CHAPTER SIX

The rushing wind swept through Harry's hair as he laughed out loud, and leaned over with his arms around Aurora who was superbly swift. Lucius was just behind him; the two had decided to race back through the woods, they had wanted to see how fast Aurora could actually gallop and boy she could fly. She was an amazing jumper, over logs and her turns and shifts were smooth. She had a radiant elegance about her whole frame. Harry and Lucius went shooting out of the woods neck and neck and did two complete circles about sixty feet from the stables, before coming to a rest; both horses tails were flicking gracefully behind them, and Harry was still laughing, his hair windswept and so was Lucius, who had a smile on his face, and his eyes were shining.

"She is bloody fast! My God!" declared Lucius, as he jumped down.

Aurora backed away from him instantly. Harry leaned down and whispered into her ear, stroking her gently, and telling her that no one meant any harm. "Calm down, darling."

She shook her mane and turned her head trying to look at Harry, who pressed a kiss against her neck, hoping to keep her from doing anything dangerous.

"Father!" This voice caused Harry to freeze up slightly, and slide off Aurora on the other side, so that Draco could not see him just yet.

Lucius was careful to stay well away from her, especially when she huffed at him.

"Draco?" said Lucius, as Harry's hand ran over Aurora's coat and mane. "You need something son?"

"N- no, father - why do you have her out? Who is that-" But Harry had already moved around Aurora, and faced Draco, the mare nuzzled against him affectionately. "Potter?!" He looked to his father, "What - in - the - hell?" gaped the boy who looked identical to his father, except for a smaller version.

Lucius glanced once at Harry, the same unexplained glitter in his eyes, "Close your mouth Draco, you look like a fish who is need of some serious water."

Draco blinked and he shut his mouth and looked from his father, to Harry, to the untameable horse. "She's never been rode, how did he ride her? Why is Potter even here? I knew you were having a friend over, but I didn't know it was Potter!"

"That is enough, Draco." said Lucius sternly. "He is here, as my personal guest. His name is Harry; you could at least do him the honour of using his name when not in the company of others."

Draco stared at his father and then looked over at raven-haired teenager, who had his arm around the horse rubbing her and keeping her calm.

"Hello Draco," said Harry, keeping all the hate and malice out of his voice.

"Father?" Draco looked to Lucius who smirked.

"You heard me, Draco. I respect your friends so do me the honours of respecting mine."

Draco looked traumatized, "Friend? A Gryffindor? Potter? You do realize he's a-"

"That is enough, Draco-" Lucius' voice going sharp and cold. "I told you, I invited Harry here as my personal guest. You will in no way, disrespect him, especially in our home." His eyes narrowed on his son.

Harry cringed and pressed the side of his head against Aurora. He suddenly grew uncomfortable again, at the glares that were exchanged between Lucius and Draco. "Now, what was it that you wanted?" asked Lucius after a moment.

"Er-" He looked to Harry and then back to his father as if trying to figure out what the hell was going on. "How did he tame her?"

"I wouldn't get around her if I were you, Draco. I do not know how Harry did it. But, she still hates me."

"Oh." Draco looked at Aurora and then at Harry, who was looking bashful and down at his white boots. "I - I wanted to let you know that I was heading off with Blaise and Tracy to Diagon Alley, for our last minute shopping." His voice was slow and his eyes wouldn't leave Harry. "Uhm - and stop off for a few hours afterwards for dinner at Tracy's house."

"That's fine, Draco. Give my regards to Tracy's parents."

"I will," He started to back up, his eyes falling to Harry and then turned and headed back toward the manor.

Harry was leaning into Aurora, who continued to nibble against his neck and ear, making him randomly giggle. Lucius turned and smiled with amusement.

"I apologise Harry, for Draco's behaviour."

"I don't blame him. Just last year we were at each other's throat and now." He shrugged, "I'm here in his home. I don't think that's very comforting to him." said Harry rubbing the mare's face. "Want me to go ahead and put her up?"

"Please, I don't dare go near her." said Lucius, who had walked forward only to get glared at and for Aurora to stomp her hoof into the ground warningly.

Harry laughed, "Come on baby, let's get you back to the stables." he cooed, leading her off.

Lucius soon followed, staying well away from the temperamental horse, his mind - and body - still invaded by thoughts of Harry.

-

By the end of the evening, Harry and Lucius were having dinner together in the same dining hall in the exact same seating arrangement. This time, Harry was more relaxed and held a much more confident conversation.

"I have to ask, Harry, how does someone like you get mixed up with an older Ravenclaw? You don't have to answer, I am just wondering." said Lucius, slowly.

Harry looked up at the older man, "You can ask, I don't mind answering." He insisted, taking a sip of his wine. "It was during a prefect patrol. We got stuck doing the fifth floor together, twice a week. He seemed really nice; I thought he was genuine. I mean, he played fairly; he was smart, and attractive. He was a bit older than me; I had never had a real relationship. I thought that maybe he would be good for my first experience and he turned out to be the worst experience. I was played for a fool, I accept that. You know the old saying, shame on him if he fools me once and shame on me, if he fools me twice."

Lucius arched an eyebrow, "Honest way of looking at it."

"I could easily take the papers in my hands and rip Roger Davies whole personality and life apart. I know I could." said Harry, "I've thought about it, on several occasions. I thought- why not give him a taste of what I go through?"

"Why didn't you?" asked Lucius, which was curious. Harry holding all the cards, but he never used them.

"Why stoop so low to his level?" asked Harry. "To lash out against him, proves that I am no better than he is. I am better than that. So, I let it wash away."

"Did you ever love him?" asked Lucius.

Harry laughed, "No." he said, at once. He shook his head, "Nope, definitely not. Had he told me in private he was seeing other people, I would have just shrugged my shoulders. I wasn't that emotionally attached… but being humiliated, that was a slap in the face."

Lucius studied Harry's body language through the whole conversation and he came to the conclusion that Harry was definitely telling the truth. He was sincere. He didn't say things he did not mean. Lucius took a drink of his wine and sat it back down on the table.

"This has been an enlightening conversation. I apologise if I brought up anything difficult for you."

Harry smiled, "No, it's okay, don't apologise Lucius. I have to talk about it at one point or nother. I just don't like talking about it with my father, he's so silly and he doesn't realise that people's feelings can be hurt by his 'playful' words. My mother is too motherly and Sirius - well - he's like dad. My friends-" Harry laughed, "I love them to death-" He shook his head unconsciously, "But, Hermione she's like Remus, I can tell her pretty much anything and Ron would - well - I don't know what he would do, probably tell me to get a girlfriend instead…"

Lucius laughed at the grimace Harry gave.

It was after eight o' clock, when Harry stood in the entrance hall of the Malfoy Manor, and this time Lucius tapped the phoenix figurine and handed it to Harry. "It will go off in ten minutes."

Harry nodded, his face full of sincerity, "Thank you Lucius for having me."

Lucius grinned, "It was my pleasure Harry. It has been more than educational. I would like to invite you again, if you would accept." He held out his bare hand.

Harry smiled warmly, and placed his hand in Lucius' bigger one. The man had a strong grip, and it caused Harry's body to tingle at the image of what Lucius could do with hands like those, no wonder they were always gloved. He was a danger to society of men and women, "Of course I would." said Harry, remaining calm. "It was refreshing."

"Oh- I almost forgot." Lucius produced a leather bound book. "Your extra defence work..."

He grinned evilly, as Harry made an 'uhhh' noise. "Homework!" complained Harry, as he took the book.

"You started it. It is only fair, that I follow through. You couldn't have had too much fun at your Slytherin teacher's manor-"

Harry pouted, "Do I have to do this?"

"Yes, the whole book read by the first."

Harry began to sulk, "This is what? 1000 pages?"

"1203." he told Harry, a teasing smile on his face.

"You're joking!" groaned Harry. "I'm not Hermione!"

"No, you're better than her, in more than just brains..." He trailed off, causing Harry to blush again. "I am not speaking about blood either."

Harry gave a shy laugh, very well aware that his hand had not left Lucius' firm grip. "But- do I really have to read it all?" he said, holding it up and staring at it mortified.

Lucius arched an eyebrow, "Since when am I a man of compromise?"

Harry bit his lip and flashed his eyes up at Lucius, the teen hadn't realized, he was causing Lucius to cave, he scowled lightly, "Half the book then, no less." He said, letting go of Harry's hand.

Lucius' eyes had to move away from Harry before he did something stupid. The damn boy was engaging that was for certain and he didn't even know it.

Harry's arm dropped casually. The large leather bound book was heavy; he flipped it over, "What is it on?" He asked, suddenly curious.

Lucius subconsciously stretched his hand that was at his side; he glanced at the old tome with a knowing look in his eyes. "It is one of the oldest books in my library. It has some ancient spells that have not been used for quite a long time. A few of them, I find useful to know. A lot of the spells would be unrecognizable today."

"Oh! Well, why didn't you say so?" asked Harry, grinning, as he looked up, "I thought you were going to make me read about theory! I can read this whole book, no problem."

Lucius blinked and shook his head, a smirk crossing his features, "Gryffindors."

Harry stuck out his tongue, "Actually, Lucius, the sorting hat wanted me to be in Slytherin." He smiled cheekily, when Lucius did a double take.

"What?!"

But Lucius never received an answer; Harry's port-key activated and he was whisked away on the spot, leaving Lucius more curious than a cat.

To Harry, James, and Lillian Potter,

You are cordially invited to the end of Summer Ball for the Esemeralda Eddington's House of Orphans, hosted by yours truly, Bartemius Crouch. It would be my pleasure if you were too attend and possibly contribute to this charitable event. The Ball begins at 7:00 PM until Midnight, August 31, 1996.

We await your Owl no later than the 26th.

Thank you,

Yours Sincerely,

Bartemius Crouch


"Ulgh!" Harry threw himself down onto the powdered blue settee and he crossed his arms in the famous Potter pout. It was a sulk and a pout combined and it had been perfected for ages and passed down through the pureblood line of all Potters. "Not, another one!" He flung the inevitable invitation across the room as if it were made of poison. "No, I am not going. The last one was fucking miserable."

"HARRY! Watch the language." Lily chastised. "Oh, it wasn't that bad-" She was sitting across from him, looking almost excited at the thought of being able to dress up and go dancing again.

"Wanna bet?" snapped Harry. "I was miserable."

James summoned the invite back and read it. "Your name first again, huh?" He smirked, "One would think you were head of household-"

"Oh, Harry, it wasn't so bad. You looked just fine, all night."

"That's what you think.' Murmured Harry under his breath.

"What was that?" asked Lily.

"Nothing." said a dejected Harry. "Can't you two just attend this time?" He said hopefully.

"It's for a good cause." said James, "The Orphanage."

"Oh please," scowled Harry. "By the time the Ministry gets their hands on the money and tax it to death, hardly anything will go to them poor children. We do more for them at Christmas time than the Ministry would do with every single aristocratic wizard giving donations."

Lily winced, knowing Harry was more than right. "Yes, but, come on Harry, how bad can it be?"

"I spent half the night hiding away. You drug me out, when I was not ready to go out and now, here we go again." He scowled, "Why don't you two just go, and leave me out of it."

"We can't Harry." said James, holding the invitation up. "Your name is on it, first. We may not attend if you do not."

Harry's eyes rolled with so much annoyance, he was sure that they may get stuck. "This is bull shit-"

"Harry!" Lily said once again. "Watch the language!" she repeated, surprised at her son.

Harry was too frustrated to apologise to his mother, like he usually did. "I curse the son of a bitch who started these damn formal gatherings."

James blinked, "Did you have that bad of a time, Harry?"

"You bet I did." scowled the teenager, standing up. "I was just coming out of a humiliating relationship only to be drug to a public place where everyone would be watching me like a hawk and taking as many pictures as they could possibly get. I was stuck in a corner all night long, bribing the bartender into shots-"

"Harry!" Lily blinked in surprise.

Harry didn't really care at the moment that he may be getting himself in hot water. "Well, you would too, if your 'boyfriend' graced the front page, the second page, and the third page with various men, before you even knew it. It was the most humiliating time of my life, and now - you're going to make me go again, just when I've begun to heal properly, and have been newspaper gossip free for a week."

He saw the look in his parent's eyes. They really wanted to go. For some reason, the most two laid back and grounded people on earth enjoyed the formal balls that were attended by the Ministry's biggest arses.

Harry crossed his arms, and he thought about it, "Fine, you want me to go, so you can go?" He waited for them to nod, like children. "Well, then, we're going to do this my way." He said, sternly.

His parent's looked at each other and then back at their son, "Your way? What do you want out of this? A car? That's no problem." said James, brightly.

"No, dad, not a car. I want to think of some way, to keep the Ministry from touching the checks and taxing it until there's hardly a galleon left."

Lily arched an eyebrow, "Well, why don't you just make a suggestion to the Minister when he comes around to collect it-"

"Mum? Are you really that naive?" Harry snorted, "If I give it to them on good faith, they will ignore my word. No, it can't be done that way."

"What do you suggest then?" asked James, "I don't know any spell binding charms. Lil?"

Lily shrugged, "I don't handle money. I can't bind a check. Maybe Remus could?"

"Sirius might be able too-"

Harry had an idea, "Leave it to me." He hoped that the man would be willing to help him; otherwise he would not go to this.

They looked at him warily, "What are you going to do?" asked Lily.

"I have an idea, not sure if it'll work, so I'm keeping my mouth shut." He bit his lip, "I'll need the check in advance." Was the last thing he said to them. He refused to tell them anything more.

-

A day and a half later, Harry found himself standing in front of Malfoy Manor once again. This time, however, he was not nervous. Lucius had invited him over so they could talk about the check binding that Harry was trying to do. The teen couldn't pass up a chance to see the gorgeous grounds and sparkling fountains. He was dressed red dragon hide trousers with black intricate designs through the thick red material markings. It was boot cut and hanging low against his thin hips. He was wearing a crimson red button up that was silk and the top three were left undone. He had black boots to match and his hair today was pulled back to the base of his neck, except for the fringe of bangs that hung down passed his bright eyes, covering the famous scar professionally. In one ear he had a basic diamond and the other was a dragon earring with a red diamond for its eyes.

He knocked lightly and stood there waiting, this time he wasn't surprised when Lucius greeted him at the door again. He was wearing all black this time, and the cloak bit was off but he had his gloves on.

Such a pity, thought Harry mildly. He quite enjoyed seeing those large hands exposed. "Harry, welcome back." He said, a smile gracing his usually stern features.

A very nice smile it was.

"Lucius." said Harry, sweetly. "Thank you, for having me over again on such short notice."

"No, no, not short notice at all." He watched Harry as he strolled through the door. He closed the door with a soft click and then took his gloves off. "I was downstairs handling some potion ingredients."

"Oh, I did not mean to disturb you. You said to come by any time today. I figured, three o' clock would be best."

"That's quite all right, Harry. Come, let's go sit in the lounge and have some tea." His hand touched Harry against the small of his back. He couldn't help but lean in a bit closer, and catch the man's strong masculine scent. He found himself being lead comfortably through the foyer and toward the familiar door on the right that lead into one of many gorgeous lounges. This one was decked out with pitch black leather and dark crush purple velvet. A fire in the hearth blazed and danced for them. As they moved to sit, Lucius' hand moved casually up and down Harry's back.

The teen nearly shivered, and longed to never leave the touch. But he did and took a seat on one end of the couch and crossed his leg with a smile in thanks, when tea was produced in front of them. Lucius sat near him in the leather black armchair.

Lucius poured the tea, and then asked how things were going and if he got the invite to the ball.

Harry gave a very childish groan, and leaned back, "Yes, that is inadvertently the reason I am here." He took a drink of his tea.

"Oh? Need a date?" He asked in a teasing voice.

Harry practically choked on the hot liquid, his cheeks gushed, and he laughed timorously. He didn't know how to reply to that. He felt himself burning, and he brought his finger tips to his lips, "Uhm-" His heart was pounding furiously.

"I am only joking Harry," said Lucius, his eyes glittering.

"Oh." said Harry, trying to stay even. He almost felt disappointed, but he didn't show it. "I - uhm-" he laughed again, and removed his finger's from his lips. "I have this check for the charity, but I don't want to give it to the Ministry. I want it all to go to the Orphanage otherwise I won't attend and my parents really want to go."

"Let me guess, you are the first person on the card?"

Harry rolled his eyes and nodded, "Yes, my father's head of the household, not me!"

"True, but you're the most famous figure in our world-" He smiled lightly when Harry scowled at him. "Your name would naturally come first."

"I don't want it to come first; preferably, I'd like to be kept out of it." He shook his head, "Anyway, my parents do not know a binding charm to attach to the check, to keep more than half of it being pocketed into the Minister's pockets. I was hoping, that maybe I could get your assistance." said Harry carefully. "In binding the check, so that it goes to the designated person it is made out too."

Lucius smirked, "I can do that. Do you have the check?"

Harry brightened and pulled out a little black soft booklet and opened it and pulled out the crisp check for 100k. He handed it over to Lucius, who didn't even look at the amount. "Thank you." said Harry, earnestly. "I don't really want to go to this thing. I'm only going because my parents want to go. I'll be stuck at the bar again."

Lucius quirked his lips and tapped his wand against the check twice causing several lights to flash, "I have one request, since I am doing this favour for you."

Harry blinked and bit his lower lip, "Sure, what's that?"

"One dance." said Lucius not looking up as he concentrated on the check.

Harry's heart did several flips at the request, "Yes, of course." said Harry, a little too quickly.

Lucius smiled, and his blue eyes flickered up at Harry, who blushed, and ran his finger's timidly over his trousers, and down the leg of them as if to straighten out the cuff, "Great. Alright, well, your check is bound. They can't even dispose of it, if they try." He glanced up at the back.

Harry's bright smile immediately turned into a frown, "Would they really dispose of it?"

Lucius had watched Harry's emotions do a complete flip, "If they couldn't get anything out of it? Yes, Harry, they would."

"That's awful." said Harry, placing the check back into the black booklet.

"It is awful, that's the way politics works." said Lucius, "But now they can't touch it, either way, it'll get there in full amount."

"Thank you again." said Harry, placing the booklet aside and picking up his tea.

Lucius nodded, "Do you have to take off right away?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I have nowhere to go."

"Would you like to stay for dinner?"

Harry smiled, "I'd like that, thank you, Lucius."

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