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In His Place	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 72876 -:- Recommendations : 16 -:- Currently Reading : 16
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, so sad for me, and make no money off this story, even sadder for me.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Love you, woman, you're the best!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Just a reminder of what's on my profile; reviews complaining or whinging about the lack 'o sex in stories will get deleted. If you want a smut-filled romp, you need to find another story to read.

Chapter 17

Snorting as he glanced between Lucius, who was trying to look mad, though failing miserably at it as he looked at his smug son, and Sirius, who just sat there grinning, shoulders shaking as he did, Alastor then gave a short bark of laughter before shaking his head and saying, “It look like the two of you got pranked.” Taking in Lucius' magenta colored hair and Sirius' neon blue, he added, “But good too, it appears.” Good eye flitting to the smug looking Draco and Harry, who was just grinning from ear to ear, he then said, “I can only guess who pulled this one off and where they got their hands on it.”

Opening his mouth, Sirius barked several times, something that made his shoulders shake harder, he then shook his head, still grinning.

“You don't say, Sirius,” Alastor snorted, sipping from his flask.

Hoping it was starting to wear off, Lucius tried to talk, but only hissing noises, like that from a snake, came out. Looking at Draco again, both eyebrows up, he just sighed, though that came out hissy as well.

“If this keeps up, we're going to need translating spells,” Alastor said, snorting again.

“It should wear off shortly,” Remus chuckled, grinning himself. “I'm sure I know which particular prank this is and it's not a long lasting one.”

“That's good,” Alastor said, shaking his head. “One never knows when we'll need an intelligent answer to something.”

Barking once then his voice changing back to normal, the blue color of his hair starting to fade, Sirius grinned then reached over to ruffle his godson's hair, “And they pulled a good one. We didn't suspect a damned thing!”

After one hiss, Lucius' voice came back as well, the magenta starting to go away, he added, “Nothing. Someone has been getting lessons in sneaky behavior.”

“He didn't need any,” Harry chuckled, still grinning.

“Nope,” Draco admitted, still looking smug. “We figured we wouldn't get away with it or someone would notice, but we managed.”

“Only two targets, lads?” Moody asked, shaking his head as he did.

“Mother's hair is sacred. She wouldn't react well, so she was out. That meant we had to go about it another way,” Draco told him, smug look turning into a tiny grin.

Reaching over and patting her son on the hand, Narcissa said, looking amused herself, “At least you have common sense. That's good.”

“We didn't even see them add it to the tea,” Sirius admitted, grinning hugely. “Damned good job, you two! I'm impressed!”

“Which now means we all have to start staying alert for something they might pull,” Remus said, chuckling again.

“Oh yes,” Lucius said, an eyebrow arched as he looked at the growing grin on his son's face. Snorting, he just shook his head. Unlike what would have happened in the past, he wasn't angry over this. It was just a prank to get some amusement, nothing more. Harry and Draco just wanted a laugh. He would take it as that. With all the stresses going on, not to mention frustration for both of them, this helped and he would go with it from there. “This means we need to find something to occupy two certain miscreants time in a more constructive way when they aren't tending to schoolwork.”

“That was something I was going to bring up anyway,” Sirius said, still grinning. “We'll talk about the idea later.” Shaking his head, he focused on Alastor, “I assume you came over for something besides getting a good chuckle?”

“I did,” Alastor nodded. Snorting, he added, “The amusement was good, though. In this mess, a chuckle is needed from time to time.” Sobering up, he looked around and said, “I'm passing a message from Rufus.” Seeing everyone focus his way, he pressed on, “He checked on the whole prophecy bit as he didn't think of it either. What he found out is they did register and are in the Hall of Prophecy.” Hearing groans and seeing concerned looks, he said, “What he did was this; he wrote up an executive order to make sure no one can get their hands on anything Harry predicts outside those that work there and study them. He also made it to where Harry's name is obscured on the jars. That way the prophecies can be studied, but the name can't be passed around. What he did was make the order cover all those underage when they make prophecies. And it'll stay that way. It's not going to help when Harry turns of age, obviously, but we can hope that it'll assist now and keep out those that we don't want finding the information. It's the best he could do as real prophecies automatically register.”
“It's better than nothing,” Narcissa said with a slight sigh. “It should hold off those we don't want knowing about it from finding them.”

“That was his thought as well,” Alastor admitted. “He's worried about Albus, of course, but also He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as well. If that end finds out Harry can do this, it might cause even more issues than before. We don't need that and Rufus knows it.”

“And I don't think any of us in the house thought about that either,” Lucius said softly.

“I didn't either,” Moody told them with a shake of his head. “It's a concern, and a big one. Albus is protecting Trelawney for that reason. We know the prophecy she made is what he wanted in that mess. She's come across with a couple valid ones. Which means she can make more. Harry is more accurate than she is and isn’t the kind that plays into the codswallop many like her do. That means he would end up being seen as more valuable.” Shrugging, he added, “That's why Rufus is Minister. He knows what he's doing, far more than the masses think he does. I'll trust in that.”

“As will we,” Sirius said, voice having a determined bent to it.

Changing topics, Alastor imparted, “We have an Order meeting tomorrow night. Albus wants as many of us as he can get here. Minerva will stay in the castle, of course, but he even wants Snape present. He's going to go over what we all have been able to put together and measures to protect ourselves. Then he's going to cover all kinds of areas with this mess. As I said last night, he wants Draco and Harry to attend so they know what's going on. We all get they are as protected as we can get them, but it's to the point that they need to know.”

“I do tend to agree with that, Alastor,” Lucius told him, looking at the man. “They are in more danger than most. They can't fully appreciate what that truly means if they don't hear the why behind it.”

“No arguments from me,” Alastor said honestly. “He's also going to start with the ones most affected in the school as well. The time to protect so many from the ugly truth has come to an end.” Glancing around, he softened his tone then said, “He wants to take up a collection to send something from all of us for Fleur. Her family is coming to take her home tomorrow. Bill is going to accompany them for the burial. He wants to have something waiting for them and for the funeral.”

“I think I can safely speak for all of us when I say we'll kick in whatever Albus thinks is best,” Sirius said softly.

Seeing nods from everyone else, Alastor nodded, “Good. I'll pass that along. We'll find something nice for her.” Clearing his throat, he then changed topics and said, “He's asking that you lot take on seeing if you can find something for the warding issues at the Burrow. All of you here know enough about such matters that he's hoping you can come up with a solution. We'll keep applying what we can, but we'd like something more permanent. He's going to look himself, of course, but with all he has on his plate—I'm sure you understand that.”

“We do and we'll start looking today,” Remus assured him.

“He's going to send over all he can find and I'll grab what I can as well. I'm sure we'll come up with a fix that will work for them.” Alastor told them.

“Someone needs to do something about Percy as well,” Sirius sighed. “I get he's distanced himself from his family, but he's still a Weasley. If that side wants to target us, he's an easy one to go after, despite his feelings on so much.”

“And that's something I'll mention to not only Albus but Rufus,” Alastor told him with a nod. “I don't think any of us thought of that. If the other side is targeting Order members to hurt, he would be a great way to get to Molly and Arthur. Let me see what I can manage. As he's working in the office around Rufus, that might be an easy way to get him covered. Let me see what's said. It does need mentioned, though.” Looking around, after pondering that for a couple moments, he said, “I'm also going to suggest that Albus use all of you for a think tank type thing. You're coming up with bits and bobs none of us thought of, for both ends. We need that, people. With all of you mostly staying here all the time and not being directly involved like the rest of us, you seem to have a different perspective than the rest of us do. That can only help.”

“I would be more than happy to do that,” Narcissa told him, folding her hands on the table. “It gives us a chance to help since we can't do it the normal way.”

Seeing nods from the others, Alastor told them, “I'm suggesting that.” Eyes flitting between Harry and Draco, he added, “And these two can help with bits in the castle. I know the teachers don't always have the insight into some of the snippets that students do. Harry and Draco have that. It's something we need as well. That is if it's alright with the rest of you lot.”

Putting a hand on Harry's shoulder and giving it a squeeze after he saw his godson nod, Sirius said, “Fine with me. As long as his name doesn't come into it.”

“I will agree as long as that caveat is in place,” Lucius told him. “We may remember what it was like in school, but these two have insights we don't as times do change. They also know personalities better than we do.”

“I'll pass it along,” Alastor said, pleased. Shifting topics again, he began to cover what they all had done up to that point, just to keep the group up to speed. That was always needed.

After Alastor left, Sirius quickly ran everyone through the idea he mentioned to Harry the night before. When he finished, he said, “I think this is something we need to do, for all of us, actually. Though Harry and Draco attend classes at school, they also have free time where they can get out and do whatever. We have just had to concentrate on other areas to work with bits that students normally don't. In doing that, we've rather neglected coming up with something to give all of us a break from it. I think I can speak for Lucius, as I saw the look on his face, that the prank was funny. It gave all of us a much needed chuckle. We haven't had that in a while. So, we need to set up times where we just have a break and others to organize something to just have fun.” Stopping, he waited to see what everyone had to say.

“We'll do this,” Narcissa said with a firm bent to her voice after seeing not only her husband nod, but Draco as well. “Let's set up a schedule to follow, including break times, then see if we can set up activities each night.” Looking down the table at Remus, who was nodding as well, she asked, “Can you get someone to go to the Alley with you today?”

“Of course,” Remus told her, waiting to see what she wanted him to do.

“There are a couple toy stores in the Alley. Go there and grab catalogs. They have plenty of games and other pastimes that we can choose from. They aren't meant for small children either. A few books on different card games might be a good idea as well. Let's see what we can find,” Narcissa explained.

“I'll tend to it,” Remus told her with a nod, pleased with that suggestion.

“We can also organize various projects we can all work on that are fun,” Lucius suggested. “The idea of the obstacle course for the backyard is an excellent idea. I think, between all of us, we can set up something challenging, but fun, and have a good time while doing so. I'm certain there are other diversions we can come up with as well.”

“We'll do this,” Sirius nodded, pleased. “I'll let Cissy find one of the rooms she thinks is best and set it up for games. I'm sure we can get our hands on a billiard table and other entertainment items like that. That way we have something around all the time if any of us need a break.”

“Another good suggestion and I'll get on it today,” Narcissa told him with a smile. “Let's see what we can manage.”

“I'm sure we can rope most that come over to visit into playing whatever as well,” Remus smiled. “We have so many in and out that it could end up most amusing.”

“It could,” Sirius chuckled, thinking about those like Tonks and others that could be a right riot to play with.

“We'll do this,” Lucius said firmly. “I say we sit down today and come up with a schedule for it. Harry and Draco can help as well. We need to adjust for various areas, such as Harry's limitations, but we'll work around what we have to.”

Pleased, Sirius nodded. “We'll do that.” This was good. They were trying their hardest to give everyone in the house as normal of a life as possible since they just couldn't go out because of the danger. Areas like this were measures that would help all of them. It was also an attempt to give Harry and Draco something back they didn't have before. That they desperately needed before they started going barmy then problems arose.

Sitting in one of the parlors, with Draco, Harry snorted and grinned as they talked about some of what went on in school between the two of them. They weren't getting into the worst, of course, but going over some of the funnier stuff. Shaking his head at some of it, Harry said, “You were never going to get the better of us, Malfoy.”

“I did fine, Potter,” Draco told him, tone slightly haughty though not malicious.

“Give it up,” Harry chuckled. “You had Crabbe, Goyle and Parkinson.”

“Weasley wasn't that great of an asset,” Draco shot back.

“He did fine,” Harry told him. “He has his issues, but he's good with some bits. The big one was Hermione. As smart as she is and as good as she is at spells, she was something you weren't ever going to overcome. Not to mention she has a good right hook.” With that, Harry couldn't help but grin.

Wincing at that memory, Draco sighed, “Very true. I'm not sure which hurt worse; the being hit or what it did to my ego. I think, at this point, I'm willing to admit that Granger would have managed to overcome much of what I tried.”

“Your followers, combined, weren't going to match what Hermione could come up with,” Harry chuckled.

“Oh, very true,” Draco sighed, slumping. “Crabbe and Goyle—together they didn't have the brain power to even compete with Weasley. Pansy was good but—no chance.” Thinking about Pansy, he sighed and shook his head.

Looking at Malfoy, Harry said, softly, “Just forget her. I get she was a friend, but even those of us in Gryffindor could see what she was like. Well, part of it. She was well beneath you, Draco. You can do much better than her. She was a leech that attached to you for the wrong reasons.”

“I know,” Draco admitted. “I've just known her for what seems like forever. It's almost unfathomable that she did what she's accused of.”

“She did it,” Harry told him quietly, remembering the prediction. “Anyone that would think to pull that stunt, let alone go out and get the crap to do it isn't someone you need in your life. If she did it at this point, she would have later, too, if things didn't go her way. Which means you could have ended up in danger for some reason, with her or not.”

Pondering that, brow furrowed, Draco then gave a slow nod. “Very true. I don't suppose I thought about it that way.”

“Focus on Ginny,” Harry told him. “Just be careful of what she can do. The Bat Bogey is the least of your worries if you irritate her too much.”

“True,” Draco grinned, mind sliding to Ginny.

“She has six older brothers, so she knows how to handle herself,” Harry schooled.

“Another point I haven't considered much, but need to.” Draco nodded.

“You better, because if you irritate her too much, one of those brothers, if not more, may end up stepping in,” Harry chuckled, grinning. “I was a bit different there because of the relationships. You—you might be on the right side of this mess now, but the past will end up a problem and cast suspicion on whatever you might do. Which means you better start out on the right foot with her.”

“Potter, you have more brains than I ever gave you credit for,” Draco told him, straightening up as his mind circled the Ginny issue.

“It's called self preservation,” Harry snickered, shaking his head. “Especially when it comes to them. I knew what I was dealing with there, even without the crush. Ginny isn't someone you want to irk too much.”

“Which means that I need to start now to let her know I'm not going to try something foolish or for the wrong reason,” Draco said, tone distracted as he tried to figure out how to do this.

“I think, maybe, that you're already doing that. You're writing to all of them and being civil. That's a good step. We're getting along as well. Another one. Keep going that way and you should be fine. At least that's the way I see it. They were over here during the summer and saw you then. It should help,” Harry suggested, leaning back and crossing his ankles as he stretched his legs out.

“Very true,” Draco nodded. “I'll use that as well. No one in this house would put up with me if I kept on, especially you.”

“Exactly,” Harry agreed. “She knows this. So, it shouldn't be that bad to at least get started. Well, once I make it clear we're just friends.”

“You know, Potter, for someone that isn't that experienced with this stuff, you give some good advice,” Draco observed, looking at him.

Snorting, Harry said, grinning, “This area I can help with because I know that end, nothing more. That can only help you. The romantic part—yeah, you're on your own there.”

“The romantic bit I think I can work with,” Draco said, tone distracted as he thought over some of it. “It's getting it there that's the problem. That's not easy to do with letters you know.”

“I don't see why it isn't,” Harry observed, looking down, brow furrowed. “I mean, if you're trying to get to know her and learn all you can to move it there, that's a good way to go about it, isn't it? I would think it is. Because you don't know her well. The more you express interest, the more likely she is to respond, right? At least that's what I've heard and seen.”

Looking at Potter, Draco thought over what he said and grinned then nodded vigorously, “It is! That's good, Potter! I like it and it's perfect for what I want to do. Girls like being asked about what they enjoy.”

“I don't see how Ginny is any different,” Harry shrugged.

“She's not,” Draco admitted, still grinning as a plan formed. “I can use this.”

“Yeah, well, when we get you going good, we need to work on Ron. Him and Hermione—blimey, those two—yeah, we need to kick them in the right direction before they drive everyone nuts!”

“We do,” Draco chuckled. “I think everyone but those two see the attraction. We'll give it all the help we can. Then we'll find someone for you.”

“I'm good,” Harry told him quietly. “I have enough else to worry about that I don't need things more complicated than what they are. That would just add to an already huge mess I don't need until I get other bits sorted.”

Looking at Potter, Draco thought that over then decided to leave it for now. There was something unsaid in it that had him curious. He'd leave it for later, though. Shaking his head, he told Potter, “I think we can work on Granger and Weasley while I sort what's there with Ginny. Because left to his own devices Weasley is going to muck this up.”

“Oh yeah,” Harry grinned. “We don't want it worse than it already is.”

“Which means we need to start plotting now,” Draco told him firmly. “Let's see what we can manage. I'll start with Ginny as that should be easy, but the two of us need to come up with something before Weasley makes this all the harder on himself.”

“Any suggestions? Because I have none,” Harry chuckled.

“Err—not sure there, Potter. Let me think,” Draco sighed, trying to figure out something.

Leaning against the doorjamb, listening, a huge grin on his face, Sirius looked up as he heard someone come up behind him. Seeing Lucius there as the man also listened in, he said, softly, glad he put up the spell so that the two couldn't hear him if he made a noise, “They're trying.”

“They are,” Lucius said with a smirk. “And doing very well at it. This is a good thing.”

“It is,” Sirius conceded with a nod. “Let them plot what they want alone. They'll manage.”

“Oh yes,” Lucius said, pleased with what he was hearing from the two. As it pressed on, he couldn't help but quirk a small smile at some of what was said. With a sigh, though the smile not leaving his face, he said, “I'm assuming they are discussing Draco being interested in the youngest Weasley?”

“Oh yeah,” Sirius said with a grin and a chuckle.

With a long suffering sigh, Lucius said, “I should probably prepare Narcissa for the possibility of our son dating a Weasley.”

“At least she's a Pureblood,” Sirius chuckled again. “That should soften the blow slightly. The whole Blood Traitor bit is moot as you're both considered that as well.”

“Very true,” Lucius conceded, smirking again. “We'll deal accordingly. Let's see how it goes before we start to panic.”

Snickering before shaking his head, Sirius said, “You'll manage.” Sobering up, he said, “This is good, though. Both of them need someone. It might not be what they wanted, but they're trying. That's better than all of us thought would happen.”

“Agreed,” Lucius nodded. “The past—it was an obstacle I wondered if they wouldn’t be able to overcome. They are, though. I think we, as adults, forget how adaptable the younger set is when it comes to various bits. They slowly become set in their ways as they grow, but they can change easier than we can. That helps.”

“It also helps that they are willing to give it a try rather than just digging in their feet. Good. Let's see what we can find for them to do alone. It's good for all of us to do some things together, but they need to let this grow. Both of them—yeah, they can help each other. Let's face it, if someone messes with either of them, the other will not be nice to deal with if this keeps progressing.”

“Oh so very true,” Lucius said, looking pleased. His son had lost everything and most of the friends he had. What he needed was someone that would stand by him. Harry would do that. That was something he was well known for. And Harry desperately needed someone by his side as well. Oh, he had his two friends, no doubt, but with the challenges that he still faced, he needed someone now. That could easily be Draco. Yes, the two would be good for each other, so this needed to continue.

Eyes locked on the two as they plotted, Sirius thought about some of what was said. Yet again he wondered if Harry hadn't given him another clue about his leanings. The cryptic statement about complications had him wondering. He would just add that to the pile that was there and keep seeing what he could make of it as it went on. Pulled out of his thoughts by Lucius' voice, he looked at the man.

“I don't suppose they've given a foreshadowing of any pranks we need to worry about?” Lucius asked, smirking again.

“Nothing that I've heard,” Sirius grinned. “Let's hope we aren't the target next time. Cissy sounds like she's immune. That tells me Remus might need to start worrying.”

“Oh so very true,” Lucius said, smirk growing. “That and we do. They have to know that stunt they pulled this morning won't succeed again. Which means they'll get more inventive. We need to concern ourselves with that.”

“Considering how creative those two are? Yeah, we need to panic slightly,” Sirius laughed. Sobering up, he added, “It won't be malicious, though. That's good. And we can easily deal with it.”

“Another very good point,” Lucius nodded. Sighing, he admitted, “I'm expecting to sprout feathers at some point. I know the two devious devils that run that shop gave Harry a large supply of the Canary Cremes. We know those will come into play eventually.”

“That could be funny,” Sirius grinned. “Maybe we should point them in Remus' direction for that. He'd look hilarious with feathers.”

“And would get even with you for making him a sacrificial lamb,” Lucius snorted.

“There is that,” Sirius muttered, scratching his chin. “Yeah, we need to panic.” Watching the two, not really listening, Sirius was happy with this, though. It would be worth being covered in feathers.
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In His Place