Author's Note: Thank you for being so patient with me, it takes a bit to write this work and more often than not I have to do a little research and think how I want the pieces to fall into place. In this chapter, you get to see a little more of Severus as the Potion Master and Lucius in the mode of Solicitor, believe me you'll love them both. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 16: Unassuming Flowers
There are those who crave power but run from it and then there are those who are bold enough to reach out and take it, without hesitation or question. Those who snatch it, are the ones that more often than not manage to achieve more than just a simple goal, they rewrite the rules. These individuals with the power to rewrite the rules are fearless, and usually enjoy greatly the power which courses through the veins, a reminder of just who they are. The afternoon progressed rapidly, there was a flurry of house guests slipping through the expansive halls of the Gaunt Estate, each of them demanding an explanation to the statements which had been released through the many papers, from around the world that had taken a sudden interest in the piece. Voices drifted through the house, some were shouts of irritation while others were genuinely confused. Yet, one level voice was heard, it was lush and smooth, it carried a tone of authority as it responded to each query and every demand.
All the while a pair of young wizards was left subject to one of Severus' few visits. Since the article's release Albus had been keeping a close eye on all the staff, especially on one wizard in particular, one of the only people trusted enough to enter the grounds of the Gaunt Estate unannounced, Severus. The Potion Master had been through a great ordeal to simply visit over the weekend, prior to the article he was free to do as he pleased, yet after its released it became far more challenging to leave the grounds of the castle. The sound of flames licking the bottom of cauldrons echoed in the potion's lab, the light of the afternoon sun had caused a number of charmed candles to flicker to life, offering more light to the darker corners of the laboratory. The click and scrape of several daggers was heard as well as the grinned of a mortar and pestle.
The scent of poppies and dragon fruit flesh swept through the room. Poppies were a powerful potion ingredient, if too much was added to the potion it caused the potion to become addictive and in a sense would cause the user to lose them selves, yet just a pinch would make a powerful respite from both pain and emotion. Poppies were in many ways the flowers of fleeting escape, for the flower it's self would only be in bloom for a single day, a sea of red in a meadow, only for their leaves to fall the very next transforming it into a barren waste land. While there were many varieties of poppy, the one which was the most difficult to purchase and powerful was that of Papaver somniferum also known as Opium Poppies.
At Hogwarts it was forbidden to stock and use such ingredients, since teenagers tended to get into trouble and fall into the temptation of abusing the powerful ingredient, that and they were considered dark. It was the key ingredient to a number of dark potions, many were used to trap the victim in an endless sleep, to prevent them from escaping the realm of nightmares. The sweetness of exotic dragon fruits wrapped around him the potion master as he added several cubes to the pot, dragon fruit would be able to counter act some of the less desirable affects of the Poppy seeds, while the fruit on it's own was a superior antioxidant, it was also superb for suppressing addictive cravings.
Black eyes were fixed on the pot as a glass stirring rod moved around the rim, he could remember the very first time he had brewed the potion and sighed, it wasn't a fond memory. Like many of the memories which haunted the potion master it was one which caused him agony. Potion stained fingers dipped into the mortar and collected a pinch of the seeds, yet this wasn't what this was for, it wasn't to suppress or forget. Severus picked up a rare piece of blue amber, an ingredient which he had searched all over the world for. No this wasn't to forget, it was to remember all which was lost.
The poppy in the potion forced the drinker to relax and experience the memory without emotion, to numb the pain, while the dragon fruit countered the addictive affects. The blue amber dust, something he had spent many years researching and spent a great deal of money to obtain would provide clarity in a realm that wasn't clear in the mind. While the potion didn't force the drinker to remember, it allowed for a Legilimens to press past the high walls of the mind and bring for the memory, which had either been locked away by the owner, or conveniently misplaced by a caster.
The bright blue dust fell from the glass bowl and into the green waters, resulting in them turning black, it was the right shade. Severus stirred the cauldron counter clockwise as he counted backward. The potion slowly transformed into a unique shade of jade green, the scent was appealing in many ways and Severus had to suppress his own desire to consume the potion, this wasn't for him, this was for Tom. Severus felt two sets of eyes burning holes into him, of course the boys were curious.
The potions master turned the cauldron down, not it had to simmer for a week, undisturbed. He looked up to see silver and green eyes watching him curiously, Draco had always had an interest in potions even if he pretended he didn't. Harry had inherited his mother's abilities with charms and but shown a great aptitude for potions, it was natural to the boy. Severus had more than on one occasion admired Harry's intuitive nature for ingredients and the process required to craft a potion, it was unusual.
Severus crossed his arms and looked at the boys, before striding over to their benches. He had abandoned his billowing teaching robe and opted for a long sleeve shirt and pair of simple boots, his hair was tied back in a leather thong and he was far more relaxed. "Let's see," he mused as he walked over to the pair, he had asked them to work on dreamless sleep, it was rather advanced for them, considering most first years were still working on burn salves and boil creams. He slowly looked into each cauldron, they were both a signature purple, and he asked the pair, "Bottle it please," he said simply.
Draco and Harry pulled out identical glass flasks and with grace filled them with the vivid purple liquid. It was then he noticed that Harry's was a shade darker, he eyed the flasks before picking them up. He held it up to the light, it's clarity was different as well, it was slightly foggy, which was evidence of a powerful draught, something that shouldn't have been the result of the recipe he had given them. He had given them the directions to make a weaker version, he quickly turned his attention to Harry and asked, "What did you change?" he wasn't a fool, Harry's drought was at least nine times more powerful than the original brew.
Harry looked nervous and he replied softly, "The essence of the Mortius picked at their peak." Severus froze, this wasn't a simple sleeping draught, it was an advanced level narcotic, something that he used to produce for insomniacs. He slowly placed the flask on the table and looked Harry in the eye, "How did you prepare the flower, I only have the whole flower, complete with stem, I do not have the refined essence," he stated. He did technically but the ingredient was kept in a safe due to it's power, much like his poppies. Harry shifted uncomfortably and he looked over to see his godson watching Harry raptly.
"I stripped it, I took my blade and stripped the stem before grinding it down and then straining it," he replied. Severus gaze was harsh, that was certainly the proper procedure to produce it, "How much did you use?" he inquired, his tone was stern. Harry looked down at his bench and replied, "Five full flowers." Severus blinked, the Mortius was rare, very difficult to harvest and nearly impossible to maintain. He slowly lifted Harry's chin and asked, "Why that flower?"
Silence stretched between them, he knew full well what the flower did, he had used it so many times, he had to be certain Harry knew. "I had read about it in one of the books, it was said to educe a deep slumber that would trap someone in a large dose, however I believed if I added just a few drops and then used a measure of powdered ox bone, I would be able to counter act the lasting affect," he replied nervously. After all of the time Harry had spent with them, the boy was still terrified of angering them. The reasoning was sound and he knew from experience that ox bone would lessen the power of the Mortius, however there was a larger issue at hand.
Severus turned to Draco and asked, "What do you know of the flower?" The blond looked to Harry and then to Severus he was clearly confused, "Other than what he just said, nothing," replied the Malfoy scion genuinely. Severus drew a deep breath, it appeared he was going to have to broach a certain topic sooner than he had hoped. "Leave the potions, and follow me," he instructed the pair.
He was already striding across the room and glanced over his shoulder as he placed his hand on the door to his office. The pair looked to one another before slipping off the stools, he slowly pushed the glass door open and looked over the room. There were several soft chairs in the middle of the room as well as a chaise lounge and a massive rose wood desk, the walls themselves were lined with books. Harry and Draco looked around curiously, he could tell they were interested in his office, considering he never allowed them inside of it. It wasn't that he distrusted them, it was more that he wanted to ensure they didn't stumble across anything dangerous for the time being, however despite all his efforts Harry seemed to have done just that.
Severus turned to the pair who were standing side by side, their hands clasped behind their backs awaiting his instruction. He leaned against his desk as he commanded, "Sit, we are about to have a discussion that I had been hoping would occur later." Draco and Harry settled into the black velvet wing-back chairs and he stared at the floor for a moment, looking for the proper way to begin a topic that he didn't even cover in Advanced Potions, for fear of what the parents would do.
His dark eyes landed on the pair, he noticed they were watching him like hawks, and he smirked a little. At least he had their attention. "Magic is neutral, it is neither black nor is it white, it only turns one of those colors when casted and the reason behind the casting," he began, knowing Tom had discussed this with them, "potions ingredients are the same." He looked at the pair and noticed a look of utter confusion after he had stated that ingredients are the same as magic, it didn't surprise him, in both the Malfoy estate and Gaunt estate light magic and dark arts mingled in the libraries. It was possible to find bright white books shelved beside the pitch black, both families were more concerned about knowledge it's self than the interpretation of it, it was why most feared them.
Severus drew a deep breath before continuing, "There are ingredients available to you here which many would never allow their children near, let alone use themselves. The Mortius flower as well as the Opium Poppy and others are such ingredients. The Opium Poppy due to it's addictive and hallucinogenic nature when abused and the Mortius for a different reason entirely.
"The Mortius flower is only able to grow in a special net work of caves in Germany, this system is rich in copper and shale, two articles which allow the flower to flourish. Unlike most flowers it requires the dark and will only open it's petals in the moon light, it's peak," he explained as he pushed away from the desk and with the wave of his hand a map appeared to the side where he gestured to the approximate location of the caves, "What makes it dark is the fact that while it is able to educe a powerful sleep, in small doses in larger doses the same flower will seal the drinker in a coma, when a draught is brewed using the entire stem."
There was a gasp and he looked over to see Harry beginning to panic, "Sir, I didn't mean to, the book said it was just a deep sleep." Severus stared as the boy trembled and immediately strode over to him, "Harry," he whispered as he placed a hand on the unruly mop of brown hair the boy called hair. The young wizard pulled his knees to his chest, a position Seveurs knew all too well from his own childhood and without hesitation he wrapped his arms around the boy and closed his eyes, willing his own pain to disappear. A small hand was placed on his back and Seveurs looked up to see Draco standing beside him, silver eyes shining with concern for the pair of them. Somewhere along the way Draco had picked up his father's kindness and habit of reading people, a gift which would have to be guarded at school.
"'m sorry," Harry whispered and Severus gave the boy a squeeze. He felt his own heart ache, knowing that as a child he was the little boy in the chair, only instead of a hug he received a beating. "Shhh… I know you didn't, it's alright, I will never harm you. Certainly not after the knowledge you displayed," he stated sternly, he would never raise a hand to a child after what his own father had done. It had taken Severus years to allow others to touch him, Lily had been the one who attempted but learned early on that it was a long road. The child in his arms slowly calmed and Severus lifted his chin to look into vivid green eyes, Lily's eyes. "Better?" he asked gently.
The young wizard nodded and Severus hummed as he looked to Draco who was still hovering, "Draco?" he asked when he noticed a gleam of determination in the scion's eyes. The blond shook his head and said, "Later." Severus hummed knowingly, there was something the scion wished to speak to him about and he had a feeling it was about Harry. The potion master slowly rose from his position on the floor and continued, "The Mortius may also be made into a poison when its petals are crossed with Wolf bane and Dragons blood. This poison is lethal and will kill it's drinker in less than an hour when brewed properly."
Both boys settled in their seats and he watched as they took notes, knowing they were writing down these facts simply for their own sake. "There are a great number of ingredients which are prohibited from Hogwarts," he stated and realized they would ask about them, "I will bring a booklet of prohibited ingredients as well as other items my next visit. I do not agree with all the ingredients on the list, however there are a select few which I do. You're task will be to learn all of them on the list and tell me which are the most dangerous," he replied. He wasn't about to allow them to make the same mistake, he couldn't, it would put them in danger. Oddly the boys didn't question him, instead they replied, "Yes Professor."
In many ways he wanted to introduce a class on dark potion's ingredients, far too many students had fallen pray to ingesting them, coming in contact with them, and even misusing them. A class on safety as well as their use would certainly benefit the students of the school and put his mind at ease before he sent them off into the world. However, he knew all too well that Albus would never allow such a class, it would be deemed training for Death Eaters, rather than a necessity. Even if he had broached the topic with Lucius, the Malfoy Lord wouldn't be able to grant him permission.
"Sir, if I may," Draco began and Severus nodded, "Why were you using Opium Poppies before?" The potion master sighed, and shook his head, of course the Malfoy noticed, it was the price he paid for being friends with such attentive wizards and witches. "It was for a draught for Tom, he needs to remember something and Poppies are one of the ingredients," he replied honestly, there was no point in shrouding the truth, they would simply lurk about to learn it on their own.
He had made it impossible for them to meddle after stating it was for Tom, the Master of the house, and that it was important, meaning don't touch. "Questions?" he asked. Both boys shook their heads and he continued with the impromptu lecture, enjoying every minutes of teaching the boys the more advanced and delicate side to the art of potions.
~~WL~~
Pages fluttered to the floor as envelope after envelope was opened, each of them voicing their opinions on a matter that seemed to cause waves in not only England but the US and Europe as well. Ruby red eyes danced with glee as they slipped over the pages, taking in the worlds penned by admirers hoping that with enough force that some how their quills would stab Albus to death. A chuckled left the curved lips of the young Lord who was currently standing before a window, the letter loosely between his fingers. There were piles of them in his study, to the point that a majority of the house elves of the Estate had taken to sorting them into bins based on the name of the sender as well as their location in alphabetical order. He tossed the letter to the side and leaned against the wall, Albus had yet to make his move, and it irritated him. He didn't like to be kept waiting, and time was of the essence, unless this was in fact Albus' move.
The Lord crossed his arms as he glared out the window at an unsuspecting tree. Albus was always going to be difficult, especially when it involved something he didn't approve of, and Tom was certainly at the top of that list. With the flick of his Yew wand a chess set made of glass and silver appeared on the table, his eyes floated over to it to see the pieces were in their same places, waiting for the next move. "Come now Albus, don't be a spoil sport and make your move, it's no fun if you don't," he taunted the un-hearing board as though the opponent could hear him. There was a scrape his eyes fell on a knight leaving it's post and trotting to it's newly acquired place. He grinned, he knew the old wizard wouldn't keep him waiting.
There was a call and he looked up to see a Falcon flying into the room, it was that of Flitwick and he stared, the Charms Professor wasn't supposed to be the next tool. "Hang on," he remarked as he collected the letter from the birds' talon and pulled a treat out a small dish for the majestic bird, which accepted it with gusto. He quickly opened the letter and noticed how the falcon had yet to leave, and shrugged, obviously it desire to hear his reply. Flitwick's penmanship was tight and small, but no where near the level of Severus' tight and spidery penmanship, which more often than not resulted in him searching for a magnifying glass.
Lord Marvolo Gaunt,
We cordially invite you to the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry, you have expressed a great deal of interest in our school and we would be delighted to show you more. I realize that the Headmaster is traditionally responsible for all correspondence with potential Sponsors and Professors, however, he was against this decision.
As the staff we have taken it upon ourselves to contact you, we have a duty to the students and believe that you will be more than adequate in the post.
Sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Head of Gryffindor House
Tom stared in shock at the letter, it wasn't from the Charms Master, but from McGonagall, that was interesting. Perhaps he did have supporters on both sides of the fense considering she had always been a supporter of Albus. He quickly pulled a sheet of black paper and his pot of vivid emerald green ink. With grace he penned his reply, knowing full well that the sincerity in his selection of material to respond with would be enough of a indicator as to how important it was.
A smile curled his lips, like many things, the very parchment a letter was written on could indicate the level of sincerity of the sender as well as their desires. By selecting the ink black parchment and emerald green ink, not only did he stated that he was sincere about his desire but also that he was honored to have received such a letter. The green ink was vivid and indicated his blood line, he wasn't about to insult his ancestor who was a founder of the school. He signed his name at the bottom of the letter before slipping the sheet into a emerald green envelope with a black liner and sealing it with a vivid silver ribbon. He held the envelope out to the Falcon and watched as the bird held it's leg out. It was well behaved, however not as good as his owl.
He fastened it to the birds leg and allowed it to climb on his arm. He left the study and walked through the halls only to hear a whistle. "What a handsome creature, Osiris will be envious," stated Lucius and he snickered, Lucius was always one to remark on gorgeous things, including women which oddly Narcissa would also contribute. He could still remember the first time he had seen the pair looking at witches and judging them, they were so comfortable with one another that they often chatted about the appearance of others. "It's Flitwicks," he replied as he swept through the hallway. Luicus was at his side and kept up with him effortlessly.
Lucius was dressed entirely in black and from the looks of it he was relaxing he didn't wear the embellishments he traditionally did to court, which meant he had no reason to regale him as a solicitor. The blond stretched his arms over his head lazily, resulting in several pops from his spine. "You look tired," Tom remarked as they rounded the corner. Lucius was silent but he knew all too well that the silence was an agreement. "I have been working on procuring Harry's guardianship for you," he began and sighed in frustration, "Albus is blocking me at every turn. Even if you claim him as your protégé, it isn't enough. Albus is still able to make decisions on the boy's well being."
Apparently that was Albus' move, "He is claiming the Felix and Finch act, which states that a minor who has been removed from an abusive situation shall fall into the custody of the guardian who has been named the responsible party by the last will and testament of their biological parents," he explained, and immediately Tom growled, there was no way in hell he was on those pages. He was the Dark Lord, who was responsible for the deaths of James and Lily Potter, for his name to be on the documents was impossible, even in his elaborate rouse as Marvolo Gaunt.
"That is an issue, doesn't the Sanctuary Clause prevent such a thing?" he asked keenly. Law wasn't Tom's strong point, which was what he relied on Luicus for. The Malfoy shook his head, "No, unfortunately the Felix and Finch Act of 1763 supersedes the Sanctuary Clause after the case Black vs. the Ministry of 1763." Tom looked at the blond curiously who naturally launched into explanation, "In the case the house of Black was charged with abuse when their son was discovered to have cuts up his arms, at the time self inflicted injuries were unheard of in court. The Ministry moved to have the boy removed from the House of Black and placed with the Weasleys. However, the Blacks argued that they were not responsible for the injuries, that they had in fact nothing to do with the parental practices of the family. When they were unable to convince the court other wise, after the Lady of the house was found locking the boy in the closet, Lord Black called for the guardianship to change to the Lestranges, rather than Weasleys. After all they had been named the godparents of the child."
Lucius and Tom turned the corner, and the Dark Lord began to descend the stairs with an air of elegance, Lucius clasped his hands behind his back before continuing, "The result was devastating, the boy was placed with the Weasely's since the Lestranges were not considered worthy. The Black heir committed suicide, resulting in the Lord of the house turning to one of his brothers to carry the line," Lucius explained and Tom suddenly stared at him in shock, he knew wizards were unaccustomed to such behavior but their lack of foresight in this instance was alarming. "As it turned out Lord Lestrange had been the one to submit in the inquiry and agreed to provide haven for the boy should anything occur, however under the Sanctuary Clause, since the Weasley's had been the ones to take the boy in temporarily while the case occurred because Lord Lestrange was away, they would gain custody," he elaborated, the case sounded as though it were a nightmare, "As a result the Lords and Ladies of Wizengmont superseded the Sanctuary Clause with an act named after two victims of the same fate. Four years before Black vs. the Ministry of Magic, another case had occurred, thus it was named the Felix and Finch Act."
Silence wrapped around them, not even the falcon made a sound as Tom paused before the doors, giving the boys who had died a moment of respect. Life lost, especially before it even had a chance to begin would always be a tragic thing. "I understand," he stated as he pushed the doors open, "Is there nothing that allows me to appeal?" he asked as they stepped into the late afternoon sun. Despite the sun's warmth a chill set into the bones of the Dark Lord. They began to walk through the grounds, the Falcon remained purchased waiting until they were at the appropriate released point.
Lucius was quiet, and he could tell the Solicitor was searching for an answer, only the silence had already stated that their wasn't. "No, unless you have evidence to suggest that you are his family. If you can prove you are his family then there is now way they can take him from you, in fact you automatically become his guardian," Luicus explained as he looked thoughtfully at the trees. Tom ran his fingers over the stiff feathers of the Falcon, missing the company of Osiris, "Slight issue, we aren't related, the Potter's and Gaunts aren't related to one another even in the slightest. They were the only two families that never inter married, and I would certainly know if I had the blood of a Potter in me," he stated.
Luicus huffed and slipped his hands into his pockets as he stepped over a stone, "You think I don't know that? I know the chances are slim to none and such evidence can't be falsified," he stated. Albus had certainly made his move, and Tom growled in frustration causing the Falcon to tremble. He gave the bird a rather apologetic look, "There is no one we can buy?" he asked. Luicus slipped his fingers through his hair and asked, "Did you think I didn't try that method first. Believe it or not when it comes to the custody of Potter, they are reluctant to cut corners, no matter how much is offered." This fact sickened Tom, he knew of dozens of cases where the Ministry had returned children to their parents after being paid a large amount to turn the other cheek. The reached the point and he looked to the golden eyed Falcon.
Tom slowly extended his arm and gently lifted it, resulting in the Falcon in releasing his arm and flying in the direction of his master. "Lucius, do not stop looking, I will not allow Albus to harm either of our charges. He hasn't made a move against you has he?" The blond solicitor shook his head as he pivoted and began walking back to the house, "No, I am worried when he does though, I can't lose them," he whispered weakly. Tom placed a hand on the man's shoulder and pulled him into his side. He could feel the other Lord stiffen before relaxing, "I won't allow that, you are family Lucius, you have given me so much, I won't allow him to harm you," he stated with conviction. Lucius nodded as he gently pulled away, "Of course."
The pair continued through the elaborate gardens of the estate, each of them were tended by hand picked staff, he had a combination of muggle plants as well as a full garden of rare potions ingredients that was often tended to by Severus. "Tom, no matter what you have to promise me something, you have to kick Albus out of his position," Lucius stated sternly causing the Lord to stare at Luicus in shock. He thought the man's request would be to protect his family, instead Lucius was asking for him to destroy Albus. "We can't do it without you Tom, and I know you could bury him," Luicus stated sternly his voice was dark and filled with malice, "You may be gentle with Harry and Draco but under that skin is the ruthless Dark Lord that made the world quake. If something happens beyond our control, destroy Albus so no one else is ever subjected to his manipulations."
Tom stopped and turned to face the blond. He could sense the waves of irritation slamming into him, he couldn't ignore him as he felt Nangini wrap around his leg and slowly slither up him. The grand snake was probably out hunting and absently he stroked her head, "Nothing will happen to you, and I refuse to return to being such a creature Lucius," he stated, "I won't turn into that. I will however, protect you and your family as well as our loved ones. I will stop at nothing until the task is done, but my days of making the world fear me are over," he explained, "I don't wish to be feared, I want respect and the confidence of people that I am capable."
Lucius silver eyes widened at the declaration and Tom knew this was the first time he had seen this side of him. Months ago, before that Christmas Eve, he would have agreed, he would have blown the world apart. Even though he had felt Harry's pain and sent he abuse he would make Albus feel it. However, after spending time with the young scion he realized that wasn't the answer, the answer was to show the world who Albus was and allow them to be his judge and jury. Luicus nodded, his lips curled in a smile and he could tell that somehow he had pleased the blond.
A breeze swept off the ocean, ruffling the leaves of the trees, "It would appear that there is a schism between the beloved Headmaster and his staff, including the Deputy Headmistress," he stated after a moment. Instantly the blond was staring at him and asked, "What?" Tom smirked, he knew what his next move was, and Albus was about to experience quite the wake up call. "Yes, apparently I was informed that the staff would be more than glad to have me as a professor. I'm sure if the Board of Governors requested it in agreement of the staff they would have no choice but to accept my application for the post," he mused aloud, knowing full well that Lucius would swing everything he had for the Lord, although at the moment he didn't think there would be much convincing to be done considering most of Britain was on his side.
Lucius grinned with mirth before responding, "That I am certainly able to aid you with, Tom. Just allow me to handle it." Tom watched as the Malfoy Lord disappeared from sight and entered the house, he could tell the Malfoy was off to execute his plan and it certainly wasn't going to be too difficult. Tom smiled as he looked to the sky and muttered, "Well then, that was only part one, now I must also respond to the generous request of the Deputy Headmistress and staff of Hogwarts, it would be rude to not visit," a grin curling his lips as he mused his next coarse of action.
He knew that caution was certainly something which was required if he were to win this match, but if he were to proceed to cautiously, he would miss the opportune moment to strike. Tom began to wander through the gardens his thoughts consuming him in stride. In reality, the only way to win the game with Albus was with optimal timing, moves and counter moves as Lucius dubbed it. While it was true that he was an avid chess player there was one issue that remained constant in this entire affair, unlike chess, real life allowed for an individual to make more than one move in a turn. Even though Albus had managed to block his attempts at adopting Harry through the appropriate channels, he could also have begun to cultivate notions against him in those few Lords who were uncertain of to whom they would place their loyalties with. The fault wasn't theirs, for the past few decades the political arena had been turbulent, so much so, that in sight of all previous events Lords were self serving rather than serving the communities.
Tom slipped through the double doors and began to walk across the green house, Narcissa was tending to her prized orchids with a great deal of care, caressing their petals as she went. "You are scheming again, Tom," she said softly as she lifted the tip of her wan and blessed yet another vivid orchid with the gift of water. The Lord paused in his long strides and turned his attention to the elegant Lady of the Malfoy House, it was difficult to believe she was even related to the Blacks with how sound she was. "Forgive me, my Lady, I was unaware it would disturbed the fauna," he replied with a smirk.
Narcissa chuckled as she turned to him, rubbing her hands together, which were lightly coated with planting soil, as always she was tending to her prized orchids personally. She never allowed a House Elf near them, and many of them had learned to accept her wishes and complied with her rules. "It is not the fauna which you have insulted," she replied in the same mocking drawl he had used, "My husband has just rushed through here on a mission, and won't tell me what it entails." Tom hummed as he stood before the elegant lady, knowing full well she was asking him to divulge his secrets nicely, or might resort to force – Nanginig nagging him. "Harry's custody is in the wind and I have Lucius searching for an answer as well as the Charter, I am concerned that I might have given him too much," he confessed as he looked at the floor with sudden interest, he didn't wish to see the irritation in those pale gray eyes possessed by the matriarch.
Narcissa sighed, "Lucius is more than capable of both, Tom. He's a brilliant solicitor, and I dare admit one of the best in Britain, and I don't say that because he is my husband," she replied as she took a step closer to the Dark Lord, who at the moment wasn't nearly as imposing as he used to be. She watched as crimson eyes flickered up and a softer expression crossed his features, concern. "I don't want him hurt, I will protect all of you from Albus, I just don't want Albus to harm anyone else," he admitted as he swept his hand through his hair, destroying his choir-boy-part, as Narcissa had deemed it in the past. Narcissa nodded in understanding, of course she held no malice toward him, he had been working diligently to save a pair of young wizards.
"Tom, these things take time," she replied soundly, "Lucius is good, but he's not that good. Once the Charter is found we will be able to deal with Albus once and for all." While the notion was what he expected to hear, it wasn't what he wanted to hear, necessarily. He sighed before sprawling on one of the wooden benches rather unceremoniously, "I know, I'm worried. I am going to take the position at Hogwarts but I wonder if I'm playing into the old codger's hands," he stated, voicing opinions he would never speak of to Lucius, as much as he trusted the Lord, Malfoy had a tendency to over-react.
A deep voice emulated from the door way remarking, "If you accept the post you'll be under his nose and that is where he is the most blind," Tom turned his head to see Severus leaning in the doorway, he was wrapped in a dark gray sweater and wore a pair of light jeans. Tom arched a brow and Severus replied, "The boys finished their potion's lesson and are currently in the library reading about dangerous ingredients." That captured Tom's interest instantly and he waved for the Potion master to continue. Severus sighed as he slouched a little, the stress was taking its toll on the wizard and it irritated Tom to see Severus in such a state. "Harry brewed a very powerful sleeping draught, he used the Mortius flower's essence to complete it," he replied evenly.
A gasp left Narcissa and Tom sat up at attention, Harry had shown an inclination to the dark arts, and his intuition when it came to potions rivaled Severus' but for the boy to use a dangerous ingredient that was considered dark to enhance a sleeping draft was a very different issue. "Have you lectured them on the use of ingredients that are dark?" he asked quickly. Severus nodded, "It is a lecture that isn't given to students but should be," he said tartly. Of course it was an essentially lesson that once again wasn't allowed to be taught in Hogwarts, then again even during his time it was not. "I see, how are they?" asked Narcissa after a pause.
Severus' dark gaze shifted to the witch and he replied with sincerity, "Both are safe, I have locked away the drafts and went through my cupboards, I was going to secure dangerous ingredients away from them only to realize that wouldn't be conducive to their education." Narcissa looked horrified and Tom immediately understood Severus' logic, she was about to lash out when Seveurs continued, "How are they to understand that they exist and how they are used if they are not seen in the lab?"
She fell silent, and then murmured, "They can't."
Tom hummed, this was certainly something that would have to be Incorporated into the curriculum at Hogwarts. They didn't need anyone else making terrible mistakes about such ingredients. "Indeed, so I handled it. Harry was a bit upset but seems alright," he said with a slight amount of regret. Harry was still scared they would harm him and Tom shivered, it was one of the many things that made Tom, Severus and Harry closer, they had all been abused. "Is Nangini with them?" Tom asked, knowing that the snake would provide some solace to the boy. Severus nodded, and Tom smiled, of course his familiar had gone to the boy.
He could still remember the conversation he had with the serpent in December, right after the boy had been brought to Malfoy Estate and he decided that he would do anything to protect the child. He had instructed Nangini to offer comfort and protect Harry when he was unable to, it was a tall order and his familiar was reluctant at first, she had always considered it her responsibility to protect him. Yet, now she understood that the best way to protect her beloved master was to protect Harry. There had been many nights where he found the snake curled up with Harry in bed, protecting the boy even in his dreams. Of course she would also come to him and spend time with him once Harry was deep in his sleep, but was always aware when the boy had a nightmare and required to be roused.
Draco wasn't as scared of Nangini as before, but still didn't like waking Harry, Nangini wasn't much of a morning snake, that would never change.
The potion master swept into the room with his usual silent grace and stood before Tom, "Minerva contacted me, she has asked that I inform you she would be more than happy to host you and whom ever you desire to bring with you on your inspection of the school. It's odd, I don't remember her having such power," Severus mused as he crossed his arms and glared at Tom, he was in trouble, again. Tom crossed his legs and replied, "Yes, I thought it would be good for Draco and Harry to have a chance to meet their future professors, as well as introduce myself as more than just a Lord." Severus groaned as he tipped his head back with frustration, his hands sliding over his neck, it was probably sore from looking down at cauldrons for extended periods.
Tom got off the bench and placed a hand on Severus' shoulder, he could feel the tension in them and had to restrain himself from offering the overworked man a massage. It was part of the Potion Master's duties to brew for the infirmary as well as teach students and work on research projects to procure grants and fame for the school. However, this when added to what he had been asking of the man was far too great of a burden. "Severus, what concerns you?" he asked softly, his fingers moving in a circle on the man's shoulder, offering a modicum of relief.
Dark eyes opened and the man's facial features relaxed, suddenly the raven haired potion master looked far too old. "I'm uncertain if this is a good idea, I know it is the best position to be in to deal with Albus, but what will happen if the students learn who you are?" he asked after a moment. Of course Tom had thought of such an event, he wasn't even sure how to handle it when Harry learned of his identity, he had given up on assuming it might not occur and realized regardless it would happen, it was all a matter of when. "Then we hope that by that time the students and parents recognize who the ture monster is," he replied. Severus sagged and Tom asked, "Would you like me to give you a massage, you're too tense and might mess up a potion in this state, I don't want to have to air out your lab again," his tone was light but his fear wasn't.
Severus was capable of saddling a great deal of stress, but that wasn't healthy. The Potion Master hummed and asked, "Only my shoulders?" Tom huffed, of course Severus was nervous, they had kissed in the past and while the Dark Lord desired to do it once again, he didn't want to force Severus. The man had to come to terms on his own, now the reason why he was hesitant eluded him. Everything else with Severus was direct, on point, and never a dance around the proverbial bush, yet this, them, it wasn't as direct. He had a feeling it wasn't just their positions, there had to be more.
Tom smirked as he leaned forward and whispered, "I'd do more if you asked, Sev. All you have to do is relax and let me work." Severus' heart was pounding and he could hear the Potion Master inhale, a shiver coursed through the dark man's body and Tom smirked, he knew he was charming, of course he was aware of that, but the question was if Severus would allow himself to fall even harder. His red eyes glittered as Severus responded, "Only my shoulders and back," he stated. Tom huffed in disappointment, and decided that touching only that would be enough, he would wait, as long as he had to for Severus to give in and admit he wanted him. "Alright," Tom whispered as he ran his fingers over Severus' arms, the sweater was extraordinarily soft and he recognized it as one of the many gifts he had given Severus over the years. It made him happy to see the Potion Master wearing it, and he had a feeling the man before him had no idea.
"Meet me in my chambers," replied the Potion Master with a thick voice before slipping away from Tom and striding out of the Solarium. Narcissa chuckled causing Tom to remember she was there, his head snapped in her direction and noticed a rather devious smirk on her lips. She knew, there was no denying it, women and their intuition were dangerous. "You love him," she stated, it was a fact and he wasn't about to deny it. Tom nodded and replied, "Yes, I'm not sure when it started but I do love him." Narcissa smiled warmly as she clasped her hands before her. "Good, because we all know he needs someone. Luicus and I have known for a while and we approve, just be careful," she warned.
Tom stared at her curiously, she knew something, "Why?" he asked darkly, he didn't like being left in the dark. She sighed reluctantly, as she replied, "That you must ask Severus, I can't tell you, but I will tell you, that when you had died he did things that no wizard has attempted an succeeded before, save one," she paused and looked at the doorway nervously, "Amar Hashish, the Potion Master which hangs in the Southern Corridor along the windows, speak with him. He can tell you," she explained.
The dark lord was torn between speaking with the portrait and doing as Severus requested, only to give into Severus and smiled. "Later, I have a potion Master to rub down," he mused. Narcissa laughed as she watched the Lord trot off after the man he had just admitted to his closest friends he loved. Lucius strode past Tom into the solarium and asked, "What's gotten into him?" he pointed at the place where Tom had been and Narcissa chuckled. "Pay up, he loved him and told me first," as she held her hand out.
Lucius groaned and tugged at his hair before responding, "What? Come on! Fine," he grumbled. He crossed his arms much like a petulant child when denied a treat, "Here," he relented as he handed her a handful of Galleons. Narcissa clapped with glee only for Lucius to say, "However I have a new wager, I bet it will take Tom an entire year to confess to Severus." Narcissa licked her lips and suddenly looked torn between gallivanting off and rubbing it in his face he had lost, and participating in this new wager. She grinned as she stuffed the coins in his hand, "Fine, I wager it will take him half that time to confess and get Severus to admit it."
Lucius grinned, "You're on."
~~WL~~
Harry left the library as Draco was asleep, he needed to stretch he felt cramped from sitting too long. The halls twisted as Harry looked at the portraits on the walls. Each of them were chatting with one another, and seemed to ignore him. He sighed, of course he was ignored he wasn't a Gaunt, he was a Potter. He walked down the hallway only to find the wall of glass doors, that were always open. It was one of his favorite spots in the entire house. He paused before a pair of massive frames, only to see one of the vacant and the other with a young man sitting in what he assumed was meditation.
"I know you're there Harry," said the portrait's owner, his eyes flickered open, they were bright green the same as Harry's. He jumped back as he watched the man slowly sifted and stand before Harry, his expression was soft as he looked at the boy. "Yes, I know who you are, Salazar informed us," he stated as he clasped his hands before himself. Harry looked up at the dark skinned man, he was regal and rather handsome, he reminded Harry of one of the many dancers from Tom's enormous gala. "Oh, um forgive me but who are you?"
The man chuckled as he sat on the floor of his portrait, it was odd to see a portrait be considerate to the viewer, then again something told Harry, the man in the painting wasn't like the others. "I'm Amar Hashish, I'm Alcester's husband," he said warmly. Harry's eyes widened as he looked to the empty frame that Amar had nodded to. "Husband? Two wizards can marry?" he asked in great confusion. This was the first time he had heard of such an occurrence, he was accustomed to the prejudice of like someone of the same gender. Amar nodded and replied gently, "Of course, if they are compatible. Alcester and I married centuries ago, but due to our titles have separate frames." Harry slowly took a seat on the floor and looked up at Amar who was smiling.
The man took it as a subtle hint to continue and so he did, "I'm a prince and Potion Master from a small village in India, I created a number of potions which are still used today. Alcester was the first Archivist, as well as one of the most influential inventors of objects and spells," he explained. Harry nodded, he hadn't heard of them, but he had a feeling they were in a book in the expansive Guant library. "Why are you wandering? You should be studying," asked Amar and Harry sagged slightly. He should have known that any portrait in the house of Gaunt would be keen on his studies.
Harry peaked up and replied softly, "I needed a break, I couldn't focus. I kept thinking about what happened today." Amar waited patiently, his green eyes never leaving Harry, and suddenly the young wizard felt trapped by his gaze, "I used the Mortius flower to enhance a sleeping draft, to make it last longer and the sleep more beneficial," he explained. Amar's expression brightened at the mention of the ingredient and leaned forward slightly, "Did it work?" he asked quickly. Harry snapped out of his thoughts and stared at the portrait.
"No idea, I didn't get a chance to test it, Uncle Sev, lectures us on dangerous ingredients and those considered Dark," he stated as he twisted his hands, "I understand he means well and didn't want to upset me, but I just feel like the wizarding world's view is too narrow! Everything is dangerous in large quantities," he seethed. Not caring that he was ranting at one of the prestigious members of the Gaunt house. All he wanted to do was scream, "That's not all is it?" asked Amar knowingly.
Harry crossed his arms and looked over the rims of his glasses at the Potion Master who was smiling. "No, Draco got his Hogwarts letter, and I haven't heard anything about mine," he grumbled. That was the root of the issue and Amar hummed as he shifted slightly leaving one leg against the floor and bending his knee so his arm could rest upon it. He leaned his head into his palm and continued, "You're worried you won't get in. Don't, if you could make such leaps at your age with a potion, they would be idiots to not accept you." Harry shrugged as he played with the hem of his robe, "Yeah, but what if they don't?"
Harry didn't want to be separated from Draco, even though the blond was adamant about attending school with Harry, he also didn't want to hinder him. "Hadrian, listen, you will get in, you must really. Especially with who you are, are you certain you aren't a Gaunt?" Harry looked up and shook his head, allowing Amar's words to wash over him. Amar chuckled and shook his head, "You are so much like Alcester, don't worry, you'll get in. Have faith," he commented.
Faith, that was something Harry had only recently acquired and he nodded. He didn't know how powerful it was, and hoped that somehow he would be able to do as Amar said he could. "Tell me more about your potion," nudged the Potion Master and Harry chuckled.
Of course he wanted to know and so Harry and Amar had a long conversation about potion ingredients, unbeknownst to them that a certain Lord was lingering in the hallway, smiling at the exchange knowingly.