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Well, Ain't That Strange?	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 56074 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 12
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this story

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
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 20

“What is it you want to discuss with me?” Lucius asked, decidedly curious as he looked at Remus and Sirius, then glanced at the shut door to the en suite where Harry was taking a shower. This was odd as he was eating breakfast, not the time Remus tended to come up or Sirius needed to talk about something important.
“It's something we need you to do for us,” Sirius told him. Seeing a puzzled look, he pressed on, “I'm going to start taking some trips out of the house for various things, like seeing the solicitor. Those I need to do alone as it would raise eyebrows if I took Harry with me because of how much danger he's supposedly in. I might be able to swing taking him along for those, as it would be seen as safe, but there are others I don't want him coming with.” Seeing a curious look, he added, “I'm going to start to gather his birthday presents. That I don't want him along for.” After Lucius' nod of understanding, he then explained, “Remus is going to try to be in the house when I'm not here. What we want is to see if you'll stick to Harry like there's a charm on the two of you. If Albus, or anyone else, comes in and tries something foolish, Remus is going to see what he can do to defuse it. Once it starts, stick to Harry and give me a yell through the link. I'll get back as fast as I can to head whatever it is off.”
Now understanding, Lucius gave a determined nod. “Consider it done. I'll take that on easily.”
“If I've not seen or heard someone come in and they start, come get me, the way you did yesterday so I know something is wrong,” Remus told him. “I should as I generally hear the door, but you never know.”
“Another matter I can easily tend to and will,” Lucius assured him as he ate. “This isn't something I thought of, but I'll handle it.”
“Because some of what I'm planning Harry doesn't know about, he might not realize I'm gone then end up in the middle of a mess,” Sirius sighed, shaking his head. “I'll let you know before I go, but I won't always tell him and plan on being back before he realizes I'm gone. We'll time it all around when I know you're here. With what's going on and how I'm taking plenty out of Albus' hands, we're not sure what he might try.”
“A very good point,” Lucius admitted. “We'll handle it without issue.” With that, he was pleased Sirius thought of the matter as he hadn't. Looking between the two, he asked, “If you would—any ideas what Harry wants for his birthday? I'm well acquainted with Draco, of course, but Harry is different. I would like to get him something nice.”
“I'm getting him a broom,” Sirius told him. Shrugging and shaking his head, he added, “We're not sure what else. I've got his clothing sizes so I’m going to get him some of those. That might be something you can get him. Maybe you get our version and I'll pick up the Muggle equivalent as he likes those. I think with Harry being who he is, he would like most anything we get him, especially if it's something we have that is odd and he hasn't heard of.”
After a glance at Sirius, who was looking at him, Remus then said, turning his gaze back to Lucius. “There was one thing we thought you could get for him, though you would have to wait on gifting it until you're all out.”
“I'll send Narcissa out for the clothes. It won't look odd for her to procure such items because of Draco. She also knows better than I what the younger set likes,” Lucius told them, pleased to have some clue what to get Harry. “What is this other item? I can get my hands on it now, maybe, but I want to hear what it is before I try.”
“A cat like Hobbes,” Remus told him, smiling. “Maybe one that looks and acts similar would be nice. Arabella might be able to get her hands on one. I'm sure he would like that once you're out as he seems to really enjoy what he does with Hobbes.”
Smirking, giving a determined nod, Lucius said, “I'll start a few people on the hunt for such a cat. Not something I thought of, but perfect.”
“We thought so,” Sirius grinned. “I don't see you doing the same things with him when we're out as so much of this is for another reason. He really likes it. So, we thought a cat would be nice. Not now, of course, as that would raise eyebrows, but after we get into the new house.”
“I wouldn't, obviously,” Lucius conceded. Liking the idea, he said, “I'll have someone get in contact with Arabella to see if she knows where I can get such an animal, then go about finding one. Good idea and thank you for the suggestion.”
Nodding, Sirius smiled. This was something Harry would adore. Though his reason for holding 'Hobbes' had to do with the bond, his godson obviously loved doing so for another reason. If Lucius was able to get his hands on such a cat, it could go on. That was perfect.
Thinking over what was discussed as he ate, Lucius told them in a distracted tone, circling back to the original topic, “I'll get with the elves and see if they can set up an alarm on the door to alert us when someone is coming in for the times you aren't here, Sirius. That would give us a huge assist.”
“Do that,” Sirius said, liking the idea. “Have them set it up for you and Remus to hear. That will be a huge help and a load off all our minds so you both don't end up blindsided by something.”
“Let me get with them today and see what I can arrange. If they don't know of something we can use, I'm sure one of them can come alert Remus and myself without anyone else seeing them. Even that will stave off issues,” Lucius said after thinking about it. He was pleased with the idea, though, and would see what he could manage.
Hearing the door to the loo start to open, Sirius changed topics to something more neutral that would sound normal to Harry so he didn't get suspicious or think they were plotting against him.

“Alright, lads, what I have for you is this,” Moody started, looking between Remus, Sirius and Harry. “We're going to set it up to where Harry is taking on the career path to teach DADA. Minerva was able to get her hands on what you need. I've got a list here of the best defense books out there. You need those and any others you think are good. We've got the curriculum for what's to come in that class, though I'm sure you two can cover it better. She said to go by that for the main points then focus on teaching everything you can think of he needs. She also sent along what you need for Charms and Transfiguration. From what we know, he'll need those as well. Again, it's something I think you both can handle easily. What she added is that she thinks it's best to pick up Runes and Arithmancy, at least the first couple years of it. It'll give just the basic foundation of them that he may need for some of the more advanced areas.”
Pleased with this, Sirius nodded, “Good. We'll plan on that.” This he was happy with as it gave a foundation they could use once they vanished. And it didn't put Lucius at risk when it came to looking into such matters.
“Albus added to have me, Tonks and Kingsley help as well. We're going to take on teaching him some of the more advanced defense techniques used in Auror training. I know you learned plenty of them, Sirius, and you should employ them as well, but the other two learned some more recent ones we didn't back when we went into training. What we're shooting for is basically put him into Auror training without some of the areas he won't cover, like Potions. That will give Harry what he needs. Remus specializes in dealing with pests and creatures. Let him go over those the best he can. I'm sure we can get our hands on anything he needs to cover that.”
“It's all easy enough,” Remus told him, smiling slightly. Though what Alastor was covering was a moot point as Harry wouldn't be here to set it all in motion, it was good to have the information.
After taking a sip from his flask, Moody changed topics, “I'm supposed to pass on that you'll get the confirmation sometime today that the Trace is broken. We all think it went with the bonding, but this is the official Ministry confirmation. As it's nothing but an automated spell that handles these forms, no one will be the wiser. Sirius, just make sure you and Harry, both, keep a copy of the official notice on you at all times. That way there won't be any issues if someone says anything.”
“We'll make sure we do that,” Sirius told him, a determined bent to his voice. That pleased him, though, as it was one less thing they had to worry about when they went into hiding. Good.
“Albus and Minerva, both, are trying to hurry things along with the Board so you know just what you're dealing with before the start of term hits. All this paperwork takes time, we know that, but you're going to need what they send before the term officially starts. They'll manage, don't worry.” Moody told them, looking between the three. “You've got everything filled out and off so far, don't you?”
“My solicitor already sent it to them,” Sirius confirmed. “We're just waiting for the next batch from them to press on, nothing more than that.”
“Good. They'll lean on them enough to get it through,” Alastor said with a pleased nod. Continuing, he told Sirius, “Albus had a talk with Snape. The man promised to temper what he's been doing.”
“He won't, Alastor,” Sirius snorted, rolling his eyes. “He'll keep right on going. And you can pass along from me that if he does, we're getting a repeat of what happened last time. I'm not putting up with it.”
“Don't blame you there in the least,” Alastor agreed. “And I agree with what you said. It's my opinion, and I said it to Albus as well, that he's just going to keep it up as he's not used to having to censor what he says and he's mad over it. My advice to you is just to keep on your toes when he's around. Then do what you did last time.” Eyes flitting to Harry, he added, softening his tone, “And you might want to keep watch on your cat, lad. Snape is furious and vowed to do something. Albus made it clear that he's not to, but you never know.”
“Hobbes will be fine,” Harry assured him with an internal grin. With how Lucius was, he was sure that nothing would happen to him. “I'll keep hold of him while Snape is around so he can't do something stupid.”
“He goes after that cat and I'm going after him,” Sirius snarled, tone deadly. “I mean it Alastor! I want that passed to Albus as well. He's to leave Hobbes alone. We all know he was warned that's what would happen, so he has no one to blame but himself. The cat did just what we said he would, nothing more.”
“Another point you'll get no arguments from me about and I'll make sure Albus knows,” Alastor nodded.
“I do believe several of us would help Sirius in that matter,” Remus chimed in softly, though his face hardened. “He needs to leave it alone. Plenty of us would be quite upset if he does something to harm Hobbes.”
“I think you're right,” Moody nodded. “I'll make sure Albus does something to get that through Severus' thick skull.” Snorting, one side of his mouth lifted in a grin, he then added, “And the cat having at him again will drive that point home nicely.”
“He's going to, you have my word there,” Sirius said, a determined bent to his voice. With that, he planned to get with Lucius, or have Harry do it if he was busy, to give the man fair warning so he was alert to anything Snape might try to pull. He doubted it would succeed, with how Lucius was, Snape wouldn't get far, but it was better to know.
Snorting once more, Moody shook his head, “I doubt that, lad, but I say keep going. It can only help with some of the others that are having issues as well. Snape is just the loudest of them.”
“I hope so because I'm dead arse serious about this, Alastor. I've had enough. The cat might not go at them like he would Snape, depending on who they are, but they are out. Enough is enough of the bullshite,” Sirius said with a shake of his head.
“More points you'll get no argument from me on,” Alastor told him. “I'll make sure Albus makes it crystal clear.” Pressing on, he began to discuss what they knew was going on and signs, nothing that troublesome. He just wanted Sirius filled in, nothing more.

“I'll ensure that I stay alert, Harry, never fear,” Lucius told the young man after taking a seat and a drink from an elf. “He won't get very far, trust me.”
Curling up on the bed, putting his head on one of the pillows, Harry told him, “We figured, but wanted to make sure you got a warning.”
“Much appreciated,” Lucius nodded. Smirking at what he was seeing from Harry, he asked, “Tired?” He wasn't sure what Harry and Sirius had done while he was away, but it appeared Harry was worn out.
Grinning, Harry admitted, “A bit. So is Sirius. We were out back mucking around on the brooms for a while. Swatting Bludgers back and forth, that kind of thing. It wore both of us out as we aren't used to doing it. Right before you came back, we knocked off and decided a nap was in order. He just got roped into helping with something Dumbledore sent over.”
Snorting, completely amused, Lucius said, “It sounds like a nap is in order then.” Thinking it over, he added, “I think I'll join you. It's been a long day on my end as well. A short snooze always helps you recharge.” Though that was a good reason, and true, he had another motive behind it as well.
Up to this point, he hadn't spent much time alone with Harry. The brief moments, other than the time of that meeting, he was Hobbes. It was imperative that he and Harry get used to each other. After all, of the three of them, Harry was the one that needed the most protection. If they could grow more accustomed to each other, it would help. Plus, from what he could tell, the bond seemed to like it when they were close, working on what was there. With all that was coming, something such as that was needed.
“Sounds good to me,” Harry yawned. Shaking his head, he grinned sheepishly then added, “Sorry, just tired.”
“Nothing to be sorry about,” Lucius said, finishing his drink then standing. Taking off his robe and shoes, he then walked over and settled behind Harry on the bed. Unconsciously, he slipped an arm around Harry and pulled him close. Shutting his eyes with a contented sigh, he relaxed. It felt good, that's for sure.
Pressing back to Lucius, Harry shut his eyes as well, smiling just a little. One hand resting on the pillow under his head, he put his other hand over Lucius'. This he liked. It wasn't the same as with Sirius, of course, but it was good.

Closing the door behind him, making sure to stay as quiet as possible, Sirius grinned at what he saw on the bed. Harry was curled up to Lucius' chest, head resting on his shoulder, with one arm draped over him. Lucius was holding Harry close, one arm around his waist, cheek resting on top of his head. Oh, he had seen the two close before. No doubt there. Like when they slept at night. It wasn't like this, though.
Part of him expected some jealousy over the matter. After all, he and Harry had been close for a while now. It wasn't there, though. Instead, it was just some great feelings, something that made him feel wonderful. He supposed that it was the bond there. Lucius was part of it and just hadn't had much of a chance to spend time alone with either him or Harry. When he did get the chance, it was as his cat to hold off suspicion for so much. That told him they probably needed to work on that a tad. He was the hard one as he had to go deflect so much. Harry was easy and he thought that if Lucius and Harry grew comfortable enough with each other, that it would help. They could hold off on him and Lucius until they got out.
Kicking his shoes off, Sirius then removed his shirt and crawled into bed behind Harry. Giving his godson a kiss on the head, he then slipped an arm around him as he pressed close. Hearing Harry mumble something he couldn't decipher in his sleep, he just smiled. This was good and felt so right. Therefore, he would go with it.
Shutting his eyes, he gave a tired sigh and let himself relax. Yeah, a good nap was in order. For all of them.
“I'm warning you now, Albus, Sirius is, well, serious about what he said when it comes to all of it. And if Snape takes after that cat, he's in for more than just Harry and Sirius going after him. Plenty of others are going to end up right irate,” Moody told the old man, leaning back in his chair with a groan. “I know you said Snape told you he wouldn't, but you know him. He will. If he does, what comes will end up worse than the last time.”
Sighing, Albus gave a resigned nod, “I understand. Let me see what I can manage with Severus on the matter. I have his word he'll try to temper what he does. There's the fact that he—well, he can't help himself.”
“Albus, stop excusing him,” Alastor grunted, shaking his head. “He goes to deal with that maniac on a regular basis. I doubt very much he pulls the attitude or snarky remarks with him. That's enough to tell all of us he's capable of keeping his mouth shut. This time he needs to. And you're the one that needs to ensure he does. A mild chiding and reasoning with him hasn't worked. It's time you do something else.”
Looking down, Albus' shoulders slumped as he admitted, “Yes, you're right. About all of it. Let me see what I can do to get the point across in another way. Either that or work on stopping it when it looks to start.”
“Short of you silencing him when he looks to start in, I don't see that happening,” Alastor told him pointedly. “You've allowed this to go on for so long that it's now ingrained to the point that he feels like he's entitled to treat everyone with disdain and voice what he wants. He can't this time. It has to stop. Sirius laid out, plainly, what would happen. It did. Severus brought it on himself. I'm also sure that he blames Sirius for it, not himself for invoking it. Whatever he told you on the matter, I'm taking with a grain of salt. He may start out trying not to, but that habit you've allowed to flourish will get the better of him and he'll go. I'll be honest when I say that if he tries with that cat, my wand will be one that's out. It's a cat. Though I'm sure it has some kind of magical blood in it, he's just a cat. Snape needs to leave the animal alone. All it did was listen to orders and react to what Snape himself did. Nothing more.”
“Very true,” Albus told him softly. “Let me see what I can do. I'll go over and make sure he knows that he needs to curb his impulses.”
Snorting once more, Alastor said, “He's going to ignore you just like he always has, Albus. A mild chiding and getting him to agree will do nothing. You need to put your foot down. All of us know you're capable of that. You just don't do it with him. All it does is go on, no matter what you say. Considering the past relationship with Sirius, Snape can't help himself and feels like, even after all these years, he has to get the better of him. Sirius is leaving him alone, Albus. He has enough on his plate to worry about that Snape isn't one of them. That is until Snape makes sure he's one of the items and has to poke. We all know he can't leave Potter alone. And that has nothing to do with the lad, but his hatred of his father. At this point, if he pokes the lad, Sirius will ignite. Probably worse than normal because of that bond. We have a big enough war to fight with the other side of this mess that we don't need one within our own ranks! Put a leash on him, Albus, or it's just going to end up worse. And, for the sake of Merlin, quit enabling him to continue! I get that you're trying to make up to him for past mistakes, but you can't do that! He's a grown man. So, he needs to act like one.”
“Again, you are right and giving me plenty to ponder,” Albus told him softly. Shaking his head, he added, “We need Severus, and what he can bring us, so I tend to let it go. After all, dealing with Tom isn't pleasant. However, we can't be effective if he ignites fights within our ranks. I'll ensure that he tempers his mouth and doesn't poke.”
“You better or you're going to end up with several of us 'tempering' it for you,” Alastor warned. Standing with a grunt, he said, “That's all I wanted to get across. Well, and to deliver what I did. I'll leave you to it.” With that, he made his way out.
Leaning back in his chair, Albus twiddled his thumbs, looking down at the floor. Perhaps it was time to take a harder line with Severus. He knew that Alastor was right on so much. Severus, though he had agreed, was one that couldn't help himself. Even he knew that and that getting his word on the matter didn't mean much. No, this couldn't go on. They needed what Severus brought them, desperately, but couldn't get it if the fighting started. It was time to do something else. What? That was the question.
Sighing, Albus shook his head sadly. Yes, he let Severus get away with plenty. He would admit that. It was his way of apologizing for not doing more all those years ago. Now he had a situation, because of it, that he had to deal with. That was important, so it was time to change tracks. Another talk with Severus was in order. That he would tend to quickly then they could all move on and accomplish their goals.
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Well, Ain't That Strange?