CHAPTER FIVE
With the sun shining brightly through the thrown open window in Harry's room, the teen stood there once again in front of the mirror, glaring at himself. He was torn, he wanted to go to the Malfoy Manor, but then there was another part of him that said, 'whoa, hold on here, not a good idea.' Harry couldn't back out, his mother was seeing to it that he go, for his 'extra' Defence work.
Damn lies! They always came back to bite one in the arse. He sighed and stripped in and out of more robes that made its way to the floor.
Harry wished he could just wear his muggle clothes. He was not comfortable in wizard robes. He loved flashy clothes, but the wizard robes were always so restrictive, and they hid absolutely everything about a person. There was no fun or tasteful flare in them. Lucius Malfoy looked sexy as hell in robes, because it fit his elegance and posh atmosphere.
Harry, while he came from a wealthy family; being a Potter and all, He was not posh. He was laid back, fun, crazy, and all about his very own style, not someone elses. He couldn't be what others wanted him to be. This was what made Harry so uncomfortable.
Oh, fuck it! Harry threw the robes down, and opened the large walk-in closet that held his muggle clothes. If he was going to have a chance with Lucius Malfoy, he would do it being himself and no one else. He liked Lucius, yes, he was extremely attractive, and he was ensnaring. However, if Lucius did not like him in who he really was, then - what was the point?
With this resolve he entered and smiled, now, he might be able to handle this if he was in his own secondary skin.
Thirty minutes later, Harry's foot was up against the stool and he was zipping the boots that were about two inches above his ankles. They were pure white and brand new, he had bought them when shopping with Hermione, Luna, and even a drag-along Ron just before his birthday. He'd never wore them, which was why he was taking the tag off.
He looked damn sharp; at least he thought so, wearing white leather trousers that were tight around his hips and thigh area. They were boot cut and he had silver studs lining all the way down to the slightly spread out cuff. He had a white belt to match and the shirt he was wearing was white button up, tucked in and on the back was a silver eagle. His hair was falling around him in as perfect layers as it always was, and he pushed a few strands behind one of his pierced ears to reveal an eagle earring.
There was a tap against his door, "Harry?"
It was Remus.
"Oye!" Called the teen, as he entered the room. "Aren't you supposed to be at work, Mr. Lupin?" asked Harry, in a pretend authoritive voice.
"Whoa! You look sexy." exaggerated Remus with a smirk, at the reddening of Harry's cheeks. "And for your information, I am on a twenty minute break. I came by hoping to catch you before you left." He nodded approvingly. "Going in you. It will make things easier."
Harry laughed, "Hopefully." he said, sliding his wand behind his ear, like his Ravenclaw friend, Luna LoveGood had taught him. "I know it's ridiculous to wear muggle clothes to a Malfoy Manor-" he drawled, "But, if I'm going to even try to make the best of this, I really, really need to go as myself."
"That's the best idea."
Harry snorted, "He probably won't even let me on the grounds, like this. His elf would probably slam the door in my face… and scream, muggle, muggle."
Remus laughed out loud, and shook his head, "No, Harry. No muggle I know dresses as sexy as you."
Harry shook his head sheepishly, "I do look good don't I?" asked the teen dropping his leg and twirling.
Remus held out his arms, at the teen who ran to him for a hug. "Of course you do. You always look good. You could be rolling around in mud - and you could make it a style." Laughing, Harry kissed Remus and then took him by the hands, and led the way out of the room. Remus happily followed, and made sure to keep his mouth shut, while Lily was in earshot. James was at work.
"Harry!" called Lily. "I have your port-key ready for you." she said, handing Harry a glass figurine of a phoenix. "It'll go off in just fifteen minutes; would you like to eat before leaving?"
"No, I'll eat when I get back." He insisted, "I'm not very hungry right now."
Indeed, the teen was beginning to feel a bit sick in the stomach, as he glanced warily at the werewolf, who winked at him.
"Well, I better get back to the shop." he kissed Harry again, and hugged Lily before disapparating, leaving Harry standing there gripping the chair with one of his hands, and the other hand was tightly around the winged creature. His nerves were all up in the spout.
Lily hadn't noticed she was talking about how she thought it was a great idea that he was trying to get along with his two Slytherin Professors. If only, she knew, thought Harry, trying to keep the twitching to an all time minimum.
The port-key activated, and Harry was whisked away by the familiar tug of his navel. As soon as he felt himself about to land he positioned his feet and landed with a lot more grace than he expected, due to his nerves. When the glow of the port-key diminished in front of Harry's eyes, he gasped at what he saw. He had seen many manors this same size, his father even owned one, but seeing this for the first time - was amazing.
The first thing that caught his attention was the massive amount of land that was owned by the aristocrat. There were woods that went back into other parts of grounds and fountains stood gracefully in the courtyard of Malfoy Manor. The walk was black and grey cobblestone all the way up to a set of five long stone steps, and on each side was a beautiful stone dragon with green eyes. Their wings were spread and they looked as if they were about to take flight. Then graceful gold/yellow oak double doors with stain glass that was about four of Harry in size. The manor was amazing stone granite and Harry could only imagine what was behind it, in its backyard.
About a half a mile away sitting at the edge on the left hand side next to an entrance to the woods, sat a set of gorgeous stables, and every so often you could see an elf moving in and out with buckets of feed floating along behind them.
It was stunning. The manor itself stretched from one side to the other. It was the same size as the Potter Manor, but Harry had seen it so many times it looked smaller to him for some reason.
Maybe it had something to do with Lucius Malfoy, being so intimidating. Harry was sure of it. He sighed and stared down at his hand, which had been gripping the glass phoenix. Well, it was now or never. He braced himself, and wiped expressions off his face and began his walk toward the front of the doors.
The walk seemed like an age, he could hear the twittering sounds of the birds as they stopped by the sparkling fountains for a refreshment. There were benches on either side and around the benches were beds of flowers. Harry's hands began to sweat slightly, as he opened and closed his right one. He really hoped that Lucius wore his gloves even in his own Manor. Just to be on the safe side, Harry shook it at his side, as he scaled up the massive steps that were about the size of Hagrid's foot in height.
He stepped in front of the manor, and he twitched his tense shoulders lightly, then tapping on the door using the golden snake knocker.
Harry had expected a House-elf to greet him at the door or even Draco Malfoy, but he hadn't counted on Lucius Malfoy himself opening the door, glove free. The teen reframed from blushing a furious colour of Gryffindor scarlet. The man looked positively, sexy. He had black tailored trousers with a light grey thick strip going down both sides. It was something that a prince would wear. The shirt was a grey/silver button up that was not as loose as Harrys. Lucius would usually possess all parts of the robes, but he had the cloak part taken off, which was something Harry hadn't expected.
His hair was down and out of any sort of tie and boy, Harry felt a head rush. "Harry, right on time." said Lucius, pulling the door back, gesturing for him to come in. "Welcome to my home."
Trying to avoid the shakes, he stepped into the massive Entrance Hall. Wow, was the only thing, Harry could think of as his eyes swept passed the wondrous figure of Lucius and actually settled on the entrance around him. The floors were shiny black and white tile like a checker board that lead all around the massive walkway and up a set of cascading cherry oak staircase that had gold imbedded in the side of the wood. There were doors everywhere and corridors that branched off, which could only lead to loads of other rooms.
Lucius closed the door, Harry tried not to jump or flinch, as the man turned and gave him a true smile, "I am sure, your manor is just as lovely."
Harry smiled, "I have seen my manor so many times it looks small compared to this. Your home is beautiful." Harry complimented.
"You've only seen the outside."
"That's all I need to see." said Harry, trying to be at ease.
The man shifted and he brought his hands up and rested them against Harry's small shoulders. Lucius' smile lingered, as he gently guided Harry through, "I thought we could have a light lunch to start off with. You are hungry, right?"
Harry nodded, feeling the nervous tension rush up and down his body. He was glad that Lucius had not shaken his hand. It was a bit rare that he didn't, but then, at least Harry didn't have to be embarrassed with sweaty hands. Speaking of hands, Harry had taken notice just how big the man's hands were compared to his own. He was lead through the foyer and to the wide right wing corridor. The walls were a gentle crème with gold torches lighting the way. The floor was a polished black and grey marble and there were various portraits of former Malfoy relatives sitting in gold frames. There were about four doors on each side and next to the doors were elegant candelabras or polished stone statues.
They got to a set of double doors at the very end of the hallway and on each side there was a gold fountain candle that gave off gentle yellow sparks. The whole hall was really alight and elegant. The doors were immediately opened for them revealing a very gorgeous dining hall. A long cherry oak table in the middle and it was lowly lit unlike the corridor had been. There was a chandelier in the middle and two double doors on the other side of the hall that obviously led into the kitchen.
Instead of sitting in the most formal of positions, Lucius took a seat directly opposite of where he had been placed. Harry was trying to keep his back straight and his manners in check, but it was a bit straining.
"I see you, seem to be more comfortable in a less formal setting." commented Lucius, as Harry's eyes lifted from the perfectly polished oak table.
"Yeah, I can do formal and it is alright sometimes, but I prefer to be relaxed and casual."
"Believe it or not, Harry, I know how to be relaxed and casual." said Lucius, with a quirk of his lip.
Harry blinked, "I - er - I never said that." he insisted, quickly. "I never meant that you weren't…"
"Yes, but all you have ever seen of me, was the formality that I give everyone else."
"I am not very different from anyone else."
Lucius smirked, "Let me be the judge of that."
The teen tried desperately not to let his cheeks flush an immaculate colour of red. Harry could only offer a smile, and was thankful when the food appeared. It kept Harry from making any sort of remark. A little bit of everything had been placed on the table that was appropriate for lunch.
"I was not sure what you preferred."
"Thank you." said Harry, trying to ease the tension out of himself, as he added a few things to his plate.
It was quiet between the two of them, for the first few moments. Harry was trying to gather his nerves as best as he could. He was so nervous, he was afraid that he would start trembling.
After a moment, Lucius broke the silence; "You and Remus Lupin seem to have a close relationship." he began casually.
Harry brightened at the mention of this, and nodded, "Yes, very close. I'm closer to him than I am to my christened godfather. My godfather is too close to my dad, so that doesn't work very well and Remus, well he isn't as close to my dad as he is to Sirius."
"I believe he is closer to you than his own mate."
Harry blushed at this, "Well," said Harry offhandedly. "I don't know about that."
"He calls you, what was it? Cub?" teased Lucius, with a quirk of his lip.
Harry blushed furiously, and lowered his head, "Ah, well, there's a more logical explanation for that, than being just a pet name."
"Oh? Do tell-"
Harry grimaced, "I - well, I was four years old when I stumbled upon Remus in werewolf form-" Lucius stared at Harry in complete shock, Harry shifted again. He didn't know if this was the best idea, but he decided to give Lucius a little insight on his life, "It wasn't Remus' fault. It was my own curiosity." He insisted quickly. "But, I saw him in the corner; he was wrapped up like a ball. I felt so bad for him. He looked up at me, with his whole form."
"You were four, why weren't you terrified or running?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't know." He replied. "I have no idea, why I wasn't scared. I walked over to him, and his eyes followed me. I walked over and I sat by him in Indian style. He bared his teeth - but then he closed them. He began sniffing me, and the next thing I know I was laying against him, falling asleep."
Lucius stared at Harry as if he had gone mad. Harry laughed and lowered his head, "Sounds ridiculous." said Harry, picking up a piece of his chicken casually. "But, it's true. No one ever found out about it."
"You fell asleep on a werewolf! The werewolf didn't attack you?" asked Lucius incredulously.
"Nope, the next morning, Remus was livid and he was shaking in fright. He thought he had harmed me until I explained to him. Remus is so self conscious about his werewolf. I did it on several occasions." said Harry. "I would sneak down with some water and then I would curl up next to him and fall asleep."
"That's amazing. You're serious about it?"
"I could show you a memory if you like." said Harry, in confirmation. "Ever since then, I've been drastically close to Remus."
"Yes, I saw that you were so close, that he knows about what you did at the ball, and apparently, he knows about me."
Harry blushed, "He's the only one. I had to tell him."
"I'm not insulting you, or questioning your judgement, Harry."
"Oh." said Harry, moving his elbows once again from the table. He had not realized they'd been up there through the discussion. He bit against his lower lip and looked around him casually.
-
Lucius' eyes followed the teen's brilliant gaze and paid close attention to his body language. He had manners, but he was not conscience of them until he looked at himself. For instance, when they first sat down, Harry was all proper and very conscience of his whole nature, doing everything to preciseness until they began talking. Lucius had touched on a subject that would be comfortable for Harry, and it would answer a few questions that he wanted to know as well. When the conversation began, his eyes lit up even more and a relaxed smile spread immediately across his face, and that was when he became relaxed and a lot more himself, which caused his manners to slip. He slouched, and casually nibbled at his food with his fingers, placing his elbows upon the table, or licking his fingers unconsciously while telling Lucius more than he should have.
For some reason, that he could not fathom, he found that he liked Harry better casual and comfortable than formal and poised. It fit his nature, not to mention his clothing. Lucius had not been surprised, when Harry showed up in muggle clothes. The other night at dinner, Harry looked positively uncomfortable in his dress robes not to mention Lucius had overheard him talking to the werewolf about it.
Lucius was beginning to understand a few of his own thoughts and the foreign pull that had never once occurred. At first, Lucius had thought it would be fun to see how far he take this, but now, his thoughts were lingering toward other options. Options that he had considered a couple days ago, but he batted off as preposterous. He had been trying to understand for the past few days, why he found himself becoming more interested in Harry, than he should allow. It was dangerous to even have these taboo thoughts. Harry was his student, and seventeen-years-old. He was of age to date those that were adults but he was still so very young. He was gorgeous that was certain, Lucius had always known this, but he had never allowed it to affect his mind-set of Harry being a bloody Gryffindor through and through.
But, now, Lucius Malfoy's mind had altered, when he saw Harry at the ball in a completely different light than he had ever seen the saviour before, his mind began to ask questions that had not been thought about any other time prior. The fact that the teen had been in an explicable amount of emotional pain and humiliation over the fact that his life could never remain private or his own, made Lucius really want to know more. He had always believed that Harry enjoyed the fame and limelight, but that was far from true. Lucius Malfoy saw Harry Potter for who he really was on that night.
He was a gorgeous boy, looking for one person who would not forsake him, a person who would take control, and remain true. He was young, but he knew immediately what he wanted. That kind of maturity was rare in a seventeen-year-old.
His own curiosity had peaked with this abundant realization, and with that curiosity peak came an interest peak, and now, here they were in his manor having lunch. Harry really did have a beauty that was unbeknownst to him.
-
When lunch was over with, the food disappeared instantly, and Harry was sitting there feeling a bit more relaxed than he had been twenty minutes ago. He had hoped he did not give away too much to the blond, in fear of a backlash.
"Harry?" Harry looked up meeting the man's eyes, "I want you too loosen up." said the man, taking a drink of his wine.
"Sir?" asked Harry, confused.
Lucius rolled his eyes, "My name is Lucius, Harry. You are here as my personal guest. I do not want you to be uncomfortable. If I have to resort to getting you drunk, to loosen you up, then I will."
Harry blushed and he laughed, "I'm sorry, Lucius." He said, honestly. "It's just I have made a fool of myself quite often in your presence, and I am trying to prevent another incident from happening."
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "Everyone has off nights, Harry. I told you, I was not concerned about it, and neither should you be. You were in pain that night, I am not so cold of a person to not understand when someone is emotionally distraught, and you had damn good reason." Lucius then pushed his chair back and stood. "Allow me to give you a tour of the Manor, which should help you in becoming more comfortable."
Each floor of the Malfoy Manor seemed to be a new experience. There were four libraries, over one hundred different bathrooms; the same went for bedrooms, five ballrooms, three potion labs, countless studies, and rooms for every aspect of every day life. There were some wings that were cold, some were warm, and a few others that had yet to even be furnished and decorated. Lucius was casual in his touches against Harry, he would wrap his arm around the Gryffindor and lead him around, and he would occasionally brush his hair out of the way, grazing against the side of Harry's bare neck.
When ever Lucius did this, he would swallow and feel a twitch inside of him. He had to suppress the shiver on countless occasions. He enjoyed the guided tour and the gentle touches that Lucius offered Harry.
"We have rooms that we have never even entered. Draco has his very own floor. My ex wife did as well."
Harry blinked; he hadn't expected that, "Why did she have a floor to herself? Why not with you?"
Lucius led Harry back down the staircase, and they occasionally passed a House-Elf. "She liked her own privacy." He answered Harry.
"But, if you were married, wouldn't that be distancing yourself permanently? Sound kind of lonesome-" He admitted, "Having your other half hardly ever around…"
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "It was."
"What was the point of getting married?"
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "You come from a pureblood background, Harry. You ought to know that in most traditional families that if the male is not married by their seventeenth birthday they do not inherit what is rightfully theirs."
"Oh, my dad doesn't have it like that. My mum would wring his neck if he did." He said, as Lucius chuckled.
"I did not stipulate that with my son either. I am sure people believe that I have. But, I would not torture my son into marrying someone he was not happy with." said Lucius. "I'm not that cold-"
"I never thought you were." said Harry quickly. Lucius looked at him and arched an eyebrow. "To your son that is." He added, "Honestly, I'm not fond of your son, but I would never do him the dishonour in dissing his family."
Lucius hadn't expected that. It was quiet as they got to the beautiful Entrance Hall, "Do you ride Harry?"
"What?" asked Harry, looking up.
"Horses."
"Oh, yeah. We have some horses at the manor. It's been a few years."
"Good, I was thinking, you and I could take a ride through the forest. It leads out to a very gorgeous lake."
"Sounds nice." said Harry, as the doors automatically opened for the two.
The sun was shining all around and the day could not have been more perfect. It was not too hot nor was it too cold. The summer breeze brushed by their, rippling through their hair and passed their faces. "I have approximately, seventy horses of different breeds. I cannot quite recall it has been sometime since I've ridden as well. Draco does not like to ride; personally, I believe he's just not good at it."
Harry sniggered at the image of Draco trying to mount the horse and falling backwards on his white arse. His eyes twinkled, and Lucius snorted with amusement, as if he knew what Harry was thinking.
"Sorry, Lucius," he said, blushingly.
"I am sure he believes the same to you."
Harry sniggered, as they approached the stables. It was possibly the cleanest set of stables, Harry had ever seen in his life. They were spotless and the horses were in doubles some laying together in patches of brand new hay, there was no messes anywhere to be seen and their food and water was clean and fresh. Harry smiled, as Lucius waved his hand, "Palominos, Belgums, Clydesdales, and some that I do not even know the names of."
"Wow, we have a set of Clydesdales and some Belgums." said Harry, walking along the stables, finding himself relaxing.
Lucius walked behind him, and told him some of their names. "I usually take Mallachi out." He stopped in front of a beautiful grand horse that was sleek black with a long black mane.
Harry's attention however was taken by a gorgeous horse down at the very end. This horse was in the largest pen of them all. It was about as pale as a ghost with the lightest of eyes and the most beautiful long flowing mane.
"Ah." said Lucius, with slight disappointment. "I see you're interested in Aurora. It's too bad she's impossible to ride."
Harry looked over his shoulder, "Impossible?"
"Yes, she won't let any humans near her." he told Harry. "I do not even know her breed. All I know is that she was brought here as a foal when my father was still alive and running the estate. She was raised by the house elves. Draco about got trampled by her and my ex-wife, well, let's just say, after a run in with her, she's never entered these stables…"
"That's a pity." said Harry, walking over and standing in front of the stables. She was laying there in a patch of fresh hay, with her head against the furry whiteness around her hooves.
"It is, she is beautiful, which is why we do not get rid of her. Go ahead and choose your horses Harry, nearly all of them are amiable with people who are decent riders. I will retrieve our equipment." Harry turned and watched the older man walk out, and then turned to Aurora.
The curiosity got the better of him; he wanted to know why she was so unfriendly towards others. Harry ducked under the stables and slid over to her side. She raised her head and shook her mane quickly, her blue eyes staring back at him. "Aurora?" said Harry in the most tender of voices, as he lowered himself into a squatting position. His eyes never left her, as he began to talk softly to her; he introduced himself and then asked her if he could come near her. "Can I come over there?" Her eyes lingered on him every time he took a step toward her. "Please? I promise I won't hurt you…" She bowed her head and snuffled through her nose. Harry looked over his shoulder, to see if Lucius was coming back or not.
"I promise," Harry's green eyes locked with her eyes, and he continued to talk in the softest of tones. He talked to her like he would a very small and frightened child. He remained low to the ground, brushing his hand out in front of him, and was patient. He took a few steps forward, their eyes never breaking contact.
He could tell that the tension in her muscles was relaxing, and she seemed to be able to almost see through him, see that he would never ever mean any harm to her, "Come on, Aurora, give me a chance?" He asked, tenderly.
At this she raised up and her nostrils flared, sniffing at him. Harry explained to her, that not all wizard's were bad, and that he was friends with plenty of animals. The closer he got, the more she rustled against the hay. He still did not touch her, in fear of her mauling him. Harry would let her touch him; he kept the fear out of his body, feelings, and actions. She was just a creature who was wary of others. It wasn't her fault that she avoided humans; something must have happened to her to make her so shy. As he spoke to her, he kept his hands out and waited for her to come to him.
Aurora sniffed him again and then her wet nose nudged against his hand, which turned over and lay flat and tenderly just on top of her nose. With one finger, he brushed her up and down, and then before he knew it she licked his hand, causing him to laugh gently. "See sweetie, I promised you, I wouldn't hurt you, and I meant it."
She leaned closer and his hand ran up her nose and between her eyes to the top of her head. He laughed and got closer, until one hand was patting her and the other was stroking her leg.
What surprised Harry was when she shifted from her laying position and stood up. Harry winced, almost afraid she would come bearing down on him but instead, she lowered her head and nudged him with her wet nose. She seemed to be trying to tell him that she wanted him to stand. Harry stood, and without even thinking of it, he began to stroke her, running his fingers through her hair, brushing along her side. "There you are girl, see, you like that?" asked Harry, as Aurora's head came around and bumped against him.
Lucius came walking back in and only saw Harry, from his position, "Harry!" Lucius spoke sharply, "What are you doing over -" He stopped, when he came into view of both Aurora and Harry. He nearly dropped the equipment when he saw that Aurora was giving Harry her attention and affection. "You didn't-" He breathed, the look of propriety gone, and replaced by shock. "Harry - how did you do that?" There wasn't very much that could surprise Lucius Malfoy, and this was one of them.
Harry chuckled, "I don't know. If she lets me, can I ride her?" Aurora seemed to answer his question and moved her head and draped it over Harry's shoulder and nibbled playfully at his ear and hair. The teen couldn't stop a surprised giggle.
Lucius was still in complete awe, at what he was seeing. Aurora was being - friendly and affectionate toward a human. A wizard, for that matter. That had never happened before. "I can't believe that-"
Harry smiled and ran his hand up her nose, "I think she wants me to ride her." He shrugged, "She's yours though. If you think, she's too much for me to handle-" Aurora snorted at Harry and nudged him a bit firmer, when he said this.
Lucius saw the instant connection, between the saviour and the horse that could never be road or touched, "No, no, if you can ride her. Go ahead. She does not like me very well, I am afraid; do you know how to saddle her?"
"Yeah." said Harry, looking down at his clothes. "I really, shouldn't have worn white." He murmured, surprised that he remained spotless.
Harry took the equipment from Lucius who was staring at him with an unexplainable look in his eyes. The teen blushed at him before bowing his head and turning to go back over to the horse, but she had already moved to him, and she positioned herself to where Harry could get her ready for the ride.
"Remarkable." breathed Lucius. "How do you do it?"
Harry shrugged innocently, "I don't know."
"You told me about the werewolf, I shouldn't be surprised…"
"You probably didn't believe me." said Harry with a smile. "I know, I wouldn't believe it-"
"I believe you." insisted Lucius, "Especially, seeing you with her." He shook his head, and then went to get his horse out.
Lucius continued to watch out of the corner of his eye, afraid that Aurora might turn on Harry and he would have to subdue her. But, she didn't, he handled her as if they had known each other for a long time.
Harry then guided her out of the stables, she didn't so much as look at Lucius, as Harry stared sheepishly at him, "Are you sure you don't mind, Lucius?"
"I am just shocked." said Lucius staring at Aurora, and then turning to Harry. He looked gorgeous holding onto the reigns. His emerald green eyes were twinkling and his black hair was swaying around him. The fact that he was wearing all white was making an amazing contrast against Aurora.
Harry really, looked as though he ought to be gracing the cover of a magazine in model format. Lucius inwardly shook his head, and guided his own horse out of the stables.
Harry smiled and after a moment of staring at Aurora assessing her build, he grabbed the reigns, placed his foot in the stirrup and mounted her with more grace than he expected. Harry's hand brushed against her strong neck affectionately. He was adjusting himself and making sure he recalled the feeling of riding once again. He had been fourteen, the last time they went to the manor for the summer. He still had the giggles whenever he pictured Ron trying to ride a horse that just didn't want to stay put for the beginner.
"We ready?" came Lucius trotting up beside the boy who smiled.
"Yeah," He said, as the comfortable feeling swept over him.
Lucius led the way through; between two gigantic oak trees that over lapped the trail that they were disappearing into. The beautiful green forest swallowed them and hid a lot of the brilliant shining sun. Harry and Lucius were soon riding side by side at a steady pace.
It was quiet; Lucius was watching Harry with Aurora. "I am still trying to get over the shock of you riding her. Of you even coming in contact with her." said Lucius, breaking the silence.
Harry smiled, "My curiosity got the better of me-"
"Gryffindor." remarked Lucius dryly.
Harry sniggered, "Yeah, possibly." He smirked, "I love animals though. I slipped under the stables and I stayed on her level, talking to her and I let her touch me and not me touch her first."
"She touched you first?" asked Lucius, "The last time I attempted to go near her, she about trampled me."
Harry bit back a smile, "I'm not sure why, she gave me a chance." He said, casually. They curved through the winding trail, passing redwoods and great voluptuous pines that smelled refreshing. You could hear birds chirruping and the sounds of squirrels running up and down the trees.
"Your nature." said Lucius, after a moment. "You have an unexplainable nature about you to befriend just about anyone and anything if given the opportunity."
Harry felt his heart jump up into his throat and a little bit of blush stained his otherwise pale cheeks. "I don't know about that." said Harry, extra quietly. He looked around, "It's beautiful around here."
"I am sure your manor is just as beautiful."
"Well, it is, but I don't have my father on one side and my godfather on the other screaming back and forth in my ear. They're fun, but they can be overbearing. I also don't have two arguing best friends…" He added, thoughtfully. "It's peaceful out here."
"Yes, it is. This is the first time, I've been back here in about five years." admitted Lucius.
"What about Professor Snape?" asked Harry.
Lucius smirked, "He is not particularly fond of the fresh air."
"I never would have guessed." laughed Harry. They trotted over a beautiful wooden bridge with a babbling brook flowing crystal clear water underneath. Harry could hear the soothing sounds of the water trickling from somewhere. His eyes searched the grounds and then came to rest on Lucius, who looked content. Harry looked away not wanting to be caught staring.
"Do you have any future plans Harry?" asked Lucius out of nowhere.
Harry took the advantage of the question to look at Lucius again, "I don't know." he said honestly.
"Your father the other night, mentioned Professional Quidditch as a possible career."
Harry sighed, "I love Quidditch."
"I sense a but-"
Harry smiled, "That's just it; if I make a career of it, will I hate it once I do?"
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "That's a good question. You would be forced into it, every single day of your life. You would be constantly travelling, always tired, never have the means of a normal relationship. You will have to put up with even more screaming fans, more fame than what you already possess-"
"Yeah, I would hate it." breathed Harry. "You just named nearly everything I dislike, except the travelling. I'd love to travel, but I don't want to be gone forever." He laughed, "I'd like to do something with children, personally. A teacher or something."
Lucius' interested peaked even more, "Children, eh?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah, teaching would be nice, whether its wizard children or muggle children. They're kids all the same."
"Interesting…"
Harry laughed, "I guess, not many people expect the Harry Potter, to say such a thing. Especially, when Witch Weekly talks about the different men and women I have been with in the past - er - two weeks?" asked the teen shaking his head, at the articles.
Lucius laughed, and Harry felt himself go light headed. What was it about Lucius' laugh? It was rare that was one thing, but it was something else. Something, he couldn't exactly touch. He already knew, he was crushing deeply on the man and it was intensifying the more comfortable he became. The laughter coming from Lucius seemed true. It told Harry, that he wasn't above laughing, above casualty, and relaxation.
He just had to be in the right presence.
"Yes, I believe, it is eight to nine in a week-" informed Lucius.
"Good Merlin. I'm a loose whore, aren't I?" laughed Harry, shaking his head. "Least on paper - anyway."
"No, you're not." said Lucius, at once. He straightened and looked at Harry. "I've never seen a teenager so well adjusted in my life. Especially, a famous teenager, with looks that could kill-"
Harry's head fell and he blushed furiously, his hair falling over to hide the soft pink colour that had been flashing quite often in his cheeks. He wasn't as embarrassed with Lucius as he was so nervously excited, that he was afraid of falling off the horse. The man had complimented him.
"Oh, bloody hell, would you stop blushing?" Lucius voice had amusement behind it, as he pretended to be a bit firm. Harry laughed behind his black hair, but he gave a sharp intake of breath when Lucius reached over and gathered his hair and pushed it behind his ear, revealing his shy smile, glittering green eyes, and red cheeks. Harry bit against his lower lip, when Lucius shook his head and lifted the boy's chin. "Enough of that-"
"I - I can't help it." He brought his shoulders up helplessly, when he felt Lucius' bare fingers against his chin. His heart was beating so fast, he thought it was going to explode. He was burning hotly through his veins, and his stomach felt as if he had a thousand different people doing somersaults over and over again. He gave Lucius a smile, when the man let go and took a hold of his reigns.
"Apparently, you can't. But, the blushing might get something started-"
Harry blinked at him, trying to comprehend what the man said. A moment later, he gave a breathless laugh, but couldn't find any words to say back to Lucius.
He didn't feel uncomfortable any longer; in fact, he felt an overwhelming sensation of happiness and content. A feeling, he had never felt before.