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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
- 25
- 26
- 27
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 25

Standing behind his desk, looking around, Tom nodded. He had plenty of his Death Eaters here, but only the ones he trusted the most. Plus Draco and Narcissa. Looking at Lucius, who was seated next to him, he cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. When he had it, he started in. “We have a great deal to work out, fast. Which means I need input and will start assigning jobs that need attended to as quickly as all of us can manage.”
Glancing at Bella, her husband, Narcissa and Draco, he said, “Harry and Black have agreed to stay at the Manor if it comes to that. I'm expecting it to happen, within a couple of weeks if I can at all manage it. What I need from you four is to make sure that wing is up and as comfortable as you can get it for the three of them. I also want to make sure there aren't issues.”
Focusing on Bella, her husband and Draco, he continued, “I do understand there are issues here, for all of you, with the people involved. We can't have this. Harry and Black have agreed to do their best to make it go smoothly. I expect that from the three of you as well. My understanding is they are going to stay in the wing you're going to be working on almost all the time, but if you encounter them play nice. All of you.” Looking at Bella, who was nodding vigorously, he told her, “Black said there are serious problems with you that go back years. Put them aside. Consider that an order from me.”
“Of course, my Lord,” Bella told him with a vigorous nod.
“I also want all of you doing what you can to protect them. We know the Ministry can't detect anything through these wards. If they could, we would already have big problems. We are going to layer more on. That will help not only keep them safe, but all of you as well.”
Looking at Narcissa, he sighed then asked, “You're aware of the issues that could come of this when it pertains to you? Black is probably not a problem as he has the life experience to handle it. It's Harry that's the concern.”
“I am,” Narcissa nodded, smiling slightly. “Rest assured, I'll make it as clear as I can that I won't tread into anything that might upset that bond. With Harry—I'll deal accordingly with whatever he exhibits. If it involves staying far away, I will.”
“Perfect and all I can ask of you,” Tom told her with a smile. Looking around again, he said, “What we're going to do is this; those of you good with warding I'm going to have you work with me on the Manor. Lucius has picked the oldest of the family wings, the one in the very back, for the two. We'll layer on what we can beyond what we're doing with the rest. As it's only temporary for that wing, we can put plenty on. And we need it done as quickly as we can manage.”
Hearing the affirmations he needed from those he would use for that, he pressed on. “Narcissa, you, Draco and the others will get on making sure it's ready and comfortable. I do get the elves will do most of the work, but we know they need supervision. As this is as fast as possible, we're going to need the help of all of you making sure it's ready. Lucius told me that this wing hasn't had more than the most basic of cleaning in over a century, so it'll keep you busy.”
“We'll take it on and make sure it's nice,” Narcissa told him with a smile and a nod, pleased to be able to help in some way. While it might not seem like much to most, it was for her.
“The warding we're going to start as soon as we can,” Tom told them, looking around. “Next, I need some of you that are good with charms or knowledge of communication to come up with something we can use to get messages back and forth to two people once Harry and Black are out. While they do want that to assure them they are safe, I don't think I need tell anyone what a boon this can be to us in getting information about what's going on. Lucius is feeding us plenty now, with the knowledge of those he's around. We want this to continue, so we need something. Fast.”
After several told him they would look into it, Tom then sat down. Stroking Nagini's head, he told everyone, “Now we are into the worst of what's coming. We're about to turn up the heat on that side as high as we can get it. That includes more overt showings and getting into it with some of them, including Albus. I don't want injuries, but for it to look good. Tomorrow is Harry's birthday. Lucius told me that a huge party is planned and they are expecting plenty more because of our showing up the other day. This is perfect for us to show up again and throw them into a mad panic. I want this. So, we only have a day to plan this out then beyond what we're going to do. While I have the most basic of plans in place, I want suggestions for other areas if you have them.”
Before anyone could start, he said, “I do need a couple odd areas.” Looking at Draco, he said, “I want you with me. You will not engage anyone. That's a direct order. However, what I want is you Polyjuiced as your father. He can't attend because it has to look good with Hobbes being in the house.” Before anyone could say anything and seeing the excited look on Draco's face, he added, “This is because you can imitate your father's mannerisms perfectly. Lucius said he can get you what you need today to imitate his cane and all else.” Giving Draco a hard look, he added, “And you will not brag about this when you go back to school. That is a direct order, Draco. This will help tremendously, keep that in mind.”
“Of course, my Lord,” Draco told him, looking smug, chin lifted.
“Narcissa, we may need you as well. You will be Polyjuiced too. I'm going to have Lucius get permission from Arthur to use you at the Burrow. As I do not want to engage anyone there, this should work perfectly.” Tom explained.
“I can do that,” Narcissa told him, lifting her chin and smiling.
“If I send you Polyjuiced, I do not want you to engage. Period. No spells are to be used unless it's to shield. Keep in mind that spells can be used to identify your Magical signature. Despite being Polyjuiced, it will show as who you really are if Albus or one of the others take it in their head to check it out. We do not want this.” Tom told everyone, looking around. “Also, that I don't want injuries unless you are defending yourself. Even then, make it minor. We are getting help we desperately need from those we're working with. I don't think I need tell you that we want it to continue. If my word is broken when it comes to injuries, that will stop. I do not want that source to dry up and will get quite angry if it does.”
“Now, I need suggestions on what else we can do. One of the things I want is to turn the heat up on Severus. That we need as well. So, start talking about what you think can help,” Tom said, folding his hands on the desk, looking around. As these were the best he had, he was sure they could come up with something good.

After everyone left, Tom had Narcissa and Draco stay with him and Lucius. Leaning back, he sighed. Looking between the two, he explained, “What we want you both to know is that Lucius won't be able to be home as much as he is now. We need him in that house. It's just something we want you aware of. He'll manage when he can, but I don't want him taking a chance if there's too much of a risk.”
“We'll deal accordingly,” Narcissa assured him with a nod, seeing Draco do the same.
“I also need the presents you've picked up. There is no chance I'm going to attempt to come back tomorrow to get them with what we're setting up,” Lucius explained. “If there's an emergency, send an elf. I'll do what I can.”
“Of course,” Narcissa nodded. “Nothing to worry about, Lucius. We'll handle everything on our end, don't fret. I'll have that wing ready as fast as I can manage and deal with the normal household matters. If anything comes in that only you can attend to, I'll send an elf with it. We'll manage to get by.”
“I just wanted everyone to understand,” Lucius told her with a smile. “I'll be back when I can, but I'm not sure when that might be. We actually may have to go about it an odd way, with the elves bringing me and taking me back. It's not something I know yet. That's going to depend on what goes on.” Sighing, he added, “I'm not willing to leave Harry to his own devices if Sirius is busy. Albus is plotting something with him. What that is we don't know. Until we do, we don't want him left alone. Hence me staying as much as I can.”
“A very wise move,” Tom nodded. Looking at Draco, who was listening intently, he told him, “Nothing to be jealous or get upset over. We would do the same for you. I'm sure you understand why your father is taking this step. It can only protect all of us later as well.”
“I do and will deal accordingly,” Draco assured him with a determined nod. “And I'll help all I can.”
Putting a hand on the back of his son's head and rubbing it, Lucius smiled. “Once we get out, you'll have me back. At least until you go back to school. I'll ensure I spend extra time with you before that happens.”
“Much appreciated, father,” Draco told him with a smile. He did like this, though. Not only was he helping, but it was giving the right side of this mess a hand. While he couldn't let anyone know he was doing this, the fact he was made him feel useful. Besides, he'd get to be involved in something huge and imitate his father. That was even better.

“I need your help, Severus, desperately,” Albus sighed after popping a lemon sherbert in his mouth. They were in his office at Hogwarts as the two of them were starting their preparations for term.
Settling into a chair, smoothing down his robes then folding his arms over his chest, Severus sighed then asked, hoping this wasn't something more deranged than normal, “What with?”
“We need Harry in this castle until we can figure out what to do with the Horcrux in his scar. And how to do that is beyond me. I do understand that Sirius has to come with him, but the how is what has me stopped in my tracks. It was my hope that you had some kind of suggestion on how we can manage.”
Sighing, Severus looked down and thought that over. Of all the things the old man could have brought up that would have been odd, this was actually a reasonable one. From what he knew, Potter was in grave danger at this point. The more overt showings and other bits he was hearing told him they needed to do something to protect the brat.
After a few moments, he shook his head slowly, “I don't know, Albus, I really don't. Black now has complete control over what he does. Getting him to agree won't be easy. Then there is how we would work having him with. It could easily go through the Board as they've handled such matters before and made provisions, but him being around with nothing to do is a bad idea. Not to mention that bond and what it might invoke. We've done a fair bit of reading on it by now, so we know that if anyone takes after Potter or makes overtures, there'll be problems.”
“Yes, which is where my dilemma in coming up with a viable solution is.” Albus admitted with a deep sigh. “Though Sirius is filing the paperwork for homeschooling, that can end up reversed if he wants. We just don't have much time to figure out a way to do this. I thought about assigning him duties of some sort and getting him employed, but it won't work because of what it might set off if someone starts with Harry. So, I hoped you might have some idea what we can do.”
Thinking about it, Severus shook his head then groused, “I have nothing workable, Albus. Even taking over a teaching position won't help. That may actually cause issues unto itself. Black's Animagus form is now registered, so he couldn't use him as a Ministry approved animal for protection.” Head going back, he tried to think.
“We have to be cautious as well so it doesn't look like Harry is getting special treatment. That would send up plenty of Howlers from parents that would go to the Board.” Albus tossed out there so they didn't tread in that direction.
“True,” Severus groaned. Thinking more, he shook his head. “I don't know, I really don't. The only thing I can come up with has to do with that old cabin not far from Hagrid's. You know the one, down by the barns used for storing food for the animals. Even then, if we can get it up and fixed then convince Black to move them there, it won't solve the problems, Albus. If he goes to classes, the same issues come up. We don't need that as it'll set off a firestorm. With the paperwork Black is filing, the Board is going to know what bond is there then the consequences of it. I don't see them approving him being in the castle even if he does pull the paperwork.”
“Not something I thought of, but very true,” Albus admitted, twiddling his thumbs. Pondering that small cabin, he discounted it. However, something else came to mind. Standing, he walked over to one of the bookshelves then pulled down a tome on Hogwarts that had a map of the grounds in it. Running a long finger over the map, he sighed, “There is another small home on the grounds. It's just inside the boundary of the Forbidden Forest south of Hagrid's cabin. I doubt anyone has been in it for ages. Maybe we can get them there.”
“And that would definitely fall in the realm of special treatment, Albus,” Severus pointed out, looking sour. “The Board would not go for that and you know it. Unless they have a specific reason to be there, I can guarantee plenty in my house would have Howlers off to their parents about it then the Board will end up involved. Besides that, we then circle back to the issue of Potter being in the castle with Black and what could come of it. You might as well assign them one of the towers for quarters if you want to go that route. I don't see you getting this through without the Board kicking it back with a denial. The only way I can foresee they wouldn't is for protection. As Potter is the only one that truly needs that and he's being pulled out, there is nothing I can come up with.”
Tossing the book aside, Albus flopped in his chair with a sigh. Stroking his beard, he thought over what was said then began to nod. “Severus, I think you gave us what we need.” Seeing a confused look there, he explained, “The protection. The denial is over when it comes to Tom being back. That's self-explanatory after the battle this spring. Sirius is an ex-Auror and was a very good one. We can use him for security around here. I don't see the Board objecting to that. We use Argus most of the time, but he's a Squib, so what he can do is limited. Sirius knows plenty. If we go about it that way, we can get him into the castle with Harry. The bond there will also not be an issue as Harry can stick to Sirius while he tends to his duties. We also won't have problems with his schooling. If we play this right, he can still remain on homeschooled status, though be in the castle. I think I can persuade Remus to come along as his primary teacher while Sirius attends to his duties. We have the unused tower that was once home to teachers with families. This can work, if we play it right. All we have to do is stay mindful of that bond and what it might set off. It's something I think I can work on. We'd also have Harry here with his friends, something I'm sure he'll adore.”
Taking that all in, Severus gave a slow nod. It wasn't the best option in the world, but it might be a step in the right direction. At the very least, it was buying them the time they desperately needed. More than anything, that was something they had to have. “Yes, this might be the start. If you can get the Board to agree.”
“I know a couple people on it that I can go to. They won't take much persuading if I phrase it right. After all, we both know that we're going to need something in the way of protection because of what's coming.” Albus told him, mind already working on what he had to do and how to go about it.
“You get him in this castle and we can go from there,” Severus told him. “That and I'll get what information we need when I can. That's not much at the moment, admittedly. I'll do what I can to gather more.”
“Let me get with the Board first, then I'll tackle the issue with Sirius. Harry—I do need to work on that end as well so we can get him in the place we need until we can figure out how to remove that Horcrux. He's needed in this battle and we can't get him there with him and Sirius staying glued together.”
“It's something we can manage,” Severus agreed. Though he did, he was plenty dour about what was imparted. The more the old man schemed, the harder fulfilling what he vowed was becoming. This was tricky anyway because of the Dark Lord end. Albus was just making it worse as he now had to worry about him as well when it came to the vow he made. However, if Potter and Black were close, he might find a way to manage what he needed and do something to protect Potter from both sides. If the worst came of it, he could get them out somewhere. How? That he didn't know, but he would find a way if it came down to it.

Holed up in one of the small parlors on the ground floor with Arthur, Remus, Sirius and Harry, something they had warded heavily, Lucius ran through the plans they had made at the meeting. When he finished, he added, “First, expect fireworks tomorrow. If you're involved, I do ask the favor that you make sure 'I' stay safe if you can at all manage. The Dark Lord promises that he'll stay next to Draco, but I would like help if you can.”
“I'll do what I can, Lucius,” Remus told him with a nod and smile. That was a small favor, as he saw it, from someone that had done quite a lot to help. “Send a message along to have 'you' focus on me. If he does that, I'll ensure that he doesn't get hurt.”
“I will and my thanks,” Lucius nodded, relieved. Lupin would, indeed, ensure that he didn't hurt his son. “I just want all of you to know what's coming. We're doing our best to ignite this as fast as we can before Albus can pull something we can't counter or come up with some harebrained scheme it would look odd to turn down. They are starting on the Manor today and should have it up to standards in days. So, it'll be ready.”
“We'll deal accordingly,” Arthur nodded. Quietly, he added, smiling, “And I take no issue with Narcissa Polyjuiced as you. She's not one that would engage or use spells.”
“No, she wouldn't be comfortable with that,” Lucius assured him. “However, she's perfect as a 'dummy me' because she can mimic what I would do without putting any of yours in danger.” Looking around, he added, “Once those coming for the party start showing up, I'm sending Kreacher over with a message to let the Dark Lord know. He's going to have someone watching from there on out to judge the best time. I can't give that, and it's probably wise we don't know, but he wants it in full swing before they make a showing. He's also going to make sure they are seen by the right people. Then we go from there. I'm sure that will send everyone into a mad scramble.”
“Just what we want,” Sirius nodded, rubbing the back of Harry's head.
“We do,” Lucius agreed. Pressing on, he said, “He's got several on the warding of the Manor, working on communications and other areas. By the time we get to the point of pulling out, it should be in place. Before then, he's going to turn the heat up on Severus as high as he can. There won't be torture involved, of course, but he's going to feel like he's under pressure. He's also going to see what he can do to rile a couple others that we know are likely to feel it then pull something foolish. What we're doing anyway will put it on plenty. Let's see what he can do to ignite this and get them to poke Sirius. If you all know who to pressure, let me know.”
“I'm actually going to say Minerva will end up doing it as high as the heat is,” Arthur said, looking around. “We all know that she is generally quite cool under pressure. The bond and what that means might push her there as she doesn't approve. That she's making clear. She won't be as overt as Severus, but I'm sure the cold tones and underhanded jabs will come. That won't take extra effort either with what's coming.”
“Good,” Lucius nodded, happy with that. The less they had to focus on certain people, the better off they were. “I'm going to say, to turn up the dial a little for some, that Sirius and Harry show more overt displays of affection. Most won't bat an eye, but it might prod the ones we need.” Glancing at Arthur, he added, “Just not around Molly. Minerva might be one to do that around. The same with a couple others.”
“We can do that,” Sirius grinned, ruffling the flushed Harry's hair. “No heavy snogging sessions, but more like what you lot see with the holding and that. It'll get across what we want without embarrassing us.”
“That I can handle,” Harry told him with a nod. He couldn't deal with the snogging or whatever, but just that was fine.
“I think that's all I need to impart. If there's more, I'll have Sirius send it along. Just stay alert tomorrow, all I can say. The Dark Lord will do his best to ensure no one gets seriously hurt, but stay wary because of who's involved or might be around.” Seeing nods, he sighed then said, “As we're under siege, or so it feels like, its best we get back so no one grows suspicious.” Hearing agreement with that, he shifted back to Hobbes then hopped in Harry's lap, purring loudly. The end was coming, at least to this part, so tensions were high. He thought his biggest issue from here on out was to make sure everyone didn't crack under the pressure from it. That he could manage in various ways, especially with Harry as he wasn't used to such matters.
Purring louder and cuddling up, he rested his chin on Harry's shoulder as his young man stood to follow the others out. As he did and felt Harry pet him, he felt content. This was good, despite what was coming and the stress from it. If they kept up what they were doing, they should all be fine. Or so he hoped.
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Well, Ain't That Strange?