Cat and Mouse

Author: : TheSiner
Title : : Cat and Mouse
Genre: : Romance/Humor
Pairing: : Harry/Lucius (main)
Other pairings: Ain’t telling you!
Summary: : There are always consequences to your actions. Lucius learns the hard way when he catches Harry, but something happens and it’s not so obvious who the cat is and who the mouse is anymore. Why Harry suddenly likes Lucius so much?
Rating: : It is bad enough, but could be worse.
Disclaimer: : These characters are not my own and belong to J.K. Rowling and affiliates.
Warnings: : slash, mpreg, non-con sex (I guess - cos Harry is 16), no explicit sex, swearing, OOC, A/U (forget of HBP and OOTP), noncanon, bad grammar, soap-opera elements. Not explicit!!!
A/N: Setting – after Harry’s fifth year.
Complete: Yes (will be updated in seven parts)

A/N: You are about to read my story. Warnings are clear. Don’t like it, don’t read it.



Third Part


Harry Potter had the most annoying friends in the whole wide world!

Harry needed to talk to his friends and soon. It was getting unbearable.

“No, Ron! I am not a girl! I can carry my bag myself! People will think that we are dating,” Harry growled when Ron tried to snatch his bag to carry it.

“Oh, we don’t need that…Maybe Hermione could carry it for you and I will carry hers,”

Now I really understand what killing with kindness means.

“Oh, but then people will think that Hermione is dating you and I am dating Hermione…eww, they will think that we three are…eww,”

“Shut up, Ron,” Hermione and Harry shouted in unison.

But still… Harry was going mad. It went on all day. Hermione and Ron were treating him like an invalid or a child. Fussing over him. Trying to force feed him more food than a Hippogriff managed to consume. Snapping at people who looked ‘funny’ at Harry. He knew their intentions were the best, but that couldn’t go on.

“Listen guys, I am glad to see that you care, but you are attracting too much attention. It looks suspicious. Besides I am not sick. And I won’t fall down and break. Please, relax.”

“But Harry, you are pregnant,” whispered Hermione.

“I am pregnant, not sick,” Harry was fuming.

“But Harry, you obviously are in danger! We are just looking out for you!”

“Oh, sorry Harry mate, but...”

Can I win in this battle? Somehow Harry doubted it.

***

Meanwhile a tall cloaked figure entered the headmaster’s office.

“Headmaster,” the man greeted.

“Mr. Malfoy. What brings you here?”

“There are some matters I want to discuss.”

“What matters, Mr. Malfoy?”

“Mr. Potter.”

“Oh, well, that is interesting…?”


***


Harry was eating lunch when a fourth year Huppelfuff approached the Gryffindor table and handed him a note.

“What is it, Harry?” Ron asked.

“The headmaster wants to talk to me after dinner,” the boy frowned.

“About what?” Hermione’s eyes shot up from her book. Yeah, she was trying to read during lunch.

“No idea,” sighed Harry.

Please, let it be something ordinary, something not turning my life upside-down…I hope it’s not Voldemort.

Probably that was too much to ask.

“Harry, come in!” Albus Dumbledore was as calm and seemed to be as content with life as usually.

“You wanted to see me headmaster?” Harry inquired politely.

“Yes, of course Harry. Tea?” Dumbledore offered.

“Thank you,” Harry was getting nervous.

“Well, Harry, it seems your mystery…mm…father of your child has finally revealed himself.”

Harry choked on his tea and his face turned chalk white.

“I am sorry, my boy, if I startled you,” those mischievous eyes were twinkling as mad.

“I am fine,” Gryffindor squeaked and looked at Albus Dumbledore warily.

Old man gave him an encouraging smile: “Harry, that doesn’t change anything. Hm, I almost somehow relieved, it could be much worse, my boy…Harry it wasn’t your fault, you were thrown in the situation you weren’t ready for, and no one blames you. I hope you understand that.”

“Yes…” somehow it was a cold comfort. “And what is going to happen now?”

“Nothing you don’t agree to. Harry, I talked to Mr. Malfoy. Very interesting wizard he is…indeed. Anyway, he asked if I could explain some important matters to you, my boy. You see, Mr. Malfoy received your letter and he had thought about everything. He asked me to talk to you at first. Harry, Mr. Malfoy is going to propose you.”

Harry gaped.

“Propose what?” You, idiot! Propose!? What did proposing could mean! But that is simply impossible!

“His name and hand in marriage, of course,” Dumbledore smiled and gulped his tea as if nothing special had happened.

Harry on the contrary shouted: “What?!”

“Mister Malfoy had decided that it is the right thing to do, that he should take responsibility,” the old wizard explained patiently.

Harry on the contrary didn’t know what to say.

“Don’t worry, my boy, you have no obligations. Accept or decline - it is your decision.,” Albus smiled reassuringly.

“He wants to marry me?” Harry still could not believe his ears.

“Yes, Lucius made it very clear, would you like a lemon drop?”

Harry just couldn’t believe his mentor and headmaster sometimes! “No! But I don’t have to agree, right?”

“No, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, my boy.”

“But what happens if I agree?” Damn, I almost sound eager to marry Malfoy!“I mean hypothetically?”

There was that mad twinkle in old headmaster’s eyes again.

“A good question, indeed! Well, then there will be negotiation, concerning the marriage contract, both parties will express their wishes concerning the future union. And then you will set the date.”

“Headmaster, but can I get married? I am only sixteen.”

“Harry, there is a different law for magical and partly magical beings. They can be wed as soon as they reach maturity, which had obviously happened, considering your current condition. And you don’t have to ask a permission from your guardians. You see, being with their mate often is crucial for magical creatures, even their physical health. Any kind of efforts to separate the couple may be dangerous.
Of course it is not like that in your case, but the law applies anyway because of circumstances under which your child was conceived. Law assures your right to be with father of your child if you choose to.”

“Oh,” oh, what I am going to do now?

“What I want you to do, Harry, is think about it. You don’t have to agree to anything, it’s your decision. Mr. Malfoy will arrive tomorrow after dinner to make his proposal; I hope you will be able to give your answer then. I am sorry, I would like to give you more time, but Mr. Malfoy insists.”

“I should say, no, right?”

“I don’t know Harry. It is your life and your baby’s life. Mister Malfoy is going to be your child’s father. He has certain rights. A child has right to grow up in a family. Besides Mr. Malfoy could be a valuable asset to our cause.”

What! Dumbledore practically suggested that I should marry Malfoy!

“Take your time, Harry. You will be excused from classes tomorrow if you choose. I am sure you will make the right decision.”

“Yes, right…thank you…”

Harry Potter hated his life once again.

***

Harry hadn’t slept well. He was tossing and turning in his bed all night. He was pale and grumpy and had dark circles under his eyes.

That’s going to solve everything for me. When Malfoy will see me like this he will change his mind about marrying me instantly. Teenager thought, looking in the bathroom mirror. Was those dark circles under his eyes?

He lifted his shirt and took a look at his belly. It couldn’t be noticed when he wore robes, but there was a slight bulge. He stroked it gently. His baby. Harry had started showing already.

He went to all of his classes; he couldn’t just sit in his room and keep going mad. Decision should be simple. Just say… But Harry couldn’t. He just couldn’t do it so easily. Harry wished he could tell Ron and Hermione, but that would be a blast and instead of an advice he would get more problems to deal with. And Ron was definitely biased, because he hated Malfoys and Hermione…No, Harry had to decide by himself. He was not ready to deal with his friends.

When the time came, the dark-haired boy walked down to headmaster’s door. He knew that he would have to knock. He couldn’t stand there forever. But he was afraid of what was waiting in the office. Or who.

Here it goes…

“Aha, Harry, you are here!” The headmaster greeted.

The Gryffindor observed the room. There were three men – Dumbledore, Malfoy and Snape.

“Mr. Potter,” Snape…chuckled? “I was sure that nothing could surprise me in this world, but I have had to revise my opinions numerous times since you entered this school.”

Lucius glanced at Hogwarts Potions master crossly.

“Severus!” Dumbledore chided.

Harry looked at Snape. Amused Potions master was a bit scary sight.

Wait a minute! The bastard is having fun at my expense!

But Severus was actually having fun at Lucius’s expense. He just couldn’t miss absurdity of this situation. This was…well…unexpected to put it mildly. They had been friends since school. And if yesterday someone would try to convince Severus that Lucius will propose one and only Harry Potter, he would have sent that person to St. Mungo’s.

He looked at the tall, well-bred, mannerly man who was perfectly composed, cold-blooded and menacing and then at scrawny school boy who was fidgeting in the opposite chair apparently uncomfortable with whole situation and unable to hide it.
How could snarky potion master not to be amused? Of course Potter was a treat for eye and he probably had certain ‘talents’ due to his heritage…

But there was more to boy than met the eye. Lucius had no idea what he was trying to get himself into. What was he planning to do? Dress up the boy, buy him pretty jewels, give house elves to terrorize and lock in the mansion? If he was thinking that he will be able to do the same thing he did with Narcissa, Mr. Malfoy Senior was up to unpleasant surprise.

But since Potter was going to decline …

“Mr. Potter, I would like to explain myself,” Lucius approached.

“Ok?” Oh, God, I can hardly breathe! Harry’s heart was jumping out of his chest, he was so worried.

“Mr. Potter, considering the situation it is obvious that I am under obligation to offer you my support, protection and name. I assure you that it would be in your and your child’s best interests. There haven’t been an illegitimate Malfoy for centuries and I would like to keep it that way. Furthermore I hope you understand how significant a proper family in child’s life is.”

“I do,” Harry cast down his eyes looking away. After living his whole life with Dursleys he understood too well.

“I can assure you, that there is nothing more important for Malfoy’s than their children and I ensure you that apply to your child as well.”

“But…but,” Harry stuttered, because he was not sure if he should ask his next question. “”But, don’t you want me dead?” The boy finally managed.

Lucius almost couldn’t hide his smile, but somehow managed, because obviously The-Boy-Who-Lived was being deadly ;) serious: “I can understand how you came to this conclusion. But also I can assure you, that it is a miscomprehension. I personally had never been interested in your demise. And now the situation has changed significantly. I believe we can leave our differences behind.”

Harry Potter was apparently contemplating. Finally he broke the silence.

“So you really want to marry me?” The fragile looking boy asked and lift up his head to look in the silver gray eyes with such intensity as if searching for soul there and trying to draw out other man’s deepest thoughts and desires from there.

Lucius Malfoy held his eyes on boys without hesitation and any signs of doubt.

“I think I already made myself very clear,” an eyebrow was raised in Harry’s direction.

“Guess so,” Gryffindor murmured.

All occupants of the room were silent for some time. The only sound was Albus Dumbledore gulping his tea.

“Fine! I’ll do it. But with one condition,” Harry’s voice suddenly broke the pregnant silence.

Potions master gaped.

Did he just say…?

The headmaster didn’t look surprised.

Harry Potter looked determined.

Lucius was perfectly composed hiding his relief.

“Only one, Mr. Potter?” Malfoy raised a brow.

Boy looked at him crossly.

“One special condition. Besides marriage contract. I want you quit working for Voldemort!”

“Mr. Potter! What are you implying…”

“Oh, cut it! There is not anyone who doesn’t know what you are doing in this room! I want you to swear that you will not support Voldemort or help him any way anymore. I am not going to ask you to work for light or something, but you will keep neutrality.”

“That is ridiculous!” Lucius was seething.

“That is final. Take it or leave it,” the boy was determined.

Severus had been shocked at first, but now he was amused again. The brat had it in him. Maybe he was wrong about the boy.

Now Lucius was contemplating.

“Then I guess we have a deal Mr. Potter,” he finally announced. “But you will have to give me some time to solve my problems.”

Harry nodded.

“Congratulations!” Albus Dumbledore exclaimed.

“My lawyers will send you my requests concerning the contract. I suggest you to think about your conditions and then we will make an agreement. After that the date will be set. I am glad that you agreed by free will and I didn’t have to exercise other measures. You can consider yourself betrothed Mr. Potter. Good day.”

And with that Lucius was gone.

Oh, Merlin, did I just agree to marry Malfoy? By free will, other measures? What was he going to do if I hadn’t agreed? Force me? Bastard! What an utter bastard! Why did I agree?

Harry was surprised that no one of two other occupants of the room expressed any disapproval. Snape was just frowning and the headmaster was usual merry himself.

Dumbledore just suggested Harry to think about contract, maybe look up a couple of books in the library. Also they agreed that upcoming marriage would remain secret as long as possible. And with that Harry was dismissed.

***

Harry was walking back to Gryffindor tower in a daze. He really did it. Agreed to marry Malfoy. Of course he had some reason’s to do it. But even more reason’s not to. He almost wished Snape or headmaster would have stopped him, telling that he was an idiot and he didn’t had to do it.

There was a baby growing inside him. His baby will need a home and parents. Harry knew that it was important. He never had neither. He couldn’t just rob his child like that. If Lucius Malfoy was fine with marrying him, Harry’s duty was to say ‘yes’.

Dark-haired teenager hoped that Lucius will be at least a good father. He seemed to be cold and unemotional bastard, but maybe he really could love his children. Draco was spoiled rotten. He was little snobbish prat, but he seemed to be a happy child and really proud of his father. Draco was often going on about ‘my father this, my father that’. And Harry will be around to make sure that his child won’t be that arrogant and royal pain in the ass.

Oh, Merlin, I am really going to have him! Or her… It’s real…

The-Boy-Who-Was-Going-To-Have-A-Baby promised himself that he will do everything to provide his child a normal family and life – at least as normal as possible. If that meant to make a little sacrifice from him, oh, well, nothings come for free.

Harry was not sure how he felt about his future husband. Of course he remembered that night as something quite good and that was why he sometimes thought about Malfoy. And the man was attractive. More than just attractive actually. But that was not love. They didn’t know each other at all. But Harry was ready to try to get along. He hoped that Malfoy wouldn’t treat him worse than Dursleys.

Who other will want him anyway? A skinny kid with ugly spectacles, unmanageable hair and pregnant with a Death Eaters child. And there was also that red-eyed monster after him. At least his baby would have someone if Voldemort succeeds with his plans, someone who had contacts on the opposite side. It was perfect. Maybe it would save his baby’s life in the end. If there was a chance Harry was going to take it.

***

Lucius Malfoy was sitting in library and sipping whiskey when Hogwarts Potions Master steeped through the fireplace.

“Severus, I am starting to think that I should get my house warded against you after all. Don’t you respect me enough to let me know that you are coming instead of just barging in?”

“Quite opposite. You should have noticed that I never barge in wizard’s house if I don’t respect him. And I have noticed that you usually don’t get so sullen about it. Is there any particular reason why you would like to avoid me?”

“What do you want, Severus?” Lucius asked getting straight to the business.

“I want to discuss certain matters.”

“Here you go. A good reason to avoid you,” Lucius drawled.

Snape didn’t bat an eyelid.

“Why do you think he agreed?”

“Not giving up aren’t you?” Lucius sighed looking tired. “Of course, you never do. Sometimes you are as aggravating as a Gryffindor.”

“Tsk, tsk, Lucius, you are about to marry one,” Snape was still slightly amused.

“Ah, that…” Malfoy drawled.

“Yes, that. Probably I will never understand what is happening in Potter’s head, I shouldn’t even try I am sure I would end in a padded room at St. Mungos. But I would like to try to understand what you think you are doing.”

“Do you think I am making a mistake?”

“Yes. And, no. the boy is going to provide you another heir and probably a powerful one, considering his parentage. I understand that you want the child. But what are you going to do with Potter? Do you really have to marry him? Have you considered the consequences?”

Lucius raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow: “Worried about the boy? I thought you hated him.”

Potion’s master just snorted: “I don’t hate Potter more than other brats. Fine, maybe I hate him more. He needs someone to fear or he will get himself killed. And you know that I couldn’t treat him different in classroom even if I personally wanted to.”

“Of course,” the blonde smirked.

Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape were even more than friends and they had very few secrets one from other what was something unimaginable among Slytherins. Lucius knew who Severus was really working for and didn’t minded that much. It was about survival and being on more than one side was really useful. And both men were true Slytherins – in fact they were only on one side – theirs and their families’.

“I am pleased that you are keeping an eye on my fiancé and I will be grateful if you will proceed with that, especially now. Just don’t forget to keep your distance,” the blonde warned.

Snapes face turned into really amused grimace.

“Dear Merlin! Luc, shut up! I am not going to sit here and listen to one of your ‘don’t touch what is mine’ speeches. One, you know I have never touched your…acquisitions. Two, how many times I must tell you that I don’t play for both teams? And finally – Potter will not change that! He is not that amazing. And even if he is not technically a male now; he still has too much male parts for my liking. Of course for you it’s hard to understand number two and three ….”

Severus looked at other man pleadingly hoping that his logical arguments were convincing enough. Empathy wasn’t really something Lucius Malfoy was good at. He was raised in rich pureblood family and spent most of his younger years seeing only people like his family and himself. So concepts like ‘different people’, ‘different views’ were sometimes hard to understand. It was not that bad anymore – Lucius had learned a lot and he was by no means a fool. But situations like this sometimes occurred. Especially when he was very passionate about something. So, if Lucius thought that Harry Potter was desirable it took him some effort to comprehend that other people could have different opinion.

Lucius looked contemplating for a minute and then apparently realizing his hasty mistake changed the topic.

“Your fixation on opposite sex is insipid and vulgar.”

Severus groaned inwardly. Not about that again! Oh, Luc, if you only knew what muggles would say about it…no, that would not be an argument to support my case (strange fixation on opposite gender) you wouldn’t probably care what some muggles think about same sex relationship… no, you would probably be proud to have more sense.

That was not true about the wizarding world. Wizards actually accepted whatever sexual orientation and no one was frowned upon. There were people who were only partly human and went in the heat once a month and people who found a mate by the scent and that was not actually the weirdest – worst things happened. For example half-giants. To create a half-giant a wizard had to actually have relations with a giant! So preferring your own sex wasn’t an issue.

But it was about Lucius Malfoy who couldn’t accept that his friend didn’t share his views. And the reason was that the snobbish blonde was sure that Severus is missing a lot.

It was Potion Master’s turn to change the topic. Or he would have to hex his companion.

“So, Lucius tell me, I am really curious. Is enchantress’s ‘magic’ really as impressive as told? But no details this time, please! Believe me I have heard enough about your private life to have disturbing nightmares for the rest of my life and I hope that someday I will get over that… but not this time.”

“But that’s a good story…”

“No! Imagine me remembering your ‘good story’ every time I am going to berate Potter and then blushing! What will everyone think if I will start blushing by the sight of Potter! Now, answer the question. There haven’t been known enchantresses for century.”

“Curious, are you? I can assure you Severus, that everything they write about enchantresses is true and obviously Mr. Potter has inherited an ability to perform their ‘magic’ as you call it. Does that satisfy your curiosity?” Lucius gave his friend a meaningful look.

“Yes. Good for you. But speaking about Potter. You can’t marry someone just because he is good in bed.”

“And why not?” Lucius raised an eyebrow. “And it is not only about sex. I am not marrying him just because he is god in bed. Potter will give me one more heir. Malfoys have never had luck with that. You can’t imagine how important this child is for me. My child is going to carry my name.”

“I understand that this marriage will bring you a lot of benefits. But I must warn you that there are risks involved. Potter is a walking trouble Lucius and he is not your kind. He is not even our kind. I would say that he isn’t even his kind. He is different. And if you think that you will be able to control him, you are delusional. Potter is very indocile.”

“Maybe I want something different? Believe me, I have considered all the risks and I am ready to take them. If you really thought that this is such a bad idea why are you trying to convince me? Why aren’t you talking to Potter?”

Snape snorted.

“Are you suggesting me to tell a young Gryffindor not to do something and expect him to listen to older and wiser and not to do exactly opposite thing with even more eagerness? You at least listen to my arguments and think about them.”

“You can be sure that I have really thought about situation and I am ready to face it. It’s getting late, Severus. I had a tiring day…”

Other man looked at his friend.

You are a lost case, my friend. I guess you really can’t resist the boy. Who could have thought? Lucius Malfoy lost his head over Harry Potter! Of course, even I must admit that he is very special in more than one way. And that is both blessing and curse. But I will have to let Lucius work things out himself…

Severus Snape wished his friend goodnight and stepped in the fireplace.

***

Harry was confused. He was hiding from his friends in the dark corner of library and trying to make some sense of wizarding law. Now he understood why there were people who spent many years learning to understand this shite. Honestly, Harry’s head was spinning. It seemed that there were different rules for very person in the wizarding world.

There were rules applying to marriage in general and then rules considering partly-magical beings. Partly magical being. Boy-Who-Lived and whose life couldn’t be called boring, still couldn’t completely accept the fact that he wasn’t completely human. However he started to feel little better, because he found out that there were a lot of wizards like him. Harry was actually lucky, because he was considered more human than a beast contrary to some others like werewolves, harpies and giants. His heritage actually granted boy more rights than restrictions. Enchantresses were ‘not proved to have any kind of dangerous uncontrollable inclinations coming from their non-human origins’.

And what about the ‘heat thing’! Isn’t jumping on nearest wizard around bad enough?

Harry’s question was answered in the next page. Whoever wrote this book claimed that enchantresses chose only appropriate partners (mature, healthy and willing) and albeit they were persuading their partner, means of persuasion were not much different from ordinary, human courting rituals even if enchantresses were more persistent. ‘Enchantresses use their natural skills to rouse interest in partner of choice, no secretion, pheromones or magical energy is used’.

Oh, I hadn’t thought about it… So it’s not like with veelas, people will not get randy just because I am hanging around. That’s a good thing I guess. And Lucius Malfoy had a choice and actually chose to sleep with me. Well he liked it, that was obvious, but I am not sure if it’s better to know that he just liked to do it with me because of what I was doing to him, not because of some mystic ‘being irresistible animal’ thing.

Finally Harry decided to think about it later. Now he needed to figure out those laws and decide what he was going to ask in contract.

Reading wizarding law was tiresome and annoying, because it didn’t just stated what the law was, authors were usually moralizing a lot, gong on about what is good and what is not, sometimes even out of context. Harry wondered if human laws were the same, he had suspicions that they were different. But besides preaching there was some really interesting information too.

There was a passage declaring that it was strongly forbidden to posses any kind written information containing instructions how to transform an animal into enchantresses. And then author was going on how degradating that kind of practice was, how cruel and dangerous, because often wizards failed and animals died.

Survived only strongest subjects… Maybe that’s why I am able to have a baby, because it’s a matter of surviving, something about that rule of Darwin guy I studied in the muggle school…

Teoloculus Uprightone (the wizard who wrote the law) apparently thought that wizards should feel guilty for past sins and crimes committed by their community. Law stated that any kind of actions to make an enchantress to provide sexual services must be severely punished. And Harry could even ask for a child support from ministry if he wanted!

Oh, this is embarrassing…Poor Harry potter asking a support from ministry, to feed the child he conceived, when his magical creature’s instincts got out of hand.

There was a law saying that his kind was to be punished more severely for using sexual gratification to bribe someone.

Of course it’s not like I am going to do that.

“Hey, Pothead! I didn’t know you could read!” Harry heard familiar voice and snickering after that.

Not, now, I am busy! What’s wrong with him? Get a life Malfoy and stand out of mine!

“I am getting worried about you, Malfoy,”

Harry stated calmly. When Harry didn’t explain his statement himself, blond Slytherin gave up.

“Why is that, Potty?”

Gotcha!

“You must have very miserable life if your only pleasure is watching me.”

Harry was satisfied to hear other Slytherins snickering again. Draco wasn’t.

“Shut up you morons!”

“Mmm, don’t feel too bad Draco, I can understand you, Potter is really something to look at,” Blaise Zabini teased.

Harry blushed, grabbed his books and left. He decided to retreat while he was still winning.

“Blasé, he is not…it’s Potter!” Draco sounded desperate.

“And? He’s still a cutie,” Blaise was indifferent.

“You always only think about one thing!” Draco reprimanded other Slytherin.

“And what’s wrong with that, I am a normal teenage boy…Do you think Potter is dating someone?”

***

Three days later Harry, Albus Dumbledore, professor Snape and Lucius Malfoy were gathered in headmaster’s office.

“Would you like to have some tea?” The headmaster began.

All the men accepted.

“Well, let’s start,” headmaster looked at Harry and smiled reassuringly. “Do you have any questions, my boy?”

“Some, maybe,” he answered.

“Mr. Potter, it has been decided that we will start with you. Please tell me what you are expecting from this marriage,” Severus offered.

Harry pulled out a parchment from his bag and unfolded it. He had red a lot of laws, but he still wasn’t sure about everything. He still was not sure that this was really happening.

“I wrote down some things here,” dark-haired Gryffindor began and handed parchment to Lucius. “I red about marriages and there were some things I didn’t like.”

What I want:
1. Equal rights in marriage;
2. To be able to do hat I want after school;
3. Separate property;
4. Keep my surname;
5. Baby’s surname Potter-Malfoy;
6. Decide how to raise and educate baby;
7. Avoid some topics in contract.

Whatever Lucius Malfoy’s opinion was, his face didn’t shoved any reaction.

“Care to explain, Mr. Potter,” older man offered.

Harry frowned; he had thought he made it quite clear.

“Ok. I mean that I want to be independent and free to do things my way even if I am married. Make my own choices.”

Lucius looked at Harry.

“Mr. Potter, what do you think the marriage is about?”

Harry wanted to look away, but forced himself not to avert his eyes.

“Marriage is when people get married and live together. All those laws I red, they were kind of weird, and those people want to determine every aspect of life in marriage contract. That’s stupid. I don’t want a parchment telling me what color robes I should wear and how many dinner-parties I should attend and other stuff. And then there is that thing about dominant and submissive spouse. That’s disgusting! I found a book about muggle marriages and they say that muggles mostly write about many and getting divorced in their marriage contracts…”

“Mr. Potter, must I remind you that we are not muggles?” Lucius sounded annoyed.

“I know! But that doesn’t mean that we need to define everything with contract! We could just write down that we don’t want each others money and that we will both share custody of our child if we get divorced. Isn’t that possible?”

“Of course…” Albus Dumbledore began.

“Of course not!” Lucius snapped. “First, Malfoys don’t get divorced. Second, Malfoy’s are one of the oldest family’s in the wizarding world and therefore has certain standards and you must agree to live up to those standards and finally – there hasn’t been any Malfoy heir for centuries who has not been dominant in marriage.”

Harry looked at his future husband with disbelief.

“That’s just…that’s crazy! I am never going to agree to anything like that! I red those rules! Dominant spouse can order other around as he wishes!”

“Mr. Potter, I assure you that every decision I will make is going to be for your own wellbeing, besides considering benefits you will gain giving up some control is not that much of sacrifice. Besides most of the terms will be established in contract, you won’t have to submit to unexpected unfounded demands.”

“You are mad if you think I will agree to something like that!” Harry exclaimed.

“There is no need to be disrespectful, Mr. Potter,” Lucius pointed out gravely.

Harry wanted to say something really nasty like:

You arrogant, snobbish, self-absorbed bastard how you dare to…

Boy’s inner ranting was interrupted when Severus Snape abruptly rose from his chair.

“Follow me, Lucius.” He calmly ordered walking towards the fireplace.

“With all my respect, Severus…” Malfoy tried to protest.

“We need to talk. Now. Alone. Please? We will be back in ten minutes Albus.”

“Of course, my boy,” headmaster smiled.

With that potions master grabbed some floo powder, yelled ‘Severus Snape’s quarters’ and stepped in the fireplace. Lucius followed without even looking at other two people in the room.

***

Severus motioned Lucius to sit down on one of the forest green armchairs in the front of fireplace taking the other one himself.

“Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?” the blonde inquired.

“No,” other man returned curtly. “How much do you want to marry the boy? No, don’t answer; you must want it pretty badly to go through all the trouble. Potter did his homework once. Honestly I hoped that he will just sign whatever you give him, but I must admit that I shouldn’t underestimate the brat. But, Luc, how could you expect that you will be able just slip him a standard Malfoy marriage contract and he will just sign it?

Do you remember that I asked you did you know why he was agreeing to marry you? He is not a pureblood trophy wife who is ready to sign whatever you want just to be able to marry in the Malfoy family and get a chance to spend some of your money,” potion’s master shoot his friend a pointed look.

“And don’t interrupt me! I was trying to make a hint, but you didn’t get it,” you are so enchanted my friend and by bloody Potter! ”You must face it. Potter is an insolent, indocile, rebellious brat. He takes pleasure in going against what society sees right and good if he doesn’t agrees with that. Disregarding consequences. He dislikes authority and if you push him harder he will push back till the end. I have no idea why is the boy that way, those damn muggles must have had spoiled him rotten.

He is not going to sign a contract which will allow you to control him. What I mean is that you will have to tame him, but you will have to find another means. And don’t ask me how. I have not figured that out myself. These are the facts. Use them as you wish.”

With that Severus stood up and invited Lucius follow him back to the headmaster’s office.

***

As soon as Lucius and Severus stepped out of the fireplace Harry raised from his chair he looked calmer than before.

“Mr. Malfoy, I see that this will never work. I am not going to be bonded to you like a house elf,” Harry was ready to leave.

“Mr. Potter, I don’t think a pillowcase will become you,” aristocratic blonde retorted with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

That took messy-haired Gryffindor aback.

Did he just make a joke? Wow! The man must not be such a petrified asshole all the time after all.

“Speaking seriously,” Malfoy continued. “I apologize for my hasty words, I must admit that I didn’t consider your muggle upbringing seriously. I am ready to negotiate. Please tell me what you propose.”

Potions master mentally rolled eyes – Lucius could be such a charmer if he wanted to be.

“Well,” Harry began. “When muggles marry their contracts are mostly about how to divide everything they have if they got divorced. Muggles don’t try to agree on how they will deal with every aspect of their life together in the contract,” boy explained.

Lucius raised an eyebrow: “And what do they do then?”

Harry smiled, answer was so simple: “They sit down and talk about things together and then make a decision. Together. After discussing everything.”

“But isn’t it easier to agree on everything before marriage?” Lucius asked innocently.

“But that’s impossible!” Exclaimed Harry.

“Why? I really don’t see the problem. Malfoys usually decide about each partner’s obligations. For submissive one it’s usually running the household, hosting parties, joining charity projects, rising children if they are female and that’s bout all. Not so much to do at all.”

“Can I ask you a question Mr. Malfoy? Who makes all the important decisions in family?”

“Of course the head of the family. I am aware that you are worried Mr. Potter that someone will have too much authority over you. I can assure you that I am not going to abuse my power, every decision I will make will be for your own good. Besides I am older, so I have more experience and knowledge to make right decisions.”

Boy frowned. “Mr. Malfoy, I still want to make my decisions myself, I want to make my mistakes myself. And, I am not going to be your wife, even if I am the one who is having a baby,” Harry smirked. “I want to be your husband. With equal rights and I am not going to let you to rule my life.”

Malfoy was contemplative for a moment. He had not expected that Potter would be so difficult. Lucius had assumed that they would sign the contract and the boy would be his. But there were other means to make one submit.

“I think I understand, Mr. Potter. I shouldn’t have expected you to hold views of a pureblood girl. Fine, Mr. Potter I will yield. Our marriage contract will determine mostly our financial relations.
However, I have one condition – you will become a Malfoy. That is not negotiable. You will take my name and our child will be a Malfoy. I agreed to your conditions, I assume it is only fair that you agree to mine. My lawyers will work on the contract. Only one request – you can’t tell absolutely anyone about terms of our contract.”

Severus mentally rolled eyes. Of course Lucius didn’t want anyone to know about this contract, because it was incredibly humiliating for a Malfoy. Lucius gave in to the boy. Brat got everything as he wanted. Just one slip – Luc didn’t mention anything about possibility of getting divorced…

“Mr. Potter I think the ceremony can be held in two weeks from now,” Lucius continued. “I will take care of everything. Just one more thing.” The elegant blonde rose from his seat with dignified grace and pulled something out of his pocket. He approached Harry who also got on his feet and took boys right hand in his.

“With this ring I Lucius Abraxas Malfoy promise to marry you Harry James Potter.”

Lucius pushed a ring on Harry’s finger, he kept boy’s hand in his for a minute then released it commenting: “And don’t worry about ring Mr. Potter. It s concealed, people who don’t know about it will not notice it. See you soon.”

Lucius was gone and Harry was still looking at the ring. Plain golden band and large diamond. So clear and sparkling. Simple, but painfully beautiful. Reminding of his fate.

Am I agreeing to be locked in a golden cage?

***

Two days later Harry was called back to headmaster’s office. He signed the marriage contract and a strange magical measuring-tape took his measurements for his wedding robe. The tape was working without any help, spinning around boy as if it had its own mind.

Next two weeks Harry felt as if living in some kind of strange dream. He was definitely showing. Baby was really there. Every morning when he took a shower he saw the bulge.

Ron and Hermione helped him a lot. They had calmed down and weren’t being that meddlesome anymore, but still very supportive.

In the evening before wedding day headmaster wanted to talk to Harry. He didn’t say anything important. Just something about choices and how everything what happens happens for better. Then old man naturally asked if Harry wanted to talk about something. Harry didn’t. He took a lemon drop and left. He had to get ready for his big day.

***


AN: Thanks for reviews! They make me happy.

BTW i am looking for Beta, but don't feel good relying on other people and every time I try to find someone... well, it has never worked out, but if you know someone...