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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
- 23
- 24
- 25
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 23

Seeing an odd elf pop in and hand a message to Lucius before popping back out, Sirius looked at him, brow furrowed, as he pulled on his clothes. It was a tad earlier than normal for them to be awake, as they had the appointment with the optometrist this morning, so he was curious what was going on. He assumed, of course, that it was a message from the other side of this mess and didn't think anything was off, but wanted to make sure.
Reading the missive, nodding, Lucius then vanished it. Looking at Sirius, he explained, “They're getting ready to turn up the heat. In a big way.” Sighing, he explained, “When you get back from the optometrist, several Death Eaters will be in the park. Nothing to fear as the Dark Lord himself will be Polyjuiced as one of them. He assures me no spells will end up thrown at anyone and they will just run their mouths, but they want to be seen. There will also be a more overt showing over at Privet Drive with Bella and Narcissa, Polyjuiced, of course. I'm going to turn up at the Burrow. He swears it's nothing to worry about and just wants all of us to run our mouths, nothing more. It should send Albus into a mad scramble and turn the heat up on Severus, what we all need. The plan is the Burrow first. That way I can get back here and be inside as Hobbes so no one thinks anything is off. Then they are going to do the other two at the same time. As I'm aware of when you're coming back, and having passed that along, it should be fine and they'll be here when you show up, waiting. Nothing to worry about, my word. The Dark Lord gives you his that it'll just be some running of the mouths, nothing more.”
“Understood,” Sirius nodded, though looking concerned. Glancing at Harry as he came out of the loo, he added, “Make sure to get word to him that one of those going with us is Moody. You know what he's like. So, tell him to stay on his toes.”
Nodding to Harry, who was standing there listening, with a frown on his face, Lucius said, “I'll warn all of them. It's our hope that once Albus gets word of the first one, he'll call him in and you won't have to worry. I'll just make sure everyone knows to stay cautious as there is a chance he’ll be there.”
Taking a seat on the bed, Harry looked between the two then asked, tone wary, “Do I want to know what's going on?”
Giving Harry a quick rundown, Sirius then patted him on the back. “Nothing to worry about. The only one we're concerned about is Alastor. Remus will be along, as will Bill and a couple others we won't have to concern ourselves with.”
“We just need some panic, nothing more,” Lucius assured him gently with a small smile. “This should do that nicely. It's time to turn up the heat as the time looms for the house to be finished.”
Nodding, Harry understood. “Nothing to worry about then.”
“Nothing at all, you have my word,” Lucius assured him. “Just act normal and let everyone guide what happens. Sirius will be right by you, so you know there is no danger.”
Blowing out a breath, Harry gave another nod. “I'll try.”
“I'll make sure to fill Remus in before we go of what to expect, so he can stay on one side of you and I'll be on the other,” Sirius told Harry, giving him a clap on the back. “Between the two of us, you'll be fine. Just stay on your toes like normal and listen to what we say. All you have to do.”
“I'll do that, don't worry,” Harry told him. “What about the other two? Why now and all three places at once?”
“To send Albus scrambling,” Lucius smirked as he ate. “It's going to end up harder for him to be at all three places at once. Then he's going to have to prioritize to cover all three of them, beef up wards, deal with getting into this place, all that. It's something that can only help. I'll check before I come back, but I'm sure that the park is going to have a couple people in it at all times from here on out. When you get back and have the time, I'll let you know. This was probably set up, from my perspective, so that there was no hint that it was coming or a foreshadowing for anyone before he pulled it out. That will help us all.”
“Very true and very good. We've gotten a bit complacent since bringing Harry over here, other than hints. Let me see if there's a way to get Arthur a message so he doesn't panic. I'm sure when he hears it's you, he'll get what's going on and not become overly stressed, but I want to make sure.”
“Send Kreacher,” Lucius suggested. “That or I can. He can make damned sure that he's not seen and can deliver the message. Just write up something as detailed as you can and get it off to him.”
“I'll do that,” Sirius said, summoning a quill and parchment. Thankfully Lucius had thought of that as he never would have. “Anything we can expect after that? Do you know?” He asked as he scribbled a note to Arthur.
“I don't. By the time I get back, I should have some idea. We'll have a meeting before we start, so I'll get what I can then fill you in when you return. Just don't worry too much. It's nothing to concern yourself with. If the Dark Lord himself is there, you can rest assured, nothing pear shaped will happen.”
“Honestly? That does make me feel better,” Sirius admitted truthfully. And it did. If Tom were there, it would go just as planned, other than whatever those that were with them would do. That meant there was no real danger. Finishing up the note, he passed it over to Lucius.
“Like I said; I'll be here when you get back, so there is nothing to worry about,” he assured them again. Taking the note, he called Kreacher. When the much cleaned up elf popped in, he gave him some very specific instructions on how to handle this. When he was done, the elf popped away to deliver it. “I'm sure, once we do start, someone might get in touch and get all of you here quickly. That's something you might want to prepare for as I'm certain Albus knows the plans for the day. Just go to get Harry's glasses first and anything else after that.”
“We'll hurry this along as fast as we can without making it look like that's what we're doing,” Sirius assured him. “Just be prepared for chaos tonight and to stay alert. Stick close to Harry, if you would. That way we have everything covered so no one can't pull something stupid with us.”
“You have my word,” Lucius assured him with a nod as he finished his breakfast. It wouldn't do to tarry about this morning and run late. No, he wanted to get to Tom's as fast as he could so he would be filled in on everything before they started the panic.

Coming out of Fortescue's after getting a shake, Harry was grinning at a joke Sirius made. So far, things had been fine. Though he had started out as stressed, with knowing what was coming, but he was far more relaxed by now. Before they left, as Professor Moody was going over with Bill and Dung what he wanted done, Kreacher had slipped a message from Mr. Weasley to Sirius telling him he would be fine with it, not to worry, that he was ready. Good. He was worried the man would be upset. After that, it had gone as planned. The eye doctor hadn't taken long and he had not only a new, nicer looking pair of glasses, but contacts. Because of how bad his eyes were, he could only wear the contacts for so many hours a day, then had to use his glasses. That was fine with him. He even had a spare set of glasses and the prescription if he needed to get new ones. As it hadn't taken long, they went to get some ice cream and planned to look around a little as it wasn't at all busy in the Alley. Sirius had made the suggestion so he could get an idea of what he would like for his birthday. Though Professor Moody had grumbled a little, it didn't take more than that and they were wandering around.
Looking in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies, Harry was discussing the new broom on display there with Sirius when there was a shout of Bill's name by Fred and George. Looking up, he waited to see what was going on, though figuring out what it was. Seeing the two hurry over, looking pale, he stiffened. Glancing over his shoulder at Sirius when he felt his godfather put a hand on his shoulder, he could feel his heart start to race a little. It was time, apparently.
Pulling Harry close, looking at the concerned Alastor, Sirius asked, when the two were close, “What's going on? We don't have a problem.”
Stepping as close as they could to make sure they weren't overheard, Fred said, tone hushed, “We need Bill at the Burrow, now. Lucius Malfoy just turned up there again. He didn't get through the wards, obviously, and Buckbeak did just what he should, but mum is in a right panic, as anyone would expect.”

“We're supposed to stay here with you lot,” George told them. “Dumbledore is on the way there as we speak and someone got word to dad. They want everyone to act normal and just hurry up then get home.”
“I'm on my way,” Bill said, skirting around everyone, pale, heading for the nearest Apparation point.
“Right, we're going to grab a couple more things then head home,” Alastor said, magical eye spinning faster than normal to keep an eye out. “Dung, stay close. You both as well, Fred and George. We want to do this fast, but don't want to set off a panic, either.” Jerking his head, he planned to take the long way around the Alley to make sure it was safe by the shop and see if he could detect if anyone was lingering close that might be suspicious.
Making sure Harry was sandwiched between him and Remus with the twins behind and Dung in front, Sirius kept scanning around to make it look good. “Nothing to worry about, Harry,” he assured his godson, keeping a hand on his shoulder. “We'll get home and be fine.”
Nodding, Harry kept glancing around, as most would expect him to, a concerned expression on his face. He was just worried what was coming when they got to the park, nothing more. Though it was good Tom would be there, as he would make sure that nothing went pear shaped, he would just feel better if Lucius was as well. That was more of a security thing than anything else. It wasn't possible, he got that, as Lucius was going to meet them inside, but it was one of those things.
“Was there anything else you had to grab?” Alastor asked as they approached the twin's shop, hoping to get out of there fast.
“We were going to get some toys and treats for Hobbes, but I think we can forgo that,” Sirius told him, brow furrowed as he saw Tonks and Kingsley headed towards them at top speed.
“I think we need to, lad, sorry,” Moody told Harry in a distracted tone. “What's going on?” He asked of the two when they got to them.
“Albus wants all of you home, now. Get Harry there as fast as you can and don't take the Floo. Fred, George, you need to shut the shop and head to the Burrow.” Before anyone could ask, Kingsley shook his head then said, “Bella and her husband just showed up at Privet Drive. Arabella saw them casing the Dursleys' house out. Arthur is already on his way home. Between him, Bill and the twins, they'll be fine. Albus said Apparate Harry home then get in contact when you're safe. After that, he'll send everyone where he needs them most.”
Looking grave, Alastor nodded, “Right. We'll handle it.” Turning to the twins, he didn't get an order out of his mouth as the two were already heading to the shop at top speed. Nodding at that, he said, motioning Tonks and Kingsley to follow, “Both of you follow us until we get to the Apparation point. Sirius, you side-along Harry.”
“Will do,” Sirius agreed, shrinking packages and pocketing them. Perfect. Just how Lucius said. Now he just had to wait and see how what was waiting for them in the park went. All he hoped was it went just as smooth as this.

Landing in the park, Sirius glanced around then immediately shoved Harry behind him, wand out. As expected, they had a welcoming committee of about four people. Muttering to Harry, who was clinging to him with one hand, probably holding his wand with his other, “Stay behind me and we're backing up.” Then he began to hear the cracks of Apparation from the others. “We've got company,” he shouted, so they heard and began to back towards the street, keeping Harry behind him.
Hurrying over to Sirius, wand out, Remus leveled it at the four people there, who were already starting with the threats, he told Sirius, “Apparate Harry away, now. We'll take it from here.”
“Go, lad,” Moody snarled, his own wand out. He assumed Sirius would know to get Potter into the house. With that, he barked out orders to Dung to send a message to Albus.
Backing up more, Sirius had Harry grab his arm then Apparated him onto the front steps. Heart pounding, keeping an eye on what was going on, he opened the door, hoping it was just some chin wagging as promised and the four got out of there before Albus could show up. If the old man did, he was sure spells would start to fly. However, he grinned a bit when he heard a loud meow greet him. Glancing over his shoulder as Harry crouched down, catching Lucius as he leaped into his arms, he nodded then shut the door. A quick spell was enough to tell them they were alone in the house. Good.
Giving Lucius a scratch on the head, he mumbled, “It all went perfect, nothing to worry about.” Hearing a loud meow in response then the normal purring, he summoned an elf and had the creature take the few packages they had upstairs before guiding Harry into the kitchen. It was his assumption they were about to have a ton of company and this would be the first place everyone would look for them. That was fine, too. As he knew what was going on, he wasn't going to get overly stressed by it.
Having Harry take a seat at the table, he summoned a butterbeer for himself and sipped at it while Harry finished his shake. He couldn't help but grin at Hobbes when he put his front paws on Harry's shoulders and looked over his new glasses. Reaching out and petting the cat, he asked, “Do you approve? He got contacts, too.” Hearing a meow and more of the purring, he chuckled, “I'll take that as a yes.” Putting a hand on the back of Harry's head, he gave it a soft rub then told him, “We're fine. Nothing to worry about. You'll probably be on your own for most of the day, well, both of us will be. Once Albus gets here, I'm sure lots will have to be taken care of.”
“I'm good,” Harry told him with a smile, leaning against him as he sipped his shake and petted the purring Lucius. “There's lots to keep me occupied.” This was good, though. It went according to plan and no glitches. Now that it was mostly over, he was feeling better about it and could relax. That he wanted.
Reaching over and running his fingers through Harry's hair, making sure not to mess it up too much, as it was fixed just right, Sirius grinned at him, “People are going to wonder what's going on or what I'm up to when it comes to you because of the new hair style and glasses. You look very different.”
Laughing at that, Harry shook his head then told him, entirely amused by it, “Nothing that really didn't need done, honestly. That and I've never had it before.”
Leaning over and giving Harry a kiss on the scar that marred his forehead, Sirius told him, “You look good, in both.” Chuckling, he asked, “Right, Hobbes?”
Hearing the loud meow from Lucius and more of the purring, Harry grinned sheepishly then muttered, “Thanks.” He didn't get any further than that when the kitchen door swung open. Looking up, he sat up straight when he saw Professor Moody and Remus come in.
“Everything went fine, I hope? No one hurt?” Sirius asked, glancing between their faces.
“We're good,” Alastor gruffed. “The lot of them vanished when Albus showed up. You stay here with Harry. And don't move, lad. We're going to go work on several bits for protection on Privet Drive and the Burrow. Then Minerva, with the help of a couple others, is going to set up spells on the park. Albus is sure that this isn't the last of what we've seen of them there if they're being that overt. He's going to the Ministry to see what he can manage to get us some help. Also, everyone is either to Floo in or Apparate onto the front steps from now on.” Glancing at the cat sitting on Potter's lap, he sighed then said, “You also need to put a spell on the collar the cat wears so no one can grab or put a tracking spell on him that could get them through the wards. That should be easy enough. I'm sure they won't try, as it's a cat and not a human, thus not able to give the secret away, but better safe than sorry.”
“I'll tend to it, don't worry,” Sirius assured him. “Is there anything else we need to prepare for?”
“I'm sure you’re going to have plenty in and out all day then a meeting tonight,” Alastor told him. “Just be ready for that. Not sure as I don't know when everyone will get done, but it might be something to prepare for.”
“We'll be ready,” Sirius assured him with a nod.
Grunting, Alastor sighed then said, “Come on, Remus, we have warding to attend to.” Nodding to Sirius, he motioned for Remus to follow then headed for the front door with Remus trailing behind.
Clapping Harry on the back, Sirius said, “Right—let's find something to do until we start getting bombarded.” Standing with a groan, he motioned for Harry to follow, hoping to pick something out that wasn’t stressful and wouldn’t be bothered by interruptions, to keep them from going mental.

Though the situation was a serious one and the others starting to gather in the house were plenty stressed, Remus' shoulders were shaking at what he saw. Tonks did him one better; she was actually laughing so hard she was holding her sides. The two of them had gone to grab Sirius and Harry to join everyone in the kitchen for the meeting. They found them in one of the parlors with Sirius as Padfoot, allowing himself to be chased by Hobbes. Though that was plenty funny, this was even more so. Rather than changing back, Padfoot had barked at the cat, who immediately hopped up on his back and sat there all regal like with a smug look on his face, then Padfoot began to saunter towards the kitchen with the cat riding on his back, a chuckling Harry trailing along behind.
Snorting softly, trailing behind Harry, Remus clapped the teenager on the shoulder then said, unable to hide his amusement, “I see Hobbes found a nice ride.”
“Padfoot has become a noble steed,” Harry laughed, completely amused by this. It was a right riot, honestly.
“That cat is so spoiled,” Tonks said, unable able to stop laughing. “First the food, now he has his own ride wherever he goes.” Hand on Remus' arm, she shook her head, hair a bright pink. “I never knew you had it in you to spoil an animal this way, Harry.”
“It's easy to do,” Harry said with a shrug of his shoulders.
“I think that cat has you well trained,” Tonks told him, shoulders shaking.
“That's something I'll admit to,” Harry grinned, stepping in front of Padfoot when he stopped then opened the door to the kitchen so the two could go in. Trailing after, he waited until Padfoot got by the bench where there were a couple empty seats then sat down and patted his lap. Immediately, Hobbes hopped into it, snuggling up close, purring up a storm.
Despite the stresses of the day, about half those at the table began laughing at what they saw. Even Moody was snorting in an amused way.
Shoulders shaking madly, Bill shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. “And you have gone so far beyond the spoiling that it's almost surreal, you two. First there is feeding the cat caviar. Now Padfoot as feline transportation? If that doesn't scream supremely spoiled, I don't know what does! Bloody hell, that is a riot!”
Shifting back then taking a seat by Harry, Sirius grinned sheepishly and scratched his goatee. “We were just having a bit of fun. That's all. Harry managed to coax him into it,” Sirius admitted with a shrug. Having Harry summon a beer for him, some milk for Hobbes and a butterbeer for himself so he could get in some practice doing it, Sirius took the beer then sipped it when it landed just where it should. Giving his godson a clap on the back, he said, “You've got it down. Good!”
“I see you worked on something constructive besides seeing how badly you can spoil the cat,” Remus quipped, unable to stop his shoulders from shaking. Knowing what Lucius and Sirius were like with Harry, it was a sure bet the two did this just to give him a laugh and to help minimize the stress of all of this. It probably worked well, too, from what he was seeing. That was good.
Chortling and wiping his eyes, Albus shook his head then said, “My boys, that was a laugh we all needed. I don't think I've seen anything like that in many a year. Though I do tend to agree with Bill on the spoiled bit.”
“We're allowed,” Sirius chuckled, still grinning, nudging the snickering Harry. “Besides, it's fun.” Reaching over and giving the smug looking Lucius a scratch on the head, he asked, sobering up, “Fill us in on what's going on. We only got bits and bobs as you lot came and went. I think it's probably something we need to know if we had company in that park. And did anyone come up with anything to help monitor it?” With Lucius being right there, this was a good way to get him the information so he could pass it along. That they needed so they could plan accordingly.
Sobering up, face taking on a somber cast, Albus sighed, “I'll give everyone a complete rundown of what went on with the timeline of events so we're all on the same page then we'll press on to security measures. All we know is that it's big, whatever it is. Severus will try to find out what he can then pass it along. He said to give him a couple of days.” Then he began doing a detailed rundown of events in the order they came, hoping that way everyone had the totality of what went on so they could all prepare for whatever was coming.
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Well, Ain't That Strange?