Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Lucius Views: 96985 -:- Recommendations : 12 -:- Currently Reading : 15
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no form of profit off this story

Chapter List
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Chapter 11

Beta'd by the most wonderful, amazing and stupendous Tenchi. Woman, you are the best and love you for all you do for me!

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Fondling a vial of stomach soother, the managing editor of The Daily Prophet, Renfield Smythewick was rubbing his burning stomach. For years he'd had problems with ulcers. Most times a potion's regimen was enough that he wasn't bothered, unless he overindulged in foods that set them off. Right now, though, nothing he was taking helped the fiendfyre that seemed to have been unleashed in his gut. He was in agony and knew the cause; The British Seer. The special edition last night had blindsided everyone. From what he could get from those that worked for him, none of them had any inkling that what had come was brewing. It had been so out of the blue that despite the fact that the special edition had hit long after office hours, everyone had converged en mass in the offices and tried to find out if it was not only true, but how take advantage of it.

The problem seemed to be that the Seer had such a jump on them and there was no capitalizing on anything. It appeared, from what he had read so far, though Mr. Potter was the catalyst for the whole series, that and what he knew, some of what they were pulling out had probably been researched for months ahead of time for an article of some kind. So they had a mass of information in place that the Prophet didn't and were leaving them in the dust.

Downing the vial of stomach soother, he grimaced at the taste and stared at the front page of the Prophet that had come out that morning. As the paper had been set up to go with what the Ministry wanted in it, the only thing in there on the whole mess was a pat blurb from Fudge about Potter and not believing the young man, the same line that had been spouted for over a year now. The problem was that the Seer had a mass of facts they were imparting that his very own sources in the Ministry were confirming. The other issue was that his sources, and everyone else's from what he was hearing, would confirm some of what was said, but would give no information on anything else. Normally, they were good at passing on enough to work with, given the proper motivation. Now? Nothing. Absolutely nothing that they could use to capitalize on then use for their own means.

He knew that over the last year, normal sources were backing away from many of them due to what was being done in going after Mr. Potter as well as others that Fudge saw as problems and how they were toeing nothing but the Ministry line, taking what Fudge said as gospel without looking beyond that. That made information less easy to get a hold of. Now? It was like hitting a brick wall going full speed on a broom. Nothing was being given up. All he could get were things that were public knowledge; such as the DMLE was investigating and that the Board of Governors at Hogwarts were taking the accusations seriously. That was—well, it was a bloody given! Anyone with the IQ of a flobberworm would know that! As publicly as the charges were leveled, even Fudge couldn't brush them under the rug. He needed more to work with than that. He just had nothing that was getting him what he needed.

In an effort to shake something loose so they could capitalize on what was happening, he tried to send some of his reporters to France to see what information they could get. Normally, again, this wasn't a problem. Well, apparently, it was now. The French Minister himself had made it clear that no reporters from the Prophet were going to be allowed into France for the foreseeable future. Their official excuse was some kind of investigation into leaks from the Ministry, but Renfield knew a ploy when he saw one. The French appeared to be shutting out any avenue the British were going to employ to get information they needed or to find Potter. One of the few sources he had on anything that was willing to say something told him the French were not willing to help the British in any way when it came to what happened. That meant the Prophet was going to suffer over it. So instead he had every reporter he had on staff scrambling to cover this from the British angle.

So far, it was a bust. Nothing was turning up. They were meeting brick wall after brick wall when it came to getting any kind of information. Of course, they went with the standard wizard on the street interviews about the mess, but that wasn't going to satisfy anyone for long, not with the Seer promising a weeklong series on this mess. With what he knew of such matters from his own experience, as the fallout was already huge, it was probably going to be longer than that. And if the Prophet couldn't uncover anything? Well, they were in trouble.

Picking up a parchment from the circulation department, he sighed. Already their subscription rate had dropped. Ten percent so far, if he read this right. No, not good. As the Prophet generally had no real competition in Britain for a daily paper, it always did well. The Seer had come along a few years ago. Up until now, it wasn't competition in any way. After all, it was based out of France, not Britain, something that brought on suspicion from most in the British Isles. However, over the last two years, since the Ministry had been leaning on the Prophet and they had caved, allowing it to happen, the Seer had picked up subscribers. This—no, it wasn't good. They would have already picked up enough that wanted to follow the story to cut into the Prophet's base. They had to do something, and quickly.

Sighing, rubbing his gut again, he grimaced. This wasn't good. The owner, if it kept up, was going to be in here screaming. There was no way to reason with that man or explain that whatever hell had been unleashed made it to where they had no way of getting whatever information the Seer was using or capitalizing on what they had started. No, that meant he had to find a way.

Looking at the batch of letters that just appeared in his inbox, he grimaced when he saw the top one appeared to be from Fudge. That wasn't good, though it would give them something that the Seer couldn't get. Shaking his head, he opened it. Reading through the short statement, he tossed it on the desk with disgust. Though it would go into the next edition, all it said was the basic line that the Ministry is taking the charges seriously and looking into them, nothing more. That wasn't the least bit helpful.

Leaning back in his chair, he sighed. Alright, it was time to call in the big guns to see what they could dig up. Skeeter, though not having submitted anything for a while, was going to be called as well. She was always good at shaking things loose and coming up with something, anything, they could use. Maybe it was time to see what she could dig into. Histories of those involved would be good. At least they could get that before the Seer.

Yes, this was a plan! Nodding to himself, he quickly called a meeting, hoping to have something before the day was out. Then he was going to pull what few strings he had left to see what he could find out about what was coming from the Seer. If they had a heads up, they might be able to pull something out that the Seer didn't. He wasn't counting on it, knowing stories like this were guarded better than state secrets, but he was going to try!

Pacing in front of Madam Bones' desk, Rufus was furious. Having just told her what he heard in the Board of Governors meeting, he was now waiting to see what she had to say on the matter. It was going to be a delicate situation. What people did in their own spare time, not to mention organizations that they belonged to, were their own business. However, this infringed on something they were investigating and putting a victim of a serious crime, several of them actually, at risk. No, it couldn't be allowed. However, he didn't know how to handle it either. This was Madam Bones' job. It was now her call and he had to wait for her to make it.

Looking at parchments filled with information she had gathered on known Order members in the Ministry, Madam Bones was looking dour, shaking her head. This—she didn't like this. It appeared that Albus had his fingers in almost every department in the Ministry. She would bet her wand he used those contacts to get information he shouldn't have. No, this wasn't good. Everyone, she knew, when they were in higher places in lines of work, had contacts in the Ministry. That came with the territory and helped them get some things done. This though—it was different. She didn't know what Albus was plotting when it came to Potter, but she had a bad feeling about it. And it had to stop.

Tossing the parchments down, she rubbed her eyes in a weary way. “Tonks and Shacklebolt you said?”

“That's what I was told,” Rufus told her, looking grim. “What information was being passed along I don't know, but they are, apparently, trying to help find Potter. If they are that close to Dumbledore, those memories they had to view would have been talked about as well. This—it was a sensitive matter, Amelia! The young man was raped! They have no right to talk about that!”

Leaning forward, clasping her hands on the desk in front of her, looking grim, she nodded. “The way our laws are written, they aren't even supposed to confirm it happened. Albus, I know, is a beacon to so many, being the epitome of the Light side that came out of the last war. This, though—no. There is a reason laws to protect victims of sexual assaults are in place. Yes, it's in the paper and it was given by Mr. Potter himself; however our DMLE is not supposed to confirm or deny that happened. The line is that we are investigating, nothing more. Victims, even if they talk about it publicly, are protected the best our government can manage. There is also the fact that Mr. Potter is underage. He may have been emancipated by France, but our laws are clear on the age line. No, this doesn't fly with me.” Looking up at Rufus, she said, “I want to see both of them in here now. I will protect your source and say I found it out another way.”

Looking resolute, Rufus nodded. “I'll be right back.” Turning, he walked out the door to retrieve the two.

Sighing, rubbing her eyes, Amelia then leaned back. This whole thing was a mess that she didn't need. Oh, it would be handled the right way, no doubt there, but the more she dug into everything presented, the more corruption, love of power, people with agendas, you name it, she found. And it went from top to bottom, and every place in between. Though it was only the first full day, it was already looking like plenty of high-placed people were in real trouble and would probably either end up being prosecuted or lose their jobs. That was just within the government. Hogwarts had to be just as bad at this point.

From her perspective, that was even worse. It was supposed to be a safe place for all their children to go without being drawn into politics and other maneuvering, beyond the normal procedures that went on when there were large amounts of those underage involved. No, this whole mess wasn't good.

Frowning, she shook her head. Somewhere, she was wondering how she missed so much going on under her nose. She knew what Fudge had been pulling with Mr. Potter. It had, of course, sickened her, but she had other things that needed attending to before she could take on that. The breakout from Azkaban, Sirius Black, so many other things, that she had put that on the back burner. Now, well, she was feeling sick with herself over it. That was part of the motivation for her going full bore with this as she had plenty of evidence. Somewhere in her she knew it was partially to make it up to a young man who had gotten lost in the shuffle. It wouldn't, she knew that, but she was going to try.

Following Rufus into Madam Bones' office, Tonks shot Kingsley a somewhat nervous look. This—it was odd. And something that was making her uneasy. Already, like the rest of the Aurors, she'd heard rumblings that Madam Bones and Scrimgeour were looking into Ministry workers over what was being said in the paper. From some of what she had been told, there were plenty of accusations leveled about all kinds of people all over the place. Now, well, she was uptight about what this was about.

Watching the two Aurors come in, Madam Bones straightened up and looked at them. After Rufus shut the door, she said, keeping her tone level, “I've heard through sources, then did some checking into the matter to confirm it, that both of you are in Albus Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix. Is this true?” It was her thought that she should get right to the heart of the matter. Unlike in other areas of the Ministry, she had plenty of pull here and could do things with her Aurors that she couldn't with others, except in criminal investigations.

Swallowing thickly, Tonks shot a glance at Kingsley, who appeared to be pale, looking her way as well. Now she didn't know what to say! She doubted either of them were being asked because it would help with an investigation. Something was telling her that wasn't the case here.

Glancing between the two, face hardening, Madam Bones said, tone taking on an icy bite, “I don't think I need an answer, actually. Your silence on the matter is rather telling.” Stopping, she glared at the two then asked, “Did either of you give Albus Dumbledore information about the Harry Potter case? Anything more detailed than we are investigating, as is the rule? Keep in mind that in matters such as this, you can be compelled to take Veritaserum if you won't answer.”

Swallowing a couple times, trying not to shake, Kingsley knew that the game was up. It was time to answer. Amelia Bones wasn't one that played with you when she started asking questions. And, yes, she would force you to take Veritaserum if you didn't answer questions or thought that you were only giving up part of the truth. Quietly, after shooting Tonks a look to prepare her, he said, “Yes, we did.”

Face going stony, Amelia glared between the two before hissing, “You both know the rules on cases like these! Why would you do that? I'm hearing the Order is trying to find this young man. He fled this country for a reason! The fact that he shouldn't have had to do that comes up, but that’s neither here nor there on this matter. Why are you trying to help Albus find him?”

“Harry is—important. Albus is just trying to protect him,” Tonks told her softly, shaking slightly.

“Really?” Amelia asked, leaning back, folding her arms over her chest. “He was trying to protect him? Is that why he dumped Mr. Potter on his relatives’ doorstep after his parents were killed with just a note? Or left him in a home he knew was abusive? Why he's let the man accused of sexually assaulting Mr. Potter to remain in a school full of children? Why he's made certain that Mr. Potter goes back to a home that is abusive year after year? Then only he decides when Mr. Potter can leave? Does this sound like someone that is protecting Mr. Potter, Auror Tonks? Now, tell me, how is it that Mr. Potter is so important that it warrants Albus Dumbledore taking the law into his own hands and trying find someone that obviously wants to be left alone?”

Swallowing thickly, Tonks looked at Madam Bones then shook her head. “He's trying to protect him from other things.”

“It doesn't sound to me like Albus Dumbledore is trying to protect him from anything, but is wanting to use him for something. Let me guess, this has to do with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?”

“Yes,” Kingsley said softly, turning an ashen color. “He says he's back and we believe Albus on that.”

Nodding, glaring at the two, Madam Bones then told him, “I'm not going to get into that particular theory. However, what I'm going to deal with is both of you. You have a choice right here and now; it's either your careers or your membership in the Order. It's that simple since both of you have proven by breaking the rules, and the law, that you can't do both. It's your choice.” Stopping, she waited.

Shaking, Tonks' hair went a mousy brown color. This was not a choice she wanted to make! She believed in what she did for a job and what Albus was doing. Shaking her head, she didn't know what to say.

“Madam Bones,” Kingsley said softly, “we're just trying to do what we think is best! And trying to help!”

Leaning back, she looked at Kingsley then said, “Is that why you broke the law by even telling Albus about the memories or what they contained? That protection is on such matters for a reason, Auror Shacklebolt! Mr. Potter is not only underage, but a victim of a sexual assault! He's afforded the same protections as any other person under such circumstances! I don't care who he is or the fact that his name is known by everyone. You both saw the memories! How would you like it if someone told others about something similar that happened to you or someone you are close to? Sexual assaults are traumatizing enough as it is, they don't need to deal with members of our own DMLE spouting what they saw.” Looking at Tonks, she hissed, “He was eleven in the one you viewed! A mere child! We don't talk about such things when it comes to children. Both of you should have learned that very early on in your training!”

Tears coming to her eyes, Tonks looked down at the ground, not sure what to say.

Shutting his eyes, Kingsley rubbed them then said, “I chose my career. I'll resign from the Order.” For him, this wasn't an easy choice, but he wasn't going to give up all he worked for just to be in the Order. Not only that, but he felt ill over how she had just put the situation. No, he hadn't thought about it that way when announcing it was true in room full of people the night before.

“So will I,” Tonks said softly, looking at the floor.

“I will be keeping an eye on both of you. One hint that you are feeding Albus, or any member of the Order, information again and you'll be out then brought up on charges.” She told them both, tone icy. Leaning back, she said, “For now, both of you are on complete desk duty. Not only that, you are both to go back for a refresher course in victims' rights, that of children and ethics. One hint of you helping the Order and you will lose your jobs then be brought up on charges. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Madam Bones,” both said, looking down.

Nodding, she looked at Rufus. “I'll let you handle them from here.”

“Thank you, Madam Bones,” Rufus told her. Glaring at his two Aurors, he said, “Come with me. We're also going to have a talk.”

Nodding, lip quivering, eyes still lowered, Tonks followed Scrimgeour out.

Sighing, slumping, Kingsley did the same. This—he was feeling sick and didn't know how to make the feeling stop.

Glaring at the door after it closed, Amelia sighed herself. She was mad, no doubt there, but she needed to focus. There was much still to do and she couldn't be effective if anger was driving her. No, she needed to be objective.

Taking several deep breaths to steady herself, she delved back into the mass waiting for her on the desk.

Giving Sirius and Harry a half an hour alone, Narcissa then stepped quietly into the room. Both were on the sofa with Sirius holding Harry, the young man all but wrapped around him. Seeing her cousin look at her and how red rimmed his eyes were, she gave him a gentle smile, hoping that he wouldn't take it badly. It was obvious that some tears had been shed on his end. A glance at Harry told her it was the same for him. That was normal with such situations from what she knew and wasn't going to mention it.

Clearing her throat softly, she waited until Harry looked at her. Smiling at him, she asked, “Do you mind if we all come back in? I think we need to explain to both of them what's going on, Harry.”

Not letting loose of his godfather, resting his head on Sirius' shoulder, Harry nodded, not saying anything.

Stroking Harry's hair, Sirius gave his godson a kiss on the top of the head then nodded to his cousin.

Smiling gently at them, she walked out and beckoned everyone in. Taking a seat on a chair across from the sofa, she waited for the others to join her before beginning.

When Tom seated himself by her, she reached out and grasped his hand. Looking between Lupin, who sat on the sofa on the other side of Harry, having a hand on the young man's leg, then to Sirius, who was very subdued, something definitely not normal for him, she then glanced at Tom, and said, “How about if we start out by explaining why Harry is associating with us then go from there. As I told Remus in the other room; Harry is safe, as are you both, he's not being used or hurt. Nor is he a Death Eater. He's here because we are protecting him.” Slowly, she then began to walk the two through how Harry had come to have the relationship with Lucius then how she, Tom and all the others were involved.

Over an hour later, after Narcissa walked everyone though the bare bones of the whole relationship, answering all questions they had as honestly as she could, Tom explained, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, hands clasped between his spread legs, “Harry is someone I protect, that's all there is to it. He knows nothing of what we do, other than the basic philosophy of what I want and some things that couldn't be avoided. I assure you, it's nothing bad or of crimes. Nor do I ask him anything about it from the other side. I don't want the information, as I don't from either of you. We have what the colonists call a don't ask, don't tell rule between us. It's firm and we abide by it. The only thing he's ever had to give up to me, he did because he was backed into a corner that there was no way out of. Even then, he got with me about it and made me promise, something I've kept, that I wouldn't do anything to the person he had to give me the information on.”

“Who was that,” Remus asked softly, looking at Volde—no, Tom.

Sighing, rubbing his eyes, Tom shook his head then said, “And I can tell you, with what is going on now, it's the height of irony.” Stopping, he looked at the two men, he said, “That Snape is a spy. Harry was left no choice when it came to him because of those lessons Albus set up. He had no way around it. Lucius and I were coaching him on how to Occlude, something he is actually very good at I can assure you, but Snape wasn't teaching him the right way. With what Harry knew about us and the fact that Snape seemed to actually be fishing for information, he had to say something to me. There was no choice because he needed help in dealing with the situation as nothing he was doing was working.” Stopping, he waited.

Rubbing his eyes in a tired way, though holding on to Harry with his other arm, Sirius said, “Ain't that grand? Snape probably owes his life to not only James, but Harry, and does this shite?”

“Like I said; height of irony,” Tom told him dryly. Looking at the two men, he said, firmly, “Lucius and I did everything in our power to protect Harry then get people to back off him. I even told Snape, bluntly, as an order, to leave him alone. He didn't. Though I am not the creature you know from the last war, I'm still the Dark Lord and don't take someone directly disobeying my orders lightly. Snape knows that. If I had known just what he was doing, there would have been hell to pay.”

Nodding slowly, taking that in, Sirius looked at all the bodies seated across from them. It was—well, beyond bizarre that he was having a reasonable discussion with the enemy and that the person who had killed his friends was the one protecting their son, taking care of him in a way that none of their side had. Looking at the person he now knew was Voldemort, he asked, “What about Peter? He was supposed to have run off to join you again.”

Looking Black dead in the eye, Tom said, “I don't know where Wormtail is. I haven't seen him since the first war. If I knew his whereabouts, I would have ensured he was put in the custody of the Ministry. That I've promised your godson. It's the same with Crouch. I don't know what he thought he was doing, but it wasn't under my orders. I've been, as people term it, lying low. I have my plans, yes, but nothing violent, other than the breakout from Azkaban, something all of you know about, has happened.”

“Sirius, Harry always knew you were innocent. Lucius and I explained the whole thing to him that year before he went back to school. We even promised we would do what we could if we could find Peter. It's not a trick.” Narcissa explained.

Looking at his cousin, Sirius nodded. “Alright, I accept that. Harry—he told me some while we were alone and that he trusts all of you, as strange as that is to me. I think I understand.” Looking at all of those seated across from him, he told them, quietly, “He's said you fed him, made sure he had what was needed, protected him and did everything else he needed.”

“We did,” Narcissa told him with a nod. “You can thank Lucius for that. I am still not sure what his initial impulse was for talking to Harry the first time, nor do I think even he knows, but it's built from there. It's just as Harry says, Sirius.”

“I believe Harry on that,” Sirius said, looking down at his godson, stroking his head. Looking up again, he asked, “Who managed to get him out of that damned school?”

“It was Lucius,” Tom told him. “He and Harry have had a way of communicating for a couple years now. Harry contacted him then Lucius went to retrieve him. He brought him to my home and we went from there.”

“Alright,” Sirius nodded, looking down at his godson, who had his eyes shut, clinging to him. Giving a snort, he rubbed his eyes, “This is all—strange. Everything I thought I knew has changed.”

“It's odd, yes,” Tom admitted with a small smile. “However, that doesn't mean that it's not true. It is. You have all our words on that.” Looking at the two men, he asked, “Any more questions? If not, I would dearly like to hear the plan Narcissa and Bella concocted for this.”

For the first time, Harry chuckled softly, opening his eyes, looking at those across from him then told Tom, “I told you to worry.” Though tired, he was trying to listen in but kept sort of dozing off because he felt emotionally drained.

“You did,” Tom said, grinning. “However, this time, I think it's one all of us will like.”

Smiling a little, Sirius looked at his cousin, “What do you have in mind?”

“Honestly, we need some help right now. Though we're taking shifts staying here, with what's going on, we're stretched thin. This week, Harry can't stay alone because of the potions. And, really? For a time, it's probably best he's not alone. Even he'll agree to that I think.” Seeing the young man give a bare nod as he looked like he was once more falling back to sleep, she smiled at him then pressed on, “What I thought was this; let you two stay with him. You've already been offered asylum here, Sirius. We can get you in to see the Minister. I'm certain Harry's solicitor will take you on as a client. From there, you'll both stay here with him. He trusts you and won't have a problem with you staying. Besides, we are going to be homeschooling him. We're going to need help with that. Of course, we have the curriculum from Beauxbatons, something he'll be following and is slightly different than Hogwarts, but both of you are more than capable of teaching him what he needs to know.”

Looking at Remus, she explained, “It's very easy to get a workers permit for tutors. Nor will France consider your condition in issuing one. We, of course, could take his education on with no issue, but this will be easier on all of us.”

Glancing at Harry, she softened her tone then added, “Besides, with all that's being dealt with, it's best he have some others he's close to around all the time.” Lifting her eyes, she waited for the response.

Nodding, Sirius looked at Remus who was doing the same. “I think that's something we can do. I have to ask, though, we aren't going to be in Death Eater central are we? I mean, so far this isn't bad, but there is a lot of history here.”

“No, you won't,” Tom told him firmly with a shake of his head. “This is Harry's home, not one used for meetings. You'll have to deal with us three and Lucius, who also stays here. There are a couple others that assist, two Harry trusts, but no one else. Though most of those in what they call my Inner Circle know I protect Harry and your godson has met a great many of them, they don't even know where this is. Nor can they just pop in. There are only two Floos that can be used to come here; the one you took from Malfoy Manor and one in my home. That's all. I've secured this place as tightly as I can. No one, no matter who it is, can just come and go other than the three of us sitting across from you and Lucius. That's all. Everyone else Harry or I have to let through. You will be left alone for the most part, other than those who I just mentioned. Lucius does live here, something we explained, but I don't anticipate a problem with it.”

Thinking that over, Sirius looked down at his godson, then nodded, “I just—I don't want to know what you do, alright? I really don't.”

“I don't want you to either,” Tom told him firmly. “You will not be recruited, pressured or anything like that. Nor do any of us discuss what we do around Harry. The same will apply to your end.”

Looking at Harry, Narcissa gauged his breathing to see if he was once more asleep. When she was certain he was, she cast a spell on him to make it to where the talking wouldn't wake him, muffling the sounds. Seeing Sirius give her a look, she said, softly, “He's asleep. There is something I want to say to you that I think you should know to explain part of the reasons I have for this. It's not something I'm keeping from him, but just an observance. This way, he stays asleep is all, nothing more.”

Knowing the spell she was talking about, Sirius nodded then waited.

“Sirius, you're the only one since this happened he's let touch him like you are other than Lucius. He is fine around those of us you see here and lets us touch him in other ways. He's—having problems with what happened, as would be expected. We can touch or hug him, but it's not the same as it was before. And I'll caution both of you to not grab the back of his neck.” Looking down, she sighed, “I touched him that way and he had issues. Not a big one, but—it's probably related. I thought it best that he have someone around besides Lucius, as he is so busy, that he's this at ease with. We're going to get him help, I promise. I'm going to the French Ministry this week to get a list of Mind Healers that specialize in these kinds of cases, but he needs someone like you he's comfortable with. That's why I thought of you. He needs to feel safe right now. Of course he is and he knows that, but he even waits to take his potions at night for Lucius to come so he's there when he falls asleep.” Stopping, she looked at her cousin and waited.

Letting his hand drift down to rub Harry's back, Sirius looked at his sleeping godson, nodding slowly. “I'll stay.” He had assumed that there were issues because of what happened. If Harry was willing to let him do this and no one else, he would stay. Lifting his eyes, he looked at Remus.

Looking at the sleeping young man, Remus, too, nodded. “I'll stay as well.” Stopping, he looked around then asked, gently, “He's in a relationship with Lucius? That is—well, it's odd.”

“It is,” Narcissa nodded. “He trusts Lucius. Before it progressed to what it is now, they were friends, nothing more. I promise you that. Both of them have my blessing, and Toms,” she nodded to her lover, “for it.” Stopping, she smiled then said, “And you'll know just who this came from when I say it—it's not progressed beyond 'snogging'.”

Grinning a little for the first time, Sirius nodded, “Let me guess; Harry said that?”

“Yes,” Narcissa smiled, something that was a little bigger than it had been.

“He talked to you about it?” Remus asked, smiling a little himself.

“As strange as it sounds; yes, he did. I don't think he has many he could say something to as he wasn't sure the reaction he would get if he told them he likes men, not women,” Narcissa explained.

“Lucius is so wrapped around Harry's little finger he can barely breathe,” Tom chuckled, looking at the sleeping young man. “He was self wrapping, too! Nothing Harry did encouraged it.” Looking at Sirius, he told him bluntly, “He adores your godson for all the right reasons. And Merlin help the being that hurts him. Lucius would take them apart. It took everything I had to stop him from going after Snape.”

“If he's happy, I'll say nothing, despite how strange it is.” Looking at Tom, Sirius said, tone icy, “You should have let him kill the bastard.”

“Snape will pay, you have my word,” Tom told him firmly. “Harry—for the first time since I've known him, wanted a form of revenge and for someone to pay. That I'll give him. Some of it, well, he's doing on his own. Though he doesn't want to know the outcome.”

“Revenge?” Remus asked, eyes widening slightly. That was confusing. Harry generally didn't want such a thing.

“What is happening in Britain right now is Harry's revenge,” Tom told him simply. “He told nothing but the truth to the papers and the French Minister. Everything you see is the truth. That is the best revenge in the world. All the people that were involved in this mess will pay for it. He just doesn't want to know the results or to follow what is going on. I would ask you not say anything to him about what you know of the fallout.”

Smirking a little, Sirius nodded, “Nothing like your own actions biting you on the arse.”

“Exactly,” Tom told him with a nod. “It was going to come as this was what the French Minister wanted to do, something Lucius anticipated, but it worked well. They won't get away with it.”

“And it does help you,” Remus stated softly, looking at Tom.

“That I don't deny,” Tom said, looking at the werewolf. “Harry knows as well. However, rest assured, my goals are not like the last war. I don't want destruction, death or killing of muggles or Muggle-borns. I want change. That will happen.”

“You're going to handle Snape?” Sirius asked, tone having some bite to it for the first time.

“I will handle him,” Tom told him firmly. “He will pay, rest assured.” Looking at Bella, who was just sitting there calmly, “Bella came up with something that will work well.”

Looking Tom directly in the eyes, Sirius said, “I want to help. No, I don't want any part of anything else, but I want to help make him pay.”

Thinking that over, Tom then nodded slowly, “I believe I'll let you. It might actually be a great assist. When the time comes, I'll get with you privately.”

“Alright,” Sirius nodded. Looking around, he sighed, “How are we going to go about this? Remus and I need our things from Grimmauld Place. And though you went through Kreacher to contact us, I'm not sure I trust him to gather them.” Stopping, he thought it over then snorted, “Shite, I want the Order out of that damned house, honestly. I hate the place, but I want no part of that mess right now.”

“Let Bella and I buy it off you,” Narcissa said, lifting her chin. “We'll take it and pay you it's market value. We can do just what we did with Harry; draw up a promissory contract that will be signed later and will be binding. I'll trade you one of our elves for Kreacher.”

“Works for me,” Sirius said, nodding.

“Lucius is going to try to come back for lunch. When he gets here, I'll have him contact Harry's solicitor so we can set you up with him then go from there.”

“Alright, that sounds like a plan,” Sirius told her, looking at Remus, who was nodding as well.

Stepping into the front entry hall of Harry's home, Lucius quickly spelled his clothes dry. It was snowing again so he had gotten slightly wet on the walk in. He was going to have to say something to the elves about cleaning the walk off. Adjusting his cane, he clutched onto the bag of food and the drink he was carrying then followed the sounds of voices, assuming that some of the others were here.

Stepping into the room everyone was gathered in, he was shocked to see Black and Lupin there, but pleased. Nodding to everyone, he focused on Harry then smirked. Holding up the bag, he said, “I brought you some lunch from that place you like so much. As I was close by, I thought you might like it.”

Sitting up straight, Harry grinned a little. “McDonald’s?”

“Of course,” Lucius smirked then walked over to sit by his young man. Lupin, who had been sitting there, slid down so he could take a seat by Harry.

“So wrapped around his little finger he can't breathe,” Tom muttered, looking down, grinning.

“Hush,” Lucius said, glaring at Tom. Setting his cane down, he handed Harry the bag and Coke he brought along. Looking at Black, who was grinning slightly, he just shook his head then asked, “Should I know what is going on? Yes, I think that is probably wise.”

“Nothing to worry about, Lucius,” Narcissa told him. Quickly, she explained what was going on, while watching Harry eat the lunch Lucius had brought him, grinning a little herself.

Liking what he was hearing, glancing at Black then Lupin, he nodded. “This will work well. I'll stop at the solicitors before my other obligations and have him get in contact. He should probably be able to come sometime this afternoon to handle the issues involved.” Stopping, he sighed then looked at his young man before glancing at Tom. “There is something I need to impart that both of you have to know about.” Seeing them nod, he explained about Bill Weasley trying to trace Harry through his vaults. Hearing his young man groan and seeing him rub his eyes, he said, “It's nothing to worry about. France put seal on your vaults so no one can succeed. It was triggered and the goblins will now handle it. However, its best your solicitor know. With your permission, of course, I can fill him in.”

“Go ahead,” Harry nodded. Rubbing his eyes, he just shook his head.

“Nothing to concern yourself with, Harry,” Lucius soothed.

Sighing, Harry nodded, munching on his food.

Putting a hand on Harry's back, he rubbed it then said, “I can't stay long. There are other things I have to get back to take care of. I will stay for a while though so I can get the information I need.” Looking around, he said, “Fill me on what the plan is so I know what to impart.”

Quickly, Narcissa walked him through what they thought up.

Liking what he was hearing, Lucius nodded, asking questions so he had all the information he would require.

As Lucius was getting ready to leave, saying his goodbye to Harry in the front hall alone, Narcissa motioned Sirius and Remus to stand. Putting a finger to her lips to keep them quiet, she beckoned them to follow. Casting a spell on the doorway so the two in the front hall couldn't hear, she had them watch what was going on.

Stroking Harry's head, Lucius looked down at him, smiling slightly, “I'll be back as soon as I can, however this is going to take time.”

“I understand,” Harry said, looking up at him, a hand on Lucius' waist.

“Your godfather and friend are here. Just spend some time with them. That'll make it pass quickly. Enjoy yourself, Harry. And pick out your furnishings. Now, I do have to go,” Lucius told him softly. Hand on the back of his young man's head, he leaned forward and kissed Harry softly. Though Harry was having problems, he hadn't reacted badly to being kissed by him. As he had done so before leaving that morning, he didn't think there would be an issue.

Leaning against Lucius, Harry wrapped his arms around his waist and kissed him back. The kiss wasn't one of the more heated and passionate ones they shared over the summer, but it still felt good, something he liked.

Breaking it off, Lucius wrapped one arm around Harry's back, keeping his hand on his head. “I'll be back as soon as I can.” After patting his young man's back, he pulled away, looking down at him. Smirking slightly, an idea forming, he said, “After I finish with what is needed, I have somewhere I need to stop. However, I'll return as soon as I can, you have my word.”

“I'll miss you,” Harry said softly, looking at him, smiling a little.

“And I you,” Lucius said. Nodding, he then turned to walk out, though not wanting to do so.

When Lucius turned to go, Narcissa dropped the spell and ushered the two back into the room. Looking at them as they took a seat, she smiled then said, “I think that should ease your minds.”

Looking at his cousin, Sirius nodded, smiling a little. Of all the things he saw, the look on both their faces was enough to tell him that there was something there. He could handle this. It would just take time.

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