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 5

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Standing outside the French Minister of Magic's office, Harry was nervous, clutching onto both Narcissa and Lucius' arms. Shaking and still in pain, he was having a hard time holding still. The bout of the nerves wasn't making this any better. Glancing behind him, he saw his solicitor standing there. The man, seeming to sense his glance, nodded then mouthed, 'Don't worry, Harry.' Though he was trying not to, Harry couldn't help but do that. If this was denied, there was a chance that he could be turned over to the British Ministry as he was underage and could be considered a runaway. Yeah, this was a big risk and he knew it.

Tugging at the hood on the fur-lined cape he was wearing, something that was keeping his face from being seen by anyone they didn't want to recognize him, Harry couldn't help but fidget. Though he knew this was the best shot he had at getting out of the hands of the British Ministry, he was still uptight about the whole thing and what he had to do to manage it. He hated even the thought of it, but was going to try.

Having sensed Harry's nervousness, Lucius gave his arm a pat and whispered, “Don't worry, Minister Jacques isn't like Fudge. He'll listen and be respectful. If we made it this far, we have a very good shot at this. Hell, even with the dance I did and not giving up names involved, I was able to get this set up fast. I don't think that's a bad sign. Normally, such a thing would be rejected outright with us not even getting a meeting. That's very indicative of how this should go, Harry.”

Sighing, Harry nodded. He understood that. Lucius had come to the French Ministry early that morning trying to set up a meeting. Both he and Tom had made it clear that it would take time to even get a meeting, if they could even manage to do so. Even if Lucius had managed, it could take a couple days to get in to see him. Patience was something that was needed as bureaucracy was a nightmare to get through. However, Lucius had been back before noon with the announcement he had a late afternoon meeting with Minister Jacques. Even Lucius had seemed stunned by the fact he had managed to get it set up so quickly. So, maybe, that was a good sign and someone might actually listen to him about things. He hoped so anyway.

Wincing as he shifted around, Harry shivered. He was really hurting, no doubt there, but the pain draughts they gave him knocked him senseless so he couldn’t take them right now. No, he needed to be as alert as he could get for this. Instead, they have given him something that was milder. Though it cut the pain some, it didn't help like the stronger ones did. Sighing, he looked at the ground and shook his head. He hoped they would get in soon so he could get it done and over with, one way or another.

After what seemed like an eternity, the Minister's assistant, Jean-Pierre, came out and motioned them in. Heart beating a rapid tattoo in his chest, Harry clutched onto both Lucius and Narcissa's arms tighter and, with shaking legs, let them lead him inside.

Honestly, Harry wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the French Minister, he really wasn't. Though Lucius had told him about the man, well some anyway, he supposed he had expected someone that was bigger or more intimidating in presence, someone like Fudge. However, the Minister was a man of about 5'6”, very slim build, dressed neatly in a conservative grey robe with black hair that was neatly parted and a thin line of a mustache. Dark eyes that seemed to be sharp, taking in everything, the man came around the desk and shook everyone's hand, greeting them in crisp English though containing a French accent.

Once that was done, he actually seated himself on the front edge of the desk and gestured for them to take a seat on a comfortable looking couch in front of it. As soon as they did, a tray of aromatic coffee with some biscuits appeared. Looking around, his gaze then lit on Harry's solicitor, Byron Suttworth. Locking gazes with the man, he asked, “This is about an application for asylum?”

“Indeed it is, Mr. Minister,” Byron told him. “We do ask, as is normal, that the strictest privacy spells be in place. My client has also asked that Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy's name be kept out of this. The repercussions to them... you will understand that shortly.”

“Privacy spells are in place,” the Minster said, nodding. “We assumed that this was something discreet as we never get such an application from a British citizen.” Looking around, his eyes lit on Harry. As the young man still had the cape on, the hood up, making it to where no one could see his face, he asked, “You have my word this will go no further even if the application is rejected.” Seeing everyone nod, he asked, “Now, may I see who it is we are dealing with? I assume this is someone I will know, considering how circumspect things have been.”

Looking at his solicitor, Harry saw him nod then heard Lucius whisper that it was alright, he then let out a shaking sigh and lowered the hood before looking at the Minister.

Though Minister Jacques eyes widened slightly, he didn't indulge in the same kind of reaction so many others did. Instead, he gave a firm nod and said, “I do see the reason you wanted this kept secret. Mr. Potter is asking for asylum in France?”

“He is, Mr. Minister,” Bryon told him firmly. “Not only is he asking for asylum, he would like emancipation and French citizenship. We know this is a lot to ask for and not something usually done, as Britain isn't on the list of nations you grant asylum from. However, we feel this is an extreme case that would warrant such a thing. I do believe you, and most of the citizens in the Wizarding World of France, are well aware of what's going on in the UK by now.” Seeing the Minister and his assistant nod, he pressed on.

“Actually, what you are seeing in the papers is only the tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to Mr. Potter.” Slowly, he began to walk the Minister through all the things Harry was dealing with. From the Dursleys, how he was left on their doorstep, Dumbledore's manipulations, him being dragged into things from the time of starting at Hogwarts, Fudge, being dragged through the mud by the Prophet though he had never even given an interview to them and the rest.

Finally, after going through all that, Byron added, quietly, “I'm sure you heard, as it was in today's Prophet, that Harry vanished from Hogwarts last night. They are calling it an 'attention seeking ploy'. I can assure you, though, it is not. Mr. Potter did, indeed, leave last night. However, the reason for it was that he was on the receiving end of a sexual assault by the Potions Master, Severus Snape. He contacted Mr. Malfoy, who managed to get him to safety then get him treatment. It was vicious enough that Mr. Potter had to have surgery last night to repair the damage.” Stopping, Byron lowered his voice then said, “This isn't the first time it happened. There were multiple Obliviations a friend of Mr. Malfoy's was able to find and break. The offenses by Professor Snape go back to Mr. Potter's first year.”

Eyes wide, the Minster looked at his assistant then to the solicitor before his eyes lit on the young man sitting on the couch between Lucius and Narcissa. Seeing Harry pale, looking down at the floor, face drawn in pain, he asked, gently, “This is true, Mr. Potter?”

Looking up at the Minister, Harry swallowed thickly then nodded before saying, quietly, “Yes, sir.”

“Would you be willing to give me the memories of them?” Minister Jacques asked.

“I will,” Harry told him, nodding. “We have those already in jars. I'll give you whatever you need.”

Nodding, pleased that most were already prepared, Jacques then asked, “Would you be willing to pull one of them now for me to see? It's not that I don't trust your word, it will stave off accusations that it's a trick if I, and my assistant, see you pull one yourself. If it matches what you have in the jars, there can be no muck throwing about it being a trick on your part.”

“Whatever you need me to do, I will,” Harry told him softly, locking eyes. As he had been prepared for this by both Lucius and his solicitor, he was ready for it, not taken by surprise.

After a quick conversation with his assistant, the other man left to retrieve a Pensive. Looking back at the young man on the sofa, he asked, gently, “Harry? May I call you that?” Seeing him nod, he pressed on, “Tell me what it is you want. That way I have a better feel for what I might be able to do.”

Looking at him, Harry said, tone soft but level, “I want out and don't want to go back. I can't take this anymore. Between Dumbledore, the Dursley's and now the Ministry going after me, using the Prophet to do it, I just can't do it. The assault was the last straw. I just want out and to be left alone. Nothing more than that. If I stay in Britain I'll never get that. Just... I want to be left alone to live my life the way I see fit, not keep getting drawn into things that aren't my fault or that I didn't cause. I want no part of Britain as it is now and just want out.”

“I understand,” Minister Jacques said, nodding. “You do understand this isn't something France normally does? Britain isn't one of the countries we tend to grant asylum from.”

“I understand,” Harry sighed. “This was, honestly, the only thing we could think of. I shouldn't have had to run away and hide after being assaulted, but I did because I knew what would happen if I even tried to report it. Nor should I have to put up with being slandered in the press and have the British Minister of Magic take after me the way he does because of something someone else said. That's happening though. I just don't have any avenues left in Britain to go for help. I'm sure if I even tried right now, I'd probably be the one ending up prosecuted despite having proof. I just don't know what else to do. As I’m only sixteen, I don't have a lot of options. Since I have no family, other than the Dursleys, and no one seems to want to step in or do anything, just following what Dumbledore says they should do, I really have nowhere to turn to get help. With the Ministry acting like it is, I can’t go to them either. That leaves me little choice but to do something like this. If it wasn't for Lucius and Narcissa, I wouldn't even have thought of doing this. It was Lucius that brought this up to me. He and Narcissa have been trying to help me for a long time and even they can't anymore. It's kinda' the only thing we can think of to do.”

“I understand,” Minister Jacques said, nodding. “As it was so odd and Mr. Malfoy isn't known for bringing things like this up to anyone, it's the reason I even agreed to hear you. I will consider this, Harry, and make a decision based on the evidence you give me. That's all I can promise.”

Looking at him, Harry said, “That's all I ask of you.”

Just then the Minister's assistant brought the Pensive back in. Standing up, Minister Jacques motioned for Jean-Pierre to stand by him then asked, softly, “If you could, please, Harry, would you pull one of the memories of being assaulted? It matters not which one, just so it's one of them.”

With a shaky nod, Harry stood and walked over to the desk. Pulling his wand, he looked down and tried to concentrate. His mind latching onto one of the memories, he lifted the wand to pull it but his hand was shaking so badly that he was having a difficult time doing so.

Having stood with Lucius when Harry did, Narcissa watched the young man struggle. Heart clenching at how hard this had to be for him, she finally cleared her throat. When the Minister looked at her, she asked, respectfully, “May I help him? No, I won't put my hand on his wand, I just want to steady his arm is all.”

Seeing how the young man was having so many problems, something understandable considering what he was being asked to do, the Minister nodded then motioned Narcissa forward.

Stepping up to Harry, Narcissa put a hand on his elbow and one on his wrist then said, tone gentle, “I'll steady your arm, Harry. Just concentrate only on the first part of the memory, nothing more. That will give you the whole thing. I'll hold onto your arm and you just pull when you're ready.”

Nodding, swallowing thickly, Harry shut his eyes and willed himself to only focus on walking into the dungeons, nothing more. When he felt he had locked onto only that, he began to pull out the silver strand.

Once the strand was free, Narcissa helped to guide Harry's hand until he was able to drop it into the liquid in the Pensive. After that was done, she let loose of his arm and leaned against him, putting a hand on his back, patting it gently. “You did fine, Harry. Let's go sit down.”

Nodding, shaking so badly he was certain his legs wouldn't hold him up much longer, Harry let her lead him back to the couch where he all but dropped.

“Thank you, Harry.” The Minister said, respectfully. “My assistant and I will both look at the memory. Rest assured, we won't comment on specific details of what we see to anyone.” After seeing the young man give a shaky nod, the two of them put their faces in the Pensive and began to watch the horrific scene play out.

After what seemed like an eternity to Harry, the two pulled their faces out of the Pensive. A look of pure fury was on the Minister's face and his assistant just looked ill, his face having a green tinge to it. After pulling the memory back out of the pensive, the Minister handed it to Harry, who, reluctantly, put it back.

After a moment of silence, Minster Jacques looked at Harry's solicitor then asked, his normally cultured voice having a stronger French accent than before, “You have the rest of the memories?”

“I do,” Byron said, pulling a small box out of his pocket. With a tap of his wand, he enlarged it and handed it over. “Each have a label on them as what they contain so you can tell what you're about to see.”

Taking the box, Jean-Pierre, with shaking hands, began to group the small jars together so they could watch everything in the order of what they were. Though, reluctantly, he dumped all the jars that were labeled as being the sexual assaults into the Pensive then, after a shaky breath, nodded to the Minister.

A look of grim determination of his face Minister Jacques said to those seated, “Let us watch all these then I'll give you a decision. I want a full understanding of what's happening before I do that.” After seeing them nod, he steeled himself then put his face back into the Pensive with his assistant.

Sitting there on the sofa, Harry looked down at the floor, hands clasped between his spread legs, shivering. He hated the fact that someone had to look at some of the most degrading, humiliating moments of his life. Of course, he knew it was necessary, but that didn't mean he was comfortable with it. Feeling a hand on his back then Lucius say his name, Harry glanced at him.

Rubbing Harry's back softly, Lucius then leaned over and whispered, “Don't let it bother you. Neither of them will say a word, unlike what you know of Fudge. This is a good sign, Harry. Take it as that and nothing more.”

Nodding, Harry whispered back, “I know. Doesn't make it less hard to deal with though.”

Taking one of Harry's hands, Narcissa gave it a pat then a squeeze. Leaning closer, she told him, keeping her voice down, “This is the worst part. Everything after this will be easy. Look at it that way.”

“Thanks,” Harry said with a sigh.

After what seemed like an eternity, both the Minister and his assistant pulled their faces out of the Pensive after watching the very last of the memories that had been produced, the ones of the interactions with Umbridge and the Ministry. With shaking hands, swallowing thickly, face a sickly shade of green, Jean-Pierre began to put the memories back in the jars. Minister Jacques sat himself on the edge of his desk. Face a mottled shade of red, he was taking deep breaths to calm himself. When Jean-Pierre finished, he looked at him then spoke in rapid-fire French. With a nod, looking determined, the assistant quickly left the room.

Sitting there, Lucius smirked, having understood it. However, before he could say anything about what was said, the Minister addressed Harry again.

“I believe that's the most overwhelming evidence I've seen a great while when it comes to an asylum case. Though France has never granted a British citizen such a thing in many hundreds of years, we will be doing so.”

Looking relieved, Harry nodded then said a hushed, “Thank you.”

“You have nothing to thank me for, Harry. It's the least we can do to help you.” Glancing at Harry's solicitor, he asked, “Is there anything aside from what's been asked for so far that is needed.”

“There is, Mr. Minister,” Byron said with a nod. “Mr. Potter's estate is handled by Gringotts in Britain. We would ask that it be transferred here by executive order. As this is not uncommon and the goblins will honor such a thing, it would be standard. That way Mr. Potter doesn't have to go back to Britain to handle things for himself. It would also be asked that the goblins lock down all Mr. Potter's properties so that the British Ministry will not be able to them or in any other way lay claim to them. As they come from his inheritance, it's just protecting him. As others have taken it upon themselves to get into his vaults in the past, we would like all keys immediately revoked and only two issued. One would go to myself and the other to Mr. Potter. We would also like the goblins to ensure that they put spells on any paperwork to ensure that no one can trace Mr. Potter through that.”

As this was something that was not only a standard thing but understandable, the Minister nodded. “I will include that. Anything else?”

“Mr. Potter would like to be home-schooled rather than transfer. As Headmaster Dumbledore has close relations when it comes to some things with Madame Maxine, Harry doesn't want to go to Beauxbatons.”

Face going stony, the Minister looked at Harry and asked, keeping his tone calm, “What kind of relations, do you know?”

“I'm not sure. All I know is he recruited her for some kind of mission with Hagrid last year. That tells me there is something there. Sorry, but I don't want to be anywhere he can get to me.” Harry told him, tone apologetic.

“Yes, that's best. I will also be launching an investigation into that. We do not want Albus Dumbledore's fingerprints in our educational system! He needs to confine himself to Britain and not draw France into his many manipulations,” the minister seethed. Looking back at Harry's solicitor, he asked, “I take it you'll have the papers ready for Mr. Potter's withdrawal from Hogwarts?”

“They are already prepared,” Byron told him with a firm nod. “All I needed is some kind of protection in place where Harry can't be found to submit them. Once you sign things, I'll send them off. They will be on the Deputy Headmistress' desk tonight and confirmed.”

“Very good! From what I read this morning in that rag called a paper, Fudge and his High Inquisitor want Mr. Potter expelled. I believe they said they will give him a week to show before doing such a thing. No, doing it right away is in Mr. Potter's best interests.” Looking back at the young man, he said, keeping his tone soft, “I need you to understand some of what is coming, Harry.” Seeing the young man look at him then nod, he pressed on, “I want to publicize this. I'm sure you understand why. Since Mr. Malfoy seemed to anticipate this and suggested The British Seer as a way, I will go with that. He also arranged an interview with them after this is done. I would like you to do that as well. It can be done right here. In this case, I want the truth, the real truth, not what the Prophet says, out there for all to see. The Seer knows better than to cross me or venture into the realm of yellow journalism. This is acceptable to you?”

“It's fine,” Harry told him with a nod, knowing what Lucius wanted to do ahead of time. He didn't like it, not wanting to reveal such things, but was willing because of what would come of it.

“I'm certain Mr. Malfoy also told you I have to turn those memories you gave me over to the DMLE in Britain. That is part of a treaty I have to honor. They will, of course, want to interview you as they can do nothing to prosecute anyone involved without you. I'm gathering you don't want to do that?” Seeing Harry give his head a firm shake, he nodded. “I will deny the request when it comes. All such things will have to go through my office to be approved. I will ensure no one does such a thing. I will also make sure there is a tracking spell on those jars before I do so. That way if they are handed over to people that have no proper authorization or reason to look at them, I will know as they will be recorded on a piece of parchment. I want those names out there if that happens.”

Nodding, Harry said, “That's fine. I don't want to know, though. I have no plans to follow any of this and would prefer not knowing what is said.”

“That's fine and I understand,” he replied with a nod. Looking at Lucius and Narcissa, the Minister then said, “First, I want no offense taken by Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy about this.” Seeing the two nod, he then asked, “Are you sure this is being done in your best interests, Harry? They want nothing from you?”

“They want nothing from me,” Harry told him firmly, looking him in the eyes. Then, for the first time since walking in, a ghost of a smile formed, “Well, except for Narcissa. Her goal in life is to see if she can't make my hair lay down. It's her mission and she wants me as a guinea pig.”

As this was a running joke between the two, Narcissa smiled then reached out and ran her fingers through the tousled, messy hair on Harry's head, “Yes, it's my goal that I find something to make it lay flat. As of yet, nothing has worked. I will not allow mere hair to defeat me, though.”

Smiling, the Minister nodded, amused by that, “I'm sure you understand why I asked.”

“I do,” Harry nodded. “I just want them protected too. I mean, they are putting themselves in the line of fire to help me so I don't want either of them catching hell for it.”

“I'll ensure that their name appears nowhere,” Minister Jacques said with a nod. “Do you have somewhere to stay? Have you worked that out?”

“Yes. Narcissa and Lucius are going to let me stay in one of their houses here in France. We've worked out a trade for one of mine in Britain. I believe that the costs are very close.” Brow furrowed, still unsure about that, Harry glanced down at his solicitor to explain it.

“Yes, there is a contract drawn up between the two parties.” Byron said, nodding. “Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy are going to do a trade with Mr. Potter for the properties. Mr. Potter has one that is very close in value to the one that they will trade him. I believe, in the end, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy will pay the difference, something like ten galleons, to Mr. Potter. As we have a promissory contract already drawn up, Mr. Potter will be taking up residence as soon as this is all over. The final contract, though, won't be signed for a while. We want some things to blow over before we do that, making sure Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy aren't caught in the crossfire that will come from this. Everything is in place, though, and will be honored by all parties involved. The contract states that clearly and is binding.”

“Very good!” The Minister nodded. “That way you do not have to return to Britain after this. I assume anything you have can be brought to you by Mr. or Mrs. Malfoy?”

“We will handle all of that,” Lucius said firmly. Looking at Harry, he then said, hoping to do something, “As you saw the memories, I know you saw the situation with Sirius Black play out. Is there anything you can do? Aside from turning the memory over, of course.”

Sighing, Jacques looked down then said, tone thoughtful, “It's doubtful there is much I can do despite the fact that the man is obviously innocent. I doubt the British Ministry is going to do anything about the case as they seem to want to lay everything on Lord Black. However, in this case since it's an obvious miscarriage of justice and was done without a trial, what I feel I can do is offer Lord Black asylum for such a thing. It's odd to do but not unheard of to offer such a thing to a being that has been unjustly imprisoned. As he's still a wanted fugitive by the Ministry, if he can get here, I will do the same for him that I am for Mr. Potter.”

Looking between the beings in the room, Harry looked hopeful. “You will? I mean, Sirius has suffered enough!”

“I will, Harry,” Jacques told him, smiling slightly. “I would suggest, though, that you not get in contact with him yourself. If Mr. or Mrs. Malfoy are willing, I would say let them do so.”

“He's my cousin. Though we don't have the greatest of relationships, I'll try,” Narcissa told him. “It'll just take some work so as not to give away things.” With who she was attached to and the beings helping Harry right now, she was going to have to figure out the best way she could do that. She would, though, for Harry since he worried about Sirius so much.

Nodding, Jacques said nothing more as his assistant came back in carrying the forms. Taking them, he sat behind his desk and quickly signed them. Then, once done, he tapped them with his wand, sealing it. Standing once more, he walked around the desk and handed a copy to Harry. “As of right now, I grant Mr. Harry Potter asylum in France. He will be under the protection of the French Ministry of Magic and will be granted the same legal rights as any citizen. I have also signed the form to emancipate him, making him a legal adult. The form for full citizenship has been signed and will go in front of our courts this week. As I've fast-tracked it, I would estimate it's approval within a week. Welcome to France, Mr. Potter!” With that, he held out his hand to Harry, smiling.

Clutching the paper like a lifeline, Harry stood, smiling and shook the Minister's hand, “Thank you very much.”

“There is nothing to thank me for,” Jacques said, shaking his head. “If Britain can't treat their heroes any better than they do you, they don't deserve them. We are more than happy to step up and do so.” Looking at Lucius, he said, “I believe Mr. Winthrop is waiting for your summons to do the interviews?” When he saw Lucius nod, he continued, “If you would be so kind as to go retrieve him, we can get this started so Mr. Potter can go home. He looks like he needs some rest.”

Smirking, Lucius stood then said, “I'll return quickly.” After giving Harry's shoulder a squeeze, he strode out of the room to get the reporter.

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If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...