Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Lucius Views: 96986 -:- Recommendations : 12 -:- Currently Reading : 15
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and make no form of profit off this story

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Chapter 6

Beta'd by the most wonderful, amazing and stupendous Tenchi. Woman, you are the best and I love you for all you do for me!

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After the interview, a completely worn out Harry side-alonged away from the French Ministry with Narcissa and Lucius. They arrived in what appeared to be a vacant, snowy field that only had a statue that looked to be a recreation of Venus, though with her arms. Bewildered, he looked at the two beside him, wondering what was going on. It was his thought that they were going back to Tom's after this was over before he was taken to his new home.

Smirk firmly in place, Lucius said, “You'll understand shortly, Harry. Now, what we need you to do is make a small cut on your palm then put some of your blood on the statue somewhere. Once you do that, you'll understand why we're here.”

Though that was odd, Harry was beginning to get part of it. It was something to do with warding. Nodding, he took out his wand then made a tiny cut on his palm. Stepping forward, he smeared a small amount of blood on one of the statues legs then stepped back. After quickly healing the cut, he looked at the statue and waited.

Beginning to glow a brilliant white, the statue then began to flash through a myriad of colors before the landscape behind it began to shimmer in a way Harry had seen a few things do when it came to a magical ward starting to reveal something. When the statue finally turned a beautiful golden color, the shimmering stopped and the ward seemed to drop, revealing the front gates of a house. No, it wasn't something massive like Malfoy Manor, but it was a far sight bigger than what the Dursley's had. Having seen pictures of them before, Harry thought it looked like a French chateau, though not one of the huge kind, one that was more medium to small in size, something that would be called their rural estate. It was only two stories and didn't sprawl much, but it was surrounded by a high wall and had an ornate front gate. Grinning slightly, Harry got it finally. “My home?”

“Your new home,” Lucius said smugly, patting his back. “You were just keyed into the wards that heralded you as the new owner and were made a secret keeper. You alone now control who can come in and who can't through this way. It's got every protection my family could put on it. As you saw, it's hidden, of course. Only a magical being can even see the statue. Come, let's go inside and we'll show you around. Tom and a couple others are already there as they've been working on the wards, floo and a couple other things.”

Slipping her arm through the young man's, Narcissa gave his hand a pat then said, “Come, Harry, I'm sure you'll like it.”

Though walking gingerly, he allowed himself to be led through the front gate of his new home.

Putting a hand on Harry's back, Lucius explained, “You're on the coast of the channel, a short jaunt outside of Calais. Most of the land around here is unoccupied, so you won't be disturbed by either Muggle or Wizard. We thought this one best as it's comfortable, more homey than formal as well as being easy Apparation distance to both London and Paris. Though you won't be going to Britain much, if you have to, you can. Now, as it's in the middle of winter, it's blustery and cold, as you can see, the wind coming off the channel making it feel worse, but in the summer it's something quite beautiful with a cool breeze that feels wonderful. It's quiet out here, an addition I thought you would like, and not a big tourist area so you won't be bothered by such disturbances. There is a big Muggle highway not far off but we have sound-proofing wards up so that won't disturb you.”

Taking that in, eyes wide as he looked around, Harry nodded, though not saying anything.

“We thought this one best for you, Harry. I know you didn't want anything huge or ostentatious. It's not tiny, but not overly big either and is one that's very comfortable. We had your solicitor change out the house elves with the ones that were in residence at the place you traded with us so you will have Potter elves, rather than ones that were Malfoy. Though, normally, there is no issue, this will make the transition smoother for you,” Narcissa explained. “We'll just have to find one to put in charge is all as they've been alone since your parents death. Bella and I will help you decorate how you want over the next few days, as I'm certain you don't want anything formal in nature. I know you well enough that you aren't suited for such things. As Lucius will probably be busy with what is coming, it'll give you something to do.”

“Alright,” Harry said with a nod as he looked around at things while they approached the front door.

Stopping just in front of the massive wooden door, Lucius said, “We need you to do the same as you did with the statue. That way the house will recognize you as the new owner.”

Understanding that, as it was something standard in the Wizarding world from all he had read and heard from Lucius when it came to changing ownership of old estates, Harry made another small cut then smeared the blood on the door. After a shimmering of the wards, a small welcome message appeared, greeting him as the new owner, then vanished.

“There, now it's yours officially and it's activated something similar to the blood wards around Privet Drive. That will aid in your protection,” Lucius told him with a pleased nod. Pushing open the door, he said, “Welcome home, Harry.”

Grinning slightly, Harry stepped in and looked around. Though his first instinct was to go exploring to see what was there, he was too tired and in too much pain to do that. Instead, he just wanted to sit down, get something to eat then one of his pain draughts.

“I promise to give you the grand tour later, Harry,” Narcissa told him gently, not releasing his arm. “For now, let's get you settled so you can rest.” Gently leading him to one of the small parlors off the main entryway, she smiled when she saw everyone there.

Standing when the three came in, Tom looked around and nodded, pleased. He assumed since they were there, all went well. “I'm gathering the Minister gave him asylum?”

Producing the paper that had been signed granting Harry asylum, Lucius handed it over to Tom, looking smug. “Harry is now under the protection of the French Ministry of Magic. It all went how we wanted it.”

“Very good!” Tom said, looking at the paper then Harry, smiling. “Congratulations, Harry!” Tapping the official document, an ornate frame appeared over it then Tom affixed it to the mantle above the fireplace. “That's the biggest step. Now we move on to the other things. I assumed it all went how we wanted when that appeared,” he said, pointing to what looked like a small badge with the French Ministry of Magic seal on it. “That's an official French Portkey. All you need do is spell it for where you want to go within France and it'll take you there. Unlike the British Ministry, all citizens have these so they don't have to pester the Ministry for such things other than ones that take you out of the country.”

After getting a friendly pat on the cheek from Bella, as well as some of her strange baby talk, Harry gingerly seated himself on the sofa with a relieved sigh. Almost instantly, a small tray of tea and croissants appeared by him. Taking the tea and buttering a croissant, he began to nibble at it though he didn't really have an appetite. He knew if he wanted the pain draughts he had to eat something though. As that was the only thing on his mind, he was going to eat at least a little.

After Lucius and Narcissa seated themselves on either side of the young man, Tom conjured a chair then took a seat directly across from him. “While you eat, I'm going to explain what we've done, how some things needed to be handled and such.” Seeing Harry nod, the Dark Lord pressed on. “What we've done about locking down access to this place is this-- I strengthened the warding around it. Though it was not a guarantee you would be granted asylum, I thought it best to set things in motion as it takes time to do such complex spells. I've added a Fidelius, of course, with me as the secret keeper and you, of course. I didn't think you would object to that.”

Looking at Tom, Harry shook his head. Of course he didn't. Tom was brilliant at such things and knew what he was doing so he was going to allow him to beef up protection all he could. Not to mention there was no way to get anything out of Tom if he didn't want to give it up. That meant he was safe.

Pressing on after seeing the shake of the head, Tom told him, “Narcissa, myself, Bella and Lucius are all that's keyed into the wards right now and allowed through the Fidelius. I assumed you wouldn't have a problem with them, especially since they are the primaries in charge of making sure you're kept safe.” Seeing Harry nod, agreeing, he then said, “We've done something odd with the Floo.”

“The main one, located in the foyer, is what you will use to travel to most places. We've put a ward on it to where it blocks anyone from coming in from the British Isles. It's also warded against allowing anyone through unless you allow it. No one can come or go if you're not here, even one's keyed into the wards. That'll help protect your safety. Now, this floo,” he said, pointing to the one behind him, “is different.

“It's set up to allow people to come in from Britain but only from two places. They can either come from the one in my home or the warded one from Malfoy Manor. The one from Malfoy Manor I wanted to eliminate but couldn't as this was a Malfoy estate. Though in your hands, it's still connected and I know no way to disconnect it. Though I don't think it'll be a problem as the Malfoy's have so many homes, it would take a great deal of time to pinpoint just which one you're in. Nor can most use it, only family is allowed. Again, you have to let them through unless it's one of us that are keyed into the wards. Those that are keyed in can bring someone with them, but only if you allow it first. No one can just come or go, Harry, unless they are keyed into the wards. I assumed that you may need to come and go to my place, so I thought this best when it comes to allowing that. You're protected, as you well know, and know enough to realize no one is going to use the Floo on my end to come through then try some foolish stunt. Also, just because you let them through the Floo once, doesn't mean they have carte blanche to do it again. Each time they have to get your consent to come through. We brought Rodolphus and Rabastan with us as we needed help, and we know you trust them, but they can't come back through unless you say so. As the whole mess blows up in Britain over this, people will be looking for you, so I assumed this was the best way to go about it. It will keep you in contact with those that can help if there is a problem, but ensures you have your privacy. If there is any modification of the set up you want, let me know and we'll work on it.”

“It's fine with me. I think it's probably the best way to go,” Harry shrugged. “Can you just add that thing like yours has to where it shows the name of who is trying? That would make it easier.”

“I already did,” Tom smiled, nodding. “I assumed that was best. Along with that, I added the same spell on mine that won't be fooled by anything magical to disguise who they are. That will ensure you aren't tricked. I assume, as time goes on, you'll allow more people through the wards, but it's at your discretion. Right now, what is there is best.” Pressing on to another topic, he said, “Now, about the living arrangements--”

“Right now, one of is going to stay with you at all times. For the most part, that will be Lucius, of course. I didn't think you'd object and he would hex me if I chose anyone else.” Seeing a small grin and nod from Harry, then a firm nod from Lucius, he pressed on, “Narcissa and Bella will fill in when he's gone or I will, if I can. If none of us are available, you'll come stay with me until you feel you're comfortable being alone. For now, we thought it best you not be alone. I've put protections in place on my end to ensure that you can't be traced, period. With you being emancipated, that gets rid of the big one the Ministry can use but there are other means. Though it's my thought that no one is going to be looking for you in Britain and you will only be in my place for short periods of time, but it's better safe than sorry.”

“That's fine,” Harry said, nodding. “Lucius is fine to stay, same with Bella, you and Narcissa. I don't have a problem with that. Same with the other. I'm sure I’ll be fine shortly when it comes to staying alone.”

“I assumed, but for the first week, it's probably best you not stay alone for various reasons, including the potions you have to take. After that, we'll work with things.” Tom told him gently. “Already, we've moved your things here and the elves are working on the master bedroom for you. Hedwig is here, though disgruntled at having to come via Apparation. We explained it the best we could to her, so she shouldn't stay mad long. Though there is an owlery on the grounds, we put her perch up in the bedroom. I thought it best for the both of you. Nagini is around as well. I believe she's exploring the place. She's also agreed to stay here most of the time until you're more comfortable as she's well aware you know she'll protect you.”

“Yeah, Hedwig will be grumpy for a few days, but she'll know it's for the best,” Harry said with a little grin. “She'll be happy to have plenty of room to hunt at night. Nagini is fine too. If no one is around, I’m good with her just staying. She's nice to talk to.”

“I thought as much,” Tom told him with a nod. “However, I would feel better if there was one of us with you at all times, at least for now.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Harry said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“I do believe that's all on my end that was handled. I'll leave it to Narcissa to help you set up things here with the elves and such. Same with any decorating you want done to get things suited to your tastes. She's far better than I am. Just keep in mind that this is now your home and should be done how you want. If it takes a shopping trip to find things, so be it. We'll make sure someone goes with you to get what you want. As France isn't like Britain with the hero worship and such, just a simple glamour will suit to go out to get things.”

“With you getting French citizenship soon, it's best you do make some forays out, Harry,” Narcissa told him gently. “Paris is big enough, even the Wizarding part, that you won't have problems. Later in the week, when you feel a little better, we can do that to get you what you need.”

Waiting to see Harry acknowledge that with a nod, Tom then asked, “He's been granted citizenship as well?”

“Not yet,” Lucius told him. “The paperwork is in and it's being fast tracked for that so it should be under a week when it's granted.”

“Very good!” Tom nodded. “I wasn't sure about that end though was hopeful, what with getting the meeting and all, that the asylum would be. This works out well.”

“Minister Jacques even offered it to Sirius,” Narcissa told Tom then walked him through what was said.

“That was unexpected,” Tom said, arching a brow. Looking at the three, he said, “We'll work to see what we can do with Sirius and getting him here. I assume, Harry, you would want him with you if you can manage.” Tom was well aware how Harry felt about his godfather and such a thing would only aid in helping Harry deal with what was going on.

“I do,” Harry told him with a firm nod.

“Let Bella and I do some looking into something for a couple days. There might be a way I can get hold of him without having all hell break loose then risk exposure. It's just something that's set up for family we need to look into is all,” Narcissa said, softly, thinking of an ancient family tradition that might work for this.

“I'll let you handle that,” Tom told her, nodding. As he knew many of the pureblood families had odd things in place for getting in contact with each other without risk of exposing some things, he was going to let her handle things. Looking back at the young man seated there, he could easily read the exhaustion and pain on his face. “I think that's enough for now. It's time for Harry to get some rest and something for pain.”

Nodding, grateful, Harry sighed, rubbing his eyes. It had been a long day and all he wanted to do was fall into bed after getting something to ease the pain.

Standing, Narcissa said, “Lucius can show you to your room. I'll go get the draughts then you'll be comfortable. Seeing Harry nod, she headed for the Floo to get what was needed.

An hour later, after Harry had finally gone to sleep with Nagini curled up in bed with him, Tom, Lucius and Narcissa were seated in the small sitting room that was attached to the master bedroom. Quietly, they were going over things. Some of the Malfoy elves were moving things into the bedroom adjacent to the master so Lucius had his clothes and other necessities. While they were doing that, the three of them were talking over what happened so Tom knew what went on.

After taking it all in, Tom nodded then said, keeping his voice down though it was doubtful the young man would be disturbed, “Good. It went well. Just how we hoped and no one had to lie. That's for the best. Now, when is the article going to start?”

“The official articles are going to start tomorrow. However, there is going to be a special edition delivered to every Wizarding household in Britain tonight announcing the French granting Harry asylum and the offer for Black. They are going to give a rundown of why it was and a teaser for the main series. Of course, they will offer a special rate on subscriptions, that's only to be expected.” Lucius explained.

“Very good,” Tom nodded, smirking a little. “It will only aid us, something I'm sure Harry knows.”

“He does,” Lucius said with a nod. “Nor does he take issue with it. As long as he's out, he really doesn't care.”

“Alright,” Tom said, straightening up. “We need to prepare. Starting tomorrow, there is going to be hell and chaos, for everyone. Lucius, you are going to be called out, we know that, what with your place in not only the Ministry but the Board of Governors as well. There are other members of the Inner Circle that are going to need to be warned as well. To that end, we need a meeting of the Inner Circle soonest.” Looking at Narcissa, he said, “I'm going to have you and Bella stay here with Harry. The rest of us are going to go back and I'm going to start summoning. Many need filled in on what's about to blow up. As soon as we're done, Lucius will be back. Though I doubt Harry will wake, what with all that's happened today, make sure he knows he'll be back soonest.”

“I will,” Narcissa nodded firmly. “Either Bella or I will stay close.”

Standing, Lucius said, “Let me tell him I'm going. Though asleep, I want to do so. He does tend to hear even if not awake.”

“That's fine,” Tom said with a dismissive wave. Standing himself, he said, “Meet me in my study when you finish.” With that, he left quietly, already calculating what needed to be done and who to summon.

Sitting in the Great Hall, Hermione was pushing the food around on her plate, not really eating, brow creased with worry. Even Ron, whose appetite was legendary and nothing usually put it off, wasn't doing more than picking at his food despite the fact that fried chicken, his favorite, had been served that night. The issue with them, as well as most seated at the Gryffindor table, was Harry. She was almost sick with worry over her friend. Right now, no one, including the teachers, seemed to know what had happened to him. In fact, the staff, even Dumbledore himself, had called almost all of them in to ask what they knew. Honestly? That wasn't much.

As she had told Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore and everyone else that had questioned them, all they knew was that Harry had come back from a detention in the dungeons the night before. Though he had looked tired, something that was common anymore, and not in a good mood, nothing else had seemed off. He had told them that he was going to the dorm and that's the last they had seen of him. Ron had told her that when they went up to bed, the curtains had been drawn around Harry's bed, something that usually indicated he was asleep. With all that had been going on with Umbridge then the seemingly endless round of detentions with her and Snape, it was understandable he wanted to rest. When he hadn't shown up for breakfast, the alarms had gone off. McGonagall had checked the dorms only to find all his things gone. There was no note, nothing, to indicate what might have happened. A check of the owlery had show Hedwig was gone as well. Now everyone was really worried. Of course, that toad had seemed almost cheerful about it, announcing that he had a week to come back before he was expelled. However, if Harry had just taken off, she was certain he wouldn't be coming back. No, he wasn't going to just vanish only to return knowing the hell that would come would be worse than anything up to this point. Her friend was gone and she knew it. The only thing that concerned her was where he might be!

When talking to McGonagall before dinner, her head of house had seemed very concerned. Alone in her office, Hermione had, once more, walked the Transfiguration professor through everything, not liking the looks she was seeing from the aged professor. Nor had Professor McGonagall seemed to be acting like it wasn't anything bothersome. It was just the opposite, in fact; she seemed really worried. No, she hadn't said anything that would lead Hermione to start panicking, but it was there.

Shoving her food away with disgust, Hermione just looked down at the table gloomily, not sure what to do or think. Harry, though he had a temper and wasn't dealing well with so much that went on, wasn't one to just take off. No, he was the kind that would stay and fight, no matter how much trouble he got in for it.

Not for the first time that day, she could feel tears starting to burn her eyes from the worry. Oh, she hated this and not knowing what was going on! Nor was this like Harry. If something big had happened, he would have told them. Now she didn't know what to think.

Just as she was about to give eating over as a bad job then retire to the tower for the night, she was startled by the flapping of what sounded like large wings then watched as a great grey owl, one of the biggest birds she had ever seen, swoop into the hall. As all eyes seemed to turn to watch the bird, it lit on one of the sconces that were along the back wall and seemed to perch, watching everything. Though it was odd for a post owl to come in at dinner time, it wasn't unheard of. Usually it delivered what it needed to then left. This one didn't seem to be doing that though. To Hermione's eyes, it seemed to be waiting for something.

Keeping an eye on the bird, she was about to say something when the sound of many wings flapping seemed to fill the hall as a mass of owls of all kinds swooped in, carrying what looked to be newspapers. Frowning, the young witched looked at them. This was odd. The Prophet never delivered at night, ever. Even for something as serious as the breakout from Azkaban, there wasn't a special edition. Now she knew something was odd.

Looking back at the great grey owl that had first flown in, she noted it seemed to be watching the other birds. When all of them had settled somewhere, it once more took flight. Winging over to the staff table, it seemed to hover over it then dropped a large black envelope. Before the thing could land on the table, it stopped, seeming to hover over the heads of the teachers there, just beyond their reach. Then it opened, showing what looked like the front of a newspaper with the words The British Seer in bright letters that seemed to blink.

Once the visual was there, the envelope moved above the mockup of the paper and formed a mouth before belting out, voice loud enough it could be heard over the noise in the hall, “The British Seer Special Edition! Direct from France; all the news the Prophet won't print, without the spin or manipulation of the British Ministry of Magic. The French Minister of Magic announces that Harry Potter has been granted asylum in France due to the abuses of not only the British Ministry of Magic but within the fabled halls of Hogwarts, from teachers all the way to the headmaster! Minister Rene Jacques is quoted as saying, 'If Britain can't treat its heroes any better than they are Mr. Potter, they don't deserve to have them.'”

“Detailed in this special edition are the full interview with Minister Jacques and a rundown of what is to come in a special week long series of interviews given by Mr. Harry Potter as well as the finding of an investigation by The British Seer into abuses at not only Hogwarts, but the British Ministry of Magic as well. There are also accusations of repeated sexual assaults by one of Hogwarts own professors, Severus Snape. Also, that Sirius Black is innocent of the charges he was thrown into prison without a trial for!” With that, the envelope, an Advertiser, relayed the rates for a paper subscription at a special price then blinked out. Then all the owls that had gathered along the walls launched once more, dropping a paper in front of every person in the hall.

Snatching the paper up, Hermione quickly read through the front page while scribbling out her subscription and handing it to the owl that took off as soon as it had the paper in its talons. Lip wibbling slightly, eyes filling with tears, she read through what was detailed there. All she seemed to be feeling was like the rug had been yanked out from under her and everything she once knew was turned on its ear. Harry was gone, having run away, abandoning Britain for refuge in France.

Loud murmurs filled the hall as the students and staff read the paper in horrified curiosity, the noise increasing as more of the abuses listed were read.

As Harry slept on in his new home, he was oblivious to the fact that an earthquake of a magnitude that had never been felt before was now going on in Wizarding Britain, something that would change that world forever. And he, the orphaned young man who had fled because he was left with no other choice, was the cause of it. Bigger and better was coming, but the old had to be torn down first. Those bricks had now fallen, and hell had broken loose. However, Harry just slept on, curled up in his comfortable new bed, Narcissa seated beside it and Nagini draped over him. His new life had begun and, with it, a new Britain would be born from the ashes of a flawed system.

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If This Is How You Treat Your Heroes...