Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Freedom Bound in Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 58477 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Harry Potter characters. I did not make money from this story.

Chapter List
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The Ministry of Magic
Eventually it was the day they were scheduled to go to the Ministry to formalize the co-guardianship and give an interview to the media announcing their return. Andromeda would meet them there, and afterwards they would go with her for three days before returning to the manor to finish out their Malfoy month.
“Remember your mask,” Draco reminded, chin raised as Harry tied his tie for him.
“Yes, Draco.”
They wore the day clothes that Harry wore everyday plus Draco wore a dark blue over-robe on top. He had no idea why he had to wear so many clothes, especially if a robe was going on top and hiding most of what he was wearing underneath, but Narcissa insisted it mattered.
Drawing the line at the uncomfortable shoes, he wore his battered sneakers instead. Narcissa had asked for him to tie his hair back or cut it in compromise for the shoes, so Draco pulled it into a ponytail, his bangs falling free to frame his face. He licked his fingers and tucked them behind his ears.
Harry wore a black robe to Draco's dark blue, but he had the matching silver embroidery on sleeves, collar, and bottom hem. Unlike Draco, he wore the dress shoes. Hair messy no matter what Narcissa did to it and black-framed glasses over big green eyes, he looked adorable.
Full of love for the small boy standing in front of him, Draco touched his cheek. “I'm gonna be right beside you.”
Green eyes lifted to meet grey. “I'll be good,” Harry promised, his voice wavering only a little.
Draco leaned forward and gently kissed those sweet lips. “I know you will.” He reached forward and took Harry's hand, leading him from the safety of their bedroom.
They ate a tense and silent breakfast, Draco frowning and tugging at his collar repeatedly. Afterward, they were led to the receiving room. The Malfoys looked much as they had when they'd arrived at Dumbledore's office – blank-faced and dressed sharp.
“Only certain families are given access to directly floo into the Ministry,” Lucius told them, bragging. “Are you ready?”
Draco took Harry's hand and squeezed into the crowded fireplace with the two adults. The fire flared green, and with a whirl, they were landing somewhere else. Draco stepped out, barely noticing Lucius spelling his and Harry's robes clean. The place was massive!
Dark wooden floors, massive fireplaces all in a row, dozens of them, constructed of black marble bricks, green and gold curved fireplace mantles, massive black chandeliers, and a river of people creating a low, constant murmur echoing around the tall, narrow chamber.
Lucius, cane in hand, strode slightly a head of them. Narcissa held one of Harry's hand and Draco had hold of the other, placing the smaller boy safely between them. They boys stared wide-eyed at the oddly dressed people around them; they wore layered robes, witch's hats, old fashion suits, and strange uniforms. Birds flew above their heads or sat on shoulders. Paper airplanes zoomed around in flocks. Goblins walked knee-high to adults, grumbling angrily.
“The Ministry has seven departments in all, each dealing with different aspects of the Wizarding world,” Narcissa explained as they walked. “The Department of Magical Law Enforcement is located on level two. It is the largest. All the others more or less answer to it, except the Department of Mysteries. We are headed to level eight, where the conference rooms are located.”
The lobby had concentric rings made of white and green marble and in the center was a massive statue made out of what looked like solid gold of a witch and wizard with other magical creatures looking pathetically up at them. Other statues and fountains with pale green water were stationed about. Surrounding the lobby were dozens of windows several stories high, as if they were standing in a courtyard of some fancy hotel.
“Each department has a Head who leads it, but the Minister of Magic is the final authority. Millicent Bagnold is the current Minister, and she will be present at our meeting with the Head of Magical Child Services, as well as her Senior Undersecretary and Junior Assistant. Of course, the Head Auror will also be there, no doubt,” she continued as if they weren't nearly shocked stupid by their surroundings.
The crush of people moved them toward rows of old fashion elevators with metal gates. Narcissa fell silent as they stepped onto the elevator with six other people. Lucius grabbed Draco's shoulder and guided him toward the front corner. Harry came with him, and the Malfoys formed a protective wall between them and the other passengers.
Draco wrapped a supportive arm around Harry's waist, holding him close as the elevator moved quickly backward and then dropped. They zoomed forward before they stopped. A few people got off. They flew sideways before rising up for several seconds. They stopped once more. Lucius pressed gently, and Draco stepped off the elevator, pulling Harry with him.
They stood in a half-circle foyer with a desk and receptionist sitting directly ahead. Five doors made of nearly black wood were arrayed behind her. Lucius stepped forward, Narcissa taking Harry's hand once more and hanging back.
The young woman smiled. “Welcome to the Conference Center. May I have your name and which boardroom you have reserved?” she asked pleasantly.
“Lucius Malfoy. Number three,” Lucius drawled, affecting a bored tone.
“Of course.” She waved her wand and door three opened. “Have a good meeting, sir.”
Draco noticed that the woman eyed them curiously as they passed and narrowed his eyes. The room behind the door was brightly lit, lush red carpet, white walls, and a large oval table with at least ten plush chairs. A window at the back overlooked the lobby.
Andromeda was already inside. She bowed her head in greeting at the Malfoys, but she gave the boys a smile, saying, “Draco, Harry. Good morning.”
“Good morning, Auntie Andie,” Harry greeted her. He pulled free of Narcissa's hand to go to the older woman's side.
He knew it was his job to try and make Andie happy, in case Draco needed her to stand between them and the Malfoys. So he smiled and climbed into the chair next to her. Draco followed more slowly, sitting on Harry's left. Narcissa and Lucius took the chairs to Draco's left.
“How are you, Harry?” Andie asked Harry.
“Good, thank you,” Harry answered politely. “And you?”
Andie smiled, her hazel eyes bright. “I am very well.” She reached forward to try and smooth down his hair.
The door opened. A muscular man with thin brown hair and a mustache entered with a short chubby blonde woman on his heels. The man wore red robes, obviously a uniform of some type. The woman was in a lavender skirt and suit jacket. She carried a small brown briefcase.
Lucius rose to his feet. “Chief McLaggen. Mrs. Abbot,” he greeted them evenly.
McLaggen gave a respectful head bow. “Lord Malfoy.”
“Are these the children?” the woman interrupted. She positioned herself across from the boys and set her briefcase on the table in front of her, smiling warmly. “Good morning. My name is Abigail Abbot. I'm Head of the Department of Magical Child Services. I am so pleased to hear that you've returned home.”
“Andromeda Tonks,” Andie introduced, offering her hand.
Mrs. Abbot shook it. “A pleasure.”
As McLaggen took the seat next to Mrs. Abbot, a girl in her early twenties entered with a folder and feathered quill clutched to her chest. She was followed by a middle-aged man with dark hair and eyes. He had a solemn expression and sat away from everyone else. The girl sat halfway between the group and the standoffish man and set about getting her papers and quill ready.
“The Minister is on her way. It shouldn't be more than a few more minutes,” the man told them dourly.
“Thank you, Senior Undersecretary. I know she is a busy woman,” Mrs. Abbot said cheerfully.
Dumbledore entered the room. Draco lifted an eyebrow at the plum colored robes he wore, embroidered with a silver W over the breast. He gave them all a wide smile. “Ah. Good morning, all.” He focused first on Lucius and then on Narcissa, eyes twinkling. “May I offer my congratulations on this joyous occasion?”
“You are too kind,” Narcissa said politely, her expression blank.
Dumbledore continued to smile as he took the seat on the far side of Mrs. Abbot, placing him across from Andromeda.
An elderly witch with grey streaks in her thick, shoulder-length strawberry-blonde hair stepped last into the room. She wore thin, gold-framed glasses and was very thin and tall. She should have looked frail, but her eyes were full of life.
She smiled widely and clapped her hands. “Ah. Good. We're all here,” she exclaimed, voice strong. She sat directly in front of Lucius. “Shall we begin?”
“Thank you for officiating, Minister Bagnold,” Lucius said politely. He placed a hand casually on the table top, leaning back in his chair. “I am here to document the co-guardianship of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter between myself, my wife, and Andromeda Tonks. I would also like place into official record the magical contract we signed regarding the terms and conditions of the co-guardianship.”
“On what grounds?” Bagnold asked, glancing down the table as Mrs. Abbot snapped open her briefcase and took out an inch high stack of papers.
“I have received the proper paperwork, Minister. The Malfoys have provided the medical reports of an Asclepius regarding the twin-bond between the children, rendering the boys magical siblings in the eyes of the law. Thus the necessity of a co-guardianship between Harry Potter's legal guardian, Andromeda Tonks, and Draco Malfoy's guardians, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.”
“The magical contract was reviewed and accepted by your department?” Bagnold questioned.
“Yes, Minister,” Mrs. Abbot confirmed.
Bagnold turned her attention to Lucius. “Up until recently, your son was classified as missing with the DMLE.”
“I informed them upon Draco's return,” Lucius reported calmly.
“This is true,” McLaggen agreed. “However, we were not informed of the circumstances of young Malfoy's return.”
Bagnold's expression grew serious. “A manufactured twin-bond takes time to form. For the boys to have done so, they had to have been exposed to each other for a significant amount of time. Lord Malfoy, I must ask. Is Mrs. Tonks responsible for the abduction of your son and blackmailing you into a co-guardianship?”
“She is not,” Lucius answered, meeting her eyes easily. “My son and Mr. Potter were held together overseas and formed the bond there. They have only recently been discovered and returned to Great Britain. Mrs. Tonks was notified at the same time as myself and has not yet had the pleasure of hosting the children.”
“Mr. Potter was abducted by the same kidnappers? Why was I not informed of this?” Bagnold's dark eyes glinted behind her glasses as she flashed a look to McLaggen.
He gave her a subtle shake of his head. “We were not informed, Minister. Mr. Potter's location was sealed by the Wizengamot for his protection.”
Bagnold arched an eyebrow at Dumbledore. “Care to elaborate, Cheif Warlock? I assume that is why you are here.”
“Quite right.” Dumbledore stroked his long beard and stared thoughtfully across at the boys. They were watching the back and forth along the table solemnly. “I was the executor of Mr. and Mrs. Potter's Will. As the child's designated guardians were incapacitated, Harry was given into the care of his blood family and all connections to the magical world were cut at their request. As Chief McLaggen has reported, it was for his safety. I had no idea the child had been missing until I received an owl from a former student who claimed to have found both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. I immediately arranged for their return and contacted both Mrs. Tonks and Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.”
Bagnold did not seem satisfied with this simple recounting. “And the identity of the kidnapper?”
“Still a mystery,” Lucius drawled, but his eyes had brightened to a threatening silver. “I am still looking in to it.”
“I see.” Bagnold eyed him. “And how is it Mrs. Tonks has become Mr. Potter's guardian?”
“Mr. Potter has no remaining blood relatives,” Dumbledore answered smoothly. “According to law, guardianship reverts back to the godparents' families. Mrs. Tonks is the eldest surviving family member of Sirius Black, Mr. Potter's godfather. Lady Longbottom, the eldest surviving family member of Mr. Potter's godmother, has abdicated guardianship. She does not welcome such a connection between her family and the Malfoys. ”
“Some would say that is understandable,” Bagnold said gently, dark eyes unfathomable behind her glasses.
“I have agreed to the standard procedures of adopting a magical child, including scheduled and unscheduled visits by the DMCS,” Lucius answered gently, the sweet tone masking the danger underneath. “I see no reason for concern, Minister.”
“Then I see no reason to draw this out. If both parties are in agreement and Department Head Abbot has cleared your claim, then I hereby acknowledge and ratify the co-guardianship between twin-bonded Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter into the care of Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, and Mrs. Tonks. Do any here object?” The Minister actually looked to the boys, but they silently stared back at her. “Very well. Pass down the documentation for signing.”
Papers were passed around and everyone at the table signed. Draco wasn't sure if it was the same document and they were making multiple copies or if they were different forms that required all of their signatures. Either way, it took several minutes for the signing to finish. Eventually, the Minister with the Senior Undersecretary and the Junior Assistant said their goodbyes and well-wishes and took their leave.
“It was very nice to see you boys again,” Dumbledore said as he stood. “If you need anything, you have but to ask.”
“Yeah. Thanks,” Draco muttered, tucking his bangs back behind his ear.
“Thank you,” Harry echoed, much less cautiously.
Dumbledore twinkled at them and swept from the room.
“Would you like to set up our first scheduled visit while you are here?” Mrs. Abbot asked, looking back and forth between Lucius and Andromeda.
“That would be fine,” Andromeda answered first. “I am scheduled to have the children for the month of August. How does the twentieth sound?”
Mrs. Abbot smiled and made a note. “That sounds fine.”
“Then we will do the same. September twentieth would be fine,” Lucius drawled.
Mrs. Abbot nodded and wrote it down. “Well, boys, I have been made your case manager. I look forward to working with you.” She gave them a warm smile. “In the next few days, I will be by to do an interview with you to see how you are adjusting to your new environment.”
Draco didn't like how much she smiled. It was unnatural. He eyed her suspiciously.
“I'm going to discuss security for the press conference with Chief McLaggen,” Lucius broke in. He gave the woman a charming smile. “If it is convenient, you could get the interview out of the way now. I understand it has to be conducted without the guardians present, but surely a room would be available for a brief meeting.”
“That is a great idea. Thank you, Mr. Malfoy.” She stood and again smiled at Draco and Harry. “Would you like to come with me for a few minutes? It shouldn't take long. I have just a few basic questions.”
“Would it be acceptable if I stand in the lobby?” Narcissa asked, her expression softened just enough to show worry. “Just to be sure no one takes the boys without me seeing?”
“I understand your concern, of course.” Mrs. Abbot touched her suit jacket just above her heart, expression full of sympathy. “I believe that will be fine. As long as the boys feel comfortable with it.”
“It's fine,” Draco answered and stood, ready to get this over with.
Harry followed close behind him as they made their way to the door and back into the foyer with the very interested receptionist. Narcissa stood with them as they waited for Mrs. Abbot to figure out which room they could use.
“Don't forget your portkey,” Narcissa murmured, near silently.
Draco gave a small nod.
The button on both of their shorts was actually a very special portkey that would take them through the manor wards and deposit them in the entrance hall by the marble staircase. It was just in case of emergency. No one expected them to actually need to use them. Similarly, Draco had put on the selenite ring from the Shaman, and told Harry to do the same. In case they were separated.
Mrs. Abbot turned around and gestured them to Room One. Narcissa brushed her fingers over Draco's shoulder and Harry's hair out of his eyes. “I'll be right here if you need me,” she said softly.
“Don't worry. We'll be right back,” Harry promised with a sweet smile.
Narcissa couldn't help but smile back.
Mrs. Abbot held the door open and shut it behind them. Her smile never wavered. Draco took the nearest chair, Harry sitting next to him. Mrs. Abbot left a seat between them and sat. “I need to record the meeting, but I assure you no one will see it except for me. It's merely for documentation purposes.”
Blank-faced, he watched as she sat out a parchment and set a quill atop it. It lifted up on it's tip by an invisible hand and sat poised to copy their every word. Draco nearly rolled his eyes. Of course the record would be seen by others. What other purpose was there for taking a recording? He wondered just how many kids had believed that line about it being private and wondered if they felt betrayed or just stupid when it bit them in the ass later.
Ever smiling in her lavender suit, Mrs. Abbot began. “How do you feel about living with the Malfoys so far, Harry?”
Harry blinked at her. His heart pounded and his cheeks were flushed with color. He was terrified he'd mess up and get them in trouble. He didn't understand exactly what they were doing here or why, but he understood it had to do with him and Draco staying together. If things messed up, he was terrified they'd be split up, him with Andie and Draco with the Malfoys. The mere idea of that made him sick. He swallowed hard, listening as Draco fed him answers in his mind.
“It's been great,” he managed to answer past the lump in his throat. “I've never lived in such a nice place before, and Narcissa and Lucius are so nice. They teach us so much.”
Nodding, Mrs. Abbot kept smiling. “That's so nice to hear. What kind of things do they teach you?”
Harry gave a shaky smile back and relayed Draco's words. “Lots of things. Language and maths. Riding and dancing. How to eat properly.”
“That sounds interesting,” Mrs. Abbot said as if she completely agreed. “What kind of things do you eat?”
He gave her a quick summary of the meals they'd had, and almost felt limp with relief when she turned her attention to Draco instead.
“And how do you like it, Draco?”
Draco gave a shrug. “It's been different. I never thought I'd meet my birth parents. It's a lot better than I expected. They were really happy to have me back.”
“I bet it's been very overwhelming,” she sympathized. The quill made a constant scratching sound as it wrote their words. “Do you feel they treat Harry differently than you?”
“They treat him different because he is different,” Draco answered. He reached out to twist a lock of Harry's hair around his finger. Harry felt his nerves steady at the touch. “Harry's so shy, so they've been really nice with him. I told them I'd rather they tell me things straight. So far they've done that. We're in the same lessons, though, and they care about him, too, if that's what you mean.”
“That's a very mature outlook,” she praised, eyes wide. She looked down at a paper in front of her. “Your file states you're only seven and Harry's six?”
“That's right.” Draco dropped his hand from Harry's hair and made himself smile. “Harry turns seven at the end of the month. Narcissa and Lucius are gonna throw a big fancy party for him.”
“I bet you're excited.” Mrs. Abbot laughed softly. She included Harry. “Are you excited for your party?”
“Yes,” Harry answered, Draco prompting him. He blushed and ducked his head. The idea of a big birthday party for him made him feel horribly guilty, but he wasn't going to let Draco down, so he looked back up and said, “We'll get to dance and we'll meet other magical kids.”
“How wonderful!” She clapped her hands together happily, but then grew more serious. “I just have a few more questions. Have either of you ever felt unsafe with the Malfoys?”
“Well...” Draco drawled. He and Harry shared a glance, all staged of course. He turned back to the woman to see her practically sitting on the edge of her seat, she was so eager to hear their answer. “There was the time we heard a strange pop and there was this creature in the middle of our room.”
Mrs. Abbot deflated a bit, her smile coming back. “The house elf?”
“We've never seen one before and it was really freaky,” Draco exclaimed, eyes wide.
She laughed. “But it was friendly, wasn't it?”
Harry nodded, while Draco said, “Yes. He's name's Dobby. He's really nice. He even sneaks us extra cookies sometimes.”
“He sounds very nice,” Mrs. Abbot agreed. She reached out and took the quill. “Thank you for talking with me. I think you are doing really well, all things considered. If you ever want to talk or have concerns, just send an owl to Mrs. Abbot, okay?”
They nodded, smiling at her with nearly identical empty smiles. “Okay,” Harry added.
* You were perfect, Harry, * Draco praised him as they were led back to the reception room.
He duck his head shyly to hide the large, nervous smile that took over his face.
Narcissa held out her hands to them as soon as she saw them. They each took one.
“They did wonderfully,” Mrs. Abbot informed her, smiling as always. “If you have questions or concerns, my department is at your disposal.”
“I appreciate that,” Narcissa said. “I look forward to your visit in September.”
“Bye, boys. Behave,” Mrs. Abbot said with a wink before turning and heading for the elevator.
Narcissa took them in the other direction, back toward Room Three. “How was it?”
“Pointless,” Draco muttered, scowling.
She gave him an amused smile before schooling her features and entering Room Three. Lucius met her eyes and his shoulders relaxed when she gave him a small smile.
However, Draco's attention was on the new person in the room. The man stood next to the door with wild tawny hair and yellowish eyes. He wore red robes identical to McLaggen's, and he stood at attention with his hands behind his back. Draco noticed he had his wand in hand, though.
“This is Auror Scrimgeour,” Lucius introduced. “He will act as a guard during the interview. Chief McLaggen has graciously agreed to attend, as well.”
McLaggen stood next to Lucius and gave a roguish grin, his eyes sharp. “It'd be best to head off any problems before they occur.”
Lucius came around the table, McLaggen at his heels. He stopped in front of Draco. The boy tilted his head back and met Lucius's eyes calmly. “You don't have to speak. We're just alerting the world that you are home safe. We want them to get used to the idea that they may see you in public.”
Draco gave him a flat look, as if saying, 'I don't plan to talk, but if I see a need to, I will.' What he said instead was a simple, “I'm ready.”
Lucius felt uneasy. He wished he could keep Draco hidden, but he knew it wasn't realistic. Most immediately because he couldn't count on Andromeda keeping Draco out of the public eye. The last thing he needed was for some 'hero' after his money to kidnap Draco from Andromeda in the name of 'saving' him.
Gripping his cane tightly in hand, he made his way out of the room, trusting Narcissa to make sure the boys followed. McLaggen kept pace; Scrimgeour took up the rear with Andromeda walking before him.
Harry glanced at the side of Draco's face as they rode the elevator in silence down to the lobby. It was perfectly calm and Harry felt some of his nerves settle. Glancing down at their clasped hands, he opened his throat to feel the press of his collar against his skin.
Draco felt the - calm trust - through the bond and felt fierce love. He'd do whatever it took to protect Harry's peace of mind.
Chapter end.
A/N: I had no idea what to call the Head Auror and settled on Chief. Since Dumbledore who is Head of the Wizengamot is Chief Warlock. Certainly, McLaggen wouldn't simply be called Auror McLaggen if he's the Head, so what the heck would they call him?
Things have been going too well for our boys this trip, don't you think? (smirk) I hope it wasn't too boring. Next chapter should be interesting, promise. I'm excited!
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Freedom Bound in Chains