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Shades of Grey	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 103925 -:- Recommendations : 6 -:- Currently Reading : 21
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor do I make any money off this dance in the realm of strangeness and smut

Chapter List
- 52
- 53
- 54
Chapter 53

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. You're the best, woman, and thank you!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Just a reminder of what's on my profile: reviews complaining or whinging about the lack 'o sex in stories will get deleted. If you want a smut-filled romp, you need to find another story to read.

“So, Severus,” Lucius started, relaxing back in his chair and crossing his legs. “There was something I wanted to talk with you about. It was my thought that alone was for the best.” Like the day before, it was snowing and blowing outside. This time, though, it was worse. The wind was howling and driving the snow into drifts, making it hit the glass of the windows so hard it sounded like they were being pelted. Though all of them could protect themselves from the cold and wetness, it was thought best they all stay inside, especially the snakes. Even the coats and warming charms wouldn't help them much in this nasty weather. “Harry is off meditating and working on his Animagus transformation, so we have some time to ourselves.”
After a nod to let Lucius know he was fine with the discussion, Severus then asked, “How is he coming with it, do you know? The last time I asked he said that he thought he was close, though he wouldn't give a hint what his form was. I do believe he has figured out what it is.”
“Good,” Lucius nodded, curious about the form himself. Then, with a slight smirk, he added, “If he figured it out, he needs to tell us how. I'm in the same boat you are with it in that I'm getting nowhere beyond the visualization of the form. While the meditation is helping, I'm not near enough to manifesting the change itself.”
“Nor am I,” Severus snorted, shaking his head. “The challenge is fun, though. Black did say it can take years to manage, even if you are older and powerful. It just depends on your magic. If nothing else, it gives us something to do as we have to focus plenty, thus staving off boredom.”
After hearing Lucius agree to that assessment, he asked, “What's the topic you want to discuss with me?” He didn't know, as it could relate to many areas, so he wanted a foreshadowing, though he didn't think it was anything 'bad' or a problem.
While this was going to end up a touchy discussion, as Severus could be odd on some areas, Lucius thought he had a way to ease into it. “I had an interesting discussion with Harry yesterday on the topic of Sirius,” he started, figuring this was the best way to broach the topic.
Now curious what it could be about, Severus motioned him to go on.
“It was about the bonding and attraction. We both know it's there,” Lucius pressed on, making sure he tossed that tidbit in. “He told me he discussed the whole issue with Sirius over a couple of days. So, Sirius is aware of the attraction. If you ask me, it rather puts his offer to do the bonding in a slightly different light, don't you think?” Stopping there, he waited to see what Severus had to say on the issue. Then he could judge from from there how to broach the real topic and see if he couldn’t get his old friend guided the right way.
Severus' brow furrowed as he processed what was said then gave a slow nod. “It does, for certain. Harry talked to him about the whole attraction and what could come of it?” While it was out there he did find Harry attractive, the kiss the night before was proof of it, he hadn't realized Harry thought about it enough to talk it over with Black.
“From how it was explained to me, yes,” Lucius confirmed. “He told me Black made him lay all of it out then they talked it through. From what he said, it was Black's way of ensuring it was for the 'right' reasons and not just a crush or some other such bit. He also made a point that I hadn't considered. As Harry pointed out, Sirius knew what he was offering when he mentioned the bonding and that it meant it wasn't breakable. Even I said something along those lines. Then he told me, and I didn't realize this until after he mentioned it, that Sirius wouldn't 'sentence' him to a lifetime with the two of us, knowing sex would be involved, if there wasn't something between us as he would end up miserable. I'm sure Sirius would try to find every other way imaginable to help, but wouldn't sacrifice Harry to save the two of us from Azkaban.”
“Not something I thought of, I admit,” Severus conceded, thinking it over. He hadn't, either. His focus had been on a viable way to protect themselves from jail once this was over, not the why behind what Black mentioned. And Black would not do that to Harry. No chance. It meant, at least from what he could see, Black knew, and probably approved. “It's something to take into consideration, that's for certain. And we may want to consider that offer if we can't find another way.” While saving their backsides was part of the consideration in that statement, it was also his way of saying he liked the idea. A lot. More than he cared to admit. It was doubtful that he would find anyone else like Harry and Lucius in that they would accept him, faults and all, not to mention his past, in his life. In fact, he had pretty much resigned himself to being alone for the rest of his life, at least in a romantic sense. So, it appealed to him, greatly.
Lucius was pleased with what Severus said, nodding at it. “I wasn't either, until Harry mentioned it,” he admitted. This was the foot in the door he needed, or so he thought. It meant he had to find a way to get out of Severus what the reluctance was and work around it. Though it wouldn’t be easy, he was going to try. After all, he knew Severus probably better than most people in the word. The knowledge would at least help him.
As he ran one long finger over the rim of the teacup he was holding, Lucius shot Severus an askance glance. It looked like the man was contemplating what he said. Good. He thought this was the right place to press on. This would just be a delicate operation, nothing more. After clearing his throat, something that had Severus looking at him, eyebrow up, he asked, keeping a soft tone of voice, “If I may, Severus; what is the reluctance to press on with Harry? He's willing and has made it clear. While I get parts, such as his age, as that was an issue with my end as well, I was wondering if it was more than that.” Then he waited for the response or to see if he was going to have to prod some more.
With a sigh, Severus slouched slightly, sipping at his tea, not sure how to answer. Oh, he wanted the relationship, there was no doubt there, there were just—issues. After lowering the cup and holding it, he looked down into the liquid, brow furrowed, not sure if he should talk about the issues or not. On one hand, he didn't want to because of the biggest of the problems. Though on the other, he did as he might be able to sort it out then press on. He wanted to press on, he really did, but it was difficult as he wasn't used to doing so.
“It stays between us, you know this,” Lucius assured, though he was certain his old friend knew it. All he wanted to do was toss the reassurance out there, nothing more. It might prod the discussion along.
“Yes,” Severus told him with a nod and sigh. “It's not that easy, Lucius.”
“No, it's not,” Lucius admitted with a dry snort. “We won't go into the angst and self floggings I went through when the attraction started to build towards Harry. I was completely horrified with myself over it. My rational side kept reminding me, repeatedly, about how Harry is the same age as my son. The disgust I felt over that tidbit was horrific. While I kept also reminding myself that Harry is only that age, no longer biologically the same age as Draco, it didn't help matters.”
“Harry's age is a hurdle, that I'll admit to,” Severus confessed with a short nod. He left it there, though.
No, Severus wasn't going to make this easy on him. It was time to prod slightly. “That’s not the big one, is it?” He asked softly, looking at the other wizard.
“I'll concede to that as well,” Severus told him shortly, eyes going shut.
“What's the issue? Perhaps we can talk it out,” Lucius once more prodded. He hoped he could jar it loose, at least somewhat.
As he pondered what Lucius asked, Severus wasn't sure if he wanted it out there or to discuss it. However, it was something Lucius knew about, so it might not be a bad idea if it finally saw the light of day and he admitted to it. After several moments of thinking it over, he said, simply, “Lily.”
“I should have thought of that end of the issue,” Lucius admitted. He really hadn't. In fact, he hadn’t considered how the relationship with Harry's mother could factor in to so much. And it wasn't an easy one to tackle.
After tossing it back and forth for a few moments, he asked, hoping this was the right track to take and he wouldn't make the situation worse, “If what I know is correct, from some of what you said, all Lily wanted for her son was for him to be happy.”
“That's true,” Severus agreed, looking at him. “Like most mother's out there, she would want her son to find love and happiness.”
“We won't get into the fallout from what happened so long ago, but you were her friend, Severus, a good one she adored and trusted. If I recall correctly, she's the only person that you ever allowed to call you by a nickname.” Lucius observed, looking at him once more.
“This I'll admit to as well,” Severus told him, remembering her calling him Sev for so long, something that made him smile just a little in a sad way.
“We both have made abominable choices over our time. Neither of us will deny that fact. Since then, we've made some very good, right ones and are doing the correct thing by Harry. After we righted the wrong we perpetrated and kicked ourselves onto the path we are now, you've done what you promised; to protect Harry. Since then, Harry's been quite happy. As the relationships have changed, he's been happier. I don't think Lily would begrudge either of you the chance at happiness being presented. After all, she trusted you and was your friend for so long. She knew what you're like, Severus, despite the wrong turns you made. You've realized it and made it back on the right path. Her son now sees in you what she did. If anything, it has to make her happy.”
“The two of you weren't meant to be, probably for many reasons, but that doesn't mean that she would begrudge you happiness with her son, if all I remember of her is correct. I'm not trying to offend, as I certainly didn't know her as well as you did, but I don't see a mother being upset her son fell in love with someone that cares for and about him. Especially since she knew the person well and would trust him. I feel she would also know there is no one safer in the world to entrust her son to. After all, you're not about to use him for his fame, money, whatever, the way so many others would in the world. And Merlin help the person that tries to harm or use Harry. She knew what you were like. It's even worse now as you would defend Harry to the death. I, as a parent, would adore such a trait in someone my son found,” Lucius told him quietly, though wary as he wasn't sure what Severus' reaction would be to some of what he said.
Though prickling slightly because of some of what Lucius mentioned as he didn't know Lily well, Severus was able to calm the emotions involved and think about what was said instead. Brow furrowed, he stared down into his teacup, lost in thought. Lucius was right on her personality. While he was sure there would be a few shows of temper over his age and his relationship with her, because of the circumstances now, it wouldn't be bad if he knew her as well as he thought he did. In fact, she would probably be delighted her son was with someone who would see him as himself and accept him for just that. Many couldn't.
Lucius watched as Severus pondered what he said then thought he could press more. “While I'm quite sure two ex-Death Eaters wouldn't be any parent's first choice for their child, we bring plenty to the table, Severus. Harry is still impulsive and of the mindset he was in school. We've not had the time to change the damage done by what he suffered. Oh, he's on the right path, thankfully, but it'll take time. Between the two of us, we can make sure he doesn't follow those impulses or rush in blindly anymore. We can also offer him the protection no one else really could. Those may seem minor to so many, but with Harry they aren't.”
“I think, in some ways, he's better off with someone older. It's more likely he can get so much of what he needs in a healthier way than he could from those his own age. I don't mean as a parent, of course, though we do a bit of that, I admit, but a stabilizing influence in his life. After all, we know by now how much he's been led down the garden path by so many. We won't allow it and only have his best interests at heart. The relationship which is growing isn't one that is the cause for us taking such an interest in his welfare. We took on that area before the attraction came into the equation. As it grew naturally, it just adds to what is there.” He finished. Then he waited.
Once more, Severus thought over what Lucius said, agreeing with all of it. Part of him realized he wanted to agree because it would justify what he wanted, but the other part realized it was viable. He would never let anything happen to Harry. Ever. He didn't care what it took. The promise to Lily was part of it, of course, but there was more. Harry was—well, his second, and probably only other chance at happiness. He doubted he would ever find anyone else to accept him with his faults and past. Lily's son just didn't care and it didn't matter. In that he could see Lily, and how she used to be, something he adored.
While it reminded him of Lily, Harry wasn't his mother. For years, Harry had seen the other side of him, the bitter, hateful part which showed for so long. And he had been on the receiving end of plenty of what he spewed from it. One would think most would never get over it or be able to see past what he had done. Harry did, though, and moved forward, not letting it affect what was there. Lily—well, she had put up with as much as she could then walked off, leaving him to his fate. He couldn't blame her, either. After all, he hadn't liked himself much at the time, so others weren't going to like him either. Harry—well, he didn't care anymore. And Severus adore he didn't. It made him happy to not only have Harry as a friend, but the feelings that progressed beyond and were still growing.
“You're right,” he finally told Lucius quietly. “About most of it, I think. It's hard to guess what someone would think when they aren't around to ask, but I think she would approve. Well, after a show of temper, that is.”
“Oh, I'm sure there would be some of the fire,” Lucius agreed, smirking just a tad. “James would be beside himself for a time. However, if Sirius and Remus can accept it, something they seem to have done, I think the two of them would as well. It would just be harder because they are his parents, nothing more. We would be threatened with the vilest of hexes at first then they would press on.”
“Very true as well,” Severus snorted, looking amused. Then he sobered up and admitted, “I do want the relationship, I truly do.”
“Then I say we press on.” Lucius nudged gently. “We can't change the past, Severus. No matter how much we would want to. What we can do is make a future they would approve of. For all of us. Happiness isn't easy to come by. I've had my taste and hope to have another with this relationship. You and Harry—I think it's safe to say neither of you have experienced it for various reasons. Together I think the three of us can find it, don't you? After all, we have a connection unlike most would.”
“We do,” Severus agreed, looking at him once more. “A very odd one, though one we had to make an effort to build.”
“We did, all three of us,” Lucius pointed out. “If we can go from what it was at the start of this scheme to where it is now, we can make it work, don't you think?”
“Yes, we can,” Severus once more agreed, feeling better. Oh, there was still some guilt, and probably would be for a time, but he was a tad more secure now. “We can try to see where this leads.”
“I think we already are. Harry and I were just waiting for you to come around,” Lucius admitted with a soft chuckle before taking another sip of his tea.
“Why am I not surprised?” Severus asked with a snort, shaking his head.
“Because you were the spanner in the gears, old friend,” Lucius told him, looking amused. “We weren't going to push as we weren't sure about the issues behind the why. I agreed to take on finding out.”
“And the conspiring begins,” Severus told him, looking as amused as Lucius.
“But, of course,” Lucius chuckled. “Would you expect less of us?”
“No, I should have anticipated it,” Severus admitted, relaxing more and feeling better. “Let's see where it leads and go at a pace we all are comfortable with.”
“Which means you have some catching up to do, Severus,” Lucius told him, once more looking smug.
“Again, I'm not surprised,” Severus said dryly, though with no heat.
“Considering who you're dealing with, it shouldn't come as one,” Lucius told him, looking entirely amused.
Severus was about to retort when he spied who he thought was Kaliya coming in. In fact, until the massive cobra slithered closer, he didn't realize the markings on the hood weren't there. Eyes wide, he stiffened up and held his wand tightly. How in the world did another cobra get in the house? In the middle of a blizzard no less! It wasn't until he thought it over and he noticed Lucius, too, had spied the snake he understood.
With a pleased nod, he stood and looked the snake over as it coiled on the small coffee table there. “Quite impressive, Harry!” He admitted, stepping closer to examine the snake more closely.
“Indeed!” Lucius seconded, standing as well, nodding. “Now, you will show Severus and I how you managed! We've not made it as far in this area as you have.”
After shifting back, a grinning and smug looking Harry sat on the coffee table then said, “Sirius will have a ruddy heart attack when he sees I'm a cobra!”
“He will,” Severus smirked. “The reaction will end up most amusing.” Then he sobered up and asked, “Did you just manage only the once or have you done it more than that?”
“I have it down, I think,” Harry told him, focusing then transfiguring into his animagus form. After giving a pleased hiss and looking between the two, he then shifted back once more. “It's making me a tad tired, probably because I'm not used to it, but I have it down.”
“And I believe that Severus will agree this is another O for your Transfiguration grade,” Lucius told him with a pleased nod.
“Oh yes,” Severus agreed. “Especially since you've managed it before your teachers!” Once more taking a seat, sending an elf for a snack and something to drink for Harry as he assumed the younger wizard would need them, he asked, “Do you have any tips what we can do to push this along faster for the two of us? Anything?”
“Not sure, but I'll have you walk me through what you're up to and doing then judge from there. If I don't, Sirius might,” Harry told him, taking the juice and a sandwich from the elf that brought them.
“We'll have you sit down with us tonight and talk us through just what you did. While we know what it says in the books when it comes to the steps, it's another to hear it from someone who has accomplished it,” Lucius told him, wondering just how Harry managed when he and Severus couldn't get beyond the same point. “You may be able to give us hints to help.”
“I'll do what I can,” Harry assured them, devouring the sandwich. Then, with a sheepish grin, he admitted, “I'm going to end up taking a long nap this afternoon. It took it right out of me to manage it.”
“Easily understandable,” Severus nodded. “You take a nap then we'll have you sit down and walk us through just how you pulled it off. We'll probably have plenty of questions that might help us achieve it.”
“I think this means, if I read it correctly, we'll all end up with a species of cobra for an Animagus form,” Lucius said, once more settling in his chair. “Probably one to match our Patronus. Not a hardship and one we will all find dead useful, I imagine.”
“While it's still a bit startling, I think I like it better than I would a stag,” Harry nodded, sipping his juice. “It took a bit to get a feel for how to slither right, but Kaliya and Nagini gave me some coaching on it. Almost ran into several things until I figured out what I was doing.”
“Not something we thought of either,” Severus snorted, looking amused as he envisioned the huge snake fumbling around to move right. “Now, what did the transformation feel like? It was described in the books as not being painful, but it doesn't give a real account of what it feels like either.”
“It wasn't painful at all,” Harry told him with a shake of his head. “Not sure I can describe what it feels like, besides strange, but I'll try.” Then he launched in to give the best account he could, not sure how to come across with some of it. He was pleased, though, as he managed. Now he was going to prod Sirius to give him a Marauder's name. It didn't mean much, but he wanted the name. As he had managed what they did so long ago, he thought he earned it.
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