Runaway Wizard 61
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter: 61 (epilogue part 1)
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
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Parsletongue
Two Years After.
Harry flopped down on the blanket that Draco had spread under one of the massive oak trees on the grounds of Malfoy Manor.
“I'm sure that Ron is enjoying his vacation, are you?”
Draco laughed. “Yes, and I'm still enjoying the faces Ron made when you explained to him that he was going to be responsible for keeping Potter Hall in proper order for immediate occupation at any time. Has Dobby reported?”
“Yes. I had to go to Potter Hall for that. He still won't set foot on any Malfoy property.” Harry sighed sadly.
“I don't blame him. We weren't exactly nice to the poor thing. Just have a drop box at Potter Hall for written reports and a get box on your desk. That should take care of most of the problem.”
Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. “You've told me that a dozen times and I've always said the same thing, he needs contact with me, a drop box isn't going to do the job. Besides, I like talking to him. He tells me the best stories.”
Draco flushed heavily, the last story had involved him, a stuffed dragon named Pinky and Dobby. “Well, damnit, I was only four.” Harry snickered. Draco smacked him and laughingly said, “Oh, shut it, you.”
The genial argument would have continued except for the fact that Lucius joined them. He also flopped down on the blanket, after enlarging it a bit, and groaned.
“You ok, Papa?” Harry gave Lucius a concerned look. His shoulder had never healed quite right and rainy weather made it ache, sometimes enough that he had to wear a sling to ease the pain.
Lucius sighed then chuckled. “Yes, I'm fine, my shoulder isn't acting up any, but ... I swear, some of the members of the Wizengamot haven't got the sense of a gooseberry.”
He sneered but flushed when Harry said, “Well, you broke it, now you have to fix it.”
“For my sins.” He sighed then said mournfully, “But ... I cannot even hex them. It sucks.”
Draco snickered at that. Lucius was picking up muggle slang from Frankie and Johnny.
Severus joined them, bringing a decided stench with him. Lucius just drew his wand and flicked it in a rather complicated pattern, the stench faded away.
“Thank you. I've finally gotten the potion down.” He looked singularly satisfied with this rather cryptic remark.
Harry grinned widely. “That's great. Have you told Hermione yet?”
“Yes, I just owled her. She probably won't get the message until this evening, unless Ron takes it to her.” He lounged across one end of the blanket and put his head in Lucius' lap.
Harry picked up the sketchbook he'd discarded earlier and started to sketch them. He was working on a set of sketches of all his family. He chuckled a bit, jiggling Draco, who was leaning against his shoulder.
“What's funny?” Draco eyed the sketch and envied Harry his skills.
“Who would have thought that the boy who lived, the defeater of Voldemort would turn out to be an artist.” Harry grinned. “I thought ol' Andrews was going to have a fit when he realized that I wasn't looking to apprentice myself to him. I just stole his paint formula.” Harry snickered at Draco's disgusted expression.
That had been a particularly Slytherin enterprise. Harry remembered sitting in on several sessions where Andrews had worked on a painting of Draco while he, Harry, had wandered around the studio. He'd managed to smear paint on his robes, several different colors of paint. Draco and Severus had analyzed the paint and recreated it. None of them had felt the slightest bit of shame at this. A certain mark on the man's arm eased whatever guilt they might have had.
Lucius had watched as Andrews had spelled a painting to move and realized that the spells were common ones. He had gotten together with Hermione and Harry and they had refined the spells into better ones. Now Harry was in demand as a portrait painter, his landscapes and sea scenes were also much in demand. Harry swore that someone would buy his paint rags, which everyone agreed with, but his paintings were excellent work.
Dumbledore's portrait was still asleep but everyone agreed that it looked exactly like Dumbledore. It was taken from a photograph of him which had been taken about six years after he'd become Headmaster of Hogwarts. Harry hoped that it would wake up soon, he wanted to see if it was compos or not.
Mimsey popped in as everyone was snickering over Andrews, who was now on 'retreat' in Paris. No one wanted him to paint them, and his other works were considered 'tedious' by critics. The only reason he had been tolerated by the cognoscenti was because he could animate anything. Now Harry was better, nicer and easy to approach. That didn't mean he'd actually paint you, but at least he didn't swear at people.
“Would you likes your basket now? It is ready. Cookie says to send back to the house if you want anything else.” She summoned a huge basket at Lucius' nod and started handing out plates and silverware. She also put out neat containers of salads and platters of sandwiches.
Draco examined a watercress triangle critically then nibbled one corner. “It's fine Mimsey. Harry, did you get a letter from Neville?”
Harry nodded then swallowed his potato salad. “Yes, he's in Bolivia, something to do with an orchid or bromeliad. I'm not sure. He's fine and will be back for Victory Day. Hermione and Ron want to stay here for the weekend. He choked slightly and coughed. “Sorry.” Everyone stared in stunned surprise at the smoke ring that hovered in front of his mouth for a moment before drifting away on a breeze.
Draco stood up. “I'll call Charlie. Don't do anything until we get back.”
Harry coughed and another smoke ring appeared. Severus and Lucius both watched with interest, Severus groping for a potion.
It was several minutes before Draco reappeared with Charlie and two other dragon tamers. Charlie explained that they were dragon healers and experienced with the results of young dragons flaming for the first time.
He introduced them as Claudia and Alan. The stern faced Claudia glanced around then said, “You know keeping a dragon without a special license is illegal.”
Charlie snorted, then reminded, “Claudia, it's an animagus. Or Harry's an animagus. Harry?”
Harry just stood up, dislodging Draco who protested grumpily. He moved away from the group enough that he wouldn't smack someone with his tail when he transformed. Then he did exactly that, transformed into his dragon form and just waited. Alan gaped at him for a moment then said, “I thought that was just a ... battle story. Oh, my.” He fished in his robes for a moment then pulled out an instrument. “Ok, just open up. This is going to be a great deal easier than examining a real dragon ... I hope.” He gave Harry a stern stare. Harry obediently opened his mouth and lowered his head until the man could look into his mouth comfortably.
After a moment Alan tucked his instrument away and said, “It looks fine to me. I'd give it a try.”
So Harry cleared his throat and thought about breathing fire. The jet of flame he produced was ten feet long and set the nearby grass on fire. Severus negligently produced a stream of water to put it out. It was all very calm and casual but the glow in Draco's eyes and the proud expressions on Lucius' and Severus' faces gave Harry a thrill of pleasure.
He tried again, just to make sure and produced an even bigger flame. Draco laughed and yelled, “I'll get the marshmallows.” Harry transformed back and thwapped him on the shoulder. “Ow. Spousal abuse.”
“Arse. Marshmallows? Rotten snake.”
“Git.”
“Ponce.”
Draco threw up his hands in surrender then hugged Harry breathless. “You did it.”
Harry pulled back to grin at everyone. “I did, didn't I?”
Lucius smiled happily. “I think this calls for a party. I'll floo Molly.”
This had become a regular occurrence with them. Any party meant calling Molly to plan it. Molly called Augusta and the race was on. Augusta would handle the invitations and was main hostess while Molly planned the food and was oversight. Anyone causing any sort of disturbance in a Malfoy-Potter party was sure to deal with one or both of them, then Severus or Lucius would deal with whatever was left. It was an unacknowledged fact that if Harry was called in, Aurors would appear as well. There had only been one real incident in the whole of the last two years.
That had been a horrible thing. Someone was disgruntled over something that had happened to a member of their family and decided to take it up with Lucius. The fight had been short and vicious, unfortunately it had happened in the middle of a birthday ball for Augusta. Millicent Bulstrode had gotten between Augusta and a nasty hex.
The hex had hit her squarely in the face. She'd spent several weeks in St Mungos and retired to Longbottom House with a severely scared face. She rarely left.
Harry had taken one look a Millicent, laying on the floor and gone a bit mad. Wild winds had whipped the ballroom, raising a cloud of dust and small objects. He'd transformed his wand into the staff and banished the miscreant to the Ministry holding cells, in pieces. Testimony from the attending witches and wizards, as well as some from healers, had proven that Harry was in the right. He admitted to losing his temper, but no one blamed him much. This had, however, made the whole of the wizarding world leery of inciting Harry's temper. Behavior at any of the Malfoy-Potter events was at its wizarding best.
This party was fun and limited to close friends and family only. Harry demonstrated his form, as was custom, and flamed several times. He also offered dragon back rides to all his friends with enough nerve to try it. This included a grinning Charlie, who went first whooping with glee.
Neville, who had come back from Brazil just for the party, also enjoyed his ride. Hermione had shrieked in terror so Harry had landed and let her off quickly. Ron loved it as much as Charlie had while Lucius and Severus had dismounted with pleased smiles. Draco had also loved his ride and told Harry, “I expect more and longer rides, you know. Later.” his grin had been just this side of perverted. Harry had snickered and transformed back to human as both Molly and Augusta had declined. Harry turned to the twins but they also declined with every indication that they really weren't interested. The lack of personal control in the air made the perennial pranksters nervous. Arthur wasn't present as he could not manage to get past his dislike of Lucius, no matter what Molly said.
They partied long into the night.
.
It was three weeks later that Hermione sent an owl to ask them all to come to the farm. She claimed a breakthrough in her experiments.
She proudly led them to a pen containing four sows. “They're pregnant.”
Lucius gazed at the pigs with faint loathing. “A condition devoutly to be ... and I'm interested in this, why?” He turned to look at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. Severus, Harry and Draco also just watched her.
Hermione beamed at him. “Because they're not the mothers, or the fathers.” She pointed to a couple of boars in another pen. “They are.”
Four faces lit up as one. Ron grinned proudly in the background.
Hermione rushed to explain. “It was all the potion. It made the DNA in the sperm stable enough to be extracted, combined then inserted into the vacant egg. Then another potion made implantation a sure take. Now, all we have to do is wait for them to bear their young. To see that there are no untoward combinations.”
Harry looked puzzled and said, intelligently, “Huh?”
Ron interjected. “No birth defects. Two heads, no legs ... stuff like that.”
Hermione smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. “Shut it. This will work. I won't let it not.”
“Ow! Woman, being preggers doesn't give you the right to beat me up. Damn.” Ron grinned at the others. Hermione was going to kill him but he just couldn't keep it in any longer. “What? We're telling Mum and Dad and the others tonight.”
“Idiot. I wanted a big party for the announcement.”
Lucius smirked and saved Ron, literally. “Just tell Molly to plan anything she wants. I'll host it.”
They had another party that Saturday, this one also just for family, sort of. Everyone brought gifts for Ron and Hermione and the expected baby. Ron grinned like a fool through the whole thing. Hermione alternately squealed with delight and burst into tears. Everyone ate well, drank sparingly and tore a few reputations to shreds, just the usual.
.
Frankie fluttered around the room, checking that everything was as it should be, for the fifth time. Johnny chuckled softly. They had Lucius, Severus, Draco, Harry, Ron and Neville to the club at least once every two months. Hermione didn't come.
Not that she wasn't welcome, she was. She just was uncomfortable and covered it by announcing that she wasn't about to hang around with men who were prettier than she was. All the boys adored her and let her keep her pride. They invaded Potter Hall every now and then, bearing chick flicks and ice cream. They'd spend the evening trading insults, beauty tips and stories; throwing popcorn at the screen when a character did something they considered especially stupid.
Hermione was very smug about having gotten a telly to work at Potter Hall. She also had blu-ray and cable. And she wasn't telling how she'd done it either. She was making a fortune installing the whole outfit for muggleborns who wanted the service. Ron, it turned out was a Man U fan of epic proportions.
The first time Lucius had actually had time to really look around the club, he'd brought Severus with him. Severus had been disgusted by the lock boys, until Harry had told him why they wore a locked harness. It kept over zealous customers from taking advantage. The locks were small but expensive and very hard to break. It was even harder when they were on a struggling, screaming kid who really wasn't interested.
“I really appreciated Frankie and Johnny taking me on. I mean, really, would you like a blow job? I was so nervous.”
Severus had done a real spit take at that one. “Oh, for Merlin's sake. You really?”
Harry had just nodded and laughed. Severus had walked very carefully around Lucius for a week.
Now, every two months, the Twin Dragons performed at The Silken Cage. They always made a big deal of it, special drinks, snacks on the tables, that sort of thing. And all the boys made a big deal of it too. They practically fawned on Lucius and Draco, they did fawn on Harry and, for some reason no one could figure out, Severus. They treated Ron and Neville like long lost best friends.
Neville's reaction to the club had been a surprise to the boys, as had Ron's. They both had the wizarding attitude to gay and lesbian people. They didn't give a damn. Who you had in your bed, especially if you weren't married, was your business. Ron had even allowed the boys to dress him once. Hermione had nearly died laughing at them.
Harry had taught Draco to dance Turkish style and they loved coming to the Cage to dance. They'd do it more often but their schedules didn't allow it.
So tonight they were dancing.
Lucius leaned against Severus, who was watching Harry critically as he selected costumes for their dance. He distinctly remembered his first time in the club 'After'.
.
He'd been mobbed by twittering, fluttering men. Harry had snickered for a bit then frankly roared. He'd gotten a smack on the back of the head from someone called Bennie, who'd laughed himself then said, “Be nice.”
Severus had laughed too, that deep chocolate rich sound that sounded like velvet felt.
“Oh. My. God. Will you look at them. Yin and Yang. Dark and Light.” Bennie tugged them into the middle of the room. “Come on. Harry's told us all about you and that you want to go clubbing but don't have any clothes.” He got a really good look at wizarding robes for the first time and wailed, “What on earth? How can you cover up ... all that yummy maleness with a damn blanket? It's sacrilege.”
Lucius had been stripped down to trousers and shirt in seconds, Severus didn't bother to protest, he just handed his robes to someone. And the twittering, fussing group gathered around demanding to know how he managed to stay in such good shape.
A voice from the door supplied that answer. “Ok, you bunch of flaming queens, give the man some air.”
A chorus of, “I'd love to, mouth to mouth.” “Air? I'd give him anything he wants.” And even more suggestive comments proved that both Severus and Lucius had broken their blushes long ago.
Leather trousers were tossed out onto a couch and decidedly too tight jeans. Several shirts were added and boots as well as jewelry.
Lucius found one man, Bennie, was a hairdresser and makeup artist. He was currently stroking his hair. Finally he exclaimed, “Oh, I do hate you so.” vague questioning noises from around the room made him add, “It's natural, real, natural platinum blond.” this created a rush as everyone had to hurry over to feel his hair and exclaim over it.
His confused and slightly offended expression sent both Harry and Draco into gales of laughter, while Severus finally announced, “Hands off, all of you. He's mine.” His slightly thunderous expression made one man mock snarl, “Well, damn, all the good ones are either straight or taken. I swear!”
“Constantly, honey, constantly.” Frankie announced. “Alright, you girls get on with it, will you? I'd like to have them in the club before it closes.”
Harry had his club stuff with him and some things for Draco. He'd brought his favorite leather pants and a silk dance shirt in green, heavy boots completed the 'bad boy' look. Draco was dressed similarly but with a dark blue shirt and ankle boots as he claimed not to be able to walk in boots like Harry's with out 'clomping'.
Lucius was introduced to the process of getting into skintight leather trousers.
“Underwear?” Lucius looked at the trousers doubtfully.
“Pantie lines, darling, just awful. Just a good sprinkle of powder.” Frankie snickered at the looks on both their faces.
It didn't take long to get both Severus and Lucius into the skin tight leather trousers and silk dance shirts. Neither one of them looked anywhere near their admitted age, a thing that made both Frankie and Johnny groan. They were well aware of the riot that four gorgeous men like their favorite wizards were going to make in the club.
And, there had been a near riot the second they entered. Lucius looked like a wet dream in black leather with his long blond hair flowing down his back like a drift of newly fallen snow. Severus looked lean, mean and dangerously sexy. They spent a few moments checking out the dance floor and glowering at anyone who paid too much attention to their partner. Frankie and Johnny nearly killed themselves trying not to laugh until they got into the back.
Draco and Harry created a similar sensation.
This led to a real semi-riot. Harry was known in the club and the lack of a lock on his collar sent signals to one man. A man who'd been a nuisance before.
Now, he approached Harry, murmuring, “Well, hello there, pretty-pretty. Nice outfit. Come with me. I'll show you a real good time.”
Harry backed away from the groping hands but before he could do more than that, someone else intervened. A soft, velvety voice said from over his shoulder, “I don't think Harry is interested. Your hand should go into your pocket ... now!”
Harry glanced over his shoulder at Severus. “Hi.” He turned back to his annoyance. “I really think you should go. If my Papa sees you, you're dead meat. Go!”
The man, now earmarked 'The Idiot', didn't listen. Instead of being smart and leaving to find easier prey, he snarked, “That big nosed creep your 'Papa'? Come with me, I'll give you everything he does ...” he leered rudely. “and more.”
Harry snorted, then exclaimed, “Oh, ick! He's my Papa's lover and the only thing he ever gives me is a hard time. You really are pushing your luck. Either Frankie or Johnny would have you out the door by now.”
Severus just caught the Idiot by one arm and pressed hard into the soft nerve cluster in his armpit. “Come, door, that way.” This cryptic utterance was followed by a quick frogmarch to the back door. Severus shoved the man out the door and commanded, “Find some other club to haunt. Or you'll be haunting for real.” The look he pointed in the Idiot's direction made him whimper and scurry away, never to enter the club again.
“Sweetie, if you ever decided to become a bouncer, you're hired. Thanks.”
Severus turned to smile slightly at Frankie. “I was wondering why he was in here. He doesn't seem smart enough to be your sort.”
“He's not, but he's intimidating to younger sorts and has a lot of money to throw around. I've banned him but he keeps coming back. Like a bad penny.” Frankie eyed the boy on the door for a moment.
Severus just followed his stare for a moment. “You should put someone with a bit more spine on the door and relegate the boys to the coat room.”
“We did, but customers complained that the setup slowed the line. I think we'll go back to the way Harry set it up. Fewer undesirables get in.” And with that, Frankie went to reset the door, leaving Severus to find Lucius.
They'd danced the night away and Lucius had admitted that it was nice to get away from being 'The Malfoy' for awhile.
Severus shook himself back to the present and ambled out to find a place in the club from which to watch the dancing.
.
The music started with a soft flute solo.
Draco entered first, dressed in a heavy midnight blue velvet cloak embroidered with silver vines and leaves at the hem. His head was covered by a thin veil in a lighter shade of blue.
Harry followed almost at once, dressed similarly but his cloak was oak-moss green, embroidered in gold oak leaves and acorns.
They Quail walked down the runway to the middle then stood side by side. The music picked up its pace a bit with the addition of an oud, a mandolin like instrument. This added a rhythmic second to the flute.
They both extended their arms from under the cloaks, sinuous movements describing arcs of glittering bracelets in the air. Faint movements under the cloaks incited interest in more than their hands and arms.
A doumbek started a sharp counter point and they threw off their cloaks and whipped them into the wings. This reveled their silk harem pants, slit from high on their hips to their ankles. The waistband and ankle bands were heavily embroidered with silver or gold thread and small jingling coins. Their vests were also embroidered.
Then they began a duel of dancing that made the whole club cheer. Harry advanced, hips jerking in neat bumps as he walked. His hair was down and rippled like a dark waterfall as he moved. Draco followed easily.
Harry paused a moment then began doing a series of alternating belly rolls and shoulder rolls that made his whole body seem boneless. Again, Draco followed. The crowd went a bit crazy, throwing coins onto the runway and whistling and cheering loudly.
Then the dancers traded roles, Draco became the challenger. The music sped up, the drums sounding louder. Draco did a smooth forward leaning shoulder shimmy which morphed into a hip bounce as he straightened up. Harry imitated him, coins jingling loudly.
Draco led Harry to the end of the runway with an elegant Egyptian walk, hips swaying in unison. Then they both began a snake like motion called a serpentine, lifting one arm and lowering the other their shoulders went one way and their hips went the other, their spines in a definite S shape.
The music reached a crescendo and they stood doing a complicated shimmy and sway until the music stopped abruptly. The shock quieted the audience for a moment then they went wild, throwing money and clapping their hands and stamping their feet.
Harry clasped hands with Draco and they bowed then scampered off the runway, bracelets and anklets flashing and coins jingling. Several of the new lock boys scampered out to gather up the coins and a few notes. This money would go to Frankie and Johnny to help them with their charity work.
They went into the back and were greeted by Frankie. “Oh, my, you're both beautiful. If you ever...”
Draco laughed. “No thank you. I'd hex the first man who groped me. I don't think that would add to your custom much.”
Johnny laughed from behind them. “Here, water and towels. I don't believe hexing a groper would do us much harm. I punched the last one who groped me. It's not allowed, remember?”
As they were speaking, a young fool was doing his best to get his bits hexed off.
“Hello, gorgeous. Why don't you dump tall and ugly and come with me. I'll show you a real good time.”
Lucius avoided choking on his drink but just barely. “Excuse me?”
Severus loomed behind Lucius scowling.
The Idiot, Lucius' ire supplied capitols, reached out to touch Lucius' hair. Severus intercepted the hand and bent it back at the wrist, cramping the Idiot's whole arm. “Do. Not. Touch.”
Lucius reached down and casually grasped something the Idiot was very attached to. “I do hope you realize that I'm not some priss that you can over run.” He smiled slightly. “In fact, I'm not a very nice man at all. You really should keep your hands to yourself. Who knows who you might offend.” Then he squeezed, hard.
Just as he did that Johnny drifted up behind the Idiot and asked, “Is there a problem?” The Idiot whimpered loudly, he didn't make more noise because Severus had his other hand on his throat, pressing on his larynx.
Lucius picked up a nearby bar cloth and wiped his hand. “No, I don't believe so. This ... gentleman was just leaving.” He pinned the man with a frozen stare. “Weren't you.”
Johnny knew this man and he had been told the last time he came in that one more incident and he would be banned. “Ok, fart face, you are banned. Permanently.” He dug his fingers into the soft spot in his armpit, pressing on the bundle of nerves there. “Let me show you the way out.” Johnny dragged him away.
Severus leaned against Lucius' back. “You alright?”
“Fine. I like the fact that Frankie and Johnny are so ... hands on. I'm glad that Harry had them.”
Severus snorted. “They adore him, as do all the men here.”
Lucius poked him in the stomach, making him grunt. “And a very good thing to. It's a wonder someone worse than me didn't get their hands on him. Come on, let's go back to the dressing room.”
Johnny came back from ejecting the idiot and led the way through the dancing crowd.
They entered the dressing room just in time to interrupt a critique of Draco and Harry's clubbing garb. The general consensus being that they needed to take off more clothing, and add more eyeliner.
They all turned to look at Severus when he cleared his throat. He didn't get a chance to say anything as all the boys jumped him at once. He tried to resist but couldn't do much with Lucius holding his hands.
Harry snickered as he magicked Severus' suit off. It was handed to one of the older men who hung it on a hanger and put it in a locker. This left him in a vest and boxers. Then Harry, Draco and Lucius left the room, leaving Severus to the tender mercies of six flaming queens.
It didn't turn out that bad. They didn't shove him into a fishnet shirt or anything else so obvious. He wound up wearing not too tight leather pants, a dark grey satin shirt and heavy boots. His hair was longer now and someone had pulled it back into a low pony tail and fastened it with a sliver clasp. All in all, he looked hard and lean and dangerous.
He tugged at a cuff and grumbled, “Harry, I don't know how I let you talk me into this.”
Harry smirked at him happily. “Maybe because I've been nagging you for two years?”
“Possibly, and because Lucius promised to participate as well.” He turned to his lover. “Luka?”
Lucius scowled for a moment but after bearing the brunt of three pairs of demanding eyes he grumbled, “Fine, fine, I'm going.” He returned dressed in similar garb except his pants and shoes were ice white while his shirt was sapphire blue.
Draco was dressed in black as was Harry. And they both wore 'tank' tops Harry's was green while Draco's was black.
Harry grinned widely. “Ok. Let's do this thing. I bet I'm the only magical guy to be able to say I went muggle clubbing with my Papa. Brilliant!”
Lucius eyed Severus for a moment then sighed. “Ok. Let's get this over with.”
Draco just smirked over Harry's shoulder.
Johnny put his foot in it quite nicely. “Well, Harry, he is a bit old for clubbing, you know. He's ... what? ... Forty?”
Lucius went snotty on them in an instant, much to Severus' amusement. “I'll have you know that I'm only thirty-six, very young for a wizard. Our lives are much longer so I'm the equivalent of about twenty in muggle terms.”
Frankie snickered, hugged Johnny and whispered in his ear, “I guess that tells you.”
“Yeah, I'm so put in my place.” He watched as the four went into the club and straight to the dance floor. “I hope they all have fun. Harry's been looking forward to this for months.”
They laughed happily and went to join the others. They all danced until the club closed. Then sat around talking and cooling off for about a half an hour more.
Finally Lucius stood up, saying, “I'm sorry to have to break this up but we do need to leave. I have an appointment with the minister in the morning. Frankie, Johnny, you have to come for Harry's birthday. I'll assign an elf to the two of you so you won't have problems in a magical environment. We'll see how it works out.” He patted his pockets then pulled a length of ribbon out of one. “Here. Severus, do you have our things?”
Severus nodded, “I do. I shrank them and put them in my pocket. I'm ready.”
Draco and Harry indicated that they were almost ready. Draco wandered around a bit while Harry disappeared in the direction of the back.
Lucius waited for a few minutes then called for Harry, then offered the port key to the others. Harry hurried over, he'd been saying goodbye to Frankie and Johnny's 'boys'. Draco took hold as did Severus. Before they left Lucius called to the two friends, “You must visit us at Malfoy Manor. I really meant that. Goodbye.” Harry's happy whoop was cut off by the activation of the port key.
.
Lucius stepped out of the elevator and ambled down the hall. He'd had to drag Harry and Draco out of bed that morning. He wrinkled his nose a bit, the room had definitely smelled of sex, not that he had anything against the idea. He just didn't want such obvious evidence of their activities.
After a quick flick of his wand made sure that all the soot was off his robes, he knocked on the inner door of the Minister of Magic's office.
The assistant to the assistant to the minister's secretary scurried out of the woodwork and squeaked, “I'm so sorry, sir, the minister isn't in just yet. He said to make his apologies and reschedule your appointment for tomorrow. But ... if you were wanting to see the portrait, I could let you in.”
Lucius gave the woman a slight smirk. “Yes, if you please. But ... I really do have my doubts about that portrait ever coming to life.”
“Oh, dear. The minister has been bragging about this portrait being the best work available. Do you have any idea why?”
“Yes, I do. The robes, you see.” Lucius nearly laughed aloud at her expression, something he still avoided doing in public. It seemed to scare people when he laughed.
“The robes? They're very elegant.” Her puzzled expression increased.
“Yes, very. Something Dumbledore never was. I remember one occasion when he came to a Ministerial Ball in flaming pink robes with pumpkin orange trim. Those robes also had shooting stars and dancing unicorns on them. Moving ones.”
The woman's expression changed to amused. “I see. There's also a portrait at Hogwarts, in the Head's office. Maybe that one will come awake.”
Lucius allowed the poor woman to let him into the office, took one look of the portrait of Dumbledore dressed in elegant, subdued robes of dark blue velvet and a black flat cap then left, thanking her politely. She squeaked again and scurried off.
Lucius laughed as he stalked down the corridor toward the atrium, people flattened themselves against the walls to get out of his way. This only made him laugh harder. Then he apparated from the Atrium to Hogwarts' gates. Which should have been impossible as you had to floo from the Atrium to an outside apparation point, only he didn't. He was still laughing as he walked up the path to the front doors.
He walked through the doors and gazed around for a moment. He heard the whispers, of course.
“It's Mr. Malfoy. Look! He's one of the heroes of the Battle For Hogwarts. Oooo.”
“Oh, he's so handsome. I wish...”
“Shhh! He'll hear you.”
Lucius snorted, “I most certainly will. Now ... clear the way and stop staring. It is incredibly rude. Shoo!” he flicked his hand in an easily recognized gesture and the staring, whispering mob did exactly that.
He made his way to the Head's office and the gargoyle jumped out of his way, revealing the stairs to the office. He climbed them and tapped at the door.
Minerva called, “Come in.” and summoned a chair for him. “How's your shoulder?”
Lucius shrugged a bit. “Alright. It hurts in rainy weather and gets stiff when it is cold. But, all in all, not that bad. Has the old coot woken up yet?”
“Yes, the old coot has.” Dumbledore's unmistakable voice spoke from behind him.
Lucius swivelled in his chair to look at the portrait. “Good day to you, Albus. I was wondering when you would awaken.”
The portrait smiled serenely and allowed, “I woke at the Ministry. Whose idea was that set of robes? Awful, dreary things. They make me look like something from the Middle Ages.”
Lucius glanced at Minerva, lips twitching. “I have no idea. Very ... subdued. Quite ... proper.”
Albus made a rude noise while Minerva and Lucius burst out laughing.
“Well, now that you are awake I shall call Harry and Draco. Ron, Neville, Hermione ... the list of those who want to speak to you is endless. Shall I prepare an actual list? Or just tell it to you?”
Albus smiled, eyes twinkling. “Oh, I think just let them come up a few at a time. Ministry officials last. I should love to speak to Harry most of all.”
Lucius smiled back. “I will make a call at once.” He went to the fireplace and tossed in some floo powder. He told Draco, who agreed to call others for him. Headmistress McGonagall asked him to make a couple of calls for her as kneeling on the hearth gave her fits now.
It was only moments before Harry, Severus and Draco stepped through the floo, followed shortly by Molly, Augusta and Neville. Suddenly, the big office was very small.
Neville looked around and announced, “Gran, this won't do at all. Everyone and his dog is going to want to be able to say they spoke with Dumbledore. All that traffic will interfere with everyday functioning of the Head's office, not to mention the nuisance of having them all tracking in and out. But ... where ...” he wandered absently around the office, thinking.
Dumbledore managed to remain silent for all of five minutes before he asked, “Is the History schedule still the same?”
Minerva nodded, “Yes, still the same but Binns has 'retired'. Why?”
Neville nodded. “Perfect. Yes, see? All we have to do is move him to the stage then rearrange the seating a bit. A section for reporters, which they are restricted to, and create a waiting area. Then anyone who wants to speak to Professor Dumbledore can speak to him without creating a nuisance to the school. We can control everything fairly easily. Just whisk everyone to the lecture hall and plop them into a seat. Tell them that they'll be put out if they cause problems and make it stick.” He glanced at Augusta and Molly who both smiled and nodded.
Everyone knew they could trust those two venerable women to keep things moving smoothly.
Severus and Lucius nodded to each other so Lucius approached Augusta. “You can rely on Severus and I for anything you need.” He smirked, “Even a bit of old fashioned intimidation, if needed.”
“Thank you, Lucius. Molly and I shall just clear out a few people for now. Go have your talk.”
Lucius smirked, “I didn't care for the old goat when he was alive, now that I've had my turn and can say I was one of the first, I do not care to interact with him anymore. Now, tell me what you need.” They put their heads together and started planning.
Molly went to the lecture hall and implemented the arrangements while Harry spoke to Dumbledore.
.
Harry got a real shock first thing. Dumbledore apologized.
“Harry, I'm truly sorry for what I put you through. Senility is an insidious thing, especially in someone as powerful as I. It creeps in so slowly that decisions seem reasonable that would have horrified a person even two years previously. I pray that you will find it in your heart...”
Harry just held up a hand. “What is done, is done. Forget about it. Do you want the good news ... or the great news?”
Dumbledore was wiser now than he'd been in the last years of his life. “Please. Good or great, I am happy to hear it.”
Harry grinned, “Ok, good ... Draco and I get along very well. In fact, we've managed to fall in love. Good ... Hermione has managed to figure out how to make muggle electronics work in a magical environment. And don't ask me how, I don't know enough physics. Also, great news, Hermione ... the woman is truly scarily brilliant ... She's figured out how two wizards can have kids. Draco and I are making arrangements for surrogates right now. As are several other same sex couples.”
Dumbledore twinkled happily. “Oh, that is grand news. Are Lucius and Severus ....”
Harry smirked. “Oh, yeah ... and Severus is ... I'm not sure how to describe that combination of pride, terror and satisfaction. It requires potions, so he's brewing them. And magic, Hermione is doing that and well ... He's scared to death that he'll be a horrible father. But ... Draco and I are all over that.” He frankly grinned. “I”m going to be a big brother. It's great. Almost as good as being a father.” He glanced over his shoulder, “I should go. Other's are wanting a turn, but I'll be back after all the fuss is over so we can have a real visit.” He got up and made room for Severus.
No one ever really knew what they spoke of but Severus went away with a genuine smile on his face and Dumbledore watched him with a sad one. Lucius tucked Severus under his chin and hugged him for a while, then they went to help control the riot that the main vestibule and front courtyard had become. No one seemed to find it odd that the two people Dumbledore had done worst by were now under the protection of Lucius Malfoy.
But, what with most of the younger people having taking Potions from the very scary Professor Snape and the older people either doing business with or having done business with The Malfoy, things were soon under control.
Neville and Augusta assigned appointments with those they thought really needed to speak to Dumbledore today and sent the others away with appointments for other days. Some people were not happy with their times but complaints only found the complainer farther down the list. Most were savvy enough to keep their mouth shut and be happy to see him at all.
And the wizarding world marvelled at another coup by the Malfoy-Potter-Longbottom-Weasley combine. And Lucius gifted Molly with a very nice set of antique linen sheets with embroidered heads while Augusta got some amber bangles she'd been coveting.
.
Hermione dithered between one room and another. She was interviewing surrogates and hated the job with a passion. She felt sorry for all the women who came in; some were just poor and hoped for advancement, others were desperate, homeless for one reason or another and seeking only to provide for themselves. Still others wanted a child, by any means. The one's she hated on sight were those who wanted to use their child as a road to social status. Or they were trying to gain a foothold in the Malfoy or Potter households. She knew that neither Harry and Draco nor Severus and Lucius cared about anything but whether or not the woman would care for the child. Anything less was unacceptable.
She was startled when the fourth interview was with Millicent Bulstrode.
“Millie! How nice to see you. Tea?” Hermione lifted the pot.
“Please. I'm here for an interview, just so you know this isn't social.” Millicent took off her bonnet, something she didn't do except in the presence of friends. After fluffing her hair, she took a cup.
“Oh, but ... your family is well off, so ... just explain. Biscuit?”
“Thank you.” She sipped then nibbled as she got her thoughts in order. “Well, my family is well off. But no one in our social circle would marry anyone who looks like me. And, no, there's no hope. The best St. Mungo's has to offer tried everything. I'm scarred for life and that's that. I want children, even if ... I just want one of my own.”
Hermione made a note. “I see. Your brother has secured the bloodline and succession, I take it?”
“Yes. Two months ago, he and his wife, Charlotte, had a boy. And they're planning at least three children. Father is ecstatic. He offered me as nanny without even asking me what I wanted. I'm still at Longbottom House, Augusta told him to bugger off. Andrew realized that Father hadn't asked me and apologized. I'll visit but I'm not a gooseberry for anyone.”
“I see. Well, this is a ... lifetime commitment. You see, we all agree that the surrogate has to be willing to be wet nurse, nanny then governess. You'll be committed until the baby goes to Hogwarts, or longer. What do you think?”
“I think I'm in. I'd like to have more than one child. And, if possible, all from the same set of parents.” Millicent looked very interested and more than a little eager.
“Wonderful. I just know that Harry and Draco and you will manage very well. They wanted one surrogate for all their kids. We'll see that you have plenty of help, a nurse/companion while you're pregnant, hopefully someone who will stay on to help with the baby and all the elves will fall all over themselves for you. I'll put your name at the top of the list.”
After several more unsatisfactory interviews, Hermione was getting ready to despair of finding anyone else suitable. She was finding that Dean Thomas's aversion to non-Latin based magic was more widely spread than anyone suspected. Lucius said that it was due to the propaganda spread by Romans during their occupation of Britain centuries ago, part of their integration process. The local Druids and Celt's suffered, magical and muggle. So, now, many wizards in Britain believed that non-Latin magic was Dark.
She grumbled, “Damn, idiotic, prejudice.” and called in the next interview.
This lady turned out to be a widow named Twinkle Towbridge. She was in her early thirties, just three years younger than Severus, and wanted children. Her husband had been nearly fifty years older than she was and had died early in the Second Voldemort War. She had no children and wanted some desperately. Hermione liked the look of her and added her name to the short, very short, list she was compiling of women to be checked out.
At the end of three days of interviews, Hermione had a list of ten women she thought would be suitable. She turned that over to Severus for background checks and Madam Pomfrey for physicals.
It didn't take long for the information to get back.
Hermione was pleased to see that Millicent was cleared to have a baby every 18 months for the next 20 years, as long as she got proper potions and plenty of rest, good food and medical checkups. Hermione couldn't help smiling a bit, her procedure usually resulted in twins or triplets.
Twinkle turned out to be in just a good a physical shape as Millicent and was also approved for a baby every 18 months.
Another three women were physically capable but were mentally shaky, so Hermione put their folders aside. They would do, with close supervision, but Hermione didn't want that for her friends.
Finally, she realized that two would do, all they needed was plenty of support staff to help care for the babies. And, as rich as the two families were, that wasn't a problem. She closed her notebook with satisfaction and went to give everyone the news.
.
Harry looked up as Lucius came into the room. “Hermione found our surrogates. Millicent Bulstrode for you and some woman named Twinkle Towbridge for Severus and I.”
Harry put down his pen, he'd been reading contracts. Now that he was of age, Tom Riddle was gone and he'd graduated from Hogwarts, he was responsible for his own finances. Not that Lucius wouldn't help at the drop of a hint if he needed it. “That's good. How soon can we do the procedures.” He got an arrested look on his face for a moment. “And what ... exactly is the procedure?”
Lucius took a seat, delicately pulling his pants away from his knees so as not to spoil the crease. “I have no idea. Hermione said she'd explain it all tomorrow.” he glanced around carefully. “Where is Aspis?”
“In the conservatory. He's decided that it's his exclusively. He hates the cold, you know, so he's settled in for the duration. He won't bother anyone if they don't bother him. And anyone who would be in there knows him. It'll be fine. If we have a party or something, he's agreed to go to his tank. If I got him a bigger one.” Harry grinned in recollection, the conversation with his familiar had been funny.
Aspis had insisted on being taken to the pet store and examining all the tanks himself. The owner had been amused, until Harry had asked Aspis a question and the snake obviously replied, both in parsletongue.
“I like this one. It is big enough. I need plenty of sand and a warm rock to bask on.” Aspis wrapped himself around Harry.
“Fine. You shall have it. And all the mice you want.” Harry patted his familiar gently.
Aspis hissed in obvious displeasure. “Mice? Why mice? They are too small now. I need bigger prey. Perhaps a piglet.”
“If that is what you want, that is what you shall have.”
“Good. It is, after all, what I deserve.”
Harry had laughed, bought the tank and had it set up in his study.
“Oh, yes, Aspis is very sure of what he deserves. His new tank is set up in my study. So ... Summer Solstice party?”
“No plans yet. A dance, possibly. Picnic for certain. Do you have any ideas?” Lucius settled in for a bit of a visit.
Harry shook his head. “I wouldn't dare. I just turn everything over to Augusta and Molly and get out of their way. It works.” Lucius sighed, it did and that grated a bit. “Don't make that face. I know it puts us in their debt but ... you know damn good and well that they'll not take advantage.”
“Too much. Augusta wants to use the grand ball room for her next do.”
“So? Let her. It's not like she's got one big enough. What's it going to hurt?” Harry was well aware that some of the finer nuances of society went over his head.
“Nothing, really. I ... have no idea why it disturbs me so much. Never mind it, I'll get over it.” Lucius thought for a moment. “Do you want to go to Dudley's graduation?”
Harry thought about that. Dudley had been held back a year in highschool then gone on to Apprentice in a trade. He had taken an apprenticeship with a craftsman and attended college at the same time he was now a jeweler of some skill, specializing in one of a kind, high end pieces. Harry was actually very proud of him. He was graduating from his Master's program in a few days. Harry had yet to receive an invitation but they were expecting one any moment.
The invitation came the next day, via owl. Dudley apologized for its lateness but explained that he had waited until they were sure where the ceremony was going to be. Harry sent his acceptance via return owl.
.
The ceremony turned out to be in one of those ubiquitous all purpose buildings that are so common in any government. Meant to serve for every occasion, they barely mange to serve any.
Every head in the room turned as the four men walked in. They were all dressed in the height of fashion, expensive suits, silk shirts, understated but elegant jewellery; except for the fact that they all were wearing more than one ring. It was a bit ostentatious but most were so dazzled by their bearing that they didn't notice.
Harry sighed, he hated buildings, rooms, areas like this. They were impersonal, cold and just plain awful, but he'd promised Dudley to come, so he was here. He found a chair in the front and sat down. Lucius settled elegantly on one side and Draco on the other. Severus sat down beside Lucius and sniffed disdainfully.
“I hate these buildings. Remind me of state school. And that smell is pervasive. We'll all smell like muggle disinfectant when we get home. I don't know why they don't use a good citrus based cleaner. They're cheaper and easier on the environment.”
Harry snorted then said, “Because they're more expensive. Every penny counts. Now shush, here comes Dudley.”
Dudley smiled as he walked up. He was now a completely different person than he'd been three years ago. He was now an accomplished Master in his own right, a hard worker and dedicated to his craft. But that wasn't the most impressive thing. He'd lost nearly half his weight and looked great. He'd never be slender, his body type was stocky at best. But he didn't carry any fat to speak of and regular workouts had made him hard and lean.
“Hi, Harry. Draco, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Snape. I'm so glad you could make it. Liu-shodoshi says to say hello. Man's a sadist. But I'm going for my orange in a couple of months.”
Harry grinned. “That's great, Dudley. And congratulations on your graduation. We'll take you out to dinner after. Unless you have other plans.”
Dudley shrugged, “I'm not in a relationship just now. Francy didn't understand about confidentiality and ... personal space. And she turned out to have sticky fingers. She didn't see any reason she shouldn't help herself to anything I made. She didn't get her hands on anything really expensive but ... I just ... you know.”
Harry nodded. “I do. What was to keep her from taking something one of a kind and commissioned. You'll find someone sooner or later.”
Dudley glanced at his watch and announced. “Get seated, I have to get to the back. Twenty minutes. Thanks for coming. Bye.” and with that he hurried off to get his place in the line of graduates.
Harry watched with pride as Dudley walked across the stage, accepted his diploma and shook hands with the Headmaster and his primary instructor. He'd never thought this day would come. But it had and he was proud.
Dudley came straight to them after the short speech was over.
“Ok, that's that. Where are you taking me for dinner?” He grinned, despite his diet he did love his food. He was just a great deal more selective in what, and how much, he ate.
Harry smiled. “I thought we might go to the Golden Palace. You do like Chinese, right?”
Dudley smiled back. “I do. And tonight is a 'free' night. I'm eating what I want.”
Lucius nodded. “That is good. We have reservations in half an hour. It is in walking distance so we should leave now.”
It didn't take Dudley long to realize that what Lucius and the others considered walking distance was nearly a mile. He kept up easily enough but he did wonder about their endurance. He never knew about their daily routine, nor the fact that wizards did tend to walk a lot.
They were right on time for their reservation and were shown into a private dining room which contained a large circular table, a sideboard and a small but adequate wet bar.
Dudley was settled in the place of honour, after he tried to yield it to either Lucius or Severus. “Well, this is very nice.” He glanced around, “No menu?”
Lucius smirked. “No, I ordered an Imperial Banquet.”
Dudley goggled for a moment then gulped, “All nine courses?”
Severus sneered, “It wouldn't be an Imperial Banquet with any less.”
Dudley just glowered, “Oh, get over yourself. Sneering at me won't do any good. I know all about you. Harry wrote me.”
Severus sighed dramatically. “Well, there goes my reputation.”
Harry snorted and announced, “You don't need it anymore ... unless experimental potions research requires you to be a snarky bastard.”
Lucius just laughed, as did Draco. Dudley blinked for a moment then laughed too.
The service was everything they expected it to be.
Dudley as guest of honor got first choice of dishes, he politely took one spoonful then passed the dish to his right. In wizarding circles it was considered polite to pass serving dishes with your wand hand. Harry was pleased to see that Dudley was trying very hard to impress his family.
“So, Harry, any girls on the horizon?” Dudley looked at Harry.
“Um ... well, no. Actually, Draco and I are married, remember? But we're looking into surrogate mothers and ... Hermione could explain this all better. Draco?” Harry managed not to look uncomfortable, barely.
Dudley looked surprised for a moment then just said, “Oh, yeah, I did forget. It's ... well, all that came at a rather busy time for me. Pop got arrested for drunk driving and Mum got all weird about it. We got the house back and sold it off. Mum split the profits with me and I banked it in an IRA. I've been using the interest to pay off some of my schooling and, frankly, taking advantage of you a little for extra funds. I'll pay you back when I finish my Journeymanship. Now. Draco?”
Draco managed to explain DNA strings and the procedure to Dudley in a way he could understand.
Dudley grinned at the end of the explanation, “So, does that mean I get to be Uncle Dudley? Please?”
Harry looked startled for a moment then said, “Sure, if you really want to.”
Dudley looked sad for a second then brightened. “I do. Sorta makes me feel like someone again.”
Lucius announced, “Then you must come to Malfoy Manor for our next do. A picnic on the summer solstice. I'll assign you an elf to help you with the magical things. If you care to come, that is.”
“Wonderful. I'd love it. I've ... well, I've always really wanted to see what all the shouting was about. Thank you. And don't worry about me making an ass of myself. I outgrew that.”
Harry smiled at his cousin. “And quite nicely too.”
With that last comment, the conversation turned to general gossip. The meal ended with warm feelings all around.
Author's notes:
Yes, Lucius the Vain, lied about his age. At this point he would be forty.
Gooseberry is a Victorian term for a maiden aunt who chaperones young relatives and babysits at need. She usually lives with her eldest brother or parents.
Chapter: 61 (epilogue part 1)
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
Parsletongue
Two Years After.
Harry flopped down on the blanket that Draco had spread under one of the massive oak trees on the grounds of Malfoy Manor.
“I'm sure that Ron is enjoying his vacation, are you?”
Draco laughed. “Yes, and I'm still enjoying the faces Ron made when you explained to him that he was going to be responsible for keeping Potter Hall in proper order for immediate occupation at any time. Has Dobby reported?”
“Yes. I had to go to Potter Hall for that. He still won't set foot on any Malfoy property.” Harry sighed sadly.
“I don't blame him. We weren't exactly nice to the poor thing. Just have a drop box at Potter Hall for written reports and a get box on your desk. That should take care of most of the problem.”
Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. “You've told me that a dozen times and I've always said the same thing, he needs contact with me, a drop box isn't going to do the job. Besides, I like talking to him. He tells me the best stories.”
Draco flushed heavily, the last story had involved him, a stuffed dragon named Pinky and Dobby. “Well, damnit, I was only four.” Harry snickered. Draco smacked him and laughingly said, “Oh, shut it, you.”
The genial argument would have continued except for the fact that Lucius joined them. He also flopped down on the blanket, after enlarging it a bit, and groaned.
“You ok, Papa?” Harry gave Lucius a concerned look. His shoulder had never healed quite right and rainy weather made it ache, sometimes enough that he had to wear a sling to ease the pain.
Lucius sighed then chuckled. “Yes, I'm fine, my shoulder isn't acting up any, but ... I swear, some of the members of the Wizengamot haven't got the sense of a gooseberry.”
He sneered but flushed when Harry said, “Well, you broke it, now you have to fix it.”
“For my sins.” He sighed then said mournfully, “But ... I cannot even hex them. It sucks.”
Draco snickered at that. Lucius was picking up muggle slang from Frankie and Johnny.
Severus joined them, bringing a decided stench with him. Lucius just drew his wand and flicked it in a rather complicated pattern, the stench faded away.
“Thank you. I've finally gotten the potion down.” He looked singularly satisfied with this rather cryptic remark.
Harry grinned widely. “That's great. Have you told Hermione yet?”
“Yes, I just owled her. She probably won't get the message until this evening, unless Ron takes it to her.” He lounged across one end of the blanket and put his head in Lucius' lap.
Harry picked up the sketchbook he'd discarded earlier and started to sketch them. He was working on a set of sketches of all his family. He chuckled a bit, jiggling Draco, who was leaning against his shoulder.
“What's funny?” Draco eyed the sketch and envied Harry his skills.
“Who would have thought that the boy who lived, the defeater of Voldemort would turn out to be an artist.” Harry grinned. “I thought ol' Andrews was going to have a fit when he realized that I wasn't looking to apprentice myself to him. I just stole his paint formula.” Harry snickered at Draco's disgusted expression.
That had been a particularly Slytherin enterprise. Harry remembered sitting in on several sessions where Andrews had worked on a painting of Draco while he, Harry, had wandered around the studio. He'd managed to smear paint on his robes, several different colors of paint. Draco and Severus had analyzed the paint and recreated it. None of them had felt the slightest bit of shame at this. A certain mark on the man's arm eased whatever guilt they might have had.
Lucius had watched as Andrews had spelled a painting to move and realized that the spells were common ones. He had gotten together with Hermione and Harry and they had refined the spells into better ones. Now Harry was in demand as a portrait painter, his landscapes and sea scenes were also much in demand. Harry swore that someone would buy his paint rags, which everyone agreed with, but his paintings were excellent work.
Dumbledore's portrait was still asleep but everyone agreed that it looked exactly like Dumbledore. It was taken from a photograph of him which had been taken about six years after he'd become Headmaster of Hogwarts. Harry hoped that it would wake up soon, he wanted to see if it was compos or not.
Mimsey popped in as everyone was snickering over Andrews, who was now on 'retreat' in Paris. No one wanted him to paint them, and his other works were considered 'tedious' by critics. The only reason he had been tolerated by the cognoscenti was because he could animate anything. Now Harry was better, nicer and easy to approach. That didn't mean he'd actually paint you, but at least he didn't swear at people.
“Would you likes your basket now? It is ready. Cookie says to send back to the house if you want anything else.” She summoned a huge basket at Lucius' nod and started handing out plates and silverware. She also put out neat containers of salads and platters of sandwiches.
Draco examined a watercress triangle critically then nibbled one corner. “It's fine Mimsey. Harry, did you get a letter from Neville?”
Harry nodded then swallowed his potato salad. “Yes, he's in Bolivia, something to do with an orchid or bromeliad. I'm not sure. He's fine and will be back for Victory Day. Hermione and Ron want to stay here for the weekend. He choked slightly and coughed. “Sorry.” Everyone stared in stunned surprise at the smoke ring that hovered in front of his mouth for a moment before drifting away on a breeze.
Draco stood up. “I'll call Charlie. Don't do anything until we get back.”
Harry coughed and another smoke ring appeared. Severus and Lucius both watched with interest, Severus groping for a potion.
It was several minutes before Draco reappeared with Charlie and two other dragon tamers. Charlie explained that they were dragon healers and experienced with the results of young dragons flaming for the first time.
He introduced them as Claudia and Alan. The stern faced Claudia glanced around then said, “You know keeping a dragon without a special license is illegal.”
Charlie snorted, then reminded, “Claudia, it's an animagus. Or Harry's an animagus. Harry?”
Harry just stood up, dislodging Draco who protested grumpily. He moved away from the group enough that he wouldn't smack someone with his tail when he transformed. Then he did exactly that, transformed into his dragon form and just waited. Alan gaped at him for a moment then said, “I thought that was just a ... battle story. Oh, my.” He fished in his robes for a moment then pulled out an instrument. “Ok, just open up. This is going to be a great deal easier than examining a real dragon ... I hope.” He gave Harry a stern stare. Harry obediently opened his mouth and lowered his head until the man could look into his mouth comfortably.
After a moment Alan tucked his instrument away and said, “It looks fine to me. I'd give it a try.”
So Harry cleared his throat and thought about breathing fire. The jet of flame he produced was ten feet long and set the nearby grass on fire. Severus negligently produced a stream of water to put it out. It was all very calm and casual but the glow in Draco's eyes and the proud expressions on Lucius' and Severus' faces gave Harry a thrill of pleasure.
He tried again, just to make sure and produced an even bigger flame. Draco laughed and yelled, “I'll get the marshmallows.” Harry transformed back and thwapped him on the shoulder. “Ow. Spousal abuse.”
“Arse. Marshmallows? Rotten snake.”
“Git.”
“Ponce.”
Draco threw up his hands in surrender then hugged Harry breathless. “You did it.”
Harry pulled back to grin at everyone. “I did, didn't I?”
Lucius smiled happily. “I think this calls for a party. I'll floo Molly.”
This had become a regular occurrence with them. Any party meant calling Molly to plan it. Molly called Augusta and the race was on. Augusta would handle the invitations and was main hostess while Molly planned the food and was oversight. Anyone causing any sort of disturbance in a Malfoy-Potter party was sure to deal with one or both of them, then Severus or Lucius would deal with whatever was left. It was an unacknowledged fact that if Harry was called in, Aurors would appear as well. There had only been one real incident in the whole of the last two years.
That had been a horrible thing. Someone was disgruntled over something that had happened to a member of their family and decided to take it up with Lucius. The fight had been short and vicious, unfortunately it had happened in the middle of a birthday ball for Augusta. Millicent Bulstrode had gotten between Augusta and a nasty hex.
The hex had hit her squarely in the face. She'd spent several weeks in St Mungos and retired to Longbottom House with a severely scared face. She rarely left.
Harry had taken one look a Millicent, laying on the floor and gone a bit mad. Wild winds had whipped the ballroom, raising a cloud of dust and small objects. He'd transformed his wand into the staff and banished the miscreant to the Ministry holding cells, in pieces. Testimony from the attending witches and wizards, as well as some from healers, had proven that Harry was in the right. He admitted to losing his temper, but no one blamed him much. This had, however, made the whole of the wizarding world leery of inciting Harry's temper. Behavior at any of the Malfoy-Potter events was at its wizarding best.
This party was fun and limited to close friends and family only. Harry demonstrated his form, as was custom, and flamed several times. He also offered dragon back rides to all his friends with enough nerve to try it. This included a grinning Charlie, who went first whooping with glee.
Neville, who had come back from Brazil just for the party, also enjoyed his ride. Hermione had shrieked in terror so Harry had landed and let her off quickly. Ron loved it as much as Charlie had while Lucius and Severus had dismounted with pleased smiles. Draco had also loved his ride and told Harry, “I expect more and longer rides, you know. Later.” his grin had been just this side of perverted. Harry had snickered and transformed back to human as both Molly and Augusta had declined. Harry turned to the twins but they also declined with every indication that they really weren't interested. The lack of personal control in the air made the perennial pranksters nervous. Arthur wasn't present as he could not manage to get past his dislike of Lucius, no matter what Molly said.
They partied long into the night.
.
It was three weeks later that Hermione sent an owl to ask them all to come to the farm. She claimed a breakthrough in her experiments.
She proudly led them to a pen containing four sows. “They're pregnant.”
Lucius gazed at the pigs with faint loathing. “A condition devoutly to be ... and I'm interested in this, why?” He turned to look at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. Severus, Harry and Draco also just watched her.
Hermione beamed at him. “Because they're not the mothers, or the fathers.” She pointed to a couple of boars in another pen. “They are.”
Four faces lit up as one. Ron grinned proudly in the background.
Hermione rushed to explain. “It was all the potion. It made the DNA in the sperm stable enough to be extracted, combined then inserted into the vacant egg. Then another potion made implantation a sure take. Now, all we have to do is wait for them to bear their young. To see that there are no untoward combinations.”
Harry looked puzzled and said, intelligently, “Huh?”
Ron interjected. “No birth defects. Two heads, no legs ... stuff like that.”
Hermione smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. “Shut it. This will work. I won't let it not.”
“Ow! Woman, being preggers doesn't give you the right to beat me up. Damn.” Ron grinned at the others. Hermione was going to kill him but he just couldn't keep it in any longer. “What? We're telling Mum and Dad and the others tonight.”
“Idiot. I wanted a big party for the announcement.”
Lucius smirked and saved Ron, literally. “Just tell Molly to plan anything she wants. I'll host it.”
They had another party that Saturday, this one also just for family, sort of. Everyone brought gifts for Ron and Hermione and the expected baby. Ron grinned like a fool through the whole thing. Hermione alternately squealed with delight and burst into tears. Everyone ate well, drank sparingly and tore a few reputations to shreds, just the usual.
.
Frankie fluttered around the room, checking that everything was as it should be, for the fifth time. Johnny chuckled softly. They had Lucius, Severus, Draco, Harry, Ron and Neville to the club at least once every two months. Hermione didn't come.
Not that she wasn't welcome, she was. She just was uncomfortable and covered it by announcing that she wasn't about to hang around with men who were prettier than she was. All the boys adored her and let her keep her pride. They invaded Potter Hall every now and then, bearing chick flicks and ice cream. They'd spend the evening trading insults, beauty tips and stories; throwing popcorn at the screen when a character did something they considered especially stupid.
Hermione was very smug about having gotten a telly to work at Potter Hall. She also had blu-ray and cable. And she wasn't telling how she'd done it either. She was making a fortune installing the whole outfit for muggleborns who wanted the service. Ron, it turned out was a Man U fan of epic proportions.
The first time Lucius had actually had time to really look around the club, he'd brought Severus with him. Severus had been disgusted by the lock boys, until Harry had told him why they wore a locked harness. It kept over zealous customers from taking advantage. The locks were small but expensive and very hard to break. It was even harder when they were on a struggling, screaming kid who really wasn't interested.
“I really appreciated Frankie and Johnny taking me on. I mean, really, would you like a blow job? I was so nervous.”
Severus had done a real spit take at that one. “Oh, for Merlin's sake. You really?”
Harry had just nodded and laughed. Severus had walked very carefully around Lucius for a week.
Now, every two months, the Twin Dragons performed at The Silken Cage. They always made a big deal of it, special drinks, snacks on the tables, that sort of thing. And all the boys made a big deal of it too. They practically fawned on Lucius and Draco, they did fawn on Harry and, for some reason no one could figure out, Severus. They treated Ron and Neville like long lost best friends.
Neville's reaction to the club had been a surprise to the boys, as had Ron's. They both had the wizarding attitude to gay and lesbian people. They didn't give a damn. Who you had in your bed, especially if you weren't married, was your business. Ron had even allowed the boys to dress him once. Hermione had nearly died laughing at them.
Harry had taught Draco to dance Turkish style and they loved coming to the Cage to dance. They'd do it more often but their schedules didn't allow it.
So tonight they were dancing.
Lucius leaned against Severus, who was watching Harry critically as he selected costumes for their dance. He distinctly remembered his first time in the club 'After'.
.
He'd been mobbed by twittering, fluttering men. Harry had snickered for a bit then frankly roared. He'd gotten a smack on the back of the head from someone called Bennie, who'd laughed himself then said, “Be nice.”
Severus had laughed too, that deep chocolate rich sound that sounded like velvet felt.
“Oh. My. God. Will you look at them. Yin and Yang. Dark and Light.” Bennie tugged them into the middle of the room. “Come on. Harry's told us all about you and that you want to go clubbing but don't have any clothes.” He got a really good look at wizarding robes for the first time and wailed, “What on earth? How can you cover up ... all that yummy maleness with a damn blanket? It's sacrilege.”
Lucius had been stripped down to trousers and shirt in seconds, Severus didn't bother to protest, he just handed his robes to someone. And the twittering, fussing group gathered around demanding to know how he managed to stay in such good shape.
A voice from the door supplied that answer. “Ok, you bunch of flaming queens, give the man some air.”
A chorus of, “I'd love to, mouth to mouth.” “Air? I'd give him anything he wants.” And even more suggestive comments proved that both Severus and Lucius had broken their blushes long ago.
Leather trousers were tossed out onto a couch and decidedly too tight jeans. Several shirts were added and boots as well as jewelry.
Lucius found one man, Bennie, was a hairdresser and makeup artist. He was currently stroking his hair. Finally he exclaimed, “Oh, I do hate you so.” vague questioning noises from around the room made him add, “It's natural, real, natural platinum blond.” this created a rush as everyone had to hurry over to feel his hair and exclaim over it.
His confused and slightly offended expression sent both Harry and Draco into gales of laughter, while Severus finally announced, “Hands off, all of you. He's mine.” His slightly thunderous expression made one man mock snarl, “Well, damn, all the good ones are either straight or taken. I swear!”
“Constantly, honey, constantly.” Frankie announced. “Alright, you girls get on with it, will you? I'd like to have them in the club before it closes.”
Harry had his club stuff with him and some things for Draco. He'd brought his favorite leather pants and a silk dance shirt in green, heavy boots completed the 'bad boy' look. Draco was dressed similarly but with a dark blue shirt and ankle boots as he claimed not to be able to walk in boots like Harry's with out 'clomping'.
Lucius was introduced to the process of getting into skintight leather trousers.
“Underwear?” Lucius looked at the trousers doubtfully.
“Pantie lines, darling, just awful. Just a good sprinkle of powder.” Frankie snickered at the looks on both their faces.
It didn't take long to get both Severus and Lucius into the skin tight leather trousers and silk dance shirts. Neither one of them looked anywhere near their admitted age, a thing that made both Frankie and Johnny groan. They were well aware of the riot that four gorgeous men like their favorite wizards were going to make in the club.
And, there had been a near riot the second they entered. Lucius looked like a wet dream in black leather with his long blond hair flowing down his back like a drift of newly fallen snow. Severus looked lean, mean and dangerously sexy. They spent a few moments checking out the dance floor and glowering at anyone who paid too much attention to their partner. Frankie and Johnny nearly killed themselves trying not to laugh until they got into the back.
Draco and Harry created a similar sensation.
This led to a real semi-riot. Harry was known in the club and the lack of a lock on his collar sent signals to one man. A man who'd been a nuisance before.
Now, he approached Harry, murmuring, “Well, hello there, pretty-pretty. Nice outfit. Come with me. I'll show you a real good time.”
Harry backed away from the groping hands but before he could do more than that, someone else intervened. A soft, velvety voice said from over his shoulder, “I don't think Harry is interested. Your hand should go into your pocket ... now!”
Harry glanced over his shoulder at Severus. “Hi.” He turned back to his annoyance. “I really think you should go. If my Papa sees you, you're dead meat. Go!”
The man, now earmarked 'The Idiot', didn't listen. Instead of being smart and leaving to find easier prey, he snarked, “That big nosed creep your 'Papa'? Come with me, I'll give you everything he does ...” he leered rudely. “and more.”
Harry snorted, then exclaimed, “Oh, ick! He's my Papa's lover and the only thing he ever gives me is a hard time. You really are pushing your luck. Either Frankie or Johnny would have you out the door by now.”
Severus just caught the Idiot by one arm and pressed hard into the soft nerve cluster in his armpit. “Come, door, that way.” This cryptic utterance was followed by a quick frogmarch to the back door. Severus shoved the man out the door and commanded, “Find some other club to haunt. Or you'll be haunting for real.” The look he pointed in the Idiot's direction made him whimper and scurry away, never to enter the club again.
“Sweetie, if you ever decided to become a bouncer, you're hired. Thanks.”
Severus turned to smile slightly at Frankie. “I was wondering why he was in here. He doesn't seem smart enough to be your sort.”
“He's not, but he's intimidating to younger sorts and has a lot of money to throw around. I've banned him but he keeps coming back. Like a bad penny.” Frankie eyed the boy on the door for a moment.
Severus just followed his stare for a moment. “You should put someone with a bit more spine on the door and relegate the boys to the coat room.”
“We did, but customers complained that the setup slowed the line. I think we'll go back to the way Harry set it up. Fewer undesirables get in.” And with that, Frankie went to reset the door, leaving Severus to find Lucius.
They'd danced the night away and Lucius had admitted that it was nice to get away from being 'The Malfoy' for awhile.
Severus shook himself back to the present and ambled out to find a place in the club from which to watch the dancing.
.
The music started with a soft flute solo.
Draco entered first, dressed in a heavy midnight blue velvet cloak embroidered with silver vines and leaves at the hem. His head was covered by a thin veil in a lighter shade of blue.
Harry followed almost at once, dressed similarly but his cloak was oak-moss green, embroidered in gold oak leaves and acorns.
They Quail walked down the runway to the middle then stood side by side. The music picked up its pace a bit with the addition of an oud, a mandolin like instrument. This added a rhythmic second to the flute.
They both extended their arms from under the cloaks, sinuous movements describing arcs of glittering bracelets in the air. Faint movements under the cloaks incited interest in more than their hands and arms.
A doumbek started a sharp counter point and they threw off their cloaks and whipped them into the wings. This reveled their silk harem pants, slit from high on their hips to their ankles. The waistband and ankle bands were heavily embroidered with silver or gold thread and small jingling coins. Their vests were also embroidered.
Then they began a duel of dancing that made the whole club cheer. Harry advanced, hips jerking in neat bumps as he walked. His hair was down and rippled like a dark waterfall as he moved. Draco followed easily.
Harry paused a moment then began doing a series of alternating belly rolls and shoulder rolls that made his whole body seem boneless. Again, Draco followed. The crowd went a bit crazy, throwing coins onto the runway and whistling and cheering loudly.
Then the dancers traded roles, Draco became the challenger. The music sped up, the drums sounding louder. Draco did a smooth forward leaning shoulder shimmy which morphed into a hip bounce as he straightened up. Harry imitated him, coins jingling loudly.
Draco led Harry to the end of the runway with an elegant Egyptian walk, hips swaying in unison. Then they both began a snake like motion called a serpentine, lifting one arm and lowering the other their shoulders went one way and their hips went the other, their spines in a definite S shape.
The music reached a crescendo and they stood doing a complicated shimmy and sway until the music stopped abruptly. The shock quieted the audience for a moment then they went wild, throwing money and clapping their hands and stamping their feet.
Harry clasped hands with Draco and they bowed then scampered off the runway, bracelets and anklets flashing and coins jingling. Several of the new lock boys scampered out to gather up the coins and a few notes. This money would go to Frankie and Johnny to help them with their charity work.
They went into the back and were greeted by Frankie. “Oh, my, you're both beautiful. If you ever...”
Draco laughed. “No thank you. I'd hex the first man who groped me. I don't think that would add to your custom much.”
Johnny laughed from behind them. “Here, water and towels. I don't believe hexing a groper would do us much harm. I punched the last one who groped me. It's not allowed, remember?”
As they were speaking, a young fool was doing his best to get his bits hexed off.
“Hello, gorgeous. Why don't you dump tall and ugly and come with me. I'll show you a real good time.”
Lucius avoided choking on his drink but just barely. “Excuse me?”
Severus loomed behind Lucius scowling.
The Idiot, Lucius' ire supplied capitols, reached out to touch Lucius' hair. Severus intercepted the hand and bent it back at the wrist, cramping the Idiot's whole arm. “Do. Not. Touch.”
Lucius reached down and casually grasped something the Idiot was very attached to. “I do hope you realize that I'm not some priss that you can over run.” He smiled slightly. “In fact, I'm not a very nice man at all. You really should keep your hands to yourself. Who knows who you might offend.” Then he squeezed, hard.
Just as he did that Johnny drifted up behind the Idiot and asked, “Is there a problem?” The Idiot whimpered loudly, he didn't make more noise because Severus had his other hand on his throat, pressing on his larynx.
Lucius picked up a nearby bar cloth and wiped his hand. “No, I don't believe so. This ... gentleman was just leaving.” He pinned the man with a frozen stare. “Weren't you.”
Johnny knew this man and he had been told the last time he came in that one more incident and he would be banned. “Ok, fart face, you are banned. Permanently.” He dug his fingers into the soft spot in his armpit, pressing on the bundle of nerves there. “Let me show you the way out.” Johnny dragged him away.
Severus leaned against Lucius' back. “You alright?”
“Fine. I like the fact that Frankie and Johnny are so ... hands on. I'm glad that Harry had them.”
Severus snorted. “They adore him, as do all the men here.”
Lucius poked him in the stomach, making him grunt. “And a very good thing to. It's a wonder someone worse than me didn't get their hands on him. Come on, let's go back to the dressing room.”
Johnny came back from ejecting the idiot and led the way through the dancing crowd.
They entered the dressing room just in time to interrupt a critique of Draco and Harry's clubbing garb. The general consensus being that they needed to take off more clothing, and add more eyeliner.
They all turned to look at Severus when he cleared his throat. He didn't get a chance to say anything as all the boys jumped him at once. He tried to resist but couldn't do much with Lucius holding his hands.
Harry snickered as he magicked Severus' suit off. It was handed to one of the older men who hung it on a hanger and put it in a locker. This left him in a vest and boxers. Then Harry, Draco and Lucius left the room, leaving Severus to the tender mercies of six flaming queens.
It didn't turn out that bad. They didn't shove him into a fishnet shirt or anything else so obvious. He wound up wearing not too tight leather pants, a dark grey satin shirt and heavy boots. His hair was longer now and someone had pulled it back into a low pony tail and fastened it with a sliver clasp. All in all, he looked hard and lean and dangerous.
He tugged at a cuff and grumbled, “Harry, I don't know how I let you talk me into this.”
Harry smirked at him happily. “Maybe because I've been nagging you for two years?”
“Possibly, and because Lucius promised to participate as well.” He turned to his lover. “Luka?”
Lucius scowled for a moment but after bearing the brunt of three pairs of demanding eyes he grumbled, “Fine, fine, I'm going.” He returned dressed in similar garb except his pants and shoes were ice white while his shirt was sapphire blue.
Draco was dressed in black as was Harry. And they both wore 'tank' tops Harry's was green while Draco's was black.
Harry grinned widely. “Ok. Let's do this thing. I bet I'm the only magical guy to be able to say I went muggle clubbing with my Papa. Brilliant!”
Lucius eyed Severus for a moment then sighed. “Ok. Let's get this over with.”
Draco just smirked over Harry's shoulder.
Johnny put his foot in it quite nicely. “Well, Harry, he is a bit old for clubbing, you know. He's ... what? ... Forty?”
Lucius went snotty on them in an instant, much to Severus' amusement. “I'll have you know that I'm only thirty-six, very young for a wizard. Our lives are much longer so I'm the equivalent of about twenty in muggle terms.”
Frankie snickered, hugged Johnny and whispered in his ear, “I guess that tells you.”
“Yeah, I'm so put in my place.” He watched as the four went into the club and straight to the dance floor. “I hope they all have fun. Harry's been looking forward to this for months.”
They laughed happily and went to join the others. They all danced until the club closed. Then sat around talking and cooling off for about a half an hour more.
Finally Lucius stood up, saying, “I'm sorry to have to break this up but we do need to leave. I have an appointment with the minister in the morning. Frankie, Johnny, you have to come for Harry's birthday. I'll assign an elf to the two of you so you won't have problems in a magical environment. We'll see how it works out.” He patted his pockets then pulled a length of ribbon out of one. “Here. Severus, do you have our things?”
Severus nodded, “I do. I shrank them and put them in my pocket. I'm ready.”
Draco and Harry indicated that they were almost ready. Draco wandered around a bit while Harry disappeared in the direction of the back.
Lucius waited for a few minutes then called for Harry, then offered the port key to the others. Harry hurried over, he'd been saying goodbye to Frankie and Johnny's 'boys'. Draco took hold as did Severus. Before they left Lucius called to the two friends, “You must visit us at Malfoy Manor. I really meant that. Goodbye.” Harry's happy whoop was cut off by the activation of the port key.
.
Lucius stepped out of the elevator and ambled down the hall. He'd had to drag Harry and Draco out of bed that morning. He wrinkled his nose a bit, the room had definitely smelled of sex, not that he had anything against the idea. He just didn't want such obvious evidence of their activities.
After a quick flick of his wand made sure that all the soot was off his robes, he knocked on the inner door of the Minister of Magic's office.
The assistant to the assistant to the minister's secretary scurried out of the woodwork and squeaked, “I'm so sorry, sir, the minister isn't in just yet. He said to make his apologies and reschedule your appointment for tomorrow. But ... if you were wanting to see the portrait, I could let you in.”
Lucius gave the woman a slight smirk. “Yes, if you please. But ... I really do have my doubts about that portrait ever coming to life.”
“Oh, dear. The minister has been bragging about this portrait being the best work available. Do you have any idea why?”
“Yes, I do. The robes, you see.” Lucius nearly laughed aloud at her expression, something he still avoided doing in public. It seemed to scare people when he laughed.
“The robes? They're very elegant.” Her puzzled expression increased.
“Yes, very. Something Dumbledore never was. I remember one occasion when he came to a Ministerial Ball in flaming pink robes with pumpkin orange trim. Those robes also had shooting stars and dancing unicorns on them. Moving ones.”
The woman's expression changed to amused. “I see. There's also a portrait at Hogwarts, in the Head's office. Maybe that one will come awake.”
Lucius allowed the poor woman to let him into the office, took one look of the portrait of Dumbledore dressed in elegant, subdued robes of dark blue velvet and a black flat cap then left, thanking her politely. She squeaked again and scurried off.
Lucius laughed as he stalked down the corridor toward the atrium, people flattened themselves against the walls to get out of his way. This only made him laugh harder. Then he apparated from the Atrium to Hogwarts' gates. Which should have been impossible as you had to floo from the Atrium to an outside apparation point, only he didn't. He was still laughing as he walked up the path to the front doors.
He walked through the doors and gazed around for a moment. He heard the whispers, of course.
“It's Mr. Malfoy. Look! He's one of the heroes of the Battle For Hogwarts. Oooo.”
“Oh, he's so handsome. I wish...”
“Shhh! He'll hear you.”
Lucius snorted, “I most certainly will. Now ... clear the way and stop staring. It is incredibly rude. Shoo!” he flicked his hand in an easily recognized gesture and the staring, whispering mob did exactly that.
He made his way to the Head's office and the gargoyle jumped out of his way, revealing the stairs to the office. He climbed them and tapped at the door.
Minerva called, “Come in.” and summoned a chair for him. “How's your shoulder?”
Lucius shrugged a bit. “Alright. It hurts in rainy weather and gets stiff when it is cold. But, all in all, not that bad. Has the old coot woken up yet?”
“Yes, the old coot has.” Dumbledore's unmistakable voice spoke from behind him.
Lucius swivelled in his chair to look at the portrait. “Good day to you, Albus. I was wondering when you would awaken.”
The portrait smiled serenely and allowed, “I woke at the Ministry. Whose idea was that set of robes? Awful, dreary things. They make me look like something from the Middle Ages.”
Lucius glanced at Minerva, lips twitching. “I have no idea. Very ... subdued. Quite ... proper.”
Albus made a rude noise while Minerva and Lucius burst out laughing.
“Well, now that you are awake I shall call Harry and Draco. Ron, Neville, Hermione ... the list of those who want to speak to you is endless. Shall I prepare an actual list? Or just tell it to you?”
Albus smiled, eyes twinkling. “Oh, I think just let them come up a few at a time. Ministry officials last. I should love to speak to Harry most of all.”
Lucius smiled back. “I will make a call at once.” He went to the fireplace and tossed in some floo powder. He told Draco, who agreed to call others for him. Headmistress McGonagall asked him to make a couple of calls for her as kneeling on the hearth gave her fits now.
It was only moments before Harry, Severus and Draco stepped through the floo, followed shortly by Molly, Augusta and Neville. Suddenly, the big office was very small.
Neville looked around and announced, “Gran, this won't do at all. Everyone and his dog is going to want to be able to say they spoke with Dumbledore. All that traffic will interfere with everyday functioning of the Head's office, not to mention the nuisance of having them all tracking in and out. But ... where ...” he wandered absently around the office, thinking.
Dumbledore managed to remain silent for all of five minutes before he asked, “Is the History schedule still the same?”
Minerva nodded, “Yes, still the same but Binns has 'retired'. Why?”
Neville nodded. “Perfect. Yes, see? All we have to do is move him to the stage then rearrange the seating a bit. A section for reporters, which they are restricted to, and create a waiting area. Then anyone who wants to speak to Professor Dumbledore can speak to him without creating a nuisance to the school. We can control everything fairly easily. Just whisk everyone to the lecture hall and plop them into a seat. Tell them that they'll be put out if they cause problems and make it stick.” He glanced at Augusta and Molly who both smiled and nodded.
Everyone knew they could trust those two venerable women to keep things moving smoothly.
Severus and Lucius nodded to each other so Lucius approached Augusta. “You can rely on Severus and I for anything you need.” He smirked, “Even a bit of old fashioned intimidation, if needed.”
“Thank you, Lucius. Molly and I shall just clear out a few people for now. Go have your talk.”
Lucius smirked, “I didn't care for the old goat when he was alive, now that I've had my turn and can say I was one of the first, I do not care to interact with him anymore. Now, tell me what you need.” They put their heads together and started planning.
Molly went to the lecture hall and implemented the arrangements while Harry spoke to Dumbledore.
.
Harry got a real shock first thing. Dumbledore apologized.
“Harry, I'm truly sorry for what I put you through. Senility is an insidious thing, especially in someone as powerful as I. It creeps in so slowly that decisions seem reasonable that would have horrified a person even two years previously. I pray that you will find it in your heart...”
Harry just held up a hand. “What is done, is done. Forget about it. Do you want the good news ... or the great news?”
Dumbledore was wiser now than he'd been in the last years of his life. “Please. Good or great, I am happy to hear it.”
Harry grinned, “Ok, good ... Draco and I get along very well. In fact, we've managed to fall in love. Good ... Hermione has managed to figure out how to make muggle electronics work in a magical environment. And don't ask me how, I don't know enough physics. Also, great news, Hermione ... the woman is truly scarily brilliant ... She's figured out how two wizards can have kids. Draco and I are making arrangements for surrogates right now. As are several other same sex couples.”
Dumbledore twinkled happily. “Oh, that is grand news. Are Lucius and Severus ....”
Harry smirked. “Oh, yeah ... and Severus is ... I'm not sure how to describe that combination of pride, terror and satisfaction. It requires potions, so he's brewing them. And magic, Hermione is doing that and well ... He's scared to death that he'll be a horrible father. But ... Draco and I are all over that.” He frankly grinned. “I”m going to be a big brother. It's great. Almost as good as being a father.” He glanced over his shoulder, “I should go. Other's are wanting a turn, but I'll be back after all the fuss is over so we can have a real visit.” He got up and made room for Severus.
No one ever really knew what they spoke of but Severus went away with a genuine smile on his face and Dumbledore watched him with a sad one. Lucius tucked Severus under his chin and hugged him for a while, then they went to help control the riot that the main vestibule and front courtyard had become. No one seemed to find it odd that the two people Dumbledore had done worst by were now under the protection of Lucius Malfoy.
But, what with most of the younger people having taking Potions from the very scary Professor Snape and the older people either doing business with or having done business with The Malfoy, things were soon under control.
Neville and Augusta assigned appointments with those they thought really needed to speak to Dumbledore today and sent the others away with appointments for other days. Some people were not happy with their times but complaints only found the complainer farther down the list. Most were savvy enough to keep their mouth shut and be happy to see him at all.
And the wizarding world marvelled at another coup by the Malfoy-Potter-Longbottom-Weasley combine. And Lucius gifted Molly with a very nice set of antique linen sheets with embroidered heads while Augusta got some amber bangles she'd been coveting.
.
Hermione dithered between one room and another. She was interviewing surrogates and hated the job with a passion. She felt sorry for all the women who came in; some were just poor and hoped for advancement, others were desperate, homeless for one reason or another and seeking only to provide for themselves. Still others wanted a child, by any means. The one's she hated on sight were those who wanted to use their child as a road to social status. Or they were trying to gain a foothold in the Malfoy or Potter households. She knew that neither Harry and Draco nor Severus and Lucius cared about anything but whether or not the woman would care for the child. Anything less was unacceptable.
She was startled when the fourth interview was with Millicent Bulstrode.
“Millie! How nice to see you. Tea?” Hermione lifted the pot.
“Please. I'm here for an interview, just so you know this isn't social.” Millicent took off her bonnet, something she didn't do except in the presence of friends. After fluffing her hair, she took a cup.
“Oh, but ... your family is well off, so ... just explain. Biscuit?”
“Thank you.” She sipped then nibbled as she got her thoughts in order. “Well, my family is well off. But no one in our social circle would marry anyone who looks like me. And, no, there's no hope. The best St. Mungo's has to offer tried everything. I'm scarred for life and that's that. I want children, even if ... I just want one of my own.”
Hermione made a note. “I see. Your brother has secured the bloodline and succession, I take it?”
“Yes. Two months ago, he and his wife, Charlotte, had a boy. And they're planning at least three children. Father is ecstatic. He offered me as nanny without even asking me what I wanted. I'm still at Longbottom House, Augusta told him to bugger off. Andrew realized that Father hadn't asked me and apologized. I'll visit but I'm not a gooseberry for anyone.”
“I see. Well, this is a ... lifetime commitment. You see, we all agree that the surrogate has to be willing to be wet nurse, nanny then governess. You'll be committed until the baby goes to Hogwarts, or longer. What do you think?”
“I think I'm in. I'd like to have more than one child. And, if possible, all from the same set of parents.” Millicent looked very interested and more than a little eager.
“Wonderful. I just know that Harry and Draco and you will manage very well. They wanted one surrogate for all their kids. We'll see that you have plenty of help, a nurse/companion while you're pregnant, hopefully someone who will stay on to help with the baby and all the elves will fall all over themselves for you. I'll put your name at the top of the list.”
After several more unsatisfactory interviews, Hermione was getting ready to despair of finding anyone else suitable. She was finding that Dean Thomas's aversion to non-Latin based magic was more widely spread than anyone suspected. Lucius said that it was due to the propaganda spread by Romans during their occupation of Britain centuries ago, part of their integration process. The local Druids and Celt's suffered, magical and muggle. So, now, many wizards in Britain believed that non-Latin magic was Dark.
She grumbled, “Damn, idiotic, prejudice.” and called in the next interview.
This lady turned out to be a widow named Twinkle Towbridge. She was in her early thirties, just three years younger than Severus, and wanted children. Her husband had been nearly fifty years older than she was and had died early in the Second Voldemort War. She had no children and wanted some desperately. Hermione liked the look of her and added her name to the short, very short, list she was compiling of women to be checked out.
At the end of three days of interviews, Hermione had a list of ten women she thought would be suitable. She turned that over to Severus for background checks and Madam Pomfrey for physicals.
It didn't take long for the information to get back.
Hermione was pleased to see that Millicent was cleared to have a baby every 18 months for the next 20 years, as long as she got proper potions and plenty of rest, good food and medical checkups. Hermione couldn't help smiling a bit, her procedure usually resulted in twins or triplets.
Twinkle turned out to be in just a good a physical shape as Millicent and was also approved for a baby every 18 months.
Another three women were physically capable but were mentally shaky, so Hermione put their folders aside. They would do, with close supervision, but Hermione didn't want that for her friends.
Finally, she realized that two would do, all they needed was plenty of support staff to help care for the babies. And, as rich as the two families were, that wasn't a problem. She closed her notebook with satisfaction and went to give everyone the news.
.
Harry looked up as Lucius came into the room. “Hermione found our surrogates. Millicent Bulstrode for you and some woman named Twinkle Towbridge for Severus and I.”
Harry put down his pen, he'd been reading contracts. Now that he was of age, Tom Riddle was gone and he'd graduated from Hogwarts, he was responsible for his own finances. Not that Lucius wouldn't help at the drop of a hint if he needed it. “That's good. How soon can we do the procedures.” He got an arrested look on his face for a moment. “And what ... exactly is the procedure?”
Lucius took a seat, delicately pulling his pants away from his knees so as not to spoil the crease. “I have no idea. Hermione said she'd explain it all tomorrow.” he glanced around carefully. “Where is Aspis?”
“In the conservatory. He's decided that it's his exclusively. He hates the cold, you know, so he's settled in for the duration. He won't bother anyone if they don't bother him. And anyone who would be in there knows him. It'll be fine. If we have a party or something, he's agreed to go to his tank. If I got him a bigger one.” Harry grinned in recollection, the conversation with his familiar had been funny.
Aspis had insisted on being taken to the pet store and examining all the tanks himself. The owner had been amused, until Harry had asked Aspis a question and the snake obviously replied, both in parsletongue.
“I like this one. It is big enough. I need plenty of sand and a warm rock to bask on.” Aspis wrapped himself around Harry.
“Fine. You shall have it. And all the mice you want.” Harry patted his familiar gently.
Aspis hissed in obvious displeasure. “Mice? Why mice? They are too small now. I need bigger prey. Perhaps a piglet.”
“If that is what you want, that is what you shall have.”
“Good. It is, after all, what I deserve.”
Harry had laughed, bought the tank and had it set up in his study.
“Oh, yes, Aspis is very sure of what he deserves. His new tank is set up in my study. So ... Summer Solstice party?”
“No plans yet. A dance, possibly. Picnic for certain. Do you have any ideas?” Lucius settled in for a bit of a visit.
Harry shook his head. “I wouldn't dare. I just turn everything over to Augusta and Molly and get out of their way. It works.” Lucius sighed, it did and that grated a bit. “Don't make that face. I know it puts us in their debt but ... you know damn good and well that they'll not take advantage.”
“Too much. Augusta wants to use the grand ball room for her next do.”
“So? Let her. It's not like she's got one big enough. What's it going to hurt?” Harry was well aware that some of the finer nuances of society went over his head.
“Nothing, really. I ... have no idea why it disturbs me so much. Never mind it, I'll get over it.” Lucius thought for a moment. “Do you want to go to Dudley's graduation?”
Harry thought about that. Dudley had been held back a year in highschool then gone on to Apprentice in a trade. He had taken an apprenticeship with a craftsman and attended college at the same time he was now a jeweler of some skill, specializing in one of a kind, high end pieces. Harry was actually very proud of him. He was graduating from his Master's program in a few days. Harry had yet to receive an invitation but they were expecting one any moment.
The invitation came the next day, via owl. Dudley apologized for its lateness but explained that he had waited until they were sure where the ceremony was going to be. Harry sent his acceptance via return owl.
.
The ceremony turned out to be in one of those ubiquitous all purpose buildings that are so common in any government. Meant to serve for every occasion, they barely mange to serve any.
Every head in the room turned as the four men walked in. They were all dressed in the height of fashion, expensive suits, silk shirts, understated but elegant jewellery; except for the fact that they all were wearing more than one ring. It was a bit ostentatious but most were so dazzled by their bearing that they didn't notice.
Harry sighed, he hated buildings, rooms, areas like this. They were impersonal, cold and just plain awful, but he'd promised Dudley to come, so he was here. He found a chair in the front and sat down. Lucius settled elegantly on one side and Draco on the other. Severus sat down beside Lucius and sniffed disdainfully.
“I hate these buildings. Remind me of state school. And that smell is pervasive. We'll all smell like muggle disinfectant when we get home. I don't know why they don't use a good citrus based cleaner. They're cheaper and easier on the environment.”
Harry snorted then said, “Because they're more expensive. Every penny counts. Now shush, here comes Dudley.”
Dudley smiled as he walked up. He was now a completely different person than he'd been three years ago. He was now an accomplished Master in his own right, a hard worker and dedicated to his craft. But that wasn't the most impressive thing. He'd lost nearly half his weight and looked great. He'd never be slender, his body type was stocky at best. But he didn't carry any fat to speak of and regular workouts had made him hard and lean.
“Hi, Harry. Draco, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Snape. I'm so glad you could make it. Liu-shodoshi says to say hello. Man's a sadist. But I'm going for my orange in a couple of months.”
Harry grinned. “That's great, Dudley. And congratulations on your graduation. We'll take you out to dinner after. Unless you have other plans.”
Dudley shrugged, “I'm not in a relationship just now. Francy didn't understand about confidentiality and ... personal space. And she turned out to have sticky fingers. She didn't see any reason she shouldn't help herself to anything I made. She didn't get her hands on anything really expensive but ... I just ... you know.”
Harry nodded. “I do. What was to keep her from taking something one of a kind and commissioned. You'll find someone sooner or later.”
Dudley glanced at his watch and announced. “Get seated, I have to get to the back. Twenty minutes. Thanks for coming. Bye.” and with that he hurried off to get his place in the line of graduates.
Harry watched with pride as Dudley walked across the stage, accepted his diploma and shook hands with the Headmaster and his primary instructor. He'd never thought this day would come. But it had and he was proud.
Dudley came straight to them after the short speech was over.
“Ok, that's that. Where are you taking me for dinner?” He grinned, despite his diet he did love his food. He was just a great deal more selective in what, and how much, he ate.
Harry smiled. “I thought we might go to the Golden Palace. You do like Chinese, right?”
Dudley smiled back. “I do. And tonight is a 'free' night. I'm eating what I want.”
Lucius nodded. “That is good. We have reservations in half an hour. It is in walking distance so we should leave now.”
It didn't take Dudley long to realize that what Lucius and the others considered walking distance was nearly a mile. He kept up easily enough but he did wonder about their endurance. He never knew about their daily routine, nor the fact that wizards did tend to walk a lot.
They were right on time for their reservation and were shown into a private dining room which contained a large circular table, a sideboard and a small but adequate wet bar.
Dudley was settled in the place of honour, after he tried to yield it to either Lucius or Severus. “Well, this is very nice.” He glanced around, “No menu?”
Lucius smirked. “No, I ordered an Imperial Banquet.”
Dudley goggled for a moment then gulped, “All nine courses?”
Severus sneered, “It wouldn't be an Imperial Banquet with any less.”
Dudley just glowered, “Oh, get over yourself. Sneering at me won't do any good. I know all about you. Harry wrote me.”
Severus sighed dramatically. “Well, there goes my reputation.”
Harry snorted and announced, “You don't need it anymore ... unless experimental potions research requires you to be a snarky bastard.”
Lucius just laughed, as did Draco. Dudley blinked for a moment then laughed too.
The service was everything they expected it to be.
Dudley as guest of honor got first choice of dishes, he politely took one spoonful then passed the dish to his right. In wizarding circles it was considered polite to pass serving dishes with your wand hand. Harry was pleased to see that Dudley was trying very hard to impress his family.
“So, Harry, any girls on the horizon?” Dudley looked at Harry.
“Um ... well, no. Actually, Draco and I are married, remember? But we're looking into surrogate mothers and ... Hermione could explain this all better. Draco?” Harry managed not to look uncomfortable, barely.
Dudley looked surprised for a moment then just said, “Oh, yeah, I did forget. It's ... well, all that came at a rather busy time for me. Pop got arrested for drunk driving and Mum got all weird about it. We got the house back and sold it off. Mum split the profits with me and I banked it in an IRA. I've been using the interest to pay off some of my schooling and, frankly, taking advantage of you a little for extra funds. I'll pay you back when I finish my Journeymanship. Now. Draco?”
Draco managed to explain DNA strings and the procedure to Dudley in a way he could understand.
Dudley grinned at the end of the explanation, “So, does that mean I get to be Uncle Dudley? Please?”
Harry looked startled for a moment then said, “Sure, if you really want to.”
Dudley looked sad for a second then brightened. “I do. Sorta makes me feel like someone again.”
Lucius announced, “Then you must come to Malfoy Manor for our next do. A picnic on the summer solstice. I'll assign you an elf to help you with the magical things. If you care to come, that is.”
“Wonderful. I'd love it. I've ... well, I've always really wanted to see what all the shouting was about. Thank you. And don't worry about me making an ass of myself. I outgrew that.”
Harry smiled at his cousin. “And quite nicely too.”
With that last comment, the conversation turned to general gossip. The meal ended with warm feelings all around.
Author's notes:
Yes, Lucius the Vain, lied about his age. At this point he would be forty.
Gooseberry is a Victorian term for a maiden aunt who chaperones young relatives and babysits at need. She usually lives with her eldest brother or parents.