Payment of a Life Debt - Chapter 3a
Payment of a Life Debt - Chapter 3a
Summary: When the Ministry arrests the Malfoy’s, the only way Harry can save Draco from the Ministry’s attempts to make an example of the former Death-eater, is to call upon archaic laws embedded in the life debts Draco owes Harry.
Warning: This story contains SPOILERS from all seven books. This story also disregards everything about the DH epilogue (19 years later)
Title: Payment of a Life Debt
Narrated by: TorringMay
Typed by: Sorringmay
Betaed by: Luna Selas
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Rating: PG13 / Teen
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Summary: When the Ministry arrests the Malfoy’s, the only way Harry can save Draco from the Ministry’s attempts to make an example of the former Death-eater, is to call upon archaic laws embedded in the life debts Draco owes Harry.
Warning: This story contains SPOILERS from all seven books. This story also disregards everything about the DH epilogue (19 years later)
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Chapter 3a
There was a moment of almost deafening silence and then an explosion of sound came. Ron and Hermione were asking him if he was crazy, members of the court were calling for law books, media members were yelling questions, but all the while Harry kept his eyes trained on the young man sitting in front of him.
Slowly Draco Malfoy had lifted his head to meet Harry’s gaze. The Gryffindor had not been sure what to expect from the Slytherin but the dull lifeless eyes that met his were not it. Harry scowl deepened as he noticed the blonde’s head tilt oddly to the side. Something wasn’t right with his rival.
“Order,” Kingsley rapped on the podium to get everyone’s attention. “The right of claiming has been made,” he frowned at several members of the court who began to whisper again. “This court acknowledges Mr. Harry Potter’s claim. Case dismissed.”
Again, the room burst with sound as Harry watched the aurors lead Malfoy away.
“Mate, are you crazy?” Harry looked at Ron who had grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him gently. “Don’t get me wrong I am all for helping Malfoy, but what were you thinking?”
“It was the only way,” Harry said quietly as he shrugged out of Ron’s grasp.
“Oh Harry we could have continued - “
“No Hermione, we couldn’t. That’s just it, we ran out of time and it was the best option.” He watched Ron sink back into his seat running his hands through his hair. Hermione was quietly biting her lower lip looking worried. “Listen, I know it’s not the ideal solution but it was the best one at the time.”
“I know Harry,” Ron said giving him a weak grin. “Well, we are here for you, even if it means putting up with Malfoy.” Harry watched as Ron’s smile grew even bigger, “Of course now Malfoy has to put up with us too.”
“Ronald,” Hermione said sharply, but anything else she might have said was interrupted as Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared at Harry’s side.
“I’m sorry to disrupt you, but we need Mr. Potter to complete the contract for his Right of Claim.” They could all see the humor dancing in the dark eyes of the Minister of Magic. “If you will follow me please, Harry,” Kingsley gestured the way towards a door off the main room.
Kingsley led Harry down a hall that eventually opened into a large room. The dark haired boy was a bit surprised to see not only Narcissa Malfoy but also Andromeda Tonks standing off to one side of the room. Mrs. Malfoy smiled at Harry though he could see the tears sparkling in her eyes. Mrs. Tonks was also smiling and nodded to Harry and the Minister.
“Minister Shacklebolt, Mr. Potter.” Harry turned to see a smartly dressed wizard striding towards them. He held out his hand to them shaking each of theirs in turn. “I’m Mr. Justin Ehren from the offices of McCathry, Ehren and Jorksohn.”
“A pleasure to meet you Mr. Ehren,” The Minister said looking at the man suspiciously. “And may I ask what brings you here today.”
“I am Mr. Potter’s solicitor.”
Harry frowned till he caught sight of Mrs. Tonks’ nod at him. Suddenly the situation made sense. He smiled at the two ladies nodding back to show he understood. “Thank you for coming Mr. Ehren, I am glad you could make it. I know you come with high recommendation.” He looked the man in the eye to let him know that he did expect the man’s best.
Kingsley showed them towards a door letting the solicitor enter first before grabbing Harry’s arm lightly. “Are you sure about this Harry,” the question was made with genuine concern.
“Yeah, Tonks’ mom recommended him.” Seeing the man approval Harry smiled slightly before entering. His smile quickly vanished as he saw Malfoy sitting there staring at his hands once more. There was just something wrong with a compliant Draco Malfoy. “Kingsley,” Harry said whispering to the Minister, “What’s wrong with him?”
Kingsley crossed the room and lifted Malfoy’s chin in his hand watching as the silver-grey eyes tried to focus on him.
“Sorry Minister,” the young female auror guarding Malfoy mumbled. “He was a bit beside himself this morning; I thought a calming draught wouldn’t hurt him. I think it was a bit too strong for him though, he hasn’t been eating much and all.”
Harry heaved a sigh of relief, he may not like what the snarky git usually had to say, but Malfoy’s sarcasm and wit defined him. He was a bit unsettled at the comment about Malfoy not eating though. Keeping half his attention on the Slytherin, Harry looked over to where the solicitor was reviewing the contract that would seal the claim to Malfoy’s life debt.
“This will not do,” Mr. Ehren said pointing to a particular paragraph in the contract.
The round nosed witch from the Wizengamot bristled and puffed herself up, “It is completely legal and - “
“Please Madame,” the solicitor drawled, “The boy has just saved the whole Wizarding World, buried friends and is trying to rebuild Hogwarts so it may reopen the next school year, and you expect him to have his home ready for his consort?”
“That’s the way it should be, that’s how it is always done…” she stated as the solicitor held up his hand.
“On the contrary, there are eight well documented cases where the Associate was allowed to leave the Consort within the care of officials or the Consort’s family while the Associate prepared their home adequately. I would dare say under these circumstances we can afford to let Mr. Potter prepare his home appropriately for his Consort, after all it is the least that can be done for the service he has provided.”
Though he did not like the way the solicitor was flaunting his defeat of Voldemort and implying that others owed him, Harry did appreciate the way he handled the situation.
“One week,” the woman snapped pointing a finger at Harry, “He has one week to prepare, and he has to provide for his consort in the mean time.”
“That is acceptable.” The solicitor watched as the changes were made to the contract. Finally he nodded and continued reading the contract.
Harry began to tug once more on the tight collar to his dress robes wishing this was over. The minutes ticked by slowly in silence. He was becoming rather fidgety wishing that this meeting were over and he was back at Hogwarts. He did notice that Malfoy kept shaking his head slightly, as if he was attempting to clear it from the effects of the calming potion.
“I think everything is in order, Mr. Potter if you would like to sign.” Mr. Ehren gestured towards to parchment in front of him.
Harry stepped forward as Kingsley lifted a sharp quill. “Just touch it to you finger Harry, it’s a binding document so it must be signed in blood.” Harry nodded doing as he was told, glad that the quill did not work the same way Umbridge’s cursed pen had. The document was then placed before Malfoy who for one moment looked up at Harry with a mixture of anger and fear. He then followed Harry’s example, signing his name with his own blood.
“Very well then,” Mr. Ehren said clapping his hands together, “Minister is it my understanding that you will be performing the ceremony?”
“It would be my honor,” Kingsley said smiling at Harry. Harry just nodded in return unsure of what they were discussing.
“Wonderful. Now then Mr. Potter I would like to discuss a few details with you, might you be available tomorrow.”
“Umm…yeah sure…what time?”
“How about ten tomorrow morning? I think it may be best for me to meet you at Grimmauld Place seeing as my offices are located at Diagon Alley. I doubt the Daily Prophet would be able to resist the temptation.”
Harry smiled appreciatively as he thanked the solicitor, agreeing to meet him at the appointed time. He then turned to Kingsley, “I’m supposed to take care of Malfoy while he stays here then?”
“Ah yes. Well since Mr. Malfoy will not be in public I do not believe he will need to wear consort robes as of yet,” he frowned at the Wizengamot witch as if he dared her to contradict him, “As for food and - “
“Kreacher will attend to that if it is ok.” Harry cut him off. “I would also like to see to it that he is able to properly take care of his personal needs.” There was a crispness in his tone the made the witch cringe, but she acknowledged the request. “Very well then, Kreacher, my house elf, will be here in an hour to attend to Malfoy. Do I need to arrange for bathing facilities?”
“No, that won’t be necessary Mr. Potter. We have appropriate facilities.”
Harry gave her a dark look at this comment, “Then I won’t ask why Malfoy hasn’t been given use of them before now.” The witch gave a pathetic squeak and nodded.
“I do believe that concludes our business then.” Kingsley patted Harry’s shoulder as they watched the aurors lead Malfoy back to his holding cell. “I’ll check on him Harry; I should have done so before but I let myself get distracted.”
“I understand,” Harry said letting out a deep breath. “I just hope I did the right thing.” He looked up to see the gleam of white teeth against dark skin.
“I do believe you did Mr. Potter.”
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“Still not sure you haven’t lost your mind.”
“Ronald!” Hermione hit Ron on the back of the head as they made their way back to the Gryffindor common room. “The last thing Harry needs is you pestering him.”
“I was only saying that this just seems mental ‘Mione. It’s not like I’m going to up and leave, I learned my lesson thank you. Besides it’s not that bad is it.”
Harry came to an abrupt stop to run a hand through his hair, “I really did shackle myself with Malfoy didn’t I?”
“That you did mate,” Ron said sympathetically, “Least you managed to land yourself a pretty boy.”
Harry looked up to see his friend smirking. Try as he might he couldn’t help the chuckles that escaped him. It wasn’t long before all three were leaning against the wall for support as they laughed.
“You know,” Hermione said wiping tears off her cheeks, “Malfoy seemed rather subdued today.”
“They gave him a calming draught, but the dose was too strong,” Harry said still holding his side as they started moving forward again.
“That sounds more like Malfoy,” Ron added, “bet he panicked this morning thinking you were going to do your worst to him. I know I would if things were reversed and Malfoy was choosing.”
“Yeah, well I’m not Malfoy, though I suppose he expected me to take advantage of the situation like he would have.”
“Harry, you do realize that you have a lot to do now that you are his Associate?”
Harry’s brows knit together. “There was some talk about Grimmauld Place and getting it ready, and I need to send Kreacher with food and stuff for the next week.”
“Oh Harry, there is so much more than that. I need to get the book. I wish I had a copy of the contract.”
“Well, my solicitor is meeting me at Grimmauld Place tomorrow at ten. Do you want to come?”
“You have a solicitor?” Ron asked surprised.
Harry blushed slightly for having forgotten to tell them. “Yeah, Mrs. Tonks actually arranged for him to come. I’m glad he did though.”
Hermione patted his arm. “We are glad too. I would like to join you tomorrow if you don’t mind.”
Harry smiled at her, “I would love you to I need someone who understands all the legal jargon.” She gave him a quick hug while both boys rolled their eyes at her antics.
Upon reaching the common room, Harry’s stomached growled as the scent of food reminded him that he had not eaten anything yet that day. Now that his nerves had calmed down his appetite was back. Entering the room they found a number of red heads waiting for them with lunch.
“About time you three wandered back, “Charlie quipped good-naturedly. Next to Charlie sat a dark haired man that looked like another dragon keeper from his clothing. Across from them Katie cradled George’s head against her shoulder, Percy sitting on the other side of his brother. Bill had Fleur sitting on his lap looking rather intimate as Harry, Ron and Hermione flopped down on the last couch.
“So how did it go?” Bill finally asked.
Ron’s face broke into a huge grin as he looked over at Harry. “Malfoy’s going to be Harry’s Consort.”
The room was filled with shocked expressions. Harry blushed as all eyes turned on him making him a bit defensive. “Well they wouldn’t accept our attempts to change things. They said I had to choose or they would consider the life debt forfeited.”
“Well it could have been worse I suppose, though I don’t’ know that much about Consorts,” Bill said twining his fingers with his wife’s.
“Zee Consort is a prestigious position. Zee Malfoy boy should be ‘onored,” Fleur added.
“You know Harry,” George said sitting up strait, his usual maniacal grin in place, “that means that Malfoy is the only one - “
“George!” Percy snapped. “That is rude.”
“But true,” the twin chuckled. “Oh! If Fred was here...” Everyone gave sad smiles and nods as George squeezed Percy’s hand.
“Nah, Fred would be disappointed that Harry didn’t take him as a concubine,” Ron’s eyes twinkled mischievously as he winked at his best friend.
“Oh Ron, Harry is a boy.”
“What does that have to do with anything,” the red head asked before taking a bite of an apple.
Hermione blushed as all eyes turned on her. “Well they’re both boys,” she exclaimed waving a hand in Harry’s general direction.
“Thanks ‘Mione, don’t think I could have figured that one on my own,” Harry teased reaching for a sandwich.
“Yeah well Harry you can’t…you know…he’s a boy.”
At that comment the Weasley members of the group all started to laugh along with Charlie’s friend.
“Miss Granger, if I’m not mistaken?” politely inquired the dark haired man. Hermione nodded cheeks still heated pink. “Robbie Caster. I am going to guess that you are muggle-born.”
Hermione nodded biting her lower lip trying to figure out why everyone was acting the way they were. Looking at Harry she was pleased to see he was just as confused.
Robbie reached over Charlie’s lap to lace his fingers with the ones on Charlie’s far hand, allowing Charlie to wrap an arm around him. Harry’s eyes enlarged as Hermione gave a silent “oh.”
“Unlike the muggle world, we have no issue in the wizarding world with such relationships.”
“That means Harry can snog pretty boy Malfoy all he wants,” George said smiling impishly.
Harry knew his cheeks were tinted red again, but laughed along with everyone else.
“Yeah well Malfoy wasn’t looking too pretty today,” Ron commented frowning. “Besides looking like he hadn’t bathed in who knows how long, he looked pretty out of it from that draught.”
“Oh Crap…Kreacher!” Everyone jumped at Harry’s sudden exclamation but he ignored it, realizing what he had forgotten. The house elf appeared and before he even began to ask what his master needed Harry launched into an explanation. “Kreacher, I need you to take care of Malfoy. Can you go to the Ministry and find out what type of stuff he needs for a bath and go to Diagon Alley to get it for him?”
“Kreacher would be honored to tend to the beautiful Malfoy boy.” Kreacher took the small bag of galleons Harry handed him and disappeared with a pop.
“What was that about?” Bill inquired, asking the question everyone wanted too.
Harry shrugged, “I’m supposed to take care of Malfoy while he is in the Ministry cell.”
“That’s because you are now his Associate Harry. You have a lot of things to do for him now,” Hermione said a bit waspishly. “If you had read the book you would know that.”
“As I recall, you said that Harry wouldn’t need to use that claim so why would he need to read it.” Ron stopped and scratched the back of his head, “Harry why did you choose that one?”
“Well,” he said pulling at his collar once more, “When I knew I had to pick one I remembered that night when Hermione told us about it. She said it protected both parties,” he looked to her for confirmation. “I thought if we had to be stuck together, better it be fair.”
“Harry, mate,” Charlie said with a rueful smile, “You are a Gryffindor through and through.”
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Enad Chapter 3a - to be continued...
Summary: When the Ministry arrests the Malfoy’s, the only way Harry can save Draco from the Ministry’s attempts to make an example of the former Death-eater, is to call upon archaic laws embedded in the life debts Draco owes Harry.
Warning: This story contains SPOILERS from all seven books. This story also disregards everything about the DH epilogue (19 years later)
Title: Payment of a Life Debt
Narrated by: TorringMay
Typed by: Sorringmay
Betaed by: Luna Selas
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Rating: PG13 / Teen
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Summary: When the Ministry arrests the Malfoy’s, the only way Harry can save Draco from the Ministry’s attempts to make an example of the former Death-eater, is to call upon archaic laws embedded in the life debts Draco owes Harry.
Warning: This story contains SPOILERS from all seven books. This story also disregards everything about the DH epilogue (19 years later)
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Chapter 3a
There was a moment of almost deafening silence and then an explosion of sound came. Ron and Hermione were asking him if he was crazy, members of the court were calling for law books, media members were yelling questions, but all the while Harry kept his eyes trained on the young man sitting in front of him.
Slowly Draco Malfoy had lifted his head to meet Harry’s gaze. The Gryffindor had not been sure what to expect from the Slytherin but the dull lifeless eyes that met his were not it. Harry scowl deepened as he noticed the blonde’s head tilt oddly to the side. Something wasn’t right with his rival.
“Order,” Kingsley rapped on the podium to get everyone’s attention. “The right of claiming has been made,” he frowned at several members of the court who began to whisper again. “This court acknowledges Mr. Harry Potter’s claim. Case dismissed.”
Again, the room burst with sound as Harry watched the aurors lead Malfoy away.
“Mate, are you crazy?” Harry looked at Ron who had grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him gently. “Don’t get me wrong I am all for helping Malfoy, but what were you thinking?”
“It was the only way,” Harry said quietly as he shrugged out of Ron’s grasp.
“Oh Harry we could have continued - “
“No Hermione, we couldn’t. That’s just it, we ran out of time and it was the best option.” He watched Ron sink back into his seat running his hands through his hair. Hermione was quietly biting her lower lip looking worried. “Listen, I know it’s not the ideal solution but it was the best one at the time.”
“I know Harry,” Ron said giving him a weak grin. “Well, we are here for you, even if it means putting up with Malfoy.” Harry watched as Ron’s smile grew even bigger, “Of course now Malfoy has to put up with us too.”
“Ronald,” Hermione said sharply, but anything else she might have said was interrupted as Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared at Harry’s side.
“I’m sorry to disrupt you, but we need Mr. Potter to complete the contract for his Right of Claim.” They could all see the humor dancing in the dark eyes of the Minister of Magic. “If you will follow me please, Harry,” Kingsley gestured the way towards a door off the main room.
Kingsley led Harry down a hall that eventually opened into a large room. The dark haired boy was a bit surprised to see not only Narcissa Malfoy but also Andromeda Tonks standing off to one side of the room. Mrs. Malfoy smiled at Harry though he could see the tears sparkling in her eyes. Mrs. Tonks was also smiling and nodded to Harry and the Minister.
“Minister Shacklebolt, Mr. Potter.” Harry turned to see a smartly dressed wizard striding towards them. He held out his hand to them shaking each of theirs in turn. “I’m Mr. Justin Ehren from the offices of McCathry, Ehren and Jorksohn.”
“A pleasure to meet you Mr. Ehren,” The Minister said looking at the man suspiciously. “And may I ask what brings you here today.”
“I am Mr. Potter’s solicitor.”
Harry frowned till he caught sight of Mrs. Tonks’ nod at him. Suddenly the situation made sense. He smiled at the two ladies nodding back to show he understood. “Thank you for coming Mr. Ehren, I am glad you could make it. I know you come with high recommendation.” He looked the man in the eye to let him know that he did expect the man’s best.
Kingsley showed them towards a door letting the solicitor enter first before grabbing Harry’s arm lightly. “Are you sure about this Harry,” the question was made with genuine concern.
“Yeah, Tonks’ mom recommended him.” Seeing the man approval Harry smiled slightly before entering. His smile quickly vanished as he saw Malfoy sitting there staring at his hands once more. There was just something wrong with a compliant Draco Malfoy. “Kingsley,” Harry said whispering to the Minister, “What’s wrong with him?”
Kingsley crossed the room and lifted Malfoy’s chin in his hand watching as the silver-grey eyes tried to focus on him.
“Sorry Minister,” the young female auror guarding Malfoy mumbled. “He was a bit beside himself this morning; I thought a calming draught wouldn’t hurt him. I think it was a bit too strong for him though, he hasn’t been eating much and all.”
Harry heaved a sigh of relief, he may not like what the snarky git usually had to say, but Malfoy’s sarcasm and wit defined him. He was a bit unsettled at the comment about Malfoy not eating though. Keeping half his attention on the Slytherin, Harry looked over to where the solicitor was reviewing the contract that would seal the claim to Malfoy’s life debt.
“This will not do,” Mr. Ehren said pointing to a particular paragraph in the contract.
The round nosed witch from the Wizengamot bristled and puffed herself up, “It is completely legal and - “
“Please Madame,” the solicitor drawled, “The boy has just saved the whole Wizarding World, buried friends and is trying to rebuild Hogwarts so it may reopen the next school year, and you expect him to have his home ready for his consort?”
“That’s the way it should be, that’s how it is always done…” she stated as the solicitor held up his hand.
“On the contrary, there are eight well documented cases where the Associate was allowed to leave the Consort within the care of officials or the Consort’s family while the Associate prepared their home adequately. I would dare say under these circumstances we can afford to let Mr. Potter prepare his home appropriately for his Consort, after all it is the least that can be done for the service he has provided.”
Though he did not like the way the solicitor was flaunting his defeat of Voldemort and implying that others owed him, Harry did appreciate the way he handled the situation.
“One week,” the woman snapped pointing a finger at Harry, “He has one week to prepare, and he has to provide for his consort in the mean time.”
“That is acceptable.” The solicitor watched as the changes were made to the contract. Finally he nodded and continued reading the contract.
Harry began to tug once more on the tight collar to his dress robes wishing this was over. The minutes ticked by slowly in silence. He was becoming rather fidgety wishing that this meeting were over and he was back at Hogwarts. He did notice that Malfoy kept shaking his head slightly, as if he was attempting to clear it from the effects of the calming potion.
“I think everything is in order, Mr. Potter if you would like to sign.” Mr. Ehren gestured towards to parchment in front of him.
Harry stepped forward as Kingsley lifted a sharp quill. “Just touch it to you finger Harry, it’s a binding document so it must be signed in blood.” Harry nodded doing as he was told, glad that the quill did not work the same way Umbridge’s cursed pen had. The document was then placed before Malfoy who for one moment looked up at Harry with a mixture of anger and fear. He then followed Harry’s example, signing his name with his own blood.
“Very well then,” Mr. Ehren said clapping his hands together, “Minister is it my understanding that you will be performing the ceremony?”
“It would be my honor,” Kingsley said smiling at Harry. Harry just nodded in return unsure of what they were discussing.
“Wonderful. Now then Mr. Potter I would like to discuss a few details with you, might you be available tomorrow.”
“Umm…yeah sure…what time?”
“How about ten tomorrow morning? I think it may be best for me to meet you at Grimmauld Place seeing as my offices are located at Diagon Alley. I doubt the Daily Prophet would be able to resist the temptation.”
Harry smiled appreciatively as he thanked the solicitor, agreeing to meet him at the appointed time. He then turned to Kingsley, “I’m supposed to take care of Malfoy while he stays here then?”
“Ah yes. Well since Mr. Malfoy will not be in public I do not believe he will need to wear consort robes as of yet,” he frowned at the Wizengamot witch as if he dared her to contradict him, “As for food and - “
“Kreacher will attend to that if it is ok.” Harry cut him off. “I would also like to see to it that he is able to properly take care of his personal needs.” There was a crispness in his tone the made the witch cringe, but she acknowledged the request. “Very well then, Kreacher, my house elf, will be here in an hour to attend to Malfoy. Do I need to arrange for bathing facilities?”
“No, that won’t be necessary Mr. Potter. We have appropriate facilities.”
Harry gave her a dark look at this comment, “Then I won’t ask why Malfoy hasn’t been given use of them before now.” The witch gave a pathetic squeak and nodded.
“I do believe that concludes our business then.” Kingsley patted Harry’s shoulder as they watched the aurors lead Malfoy back to his holding cell. “I’ll check on him Harry; I should have done so before but I let myself get distracted.”
“I understand,” Harry said letting out a deep breath. “I just hope I did the right thing.” He looked up to see the gleam of white teeth against dark skin.
“I do believe you did Mr. Potter.”
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“Still not sure you haven’t lost your mind.”
“Ronald!” Hermione hit Ron on the back of the head as they made their way back to the Gryffindor common room. “The last thing Harry needs is you pestering him.”
“I was only saying that this just seems mental ‘Mione. It’s not like I’m going to up and leave, I learned my lesson thank you. Besides it’s not that bad is it.”
Harry came to an abrupt stop to run a hand through his hair, “I really did shackle myself with Malfoy didn’t I?”
“That you did mate,” Ron said sympathetically, “Least you managed to land yourself a pretty boy.”
Harry looked up to see his friend smirking. Try as he might he couldn’t help the chuckles that escaped him. It wasn’t long before all three were leaning against the wall for support as they laughed.
“You know,” Hermione said wiping tears off her cheeks, “Malfoy seemed rather subdued today.”
“They gave him a calming draught, but the dose was too strong,” Harry said still holding his side as they started moving forward again.
“That sounds more like Malfoy,” Ron added, “bet he panicked this morning thinking you were going to do your worst to him. I know I would if things were reversed and Malfoy was choosing.”
“Yeah, well I’m not Malfoy, though I suppose he expected me to take advantage of the situation like he would have.”
“Harry, you do realize that you have a lot to do now that you are his Associate?”
Harry’s brows knit together. “There was some talk about Grimmauld Place and getting it ready, and I need to send Kreacher with food and stuff for the next week.”
“Oh Harry, there is so much more than that. I need to get the book. I wish I had a copy of the contract.”
“Well, my solicitor is meeting me at Grimmauld Place tomorrow at ten. Do you want to come?”
“You have a solicitor?” Ron asked surprised.
Harry blushed slightly for having forgotten to tell them. “Yeah, Mrs. Tonks actually arranged for him to come. I’m glad he did though.”
Hermione patted his arm. “We are glad too. I would like to join you tomorrow if you don’t mind.”
Harry smiled at her, “I would love you to I need someone who understands all the legal jargon.” She gave him a quick hug while both boys rolled their eyes at her antics.
Upon reaching the common room, Harry’s stomached growled as the scent of food reminded him that he had not eaten anything yet that day. Now that his nerves had calmed down his appetite was back. Entering the room they found a number of red heads waiting for them with lunch.
“About time you three wandered back, “Charlie quipped good-naturedly. Next to Charlie sat a dark haired man that looked like another dragon keeper from his clothing. Across from them Katie cradled George’s head against her shoulder, Percy sitting on the other side of his brother. Bill had Fleur sitting on his lap looking rather intimate as Harry, Ron and Hermione flopped down on the last couch.
“So how did it go?” Bill finally asked.
Ron’s face broke into a huge grin as he looked over at Harry. “Malfoy’s going to be Harry’s Consort.”
The room was filled with shocked expressions. Harry blushed as all eyes turned on him making him a bit defensive. “Well they wouldn’t accept our attempts to change things. They said I had to choose or they would consider the life debt forfeited.”
“Well it could have been worse I suppose, though I don’t’ know that much about Consorts,” Bill said twining his fingers with his wife’s.
“Zee Consort is a prestigious position. Zee Malfoy boy should be ‘onored,” Fleur added.
“You know Harry,” George said sitting up strait, his usual maniacal grin in place, “that means that Malfoy is the only one - “
“George!” Percy snapped. “That is rude.”
“But true,” the twin chuckled. “Oh! If Fred was here...” Everyone gave sad smiles and nods as George squeezed Percy’s hand.
“Nah, Fred would be disappointed that Harry didn’t take him as a concubine,” Ron’s eyes twinkled mischievously as he winked at his best friend.
“Oh Ron, Harry is a boy.”
“What does that have to do with anything,” the red head asked before taking a bite of an apple.
Hermione blushed as all eyes turned on her. “Well they’re both boys,” she exclaimed waving a hand in Harry’s general direction.
“Thanks ‘Mione, don’t think I could have figured that one on my own,” Harry teased reaching for a sandwich.
“Yeah well Harry you can’t…you know…he’s a boy.”
At that comment the Weasley members of the group all started to laugh along with Charlie’s friend.
“Miss Granger, if I’m not mistaken?” politely inquired the dark haired man. Hermione nodded cheeks still heated pink. “Robbie Caster. I am going to guess that you are muggle-born.”
Hermione nodded biting her lower lip trying to figure out why everyone was acting the way they were. Looking at Harry she was pleased to see he was just as confused.
Robbie reached over Charlie’s lap to lace his fingers with the ones on Charlie’s far hand, allowing Charlie to wrap an arm around him. Harry’s eyes enlarged as Hermione gave a silent “oh.”
“Unlike the muggle world, we have no issue in the wizarding world with such relationships.”
“That means Harry can snog pretty boy Malfoy all he wants,” George said smiling impishly.
Harry knew his cheeks were tinted red again, but laughed along with everyone else.
“Yeah well Malfoy wasn’t looking too pretty today,” Ron commented frowning. “Besides looking like he hadn’t bathed in who knows how long, he looked pretty out of it from that draught.”
“Oh Crap…Kreacher!” Everyone jumped at Harry’s sudden exclamation but he ignored it, realizing what he had forgotten. The house elf appeared and before he even began to ask what his master needed Harry launched into an explanation. “Kreacher, I need you to take care of Malfoy. Can you go to the Ministry and find out what type of stuff he needs for a bath and go to Diagon Alley to get it for him?”
“Kreacher would be honored to tend to the beautiful Malfoy boy.” Kreacher took the small bag of galleons Harry handed him and disappeared with a pop.
“What was that about?” Bill inquired, asking the question everyone wanted too.
Harry shrugged, “I’m supposed to take care of Malfoy while he is in the Ministry cell.”
“That’s because you are now his Associate Harry. You have a lot of things to do for him now,” Hermione said a bit waspishly. “If you had read the book you would know that.”
“As I recall, you said that Harry wouldn’t need to use that claim so why would he need to read it.” Ron stopped and scratched the back of his head, “Harry why did you choose that one?”
“Well,” he said pulling at his collar once more, “When I knew I had to pick one I remembered that night when Hermione told us about it. She said it protected both parties,” he looked to her for confirmation. “I thought if we had to be stuck together, better it be fair.”
“Harry, mate,” Charlie said with a rueful smile, “You are a Gryffindor through and through.”
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Enad Chapter 3a - to be continued...