A Single Choice

Chapter Two- A Malfoy's Pride

By- IceWind

A/N:

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything in its franchise is owned by J.K Rowling and whoever else has rights to the books. I have no claim whatsoever to the characters; the plot is entirely mine though, as is any new characters that I might introduce into the story. Rating is PG-13; though it may turn to R later.

Warnings: Probably slash in later chapters… which for those who do not know what that means, it means boy/boy, yaoi, shounen-ai, or homosexuals if you want to get technical. It's AU (alternate universe) Definitely AU; nobody could mistake it for anything else. I accept constructive criticism, and flames are fine as well just as long as you don't care if I write a reply, most probably sarcastic, unless you actually had a good reason… though that would probably go under the constructive criticism column and I wouldn't do anything but thank you. ^_^

Hmm… nothing much to say right now, just go read. ^.~ And don't worry, I'm speeding up the timeline a bit in the next chapter so Harry won't be a little baby anymore… hehe. Oh, and I changed the summary for the fic 'cause I didn't really like the last one ^^;

Sirius: *twitch* Confusing? Well I hope to rectify that later then. ^_^;;

Moonchild: Nope, definitely not a 'evil Harry who is even more worse than Draco and goes to Slytherin' fic, hehe. And about Torn Asunder… *coughs* I need a little break from that fic and my other ones, so I'm working on this one… But I'll work on it sooner or later.

DragonShimmer: *giggles* Thankies! I'll try to work on my other fic later… eh heh.

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Slowly Lucius circled the perimeter of the Malfoy Manor, his gray eyes expressing his annoyance at his own forgetfulness. "How could I forget?" he murmured softly to himself, holding the slumbering baby carefully in his arms. It was an open secret that the Malfoy Manor had many, many different types of protections, shielding, and secrecy charms placed all around its perimeter. It was even rumored that those without the blood of a Malfoy within them would be attacked by wandering beasts, of course rumors such as that make people wonder how the Malfoy's could even entertain guests… so much so they didn't place any belief in it.

There was a rather simple solution for that question actually, they didn't. Not in Malfoy Manor specifically anyway, perhaps in one of their many villas or one of their summer houses. Lucius gave a half sneer in derision. Did those fools really think that he would entertain them in his own private estate? Not likely. In fact, the Malfoy family liked their privacy so much that they had a false manor for just the public. It was only a little smaller, but it did not contain many of the more important items that were… questionable at least.

Only one knew of the manor's existence other than the Malfoy bloodline, and that was Lord Voldemort himself. Even then, Lucius only gave vague directions and hints, no matter that he may be serving the man; there was family loyalty to hold to, tradition, and pride. That was what a Malfoy prided himself upon, and even he was wary to break any of those sacred rules, if he did… well then, he wasn't a Malfoy.

He could only think of one thing to do now and his lip curled slightly in something that seemed akin to both amusement and irritation. Silently his gaze was drawn down to the baby in his arms and he gave a soft sigh, something akin to regret, before taking out a small ornate dagger. Lightly he slashed his hand before roughly taking up the baby's and making a small slash there as well.

Abruptly Harry woke up wailing, his little arms flailing, pain and shock showing in his tearful emerald eyes. He looked at Lucius with incomprehension when the man clasped his hand and slowly the pain disappeared. Now he gave Lucius a bright gaze, eyes quickly drying, as if he was saying that Lucius didn't mean to hurt him, that it was by accident and that he forgave him.

"Sanguis" Lucius hissed out slowly and a bright silver glow surrounded Harry for a moment, it flickered and waned before growing stronger. Finally it seemed to melt into his skin and disappear, Harry feeling nothing at all. Lucius gave a wan smile at the baby in his arms, wondering lightly to himself if his actions had been too rash…

No matter, the house had accepted him, and really that was all that counted. For a moment he had been worried that the manor would reject the boy, and then what would he have done? There had been only one way to get Harry in and that was to put some of his blood in the baby and hope that the manor would accept him. Evidently it did, for the silver glow went into the boy instead of being rejected, and the slash on the hand had completely healed up.

A faint grimace twisted his mouth at the thought and he was silently grateful that it did heal. The manor had a mind of its own; at least that was what the Malfoy's believe. The manor, and the spells surrounding the manor, went back for centuries… the Malfoys were the most ancient pure bred family around. Even if you were a Malfoy, one born into the blood, still you had to be either born on the premises of the manor or your blood had to be spilled -willingly- onto the manor for you to be accepted. When they took a spouse, then they would have to perform the same ritual Lucius did with Harry and hope to whatever god that they got accepted, if they didn't, the fiancé's mind would be wiped and the Malfoy would have to take another to wed.

A bit melodramatic some may think, but still necessary. Malfoy manor was one of the most secure places in the world, the only other one that could even compare to it was Hogwarts itself… and heavens know that anything was fallible, especially with a headmaster like Dumbledore running the school. Anti-apparition charms spread throughout the premise except in a single room, made for quick getaways; protections spells, beasts… almost everything was incorporated to make sure that the manor was one of the most secure places in existence. It may seem a bit much to some, especially if nobody really knew about the place, but throughout the years the manor had proven its usefulness.

With a faint sigh of relief, Lucius disappeared from sight with Harry snug in his arms, apparating to the entrance room.

~

"My love?" a soft voice vibrated through the elegant room and a tall figure appeared, her arms cradling a light blonde boy. Narcissa Malfoy walked down gracefully from the stairs, her head tilted slightly as she raised a brow at Lucius's slightly bedraggled figure and the bundle in his arms. Some thought she was infinitely cold with manners of an ice queen, yet that was in public only, and in private she became something very much unlike others saw.

Oh, she was still loved pleasant and beautiful things, but she was almost cunning and ruthless when it came to anything that came between her and what she wanted. Intelligent and very powerful, she was a match for Lucius and they both knew it. But they didn't care, she adored her husband greatly and he her, something that was not known and spread throughout the wizarding world. Who knew of the many people who would be willing to take advantage of that little fact?

Lucius looked up tiredly at his wife and a slow, reluctant smile formed, "Hello love." He walked up quickly towards her and gave her a soft kiss, looking down into the eyes of the baby she held. Lightly he shifted Harry so that he could carry with him with one arm and leaned down, lightly touching Draco's cheek with his fingers, "And how is my little heir today?"

"We were worried about you. Something happened with Voldemort correct?" Narcissa's words were smooth and articulated, with only a bit of her worry showing. She glanced down at Harry and a faint smile twisted her lips, "And it seems you have picked up something as well, is it the little Potter child? Why do you have him Lucius? And why did you perform the blood to blood spell?"

Glancing down, Lucius stared into Harry's crystal clear emerald eyes and a genuine smile came to his lips as he heard the baby coo towards him and raise a hand. Finally he looked back at his wife and gave a light chuckle, "What do you say if I said that Voldemort is gone… for now, and that little Potter is going to live with us and grow up alongside of Draco?" His practical side came over and a gleam came into his eyes, "I have no doubt that Voldemort would return, and if this little babe could defeat him once, then think of what he could do when he comes of age."

"A half-breed?" Narcissa chided her husband softly, amusement glinting in her eyes, "What ever shall we tell the members of society?" She glanced down when Draco made a soft sound and his brilliant silver eyes opened, staring at his mother for a moment before looking towards his father and the other baby. Faint curiosity flashed in his gaze as he raised a hand towards Harry.

Inquisitively Lucius watched Harry switch his attention from the man to the other baby, his voice lightly answering, "Who said we were going to tell anyone?" A pleased smile came to his face when Harry and Draco lightly touched hands; he and Narcissa were standing that close to each other. "And they seem to be getting along well enough; we shall raise the Potter boy along side of Draco."

A slight nod answered Lucius's statement, and Narcissa now drew back slightly, looking up and down at him with a critical eye, "I think, my love, that you better have the manor draw you a bath." She stepped away lightly when Lucius grabbed at her with his free hand, rebuking him slightly, "Now don't let Harry fall!"

Easily Lucius reached out and grabbed Narcissa by the waist, drawing her close to him, while they both ignored the annoyed sounds coming from the babies, "Don't worry, my dear. We're going to get out of this just fine."  

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Who would have thought, Lucius mused to himself, that the Malfoy family would go up against Voldemort? What really boggled his mind more was the fact that the wizarding world actually believed that they would be kissing the hem of Voldemort's robes. Yes, they were a dark arts family, but that didn't automatically make them… well, for lack of a better term, evil. Darkly Lucius thought to himself, as if the Malfoy family would bow down to anyone. It just isn't done.

Of course that didn't mean that they were on the side of 'good' or 'light' or however you may want to call it. Quite the contrary, Lucius thought that Dumbledore was a doddering old fool and would not have anything to do with the old man. Besides, he really did dislike half-bloods and muggles, horrible people they were… well except for maybe Harry, though no one was completely sure if Lily was muggle born or from a pure bred family. Sure she had those muggles for a family, but she was so much different from them, rumors floated around that she had been adopted.  

If you had to call the Malfoy family something, it was neutral… with a little dabbling on the side of course. They wouldn't be like other families and totally immerse themselves in their own lives, rather Malfoy's were proud, strong creatures, and would always try to find ways to turn things into their advantage. Lucius grimaced slightly as he pulled back the sleeve of his robe and stared at the faded dark mark etched there. He had thought that he was being clever at the time, pretending to be Voldemort's follower so that he could steal the other man's power… he had been a fool. But he had learned from his mistake, that was certain, and he would get his revenge for having the other man treat him like a dog.

And no matter how much it may pain him to do it; he was going to use Draco and Harry to achieve his means.

Lucius sighed and sank back into a comfortable chair, his eyes growing heavy as he thought to himself. Voldemort wasn't dead, that was certain, yet… how would the man recover? A chill went up his spine as he critically thought over the other's actions and finding all options… distasteful. But Voldemort would do it, that Lucius was sure of.

The name Voldemort. Idly Lucius marveled over the way he had once been afraid, as had everyone else, had been of speaking the name out loud, as if they would catch the man's attention somehow that way. Now he knew the truth… that Voldemort encouraged that because it inspired fear and anyone with half a brain would know how fear could manipulate the mind, make it warped and confused. The only way he escaped the mind snare was by Narcissa… his dear Narcissa, who had pretended to be a fool, insipid, air-headed. Yet under that façade was a strength rivaled to his own… to anyone's. He wondered if any even suspected her… but then discarded that thought, none would dare to, and none would be clever enough to.

He gave a soft sigh and heaved himself up to his feet, putting away several scrolls and quills. His limber body moved nearly silently through the quiet halls of the manor, making his way towards his and Narcissa's chambers when he suddenly found himself in front of Draco's nursery room. His mouth quirked slightly and he shook his head lightly, wondering why the manor led him here when he had specifically been thinking of falling into bed and sleeping until noon.

Then again, the manor had a mind of its own at times and it usually was prudent to see why it had led him to a specific place or something like that. Suddenly he froze and his mind buzzed with little thoughts, sharp little thoughts. What if something happened to Draco? What if Voldemort found out my taking of Harry and came here for revenge? What if Voldemort knows how much I hate him?

Finally, finally, he managed to get his emotions and thoughts under control, sharply reminding himself that the manor wouldn't let anyone one in that were not tied to it. Nevertheless, he pushed open the door hurriedly to Draco's room and stood with his wand half drawn, hard gray eyes looking around the room and finally landing upon his wife.

"Narcissa…" he gave a mental sigh of relief and subtly pushed his wand back into his robes, walking towards her, "What's this?" Faint surprise appeared in his eyes when he saw Harry and Draco sleeping side by side, curled up around one another. They looked peaceful, their small chests falling up and down lightly in sleep.

She glanced up from where she kept watch, a tiny smile playing upon her soft lips, "Aren't they gorgeous together? Like light and dark, day and night…" She reached down a hand and gently traced Harry's scar, "Do you think it will go away, love? I'd hate for him to be blemished in such a way, he's such a lovely boy, like Draco is."

Lucius reached out and grabbed her hand, placing a gentle kiss on her palm and gave a smile, "Don't worry… and please, love, don't make assumptions about them. I'd rather not have the Malfoy line end so soon." He smirked devishly at her and she batted his hand away.

She tilted up her head towards him, her words playful as she spoke, "I don't know what you are implying, love… and you haven't answered my question."

Gently he teased her, "I didn't know you were so supercilious, my dear. Also, I'm afraid that the scar will never go away, it's a curse scar made from the avada kedavra curse…" He paused and suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to tell her that little fact before. Inwardly he cringed and then resolved to face her as a Malfoy would, before damning his ancestors to hell under his breath for making him a Malfoy in the first place. Then he started to damn the manor as well for leading him to this room and consequently to this confrontation…

"The killing curse, Lucius?" Narcissa's voice was soft, her eyes narrowed at her husband. "Are you telling me that Harry was hit with one of the unforgivables and you failed to tell me? Especially since the baby in question survived with merely a scar?"

Abruptly Lucius cleared his throat, tugging down on his robe's collar slightly, is it me or is it getting a bit warm in here? He gave Narcissa an uneasy smile, "Umm… well… yes?" Inwardly he winced, his ancestors would be rolling in their graves if they heard how ineloquent he was currently being… then again, they never had to face a wrathful Narcissa. A wrathful, maternal, Narcissa.

Later he would find this amusing… he was almost sure of it. Almost, because he wasn't sure if he would actually live. Absentmindedly he noted to himself that this certainly wasn't the way a Malfoy was supposed to behave, but if he tried pulling off one of his 'I'm a Malfoy, fear me now' tricks, then she was liable to kill him… or even worse, castrate him.  

She gave him an amused look, seeing the stiff way he held himself, which to a skilled observer of a Malfoy's mannerisms (mainly her) it was apparent that he was scared. Ah, she could never stay mad at him for long and Harry didn't seem to be greatly affected by the curse… though she did wonder if anything different would happen in the future because of the scar. "How did he survive? And why did Voldemort want him and the Potter's dead?" her question was mild and gently asking, certainly not the anger that Lucius expected.

Now he relaxed slightly, taking on his more confident -as well as arrogant- role. "Voldemort never told the rest of his death eaters about the Potters, he just said that he wanted them dead. James was killed early on by the dark lord, but Lily died trying to protect Harry before he was hit with the curse, I'm not too sure why or how the boy survived." He gave a slightly rueful grin, shaking his head lightly.

Narcissa turned away from him and her pale eyes regarded the two boys slumbering under her watchful gaze. Finally she spoke, softly, confidently, "We'll protect them both and they will help us achieve our means. We're going to break ties with that bastard, love, sooner or later we're going to break ties and we won't be bowing and scraping on the floor towards him. If there is one things Malfoy's keep, then that is their pride."

At her confident tone, Lucius smiled and gathered her in his arms, turning his eyes towards the sleeping boys as well. He murmured lightly in her ear, "Don't worry, my dear. We'll raise Harry the same way as we're going to raise Draco, nothing but the best for our family."

She nodded her head absentmindedly, reaching out to brush the silky locks of their hair, "We'll have to be careful though…"

"Of course."

"Who knows what might happen when Voldemort finds out… if he finds out." She paused and sighed, "I really wish that bastard would just die for once Lucius… I really do. We're going to take our revenge for all of the humiliation he put our family through." Narcissa leaned back into Lucius' strong embrace, closing her eyes for a moment.

"I agree completely with you, my dear. Don't worry; we'll get our revenge sooner or later."

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*grins* Let's just say that I'm going to put my own spin on things. See? Lucius and co are not evil but they sure as hell aren't good either. ^_^ So I placed them in a neutral category with a penchant for revenge against Voldemort. *snickers* Next chapter you'll see more of Draco and Harry *cheers* and that'll be fun… especially since they're going to act like how I envision little kids should act like. And I like the Malfoy manor, which is why I made it the way that it is, hehe. As you may imagine, I'm going to have some fun with the house…

Important: I'm going to give Draco and Harry pets… yes, a pet for each of them. ^_^ Preferably a cute pet k? So you guys just tell me what I should give who and I'll choose something suitable for each.

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My e-mail address is flyby311@hotmail.com and put Single Choice or fanfic or Harry Potter or something similar to that, so I know what the e-mail is about. Anything you want to add/criticize/comment/whatever you guys just review it… please?