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To Have Not	By : MontanaDan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 22763 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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- 5
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To Have Not

Chapter 4 � The New Deal

Potter blinked, his expression blank, as if trying to process the words he�d just heard. It was several moments before he sputtered, "I beg your pardon?"
Lucius suppressed his smirk. "You heard me correctly."
"Um, aren�t you already married?"
"My ties to Narcissa are being dissolved as we speak, quite amicably," Lucius admitted.
"So you�ve been in touch with her?"
Lucius did not want to squander this important opportunity by turning the focus away from them, and certainly not by talking about Narcissa. "Let�s just say she has released me from our marriage bonds."
"And what about Draco?"
My son will be apprenticing abroad and will be home infrequently at best. I assure you, while Draco�s opinions mean a great deal to me, he does not have any say on who I associate with."
"So what makes you think that I�d want to marry you?"
"You have alluded in some of our past meetings that you are uninterested in settling down in the conventional way. You have duped everyone into thinking that you can�t �" he held up a hand to forestall any argument, "I was in the audience chamber, Mr. Potter. I know the Dark Lord didn�t hex you. Which leads me to believe that you�ve been hurt in a relationship."
Of course, Lucius had been bluffing in that point as he really had no idea what the Dark Lord could have done while they were alone. But Harry looked away with a small frown at Lucius� words, an indication of Lucius� accuracy if nothing else.
"What I am offering you is a business arrangement which will allow you to cling to your solitude as you desire and for me to regain my social standing."
Lucius knew he was pushing. He wanted Harry�s agreement before Harry recovered from the rejection and moved on � or worse - before Severus realized his stupidity and took the young man back. Lucius had no doubt that Harry would go back in a second at this point. Lucius wanted to make sure it wasn�t an option.
"Plus, being with me will discourage any further suitors from endlessly harassing you."
"And why should I trust you?"
"You shouldn�t."
Surprised, Harry stammered a bit, "I shouldn- what?"
"Mr. Potter, I am not a nice man. You know my past. You know what I�ve done and what I�m capable of. If I had come to me with this proposition, I wouldn�t trust me at all."
Harry�s jaw dropped open.
One golden brow arched. "Would you rather I lied to you?"
"I would think that you would, considering what you want from me."
Lucius rolled his eyes. "What I want from you will be a business arrangement," he paused to smirk, "with perks. It will not be a relationship. It isn�t love." He paused to grin. "Although I do quite like you."
Harry paused to consider that.
"You can either accept my proposal or not, but I assure you now, you do not have to trust me. Everything we agree on will be in writing to be signed and notarized, including the sexual relations if you like. It is a wizard�s contract, Mr. Potter," Lucius paused, and gave Harry a calculating look. "And as such, it protects us both. I consider this an investment, and I always take good care of my investments."
Harry listened carefully to Lucius� proposal. A business arrangement, no strings, no emotion, and he�d be taken care of (he could just imagine how Lucius Malfoy took care of his investments) and it was guaranteed. It was a contract. It sounded perfect.
"What�s the catch?"
"There is no catch, Mr. Potter. As I explained, everything will be spelled out in the contract."
"And the s-sex?"
Lucius tried not to smirk as Harry stumbled over the word and blushed. If Lucius hadn�t known better, he�d have thought him a virgin. Such natural innocence was erotic as hell.
"Hmm, yes. I am aware of your practice of �no touching�. We will be bonded, Mr. Potter, married. It will have to be consummated for the contract to be binding. And I will expect to be able to touch my husband. You will have all the time you need to get used to the idea - we can have a long engagement if you like - however, we will have marital relations, of that you can be sure.
"And you will enjoy it, Mr. Potter. If nothing else I�m sure that part of our marriage will not be found lacking," Lucius finished with a grin.
Harry looked unimpressed. "How can you be so sure of that?"
"The human body is a capricious thing, Mr. Potter."
At Harry�s blank look, Lucius explained, "Fickle, Mr. Potter. It will find pleasure despite a lack of true or deep feelings.
"I do not wish to know why you currently have this attitude on touching, although if you want to tell me, I will listen and help if I can, but I can assure you, you will find pleasure with me."
Harry wasn�t sure if he would ever find pleasure with anyone again, but he nodded. "Alright, Mr. Malfoy. Have the papers drawn up and we�ll see what kind of arrangement we can agree on."
********
"HE WHAT?" Ron shouted.
"He asked me to marry him," Harry said again. Both Ron and Hermione were looking at him as if he had a blast-ended skrewt growing out of his face. The three of them were sitting around the kitchen table at Sirius� beach house enjoying some cold drinks.
"Surely he was joking," said Hermione.
Harry just looked at her. "Does Lucius Malfoy seem the type to �joke�, Hermione?"
"Well, maybe you misunderstood," Hermione argued. "I mean-"
"His exact words were, �I want you to marry me.�" Harry raised his brows. "How was I supposed to interpret that?"
Hermione didn�t have a comeback for that.
"But-but," Ron was stammering. "Isn�t he already married?"
Harry sighed and went through the entire conversation he�d had with Malfoy. The older wizard was not dragging his feet about this either. Not wasting any time, Malfoy had insisted Harry move in to his Manor immediately; citing various reasons. Firstly, to show a united front, and more importantly, to get accustomed to one another.
The preliminary contract had been delivered to Harry the day before. Malfoy had enclosed a note, urging him to review the agreement studiously and to ask for opinions but to decide for himself. He had stressed that while others wished Harry the best and wanted him to be happy, Harry was still the best judge of what was the best for him.
It still disturbed Harry that he was sitting here actually contemplating marrying Lucius Malfoy. The only other person he�d ever thought of marrying was � well no one. He had wanted to spend the rest of his life with Severus, but he�d never really thought along those particular lines.
There would be a six month engagement. And if Harry wanted out before the six months, there was a clause in the contract in which all he needed was to show cause. Which could be anything from Malfoy mistreating him to Harry finding someone more suitable.
Malfoy could also break the engagement for the same reasons, or if he found them incompatible in the bedroom.
They would be �known to each other sexually� no later than one month prior to the bonding ceremony. Harry would have his own set of rooms, which Malfoy could not enter without express consent from Harry. Sex after the bonding and consummation would be by mutual consent.
Harry would do everything in his power to aid in Lucius� getting his family name/honor back. Which included but wasn�t limited to: hosting parties, attending public functions and press conferences, and addressing the Wizengamot on Lucius� behalf.
Lucius would grant Harry full access to the Manor as well as use all his own influences to ensure that Harry was left alone. Lucius would also make available to Harry any kind of training and equipment needed for Harry to pursue any career he chose.
In the case of a falling out after at least five years, Harry would be granted full access to one wing of the Manor as a permanent home, one of the Malfoy�s other estates and a monetary settlement. But in the case that Malfoy�s situation was not improved at all by Harry, Harry would receive nothing.
There was also a section about the offspring of the union, which Malfoy had said was just the standard child clause for any prenuptial agreement. Since they were both males and neither one of them were in need of an heir, Harry didn�t worry about it.
Hermione was scouring the contract. "This seems too good to be true," she said with awe. She looked up. "I mean, if you like him well enough and are willing to commit to him."
Ron scoffed, "Don�t be absurd, of course he�s not fool enough to throw his life away on Malfoy."
Annoyed, Harry snatched up the papers. "It�s my life."
"Well yes, but you could have anybody," Ron argued.
"What�s wrong with Malfoy?"
"You still call him by his last name, that should tell you something."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Severus always called me Potter, too, unless I was-" He cut that thought right off. He was sure his friends, especially Ron, had no interest in their �naked in bed� rule.
"OH HO! This is some sort of payback to Snape, isn�t it? Do you think making him jealous might bring him back?" Ron asked smugly.
Harry blinked. Damn. He hadn�t even thought of that.
"Ron." Hermione laid a hand on Ron�s arm to calm him and turned to Harry. "This isn�t about Snape, is it?"
Harry looked at his feet. "No. I really hadn�t thought about that."

The idea has merit though. Jealous and possessive�

Harry rubbed his temples.
"Headache?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah." Harry got up and rummaged in the cupboard for his potion. "Get me a cup of water, will you, Hermione." Harry took a gulp of the potion and grimaced. Foul concoction. He turned back to see Hermione digging through the cabinet for a cup. "One of the fancy goblets," he said.
Hermione grabbed one. "This one?"
"Yeah."
Hermione put some water in it and handed it to Harry. "Why one of these?"
He shrugged, taking a sip. "Makes me feel better," he mumbled.
"Always made me feel better too," said Sirius as he and Remus came into the kitchen.

They dumped some packages down on the table. "Which is why I kept that old set of goblets."
"You�re just an old softy," Remus said ruffling Sirius� hair.
"What�s that?" Sirius asked, eyeing the roll of parchment on the table. He reached for it but Harry snatched it up.
"Nothing," said Harry, stuffing it into his pocket.
"Sirius will convince you," Ron said, looking relieved. "Tell him, Harry. Tell him about Malfoy�s proposition."
"Don�t you mean proposal?" Hermione said, then she clapped her hands over her mouth.

"WHAT?" Sirius roared.
"Now Sirius, remember your blood pressure," Remus chastised.
**********
"But why, Harry? Why do you want to leave me so soon?"
Harry almost cringed at Sirius� forlorn tone. At least Sirius had calmed down. "It�s not that I want to, it�s just that. I just don�t feel right here," he paused to gather his thoughts and continued before they could interrupt, "let me finish. You know I love you both, right?" There were two nods. "Well you both have a right to live too. I�m just in the way here."
"Harry-"
"He�s right," said Remus. "But I am the one who should go."
"Moony."
"No, Remus," Harry broke in. "After what both of you have been through, you two deserve to be happy together."
Sirius and Remus looked at each other, then back to Harry, dismayed.
"And I have six months to change my mind," Harry added. We�ll see each other all the time. They�ll be lots of parties and things. I�ll have to attend them with Mal-er Lucius." The name sounded strange to him. Harry wondered if he�d ever be brave enough to call him that to his face.
"You act as if you�ve already decided," Sirius said, pacing again.
Had he? It seemed that the more people told him he was wrong, the more he wanted to prove that he was right. That he could make his own choices and live with them.
He had made his choice with Severus, and Ron and Hermione had been okay with it. Putting aside the fact that it ended terribly, there was no reason why this wouldn�t be fine as well.
"I guess I have decided," Harry said.
Sirius fell into a chair. "I need a drink, Moony." As Remus moved off to find a bottle, Sirius looked solemnly at Harry. "If you get hurt again�"
Harry understood. Sirius had been great these past few months. He never even pressed Harry for details of his breakup with his boyfriend. "I won�t let myself be hurt again, Sirius."
Sirius nodded and took a gulp from the glass Remus handed him. "Malfoy," he muttered. "I almost would have preferred Snape."
Harry had to turn around to hide his hurt. If only it had been Severus.
***********
Lucius lifted the glass to his lips and sipped, savoring the sweetness of the wine. His victory was just as sweet. Harry Potter had signed the betrothal agreement. True they had had to iron out several points but Lucius felt them minor concessions.
Most of Harry�s uncertainty seemed to be about the more�intimate aspects of their relationship. He definitely had some self-esteem issues, and Lucius wondered just what Severus had said to him. Harry�s obliviousness to his own desirability made him all the more alluring, but his complete lack of self-confidence confused Lucius.
Harry seemed to be entirely too passive through the whole negotiation stage, as if he was resigned to accepting what he could get with the least amount of trouble. Lucius frowned at the thought. Had Harry given up fighting, or at least working, for what he wanted? It was as if he was taking the easy path.
While this attitude was beneficial for Lucius, he didn�t want to settle for a shadow of the man. He wanted Harry whole and well. Lucius was not prepared to play counselor for the lovelorn, but there were things he could do to bring Harry around. A heavy dose of ego boosting experiences might do the trick.
Harry was only eighteen and Lucius was an experienced man, still in his prime. He had a vast array of techniques to draw upon to entice, seduce and satisfy the young man. He highly doubted Harry was an unsatisfactory lover. The lust in Severus� eyes when he looked at Harry the last time they had seen each other was evidence that Severus had not simply grown tired of the younger man.
Lucius would show Harry that he was desired, worthy of being touched. Harry would be whole again. The most powerful wizard in the world would belong to Lucius Malfoy; body, mind and soul.
Lucius took another sip of his wine. Yes, victory was sweet indeed.
**********

The Daily Prophet, Special Edition

Can Harry Potter Touch Again?
Death Eater turned war hero finds a way to break the Dark Lord�s dying hex on Harry Potter. Sources say that the couple have become close and further investigation has revealed that Mr. Potter will be moving into Mr. Malfoy�s Manor house before the month is out. Has the savior found love? Witches and wizards across the country will mourn the loss of such a charming young man from the circles of eligibility.

The reporter went on to detail Lucius� past credits including his generous donations.

Moving in?

Giving Harry a real home. Something he�s always wanted.

You could have done that.

True. With his name now cleared he could put some funds into the restoration of his own family estate. It was old, but it was a beautiful piece of architecture. Even if his memories of living there weren�t pleasant, the house itself was�

He would have been just as happy in Hogwarts� dungeons.

Severus frowned. What could Harry be thinking?

Maybe he just can�t stand being with the mutt and the werewolf.

But Lucius?

Well there you are. Lucius� plan is as plain as day.

But surely Harry wouldn�t be fool enough to go along with it.

Wouldn�t he?

Severus frowned, picking up the invitation for the most recent Ministry party. He hadn�t planned on attending this one, but now he had a few questions for the savior.
*********

There he is!

Severus� gaze lit on Harry across the room. Thankfully, he was alone as he circulated among the crowd. This particular gathering was much more crowded than the last one he�d seen Harry at. Famous and noteworthy witches and wizards abound.
Once again, Harry�s mask was firmly in place as he circulated the room and Severus couldn�t help the surge of pride in Harry at his grace and poise. He really had developed quite a diplomatic flair.

Too bad it�s an act � and that he hates it.

Severus had to agree. And it didn�t surprise Severus to see Harry sneak off onto one of the balconies to avoid a throng of people who appeared to be searching for him. Severus quickly followed him out.
"What in Merlin�s name do you think you�re doing, Potter?"

Oh, that�s subtle.

Harry swung around, his jaw dropping as he spied Severus before him.
"I didn�t set you free so that you could throw your life away with Malfoy."
Anger flared in the green eyes. "It�s my life � hang on." He blinked. "What do you mean set me free?"
"The minute I turn my back for an instant, you foolishly latch onto the first person who looks your way, without any thought as to what their intentions are! You deserve-"
Harry ignored the attack. "What do you mean, set me free?"
"There are about 100 guests inside that room better suited to you than Malfoy."
"Why do you care?" Harry demanded angrily. "You were just using me. I was just your duty." Severus just stared at him. "Damn it, answer me!"

TELL HIM.

"You could have so much more-"
"Severus, answer the damn question."
"Why Lucius?"
Harry�s eyes narrowed. "Why not Lucius? He�s rich, good-looking, powerful-"
"So are you," Severus couldn�t help the growl. He felt so helpless. So utterly foolish.

I agree.

"Well, there you have it. We�re a perfect match then."
"But why move in with him? You have a perfectly good home now with Black."
"I can�t stay with Sirius forever. He has a life and I need to have one too. Besides, I believe I did say that if you didn�t want me, I�d find myself another Death Eater to have sex with." Harry glared at him, daring him to take issue.
Severus flinched.

That hurt.
"You should try living alone� or with young people your age," Severus argued.
"I tried living alone. I hate it, and the press always finds me. People my age bore me. Even the people I went to school with, they all seem so-so�"
"What?"
Severus saw a crack in the mask and Harry�s eyes drifted away. "Young."
Yes, of course. Harry was mature far beyond his years. How could he not be? His peers would certainly never have experienced the like. But they would have other experiences to introduce him to. He told Harry as much.
Harry just snorted, unimpressed with his brilliant deductions.
"Potter-"
Harry�s eyes drifted over his shoulder, back into the room. "Excuse me, Professor. My date has arrived." He met Severus� gaze. "I have my own duty to fulfil."
That hurt too.

Serves you right. You were the one who �claimed� he was your duty.

Severus watched Harry cross the room and take Lucius� arm. Lucius positively beamed down at the younger man.

He probably knows you�re watching.

Severus frowned, wondering if Lucius might have a suspicion that Severus had been the one involved with Harry.

He knows you want Harry, at the very least.

Severus watched Harry move to Lucius� side and take his arm.

Harry allowed the touch!

Lucius looked down and smiled brilliantly. He whispered something in Harry�s ear and Harry took a deep breath and nodded.
Lucius squeezed the hand on his arm then led Harry towards the front of the room.

This doesn�t look good.

Lucius called for the attention of the room, stating that Harry had an announcement, which of course gained them instant silence and everyone�s undivided attention.
Harry shyly looked over the room and said, "Mr. Malfoy," he glanced at Lucius and corrected himself, "Lucius has once again helped me. He has helped me overcome the affliction I was suffering from after defeating Voldemort."

Clever wording. He didn�t actually admit to being cursed.

"And while I am still recovering, I believe there is now hope." He sent a smile to Lucius. "Thank you, Lucius."

Well, that wasn�t much of an announcement.

But Lucius stepped back to Harry. "Aren�t you going to tell them the rest?"
Severus swallowed nervously.
Again, Harry flashed a humble smile. "I thought I�d leave that too you," he said.
Lucius nodded and turned to the crowd. "Due to the extensive amount of time we have been spending together, Mr. Potter and I have become quite close. He has agreed to move into my home, my life, where he can decide what he�d like to do with the rest of his." He paused to look down at Harry. "He�s also agreed to bond with me."

Sweet Merlin, no!

There was a tumult of restless murmuring throughout the banquet room.
"But to make it official," Lucius pulled out a box and lowered to one knee. Opening the box, he offered it to Harry. "Harry James Potter, will you marry me?"
The murmuring ceased as all eyes looked towards the continuing scene. Everything stilled as the crowd waited for Harry to respond.

Well, that was over the top, even for Lucius.

But the spectators were eating it up, and Lucius had managed to surprise Harry. Harry�s eyes were as wide as saucers as he stared at the ring Lucius held in his hand. Severus could see the diamonds twinkling in it from where he stood across the room.
Harry glanced around the room, obviously wanting to be anywhere other than in the center of everyone�s attention.

Leave it to Lucius to spring something like this on poor Harry.

Poor Harry recovered quickly and smiled graciously. "Lucius Malfoy, I would be honored to be your husband."
Flashbulbs were popping, much shouting and chattering commenced, and amid the uproar of applause and astonishment, a table in the back over-turned, with china and flatware crashing to the floor, unnoticed by the crowd, or the two men gazing at one another up at the podium.

That wasn�t really productive, you know.

Severus ignored his bloody inner voice and strode from the hall, a tightness gripping his chest so hard he feared for his vital organs.

That would be your heart, you fool.

********
"So where are Sirius and Remus?" Ron asked as they entered the kitchen to get Harry�s potions.
All of Harry�s things had been sent to the Manor that morning and Harry was just picking up the last of his meager belongings. He tried not to think about his last encounter with Severus, although it was difficult. It still totally perplexed him how Severus could still be so cold, so detached after everything they�d been through, yet be as overbearing as ever when it came to Harry�s judgment.

His mask is better than yours. He�s had more experience. And once again you let him keep changing the subject.

Harry ignored the voice although he was still bothered by Severus� words. What the hell had he meant by �set him free?�
"They�re visiting friends," Harry told them, packing the vials into his pack. "We said goodbye this morning." He sighed. "Sirius said he didn�t want to be here because it would seem too much like he�d never see me again."
Hermione said something sympathetic and Ron muttered incoherently. Harry took a gulp of his pain potion before stowing the vial in his bag with the rest. Pulling a goblet out of the cupboard, he filled it with water and took a quick drink.
As it had before, his scar twinged then the pain began to wane. Harry looked down at the cup, staring at it intently. Why hadn�t he noticed it before?
"What is it, Harry?"
He glanced up at his friends. "This cup feels weird."
"Weird?"
"Yeah, like bad � dark."
"Bad? I thought you and Sirius said the cups made you feel better?" Ron asked curiously.
"Well� it does. I mean it makes the pain less, but it feels bad." He turned the cup, looking at it from every angle. "I never really noticed it before."
Hermione approached and took the cup from Harry to study. "Didn�t Sirius say that set was from Grimmauld Place?"
"Yeah," Ron recalled. "He said it was one of the few things he liked. Said he always liked using those cups."
Hermione scowled and raised her wand to the cup.
"What?" Harry asked.
"It looks like it is cursed."
"What?" Ron said, also coming to look at the cup.
Hermione was muttering spells at the cup. "It�s a Feel-Good charm," she announced.
"Is it dark?" Harry asked although he already knew the answer.
"Well yes," Hermione admitted. "But only because it borders on the control aspect of some magics � like Imperius." She frowned looking at the cup. "This one is almost nonexistent. Like it�s been drained."
Harry sighed. "I think it�s because I used it all up. Using that cup made my headache go away. Check the other ones."
Hermione picked the cups out of the cupboard one by one, testing them all individually. "These are all cursed too," she said.
"Are those drained?" Ron asked.
"No these are still quite strong."
"I�ve only been using this one," said Harry.
"Harry, just using an object shouldn�t make a curse on it fade," Hermione told him. "You had to have done something."
"Um, I�m not sure," Harry said, thinking about some of his experiences with the cup. Usually he was in too much pain to consciously do anything. But� " I felt the pull on the cup and my head started to throb. Not in pain, just pressure. So I pulled back on the cup and my headache went away."
"Pulled back?"
Harry looked at Ron. "Yeah, pulled back on the magic."
"Oh dear," said Hermione.
"What?" Both Ron and Harry said at once.
Hermione grimaced. "Seems like you were cursed when you killed Voldemort." Harry waited expectantly and Hermione went on. "Well, your scar was from a dark curse to begin with."
"Yeah, so?" said Ron.
"The backlash of power must have been absorbed into the scar � which is probably why it wouldn�t stop bleeding," she seemed to be speculating now.
"But Se- Professor Snape cut the scar off," Harry pointed out.
"But not the dark curse part."
"So what now, I�m drawn to dark things?"
"Not really, it�s more like your scar is feeding off the dark magic you come into contact with."
Harry sputtered, "I-I�m feeding on dark magic?"
Hermione sighed heavily. "Harry, let me look up a few things first, ok?"
"Yeah, fine," he grumbled.
"In the meantime, see if there are any cursed items at Malfoy�s house," Hermione instructed. "I mean, you�ll have a free run of the place.
"Yeah. It shouldn�t be too hard to find dark objects there," said Ron.
Hermione sent Ron a smirk. "At least it�ll keep your headaches away," she told Harry. "And I�ll find all the information I can about it."
Harry sighed and nodded. Thank God for Hermione. "Thanks, Hermione." Harry shouldered his pack. "I guess we should get going."
The three collected their belongings and moved into the study to use the floo.
"And don�t say anything to anyone about this new problem of mine, alright?"
His friends agreed and they left the house, the two back to the Burrow, and Harry to his new home.
******
Malfoy Manor was beautiful, and Lucius was clearly proud of it while he showed Harry around.
"This is your suite of rooms, Mr.- Harry. And now that you are here I must stipulate my own set of house rules."
Harry stepped into the room, slowly turning in a circle to take in the room. They were massive. A sitting room the size of the Gryffindor common room lay in front of him, with a large double door balcony overlooking the estate�s gardens. A bedroom on his left, with a bed large enough to fit five of him comfortably, and as he scanned the room he caught a glimpse of the huge marbled tub in the ensuite bathroom. There was a smaller room to his right, but it was easily as large as his dorm at Hogwarts, clearly designed as an office. The color scheme reminded Harry of Gryffindor Tower, but more muted, with golds, creams and russet highlights. It was brilliant and Harry felt at home immediately, if not a bit overwhelmed by the opulence of it.
"House rules?" asked Harry, turning toward Malfoy who had stepped in behind him.
"Yes, Harry. I have agreed to the terms you required before conceding to move here and now I must ask that you abide by a couple of my terms. And if you agree to them, they will become part of our contract."
Harry instantly grew nervous. Was this it? The big catch?
"I have agreed not to touch you � at all, as you asked, until you are ready. And you have assured me that it would be no later than one month before our upcoming nuptials. I will know you sexually before I commit to you for the rest of my life, Harry."
Harry relaxed, although he did feel his face heat up. "Yes, I have agreed. You have my word. And if you are not satisfied with me, than you are within your rights to cancel our bonding without penalty," Harry said. "Just as you have the right to cancel it if you find someone else whom you believe would suit you better than I, or if I do something to breach our agreement."
Lucius nodded.
"So what are your terms, Lucius?"
"First, since I cannot touch you, no one else can have carnal knowledge of you while you reside in this house. You may have any guests you like, as long as we�re informed, but no sex."
Harry waved that off. "Done."
Lucius raised an eyebrow.
"Mr. Mal-Lucius, I am not seeking sexual gratification from anyone. I told you that. This business arrangement is fine with me. I�m not looking for love, or any complicated entanglements. I�m sure that when we finally, I mean, when I�m ready to �"
Lucius smirked. "I understand. Very well."
"What else?"
"There is only one person in this world I have cared about above anything else. One may even call it love-"
"Draco."
"Yes, my dragon. I did not love his mother but my son is a different story. And yes I know he is spoiled and at times a brat, but he is all I have and as you know, I have even risked everything for him."
Harry could only nod. His chest suddenly hurt, as he wondered briefly what it would have been like to have a father who loved him. How he envied Draco Malfoy at that moment. "And?" he prompted.
"And I must insist that you get along with him."
Harry could only stare. "I�m not so sure-"
"I have already been assured that he will try. You must understand that much of his attitude towards you stems from a reaction of hurt when you spurned his friendship."
Harry blinked. "When we were eleven?"
"Harry-"
"Wait, you have to understand, when I first met your son, I had only known I was a wizard for about six hours. Before that I was kept in a cupboard and treated no better than a house elf. I had no idea what he was talking about when we were being fitted for robes. I didn�t know there were �other kinds of wizards.� I�d never heard of Quidditch and didn�t know Hogwarts had separate houses. I felt like an idiot.
"Then after actually making my first ever friend on the train, along comes your son again and he insults him for no other reason than for being poor. I had to stick by Ron. I know what it�s like to be poor and it�s hardly his fault any more than it was mine."
"That-"
"Look, I don�t want to get into a character debate or a pureblood argument, I�m just saying, that neither one us did anything to change the development after that confrontation. Draco continued to be an insulting snob, and we kept being offended and retaliating. We were children."
Lucius conceded. "Very well. And now?"
Harry sighed. "I know what he�s capable of. I�ve seen some of his very impressive and honorable characteristics. We did manage to pretend to be a �couple� for a few weeks, and we managed to work together. If he can refrain from insulting every damned aspect of my pathetic, miserable life then we�ll get along splendidly."
"Well said, Potter."
Harry spun around. Draco was standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame.
"But I should hope, now that you�ve affiliated yourself with the right people, your life will be less than miserable," Draco said with a smirk.
Harry eyed him skeptically, certain that an insult about his friends or past associations was coming. "Meaning?"
"Meaning, you�ll be living in this house and will become a Malfoy. We take care of our own, Potter. This very strange arrangement you�ve made with my father has me a little confounded but I am not one to question his decisions."
Harry couldn�t help it. "So you�re ready to accept me as your step-father?"
Draco flinched and scowled. "Ouch. That was below the belt, Potter."
Harry looked at his feet. Damn. "Sorry," he muttered.
"Draco, I believe Harry was teasing you."
Harry looked at Lucius and found the older man watching him closely.
"Ah, humor," said Draco.
Harry shrugged and looked back at Draco.
"Sarcasm and teasing I can handle - within the family. As long as you can," he paused succinctly, "Dad."
Harry�s lip twitched and he shook his head. "My life is so weird."
Draco held out his hand and Harry looked at it. "Welcome to the family, Potter."
Harry felt very strange as he looked down at Draco�s hand. A glance at Lucius showed mere curiosity, as if he was waiting for Harry�s response.
Family? He had been accepted without question into the Weasley family. This family was completely different. Agreed upon with rules and regulations to be signed and notarized, but he had a feeling that they would now defend him just as fiercely as the Weasleys. Not to mention with more political might. And it could eventually be permanent. It would be blood. He swallowed the lump in his throat and took Malfoy�s hand to shake.
It was the first skin to skin contact he�d had since �
Harry shook off the thought. Well it was time to move on now � and get over Severus. His new family demanded it. Love and trust might be beyond his abilities now, but he would touch again.
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