CHAPTER FOUR

"YOU WHAT!!!" Shrieked a wide-eyed James Potter, staring at his son as if he had lost his mind.

Lily was in the corner laughing so hard, tears were draining out of her emerald green eyes. Her shoulders were shaking and she had to sit down to keep from falling to the ground.

"I - it was Remus' fault!" complained Harry. "He made me do it!" said the teen childishly.

Lily by this time was holding her stomach and all grace had been lost for her face was blotched with red and tears of hilarity spilled.

James collapsed on the couch, "Malfoy and Snape here? MALFOY AND SNAPE HERE! Harry James Potter! Oh, my god, you know-" James stood up just then and cleared his throat; he shook his finger frantically, he was trying to smile, but it came out as a look of utter pain, "This isn't funny you two - you can say it now - just joking- come on! I know you can do it!"

Harry sniggered despite his father's distress, "N- No, dad I am not joking, mum didn't have anything to do with this. It was Moony!"

"That evil little lycanthrope!" James ran his hand through his messy hair, and he looked horrified. "Slytherins in my house-"

"Our-" corrected Lily through giggles. She cleared her throat, "H- Harry, I - I think i- it's a wonderful idea." She was trying to straighten her voice out, but when James glared at her, she went back into hysterics. "Oooh, might as well-" she breathed in and out as if she were prepared to give birth, "Su- suck it up, James. You can't back out-" She sniffed, and wiped her eyes. She then giggled again, and refused to look up at her husband who had a look of insanity on his face. "Th- The plans are made, right Harry?" Lily's voice was strained but even.

Harry nodded, amusement flashing over his features, as he saw that his dad looked like a lion that had been shut up in its pen for weeks without food. "Yeah, at seven. I swear I did not plan this, dad at all. It was all Remus' idea…"

James scowled, and sank back down on the couch, "I need a very - very large drink-"

"I need to seek the help - out of a few elves…" said Lily, rising. She giggled weakly and looked at her son, "I will never forget this, you making me laugh so hard Harry."

"Har, har, har." Said James, sarcastically. "That's not funny-"

"Oh, no, Mr-Marauder-For-Life-" taunted Lily, "You can dish out all the jokes you want on others, but when someone throws one at you - you get positively silly! Suck it up, James. They are Harry's teachers."

"And my worst enemies!" He reminded.

"Only because you made them that way." retorted Lily, "Now, I am going to seek out some help for dinner, Harry, would you like to help? I need to keep a watchful eye on James, who knows what he'll do to it..."

"I'm all joked out." said James, dejectedly.

Lily snorted, and gave a 'ha!' noise, "I'll believe that, Mr. Potter, when I see it." She winked to Harry, and then disappeared into other rooms.

Harry winced, and fingered the ends of his hair nervously, "Dad, I really didn't have anything to do with it…"

James scowled, "You mentioned it to him-"

"Of course I did! I tell Remus everything." Harry then straightened, "Besides, Professor Malfoy, isn't so bad-" He ignored the glare he received from his father, "I mean, seriously, that was years ago. Professor Snape won't be that bad, Professor Malfoy has propriety and Professor Snape will be forced to show that. Come on, dad, I'm asking you as your son, please be civil." He looked pleadingly at his father.

James looked up at his son with distaste.

Harry for some reason didn't find it funny anymore; particularly, because of the way Lucius helped him last night. He felt it would be a slap in the face, if Harry didn't make this right, "Look!" said Harry forcefully raising one hand, the other was on his hip, "I have to spend the next year in the same classroom as those two. They can easily make my life even more hell than they already do. If you don't suck up your pride just this once for me - I'll finally understand you, father." His voice was cold and to the point.

It made James look up at him in shock. "Harry? This can't be the only reason you're acting so hostile."

Harry scowled, "Maybe I want to give them a chance. I believe they deserve it, but if you don't want to do this for me-" He shrugged his shoulders. "Fine-" His green eyes had disappointment, and it made James cringed openly.

"Fine, fine, fine, bloody hell fine!" James grabbed at the base of his hair and shook his head, "I will be - nice." He then crossed his arms over like a child. "I need a large drink-"

"You don't need to get drunk until after they have gone. I do not want you to do anything malicious."

"Me?" asked James, a look of innocence on his face.

"Yeah, you! I know how crude you can be." stated Harry.

"Who are you? Lily?" asked James, horrified.

Harry narrowed his eyes, and ignored the question, "Dad, no drinking, no teasing about Professor Snape when you were in school, no ridiculing the Slytherin House, if you can't say anything nice do not say it at all. No crack jokes about them being former Deatheaters either. I am seventeen-years-old. I can easily make your parenting lifehell."

James looked up at that, and he looked almost scared. "You'd do that to me?"

Harry smiled, "Yes, daddy, I would." He said mockingly.

Lily burst into the room giggling even more, "I- I- if you k- keep this u- u-p I am going t-to turn into je-jelly!"

James scowled, "I feel like I'm ten years old!" He pouted, indignantly.

"You feel it? You are ten years old." reminded Lily, as she slouched unlady like in the armchair and shook her head, "I tip my hat to you, my dear baby boy!"

James sighed, he was giving up on the fight, "Sometimes, I wonder if we raised a Slytherin, rather than a Gryffindor."

About two hours before their guests were too arrive, Harry raced upstairs for another shower and then he spent over an hour looking for the perfect robes. He preferred muggle clothing; however, robes were to be expected with these two men.

His hair was brushed straight out and it had a natural shine. In one arm he had white robes with gold traces along the edge. The trousers were white as was the shirt, which was button up and so thin you could feel his skin beneath it. The gold was on the collar of the thin material cloak and on the bottom edges, the rest of it was just as white as the top and trousers. The other robes he had were pitch black with crimson red. The shirt was crimson button up, just as thin as the white one, while the trousers were tailored black. The outer cloak was completely black except for the bottom edge about four inches up was as silk red as the shirt.

Maybe, the white and gold would be over doing it. The black and red would be the perfect colour. He wanted to look classy but he didn't want to look as though he went through hell and back on his appearance. With this finally sorted out, he quickly dressed, and assessed every curve and line in his hair, before scowling at himself.

Why was he even bothering? It was just two Professors from Hogwarts. The same two professor's who timelessly walked in on Harry when he was covered in dust, muck, and anything else that he and Ron found themselves getting into and getting caught by one or the other. His mind shifted over to the blond Defence Professor, and he found that his interest in the man had peaked to something more than just a good looking former Slytherin, who was an arse to anything and everything that was Gryffindor.

Harry winced, why was he even wasting his time with this? He was a seventeen-year-old and the man was much older than him… and experienced… hard… sexy… real… his shoulders was all him and no padding…. The teenager felt his hormones speed up and his groin twitched. He visibly shook this from his head and turned away. Anyway, what else would an older man want with a seventeen-year-old besides just a quick fuck?

He was sure; Lucius Malfoy was definitely not interested.

There was a tap at his door, "Harry?" It was Remus.

Harry called the werewolf in immediately; Remus was standing there looking outstanding in robes of regal blue and his brown hair was pulled back and tied at the base of his neck.

"Well, well, well, look at what we have here-" teased Remus, gliding through and closing Harry's door. "I believe Lucius, will definitely approve-" He winked.

"Remus!" Hissed Harry, his face reddening. "Ssh! Keep it down - and - I am not trying to impress Lucius or anyone."

"Oh, really?" challenged Remus, his hands sliding in his pockets. "Okay then, take your robes off and slip on your Weasley jumper…"

Harry looked at Remus horrified, "Are you nuts? Let him see me like this?"

"Him?" sniggered Remus, his eyes glittering.

"Them." glared Harry.

"You said him."

"I did not."

"Did so."

"Nuh uh!" Harry pouted childishly and stuck out his tongue.

Remus laughed out loud, "There's nothing wrong with it- Harry." His mentor said, in a more gentle voice.

"I am not impressing anyone! He's older than me, way older than me. And- even if I was, what the hell would he see in me?"

Remus rolled his eyes, for a gorgeous boy who was good at nearly anything and everything he did, he was really lacking in self-confidence. The man circled around him until he was standing near the mirror and he pulled Harry closer until he was staring at both their reflections in the mirror. Remus held him by the shoulders and arched an eyebrow, "What wouldn't he see in you, is the question, my Cub. What wouldn't any male or female see in you."

"Besides fame-" scowled Harry.

"Lucius Malfoy has enough of that. He doesn't need you or anyone when it comes to the fame factor…"

"True." admitted Harry, "But, I mean, I'm seventeen-"

"With the most gorgeous set of eyes anyone has ever seen. You are positively gorgeous. You get hit on everywhere you go, by male or female. You have a wonderful personality with the warmest heart that it could soften anyone - including cold and sexy Slytherins. You can wrap anyone around your finger, you just don't know it."

Harry stared at himself and then he snorted with disbelief, "Right-" He tilted his head to the side. For some reason, he didn't see it. "I don't see it." he voiced.

"Of course not. You wouldn't be as beautiful if you did see it."

"HARRY! REMUS! GET YOUR ARSES DOWN HERE!!" This came from James, who had not been in the best of moods since the announcement.

Harry and Remus laughed at the same time, the latter kissed, the former on the cheek. "Come on gorgeous, let's show everyone a good time tonight. I have a feeling - that we won't be bored."

Finally, it was time.

Harry stood somewhat nervously between his mother and father in the entrance hall, ignoring his dad's constant muttering and his mums constant fussing. At exactly seven in the evening, the doorbell rang throughout the house and Harry grimaced as James moved forward, stiffly, to answer it.

"Good evening James." Lucius said, emphasising the name slowly as he extended a gloved hand. Harry closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable, but James merely glanced over his shoulder at Harry and then groaned before accepting the hand.

"Welcome, Lucius. Severus. Please, come inside." He said with only a hint of mocking. Harry let out a breath in a sigh and allowed himself to relax slightly.

Pleasantries were exchanged in order, as was custom in the Wizarding world, and Lucius greeted James, then Lily, then Harry, before finally turning to Remus and Sirius. Snape did the same. As was also custom, Harry and his family greeted Lucius first before Severus, as Severus had been disowned by the rest of the Snape family. It was a strange ritual, entirely too formal for Harry's liking, but then it was over with.

Lily led the way through to the dining room, keeping a tight grip on James' arm just in case he decided to say anything inappropriate. Well, so far he had behaved almost cordially, which, in Harry's opinion, was just as much of a miracle as it was a relief.

They were sat down and Harry listened as Remus and his mum both struck up polite conversations, neither of them without a glint in their eye. He was sat with his mother on his right and Snape on his left. Lucius was sat directly across from him, while Remus took the seat opposite Snape and Sirius opposite Lily.

James took the seat at the head of the table.

"Thank you for inviting us." Lucius commented politely, though he spoke to James, his eyes remained fixed on Harry.

"It was our pleasure." Lily said quickly, before James could speak, and then she smiled brightly. "How is young Draco?"

"Questioning my sanity." Lucius replied dryly and then laughed. "He is well, thank you."

Harry shifted uncomfortably, avoiding the eyes of everyone, but especially his father. He hated formality at the best of times, but this was just ridiculous. He searched in his mind for something to say to dispel that, but he could come up with nothing. Thankfully, with a smile in his direction, Remus did it for him.

"So Severus how goes the teaching?" he asked with a smirk. "Still annoyed by the fact that your students breathe?"

Harry lowered his head, smiling, his eyes filled with laughter. He tried to keep himself from laughing, as Severus answered him.

"It could be worse."

Harry eyes fell to his half eaten plate, his legs were crossed under the table, and he listened as Remus continued the conversation with Sirius and Lily jumping in from time to time.

"Lucius, what kind of extra summer work, did you put my Harry through?" asked Lily, to the aristocratic man.

Harry grimaced inwardly, and raised his head slightly to look at Lucius. The man looked unsurprised by the question, "I gave him a series of aptitude tests that went beyond the years of Hogwarts and even into the Auror department-"

Sirius perked at this, "Oh, really? How did that go?"

"I have yet to find out." said Lucius, glancing over at Harry. "I've given him the whole summer to complete it. It would be unfair to ask for his work right now."

James arched an eyebrow, "Unfair? Since when were-" Harry felt his mother react, and then his father made a, 'oomph.' sound and lowered his head as his hand ran under the table to his bruised knee. "That's- good. I - am glad my son is being challenged." He choked out, with a strained smile.

More stiff conversation and Harry had enough. He smiled gracefully, and asked to be excused. He stared pointedly at Remus, before disappearing out of the room and then up the flight of steps. He leaned against the wall next to the bathroom. He grumbled and loosened his cloak when the step noises could be heard.

He saw Remus come up, "A little stiff huh?"

Harry snorted, "You think? The sharpest blade in the world would have a hard time cutting through the tension!" He hissed, he headed for his bedroom and kicked it open. "My father is being a right arse."

"He hasn't said anything!"

"That's because, mum had to kick him every ten seconds." griped Harry, unaware of Lucius having followed a few seconds behind Remus.

The Slytherin leaned against the wall, unable to help himself in listening.

Remus laughed, "He did look amusing, whenever he grunted or groaned."

Harry shook his head, "This is ridiculous. I hate formalities. I hate them! It's not me. Ulgh," he sagged against the armchair in his room. "I had hoped, that dad would have adhered to my word-"

"He's trying, Harry. He is not as open minded as you are."

"You set it up!" declared Harry, "I mean - it wasn't unwelcome." he admitted, his cheeks reddening. "But, it's clear that dad's ego stands in the way…"

"In the way of what Harry?"

"Er- what do you mean?" said Harry, feeling as if he had said too much already.

"Oh, come on, Cub. We talked about this earlier-" Remus smiled, and held his hands behind his back. "You remember?"

Harry huffed, "Which part?"

"All of it."

"I'm seventeen-years-old." reminded Harry lamely.

"So?" asked Remus.

"So? Remus, don't you get it. He's the same age as you-"

Remus scoffed, "You say that, like it's a bad thing."

Harry rolled his eyes, "You know, what I mean. No experienced man wants anything to do with an inexperienced seventeen-year-old."

"You're not that inexperienced Harry."

"Oh bull shit. You remember what we talked about earlier today at the ice cream shop! You know, what I told you."

"Yes, I know what you told me. Listen to me - Harry."

Harry stared at him wearily, "Do I want too?" asked the teen grudgingly.

"I think you do-" said Remus, pulling his hands around and touching Harry's cheeks. "What you want isn't so far away."

Harry glared, "He would never like me, Remus. I made an idiot of myself yesterday night. I embarrassed him; I did the complete opposite of his very being. I was casual and lazy. I did not hold myself up to propriety standards. I hate propriety standards!" He threw his hands up, "Not to mention, he's my bloody Defence Teacher. A man who despises me-"

"If he really despised you, Harry, would he have shielded you from prying eyes last night when you got yourself totalled?" Harry rolled his eyes, but didn't comment. He had nothing to retort to that. Remus chuckled, "Quiet, are we, my cub?" The man smiled, "You don't give yourself enough credit Harry. He came over, today, to check if you were alright. He accepted the invitation to dinner. A Malfoy does not have to do a damn thing they do not want to do. He is not like usual society, he has no problems in telling you no…"

Harry squirmed, at the image. He wanted to see it. He wanted it to be possible. But, there was so many things standing in the way. Age, school, parents, friends, eyes, and so many other things. Harry didn't see any way possible around this.

"There's still this little factor, Remus, something called age. He can have anyone he wanted-"

"And so can you!" Remus declared, his hands going up, trying hard to get it through this boy's mind. "You can too! You just do not see it."

"I don't want to be wanted for sex, fame, money, or any of the above." snapped Harry, "I don't want that-"

"Of course not! Why do you think, I believe that you and Lucius Malfoy would be a hell of a match?" Remus laughed, "You don't give a damn who's Slytherin, whose Gryffindor, whose, who…"

"But, he does."

"Let him make that decision, Harry. Not you." stated the wise ol' werewolf. He looked around and checked his watch, "We've been ten minutes up here, discussing this, we best get back downstairs… Merlin only knows what James could do or say to Severus, while you're gone."

"Mum is down there-"

"Yes, but your mum also didn't threaten him, with teenage rebellion."

"She could threaten him with sex!" Harry cringed, as he said that.

Remus laughed, "She already has use for that one…"

"Don't tell me!" insisted Harry, moving to his mirror and checking that he was unruffled.

Lucius paused at the door, his eyebrows having gone straight into his hairline. He could not help but allow himself a small smile. So, it hadn't been just his own imagination, playing tricks on him. He leaned up off the wall, and quietly made his way back downstairs before the werewolf could sense him. He wouldn't be surprised, if he already knew. But, his mind was on other matters, they hovered around a confused and broken in confidence green-eyed minx.

Soon after, Harry and Remus walked out together, and made their way back to the Dining Hall.

When he entered the Hall, Harry looked to his father, whose cheeks were a bit red, and he was hunched slightly, apparently rubbing his beat up knees. He glanced swiftly to Professor Snape, who looked unruffled, and was talking with his mother about the newest potion on the market. Lucius, Harry noticed, was sitting as poised as he usually did, and he also had an indescribable look on his face.

"Geez! Watchoo do up there, with Harry, Rem?" teased Sirius, when Lily scowled at him for such a remark, and James snorted, with mild amusement.

Remus gave his mate a casual smile, "Wouldn't you like to know." Harry choked as he practically tripped on his own feet to get back to his seat. He glared.

"Sorry, Remus just wanted to talk to me about an embarrassing problem of his." He said, smirking now. "He wants me to ask you, Professor Snape, if you have any… you know… potions, for old people to get it up." He continued in a stage whisper and then grinned wickedly when Remus turned red and both Lily and Sirius burst out laughing while James spluttered.

"Harry!" Lily said, trying to calm down. "That's not an appropriate topic for the dinner table!"

"That's why he wanted me to go upstairs." Harry replied with a straight face. When he caught sight of the gleam in the werewolf's eye, though, he knew he was going to pay for that.

When Lucius laughed as well, though, Harry figured it was worth it. The man's laughter was musical and infectious, his entire face lit up and his eyes seemed to glow as they fixed on Harry. He felt himself blush again, and averted his eyes quickly.

"I'm sure I can… whip… something up for you." Snape replied silkily, smirking as he glanced over at the werewolf almost lazily, and Harry choked back another laugh, pushing his plate away.

Sirius was almost unable to breathe, he was laughing so much. Lily was red and staring at her son in shock. James couldn't help but snort with amusement. That had broken some of the chilling ice that was centring on the dinner table.

"Thanks Sev," Remus said dryly, and then smirked back at Harry, "I'll be sure to share with you, you might need it for your new boyfriend."

Harry flinched as everyone sobered up immediately and turned to look at him curiously.

"Your new boyfriend?" Lily asked, smiling. "Got your eye on someone already, have you?"

"Some might say literally." Remus muttered but then held up his hands in surrender when Harry kicked him. The only problem was… it wasn't Remus who flinched, it was Lucius. Harry's eyes widened and he ducked his head under the table to confirm that it was actually the elder Malfoy he had kicked. He winced.

"Oh shit! I'm sorry!" he said, horrified. "That was meant for that big mouthed git!" without even realising what he was doing, Harry rubbed his foot up the older man's leg, trying to ease where he had kicked him. He froze; his foot halfway up the man's leg, when Lucius arched an eyebrow up elegantly and smiled almost predatorily.

"It's quite alright." The blonde murmured. "Though I'm afraid if you keep doing that, I'm going to have … other… problems." He purred in a voice that Harry would have sworn was suggestively if it hadn't been… well, Lucius Malfoy. Still, his eyes widened even more, ignoring the splutters from around the table, and was unable to move his foot from shock. Satisfied, Lucius' grin widened. "Your shoe is dirty."

Harry flushed deeply and quickly dragged his foot away.

Thankfully after that the dinner came to an end quickly after that, and before Harry knew what was happening, he was stood in the entrance hall once more, exchanging yet more pleasantries. When he held out his hand to shake Malfoy's, though, the elder man pulled him closer when no one else was looking, keeping a tight hold of Harry's hand in his own.

"Come to the manor in two days for dinner?" he murmured, his mouth close to Harry's ear. "I'd invite your parents but I don't think your father would be impressed."

"I really shouldn't-"

"I wont take no for an answer." Lucius said and then he took a step back and smiled. "I'll see you on Tuesday then Harry; in the afternoon at my manor. We'll see how you're doing on that work I set you. Don't forget."

"He'll be there." Lily assured him as she came up from behind Harry, hearing only the end of the conversation. "I'll see to it."

"I thank you." Lucius murmured even as Harry blushed and ducked his head. "Thank you for a wonderful evening, Lily, James. Good night."

Harry never heard the end of it from his father. The man practically stripped out of his dress robes before he even made it up the steps. Harry was in that same exact process, one of the few things the two had in common. Harry was still blushing and when Remus walked by, Harry gave him a right kick up the arse.

"Ouch!" Remus laughed out loud, and grabbed him, "Well- it went well-" he said, pulling the flustered teen to him for a kiss on the forehead. "I heard you got invited to his manor-"

Harry glared at him, "You bastard!" He smacked him in the chest, "I can't believe you did that to me." declared Harry in horror. "You nearly traumatized me!"

"Oh, come now, Harry. It was your fault-"

"You started it, with your subtle remark to Siri!"

"I didn't hear Lucius complaining." whispered Remus, into the boy's ear. "In fact - I believe, he quite liked it."

"Me, kicking him?" Harry scowled, "You have to be out of your mind." He turned to go to his room, and ignore the werewolf.

"No, more like the leg rub-"

Harry stopped at the door and blushed, "Would you keep it down! My dad is next door!" He hissed, wearily.

"Come now, Harry, James is too busy cursing about the evening…"

Harry stuck out his tongue, "Good night, Rem."

"Good night, love you Cub."

"Why I love you?" asked Harry. "I will never know-" He shook his head and closed the door behind him. He couldn't help but give a soft smile, as he realized how cold the evening began but it ended with embarrassing amusement.

Well, being embarrassed was better than icy cold chill while having your dinner. And secretly, to Harry, the best thing about the night was the laughter that came from Lucius. It had been something rare, something unexplainable about his laughter that made Harry feel - something.

He shook his head; he was just a silly kid with a crush on his teacher. That was all it was. The man was probably going to tease the hell out of him. All Slytherin's played on the teasing side, as far as he knew. He shimmied quickly out of his robes, allowing them to fall before checking the floo for any calls.

Afterwards, he quickly turned in, trying not to think about the strange and very eventful evening that had occurred.