Lunch was a rather subdued affair, Lucius was feeling guilty about not checking to see how the punishment was going, Draco was also feeling guilty for not realizing that Harry was hurting himself and Harry was just confused. He couldn't understand how Lucius could assign a punishment and then feel guilty, after all, he hadn't punched or kicked him, so what was his problem? Harry managed to eat his sandwich fairly easily but when the salad came he was in trouble. He couldn't manage a fork, his hands were still too tender. He bowed his head and prepared to sit, still hungry, until the meal was done. Lucius noticed, of course. “Harry, are you having trouble?” Harry peeked at Lucius from under his bangs and just shrugged. Lucius sighed and shook his head. “Harry, when I ask you a question, I expect a verbal answer. A shrug like that could mean anything.” Harry straightened his shoulders. “I'm sorry ... Papa. I can't hold my fork, my hands are still too tender. It hurts.” “Ah, burns like that do take a bit of healing. I'll apply another dose of lotion after we eat. Do you think your hands should be bandaged?” Harry thought about that for a moment. “I don't know. Why don't we wait and see?” “Very well. Now, move over to the end of the table right next to me.” Harry did as he was told and Lucius called an elf to move his plate back in front of him. Lucius picked up the fork, speared a bite of salad and held the fork to Harry's half open lips, a small smirk on his face. “Well?” “Uh ... mmm” Lucius slipped the salad between Harry's lips and waited. Harry shook himself out of his momentary daze and closed his mouth around the food. Lucius pulled the fork back and Harry chewed the salad, still looking a bit dazed. It didn't help that Draco, instead of acting jealous, chose to snicker quietly at every bite. Harry finished his salad then Lucius also fed him pudding, which was a very good treacle tart. Lucius signaled the end of the meal and Harry excused himself, saying he'd to go to his room and work on his studies. Lucius stopped him before he could take a step. “We still have to put lotion on your hands again. And decide whether we're going to bandage them or not.” Harry nibbled at his lip for a second. “Um ... would a healing potion help? Madam Pomfrey always gives me potions for just about everything.” “Draco? You did say that he shouldn't over do the potions?” “Yes, I did. I'll go talk to Mw. Thomas but I think he'll say that Harry just has to tough it out. The burns aren't that bad, they didn't blister. He's really only scalded, although I'm sure that it hurts quite a lot.” Draco turned to give Harry a sympathetic shake of his head. “I'm really sorry Harry, but I don't think you should have a potion, unless you just can't stand it.” Harry sighed. “I'd like one, but I can do without. It's not as bad as the time Uncle Vernon mashed my hand on the griddle for burning the bacon. I'll be ok. I'm fine.” Harry turned his gaze to his hands so he didn't see the looks on Lucius's and Draco's faces. Lucius looked like he wanted to Crucio someone and Draco looked like he couldn't decide whether to cry or swear. Neither one did what they wanted, instead Draco went to call the medi-wizard and Lucius called for a basin and the lotion to be brought. When the elf arrived, Harry held his hands over the basin while Lucius poured the lotion over them. Harry decided that he would try to rub some in but hissed softly when he tried. “I don't think so. The friction makes them hurt again. I don't think I want bandages either, they'll just rub. Thank you.” Lucius scowled, his eyebrows drawing down into sharp angles. “Don't thank me. If I'd been a better father this wouldn't have happened. I must punish you, your contract won't allow otherwise, but this ... this is ...” He trailed off, the silver tonged Slytherin wordless for once. Harry decided to say what he thought. “Well, it wasn't well done of you, but everyone makes mistakes. And I hope you remember that...” He gave Lucius a small smile. “... when I make mistakes of my own. Ok?” Lucius sighed. “And how did you get to be so wise?” “Association with great minds engenders greatness.” Harry smirked at Lucius. Lucius raised his eyebrow. “And where did you hear that?” “Liu-sifu is full of such sayings.” Harry frowned for a second. “Do you think Frankie or Johnny has told him I'm safe?” “I'm sure they have but a note to him would not go amiss. Please feel free to write to anyone you like, I'll see that they get their message.” “Papa? Do you think we could get Hedwig from Hogwarts?” Harry frowned again. “Or would Dumbledore notice she's gone?” Lucius gave this a moment of thought before he replied carefully. “I'm not sure. Did you leave her in Dumbledore's care? Or just leave her in the owlery?” Harry thought back to that fateful day then replied, “I just sort of left her there. I sent her to the owlery, that's all. Hagrid might notice, or he might just think she's gone hunting.” “Call her.” Harry thought about Hedwig and how much he wished she was there. He also thought about asking Lucius to see if he could find out what was going on with Dobby then decided that that was not a good idea. The sharp tapping at the window startled both Harry and Lucius. Harry's joyous cry of “Hedwig!” sent Lucius hurrying to open the window. Hedwig swooped through it and landed on Harry's out stretched arm. She gave him a sharp nip on the ear, flipped her wings over her back and made one of her soft purring sounds. As she was a Snowy Owl she didn't hoot, just made soft chattering noises and a sort of purring grumble. Harry yelped at the nip but petted Hedwig and started apologizing for leaving her. “You wouldn't have liked living on the streets but Frankie and Johnny would have loved having you. They'll go spare when they see you.” Lucius watched for a moment then asked, “Harry, your hands?” “Her feathers are soft. Could I have some owl treats?” And elf popped in with some at his request. Harry just motioned to the elf to feed them to Hedwig. The owl blinked in the way they have then took a treat carefully, the elf fed Hedwig the treats as Harry watched. He looked up when Lucius asked, “Would you like Hedwig in your quarters or the owlery. It makes no difference one way or the other.” “In my rooms, please.” The elf popped out with a bow, obviously to see to arrangements for a perch. “Thank you, sir. I'll owl Frankie and Johnny. I know it'll thrill them half to death. And they know about owls, so they won't hurt her.” “I think that would be nice, once in a while. There would be too many questions from the neighbors if it happens too much. I'll send most of your correspondence through my contacts. It will only take an extra day. You understand?” Harry had to nod at that. “Yes, you're right. But don't worry about a day. Muggle mail takes two to six days, depending on how far it has to go and how big it is. Thank you.” Lucius gave Harry a regal bow and announced that Draco should have been done on the floo by now. They went to the library in search of him and found him writing carefully in his potions notebook. “Draco? What are you doing, son?” Draco held up a hand to silence his father, frowning slightly. Lucius, instead of getting angry, patiently waited until he was finished writing. “Thank you for your patience, father. I got a formula for a pain potion that Harry can take without interfering with any of the others. I'll go brew it right now, so that we'll have some on hand if he needs it. I might have some ready soon enough to help him now. Excuse me.” Harry decided and spoke before Draco could leave the room. “Can I come too? I'd like to try to help, if I can.” Draco gave him a long considering look. “Very well, but only if you do exactly as I tell you to. I'd rather not blow up the stillery.” “Ok. I'll sort of sit and watch then.” Draco started off for the stillery with Harry at his heels. Lucius watched, wondering what that was about. He decided to follow and find out. They wound up seated at a work bench, Lucius at one end, Harry at the other and Draco in the middle. Draco looked from Harry to Lucius then nodded in a determined sort of way. “Father, if you will please?” Draco handed Lucius a tuber that looked a great deal like a potato, except that it was a rather glaring yellow. “And, Harry, you copy him with this.” He handed Harry a real potato. Harry eyed the potato for a moment then demanded, “What, exactly, am I supposed to do with this?” “Learn proper potions preparation.” Draco replied absently as he started to slice something into thin slices. Harry glared at him and snarled, much to Lucius's delight, “You sound like Snape.” Draco beamed at him. “Why, thank you. Now pay attention.” Lucius tapped his knife gently on the edge of his cutting board. Harry turned to glare at him too. “None of that, my lad. Severus has no patience. I showed Draco how to do his preparations when he was seven and started asking questions.” He picked up the root and started slicing it. “Brewing is much like cooking.” He speared Harry with a forbidding look. “Never tell Severus I said so. If you follow the formula, or recipe, you'll get the proper results. The difference between brewing and cooking is, things must be done exactly right or you have to start over.” “And how do you know so much about cooking?” Harry frowned skeptically at his potato. “My mother insisted that all her children know how to cook. Why? I don't know, but she did. She was considered eccentric in a world of eccentrics. So ... this is sliver. Not to be confused with julienne. Or worse, with shredded.” Harry examined what Lucius had produced and asked, “So, what's that? Julienne, sliver or shred?” “Sliver. And I swear, I don't know what Severus is thinking, not teaching basics like this in first year.” Lucius shook his head and went back to his preparations. Draco watched Harry struggle out of the corner of his eye, he'd been waiting for Harry to complain about the pain from his hands but, so far, he'd done no such thing. Finally Draco snarled, “Damn it, Harry, don't your hands hurt at all?” Harry glanced from Lucius to Draco then back. “They hurt, but you said it was really important that I learn how to do this. I'll manage, I always do.” Lucius, who had also been waiting for Harry to complain, just threw his knife down on the cutting board, ruining both the board and knife and demanded, “Boy, what do you think of? If you hurt, it's my duty to heal you. I can't do that if you won't talk to me. What do I have to do to convince you?” Harry looked at Lucius with dilated eyes then hung his head. “I'm sorry. I just don't think of things like that. I ... I had to do so much work at the Dursleys that, sometimes, I forget that I'm not still there. Frankie and Johnny were always on me about it.” He looked down at the cutting board. “Shame, that. You've ruined a good knife and the cutting board.” Lucius snapped, “It's of no matter.” and banished them both. “You're not to do things like that. I've made you several examples and you're not paying attention.” Harry considered that for a moment. “Perhaps you're being too subtle? I'm a bit slow on the uptake sometimes.” Lucius glanced at Draco who just gave a vague nod and shrug then went back to his brewing. “I see. I'm a subtle man, but I'm sure I can make myself understood, now that I know you need a stronger hint than Draco does.” Harry just put down his knife and held his hands off the work bench. He looked at them for a moment. They were still very red, but the color was fading quickly. “They feel better than they did two hours ago. I do heal quickly and the lotion helped a lot. A pain potion and a healing potion should have done the trick. I don't understand why the healing potion didn't work better.” He looked at Lucius with a suddenly hopeful expression. “You could do a healing spell on them, couldn't you, sir? Are you just waiting for me to ask?” Lucius ground his teeth then smoothed his expression, it wouldn't do to frighten Harry. “No, I'm not waiting for you to ask. Healing spells and charms are, unfortunately, my weak spot. I'm terrible at them.” Draco snorted. “Fine, I can't do them.” He glowered at Draco. “Satisfied?” “Yes, sir, and don't forget; I'm no better.” Draco dropped a few shreds of something into the cauldron and watched the effect. Harry couldn't really see much difference but Draco seemed satisfied. Lucius pulled their attention back to the former conversation. “As to those potions, you're not absorbing the potions properly due to the oil in your system, so healing potions aren't as potent as they should be. There's no way around this. You're going to have to do most of your healing naturally.” Draco looked up at that. “I think this healing potion will help Harry. Too late for this disaster, but I can have it ready for later. I asked the Dark Healer about it, you know, and this is the formula he gave me. He said it should work.” Lucius nodded, then shuddered at the thought of all the things that could happen to Harry, Malfoy Manor was riddled with all sorts of disasters in the making. Harry's concerned look was followed by, “Are you alright, Papa?” “I'm fine, goose walked over my grave.” Harry's blank 'Oh' made Draco grimace. Harry hadn't the simplest understanding of Old Traditionalist ways, it could become a real problem. . Severus decided to go visit Lucius. His temper was on the verge of explosion, everyone was still 'Potter hunting' and the constant whispering was driving him mental, all he wanted was for the term to end so all the idiots would go home. His mark burned almost constantly now as Voldemort tried to call him. He wouldn't go but his former master would continue to call just for spite. This weekend was the last Hogsmead weekend before term ended so the school would be mostly empty. He wrote a note to Dumbledore, gave it to an elf for delivery and started to leave. “Severus! I was hoping to catch you. Where are you going? I was hoping that you could take one more look for Harry.” Dumbledore twinkled at Severus in a way that he hoped would convince an increasingly sour Severus to look for Harry one more time. “No, absolutely not. I've searched for that brat for the last time. He's disappeared completely. He'll show up when he shows up. I'm going to see if I can't mend fences with Lucius and perhaps persuade him to abandon Voldemort. It seems to be a better endeavor.” “Severus.” “No. I'm very tired and not in the mood to put up with your cajoling. Enough. I'm going.” Dumbledore started to say something else then decided that he'd better leave well enough alone. He didn't want his prize ex-Death Eater to kick over the traces. “Very well. Enjoy yourself and come back in a better mood, perhaps? Hummm?” Severus snarled at him and stormed out the door, long legs eating up the distance to the apparition point at the edge of the school grounds. He apparated with a sharp crack and was soon knocking on the door of Malfoy Manor. The house-elf that answered the door showed him into the small sitting room where Lucius usually met him. She summoned another elf to bring him tea before she went to fetch Lucius for him. Lucius excused himself from the brewing, told Harry to stay out of sight until he found out who was visiting and left the room. Harry eyed Draco for a moment. “I wonder who it is. Do you think I ought to go up to my rooms and stay?” Draco thought for a moment then summoned Mimsey. “Mimsey, take Master Harry up to his rooms through the back ways.” He turned to Harry to explain, “I think you should. Father is still trying to maintain some of his old Death Eater contacts. For safety's sake.” Harry nodded his understanding and headed for his rooms. He had plenty of studying to do to keep himself occupied until the visitor left. He made a quick detour into the library to get a book knowing that the visitor wouldn't be there. Mimsey fussed a bit but led him to a door that opened in the back of the library, straight into the stacks. It didn't take him long to find what he wanted. He looked over the case containing books of runes. He wanted a few examples to translate. Harry remembered Lucius telling him that there were some books with Ogham in them and, since he found that fascinating, he decided to look for one on that rune set. It didn't take him long to find one that looked really interesting. It was old, ancient even. The covers were wood slabs. It was coptic stitched. He tucked it under his arm and pulled another book from the shelf. It was also one he thought would be useful as it was Futhark. He took his books and went to his room. While Harry was finding his books Lucius was questioning Severus. Severus admitted that he was exhausted because he wasn't sleeping well. He couldn't take Dreamless Sleep anymore either, he'd reached saturation point and was afraid he'd get addicted. Lucius admitted that he too was having trouble sleeping, his mark burned intermittently. “I think Lord ... Voldemort tortures us in turn. Whenever he's bored.” Severus grimaced. “You are correct, of course. He would find it amusing to keep us on tenter hooks.” “Indeed. Tea?” Lucius waited for Severus to nod then snapped his fingers. A tea tray appeared at once. Severus sipped his tea for a moment then said, “You're looking particularly pleased with yourself. What have you done?” “Stolen a march on Dumbledore. I'd tell you but I need you to be able to say you didn't know, under Veritaserum if you have to.” Severus blinked for a moment then shrugged. “As long as you don't wind up in Azkaban for it.” Lucius shook his head, looking very pleased. “Good. And it'll infuriate the Ministry?” Lucius nodded, smirking. “You'll tell me as soon as you can?” Lucius nodded again. “I'm content to wait.” Lucius nodded his head gently, he knew Severus was being eaten up with curiosity but would be patient, for a while. “Thank you. It is delicious and I'm sure you'll enjoy the revelation.” Severus decided a change of subject was a good idea. “What is Draco doing? I was sure he'd be here.” “He's brewing and couldn't leave it.” Lucius stood and went to the door, his gesture invited Severus to follow which he did. “The potion would be ruined. Would you like to go down to see him?” “Of course I would. He's ...” Severus made a vague motion with one hand. “Do you know what he's brewing.” Lucius shrugged. “Healing potions, headache, stomach calming, that sort of thing. The potion cabinet was getting a bit bare. You know how much I hate brewing common potions. He's taken over all that.” “That's good. He's much too good to be wasted on spot removers and ... perfume.” Severus's scorn was evident in his tone of voice. “Now don't be like that. Draco is very good at perfumes and he enjoys making them very much. His sticks are much in demand in certain circles. It could turn out to be ... very useful.” The arrested expression on Severus's face was everything Lucius could have hoped for. “I ... see. Sticks of perfume, is it? Well ... never mind.” Lucius opened the door for Severus. “We're here, Draco. What are you stewing now?” Draco looked up from his brewing with a mock scowl on his face. “Stewing is for prunes, and old men. I'm brewing headache potion.” Severus stalked over to examine the brew. “Very good, but you need to add the nettles now or it'll be ruined.” Draco refrained from comment, just adding the required amount of nettle paste and allowing Severus to stir. There was no way the man could keep his hands off a potion. They brewed and talked in an amiable fashion until Draco declared that the stocks were replenished to his satisfaction. Lucius offered Severus more tea, or a light snack, which he refused due to the fact that he had to return to school. Lucius walked him to the door. “Don't be such a stranger. Since you've fallen out with our lord, you'll have more time on your hands.” “I'll see what I can do. Perhaps we could go flying? I've missed that.” “Certainly. Good-bye.” Lucius shook Severus by the hand and saw him on his way. One of these days he was going to have to key him to the wards so he could apparate or floo in, instead of having to come to the door. Someday. . Harry closed the Futhark book with a sigh. It was very good. Not only did it contain spells for everything imaginable, it contained the wand gestures in neat, easily understood symbols, with a key. He put it aside for another go later. When he picked up the Ogham book he noticed another thing about the beautiful book. It was latched. This was not good. Many magical books had some sort of latch, lock or other closure, most of which needed a key of some sort or other. Harry examined the latch to see what kind of key was needed. When he saw that there was no key hole he snarled, 'Shit!', finding the right word was going to be a pain. He decided to try all the traditional ones first. After ten minutes of wand tapping and mumbling, Harry was ready to give up. He decided to give it one last chance so he examined the latch again. Sighing he rested his head on the desk, “Idiot. Eyes, need examining. Guh!” He banged his head on the desk once then fixing his gaze on the latch said, in Parseltongue, “Open.” The latch obediently popped and the book fell open. The writing went down the page instead of across and the pages were illuminated with wonderful pictures. Harry blinked for a second then started trying to read it. After a few moments he realized that he was going to have a real job on his hands. The book was actually written in Ogham but at least half of it was Parseltongue, the rest was Gaelic. He groaned, his Gale was all learned from Seamus Finnigan, he was sure it wasn't pure. Sighing, he resigned himself to a few late nights. He could feel the power pouring out of the book so he knew he had to read it. He had to do some rummaging in his desk to find what he wanted, he'd forgotten where he'd had Mimsey put his spiral notebooks. He found one and copied all the Ogham symbols naming them as he went. Since Ogham is syllabic, this would be a real help in translating the words of the spells, but not translating them into English, or Latin. Harry idly wondered why so many spells were in Latin. He also wondered if it really mattered if they were. He made a note in his book to ask Lucius about that then put the pen down, it was really starting to hurt to write. He wished for a healing spell, or potion, or even some paracetamol. He grumbled and put his pen away. He'd have to just read and do his best to translate some of the first pages without doing any writing. Harry read until Mimsey came to help him get dressed for supper. He enjoyed getting dressed now. Mimsey knew exactly what he should wear and just got it out for him. He donned the robes that Mimsey had laid out for him, let Mimsey brush his hair and slouched down to supper. Lucius glanced up when Harry entered the room and sighed, the boy's posture was absolutely horrendous. “Straighten up, Harry.” Harry pulled his shoulders up and straightened his spine, for all of five minutes. Lucius continued to remind Harry about his posture throughout the meal while Draco squirmed unhappily with each reprimand. Harry obediently straightened himself each time, but soon forgot again. The meal ended and Harry excused himself to hurry to his room to vomit up his meal, his stomach upset and his nerves jangling. Lucius was no better off, he went to his private sitting room and had a stiff drink, his temper in shreds, his mark burning. Draco went to his rooms and paced, trying to decided who needed his help more, Harry or his father. He wondered how the hell he'd wound up peacemaker between the two and when, exactly, he'd realized that he was actually becoming fond of his foster brother. None of them slept well that night. . Mimsey woke Harry the next morning, helped him out of bed and watched as he dragged himself into a shower. His hands felt almost healed so he got out in a better frame of mind and went for his morning run. His kata helped him some more and then the tai chi and yoga cool down led him into a meditation that finished the job. By the time he'd taken a second shower and changed into appropriate morning robes he was ready for breakfast. This meal went badly from the start. Draco was late, only a minute or two, but it got him a scold from Lucius that left him faintly pink cheeked. Then something in the paper made Lucius scowl fiercely. Finally, Harry slumped back against the chair back, his stomach on fire. “Harry, sit up straight! How would you like to be put into a backboard for a few weeks? I'm seriously considering it. This sullen slouching is just too much.” He plucked the napkin from his lap and tossed it onto the table. “I'll be in the library if anyone needs me.” He stalked to the door, paused a moment then left the room. Harry looked at Draco in puzzlement, this outburst had frightened him, he didn't understand where it was coming from. “What was that? Just because I forgot to sit up straight?” His expression faded from puzzled to slightly frightened. “And what's a backboard? Does it hurt a lot?” Draco sighed. “I don't know exactly what is wrong with him, it could be anything. He's upset but not on one of his rampages. Let's read the paper and see if we can't figure it out. It's not really about you not sitting up straight, although, you really should. I bet your two friends have been on you about it too.” Harry shrugged irritably, “Yeah, they were always on about how I look like a cur about to be kicked. It doesn't matter. I'll try harder to remember. But, if it's not about that, what is it about?” “You are just the trigger. Here, start reading this and see if you can find something significant.” Harry accepted the front page of the Wizarding Times and started to read. He wished for a stomach calming draught but settled for dry toast and weak tea instead. Harry actually found the reference that was probably the major trigger. “Draco, look here. There's an article in the financial section about the Ministry trying to force all citizens of Britain to bring all their cash back to Gringotts Britain. They can't actually do that, can they?” Draco scoffed. “No, but they can be real pains in the ass about it. Father is probably fighting with some minor Ministry official about that right now. That would make him nit picky.” Harry folded the paper. “I think I'd like to move all my assets out of the country, before they make it impossible. The taxes are hellish.” He turned his head to look at Draco. “You never told me what a backboard is.” Draco shrugged. “It's nothing, don't worry about it.” This reply, of course, made Harry worry more. It took him nearly two hours of pacing and worrying before he could work up the nerve to knock on the door frame of the library. “May I please come in? I don't want to be a bother.” Harry hovered in the doorway until Lucius motioned to a chair. “Sit down.” He motioned to a chair and watched as Harry got settled. “I'm sorry I snapped at you. You do need to sit up properly but yelling at you isn't going to help. What did you need to speak to me about?” “My finances.” Lucius gave him a sharp look. “You told me you wanted to diversify my holdings. I ... I was thinking that we ought to move at least half of them out of the country ... before it's impossible. Is that a good idea?” Lucius smiled at Harry, it was like a beam of sunshine breaking through clouds. Harry relaxed a bit. “It's a very good idea and I've been slowly transferring the Black fortune to the Swiss Gringotts. The Potter fortune is tied up in investments for the most part, the rest should stay here in Britain to avoid difficulties. All the artifacts from both the Potter and Black vaults have been sorted, catalogued and moved to a different vault. The work on the LeStrange properties is ... difficult, at best. I've been thinking how best to approach you about what should be done with it.” Harry picked at his lip for a moment, straightening his spine when he realized that he was beginning to slouch again. “I think, if I have a residence that is salvageable, do it. If the place is a wreck, sell it. Money goes into the Black vaults, that'll solve the problem of getting it into the Potter vaults. The relation between the Blacks and LeStranges is closer. And any artifacts go into the artifact vault. If they're cursed, we can deal with that later. Good?” Harry gave Lucius an anxious look. Lucius gave Harry a pleased smile. “Very good. Exactly what I was thinking myself. I have papers here, already drawn up, that you must sign.” Lucius handed the papers across the desk to Harry, who'd risen to accept them. He started to sign them but Lucius cleared his throat causing Harry to glance up in consternation. “After you read them. If I ever find out that you have signed something without reading it first, I'll be ... very displeased. Very displeased indeed.” Harry gulped, blenched and settled back in his chair. “Yes, sir, I'll remember.” He started to read the contracts and disbursal agreements carefully. It didn't take him long as the papers were well written and clear. Ron would love them. He only had a few questions, which Lucius answered easily. Harry signed. Lucius put the documents away. He settled himself more comfortably in his chair and started to say something to Harry. He was interrupted by the entry of a large public messenger owl. He leaned back so the owl could land on his desk. It dropped a large box on the desk glared at Lucius and took off in a rustle of wings.  Harry wondered briefly what it could be but stifled his curiosity. It turned out that he needn't have. Lucius tapped the box with his wand, enlarging it and it's tag. He glanced at the tag then pushed the box across to Harry. “It's for you, from Frankie and Johnny.” Harry gave a little crow of delight and nearly snatched the box up. He pulled a knife out of his pocket and flicked it open. He slit the tape and opened the box. It was what Johnny called a 'care package', full of chocolate bars in Harry's favorite kinds, some art supplies that he'd ordered and forgotten about, and a smaller box. Harry offered Lucius a chocolate almond bar, which he refused with thanks, then turned to open the smaller box. The box contained a letter from Frankie and a ... thing. Harry quickly read the note and had to smile. Instead of just giving him permission to recharge his electronic things at their place they'd sent him a generator. An old fashioned hand crank reworked to recharge modern batteries. Harry was thrilled. He'd felt a bit bad about imposing on his friends. He took the generator out of its box and examined it. “Very interesting; are you going to bless me with the details of what that machine is for?” Harry nodded absently. “It's an electrical generator. I can use it to charge my batteries. It was nice of Frankie and Johnny to send it, don't you think?” Lucius looked about as blank as a man could. “I have no idea at all what you are talking about. Batteries? Charge? If you need to purchase something, how is that curious cranking machine going to help?” Harry explained about built in rechargeable batteries and how most of his things had them. He flinched slightly as Draco's voice sounded from right beside him, asking how batteries work. Harry had to admit that he wasn't quite sure, just that they did. He dug further into the box and found that Frankie or Johnny had included some replaceable batteries and a charger, the note taped to it said that they were for the game that took AA batteries. Harry smiled happily. Draco touched one then remarked, “I've seen these before. Weasley collects them. None of them work.” Harry shook his head fondly. “They wouldn't, they're all expended. All the electricity in them is used and can't be replaced. The rechargeable ones can be 'refilled' for lack of a better explanation. This machine will make the electricity to do that.” He glanced up at Lucius. “I always wondered why you don't get electricity put in, it's not that hard.” Lucius shook his head. “My grandfather tried that. It won't work. Magic and alternative current don't mix well. The wire all melted. It took a week to get everything back to normal.” Harry frowned. “That's odd. My games and MP3 player work fine.” Draco shrugged. “Don't look at me. You might ask Granger, when it's safe. What's an MP3 player?” “It's a thing to make music with. Want to hear?” Draco eyed the object Harry pulled from his pocket. “Please.” “I don't think it'll play long. The charge is almost gone but you can listen until it quits. I'll recharge it and you can borrow it for a while.” Draco watched as Harry showed him how to work the controls. He followed Harry's instructions on how to get the ear buds in then turned it on. Lucius sighed, he was going to have to buy Draco a muggle toy, he could tell by the look on Draco's face. Harry smiled at Lucius, clearly recognizing the look on his face. “If you like, I'll see if Frankie will go out and get Draco one, load it with some good music and send it. It won't cost that much, not that money is any problem.” Lucius nodded, “I'd be most grateful.” He sighed dramatically. “Although, I don't see why a good musical box isn't sufficient.” Harry refrained from comment, his experience with music boxes was limited to the tiny, tinny 16 note things found in jewelry boxes and souvenirs. Just then Draco pulled the buds out of his ears with a soft exclamation. “Damn, it's beeping and not playing. That means the batteries are dead, right? I really like this music. Can I get other kinds? Classical?” Harry nodded. “Yes, you can get recordings of almost anything. If you write me out a list of what you like, I'll see what I can do.” Draco looked excited for a moment then drooped a bit. “I don't want you to change your music  for mine. I couldn't ask that.” “Don't worry. That player has a huge capacity and it's only half full. I'll see what Frankie can do.” Harry sent Lucius a sharp look, his return was bland. . Harry spent the next three days working out. He'd found that running before breakfast then showering got him to breakfast in time without worrying about being late. He studied in the morning, listening to music while he did so. Then, after lunch, he went down to his dojo and did kata, tai chi and yoga. Lucius was true to his word and saw that the warming charm was renewed daily. Mimsey had gotten the mats, as promised, so he was comfortable during his meditation. He was beginning to get the hang of Occlumency at last; although he wasn't sure how good his shields were, as there was no one he could trust to test them. Harry was happy to find out that, once trained, regaining his strength and speed, wasn't much of a problem. He was running the full circuit now. And could complete the kata, full 60 position Yang long form tai chi, and his yoga routine had already gone from the easy stretches he'd started out with to a full Iyengar routine that proved that he was an accomplished yogi. This particular morning Harry decided he was up to a small battle over his appearance. He got Mimsey to find his leather pants, Silly Wizard t-shirt and fuck me boots. His next step was to find his small makeup case. It only contained a stub of kohl eyeliner pencil, some concealer and the heavy base he used to cover his scar. It didn't take him long to cover his scar, line his eyes and head for the small dinning room. He expected a blow up from Lucius but all he got was, “Is that supposed to be smeared like that?” “It's smudged, very fashionable.” Draco blinked as Lucius just said, “Oh.” and went back to reading the Quibbler. Harry relaxed a bit, sat down and took his potions. Before he could start to eat Lucius announced that he was going to have to leave the house for the day. Harry couldn't help the feeling of concern that shivered through him, but he just nodded and ate his breakfast. Draco on the other hand wanted to know where Lucius was going, what he was going to do when he got there and why he couldn't come too. “It's none of your business, not sure and ... we can't leave Harry on his own in the house. It's not polite. And we can't take him with us because no one is supposed to know where he is.” Draco grumbled a bit but agreed with his father. “You're right, much as I hate it. I'll stay here with Harry while you go off on your exciting board meeting.” Draco smirked at Lucius as if to say, 'So there.' Lucius smirked right back. Harry decided that it was a tie on the smirking front. Lucius left and Draco followed Harry up to his rooms. Hedwig called softly and Draco went over to feed her a treat. “She's beautiful. Hagrid bought her for you?” Harry nodded. “Yes, she's my very first birthday gift.” Draco didn't turn his head, he was sure his expression of fury would scare Harry. He couldn't believe that the rumors that had raced around Hogwarts during second year were true. It seemed they were. “Can I ask you a question?” Harry shrugged. “Sure. I don't guarantee that I'll answer but feel free to ask.” “Did they really keep you in a cupboard?” “Unless I was working or being beaten, yes.” “Why?” “They hate me, hate magic. They never wanted me. Dumbledore managed to convince them to keep me somehow.” Draco eyed Harry speculatively for a moment while he decided whether to ask more questions or change the subject. He decided on one more question. “Why are you answering questions now? You never used to.” “Because I decided that hiding it wasn't doing me, or anyone else, any good. Dumbledore got away with something awful. What if I wasn't as strong as I am? I'd be dead, that's what if. Why ... never mind. You don't know the answers to most of my questions. So....why are you being so nice to me?” Draco considered this for a moment. “To be honest, I'm not sure. Partly because father asked me to. Then there's the fact that you're going to save me from Voldemort. And it'll drive Dumbledore mental. And fourth, I really am beginning to like you. Now that you're being real.” Harry snorted. “Ok, those are good reasons, I guess. But I'm going to save everyone from Tom.” Draco wrinkled his nose for a moment. “Tom? Oh, yes, Tom. You are. But you're going to save me from the Dark Mark, just by being here. Father ... he's going to regain all the ground the Malfoy's have lost, all the prestige. And we'll all be safe from the manipulations of Dumbledore. Father will keep you safe and the Wizengamot will keep us safe. See?” Harry thought about this for a few moments then allowed that it all made sense. He had one quibble, “Unless they take me away from him.” “As long as he doesn't violate the Guardianship contract, they can't. And that's something I need to talk to you about.” Harry's guarded look made Draco sigh. “Have you read Appendix C? If you haven't, you need to.” Harry picked up the contract. “Not yet. I wasn't feeling very well lately, in case you didn't notice, so concentrating wasn't on. I'll read it tonight. I promise.” He smiled at Draco. “And I keep my promises too.” “Fine. You want to go flying. I have two brooms. You can have the best one.” Harry grinned at that. “Sure. And I don't need the best broom. I'll make do. I've even got new flying gear. Papa ordered it. I found it with a note.” He looked a bit sheepish. “Actually Mimsey found the note while she was putting my things away. Should I write a thank you note? I already thanked Lucius for the new clothing.” Draco shook his head. “No, sons don't thank fathers that formally. A verbal thank you is sufficient.” “Good. I wouldn't want Papa to think I'm ungrateful.” Harry dropped the subject, calling for Mimsey. Mimsey popped in and Harry told her what he wanted. She hurried into the closet and found Harry's new flying robes. These were different from Quidditch robes in that they were all black, more like motorcycling leathers with a heavy over cloak. They were evenly padded for warmth, rather than heavily padded at the shins, chest and forearms. The over cloak was fastened across the double breast with buttons and cut away to free Harry's legs to clutch the broom. His boots were lined with sheepskin for warmth and the heavy leather was polished to a high sheen. Draco turned his head politely as Harry changed. He caught one glimpse in the mirror and resolved to get Harry out in the sun that summer if he had to drag him. He was too pale. Harry finished fastening his cloak with a smile. “Come on, then, lets get going.” An elf met them at the door with brooms, Draco let Harry have first choice and was pleased to see that he did take the best one. He never realized that Harry had just taken what the elf handed him. As they walked out far enough to clear the house Harry asked, “What about restrictions? Someone seeing us?” Draco shook his head. “As long as we stay on Malfoy land, we'll be find. I'll be sure to turn back in plenty of time, just stay close to me. I'll see if Father doesn't have some sort of map for you.” “Great. Now, skyward, ho.” Harry pointed dramatically to the sky, mounted his broom and took off. Draco laughed and followed. They flew for nearly an hour, cold as it was, that was all either of them could manage. Draco finally called Harry to come down. “I'm freezing. Come on, let's go in.” Harry realized that Draco was right, he was so cold he couldn't feel his hands. . Lucius walked through the doors of Hogwarts, striding in as if he owned the place. He knew Dumbledore wasn't there. He was off at the International Wizengamot for the next two weeks. School had just let out two days ago, six weeks early. The scandal of a missing student had forced Dumbledore to close it. The papers were having a field day, Lucius was having one too. He just hoped that Harry didn't see a whole paper for a while, he'd been careful to remove all references to Hogwarts' troubles before bringing them to the table. Argus Filch met him in the outer hall just at the base of the moving stairs leading to Gryffindor tower. “And to what do we owe the pleasure of this ... visit?” “I've come for some property that my son left. I'll just have one of the elves gather it up, shall I?” Lucius looked down his nose at the squib narrowing his eyes slightly. Filch hunched into his worn jacket and just nodded. “Fine. I have work to do. Get the brat's stuff and go.” He hobbled off muttering about thumb stocks and floggings. Lucius sneered at his back, remembering when he'd served detentions under the cruel hand of a much younger Filch. He watched until Filch was out of sight then climbed the stairs to the dorm, announcing to the Fat Lady that he was on the board of directors, as if she didn't know, and was to be admitted at once. She sniffed but moved aside, allowing him entrance. He glanced around the common room and winced, the color scheme was enough to make his head ache. He shook his head as he climbed the stairs to the boys dorms, everything was filthy. “Elf!” An elf popped in, made an 'eeping' sound and popped out again. Another appeared and asked what he wanted. He told the elf to pack all Harry's things and give them to him. The elf made no protest, just packing everything with a snap of it's fingers. Lucius shrank the school trunk and tucked it into his pocket. “I trust that includes his broom?” The elf nodded, Lucius sneered at it and left. Dumbledore was going to have a fit. “Lucius, what are you doing here? I was just about to leave for the summer, you almost missed me.” Severus stretched his legs a bit to catch up to Lucius. “Severus.” Lucius graced Severus with a small incline of his head. “I was just picking up the last of my son's things from the dorm. I thought a small tour wasn't out of line.” He started for the door with Severus at his side. “You're on your way? Where are you going this year?” Severus's habit of taking a short vacation out of the country was not well known. “I'm not sure. Dumbledore is pressing me to stay, keep up my work for ... someone. And look for Potter. I'm ...” He rubbed fretfully at his forehead. “I'm tired. I was going to Switzerland to search for potions ingredients. Specifically, the Great Stinging Nettle.” “Still trying to brew Draco's cure? I'm impressed ... and very grateful. Come to the manor in late summer and I'll share my secret with you.” He led the way through the forecourt and out the gates. “Still brewing for mediwizards?” “Yes. I have a few accounts, permanent orders and one or two that are long term but not permanent. When His Nastiness is defeated, heaven help us, by Potter, I'm going to become a hermit and rely on my income from retirement, the Prince fortune and my brewing to survive.” “Good luck with that. You know you're welcome at the manor, if you like.” “Thank you, but no. I don't need charity, although, I would appreciate it if you bought potions from me from time to time.” “I'll do that.” Lucius nodded to Severus and let him have first use of the apparition point. These were scattered all over the wizarding world, points where it was easier to apparate. He took it next and returned to the manor. As soon as he got back he called Harry into a room he'd never seen before. Both Harry and Draco entered, still in flying leathers. Harry took a moment to look around at the beautiful room, it's wide windows showed a view of the eastern sky and the seats under them were wide and softly cushioned. He turned his attention to Lucius. “Harry, I was successful in my mission. I got all your things from Hogwarts. Including your broom. Here.” Harry gave a crow of delight and hurried across the room to Lucius. He took his broom from his foster father turned to the windows and with a wave of his hand opened them. He headed for the open window at a dead run, never seeing Lucius's frantic snatch at his cloak nor hearing his cry of, “Harry, no, the wards!”. He jumped out the window, mounting his broom in free fall and swooped up into the sky. Lucius clutched his chest and had to sit down. Draco dropped down beside him, weak in the knees and gasping for breath. “Oh, my ... I'm going to kill that little fucker. I swear he hasn't a sensible bone in his body.” “Language, Draco. You can't kill him.” Lucius's cold, dead tone of voice made Draco shiver. He was furious beyond anything Draco had ever seen. “Go to your rooms, please. I'll be dealing with Harry and you don't need to see.” Draco opened his mouth, not sure what to say but sure he should say something. “Go! Now!” It was as close as Lucius had ever come to shouting at him. Draco went. Lucius touched his wand to his throat and cast a Sonorous. “Harrison James Potter, you get yourself back down here right now! I'll meet you at the door.” Harry swooped back to hover at the window. “Don't bother. I'll just come back in the window.” Lucius scowled but didn't say anything, the rupturing of the wards set on the windows to prevent anyone from falling out had shaken him more than he wanted to admit. They were powerful and Harry had just shot right through them. They would reset at dawn but it bothered Lucius that Harry had gone through them without noticing them. He watched as Harry scooted through the window and hovered in front of him. He spoke through clenched teeth. “Off the broom ... now!” Harry dismounted a puzzled expression on his face. “Have you lost your mind? What the devil did you think you were doing?” He had no idea that he sounded incredibly like Snape. “You could have killed yourself. What if you'd lost your grip? Missed your leg over? Misjudged your height?” Harry just blinked at Lucius. He knew better than to open his mouth. Lucius was an unknown when it came to it. As usual, he hadn't thought before he acted and now Lucius was furious with him. He wasn't sure exactly why but the look on his face was plain. “I'm sorry. I ... I'm a very good flyer. I won't hurt myself.” “Harry, do shut up.” Lucius's drawl would have let anyone in the family know that he was on the hair trigger edge of an explosion. When he spoke in that tone of voice even Narcissa walked carefully. Harry, in true Gryffindor tradition, stuck his foot right in the bear trap. “Why? I didn't do anything wrong. Why did you give me back my broom, if you didn't want me to use it?” “Harry, you endangered your life. I don't care how good a flyer you are, accidents do happen. There are wards on those windows for good reason. I don't know what to do with you. I'm so angry I can't think straight.” Harry hung his head. “I'm sorry. I'll pack my stuff. Just ...” Lucius lost his temper. “Pack? What for? Do you actually think that I ... you do! You think that I have so little honor that I'd ... that's the outside of enough from you.” Harry opened his mouth, not sure what to say but sure he ought to say something. Lucius held up a hand in a commanding gesture. 'Be silent!” Lucius paced for a few minutes, thinking furiously. He tried to calm his temper and almost managed to stifle his fury. He knew he had to punish Harry and he was well aware that the contract demanded something fairly sever for such stupidity. He decided to read the damn thing and make sure he was upholding it. He read in cold silence while Harry just stood, trembling slightly at his fury. Lucius didn't notice, he was too busy trying to decide what to do. “Well, there's no way around it.” Harry kept his eyes on the floor, sure that he was going to be thrown out. “Over my knee you go.” Harry's head jerked up, wide eyes flashing to Lucius's face. “You heard me. Come here and drop trou.” Harry made his way over to Lucius, feet dragging, face flushed crimson. He couldn't understand what Lucius was going to do. He stood in front of him waiting for him to explain further. “There's no getting out of it and, frankly, I'm so angry I can't see. Over my knees and no argument.” Lucius patted his thigh and glared at Harry. Harry just stood there, trying to understand what Lucius wanted.  “I'm sorry. I don't understand what you want.” Lucius made an impatient sound, reached out and in a few quick jerks unbuckled Harry's belt and had his trousers down to his knees. He caught Harry by the upper arm and, in one heave, had him belly down over his lap with his cloak flipped over his head. Harry yelped once then stilled himself. Lucius brought his hand down on Harry's ass with a loud crack. “Ow!” Smack “Sir!” Smack Harry yelped again then managed to quiet himself. Lucius gave Harry ten smacks, five on each ass cheek. Then he set Harry back on his feet. He straightened Harry's clothing and waited. Harry was completely off balance. He'd expected to be punished but this; this was just completely out of his frame of reference. He surprised both Lucius and himself by bursting into tears. Lucius gathered Harry into his arms and unashamedly cuddled him. The spanking had stifled the last of his temper. “Harry, oh, Harry. I'm sorry. Hush now, hush. I didn't hurt you all that badly, did I?” Harry sobbed for a few moment more then hiccuped. “No, I ... it didn't really hurt. I'm sorry I ... didn't mean ... I don't understand.” “Harry, you nearly gave me a heart attack. That was so dangerous that, for a moment, all I could see was your broken body at the bottom of the cliff. Damn it! Don't ever scare me like that again. It's not good for my image. Here.” Lucius took a handkerchief from his pocket and dried Harry's tear stained cheeks. “Now, all this upset isn't good for either one of us.” Harry blinked for a moment then burst into tears again. Lucius was stymied, he had no idea what had brought on this new outburst. He held Harry, rocking and crooning until Harry got himself back under control again. Harry wiped his eyes and blew his nose. “I'm really sorry. It's just ... you see, no one's ever spanked me before.” Lucius's incredulous look made Harry sigh. “Uncle Vernon usually used his fists, or a belt. At Hogwarts, it was always some detention. So, you see, I've never actually been spanked before.” He gave a rather watery laugh. “You've got a rather hard hand, sir.” Lucius managed to conceal his ire. Fists? What kind of idiot was Dumbledore, to leave Harry with that kind of person. “Um ... sir? My name is really Harry. Not Harold or Harrison. But ... I like Harrison. Um ... can I go now? I think Draco is probably worried by now.” Lucius sighed. “Go. Shoo. My nerves are completely shot.” He waved Harry towards the door, stopping him for a moment with the command, “Read that damn contract.” Harry left, vowing to read it that night for sure. . Draco practically carried him the last few steps to his rooms. He kicked the door closed then started stripping Harry. Harry let him have the cloak and his jacket but stopped him before he could go any farther. “I'm fine. He just ... he ... “ Harry stopped, he had no idea how to explain to Draco. “He hit you. I heard it. It was horrible. And you were ... crying out. I ... How bad is it?” Harry patted himself on the rear. “Not bad. It still stings but I'm fine. Really.” Draco rolled his eyes but accepted Harry's assessment as he couldn't see any blood and he was sure that his father wouldn't actually abuse Harry. “Ok, but the next time you do something as stupid as that, I'm going to kill you.” Harry's wide eyed expression made him laugh.

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