CHAPTER TWELVE
Evan Rosier had a storm cloud hanging around him for almost two days; it was a miracle that there wasn't an almost constant dark cloud hanging over London because of it. Two days ago, Evan, Rodolphus and Barty got to hear Lucius, Marius Greengrass and Theodoros Nott boast at the meeting of the Inner Circle about how their sons and their friends had met some of Lord Potter's draconic family members. To make matters worse, the children had been lucky enough to witness the hatching of baby Pendragons! While Barty and Rodolphus had seemingly managed to compose their irritation, it was all Evan could do to hex the messengers for the jealousy he felt. Merlin knew that Lucius and Marius had it coming! Evan would have loved to see the young Pendragons hatch, without a doubt, but it was the fact that Rodolphus and Barty had already met Harry's dragons, and now Harry's little friends had the honour as well! He was the only one who had not met the dragons yet.
The Rosier heir was fuming, but more at himself than anything else. Should he have asked Harry if he could meet the young Lord's dragons? He had considered doing so once or twice but had decided against it because Evan knew he erred against decorum by doing so. It had been very tempting on multiple occasions, but he forced himself to move away from his desk if he got the urge to do so every single time.
But now, it felt like Evan was the only one who hadn't met them and it made him fear that Harry's dragon children might think their human papa's potential mate wasn't interested in getting to know them. That alone could blow all of his chances in one go; having a bunch of miffed dragons advocate against you was not something any suitor should want. Especially if the suitor in question was interested in meeting them but simply hadn't been formally invited to. Lord Slytherin, seeing the danger quite quickly, had fortunately switched the subject to something a bit safer to avoid an angry Evan Rosier exploding.
The next day had not improved Evan's sour mood. His Ministry business was keeping him on his feet the whole day – he was lucky he managed to get to sit down for his one hour long lunch but very soon, Evan had been forced to be up and going again on the behalf of Lord Slytherin's Wizengamot business and preparations for the TriWizard Tournament. By the time Evan was permitted to go home, he had wanted to jinx and curse anyone who even remotely tried to ask something of him.
His mother had not even dared to ask him to turn the music down when he started playing loud music in his study.
One would expect Evan's mood to still be down the day after that. But fortunate seemed to smile on Evan this time because on the way to his office, he bumped into one of the last people he had expected to see: Amelia Bones, who was heading towards her offices at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Evan genuinely had a lot of respect for the woman; fair and unbiased were often used to describe her but they fitted her.
It was almost in that moment Evan remembered that Harry's dragon reserve still had a poacher problem. Had Rodolphus spoken to her about it yet? If so, had Madam Bones already started on a solution? But there was also a chance the Healer had forgotten; after all, Rodolphus had a rather ambitious project going on at the moment.
Sensing his eyes on her, Amelia Bones raised her stern eyes to him and a small smile etched onto her countenance as she walked by. "Good morning, Mr. Rosier."
"Good morning, Madam Bones," Evan responded amicably. He plucked up his courage before he missed the opportunity to get the answers he sought. "Madam Bones, I have a quick question, if you have the time?"
Amelia Bones actually came to an abrupt halt and cast a quick Tempus with a frown.
"Well, I do have a meeting in an hour, but I have some time," the formidable witch responded. "What did you wish to discuss?"
"Forgive me for being so abrupt but I was wondering if Healer Lestrange approached you about a problem that one of the English dragon reserves has been facing," Evan answered. "Someone broke into the reserve to steal a nest of Opaleye eggs from a nesting mother not too long ago."
Amelia Bones frowned in an instant. "Healer Lestrange wrote to me about it, but I admit that I have yet to look into it. The issue is, even if I start on this, I don't know what we will be able to do since the culprits were not apprehended and nothing was stolen."
Evan's heart sank. "Oh."
One of the scariest witches Evan had ever met smiled slightly. "However, my Department may be able to assist in fortifying the security of the reserve much better. We cannot risk those Opaleyes being taken so I will have one of my people get in touch with the reserve in question as soon as possible. Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Rosier."
Evan sighed with relief. "No problem, ma'am. Thank you so much! Have a good day."
"You too, Mr. Rosier."
The Rosier heir breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped into his office, deciding to first deal with the most tedious part of the day: the mail. Evan tossed aside his copy of the Prophet for later, he put aside the letters that he had been expecting in relation to Ministry business, and discarded a purple envelope – he already knew this one was not worth reading. Then he stopped when he saw a letter addressed to him in Harry's hand. Evan put the rest of the letters down and quickly opened the envelope, his mind racing slightly.
Dear Evan,
I hope that this letter doesn't come at an inconvenient time; I know Ministry work keeps you busy, so the last thing you want is Hedwig tapping at your window in the early morning. I have something to ask you. I don't know if you've heard, but Metis' eggs have finally hatched – much to the excitement of everyone – and I have been pestered by Bartok, Synok, Layna and Rocla about when they are going to meet you. Inyala has been rather miffed that you haven't already been round to see them. Normally we would be worried at her indignation but it is giving her a moment to forget about the intruder so we're not complaining.
So, if you have some time this week, would you like to meet my dragon family? They're all rather keen on making your acquaintance. I should mention that Saturday is the only time that is not ideal since I am going to Lincoln that day, with Barty. Barty's been working on Papa's journals like a maniac so a break will do him some good.
How are you doing in general? I have been hearing that the Ministry and Lord Slytherin know how to keep you busy.
Harry
Evan found himself smiling several times at the letter; he knew that his visit to Harry's dragon family was long overdue, but he could readily admit to himself that the prospect of having the disapproval of any one of them scared the hell out of him. Evan was rather surprised at the concern of the young Lord regarding his health, but then again it shouldn't have. The Potters' capacity for empathy was legendary; it was so great that even some of the Light thought they were a bit much sometimes.
The Rosier heir had no idea what to make of knowing that Barty was already getting a second, clearly-Lady Potter sanctioned meeting. On one hand it doesn't surprise him – Barty was easy to like and could win over people without so much as trying. But the competitive spirit inside Evan did not like being one-upped at all. Especially since he had gotten off on the wrong foot with the Potter Lord.
This was perhaps his chance to earn some points, but he knew he would likely to have to grovel for forgiveness from Inyala and any other dragon Evan may have offended by not visiting earlier. Maybe an opportunity could present itself during his meeting with the Potter Lord's dragons to win over some of those dragons to his side? Plus, hatched Pendragons? There was no way Evan would miss out on at least catching a glimpse of them.
With a sense of determination, Evan gathered some parchment, his quill and his ink and immediately began quilling his reply to Harry, praying to Merlin, Morgana and Mordred and anyone else who would listen that everything would go well.
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"-and then we have a meeting with Lord Malfoy and Lord Greengrass to discuss further funding for St. Mungo's internship program – Bartemius, are you even listening to anything I am saying?"
Barty had to use as much willpower as he could not to roll his eyes. "Yes, Father," he responded as dutifully as he could manage.
"Good grief, your head is even more in the clouds than ever," Bartemius Crouch Senior grumbled, shaking his head at his son. "Have you been in touch with the Parkinsons and the Abbotts regarding their support for our campaign for the next election?"
"Yes, Father. They have yet to reply," Barty responded almost robotically.
Merlin, give me patience, he grumbled to himself as his temples began to throb. Do not curse your father, do not curse him, do not curse him.
"Of course," Crouch scoffed. "Playing both teams until there is a clear winner, no doubt."
"Well, that is the way of both of the families. It is how they have managed to hold onto their power and status for so long," Barty pointed out. I want to go back to the journals, now please, Morgana!
"I know that!" his father snapped irritably. "It is still the most troubling inconvenience." He then glared at Barty. "Can't you make use of your little courtship and get Lord Potter or his mother to talk with the Abbotts, at least?"
Barty had been waiting for a comment like this one.
Barty's jaw clenched in about two seconds flat and his eyes flared angrily. "I will not misuse the trust I have already garnered with the Potters for two families who have only some political sway but have never been the deciding vote! Do you wish for me to remain a bachelor for the rest of my life, Father?" he sneered. "Because you and Mother are long past getting more children of your own!"
"Useless," Crouch snarled venomously. "A good son would do his duty for his family-"
"Well, so sorry to have been such a disappointment, Father," Barty answered coldly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other commissions I need to attend to on behalf of Lord Slytherin and the Lady Regent of House Potter. Have a good day, Father. I hope you find a solution on your own."
Before his father could say anything more, Barty stormed off down towards the lifts, determined to leave and avoid his father for the rest of the day like the plague. And also possibly for the rest of the week; hopefully he could stay with Rowle or the Malfoys for a little while until the storm blew over. But first, Barty went home and wrote a letter to Lily Potter. Indeed, it was safe to say that the Lady Regent of House Potter was incredibly surprised to have an owl arrive quite quickly with a request for Barty to already continue his work with James' journals.
Naturally, she sent a quick reply to the Crouch heir, bidding him welcome. Lily also quickly asked Nipsy to make some tea and to prepare some apple pie – the Lady Regent had quietly done some research into her son's suitors just in case he ever needed to bake something or cook something to win them over.
Lily was rather surprised to be met with an emotionally exhausted Barty who actually looked set to burst into tears if someone said the incorrect thing. Her motherly instincts told her that this usually composed Crouch heir was in desperate need of a hug, but she also didn't dare to give him one. Instead, she took him to the parlour for some tea and apple pie, now very thankful she had asked Nipsy to make sure there was apple pie.
"I take it that your father has been his usual unpleasant self," Lily stated grimly as she poured the tea.
"You can say that again, my Lady," Barty confirmed darkly as he got himself a slice of apple pie. "I am so sorry if I am imposing-"
"Nonsense. I do have some paper work I have to finish but that will be done in a jiffy and then I need to do some gardening. Yes, I know I have elves for that but I find it relaxing," Lily grinned at Barty's surprised expression as she handed him his cup of tea.
Barty took his tea gratefully. "And what about … Lord Potter?"
Lily smiled smally. "He is currently in London and will not be back until dinner time, I'm afraid."
Barty shook his head, flushing slightly in embarrassment. "No, no, it's fine. I was just curious." He cleared his throat. "May I bring my tea and pie upstairs?"
"Of course!" Lily beamed at him. "I trust you."
Barty was very thankful to escape up to the Potter study and hide away with the journals to try and avoid facing his father. Plus, he had an Arithmantic break-through with the movements of three of the people James Potter was apparently tracking between the end of 1980 to around mid-1981 and Barty had been positively jumping to try and crack the Arithmantic formulas some more. What Barty had discovered the last time was that James had given these people codenames: Cyclops, Yew and Pharaoh.
Barty had decided to first crack the easiest part of the journals before trying to work on James' cipher. Whatever was contained in that cipher likely gave James' thoughts and extra information but the Arithmantic predictions told Barty exactly where and when James likely would have been, considering he would have been on the tail of those suspects. Which could theoretically supply the Lady Regent with possible witnesses or try to find the paper trial within the Auror department. Chances were, the Aurors were not smart enough to dispose of incriminating evidence considering the fact they were known for being obsessed with paper work.
Barty made himself at home on the study floor with the journals and the parchment with his translations, took a swig of tea, ate a piece of pie and set to work, completely unaware that Harry's Runespoor friend was keeping a very close eye on him from her favourite sunbathing spot in the study.
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Harry always hated hospitals. They smelled funny – like a combination of death, sweat, blood, disinfectant and lemon – and the food there was always absolutely disgusting. It was a bloody miracle that no one died because of shitty hospital food. St. Mungo's Hospital was not much better than a Muggle hospital in that regard, but the young Lord was more than willing to brave the hospital in order to surprise a certain Healer Lestrange with lunch.
Harry had to admit to himself that as he approached the dilapidated department store that he was slightly nervous. It was really forward to bring a suitor their lunch at their place of work, and Healers were usually very busy. But he had been getting lunch with Draco and Theo and Harry couldn't help but think Rodolphus might not have time to get some lunch from the St. Mungo's cafeteria. Draco and Theo had practically bullied him into buying the intimidating man's lunch.
The mannequin in the window with an ugly orange wig and a dress from the 1960s turned to look at him. "State your business, ye who wish to enter."
The young Potter Lord gulped. "Erm, I am Lord Potter. I bring a more nutritious lunch for Healer Lestrange."
There was a moment's silence like the mannequin or the person controlling the mannequin could not believe what they were hearing. For a moment Harry genuinely thought he was going to be sent away, which was fair enough, but then the voice recovered their ability to speak. "Very well. Enter."
The window melted away and Harry stepped into the crowded reception area with witches and wizards on rickety wooden chairs, sporting boils or creepy disfigurements, trying to hide them behind outdated copies of the Daily Prophet or Witch Weekly. The Healers in their trademark lime green robes bustled up and down with their clipboards, going from patient to patient and barely paying him any attention.
"Lord Potter." Harry turned his sharply to meet the eyes of the blonde, plump welcoming witch, who was giving him a stern but mirthful look. "Healer Lestrange's office is on the fourth floor. He is coincidentally on a break."
"Thank you," Harry smiled and went up the spiral staircase, making sure to keep to one side as to not impede the path of rushing Healers going from one floor to the other. His face scrunched up at the foul, smelling yellow gas that floated around each and every corridor and quietly pondered how anyone could actually want to work in these conditions.
Working with dragons was definitely more preferable.
The Janus Thickney Ward fortunately didn't have as much of that horrendous gas floating around but it was definitely one of the noisiest, with the groaning and wailing he heard coming from inside the rooms. Harry felt his stomach lurch at the idea of any kind of magic making anyone lose themselves completely.
"Ah, Lord Potter!" he was approached by a young woman who Harry would not have pegged to be willing to work in a hospital – blonde hair, bright blue eyes and a warm, charming smile – but then again, looks could be deceiving. "I assume you are here to see Rodolphus?"
Harry frowned slightly at the informality. "Yes. Where can I find his office?"
"This way. I am Healer Rebecca Whitegold; I am working with Rodolphus on his new project to improve therapy and mental health awareness for Obscurials, children who struggle to control their magic due to psychological factors and people whose minds have been affected by powerful curses," she informed jovially on the way. "So far we have been making progress, but we are running out of funds. Grant money is difficult to get."
"I see," Harry responded quietly. Why had Rodolphus not told him about any of this?
Healer Whitegold stopped and gestured to a cream door with a plaque that read Healer R. Lestrange – Head of Magical Mental Health and Psychological Maladies. "Here we are! Have a good day."
"You too," decorum forced Harry to respond civilly. He ignored her parting smile as he raised his hand to the door and knocked three times.
"Damn it, Rebecca, I told you that I am not to be disturbed until two or if I need to come and help with Agnes!" barked the ill-tempered Healer from inside.
Harry scoffed. "Last I checked my name isn't Rebecca, Rodolphus!" the mirth had returned to his teasing tone a little.
There was a moment of silence and Harry heard a chair scrape on the floor and footsteps hurry to the door. A rather frazzled looking Rodolphus opened the door and stared at Harry in disbelief, swallowing slightly. Harry tried not to notice how well those green Healer robes suited Rodolphus' complexion. "Harry … my Lord, what are you doing here?"
"Is this a bad time?" Harry shuffled his feet and gingerly held up the brown paper bag that contained a cold drink, muffin, a bacon sandwich and a salad. "I thought you might appreciate some lunch that is actually edible."
Rodolphus blinked for a moment before a smile spread onto his face from ear to ear. "I would love some food. Come in."
Harry let out a sigh of relief as he stepped into Rodolphus' office. It was a bit of a mess. There were four piles of paper on the desk and different books and academic works spread about on the floor and the coffee table. The only things that were not covered, were the sofa, the chair in front of Rodolphus' desk and the chair behind the desk.
"Healer Whitegold has told me a bit about your project," Harry commented as he sat down on the sofa, Rodolphus following suit. The Healer bit into his red velvet muffin as though he hadn't eaten in about a day.
He finished his mouthful before answering. "Ah."
Harry fumbled with his hands. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked quietly. "About the project, about the fact you are struggling to apply for grant money?"
Rodolphus frowned slightly. "It isn't exactly a subject one should bring up during a courtship."
"Why not? I want to know you – you. The good parts and the bad. That includes your work," Harry looked at him coolly, which made Rodolphus turn contrite in two seconds flat. "I know I am nothing more than a child but I am not a disinterested little fool-"
"You are more than a child, and I know you're not a fool," Rodolphus cut across reassuringly, his eyes serious. "I would never patronise you by thinking that. I just … don't like burdening others with my problems."
"Well, perhaps someone with an outside view can spot something you have missed," Harry smiled. "Eat your lunch and we can have a look together. If you want."
Rodolphus nodded. "Very well. I may be called away at any moment, though."
"Well, then get eating!" Harry grinned as he took the nearest article closest to him.
He began reading the article and he could feel Rodolphus' gaze on him now and again. "I hear you will be going to Lincoln with Barty," the Healer eventually stated.
Harry nodded as he finished another passage of the article. "Yes. Barty loves the place and I thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know him better. I have also invited Evan to meet my dragon family since they are not very happy he hasn't visited them yet."
"I see," Rodolphus' tone had soured slightly as he bit into his bacon sandwich with a bit more force than normal. "The children got to see Pendragons hatch."
"Yes! It was out of nowhere; well, we knew Metis' eggs would hatch soon but we didn't think it would be during a visit from my friends," Harry smirked. "Metis' children apparently have semi-adopted them already since they were there at their birth because they seem to be waiting for Draco and the others to visit again."
Rodolphus nodded. "May I visit them too? Metis' children?"
"Of course!" Harry blinked at him in shock. "Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna would love to see you again. I know Owain and his girls definitely want to see you again. But I understand you are very busy-"
"I will make time," Rodolphus promised. "I always do." He swallowed nervously. "Would you also consider coming along with Grandfather, Rabastan and me to a trip to Anglesey? Grandfather wants to go before the summer is over – it will only be for three or four days but-"
"I'd love to," Harry cut across with a grin. "Just as long as your grandfather and brother agree to it."
Rodolphus smirked back. "Oh, I am courting again so I have the whip hand over Grandfather in this. He will agree."
Harry nodded and then his heart sank when he realised he would also have to get his mother's permission. The Potter Lord grumbled to himself as he prepared himself to put on the ace of all Pout of Dooms in order to get Lily to say yes.
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So Barty is trying to escape his father once again, Evan will be meeting Harry's dragon family and Harry broke some courting customs in order to bring Rodolphus his lunch. However, the course of courting never did run smoothly – how will Harry's trip with Barty go, will the dragons take to Evan and will the Lestranges agree to a slightly unorthodox date? Stay tuned to find out!
Disclaimer: this is another one of my sandcastles from JK's sandbox! I do not own this world or make money from this. I just do this for fun!
I will see you guys in the next chapter!
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