To Love a Malfoy

Chapter 12

As Madam Pomfrey continued to work her magical skills on Harry, Lucius’ headache was getting worse. He sat in the chair rubbing his temples and silently cursing. Damn that Jonathan Chambers, wait until I get my hands on him. I wonder if Severus has confronted him yet and what is going on down there. When I get out of here, the first thing I am going to do is beat the living crap out of that fool. Merlin, this headache is killing me, I’ll have to ask Poppy to give me something for it. Lucius glanced up and looked across the room to where Potter was lying on a bed behind a curtain that Poppy had put around him for his privacy.

Poppy was behind it reviewing her notes and the test results. She had a frown on her face and kept looking back and forth between them and Harry. With a wave of her wand, she ran more tests over him and then compared them with what she already had. Earlier, she had removed his robe and clothes replacing them with a hospital gown. It was then that Poppy’s suspicions were aroused by the evidence before her. When she was finished with her examination, she covered him with a blanket then opened the curtain and walked over to Lucius.

Standing up Lucius asked her, “Well, will Potter live or not? What’s the verdict?”

Poppy looked him in the face and answered coolly, “Oh, yes, he’ll definitely live but the most important question is, just when will he wake up. You see, Lucius, it seems that our now ex-Potions Master gave Harry some kind of potent sleeping potion. I have given him a counter potion that will help ease the effects but right now he is in a very deep sleep almost a coma induced one. My main concern right now though is the current state of his rather delicate condition, as I am sure you are already aware.”

Lucius raised his slim eyebrow, and responded, “As I am afraid I don’t know what the hell you are talking about, I am sure you will be delighted to enlighten me.”

Sudden dawning hit Poppy, he doesn’t know, she thought. Lucius really has no idea what he has done to this poor boy. Well, Harry must have his own reasons for not telling him and I am not about to betray a patient‘s right to privacy. Her professional manner back in place she composed herself and said instead, “Lucius, we all know the past history between yourself and Harry. I don’t think that I have to go into the sordid details. I am sure Harry will be embarrassed enough when he wakes and finds out that you where the one who carried him all the way from the Dungeons to the Hospital Wing.”

Lucius didn’t believe her for one second but wasn’t about to argue at this point. His headache was getting worse and he needed her to give him something to help ease the pain. “Look, Poppy, now that I know Potter is going to be alright I have to get back downstairs and join Severus. Unfortunately, I have this awful headache that just doesn’t seem to want to go away and was wondering if you could give me something for it.”

Looking at him, she could see he was in discomfort so said, “Come with me and I will check you over.”

They walked over to an empty bed which was right behind Harry’s. Poppy told him to get on it and be sure not to move. After checking him over, she said she would be back but had to go to the supply room and get a potion that was out of stock for his headache. As she walked away, she drew the curtains around his bed too. Lucius sat down and made himself comfortable waiting for her to return. Much to his horror, moments later Lucius heard the Weasley family and the Granger girl’s voices and knew they had just walked into the infirmary to check up on Potter’s well-being. Oh great, he thought, just what I needed for my headache.

“Poppy?...We got your message and are here to see Harry...Hello?” called Molly.

Lucius heard footsteps coming in his direction and noticed with great relief that they were heading right for Potter’s bed not his. It seemed that Poppy had notified them that Harry had been found and was now under her care.

Hermione got to his bed first, “Molly...Ronald...I’ve found Harry he’s over here, come quick.”

“Oh, the poor dear, he looks so pale.” exclaimed Molly brushing the hair back on Harry’s face and tucking him in more securely.

Lucius heard chairs being pulled up to Potter’s bed and leaned up against his pillow to listen. Who knows, he thought, this might prove to be interesting after all. As he listened to them talk, he yawned and closed his eyes. He could hear the women crying and the two Weasley men trying to calm them down.

“He’ll be fine, Mione, don’t worry...Harry’s a fighter and this won’t keep him down for long....He’s been through much worse.” Ron comforted his girlfriend putting an arm around her.

Arthur told them, “Ron’s right, Molly and Hermione, we already talked to Poppy and she told us the counter potion she gave Harry should start working soon.”

Lucius smirked, leave it to Potter to have his fan club fawning all over him. Just as he was about to doze off, the next words spoken startled him so much that he jumped up and almost fell off the bed.

“Do you think Chambers knew Harry was pregnant?” asked Ron, “I bet he did and that’s why he kidnapped Harry...That would explain everything.....By holding Harry hostage until the triplets were born, he would then blackmail Malfoy into paying a huge ransom to get them back....Of course, not taking into account the fact that Malfoy hates Harry’s guts and would not want to have anything to do with him or the babies.....He‘d probably even try to deny the babies are his and say that poor Harry slept around. ..After what he did to Harry, Malfoy deserves to be in Azkaban and is lucky Harry didn’t press charges against him.....The pompous ass.”

“Ronald, that’s the most ridiculous idea you’ve ever come up with.” scolded Hermione.

“Ronald Weasley, watch your language,” warned Molly.

“Oh, look, here comes Poppy now,” remarked a relieved Arthur.

Poppy walked into the room and greeted them all. They all began to whisper and Lucius couldn’t hear what they were saying. After awhile, he heard them saying goodbye to Potter telling him that they would be back later, and walking out of the ward into the hallway to talk with Poppy in private.

Lucius was stunned, he was furious, how dare that brat keep this from him. Pregnant? Potter was pregnant and with his babies, triplets, he was having triplets! I’ll kill him but only after the babies are born, though I think I’ll Crucio him first. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Of all the nerve putting my heirs in jeopardy by risking their lives like that. Oh, Potter would pay, I will see to that. If he thinks that he can get away with denying me my children, then he will find out what happens when you play such games with a Malfoy. After he recovers, I will take him back to my Manor and he will have the babies there. Once they are born, I will throw him out on the street where he belongs and keep my children. He will not be allowed to have anything to do with them. I’ll fix him oh yes Potter, you will learn the hard way not to deny me what is rightfully mine.

Getting up out of the bed, he opened the curtain and moved over to where Potter was lying. Lucius stood looking down at his delicate face with the unruly mop of hair, the long silky black eyelashes and the pert little nose, the pink rose bud mouth and the long slender neck. What am I doing? I hate him. I don’t find him attractive at all. He is a scrawny little runt who defeated the Dark Lord by sheer dumb luck not by brains or brawn.

Lucius pulled the curtain around them so Poppy wouldn’t see what he was doing. He then lifted the blanket off of Potter and his eyes went directly to his belly. Good Lord, he was huge. How did he manage to hide this from everyone? It must have been that Granger girl who helped him as he’s to stupid to think of such a plan himself. Lucius lifted his arm and reached over to place his shaking hand on Potter’s extended belly. Feeling for the babies, he closed his eyes and moved his fingers around until he felt a bump. With a start, he opened his eyes and continued exploring until he finally found all three little mounds. His excitement grew as he felt them moving and kicking. This is a miracle, he thought, a bloody miracle.

“Mr. Malfoy, what on earth do you think you’re doing? Step away from the bed, now!” demanded an angry Madam Pomfrey.

Leaving his hand right where it was, Lucius hissed back at her, “I don’t think so, Poppy. What gave you the right to keep information such as this away from me? Don’t you think I would have eventually found out? What did Potter think he was trying to achieve by denying me my children? Let me assure you that I will be meeting with my attorneys at once to deal with this situation accordingly.”

Poppy stood there glaring at him not at all intimated by his threats. Her main concern right now was Harry and his babies. I have to remain calm and handle this in a rational manner. Lucius Malfoy will not threaten me or my patient.

“Lucius, what the hell are you doing, get away from Harry now before I hex you,” growled Severus as he walked up to the bed and stood next to Poppy.

Lucius and Poppy were too busy having a staring competition to even notice that Severus had walked into the room.

“What are you doing here, I thought you were waiting for Chambers down in the Dungeons?” demanded Lucius noticing that Severus was in a foul mood.

“It seems that our elusive Potions Master was warned we were on to him and had found Harry. He disappeared from Hogwarts before we could stop him along with his house elf Mimsy. I’ve been busy talking with Kingsley Shacklebolt from the Auror Department about the situation and he is working on finding him.” answered Severus while glancing at Harry. “I see he still hasn’t woken up yet.”

“The potion should be working, it’s just a matter of time before he wakes,” stated Poppy while tucking Harry back in with the covers.

“I’ve made plans with Kingsley to have a guard left with Harry until Chambers is caught. I have a bad feeling we haven’t seen the last of him,” Severus told them as they walked away from the bed.

“Severus, that won’t be necessary as Mr. Potter will be coming home, today, with me to Malfoy Manor,” Lucius told him in a firm tone. “I can assure you that he will be quite safe with me, more so than he would be by remaining here at Hogwarts.”

“Headmaster, I object, what right does Lord Malfoy have to remove a patient from my care?” demanded Poppy, “I will refuse to release him and there is nothing you can do about it.”

The three of them began to argue rather loudly and failed to notice that Harry was starting to wake up from his sleep. He started to move around on the bed and then called out to them, “Hey, will you guys please quiet it down a little, my head is sore and it’s rather noisy in here,” requested a sleepy Harry.

Poppy ran over to her patient and began checking him over, while Severus and Lucius stood in the background watching. After she was done, Poppy walked back over to them and told them he would be fine but that he just needed bed rest. She left them so they could talk and went into her office so they could be alone.

“You knew didn’t you?...Why didn’t you tell me?...I thought you were my friend but it seems I was wrong,” spoke Lucius caustically.

Severus hissed back, “Yes, I did know, Harry confided in me a few months ago. The reason I didn’t tell you was that he asked me not too and I can’t say that I blame him. After that stunt you pulled the night of the Ministry Ball, you’re lucky it wasn’t reported to the Auror Department. It’s your fault that boy’s in this state. With the way you’ve treated him, he had no other option but to keep it from you. I am warning you Lucius and I suggest you listen carefully. If you cause Harry any more pain, then friend or not, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“They are my children! I will not allow them to be placed in jeopardy. Severus, you know, as well as I, that the safest place for them right now is at Malfoy Manor. Chambers won’t be able to get near Potter while he is under my protection. He can stay with me until they are born and then I will take him to court to gain custody.” Lucius said this with such coldness that Severus actually lifted his wand and pointed it directly at his friend’s heart.

“Over my dead body, Lucius, you will not take Harry’s children from him. Azkaban or not, I will kill you and don’t think I won‘t. After all that boy has done for me, it’s the least I could do,” Severus told him with a steel tone to his voice.

“STOP IT!” cried out a weak voice from the bed. “Just stop it…Severus, please, I can’t allow you to do something you’ll regret.” The two Wizards walked over to the bed and saw Harry struggling to sit up. Severus went to help him but Lucius reached Harry first.

“Don’t touch me!” he shouted, managing to heave himself up. Then looking up into Lucius face told him in a firm but shaky voice, “I’ll go with you to Malfoy Manor but it’s only temporary. Once they capture Jonathan, I’ll be leaving and with my babies. I won’t let you take them away from me. They are all I have in the world and I won‘t give them up. If you decide to continue with this custody battle, then I promise that you will regret it. I want you to listen very carefully to me Lucius, take it as a warning, we will disappear and you will never find us. I am begging you not to make the wrong choice. If you want to be part of their lives, then make the right one.”

Severus did not say a word but watched the interaction between Lucius and Harry. He was hoping that Lucius would make the right decision and agree with Harry.

“Fine, Potter! I agree with your terms but don’t think this will be easy for either one of us. Also, once the babies are born, you will all be living with me at the Manor. This is something that I insist upon and don‘t try to dissuade me on this subject.” warned Lucius having finally met his match.

Smirking Severus told them, “I’ll leave you both alone to discuss things and go tell Poppy the news.”

Lucius looked down at Harry and said, “Well Potter, it looks like you’ve won this round but don’t expect I’ll allow it to happen again.”

“No, Lucius, I don’t expect you would,” replied a tired Harry.

“I’ll have Dobby get all your personal things together and bring them to the Manor. You can say goodbye to your friends before you leave. I will be back this evening to take you home with me so be ready as I do not tolerate waiting.” said Lucius, as he turned and walked out of the room.

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Lucius arrived back at the Infirmary with his usual punctuality to pick up Harry. He had already said his goodbyes to his friends, amongst much hugging and crying, and was dressed and waiting when he arrived, Poppy had given Lucius strict instructions to follow relating to Harry’s needs, and told him to firecall her with any problems or concerns.

The ward was dark and Harry was alone when he walked into the room. Harry was sitting on the windowsill waiting for him to come and looking out into the dark moonlit night. He didn’t hear Lucius come in. Lucius stood in the room and watched Harry for a few minutes before making himself known.

“Well, are you ready to leave Potter?” he asked.

“Harry... Lucius, my name is Harry, and yes I am ready to leave with you.” answered Harry struggling to stand up.

Lucius walked over to assist him and took him by the arm. He led him to the fireplace and throwing the floo powder into it, called out, “Malfoy Manor!” Picking up a startled Harry, he walked into the fire and they both disappeared in a blaze of smoke.

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‘Malfoy Manor’

Stepping out of the fireplace with Harry still in his arms, Lucius called for Dobby. He walked over to the sofa and placed Harry down in it gently then covered him with a blanket.

Dobby appeared with a loud pop, and cried out, “Yes, Master Malfoy, Dobby is here.”

“Dobby, Master Harry is hungry, bring him something to eat from the Kitchen and don‘t dawdle.” requested Lucius with his usual arrogance.

With another pop, Dobby was gone and an angry Harry was saying, “Lucius! There’s no need to speak with Dobby that way. You might find that showing a little kindness towards him will go a long way. If you give him a chance, he‘s really very helpful.”

Lucius turned around and walked swiftly over to the sofa. He reached down and gripped Harry roughly by the chin jerking it up and snarled, “Don’t you dare speak to me in that tone of voice again. This is my home and I will deal with the servants as I see fit. You will not interfere with how I run it nor how I treat my help. You, Mr. Potter, are a guest in my home and nothing more. If you ever do that again, I promise you the consequences will be dire.” Realizing he was hurting Harry, Lucius released his hold and walked out of the room slamming the door shut behind him.

Harry sat there rubbing his chin with tears in his eyes. Is this how it’s going to be? I thought things would change and Lucius might be more accepting. It seems I was wrong. What have I done? What is going to happen to us? With his hand laying on his stomach, Harry cried until there was no more tears left.

Dobby arrived with the food and saw Harry asleep in the sofa. He put the tray down and ran over to him. The little elf noticed the bruised chin, blotchy face and wet eyelashes. He gently put his hand on Harry’s shoulder to shake him awake.

“Master Harry! Master Harry! Please wake up. Dobby has brought you dinner. Oh, Master Harry, please wake up. You must eat or you and the little Potters will get sick.” pleaded Dobby trying to shake him awake.

Dobby did not hear the door open behind him, so worried was he about his Master Harry. It wasn’t until he heard footsteps approaching did he turn around.

Crying out in a loud voice, a very angry Dobby pointed his finger at Lucius and yelled, “You have hurt my Master Harry! Dobby will hurt you!”

Just as he was about to curse Lucius, Harry yelled “Dobby No!"

TBC