Coming Home II: Sins of the Father, chapter three
Chapter list
Previous Chapter
Sins of the Father is the sequel of Familiarization of Liberty
I don't own anything; it's the property of JKR, Raincoast, RTD, Cowlip, Showtime, et al.Warnings for this story: slash, of course, language, adult themes. See the first chapter for additional warnings.
Unlike Choosing Family, where I'm careful to give enough detail about the spells used that readers should be able to catch foreshadowing and plot traps, the spells in this fic are, for the most part, filler, so if things don't make perfect sense or seem incomplete, that's why. If it's inhibiting your enjoyment or understanding of the story, let me know.
Thanks to NakedKing for pointing out the obvious, and Happy New Year!
Originally posted: 31 Dec 2011
Coming Home II: Sins of the Father
Chapter Three
Harry hadn't thought he'd ever experience anything that would horrify the Dursleys more than the wizarding world, but he may have found it here. The group gathered around the table was loud and colourful and went out of their way to disregard traditional notions of propriety.
It was nothing like the family holiday meals he'd suffered through as a child. Then, Uncle Vernon would have been holding court while Aunt Petunia acted the perfect hostess and Aunt Marge and her dog tormented Harry. Dudley would have ignored everyone in favour of watching television.
It was nothing like his current home, either. Most of his dinners there, unless the Weasleys or Andromeda and Teddy came to visit, were quiet, regardless of the occasion; it was just two of them at the long table, and the dining room, while not nearly the horror that Grimmauld Place had been, was still part of a proper, ancestral Pureblood home, no matter how much effort had been put into making it a place Harry could feel comfortable.
The closest experience he could compare to this meal was one at Hogwarts - one of the days after he'd been chosen to compete in the TriWizard Tournament, maybe, given the number of people staring at him with curiosity and suspicion. Or maybe one during his second year, when everyone thought the was the Heir of Slytherin, since, even with the obvious care they took in front of the children, nearly remark here was layered with innuendo, and it left Harry feeling very young.
He was also more than a little on edge. At least he was sitting on the same side of the table as Brian and Justin and several seats down - being out of a direct line of sight helped lessen the feelings they generated, as did the fact that Draco was there to act as a buffer, sitting between them and Harry. Next to Harry, in fact. On purpose. It wasn't something Harry had expected would ever happen, but 'an old school friend' had been the easiest explanation for Harry's visit, and Draco would be best able to understand what a wizard would need explained.
Draco was quiet for most of the meal, which the concerned looks he was getting suggested was unusual behaviour. When he did speak, his comments were gently teasing (to Molly or the children), sarcastic but funny (directed at most of the men at the table), or almost charming (particularly to Jen and Lindsay), and the others would relax, suggesting thiswas normal behaviour for the man they knew as Daniel.
There was little similarity to the abrasive, haughty boy from Hogwarts, suggesting he may have grown up; it was hard to play a role for that long without faltering, especially around people as intrusive as these.
They held off the interrogation until dessert, though, which Harry could tell was a monumental effort for some of the people at the table.
It was friendly, flamboyant Emmett who succumbed to his curiosity first, though he tried to be subtle. "So what brings you to l'l ol' PA, Harry? I think you're Daniel's first visitor from the U.K. since he moved here."
Before Harry could reply, Justin interjected, and, knowing everyone else was listening, he spoke loudly enough that they could all hear. "I met Harry met in NY, at the gallery. When I discovered he knew Daniel, I invited him here."
"That was an awfully fortunate coincidence," Debbie remarked pointedly, her suspicion obvious.
Harry refused to be offended, taking it as further proof that Draco was valued, was loved by these people. "Not really," he admitted before Justin could leap to Harry's defence, "I went to the gallery looking for Daniel. A friend saw the show on vacation, the photo looked like it could have been him."
The Americans burst into laughter; there was apparently a joke there, but Harry missed it, as Draco used the laughter to cover a whisper. "Not bad for a Gryffindor." Harry grinned into his glass and didn't bother to explain that it was the truth.
"How come you have a scar on your head?" Jenny asked. "Did you fall?"
In the quiet that followed the laughter, her words seemed exceptionally loud. Harry paused, a bit taken aback. It was not something he ever needed to explain when wizards were present, and he could tell Muggles anything, really. He wasn't certain what to say in this mixed group.
Lindsay hushed the little girl and gave Harry an apologetic look; Harry shrugged and decided on a version of the truth. "I'm not entirely sure; I've had it as long as I can remember."
Lindsay quickly evaluated the empty plates in front of her children and said, "Why don't you and Gus go attempt to destroy that ridiculously extravagant playroom for a while before it's time to leave." Jenny and Gus scrambled from their seats.
When several of the adults began to stand as well, Jennifer spoke. "Before everyone else gets up," Jennifer smiled at Tucker, then the rest of the room, "We have an announcement to make."
Tucker stood. "I've asked Jen to marry me, and she's accepted." Half the room began squealing, led by Emmett and Debbie, who were competing for the most volume. Draco stood to offer his congratulations, shaking Tucker's hand and waiting for Molly to finish hugging her mother.
With most of the group was standing, Harry could see Brian and Justin were engaged in a silent conversation. It was only a few moments before Justin smiled, though it was a bit forced, and nodded, and Brian stood. "Clearly, this calls for champagne."
The meal broke up following the toast, and the guests drifted to other areas of the house, obviously used to making themselves comfortable in the common rooms. Draco, Brian, and Ted migrated to the office amid admonishments about working during holidays. Brian was quick to remind everyone that it wasn't technically a holiday, as Pennsylvania was not, in fact, located in Canada, leaving a chorus of catcalls in their wake.
Harry, despite the house elves that had become commonplace in his life, hadn't completely lost the training of his childhood and began to help clear the dishes.
Debbie made a token protest, and no one challenged her right to do so. It was clear she was the matriarch, regardless of whose house it was - much like Molly Weasley, he thought, though far less conservative.On familiar ground, he insisted, and she relented with less fuss than he'd expected.
It didn't take him long to realize she was happy for the opportunity to interrogate him. Jen, Justin's mother, helped with both, which was a bit disconcerting. He knew he'd have to undergo that sort of torture eventually, of course, but he'd thought it would be in England, where he and at least a version of his life story were already known.
The experience was just as awkward as he'd anticipated - more so, since he wasn't in love with Justin.
Lindsay, having seen to it that her children were settled in Gus's playroom, entered kitchen, and headed directly towards Harry to apologize once again for Jenny's comment.
"It's alright," Harry assured her, "My godson's about the same age, and my best friend's eldest is just a bit younger but precocious and forthright, so I'm familiar with the dangers."
From the doorway, Draco snorted. "Eldest? Dear Lord, how many have they spawned?"
Harry coughed. "Um, just three."
"And all of them with bushy, red hair, no doubt."
"No, they've been spared that fate, actually." He brought his glass to his mouth so Draco wouldn't see the smirk he couldn't contain.
"Is Weasley sure they're his?"
Harry nearly choked when he snorted. "Ron has absolutely no doubts about their paternity."
Brian and Justin were paying more attention to each other then they were to the conversation they were ostensibly having with Draco. He couldn't blame them, really; it had been nearly a month since they'd seen each other and three times that since Justin had been home. And it gave Draco the opportunity to watch Potter, laughing with Molly across the room, and ruminate about the conversation they'd had in Brian's study. The wards Potter had described sounded familiar... too familiar. They sounded like the ones they'd had at home.
Home.
He hadn't used that word to refer to Malfoy Manor in... years. He wasn't sure it even applied anymore - not to the manor or to the wizarding world. Even if it did, the manor was unlikely to still be Malfoy property. The Ministry would have seized it, he mused, which may have been how Potter learned about the ancient wards that had protected it, wards his father had showed him a year or two before Draco left. They were a family secret, he had been told. He'd also been warned not to reveal them or even hint about their existence to anyone not family by blood or marriage, and not until they were old enough to be assured that they were magical, and part of the family long enough to be assured of their loyalty. According to Lucius, requiring a blood oath beforehand wouldn't be amiss.
There would be new owners then, awarded the manor in recognition of service during the war or allowed to purchase it for reparation funds. Draco wondered to which of his former enemies it had been given and shuddered at the thought that it might be the Weasleys. Change of allegiance or not, he didn't want to imagine his childhood home being over-run by weasels.
He changed the direction of his thoughts, wondering at the change in his former nemesis. He was less self-absorbed now, Draco thought, more willing to let other people have the center of attention. Draco didn't think it was entirely because the gathering was one of complete strangers, and Muggles at that.
He'd grown up a bit, as Draco had himself. It was to be expected, he supposed, given the years and circumstances that separated them from their pasts. It was fortunate, Draco thought, since they would be forced into close quarters for the next few days at least and more likely weeks. He allowed himself a moment to savour the expression that he imagined would cross Potter's face when he learned that Draco and Justin were, in fact, related by blood and that Draco anchored the wards, not Molly. He hadn't grown up entirely, if he could take that much glee in proving Potter wrong, but the enjoyment was enough to forgive that.
He was pulled out of musings when Justin stood and walked over to join his mother and Debbie, and Brian gestured to Molly. She brought
Potter with her, joining them by the fireplace.
"I assume you're crashing here tonight," Brian said to Molly in a put out tone that they all knew was put on.
She laughed and nodded. It would take more than even the fear of Headmistress Kennedy to convince Molly to surrender an opportunity to spend time with Harry Potter before it was absolutely necessary.
Brian nodded, as though he'd expected the answer -which he had - and asked Molly if she would be early enough to exercise Asphodel.
Potter started slightly at the name.
"I don't know...," she replied leadingly, "It's awfully traumatic. I mean, knowing he was almost mine..." Her hesitancy was equally fake; Molly adored the horse, who was hers in all but name.
When Jen had chastised Brian for such an expensive gift, he had insisted that the horse was his and that Molly had simply been tasked with naming him. Since then, every time she came to visit, Molly had demanded bribes in exchange for exercising him, bribes Brian negotiated only for practice and the fun of it. Considering the amount she'd made in the scheme, Jen would have been better off to let her have the horse. Case in point: the current discussion.
"Twenty bucks."
"Ten," he countered.
Molly looked to see if her mother was paying attention. "And you teach me to drive next summer."
Brian raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
She countered with puppy dog eyes. "It'll be only a few weeks before I turn sixteen... and do you really want Justin or Grandma here to do it?"
Used to being teased about his cautious driving, Draco would have let that slide, but it was a matter of principle. He tickled her mercilessly for a couple of minutes, but she was determined to keep from squealing, something that would definitely draw Jennifer's attention. Knowing she was determined and not willing to risk that she might succeed, he stopped and allowed the negotiations to resume.
"You don't drive the 'vette until you've had your license for at least a year."
Her face fell for a moment, then turned to Draco. "Could we use your car? Please?"
"Sure, if it means I don't have to teach you." Molly looked at him, and he knew she was calculating the risk of retribution: she didn't want him to rescind his offer, but there was honour to uphold. In the end, honour won, and she punched him on the arm, lightly, before turning back to Brian.
"Ten bucks, you teach me to drive with Daniel's car, and I get to drive the corvette when I'm seventeen."
"Ten bucks, I teach you to drive with Daniel's car, and you get to drive the corvette once with me in the passenger seat when you've had your
license for at least a year without an accident."
She considered for a moment, searching Brian's face for any sign that he would capitulate, then nodded.
Proving that he wasn't completely reckless, Brian also made certain that Jennifer's attention was still directed elsewhere before sealing the bargain. "Done." He held out his hand for her to shake.
Looking pleased with her deal - as well she should - Molly scampered off.
"You have horses?" Potter asked before Draco could mock Brian for being such an easy mark.
"Three." Brian replied, "You're welcome to ride any but the black. He's as temperamental as his owner." Brian gestured at Draco, who glared when Potter had the nerve to laugh.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
It was clear from his tone that Potter was going to be taking Brian up on his offer. "Youride?" Draco asked in disbelief.
Harry shrugged awkwardly. "My- the woman I've lived with for the last few years has horses. I've learned to enjoy it, yes."
"You're not straight, are you?" Brian recoiled dramatically, earning reprimands from most of the people in the room.
Harry shook his head, though whether it was in response to Brian's comment or the assumptions that had been made was unclear. "Not 'live with' live with. She's a surrogate mother."
Before Draco could ask the obvious question - obvious to him, at least, since the Weasleys certainly couldn't have afforded horses - his cell alerted him to an attempt on the Floo.
Next Chapter (still in progress)
Previous Chapter
Sins of the Father is the sequel of Familiarization of Liberty
I don't own anything; it's the property of JKR, Raincoast, RTD, Cowlip, Showtime, et al.Warnings for this story: slash, of course, language, adult themes. See the first chapter for additional warnings.
Unlike Choosing Family, where I'm careful to give enough detail about the spells used that readers should be able to catch foreshadowing and plot traps, the spells in this fic are, for the most part, filler, so if things don't make perfect sense or seem incomplete, that's why. If it's inhibiting your enjoyment or understanding of the story, let me know.
Thanks to NakedKing for pointing out the obvious, and Happy New Year!
Originally posted: 31 Dec 2011
Coming Home II: Sins of the Father
Chapter Three
Harry hadn't thought he'd ever experience anything that would horrify the Dursleys more than the wizarding world, but he may have found it here. The group gathered around the table was loud and colourful and went out of their way to disregard traditional notions of propriety.
It was nothing like the family holiday meals he'd suffered through as a child. Then, Uncle Vernon would have been holding court while Aunt Petunia acted the perfect hostess and Aunt Marge and her dog tormented Harry. Dudley would have ignored everyone in favour of watching television.
It was nothing like his current home, either. Most of his dinners there, unless the Weasleys or Andromeda and Teddy came to visit, were quiet, regardless of the occasion; it was just two of them at the long table, and the dining room, while not nearly the horror that Grimmauld Place had been, was still part of a proper, ancestral Pureblood home, no matter how much effort had been put into making it a place Harry could feel comfortable.
The closest experience he could compare to this meal was one at Hogwarts - one of the days after he'd been chosen to compete in the TriWizard Tournament, maybe, given the number of people staring at him with curiosity and suspicion. Or maybe one during his second year, when everyone thought the was the Heir of Slytherin, since, even with the obvious care they took in front of the children, nearly remark here was layered with innuendo, and it left Harry feeling very young.
He was also more than a little on edge. At least he was sitting on the same side of the table as Brian and Justin and several seats down - being out of a direct line of sight helped lessen the feelings they generated, as did the fact that Draco was there to act as a buffer, sitting between them and Harry. Next to Harry, in fact. On purpose. It wasn't something Harry had expected would ever happen, but 'an old school friend' had been the easiest explanation for Harry's visit, and Draco would be best able to understand what a wizard would need explained.
Draco was quiet for most of the meal, which the concerned looks he was getting suggested was unusual behaviour. When he did speak, his comments were gently teasing (to Molly or the children), sarcastic but funny (directed at most of the men at the table), or almost charming (particularly to Jen and Lindsay), and the others would relax, suggesting thiswas normal behaviour for the man they knew as Daniel.
There was little similarity to the abrasive, haughty boy from Hogwarts, suggesting he may have grown up; it was hard to play a role for that long without faltering, especially around people as intrusive as these.
They held off the interrogation until dessert, though, which Harry could tell was a monumental effort for some of the people at the table.
It was friendly, flamboyant Emmett who succumbed to his curiosity first, though he tried to be subtle. "So what brings you to l'l ol' PA, Harry? I think you're Daniel's first visitor from the U.K. since he moved here."
Before Harry could reply, Justin interjected, and, knowing everyone else was listening, he spoke loudly enough that they could all hear. "I met Harry met in NY, at the gallery. When I discovered he knew Daniel, I invited him here."
"That was an awfully fortunate coincidence," Debbie remarked pointedly, her suspicion obvious.
Harry refused to be offended, taking it as further proof that Draco was valued, was loved by these people. "Not really," he admitted before Justin could leap to Harry's defence, "I went to the gallery looking for Daniel. A friend saw the show on vacation, the photo looked like it could have been him."
The Americans burst into laughter; there was apparently a joke there, but Harry missed it, as Draco used the laughter to cover a whisper. "Not bad for a Gryffindor." Harry grinned into his glass and didn't bother to explain that it was the truth.
"How come you have a scar on your head?" Jenny asked. "Did you fall?"
In the quiet that followed the laughter, her words seemed exceptionally loud. Harry paused, a bit taken aback. It was not something he ever needed to explain when wizards were present, and he could tell Muggles anything, really. He wasn't certain what to say in this mixed group.
Lindsay hushed the little girl and gave Harry an apologetic look; Harry shrugged and decided on a version of the truth. "I'm not entirely sure; I've had it as long as I can remember."
Lindsay quickly evaluated the empty plates in front of her children and said, "Why don't you and Gus go attempt to destroy that ridiculously extravagant playroom for a while before it's time to leave." Jenny and Gus scrambled from their seats.
When several of the adults began to stand as well, Jennifer spoke. "Before everyone else gets up," Jennifer smiled at Tucker, then the rest of the room, "We have an announcement to make."
Tucker stood. "I've asked Jen to marry me, and she's accepted." Half the room began squealing, led by Emmett and Debbie, who were competing for the most volume. Draco stood to offer his congratulations, shaking Tucker's hand and waiting for Molly to finish hugging her mother.
With most of the group was standing, Harry could see Brian and Justin were engaged in a silent conversation. It was only a few moments before Justin smiled, though it was a bit forced, and nodded, and Brian stood. "Clearly, this calls for champagne."
The meal broke up following the toast, and the guests drifted to other areas of the house, obviously used to making themselves comfortable in the common rooms. Draco, Brian, and Ted migrated to the office amid admonishments about working during holidays. Brian was quick to remind everyone that it wasn't technically a holiday, as Pennsylvania was not, in fact, located in Canada, leaving a chorus of catcalls in their wake.
Harry, despite the house elves that had become commonplace in his life, hadn't completely lost the training of his childhood and began to help clear the dishes.
Debbie made a token protest, and no one challenged her right to do so. It was clear she was the matriarch, regardless of whose house it was - much like Molly Weasley, he thought, though far less conservative.On familiar ground, he insisted, and she relented with less fuss than he'd expected.
It didn't take him long to realize she was happy for the opportunity to interrogate him. Jen, Justin's mother, helped with both, which was a bit disconcerting. He knew he'd have to undergo that sort of torture eventually, of course, but he'd thought it would be in England, where he and at least a version of his life story were already known.
The experience was just as awkward as he'd anticipated - more so, since he wasn't in love with Justin.
Lindsay, having seen to it that her children were settled in Gus's playroom, entered kitchen, and headed directly towards Harry to apologize once again for Jenny's comment.
"It's alright," Harry assured her, "My godson's about the same age, and my best friend's eldest is just a bit younger but precocious and forthright, so I'm familiar with the dangers."
From the doorway, Draco snorted. "Eldest? Dear Lord, how many have they spawned?"
Harry coughed. "Um, just three."
"And all of them with bushy, red hair, no doubt."
"No, they've been spared that fate, actually." He brought his glass to his mouth so Draco wouldn't see the smirk he couldn't contain.
"Is Weasley sure they're his?"
Harry nearly choked when he snorted. "Ron has absolutely no doubts about their paternity."
Brian and Justin were paying more attention to each other then they were to the conversation they were ostensibly having with Draco. He couldn't blame them, really; it had been nearly a month since they'd seen each other and three times that since Justin had been home. And it gave Draco the opportunity to watch Potter, laughing with Molly across the room, and ruminate about the conversation they'd had in Brian's study. The wards Potter had described sounded familiar... too familiar. They sounded like the ones they'd had at home.
Home.
He hadn't used that word to refer to Malfoy Manor in... years. He wasn't sure it even applied anymore - not to the manor or to the wizarding world. Even if it did, the manor was unlikely to still be Malfoy property. The Ministry would have seized it, he mused, which may have been how Potter learned about the ancient wards that had protected it, wards his father had showed him a year or two before Draco left. They were a family secret, he had been told. He'd also been warned not to reveal them or even hint about their existence to anyone not family by blood or marriage, and not until they were old enough to be assured that they were magical, and part of the family long enough to be assured of their loyalty. According to Lucius, requiring a blood oath beforehand wouldn't be amiss.
There would be new owners then, awarded the manor in recognition of service during the war or allowed to purchase it for reparation funds. Draco wondered to which of his former enemies it had been given and shuddered at the thought that it might be the Weasleys. Change of allegiance or not, he didn't want to imagine his childhood home being over-run by weasels.
He changed the direction of his thoughts, wondering at the change in his former nemesis. He was less self-absorbed now, Draco thought, more willing to let other people have the center of attention. Draco didn't think it was entirely because the gathering was one of complete strangers, and Muggles at that.
He'd grown up a bit, as Draco had himself. It was to be expected, he supposed, given the years and circumstances that separated them from their pasts. It was fortunate, Draco thought, since they would be forced into close quarters for the next few days at least and more likely weeks. He allowed himself a moment to savour the expression that he imagined would cross Potter's face when he learned that Draco and Justin were, in fact, related by blood and that Draco anchored the wards, not Molly. He hadn't grown up entirely, if he could take that much glee in proving Potter wrong, but the enjoyment was enough to forgive that.
He was pulled out of musings when Justin stood and walked over to join his mother and Debbie, and Brian gestured to Molly. She brought
Potter with her, joining them by the fireplace.
"I assume you're crashing here tonight," Brian said to Molly in a put out tone that they all knew was put on.
She laughed and nodded. It would take more than even the fear of Headmistress Kennedy to convince Molly to surrender an opportunity to spend time with Harry Potter before it was absolutely necessary.
Brian nodded, as though he'd expected the answer -which he had - and asked Molly if she would be early enough to exercise Asphodel.
Potter started slightly at the name.
"I don't know...," she replied leadingly, "It's awfully traumatic. I mean, knowing he was almost mine..." Her hesitancy was equally fake; Molly adored the horse, who was hers in all but name.
When Jen had chastised Brian for such an expensive gift, he had insisted that the horse was his and that Molly had simply been tasked with naming him. Since then, every time she came to visit, Molly had demanded bribes in exchange for exercising him, bribes Brian negotiated only for practice and the fun of it. Considering the amount she'd made in the scheme, Jen would have been better off to let her have the horse. Case in point: the current discussion.
"Twenty bucks."
"Ten," he countered.
Molly looked to see if her mother was paying attention. "And you teach me to drive next summer."
Brian raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
She countered with puppy dog eyes. "It'll be only a few weeks before I turn sixteen... and do you really want Justin or Grandma here to do it?"
Used to being teased about his cautious driving, Draco would have let that slide, but it was a matter of principle. He tickled her mercilessly for a couple of minutes, but she was determined to keep from squealing, something that would definitely draw Jennifer's attention. Knowing she was determined and not willing to risk that she might succeed, he stopped and allowed the negotiations to resume.
"You don't drive the 'vette until you've had your license for at least a year."
Her face fell for a moment, then turned to Draco. "Could we use your car? Please?"
"Sure, if it means I don't have to teach you." Molly looked at him, and he knew she was calculating the risk of retribution: she didn't want him to rescind his offer, but there was honour to uphold. In the end, honour won, and she punched him on the arm, lightly, before turning back to Brian.
"Ten bucks, you teach me to drive with Daniel's car, and I get to drive the corvette when I'm seventeen."
"Ten bucks, I teach you to drive with Daniel's car, and you get to drive the corvette once with me in the passenger seat when you've had your
license for at least a year without an accident."
She considered for a moment, searching Brian's face for any sign that he would capitulate, then nodded.
Proving that he wasn't completely reckless, Brian also made certain that Jennifer's attention was still directed elsewhere before sealing the bargain. "Done." He held out his hand for her to shake.
Looking pleased with her deal - as well she should - Molly scampered off.
"You have horses?" Potter asked before Draco could mock Brian for being such an easy mark.
"Three." Brian replied, "You're welcome to ride any but the black. He's as temperamental as his owner." Brian gestured at Draco, who glared when Potter had the nerve to laugh.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
It was clear from his tone that Potter was going to be taking Brian up on his offer. "Youride?" Draco asked in disbelief.
Harry shrugged awkwardly. "My- the woman I've lived with for the last few years has horses. I've learned to enjoy it, yes."
"You're not straight, are you?" Brian recoiled dramatically, earning reprimands from most of the people in the room.
Harry shook his head, though whether it was in response to Brian's comment or the assumptions that had been made was unclear. "Not 'live with' live with. She's a surrogate mother."
Before Draco could ask the obvious question - obvious to him, at least, since the Weasleys certainly couldn't have afforded horses - his cell alerted him to an attempt on the Floo.
Next Chapter (still in progress)