Runaway Wizard 54
This is the last 'reserve' chapter I have. Hope you enjoy it.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 54
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
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The next morning saw Hermione on her way as soon as she was tidied up. She even refused breakfast, announcing that she was going to get doughnuts and take them home with her. She wished everyone, 'Happy Christmas!' before apparating away home.
Ron and Molly also refused breakfast, Molly because she had to go home to cook for everyone there, and Ron because she kicked him in the ankle. They took the floo home. Lucius distinctly heard Ron demand, “What the heck was that for?” just before they disappeared in a rush of green flames.
Lucius wearily rubbed his face. Now he had to deal with Draco and Harry and he could feel the pressure of the guardianship contract. It was a definite magical push and was getting worse by the second. “Damnit. Fucking contract.” Lucius jumped as strong arms encircled his chest. “Oh, Severus, you gave me a start.”
“I apologize. What were you muttering about?” Severus took the opportunity to rub his cheek against Lucius' neck. “What can I do?”
“I have to punish Harry for taking off and taking his life into his own hands. Not to mention scaring me half to death. And I don't want to, but I can feel the push. You know the more I resist, the worse it gets.”
“I do. Damn that contract. But ... does it say anything about a proxy?” Severus released Lucius to pace in front of the fire. “If it is allowed, I would take your place. And, since I haven't actually read the contract, any punishment I choose to give should be sufficient. Yes?”
Lucius brightened, smiling at Severus. “Sometimes I forget that I'm supposed to be Slytherin. I just hope you don't take advantage, too much.”
Severus shook his head. “I won't. One, because it would upset you. Two, because it would upset Draco. And, three, I gave my word that all that is behind us. So ... I'm actually doing this because I don't want that idiot boy truly injured. Now, how do we handle this?”
Lucius shrugged in that elegant way of his and said, “We just lay it out to him. We tell the truth and the devil take the hindmost.”
And so Harry found himself listening to the explanation of why it was wise for him to submit himself to a punishment from the hands of Severus Snape. He just shrugged and nodded at the end and said, “Do you want to do it now? Or after breakfast?”
Severus blinked once, this was not what he'd expected at all. He'd expected arguments; or, at least, justifications. Instead, Harry was as calm as if they were discussing fashions. “I'm not sure. How is your stomach?”
“Thanks to your potions, cast iron. I used to get nerve sick over every little thing. Now ... well, I'd rather be punished now, then eat, if you don't mind.”
Severus announced flatly, “I find this ... indifference to punishment ... unnerving.”
Harry just got up and went to the door. “I think the library would do.” He walked out the door of their suite and headed down the hall.
Severus looked after him for a moment then nodded to Draco and Lucius. “I suppose we really should get this over with as quickly as possible and return to the ... festivities.” And with that, he followed Harry.
Lucius smiled at Draco and drawled, “Amazing the sarcasm he can pack into such a simple sentence.”
Draco sighed. “He's not going to really hurt Harry, is he?”
Lucius looked down his nose in a patrician fashion that Draco totally ignored, relenting he gave his opinion that, “Severus knows better than to do any real damage. I don't know what he's going to do. That way I can't interfere, the contract is satisfied and we can enjoy our holidays in peace.”
.
Harry went to a small umbrella stand and looked into it. Lucius kept a collection of rods and canes there. Harry knew that they had all been used on Lucius himself by Abraxus but were now more for show than anything. He only took seconds to select what he thought was an appropriate instrument. He put it in the middle of the blotter on Lucius' desk and waited.
He didn't have long to wait, Severus entered the room a second after he assumed his position.
“Well, Harry, at last I have you where I've always wanted you. At my mercy.” Severus couldn't help rubbing it in a bit.
“Of which you have none, I know. Let's get on with this.” Harry just looked at Severus and waited.
Severus walked across the room to the desk and raised an eyebrow at what he saw there. “You really expect me to use that?”
Harry scowled at the whippy rattan. “Not harsh enough? There's a whole stand full of stuff there.” He pointed at the umbrella stand.
Severus sniffed disdainfully. “You really think I need an instrument? Come here.”
Harry walked over to where Severus had seated himself. He'd chosen a large armless chair with a deep seat. Harry wasn't stupid so he moved to stand beside Severus' thigh.
“Here I am. What now? As if I didn't know.” Harry made a face. This was sure to be painful, humiliating and awkward. Not that Severus Snape was going to mind that.
He felt a growing astonishment as the man began to speak. “I'm not going to give you some saccharine line about how this is going to hurt me more than you, it's not. I am not, however, going to beat you half to death. I am going to make sure that Lucius does not suffer because of your ... stupidity.”
Harry gave Severus a startled and very unhappy look. “Papa? How could my idiocy, which, by the way, I deny being. How could it make him suffer? How do I fix it?”
Severus was impressed by Harry's attitude. “The contract. If he violates its tenants too far, he's made to feel pressure to correct the ... oversight. The ... he calls it a push ... can be quite painful. He's dancing on a razors edge, very near to violating that damn contract.” Harry had the sense to look concerned. “Yes, if he does that, your guardianship will devolve onto the Ministry, in the person of the Minister of Magic.”
Harry made a face. “Shit! Let's just get this over with, then you can gloat. I would have liked a mother but not a M.O.M.”
Severus understood this rather cryptic statement completely. He patted his thigh and said, “I'm sure you know exactly what to do.”
Harry nodded and moved to unbuckle his belt. “Bare skin? Do you want to use my belt?”
“No and no. Rude question but it must be asked. What are you wearing under your robes?” Severus had the good grace to blush slightly.
“Trousers, boxers, shirt, vest, shoes and socks.” Harry wondered for a moment then realized that his heavy over robe, donned to ward off the chill of the corridors as Malfoy Manor was not coping well with the cold, would have to come off. “Shall I take off my robe?”
Severus decided. “No, I'll deal with it. You're being very cooperative about this, I'm wondering why?”
Harry shrugged, shifting from foot to foot. “Papa's upset enough. I know he didn't mean to break his word and that we should have waited. We did try to get in touch with you both but we couldn't. Even his elf couldn't find you. We had to go. I needed Merlin's staff now. Not this time next year, then would be too late. So we went. We all knew we'd be in trouble. Um ... do you know what Papa's going to do to Draco?”
“Probably lecture him into tears. It always works. You, on the other hand, are too hard headed for that to work. Now, over my lap and let's be done with this.”
Harry just sighed and draped himself over Severus' lap in an inelegant sprawl. Severus arranged him in a better position so that he wouldn't slide off his knees and pulled his robe up to his waist.
Harry braced himself for a thorough spanking and waited.
He didn't have long to wait, suddenly a burning sensation bloomed in his ass and a loud crack echoed around the room. Then another. His head spun as he was tipped back onto his feet. Then Severus got serious, the thundering scold he got left him biting his lip to keep from bursting into tears. He was seventeen, not seven but it was still a very near run thing.
“Now. I'm going to get myself a sherry, early morning or no. Would you like one?”
Harry sniffled a bit then said, “No, thank you, sir. I'd just as soon have some tea.”
Severus put the bottle down with a soft sigh, “I presume you'd rather I had tea as well?”
“No, you drink whatever you want. You're an adult and I assume that you can have a drink first thing in the morning without falling into a lush. Excuse me, I'm going to breakfast. Amazing how an early morning beating can make a fellow peckish.” Harry peeked at Severus from under his fringe.
“Brat. All that and you didn't even get Merlin's staff. Pity, that.” Severus managed to look sincere without also looking smug.
“Oh, I got it alright. I'll show it to you all together. Come on, I'm starved.”
.
They sat down to breakfast and Harry noticed that Draco's eyes were suspiciously red. He smiled at his spouse and turned to Lucius.
Lucius demanded, first thing, “Why the devil didn't you stay in Ireland?
Harry just said, “Because I didn't want you to worry more than strictly necessary. When we couldn't get in touch with you, I didn't think it would be possible at all. If I'd known you were here, I'd have managed a floo call or something.”
Lucius looked like he wanted to throw something. “Damnit! I'm never going to be out of touch again. If Severus and I decide to go somewhere ...”
Harry just chuckled. “We'll be as discrete as we expect you to be with us. Now, breakfast. I'm starved.”
Lucius eyed Harry then Severus. “I assume that I'm not going to get a blow by blow?”
“As if!” Harry scoffed. “I have no intention of telling you anything at all. Got my ass smacked and that's all I'm sayin'.”
Lucius eyed Severus who eyed him right back. Draco looked at Harry who smirked back and took the last piece of toast.
Breakfast was eaten quickly as Harry announced next that he had the staff and wanted to try it out. Lucius brightened at that.
Severus sighed, he was hoping it was the real thing, but he was sure it was some tourist nick-knack so he asked Harry how they'd found it.
Harry told the whole story, with help from Draco, to the wide-eyed wonder of two of the most unflappable men in the kingdom.
He ended by saying, “So we took off. I assumed that the weather would get better as we went further south but ... you know what they say about assuming. So, we nearly froze. I was scared to cast a general warming charm with the staff. And neither of my two secondary wands would do it.”
Severus asked the next logical question. “Where is your original wand?”
“Merlin kept it. It's no good anyway. The feather core is almost all gone. Burnt away by being over powered.” He turned to Lucius. “Do you think we could go back to Russia? Perhaps Headmaster Demidov would let me use his stadium again?”
Lucius shook his head. “I'm sure he would, but Dumrstrang is closed for Christmas. Students all go home or to arranged activities for the holidays. We'll find somewhere.”
Draco just blinked. “Siberia? What the hell?”
“Power test.” Harry looked smug. “I did very well. Now I need to see how Merlin's staff works for me. And I don't want to do it around here. A smoking hole forty feet across would be hard to hide.”
Draco's eyes got huge. “Seriously?” Harry nodded. “Ya think?”
Lucius watched this by play with some amusement and not a little confusion. Severus, on the other hand, covered his eyes with one hand and muttered, “A private language already? Spare me.”
Draco stuck out his tongue at his godfather which prompted him to say. “Is that for Potions ingredients? No, thank you, I think you need it for now.”
Harry couldn't help his hearty laugh. He exclaimed, “Oh, my, the snarky professor does have a sense of humour. Too bad it isn't evident in class.”
Severus just snorted, “I have no sense of humour when I'm on the verge of being blown up by a bunch of dunderheaded idiots. You fools fling ingredients into your cauldrons with absolutely no sense of what you're actually doing.”
Harry looked taken aback. “It's that bad, really?”
“Yes, and, somehow, I have actually managed not to lose a single life, or limb. Not so much as a finger. Mine or a students.” He managed to look proud without seeming insufferably so.
“I see. I never thought of it that way. But one thing I don't understand.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “Why don't you teach a potions ingredient preparation class first thing? I did much better after Draco showed me what to do.”
Severus gave that question some serious thought as he sipped his last cup of tea. “I suppose that I thought everyone would know the difference between chop, dice and mince and so on. I'll have to think about this.”
Lucius just gave one of his patrician, elegant shrugs and said, “No you won't. You're turning in your resignation at the end of the year. I shall frank you to a shop of your own, with appropriate research facilities.” Severus started to say something but Lucius just held up a hand. “Consider yourself a kept man from now on. No argument.”
Severus just returned to his tea with a pleased smirk. Harry smiled at Draco who was looking very pleased himself.
When they finished breakfast, Lucius called for heavy cloaks and boots for them all. After they were dressed he announced, “I've decided where we will go. We'll go to the target area in Siberia. I'm sure that Headmaster Demidov won't mind.”
Severus muttered to Draco, “We'll go, even if he would mind.”
Lucius just nodded. “Just so. Come.”
Harry snickered, “Oooo, terse.”
They took the floo to somewhere Harry wasn't too sure of.
It was a small building in the wilds of Yorkshire with piles of junk all around it. Harry blinked for a minute then asked, “And why doesn't Papa just make the portkey himself?”
Severus refrained from snarking by a hair. “Because he isn't sure of the coordinates and doesn't want to make a mistake. That's the main reason people use commercial portkeys.”
Harry nodded. “I see, but doesn't the commercial maker just use a book?”
“No, they've actually been to all the places they advertise keys for.” He glanced over at Harry and was surprised to realize that Harry was right at 6' now. “I see that my potions have been efficacious.”
“Yes. And I've never said thank you either. So ... thank you. I know it was a pain to brew potions on top of all your other work.”
Severus waved a hand, brushing away the thanks. “Lucius asked me, once I knew who the potions were for, to continue making them. I found it ... interesting to watch you.”
Lucius came up with an old boot in one hand and a rather disgusted look on his face. “I swear I'm going to keep ribbon or something on my person from now on. Touch the boot and let's get out of here.”
Everyone touched the boot and they were tugged away to Siberia.
They landed in their usual fashion, with even Harry managing to keep his feet.
“Here we are. Durmstrang's Siberian practice field. Harry, I'm sure you recognize it?” Lucius couldn't help looking around with interest. The targets were the same as before, with bulls-eye targets arranged along one edge of the area and heavy black targets at a ninety degree angle to them.
Lucius turned to look at Harry. “Now, my treasure, where the devil is that staff.”
Harry grinned and pulled the staff from his sleeve. “Right here.” He held the staff up like a wand.
Lucius had the good sense not to say anything but Severus had to snort. “I'm sure. That's obviously not a staff. You've been suckered. Trust you to be defrauded.”
Harry just said, “Méadaigh!” the wand became a stave, another order and the stave became a staff. Harry grounded the staff butt by his foot. “Satisfied?”
Severus had to admit that it was a dramatic sight. Harry stood with his head up, staff by his side, robes swirling around him in the cold breeze. “I'll have to admit that I am. What can you do with it?”
“That is what we're about to find out. Everyone behind me.” Harry motioned with his left hand and everyone stood well away from him, braced for anything.
Harry tried a simple spell first and it failed with a faint pop. He tried several more spells then gave up with a sigh. “Damnit! What's wrong? I thought ...”
Draco hurried to put his arms around Harry. “It should work. Why else would Merlin have let you have it?”
Severus stood in thought. “I wonder. We know it works, it shrinks and grows on command. So ... what is different in what you were doing then and what you are doing now?”
Harry thought, biting at his lip in a way that finally made Draco put his thumb on it. “Stop that, you'll make it bleed.” Harry just absently licked his thumb.
Lucius rolled his eyes at Severus in a way that warmed his heart.
Harry suddenly exclaimed, “Irish! All the spells have to be in Irish. That's why the book had all that Irish in it. Thank ...” He laughed a bit hysterically. “Merlin.” He took a step forward and pointed the staff at one of the targets. “Go mbeirtear leis seo!” The target he'd pointed at disappeared. Harry smiled.
Lucius produced a pair of omnoculars from his robes. He looked down the field, fiddled with them then said, “Harry, you've sent that target nearly a mile away. It's in fragments but ... still.”
Severus paled a bit. “Try something else, please?”
Harry nodded, thought for a moment then barked, “Pléasc!” One of the targets dissolved into fragments which pattered down into the twenty foot crater Harry had created.
Draco just whimpered, “Oh, shit!”
Harry looked very satisfied with himself. “Oh, nice! Wonder what this one will do.” Harry braced himself a bit then called, “Go réabtar seo!” Another of the huge black targets jumped into the air and tore itself to bits. “Oh, 'Be rending it' is rather literal.”
Lucius just sighed. This was really a frightening experience. If he hadn't known that Harry was too kind to think of such a thing, he'd have feared for Severus. As it was, he was feeling nervous. Why? He wasn't sure.
Harry ran through several other spells, demolishing every target and ripping huge holes and tears in the ground.
After creating mass destruction, he walked over and said, “Can we go home now? I'm starving. What did you think? Did it work as well as you expected? I think it works really well. I wonder how much power it will handle as a stave or wand. Do you think I should try it out now? Or later.” He rubbed his stomach through his robes. “I think ... later. Like I said, I'm starved.” He realized that everyone was staring at him. “What?”
Lucius hugged him and said, “Never mind. We'll work on stave and wand forms later. Let's go home and have lunch.”
Draco just pulled Harry out of Lucius' grip and kissed him. “Brilliant. I'm hungry too. And you do realize that this is Christmas Eve, right?”
Harry shook his head. “Not until tomorrow. You're off by a day.”
Draco glanced at Lucius. He nodded. Draco made a face. “How did I manage that?” he shrugged. “Never mind. Lunch.”
They went to where Lucius had dropped the boot and took hold of it. Lucius activated it and they returned home.
Lucius didn't give them long to rest as he immediately began ordering the house elves to gather up the packed luggage and take it to Switzerland. They obeyed and the whole party flooed to the hotel to spend the rest of the day gearing up for Christmas.
As this consisted of eating lunch and overseeing the elves unpacking of the presents and their clothing it didn't take long.
Then they gathered in the parlour, settled on two couches with tea, cocoa and snacks to hand. Harry had settled against the back and arm of the couch with Draco nestled against him, their legs entwined. Lucius and Severus were on the other couch, side by side. But they were holding hands in a completely romantic way.
Harry pulled Draco closer and whispered in his ear. “Don't they look cute?”
Draco snickered, but Severus announced, “I heard that.” while Lucius nearly hurt himself, laughing like a 'loon'. Much to Severus' disgust.
First, Harry gave everyone a chance to handle Merlin's staff. Lucius admired the beautiful inlay and satin finish. Severus pointed out the Ogham writing down the shaft, it was a spiral that started at the head and finished about six inches from the butt. None of them could read it so Harry suggested copying it off and having Hermione give it a go. After the holidays were over.
Then they spent the rest of the afternoon reading traditional wizarding stories about Christmas and Solstice as Harry had never hear any of them. Severus read The Solstice story with Lucius. They traded off pages and everyone enjoyed themselves very much.
After they read all the traditional stories, Lucius had Draco go fetch his first present from under the tree, telling him, “Get the present wrapped in gold paper and open it now.”
Draco obediently got the package and opened it. It was a beautiful flute. Draco took it out of the case and assembled it. Then he showed that he was more than a dabbler. “Oh, it's a Burkart Elite! With soldered tone holes, micro-link mechanism and Straubinger pads.” He fiddled with it for a moment then sighed happily. “It has a C head, split-E mechanism, C# trill key, D# roller, platinum riser and a gold lip plate. It's solid 14K rose gold. It's beautiful. Father? This cost...” you could see him adding in his head, “since the split-E, C# trill, and D# roller are all gold and add in the platinum riser and gold lip plate ... 10,000 Galleons, 32,375 pounds sterling ... words fail me. Thank you so much.”
Harry smiled he was glad that Lucius had bought Draco the flute, now he didn't feel so guilty about the cost of his own gift.
Lucius smiled, “I take it that you like it. We will play now. Come.” He rose, releasing Severus' hand and went to open a pair of folding doors. Behind the doors rested a very beautiful piano.
Draco ran a scale on his new flute and smiled in bliss. He hummed softly for a moment as he and Lucius paged through the sheet music, trying to decide what to play.
They finally decided on several Christmas themed tunes and a couple of solos that would show off Draco's expertise with his new flute. Harry found that he was particularly fond of J.S. Bach's Prelude in C from the Well Tempered Clavier, he remembered Draco saying practicing that was one of the reasons he was such a good kisser. He found himself smiling fondly.
“Something, Po - Harry?” Harry noticed Severus correcting himself but didn't remark on it.
“Yes, I like this tune. And Draco looks so happy. That makes me smile.”
“You really do love him, don't you?”
Harry looked at Severus for a moment, searching for some sign of sarcasm or something. “Yes, I really do. I don't think a botched potion could have resulted in feelings like this. Despite all that crap about stoppering death and what not.”
Severus snorted. “I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about. And there had to be some sort of feeling to begin with or you would never have bonded so firmly ... or so equitably. Now shush. It's rude to talk while they're playing.”
So they turned their attention back to Lucius and Draco as they began their last piece of the evening.
.
Christmas morning was interesting. Harry awakened to a shake of his shoulder and sat up in bed. Mimsey was standing by the side of it with a tray in her hands. Gerard was at the other side, shaking Draco awake.
“Merry Christmas, Masters. Breakfast in bed.” She settled the tray across Harry's lap while Gerard did the same with one for Draco.
Harry looked over at Draco, who was examining the full English on his tray with delight. “We have breakfast in bed? I've never...”
Draco looked back and said, “Not even when you were sick?”
“No, I was never allowed to be sick, there were always chores to do. Madam Pomfrey made me get up and sit in a chair.” He sniffed appreciatively. “Smells so good.” He was so interested in his food that he didn't notice the look that flitted across Draco's face.
They ate breakfast, feeding each other and getting crumbs in the sheets.
When they were finally done, Harry started to get dressed, but Draco just handed him an elegant, full skirted house coat and told him, “This is the one day we don't stand on propriety. We come down in our dressing gowns and do presents, then get dressed. Come on.”
Harry was well pleased with the quilted satin garment. It had wide velvet lapels and a gold rope belt with green silk tassels. He laughed softly at its emerald green colour. “Trying to tog me out as a Slytherin?”
“No, I'm truly not, but you really look hideous in Burgundy and Mustard.” He held out his arms and twirled around. “You like?” He was wearing a similar garment in deep sapphire blue and ice white.
Harry admired the way the shoulders clung to Draco's and the nipped in waist made him look very elegant. The way the skirts fell to his feet, swirling around his blue velvet slippers was mouth watering. He didn't realize that his own house coat fit him just as well. Draco sent him out first, just so he could admire Harry's shoulders.
They got to the large family parlour just as Lucius and Severus arrived. Lucius was dressed in an almost identical copy of the housecoat Draco was wearing while Severus was dressed in a loose, dashiki style garment with silver embroidery around the neck and hem.
“Good morning. Merry Christmas.” Severus bowed slightly to the two younger men.
Lucius just smiled and opened the door.
The Christmas tree dominated the centre of the room, covered with baubles, ropes of garland and fairies. Underneath the tree, the packages piled high.
Lucius just smiled at Harry's expression. Draco hugged him then his father and bowed to his god-father. “Happy Christmas, everyone.”
They settled in chairs except for Draco who distributed the presents.
Severus was very pleased with his potions ingredients from Harry as it consisted of more basilisk parts as well as some very expensive gemstones. The second present of the scales and weights was examined and exclaimed over.
Draco and Lucius went together to give him the deed to a very nice shop premises in Hogsmead. Harry grinned as he'd sold the property to them at an incredibly good price.
He was reduced to a rather wide smile that sat oddly on his usually dour face. Harry was very pleased.
Lucius was next and opened a box from Draco first. Draco had given him a new pair of dragon hide boots with silver toe caps. Severus had given him a basket of potions which made Lucius blush and Harry and Draco snicker. Love oils had turned out to be one of Severus' secrets. Harry smiled at that then presented his box. Lucius opened it and took out a scroll. He unrolled it and blinked. “Now, how did you get this stuck up, stiff shirt to agree?”
Harry smirked. “By agreeing to let him paint my portrait. He was grovellingly grateful. He also agreed to let me sit in on the work.” Harry's smirk took on a self-satisfied air.
Severus looked puzzled. “What are you talking ... or should I say gloating about?”
Harry smiled. “I got that portrait painter. That French guy who's all the rage, to agree to paint Draco and Lucius ... oh, and you and me.” At the look on his face he assured him, “Not necessarily together. But the kicker is, I get to observe every step.”
Lucius smirked a bit. “How very Slytherin of you.”
“I thought so.” Harry had managed to work around the way most painters kept their special animation spells secret.
Lucius then opened his second present., a large basket. He smiled at the wine bottle surrounded with crackers and cheese, but said, “I do hope you didn't shake it to death.”
Harry stuck his nose in the air and said haughtily, “I'll have you to know that the rest of it is in the cellars, resting properly. That bottle is just for under the tree, so to speak.”
Lucius handed the basket off to Draco, commenting, “Well, thank you very much. I'm very pleased with it.”
Then it was Harry's turn. Draco gave him Severus' gift first. He opened it to find a complete travelling potions kit, with special ingredients meant for creating his own paints. “Oh, thank you, sir. This is perfect.”
“And, if you open the writing desk, you'll find a formula book. It once belonged to Michelangelo. The rest of your present is in the lab, Lucius forbade me to bring it into the parlour. There's a sheet of polished marble and several mullers there.” He handed over a small gift card with a picture of the things drawn on it.
Harry smiled happily. “Thank you so much, sir. I really appreciate it.”
Severus bowed slightly then turned to Lucius. “Well, I'm dying of curiosity.”
Lucius smiled and motioned to Draco. “If you please, my dragon.”
Draco smirked a bit and handed Harry the box. “This is from both of us. I hope you like it.”
Harry took the box and opened it. It contained a thick picture album. Harry opened it and gasped. It was filled with pictures of his father and mother as well as Sirius and Remus, Peter was happily either absent or in the background. But best of all were the stories that went along with the pictures. All written in Lucius' exquisite calligraphy.
Harry wanted to sit down and read it from cover to cover but he put it back in the box, vowing to read one story every night until he'd read them all.
He smiled at Lucius then Draco. “Thank you both so much. This is brilliant.”
He got hugs from both of them and a quirk of the lips from Severus.
Then it was Draco's turn and he ripped paper like a three year old, throwing it everywhere. He was pleased with the writing set from Lucius as he always managed to lose all the pens. This one was charmed to retrieve its contents, even if they were broken. There was a counter charm for such things and a charm that keyed things into the box.
Severus gave him the same sort of potions box as he'd given Harry but with different contents. His was filled with ingredients for brewing household medicines and a potions book with formulas that Severus himself had invented. Draco was suitably grateful and said so.
Then it was time for Harry's present.
Draco opened the case and blinked. He reached out and touched the blades gently. “Oh, Harry, they're beautiful.” He took one out and examined it carefully.
Severus looked at the blade and said, “Harry, you've really outdone yourself. Those blades are the finest I've ever seen. And matched.”
Lucius contemplated the different shapes with a smile. “Yes, Harry. They are exceptional.”
Harry preened slightly. “I'm glad you all approve. We'll both be carrying blades from now on.”
There were other presents of course, sweaters from Molly for Harry and Severus, scarves for Lucius and Draco. Neville sent everyone plants. Ron and Hermione had gone in together to send a basket of goodies from Honeydukes. And there were presents from social friends of the Malfoy family, but they all mostly ignored them as the useless trinkets they were.
These presents were put on a huge table and displayed in the formal dining room, which they were not going to use, so that anyone could see them. Not that they were expecting anyone.
They ate goose for lunch with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding came for afters and Harry clapped in delight as Lucius lit it with all the ceremony it deserved. Then it was sliced and gravy boats full of sauce were passed around. Harry took a traditional brandy while Draco chose a caramel sauce.
They shamelessly stuffed themselves silly then went into the main parlour to nap on the couches. Draco and Harry on one and Severus and Lucius on the other.
Severus watched Draco and Harry for several minutes as if waiting for some comment. Harry watched him from under his eyelashes for just as long. Lucius finally tugged him into a position from which he couldn't see the other couch.
Harry whispered to Draco. “You think they're really an item?”
“Sure of it.” Draco snuggled a bit and yawned.
“Ok. What about your Mum?” Harry nuzzled Draco's neck.
“What about Mum?” he thought for a moment a puzzled look scrunching up his nose. “Oh! Mother and Father were contracted, whether either one of them liked it or not, they have the usual understanding. Father and Uncle Sev won't have any trouble from her. In fact, they'll probably have less trouble than if Sev was a lady.”
Harry just grunted and settled to sleep.
They slept for over two hours, hours that Lucius claimed they all needed. None of the others argued with that, either. Then they all went down to supper which was a very light meal of fruit, cheese, crackers and wine. The cheese, wine and crackers from Harry's present to Lucius.
Then they retired back to the parlour where Severus and Lucius played chess while Draco read to Harry.
It was nearly midnight when Severus checkmated Lucius for the second time, winning their match. “Well, that's that. Your forfeit, I believe?” Lucius nodded his agreement and rose easily to his feet, smirking slightly. “Draco. Harry. You should go to bed, and to sleep now.”
Harry grumbled a bit as they were in the middle of a chapter but obediently stood. “Why? I'm going, because I'm tired but why?”
Draco explained. “Because Boxing Day is visiting day with us. We're scheduled to visit ... the Weasleys, the Grangers, Longbottom House and ... I forget who else.”
Harry groaned at the list and vowed to get out of visiting any Death Eater families. “Ok. Bed, now. Good night, Papa, Severus.”
Harry hugged Lucius, then Draco hugged both Severus and Lucius. Harry eyed Severus, who offered his hand to shake. Then they all went to their rooms for the night.
.
The next morning they skipped exercising, as they had done Christmas day, and breakfast as well. They were invited to the Weasleys for breakfast. Lucius was not looking forward to that, but had agreed for Harry's sake, after Molly had said that she would keep Arthur under control.
So they arrived, via floo, at 9am for a huge breakfast a la Molly.
Arthur was on his best behaviour and, after a high BTU glare from Molly, bowed to Lucius then greeted Harry and Draco with pats on the shoulder. He also shook hands with Severus.
Harry was delighted to see that Neville was also there. Hermione couldn't come as they were in France, and her parents wanted her to stay with them. She'd agreed because she really missed them.
But there was good food and good conversation.
Harry and Ron sat between the twins, while Neville got stuck doing the pretty to Percy. Bill and Charlie bracketed Lucius and Severus with Draco between Molly and Arthur. This was possible as Molly charmed the table into four equal sides which accommodated the arrangement.
Food was passed and conversation flowed.
Severus nodded to Bill. “William, I trust you are well?”
“Fine, fine. There's been a bit of a mess at Gringotts. They're planning some sort of ceremony, very secret, that's why I got today off as well. They don't want any wizards in the subfloors, so we all got time off.”
“That's good. Charles? Any chance of some dragon blood coming my way?” Severus was nothing if not potions minded.
Charlie laughed. “Perhaps. We've got one youngster that will allow a bit to be taken. I'll see what I can do.”
Severus nodded. “You might tell the General Manager that some potions might come his way in recompense. All I need is to know what is needed.” He cut a bite of ham. “Excellent ham, as usual.”
Lucius laughed at that and remarked, “Severus, if you want dragon blood, I'll buy you a whole dragon.”
Charley snorted at that while Bill flicked a quick glance from Lucius to Severus and smiled into his eggs.
Percy addressed himself mostly to his plate, comments to Neville were limited to weather and other innocuous subjects. Neville replied in kind, casting wistful glances at Ron, Harry and Draco from time to time.
Draco chuckled a bit then addressed Arthur, “Sir, do you have any objections to talking across the table?”
Arthur, who had been wondering at the rather stilted conversations, just said, “What? Oh, no not at all. We don't stand much on custom here. We taught the boys all the proper things but we don't practice.”
Draco then addressed Neville across the table. “Neville, how is your Gran?”
Neville grinned. “Good. She's found her passion. We're going to continue the school after this mess is done with. She has decided to offer an apprenticeship every year to a promising graduate. And she's ruling the house with an iron hand. Dumbledore could take a few lessons from her.”
“That's great. I was a bit afraid that a house full of snakes would over run her.”
Neville snorted. “Gran? Not a chance. Woman has a whim of iron.”
Everyone laughed at that and conversation flowed happily. Draco and Harry talked across the table and up and down it. Severus, Ron and the twins got into a lively argument about broomsticks with Harry interjecting from time to time.
They finally rose from the table and wandered into the parlour, leaving Molly to clean up.
Lucius asked, “Are you sure about that? Harry, go offer to help her. I would, but I'm hopeless with such things.”
Harry just grinned. “She'll just chase me right back out again. She'll only take five minutes or so without help; ten with.”
Lucius just nodded. “Well then. We'll make our excuses and go then. We're to be at Longbottom House in ...” he cast a tempus. “ fifteen minutes. I never realized that breakfast could take quite this long.” but he smiled as he said that.
Harry, Ron, Draco and Neville edged into a corner and Harry showed Neville a quick memory of using his staff. Neville was suitably impressed. Ron admitted that Arthur had, indeed, taken him to the shed. He rubbed one buttock with a grimace, “Right ticked, he was. Mum too. But it was worth it.”
Harry promised to show both Neville and Ron more at a later date, mumbling, “As soon as I figure it out.”
Lucius called them just then so they went to him, said their last good-byes and started to leave. Arthur was very surprised when Lucius offered him a hand, saying, “Thank you for having me in your house, Mr. Weasley.”
Arthur shook the hand quickly and replied, “Well, you're welcome, I'm sure.” everyone noticed that he didn't say, 'Come again.' but were well satisfied with what they'd gotten.
Neville stepped into the floo first so he would be on hand to welcome them to his home.
He was just in time to join Augusta to greet their guests.
Augusta proved her mettle by politely greeting Lucius, nodding to Severus and offering Draco her hand to shake. It wasn't a snub to Lucius not to offer him a hand. They were in different generations, with Augusta enough older that she was 'off the market' as the saying went, so she deserved, and got, a bow.
She also offered her hand to Harry, who shook it gravely. He wasn't sure exactly why it was rude for Lucius to offer a hand and him not, but so it was. The plain fact was that he and his friends were too young to be in consideration for marriage to Augusta so nothing could be made of handshakes. Harry would take years to figure out the ins and outs of society.
Then they were led into the huge front parlour to meet with the 'students'. Harry smiled to see that Millicent, Daphne, Theo and Vince were right in front. They settled on standing around to talk as there weren't enough chairs.
Harry managed to speak to most of the refugees, finding that they were all happy to be here. They were learning more than they would have at Hogwarts, Madam Augusta had her own ideas of what should be taught, Ethics of Magic being one. Harry was so intrigued that he asked to borrow one of the books. He was told that Madam would send him a complete set of the books they were working on as a present to the Hogwarts Horrors. Augusta smirked at him and patted his cheek.
Then they were on their way again. Harry lost track of where they were and who he talked to relatively quickly.
.
While Harry was suffering under a round of social visiting, Voldemort was doing other things.
Calling his two missing inner circle members for one. He pressed Wormtail's Dark Mark and called while Pettigrew writhed in pain.
“Master, please, they won't answer. Please stop.” The man's pitiful begging finally made Voldemort stop. Not from pity but annoyance.
“Very well. I'll call Avery instead.”
He tried that and Avery soon appeared. He eyed the miserable looking man for a moment then demanded, “What took you so long?”
“It's Boxing Day, my lord, I have guests. I had to make an excuse and leave by the back door.” Avery hurried to kiss the hem of Voldemort's robes
Voldemort threw a temper tantrum at once. “I don't care if you have guests or you're fucking your latest conquest. When I call, you come. Now. Find me somewhere to go. I want to torture and kill someone.” Avery started to say something, but his master interrupted him. “I don't care who, anyone will do.”
Avery nodded. “Very well, my lord. It shall be as you command. Give me a moment or two and I'll find you a suitable target.”
Avery settled in a corner, glad to avoid a crucio. This left Voldemort alone with Peter. Peter was still whimpering a bit. The call left a residual pain for several minutes after being used. He wondered where he'd gotten the idea that being a minion of Voldemort was such a good idea. Then he remembered, Narcissa Malfoy had convinced him.
He crept up to Voldemort and whispered, “Master, I have just thought of the perfect target. Narcissa Malfoy. She's the wife of one traitor and the mother of another. I know she's in France most of the year, but she's here in England right now.” he stammered and stuttered his way through this, annoying Voldemort so much that he crucioed him.
After amusing himself with Pettigrew until he nearly passed out, Voldemort nodded thoughtfully, then summoned Avery from his corner. “I have had a wonderful idea. Find me Narcissa Malfoy.” Peter gave him a pained look but wisely refrained from comment.
Avery nodded. “That is a very good idea, my lord.” He grovelled a bit and stayed kneeling until Voldemort waved a hand for him to continue. “I believe she's actually at my house. My wife sent out invitations from last years list. I was sure I saw her. I'll return home to check. If she is, I won't return. Allow ... fifteen minutes, if I haven't returned by then, come to my home. If that is acceptable, that is.”
“That is a very good plan. Go. Now.” Voldemort flicked his wand and Avery disappeared.
Fifteen minutes later he hadn't returned so Voldemort apparated into Avery's front entry hall.
He was greeted by his wife, who curtseyed low then said that she'd gotten Narcissa to the library by asking her to meet privately with her. No one else even missed her yet. Mrs Avery curtseyed again and continued, “If it please my lord, I shall tell everyone that she got a headache and went home.”
Voldemort snorted, “I don't care what you tell them. Go away now.” he waived his hand as if at an irritating insect and Mrs Avery went, leaving Narcissa to her fate.
Voldemort opened the door to the library and entered. Narcissa jumped to her feet, crying out, “Oh, my lord! You're here.” she dropped to her knees, ignoring the wrinkling of her elaborate robes.
Voldemort just looked at her for a moment then held out his hand. “Narcissa.”
Narcissa kissed his hand reverently then rose. She stood waiting for a command and she got one.
“Come with me. I have something I need from you.”
She smiled happily, her cold facade forgotten. “Of course, my lord. Anything you wish.”
Voldemort just smiled as nicely as he could and held out his hand to her. “Take my hand. I'll apparate you.”
Narcissa beamed, “Thank you, my lord, you're very kind.”
Voldemort closed his eyes, envisioned his 'throne room' and took them away.
He settled on his throne and Narcissa moved to stand in front of him. “My lord, command me.”
Voldemort nodded and smiled in a totally evil way. “Oh, I shall. Crucio!”
Narcissa fell to the floor, screaming in agony. She was never to rise again.
.
Draco sighed as they stepped out of the floo. “I swear, I'm going to take half those people off my list immediately. They're ...”
Harry ambled up behind him and put an arm around his shoulders. “Awful? Dreadful? Impossible? Or all of the above.”
“All of the above and some things that would singe your delicate ears.” Severus grumbled as he followed them.
Lucius sighed and flopped into a chair, all arms and legs. “I am giving Mrs. Nevington the cut direct. I swear, she has the most horrid voice in Britain. It sounds like fingernails on a slate board combined with a stepped on cat.”
Severus chuckled darkly. “Luka, I swear, that woman sounds ...”
Harry interrupted, “Exactly like Aunt Petunia in a snit.” he laughed softly at the look on Severus' face. “You did know her, right?”
Severus nodded. “I did. And disliked her intensely. She's a harridan.”
Harry frowned a bit. “Not sure what that is, but you're probably right.”
Severus then floored everyone by saying, “I really never understood why the devil that old fool, Dumbledore, left you with Petunia and Vernon. There were plenty of families who would have raised you. The Weasleys come to mind for one.”
Lucius nodded. “I even put in my bid for you. And, before you make some uncouth noise or other, I would have raised you to Pureblood Traditionalist standards. As Draco's foster, just as I have.”
Harry blinked at that and added another mark against Dumbledore. “Oh, well, too bad. As that's neither here nor there now. What time is it?”
Severus obligingly cast a tempus. “Just a bit past eleven.”
Draco chose that moment to yawn, patting it back with a hand. “I feel like I just ran ten miles, then did a full workout ... twice. I'm for bed.”
Harry got up and offered his hand to Draco. “Me too. Come on, sleepyhead, let’s get to bed.”
Severus agreed with Harry. “Yes, you do need to go to bed. I doubt that you've got all your assignments done yet and this is your NEWT year.”
Harry sighed. “I was planning to start my work tomorrow. And I really don't give a damn about NEWTS. I've got something a little more important on my mind. I'll take NEWTS late, or not at all if I have to.”
Lucius just shrugged a bit irritably. “I'll deal with the board, if it's necessary. Which I doubt. You'll manage to pass, I'm sure. Go to bed and forget about that for now. Although, I would appreciate you completing your work in a timely manner. I really don't want an owl from Dumbledore first thing. Good night.”
They all wished each other good night and went to bed.
.
Go mbeirtear leis seo! - send it away
Pléasc! - explode
for those who don't know, 'the cut direct' is a Victorian saying, meaning that the person was very rudely ignored. In this case Lucius probably means that, if she talks to him, he is going to turn his back on her and walk away.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 54
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
Banner code for RW
The next morning saw Hermione on her way as soon as she was tidied up. She even refused breakfast, announcing that she was going to get doughnuts and take them home with her. She wished everyone, 'Happy Christmas!' before apparating away home.
Ron and Molly also refused breakfast, Molly because she had to go home to cook for everyone there, and Ron because she kicked him in the ankle. They took the floo home. Lucius distinctly heard Ron demand, “What the heck was that for?” just before they disappeared in a rush of green flames.
Lucius wearily rubbed his face. Now he had to deal with Draco and Harry and he could feel the pressure of the guardianship contract. It was a definite magical push and was getting worse by the second. “Damnit. Fucking contract.” Lucius jumped as strong arms encircled his chest. “Oh, Severus, you gave me a start.”
“I apologize. What were you muttering about?” Severus took the opportunity to rub his cheek against Lucius' neck. “What can I do?”
“I have to punish Harry for taking off and taking his life into his own hands. Not to mention scaring me half to death. And I don't want to, but I can feel the push. You know the more I resist, the worse it gets.”
“I do. Damn that contract. But ... does it say anything about a proxy?” Severus released Lucius to pace in front of the fire. “If it is allowed, I would take your place. And, since I haven't actually read the contract, any punishment I choose to give should be sufficient. Yes?”
Lucius brightened, smiling at Severus. “Sometimes I forget that I'm supposed to be Slytherin. I just hope you don't take advantage, too much.”
Severus shook his head. “I won't. One, because it would upset you. Two, because it would upset Draco. And, three, I gave my word that all that is behind us. So ... I'm actually doing this because I don't want that idiot boy truly injured. Now, how do we handle this?”
Lucius shrugged in that elegant way of his and said, “We just lay it out to him. We tell the truth and the devil take the hindmost.”
And so Harry found himself listening to the explanation of why it was wise for him to submit himself to a punishment from the hands of Severus Snape. He just shrugged and nodded at the end and said, “Do you want to do it now? Or after breakfast?”
Severus blinked once, this was not what he'd expected at all. He'd expected arguments; or, at least, justifications. Instead, Harry was as calm as if they were discussing fashions. “I'm not sure. How is your stomach?”
“Thanks to your potions, cast iron. I used to get nerve sick over every little thing. Now ... well, I'd rather be punished now, then eat, if you don't mind.”
Severus announced flatly, “I find this ... indifference to punishment ... unnerving.”
Harry just got up and went to the door. “I think the library would do.” He walked out the door of their suite and headed down the hall.
Severus looked after him for a moment then nodded to Draco and Lucius. “I suppose we really should get this over with as quickly as possible and return to the ... festivities.” And with that, he followed Harry.
Lucius smiled at Draco and drawled, “Amazing the sarcasm he can pack into such a simple sentence.”
Draco sighed. “He's not going to really hurt Harry, is he?”
Lucius looked down his nose in a patrician fashion that Draco totally ignored, relenting he gave his opinion that, “Severus knows better than to do any real damage. I don't know what he's going to do. That way I can't interfere, the contract is satisfied and we can enjoy our holidays in peace.”
.
Harry went to a small umbrella stand and looked into it. Lucius kept a collection of rods and canes there. Harry knew that they had all been used on Lucius himself by Abraxus but were now more for show than anything. He only took seconds to select what he thought was an appropriate instrument. He put it in the middle of the blotter on Lucius' desk and waited.
He didn't have long to wait, Severus entered the room a second after he assumed his position.
“Well, Harry, at last I have you where I've always wanted you. At my mercy.” Severus couldn't help rubbing it in a bit.
“Of which you have none, I know. Let's get on with this.” Harry just looked at Severus and waited.
Severus walked across the room to the desk and raised an eyebrow at what he saw there. “You really expect me to use that?”
Harry scowled at the whippy rattan. “Not harsh enough? There's a whole stand full of stuff there.” He pointed at the umbrella stand.
Severus sniffed disdainfully. “You really think I need an instrument? Come here.”
Harry walked over to where Severus had seated himself. He'd chosen a large armless chair with a deep seat. Harry wasn't stupid so he moved to stand beside Severus' thigh.
“Here I am. What now? As if I didn't know.” Harry made a face. This was sure to be painful, humiliating and awkward. Not that Severus Snape was going to mind that.
He felt a growing astonishment as the man began to speak. “I'm not going to give you some saccharine line about how this is going to hurt me more than you, it's not. I am not, however, going to beat you half to death. I am going to make sure that Lucius does not suffer because of your ... stupidity.”
Harry gave Severus a startled and very unhappy look. “Papa? How could my idiocy, which, by the way, I deny being. How could it make him suffer? How do I fix it?”
Severus was impressed by Harry's attitude. “The contract. If he violates its tenants too far, he's made to feel pressure to correct the ... oversight. The ... he calls it a push ... can be quite painful. He's dancing on a razors edge, very near to violating that damn contract.” Harry had the sense to look concerned. “Yes, if he does that, your guardianship will devolve onto the Ministry, in the person of the Minister of Magic.”
Harry made a face. “Shit! Let's just get this over with, then you can gloat. I would have liked a mother but not a M.O.M.”
Severus understood this rather cryptic statement completely. He patted his thigh and said, “I'm sure you know exactly what to do.”
Harry nodded and moved to unbuckle his belt. “Bare skin? Do you want to use my belt?”
“No and no. Rude question but it must be asked. What are you wearing under your robes?” Severus had the good grace to blush slightly.
“Trousers, boxers, shirt, vest, shoes and socks.” Harry wondered for a moment then realized that his heavy over robe, donned to ward off the chill of the corridors as Malfoy Manor was not coping well with the cold, would have to come off. “Shall I take off my robe?”
Severus decided. “No, I'll deal with it. You're being very cooperative about this, I'm wondering why?”
Harry shrugged, shifting from foot to foot. “Papa's upset enough. I know he didn't mean to break his word and that we should have waited. We did try to get in touch with you both but we couldn't. Even his elf couldn't find you. We had to go. I needed Merlin's staff now. Not this time next year, then would be too late. So we went. We all knew we'd be in trouble. Um ... do you know what Papa's going to do to Draco?”
“Probably lecture him into tears. It always works. You, on the other hand, are too hard headed for that to work. Now, over my lap and let's be done with this.”
Harry just sighed and draped himself over Severus' lap in an inelegant sprawl. Severus arranged him in a better position so that he wouldn't slide off his knees and pulled his robe up to his waist.
Harry braced himself for a thorough spanking and waited.
He didn't have long to wait, suddenly a burning sensation bloomed in his ass and a loud crack echoed around the room. Then another. His head spun as he was tipped back onto his feet. Then Severus got serious, the thundering scold he got left him biting his lip to keep from bursting into tears. He was seventeen, not seven but it was still a very near run thing.
“Now. I'm going to get myself a sherry, early morning or no. Would you like one?”
Harry sniffled a bit then said, “No, thank you, sir. I'd just as soon have some tea.”
Severus put the bottle down with a soft sigh, “I presume you'd rather I had tea as well?”
“No, you drink whatever you want. You're an adult and I assume that you can have a drink first thing in the morning without falling into a lush. Excuse me, I'm going to breakfast. Amazing how an early morning beating can make a fellow peckish.” Harry peeked at Severus from under his fringe.
“Brat. All that and you didn't even get Merlin's staff. Pity, that.” Severus managed to look sincere without also looking smug.
“Oh, I got it alright. I'll show it to you all together. Come on, I'm starved.”
.
They sat down to breakfast and Harry noticed that Draco's eyes were suspiciously red. He smiled at his spouse and turned to Lucius.
Lucius demanded, first thing, “Why the devil didn't you stay in Ireland?
Harry just said, “Because I didn't want you to worry more than strictly necessary. When we couldn't get in touch with you, I didn't think it would be possible at all. If I'd known you were here, I'd have managed a floo call or something.”
Lucius looked like he wanted to throw something. “Damnit! I'm never going to be out of touch again. If Severus and I decide to go somewhere ...”
Harry just chuckled. “We'll be as discrete as we expect you to be with us. Now, breakfast. I'm starved.”
Lucius eyed Harry then Severus. “I assume that I'm not going to get a blow by blow?”
“As if!” Harry scoffed. “I have no intention of telling you anything at all. Got my ass smacked and that's all I'm sayin'.”
Lucius eyed Severus who eyed him right back. Draco looked at Harry who smirked back and took the last piece of toast.
Breakfast was eaten quickly as Harry announced next that he had the staff and wanted to try it out. Lucius brightened at that.
Severus sighed, he was hoping it was the real thing, but he was sure it was some tourist nick-knack so he asked Harry how they'd found it.
Harry told the whole story, with help from Draco, to the wide-eyed wonder of two of the most unflappable men in the kingdom.
He ended by saying, “So we took off. I assumed that the weather would get better as we went further south but ... you know what they say about assuming. So, we nearly froze. I was scared to cast a general warming charm with the staff. And neither of my two secondary wands would do it.”
Severus asked the next logical question. “Where is your original wand?”
“Merlin kept it. It's no good anyway. The feather core is almost all gone. Burnt away by being over powered.” He turned to Lucius. “Do you think we could go back to Russia? Perhaps Headmaster Demidov would let me use his stadium again?”
Lucius shook his head. “I'm sure he would, but Dumrstrang is closed for Christmas. Students all go home or to arranged activities for the holidays. We'll find somewhere.”
Draco just blinked. “Siberia? What the hell?”
“Power test.” Harry looked smug. “I did very well. Now I need to see how Merlin's staff works for me. And I don't want to do it around here. A smoking hole forty feet across would be hard to hide.”
Draco's eyes got huge. “Seriously?” Harry nodded. “Ya think?”
Lucius watched this by play with some amusement and not a little confusion. Severus, on the other hand, covered his eyes with one hand and muttered, “A private language already? Spare me.”
Draco stuck out his tongue at his godfather which prompted him to say. “Is that for Potions ingredients? No, thank you, I think you need it for now.”
Harry couldn't help his hearty laugh. He exclaimed, “Oh, my, the snarky professor does have a sense of humour. Too bad it isn't evident in class.”
Severus just snorted, “I have no sense of humour when I'm on the verge of being blown up by a bunch of dunderheaded idiots. You fools fling ingredients into your cauldrons with absolutely no sense of what you're actually doing.”
Harry looked taken aback. “It's that bad, really?”
“Yes, and, somehow, I have actually managed not to lose a single life, or limb. Not so much as a finger. Mine or a students.” He managed to look proud without seeming insufferably so.
“I see. I never thought of it that way. But one thing I don't understand.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “Why don't you teach a potions ingredient preparation class first thing? I did much better after Draco showed me what to do.”
Severus gave that question some serious thought as he sipped his last cup of tea. “I suppose that I thought everyone would know the difference between chop, dice and mince and so on. I'll have to think about this.”
Lucius just gave one of his patrician, elegant shrugs and said, “No you won't. You're turning in your resignation at the end of the year. I shall frank you to a shop of your own, with appropriate research facilities.” Severus started to say something but Lucius just held up a hand. “Consider yourself a kept man from now on. No argument.”
Severus just returned to his tea with a pleased smirk. Harry smiled at Draco who was looking very pleased himself.
When they finished breakfast, Lucius called for heavy cloaks and boots for them all. After they were dressed he announced, “I've decided where we will go. We'll go to the target area in Siberia. I'm sure that Headmaster Demidov won't mind.”
Severus muttered to Draco, “We'll go, even if he would mind.”
Lucius just nodded. “Just so. Come.”
Harry snickered, “Oooo, terse.”
They took the floo to somewhere Harry wasn't too sure of.
It was a small building in the wilds of Yorkshire with piles of junk all around it. Harry blinked for a minute then asked, “And why doesn't Papa just make the portkey himself?”
Severus refrained from snarking by a hair. “Because he isn't sure of the coordinates and doesn't want to make a mistake. That's the main reason people use commercial portkeys.”
Harry nodded. “I see, but doesn't the commercial maker just use a book?”
“No, they've actually been to all the places they advertise keys for.” He glanced over at Harry and was surprised to realize that Harry was right at 6' now. “I see that my potions have been efficacious.”
“Yes. And I've never said thank you either. So ... thank you. I know it was a pain to brew potions on top of all your other work.”
Severus waved a hand, brushing away the thanks. “Lucius asked me, once I knew who the potions were for, to continue making them. I found it ... interesting to watch you.”
Lucius came up with an old boot in one hand and a rather disgusted look on his face. “I swear I'm going to keep ribbon or something on my person from now on. Touch the boot and let's get out of here.”
Everyone touched the boot and they were tugged away to Siberia.
They landed in their usual fashion, with even Harry managing to keep his feet.
“Here we are. Durmstrang's Siberian practice field. Harry, I'm sure you recognize it?” Lucius couldn't help looking around with interest. The targets were the same as before, with bulls-eye targets arranged along one edge of the area and heavy black targets at a ninety degree angle to them.
Lucius turned to look at Harry. “Now, my treasure, where the devil is that staff.”
Harry grinned and pulled the staff from his sleeve. “Right here.” He held the staff up like a wand.
Lucius had the good sense not to say anything but Severus had to snort. “I'm sure. That's obviously not a staff. You've been suckered. Trust you to be defrauded.”
Harry just said, “Méadaigh!” the wand became a stave, another order and the stave became a staff. Harry grounded the staff butt by his foot. “Satisfied?”
Severus had to admit that it was a dramatic sight. Harry stood with his head up, staff by his side, robes swirling around him in the cold breeze. “I'll have to admit that I am. What can you do with it?”
“That is what we're about to find out. Everyone behind me.” Harry motioned with his left hand and everyone stood well away from him, braced for anything.
Harry tried a simple spell first and it failed with a faint pop. He tried several more spells then gave up with a sigh. “Damnit! What's wrong? I thought ...”
Draco hurried to put his arms around Harry. “It should work. Why else would Merlin have let you have it?”
Severus stood in thought. “I wonder. We know it works, it shrinks and grows on command. So ... what is different in what you were doing then and what you are doing now?”
Harry thought, biting at his lip in a way that finally made Draco put his thumb on it. “Stop that, you'll make it bleed.” Harry just absently licked his thumb.
Lucius rolled his eyes at Severus in a way that warmed his heart.
Harry suddenly exclaimed, “Irish! All the spells have to be in Irish. That's why the book had all that Irish in it. Thank ...” He laughed a bit hysterically. “Merlin.” He took a step forward and pointed the staff at one of the targets. “Go mbeirtear leis seo!” The target he'd pointed at disappeared. Harry smiled.
Lucius produced a pair of omnoculars from his robes. He looked down the field, fiddled with them then said, “Harry, you've sent that target nearly a mile away. It's in fragments but ... still.”
Severus paled a bit. “Try something else, please?”
Harry nodded, thought for a moment then barked, “Pléasc!” One of the targets dissolved into fragments which pattered down into the twenty foot crater Harry had created.
Draco just whimpered, “Oh, shit!”
Harry looked very satisfied with himself. “Oh, nice! Wonder what this one will do.” Harry braced himself a bit then called, “Go réabtar seo!” Another of the huge black targets jumped into the air and tore itself to bits. “Oh, 'Be rending it' is rather literal.”
Lucius just sighed. This was really a frightening experience. If he hadn't known that Harry was too kind to think of such a thing, he'd have feared for Severus. As it was, he was feeling nervous. Why? He wasn't sure.
Harry ran through several other spells, demolishing every target and ripping huge holes and tears in the ground.
After creating mass destruction, he walked over and said, “Can we go home now? I'm starving. What did you think? Did it work as well as you expected? I think it works really well. I wonder how much power it will handle as a stave or wand. Do you think I should try it out now? Or later.” He rubbed his stomach through his robes. “I think ... later. Like I said, I'm starved.” He realized that everyone was staring at him. “What?”
Lucius hugged him and said, “Never mind. We'll work on stave and wand forms later. Let's go home and have lunch.”
Draco just pulled Harry out of Lucius' grip and kissed him. “Brilliant. I'm hungry too. And you do realize that this is Christmas Eve, right?”
Harry shook his head. “Not until tomorrow. You're off by a day.”
Draco glanced at Lucius. He nodded. Draco made a face. “How did I manage that?” he shrugged. “Never mind. Lunch.”
They went to where Lucius had dropped the boot and took hold of it. Lucius activated it and they returned home.
Lucius didn't give them long to rest as he immediately began ordering the house elves to gather up the packed luggage and take it to Switzerland. They obeyed and the whole party flooed to the hotel to spend the rest of the day gearing up for Christmas.
As this consisted of eating lunch and overseeing the elves unpacking of the presents and their clothing it didn't take long.
Then they gathered in the parlour, settled on two couches with tea, cocoa and snacks to hand. Harry had settled against the back and arm of the couch with Draco nestled against him, their legs entwined. Lucius and Severus were on the other couch, side by side. But they were holding hands in a completely romantic way.
Harry pulled Draco closer and whispered in his ear. “Don't they look cute?”
Draco snickered, but Severus announced, “I heard that.” while Lucius nearly hurt himself, laughing like a 'loon'. Much to Severus' disgust.
First, Harry gave everyone a chance to handle Merlin's staff. Lucius admired the beautiful inlay and satin finish. Severus pointed out the Ogham writing down the shaft, it was a spiral that started at the head and finished about six inches from the butt. None of them could read it so Harry suggested copying it off and having Hermione give it a go. After the holidays were over.
Then they spent the rest of the afternoon reading traditional wizarding stories about Christmas and Solstice as Harry had never hear any of them. Severus read The Solstice story with Lucius. They traded off pages and everyone enjoyed themselves very much.
After they read all the traditional stories, Lucius had Draco go fetch his first present from under the tree, telling him, “Get the present wrapped in gold paper and open it now.”
Draco obediently got the package and opened it. It was a beautiful flute. Draco took it out of the case and assembled it. Then he showed that he was more than a dabbler. “Oh, it's a Burkart Elite! With soldered tone holes, micro-link mechanism and Straubinger pads.” He fiddled with it for a moment then sighed happily. “It has a C head, split-E mechanism, C# trill key, D# roller, platinum riser and a gold lip plate. It's solid 14K rose gold. It's beautiful. Father? This cost...” you could see him adding in his head, “since the split-E, C# trill, and D# roller are all gold and add in the platinum riser and gold lip plate ... 10,000 Galleons, 32,375 pounds sterling ... words fail me. Thank you so much.”
Harry smiled he was glad that Lucius had bought Draco the flute, now he didn't feel so guilty about the cost of his own gift.
Lucius smiled, “I take it that you like it. We will play now. Come.” He rose, releasing Severus' hand and went to open a pair of folding doors. Behind the doors rested a very beautiful piano.
Draco ran a scale on his new flute and smiled in bliss. He hummed softly for a moment as he and Lucius paged through the sheet music, trying to decide what to play.
They finally decided on several Christmas themed tunes and a couple of solos that would show off Draco's expertise with his new flute. Harry found that he was particularly fond of J.S. Bach's Prelude in C from the Well Tempered Clavier, he remembered Draco saying practicing that was one of the reasons he was such a good kisser. He found himself smiling fondly.
“Something, Po - Harry?” Harry noticed Severus correcting himself but didn't remark on it.
“Yes, I like this tune. And Draco looks so happy. That makes me smile.”
“You really do love him, don't you?”
Harry looked at Severus for a moment, searching for some sign of sarcasm or something. “Yes, I really do. I don't think a botched potion could have resulted in feelings like this. Despite all that crap about stoppering death and what not.”
Severus snorted. “I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about. And there had to be some sort of feeling to begin with or you would never have bonded so firmly ... or so equitably. Now shush. It's rude to talk while they're playing.”
So they turned their attention back to Lucius and Draco as they began their last piece of the evening.
.
Christmas morning was interesting. Harry awakened to a shake of his shoulder and sat up in bed. Mimsey was standing by the side of it with a tray in her hands. Gerard was at the other side, shaking Draco awake.
“Merry Christmas, Masters. Breakfast in bed.” She settled the tray across Harry's lap while Gerard did the same with one for Draco.
Harry looked over at Draco, who was examining the full English on his tray with delight. “We have breakfast in bed? I've never...”
Draco looked back and said, “Not even when you were sick?”
“No, I was never allowed to be sick, there were always chores to do. Madam Pomfrey made me get up and sit in a chair.” He sniffed appreciatively. “Smells so good.” He was so interested in his food that he didn't notice the look that flitted across Draco's face.
They ate breakfast, feeding each other and getting crumbs in the sheets.
When they were finally done, Harry started to get dressed, but Draco just handed him an elegant, full skirted house coat and told him, “This is the one day we don't stand on propriety. We come down in our dressing gowns and do presents, then get dressed. Come on.”
Harry was well pleased with the quilted satin garment. It had wide velvet lapels and a gold rope belt with green silk tassels. He laughed softly at its emerald green colour. “Trying to tog me out as a Slytherin?”
“No, I'm truly not, but you really look hideous in Burgundy and Mustard.” He held out his arms and twirled around. “You like?” He was wearing a similar garment in deep sapphire blue and ice white.
Harry admired the way the shoulders clung to Draco's and the nipped in waist made him look very elegant. The way the skirts fell to his feet, swirling around his blue velvet slippers was mouth watering. He didn't realize that his own house coat fit him just as well. Draco sent him out first, just so he could admire Harry's shoulders.
They got to the large family parlour just as Lucius and Severus arrived. Lucius was dressed in an almost identical copy of the housecoat Draco was wearing while Severus was dressed in a loose, dashiki style garment with silver embroidery around the neck and hem.
“Good morning. Merry Christmas.” Severus bowed slightly to the two younger men.
Lucius just smiled and opened the door.
The Christmas tree dominated the centre of the room, covered with baubles, ropes of garland and fairies. Underneath the tree, the packages piled high.
Lucius just smiled at Harry's expression. Draco hugged him then his father and bowed to his god-father. “Happy Christmas, everyone.”
They settled in chairs except for Draco who distributed the presents.
Severus was very pleased with his potions ingredients from Harry as it consisted of more basilisk parts as well as some very expensive gemstones. The second present of the scales and weights was examined and exclaimed over.
Draco and Lucius went together to give him the deed to a very nice shop premises in Hogsmead. Harry grinned as he'd sold the property to them at an incredibly good price.
He was reduced to a rather wide smile that sat oddly on his usually dour face. Harry was very pleased.
Lucius was next and opened a box from Draco first. Draco had given him a new pair of dragon hide boots with silver toe caps. Severus had given him a basket of potions which made Lucius blush and Harry and Draco snicker. Love oils had turned out to be one of Severus' secrets. Harry smiled at that then presented his box. Lucius opened it and took out a scroll. He unrolled it and blinked. “Now, how did you get this stuck up, stiff shirt to agree?”
Harry smirked. “By agreeing to let him paint my portrait. He was grovellingly grateful. He also agreed to let me sit in on the work.” Harry's smirk took on a self-satisfied air.
Severus looked puzzled. “What are you talking ... or should I say gloating about?”
Harry smiled. “I got that portrait painter. That French guy who's all the rage, to agree to paint Draco and Lucius ... oh, and you and me.” At the look on his face he assured him, “Not necessarily together. But the kicker is, I get to observe every step.”
Lucius smirked a bit. “How very Slytherin of you.”
“I thought so.” Harry had managed to work around the way most painters kept their special animation spells secret.
Lucius then opened his second present., a large basket. He smiled at the wine bottle surrounded with crackers and cheese, but said, “I do hope you didn't shake it to death.”
Harry stuck his nose in the air and said haughtily, “I'll have you to know that the rest of it is in the cellars, resting properly. That bottle is just for under the tree, so to speak.”
Lucius handed the basket off to Draco, commenting, “Well, thank you very much. I'm very pleased with it.”
Then it was Harry's turn. Draco gave him Severus' gift first. He opened it to find a complete travelling potions kit, with special ingredients meant for creating his own paints. “Oh, thank you, sir. This is perfect.”
“And, if you open the writing desk, you'll find a formula book. It once belonged to Michelangelo. The rest of your present is in the lab, Lucius forbade me to bring it into the parlour. There's a sheet of polished marble and several mullers there.” He handed over a small gift card with a picture of the things drawn on it.
Harry smiled happily. “Thank you so much, sir. I really appreciate it.”
Severus bowed slightly then turned to Lucius. “Well, I'm dying of curiosity.”
Lucius smiled and motioned to Draco. “If you please, my dragon.”
Draco smirked a bit and handed Harry the box. “This is from both of us. I hope you like it.”
Harry took the box and opened it. It contained a thick picture album. Harry opened it and gasped. It was filled with pictures of his father and mother as well as Sirius and Remus, Peter was happily either absent or in the background. But best of all were the stories that went along with the pictures. All written in Lucius' exquisite calligraphy.
Harry wanted to sit down and read it from cover to cover but he put it back in the box, vowing to read one story every night until he'd read them all.
He smiled at Lucius then Draco. “Thank you both so much. This is brilliant.”
He got hugs from both of them and a quirk of the lips from Severus.
Then it was Draco's turn and he ripped paper like a three year old, throwing it everywhere. He was pleased with the writing set from Lucius as he always managed to lose all the pens. This one was charmed to retrieve its contents, even if they were broken. There was a counter charm for such things and a charm that keyed things into the box.
Severus gave him the same sort of potions box as he'd given Harry but with different contents. His was filled with ingredients for brewing household medicines and a potions book with formulas that Severus himself had invented. Draco was suitably grateful and said so.
Then it was time for Harry's present.
Draco opened the case and blinked. He reached out and touched the blades gently. “Oh, Harry, they're beautiful.” He took one out and examined it carefully.
Severus looked at the blade and said, “Harry, you've really outdone yourself. Those blades are the finest I've ever seen. And matched.”
Lucius contemplated the different shapes with a smile. “Yes, Harry. They are exceptional.”
Harry preened slightly. “I'm glad you all approve. We'll both be carrying blades from now on.”
There were other presents of course, sweaters from Molly for Harry and Severus, scarves for Lucius and Draco. Neville sent everyone plants. Ron and Hermione had gone in together to send a basket of goodies from Honeydukes. And there were presents from social friends of the Malfoy family, but they all mostly ignored them as the useless trinkets they were.
These presents were put on a huge table and displayed in the formal dining room, which they were not going to use, so that anyone could see them. Not that they were expecting anyone.
They ate goose for lunch with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding came for afters and Harry clapped in delight as Lucius lit it with all the ceremony it deserved. Then it was sliced and gravy boats full of sauce were passed around. Harry took a traditional brandy while Draco chose a caramel sauce.
They shamelessly stuffed themselves silly then went into the main parlour to nap on the couches. Draco and Harry on one and Severus and Lucius on the other.
Severus watched Draco and Harry for several minutes as if waiting for some comment. Harry watched him from under his eyelashes for just as long. Lucius finally tugged him into a position from which he couldn't see the other couch.
Harry whispered to Draco. “You think they're really an item?”
“Sure of it.” Draco snuggled a bit and yawned.
“Ok. What about your Mum?” Harry nuzzled Draco's neck.
“What about Mum?” he thought for a moment a puzzled look scrunching up his nose. “Oh! Mother and Father were contracted, whether either one of them liked it or not, they have the usual understanding. Father and Uncle Sev won't have any trouble from her. In fact, they'll probably have less trouble than if Sev was a lady.”
Harry just grunted and settled to sleep.
They slept for over two hours, hours that Lucius claimed they all needed. None of the others argued with that, either. Then they all went down to supper which was a very light meal of fruit, cheese, crackers and wine. The cheese, wine and crackers from Harry's present to Lucius.
Then they retired back to the parlour where Severus and Lucius played chess while Draco read to Harry.
It was nearly midnight when Severus checkmated Lucius for the second time, winning their match. “Well, that's that. Your forfeit, I believe?” Lucius nodded his agreement and rose easily to his feet, smirking slightly. “Draco. Harry. You should go to bed, and to sleep now.”
Harry grumbled a bit as they were in the middle of a chapter but obediently stood. “Why? I'm going, because I'm tired but why?”
Draco explained. “Because Boxing Day is visiting day with us. We're scheduled to visit ... the Weasleys, the Grangers, Longbottom House and ... I forget who else.”
Harry groaned at the list and vowed to get out of visiting any Death Eater families. “Ok. Bed, now. Good night, Papa, Severus.”
Harry hugged Lucius, then Draco hugged both Severus and Lucius. Harry eyed Severus, who offered his hand to shake. Then they all went to their rooms for the night.
.
The next morning they skipped exercising, as they had done Christmas day, and breakfast as well. They were invited to the Weasleys for breakfast. Lucius was not looking forward to that, but had agreed for Harry's sake, after Molly had said that she would keep Arthur under control.
So they arrived, via floo, at 9am for a huge breakfast a la Molly.
Arthur was on his best behaviour and, after a high BTU glare from Molly, bowed to Lucius then greeted Harry and Draco with pats on the shoulder. He also shook hands with Severus.
Harry was delighted to see that Neville was also there. Hermione couldn't come as they were in France, and her parents wanted her to stay with them. She'd agreed because she really missed them.
But there was good food and good conversation.
Harry and Ron sat between the twins, while Neville got stuck doing the pretty to Percy. Bill and Charlie bracketed Lucius and Severus with Draco between Molly and Arthur. This was possible as Molly charmed the table into four equal sides which accommodated the arrangement.
Food was passed and conversation flowed.
Severus nodded to Bill. “William, I trust you are well?”
“Fine, fine. There's been a bit of a mess at Gringotts. They're planning some sort of ceremony, very secret, that's why I got today off as well. They don't want any wizards in the subfloors, so we all got time off.”
“That's good. Charles? Any chance of some dragon blood coming my way?” Severus was nothing if not potions minded.
Charlie laughed. “Perhaps. We've got one youngster that will allow a bit to be taken. I'll see what I can do.”
Severus nodded. “You might tell the General Manager that some potions might come his way in recompense. All I need is to know what is needed.” He cut a bite of ham. “Excellent ham, as usual.”
Lucius laughed at that and remarked, “Severus, if you want dragon blood, I'll buy you a whole dragon.”
Charley snorted at that while Bill flicked a quick glance from Lucius to Severus and smiled into his eggs.
Percy addressed himself mostly to his plate, comments to Neville were limited to weather and other innocuous subjects. Neville replied in kind, casting wistful glances at Ron, Harry and Draco from time to time.
Draco chuckled a bit then addressed Arthur, “Sir, do you have any objections to talking across the table?”
Arthur, who had been wondering at the rather stilted conversations, just said, “What? Oh, no not at all. We don't stand much on custom here. We taught the boys all the proper things but we don't practice.”
Draco then addressed Neville across the table. “Neville, how is your Gran?”
Neville grinned. “Good. She's found her passion. We're going to continue the school after this mess is done with. She has decided to offer an apprenticeship every year to a promising graduate. And she's ruling the house with an iron hand. Dumbledore could take a few lessons from her.”
“That's great. I was a bit afraid that a house full of snakes would over run her.”
Neville snorted. “Gran? Not a chance. Woman has a whim of iron.”
Everyone laughed at that and conversation flowed happily. Draco and Harry talked across the table and up and down it. Severus, Ron and the twins got into a lively argument about broomsticks with Harry interjecting from time to time.
They finally rose from the table and wandered into the parlour, leaving Molly to clean up.
Lucius asked, “Are you sure about that? Harry, go offer to help her. I would, but I'm hopeless with such things.”
Harry just grinned. “She'll just chase me right back out again. She'll only take five minutes or so without help; ten with.”
Lucius just nodded. “Well then. We'll make our excuses and go then. We're to be at Longbottom House in ...” he cast a tempus. “ fifteen minutes. I never realized that breakfast could take quite this long.” but he smiled as he said that.
Harry, Ron, Draco and Neville edged into a corner and Harry showed Neville a quick memory of using his staff. Neville was suitably impressed. Ron admitted that Arthur had, indeed, taken him to the shed. He rubbed one buttock with a grimace, “Right ticked, he was. Mum too. But it was worth it.”
Harry promised to show both Neville and Ron more at a later date, mumbling, “As soon as I figure it out.”
Lucius called them just then so they went to him, said their last good-byes and started to leave. Arthur was very surprised when Lucius offered him a hand, saying, “Thank you for having me in your house, Mr. Weasley.”
Arthur shook the hand quickly and replied, “Well, you're welcome, I'm sure.” everyone noticed that he didn't say, 'Come again.' but were well satisfied with what they'd gotten.
Neville stepped into the floo first so he would be on hand to welcome them to his home.
He was just in time to join Augusta to greet their guests.
Augusta proved her mettle by politely greeting Lucius, nodding to Severus and offering Draco her hand to shake. It wasn't a snub to Lucius not to offer him a hand. They were in different generations, with Augusta enough older that she was 'off the market' as the saying went, so she deserved, and got, a bow.
She also offered her hand to Harry, who shook it gravely. He wasn't sure exactly why it was rude for Lucius to offer a hand and him not, but so it was. The plain fact was that he and his friends were too young to be in consideration for marriage to Augusta so nothing could be made of handshakes. Harry would take years to figure out the ins and outs of society.
Then they were led into the huge front parlour to meet with the 'students'. Harry smiled to see that Millicent, Daphne, Theo and Vince were right in front. They settled on standing around to talk as there weren't enough chairs.
Harry managed to speak to most of the refugees, finding that they were all happy to be here. They were learning more than they would have at Hogwarts, Madam Augusta had her own ideas of what should be taught, Ethics of Magic being one. Harry was so intrigued that he asked to borrow one of the books. He was told that Madam would send him a complete set of the books they were working on as a present to the Hogwarts Horrors. Augusta smirked at him and patted his cheek.
Then they were on their way again. Harry lost track of where they were and who he talked to relatively quickly.
.
While Harry was suffering under a round of social visiting, Voldemort was doing other things.
Calling his two missing inner circle members for one. He pressed Wormtail's Dark Mark and called while Pettigrew writhed in pain.
“Master, please, they won't answer. Please stop.” The man's pitiful begging finally made Voldemort stop. Not from pity but annoyance.
“Very well. I'll call Avery instead.”
He tried that and Avery soon appeared. He eyed the miserable looking man for a moment then demanded, “What took you so long?”
“It's Boxing Day, my lord, I have guests. I had to make an excuse and leave by the back door.” Avery hurried to kiss the hem of Voldemort's robes
Voldemort threw a temper tantrum at once. “I don't care if you have guests or you're fucking your latest conquest. When I call, you come. Now. Find me somewhere to go. I want to torture and kill someone.” Avery started to say something, but his master interrupted him. “I don't care who, anyone will do.”
Avery nodded. “Very well, my lord. It shall be as you command. Give me a moment or two and I'll find you a suitable target.”
Avery settled in a corner, glad to avoid a crucio. This left Voldemort alone with Peter. Peter was still whimpering a bit. The call left a residual pain for several minutes after being used. He wondered where he'd gotten the idea that being a minion of Voldemort was such a good idea. Then he remembered, Narcissa Malfoy had convinced him.
He crept up to Voldemort and whispered, “Master, I have just thought of the perfect target. Narcissa Malfoy. She's the wife of one traitor and the mother of another. I know she's in France most of the year, but she's here in England right now.” he stammered and stuttered his way through this, annoying Voldemort so much that he crucioed him.
After amusing himself with Pettigrew until he nearly passed out, Voldemort nodded thoughtfully, then summoned Avery from his corner. “I have had a wonderful idea. Find me Narcissa Malfoy.” Peter gave him a pained look but wisely refrained from comment.
Avery nodded. “That is a very good idea, my lord.” He grovelled a bit and stayed kneeling until Voldemort waved a hand for him to continue. “I believe she's actually at my house. My wife sent out invitations from last years list. I was sure I saw her. I'll return home to check. If she is, I won't return. Allow ... fifteen minutes, if I haven't returned by then, come to my home. If that is acceptable, that is.”
“That is a very good plan. Go. Now.” Voldemort flicked his wand and Avery disappeared.
Fifteen minutes later he hadn't returned so Voldemort apparated into Avery's front entry hall.
He was greeted by his wife, who curtseyed low then said that she'd gotten Narcissa to the library by asking her to meet privately with her. No one else even missed her yet. Mrs Avery curtseyed again and continued, “If it please my lord, I shall tell everyone that she got a headache and went home.”
Voldemort snorted, “I don't care what you tell them. Go away now.” he waived his hand as if at an irritating insect and Mrs Avery went, leaving Narcissa to her fate.
Voldemort opened the door to the library and entered. Narcissa jumped to her feet, crying out, “Oh, my lord! You're here.” she dropped to her knees, ignoring the wrinkling of her elaborate robes.
Voldemort just looked at her for a moment then held out his hand. “Narcissa.”
Narcissa kissed his hand reverently then rose. She stood waiting for a command and she got one.
“Come with me. I have something I need from you.”
She smiled happily, her cold facade forgotten. “Of course, my lord. Anything you wish.”
Voldemort just smiled as nicely as he could and held out his hand to her. “Take my hand. I'll apparate you.”
Narcissa beamed, “Thank you, my lord, you're very kind.”
Voldemort closed his eyes, envisioned his 'throne room' and took them away.
He settled on his throne and Narcissa moved to stand in front of him. “My lord, command me.”
Voldemort nodded and smiled in a totally evil way. “Oh, I shall. Crucio!”
Narcissa fell to the floor, screaming in agony. She was never to rise again.
.
Draco sighed as they stepped out of the floo. “I swear, I'm going to take half those people off my list immediately. They're ...”
Harry ambled up behind him and put an arm around his shoulders. “Awful? Dreadful? Impossible? Or all of the above.”
“All of the above and some things that would singe your delicate ears.” Severus grumbled as he followed them.
Lucius sighed and flopped into a chair, all arms and legs. “I am giving Mrs. Nevington the cut direct. I swear, she has the most horrid voice in Britain. It sounds like fingernails on a slate board combined with a stepped on cat.”
Severus chuckled darkly. “Luka, I swear, that woman sounds ...”
Harry interrupted, “Exactly like Aunt Petunia in a snit.” he laughed softly at the look on Severus' face. “You did know her, right?”
Severus nodded. “I did. And disliked her intensely. She's a harridan.”
Harry frowned a bit. “Not sure what that is, but you're probably right.”
Severus then floored everyone by saying, “I really never understood why the devil that old fool, Dumbledore, left you with Petunia and Vernon. There were plenty of families who would have raised you. The Weasleys come to mind for one.”
Lucius nodded. “I even put in my bid for you. And, before you make some uncouth noise or other, I would have raised you to Pureblood Traditionalist standards. As Draco's foster, just as I have.”
Harry blinked at that and added another mark against Dumbledore. “Oh, well, too bad. As that's neither here nor there now. What time is it?”
Severus obligingly cast a tempus. “Just a bit past eleven.”
Draco chose that moment to yawn, patting it back with a hand. “I feel like I just ran ten miles, then did a full workout ... twice. I'm for bed.”
Harry got up and offered his hand to Draco. “Me too. Come on, sleepyhead, let’s get to bed.”
Severus agreed with Harry. “Yes, you do need to go to bed. I doubt that you've got all your assignments done yet and this is your NEWT year.”
Harry sighed. “I was planning to start my work tomorrow. And I really don't give a damn about NEWTS. I've got something a little more important on my mind. I'll take NEWTS late, or not at all if I have to.”
Lucius just shrugged a bit irritably. “I'll deal with the board, if it's necessary. Which I doubt. You'll manage to pass, I'm sure. Go to bed and forget about that for now. Although, I would appreciate you completing your work in a timely manner. I really don't want an owl from Dumbledore first thing. Good night.”
They all wished each other good night and went to bed.
.
Go mbeirtear leis seo! - send it away
Pléasc! - explode
for those who don't know, 'the cut direct' is a Victorian saying, meaning that the person was very rudely ignored. In this case Lucius probably means that, if she talks to him, he is going to turn his back on her and walk away.