Runaway.html

Harry returned to his rooms in a good frame of mind and found that Mimsey's arrangements improved it. She'd set all his books up in his desk but he was puzzled to see many more books than he'd thought he had.

“Mimsey? Where did all these books come from? I'm sure I don't recognize half of those on this shelf.”

Mimsey walked in from somewhere in the suit. “Mimsey is knowing that. Master Lucius is getting them for you. Mimsey is packing them and bringing them, as well as Master Harry's books from his office. Is this a good thing?”

Harry eyed the nearly four feet of extra books with dismay, but said, “Yes, that's good. I'll have to have them to study from.” He sighed and wondered if he'd ever be done with the frantic pace his life seemed to tend towards.

Mimsey watched Harry for a moment. “You is taking a nice nap. You is tired from all the excitement and you is needing to digest. Come.” She motioned for Harry to come lay down on one of the couches in his sitting room. Harry decided to do as she said. He was feeling a bit queasy and wasn't too sure that his lunch was going to stay down.

Mimsey sat beside Harry after covering him with a light afghan; she wasn't too happy with his looks. He looked worn and tired, way too thin, and the black circles under his eyes were back.

She decided that she was going to have a word or two with that French elf cook. Her sauces were too rich, and Mimsey just knew that Harry would never complain about them and Mister Malfoy wouldn't notice. Young Master Draco, on the other hand, might. She huffed in exasperation. Managing a young wizard was hard work.

Harry sighed and shifted fretfully, his stomach was still upset and he was having trouble sleeping. He'd doze off, his stomach would give a twinge and he'd wake again. He was also worried about Dumbledore, the Ministry, and all his classes. He had a ton of work to do and only four months to do it in.

When Lucius entered the sitting room he was surprised to see Mimsey patting Harry's foot. He raised an eyebrow at her. She just nodded to him and walked out of the room, going into the study and shutting the door.

“Harry?” Lucius settled in a chair, arranging his robes while he waited for Harry to get himself together

“Yes, sir. Did you need something?”

Harry sat up and tossed the afghan aside.

“I've settled arrangements for your training. I thought to test your Occulmency, we forgot about it earlier. So...”

Harry just grimaced, remembering Snape's attempts at teaching him the skill. “Ok. What do you want me to do?”
“Just relax for now. I want to see if you have any natural shields.”

Harry settled back against the backrest and closed his eyes. He felt something touch his mind, like a brush of a silk thread against his face. It was so different from the bludger-like impact of Snape's probe that his eyes popped open.

Lucius just said softly, “Eyes closed, Harry. It won't be but a moment more.” He closed his own eyes to examine Harry's mental shields better. After just a few seconds he opened his eyes and gave Harry his analysis. “You had good natural shields but something's happened to them. They're ... tattered, is the best I can come up with. As if someone was tearing at them. And some of your memories are ... exposed more than I like. What the devil have you been doing?”

Harry could only reply with a bitterness born of pain, “Snape. He ... I felt like all he wanted to do was batter at me like ... like a ram at a castle gate, for lack of better way to describe it. It hurt. All he seemed to do was dredge up my worst memories and shove them in my face. He'd yell, 'Clear your mind.' then attack me. I have no idea what I was supposed to be doing. Clear your mind, my arse, it's not possible to think of nothing. Pillock.” Harry clamped his lips closed over further swearing and managed to look both mutinous and furious.

Lucius sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Well ... blast. Severus has always had it in for you, I do know that. But I wasn't aware that he was actively working against you. This is unfortunate.”

Harry made a rude noise. “Unfortunate is an understatement. If what you say is right, he's left me as wide open as a whore's legs. Damn. Fucker. He's always had it in for me because I look like my dad.”

“Language, Harry. Severus is a bitter, hate filled man for good reason. But, none the less, he had no reason to leave you open to mental attack like that. It's a wonder Tom hasn't taken advantage of that by now. I wonder why?”

Harry shifted uncomfortably, did he admit to his night terrors now?

Lucius knew that look by now. “Harrison, whatever you are wondering about, you need to just tell me.”

Harry nodded. “I have night terrors, or something like. I can see Him, feel Him torturing someone. I can't keep him from sending me those dreams, but I've felt him ... poking at me. But he doesn't seem to be able to do anything more than make my scar hurt. It's like he knows there's a way in, but he can't find it.”

Lucius wrapped an escaped lock of hair around his index finger and swirled it around and around while he thought. “I know you meditate. Do you understand clearing your mind now?”

“I think of fire. Walls of it enclosing me, warming me. Then I let it go and move on to whatever I'm meditating on in that session.” Lucius started to ask what he meditated on but Harry anticipated the question. “I meditate on everything from having patience, to not losing my temper, to concentrating better. It depends on what I feel I need at the moment. Sometimes, I just think of fire.”

Lucius nodded, more to himself than anything else. “Can we try something?”

Harry nodded, expression open and willing. “Sure. What?”

“I want you to meditate on fire; then, when I'm sure you're deep in meditation, I'm going to try to enter your mind. If you feel me, try to keep me out.”

“Ok. It won't take me long. I usually sigh heavily when I get centered.”

Lucius waited until Harry sighed then tried to enter his mind, he was met with a wall of fire that made him retreat hastily before his mind got scorched. When he returned to himself he was pleased to see that Harry's eyes were wide open.

“Harry?” Harry blinked rapidly then focused on Lucius. “That is the most impressive shield I've ever seen ... felt.” He waved a hand. “Amazing. All you have to do is learn to maintain it all the time. After you learn, it's really effortless, you'll never even notice it until or unless someone tries to breach it. I'll teach you.”

“Yes, sir, I'd like that. What do I do first?” Harry settled back, he'd leaned forward when Lucius and started talking and pinned his eyes on his foster father's.

“First, you consciously create that wall of fire. Then I'll show you how to allow it to tap into your magical core so it will maintain itself. You can take it down any time you need to, once you get the hang of it. Since your meditation has taken you so far towards creating a real shield, and fire is just as viable as stone or ice, it shouldn't be too hard for you to get the hang of it. Now. Ready?”

“Yes, sir. I'm ready.” Harry settled himself deeper into the cushions then asked, “Papa? Will it hurt? Not that I'm afraid of a little pain, but it's better if I know so it won't throw my concentration off.”

Lucius wondered if he could sneak in one good hex on Dursley then replied, “If it hurts, I'm doing it wrong and you're to tell me at once. Now, think of fire.”

Harry grinned and dropped into his meditation easily. He felt a sort of poke and turned his attention that way. The poke was indescribable. Harry knew what it was, but to actually describe it was impossible.

Lucius showed Harry how to attach a thread to his magical core; sort of like plugging in an electrical cord. That thread powered his shields for lack of a better explanation. He also showed him how to create a mental 'switch' so that he could not only turn them on and off but change their power instantaneously.

Harry felt very odd, he couldn't have told anyone how he knew what he knew, but he knew it. And he was a bit confused.

“How did you do that? And why didn't Snape do that? What did you do? Will it last?” Harry blurted out all his questions at once. Lucius just smiled slightly and waited for Harry's brain to catch up with his mouth. Harry flushed and grinned sheepishly

“Sorry.”

Lucius waived the apology away. “Don't worry about it. Curiosity is fine, as long as you don't let it get you into trouble.” He thought for a moment. “And to answer your questions ... I learned from my father. Severus doesn't know everything and had a bone to pick with you. Opportunistic arse that he is. I helped you create a connection between your core and your shields and a way to control it. It will last the rest of your life. Satisfied?” He smiled to take the possible sting out of that last remark.

Harry's smile was brilliant. “Yes.”

“Good. Now I need to speak with you about your schedule. I've made one out that includes time for everything. It's a bit tight but I imagine that it will loosen up considerably in a month. We're going to concentrate on Potions and Deportment at first and your training in Dueling. I believe that you have a project for Herbology that will take care of the final requirements for that course?”

Harry nodded, “Yes, sir. Would you like to see it? I'm having a bit of trouble as I've really got no place to work. I'm afraid that I'm a bit sloppy, so I'm always trying to keep from dripping.”

Lucius raised his eyebrow. “Dripping? Explain, please.”

So Harry explained that he tended to drip dirty water on the floor so he was constantly checking to make sure he didn't and it was just distracting enough that he was working slower than he'd like.

He ended, “So, it's really distracting and I've ruined a couple of my pieces. Would you like to see?”

Lucius quickly revised his offer of a greenhouse and said, “Yes, I'd like to see your pieces. But ... what kind of pieces are they?”

Harry called Mimsey and asked for his portfolio, the elf popped out and returned at once with a ratty hard board portfolio in her hand. “Here you is.” Her expression made her opinion of the item in her hand plain. “Is you wanting me to give it to Master Lucius?”

“Yes, and don't frown like that. Your face will stick that way.” Harry grinned at Mimsey who handed the portfolio to Lucius with a snort in Harry's direction. He just continued to grin so she left with a grumble.

Lucius opened the portfolio, absently noting that the ribbon was missing. He took out a watercolor painting of a pot of common violets. The painting was excellent, especially considering the age of the painter. And his materials. Lucius noted that most of Harry's greens were mixed.

“This is really very good. Very good indeed. I'll see that the studio is opened and cleaned. You'll have no worries about ruining that floor. Would you like to see it now?”

Harry's expression of delight and vigorous nod made his eagerness clear.

Lucius directed him to follow with a laugh.

.

Harry looked around the large, airy, light filled room with delight. “Oh, please, tell me this is for me. It's wonderful. I won't have to worry about making a mess of the carpet or wood floors. There's a taboret for my paints and ... and ... oh, brilliant. I've never ...” Harry threw himself on Lucius' chest in a heartfelt hug. “Thank you so much.”

It took Lucius a second to decide what to do with his hands. He remembered Draco saying that he had to reciprocate Harry's affection or he'd never trust them so he returned the hug; a bit hesitantly, it's true.

Harry disengaged himself and began to open drawers and cupboards.

“What are you looking for? I don't believe any materials have survived the years.”

Harry just shrugged. “I just wanted to see that could go where. I have my own stuff, I need a few colors but I can get them out of my pocket money. As soon as I can get to an art store.”

Lucius shrugged. “That's no problem. We're going shopping in a few days. As soon as we decide what fetes we're going to hold.”

Harry looked alarmed. “Fetes? What's that?”

“Parties. I thought we would have a waltzing party, a garden party and some sort of demi-ball. Or perhaps a masque. To introduce you to the social scene with the least amount of ... trauma and drama, as Draco put it.”

Harry blinked for a moment. “Party? Ball? But ... I don't know anything about that sort of stuff.” He was beginning to look more than alarmed.

“That's why we're having a waltzing party, to give you experience with different partners. And the garden party for casual social experience and the demi-ball for semi-formal. We'll have a Christmas ball as well, but by then you'll be an old hand and a formal dinner and ball won't be a problem at all.” Harry looked vaguely like he might faint. “Don't worry about it, either Draco or I will stay close to you. You'll do fine.” He gave Harry what he thought was a reassuring smile. “After all, Madam will put you through your paces before hand.”

Harry just wondered if the hotel had any good hidey holes. And talking about dancing made him start. “Oh, shit, Frankie's going to go spare. I haven't written Frankie and Johnny in ... since before I got in trouble with the Darklings. I better write them right now.” He bit his lip for a moment. “Do you think Hedwig can make it that far?”

Lucius chuckled a bit. “Hedwig is not only very smart, she's very strong. She'll be fine. You get the studio set up. I'll write them a letter as well, just to set their minds at peace. I know you've been keeping a journal for them, just send it. I'll put a spell on it to shrink it. It'll expand when one of them touches it. Oh, before I forget. I made arrangements for Dudley while you were napping. He's getting tutoring paid for, as long as he actually uses it. The money goes directly to the tutors and his tuition is paid up as well. I've also given him an allowance so he doesn't have to work. If he's careful, he'll have enough money to help his mother, and still have enough left to go out; rarely, it's true but he should be studying anyway.”

Harry rubbed his face. “Thank you. I don't like helping Aunt Petunia, she wasn't any better to me than Uncle Vernon but Dudley ... he never had a chance to do better.”

Lucius refrained from comment, just nodding and walking toward the door. “I'll be done with my letter in about an hour. You should start on yours soon. Just have Mimsey put your paints away.”

Harry hastily called Mimsey who popped in with his paints, brushes, papers and finished work.

“Mimsey will put all the paints and pencils in the taboret and the finished works in the safe. Papers is to go in the paper safe, yes?” Mimsey didn't wait for Harry to answer, she just flicked her long, slender fingers, directing things to their appointed places. She dusted her hands together then pointed to the door. “You is writing your letter. Shoo!”

Harry laughed and headed back to his suite to do as he was told.

It didn't take him long to compose the letter, explaining everything that had happened and write it out neatly. Harry didn't write his letters directly on parchment; he worked them out on foolscap with a pencil then copied them over. He found that he could think better if he wasn't worried about writing neatly and he wrote more neatly if he wasn't trying to compose his letter.

He folded his letter and picked up his copy of the journal. A quick walk got him to the library on the main family level where his knock brought the sound of Lucius bidding him, 'Enter.'

He opened the door and took the seat Lucius pointed out. “I've almost finished, I found it a bit harder than I expected. I think I reached the right blend of familiarity and comfort, without being overly friendly. Would you like to read it?”

Harry shook his head. “No, sir, I don't think so. Would you like to read my letter?”

Lucius shook his head. “No, I thank you. So ... journal?” Harry handed it over. Lucius took it and the letter. “The letter isn't sealed.”

Harry shrugged. “I've never sealed a letter before. I brought my ring. The personal one. Will you show me how to do it?”

“Of course. Come over here and take the wax.” Lucius held out a stick of red sealing wax.

Harry took the wax, Lucius showed him how to spell the wax to melt where he wanted it and press his seal ring into the warm wax. Harry smile with pleasure as he succeeded the first time.

They gathered up the two letters, the journal and a heavy flat pouch. Lucius put the letters and journal in the pouch then showed Harry how to spell them to a size that Hedwig could carry easily. Harry attached the pouch to Hedwig, who had been patiently waiting on a perch by the window. Lucius added the spell to enlarge them when either Frankie or Johnny touched them and she was on her way after a quick, affectionate nibble to Harry's finger.

Harry thanked Lucius with a smile.

“Before you leave, here's your schedule for the next little while. Go over it. You'll find that everything is a bit tight but there's time for you to relax in the evenings. And, now that all your regular homework is done, you're off punishment and we're a bit more settled with each other, I expect you to join Draco and me in the evenings for family time. If you have work that needs to be done, you can bring it. But I expect to see you in the sitting room, library or music room every evening without fail.”

“Oh, but I don't want to intrude.”

Lucius gave Harry the coldest look he'd given him in a very long time. “Harrison, I assure you, if you do intrude, I will be sure to tell you. Be there.”

Harry gulped then replied, “Yes, sir, I'll be sure to be ... um .. how do I find out where you'll be?”

“Ask Mimsey. She'll know. That dratted elf knows everything.” Lucius gave Harry a disgruntled mock glower. “I have no idea how you do it.”

“Be nice to them.” Harry shrugged, turned and left. Leaving Lucius to some not so pleasant contemplations

.

The next day was a whirl of activity that left Harry a bit breathless.

First, he had breakfast and his potions. Then he was introduced to Madam in the small ball room.

She walked around him, looking him over as if he was a prize stallion.

“Well, not too bad. Draco has had the dressing of him.” She fingered Harry's sleeve. “Nice material. Lucius, I see your hand here too. But that hair has to go.”

Harry blinked. He liked his hair long. It hid his scar and the heaviness made it lay better.

“No, I like it long. No hair cut.” Harry's mutinous expression didn't make a dent in Madam.

“Only the head of an ancient house has long hair. Notice that Msr. Malfoy has long hair while Draco does not.”

Harry snorted. “Then I'm triply entitled. I'm the head of house of three. Black, Potter and LeStrange.”

Madam blinked once. “Do not snort in such an inelegant fashion. But you are correct, you are allowed quite long hair as the head of three houses. Wonderful. So...we essay. Enavant.”

Harry ignored half of what she said, he had gotten a look at Lucius' face. He'd looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or what. Draco was standing near the door, smirking.

Madam led Harry to a table set with every imaginable piece of crystal, silver and china. She started pointing to each piece and telling Harry what they were for. She finished by saying, “You'll have a dish requiring one of these everyday for dinner from now on, until you know how to handle each one. Lucius is going to oversee that portion of your instruction. We will now walk.”

Harry gave Madam a blank look. “Walk? Excuse me?”

“Walk ... Walk ... Marchon.” She made an impatient motion with her hand.

Draco said, “Harry, just walk across the room. Let Madam see how you look.”

Harry started across the room. Madam sighed and dropped her head into her palm.

“Non, Non! You walk like the plowman. Tromp, tromp. Draco! Walk!”

Draco walked across the room. Madam nodded, smiling in a pleased way.

“See? Head erect, shoulders back, spine straight.”

Harry watched carefully. This was something he could do, he didn't see the difference between this and watching Frankie or Johnny to learn a new step.

“Now, you try.”

Harry walked, doing his best to imitate Draco. Madam nodded her head, glanced at Lucius and remarked softly, “Very quick study and he will stand up for himself. I think you have a real winner here. Be very good to him. I think he is one of those who anger slowly then ... it is all over but the shouting, as the saying goes. I would expect a terrible explosion. So ...” She clicked away on her high heels, not bothering to be graceful. She expected them to do as she said not as she did.

“Very good. Excellent. I can see that you're going to be a wonderful student.” Madam offered Harry her hand. He took it and attempted to kiss it. Draco frankly goggled, he'd had to work so hard for a simple, “Nice.” Lucius, on the other hand, stood a bit straighter and would deny vigorously that he puffed his chest a bit. He was proud of both his sons.

Madam made Harry walk back and forth across the room for over half an hour before she declared herself satisfied. Harry relaxed, trying to shake the tension out of his muscles. Madam immediately called him on his stance. “Non, non! Mon deau. The second the lesson is over you do this? What ...”

Harry just straightened up. “I'm relaxing. I'll have to remember how to hold myself. Papa is already calling me on slouching. But my muscles are used to being in one position. I have to teach them to hold the new position. I'm going to ache and have to do stretches to relax. Sorry, but that's the way it is. I don't intend to hurt myself to suit someone else anymore.”

Madam glanced at Lucius and raised an eyebrow. Lucius shook his head slightly so she let her complaint drop.

She dismissed Harry with the injunction to walk properly or wear a back board. Neither she nor Lucius noticed Harry's fleeting expression of fear. Draco could be excused as his back was turned to Harry.

Lucius returned to Harry quickly, he wasn't going to escort a servant, no matter how elevated, to the door.

“Now, penmanship. I'll set you a line to write out. The object is not to write it as many times as you can. It's to write it as neatly as you can.”

Harry rigidly controlled his shudder. He hated writing lines with a hot passion. Draco noticed the look on his face and paled. Umbridge was still a sore spot, in more ways than one.

Lucius noticed and demanded, “Something is disturbing you, Harry. What is it?”

Draco decided that it was time for some confession and hoped Harry would forgive him.

“Umbridge made him write lines, and more lines. I don't know exactly what went on but he was always white as a sheet when she got done with him.”

Harry had always held a bit of a grudge with Draco over tattling to Umbridge. She'd have found some other way to get to him; he knew that, but Draco hadn't had to help her so much. Or be so self satisfied about it.

“Umbitch made me write, “I will not tell lies.” with a blood quill. And it was cursed so I couldn't tell anyone about it.” He gritted his teeth then burst out. “I don't tell lies. Not about something as important as Cedric dying and Riddle coming back. She ... she's evil. Right up there with Tommy boy. And, could she be pinker?”

Draco made a face, the woman's taste in clothing colors was puerile, inane, childish; he couldn't decide on which word to chose.

Lucius sighed, he'd known that woman was going to come back to bite him in the back. “A blood quill? Harry, those are ...”

“Illegal? Dark Arts?” Harry burst out. “I know. But here's the proof. Right here.” Harry released the glamour he always kept on his hand. It was so second nature that he could maintain it and several other glamours no matter what.

He held out his hand. Lucius took it and just stared. The scar was deep, red and still looked inflamed after almost two years.

Draco took one look and hurriedly left the room. Even at his most arrogant, he'd never intended something like this. Draco was growing up a great deal more quickly than anyone could have expected.

Lucius ran his thumb over the livid scar and swore softly. “Damn that woman. She's petty and stupid. She worships Fudge. I never... Blast!” He turned away, running one hand through his hair in agitation. Umbridge was a puppet, but he'd lost track of her in other pursuits. He was regretting it now.

Harry realized that Lucius was very upset about his hand and, with his usual forgiving heart, he forgave Lucius whatever part he'd played in that particular fiasco. He leaned his cheek against Lucius' back, put his arms around him and said, “It's ok. I can glamour it easily. I don't even think about it anymore.”

Lucius shuddered and turned around hugging Harry back. “Harry, I swear I never intended anything like that. Truly. I'm sorry, very sorry.”

Harry shrugged. “I've had worse. Now, those lines? I'd like to get started. I want to work on my Greater Thistle.”

Lucius glanced around for Draco, noticed him standing partially behind a chair with a queasy look on his face and motioned for him to come sit in a chair by the partners desk attached to his.

“Draco, come sit with Harry and help him with the 'fox' line.”

Draco sat in the indicated chair, which put him between Harry and Lucius. Harry sat down in the desk chair, picked up a quill and pulled a piece of paper into place in front of him. Then he blanked out for a second.

“Um ... sorry, but, fox line? What's that?”

Draco sighed. “The line that everyone writes. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy old dog. It has every letter of the alphabet in it at least once. Write it ten times, please.”

Harry frowned as he wrote, pen scratching loudly.

Draco winced, Harry didn't even know how to hold a quill pen properly.

“Stop! Stop! It's too painful. You're not holding the quill properly and that's probably half your trouble. Here, let me show you.”

Draco picked up another quill and showed Harry how to hold it; fingers two inches above the ink line and at an angle to the page both horizontally and vertically. “Now, don't jam the quill into the well up to your knuckles. Just barely dip it in. Then don't press down hard. Rest the tip on the parchment and let the ink do the work. All you have to do is move your hand.”

Harry tried again and, for the first time ever, actually got what he expected. “Oh, but why?”

Draco silently appealed to what ever god or saint might be listening. “Why what, Harry?”

“Why does it work better the lighter your touch. Usually, with biro's it's the other way around.”

Lucius took over as Draco obviously didn't know what a ball point was. “It's the way the nib is made. Look at it carefully.” Harry eyed the point of the quill with a puzzled expression. “Oh, for Merlin's sake. Don't tell me no one has taught you to cut a quill?”

Harry bit his lip for a second. “Ok, I won't. Ron tried but, as he's rotten at it, he just cut his thumb. I buy mine ready made and I go through a dozen a week at least. So, show me? Please?”

Lucius shook his head with a slight sigh. “Not a chance. Draco cuts all my quills, I never had the knack. Narcissa cut them until he showed such a dab hand at it. Get him to show you.” He smiled at Draco with obvious pride.

Draco just opened a drawer and took out a new, uncut quill. “Let me see your pen knife.”

Harry fished in his pocket and handed it over. “Here, be careful, it's really sharp.”

Draco tested the knife on an old quill, Harry had told the truth, it was sharp enough to shave with. “Very nice. I'll have who ever sharpened this one sharpen mine.”

Harry smirked a bit. “I'll be glad to.”

Draco used Harry's knife to cut a quill, carefully explaining the proper angle, and how to cut the ink channel then split the point into a nib. Harry watched carefully and succeeded on his second try. Draco also showed him how to mend a worn pen, thus getting more use out of it. He explained that he could usually mend a pen at least five times before the shaft got too soft and thin.

Harry thanked Draco and started writing again.

Lucius watched for a few moments then said something to Draco that Harry didn't hear. Draco left the room quietly and Harry forgot about him, concentrating on getting his lines written.

.

Frankie let the snowy owl in the window and cried out, “Hedwig, hello, girl. Bacon? I just made a bacon butty and there's a bit or two left. Letter?” Hedwig chittered and held out her leg to Johnny, who was sitting at the table. “Here, pretty girl.” Frankie gave Hedwig a piece of bacon and went to get a bowl of water for her.

Johnny opened the small packet and flinched a bit as the two letters and journal regained their proper size. “Oh, shit! I'll never get used to that.” He laughed a bit then picked up the letters, the journal he put aside for later.

Harry's letter was chatty and newsy. Frankie listened while Johnny read it between bites of his sandwich. Lucius' letter was frank and told them everything Harry didn't want them to know. Lucius also said that he might have to send Harry to them for a while, if things got too hot.

Frankie read Johnny the journal entries while he washed dishes and cleaned the counter tops.

They finished together, cups of tea growing cold in front of them.

“Well, it looks like Harry fell into a honey pot for sure. A hotel in Paris, an island in the South of France. But, this Dumbledore worries me. Why would he think that he has any right to Harry?”

Johnny rubbed his face and thought. “Well, it seems that he wants something from Harry or for Harry to do something. You know Harry's really clammed up about stuff from his world. Wish he'd tell us more. But ... can't have it so we move on. I'll write to Lucius Malfoy and tell him we'll do whatever needs doing. And offer to come to Paris if needed.”

Frankie patted Johnny on the shoulder. “Never thought I'd miss one of our chicks like this. I'll write to Harry and enclose a note to Draco.” He glanced at Hedwig who was getting a drink of water. “You'll wait?” She just bobbed her head.

Both men went to get paper and pen to write their letters. Hedwig just preened a bit then settled down to wait.

When they were done writing, both Frankie and Johnny agreed that Harry had better write more often or they were going to go to Paris and swat his arse. Frankie admitted to saying as much in his letter.

Letters duly secured to Hedwig and the owl sent on her way, they went to work at the club a bit early so they could tell all Harry's friends about his newest escapades.

.

Dumbledore read the letter from Gringotts with dismay. It seemed that he'd been tapping into the Black vaults a bit too heavily or someone had audited the account. It didn't matter either way, the letter in his hand not only cut off his access but demanded repayment of all funds soonest. He rubbed his forehead and wondered how this had happened.

Things were not going his way at all lately. First he'd found that Malfoy's guardianship of Harry was legal and valid. The Ministry refused to do anything about it, no matter that he was Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards; Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Headmaster of Hogwarts. Now he was facing bankruptcy, he'd have to write to Gringotts and see if they wouldn't arrange some sort of repayment plan.

And Malfoy was going to ruin Harry. He had Severus and McGonagall trying to find some way to get him back under the proper influences. It didn't look good.

He took a lemon drop and sucked disconsolately

.

Dudley Dursley settled into the chair in front of the headmaster's desk. It didn't look good, the man was scowling ferociously.

“Well, Dursley, it seems that that 'worthless' cousin of yours has come through for you. Your fees are paid up until you graduate and a fund has been set up to pay your tutors. I'm pleased to see that the board of governors has been made trustee with me as bursar. And you've been given an allowance as well. If you're careful, it might stretch to a bit of help for your mum. Don't waste it. Understand me?”

Dudley blinked in amazement. “Yes, sir. I'd like ... like some help in managing my allowance. Mum will have to have a bit of help, but I think I'd like to save as much as I can. In case of some emergency or other.”

Headmaster Samples beamed his approval. “Well, that's a fine sensible boy. And I'm glad to see you've also begun to take care of yourself. Looks like you've lost a bit of weight. Good job.”

Dudley preened a bit. “Yes, sir, I've lost almost three stone. And I've taken up boxing. I'm hoping to make the team, but I've got to lose another few stone before I can make even heavy weight in my age class. Thank you for noticing.”

“I notice more than you think. Now, I'll make an appointment with a tutor for maths and he'll help you make up a budget.” He glanced at his watch. “You better go along now, you'll be late to history.”

Dudley made his escape vowing to write to Harry again. He still couldn't believe that hanging a letter in that particular tree would actually get it to Harry, but it did. He also decided not to tell Petunia that he was writing to Harry, she was going to have enough of a tizzy over Harry paying his fees.

.

After finishing his lines Harry handed them to Lucius who approved them with a gentle smile. “Very good. Draco has gone to do some brewing. Do you have anything you need to be doing?”

“No, sir, Papa. I finished everything for sixth year and all the summer work except my extra credit work. I need natural daylight to work on that, so I'm free for the evening.”

“Good, I'll play you a game of chess while we listen to the wireless. You don't speak French I know but we can get British WW.”

Harry just got up and went to turn on the wireless and get out the chess set. Lucius settled in to actually teach Harry how to play. It turned out that Harry still wasn't quite sure which pieces could move where. Or even how many squares. Lucius vowed that Harry would know everything he should by Sept 1, or he'd know the reason why.

As Harry struggled with the game he also thought of other things.

Finally, the game was over, with Lucius beating Harry rather badly. Harry sighed and stretched. “Well, that wasn't completely awful. But, while you were moving, I was thinking. Now that we're here in France and Dumbledore knows about me being your ward, can I write to my friends?”

Lucius didn't need to think about it, he just replied, “I don't see why not. Who would you be writing to?”

Harry thought for a moment, then replied, “Hermione, Neville, Ron, Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall. Can you think of anyone else I ought to write to?”

“No, not off the top of my head. If I think of anyone else, I'll tell you. Why don't you write your letters now. Oh, and don't get cocky, Dumbledore still has a few cards up his sleeve or I miss my guess.” Lucius left Harry to his letters, admonishing him to go to bed as soon as he was done. It was a lot later than he'd realized and the day had been long.

.

Harry wrote his letters and left them on Lucius' desk, to be mailed the next morning and went to get ready for bed. He felt like his whole life was spinning out of control, again. And he was tired of it.

He thought about what he needed and wanted to be. He needed to learn how to stand up for himself, he got the feeling that he was going to learn that quite easily under the auspices of Draco and the man he now thought of as Papa. He wanted to be a better dresser, he wasn't wearing Dudley's hand-me-downs anymore so he needed to learn how to put himself together, wizarding style, he already had Frankie and Johnny's advice on muggle clothing. He also needed and wanted to be less socially inept. Madam was going to see to that, whether he liked it or not.

He took a long hot bath and washed his hair carefully. He wasn't going to have dirty hair or dried out ends. He sighed as he realized that he was almost out of shampoo and conditioner. He'd have to ask Draco where he got his tomorrow.

As Harry slept, Ron planned. His father, Arthur, had come home with the news that not only was Harry Mr. Malfoy's foster but that he'd run away when Dumbledore went to rescue him. Ron was sure that something was going on with Dumbledore but he wasn't sure what. He knew that his parents would trust Dumbledore above anyone else. He was sure that wasn't as good an idea as one might think. Dumbledore thought of the Greater Good and blatantly ignored the good of individuals.

As he planned, he also thought of who Harry could trust and who would 'peach' on him in a second. He wasn't real happy with what he came up with.

Harry could trust him, Ron, with his life; he could also trust Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom, and the twins. Hermione was up for grabs at the moment, she trusted authority way too much. Dean seemed too afraid of censure and any adult was ruled out as thinking they knew more than kids and would do as they pleased no matter the proof positive otherwise.

He was annoyed and more than a bit dismayed to realize that he trusted Draco Malfoy more than he trusted most of the members of his own house. Lucius, Ron trusted more than any other adult and that made him sighed unhappily. The guardianship contract was legally and magically binding. Ron had nearly laughed himself silly when he'd read it. He'd told Harry that it was better than his own and meant it.

.

Severus Snape didn't know whether to throw a fit or sulk. He'd spent hours freezing, walking his feet off and that damn brat had been laying up with Lucius. He had half a mind to go shake the boy until his teeth rattled, the other half knew much better than to actually do something like that. Lucius was the top duelist in the Death Eater contingent for a very good reason.

So Snape thought hard and long about things he'd been content to ignore for a long time. The things he came up with bothered him some, but not enough to think about changing himself.

After having two Elwine brandies and a drop of water he made his way to bed and evil dreams of Voldemort and his court.

.

Dobby the House-elf finished his current chore then sat down to visit with Winky but she turned her nose up at him and announced, “Dobby is bad elf, Winky isn't talking to him.”

Dobby just shrugged, if that was the way she wanted to be, that was fine. The elf who was taking care of his Harry, that Mimsey, sent him messages to tell him how things were going.

He was happy to see that his Harry was doing well.

Instead of worrying about things, Dobby decided to do what he could to care for Harry. He went up to Gryffindor tower and cleaned his dormitory room within an inch of its life. He couldn't believe how dirty it was. And what clutter there was under the beds, in odd spots around the room and under a slate floor tile. He sorted through all that and put everything he thought was important in a tin. He would send that to Harry with Mimsey.

Dobby wasn't as miserable as all the other elves thought he should be. He was a bad, thieving elf. Dobby knew that his stealing had helped Harry when he really needed it so he didn't mind that much. Besides, Harry would be glad to have his service when he got back to Hogwarts. Students weren't allowed personal elves.

.

Harry finished his morning routine then realized with a groan that he had breakfast with Madam. Breakfast with Madam was not going to be fun. Then deportment, which included who knew what. He wasn't looking forward to it and the threat of the dreaded backboard was hanging over his head.

He was sure that he was going to fail something; after all, what the heck was body language? Who cared how you entered a room as long as you didn't trip over the threshold?

And polite conversation? He'd never even thought of something like that. You just opened your mouth and let the words fall out, right?

Evidently not.

But breakfast wasn't as bad as he'd been afraid it would be. He'd taken his potions then started to eat. Madam had made him start again as he'd shoved his napkin into his belt which was unacceptable. He wondered why Lucius hadn't said anything to him about it sooner.

Madam asked him what he thought of the chances of rain. Harry gave her a blank look, which brought her wrath down on his head.

“Do not look at me like the cow. Polite conversation is made up of nice nothings. Observations about the weather, polite compliments on dress and not much else. Gossip is something else and I'd advise you to avoid it. Politics is a possibility but only if you know what you're talking about and who you might offend by saying what. Understand?”

Harry glanced at Draco, who pursed his lips into a rosebud pout, and sighed. “Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. I'm not much good until after my tea. I'll try to do better.”

“Ah! And potions. For what?” Madam took a small bite of egg.

Harry, who had been wise enough not to stuff his mouth, swallowed his toast and remarked. “Is it polite to ask such a question?”

“Most assuredly not. But I need to know if you are in ill health. I don't want to over stress you. Draco needed careful handling during dance lessons. Now, the question?”

“My digestion is messed up. If I take the potions, I don't usually have a problem unless the sauces are too rich. If I don't. Find a mop.”

Madam made a face of disgust. “Bah! This is not a problem with us. So ... finish your breakfast and we will continue.” She sighed and rubbed her chin. “Don't bolt it, we're not in a hurry. Eat like a gentleman.” Harry went back to toying with his food a bit. He did like to take his time with breakfast.

Madam decided to give Harry another chance at polite conversation. “I understand that you have a morning routine. Would you mind telling me a bit about it?”

Draco waited for Harry to stammer and stutter like he usually did but both he and Lucius were pleasantly surprised when he replied, “Not at all. I wake up, Mimsey brings me a cup of sweet tea. I get out of bed, brush my teeth then go to the dojo.”

Madam raised an eyebrow. “And what do you wear in a ... dojo? You do dress, yes?”

Harry smiled at her. “Of course I dress. I wear a uniform called a gi. I practice mixed martial arts. I start out with yoga, then I do tai chi. It would be nice if I had some opponents but I don't, so I do kata. Exercise routines that are progressively harder and cover different strikes and blocks. Then I do some more tai chi to cool down. After all that, I meditate for a bit. Then I go back to my rooms, shower and redress and I'm ready for the day.”

Madam, who had thought to just make Harry more comfortable with conversation, was astonished. “My goodness, that's a lot to do before breakfast. You're a very determined young man.”

Harry just finished his juice and said he was ready for his next class.

Draco shook his head. “Not until you apply this.” He produced another pot of something from somewhere in his robes.

Harry muttered, “I want pockets like that. Mine still bulge.” Draco just sighed, he had promised to teach Harry all the personal spells he knew, he'd have to start soon.

Harry applied some of the unguent from the pot and left it on the table.

Madam also noticed Harry's remark. “Lucius, who on earth has had the teaching of this young man? Surely, he should know that spell.”

Lucius shook his head and remarked succinctly, “Muggles. I'll see to that part of his education myself with some help from Draco.”

Madam nodded her head in approval and proceeded to make Harry miserable. He never thought that entering a room could be such an ordeal. First, he walked wrong, then he hunched. The backboard was brought up again.

Madam sighed. “He's just off balance. I don't know what the problem is. He acts like he expects someone to strike him at any moment.”

Lucius sighed. “He just might. His life has been so difficult, the last few years, that it is possible that he has either been struck or hexed nearly every time he's entered a room.”

Madam nodded her head then offered, “And he's such a small thing too. A shame. Well,” She stood and slapped her hands together. “we fix that. Now.”

She called Harry to attention and had him practice entering a room, following Draco, with the order to copy him exactly. It only took three tries for him to get it right. Lucius realized that, if Harry could see it done, he could do it himself. It made him think.

Madam then had Harry take different stances, this he understood, a stance was one of the names of the different ways to stand in martial arts. Each one had its own purpose, like the Horse stance which was to ground and center a fighter in readiness for an attack.

And suddenly several things made sense. When Lucius entered a room, he stepped in then stood for a moment, head up, shoulders back. A proud stance that attracted attention, every head turned to look at him. Draco did the same thing. They also had a talent for standing perfectly still, head cocked at a certain angle that made them look as if they were paying absolute attention to something no one else could see.

Harry worked hard all morning on getting all the different stances just right. Body language was a lot more important than Harry had realized. Draco even told him right out that the way he stood made him look like a victim. Harry vowed to change that at once. It took him an hour, but he managed.

Madam proclaimed herself very much satisfied and demanded her lunch. Harry sighed, it was sure to be an unpleasant experience, Madam had said that he was going to have to use different utensils at lunch than he was used to.

But it wasn't as bad as he had thought it would be, he glanced at Lucius, who made a point of brandishing his choice a bit more than was strictly polite. Madam refrained from remark.

Draco and Madam kept up a light conversation, which covered the horror that was the current pallet of popular colors, the fact that Dumbledore was somehow still Grand Pobah of some club and the scarcity of ambergris. Lucius added a comment from time to time. Harry managed to keep his foot out of his mouth, ask three intelligent questions and not spill anything on himself.

Madam announced that she was very pleased with Harry's progress and that she didn't see this taking much more than a week, as Harry was so very quick on the up take. This, she declared, was a sign of great intelligence and diligence. She then gathered up her things and took her leave, patting Harry's cheek and demanding that Lucius see her to the door.

At the door she turned to Lucius. “Mon ami, that boy is damaged. I don't know who or how or why but he is too shy, too hesitant. He hunches like he's waiting for a blow. His self esteem is non-existent and his confidence ... Bah! It is too much. See to it.” She opened the door and stormed out. Lucius agreed with her but wondered what to address first.

He returned to the dining room to find Draco teaching Harry a personal care charm. Harry was listening with a frown of concentration on his face. It only took him three tries to get it right.

Draco praised Harry with a soft, “Very well done.” Harry glowed with pride and accomplishment, tucking the unguent pot into his enlarged and flat pocket.

Lucius realized that this was one way he could elevate Harry's confidence and self esteem. “Wonderful. I'm very proud of you, Harry, it took me several more tries than that to learn that spell.”

Harry's expression of joy made Draco grit his teeth; not in jealousy but in fury. It took so little to bring that expression to Harry's face. Dumbledore was in for a very difficult year.

Lucius nodded to Draco, wondering what he was thinking about but knowing Draco would tell him in good time.

“Potions next. Harry do not frown like that, your face will stick that way. Lab, now.”

Harry grumbled a bit but followed with good will, he was going to wait until he was sure there was something to complain about.

.

Lucius realized that potions was going to be a sore spot for a while. Harry hated the activity with a passion. But, when Lucius promised him a treat, he settled down to work with a calm attention that pleased Lucius.

He had Harry repeat all the instructions on cutting, chopping, shredding and so forth. Harry remembered what Draco had shown him, using the potato which pleased Lucius very much. No matter what Severus said, Harry wasn't stupid by any means.

Draco sighed, now was time to 'fess up' as the saying went. “Um ... Harry?” Harry stopped chopping the Angelica root into neat dice and looked up at Draco. “I have a confession to make and I just know you're going to be furious with me. I'm ... I ... Um ...” Draco cleared his throat and tired again. “I'm one of the reasons that you had so much trouble in Potions. I got Pansy to levitate stuff into your cauldron when you weren't looking. I'm sorry.”

Harry blinked at him for a moment. “Oh, well ... that's all right. I should have kept a better eye out. Snape should have too. Is this dice ok?”

Draco couldn't believe that Harry was just going to shrug this off like it was nothing. “The dice is fine, as perfect as Severus could do. Aren't you mad at me? At all?”

Harry just shook his head. “You told me the truth and said, 'sorry'. What should I do? Hit you? Hex you? What good would that do?”

Lucius smiled. “None. And I'm glad you realize that. Draco and I both have not treated you as we ought. We're now trying to make up for it. We are family now.”

Harry gave Lucius a glowing look. “Yes, we are. And family forgives each other. I have wanted a real family all my life. Now I have one and I'm going to keep it. So, Draco said he was sorry, he's helping me with potions and ... that's all there is to it. So ... what next? Do I put the diced Angelica in all at once or a piece at a time.”

They continued to brew in a companionable way, Harry asked questions, consulted his notes and finished his brew with a contented feeling.

Lucius examined the vials of potion then announced, “They're perfect. A very nice sleeping draught. We'll use this. Come, Harry, you look exhausted. Supper is in ...” He cast a tempus. “an hour. That gives you time to clean up and change your robes. Draco, you should as well.”

Draco stuck his nose in the air. “And you're flowery sweet.”

Lucius conceded that he needed to clean up as well.

They parted ways at the top of the stairs to the family level.

After cleaning up and changing Harry returned to the dining room to meet with the other members of the family.

Lucius watched as Harry coped quite well with the snails, using the tongs and fork handily, after watching Draco for a moment. He also handled the asparagus easily.

At the end of the meal, Lucius announced that he was very well pleased with Harry and as a treat they would be going shopping on Saturday. Draco and Harry would, that is, they were to be allowed to go by themselves. He also mentioned that there was no chance of Dumbledore bothering them so they were not to worry about that.

Harry swelled with pride and pleasure. Draco gave Lucius a brilliant smile as well.

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