Warning: Character death and a mention of MPREG; however, it is merely a brief mention and I go through none of the pregnancy/birthing process.

Transcription

1 Title: An Enemy's Love Author: Starkindler Pairing: HP/LM; HP/DM very much implied Rating: NC-17 Warning: Character death and a mention of MPREG; however, it is merely a brief mention and I go through none of the pregnancy/birthing process. Disclaimer: Harry, Lucius and the gang don't belong to me. *sob* They belong to JK Rowling and I get nothing for this, other than my own weird pleasure from writing this. Archive: Beloved Enemies until the FQF is over, then starkindler and snitchfiction. All others must ask. This fic is part of the 'Beloved Enemies' Harry/Lucius Fuh-Q-Fest ( Response to challenges: 30. Lucius opens the Daily Prophet one morning and reads an article about the Boy Who Lived being gay. And Lucius is very happily surprised because this fits right into his plans (Maeglin Yedi) 41. Harry visits Sirius and Remus during Hogsmeade weekend. Remus can smell another man on Harry but he isn't sure who it is. When Remus visits Flourish and Blotts the next week and runs into Lucius Malfoy, things suddenly become very clear. How does Remus react and does he decide to tell Sirius or confront Harry? (Maeglin Yedi) 101. Write a fic using, and based around, the line: Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards." (Selene la Luna) Thanks to my wonderful beta Dru, who wishes me to alert you that you will need hankies for this I forgot to warn her and I'm still hearing about it *wink* so YOU NEED HANKIES!!!!!!!!!

2 Enjoy the book, Potter. Happy birthday. Draco Malfoy P.S. Remember what I told you before Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards. Harry let out a ragged sigh and closed the book. He closed his red, swollen eyes as he clutched the small book to his chest. He took a few deep breaths, trying to get his emotions under control. He thought about going to get a potion to rid himself of his headache from Professor Snape, but then he remembered that his professor was gone for a while. He sat down on the chair by his fireplace heavily, still clutching the book. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe Draco was gone. Draco Malfoy, his once hated nemesis turned friend, was dead. It had happened two days ago and he still didn't believe it. If anyone should believe it, it was he. Harry had been there in Hogsmeade and he saw the rogue Auror, who had gone completely and utterly insane, murder the three Slytherin boys. Harry had managed to kill Draco's attacker when the man turned to kill him for interfering, but it was too late for the boys. Harry had run to Draco's side. The two others were already dead, and Draco was nearly so. Whatever spells the Auror had used, they promised a quick, but not instant death. He wanted them to suffer a bit, and Draco had been the last one hit. Draco had asked Harry to tell his father that he loved him. He also asked him to tell his godfather, Severus Snape, the same thing. When he said his good-bye to Harry, Harry kissed his friend gently, wanting Draco's last memory of the world to be something nice, to leave with the knowledge that he was loved by someone. Harry had loved him. They had become close on a camping/hiking expedition gone wrong during the summer between his fifth and sixth year.

3 {Flashback} Voldemort had finally been defeated once and for all, in large thanks to both Malfoy men. So Dumbledore decided to celebrate by having the older pupils, next year's sixth and seventh years, take a little trip together to North America, no less. He persuaded all the parents that this was just what their children needed, and with most of the staff and parent volunteers, they ended up somewhere in the western mountains of the United States. Armed with little knowledge of their surroundings, the children were let loose in groups of two or three to explore, provided they didn't leave the area. Each child had a tracking spell so they couldn't be lost, and they were allowed to use magic if necessary. As an extra precaution, Professor Snape had ordered that every child learned the correct spells to conjure food, water, and a Weather charm to keep warm, just in case they did manage to get lost. Harry desperately didn't want to be paired up with Ron and Hermione. As much as he loved his friends, if he had to spend as much as an hour with the Snogging Duo, he would have committed suicide right then and there. Since Ron and Hermione had started dating, they were no longer the Golden Trio, as they had been known. The lovebirds were oblivious to Harry most of the time. They never knew when he left or when he came in. He once even went up to them and told them that Madame Pomfrey had discovered that he had cancer and only had six months to live. He didn't even get a first glance, much less a second one. So, he had gone up to Professor Snape, who wasn't nearly as bad now that he was no longer a spy and the weight of his impending demise was removed, and he had begged his professor to pair him with anyone but them. Of course, his professor still had his malicious sense of humour, and he was paired Harry with none other than Draco Malfoy. Draco felt much the same as Harry did, except his problem was slightly different. His two bodyguards, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, had followed his lead in defending the side of the Light in the War. They had lost their parents, and were now under the care of Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy, until they turned eighteen. Now floating in a sea of uncertainty, Crabbe and Goyle clung to his side at every available opportunity. It wasn't that Draco didn't like the two boys. They were dumb, but they were loyal. But Draco knew that if he had to spend one more minute on this trip with them, hexes were going to fly and tears were going to flow. So Snape, in all his benevolence, gave him Harry Potter. Needless to say that while both young men got along well enough during the War, they still couldn't stand each other in the general aspects of life. So off they went, sending back evil glares at their Potions professor. They bickered and snipped at each other constantly, all the while travelling further and further away from their camp. They found a cave and baited each other into exploring it.

4 Big mistake. The cave entrance was unstable at best, and when Harry yelled at Draco for trying to trip him, the cave entrance collapsed, effectively trapping them inside. Once the dust had cleared and they discovered that they couldn't get out, they started yelling at one another again, arguing about whose fault this was. They spent two days together in that cave, since the tracking spell didn't work well through solid rock. They started out arguing but ended up chatting about their lives in general, their hopes, their fears and their secrets. After all, they could only argue for just so long about the same things they'd argued about for the last five years before becoming bored. After forty-nine long hours, they were found and they came out of the cave as friends. They spent the rest of the trip together, getting to know each other, much to the horror of Ronald Weasley. In fact, Harry and Ron's friendship had been virtually nonexistent since that day. Luckily for Harry, he was made prefect that year and obtained his own room. All throughout their sixth year, Draco and Harry spent a great deal of time together. They also learned the art of sexual pleasure together. They weren't 'together' in the strictest sense, since they each had boyfriends from time to time, but when they were free, they didn't think twice about exploring their sexuality together. They had both agreed that pursuing a deeper relationship with each other while in school wasn't the best idea, and that if they felt the need for a deeper commitment after school ended, they would pursue that avenue slowly. They had finally forged their friendship after so many years, both were loath to give it up by rushing headlong into something so serious. Both had been virgins at the time they decided that sexual exploration with each other would be amenable, and they had checked out all the books they could find on the subject from the library. Madame Pince had glared disapprovingly, but they had just given her their brightest smiles and walked out with their book. Draco's father had given him stern lectures about giving up any kind of control to someone else, especially sexual control. This being said, Draco had been hesitant at first to allow Harry to top him, but when he saw how much Harry was enjoying his position as the one being taken, curiosity got the best of him. The first time he felt Harry slip his cock up his arse and hit his prostate, he knew he'd found heaven. While he didn't let Harry be on top often, he had enjoyed it thoroughly each and every time. He sometimes wondered if his father knew what he was missing. {End Flashback}

5 Harry hadn't been in love with Draco, yet, but he had loved him, and kissing his friend goodbye had just felt right. And this tender little moment was now plastered all over the front page of the Daily Prophet, along with an article on Harry's sexual preference. And in the corner was a small article about Draco Malfoy. Harry couldn't be angrier than he was right now. He had sent three Howlers to the Daily Prophet already this morning, one of them containing his subscription cancellation. Despite all of Draco's efforts in the War, he still was only thought of as the son of a Death Eater. Harry walked over to his desk and picked up the picture. He'd cut it out of the newspaper and ripped the rest of the horrid tabloid to shreds. The picture itself had taken up half the page and was in full colour. It showed the kiss, the tenderness and love of the moment and it showed Draco Malfoy's last breath in this world. Harry placed the picture in his photo album when tears wet his cheeks once more. He impatiently wiped them away. He needed to be strong. As Head Boy and Draco's friend, he had asked to be the one to pack Draco's things for Lucius Malfoy. He knew the house-elves would do a good job, but he wanted to do it. Dumbledore had given him permission, not that he would have done otherwise. After all, it was he who wouldn't allow Harry to go to the funeral today. Too much of a chance for an attack, by either a remaining Death Eater or another Auror who was angry with the Boy Who Lived for killing a kindred, Dumbledore had explained to him. Yes, well, the Boy Who Lived wasn't too happy with the headmaster. In fact, the Boy Who Lived wasn't happy with several people right about now. After Draco's body had been brought back to Hogwarts and the announcement had been made, Harry had run into Ron in the hallway. Ron had given him a look that said, "So what? It was just a dirty, underhanded Malfoy." He got the same sentiment from all his former roommates, and almost all of the Gryffindors saw him as a traitor to his house for simply becoming friends with the beautiful blond. The only ones he could actually call his friends were Hermione and Ginny. At least they were considered his friends until yesterday morning. {Flashback}

6 They were all at breakfast when the Daily Prophet arrived. Professor Snape had 'insisted' that Harry eat, which was translated to mean 'eat or I'll cast an Imperius on you and force you to eat until you burst". Harry had given his Potions master a heartfelt smile. Since his loss of popularity in his own house, Snape had taken him under his wing, albeit reluctantly at first. Finally, after all they had been through together, they had managed to forge a bond of mutual respect, admiration, and even fondness. Harry thought Draco might have had something to do with it, but he wasn't going to press his luck by interrogating Snape. They were having breakfast that morning, as has been said, and the newspaper arrived. Harry's was delivered, but he was too upset to look at it, especially in front of everyone else. He didn't want to get angry or cry in front of them. He could hear the gasps and whispers of all those around him. He wondered what all the 'shocking, just shocking' was all about, and he didn't have to wait for long. Ginny Weasley screeched when she saw the paper. She had still had hopes that Harry would catch a hint or two and discover that she was waiting patiently for him, but all that was dashed when she saw the kiss right there in the paper, and an entire article on Harry's, her Harry, preference for his own sex. She got up, her eyes blazing. Harry looked up questioningly as she stalked towards him and threw the paper on his plate of food that he wasn't eating. "I can't believe it! I understood when you wanted to be friends with that Slytherin, but this? I cannot believe that I've wasted all my time and energy on a a " "Arse-bandit?" Ron supplied as he popped a piece of his roll into his mouth. "I always thought as much. Should've known you two were shagging. Everyone knows what a bloody slut Malfoy was." Harry stood up and focused all his anger towards his former best friend. He promptly went over to Ron and slammed his fist into his face, breaking his nose. Harry then turned and came face to face with an angry Hermione. He calmly stepped around her, picked up his copy of the paper, and walked out of the room. He could hear her coming up behind him. He turned to face her in the empty hallway. "You and Draco?" Hermione asked angrily. "Harry, that's just wrong. Two men are not supposed to like each other that way. That's not right. I can't believe you would be like that. That's disgusting!" Harry merely raised an eyebrow, giving Hermione a look that Severus had given him hundreds of times over the years. "Really? Then maybe you should find another boyfriend, Hermione. After all, Fred and George are not only gay, but they're doing each other." Hermione glared at him. "I don't believe you!" Harry sighed tiredly. "Of course you don't. Who would believe it? Maybe I wouldn't either if I hadn't walked in on them a few times here and at the Burrow. But since they feel pretty much the same way everyone else does, and have bought my share of the WWW so they wouldn't have to associate with me anymore, just because I was a friend with Draco, I really don't care who knows. Tell the whole world, or better yet, put it in the Daily Prophet. Besides, do you really think that Draco and I are the only two gay males in this school? Use your narrowminded brain, Hermione."

7 "I don't believe you!" Hermione yelled, turning around and stomping off to help Ron to the hospital wing. {End Flashback} That was yesterday and this was today, the day of Draco's funeral, the day that all traces of the blond beauty would be erased from Hogwarts. Crabbe and Goyle would be buried tomorrow. They had died defending their leader to the very end. Harry pulled himself together and walked out of his room. He walked to the Slytherins' lair and gave the password. He was allowed inside and he greeted all the Slytherins that sat in the common room. They greeted him sadly, still deep in mourning for losing three of their own. Unlike the Gryffindors, the Slytherins had taken in their long-hated rival, out of respect for their unofficial leader. Since their leader's fall, they'd thrown their support behind Harry, especially after the article in the Daily Prophet. Harry seriously regretted asking to be sorted into any house besides Slytherin. He vowed that he would wear his Slytherin side with pride, despite his Gryffindor ties. Harry trudged up the stairs and into Draco's room. He looked around the familiar room and burst into tears again. He cried freely as he pulled Draco's trunks out of the closet. He slowly packed all of the Slytherin's clothing, books, school supplies and books, and personal effects. He found the pictures of Draco and himself from the last year and a half. They were taken all over Hogwarts, and in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The Slytherins had taken them, and Harry noted once again, that their friends surrounding them were all Slytherins as well. It made him both angry and sad that all of his friends had 'turned out to be a bunch of bastards'. He sat down on the bed and looked through the pictures. Draco waved happily from many of them, blowing kisses at him playfully. Then he came to the pictures no one else had seen but the two of them. An automatic camera took them. They were of the two of them snogging mostly, but a few of the pictures were just them sharing a personal moment. Yes, Harry knew that he could have loved his friend very much indeed. It wasn't that no one could see them, it's just that they were pictures for just the two of them. Harry pocketed the pictures. He would put them in an album with his later.

8 He finished packing and then lay down on the bed, waiting for Mr. Malfoy and Professor Snape to come back from burying his best friend. Lucius Malfoy sat at the dining room table all alone, trying to put something in his stomach. He was to bury his only son this day, and he didn't want to embarrass his son's memory by fainting dead away in front of everyone from lack of food. He eyed the copies of the Daily Prophet lying next to his plate. He hadn't read yesterday's Daily Prophet, since he spent most of it mourning the loss of his son. Now that Narcissa was gone, he was all alone. He almost wished that the Potter boy had allowed him to die during that final battle. His eyes grew dark with anger and desire for revenge when he thought of Harry Potter. He was livid at the boy. How dare the boy live and his son die? How dare he not save Draco? He knew the boy was there when it happened, and he allowed his son to die. He allowed Crabbe and Goyle to protect Draco, but he didn't lift a finger until it was too late. Lucius sipped his tea and munched on his muffin. He would get even with the boy, but how? He didn't just want the young Gryffindor dead he wanted him to suffer. He wanted to hurt him in every way possible. Lucius thought on it while he sat back and opened yesterday's edition of The Daily Prophet. His eyes grew wide as he looked upon the scene in the picture that graced half the page. His son was lying in Potter's arms, and he watched as the Boy Who Lived kissed his son gently. His throat grew tight with emotion as he watched his son take his last breath. The scene repeated itself and Lucius forced his gaze away from the sight. He looked below the picture and saw the headline: "THE BOY WHO LIVED IS GAY!" Lucius read the article with interest. It seemed that the boy had been keeping his preference a secret from his family and friends. Lucius smirked. It wasn't a secret any longer. As he took another sip of his tea, an idea started forming in his head. Oh, it was too perfect. What better way to get even with the Potter boy than hurt him emotionally, before going in for the kill?

9 He looked at the smaller picture in the bottom left-hand corner of the front page. The picture was a close-up of Harry Potter, giving the camera a shy, yet seemingly annoyed, smile. The boy was beautiful, there was no doubt in Lucius's mind about that. He would have no problems feeling a physical attraction to the boy. He just needed to form a strong plan in order to get the Boy Who Lived interested in him, romantically. Well, he had time enough for that. It wasn't as if he had anything important or pressing in his life. His son was dead. And once the saviour of the wizarding world was dead, he didn't care what happened to him. They could give him the Dementor's kiss, or just kill him outright. At least he would have the satisfaction in knowing that Potter would never see another birthday, or another Christmas. He would never have children, or have a lover that truly loved him. But working on his plan would have to wait. Today, he had to bury his son. "Harry, wake up." Harry groaned slightly as his eyes fluttered open. He shot up in the bed when he realized where he was and who was in the room with him. "Hello, Severus. Hello, Mr. Malfoy." Lucius and Severus watched the young man jump off Draco's bed and straighten his robes. "Sorry about that," Harry said. "I finished packing, and I wanted to wait for you, but " Harry trailed off, not wanting to admit that he had been crying so much that he'd cried himself to sleep. Lucius and Severus said nothing, pretending not to notice the red, swollen eyes and tearstained cheeks, and let the boy have his dignity. Harry scrubbed his face with his hands. "Mr. Malfoy, I have packed all of Draco's things for you. Severus, can I talk to Mr. Malfoy for a moment?"

10 Severus nodded and headed for the door. "If you wish to talk, Harry, you know where to find me. Lucius, I will speak with you soon. Come to tea on Friday?" Lucius nodded. "I'll be there." When Severus left, Harry turned to Lucius. "Mr. Malfoy-" "Call me Lucius, Harry," the blond said, deciding now was as good a time as any to start the foundations of his plans. "Lucius, I can't tell you how sorry I am about all this. Draco was such a good friend to me. I wish there was something I could have done to save him." Lucius bristled inwardly, but on the outside he smiled sadly. "There was nothing you could have done. I know you two were great friends. Draco would talk about how much you two got on together." "When Draco " Harry swallowed the lump in his throat and tried again. "Draco asked me to give you a message. He told me to tell you that he loved you very much." Lucius turned away and closed his eyes. "Thank you, Harry." He turned and smiled sadly at Harry. "I loved my son, very much. I shall miss him." Lucius sat down on Draco's bed and motioned for Harry to sit beside him. Harry sat down and Lucius put a supportive arm around Harry. "We'll have to be strong. We cannot allow others to see our weaknesses. Draco told me about the way that your house treated you once they discovered your friendship with my son. Don't let them see your pain. They'll use it against you, just like they used your friendship with Draco against you. There are those who think that homosexuality is wrong, and they will try to crucify you for it. Be careful who you trust, Harry." "Thank you, Lucius. Don't worry, I will be careful." "Good. Now, I must go, but if you need anything, or just need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to write. You're always welcome at the Manor. I'd truly enjoy the company, now that I'm the only one left." Harry nodded. "I'd like that, Lucius. Thank you." "Why don't you join Severus and me for tea on Friday? I'm quite sure Severus would not mind." "All right. I'll make sure Severus is okay with it. I'll see you on Friday." Harry watched Lucius get up and shrink the trunks carrying Draco's belongings. He followed him out of the room and they parted ways at the top of the dungeons. Lucius made his way slowly to the front door. This was going to be much easier than he thought. The Potter boy was so trusting. Potter trusted that he, Lucius Malfoy, had his best interests at heart, simply because he was the father of his 'best friend'. Well, he was going to show Harry Potter exactly what an ex-death Eater was capable of. As he walked down the path to the edge of the anti-apparition wards, a smile so evil spread across his face it would make any Dark Lord cringe with fear. Oh, yes, he was going to enjoy his revenge quite a lot.

11 Harry knocked on the door to Severus's private chambers on Friday, after classes were over. Severus opened the door and ushered the young man inside. Lucius was already there, sitting in a chair by the fire. Harry sat in 'his' chair, as he had come to think of the middle chair. Severus had added the comfortable chair when Draco and Harry became friends, and Harry, just like Draco, had become a permanent fixture in his rooms when he needed a haven from his 'friends'. "How are things going, Harry?" Lucius asked, taking the cup of tea offered to him by the Potions master. "Thank you, Severus." Harry winced and took the cup offered to him. "Thanks, Severus. It's been awful. I didn't realize how many people were against homosexuality. I mean, I knew that some weren't all that thrilled with it, but I never knew there was such hostility about it, at least in the wizarding world. I know what happens in the Muggle world, but here " Harry trailed off, sipping his tea. "What has been happening?" Lucius asked. Harry sighed and sipped his tea. Severus answered for him. "He's had the Gryffindors blow up his potions in the two classes he's had since the article came out. The one earlier today sent him to the hospital wing with burns. Luckily they weren't severe, and Pomfrey was able to rid him of the burns quickly. I'm going to speak to Albus this week about giving Harry his lessons privately. There is no way he can stay with them constantly harassing him. Those idiots could end up hurting someone terribly, and I won't have it. Of course, none of them will admit to their behaviour. I know that Miss Granger was in on it as well. She has been most vocal of her displeasure for Harry's sexual preference. I fully blame her Muggle upbringing." Lucius frowned. "I agree. Removing Harry would be best. I don't want them harassing Harry. Insipid Gryffindor brats. Where's their sense of loyalty and courage when it's needed?" Lucius was irritated. He didn't want those pathetic excuses for Gryffindors ruining his plans. At least the Gryffindors of his time would own up to their pranks when necessary. Lucius had hated James Potter and his cohorts, but at least there was something admirable to be found about them, little as it may have been. The Gryffindors of today should take notes. "If anything is needed, let me know. Remember, I am a governor of Hogwarts." Lucius had been hired back after Voldemort's demise. He had been sacked during Harry's second year, after nearly getting Dumbledore removed as headmaster.

12 Harry gave Lucius a surprised glance. He was intrigued by the vehemence in the older man's voice. "I'll do that, Lucius. Thank you." Lucius gave Harry a dashing smile. "At least you'll benefit from the one-on-one tutelage with Severus. You'll be the top of the Potions class before you know it." "Now, Lucius, I wouldn't go that far," Severus admonished. "Granger may be a bigoted idiot, but the bookworm's work is quite adequate. She's my top student." Lucius waved a dismissive hand. "If she spent half as much of her time ridding herself of her prejudices against someone she's supposed to consider a friend as she does studying, she most likely wouldn't be. Now Harry here strikes me as a rather smart young man. I know that he did well in his sixth year. Draco went on about how Harry was third in your class, behind Draco and that Mudblood." "Aye, you're right, Lucius. He did exceptionally well last year. Perhaps there is hope for him yet," Severus admitted with a small twinkle in his eye. "Oh, ha ha, Severus. I'm so glad you have such faith in my abilities," Harry chuckled. "I'm truly blessed." "Of course you are. After all, I allow you to invade my space, so you certainly can't be all that disagreeable." Severus smirked as Harry stuck his tongue out at him. "No thank you, Potter. As agreeable as I now find you, it's strictly platonic. Save it for someone else." Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'm so depressed. Let me go and throw myself off the Astronomy Tower right now." Lucius watched the back and forth banter with a measure of amusement. He and Draco had been the same way, and he was already missing it. His amusement turned to confusion when he watched Severus stare worriedly at the young man after Harry's last comment. "Harry, that's not funny. I know how upset you've been since Draco's death. I don't want to hear something like that coming out of your mouth again, or you'll find yourself cleaning cauldrons for a month," Severus barked. "Oh, come off it, Severus. It was a joke and you know it. I'll admit that Draco's death has been hard for me, but I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't lower Draco's estimation of me. He always thought me better than that, even when we couldn't stand each other. I've been spending the last year trying to figure out why that was." "I agree with Severus, Harry. This is not something to joke about, especially if you've been feeling depressed. Severus is only looking out for your best interest." Lucius would be damned if he were going to let a little thing like depression interfere with his plans. "Fine, I won't do it again. Talk about being paranoid," Harry muttered. "We simply care, Harry," Lucius insisted. "I know. I'm sorry," Harry said, giving both wizards a small smile.

13 "How are you doing, Lucius?" Severus asked, directing the conversation away from Harry, for which Harry was extremely grateful. "I'm trying to keep busy. I try not to think too much, but everywhere I turn around in the house, I see something that reminds me of my little dragon." "I feel the same way. I knew Draco from the day he was born, and I have a hard time going into the Potions classroom or into the Slytherin dorms. How is work at the Ministry going?" Lucius served on the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures at the Ministry of Magic. "Fine. We've found some rather nasty vampires about ten miles outside of Bristol. They killed ten people before they were found. The Department has to decide what to do with them. They were most uncooperative when the department went to contain them." Severus smirked. "I can imagine. Vampires do tend to be temperamental. Anything else exciting happen?" "Nothing much. There was an insane werewolf outside of Dublin that had to be put down." Harry bristled at the callousness of the comment, which didn't go unnoticed by either of the Slytherins. Lucius spoke up first. "Harry, I know that your godfather's lover is a werewolf, but I also know that he's safe. He takes his Wolfsbane and he doesn't go out of his way to harm anyone. The werewolf in question was completely wild, and he's killed two people and turned three more. We've been looking for this one for over a month now." Harry relaxed and nodded his understanding. "I just don't like Remus being grouped in with others. I know he tried to kill you, Severus, but you and I both know that it wasn't his fault. It was Sirius's fault, and Remus is really sorry about what almost happened." It was Severus's turn to bristle, but he acknowledged the validity of Harry's argument. "I agree that what happened wasn't Lupin's fault, but you can understand why I find his presence distressing, particularly in werewolf form. You also know that your mongrel godfather and I are never going to get along." Harry smiled. "I know. I don't expect you to. It still irritates him that I come to you with my problems instead of him. But he has Remus, and when I'm with them, I sometimes wonder if they even realize I'm there. They're making up for so much lost time that they really don't have time for me, especially Sirius. Remus tries, but there's not much he can do. Sirius only really notices me when I bring up your name." Lucius snorted. "I hate to be the one to tell you, Harry, but Sirius has always been selfabsorbed, ever since he entered Hogwarts. He was gorgeous and he knew it, and he used it to his advantage every chance he could." Harry laughed. "I know. Severus tells me this all the time." The three kept each other company for a while longer. Finally, Lucius said, "I should be going. I have much to do. Severus, thank you for the tea. You must come for lunch at the Manor next weekend. Harry, do come as well. I'm sure you can convince Dumbledore to let you out of his sight for a while."

14 Severus escorted Harry and Lucius to the door. "I have some work to do in my office. My red ink and quill are craving attention," Severus quipped. Lucius nodded. "Very well. Harry, would you care to walk me to the gates?" Harry smiled. "Sure." Lucius and Harry walked out of the dungeons and through the castle, each ignoring the whispers and the pointing that the other students were directing at them. When they reached the gates, Lucius turned to Harry. "Don't let them get to you. Be strong and trust in the Slytherins. We take care of our own." "I know, but it's hard. No one talks to me besides the Slytherins not even the boys I used to date." Lucius reached up and trailed a finger slowly along Harry's jaw line. "You're very beautiful, Harry. Don't worry. You'll make someone a bloody lucky man. If they don't want to associate with you, then they don't deserve your time or attention. It's most definitely their loss." Harry closed his eyes as Lucius trailed his finger over his scar. His body shivered at the intimate touch. "I'll do that," Harry whispered. "Lovely," Lucius whispered. He dropped his hand and smiled as Harry opened his eyes. "I will see you next weekend, Harry." "Bye," Harry said, trying to ignore the little flutters he was feeling in his chest. Lucius turned and walked out of the gates, a smile spreading across his face. /Five points to Slytherin/ he thought to himself. Hagrid looked down at Harry worriedly. "You goin' ta be alright there, Harry?" Harry nodded. "I'll be fine. I have my portkey that will take me back to Hogwarts after I'm finished here. You go on and have a nice day."

15 Hagrid still looked worried, but he said nothing and he disappeared. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and walked through the gates, gazing up at Malfoy Manor. He'd never seen a manor quite like this before. It was huge, larger than any manor he had seen before. It wouldn't surprise him if the Malfoy family had added on over the centuries. The manor was three stories high, with both oriel and transom windows. It was made of stone, but some wood framing could be seen. Harry wondered how old the house was. At least he knew where he was. Draco had told him that the manor was located thirty miles outside of Birmingham. He also remembered Draco muttering about how he'd much rather live closer to London. Harry didn't see why. The manor was beautiful in its medieval way, and the solitude suited Harry nicely, kind of like Snape Manor. While Harry had never been to Malfoy Manor, he had spent three weeks with Severus the previous summer. Remus and Sirius had decided to make their relationship 'official' by getting married, and that included the honeymoon. Well, obviously Harry was not included with that ritual and neither Sirius nor Remus wanted to leave him alone for three weeks. They had wanted him to stay at Hogwarts, but Dumbledore had suggested that Harry stay with Severus. Sirius had been furious when Harry seemed delighted by the suggestion. He sputtered and moaned, yelled and argued, but all to no avail. Harry and Dumbledore completely ignored him and the headmaster called in Severus. Severus agreed, and Sirius blew up. He screamed at Harry, telling him that all sorts of horrible things would happen and something about human sacrifices, but Harry had yelled right back. He also pointed out that the only place he wanted to stay was at Snape Manor and that if he didn't like it, then he didn't have to go on his honeymoon. Sirius, self-absorbed as he was, decided that Harry wouldn't be brought to harm by staying with Severus. As he reached the door, Harry chuckled as he realized that Lucius's description of his godfather had been dead on. Lucius walked down the main staircase as the house elf let Harry in. "Where's Severus?" Harry smiled wryly. "Dumbledore wanted to try having me in the Potions class for one more week to see if things would calm down. They didn't and a few of the Gryffindors decided to

16 wreak havoc on my potion. Some of the Slytherins retaliated, and they ended up blowing at least ten cauldrons up. Children were hurt, and they half destroyed the classroom. Severus is there, watching over the hurt Slytherins and supervising the Gryffindors who have to clean the entire classroom without magic. As you can well imagine, it's going to take all weekend. I've also been officially transferred to the Slytherin House." Harry told Lucius all this as he walked into the house and sat in the lounge. "I'm also out of the Potions class, permanently." "Why doesn't their behaviour surprise me? Dumbledore should have heeded Severus's warnings. Well, what's done is done. Would you like to eat outside, or would you rather eat in the dining room?" "How about we sit outside? It's such a beautiful day today. It seems a shame to waste such a beautiful afternoon." "Very well. Why don't we go out there now and after we eat, I'll give you the complete tour of the Manor?" "That sounds wonderful, Lucius." Harry stood and let Lucius escort him through the house. A few minutes after they settled down at the table, the house elves brought their food. As Harry and Lucius ate, Harry continued telling him about the incident in the Potions classroom. "I can't believe Hermione would jeopardize her grades simply because she doesn't like my taste in partners. Severus was furious. So was Dumbledore. I've never seen him so angry. He spent half of breakfast this morning yelling at the student body for their behaviour, and I do mean yelling. I didn't realize the headmaster could scream like that." Lucius smirked. "It's about time he did something constructive. Maybe they'll realize it's not best to anger the man. He is more powerful than they are. So tell me how your godfather has adapted to your change of house." "I think you know, but I'll tell you anyway. He was not happy. I haven't seen him this angry since I wanted to spend three weeks at Snape Manor." "You stayed at Severus's home? When?" Lucius asked, slightly alarmed. If the boy were involved with the Potions master, it could make his plan much more difficult. His fears were alleviated when Harry explained about last summer's incident. He asked, "Why didn't you come to Malfoy Manor?" "You and Draco were off in Asia and Africa. You didn't come back until after Sirius and Remus returned from their honeymoon." "I see. Well, would you like your tour now?" Harry smiled and stood up. "Yes, I would." "Should we start outside, or would you rather look at the house first?" Lucius asked. Harry thought for a moment. "Let's start out here. It's too nice of an afternoon to waste." "Very well. This way," Lucius motioned to the path on their right. As they walked down the pathway, Lucius kept the palm of his hand fixed on the small of Harry's back.

17 Harry tried to concentrate on Lucius's words and not where Lucius's hand was rubbing against the small of his back. He wasn't succeeding all that well. He'd been having strange thoughts about his best friend's father ever since that afternoon by the gates. He wasn't all that sure what to make of it. He had to admit that the man was certainly gorgeous, and he was most definitely interesting. But it was Draco's father, and he shouldn't have these thoughts. "Harry, are you even listening to me?" Lucius asked with mild amusement. He'd noticed the boys distraction and when Harry blushed at being caught daydreaming, he felt positively gleeful. So his little gestures were having the desired effect. The Potter brat was going to be the easiest assignment he'd ever had. He only wished Voldemort's tasks had been so simple. "Sorry. I guess I got lost in thought there for a minute. You were saying?" Lucius gave him a small smile. "I was asking if you wished to see the horses," he said, motioning toward the stables to their right. "I'd love to. Draco wanted me to-" Harry sighed sadly, his mind drifting to his friend as it had every moment of every day since his death. "What is it, Harry?" Lucius pressed, eager to hear anything about his son. "Draco wanted me to teach him how to ride a horse," Harry said. "He wanted me to spend time here next summer, before we figured out what it is we wanted to do with our lives. I miss him." Lucius pulled Harry to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "So do I. Come, let's go see the horses, and you can tell me where you learned how to ride a horse." Harry smiled wistfully. "It was an accident of sorts. My cousin Dudley-" "The one killed by Voldemort?" Lucius interrupted. "Yes, that one. He needed to learn to ride a horse for school, for some daft reason or another. The Dursleys didn't want to leave me all alone at the house, not trusting that I wouldn't use my magic to turn it to dust, so I was forced to go along. While they were trying to find a horse that he could ride, I decided to have a look around. One of the instructors saw how Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were treating me, and he took pity on me. He took me to another field and while Dudley was having his lesson, he gave me a lesson of my own, free of charge. Then when the time was over, he gave me a couple of pounds and told Uncle Vernon that I had helped him around the stables. Uncle Vernon believed him, and when the man told him to bring me back when Dudley had a lesson, Uncle Vernon agreed. He thought I might be useful after all, at least for a few pounds. That's how I learned to ride horses." "I still can't believe that Dumbledore forced you to be brought up by those awful Muggles. How horrible it must have been," Lucius muttered. "Maybe so, but they didn't deserve to be tortured by Voldemort," Harry replied. Lucius sighed. He didn't agree, but that point of view wasn't going to ingratiate him to the - now- young Slytherin. "I understand, but we cannot change what's passed. Here we are. Aren't they beautiful animals, Harry?" Lucius asked, rubbing his hand across the bridge of a white Andalusian's nose.

18 "Yes, they're magnificent," Harry agreed, his attention caught by a solid black Arabian. "Do you ride?" "No, I don't, at least, not often. These animals simply fascinate me. But I have learned to ride horses. " Harry looked at him curiously. "Why don't you ride? You have some wonderful horses here," he said, looking around the large stable. Lucius owned a magnificent collection of horses: two white Andalusians, the solid black Arabian, a chestnut Arabian, a brown Latvian and a Palomino. "How can you not be tempted to?" Lucius shrugged absently. "I guess I never saw the point, when one can simply Apparate, Floo, or use a portkey." Harry shook his head. "There's nothing quite like riding a horse. You should try it sometime, and really give it a chance." Lucius cocked his head to the side, studying Harry. "Perhaps I will do that sometime that is, if you would join me?" Harry blushed slightly under Lucius's scrutinizing gaze. "I'd like that very much. I love to ride, and I don't get to do it often." "Then it's settled. How about next weekend? I'll speak to Dumbledore, and perhaps we'll be able to get Severus out of those dreary dungeons," Lucius offered, knowing full well that Severus wouldn't step within ten feet of a horse. A horse had stepped on Severus when he was a young child, which resulted in his foot being broken in several places. He hated horses after that. Lucius realized Harry knew that when he started giggling. "I don't think we'll get Severus on a horse any time soon. When Draco and I asked him to join us, we had to dodge a few hexes," Harry informed him as they walked out of the stables and back towards the house. "That sounds like Severus. Now let me show you Malfoy Manor." Harry raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Even the secret room under the drawing room floor?" Lucius looked at him sharply. "Did Draco tell you that?" Harry laughed. "Well, yes and no. Ron Weasley and I took Polyjuice Potion in our second year when we were trying to find out who was the heir of Slytherin. You know, when you gave Tom Riddle's diary to Ginny and the Chamber of Secrets was opened," Harry reminded him. Lucius gave him a tight smile. "Yes I remember. Albus contacted me and warned me of that raid. I moved most of my things to another location before they came. I don't know how he knew though." "I told him. Ron Weasley owled his father and told him what we'd heard. After Ron and everyone went to sleep, I made my way to his office and told him what Draco had said. I never told anyone I did it, and at the time I couldn't figure out why it seemed so important that I do it. I guess my instincts were smarter than my brain."

19 "Obviously. Well, I guess I should thank you. There were many things that well, it would have been unfortunate if Voldemort had come into possession of them." Harry frowned. "Something's been bothering me since I found out you were a spy for Dumbledore. Why did you allow the Chamber to be opened?" Lucius and Harry were now in the library. Lucius motioned for his guest to sit down on one of the couches that graced the centre of the large room. "I want you to understand something, Harry. I've never lied about my dislike of Muggle-born wizards and witches. I do not think that they lack power or intelligence, but I do know that it's dangerous. My argument never was truly about thinking less than worthy of magic, as Voldemort did, but I do think that having them around can be dangerous. The problem is, their parents sometimes slip and tell other Muggles, or some Muggle-borns become careless with their magic once they become adults and they end up exposing our world, not realizing that we could possibly be thought of as a threat. My reason for releasing Riddle from the diary was two-fold. First, I wanted to scare the Mudbloods, thinking that perhaps they would keep silent or possibly leave. Secondly, it gave me the perfect opportunity to show Voldemort that I was loyal to his cause. I had been informed that he was alive but not all that well, and watching, and I didn't want my cover blown. I also knew that you would be able to stop Riddle and the basilisk before any real damage was done. Do you understand?" "I guess that means you don't like me much either," Harry muttered. Lucius inwardly cheered his agreement, but to Harry he said, "Not at all. Your Muggle relatives wouldn't have told anyone even if they had the perfect opportunity to do so. Also, you have seen firsthand the narrow-mindedness that they bring into our presence. While most purebloods were against your choice in a friend and a lover?" Harry blushed at what Lucius was asking. "We were more like friends with benefits. After that summer we became friends, we each confessed that we had never been with anyone, so we decided to practice with each other, I guess you could say." "I guessed as much. As I was saying, purebloods were against your relationship with Draco, while most of the Muggle-borns were against the homosexuality more than the friendship, am I correct?" Lucius sat back and gazed at Harry as the young man thought about what he said. Harry thought about all the different people who had a negative attitude toward his friendship with Draco. The more he thought about it, the more he realized Lucius was right. "You're right, Lucius. Almost all of those who were critical of my sexual preference were Muggle-borns. I just never realized it, I guess because everyone but the Slytherins were offended for one reason or another." "Ignorance can be a dangerous thing, Harry. Just look at what happened this week during your Potions class. Their ignorance is what hurt those students. Enough of this for now. Come, let me show you the rest of the house." Lucius gave Harry the grand tour, showing him the entire first floor and all the things Malfoy Manor offered. When they came to the second floor, he motioned to the right-hand wing. "This was Draco's wing. I'll let you explore and get to know what my son was like another time. The west wing was Narcissa's, but all traces of her have been removed, and it is now empty. The north wing is mine. Come along." Lucius led Harry down the wing, telling him what each room held and showing him particularly interesting rooms. They came to the room at the end of the wing. "This is my bedroom," he said, pushing the doors open.

20 Harry stepped inside and let out a small, almost inaudible gasp. The room was huge, much larger than the entire first floor of the Dursleys' house on Privet Drive. To the left was the living area, complete with couches, comfortable, plush chairs, a desk and even a small dining table. To the right was the bed, at least five times the size of the beds inside the Gryffindor dorms. It was made of a rich wood. Harry thought it might be mahogany, but he might be mistaken. The headboard was beautifully carved, with two large serpents coiled around each other, both possessing eyes of emerald. The duvet was the green of the Slytherin House, with thin lines of silver giving the duvet a shimmering appearance. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Lucius asked, stepping behind the young man and leaning to whisper in his ear. "The bed has been in the family for centuries. Not quite as old as this house, though." The little puffs of breath on his ear sent shivers down Harry's spine. "It's very nice," he whispered, unconsciously leaning into the man behind him. When he finally realized what he was doing, he quickly stepped away, blushing furiously. Lucius was filled with glee. He was having the desired effect on the boy. He had thought it would take more time than this, but no matter. It only made his life that much easier. "Nice? That's a word not usually associated with Malfoys or their belongings," Lucius mused. Harry blushed again. "The bed is beautiful. Whoever designed and created it was bloody talented." "Yes, he was. Oh my, look at the time. Shouldn't you be going back to Hogwarts? We don't want you to be late. Dumbledore may not let you return, in case it becomes a habit." Harry looked at his watch and sighed regretfully. "You're right. I best be going." "Come, let me walk with you," Lucius said, holding out his hand for Harry to take. Harry took his hand and allowed Lucius to lead him out of the bedroom. He thought Lucius would release his hand as soon as they left the room, but Lucius kept his grip firm. While they headed downstairs, Lucius told him that the third floor was mostly used for storage now, but it was once used for a rather large Malfoy family, back when the manor housed not only the parents, but the children, their spouses, and their children as well. Harry smiled wistfully. "I've always wished for a large family. The only family I have consists of a godfather and his husband who either ignore me or scream at me for the people I choose to spend time with." Lucius squeezed his hand. "I can't speak for Severus, but you can always count on me." They reached the door and Harry turned to face Lucius. "Thank you. I had a lot of fun today. Thanks for inviting me." "You're welcome here any time. And I meant what I said. You can count on me." Lucius reached up with his free hand and caressed Harry's cheek softly. "I'd do anything for you." Harry blushed furiously. "I'd better go. Dumbledore will be worried if I'm late." Lucius nodded and pulled back. "I'll speak to Albus about next weekend. Goodbye, Harry."