Chapter 10 is here! I hope you all enjoy it Thank you so much for all the comments and reviews, I love reading them all. Also, if there is anything you really want to see in the story please let me know, I have the general plot laid out, but I could see what I can work in. Though please don't be disappointed if it doesn't happen
I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter 10
They laid on the bed, not talking, simply enjoying each other's company.
"Rodolphus and I know that we all have a lot to talk about and to learn about each other, but we thought it may be wise to discuss expectations and what we are all comfortable with, just so there is no misunderstandings."
Harry felt a warmth run through his body at Rabastan's words, his soulmates valued his opinion, they wanted him to feel comfortable with them. He was surprised by how considerate his mates were. Harry hadn't been sure what to expect of his soulmates when he had run from the Dursleys, but he was already pleasantly surprised.
He realised that both Rabastan and Rodolphus were waiting for him, so he quickly gathered his thoughts to respond.
"I guess, starting off, I would like there to be nothing but honesty between us," Harry said softly. "I have been lied to and had things kept from me so many times in my life and I… I just can't take any more. Even if you don't think I will like it, I still want the truth, always."
Rabastan and Rodolphus shared a look before nodding seriously.
"In turn, I will always try my best to be honest with you both as well."
"That is a good place to start" Rabastan said. "We can not hope to build a strong relationship if we do not trust one another."
"It would also be nice to spend time together, get to know each other. I'm not ready to talk about a lot of things yet, but I would like to get to know you" Harry said shyly, looking up at his soulmates from underneath his lashes.
Rodolphus felt his breath catch and he wondered if Harry had any idea just how gorgeous he looked in that moment.
"One or both of us will be by your side at all times from now on. So, there will be plenty of time to get to know each other. Though, I wish to make it clear that you are not under any circumstances to go anywhere without either myself of Rabastan. Do you understand Harry?" Rodolphus said, pulling Harry's face around so that Harry knew how serious this was.
Harry frowned a little but nodded in acquiesce, he had thought this would be the case and honestly, he was thrilled that his soulmates would be spending so much time with him.
Harry thought about what else there was to talk about.
"How do you feel about physical touch?" Rabastan asked, taking Harry's had in his own and gently kissing his palm, causing the young Gryffindor to blush and Rabastan's pants to tighten painfully.
"I… I'm not usually very good with touch, but I quite like the little touches that you have been giving me. Maybe we could start there and build to more? I'm… I'm not ready for anything sexual" Harry stuttered out, reddening even more. "But if you wanted to it would be nice if we could sleep in the same bed together. I've been sleeping terribly lately, and I know being with you both would help."
He pulled his hands away from the brothers and began fiddling with the hem of his pyjama shirt.
"That sounds wonderful Harry" Rabastan said and Harry let out a sigh of relief, looking up at matching brown eyes.
"Believe it or not, we haven't been sleeping well either" Rabastan said with a little quirk of his lips. "A good night's sleep would be most welcome."
Harry grinned a little at that. "Ah, sorry about that. The bond was most insistent we be together, but I wasn't sure how to go about making that happen."
"While we certainly didn't know about or condone your kidnapping, I can't deny I'm happy it brought you to us."
The reminder of his kidnapping seemed to trigger Harry's memory.
"Oh! Would it be OK if I go back to the Leaky Pickle today to get my things? I left pretty much everything I own there, not to mention my plant Herbert, he will be so worried that I didn't come home last night" Harry fretted.
Rabastan and Rodolphus shared an amused look, "your plant will be worried you didn't come home?" Rodolphus asked sceptically.
"Of course, he will!" Harry responded, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
The brothers decided not to say anything, not wanting to upset the tenuous relationship they were starting to build.
"Our Lord wishes for you to remain here for the moment, but we will arrange to have your things picked up and brought to the Manor."
"I guess you should also tell them that I resign" Harry said. He felt a little sad to let his job go but knew that it just wasn't feasible at the moment. Besides, the idea of being away from his soulmates for any length of time made him feel physically ill. He knew the feeling would somewhat settle with time, but that time was definitely not now.
"We can organise that for you today," Rabastan said kindly and Harry nodded to him in thanks.
Despite having the best night sleep, he had had in a long time, Harry still felt tired.
"Do you mind if I have a nap?" Harry asked. "I know we just woke up a little while ago, but I wasn't kidding about the lack of sleep." Even though Harry had asked it as a question he was already settling back down into bed before either brother could answer.
"Of course, not mon ame," Rodolphus answered, though he didn't like the idea of Harry missing any meals, the boy was so skinny! But he remembered the dark circles under the teens eyes and knew he wasn't lying about needing rest.
"Do you mind if we join you?" Rabastan asked as Harry snuggled down under the blankets, his eyes growing heavy.
"That'd be nice" the green-eyed teen answered quietly, already drifting off as Rabastan and Rodolphus made themselves comfortable in the bed as well.
Harry sighed contentedly; his magic was thrumming happily at having his soulmates close by. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so warm and safe and considering that he was staying in his supposed enemies' home that sure was saying a lot. He rolled on his side and tentatively leaned his face into Rabastan's shoulder, feeling Rodolphus lay against his back, not touching but close enough that Harry could feel the warmth radiating from his body. With a sigh he closed his eyes and let sleep claim him.
HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP
When he awoke again, he wasn't sure how much time had passed. It took him a moment to realise what had woken him, someone was knocking most insistently at the door. Rabastan and Rodolphus were already up and moving towards the door while Harry was still busy trying to untangle himself from the sheets.
Rodolphus pulled the door open to find Draco standing beyond.
"Our Lord wishes for you all to join us for lunch, seeing as how you were not at breakfast."
"Tell him we will be down momentarily" Rodolphus responded, already closing the door in the younger Malfoy's face.
Rabastan eyed Harry in amusement, clearly trying to fight back a smile as the green-eyed teen finally untangled himself and stumbled out of the bed. His clothes and hair adorably rumpled.
With a wave of his wand Rabastan transformed Harry's Pyjamas back into clothes, another wave had them shrinking to a much more appropriate fit.
"Time for lunch. Why don't you go freshen up while we change and then we will pick you up on the way to the dining room?"
"Sure thing" Harry said, already heading into the bathroom to wash his face and clean his teeth.
The brothers were back only a few minutes later and Harry had to supress a chuckle at how fast they had gotten ready.
As they walked through Malfoy Manor towards the dining room Harry looked around. Taking note of things, he hadn't in his anxious haze the night before. The place was stunning. No wonder Malfoy walked around like everything was beneath him if this is how he grew up.
They walked into the dining room and Harry froze as he realised that everyone who had been in the room the night before was currently seated around a large table, waiting for them to arrive. He could've kicked himself for not thinking of it sooner, but of course they would all be here. He got the impression that they all lived here, like one big family, which was actually kinda sweet, as long as he ignored who the actual people were.
He felt a large warm hand rest firmly at the base of his spine and guide him into the room, to a seat two down from Lucius Malfoy. Rabastan sat to his right and Rodolphus to his left. He gulped as everyone at the table eyed him carefully, thankful that no one had shot an unforgiveable at him this time.
"Now that we are all here," Voldemort began with a slight quirk of his lips, "let's eat."
As soon as the words were spoken platters of food appeared along the table, much like they did at Hogwarts.
Harry eyed the food warily, before selecting half a salad sandwich off a platter and settling back down to eat.
He nibbled thoughtfully on his sandwich, missing the concerned looks he was receiving.
"This is really delicious" Harry said to no one in particular. "What kind of sauce is on it?" he asked in interest pulling open the sandwich and trying to have a look.
Everyone stared at him in surprise for a moment before Narcissa answered with a smile.
"Why thank you Harry, our house elves are very excellent cooks, they have surpassed themselves yet again."
Harry looked up and smiled at the warm tone in the others voice.
"As for the sauce, I'm actually not sure but I can check for you. Dae" she called softly. A few seconds later there was a pop and a house elf appeared beside Narcissa.
"Young Harry over there was just enquiring about the sauce that is on his salad sandwich."
The house elf nodded in understanding.
"It is similar to a honey mustard dressing, sir. However, we mix a little balsamic vinegar in which brings out the extra flavours."
Harry nodded in understanding. "Well, it is simply delicious, perhaps you can show me how to make it sometime? I quite enjoy cooking and you're obviously very talented."
The house elf named Dae, just stared at Harry, mouth gaping for a long moment and Harry glanced around and began to feel awkward. Eventually the elf turned to look at Narcissa uncertainly.
"Of course, Harry, we can arrange for that" Narcissa said amicably and Harry grinned in delight.
The whole table froze at the sight, entranced at the way Harry's face lit up and his eyes glowed as the teen smiled.
There was a bang on the table that caused Harry and half the table to jump. Rodolphus glared around the table until everyone returned their eyes to their meals. Voldemort rolled his eyes at the display; Harry was going to have his work cut out for him with the Lestrange brothers.
Rabastan was rubbing Harry's back in comfort after the small scare and Rodolphus realising that he had scared Harry reached out and ran a hand through Harry's hair. Smiling slightly as the teen leaned into the touch.
"Do you like cooking mon ame?"
Harry nodded thoughtfully, taking another small bite of his sandwich. "Not so much when I was younger, but I enjoy it now. I find it relaxing."
"Feel free to cook with the house elves any time, Harry" Narcissa said kindly, ignoring the frown from her husband.
"Thank you, Lady Malfoy" Harry said shyly.
Narcissa had to stop herself from cooing at the adorable sight.
"It is no problem my dear, and please call me Narcissa."
Next to her Draco's mouth fell open in shock. His mother hardly ever warmed to strangers, but it seemed that she had taken a liking to Harry. Of course, she has, Draco thought exasperatedly, doesn't everyone.
Harry finished his sandwich and washed it down with a sip of pumpkin juice.
Rabastan frowned beside him, "surely you are still hungry mon ame?"
"Oh no, I'm quite full, thank you."
Rabastan's eyes flicked to his brother then around the table, he knew everyone was thinking the same thing.
"Please, try to eat a little more, for me." Rabastan wheedled, piling more food on Harrys plate.
The younger sighed but picked up a small quiche and started to eat. Rabastan sent him a large smile and Harry realised, with some trepidation, that he would do practically anything to see that happy smile on his soulmates face as often as possible.
Lunch continued with small inconsequential talk breaking out around the table. Harry watched everyone interact, taking in the open conversations and affections that were evident around the table. He purposefully kept his gaze away from Bellatrix, who was sitting down the table from him, the sight of her still cause rage to explode in him, so much so that he struggled to contain his magic. So, for the moment he ignored the witch entirely. He made eye contact with Draco and went to say something, but the blonde quickly glanced away.
It was just as Harry was finishing his quiche that he heard a loud voice start shouting from the other room.
"JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING BOY!?"
Harry squeaked and jumped in fright, knocking his half full plate of food all over himself as he threw himself back from the table. His chair tipped over and he tripped over the upturned legs in his rush to put some distance between himself and the shouting voice. He landed hard, knocking his elbow and cheek on the tiled floor, his heart racing as he pushed himself up and tried to get away.
Large arms encircled his waist before he could take a few hurried steps. Harry squirmed as he tried to get away, but the grip held him tight. Rodolphus walked in front of him, gently gripping his face, forcing him to focus. Harry realised that if Rodolphus was in front of him then Rabastan must be the one holding him.
"Deep breath Harry."
But Harry was too panicked to listen, his arms and legs flailing.
Rodolphus growled a little. "Focus on my breathing Harry, that's it, breathe with me."
Harry let the feel of Rabastan's arms around him and Rodolphus' hands on his face ground him as he took a few deep breaths and felt himself calming.
Just as the door to the kitchen burst open and Harry jumped again.
The man who walked in froze in surprise at the sight that greeted him.
Rabastan glared furiously at the latest addition, while Rodolphus continued to calm Harry down. When Harry was able to breathe normally and was no longer shaking in fright Rabastan scooped him up into his arms and returned to the table, placing the smaller male squarely in his lap. Harry pinked a little at the action but didn't even attempt to move.
Harry glanced up and saw everyone staring at him, some looked concerned, others simply intrigued. He turned his face into Rabastan' chest, embarrassed of the spectacle he had just made of himself.
Rabastan rubbed his back soothingly, as he waved his wand and made all the spilled food vanish off his clothes.
Voldemort turned from looking at Harry to eye the newcomer.
"Greyback, I wasn't expecting you so soon."
"We finished our task sooner then expected and wanted to report," Greyback said gruffly.
"We?" Voldemort said with a raised brow, looking around at the empty space behind the other man.
"I left Penn in the kitchens. He may have eaten a few cookies. I have reprimanded him, but just so you know." Here Greyback turned to look at Lucius who just gave him a nod in understanding.
"Very well, where is everything you were asked to retrieve?" Voldemort asked.
With that Greyback reached into his pocket and pulled out a few things. With a wave of his wand he unshrunk Harrys bag and… "Herbert!" Harry shouted and jumped up from the table, startling Rabastan as he raced over to pick up his plant.
"Oh, Herbert, I was so worried about you" Harry gushed as he walked back around to his seat. Plonking himself back on Rabastan's lap without a second thought.
"Ah, is that a plant?" Draco asked uncertainly, eyeing Harry as if he were crazy.
"It sure is" Harry said happily, running his fingers through the soft vines.
"Then why are you talking to it?" Voldemort asked in bemusement.
"Oh, Herbert is very smart" Harry explained. "He would have been worried about me when I didn't come home last night."
A round of laughter broke out around the table and Harry frowned.
"Plants don't have feelings," Bellatrix said in a condescending tone that made Harry's blood boil. He swung green eyes around to glare at the woman who was technically his soulmates wife, though they hadn't really spoken about that yet.
"Well, Herbert does" Harry said angrily.
Rodolphus reached out to try to soothe Harry but he shrugged the hand off, he wasn't in the mood to be soothed. His magic thrummed angrily under his skin and Harry had to fight to keep it under control.
While Harry had been glaring at the witch, he had failed to notice that Herbert's vines had made their way along the table, creeping closer until they flung out, wrapping themselves around Bellatrix's neck and squeezing tightly.
Bellatrix gasped in surprise as the vines tightened around her throat and reached up to try to dislodge them, unfortunately for her they only got tighter, lifting Bellatrix into the air and causing the woman to let out a small shriek.
People around the room jumped up in surprise and someone fired a spell at the vines holding the witch up, but the spell merely rebounded.
"Harry, stop this" Rodolphus said quietly beside him. Harry glanced at his soulmate before looking back at the dangling witch, her face starting to turn red. He waited a second longer before doing anything. Running his hands soothingly over Herbert's vines as he spoke.
"It's OK Herbert, you can let her go now. I know you felt how angry she made me and were just trying to protect me. You can put her down now."
Slowly the vines began to unwind from around Bellatrix's neck, dropping the gasping witch to the floor before withdrawing back into itself. One vine going up to wrap itself gently in Harry's hair, as Harry continued to pet the plant, offering small praises.
The whole table looked at Harry… and Herbert in shock.
"What the fuck!" Blaise managed to get out, it seemed to be the accepted sentiment of the table.
Harry just shrugged, "Herbert is very smart, I tried to tell you."
"Well, it's safe to say we all believe you now" Voldemort said, eyeing Harry shrewdly. Harry glanced up at the Dark Lord and as their eyes met, he felt a current run through his scar. He raised his hand to rub at it and noticed Voldemort frown at the action.
While Harry had been turned away Bellatrix had made it back into her seat, with help from Carmel.
"I think we need to talk Potter; we need to clear the air between us." She said as she rubbed her sore neck.
"What makes you think I would be interested in anything you have to say" Harry said with an angry sneer.
The table looked on in shock. Granted none knew the young teen well, but this was a side of him no one had seen thus far.
Rabastan and Rodolphus smiled softly, it was good to know their soulmate had a backbone.
Voldemort also looked amused at Harrys attitude before he decided to step in.
"I think it would be a good idea if we all speak this evening. There is much to be discussed and I feel it will lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of each other."
Harry nodded though he didn't look happy about it.