‘Can I have a word with you, Lord Slytherin, if you have time,’ Flitwick said.
It had been a long day of interviews. But finally, they were done. As was protocol for staff interviews there was one Founders Heir, the Headmaster and the Minister’s representative i.e., Umbridge. Flitwick was reasonable, fair and nonbiased although he had been watching him. Umbridge, however, spent half the time making disparaging comments to Flitwick rather than doing her job.
‘Of course, Headmaster,’ Tom said.
Tom frowned surprised at what the elderly half-goblin wanted.
‘Excuse me, Professor,’ Umbridge’s lip curled as though that was not the word she would use for the diminutive Headmaster, ‘if you have something the governors need to know I should be present to.’
Flitwick smiled, ‘no, Madam Umbridge, this is not about Hogwarts. Lord Slytherin, I would like to discuss Heir Slytherin’s schooling if that is okay with you?’
‘Yes, of course,’ Tom said.
Tom was sure that this was an excuse as Tom had officially withdrew Harry from Hogwarts a few months ago but he was willing to go along with it. They made their way up to the Headmasters office which seemed very different. None of Dumbledore’s enchanted objects, and the chair behind it was floating allowing Flitwick to easily sit behind it.
Flitwick retrieved a familiar vial of memories, ‘I thought I should return this to you and your associate.’
‘You viewed it,’ Tom said.
‘I did,’ agreed Flitwick. ‘For what it’s worth I am sorry for your husband’s death.’
Tom felt hands grasp at his heart at that but refused to show it.
‘Thank you,’ Tom replied. ‘Is that all?’
‘No,’ Flitwick said. ‘I was not lying about wanting to speak to you about your son. I am aware that you withdrew your son from school due to not wanting him around Dumbledore. But Dumbledore is gone, and I can assure you that he will be under no danger here – McGonagall saw the memories too, I believe that is the reason she resigned.’
‘There are others who may be loyal to Dumbledore – both students and staff members,’ Tom said.
Flitwick nodded, ‘I understand your concerns Lord Slytherin about his safety … but I do believe it would be good for Heir Slytherin to associate with people his own age, to have the school experience.’
Tom frowned – the truth was that he didn’t want to give Hadrian up – he had missed so much of Hadrian’s life, his whole childhood. And now he had him Tom wanted to keep him nearby. It was part of the reason why he disliked his relationship with Lucius so much. But Flitwick was right that once his friends went back to school he would be limited to pretty much Tom, Lucius, Sirius and Death Eaters. That was not fair on him.
But sending him back to Hogwarts was fraught with risks did not sit well with Tom. Ronald Weasley and Rubeus Hagrid would both still be at Hogwarts and they were supporters of Dumbledore. And then there was the pregnancy to consider on top of everything else.
‘I will have to think about it,’ Tom said. ‘And speak to Hadrian, and if we do decide to go back - there will have to be discussions on his safety and his pregnancy.’
‘Of course,’ Flitwick said.
‘Now, I really don’t want to miss dinner,’ Tom said. ‘If you don’t mind.’
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Harry was curled up on the couch with a cup of hot ginger tea as he waited for his father to return from Hogwarts. Today was Friday which Harry had instituted as father-son time when Harry had realised how jealous, for lack of a better word, his father was of how much time he spent with Lucius. However, his father was yet to come back from interviewing the new teachers.
Lucius had gone over to see Marcus. Sirius was with Barty (again). Harry was beginning to really suspect that there was something going on there but wasn’t sure the two men in question had realised that.
‘Hadrian,’ Harry’s father said walking in.
‘Father,’ Harry said putting down his tea. ‘Your plate has a warming charm … I’ve already eaten.’
‘Good,’ the Dark Lord said. ‘I would not want you going hungry on my account.’
Harry felt his cheek warm at that. He knew that which was why he hadn’t waited for his father to come before eating. But coming from a household where food was used as a punishment meant that his father being happy that he was eating made him feel … strange.
‘I would never use food as a punishment,’ the Dark Lord said eyes soft.
‘I know, I know,’ Harry said. ‘I’m just getting used to it.’
Harry’s father nodded, ‘I know. So, what have you been up to? I hope you haven’t been here alone all day?’
‘No,’ Harry said shaking his head. ‘Lucius only left forty-five minutes ago. We had a picnic by the lake … it was nice. You know he told me he loved me the other day.’
Tom snorted, ‘that was obvious.’
Harry blinked, ‘not to me.’
Tom smiled softly, ‘you deserved to be loved, Hadrian.’
Harry suddenly found himself tearing up at those simple words.
‘This is stupid,’ Harry choked out. ‘Stupid hormones.’
His father came down and sat beside him, pulling Harry into his arms. Harry could almost feel the love and care radiate off of his father. The love that he had always desired but never found. Harry wondered what it would have been like if Tom had got to raise him … which naturally set him off again.
‘I’m sorry …’ Harry sobbed. ‘This … this all so nice … I just wish we … I wish you had always been there … I’m sorry …’
Harry’s father’s arms tightened around him, ‘don’t be sorry. I wish I could have been there for you. I wish you hadn’t suffered. I wish I could have had you. I’ve missed your whole childhood and it kills me, just as much as losing James does. If I could go back to that terrible day and realise what was going on. See how obviously enchanted James was. It’s me who should be sorry.’
Harry shook his head still sniffling, ‘no, father, it’s Dumbledore … it was all Dumbledore. So, how was the interviews? Everything go accordingly?’
‘Yes, we now have the English, Magical Theory, Politics, Duelling and Healing jobs filled as well as two new potions and history professors,’ Tom said.
Harry nodded, ‘it’s going to be different for them going back this year.’
‘A good different, I hope,’ Harry’s father said. ‘Flitwick asked about you, wondering if you wanted to go back to school.’
Harry blinked wriggling out of his father’s arms, ‘do you want to go?’
‘No,’ the Dark Lord said harshly. ‘I’ve only just got you I do not want you to let you go again! But I also don’t want you to be trapped here with only Lucius, Sirius and I for company. It’s not fair on you.’
‘You are my favourite people,’ Harry said softly. ‘I don’t want to leave you, but I would like to complete my education. I just don’t want to leave here! If I could just go to school for the day and then come home for dinner.’
His father frowned, ‘we might be able to discuss that especially given the pregnancy.’
‘But isn’t it dangerous?’ asked Harry. ‘Dumbledore is still out there, and Weasley!’
His fathered nodded, ‘I know, I just thought I would give you the option if you wanted.’
Harry nodded, ‘when will you be going to France?’
Monday was the day of the election for the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, France, was of course, the location of the Headquarters to the ICW which was located somewhere in the eastern region of the Alps. His father had been invited by Stoyan Zdravkov to be seen with him so that Dark-aligned voters would see that. Harry was kind of jealous the closest he had come to having a holiday was at the Burrow and look how that had ended!
‘Early on Monday morning,’ Tom said. ‘I will be back by the afternoon.’
‘I’ll be okay,’ Harry said. ‘Wish I could go. I’ve never been out of Britain. Do you want to play chess?’
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry woke up the next morning and went down for breakfast. His father was already there with his cup of coffee and a slice of toast. Harry sat down opposite him with a smile and poured himself a large glass of pumpkin juice.
‘Good morning, Hadrian,’ smiled Harry’s father.
‘Mornin,’ Harry replied.
‘I thought about you said about going away yesterday,’ Tom said.
His father placed a brochure on the table of what seemed to be a fairy palace. Gold lettering spelt out Chateau Saint Christophe Hotel & Spa. It looked beautiful and very, very expensive. Harry wondered if he would ever be used to all the wealth and opulence that his father and Lucius so casually threw about.
‘I booked us in for a long weekend for the next few days,’ Tom said.
‘Really?’ asked Harry feeling excited and throwing his arms around his father. ‘Thank you. Oh, I need to tell Lucius.’
His father looked amused, ‘you can finish your breakfast first.’
- - - - - - - - - -
Lucius had just finished his breakfast. Draco’s school list had just been sent, alongside a list of new subjects that would be on offer and if Draco would like to swap any of his current subjects for the new ones. Usually, it would go directly to the child but as Draco was out of the country it went to his home address. Lucius was going to Floo Draco but expected him to drop Care of Magical Creatures in favour of Politics and possibly arithmancy in favour of duelling but that was less certain as both were useful subjects.
But then Harry walked into the room with a bright grin on his face looking very excited. More excited than when he was going to meet with his Gryffindor friends. Lucius wondered what had happened. Had Dumbledore finally been caught.
‘Father is going to take me to France with him for a couple days,’ Harry said excitedly.
Lucius blinked he knew of course that the Dark Lord would be going to France to witness the election of the new Supreme Mugwump. But he had thought that he would be only gone for a few hours. But looking at Harry’s obvious excitement Lucius had a good idea at why the Dark Lord was changing his plans. Harry didn’t realise just how wrapped around his fingers the Dark Lord was, as was natural for any parent. Lucius was the same with Draco.
‘Where is it you are going?’ asked Lucius taking Harry’s hand in his.
‘Saint Christophe’s,’ Harry said.
Lucius brightened, ‘yes, I know of it. I took Draco and Narcissa a couple of winters ago to do some skiing. Of course, there won’t be any of that in the summer but it’s nice. How long will you be away?’
‘Only, until Tuesday morning,’ Harry replied.
‘When do you leave?’ asked Lucius softly.
‘At three o’clock,’ Harry said cheerfully. ‘Will … you be okay?’
‘I think I can last three days and half days,’ Lucius said dryly. ‘I will miss you though.’
Harry smiled, ‘well let’s make the most of it.’
‘Shouldn’t you be packing?’ asked Lucius.
SEX SCENE BEGINS
But Harry gave him one look that went straight to Lucius’ groin – Merlin he was beautiful. Harry pushed him against the table. Lucius felt Harry’s lips on his and his hands undoing his trouser buckles. Lucius groaned, he loved it when Harry took control like this.
‘Merlin, I love you,’ Lucius groaned.
Harry flushed and smiled as he spread Lucius’ legs open. He removed a little bottle of lubricant from his own pockets causing Lucius to chuckle.
‘Why, Mr Slytherin, were you planning on seducing me?’ asked Lucius chuckling.
‘Yes,’ Harry said completely brazenly.
Harry prepared Lucius, then lubed himself up and pushed into Lucius. Lucius groaned at the slight burn as Harry entered him.
‘Move,’ breathed Lucius.
Harry groaned throatily and began to thrust deep, before pulling out and pushing all the way back in. Every thrust hit that sweet spot. Lucius groaned with every thrust looking into Harry’s dark brown, sweat slicked face. How did he get this lucky?
It wasn’t long before Lucius was coming all over their stomachs. Harry lasted only seconds after that and collapsed on top of him.
SEX SCENE ENDS
Harry looked like he was just going to lie there which if they were in a bed Lucius would not be against. But the table he was lying on was starting to become uncomfortable.
‘Maybe we should take this to the bedroom,’ suggested Lucius.
……………………….
Tom was waiting for Hadrian to get his stuff together. His son had arrived back about twenty minutes wearing what seemed to be Lucius’ robes shrunken down which Tom was pointedly not thinking about. Hadrian arrived down with his school trunk and wearing a set of dark blue, light armless summer robes and looking very excited.
‘How are we getting there?’ asked Hadrian.
‘They sent a Portkey to get us there,’ Tom replied.
Tom removed an old silver key which was keyed to activated at three o’clock. Tom had booked the hotel very late last night for an atrocious amount of money, but Tom wanted to give his son happy memories. Memories that Hadrian should have grown up, but Dumbledore’s actions had stolen from them instead of the pain and fear that Hadrian had grown up with. A childhood that Tom knew all too much about.
‘Are you alright?’ asked Hadrian eyes warm.
‘Take the Portkey,’ Tom said.
Hadrian gave Tom a piercing look that was just like James. James had never let Tom away with obfuscation. It was one of the things that had attracted Tom to James because James did not care about his title, or plans. He would give him grief, challenge him, listen to his problems, give him comfort and not let him shut James out. Every other lover Tom had taken was only ever interested in his power.
Hadrian took the other end of the key and they were transported to the foyer of St. Christophe’s. Hadrian’s mouth fell open at the plush dark blue carpet, marbled walls, glittering chandeliers (currently unlit) and large bay windows letting in the French midday sunshine. Tom made his way to the check-in desk.
‘Hello, gentlemen, do you have a reservation?’ asked the young wizard on the desk.
‘Yes, Slytherin, two-room suite, booked yesterday,’ Tom said putting.
‘You are in rooms 713 and 714, gentlemen, on the seventh floor. If you follow the hallway and take the right stairs up to the seventh floor and you will find your rooms. Do you have the key to your room?’
‘Yes,’ Tom said. ‘Thank you.’
‘You can leave your luggage here. Our elves will take them to your rooms and unpack them. If it suits you.’
Tom and Hadrian made their way they were directed.
‘Why were they speaking English?’ asked Hadrian.
‘Did you not read the pamphlet?’ asked Tom.
Hadrian flushed, ‘I … no … not really …’
Tom grimaced not wanting to think of what had distracted his son.
‘There are Translation Wards operating over the entire hotel so that you can hear what people say in your native language,’ Tom explained. ‘It’s the reason St. Christophe’s is popular with foreign travellers. I doubt we will be the only ones present for the ICW vote. And don’t be surprised if you hear something that doesn’t make complete sense. Some translations are not precisely accurate.’
Hadrian nodded as they entered their rooms through the conjoined sitting area. There were soft white carpets, red velvet coach and a glass, gilded table that had a menu on it. Hadrian immediately went to explore his bedroom and bathroom.
‘Wow,’ grinned Hadrian. ‘Thank you, father. So … what do we do now?’
‘We can go exploring the town, go for a swim, or get a spa treatment,’ Tom said.
‘Can we go to the pool,’ Hadrian said.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Harry was still grinning ear to ear a few hours later after an afternoon spent in the pool. They were seated at on a brown leather armchair at a two-seater table covered in white linen. He looked up at the ceiling that like Hogwarts was enchanted but instead of the sky it shifted into images of the French countryside. Harry picked up one of the menus which when he touched it the words seemed to go blurry and reform into English.
‘Do we just speak?’ asked Harry as he couldn’t see any waiters around.
‘Wild mushroom soup,’ Harry’s father said as an answer.
Harry looked through the menu (many of which he did not know what they were). Before settling on smoked salmon and a half baguette. Their starters arrived within seconds. Harry looked around nervously now wishing he had picked a soup. How did you eat this in a fine dining restaurant? Harry did not belong here.
‘You can use your hands,’ Harry’s father said.
Harry smiled gratefully, ‘I’m just not used to … this.’
‘I know,’ the Dark Lord admitted. ‘It took me a long time to get used to it as well.’
‘You grew up in an orphanage, didn’t you?’ Harry asked quietly.
Harry didn’t know exactly what an orphanage would have been like, but the Dursleys liked to use it as a threat so it couldn’t be nice. Harry wondered if his father had any better of a childhood with Muggles than Harry had. After all, his father had been fighting for magical children to be removed from Muggles long before he had even known he had a son.
‘Yes, I did,’ Tom said. ‘I take it my younger self told you?’
Harry nodded – his father had been furious at Lucius when he had found out that story. At first Harry had thought it was because Harry had been in danger but Harry had been in danger from the Dark Lord before too. And whilst that was part of it, it was also because the Diary was important to his father. Although Harry couldn’t understand why became from what the Diary told him that was the plan.
Harry nodded, ‘yes. What was it like?’
His father’s eyes darkened.
‘You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t want to,’ Harry said quickly.
Harry’s father sighed, ‘let’s just say the Dursleys and my caregivers would have got on swimmingly. They seemed to think I was a demon or changeling. The priests performed eleven exorcisms before I got my Hogwarts letter.’
Harry gulped he didn’t know much about what an exorcism was. But when Dudley and his Gang had watched The Exorcism in the summer before third year, Dudley had nightmares for weeks afterwards. Not that that was at all factual, but the look in his father’s eyes told him all he needed to know.
‘I’m sorry,’ Harry said softly.
The Dark Lord nodded gravely, ‘there was little food for any of us to have – it was the Great Depression – and I as the most hated was given less than anyone. But … I learnt how to take what I needed to survive. Then the war started when I was in Hogwarts … the food shortages got worse. and the bombings started. I begged to be allowed to stay at Hogwarts but despite the dangers in the Wizarding World I was denied.’
‘Dumbledore?’ asked Harry lips twisting.
Tom nodded.
‘You … that’s … just eurgh …’ Harry growled. ‘It’s just so unfair!’
‘Yes, it is,’ Tom said. ‘It’s why I promised myself I would get out there, never be powerless again, and make sure no one grew up like me – like us. But things are better with you here – I always wanted a family. I just wish James was here.’
‘Me too,’ Harry said. ‘Tell me about him.’
His father’s eyes were sad, ‘did I ever tell you how we first met?’