CHAPTER NINE
The moon was still and in halves; the stars poked beneath the darkened clouds that rolled serenely across the open back drop. Hogwart's loomed in the distance; you could just see the yellow dots where the windows were. Harry glanced around and saw Ron but the teen stalked passed him with Seamus and Dean following, shrugging helplessly at him.
Harry was led to a horseless carriage and he slid in as far as he could. Hermione followed and then Luna sat across.
The ride was bumpy all the way up the path to Hogwarts. Harry remained quiet, not speaking and ignoring whatever Luna had to say to him and Hermione. His mind just couldn't tolerate any eccentric ness at the moment.
Harry mechanically followed Hermione out of the carriage and through the crowds of students toward the Great Hall double doors. He was so wrapped up in his own dazed thoughts that he couldn't get himself to look up at the most beautiful ceiling in the world. He took a seat next to Hermione, and he had his head down until someone plopped down next to him. He looked up, surprised.
"Damn you!" hissed Ron, his cheeks were blotched with redness.
"No, damn you, Ron!" scowled Hermione leaning over and whacking him on the head. "You and your stupid feuds for Slytherins..."
Ron rolled his eyes, "You just don't understand-"
"And neither do you!" snapped Hermione, fiercely, and that was all it took for her to lay into him, right there at the Gryffindor Table.
Harry swallowed, as he went back and forth watching Hermione then Ron, but a nagging feeling against his neck was causing him to shift his gaze elsewhere.
Up at the staff table.
Lucius' blue eyes were staring directly at him. Harry felt his heart warm up, and his shoulder's rose a bit out of instinct. The man was a gorgeous thing to behold, thought Harry observantly, he met Lucius' gaze and offered him a small smile. The man nodded to him twice, his eyes holding an expression of concern, but as quickly as Harry saw the look it vanished. Regretfully he turned his attention back to his squabbling friends who weren't even arguing over him any longer.
Ron rolled his eyes, and turned to Harry ignoring Hermione, "Look, Harry. I'm sorry." He said, honestly. "I was just a little surprised- no I am very surprised, my family has been at feuding terms with -" he winced, "Them for as long as I can remember." Ron sighed, "I am sorry, I made you feel worse. I should have known better. You told me in confidence and I pretty much blew up, as always-"
Hermione snorted, "As always." she repeated, "You don't know when to keep that temper in check!" scowled the muggleborn.
"Oye, s'not my fault that I was shocked! The odds of this coming about are one in a million!" Ron crowed, throwing his hands up. "So get off my back woman! I said I was sorry and not because you made me."
"On your back? I'm on your back?" scoffed the brunette, "I'm not on your back half as much as I ought to be!"
Ron rolled his eyes and stared at Harry, "All hours that I ain't sleeping." He murmured, "Owww!" he whinged, when a small fist punched him in the arm. "Geez woman, Stop it. You're all knuckles!"
Harry laughed lightly, and lowered his head, "Okay, you two. I don't want to get hit in the process..." He threw his hands up, in surrender.
Hermione stopped quickly, and tutted, "You just wait!"
Ron rolled his eyes, "I so can't wait." he growled sarcastically.
Harry sniggered, "One would think you were getting off on this sort of abuse-" He ducked his head when two glares were sent his way.
Harry half heartedly listened to the sorting hat's new song and listened even less when it came time for calling names off. He propped his forearms up on the Gryffindor Table and stared vaguely at the little blonde girl with pigtails being sorted.
He didn't want to keep glancing up at the Staff Table. He didn't want to bring any attention to himself if that were possible, but Lucius was making it hard. He was the one doing the staring. Also, he felt Severus Snape's gaze upon him as well.
That was strange.
When the last name was called and had sat down at the Ravenclaw Table, Professor Dumbledore stood and he opened up his arms with a grand smile upon his elderly face.
"Welcome-" Harry took the advantage while everyone was looking to the Staff Table to look as well. He had been right about the stares, Severus was looking at him and so was Lucius.
After the welcome message the food filled each and every gold bowl and dinnerware along the fine table of each house.
Harry sat there not moving, he avoided the stares of people who didn't know him very well. He also ignored a lot of the Ravenclaw's pointed looks, especially those who had been friends with Roger Davies.
"Harry? Aren't you going to eat?" asked Hermione with concern.
"I'm not very hungry." He admitted, going for the juice instead.
"Harry, you haven't eaten today, have you?" asked Ron, "You ought to eat mate. You're skinny enough!" He declared trying to offer a piece of chicken leg.
Harry made a face and waved it away, "No." He said, trying not to give a face of disgust. "I'm just not hungry." He said once again. Hermione frowned but said nothing, as she ate her salad. Harry sat there listening to the conversations around him. There were so many people, but he felt so very alone, as if he were the only one in the room and the chatter were just distant echoes.
He bowed his head and stared at his hands, he had that feeling as if part of his insides were swimming in water. When Harry couldn't take it anymore, he murmured to Ron and Hermione that he was going to bed.
They didn't get a chance to stop him for he was up and swept out the hall in quick strides.
He couldn't believe that just a fight with his dad could cause his mood to take a downward spiral all together. But, it wasn't just the fight. It was the feeling of betrayal. He knew his father didn't know any better. He hardly knew any enemies... well unless you count Slytherins. He wanted to almost go to his dad and talk to him, but he just couldn't get himself too.
The man was going to have to be taught a lesson. That was the only way the two would ever get along. James was going to have to learn to understand Harry. Otherwise, the betrayals will become more and more grand until the point to where they never spoke. Harry shuddered visibly; he didn't want that to happen.
As he took the staircase toward Gryffindor Tower, he wondered if things would go back to the way they were, now that Hogwarts had restarted. Would Lucius be a downright arse to him, like he had always been?
Well, it wasn't like a Malfoy or a Slytherin, to do anything halfway. He rounded the corridor once he got to the seventh floor, and as he began approaching the portrait of the Fat Lady, he stopped midway and stared straight ahead of him with visible surprise.
Harry didn't even know he had left the hall. Then again, he had been avoiding looking at him for too long or too much. But, now, here he was standing there near Gryffindor.
That didn't happen often.
Lucius was looking so sexy to Harry in crimson based and black robes. His hair was pulled back low, and to his surprise, he did not have his cane on him nor his gloves.
Harry swallowed feeling his feelings changed all of a sudden. He slowed and began walking toward the man whose eyes locked with Harrys; his heart sped up once again, he slowly approached the man.
"Hello Lu- er-" Harry shrugged, not knowing what to call him.
Lucius smiled, "It's Lucius, when in private."
"Oh, okay." said Harry, his heart skipping slightly. He felt himself lift up.
"You tired?" asked Lucius concerned, as he moved from his spot, and he looked Harry up and down.
"Not really."
"Your eyes are black. Come, let's go to my office."
Harry smiled, and moved into step next to Lucius. His thoughts were momentarily replaced by this man who was walking next to him. What was it about standing next to Lucius that made him feel so much more calm? They trekked down a spiral staircase together. Lucius was casting Harry glances, "I talked to your godfathers earlier today."
Harry knew he had, he remembered seeing them. The teen smiled, "Yeah, I stayed with them last night."
"Severus told me about your father."
"I couldn't stay there any longer." He told Lucius. "We've never fell out like this." He shrugged, "I've always kept my mouth shut when he said things I didn't like, but this just went too far." He looked up at the man. "Which was a shame too, first time I'd been relaxed in a long time."
Lucius hadn't said a word the entire time, he was simply allowing Harry to vent his frustrations and tell him what he wanted. He opened the door to the large and elegant looking office. Harry had never really been in here, of all the times he had detentions with Lucius or Severus, he was always in the classroom or Severus' office.
Unlike Severus' office, where there were disgusting ingredients everywhere you looked; Lucius' had mirrors, candelabras, and an air that stated posh but comfortable. There was a portrait of a tall man with long black hair and dark brown eyes. He was sitting behind a desk that was covered in parchment.
Harry closed the office door, as Lucius swept through the room. "You must be hungry; you did not eat at dinner. I watched you."
"I have no appetite. If being on the outs with my dad isn't bad, and then your best friend also against you could do that to you." He leaned against Lucius' desk, as the man moved around the room using his wand to light all the candles for some light.
"I am going to take a guess that you told Weasley about me." Lucius didn't sound accusing. It was as if he expected it.
"They guessed, when Draco asked to talk to me. Well, Hermione guessed quicker, but it didn't take Ron long."
"The Weasley's and Malfoy's have been at rivals with one another for quite a long time." said Lucius, sitting behind his desk.
Harry shifted until he was comfortably sitting across from Lucius on the man's desk.
"It's not as bad as it used to be." said Lucius, his eyes glittered with amusement as Harry sat there innocently. "It is true; we have higher values for purity in blood. We do cherish it more than most. It's something to be proud of." The Professor was choosing his words carefully. "That was not the only reason for the Malfoy and Weasley feud."
"What was it over then?" asked Harry, curiosity peaked.
"It started when my father and grandfather was accused of following Grendlewald in the forties. Back then a lot of the objects and spells they used were not considered dark. But, they were accused when Grendlewald's followers were caught with items that my grandfather and father actually possessed. The Law Enforcer back then was Gerald Weasley, Arthur Weasley's Great Uncle. He pushed and pushed for my family to be expelled from the Ministry of Magic, without any real evidence, of them having been involved at all." Lucius smirked, "We've been involved in many things, Harry. You know that, I do not attempt to hide the fact of what I once was. I cannot undo what I have done."
"I wasn't going to accuse, Lucius." said Harry, softly. "You should know me better than that."
Lucius gave him a smile, "I do, but to get you to understand that my family did not have anything to do with it. Grendlewald was not giving anything in return. My family saw absolutely nothing to gain out of siding with him."
"And Voldemort, you saw power." stated Harry simply. He smirked at the look of surprise on Lucius face, "I'm not as daft as people make me out to be."
"No," said Lucius quietly. "I daresay, you're not."
Harry felt so much better, sitting there being able to talk to Lucius. It was refreshing. After a minute Harry spoke, "So, Gerald Weasley accused your family?"
"Made a total mockery of them." said Lucius sternly. "So, since then we've all been at each other's throats."
Harry swung his legs casually, taking in what he had just learned. "I understand that. I just wish Ron would leave me out of it." He murmured, "I do enough of that with my own family let alone squabbling with my friends."
Lucius snorted and grabbed Harry's knee to stop it from swinging so much, "That - is annoying."
Harry laughed softly, "Sorry, habit."
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "A habit you're going to have to kick."
Sniggering, Harry sat there trying not to move his leg. Lucius' hand was still firmly on his knee, and Harry wasn't doing a damn thing to remove it.
Why the hell would he?
"I never had the chance to ask," said Lucius changing the subject. "Before all hell broke loose, did you enjoy yourself?"
Harry smiled, "It was the best night that I've had in a very long time." He said honestly. "I never knew that a ball could actually be fun."
Lucius grinned, "I'm pleased."
"I didn't mean to run out on you so quickly. I just wanted to get out of there before I had a breakdown."
"Did you breakdown?" asked Lucius with concern. He moved in his chair and sat up with both bare hands coming to rest on Harry's still knees.
Harry bit his lower lip, "Yeah." He said, lowering his head, and staring at the hands touching him. His heart could not have been speeding up anymore or it would explode right in his chest. "I did. I went off on dad, mum stayed quiet. I then floo'd to Remus, I felt like I was suffocating there in my room all alone."
Lucius' hand tightened against Harry's knee, the other one ran up along his thigh insouciantly, before moving up to brush his black hair out of the way.
Harry's breath was completely lost. He found himself at a loss for words even more when Lucius' finger's brushed along his cheek. "I don't like the thought of you feeling alone."
The Gryffindor forced himself to swallow, "I'm not now." he whispered before he could stop himself.
Lucius grinned, "I had hoped, you would say that Harry. I have a confession."
Harry licked his lips, "What's that?" He was almost positive that the man could hear his heart. It was running at full speed and he felt as if he were flushing, but not from embarrassment. He was flushing because his body felt so heated and the tingling sensation shot from his spine up into his head. He had to control the shivers that wanted to come along after.
"I heard you talking a week ago, upstairs in your room."
Harry blinked, "Oh," He should be blushing. But, for some reason that didn't matter at the moment.
"I like what I heard." Continued Lucius, softly. "I've learned a lot about you, Harry. I'd love to learn more."
The Potter Heir had never been so taken away by a simple set of words in his entire life. He smiled and without thinking, he inclined his head and kissed Lucius' large hand. "I wouldn't object. No, rephrase that, I couldn't object, especially after what you heard."
"Not blushing," observed Lucius, with a smile.
"No reason." said Harry softly.
"Until I get through with you." teased Lucius, and before Harry could laugh or even get another word in, he was pulled gracefully from the desk right into the older man's lap.
Harry straddled him, his chest pounding, and not a word was spoken when Lucius' lips met his in a kiss that was absolutely earth shattering. His whole body went into maximum overdrive; the blood rushed like a wave to his head. Lucius' lips dominated Harry in an open mouthed kiss. It became as addicting as alcohol to a drunk or water to a desert dweller. He was being held tightly by strong arms, which he never wanted to leave the company of. His body trembled hotly and his brain function was not cooperating.
Harry was left breathless until Lucius' tongue flicked desirously against his tender lips and then plunged forward into his sweet mouth. Lucius claimed all rights to Harry, who was swimming in a sea of passion.
It was unlike anything, Harry had ever tasted in his life. He was afraid that if Lucius stopped, then so would the rest of the world. His hands had been subconsciously running along Lucius' hard chest, feeling what it could through the fabric of the restrictive robes.
Harry was consumed and lost in Lucius. His fears, troubles, and anything that required serious pressure and tension had been wiped away in that one instant.
Lucius' hand pushed Harry's hair out of the way and cupped the back of his neck for more leverage.
When they parted Harry couldn't help but laugh quietly and say, "Funny how one night of out mind experience could do to a person."
"It's your bloody fault."
Harry laughed, "Unconsciously done." Harry's voice was so quiet, he was afraid of raising it too much for the whole mood would be shot.
Lucius smirked and kissed his bottom lip, "However conscious, it is still your fault."
"I take full blame then." smiled Harry.
Lucius laughed, "This is not supposed to happen, you've always been a victim of scandal."
Harry grinned and lowered his head and pressed it against the man's shoulder. "This scandal I could handle."
"Looks like I have no choice in the matter." remarked Lucius.
"You always have a choice."
"Not this time." said the man dryly into Harry's ear.
Harry felt as if he were flying high just sitting there in the arms of the former Slytherin. It was the dance with Lucius all over again, except for this time the feelings were stronger and he was assured. He was assured that Lucius wanted to be with him, even if it was surreal. He couldn't stop smiling. Despite how things began it was ending perfectly.
The sun shined brightly into the sixth year Gryffindor boy's dormitory. The particles of shimmery dust hung in the air; each half asleep body rolled out of their comfortable beds to start a new day of school.
A startling warmth spread across each wizard. Harry lay in his bed, with a gentle smile caressing along his pale features. His heart had awoken him; it was beating furiously, still trying to process the events of last night. He chewed his lip as he thought about the kiss and the conversation.
When he heard Ron's grunts he sat up.
"Ulgh, morning already?" murmured the sleepy redhead, as he staggered up and tripped over his own large feet. "Bloody hell!" he cried when he tripped for the second time.
Harry pushed the scarlet coverlet down to his ankles and slid out of the bed. He had no idea that the smile on his face was so big until he moved in front of the mirror next to Ron, who was brushing his teeth and clinging to the sink for support.
The fogged up redhead looked at him, "Smiling? At this time of the morning?" He looked incredulous at the thought.
"You would be too if everything turned out good for you in the end."
Ron scrunched his nose as if he knew, "Please, save me the details right now. Too early and Hermione'll already be pumping you for information."
Harry laughed, "I didn't plan on it." He grabbed the towel on the rack and went for a shower.
Twenty minutes later, Ron had to be dragged down by Harry, who was looking his best, with his hair all down and the earring replaced by a silver lion. "Oye! Make it a little easier on me would ya?" asked Harry, "I'm not as big as you!" Indeed with him pulling Ron, he looked as if he were straining himself.
"Not my fault."
"One blame it on Harry a week! That pass has been used up already." commented Harry, pulling a rather shabby looking Ron down the steps into the brightly lit common room. Hermione was in the corner with the defence book, Harry had let her borrow propped up on her knee.
She looked up at the boy's and sniggered when she saw Harry pulling a half asleep Ron along with him. "Morning! Harry, this book is amazing!" She said, her eyes getting larger for affect.
Harry laughed, "I know, but let me have that until this afternoon and I'll give it back to you... just in case."
Hermione nodded, "I was up half the night reading it and writing down lists of spells and theories."
"Oh brother!" Ron collapsed languidly onto the couch, nearly bringing Harry down on top of him. "Plleeeassse it's seven thirty, Hermione." He complained, hanging his head.
Harry laughed and pulled against Ron's hand, "Come on, let's go. I'm starved."
"Of course you are you didn't eat anything all night long." Hermione then glared at Ron, who was half snoring already.
"Well, I'm hungry now!" said Harry smiling.
"And he's happy!" said Ron, as he was pulling by the smaller Gryffindor out the portrait.
The Great Hall was bustling with early morning students. Some were still half dressed rushing through and collecting a few muffins before shuffling out again.
Harry pulled at Ron, leading the way to the Gryffindor Table. Dean glanced over and snorted, "Ron still asleep?"
"Yup." said Harry, as the redhead plopped down and once again Harry nearly fell over with him. "Big footed thing you." He teased, he was in too good of a mood to be annoyed or frustrated. Even his father was put out of his mind for the time being.
As he sat properly, Hermione slid in next to him and dropped all three of their schedules on the table.
Harry instinctively glanced up at the Staff Table, and locked eyes with Lucius, who had been watching him the whole time. He offered a smile and turned away again and quickly lifted Ron's collar to keep him from falling asleep in his oatmeal.
"Fanks!" mumbled the redhead.
Harry shook his head and glanced down at his schedule. He had Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and then Potions before lunchtime.
"At least we don't have to take Divination this year." mumbled Ron, a little more coherent.
"I don't know why you two didn't drop it in the first place." said Hermione, sniffily. "You could have taken something much more appetizing like Ancient Runes or Arithmancy."
"Divination we can sleep!" Ron reminded her.
Hermione rolled her eyes, as Harry sniggered, "Or have our deaths predicted."
"Yours you mean." corrected Ron.
"Yeah, mine." said Harry, laughing lightly.
The morning owl post came and Harry's smile vanished instantly, when he saw Aerodale, his father's owl flying toward him with a letter attached. He could already see the messy red scrawl of his fathers.
He licked his fingers of the syrup and hesitantly untied the letter, as Aerodale nicked a piece of his bacon and flew off.
Harry stared at the letter before dropping his toast and flipping it open. As soon as the first line was read he closed it, rolled his eyes, and then murmured, "Incendio." Blue ball flames shot out and caught the parchment on fire consuming the words that had been written.
"What did it say, Harry?" asked Hermione slowly. "Was it that bad?"
"Dad said he was sorry about betraying me, and asked for forgiveness, that was fine until..." Harry rolled his eyes, darkly. "He began questioning my sanity for the other night."
"When you danced with him?" whispered Hermione, touching her lips with her fingers so that no one could read them.
"Yep, I didn't finish the letter. It was already annoying enough." scowled the raven-haired boy. "I'm going to get my books."
"Wait!" said Hermione, jumping up. "I'll come with you."
"Yeah mate, stop running off without us!" grumbled Ron, scrambling up and grabbing some bacon off his plate.
"Sorry mate. I just don't want anyone else prying into my business." said Harry, walking out his friends on either side of him.
"That's understandable. People seemed to be getting nosier and nosier by the year!" As Ron said this he was glaring at a fourth year girl standing behind a statue trying to get a look at Harry.
"You're getting older Harry; your life is bound to get more interesting." Hermione pointed out.
"Oh yeah, real interesting." snorted Harry, "Especially, when they find out who I'm seeing." He murmured.
Hermione blinked, "Are you now?" she breathed, "No wonder you're happy!"
Ron made a face, "I knew it." He grimaced.
Harry looked at his best friend warily, but Ron shook his head, "It's your relationship, not mine. I may not like him - but-" he shrugged, "What can I do about it?"
Harry laughed and grabbed Ron in a hug, as Hermione scowled, "You daft man!"
Ron laughed and hugged Harry back, "Sheesh, it means that much to you?"
"It does." said Harry, letting go of his best friend. "Means the world."
Ron sighed, "Very well then." He said resigned.
The first two classes went off without a hitch and when it came time for Potions, every single Gryffindor was pouting and sulking the whole way to the coldness of the dungeons. Most of the Slytherin's were already there, Harry wasn't the least bit worried. He did not expect, Professor Snape to be on decent terms with him when school was in session at all. He'd be a fool to expect something of the nature, but he also now had the mind set of Severus Snape being human. He wasn't unreachable to gain his respect.
Ron was murmuring about how he had no idea he could even get Exceeds Expectations on his OWL.
"Glad we did something right by you." teased Hermione, as she looked at the Defence book Harry was reading, her eyes glittering. She leaned over his shoulder to read as well.
"Wow! You're far in that book." she said, as various Slytherin's came over. A few sneered while Draco remained quiet, but his eyes were on the book in Harry's hand.
He smiled at Hermione, "Yeah, I've had it for two weeks." Harry raised his eyes and locked with him, he recognized the book and where it came from.
He closed it when the dungeon door opened, revealing Severus' sneering face. They didn't have to be told to get inside as they all bustled through. Harry walked in as he placed the book in his bag. They got their seats in the back as usual and waited.
Ron was grimacing and murmuring under his breath, and he wasn't the only Gryffindor. The Potion's Classroom was much smaller than it was last year. The only other Gryffindors besides them three was Parvati. The rest of them had dropped it.
Also Crabbe and Goyle were no longer sitting on each side of Draco, this time it was Blaise and Pansy, with the rest of the Slytherin's around them. There were about five or six empty desks between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors.
Severus was standing in front of a blackboard and he was eyeing the small group of students shrewdly. "Gryffindors, move up." he ordered, "There are six spaces between you fill them - now."
Harry was the first up followed by Hermione and Parvati. Ron was the last one to move in a very grudging manner. Harry sat directly behind Draco, Hermione sat behind Blaise and Ron was forced to sit behind Pansy.
Severus began as hard as he usually did, however he did not make any snide or ridiculing comments to Harry or his friends.
The class went so much better than the previous years had. It was smooth and the only remarks he made was honest remarks and an occasion snap to Parvati for thinking more about her hair than her potion. Severus walked between the rows and made various comments. He nodded to Harry and did make a couple cynical remarks to Ron for affect.
By the end of the class, Hermione seemed pleased, while some of the Slytherin's looked disgruntled.
On the way out of the dungeons, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were some of the last to leave; Severus placed his hand on Harry's shoulder, "Stay behind." Harry looked up and nodded, and told his friends to go on.
Ron didn't have to be told twice, as Hermione smiled and bustled after the redhead who couldn't flee the Slytherin dungeon any faster.
"Yes, Professor?" asked Harry, casually.
"It's Severus when we are in private company."
"Alright." said Harry, smiling gently.
"I was told to give you the message of meeting Lucius in his office for lunch."
Harry nodded, "Thank you, Severus." He waved good-bye to the dark headed man and headed out of the dungeons and back up toward the main part of the school. His friend's were waiting for him.
"I'll see you guy's later, okay?"
"Where you going?" asked Ron.
"Lunch, with Lucius." He murmured, under his breath.
"Oh." Ron scrunched his nose. "Fine,"
Hermione plucked Ron's sleeve, "Have fun!" she said, kissing Harry's cheek.
Harry laughed, "I will." He waved to them and then headed off toward the Grand Staircase, where he took it in twos.
He got to Lucius' office just as a couple kids passed by. He tapped upon it, and waited, "Enter."
Harry opened the door and smiled when he saw Lucius standing in front of the portrait that Harry had seen last night. Harry dropped his bag at the door.
"I saw you at breakfast this morning." said Lucius turning and saying, "Coiled Serpent." The portrait instantly swung open, revealing a hallway. Harry walked over to the man and stood in front of him, he didn't really know much of what to do. So, he let Lucius take the lead. He wrapped his arm around Harry.
"Oh, so I guess you saw me burning dad's letter."
"Yes, I did. What was that all about?" he asked, as they walked down the lightly lit hall and then to a steel framed door that had a snake knocker upon it. They entered to a room that looked identical to parts of Lucius' manor. The dark purple, silver, and black decor, made Harry believe he was really there.
The dining table was next to the kitchen; Harry was mildly surprised that Lucius didn't complain. Then again, he probably never used it.
Harry shook his head, "He first apologized; I don't think he knows what he's apologizing for but it was nice - until he called me a lunatic for dancing with you the other night." Lucius laughed at this, as Harry shook his head, "Ron got over, so he ought too."
Lucius was amused, "I am not surprised."
"Meh, I don't care. It's my life not his." said Harry. "I have to live it, not him."
"It probably hurts his wounded pride."
Harry shrugged, "He's gonna have to deal with it."
The table was set for two with all kinds of things upon it. There was a hallway just adjacent from the small kitchen that obviously led to other rooms.
He comfortably took a seat, and Lucius was next to him. Harry picked up a sandwich and some crisps, Lucius became more selective.
"Your father has had a long history of dislike for Slytherins."
Harry winced as Lucius said this, "Remember when I told you that I was supposed to be Slytherin?"
"Yes, you told me, and I still have yet to understand what you meant by that."
"I begged the hat not to put me in Slytherin." said Harry, softly. "I begged and begged, because I was afraid of what my dad might say."
"It wanted you in Slytherin?" asked Lucius in shock.
"Yeah, it said, I would be great in Slytherin and Slytherin would help me on my way to greatness and my true friends would be held there..." Harry repeated what the hat had said to him, "I - just I didn't want my father to be disappointed. So, I said, anywhere but Slytherin. The hat after much debate and argument put me in Gryffindor House and when I got in trouble - second year and had to go to Dumbledore's office, it said the same thing again."
"I can't believe you argued with the sorting hat."
"Heh, I was desperate. I mean when you're eleven the most important thing to you is what your father thinks of you."
Lucius nodded, "Yeah that is true. So, you're supposed to be a Slytherin?"
Harry laughed, "Ask the hat if you don't believe me."
"No need, after what everything I've learned about you. I believe you." said Lucius, with a grin.
Harry smiled more to himself than anything, it felt nice sitting here, eating, talking to someone about a lot of things he kept private, even to Ron and Hermione. He'd never told them about the sorting hat before. The only reason they knew about Lucius was because Hermione wasn't stupid and Ron was beginning to have a bit of a brain.
The silence was comfortable, and wasn't daunting like one would believe. Harry was relaxed enough to place his feet up underneath him while sitting at the table. Lucius just laughed at him, when Harry gave him a cheeky smile.
"I have your class at the end." said Harry, checking his schedule.
"I'm not treating you any different-" teased Lucius, with a smirk.
Harry laughed, "I'd be disappointed if you did." the teen offered, with a smile.
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "Don't want special treatment?"
Harry sniggered, and leaned closer Lucius, and pressed his chin against the man's shoulder. "I believe I will be getting enough special treatment out of classes."
Lucius smirked, and pressed a light kiss against Harry's forehead. He smiled and closed his eyes lightly at the contact. "You can surprise me every time we speak, Harry."
He cracked one eye open, "Oh? How do I do that?"
"I don't know. I'm not a man of surprise." said Lucius; his finger's pushing Harry's black hair behind his ear. He played with the diamond and then did the same with his other side and smiled when he saw the lion. "You do have some Gryffindor in you-"
"Next best house. I didn't ask it to put me in Gryffindor."
"Both houses are not so bad." said Lucius, his eyes searching Harry's attractive features. "We have a half hour; want to move from these hard chairs? Although, you look as if you're comfortable-"
Harry chuckled, "I always seem to be comfortable, in your presence."
"Not when I invited you to the manor."
"Admitting, no, but that's because I had just hit on you a few days prior, being drunk out of my mind, not to mention the way my family acted when you were invited over."
"Your mother was fine. I expected your father to be cold. I was surprised that your godfather was amiable."
"So was I. I think he just wanted to see my dad being picked on by us. I don't know how many times mum kicked him. Mum, she'll get along with anyone."
"Just like you." commented Lucius, with a grin.
"I try." Harry smiled gently.
The lunch ended, when Harry walked out of Lucius' office, he ignored the students standing in front of Lucius' class and headed toward Transfiguration. He could not have been in any better of a mood when he plopped down between Ron and Hermione.
Ron looked at him warily but said nothing, as Hermione asked for details. "Did you ask if I could read the book?" asked Hermione hopefully.
"I will." said Harry, "I didn't get a chance, while we were eating lunch."
"Okay, but please do! I feel bad if he doesn't want me to read it."
"I'm sure he won't mind."
Ron opened his mouth about ready to say something about the fact that he probably would care cause of her being muggleborn, but Professor McGonagall chose to walk through the room and hush everyone up with just a stern glance.
The classes ran as they usually did, after falling asleep in History of Magic, they all headed back toward the fourth floor where the Defence Against the Dark Arts class was going to be held. It was just across from Lucius' office.
The man of Harry's thoughts was already sitting at his desk and not bothering to look up at all the Gryffindors that bustled through the room.
Unlike Severus; Lucius never started classes with insults. He started them with high demands on what was to be expected and if there were any objections they knew where the door was.
Lucius was more than right when he said; he wasn't going to treat anyone different. Well, half right. He didn't take points from Gryffindor House; however he was ruthless as ever, even more than Severus. Harry just found it funny, Ron found it annoying. The other difference was he didn't sneer once at Harry, or make a crack about Potter idiocy.
The classes were soon over, and Harry wanted to stay behind. He stood slowly and nudged Ron and Hermione to go on. Ron grudgingly left, while Hermione gave him a pleading look with her eyes, to ask him about the book.
Harry laughed, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him. "I will, calm down darling." He winked, as she laughed and gathered her stuff. "Need me to take your bag?" she asked.
Harry laughed, and handed it to her. "Go on."
She beamed and ran off to meet Ron by the door. Harry piddled around for as long as he could until Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan chased each other out of the room.
Lucius flicked his wand and the door closed, as Harry made his way up to the desk and slipped on, "Well, you were right." he said, swinging around casually to face his companion who was coming over to sit. Harry shuffled to the middle of the desk. "You meanie." he teased with a playful smile.
Lucius arched an eyebrow and stopped in front of Harry and before he sat down, he cupped the teen's pale cheeks and pressed a tender but dominating kiss. The teen reached up and touched Lucius; he drank in the tantalizing kiss as if he were afraid of never receiving them again. The blood in his veins began to bubble underneath his skin to the point of goose bumps developing along his arms. Lucius released, and smirked, "Does that make up for it?"
"I like you being mean, especially when it comes to making up for it..." said Harry, kissing him again. Lucius laughed softly and then took his seat, Harry then snapped his fingers, "Oh yeah, Hermione wants to know if she could read the book you gave me."
Lucius arched an eyebrow, "I have a feeling she's already been into it."
Harry laughed, "She couldn't help herself and it's hard to say no when she's so supportive."
"I don't mind, Harry. I gave that book to you. I never truly intended you to finish it all in such short time."
Harry smiled, "I tried." He said moving his legs back and forth like he usually did, until Lucius placed both hands on the boy's knees. He sniggered, "Sorry!" he exclaimed.
"Mhmm. Are you just doing that for attention?"
"No! Honestly, if I wanted attention, I'd let you know in other ways." He sniggered, "Just a habit."
"Hmm." Lucius leaned up and tugged some papers that were under Harry. The Gryffindor sniggered and leaned up.
"Oops, didn't mean to sit on your papers."
"Ah well, probably all failures anyway." He said dryly.
"You have so much faith in your students." Harry said sarcastically. He peered over, and saw that it was second year work.
"If I had faith in them would I be here teaching them?"
Harry snorted, "What kind of logic is that?"
"Slytherin logic."
"Ah, but usually a person has so much faith in another that they want to help."
"Who said, I wanted to be a teacher in the first place?" asked Lucius, glancing up.
"Oh, you didn't?" asked Harry surprised.
"No, I became a teacher because of Dumbledore." He told Harry, "He was protecting me and my son. Especially, my son."
"Why do you continue teaching then?" asked Harry. "That's over with, I'm sure you've paid him back enough."
"I could resign, but then what would I do? I could easily join the ministry, but that would quickly get boring and tiresome. Here, I don't have to fill the Headmaster's pockets with gold to keep in good."
Harry nodded understanding exactly what Lucius was saying. "No, just fill it with lemon drops."
Lucius snorted, "Isn't that the truth. I do not know how many times, I have been asked to go to Hogsmeade..."
Harry sniggered, "I can't see you running anywhere for anyone Lucius."
Lucius rolled his eyes, but he had a smile, "Why do you think I have one of my elves on hand?"
"I kind of thought so." said Harry, meeting his smile with one of his own.
At a quarter to five he left Lucius' side, with the promise of returning for dinner with him at six. How could Harry decline that? He was smiling with a sensation of carefree feelings when he entered the common room that afternoon.
He laughed when he saw Ron and Hermione glaring daggers at each other. Hermione had her arm on top of the Defence book that Lucius had given Harry.
"Oh give it a rest Hermione-" said Ron with disgust, as he collapsed. He nearly paled when seeing Harry.
Hermione turned, and smiled, "What did he say?"
"He said its fine." said Harry sliding next to his best female friend and kissing her cheek. "Said he would have been surprised had you not already been into it."
Hermione blushed and giggled, "Thank you!" she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I'm surprised." said Ron with a scrunch of his nose.
"Oh, Ron, come on! I thought you were okay with it?" asked Harry, frowning.
Hermione continued to glare at him when Harry wasn't looking. Ron rolled his eyes, "I'm okay with it, but it's going to take a lot of time to get used to this. Besides, I kind of hope you don't last."
Harry frowned, "How could you say things like that?" He looked incredulous. "This is the happiest I've been in a long time, Ron."
Ron waved him off, "Oh, Harry, you'll get over it when the excitement of dating a teacher wears off."
Harry looked upset and hurt all at once. Hermione rolled her eyes, "Don't listen to him, Harry. He'll just have to get used to it. I can see how happy you are, and after what that sick moron Roger did you, I'm glad you found someone who doesn't have to go and prove himself to the world."
Ron scowled, "He's a Slytherin! A former Deatheater."
"I believe, Harry knows that and he can make his own decisions." said Hermione sternly.
Ron shrugged, "Just my theory."
Harry's frown could only deepen, as he looked at his best friend. Why did it matter to him so darn badly? It wasn't as if Harry was asking Ron to be friends with Lucius or even speak to him. It was his relationship no one elses.
"Theorize all you want," said Harry waving his hands. "Doesn't change things."
Ron rolled his eyes, and turned away from Harry and flipped open a Quidditch book. Hermione stared hard at him before turning to Harry, "Oh, Harry, I found the most useful spell, in chapter four."
Harry laughed, "Is it the one about wand protection? You place a spell on your wand and only you can use it?"
"Yeah, did you do that?"
"Not yet, but I have plans on it. I'll check the spell with Lucius before attempting."
"Good, because I don't want my wand to blow up." she said, with a light laugh.
"Neither do I. I'm going to his office for dinner."
"Again?" asked Ron, with exasperation.
"Of course!" said Harry. "It's kind of hard to eat together out in the open with him at the staff table and me at Gryffindor."
"Whatever." grumbled Ron.
Hermione arched an eyebrow, "You know you never acted like this when Roger and he were dating."
"So? It wasn't a Slytherin." said Ron hotly.
"No, in fact it was a two timing loser... yes, I can so see where a Slytherin is so much more cause for concern, Ron." Harry's words were dripping with sarcasm as he leaned up from the table. He shook his head, "Forget it!" He held up his hands to stop Ron from talking. "I'm out of here." He gave a false smile, "Hermione? I'll see you." He kissed her cheek once again before picking up his bag that was next to her and walking out. It was early, but Harry was sick and tired of the third degree from Ron.
He got to Lucius' office and tapped upon it. He waited by the door when he heard, "Get in here, Harry." From the distance.
Harry arched an eyebrow and opened the door, "How'd you know it was me?" Asked Harry grinning, as he saw Lucius marking papers very quickly with a big red inked quill.
"You're the only one I have ever met who knocks so softly you can hardly hear it." He glanced up, and smiled when he saw Harry standing there with his bag, "Here early - not unwelcome mind you."
"Ron was being an arse." said Harry, "I've had about enough of him." He came over and placed his bag beside Lucius' chair.
"Well, I'm just finishing up." he said, and before Harry could make a seat out of his desk, he curled his arm around the boy's waist. Harry smiled and allowed himself to be pulled down onto Lucius' knee. He got comfortable and picked up the next student's paper to look at it.
Lucius pushed his black hair out of the way and kissed him against the neck and continued to make slashing marks with his red quill. "What morons-"
Harry sniggered, "How many times have you said that about me in the past?"
Lucius smirked, "Not as often as I would have liked then. You have a knack in Defence and that's not favouritism talking..."
The smile widened, "Hehe, I'm the teacher's favourite. Finally!"
Lucius laughed softly and added an E to a Ravenclaw's paper. "That confident are we?"
"I know so."
Lucius just smirked, and placed another red X on a paper before tossing the stack in a box. "Hogwart's students are morons."
"You said that already."
"Well, I'm saying it again, because it's more than true."
Harry laughed and slid off the man's lap so he could get up. He picked up his pack and followed the man through the portrait and into the living corridors.
Dinner that evening was a relaxed affair. Draco came through the room and grimaced seeing Harry but he did not say anything out of the way. Harry was working on his homework, while Draco was talking to his father.
By the end of the night, Harry had been resigned to leave the comfort of corridors. He had nearly fallen asleep on the couch curled up under a velvet black coverlet and his eyes peering into the fire. Lucius was next to him composing several letters to the Ministry.
It was nice being able to just be comfortable without other people expecting something from you.
Need not worry, if there are questions and a few 'loops' they will be answered. It'll all play out soon enough. :) Just have a touch of patience and read. Thank you to all the readers and reviews- they've been very very supportive. My rating will be going up very soon on this ... it's gonna have too. I have a few er - M rated scenes that will be appearing. I just wanted to give you a heads up before I get there. :P