Harry Potter and the Silent Dead: Book 2

Summertime revelations

That summer the Malfoy family returned home, unsurprised to the see the dark lord that had become a regular visitor to the manor. After a short reunion with Harry, Tom looked at Lucius before walking to the man's study, knowing the blond would understand. Not a minute later, Lucius followed, firmly closing the door behind him. As usual, he seemed worried and it had at first amused Voldemort, but was quickly becoming annoying. When would the wizard understand that he was different. That his returned body had changed him. And, admittedly, Harry had changed him. The quiet necromancer child was growing on Tom, the two practically thick as thieves now. They'd spoken almost daily through the journal now, in addition to watching him through cavalier. At the time he simply couldn't understand why he'd put so much effort and complex margin into simply watching the child. He understood now, that he saw a part of himself in Harry. It felt almost as if the little necromancer held a missing piece of his heart. They were equals, not yet in knowledge, but certainly in intellect and power. After a moment, he realised he'd become lost in his thoughts, and looked up from his steepled fingers to Lucius, whom had been patiently waiting.

Lucius was nervous, which was perfectly logical. Whilst His Lord certainly seemed sane, he could not forget the dark evil and cruelty the man had once been. The one that had struck terror in him, for both himself and his family. For the very future of magic. He wasn't ashamed to admit, his loyalty had wavered, if only for a moment. He held true to his beliefs, but if the Dark Lord ever lost his sanity again, Lucius would not hesitate to act to protect his family. That included.... "You and Harry. You appear much closer this past year." He redrew his focus to His Lord, and nodded his head briefly. He'd discussed this with Narcissa, and soon with Draco. The child had become a part of their lives quite quickly. "The boy has certainly grown on me." The dark lord nodded as he leant back in Lucius' dark leather chair, looking rather formidable as usual. His human form did nothing to detract from the fear and respect Lucius had for the wizard. "As he tends to do. It's easy to care for him." The remark reminded him of an earlier worry, and he hesitated to ask before deciding the safety of his new family was worth the torture. "My Lord, what exactly is your relationship with Harry?" He flinched, waiting for a crucio which never came. He hesitantly looked up to face the wizards deathly glare. It felt as though the entire house had fallen silent at his subtle accusation, and the wizard himself was deathly still. "Lucius, you really think so little of your lord?" He tensed, falling to the floor and bowing deeply, scrabbling to salvage the conversation. "Of course not my lord, I only worry for Harry, and what he may come to think."

Tom was quiet for a moment, recovering from the emotions he'd felt upon hearing Lucius' question, his accusation. Revulsion, anger, no fury. He'd never been so insulted. For all his flaws, Tom would never. He would never. "I would not do myself nor Harry that dishonour. I should curse you for the very thought. Lucius flinched at that, and the old part of Tom, the crueler part that had always been there, was so very tempted. He refrained, simply sitting straight and waiting for the concerned father to meet his gaze. "Harry is the one thing I believed I could never have. An equal. Both myself and Harry are quite aware of our friendship, and to me there is nothing else. Whilst I cannot tell the future, I can tell you now, there is nothing more to our relationship. The concern held in the blondes eyes before disappearing with a sigh of relief. "Of course my Lord, I can only apologise for my thoughtless question, I did not intend to insult you." The conversation was clearly over, and Lucius quietly rushed out, leaving Tom to ponder over what the future could hold.

The summer was filled with sun and chatter, now that Harry could finally find it within himself to speak to the inhabitants of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa had been delighted the first time he'd bid her good morning, with Lucius giving a tight, but proud smile. They had celebrated by taking Harry on his first ever vacation, a delightful trip to Paris. Much to Harry's objection, he was spoilt and pampered as much as Draco, recieving almost and entire new wardrobe. It seemed ridiculously lavish and wasteful, but Harry had to admit that Narcissa was right. He did look good. For the most of the trip, the proud mother had mentioned constantly 'how big her boys was getting' and it was true. Both he and Draco had certainly grown, and Harry thought magic must have something to do with how similar they now looked. He felt almost the shadow to Draco's light, a pale dark haired aristocrat next to his blonde brother. To anyone who knew no better, he could truly be a Malfoy, admittedly resembling Narcissa closer than Lucius, as Draco did. They had both been growing their hair, Draco's now tied back in a loose ponytail, and Harry having been persuaded into a braid by Luna. The young seer and their other friends had visited throughout the summer, so it was a surprise when Harry awoke on his birthday to discover them missing.