Hybrid Destiny

Chapter 11

Harry stared at Remus for a few minutes before saying, “Do you mind if I put a shirt on first? I would be more comfortable. We should also go to the dorms. It’s a bit more comfortable there.”

“Fine. You had just better explain things satisfactorily once we get there. No more putting it off,” said Remus.

They were at the Fat Lady’s portrait within minutes. When she started to say something to Harry, he just shook his head and jerked his head towards Remus in exasperation. She just rolled her eyes and opened the door. Harry immediately headed towards the couch and flopped down. Remus took an armchair directly across from him and raised an eyebrow waiting for him to speak.

“Yesterday Professor McGonagall escorted Lucius, Draco, and me to Diagon Alley to buy our school supplies. Unfortunately we encountered a few problems. Bella the Bitch showed up and started taunting the Malfoys. Then she started on about Sirius. I just kept getting more and more angry. I finally told her she had a place reserved in hell and that I fully intended on sending her there. When I said that, something strange happened. A green portal opened up right behind her and then a pair of arms pulled her in. Then more Death Biters (cowards that they are) showed up and the Malfoys and I got separated from McGonagall, who incidentally had the portkey. I was desperate to get back to Hogwarts and somehow created another portal, grabbed the Malfoys and pulled them into the portal with me. Fortunately, the portal actually did open into Hogwarts. Then I passed out.”

“Draco and I have become friends, though it’s developed a bit more than I expected. He and I have spent quite a bit of time together in the last few days. He helped me research about royal elves and he hasn’t been the prat that he’s been the last six years. I don’t know what you mean about the Malfoys as in plural, Lucius and Draco. I am only involved with Draco,”

“Then what was that in the infirmary? Lucius was caressing your back and you didn’t say a word to stop him,” said Remus.

“Moony, I didn’t stop anyone from touching my back,” Harry said defensively.

“No one else caressed your back like that either,” said Remus. “He was caressing your back, not just touching.”

“I don’t know. It was relaxing. It’s not like he’s trying to seduce me or anything. Good grief the man can’t stand me. He hates me almost as much as old snake-face does,” said Harry.

“That’s not what it looked like to me,” Remus insisted.

“Well I don’t know what to tell you. That was the first time we had even seen each other since the Diagon Alley incident. We haven’t spoken more than five words to each since he’s been here. Now if that is all you wanted to talk about, I still have two essays I need to finish,” said Harry. When Remus just shook his head, Harry headed towards the stairs to the dorms. Once he reached the stairs he turned back and said, “Night Moony. I really am glad to see you.” Moony smiled and Harry went up to his room.

***

Down the corridor in the Malfoy suite, Lucius and Draco were also having a discussion. “The memorial service will be in two days at Malfoy Manor. Apparently the entire Order has been invited. Have you asked Potter yet?” asked Lucius.

“Not yet. I keep getting distracted,” he replied sheepishly.

“Distracted? Whatever. We will be using a portkey to arrive at the Manor because the anti-apparation wards are still in place to keep out uninvited guests and the floo network has been disabled. Am I missing anything?” said Lucius.

“No, everything is set for the memorial service. I want to talk about something else. What are you going to do about Harry?” he asked.

“What do you mean? I’m not going to do anything about Harry. In case you missed the update, I no longer work for the Dark Lord, so why would I do anything to the person who is supposed to save us?” Lucius replied.

“Not what I meant and you know it. Do you actually believe I didn’t notice what happened tonight? You were staring at Harry like he was an oasis in the middle of a desert. And what about the incident in the infirmary. You’re just lucky Lupin didn’t rip your arm off,” said Draco.

“I don’t know what you are talking about. I only stared at Potter for a few seconds and that was only because he looks totally different than I remembered. I also only did what I was told to do in the infirmary. Poppy told me to touch his back to see what I felt,” said Lucius.

“Yeah, and you were so engrossed in what you were doing that I had to answer for you,” said Draco.

“And how did you know what I felt?” asked Lucius.

“Well, I went to talk to Harry earlier today. He opened the door wearing nothing but a towel and when he turned to back upstairs, I saw the tattoos and just couldn’t resist touching. I also felt the feathers. It was really cool,” said Draco leaving out a lot of what happened.

“I was just surprised at how they felt, that’s all,” said Lucius.

“Whatever. I know better though. Anyway, I still have essays to complete so I am going to my room,” he said and left Lucius to his thoughts.

“There is no way that Draco is right. I cannot possibly want that little brat. I mean, for one my wife just died. I might not have been in love with her, but she was a part of my life for nearly twenty years. That brat is also my son’s age. He is far too young for me, plus he’s involved with said son. Just because I was fascinated with the feathers doesn’t mean anything,” he said to himself before retiring for the night.

***

Down in the dungeons, Severus was also contemplating his situation. He was going to have to inform Dumbledore that he could no longer spy for him. Voldemort had given him an ultimatum. He either had to bring him Potter or Lucius. If he failed in that task, his death was assured. Since he couldn’t very well do either one, he really couldn’t go back. Coming to this decision he walked to fireplace and firecalled Albus.

“Albus, I need to talk to you immediately. It’s rather important,” he said.

“Well, come on through. We’ll have tea,” said Albus.

Severus immediately stepped through the fireplace into Dumbledore’s office. Going directly to the chair in front of Albus’ desk, he sat and waited for Dumbledore to speak.

“What is the problem, dear boy?” he asked after a moment.

“I can no longer spy for Order,” said Severus and held up a hand before Albus could speak. “The Dark Lord gave me an ultimatum after Narcissa died. He knew Lucius would run directly to you for protection so he ordered me to bring either Potter or Lucius to him. I am the only one who has access to both of them, especially since Bella disappeared and the other Death Eaters that attacked them at Diagon Alley failed to capture them. If I don’t do that, my life is forfeit. And before you even ask, it would be more to your benefit to keep Lucius here because he was, after all, the Dark Lord’s right hand man. He can give you information to which I have never had access. My only recourse is to openly betray the Dark Lord.”

“I see. This will handicap the Order a bit. You were our only source of information on Voldemort’s activities, but you are right. I cannot ask you to go back to report to him. You will, of course, have to stay either here at the school or at Grimmauld Place at all times. If that is all?” he asked. After receiving a nod from Severus, he stood and escorted him back to the fireplace. “I have a lot to do. I will see you tomorrow. I will also need you to attend Narcissa’s memorial service at Malfoy Manor. The entire Order will be attending.”

Severus nodded once again before stepping in the fireplace and flooing back to his quarters. He still had several things to do before going to bed. He was probably going to be up all night.