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Well, Ain't That Strange?	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 56080 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 12
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this story

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
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.

Beta'd by the most amazing Tenchi, who I can't thank enough for all the hard work she does for me!

And thanks to Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Chapter 17

“You said you had something you wanted to run by me before you presented it to Black and Potter?” Tom asked, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the desk, hands clasped.

“I think I have an idea that may work for what we need to get them both out. It's simple and perfect, not to mention believable, considering what's going on at the moment,” Lucius said, looking at the man.

“What do you have? Maybe I can help, as nothing I know is a viable excuse to get all of you out of there when the time comes,” Tom told him honestly.

“Sirius said something to everyone that if they couldn't keep their disapproval, cold looks, tones, whatnot, to themselves, he would shut the house. What I think is this; let them keep making their distasteful comments. Oh, he would snarl, something we all know he would, as would Harry, but we both know many won't be able to help themselves and will keep going on with the foolishness. I'll talk Sirius about a slight modification when it comes to chucking them out. Rather than making them stay out, he'll 'allow' Albus to talk him into to letting them back in. Severus alone, no matter how many times he's thrown out, won't stop. In fact, it would probably just egg him on as he's used to getting away with whatever he feels like and only suffering a mild chiding by Albus over it. When the house is completed, Sirius can have a final blow up then shut Grimmauld Place. We can all just vanish after that and it won't look odd as it'll appear that Sirius and Harry are just at the end of what they can take. Albus—we know, despite him saying something, won't fully put a halt to the foolishness. He thinks his disapproval is enough to end it. We all know that's not the case.” Stopping, he looked at the Dark Lord then asked, “Your opinion?”

Looking down at his desk and thinking it over for a moment, Tom began to nod, “It's a very good plan. Not only is it simple, something that makes it less likely to fail, but it's not something that would look odd. Yes, Lucius, this is what you need and it's perfect. Talk to Black and Potter to get their take then let me know. I say we plan for this.” Leaning back and crossing he legs, he said, “I like it. Of course, as we talked about, I would step in and help if I had to, but this way we don't have to end up involved in any way. That's perfect and it won't look odd.”

Giving a pleased nod, Lucius said, “I will talk to him when I get back. However, I want it clear that 'Hobbes' is having at Severus every time he starts his foolishness. I've told Sirius I would do that and plan to. We both know what he's like. While it won't completely end his—inability to control his mouth, he may tone it down. That's all I'm hoping for.” Lifting his chin, he added, “And to get even for calling Sirius a child molester. I don't think Harry or Sirius realize that in calling Sirius that, he's labeling me one as well. That I won't tolerate. I won’t abide him calling Sirius such a name either, if I can at all help it. With what's coming, Severus needs to learn to temper his more unsavory traits in some areas, such as what comes out of his mouth. As I can't use my wand to impart such a lesson, I plan to use the one thing I can. And I can assure you that 'Hobbes' won't end up injured in any tussle we have.”

“You'll hear no objection from me,” Tom said with a soft chuckle, grinning just a little. Sobering up, he added, “I do agree that he needs to stop. He's respectful around all of us, as would be expected, but everyone else gets the rough edge of his tongue and snark. No, we can't let that go on with what's coming. Temper it all you want, Lucius, and I won't say a word about it.” Snorting softly, he added, “And it will be most amusing when he finally realizes just who 'Hobbes' really is in the end.”

“There is that as well,” Lucius admitted with a smug smirk.

“I'm pleased with this. One troublesome area off our plate. We'll keep up appearances where we need to, but I no longer have to worry about helping to come up with a plan to get you out of there that looks believable. Which means I can focus elsewhere.” Tom said, then nodded, relaxing. “You said there was more you needed help with? Or to discuss?”

“There is,” Lucius said, ordering his thoughts. “Let's start with the two that are the easiest.” Seeing the Dark Lord motion for him to go on, Lucius pressed forward, “First, we need a means of communication after we get out so Sirius can stay in touch with Arthur and Remus. That can only aid us, of course, as we'll keep abreast of what that side may pull. As it's the most troubling of the bits we have and may take the longest, it's the one that needs started now I believe.”

“That is one we need to tackle quickly,” Tom nodded. “Let me see what I can find that's unobtrusive. I'll come up with something simple that won't look odd. Give me some time and I'll have something for all of you before you hit the point of exiting.”

“Good,” Lucius nodded. “The next bit is easier, honestly. We're at a loss as to what to refer Harry to as a career. While he may never use it, we do need something so we know how to gear the classes we'll take on. Some classes he won't take, obviously, such as Care or Divination. One we have no suitable way of tackling and the other he has no interest in. Potions—he won't take it. Severus has killed any desire he has to learn that subject, sadly. Though, frankly, it does make it easier on Sirius and myself not to have to take that one on. He's also made it crystal clear that any job in the Ministry is out as he's just disgusted with them. Which leaves all of us at a loss as to what to refer him to. Minerva brought over the standard pamphlets, none of which he's interested in. We were hoping you may have some suggestions he would like. I know you're not as familiar with him as we are, but you know enough.”

Drumming his fingers on the desk and looking down, Tom thought that over. “Right off the top of my head, I would say Harry would probably be the best DADA teacher Hogwarts could ever get their hands on. It would take time and training to get him there, but he would be perfect for such a job and one they wouldn't have to worry about losing.”

“Very true,” Lucius admitted with a nod. “The issue comes in that the teachers generally come into that position after life experience in something else. In fact, that's always the way it's been.”

“Who says Harry doesn't have that?” Tom told his chief lieutenant. “He has plenty. Think about it, Lucius; he took me on and held his own. He may not have the experience of an Auror or other areas, but he knows what he's doing and excelled in that when taught by someone competent. You and Black are more than capable of teaching him everything in that area. As you said, he may not ever take it on, but he could in the future. Once out, he'll have teachers in that area, including myself, that could make him about the best there is.”

“I don't suppose I thought about it that way,” Lucius admitted, looking at the Dark Lord, though pleased with what he was hearing.

“Let me put out some feelers to get what's required to take on teaching as a career, rather than coming in it the other way. Though I applied at one point, that was different and I had experience in other areas that made me suitable. Once I know, you can pass it to Arthur. That won't look odd.” Tom said. Lowering his voice slightly and smiling, he added, “I think that's a career he would enjoy as well if he ever does go into it.”

“He would,” Lucius told him with a firm nod. “Sirius said he enjoyed teaching DA.”

“This is probably the way to go. Let me see what I can dig up to pass onto you. Then you can go from there. I would say that you tell the two when you get back so they can start to prepare. That and get your hands on every Defense book out there before you three vanish. We'll help get what you need, of course, but it's best to lay in everything you have to have before the vanishing act. Including in other areas.”

“I'll say something about that when I get back as well,” Lucius told him, pleased. Shifting tracks, he said, softly, “This one is more personal and I would prefer it stay between us for now.”

“Of course,” Tom told him firmly with a nod. “What's it about, if I may ask?”

“It's the bond and something odd,” Lucius told him, brow furrowed. He then ran the Dark Lord through what he was thinking about the other night when curled up to Harry. Shaking his head when he finished, he added, “I don't find it troubling, obviously, just odd as it's not my nature to indulge in such activities. So, I was wondering if it's part of the bond or not.”

Looking down at his desk, Tom thought it over then told him, tone distracted, “Let me get with Narcissa. The two of us will start looking to see what we can find. It may be something manifesting now. We'll see what we can determine there.” Looking back at Lucius, he said, quietly, “It may be something very simple as well that, while related to that bond, isn't specific to it.”

“What's that?” Lucius asked, decidedly curious to hear his theory.

“I think, maybe, it has to do with Harry being the most vulnerable of the three of you. You—it's obvious that you can easily defend yourself and have the life experience to know what to watch out for. Sirius is the same way. Both of you are more than capable of taking on anything anyone wants to throw at you and can defend yourselves. That's been proven time and again. You're also both people that are worldly wise enough that you know to stay wary. Harry doesn't have that yet, in either case. Oh, he's not had an easy life, we all know that, but he's nowhere close to the level of you and Black when it comes to those areas. Which makes him the person in this bond that needs the most protection. In being that, I'll guess that the bond itself is pulling you both to protect him. Sirius it may not show in because he's been like that all along with Harry. You—it may be that it's pulling at you to do that. If what you describe is accurate, that Harry was sleeping between the two of you, both of you pressed to him, that's a protective position of the most vulnerable of the three of you. I'm sure that it feels wonderful, what with that bond, but adding in that Harry is safest right where he was probably factors in as well.”

“I didn't think about that,” Lucius admitted after pondering it for a few moments.

“I'm sure that, because of that bond, any 'good' feelings are magnified,” Tom told him. “That probably does factor in as well. It may be that it's all just mixed in. Let me get with Narcissa to see what we can find.”

“Yes, please,” Lucius said, relaxing on the topic, though still wondering if that wasn't the case.

“Just don't let it bother you, Lucius. Indulge and enjoy,” Tom told him with a tiny smile. Leaning back in his chair, he said, “I do have a few bits I want to go over with you before you go. Nothing earth shattering, of course, I just want you to stay abreast. I'll finish quickly then you can go spend time with Draco.” Seeing Lucius paying close attention, Tom quickly briefed him on some of what they were doing. That way Lucius wasn't blindsided or could tend to matters if he desperately needed the man for that.

Settling back in his chair in Sirius' room, Remus looked at Lucius. That was still decidedly odd of course. The fact that Lucius Malfoy was even in Grimmauld Place was almost mind-warping to ponder. In fact, last year he would have told someone they were completely mental for even thinking up this scenario. However, as it was real, he was dealing. Quietly, he asked, “You have something that can help with getting everyone out when it's time, then?”

“I do,” Lucius told him firmly, looking between the three in the room. Quickly, he gave a rundown of what he had come up with. When he finished, he said, “It's perfect as it's simple and makes sense.”

Giving a slow nod after he thought it over, Remus looked at Sirius and Harry then said, “It's workable, very workable, and just what you need. I think this is what you should do, Sirius. It may not be pleasant to deal with some of the foolishness so many are still bound to pull, but it'll look completely believable. And you've given fair warning. We know Alastor passed your message on to Albus, so everyone is aware of what was said.”

Tossing that back and forth in his mind, Sirius looked at Harry, who was glancing at him then to Lucius before saying, “Yeah, we'll go with this. Everyone knows I'm dead arse serious when I say shite like that, so it's not going to look odd when I get fed up and shut the house.”

“It's a viable excuse,” Lucius said, honestly. “As the entire Order, and others, know just where this house is, you can bet they'll keep trying with you when you do take that step. Going elsewhere would be the next logical step in matters. I say we plan for this and just let it go, other than snarling. Because Albus won't put a full stop to anything going on. He has the power to do that and make his opinions know, we've all seen that, but, like with Severus, he doesn't do it. Everyone else knows it as well. Which means, in this case, it'll continue.”

“Lucius is right,” Remus said, glancing between everyone.

“Yeah, we'll do this,” Sirius said with a firm nod after seeing Harry nod as well. “I fully plan to do just what I said and have the elves chuck people out on their arses. It may stop some, but it's not going to curtail everyone. In fact, some it's going to rightly piss off then they'll get worse. And it'll buy us the time we need to get everything through we have to and me getting cleared. Good idea, Lucius!”

Looking smug at that and giving a nod, Lucius told him, “It's perfect. I'm also going to add to start sending elves to stockpile all kinds of bits for us. Most I can take on getting, but some would look decidedly odd for me to procure.” Eyes sliding to Remus, he added, “Or have Remus pick them up if he's amiable.”

“I can get whatever you need,” Remus told him firmly. “Just give me a list and I can take it on. Or we can divide parts up as it would look like we're getting things you and Harry need while staying safe. It's easily handled.”

“We'll do that as well,” Sirius said. Figuring that was all about that topic as there wasn't much to plan out, he changed subjects, “Tom is taking on finding us a way to communicate then?”

“He'll come up with something, just give him time,” Lucius assured him. “It's something he knows is imperative to take on and will manage. We just don't have a clue yet as the most common ones aren't something we want to chance.”

“I would say those mirrors you and James had in school would work, but it would look decidedly odd for Arthur and I to carry those around all the time,” Remus sighed.

“Yeah, it would,” Sirius admitted. “Not to mention that someone might overhear you talking in them. Which means we need something better.”

Though curious about what the two were talking about, Lucius agreed with the assessment. “We'll find something unobtrusive that isn't traceable. Just give it time.” Pressing on as there wasn't anything more anyone could add to it, Lucius then explained what the Dark Lord suggested for a career. When he was finished, he was quite pleased to see vigorous nods from Remus and Sirius then an enthused look on Harry's face. “This is perfect. Let the Dark Lord see what he can dig up for requirements. Either that or have Remus put a bug in someone's ear to see what they can find. Not only is it a good choice, it's classes none of us will have an issue taking on.” Looking at Harry, he said, smiling slightly, “I think it's something perfectly suited for you. Though I don't anticipate you going into that field anytime soon, even after you complete school, it'll be there. And no one, anywhere, said you have to teach at Hogwarts. Not only are there a myriad of smaller schools that aren't well known, you could open a private tutoring one of your own to teach this. I would say we take on dueling as well to add to it. That's something I can easily say you'll be masterful at.”

“I want this,” Harry told him firmly, already in love with the idea. “It's what I would love to do.”

“Yeah, it's what we need,” Sirius agreed, grinning.

“I'll pass this along to several Order members to see what they can dig up,” Remus said with a big smile. “Alastor would be perfect and I'm sure he would know where to look to find what we need.”

“Remus, take on getting your hands on every good Defense book out there. You know the good ones, so you'll be perfect for that,” Sirius said, liking this the more he thought about it.

“I'll handle it, Sirius,” Remus assured him.

“As the Dark Lord said, Sirius and I will be more than capable of taking on anything you need to know. With what's coming, you're going to get plenty more help, Harry. What the Dark Lord knows of Defense goes beyond what we do. He'll help as well. As will many others. This is perfect,” Lucius said, looking a tad smug over the suggestion.

Seeing the enthusiasm on his godson's face, Sirius couldn't help but grin. That was perfect. He was glad they finally found something Harry would adore. Thinking it over, trying to plan out what they had to do, he asked, glancing at Lucius, “Do you happen to know or have a way of finding out if the Trace was broken when we did the bonding? I'm sure it was as it basically makes Harry a legal adult, but I want to be damned sure before we either start working with him or vanish then start. I know, if it comes down to it, we can break it ourselves. I'd just rather it all be on the up and up if we can at all help it.”

“I don't know, honestly,” Lucius admitted, rubbing a hand over his mouth. “Like you, I think the bonding broke it. Let me check into the bylaws on that. I'll procure the form to do so, though, so it's legal, no matter what. Let me see what I can find. I do agree, it's best to go by the books so we don't give anyone leverage in a way they can trace where we might go.”

“Instead of that, let me say something to Albus,” Remus said, looking between the three. “I know we want him to stay out of as much as we can, but, first, he might know and, second, he can get the form easily. That way it won't look odd for Lucius to grab it. The less we draw attention to odd areas, the better off we're going to be.”

“Yes, go about it that way,” Lucius told him firmly. “That way the old goat can look like he's playing the part of the concerned man and 'doing what's best' for the situation. We all know that's a part he likes, as it looks good and keeps everyone off track.”

“We'll do that,” Sirius agreed. “I want as much of this in place as we can get as fast as we can get it there. I get we've got a bit before that house is done, but the more we have here, the less Albus can try to pull with us. That I desperately want. I know he doesn't like tangling with me on topics and probably won't on this one, but that doesn't mean he's not going to try something sneaky and underhanded.”

“That—all of you need to stay wary of that,” Lucius admitted, looking between the other three. “Sirius has taken plenty out of his hands that he counted on. That means he's going to attempt something else. What that might be is beyond me, but I’m sure it's coming.”

“We'll watch ourselves,” Sirius told him with a determined tone.

“I'll keep my ear to the ground about anything,” Remus assured him. “I may pick up bits that others don't. If I do, I'll give a heads up.” Quietly, he added, “We honestly need what Severus knows to get a better feel for what Albus is planning, Lucius. I do understand that's not easy and will take leverage, but Albus keeps so much so close to the vest that even getting hints isn't going to be something easy.”

“We know,” Lucius said with a resigned sigh and shake of his head. “I don't anticipate getting anything out of him, or even trying, until Sirius and Harry are out. That's not something I can see us chancing. Especially since we don't have the first clue what it is he knows or his leanings on so much. Which means, we have to rely on ourselves to stay safe.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Sirius said with a dry chuckle and shake of his head. “We'll press on and just stay as alert as we can. Hobbes can help with that. I'm damned sure Moody checked to make sure you're a cat. If you cleared him, and if you didn't we'd have heard about it by now, Albus and Snape won't be an issue. Just keep an ear out for anything then pass it along.”

“Will do,” Lucius assured him with a nod. Smirking, he added, “And you can rest assured that I'm going after Severus after the first off-color remark he makes to either of you. I will not let that pass. When I'm done with him, he'll know he was in a fight.”

“And that should be a right riot to watch,” Sirius grinned, snickering. “'Cause when you're done with him, he's out on his arse. And will keep landing on his arse in that park until he gets a clue or Albus 'talks' me into letting him back in the house.”

“Good,” Lucius said smugly. Sobering up, he added, “I will not allow him to call you a child molester. Not only is it unwarranted, but labeling you that also labels me as such. That is not the case and he will not utter such a phrase again in my presence.”

“I don't think any of us thought about it that way,” Remus said softly.

“No, we didn't.” Sirius admitted. Smiling a bit, he added, “It's much appreciated, though.”

Nodding to Sirius, Lucius said, “It's something I'm sure he'll utter again as it's the ultimate insult directed towards you. He'll quickly learn not to do that and I can assure all of you, he's the one that will be on the losing end of that fight. The only thing I may suffer is some singed fur. Nothing more.”

“And we're going to love every minute of seeing it too,” Sirius assured him with a huge grin.

“Oh, it'll be one of those events we'll remember for a long time,” Remus chuckled softly. “Severus losing a fight with a cat then getting booted out. His students would kill for that kind of ammunition against him.”

“They would,” Lucius admitted, completely amused by that thought. As there really wasn't more to add to that part, he began walking them through how the construction on the house was going, what he was having done and all that. After all, Harry and Sirius owned part of it, so they needed to know. Plus, they would be prepared for what was there. That would make the transition on all of them easier.
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Well, Ain't That Strange?