Runaway Wizard 56
Next chapter.
All the reviews, so far, have been very helpful. So, thanks to those who wish to be truly helpful.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 56
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
Harry looked after Draco and decided that they were going to have a little talk after dinner. Then he hurried after him, he was hungry.
Lunch was finished quickly and Harry touched Draco on the arm. “We need to talk. Come on, let's get back to our rooms. Ok?”
Draco bit his lip. “Ok.”
Harry took his hand and led him away saying tiredly, “I know you're angry at me but I don't know why. I'm not going to live with you in a constant state of ... pissyness.”
Draco just followed after him, trying hard to figure out how to say what he wanted to without placing blame or starting a round of recriminations that neither one of them wanted and surely wouldn't do either of them any good.
Harry flopped down on the couch and patted the place beside him. “Come and sit down. Something is bothering you and I want to know what it is.”
Draco sighed, ran a hand through his hair and mumbled, “You don't like me.”
Harry blinked at that. “Excuse me?”
Draco gulped then stated firmly, “You don't like me and I don't know why.”
Harry digested this for a moment then burst out, “Who told you that shite?”
“No one. But ... you don't touch me. Just once and not since our bonding. What did I do wrong? If you won't tell me, I can't fix it. So ... Tell me.” Draco looked as near tears as Harry could ever remember.
He pulled Draco into a hug and sighed into his shoulder. “Ok. I ... well, I shouldn't have let this go so long. But ... all the excuses sound so dumb now. We were busy, holiday rushing around left us tired and wired so ... I figured, why push it. I don't want you to ever think you have to do anything you don't want to. Or that ... I'm ... not ... damn, I'm so bad at romance. Fuck, Draco. You're handsome, smart, rich. Why should you be lumbered up with me?”
Draco ran his fingers through Harry's bangs. “Because you're just as handsome, smart and rich as I am. You're also gentle, honourable, noble and strong. So ... you don't dislike me? It's just ... you...” Draco gave Harry a smack on the shoulder. “you great big Griffindork. You had me scared to death that you were regretting this.”
Harry looked blank. “I'm horrible at romantic stuff, so I don't blame you that much. But ... I'm really glad we're together, but not glad about how we got together.”
“Twit!”
“Ponce!”
“And whose fault is that?”
“Rotten Snake.”
Draco just dragged Harry's head down and kissed him, hard.
“Now that that is settled.” Harry leaned back. “We've got to find that diadem soon. I've got a creepy feeling.”
Draco grumbled, “Well, shit. Romance out the window and common sense in the door. Potter, you're making me crazy.”
“Sorry. Just ... I want that off my mind. Really badly.” Harry looked dismayed. “I know I'm a gobshite.”
Draco just pushed Harry against the arm of the couch and cuddled into his arms, a little enlarging charm didn't go amiss. “No, you're not. Just ... focused. We'll find it. We've almost finished with the room. It has to be there.”
Harry groaned, “That's one of the things that's keeping me so distracted. What if it isn't? Where else do we look?”
Draco snarled, “Well, damn. I wish one of the house elves would just deliver it to you on a silver salver and be done with it.”
They both nearly fell off the couch when an elf popped in with a silver tray. “Masters is wishing for this?” He put the thing down on the coffee table and vanished with another pop.
Harry eyed it for a moment then reached out and poked it. “Um ... it can't be that easy.” He gave Draco a wide-eyed look. “Can it?”
Draco watched the dome for a moment then lifted it, braced for one of the twins jokes or something nasty to pop out. What he saw was a simple gold diadem with a single gem with an eagle carved in it set in a medallion, engraved around the inside was 'Wit without measure is man's greatest treasure.'
Harry glowered at it as if it had mortally offended him. “Well, bloody fucking great.”
Draco could only nod in agreement. They'd spent countless hours searching for the damn thing and there it was.
“So ... all we had to do was ask for it?” Draco moaned and flopped back against Harry. “As soon as I recover, I'm sending that straight to Gringotts via owl post. Hedwig can carry that, can't she?”
“Yes, she's really strong.” He couldn't help a grin. “And, that's the last one. Things are looking up. We've got the last horcrux, I've got Merlin's staff, we're officially married. I've actually got a real life.”
Draco grinned right back. “You've had family for a long time now. Father loves you.” he noticed the look on Harry's face. “Oh, I'm not jealous. He loves us equally, you know. Now. Find a bag for that damn thing and let's get it out of Hogwarts before something happens. And we need to write to Father to tell him about this too.”
They busied themselves with getting the diadem packed up and a letter written to the goblins and another to Lucius. They hurried up to the owlery and sent their mail off. The diadem with Hedwig and the letter with a rather over excited Pig. Harry was a bit annoyed that none of the school owls would come to him. Draco just dismissed the whole thing as not important.
.
The Dark Lord Voldemort was in another temper. He'd managed to recruit more Death Eaters but he was on the verge of losing his mind over them. They were the dregs of wizarding society, with a few ner-do-wells thrown in for good measure. His Inner Circle was missing several people; Bella LeStrange and her spouse and brother-in-law, Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy traitors both, and Theo Nott Sr. Several others were becoming more and more uncooperative as time went on. Especially when he suggested that they retrieve their children from Longbottom House. It was becoming most annoying.
Thus, he was in a terrible temper; and he couldn't release that temper in the usual way. Pettigrew had taken it upon himself to try to contact Fenrir Greyback to try to recruit the werewolves. So he was without a target for his punishments. He was doing his best not to drive off any of his new recruits. The reason for his loss of men escaped him completely.
So, instead of blasting the throne room, or cursing his minions, he was planning a raid. His new recruits needed training and entertainment.
.
The goblins of Gringotts were pleased to receive the diadem back. They now had all the treasures that they'd been forced to make so long ago. They would cleanse them of their dark taint and store them away.
All the human employees were given the day off with pay. They had no idea why, they were just glad for the time off.
The goblin curse breakers gathered in a special chamber and began their work, neither knowing nor caring what else might happen when the objects were cleansed.
It took them all that day and most of the night to complete their work, because of the wards and shields on Gringotts and the chamber, no one knew what had happened, not even the creator of the objects dark taint.
.
Lucius, after throwing a bit of a fit about how it had been found, was delighted that the horcrux's were all gone. He decided to entertain himself with a short visit to Vernon Dursley and Delores Umbridge.
He opened his desk and withdrew two items, one for Dursley and one for Umbridge. He was sure that neither person really wanted the item in question.
He apparated into the back garden of Number 4 Privet Drive and walked up to the house.
He didn't bother to knock, he just flicked his wand to open the door and walked right into the kitchen.
He was astonished to realize that both Harry and Petunia would be horrified at its appearance, as well as the gardens. It was very obvious that Vernon neither kept house nor hired anyone to do the work. The place was filthy and the garden overgrown with weeds, even the front garden was shabby looking. Lucius decided he was going to enjoy this a great deal.
Vernon had been allowed to keep the house in the divorce proceeding as Petunia stated that she didn't have the financial means to make payments on the mortgage or do upkeep on it. It seemed that Vernon didn't either, from the state of things.
Lucius couldn't help the smirk on his face. He'd seen that Vernon lost his job and any income they'd gotten from Harry. He'd also bought the mortgage on the house. It was now foreclosed. He had the papers in his hand.
He knew that he really shouldn't just walk in as the house wasn't his yet. But, he really didn't care.
“Hello! Vernon, I know you are at home, come down.” Lucius didn't bother to temper the imperious tone in his voice. He really didn't care if he irritated Vernon or not. In fact, he was wishing vaguely that Vernon would try something.
“Who's there? How did you get in?” Vernon stomped into the room, creating what amounted to a class 2 earthquake.
“Lucius Malfoy. Harry's father-in-law and foster. I opened the unlocked backdoor and walked in.” Lucius eyed Vernon with intense dislike, which he didn't bother to keep from his face. “I have some papers for you.” He dropped them on the table and backed away.
He wasn't afraid of Vernon, even though the man was more than twice his weight. He just wasn't terribly thrilled with the smell emitting from the man. He smelled of stale sweat, beer and rancid fryer grease.
Vernon picked up the papers and read through them with a furious expression. “You know I can't pay. How do you expect me to live with no job worth doing? I've been let go from Grunnings and assessed the equivalent of my benefit account in reparations. Petunia is getting spousal support for the next five years and I'm supposed to pay child support too. I can't afford any of it on the dole. What do you expect from me?”
Lucius looked at Vernon for a moment then said softly, “Suffering. A great deal of it. And jail, if I can arrange it.” He pinned Vernon in place with a cold stare that had made men much braver than Vernon cower. “I am not a nice man. In fact, I am a rather nasty, bad man. That being said, the way you treated Harry was a crime against everything a man should hold sacred. And I intend to make sure you remember that.” He waited while Vernon gobbled like a turkey then flicked his wand. “There. I hope you don't need much sleep. Oh, and that eviction gives you exactly ten days to be out. You should have ...” Lucius smirked at Vernon. “gotten a primary notice. You didn't? Oh,” he made a mock sorrowful sound. “too bad. A secondary notice?” Vernon shook his head. “Dreadful. I will have a word with ... someone. But..” He shrugged in his elegant way. “that still leaves you ten days to find somewhere else to live and get your things out. If they are not out within that timeframe, I'm afraid you will be paying to store them. Good day to you.”
And with that, he apparated out of the kitchen and right into Delores Umbridge's front garden.
He tapped at the door and was pleased to hear a tiny whimper from inside. “Delores, open the door. You wouldn't want to make me feel ... unwelcome, now, would you?”
The door opened and Lucius walked into a completely changed interior. The entry hall had been painted a light cream color. He walked on through to the seafoam green sitting room and settled in a wing backed chair upholstered in dark green brocade. Umbridge followed him, bare feet making no sound on the carpet.
“Well, have you done your lines? I do hope not, but one can never tell, can one?” Lucius looked at her carefully. He'd insisted that she never wear shoes of any kind inside and set charms to make sure that she didn't. He had caught her out once and made her write, 'I will be obedient to my superiors' until it was carved into her stomach. She obeyed him implicitly.
“I did my lines.” She extended the parchment with shaking hands. “Just as you ordered, sir.”
Lucius accepted them, checked them and banished them. “I have a little present for you. I'm sure you'll like it.”
Umbridge made a sound suspiciously like, 'meep' and nodded. The one time she'd refused a present from Lucius, she'd regretted it for days.
“But first, I will inspect the house. All the cats are gone, I trust?” Lucius stood and headed for the kitchen. He knew that Deloris loved her cats, in a possessive way, so he'd told her that they all had to be gone by his next visit. And that she was not to just kill them but to be sure that they all had good homes. He couldn't help but smirk at the thought of her begging her neighbors and acquaintances to take them in. He'd also made her get rid of every cat related item in the house.
Now, he was gifting her with more paint. He actually did find her favorite shade of pink nauseating.
He looked at the hall between the front and back of the house. It was pink.
“Very good. You'll start by painting the hall this colour.” He took a can of paint from his pocket and enlarged it, putting it on the kitchen table. “And these tiles. Atrocious.” He flicked his wand and changed the pink tile on the floor to slate grey, non-skid tiles. “And those.” The tile on the back splash and sink surround turned to a glossy light grey. “There. And the kitchen walls will be painted this colour.” He placed another can on the table. “You'll also write, “I am a true bitch.” one thousand times. It will show ... um ... on your left hand. Bring me the quill so that I may adjust it.”
There was another whimper but Deloris scurried to do as she was told.
Lucius smiled in satisfaction, a cruel look that flitted across his patrician features for only a second.
After a few more orders he returned home, well satisfied with his day.
.
Dean Thomas was not a bad boy by any means, just taught prejudice by parents that were ignorant and fearful. He 'knew' that Latin was the Language of Light and all others were Dark.
His theory was that, if he kept at it, he could dissuade Harry from going dark and keep him on the 'right' track. The track that his Mum said everyone should follow. So he kept on his chosen course, despite detentions and point reductions. However, he was finding that he really didn't like Harry or Seamus anymore. Neville was following quickly in their wake.
He picked up a book and tried to study. It was hard going but he kept at it. He realized that he had a killer headache.
.
The evening of their first day back, Harry took Seamus to the Room of Requirement and showed him Merlin's staff. He didn't even ask to hold it, he just stared at it for several minutes then crowed, “Good on you, Harry. It's brilliant.” then began asking questions in Irish. Harry laughed at that and reminded him that he didn't actually speak the language.
“And that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I need you to work with me several times. I need to make sure that I'm pronouncing all my spells properly. No knowing what might happen if I pronounce something wrong ... and I really don't want to find out the hard way. Ok?”
Seamus gave the staff one more loving look and said, “Sure thing, Harry. It' a shame to abuse a beautiful language like the Irish by mangling your pronunciation. Any time you want, all you have to do is ask.”
Hermione said she'd attend the sessions too, to take notes while Draco, lounging on a conjured sofa just smirked. He was attending the sessions also, remarking, “I have no reason other than sheer nosiness. I want to watch.”
Harry laughed, “Ok, no altruism credited to you. Fine.” He poked Draco in the side, making him squeak.
Seamus laughed at that and suggested that Draco learn too. Hermione shrugged, saying she'd try as well.
In the week that followed they settled into their classes and established a routine. Or rather, Hermione established a routine.
She was actually a bit angry about things. Harry was not only expected to protect the wizarding world from Tom, but also take NEWTs and act as head of the Potter and Black families. She was very thankful that Lucius had agreed with common wizarding practices and was taking his time acquainting Harry with the process of managing his vast estate and holdings.
Harry flopped down on the couch beside her. Hermione turned to him and sniffed her disapproval then she pushed him away exclaiming, “Eeuwww! You stink. You're all sweaty. You should have taken a shower before you left the gym.”
Harry gave her a sated sort of smirk and said, “Wasn't in the gym. And before you ask ... none of your business where I was.”
Neville got a good look at Harry and snickered. When he managed to control himself he pointed to Harry's cheek. “Whisker burn. You evil boy, you've been ... shagging with Draco.” He fell into whoops and Hermione jumped up and started gathering up her things.
“You're both just awful. That's ...” she stopped talking and just glowered for a moment.
Harry drawled in a good imitation of Lucius. “I am sorry, madam, a proper gentleman does not kiss and tell. On the other hand, Longbottom ...” He yelped as Nevillle smacked him in the face with a thrown pillow.
Hermione gave up and announced that she was going up to her room to study in peace.
Neville just waved to her companionably then remarked, “I don't think she'll get any more done up there. Her remaining room mates are idiots ... and way too giggly.”
Harry frowned, “I thought she was just rooming with Parvati now.”
Ron scooted a chair over and settled in, glancing at Neville then Harry to find out what they were talking about.
Harry just said, “Hermione, room mates, who.”
Ron nodded. “They moved Ginny in with her and Parvati as she wasn't getting along very well with hers. There's five of them and not enough room. Where's Draco?”
Harry smirked even harder this time. “He's cleaning up. I'm going back down to get my shower. I wanted to ask Hermione something, but she's gone off in a huff.” He grinned and got up. “Ask Neville what about, I'm gone.” and with that he climbed out the portrait hole and shut it.
Ron just glanced at Neville, wrinkled his nose and said, “I don't need to hear, I could smell.”
They both roared with laughter then got out the chess set.
Ron was teaching Neville strategy and tactics.
.
Things went well for a while, classes were not that difficult, due to Hermione's talent for organization and the fact that they met to study in Harry and Draco's private quarters. It was a lot quieter than the common room and they could leave their various projects out without them being disturbed.
The morning started quietly. The Hogwarts Horrors did their exercise routine which now included an hour of duelling practice. Harry also slipped off for a short while to work on his Irish with Seamus. Dean refused to stay in the room with them and went down to breakfast early.
Harry had spoken to him about his problem and been thoroughly snubbed, so now, he and Seamus used a classroom near the Great Hall. The others met them there when they were done and cleaned up. They went to breakfast together.
Harry put his arm around Draco. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Mmmm. Starved. I never realized that the reason Ron eats so much is, he's so active.”
Ron made a rude sound then said, “Active, me? It's all brain fuel, that's what it is. And my brain is starved too. Come on. If we don't hurry all the bangers will be gone.”
Hermione snorted. “All you have to do is summon an elf and ask for more. I'm still not happy with things but Mimsey gave me an ear full, then Gerard actually got nasty with me. I'm trying to find a ... compromise that actually benefits the elves.”
They got seated and filled their plates. Draco was now making a habit of sitting with Harry at the Gryffindor table. Slytherin House was almost empty of sixth and seventh years. The missing students were all at Longbottom House or at home and marked. There were even a few missing fifth years. The rest of the Slytherins were guardedly friendly with Draco and Harry, but they were too young for interesting conversation so Draco seated himself with his spouse and friends.
When the great doors opened no one thought much of Narcissa Malfoy entering the Great Hall. Her movements were stiff, as if she was deeply chilled.
Hermione looked up then back at her book. Harry glanced up and froze. “Draco, get up and leave. Now!”
Draco caught sight if his mother just as she reached the end of the Ravenclaw table. “Harry? What?” He looked again and turned so pale his skin was translucent. “Oh, Merlin. What ...” He staggered and sat down with a jerky move that caught the attention of the head table.
Neville took one look at Narcissa and grabbed Draco. He literally threw Draco over his shoulder and headed for the head table, or rather, the door behind it. Draco didn't fight him, instead, he went limp.
Hermione looked up again and said, “Oh, bloody hell.” then drew her wand.
Ron drew his and stood beside Hermione. Harry stepped between them and Narcissa just in time.
Narcissa gazed after Draco and Neville for a moment then attacked the nearest student, screaming incoherently. In less than a second she had bitten the poor boy several times and literally torn his robes off his body. She was ripping at his flesh when the first spell hit her.
Professor McGonagall had stood up when she noticed Narcissa enter, now she showed her true mettle and cast a full body bind on Narcissa. Unfortunately, all it did was break the Glamour that Lord Voldemort had cast on her.
Students near Narcissa and the Ravenclaw scattered quickly, running out the main doors or toward the head table. This action put them between the head table and the fight making it impossible for the professors to do anything except run toward the conflict. But this was also nearly impossible. It was like swimming against a raging current the frightened students blocked the aisles between the tables completely. Chaos and disorder ruled.
Harry watched Neville as he took Draco out of the room. Then he turned to deal with the inferi who had been Narcissa Malfoy. One of the benefits of carrying Merlin's staff appeared to be that no glamour would hide the truth from him. He shuddered slightly as he viewed the wreck that had been the beautiful Narcissa Malfoy. She was still dressed in the rags of the robes she'd been wearing at the ball, although Harry didn't know that. All he could see was that she was wearing what had been very expensive formal robes. Her jewels were long gone but the marks were they'd been torn from her body still remained.
Harry shook his head and drew his attention back to the present. “Ron, Hermione, flank her. Stay out of my line of fire. Try to get that kid away from her. I'll block her.” As he spoke, he handed out swords and shields from his bag.
Hermione snapped, “Just remember, inferi are resistant to most spells except one's that involve fire.”
Ron nodded grimly and began to force his way toward the fight. The Ravenclaw second year was putting up a fairly good fight, for a twelve year old, but he was fading fast, his young strength no match for the inhuman endurance of a new inferi.
Harry followed Ron with Hermione on his heels. Ron yelled at the mass of struggling students and managed to enforce some semblance of order. The prefects, who'd been trying their best, now got control and herded the stragglers away from the fight and out into the front hall. This left the field clear for the three Hogwarts Horrors to deal with the inferi who used to be Narcissa Malfoy.
Ron charged her, yelling wildly and brandishing his sword. This distracted her enough that Hermione grabbed the Ravenclaw and hustled him toward the doors. She gave him a push and hissed, “Go! Madam Pomfrey! Now!” He hurried away as fast as he could.
Hermione turned back to join the battle. She put up a shield and cast “Flamia.” on the inferi but it just scorched her robes a bit.
Ron snarled, “I feel Tommy boy's signature all over her. What the hell did he do?”
Harry waved his wand and barked, “Ruadhóigh!” A bolt of fire shot out of it and enveloped the inferi in a ball of flames. They burned away the outer layer of robes, revealing an under dress of satin. The dress did very little to hide the damage to her body. She'd been flayed, presumably, alive. She'd also been whipped, before or after being flayed was anyone's guess.
The curse faded and the inferi turned to find another victim. She failed as Harry's next spell was a more powerful burning hex. Ron shielded himself and moved back, his first shield had protected him from the back wash of Harry's spell but broken down in the process.
They were surprised to be joined by Professor McGonagall. But not that surprised to have both Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick join in, the other professors did their assigned duties and made sure that all students were out of the hall.
Professor McGonagall shouted, “We're going to have the del' of a time wi' 'er. She's new an' strong.”
Professor Flitwick just nodded grimly and started moving. It was astonishing to see the tiny professor jumping from table to table, shooting hexes and curses as he went.
Professor McGonagall feinted the other way, then rushed straight in. Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione were providing backup. Harry was still doing his best to get close in. But he was afraid to cast anything for fear of hitting Flitwick.
Flitwick did quite a bit of damage, backed by McGonagall but he wore out before either one of them did more than annoy the inferi into a frenzy. She snapped and snarled, grabbing at the spells and both of the attacking Professors. She managed to slap Flitwick out of the air with a backhand. Ron caught him and landed flat on his back with Flitwick on his chest.
“Mr Weasley, sorry there.” Flitwick bounced up, dragging Ron after him, a quick push got Ron back on his feet. He set his shield again as well as holding his targ between himself and the inferi.
“You up for another attack?” Ron took a quick glance at Flitwick.
“No, sorry. I'm done. Getting long in the tooth, even for a quarter goblin.” Flitwick looked at the battle avoiding Ron's eye.
“Too bad. You're really good. Stay behind me then. My shields are fairly strong and I don't think that inferi really wants to mess with a targ.” Ron set himself to defend the tiny professor and get him out of harm's way.
Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall was demonstrating the value of transfiguration in combat. She transfigured things from the nearby tables into blades and used a simple Wingardium Leviosa to throw them at the inferi. They didn't do any good as Voldemort had shielded his creature from them.
This put them head to head. Unfortunately, McGonagall had never been a physical fighter, her strength was in her magic. She quickly wound up on her ass in the aisle between Slytherin and Gryffindor tables.
While Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall had taken a head on approach, Professor Snape was doing his best to get behind the inferi, but he wasn't having much luck. The fight milling in such a fashion that he was always thwarted.
Harry grabbed Professor McGonagall's arm and hauled her to her feet. He shoved her into Hermione's arms and barked, “Get them all out of my way. I don't fancy a friendly fire incident. Go!” Hermione dragged the professor out of the way, explaining 'friendly fire' as she did so. McGonagall, not to be distracted that easily, tried to turn but found that she didn't need to return to combat, Harry had things under control. She joined Ron and Fillius on the sidelines.
First he put up a shield to contain the inferi, then he cast, “Go dteasctar seo!” the most powerful cutting hex he knew. This cut the inferi in half at the waist but didn't finish her off. He hated to destroy the body altogether, as he wanted Lucius and Draco to have the closure of something to bury.
Professor Snape yelled, “What the hell do you think you're playing at? Use fire!” And he cast an incendio that was at least three times as powerful as Hermione's.
“I want to leave a body. Draco ...” Harry's reply could barely be heard over the screaming of the inferi and the whoosh of Snape's spell.
“We don't need a body! What ... Just burn it. Now!” Snape cast another spell but, again, Voldemort's protections foiled the attack.
Harry took Snape at his word and cast, “Go tsárdhóitear seo!” The powerful burning hex sent the inferi to burning. Harry cast again just to make sure. The inferi was reduced to a dirty smudge on the flag stones and a handful of ashes in no time.
Harry gazed at the mess. He hadn't known Narcissa very well, but the few times he'd met her, she had seemed nice. She'd been polite, if a bit distant, to him. He fought tears.
“Harry. Come away.” Snape put his hand on Harry's arm. “I'll deal with the aftermath. Go to Draco, he needs you. And you need him.”
Harry started to turn away but turned back to say, “Papa. Someone needs to tell him.”
“I'll deal with that as well. You did a good job, now go.” Severus searched his pockets, ignoring Harry who finally went away to find Draco. Severus found the small box he was looking for and gathered the ash and soot into it. He returned the box to his pocket and braced himself for the task of telling Lucius.
Ron and Hermione joined the prefects in getting the chaos under control. Both of them had watched Harry leave the hall with a firm stride so they were fairly confident that he was ok, if not perfectly fine.
.
Neville had taken Draco back to their quarters and given him a strong calming draught. Draco was by no means stupid and he'd been raised in a dark oriented family so he knew an inferi when he saw one. He was devastated by the conversion of his mother into a monster. He took the draught and swallowed it in one gulp.
Neville patted him awkwardly on the shoulder. “I'm so sorry, Draco. What can I do?”
Draco censored himself very carefully then said, “Not much, I'm afraid. Unless you have a time turner and can send me back to stop it.” He shuddered. “Tommy boy is in so much trouble now.”
“Your father?” Neville blinked, thinking about Malfoy's and revenge.
“Yes, and me, and Harry.” Draco gazed absently at the wall.
Neville nodded once, then said, “And me.”
Draco stretched out on the couch. “I'm really tired. Why am I so tired?”
Harry slipped in the door just then. “Neville?”
“Calming Draught, extra strong. But he says he's tired?” Neville looked at Draco with some concern.
“I expect it's a combination of things.” Harry sat carefully on the couch and slipped under Draco's head, easing him up then settling his head in his lap.
Neville took an afghan off the back of the couch and tucked it around Draco. He looked at Harry for a moment. “You ok?”
“No, Narcissa was ... tortured before she died. And then I killed her. It's ... I'm ...” Harry trailed off without any idea what he wanted to say.
Nevillle offered what comfort he could. “If she was an inferi, she was dead before she came here.”
Harry sighed. “But, I had to ... destroy her. There's nothing left but some ash. I could have ... there should be ... something to ... put in the ground.”
Neville nodded his understanding. “Oh, yes, that muggle thing. But don't some muggles burn their dead?”
“Yes, some cremate the body. Why?” Harry stroked Draco's hair wearily.
“Well, wizards ... we don't worship the body. We cremate it as soon after death as possible, then we put the ashes in a box or a brass urn. They're put into the grave or the crypt. Then we have a wake. So ... you did the best you could and better than most.” Neville gave Harry a hopeful look.
Harry smiled as best he could and nodded. “Thanks for telling me that, Neville.”
Neville watched as Harry dozed off. He draped another afghan over Harry's shoulders and settled down to watch over his two friends.
.
Lucius was sitting in his private parlor feeling very satisfied with life. Christmas and New Years had gone well and the last few weeks had been entertaining in various ways. News from Hogwarts was good, both Draco and Harry doing well in all their classes and no detentions worth mentioning. He raised his head when the floo signaled that Severus was arriving.
Severus came into the parlor and sat down on the couch. “Lucius, I have some very bad news for you and there's no way to sugar coat it.” He pulled the box out of his pocket and put it on the table. “Here are Narcissa's remains.” He went on to tell the story in grim detail, ending, “So I gathered up the ashes and brought them to you. I do hope you place no blame on Harry.”
Lucius eyed his friend for a moment. “If he had not done it, I would have done it myself. He has acted in his capacity as Shield of Malfoy. And done it well. I'll go to him at once.” He rose and clasped Severus by the shoulder. “Thank you, my friend. Will you stay with me?”
Severus stood too. “Of course I will. Will you change robes?”
Lucius shook his head. “No. I'll just put on over robes. I don't have time for more. I need to see to Harry and Draco.” He summoned Tuggy and sent him for formal mourning robes.
When the elf returned with the robes, Lucius had him help him on with them. Severus watched with dismay. Lucius was way too calm which meant that he was not only angry but furious and planning revenge.
“Luka, please, don't do something that we're all going to regret.” He took Lucius' hand in his.
“Ah, Severus. Never. I will not rush off like some young stud, or a fool of a Black and do something stupid. Harry told me, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold.' He is right. I have a great deal of planning to do before I act. Come, we're going.”
And Severus had to be satisfied with that.
.
Neville looked up when the door opened. Professor McGonagall walked in. She smiled at Neville and said, “I see that you are a true Longbottom. A Guardian loyal. Good. How are they?”
“Worn out.” He looked at his two friends with some amusement. “They started out with Harry sitting with Draco's head in his lap ... now ... well, see for yourself.”
Professor McGonagall looked over the back of the couch to see Harry on his back with Draco curled up beside him. Harry had on arm around Draco while the other dangled off the couch. She carefully reached out and shook them awake. “Potter, Malfoy, wake up.”
Harry groaned a bit then pushed at Draco until he was also blinking himself awake. “Harry?”
“Wake up, Draco. Professor McGonagall is here.”
“Oh, ok. Give me a second.” Draco sat up, rubbing his face then smoothing his hands through his hair.
Harry helped him neaten himself up then stood. “Ma'am, if you'll be seated. What's going on?”
Professor McGonagall settled on the couch and realized that the seat was very deep, that explained how Harry and Draco had managed to sleep on it in comfort. She flicked her wand and set the couch to rights. “I'll make it quick. There were no injuries beside the one boy, who was scratched and bruised. And Professor Flitwick quickly recovered from his exhaustion.”
Draco looked at her for a moment then asked, “My Mother?”
“Severus gathered her remains and went to inform your father. I expect him here any moment.” Harry shifted uneasily. “Mr Potter, do not, I pray you, feel badly about this. Narcissa was gone, the shell was controlled by spells and madness. Narcissa would be grateful for your aid.”
Draco turned and tugged Harry into a hug. “No, Harry, you mustn't feel bad. You did as you should have. You are the Shield of the Family. It was your duty to dispatch any blot on the family honour. You ...” He found himself with his arms full of a sobbing spouse as Harry broke down. Draco followed quickly and sobbed his grief into Harry's shoulder.
Neville made herbal tea, commenting, “I don't think either one of them should have more calming draught. I've already given Draco the strongest one I have in my possession.”
They sat waiting for Draco and Harry to get themselves together, without much success. The knock on the door was a relief.
Severus came in followed by Lucius. Harry tried to get up and leave the room but Draco and Neville both prevented him. They kept Harry from leaving by grabbing him by the arms and pulling him in front of Lucius.
Harry stood still, head hanging sadly. Lucius took one look at Harry and pulled him into a hug. “My poor son. It's alright. I understand. Hush now.” Lucius held Harry as he sobbed out apologies. “Enough, enough. Hush.”
But Harry was having none of that and cried harder. Draco got up from the couch and joined his father and spouse in a sort of group hug with Harry in the middle. It took a few minutes for the small family to pull itself together then Lucius gently pushed Draco away and sat down, complaining, “Now I feel decidedly soggy. Harry, Draco, Minerva.” He nodded his head to the three then said sternly, “Neville, do not hover, it's rude.”
Neville sat down in a chair then just said, “I'm sorry, sir, I wasn't sure if I should stay or go.”
“Stay, please. We're waiting on Ron and Hermione. Minerva?”
Severus settled on the love seat beside Lucius and handed him a vial. “Take it.” Lucius started to say something then subsided and swallowed the potion without complaint. Severus handed out more to the rest of the group, glaring them into taking them.
Another knock on the door signaled the entry of Ron and Hermione.
Hermione nearly threw herself into a chair while Ron just slumped on another. They both looked exhausted. Ron demanded tea, which Neville gave him. Hermione's eyes flicked from Lucius to Draco to Severus then Harry.
Hermione cleared her throat then said softly, “I'm so sorry for your loss. What can I do?”
Lucius smiled at her for a moment. “Thank you for that. There's nothing you can do at the moment.”
Ron just gulped then offered, “I'll be one of the guards, if you like.”
Neville interjected, “I will too.”
Severus just rubbed Lucius' shoulder then added, “I'll be a third.”
At Harry and Hermione's puzzled looks, Draco explained, “The ashes will be interred then someone stands at the grave or in the crypt for twenty four hours as a sign of respect. They're called the guards of the tomb.”
Severus added, “It's not customary for it to be a member of the family. They're supposed to be preparing for the wake.”
Harry nodded his understanding then asked, “How many should we have all together?”
Lucius answered this. “No one should stand for more than three or four hours, it is not fair to them and it is taking advantage. So a minimum of six. More would be better. At some ceremonies, the guardians only stand for thirty minutes.”
Hermione looked blank for a moment then asked, “Is it not permissible for a female to do it?”
Lucius smiled at her. “It does not matter but ... I would not like to take advantage.”
Hermione just said, “I would like to do it, if I am acceptable.”
Draco nodded once, “You are more than acceptable. Thank you. And that makes four.”
Minerva said softly, “I'll be number five, if you like.”
Lucius nodded to both Hermione and Minerva, he looked tired and drawn and a bit frazzled. It made Harry feel awful.
Severus got up to answer a knock on the door. He found Filius Flitwick, Pamona Sprout, Bathsheba Babbling and Rubeus Hagrid at the door. They were all offering to be guardians for Harry's foster mum.
Lucius joined him at the door and thanked each of them politely, accepting them all, even Hagrid who just blushed and bobbed his head, remarking, “Do anything for 'Arry, I would.” And with that, they all left.
Harry sighed, “I feel ... I just ...”
Lucius put an arm around his waist and said, “What am I thinking? Harry, you must be exhausted. Draco, take him and put him to bed. Everyone else. Please leave.”
Hermione gave Harry a quick examination then nodded. “We'll be in Gryffindor, if you need us.”
Ron just bowed, “I'm so sorry for your loss, sir. You'll be hearing from my parents soon, I'm sure.”
Lucius bowed back then bowed to Neville who silently returned the salutation then led the way out the door.
Lucius dropped wearily to sit on the couch. “Well, Severus ... I suppose I should ... do something.”
“No, you shouldn't. You'll come to my quarters and go to bed. I'm going to give you a potion, you'll rest, then we'll plan the ceremony. Do you want traditional or what?”
“Traditional. Narcissa would be insulted with anything less. You will guide Harry though it.” Lucius didn't make it a question and Severus didn't take it as one.
“If I must. Now, come along.” Severus pulled Lucius to his feet and guided him out the door.
.
Harry kept trying to apologize to Draco which annoyed him so much he finally put a hand over Harry's mouth and said, “Lover, shut up. That wasn't my mother. That was an abomination that had been created out of her cast off shell. She was long gone and would, I'm sure, have been mortally offended if you hadn't done exactly what you did. I'm thankful that you noticed before I got a good look. Now I can remember her as the beautiful, elegant Mother she truly was. Thank you.” He tucked Harry in and crawled in on the other side of the bed. “Now, rest. Or else.”
Harry didn't bother to ask, 'Or else, what?' he just cuddled down and went to sleep.
They slept the night through and woke to Dobby squeaking, “Dobby is being here, young masters. Is you needing him?”
Harry groaned and mumbled, “Where's Mimsey? Or Gerard?” He woke a bit more and realized what he'd said, “Sorry, Dobby. Not that I'm not glad you're here, but ... what's going on?”
Dobby just smiled sadly. “Dobby is being here because Mimsey and Gerard is being needed at Malfoy Manor. Dobby is serving you here.”
Draco grumbled, “We're not allowed personal elves at Hogwarts, you know that.”
Dobby just nodded, then said flatly, “Dobby is being free elf. Dobby is not being caring what Hoggywartses rules is. Dobby is bringing monthly reports for Master Harry Potter. And is being here as help is needed with robes and such. Now, up. You is needing to eat. Breakfast is being served in Great Hall.”
Both Harry and Draco suddenly realized that they were starved so they scrambled out of bed and got dressed, with some help from Dobby.
They moved as if they were submerged in syrup. Draco found himself staring at his shoes as if he'd never seen such a thing. Harry was in much the same shape, moving about hesitantly, like he was afraid to knock over some precious knick-knack and shatter it.
Dobby gently got them into their clothing and off to breakfast. He shook his head and muttered, “Dobby is still not going to the Manor. Nevernevernever.” He turned to finish cleaning up after the rush to get to breakfast.
Ron met Harry and Draco at the door of the Great Hall. He just bowed slightly then led the way into the room. The three boys joined Hermione at the Gryffindor table and settled in their accustomed places.
The entirety of the Great Hall went silent. Everyone looked at the small group for a few moments then Professor McGonagall stood up.
She tapped a glass with her wand, creating a delicate chiming sound. “Attention everyone.” She waited a moment then continued, “We would all like to extend our condolences to The Family Malfoy. I would encourage you all to leave Harry and Draco in peace unless they speak to you. Close friends not included in that. Now. Everyone finish their meals. Classes are cancelled for the day and tomorrow in respect for the deceased.” She smiled sadly at Draco and Harry and sat down.
Harry nodded to her then put a hand on Draco's back. He leaned over and whispered, “How are you doing? Would you rather leave?”
Draco just shook his head. “No, I'm ok. But we're going to have to return to Malfoy Manor today. The funeral will probably be tomorrow afternoon, or day after, and Father will need us.”
Harry nodded, mouth full of eggs. He swallowed then replied, “Like we don't need him. If you need me to do anything, ask.”
Draco just murmured, “Mmmm. 'K.” and returned to his food. He really didn't feel like eating but he was going to need his strength.
Neville eyed Harry with some worry. He'd not seemed too upset by yesterday, but he was very good at hiding his upset. Neville was worried that Harry's nerves would betray him somehow, and at the worst possible time. He decided to have a word with Ron and Hermione as soon as he could.
Breakfast was soon over and they were headed to the common room in Gryffindor to spend some time when Severus appeared, striding down the corridor, robes billowing.
“I've come to take you home. We'll need to have mourning robes made or fitted and ... Lucius just needs you near.” He looked so sad that Harry's heart went out to the snarky man. “Lucius told me to ask Hermione, Neville and Ron to come as well.” He glanced at each young person as he said their names and got nods from each of them. “Hurry along and pack. I'll come for you as soon as I can.”
Ron just nodded but Hermione told him, “We can pack and floo from the headmasters office, or Professor McGonagall's ... with permission.”
Severus nodded. “You have it. Harry, Draco, your elves can pack for you.”
Harry just shrugged. “I've got plenty of clothing at home. So does Draco. And we'll be wearing mourning most of the time, right?”
“You are correct. Come along then. We'll floo from my quarters then. Hermione, Ron, Neville. You can use Minerva's floo. I believe that she's planning to stay overnight tonight.” He glanced around in a distracted fashion then just walked off, obviously expecting Draco and Harry to accompany him.
Hermione made a shooing motion then turned to collect Ron and Neville and get them started packing.
It didn't take them long to finish. When Hermione started to shrink her trunk a voice from the door stopped her.
Augusta Longbottom was standing in the door. “I'll do that for you, Hermione. I know you are perfectly capable but ... young magic and shrinking spells sometime go awry. I've come to accompany you, Neville and Ron to Malfory Manor.” She flicked her wand and the trunk reduced itself to the size of a pack of cards. “Lucius got in touch with me early this morning. I'm appalled. Tomas Riddle, indeed.” She settled her demi-cloak with a snort then snapped, “Well, come along, girl, I don't have all day.”
Hermione blurted, “But, I wouldn't think you'd ... I mean ... I thought you'd hate Mr Malfoy and not want to ... Um.” She gulped and closed her mouth, firmly aware that she had at least one foot in it.
“I'm a Pureblood Traditionalist to the bone. Lucius has chosen to redeem himself and I'm inclined to permit it. If we can draw him away from the Dark, instead of having to fight him ... well, so much the better.” Augusta gave Hermione a stern glower then turned and walked out the door, saying as she went, “And there's a lot more of like mind than you'd expect.”
It didn't take Lady Augusta long to corral the small group and get them through the floo.
They were met by a rather harried house elf who took them to rooms. Hermione, Ron and Neville were taken to the rooms they always used, in the family quarters, while Lady Augusta was given rooms in the guest wing. She approved of all the arrangements and gently but firmly took over managing the guest accommodations, much to the elves relief. Professor McGonagall took over the actual funeral ceremony itself, disappearing into the crypt without comment.
.
It didn't take long for Lady Augusta to manage things. She really was a true Pureblood Traditionalist and knew just what needed to be done. She also made sure that Lucius wasn't bothered.
Lucius was more grief stricken than anyone would have thought, anyone who didn't know him, that is.
Lucius had known Narcissa Black all his life. He'd pulled her braids in first year, he being a lofty second year. And helped her with her homework by third. They'd been married right out of Hogwarts and produced Draco six years later. All in all, they'd been fast friends and amenable, if not loving, spouses. So Lucius was quite distraught, in his own way.
Severus never left his side.
Draco was equally as upset. He'd seen his beloved mother turned into an inferi and knew that her body had been destroyed by his spouse. Which was even more upsetting as Harry was heartbroken by that.
Everyone knew exactly where to put the blame, though. Voldemort was a dead man walking, in more ways than one.
.
Funeral next chapter. I was going to include it in this one but it's getting too long.
All the reviews, so far, have been very helpful. So, thanks to those who wish to be truly helpful.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 56
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
Harry looked after Draco and decided that they were going to have a little talk after dinner. Then he hurried after him, he was hungry.
Lunch was finished quickly and Harry touched Draco on the arm. “We need to talk. Come on, let's get back to our rooms. Ok?”
Draco bit his lip. “Ok.”
Harry took his hand and led him away saying tiredly, “I know you're angry at me but I don't know why. I'm not going to live with you in a constant state of ... pissyness.”
Draco just followed after him, trying hard to figure out how to say what he wanted to without placing blame or starting a round of recriminations that neither one of them wanted and surely wouldn't do either of them any good.
Harry flopped down on the couch and patted the place beside him. “Come and sit down. Something is bothering you and I want to know what it is.”
Draco sighed, ran a hand through his hair and mumbled, “You don't like me.”
Harry blinked at that. “Excuse me?”
Draco gulped then stated firmly, “You don't like me and I don't know why.”
Harry digested this for a moment then burst out, “Who told you that shite?”
“No one. But ... you don't touch me. Just once and not since our bonding. What did I do wrong? If you won't tell me, I can't fix it. So ... Tell me.” Draco looked as near tears as Harry could ever remember.
He pulled Draco into a hug and sighed into his shoulder. “Ok. I ... well, I shouldn't have let this go so long. But ... all the excuses sound so dumb now. We were busy, holiday rushing around left us tired and wired so ... I figured, why push it. I don't want you to ever think you have to do anything you don't want to. Or that ... I'm ... not ... damn, I'm so bad at romance. Fuck, Draco. You're handsome, smart, rich. Why should you be lumbered up with me?”
Draco ran his fingers through Harry's bangs. “Because you're just as handsome, smart and rich as I am. You're also gentle, honourable, noble and strong. So ... you don't dislike me? It's just ... you...” Draco gave Harry a smack on the shoulder. “you great big Griffindork. You had me scared to death that you were regretting this.”
Harry looked blank. “I'm horrible at romantic stuff, so I don't blame you that much. But ... I'm really glad we're together, but not glad about how we got together.”
“Twit!”
“Ponce!”
“And whose fault is that?”
“Rotten Snake.”
Draco just dragged Harry's head down and kissed him, hard.
“Now that that is settled.” Harry leaned back. “We've got to find that diadem soon. I've got a creepy feeling.”
Draco grumbled, “Well, shit. Romance out the window and common sense in the door. Potter, you're making me crazy.”
“Sorry. Just ... I want that off my mind. Really badly.” Harry looked dismayed. “I know I'm a gobshite.”
Draco just pushed Harry against the arm of the couch and cuddled into his arms, a little enlarging charm didn't go amiss. “No, you're not. Just ... focused. We'll find it. We've almost finished with the room. It has to be there.”
Harry groaned, “That's one of the things that's keeping me so distracted. What if it isn't? Where else do we look?”
Draco snarled, “Well, damn. I wish one of the house elves would just deliver it to you on a silver salver and be done with it.”
They both nearly fell off the couch when an elf popped in with a silver tray. “Masters is wishing for this?” He put the thing down on the coffee table and vanished with another pop.
Harry eyed it for a moment then reached out and poked it. “Um ... it can't be that easy.” He gave Draco a wide-eyed look. “Can it?”
Draco watched the dome for a moment then lifted it, braced for one of the twins jokes or something nasty to pop out. What he saw was a simple gold diadem with a single gem with an eagle carved in it set in a medallion, engraved around the inside was 'Wit without measure is man's greatest treasure.'
Harry glowered at it as if it had mortally offended him. “Well, bloody fucking great.”
Draco could only nod in agreement. They'd spent countless hours searching for the damn thing and there it was.
“So ... all we had to do was ask for it?” Draco moaned and flopped back against Harry. “As soon as I recover, I'm sending that straight to Gringotts via owl post. Hedwig can carry that, can't she?”
“Yes, she's really strong.” He couldn't help a grin. “And, that's the last one. Things are looking up. We've got the last horcrux, I've got Merlin's staff, we're officially married. I've actually got a real life.”
Draco grinned right back. “You've had family for a long time now. Father loves you.” he noticed the look on Harry's face. “Oh, I'm not jealous. He loves us equally, you know. Now. Find a bag for that damn thing and let's get it out of Hogwarts before something happens. And we need to write to Father to tell him about this too.”
They busied themselves with getting the diadem packed up and a letter written to the goblins and another to Lucius. They hurried up to the owlery and sent their mail off. The diadem with Hedwig and the letter with a rather over excited Pig. Harry was a bit annoyed that none of the school owls would come to him. Draco just dismissed the whole thing as not important.
.
The Dark Lord Voldemort was in another temper. He'd managed to recruit more Death Eaters but he was on the verge of losing his mind over them. They were the dregs of wizarding society, with a few ner-do-wells thrown in for good measure. His Inner Circle was missing several people; Bella LeStrange and her spouse and brother-in-law, Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy traitors both, and Theo Nott Sr. Several others were becoming more and more uncooperative as time went on. Especially when he suggested that they retrieve their children from Longbottom House. It was becoming most annoying.
Thus, he was in a terrible temper; and he couldn't release that temper in the usual way. Pettigrew had taken it upon himself to try to contact Fenrir Greyback to try to recruit the werewolves. So he was without a target for his punishments. He was doing his best not to drive off any of his new recruits. The reason for his loss of men escaped him completely.
So, instead of blasting the throne room, or cursing his minions, he was planning a raid. His new recruits needed training and entertainment.
.
The goblins of Gringotts were pleased to receive the diadem back. They now had all the treasures that they'd been forced to make so long ago. They would cleanse them of their dark taint and store them away.
All the human employees were given the day off with pay. They had no idea why, they were just glad for the time off.
The goblin curse breakers gathered in a special chamber and began their work, neither knowing nor caring what else might happen when the objects were cleansed.
It took them all that day and most of the night to complete their work, because of the wards and shields on Gringotts and the chamber, no one knew what had happened, not even the creator of the objects dark taint.
.
Lucius, after throwing a bit of a fit about how it had been found, was delighted that the horcrux's were all gone. He decided to entertain himself with a short visit to Vernon Dursley and Delores Umbridge.
He opened his desk and withdrew two items, one for Dursley and one for Umbridge. He was sure that neither person really wanted the item in question.
He apparated into the back garden of Number 4 Privet Drive and walked up to the house.
He didn't bother to knock, he just flicked his wand to open the door and walked right into the kitchen.
He was astonished to realize that both Harry and Petunia would be horrified at its appearance, as well as the gardens. It was very obvious that Vernon neither kept house nor hired anyone to do the work. The place was filthy and the garden overgrown with weeds, even the front garden was shabby looking. Lucius decided he was going to enjoy this a great deal.
Vernon had been allowed to keep the house in the divorce proceeding as Petunia stated that she didn't have the financial means to make payments on the mortgage or do upkeep on it. It seemed that Vernon didn't either, from the state of things.
Lucius couldn't help the smirk on his face. He'd seen that Vernon lost his job and any income they'd gotten from Harry. He'd also bought the mortgage on the house. It was now foreclosed. He had the papers in his hand.
He knew that he really shouldn't just walk in as the house wasn't his yet. But, he really didn't care.
“Hello! Vernon, I know you are at home, come down.” Lucius didn't bother to temper the imperious tone in his voice. He really didn't care if he irritated Vernon or not. In fact, he was wishing vaguely that Vernon would try something.
“Who's there? How did you get in?” Vernon stomped into the room, creating what amounted to a class 2 earthquake.
“Lucius Malfoy. Harry's father-in-law and foster. I opened the unlocked backdoor and walked in.” Lucius eyed Vernon with intense dislike, which he didn't bother to keep from his face. “I have some papers for you.” He dropped them on the table and backed away.
He wasn't afraid of Vernon, even though the man was more than twice his weight. He just wasn't terribly thrilled with the smell emitting from the man. He smelled of stale sweat, beer and rancid fryer grease.
Vernon picked up the papers and read through them with a furious expression. “You know I can't pay. How do you expect me to live with no job worth doing? I've been let go from Grunnings and assessed the equivalent of my benefit account in reparations. Petunia is getting spousal support for the next five years and I'm supposed to pay child support too. I can't afford any of it on the dole. What do you expect from me?”
Lucius looked at Vernon for a moment then said softly, “Suffering. A great deal of it. And jail, if I can arrange it.” He pinned Vernon in place with a cold stare that had made men much braver than Vernon cower. “I am not a nice man. In fact, I am a rather nasty, bad man. That being said, the way you treated Harry was a crime against everything a man should hold sacred. And I intend to make sure you remember that.” He waited while Vernon gobbled like a turkey then flicked his wand. “There. I hope you don't need much sleep. Oh, and that eviction gives you exactly ten days to be out. You should have ...” Lucius smirked at Vernon. “gotten a primary notice. You didn't? Oh,” he made a mock sorrowful sound. “too bad. A secondary notice?” Vernon shook his head. “Dreadful. I will have a word with ... someone. But..” He shrugged in his elegant way. “that still leaves you ten days to find somewhere else to live and get your things out. If they are not out within that timeframe, I'm afraid you will be paying to store them. Good day to you.”
And with that, he apparated out of the kitchen and right into Delores Umbridge's front garden.
He tapped at the door and was pleased to hear a tiny whimper from inside. “Delores, open the door. You wouldn't want to make me feel ... unwelcome, now, would you?”
The door opened and Lucius walked into a completely changed interior. The entry hall had been painted a light cream color. He walked on through to the seafoam green sitting room and settled in a wing backed chair upholstered in dark green brocade. Umbridge followed him, bare feet making no sound on the carpet.
“Well, have you done your lines? I do hope not, but one can never tell, can one?” Lucius looked at her carefully. He'd insisted that she never wear shoes of any kind inside and set charms to make sure that she didn't. He had caught her out once and made her write, 'I will be obedient to my superiors' until it was carved into her stomach. She obeyed him implicitly.
“I did my lines.” She extended the parchment with shaking hands. “Just as you ordered, sir.”
Lucius accepted them, checked them and banished them. “I have a little present for you. I'm sure you'll like it.”
Umbridge made a sound suspiciously like, 'meep' and nodded. The one time she'd refused a present from Lucius, she'd regretted it for days.
“But first, I will inspect the house. All the cats are gone, I trust?” Lucius stood and headed for the kitchen. He knew that Deloris loved her cats, in a possessive way, so he'd told her that they all had to be gone by his next visit. And that she was not to just kill them but to be sure that they all had good homes. He couldn't help but smirk at the thought of her begging her neighbors and acquaintances to take them in. He'd also made her get rid of every cat related item in the house.
Now, he was gifting her with more paint. He actually did find her favorite shade of pink nauseating.
He looked at the hall between the front and back of the house. It was pink.
“Very good. You'll start by painting the hall this colour.” He took a can of paint from his pocket and enlarged it, putting it on the kitchen table. “And these tiles. Atrocious.” He flicked his wand and changed the pink tile on the floor to slate grey, non-skid tiles. “And those.” The tile on the back splash and sink surround turned to a glossy light grey. “There. And the kitchen walls will be painted this colour.” He placed another can on the table. “You'll also write, “I am a true bitch.” one thousand times. It will show ... um ... on your left hand. Bring me the quill so that I may adjust it.”
There was another whimper but Deloris scurried to do as she was told.
Lucius smiled in satisfaction, a cruel look that flitted across his patrician features for only a second.
After a few more orders he returned home, well satisfied with his day.
.
Dean Thomas was not a bad boy by any means, just taught prejudice by parents that were ignorant and fearful. He 'knew' that Latin was the Language of Light and all others were Dark.
His theory was that, if he kept at it, he could dissuade Harry from going dark and keep him on the 'right' track. The track that his Mum said everyone should follow. So he kept on his chosen course, despite detentions and point reductions. However, he was finding that he really didn't like Harry or Seamus anymore. Neville was following quickly in their wake.
He picked up a book and tried to study. It was hard going but he kept at it. He realized that he had a killer headache.
.
The evening of their first day back, Harry took Seamus to the Room of Requirement and showed him Merlin's staff. He didn't even ask to hold it, he just stared at it for several minutes then crowed, “Good on you, Harry. It's brilliant.” then began asking questions in Irish. Harry laughed at that and reminded him that he didn't actually speak the language.
“And that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I need you to work with me several times. I need to make sure that I'm pronouncing all my spells properly. No knowing what might happen if I pronounce something wrong ... and I really don't want to find out the hard way. Ok?”
Seamus gave the staff one more loving look and said, “Sure thing, Harry. It' a shame to abuse a beautiful language like the Irish by mangling your pronunciation. Any time you want, all you have to do is ask.”
Hermione said she'd attend the sessions too, to take notes while Draco, lounging on a conjured sofa just smirked. He was attending the sessions also, remarking, “I have no reason other than sheer nosiness. I want to watch.”
Harry laughed, “Ok, no altruism credited to you. Fine.” He poked Draco in the side, making him squeak.
Seamus laughed at that and suggested that Draco learn too. Hermione shrugged, saying she'd try as well.
In the week that followed they settled into their classes and established a routine. Or rather, Hermione established a routine.
She was actually a bit angry about things. Harry was not only expected to protect the wizarding world from Tom, but also take NEWTs and act as head of the Potter and Black families. She was very thankful that Lucius had agreed with common wizarding practices and was taking his time acquainting Harry with the process of managing his vast estate and holdings.
Harry flopped down on the couch beside her. Hermione turned to him and sniffed her disapproval then she pushed him away exclaiming, “Eeuwww! You stink. You're all sweaty. You should have taken a shower before you left the gym.”
Harry gave her a sated sort of smirk and said, “Wasn't in the gym. And before you ask ... none of your business where I was.”
Neville got a good look at Harry and snickered. When he managed to control himself he pointed to Harry's cheek. “Whisker burn. You evil boy, you've been ... shagging with Draco.” He fell into whoops and Hermione jumped up and started gathering up her things.
“You're both just awful. That's ...” she stopped talking and just glowered for a moment.
Harry drawled in a good imitation of Lucius. “I am sorry, madam, a proper gentleman does not kiss and tell. On the other hand, Longbottom ...” He yelped as Nevillle smacked him in the face with a thrown pillow.
Hermione gave up and announced that she was going up to her room to study in peace.
Neville just waved to her companionably then remarked, “I don't think she'll get any more done up there. Her remaining room mates are idiots ... and way too giggly.”
Harry frowned, “I thought she was just rooming with Parvati now.”
Ron scooted a chair over and settled in, glancing at Neville then Harry to find out what they were talking about.
Harry just said, “Hermione, room mates, who.”
Ron nodded. “They moved Ginny in with her and Parvati as she wasn't getting along very well with hers. There's five of them and not enough room. Where's Draco?”
Harry smirked even harder this time. “He's cleaning up. I'm going back down to get my shower. I wanted to ask Hermione something, but she's gone off in a huff.” He grinned and got up. “Ask Neville what about, I'm gone.” and with that he climbed out the portrait hole and shut it.
Ron just glanced at Neville, wrinkled his nose and said, “I don't need to hear, I could smell.”
They both roared with laughter then got out the chess set.
Ron was teaching Neville strategy and tactics.
.
Things went well for a while, classes were not that difficult, due to Hermione's talent for organization and the fact that they met to study in Harry and Draco's private quarters. It was a lot quieter than the common room and they could leave their various projects out without them being disturbed.
The morning started quietly. The Hogwarts Horrors did their exercise routine which now included an hour of duelling practice. Harry also slipped off for a short while to work on his Irish with Seamus. Dean refused to stay in the room with them and went down to breakfast early.
Harry had spoken to him about his problem and been thoroughly snubbed, so now, he and Seamus used a classroom near the Great Hall. The others met them there when they were done and cleaned up. They went to breakfast together.
Harry put his arm around Draco. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Mmmm. Starved. I never realized that the reason Ron eats so much is, he's so active.”
Ron made a rude sound then said, “Active, me? It's all brain fuel, that's what it is. And my brain is starved too. Come on. If we don't hurry all the bangers will be gone.”
Hermione snorted. “All you have to do is summon an elf and ask for more. I'm still not happy with things but Mimsey gave me an ear full, then Gerard actually got nasty with me. I'm trying to find a ... compromise that actually benefits the elves.”
They got seated and filled their plates. Draco was now making a habit of sitting with Harry at the Gryffindor table. Slytherin House was almost empty of sixth and seventh years. The missing students were all at Longbottom House or at home and marked. There were even a few missing fifth years. The rest of the Slytherins were guardedly friendly with Draco and Harry, but they were too young for interesting conversation so Draco seated himself with his spouse and friends.
When the great doors opened no one thought much of Narcissa Malfoy entering the Great Hall. Her movements were stiff, as if she was deeply chilled.
Hermione looked up then back at her book. Harry glanced up and froze. “Draco, get up and leave. Now!”
Draco caught sight if his mother just as she reached the end of the Ravenclaw table. “Harry? What?” He looked again and turned so pale his skin was translucent. “Oh, Merlin. What ...” He staggered and sat down with a jerky move that caught the attention of the head table.
Neville took one look at Narcissa and grabbed Draco. He literally threw Draco over his shoulder and headed for the head table, or rather, the door behind it. Draco didn't fight him, instead, he went limp.
Hermione looked up again and said, “Oh, bloody hell.” then drew her wand.
Ron drew his and stood beside Hermione. Harry stepped between them and Narcissa just in time.
Narcissa gazed after Draco and Neville for a moment then attacked the nearest student, screaming incoherently. In less than a second she had bitten the poor boy several times and literally torn his robes off his body. She was ripping at his flesh when the first spell hit her.
Professor McGonagall had stood up when she noticed Narcissa enter, now she showed her true mettle and cast a full body bind on Narcissa. Unfortunately, all it did was break the Glamour that Lord Voldemort had cast on her.
Students near Narcissa and the Ravenclaw scattered quickly, running out the main doors or toward the head table. This action put them between the head table and the fight making it impossible for the professors to do anything except run toward the conflict. But this was also nearly impossible. It was like swimming against a raging current the frightened students blocked the aisles between the tables completely. Chaos and disorder ruled.
Harry watched Neville as he took Draco out of the room. Then he turned to deal with the inferi who had been Narcissa Malfoy. One of the benefits of carrying Merlin's staff appeared to be that no glamour would hide the truth from him. He shuddered slightly as he viewed the wreck that had been the beautiful Narcissa Malfoy. She was still dressed in the rags of the robes she'd been wearing at the ball, although Harry didn't know that. All he could see was that she was wearing what had been very expensive formal robes. Her jewels were long gone but the marks were they'd been torn from her body still remained.
Harry shook his head and drew his attention back to the present. “Ron, Hermione, flank her. Stay out of my line of fire. Try to get that kid away from her. I'll block her.” As he spoke, he handed out swords and shields from his bag.
Hermione snapped, “Just remember, inferi are resistant to most spells except one's that involve fire.”
Ron nodded grimly and began to force his way toward the fight. The Ravenclaw second year was putting up a fairly good fight, for a twelve year old, but he was fading fast, his young strength no match for the inhuman endurance of a new inferi.
Harry followed Ron with Hermione on his heels. Ron yelled at the mass of struggling students and managed to enforce some semblance of order. The prefects, who'd been trying their best, now got control and herded the stragglers away from the fight and out into the front hall. This left the field clear for the three Hogwarts Horrors to deal with the inferi who used to be Narcissa Malfoy.
Ron charged her, yelling wildly and brandishing his sword. This distracted her enough that Hermione grabbed the Ravenclaw and hustled him toward the doors. She gave him a push and hissed, “Go! Madam Pomfrey! Now!” He hurried away as fast as he could.
Hermione turned back to join the battle. She put up a shield and cast “Flamia.” on the inferi but it just scorched her robes a bit.
Ron snarled, “I feel Tommy boy's signature all over her. What the hell did he do?”
Harry waved his wand and barked, “Ruadhóigh!” A bolt of fire shot out of it and enveloped the inferi in a ball of flames. They burned away the outer layer of robes, revealing an under dress of satin. The dress did very little to hide the damage to her body. She'd been flayed, presumably, alive. She'd also been whipped, before or after being flayed was anyone's guess.
The curse faded and the inferi turned to find another victim. She failed as Harry's next spell was a more powerful burning hex. Ron shielded himself and moved back, his first shield had protected him from the back wash of Harry's spell but broken down in the process.
They were surprised to be joined by Professor McGonagall. But not that surprised to have both Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick join in, the other professors did their assigned duties and made sure that all students were out of the hall.
Professor McGonagall shouted, “We're going to have the del' of a time wi' 'er. She's new an' strong.”
Professor Flitwick just nodded grimly and started moving. It was astonishing to see the tiny professor jumping from table to table, shooting hexes and curses as he went.
Professor McGonagall feinted the other way, then rushed straight in. Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione were providing backup. Harry was still doing his best to get close in. But he was afraid to cast anything for fear of hitting Flitwick.
Flitwick did quite a bit of damage, backed by McGonagall but he wore out before either one of them did more than annoy the inferi into a frenzy. She snapped and snarled, grabbing at the spells and both of the attacking Professors. She managed to slap Flitwick out of the air with a backhand. Ron caught him and landed flat on his back with Flitwick on his chest.
“Mr Weasley, sorry there.” Flitwick bounced up, dragging Ron after him, a quick push got Ron back on his feet. He set his shield again as well as holding his targ between himself and the inferi.
“You up for another attack?” Ron took a quick glance at Flitwick.
“No, sorry. I'm done. Getting long in the tooth, even for a quarter goblin.” Flitwick looked at the battle avoiding Ron's eye.
“Too bad. You're really good. Stay behind me then. My shields are fairly strong and I don't think that inferi really wants to mess with a targ.” Ron set himself to defend the tiny professor and get him out of harm's way.
Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall was demonstrating the value of transfiguration in combat. She transfigured things from the nearby tables into blades and used a simple Wingardium Leviosa to throw them at the inferi. They didn't do any good as Voldemort had shielded his creature from them.
This put them head to head. Unfortunately, McGonagall had never been a physical fighter, her strength was in her magic. She quickly wound up on her ass in the aisle between Slytherin and Gryffindor tables.
While Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall had taken a head on approach, Professor Snape was doing his best to get behind the inferi, but he wasn't having much luck. The fight milling in such a fashion that he was always thwarted.
Harry grabbed Professor McGonagall's arm and hauled her to her feet. He shoved her into Hermione's arms and barked, “Get them all out of my way. I don't fancy a friendly fire incident. Go!” Hermione dragged the professor out of the way, explaining 'friendly fire' as she did so. McGonagall, not to be distracted that easily, tried to turn but found that she didn't need to return to combat, Harry had things under control. She joined Ron and Fillius on the sidelines.
First he put up a shield to contain the inferi, then he cast, “Go dteasctar seo!” the most powerful cutting hex he knew. This cut the inferi in half at the waist but didn't finish her off. He hated to destroy the body altogether, as he wanted Lucius and Draco to have the closure of something to bury.
Professor Snape yelled, “What the hell do you think you're playing at? Use fire!” And he cast an incendio that was at least three times as powerful as Hermione's.
“I want to leave a body. Draco ...” Harry's reply could barely be heard over the screaming of the inferi and the whoosh of Snape's spell.
“We don't need a body! What ... Just burn it. Now!” Snape cast another spell but, again, Voldemort's protections foiled the attack.
Harry took Snape at his word and cast, “Go tsárdhóitear seo!” The powerful burning hex sent the inferi to burning. Harry cast again just to make sure. The inferi was reduced to a dirty smudge on the flag stones and a handful of ashes in no time.
Harry gazed at the mess. He hadn't known Narcissa very well, but the few times he'd met her, she had seemed nice. She'd been polite, if a bit distant, to him. He fought tears.
“Harry. Come away.” Snape put his hand on Harry's arm. “I'll deal with the aftermath. Go to Draco, he needs you. And you need him.”
Harry started to turn away but turned back to say, “Papa. Someone needs to tell him.”
“I'll deal with that as well. You did a good job, now go.” Severus searched his pockets, ignoring Harry who finally went away to find Draco. Severus found the small box he was looking for and gathered the ash and soot into it. He returned the box to his pocket and braced himself for the task of telling Lucius.
Ron and Hermione joined the prefects in getting the chaos under control. Both of them had watched Harry leave the hall with a firm stride so they were fairly confident that he was ok, if not perfectly fine.
.
Neville had taken Draco back to their quarters and given him a strong calming draught. Draco was by no means stupid and he'd been raised in a dark oriented family so he knew an inferi when he saw one. He was devastated by the conversion of his mother into a monster. He took the draught and swallowed it in one gulp.
Neville patted him awkwardly on the shoulder. “I'm so sorry, Draco. What can I do?”
Draco censored himself very carefully then said, “Not much, I'm afraid. Unless you have a time turner and can send me back to stop it.” He shuddered. “Tommy boy is in so much trouble now.”
“Your father?” Neville blinked, thinking about Malfoy's and revenge.
“Yes, and me, and Harry.” Draco gazed absently at the wall.
Neville nodded once, then said, “And me.”
Draco stretched out on the couch. “I'm really tired. Why am I so tired?”
Harry slipped in the door just then. “Neville?”
“Calming Draught, extra strong. But he says he's tired?” Neville looked at Draco with some concern.
“I expect it's a combination of things.” Harry sat carefully on the couch and slipped under Draco's head, easing him up then settling his head in his lap.
Neville took an afghan off the back of the couch and tucked it around Draco. He looked at Harry for a moment. “You ok?”
“No, Narcissa was ... tortured before she died. And then I killed her. It's ... I'm ...” Harry trailed off without any idea what he wanted to say.
Nevillle offered what comfort he could. “If she was an inferi, she was dead before she came here.”
Harry sighed. “But, I had to ... destroy her. There's nothing left but some ash. I could have ... there should be ... something to ... put in the ground.”
Neville nodded his understanding. “Oh, yes, that muggle thing. But don't some muggles burn their dead?”
“Yes, some cremate the body. Why?” Harry stroked Draco's hair wearily.
“Well, wizards ... we don't worship the body. We cremate it as soon after death as possible, then we put the ashes in a box or a brass urn. They're put into the grave or the crypt. Then we have a wake. So ... you did the best you could and better than most.” Neville gave Harry a hopeful look.
Harry smiled as best he could and nodded. “Thanks for telling me that, Neville.”
Neville watched as Harry dozed off. He draped another afghan over Harry's shoulders and settled down to watch over his two friends.
.
Lucius was sitting in his private parlor feeling very satisfied with life. Christmas and New Years had gone well and the last few weeks had been entertaining in various ways. News from Hogwarts was good, both Draco and Harry doing well in all their classes and no detentions worth mentioning. He raised his head when the floo signaled that Severus was arriving.
Severus came into the parlor and sat down on the couch. “Lucius, I have some very bad news for you and there's no way to sugar coat it.” He pulled the box out of his pocket and put it on the table. “Here are Narcissa's remains.” He went on to tell the story in grim detail, ending, “So I gathered up the ashes and brought them to you. I do hope you place no blame on Harry.”
Lucius eyed his friend for a moment. “If he had not done it, I would have done it myself. He has acted in his capacity as Shield of Malfoy. And done it well. I'll go to him at once.” He rose and clasped Severus by the shoulder. “Thank you, my friend. Will you stay with me?”
Severus stood too. “Of course I will. Will you change robes?”
Lucius shook his head. “No. I'll just put on over robes. I don't have time for more. I need to see to Harry and Draco.” He summoned Tuggy and sent him for formal mourning robes.
When the elf returned with the robes, Lucius had him help him on with them. Severus watched with dismay. Lucius was way too calm which meant that he was not only angry but furious and planning revenge.
“Luka, please, don't do something that we're all going to regret.” He took Lucius' hand in his.
“Ah, Severus. Never. I will not rush off like some young stud, or a fool of a Black and do something stupid. Harry told me, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold.' He is right. I have a great deal of planning to do before I act. Come, we're going.”
And Severus had to be satisfied with that.
.
Neville looked up when the door opened. Professor McGonagall walked in. She smiled at Neville and said, “I see that you are a true Longbottom. A Guardian loyal. Good. How are they?”
“Worn out.” He looked at his two friends with some amusement. “They started out with Harry sitting with Draco's head in his lap ... now ... well, see for yourself.”
Professor McGonagall looked over the back of the couch to see Harry on his back with Draco curled up beside him. Harry had on arm around Draco while the other dangled off the couch. She carefully reached out and shook them awake. “Potter, Malfoy, wake up.”
Harry groaned a bit then pushed at Draco until he was also blinking himself awake. “Harry?”
“Wake up, Draco. Professor McGonagall is here.”
“Oh, ok. Give me a second.” Draco sat up, rubbing his face then smoothing his hands through his hair.
Harry helped him neaten himself up then stood. “Ma'am, if you'll be seated. What's going on?”
Professor McGonagall settled on the couch and realized that the seat was very deep, that explained how Harry and Draco had managed to sleep on it in comfort. She flicked her wand and set the couch to rights. “I'll make it quick. There were no injuries beside the one boy, who was scratched and bruised. And Professor Flitwick quickly recovered from his exhaustion.”
Draco looked at her for a moment then asked, “My Mother?”
“Severus gathered her remains and went to inform your father. I expect him here any moment.” Harry shifted uneasily. “Mr Potter, do not, I pray you, feel badly about this. Narcissa was gone, the shell was controlled by spells and madness. Narcissa would be grateful for your aid.”
Draco turned and tugged Harry into a hug. “No, Harry, you mustn't feel bad. You did as you should have. You are the Shield of the Family. It was your duty to dispatch any blot on the family honour. You ...” He found himself with his arms full of a sobbing spouse as Harry broke down. Draco followed quickly and sobbed his grief into Harry's shoulder.
Neville made herbal tea, commenting, “I don't think either one of them should have more calming draught. I've already given Draco the strongest one I have in my possession.”
They sat waiting for Draco and Harry to get themselves together, without much success. The knock on the door was a relief.
Severus came in followed by Lucius. Harry tried to get up and leave the room but Draco and Neville both prevented him. They kept Harry from leaving by grabbing him by the arms and pulling him in front of Lucius.
Harry stood still, head hanging sadly. Lucius took one look at Harry and pulled him into a hug. “My poor son. It's alright. I understand. Hush now.” Lucius held Harry as he sobbed out apologies. “Enough, enough. Hush.”
But Harry was having none of that and cried harder. Draco got up from the couch and joined his father and spouse in a sort of group hug with Harry in the middle. It took a few minutes for the small family to pull itself together then Lucius gently pushed Draco away and sat down, complaining, “Now I feel decidedly soggy. Harry, Draco, Minerva.” He nodded his head to the three then said sternly, “Neville, do not hover, it's rude.”
Neville sat down in a chair then just said, “I'm sorry, sir, I wasn't sure if I should stay or go.”
“Stay, please. We're waiting on Ron and Hermione. Minerva?”
Severus settled on the love seat beside Lucius and handed him a vial. “Take it.” Lucius started to say something then subsided and swallowed the potion without complaint. Severus handed out more to the rest of the group, glaring them into taking them.
Another knock on the door signaled the entry of Ron and Hermione.
Hermione nearly threw herself into a chair while Ron just slumped on another. They both looked exhausted. Ron demanded tea, which Neville gave him. Hermione's eyes flicked from Lucius to Draco to Severus then Harry.
Hermione cleared her throat then said softly, “I'm so sorry for your loss. What can I do?”
Lucius smiled at her for a moment. “Thank you for that. There's nothing you can do at the moment.”
Ron just gulped then offered, “I'll be one of the guards, if you like.”
Neville interjected, “I will too.”
Severus just rubbed Lucius' shoulder then added, “I'll be a third.”
At Harry and Hermione's puzzled looks, Draco explained, “The ashes will be interred then someone stands at the grave or in the crypt for twenty four hours as a sign of respect. They're called the guards of the tomb.”
Severus added, “It's not customary for it to be a member of the family. They're supposed to be preparing for the wake.”
Harry nodded his understanding then asked, “How many should we have all together?”
Lucius answered this. “No one should stand for more than three or four hours, it is not fair to them and it is taking advantage. So a minimum of six. More would be better. At some ceremonies, the guardians only stand for thirty minutes.”
Hermione looked blank for a moment then asked, “Is it not permissible for a female to do it?”
Lucius smiled at her. “It does not matter but ... I would not like to take advantage.”
Hermione just said, “I would like to do it, if I am acceptable.”
Draco nodded once, “You are more than acceptable. Thank you. And that makes four.”
Minerva said softly, “I'll be number five, if you like.”
Lucius nodded to both Hermione and Minerva, he looked tired and drawn and a bit frazzled. It made Harry feel awful.
Severus got up to answer a knock on the door. He found Filius Flitwick, Pamona Sprout, Bathsheba Babbling and Rubeus Hagrid at the door. They were all offering to be guardians for Harry's foster mum.
Lucius joined him at the door and thanked each of them politely, accepting them all, even Hagrid who just blushed and bobbed his head, remarking, “Do anything for 'Arry, I would.” And with that, they all left.
Harry sighed, “I feel ... I just ...”
Lucius put an arm around his waist and said, “What am I thinking? Harry, you must be exhausted. Draco, take him and put him to bed. Everyone else. Please leave.”
Hermione gave Harry a quick examination then nodded. “We'll be in Gryffindor, if you need us.”
Ron just bowed, “I'm so sorry for your loss, sir. You'll be hearing from my parents soon, I'm sure.”
Lucius bowed back then bowed to Neville who silently returned the salutation then led the way out the door.
Lucius dropped wearily to sit on the couch. “Well, Severus ... I suppose I should ... do something.”
“No, you shouldn't. You'll come to my quarters and go to bed. I'm going to give you a potion, you'll rest, then we'll plan the ceremony. Do you want traditional or what?”
“Traditional. Narcissa would be insulted with anything less. You will guide Harry though it.” Lucius didn't make it a question and Severus didn't take it as one.
“If I must. Now, come along.” Severus pulled Lucius to his feet and guided him out the door.
.
Harry kept trying to apologize to Draco which annoyed him so much he finally put a hand over Harry's mouth and said, “Lover, shut up. That wasn't my mother. That was an abomination that had been created out of her cast off shell. She was long gone and would, I'm sure, have been mortally offended if you hadn't done exactly what you did. I'm thankful that you noticed before I got a good look. Now I can remember her as the beautiful, elegant Mother she truly was. Thank you.” He tucked Harry in and crawled in on the other side of the bed. “Now, rest. Or else.”
Harry didn't bother to ask, 'Or else, what?' he just cuddled down and went to sleep.
They slept the night through and woke to Dobby squeaking, “Dobby is being here, young masters. Is you needing him?”
Harry groaned and mumbled, “Where's Mimsey? Or Gerard?” He woke a bit more and realized what he'd said, “Sorry, Dobby. Not that I'm not glad you're here, but ... what's going on?”
Dobby just smiled sadly. “Dobby is being here because Mimsey and Gerard is being needed at Malfoy Manor. Dobby is serving you here.”
Draco grumbled, “We're not allowed personal elves at Hogwarts, you know that.”
Dobby just nodded, then said flatly, “Dobby is being free elf. Dobby is not being caring what Hoggywartses rules is. Dobby is bringing monthly reports for Master Harry Potter. And is being here as help is needed with robes and such. Now, up. You is needing to eat. Breakfast is being served in Great Hall.”
Both Harry and Draco suddenly realized that they were starved so they scrambled out of bed and got dressed, with some help from Dobby.
They moved as if they were submerged in syrup. Draco found himself staring at his shoes as if he'd never seen such a thing. Harry was in much the same shape, moving about hesitantly, like he was afraid to knock over some precious knick-knack and shatter it.
Dobby gently got them into their clothing and off to breakfast. He shook his head and muttered, “Dobby is still not going to the Manor. Nevernevernever.” He turned to finish cleaning up after the rush to get to breakfast.
Ron met Harry and Draco at the door of the Great Hall. He just bowed slightly then led the way into the room. The three boys joined Hermione at the Gryffindor table and settled in their accustomed places.
The entirety of the Great Hall went silent. Everyone looked at the small group for a few moments then Professor McGonagall stood up.
She tapped a glass with her wand, creating a delicate chiming sound. “Attention everyone.” She waited a moment then continued, “We would all like to extend our condolences to The Family Malfoy. I would encourage you all to leave Harry and Draco in peace unless they speak to you. Close friends not included in that. Now. Everyone finish their meals. Classes are cancelled for the day and tomorrow in respect for the deceased.” She smiled sadly at Draco and Harry and sat down.
Harry nodded to her then put a hand on Draco's back. He leaned over and whispered, “How are you doing? Would you rather leave?”
Draco just shook his head. “No, I'm ok. But we're going to have to return to Malfoy Manor today. The funeral will probably be tomorrow afternoon, or day after, and Father will need us.”
Harry nodded, mouth full of eggs. He swallowed then replied, “Like we don't need him. If you need me to do anything, ask.”
Draco just murmured, “Mmmm. 'K.” and returned to his food. He really didn't feel like eating but he was going to need his strength.
Neville eyed Harry with some worry. He'd not seemed too upset by yesterday, but he was very good at hiding his upset. Neville was worried that Harry's nerves would betray him somehow, and at the worst possible time. He decided to have a word with Ron and Hermione as soon as he could.
Breakfast was soon over and they were headed to the common room in Gryffindor to spend some time when Severus appeared, striding down the corridor, robes billowing.
“I've come to take you home. We'll need to have mourning robes made or fitted and ... Lucius just needs you near.” He looked so sad that Harry's heart went out to the snarky man. “Lucius told me to ask Hermione, Neville and Ron to come as well.” He glanced at each young person as he said their names and got nods from each of them. “Hurry along and pack. I'll come for you as soon as I can.”
Ron just nodded but Hermione told him, “We can pack and floo from the headmasters office, or Professor McGonagall's ... with permission.”
Severus nodded. “You have it. Harry, Draco, your elves can pack for you.”
Harry just shrugged. “I've got plenty of clothing at home. So does Draco. And we'll be wearing mourning most of the time, right?”
“You are correct. Come along then. We'll floo from my quarters then. Hermione, Ron, Neville. You can use Minerva's floo. I believe that she's planning to stay overnight tonight.” He glanced around in a distracted fashion then just walked off, obviously expecting Draco and Harry to accompany him.
Hermione made a shooing motion then turned to collect Ron and Neville and get them started packing.
It didn't take them long to finish. When Hermione started to shrink her trunk a voice from the door stopped her.
Augusta Longbottom was standing in the door. “I'll do that for you, Hermione. I know you are perfectly capable but ... young magic and shrinking spells sometime go awry. I've come to accompany you, Neville and Ron to Malfory Manor.” She flicked her wand and the trunk reduced itself to the size of a pack of cards. “Lucius got in touch with me early this morning. I'm appalled. Tomas Riddle, indeed.” She settled her demi-cloak with a snort then snapped, “Well, come along, girl, I don't have all day.”
Hermione blurted, “But, I wouldn't think you'd ... I mean ... I thought you'd hate Mr Malfoy and not want to ... Um.” She gulped and closed her mouth, firmly aware that she had at least one foot in it.
“I'm a Pureblood Traditionalist to the bone. Lucius has chosen to redeem himself and I'm inclined to permit it. If we can draw him away from the Dark, instead of having to fight him ... well, so much the better.” Augusta gave Hermione a stern glower then turned and walked out the door, saying as she went, “And there's a lot more of like mind than you'd expect.”
It didn't take Lady Augusta long to corral the small group and get them through the floo.
They were met by a rather harried house elf who took them to rooms. Hermione, Ron and Neville were taken to the rooms they always used, in the family quarters, while Lady Augusta was given rooms in the guest wing. She approved of all the arrangements and gently but firmly took over managing the guest accommodations, much to the elves relief. Professor McGonagall took over the actual funeral ceremony itself, disappearing into the crypt without comment.
.
It didn't take long for Lady Augusta to manage things. She really was a true Pureblood Traditionalist and knew just what needed to be done. She also made sure that Lucius wasn't bothered.
Lucius was more grief stricken than anyone would have thought, anyone who didn't know him, that is.
Lucius had known Narcissa Black all his life. He'd pulled her braids in first year, he being a lofty second year. And helped her with her homework by third. They'd been married right out of Hogwarts and produced Draco six years later. All in all, they'd been fast friends and amenable, if not loving, spouses. So Lucius was quite distraught, in his own way.
Severus never left his side.
Draco was equally as upset. He'd seen his beloved mother turned into an inferi and knew that her body had been destroyed by his spouse. Which was even more upsetting as Harry was heartbroken by that.
Everyone knew exactly where to put the blame, though. Voldemort was a dead man walking, in more ways than one.
.
Funeral next chapter. I was going to include it in this one but it's getting too long.