𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 38

Chapter Number/Total: 38/44
Chapter Title: To Love Thine Enemy

Harry wondered if he was completely mad for agreeing to come with Narcissa, especially when they actually arrived at the freezing island that held Azkaban prison. He had almost backed out of it. Not only was he somewhat nervous about seeing Draco's father, he hadn't wanted to leave Corvus and Caelum. He trusted Ron and Hermione to watch them, but he hadn't been away from the twins since they'd been given to him in St Mungo's.

It was daylight out, but so grey. Harry wondered if it was always grey there. It didn't feel like it was possible for it to get any brighter. Narcissa actually took his arm, and Harry thought it was probably to challenge the few guards that were looking at them strangely.

The one good thought in Harry's head was, at least there aren't any Dementors. That would have just been the icing on the cake.

He watched curiously – but without surprise – as Narcissa gave a bag stuffed with Galleons to the guard leading them along. So that was how Lucius got such frequent letters and visits. Of course.

He began to feel the nerves kick in as they walked, getting closer and closer to their destination, and his heart was beating rather fast when they finally reached it. The guard quickly unlocked the door. "Inside," he said, glancing about.

Harry took a deep breath before following Narcissa and the guard. He stepped to the side and stood against the wall immediately as Narcissa crossed quickly to her husband, who was sitting chained to a chair. She waited impatiently for the guard to unlock him, which Harry felt a little apprehensive about, and then embraced him tightly.

Lucius brought his arms around her as well, and when they kissed, Harry felt rather uncomfortable watching, so he looked away.

When Lucius spoke, his voice sounded croaky to Harry, but the low and dangerous undertones were still there. "What is going on with my son, Narcissa?" he demanded, apparently having not noticed Harry at all.

But he did when Narcissa glanced over her shoulder at Harry.

Lucius' eyes bulged as they met Harry's own. His lips curled to show his teeth, and he let loose a strange sound almost like a snarl. "What is he doing here?" he hissed.

"Lucius," said Narcissa sharply, stepping in front of Harry as though Lucius might try to pounce on him. "I asked him to come."

Lucius' expression did not change.

"Mr Malfoy," Harry chanced, taking a single step forward and setting his jaw. He was glad when his voice sounded like his own. "I honestly had figured my being here would upset you. But that's not the intention."

"I don't know how you have the nerve to speak to me!" Lucius shouted.

Harry's eyes narrowed and his anger flared, a number of cutting remarks coming to mind, but he held them back.

"Lucius, it would be nice to actually be able to talk," said Narcissa. "I am not asking you for the world. Only to put your anger aside for a half hour at least. Your son is lying in a coma in St Mungo's. If not for me, do this for him."

Lucius turned eyes on her now. "What do you want me to say, Narcissa?" he asked, still in hissing tones.

"I want you to listen," she said, eyes hard. "I know, above all people, how hard this is for you, but please, Lucius. I am honestly asking."

Lucius didn't look like he wanted to listen to anything, but he sat quietly, still glaring.

Narcissa looked at Harry, and nodded.