Harry was reluctant to return to school. He had to admit he had really enjoyed his vacation. And the last day of holidays before heading back to school he had shocked Lucius. He had asked his husband to go riding with him. Lucius had given him Bailey as his own as a birthday gift. He had offered to teach Harry to ride but Severus had instead. Bailey had been Harry's escape from his husband. He had learned how to muck stalls and groom the horse when h did not know how to ride. Lucius thought it was a bit of progress. Severus had not been too hurt. He had enjoyed teaching Harry how to ride. And growing closer to him as well. But Harry needed to grow closer to his husband. Severus wanted that for both Harry and of course for his brother as well. And little step of progress helped. He had seen Harry when he got back from the trip. Harry had definitely enjoyed himself with his husband. And the brush of a kiss Harry had given Lucius more then once since their return had definitely not missed the notice of both Draco and his godfather. Draco shared Severus' hope things would work out for both his dad and his friend.
Lucius saw how suddenly withdrawn his husband grew when they returned to school. They came back the first day of classes. He had considered earlier but he thought they both could recover from the foreign travel better at home for a night then back at the school. And Harry had agreed as he was in no rush to be getting back. Lucius knew his husband was worried about Ron. Harry had not been happy being made to be escorted every where the last months of the previous term. Lucius could not blame him of course, he would not have been happy with it either. But he was not about to allow his husband to be hurt either.
He watched as they got ready to head off for class. The elves were going to unpack for them but Harry took out a few things. He saw Harry take out the elephant for a moment and then stick away where he would not be able to see it. Lucius wondered if perhaps they had been wrong to buy it. Unless Harry finally sent it to his fathers it would bother him. But Lucius knew better then to push the subject. He had seen how well that went down when he had tried to bring them at Christmas.
He came up and put an arm around Harry's waist and drew him back. "Better hurry, Draco will be waiting for you for class. The elves will unpack the rest."
Harry closed the drawer he had put it in. "I know. I will see you in class this afternoon."
Tenderly kissing him Lucius led him to the door. He definitely was going to miss having his husband all to himself. He knew in a way Harry would be happy to be back. He would be relieved to be back around his friends and classes as well. He had made a point of every day during their trip giving Harry some time away by himself without feeling guilty about it. But he knew Harry was still not really comfortable with him though he had kept his promise to work with Lucius.
Draco was sure enough waiting. They had potions so they did not have far to go. Draco could have come back the night before with his Uncle. Severus had returned after dinner yesterday as he had prep before his morning class. But Draco had chosen to remain with his dad and Harry, and come back this morning instead.
Draco smiled. "One good thing about having potions this early in the morning, we know you don't have to deal with your favourite red head."
Harry sighed and shook his head. "I have never been so glad for your godfather's high standards before. He never scored higher then an A other then oddly OWLS."
Harry had made it into potions due to the fact he had scored an E all five years even though he did not get an O in OWLS. He had charms, DADA and herbology with Ron unfortunately though he was spared in transfiguration as well. Ron had done better then the twins, he had passed six OWLS, but all A except for DADA in which he got an E and Harry got an O. The twins had not let him live it down. They passed two less but the four they passed they got O's in DADA and charms and E's in potion and transfiguration. They may have been goofballs but they had been ones with skill.
Harry and Draco proved Severus wrong when he thought his students may have forgotten their brains when they went away for the holidays. As always they received top marks on their potions. Lucius had been extremely impressed that Harry was tied with Draco for top boy last term, and had even beaten him in charms. He had told his husband early on he expected Harry to do the Malfoy name proud. He had lain off such talk but Harry was still managing it.
Blaise came to their side as they were heading for lunch. "My dad told me your husband asked to introduce you to him this summer, something about work."
Harry turned and stared at him in shock. "Really? I mean we were talking about it a bit in Thailand and he said he would but I assumed he might just......"
Forget about it Draco finished in his head. He was a bit surprised as well. He knew his dad wanted both Harry and him to work for him. Well Draco of course would. He would inherit the business one day. But he had always wanted to be an attorney and could do that with the company. He had heard Harry talking to Blaise. But his father still got a bit green eyed when he saw Harry with Blaise. Though he was reminded his dad and Carlos had been friends for many year. It was also quite the respectable post for Harry to be working for Carlos. It was not like the man would have him an entry level gopher getting coffee for him.
Blaise smiled. "Dad said if you're as good as he hears he'd love to hire you when you graduate. You never know the two of us could be working as partners together."
Harry remembered Blaise saying it was likely the department he wanted to start in. "My husband might insist you become a teller or something to keep us apart."
Cracking a laugh Blaise reminded him the company was an investment firm and not a bank like Gringotts. And he would risk being hexed. He had no intention of working on the real estate or retail side of the company. They both liked the idea of working in the security and treasure hunting party of the business. The company often contracted out work to the bank and worked with people like Bill.
They were heading into the hall and still laughing about it when they heard a voice. "Might want to reconsider, you never know what could be lurking in dark spots."
Harry turned around to see Ron who had come up behind them. "Oh I am quite aware of the slimy roaches hanging out in alcoves. They don't bother me so much."
Looking at Blaise and Draco who were on either side of Harry Ron was about to say or do something. Sure Harry was not scared of him. That is why he had to have his little bodyguards where ever he was going. Malfoys were too good to fight their own battles. They had to have little goons to do it. And sure enough the two goons came their way as well. Ron sneered. He could not believe he had ever been friends with Harry. Harry was one to call people slimy, after becoming a snake.
He leaned over and whispered. "I wouldn't be turning your back on any of those alcoves, one of these days you'll be alone and you'll learn the dangers of roaches."