The Contract

Chapter 94

Sirius woke early, unable to sleep, he'd focused on his experiments. It calmed him, just doing something he loved and got so excited over…it was a rush. Soon, he would have enough items to sell, and enough of them that he wouldn't need to exhaust himself by working to the bone to get orders out. He'd made dozens upon dozens of them all collectively. He was also contemplating the idea of giving Harry some money, and wasn't sure whether it would make Harry feel insulted or not. Arthur was doing the same thing, so yes, they'd have more than enough for any customer that bought anything from them.

Maybe he should talk to Harry, get to know his godson even more. He had suggested it yesterday, glancing over at Rodolphus, his face softened even further. Being here…was doing the world of good to both Rabastan and Rodolphus, him too he supposed. He was thirty-one years old, Rodolphus a bit older, but with these treatments, despite being in Azkaban…they were beginning to look younger than their real age. Helped along by looking so peaceful and happy in sleep. More often than not Rodolphus always had his masks up full. Not showing his true self to many, not even him unless he was tired and slipped up.

In the beginning he'd put wards up around his bed and the door. Sirius hadn't even been able to approach him when he started having nightmares. Luckily though, the globe seemed to help where he couldn't. Sirius couldn't help but wonder sadly, what had caused him to do such a thing so instinctively. Then he remembered that he had been married to Bellatrix. Then he'd understood the caution, who'd want to be around her? If she went into a mood, everyone would know all about it. It was better to be safe than sorry.

He wasn't putting them around his bed anymore though, it was as if he was being given Rodolphus' trust. They still went around the door though, but if Rodolphus didn't, he would have. As much as he liked this place, he didn't want anyone coming into the place where he slept. The Healers and Medi-witches did that at St. Mungo's and it freaked him the fuck out. That they were coming into his room when he was asleep, even if it was just to put breakfast down before leaving.

As always, he said nothing, just bid his time until he could get out of there.

Placing the finishing touches on yet another finished product in satisfaction, he sighed softly. Putting his quill down, he massaged his hand and wrist. He didn't notice how much it ached until he wasn't so focused on his work, which was often the case. Sliding his work into his folder, he'd send a copy to Arthur later, once he got back to Britain, he would find out how he was doing properly and not through letters. He didn't dare put too much in the letters in case of interception, it was risky enough sending his inventions that way. Although, Rodolphus had said he could use his House-elf if he wished.

He might just do that actually…even if it was just the once.

Standing up, he glanced over at Rodolphus a small smile spreading across his face without him even realizing it. Then even quieter, he slid out of the rooms – they didn't flare up when he entered or left – leaving and allowing Rodolphus to sleep a little longer.

He padded out of the hotel room, the reality was it was just an entire hallway of rooms, for people completing their physical therapy that were no longer hospitalised. Very fancy, expensive, but well worth every Knut spent Sirius freely acknowledged even if he felt like they were torturing him half the time, by forcing such a strict regime. He wasn't used to it, part of him wanted to rebel against it out of spite and habit. He loathed being told what to do after such a strict upbringing by his parents.

Yet he knew it was what was for the best, and the outcome was worth it, he didn't just look younger he felt one hundred times better, rejuvenated, and happier in and on himself. Although, it may have something to do with being closer than ever to his godson.

It didn't take long to cross over from the 'hotel' look and into the more hospital apparent corridor. All the doors were closed, giving their patients privacy. Not that Sirius was interested in looking, no, he was heading straight for the door in which his godson was behind.

He knocked lightly on the door, and opened it peering in, the curtains were still closed but the globe cast more than enough light for Sirius to see his godson adequately. He blinked, observing how Harry was lying, he was on his side, Rabastan's arm wrapped around his chest tightly. He was quite literally 'the little spoon' at the moment, not that Harry seemed to care overly much. He just smiled sleepily at Sirius, clearly very comfortable being held by Rabastan that way.

"Time izit?" Harry murmured licking his lips thirstily.

"It's early still," Sirius murmured, "Six thirty, Corvus is already up," his bed was empty, but out of them all, Corvus was always the earliest riser.

Harry groaned, "Why are you here annoying me?" grumbling now that he knew he and Rabastan hadn't slept in.

Sirius laughed softly, walking further in, closing the door behind him, slightly surprised Rabastan hadn't woken up. "Well, I couldn't sleep, and it's not like you'll have had much more sleep…fifteen minutes isn't all that long." He pointed in amused.

Indecipherable grumbling was the answer to that statement, followed by genuine disgruntlement that he couldn't move. He hated that, hated everything about this experience, and just wished to go home already.

"Do you want me to…" Sirius murmured quietly, before flicking his wand and emptying Harry's bladder for him.

"Thanks," Harry murmured, a bit red in the face, embarrassed by his inability to even go to the toilet. The fact nobody made a big deal about it helped immensely. It didn't help that he was already apprehensive about today, he would be starting to walk again. As excited as he was…knowing what exactly would be happening would be easier on him.

Sirius shrugged as if it didn't matter, adopting the stance that the Lestrange's took when they did it. He copied them a lot these days, when dealing with Harry. They seem to know what they were doing, and Harry always responded well to them. He had meant what he said to the brothers, he was a little lost on how to deal with the situation. Joking around certainly wouldn't help, which was normally his go to. Now he just needed something to talk about…but he found his mind had gone utterly blank all of a sudden.

What to talk about?

"I finished another project," Sirius blurted out, that was definitely a safe topic, and it was one he was proud of.

"Which one?" Harry asked, perking up, still laying down on the bed, viewing Sirius sideways, his green eyes twinkling brightly.

"This one is a healing rune, for scrapes and cuts, won't be a big seller, but for those who don't know healing spells or can't perform them will be able to use it at home." Sirius explained, "Much cheaper than potions that are watered down anyway." Or for squibs that actually remain in the magical world or in close proximity. Which did happen, hell, even Muggle-born parents would be able to take them.

"Have you tested them to see how well they work?" Harry asked in fascination, too bad it couldn't fix the damage done to him. Although, the damage had been repaired, he just needed to learn to walk again…if only it was as easy as it sounded.

"They're quite strong, the more magic I pour into them the stronger they are," Sirius explained as Harry nodded, Runes were a favourite of his and Rabastan's.

"You should sell them at different levels," Harry said excitedly, "Level one for basic healing, level two for deeper cuts and so on and so forth! Even the healers at St. Mungo's might buy them." Healers used a lot of magic and can become depleted, even with the aid of the magic replenishing draughts.

"That's a good idea," Sirius nodded thoughtfully, a smile on his face, he loved when Harry got excited about his inventions and when they created things together. "It's good taking a break from the Patronus globes." He'd been that magically depleted that the healers here had been worried about him. He knew they would be the biggest sellers, so focused on creating a lot of them.

"Have you decided on a shop yet?" Harry asked, feeling Rabastan beginning to stir.

"I was thinking of getting one built in Hogsmeade, abutting the Hogwarts wards," Sirius confessed, wary about triggering Harry, but ploughing along. Best to know any triggers now before it was too late. "I've begun drawing up plans…making a place that fits my purposes sounds much better than just accepting second best. Plus, everything there looks so old, it would be nice to have a more modern building built there."

"It might be old…but there was something comforting walking down Diagon Alley…maybe it was because I finally had an answer to my entire life," Harry said with a fond smile.

"It's the ambient magic," Rabastan rasped out, "You'll have felt it, and felt safe within the confines of the Alley." Reluctantly releasing Harry before easing Harry on his back, and using magic to adjust the bed so that Harry was sitting up.

"What about the blood wards then?" Sirius asked, frowning in confusion.

"Blood wards are inheritably dark…regardless of intention…but the fact Petunia abused him will have made them weak as hell. She didn't want to protect him and the wards will have sensed that intent. All in all, I would be genuinely surprised if they ever would have protected him from any threat that came around." Rabastan declared, handing Harry a glass of water their morning routine was well established. He couldn't wait until he could kill them all, maybe not doing it with magic might be his best bet, and not all of them at the same time.

Sliding out of bed, he cast the charm on Harry and went about his own morning ablutions.

Sirius scooted closer, happy with the way Rabastan took care of all Harry's needs before seeing to his own. If that was the kind of care Harry looked forward to in the future…he could be happy about them. Whether it was or not, he knew he had no say in what happened. "Do you love Rabastan?" Sirius asked seriously.

Harry choked on his water at the unexpectedness of the question, Sirius was quick to snatch the glass and pat Harry on his back, slowly as to not risk hurting him. Then decided to rub his back, not wishing to risk it at all. "What the hell…" he rasped out painfully.

"Do you?" Sirius asked, handing him his glass back, a serious look on his face.

Harry looked away from Sirius, before facing him again, "Yes,"

"In what way?" did Harry even understand there were different levels of love? He had been abused for Merlin's sake! Hurt beyond measure. It was completely natural and understandable that he clings to the first people who showed they cared about him.

"It's different from Corvus and Rodolphus," Harry whispered quietly, "It always has been…why do you want to spoil it?" genuinely hurt that Sirius was asking these things, staring at the bedding, wishing that Rabastan would come back. Unfortunately, he was showering, he would be gone for at least twenty minutes still if routine told him anything.

Sirius cupped Harry's face and made the teen face him, "If you love them all, I wouldn't care, Harry," Sirius stressed out, "I want you to be so, so happy, you're my godson. Hell, you could love Voldemort himself for all I care…" unaware how close he was getting to a certain truth, Harry did like Voldemort a great deal after all. "I just want to make sure it's the right kind of love, I don't want to see either of you miserable in five years' time if you realize you don't love Rabastan the way a married couple might." Relaying his concerns to Harry so that he would know why he was concerned. That he wasn't doing it to be an asshole, he was doing it out of concern. One of his major concerns was his age but it's not like Rabastan and Harry could marry before Harry was seventeen anyway, probably going on eighteen after he leaves Hogwarts. Puppy love wasn't the same either, which out of all things it would be.

"Did dad date anyone before mum?" Harry asked, knowing exactly how to get through to Sirius and using the knowledge he had to do it. He didn't feel the slightest bit bad, he liked Sirius…but didn't constantly want his negativity. Harry loved the Lestrange's and nothing was going to get in his way of his new family.

Sirius flinched, staring wide eyed at Harry, having not expected that kind of reply at all. Swallowing thickly, "No," he confessed, "He was…fascinated with Lily from the moment he first met her." suddenly knowing where Harry was going with this.

"And did he love her?" Harry pressed on determinedly.

"Yes, with everything he was, yes, he loved her," Sirius declared with vehement conviction.

"They married each other and had me…were they ever unhappy?" Harry continued.

"Only when James did something stupid," Sirius grinned roguishly as he recalled those times. "But they loved each other, yes, not right away on Lily's part…it took James a lot of convincing."

"But Dad loved mum entirely, for ten whole years," Harry pressed, "Is it so difficult to think I'm any different?"

"There wasn't an age difference between your mum and dad, and your dad wasn't…abused." Sirius said, clutching his hand, "There's a big difference between gratitude and love. You don't have to keep up with the contract unless it's something you really, really want. Regardless of what anyone has said to you."

"Oh," Harry murmured, "You know at the beginning we did this out of mutual need, Sirius. It wasn't just them using me, I was using them just as much. I would have done anything to get away from the Dursleys, anything."

"I know," Sirius murmured, "I know," he got that, he really did, he'd have done the same.

"Just like Corvus would have done anything to see his sons," Harry continued softly, "They didn't need to make me part of their family. I was bound by the contract to adhere to it anyway. We grew close after, it took the longest for Rodolphus and me to become close…it didn't happen all at once."

Sirius smiled, nodding, finally beginning to understand.

"At first, I just wanted to be part of the family, the contract has never really mattered in my mind. Not like I don't want it, I do, but it's never been…I've never been pressured into accepting it. The more time I spent with Rabastan the more I realized it was different…that I wanted the contract to be real." His green eyes simmering with unshed tears. "I thought it would remain one sided, and that was okay…as long as I got to stay with them."

Sirius felt bloody awful for bringing all this up, but it also made him incredibly relieved. Somehow his thirteen-year-old godson had made him see what was so obvious to the others. Made him see that Harry really wasn't doing it out of gratitude.

"Then he sent me a betrothal gift in turn," Harry said a genuine smile lighting up his features as he grasped a hold of the pendant, which was a small bell, along with a triquetra, the rune he'd created to save his own life. Which had smaller runes inlayed inside, protection runes. "I care for Rabastan a lot, and they're not the only ones in my life…it's not as if they've kept me secluded so that I reply only on them. I have so many friends…and not just from Hogwarts either…I'm really happy, Sirius…I want you to be happy for me too." It was true, he did want his godfather in his life, he hadn't in the beginning because he didn't want his family taken away from him. The Lestranges were his family, he didn't care what anyone else thought.

"I…I understand," Sirius said solemnly, something easing entirely inside of him.

"As for age differences, you're one to talk," Harry said giving Sirius a knowing look.

"What?" Sirius asked confused, alarm bells began ringing at the sly look that appeared on his godson's face. Did he really need to adopt that look? It was almost identical to his brother Regulus' scheming face. He often spat and though that Regulus was the 'perfect pureblood heir' but the reality was, it wasn't true. He was just smart enough not to get caught.

"Rodolphus? Tall, dark and handsome?" Harry teased, eyes lighting up in genuine delight at the flush that encompassed Sirius entirely, his ears were so red that they looked ready to start smoking like when someone drank the Pepper-up draught.

"There's nothing going on!" his voice was high pitched and squeaked, an heir he'd been raised was thinking 'way to go, now he'll think someone 'doth protest to much' honestly.

"Really?" Harry raised his brow giving him a look of sheer doubt.

"Merlin, there's no denying who your grandmother is," Sirius said, "That look…that look right there has Dorea written across it. She used it all the time when James and I had been up to something and we tried to lie our way out of trouble."

"Do you think she'll like me?" Harry asked, his voice pensive and thoughtful.

"Are you kidding? She'll adore you!" Sirius said right away, there was no doubt in his mind at all. "You've got the Potter-Black looks, you're got the Potter smarts and you've definitely got the Black cunning." Giving him a wry look, "Don't think for a second I don't always know what you're up to." he might not be the smartest or most observant of Black's but it didn't mean he couldn't see when someone was attempting to play him.

Harry just gave him a sweet and innocent smile, that made Sirius almost, almost melt. Damn it, he was too good, he wondered if Rabastan knew what he was getting himself in for. "Were you and Remus ever…you know?"

Sirius blinked, "No, we were only ever friends, there may have been a time when we could have become more. Fortunately, I found out just what kind of person he was before anything happened." if his own partner had refused to believe him…it would have killed something in him. Remus' had broken something in him regardless, he'd lost Lily and James, lost Harry's childhood years…and Remus, Remus was a cowardly bastard. Cowardly bastard or not, he'd lost him and Pettigrew – the boy he thought he knew – all his memories were tainted now, all those wonderful memories he had and he could barely think of them without getting angry or hurt.

A knock at the door interrupted them, as Corvus entered startling a little, "You're awake, good morning, Harry, Sirius, I assume my son is catering to his morning ablutions?" glancing at his watch wondering if he had been later than normal at returning, but no. It was his usual time where he woke the both of them to begin preparing for the day.

"Good morning, Corvus," Harry said as always delighted to see the wizard he considered his father figure.

"Son," Corvus inclined his head when he came out of the en-suite bathroom that they both used. Their House-elf was kind enough to keep track and make sure to pick up dirty clothing and replace it with clean clothes afterwards.

"What's wrong?" Rabastan asked, other than coming out of the en-suite bathroom, you couldn't tell he'd just showered. He was dressed in loose fitting clothes, and his hair was tied up and dry.

"I'm afraid there's a wizengamot meeting this morning," Corvus explained, as he placed Harry's mail on his lap, one to Sirius and two to Rabastan the rest were his. Displeased with their timing, he'd never missed a single meeting, not even just after his sons were released. It would cause a lot of speculation if he didn't show up.

Harry's face showed displeasure and worry at that pronouncement.

"I will give it a miss if you would prefer that I stay," Corvus added, disliking very much, the worry on Harry's face. He and his sons came first, before the Wizengamot, before magic, before all else.

"No, you go, I'll stay with Harry," Rabastan declared, "I'm the fittest of the three of us. I can afford to miss one day far greater than Dolphus or Sirius." They weren't about to let Harry do this alone, even if his fears would be unfounded.

"He's my godson, I should do it," Sirius put forth his protest.

"Don't use me to get out of it!" Harry protested, but warmth suffused him, that Corvus would forgo the meeting, that Rabastan would want to do it, and that Sirius would too. He wasn't going to be doing this alone, he wasn't sure where the feeling was coming from, but he just felt dread, he always did, just before every attempt. Maybe it was inward fear that he wouldn't be able to walk again and they'd tell him that.

He wasn't alone and he never would be again.

"You alright with me coming with you?" Rabastan asked Harry, making sure that he was okay, Harry felt ashamed of his injuries, at least that's what it looked like. He didn't like other people seeing him struggling, vulnerable.

"Yes," Harry nodded his agreement, ignoring Sirius' pout with a smothered grin. He felt a bit better today, his mood anyway, sometimes he just wanted to shut away the world but couldn't. Opening his mail, he found one from the Ministry of magic, "Oh, Madam Bones wants to talk to me, and she's hoping to arrange an interview." There was no three guesses needed as to why.

"Do you wish to write a reply?" Corvus asked, "It wouldn't be a good idea to ignore them too long, if they get impatient, they can try and force your hand by putting out an arrest warrant."

"Doesn't that only count for the trial?" Harry asked frowning in confusion. He knew the muggle law well, "I thought they could only put a warrant out for your arrest if you ignore a summons to court?"

"It is a summons but not for court, I doubt very much they will go that far as to put a warrant out, but they might." Corvus told him truthfully.

"The mirror again?" Sirius suggested, "I can go get one of the pair?" he had created a lot of them, so it wasn't as if it was something unique. It would mean that they wouldn't need to meet face to face – so to speak – and it would make it a lot easier for all involved.

"I can pass it on to Antonio who can do the honours," Corvus nodded thoughtfully, "Would that make it easier for you, Harry?"

Harry sighed before grudgingly nodding his head, the last thing he wanted to do was talk about it. He supposed it was inevitable really, he didn't want to talk about Lockhart again, never mind be questioned about it. It was over…why must they dredge everything up again and again? A glance at his useless legs though…vividly reminded him that it was far from over.

"I'll be back in a bit," Sirius replied, before turning and leaving the room, hastening with speed, or as fast as he could without causing himself aches and pains. One day he would be able to run, he'd be fit and healthy. Cursing himself for making them be unable to be summoned.

"Good morning everyone!" the healer chirped as she rolled in a tray filled with their breakfast plate, still with their covers on top, not only keeping the food warm but safe from anything that might get in it, such as sand on a windy day.

"Good morning, Healer Macintyre," Corvus said politely, he remembered every healer that Harry interacted with. Only two were female, which made it significantly easier. "Thank you,"

"You're welcome! Enjoy your day!" she added, before leaving to do the rest of her breakfast rounds.

Harry grunted as he forced his body into compliance, and yanked the tray towards himself. It was never too far away, and with determination he had it in place just as Rabastan put his breakfast tray in front of him. He didn't need help all the time, what he could do, he was determined to. "Eat first, the letter can wait, it's just a matter of putting the time and date on it."

"He will do things properly," Corvus corrected his sons' statement with a light reprimand, he would not allow him to do things half-heartedly. "There is nothing wrong with his hands."

Harry shared a grin with Rabastan, as breakfast was started to with gusto. The food was always filling and healthy, but the physical therapy they were put through left them more than famished when it comes to lunch and dinner.

Sirius and Rodolphus joined then five minutes later and Corvus caught them up to speed.

Harry finished his food first, and set the tray aside so that he had enough room to write. With exquisite calligraphy, perfected over the past three years, Harry wrote a reply to Madam Bones that he believed was adequate. Informing her about the mirror, it's capabilities, it's protected status (Sirius had made sure nobody could sell the design on) and a time and date, tomorrow directly after his lunch, making sure to put the correct time for her in the letter.

Handing the paper carefully towards Corvus, seeking his approval on whether it was good or not.

Corvus handled it just as carefully, the ink was still drying after all, and smudges just wouldn't do. He read the missive nodding in approval and satisfaction, while some words could have been better used with alternatives, there were no spelling mistakes and the calligraphy was spot on, he had done well. It was his first official letter. "Very well done," Corvus used a spare piece of parchment to wrap the mirror in to make it more like an envelope before folding the parchment as well. Wax was melted down and held the pieces together.

"I'll make sure that Antonio receives this before the meeting," Corvus promised, sliding the two parts into his cloak pocket patting it absently.

"Don't worry, I've placed an unbreakable charm on it," Sirius reassured Corvus, if anyone, however unlikely it would be, bumped into him, it would not break and cause any accidents.

"That's good to know," Corvus smiled his thanks for the information.

A/N – Well, it's passed midnight I'm definitely not going to get more written tonight…I think the next chapter will be the last one I THINK before another jump! There is so much world building in this that I don't want to miss anything 😊 I did want to get it to a certain point in the scene I've got building up in my mind but its not happening tonight you would have all just been annoyed at me anyway :P for leaving it with a cliff-hanger :D hehe R&R please guys! Is there anything in particular you'd like to see before another time jump by the way?