Summary: Remy learns a lot from the Malfoys, despite a very present distraction, and his presentation to the political elite takes place.

Disclaimer…Not mine, J.K Rowling's. There I said it.

Warnings: Guy on guy action, no sex….yet but action just the same…(evil grin)

Morning came all too soon for Remy. He woke before dawn with the odd feeling of being watched. In the half-light of the room he noticed a pair of large eyes the foot of his bed. Quickly reaching under his pillow he grabbed a dagger he had placed there the night before. Brandishing it in front of him, he jumped out of bed and moved towards the eerie set of eyes. As his eyes focused, he realized with some hilarity that it was only the house elf from yesterday and instantly relaxed. "Hello…Iddie, wasn't it. What are you doing here and why were you staring at me while I slept." Remy was a bit wierded out by being watched while he slept by a house elf but the elf's explanation made it understandable. "Master Remy, sir, Iddie was told by Master Draco to tell you that breakfast will be brought up to you at 7 sharp and that you are to be in the library by 8:30 for lessons. He also is telling Iddie to give you this map, He is saying that it is hard for Master Remy to be getting around the manor on his own, so this should help." The elf snapped his fingers and a gently creased parchment appeared in his knobby hands. He bowed and handed it to Remy, who accepted it with a soft, "Thanks."

"Iddie, what time is it now? Do I have time for a shower before breakfast?" asked Remy suddenly noticing his very-soaked pajama bottoms, with embarrassment. The elf's coloring darkened slightly with was Remy amusedly assumed what the house elf equivalent to a blush and responded hesitantly. "It is being just now 6:15, Master Remy, sir, Iddie is thinking that would be enough time for Master Remy to take a shower and change. If Master Remy is to leave his dirty clothes out, Iddie will clean them for Master Remy."

"Thank you Iddie," said Remy, very much relieved, as he went to the bathroom to take a much-needed shower. He dropped his bedclothes outside the bathroom and then relished in a very soothing and cleansing warm shower. He emerged 10 minutes later; dripping wet, but much relaxed. He quickly dried his hair and running a hand through his long hair, pulled it back with a rubber band from around his wrist. Wrapping a towel around his waist he went back to his room to change into his clothes for the day.

Entering his bedroom he found the bed changed and made-up and his bedclothes cleaned, folded, and placed on a chair. Smirking at the efficiency of house elves, he went to his wardrobe to pick out what to wear. He settled on one of his non-robe outfits. He pulled out a pair of loose-fitting black pants and a slightly form fitting black tunic with the Sagoicci crest on the back in red satin. He pulled on his now almost habitual boots and, removing a dagger and his wand from the hidden arsenal, he placed the dagger in the holster in his right boot and his wand in holster he strapped to the inside of his left arm. Admiring himself in the mirror, he was startled when, with a soft pop his breakfast arrived. It was brought by a house elf Remy hadn't seen before and he wondered how many the Malfoy's had on hand. Even at the Sagoicci castle, there were only 5 elves that were regularly seen, the rest worked in the kitchen and stayed there for the most part. The elf placed the breakfast tray on the bed and then disappeared the same way he came.

Remy moved over to the bed and removing the lid on the tray was pleased to find a still steaming plate of eggs and toast with pumpkin juice and fresh fruit. He was also pleased when he saw the goblet of blood that had also been sent up. Remy drank from the goblet almost reverently, relishing in the way his mind cleared and his senses flared with the intake of the thick liquid. When the goblet was drained he set upon the rest of the food with fervor. When he was finished he exited his quarters, grabbing the map before leaving, and made his way to the library as directed. He arrived, thanks to the map, without a hitch and half an hour early. He took this extra time to peruse the titles stored in the many tall shelves of tomes and volumes of the Malfoy family library. He was particularly interested in a book titled, Vampires Victorious, a history of famous Vampires and their accomplishments. He was so caught up in it he didn't even notice the person behind him until a soft cough broke through his concentration. Remy whirled to see Stephan standing behind him with a small smirk on his face.

"Lord Remy, we should be getting to our lessons, Professor McCleary isn't exactly a morning person and he's no better if you're late. You can take the book for later reading." Drawled Stephan. Remy sheepishly tucked the book under his arm .He then followed Stephan back to the main part of the library where Sophie sat at one of the tables accompanied by a grumpy looking middle-aged man with graying hair and circular spectacles balanced on his short, slightly upturned nose. The man sniffed at the two boy's arrival and commented on their lateness. Remy and Stephan apologized sincerely and the lessons began. Remy spent the whole morning studying basic spell work, beginning Latin, French, and some history of magic. Remy had to work hard to catch up to where Stephan and Sophie were but he proved to be able to soak up information like a sponge and was a quick learner. The trio broke from lessons at 1 for lunch witch was again served in the big dining room off of the entryway, but only the children ate and therefore talking was allowed. After lunch, Remy had the promised lessons in etiquette, both private and political. Lucius taught this lesson himself, and proved to be not an easy teacher. Remy found himself lacking severely at first. However, as in his previous lessons, he grasped the information quickly and by the end of the lesson, garnered more praise, albeit grudging praise, but praise none the less, than scornful displeasure. Lucius let him go at 2:30 and Remy was told he had till 4 for free time. Remy set off to find Stephan, wondering absently what he should do with his free time.

Remy found Stephan and his sister out on the lawn playing around on their brooms tossing a quaffle back and forth between themselves. Remy waved to them and then

descended gracefully to the ground to meet him. "'Ello there Remy, care to join us? We're practicing for the quiddich game planned for your party. All the children play while the parents talk and do their boring discussions." Stephan asked enthusiastically. "I'd love to, but I didn't think to bring my broom and I haven't sent for it yet. I'll just watch I guess." responded Remy disconsolately. "You can use my old broom," said Sophie happily, "let me go get it." Before Remy could respond, she had disappeared inside the house and left Remy and Stephan alone. There was silence for a moment, before Remy spoke up tentatively, "I...I though about what you said yesterday," "Yes." Prompted Stephan. "And I think…you are right." Remy finished the sentence with relief, his eyes downcast. Stephan moved over, and gently raising Remy's chin, he looked the younger boy in the eyes. He said earnestly, "It's not something to be ashamed of, be proud, besides, one so gorgeous as yourself shouldn't mar your complexion by frowning." Remy blushed momentarily before smiling broadly and nodding. Stephan moved in closer, and their faces got closer and closer. Just as their lips were about to meet, Sophie came back out carrying the extra broom. The boys sprung apart and avoided eye contact as of nothing had happened.

Sophie looked from Stephan to Remy and back again suspiciously before handing her extra broom to Remy and kicking off from the ground. Behind his sister's back Stephan mouthed "Later" to Remy and Remy suddenly felt very buoyant and giddy and his stomach felt as if it were filled with butterflies. "If this is love," Remy thought, "remind me not to do it on an empty stomach." Remy kicked off the ground hesitantly and stayed low to the ground for a moment to gain his balance. He had only been on broom once or twice before to deliver messages for Victor when he couldn't chance an owl and wasn't exactly comfortable with flying. Stephan and Sophie noticed his discomfort and altered their altitudes to suit his comfort zone. They all spent a happy hour tossing the red ball back and forth and Remy was sad when they had to return to the ground for more lessons at four.

"Dancing!" Remy asked incredulously when he learned of the next lesson of the day, "you can't be serious." "Oh but I am," responded Stephan with the characteristic Malfoy smirk. "All lords and nobility must know how to dance and you don't even know where to start. I hope you don't have two left feet like Sophie." Sophie blushed and looked away and Remy smiled in response. Narcissa taught this lesson and it was held in the black and white tiled ballroom that took up almost the entire North wing of the manor. Flicking her wand, music started playing, it was a stately waltz and supposedly easy. She demonstrated the step with Stephan, then instructed Remy to pair up with him and to try himself with Stephan as the "girl." Stephan snorted indignantly as this, but acquiesced never the less in the name of letting Remy learn how to lead a dance. Remy moved awkwardly at first but gained confidence and soon moved with a natural grace that had even Narcissa giving praise. Then she challenged Remy with a slightly faster quadrille, which Remy had a bit more difficulty grasping, but he again showed aptitude and had the rudimentary steps down before Narcissa dismissed them to get ready for dinner at 5:30.

Stephan caught Remy's arm on the way out of the ballroom and he pulled Remy into a small study close by. "Look I know I like you, but do you like me, because if you don't I don't want to waste my effort," said Stephan as he cut right to the point. Remy was shocked for a minute and struggled to come up with the right response. Smirking as it came to mind he leaned towards Stephan and said, "What do my lips tell you," and covered the small distance between them. Their lips met in an electrifying kiss that made Remy's knees give way but Stephan caught him and held Remy up as he deepened the kiss. Stephan traced the outline of Remy's mouth with his tongue, seeking entrance.

Remy gladly assented and the battle of tongues began. Remy moaned in pleasure as Stephan pulled Remy flush against him and Remy felt the hard erection teasing the front of Stephan's robes. Thrusting his hips forward and grinding against Stephan, Remy earned a matching moan from the other boy. Stephan transfigured a small table in the room into a couch and pushed Remy down onto it. He climbed on top of Remy and continued to deeply kiss him, never loosing a beat. Grinding and thrusting almost blindly against each other in an emotion charged dance of passion it wasn't long before the two boys came, almost simultaneously, cradled in each other's arms.

15 minutes and two cleaning charms later, found the boys, flushed and panting, but on their way to dinner, hand in hand. They reached the dinning room about the same time as Draco who appraised the two youths with an amused smirk. His gaze traveled from their equally flushed faces to their joined hands and then said, "Congratulations son, on finding a soul mate, I can't wait to tell Blaise he will probably be so excited he will come back from his business Dark Lord or no, or at least write. Remy, you have a job on your hands, keeping a Malfoy in check, don't let him get away from you, lover or no." Remy smirked and glancing over to Stephan assured Draco that he would keep a close eye on Stephan, then added, under his breath, "a very close eye." Stephan blushed and Remy laughed as they sauntered into the dinning room. Once inside however, silence reined supreme and all through dinner, Remy and Stephan passed messages with their eyes over their steak and later pudding. Remy even had another goblet of blood. Remy did notice however, Sophie's slightly downcast face at his antics with Stephan. He remembered with clarity, Stephan's comment about how Sophie had a crush on him. "Poor girl," he thought, "I almost feel bad for her." But then his thoughts strayed back to Stephan and he was again focused on happy thoughts and his stomach filled with butterflies.

After dinner, Remy returned right to his quarters to review the material Professor McCleary had given him that morning and to read more of the book on famous vampires before bed. He also sent a brief letter via his new owl after giving the bird its delicacy of frozen mouse, bidding his father to send his schoolbooks and broom at his earliest convenience. In the morning he found that they had been sent overnight and were waiting for him in his room. Remy's schedule was rigorous and provided little free time, but over the weeks, he gained much knowledge in spells and could understand rudimentary Latin and some French. His dancing and flying had also improved greatly as well as his etiquette skills. He also found time with almost daily snogging sessions with Stephan and together they planned their outfits for the ever-nearing party. Remy had sent word of their relationship to his father who had responded in support stating that love is love and at least Remy was happy. Remy couldn't have been happier even though he was so busy and the days before the party melded into one long string of activity.

Before he knew it, it was just two days before the party and Remy was quizzed on all the etiquette and dancing he had been taught in the weeks before and it was found he had sufficiently learned all he needed to. The outfits Stephan had ordered for them also arrived and they tried them on and modeled them for each other and for Draco. Remy was to wear dress robes of black Acromantula Silk with the traditional red bars in velvet on the sleeves to show rank. Over this was to be worn a black three-quarters-length cape, also of black silk with the Sagoicci crest on it in silver embroidery. Stephan's clothing was similar except that his robes were of green silk, he had no vampiric symbol of rank, and the crest on his cape was the Malfoy crest. Draco thought they made a striking picture next to each other, with Remy's dark features and Stephan's almost anemic paleness. Draco was proud of his son and was happy that Blaise would be there for the party to see his son and his boyfriend.

The day before the party, some guests that were traveling far began to arrive, Victor and the vampire contingent of the guests also arrived and were given rooms in the same wing of the manor as Remy. The house elves had been working feverishly for days to prepare all the rooms to each guest's liking and the vampire's quarters were all dark and suitably fitted with a system for getting goblets of blood at a minutes notice. As soon as Remy heard that Victor had arrived he rushed over to his fathers quarters to meet him. As soon as he entered the Vampiric guests' wing, he felt like he was back at Sagoicci castle, all who he passed bowed in respect to him and he was admitted instantly to his fathers quarters. He didn't even take ten steps into the room before he was enveloped in a big bear hug and asked about his stay with the Malfoys and about Stephan and his relationship. Remy answered all the questions excitedly and demonstrated some of the spells he had learned. He transfigured a few items in the room into animals and back and even changed the color of victor's hair (this time on purpose) and back. Victor was, needless to say proud and happy with his adopted son and eager to see how he did at the party. Many important figures would be there, even the Dark Lord himself, it was the prime opportunity for Remy to make a good impression on society and Victor was sure Remy could do it.

The day of the party, Remy rose early. He took a leisurely bath and washed his now shoulder-blade-length hair carefully before drying it quickly with a drying spell. He let it hang down in curly waves while he scrubbed his body meticulously and then got out of the tub. Putting on a bathrobe he returned to his bedroom. He ate a light breakfast and got back in bed to study his notes on the quests and try to memorize bits of information about each one as well as their faces and titles. At around noon, Stephan joined him and they ate lunch together in Remy's quarters and chatting idly until 2. Then they changed into their outfits and Remy fussed over what to do with his hair. Stephan eventually decided for him and plaited Remy's hair into a thick braid, leaving some of it out to hang down around his ears to frame his face in dark waves. Remy was dubious about the look but Stephan assured him that he looked beautiful. Remy stepped into his boots and equipped himself with his wand and twin daggers in his boots they went downstairs, arm in arm, to join the gathered guests in the small talk that would start the party at 4.

The butler announced their arrival as they entered the ballroom where tables with drinks and appetizers lined the walls and people stood about or sat on small couches off to the side chatting. At the announcement of their arrival however, all conversation broke off and all focus turned to them. The vampires in attendance bowed to the heir of their clan and a few wizards did as well. Remy smiled at them all and nodding to Stephan entered the room and went over to a table to get drinks. A few people came over to talk to them but, for the most part, they were left alone and they couldn't be happier to be so. Remy and Stephan found a couch where they could observe the guests at their leisure and did so, while sipping at glasses of punch and butterbeer. Remy verbally reviewed what he knew about various guests he recognized from the list given to him by Draco and Stephan pointed out youths that Remy didn't know.

About half and hour later, the butler entered the room and clapped three times for silence, which surprisingly fell. Then, through the door came 16 robed and masked Death Eaters in two columns of eight. Once they entered, they faced inward and removing their masks dropped to one knee. The lead Death Eater announced, "Presenting, his most esteemed Lordship, whose name is feared and respect throughout the wizarding world, The Dark Lord," Then as a hushed silence fell over the room, Voldemort, the Dark Lord entered and immediately all fell to their knees in respect. "Rise all of you," said the Dark Lord amiably to the guests, then turning to the Death Eaters who were still kneeling. "I meant you too, get up, now go join the party." The Death Eaters quickly got up and hurried to mingle and Voldemort was soon surrounded in a throng of the nobility trying to find favor with the one man capable of making or breaking them, literally, before you could say Avada Kedavra.

Dinner was called and everyone moved to the magically expanded dinning room, which was now four times it's previous size to hold all the guests. Much like at Remy's birthday party there were many tables set up, flanking one large table at which there were 8 chairs set up. There were cards set up at each place and everyone was encouraged to find the card bearing their name. Remy was seated at the head table, as was Stephan, no doubt because of his relationship with Remy, because Sophie was given a place at on of the smaller tables. Also at the head table were seated: Victor, Draco, Narcissa, Lucius, Blaise, and Voldemort. Voldemort got one of the Middle seats, the seats of honor, and to his right was seated Remy in the other middle seat, in whose honor this party was really held. To Remy's right sat Stephan looking awed at his proximity to the Dark Lord as well as his bird's eye view of those in attendance. To Stephan's right was his mother looking dour as ever and absent-mindedly fooling with her napkin in her lap. To Voldemort's left sat Draco and then Lucius, followed by Blaise on the end. Blaise kept looking at Remy and Stephan with obvious approval shining in his eyes. He was so proud of his son, Stephan probably couldn't do much better than a vampire lord for a boyfriend, regardless of his status as a Malfoy and for that Blaise was proud.

Once everyone had found his or her seat, Voldemort stood and quiet settled over the hall, raising his glass of wine he offered a toast to a very shocked Remy who blushed at the honor. "To Lord Remy, may he prove as loyal and dutiful as his father, and may he be a success at all he sets his mind to." Remy wasn't sure, but he thought he caught a bit of accent placed on loyal and dutiful, and he wondered why. Then his thoughts spun back to the talk Victor had with him on the day he was turned. Victor was part of the resistance, and Remy was expected to be involved too. Did Voldemort suspect? The horror of this proposition momentarily dulled Remy's enthusiasm but he quickly quashed the negative thought and set his mind to enjoying the feast. He was able to actually get through the meal this time with out an assassination attempt and was fully satisfied after a large six courses plus dessert had been consumed.

After the meal, it was time to dance, and as the subject of the occasion, Remy was required to start the dance. Everyone moved back to the now cleared ballroom and a small chamber orchestra was set up. The first dance was to be an upbeat quadrille, of the sort that Remy had first struggled with but now executed with the seamless grace of a natural. He was required by tradition to pick a girl to start the dance with and he somewhat sullenly but graciously chose a girl of about his age and a little shorter to dance with. The girl introduced herself as Melinda Dresden and Remy was completely annoyed by her almost incessant giggle and the fact that she kept winking at him. Her blond curly hair was charmed so heavily to say in place that Remy amusedly considered bending it and seeing if it would break off. He quickly started the dance and hurried through in an effort to be rid of the girl. Remy really just wanted to be with Stephan and this girl wasn't making it any easier to bear. She kept looking over Remy's shoulder at her friends and giggling and holding her hand was like holding a dead fish, limp and clammy. Remy was appalled and kept his face in a well-schooled mask of contentment that showed none of his revulsion.

He was so grateful when the song ended that he almost audibly sighed and jumped when someone taped him on the shoulder. When he saw who is was however he was flooded with relief. Stephan bowed and asked politely, "May I have this dance?" Remy smirked and said, "Yes, you may, thank Merlin, anything after that disgusting experience would be welcome." Then he added in a sultry voice, "Anything with you is preferred ten times over." The next piece was another upbeat piece, then a waltz, and then a smooth slow dance, all of which Remy danced with Stephan, both blissfully comfortable in each other's presence. Finally, after the third song, they were both slightly sweaty and decided to go out on the terrace for fresh air. There they saw that a game of quiddich was being set up on the grounds, as trees were transfigured into goalposts, lanterns were set up, and teams were decided. Without even having to discuss it, Remy and Stephen summoned their brooms and went out to join the fun.

Taking off their capes, and setting them safely aside, they were sorted onto a team, Stephan would be a chaser, and Remy with his lithe build and vampiric sight would be the seeker. An older boy of about 18 of 19 in the robes of a low ranking Death Eater was the referee and, after the team captains shook hands, he blew his whistle and the game began. Remy had been taught the basics of quidditch during his stay with the Malfoy's and often played seeker in the small games they would sometimes play with Stephan's friends. Remy definitely had a bonus, his fast broom and vampiric eyesight made him hard to catch and made his team hard to beat. In less than five minutes he had the snitch in his hand and brought his team to victory. The other team complained of foul play and that his advantage wasn't fair. Remy grudgingly admitted that it probably wasn't fair and switched places with Stephan to give the other team at least a fighting chance. Stephan was good himself however, and in not much longer than it had taken Remy, the snitch was again caught and the other team had no excuse this time. Remy flew over to Stephan and clapped him on the back in congratulations before the two of them descended to the ground and grabbing their capes, returned to the party inside.

The evening wore one slowly, but eventually the clock struck one and the children were sent off to bed while the adults talked amongst themselves and the more heady drinks began to appear, and to take their toll. Even from Remy's isolated third floor suite he could hear some of the drunken revelry from the party way into the early morning. He only thought as he drifted off to sleep was, "I did it, For Victor, for Stephan, I did it, I proved myself," and then he sunk into happy and dreamless sleep, eager for the next days, and his attendance to the Dark Lord's academy in three days.

There you go, longest chapter yet. I stayed up all night for this one, so you better enjoy it. A main course of Remy, with a side of Stephan, followed by dessert of Remy AND Stephan, but you've got to tell me what you think if you want my muse to keep turning out this story. It really isn't that hard, there even is a handy little thing called a REVIEW, please use it. Thank you for reading!

Ciao

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