Chapter five

Harry's POV

When Dumbledore and Harry got to Privet Drive, Harry turned to apologise to Dumbledore for his rudeness. However, Dumbledore merely raised a hand indicating for Harry to be silent.

"No need to apologise, Harry. I know how hard it is for you to be in a place where you don't fit in, but I promise you, this protection is the strongest I can offer."

Harry opened his mouth to talk, but couldn't find the right words. Instead, he nodded.

Dumbledore stared at Harry for a while, almost as though he were scanning him. Then he just said, "You're a good boy, Harry. Now off you go."

Harry turned to his house and, with a sigh, trudged up the path.

Before he was about to open the door, Dumbledore spoke again.

"You're sure there isn't anything you need to tell me, Harry?" He was peering over his half-moon spectacles – a sign indicating he knew something was wrong.

His hand half raised to open the front door, Harry had a battle in his brain.

Tell him! He's the smartest wizard alive!

If you do that, he'll prevent the Order getting information and Lucius will come for you anyway!

He'll try but he won't succeed, Dumbledore's protection is the strongest around!

Didn't stop Lucius before though...

Harry felt like screwing his eyes shut and screaming but instead, he just said, "I have nothing to tell you."

And with that, he opened the door and got to work on his chores, the Dursleys staying well clear of him.

Well, that's one positive thing that came from Lucius...

Little did Harry know that was because Vernon wasn't in... When his uncle returned, he would be in big trouble.

Lucius' POV

Lucius waited in anticipation for Dumbledore to return. The sooner he gave out his information, the sooner he could see Harry. After about five minutes, the old man returned, though looked slightly worried.

"Now then," Dumbledore began, "I believe the best place to talk would be my office in Hogwarts as no one would be there. I trust you've apparated to Hogsmeade before?"

"Of course."

"Then I shall meet you there," and in a whirl of purple robes, he was gone.

Lucius apparated shortly after, though hating the sensation of it.

After reaching Hogsmeade, the two men walked up the path to Hogwarts, Dumbledore unlocking the wards with some extremely complicated wand movements Lucius wouldn't even dream of trying to attempt.

It seemed to take an age to reach the headmaster's office. When they did, Dumbledore gestured to Lucius to sit down. He conjured up two glasses of fire whiskey which Lucius grabbed hungrily.

"Please, tell me everything you know, Lucius."

* * *

"Thank you so much, Lucius," Dumbledore said, his eyes sparkling, shaking Lucius' hand. "This, along with our information, will prove to be Lord Voldemort's downfall, I'm sure."

"Not at all," replied Lucius, "I just hope to rebuild my reputation as a war hero, not a Death Eater."

"And I'm sure that is how you will be viewed. Harry was right to trust you."

At the mention of Harry's name, Lucius' heart skipped a beat. How could he be so in love with just a boy?

He took a deep breath and spoke. "Indeed, he's a very brave, bright boy." Well that was an understatement, thought Lucius.

"Which reminds me; I must go and collect him from his aunt and uncles house... Oh, but I promised I'd see Severus about his spying mission..."

Lucius knew a hint when he heard one. He almost responded too eagerly but he contained himself and said, "I wouldn't mind collecting young Harry. I could inform him of the good news."

"I hope he won't mind, I did say I would collect him," pondered Dumbledore.

"I'm sure he'll be fine about it," assured Lucius. "We were getting on very well."