6,260The Contract
Chapter 44
Corvus made his way to his wards room, having been informed by the House-elves that Harry was still awake. He had asked them to keep an eye on Harry due to Harry's sheer inability to disturb him when he needed him. It was fast approaching midnight, and Harry was rarely awake after nine or ten o'clock. 'Ironic' he thought, since Harry had been born probably near enough this very moment twelve-years-ago.
Once he reached Harry's room, he noticed the light still on. Knocking lightly, just in case he had dozed off in the time it took him to get there.
"Come in," came Harry's voice, clear as a bell, and not sleepy at all.
Corvus opened the door, and entered Harry's bedroom, he wasn't even in bed. No, he was wrapped in a cover, doors open, staring up at the sky from his balcony. The bed hadn't even been slept in by the looks of it. How strange. "Are you feeling well?" he asked, making his way towards the teen, pressing his hand against Harry's forehead, concerned for his welfare. He didn't seem hot, perhaps not a fever then.
"I'm fine, I promise," Harry said staring up at Corvus, giving him an apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to disturb you." He really hadn't, he'd just continued on with his lonely tradition…despite things having changed so drastically. It was now an entire year since he'd found out about the magical world, and since he had found freedom.
"You didn't," Corvus chided him gently, transfiguring a chair, so that he could join Harry. "You are never a bother, Harry, the sooner you realize that the better." He could wake him in the middle of the night if need be, there would be no consequences.
Harry smiled sweetly up at Corvus, before gazing back out into the vastness of Lestrange Manor. Unable to see anything, except for what the shadowed light that still blazed in the firepits and lamps at the entrance of their home.
"Would you like some Dreamless sleep draught?" Corvus asked, following Harry's gaze. Despite the darkness, he knew where every single thing was on the manor grounds. Everything was asleep, all the animals, except of course the owls, they were notoriously nocturnal.
"I'll go to bed soon, I promise," Harry declared, glancing at his watch yet again, soon.
"Harry?" Corvus asked, frowning lightly, this was entirely unusual behaviour. "Is there something bothering you?" glancing at his watch…it was almost as if the boy didn't want him there. Which was highly unusual on its own.
"It's nearly midnight," Harry said absently, glancing up at Corvus, before he decided to reveal it. "I found out my birthdate when I was in school, after I could read, July 31st, ever since then…I've stayed up until midnight and wished myself a happy birthday and made a wish."
"I see," Corvus said, sadness overwhelming him at the thought of such a young child, so alone, lonely, wishing for something better and it never coming. He wondered how Dumbledore could live with himself, he was worse than Tom could ever hope to be. Children were to be cherished.
"The Dursley's never got me anything…and used to give me more chores insisting that I was a burden to 'good and decent' people." Harry revealed, "Marge got me dog biscuits once." It was added as an afterthought. Chest tight just remembering that undiluted hope he'd felt at that moment. Too young and stupid to realize they'd never change their mind.
Corvus' mouth tightened noticeably, disgusted to the very core. Merlin, help him, death truly was too good for the likes of them. He vowed right there and then…that his sons would get to know where those despicable things were. They would deserve everything they got. "They are as far from good and decent people as one can get." He said, doing nothing to hide the censure in his voice. "They're definitely getting what they deserve now." Which in his opinion not accurate, but when his sons were released? Well, let's just say he would help them safely capture the Dursley's and let them have their way, in a safe manner of course, he definitely didn't want his sons to end up back in that dreadful place…regardless of how far along it was coming in regards to the law and regulations of what a prison was meant to be.
"I…think I figured out why Dumbledore sent me to the Dursley's," Harry said, face twisting into a hatred so deep that it was daunting to see on a child.
"Oh?" Corvus questioned, wasn't it obvious already?
"The prophecy, said I was his equal…he might have wanted it to be in all ways…" Harry sighed softly, "Magically…environmentally, there were already similarities after that night…" orphaned, magically gifted, from the same bloodline could you get any more equal than that. "Maybe it is just so I didn't get attached to anyone to that I might die for them."
Disgust churned in his stomach, the possibly made him want to slowly and painstakingly yank every single hair out of Dumbledore's body one at a time. Then show the old fool why Lestrange's weren't to be messed with, showing them exactly what Alice and Frank Longbottom had ensured, if there was ever a person that deserved it, it was Dumbledore.
"It doesn't do to dwell on it, Harry," Corvus murmured softly, brushing his hand over his hair, giving him the comfort he so desperately sought but never asked for. "The past is the past, we should expand our energy into focusing on the future hmm…we cannot change our actions let alone others."
"I guess," Harry replied quietly.
"Changing things in the present will make a beautiful future," Corvus offered up an additional piece of wisdom.
Just then it struck midnight, and the grandfather clock in the hallway chimed twelve times. "Happy birthday, Harry," Corvus told him fondly, "Accio Harry Potter's gifts,"
"I…don't have anything to wish for," Harry said entirely bewildered, "I used to wish for my parents to come and get me, before I understood what dead meant. Then I'd just pray for someone to come and get me full stop…it finally happened and I'm happy." He was happier than he knew what to do with, almost to the point of bursting with it.
"No, nobody came to get you," Corvus corrected, "You gathered the strength to leave your abusive situation by any means necessary. You are a strong and capable young man, and I am proud of you, and proud to know you." Ever so grateful for the goblins and their determination to help a wizard. They never normally did, Harry's politeness was probably a stepping stone in their desire to help. That and the fact that if Harry died…especially without an heir the Potter estate would in effect end up in the hands of the Ministry of magic. nobody else would be able to claim it. He snatched the gifts out of mid-air, he might be old, but he still had plenty life left in him.
Harry flushed red, the coolness doing nothing to diminish it. He would never tire of hearing someone say he was doing something right.
"Here you are," Corvus said, handing over a gift.
Harry bit his lip, "We don't have to do it right now," he offered, despite his green eyes gleaming brightly. It was clear to see that it was indeed something Harry wanted to do right now.
"Some traditions should be kept," Corvus said, and if this was Harry's little tradition, then he wanted to be here for it. To let him know he wasn't alone, that he'd always be able to count on him. Time spent with Harry…was never a wasted endeavour.
"Thank you!" Harry said, excitement getting the better of him, as he opened the gift, as always carefully, part of him was in disbelief that he was actually getting gifts on his birthday. The other part, the confident part, knew Corvus wouldn't forget it. Once unwrapped, he noticed that it was a pocket watch, it had the Ravenclaw emblem emblazoned on it.
"Look inside," Corvus said, watching Harry with a fond look on his face, even now he was careful with the wrapping paper. He knew Harry had kept the paper from his previous gifts also, and the tags. One day he might not need to have them as a reminder, but for now, he was content to allow Harry to keep whichever keepsakes and comforts he required.
Harry clutched the watch tightly, tears wetting his eyes, as he read the Latin inscription.
Familiae, semper – C
Family, always.
"To remind you that you always have a home here," Corvus said fondly, "One day, I will be able to fill the name in properly," it was a vow to both himself and to Harry. For now, all he could do was add a 'C' just to be on the safe side.
Harry lurched up off the floor, and wrapped his arms around Corvus tightly. Tears still falling down his face as he burrowed his head in the crook of Corvus' neck. Sniffling softly, "This has been the best birthday ever," he whispered.
Corvus felt overwhelmed by the contact, he held onto the shaking teen, feeling the tears on his neck, he tightened his hold. He'd spent over a decade on his own, without much in the way of company and definitely no contact except the brief ones with his sons. Harry had irrevocably changed his life. He was and always would be family, regardless of his blood. Soothingly rubbing his hand down his back and absently patting him, he was shaking the poor thing.
He allowed him a few moments to gather himself, before he spoke again, "There are other gifts to open," he teased softly, not wishing to cause any sudden or embarrassed tension. "Or shall we leave them until tomorrow morning at breakfast?"
Harry tightened his hold on both Corvus and his pocket watch. Which meant more to him than all the money in the world now. It probably cost a small fortune, even Dudley probably hadn't accumulated that kind of money in four years of gifts the way the Dursley's spent. "Tomorrow," he agreed, aches and pains and tiredness making him more than a little drowsy.
"Nushala?" Corvus commanded, "Bring up a mild pain relief draught, a number three." He could only get a mild one, it would screw up his regimen if he gave him anything stronger.
Nushala immediately left to do her Master's bidding.
"You'll need it to get some rest, you've got a busy day tomorrow and Sunday," Corvus said, patting him lightly on the back. Harry seemed incapable of letting go, not that he minded overly much.
Harry nodded from where he was in the crook of Corvus' neck. He felt safe and so incredibly happy, he wanted to jump around the room like a lunatic. He was a little too achy to do that, and tiredness was beginning to get the better of him. It had been a whole year since he was up at midnight, the pain relief draughts made him tired and sleepy, so he was always out for the count early. He'd forced himself to stay awake so he could see in his birthday.
The House-elf returned with the requested vial, and handed it over, Corvus nodded as curtly as he was able with Harry still wrapped around him like an octopus. Thanking her and bidding her to leave.
"Let's get you to bed, if you remain here all night you might catch a cold," Corvus said, standing up, with the boy still in his arms, he was still way too light to be believed.
Harry made a small sound of surprise at being lifted up.
"Don't worry so, you aren't heavy," Corvus said, reassuring the teen, flicking his finger at the bed, and the duvet flicked aside.
"M'not a baby," Harry grumbled, but he didn't budge from his position.
"Thank goodness for that, I'd be mighty concerned if you were, much too tall to be a baby." Corvus teased him lightly, as he let him down onto the bed. Smiling when Harry sniggered, mission accomplished. Only Harry could bring out this silliness in him. Then again, it might be all the years as a single father coming back to him. Opening the vial he handed it over to Harry, "Get some sleep, I'm sure the boys will love hearing all about the rest of your holiday."
"It was hotter than I thought it would be," Harry admitted, he had a nice glow to his usually very pale skin due to all the time he'd spent in a cupboard without sunlight and fresh air. "Goodnight, Corvus,"
"Sleep well, Harry," Corvus said, pulling the covers over him.
Before he even left the room, dimming the lights entirely, closing the doors and curtains, Harry was already asleep. He didn't fail to notice that the watch was still clutched tightly in his hand. He didn't look like he'd be letting it go any time soon.
Bright and early the next morning, both of them were up and cheerfully so on Harry's part. Despite getting less than seven hours sleep, when they were eating breakfast, Corvus observed the pocket watch right next to him, as if he was afraid to let it out of his sight. It would have been amusing if not for how bittersweet it really was. All Harry had wanted all his life was a connection. Now he had it, he was clinging to the first real manifestation of said connection that was physically there.
Hopefully it wouldn't remain that way for too long.
"Easy," Corvus chided, "The portkey won't leave any sooner," Harry was scoffing the food down at an alarming rate. He hadn't even done it that quickly after just leaving the Dursley's for Merlin's sake. "We still have half an hour before we must depart." Unless, of course, it was the gifts he was eager to open, but Corvus doubted that very much. Harry wasn't greedy for materialistic things.
Harry slowed, swallowing, "Sorry," he replied, still as chipper as ever. He couldn't wait to share what it had been like.
"Have you chosen your winter cloak?" Corvus asked, Harry had been chilled to the bone last week. After such time spent in warmer weather, Azkaban had been like the artic. He'd eventually given Harry his own, in an attempt to keep him warm. Until he was one hundred percent better, he didn't want Harry getting sick, his immune system was compromised, not as badly as it had been last year of course.
Harry nodded, not speaking due to his mouth full.
"Good," Corvus said, relaxing back against his seat, he was pleased with Harry's forethought. Even he had his winter cloak out for this occasion, the fires were burning a little brighter too, their bodies would soon get back to normal.
Of that he had no doubt, it was from personal experience, even if it had been a decade since he went anywhere other than the occasional Opera performance or visited an acquaintance.
Breakfast was soon polished off and taken away.
"Do you wish to open your birthday gifts here or in the sitting room?" Corvus questioned, as always giving him options.
"Sitting room," Harry said, it was much more comfortable. Corvus had already gotten him a very expensive watch. It was more than he was expecting. Hopefully it was small inexpensive things.
"Very well, shall we?" Corvus said, standing, as they both departed the dining room, taking a leisurely stroll towards the sitting room, in no particular hurry.
"When is your birthday?" Harry asked, glancing up at Corvus.
"My birthday is November 12th," Corvus said easily enough.
"You were twelve when you went to Hogwarts for the first time!" Harry realised, "Did you have friends you missed?"
"I was indeed twelve," Corvus agreed, opening the door, letting Harry enter in front of him. "I was rather upset if I recall correctly, when everyone I knew since infancy came to school before me. However, I found myself glad afterwards, Tom was much like myself, twelve before he entered Hogwarts. Much of my time was spent with those a grade ahead of me and with Tom."
There was already a fire going, the room was comfortably warm. Harry gasped when he saw the pile of gifts that were on the table, just waiting on him all brightly wrapped ribbons and bows. "That's too much," he choked out, eyes agog.
Corvus chuckled in amusement, "They aren't all from me," he informed the teenager.
Harry's brow furrowed, bewildered, "Then…who?"
"Your friends and acquaintances, I believe," Corvus informed him, as he took a seat, "Why don't you go and see for yourself?" all of them were tagged. Each of them had been painstakingly checked by himself to ensure there were no nasty surprises awaiting inside.
"But…I don't even know these people," Harry said, staring at the tag, "Why would they be sending me gifts?" hell, how did they know when his birthday was? He didn't know them so couldn't return the favour.
"Worry not," Corvus replied, "Most of them will be small things, such as sweets, or magazine subscriptions. You're part of the magical world's society…you will gain more once you 'come out' in society so to say," and a lot of proposals also. Thankfully he was protected from any farther contracts due to the one he has with Rabastan…not that Harry would just sign something without reading it.
"Is there a list of birthdays I don't know about?" Harry asked, utterly baffled but there was a big smile on his face.
"Oh, births are always announced, the more influence one has in society the bigger the announcement. It's a time of great pride and happiness when an heir is born. Especially to an old and prestigious house, most of which you'll find did indeed send you a gift." Along with a few other names he wasn't actually familiar with.
"Oh, I forgot to ask, what's happened to Hermione Granger?" Harry asked, giving Corvus a look, "Is she still at St. Mungo's?" he knew Corvus was keeping track of anything even remotely to do with Dumbledore, including Hermione Granger. Plus, he had connections, he knew everything he needed to know.
"She was released from St. Mungo's a week ago, her memory is more or less returned, she cannot remember the attack but that's not entirely unexpected. According to Tom she's tried to shoe herself into second year, claiming she could easily catch up and get through the exams despite only being in the magical world three months. That she did not wish to retake first year again. Tom declined to allow her, smart or not, she needs to learn to interact with others."
Harry blinked, "This coming from Voldemort?" he asked wryly, sniggering in amusement. Even now he couldn't play nice, he just found it hilariously ironic.
Corvus gave him a pointed look that the remark deserved, you did not show Tom disrespect and not pay for it. Harry wasn't immune to that, although, truth be known…Tom wouldn't curse a child with the Cruciatus Curse, perhaps stinging hex or such. At least the Tom he had back, vividly reminded that he had tried to kill this child. Which was arguably worse, to kill a magical child was one of the worst crimes in the magical world.
Harry unrepentantly shrugged his shoulders, he knew everyone was scared of Voldemort. He sort of understood why, especially if the books he read were right…but the wizard himself…Harry didn't find him scary, not anymore, he found him fascinating. The knowledge he had, how powerful, and the fact they could talk in a secret language that nobody would understand. Voldemort gave him the truth in a way nobody else did…and he needed that.
There were way too many gifts here, he actually felt uncomfortable. "Most of these are only because of who I am, isn't it?" he said pensively, because he was The-Boy-Who-Lived.
"Yes, and if Dumbledore hadn't placed a redirecting mail spell upon you, you would have more than likely received bundles like this every year…and mail quite often such as autograph requests." Corvus informed him, "Most from young children, which I'm off the opinion they did so without parental consent."
"Where did they go then?" Harry questioned.
"That is something only Dumbledore will know," Corvus revealed, "Would you like to find out?" as Dumbledore had been Harry's magical guardian, as much as it burned, he was perfectly within his rights to divert Harry's mail, not only to protect him but to prevent exposure. If he had thought for a second he could use it, he would have done so.
"Make a motion for him to reveal where they are and give them back?" Harry said, staring down at the mail, a contemplative look upon his face.
"Yes, we could have the House-elves go through everything, list anything of relevance to give to you." Corvus replied, "It might take a while, depending on how much of it there is."
"Probably not a lot, I mean I haven't received anything in the past year?" Harry questioned more than stated.
"I believe there will be more than you could possibly fathom." Corvus said wryly, "Less and less each year you remained absent from the magical world. With only Dumbledore's word now and again, to let the public know you were 'safe and cared for' which perhaps re-stroked the fire and made the mystery and aura surrounding you more prominent."
Harry's teeth bared in his show of anger at Dumbledore's duplicity.
"Go ahead and open your gifts, I'll get started on the missive to get your mail recovered." Corvus gently nudged Harry out of his dark thoughts about Dumbledore. Vividly reminded of Tom by Harry's reaction, for Tom's was pretty much the same when he revealed Dumbledore had refused to allow him to stay at Hogwarts.
Requesting his House-elf to fetch his things immediately.
Harry did indeed to as Corvus' suggested, and he was quite correct, it was just small gifts much to his relief. Sweets mostly and of course, cards, more than he'd ever had in his life.
"Don't think on the why, just enjoy your birthday," Corvus said, seeing the confliction – barely noticeable mind but he knew Harry well – on his face. He had a good idea on the cause, and refused to let it spoil his day. He also noticed that Harry wasn't as careful with the wrapping paper on those particular gifts.
Harry opened all the gifts from people he was not acquainted with first. Blood pops, sugar quills, fudge, Bertie Botts every flavour beans, an assortment of ice mice, snake, colour and taste changing cotton candy, gobstoppers, ever-lasting lollies, mixture bags, chocolate frogs, just the chocolate frog cards, Honeydukes chocolate bars, vouchers for Honeydukes, the bookstore, magazine subscriptions, Zonko's joke products, someone even sent him a broomstick servicing kit with a note attached 'For your quidditch career' written on it, very, very presumptuous.
"Um…I don't think I'll be able to eat all this in a year…" Harry said, utterly overwhelmed, with both his gifts and the generosity. The cards were the best part, most actually had 'Heir Potter' on them, as tradition dictated, but others had the audacity to write Harry on them as though they were friends. "It looks as though they've bought out Honeydukes," they'd be very pleased.
Corvus looked up from where he was writing, a missive to his lawyer with his new request. It would take some time, especially seen as Dumbledore was currently in Azkaban prison but it would be done. He had sworn to do everything he could for Harry, and he intended to keep that promise. "Honeydukes is always well prepared, they make a great deal of money, especially from the students during the year, the Hogsmeade visits ensure as such." They were always well stocked.
"Do they belong solely to the Honeydukes?" Harry queried.
"They do, they built it from the ground up, remains in the family, despite some…very ludicrous offers." Corvus replied, many of his acquaintances had offered them more money than they'd see in a lifetime, knowing just how well the business did. Unfortunately, they intend to keep the business in the family, and thus they were told a firm but grateful no. "Their son will no doubt be on the receiving end of such offers the moment he turns seventeen and takes over the running of the family estate."
"Horvath Honeyduke, he's a year ahead of me," Harry recalled, and a fellow Ravenclaw, "He's very studious, he's hardly ever out of our library," he always had his head buried in a book, more so than even him. Ravenclaw had it's own library, it's why you didn't find a lot of Ravenclaw's in the main Hogwarts library…most of the books they needed could be found on the shelves in their common room.
Corvus nodded, that sounded about right, he recalled an announcement in the newspaper about a year before the entire dastardly incident. The Honeydukes weren't in his social circle, they were more a neutral party, so he hadn't been aware of his placement in Ravenclaw. Not that he could say he was overly surprised, if he recalled correctly Hamish Horvath had been in Ravenclaw and his sister Heather who had married and moved to Australia where her husband lived at the end of the courting period.
"Oh, speaking of, he's given me a selection box," Harry said, after opening the present and card.
Corvus arched a brow pleasantly surprised, "Is it specifically from Horvath Honeyduke?"
"It says from the Honeydukes," Harry replied, giving the tag and card another read for his own confirmation. He was quite correct, it was from the entire family.
"Interesting," Corvus said pensively, a neutral party reaching out…not even designing to use their son either…but the Lord of the family to do, it was a good a sign as the family following the Potter family regardless of sides they chose…even if that side went light or dark. "He's offering himself and his family as allies." He wondered if something had happened between the families in the past.
"Is it odd?" Harry questioned, setting aside unwrapped next gift, in quest for an answer.
"Considering they know nothing of your political leaning, your side, your money or desires…very," Corvus stated honestly, signing his name at the bottom of the missive before printing it out and adding the Lestrange family motto at the bottom. Loki could take it before they left to visit his sons.
"So they need help," Harry postulated, "Or maybe they've lost a lot of allies and need more." He might be learning about the magical world both law and regulations…but it didn't mean he understood every facet of it quite yet.
"Or they wish to ride on your coattails," Corvus explained, "You'll have many offers like this in the coming years, and yes, it will help you politically, but you have to be careful, especially concerning blood feuds. Such as the one between the Weasley's and Malfoy's, if you accept an allied house with the Weasley's then the House of Malfoy will sever ties and more than likely take others with them." all hypothetical of course, "Lucius isn't a man many people would wish to cross," both magically and politically.
"They haven't asked," Harry pointed out, maybe it was just a kind gesture.
"No, that's because they know you cannot accept it yet, they are paving the way, for when you reach fifteen-years of age." Corvus explained easily, tapping the parchment with his wand, drying the pages, as he once again called for his House-elf.
"Send this off with Loki, for Antonio Abbott," Corvus informed the House-Elf, after sealing it off with his insignia. Antonio wouldn't accept anything from the House of Lestrange without the insignia and motto and his signature. And insignia's couldn't be bought by anyone other than the Lord of the estate, which required proof from Gringotts itself. They were very cautious about such things.
"You may find that their son might approach you when you return to Hogwarts in September," which was fast approaching. Tom had surprised them by showing up when they were on holiday. He didn't even think Harry had brought into the whole idea of Tom being on holiday as well, or Dolohov and his family while they were in Rome. Fortunately, Harry rather liked Antony Dolohov, who was in the same year as him but in Slytherin.
Harry shifted, opening the rest of the presents from people he didn't know. Cards neatly kept to one side, the paper a mess but folded up on the other and the gifts in front of him. "I don't want people to befriend me just because their parents told them to."
"Acquaintances can become good friends…it's how most of the magical world works." Corvus replied, "But there is no saying you have to accept their overtures. You became good friends with Draco and Daphne and that was on my behalf that you met. Children may attempt to do something to please their parents…but they don't have the guile to pull it off if they are not genuinely fond of spending time with you." It was the only reassurances he could give.
"Maybe," Harry murmured, setting aside another gag gift from Zonko's, that was nine gifts from Zonko's that's double what he got from the bookstore…why did they assume he'd be into jokes? Oh, his father, of course, he was a prankster. "Is there somewhere these can be donated?" he would never use them, he had zero interest in joke products. Someone might as well get the use of them.
"Why don't you sell them to the students?" Corvus suggested, "Get yourself some spending money? For books perhaps?" pleased that Harry wished to do something with them rather than let them gather dust.
Harry nodded, that sounded like a good idea.
"This is Draco's," Harry said, as he opened the letter first, reading about how his father had bought the entire Slytherin team new broomsticks and that he would be the seeker this year, he'd tried out and got in, on his own merit before his father donated the broomsticks' to the Slytherin team. How excited he was to be playing, and that he hopes Harry comes to all the games. Harry hadn't attended any games in the time he was there, spending it in his dorm or the library. Walking all the way to the Quidditch pitch and being jolted around did not sound like fun to him. "He made the Quidditch team,"
"Lucius himself played, Draco is trying to live up to his fathers very high standards," Corvus revealed.
"I…don't think so, Draco loves quidditch, he spoke about it all the time." Harry said, it wasn't fully anything to do with his father's accomplishments. "He got me the new Runes book!" he exclaimed excitedly, "But it isn't even out for another week! And it's self-updating!"
Corvus smiled as though it was news, he'd been aware of what Draco was going to get for him, to ensure no double gifting occurred. "Money opens a lot of doors,"
"Oh! It's signed!" he breathed as he looked at the inside, the personalised written note to him. He loved it, he reverently brushed over the book before setting it aside, the card joining the rest, he would have a lot of thank you notes to write tonight and tomorrow night.
"Daphne's one," Harry commented, opening it up, finding a personalised embossed book. A small smile worked it's way onto his face, they knew he loved drawing of any kind. There were five portrait sized canvases, and of course… "Magical paints!" his paintings would come alive, so to speak, and move, he hadn't tried that yet. He couldn't wait to try it.
More and more gifts were opened from those who knew him best, Rune trading cards that Harry hadn't even known existed. Books on various creatures and a basic beginners veterinarian spell healing book, vouchers for the book store only because they didn't know what he had! Was clearly explained in the letter, they knew he loved to read.
Corvus' next one was a holiday to Egypt next summer, along with a very detailed itinerary. "No doubt you'll be in good enough shape to enjoy the holiday." He was already healing up nicely, having to stop less, less potions. Yes, by next year he'd be able to do all the excursions labelled out. There was no translation booklet this time, he had learned his lesson in giving Harry more to do. Although, if he was determined, he would more than likely buy a book, hopefully not until he was a little more confident with the two he was currently learning.
Going to France and Rome had been very educational for Harry, he'd not only loved it, but been immersed in another culture. It allowed him to become more educated, and be a lot more worldly. He might be a late bloomer, but Corvus was determined to see to it that when people spoke, regardless of what it was, Harry could answer without fault or shame in what his life had been like with the Dursley's.
Harry pouted, surrounded by lovely smelling new books, opera tickets, painting supplies, new toys and a holiday…and he wasn't able to do any of that. Still…he preferred visiting Rabastan so perhaps it wasn't too bad. He just wanted to do everything, but he couldn't.
"Ah, yes, we do indeed have to leave," Corvus said, chuckling quietly at the look on Harry's face.
"I had no idea there were Rune cards…" Harry admitted, picking them up, determined to show them to Rabastan.
"Nor I," Corvus admitted, it was true enough.
"They should make colouring in books with runes…so that children can grow up knowing them…waiting until you're thirteen seems such a waste." Harry said wistfully.
Corvus' lips twitched, "Just wait until the Hogwarts letters come," he teased, he'd be very busy the next week, it was exam time, and he'd be taking quite a few of them, or so he determined.
"What does that mean?" Harry perked up, following Corvus, accepting the cloak as it was handed to him. "Are we allowed to begin Runes sooner?" hope almost swallowing him whole.
"You'll have to wait and see," Corvus said, lips twitching in amusement. "Are you taking the box?" which he hadn't packed much off, the House-elves had cooked and baked all the boys favourites, with relish and eagerness.
"Oh, I forgot!" Harry said sheepishly, just then the House-elf popped and handed it off. "Thank you!" Corvus took the rune cards and put them in Harry's pocket seen his hands were full.
And within ten minutes they were whisked away by the Portkey.
They weren't made to wait this time, and they were seen to very promptly, and guided towards the meeting room.
The room and the boys had undergone some serious changes.
"Woooooow," Harry said, staring at them wide eyed, utterly agog. Both Rabastan and Rodolphus were completely squeaky clean, hair not greasy for the first time and their attire? It was a new one that fitted them much better than the old one.
"Told you," Rabastan chuckled, "Happy Birthday,"
"The House-elves put a piece of cake in for all of us at my insistence." Corvus explained.
"Cake?" Harry perked up, "I got a cake?" swallowing the lump in his throat. "Hagrid got me one, he ended up eating most of it, Dudley helped…I couldn't eat any more than a sliver of it." it had been much too sweet and sugary for him. Now though? Now he would surely be able to eat a piece of it?
"You did," Corvus agreed, not off the main cake, he had two ordered. One small, one medium sized. The small one had been shared amongst them here, and the rest amongst the House-elves. Purely for Harry's benefit of course, personally he didn't believe in spoiling them.
Harry was quick to delve in, bringing out the butterbeer, then the cake. A big grin on his face, excitement causing his thin frame to tremble. Plastic forks, of course, came next. "Did you know they had Rune trading cards?"
Rabastan blinked, surprised by the question, "No," he replied, "It's a good idea," but not a very popular one he'd bet. He reckoned only a third of the entire magical population (everywhere on the globe) actually liked Ancient Runes enough to get the trading cards. It wasn't like Quidditch trading cards, now those were very popular, even by him when he was a teen. "I have all the Quidditch trading cards though," from each and every team out there, probably not current now, but he still had them all.
"Draco collects them," Harry said, "It's how he's teaching me all the players and the teams."
"It's a good way," Rodolphus agreed. "Happy birthday," he said, and for once there was no grudging in his words.
"Thank you!" Harry beamed, "I have pictures of everywhere we went on holiday! Would you like to see them?"
Both boys agreed, only because Harry looked happier than either had ever seen him. He was glowing, and it wasn't all to do with his tan either. Which made them feel even paler than normal. Their father, naturally hadn't tanned as much, then again he never had.
And in between bites of cake, and drinks of butterbeer, Harry regaled them for hours on each site they'd seen, what they'd done and how fun it had been.
"You're good at photography," Rodolphus complimented him, it was almost as if a professional had taken it for a brochure. Only some of them of course, other times it was clear Harry was too excited to stand still…or perhaps exhausted.
"The House-elves developed them," Harry told them, so that he could bring them with him today.
"Can I keep this one?" Rabastan asked, flipping it around so Harry and Corvus could see the one he was referring to. It was clearly taken by someone else, a picture of Harry and his father together next to a magical monument in Rome.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, giving him a smile, "I can just get the House-elves to make another one." He wanted to frame it himself, so he was definitely going to get another one of them developed. Corvus hadn't even made an attempt to appear solemn in this one, Antony had been too quick.
"You must be careful with it," Corvus cautioned him, while they had many of their own here…Dumbledore had a few of his own too. Any inclining he would have Rabastan's cell searched for any evidence…and if one happened to come across it accidentally…well, it wouldn't be good.
"Are they allowed care packages yet?" Harry asked, Rodolphus was clean, it was clear he'd been able to wash with soap and shampoo.
"The shower stalls allow for sharing," Rodolphus understood Harry's question. It had been such a relief to get a warm shower, more so than anyone could fathom. Scrubbing the decades worth of dirt off him, and able to smell something pleasant on his skin instead of dirt and grime…let's not forget the new jumpsuit. They were to be washed once a week, a new one would be handed over, so they had two new jumpsuits.
"Not quite yet, but we're getting there," Corvus answered, "I am pleased with how far the prison reform has got." Even if he was impatient to see it entirely turned around…it would take time though.
"I want my name to be on the next one," Harry declared, none of them were surprised by his declaration.
"Why not?" Corvus said thoughtfully, "Everyone will assume you're doing it because of Sirius Black. Or rather it would be popular belief. Thus they wouldn't look too deeply into it. Not even Dumbledore." A lot of the Dark fraction were aware of Harry's placement, whom he was betrothed to. They also knew the reforms had been initially Harry's idea, that it had been his breakthrough that enabled these reforms to be accomplished.
"Which means you need someone to sit on your seats," Rodolphus pointed out, otherwise his legislations couldn't be put forth…at least not by his father anyway.
"That's my only problem," Harry sighed, "I'm just not sure who to use." He couldn't use Sirius…not that he'd really want to. As far as he knew, Sirius had absolutely zero political aspirations and actually actively avoided it.
A rap on the door indicated that their time was up.
Harry glanced bewildered at the time, on his lovely new pocket watch, jaw on the floor, stunned unable to believe just how long they'd been there. "I'll let you know for next time." Harry said, scooping everything up, and shuffling the box closer to Rabastan…who hadn't dug into it immediately for something to eat for the first time since they began. Then put the used paper plates and forks into his pocket to dispose of when they returned home while Corvus hugged his sons goodbye.
"I'll see you next week," Corvus said, patting them on the back, they smelt frankly…one hundred percent better. His nose was much happier with it, not that he truly cared…they could have been covered in manure and he'd still hug them.
Rabastan slid the photo into his pocket for safe keeping.
It would become one of his fondest keepsakes, despite the…circumstances in which he received it.
There we go! Will we see a few chapters of Hogwarts back in action or would you prefer the Sirius scene? Perhaps a little bit of both? there will only be about 4 or 5 chapters of 'scenes' while Harry's in school that's if you're lucky! :) I never intended for this to be about Hogwarts …. plus we all know what happens which wont happen now anyway so it would be boring school years :) so it will be a lot of conversations between Rabastan/Rodolphus/Corvus/Harry and of course Sirius scenes etc… what do you guys think? you like the sound of that? R&R please
