The Contract

Chapter 95

Corvus swiftly made his way towards Antonio and Tom, they were just heading into the lift. They paused in closing the doors to let him in, before closing them swiftly. Corvus waited until they were below the level before handing over the mirror and letter. "This is from Harry to give to Madam Bones."

"Finally losing patience?" Antonio questioned, not at all surprised. "Would you prefer that I be there for the meeting?" they couldn't question Harry alone even through a mirror, he was at the end of the day a minor. He couldn't see Madam Bones actually breaking the law, even if it was just to get a statement from the victim of a crime. Especially towards someone who was going to be Lord Potter one day.

"I wouldn't say losing patience as such, but they aren't going to stop asking. This way is perfectly adequate." Corvus replied, "And to answer your question, yes, I would greatly appreciate your presence, although it's not required. Mr. Black could take on the role, he is at the end of the day, Harry's godfather." And they were getting closer now that Harry no longer clung to the fear of being abandoned by them.

Antonio gave a small thoughtful sound, wondering what was best to do.

"Both of you should be there, it would give the appearance of connections and security." Tom replied, having listened carefully to the conversation. "Many are unaware that Black cannot be Lord Black, which is just ridiculous." Pinching the bridge of his nose. They were idiots, and incapable of thinking by the look of it. Fortunately, it worked out well for them, at least until Harry was ready to step out as Lord Black-Potter. It was a lot to place on Harry's shoulders but he seemed willing and happy to do it.

"It's a good point," Antonio agreed wholeheartedly, "Alright, I will require a Portkey, unless…the one I have will work again?" glancing at Corvus as the lift jerked to a stop. He still had it; it was in his office. You didn't just leave Portkey's lying around, it was at the height of idiocy. Especially seeing as he had curious children, who knew better than to touch things they didn't know, but they hadn't taught them that in the safety of their own home.

"It should, yes," Corvus nodded, opening the gates, allowing Antonio and Tom to step out before closing them back up. It was rather pointless, because they closed themselves after a certain amount of time if someone forgot. That way the lift wasn't put out of commission. "It will be held tomorrow at 3:30 there, so 1:30 here." Two-hour time difference between the UK and Africa. Africa being two hours ahead of them. It was something he had to get acclimatised to due to having to Portkey back and forth.

"I'll be there," Antonio nodded making a mental note, he had to push back a meeting with a potential client, but his current ones came first.

"I assume that his relationship with Mr. Black is becoming more secure?" Tom asked, as they moved, everyone was already in the courtroom. Due to the secret nature of their work, there wasn't portraits around this part of the Ministry.

"It is as a matter of fact, despite the…cause of the injuries, I do believe it's done wonders for them all." Corvus agreed as the three continued on to the meeting room. It would solidify Sirius on their side, regardless of what he found out.

"Good," Tom was thinking the exact same thing, soon he would be returning on a more official basis. To see whether Harry wished to have the Horcrux removed, and proceed with the procedure or whether he wanted to the Horcrux kept within him. It had been part of him for so long, it wouldn't surprise Tom if he unconsciously couldn't bear the thought of being without it. Regardless, it would be entirely Harry's decision.

Walking into the room, the three powerful men inclined their heads in greeting. Tom immediately claimed a seat near William, with Corvus and Antonio claiming their seats.

"Is your wife well?" she normally sat on the Abbott seat after all, and she'd yet to miss a meeting.

"She has a touch of the wizarding flu," Antonio explained, "She's recovering well, but still in the infectious stage so elected not to come today."

"Do inform her that I hope she recovers well," Tom said sincerely, he liked the woman, he surrounded himself with strong powerful witches, so it wasn't as if she was 'different' but he liked her nonetheless. He held a lot of respect for witches who had it all despite society trying to tell them otherwise.

"I will, thank you, Lord Slytherin," Antonio replied in kind.

"You know Harry, right?" Bill asked, "I mean Lord Potter?" leaning over Lord Slytherin to speak to Lord Abbott.

Antonio startled a little, "Well, yes," he made no secret of that, and luckily it was reciprocal.

"How is he?" Bill then enquired. "The family is…worried about him." despite what Molly and Ginny had one…yes, they cared.

Ginny was not settling in easily, which had them informing his family it was best not to visit until she acclimatised to her new life. They still wrote to her, but asked kindly not to visit. It didn't sit well with him what they were asking, but given how much trouble she was being…he decided to err on the side of caution and agree with their suggestions. It was always going to be difficult for Ginny, she was used to doing what she wanted, when she wanted, and getting away with anything she did due to Molly pandering to her only daughter, the daughter she'd wanted so much. Instead, all Molly had done had created an uncontrollable child.

He also didn't want to risk Aberforth preventing any and all contact if they did decide to visit against advice. At the end of the day Aberforth had the last say, it was only kindness that stayed his hand when it came to the situation with Ginny and the Weasley's.

They would stay away and hope one day…that the little girl he'd known would return to them. Not this rabid thing that believed she was always right and had a right to a young boy without his say so. That itself had gotten the worst reaction thus far out of Aberforth when dealing with Ginny. Even though it technically wasn't her real birth first name, it's the one they continued to use. Aberforth had absolutely forbid the use of Arianna and vowed to change it legally wiping the name entirely. He wasn't sure if Aberforth had gone through with it or not.

Corvus facing Tom, gave a subtle nod, before glancing at Antonio. Slyly informing Antonio he could reveal information. There was no doubt after the interview tomorrow rumours would be rife within the Ministry regardless of how respectful Madam Bones is.

"Understand that I'm only revealing this due to Harry recovering enough to give a statement. I'd much rather the truth be known than rumours." Antonio said firmly, everyone was trying to pretend they weren't listening and it was such a pathetic attempt he wanted to bang his head on the table in sheer frustration at their idiocy.

There were only a few that seemed unbothered, Lord Greengrass and Lord Malfoy, and anyone without a pea for a brain would know why. Harry was known to be close to many, but closest still with Heiress Daphne and Heir Malfoy.

"The healers were only just able to repair the immense damage done to his nerves. It took major surgery and many hours to do so. Something St. Mungo's wouldn't have been able to accomplish." Antonio paused for a moment before continuing, "Magic was the only reason his nerves weren't beyond repair. At this very moment he's undergoing physical therapy to relearn how to walk. There is no downplaying what Harry went through, it's something that's going to have long term consequences, how many as yet…we honestly do not know."

The Chief Warlock who had entered moments after Lord Abbott began talking, started walking again after freezing in place. He too, desired to know what had happened, and he was disheartened to hear what he did. "We can only hope then, the compensation, and rights of conquest he won from the Lockhart estate will help towards the cost of his medical bills."

"Doesn't that normally only happen if its requested?" a started Bagman asked, jealousy surging through him. The amount the already obscenely wealthy boy was going to get was just ridiculous. "And then has to be agreed upon by this governing body?" here he was struggling to keep what was left of his own estate from his gambling addicted son. He'd had to draw up a new will to prevent his son from spending what was left of the estate in a week after he passed away. The bulk of the estate was going to his grandson to prevent Ludo from disgracing their line. It wasn't often that estates (and lordship/heirship) were passed onto the grandchild bypassing the son or daughter entirely.

"Not necessarily," Lord Slytherin declared, "The rights of conquest were something both Gringotts and the Ministry agreed to. It can be done independently; I assume that they have been in touch with you regarding the rights of conquest?" an amused look on his face as he glanced at Ogden. He could see the jealousy on many faces, everyone knew the Lockhart estate was probably huge. Yet the ones that had grown up with nothing...or rather raised with very little were happy for Harry. This sort of thing had always amused him, the greed of people who had enough to live comfortably being envious of money changing hands that wasn't theirs.

"They have, no doubt the young Potter heir will be informed soon enough." Chief Warlock Ogden, "The bulk of the estate will be going to Heir Potter, the rest is being put into trust for the medical bills for those affected by Lockhart's callous attacks." Or at least the ones they knew for sure had been attacked by Lockhart.

"The moment that happens, 'victims will crawl out of the woodworks! Whether they are victims or not, all of them will attempt to get a piece of the estate." Antonio pointed out, "I hope you're ready for that." He was a lawyer, he knew just how the system worked and how humanity was especially when it came to what they saw as 'free money'.

"It's very unlikely anyone would come forth with any real proof," Ogden mused, "He was famous already, like Merfolk in the water, they would have sank their teeth in immediately if they could have. There would be no waiting for death to try. Those that do will probably be just trying their luck."

"It's possible the families will want it to be kept quiet, as I know Harry will…which will prevent the news getting out." Antonio pushed, "I think there should be an NDA drawn up."

"While it would be Heir Potters right, we can't force the families to sign NDA's," argued Lord Smith.

"Nobody said anything about forced!" Bill argued defensively. "They have a right to privacy!" fully believing that, with the way the Weasley family had been drawn through the mud so much in the newspapers. "Plus, can you really want to deal with everyone that comes forward?"

"It wouldn't be us per se," Lord Slytherin pointed out, "But we would be, if we agree to this, overworking the entire Auror force, their clerks and the Council of magic, since it would be their purview."

"That's true, the money they'd get is under any amount the Wizengamot would deal with," Lady Pettigrew nodded, "I think I'm in agreement for the NDA, if they want the money, they'll sign them."

"They'll not want the money, they'll need it, it's expensive to keep a loved one in St. Mungo's…" Lord Finnegan pointed out.

"I second the motion for legally enforcing NDA's," Lady Patil agreed. "The Auror force is already overworked as is, and we're hardly getting a lot of new recruits at the moment…not any that last longer than a month at any rate. To inundate them with those pushing their luck for some money…it's hardly fair."

A round of murmurs from many vehemently agreeing. It seemed the threat of overworking the Aurors made them take a side. The Aurors were needed for battle against dangerous crimes, such as the one perpetrated against Heir Potter. To deal with something so frivolous was a serious waste of Auror resources.

"Was that the only reason we were called here?" Lord Bagman grumbled, still envious of the thirteen-year-old boy who had more money than most.

The Potter's hadn't just lived off the largeness of their estate. No, they worked, and ultimately added to it over the years James was the only Potter not to have a career but he'd died young. He hadn't had a chance to add to the Potter coffers. Although, they didn't know that young James had been giving money to Sirius, to Remus and of course, the Order but he hadn't been too childish thankfully. Fleamont actually created a potion, that still brought money in to this day.

"Don't be so sour, Bagman, it's not as if it's not been earned," Finnegan declared, glaring at the wizard in distaste. "They deserve every single Knut." He'd ruined their lives and could have permanently damaged a young heir to the extent he might not walk again.

"To answer your question, no it's not the only reason you've been called here, we have five things on the agenda today." Chief Warlock declared, "Including making the decision on whether to give part of the estate to Gilderoy Lockhart's two sisters…who live off of his generosity and are as of yet unmarried."

"Which means they need a Dowry at least; didn't the father not arrange that before his passing?" disapproval deep in Dowager Longbottom's voice.

"He left the estate to their son and heir; he made no stipulations for the daughters." Ogden declared, "Perhaps trusting him to take care of them, but other than the small stipend they've gotten nothing from him."

"How small are we talking?" Lord Malfoy asked, lip curling to treat your children in such a manner was diabolical. He would have loved a daughter; his wife would have loved one. Unfortunately, in all the years they've tried…only one had come into the world breathing. Draco's birth had been high risk from conception.

"Enough to rent a small one bedroom flat in Knockturn Alley," Ogden admitted, gritting his teeth. To see your younger siblings living down there…while you lived the high life, roaming all over the world and staying in the best hotels the world had to offer. "I do believe they may be under an oath of some sort, for they barely spoke about their brother during the questioning." Back when they realized Lockhart had taken Heir Potter, wanting answers but the girls couldn't provide them.

"How long have they been on their own?" Lord Greengrass asked, a dark scowl of his own on his face.

"Since the eldest turned seventeen, she had to drop out of her last year at Hogwarts, she works so that both of them have enough to eat." Ogden confessed, "I was thinking perhaps they should get what was originally in the Lockhart estate before he made his fortune…" and the actual fortune split unequally between the victims.

"That seems more than fair, perhaps letting them have the rest of his belongings may help as well? Sell them anonymously through the goblin, I'm sure his tailored robes will fetch a good price." Lord Malfoy suggested smoothly, it would help them gain that much more needed funds to support them. The rest they believe wouldn't sell, could be thrown out.

"That sounds good, I'll also owl them and give them the name of a very good investment manager." Lady Pettigrew, they obviously needed some guidance and she was admittedly very lonely. It would be nice to help someone…if they would agree, her name unfortunately, had been dragged through the mud because of the actions of her son.

"An estate manager would be more rounded," Lucius commented, "They would be able to cater to the entire estate and ensure they have enough money to live more than comfortably." They were pureblood heiress' the last of the Lockhart bloodline. Which was now sullied, but they could drag the name by the bootstraps and do good if they wished.

"Depends on what the entire estate is worth, estate managers usually take big risks…it may not be something the girls can afford," Dowager imputed.

"That is true," Antonio agreed.

"You'd be hiring them," Bill pointed out, "It's just a matter of making sure your needs are catered to." the youngest girl was ten, not even Hogwarts age, left on her own while her sister worked, it was horrific to think on.

It wasn't long before everyone was talking over the other, trying to offer up their own advice.

"What else is on the agenda?" Bagman shouted at Ogden, as if he was dying to get everything over with so he could return home.

Lord Slytherin narrowed his eyes speculatively, nobody – not even the wizard's own son – would really miss the wizard if he mysteriously went missing…or died in a tragic accident. No, best not, at least not while Dumbledore was still alive, he couldn't risk anyone suddenly taking his word seriously. He could make it look like a heart attack…everyone knew the enormous strain he was under trying to control his son after all.

One day, he thought, tuning back in on the current topic, noticing what they'd be discussing today by reading the writing upside-down. It looked as though Harry had been even more busy than he realized, seeing the new piece of legislation/law he wanted to be passed.

The boy was utterly fascinating…he couldn't wait until they were discussing it.

He was going to change the face of the wizengamot entirely…it was just a shame he wasn't here to argue his points himself, instead of doing it through Antonio. Still, he'd get to see it happen soon enough. They would be working in tandem in making the world a better place.

The laws he was attempting to change were older one, in a much more subtle manner, that when revealed will be game changing. Until then though, he was content to let others – Harry – push through bigger changes.

"On the second subject, received a missive from a Hogwarts student," Ogden informed the wizengamot.

Lord Slytherin straightened at that, "Excuse me?" he asked, adopting a wounded pride look. Hurt was easily wrapped around that 'wounded pride' he wore like a second skin. "Someone felt that they couldn't come to me?"

Antonio groaned, causing Tom to glance at him in blatant confusion. "Let me guess, Hermione Granger?"

The confusion was swiftly erased from Lord Slytherin's face, before he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Is it?" he enquired of the Chief Warlock.

"Amelia received one as well, we didn't get to talk about it before the meeting," Ogden explained, glancing between Antonio and Lord Slytherin.

"Did you read it?" Lord Abbott questioned, an amused tilt to his head.

"Yes," Ogden nodded, still wondering what he was missing.

"Why is a school girl getting in touch with the Wizengamot?" Dowager Longbottom barked out, her annoyance obvious, "And why are you indulging her?" it was utterly ludicrous really.

"Wait for it," Antonio spoke with an amused lilt to his voice.

"She's claiming she was attacked and that because the one that attacked her is an heir nothing is being down about it. She's insisted it was brushed under the rug, that everyone was prejudice because she was Muggle Born. She knows her 'rights' and is demanding justice." Ogden informed them the gist of what was in the letter.

"I truly wonder if she shouldn't be escorted to St. Mungo's and checked to make sure the incident with the Troll didn't cause her unseen damage." Lord Slytherin sighed, "She's always been rather…righteous but this…this has continued since she woke up, I fear, truly, that she's received an injury to her brain that's unhealed. Another mess to clean up because of Dumbledore." Gently reminding them that they were still cleaning up after Dumbledore even now. His tone mildly disapproving, and hiding the real disgust he felt for the old man.

"Is she wrong?" Ogden enquired, "I've yet to check myself or ask the board of Governors?"

"She wrote to me twice, asking for me to take on her case," Antonio informed them, "And I know she's been asking every other reputable company, they're pinning them to the wall getting amusement out of them for Merlin's sake! They aren't going to take a case that's doomed to failure from the very beginning!" his voice becoming exasperated at the end. There was no law broken talking about it since she was never their client.

"Now I'm confused…what on earth is it about?" Lord Rookwood spoke up, wishing they'd get to the point he didn't like being confused. He rather hoped they would move this along, he wanted to see his son off to Africa this afternoon. The resort had been highly recommended not just by Corvus but many others proclaiming they were miracle workers.

"Ms. Granger is trying to sue Heir Potter for accidental magic damages," Lord Slytherin revealed, wryly, "It was the day that the news released information publishing the abuse he suffered. He shattered every container and goblet in the Great Hall, unfortunately, Ms. Granger…believed accidental magic couldn't be done at Hogwarts. She unconcernedly drank from her goblet when everyone else backed away from the shaking items aware of the potential danger they posed. She was therefore injured when the goblet exploded. She was immediately taken to the hospital wing and was healed within moments. Regardless of how many people tell her that she doesn't have a case, that accidental magic can happen within Hogwarts…she has chosen to continue her futile efforts in trying to sue Heir Potter and I cannot believe I've had to explain such a trivial matter to the wizengamot of all places! The governors yes, but the governing body?" lips pursed in sheer displeasure. Suitably reprimanding the Chief warlock for daring to bring something so trivial to this room.

"Where on earth did the daft girl get the impression accidental magic cannot be performed in Hogwarts?" Dowager couldn't hold her tongue, incredulity coming from her in waves. There was one universal reality in all magical societies, accidental magic could not be punished.

"Because it says so in Hogwarts a history," Antonio and Tom said blandly, both had heard or read it directed at them numerous times.

"That is not a peer published book, half of the information in that thing is wrong," Dowager pointed out in amusement. It says you can't Apparate at Hogwarts which wasn't true, professors can especially in the event of an emergency, they just had to know where the 'pockets' were so to speak.

"Something I have tried to convey to her, even the Aurors have spoken to her," Lord Slytherin declared coolly.

It made a few of the less reserved, much younger member, including Bill, to face palm.

"Now can we focus on things that truly require our concentration?" Lord Slytherin asked, Merlin, there was so many people on his kill list. Granger was on the top, she thought she was such a know-it-all busybody. He was beginning to get entirely vexed with her…and everyone knew what happened to those who annoyed him. He was pretty sure at this point that even Harry would approve.

"Very well…" the Chief Warlock declared, clearing his throat, still feeling rather chastised.

"Are you ready to go?" Rabastan asked, setting his book aside, they were to meet up with the healers in room fifteen, where Harry would begin his next progress to walking unaided.

"Yeah," Harry murmured, pushing the table away from him, his books and pens would be safe until he returned. Despite that he put the book he was trying to translate into its box and set it aside. Nobody would be able to get into it to read it, it was locked only he and Tom could open it since they spoke the language required to unlock it.

Rabastan waited and let Harry throw back the covers, he didn't want to do everything for him. He knew Harry got frustrated if they did things, he could do himself. They'd learned that early on which curtailed a lot of potential frustrating episodes. Once he had done that Rabastan held onto Harry at the back and under his knees and put him into the wheelchair. Which he could operate himself with magic.

This place was about regaining lost independence after all, and they thought of everything they could to aid that.

"Will your brother start going to the wizengamot meetings?" Harry asked, he 'drove' the wheelchair with the magical runes adorned the armchair.

"Why would he do that?" Rabastan asked from behind him.

"Well, Corvus isn't going to be going forever…shouldn't he want to get hands on experience?" Harry asked, glancing up at Rabastan curiosity.

"You don't get learning experiences, they just throw you to the sharks," Rabastan chuckled, "I know Rodolphus doesn't cares much for politics, he'll do it I suppose, but he's never going to be as passionate as our father."

"He wasn't given a chance to enjoy it," Harry pointed out, "Maybe that will change…but if he doesn't like it, I suppose someone could sit in his stead." Which was his right.

"As long as he doesn't pick me, we're all good," Rabastan chuckled, as the door opened automatically.

"How are you doing with your thesis?" Harry questioned; he wasn't even allowed to peak at it.

"We don't call it that," Rabastan groaned, "It's…not going as smoothly as I would like." He told Harry the truth of it, Harry had given him such fabulous ideas – not word of mouth – but actually the rune he'd used to escape. He had the physical runes created he just needed to write…ugh, a thesis as Harry put it. He needed to write an essay which would be submitted to his Runes Master and if he passed, he would be considered a Runes Master as well. His father had already begun ordering supplies for a celebration so sure that he would pass.

"You'll get there," Harry said with total conviction. "I can't wait until it's published so I can read it!" it was genuine excitement there. He was by no means anywhere near Mastery level, and had no intentions of being…but he loved anything Rune related.

"In here," Rabastan reminded him before he wheeled past. He had much more time in Azkaban to focus entirely on his Runes Mastery. These days he could only devote three or four hours if he was lucky to Runes entirely. Not that he'd wish it any other way, hell no, but with distraction and his P.T he was left extremely tired and the last thing he wanted to do was write let alone focus for long periods. He was lucky if he wrote for half an hour of those four hours before he gave in.

Harry wheeled in, significantly more tense than he had been moments prior. Honestly, you would think he was confronting a dragon not going into a room with a platform used to aid those trying to walk again. Not all 'confrontations' were visible, and not all worries were explainable and that was alright. Corvus had constantly said he was entitled to think and feel how he did, and nobody had the right to indicate otherwise. It was a motto he was finding more comfort in these days. Especially during those bleak days when he didn't even want to get up let alone move. With gentle encouragement though, he always did.

"Good morning, Harry," the healer said, smiling in welcome, "What we're doing to do today, is have Rabastan help you to stand by the bars and we will place you in a magical harness that will hold your weight while you walk." There was no 'if' you walk, he would walk, there was never ever any mention of if's and maybe's the patients had enough doubts to fill the Super Quidditch Pitch.

"Oh," Harry said, breathing much easier.

"Is that acceptable?" the healer continued to ask, as always giving his patient his full undivided attention. That was why he was here after all, to listen, to help, to adapt to their needs.

"Yes," Harry agreed, it was just strangers he disliked being at his back, the healers weren't exactly strangers anymore…but he still didn't like it. Rabastan, Rodolphus, Corvus and Sirius were all okay, he trusted them with his life. The mind healer said it was like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and after what he had been through it was perfectly normal and given time, he would be less hypervigilant and less prone to panicking.

Rabastan wheeled the chair over, ducked under the bars and giving Harry a look seeking permission. When Harry nodded, Rabastan grasped Harry around the middle and eased him out of the chair, almost immediately Harry's body began shaking, as he grasped the bars.

Then he felt magic coaxing its way around him, it felt suffocating actually. He ignored it, his arms straining to keep his weight up, despite the magical harness. The healer stood at the other side of the walkway. They had noticed he didn't mind them at his front, but his back or side was a big no-no. It hadn't been something they noticed in the beginning, due to Harry being bed bound.

It was so very frustrating for Harry, as he tried to take a step, just a single step and he felt like he'd ran around the entire Hogwarts castle. Sweat was beginning to slowly coat him, and the shaking begun to become more pronounced.

"You can do it, Harry, take your time, there's no reason to rush…" the healer said, "You are doing so well."

Repeating the mantra after each step, watching Harry closely to make sure it wasn't too much. His upper body wasn't used to such strain, luckily, he wasn't going to be wheelchair bound, so didn't need to work on his upper body strength.

"I'm sorry," Harry choked out, Merlin, he took it back, he didn't want Rabastan here for this.

"Hey, hey, look at me?" Rabastan coaxed, his own bigger hand going over Harry's. "Why are you sorry?"

"You…should be focused on your Mastery and getting better…yourself…not stuck here watching this," humiliation wasn't the only thing coating his skin, his frustration mounting. Two steps, or rather four if you counted by each foot that moved. Having to be held up by a magical restraint that was probably used for children.

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," Rabastan said sincerely, "This is me proving I will always be there for you, through sickness and in health. This is what a Betrothed is all about, Harry. Making sure we fit well together, to see how we do in a relationship. Usually, things are a bit calmer, less insane… but why start being normal now?" he teased him quietly.

Harry laughed in a sort of self-deprecating way, leaning his sweaty forehead against Rabastan's. His breathing laboured, both ignoring the not-so-subtle attempt to get their attention and stop whatever it was, they were doing. Just that small conversation, that small pause enabled Harry to straighten up, give Rabastan a smile – who for some reason was looking at his lips rather intently – before he faced the healer again. He could do this.

It was like his feet were made of cement, it was so difficult to control them, to move them. Grunting and panting, Harry forced his body into compliance despite his exhaustion, the echoing of "You can do it, Harry, take your time, there's no reason to rush…" the healer said, "You are doing so well." It made Harry wanted to smash his face in with his fists in anger.

Merlin! He'd taken six steps! He wasn't even anywhere near the damn end! Ten seconds he could have had that covered in, in the past. Yet no, it had probably been about twenty minutes he'd been here and…he was so tired he just wanted to stop, it didn't help the tightness of the magical harness restricting him.

He made a mental note never to use it on his own children. That sort of thing felt dangerous, he could barely breathe…if that's how it was with children, he dared not use it. In his agitation his magic was beginning to flare up, not only at the inability to breathe properly, but his inability to walk.

Then like a puppet with his strings cut the magic holding the harness disintegrated with a blast of Harry's own magic. Harry tried to keep himself upright, but exhaustion coupled with the unexpectedness of his own full weight bearing down on him his legs went from under him.

"Don't!" Rabastan warned the healer, but too late, the Healer who had automatically reacted to his patient falling tried to grab him.

The blast of magic from Harry's fear had the healer across the room, body smashing painfully against the wall. It was only Rabastan's own quick reflexes – something he was sure he'd lost in Azkaban – that probably prevented the healer ending up with similar injuries that Harry himself had sustained. Rabastan thought staring at his wand hand in surprise. Ducking under the bars, Rabastan was quick to Harry's aid.

"See to him!" Rabastan ordered when he heard two other healers come in, perhaps they'd felt the magic from Harry? "Harry…Harry easy now I've got you."

"ITS NOT ALRIGHT!" Harry shouted, "NOTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!"

Rabastan hoisted the teen into his arms, wrapping his arms around him. "It will," he reassured him. "You will be,"

"I LET A DAMN NEAR SQUIB GET THE BETTER OF ME!" he shouted in despair, fighting against Rabastan's stronghold. Wanting to physically beat his fists against the floor, against anything just to release the pent-up frustration that had monumentally been building within him since the start. "I didn't even sense him…the one time it mattered and I…I was so stupid…letting my guard down." Choking with his own emotions and tears.

"It's not stupid, do you hear me? It's not stupid to feel safe." Rabastan rocked Harry back and forth, trying his best to comfort him. None of the healers seem surprised by Harry's outbursts, it's almost as if they were expecting it. They were sombre and quiet, only one approached to hand Rabastan a calming draught before backing off, as the room emptied.

"I thought I was gone," Harry said, tears running down his face, "I didn't want to go, I kept thinking what if nobody ever finds me? Or my…my…body, everything…everything hurts and I'm scared." Admitting it for the first time, fingers clenched tightly in Rabastan's t-shirt.

Rabastan swallowed thickly, even just contemplating what Harry went through made him both furious and so very upset. It was a long time lying there, unable to move, not getting to eat, drink, just think on your own mortality. No thirteen-year-old should have to be faced with something like that. "You're allowed to be scared," he eventually forced out through the lump in his throat, "We won't think less of you for it…" wishing he had all the words to make this all better.

"He got close…" Harry said hoarsely. "He got close…" he repeated over and over again.

Unfortunately, only time, understanding and patience would help this situation.

"Let's get you back to bed," Rabastan murmured, coaxing his magic around him making him easier to carry. He then stood, Harry burrowed his head in Rabastan's chest, blocking out the world, still crying and his entire body shaking with exertion and emotional pain he was finally, finally releasing all of it. "I've got you; I'll always have you," he whispered softly, placing a kiss on the top of Harry's head, tightening his hold.

Grateful that the doors opened themselves, letting him walk on by without having to figure it out.

There we go! Another chapter and this is the scene I saw so long ago and it was most definitely worth the wait to write...Will Harry and Rabastan come out to the public during the Ministry's ball just after he turns fifteen? Or will they wait until after they're married when Harry's 17/18 years old? R&R please guys! :)