The Vow And Its Consequences

Chapter 43

"I do not intend to ever use Muggle means of transportation again," Lucius declared, eyes gleaming with determination still looking green around the gills. This had been the longest day of his life, and he shan't be repeating it. "We are returning via a Portkey, even if I have to go to the Albanian Ministry." The plane ride had begun well enough, but the pain in his ears and the feeling of sickness had not to be tolerated.

"It wasn't too bad," Sirius admitted, shrugging his shoulders, not seeing why Lucius detested it so.

"I beg to differ," Remus shuddered, he too would prefer to go back by Magical means.

"It's not uncommon for people to feel sick during plane rides, some even get car sick," Minerva explained, as they waited impatiently for their taxi. They'd just spent the past hour waiting at the carousal for their baggage, and immediately decided they'd been idiotic to do this the full Muggle way. They could have already been on their way to the hotel, but no, instead of shrinking their luggage they'd let it get done the Muggle way.

"Just be grateful you didn't fly economy, you'd have felt quite suffocated," Severus said with a grin, a very rare sight on his face. Imagining Lucius' reaction to being in close quarters with Muggles was amusing to say the least. Even more so if Lucius had been forced to sit next to a Muggle, they had been uneven numbers.

Lucius just glared darkly at his friend, scowling petulantly at the amused look gracing his features. He knew whatever it was, he didn't want to experience it. Severus was quite a vindictive shit when he wanted to do, but then again, so was he. Perhaps that's why they got on so well.

"I believe that is our taxi," Minerva pointed out, the Muggles didn't seem to notice it, or the fact it had gone faster than what they'd say was 'humanly possible' so to speak. It was a smaller version of the night bus, and Lucius quickly hurried over as did everyone else. Making sure the kids were between them, so that they didn't get lost. Everything was quickly packed into the taxi.

Lucius spoke to them, informing them in their own language which hotel they were to go to. Being bilingual came in handy, especially for occasions such as this.

The driver quickly agreed, waited until they were all situated before he took off, both Draco and Harry were gleeful over the extremely fast ride.

"How long will this take?" Sirius asked, it was his turn to feel sick at the ride.

"Fifteen to twenty minutes," Lucius answered, a wry smirk adorning his features, it served him right for getting amusement out of his predicament for hours on that horrid plane ride. Who would have thought Sirius Black would be alright during the Muggle ride but sick with a magical ride that he'd grown up using.

"This is so much fun!" Harry said, gleefully, positively beaming at Severus, his dad as if he hung the moon and stars. "I've never been anywhere!" he was always left behind when the Dursley's had gone on holiday, and he'd half expected Severus to do the same. Well, he had been reluctantly allowed to go with the Dursley's when , but that was different, it wasn't abroad.

Severus' eyes softened, turning into a pile of mush for his son, who he adored. "I'm pleased you're enjoying yourself," he told the young boy, brushing his hand through his hair absently. He was so very grateful he had gone home that day, he detested the place, so to have bumped into Harry was…a miracle really. It hadn't been difficult to get a passport for Harry, which worked as both a mundane and magical one.

Harry just beamed again before turning back to Draco who as always commanded Harry's attention.

Neither of the children were aware of why they had come to Albania, and never would if any of the adults had a say. To them, it was a holiday, a short one it may be, but a holiday nonetheless. For the adults? It was almost all strictly business, they were here to end the threat that was Voldemort once and for all. Before he could return and cause more havoc in their lives.

"It should have been done sooner," Lucius sighed, sitting next to Minerva, he absolutely refused to sit next to Sirius and Remus. The boys were sitting up front next to Severus, quite content to read a book together, when they could, with how fast the taxi was going. Harry seemed entirely too fascinated with how fast it was going, and the look on his face…he wouldn't be surprised if Harry took to quidditch.

"Can I ask why you didn't?" Minerva asked, no accusation just simple curiosity, speaking without giving too much away for the curious ears in front should they elect to listen into adult conversation.

"Nearly everyone did," Lucius replied, "Only the Lestrange's and Crouch went too far, and it sort of drove them a little more underground in their attempts to locate him."

"It took a few years before they gave up their attempts, which were constantly being thwarted by the Aurors, it was the last thing they wanted was to be caught." Severus craned his neck to inform them. They valued their freedom more than bringing the Dark Lord back, which Severus was actually very thankful for.

"But has everyone given up?" Minerva queried.

"I do believe so, I mean even the Aurors did," Lucius confessed.

"They begun to believe what Dumbledore was telling everyone, that he was gone, and they were chasing shadows." Sirius gave his own input.

"Idiot," Severus sneered derisively, if he hadn't gone around telling everyone that the Dark Lord was dead…the Aurors might have found him and dealt with him. admittedly with the Horcruxes still out there, he may have found a way back. Perhaps this way was for the best, they'd destroyed all the horcruxes, and now all was left was to get rid of the last piece.

"It matters very little now," Remus said, always the one to calm any situation down, regardless of his group of friends. Whether it was just the marauders or this new group he'd found himself immersed in. It was difficult to tell which one was the worst off when it came to hot tempers. "We're going to deal with the situation and enjoy the knowledge that it's done."

"Yes, very true," Minerva agreed, lips pursed, "How is your own situation, Lucius? Has it been resolved?"

"Black found traces of the magical signatures, yes," Lucius said, eyes gleaming with a look that could kill.

"I'm going to assume you aren't going to the Ministry to have them deal with the threat?" Minerva sighed, already suspecting the answer.

"No," Lucius said coolly, "There is only one way that will get through to them, going to the Ministry…would make me be seen as weak. It's currently very unadvisable, especially given the perilous situation that will occur once our task is finished." Grunting a little as the taxi veered around a corner harshly.

"How many?" Minerva asked, how many children would end up without a father because they were stupid enough to threaten Lucius Malfoy? Especially threatening his heir of all things.

"Three, and exactly whom I suspected," Lucius said, barely refraining from gritting his teeth in fury. They would pay for threatening his sons life, how dare they? It was one thing to threaten him but to resort to threatening his heir? That was…a step too far in his opinion.

Minerva nodded, closing her eyes, she knew they'd never find the bodies…and that Lucius wouldn't be going alone. Severus was going to be risking himself as well, to protect both Lucius and his godson. "Just don't go doing anything stupid like getting caught," she informed them resignedly. She would have talked them out of such drastic action if she thought it would work, but like the past, they'd both do what they could to protect their loved ones, including murder.

She wondered yet again, what she'd let herself in for, but once upon opening her eyes and watching Harry and Draco play…she realized it would be worth it. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if Harry or Draco got hurt because someone was too immersed in the past…the war with Voldemort was over. It no longer mattered, the aims and goals were gone, life continued on, trying to revive the past would just cause more unnecessary deaths. If it meant a few had to die for the need of the many, well, it was something she'd live with quite happily.

Remus listened to everything that was being said, watching Minerva's reactions closely. He himself wasn't as comfortable as the others with all the deaths. Voldemort, yes, that was a given, he had destroyed a lot of people's lives. Everyone else? It made him deeply uncomfortable, he didn't want to know, the less he knew the better it was for all concerned. Everyone deserved a second chance didn't they? He froze when those thoughts creeped in, no wonder Dumbledore had gladly accepted him into the Order…hearing it over the years, he'd adopted it into his own way of thinking. There was no redeeming the likes of Avery and Nott, but he would have thought the same of Severus and Lucius before all this.

"Does the hotel we're going to have a pool?" Harry turned to ask Lucius, a shy look on his face, he still wasn't entirely comfortable with asking questions to others. When it came to his dad he'd do it in seconds, he knew he'd never be hurt by him, he'd proven that. Relaxing further when he felt his dad rubbing his back soothingly, letting him know he was doing well and there was nothing to be afraid off, that he had his back.

"It does, both an inside and outside pool, with slides," Lucius said smoothly, his blank façade fading a little, as he spoke to Harry. Making it clear he didn't mind the questions, although if it had been anyone other than his son or Harry asking questions he would have been annoyed. "There's also an aquarium tank that you can get into and swim up close to fish and such."

"What about sharks?" Harry asked wide eyed, agog over the new information.

"Oh, no, just fish," Lucius replied, he had heard of sharks and they sound as barbaric as the Muggles. "All different kinds, colours and temperaments."

Harry's brow furrowed, what did temperaments means? He asked this question, mangling the word so badly that Lucius had to refrain from laughing uproariously. Children, they were so innocent and charming that it was a sight to behold. He wondered if he'd ever been so innocent like them himself.

"Their natures, their characters," Lucius went on to explain, "Like how some people are loud like Black, some are quiet like Lupin and some are shy like you."

"Ohhh," Harry said, nodding, he understood, "Can we go see the fish, dad?" turning to Severus eagerly.

Sirius and Remus smiled a small painful smile, this should be James here with Harry being called dad. Dying so young, just twenty-one, he hadn't had the chance to be the father Harry deserved. Unfortunately, James was gone, and Severus was all Harry had. Well except for them, and Harry was okay with them now, but nowhere near as comfortable as they wished he was. They were giving him time though, and maybe one day soon, he would be fully comfortable with them like he was with Severus and Lucius.

"How about I take them?" Remus suggested, "While you investigate?"

"You're not coming?" Harry caught on immediately, gaze swinging to his dad a hint of apprehension on his face.

"Well, we aren't going to be just doing it once," Severus said with a flippant air, "So why don't you go with Remus, Draco and Minerva first and learn everything then tell me? You and I can go another time." He was well aware of how to deal with Harry's insecurities. Making plans always, always soothed him.

"I need to borrow your dad for a bit, but we will join you later, how do you feel about that?" Lucius said, treating it solemnly as it deserved, "Is it okay if I borrow your dad for bit?"

"Me and Harry aren't little babies! We'll be fine!" Draco protested, deciding to join the conversation.

"Draco," Lucius said his tone turning a little stern, "Being worried doesn't make you a baby," but he noticed Draco's words had calmed Harry considerably, oddly enough. Whether it was his words or Draco's though he couldn't be entirely sure.

"Okay," Harry said, brightly, already forgetting his earlier worries and fears. "Dad can help,"

Lucius gave Harry a small smile in turn, nodding a little in silent thanks. He was sure between, Black, himself and Severus they would find what they needed to in their time here. Four days they'd given themselves, but if they don't get lucky, well, he had enough money to make sure their stay here was more than comfortable. He'd hired to of the penthouse suits, more than enough room for all of them.

The driver spoke rapidly in his own tongue, as the taxi slowed to a stop.

Lucius replied, before handing over gold coins, the look on the guys face was one of wonder and happiness. Then they could all deduce he was probably thanking him profusely. Then he proceeded to help them much more than he had when he arrived, getting all their luggage onto the trolly for them, before saying something more and then he was off.

"How much extra did you give him?" Sirius asked, amused by the drivers appreciation, which didn't need a translation to be seen.

"Three galleons," Lucius explained, it wasn't much to them, but here, it was quite a lot, especially for a family to live on. Judging by the picture he had up of a woman and three kids, he suspected that it was his wife and children. Plus, he had driven quite carefully all things concerned, only jolted quite badly twice during the entire ride.

"Come on, let's get settled into our rooms and head for something to eat," Severus urged the children into the hotel, the trolly levitating behind them. This area was a fully magical one, they had no fear of hiding their magic here, nobody muggle could get near. It was probably why Lucius had chose this particular hotel.

"I'm in complete agreement, I'm absolutely starved," Lucius agreed, "The food on the plane was inedible."

Nobody argued him on that front, it had been bad.

Only Harry had tried eating it, and declared it was fine. Harry didn't like wasting food, after going hungry for years more often than not, it didn't surprise them. Severus had told him not to eat it, and had proceeded to hand out sandwiches, and that was all they'd had since they began this journey. Which in reality had only been three hours plane ride, but getting there and waiting.

"We should have ate in the restaurant in the airport," Remus commented idly. Even his own stomach was rumbling quietly, and he wasn't a food snob like Lucius was, hell even Minerva and Severus were so used to Hogwarts food that anything less was unacceptable. Although, quite honestly? Nothing bet the food prepared at Prince Hall, it was food heaven. Their meal at Yule had been the best yet, everything prepared to perfection. With decent company…it had been the most enjoyable Yule he'd had in years…ever since his Hogwarts years. Being on the run…didn't allow them to get together a lot, even at Yule.

"At the very least bought something to bring along," Sirius agreed, as Lucius spoke to the concierge and then the receptionist. They were then handed their keys to their rooms, and with that done, they made a beeline for the elevator, trolley moving behind them by concierge.

"You got the penthouse suite?" Sirius blurted out, agog, "But that's expensive!" even for the likes of Lucius Malfoy.

"For a lifetime of safety, it's worth it," Lucius drawled, before sniffing, "As if I'd lower my standards anywhere I go, regardless of the price."

"Heaven forbid," Severus drawled, a subtle smirk twitching at his lips.

"There are four rooms, Black and Lupin can share one…Minerva the other, and of course we will take the other, I'll share with my son, and Severus with his." He handed over two of the four keys to Minerva, and then one to Severus. He doubted Lupin and Black would separate so only one needed a key, personally it was best if Lupin took it, he was the more responsible of the two.

Harry tugged on Severus robe, and when he looked down, "You remembered my nightlight…right?" Harry whispered, he didn't want everyone overhearing, peering up at his dad, eyes shadowed with slight worry.

"I did," Severus said back quietly, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and ruffling his hair, beyond elated that he didn't even watch his hand or even look slightly apprehensive. He didn't normally show affection quite that way, it just wasn't who he was. Harry was changing him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

Harry sighed softly, the thought of sleeping without his nightlight had been terrifying for a moment there. It wasn't until just now that he'd wondered about it. Too excited about being here to really think it through.

"You really should market the idea," Lucius added, "The income that would be gained from it…astronomical." Having overheard of it.

"I have been playing about with a design," Severus admitted, much to Lucius' shock, judging by his eyes widening he hadn't expected him to take his idea to heart.

"Really? May I see it?" Lucius asked curiously.

"It's pretty," Harry said, cheeks flushing red in embarrassment that someone had heard him.

"I'm sure it is," Lucius agreed.

"Harry! Harry! Harry! Come look! The pool!" Draco said, sounding composed despite his excitement. The pureblood heir he had been raised to be shining through. "See!" it broke as he jumped up and down a little, exuberant and gleeful over his little holiday. He'd been to France, but the food there was horrid and his mum always went to the same place, and he never had a friend on holiday either.

Harry glanced at Severus who nodded, they wouldn't be in any danger, there were spells preventing any accidents. Much like the astronomy tower at Hogwarts. Although only those who are depressed and suffering enough to try and end their lives know about that particular spell.

Severus dug through his possessions until he found the experimental Patronus night light. It was small, lightweight, and circular, and more importantly at the moment a dull grey like a storm cloud. He handed it over to Lucius who took it with a curious look, probing at it in inquisitiveness. "How does it work?" he asked. It was doubtful you'd need a wand to activate it, considering it was meant for children, to do so was quite pointless.

"The initial activation requires a wand to set it up, once done, all it requires is touch, the rune on the top," Severus turned it around so it was facing the correct way. Severus easily demonstrated having already set Harry's one up, and a single press of the rune with his middle finger had the glow encompassing the entire room, and the doe floating through the air, calming any residual anxiety they may hold regarding their latest venture.

"Does it remain that way the entire time?" Lucius asked, watching the Doe with wonder, it was a beautiful piece of magic, Patronus' and the animal made it more so. Graceful, peaceful and beautiful.

"No, once there's no fear or anxiety it will return to the globe but it will remain active until its light or been switched off." Severus informed him, pressing the rune again, and the globe from shiny bright to dull grey as the doe faded into nothingness. "It's unbreakable, and it's easy enough to create a stand for it."

"I'll get in touch with Mildred Danvers for you, she'll patent this and within weeks you could be making a lot of money," Lucius informed him, "Shall I set a meeting for after we return to Britain?"

"It's not about the money," Severus said, there were many children out there like Harry who could use the comfort the Patronus brings. "I make enough with my potions," which was true, both his new inventions and his older ones, all were bringing in a steady income. If anything he was making more now, even while being a full time father to a child who needed him nearly all day. He might be brewing less, but with only Harry, his concentration wasn't being eaten up by being a teacher responsible for over thirty children, responsible for all his Slytherins which was over one hundred students, he'd hardly had any time to himself. With Harry his attention wasn't so divided, this whole thing aside, it was vital to Harry's future, and once it was done… that was it, no repeats.

Lucius just gave him a resigned disbelieving look, well used to his friends ways, he was just thankful that he was actually listening to him…and not just giving away his idea for free. Although, he had a feeling he wouldn't be impressed with how much he sold the nightlights for…but he'd wait and see before judging. If he had an ounce of Severus' inspiring ingenuity he would be using it to fill the Malfoy coffers more. Fortunately, he made his money off other people's ingenuity, by sponsoring them, investing in them.

"But yes, go ahead set up a meeting," Severus added, watching Harry, the boy would one day inherit everything. Prince Hall, the estate, and all the money he made. Hopefully not for a long time, but if anything happened to him, he wanted to ensure that Harry was set for life, that any family he had would live a comfortable life too. That none of them would know the struggle he had endured, the horror that Harry had ensured.

"I'll write to her this evening," Lucius declared, handing the nightlight back to Severus, "It's very well made, Severus," he did not give praise often, and when he did it was well deserved. He only said it because there wasn't anyone else to praise Severus' ingenuity.

"Thank you," Severus murmured, placing it back within his case, and flicking his wand and levitating his and Harry's belongings. Making his way towards the closest door, and opening it, placing the case on his double bed, there was another double bed in the room for Harry. No doubt they'd been added at Lucius' request, and the room enlarged slightly to accommodate the new bed. You could tell for the sole reason that there wasn't a nightstand or cupboard to accommodate four people in a single room.

"Harry? Time to go and get some dinner," Severus informed Harry upon exiting the room, Lucius and Minerva emerging from theirs at pretty much the same time.

"Hotel restaurant or finding one in the district?" Lucius questioned, being accommodating for his guests.

"We could have had room service brought up," Sirius pointed out emerging, wishing he had the time to have a quick shower, but a cleansing charm just had to do the trick.

"The whole purpose of allowing children on this trip is to allow them to experience another culture," Lucius rolled his eyes, well that wasn't the entire truth, but now that they were here, yes, allowing them to experience it was the right thing to do. Sticking to their rooms was just…boring, the children deserved to experience the rich culture Alania had to offer. It certainly wasn't just the Dark Lord's death on the menu. No they weren't going to be stuck in the rooms the entire time they were here.

"It is getting dark, perhaps we should explore in the daylight?" Minerva suggested, preventing any possible arguing that might occur. All these men were headstrong, always wanted their own way, especially Lucius and Sirius. Best to head it off before it got too heated. They were here for a reason, and hopefully they wouldn't forget that with all their squabbling.

"Then the hotel restaurant it is," Severus declared, placing a cooling charm on Harry's cloak and helping him into it, Lucius absently doing the same thing, and then they were all off, stomachs grumbling hungrily.

The seven of them were quickly seated, the chef coming out to greet them and personally deliver their food. which was exquisite, all three meals. Remus tried to get the least expensive thing on the menu out of sheer habit before Sirius ordered for him. Harry didn't quite manage to finish his, but that wasn't at all unexpected, it was quite a large helping.

"When do we leave?" Sirius asked, as Draco and Harry played exploding snap at the table, completely immersed in their game.

"Both will be awake by nine o'clock," Lucius mused, "We can have breakfast in the room, I can order it for us for then, say half past nine?"

"How likely do you think it will be that you'll find what you're hun…looking for tomorrow?" pausing on the word hunt and correcting himself. While it was a hunt, it was best not to use those terms at all. While not everyone here spoke English, enough did for them to be cautious at all times.

"We have the map, and if its still functioning accurately, and there's nothing too dangerous in the forests we should succeed before dinner…what do you think Severus?" Lucius said, gesturing for Severus to give his own input.

"I agree, the map should definitely function, at least until the magic is gone," Severus confirmed, and the magic would remain active until Voldemort died. When the Dark Lord was successfully destroyed for good, the blinking dot on the map should cease to exist. When that did…it was going to feel so good.

"Here's to success," Minerva said, raising her wine glass, Remus clinked his own wine glass against hers, and the others raised their tumblers and took a sip. They all indulged Draco and Harry when they wanted to join in, their goblets thankfully didn't smash the delicate glass as they were careful when instructed.

Once the drinks were swallowed, they decided to call it a night, the exhaustion weighing down upon them heavily. They were all in silent agreement though, Portkey would be their mode of transport home. As novel as the experience was…it wasn't one they wanted to indulge again. A whole day to get to their destination instead of a few minutes, well, how Muggles could cope with it, most of them honestly did not know.

It wasn't until they were in the lift that another word was spoken.

"Well, we definitely weren't followed," Sirius commented, "Nobody has even looked at us twice today." They were just another group of tourists, in fact they thought Minerva was their mother, and Harry and Draco her grandchildren. He'd gotten a laugh out of that one, although to be fair, Minerva was probably old enough to BE their mother.

"I wouldn't be surprised if someone shows up," Lucius sneered, as if they didn't have anything more to do. All of them suspicious because he was doing something openly decent. He knew he should have just been a secret backer, let someone else have the limelight, but he wanted to shine a little goodness, a little light, on the Malfoy name since it was so blackened after the Dark Lord. Two generations, sullied, he wanted to do this for Draco, so he could have something to truly be proud of. To be able to hold his head up high and genuinely be proud and not the faux pride that he liked to try instilling in him.

"Hopefully not," Minerva stated, even if they did, they wouldn't be able to follow Lucius, Sirius and Severus, they were far too good at evading anyone trying to follow them to end up caught. The lift opened to the penthouse and all of them entered,

Severus ensured both Draco and Harry prepared for bed, a quick shower, teeth brushed and they were out like a light. Severus remembered to place Harry's globe nearby and glowing softly so that he knew he was safe. When he emerged he found Sirius, Remus and Minerva looking over the maps.

"It looks like he's not moved all that much," Minerva observed from the map.

"He will be feeling the weakness I'll bet," Sirius said, despite the fact he had no idea how not having the Horcruxes was affecting him.

"If that's true he's made good work," Remus pointed out, "He's managed a mile I'd say," it was difficult to gage from a map.

"Desperation can lead to wonders," Lucius said with sadistic glee at the thought of Voldemort suffering.

"Indeed," Severus agreed wryly, giving Lucius an amused look, very much in sync in what he was thinking.

A/N – Okay, so there will be two more chapters, one and then an epilogue! I know I know it's been a long, long time since this was updated but the muse just up and disappeared. I do want to get it finished though, it's so close to its end, as are a few of my other stories that I just want to stamp complete on…I dislike leaving any of my stories unfinished so here we go! Will they succeed or will this end on a cliff-hanger with them just missing him with Quirrell disappearing on them? You have to admit it would be a hell of a way to finish a story :D