Title: The Rightful King

Pairing: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy

Warnings: Torture (though it's rather light), abuse, slash (this means boy on boy action people. Don't like, don't read) and idiocy (on the part of the Dursley's. People that stupid deserve a warning).

Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. Hogwarts is not mine (unfortunate, that). The poems are mine! If you wish to use them, please ask.

Summery: The Griffindor Kingdom is in ruins. Poverty plagues the land as the vile and greedy King Vernon sits on his golden thrown and watches. A marriage, long arranged, has finally come to pass. Draco Malfoy, Prince of Slytherin, has come to Griffindor in order to wed the prince and make peace between the feuding lands. When rumours of a Rightful King reach the Prince's ear he must decide just what lengths he's willing to go to in order to avoid marrying Prince Dudley. But who is the Rightful King? And what, exactly, does the beaten, starved, beautiful but fiery slave Harry got to do with any of it? A tale of mystery and sorrow, friendship and love and the never-changing fact that nothing is ever as it seems...

Authors Note: I was looking back on this story and actually blushed. The grammar is atrocious. The articulation could do with some improvement. I've finished exams (exams, I have re-discovered, suck) and am now set for six weeks of unprofitable activity. Hurrah. So here you are. An edited version of the much-loved (modest, aren't I?) of the Rightful King. Enjoy!

Just another morning,
Just another day,
Always slow and boring,
Never goes my way.
Just another sorrow,
Just another ten,
Can't wait till tomorrow,
To start it all again.

Chapter One: An Ordinary Day?

When Harry awoke the sun had long since resigned itself to climbing the sky. From the looks of things, it was going to be another beautiful day. Ironic, seeing that the weather was a polar opposite to his mood. If the sky were to express his feelings, it would be as black and as torturous as the deepest bowls of hell everyday.

The again, for Harry 'everyday' meant being totally and utterly ignored by everyone. It was days such as this where he missed his parents the most. Trying to forget his troubles, he climbed out of bed and began to get ready for work, the motions so practised that he preformed them almost without conscious thought. Looking towards the sky once more (it was as insistently cheerful as always) Harry sighed. Such was like if the Gryffindor Kingdom.

He knew, though he'd never experienced it, that it hadn't always been this way. That one day, the Kingdom had prospered. That, long ago, they'd been happy…

In the land that was Hogwarts there were four kingdoms: Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Gryffindor. Each one has an equal portion of the land while the founders of each (and, through them, the citizens that live there) have a certain reputation. For the most part, the lands and the people coexisted reasonably well with each other, with any disagreements being settled swiftly and without bias.

Rowena Ravenclaw (the founder of the Ravenclaw Kingdom) was wise and clever. She was known for her use of logic above weapons and of thinking before she acted. Many puzzled souls flocked to her to beg her advice and being generous and kind-hearted, she rarely turned them away.

Helga Hufflepuff (the founder of the Hufflepuff Kingdom) was jolly and sweet. She had a remarkable ability of uniting her people, encouraging them work together in order to achieve their goals. She was a child at heart; always willing to listen and to help out another less fortunate than herself. Many troubled souls went to her for help and she never turned them down.

Salazar Slytherin (the founder of the Slytherin Kingdom) was cunning and sly. He could talk himself out of almost any situation he managed to find himself, he could mislead people effortlessly by twisting the truth and honestly saying he didn't lie and he could plot anything you could think of (though he specialized in mischief). Many crafty souls came to ask for help in their various plans and, loving a good challenge, he seldom disappointed.

Godric Gryffindor (the founder of the Gryffindor Kingdom) was brave and courageous. He was known for his courage and his skill with a sword. He could beat anyone in a fight and become the best of friends with his opponent while doing so. He also had a knack for knowing how best to avoid a fight, using his honour and kindness to get himself out of difficult situations. Many adventurous souls came to ask for guidance and he always took them in.

Though the founders (and their descendants) got along reasonably well, the people of each Kingdom each thought their own land (and ruler) better than the others. As it often does, this created a rivalry between them; more so between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Kingdoms and Slytherin and Gryffindor Kingdoms. Not knowing what to do to end the petty arguments and fights, the King and Queen of each Kingdom decided an inter-marriage was the key.

The heir of Hufflepuff was to marry the heir of Ravenclaw and the heir of Gryffindor was to wed the heir of Slytherin. It was decided that the Queens would each take a potion to ensure conception and that the marriages would take place regardless of gender, for their were potions and spells to ensure the pair were able to procreate in the eventuality of same-sex pairings.

Since none of the Queens had yet to give birth to a suitable heir the threat of an older sibling taking over the throne was non-existent. The Malfoy's (the rulers of the Slytherin Kingdom) had to have two children: one that would marry the Gryffindor heir and one that would rule the kingdom when its King passed; the Grangers (the rulers of the Ravenclaw kingdom) also needed two children for the same reason. Because of the nature of the feuding, It had been decided that the Slytherin heir would help rule the Gryffindor Kingdome and that the Ravenclaw heir would help rule the Hufflepuff Kingdom, rather than visa versa. The Weasley's, on the other hand, (the rulers of the Hufflepuff kingdom) only needed one heir, though they could have more if they wished and likewise with the Potters (the rulers of the Gryffindor kingdom).

The rulers of each kingdom went back to their land and each continued to rule in their own unique fashion. Each Kingdom had their troubles and each struggled through the fighting of their people, waiting anxiously for the day when the kingdoms would be united and the fighting would stop. It was reasoned that a Ravenclaw could hardly hate a Hufflepuff when their future heir had Hufflepuff blood. But in the Gryffindor Kingdom things went horribly wrong…

Draco Malfoy, eldest son of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, shifted nervously as they approached the Gryffindor castle. In the streets the peasants, looking underfed, underdressed and slightly cowed, stared in wonder at the two elegant men on horses dressed in such glamour.

"Look at these people." Draco breathed, horrified by the gaunt faces and filthy children. "What sort of King would allow his people to suffer like this?"

"This sort, apparently." Lucius drawled back, his distaste obvious. In the next moment, however, he was lecturing. "Do try to remember to treat King Vernon and his son Prince Dudley with respect. You'll have to marry Dudley after all,"

"This is all very complicated if you ask me." Draco muttered unhappily. The idea of an arranged marriage did not appeal to him. Not at all. "I heard that King James's son wasn't killed at all. I heard that King Vernon concocted the story and scared the common folk into silence"

"Now who told you such a thing?" Lucius demanded, sharply.

"The messenger," Draco replied at once, "The one that told us Prince Dudley was of age and that we were to go to the castle immediately. Do you think its true?"

"I suppose it is possible." Lucius replied carefully, tones deceptively light "Gryffindor's are not known for holding their tongues, even at the risk of torture. If the messenger was to be believed, and the Potter's heir lives, the Dursley's have one hell of a problem on their hands. They would have two options: to kill him so he can't take the throne or to force him to renounce the throne willingly to Dudley."

"The first is more likely" Draco mused, frowning, "but, then, why would they have kept him alive all this time?"

"It hardly matters." Lucius proclaimed, dismissing the topic as irrelevant "The whole thing is quite preposterous."

Draco was about to argue the point but was cut off by the opening of the castle gates. Their horses were taken at once and they were greeted timidly by the servants, who proceeded to usher them through to the throne room.

On the throne sat what Draco could only decribe as the ugliest man he'd ever seen. Large enough for four men, the crown perched on his head looked liked more like a twisted disfigurement rather than a sign of his kinship. To his to his right sat a tall woman who looked more horse than woman. A similar crown marked her as queen but, with her eyes narrowed and her overly slim figure, it looked profoundly out-of-place. To the King's left, sat what seemed to be a miniture version of the King. Knowing him instantly as the Prince, Draco couldn't help but stare in dismay. The grotesk boy immediately usurped his father as the ugliest man Draco had ever laid eyes on. The fact the Price was looking at him with ill-conceived hunger made him want to vomit. And he had to marry this… this thing?

"Welcome to my kingdom," King Vernon boomed proudly, and Draco rolled his eyes at how profoundly his chest puffed out. He truly thought his land was perfect.

No wonder the Kingdom was in ruins.

"It is indeed an impressive sight," Lucius lied smoothly. Seeing the anger lightly simmering in his father eyes, Draco smirked. If he was lucky, his father would lose his temper. That always made things interesting.

"Will you give us the honour of staying a few days?" King Vernon asked, gesturing wildly.

"I thank you, but that is quite impossible." Lucius replied, firm but polite "I must return to my kingdom immediately. I will return in time for the wedding."

With that, Lucius bowed his head slightly (King Vernon hastily following suit, though with far less grace) and then, with a quick look to his son, he turned and left the room.

Draco frowned in annoyance. He had though his father would have at least stayed the night. His mother, the queen, was more than capable of managing the Kingdom for a day.

"You will be shown to your room now. Your free to explore your new Kingdom however you wish, but my son and I would be very pleased if you'd join us for supper." Vernon told him. For Draco knew that for what it was. He was being told, in no uncertain terms, that they'd better see him come dinner. Unwilling to start disagreements so early after meeting them, Draco simply bowed his head slightly and followed a servant out of the room. The doors closed loudly behind him, as though he'd just passed the point of no return.

Safely hidden behind the nearest corner, Harry watched as the Slytherin prince was led away. Having little interest in Royal's, Harry didn't do much as glance at the boy. He wasn't here to spy on Dudley's husband to be, after all. As soon as the hallways were empty, he cautiously approached the doors and placed his ear to the wood. Why the queen had visited him while working was a mystery to him, but he had to follow his orders.

Flashback!

Harry had been digging in the gardens when the queen approached him. Surprised didn't even begin to describe the shock he'd felt. The royal family was known for many things, but fraternising with their servants was not one of them. Astonished he might have been, but he wasn't an idiot. He had reflexively dropped immediately to his knees and bowed his head. The queen made a sound of indignation.

"Get up, Harry," The Queen snapped. Of all things, she sounded annoyed. Stunned that the Queen actually knew his name Harry complied, looking at the royal before him with puzzled curiosity.

"The Prince from the Slytherin kingdom has arrived," The Queen begun flatly, "as soon as he is shown to his room the door to the throne room will be shut. I want you to listen to everything Vernon and Dudley say, then come and find me in my room"

"But I still have work to do," Harry protested without thought, "I'll be beaten if it is not complete"

"I know" The Queen admitted, sounding almost regretful at that. "But some things are more important. I will try to get another to do the chores for you, but I cannot make any promises. If you do this you will find the answers to all the questions you have ever asked, such as why you're never allowed outside the palace when other servants can come and go as they please or why no one ever talks to you. But to learn these things, you must do exactly what I say. Last of all, and this is vital, make sure you are not seen"

Harry, who had finally caught on that this was something he couldn't just ignore, nodded his agreement. As soon as the queen had left, he dropped his shovel and made his way hastily to the place.

End Flashback!

With his ear pressed tightly to the door, Harry listened hard for speaking. He needn't have worried. Vernon was not known for keeping his voice down. Remaining absolutely still, he pressed himself tightly against the wooden surface as he listened to their conversation…

"Well?" Dudley asked, sounding as impatient as always

"Well what?" Vernon shot back

"Are you going to kill him?" Dudley asked impatiently

"The Prince? I thought you liked him," Vernon replied, obviously puzzled

"I meant Harry!" Dudley cried.

Harry froze. Why on earth would they want to kill him…?

"No." Vernon answered sullenly, "Your mother won't allow it"

"Why not?" Dudley demanded

"Something about owing her sister and he being our nephew and our responsibility… I don't know, I wasn't paying attention," Vernon recited warily

"So why don't you kill him anyway?" Dudley muttered, clearly displeased and on the verge of a tantrum.

"Your mother has authority over me." Vernon explained wearily "She is royal by blood; I'm only royal by marriage. Whenever we ever disagree, your mother has the deciding vote. That won't be a problem with you and the Prince, you will both have equal power since you both have royal blood."

"So what are we going to do?" Dudley asked restlessly

"We will have to make him sign a contract in which he denies his claim for the throne and states you as the rightful king. He has to renounce his title as King altogether" Vernon said, sounding as impatient as his son

"When are we going to do that?" Dudley demanded, the words tight with fury

"After your marriage to Prince Draco. What do you think of him?" Vernon inquired, swiftly changing the subject

"He's wonderful" Dudley gushed at once, sounding positively besotted "He's-"

Having heard enough to keep him reeling for several lifetimes, Harry didn't stick around to listen to his love sick… cousin. Blanching at the very thought, he backed slowly away from the door. This was a joke. It was all an elaborate joke. The King wasn't really his uncle, nor the queen his aunt, and the prince was most certainly not his cousin. Yet, as Harry ran through the castle, he couldn't help thinking how much sense it all made.

This was the reason every time someone came from the town they always looked at him strangely; this was why the King had refused to let him learn how to read and write and why the royal teacher had been so keen to teach him in secret; this was the reason he was never allowed outside the palace grounds, while all the others in the castle were; this is why he had no free time and was forbidden from talking to anyone, and they to him…

And yet, the whole thing seemed so surreal. How could his parents have been the King and Queen?

He arrived at the queen's (his aunts!) room and, without knocking, bolted inside. The Queen saw the look on his face and dropped immediately to her knees. bending her upper body so low that her head almost touched the carpet.

"My King," She chorused formally. Harry stared in numb shock before he realized that this woman, who looked suddenly so small and frail, was his aunt. Feeling compassion for her all at once, he walked over to her, guided her to her feet and helped her onto the bed.

"That won't be necessary." Harry told her, uncomfortable with the idea of this proud woman bowing before him. "We are family."

"You heard then?" The Queen asked. The question was probably rhetoric, given her greeting, but Harry nodded regardless.

"How did you know they would speak of it?" Harry asked her, voicing the first question that came to him. As is often the case, it was the one that probably mattered least.

"They are becoming nervous, they always speak of it." The Queen replied, shaking her head "Quite stupid really, considering how easily they could be overheard"

"Why are you telling me this?" Harry asked curiously. She'd been silent all this time, after all. Why tell him this now?

"When your mother and father were murdered the kingdom was still a very beautiful place. Since you're royal through your mother's line and I am her closest relative we were chosen to rule until you were of age. Your uncle has always craved power and quickly seized it from me. He cares nothing for me and has ruled this kingdom so badly that his people were in poverty in a matter of years. It has been getting steadily worse since then. You, my dear Harry, must take back your throne"

Harry blinked.

"Me?" Harry echoed blankly "Take the throne? You're joking, right? I'm a servant! I could never rule a Kingdom. Besides, I don't want that sort of power!"

Harry thought his argument quite profound indeed. His aunt, however, merely smiled at him kindly.

"Ever heard the saying 'those who want power shouldn't have it'?" She asked him, smiling ironically "Your uncle is one of those people. The throne is you birthright Harry. This is your Kingdom. Are you willing to stand by and watch it fall even further into despair? Are you willing to let you cousin, whom I love dearly enough to freely see his faults, rule in your place? Are you willing to let him marry Price Draco and condemn the Slytherin to be his husband? I know you Harry; I have watched you. You would make a good King. You would surely be a far better king than my husband. I loved my sister dearly; although I was jealous of her, and I will not stand by and watch her kingdom, which she loved above all else, fall into ruin. Will you?"

Harry, who'd been lulled into thinking nothing else could ever surprise him, found himself startled by such an impassioned speech. In the last ten minutes, the Queen had shown more poise than she had as her sixteen or so years on the throne. It was rather awe-inspiring to behold. And really, in the face of all that, there was only one answer Harry could possibly give.

"What do you want me to do?"

TBC...