Shades of Grey | By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 103926 -:- 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 9
Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. You're the best, woman, and thank you!
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The following day Harry was aimlessly wandering around the place they were staying, not sure what to do. Yeah, part of the problem was that there just wasn't much for him to do at this point as there wasn't really anything here for someone his age to take enjoyment in. The other part was his head was too full of what he had learned the night before to really focus on anything that he did have he could pursue.
There was so much tossed at him in such a short time, all of it being the kind of things that made a huge impact, that he wasn't sure what to try to deal with first. Nor, when he did start thinking about it, was he certain how to feel about it or what conclusions to make. His mind, of course, was trying to lean one way with some of it and another with other things. And all the conclusions he was coming up with he didn't like, about any of it. The worst, though, wasn't that. It came from the fact that he really had no one to talk to about it or nothing to distract him from focusing on it. The only thing along that lines he had was his summer homework. Not only was that already done but since he wasn't going back to Hogwarts, from the sound of it, it was a moot point and he couldn't see wasting all kinds of effort on something like that since it wasn't going to be needed. All that left him to do was wander around, looking at things, while his brain tried to sort through the mass of information and emotional things that had been handed to him the day before. That wasn't what he wanted to do. He wanted something, anything, to make him focus on something else or work towards figuring it out. Then, maybe, he could find a solution or have a goal in mind that would lead to one. It wasn't happening though.
Wandering through the halls, he looked at the portraits that lined the walls, most of which, since they were Malfoy's, ignored him or made snide comments. There were also plenty of things he didn't 'get' because of the scenes that were there, obviously portraying something that only the artist understood or something from the Wizarding past, that he didn't know about. Others were, frankly, disturbing in what they showed and were the things out of nightmares. Then there were statues that were just plain strange. Of course, there was the standard suits of armor and weapons. That he expected. Along the walls were also cases that contained wands from various places in the world with a history of who they belonged to and what their cores were. Half of them he hadn't even heard of before or couldn't understand why someone would use them in a wand. Hair of a Russian werewolf? Why would someone use that for a wand core? What in the name is Merlin's beard was a kumo youkai anyway and how big were their legs that they could be used as a core? He didn't know and wasn't sure he wanted to either.
With a sigh, he trekked through the halls, just looking at things, following strange and winding hallways until he came back to the part of the house that he recognized. With a sigh, he wandered some more, wondering if he shouldn't just go into the library and see if he couldn't find something worth reading. From what he had seen there wasn't anything in there that was for reading for pleasure, more like tomes that were meant for research. With what was going on, however, he thought it might be worth a shot to see if he couldn't find something, somewhere that might be mildly interesting.
Stepping in, he stopped and scanned around, trying to figure out where to start but he spied Lucius there. Not sure that he was ready to deal with the man, he contemplated turning around and seeing what else he could find to do. Just as he was about to turn around, Malfoy's voice stopped him.
Hearing footsteps come into the library where he was researching, Lucius glanced up, expecting to see Severus, though that would be odd since the Potions Master was gone for the day on Order business then would have to see the Dark Lord when he was done, he was startled to see Potter there. Assuming the young man, since this would be one of the few days since being there that he wasn't drugged by something, was looking for something to do, he felt this might be one of the few first chances he had to start working towards a good relationship with him while alone. When he got his attention, Lucius beckoned him over, keeping his expression pleasant. When the boy was close to him, he motioned for him to take a seat in the chair next to him. Marking the place in the book he was holding with one long, elegant finger, he leaned back and asked, “Looking for something to do?”
Though not trusting Malfoy, Harry seated himself then nodded, “Yeah. Not much to do around here for me. I was hoping to find something to read.”
Nodding, Lucius gave a wry smile then sighed, “No, there isn't much around here. Most of the library is geared for informational purposes rather than pleasure. There are some tomes in the back that are children's stories though I doubt that you'll be interested in them.”
Shaking his head, Harry snorted. “Uh, somehow that doesn't sound appealing. I doubt I've heard of them but... you know.”
“I thought not,” Lucius chuckled, shifting around then taking a sip of the wine he had at his elbow on the small table. “Perhaps then you can give me an assist in looking up some things? I'm looking for the component spells that were used to bind your magic. It's not hard to do, as I can teach you the quick spell we use to sort through the book, it just involves reading until you find it.”
That didn't even take Harry thinking about it for him to agree. For him, not only would it be something to occupy him but he would be helping with the problems that were there. “Sure, I can help,” he nodded.
Pleased, Lucius quickly taught him the simple sorting spell then divided the books he had stacked there with the young man. “I've already found all the books in the library that have a mention of them in it. It doesn't mean that the spell is there, just that they talk about it. What we need to find is the spell itself.” Grabbing the parchment that had the list of spells, he duplicated it for Potter then handed it to him. “First, cast the spell on the stack and mention the spell you're looking for. It'll make the books glow so you can put them aside. I've already marked off the ones that I’ve found.”
Nodding, Harry grinned then said, “This is a great spell. Hermione would kill for it to help her look things up.”
Snorting, amused, Lucius nodded, “Yes, I imagine a bookworm would. I don't know why the school hasn't taught students to use it from the first year. It would make things easier for them. Remind me later and I'll show you the master spell for the library to find things that interest you. Again, it's a standard spell that most places use to help you find things.”
Nodding, Harry mentally noted to have him do that later to see if he couldn't find something to help occupy him. After checking for what Lucius was looking for, Harry moved on to the next one on the list then cast the spell and started sorting through things. Grabbing the first book that glowed, he snagged it then cast the spell and began to read.
A couple hours later, Harry was stumped. He was on one of the last spells on the list but was confused. The spell was telling him that what he was looking at was the one he wanted but the spelling was different. As he wasn't sure what the spell was or did, he wasn't sure what he was supposed to be looking for. It was also the only one that he had encountered that wasn't spelled exactly how it was on the list. As he wasn't sure what to do from here, he thought it was best to consult Lucius. When he had started, because he wasn't sure what he was looking for at all, he had to consult with him several times. Now, though, he was comfortable with it and hadn't had to question him recently.
Reading through the title and what the spell said it did, it did seem to fit with what the main thing they were looking for. With a sigh, though he was reluctant to disturb the other man since he seemed to be involved in what he was doing, he felt that he had to. “Mr. Malfoy, I have something here that is confusing me.”
Stopping, marking where he was reading, Lucius sat the book aside then looked at Potter. “First, why don't we call something of a truce, to a degree. As we are going to be in close quarters for some time, how about we agree that you call me Lucius and I call you Harry. That should make things more comfortable.”
Not seeing a downside to that, Harry just nodded.
Though it was a small thing, Lucius felt it was an important step and smiled slightly. “Alright, Harry, what did you find that is confusing you?” Leaning the young man's way, he tried to get a better look at the ancient tome the young man was holding.
“This spell...” Harry read the name off the parchment then shifted the book to where Lucius could see it. “This spell sounds like the same thing and like it might be what we are looking for but it's spelled differently. That's what's confusing me. The spell you showed me says it's the right one.”
Nodding, brow furrowing, Lucius took the book from him and began to read, consulting with the list of spells they had. After several minutes, he said, distracted, “I think this might be the right spell. It may just be an old spelling of it.” Looking at the publish date on it, seeing it was a pre-Hogwarts date, he continued, “It does seem to be what we are looking for. The language, too, is probably an older version of it. I think, if we can't find anything else, we'll have Severus take a look at it. He's better with such things than I am. Though if this is the older version of the spell, it might be more powerful thus being better to use than the one that is part of the binding.”
Brow furrowed, Harry thought that over then asked, curious, “How would it be more powerful? Does the wording change the power of it?”
“Over time, spells evolve like everything else. The wording changes with the language. Sometimes that has an effect of lowering the power of the spell slightly. Though your own power that you can put behind something is the most important part of it, changing the wording or the way it's said can affect it as well. If this, as it appears to be, is a more original version of the spell than the one used, it might assist in making breaking the binding easier.”
Taking that in, Harry found that he actually understood it easily. It also explained some things that had never been explained to him in any of his classes. He had to wonder why they had never heard anything like that before. Shaking his head, filing that away as one of those odd questions about Hogwarts, he said, “That's the last of my stack of books that had that spell in them, actually. So, unless you have one with something about it, it's all I could find.”
Checking his own much smaller stack of what was left, Lucius told him, “I don't seem to have any left that contain that one either. This might be it. I'll mark it to where I’ll know to have Severus take a look and see if it can be used.”
“How is it we need several spells when the binding on my magic is one? How does that work?” Harry asked, curious.
Leaning back in his chair, Lucius took a sip of his wine. Looking at the young man, he held up his glass then asked, though off topic, “Would you like some?”
Grinning, Harry said, “I'm underage and can't.”
Snorting, Lucius shook his head, “Nonsense. It's just wine. And, since you are living here under my roof, I can give you permission. Though underage, with all you have gone through, Harry, I don't see why you can't enjoy a glass of wine. It's not as though you are looking to get drunk. Just to have a drink.”
Without even thinking about it, Harry replied, “Sure, I'll try it.”
Summoning one of the house elves, Lucius ordered up one of the kind that would appeal to someone of Harry's age and be pleasing for someone that obviously hadn't tried it before. Quickly, the elf returned with a glass which he handed to the young man. Smiling, Lucius said, “You should like it. Just ensure you sip, not gulp. It's not a powerful one with a high alcohol content in it. I think you'll like the taste though.”
Taking the glass, Harry looked at it then gave a small sniff. The scent was pleasing and didn't seem to smell like it would taste bad so he took a small sip. Though not like anything he had tried before, he liked it and took another then nodded. “That's good!”
Nodding, Lucius told him, “I thought you might like it. Small quantities won't hurt you and I see no harm in allowing you to have some, especially with meals.” After another sip of his own, he settled back then went onto explain, “Alright, on to these spells... the issue is one of control. One spell, you're right, is all that is needed to bind your magic. The others come in to control things like how much is bound, how long it should stay, the power needed to hold it and things like that.”
With that simple explanation, Harry got all of it and nodded. “Okay, that explains it. When you gather all the spells, do they have to be morphed into one or do you say them separately?” He was, honestly, curious about this. It was something they hadn't covered in school as of yet.
“We will do them each separately, probably in a certain order to weaken the one below it. That will be Severus' area to handle as he's much better than I am with that kind of thing. Since your binding is so old, we can't tell which way the layers of the spell went on, therefore we're going to have to guess which way to undo it. It will work no matter which way we go about it as we'll be reversing what is going on. However, if we do it the right way, it'll be easier to pull them off. That's what we're going for.”
Again, that was an easy way to understand what was going on and the why behind it. Nodding once more, Harry wanted to ask about other things regarding Snape since Lucius seemed to be saying he knew more about such things. He wasn't comfortable with that though.
Looking at the young man, he could see a curiosity on his face over it. Thinking it over, he mentioned, “Since I'll be the one working with you to ensure you stay up with your classmates, though you won't be going this year, I can add some things about spell crafting and just how you go about such things if you like. As it's just you and I'm sure that things will go faster, it won't be a problem.”
Still leery about that bit, Harry did like that idea though. At this time, it wasn't going to be for the best to argue about that part of things. Instead, he just said, “I'd like that. I don't think they teach those things at Hogwarts, even in the upper years.”
“They don't and they should,” Lucius told him with a nod. “Hogwarts curriculum needs to be changed to include things that aren't there but, at this point, it's not feasible. They have enough of an issue teaching what they do and finding teachers that are capable of that to not even consider adding other things. That is a failing that needs to be corrected but can't be done right now. The board keeps trying to find a way to implement such things but just hasn't come up with anything that will work. Instead, we have to focus on what is most needed and the core classes at the school, ensuring that they are taught properly and have competent instructors.”
“And failing in a few cases I can name,” Harry muttered, looking away.
Smirking, Lucius nodded then said, tone slightly sarcastic, “Ah, yes, I do have to agree. I assume we are talking about the same beings?”
“Binns, Trelawney and whatever sap they manage to draft to do DADA,” Harry told him with a snort. “Only good DADA we've had so far was Professor Lupin.”
Sighing, Lucius told him, dryly, “I do agree with you, Harry, and we know these are problems. There just isn't much we can do. Dumbledore,” he sneered at that name, it coming out sounding like a curse, “has fought us tooth and nail over that damned Divination teacher. We all know she's a fraud but he insists that she stay.”
“She's not,” Harry muttered, sipping his wine and looking away.
Arching an eyebrow, Lucius looked at him then asked, “Can you explain that to me, please? I know the classes are a joke. I don't think, since you took them, you would argue that part.”
“Oh, the classes are a big joke, no doubt there. She's real though and has made real predictions. Two at least. I know one of them but Dumbledore says there is another.”
Intrigued, Lucius asked, “What was the one you know about? And how do you know about it?”
“Because I heard her say it,” Harry told him, looking at the older man. Quickly, he gave up the information he had about the Wormtail prediction she had done in his presence.
Looking thoughtful, Lucius stroked his chin then said, “So, it does appear she's done it a couple times. Very interesting!”
“Yeah, she apparently can but most of her so-called predictions are bunk completely and she is a failure as a teacher.” Harry told him with a snort. “I think she just likes teaching because she has this little cult following among some of the girls.”
A chuckle escaping him, Lucius agreed, “Yes, that's always been the way with Divination teachers. Most don't buy into such bunk as real seers are few and far in between. So many love the idea and idolize the ones that purport to be able to do such things, what draws so many charlatans into it. Even in our world. I heard the Muggles are the same way.”
“They are. Most Muggles don't buy into it at all but there are some...” Harry shrugged.
Moving along, Lucius said, “Binns has been an issue since long before I was in school. He was a ghost even then and his class is well known for being nothing but a nap time. It is sad, really, as history can be something that is both needed and quite interesting if you have the proper instructor. We just can’t find anyone that is competent to take the position. Those that would qualify can get paid far more in private sectors or from writing to be able to persuade anyone to come and take the position. DADA... it's always been an issue finding someone for that position. Since the last war it's been worse.”
“We keep hearing it's cursed.” Harry told him.
Sighing, Lucius shook his head. “It's not. Though I can see why it would seem to be so. The issue is the same one as Binns. It has to do with finding someone to do it that's not only competent but willing to give up more than one year to teach where the salary they could get for other things, such as being an Auror, is much greater. It leaves us at a disadvantage in finding someone unless we can find a way to up the salaries we offer for such things. For now, nothing we can come up with is feasible there or would be accepted. Nor do we want the Ministry to come in and get involved in running the school.”
“As bad as they mess up anything else, I would hate to see what they would do to Hogwarts if they had a hand in it,” Harry muttered, shaking his head.
“Though it may not seem that way in the public eye, I agree with you completely, Harry.” Lucius told him with a sigh. Leaning over, smirking, Lucius told the young man, voice almost conspiratorial, “I can assure you, Harry, you will probably get a better education with me than you will at school, especially in some subjects. I don't fault Flitwick or McGonagall at all. They are wonderful teachers. This way will be better for you since it's a one on one situation as we have to work with your magic being different than normal. In areas like DADA and history, you will certainly be better. I know you are taking Divination but we won't be covering that at all.”
“I should have dropped Divination when Hermione did, honestly,” Harry admitted. “I only took it because it was an easy class. I'm really not chuffed not to learn it.”
“Good because I think it's mostly codswallop myself and wouldn't know where to begin teaching such rubbish since I don't have a drop of seers blood in me.” Lucius snorted, corners of his mouth turning up in a small smile.
Honestly, on Harry's end, though he didn't like the man seated next to him and didn't trust him as far as he could punt him, he thought he would be right about that. He seemed to have a way of explaining things that made it to where he could understand them. That would prove to be most interesting. Then he came up with a question. Clearing his throat, he asked, “If I do alright with everything else, can we cover other things I didn't take or some other topics? If it's not too much of a problem?”
“If you wish, I take no issue doing so. It will give both of us something to do since we obviously can't go out much, if at all. Learning something is always good, for both young and old. We can cover all kinds of things if you like, Harry.” Stopping, Lucius thought over some of what he and Severus both wanted to say to the boy and thought this might be as good of a time as any to bring up one of the topics since the young man was in a fairly amiable mood about things. Or at least broach the topic to continue on later if there was an issue.
Shifting in his chair so that he could have a more direct view of the young man, he said, softly, “There was something both Severus and I, after the last few days, wanted to bring up to you. Since it's related in a peripheral way, this might be the time to start talking about it.”
Making a motion for him to continue, Harry was wondering what this was about though, if not about learning.
Sighing, Lucius looked down then said, “I'm sure you understand why we took you. We explained the initial plan. However, in what we've learned since then, things have changed.”
Stiffening slightly, not sure what to think about that, Harry asked, tone leery, not really sure he did want to know, “Changed in what way?”
“Harry...” Lucius started but then trailed off, trying to figure out how to word it. This wasn't a topic he wanted to dance around but wasn't comfortable coming out and staying it straight either. After a couple moments, he then said, “We've both admitted by this point that what we thought we saw wasn't how things really were for you. Things you said yesterday coupled with what Severus has learned from his interaction with the Headmaster and Dursleys have made us realize...” Stopping once again, he wasn't sure how to word this. After another sigh, he pressed on, “We've decided that if you decide to help us do what we want to accomplish that's fine but we aren't going to force you to do so. On the other hand, we've also decided, after learning what we did, that, no matter what happens, you're better off with us even if you won't help. That decision now will be yours. You will be kept here away from people that want to harm or use you. From what we are seeing, that's most everyone from the Headmaster on down. You are the same age as my son, Harry, and I wouldn't allow anyone to do to Draco what has been done to you. We will protect you and treat you well, never fear on that, so whatever you do will be your choice. This is a decision we made because we feel it's best for you, no one else.”
“I can honestly say that, beyond his real name, I don't know what the Dark Lord's life was like growing up. I do know what I've seen of others that have turned that dark, however. Most, though not all, had a history somewhat similar to yours. You, Harry, are a strong, moral young man. No one would argue that with you, including myself. There comes a point in one's life, however, when you can only take so much of what's been thrown at you and being used, for you to start to rethink everything then the dark path begins looking like a solution. You don't deserve that and we don't want you to even have to consider it. We, though we don't have a great history with you on anything, won't lie, manipulate or use you. Whatever you chose to do will be of your free will. It is up to the adults to end the Dark Lord, not you, so we will focus on that and only that. You can stay here, be well cared for and unharmed with us protecting as well as shielding you, until it's over then we can decide what to do. Or, as the case may be, you decide.”
No, none of that came out in Lucius' normal way of talking but it was hard to explain to the young man how complicated it was, then why, without admitting just how wrong he and Severus were about him or the worry that he might be the next Dark Lord in the making if it went on the way it was. That probably wouldn't go over well.
Listening then thinking it over, Harry asked slowly, “So, it's pretty much just me going to be living with you if I don't help? And you're not going to force me to do anything? No more of the nasty attitude or anything like that?”
Shaking his head, Lucius said, “No, you won't be treated badly at all. It will take time to build up trust to where you believe that, we both understand such a thing after our past interactions, but what you do, or don't, will be your choice. We might not be what you would consider prime guardian material and would probably prefer someone else in that role but we will take on such a thing. And, no, whatever plans we have will be your choice to participate in or not. You, as we realized, are not a weapon and we would be no better than Dumbledore if we decided to mold you into such a thing. As neither Severus nor myself hold that man in the greatest of esteem, we're not going to act like him.” Looking at the young man who, though looking startled, seemed to be taking it well, made him ask, “Is this acceptable to you?”
“It is, if you're being truthful about it,” Harry nodded, shooting Malfoy a wary glance.
“That is the part that will take time, Harry. We have that now and will prove it. I'm sure issues will arise with all of us but we'll work them out. We just ask that you give us a chance and we will do the same with you.”
“Alright, let's call it a truce and go from there. I don't trust either of you, no offense, but I'll try to work with it.” Harry told him, keeping an eye on the older man.
“Truce called on our end as well, Harry. It will take time for all of us to get past what issues are there and adjust as things like that don't change overnight for anyone. Let's just call it a commitment to trying and leave it there,” Lucius told him firmly. Then, thinking it over, he added, almost like a bonus that could come if it worked, “If we can do that, while in hiding, you and I might be able to sneak out now and again to do some things. Now, that's not an option as you don't trust us and we don't you, no offense. That, though, needs to be kept between us without Severus knowing. I don't know about you, Harry, but I would go barmy if I were cooped up without going out once in a while.”
Giving a conspiratorial grin, Harry told him, “Yeah, I agree. From what I saw, though, there's nowhere around here to slip out to. And I can't Apparate.”
“Ah, but, Harry, you underestimate me! I was thinking, because of what we need to do, that we might shift our base of operations in the next week or so. The unbinding of your magic alone will be a reason to do so. Remember us telling you about the burst of magic that can come from it?” Seeing the young man nod, he pressed on, “This place, though secure, has nowhere we can really do that without causing damage. As the amount of your magic that is bound and the power buildup that may come behind it is bound to be something big, it could do damage even through any shields that Severus and I can erect to contain it. It's best that we do that somewhere protected against strong bursts. The Malfoy's hold many properties in Britain and beyond. This is just one of a small amount that is highly protected by ancient wards and isn't known beyond the most immediate of family members. As Narcissa and Draco will be across the pond in less than a week, that means only I will know the location of a few of them. I was thinking, and was going to bring up to Severus, that we move to the one in Glastonbury. Not only is it as protected as this place, it has somewhere we can do the unbinding safely. Along with that, to sweeten the pot for Severus, it sits directly on the St. Michael's Ley Line, thus offering a strengthening to anything we do in the way of hiding you and keeping all of us shielded. From our end of things, it's much bigger with more to do, including a full Quidditch pitch I'm sure you'll enjoy, a library that is meant for more than research and it is big enough I can move many things from Malfoy Manor that will assist in entertaining us.” Dropping his voice into a conspiratorial whisper, he then added, “And we are right outside the town where, as big as it is, we can slip there once in a while to explore and have some fun, provided, of course, we disguise ourselves.”
Grinning, unable to help himself, Harry told him, “That does sound better, yeah. Especially if this drags on a long while.”
“Quite true, Harry, quite true. Boredom is something that we do have to keep in mind to ward against, even Severus knows that. We would end up at each other's throats if we didn't take steps against that. When Severus also pulls himself out of things, he will be added into the mix as well. No, this place is too small for the three of us to stay for a long period. Avalon Manor is better for such things. I'm sure Severus will see that.” Lucius told him with a confident nod.
“Sounds like it,” Harry replied. Then he asked, “Severus said that you're going to stop answering the summons at some point. When is that going to happen, or do you know? I'm just curious about that is all. I mean, isn't it dangerous to all of us with what you know for you to be still going.”
“You are correct in that, yes.” Lucius told him honestly. “There are ways to shield your mind from beings but, though passable with such things, I'm not as good at it as Severus so each time I show up there is a risk of what is going on being exposed. I'm not willing to take that chance any longer than I have to nor is Severus. So, it's our thought that once we give you these potions to block your connection, if they work, I'm going to take them as well. It's not a 'fix' for blocking the summonings but it will buy us some time to come up with something else. If I remember what Severus said correctly, we can do two doses of it before we have to come up with another solution. That should give us five months. Between all of us, including you, Harry, we can research and come up with something to stop it. Once I take it and it goes into effect, I will stop responding and just vanish, at least that's how it will appear. Though I may wait until we do the move but I'm not sure. We'll wait and see on that score.”
Taking all that in, Harry sighed, “So, I get to be the guinea pig?”
“Not really, no.” Lucius told him with a shake of his head. “We know it'll work. What we don't know is how well. With you, because you have both connections, we need to do something now to even minimize it. This will do that. On my end, because the Dark Lord does know there is a connection, I need to see how effective it is. If it's partially blocked, he's going to get suspicious, something none of us want. That would lead to him questioning all kinds of things.”
That Harry understood and nodded at. “Gotcha. What if it's only partially effective on me?”
“Then we work to find something else. There are things we can do or find. There is also your point last night of another bond. That is something Severus did mention he wanted to look into to see if something would be viable. So, it's not the end if we can't.”
Honestly? Harry appreciated having all of it explained to him. Dumbledore, nor anyone else, had ever given him this much information on anything. Most times, he and his friends were the ones that found out things from clues they had been given. “What about those drugs you gave me? Can't that work for a while? I mean, they didn't stop it but...”
“That's not an option,” Lucius shook his head. “One; they are highly addictive. We don't want to saddle you with that. Two; there is something else about them that makes it to where we don't want to other than in extreme circumstances.” Quickly, he explained what he observed and the conclusions they came about it shutting down any defenses he might have had.
Thinking that over, Harry asked, after pondering it, “I wonder how much of my magic is being used to shut that down partially. I mean, since coming to Hogwarts I've always felt something from him but not like this.”
“Part of that is probably because he now has a true, powerful body. However, I don't think Severus and I thought about your magic part,” Lucius mentioned thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. “That might be the case though. Instinctively, your magic might be trying to keep the connection at bay because it's not a true part of you, thus affecting your abilities to do things. If we can get it shut down in another way, it might affect your magic, making it stronger thus making things easier on you. I'll bring that up to Severus when he comes back and get his take on it.” On the heels of that, Lucius was, for the first time, realizing that this young man wasn't the fool or as stupid as so many seemed to think he was. He might not be speedy coming up with things but he was coming across with stuff that took serious intelligence to think about. It was Lucius' thought that the boy just needed to be taught a few things or have people listen to him more for him to get the courage to speak his mind about things. That was something he and Severus would have to take into consideration on the topic then encourage. Plus, a different perspective on topics would be helpful. Perhaps he could see things that he and Severus overlooked. That could only aid them.
“There are things we should be able find, right?” Harry inquired.
“Oh, indeed there are. There is one we do know that will help with the connection with the scar. It's something that has to be learned though. As it involves your mind, it takes a level of trust that is just not there right now to do. We can work towards it, of course, but even if you do try there is no guarantee that you can ever master such a thing. Many don't, as a matter of fact, no matter how smart or powerful they are. Beyond that, we're certain that we can find something, somewhere that will assist us in one way or another. It will just take time is all. Until then we'll find a way, never fear.”
Thinking that over, Harry sighed. “I know we talked about a lot last night, discussing some things about Dumbledore and this whole scar thing. If that was the case and he does at least have a hint as to what this is, why wasn't he doing something to shut it down before now? I mean, I've had these issues since I started at Hogwarts with Quirrell.”
Scrubbing a hand over his face, Lucius told him, “Harry, I don't know. I really don't. Neither does Severus. I don't want to speak ill of the man because you do hold him in some esteem and I don't want to anger you over it but I think he knows what's there then has done nothing to stop it for his own reasons. If I put myself in his place, the best I can imagine that anyway, I would have stepped in then made you aware of enough of what I did know to ensure that you knew what to expect then took steps to protect you from it. At the age of 11, there isn't much you can do to shut down such a thing but there had to be something. Dumbledore didn't do that for whatever reason. I'm not trying to be nasty about this, but it does appear he didn't for his own reason, not because it was protecting you from such knowledge. I don't know why he's doing that either. Neither does Severus. Severus knows the situation with the Headmaster far better than I do and is trying to get out of him what is going on but even he is lost as to why some of what is needed wasn't done when the knowledge was there.” Stopping, Lucius took a breath then added, “This is why we asked you about the interactions on some things. We are trying to piece together what Dumbledore does know about it so we aren't fumbling blindly in the dark and might have an understanding of some of what is to come.”
Looking down, Harry thought that over then said, tone distracted, “He's told me a couple times that it's because I need time to basically be a kid. Not in those exact words, mind you, but something like that. I don't understand that, though. I mean, if it's this serious, I needed to know that first year about some of it so I knew what to expect and not get pulled into things.”
“You're right,” Lucius confirmed. “I can see not telling you all of it, especially if it's about the Horcrux. That's way too much for a first year to handle. So much of the other could have been told to you in a way that wouldn't panic or cause issue. He didn't, however. In not doing that, he put you in a great deal of danger. He also exposed others to danger as well. There is no excuse for that. It also conveys to me that he has more planned or more knowledge about something than he is letting on. That troubles me a great deal. It also tells me we need to find out what it is he does know to even give you the most basic of protection and ideas as to what to watch out for. That is not something we can do without knowing.”
Saying nothing, Harry looked down at the floor and thought about that. Along with that, he ran over all his encounters with Voldemort since that time. None of it was good and looked like Dumbledore might have known something but didn't tell him or step in to stop it. “I don't understand this,” he said with a shake of his head.
“We don't either, trust me,” Lucius told him. “Severus has mentioned that when you have issues everyone tells you to go to the Headmaster, especially if it deals with your scar, yes?” When he saw Harry nod, he pressed on, “What has he done if you have? Knowing you, from what I've seen, I’m sure you've not told him all the times but the ones you did. Did he ever give up any information on it?”
Shaking his head, Harry told him, “No, not really. Just that it has to do with the scar because it's cursed. He said the same thing about me being a Parselmouth. That the scar is the reason I am one, not because it came naturally.”
“That would be the Horcrux,” Lucius sighed, rubbing his eyes. “It probably transferred that power over. When did he tell you that, if you don't mind me asking?”
“Second year when everyone found out about it.” Harry admitted, looking over at Lucius.
“Bloody hell,” Lucius muttered with a sigh.
“You think he's known about the Horcrux thing for that long?”
With a regretful nod, Lucius told him, “It sounds like it. Or, at the very least, he was leaning that way.” Stopping, ensuring that he remembered to bring that up to Severus, he added, “At the very least he knew something wasn't right and that he needed to warn you that there was an issue rather than let it go on.” Looking back at the young man, he said, “If you are willing, tonight, when Severus returns, we would like to go over more of what you had in the way of interactions with the Dark Lord, the visions and such. That will help us figure out what the old man did know or suspected then, maybe, we can figure out part of what he does know or is planning.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” Harry told him with a nod of his head, understanding now why it was so important.
“We have, I know, made one pact today but I would like to ask for another if I may,” Lucius sighed. When he saw Harry glance at him with a look that conveyed he should go on. Picking up, the older man said, “Since the thing started with us taking you, the house elves have been keeping an eye on you when you sleep for issues when it comes to you. I know you would rather not be watched over by those as it would be akin to being spied on so I ask that if you get nightmares that aren't normal or a vision, you either come to Severus or myself or summon one of the elves and have them deliver the message. By doing that, it'll help us not only keep up on what is going on but figure out some things. Can you work with that, Harry?”
“That's not as easy as it sounds,” Harry told him with a shake of his head. “I mean, I know why but I don't want to disturb anyone for something trivial. Also, I am rather used to caring for myself and dealing with it that way because I’ve had to. Especially if it seems like something small or no big deal.”
“I can appreciate that with what I know of your life. However, in this case, no matter how small, it may turn out to be a big deal. Especially after we give you the potions. We will, on our end, make sure we tell you what we feel is the significance of it, unlike that crazy old man.”
“Alright, I get it and will,” Harry told him, liking the fact that he might actually know what is going on with that. “I don't get this. Why wouldn't he tell me anything? I mean, even if he doesn't know the whole thing, a little of information goes a long way. Shite, I would have been more likely to be forthcoming about some stuff if I had the right information.”
“Because, if you did, it might mess up his plans, whatever those are. Before you ask, Severus and I have no clue what those are beyond that it has to do with you and the Dark Lord. That is, though, how the old man operates,” Lucius told him, tone weary. “I will be the first to admit that Dumbledore is not dark and has no leanings there. What he is, however, is Machiavellian to the extreme and a master planner. That, in so many ways, is just as bad. Especially when one of your pawns is a teenage boy whose life you have manipulated for your own means since he was a mere child. That is just as bad in many ways as what the Dark Lord does and more cruel. Hence the reason for my dislike of the old man.”
Any other time, Harry would have stood up for Dumbledore and argued that he was doing whatever it was for the right reasons. As he was in the center of this one and seeing it another way, he wasn't about to do that this time. What Lucius was saying rang true to him so he just sighed and shut his eyes, rubbing them in a tired way. Almost as though he were talking to himself, he muttered, “I bet this is the reason he's never stopped me from encountering Voldemort. He could have or told people if he wasn’t around to watch out for it, but it's not ever happened. We just keep meeting though I don't go looking for him.”
Hissing softly at the mention of that name, Lucius agreed. “Probably. It's not resulted in anything good either. It might never have succeeded in anything, other than last year, when it came to the Dark Lord's plans but it also didn't stop him the way it could have if there was warning given. That may well be the reason it keeps happening and he lets it. Also why he has never warned you that there might be an issue where it involves the Dark Lord himself in it. You would, naturally, be wary and watching if it did, more apt to avoid some things. That, apparently, wasn't something he wanted.”
Putting his elbows on his knees, Harry hung his head and stared at the floor, mind racing. Part of him, the part that was loyal to the Headmaster, was screaming about him staying that way and to ignore everything Lucius told him. There was now another part, one that was questioning all kinds of things, and it seemed to be winning because the more he thought about it, the more those doubts and what Lucius was saying made sense. He didn't like that, not at all. It was there and he couldn't get rid of it either. It was like having the rug pulled out from under him and he hated it.
Leaning back, he looked at Harry, seeing that the young man was obviously upset by the whole thing then said, tone soft, “I think we've talked enough for now, don't you? What do you say we find something to snack on then I'll take you outside for a while. There isn't much to do or see, I admit that, but you can familiarize yourself with things and we'll both get a break. Then, we can come back and slave over the books some more. We only have a few of the spells left to find, actually. Once that's done, we can find something amusing to do I presume. That will take our minds off this for a while and give us a rest. It will do us both some good.”
“Yeah, I think that's a good idea,” Harry admitted, feeling wrung out.
“Come, let's see what the house elves can provide us,” Lucius said after draining his glass then standing.
After swallowing the last of his wine, Harry stood with a soft sigh then followed Lucius out of the room.
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