Harry Potter and The Serpent King (BP5)
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Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
52
Views:
20,398
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85
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0
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Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
52
Views:
20,398
Reviews:
85
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Bad News
Chapter Number/Total: 4/52
Chapter Title: Bad News
Words: 3402 Words
"... and another attack in Leeds and lastly, five more deaths in London - Muggles. Muggle Law Enforcement reports seem dodgy. They're still spreading the Muggle terrorist rumours, but that can't work forever. We're losing people left and right, and after the attacks on Christmas, it's harder and harder to cover up these deaths. This is on the verge of possibly starting a war or an epidemic in the Muggle world. They know that something is happening," Mr Weasley finished, lowering the parchment he'd been reading from.
Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead, having already heard Hermione say this.
"And we haven't caught a slimy piece of Death Eater scum since those Christmas attacks," growled Moody.
"Their numbers are climbing," said Bill. "It's getting too difficult to monitor all of Britain. They're everywhere. It's proving even more difficult to get anyone involved in this. Everyone's afraid. Not even Harry's article months ago brought too many new fighters. This is a damn war. You'd think people would take some notice."
"Bloody hypocrites. The lot of them," said George.
"Harry's poster did help some," Hermione put in only half-heartedly.
"Yeah, now ickle tweens have something to paper their walls with," said Fred.
Mrs Weasley sighed at her son in an exasperated sort of way.
"He's right," said Harry, lowering his hand to the table. "That stupidity hardly did anything."
Remus sighed. "Voldemort's not exactly having trouble with numbers, as Bill said. Fenrir's werewolves are getting bolder. They are 'recruiting' from the Muggle criminal world now."
Shacklebolt nodded. "As Harry and Draco reported," he said, "some of the Death Eaters who were supposed to be in Azkaban are gone. We didn't even know until Aurors showed up and demanded a count of the prisoners."
"So basically," Harry said, voice bitter, "things aren't looking too good for us."
Mr Weasley winced slightly. "For lack of better words, yes," he said.
Harry let out a large breath. "Well, for fuck's sake, don't we have any better ways to recruit?"
Mrs Weasley pursed her lips at his language, but didn't actually say anything.
"It's hard," said Charlie. "It's not just about getting new people for the Ministry. We just need fighters and we can't bloody well let every Dick and Tom into the Order."
"This is a covert war," Draco said. "Death Eaters can be anyone and that is more frightening than an enemy who wears a uniform. We will never win by numbers. We need strategy that doesn't rely upon the amount of people we have. We need information and ways to get it. And there, I think I have some ideas."
Everyone in the room looked at Draco with interest, even Moody.
"Ideas?" Harry asked.
"I have been experimenting with some new potions," Draco said. "Potions have the advantage in that it doesn't take a powerful wizard or witch to use them. For example, a new one that allows a person to be invisible for a fairly lengthy time."
"That would be very helpful for Aurors and others tracking down information," Shacklebolt said, looking interested.
Moody nodded, grudgingly impressed, though he growled, "What's the catch?"
Harry sighed quietly. "Making a sound causes you to appear again - making a sound with your voice anyway. I saw the potion used."
"Still though," said Mr Weasley, "that's very impressive. One can't expect perfection."
"And it doesn't make objects invisible, not even clothes." Draco smirked. "So it better be warm where you are using it."
There were chuckles around the room and Harry smiled a little.
"Draco," said Fred, "we've been working on a few new defence items ourselves. Some of your potion materials could help a great deal. Perhaps a collaboration? It's not as if we live in a different house."
George nodded next to him. "We've been working on a new 'automatic Apparation' device if you will - for those people who were unable to master it, only we can't seem to get it quite right. Interested?"
Draco nodded. "Sounds good," he said. "Let's compare notes and see what we can come up with."
"Excellent," said Fred, George nodding next to him.
"So what else have we got?" asked Harry, leaning forward on the table.
"Scrimgeour's getting off his arse, eh, Dad?" said Bill.
Mr Weasley nodded. "Everyone here probably already knows, especially Kingsley and Tonks, but the laws have had a few changes made. Just last week one was passed. Shield Charms around Muggle houses are now legal. Just got the note not to arrest anyone doing them in my office."
"Well, that's something," said Harry, who had known something of the sort would be happening, having corresponded with the Minister a few times. "Good."
"I have another piece of information that might be helpful for Aurors and the Order," Draco added, and pulled out a scroll.
Everyone leaned closer, looking at Draco once again.
Draco held out the parchment to Shacklebolt who took it and unrolled it, frowning. "A list of addresses?" he asked.
The blond nodded. "That is a list of Malfoy estate holdings which list no current use or tenants. It would be better to check these out discreetly, as I wouldn't want to give the Ministry a reason to seize our legitimate assets," he said. "I believe that it is possible that these locations might be used by our enemies."
Harry nodded, not mentioning that he knew quite well that one of the places had already been used.
"Looks like that potion of yours might come in handy quite soon," said Mr Weasley, leaning over to look at the list.
"Yeah, and then maybe we can catch some of them," said Charlie.
"Your dungeons still open for prisoners, boy?" asked Moody, his magical eye on Draco.
"Certainly," Draco said. "And if we can get access, it might be useful to have someone check the financials on other Death Eater families as well. Wars cost money. Find where the money is going and we might find them."
Shacklebolt nodded and tucked the parchment into a pocket. "Good idea," he said.
After a minute, Remus spoke up. "We have word from Hagrid," he said. "Looks like he will be heading back soon."
Harry looked over. "Good," he said, genuinely happy to hear it. "Hopefully he's had more luck than he had the last time he went. I don't think I need to say how bad it would be if Voldemort won the giants over."
"As bad as last time," said Mr Weasley seriously. "Ultimate tools of mass destruction, giants are."
Everyone muttered and nodded. Draco frowned but didn't have much to add to that.
"So, okay," said Harry, "we're going to have a lot to do with checking out all of those properties. There are quite a few of them if you didn't notice. We've got Fred, George and Draco working on a defensive line, and I myself am training right now. If anyone's interested, I think it'd be good to have another training session at our place. Maybe even test some of the twins and Draco's stuff out?"
There was general agreement and a few training dates set up. Draco was grateful the meeting was over but felt they had accomplished a fair amount.
Harry chatted for several minutes, but didn't want to leave Valen with Fleur for too long. Looking up at the clock and standing up from the table he said, "Well, I should get going. Stuff to do, but it was a good meeting, all."
Draco had been answering questions from Shacklebolt, Tonks, and others about the new potions. He nodded and promised batches to them as soon as he could have them ready, then made his way over to his husband.
"Ready?" Harry asked as Draco approached, holding an arm out for him.
"For you?" Draco smiled. "Always."
***
Draco was counting the requisite 88 times while he stirred a potion. He found it tedious but it was not a step one messed with or the entire potion was ruined.
As he stirred, there was a sudden pounding on the door and a muffled, "You in there, mate?"
"Yes!" Draco yelled. "77, 78, 79 ..."
The door opened and Fred and George walked through it together, staring appreciatively around the room.
"Not bad," said Fred, leaning on the table where Draco was working.
"Not bad at all," said George, leaning on the blond's other side.
"80, 81, 82 ..." Draco counted aloud as he stirred so it was clear to the twins what he was doing.
"Ah," said George, looking into the cauldron. "Always hate that step."
Fred nodded.
"83, 84, 85 ..." the blond continued, worried that the twins might pull something.
Fred's lips twitched and he glanced at his brother.
George grinned and cleared his throat. "83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 ..."
Fred laughed and joined his brother in counting.
"87, 88 and done," Draco said, sighing and pulling the glass rod out of the cauldron to set it aside.
"Aw, damn, too late," Fred said with a chuckle.
"What is it anyway?" asked George, taking a sniff of the potion.
Draco lifted an eyebrow at them. "Treatment for magical burns," he said.
"Big batch," said Fred. "Probably a good idea, that."
Draco nodded and set the lid on the cauldron, leaving it to cool before he would bottle it later. "So, you two want to discuss ideas," he said, suddenly aware that he had a twin standing on either side of him. Standing pretty close actually.
"Yep," said George, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small device greatly resembling a wrist watch. "This is the thing we were talking about at the meeting the other day."
Fred reached across Draco to take the Apparator from his brother. "We've designed it for easy everyday use, but it doesn't work right yet."
George winced. "How many times we been splinched now?"
"I lost count after 12," said Fred, wincing as well.
Draco frowned and looked apprehensively at the device. "Do you know where in the process the fault is?" he asked.
"Well, it seems to be malfunctioning during the actual Apparation. You disappear, but only a part of you goes," said Fred.
George nodded. "It's why we're interested in what you put in that Invisibility Potion. We think our problem is that the charm we have isn't strong enough to transport the entire body. It's so solid."
"I'm guessing Demiguise hair? You're rich enough to get hold of the shit," said Fred.
"I import supplies from a number of places," Draco said, nodding. "Not all are Ministry approved sources."
Both Fred and George grinned.
"Nothing wrong with a little black market action," said Fred.
"Make me a list of ingredients you need for Order equipment and I will see what I can do," Draco said. "What other ideas do you have?"
"We've been thinking of a number of things," said George.
"Yeah, we just updated our bondage line. We need a few testers. Perhaps you and Harry would be interested?" said Fred, face completely straight as he stared at Draco.
Draco flushed, closing his eyes. "I meant ideas for the Order," he said, words a bit clipped.
Both twins burst with laughter.
"Sorry, mate. Couldn't resist," said Fred, not sounding very sorry at all. "All serious now."
George snorted. "We've got a few new ideas - for real. We've just started developing a powder for distraction - throw it and it sends out powerful sparks that look like actual spells. We've got ideas for a few similar aides for distraction as well - noise makers, more visuals, all made to look and sound like a wizard is actually there to get complete attention. No cheap bangs and whizzes and the like."
Fred nodded. "We've been thinking of developing a few weapons as well. Shoddy wand-work is rampant among the Wizarding world; there are also those who can't do magic at all - Squibs and people who are nearly Squibs with how horrible they are. Anyone could fight with some of our stuff."
Draco frowned but was nodding to the ideas. "Can Muggles use them?" he asked.
"Maybe," said George, thinking, a frown on his face. "Most of it requires at least a little bit of magic from the person to work, but with the right ... ingredients, I suppose we might be able to make that a possibility."
"We should test some of the simpler powders with some of our Muggle allies," Draco said. "And how are the powders activated?"
"Depends on their uses," said Fred. "But most of them you simply throw. We haven't finished developing all of it yet though, obviously."
"What about some type of container that breaks open on contact? So that they could be thrown?" Draco suggested.
Both twins nodded. "Good idea," said George. "They could be thrown further that way."
Draco nodded again. "Maybe even propelled," he suggested. "I was thinking of putting together mobile kits for in the field. Include in them useful items, even a selection of different types of Healing Potions."
"Mmm, yeah, that would be good," said George. "How many times you heard Moody's speech about his scars and how they could have been prevented?"
Fred snorted. "I'd say at this last meeting was about the twentieth time."
George laughed, nodding.
Draco looked at the two and smiled softly. "So can you come up with something we can use to contain the supplies and that unpacks itself quickly when needed?"
"Sure," said George.
"Yeah, piece of cake compared to some of the other stuff we've been working on," said Fred.
Draco looked around for a piece of parchment and began making a list of things to include in the field kits.
"You got any dragon's blood?" Fred asked as Draco wrote. "Not to mooch or anything. We'll pay you for it, but the stuff's been so bloody hard to get lately. We're running low."
George sighed and nodded. "Used to get some free from Charlie, but not since he's been back in England. Damn, I wish we would've asked him if it's safe for babies before he left. He is gone, isn't he?"
"Yep. Left for The Burrow yesterday," Fred answered.
"Damn," said George again.
"I have some," Draco said, going over to his drawers of ingredients and pulling a vial out. "Just be careful with the baby toy ideas," he said. "Valen's gift makes his reaction to magic different from that of other babies."
The twins nodded.
"Oh, yeah, we know," said Fred. "We wouldn't make anything strong anyway. He'll probably be able to barely feel the magic."
"Just enough to catch his interest," said George.
"Good," Draco said. "And one other thing. I am working on a potion that involves gillyweed and extends the duration of the underwater properties. Do you have any ideas on that?"
"Hmm," George hummed. "Where are you at with it?"
"Gillyweed lasts about an hour or so, and with the use of some longevity ingredients I have doubled that," he said.
"Well," said Fred, lowering his voice like someone else could actually hear them. "We've got an inside contact in the Ministry. Remember Lee Jordan? Unspeakable now."
"Gets us loads of shit," said George, nodding. "We could ask him about getting anything that might increase the time span to even double what you've done."
"Top, top, top secret though," said Fred. "Lee could lose his job if anyone found out, and we could have our memories modified. You're the only person we've told."
"Lee Jordan?" Draco stopped, still thinking. "And he works there?"
"Yeah, our best mate," said Fred. "How do you think we've developed half the stuff in the shop?"
"Yes," Draco said, slowly. "I can see he would be quite useful. Where are his allegiances?"
George snorted. "Well, he's not an Order member, but he's definitely on our side. And not too faithful to the Ministry, but I would think that was pretty obvious."
"Do you think he would be a good recruit for the Order?" Draco asked. "We don't have anyone inside the Department of Mysteries."
Fred nodded. "George and I have talked about asking him before," he said. "He's busy a lot, so I don't know how much he'd be around, but we can talk to him about it."
"Soon," Draco said, "because I have some questions about the research there that are important and I need answers."
"Sure," said George. "We'll write him today." He looked over as there was a knock on the door.
The door opened and Harry's voice floated in. "Is it safe to bring Valen in there or are you making stuff?" he asked.
"It's safe for now," Draco called, smiling as his husband came in with their son.
Harry walked over to the table. "I thought he'd take a nap but he's wide awake," he said as Valen looked around the room, seeming excited.
"This room is pretty intense for someone like him," Draco said, reaching for the baby. "You like all that bottled magic, don't you?" he asked the infant.
The twins grinned at the baby and they both reached to lightly shuffle his hair at the same time, laughing when they bumped hands.
Harry smiled and leaned against the wall, facing everyone else as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Come up with anything good?" he asked.
"Yes," Draco said, glancing up at Harry and then kissing the top of Valen's head. He watched the way the infant eyed the lidded cauldron.
"Like?" Harry prodded.
"Mostly talked about a few of the powders we've been developing," said Fred. "Draco had some good ideas on that. And we're going to put together a kit for people out in the field. We're taking care of the actual kit part; Draco's going to fill it."
"Mmhmm," said George. "And don't say anything, but we're going to help out with a potion of Draco's too. Lee Jordan's an Unspeakable and he gets us stuff all the time. We think he could probably be of use with that."
Harry perked up. "Lee's an Unspeakable now?" he asked, throwing Draco a glance.
The twins nodded.
Draco nodded to his husband, raising his eyebrows to show he understood the implication.
"Draco suggested asking Lee to join the Order," said George. "We've been thinking it's a good idea for a while now. How about you?"
"Yeah," said Harry quickly, nodding. "That'd be great."
***
"... and Fred told me this morning that Lee's coming over to the shop next week," Harry said, explaining to Ron and Hermione Lee's possible Order membership. "They're going to discuss some more about it before he comes here to talk to me."
Ron nodded. "I knew Lee was an Unspeakable, but I didn't know he'd been helping Fred and George out. He could be brilliant for the Order."
"That's what I'm thinking," Harry agreed.
"And of course, it would make it all too easier to get in the Department of Mysteries," said Hermione.
"That's why I asked the twins to talk to him. We need to get in there soon," Draco said with a sigh.
Harry sighed as well and nodded to what Draco said.
"Well, how are you coming with your Legilimency, Harry?" Hermione asked. "You need that to even use the room in the Ministry."
"I guess I'm doing okay," Harry said with a shrug as a pink flush crept across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose.
"He is getting better," Draco said, nodding. "But he needs more practise."
"Well, at least you are getting better, Harry," said Hermione. "You did terribly with Occlumency lessons."
"Draco's method is much more effective than Snape's," Harry said with just a hint of a grin.
Draco smirked, flipping through the pages of one of the Potters' research journals.
"Well, that's good," said Hermione.
"Yes, very," said Harry.
"So what is it that you're supposed to be feeling for when you get in the Department of Mysteries?" Ron asked Draco.
"I think he's supposed to see if that 'love power' feels the same as mine, right?" said Harry.
"I am curious about it," Draco said. He was also worried. He didn't know what this room would do.
Harry sighed. "Well, we'll see, I guess," he said.
Leakey popped into the room then. "Masters Draco and Harry? Auror Tonks is here," the elf said.
"Let her in," Draco said, and the elf disappeared again.
"Wonder what she's here for?" said Ron.
Harry shrugged.
Tonks entered within a few moments, but instead of the usual smile she had for them, she looked very serious. "Hey," she said. "Is Mrs Weasley here?"
Harry didn't much like the way she sounded, and frowned slightly.
Ron, who was frowning at Tonks as well, nodded. "Yeah. Mum's got Valen, doesn't she?"
Harry nodded. "Probably in the main sitting room or something," he said.
Tonks shifted nervously from one foot to another. "Maybe we should get her in here for now. I have something important to tell her," she said.
Chapter Title: Bad News
Words: 3402 Words
"... and another attack in Leeds and lastly, five more deaths in London - Muggles. Muggle Law Enforcement reports seem dodgy. They're still spreading the Muggle terrorist rumours, but that can't work forever. We're losing people left and right, and after the attacks on Christmas, it's harder and harder to cover up these deaths. This is on the verge of possibly starting a war or an epidemic in the Muggle world. They know that something is happening," Mr Weasley finished, lowering the parchment he'd been reading from.
Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead, having already heard Hermione say this.
"And we haven't caught a slimy piece of Death Eater scum since those Christmas attacks," growled Moody.
"Their numbers are climbing," said Bill. "It's getting too difficult to monitor all of Britain. They're everywhere. It's proving even more difficult to get anyone involved in this. Everyone's afraid. Not even Harry's article months ago brought too many new fighters. This is a damn war. You'd think people would take some notice."
"Bloody hypocrites. The lot of them," said George.
"Harry's poster did help some," Hermione put in only half-heartedly.
"Yeah, now ickle tweens have something to paper their walls with," said Fred.
Mrs Weasley sighed at her son in an exasperated sort of way.
"He's right," said Harry, lowering his hand to the table. "That stupidity hardly did anything."
Remus sighed. "Voldemort's not exactly having trouble with numbers, as Bill said. Fenrir's werewolves are getting bolder. They are 'recruiting' from the Muggle criminal world now."
Shacklebolt nodded. "As Harry and Draco reported," he said, "some of the Death Eaters who were supposed to be in Azkaban are gone. We didn't even know until Aurors showed up and demanded a count of the prisoners."
"So basically," Harry said, voice bitter, "things aren't looking too good for us."
Mr Weasley winced slightly. "For lack of better words, yes," he said.
Harry let out a large breath. "Well, for fuck's sake, don't we have any better ways to recruit?"
Mrs Weasley pursed her lips at his language, but didn't actually say anything.
"It's hard," said Charlie. "It's not just about getting new people for the Ministry. We just need fighters and we can't bloody well let every Dick and Tom into the Order."
"This is a covert war," Draco said. "Death Eaters can be anyone and that is more frightening than an enemy who wears a uniform. We will never win by numbers. We need strategy that doesn't rely upon the amount of people we have. We need information and ways to get it. And there, I think I have some ideas."
Everyone in the room looked at Draco with interest, even Moody.
"Ideas?" Harry asked.
"I have been experimenting with some new potions," Draco said. "Potions have the advantage in that it doesn't take a powerful wizard or witch to use them. For example, a new one that allows a person to be invisible for a fairly lengthy time."
"That would be very helpful for Aurors and others tracking down information," Shacklebolt said, looking interested.
Moody nodded, grudgingly impressed, though he growled, "What's the catch?"
Harry sighed quietly. "Making a sound causes you to appear again - making a sound with your voice anyway. I saw the potion used."
"Still though," said Mr Weasley, "that's very impressive. One can't expect perfection."
"And it doesn't make objects invisible, not even clothes." Draco smirked. "So it better be warm where you are using it."
There were chuckles around the room and Harry smiled a little.
"Draco," said Fred, "we've been working on a few new defence items ourselves. Some of your potion materials could help a great deal. Perhaps a collaboration? It's not as if we live in a different house."
George nodded next to him. "We've been working on a new 'automatic Apparation' device if you will - for those people who were unable to master it, only we can't seem to get it quite right. Interested?"
Draco nodded. "Sounds good," he said. "Let's compare notes and see what we can come up with."
"Excellent," said Fred, George nodding next to him.
"So what else have we got?" asked Harry, leaning forward on the table.
"Scrimgeour's getting off his arse, eh, Dad?" said Bill.
Mr Weasley nodded. "Everyone here probably already knows, especially Kingsley and Tonks, but the laws have had a few changes made. Just last week one was passed. Shield Charms around Muggle houses are now legal. Just got the note not to arrest anyone doing them in my office."
"Well, that's something," said Harry, who had known something of the sort would be happening, having corresponded with the Minister a few times. "Good."
"I have another piece of information that might be helpful for Aurors and the Order," Draco added, and pulled out a scroll.
Everyone leaned closer, looking at Draco once again.
Draco held out the parchment to Shacklebolt who took it and unrolled it, frowning. "A list of addresses?" he asked.
The blond nodded. "That is a list of Malfoy estate holdings which list no current use or tenants. It would be better to check these out discreetly, as I wouldn't want to give the Ministry a reason to seize our legitimate assets," he said. "I believe that it is possible that these locations might be used by our enemies."
Harry nodded, not mentioning that he knew quite well that one of the places had already been used.
"Looks like that potion of yours might come in handy quite soon," said Mr Weasley, leaning over to look at the list.
"Yeah, and then maybe we can catch some of them," said Charlie.
"Your dungeons still open for prisoners, boy?" asked Moody, his magical eye on Draco.
"Certainly," Draco said. "And if we can get access, it might be useful to have someone check the financials on other Death Eater families as well. Wars cost money. Find where the money is going and we might find them."
Shacklebolt nodded and tucked the parchment into a pocket. "Good idea," he said.
After a minute, Remus spoke up. "We have word from Hagrid," he said. "Looks like he will be heading back soon."
Harry looked over. "Good," he said, genuinely happy to hear it. "Hopefully he's had more luck than he had the last time he went. I don't think I need to say how bad it would be if Voldemort won the giants over."
"As bad as last time," said Mr Weasley seriously. "Ultimate tools of mass destruction, giants are."
Everyone muttered and nodded. Draco frowned but didn't have much to add to that.
"So, okay," said Harry, "we're going to have a lot to do with checking out all of those properties. There are quite a few of them if you didn't notice. We've got Fred, George and Draco working on a defensive line, and I myself am training right now. If anyone's interested, I think it'd be good to have another training session at our place. Maybe even test some of the twins and Draco's stuff out?"
There was general agreement and a few training dates set up. Draco was grateful the meeting was over but felt they had accomplished a fair amount.
Harry chatted for several minutes, but didn't want to leave Valen with Fleur for too long. Looking up at the clock and standing up from the table he said, "Well, I should get going. Stuff to do, but it was a good meeting, all."
Draco had been answering questions from Shacklebolt, Tonks, and others about the new potions. He nodded and promised batches to them as soon as he could have them ready, then made his way over to his husband.
"Ready?" Harry asked as Draco approached, holding an arm out for him.
"For you?" Draco smiled. "Always."
***
Draco was counting the requisite 88 times while he stirred a potion. He found it tedious but it was not a step one messed with or the entire potion was ruined.
As he stirred, there was a sudden pounding on the door and a muffled, "You in there, mate?"
"Yes!" Draco yelled. "77, 78, 79 ..."
The door opened and Fred and George walked through it together, staring appreciatively around the room.
"Not bad," said Fred, leaning on the table where Draco was working.
"Not bad at all," said George, leaning on the blond's other side.
"80, 81, 82 ..." Draco counted aloud as he stirred so it was clear to the twins what he was doing.
"Ah," said George, looking into the cauldron. "Always hate that step."
Fred nodded.
"83, 84, 85 ..." the blond continued, worried that the twins might pull something.
Fred's lips twitched and he glanced at his brother.
George grinned and cleared his throat. "83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 ..."
Fred laughed and joined his brother in counting.
"87, 88 and done," Draco said, sighing and pulling the glass rod out of the cauldron to set it aside.
"Aw, damn, too late," Fred said with a chuckle.
"What is it anyway?" asked George, taking a sniff of the potion.
Draco lifted an eyebrow at them. "Treatment for magical burns," he said.
"Big batch," said Fred. "Probably a good idea, that."
Draco nodded and set the lid on the cauldron, leaving it to cool before he would bottle it later. "So, you two want to discuss ideas," he said, suddenly aware that he had a twin standing on either side of him. Standing pretty close actually.
"Yep," said George, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small device greatly resembling a wrist watch. "This is the thing we were talking about at the meeting the other day."
Fred reached across Draco to take the Apparator from his brother. "We've designed it for easy everyday use, but it doesn't work right yet."
George winced. "How many times we been splinched now?"
"I lost count after 12," said Fred, wincing as well.
Draco frowned and looked apprehensively at the device. "Do you know where in the process the fault is?" he asked.
"Well, it seems to be malfunctioning during the actual Apparation. You disappear, but only a part of you goes," said Fred.
George nodded. "It's why we're interested in what you put in that Invisibility Potion. We think our problem is that the charm we have isn't strong enough to transport the entire body. It's so solid."
"I'm guessing Demiguise hair? You're rich enough to get hold of the shit," said Fred.
"I import supplies from a number of places," Draco said, nodding. "Not all are Ministry approved sources."
Both Fred and George grinned.
"Nothing wrong with a little black market action," said Fred.
"Make me a list of ingredients you need for Order equipment and I will see what I can do," Draco said. "What other ideas do you have?"
"We've been thinking of a number of things," said George.
"Yeah, we just updated our bondage line. We need a few testers. Perhaps you and Harry would be interested?" said Fred, face completely straight as he stared at Draco.
Draco flushed, closing his eyes. "I meant ideas for the Order," he said, words a bit clipped.
Both twins burst with laughter.
"Sorry, mate. Couldn't resist," said Fred, not sounding very sorry at all. "All serious now."
George snorted. "We've got a few new ideas - for real. We've just started developing a powder for distraction - throw it and it sends out powerful sparks that look like actual spells. We've got ideas for a few similar aides for distraction as well - noise makers, more visuals, all made to look and sound like a wizard is actually there to get complete attention. No cheap bangs and whizzes and the like."
Fred nodded. "We've been thinking of developing a few weapons as well. Shoddy wand-work is rampant among the Wizarding world; there are also those who can't do magic at all - Squibs and people who are nearly Squibs with how horrible they are. Anyone could fight with some of our stuff."
Draco frowned but was nodding to the ideas. "Can Muggles use them?" he asked.
"Maybe," said George, thinking, a frown on his face. "Most of it requires at least a little bit of magic from the person to work, but with the right ... ingredients, I suppose we might be able to make that a possibility."
"We should test some of the simpler powders with some of our Muggle allies," Draco said. "And how are the powders activated?"
"Depends on their uses," said Fred. "But most of them you simply throw. We haven't finished developing all of it yet though, obviously."
"What about some type of container that breaks open on contact? So that they could be thrown?" Draco suggested.
Both twins nodded. "Good idea," said George. "They could be thrown further that way."
Draco nodded again. "Maybe even propelled," he suggested. "I was thinking of putting together mobile kits for in the field. Include in them useful items, even a selection of different types of Healing Potions."
"Mmm, yeah, that would be good," said George. "How many times you heard Moody's speech about his scars and how they could have been prevented?"
Fred snorted. "I'd say at this last meeting was about the twentieth time."
George laughed, nodding.
Draco looked at the two and smiled softly. "So can you come up with something we can use to contain the supplies and that unpacks itself quickly when needed?"
"Sure," said George.
"Yeah, piece of cake compared to some of the other stuff we've been working on," said Fred.
Draco looked around for a piece of parchment and began making a list of things to include in the field kits.
"You got any dragon's blood?" Fred asked as Draco wrote. "Not to mooch or anything. We'll pay you for it, but the stuff's been so bloody hard to get lately. We're running low."
George sighed and nodded. "Used to get some free from Charlie, but not since he's been back in England. Damn, I wish we would've asked him if it's safe for babies before he left. He is gone, isn't he?"
"Yep. Left for The Burrow yesterday," Fred answered.
"Damn," said George again.
"I have some," Draco said, going over to his drawers of ingredients and pulling a vial out. "Just be careful with the baby toy ideas," he said. "Valen's gift makes his reaction to magic different from that of other babies."
The twins nodded.
"Oh, yeah, we know," said Fred. "We wouldn't make anything strong anyway. He'll probably be able to barely feel the magic."
"Just enough to catch his interest," said George.
"Good," Draco said. "And one other thing. I am working on a potion that involves gillyweed and extends the duration of the underwater properties. Do you have any ideas on that?"
"Hmm," George hummed. "Where are you at with it?"
"Gillyweed lasts about an hour or so, and with the use of some longevity ingredients I have doubled that," he said.
"Well," said Fred, lowering his voice like someone else could actually hear them. "We've got an inside contact in the Ministry. Remember Lee Jordan? Unspeakable now."
"Gets us loads of shit," said George, nodding. "We could ask him about getting anything that might increase the time span to even double what you've done."
"Top, top, top secret though," said Fred. "Lee could lose his job if anyone found out, and we could have our memories modified. You're the only person we've told."
"Lee Jordan?" Draco stopped, still thinking. "And he works there?"
"Yeah, our best mate," said Fred. "How do you think we've developed half the stuff in the shop?"
"Yes," Draco said, slowly. "I can see he would be quite useful. Where are his allegiances?"
George snorted. "Well, he's not an Order member, but he's definitely on our side. And not too faithful to the Ministry, but I would think that was pretty obvious."
"Do you think he would be a good recruit for the Order?" Draco asked. "We don't have anyone inside the Department of Mysteries."
Fred nodded. "George and I have talked about asking him before," he said. "He's busy a lot, so I don't know how much he'd be around, but we can talk to him about it."
"Soon," Draco said, "because I have some questions about the research there that are important and I need answers."
"Sure," said George. "We'll write him today." He looked over as there was a knock on the door.
The door opened and Harry's voice floated in. "Is it safe to bring Valen in there or are you making stuff?" he asked.
"It's safe for now," Draco called, smiling as his husband came in with their son.
Harry walked over to the table. "I thought he'd take a nap but he's wide awake," he said as Valen looked around the room, seeming excited.
"This room is pretty intense for someone like him," Draco said, reaching for the baby. "You like all that bottled magic, don't you?" he asked the infant.
The twins grinned at the baby and they both reached to lightly shuffle his hair at the same time, laughing when they bumped hands.
Harry smiled and leaned against the wall, facing everyone else as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Come up with anything good?" he asked.
"Yes," Draco said, glancing up at Harry and then kissing the top of Valen's head. He watched the way the infant eyed the lidded cauldron.
"Like?" Harry prodded.
"Mostly talked about a few of the powders we've been developing," said Fred. "Draco had some good ideas on that. And we're going to put together a kit for people out in the field. We're taking care of the actual kit part; Draco's going to fill it."
"Mmhmm," said George. "And don't say anything, but we're going to help out with a potion of Draco's too. Lee Jordan's an Unspeakable and he gets us stuff all the time. We think he could probably be of use with that."
Harry perked up. "Lee's an Unspeakable now?" he asked, throwing Draco a glance.
The twins nodded.
Draco nodded to his husband, raising his eyebrows to show he understood the implication.
"Draco suggested asking Lee to join the Order," said George. "We've been thinking it's a good idea for a while now. How about you?"
"Yeah," said Harry quickly, nodding. "That'd be great."
***
"... and Fred told me this morning that Lee's coming over to the shop next week," Harry said, explaining to Ron and Hermione Lee's possible Order membership. "They're going to discuss some more about it before he comes here to talk to me."
Ron nodded. "I knew Lee was an Unspeakable, but I didn't know he'd been helping Fred and George out. He could be brilliant for the Order."
"That's what I'm thinking," Harry agreed.
"And of course, it would make it all too easier to get in the Department of Mysteries," said Hermione.
"That's why I asked the twins to talk to him. We need to get in there soon," Draco said with a sigh.
Harry sighed as well and nodded to what Draco said.
"Well, how are you coming with your Legilimency, Harry?" Hermione asked. "You need that to even use the room in the Ministry."
"I guess I'm doing okay," Harry said with a shrug as a pink flush crept across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose.
"He is getting better," Draco said, nodding. "But he needs more practise."
"Well, at least you are getting better, Harry," said Hermione. "You did terribly with Occlumency lessons."
"Draco's method is much more effective than Snape's," Harry said with just a hint of a grin.
Draco smirked, flipping through the pages of one of the Potters' research journals.
"Well, that's good," said Hermione.
"Yes, very," said Harry.
"So what is it that you're supposed to be feeling for when you get in the Department of Mysteries?" Ron asked Draco.
"I think he's supposed to see if that 'love power' feels the same as mine, right?" said Harry.
"I am curious about it," Draco said. He was also worried. He didn't know what this room would do.
Harry sighed. "Well, we'll see, I guess," he said.
Leakey popped into the room then. "Masters Draco and Harry? Auror Tonks is here," the elf said.
"Let her in," Draco said, and the elf disappeared again.
"Wonder what she's here for?" said Ron.
Harry shrugged.
Tonks entered within a few moments, but instead of the usual smile she had for them, she looked very serious. "Hey," she said. "Is Mrs Weasley here?"
Harry didn't much like the way she sounded, and frowned slightly.
Ron, who was frowning at Tonks as well, nodded. "Yeah. Mum's got Valen, doesn't she?"
Harry nodded. "Probably in the main sitting room or something," he said.
Tonks shifted nervously from one foot to another. "Maybe we should get her in here for now. I have something important to tell her," she said.