A Single Choice
Chapter Four- Lucius Does Have Some Semblance of Control! (*gasp*)
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. ^_^
*smiles sweetly at you all* Have I said how much I loved you all already? *snickers* Especially for the reviews, so keep it up! Now, I'm wondering if I should reply to reviews at the beginnings of each chapter or the end of them *looks thoughtful* ^_^;; I'll stick with the beginnings for now. And my title for this chapter is weird, very weird. It's because I couldn't think of any and thought that it sounded amusing this way… I'm sad… anyway, carrying on…
Tima: Slytherin… possibly. ^^; I'm not really sure myself really. Bad author! *wacks herself*
Tir-synni: Protector thing, I know, it's absolutely adorable and I write the stuff ^^;
Shadowofthevampireangel: You have a very long name lol. Even with little kids? I know exactly what you mean! I abhor little kids in real life! *large sweatdrop* I mean, they look better far away to me. I just portray Harry and Draco how I think they would be at that age.
Xamona: *grins* Together all the time hmm? Well I'm not going to say anything *starts whistling*
Wiccachic2000: Yeah, I know it's my story lol; I just can't make up my mind sometimes. And you'll see what they do with the pups in the later chapters.
Artemisu the Dark Stormlight: *giggles* and another one with a long name! *gives you a funny look* For a moment I wasn't really sure if you were insulting me or complimenting me, but whatever lol. ^^; And I'm not totally sure if I'm making this a Harry and Draco fic or if it will be a Harry and Severus (I happen to love that pairing as well) But you really won't have to worry about the incest like thing part if it is a Draco and Harry fic… *hinthint* since I'm doing something about that.
Mindel: Whee! Thank you for reviewing my fic! ^^; Yeah, I don't really like writing the lisp thing either; I never know when to stick in 'w's or whatnot. Heh, at least I only have to do it for a few more chapters… *reassures herself* I have sense? *gasps* wow! I wasn't aware that I had any! Hehe.
Rtael: Don't worry; I'm bumping up their ages in like… two chapters or something like that. Just after I do a couple of things. And how do you know Harry's not going to get a snake? *snickers and leaves you wondering* Hehe, what else is there besides H/D slash? How about H/SS? *giggles* But no, I do think it would be Harry and Draco.
Lieana: Yup, I'm writing about them in Hogwarts as well… though perhaps not as you expect it would be *winks*
DragonShimmer: Aren't you always retarded? *snickers* Joking! Cutest thing you ever read hmm? Hehe, I never knew I had it in me to write adorably cute things.
Caelestis: *scuffs toe on ground bashfully* Aww… you're so nice. An inspiration? I wouldn't take it that far, but it's a nice thought.
Stormswept: *giggles* You're as silly as me! *snickers* Setting up a scene hmm? Just wait and see…
Q: Once again I meet someone who I'm not sure is complimenting me or insulting me *snickers* I love you all anyway. And if you think about, just because they entered the same time in the books doesn't mean that they have to here. What if Lucius decides to kill Harry off? *shudders* Lol, a million new things pop up if you change even one event, which is why this fic is titled 'A Single Choice' because everything changes because of one, seemingly insignificant choice. Thanks for your review. ^_^
Ruhgozler: Yeah, super powerful creatures is tempting, but it just wouldn't seem real… as real as wolves bonding and such could get lol ^^; You understand what I mean right? (hopefully) Mmm… how the family reacts to them going to Hogwarts… you'll see later of course!
Laura Holmes: Yeah, I know that kids can be a handful… having taken a family living class for a year (I quit after that year lol) Snape… *snickers gleefully* Oh, that's going to be fun to write.
Otaku La: (from an e-mail) *grins* absolute fav author… I'm so touched! And I love Midnight Blue's fic! A yahoo group? *blinks and grins* I really haven't thought about getting one… Teasers, hmm… All I will say is that I'm kind of following the storyline of the HP books, but since one incident completely changes everything… well, you'll hear my take on it if this is what had happened. And trust me, Lucius still hates the Weasleys, muggles, and half-bloods *winks* I don't want to completely change him!
Pheonix353/Unpredict/NightStalker/Barbara/Raiydon Seth/A.Potter/Lilyanna (you are lucky I know what kawaii means hehe): Thank you. ^_^
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"Why?" The simple question escaped Narcissa's lips.
Lucius sighed and lifted up a hand, gently rubbing his forehead with it as he looked at his wife who was currently reclining on a very tastefully done -expensive as well- couch. He was standing up nervously, resignation in his eyes as he started to pace, something he did when he was particularly agitated or worried. A silly habit to be sure, but one he couldn't seem to break out of. Five steps in one direction before he whirled around and walked the same five steps back, repeating the pattern over and over again as he tried to puzzle this out. It wasn't as if anyone would see but Narcissa…
"Well?" She demanded, getting slightly impatient with his silence and pacing. Her pale narrowed eyes watched him carefully, gauging his mood and what he may be thinking. Perfectly manicured nails held a piece of fabric that was draped over the couch tightly before she became aware that she was doing so, and then she just flexed her fingers and willed them to relax.
He suddenly turned towards her, anger flickering in his gaze. Lucius opened his mouth to speak and abruptly closed it, trying to gather the reigns of his temper. Damn it all, he was a Malfoy and Malyfoys do not lose control of their emotions! He was aware of Narcissa's merciless look when he finally answered, seemingly turning away from the topic at hand. "They are very close," he abruptly stated, his gaze sliding off of her form as they moved towards the fireplace.
"Oh?" she was not fooled, her eyes boring into him. "And for that reason you are going to do it?" Her nails rhythmically began to tap upon the couch as she bluntly stated, "That isn't a good enough reason Lucius, and you know it."
Suddenly Narcissa took in the way his body tensed, the tightness around his shoulders, and a flicker of pity flashed through her beautiful face as she spoke in a slightly gentler tone, "They are very close, but think of what it would mean to them if you do this."
A soft sigh, barely audible, broke from Lucius. He gently fingered the elegant carvings upon the marble mantle before he seemed to stand straighter, saying defiantly, "I'm going through with it no matter what you say, Narcissa. You are forgetting that while they are close to us, they are also instruments in our revenge." Almost angrily he grasped the marble, knuckles turning whit as he squeezed.
"They will hate you."
At that calm, almost bland statement, he whirled around, anger sparking in his gray eyes. "They may be angry at me in the beginning, but it will not last. They already know, and agree; with the extent we will go to exterminate Voldemort. They won't complain for long, and they are very young and will get over the hurt swiftly. You of all people should agree with me… we have seen this out this far, what makes this time so different?"
Narcissa paused before answering, collecting her thoughts. Finally she spoke softly, "They are so innocent, Lucius, I don't want them to despair -as I know they will- and become less than what they are now." She let her body slump down onto the couch, her head gently resting upon its arm. "I agreed before because I am a Malfoy now, and I hate Voldemort with a passion that rivals yours. But can we treat Harry and Draco as mere pawns in a chess game? Like Voldemort does to his Death Eaters or even that subtle manipulating that fool Dumbledore does?" She looked at him solemnly, ice blue eyes clouded with worries and fears. "You do know that neither is going to obtain the childhood they deserve?"
Lucius met her eyes before having to look away after a short while, his voice stiff as he spoke, "Neither of us had a normal childhood, Narcissa. And what about the countless of people Voldemort has killed? A great many of them are children with their childhoods cut brutally short." He took a deep breath, "We could stop him, with Draco and Harry."
A bitter laugh escaped her lips and she pulled herself up from the couch, walking to where they kept the fine bottles of wine. Calmly she poured herself a glass, not bothering to offer any to her husband, and drained most of it at once, suddenly speaking in biting tones. "Drop the 'saving the children' act Lucius. We both don't give, nor care to give, any thought to them. We preserve our own and nobody else. We would sacrifice a room full of innocent children to obtain what we wanted." The end of her speech was almost a low hiss, furious that he would even dare bring something like helping others into this.
He winced, he couldn't help it. Finally he walked to where she was and gathered her in his arms, ignoring the way she tensed and held herself stiffly. Lightly Lucius whispered in her ear, "You said at the beginning that you agreed, that you would do things my way. Narcissa, love, I would spare them whatever pain may come their way but I cannot. Do you want either of them to end up like me? Bound to that half-blooded bastard?"
Slowly Narcissa relaxed in his arms, placing her head lightly on his chest as she murmured a soft negative. They stood like that for several minutes, submerged in their own thoughts, before her voice broke the silence, "What do you think about the two of them then?" Her voice was slightly resigned, but determined to see this through as well.
Warmth flooded in Lucius' eyes as he held her tighter and buried his face into her exquisite hair. "Draco will be more of a strategist than Harry. He'll be able to think up brilliant plans in either offense or defense and cover nearly all of the bases. Harry, on the other hand, will be better to think up impromptu, spur of the moment ideas. They both seem very strong in power, but Draco will memorize things faster and Harry would probably apply the concept better. Because of that, Harry will be better in spells and such, while Draco may take a better interest in potions. They are gifted -or cursed- with a bond animal, Astrali wolves who would guard them with their own lives. They are perfect Narcissa, absolutely perfect."
"Harry is more impatient than Draco and Draco is much more guarded and cautious than Harry." Narcissa pursed her lips slightly in thought, "I do not know if that is good or bad. People will instinctively trust Harry; it will be harder for Draco. But Harry runs the risk of getting in over his head or trusting someone that would betray him. I fear for the little one, Lucius, I don't want him to become cold and callous."
Lucius paused and sighed, mentally agreeing with his wife on her assessment as he spoke carefully, "We will have to train them then. Not only in their powers but in how to think and how to act. We have already started with the preliminary work, but that is only a trickle of what we have to teach them. Tomorrow I'm going to bring them both to Diagon Alley to obtain their wands, perhaps an owl. Ollivander will not ask any questions."
"What about afterwards Lucius? When you do what you say you have to do?" Narcissa turned slightly in his arms, not breaking out of his hold, to look at him straight in the eyes, her own deadly serious. "How are we going to teach them then?"
Another sigh escaped him, "Don't worry, Narcissa. It won't happen for a couple of months at least. I am just giving you warning about what I'm going to do. That is enough time for teaching them the basics and you and I will teach them the rest later on. One of us is sufficient to teach the lessons, you are as good as I am and you know it." He fingered strands of her golden hair, musing softly to himself, "Each of us can teach the boys different things, we'll just switch every once in a while. It'll work out, it has to. People are already becoming suspicious, Narcissa, this is one way to stop them."
Narcissa's eyes narrowed slightly at the last statement, "How dare they become suspicious of us, daring to ask questions and give rise to rumors. Don't people know any sense of privacy anymore? I suppose that if a low class family like the Weasleys are and have been acting like we do; other would take no heed of it." Her fingers clenched reflexively upon the wineglass.
Gently Lucius reached over and plucked the glass from her, silencing her protest with a light kiss. He withdrew and grinned slightly as she glared at him mutinously, and downed the rest of the contents with a sigh of pleasure. "Very good age, smooth on the palate." At her continued glare when he seemed to ignore her words, he smiled pleasantly and spoke up, "It comes with being a Malfoy, dear. You knew that when you decided to marry me. Nothing new… and I really do hope that the Weasleys aren't even thought of in the same context as we are. That muggle loving Arthur…" He trailed off and shook his head.
She gave a slight nod in agreement and understanding. "How are you going to take the boys out, love? While I do know that nobody knows what Harry looks like, and all of them assume that he died, I don't feel easy with the fact that someone may spot him for who he is… somehow anyway."
A secretive smile graced Lucius' lips, a faint twinkle in his eyes as he leaned down to whisper something in her ear. "It's going to be a surprise for Harry… isn't his birthday coming up soon? Next week correct? Let's just think of this as an early birthday present." He grinned at her slight pout when she realized that he wasn't going to tell her yet, "Let's get to bed shall we? I have a long day tomorrow taking care of two brats." With that, he began to move them both off in the direction of their bedroom.
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Harry strained with his ears as he strove to make sure that Lucius wasn't going to check up on him. He was a little disgruntled that last week the man forbade him to sleep with Draco ever again… no matter how many pouts and puppy eyes they shot in his direction. He just couldn't get to sleep without the other boy, despite how much Ayrin tried to comfort him. At least Draco was the same way; he knew that from the frequent complains the other boy made about how cold he was… however large the fire in his room may be.
Bonded? Speaking of which, the black wolf pup looked eagerly in Harry's direction, his dark coat blending into the shadows of the room perfectly. Ayrin bounded to his feet from the foot of Harry's bed, his tail whipping side to side as he cocked his head and waited. Are we going soon?
The dark-haired boy looked brightly towards the pup, reaching out impulsively and grabbing onto the sleek fur, petting it absentmindedly as he whispered softly, "I can't heaw them, but lemme borrow your ears." No matter how much Lucius tried over the past week to cure the boys of their lisps, they couldn't overcome it completely, not yet anyhow.
As Harry heard his wolf's silent agreement, he slipped into Ayrin's consciousness, suddenly as if he was the pup… only the other pup was controlling the actions and he was just a passenger along for the ride. It was an exhilarating feeling and when the pup sniffed his nose and inhaled the scents that permeated the air, he too smelled what was floating in the air. Suddenly he jolted back into his own body and rubbed his head lightly, finding that once again he had been too engrossed in the wolf and that he should only keep part of his awareness in the wolf and another in his body. So that he can function in his body while using his bonded's senses. At least that was what Draco said.
I could not smell the tall alpha Ayrin referred to Narcissa and Lucius as 'alphas' and Lucius was the tall one while Narcissa was the smaller one. His scent lingered in the halls, but he is not near us… will we go now? His mind voice was impatient, the pup licking Harry's chin in excitement.
It was rather amazing how Draco and he could use the pup's own senses… they have discovered that almost immediately after obtaining the rambunctious wolves. It also became apparent that Ayrin and Tyr had their own sense of personalities. The dark pup was a little more excitable with a sense of curiosity that had gotten him into a lot of trouble. Tyr was the same way, only he managed to suppress that urge to find out everything… most of the time anyway.
"Shhh! I'm trying to tawk to Dwaco!" Harry breathed in and out slowly, his mind stretching out to where Draco's consciousness was as he sent tentatively. -Can we come?- This was something new that he and Draco just recently discovered, the ability to talk to one another and send their emotions along with it. But… it wasn't exactly the same as to Tyr and Ayrin, it was a weaker sort of link and they couldn't use each other's eyes or ears… only sending messages.
-What took you so long to come? Tyr said he couldn't hear or smell anyone coming for ten minutes!- Draco's imperious voice rang down their link, slightly amused by his darker counterpart. Another strange thing… at least in the boy's minds while it would have been perfectly logical to anyone else, their lisps disappeared while using mind-speech.
Harry just scowled at a wall before dissolving into soft giggles, scrambling up from beneath his silk sheets as he 'tiptoed' towards the door, pausing dramatically in several places as if he could get caught at any moment.
Why are you doing that? I can't sense anyone coming… Ayrin's confused voice flashed through Harry's head as the ebony pup padded steadily towards the door, his silence coming naturally to him. He waited at the entrance, looking impatiently at Harry as he used a spark of magic to open the door -something he wouldn't be able to do if it was actually spelled shut- and went out into the hallway. He raced towards the next door which was some distance away -the boy's rooms were very large really- and waited, almost bouncing in place.
A soft sigh escaped Harry's lips and he grumbled good naturedly at the way his pup spoiled his fun. His emerald green eyes brightened as he suddenly darted out towards the door and towards Draco's, almost feeling the manor's amusement over this now nightly tradition. It was the same thing any Malfoy, or those accepted by the manor, could do… almost feel the manor in the back of their minds. Sort of like the bond they boys had with the pups, but much, much weaker in comparison. Most of the time they didn't even realize it was there.
Lightly Harry pushed opened the door and peered into the darkened room, that in the morning was a splendid mix of whites and greens… Slytherin colors really, not that the two boys completely understood the concept of Hogwarts and the houses just yet. It was just something that Lucius said to them, and they liked the colors so it was fine to them that Draco's room was this way, while Harry's was a mixture of black, blue, and green. A bit darker than Draco's, but he liked it nonetheless, even if it had no real significance like Draco's had.
"Dwaco?" He looked at the lump curled up in the bed and gave a slight pout. He shuffled closer to him when suddenly Draco sat up and grinned recklessly at him, the boy's blond hair in disarray and his sheets crumpled around him. An answering smile graced Harry's lips as he clambered onto the bed next to Draco, curling up on 'his' side of the bed.
Draco sighed and snuggled back down into the sheets, yawning sleepily as he curled up next to Harry, his features peaceful as he muttered, "Did ya set the 'larm clock? I dun want Luwcius to find out."
Tyr raised his head towards his brother, a soft whine of greeting emerging from him as the darker wolf jumped up onto the bed, rocking it slightly as he laid down. The white pup curled next to Ayrin, reminiscent of what Draco was doing to Harry, and a seemingly peaceful sigh escaped their muzzles.
"You was 'posed to call 'im father, and I'm 'posed to call 'im Luwcius." Harry reminded Draco sleepily, his eye lids drooping as his need for sleep began to overcome him. He slurred even worse than before -hard as that was to believe- when he was tired, and at this time in the late night, he was very sleepy. He cuddled into a pillow, feeling the warmth at his back (Draco) begin to comfort him.
"Mmmhmm… I just fowget…" And with that parting statement, both boys slipped into a peaceful slumber, only to be awakened by an annoyed Lucius who planned to give them both a surprise trip to Diagon Alley, which consequently included him waking them up very early in the morning.
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Lucius entered Draco's room first, a grin set on his face as he imagined the surprise that would appear in both of Draco's and Harry's eyes when they found out that both were allowed to come with him, especially Harry who has never been allowed to set foot out of the manor's grounds until today. He poked his head in, mouth already started to speak when suddenly he chocked back his words and stared at the two lumps sleeping in the bed and the two wolves curled up around each other at the foot of the bed.
He blinked and felt the beginnings of annoyance stirred within him as he sighed and suddenly shook his head, looking remarkably amused at the spectacle. So they have been sneaking off to each other's beds hmmm? Well he'll put a stop to that, it wasn't befitting for a Malfoy to need to sleep in someone else's bed, it made him seem weak, as if he needed to.
His mouth twisted wryly when he saw that even the two wolf pups didn't awaken, some protectors they were indeed if they wouldn't wake up to the sounds of an intruder. Granted, it wasn't as if any was going to come into the manor and live, but still, it was the principle of things that mattered. Idly he made note to train both the wolves as well, for that was to be a skill handy for the boys later on.
Finally he cleared his throat loudly, eyes narrowing a bit when he saw both Harry and Draco sleep through that as well… though Tyr and Ayrin did twitch their ears and move a bit in response to the sudden nose. Finally he sighed and spoke loudly, "Well, well, what do we have here?" He carefully made sure that his voice was only slightly irate and that his stance was partially tensed, it would do well for him to get the boys worried for a bit, no matter how amused he really was over the situation.
Harry bolted awake first, his brilliant green eyes clouded with sleep, which was rapidly clearing up and becoming replaced with panic. He froze when he saw Lucius and squeaked, loudly, and turned to Draco, shaking the boy's shoulder rapidly, "Dwaco!" He cowered under Lucius' intense look and huddled in the sheets, looking as forlorn as he could.
Ayrin and Tyr both jolted awake and whimpered softly when they saw Lucius' black look flicker over to them. They slunk down and seemed to try to hide in the large sheets, Tyr had his head stuck in a small hole, and seemed to think if he couldn't see the 'tall alpha' then Lucius couldn't see him.
Draco on the other hand, woke up languidly, blinking several times before regaining his bearings. He looked towards his father and whined, "I'm sleepy!" Beside him, Harry looked at him in surprise and hid behind him, a soft giggle erupting from his throat. Draco favored him with a confused, yet amused, look, before looking at Lucius and demanding, "Go 'way!"
The man rolled his eyes at his son's regal bearing and grinned in response, saying coyly, "And I guess that means you two don't want to go with me to get your wands?" He didn't even both trying to hide his smirk at the twin shock looks that flashed onto his face.
"Really?!" Harry asked excitedly, his emerald green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. For as long as he could remember, both Draco and he wanted one of those wooden stick things that Lucius and Narcissa had… and had been bugging for one as long as they could remember. As if in reply to Harry's joy, Ayrin relaxed and gave a soft bark, bounding over to the man and sniffling around him.
"Yes, really… and before we go, I have a present for you Harry… and we are going to have a little talk about your sleeping arrangements." A faint smile appeared on Lucius' face when he saw both little boys faces brighten and then crumble under his last statement, they had thought that Lucius wouldn't notice… how they thought that, Lucius wasn't sure, but it was endearing nonetheless.
Both boys looked at each other and sighed, it seems as if their days of sleeping next to each other were over.
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Hehe ^^; So I decided to keep them five for a little bit longer before skipping around ages. And look! *gasp* I started to incorporate more signs of a plot! Whee! ^___^;; (You must all think that I'm crazy) Oh yeah, my last poll… I didn't really word what I meant correctly (not to mention I have almost everything planned out now) and so I apologize for that. Not that it really matters now since I know what I'm going to do, hehe. Hmm… did you guys figure out what Lucius is going to do with Harry and Draco? I know! (then again, I'm the author heh) but I thought I left some really big clues… so you should figure it out before I tell all of you. Someone also asked if I had a yahoo group up yet… and now I'm wondering if I should get one. Then again, I don't want to start anything that nobody will be active in… then there would be no point. ^^;
Anyway, leave a review and I'll love you all forever.
Important: (I do a lot of these don't I? -.-;;) Anyway, what house should Harry go into? No, I don't want him in Hufflepuff, though you can vote on any of the other three lol. Draco is definitely going to Slytherin, no doubts about that and nothing is going to change my mind about it. I think Harry should go into Gryffindor… but I'll put it up to vote and let you guys influence my decision lol.
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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?
