À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free) | By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 74217 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 10 |
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this work of fanfiction. |
Beta'd by the most wonderful, amazing and stupendous Tenchi. Woman, you are the best and love you for all you do for me!
With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.
Chapter 20
Tossing that day's copy of the Prophet in front of Draco so he could see the headlines, Lucius then sat down across from him and crossed his legs. “Read the article about the notice from Rufus,” he told his son.
Picking it up, Draco quickly read the article then shook his head. Tossing it back on the table, he said, “He can't do that. It's against our right of freedom to say what we want.”“He can and has,” Lucius told him coldly. “It's my understanding that he's already tossed one person into Azkaban because he was spouting that he's a Death Eater. Though it's obvious he's not and was just trying to sound important, that didn't matter. That right to say what you want doesn't extend to all things, Draco. The article points that out, clearly. They compare it to shouting fire in a crowded tavern, something that can cause mass panic and injuries, if not deaths. In that context, he has the right and there is precedence for it. Which means, Draco, you need to cease with that talk unless you want to land yourself in Azkaban for the duration. Severus talked to your mother and me about it yesterday, so we got a foreshadowing that it was coming. From what he said, Dumbledore had knowledge this was coming and he wanted us warned because you have said this to ones that would report you to the DMLE. It's time it stopped, son. If he takes that step with you, something Severus said he's very serious about and will, not caring who they are, there will be nothing I can do to get you out.”Huffing, Draco leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head. He wouldn't argue with his father, of course, it was just the idea. “I understand,” he sighed. However, he was sure that no one would dare say a word to him about this, so he was safe.Knowing what his son was like, Lucius gave an internal sigh. This was a talk he was sure he would need to have a few times and would drill it into his head before the start of term. For now, he wouldn't say much as Draco's friends were the sort that wouldn't utter a word about it. The seed was planted and his son was aware, so that was all he needed for now. “Just keep it in mind, especially in public, Draco. The time to be circumspect about so much is here. We don't want any plans the Dark Lord is putting in place harmed by anything we might do.” That was the truth. As the Dark Lord was pressing for plenty to get what he wanted, and all of the plans were delicate, he didn't want his son to throw a spanner into the works.Seeing Draco nod, though looking like he wanted to ask, Lucius pressed on, not about to discuss some of what he knew. “After the talk with Severus, I want to impress upon you once more about keeping some things to yourself. I do understand you're upset by some of what's gone on, but you need to not say a word about Potter, Black or Lupin. It's now our understanding that some of it has, indeed, made it back to Sirius. Severus told us that it was passed to him as a warning so that they could keep watch for whatever you might try. Draco, that is quite bad and not something we need.”“He won't do anything,” Draco told him, looking sour, folding his arms over his chest. “He can't, as he’s not heard it himself.” After all, what went on in school was just talk to scare the ones there.“He doesn't need to hear it himself,” Lucius told him pointedly, tone hard. “All it takes is a hint of you saying anything in that area and he can invoke clauses in the marriage contract then take after your mother. As there were plenty of witnesses, not to mention who you said some of it to and their relationship with Potter, Black and Lupin, he can easily take it as fact. Nowhere in that contract or clauses does it say how the information has to come. Keep that in mind. If they did tell him just what was said, he can take it as a threat against his bondmate. Then, if he does that, we have real problems. This will affect plenty. That we don't need. From what Severus told us, his understanding is that Black and Potter are not in good shape right now. Sirius, on a good day, is volatile. If it's worse than normal, that makes him someone we don't want to irk. Do I make myself clear?”“Yes,” Draco sighed, slouching in his chair. He hated this, he really did. And it irritated him to no end. With all that had gone on, coupled with what had happened at the end of term, he was irate. No one, anywhere, would normally dare say a word to him about anything, let alone do what Dumbledore had done. Saint Potter was to blame. Anytime you invoked his name, you ended up on the wrong end of the stick with almost everyone and people ran their mouths about it. He hated that. And he would get even. Shaking his head, he said, “Black won't do anything. I get he's unstable, but he's not the type.”“While that is something I do tend to agree with most times, at this point we aren't sure.” Lucius admitted. “The information Severus gave us from spying tells me that we need to tread with caution as he's worse than normal. Sirius has a temper, worse than you know. He also is easily set off. The information we got tells us that it's worse than what we remember, in many ways. Most are having to stay away from them because of that. It's best to not say a word. I do understand that rankles, but sometimes we have to curb impulses. This is one of them. Until the Dark Lord is in power, we need to not draw attention to ourselves. Do I make myself clear?” Lucius asked, looking at his son.“Of course,” Draco assured him, not liking that. He wanted to help the cause and become a Death Eater so that the power that came with the title when the Dark Lord took over would help him later. And he was sure that going after and delivering Potter would do that. Though he had just spouted that to sound good, it was something that sounded better to him all the time. Plus, it would help his father. As he well knew, the mistakes that were made the year before had the Dark Lord angry with his father. That he wanted to help with. Though he didn't know how he would manage this, he would. Potter was going to end up in the right hands and pay for once. That he wanted to make sure of.Looking at his son, Lucius shook his head. He doubted it sank in fully. It was his hope that he could curb what was going on long enough for Sirius to deal with what he had to and would be in a more stable mindset. If that happened, it was doubtful he would do anything. After all, though volatile, Sirius was the sort not to bother with the Pureblood ways. That's what he was counting on. Not to mention he didn't want Draco drawn into this. Even he was hearing tidbits that said the Dark Lord was taking an interest in his son. That really wasn't something he wanted Draco drawn into. Though his son looked favorably on those that took the Dark Mark, Draco had no idea what it was like to deal with that maniac. And he didn't want him pulled in then forced to do so. No, his son needed to stay as far out of this as he could. He just hoped that the Dark Lord would focus elsewhere and Draco would back off what he was saying. If neither of those two happened, he truly feared what Draco may end up having to do.
“What's Remus out doing? He said it was important,” Harry asked Sirius, leaning against him. The two of them were outside in the backyard relaxing and enjoying the nice weather. As he was feeling much more like himself, this was good and he could actually really relax, enjoying it. He was mostly back to how he had been with only a few issues, thankfully. That made him feel much better. However, he was curious why Remus had to go out after the owl they got. He hadn't said much, just that it was urgent, so he was wondering about it and was slightly apprehensive as this was odd. The only time Remus really went out was when they had to have something the elves couldn't get for them.
“Not sure,” Sirius admitted, slipping an arm around Harry and holding him close. “All I know is it was from Albus and he said it was really important. We'll find out when he gets back.” This was something that he was concerned about as he didn't know what it could mean. Part of it he thought he understood. There was no way he wanted Albus back in the house again after what he caused with Harry. That he wasn't going to chance until he was damned sure that it was all completely under control and Harry wouldn't have another setback. However, the fact that Remus was out of the house and for longer than normal had him on edge. Harry had manifested the problems that came from their return in a more overt way, he was dealing with his own as well. Though it was Harry that most of it was attached to because of his role, Remus invoked it as well. At this moment, it was there because of him being gone and that protection instinct. He was keeping it under control the best he could, however. It was just not comfortable for him and he was worried.Nodding, Harry wasn't sure what to say as he didn't have a clue what it might be about. He didn’t think that the bit about the house was it. Remus already told them the goblins agreed to push the paperwork and improvements as fast as they could. They also got the paperwork from their solicitor for what Sirius wanted to do. Those he didn't think were what Dumbledore wanted to talk about. Shaking his head, he sighed, resting his head on Sirius' shoulder.Giving Harry a squeeze, Sirius looked over the yard. Though it was nice out here, something Remus had ensured, he wanted out of this place. Though he didn't say anything to either Harry or Remus, the fact that they were in this house wasn't helping anything. The awful memories that were associated with it just fueled what he was dealing with. Shaking his head to rid himself of some that were starting, he groaned.Though he didn't lift his head, Harry looked at Sirius then asked, “Something wrong?”“Nothing to worry about,” Sirius assured him with a small smile as he looked down at Harry. “Just something I have to get a handle on, like you do with your end. This part will improve once we move, then I won't have to deal with it.”Understanding that, Harry nodded. What he also understood was that it probably had to do with this house as well. He knew how much Sirius hated it. Though it looked entirely different than it used to, it was still the same house with the same memories. As it had caused plenty of problems before the trip through the Veil, even without the bond included, he figured it had to be worse now. Pressing tighter to Sirius, knowing it helped both of them, as when Sirius was bothered by something he got that way as well because of the bond, it would soothe them. “I hope we can get moved soon.” He said quietly. He was sure getting out of this house would help more than Sirius. Plus, they would have plenty else to focus on to keep them busy.“The goblins are going to hurry this along as fast as they can manage. From what the letter said, we should be in there sometime next week,” Sirius told him, hoping that was true.“The sooner the better,” Harry sighed, shutting his eyes. That only lasted for a couple of seconds when he heard the backdoor open. Though he knew who it was, he opened them and looked in that direction. Seeing Remus, as expected, he straightened up and waited to see what was going on. He was relieved that he got back, though.Feeling better now that Remus had returned, Sirius waited until he took a seat by Harry then asked, “What's going on?”“Nothing to worry about,” Remus soothed, knowing the two had experienced issues while he was gone, as expected. “Albus needed to get with me about parts of the plan in place when you implement what's coming, Sirius. As some of them involve us, he wanted to ensure we know what's going to happen.”Happy and relieved that it wasn't anything horrific that would cause problems, Sirius nodded then motioned for him to press on.“First, he's getting with those that will have the most security problems and making damned sure they are beefed up the best they can get them. The Burrow will wait for most of it until the Order isn't using it as headquarters. Then they are going to lock it down the best they can, including a Fidelius. From my understanding, most of it will be tended to this week. Everyone that might be the most affected will be contacted and steps taken so they can protect themselves. Nothing to worry about there as most are more than capable of doing that.” Remus explained. It was his thought that he would cover the easiest parts first before delving into the worst issues that would cause the biggest problems.“Good,” Sirius nodded, happy that everyone was doing what they could to prepare. He doubted it would be enough, as when that arse went completely off his nut no one would be safe, but it was a start.“Albus got in contact with Rufus to let him know your plans. Rufus, too, is taking steps to protect everyone the best he can. What he's asking is for you to let him know the day before you sign the papers so he can put everything in place to protect everyone he can, including us. If we're still here, he's going to post people to keep watch. Though if we're in the new place he won't, so it doesn't draw attention. He's also making plans for us to have 'bodyguards' if we go out. All we have to do is send a message that we need to tend to something and he'll assign a couple Aurors to go with us. Either that or make sure it's Order members. He's assured Albus they'll be as unobtrusive as possible. Though we know they can't completely hide, he can try. As you well know, they have ways of disguising themselves. My understanding of the plan was that they would take on the guise of those we're close to. That's not a bad idea, Sirius. We can't stay cooped up forever. Once any of us go out, we're in danger.”Though he didn't like that, Sirius understood it and gave a reluctant nod. “We'll deal accordingly. Let's see what comes.”Knowing that was the best he could get from Sirius, Remus pressed on, “As quietly as he can, Rufus is putting everything in place he can with the Ministry to prepare for the hell we know this will unleash. He's also cleaning house of those he knows lean towards or support the other side. Albus told me he's given him every name he has of those he's aware of and Rufus is taking it seriously, then booting them. That includes Lucius. From what I was told, he's going to find himself fired tomorrow. I'm sure these steps alone will cause a huge problem and set off issues, but he wants them out. Like Albus told me, they both know it's not everyone that You-Know-Who has there, but it's going to gut plenty.” Stopping, he smiled then added, “And Dolores Umbridge is out. She was fired yesterday.”Unable to help himself, Harry grinned at that. “About time.”“Damn right it is,” Sirius chuckled, grinning a bit himself. “She would collude if the other side takes the Ministry and we all know it. She's a stupid toad that needed gone long ago.”“Rufus was well aware,” Remus nodded. Sobering up, he pressed on, “In addition to the decree in the paper today about the whole bragging about helping the other side, Rufus is also quietly putting every department he can into full war mode. It was started and there was shifting after you two went through the Veil, but he's ramping it up as high as he can get it. There are a couple of new departments that will be announced in the paper tomorrow and he's recalling plenty that retired to help, including Alastor. From what I was told, Alastor is going to take on a position of being an intermediary between Albus, the Order and the Ministry. Anything that needs to get to Rufus, from any of us, will go through him as he knows how to protect himself and isn't one that will give up information even if caught. He may be paranoid, but he knows what he's doing. So, if we do have to go out, we just have to get word to him and he'll pass it along.”Though Alastor was more than slightly deranged from his years as an Auror, Sirius knew he would be perfect for that job and they could trust him. Nodding, he didn't think he needed to say anymore than that. Then he motioned for Remus to press on, figuring there was more than just telling them what was going on. Something like this could have been done via owl or Arthur. Which meant there was something big coming that he probably wouldn't like or handle well.Sighing, Remus looked down and thought about how he needed to word this last one. Though Harry and Sirius weren't in the shape to take it on, they had to do it before those papers were signed. It was also the reason that Albus wanted to talk to him. The aging Headmaster already had a plan in place, using part of what Harry had suggested, but it had to be taken care of as fast as they could. Which was going to cause all kinds of problems.Lifting his head after thinking it over, he could see both Sirius and Harry looking at him, concerned expressions on their faces. Quietly, he said, “There is something we need to take care of as fast as we can before you sign those papers, Sirius. And it's going to not only involve all of us leaving this house, but something that's bound to cause problems for the three of us.”“What's that?” Sirius asked, not liking the sound of it already and feeling those instincts he was trying to control kick into higher gear. Pulling Harry close, he waited, hoping it wasn't something that would set him off completely.“The Dursleys,” Remus told him softly. Seeing an apprehensive look on Harry's face and a thunderous one on Sirius', he sighed then pressed on. “We have to take care of that before you sign the papers, Sirius. Have to. The danger they will be in will be about as great as what we are because you know the other side will take after them to draw Harry out.”“Bloody hell,” Sirius breathed, smoothing down his goatee while shaking his head. “We aren't in any shape to take care of this. None of us. You're doing better than we are, but we know it'll probably set you off as well since we both know what they were like with Harry. The mere sight of Vernon will infuriate me. Petunia won't be any better.”“I know, I really do,” Remus admitted, keeping a soft tone. “As does Albus. He's trying with them, but is getting nowhere. They think he's kidding when he tells them Harry is back. So, he wants Harry to make an appearance then say something only he would know to drive the point home. What he plans to go with is what Harry suggested about the leanmo. That will get their attention. He's going to have Severus there as well since Petunia grew up near him.” Seeing another black look from Sirius over the mention of Severus, him clutching Harry tighter, he shook his head. “He won't say a word to us. Though I'm sure all three of us will love what he has to say to Petunia. From what Albus told me, he holds her in great disdain and always has.” Shaking his head, he told them, “It'll be for less than ten minutes then we'll leave. No more than that. If it looks like Vernon or Petunia will go somewhere we can't handle, we're to leave so it doesn't set us off.”“Limo,” Harry corrected softly then shook his head. “I don't know if I can handle this, I really don't. Snape alone is a problem. If Dumbledore is there as well—we know what he set off. Anymore and it might be worse. We can't do what helped in front of everyone either.”Seeing Sirius about to jump in, probably to agree, Remus held out a hand to stop him then said, keeping his voice soft, “We know. Albus is aware and will do all he can to hold off a repeat of what he caused. If it starts, we leave. Period.” Shaking his head, he added, “This isn't something we can put off, Sirius. You know that. As always, you can take the lead and we'll follow. Just have Harry pull out something only he would know and we'll go from there. Then we leave. That's it. We aren't going to stay and listen to whatever argument they give. This is just something we have to attend to before the first of those papers get signed.”Groaning, head dropping back, Sirius rubbed his eyes with one hand, still clutching Harry with the other. Remus was right, of course, it was just the idea. After several moments of silence, he gave a bare nod then said, tone weary, “Have Albus set it up. Just tell him if anyone starts, we're leaving. I'm not dealing with another instance of what happened with him. I don't think any of us can take another round of that, even if we do now have something that works. And he really doesn't want me saying shite to those people, because I will completely blow. With all I'm dealing with, that won't be a good thing and I'm sure the Ministry will end up involved for crimes against Muggles.”“I'll make sure he's aware,” Remus assured him. “I'll also have him give us a detailed rundown of what he plans to do and how we're to go about this. And the faster we do this, the quicker it's over. That way we don't have to sit and stew over what might come. That won't help any of us.”“True that,” Sirius sighed. “Okay, get an owl off to him. Make sure he knows that we have the papers and I can sign them at any time. Once he has as much in place as they can get, I'll do it.” Seeing Remus nod, Sirius just shook his head, giving Harry a squeeze. This—he had a bad feeling about it, but it had to come. And Remus was right; the sooner the better. Once it was over, they would press on. All he hoped was that it wouldn't unleash more hell, because he wasn't sure he could handle much more.
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