The Contract

Chapter 111

"…and they accepted that?" Dorea asked astonished, staring at her grandson in awe, as she tried to digest everything, he was telling her. It was too good to be true, and she would have believed he was having her on if not for how proud he was. He was positively glowing with delight over the things he'd accomplished. There was so much Black in him that Dorea couldn't help but puff up in pride. Her son had been Charlus' double, but her grandson? Had a lovely mixture of them all. The very best of their features, and she reckoned he was going to be even more handsome when he grew. He still had a few years of growing to do after all. "They've actually made it a law that the inmates of Azkaban prison get medical care?" free medical care when they need it, a healer was required to be on the premise twenty-four hours a day, every day.

Rabastan, Corvus, and Rodolphus heard Dorea's voice upon returning. They made their way to the sitting room to find that Harry was in his pyjamas, wrapped up in his favourite throw – the one he got when he was hospitalised, the Lestrange crest stitched painstakingly on the front. He had the seat dragged over to the portrait – despite the fact it could have been levitated over closer to him.

Rabastan stilled staring pensively at Orion Black who looked seriously animated, not at all how he remembered the wizard. Then again, a portrait didn't really need to keep up the pretence. Although, he couldn't help but wonder if it was a pretence. His grey eyes were wide as he avidly leaned forward and actually listened to what the fourteen-year-old had to say. Everything he learned from Sirius said that this wasn't normal Orion behaviour. Orion had barely given his two kids a speck of attention in all the years they were alive. Was Sirius remembering only what he wanted to remember?

"Are you going to explain what…" Rodolphus demanded, he wanted to know exactly what had gone down. He was far from stupid; it took a great deal to get his brother angry enough to want something worse than death for someone. What he had condemned that girl to was worse than death. He wouldn't be quite so quick to think that when he got the full picture from Rabastan.

"Tomorrow," Rabastan declared gruffly, he didn't want to think on what he'd seen tonight, he just wanted to put his focus on something else entirely.

Rodolphus narrowed his eyes, "Alright," he conceded, he'd wait until he came up the stairs then he'd interrogate him then. He wasn't going to be able to sleep until he had answers. Oh, he'd get them alright, and she wouldn't survive the night.

"Yeah, we're going to receive a run down on everything the healers are doing in a month." Harry explained pensively, "It's like they're hoping this is a trial run and deemed 'not worth it' they didn't outright say that, but I'll read out some of their comments and you'll see for yourself."

"They will be," Orion fully agreed, "Money is everything to them, whether they admit it or not. My father raised a significant amount of money and earned an Order of Merlin for it, I did too but we ensured it went to do a momentous amount of good in the Ministry." He wasn't staring at Harry though, as he spoke, it was at the Lestrange men. The Ministry probably hadn't changed much, and they did not 'fix' anything that wasn't deemed 'broken'.

Harry naturally noticed, and glanced over his shoulder, "You're back!" he said his smile dimming into confusion when he saw just how grim and tired, they all were.

"Please, excuse me, I think it's time I retire," Corvus informed his family, it was true, he was exhausted, but he would never deny his son anything. So, if he wanted to spend time with Harry, then he was free to do so. The mornings were his and Harry's the rest of the day well, he was free to do as he pleased.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, moving swiftly off the sofa, eyes gentle with worry, roaming over Corvus' features, he seemed well enough. He had most certainly seen him in worse ways that's for sure. "I can do the rounds with Graham tomorrow morning and let you sleep in if you need?" Graham did everything else, except the morning rounds, he made sure they got training, adequate exercises, got used to riders, made sure there was no accidental breeding. Bought the newly shed ingredients to Corvus for sale to top up the vault used exclusively for the sanctuary.

"I'll be fine, plus, Ali will be leaving tomorrow and I wouldn't want to miss it." Corvus replied, barely just refraining from rolling his eyes, at the habits Harry had got him into. He never had the inclination of naming the animals under his care. He took the very best care of them, but he knew better than to get attached. He was just never able to keep up that belief when it came to his hawk's, his familiars. The Alicorn was finally recovered enough to return to the wild. It gave the best money out of all the creatures for their ingredients. It had definitely paid it's bill and then some. The income would be missed.

"Oh, right," Harry said face falling a little, but when he noticed Rodolphus he remembered earlier with Sirius and Orion, "You need to see Sirius, he and Orion had a talk…and he needs you." he told Rodolphus quietly but sincerely. Sirius had been given a few harsh truths, and proof that Orion had indeed cared. It was…beautiful, and made him a little wistful, until he realized he had that sort of relationship with Corvus. It might not be his birth father but he had a father, a family.

Rodolphus' gaze sharpened in concern, giving a silent nod he left the room, taking the stairs two at a time and disappearing entirely from view in seconds. He knew just how bad the relationship between Orion and Sirius had been. Sirius had once confessed to being envious of him for his father and Harry with Corvus as well.

"Goodnight boys, I shall see you bright and early," Corvus said, "And Dorea? Should you wish to talk, there is a portrait available in my bedroom." Usually, it was used in the event of an emergency, such as if he remained asleep through the chaos of his sons returning injured from a raid or a mission for Tom. It was in his own private sitting room, his bedroom not to mention his bathroom was adjacent it. Harry had a very similar room. It wasn't seen as 'wrong' after all it was just a private sitting room, there were no portraits inside of his bedroom and there were two sliding doors that closed off the bedroom section of the room.

Orion grimaced, but glanced away from the pair, knowing he was definitely not welcome. "I shall return to Gallifrey Hall, good evening," Orion bowed rather deeply, before he disappeared. He would, as promised, give his son time; it would be entirely up to him when he got in touch. If he got in touch, but he hoped with the items in the box he'd gotten Kreacher to give to Sirius would be enough to make Sirius realise he was sincere.

"Goodnight, father," Rabastan said automatically.

"Goodnight, Corvus, sleep well," Harry said, looking a little bewildered, "Rabastan?" he returned his focus to the wizard he was engaged to, padding back over to the chair and wrapping himself up in the covers. At this time of the night, the manor could get really draughty, considering nobody had been in all day, the fire hadn't been lit, and thus it was still quite chilly.

Sighing softly, Rabastan padded over to the sofa, mentally exhausted by the evening and surprisingly magically. It had been a long time since he did any magic of that calibre. Everyone assumed that magic was easy, but the Unforgivables and necromancy? Took a level of power that most people didn't have. Willpower and a strong disposition for the former actual magical powers for the latter. His life since his release from Azkaban had centred primarily around Ancient Runes, he needed to begin actual training and not just to make his body strong now but his magic too.

"Ah, the Witch, right? Crabbe?" Harry realized, after a few moments of silence on Rabastan's front.

A thin smirk appeared on Rabastan's face, not surprised by his intelligent fiancé coming to the correct conclusion. "Yes, I was visiting the Crabbe Estate." Which wasn't what it was called, nor was this called the Lestrange Estate, but most people just used the family name and added 'Estate' when an estate was the entirety of the family, not just one property. They started as kids and just continued on doing so.

"And?" Harry asked, turning to face Rabastan a little more, his gaze expectant. He'd been a little put out that he hadn't gotten to decide what to do with her. Not that he was sure he would have had any ideas on what to do with her in all fairness. Being responsible for someone's fate? It would have been too much for him, and he reckoned they all knew that. It wasn't like that time with Lockhart, it had been a life and death situation. Dumbledore had also personally given grave offence. The Crabbe Witch? Was insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

"Basty?" Harry asked, trying to turn him around a little but Rabastan was still significantly stronger than him.

A genuine and humorous grin spread across Rabastan's face, "You haven't called me that in three years," recalling the time he had called him that. It was in Azkaban the first 'week' after the negotiations, he'd been completely hopped up on pain relief draughts to help with the pain he was in.

Harry flushed, a mortified tinge to his face, clearly recalling exactly what Rabastan said. He used his sock clad foot to give a tap to Rabastan's thigh in retaliation. "Don't tease," he told his partner, who grasped a hold of his feet, causing Harry to giggle outrageously. He had very ticklish feet, but luckily for Rabastan he didn't try to tickle them.

"No, I suppose I shouldn't," Rabastan said, slumping back against the sofa, turning to stare fondly at Harry. These were his favourite times, he vowed they would have more of them.

"Talk to me," Harry prompted him.

Rabastan looped his arm around Harry's shoulders, and brought the wizard in close. Closing his eyes, just relishing in Harry's presence. He'd kick himself if he ever, ever allowed himself to get used to these casual touches. Tightening his hold, he said nothing, Harry didn't need to deal with his shit.

"Rabastan?" Harry grumbled; his voice muffled from where he was gleefully wrapped in his fiancé's arms. He tried to sound stern and annoyed, but he failed spectacularly.

"It's fine," Rabastan replied, it was probably a good idea the Dark Lord did not want things to go back to the way they were otherwise he'd be wholly lacking.

Now Harry was beginning to be genuinely annoyed, craning his neck back so that he and Rabastan were face to face. He dug his toes into Rabastan's thigh as hard as he could. Causing Rabastan's eyes to fly open, and him to squeeze Harry's ankle in warning. "We're supposed to tell each other everything, Rabastan," Harry said softly, almost apologetically, "If you don't tell me anything because of my age…when does it end?"

Rabastan stared into green eyes, that were sombre and solemn, looking into his eyes, you'd never think for a moment that he was fourteen. He was though, and Rabastan realized that Harry was right. He was always going to be younger than him. When did it end indeed? "You're right, of course, but you still young."

"News flash old man, I'm always going to be young," Harry grinned in merriment.

Rabastan's jaw dropped, staring at Harry in incredulity, the cheeky shit! "Old?" he spluttered, old? He wanted to feel annoyed but all he felt was amusement.

"You don't need to tell me the nitty gritty or how you're really feeling if you don't want to, but how about the basics?" Harry asked, leaning his head against the sofa, covering both of them with his throw. They were next to the fire and were toasty warm with or without it. He didn't understand Rabastan's reluctance. "I'll find out from Corvus or Lord Slytherin." He had gotten so used to calling him 'Lord Slytherin' or reading him in that configuration with the wizengamot information that he said that now. That and with Sirius not knowing, it was also vital that he use that term.

Rabastan arched a brow, now that was something someone spoiled beyond all imagining would say. It was a good thing he knew Harry wasn't spoiled. It was however, also the plain truth, if he didn't say anything he could ask the Dark Lord or his father, and they would reveal all to him. They did not see him as a child, unlike him, he had to, for his own peace of mind. fiancé or not, Harry was fourteen-years-old. He had three more years before he would be remotely comfortable with thinking of Harry as something more.

"Do you want me to leave you alone?" Harry asked, he wasn't sure what Rabastan wanted. Was he just not wanting to speak about it? Or did he just want to be on his own? He knew he did sometimes, but Rabastan didn't need to come here to start with so Harry didn't think it was that. Was this how relationships were? Hard work and a lot of guesses? It was worth it…for the good times though. Rabastan had been there for him when he needed it most. Although, he doubted this could be considered 'most' but it wasn't just times of great distress but other times too. No matter how trivial the situation was. It made him feel anxious, worried, and self-conscious, what if he wasn't good enough at this comforting thing? Or even able to make things better? He was pretty sure Dolphus would have been able to get through to Rabastan by this.

Rabastan automatically gripped Harry tightly, "No," no, he didn't want Harry to leave, and he hated, no loathed, the insecurity that had bled into Harry's voice. Gritting his teeth, it seemed in trying to treat him like a child was hurting him…and Rabastan couldn't borne that. "No, I don't want you to leave."

Rodolphus knocked urgently on Sirius' door, and quite rudely, opened without waiting for a reply. He closed it behind him as he made his way into the room finding Sirius sitting on the floor with a smattering of items surrounding him. Sirius' hands were shaking, and he had tears streaming down his face.

"Merlin! Sirius? Are you alright?" Rodolphus approached Sirius, concern in his gaze. Perhaps he had been wrong in trying to force Sirius to face his fears. Crouching down next to his fiancé.

"You see this?" Sirius asked, holding up the ring box, with the Black crest inlaid.

"Yes, the Black Lordship ring," Rodolphus said easily, his father had a similar one, with the Lestrange crest, both had black birds as well.

"Touch it," Sirius said, putting it closer to Rodolphus.

Rodolphus jerked backwards, "What the heck…" he couldn't touch that thing, it would curse him to hell and back. "What do you think you're doing?" genuinely angry with Sirius, he knew how damn dangerous that thing was. The only person who would be able to touch that was Harry. He was Lord Black, and when he put it on when he turned fifteen, it would be publicly official.

"SIRIUS DON…" Rodolphus protested, jerking forward intending on smacking Sirius away from the blasted thing. Only he had it in his hand, Rodolphus' eyes widened, staring in disbelief, what the hell was Sirius thinking? Fear and dread began to consume him.

"It's a copy, my father had been wearing a copy of the Lordship ring his entire life," Sirius explained, dropping it into Rodolphus' hand. "It's no more dangerous to me than it is to you."

Rodolphus flinched when the cold metal landed in the palm of his hand. Sirius was right though, there was nothing special about the ring at all.

"There was magic in it, I ran a diagnostic," Sirius continued to explain, wiping his eyes, "It was there so that it felt like the real deal. It was my…mothers magic, I just don't…understand." He said sounding like a lost little boy, not the fully grown adult wizard he was. "I think…I think I need to visit my therapist again." He hadn't felt the need to go for a long time, but now he felt that urge again.

Rodolphus inhaled, surprised to hear that, and that told him how badly affected he was. Sirius wasn't going to be one for revealing his inner feelings to everyone that came along. He'd learned to let go with Miriam, to actually use his time wisely with the witch. To help to make sense of his feelings. He picked up the parchment, reading the results with great speed – he'd always been a speed reader – his eyebrows continued to slowly creep up as he read the information in front of him.

"He cared about us," Sirius whispered, his voice croaked and stuffed. Lifting up his father's pocket watch, it was a family heirloom, it had belonged to his great-great grandfather, then continued on down the line. Unlatching it, he let it spring open and a picture of him and his brother, Reg must have been what…two-years-old? Both of them were dirty, it had to have been his father who took that picture. There was no way his mother would have taken such a picture. "You know…these are the only pictures I have of us? Anything else…is just pictures taken at Hogwarts…for the year books," he had no other pictures of his childhood except the small bundle that his father had kept in a voice and magic activated box. Hell, the only pictures of James, Lily and Harry he had were from the teen and a few from Corvus who originally got them for Harry to begin with.

"They're not just you and Regulus, by the look of things," Rodolphus said quietly, noticing pictures of Orion and Lucretia in stages of childhood. Looking through the pictures with a smile. Sirius had been a cute kid, it saddened him greatly that Sirius didn't want a child. He would have liked one, but Sirius had made his choices clear, he didn't want children. He'd made a clear decision when he chose Sirius, that children weren't going to be part of his future. At least he'd made that choice going in, and he wasn't going to try and force Sirius' hand, it was just the way things were. He didn't go in hoping that Sirius would change his mind either. If there was a picture next to the word stubborn? It would be Sirius'. "Did you ever meet your Aunt Lucretia?" trying to ease Sirius' mind off of his father, packing up the items strewn across the floor. It was a treasure box, filled with the most important things they owed. He had one, Rabastan had one…his father had one, he was pretty sure Harry did too. All that happened was what they considered 'treasure' changed over time. Instead of cards, toys and little keepsakes they find, it changes to one of the first feathers your pet loses, first letter from your betrothed – if you were the sentimental kind – and surprisingly they were.

"Not that I can remember," Sirius said subdued, such a big family, a proud heritage, but he'd never met any of them really. Hell, he had barely known Bellatrix, Narcissa and Andromeda when he joined them at Hogwarts. Not even Arcturus had been around often when he was a kid. Nor his aunt and Uncle Cygnus. "You have no idea how lucky you are." He would have done anything to have a father like Corvus.

"Come on, lets get you to bed," Rodolphus said quietly, helping Sirius stagger to his feet.

Rodolphus stripped Sirius of his outer wear and sighed softly, as he put the covers over him. Sitting down next to him, ready to stay for a little while. Not that Sirius was going to remain awake for much longer by the look of it. He was spending too much time in the lab, crazy idiot that he was.

"I hate being a Black," Sirius murmured, his voice slurring a little, tiredness had him drained entirely. "I hate my own blood."

Rodolphus rubbed his back, "I know," he said in consolation. How long had Sirius been up here like this? He'd been in his lab when he left, and they hadn't really been gone that long had they?

"No, you don't," Sirius said, blinking a little, tears forming in his eyes but not enough to fall. "I did want a family," he confessed his greatest and heart's innermost desire. "At least two or three, until the reality of my own blood hit me in the face."

Rodolphus could have been knocked over with a feather, "What?" he rasped out after an undetermined amount of time, what had he just heard? Glancing down, eyes wider than normal, he found Sirius sleeping, somewhat soundly after that bloody bombshell he'd just dropped.

He gaped, looking around the room as if it would give him the answers he sought. From day one he'd always been adamant he didn't want a child. That he'd been content with just Harry, as a godchild. What in Merlin's Balls was that all about? Why lie? It didn't make much in the way of sense. It was something he'd need to get answers regarding, he thought, staring pensively at Sirius.

Regretfully it would be easier getting an answer out of a sphinx.

Spooning up against his fiancé, in a way his father would definitely disapprove, but there was a cover between them. Honestly, it's not like either of them were virgins, not even in the sense of each other either. He kept an ear out for Rabastan going to his room. Harry wouldn't be up too late, not when he got up at six o'clock in the morning to tend to the animals – despite it being a holiday – and ensure everything went smoothly.

They would need to speak about it before the wedding though. Whether Sirius liked it or not. Was it just a moment of weakness? Or did Sirius not want children? Not knowing was rather irritating, and it was an irritation he needed to itch before it became painful to touch upon.

It wasn't just Rabastan that was relieved by the answer, Harry was too, he practically uncoiled, and Rabastan hadn't even been aware of that tenseness until he'd relaxed. It made Rabastan tighten his hold, definitely still insecure, but after a lifetime, the therapist he spoke to said it might never fully go away. Or it might fade on its own, emotions weren't easily explained, even a therapist could only give the most likely explanation for the feeling.

"What were you and Dorea talking about?" Rabastan asked, in a desperate attempt to change the subject. He knew Harry would call him on it, not right away thankfully.

Harry arched a brow, giving him a bemused look, deciding to indulge Rabastan, but he'd find out soon, mark his words. "Corvus was right, she's amazing," he said positively gushing, pride shining in his eyes. "Do you know she was the youngest Witch to ever pass the bar? And with the highest score!" entirely enthused.

"I did not," Rabastan said, it was true enough, he was quietly impressed, but the reality was, it wasn't a surprise she was the youngest Witch to pass the bar. Most witches were expected to have children first, the really lucky ones were allowed a career after raising their kids. And yes, he said lucky, the Lord ran the estate, which included any money given to their wives. Some had a stipend, some had unlimited access, some had limited access and some did not have even a single sickle to their names. Charlus had loved Dorea enough that she'd had a career and a family.

"I definitely didn't get my grandfathers ability at potions," Harry added dryly.

"I thought you were getting a better grasp of it now; with the remedial lessons you were having with Severus?" Rabastan wondered, Harry had insisted he was getting better grades.

"School potions are nothing on the entirety of the Potions community, I'm a novice at it, and I'll never enjoy it the way my grandfather does. He talks about it the way I talk about creatures or potential new laws I want to pass." Harry said, puffing up proudly just saying the words 'grandfather' something he'd never been able to say before in his life. He was able to pass his classes, but he was far from enthusiastic about the progression. It definitely wasn't something he could see continuing after his Hogwarts education was done.

Rabastan nodded, "We all have those sorts of classes we do fine in but don't necessarily enjoy," he agreed, as long as he passed it was fine, just in case in future he found himself in search of a new career that required a NEWT'S score in Potions. He doubted Harry would change his mind, he seemed set on becoming a lawyer.

He'd yet to see Harry change his mind when it was set on something, unless, something out of his control caused it. Harry hummed his agreement, "Now will you tell me what happened?"

Rabastan burst out laughing, "Only you," he commented, shaking his head, he'd expected Harry to hold on to his horses at least until tomorrow. But no, Harry wasn't quite that predictable apparently or easily sated. He wondered if that impatience ran in the Slytherin line.

"Well, you know what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved," Harry said, scoffing a little, "My therapist said that, I think I laughed and wheezed my way out of the room once I could actually control my arms," It had been a dark time for him, when he first started his therapy. He couldn't help but snigger as he thought on their reactions, oh, it was a thing of beauty.

"I know, I think I asked you what was wrong a dozen times, and tried to get answers out of you a dozen more." Rabastan said, he wasn't amused. That laugh hadn't been a good fun loving one, it had been dark and bordering on hysterical. Harry might be able to look back on those times with some amusement, but he couldn't. He had let Harry down in every way imaginable. He hadn't been able to protect him, save him, the only thing he could do was hold him up when he was down.

"So," Harry gave a little nudge, "Is she still alive?" honestly, he couldn't predict what Rabastan would do. He was extremely protective, especially since his…kidnapping. He could feel his eyes on him whenever they were in the same vicinity.

"Yes," Rabastan told Harry, watching as surprise flash through those green eyes of his.

"Really?" Harry asked, "I wasn't sure why I expected otherwise…" yes, he did, he knew very well indeed.

"She has been disowned and excommunicated, believe me, it's a sentence that's worse than death for the likes of her." Rabastan said, with a bite to his tone. Not particularly aimed at Harry, no, but the information he had gleaned by reading her thoughts.

Harry's eyebrows rose in shock, "Merlin's balls! Am I going to return to Hogwarts with everyone keeping a very wide berth around me?" not whether sure he was amazed or shocked at what had occurred.

"No, the news will be spread around our circle, they will know the real reason," Rabastan reassured Harry.

"The real reason?" Harry was quick to latch onto that particular saying. "As in not knowing the real reason?" which clearly wasn't him. Which meant something else had happened, it couldn't be too bad if she had left him alive.

Boy how wrong was he!

"Since you refused to talk about what happened and the Dark Lord only heard a bit of it, I performed Legillimency on her." Rabastan explained, as both of them moved to get more comfortable on the sofa. Harry now had his legs crossed cover over himself and watched Rabastan who was sprawled leisurely and properly on the sofa. "You should have told me."

"Why?" Harry snorted, "It's not as if she uttered one thing that was even remotely true…unless there's something you want to tell me?"

"There isn't a part that believes that?" Rabastan asked gravely, "You're right of course, none of it's true, but what we think sometimes, is different to how we actually feel to the reality of our situation."

"I'm not an idiot," Harry said bluntly, giving him a look that suggested he was revaluating Rabastan's sanity. He knew she'd been spewing bullshit right from the get go. Hello, he knew everything, he knew Rabastan was actually really guilty of what happened to the Longbottoms.

"No, you aren't, and she was entirely delusional." Rabastan nodded, his hands balling into fists as he vehemently tried to keep his anger at bay. He could scarcely believe what he'd learned tonight.

"Delusional?" Harry perked up, more interested, "She didn't seem all that disturbed…"

Rabastan had to stop himself smirking, it was times like these that he remembered how young Harry actually was. As if looking at him wasn't a constant reminder he needed to know how young his fiancé was. How much he longed for the years to pass but at the same time content to wait. For the most part, he hadn't been ready for any relationship, it had taken him a long time to become grounded both mentally, magically and physically. If he had a few more years to wait for the perfect partner? Well, he'd do just that.

"Delusions and being disturbed isn't as easily noticed," Rabastan told Harry, a far away look on his face. "Trust me, they've very good at appearing normal. Quite scarily so, in smaller intervals naturally, but that might just be my experience."

"Bellatrix?" Harry deduced, but the majority of his thoughts were on something else right now.

"Yes, I was their chaperone ninety-nine percent of the time." Rabastan confessed, "There was always Blacks around though, as another chaperone, and they barely got a more than ten minutes on their own before someone was 'dropping' by. It wasn't strange by any means; everyone knows or knew how close the Black family appeared." In fact, they'd been rather excited at the thought of expanding the family so drastically. From three to a whole slew of Black relatives they could call family – even only through marriage – it would have been amazing. Now though? He was just grateful to have the family he did.

"So, why was she deluded? I wouldn't be surprised if nearly all the witches in the magical world want you," Harry said, his tone entirely sincere, he'd came to terms with it. Didn't mean he liked it, hell if he ever caught anyone staring there would be hell to pay. Rabastan was his, everyone else can just go to hell. The sound of Rabastan gritting his teeth had him straightening up a little concerned.

"She grew…attached to me while we attended Hogwarts," Rabastan said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees entirely too pensive. Not too pensive though, to not feel or notice Harry getting rather tense at that proclamation. "It was innocent at first, but it's like something broke in her mind, perhaps the weight of the expectations forced on her? Or her lack of choices? Either way, she mourned the fact I was in Azkaban for years. Grew excited when I got out, a witch I cannot even recall talking to once, had our entire future decided."

Harry's brow furrowed, "That doesn't sound too bad." He had his future all thought out, wasn't it something everyone did to some extent?

"No, it wasn't too bad, I was planning on torturing her and leaving with a warning…" Rabastan replied wryly, "Then I got the full version of her 'life' as she saw it. Including thinking for a moment I would evict Rodolphus out of the manor, and much worse…he wanted to kill my father so that she did not have to answer to anyone." Seething with fury.

Harry blinked rapidly, realizing what Rabastan had just said, digging his hand and nails into Rabastan's thigh, "And you let her live? To become a threat?" gaping at Rabastan in disbelief, there was no way Rabastan was stupid enough to do that right? Just because she was excommunicated here, doesn't mean shit for the rest of the world and if she was that deluded, she could come back to bite them in the ass.

"Someone like her? She won't survive," Rabastan told Harry seriously, turning to face him properly, one leg shifting. "She has been in the wizarding world her entire life, doesn't know a single thing that will help her blend in, in the Muggle world. She's never been without family, even if she was only using them until something better came along. She'd never had to work for her money, her grandmother catered to her every whim only recently has the purse strings begun to tighten. Which coincides with the knowledge they believe I will become Lord Lestrange when my father passes."

"But our engagement was announced as well," Harry pointed out entirely baffled. Plus, the contract would make Rabastan a Lestrange-Black-Potter after their marriage. That's if they used Dorea's contract, which had been made to ensure the continuation of the Potter family, unaware of the fact her grandson would be the last hope for the Black name too. Still smug at the fact everyone now was aware that Rabastan was his, or rather those families who had been at the party.

Rabastan nodded, "Common sense isn't a strong suit in some people." Hell, common sense abandoned everyone at one point in their lives at least. He knew it had abandoned him when the Dark Lord fell.

Harry straddled Rabastan, reprimand clear in his voice. "You. Let. Her. Live." So close to Rabastan that he could practically taste him. His eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at Rabastan's lips.

Rabastan twisted around depositing Harry on the couch and was at the other side of the sitting room so fast you'd like he'd Apparated. "I think I'll retire for the evening," he told Harry without facing him.

"What? That's it? You're leaving?" Harry couldn't help but tease him, but another part of him was genuinely disappointed.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning," Rabastan said, still refusing to turn around, his tone slightly strained. With that Rabastan rudely didn't wait for his fiancé's reply before he took off like a bat out of hell.

"Rude," Harry muttered, but his green eyes were alit with glee. He was going to have so much fun with this. Wiggling on the sofa, he took off towards his bedroom for the exactly same reason as Rabastan. Although, the good thing was, he wouldn't be interrupted unlike Rabastan would be when his brother barged into his room demanding answers.

However, when Rodolphus moved to take action, seething in fury, Harry declared himself his soon to be brother-in-law's accomplice. Declaring that if he didn't, then he would just have to tell Sirius…and Rodolphus? Knew Harry well enough to know he would. The little shit that he was.

"Fine!" Rodolphus grumbled in resignation. "Let's go."

Harry practically strutted alongside his brother-in-law.

A/n – not bad going, looks like I can still get chapters written quickly (one day and maybe five hours of free writing doesn't happen often though) do you like imagining how the scene with 'Camilla Crabbe' goes? I mean there are three ways it could go, the boys, the grandmother or the granddaughter! Or do you want me to tell you? I've sort of already done it I know with Ronald Weasley, since I didn't explicitly state how he died, it could have been Voldemort, Corvus, the Sheikh or an accident…I don't want to do it too many times BUT that happens in real life, you don't always get answers. Yes, nothing happened, Harry's fourteen and it never will happen except for little teases, at the end of the day Harry is finally hitting puberty – a little late but after the abuse it was expected – hmm would you like to see the 'sex talk' scene with Corvus meant as a flashback? I can't see Corvus waiting until now to give it…and I know…there hadn't been a Voldemort/Bill scene yet but it will be worth it 😉 hahaha :D R&R please