The Contract

Chapter 104

The normally calm quiet manor was suddenly completely in chaos the next morning. The House-elves were out in droves, and not all of them worked at this property full time. No, they were from other properties all over the world. Harry realized this after seeing Gaelin and Alok, the house-elves from the Villa in Egypt. The cook and the maintainer of the property. There were dozens of others he hadn't met as well. The curtains, rugs, statues, candlesticks, hung oil lanterns, and tapestries were all gone it made the place look empty and much darker too. It seemed like every single door and window was open letting in fresh air.

"Good morning," Harry greeted everyone, noticing it was pretty much the same in the dining room. "Is every single house-elf you own here today?" he asked in amusement, as he slid into his seat opposite Rabastan.

"Most of them, yes," Corvus replied, lips twitching, "And good morning, I trust you had a good sleep?" they had made sure there were no silencing spells up in Harry's room that night, with his permission. They hadn't heard a peep from him all night. In fact, he had slept in, Sirius and Rodolphus were already eating.

Everyone glanced at Harry wanting to hear the answer as well.

"I did," Harry replied, he felt no guilt for what happened to Dumbledore. He deserved everything that happened.

"He did have a heart attack," Rodolphus said, amused, he had requested to view the memory with Sirius. They had debated on what it was, a stroke or heart attack had both been suggested. He had gotten a laugh out of seeing the Dementors tantrum when Dumbledore died and it was denied it's food. They weren't getting to feed off the inmates as much, which probably made them even more angry.

"It's in the paper already?" Harry asked not really surprised by that. The news will have spread like Fiendfyre once the wizengamot got out the building. That and the journalists will have been waiting for the information to become available. Minister Fudge had spoken on the wireless that afternoon, informing the world of the fate of Albus Dumbledore. "Will he still be put through the veil?"

"He already has," Corvus answered, "Once they got the answers, they sought they did as they intended."

"Saves the public from having to pay for a burial," Rodolphus said with a sneer, he didn't deserve one in all honesty. There was no way Aberforth would, he loathed his brother with a ferociousness that Rodolphus was utterly mesmerised by. Not that he could blame the wizard, he wouldn't have wanted to be related to the old fool.

"If he'd been popular can you imagine how much it would have cost?" Sirius pointed out, waving his fork around. "Millions of Galleons. Millions." He stressed out; he wasn't entirely wrong on that front. It was a terrifying prospect, that everyone would have remained oblivious to what Dumbledore was doing and had done…if not for a strange series of coincidences.

That and the fact Harry had someone in his life whom cared very much, and knew him well enough to become concerned when their scheduled chat did not occur and Harry didn't take his potions. It had sort of caused an avalanche, one that had ultimately ended with Dumbledore being found out for all his wrongdoings, and eventually, given the Dementors Kiss.

"It's a little…unbelievable isn't it?" Harry said quietly, as he plated up the food, he desired this morning. "Everyone thought it wasn't possible." That Dumbledore wouldn't be given the Dementors Kiss, everyone had convinced him that it wasn't going to happen. So much so that he honestly had been surprised when he was informed that it would take place.

"It is unbelievable," Rabastan agreed fully, "I didn't expect that outcome, but getting to see his end was immensely satisfying." He'd watched the life leave Dumbledore's eyes. Watched him realize whom Harry's betrothed family was, realize that he'd lost from the very beginning. That Elmer Eddison had been naught but a red herring to chase, that the healer wouldn't have been able to give it up. Oh, it had been glorious, there would be no greater sight of a slain enemy that had been so blinded by the machinations going on around. "Do you think our betrothal did him in the end?" a wicked smirk on his face.

Sirius snorted, "I wouldn't be surprised, if I had been any older, I would have had a heart attack." That was before he'd gotten to know the family and understood why Harry felt at home here. He hadn't been any means fit and well either, well, he supposed he was by St. Mungo's standards but not anywhere else. It was rather subduing just how different hospitals were all around the globe. It had been a shock, but all that's well ends well.

"You were hardly that unwell by the time you found out," Rodolphus said wryly, which was probably a good thing. He could recall, very vaguely mind, the desire to taunt Sirius back when he was in Azkaban. Before he'd signed the contract, it shamed him now, but back then he'd just wanted to cause everyone around him the same amount of pain he was in. He'd had nothing but anger and bitterness within him. Anything even slightly positive the Dementors had consumed.

"Tell that to the healers, especially Healer Bello," Sirius said wryly, he was very grateful to them nonetheless, it had been worth every single Knut he'd paid to get well, and get well properly.

"Is it normal to remove everything when you decide to have a party?" Harry asked, "Is it in case there's any accidents?" as far as he knew, there weren't going to be children in attendance. He couldn't see anyone Corvus inviting getting into a brawl or fight or drunk enough to cause any accidents. Pureblood's had decorum bred into them from a young age. To act out in any way, especially enough to cause an accident would be the ultimate humiliation, they'd never act out.

"Oh, no, they're being cleaned professionally," Corvus explained, "It has been over a decade since the manor had a proper clean up. It's long overdue, a party is the perfect time for it. Everything will be back in place in time for this evening." he had something to prove after all, that the Lestrange name wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. That they were better than ever, so, yes, the manor was undergoing cleaning like it hadn't since his firstborn came of age. They would be given not a single thing to complain about or find lacking tonight.

Nobody needed to know how precarious the situation was, and how much Corvus was praying to the goddess Hecate herself, that Rabastan and Harry worked out. Rodolphus wouldn't have children with Sirius, while adoption was in, he didn't want his legacy to pass to someone not of his blood. It was old fashioned of him, yes, but nonetheless it was true. Any child they adopted would be wealthy, no doubt, but he wanted to leave his legacy and Lordship to his grandchild by blood. So Rabastan was the only chance he had of a child of his blood. Added with the Black-Potter blood? Well, he would have an extremely powerful grandchild and wasn't that every wizard's dream? Yes, he could only hope that they continued to bond and be extremely protective and possessive of one another.

It was highly unusual for the heir to become betrothed to a wizard who was not a bearer, Rodolphus and Sirius had been talk of the pureblood circles these past months. Much speculation had come about, but ultimately, if Lord Lestrange had no qualms about it, then it was simply accepted with a little quiet speculation and curious confusion. After all, why would the heir of such a prominent family marry a wizard could couldn't continue the family line?

It had the unfortunate side effect of making Rabastan more desirable in the eyes of witches and wizards everywhere. With Rodolphus surely out of the running as heir, then Rabastan was the one to aim for. He wasn't just the second born anymore, any child of that particular union would result in the future Lord of the Lestrange estate, and well, it was something any witch desired for their children.

"Eat up, there is work to be done," noticing the grumpy House-elves peering in now and again, clearly wanting to get to work on the rest of this room as well. They did have an extraordinary amount of work to do. So, he gave them a free pass for anything that happened today.

"I'll get our robes after work," Sirius informed them, "I'll get them at lunch time, avoid the evening rush." There was no doubt that every tailor in the UK that was used by pureblood's would be inundated with orders. Every single witch and wizard will be dressed to the nines in new robes and out to make the very best of impressions. There would be a massive rush to get their robes for this evening, unless they pay to have them delivered.

"I'd be very grateful," Corvus said, smiling at Sirius, wiping his mouth, one less thing for him to do today. Graham was already spelling the sanctuary so that the animals could not be disturbed, and silencing the area so they couldn't be spooked. There had been a new addition a week ago, an injured Hippogriff, the last thing he needed was that becoming fearful and causing injury to itself or others. "Would you like to accompany me to the vaults, Harry? Pick up a few pieces of jewellery for tonight?"

"I'd love to," Harry said, agreeing immediately, he'd only been to the vaults in France once, it was vast and he hadn't seen even a quarter of the items the Lestrange's had stashed there. Despite the fact the family no longer lived in France and hadn't for quite a considerable time, they still used the vaults there. It would have been a chore to have everything moved to the vaults at Gringotts. Added to the fact everything had its place in the vaults in France…in Gringotts they'd just be lying there. It was adequate for gold and such, but not priceless items of jewellery and such that went back as far as King Louis the second, 887, at that.

"You intend to reveal our betrothal?" Rabastan asked, staring slightly dazed. Knowing exactly why his father wished to allow Harry to go, to pick up a few pieces that he liked to wear. His father had always seen Harry as a member of the family, but going to a party with Lestrange family heirlooms? That was making a big, big statement.

Rabastan winced, glaring at his brother, a 'what the fuck' look on his face, why the hell had he kicked him? Rodolphus inclined his head slowly and subtly towards Harry, with pursed lips. Rabastan glanced at Harry only to blanch a little, when he realized how his question might have been construed.

"Would you prefer to keep it secret?" Corvus asked, if he disapproved it was very well hidden. "The only reason it was concealed was due to Dumbledore and his cohorts. Dumbledore is no longer a problem, and of course, his most loyal are already in Azkaban. They are of no concern to us, so yes, if it's something you both wish for, it will be done…" there would always be people who didn't approve, but that was the way of the world. They couldn't keep it a secret forever, well, technically they could, but it wasn't ideal.

Harry remained silent, slightly subdued, just waiting on Rabastan agreeing that it should be kept secret. Doubts began to creep into his mind, was he not good enough? Did Rabastan not want him now that he had other prospects? He was free now, he could be with anyone he wanted, and wouldn't have to wait nearly three more years. Was he too clingy? Was it because he hadn't agreed to go home yesterday? Did he want someone a little quieter and more obedient? He didn't think he could ever be that way…he could try but he knew he'd fail…and he didn't want to change who he was. The thought of losing Rabastan and everyone else made his heart hurt so badly.

"Of course, I want everyone to know he's mine," Rabastan declared vehemently, "But once word gets out…there will be a lot of people gunning to 'rescue' him from us. You all know it's true, all of them thinking they know better, that Harry is in need of being rescued!" and he didn't want Harry to go through anything more than he already had. The thought of him being constantly reminded of what Lockhart did…or like his choices did not matter. That everyone knew better than he did, it would affect a person! Even a strong one like Harry, raising doubts and making him feel inferior.

"As unhappy as some might be, it's not like they're going to kidnap him, Rabastan," Sirius pointed out, remaining calm despite Rabastan upsetting his godson. Wincing at his choice of words when Harry flinched, shit, he should have chosen his words more carefully.

"The people you speak of, won't get a chance to get near him," Corvus replied, they had well and truly learned their lesson. The guards had been upped in and around Hogsmeade. Harry would never truly be alone, at least not until he had learned to defend himself fully, and become an adult wizard and able to use magic. They knew Harry could take care of himself if the situation called for it, but they wanted to make sure the situation was never warranted again.

"They'll also realize he's a carrier," Rabastan added, admitting his worst fears. That Harry would be inundated with offers and might find one far more appealing than him. While the Lestrange family was very well known and respected, they had taken a severe hit due to him and his brother. Not everyone respected the family anymore, and they were working on restoring it…but some families didn't need to be restored. Harry might…want something less cumbersome. Someone younger, closer to his age…at the end of the day, they had only begun this as a way to help them both. Feelings can change…and he feared one day that it might.

"You gravitate toward one another, even if you didn't tell someone…it will eventually be realized." Corvus said, barely containing his smugness as he pointed out the obvious. "You barely left each other's side yesterday, it's a genuine surprise that the wizengamot didn't figure it out already."

Neither Rabastan or Harry so much as flushed or became flustered. They weren't ashamed, even if they were somewhat surprised to realize it was true, they had barely left each other's side yesterday, except for the obvious, when Harry was in the court room. He always wanted to be near Rabastan, the thought of not being when he could, was disheartening to say the least.

Corvus just smiled, they were both young and budding love was emerging, of course they wanted to be together. The age difference was insignificant by the time they were middle aged it would be nothing but a number. They were basically just in the middle state of a courtship, perhaps nearing its end, but they had begun 'courting' rather early so to speak. Then again, normal courtships don't involve the trauma and fear that had saturated much of Rabastan and Harry's beginning.

Rodolphus and Sirius remained quiet, watching and listening, obviously, but this was definitely something Harry and Rabastan needed to figure out on their own. Plus, they weren't stupid, the fears they so ardently tried to keep hidden, were for naught. Even Sirius could see just how much Rabastan adored Harry and how much Harry looked up and adored Rabastan in turn.

"You will have people reacting as that witch did yesterday," Rabastan said softly, "You're smart enough to know that it could become significantly worse. I do not mind; I don't pay attention to them." He truly didn't care what the lesser witch or wizard had to say about him. Harry still young, and could easily be provoked. Not that he cared if he did anything to them, but becoming a lawyer, Harry would need a clean record. Any mars on his record would make it difficult. Attacking someone for whatever the reason, well, let's just say it would be difficult for it to be removed from the record but not impossible.

"I don't care either," Harry pointed out, it was true he didn't care. "If it wasn't for that…it would be because of who I am." One way or another, Harry was never intended for a peaceful life without censure from the public in one form or another. The public thought they had a right to his private life because of what Dumbledore had started. They'd began to get an idea when the Daily Prophet was sued over what happened. It unfortunately, didn't stop everyone from thinking they had a say in his life. Luckily, he was surrounded by people who didn't even try, unless, it was for his own wellbeing.

"Brilliant, everything's fixed, I'll see you all later," Sirius said standing up, grinning at his godson who gave him a dry as dust look.

"Nothing was broken," Harry said dryly.

"Don't I know it," Sirius said, squeezing Harry's shoulder in apology for his earlier words. "Be safe, Kiddo." The silent presence at his back warm and comforting. Their betrothal was rather fast paced, they'd already given each other their courting gifts. Which hadn't been easy for Sirius, he was inventive, but what on earth could you get for a wizard who had more money than he knew what to do with? It had required a lot of deliberations let's just say, but Rodolphus had been very happy with the choices and so Sirius considered it a win.

"I'll be fine," Harry said as he always did in reply to Sirius' words. No matter what he was doing or where he was planning on going it was always 'be safe' or 'be careful' or some variation of it. Sirius worried too much, considering the people who watched over him, if anyone did try anything, they'd regret it.

"Do you need anything from the shops?" Rodolphus asked his father, brother and Harry.

"We have everything we need," Corvus replied when Harry and Rabastan shook their heads, mouths full of food. Only once the were done did they give a verbal reply, that no they didn't need anything either, thank you.

With that both wizards gave their goodbye's and left the dining room.

"Are you coming with us, Rabastan?" Corvus questioned his son, so much more at ease than he had ever been in over a decade.

"I'm going to be filling out applications all morning, I want to get them out before lunch," Rabastan told them, drinking the rest of his coffee.

"Applications?" Harry asked in surprise.

"I'd like to be able to put my Mastery to good use, I've gotten applications for various publishing magazines." Important ones, for Masters not amateurs, scientific journals. Each subject of wizardry had at least two, potions and transfiguration had seven.

"They'd be a fool not to accept you," Corvus said, "Words can't express how proud of you I am, son." He was so proud of both of his sons, not only had Rabastan completed a Mastery while half completed whilst in Azkaban but they weren't letting their experience in prison dictate their actions and just brooding around the manor. He would have understood if they had done, considering all they'd been through, and accepted it.

They were also making their own money, not reliant on anyone not even him, so yes, he was extremely proud of them.

"Lets' go, Harry, before the House-elves vanish the very seats we're sitting in." Corvus teased lightly, causing the House-elves faces to become indignant as they ventured in to collect the used dishes.

Harry laughed, a wide grin on his face, sniggering afterwards as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Truth was, he reckoned the House-elves could do that and more, they were rather powerful from all he'd found out – by talking to them – and people really should know better than to mess with them.

By the time Corvus and Harry as well as Rabastan were done with their tasks it was nearing lunch time. Harry had fun looking through everything he could get his eyes on while he was there. They even had a dozen tiaras! The Lestrange family never got rid of anything, and some of the tiaras were so outrageous. All of them had been specially made for the bride, and very rarely worn again.

"Did you find something you like?" Rabastan asked upon their return, sitting outside despite the cold, warming charms imbued within his clothes keeping him warm regardless. They had nothing in their hands, but that didn't mean anything, it was likely shrunk down and in their pockets.

"He spent most of his time looking at the tiaras, he found most of them hilarious for some reason," Corvus teased, as he sat down and poured himself a cup of coffee.

"They were ridiculous! Nobody needs tiaras that size! And the stones!" shaking his head, it was ludicrous, he didn't want to know how much had been paid for something to be worn once then put away. "One day…such a waste…"

Corvus smiled sadly, a wistful air around him, "That's exactly what my wife said," she had not been one for extravagance, she had picked one of the elegant ones from the vault, small and dainty, refusing to spend money on something when they had a perfect one already. It was when he had changed the ring, he intended to give her.

"I got a few matching pieces though," Harry told Rabastan, and Corvus got some for Rabastan that matched. Watching as lanterns were placed outside, it got dark very early in winter, so to prevent any accidents the fires and lanterns would be lit to ensure visibility. "Are you nervous?" he was nervous, and it wasn't even his party. Then again, it might as well be, this would be a pureblood function, he'd be meeting nearly the entire wizengamot and those that had power.

"A little bit," Rabastan admitted, if he couldn't admit that at least to his betrothed then they would have been in danger of not working out. A betrothed was a lead to a partnership, they got through things together. "It's been such a long time since I had to attend one of these, I was still at Hogwarts the last one I recall."

"Yes, Millicent Flints debutant ball," Corvus recalled how proud he was of his sons, of course Rodolphus had already been promised to Bellatrix, but one didn't decline to attend any social function. Rabastan had been very young at the time, but there would have been no doubt they would have had a contract written up in seconds to join the Flint and Lestrange families together. Most of the pureblood boys weren't happy that she wanted to pursue a career before having children. She'd been rather adamant, and Corvus had been rather proud of her for making her desires known. Her parents had also been proud and willing to indulge her independence. Perhaps because she would never be heir, and they didn't have to worry about it since Marcus had been born by the time, she had her debutant ball and already showing signs of magic. The boy was rather powerful, but not very academically inclined, except in certain subjects, Runes amongst them.

"That's right," Rabastan nodded, recalling the girl she'd been, very tall like the rest of her family, luckily getting her looks from her mother. Pretty thing, but definitely different from how most pureblood females were raised. There was nothing demure about her. She was headstrong, determined and she had accomplished her goals. Not only had she become a healer but she had children as well and was happily married by all accounts. Harry liked her and spoke of her often. He'd been what? Thirteen, fourteen or something.

"I think she's brilliant," Harry stated, cocking his head to the side when he heard music play for a few short minutes before stopping.

"Oh, really? You don't find us mad?" Corvus asked, eyes sparkling with delight, recalling Harry actually saying that they were mad. It was excused of course, since the young boy was so new to magic that it was a perfectly natural response. He'd certainly had the same reaction when he heard about doctors and their barbaric practice of cutting people open. How they lived without magic he just couldn't fathom at all.

Harry grinned recalling the earlier days of coming to live at Lestrange manor.

"Mad?" Rabastan ensured, arching a brow, rather confused by that comment.

"Well, they were saying they wanted to remove all the bones in my hand!" Harry protested, "I'd only known about magic for…twenty-four hours, less than that actually." It had all been like this oddly weird but awesome dream.

Rabastan nodded, puzzle solved, almost wishing he'd been there to see the look on Harry's face.

Before they could discuss it more, Apparation distracted them all, to find people standing at the gates with dozens of boxes. Corvus made no move to get up, the house-elves however, did begin to bring in the boxes and sending the delivery boys away.

"Ah, that's the deliveries beginning to come," Corvus murmured pleased, more deliveries were scheduled to come. Judging by the stamps on the boxes, it was his wine and champagne being delivered. There was more alcohol, flowers, centre pieces, new vases, trays, a cake and catered food to be delivered today. The House-elves had enough to do without cooking and baking. No, he'd used one of his very favourite restaurants and he knew they'd deliver the best of food. When he'd informed the House-elves they weren't even upset for once.

"Everything alright, Graham?" Corvus asked, as he saw the wizard approaching. Making it clear that he was welcome to approach. Honestly, having two Graham's in the same family wasn't odd, every family had the tendency to reuse family names, even his own.

"That's the animals all fed and settled in, I took them for a quick run around," he told Corvus, "Spells are all up and running, they should be content for the rest of the day."

"Are you coming this evening?" Corvus asked gesturing for the wizard to sit down, despite his work attire and the smell of animal excrement coming from him. It was an all too familiar scent, since he too endured it every day. Pouring a cup for him since Harry didn't seem to care for one.

"Of course," he wouldn't turn down an invite even if Corvus wasn't his employer, to do so was social suicide, you needed a very good excuse not to attend. Only certain people could get away with it, and he certainly wasn't, he wasn't from the main Goyle family, his father wasn't the Lord of the estate. "And thank you, for the invitation," it wasn't often his own family unit were invited anywhere. They weren't from the main line, weren't considered important, and added to the fact he wasn't exactly rich well, yes, a surprise but a good one. His brother had bought him and his wife lovely outfits from Gladrags, he and his wife had only needed to buy a present. Thankfully he'd gotten to know the family rather well and knew exactly what to get.

Corvus waved the thanks away, Graham was a lovely conversationalist, did excellent work and was from a good family. He didn't just live on his family coin, that earned him Corvus' respect.

"How is the Hippogriff doing?" Harry asked, genuinely concerned for the animal. "It was it's wing and leg, right?" its leg got mangled up in a barbed wire fence in the Muggle world. It had hurt it's wing presumably trying to get out and making things worse for its leg. It had been there for days before it was found. The Muggles quickly had their minds wiped, and the animal was brought to Lestrange sanctuary to recover. It seemed to always be a frequent problem, wings and leg, well, unless they were snakes of course.

"It was, yes, I think it dislikes being cooped up, luckily we've found the rest of it's herd, so the poor thing can return there once it's healed. It must have veered of course or got lost, we have no understanding as to why or how it got there." Graham admitted, having no trouble talking about his work at all, if anything it was far more comforting. "His leg is recovering nicely, but we have to make sure its wing recovers before we consider releasing him. It wouldn't be good to put it amongst the herd when it can't fly. To allow it to return to the wild it had to be in good health and have the ability to protect itself. It was currently full and sleeping, its what it needed to heal properly, luckily with magic, the hippogriff couldn't further injury its wing by moving it.

"Is it a private owner?" Rabastan asked, not surprised by Harry's interest in the animals under his father's care. He had always been fascinated with them; he'd been regaled tales of all the animals in his time in Azkaban. Harry would no doubt, continue when his father could no longer care for them.

"No, it's a small charity run business, a zoo if you will, in Scotland that tutors or parents take the children to in order to let them meet magical animals, it brings them in an income to feed and tend to the animals." Graham was quick to inform him, they were not happy that they weren't allowed in the grounds to see the Hippogriff themselves, but they didn't raise too much a fuss when they realized that the treatment would be free. Turns out that the hippogriff they had saved was the youngest of them all.

"In Dunblane? I recall visiting, I took the boys when they were young as well," Corvus said, surprised that he hadn't recalled the place before this. In fact, he had taken them numerous times.

Rabastan watched Harry's interest, making a mental note to himself. Perhaps they could visit, Harry hadn't gotten a chance to visit any place like that. He loved animals it truly was the perfect place to visit, except for the opera which for some baffling reason he seemed to really enjoy. Any entertainment actually, and it was true enjoyment, it wasn't just to make his father feel better either. Even outside of his father's presence he spoke about the scenes and parts he'd watched with reverence and excitement.

The day after tomorrow sounded ideal since Harry wished to visit Dorea's portrait and it might end up a lengthily visit.

A/N – I know I know no party yet after promising BUT I do promise that the next chapter (which will be posted as soon as it's written, 2k is already written but starting tomorrow morning regardless of what's on the schedule) I just kept on writing and oh my gosh it was getting very choppy with time cuts etc… so this is getting updated now and the next chapter will cut to the start of the party (3K deleted! Ouch!) 😉 I'm enjoying writing the party very much :D Although I don't want to make it all about Harry and Rabastan (despite it actually being the case ;) lol) struggling to come up with conversation ideas…but I promise to fit in Hermione this time! As in what happening with her 😊 so any suggestions welcomed it is a party after all 😉 and just in case you missed it, The Contract will be updated again next! Also, would you like to see Rabastan and Harry visiting the zoo and some scenes together before he's whisked away back to Hogwarts again and another time cut or would you just prefer the time cut? Read and Review please!