AN: Hurray for spring break! That means I actually get two days off which I haven't had in a while XD Anyways thanks for the wonderful reviews.
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Consciousness came very slow for Harry. He spent what felt like an hour in a half asleep state. He didn't even notice at first that someone was pressed up against his back or the arm draped over him. He moaned as he finally managed to stretch and sit up. He looked around the room and notice he was still in Severus' bedroom. Did he not come home yet? Harry turned to wake up Draco but stopped. Not only was Draco still sleeping soundly but Mr. Malfoy was also passed out next to him with his arm stretched across both Draco and Harry. Harry was glad to see both Draco and his father sleeping so peacefully after such a horrible experience. A small noise caught his attention. Careful not to wake them, Harry slid out of the bed. He noticed he was still in his regular clothes he wore yesterday. He had completely forgotten about changing into pajamas. Harry walked out into the hallway. The noise was coming from the kitchen. Harry was pretty sure who it was. Sure enough, Severus was there messing around through a cabinet.
"Good morning," Harry greeted.
Severus practically dropped everything as he spun around. Harry was amazed that he had pulled out his wand so fast. Severus quietly stared at Harry for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and relaxing.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people," he said as he put away his wand.
"I'm sorry," Harry apologized with a snicker.
"Anyways, I'm going to make breakfast for everyone. Do you want to help?"
Harry nodded and began rolling up his sleeves. They decided on making pancakes with both bacon and sausage. Severus got to work on frying cooking the breakfast meats while Harry mixed up the pancake batter. Harry kept glancing over at Severus who was lost in thought as he cooked.
"How was your sleep," he asked.
"Not too good. I decided to take the couch since it was a little crowded on my bed. Lucius tried to talk me into joining you guys but I much rather sleep where I'm not afraid of crushing young boys by rolling over top them in my sleep. I have a stiff neck now."
"I'm sorry we slept in your room without asking," Harry apologized quickly. "It's just that Draco didn't want to sleep alone and your bed was the only thing big enough for us."
"It's fine Harry. I'm just glad that you were there for Draco. Both him and his father went through hell last night."
"Are Mr. Malfoy and Draco going to be okay," he asked worriedly. Severus nodded.
"They are very strong people. It'll take a few days but soon they'll be even happier than they were before now that they are free of that woman," he assured.
"Did they catch Draco's mom?"
"Don't refer to that thing as his mother," Severus said with an angry look on his face. Harry flinched at the change in attitude. Severus seemed to notice and softened.
"Harry," he started softly. "Despite what many believe, family isn't defined with blood. Just because Narcissa gave birth to Draco it doesn't make her his mother. It's the same as your aunt and uncle. They were your blood relatives and despite that they treated you no better than a slave. As sad as it sound, having a blood relation with someone is meaningless and does not tie you to that person."
"But isn't that how it's supposed to be," Harry asked. "Aren't you supposed to love your family despite everything else? Aren't families supposed to be there for each other no matter what?"
"They are," Severus answered. "I'm not saying that all families don't love or trust one another. I'm saying that blood connections aren't the only thing that makes someone your family. Take me and Lucius for example. We don't share one bit of blood but I still consider him my brother and Draco is my nephew. We are a family. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Harry nodded. He supposed it made sense given how he had been treated by his own family. It was somewhat comforting how you could gain a family after losing the one you were born with.
"You know Harry, you're a part of that family too."
Harry spun around to see Mr. Malfoy standing in the door way with a soft smile on his face. His hair was slightly messed up from sleeping and his clothes were wrinkled. It was definitely different from how he normally looked.
"Good morning Mr. Malfoy," he greeted shyly. He wasn't really sure how to act around the man.
"Harry, didn't you hear what I just said? You're family. You don't have to be so formal," Mr. Malfoy said with a smile. He walked in the kitchen and looked at the stove where breakfast was cooking.
"Than what do I call you? Lucius?"
"You could do that, or you could call me Luc or if you really want to you can call me dad," he answered turning back to Harry. Harry was stunned. Dad? Why did Mr. Malfoy ask him to call him that? Severus was his guardian not him. If anything shouldn't he be calling Severus that? Then again, Harry never really thought of Severus as a parent. Sure, he was the one raising him but Severus didn't really give off that 'I'm your new dad' vibe. Harry still couldn't figure out what Severus was to him but he definitely wasn't his parent.
"Oh wait no," Mr. Malfoy said excitedly shaking Harry out of his thoughts. Mr. Malfoy put his hands on his shoulders and looked him directly in the eye. "Call me papa! Draco never called me that."
"Um, I'll think about it," Harry answered not really knowing what else to say.
"Are you being serious or are you being perverted," Severus asked putting the food on plates.
"I am never perverted to children," Mr. Malfoy snapped.
"Whatever, wake up Draco and tell him breakfast is ready. It's not as grand as it is at your house but it's still good so you better not complain," Severus ordered.
In less than five minutes everyone was sitting in the plain dining room eating their breakfast. At first everything was awkwardly silent until Draco couldn't handle it.
"Did they find out where Narcissa went?"
"Unfortunately, no. We'll have to be cautious when we go out in public but the manor is safe. She will no longer be able to set foot on the grounds," Mr. Malfoy assured.
"Okay," Draco sighed. Harry figured he was probably disappointed that she hadn't been caught.
"How about we discuss something less depressing over our breakfast? How about we focus on all the good that will come out of this? Oh! That reminds me. Severus, I want to talk to you about a possible change in living arrangements," Mr. Malfoy said quickly changing his voice from friendly to more of a businesslike tone.
"I'm assuming you're about to ask me and Harry to move into the manor," Severus predicted. Harry looked up when he heard this and then looked over at Draco who looked both shocked and excited at the revelation.
"Yes, we did agree that you would once Narcissa left for good since you practically live at the manor when she was on her year long trips. I believe you said that you rather liked the room next to our private potions lab," Mr. Malfoy pointed out. Harry was confused as to why he was talking like that to Severus. He had thought that he only talked like that at business meetings. Was asking someone to move in with you considered business?
"I do. It is far enough away from the rest of the house so I have ample privacy and I do hate this house. What about Harry's room?"
"Of course I've thought of that. There's a free room down the hall from Draco's. It's about the same size as Draco's and has a private bath," Mr. Malfoy answered.
Severus leaned back and thoughtfully sipped on his orange juice. Harry couldn't believe it. It sounded like this was something the men had discussed before and it sounded like the decision was already made. Harry loved the thought of living at the manor. He didn't want to sound ungrateful but he was starting to get a little bored here with nothing to do but read and take walks around the depressing town where the sun was always hiding behind clouds. Harry leaned forward as if that would prompt the man to answer faster. He felt Draco grab his arm. The suspense was probably killing him to.
"Harry, your opinion? This does involve you as well," Severus asked not really looking at him.
"That would be great! Not that I don't like it here," Harry added quickly.
"When do you want us to move in," Severus finally asked setting down his drink.
"Preferably now but if you need a few days to pack I can force myself to wait until tomorrow," Mr. Malfoy said thoughtfully. Severus let out an annoyed sigh.
"If you want us there today we'll need a few hours to pack. It'll mostly be Harry's things since I don't have many personal possessions," he pointed out.
"Neither do I really. I just have my school stuff and clothes. By the way, thank you for buying those for me," Harry thanked Mr. Malfoy who waved his hand.
"Think nothing of it. It had occurred to me over the winter that you didn't have any personal items much less basic necessities and it was not like Severus could do it," he stated. Severus raised an eyebrow at him.
"Yes I could. In fact I recall you were the one that told me not to," he argued.
"Of course you couldn't. I know your sense of style is literally black and white. Mostly black. I had to make sure our little Harry didn't look like he was going to a funeral every day. He needs colors in his wardrobe. You need color in your wardrobe," Mr. Malfoy ranted. Severus closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.
"Shut up! You're not shopping for me. Harry, go repack your school suitcase. I'll take care of your clothes," he commanded. Harry didn't even care that he hadn't finished his breakfast. He stood up and quickly walked to his room.
"I'll help you," Draco announced following him.
They both practically raced to Harry's soon to be old bedroom. Harry had to admit, he would miss it. Even if it was for a short time, it was his first real bedroom in a real home. Draco had a large grin on his face.
"This is going to be great! We're going to be living with each other. I can't wait to properly show you around. You didn't really get a chance to explore the manor last summer," Draco said as Harry pulled out his suitcase from under the bed.
"Yeah. I was only there for a few days and one of them was spent in Diagon Alley," Harry recalled. Draco nodded.
"I didn't know that my dad and uncle Severus had talked about this before but I guess it makes sense for him to move in with us," he commented as he started to look over Harry's room to see how much packing they needed to do. It really was just Harry's school stuff and some clothes.
"What do you mean," Harry asked. He started gathering his old schoolbooks.
"Have you looked at this place? It's really creepy and outside isn't that much better. I don't know why he still lives here. He says he hates it here but he still doesn't move out," Draco said quietly. Harry took the hint and lowered his voice as well.
"I understand what you mean. I thought it was strange too when he first showed me around. All the furniture is old except for his and my bed. He says he doesn't want to buy new ones because he didn't want to stay in this house but at the same time it's like he doesn't want to leave here," Harry said thoughtfully.
"Well, this is his childhood home," Draco pointed out. "Maybe he doesn't want to let go of the memories?"
"But if that's the case why does he hate it here so much?"
Draco shrugged his shoulders.
"I honestly don't know. He never talks about when he was a kid and when I ask him about it he always changes the subject. He's a mystery, even to me."
"I bet your dad knows," Harry said thoughtfully. "But I guess with stuff like this it's better to ask him myself."
"I guess. Hey let's hurry up so I can give you at least part of the tour so you'll know where the important stuff is."
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"I don't see why you don't let me pick out at least some of your clothes," Lucius pouted. Severus rubbed his temples. If Lucius was going to give him headaches like this everyday he might end up moving back by the end of the week.
"Lucius I hardly think that's important right now. I think we have more serious thing to discuss," he sighed. Thankfully, Lucius nodded.
"I'm going to discreetly ask around for someone who's willing to hide Dobby for awhile. We can't just leave him here, especially since you're moving out and most likely the ministry will send aurors to do surprise searches of the manor to find him," he started pushing his plate away. He had managed once again to completely devour his breakfast without anyone noticing. This was a skill Lucius had developed for meetings that would take place at restaurants or at formal dinners where he was expected to have an opinion on everything that was being said. Severus recalled Lucius complaining about it right after he had taken his place as the head of the family. Apparently it was so bad he had once gone four days without food. After that he practiced eating discreetly while continuing a conversation until he was able to go through an entire dinner without anyone seeing him lift his fork.
"You think they'll go that far? They usually don't try too hard to capture elves on cases like this," Severus stated.
"I know but I still have enemies in the ministry who would love to see me rot in Azkaban," Lucius pointed out. Severus nodded in agreement. "Thank you by the way."
Severus gave his brother a confused look.
"For what?"
"For being there for me last night and for agreeing to move in. It's unfortunate but my work doesn't let me take a break no matter what's happening in my life and Draco needs someone to be there for him. Whether it's you or Harry I feel a little more comforted knowing that's someone's with him," Lucius explained with a sad smile.
"Lucius, we both knew I was going to move in the second you got rid of the bitch, asking me was just a formality so you don't really have to thank me for that but you're welcome. Also, you don't have to feel guilty, Draco is a very smart and understanding young man. He knows you don't have a choice when it comes to your work."
Lucius looked down into his lap.
"I know that but it still doesn't take away the guilt," he said sadly. Severus flinched as Lucius had one of his signature mood swings and popped his head up. His sad smile was replaced with a grin. "But at least he won't be lonely anymore. He'll have you and Harry to keep him company. He's never really had anyone to hang out with at the manor. This will also be a good thing for Harry, more of a family environment you know."
Severus nodded. He couldn't deny that this was better for the boy. As much as Harry liked his bedroom and the library, he had noticed that he seemed uncomfortable when he was anywhere else in the house. Harry would definitely be more comfortable in the manor.
"Oh speaking of work, I've got some news about Dumbledore," Lucius announced. Severus was very interested but he needed to get going if he was going to have his bags packed.
"That's good Lucius but tell me when we're in my room. Dobby," he called. Dobby immediately came into the room. "Could you clean the dishes and pans?"
"Yes sir. Dobby take care of everything," the little elf replied happily.
Severus walked to his room and ignored Lucius' grumblings about him ordering someone else's servants around. Severus walked into his room and looked around making a mental list of what he would take and what he would leave.
"Okay so what were you going to say about Dumbledore?"
"The board has discovered that Dumbledore had indeed interfered with Harry's sorting. He'll probably have to be resorted but they are still debating that," Lucius informed as he gracefully laid down on Severus' bed. It was clear he wasn't going to even try to help Severus with his task.
"Why? Wouldn't that be standard for something like this," Severus asked pulling out a briefcase from under the bed.
"Nothing about a headmaster interfering with a sorting is standard. Severus, this is the first time this has happened in the history of Hogwarts," Lucius explained pulling a pillow over to him.
"That we know of," Severus added. Lucius looked thoughtful for a moment and shrugged.
"I suppose it could have happened before but this is the first time the hat has spoken up about it, which I don't blame the poor thing from what I read in its report of how Dumbledore coerced it. The thing is, this whole mess is an embarrassment to the institution. Several of the other governors are adamant about keeping this thing out of the press. Unfortunately there is no way that no one's going to notice that 'the boy who lived' got resorted into another house. Assuming he was meant to be in a different one. We're still arguing over that detail."
Severus was dropping clothes into the charmed suitcase. He didn't even bother folding them since everything tended to move around a lot in magically extended containers.
"I suppose I can see the problem with getting the press involved. Rita Skeeter does love to blow stories like this out of proportion," he commented absentmindedly. He briefly wondered whether he should move his book collection to the Malfoy manor as well. He quickly decided against it for that would be too much work and many of them were too delicate to withstand a trip in and extended bag.
"Yes she does and we're already getting enough bad publicity over the whole Quirrell issue. Have you read the paper lately?"
"No. I haven't gone anywhere and I have no way of having it sent here."
"Seriously, buy an owl. Anyways, someone seems to have leaked the story to the press. They know all about how your request to have Quirrell investigated was ignored and that Dumbledore was using the school to hide a valuable object that many dark wizards are after. As much as I wanted to get rid of Dumbledore I was hoping it would go more smoothly. Apparently, despite the evidence the majority of people still think of Dumbledore as some sort of incorruptible saint," Lucius grumbled hugging a pillow. This caused Severus to stop his packing and give Lucius his full attention.
"You mean to tell me, that despite his blatant disregard for his students' safety, his tampering with the sorting ceremony, and evidence that proves that he ignored warnings of suspicious actions of a member of the faculty which resulted in the endangerment of a student's life he's just going to get away with it? They're really going to let him stay because people say 'he's a great guy'," Severus asked in a low, deadly tone. Lucius raised his hand and motioned for him to calm down which only served to irritate him further.
"Severus it's okay. By the way the public doesn't actually know about him tampering with the sorting ceremony since we're trying to keep that part quiet. It's true that the majority of the governors support Dumbledore but it doesn't matter. With as much evidence as we have that proves he endangered students it's impossible for them to allow for him to continue on as headmaster," Lucius assured.
"So he is getting sacked," Severus said in relief.
"Well… no. The governors are proposing that we merely have him either step aside or we will have to force him to retire. They say that this way it will be less damaging to the schools reputation," Lucius said looking unsure of whether he wanted to stay where he was at or hide in a corner from a possible temper tantrum from Severus. He had to admit that he felt like throwing something against the wall but he didn't want to scare Harry and Draco who were just across the hall.
"I mean it'll be less damaging for his reputation," Severus corrected. Lucius didn't say anything. Severus sighed and flopped down onto the bed next to him.
"What the hell is wrong with people," he asked. "What is it that drives them to trust that man so much that they cannot see what's right in front of their eyes? It's clear that he's not the person they thought he was. What's the point in lying to your self just to avoid a little disappointment?"
He heard Lucius give a sigh next to him. He felt him move to sit up.
"Severus," he started now that he was sitting right next to him. "Many people saw Dumbledore as a sort of symbol of light when the dark lord threatened to destroy everything we knew. People believe that without him we wouldn't have gotten through it."
"Actually, I don't remember him doing anything during the war besides talk other people into risking their lives because it was 'for the greater good,'" Severus recalled. "I sometimes think of how that bastard probably enjoyed having people around to carry out his orders while he sat up on his pedestal."
Severus took in a deep breath to calm himself down.
"Now is not the time for me to be getting upset over something like this. I'm going to hurry up so I can pack Harry's clothes as well," he said standing up again.
"Good because I'm hoping to get everything settled by tonight," Lucius said falling back onto the bed.
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Harry was getting out of the bathtub in his new bathroom and began to dry himself off. He was dead tired from the long day. The sudden move had left him a little worn out and he couldn't wait to break in his new bed. Draco had given him a quick tour of the manor but Harry still wasn't sure where everything was. Luckily Draco's room was close by so if he needed to go somewhere he could just ask him to show him the way. Mr. Malfoy had told Harry that if he needed anything or got lost all he had to do was call for Moppy, a house elf who was apparently assigned to him. It seemed that this house elf was Dobby's little brother. Harry wasn't used to being served by anyone and was a little uncomfortable but so far every time he told Moppy that he could do things by himself the little elf would start to cry and apologize for 'being a worthless excuse for a house elf.' After the fourth time this happened Harry finally gave up and let the dramatic elf do whatever it wanted. This included taking care of all of Harry's unpacking while he took a bath.
Harry finished drying himself off and began to put on his pajamas. He couldn't believe the room Mr. Malfoy had given him. When he was sleeping in that cupboard, Harry never would have believed that he would one day have a bedroom bigger than both of Dudley's and aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon's combined. It was almost intimidating with its size. Harry quickly brushed his teeth and walked into his new room ready to fall into bed. He stopped short as soon as he walked out of the bathroom. The room that had once been covered from the floor to the roof in different shades of green, which Harry did not care for but he would never dare say anything about it, had all turned to different shades of black and grey. It reminded Harry of the houses in Spinner's End. Harry looked around for any clue as to what had happened. His confusion was interrupted by a knock on the door. Harry hurried over to open it.
"Good evening Harry. I asked Moppy to inform me when you got out of the bath. I wanted to make sure you were all settled before you went to bed," Mr. Malfoy explained as he walked into the room.
"Mr. Malfoy, I don't know what happened. I just came out of the bathroom and all the colors disappeared," Harry said quickly.
"It's all right Harry. Many of the rooms are charmed to do this when they are given a new owner and didn't I tell you not to call me that?"
Harry shifted a little uncomfortably.
"Well, I'm just not sure what to call you. I guess I could call you Lucius but somehow that doesn't feel right and neither does papa," Harry explained. Mr. Malfoy gave him a gentle smile.
"That's alright Harry. It doesn't really matter that much what you call me as long as you're comfortable," he said before sitting down on a couch in the large sitting area in the room. Harry sat down next to him. He shifted uncomfortably again. He had wanted to ask Mr. Malfoy something all day but he wasn't quite sure how to say it.
"Now Harry, don't just sit there fidgeting and biting your lip. I know you want to ask me something," Mr. Malfoy chided.
"Why did you ask me to call you papa? Was it a joke," Harry asked finally deciding to just be straight forward.
"Oh that. I suppose I should have known it would bother you," Mr. Malfoy mused.
"It doesn't really bother me, I just don't understand what you meant by it," Harry explained. Mr. Malfoy nodded in understanding.
"To be honest it was just a spur of the moment kind of thought although I must admit I rather like the idea," Mr. Malfoy said shyly.
Harry smiled at the man. He was definitely what Harry thought of as the ideal father. Harry briefly thought that calling this man dad or papa wouldn't be such a bad thing but he was too shy to do that. Plus he didn't want to make Severus feel bad. The man had been an amazing guardian and Harry loved being with him, it was just that he didn't really treat Harry like a son, which of course didn't bother him since he never treated Severus like he was his parent either.
"I see," was all Harry could say.
"As I said, you can call me whatever you're comfortable with. I just don't like being called 'Mr. Malfoy' in my own home but if you want to continue calling me that you can. Harry just gave him a smile as a response.
"So…you said that this room changes color when it switches owners," Harry asked. Mr. Malfoy looked around.
"Yeah. It's so the new owner can redecorate it however they want. It's not that hard. Just touch anything in this room and clear your mind. The charm is meant to change the color of the furniture and walls to match your tastes. Try it out on this coffee table," Mr. Malfoy instructed pointing to the table in front of them.
Harry did as he was told. He closed his eyes and just focused on his breathing. He felt his finger tips tingle and he opened his eyes to see a simple but elegant, cherry wood coffee table in front of him. He smiled at it and immediately went to do the same thing to the couch. Ten minutes later he had decorated his entire room. The walls were light red and the ceiling was cream colored. His wardrobe and bookshelves were ebony. The frame for his canopy bed was also ebony but the sheets and the drapes were a cream color that matched the ceiling. There were intricate silver on the four posters and the headboard. The couch and chairs in the sitting area were cherry wood with black cushions. There was a grey antique desk that didn't change when Harry touched it but he figured that was because it looked really neat the way it was. Harry smiled at his new room. It really felt like his room now. He looked over at the clock and saw it was almost eleven at night. It was way passed his bedtime. He suddenly felt the urge to fall into the bed that he had before all the excitement.
"Wow, this is very nice, but I think it's time you went to sleep," Mr. Malfoy said ushering Harry over to the bed.
"Yeah," Harry said with a yawn. He pulled back the sheets and climbed in bed. He was caught off guard when Mr. Malfoy gave him a tight hug and began pulling the sheets over him. It took Harry a second to realize what the man was doing.
"I know you're a little old to be tucked in but it's a habit. I used to do it all the time but now Draco complains when I try to do it to him. Says he's too old for it," Mr. Malfoy explained with a sigh as he gave Harry a pat on the head. He walked over to Harry's door and turned back. "Goodnight Harry."
"Goodnight...Lucius."
Lucius smiled as he turned off the light and closed the door. Harry curled up in the new sheets and felt himself slowly drift off into sleep. He could tell he was going to love his new home.
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AN: So how was that? Not as good as other chapters but it had to be written. As some of you probably noticed, I didn't really solve the whole 'is Harry going to be resorted' thing. I know that earlier in the story some of you left reviews saying you wanted Harry to be resorted into Slytherin but the truth is I have good ideas for the story either way. So if you guys have an opinion leave a vote in your reviews for whether or not you want Harry in Gryffindor or Slytherin house for the rest of his school years. (Either way you vote I'm going to skip over his second year since it's not really important) Thanks for reading! Heehee