The Contract

Chapter 144

Aurelius watched Harry enter his office his face lighting up a little when he caught sight of him. He found himself curious, when his schedule showed Harry had an appointment with him. He knew it likely had to do with school, since they corresponded regularly about all other interests that held their attention. He had a few spare moments earlier, and had did a bit of reading, primarily Harry's reports – from his professors – on his academic achievements and such. It took just a single look at Harry's face for him to deduce what was going on. He could see the boredom underneath the pleasant – genuine – demeanour he had on his face.

"Good morning," Aurelius' said, "Are you hungry, thirsty?" not delaying, but desiring his own fortification. Nothing was quite simple when it came to Harry's care. That and he held onto the need to feed Harry as had the other Lestrange's despite Harry being...well, in better health than he'd ever been in his life.

"I wouldn't mind a goblet of orange or apple juice," Harry spoke quietly, as he moved to claim a seat closest to the wizard Harry held in high regard. He'd just been explaining the law in a debate in class. His professor had explained debating in class give you experience and confidence when it came to actually speaking in court. Naturally, Harry didn't need that sort of aid. Corvus had ensured he was confident in all he did, Aurelius and the tutors he had did the rest. He rested his bag against the headmasters desk, as he waited patiently, mentally going over what he wanted to say and do.

"Lizzy? My usual as well as a goblet of orange juice and some biscuits for Lord Potter." Aurelius commanded of the House-elf, which was his personal house-elf, not a Hogwarts one. He might be 'sane' and confident in his control of the magical world, but he did not trust easily. Or at all actually, he knew how easily overcome House-elves and wizards were when it came to the Imperius curse.

The house-elf left, and Aurelius leaned back silently contemplative. "You wish to take your exams and leave."

Harry startled badly at that, gaping at the wizard, completely dumbfounded. He'd not spoken to anyone except Draco, and that had been outside. There were no portraits near there to reveal any information. "How did..."

Aurelius smiled ruefully at him, "You aren't the only one who found themselves...bored out of their skull while at Hogwarts, Harry." He had his knights to keep in check, his classes, and he'd taken a lot of them, his extra classes, and different projects and he still got bored. "I had expected you to come sooner if I am entirely honest."

"When did you first consider it?" Harry asked, as the house-elf popped in with their food and drink, before disappearing before Harry could even get a 'thank you' out. Curious green eyes seeking out maroon ones in wonder. Relaxing entirely, knowing he wasn't the only one helped immensely. perhaps this feeling wasn't ingratitude after all...he wasn't being ungrateful he just wanted something to do.

"It took me three years to play catch up with everyone else, and begin my own projects. By the time I was sixteen and in my fifth year I was bored." Aurelius confessed wryly, and bad things tended to happen when he got bored, it was when he found the chamber of secrets, and well, he knew how that ended, even if everyone else didn't.

"Why didn't you leave?" Harry asked thoughtlessly.

"Mostly because I was a brilliant but penniless orphan," Aurelius explained, a little tersely, before it softened. "I knew that my best bet would be to remain within Hogwarts walls. Something I hadn't truly contemplated until I almost lost her." He'd been quick and frantic to point the finger at someone, anyone, in order to stop Hogwarts closing. He hadn't really had anything against the brainless oaf Hagrid. He reckoned he had done him a favour actually, there was no way he would have graduated anyway.