AN: Wow, I find I have nothing to say other than I'm glad you guys enjoyed the last chapter and I hope you enjoy this one just as much.
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Warm. That was the first thing that came to Harry's mind when he started to wake up. He was warm. It wasn't hot or uncomfortable, far from it in fact. This warmth made him want to continue sleeping forever, basking in its comfort. Harry snuggled closer to the source of the warmth. He breathed in its scent. It was a mixture of flowers and dirt. It reminded him of a garden. Harry couldn't help but let out a happy sigh. He didn't dare open his eyes and risk losing this feeling. This sense of ultimate peace and security. No dark wizards would hurt him here. No one would use him as a tool for their plans here. Nothing bad could ever happen here.
"Stormy?"
Harry wanted to cry as the little voice beckoned him back to reality.
"Stormy?"
If Euryale was here then he must be back home in his bed, but then why was he so warm and peaceful?
"Stormy," Euryale repeated sounding a little annoyed.
Sure he had always felt safe in his bed but it had never been this warm. Was someone with him? Was that their body heat enveloping him? Was that their scent he smelled? Who had he fallen asleep with?
"Stormy don't you dare ignore me I know you're awake," Euryale yelled close to his head.
Harry let out a groan. There was no helping it. He regrettably pulled away from the other body and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. As he opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was that he wasn't in his room. He sat up to have a better look at his surroundings. This place was somewhat familiar but his sleep addled brain couldn't place it.
"Finally, you two have slept most of the day. Papa came in to wake you but he said you looked to cute to disturb so he fed me a rat and left," Euryale reported. Harry looked down at her and stroked her scales.
"I really missed you while I was gone," he said trying to sooth the irritated snake. It seemed to backfire because she gave a snake equivalent of a huff.
"I figured you would. Next time tell Henpeck that if she wants you to come over she's going to have to deal with me too!"
Harry laughed at Mrs. Weasley's nickanme but stopped when he heard another groan. He looked over to see Severus rubbing his face as he woke. Why did he fall asleep in Severus' room? Why didn't Severus just make him go back to his own room?
"Good morning," Severus mumbled as he looked up at Harry.
"Morning. Uh, can I ask you a question?"
Severus nodded his head and sat up.
"Why did I sleep here?"
Severus looked surprised by the question but then seemed to understand something. He chuckled a little before answering. Harry loved that sound.
"I guess you wouldn't remember since you were so out of it. You were so tired last night when you came to get Euryale that you mistook my bed for yours and climbed in. When I corrected you I realized there was no way you were going to make it all the way back to your room so I let you sleep here. I'm sorry if you feel uncomfortable."
"Oh no. I'm fine. Actually it was kind of nice waking up like this. You make a really warm pillow," Harry teased. Severus smirked before looking over at the clock.
"Oh my, we slept passed noon. I'm surprised Lucius isn't searching for you," Severus said as he got out of the bed.
"Euryale said he came in earlier and said something about me being too cute to wake up. Or was it you who was too cute?"
"I am NOT cute boy," Severus snapped with a faint blush. Harry laughed and held up his hands in defense.
"I'm sorry Mister Scary Potions Master. Please don't chop me up for ingredients."
"Don't give me ideas," Severus muttered darkly.
"So, how about we get some food? I'm starving," Harry asked. Severus nodded.
"I'm sure lunch is being served as we speak. Get dressed and we'll meet the rest downstairs."
Harry nodded and jumped out of bed. He grabbed Euryale before running to his bedroom.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
"Thank you so much for this Albus. I'll make sure a room is prepared for you," Minerva promised before she ended the fire call. Dumbledore sat back down in his chair. Finally, after such a long time of lying low, he can return to the limelight. It had been such a long time since he had seen the Golden Boy. He couldn't wait to have a chance to talk with him again. Hopefully he hadn't become too slytherin while he was gone.
It had been Minerva who contacted him, so his sudden appearance wouldn't seem suspicious. It was the woman's first time hosting an event like the Triwizard Tournament after all. Of course she would ask her predecessor for guidance. No doubt something interesting was going to happen. That woman Minerva had hired to be the Defense teacher for the last year had just found out she was pregnant and had resigned from the position. Minerva had told Dumbledore that she had contacted Alastor Moody to fill in for the year. No doubt that wouldn't last long. As much as the man was an exceptional auror, Dumbledore knew he wouldn't have the patience for teaching.
Fawkes let out a chirp bringing Dumbledore back from his internal ramblings. He stood up and walked over to the bird and stroked its feathers.
"I suppose I better pack. What do you say old friend?"
Fawkes chirped his reply. Dumbledore smiled and turned to go to his room. Finally, he was going back home.
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Severus was seething. He had expected Dumbledore to show up because of the tournament but he hadn't expected that Minerva would invite him to stay the entire year! What was that woman thinking? Had she completely forgotten about how he had tried to control Harry's life? Had she forgotten all the terrible things he had put that boy through and all for 'the greater good'?! Severus took a calming breath. There was no sense in getting so worked up over it. He glanced over at Barty Crouch who was explaining to the students the ministries rules for the tournament. Severus barely paid attention to any of it. He was just glad that Draco and Harry were too young to be a part of it. This was a dangerous tournament that should have stayed banned. People had died participating in it in the past and Severus didn't think the new restrictions would make much of a difference.
Severus looked around the head table. There were a lot more people there this year. He briefly contemplated taking all his meals in his chambers from now on. Severus' eyes locked with Dumbledore's twinkling ones. The old man even dared to give him an innocent, heartwarming smile. Idiot old man. Severus vowed to keep a close eye on him, especially around Harry.
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Harry listened to his friends chat about the tournament. Ron was going on and on about how he wished he was old enough to put his name in the cup. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the idea. Ron was the type to talk like a true Gryffindor until the time actually came to do something. Ron wasn't a coward, he would still do the things he said he would, but he wouldn't be happy about it, and he tended to let everyone know when he wasn't happy.
"What about you Harry," Blaise asked. "Would you put your name in the cup. I bet you'd be chosen for sure."
Harry shook his head.
"I think I have enough excitement in my life without me actually looking for it."
"That's true," Neville agreed.
"At least it won't be as dangerous as it was in the past," Hermione cut in. "The reason the tournament was banned is because champions were dying."
"Sounds like a lovely school event," Draco drawled. Ron looked like he wanted to snap at him but refrained. He still couldn't stand the blonde but he had promised Harry to at least be civil. Harry was glad to see he was keeping his word.
"Whatever, I can't wait. Fred and George said they were going to set up a system so they could take bets. Sounds like things are going to be very interesting this year," Blaise grinned.
"Especially with the new students," Ron eyed the girls from Beauxbatons. Blaise laughed and Hermione rolled her eyes.
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It was finally here, the moment of truth. Severus already had an idea of who would be chosen but the suspense of the students was getting to him. It was all they talked about lately. He hoped the excitement of the tournament wouldn't cause their grades to suffer too badly. He didn't want to have to spend his free time tutoring students. Severus was hardly listening to the speech McGonagall was making. From what he heard Dumbledore had helped her with it so no doubt it was over the top and full of inspirational clichés. He looked over to see Lupin looking worried. The man had said that he had a bad feeling about the tournament but the other professors shrugged it off. Severus hoped that the werewolf's worries were misplaced.
"The first champion, from the Dumstrang Institute is… Victor Krum," Minerva announced. There was some cheering which quickly died down as the students waited to hear the next name. The goblet flared up and spit out an elegant looking piece of paper.
"The second champion, from Beauxbatons Academy, Fleur Delacour."
Another round of cheering followed by silence.
"The final champion, who will be representing Hogwarts, Cedric Diggory."
This announcement was followed by a much larger eruption of cheers as people congratulated the young man on being chosen. Severus didn't pay attention to them. Nor did he pay attention to the headmistress as she tried to say some last words of encouragement. His eyes stayed glued to the Goblet of Fire which was acting strangely. It almost looked as if it was fighting with itself. The flames grew brighter, catching everyone's attention. This went on for a few long moments until finally, the goblet spit out a fourth name. Severus felt his stomach turn with a feeling of foreboding. There shouldn't be a fourth name. The rules stated one champion per school. Minerva caught the paper and looked at it. Her eyes widened in shock. Dumbledore walked over to her side and read the paper.
"Harry Potter."
Severus' world seemed to collapse around him. This couldn't be happening. This wasn't happening. Harry would never have put his name into the goblet. Hell, even if he did the goblet wouldn't have accepted it.
"Harry Potter," Minerva called louder when he didn't come forward.
"HARRY POTTER," the woman yelled. This got the desired response and Harry walked out from the crowd of students. Severus looked at his face. It was full of fear and confusion. He had definitely not put his name in the goblet. Minerva handed him the paper with his name on it and Harry's eyes widened as he read his own name. Students burst out into angry shouts. They were saying how it wasn't fair and how he must have done something. Severus sneered at them. Stupid children.
Harry walked out of the room to where the other champions waited and Minerva quickly went to work on getting the other students under control and sending them all off to their dormitories. Severus followed the headmistress and the others to her office where the champions were waiting. Harry looked terrified as Minerva rushed over to him and grabbed him by the arms.
"Did you put you name in the goblet? Or ask an older student to do it for you," she demanded.
"No," came the quick reply.
"Are you absolutely sure," she asked again.
"Of course," Harry defended. "I didn't even want to be a part of the tournament."
The other headmasters looked less than convinced. The other champions looked shocked by what was going on.
"If it's possible, we should just ignore this incident," Severus suggested. "It's clear that someone rigged the goblet to choose Potter. We can't let this atrocity continue."
"Finally," Madam Maxime cried. "Someone who speaks reason."
Minerva looked at Crouch who was leaning against a table with a look on his face that reminded Severus of a cornered mouse.
"What do you say about all of this," she asked.
"When the goblet chooses a champion, a magical contract is formed," he said gravely. "As of now, Harry Potter is a Triwizard Champion."
Severus noticed Harry pale considerably. Everyone else had either a concerned, shocked, or angry look on their face. This was insane. They had no right to force Harry to participate in the tournament. Surely there had to be some kind of clause for situations like this. They must have realized that some students would put others names in the goblet as a joke. Severus made a mental note to ask for a copy of this so called contract. He'll send it to Lucius and see if he can find a loophole.
Severus glanced over at Harry. He was staring at him with pleading eyes. Severus felt his heart clench at seeing the 'lost child' look. He couldn't let this go on. This was too dangerous. This whole thing reeked of a setup, but for what? And by who? It didn't really matter to him. He just had to protect Harry. Severus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry tried to give him a brave smile but Severus could see the worry in his eyes. He was going to have to have a talk with him. No doubt by then Lucius and Sirius will be there. Severus did not look forward to that firecall.
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"Ron," Draco called catching up to the red head. Ron turned to him and sneered.
"What do you want Malfoy?"
"I want to have a talk with you. Do you mind," Draco asked signaling for Ron to follow him to somewhere more private. A busy hallway was not the place for this conversation. Thankfully, the other boy followed without any hassle.
"I'll be quick since I'm sure you would rather not get caught out after curfew. I happened to notice that look on your face when Harry's name came out of that goblet," Draco said getting to the point.
"And what look is that," Ron growled. Draco wanted to roll his eyes at him. It seemed that the Gryffindor was incapable of any civil conversation with him when Harry wasn't around to monitor him.
"I'm talking about the one that made you look like you were about to murder a bunch of puppies."
"Is it that surprising I'm angry," Ron raged. "How would you feel if your best friend went behind your back and put their name into the goblet? I bet you knew. I bet you helped him do it!"
"You really think Harry did that," Draco asked incredulously.
"I know he did," Ron snapped. His face was almost as red as his hair. "He always has to be the center of attention. He takes every chance he gets to make himself look good or like some kind of hero. I'm sick of it."
"Ron, I know you know Harry better than that," Draco sighed. Why did this guy have to be so emotional? He was like a woman during her special time of the month. "Harry's always been uncomfortable with the attention he receives. The reason he loves hanging out with you and Hermione is because you guys treat him like he's just any other guy. You guys make him feel normal."
"Yeah, that's because I'm normal right? He must feel so much better about himself after standing next to me for a few minutes. The great hero next to the poor talentless redhead, let's see who people notice more," Ron sneered. Draco just blinked at him for a moment.
"Is that what this is about?"
"What?"
"You have an inferiority complex so you're taking it out on Harry?"
"I have a what complex?"
"You feel inferior compared to Harry because he's so famous so you're getting mad even though you know it's not his fault," Draco explained. This seemed to only anger Ron more but he should have expected that.
"How dare you! Where do you get off twisting my words like that!"
"I don't think I was twisting your words. I'm just trying to figure out why you're so hell-bent on hurting your best friend," Draco said calmly. This seemed to have the desired effect because Ron suddenly had an uneasy look.
"He's fine with out me. He has all his admirers," he argued but his voice sounded unsure.
"Really? Weren't you just telling me that you're his best friend? How can anybody be okay after being thrown away by someone so close to them?"
Ron didn't say anything so Draco decided to hit him with a finishing move.
"How can you leave your best mate behind when he's being forced to take part in a tournament that he wants nothing to do with? Especially when he could get seriously hurt or even killed?"
Draco could see the impact that last statement had on the redhead. Ron's eyes grew wide and his legs started to shake a little.
"You're bluffing. He won't die. The ministry created new regulations to make it safe," he stammered. Draco gave him a grave look and shook his head.
"No. They just made it safer than the past ones. It's still dangerous. Not to mention these tests are designed for students who've learned far more advanced magic than we have. Harry's at a major disadvantage."
"You… you may have a point," Ron admitted. Draco let out a breath of relief. Finally he was listening to reason.
"Please, just think about what I said before you go accusing Harry of something," Draco pleaded. The last thing Harry needed right now was the stress of another fight with Ron.
"Yeah. Sure."
"Good. Well, goodnight. I'll see you in class tomorrow," Draco said waving as he walked away. He was happy to see the thoughtful expression on the other boy's face. He was positive that Ron would truly think things over before starting any meaningless fight with Harry.
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Harry dragged his feet as he made his way to the dungeons. He had been expecting this. He knew Severus would immediately contact papa and Sirius when his name had been called. Not that they wouldn't have found out anyways. The news had made the front page of the Daily Prophet by the next day. Harry knew they would come to the school and question him. Everyone else had. It seemed that most of the school believed that he was nothing but a limelight hogging liar. They all said that he just wanted more attention so he put a spell on the goblet so it would choose him. Only his closest friends stayed by his side. Ron had asked him straight out if he had put his name in the goblet the day after the selection. Harry had told him no and Ron stared silently for a moment then seemed to decide that he was telling the truth. Hermione and Ginny also supported him. Draco seemed to be constantly yelling at the other slytherins for not having faith in Harry and Neville just acted the same as he always did.
Harry looked over at Draco. He had been asked to join him. Harry guessed that this was to be some sort of family meeting. Draco looked over at him with a worried look. Neither of them knew what to expect. They finally stopped at Severus' portrait. Harry gave the password and entered. The three adults were sitting around a coffee table where there were tea and some snacks laid out. It looked like they expected to have a nice long talk.
"Harry," Sirius called. "And Draco, you guys are right on time. Severus made us all this weird green tea that's supposed to be super healthy."
"Euryale likes this tea," Severus explained. Harry nodded and sat down on the couch. Euryale slithered out from under his robs and coiled up on his lap waiting to be served. Draco sat down in a chair next to the couch. Severus poured the three of them a cup which they accepted without a word. Harry had gotten used to the tea since Severus often served it. Euryale immediately began sipping it.
"Wow, that snake is really drinking tea," Sirius mused looking at her with great interest.
"Of course I drink it Puppy. I'm not some uncivilized wild animal. I'm a lady," Euryale hissed. Harry translated for his godfather. Sirius frowned at his nickname.
"Does she have to call me that? It sounds like she's belittling me," he grumbled.
"But it fits to well," papa smiled. "You're energetic, curious, and a little clumsy. You are very much like a puppy."
"I'll show you a puppy."
"Children, can we focus," Severus drawled. Everyone grew quiet. Harry looked over at papa and Sirius. He knew what they were going to ask so he might as well say it.
"I didn't put my name in the goblet," he mumbled.
"I figured," papa said with a smile. "You're not the type of boy that goes looking for trouble. Trouble just seems to find you."
"I've noticed," Harry grumbled. Papa gave a little chuckle.
"I'm going to have a look at that magical contract and find a loophole so you can get out of it. There is no way they should be able to force someone into something like this," he assured. Harry glanced at Draco than back at papa. He had already decided what he was going to do.
"I've decided to go on with the tournament. It's true that I originally didn't want anything to do with it but I won't run away from it. I know that it's dangerous and I'm probably not ready for these kinds of tests but I won't back down. I don't want to run from my problems," he explained.
"Harry, no one is going to think less of you. You're just simply not ready for something like this."
"I understand but I'm still going to do it."
"No you're not," papa stated sounding a little irked.
"Yes I am and besides, I don't think there's anything you can do about it," Harry said honestly.
Papa stood up suddenly almost knocking over the coffee table. All of the tea cups spilled and Euryale gave an annoyed hiss.
"No! You're too young! I won't have it. I forbid it," he yelled. Harry was shocked. Papa had never yelled at him before. Harry was scared but he didn't want to back down. He wasn't sure why, but he felt angry as well.
"You have no right to forbid me from doing anything. I'm going to do this. I have to," he yelled back. Papa looked livid.
"You are my son. I won't have you throwing your life away because of stubbornness!"
"Lucius," Sirius said trying to calm the man down. Harry felt his face go red. How dare he call him stubborn!
"I'm not your son. I'm just an orphan that you feel sorry for. You just wanted another child and I was conveniently there," Harry raged. He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth. He saw the pained look that spread on the other man's face.
"That's not true Harry," he said in a much calmer voice. "I won't deny that I felt bad for you when I first saw you. You were so small and weak from malnutrition. You were covered in dirt and had such a frightened look on your face. I wanted to help you, but as I got to know you, I saw how truly special you are. Not because you're the boy who lived, but because you were a child who always thought of others before yourself. You were so sweet and kind despite the horrible mistreatment you endured. Even after finding out about your fame you still remained humble and never let it go to your head. I began to love you and wanted to become someone you could rely on. I saw how much you wanted a home and a real family so I wanted to give that to you."
Harry lowered his head and a few tears escaped his eyes. The guilt was unbearable.
"I'm sorry."
The older man wrapped his arms around him. Harry immediately clung to him and buried his face into his chest.
"Harry, even if you don't see me as a father figure, even if you call me Lucius instead of papa, I want you to know that you always have a place in this family. No one could ever replace you."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I know that my real parents were James and Lily Potter and I know what they sacrificed for me but you'll always be papa to me," Harry cried. He felt papa's arms tighten slightly around him. "I know you're just trying to protect me I'm so sorry I said that."
"It's okay. I understand that you were angry. Don't cry," papa murmured gently as he stroked Harry's hair. "We're all here for you."
"That's right," Sirius added. "You're not alone. You have a loving family here to help you. Your parents would be so happy."
Harry looked up at him and smiled. He felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned to see Draco looking very shy.
"I know I've never said this Harry, but I think of you as more than a friend. You've become a little brother to me. I'll be here for you too," he said with an embarrassed flush. Harry smiled at him.
"And you know I'm always here as well, though as a teacher I'm forbidden from helping you directly with the tournament I can still help you with other things," Severus cut in.
Harry looked over at him and nodded his understanding. It felt like Severus had always been there to protect him his whole life. Harry's life with the Dursleys seemed like a bad dream now, distant and faded. He had a real family now. One that would always support and care for him. He would do the same. He would also protect his family. Papa released Harry from the embrace and Harry took the opportunity to wipe his eyes.
"I don't want to fight anymore, but I'm still going to have a look at that contract," papa stated seriously. Harry nodded.
"I figured but I'm still going to study and prepare for the first task," Harry said before blowing his nose on a handkerchief that Sirius handed to him. Papa simply nodded his okay.
"I suppose this means we'll be spending a lot more time in the library. Hermione will be happy," Draco groaned. Harry laughed.
"Yeah, I bet Ron's going to be pretty upset too about it," he smiled.
"Good, now that we've got the serious business out of the way, why don't we enjoy some lunch and a more lighthearted conversation," Severus suggested. He waved his wand over the coffee table and the spilt tea disappeared. Everyone happily agreed.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Lucius threw the papers on the floor. This was insane. How could he have failed? He was Lucius Malfoy for god's sake and he couldn't find one single flaw in the contract. There should have been some sort of clause about younger wizards needing parental permission but there wasn't. Nothing could be done to get Harry out of it. The other governors were going to hear about this. Fudge was going to hear about this. This whole thing wasn't fair! Harry was so young. The tournament was still too dangerous despite the new regulations. Lucius was going to have to sit back and watch while his own son risked his life for the amusement of others.
"Damn it," Lucius yelled as he grabbed a firewhiskey bottle that he kept on his desk and threw it against the wall. It shattered loudly and the liquor soaked the floor.
"Master?"
Lucius glared down at Dobby. The house elf looked scared and concerned. He rubbed his little hands together and looked up at Lucius expectantly. Lucius let out a sigh. No matter how pissed he was, he couldn't take it out on Dobby. He owed the little house elf too much.
"Please clean this up," he grumbled walking out of his office.
"Yes sir."
Lucius walked to the library. Perhaps a little reading would clear his mind. He would lose himself into another world, if only for a little while. He stopped dead when he saw that the library wasn't empty. Sirius was sitting in a chair next to a table reading a book. Huh, Lucius mused to himself. That's something I never thought I'd see. Sirius usually spent his time doing more physical activities like swimming laps in the indoor pool or running in the yard. He would also go out a lot to meet people. Sometimes he didn't come back until the next morning. That didn't bother Lucius so much as the fact as the man would never remember the name of the person he had been with. After a few arguments Sirius agreed to be discrete about his one night stands and not flaunt them or tell Lucius about them and Lucius decided not to ask about them.
Lucius knew he really didn't have any right to tell Sirius how to run his personal relationships but that didn't stop him from feeling somewhat sad when he knew about them. It just wasn't right. Such a personal thing like that done without emotion just seemed wrong. Maybe it was because it reminded him of when he had been forced to sleep with Narcissa before Draco was conceived. Every time they did it Lucius found himself just going through the motions and most of the time he would detach himself from his emotions. Afterwards he would always feel disgusted with himself that he could not be loving to his own wife.
"Oh Lucius, you wanted to read something," Sirius asked. Lucius felt his face frown.
"That is why someone would come to a library," he grumbled. Sirius flinched at the tone.
"I'm guessing you couldn't find a way out of the contract," he asked cautiously. Lucius let out a long sigh and flopped down into a nearby chair.
"No. He's going to have to compete," he said gravely. Sirius bowed his head.
"I figured. Listen, I know it seems horrible that Harry has to go through this but maybe it's not so bad. Harry may be young but he's a tough kid. Smart too. Maybe we should have more faith in him."
"I do have faith in him," Lucius snapped. He quickly calmed himself down before continuing. "It's just that I don't trust whoever put his name in that goblet. They may be trying to get him killed, or worse. The dark lord may be gone but I know some of his followers remain and probably want revenge. I just can't lose him."
"I know. I'm worried about him too, but we've already discussed that he's not alone right? He has Severus there, plus Draco and all of his other friends. Dumbledore also said that he asked Moody to help Harry as well," Sirius said setting down his book and putting a hand on his shoulder. Lucius was about to say something about how Dumbledore wasn't to be trusted when he recognized the book Sirius had been reading. He felt a blush form on his face. It was the same one he had found the clothes disappearing spell and other spells used for sex. Sirius followed his gaze and laughed.
"Well, you didn't think I was reading about history did you?"
"Well, no but how did you even find that?"
"To be honest I was looking for a book on snakes. I noticed that Euryale seems to avoid me but she's always so close to you and Severus so I figured I was doing something offensive without knowing it," Sirius admitted. Lucius couldn't help but smile.
"I think it's just because you don't talk to her as if she's a real person like me and Sev. She's a very smart snake and she acts like a human. Perhaps you should try greeting her as well when you see Harry," he suggested.
"Okay, I guess I could do that. Hey, why don't we go to my room? We can talk some more and drink," Sirius suggested with a happy smile. Lucius laughed. Sirius had a stock of different drinks in his room. He wasn't really an alcoholic since he didn't get drunk or anything like that. The man just seemed to enjoy a drink before bed. Lucius guessed that this offer was Sirius' attempt to cheer him up.
"That sounds like a nice change. Usually we go to a bar and talk to guys but it'll be a nice change to just sit back and talk to each other over a drink."
"You don't like bars," Sirius asked getting up from his seat. Lucius stood up as well and followed his friend out of the library.
"I just don't think it's where I'm going to meet the type of guy I'm looking for. I know it works for you but I think it's clear that our tastes differ quite a bit," Lucius explained trying not to sound insulting. Sirius gave him a weird look.
"Well I guess you have a point," he muttered.
"I'm sorry," Lucius apologized. Sirius shook his head.
"No need to apologize. You're right. I suppose it is a strange place to look for someone who wants a 'proper' relationship," he mused. Lucius gave him a warm smile. He was grateful that Sirius had done so much to help him learn to drop his mask in public. Lately, it had been easier for him to smile while talking to other people. Even if he hadn't found someone he wanted to date yet, it still felt nice to talk to people.
"Anyways how about that drink? That thing with the contract got me pretty tense," Lucius said light heartedly. Sirius stopped at his door and opened it.
"After you my angel," he said dramatically making way for him. Lucius laughed and walked in. That was the last clear memory he had that night.
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AN: God I love cliffhangers! Heehee. Until next time.