The fact that Blaise was not invited to the manor the rest of the summer did not go unnoticed by Harry. He had no doubts why. But if his husband thought it would help any he had another thing coming. Harry was not interested in Blaise. As anything more then a possible friend in his new house. But Lucius did not need to know that. Harry may have been forced into the marriage. And he knew adultery was common in arranged marriages like this. But he would never have broken his vows. Even if forced upon him. But Lucius wanted to control everything. And he definitely cared nothing for his husband's feelings. And Harry decided to give some of it back. Maybe his husband would come to his bloody senses. And if not well Harry could have some fun. Besides Blaise was the closest thing to a friendly face in Slytherin. He knew with time Draco might. Draco was gone every day. He assumed he was visiting his friends since Blaise could not come over.
Severus spent a part of every afternoon teaching him to ride Bailey. He found he was a quick learner. And riding the horse was definitely funner then mucking stables. He did continue to keep care of his own horse. Including mucking stables. Severus thought it a bit odd but he understood. He was more surprised by mornings. Harry had a few days a week joined him in the lab. Harry made the excuse of wanting to improve his skills. Severus did not mind the company. He had been ordered to pair Harry and Draco together. Lucius made the excuse that Harry needed better grades now he was a Malfoy. Severus had a feeling it had more to do with Blaise. He was surprised when Harry was not allowed to go for his own school supplies and wondered f it had to do with his old friends or new.
Severus watched Harry the day before they left for school. He knew Harry was worried. And he more then understood. Harry would face his friends and the school. He had no idea what to expect. Having been forced to change houses would not help. Especially now that he was playing for the snakes. He hoped for Harry's sake it would go well. Harry would be apparating with them. Lucius had decided Harry was his husband and would not take the train. Draco would be with his friends.
Severus ladled out the potion which was done. "I know you're worried about school but the twins assured you about Ron. And you will be fine in Slytherin."
Harry sighed. "I thought my husband wanted me to get to know them and make friends first. But now he has cut me off from both my new house and my old."
That definitely could not be denied. Harry had not seen anyone but Draco his own age since his birthday. Blaise was not the only one who had not come. Harry had been meant to make friends with them before term. Lucius said it was why they came for the birthday. But that had all changed. Severus of course knew why. He never took his friend for jealous. Lucius absolutely denied he was jealous. He just did not want to be shamed. But Severus could see the green eyed monster. Lucius never cared about or wanted Narcissa. He did not care if she cheated on him. Harry was another matter. Harry he wanted. And he definitely would not be sharing him. Severus knew Lucius was going to do everything to control his husband. And that seemed to include cutting him off again. All he was doing was driving Harry away.
Severus knew Harry. He knew him well enough to know Harry would never cheat. He knew Harry was too honest a person. He may have been forced into this but he would be faithful. Harry had definitely not been flirting with Blaise. Blaise was just the friendliest face at his birthday but for his brothers. But he had a feeling Harry had seen he got a rise out of his husband and was considering using that to his advantage.
Severus looked at Harry. "I know you want to give your husband some of his own medicine but be careful. Blaise is a good guy and you don't want to hurt him."
Harry sighed. "I will not lead Blaise on. My husband was jealous from us talking. But I will not allow my husband to run me off one of the few friendly faces."
He was reminded he himself had told Harry to keep fighting. He was not going to win by giving into his husband. He needed to kick some sense into Lucius. He knew Harry was right. Harry would not think to hit on Blaise and hurt him. He did not have enough snake in him. And he could see Harry was starting to like Blaise. He knew Harry was the only one who stood to be hurt. Playing with fire with Lucius was dangerous and Lucius was usually not the one who got hurt in the end.
Severus put a hand on his arm. "I think you've got a good idea. But be careful. I don't want you to get hurt. Lucius is stuck in his ways Harry."
Harry nodded. "I know. But if I am married to him till one of us dies I have nothing to lose. Maybe I can kick the man into the twentieth century. At least I hope."
He was grateful that they would be living in apartments far from his. He had a feeling things would be explosive. He thought about offering Harry his guest room if things got bad. He did not see Harry camping out in Slytherin if he had problems. But for now he did not say it. Harry should not be encouraged to run away. He was going to need to face his husband. Lucius would not come to see some sense unless Harry continued to show him he could not always get away with what ever.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Lucius and Harry escorted Draco to the train the next day. He spotted some of his friends but was not allowed to go see them. Hermione and Ron both sent apologetic looks at him. He knew when he got to school his husband could not keep him from them. But he wished he could go see them. He wished he was allowed to go on the train. Draco would not have been guarding him. Harry could have snuck off to see his friends. But he assumed that was one reason his husband decided to take him to school himself. That and Blaise. Of course the official excuse was they were married. And they needed time to settle into their apartments at school.
Harry noticed Blaise as they were seeing Draco off and smiled. "Hey Blaise. How did your family trip to Egypt go last week?"
Blaise returned the smile. "I assume you are joining us at your new table at the feast. Sit next to me and I'll tell you about it."
His husband's look he definitely did not miss. He meant it what he said to Severus. He would not lead Blaise on. Blaise would know it was just friendship. Besides Blaise obviously knew he was married. But hanging out with Blaise was as much for him as getting at his husband. H needed at last on e friend in his new house. And Blaise seemed cool enough. They actually had a bit in common. They were both into charms. Blaise had actually mentioned at his birthday that his dad's investment company had a treasure and security division that did work similar to Bill and he thought Harry should consider coming and working there. The job was more exciting and money better then the bank, and something a Malfoy could be seen doing. Harry wondered what Lucius would ay if he told him he wanted to work for the Zaibinis.
Lucius was brooding and cold as they headed for school. He did not even speak to Harry till they got to their new rooms. They were to be dungeon dwellers. The apartments had wall to wall bookcases in the sitting room except one wall with a liquor cabinet, some pictures and a desk area for Harry. The furniture was expensive and elaborate, probably from the manor and there was the family crest above the mantle.
His husband took him into the bedroom and started disrobing them both. Harry stood stark still before Lucius drew him in close. "What did I say about Blaise?"
Harry smirked at him. "I recall you telling m to make friends with Slytherin and Blaise and I have become real friendly."
Lucius snarled and for a moment Harry was scared he would rape Harry. But instead he turned Harry around and led him to the bathroom. Harry found himself in a bath with his husband. He had a feeling Lucius had been on the verge of forcing him on the bed but he had reminded himself of the six month promise.
Lucius bit into the back of his neck. "You will not be flirting with him do you hear me?"
Harry looked over his shoulder. "I am not flirting with him. I am making friends as ordered. And I remind you husband that you can not pick my friends."
Though Lucius he knew felt like he could indeed do that his husband held his tongue for a moment. Harry knew it was not the last he heard about this. Lucius was not on for backing down. But if Lucius thought Harry was scared of him he had another thing coming. Harry may have been forced to marry him but he was not about to become this man's little lap dog. Lucius would just have to learn to get used to the word no.