CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Harry could sense that there was something badly wrong with his fellow Dragonologists when he visited the day before he would be leaving with the Lestranges in order to introduce Barty to Inyala's children. He had no idea if his suitor noticed, but Harry could see in Anya and Lila's eyes that something was bothering them. The young Lord had suspected it was perhaps due to a lack of sleep or if there was perhaps an issue in the negotiations for the Romanian Longhorn pair. However, there was the same concerning level of worry in the eyes of the majority of the Dragonologists, which sent alarm bells ringing in Harry's head.

Especially since whenever he asked his friends and colleagues if everything was all right, they would plaster these clearly fake smiles onto the faces and would answer along the lines of:

"Yes, everything is fine. Why?"

"Oh? Yes! Everything is fine! Completely fine. Dragons keeping us on our toes as usual!"

It was fair to say that Harry was more than a little miffed at being treated like an ignorant child – he was being lied to. That much was obvious, and not only by the Dragonologists. Bartok, Synok, Layna and Rocla – though they were ecstatic to see Barty again and happily talked to him about Lincoln – Harry knew them long enough to know that something was bothering the four siblings and they were not talking to him about it.

Once more, when Harry tried to get his dragon children to open up about their problem, he was met with some rather weak excuses.

*Bartok has been snoring again. Just tired.*

*Inyala's hatchlings have been keeping us on our claws, Papa. Nothing to worry about.*

*Synok stole my meat.*

*How many times do I have to apologise, Layna?*

Knowing that his dragons were exceedingly stubborn when they wanted to be, Harry decided it was probably best to drop the matter for now and deal with it once he was back from Wales. It was clear that no one was in any mood to involve him in their business, and the young Lord decided that if they wished to keep their secrets, he would let them – for now.

Besides, introducing Barty to Inyala's children was enough of a distraction. The young Opaleyes all wanted to take in his scent and bombarded the wannabe Wardmaster with questions about his family, his profession, his favourite food and – of course – about his relationship with Harry. Though flustered and a little overwhelmed at having young dragons as a captive audience, Barty obliged with as many answers as he could, though did side-step the subject of "human hatchlings" when one of Inyala's daughters brought it up.

Harry had chuckled to himself throughout watching Barty, but could not restrain his amusement when the young hatchling who had issues hatching playfully nipped and batted at Barty's bell sleeves of his cloak. Inyala was set to tell her son off but Barty had somehow sensed what the hatchling wanted and – very carefully – patted the young dragon's head.

As if Harry could not have been more impressed, Barty handled Metis' kids like a champ too. The Pendragons had managed to tackle their friend's suitor once again to the ground, much to the exasperation of their mother and the amusement of their Hebridean siblings.

*So this is Barty! You smell nice.*

*Do you think he eats meat?*

*I like this one better than Evan. His eyes shine like gold!*

Metis huffed. *Children, what did I say about behaving in front of Harry's mates?*

"It's quite all right!" Barty had reassured while laughing. Harry helped him to sit up while Rocla and Layna herded the young Pendragons off him. "Kids have a lot of energy. It is to be expected."

Harry quietly hoped that Rodolphus would be as forgiving and jovial as Evan and Barty if the Pendragons tried that with him too, which was most likely to happen. The Healer had agreed to meet the new additions to the dragon family as soon as they returned from Wales, and it did worry the young Dragonologist just a little bit. Rodolphus was far more reserved and serious – he might not take as kindly to being flattened by baby dragons.

The concern that he was being lied to and that Rodolphus might not like Metis' children continued to weigh on Harry's mind for the rest of the day, which was of course noticed by his mother and Nipsy.

Though Lily had her own concerns, she did decide to try and winkle the problems out of her son at dinner time. That evening Nipsy had made tomato soup, her special shepherd's pie and treacle tart in order to cheer the young Master up, which Harry appreciated a lot. Lily let him off the hook for the entrée, talking about her own continuing battles with the Wizengamot and turmoil about whether to enlist Evan Rosier's help in their quest to find out the truth to why James had been killed.

"Madam Bones does have a point, Mama. Evan can open doors that would normally remain closed to us, simply because we are a Light family – at least in the eyes of the public," Harry stated as he poured himself some more pumpkin juice. "Besides," he smirked, "I am pretty sure Evan is not going to say no to an opportunity that may get him some bonus points with the Lady Potter."

"I suppose you have a point there," Lily concurred after she had finished her last spoonful of soup. "But Old man Selwyn does have a point about sleuthing and courting not mixing all too well."

"Well, think of it this way. You get someone to help you butter up the Dark and Grey families, and he gets to also help us with our family issue," Harry countered. "Barty is helping to decode Papa's journals; you don't have much of an issue with that. More to the point, Evan was a witness-"

"OK, you have convinced me," Lily smiled. She then cocked her head a little as Nipsy cleared away their plates and brought in the shepherd's pie. "Have you given any thought about how you are going to choose between the three of them, when the time comes?"

Harry shook his head. "I think it is still too early for that. I mean, I had thought about involving Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna in the decision, but I suspect they would be typical dragons and just tell me to keep all three!"

"Speaking of the dragons," Lily began as she cut up the shepherd's pie, "did something happen at the reserve today? You have had a look of concern and worry the whole day."

"Nothing bad happened with Barty," Harry reassured. "Inyala and Metis' kids all loved him. But …" he sighed irritably, "I couldn't shake this feeling that everyone – my dragons included – was keeping something from me."

Lily frowned at this. "Well, that is unusual," she stated carefully. "What do you think they are keeping from you?"

"Not the foggiest idea," Harry huffed. "It could be that the deal with the Romanian reserve has gone awry but that is unlikely because they would have told me, or Charlie would have written to me by now about it."

"Perhaps it was a security concern?" Lily suggested. "The Aurors have been, have they not?"

"I think Anya and Lila would have at least voiced their concerns to me," Harry pointed out. He shook his head. "No … no there is something else. I think it may just be one of my funny feelings again, but I suspect it goes beyond just the normal. Rocla and the others refused to tell me anything too."

Lily's brow furrowed further. Her draconic grandchildren had not yet lied to Harry, but perhaps it was some kind of dragon rebellious phase? But that again was unlikely.

"I am sure they will tell you soon enough," Lily tried to reassure her son, seeing that pensive look return. "Maybe they just do not want to worry you unnecessarily? You are about to go on holiday for the first time in a while. Perhaps they do not want to spoil it for you?"

"Could be," Harry was forced to concede.

He did worrying about the dragon reserve and all his friends so very well!

Lily found herself smiling smally. "At what time are the Lestranges coming tomorrow again?"

"Eleven-thirty in morning," Harry allowed his mother to change the subject.

"Well, I suggest concentrate on that," Lily advised, digging into her shepherd's pie. "If it makes you feel better, I will check in on the reserve regularly on your behalf, but not every day. After all, it is just for four days."

"Thank you, Mama," Harry smiled gratefully.

"No problem, sweetheart."

After dinner, the young Lord decided to go up to his room to double check he had packed everything for tomorrow and to listen to some music while reading or drawing – whatever took his fancy. It seemed that his friends somehow sensed that he was free, because Harry soon heard his two-way mirror begin to vibrate.

Smiling to himself but also steeling himself in case it was Draco, Harry picked up. "Yes, what is it, Draco?" he stated with a grin.

"Ha, told you that you're predictable!" Blaise gloated on the other end of the line.

Draco huffed as several other people laughed at his expense. He then refocused on his friend. "Is this a bad time, Harry?"

"Nah, just finished dinner about twenty minutes ago. Just doing nothing," Harry reassured. "What's up?"

"We heard along the grapevine that Inyala's eggs have hatched!" Blaise called. "When you're back from Wales, can we visit them?"

Harry grinned. "I will see if I can arrange something," he promised.

Draco scowled. "Well, I wanted to call on a different matter. There is something I need to discuss with you before school. It is actually a matter of urgency."

Harry frowned.

"Yeah, we were confused too," Vincent commented, seeing Harry's expression.

"We figures it must be to do with someone copying his style again," Gregory added with a smirk, which earned him a glare from Draco.

"What could be so important that you can't just tell me now?" Harry wanted to know.

"Too many people in the house," was Draco's slightly cryptic answer. "Father has guests right now and I have only just managed to escape with the guys outside."

"He's been acting like a startled stoat the whole evening, Harry!" Marcus informed him.

Now that was strange. Draco usually put on a decent mask whenever he was under stress. If his friend was actually showing anxiety, Harry knew something was up. He pursed his lips for a moment. "How about you call me tomorrow?" he suggested.

"While you're on holiday with Uncle Rodolphus? I do not wish to be an imposition," Draco responded primly.

His friends all sighed in exasperation; Harry rolled his eyes.

"Dude, he offered!" Adrian scoffed.

"Besides it doesn't have to be during the day. You can just call in the evening," Theo added. "We kept telling you, you're creating problems where there aren't any!"

"Unlike you lot, I actually care about whether or not I am intruding on someone's private time with their suitors!" Draco shot back. "It is bad enough that Blaise wants to call Harry after a date almost every single time."

"Oh come on, as if you don't want the scoop!" Blaise protested.

"I do, but I also know not to stick my nose where it isn't wanted," Draco countered.

"Bet you're looking forward to a small holiday, eh, Harry?" Marcus chuckled.

Harry chuckled. "Kind of, yeah. Feels weird."

"Nah, you're becoming slightly normal," Vincent teased.

"Shush," Harry rolled his eyes.

"Holiday with the Lestranges should be interesting though. Lord Lestrange is definitely not one for lazing about in the house all day," Adrian informed. "He will make sure that you are kept busy for most of the day. Went on an outing with him, my dad, and the Flints once. We walked the whole day!"

"My feet hurt like a cow the whole evening," Marcus added. "So make sure you pack good shoes, Harry!"

Harry grinned. "I think my boots will be just fine. I have an extra pair just in case. Thanks for the warning, though, guys."

"… Oh bugger, our dads are calling us back in," Gregory grumbled. "We have to go."

"Good luck, guys," Harry chuckled.

"Bye, mate!" they chorused before hanging up.

Harry chuckled to himself as he put the mirror to one side and resumed doodling away, wondering what on Earth could have Draco up in arms. This day was just getting weirder and weirder.

Rocla and her siblings were not happy. Not only were they forced to hide the fact one of the potential poachers had been back from their Papa, the humans were making a ridiculously overcomplicated plan in order to try and find the person who had smelled like cabbage, or the person who had been feeding them information.

What the young Hebrideans had overheard was, that the current plan of attack was to bring every employee, sans the parents and keepers of the dragons, in for questioning. As if the culprit was going to be found by asking a bunch of dumb, stupid questions! No, no, the only way to find this person was to watch the potential suspect, find out if the cabbage scent was on any of their clothes and see if they had any reason for targeting the new hatchlings.

The issue was, each one of the siblings would have to be able to follow at least ten humans at the same time in order to try and get the evidence that they needed. Which meant Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna were left quietly contemplating their next course of action.

*Papa would know what to do,* Layna muttered as she played around with the horse bones in her area of their den.

*When Papa is back, we will tell him everything,* Rocla stated with a tone full of authority.

*He is not going to be happy with us for keeping this from him,* Synok deflated.

*I think he is going to be a whole lot angrier with Mama Anya and Mama Lila for not telling him than us,* Bartok replied.

*He is going to still give us a firm telling off,* Synok pointed out.

*I think that should be the least of our worries,* Rocla argued as she began pacing up and down the den. *We may need the human cameras rather than just normal wizard methods of security.*

*And around some of the homes of the keepers,* Layna added.

Bartok frowned. *I doubt they would agree to that.*

*Well, there has to be a way to catch the culprits!* Rocla snarled. *I don't think human issues on privacy should trump the safety of Pendragon and Opaleye hatchlings!*

Synok pondered for a moment, considering something. *Maybe Mama Lila can ask help from her uncle? I heard he was a smart man who helps with security in one of the human government departments.*

*Oh. Yes, he is like a Muggle spy,* Layna confirmed. *Only with more research involved.*

*But do you think he would be able to help? Without blabbing?* Rocla asked.

*He may do if Mama Lila asks him,* Bartok pointed out. *I don't think a magic spy will give information all that easily.*

Rocla considered her brother's point for a moment.

*I think we should ask Papa what he thinks,* she decided.

*But can we afford to wait four or five days?* Layna wanted to know. *For all we know they could try again soon, or worse – they may actually succeed!*

*We just need to do the humans' job for them! We continue to keep an eye on both Metis and Inyala's families. We spend as much time with them as possible, and if we can't, we ask Owaine and his mates to do it,* Rocla stated, marching about akin to a General. *And at night, we take turns to sleep with Metis, Inyala and their hatchlings.*

*Metis may agree to that,* Synok agreed but then he frowned. *Inyala, I have my doubts. She is still new to being a nest mother. She may protest and take offence. She could think that we think she is not up to the job.*

*Or we could just tell her that you and Bartok snore,* Layna grinned toothily.

Bartok and Synok scowled while Rocla giggled.

*Or we could tell her that we are trying to learn proper hatchling care before our humans start looking for mates for us as well,* Bartok huffed.

*That too,* Rocla agreed. *Even though we still have a few years to go.*

*Could be sooner though, and not even because of mate hunting for us,* Synok chuckled. *I would not be surprised if it is announced soon that Guendolin may have her own nest of eggs in a few months!*

*And to think Owaine is so shy!* Layna chuckled.

Rocla huffed. *Let's hope we have sorted this issue before Guendolin has a nest. The last thing we need is yet another worried nest mother!*

"Well, I must say, Mossbridge Hall does have a lot of character!" Lord Lestrange commented jovially, studying the building. "Yes, Dolph I think I now definitely agree with you that this is far more fitting for the Potters than Potter Manor."

The Lestranges were admittedly a little early, arriving at Mossbridge Hall at eleven, so Lord Lestrange took the opportunity to have a good look at the outside of this lesser Potter residence. Rodolphus and Rabastan shook their head at him fondly, chuckling.

"Oooo that was renovated … that part is definitely in need of renovating! … not so sure about the ivy …"

"Grandfather, really!" Rabastan huffed.

"What? You know fully well I do not like spiders at the best of times," Lord Lestrange answered seriously, his eyes shining happily, though. "However, given Lord Potter's passions I doubt he is too bothered by spiders."

It was at this point that the front door opened and Nipsy the house elf stuck her head out. "Mister Rodolphus and his family have arrived, Mistress!" she called back into the house. Nipsy turned back with a beaming smile. "Come in, sirs! Nipsy has tea ready. Master Harry is almost ready too."

"Ah, tea!" Lord Lestrange had promptly forgotten his fascination with the architecture as he hurried over, his grandsons shaking his head derisively at him. "I never say no to a good cup of tea."

Nipsy happily took their cloaks and led them into the parlour, where Lily Potter was already seated, reading a book and listening to a Muggle band on her CD player that none of the Lestranges had ever heard of. It had quite a mystical quality to it and the singer had a pleasant voice; Rodolphus found he did not even grimace at hearing it. As for Lady Potter, she was dressed as well as any pureblood Lady – in blue – and sat in her chair as though it were a throne.

It did not surprise Rodolphus but it did make him smirk at the look of abject shock that spread onto Rabastan's face. Lily looked up and smiled brightly as the three men bowed to her. "Gentlemen, you're surprisingly punctual! That eager to get on the road, are we?" she teased.

"We do have quite a schedule before the day is out, my Lady," Lord Lestrange answered. "Apologies if our early arrival is an inconvenience."

"Pfft, not at all," Lily reassured easily and gestured for them to sit down, which they did. She began pouring the tea for her guests. "So, what is on your schedule for today?"

"First is unpacking, and then a nice walk, to introduce Harry to the surroundings of our residence. Afterwards, we are going to see the daughter of a family friend and then have dinner with her," Lord Lestrange informed happily.

"Oh? What is she like?" Lily asked curiously as she stirred her tea.

"Eira is a musician and works as an apothecary," Rabastan was happy to oblige the information. "She is independent and perhaps a little strange, but her parents and grandparents were vassals to our House for centuries so we stay in touch."

"I see," Lily smiled.

"Do you have to go to London to do combat with Diggory, Abbott and Macmillan again?" Lord Lestrange asked the Lady Regent curiously.

"No, fortunately. I do have some important business to attend to, but that concerns Potter Family business," Lily informed. "Just as much of a headache, only of a different nature," she chuckled wryly.

The Lestranges exchanged a look but didn't press their host on the matter. Rabastan decided to change the subject to the music she was listening to. "Who is singing this song? I don't think this is anyone I know."

"Probably not," Lily agreed, smiling again. "This is Dead Can Dance, a Muggle band. James … he introduced their music to me."

"Oh," Rabastan grimaced a little.

"Yes, he … went to a Muggle music store after work one time and came home with a few albums. 'I heard this and I thought you might like it'," Lily grinned brightly for a moment. She chuckled. "James did that a lot. Came back with things that he thought I would like. Made me feel a little bad that I didn't do that as much as he did, but he would insist that my smile was thanks enough for him."

She sipped her tea, staring almost into space before knocking herself back to Earth, chuckling awkwardly. "Sorry. You … did not need to know that," Lily sighed.

"It's all right, my Lady," Rodolphus reassured easily.

Lily raised her eyes to look directly at him. "I still feel like I took a lot of things for granted. James' death opened my eyes to a lot of things. I just hope that … my son or anyone else makes the same mistake that I did."

Rodolphus gave a curt nod in agreement – it was the only answer he felt that was appropriate to give.

It was at this point that Harry came down the stairs, humming and singing to the tune of the Dead Can Dance CD. "You have not been interrogating our guests, have you, Mama?" he stated teasingly as he breezed into the room, grinning at Lily. Rodolphus' eyes widened a little. The young Lord was dressed in a dark green shirt, black trousers and boots, all of which suited him effortlessly.

Lily chuckled. "I have been on my best behaviour," she reassured her son with a tone of amusement. "We were discussing music, if you must know."

"Oh? Did you tell them about your piano career as a kid?" Harry looked surprised. The Lestranges exchanged looks again.

Lily flushed. "No, we talked about how your father introduced me to my favourite band."

"Ah!" Harry turned to the Lestranges, who all bowed their heads formally to him. "And, what do you think of it?" he asked curiously.

"I think it's beautiful," Rabastan admitted readily.

"It is not to my taste all too much, but I would not object to hearing it now and again, my Lord," Lord Lestrange answered candidly.

"I think it is very fitting – to both Her Ladyship and Mossbridge Hall," Rodolphus added.

"Well, that is a new one!" Lily laughed. Rodolphus flushed a little.

Harry grinned as he seated himself down in the chair between Lord Lestrange and his mother. "Sorry I am a little tardy. Got a call from Hermione Granger – she wanted to know if I wanted a souvenir from her trip to France. Told her to surprise me."

"Dangerous," Rabastan commented.

"Usually but Hermione is highly unlikely to bring back anything too horrific," Harry informed.

"Have you got everything?" Lily asked her son.

"Yes. All packed and ready to go. Nipsy already shrunk my bags," Harry reassured.

"Then I think we should get a move on, boys," Lord Lestrange jumped to his feet and bowed to the Lady Regent. "My Lady, thank you for the tea. It was absolutely delicious! We will no doubt speak again soon."

"Indeed, my Lord," Lily agreed with a grin.

Harry, Rodolphus and Rabastan got their feet and followed Lord Lestrange to the hall, where Nipsy handed the Lestranges their cloaks. "Have fun Master Harry! Remember to eat well," Nipsy stated primly.

Harry chuckled. "Yes, ma'am," he saluted jokingly.

Nipsy beamed at him; the Lestranges tried their best not to gape at the ease between master and elf. Rodolphus was the one who was best composed – it really should not surprise him that Harry had a friendly relationship with his staff. It was just in his nature.

Once they were outside, Rabastan could not help but question Harry about it. "Why did you salute your own elf?"

"Because Nipsy is a right mother and I have some abysmal eating habits," Harry admitted awkwardly. "Besides if you cross her … you get an angry Nipsy and that is one of the scariest things you will see in your life! I used to run away from her because I was that scared."

Rabastan blinked in shock, as did their grandfather.

Rodolphus, though, found himself chuckling. The image of an angry elf marching around the room and shouting at Harry was, admittedly, very funny. Harry grinned right back.

Lord Lestrange composed himself. "We will be Apparating there, my Lord. Is that a problem?" he asked carefully.

"Nope, not at all, sir," Harry reassured.

"Good. You will Side-Along Apparate with Rodolphus," Lord Lestrange added with a satisfied smirk. Rodolphus blanched while Rabastan chuckled at his shock. Harry nodded in agreement, seemingly at ease.

Lord Lestrange and Rabastan were gone before Rodolphus could protest.

"Unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head.

"Is there a problem, Heir Lestrange?" Harry asked teasingly, those green eyes flashing with amusement.

Rodolphus quickly pulled himself together. "Not at all, my Lord," he answered after clearing his throat. He offered his suitor his right arm. "May I have this honour?"

"You may," Harry smirked, taking the Healer's arm.

Rodolphus was almost disappointed when they got to their destination and Harry let go of his arm quite quickly. The only thing that lessened the Healer's disappointment was the fact the young Lord was blushing. Rodolphus completely forgot his own childish feelings when he watched Harry's expression change as he took in his surroundings.

The Lestrange's Welsh home, which was heavily warded, was a 17th century red-brick mansion that looked like it could be the setting for a Welsh fairy tale. There was no garden to speak of but there were rolling fields all around with birds of prey in the sky above. Harry's awe did not abate during the tour of the house; Rodolphus was surprised at how alert the young Lord was, absorbing all the information his grandfather was throwing at him.

When their grandfather had dragged Harry to see their Abraxans, Rabastan had joined his older brother's side as they watched their father and Harry from the patio.

"You haven't blinked in over a minute. He is not going to disappear you know," Rabastan teased.

Rodolphus scowled. "Shut up," he advised.

"What? You can't stop checking him out – I am simply pointing it out," Rabastan tried to look innocent.

"Well, don't," Rodolphus huffed.

Rabastan regarded his older brother closely for a moment. "This goes beyond our Lord's orders for you, doesn't it?" he guessed. "You like Lord Potter."

"He would not be here, if I didn't," Rodolphus pointed out.

"I suppose," Rabastan agreed. He sighed. "I just hope it is you who wins him over. Not only because seeing you mope around was getting annoying, but ever since you agreed to this, you are beginning to return to your … normal self."

"Am I?" Rodolphus could not help himself.

"Yeah," Rabastan grinned. "So, I suggest you don't screw up on this holiday. I want some green-eyed nieces and nephews in the future!"

Rodolphus snorted and whacked his brother around the head for that comment. Harry and their grandfather joined them at this point. Lord Lestrange clapped his hands. "Upstairs next! Harry, we have decided to put you in the room next to Rodolphus's. That will not be a problem, will it?"

The Healer suddenly wanted to the ground to swallow him whole. Even Harry looked shocked for a moment but the young Lord recovered much quicker than Rodolphus did. "No … that isn't a problem. Unless it is for you," Harry turned to Rodolphus, eyes dancing with concern.

It was this look that knocked Rodolphus to his senses. "No," he reassured firmly. "It isn't a problem."

Lord Lestrange happily dragged Harry back into the house to show the young man his room, Rabastan struggling not to laugh at his brother's embarrassment.

Evan did not expect to be summoned to Mossbridge Hall by Lily Potter for a reason that was suspiciously vague. It was a good thing that he had completed all of his planned meetings and had no other meetings or important deadlines for the afternoon because Evan really did not want to try and concoct an excuse like a kid lying to his parents in order to sneak out to a party.

Evan had been there and done that. He thought he was done with that part of his life, but Lily Potter was really putting that to the test. Evan made an excuse to his civil servants that he was going home for the day to finish some assignments and to send anything important to him at home.

When he Apparated to Mossbridge Hall, Evan quietly hoped that Barty was not there, working on James Potter's journals. He knew he would need to be able to focus on Lily Potter's assignment – jealousy was the last thing Evan needed. It was bad enough Harry was in Wales with Rodolphus; Evan already wanted to punch a wall thinking about it. He did not need Barty breathing down his neck!

"Master Rosier!" the cheerful greeting from Nipsy the house elf knocked Evan out of his train of thought. The house elf had been working in the front garden.

Evan plastered a smile onto his face. It seems the elf had managed to get to gardening before her mistress did. "Hello, Nipsy. Is your mistress in?"

"Yes, Mistress is in the back garden. Follow me!"

Evan followed the enthusiastic elf to the back garden. Lily was reading to a bunch of corvids; Evan would have been utterly dumbfounded at this, had this been anyone else except the Lady Regent of House Potter.

"-yes I think this is one of the best parts! I mean, it is very clear that they like each other – oh hello, Evan!" Lily beamed at him and the corvids turned their heads to him and cocked their heads at him curiously.

Evan could not help but smile back. "Hello, my Lady."

"On time as usual!" Lily gestured to the seat next to her. "Thank you so much for obliging me."

"No problem," Evan answered as he took the chair.

"Would Master Rosier like some iced tea?" Nipsy asked.

"Ah yes! Good idea," Lily grinned. "I forgot to offer refreshment. Forgive me."

"It's all right," Evan chuckled. "So, how can I help?"

The Lady Regent's expression suddenly turned rather serious. "I am pretty certain that you know that my son and I have been trying to discover what happened to James – the truth to what actually happened."

"Yes, I am aware," Evan agreed, letting out a sharp exhale. "How can I help?"

"Straight to the point," Lily smiled. "I need your help regarding what you saw and softening anyone who is Dark or Grey – who may be a little reluctant to talk to me – who may know anything important."

Evan blinked a few times. "What? My Lady … I may have a few good alliances and friends who are Dark and Grey, but I think you may be overestimating the power I have with them," he half-laughed.

"I don't think so," Lily's smile did not abate. "People know you are one of Lord Slytherin's favourites. That alone gets you through a door. A door that I could not get through on the account of being Lady Potter. Yes, Lord Slytherin is family – but we have gone to great lengths to keep that a secret."

"A secret that needs to be guarded at all costs," Evan nodded in agreement.

"Exactly," Lily sighed. She looked relieved when Nipsy came back with a nice jug of iced tea and two glasses. As Nipsy poured the drinks, Lily continued. "Barty and Rodolphus have their own reputations amongst the Dark, but Barty is already helping and Rodolphus' reputation amongst the Dark, Grey and Light is in tatters since the divorce. Plus, I know you have a Machiavellian streak a mile off."

Evan smirked at this point.

"Plus, Amelia advised that I should make use of your talents, and I agree," Lily finished.

Evan almost snorted into his iced tea. "Well, a recommendation does not come often from Amelia Bones, so I suppose that is already an honour," he grinned. Evan composed himself and cleared his throat. "My Lady, I will do what I can to help you and Harry."

Lily sighed in relief. "Oh thank everything good and holy!"

"Did you fear I would refuse?" Evan cocked his head a bit.

"Yes. Because it could be potentially dangerous," Lily answered candidly. "My husband was killed in suspicious circumstances – I doubt anyone who was involved want people to stick their nose into the dirt."

Evan nodded in agreement. "True, but you need the truth. Harry does too. That's more important."

Lily grinned. Evan flushed and quickly sipped his iced tea.

"May I read to you?" came the sudden question from the strange Lady Regent.

"Errrrrr … what are you reading?" Evan found himself asking.

"Oh, it's called Galvanists versus Necromancers," Lily grinned. "It follows a group of Galvanists who are dragged into solving these cases concerning Necromancers because everyone assumed a Galvanist was behind the crimes. It is supposed to be for young adults but I think it is rather good!"

"Caw!" the corvids agreed.

Evan chuckled to himself. I think I am losing my mind, he commented to himself. "OK. Read to me," he decided out loud.

Lily lit up and opened the book. "OK, for context, the Galvanists are about to search the crime scene for extra clues using flying automatons."

Evan grinned. "Fire away."

"All right, Draco, spill the beans."

"Wow, impatient – did I ruin a romantic moment between you and Uncle Rodolphus?"

"I would not tell you even if you did!"

"Spoil sport."

Draco had called not long after Harry had excused himself from the Lestrange family to take a shower. The Malfoy heir did have a sense of timing, Harry had to give him that. The call gave him the opportunity to try and ignore the warm and fuzzy feelings that had been swimming around his stomach the whole bloody day!

"But seriously though, did you have a good day?" Draco could not help but fish for gossip.

"Yes," Harry obliged, trying to ignore the heat in his cheeks. "The Lestranges are lovely. Lord Lestrange is like a bouncy ball! Rabastan is really funny and their friend Eira is this mad genius."

"And Uncle Rodolphus?"

"He and I talked," Harry was not going to give anything more!

"That is it? Please give me more than that!"

"No."

"Oh come on!"

"Draco, if you spill the beans about what you wanted to tell me, I might just give you a bit of gossip," Harry decided it was best to bargain with his best mate.

"Fine," Draco pouted. He sobered a little. "Right, I hope you are sitting down."

"I am on my bed."

"Close enough. Anyway, Macnair had gone to the pub recently and apparently, he had overheard this conversation between a bunch of thieves and black market people," Draco had lowered his voice. "Macnair, being the nosey shit he is, moved closer to eavesdrop. What he claimed to have heard is that someone mentioned a bunch of baby dragons that hatched at a dragon reserve recently – one with shit protection – and that these babies would be worth a fortune. Now, this alone made Macnair want to run and tell Lord Slytherin but then he swore that they mentioned the word 'Pendragon', and as soon as he was able he went to tell Lord Slytherin what he had heard. Problem was, Lord Slytherin was away at a meeting so Macnair told Yaxley and Yaxley told my father, who warned me to get in touch with you."

Harry could hardly believe his ears. "When … when was this?!"

"A few days ago," Draco answered simply. "Macnair was at his usual haunt down Knockturn Alley."

"Which is basically a hot bed for people like black market dealers and thieves," Harry growled to himself. "Did Macnair not get any of their names? Did he not get a single name?"

"Yeah, only one," Draco huffed. "Dung."

"Excuse me?"

"That was the name," Draco clarified. "Dung."

Harry blinked five times in disbelief. "… That is nothing to go on."

"I know, sorry, mate," Draco deflated. "I wish I could be of more help-"

"Maybe see if you can get Lord Slytherin can get Macnair to cough up more information?" Harry suggested.

Draco laughed derisively. "I am not stupid, Harry!"

"Weeeell …"

"Oh go and snog my uncle's face off!"

"A little bit too early in the courting for that."

Draco pulled a face. "That one was too easy, wasn't it?"

Harry smirked. "Yep, absolutely."

"Do me a favour, would you?" Draco sighed. "If you ever get the urge to kiss Uncle Rodolphus, make sure no paparazzi are around. I really do not want to be around Aunt Bella when she reads that article!"

Harry snorted with laughter. "Fair enough!"

Draco hung up not too long after, leaving Harry to his thoughts. The young Lord went to take his shower, now with more than just Rodolphus on his mind. Dung – Harry had no idea who this person was, but knowing how Macnair could be once the man had alcohol in him, it was a miracle that he was able to remember anything at all.

Dung. Find out who he is: Harry had a new target to his list. Hopefully Draco could actually gather up some courage to ask Lord Slytherin to see if he could scare the memories to the front of Macnair's mind.

Oh boy, Macnair might be in trouble! Will the young dragons' fears come true or will four days pass without an issue? Will Draco actually risk his neck to contact Lord Slytherin? Stay tuned to find out!

I know I am not updating this story as much because I am focusing on two other stories but I did have some inspiration for this story. This story is not dead, that is all I want to say.

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