Chapter 02
It was now a week later since his night time stroll but he still couldn't come to a definite plan until now. His friends acted like usual making him too acting the same. It's fortunate he spend most of his time with Lucien. He does not have to pretend. (He's pretending with Lucien as well but he gets fabulous sex in compensation, so no complain).
Harry was having his usual evening drink when he remembered that he could ask Lucien what he needs to know.
"Hey love, do you know the date of next Hogsmeade weekend?"
"It's in three weeks Harry. Why? Do you need anything?" Lucien asked concerned. He had watched Harry for the past week and sensed a change. Harry was not the usual bubbly person. He had lost some of that liveliness and sometimes had a haunted look.
"Yeah, I need to visit Girngotts to make my will", Harry answered absent mindedly. His thoughts on the contents of his will. Lucien looked shocked, but not overly concerned. He knew Harry's opinion about the war and that he never intended to live past his teens as he was sure he would die. Even Lucien had to agree to Harry's logic. If Dumbledore couldn't kill the Dark Lord with decades of experience, how could a teenager succeed? But Harry's next words had him gaping like a fish out of water.
"I mean you have been poisoning me for who knows how long ever. And Dumbledore is plotting my murder with my so called friends so I thought of making a will."
Harry did not pay attention to what he was saying but the complete lack of sound had him looking at Lucien to see the man speechless. It made Harry think back to what he said. He gave a soft smile at the gaping man and said in a barely audible whisper, "I have known for some time now Lucien or should I say Lucius?"
"How? …What?... I..mea…wh….why?"
Harry couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped him at seeing the stammering man. "Don't worry I haven't informed anyone, nor planning to. I've already come to terms with that. You were just doing what you were ordered to do." Harry said looking at Lucien. Said man stepped closer to Harry and knelt in front of him.
"Harry…. I mean why didn't you say anything? Lucien asked. He still seemed unable to speak more than a few sentences.
"Because I was stupid enough to fall in love with you", Harry whispered looking down. "It hurts, oh how it hurts to hear you casually speak of poisoning me. But I just stopped caring. I always knew I won't survive much longer. At first I thought it would be by my uncle's hand I die. Then I thought that Voldemort (Lucien flinched at that but Harry ignored) would kill me. Recently I found out that Dumbledore also wants to kill me. I'm tired Lucien.
I have long since given up trying to protect the Wizarding world. They either think I'm a hero or that I'm a raving lunatic. I just went with the flow. If your Lord had attacked me at the beginning of the school year I would have let him kill me. I only started to think up of a possible future after getting to know you. I fell for you, deeply and irrevocably. I dreamt of a life with you away from all this. But I'm not so lucky. You happened to be the same as others, wanting to kill me."
"Harry, please I do care about you but you_", Lucien stopped in mid sentence when Harry placed his fingers on Lucien's lips.
"I know Lucien, I know. I kept drinking that poison, didn't I? And I will not refuse in the future. I am ready to die my love. Just be with me till the end. I want it to be your eyes I see when I die" Harry bent down slightly and kissed Lucien passionately, pouring everything he cannot speak in to the kiss.
Lucien grabbed the back of Harry's head and kissed back equally passionately. It was sometime before either of them could speak properly.
"Wha…What do you mean Dumbledore wants to kill you?" Lucien asked his voice rough with emotion but those bright eyes were unreadable.
Harry then went on reciting the discussion he over head a week ago. "So I planned to get revenge by writing a will. They won't get a knut from me. I will apparate to Diagon Alley and back so no one would miss me. I'll just have to think of some excuse to give Hermione for not joining them." Harry concluded his story thoughtfully.
"You can pretend to be in detention with me" Lucius said still looking at Harry with an unreadable expression. Harry just shrugged it off and nodded in thanks. They slipped in to a comfortable silence that belied the previous conversation, each lost in thought.
Weeks passed by and Harry was surprised when nothing changed between them. Lucien still gave him his daily dose of poison but Harry could detect a hint of regret in those eyes. Harry understood Lucien's situation perfectly but didn't say anything because frankly there's nothing to be done. Whatever his personal feelings are, Harry doubted Lucien would go against Voldemort.
"Hey love, did you inform your master about me?" Harry asked one night while doing his homework, hearing which had Lucien chocking on air promptly. Harry grinned seeing this but looked at Lucien expectantly.
"Yes I did." Lucien replied after controlling himself. "He wants me to continue my work here as he's aware of Dumbledore's plans. The Dark Lord believes you leaving a will could be a great asset to us therefore no need for a change of plan" The last sentence was said somberly but Harry didn't mind. He was fine with everything.
He would be free at last. No more worrying about prophecies and no more worrying about his uncle. And if he dying would be beneficial to Lucien so be it. The fact that Dumbledore and his cronies would learn a lesson is an added bonus.
So weeks and months went by until one day Harry collapsed. He was leaving the Great Hall with the other Gryffindors after Lunch when that happened. He was immediately taken to the Hospital Wing. Amid the chaos Lucien touched his Dark Mark to alert the Dark Lord of Harry's collapse as he was instructed and he too went towards the Hospital Wing.
Madam Pomfrey immediately started casting diagnostic charms but before she could get results a loud BOOM was heard shocking everyone. The next instant , the hospital doors opened with a bang revealing Voldemort accompanied by a few masked Death Eaters.
"Oh… Look everyone's standing around the Golden Boy's death bed." Voldemort said gleefully wand already pointing at the assembled people.
The Hogwarts teachers all pulled out their wands as well but the curses met a strong shield. Voldemort moved forward until he's standing right beside Harry's bed and his shield made others back down.
"Tom, what are you doing? This is Hogwarts, you cannot leave here unscathed." Dumbledore stated holding his wand out trying to break the shield.
"Don't worry Albus, we won't trouble you further. I only want young Harry here. He can't just die now can he? Not without some torture", Voldemort replied laughing coldly which had everyone shivering in fright. The next second Voldemort grabbed Harry's hand and vanished, his followers right behind him.
The remaining wizards and witches looked at each other stunned unable to comprehend what just happened. Lucien stood frozen on the spot. The Dark Lord did not inform him of this. He was told to alert about Harry's collapse and nothing else. What was he planning? There are still a couple of days till the end of the school year so he cannot leave now. Surely the Dark Lord will not torture Harry? Lucien's thinking got interrupted with the sudden move of Dumbledore. He left the Hospital Wing with the rest of the teachers trailing behind. Lucien too joined the retreating figures. He will need to inform his Lord of happenings here.
Harry was aware of the arrival of the Dark Lord, the sudden Portkey ride had Harry gasping for breath but soothing hands calmed him allowing him to take a look around.
It was Voldemort's hands that were calming him and Harry was lying on a soft bed covered in silk sheets. Harry looked around shocked. He imagined if Voldemort kidnapped him it would be the dungeons that he would end up. Harry's confused gaze found Voldemort. "You'll have stay with us for a few more days Harry"
"Why don't you just kill me?" Harry asked. He was not scared just curious. "I want the world to think that you are being tortured", Voldemort replied. "You will receive everything you need. All I ask is that you stay in bed".
Harry nodded his consent. Voldemort then left him alone to his own devices. Harry's mind went to Lucien wondering if he'll be able to see his lover before his death.
Back at Hogwarts Lucien too were wondering the same thing. The aftermath of Harry's kidnapping was quite amusing. The most memorable memory was of the Minister of Magic shouting at Dumbledore.
"You-Know-Who came right in to Hogwarts, kidnapped Harry Potter and Portkeyed himself and his followers away and you did nothing?"
Lucien shook his head at the memory. The Minister blamed Dumbledore for the whole ordeal. The lack of security was a major issue and soon parents started sending owls complaining. Even though Dumbledore was secretly pleased with the kidnapping, he could not prevent from getting the blame. The whole wizarding population was criticizing Dumbledore and praying for Harry.
The Defense professor had to answer questions about Harry's wellbeing and to help the Order to find out just how The Dark Lord knew when to arrive. Of course Lucien knew nothing and soon he was allowed to leave.
After nearly a week spent at Hogwarts Lucien arrived back at Malfoy Manor. He removed the complex glamour hiding his true appearance and hurried to the Riddle Manor to meet Harry with just a nod to his wife all the while praying that Harry was still alive and well.
Harry woke to the feeling of someone caressing his hand. He blinked at the blurry figure until said person gently placed his glasses on him. Who he saw was familiar but a stranger as well. It was Lucius Malfoy that was staring back at him.
"You changed back", Harry whispered holding the hand that had been touching him. "Yes, there's no need to hide here", Lucius replied.
"I wanted to see my Lucien before I die", Harry said back staring at the man and trying to match his Lucien to this man.
"I'm still your Lucien. Only my looks changed Harry. Everything else is the same"
"No, you are married, with a son. You will have to go back to them. Why did you pretend to love me when everything was a lie? Did you pity me? Why did you lead me even after knowing that I had figured the truth?" Harry kept asking. He didn't let Lucius answer as he continued speaking. "I thought I was okay with that, you know. The fact that you were married, I was fine with it. But now looking at you like that, seeing who you truly are I just can't".
"No Harry, please listen. Narcissa and I are married only in paper. We do not love each other. Draco knows that. All the Death Eaters know that. Please believe me. I love you. I love only you Harry. I know I never expressed my feelings but I love you with my whole heart, my soul. Please just hold on for me I'll persuade the Dark Lord to give you the antidote. Just please don't leave me." Lucius pleaded with Harry unaware that his eyes were filling with tears.
"I imagined myself in Lucien's arms when I died. I ju_" Harry suddenly stopped speaking trying hard to breath. He could feel his heart thumping fast. He was sure even Lucius could hear. Harry tired to sit up, harsh quick breaths leaving his lips.
'I wan..want my Lucien. Ju..just…just one las…last time. Please…please just one…on..once" Harry gasped out against Lucius's chest who managed to maneuver the teen in to that position. Harry glanced up at Lucius's face. Willing it to change back to the man he loved. But darkness crept up to Harry from around the corners and soon he succumbed to unconsciousness. The last thing he saw was the tearstained face of Lucius Malfoy.
Lucius gently placed Harry back on the bed placing a gentle kiss on the teen's forehead and stood up to find the Dark Lord since only the Dark Lord knew who the Healer was.
He was so lost in thought that he nearly ran in to the Dark Lord. Lucius quickly straightened up to ask the Dark Lord about the Healer but stopped when he saw the looks he received from the Dark Lord, Narcissa and Bellatrix who were accompanying the Dark Lord. It was then he became aware of the tears gliding down his cheeks.
Lucius quickly wiped them asked about the Healer. "My Lord, he.. he's unconscious and the Heal_"
"I've already informed the Healer, Lucius. You can leave and get some rest. You look like you need some" The Dark Lord cut in and motioned Lucius to leave. Said man bowed and left the Manor vowing to himself to return later, unable to disobey his master.
Dumbledore and the members of his Order were all on their wit's end trying to find Harry Potter. Most couldn't care less what happened to the brat but with the pressure from the Ministry, it was vital to search for the boy. They were all meeting in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts when out of the blue one of the instruments on the table started to spin wildly emitting black smoke and suddenly it blew apart with a loud BANG.
Everyone jumped in shock and stared at the remains of the instrument. It was Molly who spoke first. "What has happened Albus?"
"Harry Potter is dead!" Dumbledore declared gravely. The momentary silence was broken by everyone speaking at the same time. But Dumbledore spared them no mind. If the brat is dead then he better go to Gringotts to claim the fortune, with the Minister's current attitude against Dumbledore he better hurry up lest the Ministry interfere.
So with that thought Dumbledore flooed straight to Gringotts. Hastily he approached a goblin. "I am Albus Dumbledore, the Head Master of Hogwarts and Magical Guardian of Harry Potter. I get to know the demise of young Harry and here to take charge of his accounts."
"Harry Potter is certainly dead but you cannot take charge of his account" The goblin sneered at the Head Master. "What do you mean can't? As his Magical Guardian, I have a right." Dumbledore spoke quite harshly. He had no patience with goblins and wanted to finalize everything quickly. "You might be the Magical Guardian, but a will nullifies your guardianship as he was of age" the goblin replied with a nasty smile. "We will perform the will reading tomorrow so you can come back then"
Dumbledore stared at the goblin but he called the next customer forcing Dumbledore to leave. He was fuming inside. How and when did the brat made a will? But the further he thought the calmer he became. There was no reason to think Harry suspected them. Harry most probably gave him all the money and probably some to those friends as well. So with that thought Dumbledore left to Hogwarts planning to come the next day. He would get a letter from Gringotts informing the time.
The next morning Dumbledore arrived at Gringotts accompanied by several order members including the Weasleys. To his shock their new Defense professor, Lucien Sigerra was also present. Lucien looked haggard with dark circles under his eyes. To any one, the man seemed not to have slept for a week. Dumbledore walked towards the man "Lucien, what are you doing here?" Lucien looked at him and replied in a listless voice,"I received a summons Head Master". Before Dumbledore could ask more questions they were called to the meeting room.
Once everyone was seated an unknown goblin stood at the front to read the will. "Please be quiet during the will reading and do not interrupt. If you do you will be ejected out of the rooms by the room's magic"
"I, Harry James Potter being sound in body and mind hereby declare that this is my last will.
First of all Professor Dumbledore, Hermione and Ron, if you are waiting to get your hands on my money, you are all mistaken. None of you will receive a knut" The onlookers started to whisper among themselves but the goblin continued to read. "Dumbledore, you left me to be abused by my muggle relatives and did nothing to stop the abuse. You have no right to even be here. And my so called friends. I never knew the definition of friendship was to plot murder."Again the whispers started and Hermione had to yank Ron back to sit. "To Amelia Bones I leave my memory of a conversation between Ron, Hermione and Ginny about how they plotted my murder with the guidance of Albus Dumbledore. Everyone spoke at the same time, shouting in shock at the declaration. But a loud bang had them all quiet down and the goblin continued. "There are some memories of my childhood as well. Please watch carefully and take action. The reason I have not informed of these accusations before was because our beloved Head Master cast a spell to prevent me from sharing my memories with anyone, for my own good of course. To Remus Lupin I leave nothing. You do not deserve anything. You vowed to be there for me, to protect me once Sirius died but you just blindly followed that old man. And finally to Lucien Sigerra, I leave all my immovable and movable property to do as you fit. You are my everything Lucien. Be happy and stay safe. I love you."
The goblin finished reading and as soon as he stopped, Madam Bones walked right up to Dumbledore. "Albus you, Miss Granger and Mr and Miss Weasley please do not leave the country and stay some place where we could easily contact you. Those are some serious accusations and we might need to question you".
"Why don't you question Sigerra? He got everything" Ron asked furiously. His face red in anger. "He's not accused Mr Weasley, beside he was already questioned and is not under any suspicion." Madam Bones answered in a clipped voice and turned back to gather the vials of memories. She saw Lucien Sigerra leaving just as she turned.
Dumbledore looked to have aged a hundred years in a matter of minutes. Without the money all his plans would be of no use. But no, he won't give up. No stupid brat could outwit the great Albus Dumbledore. He just has to make new plans. With that thought Dumbledore left with the order members trailing behind.
A young man with messy black hair could be seen lying on the luxurious bed. A man with long blond hair and silver grey eyes, sat beside the bed holding the young man's hand. The Blond man kept looking at the sleeping man's face and suddenly said young man opened his eyes slowly.
He blinked his eyes open and was shocked to realize that he could see without glasses. But before he could comprehend what has happened he was tugged in to strong arms and was hugged.
"Harry, Harry, I thought you were dead. Please just please don't do that to me. I will forever wear a glamour and be Lucien but please don't leave me. I doubt I could survive if you died" Lucius muttered in to Harry's hair. "Lucius, hey look at me" Harry gently extricated himself so he could look in to Lucius's eyes. "I fell in love with the man you are, not with your appearance. I do not care how you look like, I love you. I just wanted the familiarity of Lucien in what I thought my final moments." Harry said smiling at the man holding his hands. "Now tell me what happened".
So Lucius then started to explain. Apparently Voldemort had figured out of Lucius's growing attraction towards Harry and planned the kidnapping. He had given Harry a special potion which had essentially killed Harry long enough for the will to activate. The antidote to the potion had worked against the poison in his systems as well.
Harry also heard about the hearing against Dumbledore and his friends for attempted murder. There were more cases against Dumbledore and Voldemort was using the situation for his own good. The wizarding world had rallied together to have justice for Harry Potter. Even the responsibility for his death was put on Dumbledore's shoulders. But Harry didn't care. Being with Lucius was a dream come true. He was now free from his relatives. Free from Dumbledore's clutches, free from expectations from the wizarding world. Lying in the arms of the man he loved was everything he wished for. He was finally free.
The End.
A/N : I know there may be many plot holes in my story but you can use your imagination and I would love a review or two!