emeraldtwinklingstar: Thank you! *flushes*
MustIBeAMalfoy: *smirks* Teenage hormones, what can I do? *shrugs innocently* XD lol If Valencia knew what was going on under her roof she'd more than likely banish one of them to couch.
Squrlie Jack: Thank ye. =D I hope you're not offended by this, but I keep thinking pirate whenever I see your name. Like 'Captain Jack Sparrow', I don't know why…. I think I just may have watched PotC far too much.
Immortal Memories: I know. *beams* Seems rather just after Harry's lil game of footsie. ^.^ They say all's fair in love and war. That was so cliché and corny. Me will shut up now.
Prongs: Thank you! More developments in England in this chapter as well.
DaughterofDeath: Chapter added. At least you're very straight-forward in asking.
Shinigami Liliz Black: Thank you. I do try when it comes to plot and all. ^.^ We get a glimpse of what will be going down at the finale of this. Yuppers; naughty, naughty Lucius. Oh, you really didn't have to. It wasn't a problem for the help bit. Remember, if you're online at the same time as me and you have a question - doesn't matter how silly you may think it is - feel free to ask. I honestly don't mind.
Saavik13: *smiles* I am confirming nothing. The Severus parts are one of my fav bits of this fic - aside from the Harry/Lucius smut and funny moments. As to the cross fire…we shall see.
A/N: Well, chapter 12 did have ellipses in it. I'll reupload it when I get the chance. The last few days have just been crazy with assignments. *sigh* And I've kinda been listening to my GLAY CD…and Black Eye Peas…I can't get the songs Believe in You, Little Lovebirds,[GLAY] Shut Up, Hey Mama [Black Eye Peas] outta my head.
En Las Montañas
Chapter 13
"Now I know why Lucius is grumpy all the time." Harry sighed as he rose.
He had volunteered to look after the goats and sheep. Ernesto and Lucius were busy in the barn with the horses and today was Valencia's sewing day. And he currently had to run after a goat for the sixth time. If this was what Lucius had to deal with for most of the day, Harry found it amazing that Lucius only returned grumpy.
He jogged a bit, catching up with the animal and herding it back to the flock. Aside from these frequent excursions, everything was perfectly fine and more than a little boring.
And that's why he was more than surprised to see Valencia sitting on the hillside, watching the goats and sheep with a wicker hamper beside her. Harry's brow furrowed with puzzlement and a bit of curiosity as he sat down beside her, his gaze resting on the hamper for a moment.
// I thought today was your sewing day, \\ Harry said as he rested the staff on the ground beside him.
// Oh, it is. But I figured you'd want some lunch. You forgot to bring some with you. \\ She held up the wicker hamper with a smile.
// Lunch time already? \\ Harry hadn't even realized that much time had passed by. // Lunch does sound pretty good right about now. \\ He admitted feeling his stomach gurgle.
Valencia smiled as she opened the hamper and started pulling out wrapped squares. // All right then. We've got ham and cheese, chicken salad sandwiches. A beer for me, and some juice for you -\\
// Why can't I have a beer? \\ Harry asked, peering into the basket.
// Beer is something of an acquired taste. But you can have a sip of mine of you want, \\ Valencia said. // So, we have sandwiches, something to drink and some fruits and cookies for dessert. \\
// Sounds great! \\ Harry said, unwrapping a sandwich and promptly biting into it. // Mmm…ham and cheese… \\ he said after swallowing before he took another bite.
With a chuckle, Valencia started on her own sandwich. But after a few minutes, Harry noticed her fidgeting with a free hand, picking at her dress as she stared her sandwich, chewing with a thoughtful light in her eyes. He watched her for a few minutes, before he took another bite of his sandwich and swallowed it.
// Valencia, \\ he said quietly. // Are you sure everything's fine? You look rather preoccupied. \\
Valencia paused for a moment before she looked at Harry. // May I ask you something? And I warn you, I'm going to be frank. \\
Harry gave a slight shrug. // Sure. What is it? \\ He took a bite of his sandwich.
// Well… \\ Valencia took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. // Do you think you and Lucius could keep it down at night? \\
Harry hadn't been expecting that. He started to make a sound of protest just as he swallowed his bite of sandwich and now found himself coughing as it lodged in his throat. Valencia thumped him on the back, peering into his face with concern. Harry dug into the hamper and pulled out a bottle, unscrewing the cap and taking a chug.
// Ergh! \\ He exclaimed as the slightly bitter taste washed over his tongue and down his throat. // What is that? \\
// Beer, \\ Valencia said with faint amusement. // Are you all right? \\
// I'll be fine. \\ Harry mumbled, his face immediately turning red, as he remembered Valencia's request. // I didn't think we were that loud… \\ he said in a small voice, staring at the beer bottle in his hands.
// Well, some nights you two can be noisy. Other nights, all Ernesto and I hear is the mattress squeaking. \\
// Oh God… \\ Harry wanted to disappear into the ground right there. The mattress' squeaking hadn't been that loud to him or Lucius. But then again, they were usually occupied with other things.
Valencia gave a disparaging snort. // May I ask why you are acting as if you broke some law? \\
// Well… \\ that was all Harry could offer in the way of a defence.
// Harry, it's perfectly normal to have a sex life you know. In fact, I was going to ask if anyone had a talk with you. \\
// A talk? \\ Harry looked at her a bit dazed; she couldn't possibly be talking about what he thought she was talking about.
// A talk. The Talk. The big talk about sex… \\ she looked at him intently for some sign. // No one's ever talked to you about this? Good lord! You're 17! Why hasn't anyone!? \\
Harry found himself thoroughly floundering, mouth opening and closing like a fish's as he stuttered out a very weak 'I…'.
Valencia tutted as she shook her head. // Honestly. You're a young man. I would imagine that you've gained hearsay knowledge. \\
Harry could simply close his mouth - since he didn't seem to be talking much anymore - and nod his head yes.
// Well, you and I are going to have a very frank talk about this because it is important. I honestly can't believe no one's talked to you about this. \\
A vague thought that he was surprised Mrs. Weasley didn't get around to it wandered through his mind before he gave his head a little shake to throw off the dazed stupor. // Can I ask you something? Just how do you know all of this, \\ he made a vague motion with the beer bottle. // Because it sounds as if you know about it already. \\
// I used to be a counsellor at a health clinic in Madrid. You would not believe the amount of things I have had to deal with. Now then, it's best to start with the basics… \\ Valencia said.
Harry did his best to contain the mortified flush that was coming to his face as he listened to Valencia talk. He had a feeling it was going to be a long afternoon.
It was peaceful and it was quiet, save the slight sound of the horses munching from their feedbags and the sound of a comb moving. Lucius could definitely get used to this rather than contend with the goats. He continued to run the comb over the horse's coat, Ernesto doing the same for the horse in the next stall over. Lucius had to admit, there was something very relaxing about simply currycombing the horses. All he had to make sure of was that the horse didn't step on his feet and possibly crush his toes.
Of course he had never done anything remotely like this before. Sure there were stables on the Malfoy Manor grounds, but those stables had come with grooms. When Lucius had rode, a groom brought out his mount and took it back into the stables when he was done. Perhaps if he ever got out of here and returned to England -
// Lucius! \\
Lucius' gaze flickered up to see Ernesto looking at him from over the horse. He simply raised an eyebrow in question as he continued to currycomb the horse.
// Look, there's something I've been meaning to ask you…if Harry hasn't and all… \\ Ernesto trailed off, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. // For some reason, I really do doubt it. \\
// Doubt what? \\ Lucius finally asked in a cool voice.
// Well, you know, \\ Ernesto said in a hesitant voice. // If you two are being…responsible. \\
Lucius regarded Ernesto for a moment, taking the now awkward atmosphere that had suddenly taken a hold in the barn. Then he started currycombing again, as if he had already answered Ernesto's question.
// Lucius? \\ Ernesto asked in a hesitant voice.
// You'll have to be more…clear than that. \\ Lucius said calmly.
Ernesto cleared his throat gruffly. // Er, that is to say… \\ he trailed off, obviously searching for the right way to phrase whatever it was.
// Just spit it out. \\ Lucius said with a sigh of slight impatience.
// Well… \\ Ernesto's face went bright red. // Are you using protection? That is to say…condoms. \\
Lucius stared at Ernesto, puzzled beyond thinking clearly; which is why he simply uttered the first words that immediately popped into his mind. // What, may I ask, is a condom? \\
Now Ernesto gaped at Lucius, disbelief on his face. Lucius watched him for a moment before he shrugged and started currycombing the horse again. It wasn't as if he was familiar with Muggle forms of contraceptive, much less knew of one. Merlin only knew what the condom was for. Potions were much easier to deal with.
// Sheesh, \\ Ernesto muttered, after closing his mouth, running a hand through his hair. // You mean to tell me that you're… \\
// 43. \\ Lucius supplied when Ernesto trailed off.
// That you're 43 and you have no clue as to what a condom is? Is that right? \\ Ernesto couldn't quite hide the disbelief from his voice.
// Would you care to explain the concept? \\ Lucius asked, as he continued with his task.
Ernesto was obviously flustered at that one. // What? Explain it? Well…ah…um…it goes…you know…on…and then you…well you know. God knows you two get noisy some nights. \\
// Clarity… \\ Lucius said. // You're being too vague. \\
// Damn it, Valencita is way better at this than I am, \\ Ernesto muttered.
// If you explained it properly, I would it would be much simpler on the both of us. \\ Lucius said.
Ernesto sighed, rubbing his chin as he thought. // A love glove. \\ he looked at Lucius expectantly.
// A 'love glove'? \\ Lucius repeated slowly. // And where does one wear said 'love glove'? \\ Even the name of this thing was making him slightly apprehensive. It sounded like some cheap carnival trick. Not to mention more than a bit ludicrous.
// You know, \\ Ernesto said in a frustrated voice. // On your…\\ he paused looking around in a rather furtive manner. // 'Staff'. \\ He gave Lucius a rather pointed look.
Lucius watched Ernesto for a moment. The things Muggles came up with. And now Ernesto had resorted to using euphemisms. Rolling his eyes he slid the currycomb off his hand and placed it on it wall peg and walked out of the horse's stall.
// This is serious! \\ Ernesto said as he followed after Lucius.
// How long did it take Valencia to convince you to talk to me about this? \\ Lucius asked, glancing at the shorter man.
// Well, I think she has a good point. I'm not one to start snooping in anyone else's…sexlife, \\ Ernesto began with an embarrassed flush. // And I'm not going to raise the issue after this. Hell, I didn't even want to have this talk. \\ He ran a hand through his hair with a frustrated sigh. // Look, it's for your health. The both of you. \\
// Hm, the concern is admirable, \\ Lucius managed; suddenly he was missing Severus and his excellent potion skills.
// I can understand you being mad, \\ Ernesto said as he slipped out from the other horse's stall. I know I handled it badly…but could you just do me a favour? If Valencia asks, tell her we had a nice long talk about it. \\
// And Harry can fill me in on the rest? \\
// I was hoping…hey, you're sleeping with him. That should make it a bit easier. \\
Lucius wasn't entirely sure how to respond to that, so he simply inclined his head and then made his way to the barn door. Ernesto sighed and walked after him, fingers rubbing the back of his neck.
// May I ask you something? \\ Lucius said suddenly as he opened the door and stepped out.
Ernesto jumped slightly, but nodded his head. // What is it? \\
// Just how would you have handled the situation? \\
// Me? \\ Ernesto scratched his chin as he closed the barn down. // Well, that's easy. I would have bought you two a new mattress and a box of condoms. \\
Harry sat curled up under the covers, picking at a loose string on the blanket. His mind was digesting all the information he'd been barraged with today; it'd absorb into his brain its own manner. If there was something he never wanted to experience again, that was it. All afternoon, all he had wanted to do was simply disappear into the ground. Or have it swallow him up; he wasn't all that picky about which happened, so long as it had gotten him far, far away from that embarrassing talk.
"God, I can't believe she actually said that!" he said with a shudder.
"Said what?"
Harry looked over his shoulder to see Lucius coming in. "You really don't want to know."
"I assume you had an…enlightening talk with Valencia today?" Lucius asked as he sat on the side of the bed.
"Enlightening doesn't begin to cover it," Harry mumbled. "More like hearing the complete encyclopaedia of sex dictated to me for a full seven hours with appendices and additional notes."
Lucius nodded his head. "It sounds as if I got the better end." Harry looked at him curiously. Lucius paused for a moment. "Would you happen to know what a 'love glove' is?"
Harry gawked at Lucius, his jaw hanging wide open. What Lucius had just said was believable and incredible at the same time. He shut it after a moment shaking his head. "If that's all you had to deal with, then you're one lucky bastard." He grumbled, pulling the covers up and sulking a bit.
"I think not, since I have no clue as to what Ernesto is referring to."
"A condom," Harry said a bit shortly before he sat up abruptly. "She came prepared! Do you know Valencia offered to give me tips on how to give a blowjob! A blowjob for Merlin's sake! I won't even go into the banana and the condom! She's almost like a mother! That was the single most disturbing moment in my life!"
"Ah; I wouldn't worry about the blowjob," Lucius paused before giving a small sigh of frustration. "But I am still lost as to the purpose of said 'condom'."
Harry didn't say anything for a moment, before his lips quirked up into an amused smile. "It's a Muggle contraceptive. It's supposed to prevent pregnancy."
"Interesting," Lucius certainly didn't sound as if it was interesting. "And just where is it worn?"
Harry gave him a slow smile as he crawled towards him. He certainly needed to enjoy himself tonight. "Why, it goes on one of my favourite parts of you."
"And which part would that-"
Lucius' words abruptly stopped as Harry slid a hand over his hip and over his clothed cock. Harry smiled as he drew Lucius in for a kiss.
"Keep in mind it's one of my favourites." Harry breathed, brushing his lips over Lucius'. "Does that answer your question?"
Severus was starting to get very tired of all this back and forth he was doing. And now he was currently sitting in Albus's office once more at-
"Twelve in the bloody morning." He snarled in a low voice as he looked at his watch. "Just because the old man suffers from insomnia doesn't mean he has to make me suffer!"
Sinking back into the chair, Severus rubbed his temples delicately with his fingertips. Poppy had given him hell for getting out of bed to try and go back to his chambers earlier. But when Dumbledore had summoned him, Poppy had no choice but to let him go. Of course, if she had decided to staunchly refuse to send him up, Severus wouldn't be objecting all that much, since his back was still sore. Not to mention what seemed like every joint in his body.
"Ah Severus, I am so very glad you were able to see me now,"
Severus didn't look back as Albus entered the room. "This had better be important." He simply said.
Albus took his usual seat behind the large desk and regarded Severus for a moment over his glasses as if he were an unruly child. Severus didn't say anything, waiting for something to be said. It certainly wouldn't be him to say something, since he had no damned clue as to why he was here.
"I need you to tell me something, Severus." Albus said finally.
"What else is new?" Severus' voice was sharp.
"Come now, there's no need to be caustic," Albus chided.
"There is when you interrupt my rest and you'll undoubtedly ask me to attend the next Death Eater meeting whenever it occurs." Severus said.
Albus didn't say anything for a moment before giving a polite cough. "I know I ask a lot of you and-"
"Spit it out." Severus said cutting him off. "The sooner I get back to the infirmary, the sooner I'm better and this mess is all over." He was feeling the stirrings of yet another headache.
"Do you know the contents of the pensieve?" Albus asked quietly a few moments later.
Severus gave Albus a look. "Of course I do. I simply decided to have a look on the Dark Lord was finished with his sadistic little Crucio session and I managed to mug Nott and take it, and modifying his memory."
Albus didn't move but Severus saw his blue eyes darken a bit with sadness. "It appears that someone in Spain contacted Nott with information as to the location of Lucius Malfoy and Harry Potter."
"Maybe Lucius killed the brat and that's one less worry," Severus muttered. "Together?"
"Together," Albus said with a nod of his head. "From what I saw they are in the same vicinity, but don't know the other is there for certain reasons. I stroke of luck for us I believe. "
"Indeed," Severus curled his lip slightly. "How lucky."
Albus nodded. "What I'll need you to do is to ensure that Harry comes back here."
"What?" Severus said in a flat voice after a moment. He wasn't quite sure he heard Albus correctly.
"Undoubtedly Voldemort is planning to capture Harry and possibly kill him. That cannot happen." Albus said firmly. "You have to ensure that Harry comes back here safe and sound."
"Give that task to someone else," Severus said; he didn't need to play babysitter for a child prone to foolish heroics in the middle of some soon to be Death Eater raid. And judging from how happy the Dark Lord had been, something was going to happen.
"No Severus, it has to be you," Albus said firmly. "I know it poses a great risk of exposing you, but I have full confidence in your abilities. I wouldn't entrust this to anyone else."
"Anything else I should know?" Severus said in a tight voice.
"I'll be casting a tracking charm on you the day Voldemort plans to act so Order members will know when you've arrived in the location. They will arrive by Portkey and provide backup. I can't say this enough Severus; it's crucial we get Harry back. He's been gone for far too long."
Severus nodded his head curtly. "If that is all…"
"For now. Go back and get some sleep," Albus said with a hint of weariness in his voice. "You'll need to rest up."
Severus rose and left the office without a word making his way back down to the infirmary. Poppy was waiting at the door with a thorough look of displeasure on her face. He allowed himself to be led back to his curtained off bed in the ward.
"Honestly, what is Albus thinking?! Bad enough some students got out there into the battle, but calling my patients out to have a chat at such a horrid hour of the night when they should be resting…" Poppy huffed as she fluffed Severus' pillow a bit viciously and smacked it back into place. "Anything else?"
Severus shook his head as he settled back into the pillows. Already his headache was receding. He closed his eyes with a heavy sigh. Perfect, just bloody perfect; this was only going to get worse before it had a chance of getting better.
