CHAPTER SEVEN
"And what happened after that?" Lily questioned teasingly, eyeing her son with no certain amount of amusement. Evan had brought Harry straight back after dinner and Lily had to stop herself from laughing at how easily the Rosier heir seemed to be falling for Harry's charms. Well, as long as nothing too untoward happened and the papers left Harry alone, Lily wasn't going to intervene.
"We debated books. Authors. Ideas," Harry answered as stirred his tea. "Evan even shared some of his stories from his time at Hogwarts." The young Lord sipped his tea. "I must say, I expected it to go downhill especially after his outburst but Evan … surprised me."
"Because of a small argument?" Lily scoffed. "Really, Harry. I taught you better than that."
"It was not small, Mama," Harry contradicted. "Papa was the duelling club before he died. He had an argument with someone."
Lily's eyes widened in an instant. "And Evan never mentioned this before? To anyone?"
"No, which is why I got so angry," Harry explained. His brow furrowed as he saw how pale Lily had gotten. "Mama what is it?"
Lily sat stock still for another good thirty seconds before forcing herself out of her own head.
"Do not fret about it, my son," Lily reassured with a small smile. "I will deal with this. You just focus on courting for now." She chuckled coolly. "Who would have thought that Lord Slytherin's choices for your suitors would actually prove to be very useful?"
"Mama, really!" Harry laughed. "Careful before you start to sound like Lord Slytherin!"
"Who is next on the list?" Lily asked with a small smile, trying to move onto a different subject as she allowed her own thoughts to begin processing again at a slightly less angry pace.
"Rodolphus. We will be going to dinner together tomorrow."
Lily nodded ponderingly and a look of mischief soon took hold on her countenance.
"I heard from Anya they finally managed to secure a deal and that Owain's prospective mates are coming tomorrow, is that correct?" Lily mused.
"Yes. Why?" Harry asked slyly.
Lily's green eyes shone cheekily as she grinned. "Invite Rodolphus."
Harry spluttered. "What? Why?"
The mischievous gleam shone even brighter in Lily's bright emerald eyes. "I know you like him the most at present, so let's see how committed he actually is to this courtship. Besides, he may also let something useful slip."
Harry shook his head at his mother. "I have said it before and I will say it again: you should have just allowed to Hat to put you in Slytherin."
But Harry did take his mother's advice. After a nice hot bath, Harry made himself ready for bed but not before quilling a letter to Rodolphus, offering him to meet Harry at the dragon reserve in order to meet Owain and his prospective mate.
Hedwig did not seem too pleased to be given a job so late in the evening, but when she saw that it was a letter to her bonded wizard's suitor, an amused look appeared in the eyes of the snowy owl and all complaints had gone out of the window.
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Rodolphus was spending a quiet evening in his study, reading. The Healer was rather happy he had patients to deal with most days because his mind tended to wander. He had been attempting to keep his mind from wandering on the topic of Harry, and his dates with the other suitors. Like most Lestranges, Rodolphus never liked competition and he knew his jealous streak was nasty. Rodolphus could not allow it to go out of hand.
He would lose any chances of winning Harry over quicker than a Snitch flitting across the Quidditch pitch.
When Augustus Rookwood had told Rodolphus that Evan had taken Harry to their duelling club, Rodolphus had to muster every ounce of self-control to not go and hex Evan into St. Mungo's. Taking Harry there was all but a declaration that Evan was serious in pursuing Harry. Rodolphus had hoped Evan would be his usual philandering self.
Evan was younger, better looking, brimming with confidence and a skilled dueller. Just looking at him made Rodolphus realise that he was not going to win Harry on looks at all. Though Rodolphus smirked to himself smugly when he remembered the way Harry had looked at him at their impromptu dinner. He hated to admit it, but Rabastan and their grandfather were right, or at least had a point.
Rodolphus was knocked out of his thoughts by the sound of pecking on the window. This made the Lestrange Heir frown. Who was sending mail at this time of the evening?
Rodolphus got up and went to the window. Outside was a beautiful, elegant snowy owl who was looking at him with a look that was deeply unimpressed and haughty. Rodolphus frowned but opened the window. The snowy owl hopped onto his arm and stuck out her leg.
"For me?" Rodolphus asked, surprised.
"Hoot!"
Rodolphus untied the letter, broke the seal – it was the Potter family seal – and opened the letter eagerly.
Dear Rodolphus,
I hope you weren't asleep and that Hedwig has not caused too much inconvenience to you. I am writing in the hope that you would like to spend the afternoon with me, not simply having dinner. Tomorrow the female Welsh Greens arrive at the reserve and Owain will be choosing a mate, and I was hoping you would come and meet him. Inyala you have met, albeit in a less than pleasant manner. I would love for you to meet a more docile member of the family.
Waiting your reply,
Harry
Rodolphus could not stop the goofy grin form on his face even if he tried to stop himself. He looked to the snowy owl, who was perched on his chair, watching him impatiently and looking at his quill and parchment.
Hedwig. Yes, that name suited the owl very well.
Rodolphus duly took his place behind his desk and quilled his reply to Harry. Not even rampaging hippogriffs could stop Rodolphus from spending a little more time with Harry, and getting to know the dragons he loved so dearly a little better.
Rodolphus went to bed that night, giddy. The next day, he was both giddy and nervous. He felt his body practically vibrate at breakfast, which had made Rabastan and his grandfather eye him curiously. Rabastan tried not to laugh at his brother's nerves.
"Dolphus, breathe. You are just meeting some of Harry's other dragons today. It is no big deal."
"Yes it is, Basti. Those dragons are like family to Harry. Lily's approval is nothing compared to theirs," Rodolphus answered with a deep sigh. "If they do not approve of me-"
"You will be fine. Just be yourself," his grandfather assured. "Harry would not have asked you to join him if he didn't think it could end badly."
Rodolphus nodded, but he did not look convinced. He knew that his family could not understand how important these dragons truly were to the young Lord Potter. Rodolphus did not blame them, for he had been just as dismissive initially. No, meeting these dragons was much like meeting important members of an extended family.
That was why Rodolphus showered, shaved, put on his best after-shave and picked his best robes that could also quickly be turned into something a little more casual. The Healer felt like he was perhaps putting too much effort into his appearance but he had honestly no idea what was appropriate to wear when meeting non-human family members.
Rodolphus felt underdressed in a sense until he Apparated to the dragon reserve and was greeted by the young Lord Potter. Harry wore a simple but elegant shirt of indigo with his sleeves rolled up. He wore Muggle combat boots under a simple set of black trousers. Despite not being dressed up in the traditional sense, Harry Potter looked tempting enough to Rodolphus. It also did not help that those emerald orbs were dancing with joy and excitement.
"Rodolphus! You are on time; the females will be introduced to Owaine soon," Harry informed as he casually took the Healer by the arm and led him into the reserve. "I told the dragons you would be coming today. Bartok, Syros, Layna and Rocla are especially keen to meet you, so don't be too surprised if they follow you around like ducklings today."
The heir to the Lestrange name nodded curtly, trying not to swallow too loudly. The idea of young dragons following him, ones who adopted Harry as their father, was a little nerve-wrecking.
To be honest, in hindsight Rodolphus should not have been as nervous as he was. Bartok, Syros, Layna and Rocla met Harry and his suitor on the road to Owaine's territory and greeted Harry with a very enthusiastic cry of *PAPA!*, dancing – if it could be called that – around his legs.
Rodolphus took a moment to study these young dragons. Bartok had horns that curved inwards, Syros had horns that made it look like he had a natural crown. Layna's horns spiralled slightly and Rocla had crown-like horns too, only smaller. Then, much to Rodolphus' amazement and shock, the young Hebridean Blacks turned to him and started hissing in curious and excited tones. Two of them, Rodolphus did not which two, even decided to smell his scent.
*He smells rather nice. Much better than the keepers,* Rocla commented. Harry translated this, with a smirk.
Rodolphus grunted. "Gee, thanks," he drawled. "I showered and everything."
*The keepers should do that too then,* Rocla stated.
*They do, but because you push them into the mud or push them into your own muck when they are cleaning your living space, you never notice,* Harry teased.
The Healer had to force himself to think of Dumbledore in a pink tutu in order to stop his mind from going to dangerous places. He never knew Parseltongue could sound so … sinful.
Rocla's siblings had praises for Rodolphus too.
Bartok was studying his face. *I like his eyes.*
Synok was interested in his stature. *He looks like he is able to defend his mate. Good.*
Layna cocked her head to one side at an adorable angle. *He is scary too, so that helps. Do you think he wants hatchlings? He would be a great nest mother.*
Harry spluttered at the last one and turned bright red. Rodolphus shoved his arousal to one side once more with great difficulty and instead frowned in curiosity. "Harry, what is it?" he wanted to know.
"Layna … she wonders if," Harry cleared his throat, "if you want children."
Rodolphus had to do a double-take. "What?!"
Much to his amusement, Harry became incredibly flustered. "I mean, I can tell her that it is not any of her business and that you do not have to answer a question like that on a first meeting since it is not human decorum-"
"Harry," Rodolphus cut across gently but firmly. "You may tell Layna I do want children. Not only because of my duty, but because I have always wanted a big family. I love Basti but growing up was quite lonely. Just the two of us – I do not want that for my children."
Harry translated this for the four young dragons. To Rodolphus' delight, his answer had been very welcome to each of them.
*He is very sensible,* Rocla decided.
*A big nest ensures survival for all. He is smart,* Layna declared as she padded closely to her papa's potential mate.
*I hope Owain takes example from this human,* Bartok stated.
*I am glad Inyala did not fry him,* Synok added.
The Healer had no idea how to take Synok's comment but told Harry not to scold the young dragon for being candid when the young Lord looked set to do so. Harry's irritation was soon quelled and the young Hebridean Blacks had to curb their excitement because they had arrived to Owain's territory of the park. Lila and Anya were already present, along with several of Owain's keepers. All of them were giddy with excitement, yet there was a look of trepidation that lay underneath it all.
In the middle of the clearing stood a rather handsome and impressive Welsh Green. On the face of it, one would have expected the creature to stand rather proudly and aloofly, considering its size and the beauty of its scales. However, that was not the case with Owain. Rodolphus took the opportunity to study one of his suitor's dragons. Owain was bashful to say the least, and the nervousness of the human handlers was shared by the young dragon as it kept pacing up and down, eyes firmly on the ground.
"He's stunning, right?" Harry's voice knocked Rodolphus back to earth. Rodolphus turned his head sharply and saw the young Lord watch him with a look of amusement.
Rodolphus smiled slightly and nodded. "He is, but I never expected a dragon to look like he could tucker himself out by pacing!"
"As I said before, Owain has a sensitive disposition," Harry informed fondly. "He knows that this meeting is important; he does not want to mess it up."
Rodolphus barked out a laugh. "I know how he feels then!"
Harry looked like he wanted to answer, but he was stopped by Lila, who had rushed over. "Harry, Mr. Lestrange! I am glad you two could make it. They are about to show the ladies in!"
"How many suitors does Owain have?" Rodolphus asked curiously.
"We managed to haggle for three potential mates," Lila informed rather proudly. "We have selected the best of the best, but still kept Owain's character in mind. Hopefully, one of them will be 'the one'."
Just as Lila had finished, in trudged a large group of handlers, each leading in three good-sized but different Welsh Greens. One had bigger horns than the other two, another had larger wings and the third had shinier scales than the other two. As Rodolphus studied the candidates, he thought to himself that the one with shinier scales might be the better option: the one with bigger horns had a feisty and aggressive glint in her eyes and the one with larger wings looked like she would rather be flying around Alaska than being here.
"Introducing Masha," Lila pointed to the fiery one, "Arca," she pointed to the one with huge wings, "and last by not least, Guendolin."
"So, what's the … protocol?" Rodolphus asked carefully.
"Well, we leave these three to get to know one another," Lila answered with a small smile. "If Owain takes a fancy to one of them, he will attempt to woo her with the customary courting dance."
The Lestrange Heir blanched. "Courting dance?!"
"Welsh Greens are similar to peacock spiders in that way," Harry added with a wide grin. "Some members of the species have been known to build structures, draw pictures and even make elaborate costumes in order to try and impress a female."
*Issue is, though,* Synok piped up, *we have no idea if Owain will be able to get any creative inspiration. He smells of nerves so much we can smell it from here!*
After Harry translated, Lila smiled down at her adopted dragon child. "Well, we will just have to wait and see, and give Owain a chance."
The humans watched and waited. Unfortunately, Owain was more than aware that his human family was keeping a close eye on him. He was also fully aware that three very beautiful, but intimidating females were keeping their expectant gazes on him. Very quickly, Owain felt more pressure build but he forced himself to tentatively approach Guendolin. Her scales were very impressive, her wings positively looked like diamonds in the sun and she had a pleasing scent.
Owain decided to try her first. Guendolin also watched him with a look of interest, rather than disdain so that was a good start. Owain felt a little bit more confident after not being outright rejected by the stunning female and lifted his head a bit more to give the customary snout greeting. Guendolin answered in kind without any hesitation.
So far, so good.
However, things turned a little sour when Owain went to greet Masha and Arca. Arca, who too as it turned out had a bashful nature, shyly hid behind her wings when Owain approached to the point she looked like a giant, scaly tortoise. Owain was utterly nonplussed and looked at a loss at what to do or how to react.
Winces ran around the dragon keepers.
"Oh dear," Lila commented, trying not to laugh. "I had a feeling this might happen."
"Oh, so Arca is the one the Rhys ap Gruffud Reserve warned us about!" Harry realised.
Rodolphus frowned. "You were warned about her?"
"Yes," Lila nodded. "You see, these three are sisters. We were warned that one of the females had a sensitive disposition that may clash with Owain and that it could be Owain would spend most of his time trying to coax her out from under her wings. We thought it might be Guendolin, but it was revealed how wrong we were when we introduced Bartok, Synok, Layna and Rocla to them and Arca refused to come out from behind her wing-shield."
Owain, looking a little worried – had he done something to scare Arca? – decided to leave Arca alone just in case he had offended her, an insulted female was deadly, and turned to greet the most ferocious female he had ever met. Not even Inyala was this scary!
Masha proved to the dragon keepers why they were right to be worried. She growled at him menacingly. *Away from me, pest! I can smell the cowardice on you from here!*
Harry paled as he translated. Lila pinched the bridge of her nose, the Hebridean Blacks looked set to panic and Rodolphus found he could not tear his eyes away from the Welsh Greens.
Owain, though he flinched at the harshness of her words, plucked up his courage and replied, *I may not be naturally brave, but I swear I am not disloyal. My mate and nest would be my priority, always.*
*Go Owain!* the Hebridean Blacks cheered.
Rodolphus found he could not help but feel proud of the poor fragile Welsh Green for standing up for himself.
Masha, on the other hand, was not as impressed as everyone else around them. Her lips curled up, revealing several rows of sharp teeth and looked like she was about to strike. Guendolin looked taken aback and even Arca was peering out from under her wings, looking shocked. *The only mate I accept is the one that can best me! I can see that you are already no match for me! You'll be more easy pickings than the humans.*
Again, panic ran around the dragon keepers. Several of them immediately began arguing amongst themselves to intervene and remove Masha at once. However, they were all too busy to notice that Rodolphus, followed closely by Rocla and Synok, had run towards the four green dragons.
Harry, however, did notice. "RODOLPHUS! DON'T!" he screamed.
The Lestrange Heir ignored him and ignored the fear coursing through his veins as he put himself between the scared Owain and the furious Masha. Despite the fact every instinct Rodolphus had was to run away, he met Masha's irate gaze unblinkingly.
*What do you think you are doing?!* Masha snarled at him. Rodolphus did not hear Harry's translation over the sound of his heart pounding but could guess at what Masha had snarled at him.
"Is this how you treat every potential future partner?" he demanded to the fiery Welsh Green. "If you do, I wonder how many tried to fly away screaming."
Rocla, who was standing directly beside him, translated what he said. While Guendolin and Arca tried to hide their amusement – at least, that is what Rodolphus guessed what it was – Masha looked indignant.
*Excuse me?!* she spluttered. Once more, it only sounded like snarling and hissing to Rodolphus, so he decided to continue.
"I know the lives of dragons can be dangerous. Your scales are desirable, your eggs get hunted, so are your horns. To have a powerful mate is important," he stated. He allowed some time for Rocla to translate before continuing. "But power is more than just the ability to kill a potential threat; it is also the ability to discern if violence is an absolute necessity."
Rocla continued to translate as Rodolphus stepped aside slightly and gestured to Owaine. "Owain has qualities other than reckless stupidity and the ability to fight in order to prove a point. He told you he is loyal, and though I don't know him, I believe him. Because I have seen already how considerate and polite he is."
Owain's head perked up and his eyes shone in disbelief. Was this human who he did not know defending him?
"Courting isn't easy, you know – dragon or human," Rodolphus continued, his gaze still not leaving the flummoxed Masha. Rocla, grinning broadly, went on translating. "Owain may not be to your taste, but how do you know if you don't let him try to win you? You may feel like you will not be picked. You may fear the unknowns. But that is not his fault."
As Rocla translated, Rodolphus expected Masha to fry him into a crisp. Instead, she glared at him coolly and then turned to look at Owaine with an expression that was slightly softer than the one she was wearing before. Masha's stand had relaxed.
Guendolin and Arca started hissing too, which made Masha relax further. Owaine had straightened too and Rodolphus had felt Rocla and Synok gently guide him back up to where the other human handlers were watching and waiting.
Rodolphus felt rather sheepish at the awed expressions following him. He deliberately avoided making eye contact with Harry until he had felt a gentle hand be placed on his arm.
"You're a bloody idiot," Harry told him through relieved laughter.
"I know," Rodolphus sighed apologetically. "I am sorry-"
"Nonsense! Masha listened to you. Look!" Lila exclaimed.
Harry and Rodolphus turned to see that Owain had gotten hold of a big stick and was busy drawing a complicated picture for the three sisters, who were watching with great interest. Owain seemed to have been pepped up by Rodolphus' speech, working with more passion and zeal than anyone had ever seen him work. While Guendolin watched with great interest, Arca too forgot her shyness and Masha at least had her head tilted, studying Owain's design.
Harry snuck a look at Rodolphus. True, he had been utterly terrified when the Death Eater had placed himself directly into the path of an angry female dragon but hearing him talk to Masha with such honesty had caused the young Lord to almost forget to translate for the rest of his fellow dragon keepers. Harry was convinced that, without Rodolphus, this situation may not have ended as well as it had.
True, Harry was a Speaker but Rodolphus managed to speak to Masha's heart. She had been just as scared as Owain or Arca, but showed it very differently. Rodolphus had seen that before anyone else. Possibly because the man was in a similar situation. Only, the man likely saw himself as Owain and Harry as Masha.
*I liked him before but I like him even more now,* Rocla's hissing knocked Harry back to earth. Harry smiled down at her. Rodolphus, who had been inside his head too, frowned at Rocla and looked to Harry for a translation.
Harry was happy to oblige. Rodolphus lit up at hearing that. It was probably at this moment that Harry decided he could not wait for dinner.
Rodolphus had opted to take Harry to a snazzy and quaint little restaurant close to the Lestrange estates called the Pea Green Boat. It was typically English but also quite strange in the fact that it had patrons who were both Muggle and magical; only it was exceedingly difficult to tell who was who. It was run by a friendly, elderly couple, Albert and Anna, who greeted Rodolphus and Harry like they were welcoming back their grandchildren who they hadn't seen in a while. To Harry's surprise, the intimidating Death Eater greeted them back warmly and introduced Harry with enthusiasm.
Albert and Anna seated Rodolphus and Harry at a private corner table and Harry couldn't help but admire the portraits and photographs hanging around the restaurant. The people around them barely paid them any attention, except for the few times Harry caught one or two people look at him and Rodolphus in surprise.
"Amazing, right?" Rodolphus spoke up, causing Harry to turn back to him.
Harry grinned. "Yes! I just … didn't expect it to feel this normal."
Rodolphus chuckled. "A Muggle-wizard establishment. Albert and Anna decided to open it up as an experiment in the 1950s. Rule number one for wizards: no magic on the premises. So far, everyone has been keeping to it."
"So how come you come here? I thought that you wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this," Harry admitted, feeling slightly foolish.
"I usually wouldn't," Rodolphus agreed, smiling smally. "But my family have been coming here for years. It was my mother's favourite for years and she had convinced my father and his family to join her. It had taken a lot of convincing but after one trip, they came back regularly. Grandfather still comes here every other weekend."
"And Albert and Anna know who all the wizards and Muggles are?" Harry asked in a low tone, looking quite shocked.
"Yes," Rodolphus grinned. "You see Albert is a Squib and Anna is a half-blood witch who initially grew up in Germany with a doctor father and a witch mother who also worked as a healer. But they had to flee Germany because of the rise of bad Muggles there."
"The Nazis," Harry nodded, remembering his mother's Muggle history lessons very clearly. Harry turned his attention to the menu card in front of him. "So, what is good here?"
"Most things are, although I am rather eager to try that strange Muggle beverage again," Rodolphus said with a grin. "Coca Cola, they call it, I think?"
Harry grinned. "I hope for your sake Lord Slytherin doesn't walk in and hear you say that! Plus, according to Hermione, that stuff is really bad for your teeth."
"Hey, I barely drink it," Rodolphus protested, grinning. "By the way, for food, I really recommend the duck! Anna still cooks her German-Prussian recipes from her family cookbook and the duck is one of the best things to eat on the menu."
Harry nodded. "OK! You going for an entrée?"
"Nope. I am a pudding guy," Rodolphus replied candidly. "I want to be able to savour Anna's sticky toffee pudding again."
Harry laughed at the dower man's antics. Rodolphus' barriers really had lowered quite a bit since entering the restaurant and it was amazing to see someone who could scare an entire room into silence with one glare, if rumours were to be believed, act so relaxed. It was at this precise moment a waiter came to their table to take their order.
"So, how long before we know if Owaine's efforts were successful?" Rodolphus asked curiously.
"Soon, I think. Guendolin seemed quite taken with him, more than the other two," Harry replied. "But then again, I could be wrong. Your little speech helped with that."
Rodolphus looked a little sheepish. "It was a bit stupid."
"Yes, but it worked," Harry pointed out. "I don't think I have said thank you, have I?"
Rodolphus looked shocked. "You don't need to-"
"But I want to," Harry cut across, smiling. "Thank you. I mean it."
"You're welcome," Rodolphus tried, and failed, not to flush with embarrassment. "Probably best not to mention it to Grandfather, though. It might cause the old man to have a heart attack!"
Harry barked with laughter. "I'll say!"
"How is Inyala holding up?" Rodolphus asked, remembering that the Opaleye was still on high alert.
"Apparently she's at least sleeping now and again," Harry replied with a deep sigh. "Metis, our Pendragon, is refusing to get a wink of sleep without at least three of us staying with her eggs. So far, there have been no more attempts at egg theft."
"That's something at least," Rodolphus sighed as the waiter came back with their drinks.
"Indeed. Hopefully Barty can help ward the reserve better to give the dragons – and us – further peace of mind," Harry stated, sipping his Coke.
Rodolphus hummed but said nothing else, also drinking his fizzy drink.
"You work as a Healer, right?" Harry decided to switch the topic.
Rodolphus nodded.
"Had any nightmare patients recently?" Harry asked with a small smirk.
Rodolphus laughed. "I recently had a bunch of kids who needed their Dragon Pox vaccine but all of them were scared of needles so a good portion of time was lost to parents and my fellow physicians trying to get them to stay still for one second! Then there's Mrs. Button – she is the bane of everyone's existence. She is a hypochondriac; constantly thinks there is something wrong with her when it's obvious she's fine because she still can complain about everything!"
Harry almost had Coke coming out of his nose because he laughed so hard. "Must be tempting, not to sedate her to get her to shut up!"
"Very," Rodolphus admitted darkly. "I recently had a kid who was being given too many potions to count for his anger issues. They were taking a bad toll on him, and no one thought about sitting the kid down to talk to him. As it turns out, he lost his father not too long ago and wasn't taking it well."
"Shit," Harry cursed under his breath as the waiter came back, this time with their main courses.
"Yeah," Rodolphus agreed and grinned at Harry. "Bon appetit!"
While Rodolphus dived into his duck, Harry carefully cut off a piece, making sure to get sauce, cheese and a raisin before popping it into his mouth. It was like his taste buds began singing a holy chorus at that point. Harry barely wanted to chew, just to savour the taste but eventually his jaws just started to work on their own.
"Wow," was all Harry managed to say as soon as he swallowed the piece down. "This is … divine."
"Told you!" Rodolphus stated triumphantly. "So, speaking of work, I am assuming you wish to continue to work with dragons after Hogwarts?"
Harry nodded as he tucked into another piece of duck. "Yes. I don't know if I want to stay in England though, or go to Scotland or Wales. Plus, Romania has an amazing dragon reserve. Issue is, it would mean leaving Bartok, Synok, Layna and Rocla, and I know none of them would take to that well."
Rodolphus nodded sedately. "I imagine not."
"Then there is the matter of the Potter Lordship to deal with," Harry sighed. "I don't even want to think about having to give up my dreams but I have duties to my family. Mama can't be Lady Regent forever; the law will not allow it."
"Your Consort is allowed to, though," Rodolphus pointed out simply.
"But whomever they are, it isn't fair on them if they have their own jobs and own wishes, and then they have to deal with ruling when I am not there for the most part – should I move to Romania, for example," Harry argued, stuffing another piece of duck into his mouth. He chewed a couple of times and swallowed it. "I think I have to come to terms with the fact that I have only two years to be myself – truly myself – before Lord Potter takes over."
"Harry," Rodolphus said gently but firmly. "You will always be yourself. No one can keep a mask up forever; you have to find a moment to just be you. I am sure that Bartok, Synok, Layna and Rocla – should you choose to move – will find a way to bribe or convince the other dragon keepers to allow them to visit you. I have only met them once and I am convinced that they wouldn't allow some distance to get in the way of seeing their papa."
Harry smiled at that. "If you say so."
"I do. By the way, Evan said you will be attending the Abraxan races that are coming up soon. He said you're going with your friends?"
"Yes," Harry stated. "As moral support mostly, but I love the races so it isn't going to be hell."
"Will your mother be chaperoning?"
Harry laughed. "Mama cannot stand the races! She doesn't really like Abraxans. Mama had a fear of horses when she was younger and that hasn't changed. Lucius will be there, as will Lord Greengrass. I think Adrian's mother will be there too. Why?"
"Just curious," Rodolphus shrugged nonchalantly. He then thought of something. "Harry, if you had to pick your least favourite creature to work with, which one would that be?"
"Oh I already know that one!"
As Harry launched into the story of the time the nifflers he had worked with escaped and had ransacked his mother's room, Rodolphus couldn't help but think that the day had been well spent, and that – perhaps – he was in the lead by a few points.
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Oh dear, Rodolphus – he could have so easily been dragon chow. Then again, they do say that love and competition make people do some very strange things! Let us see how Barty does. Stay tuned everyone and thank you in advance for reading my story!
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