Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

No Obvious Truths	By : Danyealle Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 64502 -:- Recommendations : 8 -:- Currently Reading : 32
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no money off this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Chapter 6

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. Thanks, woman! You're the BEST!

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Once inside the courtroom, though the whole panel was assembled and waiting on them, there was still some shuffling around to do. Normally, both Lucius and Narcissa would be seated at the table with the solicitors as they were the ones applying for custody. Harry, himself, would be seated at another table with an advocate appointed by the court to make sure his best interests were attended to. However, as gravely ill as he was, not to mention Draco being with them, the normal procedure was going to be modified. Lucius would sit at the table with his solicitors alone while Harry's advocate, one that was talking quietly to Arabella and pouring over the reams of parchment he was handed, would be seated alone as well. Narcissa and Severus would be seated with the two young men right behind the table Lucius was at in the gallery.

Though the solicitors didn't think that there would be an issue getting custody, Lucius' reputation, not to mention some of the questions about him that arose in the aftermath of the last war, were going to come up then cause some issues. No, they didn't think that it was going to be enough to have the whole petition denied, but it was going to be there and something they were going to have to deal with. The young solicitor that the court had appointed for Harry, Byron Hamstead, talked quickly to everyone involved, especially Arabella. After getting chapter and verse from the Healer as to how grave a matter this appeared to be, he was more than willing to go along with what they wanted. It was just a matter of going through the steps at this point and following the formality of how such things had to go.

Sliding into the bench behind where Lucius was sitting, Arabella was seated furthest away with Draco next to her. Narcissa was next then Severus on the end. The Potions Master was holding the mostly asleep and generally out of it Harry on his lap. They all decided, because he could detect an issue faster than the rest of them when it came to the young man, he would hold onto him. Harry was still so groggy and sleepy that no one felt it was wise to have him try to sit up on his own.

Taking her seat with the rest of the panel at the head of the room, Madam Bones quickly called the hearing to order then began to push things as fast as she could. First came the Aurors then the Healer would testify. After that, the rest would come in so they could get everything in place. While doing that, she made it a point to tell everyone that she wanted this to go as quickly as it could as the young man in question was quite ill and there was no sense in dragging it out, making him suffer by sitting through a long process.

Rising, Lucius' lead solicitor began to run through the list of why they were going for custody, laying out what they knew to start the process.

Sitting beside his mother, Draco had tuned out what was being said and kept glancing down at the young man that appeared to be asleep on Severus' lap. Honestly? He didn't know what to think about what he saw. Yes, it was Harry Potter. That much he could deduce by the scar on his forehead, but so far he hadn't said anything at all. He appeared to be drugged by something powerful and kept kinda' dozing off. Even when it appeared he was awake, he had a glassy-eyed look that spoke of some type of powerful potion.

Now, when his parents told him that Harry Potter would be coming to live with them, but was ill, he wasn't sure what he had thought that would mean. Really, though, what he was seeing wasn't anything he considered. He had seen his grandfather before he passed on and knew he had been sick before that happened, but even Abraxas hadn't looked this sick. Nor were friends he had visited when they were ill in some way. This was... well, part of him was worried Harry Potter was going to be dead before the hearing was done because he looked that sick! He, of course, had heard of how sick some beings could get from things, but hadn't really seen anyone that way, so he had no real template to judge from when it came to seeing someone in that kind of shape. There was also the fact that he was really small and skinny. He was what his parents told him was average sized. Some of his friends were bigger and others smaller, but Harry looked to be smaller than anyone he knew, even those a few years younger.

Brow creased with worry after another glance down at the young man sleeping on Severus' lap, he leaned back and looked at the floor. Reaching out, he touched his mother's hand to get her attention. When her soft voice asked him what was wrong and he felt a gloved hand touch his back, he asked, making sure to keep his voice down, “He's not going to... you know... before this is over? I mean, he looks really sick, mother!”

Putting a hand on her son's shoulder, Narcissa gave it a reassuring squeeze then leaned closer before whispering, “Don't worry, Draco. It'll all be fine. He's just really sick right now. The Muggles gave him some things to help with pain. That's why he keeps falling asleep. It's nothing to worry about.”

Nodding to let her know he heard her, Draco couldn't help but glance down at the boy again, brow still creased. Really, he couldn't understand how someone that looked that ill would be fine.

“It's alright, young man. Harry is a tough lad. He's out of it right now because of what they gave him for pain. Earlier, he was sitting up and talking to all of us. Once this wears off, he'll do the same again,” Arabella told the youngster sitting next to her softly. Though not wanting to eavesdrop, she had heard what was said and didn't want the young Malfoy to panic too much.

Looking at the woman his mother had introduced as Mrs. Figg, Draco nodded to her. “He was talking and all that? Not like he is now?”

“He was good enough that he devoured a cheeseburger and a bunch of other things,” Arabella told him with a smile. “I know he's sick and small, but he's a fighter. He's been battling this since he was eight. There is no way that he's going to give up now that he has some hope of finally being cured. Trust me; Harry is as tough and feisty as they come. What you see is brought on by the medicine they gave him so he's not hurting so much. Once it wears off, he'll be in a little better shape. He'll be hurting, but not so out of it.”

“She's right, Draco,” Narcissa soothed, rubbing her son's head. “Don't let it worry you. This is bad, no one is going to lie to you and tell you it isn't, but it looks worse now because of how out of it he is. Once we get him home, it'll be better. I promise. Like your father and I told you, it's going to take some time for him to get better, but he will.”

Nodding again, Draco looked back down at Harry but felt more relieved on the topic. He didn't understand it since he didn't have anything to base something like that on, but trusted they were telling him the truth. Focusing back on what was being said, he began to think of all the things he could do with a 'brother', even one as sick as Harry appeared to be. Plus, well, they need to get to know each other. That he was looking forward to.

When Arabella was called to the stand to lay out what she knew, the topic of Lucius, and his reputation, finally came up. Before she testified, it had been the basic things from the Aurors, Healer, Severus and such that laid out just how grave a situation this was from a medical standpoint. Because Arabella knew the other things then had gone to Severus, thus involving Lucius, it was here it all came in to play for the first time.

Though timid and wary when she started testifying, as some of the members of the court began to bring up other things, the fire she had shown Severus to get his attention began to make itself known. After some rather pointed questions about Lucius' reputation, and how she thought that he might be able to take care of Harry better than someone else, she sat up straight, glared at the being that asked then said, tone clear and strong, “He and Severus gave me an Unbreakable Vow that they would protect and care for him. It was one that also stated that he wouldn't be used. I am trusting in those! It's a damned sight better than what Albus Dumbledore has done for Harry! At least they are willing to step in and make sure that the worst doesn't happen when Albus was content to let things play out!”

“Are you saying that Albus planned to let the young man die?” Arwig Marchbanks asked, brows arched, tone astounded.

“No, I've never said that!” Arabella told him, looking at him calmly. “What I've said is I don't think that Albus knows enough about Muggles, not to mention their medicine, to judge just how bad the situation is or what they could and couldn't do to cure such a thing. He's used to dealing with magical medicine. I don't think he realizes that the Muggle version can't cure some things the way the Magical world can. Nor was Albus listening to me when I told him how bad this was. The fact that he hasn't answered my last few owls on the topic, no matter how busy he is, was something that made me realize that he wasn't 'getting it'. I've handed over all the correspondence I have on the topic to you. That is clearly stated in there. I laid out everything I could for him to tell him how bad this was, but he didn't do anything!”

Stepping in, Madam Bones asked, “Lucius and Severus gave you an Unbreakable Vow on the matter?”

“Indeed they did,” Arabella nodded firmly, sitting up straighter. “I'm well aware of Lucius Malfoy's reputation, and things that were said after the last war about him. However, even though I'm a squib, I know what those vows mean. I will take those for what they are and be content. Harry will get the help he needs and be taken care of. I think that's all that matters. The beings doing that, as long as they treat him better than the family Albus gave him to, matters not to me. As I got those vows, I believe that will happen and Harry will be better off with the Malfoys.” Stopping, she looked at the faces on the panel before her as though she was daring them to argue about that.

Sitting there, Narcissa couldn't help but smile a little at what was said. Leaning over towards Severus, she whispered, “Oh, I do like her!”

“Yes, she is a determined woman,” Severus told her with a smirk turning up his mouth. Internally, he was nodding, pleased. Something like this could only aid them, especially the part about the vows. That would ease the minds of so many on the panel that were concerned about Lucius and Narcissa caring for The Boy Who Lived.

Questions that followed about some of what she had said to Albus were quickly lost to Severus when Harry tugged on his robes and he felt the young man start to stir. “Harry? Is something wrong?” He asked softly, not wanting to interrupt what was going on.

“I think I'm going to get sick again,” Harry told the man holding him while he tried to struggle into a sitting position. As his back was starting to really hurt again, that was a struggle which made him wince and it was harder to accomplish what he needed to do. Though disoriented, not really sure where he was, he knew what was coming and didn't want to vomit on the being holding him.

Galvanized, face looking grave, Severus nudged Narcissa and hissed at her to get Lucius' attention while helping the young man sit up. Without a wand, he couldn't clean up any mess that was made so it meant they needed to get one of the court attendants to do that, as they were allowed one.

Seeing what was happening, Narcissa leaned forward and whispered Lucius' name to get him to look at her. It took a couple times, but her husband finally turned around. Gesturing to Severus and Harry, she gave him a pointed look that said some help was needed.

Glancing at the Potion's Master, Lucius saw what the issue was then nudged his solicitor, gesturing behind him.

After a glance, the man stood then said, “Madam Bones? I hate to interrupt but...Can Severus get some assistance? Mr. Potter is ill again.”

Looking up, Madam Bones saw what was happening then gestured for everything to stop and one of the attendants to give an assist. Stepping down, she walked over to where the young man was now vomiting into a basin that had been handed to him. Frowning as she watched, she asked, looking around, “Isn't there something that he can be given to help him?”

Holding onto Harry as he leaned over, Severus frowned at the blood that was coming up. The ulcers were bleeding slightly, it appeared, probably triggered by the irritation of the stomach from the repeated vomiting. Looking at the healer, he shook his head. “We don't think that's wise right now.”

“No, with all the Muggle drugs in his system, we're afraid anything we give him will react to those,” Healer Smythewick told her, looking at the young man.

Understanding that, Madam Bones nodded then sighed. She didn't like seeing any young person in the shape this one was in. It was worse when there was, apparently, nothing that could be done. Thinking quickly, she then asked, “How about one of those anti-nausea potions that pregnant women use? Wouldn't one of those be gentle enough?”

Glancing at Severus, Smythewick waited to see what the Potions Master had to say. He thought that was a viable stopgap measure but Severus knew such things better than he did.

As such things were the Wizarding version of like 7-Up, no real potion involved, more of something concocted to help morning sickness with no fear of harsher things passing through to the child, Severus nodded slowly. “That is something that can work. It won't last long, but will help his stomach.”

Looking at one of the attendants, she sent him to the desk of one of the secretaries she knew was pregnant to get a few vials of it, telling him to hurry.

Once the assistant was back and Harry had been given one of the vials of the potion, he leaned back against Severus, shaking and sweating, his legs barely holding him up. The young man was well aware that the pain meds were starting to wear off since it was coming back full force.

Crouching down in front of the sick young man, Madam Bones looked at him, concerned. “Mr. Potter, are you going to be alright to make it through the rest of this?”

Assuming that they were at the hearing they had talked about after a glance around and seeing the place looked like some kind of courtroom, Harry nodded, “I'll make it. Just not feeling the best right now.” Scrubbing his hand across his eyes under his glasses, he added, “I'm tired is all and want to go back to sleep.”

Nodding, she told him, “We'll try to hurry things along for you.” Reaching out, she touched his head then stood up. Looking at Lucius, she told him, “You take him and have him sit with you. That way, if something like this happens again we can get to him quickly.”

Nodding, Lucius said nothing then picked up the young man before walking back and seating himself at the table. Having Harry get comfortable, he told him softly, “I think we're almost done, Harry. Then we'll get you out of here.”

Shifting around, trying to get comfortable, wincing at the pain in his back, Harry just nodded as he rested his head back on Lucius' shoulder. He already felt slightly better from that tingling, whatever it was, but it still hurt. Not only that, he was tired. Shutting his eyes, he sighed and hoped to fall back to sleep before the worst of the pain hit again.

Taking her place back with the rest of the panel, Madam Bones looked around then said, tone clear and firm, “I think for the sake of Mr. Potter, we need to hurry this along the best we can.” Seeing everyone nod, she then gestured for things to continue.

A little over an hour later and the court had finally reached a conclusion; custody of Harry would go to the Malfoys. No, it hadn't been an easy thing as some of those on the panel had seemed concerned about Lucius. However, as his solicitor had pointed out, no charges had ever been leveled against him for things people accused him of, thus no judgment was ever brought, only rumors still floating around, so it wasn't something that could be used. After that, there had been the quiet debate among those on the panel, something everyone observing knew would be a close thing, but the result was in their favor, a relief to all.

After the announcement, Madam Bones looked at Lucius' solicitor then asked, “Is there anything you wish to be added to this?”

Standing, Solicitor Wilde nodded, “There are some housekeeping bits, yes. It's best to attend to these things now.”

As this was standard, Madam Bones motioned for him to proceed.

“First, we want the records sealed and the standard spells put on them so that people, if someone does need to see them, won't see the name of the child that the Malfoy's have custody of. Also, the spells that make it to where if they do know, they can't pass the information on. As the young man is so well known, this will only give him more protection.”

“Granted,” Madam Bones told him with a nod. Since this was a standard thing, something done to protect the child in delicate matters, it was something she took no issue with.

Pressing on, Wilde said, “Also, that the members that aren't here tonight not be told of this or filled in as to what happened nor have access to any of the records.”

Again, that was a normal thing so Madam Bones nodded, having it recorded in the judgment and motioned for him to press on.

“We know there will be someone that will check on things and oversee the case. We would like to request someone specific for the job.”

“And who is that?” The older woman inquired. Though this wasn't all that common, it wasn't unusual either, especially in sensitive cases such as this. She was going to reserve judgment until she heard who they wanted was all.

“Yourself, Madam Bones,” Wilde told her respectfully. “Lucius and Narcissa both trust you and know you will handle this case with the sensitivity required.”

Now, that did please her. Nodding once more, she told him, “I will grant you that. I'll, personally, oversee everything with the case.”

“Next has to do with Mr. Potter's estate. Though, as his guardian, Lucius and a solicitor will handle things, we would like a goblin to oversee it all to ensure Mr. Potter's finances are handled properly. Not only that, but have a key issued to not only Mr. Potter but Lucius as well for all the vaults. Narcissa and Lucius will, of course, take on all financial burdens when it comes to getting him what he needs, but they would like to know what is there to ensure it's handled correctly. They would also need his school vault, assuming he has one, opened for him so he can get things he wants, such as a broom, sweets, whatever, if his allowance doesn't cover such things. Also, that the records go to us and Lucius so we can keep track of them then turn them over to Mr. Potter when he reaches his majority.”

Now, that Madam Bones liked. She wasn't sure what was left to Mr. Potter when it came to an estate nor did she think Lucius would need whatever it was, however this made sure Mr. Potter's finances were protected. The goblins were fastidious about ensuring clients were taken care of and would offer such a thing. “Granted,” she told him firmly with a nod of her head.

Glancing at his client, seeing the determined look there about what was coming next, since they had discussed it and Lucius was adamant about the request, Wilde then looked back at Madam Bones and said, “Lucius has requested that the Dursley's be prosecuted for the neglect and abuse. We aren't sure what charges can be brought against them or if the Wizengamot can do such a thing, but we would like it looked into. What happened to Mr. Potter should never have taken place.”

Now that was unexpected and took Madam Bones by surprise. Glancing at the young man, she thought it over. Looking around at the rest of the panel, she saw many of them nod so she looked back then nodded herself. “Granted. We will at least look into it. I'm not sure if we can do anything or what charges may come of it, but we'll see.”

“That's all we ask, Madam Bones,” Wilde told her with a nod of his head.

“Is there anything else?” She asked, looking around. When she saw everyone shake their head, she banged her gavel and said, “Custody of Harry James Potter is granted to Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy. Now, Lucius and Narcissa, if you would stand?”

Standing up, still holding onto the dozy, though slightly awake, Harry, he waited for Narcissa and Draco to join him at the table. When they did, Madam Bones stepped down, holding her wand.

Nodding to the two, she said, “If you will hold your hands out, touching?” When they did, she asked, “You are willing to take on the responsibility of this child and abide by the laws of our world pertaining to his care and treatment?” When they both agreed, she tapped her wand on them, sealing the custody with a binding. Quickly, the papers were magically signed and she handed them over to the solicitor. Looking at them, she stated, “I'll be seeing you in a couple weeks to check up on things.” When she saw them nod, she told them, “Enough of that. Get him out of here so he can get the help he needs.”

“Thank you, Madam Bones, “ Lucius told her with a nod.

Quickly, everyone gathered their things then went to retrieve their wands. Lucius, holding onto the young man, was waiting for Arabella to say her goodbyes to him.

Smiling at Harry, the squib stroked his head, “You'll be fine, Harry. Don't you and Draco run them ragged alright? And I'll see you in a couple weeks when you feel a bit better.”

Smiling at her, Harry nodded, “Alright.” Softly, he added, “Thank you, Mrs. Figg, for everything.”

“You have nothing to thank me for. Getting better is all the thanks I need.” Kissing her hand, she put it on his forehead then told him, “Now, you need to go and I'll see you soon.”

Looking at the squib, Lucius nodded to her, “We'll contact you about a visit when we get things settled. Severus will take you home as he has to go get some things anyway.”

Nodding, Arabella smiled at Lucius, “Alright. You know where I am.” After passing the bag that contained Harry's things to Narcissa, she gave a wave then grabbed Severus' arm before the two of them Apparated away.

Putting a hand on the back of Harry's head, Narcissa smiled at him when the droopy eyed boy looked at her. “Draco and I will meet the two of you there, Harry. We have some things to pick up, alright? Then we can introduce everyone to you properly.” Seeing him nod, she looked at Lucius then said, “You two go.”

Knowing that was her way of telling him to go straight to Tom's Lucius nodded. Clutching the young man tightly, he said, “Close your eyes and hang on, Harry. We're going to travel like we did before.”

Nodding, Harry did as he was told, giving an internal sigh, figuring he was going to end up sick over it again when they got there.

With a sharp crack, Lucius Apparated away.

Landing in the entryway of Tom's mansion, as Lucius expected, Harry started to heave once more. Grabbing one of the vials of the nausea potion they had used in court, Lucius got it down Harry's throat and it seemed to settle him. “Is that better?” He asked softly.

Though his stomach still felt like it was being turned inside out, Harry nodded. “Yeah.” At least he didn't feel like he was going to puke anymore. As he had done that enough for one day and his throat was sore from it, he was grateful. Looking around, he asked, “Where are we?”

“Your new home. Well, one of them anyway,” Tom said, stepping into the entryway, smiling. Walking over to the young man, he put his hand on Harry's head then said, “Welcome home, Harry.”

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No Obvious Truths