The former Black paused, it had been years since Lucius had bothered to even look at her in anyway more than as a business partner. Once she had conceived for the required heir it had been the end of their, rather lackluster, love life. Unfortunately, with her husband's presence in the political world they had both agreed that affairs were not an option. If either partook in such sin, and were discovered, it would be disastrous for not only themselves, but their child as well.
"Do not think too much into it" the man interrupted, ripping her from her thoughts, "this may never even come to pass. Rumors circulate of the Dark Lord's return even now, and we may be called into his service once more."
For a moment Narcissa felt an odd sense of disappointment. Perhaps her life had become so mundane that even the briefest spark of excitement was enough to cause her to fantasize. Regardless she would do what was necessary. Bowing, the woman turned and departed, intent on taking either a very warm soak in their private bath… or a very cold shower.
Lucius, on the other hand, turned his attention back to his paperwork, a formal investigation, and pardon, for an old family friend, Bellatrix Lestrange. Potter had inadvertently opened the door into such precedents with the discovery of Sirius Black's innocence. Now the paperwork for new, and easily rigged, trials was easier to push through than Hogsmeade permission slips.
...
"Are you absolutely sure Remus? You have been the first truly skilled Defense professor we have had in years."
The Werewolf gave a smile towards the Headmaster as he continued packing up his belongings. "I am sure, I want to be with Sirius and Harry this summer, which means I wouldn't have time to plan for next year. I do not want to deprive students of any learning opportunities."
Nodding the old man let out a sigh, "I understand your reasons and I admire your commitment to Harry and Sirius. What are you planning to do about lodging?"
"Sirius and I will be cleaning out Grimmauld early on, then taking a nice long vacation with our godson."
"I…" Dumbledore paused, searching for a way to address the topic without insulting the man or causing rifts, "am just concerned about exposing Harry to the festering Dark Magic that might still reside there."
"We are as well Headmaster," a voice called from the doorway as the Lord Black walked into the room. "Luckily for us pup has a few friends who were more than willing to volunteer to house him for the first few weeks while we get rid of that crap. Heck I must thank you both for that. It was you and Remus' plan which established the connections last summer that we can now rely on. The Weasley's, Lovegood's, Tonks, Professors Sinistra, McGonagall, and Flitwick have all volunteered to help. Not only that but more than a few of Harry's Housemates have written me asking if we needed a place to stay temporarily."
Albus nodded cautiously, "I am glad to hear of so many offering their time and homes. I do hope you err on the side of caution when it comes to any former Death Eaters however. I do not wish for the boy to be harmed."
"Nor do we Albus, we have sent thankful declines to most… but…"
"But?"
"My cousin's prat of a husband is being quite insistent considering pup's backing of his political campaign. Apparently, his son is just as bad, constantly nagging about having my godson visit for at least a few days."
"It seems as though you have taken on more work simply sorting through the requests than will be saved by their help."
Both Marauders laughed, earning a smile from the elder Wizard. "Although my schedule can be quite demanding do not hesitate to contact me should you need anything. Enjoy your summer gentlemen, if anyone has earned a long vacation it is you three."
...
"Hedwig."
The owl shifted back into the girl a moment later, her eyes darting between the two godfathers of her beloved.
"Harry isn't here right now."
"We know, we actually wanted to speak with you."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, unsure what they could possibly want with her.
"Uh you see, well this is sort of awkward but uhm… well with the summer coming up and all…" Sirius stuttered a bit over his words, before looking over to his friend for help. Luckily the two adults had reached the agreement earlier, and the Werewolf just sighed before nodding.
"We want to take Harry on vacation."
Her amber eyes blinked a few times, before nodding slowly, "That is a good idea, he has never really been on one before and…" Her mind caught up to the situation, why the hell would they be asking her privately unless… "You don't want me to come as well."
Both Marauders winced at the cold tone, "Hedwig… listen I know you and Harry are close, probably closer than anyone else is with him, but… we want to have an opportunity to bond with him too."
"And you can't do that with me there because…"
"Er… we were hoping to go to the beach? You know get a tan, lounge in the sand, play in the ocean… check out some girls…" the last part was whispered by the Black Lord, earning a deeper scowl.
"So, let me get this straight, you two want me to give up the person that means the most to me in this God forsaken world for the summer…"
"Not the entire time, just like a few weeks or…"
"DO NOT INTERRUPT!"
.....
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