.

Corvus pursed his lips to stop them twitching, it wasn't the first time Harry had thought of that idea. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought he'd purposely said it that way to make the Dark Lord take notice. Could it be possible? Could Harry Potter be subtly manipulating the Dark Lord into taking action? Dark eyes roamed over Harry, who was sitting as innocently as you please.

"Can we go now?"

This boy, thought Corvus, eyes slightly wider than normal, admiration and adoration thrumming through him. He had just manipulated the Dark Lord, and he couldn't help but wonder…did the Dark Lord even realize he'd been played or was he just too pleased with a possible direction being handed to him on a silver platter to care or realize? "Indeed," Corvus drawled out in amusement, "We may depart." The portkey was set to go off soon anyway, so it wasn't as though they'd need to rush or risk being too early.

"Accio box," Harry murmured, using his wand to summon the box for Rabastan and of course, Rodolphus.

Corvus said his goodbye's to Tom, and soon both man and boy were making their way out of Lestrange manor, ready to Portkey to the island that housed the criminals of the magical world.

Harry no longer reacted to the presence of the dementors, which was as ever, present, but not as often anymore. It was now illegal to keep the dementors within the prison for longer than their allotted times. As of right now, the dementors were far away, allowing the prisoners to think, and not be constantly overwhelmed by their worst memories to keep them 'malleable' as the Ministry liked to say.

Harry expertly handed over the box, allowing the guards to search through everything within it.

"This is not allowed," one explained, giving the eleven-year-old a pointed look without any anger, assuming the young boy didn't know any better, "You may retrieve it once you're done." Harry's age and lithe stature worked wonders in making people underestimate him.

Including a Dark Lord who knew manipulation like the best of them.

Corvus glanced at what it was, and wasn't truly surprised to see one pair of a two-way journal. Harry didn't protest or apologise but he did have a small pout on his face, as if he was upset that a plan had been thwarted. He wondered what spells and runes Harry had tried to get it by undetected. It wasn't easy to get around detection spells, the Unspeakables made sure to keep well up to date on new ways around the spells by creating their own and counter-measures.

You had to be the best of the best to become an Unspeakable. Their identities were also mostly unknown, he only knew of one, and he was a follower of the Dark Lord.

"Follow me," the guard said, having pocketed the journal, the boy could retrieve it when he left, but he wasn't going to allow the boy to take it in, it was prohibited after all.

With that the pair were guided towards the normal meeting room, although, to their surprise, it was rather…clean and warm. It seemed they had begun to make the prison more habitable, this was good. He was pleased they weren't dragging their feet, and were adhering to the new laws that were passed.

They didn't talk until the door closed, and the silencing spells flared up. "Hi!" he said, with his usual countenance. Already rummaging in his box and taking out the food and drinks he'd made specially for them. "You're looking better," he added to Rodolphus, and it was true, he did look exceedingly much better.

"You do," Corvus agreed already sitting down, "Are the Dementors only on the island for a few hours?" making sure that the dementors were behaving as they must.

"They are," Rodolphus nodded his agreement, but that wasn't the reason why the dementors left him alone. It was the little piece of jewellery Harry had given him for his Christmas that nobody seemed to notice. For which he was thankful, the thought of losing it was terrifying. Not only did it stop the effects the dementors had…it also warmed him, and that was something so sparing within the prison that he most certainly didn't want to lose it. the prison attire they had put on him when he was transferred here, did not help keep the cold from him, not even a little.

"How's Hogwarts?" Rabastan asked, as always making a habit of conversing with Harry, digging gratefully into a nice hot plate of food, his brother copying his actions, and eating properly, there was a time when they didn't have those manners in here. Fortunately, the regular meals now prevented them from reacting with feral need when it came to the food.

"I didn't return to school," Harry admitted, allowing them to eat, "I decided to take the remainder of the year off, I'll be going back to begin my second year though. Dumbledore isn't impressed, he wrote to me,"

Corvus sat up at that, "He did?" he asked with deceptive mildness.

"I haven't read it yet, so I don't know what he wants. I got distracted," Harry answered, "But yes, it's at home." He was in no rush to read it either. He must be getting desperate really, and he couldn't help but wonder if Dumbledore had any spells on it before the manors wards would have removed them before he got to handle them safely.

"I see," Corvus replied, unimpressed with the old fools interference. "Then we shall have to find out later." Not that it mattered, whatever the old fool would attempt, well, he'd counter it, and no doubt Harry knew better than to believe Dumbledore anyway. That distrust had been there before they even met for the first time, and that was when Harry barely knew a damn thing about the magical world. He'd worked it out very fast and yes, extremely smart.

Not that he would ever deride those smarts, even if he didn't benefit from it.

"Pathetic old man," Rabastan sneered, "Always panting after people who he thinks he can use." Which was true enough, he'd seen how much Dumbledore had favoured certain Gryffindors, primarily Evans, Potter, Black and Lupin. His father had often said that even back in his day Dumbledore had done the same thing.

The players changed, but the game remained the same. No doubt he would be scouting for new Order members, ready to begin the civil unrest all over again. And the war Dumbledore does wish to wade is a civil unrest. Not only was the dark faction breaking the law but the light do as well, instead of allowing the authority to deal with it. although no doubt, Dumbledore preferred hero's or some such nonsense instead of what they actually were, vigilantes that actually cause more trouble for the Ministry which in the long run helped their cause really.

Harry's brow furrowed, confusion most prominently displayed, not really understanding Rabastan's dig. Not that anyone could blame him, that had been a quite vulgar description regardless of how accurate it was. It was also perhaps, something too vulgar for Harry to understand just how degrading and vulgar it actually was. he'd been through a lot, but there was a some things Harry didn't understand quite yet, thankfully given the fact the Dursley's had done all but that. Sex was one of them and all the ins and outs of the way one chooses to discuss it.

Corvus, upon seeing Harry's confusion, begun to explain, allowing his boys to consume their meal with their normal relish. "Dumbledore quite heavily favours certain students each generation, it has been that way since I attended Hogwarts. Over the years, it changed from just favouritism but favouritism with a purpose." He explained patiently, "Everyone he favoured as children within Hogwarts ended up becoming an Order member, powerful, bright and disgustingly enough nearly all of them Gryffindor."

"And my parents?" Harry asked, lips pursed. Not at all upset or saddened by their demise, it wouldn't change a thing, instead he clung to what he did have.

"They were…let off with a great deal more than any student ought to be. Including to the detrimental effect of many students who Dumbledore deemed as unimportant." Corvus explained sombrely, not a good way for children to grow up, they needed strict guidelines, and appropriate punishments for the crimes committed. Never corporeal punishment though, he was not a fan of that belief. It's why Harry's abuse so enraged him, especially considering it was Muggles lifting a hand to a wizard with their unworthy paws.

Harry swallowed thickly, he knew how it felt to be branded as unimportant, and he was still fighting the effects of that today. The Dursley's always said he and his parents were worthless and he'd never amount to anything. It's perhaps them he owes his determination to see that he had a good job and a life away from the Dursley's as soon as he could. It just happened sooner than he imagined, he'd thought he'd have to wait until he was sixteen to get away before the whole magical revelation. So it was no stretch to his imagination to know how it must have felt for their Hogwarts education to be intolerable due to Dumbledore's favouritism.

"You'll probably notice it when you're older," Rabastan commented, licking his lips, it was as always delicious. "He'll still be feeling people out, it will become steadily more obvious the older they get." to see if they were truly worthy of his attention first before lavishing more and more attention on them, designed to make them feel special, to reel them in, and think of Dumbledore as this wonderful figure that could do no wrong. Fools the lot of them.

"And they fall for it?" Harry asked dubiously, well, obviously they did. Then again if he hadn't been so desperate to get out of the Dursley's household…would he too have been drawn to Dumbledore? It horrified something in him at the mere thought of being taken in by Dumbledore's persona.

Rodolphus laughed, it was a cold, ugly sounding thing, whether it was due to his cold – he sounded like he had one – or if he always sounded like that Harry did not know. "Course they did, and most of em are dead," he grunted, "Paid for that with their lives didn't they?"

Corvus stared at his eldest son, eyes shining with disappointment, knowing he was once again antagonising Harry. Honestly, he didn't understand him sometimes…but then again, Rodolphus hadn't the freedom Rabastan had, perhaps his mind had more healing to do. He had to remember that, he'd only recently gained complete freedom from the presence of dementors.

"He's not the only one," Harry sighed, how many of Voldemort's followers had died for a cause they believe in? Both sides believed their options superior. The goblins had explained everything to him, maybe not in the greatest depth, there hadn't been the time, but there had been enough time to explain a good bit, the rest Harry deduced himself. A shudder wracked his frame, "I'm just glad I know." he added, truthfully, not rising to Rodolphus' bait. He was sometimes moody and angry at the world, not that he could blame him…adding a cold didn't help matters. Sometimes that meant he bore the brunt of it, and he oftentimes gave as good as he got. Corvus always prevented it from going too far, or Rabastan for that matter. He understood what the dementors did, and Merlin, he couldn't imagine extended stays in their presence. Although if Rodolphus had tried anything physical then Harry would definitely draw the line, he refused to be anyone's punching bag again.

That certainly took the wind out of Rodolphus' sails, that and his father's look.

"Did you find tutors?" Rabastan asked, changing the subject, it was an effortless thing, they never really stuck to a single subject. Although, the whole tense thing was becoming less often as of late.

"I've been in touch with a few who I believe would be best suited," Corvus nodded, but for the most part, he would be in charge of most of Harry's education. After all, it was mere first year material, anyone could teach an eleven-year-old what they needed to know. One didn't require tutors for simple education, but he had nonetheless enquired about employing at least three and all of them outside of the UK and very discrete and definitely passing all his expectations with flying colours. "I however, will be teaching Harry almost everything else, including languages, art and music."

Neither brother reacted to that, they too had been taught by their father in the ways of language, art and music. Languages had been more difficult than art and music, although neither were really good at drawing or painting, but they could name every piece of classical painting, artefact and drawing that held any meaning whatsoever in the magical world.

"Master Stanislaus Hauschka is one of them," Corvus continued, "The best Ancient Runes Master the world has to offer. He has agreed to tutor Harry three times a week for two hours, a six month contract to begin with." They had yet to actually sign the contracts but he didn't foresee any problems in that regard.

"That will be expensive, the back and forth from here to Germany…" Rodolphus mused, and it was true enough, whether by Portkey or Floo, it would be expensive.

"Hauschka has property all over the world, he's very selective on who he tutors," Rabastan said, slightly awed, "He never teaches anyone in Britain unless they're home-schooled and younger than thirteen when the begin the rudimentary understanding of Runes. He can't abide by the show that Runes is nothing but an afterthought in Hogwarts. Lord Carrow employed him for a brief time, before he lost a great deal of money in the divorce." After that he couldn't afford the inordinate amount of money for his twins – the children he barely saw as a matter of fact – to be taught Runes, and thus as soon as the contract was over that was it. He didn't renew it but spoke of Hauschka with respect, which isn't easily done with Lord Carrow.

Lord Aramis Carrow was a Runes Master of note as well, and had desired his children to know his passion. His hope had not held much fruit, since neither could stand the subject, which made things more uncomfortable when the twins visited, thankfully adults now, not that it meant they no longer needed money, they did, neither had held down a single job and their mother hadn't set up marriage contracts for either of them, and thus they were still both single, and unlikely to produce any heirs. Thankfully, his second marriage had proven to be more…suitable and happy. He had a second son, a boy he was seriously contemplating allowing to become Lord Carrow upon his death, and striking off his two ungrateful firstborns. Regardless of how it made him look.

"So, he'll likely have a property here," Rodolphus easily deduced, conceding the point. Then again some tutors did have an abundance of properties strewn across the world, so that when they travelled they had their own place to stay, or they remained in the property as a guest for the duration of their employment. Not everyone could afford their own places to negotiated a place to stay with their employer while they were in employment. Considering Rabastan knew who it was, and that he had taught the elite, he could afford to be picky and own more than one property.

"It's something I'll no doubt find out while we correspond farther," Corvus informed them, it was rude to ask, fortunately, as they negotiated he would find out Master Hauschka's plans. The only thing he could ask, which could be considered rude, but wasn't, was how much the wizard took for his services. "I'll talk to Carrow and find out more information, no doubt he knows it all." Despite Carrow's primary residence in France they spoke quite often.

"It's a good idea," Rabastan agreed, "So, what else has happened?" he liked knowing what was going on out there on the island as much as he could. There was nothing new here, so yes, nothing worthy of discussion except for the books, which he often only chatted to Harry about, due to the fact his father was way to busy with everything else to read newly published books some of which Harry had obviously read. Runes was, however, something they did both love and spent a great deal of time discussing.

"Dumbledore was arrested for neglection of duty, and summoned before the wizengamot," Harry chimed in, changing the subject, as riveting as he found Ancient Runes…there was no talk of actual runes going on. "Unfortunately, he pled guilty, and that meant he only got fined. Although it means closer scrutiny at Hogwarts." The only upside to this entire disastrous first attempt at getting rid of Dumbledore. By rid, he meant removed from Hogwarts so that he could continue his Hogwarts education unimpeded.

"There is also something else I must tell you, Antonio was attacked, he was at first placed in St. Mungo's before being transferred to the Abbott estate to recuperate in private with healers and Medi-witches to help." Corvus explained, his tone becoming grim, eyes shadowed with genuine fears and worries, "His briefcase was not found, so we assume it was stolen, thankfully Lady Abbott knew the spell to return it, having been given the password by Antonio. It showed remarkable damage but was in no way .

"What the bloody hell happened?" Rodolphus exploded, "Antonio had a Mastery in Defence! He isn't easily taken down!" he'd simultaneously worked on his Mastery in defence while working extraordinary hard to become a lawyer. Easier due to the fact his parents had ensured he had money for what he needed, and didn't have to get a job while studying. Still, he'd worked really hard, and he was quite frankly an inspiration to Rodolphus. His father had retained the title of Lord Abbott – which was unusual but not completely – so that he didn't need to go down the political route while taking two masteries.

Corvus nodded in solemn agreement, "Indeed, whatever he was hit with, left no mark and they cannot find a cause."

"Merlin," Rabastan muttered blown away, "Dumbledore got someone to do his dirty work then," he was sick and tired of that old fool.

"That is my belief, yes," Corvus sighed, "There has been no improvement in his condition, but he hasn't declined so there is hope." And he would cling to it, the thought of Antonio paying for being his lawyer quite frankly worried him, but it wasn't that, it was the case. Hopefully the Ministry would look into that and at the very least question Dumbledore and maybe get some suspicious light cast upon him. Perhaps an anonymous note finding its way to Rita Skeeter? Her article had been rather amusing in the way she spoke of Dumbledore…regardless of her bringing Harry into it.

"Is there any chance of recovery?" Rabastan asked, lugubriously, aggrieved over what had happened. For a second there, it hurt really badly, only because he wasn't used to those emotions anymore. It made him, for a split second, wish for the sheer numbness that Azkaban dementors produce out of him. That thought was brushed off immediately, followed by the realization. It was a good sign for him, there was a chance he would recover fully both emotionally and physically when he left these walls, whether a free man or a fugitive when the Dark Lord broke them out. He wasn't going to be permanently hampered by a decade in Azkaban prison.

"I do not know," Corvus answered, "I can only fervently hope for the best." If he was a man of faith he would have prayed for his recovery, but he wasn't, but he did sincerely hoped for the best. His wife was inconsolable, but she was remaining strong, stalwart and he was in awe of her. Not only was she looking after her husband but she was looking after young children too. Hannah was already at Hogwarts he believed, but the younger ones weren't eleven yet.

"You make him pay," Rodolphus told his father, "In any way you can."

"Believe me, I will," Corvus vowed, he would make Dumbledore pay for this, even if it took him years. He had already promised to pay for specialists to come and see Antonio, and his wife was allowing it, anything to get her husband back. He was rather hopeful that those best in their fields – that make the healers at St. Mungo's look infantile by comparison – would be able to give an answer where none were forthcoming. Dumbledore had a lot to answer for, and between Harry and Antonio well…he had a very solid reason to go after Dumbledore. If he wasn't always so well protected, not to forget suspicious and cautious to boot, he would have already dealt with the old man.

"Good," Rodolphus grounded out, fury thrumming through him.

"What are these?" Rabastan asked, staring blankly at the envelopes, they all contained his name, they were actually addressed to him.

"Ah, I promised did I not?" Corvus said, a sly smirk on his face, "You are now a proud apprentice to Carrow, he has agreed to the…admittedly quite unorthodox means for you to learn what you require to pass." Smug satisfaction dripping off his every word.

Rabastan swallowed thickly, opening the first of the letters and begun to read them, and true to his fathers word, it was all the agreement to be an apprentice. The second missive was very thick, upon opening it, he found it was over a dozen quizzes, from rudimentary runes to more difficult ones to master. This was to test where his knowledge lay when it came to Ancient Runes, so that he knew where to begin his education.

This was actually happening.

"For your actual physical exam Carrow will accompany Harry to visit you, allowing him to pass or fail you depending on how well you do. Given what I know you're capable off, I have no doubt you'll pass." Corvus said pleased and entirely too satisfied. Not all of this visit was going to be a gloomy one.

"Only if you're not already out yet," Harry said, adding to the conversation, pleased that his idea had been taken into serious consideration and that Rabastan was going to get to do something he truly enjoyed. "I bought a few books so you could brush up! They're just from my own collection." He added, green eyes gleaming. After all it took years to pass a Mastery, but given that all Rabastan could do was read, and the amount of Rune books bought for him…well, he was perhaps well versed than one usually was when they became an apprentice. Might take only a year, might take up to three, depending on how clever Rabastan was and if he could create his own runes.

"This is…" Rabastan said going speechless, he'd never expected anything to come of that fly away comment, although it had been entirely truthful he loved Ancient Runes, it was his favourite subject besides Defence.

Rodolphus rolled his eyes at his younger brother, in that sibling-y exasperation, "Better not fail now," he teased him, his mood lightening considerably. Just seeing his brother happy was…enough for him, especially in this hellhole. He knew Rabastan worried about him, and he in turn constantly worried about his brother. They were very close, always had been, always would be.

"Is Bellatrix showing any sign of coherency?" with only five hours with the dementors instead of twenty-four, a little bit of improvement was surely begun to show? To think he had once hoped that she would have the next generation, the next Lestrange heir and possibly Lord.

"No, but it's a good job we only have sympathisers on our level, otherwise word would have gotten out to the general public by now." Rodolphus snorted derisively, "She's shrieking the rafters down any chance she gets claiming that our Lord would get us out any day now." Dumbledore knew they reckoned, but was keeping it quiet, and the Ministry were completely oblivious. As always.

Dumbledore's need for secrecy would only benefit them in the long run.

Still Bellatrix was a danger to them all.

"And the others?" Corvus asked, not at all surprised to hear his sons words merely…resigned really.

Rodolphus shook his head, "It will take time, more than they've had so far…especially with inadequate heating, heath and food." which they all had in abundance each week thanks to Harry and his father. The hot chocolate they consumed had all the things to keep them healthy and strong in it, ones that Harry himself takes, vitamins and such the potions work wonders.

"Yes, heating and a healer are next on the list," Corvus agreed, "If you do find any….recovering a little more, you've to explain what you can."

"About the time limit?" Rodolphus asked, as always cautious, even in here, especially now with more wizards/guards patrolling around this particular floor.

"Indeed," Corvus nodded, relaxing a little now that Rodolphus understood.

"Here," Rabastan said, handing over five different bars of chocolate, they were normal sized not overly large or ostentatious which they could be. Honeydukes was considered the best chocolate, and it sometimes made them create bars of chocolate that was bigger than ones chest, which was gluttonous really.

"What are these?" Rabastan asked, noticing that it wasn't a proper page book, once opened, the answer presented itself. "I assume that's the dragon?" staring at it, he'd managed to take quite a picture, it was beautiful, mid snort, fire coming out it's nostrils. "It's rather dull isn't it?" he'd never seen dragon hide look that way before, "What's wrong with it?"

"You'd never know but that's actually looking better," Harry rushed to say, positively beaming with excitement. "The dragon scales are getting a little brighter, more colourful, it spent its entire life from an egg being tortured and trained by the goblins it had never seen outside before." A frown marrying his features, he didn't like that, the thought of the goblins doing anything to a creature that could feel things, no more than a goblin deserved to be tortured by a horde of dragons.

"Yes, it will soon be with his own kind," Corvus said, he'd be grateful when he got his back garden back, the House-elves did not like venturing outside anymore, not even to get the produce for their meals. "The Dragon reservist that I spoke to suggested one more month, and by then he summarized it's colour would appear…they don't even know which kind of dragon it is due to its lack of colour…and deformities due to never getting outside, and the lack of horns." A number had been done on the creature, it was a miracle it wasn't insane, and just killing anything in its sight. Any human that had been through something like that would have broken before this and become utterly feral.

Harry pouted slightly, he had no desire to see the dragon being taken to Romania, but he understood he couldn't keep the beautiful creature captive, away from it's own kind. It would be just like the goblins all over again, although one could argue they were captive in the Dragon reserves but that was truly for their own safety and wellbeing, and they were treated reverentially there, kept safe from exposing magic to the Muggle world and more importantly, kept safe from wizards who wished to kill them in order to sell their parts for profit. It seems wizards were just as depraved as Muggles were in some respects.

Rabastan smothered a smirk, wondering if Harry would succeed in getting his own way a Dragon permanently placed in the back garden. Normally he'd be confident his father would say no, but he had a damn soft spot a mile long for Harry, just like he did for him and his brother. Glancing back down, he begun to flip through the rest of the pictures, the familiar background causing pangs of longing and pain to thrum through him. How he missed his home, his bed, his life. some of the creatures were familiar – having been there before he was imprisoned – but many were new, and there were a lot more of them he came to realize.

A/N – There we go! I think the next chapter will be focused on Hogwarts I think then a time jump to the 'summer holidays' and more to do with the political side, with a dash of Azkaban/Harry thrown in, since I know you guys like the scenes between Rabastan/Harry truthfully though, I had intended to only show Azkaban scenes as Harry aged until the inevitable release but that quickly got away from me unsurprisingly. So, when the time comes do you actually want to see Rabastan and Harry have a relationship? Add more years to a genuine courtship until Harry's of age? Or will Harry become family to them without marrying into it? like say adoption or something! Mpreg or surrogacy if he does marry into the Lestrange family? Will Rodolphus and Bellatrix have a child? With Harry enforcing the contract fully? Or will Harry and Rabastan's' child become the future Lord to the Lestrange estate whether it's a boy or a girl?

My apologies for the long wait, I'm afraid it's been a difficult week, I lost my eleven-year-old German Shepherd the other day and I was looking after her. Not that I'm apologising for that but I do feel guilty when I can't update for you guys. Roxy though was definitely more important as i'm sure all of you'd understand.

Oh and Happy New Year for when the time comes just in case I don't update again in time for New Year! :)