Chapter 32: summer alterations
Harry had never been so happy about his brother's birthday before, he had been counting down the days till Italy. He was happy Viktor was coming to Naples with them still, but would have given up the summer for him to be here in the fall. Harry could look forward to the new school year for more than no longer being the boy who lived; he would not be away from Viktor either. He knew there were still criminals on the run and he would have to be careful, but even Albus could not control him. The old man had got away with some of it due to the war, but he had lost that.
Harry had been shocked to learn he was wrong about that, and a week after his brother's birthday Albus was at it again. He had convinced Cornelius to consider Harry was not safe with killers on the run, and he should be sent back to his Aunt and Uncle. Cornelius was not one to cave in though, and a compromise was come to.
Harry and Draco were stunned, Harry speaking for both of them. "But our trip to Italy? And our friends?"
Lucius kissed his sons. "I know you boys were excited about the trip, and you are still going on one. The location has changed, that's all."
They reminded the boys about Harry's relatives, he had been spared from them using the room and elf. This time Albus would have been keeping too close an eye for them to do it, and Harry would have to live with the couple. He would have been alone as well for his brother couldn't have come, and he would have had no contact with Viktor or his friends. Their dads would not be coming and would miss Harry's birthday for the first time ever, but he wouldn't be alone.
Cornelius had never liked to listen to Albus before, and since Voldemort was brought down without him, Albus had lost a lot of influence. He still had some as long as there were criminals still on the run, but not enough to ensure the minister was forced to go along with him.
Sirius came into the room. "I have been to the home before; it was in the Black family before Bella wed. You boys will love it."
Lucius added. "It is only for one summer, and you will have a chance to know your Aunt and Uncle better."
Remus and Severus as well as the boys' dads were needed, two were former spies and one was an auror. It had been decided Bella and Rodolphus would take their nephews as well as Adrian and Ella to a family home in Malta for the rest of the summer. The couple were not able to spy anymore, and even Albus couldn't convince anyone that Harry was not safe with them. Andromeda would be coming as well, and though not the entire time, so would Viktor.
Andromeda offered to come to help Bella with the two little ones, and help the boys who were just starting to know the couple. She and her husband had known it would quell Albus even more, besides she wanted more time with her sister.
Rodolphus came; the women had already left with Ella and Adrian. "Are you boys ready to go? I promise you don't need to look as if you are to be executed."
Remus surprised them. "If it cheers you up, I and your cousins are coming into exile as well."
Though a marauder and order member Remus was not a spy or auror, and the wolves were not a concern anymore. His husband had convinced him to take the kids as they could not remain at school for the summer, and it would help the boys. Remus had pointed out Andromeda was going and the kids could have been sent, but his husband won in the end. Severus may have been the carrier but Remus was the mother figure of the two, he was the stay at home parent from day one.
Harry and Draco said goodbye and took a hold of the portkey, reminding their dads and Uncle to be safe. They knew they were still on vacation and this had been the best option, but they were worried about their dads. Harry would be a target for any former followers, but he was not the bwl anymore and could be hid away.
Harry had to admit he was wowed when he saw the home which looked more like an ancient fort out on a peninsula. "This is amazing."
Bella's voice came from behind. "It was part of my dower portion, and we always loved it. There are a lot of muggle luxuries too, when done your studies."
The home may not have been in Naples and they were worried about their dads, but they could see they would have some fun here if they tried. As they were shown to their rooms in a tower overlooking the water they were reminded it was for the summer, they would be back to school in the fall.
Draco reminded his brother. "You could always go and live with those muggles if you really can't stand this island. At least you will have Viktor."
Harry smirked at his brother. 'I am sure Pansy will not run off with a new man before you come back."
He ducked as his brother chucked a pillow at his head, and headed for his own bedroom. Pansy and Draco had been flirting since they went to the ball but were not a couple officially, but Harry knew they would. He happened to think his brother had no reason to complain, Draco had been far worse about him and Viktor.
Remus surprised him in the door. "I know it if hard being away from your dads on your birthday, but it will just be this summer."
It seemed Harry would have a bit more of a party then thought, his dads could not come but a few surprises arrived. Albus may have been pissed about Harry being sent here, but he seemed to think now it was safe. It turned out the Burrow had been attacked and though no one was hurt, the family needed to be relocated. It was known publically that the three youngest had gone to stay with Charlie in Romania, to cover where they were. The house needed only minor repairs and new wards but this was safer for them, and though Ron was a pain they were happy to see the twins.
Though the twins were a nice addition, the best guest came with the arrival of Viktor who would stay for two weeks with them. Harry thought this was some kind of conspiracy, his boyfriend moves to Scotland just in time for Harry to be exiled to Malta.
Ron was of course in a foul mood being stuck with them. "A month with the snakes who drove Ginny crazy, wonderful. And wonder boy still gets a massive party."
Fred turned to his little brother. "Unless you want us to use you for a game of pin the tail on the jack ass, I would stop now."
The party was actually small for the Malfoys, it reminded Harry of when he was little and his dads couldn't bring him to the manor yet. They would have tried to do more but Harry had not really been in the mood, even with Viktor and the twins there. They had just used privacy wards so the kids could spend some time out flying around the island without seen, and there was a pizza party. Ron was likely talking about gifts for a lot came from home, but if Ron had friends he'd have more too.
Viktor pulled Harry into private and presented him with a beautiful ivory pendant of a snitch on a black cord. "Happy birthday Harry."
Harry allowed Viktor to put it on and pulled him into his arms for a long warm kiss. "I am so happy you could come. It makes missing my dads easier."
Holding Harry in his arms he assured Harry his dads missed him as much, but they would all be safe and reunited in a month. It was harder on Adrian and Ella who were too young to understand, but their brothers and Remus helped. Harry and Draco were happy to get to know Bella and Rodolphus better, and now the twins were here which made it better as well. Harry had simply thought when the war was over he would have a normal life, but that would have to wait.
Viktor pulled Harry into the privacy of the den and pushed Harry up against a wall. "I could give you better things to think about."
Harry put Viktor's hands on the buttons of his shirt. "Yes."
Mouth lowering down over Harry's, Viktor slid his tongue in when Harry parted his lips for him. His hands had started on Harry's buttons when they were pulled apart by the clearing of a throat, and turned around to see who it was.
A very uncomfortable looking Rodolphus stood in the door. "The others are looking for you, it is time for cake."