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No Obvious Truths	By : Danyealle Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 64502 -:- Recommendations : 8 -:- Currently Reading : 32
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 21
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Chapter 22

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Thanks, woman! You're the BEST!

Reading through Arabella's owl again, Lucius then rubbed a hand over his face and glanced at the sleeping Harry. He didn't know what to do here. It was all their assumptions that, at some point, the friends of Harry's parents would want to see the young man. This was just sooner than expected. Sighing, he shook his head then looked up as Severus came back in. Leaning back in his chair, he waited for the man to take a seat and sip at his coffee before handing the letter over. “I don't know what to do with that or how to respond. I don't think Tom will either.”
Brow furrowed, Severus took the letter and did a quick read through. Sighing when he finished, he shrugged. “I don't either, honestly. It's something that would have come in the future anyway. All I can say is this; of all of them, Lupin is the easiest to deal with. Though he was with the quartet, he was the mild-mannered one that was very nice. Of all of them, he would be the one we could work the easiest with and may pull enough clout to get Albus to back off when he tries something. That's at least part to consider. I also don't see him being the one to get upset over some of what others would.” Glancing at the sleeping young man on the bed, he added, quietly, “This is a topic we are going to have to broach with Harry very soon. He's going to learn, eventually, about some of this mess and we want him to have the truth about it so it doesn't seem we're hiding anything about what happened.”
“We know,” Lucius sighed, shaking his head. Running a hand through his hair, he told Severus, “The topic of Black alone is going to be one that has to be brought up. How? That's another question. Hell, we haven't even covered just what happened other than the basics. I'm not certain it will be taken well either as we have no way to free Black. Even if we gave up what we know, we have no proof the man is innocent, just our words. That may not go over well.”
Looking sour, Severus nodded. “If we knew where Pettigrew was, we might be able to get him into the hands of the Ministry. We don't though.”
“And, as far as we can tell, we have no way of finding the damned man,” Lucius sighed.
Looking down at the letter once more, Severus shook his head. “I don't know what to say on this matter. I really don't. We're going to have to deal with some, like the Weasleys. There is also Albus and Minerva. Of all of them, Lupin would be the easiest there. He's fairly closed mouthed and mild-tempered. There is also the fact that he would protect Harry. Of all the Marauders, he was the one that would think it out first before jumping in. I imagine the same is true now. As we're going to have to deal with Albus on this topic at some point, having him in our corner to vouch for us will only help when the time comes.”
Stepping into the room, hearing the tail end of what Severus said, Tom asked, “Who is vouching for what?”
Handing the letter over, Severus then gave him a quick rundown of what was said up to this point. “I don't know here, honestly. And if we say no, it's going to look suspicious to everyone.”
Taking a seat by Lucius, Tom read through the missive then sighed. “I agree, I have no idea.” Lowering the letter, he looked at the young man that was sleeping and rubbed his eyes. “Thankfully, Arabella has common sense and worked with the situation the best she could. At the very least, she got him to agree to leave her out of it. That helps. This though—I don't know.”
“If we say no, I'm fairly certain Albus is going to hear about it then that will make matters worse,” Lucius told Tom, looking at him.
“There is that as well,” Tom sighed, shaking his head.
Folding his arms over his chest, looking down, Severus thought it over then said, tone distracted, “How about this—Lucius, send a letter to Lupin saying you'll allow it, though you'll look at the correspondence first. Explain that Harry just doesn't know much about his parents beyond what we could tell him in the short time since he's been in your custody. Perhaps suggest that he fill Harry in on some of the not traumatic parts. Make that clear. Ensure he knows some of the speculation or horrid parts aren't mentioned. I think Lupin will understand enough to not dance in that direction. It will give Harry some connection to his parents we just can't. Plus, it'll look good later on that it was allowed. While he does that, we fill him in slowly on some of it. I will, of course, keep the bias from my end out. That won't help anything. As it progresses, we'll get into the rougher sections. He's going to have to know, that's all there is to it. I just don't want to do it now. I don't think any of us do, honestly. However, we're going to have to.” Stopping, he looked around and waited.
Thinking that over Tom nodded then looked at Lucius to see what he had to say.
“That may work. I can make it clear that the only reason I want to look at the letters is so that we can explain things Harry doesn't know about. This is an eleven year old child with limited knowledge. I can make that clear. Hopefully, he'll understand.” Lucius said, looking between the two.
Pleased with that, Tom nodded. “I would add to the letter that, after a time, if it all goes well, you'll agree to allow him to come over and meet Harry. Just don't give a time frame for that. Let's see how it goes then make that as a goal. It may ensure that he doesn't go into an area we haven't covered yet. Also, mention if he has some pictures of Harry's parents, that he would like them. This will not only buy us time to work with the situation from this end, but give us, maybe, somewhat of an ally later on we might need.”
“I can do that,” Lucius told him firmly with a nod. “Give me today to figure out how to word this and I'll run it by you, Tom, before I send it. When Harry is more coherent tomorrow or the next day, we can bring up the topic of Lupin.”
Pleased with that, Tom clapped Lucius on the shoulder, nodding. Looking at Severus, he said, “While I have you here—what is going on with that stone? You mentioned, cryptically, that there is something up there and it relates to Quirrell.”
Face taking on a dour look, Severus rubbed his eyes then said, “I'm sure that Quirrell is tangled with that other faction of this mess in some way, I just don't know how. He's—off. That's all I can say about it. However, as to the stone; Albus is having several of us set up something akin to an obstacle course to protect it. Which means he knows it's in danger.”
“Yes, he does, and the reason it should be in a school full of children that are sneaky and curious,” Lucius told him sourly, tone heavily laced with sarcasm, rubbing his eyes.
Motioning to Lucius after he said that, Severus just shrugged, not sure what to add there as the man was right.
“And if it is the other one helping Quirrell in some way, any obstacle course is going to be a piece of cake. He'll either get through it and get the stone or find a way to get someone else to steal it for him,” Tom sighed, shaking his head. “We do not need him getting his hands on that damned stone! That would be an advantage we don't want.”
“I've said all this, and more, to the old man. He doesn’t listen,” Severus sighed, shaking his head. “However, that's not my main concern. My concern lies with Draco. As Harry won't be around, other than with Lucius and Narcissa, Draco, because of his attachment to him, might be a target. Right now, I have my prefects keeping a close eye on the trio. I haven't said why, of course. They know me well enough to not question either, assuming I have my reasons. I think the assumption there is that it has to do with Parkinson, Goyle and Crabbe, as they are giving the boys fits. However, it's a concern. Draco is wise enough to know to protect himself. For now, I'm going to say nothing and see how this plays out. If it keeps going, though, he's going to have to be told. In this case, I’m relieved that Draco is the 'leader' of the three and isn't apt to be pulled into some kind of a stunt that's seen as an adventure.”
Shaking his head, looking at the floor, Lucius sighed. “As much as I want my son to have as normal of a childhood as we can give him, he will need warned, probably before the school year is out. I'll let you be the judge there, Severus. I would also suggest that either Tom or I get with Mrs. Zabini to talk to her as well when the time comes. She is still firmly in our camp. If Blaise is attached to the boys, he needs to be on his toes. He's also going to have to help protect the youngest Weasley as I see no way to go to Molly or Arthur to warn them. I hate dumping that responsibility on the shoulders of two eleven year olds, but it needs done.”
Thinking that over, Tom said, quietly, “I'll get with Mrs. Zabini in the next week or so to talk it over. Ronald—that's a problem I don't know how to handle.”
Looking at the two, Severus thought it over then said, “I may. It might take some work on my end, but I think I have a way to wiggle it.” Seeing the other two look at him, he explained, “Fred and George Weasley. They are in a different house, of course, but, from what I've seen, the two are protective of Ron. I believe that has quite a lot to do with him not following the tradition and the grief some are giving him over that. If it comes down to it, I may be able to come up with a way to see if I can't get the two to keep an eye on the boys when my prefects can't. Those two are more than a match for most anyone that would think to take them on, even older students.”
“I like that,” Tom said, leaning back in his chair, crossing his legs and folding his arms over his chest. “All you would have to say is something like the boys might be targeted because of Harry and the mess from the first war. If nothing else, they can just keep a look-out and get to you or one of the other teachers. It won't seem off.”
“That I can do,” Severus told him firmly. “Let's see how some of this plays out and I'll observe then get with them when I think it needs put in place. It's a better option than putting Draco and Blaise in charge of trying to protect all of them when they have no chance in hell of coming out on top in a battle. They can try, of course, as both of them would, but I don't want to see them try to take on anyone associated with that faction.”
“It may need done sooner rather than later,” Lucius told him quietly, looking at the man. “In fact, you may want to tend to the matter quickly.” Sighing, he imparted, “Narcissa and I, both, have told Harry that if he feels up to it, we'll take him to the Halloween feast. I'm sure, with how he is, he's going to make certain he goes. I don't blame him there, honestly. However, I would bet my magic if Harry does show, something, somewhere, is going to happen to cause problems or draw out the other faction in this. Which means we need something in place. Narcissa and I will, of course, ensure the boys stay safe to the best of our ability. You may want to prepare though, Severus.”
Rubbing his eyes in a tired way, Severus nodded, “I will. I don't blame Harry for wanting to go. In fact, I would think it odd if he didn't. Let me wiggle around to get some kind of protection in place before I mention it to anyone. I'll work with it. If I have to, I'll get with my prefects and ensure they stay on their toes for any odd signs. Honestly, with the milestone that marks this Halloween, we all will probably be expecting something then.” Sighing, he shook his head.
“Probably,” Tom added quietly. “If it helps, I can get in touch with some parents of the older students to see if I can't have them say something. Marcus Flint's may be one I should contact. The boys get along with him, do they not?”
“Quite well,” Severus nodded. “Mr. Flint has taken a shine to them as well. He's diligent about keeping watch on them when they aren't in class. That may be the way to go. I'll talk to him as well once you get in touch with his parents.”
“I'll tend to that matter this week,” Tom told him with a firm tone.
Holding up his hand, Lucius asked, “How much of an issue is Parkinson going to be? Crabbe and Goyle I'm not concerned about. It's her that I am. We know what her parents are like and where their loyalties are. I wouldn’t put it past her to cause issues of all kinds and pass information. I know she's in Ravenclaw and probably not well liked because of her attitude, but I would bet that she already has a following somewhere.”
“You're right,” Severus told him dourly, shaking his head. “She's amassing a few, though not many. And none of them are in her house. Crabbe and Goyle, though in Hufflepuff, are glued to her most of the time. They are more than willing to follow anything she has to say if they think it'll cause Draco problems. Draco, basically, shunned all of them on the train and it's not been forgotten. So, they are trying to make all kinds of trouble. How to deal with her is beyond me. If it keeps going, I'll go to Filius to see what can be done to put a leash on her. He's apt to listen to me.” Thinking it over, he added, thoughtfully, “For now, I think she may have her hands full. There is a Gryffindor that has her ire up because the girl is trouncing her in the grades department. Frankly, she's giving everyone a run for her money. Granger is her name. She's a know-it-all of the first order, but Parkinson hates being shown up by a Muggle-born. So, for now, her focus is divided. That will help. I say we keep an eye on the situation and, if it keeps progressing, I'll say something to Filius. He's good at making sure his students don't engage in such problems. If it goes further, I'll get in contact. This year I don't think is going to be the real problem. The coming ones will be.”
Pleased with that, Lucius nodded. Quietly, he said, “She already has her sights set on Draco as a romantic interest. That, I know, is her parents doing. They've filled her head full, even at this young age. With Draco spurning her, it's not going to end well and she's going to take after her mother in the vindictive area. Right now, maybe, she's just going to waffle between the two so as to see if she can't 'win him over'. It's by the time she hits the fourth year that I would start to worry. Though we do need to keep an eye on the situation.”
“How about we leave that to you to judge, Severus. Do what you think is best and keep an eye on the situation. If there is something you feel we need to know, tell us. I'll let you use your initiative to deal with what is there.”
“I can do that,” Severus told him with a firm nod, pleased. “Draco knows what he's dealing with there, so he avoids her if at all possible. As does Blaise. She is trying to bait all three of them into all kinds of things, but it's not working. Weasley has reared up about it, as anyone would expect, but the other two are guiding him away from something foolish. If it keeps up, I'll talk to them about it and go from there.”
Glancing at the bed when Harry stirred and mumbled something in his sleep, Tom sighed and rubbed his eyes in a weary way. “It's sad that we actually have to draw first years into such matters so they can protect themselves. They should be allowed to have a childhood like any other and not have to worry about this mess.”
“We have no choice in that, Tom,” Lucius told him softly, tone disgruntled. “I would rather warn them so they can protect themselves than have them blindsided and led down a path.”
“And Harry out this year is a big help. It gives us time to prepare him for so much so he can be on his toes for not only the other side of this mess, but Albus,” Severus told them. “We shouldn't have to, especially when it comes to Albus, but we do. The man is already plotting. We don't need that.”
“We don't, but we'll deal with it,” Tom told him firmly. Shaking his head, he asked, “Are you going back tonight?”

“Yes,” Severus nodded. “I will be caught up in a few hours and have everything you need brewed. I'll then head back to the school. I'll get with Minerva so she knows if Lucius or Narcissa Floo to get me. I can't spend more time away, though I would like to.”
“Understandable,” Tom told him with a dismissive wave. “We'll work with the mess on this end and get with you as needed. Just keep doing what you are and use your initiative. If you need help, let us know.”
“I will,” Severus told him in a firm tone.

Opening the door to Severus' office, Draco was worried. All he knew was that the three of them had been summoned here. With Severus having been gone to work with Harry, he was worried what might be wrong. However, he was relieved to see Severus, himself, sitting at his desk and not Professor Dumbledore.
Walking in with Blaise and Ron right behind him, he took a seat and asked, “You wanted to see us, Professor?”
Leaning back in his chair, Severus smirked at the three young men then said, dryly, “Yes. I assumed it was best to fill you in now rather than be bombarded after dinner.” See the three grin, he pressed on, smirk growing, “First, Harry is fine. We started him on a whole new regimen and new pain killing draughts. What we were using was causing problems because of the side effects. Nothing more than that. You can expect, for the next week or so, for his letters to you to probably be shorter as he'll be tired and adjusting, but he's fine.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Draco nodded, relaxing. “Good! We were worried about him.”

“These things happen,” Severus soothed, making a placating gesture. “The side effects from the potions were causing too many problems. It's nothing more than that. He also needed something better for pain. Right now, he's doing fine. He'll sleep for the most part over the next few days, but he's feeling much better than he was.” Leaning forward, he clasped his hands on his desk and looked around then said, lowering his voice and schooling it into something conspiratorial, “If the three of you can keep it to yourselves, I'll let you in on something that is being planned.” Seeing the grins there and vigorous nods, he said, “It has to go no further than this office.” Seeing bigger nods, he snorted then said, “The plan is for Harry to join you for Halloween feast if he feels up to it. That's the goal right now for him. It will do him good to plan for something like that. Just don't mention it to anyone.” Seeing the huge grins and nudges, he was pleased with that. Though he could reassure them all kinds of ways, telling them something like this was in offing would drive the point home better. “Now, I have work to do. Are the three of you caught up with your homework?” He asked, eyebrow arched.
“We're caught up,” Draco told him with a firm nod. “We wanted to go watch Quidditch practice so we made sure of it.”
“Very good. Off with you then. I'll see all of you at supper.” Severus said, leaning back. Watching the boys carefully, he sighed and shook his head. For now, he would say nothing to them. At least for a couple weeks. After that, he was going to have to. He didn't want to, but would. After all, they had to protect themselves.
Shaking his head, he glanced at all the papers on his desk then, with a sigh, delved back in. He needed to see what Albus had done while he was away then organize himself so he could not only get caught up with this part, but start brewing.
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No Obvious Truths