Runaway.html

The next week saw a solidification of their routine and a full move back to Malfoy Manor. The schedule worked out well enough. Although, Hermione did turn out to be the problem they'd assumed.

Lucius had made arrangements with her and her parents for her to come on Tuesday and Thursday to help with research. She was to come at 11:30 am, eat lunch, help in the library then return home at 3pm. This should have left time for Harry, Ron, Draco and Neville to fly. Trust Hermione to thrust a spoke in any wheel.

The first thing she did was suggest that they meet every week day from 9am until 6pm. This was forcefully rejected by Draco backed up by scowls from Ron, Neville and Harry. Lucius also firmly vetoed the suggestion.

Draco tried to explain by saying, “Granger, we have flying in the morning ...”

She interrupted with, “Well, I was just trying to help. After all, research is much more important than flying around like maniacs. Mr. Malfoy, I just don't see the need.” She turned in appeal to Lucius.

“Miss Granger. While I am, in many ways, very sympathetic to your view. I also know that young persons need more physical exercise. I have no intention to extend the hours of research beyond what is compatible with a well rounded, healthy life style.”

Hermione sighed. She'd been torn over whether to come or not and finally managed to get a message to Dumbledore who'd sent back to say that she should take it and let him know everything she could. She'd wondered about that but Dumbledore was Harry's magical guardian, as far as she knew, so she was delighted to help out the Leader of the Light. Now, she was just trying to guide Harry to see that Lucius Malfoy was just using him to get on the good side of the Light.

Lucius glanced at Harry who was watching Hermione with grim disfavour. “If you wish to stay on the good side of my ward, you might be just a little bit less busy. Excuse me now. I have some business that I have to see to.” And with that he removed himself from the presence of a young lady that he was very near hexing.

Draco eyed Hermione with undisguised disgust. He knew exactly what she was up to and Dumbledore's hand in it.

Ron also was unhappy, he knew that Hermione meant well, that was why he put up with her bossy ways, even if they did quarrel about it. But he was also sure that she was going to rat on them at every opportunity. Ginny called her a brown noser with some asperity. He had to agree although he couldn't ascribe her the malice that Ginny did.

Neville just listened to all Lucius said with a calm expression. “Well, that went over well.”

Ron turned to see the expression on Neville's face change to sarcasm. “Yeah. Sure did.”

Draco just muttered, “Not good.” He turned to Hermione. “Granger, I'd really appreciate it if you would have the good manners not to rearrange Father's ... er ... arrangements. He has done his best to schedule everything Harry and I need and want to do. Neville as well has other responsibilities that he has to work around. You, on the other hand, don't have remedial classes, deportment, businesses to learn about or training to do. We have a strict schedule so that we can meet all the expectations that our parents have for us and still manage a bit of fun. You are not required to participate in swordsmanship, martial arts, physical training or deportment. This research is on top of an already busy schedule. Now, did you want to help or just stand there and argue.”

Hermione sighed. She'd come with such great hopes of luring Harry away from the Dark Side but she was really beginning to think that Dumbledore was exaggerating beyond anything she'd expected from him.

Lucius had met her at the apparition point and brought her here himself. She hadn't believed it when he'd bowed to her mother before collecting her and bringing her to his home. He'd been polite to both her parents, calling them both Dr. Granger until they'd insisted he call them Emma and Dan.

Now, she was standing in the library of her dreams and about to lose it because she just couldn't keep her mouth shut.

“Oh, well ... I guess I'll be going on home then.”

She started to gather up her things but Draco's narrowed eyes and snarky, “I see that I was right. There is such a thing as reverse discrimination.”

Hermione jerked upright, demanding, “Exactly what do you mean by that?”

Ron interjected with a shrug, “That you don't see the need for pure bloods to maintain our culture. You don't see the need for deportment, swordsmanship, duelling protocol ... that sort of thing.”

Hermione opened her mouth, shut it then managed, “I didn't think your family cared about such things either.”

“Mum doesn't. Dad ... he does but, frankly, we can't afford the lessons so they pretend a lot. I've been given a chance to learn things that will help me later in life, along with Neville and Draco. I grabbed the chance, glad to have it.” He subsided, red faced.

Neville just nodded. “Gran has had me tutored all along. I know all the formal niceties. I like being friends with Harry, Draco and Ron. I'd like to think we're friends too, but I don't like the scorn with which you treat things that are important to me.”

Harry eyed Hermione for a moment then said, “You have to know the traditions before you can decide which ones are important and which ones to discard as no longer viable. See? I really wish you'd think before you offend someone so important to me. I really do like you, but ... sometimes you just open your mouth and stick your foot in it.”

Hermione couldn't decide whether to cry or get mad so, instead, she just sat down and announced, “I see. I'll really think about what you've said. Draco, I'm sorry I made your Dad mad. Now ... what are we researching?”

Harry took a deep breath, Hermione was going to really freak about this and probably reinstate her demands that they extend the research hours.

“You know anything about Horcruxes?”

Hermione shook her head. “I've never heard of those. What are they?”

Instead of trying to answer her, Harry handed her a book. “Here. This is the best description of them that is available to us. I've got some Ancient Runes work to do and Neville and Draco both have Arithmancy to do. When you're done reading that, we'll talk again.”

Hermione goggled at them for a moment, realizing that Lucius hadn't been kidding about them having class work to do. “Oh, ok. Um ... Arithmancy?” She glanced a Neville who just nodded solemnly. She picked up the book and began to read.

Harry watched her for a moment. He really hated that they were at odds, he liked Hermione, she was one of his first friends and a real one. He wanted them to be ... not the way they were, he wanted them to be better friends. He just hoped that his new situation didn't ruin their relationship instead.

Ron sighed in irritation. He could feel the tension dancing along his skin like fleas, not that he really knew what that felt like, his Mum was much too clean for something like that to happen. He grumbled and dragged his attention back to his work. He was also taking advantage of Harry's tutoring in Ancient Runes so he was having to catch up even more than Harry.

Neville looked up at Ron's sigh and flicked a glance at Hermione. She was looking like she'd bitten into a flobber worm by mistake. Draco looked at her too then ordered tea.

When the tea tray came, Mimsey was carrying it. She put it on the table, nodded to Harry and Ron, snorted at Draco, who grimaced, then left.

Draco opined, “Harry, your elf is nuts.”

Harry laughed but replied mildly, “No, she's not. She just doesn't like you much. Be nice to her, she'll come around.”

Hermione looked outraged. “Harry, I thought we agreed that house elf slavery is wrong. How could you?”

“You told Ron and I that it was wrong but you never waited to see if we agreed or not. I don't know everything about it but I do know that messing about with unknown magic is dangerous. Leave it alone, won't you?”

Hermione started on a rant about slavery being wrong and Harry betraying everything they believed in.

Draco sighed, Hermione got really shrill when she got going good and her voice was stabbing through his ears like knives.

Neville and Ron were also looking very uncomfortable. They were all used to Hermione and her rants against house elf enslavement but it was really rude of her to make remarks like she was in someone's house. Especially one in which so many elves were employed.

They all jumped when Mimsey popped in.

“Excusing me! What is going on? What is all this shouting being about?” Mimsey crossed her arms over her pinner covered chest and scowled around. “Explaining yourselves. Now.”

Harry just looked at Hermione, she'd started this, she could get them out of trouble.

Draco snickered and Neville said with remarkable slyness, “Shouting in a library is generally frowned on.”

Hermione blinked at Mimsey. “Oh, but ... don't you want to be free?”

Mimsey snorted. “And where would Mimsey go? How would she eat? Where would she sleep? You Libertarians is all stupid. You is wanting us to be free to starve in the streets. Until you has made arrangements for elveses to support themselves best you leave well enough alone.”

“But ... but ... you're all abused!” Hermione's hair bristled in outrage.

“So ... you believe that Master Harry Potter Sir would abuse me? Idiot. I is not talking to stupid frizzy hair girl. No shouting in the library. Do your work. Master Harry, you is not done with your work either. Get to it.” She gave him a fierce glower. “No pudding.” And with that she grumped and popped out.

Harry sighed. “Now you've done it. She'll be in a snit forever.”

Hermione obviously didn't know what to say. She just stood there looking distraught.

Lucius entered, glance around and said, “Draco, fetch a calming draught.”

“Yes, sir.”

Draco left in a flutter of robes.

Harry poured tea and handed cups around. “Hermione, please, here's some tea ... drink it.”

Hermione nearly refused, but Lucius took a hand. “Miss Granger, whatever it is that has caused you to shout in a library, of all things, has you over wrought. You need to calm down, be reasonable and discuss this with ... someone not me. Now, sit down, drink your tea and the draught when Draco brings it. Finish reading your book and then we'll talk about the horcruxes and what you can do to help us with them.”

Harry gave Lucius a grateful look. He, too, realized that distracting Hermione was the only way to handle this. She would get into a brood about it and then she'd be like a dog with a rag, as Ron would say. She just didn't seem to have sense enough to let go of a lost cause.

Hermione, torn between calling Lucius on his elves, and fear of offending him, drank her tea in silence. Draco returned with the calming draught and gave it to Lucius.

They were all contemplating the chaos that Hermione had already caused when every elf in the manor popped into the library, howling and weeping.

Lucius just sighed, put his cup down and snipped, “And now you see the chaos such ill thought out crusades cause. I'll never get the silly creatures calmed down.”

It seemed that he was right as the elves all cried, punished themselves and begged not to be turned away. Except for Gerard and Mimsey, who stood by Draco and Harry, looking on in disgust.

Finally, Lucius snapped, in a voice that brooked no disobedience, “Enough!” when the clamour died down he continued, “There is no plan to dismiss, sell or free any of you. You will all have places here until death.” He gave Hermione a sly glance, “Miss Granger feels that you should all be freed at once. If you wish your freedom, all you have to do is ask. If not, feel free to explain to Miss Granger, in exquisite detail, why not.” and with that he swept out of the room.

Harry gave a little whimper, “Oh, fuck, he's mad.”

Draco agreed in a doomed voice. “He's going to sit in the small lounge.”

Ron sighed. “Mione, you've really put your foot in it.”

Hermione hadn't realized how badly her rant was going to go wrong, she never understood that trying to force someone to do something by ranting and raving and telling them that they were wrong didn't work. She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed.

Neville just stood up. “I'm sorry. I believe I'll return home today. You don't need me in the middle of this.” He turned to Hermione and said, “I'm sorry to say that I've never considered you stupid before. Excuse me.”

Hermione cracked at once, Neville had never, ever said a cross word to her. “I'm sorry. Really but ... I just get so mad. No one seems to care. Those poor creatures, someone needs to take care of them.”

Mimsey snorted in annoyance. “You is not caring for us. You is just caring that you is right and they is wrong. But you is not thinking of how to really help. Where is we to go? How is we to be caring for ourselves? Elveses needs families to care for. Not having one is bad. Dobby is first elf in three hundred years not to need family to care for. And he's crazy anyway. You is causing chaos and discord in Master's house. Ill breed, fuzzy headed, silly girl.” Mimsey nodded to Hermione then shook her head at Harry. “You is having nice friends, why is you wanting this rude girl.” With that she popped out, the rest of the elves left with her.

Harry sighed at Hermione's horrified face. Neville took the opportunity to leave the room.

He made his way down the hall to the small lounge Draco had mentioned. Everyone knew that it was Lucius' retreat but he wasn't about to leave the house without telling his host, he was much too well bred for that.

“Excuse me, sir.” Neville stepped into the door way.

“Yes, Neville, what is it?” Lucius knew that it was really too early for a drink but felt that the situation merited it.

Neville looked at the glass in Lucius' hand. “Too bad I'm too young. I could use something.”

Lucius blinked for a moment. “It's a bit early but I think you're old enough for a small one.”

He got up and poured a splash into a double old fashioned glass and added seltzer from the fountain. Neville accepted it and settled into a chair.

“Thank you, sir.” He took a sip, made a face and took another.

“I despise scenes like that.”

“Me too. And, I'm sure, your household will be upset for ages.”

Lucius made a face. “How would your Grandmother handle something like this?”

“Gran? Nothing like this would be allowed to happen in my house. But Hermione has no manners. She's Muggle born, Muggle raised and believes that she knows everything about everything. Don't get me wrong, I like her, but she's well known for spouting Muggle propaganda without thinking things through properly. I don't believe in abusing the creatures.” Neville gave Lucius a hard look. “But I don't believe that just tossing them into total freedom without making any arrangements to help them learn to care for themselves is a good idea.”

Lucius gave Neville an assessing look, raising his respect for the stocky boy considerably. “I see. Perhaps we should include her in deportment lessons.” He rubbed his forehead. “The household is going to be upset for several days at least. I hate burned food. Well, ...” he realized that Neville was in his lounge instead of the library. “My apologies, you came here for a reason.”

“Yes, I believe that I'll go home. Hermione has turned the household on its ear, you don't need me to add to the confusion. I'll come back tomorrow to fly.”

Lucius sighed. “Would you like me to escort you?”

“No, sir, I can go myself. I just didn't want to leave without letting you know.” He finished his drink, put the glass down and stood up. “Thank you for the drink. It was my first one. Good day.”

Lucius stood as well. “I am a very poor host. Again my apologies.”

Neville waved a hand, brushing away the apologies. “Don't worry about it.”

Lucius watched as Neville left. That boy was showing more and more self-confidence with every day. Lucius found that he was pleased to feel that he was somewhat responsible.

.

In the library, Ron was taking control.

“Hermione, sit down. I'm ashamed of you. You know better than to act like that. You really offended Neville and Mr Malfoy.”

Draco just handed Hermione the calming draught, “Here, take this and calm down.” Hermione gave him a stricken look. “And don't look at me like that. I do have manners, you're a guest in this house and, no matter how you act, I'll act like the pure blood gentleman I was brought up to be.”

Harry sighed. This was not going to turn out well, no matter what. He was beginning to wonder what he'd been thinking, bringing Hermione into this house. She just wasn't prepared to deal with it.

It was Ron who managed to get things back on track. “Well, now that you've managed to turn the house on its ear, what about the horcrux thing?”

Hermione retreated to finish reading the book.

Draco gave Ron a grateful look and Harry gripped his shoulder for a moment.

The boys settled in a seating area off to one side and had more tea while Hermione finished reading the book.

Hermione, for her part, was ashamed of herself. She was a well brought up girl and knew better than to cause such a scene in someone's house. Somehow, she hadn't made a connection between this huge, beautiful, manor house and someone's home. Why? She couldn't say. Now she had the unenviable job of making it up with Draco, apologizing to Mr Malfoy and trying to wrap her head around the fact that Voldemort had made a horcrux.

“Oh, dear.” And she burst into tears.

Harry and Ron both managed to look horrified and disgusted at the same time. Draco took the practical road and handed her his handkerchief. She sobbed and sniffled for a moment then pulled herself together.

“I'm sorry, Draco. I know better, I really do. There's no excuse for me acting like a maniac in your house. I need to speak to your father too. Do you know where he is?”

“Yes, but I'll send Harry to get him. I don't think he'd like you in his sanctuary.” Draco turned, “Harry?”

“Gone.”

Harry tapped on the door. “Sir? Hermione wants to see you.”

Lucius sighed. “Well, now what.”

“She wants to apologize. Did Neville go home?”

“Yes. The boy has perfect manners and he's beginning to grow a pair.”

Harry nodded. “Miss Augusta ... she protected him too much. And they were afraid he was a squib, so she let his uncle ... do things he really shouldn't have.”

Lucius gave Harry a startled look. “Such as?”

“Um ... well, I'm not really sure. Threw him in a pond for one.”

Lucius snorted inelegantly. “Woman has no sense. But he's coming along nicely.”

“I think so too.” Harry stopped Lucius with a hand on his sleeve. “Hermione is really sorry. She just ... she gets on a crusade and can't let go.”

Lucius sighed. “Perhaps deportment lessons wouldn't go amiss. I'll speak to her.”

They were at the library before they knew it and Lucius stood for a moment, preparing himself for the confrontation to come. He wasn't fond of confronting hysterical teenage girls.

Harry opened one side of the double doors and entered the library.

Hermione stood up, smoothed her robes down and approached Mr Malfoy. She managed a creditable curtsey.

“Please, sir, I'm very sorry for causing such a scene in your home. I apologize.” She stood in front of Lucius with a hopeful look on her face.

“Very well. Apology accepted. But I will be writing a note to your parents, perhaps a few deportment lessons would not go amiss.” He raised one eyebrow in that supercilious way than made people cringe in shame for no reason.

Hermione had reason but forced herself to keep her gaze steadily on his face. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

Lucius, well aware that tears were just over the horizon, changed the subject.

“Now, what do you think about this horcrux business?” He moved to the huge library table and settled at the head.

Hermione managed to calm herself and sit down at the table. She took the seat next to Harry, who sat at Lucius' left and across from Ron.

“Well ... First, I'd like to know what you expect us to do.” She gave Lucius a clear eyed look, reassuring him that she wasn't just a weepy, hysterical teen.

“We have to find the vessels. That's what we need you to help with. We have to figure out what he used.”

“You don't know?”

Lucius just shrugged. “The first I heard of such a thing was when Harry told me about them. Dumbledore told him.”

“Idiot! What's he thinking? He told Harry? Oh ....” She heaved a heavy sigh and drummed her fingers on the table for a moment. “Well. We need to figure out what Voldemort might...”

Lucius interrupted her to explain. “We do not call him by that name. We call him by his real name, Tom Riddle. Tom Marvolo Riddle to be exact.”

“Yes, sir. And that's a valuable piece of information. What do we know about his family?”

Lucius told her everything he could while she took notes in an immaculate hand. She finished the last of her notes then sighed. “Well, I'd like to read this all over before I offer an opinion.”

Lucius handed her several books that he'd taken off his shelves while she finished her notes. “Very well. And I would like you to read these books before we meet again. Please be gentle with them, as they are very old and a bit fragile.”

Hermione took the books with appropriate reverence. “Thank you, sir.” Lucius led her to the safe apparition point and took her home. He left her in the back yard and returned to Malfoy Manor. He would send his letter to her parents by owl.

.

The next afternoon went much better as they met at the Malfoy private Quidditch pitch with their brooms. They were also proudly wearing their leathers as they had been delivered two days after ordering.

The first thing that happened was, Neville apologized to Draco and Harry for taking off.

Draco waved it away, saying, “Don't worry about it. I know you don't like confrontations like that. I don't either; but, as host, I couldn't leave.”

Harry sighed, “We have to make a decision about her. Either she's in, we trust her not to grass us up, or we don't and we don't invite her back. I'm just worried about her knowing about the horcrux hunt.”

Ron rubbed his face, upset plainly written in his stance. “I'll talk to her. She's ... she's just been taught that teachers and people like Dumbledore can do no wrong. Her life is as black and white as her books. I think we can bring her around. Let me try, ok?”

Draco nodded, but the thoughtful expression on his face made Harry worry. What the hell was Draco thinking?

Neville noted in his quiet way, that Ron was much more upset than the situation called for. He didn't wonder why, he knew.

Harry decided that they needed to forget the chaos from yesterday, which was still prevalent today. Harry had had his tea taken away three times at breakfast by an elf who was sure that it wasn't quite right. He called the others to order and paired them up. Draco with Neville and Ron with him.

“Ok, I'll demonstrate the trick at the slowest speed possible then you try it. Draco? Same for Neville.”

“Right. Come on, Neville, let's go to the other side of the pitch. Harry, we need to work sideways to, so we don't run into each other.”

Harry nodded at this advice. This meant that instead of flying the length of the pitch they would be flying across it, so that they didn't run into one another accidentally.

Harry took it in turns, watching Draco and Neville almost as much as he worked with Ron. He wasn't sure about letting Draco work exclusively with Neville, considering their past history. Ron, for his part, was well aware what Harry was doing, so he just buckled down and worked.

Harry caught himself up when Ron nearly wrecked himself because Harry was paying more attention to Neville and Draco than him.

“Ron, I'm sorry. Let's sit down for a moment.”

Ron put his broom on the ground and plopped down beside it. “Quit watching them. Draco's doing a great job. He's not going to let Neville get hurt.”

“I don't think so either, but ... I just don't get it. Why ... What ...” He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I'm not even sure what I want to know.”

“I know. But ...” He bit at his lip for a moment, a habit he'd copied from Harry. “Malfoy has turned his coat. Both of them. So ... that means that it's politically expedient to make it up with the Longbottom family, as well as others. But, it's more than that. Both of them seem to have really changed, especially Mr Malfoy. Oh, he's never going to be what I'd call congenial, but he's not horrible anymore. He's still a Pureblood Old Traditionalist with all the baggage attached. And he's going to act like one. But he's not a Death Eater anymore. And ... feels like he's much more inclined to be reasonable. Draco's just following suit. And, it really helps that you seem to genuinely like him.”

Harry grinned as he watched Draco carefully nurse Neville through a complicated roll. “I really do. I like both of them. Lucius ... he has treated me like Draco. Exactly like him. He lets me call him Papa. I like it. Whoever thought that Lucius abused Draco in anyway, must not see them together much. Papa is very stern in public, but in private, he's ... mush.”

Ron laughed. “I see. And that contract doesn't worry you?”

Harry shrugged. “A bit. But I can't spend my life worrying over what might happen. It might not either.”

Ron sighed. “You're right, but some of the punishments are pretty harsh.”

“And there's plenty of leeway between. Quit fussing. Papa will always pick the lesser punishment.”

Ron made a face but refrained from anymore comment as Draco and Neville joined them

Draco flopped down on the grass and sighed. “Neville, you're doing splendidly. I really hate to say it but your Gran nearly ruined you.”

Neville dropped down beside him and agreed with him genially. “I know. But I also know that she loves me. She's just really old fashioned.”

Ron grumbled, “Drawback of being a wizard. We live so long that ... well, when was your Gran born?”

Neville shrugged, “Not sure but I take your point. That's just it ... see? She's old fashioned in a society that has wizards over two hundred.”

Harry blinked at Neville then turned to Ron for conformation.

Ron, for his part was wondering where this was going and determined to head off an argument if he had to. “Yeah. Not many, I'll allow, but Dumbledore is well over a hundred and fifty. My great-grandfather died at a hundred and ninety something. The Grendelwald war took the older members of a lot of families then the first Voldemort war took more. This is the youngest wizarding society in seven hundred years. The Norman invasion was the last war that killed so many.”

Draco preened a bit. “My family came over from Normandy then.”

Neville chuckled darkly. “And my family was waiting for you here. You're just a bunch of jumped up upstarts.” He grinned at Draco companionably. “We're actually one of the oldest families in Britain.”

Harry stared at Neville in amazement. “Really? Wow.”

“Yes. Longbottoms are an Ancient and Noble house, just like the Potters and Blacks.”

Draco gave Ron a sour look. “While Malfoys and Weasleys are only Old and Honourable.”

Harry sighed. “I'm never going to get this all sorted.”

Ron took pity on him and changed the subject. “Well, never mind that. What do you want for your birthday?”

Draco and Neville both perked up their ears, everyone had been wondering what to get Harry.

“I dunno.” Harry shrugged. “Never really having had much, I really don't want things.”

Ron grunted at this reminder of Harry's truly deprived childhood. He rolled over onto his back. “I'd get you Tommy boy's head on a gold platter if I could. With a big platinum dome over it. Like a Christmas goose.”

Harry grimaced at that mental picture. “Well ... thanks ... I think. But, really, he's only worthy of a paper plate and cling film.”

All three wizarding boys looked blank. After a moment Draco ventured, “Paper plate? Cling film?”

Neville chimed in with, “Wouldn't a paper plate collapse?”

Harry laughed. “You're all clueless. Yes, Neville, a paper plate will collapse, if you put too much on it. They're coated to make them stiff and so that stuff doesn't ooze. And cling film? Um ... it's made of a clear, thin stuff that sticks to containers as long as they're smooth.” He looked up at three very confused faces. “Never mind. Muggle stuff.” He looked up at the sky. “What time is it?”

Draco cast a tempus charm and exhaled in a huff. “Nearly lunch time. After we eat do you want to fly some more?”

Harry grunted as he stood up, then shook his head. “I'd better not. I've still got that assignment in Ancient Runes that Papa gave us to complete. Then I want to paint.”

“Paint? You paint?” Neville hauled himself up to his feet.

“Yes, there was an extra credit assignment in Herbology. Remember? I thought I'd turn it in to try to get a better grade from Sprout.”

Draco gave Harry a rather odd smile, at least it was odd to Neville and Ron. “It's brilliant. He's really good. I don't think he's got one of the paintings quite right, but they're really good none the less.”

Neville shrugged. “If you'll tell me what you're painting, I'll bring you a plant all potted up and everything. Just remember to water them. Ok?”

Harry nodded. “That'd be great. And I'll be sure to tell Mimsey what to do with it. I can take care of plants, but she'd be really hurt.”

With that, they all trooped in for lunch. Lucius was off on another business trip so they would be eating alone. Harry was unhappy that his Papa wouldn't be there but felt proud that they were allowed to remain home alone, except for forty house elves.

Lunch went quickly, with a great deal of laughter and descriptions of their individual efforts with the flying routine. The elves serving them watched with wide, pleased eyes.

When lunch was over, Harry announced that he was taking a quick shower then working on his art. Neville begged a shower too so Draco instructed one of the elves to make a chamber available for him to use whenever they worked out. Draco also decided that he was sweaty enough that he should shower and change clothing too.

Gerard was waiting for him when he went to his rooms. “You is writing a note to your father. You is telling him that you is giving the Noble Longbottom a room here.”

Draco grumbled a bit but obediently did as he was told, never realizing that he was taking orders from an elf. He knew Neville had sat around in a stew of sweat several times, uncomfortable and sticky. He should have offered facilities long ago.

After writing the note, he gave it to Gerard to deliver and headed for his shower.

.

Lucius growled sourly. He knew that a horcrux was dark magic. Anything that required the death of a living creature was necromancy, blood magic and dark as it came. Something that required the death of a sentient 'human' being, be it house-elf, goblin or wizard; damned the user utterly. He was disgusted with himself for allowing his father to persuade him to have anything to do with Voldemort.

Thus he was in France, looking for dark artefacts in the hope of finding a horcrux amongst them. This also necessitated examining the reasoning behind designating anything as a dark artefact in the first place. He'd found that Britain had very stringent rules on what was and was not dark. This also fell into the same trap that the designation of dark magic did.

Blood magic wasn't always necromancy while necromancy was always blood magic. He rubbed his forehead irritably as he realized that his thoughts had been circling around the same thoughts for several minutes and he wasn't sure exactly where he was.

After glancing around, he continued on to the store he'd marked as his next target. It was a filthy place and as ramshackle as they came.

He entered and browsed for about fifteen minutes before anyone asked if they could help him. He just said no and continued to look around, extending his magic to try to sense anything dark. After another ten minutes he realized that his search was fruitless so he left without another word.

He apparated directly into his quarters at Malfoy Manor.

His quarters were at the end of the corridor in the family wing and consisted of several rooms. He appeared in his private sitting room and called for his elf.

“You, elf! I need you.”

His elf popped in, cringed and started crying. Lucius eyed it with considerable disfavour.

“Stop that! I haven't touched you. What is wrong with all of you? Surely you are not still upset at that silly muggle girl's ravings.” Lucius tore off his filthy robe and tossed it at the elf. “Take care of that.” The poor elf just grabbed at it, dropped it and started wailing.

Lucius snarled, “Oh, bloody hell.”

Suddenly there was a loud pop and an old elf appeared. He took one look at the wailing figure partially covered in a dirty robe and barked, “You! Stopping that noise right now, you.” He, and it was a he, turned to Lucius and demanded, “You is doing what to him?” then the figure shook his head, “Never minding. Go get cleaned up. Tuggy will deal. Shoo.”

Lucius started to argue, narrowed his eyes when he recognized the name and left his grandfathers elf to deal with things. He could hear Tuggy scolding in the other room. He wished, for just a moment, that Miss Bloody Free the Damn House-Elves Hermione Granger had to deal with all the weeping, wailing and fuss she'd started. He turned on the shower himself and stepped in.

When he went into the bed room, Tuggy had his clean robes laid out on the bed for his approval. He glanced at them, nodded and picked up his underthings.

“Good, good. Now, who are you? I recognize you, I think.”

Tuggy just nodded. “Tuggy was this Master's Grandfather's elf. Tuggy was allowed to return to the back of the house. But Tuggy remembers this Master when he was young. Tuggy is not afraid of him. Tuggy remembers the tantrums from his younger years.” The elf clicked his tongue and started cleaning the room.

Lucius wisely kept his ire to himself, just thankful that he finally had an elf that didn't seem to spend half it's time either flinching at a glance or weeping into its tea towel. Not that any of the elves wore such a thing anymore. Harry had insisted that they all wear tunics and trews, or skirts. Lucius had to admit that they looked a great deal more like what should be expected of an Old and Honourable family.

After he finished dressing, Lucius went in search of his sons and their friends. He found them in the library, working on their home work, except for Harry.

“Good afternoon. Draco, where is Harry?” Lucius seated himself at the head of the library table with this remark.

“Harry finished his Ancient Runes, here it is.” Draco pushed a parchment over to his father. “And he's up in the studio, painting. Neville very kindly offered to lend him potted plants as painting them from descriptions is very difficult. That's what Harry really wants, I think, a visual aid for him to use in potions class. Not that he'll need it once I'm done with him.”

Neville sighed and shifted in his chair. “I wish I was better at potions. All I ever do is cower every time Snape looks at me and blow stuff up. It's disgusting.”

Draco sighed to himself. “Neville, I'll be happy to tutor you, if you like. I really do believe, despite the fact that Severus is my godfather, that he has absolutely no business teaching. The only reason I'm not failing potions is that Father taught me the basics before I was eight.”

Neville positively beamed at Draco. “Would you? Really?”

Draco nodded regally, “I would. Really.”

Lucius looked up from Harry's work. “I don't think so.” He smirked at their crestfallen expressions. “I will take on that task myself.” He rose, tugged his robes in place and announced, “Now, I'm going up to check on Harry. Excuse me.”

Lucius walked up the broad stair case to the second floor, down a corridor and up a slightly narrower case to the third. He entered the brightly light studio and smiled.

Harry was painting on a taboret, a look of concentration causing a small frown to settle between his eyes. Lucius waited until Harry paused in his work to wash out his brush, not wishing him to spoil his work with a flinch.

“Harry.” Lucius waited again until Harry put down his brush. “I came to see how you were doing.”

“Good. Neville brought me, or rather, had a house elf bring me, a potted Acromantula Trap. It's really pretty ... and rather creepy. He says that this one is only a seedling.”

Lucius wandered over to look at it. It was a bit like a Venus Fly Trap only bigger and coloured a bit differently.

“Very nice. I do hope you thanked him.”

“I did.” Harry wiped his hands on a rag. “While you're here, I need to make an appointment to get more contacts. I need them. These glasses are just really awful. I see better with contacts.”

Lucius nodded. “And they tend to slip while you fly. See to it and I'll be glad to escort you.”

“Thanks. Also, I can't wear goggles while I'm wearing glasses. I got a bug in my eye today that really stung.”

Lucius turned from his contemplation of the plant. “Did you? Let me see it.”

Harry obediently moved close so that Lucius could see his bloodshot eye.

“Ron healed it as best he could but he said that it'd still bother me for a bit.” Harry put his hand up.

Lucius grabbed it, gently holding it while he said, “Do not rub it. That will only aggravate it.”

Harry sighed, gave Lucius' hand a squeeze before dropping it and said, “I know. I wish I had some drops or something.”

“Drops?” Lucius' questioning tone made Harry laugh a bit.

“Drops. Muggles make them for different eye problems. There's one that is specifically for eye irritation like I've got. Work great. I use them when my contacts are too dry but I'm all out.”

“Make your appointment as soon as possible.” Lucius walked to the door. “Perhaps Frankie or Johnny could call your optometrist?”

Harry waved that away. “He's magical, remember? I got all my records transferred when I saw him for these.” He gestured to his glasses. “I just had a whole box of lenses at that time and didn't need any more.”

Lucius considered that for a moment. “Do you need a new prescription?”

Harry shook his head. “No, but he said he wanted to check my eyes before each new box. I'm not sure why.”

“I'll send an owl to ask if you really need an appointment, or if he is just being extra cautious because of who you are.”

Harry grinned. “Ok, that would be really nice. Could you ask him to send two boxes of contacts by return owl, if I don't need an appointment that is.”

“I shall do exactly that.” Lucius took a good look at Harry then asked, “I would ask, why have you quit using your liner?”

“It looks weird behind glasses. I'll start using it again when I get more contacts.” Harry pinned Lucius with a bewildered look. “Why do you ask?”

Lucius smirked at Harry. “I consider it a symbol of your new life. A life free of the constraints of pseudo-propriety that your muggle relatives imposed on you. And the bonds Dumbledore attempted to tangle you in.”

Harry grinned. “Oh, then I think I need a couple of new pencils. I've only got two stubs left.”

Lucius drawled, “Well, Draco will be ecstatic, a shopping trip is needed.” His eyes twinkled in amusement. “Come down when you have washed you hands. I want to go over your Ancient Runes assignment with you. Very well done, by the way.”

Harry beamed at that and hurried off to wash his hands. Lucius took the opportunity to look over Harry's art work. He was a good judge of art so he realized that Harry was very good.

His style was a bit primitive but you could definitely tell which plant he was illustrating. His work was meticulous, imaginative and realistic enough that the subject was easily identifiable. Lucius decided to have Harry's work bound before he turned it in and make sure that Sprout knew not to mark any of it in any way. Any comments could be marked on a separate sheet of parchment and inserted in the leaves.

Content with his decision, he removed himself to the library where he spent the rest of the afternoon working with the boys on their various assignments.

.

Ron Weasley fidgeted at the breakfast table the next morning until Molly demanded, “Ron, what in the world is wrong with you?”

He poked at his banger with a sigh. “Mum, you know you taught us all a few simple healing spells for skinned knees and that sort of thing, but ... I think I need to know more ... and better spells.”

“And what brought this on, might I ask?” Molly felt a thrill of dread run down her spine.

“Um ... well... Harry got a bug in his eye while we were flying and all I could do was perform a general healing spell. It helped but his eye was still bloodshot and he said it still hurt a bit. You know how it is with Harry. He's always getting hurt somehow. I just thought it would be a good idea to know some real first aid.” He peeked at Molly hopefully.

Molly thought about that for a few moments. She'd taught Charlie and Bill all she could when they announced that they were leaving home so she didn't see why she shouldn't teach Ron and the Twins too. “Very well. I'll teach you everything I taught Bill and Charlie when they left out on their own. And the Twins as well.” Ron made a face, Fred and George were sure to turn the lessons into a farce. “And don't make that face. They'll either pay attention and act like adults or I'll send them out with a flea in their ear that they won't forget. We'll start after you're done eating.”

To Molly's surprise, the twins knew more healing spells than Molly did. Ron wasn't that surprised as he was better acquainted with some of their exploits at Hogwarts. Molly demanded that they teach her the spells that she didn't know and they all spent the rest of the day learning spells. Ron sent Pig to tell Harry that he couldn't come over that day.

.

Severus Snape finished his last potion of this brewing session and smiled to himself. He felt a hundred percent better than he had since he was in his teens. He'd managed to find an apothecary in France that would carry his potions. He also had several private customers. He'd avoided the Cruciatus for more than four months, although his dark 'master' still tormented him through his mark from time to time. And, best of all, he now had an excuse to ameliorate his rather exhausting attitude toward his students, although some part of it was real.

He still thought most of his students were dunderheads and shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a cauldron. He was also considering revising his prospectus to remove some potions from the curriculum and add others. He also wanted to put in place a first year remedial after class session to instruct all students in proper ingredient preparation. He was tired of trying to get the little dunderheads to learn it on their own.

And, now that he didn't have to cater to the parents, he was going to get Slytherin under control. He wasn't going to haul their chestnuts out of the fire anymore. They could just deal with the consequences of their actions on their own, although he was going to see that all punishments were within the parameters of the Hogwarts charter. But suffer the consequences they would.

He settled into his favourite chair with a glass of lemon squash and the newest Brewer's Monthly Journal.

.

Dudley Dursley helped Petunia carry the groceries into their flat. He had hung several bags off his left hand and had three in his right. Petunia had one in each hand so she opened the door.

The slap that met her knocked her right back out the door again.

Dudley dropped the groceries, dragged his stunned mother out of the door and set up for a fight with whoever it was.

He wasn't that surprised when Vernon charged him straight away. He utilized his boxing skills and superior reflexes to punch him in the belly.

Vernon staggered, bellowing, “You young snot. I'll show you who's boss.” and charged him again, attempting a roundhouse swing that left him open to the quick combination that was one of the first Dudley had learned.

After he recovered, Dudley let Vernon chase him around the yard for a bit, until he heard sirens coming down the block. When he was sure they were close enough to see clearly, he let Vernon hand one on him. It wasn't much of a punch either.

The police car pulled up and both officers jumped out and hurried over, one to help Petunia to her feet and the other to demand from Vernon, “Here! What's all this?”

Dudley managed to get his tuppence in first. “He just smacked Mum right out of the blue. I don't even know how he got inside.”

One of the bystanders happened to be the flat manager, who announced, “He's her husband. Said he came over to try to make it up with her. What was I supposed to do?”

Dudley glared and Petunia snarled, “Not let him in. He's not on the lease.” She turned to the officer and said softly, “I think you can see why. I left him because he was smacking us around.”

Vernon, meanwhile, was making everything worse for himself by blustering and threatening the officers.

It didn't take long for the officers to sort things out, especially when the two older 'window peepers' from across the street gave their version of what happened. The ambulance arrived during their story and Petunia and Dudley were examined for injuries. Petunia had a very bad bruise blooming on her cheek and Dudley had a shiner. Vernon didn't have a mark on him. Dudley hid his smirk behind the ice pack.

Vernon was summarily arrested and taken away in the patrol car. The first response team added their report to the paper work and left, leaving Dudley and his Mum to pick up their spilled groceries.

The neighbours had already done that for them, for which they were thankful. They carried everything inside and put it away.

Dudley sighed, “Mum? We gonna move? Will he come back?”

“I'm not sure Dudders, I'll have to think about it.” Petunia sat down with a soft groan. Her cheek really hurt and she couldn't help but think of the many times Harry had sported just such a bruise. She shook her head.

“I think I'm going to write Harry, just so he knows what is going on.” Dudley gave the ice pack to Petunia and rummaged in his school bag for pen and paper.

He finished the letter and slipped it into a bag, he'd drop it off on the way to school tomorrow.

“I'm also going to write to the owner. That idiot had no business letting anyone into the flat without our express permission. I'm not really happy with this place anyway.”

“I know, but it's all we can afford unless I get another job. We'll see what the owner says.”

“Ok. Check around and see if that idiot did any damage. And what about his car.”

Petunia got a wicked gleam in her eye. “Just leave it. It's parked in a resident permit holder only street.”

Dudley snickered, he was going to laugh himself silly when Vernon found out that his car was towed.

.

Harry gladly accompanied Draco and Lucius to see the magical optometrist, as the man insisted on examining his eyes again to see that his prescription wasn't causing damage. Neville came too just because he could. Ron, on the other hand, had sent an owl that he had to stay home today as Molly was teaching him some charms.

The optometrist hadn't taken long to check Harry's eyes and tell them that he was fine. The irritation from the bug would fade on its own, but Lucius insisted that he heal it anyway. Harry hadn't objected as it was annoying. The optometrist had also changed the prescription to a better, more oxygen permeable lens. He said it was the newest on the magical market.

That was when Harry had asked why he had to wear either glasses or contacts. The answer was simple. Harry wasn't done maturing yet and any spell would have to be redone several times until he was. It just made more sense to wait. He resigned himself to contacts until he was twenty.

Draco nodded to the door and pulled Harry toward it while Lucius was still in consultation with the man, who was beginning to look a bit hag-ridden. “Let's slip out and finish your shopping while Father is still interrogating the good medi-wizard.”

Harry grinned then called, “Papa, we're going to go to Paint N' Patches. Bye!” and with that they both scurried out before he could reply.

Lucius cast one quick, sharp look out the window then returned to his interrogation.

.

A pinner is a sort of apron, worn in the late 18th and early 19th century by servants. It ties around the waist and has a bib that is pinned instead of having a neck strap.

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