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)







Sixth Part





Harry doubted that he had ever felt so warm. Maybe a little bit too warm, but he was not going to complain. He was safely laying in his husbands arms when he woke up. His back was pressed against a strong, muscular chest; he could feel Lucius breathing evenly in his sleep. He could hear Lucius’s heartbeat. Harry closed his eyes. It was still early. He could keep napping.



When Harry opened his eyes again, he was lying on his back, but his husband was next to him, the man obviously had been watching him sleep.



“Good morning,” Lucius greeted with the kind expression which stood for a smile as Harry had noticed.



“Good morning,” the boy smiled back.



“Are you ready for breakfast?” Lucius inquired smirking at the sight of his young husband’s bed head…



Harry just nodded and Lucius summoned a house elf who brought two breakfast trays. Harry couldn’t hold back his grin no matter how hard he tried. Lucius’s lips also twitched. “You should smile more often,” the man ran fingers through his young lover’s hair. “It fits you.” He complimented.



Harry couldn’t believe in it. He was so happy. Completely, utterly, madly. He had just spent the greatest night in his life with his husband who had kissed him, touched him and caressed him, who had worshiped his body with his hands and his tongue. The man had poured all his passion in Harry during their coupling. He’s never felt so loved in his whole life.



“Now, but there is some things I wanted to discuss with you,” Lucius’ voice had regained its coldness and seriousness. “I didn’t want to talk about it yesterday, because I didn’t want to spoil our Christmas.”



Harry had no idea what was his husband talking about, he didn’t think that he had done anything wrong recently. He’s been trying very hard.



Lucius stood up and put on his deep-green gown with insignia: “It is about your friends. I mean Weasleys and that muggleborn girl from your tower. I believe you are very attached to them. However Weasleys reputation in the Wizarding world is questionable, especially among the good families.”



Harry didn’t believe his ears…no, it wasn’t true, no, his wonderful, mysterious, loving husband was not telling him that his friends were not good enough…



“And muggleborns, it depends… sometimes they managed to be useful, if they make good careers in Ministry maybe, but they will never be one of us…” Lucius continued. “Of course I don’t mean that you should sever all your ties with your friends. Of course not. However, maybe you could also communicate with other people. Maybe Draco could introduce you to some of his acquaintances…Not now, of course, but after the situation with The Dark Lord is solved. But there are some decent Ravenclaws you could get to know. Do you understand me?”



Harry just nodded. He was too… too… disappointed?



Lucius didn’t notice the emotion and pain in his husband’s eyes; he was getting ready to leave, so he leaved down and tenderly kissed his green-eyed beauty.



“Lucius!” Harry made his husband turn back. “Do you…mm,” the boy stuttered unsure if he should ask the question which was bothering him, but then he gathered all his courage, took a deep breath and: “Lucius…Do you love me?”



The blonde was surprised. He hadn’t expected it, but, this reminded him who he was dealing with: “You are such a Gryffindor, Harry.” The man smiled and left the room; he had some work to do…



That was not the answer Harry had wanted to hear. Not at all. He felt a pang of hurt in his chest. It was as if his heart had shattered in million peaces.



***



Shortly before the dinner Draco Malfoy walked in the library where his father was sitting in his usual arm chair and reading “New spells are forgotten old spells” by Melchior Sage. Wizard was discussing useful spells which were somewhat forgotten in modern wizarding world.



“Yes, Draco?”



“Can I ask you a question, father?”



“Don’t say that you won’t ask it if I will say that you can’t,” Lucius was teasing knowing his son.



“Now I have already two questions. Why are you in such a good mood today?”



“Is it relevant?” The older blonde smirked, remembering the reason for his excellent mood.



“Ok, it really isn’t. I am just being curious. And speaking about curiosity…What did you do to Potter?”



“I beg you pardon!” There was certain warning in Lucius’s voice.



“No, father, you didn’t understand me. I really don’t want to know what you did to Potter when you knocked him up. Never. Thanks for the mental image! I am asking why he is not being himself lately. He is not ill or something is he? It is not that I care, just curious.”



“I really don’t understand what you mean,” Lucius didn’t like this conversation at all.



“Don’t you? I guess you don’t know your wife, excuse me, husband that well. I’m telling you, I had known Potter for six years. It almost looks like some other person took over his body. If I didn’t knew, I would think that you are beating him in obedience. You aren’t beating him, are you?” Draco quirked an eyebrow in feigned innocence.



“Of course not!” Lucius exclaimed in righteous indignation.



“Well, I am telling you that Potter is acting strange. I thought you should know.”



“What exactly you mean by ‘strange’, Draco?”



“What exactly? He is very subdued, agrees with everything you say. And he is hiding something.”



“What is wrong with trying to be mature and to behave according to one’s position?”



“You really don’t know Potter. Believe me; something is wrong, because he is not his usual annoying himself. Anyway, we are late for dinner.”



***



Lucius Malfoy was watching his new husband. His beautiful husband. Maybe Harry was a little bit pale, probably it was the pregnancy. Draco couldn’t be right. Harry was fine. They were getting along really well. And after last night Lucius knew that the boy also didn’t mind being intimate with him.

Harry was eating, rather slowly, but that could be anything. Yes, maybe he was just slightly too pale. And that could mean anything.



“Are you feeling well, Harry?” The older husband asked just to be sure.



“Yes, Lucius,” the messy-haired youth answered mechanically.



See, Draco…We should do something about that hair. Maybe make it look neater? But the bead-head suits him in a way…



“Why are you telling us lies, Potter?” Draco’s sudden question broke the peaceful silence.



“I am not lying, Malfoy,” Harry answered quietly not lifting his eyes from his mashed potatoes.



“Yes, you are,” the other boy chanted in a singsong voice.



Harry’s hand started to tremble and he put his fork down, but Lucius had already noticed boy’s discomfort.



“O…of course not,” Harry insisted weakly, but stubbornly.



Lucius frowned. Maybe his son was right, or maybe it’s about last night or something about the baby. Whatever bothered his most precious treasure, Lucius had to know.



“Potter, I know you. I can tell when you are lying. You always lie to professors when you are not well and they are asking it. I can tell the difference,” Malfoy junior continued his nagging.



“I. Am. Fine,” the dark-haired youth gripped his fork. His knuckles were turning white.



“Harry, is Draco right? Are you not telling me something? You know we are a family now, you can trust me,” Lucius also started getting suspicious.



“Yes, Potter. Spill out!” The younger blonde pressured with less sensitivity.



Harry was sitting at the table with his head hung down. He needed to calm down.



Think. Something to tell them to make them leave me alone. Stop asking questions. Leave me alone. Harry just couldn’t think about anything. He was tired, depressed and he was slowly breaking down. He didn’t know what to think. He wasn’t sure what he was feeling. Not anymore.



“We are waiting Potter,” Draco sounded arrogant and cocky.



“Don’t call me that,” Harry murmured.



“What?” Draco asked.



“Potter,” Harry slowly raised from his chair. “Don’t call me ‘Potter’, I am Harry.” The boy turned his back on table and on other two men. Draco snorted.



“Please, sit down, Harry,” Lucius ordered politely, but sternly. “Dinner is no over yet and we are not leaving until you tell us everything about what is bothering you.”



“Everything? You want everything,” Harry’s voice broke. The boy lifted his head and both other men saw tears glistening in brilliant green eyes making them larger and brighter than ever. Like a mirror of his soul. Both men were mesmerized by the raw beauty in front of them, but Harry continued not aware of other mans’ admiration.



“You have me,” he shouted. “You have my life and you had my body, I do everything you ask…” he broke off. “And it’s not enough! No! Now you want to get inside my mind, my soul! I did everything you asked, but that was not enough. It’s never enough. I am never good enough. There is always something else you will ask! I just… now you want me to leave my friends! The only family I ever had, before I got pregnant!”



Harry’s voice trailed off, he wrapped his arms around himself looking so small, fragile and alone in the middle of the large luxurious dinning room. “I just can’t give more, I can’t… and you don’t even love me…” the boy finished in weak voice, he looked ready to collapse.



Both Malfoys were shocked. They were sitting in their seats as if they had been hit by a stunner or petrified. They were really speechless.



“Harry…” Lucius began…he had to say something… to make it better.



“No!” Boy exclaimed. “No!” He turned around and run out of the room.

Lucius and Draco were blankly staring on the table in front of them for some time.



“Father!” Draco suddenly exclaimed waking them up from. “Where did he go? We need to find him!”



***



Harry needed to get out of there. He was suffocating in this house, this gilded cage where nobody really wanted him. They were just using him again. How could he think that he will be able to live like this! He couldn’t! Not with Lucius. Malfoy didn’t care for the real Harry, he only wanted his perfect little wife and whore who did everything he was told.



Harry pushed open the heavy oak front door of Malfoy manor and run out. It was already pitch black outside and he could see only snow and leafless trees. He stumbled in the deep snow, but still kept running, he didn’t know where exactly he was going, only far away.



It was very cold, freezing; tears froze on boy’s cheeks which were flushing crimson from cold. Harry just kept going and stumbling. Then he noticed something. House. It looked dark and old, but he was starting to feel cold, so the boy decided to try to get inside. He just couldn’t return in the manor and even if he was upset, he couldn’t forget of his baby, yes, Harry needed to get somewhere warmer.



He found the door and pushed it open. It was hard, because his hands were ice cold and almost completely numb. The door shrieked. When Harry stepped inside he could smell that the air was dusty in the old house, must be a guest house or something. It was dark, but he could see outlines of some old and dusty furniture. Harry was getting colder. Maybe there was a blanket or something like that in this old house. The boy took a look around and he didn’t see anything…except some curtains hanging from the window. Harry walked to the window. The curtain was made of heavy velvet, good enough to warm the boy. He pulled at them hoping that they didn’t use any spells to make curtains un-detachable.



Then he heard strange noise, like laughter, something was moving the curtain and making strange sounds in the dark. Something small, dark and hairy burst out of the curtain and attacked Harry followed by more than a dozen its look-alikes. It’s not like boy had time to count them when he was attacked by doxies! Harry grabbed for his wand, he could stun them easily…only, he didn’t have his wand!



Damn! I can’t let them bite me! The baby! My child…



Harry tried to fight off the nasty creatures using his hands, but they were fast and dexterous. One had already tangled in his unruly hair.



“Ouch!” Harry squeaked. One of them had bitten his ear! Doxy venom was not deadly…if you got bitten just once and had the antidote. Harry hadn’t and doxies were bawling and keeping attacking him.



“Help! Somebody! Help!” Harry screamed tears filling his eyes. He was really scared, but not for himself this time…





A/N: Doxy (Biting Fairy) - The Doxy is a small fairy-like creature that is covered with black hair. They have sharp venomous teeth (FB). Doxies are pests. They can infest houses, taking up residence in the draperies. Removing them requires a good supply of Doxycide. It\'s a good idea to have an antidote for Doxy venom on hand as well (OP6).







***



“Creepy!” Lucius yelled.



“Yes, Master!” The house elf popped up.



“Check if my husband is in his room!”



The house elf disappeared and then popped back in a second.



“No, Master Harry ain’t in his room!” Creepy reported in a high-pitched voice.



“Then find him! Tell all of the house elves to look for him!” Lucius ordered in stern voice hiding his worry.



“We should also look for him!” Draco exclaimed.



“There is no sense of doing it, elves are faster than we, if he is in house they will find him,” older blonde tried to stay calm, but in fact he also felt terrible just waiting and doing nothing and things Harry said…well, he couldn’t think about it now, they needed to make sure that Harry was fine first.



“Master! Master!” Creepy popped up again. “Darky tellin’ master Harry goes outside!”



Lucius froze in fear. Outside! It was pitch dark and freezing!



“Let’s go Draco!”



***



They were really lucky that it wasn’t snowing, because then they would have not been able to follow Harry’s footprints in the snow and they would not have been able to find the boy in enormous Malfoy gardens. But fresh trail led them to the old guesthouse which hadn’t been used for years.



Lucius pushed the door open and whispered lumos, making small beam of light to shine from the tip of his wand and lighting up the room. As soon as he did it a bunch of little, squeaking creatures darted at both Malfoys who began to fight them back casting stunning spells, bolts of red light were hurling right and left. Soon little, black fur balls (the doxies) covered the floor around the Malfoy men.



Lucius took a look around and then noticed Harry lying on the heap of forest green velvet.



“Run back to the manor, son, fire-call Hogwarts and get Pomfrey over here! I will carry him!”



***



Lucius rushed through the front door, melting snow dripping from his trousers on the floor, with unconscious youth on his hands.



“Bring him to library!” Draco who was waiting for them in the hall called. “Pomfrey is not at Hogwarts. But uncle Sev is here,” the boy was explaining on the way to Malfoys’ library.



When they stepped in the room there was already bed conjured and the potion’s master was fussing over countless vials on the table.



“Put him on the bed!” Snape Ordered. “Are you sure it’s doxies?”



“Yes and more than one. They must have bitten him till he lost consciousness,” Lucius had put his husband on the bed and was gently rubbing his hand which was pale and ice cold. “Draco! Get a blanket! Creepy! Light the fireplace!”



Draco immediately accioed a blanket and tucked up the small Gryffindor. The blanked actually was his, but it was extra soft, light and warm and Harry needed it more at the moment.



“Are you going to do something or not, Sev!” Lucius exclaimed angrily. “Do you need anything? Should I bring someone from St. Mungo’s?” The man was worried out of his mind.



“Shut up or I will kick you out!” Snape snapped approaching the bed holding a vial with muddy brown liquid. “Lift his head up, Luc! We need to get this down his throat!” Lucius sat on the bed and lifted the boy up against his chest. Draco rushed at his father’s side taking hold of Harry’s head and prying open his mouth.



Severus poured the liquid in deadly pale boy’s mouth massaging his throat to make Harry swallow it.



That moment Poppy Pomfrey walked in the library through fireplace. “How is he?” She didn’t loose any time to small talk.



“Not good. Too much of doxy venom in his blood. I gave him antidote. Advanced version.”



“Severus,” the woman chided. “What did I tell you about experimental medicine?”



“It is good, I am not some charlatan from the Knockturn Alley. Get some blood purifying draught over here!”



“What! You gave Harry an experimental potion!” Lucius’s voice roared through the room.



“Draco! Get him out; we have a lot of work to do to save the stupid boy!” Snape shouted.



“I am not going anywhere…” Malfoy senior protested.



Draco put a hand on his father’s shoulder.



“Come, Dad… Let’s go or I will stun you.”



Lucius looked at his son and let the younger blonde pull him out of the room his eyes locked on Harry’s still form until the door shut.



***



Both Malfoy men were waiting in Lucius’ cabinet. They were not talking or doing anything. Just waiting in pregnant silence each engrossed in their own thoughts. They were sure that there will be many things to talk about, but only when they would be sure that Harry was not in danger anymore.



After what seemed to be hours of waiting Severus Snape glided in the cabinet.



Both Malfoys sprang on their feet instantly shooting the Potions master questioning looks which expressed more than any words.



“Potter will live,” Severus stated darkly. “But it was a close call. Obviously the kitten has nine lives. He can be levitated to his room now. Draco, show Madame Pomfrey where it is.”



“I will do it,” Lucius interrupted.



“No, you won’t,” Snape announced. “Draco can do it and watch Potter for a while. We will talk.”



Lucius allowed himself a sigh and with a nod allowed his son to leave.



When Draco closed the door behind himself Sevrus looked sternly at his best and maybe the only fiend: “How did it happen? How did you let it happen?”



“I…he,” blonde man sink in his chair looking confused, helpless and quite miserable. That was not something even Severus was used to see. The Potions master sighed and sat down opposite his friend, his expression softening.



“I can’t blame you; I know how the boy attracts trouble. He is also reckless and undisciplined,” Snape sighed. “Just tell me what happened.”



“I don’t understand… he’s so confusing! Unlike anyone else I know… I thought everything was fine. At first we had some problems, but then I talked to him and I thought we were getting along just fine. Then Draco came to me arguing that Harry wasn’t himself. That he was behaving too well or something like that… I thought he was just trying to please me… Then at the dinner I asked how he was feeling. He answered that he was fine, but Draco somehow knew that he was lying and confronted Harry. Harry denied it, but Draco insisted… and then Harry… he… he kind of just broke down… he said things… a lot of things. About being just Harry, not Potter. About not being good enough, never being good enough, about me asking too much of him. It sounded as if he thought I owned him and couldn’t stand it anymore. I don’t know what I did wrong… maybe… oh, Merlin, we spent last night together … but I thought he was fine with that…”



Severus wondered if he had ever seen his friend like this, babbling, totally lacking self control. “Calm down Lucius, you sound like someone who has been hit with a babbling curse! What do you mean ‘Draco told you Harry wasn’t being himself’? What did your son mean by that?”



“He was wondering why Harry is being too calm and obedient. He was sure Harry was hiding something. I assumed that he is just trying to be more mature now when he is married and expecting.”



“Too good to be true,” Snape snorted. “Draco must be right, something is wrong, people just don’t start yelling in the middle of dinner if everything is fine and dandy. Of course Potter has always been a little bit round the bend… which is one more reason to think that something isn’t right here. It is time to do some research,” the black haired man stated with determined expression.



“What do you mean by research,” Lucius asked sounding tired.



“Isn’t it’s obvious,” Snape asked in faked innocence. “I am going to pay a visit his muggle relatives. They have known the boy for his whole life, maybe they can explain why he is acting so strange,” with that Snape grabbed some floo powder from the pot on the mantelpiece, shouted ‘Leaky Cauldron’ and stepped in the fireplace his black robe billowing.



***



After tucking Harry in Madame Pomfrey retired to one of the guest rooms. She told that the patient was not in serious danger right now, but time will show. Draco didn’t dare to ask what. The mediwitch left Draco some potion vials and directions when to use them and of course telling him to call her immediately if there are any changes.



The blond Slytherin sat down on the chair next to Harry’s bed. He was watching his former rival. Potter…no, Harry was so pale lying there. Draco had an urge to make sure that the boy in front of him was still breathing, because he was unnaturally calm and motionless.



You have done it again, Potter. You have gotten yourself in trouble once again. Stupid Gryffindor…



Draco clasped one of Harry’s small hands, it was still warm and he could feel a weak, but steady pulse under the delicate skin. That was comforting.



Stupid, stupid Gryffindor. You should take better care of yourself. You are not alone anymore. You must also take care of my baby brother.



Draco sighed. His conscience was not usually disturbing his sleep. However he was still feeling guilty. He had not done anything that bad…kind of. Potter had run away on his own after all. Nothing bad for a Slytherin, maybe. No, who am I kidding. I was an utter bastard. I made him upset on a purpose. I knew Potter very well. I knew what I was doing to him. And I am sorry. I have a conscience after all…



“You know, you scared us terribly… I am sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you…I always do. You know, you look very... I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you look very pretty when you are angry… sorry, I meant handsome. Yes, you are very handsome.”



Draco sighed: “I know I can be a bastard. I… sorry. I am so sorry.” How could I hurt him? He is pregnant after all. “I thought I hated you, but I don’t. When you were lying there, so pale and… I really don’t hate you. I was just being a jerk; I don’t know why… I am sorry. I hope that you and the little guy, that you both are going to be all right.”



Draco gently tucked other boy’s hand under the blanket smoothing the soft fabrics afterwards.



Draco had sudden urge, he lifted his hand and caressed Harry’s cheek.



So soft. Like the finest silk.



“Father is a lucky bastard… I promise I won’t ever hurt you again. At least I will try. I guess I have a Malfoys’ bitching-bastard gene and sometimes just can’t help myself. But I will work on it. Ok?”



Then the bedroom door quietly opened and Lucius came in.



“You can go to bed now, Draco. I will stay with him.”



“If you are tired father I can…” the younger Malfoy tried to offer.



“No, go, rest. And since when you care?”



“He is a Malfoy and I care for my little brother, father, and I…” blonde boy trailed off.



“Don’t blame yourself. It is not your fault,” Lucius stated. But to be honest he was feeling guilty as well. “Go to bed.”



“Ok, but you must give him that purple potion every too hours and if anything changes, call Madame Pomfrey, she is staying in the beige room.”



“Goodnight, son. Thank you.”



***



Lucius watched his son leaving and then sat down next to Harry’s bed.



Oh, Merlin… Lucius hadn’t had time to stop and think. Now, he realized how scared he had been.



The man looked at his young husband and leaned down to brush locks of dark unruly hair of his forehead. It was slightly too warm.



“How did I let this happen to you? What did I overlook? What did I do wrong?”



***



Both Malfoy men were anxiously waiting in the guestroom while Poppy Pomfrey was examining Harry. They were trying their hardest to keep their cold demeanor. Malfoys were Malfoys and they had to keep their dignity even in hard times.



Finally the bedroom door opened and the mediwitch walked out with strained expression on her face: “Mr. Malfoy, Harry is not in danger anymore. The antidote had successfully fought doxy venom out of his body. Also his child is in no danger. However, he is not waking up.”



“What do you mean, he is not waking up!” Lucius finally lost his cool. “What kind of ‘fine’ is it!?”



“Mr. Malfoy!” Madame Pomfrey chided. “Mind your tone!”



“Excuse me,” the man tried to keep his temper under control. “What is wrong with Mr. Potter?”



“I am not sure,” the mediwitch sighed. “I assume that his body needs rest and he will wake up when he is ready. You just have to wait. There is nothing more I can help you with. I am returning to the Hogwarts. I will inform the headmaster, Mr. Malfoy if you don’t mind.”



“Of course,” Albus Dumbledore was the last person on his mind at the moment.



“If there are any changes, call me. I will leave the floo open,” and with that Pomfrey left Malfoys.



***



“Do you think he’s really going to be fine?” Draco voiced his doubt.



“Pomfrey says, he is going to be fine,” Lucius understood what Draco meant. It was hard to see the small, fragile boy lying on the bed so pale and motionless. Harry looked so frail and peaceful that also he had an urge to make sure if the boy was still breathing.



“If you say so. Fine. I’ll go take a shower,” and Draco left his father with his husband.



Lucius walked to the bed and took Harry’s seemingly lifeless hand.



“Are you going to be fine? You really have a talent for getting yourself in trouble. Oh, Harry,” Lucius pressed the small hand to his lips. “Please, don’t do this ever again. Malfoys never beg, but I am begging you…Right now I am thinking about locking you in this room and throwing away the key. I must guard my greatest treasure after all. What would you say to that?”



Naturally, Harry couldn’t say anything. But he could hear. He didn’t have the strength to open his eyes, but he could hear Lucius’s very word.



“I don’t think that this time silence is an acceptance? You would probably manage to find some trouble anyway. Why did I have to marry a Gryffindor?”



Lucius sat for some time motionless, just watching the sleeping youth.



“I am sorry. I am so sorry, if I did something wrong.” He was not even sure what exactly he had done wrong.



Lucius was attracted to Harry. Maybe even more than that. Te boy was like an addiction, someone one couldn’t just easily brush off. He wanted to have more and more of Harry Potter.



However Lucius realized how little he actually knew of his young husband. He didn’t knew what Harry liked, what his friends were like, what he dreamed off. He had no idea what he had done wrong to upset Harry so much.



The boy looked so young. Maybe the pregnancy and the marriage were too much for him to take.



“You are still just a child. I never really thought about that… ”



Yes, Harry knew how old he was. But his husband had never thought about it when he had used him. They all used him, never thinking how old he was. He was an adult when they needed him to save the world, but still a child when he wanted to know the truth. He was old enough in man’s bed, but a child in every other way…



Who was he?



***





A/N: Thank you for reading! only one more chapter to go now.