Harry was never so relieved to see the Weasleys when they came into the Leaky Cauldron that morning. Bill was even with them and Percy who had reunited with the family after the fall of the dark lord.

Molly pulled him into a bear hug. "We missed you Harry. I hope your summer has been going well with your godfathers."

Harry smiled. "I have been having an amazing time on the coast with my godfathers. You should see the house, so much cooler then Grimmauld but a maze."

Ron slapped him on the back. "Heard though that the Malfoys and Snape are staying there with you guys? I mean that has to suck."

Harry hid a small grimace."The mansion has four wings and other then at meals we don't see them really. Draco spends most of the time in his rooms."

Hermione hugged him. "We thought we'd not get a chance to see you until school supply shopping. I was so happy when I got word from Sirius you'd be here."

Harry's smile returned. "Sirius and Remus both had some business so they thought I could come. I and Remus hit muggle London for a movie Friday."

Bill came over. "Fred said that you spent most of the day with them in their shop. How did you manage that? The twins never let anyone in their work room.

Ron and Hermione shared a smile with Harry. Ron turned to his brother. "Maybe you have to be the son of one of the marauders and godson to two."

Harry turned to see Percy. "Hey Perce. I was surprised to see you here. Ron said you and your mum had mended broken fences."

Percy shook his hand. "I finally came to my senses and ditched the ministry job. Bill is getting me a position working with Gringotts."

Bill pulled Percy into a headlock. "Need to get him an honourable job or that fiancé of his might come to her senses finally and run the other way."

"So you and Penelope Clearwater finally decided to make it official have you? When are you two going to get married?" Harry asked.

"I just proposed a few days ago so not for a while but we are looking for a house. Hopefully when I start this job we can afford one." Percy explained.

"My brother is to much old fashioned to let his wife pay for most of it. She's still at the ministry but she works for a smart boss, in underage magic." Ron said.

Feeling at ease and able to relax with his friends Harry headed back into Diagon Alley with his friends. Molly had brought the kids but she had some errands herself and Sirius and Remus had departed leaving Harry, Hermione and Ron alone to explore the alley together. Bill and Percy headed off for the bank.

Hermione looked around. "You know I live in London but I never get to come here except for school supplies. It's so much quieter here now."

Ron looked over at Harry. "She's just drooling over how short the line ups are going to be at the book store. You know that's where she is headed."

Sure enough Hermione dragged them along into Flourish and Blotts where she was soon pouring over the books. For once, she told them, she didn't need to hurry and find the text books in a rush of students. Her promise to go with them to the quidditch store made them keep quiet. Harry actually found himself a book on trick charms which made him think about what he worked with at the twins' store the other day and he decided to purchase it.

Harry went over to the counter to buy the book but as he reached for his coin purse the clerk stopped him. "You're Harry Potter?"

Harry was used to people knowing him so he was a bit surprised but he nodded his head. "I am."

"You're not to be permitted to pay for anything in the store." The man told him.

Harry gawked at him. "You can't refuse me service."

The man shook his head and reached for the book. "Not service, just accepting payment. The stores have been told to put it on your mate's tab."

Harry hid the blush as he took the book and turned back to his friends hoping neither had heard or noticed he had not paid. They hadn't and after Hermione had made her own purchases they headed out to quidditch supplies. Harry found even when they went for ice cream later he had been given it for free.

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Fred was manning the front of the store again and looked up when the door opened and he saw his brother, Harry and Hermione come in. He smiled as they came towards him but he saw something different about Harry.

"Hey you guys, enjoying your day in Diagon Alley?" Fred asked.

Ron nodded. "We're supposed to be meeting mum in a few minutes but we wanted to pop in here before we had to go."

Hermione looked around. "You're store is sure doing amazing. Come along way from the little mail order business haven't you?"

George had come from the back. "Thanks in part to our secret silent backer who made this all possible fur us."

Fred looked at his brother and nodded at Harry. "You know Harry there is something we wanted to ask you about that trick you were helping us with."

Harry knew that they wanted to speak to him so he nodded. "Hey you guys I'm going to stay with the twins. Malfoy townhouse is just down the road."

Hermione hugged him. "It was so fun seeing you. Keep in touch Harry and we'll see you at least when it's time to get our school supplies."

Ron clapped him on the back. "I think mom said that we were going to get to see you for your birthday this year so it shouldn't be that long of a wait."

Fred had been eying Harry as his brother and Hermione left. When they left he went and turned the closed sign on the shop and locked the door. They usually didn't close for another hour but business had been slow that afternoon as it was a Sunday.

George pulled Harry into a hug. "Hey little brother. Tell us what's up."

Harry shook his head. "It's nothing. Nothing more then what I already told you last night."

Fred led him up to their flat. "You know you can't play that card with us little brother. You promised us last night you'd tell us if something is up."

Harry sat down. "It just hit me. I went to buy a book or even ice cream today and no shop will take my money. They actually referred to me as Lucius' mate."

Fred sighed. "We know. We got the same message from the attorney. No one is allowed to let you pay for anything and to report what you bought, back."

Harry had thought that was what would happen. "Everyone is going to know. I mean Sirius will know when he tries to help me buy my school supplies."

George shook his head. "Lucius will probably either have you announced his apprentice by then or he'll tell the store keepers to take money for that day."

Fred wasn't sure it was all. "Harry, did anything happen to you last night? I know you were anxious about returning back to the manor."

Harry shook his head. "He was going to but I was in pain from by brands. He actually bandaged them for me and gave me some pain reliever before putting me back in my own bed."

George was relieved. "So the man does have a human side to him? That is a slight relief. You're sure that's everything."

"I promise." Harry whispered.

Fred turned to George. "Floo call Malfoy manor and tell them we're keeping him for dinner tonight since they're not returning to Cornwall till tomorrow."

George disappeared and Harry sent him a thankful glance. "Thanks Fred. I really appreciate you guys being here for me."

Fred pulled him into another hug. "You know we both wish we could have protected you from this. I know we can't stop him but we're here Harry. Just talk to us."

Harry spent the next few hours having dinner with them and just talking. He had never in his entire life felt so in need for big brothers as he was right now and the twins were happy to fill the role. He knew there was nothing they could do to protect him from Lucius but just having someone knew the truth was a comfort right now. He couldn't tell his godfathers but they were here and willing to talk.

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Again Harry waited until his godfathers were asleep and he slipped across into the master suite as was expected of him. He stood there as Lucius went to work erecting the wards. He was shaking badly not sure what to expect. He didn't think he could expect Lucius to show the same compassion as the night before.

Lucius turned to him. "Take off your robe and boxers Harry."

Harry removed his robe and fought back the tears as he removed his boxers. "There."

Lucius sighed. "Go lay down on the pillows for me Harry."

Harry was extremely confused but he moved around the bed and went to lie down against the propped up pillows. He bit his inner lip, scared of what the man was going to do.

Lucius came back and to Harry's surprise he had the supplies from the night before. He leaned in and kissed Harry. "No need for tears tonight my love."

Harry watched as Lucius began to unwrap his bandages. "Why?"

Lucius looked up. "I told you love, I treasure your body. I don't want to see you in pain like this. Now let me help you my little love."

Harry tried to hold still as he gently unbandaged Harry's thighs which were still read and puffy but the swelling was going down and the bandages had kept them from causing him more then a slight discomfort. Lucius gently applied some more of the cream to his legs and then applied new bandages to his legs.

"Thank you." Harry managed to get out.

Lucius ran a hand down his cheek. "No need to thank me my little love. You're mine to care for. When these heal we'll continue with our lessons."

Harry pulled away from his caress. "No. Please I'm sorry."

Lucius pulled him into a kiss. "I know my lover. And I think these brands have been enough of a lesson this time. Don't be scared little love, I won't hurt you."

"You hurt me before." Harry shot back.

"I know my little love. But I promise it gets easier every time when you loosen up. My little love if you follow our rules I promise I won't hurt you again. Your mine."

Harry allowed Lucius to feed him another sleeping draught laced pain reliever potion. As he drifted off to sleep he hoped Lucius would do as he had done the night before and take him back to his bed. He was just too tired and confused to refuse to take it right now.