Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Lucius Views: 96985 -:- Recommendations : 12 -:- Currently Reading : 15
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no form of profit off this story

Chapter List
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Chapter 28

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

Looking around the table after walking his youngest children through just what they knew and all they had learned in the last week, Arthur then folded his hands on it before saying, shaking his head, “In this case, we have a mess. Your mother and I will also admit to the fact that we made many mistakes when it came to Albus and what happened. We were wrong in so much we did. What happened with Harry—well, let's just say that it shouldn't have and he has every right in the world to be mad at us.”
“It was both of you he mentioned in the paper, wasn't it?” Ginny asked, looking between her pale and upset parents. “I mean, Harry didn't say names, of course, but that's who it sounded like he was talking about.”
“It was,” Arthur sighed and nodded. “We tried to send him an owl, but the letter was returned unopened. That's enough to tell us he was and how upset he is over all that happened.” Glancing around, he added, “I don't want anyone upset with him over this. He has every right to feel the way he does when it comes to us. In fact, I can't blame him in the least. From the perspective of hindsight, we didn't do the right thing when it came to Harry. At the time, well—we all know what happened. Your mother and I shouldn't have blindly followed what Albus wanted and did what was right. We knew something was wrong with the Dursleys and so much else, but thought that Albus knew what he was talking about. That was wrong.”
Looking down at the table after a glance at the pale Ron, Hermione let out a shaky sigh then shook her head. “I just don't understand why Professor Dumbledore did this! It doesn't make any sense.” Glancing back up and looking around, she asked, “Does anyone, anywhere, have any idea just why he did what he did? I mean, there has to be a reason for this!”
“We don't know,” Molly told her softly with a shake of her head. “We really haven't heard a reason for this. I'm sure He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named factors into whatever it was, but I'm not sure if that's the whole reason. Maybe, in time, we'll find out. For now, I don't think any of us have a clue what the reason behind this whole mess might be.”
Sighing, not sure what to add to that, Arthur thought it over then said, quietly, keeping his voice down, “I think, whatever it is, will probably come out in the fullness of time. Maybe sooner than later, what with all that's going on. I'm also going to take a flier and say that it will probably be something that will anger all of us. I don't have any idea what it might be though.” Glancing around at the younger set, he pressed on, changing topics.
“I want this to be a lesson to all of you. It's one Molly and I should have known, but seemed to have ignored because of who we were dealing with. You have the right and should question what you're told. Most of all, you should never blindly follow anyone, no matter how much respect you have for them. The cause we were fighting for was a good one. All of us know that. The mistakes came in when we just didn't question what we were told and assumed that Albus had all our best interests at heart. That wasn't the case, as is being proven with what's playing out now. I think all of you sitting here need to remember that so you don't make the same mistakes we did when it came to this situation. If you do that, you end up paying in some way and people get hurt. In this case, it was a teenage boy that had an incredibly hard life, one that it appears the one leading us down the road to hell knew full well about, something he didn't do anything to fix. He also made sure that no one else did either. Those that wanted to, he made sure didn't with an excuse of some kind. That wasn't right, as we can now all see. Molly and I—it's a hard lesson to learn, one we're having problems with. We want you to remember it, though, so you don't fall into the same trap.”
“I think we all learned it, the hard way,” Hermione sighed, shaking her head, hands clasped tightly together in her lap. “Poor Harry.”
“That's another thing we all need to remember,” Molly told them gently, looking around. “Harry suffered so much because the adults in his life didn't step up to do what we should have. The same with some others in this situation. It's our fault for not doing that. Arthur and I are taking personal responsibility for our inaction. Plenty others need to as well. Though most in this situation aren't criminally liable for their inaction, that doesn't mean we don't share in the responsibility. We do. In plenty of ways. When it comes to that, the guilt over our failings may be worse and will haunt us for years. Rightfully so, in this case. And Harry—none of us blame him for running or saying what he did. He has every right in the world to be angry. If he never forgives us—well, we can't blame him there either. I want all of you to remember that.”
Looking at the table, a pale Ron didn't know what to do or say to any of this. It was just so much and was still blindsiding, though it had been going on for a week. After a couple of minutes of awkward silence around the table, he asked, “Does anyone have any idea who is helping Harry? I mean, they have to have some kind of clout to manage this. We don't know anyone that has that and I didn't think Harry did either. I mean, we all knew who Harry was friends with. None of them could have pulled this off.”
Looking at his wife, who was glancing at him, Arthur then shook his head and sighed. “We don't know, Ron. That's a question we've asked ourselves all week. And I'm sure plenty of others are as well. It's another of those things that will probably be revealed in the fullness of time. Though it may take years for that to come to pass. Just—for now, until proven otherwise, let's go by the assumption that whoever it was Harry found to help him is doing what all of us should have all along; having his best interests at heart and helping him. I think that's all that matters in this case. Let's just hope he gets the help he needs and can be happy. After this mess, he deserves that.” Seeing nods, Arthur then shifted the conversation to different plans they had for over the extended holiday. Oh, he wasn't fool enough to think the topic would die. With all that was going on, it wouldn't. Especially if plenty of other related areas came out in the papers. For now, though, they all needed to relax slightly and not dwell on it.

Sitting in Tom's study after having been filled in on just what was really going on, Draco was staring at the floor, still trying to comprehend it all. Finally, he completely understood the conversation with his father and more beyond that. It was also readily apparent just how his own actions had hindered what was going on. That made him feel sick. Even worse? He learned plenty of things that weren't in the paper. That—he wasn't sure what he read could get worse as it came out. Now he understood it could and did. Sighing, he shook his head, not sure what to think. He also didn't know how to handle parts, like the fact that Potter and his father were in a relationship. At this juncture, he wasn't going to say a word, though. He would just bide his time and see what was going on for himself before judging that chunk of it. After all, his father wasn't the kind to get sucked into something foolish or end up used. He was far too smart for that. Potter—if all of this was right, something he knew it was, trusted everyone he was close to, well, those not in the school anyway and wouldn't pull some foolish stunt. Which meant it all had to be just what it seemed.
Though all of this was hard to handle and a lot to take in, what else was coming was worse. When he was done here, he was going to see Potter where he was staying. That was something everyone wanted him to do. He could understand that, of course. With as involved as everyone in his family, and those he considered to be such already, in the situation was, it was normal. That had him on edge, of course, especially with all that had gone on over the years between him and Potter. With all he knew now, he felt sick over some of what he did or tried. Like the chunk with Umbridge. That—on top of everything else Potter was dealing, it wasn't something he needed. Even worse was he was told to not do it, something he ignored. His involvement wasn't going to help anything at all.
Going to see Potter paled in comparison to what was coming before that, though. At the moment, he was alone in Tom's office with him because the man wanted to talk to him. That—well, it wasn't something that would end pretty for him. Especially knowing he had ignored a directive from the man when it came to the squad. Now it was time to face the music. He didn't want to, but it was coming. Unlike his mother and father, Tom pulled no punches with him when he screwed up, something he had done.
Hearing Tom say his name, Draco stiffened his spine and looked at the man that would probably be his step-father in the near future. And he was sure of the topic. He just had to deal with his own choices now, something that was a slightly bitter potion to swallow, though he would without grousing.
Looking at Draco, Tom crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair. Drumming his fingers on his desk, he said, tone level, though firm, “I think we need to talk about your future, Draco.” Seeing the teen nod, looking pale, Tom pressed on, “I know one of the things you want more than anything in the world is to become a Death Eater, like your father and grandfather before him. As we've discussed, that's something I've been reluctant to consider because of your mother. Because of my relationship with her, and the real possibility that you will end up my step-son, I don't want to take that step. Being one of my followers isn't something easy, as we all know, for various reasons. I don't want your mother to ever have to worry about you the way she has your father. Just because she knows he can handle himself, probably better than most could, doesn't mean she doesn't worry. When it comes to you, that would be more pronounced, obviously. There is also the fact I don't want to cause conflict with her over some of what I might have to ask you to do. That always gave me pause, as you well know, since we've talked about it, several times, since you've voiced desire to be a Death Eater.” Seeing Draco nod again, obviously understanding what he was talking about, Tom then pressed on. “I was actually reconsidering that stance because what we are doing isn't as rough as it has been in the past. At least until it came to light that you directly disobeyed an order from me.”
Swallowing thickly, Draco looked at Tom, trying to keep his normal mask in place even though his guts were twisting. The time to deal with what he had done had come. And he wasn't going to like this.
Tom looked at Draco, making sure he had his full attention, then pressed on. “Of all those that express an interest in taking the Dark Mark, you're the one that knows best that when I tell someone to do something or give a direct order that I have a damn good reason for doing so. You also know that I expect them to follow it to the letter. Everything I do in such areas has a purpose. While you may not know the reason behind what I say, it's there. And it's important. When it came to that squad and Harry, that was the case as well. Rather than realize that, you decided petty revenge meant more to you than what I had to say. As I'm the one that composed the note to you telling you to resign and leave Harry alone, I know you had to realize what it meant, Draco. You ignored it. If you really were one of my Death Eaters I would be exacting punishment on you as we speak. That's something you know well as you're aware that I do not stand for someone directly disobeying my orders. Don't you, Draco?”
“Yes,” Draco told him, voice shaking as he did. Now he was wondering where this was going. Tom wouldn't torture him, he knew that, but he wasn't going to let him get away with what he did either.
Leaning forward, elbows resting on the edge of his desk, hands clasped, Tom looked at him intently. “In this case, because you're not a marked Death Eater, I won't exact the same kind of reprisals I do on those. Actually, I wouldn't anyway because of your mother. I want you to keep something in mind, though, Draco. I'm not your mother or father that makes excuses for you, excuses behavior or whatever. I want you to own what you did. We're all aware what you're like. Being spoiled and used to getting your way is not an excuse I accept when it comes to people that don't listen or obey orders. That you should know. Even from you I don't accept that. You are old enough that you know there are consequences to your actions. When this whole bit with the squad took place, you were old enough to know that. You also are well aware of what you did and what could come of it, Draco. So, unlike so many in your life, I'm not going to accept those excuses and there will be a reprisal, of a kind. It's time you grow up and realize that your hurt feelings, a slight against you, embarrassment, whatever, is not a reason to carry on with a vindictive campaign against someone. That's exactly what this whole mess was about. Harry 'slighted' you by not being your friend. It doesn't matter that it was your first year at Hogwarts, you couldn't stand that you were slighted and didn't get what you wanted. That's all this boils down to. Now, though, I bet you understand exactly why he did that, don't you?”
Thinking back over those articles in the paper, Draco gave a bare nod then said, softly, “I do.”
“I thought so. It was you that made your bed in the situation. Even worse, you let it eat at you to the point that you fully focused on it to the exclusion of good sense and obeying what you were told. In doing that, you're not going to get the one thing you want; my Mark. As I said, I was reconsidering it. I could use a few in that school to help with various things. You've proven to me that you shouldn't be one of them. There are others your age that have expressed a similar interest, ones I will probably go with in this case. For the foreseeable future, I won't be considering you to help with anything I need in that area despite the fact it would be easier on all of us because of who your parents are. No, you've proven I can't trust you to follow an order. So, until you can once more prove to me that you will follow orders, even if you don't like them, you are out for anything I may need. I honestly don't see you being able to do that for a very long time, Draco. This was big, as you well know now, and something we desperately needed for me to keep my word to Harry about protecting him the best I could. I don't like the fact that someone that professes to want to be my follower would force me to not fulfill something I vowed. Especially one that knows why he should have done that and that I had a good reason. You will remain what you are to me; someone that will probably become my step-son and is the child of the woman I love and a man I consider not only my top ranking Death Eater, but a friend, but not a follower. I would suggest that from this point forward, you think long and hard about this before you let a petty slight by a child get to you again.”
Stomach clenching as he looked at Tom, Draco gave an internal sigh then said, “I will. I promise.”
“You better,” Tom told him firmly. “Now, we can easily start with what's about to come. Keep an open mind, Draco. Harry is not what you perceived him as all these years. If he was, your mother, father, myself, aunt and so many others wouldn't have anything to do with him. And, at this point, he has plenty to deal with over what happened. What he does not need is you adding to the problems that are there. Think of this as a new beginning where you get to start over. We all know he's not going to cause issues with you, so I expect you not to with him. And he's going to now be part of your life. That's something we need you to accept. It will take time, that I know, just don't cause problems. Can you do that?”
“I can,” Draco told him. Straightening up, vowing to make up for his mistake and prove he could be trusted, he reiterated, “I can,” in a firm voice.
Smiling a little and nodding, Tom said, “Good. Now, how about we go see Harry? You can also meet your cousin Sirius for the first time, I believe. And Padfoot. You have yet to be drooled on by the dog, so you need initiated.”
Smiling a little at that, Draco nodded. Though this still hurt and he felt horrible, this was Tom's way of saying it was over. With that, Draco decided he could and would prove he was worthy of that Mark. It may take time, but he would.

Though nervous about seeing Draco, something he knew was coming shortly from what he was told, Harry was grinning. He was out on the pitch with Sirius, Remus, Bella and Padfoot. At the moment, Bella was seated on the ground cooing and making kissy noises at the dog. Padfoot seemed to enjoy it because he was licking her face, something that made her cackle happily every time he did it. It was strange, he admitted that, but he didn't mind it, really. After all, it served to lighten the mood. Despite all the things he had heard about Bella over the years, let alone knew what she had done in the past, he liked her. She was strange, he would admit that, but there was something about her that he adored. After all, her usual greeting to him was that odd baby talk of hers, pinching his cheek and making kissy noises. It was great as far as he was concerned.
When his attention was drawn away from Bella as he heard voices, Harry stiffened up then looked in the direction they were coming from. As expected, Tom, Lucius and Narcissa were approaching with Draco. The time had come to deal with this. Though everyone assured him that there wouldn't be problems, he couldn't help but be nervous about it, what with past history.
Feeling Sirius put a hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze, Harry looked at his godfather then back to the people approaching, waiting.
Hand on Draco's shoulder, Tom guided his future step-son over to where they were on the pitch. Lucius went ahead of him and Narcissa to stand by Harry, who was probably nervous. It was best that he and Narcissa deal with Draco. Stopping where they were, he looked at Draco then said, grinning, as he gestured to Bella, who was still cooing at the dog, “Meet Padfoot. Let Harry introduce him so he realizes you aren't a threat then he can slobber and shed on you.”
Though the dog had been described to him, Draco's eyes were wide as he looked at the creature. Nothing could have prepared him for the size or the mass of fur. Aunt Bella—well, as strange as she was, he could understand what she was doing as she was odd that way. “Potter, where did you get an animal like that? And are you sure it's a dog?” He really hadn't known how to start this off with Potter, what with all that had gone on, but that seemed as good a place as any.
Grinning a little as he heard Sirius and Remus chuckle, not to mention how smug Lucius looked, Harry told him, “Yeah, we're sure it's a dog. And your dad bought him for me.” Taking Padfoot's leash, he led the dog over to check Draco out so the animal could remember him and know he wasn't a threat. “He's fine, don't worry. He likes almost everyone.”
Wary because of the dog's size, Draco let the creature sniff him then yelped when the beast stood on his hind legs, put his paws on his shoulders and proceeded to lick his ear, messing up his hair as he did. “Control him! He's drooling on me!” Draco stammered, not sure what to do.
“That just means he likes you,” Harry said with a soft chuckle, though he made the dog heel. Reaching down to pet Padfoot's head, he said, “Nothing to worry about, Malfoy.”
“Just hope he doesn't like you any more than that,” Remus said softly, smiling. “If he does, it means he thinks he's a lapdog and will beat you to death with his tail while slobbering on you.”
Unhooking the leash, Harry showed Padfoot his ball, something that had the dog bouncing in circles and barking, then he threw it. Immediately, the dog was off after it, barking happily. “He's nothing to worry about.”
Shaking his head, watching the dog chase the ball, Draco said, “I do not want to be drooled on by that beast!”
“You'll get used to it, Draco,” Lucius said, reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder.
Shaking his head, Draco said, “I don't want to get used to being drooled on, Father!”
Chuckling, Tom said, “You will because you won't have a choice.” Watching the dog, he said, “When he comes back, let's go in and get something warm to drink. Then we can talk.”
Nodding, Harry said, “Yeah, some hot chocolate sounds good, what with how cold it is.” Though this was strained, he'd manage. After all, this was Lucius' son, so he would try. He just hoped that it would become less stressful as time went on was all. He'd deal, of course. After all, he had to. And, well, Draco was easier to deal with than so much of what he was at the moment. It would just take time was all. That he had plenty of.
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