Twisted Chains

Chapter 4: Welcome to the Main House

"There is a hoard of reports out there."

"Of course there is, that's what happens you invite a Malfoy, surprise it's only a hoard considering the boys invited three of them."

"…..Can I chase them around a bit, promise I won't bite….maybe…no that's a lie."

Sighing, and smacking Fenrir standing beside her, Petunia stared at the reporters who were patiently waiting for the candidates to arrive.

"Wonder how long they'll stay there" she mused aloud.

"Or try and sneak in when they learn that the portkey was in a different location." Fenrir grinned.

As the responsible one, she really shouldn't be amused at the thought of the reporters trying to sneak into the main house only to be chased away by security, and that's if they are somehow able to get pass the wards. Then again, Fox Musahib are known for their mischievous nature.

"Your evilness is showing."

"I like to call it chaotic mischief."

Her "evilness" still showing, Petunia turned away from the window, and made her way to what they were dubbing the Greeting Room, Fenrir following. It was a rather large elegant room, with plush carpeting, the staff had placed a long table for the food, there were several small tables each with two comfortable chairs, it was designed for an intimate feeling for obvious reasons.

"Alec."

Alec, head butler of the Main House, paused in his instructions to one of the staff members, and turned his attention to Petunia. "The food is done, and we've just finished up this room." Alec informed, "Ruby's maids have set up the guest rooms, and the carriages are ready to leave at the appointed time."

"Very good, and the security?"

"Gabe has informed me that the wards are still up, and untouched, and so far there has been nothing suspicious."

Petunia nodded, "As you were."

Leaving the room, the two headed to the private bedroom chambers, and straight into one of the room. "…..Please tell me you're not wearing that to greet your guests."

"Sirius said the hobo look is a good look for us."

After glaring at Fenrir when the Werewolf laughed, Petunia then turned her attention back to her sons. Who were covered in dirt, clothes wrinkled, torn, and just plain a mess.

"Sirius isn't the one looking for a Master, or Mistress," she said.

"He might," Fenrir hummed thoughtfully, "seems like the type."

Petunia opened her mouth, paused, then— "I'm not even going to response to that. Boys, clean up, and get ready. Your guests will arrive any minute now."

"Yes mother," the boys chorused when the Vixen gave them a stern look.

Giving them one last look, Petunia nodded, "You too," she then said to Fenrir.

"Oh, you're letting me out into public now?" Fenrir grinned, bouncing his feet.

Whenever Fenrir went out with them, it's always in disguise, he was infamous for a reason after all.

"Yes," Petunia said as she turned around to the leave the room, Fenrir following her once more, "and if you behave, I'll give you a cookie."

The Vixen yelped when the Werewolf smacked her on the butt.

When the door closed, both boys looked at each other, "Ew." Dudley wrinkled his nose.

Harry giggled, before he headed for the bathroom, his brother following. The large tube was already filled with warm scented oil water, and waiting. Stripping, both boys got in, washing each other's back and hair. Once done, they got out, since they were in a bit of a hurry they spelt their tails dry instead of blow drying it. They brushed, and comb their fur, and hair, then they got dressed.

"Ah, good, you're ready." Caz smiled when he came in, and saw the boys putting on their closed toed silk slippers. "The carriages are pulling up to the gate, Alec will lead them to the room, we'll let them mingle, and size up the competition a bit before we let you in."

"Okay," the boys chorused.

After making sure there were no wrinkles, and Dudley's hair was in place, Harry's was a lost cause. Caz escorted the boys to a smaller room that connected to the Greeting Room. Petunia, and Sirius were already in the other room to greet the soon to be arriving guests, Fenrir was in the room with them, and would walk out with them when the time came.

"Nervous?" Dudley whispered to his brother.

"A little," Harry admitted with a nervous smile.

"Yeah, me too."

~.~

When they pulled up to the gate, they expected to see a small army of reporters, they saw none. The gate opened, and the three carriages rolled in, pulling up to the three steps that lead to a brown door.

"Your things will be sent to your room," said one of their drivers, "ah, Alec."

The man standing in the doorway was dressed in an elegant butler tux, upon seeing the guest that had disembarked from the carriages, gave them a formal bow in greeting.

"Welcome to the Main House, we hope your stay here will be enjoyable. Please, follow me to the Greeting Room."

One by one, the twelve guests followed the man to the room, they pass a window, and saw the reporters outside at another gate; waiting. With most of them amused, they continued on to the room, waiting for them was Petunia, and Sirius.

"Hello, and welcome," Petunia greeted as she and Sirius gave a formal bow, "I am Petunia Evens, Harry' and Dudley' mother. And this is Sirius Black, Harry and Dudley's godfather. Please make yourself comfortable, and help yourself to the food, the boys will be with you shortly."

While some headed for the food, others either went to greet Petunia, and Sirius more formally, and giving them the small gifts they brought. Something that Petunia took note of as she went to place them on a small table out the way. By the time all the guests had greeted the two, and given their gifts. The side door opened, and out stepped the boys.

There are gasps of surprise at the sight of Fenrir Greyback, however their attention was quickly taken by the boys, and another man. "Hello, I am the Evans's family Caretaker, Caz. Thank you for coming." Caz gave a formal bow.

Then the boys gave a formal bow,

"Hello, I'm Dudley Evans, thank you for coming."

"And I'm Harry Potter, thank you for coming."

The mingling quickly came after.

~.~

He had Lily's eyes.

That was the first thought that came to Severus's mind when he saw the Musahib, and then everything else didn't matter. Not his years of hatred for Potter, the fact that Albus made him come here in hope that he'd win the Musahib's favor.

None of that mattered.

It was an odd thing to feel, especially upon approaching him, Harry gave him at smile that was one part excited, and one part shy.

"I am very glad that you accepted my invitation." Harry told him.

"It is an honor to have received one," Severus replied, "and have been considered a candidate."

Harry's smile grew, and moved just one step closer, which didn't go unnoticed by the others in the room.

This was, after all, a very carefully played game.

So here are the twelve candidates:Lucius, Severus, Draco, Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Neville, Hermione, Cedric, Viktor and Fleur.

Voldemort is optional too.

Put you votes in via review or PM, and the votes don't have to be for Harry and Dudley alone *hint hint nudge nudge*