Friendship and Beyond 21/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

Repenting?

"I want you to protect my son from the Dark Lord." Lucius said, looking at Harry cautiously. As far as Harry could tell Malfoy was being serious, but then again Potter never claimed to understand Lucius Malfoy's motives and actions, so he couldn't be sure.

"Excuse me it sounded like you wanted us to protect Malfoy." Ron stumbled over his words disbelievingly, glancing at the others in shock.

"That is what I said, Weasel." Snapped Lucius angrily glaring at the three shocked students.

"Watch your attitude Malfoy." Hermione snapped back, glaring at the dark wizard in a quelling manner. "If you really want our help then show us a little respect."

"The day I answer to a seventeen year old mud blood will be the day-"

"Malfoy!" Harry hissed. "If you are serious I suggest you not alienate your future possible allies."

Once Malfoy settled down in his seat Harry continued speaking softly.

"Forgive the skepticism but up until last weekend you were in Voldemort's pocket. Why on earth would you need us to protect Draco from your Lord?" Harry asked curiously folding his hands into his lap in front of him, giving off the pretense of relaxation.

"Simple Potter. After last year the Dark Lord has gradually been becoming psychotic-"

"As opposed to the years before that when he was just a misunderstood git?" Ron sneered disdainfully.

"Shall I continue, Weasley? Or would you like to finish the story?"

"Go ahead." Ron agreed gesturing for Lucius to continue. "This I've got to hear."

"After that debacle at the Department of Mysteries." Lucius started, only to be interrupted by Harry this time.

"That 'debacle' caused my godfather to be murdered, Malfoy." Hissed Potter menacingly.

"I am aware of that. I was there if you'll recall, before I was sent to Azkaban."

"Couldn't happen to a nicer guy."

"I never claimed to be a good, kind man Potter."

"Good, then we'd know you were lying." Hermione added disgustedly.

"If you three are through interrupting me… I am here for a purpose."

"Ah, yes. Do continue."

"Over the last year the Dark Lord has become obsessed with destroying you, Potter. He will stop at nothing to accomplish this goal, as I am sure you are aware after last weekend." Lucius explained somberly, for once no sneer in his voice. "After you three managed to escape Voldemort went berserk. He started cursing his followers left and right; no one was exempt from his wrath. I'm not talking about a few jelly-leg hexes either. Those that were lucky enough to escape with their lives, the vast majority, were dealing with the aftereffects of the Cruciatus for hours after. Even all of that hadn't convinced me of the folly of following such a madman, but when he wanted me to sacrifice my son to help bring the wards of Hogwarts down so he could attack I realized how far gone he was. The man is a menace to everyone, not just mud bloods and his enemies, but to purebloods and his supporters as well. Whatever you may think of me, I love my son. I will not stand by while Voldemort uses his blood to attack Hogwarts."

"What exactly are you planning on doing then?" Hermione asked in an almost gentle voice.

"I wanted to speak to you three, because no matter which house you are currently in you are Gryffindors to the bone and I believe you will help me protect my son."

"Dumbledore would be better able to protect Draco." Harry answered reluctantly.

"Perhaps, but the old man will only do what he thinks is best for the majority of the wizarding world. You, Potter, will do what is best for the individual. My son, in this case."

"What are you planning on doing about Voldemort?" Harry asked. "And when is he planning on attacking Hogwarts?"

"I will mention a tear in the wards that my son will cause from inside the school. That way Draco will be safe from being sacrificed at least. Although I don't think Voldemort will have any qualms about taking out my son to get to you." Lucius explained. "That is why you must protect him."

"We will." Ron answered for them, although he looked vaguely nauseous at the idea of protecting Malfoy.

"Thank you." Lucius exhaled in relief. "I do not know when the Dark Lord is planning on attacking. He hasn't even shared that information with his inner circle. I will however send you a signal when the time approaches. Hopefully that will give you enough time to form a proper defense and take him out once and for all."

"We will have to include Dumbledore in these plans." Harry commented. "As you well know."

"Of course, but I trust you to make sure I am pardoned of all wrong-doing because of my help in ambushing the Death Eaters and Voldemort."

"What?" Hermione exclaimed in surprise. "Absolutely not."

"That is the only way I will help you. Otherwise, I will let the Dark Lord enter Hogwarts without your prior knowledge and utterly decimate all of you." Lucius said calmly, looking as if he were merely discussing the weather rather than the destruction of the wizarding world itself.

"Very well." Harry agreed reluctantly. "I will talk to Dumbledore."

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed in shock.

"Ron, mate we have no other options."

"But still." Ron grumbled disapprovingly under his breath.

"Good, one other thing, Draco will only know the bare essentials. I will not tell him about wanting you three to protect him in case of trouble. I expect you to keep you mouth shut as well." The trio merely nodded their heads in agreement. "Very well, then expect to hear from me soon."

Lucius then took off the silencing charms as well as the illusion charms he had cast at the beginning of the conversation, seemingly unconcerned with being spotted by anyone he knew. Lucius noticed the confused and worried looks on the trio's faces and leaned toward them intimidatingly. The three Slytherins were hard-pressed to keep from backing away.

"I am using a variant of the polyjuice potion. Everyone in this room except those who were looking for me will see a middle-aged witch wearing a teal green dress and a flowered hat, sitting with her niece. You are the only ones who can recognize me through my disguise." Lucius explained almost impishly. He got up and straightened his cloak, grasping his cane under his arm. He started striding arrogantly away before turning back suddenly.

"Oh yes, why don't you invite Snape to lunch. My treat, he must be famished standing up all that time by the bar."

Malfoy's amused chuckle followed him out of the tavern as he watched Potter, Granger, and Weasley's jaws drop in surprise.