Beta:50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah Harry woke the next morning, groaning softly as his nipple twinged. He laid his palm over it for a second and healed it, almost without thinking. He blinked rapidly for a moment, realizing what he'd done. He touched each ear and healed them too. He rolled out of bed and shambled into his bathroom to take a shower. He shampooed his hair, then used some conditioner, enjoying the feeling of clean, silky hair. As he was drying it he brushed his teeth. When he was done with his ablutions he headed for breakfast. It was his turn to cook so he gathered ingredients for omelets. It didn't take him long to chop onions and green peppers, slice mushrooms and grate cheese. He decided to fry up some bacon extra crispy and crumble that into the mix. He used the bacon grease to fry up the onions, mushrooms, and green peppers, keeping back enough to grease the skillet when he made up the omelets. He started toasting slices of bread, setting the butter and marmalade on the table while he waited for the toast to pop. He loved the special mornings when they had time to eat together and talk. He was looking forward to just relaxing this morning. Frankie wandered in, followed by Johnny. Neither one of them were wearing more than boxers and a bathrobe. Harry smiled at them and nodded in the direction of the ingredients. “Omelets? There's toast, OJ, and tea. Anything else?” Johnny settled in his chair, grabbed his mug of tea and sighed. “No. Sounds brilliant. Individual?” “Yeah, unless you want something else.” “Grilled tomatoes would be nice.” Frankie took his tea and settled in his own place. Harry got out a couple of tomatoes, sliced them in half and turned on the grill. “Ok, and that'll heat the oven up so that I can melt the cheese on top. You do want cheese on top, right?” Both Frankie and Johnny did. Harry just grinned at them and grated more cheese. He made omelets and handed Frankie and Johnny theirs, then settled down to eat his. They talked about everything and anything and finally, Frankie brought up what Harry was waiting for. “Well, Harry, I've been patient long enough. Let's see it.” Harry grinned at them and opened his shirt. Johnny grinned, “Very nice. Discrete, delicate without being feminine. I like it.” Frankie just smiled gently. “It's nice. Just be sure to take good care of it. I don't want you getting an infection.” He laughed softly. “And the earrings are nice too.” Harry grinned, he'd wondered when they would get around to saying something. “I was thinking of getting some drops to go on the rings. Crystals, you know?” “Good idea. I know just the thing. Johnny, we'll have to drop by that little shop on the way to the club.” Johnny just nodded. “Sure. I think I know what you're talking about.” He turned to give Harry a secret smile. “And, no we won't tell you what we're up to. It's a surprise. Now ... I'm going to the bank, I still have your book and I'm going to deposit most of what you gave me into your account. I'll keep out 75 pounds for household for the month. Ok?” Harry nodded. “That's fine. I've still got plenty of money from that hundred I kept. I'll keep tonight's tips too. I need to go to the art supply store for some more paint. And a new brush. I left my nice No 8 squirrel in the water jar like an idiot and ruined it.” Frankie sighed. It wasn't like Harry to forget something like that. “Why did you do that? What was wrong?” Harry shrugged. “I just forgot. I cleaned up my stuff, but I was thinking that I'd just gotten fresh water. I forgot that I'd put the brush in it to soak a bit. It was my turn to make lunch. Remember?” “Oh, yeah. So that's going to cost you. Too bad, but you brought it on yourself.” Frankie pushed back from the table and stretched. “I'm going to shower, get dressed and do my chores. Johnny?” “I'll go with you. I said I need to go to the bank. I also need to do the grocery shopping. What chores do you have?” Frankie chuckled and followed Johnny out of the room. “I'll wash your back while we decide what to do first. Come on.” They ambled down the hall together, talking in soft voices. Harry just smiled for a moment then started on the dishes. He'd go jogging, meditate, work on a kata and then go shopping himself. He found that his jogging, meditation and martial arts helped him start the day right. He had decided a month or more ago that he deserved the two or three hours a day that it took. He really enjoyed ti chi, and meditation, they seemed to really help with his temper. Liu-sifu had said, more than once, “If you lose your temper you lose the fight before its even begun.” Harry knew he was right. He finished his dishes with that thought and called down the hall. “Ok, you two, break it up long enough to listen. I'm done with my chores and I'm headed out. Bye!” . Lucius Malfoy eyed the Potter account books and sighed. They were a real mess. And Harry had inherited the Black and, through his connection with Sirius Black, the LeStrange fortune as well. He'd seen to that. Bellatrix was a Black and, since she was officially escaped from Azkaban, he shuddered at the thought of that place, her portion of the LeStrange money went to her nearest heir, Harry. And, since they were also criminals, the other two thirds, which came from Rabastan and Rodolphus went to Harry as well. Draco's voice jerked him from his thoughts. “Father, I would really like to understand why we didn't just take the LeStrange money for ourselves, not that we need it. And, I'm really not trying to be greedy, I'm just curious.” “Good public relations. If we take the money for ourselves we will be seen as greedy, grasping and unreasonable. But, since I'm Harry's guardian, no one is going to think a thing about my getting control of it for Harry. And the more money Harry takes in, the more I get. I am entitled to 5% of his net profits as his executor. I don't think you really understand how much that actually is.” Lucius slid the account book over to Draco for his examination. Draco glanced at the bottom line and gulped. He pushed the book back to his father with a hand that shook slightly. “Oh, Merlin's ... that's a lot of money. A lot.” “Yes, and, as long as I prove to be an honest executor, no one can object to my taking my proper portion.” He smiled at the accounts with some satisfaction, despite the disarray they were still in. “Oh, and, Draco? Language.” “Sorry. I've been associating with Crabbe and Goyle too much. They're ... dunderheads is polite. After associating with Weasley and Granger, I'm finding them to be a severe trial to my patience. I ... Father?” “Yes, Draco?” Lucius knew what was coming and had been ready for it for more than a month now. “I know they're Gryffindorks and all that, but I like Ron and Hermione better than Crabbe and Goyle, and Parkinson put together. At least they're not trying to hex me at every turn. You got Dumbledore to give me my own quarters, you remember. And ... I'd like your permission not to associate with them anymore, Slytherin or not.” Lucius gazed at Draco rather blankly as he unraveled this somewhat jumbled revelation. “Let me get things straight. The entire House of Slytherin has been hexing you?” Draco nodded, looking extremely put out. “And Granger and Weasley have been helping you?” Draco nodded again. “Well, that's the outside of enough. You associate with whomever you like. Voldemort be damned.” “Thank you, sir. Oh, is there any word on Potter?” Lucius shrugged an elegant, French gesture. “My detective thinks he has a lead, but, considering all the facts, I doubt it. We'll see. When he gets here, you're to treat him in a seemly fashion, one befitting a Malfoy. Do you understand?” Draco bowed slightly. “Yes, father, I do. I will treat him as a foster brother should be treated ... even if it kills me. I swear.” “Very good, Draco, my dragon. You'll do the Malfoy name proud, I'm certain.” Draco settled at his desk, one of the conditions of being allowed to return home as often as he did was that he had to keep his homework up. He actually found it easier to do it here than in the Slytherin Common Room or in study hall. There, he had to keep one eye open for hexes, jinxes, and curses. And he didn't mind missing Hogsmead as it was just another place for the Slytherins to ambush him. Lucius went back to trying to consolidate Harry's holdings into something a bit more manageable. He'd already consolidated his vaults and gotten an inventory of all the items in them. He'd also refrained from reading it. It wasn't his business what personal items, magical or otherwise, were in the new vault. . Ron sighed, leaned back in his chair and stretched. He and Hermione had been studying for what seemed like hours. He was ready for a break and he was hungry. Hermione put her quill down and sighed, too. “I'm ready for a break and I know you are. Tell me why we took this class again?” “Because we thought it would be fun, with Harry in it. Now it's just tedious. Eighteen inches on tea! Feh!” Hermione rubbed her face. “Trelawney is getting nuttier by the day. Tea, not tea leaves, but tea. I've got eighteen inches, but just barely. It's not acceptable.” She started to cry. Hermione is no longer in Divination at this time. She stormed out near the end of third year when the time-turner became too much for her. Right around the time she decked Malfoy for being a right arse. Ron IS still in Divination. Ron, used to her bursting into tears when she thought of Harry, just eased her against his chest and started to rub her back. “We'll find him 'Mione. I swear. We will.” “I don't think we will. He's gone underground, in Muggle London. The runaways hide each other. It's just awful, thinking about what could be happening to him. Snape’s quit looking, you know.” Ron patted Hermione's shoulder. “I know. But, believe it or don't, I'm on his side. Why should he keep wandering London, when we have no idea where to look.” They jumped apart as a soft, velvety voice sounded from behind them. “Well, I'm astonished, to say the least. You agree with me? View me Confunded. Miss Granger, dry your face, evidence of your lachrymose humour won't do you any favours. Mr. Weasley, kindly take Miss Granger back to Gryffindor now. Curfew is in half an hour. And you've missed supper. You better hurry, if you want to get to the kitchens and get something to eat before you return to your dorm.” Professor Snape, acting proctor in the late study hall, swirled around in a flurry of black robes and strode off to tell the rest of the late students to leave the hall. Ron pressed a hand to his chest. “Bloody hell! That man is half cat, I swear. Nearly gave me heart failure.” He cast a Tempus and agreed with him. “But he's right. I'm starving, we've missed the tail end of supper and we have to hurry or it'll be crisps and tea for supper.” Hermione didn't bother to say anything, she just chucked her things into her satchel and shouldered the strap. Ron gathered his stuff into a messy pile and they headed for the kitchens. On the way, they ran into Draco. Or rather, found him. He was hanging, upside down from a torchiere, the large bracket used to hold torches on the wall. He was bleeding freely from the nose. Ron snarled, “Damnit! Hermione, I'll hold him up, you undo the binding charm.” Hermione just obeyed Ron without argument. They carried him into the kitchens and put him down on a table. One of the elves popped out to get Madam Pomphrey on Ron's order. When the bustling MediWitch entered the kitchens, Hermione had already washed most of the blood off Draco so Madam just waived her wand, did a diagnostic and announced, “Well, he's just dazed and bruised a bit. Take him back to his quarters, I'll send a potion or two with you. I need to get back to the Hospital Wing. Hannah Abbott broke her leg and I have to watch her carefully, she's not healing as well as she should.” The MediWitch shook her head. “You girls and your reducing. She doesn't have enough calcium in her blood.” Hermione blinked at Madam Pomphrey's attitude towards Draco then sighed. “Are you sure that Draco should just go back to his quarters? Shouldn't he go to the Infirmary? Hannah needs calcium? Just make her drink a lot of skimmed milk. That'll take care of that.” Madam Pomphrey shook her head. “Half of Slytherin is in there. Draco doesn't need half a dozen hexes on top of that beating. I know I can trust you to take care of Mr. Malfoy, no matter how you feel about him personally. Get something to eat, take Mr. Malfoy to his quarters. I'll give you a note so you won't get into trouble for being out after curfew.” she quickly wrote the note with a quill Hermione gave her, on a bit of parchment from Ron. Ron grumbled softly, “You'd think they'd take better care of the Prince of Slytherin, but ... oh, come on.” He eased Draco up and helped him stand. Hermione gathered all their books into one pile and just shoved it into a house-elf's hands. She pointed to several trenchers and asked that those be taken to Draco's quarters and followed Draco and Ron out the door. It didn't take them long to get to Draco's quarters where Ron eased Draco down on a couch and helped him get flat. “Thanks, I ache all over. Damn them. They ambushed me when I came out of the kitchen. Father is going to go spare.” Ron handed him the potion and told him, quite firmly, to drink it all. Draco accepted the potion, gulped it and shuddered. “Eeuw! And don't ever let Father know I made a sound like that.” He leaned back and tried to relax. Hermione shook her head. “We'll come and escort you to classes. Don't leave your rooms without one or both of us with you. I'll see if ... um ... Neville will help.” “Longbottom might. But I don't trust anyone else. Thanks. I know I don't deserve this but I really do appreciate it. Shows who a person's friends really are. If you know what I mean.” Ron just nodded. “Sure thing. Here's some shepherd's pie. Eat.” He handed Draco the individual dish and a fork then turned to his own dinner. Hermione thanked the waiting house-elves and started to eat. Draco just ate the offered food and thought, long and hard. . Harry wandered along the street, window shopping, just for the fun of it. He was going to have to get a new brush and some more colors. He was looking forward to just browsing in the store. He had made a mental list of the things he really needed, but he had enough money to indulge himself a bit. Maybe a nice palette to replace the cracked plate he was using now. He stopped in at the local coffee bar and got a latte, sissy drink as Johnny called it, but he did like it. And a muffin. He nibbled his muffin and sipped his coffee as he walked along. The hot coffee was welcome in the cold. He never noticed his shadow, Liu-sifu would have smacked him if he'd known. Harry finished his muffin just as he got to the store so he took a few moments to drink the rest of his coffee. He stuffed the muffin paper in to the cup and tossed them into a trash container. He smiled at the merry jingle of the bell over the door. “Hello! Anyone about?” “Harry! Come in, come in. I'm in the back. If you need me just call out. I've got in a new shipment and I'm checking it in.” Harry moved to the rack of brushes, happy that the proprietor knew him well enough to recognize his voice. He fingered a cheap brush then looked at a good quality one, like the one he'd ruined. It was much more expensive but well worth the cost. He decided that he could afford the cost and took it out of the display. He wandered up and down the aisles, looking at all the pens, pencils, markers and other supplies. He finally settled on the tubes of watercolors he wanted, as well as papers and some supplies to turn his artwork into a book. He took his selections to the counter and called to the proprietor, “Mr. Sulivan, I'm ready to pay up. Are you ok?” Mr. Sulivan came out of the back room. “I'm fine. I just got involved, you should have called me sooner.” “I was enjoying looking around. I called you when I was ready to pay. Take your time writing me up. I might find something else I want.” Harry grinned at the man companionably. “Ok, good. Let me see ...” He added up Harry's purchases and told him the total. Harry paid him, tucked his package into his pocket and left. He had to grin as he checked his pocket. He'd bought the coat because of the huge pockets. He had three coats now, not to mention the jackets. . Dobby glanced around, checked the cabinet for alarms then opened the door. He started examining the various vials, bottles and jars. He knew what he wanted but it was hard to find things sometimes as Professor Snape didn't put potions in the same shape container every time. He just used which ever shape available that would hold the proper dose. While Dobby was busy trying to find the potions he wanted, Professor Snape was easing in the door. The alarm he'd set on the rack of potion vials had alerted him. He'd been a teacher much too long to alarm a cabinet door. He was very startled to see Dobby tucking vials into his pockets. “Dobby House-elf, what in thunderation do you think you're doing? I never would have thought you'd steal.” Snape took Dobby by the collar and headed for the door, the poor elf stumbling along behind. “I'm taking you straight to Dumbledore. He'll deal with this.” The trip to the headmaster's office didn't take long, especially at this time of night. Dumbledore was waiting behind his desk, dressed in a comfortable lounging robe and slippers. “I was reading when you floo'd (I'm not CLEAR on this one but I know it is floo not flue and flooed looks wrong.) me. Did you catch your thief?” Professor Snape just pushed Dobby in front of his legs and pointed. “Yes.” Dobby's ears were flat to his hanging head and he wrung his hands miserably. Dumbledore looked over his glasses at Dobby and sighed. “Well, well, this is a nasty surprise. Dobby, what were you going to do with those potions?” Dobby shrugged like a small child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Nothing, Headmaster Dumbledore Sir. Nothing bad. Dobby swears.” He held up his hand in a universal 'I swear' gesture. Snape had his own opinion about the whole situation. “I think he's been taking potions and selling them in Knockturn Alley then using the money to by butter beer for Winky.” He turned a strangely sad look on Dobby. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I thought better of you.” Dumbledore just shook his head. “Severus, I'm afraid you're right. Dobby, you're forbidden to leave Hogwarts again without my express permission.” Dobby opened his mouth to object but Dumbledore cut him off. “No. I'm very sorry, but that's my decision. Now, run along and tell Winky you can't get her anymore beer.” Dobby blinked sadly at the two wizards then disappeared with a loud crack. Dumbledore shook his head again. “I'm afraid he'll sulk for weeks. And apparate loudly. See if you can't keep an eye on him, will you, my boy?” Severus just bowed slightly, gathered up the potions and left. . Mr. McGowan hung around the Silken Cage for two nights before he saw Harry. He tried to follow him but Harry went into a coffee shop and didn't come out again. Mr. McGowan didn't know that Harry regularly used a side entrance when he stopped in. It cut half a block off his walk home. The detective checked the Cage every night for another three but couldn't manage to follow Harry as he was surrounded by laughing chattering men and boys. He was really worried about the large black man, he looked like he could rip the head off a bull. When he finally managed to follow Harry all the way home he marked the address in his book and settled in to watch the door. He was going to get Harry's routine down cold before he called his client to come get his quarry. He had to admit that he was a bit scared of Mr. Malfoy and he'd dealt with some of the roughest characters there were. Mr. Malfoy had that cold, calculating, ruthless look that meant he was quite capable of murder. He was very careful when he gave Mr. Malfoy his report. He wasn't the least bit surprised when his client demanded to be shown where Harry was staying at once. He led Malfoy into the streets of London and onto the subway. Lucius had all he could do not to hex the man. They had to stand in the alley for over an hour before Harry showed up carrying two net bags full of groceries. Lucius nearly gasped, the boy was turning into a very handsome man. He would be a credit to the Malfoy name. Regrettably he only turned half an ear to Harry's routine, only listening to the parts he thought he needed to know to catch Harry. “I see. Yes, I'll take it from here. You'll get your payment when we return to my town house.” Mr. McGowan sighed. “Mr. Malfoy, all I have to do is grab the kid. He's what? Sixteen? A quick driveby-snatch and we're home free.” Lucius gave Mr. McGowan what Draco called his 'you're such an idiot' look, down his nose. “You have absolutely no idea what you're dealing with. That 'boy' is extremely dangerous. I have people especially trained to handle him. Don't interfere or you'll regret it. Now, home.” He flicked his hand at the detective and stalked off. Mr. McGowan followed grumbling softly. . Ron put his arms around Hermione from behind her. She leaned back on his chest and gave a tiny, doleful sniffle. “I hate Slytherins. Just look at poor Draco.” “He's a Slytherin.” Ron rubbed his cheek on the top of Hermione's head. “but, yeah, I'm not to fond of them myself. He really looks rough.” “He's one of their own. Why would they beat him like that?” Ron gave an eloquent shrug. “Because he's a traitor now. He and Lucius have changed coats. They won't tolerate that.” Hermione sighed again. “That's awful. And he's caught in this mess because no one ever changes houses. Why's that, do you suppose?” “Donno. But he's got his own quarters.” “Not that that helps much. They keep ambushing him. He doesn't take a beating well either, does he?” Ron considered this for a moment. “No, he doesn't. Remember the fuss he made when you punched him?” LOL funny that you brought this up considering I noted it above. :) “I have a nasty right cross, you said so yourself.” Hermione looked indignant, and a bit silly as Ron was looking at her upside down. “True, true. Come on, we better get back to the dorms. It's after curfew.” Hermione held up a bit of parchment she was clutching in one hand. “Excuse. But, you're right, we better get going. Filch is getting really nasty.” . Harry smiled at Frankie, he was really glad that Liu-sefu had agreed that Frankie was to be his sponsor for his belt trial. It was great that they could spend as much time working as they were. Frankie ran with him now and they worked on different moves as they ran. Frankie also spent some time each day with him before practice. He was working hard but he loved it. Frankie and Johnny took good care of him and the guys at the club were fantastic. He loved dancing too. This last week had been wonderful. He especially loved the beautiful jewelled drops Frankie and Johnny had gotten him. There were three in a set, one small and two a bit larger. They were in colors that complimented his eyes, emerald green, sapphire blue, garnet red and a lemon yellow. He was wearing just the rings for now as he and Frankie were going to spar a bit. Frankie bowed to Harry and took a defensive stance. He didn't have long to wait for Frankie to signal a move. It was just the flick of a hand but Harry knew it for the beginning of an attack. He replied to the attack and returned to his stance. To uninformed eyes it would look rather like they were just twitching and waving. To other martial artists they were in deadly combat. Harry loved it. “Brilliant, Frankie. I've been working out alone until now. It's great to see how all the different moves work against real opponents. Drink?” Harry handed Frankie a bottle of water and got another for himself. They discussed attacks and counters. Frankie went over weapons with Harry and set him to working with a bo. Harry worked hard and learned everything he could. Frankie even managed to get some of the senior students to spar with Harry several times. Harry managed to get some time to work on throwing pins, creating them from his bracelets when no one else was around. None of them noticed the man hanging around as Lucius changed his appearance every hour or so. . It took Lucius nearly two weeks to make his plans and get the correct people. He didn't want to use his usual resources as he didn't want possible Death Eaters involved. He didn't want Voldemort to know what he was up to. Dumbledore either. He waited until Frankie and Johnny were supposed to be at the club and Harry at home. He didn't quite have the luck he hoped for. Some boy was just leaving the apartment, calling out, “Bye, Harry. Hey! Someone else is at the door.” He nodded to a furious Lucius and ran down the street. Harry took one look at the men in the street, slammed the door and locked it. Lucius snarled at Draco, “Watch the street,” and headed for the door. It took him several frustrating minutes to open the door. Breaking it down like he wanted to would attract too much unwanted attention. As he fiddled Lucius listened to what was going on in the apartment. He could hear Harry moving around, a door slammed and then a scraping noise. Lucius burst into the apartment and looked for Harry. Harry was nowhere to be found and Lucius snarled again. “Damn that boy! How the hell ... Draco!” Draco slipped carefully into the room, making sure to check the corners. “Not here? Shall I have the men come in and search?” “No! Those brutes aren't going to be any help now. I just needed them for cannon fodder if we found Potter. Pay them and send them away. He's gone. I can tell.” Draco sighed and went to pay the men off. He was sure Harry was gone to. Their only hope had been to surround him and get him in a crossfire of stunners. One of the men asked what he should do if he saw Harry. Draco snorted, “If you actually manage to capture him, take him to the Townhouse and tell the butler to keep hold of him until we get there.” . Johnny felt a cold chill run over him. He didn't even stop to think, he just grabbed Frankie and snapped, “We have to go home. Right now.” “Why? What's going on?” But long experience with Johnny's 'feelings' had Frankie dragging on his coat as he headed for the door, practically treading on Johnny's heels. The headed out the door and ran. They were both alley rats themselves so they knew how to get somewhere fast. They usually didn't go onto the roofs or jump fences, they took the long way around, now they used every trick in the book to get the six or so blocks back to the apartment. The arrived just in time to see Draco pay off several thugs and re-enter their home. Frankie went in first, just in time to keep Lucius from opening the door to Harry's room. “Hey! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing? Get away from there.” Johnny grabbed Draco by the arm and held on. Draco only prevented himself from hexing Johnny by reminding himself that Harry probably liked these Muggles and hexing them would make things very difficult later on. Lucius just turned, raised his eyebrow in his usually haughty expression and announced, “I'm here to get my ward. Produce him.” Frankie was suddenly much bigger and tougher looking and Johnny looked downright mean. “Ok, Dursley, if you think you're getting that boy back, you're sadly mistaken. Get out.” Lucius blinked for a second and Draco groaned softly. No one was going to be able to bustle this couple, no matter what. Then Lucius nodded. “I see. No, I'm not Dursley. My name is Lucius Malfoy. I've been appointed Mr. Potter's guardian. When my people found out how that man was treating him, they awarded his guardianship to me. I have papers if you need to see them.” Lucius managed to put on a polite smile, without seeming smarmy. Frankie took the papers Lucius offered and Johnny let go of Draco to go look over his shoulder. They took their time looking the papers over, secure in the knowledge that Harry was safe somewhere and confident that he would return when he was sure it was ok. After several minutes Johnny returned the papers to Lucius. “Ok, you're his new guardian. What now? I'm sure he's taken off until he's sure it's safe. We'll give you a call when he shows. That do?” Lucius got a good look into Johnny's eyes, Legilimizing him easily. He was very careful not to hurt him or give him any warning as to what he was doing. He knew now that both Frankie and Johnny loved Harry like a little brother and were very upset about his running off. He was also sure that Johnny, at least, was convinced of Lucius's honesty. “I'm afraid that he'll take off again if he realizes that anyone from ... um ... my family knows where he is. He doesn't ...” Frankie sighed loudly. “He wouldn't tell us anything about your people. He said that it would cause all sorts of trouble and he'd be punished. But he did tell us that your tribe is in a fight with someone and that people are trying to kill him. Who's side are you on? And don't lie to me, I always seem to know when someone does.” Lucius rubbed his forehead, working on not biting this man's head off. “I'm actually one of the few people who has Harry's welfare in mind. Most of the other people who want custody of him, have ... an agenda. I don't. I'll give you this. And tell you a lot more than Harry did.” Lucius handed Johnny a small bronze medallion. “Do you believe in magic? And I don't mean prestidigitation. Never mind, I'll show you.” He drew his wand from its hiding place in his cane and turned the nearby coffee table into a collie. The dog barked, danced around a bit then sat at his commanding, “Sit!” He turned it back into a table. “There. No smoke, mirrors or illusions. Real magic. And Harry is one of my kind. That's why he is forbidden to tell you anything. I'll be in a great deal of trouble myself, but I thought it worth it. You'll understand my dilemma a bit better. We must find Harry soon. It's very dangerous for him to be running around London by himself. Do you have any idea where he might go?” Both men shook their heads. “No. We were hoping he would come back here, once you're gone.” “I hope so too. If he does, take that medallion, hold it to your mouth just like a, I believe you call it a telephone, and say, “He's here.” then squeeze it. I'll hear you and come at once. Please do not fear for Harry. I swear a Wizard's Oath that I mean him no harm.” Draco gasped softly. Frankie turned a slightly glazed look in his direction. Draco told him, “That's the most serious oath we have. If he violates it, he could lose his magic.” Frankie clutched at Johnny. “Damnit!” He turned furious eyes on Lucius. “You scared him and he took off. I don't know where he would go. He'll come back.” He turned his gazed to Johnny. “Won't he? He will, won't he?” Johnny nodded, patting the hand Frankie put on his chest. “He'll show. He's got a good head on his shoulders, he'll come back.” Lucius didn't hold out much hope of that, but he kept his mouth shut about it. He looked around the lounge and smiled a bit. It was typical Muggle, but neat, clean, and homey. Draco glared at him, jerked his head and walked toward the door. Lucius followed without comment, leaving Frankie and Johnny alone. Draco turned to speak to his father the second they cleared the front yard. “Father, he's off. He's not going to come back here. I'm pretty sure he saw you. With your history, there's no way he's going to trust us until we can speak to him and convince him. What now?” “We keep looking. I'll have that detective check around some more. And I think our new allies will help. We need to give them time to realize that Harry's not going to come back to them.” Draco nodded and strode off in a huff. He was still sore from his 'adventure' of last week and wasn't too happy about being dragged out into the cold and fog. He knew he was being cross with his father but he was really tired. “Draco, I know you don't feel quite the thing yet, but we have to find Harry soon. The Dark Lord can't be allowed to find him. I'm beginning to feel ...” Lucius staggered slightly and gripped his left arm with shaking fingers. “Father? What's wrong?” Draco thrust his shoulder under his father's arm and put that arm around his waist. “Let me.” “My Mark. It's burning. Voldemort is calling me. We need to get home. When I don't come, he'll punish me. We need to be home before then.” Draco helped his father apparate to their home and get settled on a couch. There wouldn't be anymore Harry hunting tonight. . Frankie put his head down on Johnny's chest and sobbed. Johnny didn't sob, but he wept all the same. They stood that way for a while, then broke apart. Johnny wiped his eyes, blew his nose and announced, “We better see what the damage is. Come on.” they started picking up the little bit of mess that Harry had left in his scramble to get away. He'd locked his bedroom door, put a chopstick and a bit of newspaper got the key out of the lock and they unlocked his door. All his things were still right where he'd left them, except for his backpack. It was gone and in it's place was a screw of paper, tucked behind the leg of the desk. “Dear F&J I'm so sorry to take off like that but I got to go. I don't know how they did it but the thugs I saw work for my enemy or I'm badly mistaken. I won't come back any time soon, they'll keep an eye on the door. Keep my stuff for me. I'll come back when I can and get it. Thanks for taking care of me. Don't worry, don't cry. I'm a survivor, i'll be fine. Best always, HJ Potter” Frankie punched a hole in the wall, Johnny just bit his lip. This was very bad. They both knew the risks of living on the streets and hated to see Harry put himself through that. They also knew that their only hope of finding him was word of mouth. They'd spread the word everywhere they could and hope it got to him. Johnny looked around. “And how the hell did he get out of this room. It doesn't have a window, that's one of the reasons we knocked this little flat into a bedroom/ensuite.” Frankie dried his eyes, wiping off the last of his eye makeup in the process. “I don't know. There's a window in the ensuite, but ... would he fit?” Johnny opened the door to the bathroom and looked around. Harry had obviously gotten out of the room by climbing on the toilet, opening the tiny window over it and squeezing out. Johnny examined the window frame and sighed, there was a sharp corner on the aluminum frame and it had blood on it. “He cut himself, squeezing out. Damnit! I hope he'll be ok.” Heartsick and weary, they cleaned up the bit of mess, packed Harry's things into a small, humpbacked trunk and went to bed. Frankie cried all the while they packed and Johnny only kept himself from doing the same by concentrating on finding everything that belonged to Harry. Johnny comforted himself with the thought that Harry had on his new, flannel lined jeans, a heavy henley shirt and had taken his great coat with him. He hoped that Harry had warm things in his pack. . Harry had taken one look at the crowd in the street and recognized wizards, but no faces. He'd slammed the door, bolted it and run into his room. He'd grabbed a flannel shirt from his wardrobe and stuffed his arms into it. When he'd grabbed his pack he'd realized that he needed to leave a note; frantic, he'd scribbled down something and screwed the note into a twist then shoved it behind the leg of the desk so the Death Eaters wouldn't find it. He then grabbed up his great coat and pack; climbing on the toilet he stuffed the coat out the window and scrambled out after it, cutting his side on the frame as he did so. Harry dragged his coat on, shouldered his pack and ran. He ran until his lungs ached and his legs gave out. He'd thought about going to Liu-sifu but he was afraid that the Death Eaters would know about him too. He couldn't endanger any of his friends. He couldn't return to that neighborhood for a long time, if ever. He spent the night huddled behind a dumpster, miles away from the warmth and comfort of his friends and home. . Morning came with a loud clang from the lid of the dumpster Harry was behind then a sour voice snarled, “Gerrof, you. There's nothing to eat here. Go on, then.” Harry scrambled up, grabbed his backpack and left quickly. He slipped out of the alley and tried to figure out where he was. It didn't really matter much, he just needed to find a public toilet so he could take out his contacts. They were on their last day and very dry. After several blocks he gave up and just took them out right there on the street then rummaged in his pack for his glasses. He shoved them on his face and started looking for a squat. He walked most of the day, criss-crossing the area, he wound up in a park at dusk, weary and heart sore. He almost fell asleep but was awakened by a police man who kicked his foot and snapped, “No sleeping in the park. Go off home.” Harry climbed to his feet and walked out of the park. He'd rummaged in his pack earlier to see if he had money, but snarled in disbelief when he realized that all he had was what was in his wallet. That was about seventy pounds and wouldn't last long. He'd have to save it for food and sleep in the streets, somehow. He slipped back into the park, walking in the shadows until he found some kids huddled over a half barrel. “Hey.” They all turned to look at him. “Got any food? I'm really hungry.” Harry knew now that asking for food was asking to be included in the group. “We've got a little. Got any money?” Harry took a breath and lied through his teeth. “No. A few coins is all.” He handed over a few coins. “Here, add it to the kitty.” “Thanks. You any good at beggin'?” “No. Sorry.” Harry unhunched his shoulders and straightened up. “I'm good muscle though.” The slender, ratting looking boy shrugged. “Don't much need muscle, we're runners mostly. Beggin' and whorin', we don't mess with drugs and all that.” Harry nodded. “That's good. Drugs are more trouble than they're worth. I ... um ... I know how to suck. Theory really, but I'll do what I have to to help out. If you'll have me.” “We'll have you. Name's Barney. Meg, Sheila, Don, Mack and in the back is Geo.” Harry nodded to each kid as they were introduced. “Harry.” Barney nodded again as if to seal a bargain. “We might wanna go over to the restaurant over there.” Barney pointed to a place about a block away. “Sometimes they'll throw stuff away and we can get it out of the dumpster.” So they went to see if there was any food there. Harry found that he could boost Don up fairly easily, Don climbed into the dumpster and handed out the still warm, wrapped sandwiches and they ran away, followed by the half-hearted shouts of a bus boy. Harry followed Barney to their squat in an old warehouse. The group had managed a fairly nice place for a bunch of homeless kids. They even had a couch shoved up against one wall. Meg and Sheila sat on that and the boys all squatted on the floor or sat on boxes. Sheila divided up the food, making sure that everyone had some. Harry accepted his sandwiches with a soft thanks and tucked in. After they ate Barney told them, “This was a good haul but, remember that place will start messing with the throwaway if we're not careful. We have to stay away from there unless we're sure they're going to throw away a lot. There's two other places we need to keep an eye on. And, now that Harry's here, I've decided to let Geo go out. He's little and cute, just the sort that pedophiles like. Wankers that they are.” There was some snickering over that. “Yeah. Harry's going to guard him and take the money. He looks big enough that most john's won't try to stiff us. Ok with you, Harry?” Harry stiffened his back. “No. Geo stays safe. I'll do it myself. And no one will try to stiff me.” His glare shut both Barney and Geo up. Barney gave Harry a grateful look and Geo nearly burst into tears he was so relieved. And so Harry became a gutter boy. He settled in to rest but hissed in pain as his singlet pulled at the scab on his side, it was stuck to it. He pulled it away as best he could and tried to relax. The group soon fell into a routine, or rather Harry fitted himself into theirs. They didn't wake until very late, 3pm or so, and went out into the streets to see what they could scrounge. After finding something to eat, they started trolling for customers, johns, for the four oldest. Harry found that only a few men wanted anything to do with him, he was too old and too big. Some of the men who were interested in him wanted it rough, on him. They soon found out that Harry's fists were a great deal more than they could handle. Things went from bad to worse quickly. Harry's cut got infected and the weather was terrible, rain and sleet alternated with freezing cold. Nights were miserable, there was no way to get warm or dry. And not being able to keep the cut dry or clean was how it got infected. Then there was a police raid on the squat. All the kids scattered and Harry knew he'd never find them again. No one had thought to tell him where their meeting place was. Harry leaned against the wall and tried to get warm. He was standing over a heat vent from one of the basements and the heat rising from it was welcome, but it was very damp and Harry knew when he moved away he was going to chill again quickly. He just hoped a cop didn't move him along too soon. He was just nodding off, standing up when an officer did exactly that. He shambled off wearily, wondering how he was going to survive. He'd spent what money he had managed to keep on food, his clothing was all filthy and he looked like exactly what he was, homeless. He climbed into a dumpster to see if there was anything to eat in it. There was some deli meat but it smelled off. He decided to risk a transfiguration and transfigured it into fresh smelling, clean stuff. He vomited it all up about ten minutes later. He sighed and wondered what to do. Harry gave up and called for Dobby. He'd promised himself not to call Dobby so that the elf wouldn't get into trouble but he was sick and needed him. “Dobby! Dobby! I need you.” Instead of Dobby, Winky popped in front of Harry. She blinked at him then shook her head. “You is getting Dobby into trouble. He is bound to Hogwarts, Dumbldeydore said. He is not coming to you. Winky is not either. She just came to tell you because Dobby is so upset. Harry Potter should not have gotten Dobby into trouble. Winky cannot help. Good-bye.” And she popped away again. Harry clutched his stomach and groaned. He'd avoided calling Dobby because there wasn't much he could do but he'd hoped for a stomach ache draught or potion. He curled up and tried to settle his stomach by main force of will. It didn't help much. . The man turned his head slightly. “Hey, mate, did you feel that?” His companion shrugged. “Wasn't much of a much. Why?” “This is Muggle territory. Who's working magic around here?” They carefully drew their wands and searched for the source of the magic they'd felt. If they could find the Potter boy, they'd have a permanent in with Lucius Malfoy. Or so they thought. Harry didn't feel the stunner they cast on him, he was asleep behind a box, lying on a piece of cardboard. “That's Potter?” “Doesn't look like much to me, but Malfoy will pay a hefty price for him. Pick him up and bring him along. We'll take him to the town house and turn him over to that butler guy.” So the larger of the two men picked Harry up and the other man got his pack. They took Harry to the town house and did exactly what Lucius had told them to do. They handed him over to the butler, who gave them ten galleons each and sent them on their way. Mr. Chauncey took Harry down to the basement and chained him to a ring in the floor. He smirked at this, he'd made sure that they were spelled with an Unbreakable Charm and an Anti-Apparition Hex, a very nasty one. When Harry woke up he knew he was in big trouble at once. The cuff around his ankle was rough and had already scuffed the skin of his leg. His side ached with a dull throb and he was hungry and thirsty. He examined his cell with a weary resignation. There was a cot, a chamber pot and that was all. When he tried to apparate away, he slammed back into the floor and spent the next hour writhing in pain. Harry sighed and struggled onto the cot. “I am so screwed.”

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