Evaluation

+++++++++++

Harry had tried to clear his throat and answer the question. But, before he could, the rather insistent attorney was once again arguing with the Wizengamot. He turned, unable to meet that injured, pleading gaze in a face he'd become so accustomed to hating.

But when Harry turned away, it was to face a different, darker aspect of the wizarding world. He simply didn't recognize the softly malicious smile on the face of Amelia Bones.

"Now, sir. We couldn't possibly release him to you. It's unclear at this point if Mr. Malfoy knowingly retained your services or is even competent to act on his own behalf."

The young wizarding savior felt sickened and looked to the ashen face of Albus Dumbledore. He remembered all too well that rationalization from just after the second fall of Voldemort. It had almost led to the placement of his life in the hands of the Minister as a state ward. And it wasn't hard to imagine what would happen to Lucius Malfoy as a ward of the state.

Harry had only been saved by the use of Merlin's Rights, an obscure but respected wizarding law. Unfortunately, a person would only make the claim once. His personal protection had come from the Headmaster. But, as Harry was still living, Albus was unable to vouch for any other life.

Even as he stepped forward to interrupt the squabble, Harry's mind was warring with itself. How could he even be thinking of offering such a protection to Lucius Malfoy? The eyes of all turned to Harry when he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"I, Harry Potter, by Right of Merlin, claim the life of Lucius Malfoy."

There was a cold silence that broke over the room. The lawyer swiftly interrupted it.

"If the claim is made, then the Ministry no longer has any right to hold my client. His present and future behavior has been vouched for and he should be released on that recognizance."

There was anger in Madame Bones' eyes - anger directed at Harry. However, as she could hardly lambaste the young savior, that anger was turned upon another.

"As your former client is now the sole responsibility of Mr. Potter, you no longer have a place in these proceedings. Unless Mr. Potter wishes to continue to retain your services?"

Harry quickly shook his head in the negative, leading to the man being escorted from the infirmary. Madame Bones turned to Harry with a considering eye. Her gaze admitted to underestimating the younger man. It also said that was a mistake that wouldn't be repeated.

His eyes shifted to Albus Dumbledore. He wasn't sure of the emotion but the elder wizard no longer seemed as concerned. Harry knew that Albus trusted him, as he trusted Albus.

"Do you, Harry Potter, assert your claim to Lucius Malfoy in recompense for your services to the wizarding community?"

Harry swallowed hard at Madame Bones' question. His answer would either condemn a possibly innocent wizard or make him responsible for a person once considered his enemy.

"Our customs permit me a life in trade for my service in the final destruction of Voldemort. That life I claim is Lucius Malfoy's."

The cold severity had been replaced by vast incredulity when the woman next spoke.

"Harry, you understand this right is typically used to protect or guide someone else who has or is likely to earn it themselves?"

"There is no such restriction or requirement, Madame Bones."

The woman sighed, shaking her head.

"Then that burden be upon you. May you know what you're doing."

+++++++++++

When even the Headmaster had left the infirmary, leaving Harry alone with his newly declared ward, he turned to the blond. He was unsurprised to find the man staring at him but it was the calm in the features that he found unusual. Harry made no move to close the distance between them and Lucius made no attempt to rise from his seat.

"Do you understand what's happening?"

The gray eyes were stormy despite the disguising serenity of the smooth voice.

"You have claimed my life. I am legally yours to be treated as you wish - be that equal or slave."

A hint of the expected disdain slid in with the last few words. Harry's eyes narrowed as he responded, "Do you have a problem with that?"

There was stark honesty in Lucius' eyes, even as he sidestepped the question.

"It is a better option than Ministry custody. They have no understanding of mercy."

The younger man was beginning to grow angry and he bit out tersely, "Do you think you deserve mercy?"

"No."

Harry paused, surprised at the response. Impatient, he gestured for Lucius to rise and cross the room to his previous quarters. The blond did so slowly and carefully, stepping with a light hesitancy at odds with his previous grace. It was almost as if the more he moved, the more accustomed to his own limbs he became.

Harry permitted Lucius to pass him but did not enter the room himself.

"I'll be adding space for you to my rooms here in the castle. You'll be moved there in the morning." At the slightest of nods, he continued to speak, "I can call Dobby to watch you if you're going to do anything stupid."

Eyes barren of emotion turned to Harry as the blond seated himself in the lone chair.

"What do you believe I could do without a wand?"

Harry shrugged.

"Muggles don't have magic and some of them manage to kill themselves."

The retort was automatic, a defense conditioned by years of use. "A Malfoy does not…"

The blond's voice tapered off, his brow furrowing. After a short pause that hung heavy on the air, he continued quietly, "It is no longer my right to decide if I should live or die. I will respect wizarding tradition."

Harry frowned, but locked and warded the door. He did not call a house-elf to administer to his new burden.

+++++++++++

It was less than an hour's work for Harry to convince the castle to add a guestroom to his suite. The house-elves practically tripped over each other in their usual enthusiasm. While Harry gave no direction to leave the room bare, it was Spartan in decoration with only the necessary furniture.

Sprawled on the couch in his sitting area, Harry stared idly into the flames before calling for Dobby in hopes of easing his confusion. The creature settled on the matching chair's ottoman after lengthy reassurance.

"How long did you work for the Malfoy family?"

"Dobby is serving the Malfoys all his life until Harry Potter is freeing Dobby."

"Do you remember Lucius' father?"

"Cassius Malfoy was a bad wizard."

Harry shifted, looking more fully at the house-elf.

"Was Lucius Malfoy ever different?"

"How is Harry Potter meaning different?"

"Did you know him as a child?"

"Dobby is being Lucius Malfoy's servant since he is being born."

Slightly distracted, Harry couldn't help but ask, "How old are you, Dobby?"

"House-elves is not thinking of age, Harry Potter, sir."

Deciding that he may want to look further into that subject someday, Harry returned to his original inquiry.

"When Lucius was in school, did he behave the same as he did as an adult?"

Dobby paused before explaining slowly, "Before Master Lucius is being a bad wizard, he is being very nice to Dobby."

Frustrated, his confusion not greatly lessened, Harry dismissed the house-elf and continued to stare into the flickering flame.

+++++++++++

When morning came, Harry found himself in the infirmary earlier than he had expected. He knocked, a simple courtesy, before lowering the wards and letting himself into the room.

Lucius was seated in the same chair as when Harry had last seen him. The difference in light, morning compared to afternoon, washed over the room. In the stillness, the blond's hair was touched with pure gold.

Harry found himself irritated by the casual beauty of the older man.

"Didn't you sleep?"

Faced with the blatant annoyance in the other's voice, the seated wizard remained silent for a long moment. He was lost as to how to express the fear that had gripped him. The concern that, if he slept, his life would be taken from him again. Finally, he knew he must respond.

"No."

Harry frowned and sighed heavily.

"Whatever. Come on. Poppy has work to do and she doesn't want you here."

Lucius stood and followed the younger wizard. There was no conversation in the halls as they passed empty rooms. The blond found the air chill against skin guarded only by thin infirmary pajamas. Still, he did not speak.

Harry's suite was surprisingly neither in a tower nor a dungeon. It was a guest suite on the first floor and near the main doors. Lucius could feel the flicker of a ward as he stepped inside and knew he was a prisoner here as surely as he would be elsewhere.

"There are some questions I need to ask you."

Harry's voice startled Lucius from his introspection, a reaction hidden by the façade of an impassive aristocrat. The younger man dropped into the chair and put his feet up but Lucius hesitated by the couch.

"How do you wish for me to address you?"

Harry shrugged.

"Harry's fine. Mr. Potter or Potter are fine too."

The blond nodded and lowered himself to sit on the couch. He perched elegantly more than he truly sat and it could not possibly be said that he relaxed.

"You realize you're still going to have to complete the trial?"

"Yes."

"I'd rather you found a different lawyer."

"Who do you wish me to retain?"

"I don't care, really. Just not that guy, he creeps me out."

"Wolfram and Hart have handled the Malfoy affairs since before my birth. It will take time to sever the association."

"Just take care of it."

Lucius nodded.

"The only thing I have to know is if you joined Voldemort willingly."

The blond paused a moment before giving his response. "This body knelt before the Dark Lord and eagerly took his mark because my father expected it. I do not know if I would have done so of free will. As he died within months of my leaving Hogwarts, my father likely would not have had time to beget a new heir and disown me."

Harry had other questions but he was not yet ready to force them on the blond. He stood and Lucius followed him quickly to an otherwise unremarkable door.

"Your room. For now, I suppose. There's a direct connection to the lavatory. I had Dobby go to your manor and get you clothes. There are other things we need to talk about, but for now, get comfortable."

Harry moved to exit the door and was already closing it behind himself when halted by the other wizard's voice.

"Mr. Potter?"

The green-eyed wizard met the still uncertain gaze.

"Thank you for trusting me."

Harry frowned.

"I don't trust you, Malfoy. I trust my spellwork."

+++++++++++

Harry had left his quarters in the protection of Dobby. But knowing that the house-elf would neither harm his guest nor permit Lucius to do harm to the space gave him the confidence to make a necessary trip to see the Headmaster. Harry slumped into his usual squashy armchair. He was utterly emotionally exhausted.

Albus allowed him a few moments to sulk before commenting, "It is a noble thing you have done, my dear boy."

Harry's grunt of reply was all Dumbledore needed to continue.

"Not many would act to protect those they had professed as enemies."

"Maybe Hermione was right, I have a saving people thing."

The Headmaster smiled kindly.

"She was right about many things, but it is still not a negative aspect to protect others."

Harry straightened slightly in the chair as he asked, "I'm not imaging that when you claimed me things were different, am I?"

Albus shook his head.

"When I claimed the Right of Merlin over you, I specified guidance and protection only. You have not yet placed any limits over your claim on Lucius."

With a heavy sigh, Harry rubbed at the side of his head.

"I can't help but think I would have been better off not being involved."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. For now, you have one week before the Wizengamot will expect an appearance."

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