Lucky Strike

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Beta'd by the most amazing Tenchi, who I can't thank enough for all the hard work she does for me!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

 

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Just a reminder of what's on my profile; reviews complaining or whinging about the lack 'o sex in stories will get deleted. If you want a smut-filled romp, you need to find another story to read.

 

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Chapter 30

 

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After finding a place he wouldn't be bothered, making sure to put a ward up to keep people away, Jamie sat down with a sigh to read his parents letter again. He had glanced at it when it arrived at breakfast, but quickly determined he needed time to go through it so he waited until he had a free period to read it through more carefully. He had one right after his first class, so it was perfect.

When he settled into a comfy chair in the small area in the common room furthest from the fire, he made sure the back of the chair was facing the room. There were only a few people in the common room anyway as most were either outside or in the library, thankfully. The ones who were there appeared busy, so he would be left alone, what he wanted.

Once more slipping the parchment out, he began to read it again, brow furrowing as he did. The more he read, the more his stomach clenched and he felt a tad ill. When spouting all he did as a way to defend his parents, he didn't think about others overhearing, ones who would hand the information over to the other side or pass it to people they didn't want to know. Oh Merlin, some of what he had come across with could help plenty, not something he intended! Back in Argentina they didn't have these sorts of problems. The most they ever had to deal with were warring factions of a political nature, not people who would actually help a side which was pure evil.

Though he thought he took in everything there, he read it once more to make sure he had it all then tucked it back in his robes again before resting his elbows on his knees, head hanging down. Letting out a shaky sigh, he shook his head. Now he had to make sure he kept his trap shut on plenty of matters, even if it wasn't easy. The fight was here, he knew this from what he saw in the Prophet and because they came back. He would feel horrific if some of what he already said would end up used to help the other side. Neville had talked to him the day before about being careful and the light began to dawn from the discussion. Now it was driven home by his parents. He wasn't sure how they heard, but was glad they did. Of course, his suspicion was Sarah. Though mildly miffed she would tattle, he could understand why she did as he was trying to pay attention to her, but would end up riled then ignore everything she said. Now, well, he wished they were in the same classes so she could help put a leash on him and his mouth.

As he thought it all over, he gave an internal sigh. Really, he needed to calm down. While he didn't like his parents being taken after, Neville had been right the day before; they were the adults and it was their issue to take care of, not his to defend them. As was also pointed out, nothing he was going to say to anyone would mitigate the actions they took because of all Harry had suffered. Him defending them just made him look as horrible to everyone. So, yeah, he needed to stop. He really did. If he didn't, he would actually make matters worse in the long run. No, he didn't want to aid in making a horrible situation all the worse.

His mind then skipped to the topic of Draco Malfoy and what his parents said. They were right there too. He needed to avoid the prat at all costs. While they mixed about as well as oil and water, trying to make Draco see everything from his point of view wasn't going to work as he knew too much about the whole nightmare and from a perspective he didn't have. Even his parents confirmed that Draco was Harry's friend, so Malfoy probably had plenty of information he had no way of knowing. And, from what was said, he had passed all he said to the people who adopted Harry. It helped nothing if Harry was told, though his parents assured him that Harry wasn't. No, not good at all.

Eyes going shut, he was angry, though not at being told to knock off what he was doing. More like it was directed at places which made him uncomfortable; like his parents and Grandpa Albus. They had messed up so badly he and Sarah were having a hard time dealing with parts. Then they were promised or assured so much that didn't happen. It bothered him to no end. While everyone was doing what they could, such as it sounded like they found a house to buy, they were left in the middle of a nightmare he didn't know how to deal with. No one was supposed to know they were back in this way and the hatred wasn't factored in. Harry—all which was supposed to come from that way wasn't happening, a big part of the problem. So, yeah, this was bad and he needed to stop trying so hard. Maybe, just maybe, he needed to start ignoring everyone and everything said then focus on the end of term.

They only had a month or so before then, so it wasn't long. Over the summer he would do what he could to deal with so much and come back in the fall better able to control himself. He just needed to focus. Sarah might have some suggestions how to deal with the anger and frustration over so much. After all, she was good with those areas. Because he needed to do something before he ended up saying something which would give someone a hand they didn't need.

After making sure he was calm, he let out a ragged sigh then shook his head again. Starting now, he would knock the crap off and just focus. All he had to do. After all, he could manage plenty, as he had proven in the past when it came to school and Quidditch, when he focused. Now he needed to and to start right away. Yes, the time had come to not draw attention to himself and keep his head down. People made comments? He would just walk off. No more engaging, no matter what they said.

Finally feeling like he had a plan in place, he stood to grab his books. He had plenty of time before the next class, of course, but wanted prepared. Besides, he was always tops in his class in Argentina, so he wanted to make sure he was here as well. It had just managed to get lost in the shuffle so far because of the stress. Nope, time to focus again and make his parents proud.

 

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Jamie wasn't the only one taking his free period to reread a letter from his parents. Draco was doing the same thing. His father had sent along another of those messages with a mission. Unlike Jamie, there wasn't any soul searching for Draco. Instead, he liked the job; poke Jamie and get him to yammer about everything. Oh, he could easily take it on and would enjoy every moment of making the prat spew forth everything. It was something he could do as well, with minimal effort. The only concern his father gave him on the matter was to be cautious of who he did it around so the other side of the coming nightmare didn't end up with information they could use. Draco made a mental note to ensure he paid attention to who was around when he started poking.

After tucking the letter into one of his books, he leaned back in his chair with a sigh and huge smirk. Not only would be he helping the cause, but he was going to enjoy this! Poking Potter was a pastime he enjoyed too much because of what he was like. Knowing he could poke and help would make it more enjoyable. Yes, he would have too much fun doing so. He would just have to use a couple techniques to see which one worked best then go with it to get the maximum amount of information possible. Oh, he knew he could easily get plenty with just the standard, but they needed all the prat knew, so he would find the best route here. Besides, he wasn't sure how much time he had before the git wised up and shut up. So, yes, he would start soonest and go from there.

A smirk firmly in place at the fun he was about to have, Draco rose then went to find Pansy and Blaise. He thought they were in the common room, so he would try there first. Then the three would vanish to talk so most weren't the wiser what they were up to. He was sure the two would enjoy this as much as he would!

 

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A grin on his face, James gave a pleased nod at what he held. For once, something went fine. “We have the house,” he told Lily and Albus, both of whom were seated at the table with him. “They accepted the offer, so we have to show up at Gringotts tomorrow for the paperwork then go to the Ministry once it's through, in a couple days' time, to sign the title and register everything for the taxes. Once we finish at the Ministry, we can move.”

“Finally,” Lily nodded, giving a relieved sigh. While the house wasn't the size of some they were counting on, it was plenty big and comfortable, with enough room for all of them to have separate bedrooms. It even had a place for Albus which was akin to an apartment so he could deal with touchy matters without the children seeing anyone or overhearing. Perfect.

“Easily tended to,” Albus smiled, smoothing down his beard after reading the paper James passed to him. “We should be able to move in within the week, I think. It'll be much better and more comfortable for all of us.”

“We have some work to do on it and to decorate, but nothing we can't handle while living there,” James agreed, nodding, tremendously relieved. He was certain their offer would be turned down when the people who owned it heard who they were. As their names were mud right now and the owners hadn't looked pleased, it appeared their want to move trumped their distaste for them. Good.

“One of the bits we need is floor plans so we can judge what is where and decide where to put the kids,” Lily said, conjuring some parchment and a quill then starting to take notes. “As we can move in fast, we'll pick the bedrooms rather than let the kids pick their own, besides Maggie that is.”

“Jamie stays on the floor with us,” James said firmly, knowing better than to let his son stay too far away as he was apt to end up to something before they could realize it. “As Sarah is good at keeping an eye on Maggie, as long as they're on the same floor they should be fine.” Then, with a smile, he added, “There is even plenty of room outside for them to have fun, even fly a little if they want. Good.”

“The bank shouldn't be a problem,” Albus schooled, looking between the two, smiling. “We can tend to it easily. It's something we can finish tomorrow. Then we might be able to bump up the date for the Ministry and be in by the weekend. While it'll be hectic to deal with, we can manage.”

“The house has elves, so they can help,” James nodded, distracted by the standard paperwork which always came with the purchase of a house. He had seen it before, of course, and filled it out, but wanted to ensure there were no hidden whatever in it.

“We'll manage, between all of us,” Lily told him, still making notes. “I'm just thankful we can get moved before the kids come home for the summer. This way we can be mostly settled and go from there.”

“True,” James agreed. Then he said, “I'll have this done this afternoon, no problem, so we'll be ready for whatever.” Leaning back with a relieved sigh, he added, “We can get in and get it fortified quickly, what we need. I want as much up as we can get before the kids come home for the summer. Not sure when this mess will kick off, but it's coming and I want as prepared as we can get.”

“Easily done between all of us,” Albus smiled, leaning back. Then he began to lay out how he wanted to protect the house so they had the basic idea. This pleased him. Though the house wasn't as big as they would have liked, it fit the bill in every other way. Good. Now they could move forward and prepare.

 

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“No,” Harry said a little forcefully, shaking his head, after reading through the proposal from his Solicitor about suing over what happened to him. “Leave it, yeah? Not interested. I understand what you lot are saying about this being the only way to get a measure of justice as I sure as hell didn't get it in court, but I don't want to even start down this road. I don't need the money and just want it left. Only thing I want is that meeting to let them have it. Well, and to end up left alone. This won't accomplish any of it.” After tossing the paper back on the table, he took a sip of his butterbeer and petted Bugs.

“Understood,” Severus nodded, having expected the refusal. “We just wanted you to know it was an option if you wanted to take it.”

“Thanks, but no shot in hell I'm trying,” Harry sighed.

“We didn't think you would, but it was your choice,” Remus told him with a smile. Then he added, “We're doing what we can to ensure they leave us alone. Let's see how well it works. If it doesn't, we'll go from there.”

“Thanks,” Harry nodded. Brow furrowed, he then asked, “Is Sirius considering this step?” He assumed the man would as he was hurt just as badly in this whole nightmare.

“Yes,” Remus told him honestly. “I think it's more than considering, actually. He'll probably go through with it. That's where he is at the moment, with his Solicitor, making plans. We all assume they'll settle, fast, rather than end up with it in court. They can't win and I'm sure they know it.”

“Oh, I'm sure he'll slap them so hard they'll be seeing stars for years,” Harry chuckled, grinning evilly. “Well, or make a provision to where he's locked in a room with them for an hour.”

 

“Black did mention the latter before he left,” Severus told his son, looking amused. Then, sobering up, he added, “Keep in mind you have a while before you can no longer file, Harry. And I doubt they'll want to end up in court with you, so they'll settle.”

“I'll remember, I just don't want any part of it.” Harry told him with a determined shake of his head. “I don't see the point.”

“It will make them sting, all we can give you,” Remus told him softly with a sad smile on his face.

“They'll be stinging plenty when I'm done with them,” Harry replied, grinning evilly again, petting Bugs. “I just don't want to bother.”

“We understand,” Remus added with a nod.

Severus figured it was enough discussion on the topic and changed it. “Is there anything you want to do tonight? Such as go out or do you just want to stay home?” As Harry was doing better and venturing out more, he wouldn't push for them going out, but wondered if his son had anything in mind he wanted to do.

“Not sure there,” Harry admitted, shifting around to get more comfortable and crossing his legs on the bench. “Not much in the mood to go out. Maybe playing some games? Well, once Sirius comes back. As it's nice out, sit outside to do it?”

“I like the idea,” Remus told him, smiling again. “We can eat outside as well. I'm sure the elves can come up with the standard fare and we can enjoy the nice breeze.”

Severus was about to suggest setting up the grill when an old familiar feeling, one he truly feared was coming, ignited on his arm. With a pained hiss, he clutched the Dark Mark, going pale as he did. Oh, not good, very not good. This was enough to tell him the Dark Lord was, indeed, back.



“Severus? What's wrong?” Remus asked, highly concerned, though assuming what it was from where his husband was clutching. Already his heart was beating a rapid tattoo at what this could mean and his mind was all over about what he had to do if his guess was right.

“It'll fade,” Severus told him through clenched teeth. “While I wait it out, get in touch with Rufus to let him know then check with Narcissa. I'm certain Lucius was just summoned as well.”

“Will do,” Remus nodded, standing to tend to both as fast as he could manage.

“What's going on?” Harry asked, completely confused. Not only was he confused, but worried about the look on his dad's face. For the first time since he had met Severus, he saw a flash of fear cross his features. He didn't think Severus feared anything. While it might have been easy to convince himself he didn't see it, the fact was he had. It was one of those honed skills he had developed over the years to help. Severus was frightened by something, which had him plenty worried what it could mean.

“Remember us telling you about me being a former Death Eater and being summoned?” Severus asked, pleased to have something to focus on besides the burning pain in his arm. When Harry, who looked highly concerned nodded, he pressed on, “I've just been summoned. This is the reaction in the Dark Mark, the tattoo-like thing on my arm. It burns. He's trying to call me.”

“He can't find you, can he?” Harry asked, more concerned than before. He didn't think so, as neither of the two mentioned it, but wanted to make damned sure.

“No,” Severus assured him with a shake of his head, hissing as the mark burned hotter. “It just burns to let me know I'm supposed to answer the summons. I won't, obviously, and it will fade out, it just burns until then. Nothing to worry about. In fact, it lets Rufus know our suspicion was right. No one other than the Dark Lord himself could summon us.”

“This isn't good,” Harry said softly, shaking his head as he watched his dad.

“No, it's not, but it’s nothing to concern yourself with,” Severus assured him, gritting his teeth against the pain. “We have plans in place to protect all of us. I would rather know he made the first move in this manner than end up blindsided, Harry.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Harry asked, not sure what to do or say, clutching Bugs close.

“There isn't anything, unfortunately,” Severus told him, starting to sweat from the pain. “Once it's over, I have something I can take to make me feel better. It just won't work until the burning stops.”

“Lucius was summoned as well,” Remus said, coming back in. Conjuring an ice pack, though he wasn't sure if it would help, he put it on Severus' arm, hoping it would at least a little. “I contacted him first then Rufus. Though not happy you were summoned, Rufus is going to talk to Madam Bones then will let us know if we need to do anything.”

“Not much they can do,” Severus grunted, though he was pleased the burning seemed as though it was letting up. “It just gives them more proof.”

“Proof we need,” Remus told him, holding the ice pack in place. “And a heads up to all of us so we know to protect ourselves.” With a sigh, he added, “It's a ploy anyway, we know it. He was just trying to draw you and Lucius out. By now I'm sure he knows both of you were spies.”

“Indeed,” Severus nodded, relaxing as the burn was now rapidly fading and down to something tolerable. “I'm sure he wanted to see if we were foolish enough to answer or try to convince him otherwise.”

“Narcissa said she and Lucius would come over after they tended to some bits,” Remus told him, pleased Severus was relaxing. “We have plans to make so the two of you stay safe. It's clear you're both in extreme danger.” Though he was thinking it, he didn't add probably in as much danger as Harry was.

“Yes, plans need made, for plenty,” Severus nodded, slumping as the pain finally ended, though leaving a dull ache in his arm from the prolonged sensation of the summons since he didn't answer it. Summoning the potion he told Harry about, he downed it quickly, feeling instantly better. “When Black returns, I want him to double check the warding to make damned sure it's all up as strong as we can get it.”

“He can, easily,” Remus nodded, relieved it was over for now, though apprehensive over what could come now.

“We have other bits to worry about as well,” Severus told him, stamping down the slight panic over what this meant. If he stayed focused on what they needed in place, fast, to protect all of them, he could fight it off, what he needed to do, so he would.

As he sat there and listened to his dads, clutching Bugs close, Harry was worried. He knew they were trying to keep him out of as much as they could and protect him, but the fear on his dad's face bothered him more than anything else. From what he knew, the fear meant something, but wasn't sure what. And, honestly? He wasn't sure he wanted to know. If it was bad enough to scare his dad, it was probably horrific. While he had dealt with plenty of horrific bits over his time, this wasn't one he was sure he wanted to know about. He knew the insane arsehole was after him for some reason, but what he saw from his dad told him Severus and probably Lucius were in just as much danger. He didn't like the idea.

After shifting around a bit, petting Bugs as the rabbit snuggled up to him, Harry listened to all they were saying but kept glancing at the door. He wanted Sirius back. While he knew Sirius wasn't in the danger Severus or Lucius were, he was in plenty. Realistically, he doubted anything would happen now if Severus was just summoned, but he couldn’t help it. He would feel better when they were all together. It always felt like the four of them could tackle anything, especially if Lucius and Cissy were helping. In this case, it would make him feel better, even if they didn't manage anything. He just wanted that assurance, nothing more.

 

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