SECRET ( Drarry fanfiction)

Chapter 34

Lucius wasn't to know it, but Severus was the one who had the authority and the knowledge to adjust the wards to admit them as Draco's guests. No one would be the wiser, as no alarms would be set off by their appearance on the property. Severus had also given the orders to the house-elves.

Harry had no idea how exactly Severus knew that there would be no unexpected guests at the Manor, but he trusted Severus' word. He still had no idea how Severus was managing to keep Pettigrew's disappearance secret for so long, either. The man seemed to know, however, that Voldemort wouldn't be calling his followers that day or that evening. It was one of the reasons they had to do what they were doing immediately. Harry wondered if Severus had directly arranged it somehow, but wasn't sure how that was possible. Or perhaps his mind simply shied away from wanting to know what Severus had to do to make it possible.

Whatever the case, Severus Apparated them directly into Malfoy Manor while under the Invisibility Cloak. He rested a hand on Harry's shoulder and swiftly guided them along marble corridors, clearly knowing where they were going.

Harry followed, but his eyes roamed over everything they passed. The place practically screamed money . . . and it was huge. He was a little fascinated that this was where Draco had grown up, but thought the place seemed rather cold. He wondered how much of that had to do with the fact that Narcissa and Draco had stripped so much from the place, as there was a distinct feeling of emptiness in the air.

Lucius, still in ferret form, stirred against his thigh, and Harry glanced down at him. The ferret was agitated. Harry was feeling rather jittery himself.

They entered a study and, after closing the door, Severus removed the cloak, swiftly warding the room as extra protection. Lucius scampered out of Harry's pocket and back to the floor, transforming back to his human self.

Harry took in the expensive furnishings and the huge desk central to the room. Lucius also stood glancing around the room for a minute before he slowly walked over to his desk and sat down, rubbing his hand along the surface.

The desk and the room had many memories for Lucius, Harry was sure. He remained quiet, letting Lucius have a few minutes. Lucius checked through all of the drawers and eventually turned his attention back to Harry. He'd yet to really interact with Severus, believing him to be Remus.

"Potter, there is nothing here," he said. "Can I presume that Narcissa has taken my things?"

"Yes," Harry said, nodding. "Well, I'm pretty sure, anyway. I've never actually asked about your things," he admitted. "But she and Draco packed away a lot of stuff from here. Amongst other things, they've got a couple of those magical trunks that they packed. I've learned that Draco and Narcissa are really quite resourceful."

Lucius smiled faintly. "That they are," he said softly. He lapsed into silence again, and Harry waited. He wasn't really feeling patient, as he'd just as soon get out of there, but he was willing to give Lucius as much time as he could.

There was utter silence in the room and Harry was startled when Lucius started speaking again, as his head was bowed.

"My wife and son are resourceful," Lucius emphasized, raising his head to meet Harry's gaze directly. "I am unaware of events in the Wizarding world that have occurred over the last year, but clearly things have taken unexpected turns for my wife and son to be living with you." He hesitated a moment. "Have they truly switched sides in this war?" he asked. "You have not stated as such directly, but that is the definite impression I am receiving from you."

"Yes," Harry said solemnly. "They have made their choices freely, for reasons that they will have to tell you themselves. I refused to make the choice for them, just as I refuse to coerce you. I offered them protection to the best of my ability, which I now extend to you."