The Contract

Chapter 124

Summer Holidays – July 31st – Harry's Birthday

Corvus hummed to himself, as he read the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. "Something has to be done to reassure the public. They are becoming quite…disenchanted with the Ministry. No doubt in view of their inability to solve Silverman's case." Which of course, was going to continue to remain unsolved. No witnesses, magical residue non-existent, coupled with the ambient magic and the magic people had actually been casting left them with people who couldn't have possibly murdered Silverman.

"I have noticed as such," Aurelius admitted, "More prevalent now due to a new round of recruits for jobs in the Ministry. A set of seventh years whom have left Hogwarts."

"They're afraid, for good reason, if we can't solve a case in their own building, what good are they?" Rabastan said derisively, never mind that he'd been the one to cast the spells that ended the foolish idiot's life. He would not let Harry doubt him, even for a moment. Anyone that did, well, they'd meet the same fate. His own copy discarded already; he honestly had no time for reading that crap anymore. Not when he had more interesting information to read.

He was attempting to gain his Mastery in Defensive Magicks. Which by the way was more difficult than he could have fathomed and he was only a few months into the course. He had decided not to wait until they came to the engagement party. He wanted to keep that a social party, not try to bring business into it. Plus, he had nothing to do one day so decided to go forth and see if it was possible.

He'd been accepted very, very quickly.

"People have got a right to be afraid, Dumbledore did a number on them. That sort of influence won't just disappear, the fearmongering he'd done before he left…also didn't help. Knowing something and feeling it are two different things." Sirius told them, setting his empty plate aside.

"What are you suggesting?" Rodolphus asked, eating his own breakfast, having only arrived four minutes ago. Deciding on porridge and some fruit salad. His time in Africa had taught him a lot, including to take care of his body and the best way to do so. So, while he ate greasy meals, he also made an effort to eat healthier at least three or four times a week. Even if it was only breakfast. Easier to do during the summer, since Harry was rather strict about what came to the table.

Like it or not, Harry had those House-elves wrapped around his finger. The care he had for the Lestrange's paramount. Of course, if Corvus ordered, they'd do it, Corvus was after all their Master. However, Corvus understood where it was coming from and for the most part ceded to the youngster.

"No idea," Sirius shook his head, he had no alternatives offered. "Good luck with it."

A House-elf popped in disturbing the pensive silence, with a proclamation, "Master Harry is awake and will be down soon,"

"Since when did they say Master Harry?" Sirius blurted out, staring at his husband in silent demand for an explanation.

Rodolphus just shook his head at his husband's cluelessness. "Did you read the third and forth pages of the Daily Prophet?"

"Not really," Sirius screwed up his nose, "Why?" wondering what had caught Rod's attention, he flipped open the paper.

Then he began to read it curiously. Suitably distracted like Rodolphus had hoped.

"Finally, did it, have they?" Sirius commented, "Wasn't this on the cards a few years ago?" glancing at Aurelius.

"It was, I've only just gotten the law overturned, the alternative wasn't enough." Aurelius declared, a frown of his own crossing his features. It had been years in the making, and only those who could afford to go to Gringotts and get the test done.

Now Gringotts was an independent nation with its own laws and regulations. Not that the Ministry liked that or were happy about it. Especially since they had actually lost the last few goblin wards before those changes were implemented.

Some students after hearing about it actually got a summer job in order to do the test. Which was rather on the pricier end of the scale. The further you went back the more money they demanded. Which, to be fair, he would do too, since it was going to become readily available any time soon.

So, the ritual the goblins use was set to soon be rendered almost obsolete. In fact, with a lot of blood rituals being legalised, they'd soon not have a revenue for such magics.

"I thought between you and Harry you pretty much had the entire Wizengamot in your pockets?" Sirius asked teasingly, grey eyes filled with amusement.

"For the most part, yes," Aurelius' agreed, "Unfortunately, blood magic hasn't been looked upon kindly for such a long time. That it was an automatic inclination to deny whomever and whatever someone wished to pass whenever they heard the word 'blood magic'" which was magic of any kind whatsoever.

"If that's the case, how did you get them to agree?" arching a brow surprisingly interested in politics. He'd always hated politics, as a kid, as a teen and as an adult. 'Growing up sucks' he thought wryly, if politics were getting interesting, he needed help.

"Diligence, care and putting specific clauses into the laws, so that most blood magicks are still illegal, but certain ones are legal." Aurelius' voice was dry as hell as he spoke. He hadn't been happy at all, it was so close to being half way, but it seemed even neutral parties were cautious. "Unfortunately, Harry's threats of leaving the wizarding world have lost its…metier." It's strength.

Sirius' roughish grin nearly split his face in two. "I wished I could have seen it. I don't suppose you were there when it was read out?"

Aurelius smirked; he was about to reply when Harry wandered in.

Everyone immediately began to wish Harry 'Happy Birthday' the streamers were suddenly visible, and Harry's favourite foods were already set out for him.

Harry didn't react like normal people would. Gasping and gushing out thanks or rolling his eyes at them as if they were being silly. No, he smiled genuinely, touched by their remembrance. Still not used to it, it made Corvus regret not giving Harry a proper birthday party when he was twelve. He knew it wouldn't have been welcomed, but still, all the same. A young teenager shouldn't be grateful for a small intimate birthday breakfast. This year, he wouldn't be having a birthday either, insisting that doing a birthday party for him then an engagement party two days later was too much.

Especially since he'd have to leave early, since he and Rabastan were off to France tomorrow. They were going to explore, do some shopping, Opera of course, and they'd be back the day of the engagement at eleven AM.

As always, Harry immediately went to Corvus, as if he needed to see that Corvus was alright. Rabastan would have felt jealous if it was anyone else. "Thank you," he said to them with a simple but beautiful smile. "Good morning," returning their greeting.

"How does it feel being sixteen?" Sirius asked, grinning, "Your grandmother said that to me, I was staying with the Potter's by the time I was sixteen."

"Same as it feels when I turned fifteen," Harry replied, barely refraining from shrugging. He would have done so if Corvus wasn't there. Honestly, some of the rules were outdated, but if it's what Corvus wanted in his own home, then Harry would do so.

He wouldn't be doing the practice on his own children though. That's not to say they wouldn't know better when it comes to other people and being in public. Just family though? Yes, it would be fine.

He considered everyone around the table as his family. No exception.

Sirius gave a bark of laughter, "That's exactly what I said." fondness for his godson deep in his voice. The gratitude he held for the life he now had…was unsurmountable to be repaid.

"What did my grandmother have to say regarding that?" Harry asked, genuinely curious. He could find out by asking her, naturally, but why ask Dorea when Sirius was right here?

"She just smiled; your grandparents didn't stand on ceremony often." Sirius revealed, "Not when it was just us anyway."

Harry nodded, sounded like Dorea, she was amazing. "She's asked me to visit for an hour today."

"I'll come with you," Rabastan said, making it sound like an offer than a demand.

Harry nodded, absently glancing over the paper as he ate his breakfast.

"Are you packed?" Rabastan asked, and everyone began to go back to their conversations.

"We're only going for a day…what is there to pack?" Harry asked amused, green eyes glittering brightly. He put Dumbledore's eyes to shame.

"Casual wear, a second set in case of accidents, your formal wear for the Opera. Nightwear, and perhaps a book or two?" Rabastan asked wryly, knowing Harry would have trouble choosing the books.

"Or twenty," Sirius sniggered, Harry was never content with just one book. More often than not he had multiple surrounding him as he worked. Not just on his homework.

Harry threw him an unimpressed look; he wasn't that bad.

"To think it will be more difficult by the new books you'll be getting for your birthday no doubt." Rodolphus teased, moving over to ruffle Harry's hair, who predicted the wizards move and ducked away throwing him a smug look.

They actually had to ask Rabastan what books Harry wanted and what he already had. Otherwise, Harry would have multiple copies of the same book.

Even Draco and the others had the smarts to ask 'Lord Lestrange' for help. For Harry was no help whatsoever when it came to answers. He just said he didn't want anything; he was happy with just a card. None of them had done that of course.

It just caused them to be flabbergasted and flounder for a bit. However, they were Slytherins and had a lot of connections.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Sirius said enthusiastically, a lot more enthusiastically than his earlier greeting. The large birthday gift levitating through the air and almost bumping into Harry. It's wrapping shamelessly red and gold, with birthday greetings on it.

"You haven't gone overboard again, have you?" Harry asked, staring at the box, imagining everything that could be in it. He tried to exude trepidation, but he was too excited. He kept his composure by the skin of his teeth, but there was no denying he couldn't wait to open them. "You know you don't need to keep buying a lot of things to 'make up for missed years', right?" fondly shaking his head in exasperation.

"I'm always going to go overboard," Sirius told him bluntly. "Who else am I going to spoil?"

"Who knows…there might be a few Blacks out there you can take custody of." Harry teased him, "Wasn't your Uncle Marius or was he a cousin…a squib?"

Sirius blanched, "I hope not." shuddering anew at the thought of more Blacks.

"The Muggle blood will have wiped out a lot of the badness." Harry reassured him, knowing why he was so against any possible Blacks and having kids of his own.

"Maybe we should go with them," Sirius suggested to Rodolphus, "I mean Harry will be having his first drink."

Harry blinked, glancing briefly at Rodolphus then Rabastan.

"In France you are allowed to drink as young as sixteen." Corvus nodded, confirming that Sirius wasn't having him on. "The boys almost got themselves into trouble." Staring at them in faux disappointment.

Rodolphus and Rabastan turned and grinned. The fact it was only a short year or two before they had been imprisoned wasn't thought. They were no longer being affected by Azkaban. Or the doom or gloom of its after effects. Chortling in amusement. "How were we meant to know that France has no tolerance for public alcohol consumption?"

"How about for public indecency?" Corvus gave the pair a pointed look.

"They were just looking for something to charge us with. Just to be clear those charges were dropped, and stricken from any record." Rabastan told Harry, "Rodolphus took his top off because he was too hot and was going to go for a dip in the Seine. Unfortunately, the police just happen to heavily patrol that area after a certain time."

"And have a thing against open containers of alcohol." Rodolphus said, "I never did get to take that dip in the Seine." They loved the country; France was just amazing and not because of the fact you could drink at sixteen.

"C'mon! Open it!" Sirius was almost bouncing impatiently in his seat. More excited than Harry was for the gifts.

Harry's lips twitched in amusement, setting the newspaper aside. He'd read it later, when he could read it without interruption. "Oh, alright!" sniggering, "Are you visiting your father?" Orion was hilarious, and he knew so much, and the scowls Sirius got when Harry enjoyed his company were funny too. He was just too easy to rile up, honestly…it was like having a brother sometimes but that was okay, he liked it.

Only reason he thought brothers…was because they acted like Rodolphus and Rabastan quite often. He liked that, and it made Harry want to have a family, siblings close in age, he didn't want them to be lonely.

"Let him finish breakfast first," Corvus chided Sirius. Sirius could get angry at him all he liked, but he wasn't allowing Harry to miss a meal. One meal might not seem like much, but he had worked hard (with Harry) in order to get him better. To a more acceptable weight. He had reached an acceptable weight, but only just. Unfortunately, he would always be shorter than the usual wizard, the damage done was unfortunately permanent and not even the strongest of potions will enable him to reach a height that the Potter's were known for.

Sirius wasn't the slightest bit perturbed by the reprimand. He knew just how protective the Lestrange's were of his godson and he was grateful for it. They'd been able to protect Harry when he couldn't. So, there was no awkward silence, "Hurry up, Harry," he said, setting the gift on the chair next to Harry that he drew out for him.

Harry stuck his tongue out at Sirius, before deliberately started taking his time with his food.

"Excuse me," Rabastan said, abruptly standing and fleeing the room.

Rodolphus burst out laughing, hooting in amusement, the hilarity having him smacking his hand on the table and then his leg. No sound leaving him, making him look like he was having a seizure of some sort.

Harry blinked utterly lost and perplexed by Rodolphus' hilarity. Had Sirius whispered something funny?

Corvus cleared his throat, giving Rodolphus a pointed look. "You'll be pleased to know that we have a new snake in the snake enclosure." He informed Harry, who perked up.

"What kind of snake is it?" fixating on the news. "And how was it injured?" he'd take some food up for it and go speak to it. Some frogs today, hopefully there was a supply.

He needed to come up with a good way to get money into the funds for the animals. Maybe add a donation envelope at the end of his engagement party.

"With the canine and feline salvia found it in the wounds, it's been bitten by Muggle dogs and cats, it's in bad shape, but we believe it will survive. Those that attacked it, likely not, due to its venom." Corvus revealed grimly, "Graham believes the outcome is looking good."

"So, it's a venomous species," Harry said, "Have you taken its venom for an antidote to be created yet?" he'd be happy to do so.

"Graham did, yes, it's been sent away and we will have antidotes within the next forty-eight hours." Corvus nodded, proud of how mature Harry was. He had never lost that zeal to take care of the animals, despite Graham being their primary caretaker. "It's not likely to make much sense for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours, it's heavily sedated."

"You said it was looking good," Harry said alarmed that it was going to be heavily sedated for nearly two days.

"The snake is still alive, so I would say that's good." Corvus replied, they had to make a decision on whether to treat the animals under their care or give them a painless end. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but there was no point to using supplies on an animal that had zero chance. So, Corvus gave at least 30% chance and if the animal was under that, then they were helped over.

"How is Graham doing? Has he reserved his spot for the engagement?" Harry asked, although, Corvus might not know. He had noticed that he wasn't on the list, and he found himself rather disappointed.

"He has," Corvus confirmed, "And he's been sat where you wanted him to." slightly uncomfortable with the notion. Graham wasn't the head of the family, yet he was being sat closer to Rabastan and Harry. It was typically not done, but at least the heir was going to be sat next to Graham and his family. Gregory and Harry were good friends as well as Graham. He saw him every single day, and Harry was always chatting away as long as he could or actually following Graham on his rounds and learning something new.

"Good!" Harry chirruped. Pleased to hear that, Graham was such a good conversationalist. He was a Magizoologist, with post graduate diploma in animal healing and potions. Apparently, he had worked for two years doing both part time.

Sirius just shook his head bemused; his choices of friendships were questionable. Not surprisingly so, at any rate, Harry didn't care for standing, he cared more about intelligence.

Much like Dorea he didn't suffer fools.

One Harry was done, he wiped his hands cleaning them with magic. Getting rid of the sticky residue that fruit juice always left behind. Shifting the chair, he ripped open the gift, peering inside rolling his eyes fondly noticing that Sirius had wrapped everything – from the smallest to biggest item in the box – when there really was no need. "Sirius!" he sighed; he'd even wrapped the books.

Sirius cackled, "Have fun!" he'd gotten Harry a lot of books. "One's going to do you good for your NEWT's if you take COMC." Which was care of magical creatures, Harry loved animals. Honestly, if for some reason he can't become a lawyer – very unlikely – he definitely would do something associated with animals.

Harry perked up, "You didn't! That's not out for another two weeks!" excitement thrumming through him, as he began to unwrap the books first.

"Oh, please, it could be a year and they'd make exceptions for you." Sirius said smugly, he'd told them that it was for his godson. Suddenly there was one available as long as 'Harry said a thing or two about it' a review in other words. Sirius had solemnly promised with absolutely no intention of following through. Harry might though.

Corvus watched over Harry, who despite ripping into his gifts with contained glee, was also very neat and tidy about it. It was such a childish exuberance he had over the smallest of gifts. He pondered,

Ten books in total, three about defence, two about magical creatures, two about Ancient Runes and one on Arithmancy and the other was about warding and the last but no means least, quite a rare history book to add to his burgeoning collection.

"These are from Bill, he apologies for not being able to be here." Aurelius informed Harry, handing over his own and Bill's gifts. Bill's group had a massive undertaking, and once the spells were removed. They reckon it was going to be one of the biggest collection of items found to date. Bill was trying to contain his glee, but he was failing.

Harry opened the card and smiled, "He didn't have to." making a mental note to ask when Bill's birthday was so he could return the favour. Two books, he though, perhaps he was a mite too predictable.

Harry almost squealed upon unwrapping them, they were on Ancient Egyptian digs that Curse breakers had been on (autobiography's) on two of the most famous Curse breakers. Atticus Armand (the line later became Malfoy) and Magnus Mathers. "Are they really written by them?" excitement causing his voice to be a little high pitched.

"They are, it's a must read for young curse breakers. Bill got them gifted to him while he was learning his craft, and he thought you would like to read them." Aurelius' explained, and Bill had chosen well, judging by Harry's reaction. Watching him open his gift.

"Whoa," Harry murmured, "Is that…"

"It's only an exact replica of Salazar Slytherin's locket. Made to match mine in every single way." Tom answered, this one not so priceless, worn by Salazar and not a Horcrux or never had been. "It's only right that you have something people will recognize as belonging to Salazar Slytherin."

"I don't think there will be many that recognize it," Harry said still awed nonetheless. "They'd no more recognize it as the Slytherin family to the Selwyn family."

"Bite your tongue," Aurelius grimaced, finding the comparison a distasteful one. The Selwyn family were…dim-witted, a long-standing line to be sure, and neutral.

"Samuel Selwyn is really smart," Harry pointed out, fastening the locket around his neck. It was weightily, he could hold it in his fist and close but just and no more.

"You mean the bastard child of Sam Selwyn that the family won't acknowledge?" Aurelius said dryly, Sam (Don't call me Samantha) Selwyn had gotten pregnant out of wedlock, and had only survived the birth to name her child Samuel Selwyn before passing at the age of eighteen. "Unfortunately, you're quite right, Samuel is the best of that bunch."

"Except Selma," Sirius said quietly, "She's got a very nice bedside manner. She took care of me while I was in hospital. I think she's actually attempting to gain her Mastery in Healing not just Medi-witchery."

"She's married," Rodolphus reminded him, "She married…who was it, Vance Vane? Or was it his brother Vale Vane?" the heir or the spare.

"Vale, she's Lady Vane now," Corvus answered, "The courtship was a very long one. Nearly everyone thought they'd never get married. She was intelligent enough to wait and see if they were a true match." He wished he'd been smart enough to do that with Bellatrix and Rodolphus. However, the saying with age comes wisdom runs rather true.

"That's why she was acting like she had a stick up her backside." Harry whispered to himself, making sure Corvus didn't hear him. Aurelius did, causing him to smother his amusement.

"Indeed," he replied wryly, Ms. Vane had been acting hard done into. No doubt, at the fact she was no longer the 'heiress' now that her eldest brother was married, his wife became Lady, and well, no doubt they'd have (or already had?) a child to continue on the family. That child would become Heir or Heiress when it was born.

"Thank you, I love it!" Harry said, already pondering on which photos he wanted to place inside of it. Perhaps not a photo but a painting? Salazar would have done that in his time. They didn't have photos. A miniature painting was what they'd have put inside. "Men don't really wear much jewellery anymore. Not like this."

Rodolphus blinked, "It's very frequent men wear jewellery." His own father had a lovely locket that he only wore on special occasions, it sat in his beside cabinet in its own case, and he didn't need to open it to know his mothers face was inside. He spoke to her (locket) quite frequently along with her portrait.

"I mean like lockets; they've been catered towards women these days. You don't really see men or wizards wearing lockets now." Harry explained awkwardly.

Aurelius gave his own hum of agreement, "Salazar and Godric both wore one, with their initials, it is believed a portrait of their wives were encased inside. While they thought to protect the jewellery, they didn't think to protect the insides."

"Or didn't have the spells in their arsenal." Harry added.

"That too," Aurelius agreed, "I've noticed you've not been attending many Wizengamot meetings lately." Sending the Abbott's in his place. "Is this your intent throughout the last few years of your schooling?" no condemnation in his voice merely curiosity.

"I'm thinking so for the meetings that take place while I'm actually at school." Harry nodding in confirmation. "I have a few laws I'd like to see pass. It's writing them out that will be vexing." Wrinkling his nose.

"Enough about work, school or anything in-between!" Rodolphus he'd never been able to tolerate politics but his brother wasn't any better. "Happy birthday kiddo!" managing to get in to rub Harry's head, causing his hair to get ruffled.

Harry huffed out an annoyed laugh, but accepted the gift with gratitude.

"If you need help, let me know," Aurelius said, giving Harry a curious look. Just what was he up to now? and how complicated was it going to be that he felt vexed at the thought of writing it out.

Corvus shook his head, he had no clue what his soon to be son-in-law was up to.

"I will," Harry answered, he wasn't shy about asking for help or seeking confirmation that everything was done right. Corvus had made sure that Harry didn't feel like an obligation, and was always enthusiastic to see Harry's work. "When will Bill be back, anyway?"

"Presumably next week, he wants to see how his brothers are doing before the end of the summer." Aurelius informed him, rolling his eyes dramatically.

Harry nodded slowly, "Make sure to thank him for me, I love these, I'm definitely taking them to France with us."

"He'll be pleased to know that; I don't suppose you know what would please Bill for his birthday?" Aurelius sounded more than a little bit hopeful for a miracle. He shouldn't have given him those almost priceless artefacts that he positively cooed over.

"If you're struggling now, Merlin, help you later," Sirius laughed, "James aways got himself all tangled up trying to think of what to get Lily."

"He'll like whatever I get him, but I want him to…" Aurelius was clearly struggling to think of a term good enough.

"Love it?" Harry said simply, "Don't spend too much, you've already bought him a lot and knowing how different you are in status and monetary value is intimidating." Shrugging when they all looked at him, it was true. It's why he loved the Lestrange's so much, they knew this about him.

Then again, Harry had no idea of the value of some of those limited or first edition books he had in his possession.

"What about books on Occlumency and Legillimency?" Rodolphus suggested, both protective, needed and would stay in the family for as long as needed.

"He is familiar with both; you forget he is also a Prewitt." Aurelius replied, and the Black family (Lucretia Black) had married into the Prewitt line, and ensured their mental protection. They'd also entered the Weasley family too, but she'd came with nothing, disowned. "He IS familiar with the mind arts."

"That explains a lot," Harry said in realization.

"Explains what?" Corvus queried.

Harry's eyes widened, before he stood up with his gifts wedged under his armpit, "Bill knows your real identity." With that he was off, taking no delight in the stunned look on Aurelius' face.

Harry wasn't far enough away not to hear the uproar of Sirius' laughter though.

A/N – I'll need to get to see if I've had Harry make it a law regarding students needing to be checked first night at Hogwarts for clear signs of abuse…since I don't have that clarified on my document if it is I'll need to come up with a new one 😊

So will the next chapter be Bill/Voldemort or will they remain in the background or will it be a bit of both Harry/Rab in France and Bill/Aurelius in Egypt? And any ideas on what Rabastan can get Harry? I don't just want him to get Harry books so I'm definitely looking for suggestions!

Gosh there's always so much going on in this story that it takes forever to get a chapter up mostly because I have to make sure the information I'm putting out isn't repeated from earlier chapters and I'm not repeating laws or just anything really and I don't want to mess up so late in the story :)

ALSO Before 2009 apparently it is legal for 16–18-year-olds to drink 'fermented' alcohol so Harry IS legal there to drink a beer or wine. R&R