A Change Of Seasons

"Brandon?" The man asked looking round again when Sirius forgot to answer. "Anyone named Alan Brandon here?" Impatience was obviously not this man's virtue.

Harry realized it was to Sirius this man was speaking and nudged Sirius sharply with his elbow and hissed quickly to him, "Wake up, he's talking to you remember?"

With a start Sirius rose from the seat and approached the man. "I"m Brandon, Alan rather. Please to make your acquaintance Mr.?" he said holding out his hand.

The man took it, saying, "Abbot. My great grandfather was a founder of this agency. Pleasure is mine. Now, Mr. Brandon, let's get to work shall we." he said in a dry voice that showed he was well suited for the life of an estate agent, and led Sirius over to his office.

Unlike the cubicles in the outer room, Abbot had his own office, most likely due to the fact he was who he was, though it was sparsely decorated. The walls and carpets were of the same shade of grey, while the walls only housed a few more of the dour looking pictures of people from the outer offices. A small rubber plant was on the desk, along with a photo of a woman, presumably Mrs. Abbot, who looked as equally suited to this man as he was for her, as well as a boy bout the same age as Harry and Draco. Sitting at his desk, and Sirius in a surprizingly comfortable chair near it, Abbot took out some papers and putting his fingers together, looked over Sirius thoughtfully.

Luckily Sirius had insisted that before they had apparated to the clearing in Coxley, and while still in undetectable Diagon Alley, that they transfigure their robes into something more muggle looking. This would be the last form of 'magic' they would do however, for it wouldn't be a good idea to use it incase of detection. With a bit of vanity for his new look, he transfigured himself some very nice looking muggle clothing. Like his name, he preferred his clothing on the dark side, in that respect it was the only thing he had in common with his adversary Severus Snape, but he always had looked good in the black and darker clothing, and he wasn't bout to change that now. So wearing a nicely cut black turtleneck, with slimcut trousers, a black waistcoat, and loafers, he certainly looked quite in style. Black colours also in this case, would help for the matters of his 'widowership'.

Apparently sizing up that this man was not some poor bloke who'd just walked in his office, he began to loosen up a bit and relax. Abbot was a fierce judge of character he thought of himself, and from long years of agent intuitions, he learned quickly to pick out the ones who would bring in a nice bit of revenue to his pockets. Lately he was beseeched by young lads who wished to hire for themselves, or attached girlfriend or whatnot, usually on the poorer side, but this man before him was definitely not in that category.

"Well then, you're boys I take it out there?" he said remembering the two lads who'd been sitting near him.

"Yes, they're my..sons." Sirius said wondring how long this interview would take before he could find himself and the boys a place to live.

"Fine looking boys, well groomed. Well then, I take it you're new to our little township eh? Looking for a bungalow, or something else?"

"Err, well, something not very big, but not too small. Must be furnished as well. I was thinking perhaps of a nice flat..." Sirius said but the man's expression seemed to delay his thoughts.

"No no no, that wont do for a man with two such growing boys a'toll. Might I inquire after your profession sir?" Abbot said glancing through a few papers apparently looking for something he had in mind.

Sirius had completely forgotten that this was a topic that would be of interest of course to the ever curious muggles. Searching his brain and quickly, he focused upon a hopeful answer that wouldn't offend this man, yet would provide means to why he didn't need to work at the moment. "Er, yes, well...that is...until recently I was involved in governmental issues. Of course you would understand that I need to remain a bit secretive on this, wouldn't do a'toll if the Queen's Ministry found out that an agent of theirs were going round telling secrets eh?" he leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. He knew this type of man, and something like this would easily throw him off the suspicions later.

Mr. Abbot was somewhat subduely impressed, and nodded most assuredly. "Well, yes then, of course they wouldn't approved, quite right, quite right. Wont breathe another word of it. Now, as to the place I have in mind...blast now where is that paper?" he said scrambling round his desk looking for something. Unlike the desks in the outer office, his did not have one of those odd looking contraptions on it that made the even stranger noises. Sirius remembered suddenly he had seen them before, and somewhere in the back of his mind remembered they were called com-pew-ters, or some such muggle word. Really, the things muggles could come up with! Apparently though this man didn't understand them, nor have need for them, for one was not on his desk now.

"Ah yes, here it is! Now, this might be a bit smaller then what you're accustomed to, however it does have 2 large and airy bedrooms, 2 baths, a large kitchen area with separated dining, a spacious lounge, some of those frenchy windows in their too I believe. The lady who owns it is a bit of a naturist I believe, so the bungalow is secluded by alot of trees. Will that be a problem?" he said glancing over to 'Brandon'. He didn't think this man was in anyway that sort of person, but you never could tell these days.

Holding back a grin, Sirius shook his head. Although he wasn't a naturist by any means, it would make things far easier on all fronts to have somewhere nice and secluded. "Yes, I do believe that might just suit my purposes after all then."

"Ah good, Mrs. Brandon no doubt will enjoy the gardens that accompany the home I'm sure...." he began but stopped when he saw a strange look pass over Sirius's face.

"Err, well you see, that is, my...wife...she passed on recently. Shame really, she was gone so quickly. Now it's just me and the boys left you see." Sirius said affronting a saddened tone to his voice and gazing down in remembrance for his 'wife'.

"Ah, I see. Quite sorry to hear Mr. Brandon, quite sorry indeed. That would explain the need for a furnished place then. Well I think this bungalow shall suit you admirably after all, far enough that neighbors shouldn't be a bother, and close enough for the boys schooling and markets." he said. Though actually a sentimental man, business did come first. "Do you wish for weekly or monthly on this?"

"Weekly will do nicely, thank you."

"Yes, right then. The weekly rates on this would be £175, that acceptable?" Mr. Abbot said hoping it would be.

"Defiantly so, that will work fine. Everything in good order there then?" Sirius said hoping this wasn't one of those fix uppers.

"Oh yes, assuredly so. The lady who owns it had to take holiday abroad for awhile, and she took great care of the place. Told me to find someone good for the place, and so far till you came acrost, haven't found a decent chap yet. However I believe you will measure up to her standards I'm sure." Mr. Abbot said smiling broadly as if it was a huge compliment to pay to Sirius.

Sirius grinned. "Well then, I'm glad to pass muster Mr. Abbot."

The two men finished up their business, Sirius handing Mr. Abbot the deposit on the bungalow, and in turn receiving the keys to it, and with a flourish, Mr. Abbot swept out of his office and took Sirius back to the boys. "Now the Public school if that's where you're planning on for the boys is off of Church Road, and the State School, which I may say is overall the far better of the lot and not very pricey, and where I send my own son, is off Harter's Close. If you need anything a'toll please feel free to inform me Mr. Brandon." Mr. Abbot said.

"I will certainly. Good day Mr. Abbot." Sirius said and shaking his hand again, led the boys back out onto the streetside. "Good lord that man has high opinions! Muggles, such an odd breed they are sometimes!" Sirius said shaking his head. "Anyway boys, another thing I seem to have forgotten is some form of transportation, cant very well be taking buses everywhere's, or riding bicycles. Let's see now, I do remember a place...ah yes, there!" Sirius said and walked down a few blocks to where there were a few vehicles stored.

After quite a considerable amount of haggling and bargaining, which Sirius assured the boys was normal in the muggle world for some things, they found themselves the recipients of a sleek black, sporty looking car. Sirius seemed quite content in the muggle auto, and Harry suspected he had a passion somehow for them, after remembering how he had amazingly enough transformed his old motorcycle all those years back into a flying machine. "You do know how to drive the car don't you..dad?" Harry asked almost afraid.

Sirius laughed and showed him all too well how much he could drive it once they were out on the open road. Sirius loved these muggle cars, as much as Arthur Weasley did, and it was hardpressed on him for the fact it was only a rental, and not his to tinker with. Perhaps someday when things were better, he would definitely have to reinvest some time and energy into these things, but for now, this car would do. Getting out the piece of paper on which the bungalow address was printed, and the directions, he had Harry direct him where he should go.

Soon enough they pulled up infront of a small but nice looking bungalow, and parking the car in the garage off to the side of it, they all headed into the house. It was quite cozy and seemed larger inside then from the outside. It was indeed secluded Sirius thought, as he glanced out of the windows into a small forested area. Noone round being nosy definitely was going to be nice. The rooms were airy, and quickly Harry and Draco picked out the bigger of the two bedrooms as their own, and though Sirius hadn't minded, he realized soon enough why. In the bigger bedroom, obviously the master room, there was a beautiful oak carved four poster bed with curtains in oddly enough, red, silver and green, with gold trimming.

Sirius grinned at seeing that, and though he wasn't thrilled that they would be 'sharing' a bed, admitted it was really the best idea. The smaller bedroom sported two single sized beds, and for Sirius alone however, it would do nicely. The baths were situated as one between the two bedrooms, and one in the foyer near the front door. After unshrinking their trunks, which luckily wasn't considered a 'spell' that would be detectable by the ministry, the boys put away their things and the three of them had a meeting in the lounge.

The lounge was nicely set up, with a fireplace on one of the walls, the other adorned by large frenchy windows, allowing in plenty of sunlight. A grand piano was set up in one of the corners, and a grandfather clock in another. Overall, the lounge was as comfy and cozy as the rest of the house, and the boys and Sirius were quite well satisfied.

"Well, now that we've established ourselves, found a home, and a car, we have to discuss the matter of other essentials. Obviously I neglected to transfigure more then the robes we were wearing, so therefore I believe a trip to the local marketplaces will be in order, not to mention we've need of food and assorted items. That will be our next step. After that, we'll head over to the public school and register you both there." Sirius said mentally calculating how much muggle money he would need for this little venture.

"Public school? You're not seriously going to send us there are you?" Harry said almost dejectedly. He hadnt been to anything but a state school while living with the Dursleys, and Hogwart's of course, and he wasn't sure what a public school would be like.

"Yes, public school. I've no wish to make it more difficult on you both by sending you off with the common muggles. Atleast this way you will have more selections I think, and a uniform code. That will cut down on the amount of clothing we'll need for you both. And it will keep you both far less out of trouble I'd wager then state schools which, if I remember correctly, have less lax a schedule." Sirius said pushing aside Harry's complaint.

Harry grumbled at this, while Draco just looked completely lost. "Well I for one dont really care, since I've never been to either. Sirius, cant we just stay home with you? I really rather not go to a muggle school." Draco said in a whinging voice

"Definitely not. I'm not about to let you boys suffer your education. Think of this as an extra course in Muggle Studies eh? The 'magical' studies we can continue nights, but in the days you will go to public school. End of discussion on that 'Tomas'. And remember, even here at 'home', do try and call me 'dad', this way it will be easier in public allright?"

Draco scowled but nodded, "I"m never going to remember all this stuff, honestly! I swear I'm never going to." he grumbled.

"Yes you will 'Tom'. Oh come on, stop pouting! Dont worry, I'll be right beside you, promise. I know 'dad' wont let them split us up, and I told you, it's really not so bad once you get the hang of it. Remember, it's for our own good. You wouldn't want to have gotten caught by Lucius now would you?" Harry said taking hold of Draco's hand. It seemed like ages since he was last able to touch him and it felt so right to have Draco's hand in his own hand.

Draco sighed at the touch and turned to face Harry. "No, you're right. If it was a choice between going to a muggle school with you, or gods know what with Lucius, of course I'll take the muggle side. Just promise you'll help me Harry, promise!" Draco said desperately.

"Promise. Personally I cant wait to go shopping and buy some new clothes. I'm ruddy tired of having to wear Dudley's hand me downs during the summers, I feel like a bloody whale in them! Lets hurry up 'dad' and go!" Harry said getting up and pulling Draco and Sirius up sped to the door. Sirius and Draco laughed at Harry's enthusiasm, and just as quickly they got back into the car and went back into town.

They went to all the marketplaces they could find nearly that offered nice clothing without the expensive price tags. Sirius needed to watch what muggle money they would spend, for although he had exchanged quite a bit of galleons at Gringotts, the muggle pounds and shillings he had wouldn't last forever, and there were still quite alot of things to pay for yet. In the end however, between getting nearly everything they would possibly need, including knickers, trousers, pyjamas, assorted undergarments, a couple of macs just incase of rain storms, some pumps for the boys for school as well as the uniforms they would need for school, and of course, some food, the bill came to over £400. Still though, they were needed items if they were going to fool anyone a'toll who might be nosy and pop round the home, so they did have to be prepared.

When they got back to the bungalow, they put their things away, and Sirius went into the kitchen to prepare supper. It was getting late in the day, so Sirius had decided to wait till morning to take them over to the public school, which they had found out that afternoon was called simply enough, "Harter's Hill Prepatory School". The boys had decided to wait outside on the porch in the garden while waiting for Sirius to finish up cooking supper. The sun was still blazing with late afternoon heat, and the boys were quite content as they curled up together on a comfortable lawn chair that was just big enough for them both.

Draco was playing with a strand of Harry's hair, his head on Harry's chest as he heard a small sigh come from him, and looking up asked worriedly, "What's wrong Harry? You're not beginning to regret all this are you?"

"No, that's not it a'toll. Infact, quite the opposite really. I was just thinking how nice this was honestly, and no, I dont regret a single moment of having to be here...with you. This feels like a dream, some sort of amazing holiday, and if I had to be dreaming and on holiday with anyone, it would only be you love. Only you." he said and shifting himself just slighting, brought Draco up to eye level.

Draco smiled and was about to answer him back when he was silenced by the wondrful warmth of Harry's lips on his. Just as before, back at school, he was amazed and comforted by those lips. Harry's lips tasted so sweet, like freshly made honey, and quickly he found himself responding. They didn't know how long they sat there like that, enveloped in each others arms, desires, and kisses, but it seemed like it wasn't long enough. They heard Sirius's voice bringing them back into reality suddenly, and the sudden parting of their heated passions were, to say the least, like putting out a fire with ice cold water.

"Boys! Supper's ready, let's get a move on or it will get cold! Dont forget to wash your hands first!" Sirius yelled from the kitchen.

Cursing Sirius for the interruption, they got off the lawn chair and headed back into the house for supper. They barely heard two words of what Sirius was telling them during that time, or atleast neither of them seemed to be able to recall the conversation later on. The only thing both boys seemed to have on their mind right at that moment was that in a room of this muggle home was a place that later on they could be together, surrounded by the colours that for 6 years had made them who they were, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin.

However, like the way the bed colours had interwoven with each other in their room, this Gryffindor heir, and the Slytherin whose heart had been captured by him were one, in spirit and mind. And with any luck, in body as well. And this time, Draco wasn't going to run, because now there was no more pain, no more torment of wondring what was real, nor what was needed. He knew what he wanted, desired, and how right it felt to need these things. For if he had to ever describe to anyone in the future what love was, and he was beginning to finally understand this, it would have only one word as a description. That word being Harry. Only and nothing but Harry.

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2002-02-28 12:18:33 AM