Harry spent the afternoon out on the patio. It was a weekend so he didn't have art class. The others had gone into the city with Remus. He had made an excuse of needing the time to finish a project for class. It wasn't a complete lie but he could tell they hadn't really believed him. They didn't press the matter though. Harry had been getting out more and more in town. He simply became wary some times around too many new people. In town here he not only knew them but he knew every inch of town and most of the people. He had simply felt a bit of panic about town. The book event was special for Remus and he wanted him to be able to focus. He had been amazing helping Harry and George and he earned today.
He had been working but there was a part of the kangaroo he was drawing which seemed off. He needed to stretch his legs and went to look. The big field across the road often had some. He knew there was a small chance but it was mainly an excuse for him. He was shocked to find Tom in their garden.
Severus turned to him "He just brought some news from town for us. He will be leaving."
Tom cut in "He deserves to know. You know the boys will be safer if they know they have to be careful."
Severus snarled under his breath "That is our decision to make Riddle not yours."
Severus didn't realize what he said until he heard a gasp from Harry. He hadn't meant to call the man by his name. Harry turned his stunned attention on the other man. He had thought the man seemed so familiar and things he said reminded Harry about Voldemort. He remembered the origami book he got when they first came. But he had been told the man was dead and he was safe here. They promised no one knew where they were.
Before Severus could speak Remus and the other three appeared. They had a silent conversation when Remus spotted Tom. Remus could see from the look on Harry he knew. They led the boys in. They could see Harry and George's shock when Remus told his part.
Severus ended with the news of Lucius "We can blood adopt you boys and Xeno will have a new place. We will just have to go more muggle."
All four boys even Harry and George who were both violently pale responded "No."
Remus sighed "Is there no other way? We can't continue to run."
Draco looked at his Uncle "The two of us are who he is after. He can't touch the rest of you. We will draw him away."
Once again there was a resounding no. The boys may never have got along in the UK but they were all but brothers now. Even if George wasn't as much a target for Lucius as the others they were not about to go. The rest of the world with only a few exceptions thought them dead. They would cling to what and who they had.
Harry spoke "The twins have their business and you Sev. And my art. And Remus' books."
Severus cut off Remus why was about to remind Harry they could do some of it else where "He's right. If we are run off now we will have to cut off from all that."
The apothecary was what led Lucius to them. If he suspected the others alive and with them he would look into other fields. They would never be able to make a life doing what they loved no matter where they went. They had become a family and it would make a move easier but they would never feel safe again. As long as Lucius was out there they would always be worried he would come for them.
Tom spoke "I am willing to help any way I can. I wouldn't see any of you hurt for Harry's sake."
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Remus had been reluctant but he agreed. None of them were sure about trusting Tom even after Remus explained that his dark side had been killed. But if they wanted a chance to remain here they needed to face Lucius. And only fools would turn down any help they could get. They were all reluctant but Tom had taken an oath not to harm or betray any of them. And they for now looked at him as extra aid.
Remus went to find his son. He had barely heard Harry speak all day and he knew he had to find him. He knew Harry would be confused and upset especially with him. He had been the one to save the man and yet kept telling Harry he was gone.
He was shocked when he found Harry out back with his portfolio. He looked about to rip up a piece. "Harry what are you doing?"
Harry looked up "How could you not tell me?"
Remus sunk down and saved the art "I knew the only way to ensure we all lived was to make a deal."
Lucius couldn't touch Harry or Remus and Fred. But he would have come for George and just left them on that island. Remus told Harry about the spell. Tom was tainted with dark magic from the chamber and it spread with each crime. It had the effect on Tom since he was heir. He told Harry the man was dead because for all intents and purposes he was. Remus wanted Harry to be able to move on.
Remus admitted Severus confronted Tom here before Christmas. It seemed the man truly in his own way loved Harry. He was proving it by being here and risking facing Lucius for them. He was not the power he once was but only a teen in fact.
Remus took the portfolio "This is one reason I wanted not to tell you. You have started to move on."
Harry looked towards inside "He claims he loves me. But he shared me with Lucius like some toy."
Remus knew in his own way Harry had come to love the man. It had been perhaps mainly Stockholm syndrome before but that changed. Remus wasn't sure he liked it but reminded himself he knew better then any one the man wasn't dark any more. And being here to protect them all for Harry's sake seemed more proof.
Remus motioned out front "He is still here. You will never feel better if you don't confront him yourself."
