Revived in the Shadows

Chapter 2 - Beautiful Grace

Harry opened his door the next morning and cautiously poked his head round the corner. He turned right and left, searching the seemingly endless hall for any signs of life. It was completely empty and the silence was so that his own breathing seemed loud and harsh in his ears.

Harry gripped his wand tightly in his fist and set a locking charm on his door before stepping out. He frowned in concentration; vainly trying to remember which way he had come from the night before with Colin. He felt turned around, his sense of direction thrown off by the unfamiliar surroundings, and by the fact that when he arrived the evening before it had been quite dark in the house.

Harry wandered aimlessly, deciding to use this chance to explore the mansion further. At every turn, he mentally made a note of the area and filed the location away in his mind, hoping to become acquainted with the layout of the estate as soon as possible.

Harry came to an abrupt stop in one of the various corridors somewhere in the East wing - what he thought was the East wing anyway, if his calculations were correct - and stared frozen as one of the hall doors opened wide and a tall man came striding out.

Harry was just about to dash into the nearest set of rooms to hide when he realized with a jolt who the man was.

Lucius Malfoy had his head down as he walked out into the corridor, his attention focused on buttoning up the last of the buttons on his royal blue jacket, meaning he did not notice the other man's presence until a stifled gasp had him jerking his head up in surprise. A slow smile spread across his face as he caught sight of the intruder, standing with mouth open and wand hanging limply by his side; the very picture of youthful innocence.

'Harry Potter,' he greeted silkily. 'What a surprise.'

'Uh...Mr Malfoy, what...what are you doing here?' Harry stumbled over the words.

'I believe this is my house, is it not?'

'Of course,' Harry hurried to correct. 'I didn't mean to imply...er, I was just...curious.'

Lucius studied him calmly, smooth smile still in place. 'Healthy thing, curiousity.'

'Erm, yeah.' Harry fidgeted uncomfortably under the man's gaze.

'Won't you join me for breakfast, Mr Potter?'

'Uh, yeah - yes. Thank you.' Harry licked his lips nervously as Mr Malfoy approached and stood before him; tall and intimidating. The man seemed to be infinitely cool and composed - Harry's antithesis in almost every way.

Lucius smirked and began walking down the corridor, obviously expecting Harry to follow. Harry almost stumbled in his haste to catch up, trying to match the man's long stride as he walked beside his father-in-law.

'I believe it is now safe for you to put your wand away, Mr Potter,' Lucius said, eyes straight ahead.

Harry glanced down at his hand in surprise. He had forgotten that he had even drawn it.

'How is my wayward son doing, Mr Potter?' Lucius spoke again, tone implying that he did not think much of his protégé.

'Fine. He's fine,' Harry answered, regaining some composure when Lucius spoke so disparagingly of his husband. 'In fact, he just received another raise for his hard work and dedication to the company.' He added smugly.

'Did he now? I suppose there are a few benefits to performing such menial tasks for the Ministry.'

Harry frowned. 'I would hardly call running the entire Auror branch of the Ministry, menial work. He works long days and is very good at what he does.'

'I'm sure he is,' Lucius drawled, unaffected. 'A Malfoy never does less than perfect. But he does sound very busy indeed, I wonder that he has any time left over for you.'

Harry lifted his chin defiantly. 'Well he does. And we're fine, in fact, we're better than fine, we're-'

'Perfect?' Lucius supplied with a sideways glance.

'Yes.' Harry met his gaze contumaciously.

Lucius smirked once more and held the door for Harry as they entered the same lavish dining room where Harry had eaten dinner the night before.

'Do you always eat in here?' Harry couldn't help asking.

'Yes, that is the general function of a dining room, Mr Potter.'

Harry shifted his gaze to the windows on his right, wondering how Mr Malfoy always managed to make him feel so small and insecure. He remembered Draco having that same effect on him back in school, and he now knew where he got it from - although, he'd always had his suspicions.

'How long are planning to stay, Mr Potter?' Lucius inquired politely.

Harry slid his focus back to Mr Malfoy's face. 'I'm not sure, I was hoping to stay a fortnight, as long it's okay with you...'

Lucius settled back in the ornate mahogany chair, watching Harry intently. 'Stay as long as you would like. After all, you are a member of the family now.'

Not for the first time did Harry wonder at how much resentment and anger Mr Malfoy must have control over in order to speak so civilly to him. It was no secret that the man hated him.

'Thank you.' Harry tried to sound grateful.

'I hope my presence here is not of an inconvenience to you, Mr Potter.'

'No, of course not.' Harry bit his lip, suspicious of Lucius' mildly pleasant manner.

'Splendid. Perhaps this will be an opportune time for the two of us to get to know eachother.'

Harry was still wary, his uneasiness increasing with every second. 'I didn't know you had the inclination,' he replied.

The corner of Lucius' lip curled in beguilement. 'Contrary to popular belief, I hold great affection for my son, Mr Potter, and do not disapprove of his choices in any way.'

Harry stared. This did not hold with the picture that Lucius had painted of himself thus far in his relationship with Draco.

'You disagree, Mr Potter?' Lucius asked with a cool smile.

'I don't understand,' Harry answered honestly. 'Why did you never come to visit us? Why didn't attend our wedding, or come to see our children?'

Lucius' nostril flared and his lips tightened. 'Yes, your...children.'

Harry's eyes narrowed angrily. 'Yes, you have three wonderful grandchildren.'

'I find that hard to believe, when they are not of any relation to me,' Lucius replied delicately.

'They are of relation to you, Mr Malfoy. Just because they were adopted, does not make them any less a part of this family. Draco and I love them very much. We could not love them any more if they were our own flesh and blood.'

'That is very...noble of you, Mr Potter,' Lucius finally said. 'I do believe that rescuing the less fortunate must be your gift in life - you do it so well.'

'Yes...well, if only there were more people who thought as I did and less like you. The war left more children orphaned than you'll ever know, most of them will never be adopted. I would take them all home if I could.'

'I'm sure you would.' Is all his father-in-law had to say.

Harry tried to discern the sarcasm in Lucius' statement, but was not sure that there even was any.

'Good morning, Master Malfoy.' Colin entered the dining room and bowed to Lucius respectfully. 'I trust you slept well?'

'Yes, thank you.' Lucius barely spared the old man a glance. 'Did you meet Mr Potter?'

Colin glanced at Harry coldly. 'Yes, sir, I did.'

'I would like our breakfast now, Colin,' Lucius spoke, his voice a little hard around the edges. 'I believe it is already half past nine.'

'Yes, sorry, sir. Of course.' Colin disappeared back into the kitchen.

Three servants promptly returned with silver covered platters, utensils, silk napkins, and tea. They performed their jobs like clock-work; setting the platters down in front of Harry and Lucius, removing the silver lids, laying the napkins over their laps, and pouring the tea. Finished with their immediate duties, they retreated to the sides of the room, ready to perform any further services should Harry or Lucius ask it of them.

Harry dug into his bangers and mash with enthusiasm. He found himself reluctantly impressed with the kitchen staff, they had served Lucius a much different breakfast than his own, consisting of high-brow cuisine, while his breakfast was very ordinary and simple. He would've been insulted if it weren't for the fact that he enjoyed casual food so much more.

'What are their names?'

'Huh?' Harry looked up.

'Your children?' Lucius prompted, raising a brow.

'Oh, um, there's Bethany, she's the eldest and is nine. Then there's Katie, and she's four, and Callum who is two.'

'Only the one boy?'

Harry shrugged.

'And are they...?'

Harry set down his silverware. 'Mudbloods?'

'I was going to say muggles.'

'Of course you were.' Harry nodded sardonically. 'And I don't think that that is of any importance, do you?'

'I was merely curious.' Lucius picked up his teacup and took a sip of the steaming liquid as the waiting servants cleared his things away.

Harry wiped his mouth and pushed his plate aside. It was immediately taken back to the kitchen in the hands of yet another servant.

'Are all of your servants male?' Harry joked, not yet having seen a female anywhere.

'Of course,' Lucius drawled, his eyes watching the working servants with pleasure. 'Males make the best workers, and I only fill my homes with the best. I take a lot of enjoyment from my hand-picked staff - they serve me well.'

Harry raised his brows as Lucius continued to watch his male servants with a lascivious gaze. This startling fact was of news to him. Harry glanced at the servants and hoped that they weren't being forced into anything. They all looked to be around his age, with the exception of Colin, that is.

'Would you like to take a turn about the garden, Mr Potter?' Lucius asked, pushing back from the table and standing.

Harry considered this for a minute. He did come here to be alone, but...he also didn't want to appear rude. 'Yes, thank you.'

He stood and accompanied Mr Malfoy out of the room and through to the large double doors at the back of the house.

The grounds were covered in a thick fog, and everything was so grey that it was hard for a person to see where the overcast sky left off and the earth began.

Harry followed Mr Malfoy out onto the gravel path.

The Malfoy grounds were spectacular, even in the gloomy weather. They carried on as far as the eye could see; there were sweeping grass lawns, expansive flower beds, what looked like an impressive hedge maze, stables, a lake far off to the left, and a thick forest to the right. They had walked out of the mansion onto the highest level of the grounds, overlooking the magnificent view laid out below.

'It is much more beautiful in the spring,' Mr Malfoy said, looking around his property. 'Which is why I only visit in the winter.'

'I don't understand.'

'This place has atmosphere in the winter. I do not think I need to tell you that I was never one for flowers and sunshine, Mr Potter. To me, this is beauty. This is my ideal.'

Harry smiled and wrapped his arms around himself as he too looked out over the sea of grey. 'I see.'

'Do you?' Lucius raised a brow as they descended the stairs to the next level.

'Yeah, I do. I knew that you weren't a flowers and sunshine man, but I bet you didn't know that I'm not one either.'

'I'm surprised indeed.'

'I always found that I could think in this kind of weather, it wasn't distracting or uncomfortable. Like you said, it has atmosphere.'

'You have more in common with my son than I thought,' Lucius mused aloud.

'Good thing,' Harry responded dryly. 'Since we're married and all.'

Lucius smiled and continued to lead him across the barren grounds.

'Do you ride, Mr Potter?'

'Erm, no, I've never really had the opportunity.'

'What a shame, there are few greater pleasures in this world. We must remedy that as soon as possible.'

A thought suddenly struck Harry. 'Did you arrive here last night, on a black horse?'

'Yes. I hope I did not wake you?'

'No, I was still up.'

'Mmm...' Lucius nodded. 'That black stallion is my pride and joy. He is still very young, and very green, but strong, and the most capable animal I have ever ridden.'

'What's his name?' Harry asked, interested.

'Aoidh. It means, spirited.'

Harry nodded and followed Mr Malfoy into the stable building. They slowly strolled down the wide centre aisle, Harry looking into each box stall with curiosity.

'You shall have a horse for your personal use while you are here, Mr Potter,' Lucius said. 'Pick one that is to your liking.'

Harry glanced at his father-in-law with a true smile on his face. 'Thank you, that's so generous.'

Lucius smiled and lifted a hand, indicating the row of stalls. 'Take a look.'

Harry walked from stall to stall, carefully inspecting each animal within; all of them were quite exquisite. There was an all white mare near the end of the row that caught his attention.

'That is Annabella.' Lucius joined Harry at the open stall partition and looked upon the mare with satisfaction.

'Does her name have a meaning, too?' Harry asked, watching Annabella as the mare stared at the two men from beneath long lashes.

'I believe it means, beautiful grace.'

Harry nodded. 'Draco never told me that you were so into horses.'

'I must admit, it is an interest that I acquired later in life. They do tend to fill my previously rather dull days.'

Harry nodded in understanding. The man had lost a lot when he finally followed his son's example and changed sides during the war. And with the passing of his wife during the final battle, Lucius Malfoy must now live a very secluded and lonely existence.

'Would you like to try her?' Lucius asked, breaking the silence.

Harry chewed his lip worriedly. 'Is she safe?'

Lucius smiled and unlatched the door. 'She is a perfect lady. Go on inside, become acquainted with her. Then, if you would like, you can take her out for a ride.'

'Okay.' Harry nervously entered the roomy stall.

'I'm afraid I must leave you now, Mr Potter,' Lucius announced abruptly. 'If you require any assistance, the stable boys will be only too happy to help you.'

'But-'

'Good day, Mr Potter.' Lucius smiled and was gone.

'Smarmy git...' Harry muttered to himself as he was suddenly left alone with an unknown - and very large - animal. 'Okay, Annabella,' he started soothingly. 'I'm going to pet you and you're not going to bite my hand off...even if Mr Malfoy did teach you to.'

Harry approached very slowly. Annabella watched the nervous stranger with amusement in her big, violet eyes. Harry reached out a hand and cautiously stroked the mare's warm neck.

Harry sighed, relaxing his stiff posture as Annabella bobbed her head with approval at Harry's gentle stroking.

Harry remained in the stables with Annabella for the next hour; petting, and even talking to her, while feeding her carrots and other treats from a nearby bin.

'See you around, girl.' Harry grinned as he shut and bolted the stall door.

Annabella hung her head over the partition and watched Harry stride away with an almost accusing glare. Harry laughed and gave her wave as he stepped out onto the damp grounds once more.

Harry continued exploring the grounds on his own, but avoided the hedge maze. He couldn't be sure if it was rife with magical traps and tricks or not. It would be just like Lucius Malfoy to have a dangerous maze like that on his property. Harry shivered as he walked past the tall green bushes, they reminded him of the first and last time he'd ever been in a hedge maze - the Triwizard Tournament.

Harry soon realized that it must be near dinner time as the skies seemed to darken all at once and his stomach protested the lack of food with a loud grumble.

He quickly made his way back to the mansion and gratefully stepped into the warmth of the parlour.

'Ah, Master Potter.' Colin greeted Harry with a stiff smile as he entered the dining room.

'Hi, Colin,' Harry answered politely.

'Would you like to change for dinner? The staff has taken the liberty to clean and put away your clothes for you. I can ask one of the servants to help you dress if you so need.'

'Uh, no, that's okay. I'm sure I'll be fine.' Harry turned and marched off towards the staircase. It was obvious from Colin's tone that not changing for the meal wasn't an option.

Harry quickly threw on some clean trousers and a black jumper before returning downstairs. His unspoken question as to whether Lucius would be joining him for dinner was quickly answered when the blond man did not make an appearance throughout the meal.

Harry almost wished that he would. It's very uncomfortable being waited on by five servants when you are the only person dining.

Harry sighed and pushed back from the table.

'Do you need anything else, Master Potter?' Colin inquired, appearing at his side.

'No, thank you. I think I'll just look around for awhile.'

Colin looked as though he wanted to say something on the matter, but in the end, kept his mouth shut and bowed from the room.

Harry smirked exultingly after the man.

Harry began to wander aimlessly from room to room on the first floor; from the music room, to the ballroom, to the countless parlours and sitting rooms, and back to the foyer again.

He climbed the stairs and began anew on the second floor.

He thought he pretty much had the layout of the first floor down, but here amongst the twisting corridors and endless halls, he was still completely at sea.

After awhile, he began to wonder if perhaps he was lost. He wasn't too sure where his own room was located anymore.

He stopped and glanced around for any familiar markings. Upon seeing none, he trudged on up the vast corridor. As the carpet underfoot began to thin out and the artwork on the walls became scarcer, Harry wondered if perhaps he had inadvertently stumbled upon the servant's quarters. He hoped that he wouldn't see Colin while wandering lost in this area.

Harry stopped abruptly. His eyes widened in disbelief as the distinct sound of moaning reached his ears, and not the ghostly or "in pain" type moaning either, this was full out sexual pleasure moaning.

Harry glanced around, checking to see that he was indeed alone. He battled with his own mind for a minute before deciding to follow the sound to its origin.

Harry remembered what Lucius had said about the estate being home to only male servants, so the sounds he was now hearing had to be coming from two males.

Harry turned the corner and saw a half open door only a few steps from where he was standing. The moaning was becoming progressively louder, and it had to be coming from that room.

Harry paused indecisively for a second before giving in and continuing onwards.

He tread as quietly as he could, careful not to cause any undo squeaks from the old floor beneath his feet. Not that it would have mattered - with the two inside the room making more than enough noise to cover up any minor floor disturbances.

Harry edged closer to the doorway, and slowly peeked around the corner.

His jaw dropped.

There, before his very eyes, was a young, brunette servant on his knees in front of Mr Malfoy. Lucius' head was thrown back against the wall, his long, silvery hair mussed and his eyes closed in pleasure. His pale hands were gripping the dark hair of the boy as the youth continued his greedy ministrations.

Harry found that he could not tear his eyes away from the erotic display. Lucius' white shirt and royal blue jacket were open and pushed aside, revealing the creamy white of his broad chest. The young servant was running one hand up Lucius' muscular thigh and over his abdomen, caressing and massaging the smooth skin.

Lucius moaned and began to thrust forward into the boy's mouth.

Harry had to turn away and duck back around the corner. He leant against the wall of the narrow hall, his breathing coming in pants and his hand fluttering just over the quickly hardening bulge in his trousers. He felt flushed, as if his entire body was singing with heat and arousal.

Another loud moan issued from within and Harry knew that Lucius had climaxed.

Harry tore himself away from the wall and ran back down the hallway, away from what he'd seen.

He ran and ran until he finally found his own room in the east wing.

Harry threw himself down on his bed and covered his face with his hands.

I did not just get turned on by my husband's father...I did not just get turned on by my husband's father...He kept repeating to himself.

Harry opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling in misery. His erection had not diminished in the slightest, and was begging for attention.

I cannot do this...I cannot do this...I cannot do this...

Eventually, with a sigh of resignation, Harry reached down and began to undo the belt on his trousers.