Courage the Brave Boy

Grandfather Fleamont

18 August 1993

Harry was floating.

He had his eyes closed and was hovering very near the ceiling, occasionally he glided backwards or forwards, but didn't bob up and down. Not until he felt a presence that wasn't his own. He opened his eyes to find Fleamont and Euphemia standing below him with their faces towards him.

Harry stretched his legs and eased down to them, landing gently in front of them.

"Impressive," Fleamont breathed.

Harry inclined his head. "Thank you."

Fleamont and Euphemia shared a look. Harry moved over to sofa as a result.

"Excuse me," Euphemia said. "I need to freshen up."

Fleamont sent his cloak somewhere and sat down on the same sofa as Harry, but on the opposite end.

"Have you decided when you will return to school?"

Harry sighed. "The sixth." His heart started racing at the thought. He took a dark purple parchment out of his pocket. "I have my marching orders."

"And you will be in Brazil in October?"

Harry took a deep breath. "Yes."

"You don't sound excited," Fleamont mused.

He wasn't.

Harry looked at him. "What are you doing?"

"Making conversation. Is that alright with you?"

No, Harry wanted to say, but he settled on, "Why?"

"Is it so terrible to converse with me?" When Harry just continued to stare, he said, "Regret is in my breast and I wish to make amends for my wrongdoings. Will you allow me to do that? I will understand if you don't want to."

Harry exhaled. "No, I'm not excited."

Fleamont blinked. "The tournament? Ah. Why? Is proving you are the superior brewer in the family no longer worth it? I looked forward to seeing you strut about as if you're cock of the walk."

Harry felt the stirrings of amusement, but couldn't bring himself to grin. "No. I don't feel like competing for anything."

Fleamont looked him up and down then leaned forward to stare at him. "You were losing before Edgar Bones grabbed you."

Harry felt his heart-rate increase and had to inhale.

"Oh! It's been a long time since you've known what it is to lose," Fleamont continued. "And you're a little afraid."

Harry narrowed his eyes, but he didn't respond. How could he?

"You're scared. You've met your match and you had little to no control in the situation," Fleamont said. "That's fine to admit. We've all been there."

"Not against…"

Fleamont nodded. "Yeah. Someone in this house stared down Gellert Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore. Someone was tag teamed by Ulrich Lestrange, Phineas Black, and Rasmus Malfoy. And someone else actually did stare down Voldemort. I can continue…"

Harry shook his head. "That's fine."

"You've truly never been afraid before?"

Harry hesitated, but shook his head again. "I have been."

"You couldn't have been more than a tiny boy."

"I was four and Evan Rosier was taking a whip to my back," he said softly. "Papa told me not to show them fear and I haven't been afraid since."

Fleamont touched his forehead. "Until the thirty-first when you, at last, became acquainted with fear again. Now it has you in a grip and it won't let go." He moved to sit closer to Harry and lowered his voice. "I feel obligated to let you there is a distinct difference between bravery and courage."

Harry turned his head to face him.

"Taurus told you to be brave and you have been so because inherently you are; fearless and straight-backed." He looked at Harry. "Do you know each child had his own motto? It all harkens back to Ad Summa Virtus, but each of them had their own idea of what that meant. Hardwin lived by non ducor, duco. Nichola's was simply audeo. Quintinus, of course, favored oderint dum metuant."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"Problem boy?" Quintinus said. "Say what's on your mind."

Harry ignored him.

"You are boring me, boy. Please find your tongue and soon. I may very well die all over again." Quintinus paused. "Still nothing?" He huffed then walked out of the portrait.

"I should keep that up just to get on his nerves."

Fleamont raised his eyebrows. "Well all isn't completely lost." He ran his hand through his hair. "Now…what I was getting at was fear reintroducing itself to you means you must be courageous. Acknowledge the fear, but keep going. Be acquainted with courage so you can take control and dare to make those who hate you tremble at your feet again."

Harry snorted and Fleamont winked.

Some time later, when Fleamont was long gone upstairs somewhere, Harry sat on the sofa looking through his…Lily's notes on runes. She had offered them and Harry had accepted after being prodded by James.

He was finishing his paper on Fehu when the fireplace ignited. Out of it stepped Naomi with Simeon right behind her. Harry normally would ignore them, but Simeon had a cut on his cheek and Naomi looked roughed up. He knew this wasn't Tom Riddle's work, so he was curious as to what had happened.

She inhaled. As she exhaled she said, "It was not enough for you to ruin my life. You must also work on Simeon's now, too."

Harry blinked at her. "Hello, stepmother. How are you? What brings you by?"

"The Bonses just threw us out of there house."

Harry snorted. Then, for the first time since returning to awareness, he laughed. It was a deep, belly laugh that drew the attention of the portraits and brought about footsteps.

"It's not funny, you wretched brat! What did you do? They are Simeon's friends!"

Harry threw his head back and howled. He wished he could answer, but the image of them being literally thrown from the house and landing as they may had him in a bind.

"Well that's a lovely sound," Euphemia said. "Good afternoon, Naomi. Simeon, dear, what has happened to your face?"

Harry fell forward as his laughter began anew. He held his stomach and stretched out as he placed his face in a pillow.

"Mr. Bones said I wasn't welcomed in his home anymore. Not until Grandfather Henry got control of his children," Simeon said with a catch in his voice. "Then he threw us - IT'S NOT FUNNY!"

But Harry could not help himself. He couldn't stop cackling.

Euphemia called her husband and Charlus, both of whom stared at Harry.

"I think your grandsons deserve an explanation, given both are standing to lose a friend."

Harry raised his head. "I don't care about the Boneses."

"No, but you do like the Prewetts and the Weasleys I've heard."

Harry wiped his face. "I couldn't have done it."

"No, you didn't," Fleamont said.

"But, yes, you did," Charlus finished.

Fleamont and Charlus both sat down.

"Harry got…injured three weeks ago," Fleamont said. "In the altercation he was in, Edgar Bones mishandled everything and an auror died. Edgar has since been suspended."

Harry nodded with a frown. "Well…that's good news."

"While you were recuperating, Gideon Prewett didn't alert Barty to your location. Instead he told Amelia Bones while Barty was looking for you," Charlus picked up. "The two of them have been suspended by Dumbledore. Both, no doubt, will be replaced."

Harry gaped.

"Then Nathaniel Bones threatened me, you, and the Minister," Fleamont finished. "And I will not be threatened in my house."

Harry shook his head. To Charlus he quipped, "Will you be marrying to form a political alliance?"

"No, but Henry has mentioned something of the sort to us. Who is it?"

Harry stared. Henry had brought up marriage? He'd mentioned the possibility to his son? He understood this was for Bartemius' position, but, "You're serious?! You're feuding with the Bones family? Have we fallen so low?"

Fleamont smirked.

Naomi looked at Harry. "Nathaniel Bones is the reason Crouch is Minister."

"I'm sure we'll help him," Harry said, "but Crouch is not a Potter. We don't rumble with the rabble."

"Oh, you're back?" Charlus said.

Harry's eyes flickered to Fleamont then he shrugged. "Can't say."

"And we do rumble when the rabble needs to be put back in its place," Nichola Potter said.

"But they're my best friends," Simeon said. "Why can't he just apologize?" he finished pointing at Harry.

Harry ignored him as he turned to Charlus. "What's happening with the Prewetts?"

Charlus sighed. "This is definitely your fault."

"How? I wasn't even conscious."

Charlus wagged a finger. "You're building a reputation, son, and Molly Weasley doesn't find it attractive, but Muriel is an old gossip who understands her granddaughter's position in society. The problem is Mafalda loves her uncles Fab and Gid. Regardless, tread lightly with her."

Harry tilted his head.

"Who cares about his reputation?!" Simeon asked.

Harry looked at him. "It'll be what gets you the marriage your mother wants you to have."

"You are back," Charlus said.

"No, I think my stepmother just brings out the best in me."

Simeon stomped his foot and looked at his mother.

Naomi looked at Charlus. "Would it hurt you to pretend to care? The Boneses are a popular family with well-connected members – "

"Why are you so hung up on Boneses?"

"Because he doesn't have any other friends," Harry said. For once there was no malice or spite in his words. They were just statements of fact.

Charlus pointed at him. "Stop." He turned back to Naomi and Simeon to find the latter blushing and the former staring at Harry hatefully. "Oh. Wow!" He looked at Harry, who shrugged.

"I met Cho's friends. They were surprised I didn't take their sh – err…" He cleared his throat then whispered softly in Charlus' ear. "He hates being a Potter and upping Smith hasn't gotten him anywhere."

Charlus made an 'O'.

"Had I been consulted, we wouldn't be here," Harry said as he sat back.

Charlus looked at the ceiling. "What would you have suggested?"

"That Grandad or Grandfather meet Mr. Bones in Gloucestershire at dawn. This would have been wrapped up in a day," Harry said.

Charlus laughed.

Euphemia cleared her throat. "Sirius and Charlus already suggested that."

Harry held up his hands. "So why didn't we go this route?"

"Because we are not barbarians and you already have a reputation as a violent brute," she answered.

"Nathaniel Bones came to me with only Charlus in the house for a reason," Fleamont said. "Outside of general comfort we are more of an even playing field. Most of us are an even-playing field with a couple deciding factors." He paused, but Harry didn't take the bait. He sighed. "Anyway, this isn't about our magical skill. You've proven that's still something to reckon with. This is about social capital." He pointed at Charlus. "Crouch is right about your grandson's diplomacy."

Harry sniffed. "I don't appreciate being spoken about when I'm not there."

Fleamont took the opportunity. "You lack a certain tact and finesse. You are not without either, but you need to learn to extend grace to those you believe aren't worth your time."

Harry looked at Naomi. He looked her up and down then raised his chin to look down his nose and sniff before turning back to an exasperated Fleamont.

"I suppose."

••

Important Conversations

28 August 1993

"We need to talk," James said.

Harry looked up from his dissection of the number eight. "Yeah?"

Having spent the day in his bedroom dissecting numbers five to seven, he was happy for the distraction.

James sat on the edge of Harry's bed and the latter closed his book. Out the corner of his eye, he saw his sitting room door open just a crack.

"Now that you're alive and well and semi back to yourself," James began, "I'd like to discuss your…behavior." He paused before saying, "I don't like being lied to."

Harry peered at James over his glasses, but didn't retort.

"You have lied to everyone in this house for years." James got to his feet. "Everything with Grindelwald, Dumbledore, how come in all this time you told no one you were a parselmouth? Or-or that you literally had a hand in killing Voldemort?!"

Harry blinked at him.

"You're just thirteen," James said. "You shouldn't be lying to everyone you know." When Harry still failed to reply, James said, "Well?"

"What would you like me to do?"

James slowly shook his head. "Tell me things."

Harry inhaled as he thought of a diplomatic response. "I realize you're upset and that most people my age tell their parents and guardians a lot, but I ask that you extend a little grace given the…enormity of the secrets I hold."

"What the hell is wrong with you? Does it sound like I'm in the mood for bullshit? No, I won't extend you grace."

Harry snorted. "I'm not trying that again." He sighed. "I'm not lying. I always tell the truth. I just don't tell you people everything and why would I? Why would I tell four different people everything I know? That would be extremely stupid." He waved his hand around. "And I very much doubt the other three have told you everything. And why would they? They taught me to keep secrets."

"Did they also teach you to make mistakes that might get you killed? That would start a feud and ruin Simeon's relationships? That would get people killed?"

Harry swelled with indignation. "I didn't make a mistake. I was outdueled!" he snapped and a weight dropped from his chest. "I didn't get anyone killed either. And if you people were as concerned about Simeon being a-a…pride less cunt as you are about my lies and violent tendencies, maybe he'd have some friends and your father could be a rabble-rouser in peace."

"Everyone who isn't a Potter isn't beneath you. It's time you learned that."

Harry rolled his eyes. "When did you learn that? I know it wasn't before you took the piss out of Snape for years. Was it after you learned Malfoy, Nott, Snape and his friends paid you, your fathers, and cousins back through me?" He smirked. "And I'll never see Draco Malfoy as anything but a roach to step on."

James pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alright. Whatever. Here's the deal: either tell me everything or whenever you want to go out with another girlfriend it won't happen."

Harry bit back the sigh in his chest.

"When you want to go party with some friends? That won't happen either. Anything that involves you leaving this house won't happen," James said. "I hope that clicks before next August." He paused. "No, I hope that clicks before it's time for you the schools to meet in Brazil."

There was a lot Harry could retort with: that James technically didn't have the power and hadn't had it until Harry had asked him to go to Surrey; that he didn't have to return to this house; that he had ample opportunity to leave at anytime; that Grindelwald would likely demand his presence in Brazil and at the World Cup. But he settled on a shrug that made James clench his jaw and slam the door on his way out.

When the door was closed, Harry summoned his trunk. It was time to get to back to Durmstrang.

"Going somewhere?" he heard Henry ask.

"He's been getting on my nerves since I woke up," Harry said.

Henry sat on the bed as Harry's robes folded themselves in his trunk. "Your father is terrified and concerned."

"Well he needs to learn to be a big boy about it," Harry retorted. "War is at the front gate and they're bringing it to us."

Henry sighed. "That is a little difficult for a man who has spent his life largely out of the thick of difficulties. Yes, of course, he fought against Voldemort, but he didn't spend his time under lock and key as he wasn't a major target. He is a lifelong predator. He knows nothing of the life of prey having to fight its way out of a corner."

"And how am I supposed to deal with that? Because I've been prey fighting off predators for eleven years."

"You're not incorrect: it would be very foolish to tell all four of us everything. We taught you not to place every egg in the same basket and that holds true even now," Henry said. "But you do need to tell one us more. Preferably me. I did deserve to know about Tom Riddle and Lucius."

Harry nodded. "You protected the house, so I didn't say anything."

"And when the party came about?

"I would've said something then. I always speak when I have to."

Henry nodded. "Very well. I have some questions for you…"

"Who's standing behind the door?"

Henry looked at him in amusement. "So you did see me? No one, I promise." Still, he closed it with his wand and silenced the room.

"Do you know what Dumbledore's theory was?"

Harry shrugged. "That Tom Riddle had a body, I think."

"How did you find Susan Bones'?"

"Through Slytherin's old office." He then, in detail, explained those couple of hours with Dumbledore and the books he'd found.

Henry blew out a breath. "Do you know how Tom Riddle has a body?"

Harry nodded. "Horcruxes. Dumbledore is sending Slughorn to Brazil so I can work on him to get all of the info."

Henry shook his head. "Dumbledore is a guileful snake in the grass, but, from what I understand, Horace Slughorn is an excellent person to know. And horcruxes plural. This will not be an easy ride."

"I know."

After a moment, Henry said, "I need to ask you a favor. I need you to extend kindness in this time to Darius and Simeon. And to the rest of us while we work on them. You will be removed from this and when you aren't it will be when Laurent, Barty, and I showcase you like a prize. They will be in the thick of it and they will not be introduced to the rich and beautiful daughters of our peers."

Harry sighed. "Fine."

Henry touched kissed his head then sat back. Silence fell between them and Harry returned to packing his things in it.

Harry was placing a few of Slytherin's notebooks in his bag when Henry said, "Draco Malfoy. Why did you say Draco Malfoy?"

Harry paused then hesitated before shrugging. "Because he's dating Narcissa."

"That explains why he took his mother's advice to find a home," Henry said.

Harry tilted his head. "Oh. You wouldn't let Malfoy stay here?"

"No, and not because of Abraxas, but because of you.

"Thank you for the consideration. Are you really getting married?"

Henry nodded. "Yes, and I'm pleased to hear about what you've done for Neville Longbottom. It is helping us a lot with his parents."

"Huh?"

"I apologize, but I confess I find you to be a conundrum. I see you with Simeon and Darius." He shook his head. "Then I was treated to the sight of you with Jason."

Harry snorted. "Jason and Neville haven't done anything to me."

"Is that it?" He hummed.

Harry braced himself, but the question didn't come.

Henry instead changed the subject. "In that vein, I have something else to discuss with you. You have won the future regardless of what happens with Bartemius and Fleamont verse Nathaniel. You have created ties to families on the continent, Africa, and South Asia. Jason will, no doubt, continue what you have started," he said. "But Albert has a presence for Potter in the states. Your generation doesn't have one here and I'm not sure how to go about it with the other two. If nothing else I have always had pride and dignity."

Harry coughed. "What do want me to do? Transfer?"

Henry nudged his head. "Cheeky boy. No, I want you to be more sociable with Britons. This house will be open by Christmas and I'm sure Fleamont will allow you to make use of his pool. You also have Cassiopeia's house at your disposal. Plan something for summer like Miss Ogden."

Harry nodded. "I can do that."

••

They Shook Hands

29 August 1993

"You're leaving?" Charlus asked as he stepped into Harry's room. "Well…good."

Harry looked at him in disbelief.

"Your father is getting on my fucking nerves and I have to get out of here. I need a break before the war starts." He held up his hands. "You need to start telling us shit, but I agree with Henry. The things I just learned needn't be told to all of us in entirety." He walked over and placed a hand on Harry's shirt. "I'm still having sex with your deputy-Headmistress."

Harry shook his head. "What do you want me to do with that information?"

"Accept it. Not everyone is going to retaliate against you for our wrongdoings," Charlus said. "Lex – "

Harry puffed out his cheeks as if he were stamping down bile.

Charlus rolled his eyes. "I enjoy her company, but if you have a real problem with it I'll stop."

Harry narrowed his eyes. He did have a real problem with it, but he had met other women with forgotten names over the years. Thanos had spent the past year telling him she was in contact with his grandfather. This had been going on for months. If not a year.

Charlus didn't do things with the same woman for months and years.

And Darius.

Darius, Darius, Darius.

Harry often wondered if Charlus debated with himself over his only living, and existing, offspring. It would be wrong to give him, Harry, everything and lay the future solely at his feet.

But Darius.

Darius, Darius, Darius.

He opened his mouth and hesitated, but forced himself to say, "Grindelwald isn't Dumbledore. He will want that debt repayed if she leaves Durmstrang." He tilted his head. "But, of course, there's nothing stopping you from hiding out in the mountains, protecting whatever offspring – "

Charlus held up his hands. "I'm not doing this with a thirteen year old."

Harry shrugged. "Fine, but you better not die before your plan is legal and can fight well. You, Grandad, and Uncle Frederick are brewing a nightmare and my plate is currently full with tyrants." He held up a finger. "Hilarius Alexandros Potter."

"Go to hell."

Harry huffed. "Sirius refuses to have a son and I will not allow Narcissa to name a child of Hardwin without objection."

Charlus opened his eyes. "What the hell does Narcissa have to do with anything?" He moved his head forward as his eyes narrowed. "James?" He put a hand over his mouth. After a moment he said, "Oh, Laurent is getting a much better deal."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"She's close to them now," Charlus said. "If they marry, he can shop you like a true grandson. He'll have you, a Malfoy, and his own grandson." He touched Harry's cheek. "I wish you the best of luck. Effie, Cissy, and Laurent. Nasty business."

Harry snorted. "Thank you, Grandpa." He looked at his watch. "I have to go. I'm stopping by my muggle grandfather's house first, though."

Charlus gave him a hug then said, "Say goodbye to your father."

Harry waved his hand. "Bye."

Harry left ten minutes later without having said a word to James. Five minutes after that, he was knocking on the door of and entering a townhouse on a muggle street in Ascot.

Robert Evans was a sickly, old man with thinning, white hair and a pot belly. A nasal cannula was in his nose and it was connected to an oxygen tank. He was sitting in the living room watching the television in it.

He sat up. "Good evening, Harry."

"Gramps." Harry sat down. "How are you?"

"A little better now." He smiled. "What brings you to me so late in the afternoon?"

Harry shrugged. "I'm off to school and I wanted to say goodbye. I have a few hours to kill, though. Chess?"

The two played chess for a couple hours while Harry listened to Robert talk. It was mostly about the late Tansy Evans, but he threw in some stories about his daughters as well. Harry made them snacks and when Robert showed signs of fatigue, he helped him to his bed.

After allowing Robert to kiss his cheek and give him a hug, Harry headed back outside where he found Lily and Gideon Prewett.

"Why the fuck are you here?" Gideon asked.

Harry smiled. "Same reason you are: I'm jobless with nothing to do." He sat on the sofa and laughed to himself as Gideon whitened with fury. "So…what do you do to fill your time these days? I hope it's not holding other little boys hostage while they ail."

Gideon took a step forward with his wand in hand.

Harry was surprised by the thrill of something akin to…fear? Anxiousness? Apprehension? He couldn't say which he truly felt, but he could say it annoyed him. If he had to goad someone into attacking him, he would.

It was a very good thing he was going back to Durmstrang.

Lily grabbed Gideon's arm. "What are you doing?"

"He is mocking – Williamson is dead and three people lost their jobs."

Harry scoffed. "Don't hide behind the dead, Mr. Prewett, and I hope you're not blaming me for the behavior of three adults. Not when two of those people saw me with Minister Bartemius Crouch and another two of the group saw me with His Majesty Albus Dumbledore. What did you think would happen?"

"I thought no one would give a fuck about you," Gideon spat.

Harry tilted his head. "You heard about the group of people who showed up to watch me duel and that was your thought? You could've just said you hate my family. It would make you sound far less stupid."

"Where's your mother?"

Harry grinned. "Closer than you think."

Gideon held up his hands. "You know what? I came for my stuff…"

"You came for more than that, but I'm happy to put an end to it."

"Harry…what are you doing here?" Lily asked as Gideon left the room.

Harry stretched. "I came to say goodbye to your father. He ate, had his meds, and he should be asleep back there."

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"School," he said. He checked his watch and got to his feet. "I should be off. It's almost dinnertime over there and I'm still a little peckish."

Harry walked through the living room as Lily looked towards the bedroom door. He then heard her follow him to the narrow entrance hall. Inside it, she gave him a hug, which startled him. He did manage to politely return it after a few moments of hesitation.

Lily summoned a case. "Big jars. They're labeled, but one is a scar fader and the other is a distorter. The distorter is waterproof and only certain types of magic can reveal it. It'll fade over time, so reapply every two weeks give or take. You'll see."

Harry frowned. "Thank you."

She nodded and smiled. "Can you visit for Christmas?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I can sneak away." His watch beeped and he said, "I really have to go. I'll see later and – err – thank you. For all the help."

She squeezed his arm then he stepped outside. With a piece of parchment in hand, he said, "Harry Potter."

A minute or so later, he was in the dark valley just outside the village, Barri. He moved his arm as if to remove his backpack, but stopped halfway through the action. After a deep breath, he stepped to the rainbow bridge and, for the first time, he put his feet on it.

Harry walked all the way up to the highest floor where Morozov's office was.

"Enter," Harry heard him say after he knocked.

He stuck his head in. "Professor, you wanted me to tell you when I got back?

Morozov sat up and crooked a finger. "Come in fully, Potter, and have a seat."

Harry stepped inside and sat opposite him. "Good evening, sir."

Morozov sat back and crossed his leg. "Evening, Potter. I'm pleased to see you well."

"Thank you, sir."

He held up a finger. "Your Professors will give you until October to officially catch up on your work."

"You mean the assignments? I've already done them. I don't know these people."

Outside Yoon, and technically Regulus, Harry was unfamiliar with the rest of his professors this year. The ones he'd had his first two years weren't teaching his classes this year. He knew why and couldn't help but be amused.

Morozov himself looked amused. "Castelobruxo?"

Harry exhaled. "I'll be there if I can."

The spark; the excitement over competing and winning wasn't there and neither was the anxiety he'd felt all year last year, but he'd go (not that he had a choice) and he'd compete if he could.

Hopefully the thrill to win would return to him when thrust in the thick of it.

"You can," he said. "Very well, Potter. Use the bathroom to dress for dinner.

Ten minutes later, Harry entered the Dining Hall. He ruffled Jason's hair and stuck his tongue out at Astoria. Then he sat down at a seemingly abandoned plate.

"This is an interesting sight," he said to Andrei and Draco, who had had their heads together. "Welcome to the big boy table, Malfoy."

They stared at him.

"Close your mouths. It's unseemly, indecorous, and unbecoming."

"Yes, Mother," Draco drawled. "Well, Potter, you are alive and annoying as ever."

Harry inclined his head. "Thank you, Dragon. I do feel like myself. Who lost their place?"

"Prewett," Draco said.

Harry grimaced and looked over to his year's table. Mafalda was sitting with Rolf. Harry waved at them, but only Rolf waved back.

"Are your doors open tonight, Potter?" Malfoy asked.

Harry picked up his menu. "Who wants to know?"

He heard Malfoy groan. "The one who's asking."

"You want to pay me a visit late at night?"

"With Dolohov, yes."

Harry looked up. "Look…no judgment. I accept you for who you are, but I'm not in to that stuff. Pass, but I wish you…joy in your sexual adventures."

Beside him, Heimir, who had been in conversation with Mia, turned her head to him slowly. Her electric blue eyes were piercing and full of amusement.

Harry laughed then wiggled his eyebrows. "My door is always open to you. Any day. Any night. Come whenever you're ready."

Her eyes widened as Andrei choked on whatever he was drinking. Then, for the first time ever, she spoke to him. "Do you know how to do that?"

"I can learn," he replied. "Will you teach me?"

"There's a height minimum, Potter, and you don't meet it."

He peered at her over his glasses. "That is the only objection?"

She didn't answer. Instead she tossed her hair over her shoulder and turned back to Mia.

Harry grinned. "Oh, that's very good to know."

After dinner, Thanos caught him on the way upstairs and held him back. Together they then climbed the stairs.

"Welcome back."

"Yeah? You watched me for an hour and that's what you came up with?"

She rolled her eyes. "I haven't spoken to Ch – ahem – your grandfather in a few days. I didn't know you'd returned to form."

He tilted his head.

"From the way he spoke, you sounded depressed and despondent."

"I've been drinking."

They stopped on the staircase and she looked at the ceiling to avoid his grin. When she lowered her head, she asked, "You're fine then? With...life?"

He looked around then stepped closer "No, but I'll get over it. Just don't hurt his feelings or I'll get nasty and you won't like me when I'm nasty." His hands caught fire to emphasize the point. He cut off the fire then stepped back to smile pleasantly at her widened eyes. As he walked up the stairs he said, "Have a good evening, Professor."

He found Regulus standing just inside the world of fire waiting for him. "I have no idea what happened," he said as he walked Harry to his room. "But I want to hear about it tomorrow. You are alright?"

"Fine. Eighty percent, but that's mind rather than body."

They stopped outside his bedroom where Draco and Andrei were waiting.

He tapped his doorknob. "Open," he hissed. Much to his amusement, the other three grimaced.

"I haven't heard that awful sound in years," Regulus said with a shiver. He blew out a breath. "Goodnight boys."

"Goodnight," Harry hissed.

Regulus discreetly gave him the bird then walked away.

Harry held his door open and the other two stepped inside. He followed and locked the door then silenced the room.

"Well what the fuck happened?" Andrei asked.

Harry told a version of the truth to them, leaving out certain details, but they got the gist.

"Delphine asked about you before Mother got her letter," Draco told him. "She said Phobos mentioned it to her. I don't know if it's true, but they knew something, too. They asked how you were on the fifteenth."

"If you lied they'd know," Harry said.

Draco tapped his head. "I figured it out when you tricked Phobos first year then had Mother help me learn."

Harry nodded.

"What?" Andrei said.

"The twins know legilimemcy and use it during duels," Harry answered.

Andrei shook his head. "What?"

"It's magic to invade the mind," Harry explained. "You think of a spell and they immediately know what you're thinking."

Andrei's face contorted into a mask of outrage. "What the fuck? And you couldn't say that a year ago?"

"Sorry?"

Andrei shoved him onto the bed. "Fuck off, Potter." He then stomped from the room and slammed the door behind him, leaving an amused Harry and a howling Draco.

Grinning, Draco turned to Harry. "I hear we might become stepbrothers in the next two years."

"Damn her! I wanted to be there."

Draco snorted and for a few moments they fell into silence. Harry watched as Draco's cheeks pinked while he worked his jaw.

"Spit it out," Harry commanded at last.

"I'm sorry."

Harry scrunched up his face. "For what? What did you do?"

"Lie to my father and grandfather to get you in trouble. Slice your hand with a scissor. Try to push you downstairs. Listen to Delphine when she asked me to – "

Harry held up his hands. "I get it. What am I supposed to do now?"

Draco hesitated, but managed, "I don't think Mother was telling the truth when she said she's doing this to improve my protection. I think she wants to be a Potter and we might even have a younger sibling one day…" He rubbed his forehead. "Mother says chances are you wouldn't live with us and I won't be in whatever house your father has for long – "

"I have been polite to you for two years," he said. "You aren't here for your mother."

Draco flushed. "Fine. My name is shit and there's only so far Grandpapa can get me in England, where everything I have is. Grandpapa said I should…I know our families have hated each other for centuries, but you get along with Black and Rosier." Malfoy held out his hand. "Why not Malfoy, too?"

Harry stared at him with his mouth open just so. He'd called him a roach six hours ago and he knew this wasn't what Henry had meant. This was not what anyone had meant. But he did get along with Henry's enemies. How could he break bread with Gellert Grindelwald and deny Malfoy, especially given Abraxas' death? Besides, everyone had their uses, right?

So, Harry Potter shook Draco Malfoy's hand.