Runaway.html

Harry was so caught up in talking to Johnny that he never noticed Draco and Ron leave.

The second they were in the shop, Ron let go of the port key.

“Ok, what now.” Ron looked around the shop.

Draco picked a chair and settled into it. “You get measured, then we pick fabric. Please be very nice to the woman. She's a member of a cadet branch of the family but she won't take help. Her husband died of lung problems a while ago and this shop is her only means of support. We don't patronize her as she despises mother. She's doing this as a personal favor to father.”

Ron had started to say that he was never rude to shop people until he realized what Draco was really saying. “Ok, I'll let you pick the fabric, but I get veto on the colours.”

Draco nodded his agreement then said, “I think father only intended to buy two sets of day robes and one semi-formal but I'm going to stretch his permission to a set of full formal ones as well. Madam De Malfoy needs the money and this way she'll be set for several months. We'll take delivery of the day robes tomorrow and day after. The semi-formal robes have to be done in three days, but the full formal robes, you won't need until much later. Tell her delivery on them can be at her discretion. Now.” Draco cast a tempus. “She should be here...” there was a sound of foot steps. “There she is.”

Ron went to the door and opened it for the lady, who was looking a bit harried. “Sorry. It is ... the children wouldn't settle to bed.”

Ron just smiled at the lady. “That's ok. I've got a little sister, she was a bear to get to bed some nights. Shall we?” He offered her his arm to lead her to the small box like dais that he was to stand on to be measured.

Madam De Malfoy measured him quickly, letting her tape inch its way here and there as she wrote the numbers that appeared in the air on her order form.

“Tres bon. Now, we pick ... tissu. How you say it?” She glanced at Draco.

“Fabric. I've picked a few things that I feel will be flattering. That will save time. I have to get him back soon, so his friend doesn't suspect anything. It is a surprise, you see.”

Ron sat down where Madam pointed and looked at the swatches Draco handed him. One was bright orange. Ron eyed Draco for a moment then said, “Not even. I'm not dumb enough to even think about wearing orange. Gag.”

“It is Gryffindor orange.”

Ron sneered in a way that Draco had always found annoying. “Don't care for Gryffindor colors frankly. They look awful on a red head.” He put that swatch on the coffee table and looked at the next. “Mmmmm. Not bad, this bronzy brown is nice. Semi-formal?” Draco nodded. “And this?” He held up a black with deep green highlights.

Draco glanced at it. “Formal with green embroidery and shirt. The other, snuff brown, is tomorrows day robe and the the day after is the dark grey. Do you like the colors?”

Ron considered them. “Yeah, except for the grey. I don't think my freckles and red hair go well with gray. And I really don't want another brown.” He flipped through a book of swatches that Madam handed him. “Green. Already have green. OH, this one.” Ron handed Draco a swatch of linen died a beautiful deep plum color.

“Yes, this is nice. I looked at a similar colour but it wasn't right.”

Ron bit his lip. “If you laugh, I'll hex you. Hermione had a book with different things she called 'colour ways' I can't wear any colour based on red, or yellow.”

Draco looked interested. “I'd really like to read that. But. We have decided and we need to leave so that Madam can begin. The robes need to be done by tomorrow noon. That's a lot of sewing in very little time and she needs to come fit them before breakfast to make any needed alterations.”

Ron sighed. “That is a lot of work. Madam, I am really, truly grateful. Thank you very much.” He smiled at her, picked up her work basket and insisted on escorting her back home.

She demurred but he insisted again so they walked her the two blocks to her home and left her at the door.

They made it back to the veranda just as Harry was asking where they were.

“Ron! Where were you? I looked all over.” Harry looked a bit concerned.

“I went inside for a few moments. What did you want?” Ron blinked at Harry's cloak clasp for a moment. “Hey! What's with that clasp?”

Harry squinted down at himself. “What? I never paid any attention to it.”

“It's two different bits. Like ... one side is a snake, the other a ... lion?”

Harry just took his cloak off. “Oh, Draco, come here. Let me see your clasp.”

Draco ambled over, followed by everyone else. “What is it, Harry?”

Harry looked at Draco's clasp then snickered, “Seems we've been caught in some sort of prank. Look.” He fastened his cloak again so Draco could see.

Draco just shrugged. “It's not that big a deal. We can just have Madam De Malfoy change them.” Suddenly he brightened then said, “Or not. I don't mind. Do you?”

Harry thought about it for a moment. “No, not really. I think we ought to leave it.”

Just then Lucius called an end to the festivities. “It's nearly mid-night. Tomorrow is going to be another exciting day so we should all head for bed. Good-night.”

No one thought this in the least unusual as, traditionally, the host could send younger members of the group to bed whenever he felt it was appropriate.

Lucius stopped Frankie and Johnny at the doors for a moment. “Of course, you, as adults don't have to go to bed. Would you prefer to retire to the library for a drink?”

And so, Lucius Malfoy wound up in his library, drinking with two muggles.

“Tell me, do you usually take in strays?”

Frankie smiled, “We do. Especially when they just walk up and offer you a blow job like Harry did.”

Lucius choked on his drink. “Excuse me?”

Johnny laughed, “That's exactly what he said, 'Excuse me. Would you like a blow job?' I nearly fell down. It was all I could do not to laugh. Then I got a really good look at him. Terrible. So we took him home with us.”

“And he proved to be incredibly submissive, I expect.” Lucius sipped his whiskey

“No, actually, he proved to be incredibly ill. Took us weeks to get him on his feet. He insisted that he was fine, of course, but Frankie and I both know the signs of abuse. He's a mess, no matter how normal he acts. Be very careful that you don't mistake coping with normal.”

Lucius started to tell them to mind their own business then realized that it was their business. They were Harry's friends and had taken him in, made him well, so it was.

“I will take that into consideration. He is remarkably adept at hiding things, is he not?”

“He is. You have to watch him like a hawk or he'll over exercise, over work. If he can take it to excess, he will.”

Lucius sighed, “I have found that out. He has been using a spell to ... slow down time .. or speed himself up. No one is quite sure. It is a house-elf spell that Dobby taught him. He uses it to do four hours of exercise in one. He also burns up that many calories, I wish he would not use it, but I find it impossible to tell him so. He so wants to be in good shape.”

“We know. He told us a bit about this Tom Riddle fellow. Styles himself Lord Volde something. But he has to be careful, you can't hold yourself on the edge like that forever. I compete, so I know. If he over trains, when he needs it, he'll be exhausted. Mentally and physically.”

Lucius looked Frankie over carefully. His practiced eye saw the signs of a fighter. Frankie looked like a total poof at first glance but closer examination made it clear that no poof had a chest like that unless he was a lot tougher than he looked.

“I have tried to talk to him, but our relationship is still a bit ... tentative. I do not think he would really listen to me.”

“Not sure he'll listen to me, but I'll try. Johnny?”

“Oh, I'll definitely give him an ear full but will he listen? Not sure.”

With that they finished their drinks and retired for the night.

.

Ron got up when an elf told him that the seamstress was there to fit his robes. He grumbled and asked for tea for both of them.

Madam De Malfoy was waiting for Ron in his retiring room, lounge, whatever they called it. Ron was never sure. He made sure that the elf gave the exhausted looking woman her tea first.

She accepted the cup with a smile and a 'Merci.' While she drank Ron took the robes into the bedroom and put them on. He was a bit startled to find an elf called Mimsey there to help him.

He returned just as Madam finished her tea. “Here I am. Where do you want me to stand?”

The poor lady just looked at him. “Je suis désolé.” She looked so upset that Ron bit his lip.

Finally he called, “Someone? I need a translator. Please?”

There was a tap at the door almost immediately. Ron called, “Come in.” and an elf entered the room.

“Sir needs me?”

“If you speak French too.”

“I do.”

And so, with the elf translating, they got Ron's robes hemmed and ready before breakfast was even a scent in the air. Luckily, the robes had fit everywhere else.

Finished with the tailoring, Ron decided to take a walk. It wasn't long before he ran into both Draco and Neville.

“Oi, what are you lot doing?”

Neville grumbled. “An elf came in and told me to take a walk before breakfast. Bloody bossy one too. Made me get up and suggested a walk along this path.”

Draco sighed. “I always walk here, if I get up early enough. If you come just here, you can watch Harry. Exhausting just watching him. Look.”

Harry was down on the beach, working out in real time. He'd decided that, if it bothered Lucius so much, he'd figure out how to get it all in in real time. He realized that he had time in the morning and in the evening so he divided up what he wanted to do.

Morning he would run, do one tai chi routine to warm up for kata and do all his kata. In the evening he could do tai chi or yoga then meditate and be in a better frame of mind to sleep.

He moved smoothly from one form to the next, the sand shifting under foot.

When he finished he heard a soft, “Harry.” from the side. Frankie was there.

“Frankie! You want to work out with me?”

Frankie nodded, “Sure do, kiddo. I need to know what you're doing to yourself. You go too hard for too long and you get stale. You need fresh work outs and opponents. Come on.”

So Harry and Frankie sparred, to the astonishment of Ron and Neville but not Draco. Lucius also got into the act, quite frankly spying from the study window.

Frankie finally got the better of Harry after fifteen minutes of sparing. Harry clapped out with a laugh.

“Mean, that's what you are.” Harry sighed and picked up a bottle of water that was on a small table nearby. He poured two glasses and handed one to Frankie.

Frankie drank then motioned to Harry to sit with him. They settled in the soft sand near a rock, sitting in seiza. Frankie looked Harry over.

“You look good. You're gaining muscle quickly. Hope you put on some more weight soon though. You're way too skinny. You’re working out a lot.”

Harry sighed. “Yeah, but I'm seriously thinking of slowing down. But I don't want to lose my edge.”

Frankie suppressed a sigh of relief. He explained to Harry about going stale and how to avoid it. He finished, “So mix up your workout. Do a different kata every day, rather than all of them. Number them then do the odd ones one week and the even ones the next, make up several routines, number them and draw a number out of a hat. Whatever. And see if you can't get some sparing partners. I'll spar with you while I'm here.”

Harry grinned. “I know of at least three, but only one who's actually adequate. Papa, Lucius, is a devil. Ron's not too bad, nor is Draco. Neville, not so good, but I'd like to spar with him to help him get better.”

Frankie nodded. “Good, good. You might ask him, Lucius I mean, about other partners.”

“Yeah, and he'd like that. He's really good to me, even when I'm being a total git. I try not to but, sometimes it's almost as if I'm outside myself, looking on as I act like a complete prat.”

“Testing. We all do it. You're testing him to see if he'll turn on you. Every kid in our situation does it. Just try really hard not to. It's not fair to him. I think ... he's a totally ruthless man. But he's just as ruthless with himself as he is with others. Don't push him to have to do something he really doesn't want to do. Ok?”

Harry stood up. “I'll try. Now. I've run, done kata and spared with you. I think I'll leave the rest for tonight before I go to bed. I'm sure I'll need to relax after putting up with Pansy, Millicent, Daphne and Greg and Vince. Hell half the Baby Death Eaters are going to be here. Ugh!”

“Are they a real danger?”

Harry thought carefully for a moment. “I don't think so. Papa wouldn't have invited them if they were. But ... um ... both you and Johnny should stay near one of us when the others are around. By 'us' I mean anyone in the house now. Don't trust yourself in a room alone with anyone else. Even if you have to be obvious about it.”

Frankie agreed at once and said that he'd tell Johnny as soon as he returned to the rooms. They got up and Harry took Frankie's arm.

“I'll side-along you. It's really too far to walk. Especially after all that exercise.”

.

Draco smirked at Ron and Neville. Ron just gazed at the beach with a dazed expression on his face.

“How far did you say he was running?”

“At least two miles. He says it increases his endurance. And he's duelled with Father. Scared me half to death. The arena wards actually began to fail.”

“Bloody buggering fuck.”

Neville looked a bit scandalized at Ron's language until what Draco had said sunk in. Then all he could think was, 'blazing Merlin'.

Harry was fast, very fast and vicious. He'd kicked his friend so hard the smack had echoed clear up here. Draco sighed, “We better get back. It's farther than you think. I'd side-along you but I can't do two.”

Neville nodded. “I can get back by myself. I left a locator in my room.” At Draco's look, he explained, “You know how I can get lost. Gran had it made for me. I leave it in my room or where ever and a fairy light will guide me back, or I can home in on it.”

Draco nodded. “Very well. Ron?” Ron just took his arm and allowed himself to be taken back to the chateau.

This breakfast was an easy affair. Everybody seemed in a good mood and conversation was light and comfortable. Harry noticed that Ron had new robes but only commented on how nice he looked. Draco and Lucius traded looks.

Frankie and Johnny were both dressed in what Harry thought of as 'upper class casual'; dress slacks, button down shirts and oxfords.

Everyone else was dressed much as Ron was with Lucius dressed in crushed velvet in dark sapphire blue that made him look every inch the lord he was not. Harry found that one a bit amusing and snickered to himself.

Lucius gave him a slightly pointed look and asked, “Do you think you could share? I am sure that we would all like to be amused.”

“Oh, I was just thinking. Dressed like you are, you look like a lord, but you're always so insistent that you aren't. But I am, right?”

“Yes, you are a baron. I am not. However, you did give me permission to use your title until you come of age. I will not. You are so near seventeen that it would be more of a nuisance than anything else.”

Ron goggled at Harry while Neville realized that he knew Harry was a baron while Harry himself had not. He shook his head in disgust. He thought Dumbledore had a lot to answer for.

Harry just smiled then a glance at Johnny had him laughing. He knew he wasn't supposed to talk across the table but the look on his face made him exclaim, “Sir Harry!” then flush as he realized what he'd done. Frankie said, “Don't talk across the table.” While everyone else snickered.

Harry looked put out until Draco reminded Lucius, “But, Father, it's breakfast.”

Lucius nodded, “I know, but I do not want Harry forgetting and embarrassing himself.”

Harry just remarked mildly, “I never embarrass myself.” Lucius gave him a sharp look. “I feel like ... if I make a mistake someone should tell me nicely. If they are rude about it, they only show their quality, not mine.” he shrugged and returned to his eggs.

Everyone at the table stared at him for a moment then returned to their food.

Breakfast ended, as all things must, when Lucius folded his napkin, placed it beside his plate and stood up. He was a perfect host and had made sure that everyone was finished before he did so.

“We will retire to the Arrival Room, la salle d'arrivée, to await the other guests. Most of them will arrive fairly soon. I tried to space them at thirty minute intervals so that we could greet each one appropriately. This way.”

They all trooped to the Salle d'arrivee to await the additions to their company.

The first person to arrive was Pansy Parkinson. She popped in holding the hand of a house-elf dressed in a pink pillowcase. The elf was holding a portmanteau and popped out again at once. Pansy glanced at Draco but went to Lucius at once, to thank him for inviting her to the party. Another glance at Draco had Draco sighing. He knew what Pansy wanted and he wasn't going to do it. He was supposed to stay here and that was what he was going to do. Lucius raised one eyebrow at him but he shook his head.

Lucius introduced Pansy around. She already knew Ron and Neville of course but she barely acknowledged them. When she was introduced to Frankie and Johnny and realized that they were muggles she sneered at them. Frankie just sneered back but Johnny gave her the same look he did an insolent waiter. She faded back with a glower but got no sympathy from anyone. Lucius dismissed her to her rooms with a cold look.

The next to arrive was Daphne Greengrass. She stepped out of the floo in a shower of soot; coughing, she fanned her face for a moment then looked at herself in dismay. Lucius just waved his wand, cleaning off the mess.

“Thank you, Sir. And thank you for inviting me.” Daphne looked around starting at the sight of Ron, Neville and Harry, standing together on one side of the room. She also was introduced around but shook hands with everyone, equally polite to both wizard and muggle. Lucius showed his pleasure by instructing Draco to see her to her rooms, instructing him to see her to the door and return at once. Daphne smiled in open delight earning herself a frown from Draco. She just shrugged at him then took his arm.

Draco was back well before Millicent Bulstrode arrived on the arm of her father. Lucius just nodded to him then to Millicent. “Welcome to my house.” Like all the others, he introduced her around, including her father. She looked Frankie and Johnny over but shook hands carefully. Her father glanced at Lucius before politely bowing. Johnny bowed back, Western style; but Frankie bowed as if to an opponent. Harry raised an eyebrow at Lucius who shrugged faintly.

Millicent was escorted to her rooms by Lucius accompanied by her father. Harry poked Frankie gently, “What?”

“I didn't like the way he looked at you. Gave me the willies. He looked like a john appraising your skills.”

Harry snorted, “If he asks for a blow job, he's liable to get more ... or less ... than he expects.”

“Yeah, and when he bleeds to death?”

“Papa knows how to hide a body.” Harry grinned in a feral way that made both men snicker.

“Rotten brat.”

Lucius returned just in time to overhear this but when Harry grinned he turned to the fire place to await the last guests.

Vincent and Gregory arrived together, stepping out of the floo. They stood on the hearth for a moment then glanced from Draco to Lucius. They bowed politely and Greg made all the proper remarks. Vincent didn't seem to be able to speak, instead he hurried over to Draco and managed to insinuate himself between Draco and Harry. Harry watched in amusement as Lucius managed to introduce Vincent around but Greg refused to be parted from Draco. Lucius flatly ordered him to come along when he left to take them to their rooms.

Harry sighed. “Draco, how the hell do you manage not to strangle them?”

“Practice. They're both slow. They're not really stupid, it just takes them forever to learn anything.”

Harry sighed. “Oh, I see.”

Ron grumbled, “Yeah, I do too. They're victims just like everyone else.”

Neville poked him, hissing softly, “They can't help it that they're double first cousins.”

Frankie winced. “European royalty intermarried until the blood got so thin it was ridiculous.”

Johnny nodded, “Yeah, all kinds of genetic problems started cropping up. Madness, hemophilia, sterility. Things best hidden in the attic.”

Harry grimaced. “Ick. Didn't need that one.”

Draco sighed. “And some of the inbreeding was intentional, like Greg. His father married his first cousin. Big scandal, but at that time, no one did anything much about it because The Dark Lord said it was a good thing. Ei voila, Greg. Dumb, slow, and hopeless. And has no idea.”

Everyone shuddered at that and the group broke up to go get ready for lunch. It was a bit early but, after the stress of being polite to people that they'd been hexing in the halls for years, everyone needed a rest.

.

Lunch wasn't really very interesting, everyone was on their best behaviour. Harry watched his father for hints as to what utensil to use. Crabbe and Goyle watched Draco.

Harry found it remarkable that Ron didn't watch anyone, nor did Frankie or Johnny. Of course, the rest of the pure bloods didn't need hints.

Talk was limited to fashion, weather, what they were eating and who was dating whom. Or who, Harry was still not sure.

When Lucius folded his napkin and stood, everyone else stood too.

“Today we will play a few games. Please adjourn to the veranda for a short rest to digest. Cards and board games are there. Mr. Weasley? Chess?”

Ron brightened but even Greg groaned. Harry hurriedly explained to Frankie and Johnny, “Ron's a devil at chess, he's whipped everyone at school like a stray dog. He even beat Papa, Lucius, twice; last time he visited. So this is going to be a blood bath. And long. They'll probably be at it all afternoon. Come on. Play poker with me. We'll drag Draco in on it.”

So they spent the afternoon in games; Harry, Draco, Frankie, and Johnny at poker while Pansy, Daphne, Millicent, Neville and Vince played exploding snap. Greg just sat watching Lucius and Ron with a vacant expression.

Lucius sighed, one more move from any of three pieces and he was in check, any other move check mate. He tipped his queen in surrender. “I yield. Weasley, you are wasted in Gryffindor.”

“Thank you, I think. Another?”

Lucius cast a tempus then shook his head. “I'm afraid not. Look at the time. The whole afternoon is almost gone. We need to retire to get ready for dinner.”

Ron also blinked at the time for a moment. “Hell and damnation, it can't be that late, can it?” He shook his head. “Ah, well. Oh, and, sir. I want to thank you for the robes. I really appreciate it.”

“Think nothing of it. I wanted to do it. You need good robes or Draco's clique will tear you to ribbons. I really do not want to have to clean up after Harry in a real snit.”

Ron paled. “Oh, no, that wouldn't be much fun. Well, I'll just go to my rooms now. Um ... can I wear these robes to dinner?”

Lucius nodded. “Yes, close them completely up to the neck. You should have gotten two shirts to go with them. Ask an elf for help.”

“Yes, sir. Thanks again.” Ron bowed slightly and left.

.

The note on each desk instructed the guests to dress casually for dinner. Everyone in Draco's clique knew what that meant, but Frankie and Johnny didn't, neither did Ron. Neville did and Harry just let Mimsey put out what was proper.

Lucius instructed his new elf to go help Frankie and Johnny pick something from their wardrobe that would be acceptable. Harry sent Mimsey to Ron, only to be told that Draco had sent Gerard. Harry dashed off a quick note to Draco thanking him and Mimsey had another house-elf deliver it.

When he descended the stairs for dinner, Harry knew he looked every inch a young lord. Draco had picked this robe for him. It was deep midnight blue, very nearly black, with sliver embroidered gryphons around the hem. His shirt was black with a band collar. Black trousers and black dragon hide boots completed the outfit and he'd chosen to wear all three of his House rings. Draco had advised it as a way to lord it over the others without putting anyone's nose out of joint. Except, perhaps, Ron’s. Harry also put drops on the rings in his ears.

The first person to notice him, standing in the door to the foyer was Ron.

“Harry. There you are. It's almost time to go in.”

Harry nodded, “Yes, Papa will be along in about five minutes. Draco will walk down with him. I wonder where he has everyone sitting?”

“Don't know.” Ron counted on his fingers. “We've an odd number and way more men than women. Seating is going to be awkward.”

Harry nodded, “You're right. I wonder how we'll manage.”

Just then Lucius walked down the master staircase, followed by Draco. “My friends, as we are short on ladies, the seating will be by interest, more or less. And the group is obviously split between friends of Harry and friends of Draco. I have tried to alternate the groups, to add interest. Please, enter and be seated.”

And with that, they all found their seats and settled in for dinner. Harry was already exhausted.

The seating put Lucius at the head of the table with Draco at the foot. The rest were seated, from Lucius' left around the table, Ron, Harry, Frankie, Pansy, Greg, Draco, Millicent, Neville, Johnny, Daphne and Vince.

Lucius had made sure that Greg was seated where someone on 'their' side could help him, if it was needed. Vince was actually quite smart, he was just phlegmatic and tended to do as Draco told him because it was habit.

Conversation started out awkward as Pansy immediately put her foot in it. Greg asked her if Frankie was one of the Surrey James' and she hissed back, “No, Goyle, he's a mudblood. Quiet.”

Goyle subsided but Pansy addressed Draco across him, not only speaking down the table but across it as well. “Draco, what are we supposed to do with them?”

Draco winced and grimaced at Lucius. Harry poked Ron and whispered softly, “Ok, get ready ... set ... here we go.”

Lucius indulged in one of his slow head turns that let you know that you were so gauche that he wasn't sure he was going to speak.

“Miss Parkinson! Manners, if you please.” Lucius' cold tone made everyone at the table stop what they were doing. “I will not have one guest in my house insult another. Eradicate that word from your vocabulary while you are in my house. Mr. James, I do apologize for her lack, please forgive me.”

Frankie just looked at Pansy for a moment. “Well, if she isn't comfortable sitting next to me, perhaps she could exchange places with someone. I'm sure gayness doesn't rub off, however.”

Millicent Bulstrode just got up and walked around the table to stand at Pansy's side. “Go. I'll sit by him. At least he'll know something about fashion.”

Neville just frowned at his water glass while Draco gritted his teeth and swore to only talk to Greg.

Greg just blinked for a moment then gave Pansy a sad look. “You have to move. Mother says that I'm not supposed to have anything to do with rude people. She says I'll get into the habit.” Then he brightened, “But, Millicent is nice. You are going to be nice, right?”

Millicent patted his hand where it rested on the table. “Yes, I'm going to be nice. Mr. James seems like someone to say something interesting.”

“Ok, good. But I don't like formal, I forget what I'm supposed to do and talk across the table. That's not good.”

Draco shook his head at Greg. “Don't worry. You only have me and Millie to talk to. Now shush, we're beginning.”

Harry knew this was a disaster in the making, he was just waiting for the explosion. Which never came. Everyone was achingly polite to everyone else. No one spoke to anyone other than the person on either side of them.

Ron noticed his rings when he picked up his fork but his only outward reaction was a rather long pause in lifting his water glass to his lips. Frankie and Johnny both noticed, of course, and Harry knew he was going to get a lecture on pimp rings. He was looking forward to explaining about seal crest rings and family rights.

There was some giggling by the girls and a bit of laughter here and there; but, in general, the meal was as stilted and nerve racking as Harry had feared. Lucius kept the table under control with a raised eyebrow or a tapping finger.

Harry was surprised to see that Vince managed to carry on a relatively intelligent conversation, spending the requisite ten minutes per side almost like clock work.

After desert was served and finished, Lucius announced games again that night. Harry realized that his delightful house party was as boring as one of Bins' lectures.

This time, however, they repaired to the small ballroom where tables were set up for more formal games of chess, checkers, backgammon, Mah-jong and cribbage; as well as bridge and whist.

These games lasted until 10pm when Lucius announced an early evening as the dancing party was tomorrow, starting at 10:30 am and ending at 4pm, with a break for a buffet lunch at noon. There was a bit of grumbling from Draco's clique while Ron and Neville exchanged speaking glances.

Everyone headed for their bedrooms, Lucius knew that they weren't going to stay there long so he took Frankie and Johnny to the library for a drink before bed. He also had a few questions he wanted answered.

Frankie accepted his drink with a nod and a smile. Johnny eyed his then asked, “Isn't there some wizarding drink I could try?”

Lucius turned from the small bar and said, “I could give you a fire whiskey. If I wanted Harry to tear my head off.” Johnny raised an eyebrow. “It is extremely strong and based on magic. I have no idea what it might do to you. Harry would be extremely upset if I allowed something to happen to you.”

“Ok. And, may I say ... you really don't want to see Harry in a passion. Not good. But, you had questions. Fire when ready.”

Lucius looked puzzled at this but realized that Johnny meant to ask his questions.

“Very well. I saw your club. I know Harry worked there, but I do not know exactly what he did. Tell me.”

It wasn't a question, it was a demand but neither Frankie nor Johnny resented it. Frankie glanced at Johnny, got a nod then started talking.

When Lucius found out that the nearest Harry had gotten to the trade at the Silken Cage was being a table he blinked. “A table? How ... interesting. I remember going to several clubs where people were furniture, but in the wizarding way. And I will not discuss that. Now, Harry told me he was a gutter boy, when I picked him up. What is that?”

Johnny looked like he wanted to cry, while Frankie just told Lucius exactly what a gutter boy was, and the expected life expectancy of one. Lucius calmly turned and threw his glass into the fire place. Then smashed a small table to bits. Johnny got out of his chair and put himself between Frankie and Lucius. Frankie checked the room for handy weapons.

Lucius turned as if nothing had happened and snapped his fingers, saying, “Service, please.” A house-elf popped in, looking nervous. “Clear that mess away.” The elf did so with a quick flick of its fingers then left.

“I apologize for my temper tantrum. I can't believe that Dumbledore actually allowed that filthy uncle of Harry's to ... to ... and he was left without recourse in our world. Disgraceful. They all want Harry to be ...” He took a deep breath and calmed himself, like an eraser running across a board. “Again. My temper betrays me. I find that I am more on edge than I like. Excuse me. Freshen your drink?”

Frankie sat back down, motioning to Johnny to do the same. “So ... I understand we're to have a dancing party tomorrow. Exactly what is that? I know what a non-magical one would be like ... but a wizard one? Not a clue.”

So Lucius described, what was to his listeners, an old fashioned dancing party, where an instructor came with professional partners who would help them perfect their dancing skills. Johnny grinned. “That sounds nice. Both of us love to dance and Harry ... wait until you see him. He picks up steps in no time. I'm looking forward to it.”

Frankie finished the last sip of his drink and announced, “I think it's going to be a long day tomorrow and it's nearly midnight again. We should call it a day. Good-night.” And with that the small group broke up.

.

Harry glanced at the wandless tempus he'd cast and sighed. Then he grumbled, “It's only 8:46pm I swear, if I sleep now, I'll wake up at four in the morning. What can we do?”

Draco blinked. “Harry, I'm ashamed of you. You know perfectly well what we're going to do. Just, who can we trust not to peach on us?”

Harry thought carefully. “Ron and Neville. If we tell Frankie or Johnny, they'll go all over responsible adult. What about your bunch?”

“Pants will tell, just to be a bitch. Daph ... she's probably asleep already. Girl sleeps at the drop of a pillow. Millicent ... don't call her Millie, unless you want your nose broken ... She's up for it. Greg can't be trusted to sneak anywhere but ... Vince will be hurt if we don't ask him. If he decides not to go, at least he won't tell.”

Harry nodded. “Ok, that's Ron, Neville, Millicent and Vince, you and me. But where should we go? I just want off this island, out of this house. Somewhere. I'm going stir crazy.”

“Me too. Fuck the bloody ministry! I wish...”

Harry suddenly snapped his fingers. “I know. I found this mixed in with my mail. The elves ... I don't want to make you mad, but this is the kind of service you get when you act like you do. They get their revenge in petty ways. But anyway ... I found an invitation to a sports pub, The Englishman, mixed in with my stuff. It's a port key... takes us right there and back again. The invitation says it's good for ten people. Does that mean what I think it means?”

“Yes. Ten, you say. Let me see it, please.” Draco held out his hand and Harry handed him the glossy 8x11 card.

Draco eyed it with interest. “Sounds good to me. It says that the pub specializes in muggle English sports and entertainment. Let's ...”

Harry nodded. “Yes, let's. I'll get Ron and Neville.”

“Good, and I'll get Millicent and Vince. Go.”

It didn't take long for them to gather back in Harry's rooms.

They were all dressed in Wizarding casual, open fronted robes that showed trousers, shirts, sweaters and boots. Millicent also had a small bag called a dangle, a simple drawstring pouch which hung off one wrist by its cords.

Neville was surprisingly complacent about their proposed expedition. “Ok, what do we do?”

Draco extended the invitation card and said, “Everyone take hold of this.” When everyone had hold, he gave the activation code and they port keyed.

They appeared in the middle of a nice garden. Harry realized that they were still in the South of France somewhere as the night was only slightly chilly and the light breeze smelled of spring.

The pub was brightly lit and full of people. Draco presented the invitation and they were shown to a table. It was in an alcove that was near the kitchen doors but no one said much. They were just glad to be seated at all.

A waiter appeared at once and cast a spell over them all. He was astonished to find that everyone had their wands pointed at him.

“Merde! So jumpy. It is nozing but an ... age spell. You will not be served hard liquor. Only butter beer or some such.”

Draco put his wand up, a signal that all the others accepted and they also put their wands away. “Sorry, a little warning wouldn't have gone amiss. We'll all have butter beer, or tea.” Draco remembered that Millicent didn't care for French butter beer. She nodded at the waiter who wrote down the order and left.

Harry looked around and was surprised to see that the walls were lined with flat screen tv sets, all showing some muggle sport or pass time. Harry saw football, hurling, skiing, bowling, and other things such as race cars, dragging, and various types of airplane sports. He was especially interested in what he realized were the American Blue Angel fighter plane acrobats.

The waiter returned with butter beer in a pitcher, glasses for those who were drinking that and a pot and cup which he put in front of Millicent. Harry asked him how to get a better look at something and he explained that all they had to do was point a wand at a tv and say 'Display that.' then tap the table. The picture would be displayed on a smaller tv at the back of the alcove.

Harry thanked the man, paid and tipped him. Then he pointed at the Blue Angels and selected it.

Ron gasped in surprise as the picture appeared on the wall. “Oh, hairyplanes!”

“Air plane.” Harry corrected Ron. He was tired of wizards mangling muggle words.

“Air? That makes a lot more sense.”

Draco gasped as two of the planes performed a suicide pass, one plane passing under the other upside down, at 200 plus miles an hour. At that, everyone at the table was caught up in the show.

No one knew how long they spent just sitting and watching as different groups were shown, all doing fantastic stunts in groups of two, three, five and seven. Draco finally noticed when it began to repeat.

“OH, fuck! How long have we been gone? If father catches us, we're all toast.” He hastily cast a tempus and everyone groaned. It was nearly 2 am. Harry threw money on the table to cover the four pitchers of butter beer and another tip. They all grasped the return port key and reappeared back in Harry's room.

And just in time, Lucius tapped at the door and there was a quick scramble to hide Millicent's cloak and Neville's. He stuck his head in the door and said, “You had all better be in your rooms in ten minutes. If you are not, there will be repercussions.”

Everyone scurried to get out the door past him. When they were gone Lucius glanced at the fold of fabric protruding from under the love seat but refrained from saying anything. He remembered sneaking out himself and didn't see how a night-time ramble around the island could hurt.

Harry groaned and tumbled into bed, dumping his clothing on the floor and sleeping in nothing but pants for the first time he could remember. Mimsey just picked up his things and put them away. She returned Neville's cloak to his elf and put Millicent's up herself. Then she went to bed, grumbling about silly young wizards night time wanderings.

.

The next morning was miserable for all of them except Harry. He slept in, unknowingly speeding up in his sleep and getting three more hours than he should have. He'd decided to skip his morning routine today as he was going to get plenty of exercise during the dancing. He was also hoping to convince Frankie to spar with him.

So Harry was dressed and at the table at 8am, awake and much too cheerful for the rest of the younger members of the party. There was a lot of grumbling about early mornings and too cheerful people. Harry just smiled slightly, took his potions, which Draco had brought to the table and ate his breakfast.

Lucius smiled into his cup, remembering similar breakfasts which his mother had overseen in his day.

As breakfast was winding down, Lucius called for service and an elf appeared with a tray of potions. After handing them around the elf silently disappeared and Lucius remarked mildly, “I know you were all out until just before I told you all to go to bed.” He smiled at the alarmed expressions around the table. “I am well aware that you all think this house party is deadly dull, but it is important. You all need to know how to dance and carry yourselves properly in formal robes. So, take this potion, it will help you keep up. Now, everyone go up and change into your semi-formal robes. Frankie, Johnny, I would hope that you will wear them too. You might find it interesting.”

And with that everyone returned to their quarters to change for the dancing, Frankie and Johnny included.

.

While everyone was changing Madam arrived with her contingent of dancing partners, one of the opposite sex for each member of the party, including Lucius.

She got them all seated along one wall, a veritable cattle call, but she didn't care, they were here to dance not socialize. She looked up as Lucius came in, followed by the rest of the party. She was pleased to notice that most of the party was young, only three older members. This made it much easier for the young people to cope as they weren't constantly looking at parents or guardians for permissions or corrections.

She just lined the dancers up according to height and sex, never mind anything else.

.

Harry glanced at his partner, she was about forty with a sour face and narrow eyes. He wasn't sure he liked her much. He glanced around and realized that most of the partners were over thirty. He supposed that made sense as they were supposed to be providing supplemental instruction in dance.

Madam had also brought a pianist who had produced a magical piano, put it in a small bow window and perched elegantly on the small bench. He was now waiting for instruction.

Lucius nodded to Frankie who led the way while Johnny took a middle position and Lucius brought up the tail.

Madam commanded, “Promenade.” so they all walked around the room until they were spaced equally around the huge room with Madam in the middle. Then she commanded, “Waltz.”

The results weren't as predictable as Madam had thought. Harry, Neville, Draco, Lucius, Frankie and Johnny moved off in perfect step, twirling their partners with practiced ease. Harry thanked Johnny for his lessons once again. Pansy stumbled all over her partners feet. Daphne and Millicent managed a bit better but both showed a lack of competence, while Vince and Ron were both totally inexperienced. Greg just excused himself at once and went to stand by the door. His partner whispered in his ear and took him into the wide hallway.

Madam watched the partners as they struggled with Ron and Vince, they were doing quite well, all things considered. The Weasley boy was learning quickly but Crabbe was having some problems. His partner was coping though. The girls were improving quickly as they followed their partners lead. Pansy, however, was distracted by her efforts to flirt with her forty something gay partner.

Lucius finally said, without missing a step, “Miss Parkinson, stop flirting with your partner. It is most unattractive; and, you are making his lover jealous.”

The man's partner snickered, hiding it behind Millicent's hand and his own. She giggled a bit then turned her attention back to her steps.

They danced the waltz until Madam was sure that all the younger members were proficient. She'd given each couple a nod when they could sit down, nodding to some after only one round and others after two or three. The observers visited amongst themselves, Lucius even included the partners as conversational new interests.

Harry found himself seated between Pansy and Frankie. Pansy would only talk to Draco who was on the other side of her, but he wasn't speaking back. Harry spent the fifteen minutes he was in that seat talking to Frankie about his friends at the club.

Lucius got up and politely rearranged the seating so that everyone was seated with new partners. He also said that they could continue to dance if they wished.

Harry did wish so he asked Millicent to dance. She blushed a bit but stood and walked to the dance floor with him. They danced for a bit then Millicent asked, “Potter, when did you have lessons.” At his puzzled look she shrugged, missed a step then recovered. “I remember the Tri-Wizard Christmas Ball. You were horrible. Only managed the opening dance.”

Harry laughed lightly. “I remember. Poor Parvati, and poor Padma. Neither Ron nor I had a clue. Frankie and Johnny taught me to dance.”

Millicent glanced over at them. “They a couple?”

“Yeah. Long time. Own a club together. That a problem?”

“No. Just ... they're a cute couple together, I wondered. Muggles usually make a big deal out of that sort of thing.”

Harry chuckled. “Well, since their club caters to gay bondage freaks, it really doesn't matter.”

Millicent missed a step, gave Harry a look which he returned with one of such innocent puzzlement that she had to laugh. “Evil boy.”

Harry shrugged. “No, that's Draco.”

They returned to chairs as the music had ended.

Madam caught a glance that passed between Draco and Lucius. “Sir?”

“I think I ought to check on Greg. He's slow...” Lucius made a rather helpless gesture. “you see. We all look out for him as best we can. I do hope he manages to learn at least a waltz.”

Madam sighed. “How closely related are his parents?”

“First cousins twice removed. They married with some idea of increasing the magical power in the family.”

Madam made a face. “You English and your prejudices. He'll probably never learn. Poor boy. Bring him back in and let him sit. I'll put Francine with him.”

And so, the party went on, next they learned a polka, then they practiced the gigue.

Harry was beginning to get hungry so he cast a tempus and realized that it was nearly noon.

Just as everyone was beginning to look a bit limp, Madam announced in a firm voice, “We break for dejuneir then the Minuet, Contradance, and Pavane. No groaning, they will be danced at a formal ball. You will be expected to dance several dances that are old, from the oldest to the most modern. No exceptions. Now, we eat.”

Harry mentally went over the list of dances in no particular order; waltz, polka, cotillion, gavotte, minuet, contradance, pavane, schottische ... there wasn't a modern dance in the bunch. No dance earlier than about 1880 was taught. No wonder no one liked balls anymore, even Lucius had admitted that they were deadly dull.

Harry started cataloguing the dances he thought they ought to know; Mambo, samba, quickstep, rumba, foxtrot, Viennese waltz [as what madam taught was the slow waltz], jive, tango – he finally gave up and decided to have Frankie and Johnny figure it out. He was going to ask his Papa if they could stay an extra day or two so that he could work out with Frankie.

Lunch was interesting as Lucius deftly foiled attempts to seat themselves along their house lines. He seated them alternating dancers, Slytherins, Gryffindors and adults. He also insisted that they talk about nothing but the weather, fashions and current fiction. Since the most recent fiction was another of the Murdering Muggle series, Harry found himself without comment that wasn't profane, argumentative and derisive. He managed to keep his mouth shut by indulging in the rather rude device of changing the subject to potions and speaking across the table to Draco.

Lucius noticed this, realized why Harry was doing it and let it pass, resolving to have a word with him later, just in case. Harry stopped talking across the table the second Millicent changed the subject to hemlines.

Lunch could never be the complicated affair that a formal banquet was, but Lucius managed a trap or two. Everyone handled it well except for poor Greg. Harry felt sorry for him, which was a bit of a surprise, but he was just so hopeless. Draco was too far way to help him and the dancers on either side didn't know they needed to, so he managed to commit every social gaff there was. No one commented on it but he knew the second it was too late. He finally sat in miserable silence, staring at his plate.

As he ate, Lucius catalogued his guests. Frankie and Johnny were muggles but handled the robes easily, dancing gracefully and elegantly. Draco was all he expected him to be. Harry had obviously been trained by his two muggle friends, he had some of the same gestures. Neville Longbottom was everything he'd expected from someone raised by the formidable Augusta. Vince needed some work but was learning more quickly than he, Lucius, had expected. Gregory Goyle was hopeless, the result of inbreeding that was meant to better the line. Lucius had no idea why it hadn't worked. Pansy was a slut and nothing was going to hide that for long. He resolved not to send an offer to her father after all. He didn't want Draco cuckolded before their first was born. Daphne Greengrass was elegant, graceful and pert. Another choice of wife for Draco, although she was a third cousin on one side and second on the other. Millicent Bulstrode was a bit of a surprise. She was squat and plain, but her smile was glowing and her wit sharp. He was a bit surprised at her physical grace but well pleased with her, all in all. He would have a good report for her father. Ron Weasley had turned out to be a real surprise. His parents, Molly and Arthur, were both purebloods of old families but never seemed to care. Ron on the other hand was well trained, when he chose to display it. He was on his best behaviour and handled his utensils with skill despite the stories Draco had told of his table manners at school. He also danced better than expected and learned quickly. Lucius knew that his report of Ron's behaviour was going to be much better than he'd expected. He returned to his pudding with satisfaction.

Harry also catalogued the others. He paid attention to what he was calling the Slytherin contingent and found that he could only wonder at the differences in how they were acting now and how they acted at school. Millicent and Daphne were polite to everyone, Daphne more than Millicent. Millicent had a blunt way about her that Harry found amusing, her dry wit very like Draco's. Vince had turned out to be smarter than expected, it was just that his phlegmatic temperament led him to consider things a bit too long. Greg, on the other hand, was what was politely called 'slow'. He was pleased at Ron's behaviour, Ron had admitted that Molly had made sure he knew how to behave, but had never insisted on what she called 'high manners'. He decided that Neville and Draco were the two goto people when he had a question. Pansy was, Harry tried to decide between disgusting and annoying, both selections applied. She was now practically throwing herself at the man seated to her left. Unfortunately, he was a good twenty years her senior and married to one of the other partners attending. She was glaring at Pansy in a fashion that could lead to hexing, they could only hope.

Draco sighed and spoke across his right side partner. “Pants, stop it. The man is as old as your father and married besides.”

Pansy just sneered, “Shut it, Draco. You're not my father, or anything.”

Lucius just said, in a smooth dangerous tone, “But I am acting in loco parentis. I say, behave yourself.”

Pansy stopped sneering and pouted instead. Harry thought, and later said, that her mouth looked like a puckered purse string. Draco replied with something ruder.

Madam announced, “Enough. We do not speak across our partners, nor down or across the table. Your manners are frightful. Msr. Potter, you have the excuse of ignorance, none of the others do. Msr. Draco is forgiven, as he was being a good host. The rest of you...” She clicked her tongue and started a lecture in a cold tone that left the offenders feeling belittled, as she intended.

.

Frankie cornered Johnny before they returned to the ball room. “We need to get Lucius to agree to let us stay a bit longer. These kids need to learn some more modern dances and I want to spar with Harry a bit more.

Johnny agreed at once before saying, “Yeah, and he needs to get Harry some sparing partners. Beside Neville and Ron.”

In the ball room Lucius was giving Madam careful instructions. “Miss Parkinson is never to be partnered with anyone under thirty. Mr. Goyle is to be allowed to do the best he can but do not put pressure on him to perform. The rest of the party are doing well?” He made it a question.

“Yes, Msr. Malfoy. They are all doing very well. Young Weasley especially, very elegant and quick on his feet. Your two sons also. The Longbottom boy is ... nervous but once at ease, I believe he's the best of them all.”

Lucius bowed slightly, no more than a nod of his head, then went to speak to Frankie.

After speaking to Frankie, Lucius announced that this afternoon they would all dance with partners of the same gender.

Ron said a bit blankly, “But what if we're not interested?”

Lucius gave him a cold look. “That's neither here nor there. Social dancing is a political thing. And that's how our families fell out to begin with. My great-great-grandfather invited yours to dance. I believe it had something to do with a third party wanting a go-between for a marriage. He was turned down in a very rude fashion. And thus the families fell out and have been fighting every since.”

Ron turned that shade of red that only a furious Weasley could. “Well, in that case. Msr. Malfoy, will you dance with me.” Ron bowed formally, holding his robes close to his chest with one hand and flipping the hem out from under his heel with the other.

Lucius raised an eye brow at Draco who nodded. Harry got the most delighted, idiotic grin. Lucius nodded his head elegantly, held out his arm to lead Ron to the floor and said, “I'd be delighted.”

The pianist struck up a waltz and Lucius led Ron through a round of the floor, sticking to a slow waltz so as not to embarrass Ron in case he couldn't manage a Viennese yet.

After this, Madam called everyone else onto the floor. “This afternoon we will continue. First the Pavane. Line up, men and women. Promenade.”

And so the afternoon was spent in learning the Pavane, Contradance and Minuet. All the dancers, professional and student, were bored to death. Even Lucius wasn't having much fun. He wound up dancing with Pansy almost exclusively, as she was aggressively flirting with any other partner. After two hours of alternating between trying to instruct her students in the steps and the differences in a chasse danced in a Pavane rather than a Minuet, Madam threw up her hands and announced, “Enough! I will do no more. Msr. Goyle is completely hopeless. She turned to him, “I'm sorry, young man, but it is so. Everyone else is competent in the steps and will just have to learn the forms some other time. Miss Parkinson is a complete distraction. She has no manners and little taste. She dresses like a courtesan and flirts like a whore. I go. En Avant!” and with that she collected her dancers, handed around gold coins that were also portkeys and left.

Lucius sighed then snarled, “Well ... that tears it. Harry, may I borrow your elf, Mimsey?” Harry just nodded and called her. Lucius turned to her, his robes swirling around his ankles. “Mimsey, you will pack all Miss Parkinson's things then take her home yourself. Do you understand?”

Mimsey glowered at Pansy. “Yes, Mimsey understands very well. Two minutes.” She popped back in exactly two minutes later with Pansy's bag and trunk. “You is taking my hand.”

Mimsey held her hand out to Pansy, who eyed her with disgust then snapped, “I will not! How dare you?” She drew back her hand to slap the elf but Mimsey ducked.

Harry snarled, “Don't you dare! I'll slap you right back. Mimsey, get her out of here.”

But Pansy skittered away, heels marking the fine parquet floor. “OH, and you're all so good. Sneaking out to go to a bar.” Lucius glowered at her. “Yes, they did. Your precious, can't do anything wrong Gryffindor's weren't wandering the grounds, they were all getting drunk in a sprots bar. Well, I'm leaving ... and I'm telling father. So there!”

Mimsey managed to get her hand on Pansy and grabbed her robes in one hand. She took her away with a loud pop, leaving everyone else standing with looks of anger on their faces.

Lucius glared at Harry while all the young members of the party looked confused, angry or dismayed. Frankie and Johnny moved to stand by Lucius. Things were not going to go well for those who had sneaked out.

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