Chapter 03 – London and all that Jazz.
"Oh Merlin" Cissy said looking around her. "So many people. Am I standing out, I am aren't I. This dress looks so..."
"Dated." Harry said with a smirk.
"Hey"
"Don't worry we'll get you out of those clothes shortly" he said with a saucy wink. He looked around, "That looks like a likely place." he said. Pointing to an up scale boutique. With 'Chanel' over the door.
What followed was an introduction into the world of woman's Fashion Harry was fascinated by. At first Cissy had been horrified to find out the sales girl thought she was wearing a 'New' Victorian dress. Luckily the sales girl had taken one look at Harry and pound signs had appeared in her eyes. Mens fashion, not a lot of change. If you ignored the the 70's which most did. So his Wizarding clothes toned down a bit. Looking tailored and expensive if a little old fashioned. So she had been more than willing to take Cissy in hand as it were. After finding there was no limit, monetarily wise. She had REALLY taken a shine to Cissy and Harry. Taking them to a more private area and giving them the personal shopper experience as it were. A service normally booked well in advance.
There had been a few amusing glitches.
"Tights?" Cissy asked.
Amanda, the sales girl, looked confused by Cissy's confusion.
Harry leaned in and whispered into Cissy's ear. Cissy looked surprised. "Really, all the way? Sounds uncomfortable."
Amanda saw the problem, sort of, "Oh we have stockings as well. In the same styles." she told them.
Harry let out a whimper and smiled at Cissy's curious glance.
"Stockings are quite the treat for the men" Amanda told Cissy with a smile, "I'm sure your boyfriend will appreciate it." she said with a nod at Harry.
Harry smirked, but didn't deny her statement, either of them. Amanda went off to get samples and Cissy turned to Harry with a curious look.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Boyfriend? Is it common for a woman of my age to date one of yours?"
"Well, I pass for a bit older than I look these days. She probably thinks due to the money I'm about 21."
"Still that is in fact half my age." she said shocked.
"Yeah but... well, it's something Muggle raised, or born think funny actually. Hermione wants to do a study on it actually. I'm trying to think of a way to explain... Oh I know...That woman over there" he said the last in a low tone.
Cissy looked. The woman in question was a very attractive woman, what Dudley would call a MILF, high fashion, obviously had a lot of money. Her dark brown hair expertly quaffed and expensive, tasteful make up. "What of her?" Cissy replied in the same tone.
"How old do you think she is?" Harry asked.
"60-70?"
"Ouch" Harry said making a face, "God, don't let her hear you say that... She is at most, and it's hard to guess, your age."
"What?"
"42 right?"
Cissy nodded.
"Yeah well if she's older than that I'll eat my hat. That's a MILF, I mean an attractive older woman. She looks after herself and knows what to wear. So it's hard, like I said."
"What's a MILF?" Cissy asked.
"urm... You are actually, but moving swiftly on. To them, you're about... 25, 30 tops. Magical folk. We age normally up until physical maturity, at about 21 ish. Then the ageing process is retarded to hell and back. Like I said Hermione wants to do a study. But if that girl studied half the stuff she wants to she'll be doing it into old age... I mean, what's the average top end age for a magical person..."
"Women... about 200"
"Bingo. That's about 120 years more than Muggles."
"Oh... dear. Poor them" Cissy said, smirking slightly.
"That does not make us better. Just longer lived." Harry said mock sternly. "I mean look at all the pretty clothes... You like that hmm?"
Cissy laughed, "Yes very much so. Well that explains it I suppose, but I am still obviously older than you. Is that common?"
"Not so much with women is my understanding. But since I've got a lot of money..." he waved his hand, "She probably thinks I'm a lot older than I look. These" he said holding up his cards, "Are just a color to you. To Amanda, it says 1 million a year to even get a card this color. The charges alone would bankrupt most. But then, these aren't quite what she thinks."
"Amanda now is it?" Cissy asked with a smirk.
"Well I might want to trade in for a younger model" Harry said with a teasing smile.
"You're an unholy terror" Cissy commented. "Besides I'd be willing to bet I know some tricks she doesn't" she replied flirtatiously.
Harry chuckled sexily at her, "Care to share..."
Cissy pursed her lips in thought. Then shook her head, "I don't think so."
"You know the going rate for a shopping trip like this. In certain circles, is a night of astounding sex." Harry said jokingly. He was right, but he didn't mean it.
"I'll bare that in mind" she replied with a wink.
Harry laughed again, and sat down. Amanda returned with a selection of items and she and Cissy started to talk looks.
A short while later Harry decided fighting the Basilisk had induced less adrenaline. Or some other hormone based reaction. Given that she modelled each and every outfit for him.
"God Cissy" he said when she walked out in one particular outfit, "Where'd you hide those?"
"Hide what?"
"Those fantastic legs." he said with a grin.
Cissy laughed and walked away, her hips swishing a bit. She was having a wail of a time, but she couldn't decide on an outfit. Then she heard.
"Amanda..."
"Yes Baron." the sales girl replied. Harry had dropped that title in there hoping it would help with their service. He had not been wrong.
"We'll take everything she's tried on; especially that outfit."
Cissy stopped dead and turned to look at Harry. She didn't know much about Muggle money, but in the wizarding world that many outfits was big money. She had known the Blacks were old money rich. Apparently more so than she had ever imagined. Of course her Aunt had not been a big spender or talked money much.
"I will need your card Baron, and I will return with the docket for you to sign. Is there anything else I can... do for you?" Amanda said. Her voice honey. Cissy lifted an eyebrow at the younger woman. Obviously she thought she could steal herself a money purse. Of course Harry throwing that sort of money around didn't hurt.
Amanda lifted an eyebrow back, which obviously said. 'Couldn't hurt to try' and took Harry's card and left.
"Harry!" Cissy said, "You can't spent all your money on clothes I won't wear much."
Harry bobbed his eyebrows at her, "Is that a promise"
"Harry!"
"Look, my generation... More Muggleborn's than ever before. We all HATE the current 'adult' look. It's going to change, if you like it or not. So you'll be leading the pack now won't you. Besides, I don't like spending all my time... there. So I'm going to need a beautiful companion. I volunteered you. Hope you don't mind." he said flashing a charming smile at her.
"Harry" she said, her tone soft and a smile gracing her face. "You should stop complimenting me."
"I'd rather not." Harry told her with honey in his tone.
"But if you don't... I may not be held responsible for what you get." she said with some honey of her own.
Harry smiled widely. "No way I'm stopping then"
Amanda arrived back with a small placard; the receipt on it. Harry glanced at the price, then signed off of it after doing a quick mental calculation. Amanda left again, smiling over her shoulder at Harry. Who had already turned his attention back to Cissy. Amanda didn't look too happy about that Cissy noted with amusement. The truth was that Harry thought Amanda was attractive, if a bit skeletal.
"Leave that one on" Harry said, "I'll find us a restaurant." he looked around, "It's about lunch time. We may as well grab a bite." he said not seeing a clock and guessing.
"We should get you a wrist watch." Cissy said, stepping down to sit beside him. "So, what was the pause for?"
"Pause?"
"When you signed. Don't be wasteful with your money."
"Not even a slight dent, I promise. That said. I just brought a car."
"I don't understand the reference." Cissy admitted.
"Well let's just say it was well worth it, you look sexy as hell... I mean..." Harry blushed.
Cissy smiled, and touched his arm, "Thank you."
Harry blushed a little more, "Come on, I'll ask Amanda to send... oh... hmm, that's a point."
"What is?"
"They can deliver. But obviously not... to the house."
"We'll carry it, when we get out of sight I'll shrink the lot into the purse that goes with this outfit."
Harry smirked, "That's a lot of bags we'll have to take down a side alley." he said chuckling.
"Trying to get me up an alleyway... alone... Harry"
"Now that's a bloody good idea." he said, then smiled, "Come on."
-#-
They had lunch at a nearby up-scale restaurant, again, one look at Harry. And now Cissy shouted MONEY to the host so he got them a table fairly quickly. They had a nice meal, and talked about not much, flirting harmlessly a bit and talking about Harry's plans.
Cissy looked at Harry seriously. Putting down her fork for a moment.
"Is this bothering you?" Cissy asked.
Harry looked up from the glass table, "What?"
"This skirt, is it bothering you?"
"Bothering me, not the phrase I'd have used."
"It's just you seem distracted by it."
"The skirt... Nope."
"Oh, that's alright then." Cissy said with a smile.
"It's those killer legs that keep drawing my eye."
"Harry!"
-#-
After Desert Cissy looked at him again, "Harry, eye's up."
Harry smirked at her, "At that particular moment I was actually looking at my desert."
"Just that moment?" She asked in amusement.
"It's not often I get to see a pair of legs like that."
"Harry!"
He smirked. "Does the age thing really bother you that much?"
"A little, perhaps."
"So, if you were my age?" he asked, his tone light but Cissy thought his eyes were oddly serious given the question.
"I'd already be on my knees" she said with a smirk.
Harry looked a little blank.
"Oh dear Harry, your education has been sadly lacking."
"So that's a yes"
"It is. If I was your age, or a little closer... Yes, I would be chasing YOU."
"Hmmm" Harry said, in a response she hadn't been expecting.
"I need the witches" she said after a moment.
Harry smirked at her, "Just remember that's not what it will say on the door."
"Funny" she drawled, getting up and walking away, towards the loo.
"High heels" Harry said watching her walk away, "Are mans best invention."
"Too right" a voice said from behind him.
Harry turned with a smirk on his face. To see a blushing waiter. "Urm... Your bill sir."
"Thank you" Harry said. Taking the bill, glancing at it and handing over his card.
"I'm... sorry sir." The Waiter said, seeing his job going down the toilet if he was reported.
"Don't worry about it. She's a beautiful woman. You can't help but look, I know I can't"
The waiter smiled, "You're a lucky man sir."
"Thanks" Harry replied. "Could I get a top up?" he said tapping his cup, "and one for the lady"
"Of course sir" The waiter walked away to run his card and Harry smirked. An idea running around in his head.
The waiter returned shortly before Cissy did, filling their cups and backing away quickly. He had no wish to push his luck. He couldn't see a tip in his future though.
Cissy slid back into her chair, "Eyes up" she said, now by route.
Harry turned to her, "I wasn't even looking" he said with a laugh. "I will now though, since I've been told off I may as well do the crime." he said with a pointed look down.
"I feel naked" she commented.
"Because I'm looking?" Harry asked, a little worried he had gone too far.
"No, I don't really mind. No, it's the skirt. I've got stockings on, but it's... a bit short... Harry are you alright?"
"Hmm"
Cissy smirked slightly. "So why the extra coffee."
"I have a question, or two. But I don't want to ruin our day. But I can't think of a more relaxed atmosphere to do it in. This way I hope you'll know it's not an interrogation." he said, raising a small privacy spell around them.
Cissy felt it go up and looked at him curiously.
"Don't want a Muggle to over hear us. We're going to be talking magical stuff."
"Alright, what's the question."
"Well, I want to make it clear you don't have to answer."
"Oh dear, this sounds bad. What is it?"
"Do you love your sister?"
"Which one... actually that doesn't matter. I love them both."
"Even Bellatrix?"
"Yes, in our younger years we were very close. Closer than Andy and I." Cissy told him.
Harry's lips pursed in thought. "Oh hell, why not..." he said after a minute, "Do you know where she is?"
"Why? Do you intend to extract your revenge?" Cissy asked, her voice going cold.
"If I had wanted to do that, she would be dead already Cissy. She was there that night you know."
"What night?"
"The night of the reading. She was standing in a specially warded area, invisible. But it was done so Dumbledore and Moody wouldn't be able to see her. I talked to her remember."
"Oh, yes I did wonder about that. Dumbledore can see through invisibility."
"Among other things... Not clothing thank god." Harry said with a chuckle. "But yeah invisibility cloaks he can see through... Moody too."
"Him I knew about." she noted wryly.
"Sounds like a story, but anyway. If I had wanted to kill her I would've done it there and then. Actually, that's not right. I wanted to kill her, sorry, but I did... maybe do. I can't though."
"Can't? Not won't"
"Both really. I promise I wouldn't. In fact..." he took a breath, "... I have to help her."
"Help her in what way."
"First I have to extract her. Since she was there at the end, she obviously agreed to Sirius's plan."
"Plan?"
"That's the second part. I have to cast a few ... less than savoy spells. Dark stuff, really dark. Luckily we have a ready supply of the virgins blood to hand."
"Oh, who"
Harry made a sour face, "Me"
"Oh, oh poor you." she said lightly mockingly.
"Yeah well, the unicorn blood was a bit harder to get."
"What?"
"But the thing is. I'll have enough for two."
"What's this leading to."
"Put it this way... Would you like a fresh start."
"I thought I was." Cissy said slowly.
"I've been thinking about it, and I hope you don't mind if I'm blunt. You're not going to get it. Either I take out Voldemort, or I won't. Either way you're tarred with the same brush as your husband. I've had five requests this week alone to take you in for questioning. Two from Dumbledore himself. The other three from the DMLE. They're getting a bit testy about me telling them to piss off. As it stands right now, well. Eventually they're going to haul you in. Which will paint an even brighter target on your back no matter what you do, or do not tell them. Sirius didn't think about that. Well I have. My question was testing the waters as a joke, before you think I'm doing this to get laid."
Cissy looked thoughtful and then shocked, "Your age?" she asked, the question obviously a clarification.
Harry nodded, "The original plan was for Bellatrix. Sirius realised there was no way to hide her. She's on the top ten most wanted for christs sake. One murder was his. But he insists that she isn't THAT person."
"Her marriage would still not be dissolved. Even if you can do, what I think you intend to do."
"Yeah, I'll be arranging a ... divorce."
"You cannot divorce under the circumstances of her marriage to Rudolphus."
Harry looked at her steadily.
"Oh" Cissy said getting it, "I can't believe he asked that of you. He had no right Harry. You mustn't do it."
"I have to. But let's just say I will never swear an oath blind to the specifics ever again." Harry said with a sardonic smile. "I'll do it. If you think she's worth saving..." he trailed off leadingly.
"The Bella I knew." Cissy said after a long moment. "She was... vivacious. The men loved her in school. Very intelligent, astoundingly good with magic and fun to be around. It wasn't until later that she changed. In part I blame her husband. I also blame Voldemort. Myself as well. If I hadn't left to Marry Lucius, she wouldn't have been so vulnerable. My aunt not so desperate to marry her off she would accept that ungodly contract. It didn't change her on it's own or anything, but she was forced to do as her husband wished. I think that was partly why she followed Voldemort."
"I have to say, I admire that you can say his name." Harry inserted.
"It's just a name" Cissy said, then got back on topic. "You have to understand, she is responsible for her crimes. But I think her path would've been very different had she not had that Marriage contract over her. Her choices less... fanatical. She did make a choice to kill, and cause pain though. If she wants to change, I think she will. If she is only doing this to get to you..." Cissy felt she owed him the last statement.
Harry shrugged, "No idea on that score. That is a risk I've factored in. I have a plan, but I need a location. I was hoping you'd help me there. Because Sirius did give me an out. I'm never allowed to kill her. But if she refuses, I can escape and wash my hands of her."
"So you will not kill her."
Harry shook his head, "You have my word. If you want an oath..."
"No, your word is good enough for me. SO this plan..."
"The spell, it will hopefully regress her to my age. Another spell will... change everyone's memory. Essentially it works like a virus... erh... disease, oh I know a plague, that one you might get. It is passed from person to person. It doesn't even need contact, just proximity. I cast the spell, and I am the only one that will remember her, other than her. ... Or anyone else I cast the spell on" he said with a pointed look at Cissy. "Your situation is by no means as dire. That said it IS sticky. This is an out. It would be my suggestion that you think on it."
"I'll take it." Cissy said shocking him. "I'll also tell you where she'll be in two days time. After that I do not know."
"That was quick."
"I've been thinking it over since well before I had a chance to escape. Lucius will kill me the first chance he gets. It has NOTHING to do with Voldemort. I know a lot of the Malfoy's secrets. He doesn't want that out in the open."
"Oh, I don't suppose you care to share" Harry said teasingly.
"Not really. At least not yet. Now I have to ask you something."
"OK"
"Why"
"Why what? Why offer to help you this way?"
"Yes"
"Like I said, it's not just to get you to sleep with me" Harry said with a smirk. The 'Not Just' was obvious there. "I like you Cissy. I like you a lot. You're my friend. We've become friends very quickly, but I think firmly. I'd like to think I can protect you all the time, all day, all night. But in truth I can't... But this way I sorta can."
Cissy reached over the table and gripped his hand, "Thank you Harry."
He smiled at her, "But just remember, this is your body not your mind. If it even works. I have my doubts some of the ideals in it... Well they scare the shit out of me."
Cissy laughed slightly, "I'm not surprised. I've never even heard of a spell, or spells actually, like these."
"That's because they didn't exist before Sirius created them. I know you may be shocked, but he's proven to me that he's good, VERY good at creating spells."
"I knew that actually. But I didn't think he would ever create something that required Virgins blood and unicorn blood."
"And ground Basilisk skin, don't forget that one."
"Where on earth will you get that?"
Harry smiled, "I killed one in my second year. I think I know where to find a corpse strangely enough."
"That's TRUE!" she asked shocked.
"It was your ex that set it up"
"I know, but I thought Dumbledore did it."
"What killed the thing, nope that was actually me. I had help, Fawkes and a hat. Which dropped a sword thank god. After Fawkes took out the Basilisks eyes I was able to fight it somewhat. It got me in the end, we went out together. Or would've done if not for Fawkes again."
"Phoenix tears..."
"Another component." Harry said with a smile. "Luckily I have a source for that."
"What about the Unicorn blood?"
"Already got it."
"How?"
"Black source actually. I'm just glad I didn't have to go kill one of Hagrids herd. He would've killed me."
"Not to mention you'd be cursed." Cissy told him. "I can't believe my bloody cousin."
Harry shrugged, "I'm not too happy with him myself. He didn't think it all the way through. I loved the guy, but he had that fault."
"Yes, that's true. Probably why he was a Gryffindor..." Cissy said thinking hard, then she blushed, "Sorry."
Harry laughed, "I have the same fault, so I'm not offended. We rush in all bravely like and forget sometimes there are consequences."
"Well, I also admire his Slytheryn thinking, it's sneaky as hell."
"Oh, it get's worse. But I'll tell you that one another time, now where will I find Bellatrix, and when?"
Cissy told him.
-#-
The Next Day.
Harry looked up, his eyes hard, "Mr LeStrange" he said
Rudolphus LeStrange looked over towards the voice, A young man was sat opposite him. Hard, cold green eyes staring at him. He didn't recognise the younger man, but something told him he wasn't in the mood to talk to him. It just didn't feel like a good idea. "Go away" he said, his gruff voice sounding angry. Like it often did.
"Rudolphus LeStrange, I'm calling you out." Harry said. Standing up. "Literally, outside."
"You want to duel me boy?" LeStrange said sounding amused. But not liking the mans eyes one little bit.
"I believe I just said that you ignorant fuck." Harry said, his tone not changing even at the insult in his sentence.
LeStrange glared, "You wish to die?"
"Not especially." Harry replied, "Are you coming, or are you too much of a coward?"
"Very well, if you wish to die." Rudolphus said, getting up and towering over Harry. "Formal rules?" he asked.
Harry shrugged, "I don't particularly care. But we will go out side by side. I do not trust you at my back Death Eater"
Rudolphus smiled slightly, "Have I done something in particular to piss you off?"
"Yes" Harry said as they walked into the fresh air. The old world seeming tavern silent as the occupants watched them leave. The street they stood in was in a rural area, wizards only. So they could duel in peace. For one thing it was a formal and legal activity, for another the street was devoid of life.
"May I ask what. So when I kill you I can tell them you failed?"
"Your wife... She is my responsibility. Your treatment of her is less than desired. I take people hurting the Blacks Personally."
Rudolphus back away, "I cannot fight you" he said realising who he was about to fight, even with the glamour covering his true identity.
"You have accepted the challenge LeStrange. There is no backing out now."
"I yield" Rudolphus said. He knew the Dark Lord wanted this young man for himself. He would kill Rudolphus for sure if LeStrange Killed Potter.
Harry lifted his want, "I do not accept."
Rudolphus looked scared. It was the honourable thing, to take a yield in a duel. How could the boy saviour refuse him? "Please... The Dark Lord will kill me if I hurt you."
"You won't hurt me." Harry said, "Are you going to defend yourself?" he asked, sounding mildly curious.
Rudolphus grabbed onto hope with both hands, "No, if I do not then you wont..."
"Avada Kedavra" Harry intoned with little passion, or feeling in his voice. The flash of green lit up a face set in stone. Filling Rudolphus's world for the instant before his death.
Harry dropped his wand, "That's part one done" he said in a dead voice. Apparating away with barely a puff of displaced air. Once he reached his final destination, after hoping around all over the country and finally using a port key. He puked up in the kitchen sink.
Cissy walked in, rubbing his back as he emptied himself out. Her eyes sad, and at the same time, there was quite a bit of satisfaction there too.