
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/380762.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Harry_Potter/Tom_Riddle, Theodore_Nott/Ginny_Weasley, Seamus_Finnigan/
      Blaise_Zabini, Hermione_Granger/Ron_Weasley, Godric_Gryffindor/Salazar
      Slytherin, Sirius_Black/Remus_Lupin
  Character:
      Harry_Potter, Tom_Riddle, Ginny_Weasley, Hermione_Granger, Poppy_Pomfrey,
      Theodore_Nott, Draco_Malfoy, Blaise_Zabini, Seamus_Finnigan, Pansy
      Parkinson, Albus_Dumbledore, Severus_Snape, Alastor_“Mad-Eye”_Moody,
      Salazar_Slytherin, Godric_Gryffindor, Ron_Weasley
  Additional Tags:
      Character_Bashing, Torture, Child_Abuse, Sexual_Abuse, Dark!Harry, Out_of
      Character, Humor
  Series:
      Part 1 of Abandon_and_Reclaim
  Stats:
      Published: 2004-08-27 Completed: 2005-07-03 Chapters: 47/47 Words: 225114
****** Abandon ******
by Batsutousai
Summary
     Harry gets left in London by Petunia and runs into Voldemort. Strange
     things happen.
Notes
     All original beta-work done by magickmaker17; additional work done by
     me.
     At mirabilos' suggestion, I've added a humour tag to the list, but
     around the halfway mark, the humour is less obvious/ridiculous. So,
     you know, you've been warned.
***** Skip the Beginning of the Story... *****
Chapter Notes
     This is the first chapter of Abandon, rewritten to fill in some minor
     back-story. I'd intended to re-write the whole fic, but then realised
     that what I really needed to do was start completely from scratch, so
     this is the only chapter that has been rewritten.
Harry Potter sat in his bedroom at Number Four Privet Drive quietly. He was
staring out the window at the backyard. Harry's cousin, Dudley Dursley, and his
best mate, Piers Polkiss, were running back and forth over a sprinkler in the
yard - trying to keep cool in the summer heat. Harry mentally cursed them for
their lack of worry - he could never relax like that, not with Voldemort on the
loose.
Indeed, Voldemort always seemed to be at the top of Harry's list of worries. It
didn't help that he hadn't a thing to do and no one from the Order of the
Phoenix had been in contact with him since his school, Hogwarts, had let out
for the summer almost a week ago. Previous to the last summer, that wouldn't
have been a surprise, but last year he was given some training by the Order to
help him in the war against Voldemort. Without the training, Harry felt that he
might just have gone insane. He hoped that wouldn't happen this summer.
Not even the Daily Prophet - the main paper of the Wizarding world - could hold
Harry's attention any more. The articles in it were filled with Voldemort's
deeds - attacks on both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds filled every page - but
the Muggle newspaper and, in fact, the news on the TV were both much the same.
It was all things he'd heard about before, just from a different, more knowing
perspective. After a while, even he was sure to get bored of it.
Harry tugged his wand out of his pocket and stared at it for a long moment,
before he started tapping it on the window sill. He wondered how Hermione
Granger and Ron Weasley - his two best friends - were doing. He wondered how
all of the members of the DA were feeling. Did they blame themselves, as he
blamed himself, for the deaths of two of their numbers that past school year?
Did they read the paper everyday and watch the news as he did?
Harry glanced over at the small memorial he'd set up for the four fellows he'd
watched fall to Voldemort's people. Pictures of Cedric Diggory, Sirius Black,
Cho Chang, and Marietta Edgecombe stared back at him. Cedric was smiling at him
reassuringly while Cho looked like she was about to cry and Marietta scowled at
him; she'd never liked him. Sirius was grinning happily, looking like he was
ready to prank anyone who came up next to him. A small picture frame sat next
to the memorial, the happy faces of Harry's parents smiling out at him from it.
A batch of freshly picked flowers from his Aunt Petunia's garden sat in front
of the memorial and picture frame.
"BOY!" came a shout from downstairs.
Harry sighed and put his wand back in his pocket. He checked that his
Invisibility Cloak was in his other pocket, then smiled over at where his owl,
Hedwig, sat in her cage. "I'll be back soon, okay, girl?" he told her gently.
Hedwig hooted at him sadly - she was only allowed out once per night to hunt,
Uncle Vernon's orders - and ducked her head back under her wing to sleep some
more.
Harry grimaced and left his room to find out what his aunt wanted. He doubted
it would be good.
                                       -
Harry didn’t even know why they were out. Just him and Aunt Petunia. Out in
London.
His aunt said she’d needed some things, but the only things they’d gotten so
far had been things they could have gotten down the street from the house or
they’d had plenty of.
Not that Harry was going to question the trip. Oh, no. He liked being let out
of the house. He slipped a hand into his pocket and felt better when his
fingers brushed over his wand and Invisibility Cloak.
“Get me some of those grapes, boy,” Petunia grumbled, pointing to where there
was a stand of fresh fruits across the street. “Get me plenty!”
“I don’t have any money to get them with, Aunt Petunia,” Harry pointed out,
somewhat amused by his aunt's forgetfulness.
Petunia glared at her nephew for a long moment before pulling a few bills from
her purse and stuffing them into his hand. “There.”
Harry nodded and crossed the street to the stand. He was quite happy to see he
could get “plenty” of grapes and still have enough change to pocket for later.
Not that he liked stealing, but this was his aunt. He figured he deserved an
allowance from the family every once and a while.
Snape was starting to wear off on him, dammit.
Harry bought the grapes and turned to return to where he’d left his aunt.
She wasn’t there.
She wasn’t anywhere is sight.
Harry Potter had just been abandoned in London.
“Oh, shit.”
***** Chapter 2 *****
The money had just been enough to get a small hostel room near the Leaky
Cauldron. He didn’t want to actually stay in the Leaky Cauldron, too many
people would recognise him.
Speaking of that. Harry needed a disguise. If he was recognised, and the young
wizard had no doubt he would be, he’d probably get killed.
Now, where to get a disguise…. Probably Knockturn Alley….
Harry hated it down there. Far too creepy.
‘You’re almost seventeen! Buck up!’
Harry groaned. Why did his inner voice have to sound so much like Hermione? And
Snape?
Wait, Hermione and Snape?
Harry shuddered.
This was not his day.
                                     ~/*\~
Harry loved his invisibility cloak. He’d managed to get from his hostel to the
mouth of Knockturn Alley without being noticed. He thanked his father again and
again.
He’d thank Dumbledore, if the man hadn’t stuck him with the Dursleys in the
first place. The git.
He really had been spending too much time around Snape!
He poked his head out to get a better look around the corner, down the dark
alley.
And someone ran into his head.
Harry gave a shout as he fell over.
Whoever ran into him fell on top of him.
Harry looked up to apologise–
And almost screamed.
***** Chapter 3 *****
“I never imagined that I would go into Knockturn for a book and come out, only
to land on the bodiless Boy-Who-Lived. This really must be my lucky day, don’t
you think, Mr. Potter?”
Oh. Shit.
“Startled to see me?”
Oh. SHIT!
Tom Riddle smirked at Harry as he unclasped the invisibility cloak. “Where ever
did you attain this? It’s rather useful, I suppose.”
“Get off,” Harry managed in a croaked voice.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the boy. “I’m quite comfortable here, thank you.”
Harry glared at the man who murdered his parents.
Tom merely smirked back.
No, this definitely was not his lucky day.
                                     ~/*\~
Harry glared at the Dark Lord who sat across from him at the table outside of a
small café in the Muggle world. Voldemort had his wand and his cloak; he was in
deep shit.
The elder wizard gave a long-suffering sigh. “I’m not going to kill you,
Potter.”
“Then why are you calling me Potter, Tom?”
Voldemort gave the saviour of the wizarding world an annoyed look. “I’m going
to let you call me that, if only because you’ll cause a scene otherwise by
shouting Voldemort at the top of your lungs in the middle of a nice
conversation. Mass panics can be nice, but I’d rather choose when they happen
myself.”
“Nice conversation?” Harry managed incredulously.
“Assuming you’d stop glaring at me, yes.”
“What ever happened to you trying to kill me?”
“I’m tired of having my ego stomped on, okay?” Voldemort narrowed scarlet eyes
at the teen. “Why are you out in the middle of London on your own, anyway?”
Harry sighed. “I got left here by my aunt.”
“Why?”
“Ask her.” Harry glared at the man again. “Why are you asking?”
Voldemort offered the boy a raised eyebrow. “Dumbledore usually takes better
care of his Golden Boy.”
“Oh, he does. My relatives hate me.”
“Why not owl Dumbledore and have him pick you up?” The Dark Lord’s voice was
coloured with curiosity.
Harry shook his head. “My owl’s at my aunt and uncle’s house. Anyway,
Dumbledore said not to bug him unless it was something important.”
“And this isn’t important?”
Harry couldn’t help but grin. “You sound like my friend Hermione.”
Voldemort’s lips twitched. “Answer the question, Potter.”
“Well, that depends. Are you trying to kill me?”
“Answering a question with another question is rude.”
“I didn’t have the most trustworthy of upbringings. You’ll have to forgive me,”
came Harry’s sarcastic reply.
Voldemort watched the boy with amused scarlet eyes. “Where’d you get the
cloak?”
“Hum? Oh. It was my dad’s.” Harry spared the Dark Lord a furious glare at the
mention of his father before continuing. “Dumbledore gave it to me during my
first Christmas at Hogwarts.”
“No wonder you get into so much trouble.” Voldemort chuckled. Harry gave him a
shocked look. “Now what?”
“You chuckled!”
Voldemort stared at Harry for a long moment before laughing outright.
Harry couldn’t help but grin.
                                     ~/*\~
“What are your friends like?”
“Which ones?”
Tom rolled his eyes. “The one who keep helping you every time we run into each
other.”
Harry smirked. “Ron and Hermione are my two best friends. Hermione’s a Muggle-
born–“ the smirk widened when Tom cringed, “–and Ron’s a Weasley.”
“I shouldn’t expect much more from you.”
Harry snorted. “And then there’s Neville, who’s Snape’s worst nightmare–“
“I think I’ve heard about him before…”
“–and Ginny, who’s Ron’s little sister–“
“Another Weasley?! How many are there?”
“–and Luna, who always has her head in the clouds.”
“How does she manage?”
Harry frowned at Tom. “You’re one to talk. Look at Crabbe and Goyle.”
Tom winced. “Oh, very well. I’ll give you that.”
Harry smiled triumphantly and slide his hand across the table to grab his wand
before the Dark Lord could react. “Thank you.”
Tom rolled his eyes and handed over the cloak as well. “Put those away.”
The cloak and wand found their ways into Harry’s pockets. “I’m hungry.”
Tom shook his head. “Teenagers.” Harry glared in response. The elder man rolled
his eyes and waved down a waiter. “Very well. Stop glaring at me.”
                                     ~/*\~
“This has been the weirdest day,” Harry declared.
“How so?” Tom enquired, before putting a bite of treacle tart into his mouth
gracefully.
“Well, I got abandoned in London, to begin with. Then I ran into my worst
enemy. Now you and I are actually having a civil conversation about Binns of
all things!”
Tom laughed. “That reminds me, what were you doing near Knockturn Alley?”
“I was going to go see if I could get a disguise,” Harry answered truthfully.
“I see…” Tom looked the boy over for a long moment as Harry ate his pudding.
“And are you still going to try for that disguise?”
“I don’t know. Just because you’re not going to kill me doesn’t mean I’m safe,
does it?”
“No, no. I suppose not.” The Dark Lord sat back in his chair. “It’s too late
now, but, if you want, we can meet up here tomorrow and I’ll take you to a good
shop I know down in Knockturn that should be helpful.”
“Oh, is that where you went to go back to your beautiful old self?” Harry
teased.
Tom rolled his eyes. “I did this myself, thank you. I am not incompetent.”
Harry snorted. “Coulda fooled me.”
Tom impaled the smirking boy with his death glare as a response.
“Snape’s is more intimidating.”
“Snape has greasy hair, yellow skin, and a hooked nose. Of course his glare is
more intimidating,” Tom replied with an annoyed look.
Harry laughed. “Why did you change your appearance back, anyway? Dumbledore
said you’d gone all snake-like while you were travelling the world in your
youth.”
“You make me sound so old, Harry,” Tom complained, getting a snigger from the
teen. “Seriously?” Harry nodded. “It’s nice being able to walk around in Diagon
Alley every once and a while without everyone turning and running.”
Harry shook his head. “You do have a heart!”
Tom sighed. “Of course I do. I’m human too, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“I was wondering about that.”
“If you were a Death Eater, you’d be under Crucio right now for your cheek,”
the Dark Lord informed his companion.
Harry sobered up quickly. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Tom gave the boy a sad look. “No. Don’t suppose it would be.” He stood and
stretched. “I must say, Harry Potter, for a Gryffindor, you’re a surprisingly
good companion.”
“Was that a compliment?” Harry enquired with a hint of humour as he, too,
stood.
“Why, I do believe it was!” They shared a light laugh. “Tomorrow?”
“Sure. I’ll meet you here around noon.”
Tom shook his head. “Make it two.”
“Ah. I keep forgetting all about your job, don’t I?”
“Yes. I’m afraid that taking over the world it rather tedious.” Tom sighed
regretfully.
Harry rolled his eyes as he smiled. “Tomorrow at two.”
“Yes. I promise not to bring any Death Eaters to help me take you out.”
Harry smirked. “Really? Wow. I guess my conversation really is stimulating!”
The boy left to Tom’s laughter.
Perhaps the day wasn’t so unlucky after all.
***** Chapter 4 *****
Harry settled himself outside the small café with a cup of tea that he’d spent
his last pound on. It was nearing two, and he’d run out of things to do. He
made a plan to find a way to his vault while he was in Diagon Alley and convert
some wizard money into Muggle money, so he could continue to live out here.
“Bored, were you?” Tom’s voice enquired lightly from behind Harry.
Harry turned and glared at the man. “Why, yes. There’s nothing much one can do
when one hasn’t even a Potions book to make doodles in, let alone a quill to
make such doodles with!”
Tom sighed and sat down across from the Boy-Who-Lived. “You can always go buy
some.”
‘You have got to work on your temper, Potter!’ Harry groaned. “After I get a
disguise.”
Tom gave the boy a quick look-over. “Harry, your scar is probably the only
thing that needs to change.”
“Magic doesn’t hide it, either…”
Tom gave the boy a sharp look. “Tried before, have you?”
“Of course. Last time, I put a hat over it.”
The Dark Lord snorted. “If the shoe fits…”
Harry gaped at the man across from him.
“What?”
“Did you, Tom Marvolo Riddle, just use a Muggle cliché?”
“Shut up, Harry.”
The boy just laughed.
                                     ~/*\~
“Get that one.”
“I’m not into Dark Arts, Tom.”
“Part of defeating your enemy is to get to know it.”
“Oh, is that why you’re actually talking to me?”
“Harry, just get the book. It’s just theory, and far from illegal.”
“Wonder why it’s not illegal.” The boy snorted, adding the black-bound book to
the small stack in his arms.
“I don’t help the Ministry there.”
“Unless it’s to make something illegal so you can break the law again.”
Tom glared at Harry. “I do not.”
“Fine. Lucius Malfoy does it for you.”
“Lucius does everything he does for his own gain, not mine. Could we please
change the subject?”
“Don’t like talking about Lucius?”
Tom groaned. “No. I don’t like arguing with you about the state of my followers
in a wizarding bookstore where we can be overheard.”
“Afraid you’ll go to Azkaban?”
“They can’t keep me in Azkaban. You, on the other hand, wouldn’t have a choice.
Change the subject.”
Harry pulled down a book on hexes and curses that he’d seen before and
considered getting. He added it to his stack. “Name one person you can’t
stand.”
Tom blinked. “Albus Dumbledore.”
“Why? I mean, you always say you don’t like him, but why don’t you like him?”
“Well, for one, I’m a Slytherin. He’s biased.”
Harry hummed. “I’ll give you that. But he does try and see the best in people.”
“Perhaps he did, once, with me. He always seemed to suspect things of me.”
“He was right.”
“Oh, not always. The other Slytherins liked causing trouble too, and I often
came upon it at the wrong time.”
“Glad I’m a Gryffindor.” Harry sniggered, earning an annoyed look from
Slytherin’s Heir. “Anything else?”
“It’s like he can read people’s minds. It drives me nuts.”
“It drives everyone nuts. That doesn’t mean they can’t stand him.”
“Oh, and he keeps trying to kill me.”
“And fails every time. Now that’s my job.”
Tom sighed. “How about you, Harry. Who’s one person you can’t stand?”
“Cornelius Fudge.”
Tom looked shocked. “Why?”
“He’s bad at his job and he never listens. When Dumbledore and I said you’d
come back two years ago, he’d decided we were insane.”
“Harry, Dumbledore’s not well known for his sanity, and, from what I’ve heard,
Rita Skeeter had been questioning your sanity all year.”
“Oh, yes. You know, that whole scar giving me a connection to you thing,” Harry
replied sarcastically.
“Sure. Blame it on me.”
Harry sighed and shook his head. “Tom, how am I supposed to save the world if
no one will listen to me?” he enquired softly before wandering up to the
counter to pay.
                                     ~/*\~
“Okay. Anyone else you can’t stand?” Harry enquired once they were on their way
to the Leaky Cauldron for some food.
“Peter.”
“Pettigrew?!” Harry gaped. Tom nodded. “You have problems with Wormtail, yet
you still keep him around?”
“He is annoying, but useful.”
“As what? Target practice?”
“That too.”
“Tom…”
“Well, he’s an animagus, Harry. A rat animagus, in fact.”
“An illegal rat animagus.”
“Even better.”
“Why don’t you just turn him in to the Ministry?”
“Why?”
“Because he’s annoying, on the run, messes everything up, and owes me a life
debt?”
“He does?”
“Yes.”
“I never knew that…”
“Yes. I saved his life when Sirius and Remus wanted to blast his arse off.”
“Such language.”
“Shut up, Tom.”
Tom chuckled as they took their seats.
                                     ~/*\~
“So, who else can you not stand, Harry?”
“Gilderoy Lockhart.”
Tom snorted into his tea. “Lockhart. The fraud who Obliviated himself?”
“Oh, yes. On our way to the Chamber, in fact. He tried to Obliviate Ron and me
with Ron’s faulty wand.”
“Oh, dear.”
“Brought the ceiling down on our heads.”
“And Obliviated himself?”
“Yup!”
“Ah. He’d have been stupid enough to look into her eyes, anyway.”
“The basilisk was female?”
“Yeees.”
Harry glared at Tom. “How was I supposed to know?!”
“Did you try and check?”
“She was kind of trying to kill me, actually. I wasn’t quite given the chance.”
“Temper, temper.”
“Shut up, Tom.”
                                     ~/*\~
“Are we going to make this an everyday thing?”
“Oh, I don’t know. You’re still managing to be more interesting than Crabbe and
Goyle.”
“Binns is more interesting than Crabbe and Goyle.”
“Oh, no. You know their children. The parents are worse. A blade of grass is
more interesting than those two.”
“How about a drop of water?”
“That’s not interesting, that’s just annoying.”
“Hey, am I more interesting than Wormtail?”
“Of c-course, M-m-m-ma-master.” Tom mock stuttered.
Harry sniggered. “Now, was that Wormtail, or Quirrell?”
Tom shuddered. “Oh, Merlin. Quirrell. I’d almost forgotten about him, you
know.”
“Glad to know I could help with that old memory of yours.”
“Oh, you’re definitely more interesting than any of my Death Eaters, except
perhaps Lucius; you aren’t afraid to insult me,” Tom decided.
“Yeah, well, you’ve said you won’t kill me, and you can’t quite Crucio me in
public. I figure I’m pretty damn safe right now.”
“How are you so sure I won’t kill you? What makes you think I’ll keep my word?”
“You’re not a Malfoy.”
Tom laughed. “You just got more interesting than Lucius, Harry! He’d never
insult himself!”
Harry sat back with a smirk.
                                     ~/*\~
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, yes.”
“At two.”
“Right here.”
“Perfect. See you then, ex-snake-face.” Harry waved as he left.
***** Chapter 5 *****
“Oh, hello, Tom.”
Tom sat across from Harry at their normal table outside the café. “How shall we
hex each other today?”
Harry offered a confused look.
“What will we talk about, Harry.” Tom sighed. “I thought you had a brain.”
“I woke up late. I’m not quite awake yet.”
“Lazy, are we?”
“Yes, Tom. I’m horribly lazy. That’s why you haven’t killed me yet.”
“Oh, fine. Be that way.” Tom waved a waitress over and ordered a cup of strong
black tea. “So, why were you so tired?”
“Nightmares.” Harry shrugged.
“Of what?” Tom leaned forward. “I haven’t been giving you any.”
“No, you haven’t.” Harry let out a sigh and rubbed at his eyes gently, ever
mindful of his contacts. “I dream of people who have died: My parents. Cedric.
Sirius. Cho and Marietta.”
Tom shook his head. “You blame yourself. You can’t let them go.”
Harry looked at Tom sharply. “What would you know about that?”
“Not much.” Tom admitted. “But I do know you.”
“Like that solves everything.”
“No, I don’t suppose it does.”
                                     ~/*\~
“What does your name mean? Voldemort, I mean.”
“You don’t know?”
“It’s not English. Hermione wasn’t all that interested in looking it up for
me.”
“Perhaps you should have looked it up yourself.”
“Why? I can ask you.”
Tom smiled. “That’s true. Very well. It’s French.”
Harry blinked a few times in the silence. “French for what?”
“You can look it up.”
“Tom!”
“Harry!” Tom mimicked.
“Prat.”
“Go on. You can look it up yourself. Then you can tell me what it means and
I’ll tell you if you’re right.”
“You’re too much like Hermione.”
Tom winced. “That hurt.”
Harry smirked. “Serves you right. Smart arse.”
“You need to think over the summer!”
“That’s why my teachers give me homework, Tom. So I think.”
“So, have you done any of your homework?”
“Nooo... My aunt and uncle always lock my books away.”
“Always?”
“Yup! They do it every summer. It’s their favourite hobby.”
“Good Merlin. And how about now?”
“I don’t have the assignments.”
Tom groaned. “You need an owl.”
“Why?”
“So you can owl your friend Hermione and ask her what the homework was.”
“Ah.”
“Don’t give me that look.”
“Which one. I give you a lot of them.”
Tom glared at Harry. “That one that tells me I’m too smart for my own good.”
“You are.”
“Shut up.”
“Hermione.”
“You’re asking for it, Potter.”
Harry laughed.
                                     ~/*\~
“Quidditch.”
“Not that.”
“Why not? Don’t you like Quidditch?”
“No. Not really.”
“Why not?”
“Messes up with my study habits.”
“Tom!”
“It does!”
Harry just glared.
“Well, fine. It did back in school. I’ve never been fond of it.”
“No? What about now?”
“I did not suddenly become fond of Quidditch just because I no longer feel the
need to study every book in the school’s library.”
“You did that?”
“Yes.”
“Did you study Quidditch_Through_the_Ages?”
“It was added to the library after my time, Harry.”
“Surely they had a Quidditch book in the Hogwarts library when you went to
school there.”
“Yes, yes. There was. I read the damn thing once and put it back.”
“But you didn’t study it.”
“Is there a point to this?”
“Not really. I just wanted to know what you thought about Quidditch.”
“We are going in circles here.”
“I thought they were nice-looking circles, though.”
Tom groaned. “No. I don’t like Quidditch. Can we please move on?”
“What about the Chudley Cannons?”
“POTTER!”
Harry sniggered.
                                     ~/*\~
“What was your favourite part of Hogwarts?” Harry asked once Tom had stopped
attempting to hex him, and the Muggles around them had been Obliviated of the
incident.
“The library.”
“Hermione.”
Tom glared at the boy. “Fine. The Slytherin common room. It was dark and
quiet.”
“And cold and just feels creepy!”
“When have you been in the Slytherin common room?!”
“Oops.”
“Harry…”
“Second year, if you must know.”
“How?”
“Oh, Ron and I went in as Crabbe and Goyle to question Malfoy about the
Chamber.”
“You managed Polyjuice in your second year?”
“Well, yeah. We had Hermione.”
“How’d you get the book? It’s in the Restricted Section!”
“Lockhart.”
“Oh, Merlin.” Tom covered his eyes with a groan.
“Hermione fancied him.”
“I didn’t need to know that, Harry.”
“Nor did you want to, I bet.”
“Quite right.”
“Good.”
Tom let out another groan. “I’ve created a monster.”
“That you have!”
“I should hex you again.”
“Well, you missed last time, if you’ll recall. Hit that table over there.”
Harry smirked. “The poor Muggles.”
“Shut up, Potter.”
“And then you’d have to do another mass Obliviate!”
“Potter–“
“Which I wasn’t aware you were so good at…”
“Potter!”
“Yes, Tom?”
“Shut up.”
                                     ~/*\~
“See that building over there?”
“Of course I do. I’m not blind.”
“Take out your contacts and say that again.”
“Ha-ha,” Harry said dryly. “Now, what about the building?”
“It’s a library. Go find out what Voldemort means.”
“Leaving already?”
“Job, Harry. Surely you remember?”
“I think I do.”
“Go. And find a way to get in contact with that Muggle friend of yours. Get
your homework.”
“Why do you care?”
“I might help you. Perhaps.”
“What would Snape say if he found out you were helping me with my homework?”
“He’d go tell Dumbledore I’ve been corrupting you.”
“He’d be right. You got me to buy a book on the Dark Arts.”
“Go. Now.”
“Tired of me?”
“Yes!”
“Good!”
“I will hex you.”
“Oh, go Crucio Wormtail for me a few times.”
“Gladly. He screams louder than you.”
“Thank you. I think.”
“Of course.”
“Tomorrow, then.” Harry nodded before wandering off to the library.
Despite being the ultimate evil, Tom wasn’t such a bad guy.
Most of the time.
***** Chapter 6 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
“Flight of death?” Harry asked as Tom sat across from him the next day.
“Very good. Your friend Hermione would be proud.”
“Oh, please don’t tell her, Tom. She’ll begin to think I can do research on my
own!”
Tom frowned at the boy.
Harry grinned.
“Did you get your homework?”
“Yeah. I looked up her phone number in the phone book. Said Hedwig’s off
delivering a letter and I finally got my books, but had forgotten the list of
assignments.”
“She believed that?”
“She was a little surprised that I got a chance to use a phone, but, yeah.”
“How exactly do your relatives treat you, anyway?”
“Ahh… Like a house-elf?”
“Malfoy house-elf? Or Hogwarts house-elf?”
Harry sighed. “Somewhere in between, really.”
“In between?”
“More often like a Malfoy house-elf, though.”
“Muggles.” Tom sneered.
“Shut up, Tom.”
Tom rolled his eyes. “Why do you still believe in Muggles, Harry? They treat
you so poorly.”
“Hermione’s parents are brilliant, and they’re Muggles. Just because one egg is
bad doesn’t mean you should throw out the whole carton.”
“Eggs are not people, Harry.”
“Tom, if I were to go by your reasoning, I might as well just kill off the
whole world. The wizarding world hasn’t been particularly kind to me, either.
They think I’m half insane, remember?”
“I remember…”
“Don’t argue it when you don’t have any support.”
“Stop killing my support!”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Dark Lord. “I am not killing it, merely pointing
out its faults.”
“Same damned thing.”
“It is not.”
“Oh, yes it is!”
“I refuse to sound like a three-year-old.”
Tom glared at him.
                                     ~/*\~
“Why are you even suffering through Defence Against the Dark Arts, anyway? You
know all this stuff.”
“I know the hexes, I don’t always know the theory. I’ll need the theory for my
NEWTs and auror training.”
“Oh, don’t become an auror,” Tom complained with a slight whine in his voice.
“Why not?”
“They’re boring.”
“Tom, what I do now is basically what aurors do.”
“But it’s not official. Anyway, they always have paperwork.”
“So I’ll partner up with someone who likes paperwork.”
“What if no one wants to partner up with you?”
“Tom, I’m the Boy-Who-Bloody-Lived; everyone but the Slytherins want to be my
partner.”
“Why don’t you become the Minister of Magic? Kick out Cornelius Fudge?”
“And you say aurors are boring.”
“Well, they are!”
“Fine. You become Minister of Magic and tell me how it goes.”
“Harry, I can’t. I’m the Dark Lord.”
“So? Switch sides.”
“No. Absolutely not!”
“Why not?”
“Everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve, Harry. Just look at it.”
“What? All the deaths? That’s not achievement, Tom. That’s stupid and
pointless.”
“You’re biased.”
“I am not!”
“Yes, you are.”
“How so?”
“You’re on the other side.”
“And?”
“So Dumbledore’s taught you to be biased.”
“Tom. You tried to kill me. There wasn’t much need for teaching.”
“You admit you’re biased?”
“Tom, how can a person be biased about death? You yourself are afraid of
dying.”
“Am not!”
“Why do you keep trying to win immortality?”
“I am not afraid of death. I’d merely like to live a little longer than most.”
“Lord Voldemort the ghost. Terrorizing little girls and boys on their first day
at Hogwarts. I can see it now.”
“Oh, shut up.”
“Perfect picture, don’t you think?”
“Do your homework, Potter. You’re quieter when you’re trying to think.”
                                     ~/*\~
“Is that a word?”
Tom startled and gave Harry an annoyed look. “What now?”
“What were you doing?”
“Counting Muggles to kill.”
“Tom…”
“Oh, alright. I was taking a nap.”
“Didn’t sleep well last night?”
“No. You had happy dreams. I can’t sleep when you have happy dreams.”
“Oh, so sorry.”
“No, you’re not. Now, what do you want?”
“Positivism. Is it a word?”
“I don’t know.”
“Didn’t you ever study a dictionary?”
“No, Potter. I never studied a dictionary. They aren’t very stimulating.”
“Tell that to Hermione.”
“Perhaps she finds them interesting.”
“As long as Ron isn’t reading over her shoulder.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Well, it is for Ron.”
“Why?”
“Every time he pointed out a dirty word, she hit him over the head with the
dictionary.”
“Served him right.”
“Tom, you just sided with a Muggle-born.”
“Yeah, well, not much choice. Mudblood or Weasley. I’m doomed either way.”
“True. And don’t call her that.”
“What?”
“Mudblood. I hate that word.”
“It’s a perfectly reasonable word to call someone.”
“If you’re a hypocrite.”
“I am not a Mudblood, I am a half-blood.”
“You still have ‘dirty’ blood, though. Half of you is Muggle-born.”
“Do your work.”
“It’s true, you know. Your father was a Muggle–“
“Potter, I’m going to hex you.”
“So you’re a Mudblood.”
“Potter!”
“You’re the one that keeps telling me to think.”
“This is not what I meant.”
“I’m just trying to figure it out. I’m Muggle-raised, you know. Quite stupid.”
“You’re not stupid. Far from it.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“I’m serious. There are some wizards who come from wizarding families who
couldn’t tell you what a broomstick looks like, let alone name a spell or
understand our customs. You understand lots, even for being Muggle-raised.”
“Tom, I’m a seventh year. Of course I understand stuff now.”
“Harry, I doubt even Lucius Malfoy cares enough to figure out whether I should
be called a Mudblood or not.”
“Well, he doesn’t quite know, does he?”
“Of course he does.”
“He does?”
“Now he does. You’ve opened your mouth and told them all every chance you’ve
had, haven’t you?”
“Your Death Eaters never believe me, though.”
“Perhaps they don't want to, but it doesn’t ever quite leave their minds after
they’ve heard it once.”
“That doesn’t mean they’d ever actually talk about it.”
“No, I suppose not. That’s what Legilimens is for.”
“But you can’t use it on everyone.”
“Like you?”
“Sure.”
“True. Lucius, however, is extremely easy to read.”
“No wonder he got away with saying he was acting under Imperio the first time.”
“Oh, you are the perfect little bastard, aren’t you?”
“Only about some people.”
“Like Lucius Malfoy?”
“Second year. I’ve hated him since.”
“Ah. My diary. Yes, you would hate him for that, I suppose.”
“And him getting Dumbledore tossed from the school, and trying to hex me when I
got him to free Dobby.”
“Dobby?”
“House-elf.”
“You out-Malfoyed a Malfoy?!”
“Yes. I stuffed the diary in my sock and gave it back to him. He tossed my sock
to Dobby. It was fun.”
“Fun?”
“Dobby threw him down a flight of stairs, as I recall.”
“When he tried to hex you?”
“Yup.”
“I wish I’d been there!”
“Why?”
“Blackmail material.”
“That’s right, you’re a Slytherin. I keep forgetting. How strange.”
“You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
“I know I’m funny.”
“They need a House just for you, you know.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes. The Hogwarts House for deranged saviours of the wizarding world!”
“That would be the same House Dumbledore is in, correct?”
“Yes!” Tom laughed. “That’s right! It’ll be just the two of you.”
“Wonderful. And do they have a House for deranged Dark Lords as well?”
“Of course. It’s called Slytherin.”
“Oh, I shudder to think what sort of Dark Lord we’ll be having next.”
“Shudder away, Harry.”
“So, Vincent Crabbe, or Gregory Goyle?”
Tom stared at Harry for a long moment in shock before laughing.
“No, no, wait. Pansy Parkinson!”
“Anyone but her!” Tom gasped through his laughter.
Harry smiled. “Making you laugh is so rewarding. You should do it more often.”
“Oh, do your homework, you brat,” Tom responded, wiping at the tears that had
gathered in the corners of his eyes.
Harry sniggered, but did as he was told.
                                     ~/*\~
“Let’s go into Diagon Alley tomorrow.”
“Why ever for?”
“I need to check up on an investment.”
“Investment?”
“A joke shop.”
“Why would you invest in a joke shop?”
“I had nothing better to do with the money from the Tri-Wizard Cup?”
“Good Merlin.”
“So, can we?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Perhaps you can get a few things to use on your Death Eaters?”
“You’re joking?”
“No, not really. Teach them to be more aware?”
“I would hope they’d be!”
“Never hurts to try.”
“Lord Voldemort using petty tricks on his Death Eaters? Perhaps not.”
“Rather Crucio them?”
“Of course.”
“Not embarrass them?”
“Of cou–“ Tom paused, a slow smirk sliding across his face. “If you put it that
way…”
“I’ll meet you here tomorrow, then we’ll head into Diagon Alley,” Harry
offered, standing.
“Very well.”
Harry waved and wandered off, his books under one arm, a smile on his face.
This could get fun.
Chapter End Notes
     The whole Mudblood thing was my mom’s fault. She did this weird thing
     yesterday where she was trying to figure out whether we should be
     calling Harry a Mudblood or not.
     And positivism was my sis’ fault. She found it in another fic and we
     joked about it for a while before she finally looked it up. And, yes,
     positivism is a word.
***** Chapter 7 *****
There! Harry grinned as Tom wandered over to their usual table, standing. Right
on time!
“You’re impatient, Harry. What brought this on?” Tom enquired with a light
smile.
“Shut up,” Harry shot back, grabbing a large, pale hand in his tanned ones and
dragging the older wizard after him.
“Whoo! Harry, slow it down!” Tom laughed, actually enjoying the time with the
boy, as per usual of late.
Harry slowed down ever so slightly, but the two wizards still made it to The
Leaky Cauldron in record time. Harry didn’t pause inside, opting, instead, to
go right through.
Tom merely sighed and let himself be dragged.
Harry stopped outside a small shop with a sign stating it as Weasleys’
Wizarding Wheezes. There, he paused, suddenly nervous. What if they start
worrying over me! And call Molly, or Dumbledore! Tom could be in trouble!
“Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly got cold feet, Harry,” Tom teased.
Harry nibbled on his lip, giving the Dark Lord a look-over. “They might call
their mum or Dumbledore if they’re worried I’m not safe.”
“If that happens, I will merely leave you with them, assuming you are in better
hands than those of a mere, nameless wizard such as myself. However, anyone who
knows you should know exactly how well you can look after yourself, insane Dark
Lord after you or not.”
Harry grinned. “Better hope said Dark Lord doesn’t overhear you calling him
insane, Tom. I’ve heard he doesn’t like it much.”
“Let me tell you a secret, Mr. Potter,” Tom said in a softening voice, glancing
around before leaning over to whisper in his ear. “Voldemort rather likes being
seen as insane. It puts his enemies off slightly.”
“Never worked on me!” Harry informed said Dark Lord with a triumphant look
before stalking into the shop.
Tom smiled. “I’d noticed,” he informed the air before following the young
wizard inside.
                                     ~/*\~
“Harry!” two voices called at once. Twin red-heads settled around the black-
haired young man as Tom entered. It didn’t appear that the changes in the
wizard’s appearance fooled them.
“You’re alive!”
“Everyone started to get worried when you weren’t sending your usual letters!”
“Mum was just about to let us rescue you again!”
“I’m fine! Really!” Harry laughed, fending the twins off with practised ease.
“I’ve never been better.”
The twins shared a look before turning mothering-looks on the helpless Boy-Who-
Lived. “Spill it, Potter,” they said together.
“Eh.” Harry sighed. “They abandoned me in London. I’ve been staying out on the
Muggle side. Got a disguise. Sort of.”
“No, no. It’s a good disguise against You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters. Most
of them don’t know you well enough to recognise you, though you’ll want to be
careful around their children,” one twin warned as the other headed back to get
something.
“I’m well aware of that, Fred. I can handle myself.” Harry snorted.
“That’s not what we’re worried about. Everyone knows you can take care of
yourself perfectly.” The twin, Fred, sighed. “It was the lack of response we
were worried about.”
“Sorry. You know me; I like to handle things on my own. I did call Hermione,
though.”
“And did you mention you were fending for yourself in the streets of London?”
Fred pushed teasingly.
Harry made a face. “Tell Hermione?! Are you insane?”
“Well, yes, actually,” Fred agreed. “So, who’s tall, dark, and handsome over
there?”
Harry felt a faint blush at the man’s label for Tom. “Tom, stop lurking,” he
ordered the eldest wizard.
Tom swept over to the other two wizards with a raised eyebrow at Harry’s blush,
which only worsened. “I was not ‘lurking’, Harry. I was being polite and
letting you catch up.”
“Considerate of you,” the other twin offered as he returned.
Harry sighed. “Tom, this is Fred and George. Gred, Forge, this is Tom; he’s
been keeping an eye on me for the past few days.”
Both twins looked the tall wizard over for a long moment before nodding.
“Where’d you pick him up, Harry?” Fred enquired.
“I’ve known Tom for years. We just happened to run in to each other the first
day I got left here,” Harry informed the twins.
Tom smiled. Indeed, he and Harry had known one another for years. A very subtle
way to get them to trust him. It was a wonder the young man wasn’t in
Slytherin.
“Oh, very well.” Fred sighed, giving in to the pleading look Harry was sending
his way to get him to trust him on this elder wizard’s trustworthiness.
“Here.” George held something out and Harry took it.
Harry turned the small pendant over, frowning at it. “What is it?”
Tom peeked over his shoulder to get a good look at the pendant and glanced up
at the twins in shock. “This is a darker artefact than one would expect a
Weasley to have.”
“What is it?” Harry repeated.
“It’s meant to make you less noticeable in a crowd,” Fred explained. “Wear it
when you go out to make us feel better, okay?”
“It’s not illegal, is it?”
“No,” George replied.
“It’s barely legal,” Tom informed the Boy-Who-Lived. “I thought the Ministry
required permits for them.”
George held out a piece of parchment to the two dark-haired wizards. Tom took
it, since Harry was too busy looking the pendant over. “The permit is signed
over to this shop. It’s meant for transporting money safely, really; all the
shops in Diagon have one. Harry, however, currently has a greater need of it
than we do, and, as he’d our financial backer, we figure it’s legal,” he
explained as Tom read over the document.
Tom frowned at the twins as Harry tugged the parchment from Tom’s hands. “You
managed to word that so it would be legal.”
“You never know when Harry could use some extra protection,” Fred agreed.
“Harry, put it on. It only works while you’re wearing it,” George ordered,
pulling the parchment from the young wizard’s fingers as he tried to make sense
of the legal mumbo-jumbo.
Harry scowled at him, but set the pendant around his neck anyway. “Well?”
“You are less noticeable. It’s a good charm.” Tom nodded.
“The more people around, the better it works,” Fred informed the young wizard
as George went to put the document away. “Take it with you to Hogwarts and wear
it in Hogsmeade for us?”
“Or if you decide to come visit,” George added, returning. “You will be getting
your Apparation License once you turn seventeen, right?”
“Do I have a choice?” Harry replied blandly.
“There’s always a choice,” Tom told the boy softly. “Apparating may make it
easier to deal with attacks from insane wizards, but that doesn’t mean you have
to be able to do such things. You’ve managed to stay alive for nearly seventeen
years without the ability to apparate, what’s to say you can’t live your life
without it?”
“I love how you try and give me a choice when I don’t have one,” Harry
grumbled.
Seeing and properly deciphering the confused look on Tom’s face, the twins
explained, “Harry’s hated portkeys since the TriWizard Tournament–“
“–and you’ll never find a soul who’s worse with the Floo Network then our
Harry.”
“He’s okay with thestrals and hippogriffs–“
“–but they aren’t always too handy–“
“–and the same goes for brooms–“
“–and flying Ford Anglias.”
“Flying Ford Anglias?” Tom laughed.
Harry grinned. “Yeah. Ron and I had to take it to school second year because
Dobby locked the platform to the train on us. It should still be wild in the
Forbidden Forest. It saved us from some Acromantula once.”
Tom blinked. “Aragog?”
“Yes. We weren’t Hagrid. They figured they could eat us.”
Tom snorted. “Figures.”
“So, Harry, why are you here?” George enquired.
“Well, other than to keep random Weasleys from worrying themselves sick over
me, I figured I’d get some pranks to play on unsuspecting Muggles…”
“You wouldn’t!” the twins chorused, eyes glittering mischievously.
“Perhaps I would. You never know.”
Tom gave a cough that sounded suspiciously like “Slytherin.” Harry gave the
Dark Wizard an annoyed look and Tom smiled innocently.
Fred and George smiled at the two dark-haired wizards. “Pleasant as it may be
to watch you two glare holes into the back of each other’s heads, I believe you
wanted pranks, my dear Harry?” Fred interrupted.
“And I’m sure we’ll have just the things you need.”
“Brilliant.” Harry sent one more glare at Tom before following the twins deep
into the small shop. Tom merely smiled and followed them.
                                     ~/*\~
“So, Harry, where have you been staying?” Fred asked as George was showing Tom
something he’d enquired about.
Harry brushed at his shoulder-length hair. “Small Muggle hostel not far from
the Leaky Cauldron. Nice place, really. They didn’t ask any questions and the
room’s nice and private. Not many people staying, despite it being mid-summer.”
“Probably more popular ones nearby.”
“Yeah…”
“Why don’t you come stay at the Burrow?”
“Voldemort, Fred.” Harry sighed. “I’m not chancing he’ll attack your house. You
know how I feel about putting you lot into danger for me.”
“I know, I know.” Fred rolled his eyes. “You know Dumbledore would let you stay
at Headquarters or Hogwarts if you asked.”
“I’m not staying at Headquarters again,” Harry growled. “And I refuse to spend
my Dursley-free summer at Hogwarts. It’s only a few more days until my
birthday; once I can use magic, I’ll be perfectly fine, you know that.”
“Well, at least let Mum throw a party for you. You know she’d want to.”
“I agree,” Tom offered as he and George rejoined the other two. “It’ll do you
some good to hang around with your friends. I know I’m probably boring you.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Tom, trust me, you could never be boring. You make far
too many rude jokes.”
“I’m glad to know that keeps me from being boring. I think.” The man snorted.
Harry smirked.
“Well, Tom, why don’t you come too?” George offered as he rang the man’s things
up.
Tom shook his head sharply even as Harry gave a definite, “No.”
“Aw, why not? Mum’ll love him!” George complained, having decided he rather
liked Tom’s sense of humour after the man jinxed him when he hadn’t been
looking.
“I have a lot of work to catch up on.” Tom sighed. “I’ve been taking too much
time off to keep an eye on the infamous Harry Potter, here.”
“That’s good of you,” Fred teased.
“What do you do, anyway?” George enquired.
“Tom’s an auror,” Harry said quickly. Tom blinked a few times before nodding
quietly. “He’s not a big fan of either Voldemort or Dumbledore’s ideals,
though; don’t bother,” the boy added when the twins opened their mouths to ask
him about joining the Order.
Tom frowned at the boy. “I wasn’t aware my mouth had wandered over to you,
Harry.” Harry made a face while the twins laughed.
“Well, Tom, this’ll be fifteen galleons,” George informed the man. Tom sighed
and handed over the money.
“Told you you’d find something to use at your work!”
“Harry, I plan on using half of this stuff on you.”
“Then you shouldn’t have told me.”
“Potter, shut up.”
“So, birthday?” Fred cut in.
“Sure. Owl me about the time and I’ll meet you here.”
“Of course. Dad’ll probably want to take you for your License.”
“Yes, yes. Whatever works.”
“Perfect!” Fred grabbed Harry’s arm while George grabbed Tom’s and the two were
led from the shop as the twins spoke.
“Have a great day!”
“Don’t be a stranger!”
“Expect our owl!”
“Smile always!”
“And don’t forget to wear that thing while you’re out!” the two chorused as one
before closing the shop door behind Harry and Tom.
Harry grinned at the Dark Lord. “What do you think?”
“They're insane, Harry.”
“But fun!”
“Now, really. An auror?”
“You work with dark wizards and you deal with raids.”
“I never wanted to be an auror!”
“I know. You wanted to be a Dark Lord.” Harry snorted. “You wanna be at wand
point by the twins in their own shop?”
“Shut up, Potter.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Idiot.”
“Thanks.”
Tom groaned. “Where to now?”
“Well, I suppose we can split up and head home.”
“Very well. I shall meet you tomorrow outside the café?”
“Perfect.”
Tom nodded and ruffled Harry’s hair. “Don’t get Avada Kedavra’d for me. Or, if
you do, leave me a note telling me who it was so I can get them back,” he said
cheerfully before apparating out of the alley.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Wasn’t aware you cared, Riddle. Really. Leave him a
note. What an idiot.” Harry sighed and set off towards the hostel.
***** Chapter 8 *****
“Back to your boring homework again?”
“Why not. It’s good to get your homework done early.”
“And that would be a quote from your Muggle-born friend?”
“Well, that’s rude, and yes. Why don’t you sit down?”
“No, no. You’re boring when you work. I might just go kill a couple people.”
“Tom…”
“What? It’s my job, you know.”
“I know it’s your job. I just wish you wouldn’t mention it around me.”
“Aww, poor Harry Potter! Remembering you’re dead friends again?”
“What is with you today?!”
Tom shook his head and sat. “Sorry. Bad morning.”
Harry set his pen down. “Talk. I can’t work when you mope.”
“I do not mope.”
“Whatever you say, Tom. What happened?”
“You wouldn’t want to know.”
“And I’ll, no doubt, dream about it tonight. Tell me now and save me some pain,
ok?”
Tom smiled sadly at that. “Just a lot of death.”
“You planned a raid, didn’t you?”
“Last night.” Tom nodded.
“And it didn’t go as planned?”
“Dumbledore’s little shits got into the way.”
“Oh?” Harry was starting to look interested.
Tom made a face. “Quite. They killed five of mine, and the raid was a failure.”
“Ruined your breakfast, did it?”
Tom narrowed his eyes at the smirk on Harry’s face. “Oh, I wasn’t the only one,
trust me.”
“Let me guess. Crucios abound?”
“Good guess, Mr. Potter.”
“Oh, don’t start that again!”
“What?”
“Calling me ‘Mr. Potter’! You sound like Snape!”
“Eww…”
“Ha ha. Payback.”
“I should send him on a raid, you know.”
“Oh, yeah. Let Dumbledore suspect him.”
“He should suspect him already.”
Harry let out a soft cough and picked his pen back up. “Uhm, sure! Here, help
me with Charms!”
“Charms?” Tom shook his head. “Come on, Harry. What do you know about Severus?”
“No, no! This is difficult!”
Tom glared at the boy.
Harry grinned suddenly. “He wore grey pants the day they took their Defence
OWLs.”
Tom blanched. “Where did you find that out?!”
Harry smirked. “What do you know about Cleaning Charms?”
“Nothing!”
“Ah, damn.” Harry pulled over his Charms book and flipped through it.
“Harry…”
“I’m studying, Tom. Either help me, or shut up.”
Tom fixed the boy with a glare, but kept quiet.
                                     -~*~-
“Tom?”
“What?” Tom glanced up at the teen with an annoyed look, quickly hiding his
wand back up his sleeve.
“What were you doing?”
“Hexing Muggles.”
“Tom!”
“What did you want?”
“I want you to stop hexing people!”
“Fat chance.”
“Prat.”
“What do you want, Potter?”
“Oh, don’t be like this.”
“Well?”
Harry sighed. “How many ways can you think up to kill me?”
Tom opened and closed his mouth a few times in shock before he found his voice.
“Why would you want to know that?!”
“Divination homework.”
“I’m the wrong person to ask. I keep failing.”
“Fine. How do you kill most people off?”
“Avada Kedavra.”
“Oh. Really?”
“You could do a Longbottom and Crucio yourself until you’ve gone insane.”
“Oh, no. If Neville ever sees this–“
“Wimp.”
“Tom, shut up. I’m not hurting a friend like that.”
“Then you don’t need my help.” Tom stood with a dark look. “I’ll just go and
Crucio Death Eaters until I feel better.”
“Go right ahead. Bastard.”
Tom balled his hands into fists. “You, Potter, are worthless.”
“Excuse me?” Even Harry’s coloured contacts couldn’t hide the darkening of his
eyes.
“Worthless. Murderer,” Tom spat.
Harry narrowed his eyes. “You shouldn’t talk about yourself like that, Tom.
It’s bad for your health.”
Tom turned away and stormed off, glaring at people as he went.
Harry grabbed up his things and hurried back to his hostel room; he knew better
than to be out in the open when an insane Dark Lord lost his temper.
***** Chapter 9 *****
“Mornin’.” Harry yawned as he stepping into the joke shop.
Twin smiles greeted him. “Tired?” Fred enquired gently. Harry didn’t look his
best.
“Nightmares,” Harry agreed. He knew Tom was still pissed at him, and hadn’t
bothered going out to the café, pushing through his homework without the few
pointers the brilliant Dark Lord offered. “I’ll be fine.”
“Sure…” George and Fred chorused, giving the Boy-Who-Lived worried looks. They
had known Harry long enough, though, to know better than to push him, so they
just led him back towards the fireplace.
“Floo?” Fred offered the container of power.
Harry grimaced, but took some and tossed it into the fireplace. He stepped into
the green fire and gave a shout of ,“The Burrow!” coughing as the world started
spinning away from him.
                                     -~*~-
“I hate Floo!” was Harry’s exclamation as he picked himself up from the
Weasley’s kitchen.
“I know, mate.” Ron grinned.
“Oh, Harry! It’s wonderful to see you again!” Molly exclaimed, running over to
embrace the boy tightly as Fred popped through.
“See, safe and sound. Told you he was fine,” the twin told his mother as George
followed through.
“Harry!” Hermione and Ginny had just come into the room and both hurried over
to give him hugs as Molly let him go.
“Hey, there.” The raven-haired boy smiled. “Mrs. Weasley, do you think I could
have some coffee? The place I’m staying doesn’t serve it with breakfast…” Harry
enquired as he wriggled from the hugs.
“Of course you may, dear. How would you like it?”
“Black’s fine.” The boy sighed. Molly poured him a cup and handed it over.
“Thanks.” Harry nodded before taking a long sip, not noticing how hot it was.
“Of course.” Molly frowned at the state the boy was in as Ginny led him over to
the table to sit and Ron started going over Quidditch scores.
“Harry!” Arthur smiled as he entered the room. “Happy Birthday, my dear boy!”
“You sound like Dumbledore,” Harry informed the eldest Weasley with a bright
smile. The coffee had definitely helped. Beat that, Tom! he mentally shot at
the Dark Lord.
“Ah. All that practise is finally paying off!” Everyone laughed as Arthur sat.
“We hope you don’t mind, but we took the liberty of inviting a few friends for
a small party.”
“Not at all! Who’s going to be here?” Harry enquired, taking a small sip of the
drink in his hands.
“Neville, since it’s his birthday too, Dean, Seamus, Lee, and Luna from
school,” Ginny informed the boy. “And Seamus said he was bringing his boyfriend
and we’ll have to just deal.”
“Lovely.” Harry sighed, knowing Seamus was dating a Slytherin in their year,
just not who.
“Ah, Tonks, Moody, and Remus are all coming from the Order,” Arthur filled in.
“Dumbledore wanted to come, but he can’t make it. Trouble with some teachers, I
think.”
Harry winced. Tom, give poor Snape a moment of rest, won’t you? he mentally
berated the man who normally invaded his mind. He heard a faint growl in
response. “Hope everything’s okay,” was all the boy said to the family around
him.
“Yes, yes.” Arthur nodded. “Bill’s going to be here, of course, but he had to
work late. I think that’s everyone…”
“It sounds like fun,” Harry agreed.
There was a sudden flare of the fire and Seamus Finnigan came through with a
smile and a couple gifts. Blaise Zabini followed him, looking nervous. “Hey!”
Seamus offered. Blaise just nodded to everyone.
“So, we finally figure out who the mystery boy is?” Harry teased. “Good catch.
Nice to see you, Blaise.”
Blaise smiled at that. “Yeah, yeah. Happy Birthday, Harry,” the Slytherin
offered. Seamus beamed.
                                     -~*~-
The party was thrown out in the backyard. No one wanted to ruin the special
day, so everyone stayed friendly and made Blaise welcome. If Harry Potter could
put up with the only son from a family who supported You-Know-Who, how could
anyone else turn him away.
“Hey, Harry.” Blaise stepped up to one of the two birthday boys as he was
getting some fruit.
“Oh, hello, Blaise!”
“Thanks,” Blaise said in a voice that didn’t thank people much.
“For what?” the Gryffindor enquired seriously.
“For making me feel welcome.”
“Don’t thank me for that. You’re not a bad guy, Blaise. If Seamus likes you, I
see no reason to turn around and put you down.”
“From what Malfoy says, I’d think you’d hate me.”
“Blaise.” Harry gave the smaller boy a firm look. “It’s not Slytherins I have
problems with, it’s their personalities; the way they treat others, and the way
they go about their beliefs. You haven’t given me a reason to hate you for all
the six years I’ve known you, and I don’t think anything but the way you treat
Seamus could change that. He’s a great friend, and as long as you treat him
well, I see no reason to change my views of you.”
“What if I took the Dark Mark?” the Slytherin shot back.
“Do you want to?” was Harry’s mild response. Blaise blinked at him for a long
moment before shaking his head slowly. “I would still respect you. I wouldn’t
turn you away. The Dark Mark isn’t what makes you evil, it’s the intent behind
it and your actions.”
“I want to see you tell that to Malfoy. He’d be so confused,” Blaise offered
with a small smile.
Harry laughed. “Bring him on!”
Blaise nodded. “Thanks, again. Perhaps we were wrong about you.”
“Ah, perhaps.” Harry’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “And, just some friendly
advice, don’t drink the juice in your cup. There’s a twin under the table.”
“Harry!” George popped out from under the table as Blaise laughed.
Harry smirked. “Never leave your drink unguarded and never eat anything unless
it’s been tested by someone else recently,” he warned the Slytherin before
waving and walking off with a peach, which he quietly unhexed before biting
into.
George sighed sadly. “Can’t catch him anymore. I blame it on that Tom bloke.”
He stood and gently brushed himself off.
“Tom bloke?” Blaise enquired.
“Yeah. auror friend of Harry’s. Been keeping an eye on him and whatnot. Great
guy. A little secretive, though. Fred and I think he was probably a Slytherin.”
“Interesting.” Blaise watched Harry stop to talk to Tonks. “What did he look
like?”
“Eh? Black hair, really tall, pale. Kinda looks like Harry.” George shrugged.
“Why?”
“No reason, really. Just wondering,” Blaise replied before wandering back to
Seamus.
Ginny, blinked at Harry from where she’d overheard her brother talking to
Blaise. Tom? Surely not Tom Riddle? The description fits him, though… I wonder…
                                     -~*~-
“So, what’s it like, living on your own?” Ron enquired.
“Oh. Boring, you know? I run out of things to do real fast, even with my
homework.”
“Oh! You’re not doing your homework already?” Ron gave the raven-haired boy a
horrified look.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Hermione replied. “I’m glad you called me for the
homework.”
“Sure thing, Hermione,” Harry replied nervously.
“Wait, Harry called you to get his homework?!” Dean enquired, shocked.
“I couldn’t very well owl her.” Harry snorted. “Last I knew, the Dursleys still
had Hedwig.”
“Hope she’s okay.” Hermione sighed.
“I can go get her this week,” Harry replied darkly.
“Don’t do anything you’ll regret!” Hermione cried in shock.
“Hex them good,” Ron growled.
“Teach them not to mess with you, mate!” Dean agreed.
“Leaving a wizard out in the middle of London. Really.” Seamus nodded.
“Did they really?” Blaise enquired. Everyone in the group nodded. “Idiot
Muggles.”
“Hear, hear!” Seamus called.
“Seamus, did you finally figure out how to turn stuff into rum?” Harry asked
with a laugh.
“Yes, he did.” Blaise nodded. “Managed to talk me into teaching him, in fact.”
“Regret it?” Dean enquired.
“Nope. He’s fun when he’s drunk,” the Slytherin replied with a wink. Ron, Dean,
and Neville all made horrified faces. Hermione tutted under her breath. Harry
smirked with a knowing nod. Blaise grinned.
“I’d hate to break this up, lady, gentlemen,” Arthur said as he stepped over.
“But I’ve got strict orders to make sure both our birthday boys get their
Apparation Licenses today. Now should be a good time to go!”
“The bloody license again. I can’t escape!” Harry groaned.
“At least you haven’t been hexed by Fred or George,” Neville pointed out. His
hair was still orange from a prank earlier.
“No, Harry’s too good at that.” Fred sighed as he came over and draped an arm
around Harry’s shoulders.
“Fred, if that goes anywhere near my mouth, I’ll hex you into next year,” the
black-haired boy warned, eyeing the hand on his shoulder.
“See what I mean.”
“No, Harry just knows all your pranks.” Ron snorted.
That was only half true. Harry had spent part of the summer between fifth and
sixth years, all of Christmas, and parts of his sixth year learning how to
detect things that were out of the ordinary by Moody and Tonks. The training
had been mostly unknown to his friends, but it was part of the reason he’d
survived the last fight with Voldemort. He wasn’t perfect, though; if he didn’t
know Fred and George so well, he probably wouldn’t have caught most of their
tricks.
“Not all of them. Keep trying, guys,” Harry offered with an easy smile,
shifting away from Fred. “Mr. Weasley, how are we getting to the Ministry?”
“Floo!”
Harry and Neville trades looks and groaned.
                                     -~*~-
Harry apparated back to the Burrow with Arthur. Neville had gone home after the
two traded “Happy Birthday”s. When the two wizards returned, they saw that
everything was winding down.
Moody pulled Harry to the side before his friends saw him. “Potter, Dumbledore
wanted us to tell you that, if you ever feel the need for more training, you
know to let us know.”
“Of course, Mad-Eye.” Harry nodded to the ex-auror seriously. “And I may just
take you up on that, but I want to get my homework done first.”
“Of course.” Moody smiled crookedly. “And this time, we won’t have to use any
spells to keep you from getting caught by the Ministry.”
“Oh, thanks for the concern.” Harry rolled his eyes.
“Of course.” Moody nodded and apparated, leaving Harry to think to himself.
He’d got used to the ex-auror’s strange sense of humour during his training.
“Harry!” Ron waved from where he stood with Ginny, Hermione, and Dean.
Harry wandered on over to his friends. “Blaise, Seamus, and Luna go home?”
“Lee, too,” Ginny replied, nodding to where the twins were dozing.
Harry chuckled. “Who put them to sleep?”
“You can tell?!” Ron gaped.
“I did,” Ginny replied, smirking. “Hexed them while their backs were turned.”
“You, my dear, are turning into an absolute Slytherin!” Harry laughed.
“Did Neville pass?” Hermione enquired.
“Yeah. Took him a little bit, but he didn’t splinch himself.” Harry nodded.
“Good.” Dean grinned. “I’ll pass the word on to Seamus. Have a good birthday,
Harry.”
“Thanks for coming, Dean. See you on the train.”
“Sure thing. See everyone there!” He waved and wandered into the house to take
a portkey back home.
“So, I’m assuming I’m to spend the night here?” Harry joked.
“Of course you are!” Molly had joined them. “We couldn’t have you going back
out to London on your birthday!”
“Thanks, Mrs. Weasley.” Harry smiled. “Did Remus go home?”
“Yes. Full moon’s coming up.” Molly nodded sadly. “Poor fellow.”
Harry didn’t manage more than a nod before he yawned.
“Bed!” Ron said brightly. “Come on. I’ve got some pyjamas you can borrow.”
“Thanks, Ron. Good night, everyone.”
“Good night, Harry!” Hermione smiled.
“Sleep well, dear,” Molly agreed.
Harry nodded and let Ron drag him off to bed. Good night, Tom. Let me have some
peace, for once.
                                     -~*~-
Lord Voldemort, looking like a snake and a human crossed into a horrific mutant
of sorts, sighed and stood, a very human-like couple of actions, especially for
him. “Wormtail, I’m turning in. If any idiots need me, make them wait until the
morning,” he ordered before sweeping from the hall.
Sweet dreams, Harry. Happy birthday, he offered to the sleeping boy. Perhaps it
was time he made up with the boy. He’d found himself missing Harry’s
companionship over the past few days. It was a strange thing for him, terror of
the wizarding world, to miss watching his worst enemy doing his homework, but
he went with it.
What else could he do?
***** Chapter 10 *****
Harry woke to a faint knock on the door. Ron was still asleep, so he went and
answered it.
“Gin?”
“Oh, you’re awake.”
“I suppose so. Did you need something?”
“Actually, I was hoping I could talk to you.”
“Whozit?” Ron mumbled from his bed.
“Just Ginny. Go back to sleep, Ron,” Harry replied softly, then stepped out
into the hall. “Course you can talk to me, Gin.”
“Great.” Ginny took Harry’s hand and led him over to her room. Hermione hadn’t
spent the night, so it was empty. The girl locked the door and settled on her
bed while Harry took a chair.
“Okay, your face is telling me this is a serious, try-and-keep-it-quiet
conversation. Do you want me to put up a Silencing Charm?” Harry enquired.
“Please.”
Harry murmured the incantation while he waved his wand. “There.” He nodded to
the girl, stashing his wand up a sleeve, a habit he’d picked up from Tom.
“I heard George telling Blaise about an auror you’ve been spending time with
named Tom,” Ginny said, getting right to the point. “Is it the Tom I’m afraid
it is?”
Harry leaned back in his chair, giving the girl a piercing look. “Who do you
think it is, Gin?”
“Well, Tom Riddle.”
“Me and Voldemort?” Harry enquired softly, but in a serious voice, not a
mocking one.
“That’s what I thought. But, George’s description made me think of him.”
“Description?”
“Blaise asked what he looked like. George said he looked kind of like you.”
Ginny nodded.
“Wonderful.” Harry sighed. “Yes, it’s Tom Riddle.”
“Why?”
“We ran into each other in Diagon Alley and we got to talking. He’s really not
so bad when he’s not after your life or pissed at you.”
“Pissed at you?”
“We had a fight a few days ago. You know he can give me nightmares.”
“That’s why you looked so tired!”
“Exactly.”
“You look fine this morning.”
“I think he gave me a break because it was my birthday.” Harry paused. “You’re
taking this rather well.”
“I trust your judgment.” Ginny sighed. “And, anyway, I’ve met the semi-nicer
Tom.”
“I know. I wouldn’t have told you, else.”
“What do you two do?” Ginny enquired, relaxing back on her bed.
“Talk, insult one another, I do homework and he hexes Muggles.” Harry smiled.
“We meet up at this little Muggle café. He’s also the reason I have such a good
disguise.”
“He’d have made sure you’d found one his followers wouldn’t see through.” Ginny
nodded.
“Yeah.” Harry sighed. “It’s weird, though. I feel like I should be fighting
with him, yet I shouldn’t.”
“Do you like him?”
“Eh?”
“Harry. Do you fancy him?”
“What makes you think that?”
“That look in your eyes. You had it about Cho two years ago and about Seamus
last year.”
“Shit.”
“Harry?”
“I never even thought about that…”
“You do fancy him!”
“Not on purpose!”
“I should think not!” Ginny smirked. “When’re you going to tell him?”
“Never.”
“Harry…”
“I’m serious. He’d kill me.”
“If you like him, tell him! Good Merlin!”
“Gin, he’ll kill me!”
“Then I’ll tell him.”
“Nooo…” Harry groaned. “You can’t. I’ll never be able to face him again.”
“What if he fancies you back?”
“He’s the bloody Dark Lord, Gin! He doesn’t fancy anyone!”
“Ginny! Harry! Ron! Time to get up!” Molly called up the stairs suddenly.
“Come on. Breakfast!” Ginny hopped up and hurried from the room.
Harry moaned into his hands. “I’m doomed.”
                                     -~*~-
“Heading for the Dursleys’?” Ron enquired as everyone ate breakfast.
“Yeah. I’m only hoping I can get my stuff back.” Harry sighed.
“What’ll you do with your books? You’ll have two sets now,” Arthur enquired.
“Ginny can have the newer ones that I have that she needs or could use better
copies of; the others I can give to a used bookstore,” Harry replied.
“Really?!” Ginny stared at Harry.
“Of course.” Harry nodded.
“Wow. You’re the best, Harry.”
“Now, that’s only if I can actually get my stuff back. I spelled the trunk so
they couldn’t damage it, for the most part, but, knowing them, they’ll find
some way to get rid of it.” Harry sighed sadly.
“I’m sure you’ll get it back.” Ron grinned. The other Weasleys around him
nodded.
“Thanks.” Harry smiled slightly. “With all of you behind me, there’s no way I
won’t get it back!”
Everyone laughed.
                                     -~*~-
Harry knocked on the door of Number Four, Privet Drive with an annoyed look.
Vernon’s car was home, and Harry had, belatedly, realized that it was a Friday
when Vernon was going in to work late, which meant he couldn’t just order his
aunt to hand everything over.
No. He had to deal with his uncle.
The door opened and Dudley let out a squeal of fright before trying to slam the
door in Harry’s face.
Harry’s foot blocked the door as a cold smile took over his face. “Dudley,
didn’t anyone ever teach you to check who was standing on the other side of the
door before opening it?”
“Who’s there?” Vernon called.
“Oh, it’s just me, Uncle Vernon!” Harry called in a sing-song voice that
clashed with the chilled smile he wore. “I came for my stuff!”
“Get away from my house,” Vernon growled as he turned the corner and looking
out into the hall.
Harry shook his finger lightly, as if he were talking to a toddler. “Now, now,
Uncle Vernon, that’s no way to treat a guest. What will the neighbours think?”
Vernon froze, face purpling in anger as his eyes narrowed. “Dudley, let him
in.”
Harry stepped into the house as Dudley moved back quickly to let him in. The
wizard closed the door behind him softly before turning back to his furious
uncle(Dudley had fled into the dining room). “My trunk, Uncle Vernon. I would
like it back, please.”
“No.”
Harry’s wand appeared in his hand and he fingered it lovingly, another habit
he’d probably picked up from Tom, as he watched the fat man. “I wouldn’t deny
me something so simple if I were you. I can use magic now,” the young man
whispered in a low, dangerous voice.
Vernon paled. “It’s in the cupboard.”
“Perfect,” Harry purred, sliding past the man to face the door. “Alohomora,” he
murmured to the lock, which clicked open. Harry pulled the door open, ignoring
Vernon, who was frantically looking around for the owl from the Ministry. Harry
pointed his wand at his trunk. “Minuta Tabula.”
Harry put his miniature trunk into his pocket and turned with a smirk at his
uncle. “My things are still in my room, right?”
“Yes,” the purple man ground out.
“Lovely.” Harry pranced past Vernon and up the stairs to the smallest bedroom.
A slew of Alohomoras later and he was in his room, going through it and
collecting his few belongings. A quick spell freed Hedwig. “I’m staying in
London, near the Leaky Cauldron. I’m sure you’ll be able to find me, right?” A
slight nod from the bird brought a smile to Harry’s lips. “Perfect. Off you go.
Have fun. I’ll see you later.” Hedwig hooted in agreement before swooping out
the open window. Harry miniaturized her cage and set it in his pocket with
everything else.
“Are you quite done, boy?” Vernon growled as Harry came back down the stairs
with a bright smile.
“Oh, not quite.”
“Well, hurry it up!” Petunia shrieked from behind her husband.
Harry flicked a few treats on the floor, then threw two hexes before apparating
with a loud ‘crack!’
Dudley peeked out into the hallway. “Mum? Dad?” He blinked down at the candy,
which sat next to a couple of mice, one purple and quite plump, the other white
and very thin. “Oooh…” He popped a candy into his mouth and continued looking
for his parents, accidentally stepping on the purple mouse.
Then Dudley turned into a pig and forgot all about his parents.
***** Chapter 11 *****
Voldemort glared at Wormtail as the man blubbered on about something that made
no sense to him. An owl that glided down to him knocked him out of his slight
daze, although, he’d never admit he’d been in a daze. He took the letter and
blinked at the front for a long moment. It was addressed to “Lord Voldemort,
Evil Unknown Place” and came from “Ginevra Weasley, The Burrow”.
I’ve been having far too much contact with Weasleys, of late. Harry’s been
rubbing off on me again.
“Wormtail,” he said in a silky voice as he slid a finger under the flap to open
the envelope.
“Yes, M-master?”
“I’d suggest you leave before you really annoy me.”
Wormtail’s eyes widened and he bowed himself from the room rather quickly.
Voldemort chuckled coldly and let his scarlet gaze slide over the parchment
he’d pulled from the envelope.
‘Dear Voldemort,
‘Surprising as it is, I hope this letter finds you in good health. I also hope
you don’t expect me to suddenly join your side, as that would be futile.
‘Perhaps you will remember me? Or have heard of me? I’m the little girl who
opened the Chamber because of your diary. Because of this, I don’t think you’re
really all that evil, and Harry knows this. He told me about your strange
friendship. I’m rather glad it’s worked out. Perhaps I may help some?
‘Harry entrusted me with a secret, that he should have known I’d never keep,
that I think you’d be rather amused to learn about. However, as this is Harry
we’re talking about, I’d like to make sure you won’t hurt him if I tell you
this secret. I’m sure you can understand.
‘If you’ll give me your word as the Heir of Slytherin that you’ll not use
Harry’s secret against him in any way, shape, or form, I’ll gladly tell you.
     ‘Sincerely,
     ‘Gin Weasley’
Voldemort felt a smile curl his lips at one side. The young lady certainly had
a Gryffindor’s courage.
“Wormtail!” he shouted. “Get me a quill, parchment, and an envelope! NOW!”
The Dark Lord smirked as he thought upon his reply.
                                     -~*~-
“Ginny!” Ron stormed into the youngest Weasley’s room, looking both furious and
terrified. He held a letter in one hand.
“Ron? What’s wrong?”
“What is the meaning of this?!” Ron shouted, waving the letter before her face.
Ginny snatched it from his hand and blinked at it, her mind working quickly.
“It’s from Harry. Our little joke, you know,” she offered her brother with an
innocent smile as she slid the letter from the Dark Lord under the summer work
she’d been busy with.
“A joke?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Fine.” Ron turned and stormed back out of the room.
Ginny quickly scribbled out a letter to Harry, warning him that she was writing
to Tom and that she’d told Ron it was him. She threatened to tell her brother
about who Harry was meeting with if he didn’t cover her on this one. She
quickly sent off the letter with Pig before grabbing her own owl, Celer, and
hurrying back up to her room.
She sat and opened the letter from Voldemort, after locking her door and
settling a chair against it, then started to read.
‘Dear Ginevra,
‘I have decided that I’ve been having too much contact with you Weasleys of
late. I blame Mr. Potter.
‘So, the Boy-Who-Lived has a secret? What else is new. However, you’ve managed
to grab my interest. I shall refrain from using said information against Mr.
Harry J. Potter at any given time, even if it is a joke. This I swear upon my
ancestor, Salazar Slytherin. You have my word.
     ‘Voldemort
‘P.S. – Ah, it is too bad you won’t join me. I’ve heard such good things about
you! Such a shame.’
Ginny smirked and got up to pen a reply.
                                     -~*~-
Voldemort tugged the letter off the owl’s leg absent-mindedly as he listened to
Lucius give a report on another raid.
“You failed. Again,” was the Dark Lord’s annoyed response as Lucius fell
silent.
“There were more casualties on their side, My Lord,” Lucius replied swiftly.
Voldemort glanced down and noticed the quickly scrawled ‘I’d read this alone,
if I were you’ across the top of the parchment. He narrowed his eyes at Lucius
as he stood. “You are lucky, Lucius, that this letter demands my immediate
attention. Don't fail me again, or you will not survive,” the Dark Lord warned
icily before sweeping from the room, Ginny’s owl perched on his shoulder.
The Death Eaters let out a collective sigh of relief before quickly
disapparating.
                                     -~*~-
Voldemort settled at his desk with a glass of water and the letter from Ginny.
‘Dear Voldemort,
‘I’m sure very few of these things you’ve heard are true. Unless Harry told
you, of course.
‘Harry’s big secret is that he fancies you–‘
Voldemort dropped the letter in shock, eyes wide. “What?!”
:Tom? Is something wrong?: Nagini enquired, slithering into sight.
:I’m…not sure…:
:Tom?:
:Miss Weasley says Harry…fancies me…:
:Perhaps he does.: Nagini sighed. :It would be nice to see you happy, you
know.:
:Nagini…:
:It would! Admit it. You fancy him too. Harry’s all you talk about.:
:I’m at least fifty years older than him!:
Nagini offered nothing more than a snake-snort.
:You don’t think that’s valid.: The Dark Lord sighed helplessly.
:Do you fancy him?:
:I don’t know! I don’t understand what I’m feeling! It’s not that I’m
possessive, and I no longer hate him! I don’t know what I’m feeling, Nagini!:
Voldemort hissed angrily, frustrated.
:Temper,: Nagini warned. The red eyes of her human companion merely narrowed
farther. :If you do not fancy him, or even love him, it is merely that you have
found a friend, a human friend, at last. Either way, I am happy for you. You
are happy.:
:You. Are. Not. Helping.:
:It’s not my job to ‘help’, Tom. It’s my job to make sense. You need to help
yourself, this time. Go talk to Harry,: Nagini shot back evenly. It was near
impossible to get the snake to lose her temper, unless her human was in danger.
:No.:
:Then suffer alone.: The snake sighed before sliding back out of the room the
same way she came in.
Voldemort groaned and looked back down at the letter.
‘Harry’s big secret is that he fancies you. He’s afraid you’ll never talk to
him again if you find out, though. As Harry’s surrogate little sister, I ask
that you not stop talking to him over this. If you do, I might just hunt you
down myself.
‘No matter what, you two appear to be good for one another. Harry hasn’t been
this happy since before Sirius died. His smile hasn’t reached his eyes in so
long…
     ‘Sincerely,
     ‘Gin’
The feared Dark Lord rubbed at his eyes warily. “Why me?”
                                     -~*~-
Ginny smiled as Pig flew in through her open window. One look at the reply from
Harry told her he was sticking with the game. She gave Pig a treat and sent him
back off to annoy the other owls and opened his letter.
‘Gin,
‘Oh, you live to give me heart attacks! If Tom kills me, I’ll kill you! Merlin,
girl!
‘If Ron asks, I’ll tell him we’re just playing around, yes. Wouldn’t want my
secrets spilled to my best friend, now would I? Brat.
     ‘Harry
     ‘A.K.A. – Doomed to Die Young’
Ginny sniggered. She was about to start a reply when Ron popped his head into
her room.
“Ginny? Mum says you need to help with dinner.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Now.”
“I was about to write back to Harry!”
“You’ve been writing to him too much. Give it a rest. One might think you’ve
got another crush on him!”
“Ronald Weasley!” Ginny turned and glared at her brother. “That’s the–“ She
paused, thought it over, then made herself start to blush before quickly
turning back around and stuffing the letter from Harry into a pocket. “I’ll be
down shortly.”
Ron gave a triumphant smile at his sister’s back before skipping back
downstairs.
Ginny smirked to herself and wrote a quick reply to Harry.
‘DtDY,
‘Ron thinks I have another crush on you because I’ve been writing you so much.
If Tom likes you back, we might just have a cover for a relationship between
you two, you know.
     ‘Much love,
     ‘Gin’
Ginny addressed the letter and hurried downstairs to send it off before going
to help her mum. I hope Tom does like Harry! Don’t let this all be for nothing!
***** Chapter 12 *****
Harry was shocked to see Tom sitting at their normal table in front of the café
that morning. He slid into the seat across from the man, noticing the dark
rings under the man’s eyes. “I thought you had to work until two.”
Tom frowned up at him. “Everyone left me alone after I used the Cruciatus Curse
on Bella for smiling at a joke Rodolphus made.”
“Eh. She deserved it.” Harry shrugged.
Tom couldn’t help but smile at that.
“Are you okay? You look like shit.”
“I’m tired.”
“Didn’t get any sleep?”
“I didn’t even bother.” Tom rested his head on his arms and closed his eyes. “I
was thinking too much.”
“Must be painful, being a genius and all that.” Harry sighed.
Tom glared at the young man across from him. “You’re nice.”
“It’s part of my charm.”
Tom snorted and stood suddenly. “Harry, I need a drink. Come with me?”
“Tom…” Harry stared at the man warily. “Getting drunk isn’t going to help your
mental state, you know.”
“I know.” The Dark Lord offered a crooked smile. “But it might give me some
peace.”
“Okay, I’ll come with you.” Harry stood. “But you have to hand over your wand.
For all I know, you’re a violent drunk. The last thing I need is a drunk Dark
Lord in Muggle London.”
Tom shook his head and handed over the thin rod. “I think you’d be able to
handle me, though.”
“So, are you violent when you’re drunk?” Harry enquired as they headed towards
the nearest Muggle pub.
“No clue.” The older wizard shrugged. “I don’t do the drunk thing. People might
attack me while I’m intoxicated.”
“What makes you think I won’t?”
“Using a line Dumbledore once used on me: Because you just asked me that, my
dear boy.”
Harry sniggered and held the pub door open for Tom, then followed him in. “I’ll
find a table in some nice, dark, quiet corner.”
“Whatever.” Tom waved him off before heading up to the front to order a drink.
Harry sighed and hunted down a table in the corner. He muttered a quick
Silencing Spell under his breath, making it even more private.
“Have I mentioned that I hate the smell of alcohol?” Tom complained as he sat
across from Harry with a couple bottles of beer.
“Then why would you want to drink it?” Harry enquired as Tom attempted to pull
off the top of a bottle.
“I’ve heard it’s fun?” The man shrugged, still working with the top. “Damn it.”
Harry rolled his eyes, took the bottle, and hexed the top off. “Fun?” He sighed
as he handed the bottle back.
“Yup.” Tom took a sip and shuddered. “Ew.”
Harry sniggered. “Worse than a potion?”
“Depends on who made it,” Tom shot back with a wicked smile. “I wouldn’t drink
a potion made by Severus if you paid me.”
“Oh really? And who makes all the potions for your side?”
“Severus.” Tom snorted. “However, I make my own and switch them out for the
ones he hands out.”
Harry laughed. “Wish I could do that at school!”
“Ha. Your loss.” Tom blinked down at his bottle, which was half empty. “Whoa.
Where’d it all go?”
Harry groaned. “You drank it.”
“I did?”
“Are you drunk already?”
“I don’t know.”
“Wonderful.”
Tom drank some more of his beer.
Harry read the label on one of the other bottles.
Tom drank more of his beer.
Harry picked at something on the table.
“This stuff really does taste bad, you know,” Tom informed his companion,
finishing the bottle.
Harry slammed his head into the table with a groan.
“Harry?”
“Yes, Tom?” Harry sighed to the table.
“Can you open this for me?”
Harry hexed the top off again and returned to picking at crud on the table.
There was a long pause.
“Harry?”
“Yes, Tom?”
“I know too many Weasleys.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, I’ve met Fred and George…”
“Yes.”
“They even gave me pranks...”
“Yes.”
“Which I’ve yet to use…”
“Damn.”
“Huh?”
“You should use them.”
“Or so you’ve said.”
“Instead of Crucio.”
“That’s no fun.”
“Less of a chance of them going insane when you really lose your temper.”
“Harry, they’d think I’d gone insane!”
“Isn’t that the idea?”
Tom groaned.
“Weasleys.”
“Riiight…” Tom ran a hand through his hair, then watched in interest as
dandruff showered down on the table.
“Tom?”
“I need a shower.”
“Not as bad as Snape.”
“No. Not as bad as Severus.” Tom shook his head. “Never as bad as Severus.”
“Are you okay?”
“Is it true?”
“Is what true?”
Tom met Harry’s eyes. “Do you fancy me?”
Harry inhaled sharply.
“You do, then.” Tom cocked his head to one side. “What’s it like?”
“What’s what like?”
“Fancying people?”
“Tom…”
“Well?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know.”
“I can’t… I can’t explain it in words.”
“Oh.” Tom glanced down at his beer. “How do you know?”
“Eh?”
“How do you know when you fancy someone?”
“I didn’t.”
“Then–“
“Gin figured it out.”
“She calls herself your surrogate sister, you know. Threatened to hunt me down
if I stopped talking to you.”
“Well, she is like a sister, I guess.” Harry shrugged. “But I’ll tell her no
more threats. Really.”
“No, no. It’s rather nice. No one threatens me. They’re too scared.” Tom
laughed sadly. “There are people, like you and Dumbledore, who are threats to
me, but you’d never come right out and say you’re going to kill me.”
“No. We don’t.”
“I like knowing someone with enough spunk to do that. Adds spice to life.”
“Oh, Merlin. You’re totally pissed.”
“Am I?”
“Yes. You don’t go off on tirades like this when you’re sober.”
“You’ve been paying attention?”
“Well…yes…”
“That was the point though, right?”
“I suppose.”
“Good. I’ve finally done something right.”
“You do plenty right!”
“Is killing people right?”
“Well…”
“I never do anything right.”
“Getting drunk isn’t quite right either, you know.”
“Ah, but it is allowed by society.”
“To a certain degree.”
“Well, that’s true. You’re not supposed to get drunk. You’re not the right age
yet.”
“True.”
“What do Muggles call them?”
“Call what?”
“Designated drivers…”
“Tom?”
“Are you my designated driver, Harry?”
“Sure…”
“Can’t really be my designated apparator, though.”
“Well, you’d better not get so drunk you can’t apparate back, then.”
“I think it’s too late.”
“Fabulous.”
“Want some?” Tom offered Harry his bottle of beer.
“Didn’t we just have this talk?”
“Oh.”
Harry sighed. “So, you were upset because of Gin’s letter?”
“Sort of.”
“Sort of?”
“I got…confused…”
“Happens to everyone, Tom.”
“Not to me!”
“Fine, fine. Not to you.” Harry rolled his eyes. “How were you confused?”
“I don’t understand my feelings…”
“What feelings?”
“Whether I fancy you or just like you as a friend or what…” Tom shrugged, not
noticing Harry’s startled look. “Nagini got annoyed with me.”
“If I were a snake, I’d probably get annoyed with you too.” Harry snorted. “You
don’t tend to make a lot of sense when you talk about feelings, you know.”
“I don’t suppose I do…” Tom took a sip of his beer. “I never had any feelings
to make sense of before.”
“You had anger.”
“Yeah… And hate and possessiveness.”
“I didn’t know possessiveness was a feeling.”
“I think it is.”
“Okay. Maybe it is.”
“Maybe it’s not and I’m just messed up.”
“Tom…”
“I am messed up, you know.”
“Everyone is messed up.”
“Eh. Not you.”
“No, trust me. I’m just as messed up as the rest of the world.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Thanks.”
“No. I mean it!”
“Okay! Okay! Sorry I doubted you! Sit down!”
Tom slid back into his seat, eyes downcast. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. Just don’t start throwing things.” Harry paused. “Give me those
bottles.”
Tom grimaced. “I won’t throw anything.”
“You sure?”
“I haven’t yet.”
“Oh, well, yeah. I suppose that’s true.”
“So. Who’s the next Weasley you’re introducing me to?”
“I didn’t introduce you to Gin. She introduced herself.”
“Yeah. That’s true.”
“And Fred and George don’t really know who you are.”
“They’d freak.”
“No doubt. Ron would cart me off to St. Mungo’s. Percy’s still not talking to
the family. Molly would freak out. Arthur would give me odd looks…” Harry
sighed. “I don’t know how Bill and Charlie would take it.”
“Miss Weasley is rather mild.”
“Well, yes. But, she got to know your sixteen-year-old self first.”
“I was far from nice as sixteen.”
“Obviously. You opened the Chamber of Secrets when you were sixteen.”
“Did you just insult me?”
“Oh, you caught that, did you?”
“I may be intoxicated, but I am far from stupid.”
“You’re getting there, I’ve got to tell you.”
“Shut up, Harry.”
Harry shrugged. “You like Gin?”
“She’s amusing. Lucius is always complaining about her.”
“More than me?”
“Oh, no. No one is complained about more than you.”
“Good. I like knowing I’ve made a mark.”
“A mark? Harry, you’re the bloody Boy-Who-Lived. You don’t need to ‘make a
mark’!”
“Harry needs to make a mark. The Boy-Who-Lived can go fuck himself.”
“Oh, aren’t you vulgar.”
“And aren’t you pissed.”
“Stuff it, Potter.”
Harry smirked.
“Question.”
“Shoot.”
“Eh? Oh, Muggle term. Nearly forgot that one…”
“Tom?”
“Right.” Tom paused. “Why aren’t you in Slytherin?”
Harry laughed. “I told the Hat not to put me there. What brought this on?”
“I keep thinking you should be a Slytherin, that’s all. More so when I actually
talk to you like this.”
“What? When you’re drunk?”
Tom managed a glare. “You know what I mean. Prat.”
“Thanks.”
“Any time. Give me back my wand.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I just want to hex ‘Prat’ into your forehead.”
“Definitely not.”
“Oh, come on, Harry.”
“No.”
“Please?”
“I think you’ve had enough to drink.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re getting ridiculous.”
“Am I?”
“Do you have to ask?”
“Well, yes.”
“Yes. You are getting ridiculous.”
“Oh.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “I’m going to regret this later, but, come on.” He
stood, dispelling the Silencing Charm around the table.
“What?”
“I’m taking you back to my room. If I send you back like this, all your
followers will attack you. Come on.”
“I didn’t know you cared.”
Harry pulled Tom up and led him from the pub. “Of course I care. If they kill
you, what’ll I be good for?”
“Research?”
“Wonderful. I knew you’d think of something.”
“I’m just smart like that.”
“Tom, keep walking.”
“What?”
“Just shut up and keep walking, okay?”
“Oh.”
                                     -~*~-
“Cosy.”
“I suppose.” Harry closed the door lightly. “There’s only one bed, though.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take the couch if you end up spending the night.”
“You have an owl.”
“Eh?” Harry blinked up at Pig. “Oh, it’s just Pig.”
“Pig?”
“Ron’s owl.”
“Why did he name it Pig?”
“Well, Gin named him Pigwidgeon, and he wouldn’t answer to anything else, so
Ron nicknamed him Pig.”
“Stupid name.”
“Pigwidgeon, or Pig?” Harry enquired, untying the letter from the owl. It was
in Ron’s handwriting.
“Both.”
“I agree.” Harry pulled the letter open and read through it quickly. “Ah. I
knew that. And that. Idiot.”
“What?”
“Gin’s cover for writing to you is that she’s really writing to me. Ron’s
decided she has another crush on me because she’s sending me so many letters.”
“Oh. Smart girl.”
“Yup.”
“You going to write him back?”
“Nah. He can stew.”
“Nice of you.”
“Well, it’s not my fault he’s being a right prat about the whole thing.”
“Haha.”
“Shut up and go to sleep.”
“I’m not tired.”
“And I am not dealing with a drunk Tom Riddle. There’s some Dreamless Sleep in
the bathroom. Take some and let me read this.”
“Now that book is illegal.”
“See? You’ve corrupted me.”
“Good.” Tom wandered into the bathroom. “Who made this stuff?”
“Me. Not Snape. Me.”
“Oh, good.” Tom settled himself on the bed and drank the stuff. “Oh, even
better.”
“Yes, I flavour the potions when I make them. I found out how to in a book I
got last year.”
“That’s good.”
“Shut up and go to sleep.”
“Don’t hex me.”
“Damn.”
“Potter.”
“Just go to sleep, Tom.”
                                     -~*~-
“I feel sick.”
“That’s what you get for getting pissed.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t throw up on the bed.”
“What’s this? No ‘Good morning’?”
“It’s dinner time.”
“Good evening, then.”
“Go throw up already.”
“I don’t have to.”
“You’re turning green.”
Harry smirked as Tom fled to the bathroom, then went back to bottling a potion
he’d been working on.
“What are you making?”
Harry pointed to the book next to him.
“I have no clue what that does.” Tom blinked. “It’s Dark Arts, you know.”
Harry shrugged. “Fred and George asked me to make it. They don’t have the
time.”
“You’re going to get into trouble.”
“Fat chance. I’m the saviour for the Light. They can’t quite throw me in
Azkaban.”
“No. I don’t suppose they can, can they?”
“Here.” Harry held up a bottle of deep blue potion.
“What is it?”
“Potion to help with alcohol-induced headaches. I made a whole batch for Seamus
when he owled me yesterday. Good thing I hadn’t sent them off yet.”
“Why would your friend Seamus need this?” Tom asked as he took the stuff,
shuddering at the taste.
“No, I can’t find anything to make it taste better,” Harry apologised. “And
Seamus finally learned how to turn stuff into rum. He’s Irish.”
“I figured that from the name.” Tom set the bottle on Harry’s work table.
“Thanks.”
“Helps me too. I get headaches when you get them.”
“Oh, you must have them all the time.”
“Only when you’ve got a really bad one, like now.”
“Oops.”
Harry snorted.
Tom sat back down on the bed and watched Harry work quietly for a long moment.
“You’re a good guy.”
“Hum?”
“You’re making illegal potions for a couple of your friends and making another
potion to help another friend keep from getting a headache because he got
pissed illegally.” Tom sighed.
“Oh. I suppose that’s true.”
“Why?”
“I’m good at Potions?” Harry peeked over his shoulder at his guest. “If I don’t
have Slytherins sabotaging my work or Snape glaring at me until I totally mess
up, I’m pretty good.”
“Really? Wow. I never would have guessed.”
Harry snorted and went back to his work.
“I feel like a teenager.”
“How so?”
“I–“ Tom frowned down at his hands. “Nothing. Never mind.”
Harry sighed and capped the last bottle, then spelled the cauldron clean before
sitting down next to Tom. “What?”
“Trying to figure my feelings out, I guess.”
“It’s not just teenagers that do that.”
“No, I guess not.” Tom laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
Harry turned and watched the older wizard for a long moment. “Oh, that’s
right!”
“Hum?”
“Your wand. It’s next to the cauldron.”
“I can get it later.”
“I’ll get it now…”
Tom reached out and grabbed Harry’s arm, stopping him. Harry looked back at him
with a frown. “Later.”
“Tom…”
“Harry, will you kiss me?”
Harry’s eyes widened in shock. “What?”
“Kiss me.”
“Tom…”
“I’m thinking straight.”
“That’s not what I’m worried abo–“
Tom cut the boy off by pulling him down for a sharp kiss. Harry shut up and
kissed him back.
When they pulled apart, Harry buried his face in Tom’s shirt. “Damn you.”
Tom enclosed the boy in a hug. “I think I’ve figured it out. Nagini’ll be so
proud.”
“Oh?”
“I don’t fancy you.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“What then?” Harry peeked up into the scarlet eyes.
“It’s more than that.”
“More?”
“Harry Potter, I do believe I love you.”
Harry gasped. “Tom…”
“And I’ve found a good way to shut you up, now that I think about it.”
“Tom…”
The Dark Lord just pulled the young man into a kiss again and Harry decided
he’d let it go.
For a while.
***** Chapter 13 *****
“Tom?”
“Hum?”
“What’s this spell do?”
“Eh? Oh… It makes the person it’s cast on randy for the caster.”
“Wicked.”
“Why are you pointing that wand at me?”
“I want to see if I can do it.”
“Harry.”
“Yeah?”
“Expelliarmus.”
“Tom!”
“Accio Nigri_Magica_Ars.”
“That’s my book!”
“Yes, I suppose it is. However, I think you, Mr. Champion of Light, have read
about and learned more than enough Dark Arts.”
“Don’t make me attack you…”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the young wizard before he set the Dark book on the
table in front of him with Harry’s wand. “Terrified, Mr. Potter.”
Harry smirked as he slunk closer to the Dark Lord, who had turned his back to
him. “You should be.”
“If you’ll recall, I happen to hold both of our wands. I’ve nothing to fear
from you,” Tom informed the green-eyed wizard before returning to the book he’d
brought with him.
“Nothing?” Harry hissed in Tom’s ear before biting his earlobe.
Tom closed his eyes. “I didn’t hear you.”
“That, dear Tom, was the point.” Harry smirked, leaning over to pick up his
wand.
Tom took the opportunity to pull Harry over the back of the couch and into his
lap, jarring a shriek from the younger man. “You’re not perfect, but I suppose
you’ll do,” he murmured before trapping Harry’s lips with his own.
Harry pulled away after a moment to point his wand at Tom’s nose. “What was
that spell again?”
“Who wanted to wait?”
“Shut up.”
“Don’t you pout at me.”
“I’ll pout all I want.”
“And I’ll fix it again–“
A sharp knock on the door made both wizards freeze and trade looks.
“Who is it?” Harry called, getting out of Tom’s lap calmly.
“Gin!”
“And how in Merlin’s name did you find me?”
“Hoot!” Hedwig replied.
Harry groaned.
“Will you let us in?”
“I was busy!”
Tom snorted into a hand as he put Harry’s darker books into a bookshelf that
had been spelled for discretion and held quite a few illegal or nearly illegal
things that the Golden Boy had collected over the past year and a half – much
of which had been a surprise to the Dark Lord.
“Well, unbusy yourself!”
Harry gave Tom a helpless look. The Dark Lord rolled his eyes and opened the
door with a flick of his wand.
Hedwig swept in and settled on her perch with a content coo.
Ginny stepped in with a wide smile. “Hey, Harry!” she said brightly, closing
the door behind her.
“Why are you here?” Harry enquired as he led Ginny to the couch. Tom was,
apparently, still unnoticed by the girl.
“Can’t I come see the boy I’ve supposedly got another crush on?” Ginny replied
haughtily.
Tom laughed at that and stepped away from the bookcase. Ginny stood and spun
around quickly, wand pointed at the man. “Good reflexes, Miss Weasley,” he
commented with a smirk.
“Tom.” Ginny nodded, going to put her wand away.
“Are you sure you should trust me?” the Dark Lord warned.
“Always be on your guard, even among the best of friends,” Harry murmured,
leaning back into the couch. “Tom isn’t your friend, Gin. Keep your wand out.”
“You don’t have your wand out!” Ginny shot back hotly, brown eyes flashing at
the young wizard.
“Yes, he does.” Tom stepped forward and settled on the back of the couch.
“Well, about as out as it will get. It’s spelled to stay up his sleeve unless
he needs it.”
Ginny narrowed her eyes at the Dark Lord. “I can't use magic, anyway.”
“Never tell a potential enemy your weakness; if they don’t already know it,
it’s your advantage,” Harry said softly.
“Where do you get this stuff?” Tom enquired, curious.
“What did I just say?”
“Oh, so I’m a potential enemy now?”
Harry smirked up at the man. “And what did I say the time before that?”
“Prat.”
“Git.”
“Moron.”
“Bastard.”
“Four-eyes.”
“Ouch.” Harry winced. “You always use that one, too.”
“What did you just say?”
Harry frowned at the Dark Lord. “Tom, I love you, but that has yet to keep me
from hexing you. Please refrain from insulting me on my own turf.” Tom grinned.
“So, you did finally get it worked out!”
“Sort of.” Tom sighed with mock sadness. “Harry has said no sex until he’s out
of school.”
“I give it a month before he breaks.”
Tom shook his head. “Ginny, he’s under Dumbledore’s watch…”
“And he can apparate,” Ginny shot back, sitting next to Harry comfortably.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the girl. “I’m listening, Miss Weasley.”
“Oh, no…” Harry moaned, hiding his face in his hands.
“As far as everyone knows, both Harry and I are single right now,” Ginny
explained. “A false relationship would be just the cover to get Harry out of
the school and past the anti-apparation wards, through the secret passageways.”
“I like it.” Tom nodded.
“My life just went to hell,” Harry moaned.
“I thought it was already there.”
“Shut up, Tom.”
Tom shrugged and looked back at Ginny, who looked far too comfortable to him.
“You have a price, don’t you?” Harry glanced back up in interest.
Ginny nodded. “Two things, actually.”
“Let’s hear them.”
“One, you can’t attack my family.”
“Directly. If they get in the way during a raid or an attack, I cannot
guarantee their lives. It’s not possible.”
“I understand that.”
Tom nodded. “The other thing?”
Ginny smirked, looking between both of the dark-haired wizards. “Spells. There
are some out there that could be classified as ‘Dark’, but are legal. They
don’t teach them in school and no one else will teach me.”
“You want me to teach you legal Dark Arts?” Tom enquired sarcastically.
“Basically.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?!”
“Tom doesn’t like the legal stuff. That’s my department,” Harry cut in in a
soothing voice. “And, yes, I suppose I can teach you.”
“How about the illegal stuff?” Ginny enquired smoothly.
“That will take some serious negotiation,” Harry replied firmly. “We can give
you the direct protection of your family and the legal Dark Arts, but the
illegal stuff is different.”
Ginny sighed. “Potions? Fred and George said you’re good with that stuff.”
“Severus is a bastard,” Tom agreed.
“He’s not a people person. The delivery is messed up by that and the students
don’t learn to the best of their abilities. He’s also seriously biased. Trust
me, if you ever need help in Potions, let me know. I had to learn it all
myself.”
“But, you still get poor grades in Potions!”
“As I said, biased. Even more so against me, since he hates me so much.”
“Yeah, what’s with that? Do you have dirt on him or something?”
“It started out as one thing and has since evolved,” Harry replied slyly.
Ginny turned to Tom, who shook his head. “Don’t look at me. At this rate, you
probably know more about Severus Snape than even I do. The man’s like a clam or
something. I can’t break him, and Harry always side-steps my questions.” So
saying, the Dark Lord turned to glare at the younger wizard.
Harry shrugged. “I don’t like the man, that’s very true. However, his life
depends on some of the secrets I know. Other secrets will make his life worse
than it already is. As long as my secrets remain with him, his will remain with
me.” The young man got up and stretched slightly, seemingly oblivious to the
two behind him. “Gin, your first lesson in proper potion-making starts now.
Come on.”
Ginny groaned and stood as well. “What are we making, Professor?”
Harry turned an evil smirk on the girl. “Something for your brothers that I
need help with.”
“And that is my cue to head back to my ‘job’,” Tom offered, standing himself.
“Don’t leave me alone with him!” Ginny cried.
Tom shrugged. “You have my sympathy. However, he’s been trying to get me to
help him with this one for three weeks. I’m leaving while I still have the
chance.”
“Cheater,” Ginny grumbled.
Harry shook his head at the girl before poking Tom in the chest roughly. :
You’ll be back tomorrow?:
:I’ll be late.:
:Raid?:
:Yeees.:
:And of course you’re going because they only manage to succeed when you’re
there.:
:I can’t very well Crucio myself.:
:I’ll do it for you.:
Tom smiled softly and cupped Harry’s face in one hand. :You would, wouldn’t
you?:
:Very well. What time shall I expect you?:
:Ah… Four, at the latest, I should think.:
:Perfect.: Harry leaned up and kissed Tom soundly on the lips. :Be safe.:
:Don’t blow yourself up, handsome,: Tom replied with a wicked smile. Harry
snorted. :I love you, you know,: the Dark Lord added firmly.
:And the feelings are returned,: Harry agreed.
Tom nodded and stepped away from the other wizard. “Very well. Don’t work Miss
Weasley too hard. Get her back at a reasonable time. You know the drill,” he
warned the young man, who laughed, before turning to Ginny. “I know he’s hot as
hell, however, if you make an advances on him that you’re serious about and not
just using as cover, I’ll show you some illegal curses in a very illegal way.
Other than that, have fun!” the Dark Lord offered before disappearing with a
‘crack’.
“Sorry about him.” Harry sighed, scratching the back of his head.
“I think it’s cute!” Ginny replied, not at all fazed by the threat. “I only
wish I had someone who’d do that for me.”
Harry frowned at her. “You’ll find them, Gin. You gotta trust in that.”
“So, have you fallen to him, yet?”
“Eh?”
“Well, you’re the Champion of the Light, right?”
“Yes?”
“And you’re in love with your greatest adversary.”
“True.”
“And you know Dark Arts.”
“Well, yeah.”
“So, are you officially on Tom’s side of this yet?”
“I don’t know.” Harry shrugged. “At this point, I’m more in the grey than
either side. I suppose I always have been.”
“Why?” Ginny blinked at the boy. As far as she knew, Harry had always been
firmly Light.
“Well, I have in my heart. I understand what Tom’s fighting for. I understand
what Dumbledore’s fighting for. I agree with parts of both. However, I was
never given the chance to choose. I am the personification of Light to the
wizarding world.”
“The ultimate enemy…” Ginny gasped.
Harry nodded. “So, tell me, Gin. Are you in a room with your worst enemy, or
your best friend?” the wizard inquired seriously before turning to get the text
he’d need from a bookcase.
Ginny couldn’t do anything but stare.
***** Chapter 14 *****
Tom apparated into the hostel room to a flurry of activity. "What…?"
Ginny popped up at Tom's elbow. "Hi! Fred, George, and I are helping Harry pack
for school!"
Tom scratched his head with a sigh. "It's August thirty-first, isn't it?"
"Very good!"
"You know the date!"
"Duck," Harry murmured to the twins as Tom glared at them.
"Sorry, Tom!" the two red-heads chorused with matching smirks.
Harry rolled his eyes and spared the Dark Lord a smile. "We're almost done."
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the young man as the three Weasleys left them to talk.
"Almost? This place looks like a tornado hit it."
"Shut up." Harry frowned at the taller wizard. "We had to spell half the stuff
because it can get me into trouble."
"Ooh…" Tom smirked cruelly. "That would be all those really Dark books and
artefacts I talked you into buying?"
"Yes. Those ones." Harry narrowed his eyes at Tom. "And you're taking the ones
we can't hide, I'll have you know. If Dumbledore catches me, there won't be any
apparating to see you, you know."
"Damn."
"Tom…"
"Yes, yes. I'll take them."
"Thank you." Relief coloured the young wizard's voice.
Tom slid a finger under Harry's chin and gently pulled his head up so he could
meet the young man's emerald eyes. "Harry, when was the last time you got a
full night's worth of rest?"
"Dunno."
"Tonight. You need your sleep, Mr. Potter."
"Don't call me that."
Tom sighed. "Harry, I mean it. You look like shit."
"You're so eloquent…"
"Harry!"
"Okay, okay. Sorry."
"I mean it. I'm worried about you."
"Are you?"
"Oh, don't start this again."
"Sorry."
"Don't be…" Tom sighed and pulled the younger man into a tight hug, burying his
face into Harry's hair. "Just, please take better care of yourself, okay?"
"Ha. Who would have guessed there'd come a day when you were telling me to take
better care of myself."
Tom frowned at the other wizard. "Stop. Just, stop."
"It's funny…"
Tom slammed a hand over Harry's mouth, glaring at him. "Don't. Don't you dare
start that."
"He's been depressed all day," Ginny offered. "He's not the only one, let me
tell you."
Tom nodded and lifted his hand from Harry's mouth. "Harry, Merlin help me, if I
knew a way to keep you with me, I would, you know that. However, you still have
to go back to Hogwarts for one last year."
"I have to pretend." Harry sneered.
"Mate, let us tell you a little secret–"
"–that no matter who you are–"
"–you're always pretending."
"You just happen to be luckier than most other people."
Tom looked over the twins with a grateful smile as Harry's mood appeared to
lift. When the twins had first found out that Harry Potter had fallen for the
Dark Lord Voldemort, they'd been in shock, but, after a day to themselves and a
few reminders of how much fun they'd had with "Tom the Auror", they'd become
helpful in getting Ginny between the Burrow and Harry's room so the cover could
be properly set up.
"Oh, mum's decided that Harry's spending the last night at the Burrow," Ginny
informed Tom suddenly.
Tom nodded. "I'd figured that."
"Smart man, Tom." Harry sniggered. "One of these days, he'll figure out he
can't really take over the world, you know."
Ginny, Fred, and George laughed as Tom wrapped Harry in a backwards hug. "Is
that so. And why might I not be able to take over the word, eh?"
Harry leaned back into Tom's embrace, smirking. "Simple. You have to share."
"Share? I'll have you know that Lord Voldemort shares with no man."
"How about the Boy-Who-Lived, then?"
"Ah, boy? No, no. He's too sexy to be a boy anymore."
"Why, thank you."
:Any time,: Tom hissed into Harry's ear. The young man shivered, smiling.
"That's just weird," George announced before returning to what little packing
was left. Fred followed suit.
"They're just jealous," Ginny informed the two dark-haired wizards.
"Of course they are. They want Harry, but they know they can't have him."
"Tom."
"Yes?"
"Get over yourself."
"Myself?" Tom smirked. "I've been over myself for decades, Harry. I'm stuck on
you right now."
"And have been for the past, what, sixteen years?"
"If you'll notice, it took me all sixteen of those years to recognize what I'd
been missing out on."
"Cute as you two are, let's finish this up, okay?" Ginny suggested softly.
"Damn." Tom sighed, placing a kiss on the top of Harry's head before letting
him go.
"I second that. Ginny, dearest, you have horrid timing."
"You know, I always manage to have horrid timing with you two…"
"Finally caught on to that, have you?"
"Harry, you run well, right?"
"Yeeees…"
"Start moving, boy."
"Oiy! Don't you dare throw that!"
"Expelliarmus." Tom sighed and set the artefact out of harm's way. "Gin, that
corner. Harry, that corner. Get back to cleaning."
Both students offered their tongues to the Dark Lord before walking to each
other's corners and getting back to work.
Tom rolled his eyes and spelled a few things into their cases. "I can't win,
you know."
"Don't expect to," Fred suggested.
"They're Gryffindors," George agreed.
"With Slytherin bits." Tom snorted.
Both twins traded looks, coughed, then got back to work.
Tom groaned. "Teenagers!"
Everyone in the room laughed.
                                     -~*~-
Ginny, Harry, and Tom were the last left in the room as Fred and George
finished carting Harry's trunk to the Burrow. Ginny went to use the bathroom,
effectively giving the two wizards a chance to say a quick goodbye.
:I hate goodbyes, you know,: Harry murmured into Tom's shirt.
:You do tend to say that a lot.:
:Well, there's always a chance that, when I say goodbye, I'll never see that
person again.:
:You'll see me again. Perhaps sooner than you think.:
:Oh?:
Tom smirked.
:You're not going to explain, then?:
:Nope.:
:Damn you.:
:I love you too.:
:Good.:
Tom sighed and pulled the teen up for a long kiss.
The two parted after a long moment. :I'm not so sure I'll miss being out of
breath, though.:
Tom laughed.
"You have a good laugh, Tom," Ginny commented as she walked back into the room.
"You say that every time you hear it." Tom snorted.
"Well, just goes to show you how much I mean it," the witch replied brightly.
Harry sniggered while Tom rolled his eyes.
"Ready to go?" she inquired softly.
"I suppose." Harry glanced up into smiling red eyes. "Yes. Goodbye isn't
forever, after all."
"I should hope not," Tom replied tartly.
Harry and Ginny laughed.
"Well, Harry. We'd best be going. Mum'll start to worry. We don't want her
trying to send Ron. He still can't apparate properly."
"I'll never figure out how he got his license…" Harry sighed.
"Well, he sort of manages to apparate to where he wants to go, sometimes, and
he hasn't splinched himself."
"Yet," Harry offered under his breath. Ginny grinned.
"Very well." Tom caught Harry's attention long enough to kiss him quickly. "Go
on. I'm sure things will work out, be it Mr. Weasley splinching himself or
Dumbledore going six feet under." Harry and Ginny both laughed at that. "And,
odd as this may seem, coming from me, I mean, don't do any Dark Magic unless
you're sure there's no chance of getting caught. Especially you, Gin. Harry,
you can probably carry it safely, being who you are, but it's always best to
not chance ending up in Azkaban. Right?"
"Right!" the two chorused.
"Good. Off you go. Goodbye, and all that rot." He waved them towards the door,
then apparated away.
Harry sighed sadly.
"Harry?"
"I miss him already."
"You'll see him soon."
"Not soon enough."
"It never is."
Harry smiled slightly. "Thanks, Gin."
"That's what wanna be sisters are for."
"Wanna be? Gin, you're better than 'wanna be'."
"I should hope so. I've had enough practise."
Harry laughed.
***** Chapter 15 *****
"Why is it that we're rushing every year?"
"Are we?"
"I think so."
"He's right, you know."
Ron glared at Hermione for agreeing with Harry. He still had a major crush on
Hermione, but after they dated for a month the year before, she'd got over him.
Occasionally, one had to feel bad for the redhead. Occasionally.
"Stop glaring at me. It's true."
Ron muttered something under his breath and Hermione smacked him over the head
as they stepped into an empty compartment.
Harry smiled at his two friends. If he had to suffer without Tom, he'd do it
with Ron and Hermione any day. The two were always so amusing these days.
The three Gryffindors sat on the seats in the compartment as the train passed
out of the city.
"So, Harry, how have you been lately?" Hermione asked. "I haven't seen you
since your birthday!"
"Very bored." Harry sighed. "Until Ginny came over. Made my day." He gave them
a bright smile, keeping with the story he, Ginny, Fred, George, and Tom had
worked out.
"Glad to know!" Hermione smiled happily.
"Mum thought you two should have stayed in the Burrow. She didn't like the idea
of Ginny travelling back and forth between the Burrow and London, even if Fred
and George promised to keep her safe," Ron grumbled.
Harry rolled his eyes. Ron and Molly had badgered him non-stop about the whole
thing for weeks by owl and had reminded him every chance they got since he'd
come to stay the night before. "I know, Ron."
Hermione patted Harry's hand sympathetically and he smiled in response, which
made Ron puff up with jealousy. Again.
"Ron–" Harry frowned at the redhead, "–you're getting ridiculous."
"I am not your girlfriend, Ronald Weasley," Hermione said in annoyance.
Harry sighed and stood as the two glared at one another. "Tell you what. You
two can fight this out. I am going to go find Ginny." He slipped from the
compartment before they could complain.
Once away from his friends, he walked aimlessly. He didn't really care where
Ginny was, she was probably hanging out with Luna or one of her other friends,
but it was a good excuse.
"Potter!"
Harry turned to find Draco Malfoy watching him from a compartment's doorway.
"Malfoy," he replied civilly.
"Come in here."
"Why?" Harry cocked a questioning eyebrow at the Slytherin.
"I'd like to talk to you. Without the rest of the train, please."
"Perhaps I don't wish to talk, Malfoy."
"Oh, don't be petty."
That caught Harry's attention. "Very well."
Harry followed the blond into the empty compartment and sat comfortably while
the Slytherin locked the door, then sat across from him.
"Talk, Malfoy," Harry suggested.
"I want to call a truce."
"A truce?"
"No more fighting, no more name calling, no more hexing each other in the
hall."
Harry's curiosity overrode his caution and he leaned forward. "Why?"
"Call it a change of heart, if you must."
"Malfoy…"
"I can't tell you."
"That's nothing new. No one can ever tell me." Harry snorted, standing sharply.
"Iwastoldto!"
"Say that again. Slowly."
"I. Was. Told. To."
"By whom?"
"My father."
"Why would Lucius Malfoy want you and me to be friends?"
"I don't know!"
"Do you always do everything your father says?"
Draco kept his mouth shut.
"You do!" Harry said with mock surprise.
"Only if there's something in it for me!"
"And what's in it for you?"
"Potter, you do realize that you're interesting, right?"
"What?!"
"You're interesting."
"Malfoy, you've stopped making sense. I'm leaving."
"Don't!"
"Move."
"Sit back down."
"I'll hex you if you don't move."
"Potter, please sit back down."
"Stup–"
"HARRY!"
"Malfoy…"
"Harry, please sit down. I'm begging you."
"Malfoys don't beg."
"So I'm breaking a rule. Sit. Please?"
Harry frowned, but returned to his seat, wand back up his sleeve.
Draco let out a relieved breath and returned to his own seat. "I have wanted to
be your friend since first year, as you'll recall. After you turned me down, my
father said I wasn't allowed to even think about becoming your friend again. He
changed his mind over the summer. Okay?"
"I'm not so sure I want a friend who would turn around and hex me in the back
first chance he got."
"Wizard's Pledge. I will never be the cause of your downfall so long as I am
your friend, and only you may decided when that pledge, or our friendship, is
to be revoked."
"You're serious about this?"
"Yes. That's what I've been trying to tell you."
"I never knew you could be so mature, Malfoy."
"Draco."
"Drac."
"No. Absolutely not!"
"Drake?"
"No!"
"Dray."
"Potter!"
"I have nicknames for all of my friends."
"My name does not 'nick'."
"It does now."
"No."
"Drac, Drake, or Dray?"
"NONE!!"
"I think I like Dray the best."
"No, no, no, no, no, no…"
"Dray it is!"
"The humiliation…"
"Your fault."
"It is not my fault that Gryffindorks must have shorter names to call one
another!"
"Watch it with the insults."
"Hurt your pride?"
"Not really. I'm just telling you to watch it."
"Errgh…"
Harry laughed.
Draco glared at him.
There was a sound out in the hallway. "Harry?"
"It's Herm."
"Granger?"
"Do you, perhaps, know any other Herms?"
"Nicknames. Eww…"
"Dray?"
"No…"
"What about Ron and Herm?"
"What about them?"
"They're my friends, you know."
"Harry. I cannot stand Weasley. I have been brought up to hate Mud-er-
Muggleborns." Draco frowned. "I will be your friend. I cannot be theirs."
Harry sighed. "I doubt they'd want to befriend you, either." He stood. "Just,
try, okay?"
"Be polite?" Draco enquired with a disgusted look.
"Yes. Pretend our friendship rests on how you treat them," Harry suggested,
then left the compartment to assure his friends he was okay.
Draco scowled.
                                     -~*~-
"I'm going to kill him, Harry."
"Ron, calm down and shut up."
"He's using you!"
"I agree. I don't trust him."
Harry and Ginny traded helpless looks. Harry and just told his three friends
about Draco. He'd known Ginny wouldn't care, but then again, she and Tom were
friends...
"I think it's fine," Ginny said, resting her head on Harry's shoulder.
"Ginny–" Ron tried.
"Shut up, Ron," Harry and Ginny chorused.
"You can't be enemies with the Slytherins forever," Ginny commented. "If Malfoy
wants to be Harry's friend, I'm all for it."
"Gee, Ginny. You're the best girlfriend ever." Harry sighed. Ginny just
grinned.
"His father's a Death Eater, Harry!" Ron hissed.
"And he's befriending me anyway," Harry replied, glaring at his friend. "Unless
this is one of Voldemort's new tricks, which I doubt, I see no reason to
distrust him!"
"That's just it!" Ron shouted back. He'd flinched when Harry had spoken the
name of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He always did. Still.
"What if it is a plot?" Hermione agreed in a softer voice.
"Then you'll just have to hope I can take care of myself, won't you?" Harry
growled, standing. "Come on, Ginny."
"You are not taking my little sister to that bastard!" Ron shouted, standing to
stop the "couple".
"Locomotor Mortis. Ron, come find us once you've stopped finding only the worst
in Slytherins," Harry said coldly. Then he led Ginny from the compartment.
"Finite Incantantum," Hermione murmured over the redhead.
"What's his problem?!"
"Ron, I think Harry wants to be friends with Malfoy."
"Malfoy must have him under some sort of spell!"
"What? The Imperius Curse?" Hermione shot back. Ron glared at her silently.
"Ron, let it go. Harry's been changing since Sirius' death. You know that. I
know that."
"Sirius wouldn't want him to have anything to do with Malfoy."
"No, he probably wouldn't." Hermione sighed. "But that won't stop Harry right
now."
"So, what are you saying?"
"Give him his space. Trust him." Hermione shrugged. "Treat him as if nothing's
changed and try not to hex Malfoy in the hallways. Just be his friend."
"I am his friend!"
"I know that and he knows that."
"Just, go with the flow, then? Let Malfoy lead him off to You-Know-Who?"
"No. Just be there for him. So, when Malfoy does try and lead him off to
Voldemort, we can be there to stop him."
"Oh…"
                                     -~*~-
"Dray?"
Draco opened the compartment door and gave Harry a dirty look as laughter came
from behind him. "Potter…"
"I thought you were calling me Harry?"
More laughter. "Ergh…"
"Who's in there with you?"
"Pansy and Blaise," the blond murmured.
Harry glanced around Draco to look at the other two Slytherins. "Hullo!"
"Why is there a Weasley with you?" Draco complained, seeing a grinning Ginny
suddenly.
"We're escaping from my brother and Hermione," Ginny explained.
"Why?" Draco made a face.
"You going to invite us in?" Harry enquired.
"Nooo…"
"Why not?"
"I was busy."
"Let them in, Draco," Pansy called. "Or should I say, Dray?"
Draco was the only one who wasn't laughing as he let the two Gryffindors in.
"Potter, I might just kill you."
"Happens." Harry shrugged and threw himself into a seat across from the other
two Slytherins. "Zabini, Parkinson. Pleasure."
"He's got charm." Pansy giggled. "That shouldn't be allowed in Gryffindor, you
know."
"He hides it well," Ginny replied from next to Harry with a grin.
Draco groaned.
"Actually, I'm an aspiring Slytherin. I'm hoping for some training," Harry
replied flippantly.
The Slytherins laughed while Ginny rolled her eyes.
"So, I know why Dray's not hexing me. Why are you two so nice all of a sudden?"
"Same reason." Draco sat next to Harry with a sigh.
"Our parents told us to play nice with you, Potter." Blaise snorted.
"Almost all the Slytherins' parents have told them to play nice around you."
Pansy sighed.
"Weird."
"So, which Death Eater's got blackmail on all the others and likes Harry?"
Ginny said darkly.
"Gin…" Harry frowned at her.
"No, she has a point," Blaise replied. "The only way all our parents would
suddenly tell us to play nice would be if someone was blackmailing them."
Or ordering them around! Tom! Harry realised. He and Ginny traded looks that
said they both had the same thought.
"So, Potter, who's your friend?" Pansy asked brightly, her eyes cold.
"No clue. Perhaps Voldemort's got an infatuation with me that doesn't have to
do with killing me?" Harry joked.
"Yeah, right."
Oiy! I'm serious! Harry smirked to himself.
"Which Death Eater might have that sort of power?" Ginny grumbled.
"Malfoy."
Four pairs of eyes turned to the heir of said man.
"No clue. Don't look at me like that."
"I always did like a mystery," Blaise mumbled.
"I normally do, too. However, this one happens to be about my life," Harry
replied darkly.
"Aww, we'll figure it out, Harry," Draco cooed, throwing an arm around Harry's
shoulders.
"Dray, I'd watch it. Gin might get jealous." Harry snorted.
Ginny offered the Malfoy heir a cold look.
"Ah, fine." Draco let the dark-haired young man go and frowned at the two
Gryffindors. "You don't seem like much of a couple.
"Everyone has secrets, Malfoy," Ginny offered with a smirk that would have made
a Malfoy proud.
Draco just frowned all the more.
Blaise and Pansy looked confused.
Harry and Ginny exchanged winks. Let the games begin.
***** Chapter 16 *****
"Harry! Ginny! There you are!"
"We were waiting for you."
"Sorry."
"We got out ahead of everyone else and got into a carriage with Draco."
"Prat."
"Ron!"
Harry and Ginny watched as Hermione chased Ron into the school.
"Can't win them all."
Harry sighed and offered a slight smile to Ginny. "That's something I learned
years ago, Gin, but thanks."
"Sure." Ginny grabbed one of Harry's hands with a big smile. "Come on. Let's go
get seats!"
"Right…" Harry let the girl drag him into the school and through the crowded
entrance hall into the Great Hall.
"Try and sit next to Ron, or not?" Ginny enquired, pointing to where Ron was
glaring at them.
"Sit with Neville. He looks half dead."
Neville Longbottom did, indeed, look like crap. He had started filling out some
over the summer, but he still looked quite forgetful and tired. His hat was on
lopsided and the tip was drooping downwards.
"Yeah… Wonder what's got him down this year…"
Ginny and Harry sat across from one another, Harry next to Neville. "Hey, Nev.
What's got you down?" Harry asked, fixing the boy's hat.
"Just Gran." Neville sighed sadly. "That, and I had to travel over in a
carriage of Slytherins."
Harry offered him a sympathetic look. "You poor thing."
Neville offered the Boy-Who-Lived a small smile. "Thanks, Harry."
"That's what friends are for, Nev."
"Harry!"
"What?"
Ginny pointed towards where Snape sat at the end of the Head Table and Harry
followed the finger to Snape's left. There, dressed out in Slytherin green and
silver, sat a disguised Tom Marvolo Riddle, teal eyes bright, brown hair
obscuring his face. Harry paled.
"What's wrong?" Neville enquired.
"Our new Defence teacher. Harry and I know him!" Ginny moaned. "Oh, what is he
thinking?"
Tom?
Hello, lovely. I did say I'd see you soon, did I not? Tom's happy voice
replied.
Are you insane?
Quite so. I dare say, without Fred and George's help, I'd never have gotten
Dumbledore to trust me for this. All he knows, is that I'm an auror. A friend
of the twin's, and yours.
Good Merlin. You are insane.
That's what I've been trying to tell you, dear.
Tom?
Yeees?
Are you drunk again?
Tom's mental laugh filled all of Harry's senses and the younger wizard returned
his attention to Neville and Ginny.
"Fred and George must have given him a referral for the job," Harry murmured.
"Those two." Ginny sighed, shaking her head.
"Is he a Slytherin, by any chance?" Neville asked nervously.
"Yeah." Harry nodded. "But he shouldn't be too bad. He gets along with me,
Ginny, Fred, and George, after all."
"Harry, not to be insulting, but that's not very reassuring," Ginny pointed
out, grinning.
"Hush, you." Harry glared at the girl. Neville laughed.
"Bet you anything Ron's complaining about how hungry he is," Ginny grumbled
suddenly.
"Indeed he is, my fair lady," Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, the Gryffindor
ghost, said as he slid up from the table.
"Idiot."
"Why aren't you sitting with Ron, anyway?" Neville asked as Nick glided away to
say hello and talk with other Gryffindors.
"He's a prat," Harry and Ginny chorused.
"We knew that."
"It's a long, tedious story."
"That starts and ends with, guess who."
"You-Know-Who," Neville deducted.
"What else is new." Harry set his head on the table, next to his plate.
"Finally!" They heard from when Ron sat as the doors to the Great Hall opened,
admitting the new first years and Professor McGonagall. Most of the hall sent
brief poisonous glares towards the male Weasley before turning back to watch
the first years step up to the Head Table.
Harry sighed and sat back to watch the Sorting, pushing thoughts of Ron, Draco,
and Tom to the back of his mind.
                                     -~*~-
"Welcome, as always, to Hogwarts!" Professor Albus Dumbledore offered as the
tables cleared of food. "I do hope this will be a good year for us all. Before
I send you off to your warmed beds, though, I must make a few announcements.
"The Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. Do try and remember that this
year." Blue eyes rested on different members of the notorious DA, many of whom
had gone with Harry the year before to, as always, save the world from the Dark
Lord Voldemort.
"Mr. Filch's list of banned items has lengthened into a small book. To see this
book, please go past Mr. Filch's office. Also, there is to be no magic in the
corridors between classes. There were problems with that last year." The blue
gaze again flickered over the members of the DA, but also passed over the
length of the Slytherin House Table.
"On a lighter note, we'd like to welcome Professor Brutùs as our new Defence
Against the Dark Arts teacher!" The Hall filled with a splattering of applause,
mostly from the Slytherin table. Harry and Ginny smiled at the newest teacher
as they clapped for him.
"I believe that is all." Dumbledore smiled at his students proudly. "Off to bed
you all go! First years, follow your House's Prefects."
As the students around them rose, Harry and Ginny offered Neville quick good-
byes before pushing their way up to the Head Table.
"Mr Potter. Miss Weasley." Snape stopped them in the crowd. "I do believe you
should be heading towards your dormitories."
"Nonsense, Severus." A pale hand settled on the Potions Master's shoulder as
Tom's voice floated above the noises around them. Tom smiled at the two
students as he stepped around Snape. "Harry, Gin, it's wonderful to see you
again."
"Oh, the pleasure is all ours, Professor," Harry replied, grinning.
Tom ruffled the boy's hair fondly as Snape glared at them. "You, Potter, have a
smart mouth," Tom informed the boy. "Are you two too tired, or would you like
to spend some time with me before bed?"
"I think," Snape said coldly. "That it is best for Potter and Weasley to head
to bed."
"Severus, was I asking you?" Tom inquired, his voice taking on a chilled
quality.
"I'm all for some tea," Ginny said firmly, frowning at the Head of Slytherin
House around Tom.
"It's not like we have a class first thing tomorrow," Harry agreed. He'd set up
his classes the year before so he didn't have a class during the first class
block. He knew Ginny had done the same thing, as most of the DA had worked on
theirs together.
"Good night, Severus," Tom said firmly, teal eyes narrowed.
Harry tugged on Tom's arm and, with Ginny's help, dragged the Dark Lord from
his servant before the elder man hexed someone.
:Tom, please don't do something stupid,: Harry hissed.
Tom relaxed. "I go by Marcus Brutùs, by the way."
"Why?" Ginny enquired as they stepped out into the hall.
"Marcus Junius Brutùs was Julius Caesar's friend, and one of his murderers. I
thought it a fun name." Tom smirked, then gave a dramatic sigh. "Et tù, Brute?"
Harry and Ginny laughed.
"Why does Snape hate you so much?" Harry enquired.
"He doesn't trust me." Tom shrugged and stopped them outside of a nondescript
door. "This is my room."
"Let me guess, there's a password." Ginny grinned.
"Very good, Gin." Tom nodded. "I will tell the two of you, but you mustn't pass
it around."
"Of course not," Harry agreed as Ginny nodded seriously.
"Perfect." A cold smile took over Tom's features as he turned back to the door.
"Flight of Death."
Harry laughed as the door opened for them. "Good one, Marcus."
Tom smirked and ushered them inside. "I thought so myself." He closed the door.
"I'm missing something," Ginny decided.
"Sit, I'll get some tea," Tom offered, waving towards a couple of chairs and a
couch before disappearing through another door.
Harry sat on the couch while Ginny took a chair. "It's the translation of
Voldemort," the green-eyed wizard told the brown-eyed witch. "Tom made me look
it up over the summer."
"Oh." Ginny smiled sheepishly. "Tom, you'll make a fabulous teacher!"
"Will I, now?" Tom stepped back into the room with a small tray, three cups of
steaming tea, sugar, milk, and a teapot on top.
"Yes. You've got Harry learning things and then teaching me!"
"Things that have nothing to do with Defence or Dark Arts," Harry agreed.
"Ah." Tom set the tray on a table and sat next to Harry on the couch.
"So, how in Merlin's name did you manage all of this?" Ginny asked as she took
a cup. Harry followed suit, putting sugar in his, while Tom settled back in the
couch and draped an arm around the wizard next to him.
"It was Fred and George, for the most part. They'd heard that Dumbledore was
having trouble finding a new Defence teacher, and they knew shuffling Harry
between Hogwarts and myself would be difficult, at best. They told Dumbledore
they had an auror friend who would be willing to do the job. When Dumbledore
asked for a meeting, they set it up and helped me with the disguise. I only
found out last week."
"And didn't tell me." Harry pouted.
Tom smiled and drew the Gryffindor into a hug. "It was to be a surprise."
"You've surprised him," Ginny assured the Dark Lord. "What about Snape? You
said he doesn't trust you?"
"No. As far as he knows, I'm a lesser Death Eater come to spy on him and get
close to Harry and his friends."
"No wonder he doesn't want you alone with us," Harry realised.
"Not that much can keep us apart." Tom sighed softly.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Idiot."
"Indeed." Tom kissed the top of Harry's head before pulling away slightly to
get his tea. "Now then, what is up with Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger? I thought
you three were attached at the hip." The man cocked an eyebrow at Harry.
"Ron's being a prat," Ginny supplied.
"Care to expand on that?"
"It's your fault." Harry snorted, sipping at his tea.
"Ah. And what have I managed to do this time?"
"One word: Slytherins," Harry shot back, offering the Dark Lord an annoyed
look.
"Talked to many of them lately?"
"Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, and Blaise Zabini, in fact."
"You said you work better in Potions when there aren't Slytherins sabotaging
your work."
"Tom, I didn't mean I suddenly wanted them to all be my friends!"
"No? Oh well."
Harry groaned as Ginny smiled. "Tom, perhaps that wasn't the best way to handle
that."
"It's a part of my master plan, I'll have you know!"
"A master plan?" Harry snorted.
"Yes."
"First time for everything."
"Harry."
"Yes?"
"Silencio." Tom turned back to Ginny, who was trying not to laugh at the look
Harry was giving the older man. "Think about it. I'm trying to befriend Harry
and his friends. Why not have all of the Slytherin students do the same?"
"It makes sense when you put it that way."
"Yes…" Tom sighed, then gave a shout and jumped up as Harry's tea ended up in
his lap. "You did that on purpose!" he shouted over Ginny's laughter.
Harry smirked and poured himself some more tea.
"If that cup goes near me, it's detention for a week!"
Harry gave the Dark Lord a suggestive look as he stood, cup in hand.
"With Filch! Sit, you!"
Ginny managed, "Finite Incantantum," through her laughter so Harry could speak
again.
"You wound me, Tom," Harry said sadly, sitting.
Tom muttered a Drying Charm at his robe before sitting next to the young man.
"I wound you. Pah."
Harry's second cup of tea landed in Tom's lap and the Dark Lord glared at the
laughing teens before settling back in the couch with a pout.
***** Chapter 17 *****
Harry decided it was well worth it to get up early the first day of classes, if
only to watch the look on Snape's face when Tom sat down next to him and
managed to drag the spy into a quiet conversation.
Judging by the look on Snape's face as he left the Hall rather quickly, Tom had
probably threatened him, not that Harry minded too much; the man deserved what
he'd gotten.
A flash of a small boy hiding from his yelling father that Harry'd picked from
Snape's mind two years before mellowed the teen out and he finished breakfast
with a sad gaze.
Tom watched his one-time enemy leave the Hall with a frown. What's wrong?
Tom? Eh, nothing. Just thinking.
About what?
Harry paused and Tom could tell the boy was considering his response. What did
you say to Snape?
I told him not to interfere next time I want to talk to one or two of my
students alone.
You threatened him.
Well, yes.
Don't.
Why not?
Just, don't, was all Harry said before turning his attention to something else.
Tom leaned back into his chair with a frown. Now what was Harry hiding about
Snape?
                                     -~*~-
Tom walked into the class of seventh years as the bell rang. They were all
watching him curiously as he set the books he'd collected from his room during
the passing period on his desk. Tom recalled that this class had gone through
six Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers in as many years; they wanted to
know how long he'd last.
Tom turned to face the curious young men and women, catching everyone's gaze
for a brief moment before speaking. "I'm Professor Brutùs. To answer the
question I know you're all dying to ask, I'm only here for this year. Lucky
you.
"Now, I know you've had some pretty poor teachers over the last few years,
correct?" He wasn't surprised to see a hand waving from next to Harry. "Miss
Granger?"
Hermione paused for a brief moment, apparently surprised that their new teacher
had known her name without looking at his roll or anything, before letting
loose on her tongue. "Well, sir, Professor Lupin was quite good, as was Moody."
"And the DA!" Seamus Finnigan called suddenly. Twelve pairs of eyes turned to
glare at him, and Dean, who was sitting next to the Irishman, punched him.
Tom smirked, leaning back against his desk and crossing his arms over his
chest. "Oh, I've already heard about the infamous Dumbledore's Army," he
assured them. "A rather good job, Mr. Potter. And I believe it was Miss Granger
who came up with the idea?"
Hermione flushed while Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course, Professor. That's why
two of the members died last year."
Silence filled the room as Harry looked back down to his desk. It just…seemed
right to be silent for that brief moment, and not even Tom or the Slytherins
interrupted it.
"Sorry," Seamus murmured suddenly.
Life returned to the room again as Harry turned to smile at his Housemate. "No
sweat. Just, do us a favour and don't come to class drunk again."
Laughter filled the room as the Irishman blushed brightly.
"Although I dread to sound like Professor Snape, settle down," Tom called out.
The room quieted with content smiles. "Good. Now, in your seventh year, you're
supposed to be learning about a few of the Dark Arts that are still legal, and,
let me assure you, there are very few of them. I may also dip into some of the
not-so-legal Arts, as I'm not one for rules, and I doubt many of you in here
are, either." Laughter followed that.
"Good. With this, I want to add that I will never subject a student to anything
I don't think they will be able to handle, and I expect the same of you.
Especially–" Tom cocked an eyebrow at where the Slytherins had gathered in a
corner, surrounded by Ravenclaws and as far away from any Gryffindors as they
could get, "–our Slytherins. Keep it clean in here. You really don't want me to
send you to the Headmaster. Hell, I don't want to go to the Headmaster." More
laughter.
"Now, from our expert on Defence Against the Dark Arts, Mr. Potter?" Tom
glanced over at where Harry was raising his hand patiently.
"Professor Brutùs, I know the DA's caught up in this subject, but shouldn't you
run past all of the students and find out what we all know?"
"Very good question. And, yes, I will. I'll be posting notices on the bulletin
boards about times I want different students to come and see me for a brief
check-over. I'll be calling everyone, since, unlike Mr. Potter, I don't know a
thing about any of your talents." Tom nodded towards the raised hand. "Mr.
Nott?"
"Sir, out of pure curiosity, what is your stand on the current world affairs?"
Theodore Nott enquired.
"What is this, a Muggle Government class?" Tom frowned, annoyed.
"It's a valid question," Draco Malfoy pointed out.
"A valid question can be ignored, Mr. Malfoy. Unless, of course, we would like
to all announce our views on the current political situation?"
"Hey, I proudly support the Dark Lord," Draco shot back. "And everybody knows
it."
"Yeah, only because your father got thrown in Azkaban again," Ron called out.
"Ron…" Harry groaned.
"You want to come over here and say that, Weasel?"
"Draco!" Harry shouted.
Draco spared a brief look at Harry before sitting back down and carving things
into his desk again.
Ron sniggered.
"You too, Ron," Harry said sharply.
One look at furious emerald eyes mellowed Ron out immediately.
"Well, Mr. Potter. Would you like teach the class, then?" Tom enquired, amused
and actually quite impressed. He hadn't expected Draco to stand down that
quickly, nor Ron to curb his temper after one look at Harry.
"Oh, no. I'll just deal with impromptu outbursts," Harry shot back
sarcastically. A normal teacher would have taken points for his tone.
Tom snorted. "Very well. Five points to Gryffindor for controlling your
classmates." He glanced around the classroom. "Dark Arts," he said suddenly,
getting back to the topic at hand, "are not something to mess around with. Can
someone give me an example? Mr. Potter."
Harry grinned. "Well, I believe Voldie–"
"Voldie?" Tom asked sharply with a twitch, cutting Harry off.
"Why, yes, sir. Most people really don't like it when I say Voldemort." As if
to prove Harry's point, almost the whole class jumped.
Tom scowled. "In this class, Mr. Potter, you may refer to him as Voldemort."
Everyone jumped again. "In fact, I will even allow you to call him an insane
psychopath. Anything but–" Tom shuddered slightly, "–Voldie."
Harry sighed. "Of course, sir." Tom nodded for him to continue. "As I was
saying, Voldie–"
"POTTER!" Tom shouted. The Slytherins hid smiles while everyone else tried to
keep from laughing too hard. Harry merely looked confused.
"Sir?"
"Detention. Tonight. Now, keep your mouth shut for the rest of class."
"Yes, sir." Harry nodded.
But, as Tom returned to getting effects of using the Dark Arts from other
students, Harry charmed the chalk into writing "VOLDIE" in big bright green
letters on the board.
Tom saw it about two minutes later.
"Expelliarmus," he hissed, taking Harry's wand away before cleaning off the
board and returning to the lesson. Again.
Harry spent the rest of the class pouting.
                                     -~*~-
"Harry, you're brilliant!"
Harry grinned at Draco and the rest of the class as they surrounded him on
their way to lunch. "Thanks, Dray."
"How come you got away with it so well? I could have sworn he'd have hexed
you," Blaise said from Draco's other side. The Gryffindors were eyeing the
Slytherins nervously, but Harry ignored them.
"Marcus and I are friends. We met up over the summer again and the Weasley
twins sent him to Professor Dumbledore for a job."
"Marcus?" Hermione frowned at her friend. "Really, Harry, calling a teacher by
his first name."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh, definitely. Just like how Ginny and I spent two
hours hanging out with him last night."
"Did you?" Ron asked suddenly.
"Well, yeah."
"Oh. I'd wondered where you'd gone to…" This statement came from Dean Thomas.
Hermione gasped suddenly. "Harry, did you ever get your wand back?"
Harry sighed. "Oiy. No. I'll get it when we get to the Great Hall. He put it in
his pocket, as I recall."
"Really, disarming a student like that." Hermione tutted again.
Everyone rolled their eyes.
Heads turned as the group of seventh years stepped into the Great Hall,
chatting; it was an odd sight.
Harry immediately pointed out Tom and nodded to his classmates. "I'm gonna go
get my wand back now."
A chorus of "Good luck, Harry"s followed him as Harry stepped up to the Head
Table.
Snape glared at him, but Tom's gaze was wary. "What do you want, Potter?" Snape
barked out.
Tom gave the Potions Professor an annoyed look as Harry spoke. "Well, I was
wondering if you were ever planning on giving me back my wand, Marcus?"
Severus and everyone else in hearing range startled and turned to watch Tom,
who was smiling faintly. "You, Harry Potter, are more trouble than you are
worth, but, yes, you may have your wand back." Tom held out the wand, but
pulled it out of Harry's reach when the boy grabbed for it. "What have you
learned from this?"
"To never call Voldemort 'Voldie' in your presence." Harry sighed, rolling his
eyes.
"Good." Tom handed over the wand. "And, next time, don't let me catch you off
guard, hum?"
"So sorry." Harry turned and started back towards his table, sending a mental,
Voldie, towards the Dark Lord.
Tom scowled.
                                     -~*~-
Harry knocked softly on the door to Tom's office and the door opened. Tom
scowled at him. "In, you brat."
"Aw, did I hurt your feelings?" Harry teased, skipping out of the way as Tom
aimed a smack at his backside.
Tom threw up a Silencing Spell and then led Harry to a connecting sitting room
that Harry hadn't remembered from any other time he'd been in the office.
"Sit, you."
"Are you really that mad at me?"
Tom sighed and rubbed at his eyes. "Harry, I really don't care if you treat me
like a friend around school, hell, I don't care if you take over my class, but
you have got to be more careful around the staff!"
"Why?" Harry enquired.
Tom sat in an armchair messily, something Harry had become more and more used
to seeing over the summer. "Severus apparently told Dumbledore that he believes
I'm working for me. I spent my free period explaining to Albus Dumbledore what
all had happened in class and why you were without your wand afterwards."
"Oh." Harry scuffed his foot along the ground. "I'm sorry."
Tom shook his head. "You couldn't have known that Severus would hand over the
information."
"I did."
"What?"
"I did. I knew he'd tell," Harry mumbled, still watching his shoes.
Tom put two and two together. "So, Severus is the spy."
"Yes."
"And of course you wouldn't tell me this earlier."
"You'd have killed him!"
Tom narrowed his eyes at a spot on the wall, in a different direction from
Harry. "Probably."
"Tom, please…"
"Why the hell are you protecting him?!" Scarlet eyes blazed in a cold fury as
they landed on Harry.
"Because he protects me, and many other people I care about, even though he
hates us. He saved my life in first year when Quirrell tried to throw me from
my broom. In third year he came after us when we met up with Sirius. In fourth
year, he went back to spying on you to give us information that saved lives. In
fifth year, he sent Dumbledore and the rest of the Order for us at the
Ministry. Last year, he shielded all the students in the forest from stray
hexes while the Order finished the fight with the Death Eaters."
"Don't tell me you think you owe him a bloody life debt, Harry."
"No. He's, apparently, still sorta paying off a life debt to my dad." Harry let
his emerald eyes lock with the scarlet fires watching him. "But I won't let you
kill him, no matter what."
"Why the hell not?!"
"I respect him, Tom! Dammit!"
Tom pursed his lips and looked away. "You respect a man who hates you."
"And I fucking love the man who's been trying to kill me for sixteen years. Go
figure," Harry shot back.
Tom sighed and looked back at Harry with tired eyes. "Maybe I shouldn't have
come back here. You're angry with me now."
Harry pursed his lips. "Promise me. Promise me you won't turn around and murder
him the next chance you get."
Tom sighed again. "I won't kill him, but I won't trust him with important
information anymore, either."
"Fair enough." Harry nodded.
"Are you still mad at me?"
Harry blinked in surprise at the hurt tone colouring Tom's voice. "Every day's
a new surprise with you, Tom." He smiled. "And I do like surprises."
Tom shook his head and motioned for Harry to sit with him, which Harry did,
sitting in his lap. "Now then, about this whole 'Voldie' thing…"
"It's endearing."
"I will not stand for it."
"Well, currently, you're sitting…"
"You know what I mean."
"Are you going to give me a detention every time I call you Voldie?"
"Yes."
"Oh, good." Harry rested his head on Tom's chest.
"Spoiled brat," Tom murmured.
Harry grinned. "You like it."
"Can't deny the obvious, can I?"
"Not with me. I know you too well."
"I should hope so."
"Oh?"
"Yes. If anyone else knew me this well, I'd have to kill them. They'd just know
way too much."
Harry just laughed.
***** Chapter 18 *****
He hated Snape. Absolutely abhorred Snape. With a passion.
And if he had to make this Removal Potion one more time...
"I hate my life…"
"What was that, Mr. Potter?"
"Nothing, sir."
"You'd better hope so."
He hadn't even done anything wrong! No one sabotaged his potion. He'd done
everything right. He'd been perfectly polite. He hadn't even glared!
But noooo. Snape didn't think his potion was right. And he'd told Harry to come
in for detention. For no obvious reason.
Harry was pissed.
Harry was ready to hex Snape into oblivion.
Harry smirked suddenly.
"So, sir," Harry started conversationally.
"What is it, Potter?"
"Did my dad take off your shorts the day of your OWLs in Defence?"
Snape paled drastically. "Potter, watch your mouth in my presence."
"What are you going to do about it? Give me yet another detention?" Harry
sneered. If he had to suffer without Tom, Snape was going to feel it.
"You do not seem to understand, Potter."
Harry scowled. "Then might you try and explain it to me, like a teacher
should?"
"Professor Brutùs is not who you thinks he is–"
"Oh, so he's not a spy for Voldemort."
Snape flinched at the name, but forgot about it as the implications of what
Harry had said hit him fully. "Excuse me?"
"Marcus is a friend, Professor," Harry said coldly. "A good friend who I trust,
and who trusts me. I know quite well who he works for, just like I know who you
work for. I won't compromise your situation if you leave me the fuck alone and
give me a chance to prove that I can take care of myself." The young man stood
suddenly. "If my potion isn't made to your satisfaction this time, brew it
yourself. I don't care." He spun and stormed from the room.
                                     -~*~-
Draco saw the form slumped against the wall not far from the Potions classroom
and approached cautiously, already guessing who it was. "Harry?"
Green eyes met grey. "Dray. Wonderful to see you, but you might want to go
away."
Draco snorted. "What's got you pissed off?"
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the blond teen. "Studying my emotions, Dray? Tut-
tut."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Give me a break. Any Slytherin knows your emotions by
now. In fact, I think the whole school has made it a habit to know what mood
you're in."
"Am I really that scary?" Harry enquired curiously.
"Aren't you the only one who can defeat the Dark Lord?"
"I hope that was a rhetorical question."
Draco grinned. "Snape, isn't it?"
"Oh, definitely. He doesn't trust Marcus, so he gives me a detention for no
reason."
"Did you put him in his place, then?" Draco enquired, recalling how Harry had
reacted to a fourth year Slytherin complaining about Professor Brutùs in front
of him: violently.
A cold smirk that made Draco shiver took over Harry's face. "Oh, definitely."
"Harry, you know you can get in trouble for that, right?"
"You sound like Hermione."
"I don't really care right now."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Give me a break. Snape has no evidence." The smirk was
back, though not as chilling as the first time. "Unlike third year." And, with
that, the emerald-eyed teen turned and faded into the dungeons with ease.
How does he do that? Draco wondered idly before turning to head back to his
common room. He wasn't quite sure what he was trying to figure out.
                                     -~*~-
"Harry!" Ginny immediately jumped over and hugged her "boyfriend" tightly as
the boy entered the common room.
"Oh, hi."
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked, concerned. Most of the rest of Gryffindor paused
what they were doing to watch.
As Harry's mood darkened suddenly, the room chilled. "Just Snape. Again."
Ginny cocked an eyebrow at the Boy-Who-Lived. The unvoiced question swirled in
chocolate-brown eyes.
"Yes," Harry merely answered.
"Oh, that complete bastard." Ginny hugged Harry again, then took his hand.
"Let's go upstairs and you can tell me all about it."
It took Ron until after the two had disappeared up the stairwell to the boy's
dormitories to catch on. "Leave the door open!" he shouted up after them.
Harry slammed the door, hard, in response, then threw up Silencing Charms.
"He's going to murder you," Ginny said brightly as she sat on Harry's bed.
"He'll have to get in line," Harry growled, throwing his bag into a corner.
"Okay, spill."
"Snape's keeping me away from Tom just because Tom works for…" Harry blinked a
few times before he could finish the sentence. "…himself…"
Ginny laughed. "Well, yes. I thought you knew that, Harry."
"I didn't expect Snape to come out and tell me!"
"Why not?"
"Because there's some Order rule that they can't tell me a damned thing that
might turn out to be very important."
Ginny frowned. "There is?"
"Hell if I'd know, but that's how it generally works!"
"Harry, please calm down," Ginny begged.
Harry noticed the flickering candles and immediately made himself calm down.
"Sorry…"
"You know, the minute you agree to have sex with Tom, I'll bet these little
bursts of uncontrolled magic will disappear."
"Gin, shut up," Harry growled, looking out the window to hide a fierce blush.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake, Harry. Just go fuck the man already."
"Who taught you that kind of language?!" Harry asked as he turned to look at
her with a scowl, although he was clearly impressed.
"Fred and George. Who else?"
"Merlin's beard, child."
"Don't call me a child, Harry!"
"Sorry."
Ginny leaned back against the wall and scrutinized Harry's body with a burning
gaze. "I almost wish you weren't taken, you know."
"Gin…" It was a warning.
"Sorry." This time it was Ginny who blushed. "Maybe I should go."
Harry snorted and settled onto the bed next to her. "Yeah, yeah. Maybe you
should just get a bloody boyfriend already."
"We've been over this…"
"Gin, get a boyfriend who you know will keep a secret. Hell, go find a
Slytherin. They all like you."
"Because I'm your girlfriend, Harry."
"Codswallop."
"No, it's true!"
"Gin, Dray doesn't like you because you're my girlfriend. He likes you because
you're funny. Bini doesn't like you because you're my girlfriend. He likes you
because you're sarcastic. Ted doesn't like you because you're my girlfriend. He
just likes you."
Ginny blushed.
"Go after Ted. You two like each other, okay? I've seen it. Bini saw it. Dray
teases Ted nonstop about it. Pan can't stop cooing at him. I'm fine with it, so
go ask him out already."
"But I'm your girlfriend, Harry."
"And it will be good for you to have a place to go when I randomly disappear at
night to, as you so eloquently put it, 'fuck the man'."
Ginny covered a her laughter with a cough.
"Come on. Let's go find Ted for ya."
"No, Harry, really…"
Harry opened the door and was met with a red-faced Ronald Weasley. "Yup! Time
to relocate! Come on, Ginny!" He grabbed her wrist tightly and half dragged,
half led her down the stairs.
"Potter, what are you doing to my sister?!" came Ron's horrified cry.
"Eh?" Harry glanced up at his best friend. "Dragging her down to the
Slytherins. Pan wanted to talk to her while I have a word with Dray."
Ron looked absolutely gobsmacked as Harry dragged Ginny through the portrait
hole, which then closed behind them.
"Run for it." Ginny giggled suddenly.
"Beat you to the snake's lair," Harry shot back before letting her go and
running off down the hall.
Ginny ran after him as the portrait hole slammed open again. "POTTER! GET BACK
HERE WITH MY SISTER!!"
                                     -~*~-
The two Gryffindors were still laughing as they entered the Slytherin commons.
Draco, Pansy, Theodore Nott, and Blaise all looked over to them with amused
looks while the rest of the House either ignored them, or looked up only long
enough to see who it was. Everyone knew Harry Potter had a way to get into any
room in the school by now, and, nearly two months into term, it was no longer a
surprise to see the teen enter the Slytherin common room unannounced.
"So, what have you done this time?"
"Escaped from Ron." Harry tossed himself into a chair between Draco and Blaise,
leaving the chair between Theodore and Pansy for Ginny. "He seems to think I'm
having sex with Gin."
"Against my will, no less," Ginny added calmly.
The four Slytherins laughed.
"So, we ran down here." Harry smirked over at Ginny. "And Gin wants to profess
her undying love to Ted here and see if she can get some action with him
instead."
Ginny glared at Harry, even as a blush touched her cheeks. "Prat."
"I thought it Gin was with you, though," Draco said, confused. The other three
Slytherins nodded.
Harry glanced around, then put a Silencing Charm over their corner and leaned
in, inviting the others to do the same. "Consider this me putting my complete
and utter trust in you all, because this is one of the biggest secrets I have."
"You know I won't tell," Draco assured the green-eyed teen.
"I keep the secrets of those who keep and protect mine," Blaise swore,
referring to his relationship with Seamus.
"I won't let you down on this one, since you gave me a decent nickname," Pansy
told the Gryffindor.
"If this means I get Gin, my lips are zipped," Theodore agreed seriously. Ginny
blushed even more.
"Good." Harry glanced around at his friends. "No, Gin's not my girlfriend. In
fact, we've never even gone out. Our relationship is a cover for the one I'm in
with Marcus."
Shock wasn't supposed to be a Slytherin-like reaction. Or, at least, one wasn't
to show it. Draco, Theodore, Pansy, and Blaise were all as shocked as they
came.
"I guess they didn't expect that?" Ginny enquired.
Harry smirked and leaned back in his chair.
"Is that why Snape doesn't want you near him?" Draco asked, recovering first.
"Nope. At least, I should hope not."
"There goes that reason."
"I'll be damned. That would be something to keep a secret, especially if what I
hear from Father is true," Theodore murmured.
"And what might that be?" Ginny asked sharply.
Theodore winced. "That Brutùs works for the Dark Lord…" He looked over at Harry
nervously.
Harry nodded calmly. "True."
A wave of shock flew over Theodore's and Blaise's faces again, but Draco and
Pansy managed to control it that time.
"You know?" Pansy whispered.
"Yeah. Have known. Hasn't made a difference."
"Wait." Blaise looked like a light bulb had lit up over his head suddenly. "Is
it Brutùs, then, that managed to get everyone's parents to get us to be nice to
you?"
Harry scowled. "Or so he claims."
"He has that much power?" Theodore gasped.
"Nothing is as it appears," Harry responded and stood. "Make sure Gin's out of
here by nine, she'll find me." The young man smirked. "Have fun, kiddies." Then
he left with a wave, breaking the Silencing Charm as he went.
"That boy gives me a headache," Draco informed his fellow Slytherins, setting
his head on the table with a groan.
"Act like a Malfoy, Dray," Pansy said brightly as Theodore stood with Ginny to
show her around some.
"Fuck off, Pan."
"Language."
"Fuck off, Pan."
Pansy gave Ginny a wink and she giggled before following Theodore from the
room. Blaise rolled his eyes as Draco glanced up to glare at his childhood
friend.
                                     -~*~-
"Oh, you just missed Severus," Tom said as he opened the door to Harry.
"Aw. Damn," Harry said, not sounding at all upset about it.
"What happened?"
"I pissed him off, got him to tell me you're spying for yourself, then left the
room in a fit of barely controlled rage?"
"Harry…"
"Hm?"
"Never mind…"
"What?"
"We have to work on your temper."
"Gin has deduced that me having sex with you will help that."
Tom laughed. "Has she now?"
"Oh, yes."
"I'm all for it."
"Ah, no."
"Haaaarryyyy…"
"Did you just whine?"
"Yeees…"
"Oh, Merlin…"
"Come on. There's nothing better than sex."
"Not a chance. I have to meet Gin in less than an hour to make sure she gets
back up to Gryffindor safely, anyway."
"You can come back down!"
"No. No, no, no, and no again."
"Oh, come on."
"I have not graduated yet, I will not do it."
"Your will is snapping, I can see it."
"Seeing things again, Tom?"
"You're just upset because you can't see it like I can."
"Actually, no."
"So!"
"What now?"
"What have you and Gin been up to, other than coming up with ways to alleviate
your stress issue?"
Harry narrowed his eyes, but went with the subject change. "Well, Ron thinks
I'm having sex with Gin against her will, and Gin and Ted are officially going
together."
Tom blanched. "Okay, seeing as how I've met up with Mr Weasley's grasp on
reality, I can see the former, but would you please expand on the latter?"
"Eh?"
"Gin and Theodore?"
"Oh, I dragged Gin down there and hooked them up a few minutes ago. We kind of
told Ted, Pan, Bini, and Dray that you and I are together, but it keeps Gin
occupied."
Tom groaned.
"Can I sit in your lap?"
"Can we have sex?"
"I'll take that as a no."
"Damn."
"Are you sure you're not a teenager?"
"Eh? No!"
"Really? You're sure acting like one."
"You'd be acting like one too if you went as long as I have without sex."
"I really didn't wish to know that, Tom."
"Sucks to be you."
"I don't suck anything."
"Yet."
"Shut up, Tom."
"Red really isn't your colour."
"Really. Shut up, Tom."
"Time sure does fly when you're having fun!" Tom said suddenly.
"Huh?"
"It's five 'til nine. You'd better go pick up Gin."
Harry paused. "What?"
"Go."
"What's wrong?"
"Go, Harry."
"Tom?"
"GO!"
Harry left Tom with a sad look.
                                     -~*~-
"What's that look for?"
"Nothing."
"Don't tell me you two got into another fight!"
"It's nothing, Gin."
"You know, I can always get back on my own."
"Drop it."
"You should spend a night with him."
"Gin…"
"The Halloween Ball is next Friday."
"So?"
"You two are dancing and spending the whole night together if I have to tie you
together and take your wands. Is that understood?"
"Now you're scaring me."
"Good. I am determined to finish this."
"Says the matchmaker."
"Look who's talking! Golden."
The Fat Lady let them in and they were met with a furious Ron and an amused
Gryffindor House.
"WHERE HAVE YOU TWO BEEN FOR THE LAST HOUR?!"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Silencio. Sorry you all had to listen to him rant for
the past hour. I promise to tie him up with a Silencing Charm before we leave
next time. Night!" he said cheerfully before kissing Ginny on her cheek and
hopping off to bed.
"I'm with Harry. It's been such a tiring day." Ginny sighed, looking exhausted.
"He's the best." Then she, too, skipped up to her room.
The Gryffindor common room broke out in laughter, catcalls, and applause as Ron
looked back and forth between the two staircases, dumbstruck.
No one seemed to want to un-silence the male Weasley once he started to scream.
***** Chapter 19 *****
“Oh… Great Merlin…”
“What is it, ‘Mione?” Harry asked, not glancing up from his toast.
The Daily Prophet was shoved under his nose. He dropped the toast to take it
and read the huge title on the front page:
              Death Eater Raid On Ministry Killed 16, Wounded 69
Harry choked and dropped the paper. Ginny caught it before it landed in his
toast and read over the whole story, face paling as she went.
“Any word on Dad?” she asked Ron, once she’d finished.
Ron held up a letter he’d received that no one else had noticed, then handed it
over to Ginny without a word, as no one had taken last night’s Silencing Charm
off him yet, and Harry had planned it to last until someone did.
“He’s fine. So is Percy. They weren’t on shift,” Ginny told the others.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at their table.
“It’s not true for everyone, though,” Harry murmured, nodding to where students
were being led out of the Hall by their Heads. A few of the younger Gryffindors
went with McGonagall and the relief faded. “This is going to be a very sad
Hogsmeade trip. Assuming they let us have one, that is.”
“They’d better!” Lavender Brown, who’d been eavesdropping, shouted.
Harry turned tired green eyes on the girl. “Lavender, people just lost their
families. We never know where Voldemort’s going to strike next. Would you
rather chance your life to buy some candy, or stay in Hogwarts where you can
find someone to beg something off a house-elf?”
“He’s not going to strike in the daylight!” a fourth year boy called angrily.
“And we need to get costumes for the Halloween Ball!” Parvati Patil cried out.
Ginny stood and put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Harry, come on. Let’s go
elsewhere. Yelling isn’t going to help anything.”
Harry stood as well, but the look he was giving the others in his House who
didn’t seem to care about what had just happened could kill. “This isn’t a
game, you idiots. You can’t get knocked over, then call for a replay to try it
again. You get one chance. One day, perhaps sooner than you think, this will
become a reality to you. Until then, you may have your happy obliviousness. In
fact, more power to you. However, when you’re face-to-face with the wand of a
Death Eater and you realise exactly how serious this is, don’t try finding me;
I will not help you.” And, with that, he spun and stormed from the Hall.
In the silence that followed, Ginny raked her gaze over the Head Table and
noticed that Tom wasn’t there. Then she hurried off to go find her “boyfriend”.
The silence broke once she’d stepped though the doors and she winced at the
volume. Harry, I think you’re finally making the rest of them think.
                                     -~*~-
“Come on.”
“Gin, were you not paying attention to what I said earlier?”
“I was.” Ginny rolled her eyes. “And Dumbledore is sending us in groups with
teachers. The other Gryffindors have already left. If we hurry, we can go with
the Slytherins. Anyway, you know just as well as I do that he won’t attack
Hogsmeade.”
Harry glared up at the girl from a Dark Arts book disguised as his
Transfiguration text. “I’m not up for candy and jokes, Gin. Go yourself.”
Ginny grabbed Harry arm and pulled him from his bed. He landed on the floor
with a crash. “You still haven’t gone shopping for the Halloween Ball and you
need a good costume. I told you over the summer to go get one, but you spent
all day with Tom. If you don’t start moving that ass now, you’re going to the
Ball naked.”
Harry groaned as he stood. “Yes, Mum.”
Ginny smacked the back of his head. Hard.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“Having a smart mouth?” Ginny shrugged, then dragged Harry down to the entrance
hall.
“So, managed to get him, I see.” Draco smirked at the male Gryffindor.
“Missed me?” Harry shot back.
“Oh, definitely.” Draco nodded.
“Wonderful performance earlier, by the way,” Blaise said brightly.
“Scared the hell out of everyone,” Pansy agreed happily.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Oh, gee, thanks. I really tried on that one.”
“Your family’s all right?” Theodore suddenly asked Ginny. All attention turned
to the girl.
“Yeah. They weren’t working that shift.” The girl nodded. All the Slytherins
let out a sigh of relief.
“Good.” Everyone spun at Tom’s voice. He and Snape were coming towards them.
“Professor Snape and I will be accompanying you down to Hogsmeade. You’ve all
been told the drill, except perhaps Mr Potter, who is the least likely to
follow it anyway.” He gave Harry a wink, which the boy returned with a scowl.
“There will be no wandering off. You will not suddenly decide you want to spend
the day in another group. We will wait until everyone is done in whatever shop
we go into before we leave, but you will not dawdle anyway,” Snape told them
sharply. “If there is a problem, bring it to my attention immediately.”
“What about Professor Brutùs?” Pansy asked.
“Oh, me?” Tom smiled. “Professor Snape here doesn’t really trust me, you see.
It’s why there’s two of us. He wants to keep a very close eye on me.” He winked
at the students, most of whom sniggered.
Snape glared at Tom. “Very well. Let us go.” He turned and moved quickly out
the doors and out onto the lawn.
The students quickly followed him, Harry, Draco, Ginny, Pansy, Blaise, and
Theodore bringing up the rear.
“Ah, one day I will earn the trust of my co-workers.” Tom sighed, falling in to
the line between Harry and Ginny.
“Keep dreaming, Marcus.” Ginny snorted.
“He’s mad at me, isn’t he?” Tom asked the girl, pointing at Harry.
“Ask him.”
“You’re mad at me, aren’t you?”
“Bugger off.”
“He is mad at me.”
“Suck up.”
Tom stared at Harry for a long moment in shock, then scowled. “You would blame
me.” He quickened his pace to catch up with some of the other Slytherins to
talk to them.
Draco, Pansy, Theodore, and Blaise all looked to Ginny for an explanation.
“The attack last night.” Ginny shrugged.
That’s all the others needed to understand. Draco made a face at Harry. “You
think that was his fault?”
“Yes.”
“Why would he do something like that?” the blond hissed. The other three
Slytherins nodded.
“He was being weird last night.” Harry shrugged.
“They had one of their normal fights,” Ginny translated.
“Oooooh…” The four Slytherins sighed.
“So you two fought and you think he decided to go and kill people?” Pansy
inquired.
“Of course,” came the Gryffindor boy’s dull response.
The other five groaned.
“Harry, I know this will come as a shock, but the world doesn’t revolve around
you,” Blaise informed the Boy-Who-Lived.
“That is it!” Harry spun around and started back across the lawn to the school.
“Potter!” Snape called, having looked back at Harry’s shout.
Tom groaned and waved for Snape to go on. “We’ll catch up,” he told the
Slytherin Head firmly before turning around and sprinting after the teen.
Snape glared after the two, but turned back to Hogsmeade and continued leading
the bunch. If Potter’s girlfriend can’t even calm him down, I can’t see how
Marcus can. More power to him, however; I don’t feel like dealing with Potter’s
mood like this, but nor do I want to come back to find the school in ruins if
he throws another tantrum.
                                     -~*~-
Tom grabbed Harry by the shoulder in the middle of the lawn and spun him around
sharply. “Calm down, dammit!”
Harry tugged at the hold Tom had on him angrily. “Let. Me. Go. Riddle.”
Tom narrowed his eyes dangerously and grabbed Harry’s chin to keep his face
steady so he could meet the boy’s eyes. “What the bloody hell is your problem
this time? And don’t you dare give me your lecture about attacking innocents,
because I will tell you now that any innocent or friend of yours in that
building was not attacked by any of my people.”
“I’m tired of your moods shifting, dammit! One minute, you’re happily trying to
get my to sleep with you, the next you’re telling me to get out! Let me go!”
“No. Not until I’m sure you won’t run off from me.”
Harry scowled.
“Look, I’m sorry about my moods, okay?” Tom said softly, voice straining
slightly. “I’m under just a little stress here. I told you before that, if I
knew a way that meant you didn’t have to return here I’d do it, and I meant
that. If I could take you away from here and lessen the stress on you, I would.
Instead, I opted for coming here with you. I care about you, Harry, you know
that, but I’m under either Severus’ or Dumbledore’s watch every time I turn
around and it’s putting stress on me.”
“So leave. If it’s so stressful, drop the job.”
“I don’t want to drop this job. I like being here with you. Hell, I like
teaching.” Tom smiled slightly at that. “If my nagging you about sex is really
bothering you so much, fine, I’ll stop. I’m sorry. I do, however, wish I knew
why it bothered you so much.”
Harry paled.
“Not now, though,” Tom assured him, making a mental note to get the boy to tell
him the next time he had the chance. “Now, we need to catch up with your
friends and Severus before they send someone back to make sure I haven’t carted
you off to the Dark Lord.”
“Voldie!” Harry chirped, eyes brightening at the chance to annoy the man.
Tom twitched. “Right.” He shuddered, letting go of Harry.
Harry smirked. “I’m going to get you calling yourself that by the end of the
year.”
“You won’t!”
“Will!”
“Won’t!”
“Ten galleons says I will.”
“Deal!”
They shook on it.
“Now, let’s go,” Tom said, draping an arm across Harry’s shoulders.
Harry rolled his eyes and hung his arm around Tom’s waist, since the man was
taller than him. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t want Ted trying to kiss Gin without me or
Ron there to stop him and all that.”
Tom laughed. “Can’t have that!”
They started off towards Hogsmeade comfortably.
“That reminds me, why is Mr Weasley so silent today?”
“Nobody wanted to release him from the Silencing Charm I put on him last
night.”
“Wish I’d been there.”
“What are you doing for the Ball?”
“Eh? Oh, chaperoning. Why?”
“Just wondering.”
“You going with Gin?”
“Yeah. She says I need to go. Everyone else seems to agree with her.”
“I do too. It’s good to just hang out like that.”
“And how many dances did you go to while you were at Hogwarts?”
“None. And we see where it got me.”
Harry sniggered. “True.”
“Ah, there they are. Smile for Severus so he knows I didn’t hex you or
anything.”
Harry scowled.
“Nooo… That is not the smile I was looking for.”
Harry smirked at Tom and poked him, hard, in the side before sliding from the
Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor and hurrying from Tom’s reach. “Ahah,
Marcus! Can’t catch me!” He stuck his tongue out at Tom, who scowled, and
hopped over to where his friends were waiting for him.
“Friends again, are you?” Blaise asked with a smile.
“You could say that,” Harry agreed, eyes sparkling mischievously.
“Well, Harry.” Pansy tossed an arm around Harry’s shoulders with a smirk.
Ginny’s arm snaked around the emerald-eyed teen’s waist. “We know just the
Halloween costume for you.”
Harry realised that he was trapped between the two girls and they were in front
of a robes shop. “Ah… Thanks, ladies. Why don’t you let go and show me?”
“Oh, no. We need to make absolutely sure it works,” Pansy purred.
Harry looked over at Draco, Theodore, and Blaise. “Help?”
“Nah. You go ahead. I’m sure we’ll see you inside,” Blaise said with a smile.
Draco and Theodore nodded.
“Come on, love,” Ginny said in a dangerous voice. “We must dress you properly,
you know.”
Tom! Help! They’re going to kill me!
That’s not what it looks like from here, Harry darling.
You can’t leave me like this!
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the group. “Have fun, ladies,” he suggested to Ginny
and Pansy.
The two cheered and dragged a pale Harry into the shop.
Blaise, Draco, and Theodore circled their teacher with predatory looks. “So,
Professor Brutùs, what are you doing for the Ball?”
Tom snorted. “I already have a costume and, no, you may not fix it for me.” He
pointed into the shop. “Go on. Everyone has to be in the same building. You
know that.”
The boys left with letdown looks.
Tom leaned against the side of the building with a relieved smile. “Thank
Merlin I’m not Harry.”
***** Chapter 20 *****
Harry and Ginny were in the Slytherin dorms, getting changed for the Halloween
Ball. The Gryffindors had told Harry and Ginny they couldn’t invite Pansy up to
the Tower just so Harry could be fixed up properly, so the two Gryffindors
opted for going to the dungeons immediately after dinner was over that Friday.
“Okay, Harry. Go into the bathroom with Draco and Blaise and get changed, then
send one of the two down to get us so we can finish the job,” Pansy said
sternly.
Harry sighed and nodded, knowing it was useless to argue against the Queen of
Slytherin. “Come on, guys.”
Draco and Blaise rolled their eyes and followed the Gryffindor up to the guy’s
room. Once there, each boy got into a stall to change into their costumes.
Draco was done first, a king if you ever saw one. His shoulder-length blond
hair had been unslicked and hung around his face easily. A silver crown with a
rearing dragon rested upon his head. His robes were a deep regal purple and
silver, a cape of silver with the same dragon done in perfect detail on the
back hanging from his shoulders. His boots were green dragon hide, brown pants
tucked into them.
Blaise peeked out. “Oh, perfect. Now, could you help me fasten this before you
start being the better-than-me King?”
Draco sniggered and nodded.
“Great.” Blaise came out of the stall. He and Theodore were to go as the
knights of King Draco and Queen Pansy. Ginny was playing a princess. Only Ginny
and Pansy knew what Harry was, as, apparently, they hadn’t even told him and he
hadn’t seen it all put together yet.
As Draco and Blaise fought with the chain mail shirt Blaise was to be wearing,
and Harry was changing into his clothing still, Pansy and Ginny were also
changing.
“Absolutely beautiful!” Pansy decided, stepping back from Ginny.
Ginny’s hair had been piled up on top of her head in a twirled bun with a long
lock from the centre of it trailing down her back. A soft golden tiara rested
before the bun. Her gown was done in soft reds and purples with a deep brown
cape to set it off. The cape had a magnificent griffin rearing up on the back
that was done in gold and bronze. The gown hugged her figure tightly, leaving
nothing to the imagination. A necklace that matched Draco’s dragon hung on a
silver chain about her throat, resting it’s tail just above the low neckline of
the gown. Pansy had set off her brown eyes with brown and gold eye shadows. Her
lips were done with a full cherry red. Her cheeks carried the slightest blush.
“Hey, you look better,” Ginny shot back before both girls giggled.
Pansy had let her dark blonde hair fall loosely past her shoulders. Her crown
was identical to Draco’s, as was the cape she wore. Her gown was done in
purples and silver, also to match Draco, and was as tight as Ginny’s. The
silver necklace that hung at the small of her throat was of the Parkinson
family crest and had been her mother’s until Pansy herself had reached her
coming of age the year before. An old ring that Draco had given her before
they’d come to Hogwarts was on the pinkie of her right hand. It was a silver
serpent that matched that of their House. Her eye shadow was a light purple,
her lips a deep red, almost purple.
“Do you think those boys are done yet?” Pansy growled.
Ginny smirked. “We could go find out.”
“Ooh… I like the way you think!”
The two girls hurried from the girls’ hall to the boys’ hall and knocked on the
bathroom door. “Gentlemen! You’d best be finishing up!”
“Harry won’t come out!” Draco called back.
Ginny and Pansy traded scowls before stepping into the room. “Harry, you have
to come out,” Ginny told her “boyfriend”.
“I won’t!”
“I’ll go get Marcus!”
“Coming!”
Harry opened the stall door and stepped out meekly. Draco and Blaise both
gasped, neither having seen him yet.
Harry’s robe was done in various shades of green and clung tightly to his body,
the top quarter unclasped to show a toned chest. It immediately became obvious
he wasn’t wearing anything beneath the robe, despite it being closed tightly,
except the deep green dragon hide boots that just barely peeked out from under
the bottom. His cheeks were stained with a blush at his friends’ stares.
“You look brilliant.”
“Almost perfect.”
“But, there’s more!”
“Shit.”
“Language!” the three Slytherins called sharply.
“Oiy?” Theodore poked his head in the door. His eyes widened at the sight.
“Geeze. You all look fabulous.”
“How was cleaning the greenhouses?” Draco asked nastily.
Theodore smirked. “Rather fun, actually. I’d hate to be the next class in
there, come Monday.”
Everyone laughed.
“Great. Draco, Blaise, go help Theodore get changed. We’ll meet you in the
common room once we’re done with Harry,” Pansy said calmly.
“Good luck, Harry,” Draco said sympathetically before quickly following
Theodore and Blaise from the room, door slamming shut behind them.
Harry watched the two females nervously. “What else are you going to do to me?”
“Make you absolutely irresistible,” Ginny informed the Boy-Who-Lived.
“Must you?”
“Sit,” Pansy ordered, pointing to a chair that had just appeared.
Harry sat tensely, looking about ready to jump up at any moment.
Pansy rolled her eyes and sat in another chair that appeared before him, giving
him a serious look. “If you move, I’ll have to start again. Relax and close
your eyes.”
Harry did as he was told with a whimper.
Pansy and Ginny traded smirks.
                                     -~*~-
“Glorious king, brave knights, loyal subjects, may we present to you, the Boy-
Who-Lived-to-Make-People-Think-Seriously-Bad-Thoughts!”
“PANSY!”
“Just get out here, Harry,” Pansy said over the laughter of the Slytherin
House.
The laughter stopped as Harry stepped into the room, and about thirty people
stared at him.
His hair had been lengthened to his hips and hung about his figure, red
highlights making it shimmer like blood. His glasses had been put away in
favour of his one pair of contacts from the summer that left his eyes the
colour they were meant to be. The tail end of his famed scar had been
lengthened to trail over the bridge of his nose and was glowing the sickly
green of Avada Kedavra. He wore a black cape with a gold lion and a silver
serpent sleeping peacefully together, a brilliant red and gold phoenix rising
behind and above them from moving flames.
“Fuck…” Blaise finally managed. No one bothered to berate him for his language.
“Can we leave now?” Harry asked, trying not to blush at the looks he was
receiving. He hated being stared at.
“Sure.” Draco nodded sharply, regaining his senses. He held out an arm to
Pansy. “Harry, Gin, you’ll be behind us. Theodore, Blaise, you’ll bring up the
rear. Once we’ve found seats, you may all go do whatever you wish, but we will
enter together and sit together. Understood?”
“Sure, Dray,” Ginny agreed, pulling Harry behind Draco and Pansy.
“Yes, sir!” Blaise and Theodore said sharply, falling in line behind the
Gryffindors.
“Let’s shock them with our natural beauty, then!” Pansy called.
The six left among cheers.
                                     -~*~-
Tom was watching the students sitting at tables and dancing to the band that
Dumbledore had managed to snag. He couldn’t remember their name, and didn’t
really care to. All he knew was that they were too loud…
And the boy he was looking for hadn’t arrived yet.
“Ah, Marcus!” Dumbledore called, stepping up to his Defence Against the Dark
Arts teacher. The man was dressed as a chicken. Tom almost puked.
Instead, he nodded politely. “Headmaster.”
“Roman?” Dumbledore asked, referring to Tom’s costume.
“Julius Caesar,” Tom agreed, smirking to himself.
Dumbledore paused for the briefest of moments. “Creative.”
“I rather thought so myself.”
“Enjoying your time here, Marcus?”
“At the Ball, or Hogwarts in general?”
Dumbledore smiled, blue eyes twinkling madly. “Both.”
“The Ball is well enough, if a bit boring and loud. My classes are fine,
however, I do not really appreciate the blatant mistrust in me,” Tom replied
neutrally, watching to see if Dumbledore would take the hint.
“You’ll have to excuse the caution. We do have a hard time getting trustworthy
Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers, as I’m sure you are aware.”
“Quite. However, I’ve been here for two months; I’m sure you can lessen the
security to only one teacher watching my every step from the four you’ve got
now.” Tom glanced around. “Five, if you count yourself.”
“I’ve no idea what you are talking about, Marcus, my dear boy.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Ah, an entrance, as expected,” Dumbledore said suddenly as a hush fell the
Hall and the students parted to let Draco and Pansy through.
“Expected, Headmaster?” Tom snorted, still watching carefully. The other
Gryffindors that Harry hung out with had been dancing for a while. If the teen
was with anyone, it would be these two Slytherins.
“Yes. Mr. Malfoy tends to show off, I’m afraid.”
As the king and queen, for that was what they were dressed as, turned, Ginny
and her escort came into view. It took Tom a few seconds to recognize the
black-haired teen Ginny was with. Once he had, he gasped. Good Gods…
Harry glanced up when he heard Tom’s words in his mind and spotted the Roman
Emperor almost immediately. His cheeks coloured at the totally gobsmacked look
on Tom’s face.
Then he saw the Headmaster and had to bite back his laughter.
Draco and Pansy sat regally at a table that was empty. Harry and Ginny followed
suit while Theodore and Blaise took it upon themselves to guard the royal group
from the other Ball-goers.
“Look at Dumbledore.” Harry sniggered, pointing to where Tom was trying to
regain himself next to a cheerfully oblivious yellow chicken.
Ginny, Pansy, and Draco all smiled, biting back laughs. Theodore and Blaise
snorted, trying to keep straight faces.
“Wonder what’s wrong with Professor Brutùs,” Pansy said with a slight frown.
“Other than Dumbledore talking to him?” Draco replied with a snort.
“You didn’t see him when he saw me,” Harry assured the others.
“Oh. Did he have his mouth open?” Pansy sighed airily.
“Quite wide,” Harry agreed politely.
“How dreadfully un-Slytherin,” the queen complained, turning her nose up.
Harry laughed.
“Harry! Ginny!” Ron, Hermione, Neville, Dean, and Seamus came over, Seamus
looking drunk.
Draco narrowed his eyes at the group while Pansy covered her nose delicately
with a handkerchief, as if something stank. Blaise and Theodore glanced back to
see if they should let the Gryffindors approach.
“Get it over with,” Harry agreed softly into Theodore’s ear, since he was
closer. The teen nodded and he and Blaise stepped aside to allow the
Gryffindors access.
“Draco, dance with me,” Pansy ordered.
Draco didn’t appear to mind the order, as he quickly stood and led Pansy out
onto the floor.
“Hey!” The Gryffindors all sat themselves at the table lazily. Seamus, dressed
as an Irishman, sat behind Blaise, empty chairs on either side of him. Ron,
dressed as an Auror, sat next to Hermione, dressed as an angel, who was next to
Harry. Neville, who came as a human-like horse, sat next to Ginny, who had
Theodore behind her. Dean, who was as unoriginal as Seamus in Muggle clothing,
sat next to Neville.
“Amazing costume, mate! What are you?” Ron asked Harry.
Harry blinked slowly a few times and looked over at Ginny. “What am I?”
Ginny shrugged. “We didn’t know what to call you. A prince without a crown, I
guess.”
“Oh. Okay.” Harry shrugged at Ron.
“I think it’s lovely, Harry,” Hermione told her friend before turning to Ginny.
“And Ginny, you look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you, Herm. Pan’s a true artist with clothing,” the girl agreed.
“I love those capes. Especially yours, Harry,” Dean piped up. “Who did them?”
“Pan and Dray’s are from Dray’s family,” Ginny explained. “Mine is from some
relative of Pan’s that died a couple years back and left it to her. Harry’s was
made by…” She paused. “Actually, I have no clue where Harry’s came from…”
“Pan would know,” Harry offered.
“Probably,” Ginny agreed.
Harry smirked suddenly, eyes on Blaise and Seamus, who were actually quite
close to one another. “Sir Blaise?”
“Prince Harry, sir.” Blaise spun quickly and stood at attention. Dean and Ron’s
sniggers were shot down by a poisonous glare from Harry.
“Blaise, why don’t you take Seam for a dance?”
“Sir?”
“That’s an order, Sir Blaise,” Harry added. The Gryffindors and Theodore all
smiled.
“Understood.” Blaise turned to Seamus. “Seamus, I request a dance.”
“Uh…” Seamus blinked a few times before breaking out into a magnificent smile.
“Sure thing!” He stood and let Blaise lead him out to the dance floor.
“That’s my job.” Harry turned to Ginny with a quick wink to Theodore. “Princess
Ginevra, would you care for a quick dance before I turn you over to your
dashing guard?”
Ginny giggled and offered a hand. The two stood and left the other four
Gryffindors gaping while Theodore smirked to himself.
                                     -~*~-
When Harry and Ginny returned to the table, Draco, Pansy, and Theodore were all
engaged in conversation with Tom.
“Caesar.” Harry nodded seriously to Tom while Ginny hid a smile.
Tom looked up quickly, but his face softened into a smile when he realized who
it was. “Prince Harry, Princess Ginevra, you do look stunning tonight, I must
say.” He stood. “Let me get a good look at you two. Turn around.”
The two Gryffindors let Tom inspect them before they sat, Harry next to Tom,
Ginny next to Theodore.
“So, what were you doing with Dumbledore earlier?” Harry enquired.
“Giving the man subtle hints that I was tired of him and the rest of the staff
breathing down my neck.”
“Poor, Marcus,” Ginny teased.
“You, Miss Weasley, seem to have forgotten that I’m your teacher.”
“Sure thing, Marcus.” Ginny nodded with mock seriousness.
“I should take points.”
“You never take points from Harry.”
“No, he just gives me detentions like there’s no tomorrow,” Harry agreed.
“Secret snogging sessions,” Draco declared in a loud whisper, earning himself
glares from Tom and Harry both.
“Let’s play a game,” Ginny said suddenly.
“Perhaps Draco and I won’t,” Pansy replied. “Royal blood and all.”
“Good! It’ll just be Harry, Ted, Marcus, and me!”
Tom paused. “I don’t think I want to play this game.”
“Marcus Brutùs, if you dare get up or walk away from me, you’ll regret it,”
Ginny warned.
Harry grinned, leaning back in his chair. “I’d just play along, if I were you.”
“Fine.”
“What are we playing?” Theodore inquired.
“The mixing partners game! Come on!” Ginny stood quickly and dragged Theodore
out onto the dance floor.
Tom paled. “Is this what I think it is?”
“This is Gin’s way of making sure I dance with you. Come on, Marcus, before she
comes back and follows through on her threat.”
“Which is?”
“Tying us together and hanging us from the ceiling naked.”
Tom winced and stood. “I’d prefer the dance.”
“You know he wanted the dance anyway.” Draco smirked.
Tom frowned at the Slytherin king. “Would you like know what else I’d like to
do, Mr Malfoy?”
Draco paused, looking at Tom worriedly. “No. Probably not.”
“Didn’t think so.” Tom took Harry’s hand and the two stepped out onto the dance
floor. “I’m going to kill her.”
“I tried to talk her out of all of it last week.”
“All?”
Harry coughed. I’m supposed to spend the night with you.
Tom smirked. :Good,: he hissed into Harry’s ear.
Harry shivered.
                                     -~*~-
Somehow, Tom and Harry managed to keep away from Snape and Dumbledore for the
rest of the dance, with no little help from the rest of the “royal” group.
Snape was cut off by Draco and Pansy or Theodore. Dumbledore always ran into
either Ginny or Blaise with a drunk Seamus.
The “royal” group, minus Blaise, plus Tom, left the dance early, but, with help
from other Slytherins and a few Ravenclaws whose families had dark ties, they
all managed to leave without notice.
“Now, where to send you two so that Dumbledore and Snape can’t find you,” Pansy
said once they were all down in the dungeons, near the Slytherin rooms.
“The Chamber of Secrets, of course,” Ginny supplied.
The Slytherin students stared at the redhead in shock while Harry and Tom
glared at her.
“What? Harry’s the only Parselmouth in the school, and it’s not like the
basilisk is still alive,” the girl replied, mostly to the glares aimed her way.
“She has a point.” Harry sighed, giving in. But it’s so uncomfortable down
there!
There’s a bedroom down there, you know.
There is?
Yeah. I found it one summer.
“Gentlemen?” Ginny waved hands in front of both Harry and Tom’s faces.
“Sorry,” Harry replied as Tom glared at her for interrupting.
“No problem. I’m used to you two zoning out on me.” Ginny smirked while the two
Parselmouths scowled. “Why don’t you two head on up there now, before
Dumbledore or Snape realise you’re gone and try finding you.”
“What about the rest of you?” Harry inquired.
“Ted and I are going to disappear, to keep the Gryffindors annoyed–“
“–supposing Seam didn’t get them all drunk,” Theodore offered drily.
Ginny shot her boyfriend a sharp look before continuing. “Pan and Dray are
returning to Slytherin. As for Seam and Bini, I think they were planning on
disappearing for the night as well. However, for you two, I wouldn’t suggest
missing breakfast. Harry, I know you’ll be able to find us for breakfast and
I’ll go down with you.”
“Perfect. Thanks, guys.”
“It’s fun helping a Death Eater hide with the Boy-Who-Lived for a night under
Dumbledore’s nose,” Draco assured Harry.
Tom snorted. “Expecting me to put in a good word for you, Mr Malfoy?”
Draco shrugged. “Not really. Mindless torture and death isn’t my thing.”
“But you support the Dark Lord?” Tom pressed, curious. It was rare for a
follower of any sort to be honest about their stand on his ways.
“I support him, yes. I believe in blood purity. I don’t believe in killing
people like in the raids he sets up.” Draco paused, then paled as he realised
that he was telling all of this to one of the Dark Lord’s best followers. “I’m
sorry. I shouldn’t have said all that.”
“No, you have every right to,” Tom assured the blond teen. “Perhaps you and I
might have a talk about this sometime this weekend?”
“Marcus isn’t going to kill you for your views, Dray,” Harry said soothingly,
noting the panic taking over the blonde’s expression. “But he might be able to
put in a word about your dislike of killing and torture to Voldemort.”
Draco watched his professor nervously and Tom nodded. “What Harry said. I’m
curious, that’s all. You’re a good person, as well as Harry’s friend; I
wouldn’t hurt you.”
“He’d get it later.” Ginny giggled.
“Gin, I still have reservations about letting you live past your seventh year,”
Tom warned the girl.
Ginny merely nodded. “Yeah, yeah. I know. Go. Both of you.” She made shooing
motions with her hands, then nodded to Theodore, who led her deeper into the
dungeons.
“See you tomorrow, Harry, Professor.” Draco nodded politely.
“Sleep well.” Pansy giggled.
“Very funny, Pan.” Harry scowled.
Tom picked Harry up and carried him away amid annoyed noises from Harry,
squeals from Pansy, and laughter from Draco.
***** Chapter 21 *****
“You don’t like it down here?”
“You wouldn’t either, if your only memories of it were of a giant snake trying
to make you into its next meal.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t bother.” Harry rested his head on Tom’s shoulder, having given up on
complaining about being carried a while before. “Where’s this bedroom?”
“Through Salazar’s mouth.”
“Oh.” Harry shuddered.
“What?”
“That’s where the basilisk came from.”
“Part of her job was to guard the bedroom,” Tom agreed, stopping. “I’m setting
you down.”
“Okay.”
Tom set Harry down, then knelt next to the decaying basilisk. “You really did a
number on her, didn’t you?”
“I was slightly fond of my life at the time, I’ll have you know. And it’s not
like I got away unharmed.”
Tom glanced up at Harry questioningly. “You didn’t?”
“No. One of her fangs got lodged in my arm. Fawkes healed it, though.”
“That’s good.”
“Which one?”
Tom smiled sadly and looked back down at the dead basilisk. “I’m not sure.”
Harry shrugged and laid a hand on Tom’s shoulder, causing the Dark Lord to look
up at him again. “Come on.”
“Do you know how to open the statue?” Tom inquired, gazing into the depths of
Harry’s eyes steadily.
“I…think so…”
“Try it.”
Harry nervously turned to look at the giant-like statue of Salazar Slytherin
and licked his lips. Tom’s presence behind him as the man stood boosted his
confidence. :S-Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four,: he
called.
Tom arms encircled his waist and the man’s head rested on his shoulder as the
statue’s mouth started to open. :Very good, Harry,: he hissed, making the teen
shiver again.
“Tom, how are we getting up there?” Harry asked, pointing to where the opening
was a couple dozen metres above them.
“Are you a wizard or are you not a wizard?”
“Oh.”
“You think like a Muggle too much, dear Harry. I shall have to cure you of that
one day, you know.”
“It’s always good to know how to do things the Muggle way, in case you’re stuck
without a wand,” Harry recited.
“Great Merlin, where do you get this stuff?!”
Harry smirked. “That, my dear Voldie, is a secret,” he whispered, twirling from
Tom’s grasp.
The Dark Lord scowled. “You’re on your way towards a very painful hex, I’ll
have you know.”
“And I probably know the counter, too,” Harry agreed.
Tom pulled out his wand and aimed it at Harry. “Wingardium Leviosa.”
Harry let out a shout as he rose up into the air. The smirk on Tom’s face made
him scowl, but he let the Dark Lord float him up to Salazar’s mouth without a
word.
Once Harry was safely on his feet again, Tom pointed his wand at himself,
murmured something, and appeared next to Harry quietly.
“What’s that spell?”
“Family secret,” Tom replied with a smirk, then he turned and started down the
darkened tunnel.
Harry quickly caught up with Tom and caught a hold of the man’s right arm, not
at all set at ease by the wand posed in Tom’s left hand. “Expecting an attack?”
he whispered.
“Not really.” Tom shrugged. “I don’t really know how Salazar will take to you,
since you’re not an heir, that’s all.”
“Oh. You’re afraid he’ll attack me?”
“Can never tell with Salazar Slytherin.”
Harry shivered.
“Scared?”
“A little.”
“Cold?”
“Yes.”
“There will be blankets in the room.”
“How much farther?”
“There.” Tom pointed, with his wand, towards a door that was glowing with an
eerie green light. Harry grasp on Tom’s arm tightened as his own wand slid into
his hand.
Tom pushed open the door and they were met with a room done up in greens and
silver. The king-sized bed had silk sheets and a large comforter folded at the
end. A dresser sat against the far wall, a bookcase next to it. There were two
chairs before a fireplace that was dancing with a green fire that reminded
Harry of the Floo fires.
A ghostly figure stood in the centre of the room, staring at the two wizards.
“What do you want?” he asked.
Harry paled and hid behind Tom. The ghost was Salazar Slytherin.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Founder. “Surely you remember me, Slytherin?”
“Tom Marvolo,” Salazar agreed. “Who is that with you?”
“Harry Potter,” Tom informed the ghost easily.
Harry peeked out from behind Tom and inclined his head politely, trying to
pretend he wasn’t terrified.
“Why did you bring him here, Marvolo?” Salazar asked Tom.
“We’re hiding from Dumbledore,” Harry informed the Founder, then disappeared
behind Tom again as the ghostly figure turned silvery eyes on him.
Tom smiled slightly. “What Harry said. We’re spending the night together.”
Salazar glanced back up at his heir with a scrutinizing gaze that Tom returned.
“You care for him, Marvolo?”
“Very much,” Tom said firmly, eyes hardening.
Salazar nodded. “Then he, too, shall be safe here.” The ghost faded and the
chill in the air disappeared immediately.
Harry peeked into the room again. “He’s gone?”
Tom’s eyes were amused. “What are you, three?”
“He’s scary! And I’m a Gryffindor! How was I to know he’d let me off easy
because he likes you and you care about me?!” Harry cried, upset.
Tom turned and grabbed the young man in a tight hug. “I’m sorry, Harry.”
Harry relaxed in the embrace. “I must be the only Gryffindor with that damn
self-preservation trait.”
Tom laughed and swept Harry up again, walking over to the bed and dumping the
teen onto it. “When was the last time we spent the night together?”
“The first and last time you got drunk,” Harry recited with a smirk. “I managed
to kick you out every time but that once.”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Gryffindor. “Should I get drunk more often?”
“Sure. I like you when you’re drunk.”
The Dark Lord slid onto the bed and slinked over to Harry, magically ridding
both of them of their shoes as he went. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing,
or a bad thing.”
“Good for me, bad for you.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yes.”
“How so?”
“You give away information when you get drunk.”
“Planning on finding out where my base is next time?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll show you where my base is, if you want.”
“Why do I think I wouldn’t like that?”
“Oh, you’d like it plenty, I can assure you.” Tom’s nimble fingers unclasped
Harry’s cape, which found its way over to a hook by the closed door.
Harry shivered, gazing deep into scarlet eyes. “Planning on kidnapping me
sometime soon?”
“Tempting as that is, I’d rather not have Dumbledore on my arse.”
“Any more than he already is,” Harry clarified.
“Yeees…” Tom trailed a finger down Harry’s chest to where the robe started
closing.
“Tom…”
Tom leaned up and kissed Harry harshly, effectively shutting him up as he
worked on the buttons of Harry’s robe.
What…?
Don’t deny yourself what you know you want, Harry.
Merlin…
You want this.
Harry gasped in air as Tom pulled back, his hands done with their task.
Scarlet eyes roamed over the tanned body before him and Tom smirked. “You’re
beautiful, you know.”
A blush coloured Harry’s cheek slightly. “You keep saying that.”
“If only because I keep meaning it.” Tom met Harry’s eyes evenly. “And I’ll
keep saying it until you believe it, so get used to it.”
Harry swallowed with difficultly; Tom’s gaze was intense. “What makes you think
I don’t already believe you?”
“You’re still blushing like there’s no tomorrow.”
“I am not,” Harry responded as his cheeks got even redder.
Tom smirked. “Do you need a mirror?” he asked as his fingers started making a
map of the Gryffindor’s body.
“What are you going to do to me, Tom?” Harry asked suddenly.
Tom’s hands froze and the man searched Harry’s gaze seriously. “Only what you
will allow.”
Harry blinked. “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
“You haven’t disagreed, either,” the Dark Lord pointed out calmly as the tips
of his fingers ghosted around Harry’s partial erection. “Your body’s telling me
what it wants, but your voice hasn’t said a word. Until I hear a complaint, I’m
going to keep going,” he whispered against Harry’s lips before kissing him
softly.
The fabric of Tom’s tunic brushed against the tip of Harry’s cock and the teen
moaned into Tom’s mouth, closing his eyes. The older wizard’s tongue slid into
Harry’s mouth, coaxing the teen’s tongue to duel. Harry agreed silently as his
hands reached up to touch Tom through the light fabric he wore.
Harry scowled suddenly and pulled away from the kiss. “You, Mr. Riddle, are
wearing far too much clothing.”
“Is there a problem with that?” asked an amused Dark Lord as he ghosted a
finger over the boy’s cock.
Harry let out a growl deep in his throat and aimed his wand at the older
wizard. “If you let me get rid of them, you won’t have anything to wear
tomorrow.”
Tom chuckled and nodded, getting up from the bed to remove the tunic and laurel
leaf crown. As he turned to get back into the bed, he realized Harry was
watching him hungrily. “What?”
“I’m not the only beautiful one in here,” Harry said, voice husky.
“Oh, who else is in this room besides you, then?”
Harry scowled suddenly. “You, Tom.”
“Eh? There’s a first.”
Harry snorted. “A first? What, no one’s ever told you you’re drop-dead gorgeous
before?”
“Ah, no.”
“Idiots.”
Tom chuckled. “Of course, if you say it, it must be true.”
“So says the man who’s constantly telling me I’m beautiful and looks so similar
to me, we could have been twins if there wasn’t that fifty-something year age
difference in the way.”
Tom laughed and sat back on the bed next to Harry. “I’ll give you that one,” he
agreed before setting a hand against Harry’s chest. “Lay down.”
Harry complied and rested his head in the silk pillows. He let out a content
sigh.
“You’re not getting away that easily, Harry James Potter,” Tom warned, leaning
over the smaller wizard and resting on his elbows on either side of Harry’s
head.
“Darn,” Harry replied sarcastically.
Tom smirked and dipped forward to capture Harry’s lips with his own, letting
himself taste the teen slowly. Harry’s tongue came up and caressed the elder
wizard’s, making Tom shudder.
Tom pulled his mouth from Harry’s so he could kiss along the boy’s jaw line and
down to the delicate skin that made up his neck. Mindful of leaving marks that
Harry couldn’t explain, Tom forced himself to keep from bites and just kissed a
line down to a nipple.
Harry let out a hiss and closed his eyes as warmth enveloped his left nipple.
“Oh…Gods…”
Tom smirked and leaned back to look at the raised bud after teasing it with his
tongue for a brief moment before attacking the other one.
Harry settled his hands on Tom’s shoulders, keeping his eyes closed. You’re
going slow on purpose…
Of course. Scarlet eyes looked up at the closed eyes. “I refuse to hurt you.”
“I know that…”
“Good. Now, shut up.”
Harry laughed, eyes opening with a smile.
Tom returned to his task of kissing a line downwards, starting again at the
still-perky bud he’d just left. When his lips hit the beginning of a hole, he
let his tongue swirl around the edge before letting it slide into Harry’s belly
button. He grimaced suddenly. Ew… Fuzzy…
Harry laughed. It does build up rather quickly, I guess…
You’ll just have to get better about cleaning it out, won’t you, was the
chastising reply.
Yes, Mother.
Tom responded to the insult by biting the edge of Harry’s belly button,
dragging a squeak from the boy.
“Fiend!”
Scarlet met emerald as Tom rested his head on the flat stomach. “Oh, you love
it.”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the man. “Do I?”
A pale finger traced around the head of Harry’s weeping cock, drawing a shudder
from the teen. “Oh, yes.”
“You’re killing me.”
“My job, beautiful,” Tom responded. Then he slid his head down to lick a line
up Harry’s cock.
Harry let out a low moan, closing his eyes.
The Dark Lord smirked and took Harry’s penis into his mouth slowly,
“accidentally” letting his teeth rake along the sensitive flesh.
Bastard…Harry gasped.
Hush. A pale hand ran over Harry’s stomach as Tom sucked lightly on Harry’s
penis. Tom’s free hand held down on Harry’s waist, to keep the teen from
jerking up.
The hand left Harry’s stomach to slip down to the teen’s anus, which it
circled, somehow lubricated.
As a finger slipped into the tight hole, Tom felt fear and panic rising from
Harry through their connection and froze. Harry?
I’m sorry…
Tom sighed and pulled away from everything he was doing so he could move up
towards Harry’s head. There were tears leaking through Harry’s tightly closed
eyes and Tom brushed them away tenderly. “What’s wrong, Harry?”
“I-I c-can’t–” The words were followed by a sob.
“Can’t what?” Tom rested a hand against Harry’s face. The sudden change had
worried him, especially when he remembered the talk they’d had when Harry had
stormed off during the Hogsmeade trip.
Harry buried his face in Tom’s chest and hugged him tightly as he just let
himself cry.
Tom tightened his arms around the small body and kissed the top of his head
tenderly. I love you. I wish I knew what it is that’s got you so scared, little
one.
Dudley, Harry’s mental voice responded, calm despite his sobs.
What about your cousin, love?
Harry’s mind voice was suddenly coldly mocking, the exact opposite of the
sobbing boy in Tom’s arms. He and his gang wanted to see if they’d get special
powers or something if they were to do away with a “freak’s” virginity.
Tom felt himself go cold. “I’ll kill them.”
“I’m sorry…” It came out as a whisper between dwindling sobs.
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Tom hissed. “Absolutely nothing.”
“But, I–“
“No.” Tom pulled Harry’s head up from where it had buried itself in his chest
and met the emerald eyes seriously. “Harry, love, listen to me. It. Was. Not.
Your. Fault. I doubt there was anything you could have done about it. I’ve seen
those boys, they’re monstrously big.” Tom shook his head. “I never want to hear
you blaming yourself for it again. Ever.”
Harry nodded slightly and Tom let go of his chin with a sigh and leaned down to
kiss the green-eyed teen.
“Do you still like me?” Harry asked tentatively when Tom ended the kiss.
Scarlet eyes widened in surprise. “Excuse me?”
“Do you still like me?”
“Harry…” Tom groaned. “Please, you’re intelligent, don’t ask stupid questions.”
“But, I’m dirty…”
Tom held back another groan and frowned at Harry. “Harry Potter, that’s the
stupidest thing you’ve ever said, let alone thought! And that’s saying
something!” Tom rolled his eyes. “If you’re ‘dirty’, then what am I? A rubbish
heap?”
Harry’s face lit up with the twitch of a smile that tugged at his mouth. “Yes.”
“Brat.” The insult was spoken fondly as Tom tousled Harry’s unruly hair.
“Rubbish heap.”
“Don’t start with me, Mr. Potter.”
Harry snorted and let his head rest on Tom’s chest. “I’m tired…”
“Makes two of us,” Tom replied with a slight smile.
“Tom…?” Harry whispered as Tom pulled the silk sheets over their entwined
bodies.
“Hm?”
“What about–”
“Harry,” Tom said suddenly, cutting the teen off. “Go to sleep.”
“But–“
“I won’t tell you again,” came the slightly annoyed reply as the lights faded
to only the fireplace.
Harry sighed, but dropped it. “G’night, snake face.”
Tom chuckled. “G’night, scarhead.”
Salazar sighed and leaned back against the wall outside the room, prepared for
a long night of guarding the two wizards within.
***** Chapter 22 *****
Tom woke suddenly as his wand warmed his arm. He’d had it set so they could
wake and get to breakfast in good time.
He gazed down at the teen sleeping peacefully in his arms sadly. Harry didn’t
deserve any of this. He was the best sort of person, despite everything he’d
put up with in the past.
“You think too much…” Harry mumbled, cracking an eye open to peek up at Tom.
Tom smiled. “Good morning yourself.”
Harry snorted. “I hate waking up. Why must we wake up this early on a Saturday?
It makes no sense. None what-so-ever.”
“Because you’re Harry Potter and I’m Lord Voldemort, or at least working for
said Dark Lord, and if we’re not at breakfast, the Order of the Flaming
Flamingo will scour the world for you and blame it all on me.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Regular comedian in the mornings, aren’t you?”
“On the contrary, I rather despise mornings. I just figure that, if I can make
you laugh, we can get out of here faster than if you’re scowling or what have
you.”
Harry attempted to hide a smile. “Is that so?”
“Quite.” Tom cocked an eyebrow at the teen. “Come now, Harry love, big smile
for the evil Dark Lord who’s out to kill you.”
“Your humour sucks, Tom.”
“Does it?”
Harry shuddered. “I really didn’t need that mental image this early in the
morning.”
“Then you shouldn’t have conjured it,” Tom shot back. “Now, come, we’re
supposed to be picking Gin up so you two can pretend you both had the best shag
of your lives and make Mr Weasley turn a shade of red formerly found only on
overly-ripe tomatoes.”
“Such a wide vocabulary,” Harry commented as he dragged himself from Tom’s
embrace to stretch.
“Only this early or when I lose my temper at an idiot Death Eater.” Tom hummed,
sitting up. “Which reminds me, can you give me a list of every wrong ever done
to you by one of my Death Eaters and who did it so I can have fun with a good
reason?”
Harry turned and gaped at Tom.
“Or not.” Tom shrugged. “It was a suggestion, Harry. Please don’t give me that
look.”
Harry shook his head and stood from the bed to find his robe. “I worry about
you and your ideas of ‘fun’ sometimes, Tom.”
Tom reached over and tugged lightly on a lock of Harry’s still-long hair.
“Kiss?”
Harry scowled at the man. “Beg.”
Tom made a face. “I refuse to beg for a kiss from a Gryffindork.”
“You are so immature.”
“Oh, come on, Harry…” Tom looked as sad as he possibly could as Harry pulled
his robe on. “Please give me a kiss?”
Harry rolled his eyes and turned around to give the Slytherin a brief kiss
before turning away again to button up his robe.
Tom scowled and pulled Harry into his lap, making the teen squeal. “That was
not a kiss, Potter,” he informed the younger wizard before pulling Harry into a
long kiss.
When Tom pulled away, he watched, triumphantly, as Harry gasped for breath.
“Prat,” Harry informed him between gasps.
“What are you planning on doing about it?”
Harry tossed Tom’s tunic from the night before into his face and smirked.
“That.” Then he hopped up to finish buttoning his robe.
Tom glared at Harry before pulling himself from the bed, muttering a spell that
transfigured his tunic into robes that would be proper for him to wear. He
pulled the robe on as Harry pulled on his shoes.
“How are we planning on leaving here?”
“Back way.”
Harry glanced up. “There’s another way in here?”
“Nope. You can only go out. It opens near my room.”
“Which would be why you picked that room?”
“Of course.”
“And I thought I knew Hogwarts better than anyone.”
Tom shrugged, pulling on his own boots, which he’d transfigured from sandals.
“You probably do, however, you don’t know about some places that others might
know of. This exit is just one of them.”
“If I knew how to add on to the map, I would…”
“Map?”
“Yeah, the infamous Marauder’s Map.”
“Oookay… Who were the Marauders?”
“James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and–” Harry’s face darkened, “–Peter
Pettigrew.”
“News to me.” Tom shrugged. “Grab your cape and let’s head on out.”
Harry rolled his eyes and threw the magnificent cape over his shoulders and
clasped it. “Ready.”
Tom opened the door, Harry next to him, and they came face-to-face with Salazar
Slytherin. Harry gripped Tom’s arm tightly, but didn’t hide behind him that
time. Tom just cocked an eyebrow at his ancestor. “Yes?”
“You are leaving?”
“Yes.”
“And you will return?”
“Probably.”
“Together?”
“And perhaps alone.”
Salazar looked a little surprised. “Alone?”
“Harry’s a Parselmouth.”
“Is he…” Salazar looked at Harry with challenging green eyes, not unlike
Harry’s own.
:Yes...: Harry hissed defiantly.
Salazar frowned. :A Gryffindor with my gift?:
Harry pointed to his head. :When Tom cursed me when I was one, I got some of
his powers. This is just one of them. Anyway, the Hat said I’d do well in
Slytherin.:
:That’s not what I meant.: Salazar harrumphed, before turning back to Tom. :
I’ll watch him, and of course you, but no one else will be safe down here. Know
that, Marvolo, little Gryffindor.:
:Of course, Slytherin.: Tom inclined his head slightly.
Harry scowled. :My name is Harry, or Potter if you must. I don’t like being
called by my House, thankyouverymuch.:
Tom sighed as Salazar cocked an eyebrow at the youngest wizard. :I will call
you little Gryffindor. Get used to it.: Harry’s scowl deepened.
Tom slipped a hand over Harry’s mouth before the teen could lose his temper.
“Harry, love, we have to be somewhere.”
Fine, came the annoyed reply.
Tom nodded to his ancestor respectfully. “Slytherin.”
“Marvolo,” Salazar nodded his head in response. “Little Gryffindor.”
Harry snorted and slipped past the men towards the way out. Tom rolled his eyes
at the boy as he followed him.
Salazar sighed after them. And so the past repeats itself. Perhaps, they will
survive our fate, Godric…
                                     -~*~-
“Marcus! Harry!” Ginny smiled and opened the door to the Room of Requirement
the rest of the way to let the two wizards in.
Tom and Harry slipped in, smiling at the girl and Theodore, who was sitting on
a couch warily. Harry threw himself on the couch next to the boy. “What?”
Theodore nodded to Ginny, who was talking quietly with Tom. “She is insane, did
you know that?”
“Yes.” Harry rolled his eyes. “Why?”
“Never let her near feathers and bare skin.”
Harry winced. “I could have told you that.”
The teens traded looks before laughing.
Ginny glanced over at the two on the couch. “Okay, Marcus, I promise not to
pester him about last night. Why is it so important?” Brown eyes searched the
false teal before her.
Tom sighed. “Gin, it's complicated. Harry will tell you when he is ready, not
before then. Just, leave him alone, okay?”
Ginny frowned and Tom could see the wheels in her head turning before something
clicked and her eyes narrowed. “I’ll keep the others from pestering him too.”
Tom let out a breath of relief. If anyone could figure out Harry’s aversion to
most physical contact – and especially anything sexual – it would be her. Even
better, she wouldn’t pester him about it, just protect him from everyone else.
“Good. Just, treat him like normal?”
“Sure thing.” Ginny frowned over at her boyfriend and the boy who was like a
brother to her. “It sure explains a lot, though…” She rubbed at her arms. “I’ll
keep an eye out. No worries.”
Tom’s lips twitched. “Sure you won’t work for me?”
“Ah… I promise to think about it…”
“And decide once the war’s over?” the man asked with an amused smile.
“Perfect. Contact me once you’ve either won or lost and I’ll give my answer
then,” Ginny said as seriously as she could.
The witch lasted half a minute before bursting out into hysterical laughter.
Tom winked at the two young wizards on the couch. “Just trying to recruit and
whatnot.” He turned and started for the door. “I’ll see everyone later. Be good
and all that rot,” he added before slipping through the door.
Harry rolled his eyes and stood. “Trust Marcus to try and recruit a Weasley.
That man has no common sense.”
Ginny shook her head, eyes serious. “Harry, think. My foster brother, that
would be you, is in love with Voldemort’s top man, and my boyfriend over
there–” she waved towards Theodore, who was watching silently, face unreadable,
“–is a supporter of him. Weasley or no, I’m already in the middle of
Voldemort’s troops.” She winked. “The ultimate enemy, remember?”
Harry rolled his eyes. “There’s two of us now. Wonderful.”
“Confused,” Theodore called over to them.
“Oh, Harry and I had a discussion about his and Marcus’ relationship over the
summer and identified him as the ‘ultimate enemy’, since he’s the symbol for
the Light and in a relationship with one of the top Death Eaters,” Ginny
explained.
Theodore looked thoughtful. “You have a point. Harry Potter, I do believe you
are the best thing that’s happened to the Dark ever.”
“What about me?” Ginny asked with a slight pout.
“Gin, dear sister,” Harry replied with a fond smile. “You’re a rather good
asset as well, but, as I recall, you’re still far too tied to the Light to be
much use.”
“Harry fancies himself in the grey areas,” Ginny explained.
Theodore snorted. “And Harry has a point right now.” He glanced up at the
clock. “Go to breakfast. I’ll pick you up with Pansy and Draco later.”
“What about Bini?” Harry enquired with a blink.
“Seam got him drunk. He’ll be spending the morning in the Infirmary,” Ginny
clarified.
Harry winced. “I sympathize.”
“Oh, come on, you.” Ginny grabbed Harry’s arm and half dragged the older teen
from the room, followed by Theodore’s laughter.
                                     -~*~-
“Where were you two last night?” Ron demanded, standing before the two
Gryffindor “lovers”.
Harry and Ginny traded looks before shrugging together.
“Sleeping,” Ginny responded and Harry took another bite of toast.
“Excuse me?” Ron’s voice was attempting to do low and deadly, but not quite
making it.
“Sleeping, Ron. Same thing I’m sure you did,” Harry handed over with a
nonchalant shrug.
“After he realized we weren’t coming back,” Ginny agreed, spearing some eggs
delicately with her fork and putting them into her mouth.
“Harry, you look like a girl,” Ron ground out.
“Thank you, Ron,” Harry replied simply.
“Ginny, how can you stand sleeping with a guy who looks like a girl?”
Ginny gave her brother a cold look. “Ron, we are trying to eat. Go irritate
someone else.”
“Excuse me?” Ron looked extremely confused by the sudden chilliness from his
only sister.
“Ronald Weasley, go the hell away,” Ginny hissed, eyes narrowed. Now that she
knew to watch for it, she’d noted Harry tensing up slightly as her brother shot
his mouth off. His words were getting to Harry and she wasn’t about to let it
get any farther.
“Don’t you dare–“
“I do believe, Weasel, that Ginevra told you to leave.” Draco’s drawl floated
over to them. “I’d suggest you take the advice.”
Ron spun to face Draco, Pansy, and Theodore. The three Slytherins didn’t look
too pleased with the Gryffindor. Neither did Hermione, who was watching the
“discussion” from a distance with a frown. Ginny was glaring at her brother
while Harry calmly ate his food, assured that his friends had it under control.
The red-headed Gryffindor decided he was out-numbered and walked away angrily.
“Damned Weasel.” Draco sneered after the youngest male Weasley.
“Isn’t he just?” Ginny stood and stretched slightly. “Come on. We can us the DA
room.”
“Who ever came up with that name, anyway?” Pansy asked as Harry also stood and
the group headed for the doors to the Hall.
“I did,” Ginny said, giving the other female an annoyed look.
“Gin, no offense, but it’s a crappy name.”
“It worked for what we needed it for, Pan,” Harry told the girl.
“Snape at six o’clock,” Theodore hissed warningly.
Harry smirked and took the lead. “I know a back way that he doesn’t.”
“Isn’t he just the greatest?” Ginny asked, fluttering her eyes, even as she
held on to Theodore’s hand tightly.
“Wonderfully so,” Draco agreed as Harry motioned for them to slip under a
tapestry that hid a false wall which gave way for them. “No one knows this
school like our Harry.”
Harry shrugged. “I don’t know everything, Dray. Marcus proved that last night
when he took me a back way up to the second floor.”
“The second floor? Is that where the Chamber of Secrets is?” Draco asked
suddenly.
“Eh? Well, the entrance, yes,” Harry agreed.
“Dray, why do you care?” Ginny enquired slyly.
“Curiosity?”
“Curiosity killed the cat, Mr Malfoy,” Snape’s voice floated over to them as he
appeared from a shadow and bore down on the group.
“Professor, is there any reason why you’re following us?” Harry enquired.
“Why, indeed there is, Mr Potter. You see, this is all for your own safety,”
Snape said in as cheerful as voice as he could ever get, as far as the students
were concerned.
“Safety? Following me? I think not.” Harry narrowed his eyes.
“Ah, yet it is. Expelliarmus.” The five students clustered together as their
wands left them and fell into Snape’s waiting hands. “The Headmaster will
probably wish to speak to all of you.”
Tom? Now would be a good time to make a sudden appearance! Harry cried out
mentally even as he shot another question at the spy before them, “You can’t
expect to get away with this.”
“Me? No. That’s Dumbledore’s job.”
“Dumbledore’s job?” Ginny enquired. “How so?”
“Don’t ask me what the coot has up his sleeve.”
“Perhaps he plans on sending Marcus to Voldemort with the information that
you’re a spy,” Harry said coldly. “Which, by the way, Marcus already found out,
thanks to Dumbledore.”
Snape’s eyes were slits as he pointed his wand at Harry. “An accident just
waiting to happen, Mr Potter. Let’s move it.”
“There had better not be any accidents, Severus,” Tom’s cold voice warned them
of his presence before he appeared in the middle of the hallway. Harry decided
it was another of Tom’s “family secrets”.
“Marcus.” Severus scowled at the other man. “I’m merely taking these children
to the Headmaster.”
“Then they should have their wands and not be huddled together in fear,” Tom
shot back. “And let me tell you now, if not for Harry, you’d be dead. Hand over
the wands, Severus.”
“You have no authority over me.”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Head of Slytherin. “I do believe I have
information that will quickly put you out of the Dark Lord’s favour, Severus.
You’ll live longer if you just listen to me and let me handle my students the
way I see fit.”
Severus had gone paler than usual at the threat. “You win this round, Marcus
Brutùs,” he hissed, handing the Heir the five wands. Then he turned and stalked
back down the hallway.
Tom snorted. “I do believe I’ve won many more that may come, as well.” He held
the wands out to the students and each grabbed theirs back, Harry taking his
last and grabbing Tom’s hand tightly with it. Tom sighed and pulled the teen
into a hug, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head. Are you alright,
Harry?
I will be. Yes.
Tom glanced up at the other students. Ginny was hugging Theodore. Pansy was
clutching Draco’s hand tightly while the blond boy tried to hide how much pain
it caused him. “This is ridiculous. You five, and Zabini of course, can’t even
feel properly safe in this school any longer. Idiot Headmaster.”
Harry muttered something into Tom’s robes.
“What was that, Harry?” Tom asked softly.
Harry looked up with a smirk. “Barmy old codger.”
Ginny, who had heard the tale of Dobby’s freedom, cracked up, stifling her
laughter in Theodore’s robe.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the other Slytherins, who shrugged, then down at
Harry. “What, may I ask, has that to do with anything?”
“It’s what Dumbledore told Dobby he could call him,” Harry explained, still
grinning widely.
Tom let out a groan. “Why me?”
The students all laughed.
***** Chapter 23 *****
Harry let the door to Myrtle’s bathroom lock before turning to the sinks.
“What are you doing in here this time?” Myrtle asked.
“Nothing, Myrtle.”
There was a bang on the bathroom door. “I know you’re in there, Potter!” Terry
Boot shouted. “You girl!”
Harry rolled his eyes and stepped up to the sink that never worked, the way
down to the Chamber of Secrets. :Open,: he ordered coldly.
“Oooh… You’re hiding,” Myrtle realised as the sink shifted. “Are you sure you
don’t want to hide in my stall?”
“Thank you, but no,” Harry replied. “You can, however, not tell that idiot
where I disappeared to.”
“Open the window,” Myrtle suggested before returning to her toilet stall.
Harry let out a breath of relief and hurried over to open a window before
jumping down the chute that led to the underground passages. Fine day this has
been. First, Tom has to call a Death Eater meeting, then I’m forbidden to go to
Hogsmeade for fighting with Boot, who is now chasing me since he’s also stuck.
Tom has the right idea, I’m thinking. Harry groaned, reaching the bottom of the
chute with a ‘thud’.
He stood and dusted himself off as he headed down the passageway. As he walked,
he made note of the carvings in the walls, which he’d been in too much of a
hurry to see the first time and had been too busy talking with Tom to notice
the last time.
Time sure goes quickly. It’s the end of November already. Wow…
He let his fingers trail over the carvings as he continued down the passageway,
not having anything better to do, really.
“What are you doing down here?”
Harry spun to face the ghostly form of Salazar Slytherin. “Hiding from
homicidal Ravenclaws, if you must know.”
Salazar blinked a few times before letting out a sigh. “What did you do to the
Ravenclaw, little Gryffindor?”
Harry scowled. “Hexed him for insulting Tom. Of course, Snape just had to be
following me, again, and saw it; so now I’m stuck in the school while everyone
else goes to Hogsmeade.”
Salazar snorted. “And where is Marvolo?” he enquired, motioning for Harry to
continue walking with him to the Chamber itself.
“Checking up on his Death Eaters, Crucioing the hell out of Wormtail to get rid
of stress, setting up raids so he can have another reason to Crucio everyone
when they fail…” Harry shrugged. “What he’s supposed to be doing?”
Salazar frowned at the teen’s back as Harry ordered the Chamber’s door to open
for them. “Little Gryffindor, what is your family like?” the Founder found
himself asking as they started through the Chamber, towards the statue.
Harry blinked at his ghostly companion. “My family?” he repeated flatly.
“Yes.”
Why the hell not. Harry shrugged. “Well, my mum and dad died when I was one,
when Tom came to kill me. My godfather died a couple of years ago when his
cousin hexed him through the Veil. My aunt and uncle hate me and adore their
son, who’s a bully.”
“Tell me more about this aunt and uncle and cousin.”
Harry shot Salazar a dark look. “There’s nothing more to tell.”
“There’s always more to tell, little Gryffindor. How did they treat you?”
“They treated me like I had a dangerous disease, okay?” Emerald-green eyes
blazed as they seemed to slice right through the ghost as they came to stand at
the statue’s feet. “Like I was some scum on the bottom of their shoe that just
wouldn’t come off. I got yelled at, starved, smacked, everything. I got my
cousin’s too large hand-me-downs and did all the housework,” he said angrily.
“Anything else you need to know, Salazar?”
The Founder shrugged. “It’s bad to keep things bottled-up inside, little
Gryffindor. From what I’ve heard about you, you carry the weight of an
ungrateful world on your shoulders. Marvolo hexes people to feel better, but
you don’t appear to have an outlet.”
“Are you telling me I need one?” Harry growled, desperately trying to rein in
his anger.
“Of course.”
“Oh, and you think you should be that one?”
“Little Gryffindor, I will not be hurt if you scream at me, and I’ve heard the
tales of many troubled children; the Slytherin House is known for such
students. Perhaps you should have been in Slytherin, if only to have the
support, but you were in Gryffindor. Yell at me, tell me your fears. I will
keep them, for that is what I have promised to Marvolo,” Salazar answered
evenly. “I will be in the bedroom.” Then he was gone.
Harry kicked the statue’s big toe with a growl. Of course, Salazar was right.
He did need someone to scream at.
He’d once had Ron and Hermione, but their friendship wasn’t what it once had
been, and he and his new-found friends in the Slytherin House weren’t close
enough to him yet to stand against his temper, of that he was certain.
Ginny was his best friend, and his confidant in most things, but he couldn’t
bring himself to scream at her to let go of his frustrations.
Tom was often nearing the end of his string when Harry visited and so they
never really talked, just cuddled and enjoyed each other’s silent company while
they could.
What he needed was someone he trusted whom he was also comfortable screaming
at. It would help if the person was used to such tales and could keep emotions
off his face.
“I hate it when you people are right,” Harry muttered before turning his wand
on himself to rise up to Salazar’s open mouth.
                                     -~*~-
“Marcus?”
Tom spun and met the brown eyes of one Ginevra Weasley. “Gin.”
“What’s wrong?” Ginny slid a little closer to the Dark Lord as Tom glanced
around the hallway.
“Have you seen Harry?”
Ginny scratched her head. “Harry? No. Snape caught him fighting with Terry Boot
and forbade him to go to Hogsmeade. I just got back. Why?”
Tom cursed mentally as he ran a hand through his hair. “He’s missing.”
“Missing?”
“Gone. Out of sight. Dumbledore’s already asked me twice where he is. I saw
Severus searching the dungeons. Some of the other teachers are also on hallway
patrol. I can’t reach him telepathically, either. He appears to have blocked
me.”
“Lovely…” Ginny groaned. “What about Terry? He was probably the last to see
Harry.”
“Do you know where the boy might be?”
“Ravenclaw common. I don’t know the passw–“
“I do.” Tom spun and set off at a brisk pace towards Ravenclaw. “What were they
fighting about?”
Ginny came into sight next to him, walking quickly to try and match his longer
legs. “You; Terry called you Voldemort’s slut and an evil brute. As always,
dear Harry blew up. Hexed the hell out of Terry.” The grin that tugged at
Ginny’s lips told him how amusing she’d found the Ravenclaw’s choice of insults
about the Dark Lord himself, if not the fight.
“That child needs serious anger management classes,” Tom muttered under his
breath, pulling a peal of laughter from his companion. “Here we are. Worms,” he
told the painting of a beautiful golden eagle. He stepped inside when the
painting swung outwards. “Mr Boot, could I borrow you?”
“Of course, Professor.” Terry Boot stepped out into the hallway, freezing when
he saw Ginny, who was glaring at him.
“Terry, where’s Harry?” Ginny enquired in a low purr.
“I don’t know,” Terry replied too quickly.
“Terry, you’re lying.”
“We need to know, Mr Boot. The Headmaster wants a word with him,” Tom cut in
coolly.
“Last I knew, he was hiding in that girl’s bathroom on the second floor,” Terry
responded, his voice implying just how much he thought of Harry and his hiding
place.
“Thank you, Mr Boot.” Tom nodded and led Ginny down the hall and out of earshot
of the Ravenclaw. “I’ll go get him, then.”
“Right. I’ll pretend I’m still looking for him around Gryffindor, throw the
teachers off the track.”
“You, Miss Weasley, are a wonderful person,” Tom breathed.
“Oh, go find Harry, you great idiot,” Ginny replied with a grin before
scampering off towards Gryffindor Tower.
                                     -~*~-
“Someone just came down the chute…” Salazar hummed suddenly.
“Who is it? Do you know?” Harry enquired, looking up at the ghost from his cup
of tea.
“Only two people can get down here, little Gryffindor,” Salazar replied,
amused.
“Oh…yeah…” Harry scratched the back of his head, feeling very stupid. “Wonder
what time it is…” He glanced at his broken watch, which he’d run into a wall
the week before and hadn’t had the time to replace.
“Who cares about the time?”
“People who are alive.”
Salazar cocked an eyebrow at the teen. “My point exactly.”
“Tom does. It’s probably time for dinner or something.”
“No, no. I’d tell you if there was something important going on up there, like
dinner.”
“How could you tell?” Harry asked, making a face.
“Portraits upstairs.”
“I didn’t know you could use them…”
“I’m just special that way.”
“You mean you just manipulated them that way.”
“That too.”
Harry rolled his eyes and set his cup down as the doorknob turned. “Hi!” he
called brightly as Tom poked his head in.
Tom scowled. “Have you any idea how worried I was about you?”
“Why worry about me? I can take of myself,” Harry retorted.
“Harry, half the school’s looking for you.”
“So?”
“So? I couldn’t reach you. For all I knew, one of my idiotic Death Eaters had
run off with you or you’d been pounded by a pissed off Ravenclaw who wanted to
get you back for hexing the hell out of him!”
Harry sighed. “Sorry. I came down here to hide from said Ravenclaw and lost
track of time.”
“How could you lose track of time?!”
Harry held up the arm with his broken watch on it. “Broken, remember? And
Salazar doesn’t believe in clocks, at least, not as far as I can tell…” He shot
a glare at the Founder.
Salazar snorted. “I believe in using them if you have them, however, I don’t
see any reason to have one when I have no reason to keep track of the time. Buy
one yourself if you want one down here.”
“I would, but, you see, Snape has forbidden me to leave Hogwarts grounds until
such a time as he sees fit, since I get into so much trouble,” Harry responded,
annoyed.
Tom frowned. “I thought Dumbledore didn’t usually let him get away with that
crap.”
“Dumbledore doesn’t usually have a Death Eater he doesn’t trust as a member of
his staff.” Harry scowled. “Not like I can’t take care of myself, of course.
I’ve lasted this long. What makes them all think I’m gonna go down to Hogsmeade
and keel over, anyway?”
“Your most inefficient luck,” Tom said dryly, earning him a snort from Salazar
and a grin from Harry. “Well, come on, you scamp. We can’t leave Gin alone to
keep them off track for too long.”
Harry stood and stretched, a thoughtful look on his face. “Tom? You have an
Invisibility Cloak in your room, right?”
“Oh, no… What crazy scheme are you concocting this time?”
Harry smirked. “You’ll see.”
Salazar laughed as Tom groaned, hiding his face in his hands. “Why me?”
                                     -~*~-
Dumbledore looked up sharply as his hat was pulled off his head. “Peeves…”
“Kitchen, sir.” Tom came up behind the Headmaster, startling him. “Sorry.
Didn’t mean to surprise you.” He gave the older wizard an innocently apologetic
smile.
“No harm done. You said Peeves is in the kitchens?”
“Of course. The Grey Lady just passed by. She was looking for the Bloody Baron,
I believe.”
“I see…” Dumbledore frowned.
“Is there something wrong, Headmaster?”
“No, no…” Dumbledore stepped passed his Defence Against the Dark Arts professor
with a frown.
Dungeons! Harry called dramatically in Tom’s mind before swooping off down the
hall. You’ve gotta give Dumbledore credit for always wearing the most
ridiculous hats, he added, looking over the hat he’d swiped, which was neon
pink and had purple cows on it.
Indeed…
Harry pulled up sharply on the broomstick they’d borrowed as he caught sight of
the mat of black hair and smirked. He made sure Tom was in sight before flying
over to Snape and plopping the hat on his head.
The prank was perfect. Snape’s dour black robes burst out in purple cows on a
neon pink background. The hat grew into a mock of a joker’s hat, bells on each
drooping point. His skin became red, his hair golden blond.
Snape’s scream followed Harry and Tom back down the dungeon hallway as they
fled, Harry giggling madly.
You, Harry Potter, are perfectly evil.
Why, thank you. That’s a real compliment coming from the Dark Lord himself!
You need more practice to be as evil as me, of course…
Then let me start now! Harry blew some powder in Tom’s face before streaking
away, still giggling madly.
“HARRY POTTER!! I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!” Tom screamed, voice growing higher in
pitch as he did so. He scowled at his chest, which was definitely bigger. “I’m
going to murder that brat,” he growled. “Using the sex-changing powder on me.
Damn him.”
                                     -~*~-
Harry walked into the Great Hall with Ginny, Draco, Blaise, Pansy, and
Theodore, smirking and trying not to look up at the Head Table.
“What’s with Snape?” Draco managed as everyone but Harry tried not to laugh at
the unfortunate Potions professor.
Harry smirked up at the man. He’d spelled the hat to stay on for the next three
days, and the rest of the prank was set to the hat. “The man should know by now
what sort of trouble I get into when left to my own devices,” he mentioned
mildly with a wink before slinking over to his seat at the Gryffindor Table,
trying to ignore the death glares sent his way by Tom, who had changed into
bigger robes to hide his little issue. You don’t like it when a prank is played
on you, Voldie?
Just you wait, Potter.
And I don’t suppose you’re too happy about not having the antidote, either, now
are you?
I’ll get you back when you least expect it, Tom threatened as Harry sat next to
Hermione.
The Gryffindors didn’t bother hiding their joy at Snape’s newest make-over.
Ginny sat across from Harry, shaking her head in awe. “Harry, remind me to stay
on your good side?”
The Gryffindors who heard turned to gape at Harry. “That was you, mate?” Ron
asked in an awed whisper.
“Marcus helped some,” Harry responded flippantly.
“How long’s it lasting?” Dean asked.
“Till Tuesday evening, about dinnertime,” Harry offered with a knowing smile.
“Unless he apologizes and I think he’s being totally honest. But–” emerald-
green eyes glittered coldly, “–he doesn’t know that. Don’t anyone go telling
him, either.”
“Harry…” Neville shook his head. “Have I told you lately that you’re my hero?”
Harry speared a noodle with his fork. “Not recently, no. I just know it
instinctively.”
The group laughed as Harry chewed on the noodle innocently.
                                     -~*~-
Harry popped into Tom’s rooms later that night as silent as he could be. In his
hands was a small jar with a heart carved into the side. He slipped through the
apartment and into Tom’s room, where the Dark Lord slept almost peacefully. He
always slept in the nude, Harry knew, and he had to bite his tongue to keep
from laughing. I’ll have to remember to tell him that he makes a good lady.
Harry set the jar on Tom’s beside table with a note that apologized for his fun
and saying that he really did love Tom and, again, he was sorry for putting the
man into a panic earlier while he was having tea with Salazar.
Then the boy leaned over to press a soft kiss to Tom’s lips before sweeping
silently from the room and back up to Gryffindor Tower and his bed.
                                     -~*~-
“Today, right?”
“Five minutes.” Harry nodded to Ron and watched with amusement as the
Gryffindors all turned to stare intently at Snape again. The green-eyed boy had
been hinting, constantly, that, when the spell ended, something that would make
the hat, robe, hair, and skin seem inconsequential would happen.
Tom was chuckling at the Gryffindor Table’s attention to their Potions
professor and said professor’s nervous reaction. They’d best hope he doesn’t
get so nervous that he leaves early.
I don’t think that will be a problem.
Oh?
I talked the house-elves into making sure he stayed put throughout dinner.
You didn’t…
Two more minutes.
Harry James Potter, I do believe I’ve misjudged you.
About time you admitted that, Harry replied, leaning back in his chair so he
could see Snape better. Tom just chuckled.
“How much longer?” Neville asked.
“Thirty.”
“Brilliant. No one blink!” Dean hissed quickly.
Then, before everyone’s eyes, the robe and hat disappeared as the colour on
Snape’s hair and skin faded. The only problem was that this left Snape in only
a pair of black silk slacks.
The Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws burst out into laughter while the
Slytherins attempted to hide smiles and giggles.
Snape attempted to stand, as if to leave, but quickly found that wasn’t
possible, as a Sticking Charm was keeping him in place. His eyes sought out the
Boy-Who-Lived and he impaled the teen with the deadliest glare he could manage,
under the circumstances.
Harry took that chance to stand and bow, which got more applause and laughter,
as, by then, the whole school knew who was behind the prank. With his hands, he
silenced his audience. “Professor, the chair will let you go once you apologise
for the abysmal way you have been treating me over the past six years,” he
informed everyone.
Snape gritted his teeth. “I apologise for my treatment of you based on your
father,” he ground out reluctantly.
Harry nodded and waved his wand. The professor’s black robe appeared on him and
his chair let go. Harry sat down again amongst the silence as the Hall stared
after the Potions professor while he left.
As the teacher’s door closed on the bat-like man, the Hall burst into cheers.
“Six years and you finally got an apology out of the man.” Hermione sighed.
“Did you have to go about it that way, though?”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at his best friend. “How else would I have done it?”
Hermione shook her head as the students crowded around Harry to congratulate
him. “I don’t know.”
Harry just grinned at the students around him.
“ORDER! ORDER!” Dumbledore shouted. The Hall silenced and everyone turned to
look at him. He didn’t look too happy with Harry. “Mr. Potter, if you will come
with me to my office, please?”
Harry stood and slid through the silent crowd and out the doors to follow the
elder man.
                                     -~*~-
“That was inappropriate and childish,” Dumbledore berated Harry seriously as
soon as they were both seated. He hadn’t even offered Harry tea or a sherbet
lemon, not that the teen would have taken them if he had.
“Professor Snape’s attitude towards me for the past six years has been
inappropriate and childish. I intended to fix it before I left this school.
Now, if he feels the need to glare a hole through my head, he has good reason,”
Harry shot back coldly.
“Did Professor Brutùs tell you this?”
Harry narrowed his eyes. “You think everything that I do that’s different or
that you don’t want me doing has to do with Marcus. Give me a break. I came up
with this all on my own.” Which wasn’t a complete lie, since Salazar had only
mentioned that getting his tormentors to apologise would probably make him feel
a little better.
“Harry, you’ve never been known to attack teachers in th–“
“No? What about attacking Professor Quirrell in my first year? Or Professor
Snape back in third year?”
“This is very different. It’s serious.”
“Then expel me,” Harry hissed, eyes flashing. “I dare you. Kick me out. Give
Snape his just desserts and all that. It’s about damn time you stopped
favouring me, Professor. I’m a big boy now, and guess what?” Harry stood
swiftly. “I’m tired of being Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Forgot-To-Die. I’m tired
of being naïve and watching everyone around me dying. This is the real me, and
you can deal with it, just like everyone else.” And, with that, Harry spun and
stalked from the office.
Dumbledore sighed. “This was not part of my plan…”
***** Chapter 24 *****
Harry was not surprised to see shock and then anger on Snape's face as he
entered the Potions classroom. He was also, strangely enough, not amused by it
like he usually would have been. The coot's still trying to save my arse. Would
you look at that.
Why are you surprised? Tom enquired, having "heard" Harry's mental comment. If
you're kicked out, they snap your wand. If they snap your wand, you can't
defeat me.
And, the longer I'm in here, the more power Dumbledore has over me. Yes, yes. I
know. Harry sighed and settled into his seat next to Draco, who had asked to
sit together when they met in the hall.
"Why weren't you at breakfast?" Draco murmured.
Harry shrugged. "Didn't feel like it. Why?"
"Half the school's going on about how you've finally been expelled."
The black-haired boy snorted. "Dumbledore won't expel me until Voldemort's
fallen."
Draco sighed. "Snape doesn't look happy."
"I know. I'm not surprised, either. Anyone else would have expelled me for that
little prank I pulled. Hermione told me that McGonagall wasn't too happy to
learn I was still in school either."
"You should prank Dumbledore next," Theodore mumbled from in front of them as
Snape took out his fury on Ron, who was whispering to Hermione.
"It's an idea," Blaise agreed, leaning back in his chair slightly to join in on
the conversation.
"It would have to be the ultimate prank…" Harry murmured, scratching the back
of his head. "And I'm fresh out…"
"Not much bothers Dumbledore." Blaise sighed.
"The Dark Lord does," Draco said thoughtfully.
"Talk about it later," Theodore hissed suddenly, eyes watching as Snape started
towards their group. He and Blaise plopped their chairs back into their proper
positions while Harry and Draco busied themselves with setting the rest of
their materials up.
Snape came to a stop next to Harry and Draco's table. "Mr Malfoy, I assume you
invited Potter to sit with you?"
"Yes, sir." Draco glanced up at the man while Harry pretended to ignore him.
Snape, likewise, refused to look at Harry.
"Then perhaps you can attempt to keep him out of trouble," Snape suggested
before stalking back up to the front of the room and writing their assignment
on the board with a flick of his wand.
Harry sighed as he pulled out his beetles. "That man is always so difficult."
Draco, Blaise, and Theodore all sniggered.
                                     -~*~-
"You want to play a prank on Dumbledore?" Tom looked at the four Slytherins and
three Gryffindors suspiciously.
"Of course," Draco agreed before taking a cookie.
"It would serve him right, Marcus," Ginny pointed out, head on Theodore's
shoulder.
"Yeah, I mean, Dumbledore should have expelled Harry years ago, no insult,
Harry." Seamus looked at Harry apologetically from his seat next to Blaise.
Harry waved it off. "No, you're right. I told him that, too."
"You're going to get yourselves into so much trouble…" Tom groaned, rubbing at
his eyes.
"Nonsense. Harry's going to get all the credit for it. We're just helping,"
Pansy offered.
"And we need you to help us with ideas!" Harry told the Dark Lord brightly,
leaning against him.
"And to get in contact with the Dark Lord," Draco added.
"Why do you need Voldemort?" Tom frowned at the blond Slytherin.
Harry snorted. "Marcus, who's the one person who gets under Dumbledore's skin
more than anyone else?"
Tom blanched, then shook his head quickly. "I hope you're all joking! Voldemort
doesn't do practical jokes!"
"Perhaps we could have someone dress up like Voldemort, then…" Ginny murmured
thoughtfully.
"That might work…" Draco agreed, suspiciously eyeing Harry, who was obviously
trying not to laugh. "Potter…"
"Sorry, sorry…" Harry laughed. "It's just, I don't think old Voldie's gonna go
for that, either!"
Blaise glanced over at Tom, who looked horrified, and cocked an eyebrow at
Harry. "I get the sudden feeling that there's more to all of this than we're
being led to believe…"
"All what?" Ginny asked sweetly.
Draco's eyes widened. "…I don't think we need to plan for the joke that's been
under our noses this whole time…"
Harry started laughing madly while Tom groaned. "Leave it to the Slytherins…"
"You think…?" Pansy glanced between the three Slytherin boys and Tom, eyes
widening. "My Lord?"
"I told you so!" Harry called brightly. "Told you they'd figure it out by
Christmas!
"Shut it," Tom growled at the Boy-Who-Lived before giving the Slytherins and a
slack-jawed Seamus annoyed looks. "Keep it to yourselves."
"Oh, the irony…" Theodore sniggered. "The Dark Lord teaching us Defence Against
the Dark Arts."
"That explains why he's always so annoyed when Harry says Voldie…" Seamus
realised before laughing himself.
"What's that look for?" Harry made a face at the Dark Lord next to him, who was
glaring at him. "I didn't give them any hints, Tom."
Tom sighed. "No, I don't suppose you did."
"Tom?" Draco enquired while everyone else calmed down.
"His real name," Ginny clarified, "is Tom Riddle. We tend to call him Tom when
we can, instead of Voldemort, you know."
"Understandable." Theodore nodded.
"Wait, what do you mean you don't do practical jokes?" Seamus asked the Dark
Lord suddenly. "Harry said you helped with the one on Snape!"
"Not by choice," Tom growled, once again glaring at Harry, who smirked.
"Perhaps not, but you did buy pranks from Fred and George over the summer,"
Harry shot back. This got another round of laughter from their audience while
Tom scowled.
There was a knock on the door and everyone fell silent. The knock came again.
"Switch places," Tom ordered, getting up to answer the door. Harry and Seamus
moved to sit on either side of Ginny while Theodore sat next to Blaise. The
Slytherins all made themselves look more proper while the Gryffindors messed
themselves up, Ginny leaning on Harry like she'd been leaning on Theodore only
moments before. Tom nodded and opened the door. "Severus. This is a surprise."
Snape glanced into the room and was met with two obviously curious faces, four
faces that were trying to look like they weren't curious, and the back of one
head, the owner of which seemed to be pretending he didn't exist. "If I'd known
you were amusing the students, I'd have waited for later to come by," he told
the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
"Oh, I believe they were planning on leaving rather soon," Tom responded,
giving the students a look which quite clearly said they should be leaving.
"But I'm not done with my tea," Harry replied as the Slytherins, Seamus, and
Ginny stood to go.
"Harry…" Ginny frowned at the teen, who cocked an eyebrow up at her.
"You can take the tea with you," Tom offered. Harry, please.
Snape pursed his lips at the Gryffindor. "Potter can stay," he growled, glaring
holes through the boy.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake…" Tom rubbed at his eyes. "Severus, please, come in.
Harry, your tea had best remain in your cup unless you're drinking it; everyone
else, I'll see you tomorrow." He sighed, stepping back to let Snape in and the
group of students out.
Ginny rolled her eyes and leaned down to whisper into Harry's ear.
"Troublemaker. You're wearing the poor man thin. Please behave?"
"Of course." Harry smiled. "Tell Ron not to wait up to yell at me for ignoring
him today, will you?"
"Right, right…" Ginny shook her head and followed everyone else out. "Good
night, Marcus."
"Good night, Miss Weasley," Tom responded before closing the door. "Please have
a seat, Severus. Would you like some tea?"
"Dumbledore," Harry coughed, earning him a glare from Tom.
Snape cocked an eyebrow at the boy, who was smiling innocently at his teal-eyed
professor, secretly amused. "Making fun of the Headmaster, Potter?" he enquired
in an even voice.
"Well, it's not my fault Marcus sounds like him when he offers people tea,"
Harry retorted.
A slight smile tugged at Snape's lips as he sat. "Indeed?"
"Good Merlin, I do believe you two are joking with one another. Has the sun
risen in the west? Has Hell frozen over?" Tom mock gasped, sitting himself.
"Trust a Death Eater to use a Muggle cliché." Harry snorted, shaking his head.
"Hell is not just a Muggle concept, Mr. Potter," Snape pointed out.
"How many pureblooded wizards are there that mention that in everyday speech?"
Harry shot back.
Snape shook his head. The teen had him there.
"Hell and tea aside... You needed something, Severus?" Tom cut in.
"Well, part of the reason I came here was to find Mr Potter and give him a
proper apology."
"Hell has frozen over," Harry whispered, awed.
"What made you think he was here?" Tom asked suspiciously.
"The knowledge that Mr Potter and Miss Weasley's relationship is nothing more
than that of friends," Snape responded evenly. "Whereas you and Mr Potter are
too close to be normal friends."
Tom shot Harry a look. I told you to tone it down!
Oops. Harry smiled apologetically. Then something occurred to him and he turned
to look at Snape. "Please tell me you didn't tell Dumbledore," he whispered.
Tom's eyes widened and he, too, look at the spy.
Snape cocked an eyebrow at the young man. "I haven't told Professor Dumbledore
anything concerning the two of you since Hallowe’en."
"Why not?" Tom enquired curiously as Harry slipped into the seat next to him.
The Dark Lord allowed Harry to cuddle against his side as he watched the Death
Eater.
"You said our Lord doesn't know about my spying because of Mr Potter?" Snape
asked instead.
"Harry asked me not to tell." Tom nodded, tightening his arm around the young
man.
Snape turned his gaze on Harry, bottomless black eyes curious. Harry shrugged
in response to the unasked question. "I haven't hated you for years now,
Professor. I respect your work, even more so now, and I won't let another
person be killed that didn't deserve it while I might have a chance at stopping
it." His voice was soft and honest, surprising the Potions Master.
"I've underestimated you," Snape admitted before glancing back up at Tom. "I
don't like this game Dumbledore's playing and I don't like being controlled."
Tom cocked an eyebrow at Snape. "Voldemort controls his troops too, as you well
know."
"But he doesn't play games," Harry murmured. "Not with his followers, at least.
I mean, yes, he'll use the Cruciatus Curse on them if he's not happy, but he
doesn't move them around like chess pieces, sending one out to die to let him
move in some back way so he can either get closer to his enemy or stay alive
one day longer. He tends to do the work himself, if only because he trusts no
one." The teen glanced up into shocked black orbs. "Right?"
Snape looked up at his co-worker. "What have you been teaching him? He sounds
like a Slytherin."
Harry scowled while Tom chuckled. "Harry has the mind of both a Slytherin and a
Gryffindor. He'll do stupid stuff on the spur of the moment, but, if he thinks
things through, he's really quite devious."
Snape shifted his gaze back to Harry, narrowing his eyes slightly. "I'd
noticed," he said dryly.
Harry smirked. "You weren't the only one pranked, if it makes you feel any
better."
"Oh?"
"Marcus enjoyed dinner as a woman," Harry agreed, then squealed as said man's
fingers found a very ticklish spot in Harry's side. Snape shook his head,
hiding another amused smile as the teen attempted to escape his teacher.
"Mercy! Mercy! Ahh!! Not there!!" Harry called, giggling helplessly.
"I don't show mercy to Gryffindors," Tom shot back, grinning.
We have an audience! Harry managed mentally.
Oh, very well. Tom stopped the tickling and settled back against the couch
while Harry tried regaining his breath.
"Prat," Harry gasped.
"Thank you." Tom smiled before looking back at Snape. "If you suddenly stop
spying for Dumbledore, he'll know something is up."
"I haven't had much to report lately anyway," Snape pointed out.
"No, I suppose not." Tom scratched the back of his head. "Our Lord has been
wary about your trustworthiness since he returned, as I'm sure you're aware.
It's the main reason he told me to try for the job here when the Weasley twins
suggested it."
Snape nodded. That's what he'd thought.
"Perhaps…" Tom glanced up at Snape with a slight frown. "A test?"
"A test?" Snape asked, scowling.
"Yes…" Tom hummed. "To make sure."
"Marcus, just spit it out," Harry ordered.
Tom smiled at the teen briefly before turning his gaze back to Snape. "Do you
have any information that you haven't yet told our Lord?"
"Nothing that I can actually help him with," Snape admitted, glancing at Harry.
"Headquarters." Harry nodded.
Tom scowled. "What about your headquarters?"
"Dumbledore's the Secret Keeper," Snape explained.
Tom sighed. "That wouldn't be something you could tell and have it be useful,"
he agreed sadly, obviously wishing that weren't so.
Harry pinched Tom. "Oh, stop, you."
The Dark Lord rubbed his arm, absently staring at Snape. "There's supposed to
be a raid tomorrow, in Bristol. It's planned for about six."
But, I thought it was planned for five-thirty…
Hush. It's a test. I want to see if we're stopped.
Oh…
"I…see…" Snape was watching the other two wizards emotionlessly. "If that is
all, I should be going, as should Mr Potter."
I think he wants to talk to you away from me, love, Tom told the teen in
amusement.
Big surprise, Harry shot back dryly before standing. "I am getting tired."
"Says he who slept in this morning," Tom retorted, rising to hug Harry. "Sleep
well, you brat."
"Not with Ron's snoring, I won't. Sure I can't move in with you?"
"I probably snore even louder than Mr Weasley."
"No one can snore louder than Ron." Harry grinned, tipping the Dark Lord a
wink. "See you in class tomorrow."
Tom snorted and walked Harry over to the door, where Snape was awaiting them.
"I'm sure I'll see you at breakfast, Severus," he said lightly to the Potions
Master as he ruffled Harry's hair. Then he shooed them out the door and closed
it.
"I'm assuming you wanted to talk to me, Professor?" Harry enquired, glancing up
at the man.
"Yes. I'll walk you to your common room," Snape agreed. Harry nodded and they
started off before Snape asked his question. "Has he done anything to you?"
"You mean taken advantage of me?" Harry rolled his eyes. "No. I don't think
he'd get away with it if he tried. I'm sure I know about as many hexes as you
do by now."
"I doubt that."
"Well, I'm not planning on trying to find out any time soon." Harry shrugged.
"No, Marcus is the perfect gentleman. For a Death Eater, I mean."
Snape shook his head. "What about your, shall we say, station in the war?"
"I don't think he can change me being the Boy-Who-Bloody-Well-Wouldn't-Die,
Professor. Not even Voldie can change that," the teen responded seriously.
Snape glanced over at the boy with surprise. "Really?"
Harry made a face. "Professor Snape, I never asked to be a part of this war. I
never wanted fame or fortune or what-have-you. I'd rather be Neville Longbottom
than Harry Potter most of the time, quite honestly."
"Understandable," Snape agreed, surprising Harry. "What about your views?"
"I never picked a side in this war, not really. I fight to stay alive, and
protect those who have protected and befriended me. It's how I live. I've seen
the bad of both the Muggle world and the wizarding world. I've seen the good,
too. I've got to tell you, we're all human in the end. I disagree with Voldie's
views on purebloods, but, like you, I dislike Dumbledore's manipulations."
Harry stopped as the Fat Lady's portrait came into sight and glanced up into
surprised black orbs.
"If given the chance to join Voldemort and stay with Marcus, I can't say I
won't take it. But, if that course of action leads to death like we've seen
since his return, and before his so-called death, I may stay with Dumbledore."
The teen shrugged. "The future is yet unsure. We shall see." Then he turned to
the Fat Lady. "Golden. Good night, Professor Snape."
Snape turned and returned to his dungeons to think over their conversation.
***** Chapter 25 *****
"Harry?"
The black-haired young man turned to look at the two he'd once considered his
best friends. "Yes?"
"I was wondering if we could talk to you," Hermione murmured, nudging her head
towards the boy's dorm.
Harry shrugged, not seeing why not. Neville and Dean had gone home for
Christmas holidays and, Seamus was in the village with Blaise, Draco, Pansy,
Ginny, and Theodore; Harry hadn't gone only because he'd had no shopping left
to do, except for one, and he doubted he'd find anything in Hogsmeade for Tom.
"Perfect." Hermione gripped one arm and half-dragged the green-eyed Gryffindor
up to his dorm room, Ron following sulkily. He'd never quite got over Harry and
Ginny's "relationship", and the two were constantly shoving it in his face.
Harry sat on his bed as Ron closed the door tightly behind them and threw up
Silencing Charms.
Hermione smiled at Harry nervously as Ron came to stand next to her. "We
have…news for you…"
Harry cocked an eyebrow at his friends. "You got back together and now you want
to get married," he said bluntly.
Hermione reddened while Ron settled for a cold glare, which led Harry to
believe that Hermione had put a Silencing Charm on the red-head. "Well, it's
not that simple…" the bushy-haired young woman mumbled.
"Pity."
Ron's glare intensified. "Well, you remember how Ron took me out to Hogsmeade
for my birthday?"
"Vaguely…" Harry nodded. He hadn't been able to go because of a detention with
Snape, and the whole House had thrown the Head Girl a party the following
weekend, anyway.
"Well, we sort of got drunk…" Hermione's voice died as she flamed again.
Harry froze, recognition dawning. His eyes swung to Ron as he stood slowly.
"Herm, what happened?"
"Well, things got a little out of hand and…andnowI'mpregnant."
Emerald-green eyes narrowed dangerously at the red-head. "He of the great
virtues, he who goes to great lengths to make sure I don't even consider sex
with his darling sister, got his ex-girlfriend pregnant on her birthday?"
Harry's voice was soft and deadly.
Ron paled and hid behind Hermione.
"Now, Harry, it's not that bad…"
Harry glanced up to his friend, eyes softening slightly. "Herm, I love you
dearly, but I'd suggest you just let me have a go at Ronniekins."
Hermione paused. "No hexing."
The wizard pressed his lips together darkly. "No permanent, life-threatening,
or inappropriately embarrassing hexing, especially any such hexes that might
give away my motivation," he countered.
Hermione sighed and moved aside with a nod, leaving Ron bare to Harry's deadly
glare. "Ronald, dearest, what have you to say for yourself? Finite
Incantantum," Harry asked in a sweet voice.
"Help?" Ron squeaked.
Harry's eyes flashed. "RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY, YOU COMPLETE AND UTTER IDIOT!
WHAT THE BLOODY FUCK WERE YOU THINKING?! HAVE YOU NO BRAINS?! NO COMMON SENSE?!
DOES ANYTHING DENT THAT THICK SKULL OF YOURS?! ANYTHING?!?! AFTER ALL THOSE
TIMES YOU WENT AFTER ME ABOUT GINNY YOU GO AND KNOCK UP HERMIONE OF ALL_THE
BLOODY_FUCKING_GIRLS_IN_HOGWARTS!! I SHOULD MURDER YOU!!!"
Harry watched, triumphantly, as Ron was reduced to a mess of whimpers on the
floor of the dorm. Hermione looked impressed. Harry hadn't had a good, long
yell in a while, not even with Salazar, and he revelled in the feeling as he
leaned down to Ron's level, wand between the red-head's eyes. His voice, when
he spoke again, was soft as a whisper, but no less scary then his shouting.
"Let us get this straight, Weasley. If I hear of you bothering Herm with this
idiotic crush of yours again after you went and got her pregnant, what I'm
about to do to you will look like a walk in the gardens on a moonlit night."
Ron nodded numbly and Harry's smile chilled even more.
                                     -~*~-
Tom smiled across the table at Severus Snape. "You've found it, then?"
"It was not easy, Marcus." Severus scowled and handed over a slip of paper with
an address written on it. "Now, please tell me why you want Mr. Potter's
address so badly."
"I have some things to…discuss…with Harry's relatives." The Dark Lord slipped
the address into a pocket.
"Really?" Severus' tone was spiked with disbelief.
"Yes…" The older man's eyes were cold and accompanied by a smirk.
"What have you got planned, Marcus?" Severus growled, tired of the man's game.
Tom shrugged, face suddenly closed. "You really believe Harry lives a
privileged life with his family, don't you?" Curiosity laced his words.
Severus' face twisted horribly. "Of course he does." The man sneered. "The
bloody Boy-Who-Liv–"
"No."
"Excuse me?"
Tom shook his head. "Severus, you know Harry too well by now to start in with
old prejudices."
Severus scowled, but had to admit that the Death Eater across from him had a
point; over the past two and a half weeks he'd come to know the Potter-brat
better, he'd found himself not faced with the big-headed, loud, stupid,
arrogant Gryffindor boy that had been so like his father, but a quiet,
brilliant, polite, almost Slytherin-like young man. In fact, the young Miss
Weasley had also showed a Slytherin side of herself that had shocked the
Potions Master into silence more than once.
"Your father was abusive, as I recall? He hated you and your mother?" the
Defence professor asked, voice surprisingly soft.
Severus nodded numbly. "He drank a lot," was his murmured reply.
"You and Harry aren't that different, but his uncle doesn't drink, and you
didn't have a bully as a cousin." The man's teal eyes were chilled.
Severus pursed his lips. "It that so?"
The elder man stood slowly, suddenly looking old and weary, a sight Severus had
never seen before from him. "Severus, we are Slytherins, and I've told you
before that Harry is nearly one himself. A mask is a simple thing for us to
make. A mask that covers ourselves and throws forward someone else. Harry has a
name to live up to. That young man learned he was to save the world and then
faced death, alone, at eleven." Teal eyes flashed angrily; not, Severus noted,
at him, but at the speaker himself.
"But, you know this." A sad smile. "Everyone does, now. The Boy-Who-Lived. He
hates that name. Hates himself." The elder wizard glanced down at the man in
the room with him. "Harry doesn't exact revenge, he just lets everything be. I
plan on showing that bastard cousin of his why I am a Death Eater and not a
Muggle-lover." His voice was deadly, causing a shiver to slide through the
Potions Master. "I plan on making the Dursleys wish they'd never even glared at
Harry Potter."
As Severus met the man's eyes, he found himself staring, not at teal, but
scarlet eyes and held back a cry. Good Merlin… His mind froze as he realized
exactly how screwed the Light was.
"You're gaping, Severus." Tom sounded amused, fury gone in the blink of an eye.
Severus recalled, suddenly, why this man was thought insane.
The Potions Master bowed his head. "My Lord, no one in their right mind would
even think you a Muggle-lover," he murmured.
The Dark Lord slipped around the table that had been between himself and
Severus and forced the man's head up with a finger under his chin, teal eyes
narrowed dangerously. "Do not make my trust in your change in sides false,
Severus Snape. You will live to regret it, though not for long."
"My Lord, forgive me, but I am no fool. I can see when the Light has lost
clearly. My alliances lie with you."
Tom nodded once, sharply, before letting the younger man go and returning
swiftly to his chair, an air of calm about him again. "A wise choice."
Severus paused before deciding to test his luck. "My Lord, you are aware that
Pot–Harry doesn't want a lot of death?"
The Dark Lord sighed, closing his eyes. "Quite."
"And?"
Humour coloured the teal eyes as Tom opened them to gaze at his follower. "Are
you concerned for Harry's mind-set, Severus? This is a surprise."
Severus pursed his lips. "He is my student, my Lord. While he still lives in my
school, I am duty-bound to watch over him."
"Humph. A first time for everything, I suppose. As for what I plan on doing
about Harry's request against mindless killings, I plan on accommodating him as
I can. If Dumbledore feels the need to push this, Harry will have to put his
feelings about death aside if he plans on seeing the end of this."
Severus sighed, nodding. He doubted Dumbledore would give up with so many
people still backing him. An idea came to him. "My Lord, I know you already
have some of the Gryffindors under your wing, would it not be beneficial to
gather more of them as well as those from other Houses? Especially their
parents."
"There have been problems with that." The Dark Lord's eyes glimmered with dark
humour. "Like other teachers showing little or no trust in me."
"I'll see what I can do," Severus murmured.
"Perfect."
                                     -~*~-
"You're never going to actually get a handle on your temper, are you, Harry?"
Hermione wondered with humour as Harry closed the door on the large tomato that
sat in the centre of the boy's dorm.
"Nah. Gives you far too much amusement for me to do such a thing so suddenly."
Harry grinned.
Hermione laughed. "Oh, I've definitely missed having you around!"
Harry realized, numbly, that Hermione wasn't alone in those feelings. "Yeah.
I've missed you too." He swallowed with difficulty.
Hermione slid an arm around his shoulders and let it hang there. "Walk me to
the Infirmary?"
Harry looked at her sharply. "You okay?"
The girl's smile was reassuring. "Yes. Madam Pomfrey just wants me to check in
constantly so she knows if I do start having problems."
Harry nodded. "Sure thing." He slid an arm around her waist protectively. "And
let's just hope Ginny doesn't see us," he added with a wink, starting off down
the stairs with her.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You two aren't together, and you know it. Ginny's
dating that hot, brown-haired Slytherin."
Harry laughed. "You, Hermione Granger, are far too quick for me!"
"No, not really. I just saw them kissing good night one time while you watched
on with a happy smile. I almost thought you three were in it together, but I
figured it out later…" The young woman silenced suddenly.
Harry glanced around as they stepped out into the hall. "What?"
Hermione gave Harry a withering look. "Which reminds me, what are you doing
dating Professor Brutùs, anyway?"
Harry paled. "Oh, yeah, that…"
"Yes, Harry. That."
"You can't tell anyone! He'll get into trouble!" Harry immediately begged.
Hermione sighed. "Do you see Dumbledore kicking him out of the school yet? I'm
not going to tell a damned person that you fancy a teacher."
"Thanks, Herm."
"However!"
"Shit…"
Hermione smiled fondly at the young man still holding her almost protectively.
"I was wondering, why don't any of the other professors trust him?"
Harry sighed. "You're going to freak out, I just know it."
"Harry, by now, nothing you tell me would have a chance at freaking me out."
Harry grinned briefly before his gaze turned serious and he glanced at her out
of the corner of his eyes, not stopping their steady pace to the Hospital Wing.
"He's a Death Eater. A very favoured Death Eater."
Hermione hummed. "That explains the Slytherins suddenly being so friendly with
you."
Harry nodded, relieved that she hadn't blown up in his face. Of course, he
reminded himself, Herm's not the type of person to blow up; she reasons
everything through first.
"Did he get Voldemort to leave you alone, then?" Hermione enquired.
Leave it to Herm to always know the right questions. Harry winced mentally.
"It's complicated."
Hermione forced them to stop in the middle of the hall and pulled away so she
could look directly at Harry, drawing up a Silencing Charm as she did so. Once
the spell was secure, Hermione asked, voice mild, "Harry, did you swear
yourself to Voldemort?"
"No," Harry answered honestly. "But I'm no longer sure of Dumbledore, either."
"Harry…" Exasperation.
"Hermione, wait. Give me a chance to explain, okay?" Harry begged. Hermione
paused to think for a brief moment before nodding for him to continue. "I don't
want a war, and I don't want pointless deaths; you know this. But the longer we
fight, the more the deaths there will be. I want peace. Everyone wants peace,
even Voldemort. I'm tired of playing this long game of chess with Dumbledore.
If I have to switch my colours to get my peace, so be it."
"You'd side with a man who wants you dead?!" Hermione asked disbelievingly.
"He doesn't. Not anymore. We came to a…a truce, of sorts, over the summer.
Ginny forced me to admit I fancied Marcus and Marcus to admit he fancied me.
Voldemort didn't want to lose his top man and had to make a few deals."
"That's lovely for you, Harry." Hermione's voice was chilled.
Harry scowled suddenly. "Hermione Granger, if you think for one damned second
that I'd just stand back and let Voldemort kill every Muggle or Muggle-born in
sight, we'll have to ask Madam Pomfrey to check out your head as well. Did I
not just say I wanted no pointless killings? Voldemort's well-aware of just how
far I'll let him go before I start fighting back."
"Harry, just who is Marcus Brutùs?" Hermione asked suddenly.
Harry clamped his mouth shut and glared at her.
Suddenly, Hermione's eyes widened and she let out a little gasp, paling
quickly.
Harry swung around and came face-to-face with a furious Tom Riddle. The
Silencing Charm flickered and died out as Hermione grasped at Harry's shoulder
for support. Harry set his hand over hers and gave the scarlet-eyed Dark Lord a
dirty look. "Stop scaring her."
" 'Stop scaring her'," Tom mocked angrily.
"Tom." Harry's voice came out as a low growl.
The Dark Lord froze and met green eyes evenly. You were panicking, Harry!
"I didn't need your help!" the boy shot back, angry. "I can take care of
myself!" He glanced back at Hermione, who was shaking, and forced himself to
calm down. "Come on. Before you faint."
"I just need to sit…" she murmured, eyes still on the Dark Lord.
"Ignore Tom. He's just being overly protective," Harry said coldly, forcing her
to turn and start walking towards the Hospital Wing again, letting her lean on
him.
Tom scowled and followed the two seventh years at a slight distance, knowing
Harry sensed him and just ignored him. He gently probed at Harry's mind. What's
wrong with her?
A tired sigh came from the male Gryffindor. Ron got her pregnant a few months
ago.
This would be the same Ron who bothers you and Gin constantly about not having
sex? Who puts you down at every chance? Who is supposed to be your best friend?
That Ron?
That would be the one, yes.
Great Merlin. If I hadn't promised Gin I wouldn't murder her family, I'd
strangle the child.
Harry gave a humourless laugh.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered softly.
"You okay?"
"Yes." She paused. "Were you two just talking?"
"Hm? Yes. He was commenting that he'd kill Ron if he hadn't promised Ginny he
wouldn't."
"Ginny's in on all of this…?"
"Crafty little brat, that child is," Tom agreed, falling in to step with them
on Harry's other side. Hermione let out a startled cry and shrunk back against
Harry, but continued walking, if only because she had to.
"I won't hurt you, Granger. Harry won't let me."
"Not a chance. Herm's family," Harry retorted.
"For a kid who doesn't want the only family that he has alive, you sure have a
large family," the Dark Lord snorted, eyes forward.
"So says the orphan with his family of Death Eaters," Harry muttered so only
Hermione could hear.
The young woman giggled and glanced up at the man walking with them. His eyes
were teal again, his hair a soft shade of brown. His skin was light, but not
deathly pale, as Harry had described that of the Riddle of the diary from their
second year. His build was tall and slim, muscles rippling beneath softly
billowing robes. She'd never really looked at him before, hadn't had a reason
to. He did look rather good, and not like a man in his early seventies.
Teal eyes sought out the brown he felt staring at him and Hermione looked away,
blushing slightly. Harry rolled his eyes at the two.
"Here." Tom held the door to the Infirmary open for the two.
"Miss Granger! Mr Potter! What happened?" Madam Pomfrey cried, hurrying over.
"Marcus gave Herm a bit of a scare while we were on our way here for her usual
check-up," Harry explained, helping the tired Hermione to a bed.
Madam Pomfrey scowled at the professor as she took note of him. "A bit more
caution, Professor Brutùs. I thought only Professor Snape snuck up on students
to give them heart attacks."
Tom dropped his gaze to the floor and looked properly sorry, a sight which got
a giggle from Hermione and a grin from Harry.
"He's human, just like you and me," Harry murmured into Hermione's ear.
Hermione nodded. This is such a strange situation…
"Very well." Madam Pomfrey returned her attention to Hermione. "Normally Mr
Weasley brings you down…" she realised.
"Ron's currently a little busy," Harry growled, anger blazing in his eyes. He
felt an answering fury from the Dark Lord, but Tom's expression was far better
controlled.
"Busy?" Madam Pomfrey responded disbelievingly. "What did you do, hang him up
naked in the Great Hall?"
"Perhaps next week," Harry responded evenly. "Today, he is learning exactly
what it means to be 'red as a tomato'."
"A very deaf tomato. Harry yelled his ears off," Hermione finished brightly, a
gleam of mischief in her eyes as she glanced over at her friend. "Will you
really hang him up naked in the Great Hall?"
Harry shrugged. "Dumbledore will have fits. Again."
Madam Pomfrey shook her head, expression tight. She sided with the large
faction of Hogwarts that believed Harry should have been expelled after the
prank he'd played on the Potions professor. Since then, he'd got back at a few
other students he'd had bones to pick with, none as serious as the one on the
professor, but each probably deserving of expulsion and earning nothing more
than a lecture from Dumbledore, which Harry tuned out, no longer bothering to
argue with the old man.
"The day Albus Dumbledore takes one of your pranks silently is the day I'll eat
a sherbet lemon," Tom growled.
"Marcus, the day that man expels me, I'll dance on the roof of the school
naked," Harry shot back.
"I'm sure I can set something up."
"Doesn't play practical jokes my foot."
Hermione giggled while Madam Pomfrey sighed. "You two…"
"Who said it was practical?" Tom inquired of his student while Hermione leaned
over, laughing.
"Impractical isn't allowed in the school, Marcus."
"You really think he'd fire me for something as inconsequential as that?"
"I'd have to say yes."
"Even if it means hiring the Weasley twins to take my place?"
"I think he'd only stop short of Voldie, really."
This, of course, had Hermione laughing helplessly, Madam Pomfrey glaring at
them for making her job more difficult, and Tom chuckling.
"Voldemort, teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts? I can't see it."
"Oh, I can." Harry pretended he had a wand and turned to Marcus, setting his
face into an ugly mask of fury. "That answer is wrong! Crucio!"
Tom mocked flailing in pain.
"Out! Both of you!" Pomfrey ordered, trying not to smile. Hermione was howling
with helpless laughter, clutching her sides tightly as the nurse forced them
from the ward.
Did it work?
Did what work? Harry glanced up at Tom as they leaned against the wall outside
the Infirmary.
Getting her to trust me?
You're corrupting more Gryffindors on purpose, Harry stated blandly.
And you don't mind.
Never said I did.
There was a long pause as they both thought their own thoughts.
Should I tell Severus to take everything out on Weasley and to take it easy on
Granger?
Please.
Of course.
What were you up to earlier?
Talking to Severus.
About?
Nothing much.
Tom.
Although, I lost my temper…
Please tell me you didn't cast an Unforgivable in the school…
No, I didn't. Severus knows who I really am, though.
I should have bet you money for that.
What? Guessing how long it would take for others to figure it out?
Duh.
Well, it's easier for the people who have to deal with me constantly.
It's even easier when you lose your grip on that glamour and your red eyes show
through.
It's not my fault no one else has red eyes.
Tom, love, no one else wants eyes like yours. They're creepy.
You don't seem to mind them. Tom's voice was amused as he glanced over the
Gryffindor next to him hungrily.
Stop.
Sorry. Teal eyes fell on the stone wall before them once again. I didn't mean
to make you angry at me, earlier. I just… I worry.
Especially when Gin's not around to save me, Harry responded, amused.
Especially then, yes. Tom paused briefly before continuing. You're fine when
you're angry; it's when you get scared or worried that you start to panic. When
you start to panic, you have that possibility of relapsing.
Harry glanced up at the stony face in surprise. You sound like you know.
I do.
Harry recalled, suddenly, that Tom had attended a Muggle orphanage. During the
second World War. He suppressed a shudder and slid closer to Tom.
A comforting hand slid around Harry's shoulders and hugged him close. I'm going
to protect you. I swear it.
And my friends?
Of course.
Even my Muggleborn friends?
Tom didn't miss a beat. Every single last one, no matter their blood purity or
skin colours or what-have-you.
Harry couldn't help but believe him.
***** Chapter 26 *****
"I'm officially confused," Ginny announced, stopping in the doorway to stare at
the people already in Tom's rooms.
Harry waved from where he sat in Tom's lap, much to the Dark Lord's annoyance.
"Come in! Be polite to Herm, too!"
"Polite, Harry?" Draco enquired, giving the brown-haired young woman a glare,
which she returned.
Harry groaned and hid his face in his hands. "I'm surrounded by idiots. Tom,
help."
Ginny was the first to catch the slip. "Wait!" Her eyes wide, she looked
between her fellow female Gryffindor and the young man in Tom's lap. "She knows
and Dumbledore hasn't killed us all yet?"
"Did Harry not tell you all to be polite?" Tom enquired mildly. "I don't
believe it is polite to stare, especially with one's mouths hanging open."
There was the sound of many mouths snapping shut and the group of Slytherins
and Gryffindors sat in their own chairs or couches, staying away from Hermione.
Harry gave Hermione a pleading look. The girl rolled her eyes but nodded her
head.
"You'll be nice to Herm or I'll prank you all," Harry informed his friends with
mock seriousness.
Blaise pretended to look properly horrified. "Why ever would you do that?!"
"Because it's not polite to attack a pregnant woman," came Tom's mild reply as
he glanced around Harry.
"Pregnant?!" All eyes turned to Hermione, who blushed deeply and ducked her
head, mentally making a list of horrible things to do to the Dark Lord for
dropping the bomb so.
"Even if she is a Muggleborn..." Tom added almost thoughtfully. The following
shout let everyone know that Harry had punished him for the comment, probably
with his elbow in the man's gut.
"Hermione, how?" Ginny asked the older girl softly, eyes worried.
Hermione glanced over at Harry pleadingly and the green-eyed young man brought
the attention back to himself, saying, "It was Ron. When he took her out for
her birthday, he got her drunk." Emerald-green eyes burned fiercely as the teen
spoke.
"I'm going to give Ron a piece of my mind," Seamus declared, standing despite
Blaise's protests.
"Don't worry about it," Hermione said coolly. "Harry turned him into a tomato a
couple of hours ago."
The group of students turned to stare at Harry in awe, Draco smiling widely.
"Weasel the Tomato. Has a certain ring to it."
"Right." Attention returned to Harry. "Draco, make sure the rest of your House
knows that Hermione's under my protection when they return. Make sure the word
is spread to your Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs as well?"
"Yes, Mum," Draco replied, rolling his eyes.
"Is being under your protection something special?" Hermione enquired of her
friend.
"I ordered my followers to have their children listen to and behave around
Harry," Tom answered for the teen in his lap.
"It's not like Harry's pranking isn't scary enough," Theodore pointed out
wisely.
"No one wants to be on his bad side," Pansy agreed.
"Don't I feel special?" The black-haired Gryffindor sneered.
"Harry, love, you're extremely special." Tom snorted, hugging the teen to his
chest. Harry smiled among the cat-calls of the Slytherins, Ginny, and Seamus.
Hermione smiled, amused by their antics.
This is a very different group than how I expected them to be, she admitted to
herself.
Someone knocked on the door.
"Do you know how annoying this is?" Ginny complained as the group shuffled
around, much to Hermione's surprise.
"There's got to be a spell that will figure out who's outside before we move,"
Harry had to agree, sitting between Hermione and Ginny on the couch. Seamus
stuck his tongue out at his Gryffindor friends and cuddled closer to Blaise;
the two boys had come out to the school the day before the students all went
home for Christmas, so it didn't matter if they sat together.
"I hate you two," Theodore informed them as he sat next to Blaise.
"Why did you all do that?" Hermione enquired while Tom made his way, slowly, to
the door, ignoring the incessant knocking.
"Appearances. We don't know who's at the door. If it's, say, Dumbledore, we're
screwed if we're just sitting like we were," Harry explained softly as Tom
reached the door.
"Silence," the Dark Lord ordered before opening the door.
Severus Snape pushed past him and into the room, skin paler than usual. Tom
slammed the door closed, automatically setting the wards while Harry vaulted
the couch to get the Potions professor some calming tea. The other students all
watched, shocked.
"Start talking," Tom ordered once Harry had handed over the tea.
"Dumbledore's ordered some aurors to come and search your rooms," Severus
explained. "I think he's trying to get rid of you as best he can."
"He suspects something?" Harry enquired, curious. The other students watched on
silently, Hermione with eyes wide in shock.
"He noticed some missing information," Severus replied, looking to Tom
meaningfully.
The Dark Lord's gaze darkened. "Damn him." His eyes swung over the watching
students. "I'm going to suggest you all clear out. Harry, take those books of
yours with you. Ask Slytherin to watch them, if you must."
"Right." The young man slid into Tom's bedroom to grab all of the illegal stuff
he'd told the Dark Lord to watch for him. It was in a trunk, which he
miniaturized and stuffed into a pocket before going back out into the living
room. "Done."
Tom's eyes swept over the group of students, who looked ready to leave, and
then at Severus. "Severus, you'll want to clear out as well. If he thinks you
warned me..."
"Right." The Potions Master stood with a weary sigh, beetle-like eyes catching
on Hermione's form and frowning.
"Professor?" Harry asked smoothly, making the attention return to him. "Perhaps
you could help me with that potion we were working on in class last time?"
The Slytherins caught on quickly. "Harry wasn't the only one having trouble,"
Draco said softly. "I think we could all use some help."
"And I wouldn't be such a bad thing for Ginny to get ahead," Hermione murmured,
picking up on their trick.
"Indeed?" Severus nodded and motioned towards the door.
As the group filed out, Harry gave Tom a quick hug. : Careful, Tom.
Dumbledore's crafty,: he hissed in warning, making the Dark Lord smile.
"You be careful," Tom responded before pushing him from the room. Take them the
back way.
Love you too. Harry laughed mentally as he motioned for the group to follow him
behind a tapestry.
"Nobody knows this school like our Harry," Draco murmured appreciatively.
"I do believe you'll have to fight Professor Brutús before you can claim Mr
Potter as yours, Mr Malfoy, even in part," Severus pointed out.
"Don’t you hate it when he's right?" Harry teased the blond as they came out
near Severus' office in the dungeons.
"Sod off, Potter," Draco shot back. The students all laughed while Severus
opened his office for them and motioned them all inside.
"Might I ask why Miss Granger has joined your little party?" the Potions Master
asked, closing the door behind him.
Harry glanced at Hermione for permission to tell the professor her secret, but
the teen just shrugged helplessly. Harry scowled at her before turning back to
Severus. "It appears that Ron got her pregnant a while back. I blew up at Ron,
turned him into a tomato, then helped Hermione down to the infirmary for her
daily check-up. On the way down, we got into a discussion about Tom and he
kinda of showed up to check why I was angry." The teen shrugged helplessly.
"That's the second time you've slipped!" Ginny shouted, annoyed.
Harry blinked a few times while the other students bit back their laughter and
Severus tried not to smile. "Uhm, Gin, I normally know what I'm doing. Herm
already knew, so you should be assuming that Snape also already knows, should
you not?"
"Harry, Professor Snape didn't know last time we were all around," Theodore
pointed out reasonably.
"Hey, not my fault you’re all behind on the times."
"You're asking to be hexed," Ginny growled.
"The best prank is the one you least expect," Harry retorted.
Severus rolled his eyes at the two. "That's all lovely. However, I have a stack
of papers to be graded. You can either help me, or suffer through the
Headmaster."
"Well, I'm helping," Draco volunteered immediately.
"Me too," Theodore agreed as Blaise and Pansy both nodded.
Hermione sighed. "If you'll let me, Professor..."
Severus waved his hand at the stack of papers and they landed in piles on
various desks. "Go on, then." The five got to work as he turned back to Harry,
Ginny, and Seamus. "And you three?"
"Seam can help me," Blaise ordered his boyfriend. Seamus walked over to him
with a sigh of relief.
Severus turned back to the other two. "Well?"
"Sir, I do need help with a few of the potions from class..." Ginny mumbled.
Harry frowned at the Potions Master. "Help her," he suggested. "Tom and I agree
that you need to be more polite towards those in our little group. Give the
other students ample reason to rethink Dumbledore's side and the such. Take
things out on Ron, especially."
Severus scowled. "Who needs Dumbledore? We have you."
"Oh, do you think I'm manipulating things again?" Harry responded teasingly. He
and Severus had built a strange sort of friendship that was mostly supported by
light barbs and insults. However, Harry had found that Severus would listen to
him, and, even more, often agreed with him.
"Quite."
"Ah, I guarantee I'm not as bad as Dumbledore," was Harry's response.
"Indeed." Severus nodded to Ginny absently. "Go get a cauldron and the
ingredients," he ordered, motioning towards the storage room. As the girl went
to get the things she'd need, Severus returned his gaze to Harry. "What makes
you think we'll seem so much better if I stop biting off just a few heads?"
Harry smirked. "Rumours. Rumours that will start when the students return. No
matter the House, they'll be there. Rumour feeds Hogwarts, Professor. Rumour
will feed the discord in the school."
"What sorts of rumours?" Hermione asked over a paper. The others all watched on
curiously.
"The truth." Harry shrugged. "That we have Death Eaters on staff. That
Voldemort is winning. That my faith in Dumbledore is wavering." Harry's green
eyes were lit with mischief. "The seeds of doubt are already sprung.
Dumbledore's letting me get away with things. Slytherins hate him, Ravenclaws
are questioning him, Gryffindors will start to wonder at their own bounds,
Hufflepuffs are wavering in their loyalty, and the teachers are questioning
Dumbledore's motives; there's a large factor of them that want me expelled."
"You've been planning this for months..." Ginny whispered, gaping at him. "And
we had no clue." The Slytherins looked just as gobsmacked as the red-headed
Gryffindor.
"Yes and no," Harry admitted. "The pranks started out for personal gain, but
they evolved. The outcome is helping Tom, slowly."
"One would never think that a simple prank could turn a whole school." Draco
hummed. "Harry Potter, I believe you've outsmarted us all."
"Dray, truth be told, I outsmarted myself on this one."
"Remind me to stay on your good side," Ginny murmured as she set up her
cauldron.
"Me too," Severus agreed, shocking everyone, even Harry. "If I ever say a
Gryffindor is the worst being in existence, someone smack me and remind me of
Potter," he added.
Harry grinned while the others laughed. "I wouldn't say that in my presence if
I were you, Professor. I might just take you up on that offer."
Severus cocked an eyebrow at the boy. "Weren't you supposed to be doing
something with whatever it was you got from my Lord's room?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes. See everyone at dinner."
                                     -~*~-
Tom scowled at Dumbledore as he opened the door to the man's twinkling smile.
"May I help you, Headmaster?"
"Yes. Marcus, these gentlemen–" Dumbledore motioned to the aurors behind him
and Tom had to bite back a rude comment on calling them 'gentlemen', "–would
like to look around your rooms."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then we might just have to drag you out of here under the suspicion that yer
working for You-Know-Who," one of the aurors shot back.
"No, I don't know who," Tom responded idly. At the dull looks he received, he
rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Voldemort, you morons. Say his
name, already." He smirked as they yelped. "As for me being a Death Eater, I
assure you that I bear no Dark Mark. Check me to your heart's content. I don't
work for the Dark Lord."
"Really?" Dumbledore responded, disbelieving.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the elder wizard challengingly. "Really. Must you
contest me when I speak the truth? What is it about you high-up people that
makes you prefer the falsities to the truths, anyway?"
The aurors didn't look happy about the accusation, not that Tom cared.
“Marcus, you're only making this more difficult on yourself.”
Tom scowled and stepped back to let them in. He managed to trip two of the
aurors on their way in, smiling innocently when they turned to glare at him.
Dumbledore easily stepped over the outstretched foot, but Tom managed to make
it look like he’d been stretching without knowledge of the Headmaster’s
passing.
He watched, darkly, as the men started tearing his rooms apart. They expect me
to keep my Dark objects in my room?
Harry chuckled at the complaint. They don’t know where you live the rest of the
time. For all they know, you don’t evenhavea real house to keep your things in.
So glad I have you for the basic facts of life.
You wouldn’t know what to do without me and you know it.
I know quite well what I’d do without you, Mr Potter. I made a list thirty or
forty years ago, in fact. I could probably find it, if I looked hard enough.
You prat!
You talked to Severus about easing up?
Yes, yes. He’s good with it. We’ll start the rumours once the students start
returning. In fact...
What?
Is there any way one or two of us could be on the train on the way home to
start the rumours so they’re already travelling before the train arrives?
Good idea. I’ll see what I can pull together. Tom smirked mentally. Perhaps a
few of my Death Eaters wouldn’t mind having their children and some of their
friends over for the holidays.
Let me guess, including yourself.
Perhaps. I could store all those Dark objects these idiots are looking for.
Ha! You could!
I think I shall leave to call a meeting as soon as these idiots leave. You’ll
be fine with Slytherin?
Yes, yes. Be sure you don’t call Snape. He’s got everyone else busy and,
therefore, harder for Dumbledore to get his hands on.
I know. Tom paused, eyes flicking around the room as the aurors traded shrugs.
“Are you quite done yet?” he grumbled. Harry laughed in his mind.
“Yes.” One of the men stood and dusted himself off. “Done. Didn’t find a
thing.”
“Did I not tell you? No respect for the honest people these days.” Tom snorted,
rolling his eyes. “Merlin.”
Dumbledore shook his head. “Very well. Thank you for your time, Marcus.”
“Oh, of course. Next time you plan a visit, give me a little more warning. I’ll
be sure to have something a little more incriminating than, say, my own wand.”
Dumbledore frowned at the other wizard as the aurors filed out. “Really...”
“You know, Dumbledore, I’m not sure I’ll be spending the rest of my holidays
here. It’s not private enough. I’m sure you’d understand.”
“Of course,” Dumbledore ground out, knowing there wasn’t anything he could say
otherwise.
“I knew you’d see things my way!” Tom smiled winningly. “Good bye, Dumbledore.
Perhaps I shall see you at dinner, perhaps not. We shall see.”
“Yes, we shall.” The old Headmaster left the room and turned to watch his
Defence Against the Dark Arts professor close the door firmly behind him. Wards
flared in to life and Dumbledore had the feeling that the other man planned on
Flooing out to a friend’s house for the holidays sooner than he’d like. He
sighed and turned to go back to his office. The aurors were already gone.
                                     -~*~-
“Salazar?”
The ghost peeked into the bedroom and stared at the Gryffindor for a long
moment before pulling the rest of his body into the room. “You look troubled.”
“I don’t know what to get Tom for Christmas, and now there’s a chance we’ll all
be leaving for the holidays.”
“Why?”
“To spread rumours on the train back.” Harry shrugged meekly.
Salazar sat back in his chair and stared at Harry as the boy tumbled into his
thoughts. “We both know one gift Marvolo would like and would treasure...”
Harry sighed, shaking his head. “Not yet... I–“
“Yes, yes.” Salazar cut Harry off with a wave and the teen fell silent with a
smile. “Where will you be staying, do you know yet?”
“Probably with some Death Eaters, so Tom’s sure we’re all okay.”
Salazar nodded. “Keep brainstorming. Meanwhile, question the Death Eaters on
what they’d get him if they were to give him something for Christmas.”
“I suppose that could work...”
“Of course it will work!”
“You came up with it. Yes.” Harry smiled fondly. “You’ve mentioned that
before.”
“Good to know you’re finally listening, then.” The ghost snorted. “Now, what’s
that trunk you’ve dropped by my bed?”
“Oh, it’s got some of my darker books and artefacts. Tom was keeping them, but
he had to lose them quickly when Dumbledore called some aurors to check over
his room with a fine-toothed comb.”
“Did they find anything?”
“They missed it all. Tom’s not the Dark Lord and a genius for nothing. Of
course, Dumbledore doesn’t know he’s dealing with his most brilliant student
when he’s telling them to search, so he doesn’t think to run a magical scan
over the room or, if he did, it wasn’t set high enough to detect the shields.”
“Good.” Salazar sighed softly. “I suppose I will miss having you two around for
company.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll survive. I mean, you’ve lasted this long...” Harry
responded teasingly.
Salazar scowled at the Gryffindor. “You, little Gryffindor, think too highly of
yourself.”
“Not really. I mean, I’m in the Chamber of Secrets and that’s under the school.
As my rooms happen to be in Gryffindor Tower...”
“Oh, shut up, you.”
Harry laughed. “Don’t worry, Salazar, I’ll miss having you around to talk to as
well.”
“Humph.”
“Oh, I turned Ron into a tomato earlier.”
“A tomato?”
“Yes! He got Herm drunk over her birthday, then, like the jealous ex-boyfriend
he is, forced her in to sex and got her pregnant.”
Salazar snorted. “A tomato. That was the best you could come up with?”
“No, he was just starting to look like one, and I promised Herm to not make it
too dangerous or life-threatening, or what have you. Why?”
“There are better things to do than just turning him into a tomato.”
“Well, that was after I shouted until he was deaf and peeing his pants...”
“Was he really?”
“There was that dark bit in the front, yeah...”
Salazar gave a sharp bark of laughter. “Priceless. The Gryffindor who pissed
his pants and was then turned into a tomato. You should have taken photos.”
“Why, you wanted to see?”
“No. However, I though giving it to the paper would do him some good...”
Harry fell into a bout of helpless laughter at that.
Ah, little Gryffindor, what a picture you make when you laugh. I think Marvolo
would be plenty pleased just to see you laughing openly this Christmas.
“Hey, Salazar?”
“What now?”
“What colour were your eyes in life?”
“Red.”
“Red?”
“Yes. About the same colour as the red of your House.”
“Wow...” Harry scratched the back of his head. “What colour were Godric’s
eyes?”
“Why?”
“Curious, that’s all.”
Salazar sighed. “Green. They were the same colour as yours.”
“Ironic.”
“What is?”
“That your eyes were the colours of the other’s House. What about Helga and
Rowena?”
Salazar smirked. “Rowena’s were yellow, Helga’s a deep blue.”
Harry shook his head. “You four were weird.”
“I suppose we were.”
“It’s cute, though.”
“Cute?”
“How you picked each other’s eyes as your colours.” Harry smirked. “So, did you
and Godric have a fling?”
Salazar cocked an eyebrow at the boy. “What makes you think that?”
“Oh, a few different things. Your favourite colours, your tendency to talk
about him all the time, that picture of him that you forgot to put away this
time on the fireplace shelf...”
Salazar’s gaze swung over to the fireplace and he scowled for, sure enough,
there sat his picture of Godric. “Very clever.”
“It’s cute.”
“Shut up.”
Harry laughed. “And what about Helga and Rowena?”
“Love at first sight, as I recall. I hear they died within days of each other.”
“That’s sweet.”
“At least I already know you’re gay.”
“Hey!”
“Oh, go find your friends, little Gryffindor.” Salazar waved a hand at the boy.
“Tell them about this leaving idea. Prank someone. Whatever.”
“You okay?”
The ghost shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Harry pursed his lips, but stood anyway. “Fine, fine. I’ll see you when I get
back, Gryffindor’s honour.”
“Not worth much, that.”
“So you’ve said.” Harry sighed. “Happy Christmas, Salazar. I–“He paused and the
ghost turned to look at him, which, for some strange reason, brought a blush to
Harry’s cheeks. “I’m sure he misses you too...” he managed in a whisper before
turning to flee down the hall.
Salazar just smiled after him thankfully. “Trust a Gryffindor to know what to
say.”
***** Chapter 27 *****
”Tom and I have a new plan.”
“You two go through those things too fast.”
Harry smiled at Ginny while his other friends laughed and Severus scowled.
“Well, yes, we do, I suppose. This one’s good, though. It has to do with the
‘Big Plot’.”
“Big plot?” Hermione inquired, frowning.
“Pulling Dumbledore down and ending the war.” Draco leaned back in his chair,
eyes on Harry. “Well?”
“We are going to be spending the rest of our Christmas break out of the
school,” Harry offered mischievously.
“Why?” Blaise shook his head. “How is that supposed to help us, other than
getting us away from Dumbledore, I mean?”
Harry rolled his eyes. “What plan is going into effect once Christmas break
ends?”
“Spreading rumours…” Pansy frowned. “Harry, I’m still lost."
“Of course!” Hermione’s eyes shone as she figured it out. “The train! It’s more
difficult to trace the rumours back to their head if they start outside the
school!”
“Exactly!” Harry leaned over and gave his friend a hug.
Draco rolled his eyes. “I do believe, then, that I should be polite and offer
my humble home to both Master Potter and Madam Weasley over this break, as they
are the reason I decided to stay here.”
“Me too! Me too!” Theodore waved his hand around frantically.
“Fine…” Draco scowled.
“Well, I’m staying here. You need at least one inside contact to let you know
if anything’s going down.” Blaise sighed. Seamus nodded seriously next to the
Slytherin.
“Good men.” Harry pulled a piece of old parchment from his pocket and held it
out to the Irishman. “If you lose this, Seamus Finnigan, I’ll skin you alive.”
Seamus nodded nervously as he took the Marauder’s Map. Blaise rolled his eyes
at his boyfriend. “You’re acting like Longbottom, Seam.”
The group of students laughed as Seamus blushed.
Severus cleared his throat. “What of Ms Granger?”
Hermione looked up at the professor, startled while Harry frowned in thought.
“I’m not leaving you here, Herm. No chance in hell.”
“Father might let her in…” Draco suggested.
Tom?
Somewhat busy, love.
See if Lucius Malfoy will let Herm stay the holiday at his home?
Not order?
Tom…
Wait. Tom fell silent and Harry got the distinct impression that the Dark Lord
was checking quietly with Lucius.
“Harry, you okay?” Hermione enquired.
“Tom’s seeing if Lucius will let you over,” the green-eyed teen responded.
“Oh…” Hermione scratched her head. “That’s right. You two have that
connection…”
“Mhm…” Harry nodded absently.
He says it’s up to Draco. What all have you agreed on?
Hold on. Harry looked to Draco. “Lucius says it’s your choice.”
Silvery orbs shifted over Hermione’s form before the Malfoy heir nodded.
“She’ll be coming. I won’t leave her alone in Gryffindor Tower with the
Weasel.”
“Why, Draco Malfoy, I never knew you could be such a gentleman,” Hermione
teased lightly. Draco scowled.
Herm’s going to be at Malfoy Manor with myself and Gin. Ted’s also wormed his
way into staying there. ‘Bini and Seam will be remaining at Hogwarts. I believe
Pan’s planned on remaining here as well.
Good. I’ll inform their parents.
What about you?
Oh, Lucius already invited me over for Christmas. Does so every year.
Lovely. Harry tuned back in to his friends as Tom laughed. “Everything’s good,
then?”
“We still have to pack…” Draco half whined.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Off we go, then. Ted, make sure Dray actually packs and
doesn’t pause continuously to, I dunno, preen himself?”
“I do not preen myself!”
“Yeah, you do.” Theodore winked at Harry. “I’m on it, mate.”
“Wonderful. Make sure you’re packed as well. ‘Bini, Seam, Pan, why don’t you
two stay down here with Professor Snape to run interference if Dumbledore comes
looking for the future top Death Eaters?”
Everyone laughed while Severus, Pansy, Seamus, and Blaise nodded.
“Thank you. Gin, can you help Herm pack?”
“Sure thing. Sure you don’t need help?”
“Moi?” Harry gave the girl a pained look. “I’ll have help, I assure you.”
Hermione snorted. “I almost feel bad for Ron.”
“Hermione Granger, I do believe there’s a Slytherin in you after all!” Seamus
exclaimed.
“Of course.” Harry winked. “She just hides it well. Herm, Gin, you’re with me.
Dray, Ted, off you go!”
“When did he become the boss?” Theodore grumbled as the five separated out in
the hall.
“When he started dating You-Know-Who,” Draco shot back softly. Theodore gave a
dramatic sigh, which got Ginny and Hermione to laugh before they fell out of
hearing range.
“That boy.” Harry sighed, shaking his head.
“What’s…uh…” Hermione frowned.
“What’s Voldemort doing?” Harry shrugged. “I try not to find out. Nasty mind,
that one.”
Ginny snorted. “Means Tom blocked him so he could concentrate,” she informed
the Head Girl.
Harry glared at the red-head. “That’s it! You get a five second head start!”
Ginny shot off down the hall, laughing, and Harry chased her. Hermione smiled
at the two.
                                     -~*~-
The group of teens were all sitting in the Entrance Hall with the things of
those that were leaving, waiting for Lucius to come and pick them up.
“That’s, actually, the best painting I’ve ever seen,” Ginny murmured, admiring
something that Harry had spelled onto the wall.
“And the reason we’re leaving so late at night,” Draco agreed, poking the
thing.
Hermione shook her head at Harry. “Have I mentioned lately that you’re the
best?”
“Probably. Oiy! Dray! Don’t mess up the paint!”
Draco drew his hand back with a smirk. “I wanted to add my own special touch,
Har.”
Harry scowled. “ ‘Gryffindors and their nicknames’ my ass. What did you want to
add, Malfoy?”
“Well, ‘From the Future Death Eaters’ seems a little bland. I wanted to add
something like: ‘We’re here to finish you off’ or, I don’t know…”
“ ‘Fuck you Dumbledore, you whore’?”
“Father!”
The group turned to nod to Lucius Malfoy, who nodded in response. “Whose work
is this?”
“Harry’s. It’s his, err, parting gift, of sorts,” Theodore replied from where
he sat on Ginny’s trunk, her in his lap.
Lucius looked over at Harry with a surprised look. “I had not believed in your
change, Mr Potter.”
“It is rather foolish to believe all you hear. I mean, there are just so many
rumours about me these days!” Harry snorted. “But, really, whore just doesn’t
do it…”
“Goat whore,” Hermione suggested.
Harry snorted in amusement while everyone else stared at the Head Girl in
confusion. “Aberforth. I should have expected you’d remember that.”
“Aberforth Dumbledore…” Lucius nodded to Hermione. “You’ve converted her, Mr
Potter. Commendable.”
“Herm’s not converted, really. She just wants a reason to write on Ron some
more.” Ginny laughed.
“You can’t convert me,” Hermione agreed. “Though, I’ll stick with Harry before
anyone else at this rate.”
“Who else would you have stuck with?” Draco asked.
Harry jerked his thumb at the new wall decoration. “Ronald over there, of
course. She wouldn’t have had much choice.”
“Well, finish your note to the Headmaster and let’s go,” Lucius ordered.
“Dray, go on then,” Harry offered, amused by the pleading look he was receiving
from the Slytherin.
Draco gave a soft whoop, ignored the look his father was giving him, and wrote
the rest of the note on Ron Weasley’s skin and the wall next to him in the red
paint Harry had conjured up.
Harry looked over Pansy, Blaise, and Seamus with a critical eye. “I’d suggest
staying away from Dumbledore for a while. Professor Snape will cover you. If
Dumbledore gets to be totally ridiculous, call us and I’m sure we can pull you
out for the rest of the holidays.” He glanced over at Lucius for confirmation
and the blonde man nodded. “Good. Remember, spread the rumours discreetly, and
don’t get caught. That’s what the map is for. Any mayhem you cause cannot be
traced back to you, though it can be traced back to me. In fact, that should
confuse and annoy Dumbledore even more, yes?”
“We’ve got it, Harry!” Blaise groaned. “Now, for the last time, go!”
“I’ve been kicked out of my school.” Harry sighed.
“Oh, shut up.” Hermione slung an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “I’m sure you’re
looking forward to that person awaiting you at the Malfoys’ far more.”
“True, true.” Harry smiled. “Very well. Dray, if you’re done?”
Draco finished his painting and let the paintbrush fall back into the bucket,
which Harry then banished. “Okay. Home we go, then.”
“Shrink your things. I’ve brought a Portkey so our youngest witch doesn’t feel
left out,” Lucius murmured, holding up his cane.
“This should be fun. I’ve never been to Malfoy Manor,” Harry said brightly.
“He’s not totally cured.” Draco sighed sadly. “But we’re working on him.”
Harry scowled while the students laughed and Lucius smiled slightly.
“Come.” The blonde man held out the cane and the group going to the Manor
gathered around, grabbing hold. “To the Manor we go.”
And they were all gone, including the three they’d left behind, who had faded
into the shadows. Only Ron remained, hung on the wall.
                                     -~*~-
“This should be fun, he says. I’ve never been to Malfoy Manor, he says,”
Theodore said teasingly as Harry hugged Tom tightly. The Dark Lord was smiling
like an idiot, which appeared to amuse Lucius to no end.
Ginny elbowed her boyfriend. “Oh, hush, you. Harry’s never this happy.”
“No, he’s not, is he?” Hermione shook her head sadly. “Not even earlier when I
was talking to him.”
Ginny bit her lip. “Freedom, from expectations, then,” She murmured, knowing
that wasn’t all of it.
“You two spending the night together?” Theodore asked suddenly.
Harry tensed and Tom’s hold tightened while Ginny elbowed the boy. She’d told
him not to mention stuff like that to Harry!
Harry? Love?
I-I need to tell them, Tom. Salazar’s right… Harry responded carefully.
Tom kissed Harry’s forehead gently. Now? Are you sure?
I’ll lose my nerve the longer I wait, Harry responded firmly.
Tom sighed and glanced over at the four students and Lucius, who were watching
with cautious curiosity. Ginny was glaring furiously at Theodore, who was
rubbing his arm painfully. Hermione was frowning, as if trying to figure
something out. Draco had masked his face carefully. “Lucius, may we borrow your
sitting room? All of us?”
“Of course, my Lord.” Lucius bowed.
Harry let out some nervous laughter. “My Lord. How tacky.”
Tom kissed his forehead again, not even bothering with a comeback, which
surprised everyone. “Lucius, lead on, then. Come on.”
Lucius, frowning, led the small group to the sitting room, which was done in
deep greens and blues. Hermione and Ginny were both entranced, but Draco and
Theodore were dispassionate. Tom was too worried about Harry to care, and the
latter was too nervous.
Tom settled himself in a dark green arm chair and drew Harry into his lap. The
teen rested his head against Tom’s shoulder, closing his eyes and imagining he
was anywhere but there, doing anything but that. Tom waited until everyone was
seated and watching them curiously before pulling Harry back from his
imagination. “Harry?”
Empty green eyes opened and looked around the room. “I suppose I should explain
why Gin has been making you guys shut up about sex, yes?”
Ginny bit her lip. “Harry, you don’t–“
“Gin, dear sister, please shut up,” Harry warned her and Ginny shut her mouth
with a snap. “During the summer between fifth and sixth year, after Sirius’
death, I had a tendency to wander around outside, often sticking to the dark
alleys. Of course, I wasn’t aware of my surroundings, so it was no surprise
when Dudley and his gang jumped me and raped me before running away,” he said
in a monotone. Tom’s arms tightened around his waist as the teen watched his
hands.
Draco and Theodore looked horrified. Lucius was almost neutral, except for the
twinge of sadness in his eyes. Ginny was biting her lip sadly, hand clutching
at Theodore’s. Hermione had tears running down her face.
“Harry?” the brunette girl whispered.
Harry glanced up, green eyes shadowed. “Aren’t I disgusting?” he asked.
“No!” Hermione stood and glared at the Boy-Who-Lived. “Harry James Potter, if I
ever hear you refer to yourself as disgusting or any synonym of it again, I’ll
punch you in the face.”
“And she punches hard,” Draco murmured softly before giving Harry a smile.
“She’s right, you know. You’re not the ‘disgusting’ one, Harry. It’s those
other guys who are.”
“Told you.” Tom smiled around the teen in his lap at Harry’s odd mix of
friends.
“But–“
“Oh, give it a rest, Harry. We still all love you, so get over it.” Ginny
growled. “And Hermione isn’t the only one who wants to punch you right now.”
“She hits hard too,” Theodore chimed in. “Come on, Harry. Why would we hate you
for being raped when we can hate you for being the Boy-Who-Lived so much
easier?”
Harry let out a sound that was somewhere between a sob and a laugh. “Why
indeed.”
“I do believe everyone should be getting some sleep,” Lucius cut in firmly.
“It has been a long day, I suppose,” Hermione agreed, suddenly having to cover
a yawn.
“Too much excitement.” Ginny sighed, smiling at Harry, who was watching
everyone carefully. “G’night, big brother.”
Harry’s face broke out into a smile. “Night, Gin.”
“What, no good night for me?” Draco asked in mock offense.
“Oh, fine. Good night, Ferret-face.”
“I’m only letting you get away with that this once, understand?” Draco warned.
“Oh, let him alone already.” Theodore laughed. “Good night, Harry, my Lord.”
“Night, Ted,” the two raven-haired wizards chorused.
“Weasley twins,” Draco muttered with a shudder as he left the room, Ted on his
heels. Harry, Ginny, and Hermione laughed.
“Good night, Gin, Hermione,” Tom offered, smiling slightly.
“Good night, Tom,” Ginny replied brightly before chasing after her boyfriend.
Hermione smiled. “Hug, Harry?” she asked softly.
Harry paused long enough for Tom to let him go before standing and hugging the
bushy-haired girl tightly. “Thanks, Herm,” he whispered into her hair.
Hermione let him go and gave the wizard a stern look. “I will punch you if you
get all ridiculous like that again, you know.”
“I know. It’s got me shaking in terror,” Harry teased.
Hermione rolled her eyes and messed up Harry’s hair before giving Tom a stern
look. “You’d better be good to him, Mr Riddle, or you’ll be hearing it from
me,” she said seriously.
Tom inclined his head slightly. “I have no doubts I will, but I don’t intend to
hurt Harry.”
Hermione smiled. “I didn’t think so, but it’s always good to make sure.” She
nodded to the man. “Good night, then.”
“Good night, Herm,” Harry offered.
Hermione gave him a swift peck on the cheek. “Good night, Harry. Sleep well,”
she offered before sweeping from the room.
Harry turned to Tom. “You’re smiling.”
“I do believe I rather like Miss Granger.”
“Yeah, yeah. Not many have the guts to threaten you.” Harry rolled his eyes.
Tom stood and slid an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Will you sleep with me?”
Harry nibbled on his lower lip before nodding slowly. “I need someone’s snoring
to keep me up,” he muttered.
Tom laughed and led the way out of the room and down the hall to the room
they’d be sharing. “Speaking of Mr Weasley, how did you leave him? I know you
had another of your nasty plots in mind…”
Harry smirked. “Hung him up in the Entrance Hall and painted a message on him.”
“Did you leave him any dignity?”
“Well, we left him his underwear, but Herm transfigured them into a grass skirt
and, for some strange reason, put a cock ring on him…” Harry shook his head. “I
don’t want to know where she got it, though.”
Tom laughed. “Neither would I. What was the message?”
“Oh, just the usual, ‘Fuck off, Dumbledore, you goat whore. From the Future
Death Eaters.’ You know,” Harry responded innocently.
Tom opened the door to the room and kissed Harry on top of his head. “You
really know how to hold a grudge, don’t you?”
“I’ve had lots of practise.”
“Sorry.”
“Oh, shut up.” Harry leaned up and kissed the Dark Lord’s cheek before bounding
over to the bathroom, where he locked himself in.
Tom rolled his eyes and closed the room door. “That was the worst kiss I’ve
ever received!”
“You’ll live,” Harry called back out teasingly.
Tom chuckled and pulled off his robe, which he hung on the back of a chair. His
shirt landed on top of it and then he wandered over to the bed.
Harry stepped from the bathroom. “Do you need to go?”
“Nope. Come on.” Tom patted the bed next to him.
Harry sighed and pulled off his own shirt, which he deposited in the middle of
the floor, before joining Tom.
“Did you have to leave that there?”
“Of course.”
“Brat.”
“Were you under the impression I wasn’t one?”
“I had hoped you weren’t.” Tom sighed, drawing Harry against him and kissing
the top of his head softly. “Sleep well, Harry.”
“You too, Tom,” The teen replied, burrowing his head into Tom’s chest with a
smile. Love you.
I love you too, now go to sleep. Tom sighed.
But Harry was already sleeping peacefully.
***** Chapter 28 *****
Lucius scowled as he watched his pink-haired son chasing Harry Potter around
the library again. The Dark Lord was chuckling next to him.
“My Lord, forgive me, but, how do you put up with Mr. Potter?”
“I don’t give him a reason to prank me,” Tom responded cheerfully.
“I see.” Lucius shook his head at the two younger wizards as they ran back out
into the hallway.
“And he’s not all pranks,” the scarlet-eyed wizard added before going back to
his spellwork.
Lucius rubbed at the bridge of his nose delicately. He knew that. It had shown
in the young man’s eyes when he’d spoken to them all last night. It had shown
again when, that morning, everyone had stepped around him as if walking on
eggshells, until he’d pranked them all. It had, by now, turned into a game of
tag.
“If it helps any, Harry promises they won’t break anything,” Tom offered, as if
knowing what was going through the Malfoy’s mind.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he does, Lucius thought dryly. “I have no fear of
that, my Lord. I put anything of value away when I realised I’d be having three
Gryffindors over.”
The Dark Lord let out a bark of laughter and gave Lucius a rare smile. “Wise
man.”
“Not as wise as yourself, my Lord,” Lucius replied.
Tom shook his head. “Perhaps I’m not so wise. After all, I did fall in love
with Harry Potter.” He sat back and stared into cool grey eyes. “Tell me,
Lucius, do you think me foolish?”
“It is not for me to say.”
“I’m asking for you to tell me what you think. What everyone thinks,” Tom said
sharply, scarlet eyes narrowing.
How’d I know he would ask me this at one point or another over the holiday?
Lucius sighed. “Most of us believe you have finally lost your mind, my Lord,
although, there are some of us who believe you are trying a new direction of
attack.”
“And what do you think, Lucius?”
“My Lord, I did believe you’d lost your mind, but Draco has been sending me
daily letters about Mr Potter, and now I have met him, and I am starting to
wonder if this is not a good idea.”
“A good idea?” the Dark Lord repeated sceptically.
“You have two road blocks in your way of taking over the wizarding world, my
Lord. Those road blocks are Harry Potter and Dumbledore. More people will
follow Harry Potter than Dumbledore in this, as Harry Potter is the saviour,
not Dumbledore,” Lucius explained.
Tom searched the Death Eater’s gaze before nodding. “Yes.” He paused for a
brief moment before speaking again. “Lucius, why do you call Harry, Mr Potter
or Harry Potter? Why not just call him Harry?”
“I am…uncomfortable with it, my Lord,” Lucius murmured, wincing. He’d hoped the
Dark Lord wouldn’t call him on that.
“This would have something to do with Dobby the house-elf?” Tom inquired with
amusement.
“Perhaps,” the Malfoy replied tightly.
Scarlet eyes laughed loudly as Tom returned to his spellwork. “In Harry’s
words: Get over it.”
Lucius scowled.
                                     -~*~-
“What have you got there, Hermione?” Theodore inquired.
Hermione pulled out a button and showed it to him, grinning. “S.P.E.W! Want to
join?”
“Oh, not the House-elf Liberation Front again.” Ginny groaned, hiding her face
in her hands.
“The, House-elf Liber– What? No!” Theodore scowled at the brunette. “Leave the
house-elves alone, Hermione.”
“But they should be treated equally!” Hermione argued.
“They like the lives they have now,” Theodore shot back.
“But, Dobby–“
“Is a whole different issue,” Harry cut in coolly as he stepped into the room,
Draco following him. “Put those away, Herm. This is Malfoy Manor, not
Hogwarts.”
Hermione sighed and re-shrunk the tin before packing it away.
“What’s wrong?” Ginny asked as Harry threw himself into a chair.
“I’m just tired, that’s all.”
Ginny glanced up at Draco for his take while Hermione frowned at the raven-
haired wizard. Draco just shrugged helplessly.
“Harry.” Ginny sighed, exasperated. “Talk to us already.”
Harry muttered something into his knees, which he’d drawn up to his chest and
rested his chin on.
“Harry,” Hermione and Ginny chorused.
“I found the Dursleys’ address in the pocket of Tom’s trousers from yesterday,”
the young man said softly.
“And you don’t know why he’d have it?” Ginny questioned.
Harry shrugged. “I can make a couple guesses, I suppose.”
“Oh, come on,” Draco spat. “You can’t tell me you still care about that bastard
of a cousin or your aunt and uncle. Didn’t they leave you to fend for yourself
in London?”
“That’s not the point…”
“STOP TRYING TO BE A MARTYR!” Draco shouted furiously. “I thought I’d cured you
of this, Potter!”
Harry pursed his lips. “I am not attempting to be a martyr, Malfoy,” he said
calmly.
“They. Are. Not. Worth. It,” the blond bit out. “You’re a million times better
than them. Why do you want them to keep living?”
“They aren’t doing anything wrong.”
“Yes, Harry, they are,” Hermione cut in gently. “The actions performed upon you
by Dudley, his friends, Vernon, and Petunia have always affected you, even
while we’re at school. The pranks you played on them back in August did not
solve anything.”
“I don’t kill people.”
“That’s all good and well, Harry, but there are some terrible people out there,
and you’ve suffered at the hands of them.”
“Killing is wrong,” Harry argued.
“Some people deserve to die.” Draco growled.
“Like my parents?” Harry asked softly, green eyes shimmering dangerously. “And
Sirius? Did they deserve what they got, Draco?”
The Malfoy heir let out a helpless sigh. “I cannot judge those I’ve never
known.”
“And yet, you judge the Dursleys.”
“I don’t need to meet them to see what sort of people they are, Merlin
dammit!!”
“What are you all yelling about this time?” Tom stepped into the room, eyes
narrowed dangerously. Lucius followed behind him mutely.
“Potter’s being a martyr again.” Draco sneered.
Tom blinked a few times before groaning. “For the love of Merlin… Harry, who
are you trying to save this time?”
Harry glared at Tom. “The Dursleys.”
Tom froze. “What makes you think they’re in any danger?”
“You,” Harry said coldly, standing, “have their address, Tom Riddle. You didn’t
ask me for it, so I am led to believe you were planning on throwing a house
party without my knowledge.”
“And if I was?” Tom ask just as coldly.
“Why the fuck didn’t you ask me?!” Harry exploded. “Why couldn’t I find
something out from you for once?!”
“Harry…” Tom took a step forward.
“Don’t,” Harry hissed before spinning and storming from the room.
“…Tom?” Ginny whispered.
Tom’s gaze chilled. “Let him rot, then,” he spat before turning sharply and
leaving the way he came in.
The others in the room traded looks.
“Oh, this has been a very difficult day…” Hermione groaned, putting her face in
her hands.
“No joke.” Draco threw himself messily into a chair, ignoring his father’s
strangled complaint. “Now what are we suppose to do? Those two are so difficult
to deal with.”
“I’d suggest not interfering, actually,” Lucius offered, leaning nonchalantly
against a wall.
“Perhaps, Mr Malfoy, that works for your Lord Voldemort, but it doesn’t not
work for the Tom Riddle I know, nor will it work for Harry,” Ginny spat,
glaring at the man. “If we let them simmer, who knows what foolish thing
they’ll do.”
“Knowing Tom, kill someone. Knowing Harry, kill himself,” Theodore murmured.
“We need to talk to Harry…” Draco agreed. “But he doesn’t want to talk to
anyone.”
“Not true.” Ginny tapped at her chin. “But we don’t have Salazar here, so,
Hermione, you’ll have to fill in.” She turned to look at the older witch, who
nodded firmly. “Good. Now, who wants to take on Tom?”
“Gin, I hate to say it, but he’s most likely to talk to you than any of us,”
Theodore pointed out as Hermione left to go find Harry. “We’re just followers.
You’re family.”
“Family?” Lucius inquired.
“Gin’s the reason our Lord and Harry are together,” Draco explained in a
monotone. “She’s the cover for their relationship at school, too, so she’s kind
of become adopted into both our Lord’s and Harry’s family.”
“Yes.” Ginny winked. “And, one day, Tom might actually get me to join your
side, too.” She turned and left among Lucius, Draco, and Theodore’s laughter.
                                     -~*~-
“Hey there.” Hermione sat down on the fountain next to Harry out in the Malfoy
gardens. “Beautiful view.”
Harry shrugged and let his hand trail in the water. “I guess.”
“I remember a bright, happy, constantly smiling boy back in my first year.”
Hermione sighed. “Two of them, actually. They were the best of friends, did
everything together, even save an ugly, brainy girl from a troll.” She glanced
over to Harry’s downcast face. “Nothing ever seems to go right for you, does
it, Harry? Just when you think life’s done a turn for the best, it decides to
screw you over.”
“Makes two of us, doesn’t it?” Harry murmured. “You, with your unwanted baby,
and me, loving a man who doesn’t want me.”
“Harry, you’re mad at each other. It’s not that Tom doesn’t want you–“
“Yes, yes it is. He hates me. Absolutely despises me.”
Hermione frowned, shaking her head. “Why do you think this?”
“He keeps thinking it in his mind. I can hear it.”
“You know what?”
“Oh, don’t patronize me.”
“I was going to tell you another little story.”
“Whatever.”
Hermione looked at her friend sadly. “I remember a much older boy, a boy who
seen death and the rebirth of great evil. I remember this boy who’d once smiled
and joked with his friends suddenly yelling at them, at everyone. He called
them names, told them he hated them. But, you know what? He didn’t mean it. He
was just angry at the world and all that had been placed on his shoulders. He
was angry that he was being left out of the loop.”
Harry bit his lip and looked away. “Go away, Herm.”
Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. “I will not, because you don’t really mean
that. You’re just angry right now, and you always say stupid things when you’re
angry. Things you don’t really mean.”
Harry turned and cried into her shirt.
                                     -~*~-
“Tom Marvolo Riddle, open this Merlin-damned door.”
“I said, go away. I’m not talking to anyone.”
“Would you prefer to listen to me scream myself hoarse, instead? I’m not
leaving just because you’ve got a tick up your arse!” The door slammed open and
Ginny found herself faced with glaring scarlet eyes. Eyes that no longer scared
her. “Are you letting me in, then?”
Tom let his breath out angrily and stepped back to let her in, slamming the
door behind her. “What the fuck do you want, Ginevra?”
Ginny lit a lamp and smiled. “You sure like it dreary in here when you’re
trying not to cry.”
Tom pointed his wand at her throat. “What do you want?”
Ginny cocked an eyebrow at him. “You know you’ll regret it later if you kill
me, Tom, so stop threatening me. It’s getting rather old.”
“Women,” he hissed, furiously stalking away from her and throwing himself onto
his bed. “Go away, Gin. I’m not talking to you.”
“Then you will listen,” Ginny said firmly, crossing her arms over her breasts
and scowling at him. “And you will pay attention or I’ll beat you over the head
with a pillow.”
“Don’t be petty, Ginevra.”
“Listen to yourself! Hypocrite!”
“Hold your tongue!” Tom demanded, sitting up angrily.
Ginny pursed her lips. “Don’t tell me what to do when you’re not even listening
to yourself. Why are you mad at Harry?”
“He went behind my back,” Tom replied promptly.
“An eye for an eye. Why are you really angry at Harry?”
Tom glared at her silently.
“Would you like me to tell you why you’re angry with him?” Ginny enquired
coolly. When he didn’t answer, she continued, “You’re angry because Harry’s
right. You went through someone else to get information on his family and never
told him, never even considered talking to him about it. You didn’t ever even
plan on telling him, I’ll bet. He was probably going to find out about the
deaths of the Dursleys in the paper.” Ginny shook her head. “Really, Tom. For
a, what, seventy-something year old guy, you’re pretty damn stupid when it
comes to love and people, aren’t you?”
“You have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“So sure?” Ginny shrugged. “Alright, then. Guess you’re right. After all, what
could I know about love or people? I mean, sure, I’ve got a boyfriend and all
that, and I’ve grown up surrounded by my family, but I, obviously, have no clue
what I’m talking about.” She narrowed her eyes again at the Dark Lord, who
scowled in return. “Tom, let’s get this straight, for all that you’re not:
Harry is fragile, just like you; Harry has had a shit life, just like you; when
someone attacks what little life Harry knows, he fights back, just like you.
No, Harry doesn’t give much of a shit for the Dursleys, but that doesn’t mean
he wants anyone going about trying to kill him without consulting him first.
“Tell me, Tom Riddle. How would you have felt if some other person went and
killed your father without telling you they were going to do it, just because
they thought it would help you out?” she added softly before turning and
leaving the room.
                                     -~*~-
“Well?”
Ginny sighed and sat warily on the couch, next to Theodore. “Well, he’s either
going to kill me for insulting him and his intelligence, or he’s going to pull
his head out of his arse and go apologize to Harry.”
“You, Miss Weasley, have nothing, if not guts,” Lucius decided, sipping at his
cup of tea.
“I’m a Gryffindor, sir; guts is all we’re allowed to have,” Ginny replied
bluntly.
“You’re not a proper Gryffindor, and you know it.” Draco snorted.
“Your point?”
“You have more to offer than guts.”
Ginny slammed a hand over Theodore’s mouth as the Slytherin opened it to add to
the conversation. “Down, boy.” Theodore scowled while the other two men
laughed.
“At least someone’s having fun,” Hermione grumbled as she led Harry into the
room. “What are you all talking about?”
“What Gryffindors have to offer,” Ginny supplied, keeping her hand over
Theodore’s mouth. “You alright, Harry?”
Harry shrugged. “Not going to jump off the Astronomy Tower, if that’s what you
mean.”
“I should hope not, it’s a bit far from here,” Tom said from the doorway.
Harry spun around and glared at the man while everyone else watched on warily.
“Point?”
Tom sighed. “I fucked up. I should have talked to you. I’m sorry.”
Harry crossed his arms over his chest. “Was that rehearsed, or do you mean it?”
Tom opened his mouth to reply when a pillow hit him in the face. He turned to
glare at Ginny, who shrugged. “I told you to pay attention, did I not? You do
not yell.”
“I was not–“
“Ah!” Ginny cut him off firmly. “Yes, you were. Now, how do you show Harry you
mean what you said?”
Tom scowled and the girl angrily for a long moment. Ginny glared right back,
eyes burning dangerously. Tom sighed, giving in, and looked over at Harry
sadly. I really am sorry, love. I should have talked to you, you're right, and
I didn't mean all those things I said. You know I really do care about you. And
I shouldn't have lost my temper at you, either. That was...stupid...of me..
Harry stared at him steadily. You are a complete and utter jerk, Tom Riddle. I
should hate you.
But?
Harry stepped forward and hugged Tom tightly. But I'm tired of hating, and I
love you too damn much.
Hum, I suppose that's to my advantage, then. Tom smirked, kissing the top of
Harry's head.
Hardly. Harry snorted, untangling himself from the Dark Lord with a dangerous
smile.
"What do you have up your sleeve?" Tom asked warily.
"Your just desserts," Harry replied brightly, green eyes gleaming with
mischief, before snapping his fingers.
Tom groaned as Christmas-red hair flopped into his face and the other occupants
of the room laughed hysterically. "Red hair?"
Harry nodded happily. "To your bum, and I'm not removing it till we get back to
school."
"...Harry..."
"My Lord?" Lucius chuckled. Tom turned to him, brushing hair from his eyes to
glare at the Death Eater. "I thought you said that he doesn't prank you."
"Oh, Tom lied." Harry waved a hand flippantly. "By the way, dear, you look
adorable."
Tom held up a hand. "You have to the count of five to tear the hell out of
here."
"It is adorable," Ginny offered, smiling.
"You too, then. Five." He put down one finger.
"HIDE AND SEEK!" Harry shouted gleefully before tearing from the room.
"Tom's it!" Ginny agreed before tearing out another door.
Laughing, Theodore, Hermione, and – much to Lucius' horror – Draco followed
their example.
Lucius cocked an eyebrow at Tom as the elder man threw himself into a chair,
pulling his hair back in a conjured hair-tie. "My Lord?"
"Not a word, Lucius," Tom growled, pointing his wand at the grey-eyed man. "Not
a fucking word."
Lucius laughed.
***** Chapter 29 *****
"You're going to the Dursleys?" Ginny frowned. "Without Tom?"
Harry shrugged. "Yeah."
"I thought you'd sworn to never go back there." Hermione pursed her lips. "Why
change that so suddenly?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. He'd known that, out of his four
friends, Hermione and Ginny would be the least likely to understand. "I just
have to, okay? And you can't tell Tom."
"Wait. Wait, wait, wait." Draco levelled piercing grey eyes on the Boy-Who-
Lived. "You're going without telling Tom?"
"Yeah." Harry shrugged again. "Why?"
"Are you mental?!" Ginny stepped forward so she was in Harry's face. "Going
alone, perhaps that I can understand, but going with telling anyone–"
Harry cut her off, annoyed, "Hardly. I've told you four, haven't I? I just
don't want Tom coming after me."
"That's suicide!"
"It is not." Harry scowled. "If I need his help, I will call for it. If he
needs me, he can call for me. One of those lovely things about the connection
we share."
"I think it's insane, then." Hermione sighed. "But we can hardly stop you, now
can we?"
Harry smiled. "Nope. I'd hex you out of my way."
"Oh, very well." Ginny scowled. "But if you're not back in an hour, I'm telling
Tom."
"Three hours."
"Hour and a half."
"Two hours, then."
Ginny narrowed her eyes. "Hour and a half, Harry."
"Two hours."
"Hour and three quarters. Stop arguing," Draco cut in.
"Fine," the two Gryffindors agreed with one voice, glaring at one another.
"Bye." Theodore laughed, finally speaking. "Best to go before your time's up,
Harry."
"Good point, that." Harry nodded firmly to his friends. "Bye." He turned and
left the room, heading from the front hall, where the anti-apparation wards
ended.
"Going to go see Tom, now," Ginny said cheerfully.
Theodore and Draco pointed their wands at her and Hermione groaned, shaking her
head. "Ginny, you've just promised to wait an hour and forty-five minutes
before going to talk to Tom."
"And, Gin, dear, I'd hate to have to tie you up," Theodore offered.
"You're not serious." Ginny gaped. "You expect me to wait here while Harry
goes, alone, to the Dursleys?"
"No, of course not!" Draco replied sarcastically. "Our wands are pointed at you
to get you there quicker!"
"Stop threatening her, you two. Ginny, sit down," Hermione said firmly,
pointing to a chair next the red-head. Ginny scowled, but sat. "Look, Harry's a
big lad, now. If he wants to go face the Dursleys seriously, more power to him.
Give him his chance to face his demons alone."
"You're the one who's so determined to see Harry and Tom happy," Theodore added
pointedly. "This might be just what Harry needs."
"Exactly!" Hermione sighed, relieved. "Please, Ginny. Give Harry his chance?"
"Oh, very well." Ginny sat back in her chair darkly. "But I don't have to like
it."
"What is this, PMS?" Draco grumbled, turning to sit in his own chair.
A pillow hit the back of Draco's head and he turned to see a smirking Ginny.
"You bet, hun."
"Wonderful." Draco groaned.
Hermione and Theodore laughed.
                                     -~*~-
Harry glanced around at Privet Drive nervously as he stepped out from behind
the tree between numbers seven and nine. The place hadn't changed much since
he'd last been there. All the houses were still perfect in every way; even the
piles of snow were perfect.
His eyes slipped over to number four and he winced. Vernon's car was in the
driveway, just what he didn't need. He'd based his timing on Vernon's work
schedule. Oh well. Can't fault me for trying. Harry sighed before crossing the
street to the Dursleys' home.
"Harry?!"
Harry turned and blinked at the wizened old lady staring at him incredulously
from a few metres down the street and couldn't help but smile as the woman
stepped closer to him. "Hello, Ms Figg."
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you at school?" Arabella Figg asked in
shock. But, before Harry could answer, she shook her head and answered herself,
calming from the surprise of seeing the boy. "No, wait. Winter holidays have
started, haven't they? Where are you staying? Not here, surely…"
"No, I'm staying at the Malfoys'," the wizard replied with a shrug.
"The Malfoys'?!" Arabella held a hand to her breast, looking mildly horrified.
"Good Merlin, Harry. Whatever has gone through your head?"
Harry shrugged again. "Draco's my friend, and he invited myself and Ginny
Weasley over for the holidays. Hermione Granger, too, when he realized we
wanted her with."
"A Malfoy inviting over a Muggle-born? Didn't his father throw a fit? And what
about You-Know-Who?"
"No, Mr Malfoy was surprisingly okay with it. I think he's slipping from
Voldemort's grasp, you know." Harry offered a reassuring smile. "At any rate,
I'm just here to wish the Dursleys a happy Christmas."
"Oh, I'd be careful," Arabella warned, shaking a wrinkled finger in Harry's
face. "That last prank you played got Vernon killed, you know. Dumbledore
covered for you, but it was very foolish."
Harry gaped at her in shock. "Vernon's dead? As in gone for good?"
"Yes." Arabella did not look amused. "Petunia's been working her behind off,
and Dudley's broken-hearted; he seems to think it was his fault."
Harry couldn't stop the smile that took over his face, though he did his best
to curb it. "Oh, I see. Thank you, Ms Figg. I'm just going to go say hullo to
them…"
Arabella pursed her lips at Harry's retreating back as he walked up the
sidewalk to the house. "Something funny about that boy," she decided before
turning and leaving to tell Dumbledore what she'd heard. Interesting, the boy
staying at the home of a known and rather high-ranking Death Eater.
Harry, meanwhile, was knocking on the door, mentally patting himself on the
back for a job well-done. That should give Dumbledore some things to think
about.
The door opened to Dudley's fat face. The cousins stared at each other for a
long moment before Dudley's face broke out into a nasty snarl. "You fucking
wanker. I'm going to kill you!"
Harry pulled out his wand, gaze cool and calm. "Let me in or spend the rest of
your life as a pig, Dudley."
Dudley immediately cowered under the threat and opened the door wider to let
Harry in. "Freak."
"Don't tempt me." Harry growled before smiling slowly, an idea coming to mind
suddenly. "Hey, Dudley, guess what. My boyfriend enjoys killing people who
insult me."
Dudley slammed his mouth shut and, with a glare at a smirking Harry, led the
wizard into the kitchen where Aunt Petunia was putting on the teapot.
"Hello, Aunt Petunia," Harry said pleasantly.
Petunia let out a scream and backed up against the stove, which, since the
teapot was heating up on one of the front burners, got the sleeve of her
sweater caught on fire. Harry sat at the table, watching in amusement as the
woman rushed to put out the flames that he, himself, had endured in the past.
Once safely unlit, Petunia turned back to Harry with hate-filled eyes. "What do
you want, boy?" she spat.
Harry smiled slightly and twirled his wand in his hands, watching it rather
than the two Muggles also in the room. "I have a proposition for you."
"I don't make deals with your sort," Petunia hissed.
Harry shrugged and made to stand. "Very well. It's your life on the line,
though."
"No! Sit, sit! Would you like some tea? A biscuit perhaps?" Petunia asked
quickly, eyes wide in terror. Dudley had pressed himself into the wall, as if
he could disappear if he tried hard enough.
Harry sat back down with a slight smile. "No, thank you. I don't intend on
staying long. Dudley, you can't do magic, so I'd stop trying to become one with
the wall, if I were you," he added cruelly.
Dudley whimpered.
Petunia sat across from Harry, twisting her hands in her lap. "What do you
want?"
Harry's smile widened dangerously. "I made a pact of peace with Lord Voldemort
when you left me in London over the summer and, since then, we have become
friends, of a sort. He is rather appalled by the treatment I received while
here, and, in fact, had made plans to bring this house down upon your heads. I
dissuaded him, but I cannot keep him at bay for long, no matter the state of
our friendship." He paused here, glancing up to see what sort of effect this
was having on his aunt and enjoying it.
Petunia was wringing her hands nervously. She was not a stupid woman; she
understood what he was saying and was terrified. Her nephew, whom she'd allowed
to be mistreated – even helped the process along at times – had aligned himself
with the greatest Dark Lord of the century, and the evil wizard was not pleased
with the childhood Harry had endured. "Wha-what do you want? Vernon's dead
and–"
"I'm aware of that," Harry cut her off. "What I want is a simple thing and, if
you give it to me, you may live peacefully for the rest of your years, as long
as you don't run across Voldemort in a bad mood, of course."
"Name it," the Muggle whispered, licking her lips.
"Dudley," the green-eyed wizard said, dropping the proverbial bomb and sitting
back to enjoy the effects.
Dudley let out a strangled cry and fled the room. Petunia gasped, hands going
up to cover her mouth. She appeared horrified, eyes wide. Her life, or her
son's. "I–" She stopped, biting her lip as the tears started.
"May I warn you now that, if you don't just give me Dudley, I'll let Voldemort
have his way and you'll both die," Harry added, enjoying himself. Merlin, I've
changed. Enjoying tormenting my aunt like this? Tom's really affecting my head,
not that I mind…
"Why?" Petunia asked suddenly, breaking into Harry's thoughts. "What has Diddy
done that I haven't? He's the perfect little angel. We always encouraged him in
bullying you. Why him and not me?"
Harry's gaze chilled suddenly and he glared at the woman. "Angel? Angel? That's
no angel, I can assure you, and he deserves to die," the young man hissed.
"Diddy is too an angel!" Petunia shouted, standing to tower over her nephew.
"You have no clue what he has done," Harry murmured. He hadn't thought so, but
this proved it. Of course, if she does know, she could just not care, which
means I might as well let Tom do as he wishes.
"Then why don't you tell me," Petunia shot back. "Tell me what Diddy has done
that's so horrible that it's condemned him to death at the hands of that-that–
that monster!"
Harry stood sharply, eyes blazing. "Don't call him that."
"Harry, as pleasing as it is for you to try and protect my good name and all
that, I believe it's quite pointless by now," a voice said mildly from the
kitchen doorway.
Harry and Petunia both spun to look over at the speaker. Tom stood in the
doorway, red hair tied back, with a hand gripping Dudley's shoulder tightly.
"Tom, what are you doing here?" Harry enquired in as normal a voice as he could
muster.
"Coming after you," the Dark Lord replied calmly, cocking an eyebrow at the
younger wizard. "And, I must admit, you're doing a better job at covering your
tracks, but you should know better."
Harry scowled. "Obviously, but I'll have you know that I can take care of
myself, thankyouverymuch."
"Or so I've been told." Tom let go of Dudley's shoulder. "Have a seat, Mrs
Dursley, Mr Dursley," he suggested.
Dudley, shaking and obviously terrified, sat next to his mother, who had sat
back down quietly at the suggested order.
Harry gave Tom a curious look as the Dark Lord motioned towards the teapot,
which was whistling loudly in the silence, and magically poured four cups of
tea. The cups floated over to the table as Tom sat next to where Harry had been
sitting formerly. Sit, love, he suggested mentally, voice kind. Harry sat dully
and took his teacup to sip at it.
"You're Voldemort, aren't you?" the woman finally asked, breaking into the
heavy silence.
Tom smirked. "Yes."
"I– I thought–"
"That Harry was keeping me from coming?" Tom raised an eyebrow at the Muggle,
who nodded numbly. "Hardly. He just forgot to mention he was coming." He sent
Harry a sharp look, to which Harry offered a scowl.
"I didn't forget to mention anything. In fact, I specifically told the others
to keep their mouths shut."
"And they did." Tom smiled fondly. "I just heard you talking to them."
"Figures." Harry set his teacup back down on the table. "Bastard."
"Brat." Tom snorted and leaned back in his chair to look over the Dursleys.
"Where's Vernon?"
"Dead," Harry replied shortly.
Tom turned to look at the teen, startled. "Since when?"
Harry cocked an eyebrow at Dudley, who turned an angry red. "The pig offed him
for us."
Tom blinked a few times, deciphering Harry's coded words silently, before
bursting out in insane laughter.
"It's hardly funny," Harry grumbled.
"Harry, my dear, you have this amazing ability when it comes to doing stupid
things and getting people killed." Tom chuckled.
"I can't see what's so amusing about that." The younger wizard crossed his
hands over his chest and sat back in his chair, eyes firmly locked on his
teacup.
Tom frowned. "I apologize."
A sad smile stole across Harry's face, but he didn't look up. "Doesn't matter."
"Are you two sleeping together?" Dudley cut in, voice nasty.
"No," Harry replied tightly, shooting his cousin an angry look.
"Is there something wrong with that?" Tom enquired calmly, leaning his elbows
on the table and gazing at Dudley.
"Of course. It's disgusting," Dudley agreed, crossing his arms over his chest
and giving the Dark Lord a look of superiority.
"In what way is two men sleeping together of their own choice disgusting, where
as group of boys raping another boy is not?" Tom asked mildly.
Dudley froze.
"Are you implying my Diddy raped someone?" Petunia demanded furiously, pale
eyes glaring at the Dark Lord. She only faltered slightly when Tom turned to
look at her.
"I am implying nothing, Mrs Dursley. I'm stating a fact."
"Tom…" Harry whispered."
"Shut up, Harry," Tom shot back, eyes still meeting Petunia's coldly. "I am
telling you that your son and his little gang raped Harry last summer."
"I wouldn't touch that freak if you paid me!" Dudley shouted.
"We can easily find out," Tom continued in an even voice as he pulled something
out of his pocket. "Severus kindly leant me his vial of Veritaserum."
"Leant, or was forced to hand it over?" Harry muttered darkly even as he called
Dudley's untouched tea over so Tom could put some in it.
"So sad that you don't trust me, Harry." The Dark Lord mock sighed, putting in
two drops and letting Harry hand it back over. "Drink, Mr Dursley.
"What is this stuff?" Dudley asked, frowning at his cup.
"You took Latin, you figure it out," Harry suggested sharply, leaning back in
his chair.
"I don't remember," Dudley spat, glaring at his cousin.
"Truth serum, idiot," Harry shot back.
Tom set a hand on Harry's shoulder gently, as if to calm him, and Harry
silenced. "If you'd please, Mr Dursley."
"I don't see why it has to be me," Dudley muttered even as he took a long drink
of the drugged tea.
Everyone waited in silence as the Veritaserum took effect. When Dudley's
eyelids had drooped, Tom nodded. Harry, could you put in four drops from the
vial in my left pocket into his tea? he asked mentally before speaking out
loud, "What is your name?"
"Dudley Dursley," Dudley murmured in a monotone as Harry magicked over his cup
to put in the antidote.
"Good. Now, did you rape Harry Potter last summer?"
"Yes."
Petunia turned to stare at her son in horror. "Dudley…"
"And he's such a good fuck, too. Dad was right," Dudley finished. Harry
flinched as he set the cup back in front of Dudley.
Tom turned and stared at Harry, who wouldn't meet his eyes. "Your father,
Dudley?"
"Yeah." Dudley smiled slightly. "Dad said he used to fuck the freak all the
time before he had to go to his madhouse."
Tom's eyes were blazing with fury at this, though his voice was even as he
spoke again. "Thank you, Dudley. Please have some more tea."
"Okay," Dudley agreed, taking another long drink of his tea. Upon coming to, he
turned to his mother. "Mum?"
"Shut up," Petunia replied, face pale. "Just shut up." Then she turned to Tom,
who was watching the exchange coldly. "Take him, then."
"My pleasure," Tom assured her, pulling out his wand to shrink the boy, who'd
started sobbing. "A pleasure doing business with you, Mrs Dursley," he added,
standing and offering a hand to shake.
"L-likewise," Petunia stuttered, also rising and taking the offered hand. Then
she turned to Harry. "Harry… I-I'm sorry. I was unaware of all this."
Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "What's done is done."
"Please tell me you're not quoting Dumbledore in my presence," Tom muttered,
collecting the miniature Dudley.
"Actually, I think that was you," Harry replied, smiling.
Tom scowled.
Petunia stepped over to Harry, who was still sitting, and hugged him,
surprising the teen. "We've treated you so horribly– I've treated you so
horribly, but…"
Harry bit his lip and returned his aunt's hug. "It's not your fault." Which was
true; Petunia couldn't control the actions of her son and husband if she didn't
know about them, and her hatred hadn't been aimed at him, specifically, but the
world that had stolen her sister from her. He understood that, now.
Harry, we should go. I believe Gin's going to start searching for me soon, to
tell me where you went, Tom's voice slid through Harry's mind softly.
Harry smiled and pulled away from his aunt. "Right. We have to leave."
Petunia smiled sadly. "I'll understand if you don't want to, but, feel free to
visit." Her eyes shot between Tom and Harry. "Peacefully?"
"Harry has made me swear not to kill you," Tom assured the woman evenly.
"We'll see." Harry sighed, standing. "I might just."
Petunia's smile brightened. "Right, then. Off you go."
Tom held out a hand, which Harry took, and apparated them away.
                                     -~*~-
"Ha! I didn't have to do a thing!" Ginny shouted as soon as the two wizards
stepped into the study.
"Shut up, Gin," Draco muttered.
"How'd it go?" Hermione inquired softly.
"You know how I turned them all in to animals?" Harry asked brightly.
"…Yes…" Hermione blinked suspiciously. "Why?"
"Dudley accidentally killed Vernon." Harry tossed himself into a chair with a
very pleased look on his face.
"That's just too rich!" Ginny laughed. Theodore and Draco both smiled while
Hermione sighed helplessly.
Tom smirked. "And we brought something back with us."
"Please tell me it's not guts or something?" Hermione begged.
Tom made a face. "Like I'd keep guts in my pocket. I'd ruin a robe!"
"Sure you aren't a Malfoy?" Ginny teased.
"He's a Riddle," Harry assured her. "It's all in the blood."
"Think you're soooo funny, don't you, Potter," Tom grumbled, pulling the
miniature Dudley from his pocket. "Perhaps you don't want your cousin, then."
"Not particularly." Harry shrugged. "Have fun with him."
This brought a squeal from the mini Dudley, who started begging Harry to save
him in his tiny voice. The other four Hogwarts students watched on in shock.
Tom brought the boy to eye-level with a cold look. "If you don't shut up,
you'll find out just how painful life can be," the Dark Lord threatened.
Dudley shut up.
"Not that he's not going to anyway," Harry added, smirking.
"Can I help?" Draco requested.
"Me too," Theodore added in.
Harry stared at the two boys in shock while Ginny laughed and Hermione looked
appalled. "You're joking?"
"No, not really." Theodore shrugged.
"Anyway, Death Eater initiates have to torture and kill someone before they can
receive the Dark Mark," Draco added lightly.
"Why am I not surprised?" Harry muttered, turning to frown at Tom.
"I am not changing what's worked for years just because you're squeamish," Tom
told Harry before turning to the two Slytherin boys. "We shall see. However,
neither of you will be receiving the Mark until after school is over."
"Understood," the two young men answered as one, nodding.
"I want to help," Ginny said suddenly, brown eyes bright.
"Ginny!" Hermione cried, horrified.
"Oh, finally picked a side, have you?" Tom teased, ignoring Hermione.
"I said I wanted to help torture the fuck out of him, I said nothing about
taking your Mark, Tom," Ginny pointed out firmly.
"Have you picked a side, though?" Harry asked softly.
Ginny smiled. "Yes. After all, someone has to keep an eye on you two."
"As if we can't do it," Draco muttered darkly, glaring at Ginny.
"Can you?" Ginny replied sweetly.
Draco scowled.
"Snap out of it, Herm," Harry said suddenly, drawing everyone's gazes to the
brunette Gryffindor, who looked absolutely horrified. "You knew we'd all been
corrupted when you joined our little group."
"But, torturing and killing a boy?" Hermione whispered.
"That boy is the type of trash that needs to be exterminated," Draco hissed
with feeling.
"The last thing we need is to have him rape another boy," Ginny said softly.
"And it wouldn't surprise me if he would have or already has."
"Gin has a point, Hermione." Theodore hummed. "And, no, I'm not just saying
that because she's my girlfriend."
This got a round of laughter from everyone in the room, even Hermione.
"My Lord?" Everyone turned to look at Lucius, who stood in the doorway. "Some
of the Death Eaters are here to speak with you."
Tom glanced at Harry. "Hair."
Harry stood, emerald-green eyes serious. "Only if I can come with you."
Everyone in the room froze as Tom stared at Harry in shock.
"Why?"
"Because they need to get used to seeing me?" Harry replied. "I understand that
most of them know that my loyalties were in question, but only Lucius knows
anything more than that."
"What about spies?" Tom inquired mildly as he slipped Dudley back into a
pocket, much to the boy's annoyance. "Shut up, Dursley."
"The only one I'm aware of was Snape." Harry glanced at Hermione and Ginny,
both of whom nodded in agreement. "And he's on our side again."
"Severus was the only one in question as far as I knew," Lucius agreed.
"Who's here?" Tom asked.
"Bella, Rodolphus, Antonin, and Wormtail," Lucius replied.
Tom sighed and glanced over at Harry. "No hexing them."
Harry scowled, but nodded. "Agreed."
Tom nodded. "Very well. Harry and I will speak with those four. Lucius, stay
here and keep these students busy. Harry, fix my hair."
Harry smiled and pointed his wand at Tom's head, muttering the spell that would
change it and allow Tom to do as he wished with it, like make him bald when he
changed, which had been a part of the prank. As soon as his hair was back to
normal, Tom morphed into Lord Voldemort, smirking as both Ginny and Hermione
flinched.
"Stop that," Harry ordered, poking the Dark Lord's arm and receiving a scowl.
"Come on, then."
Voldemort nodded and led the younger wizard from the study and down the hall to
the meeting room. As the two entered, the four Death Eaters all rose and bowed.
"M-my L-L-Lord?" Wormtail stuttered, watching Harry nervously. Bellatrix
Lestrange and Antonin Dolohov were staring at the teen in shock while Rodolphus
Lestrange watched on stonily.
"Harry is on our side," Voldemort informed the four. "You will give him your
respect."
"And what sort of respect would that be?" Bellatrix spat, eyes boring into
Harry's. The two were glaring hatefully at one another.
"Jealousy is not becoming of you, Bella," Voldemort admonished. "And you will
give Harry the same respect you give me."
Wild eyes flashed dangerously as Bellatrix continued glaring at Harry. Harry
smiled at her. "I don't think she's listening to you, Tom."
"Bellatrix," Voldemort's voice was chilled.
Bellatrix glanced over at the Dark Lord and found herself faced with the end of
his wand and his blazing eyes. She swallowed with difficulty. "I apologise, my
Lord, Master Potter," she whispered, bowing her head. The look she shot Harry
once Voldemort had turned his gaze from her, though, told Harry just how
apologetic she really was and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Sit. Tell me what you have come here for," the Dark Lord ordered, seating
himself in a rather regal-looking chair with a high back. The Death Eaters
hurried to return to their own seats while Harry stood next to Voldemort.
Aren't you going to sit?
No. I don't feel like conjuring a chair right now, and I'd rather stay with you
than sit across from you, Harry replied.
As you wish.
"My Lord, there have been, rumours," Antonin started.
"Rumours?" Voldemort narrowed his eyes. "There are always rumours. What are so
important about these ones?"
"They say there's a high-ranking Death Eater working at Hogwarts. But this
Death Eater is not one we know of," Bellatrix said highly.
Harry couldn't hold back his laugh, much to the annoyance of the four Death
Eaters and the amusement of Voldemort.
"What, Master Potter, might be so funny?" Bellatrix enquired as politely as she
could through gritted teeth.
"Shall I tell them, then?" Harry asked Voldemort, eyes dancing in amusement.
"If you must." The Dark Lord sighed, frowning at his followers.
"The rumours both are and aren't true," Harry explained patiently. "Severus
Snape is working at Hogwarts, as is another member of the Dark Order. In fact,
he's in this room."
"Would that be you?" Bellatrix asked sweetly.
Harry's eyes narrowed. "I do not work at Hogwarts, Bellatrix, I go to school
there. Get it straight."
"My Lord?" Rodolphus was staring at Voldemort in shock. "You've been at
Hogwarts?"
This statement shocked Bellatrix out of the glaring contest she'd started with
Harry once again and she turned to stare at her Lord. "My Lord, that's
dangerous!"
"I'm well aware of that, Bella. However, I have multiple students backing me,
as well as non-students."
"Dumbledore doesn't trust Slytherins, though," Wormtail murmured before looking
up at Harry and meeting the emerald-green eyes for the first time that day.
"Unless… Master Potter, have you been helping our Lord?"
"Perhaps." Harry raised an eyebrow at the animagus. "And perhaps I'm not the
only one."
"The Weasley girl. She is very dark for a Gryffindor. She is probably helping
you…"
I thought you said he was stupid.
I said he was annoying as hell. I said nothing about stupid, Voldemort replied
to Harry in annoyance. "Very good, Wormtail," he hissed aloud soothingly.
"Very, very good. Dumbledore can hardly suspect the auror friend of Harry
Potter and Ginevra Weasley, can he?"
"No, no, of course not, my Lord. Very clever, my Lord," Wormtail agreed, much
to Bellatrix's disgust.
"It wasn't my idea," Voldemort admitted, still managing to sound superior.
"Fred and George Weasley did it."
"Have you the whole Weasley brood behind you?!" Antonin asked in surprise.
"Hardly," Harry answered. "Those three are just naturally Slytherin enough to
consider the ideas of the Dark Order as well as those of the Light Order."
"Slytherin enough, or open-minded enough?" Rodolphus enquired.
"Gin, Fred, and George are Slytherin enough. Seam and Herm are open-minded
enough," Harry replied, deciding that he liked Rodolphus, despite his wife.
"Interesting. Open-minded Gryffindors," Rodolphus muttered to himself, frowning
in contemplation. "Who would have guessed?" He glanced up at Harry with a
smirk.
Harry grinned. "Who indeed."
"My Lord, do you have a plan for the down-fall of Dumbledore?" Bellatrix asked,
pulling the attention back to herself and the silent Dark Lord.
Voldemort glanced at Harry, who nodded and spoke seriously. "Actually, that's
my job. Yes, we have a plan, no, I'm not letting you in on it. It's student
run, currently, and it's staying that way."
Bellatrix did not look happy.
"If that is all?" Voldemort stood slowly, eyes sweeping over the small group.
"Of course, my Lord," Bellatrix, Antonin, and Wormtail replied. Rodolphus was
watching Harry with a frown.
"A problem, Rodolphus?" Voldemort enquired mildly, eyes watching the Lestrange
dangerously.
"No, my Lord," Rodolphus offered the Dark Lord a slight bow. "I was just
wondering if it is allowable for me to remain and speak with Master Potter?"
"Rodolphus," Bellatrix hissed angrily.
Voldemort glanced at Harry. Up to you, love.
Sure. I like Rodolphus. Harry shrugged.
"Very well. Rodolphus, you may stay. Bella, you may also stay, if you so wish,
until your husband leaves," Voldemort decided. "Wormtail, Antonin, you are
dismissed."
"Thank you, my Lord," Rodolphus replied as the other two wizards disapparated.
"Thank you, my Lord," Bellatrix echoed her husband hollowly.
Voldemort nodded. I'm going to put your cousin in the dungeons. Take the
Lestranges with you to the study and tell Lucius to join me.
Okay. Harry smiled as Voldemort swept out of the room. "Follow me," he ordered
the two Death Eaters.
Bellatrix narrowed her eyes at him. "I don't have to listen–"
Rodolphus pointed his wand at his wife. "Enough, Bella. Go home if you're
planning to be like this again."
Bellatrix scowled, but closed her mouth.
Rodolphus nodded to Harry. "Lead the way, Master Potter."
Harry scowled. "Harry, please. When Voldemort is around, call me Master Potter,
if you must. Otherwise, call me Harry."
Rodolphus smiled faintly. "Harry, then."
Harry nodded and led the way down the hall and back into the study. "Lucius?"
The Malfoy Head turned to look at Harry. "Yes?"
"Tom wants you to join him in the dungeons."
"Whatever could he want down there?"
Harry smirked. "I think he had to chain Dudley up so he'd quit whining."
This brought laughter from the students in the room and a faint smile from
Lucius. "Very well. Inform him I'm on my way," the man requested before
sweeping from the room.
He's coming.
Oh, good.
Harry smiled to himself as he turned back to the Lestranges. "Have seats.
Please."
"Friends of yours?" Ginny said teasingly as she watched Bellatrix uneasily.
Theodore slid and arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest
protectively.
"Sort of," Harry agreed. "This is Rodolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange," he
introduced. "Bellatrix, Rodolphus, I'm sure you're familiar with Draco Malfoy."
The Malfoy Heir nodded his head respectfully. "Uncle Rodolphus, Aunt
Bellatrix."
"I keep forgetting Narcissa and Bellatrix are sisters…" Harry murmured, earning
him a surprised look from Draco. "What? I saw it on a tapestry in the Black
House."
"When were you in Grimmauld Place?" Bellatrix demanded.
"None of your business," the three Gryffindors shot back simultaneously. Then
they all traded grins.
"Anyway, that's Theodore Nott. The red-head snuggling with him is the notorious
Ginevra Weasley," Harry continued.
"Oh, so I'm notorious now, am I?" Ginny interrupted in amusement.
"Duh." Harry gave her an annoyed look before motioning to Hermione. "And this
is Hermione Granger."
"A mudblood in Malfoy Manor?!" Bellatrix screeched in horror.
"Watch your language," Harry said sharply, sending the Death Eater a dangerous
look. "That is unacceptable. Herm is a guest, just as you are."
Bellatrix sneered at Harry. "Watch the way you talk to your elders and betters,
widdle Podder."
"I do believe I've warned you once already to respect Harry, Bella. Do not make
me tell you a second time," Tom's voice floated over to them from the doorway.
His scarlet eyes were narrowed dangerously at the witch.
"My Lord, I did not notice you come in," Bellatrix said with a deep bow.
"I do believe that was the point," Ginny bit out before Theodore could shut her
up.
"Ginny!" Hermione hissed.
"Ginevra, that was uncalled for," Tom said mildly as he stepped over to Harry's
chair.
"Sorry, Tom, but those two won't ever get along, and Bellatrix won't respect
someone younger than her that she hasn't a reason to," Ginny pointed out,
giving Hermione a sharp look as the older girl opened her mouth to berate her
again.
Tom frowned at the young witch, as did Bellatrix. "Very good, girly."
Harry settled a hand on Tom's arm, rising, as the man opened his mouth to yell
at Bellatrix. Let me try something.
Fine. Tom sighed.
Harry turned and walked over so he was directly in front of Bellatrix. "Let us
get something straight, Bellatrix. I don't like you, and I doubt I ever will.
However, if you continue to look down on me, you will find out just how much
more proficient I've become at the Cruciatus Curse in two years. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," Bellatrix spat.
"Harry James Potter!" Hermione shouted. "When did you–"
"Hermione, stuff it." Harry spun and glared at his friend, who's mouth shut at
the fire in his eyes. "I really don't feel like hearing all about how I
shouldn't be performing Unforgivables."
"Even if they are poorly done," Bellatrix muttered under her breath.
Harry settled his wand between her eyes firmly. "Give me a reason, and I swear
you'll regret it."
"Bella, stop annoying Harry," Lucius ordered. "And come with me; Narcissa was
looking for you."
Bellatrix stood and glared at Harry, who was nearly the same height as her.
Without a word, she left the room to follow Lucius to her sister.
Everyone was silent as Harry returned to his seat wearily. "Please don't stare
at me," he murmured.
The group of students immediately started talking to one another. Rodolphus
frowned at Harry. "Are you well?"
"He's tired," Tom answered, settling a hand on Harry's shoulder gently as he
sat on the arm of Harry's chair.
"Lucius is going to murder you for sitting improperly on his furniture," Harry
muttered, leaning his head against Tom's side and closing his eyes.
"Lucius will live. Do you need to go to bed?" the Dark Lord enquired softly as
he wrapped an arm around the teen's shoulders.
"I'm fine."
Tom rolled his eyes and glanced at Rodolphus, who was smiling faintly. "Why
ever are you smiling?"
"Because your hair's red again," Harry answered for the Death Eater, who really
did smile at that.
Tom reached up and pulled a lock of hair around so he could get a good look at
it and groaned. "Harry…"
"Looks good on you," was the young man's soft reply, punctured by a yawn.
"You're sure you don't want to go to bed?"
"Yes," Harry replied, sounding mildly annoyed.
Tom sighed and glanced over at the group of chatting students. "What are you
four plotting?"
"Pranks," came the simultaneous reply.
"On whom?"
"The Order of the Phoenix."
"Dumbledore."
"Teachers."
"Other students."
"And you."
Tom scowled at Ginny while everyone else in the room laughed, even Rodolphus
and Harry. "Why me?"
"Because you're a teacher," the red-head replied happily.
"Good Merlin, Harry. Stop teaching her things," Tom complained.
Harry snorted. "I haven't taught her hardly anything; Fred and George taught
her all she knows."
"I should have known. Remind me to pellet their shop with pranks next time I'm
in Diagon Alley."
"Hey, Tom?" Ginny said suddenly. "If my brothers want to be inducted, will you
let them?"
"They have to follow protocol," Tom replied. "And no pranks."
"They're not going to like that last rule," Hermione offered, earning herself a
light punch from Ginny. "What? They won't."
"Was that rhetorical, or plausible?" Tom enquired before the two witches could
start an argument.
"No clue. They asked me last week and I promised to ask you when it was safe,"
Ginny replied, turning away from the glaring brunette.
"And what about yesterday?" Tom enquired mildly.
"I was angry at you."
"And the night before?"
"Too tired."
"Do you have an excuse for everything?"
"Actually, yes."
Tom rolled his eyes while the students laughed. "Really." He glanced down at
Harry, who had fallen asleep against his side. "Why go to bed when I make a
good pillow, I suppose." He sighed, leaning over to kiss the top of Harry's
head gently before glancing back up at Rodolphus, who was smiling again.
"What?"
"You're happy, my Lord," Rodolphus said by way of explanation. "I wasn't quite
sure I'd live long enough to see you happy."
Tom scowled. "I see."
"It's not a weak sort of happy," the man mused. "Rather, a stronger one. You
have friends who are almost equal to you, and someone you love. People to lean
on."
Tom watched the man quietly for a long moment before nodding. "I suppose."
"Bella is jealous. I believe she had hoped she would get your love, rather than
another."
"I'm well aware of that, but she'll have to get used to this," Tom replied
firmly.
"Yes, I suppose she will." Rodolphus sighed. "And she'll have to get past this
hatred of Harry, or she may find herself dead."
"She's too useful to kill," Tom shot back.
Rodolphus shook his head. "Be that as it may, my Lord, Harry does not like her
in the least, and I doubt he finds her useful. If she keeps this up, he may
kill her."
Tom glanced down at the sleeping teen. "That's what I'm afraid of. Harry's not
a killer."
"He may become one." Rodolphus sighed regretfully. "I shall have to speak with
Bella again."
Tom nodded. "Why are you so concerned about this? I know you and Bella didn't
marry for love."
"Harry intrigues me. He's an interesting young man. And he's grown up a lot.
He's not that little brat I remember first meeting two years ago who shot weak
spells at us and hid behind sealed doors," Rodolphus admitted.
Tom ran a hand through Harry's wild hair gently. "Things change."
"Perhaps too much has changed."
"Perhaps…"
                                     -~*~-
“You need a shower.”
Harry turned to scowl at Tom. “Too tired.”
“A bath, then.”
Harry blinked at Tom slowly. “I’ll take a shower.” He turned to go into the
bathroom, but paused at the door and smirked. “And, if I need a shower, so do
you.”
“Good thing I was planning on taking one, then,” Tom murmured from right behind
Harry.
Harry spun to look at Tom and almost lost his balance. The Dark Lord caught him
and held him up. “I don’t need your help,” the teen muttered darkly, allowing
Tom to lead him into the bathroom.
“Can you stand?”
“…no…”
“Then shut up and stop complaining,” Tom replied, pulling off Harry’s shirt.
Harry swatted at his hands and pulled away, glaring tiredly. “Stop that. And
why can’t I take a shower in the morning?”
Tom sighed. “Because the Minister is going to be here early tomorrow morning
and you need to look presentable, even if you’re not.”
Harry gaped at the man. “Fudge? Here? Why? Can’t Lucius tell him no?”
“Not really. This is all about Lucius’ loyalties, actually. Mine too, it
appears,” he offered an ironic smile.
“Don’t you mean Marcus Brutùs’ loyalties? I don’t believe Tom Riddle’s
loyalties have ever been in question,” Harry shot back, taking off his trousers
slowly.
“Funny. Neither have Harry Potter’s,” Tom shot back, pulling his own shirt up
and over his head, laying it neatly on the counter next to where he’d set
Harry’s.
Harry flipped Tom the two-fingered salute and finished pulling off his pants
before going over to start the shower. “Stupid Fudge.”
Tom laughed and set his trousers with their shirts before leaning down to pick
up the rest of Harry’s clothing to set it up on the sink. When he glanced over
at Harry, the teen was scowling. “What’s that look for?”
“Stop cleaning up after me.”
“Stop giving me a reason to,” Tom shot back, stepping up to the younger wizard
and standing over him.
Harry snorted and got into the shower. “Neat-freak.”
Tom smiled and stepped into the shower behind Harry, wrapping his arms around
the teen’s waist and leaning him against his chest, chin on the top of Harry’s
head. “Hush.”
Harry sighed and closed his eyes, relaxing into the embrace. “I thought we were
in here to take a shower.”
“We are,” Tom murmured, magically lathering up a bath puff and then picking it
up to run it down Harry’s abdomen. The teen hummed softly in contentment and
smiled. Tom leaned forward and, with his free hand, drew Harry’s lips to his
gently.
Harry’s eyes shot open as Tom’s hand curled around his penis. Tom?
Shhh. The elder wizard was stroking Harry gently with one hand while the other
continued to wash him. Trust me.
Harry closed his eyes again and lost himself in the kiss as Tom’s tongue slid
between his lips to dance within his mouth. Harry moaned into the kiss, raising
a hand to tangle it in Tom’s hair.
Tom continued to stroke Harry gently but firmly, letting his hand with the bath
puff slide between Harry’s legs to clean him there, purposefully knocking into
Harry’s balls.
Harry let out a sharp gasp as he came in Tom’s hand. “Oh, you bastard,” he
whispered, opening his eyes to look up into smiling scarlet ones. “You fucking
bastard.”
“Calling me names again?” the Dark Lord replied softly.
“Is Fudge really coming tomorrow, or did you just say that to get me in the
shower?” Harry wanted to know.
“He’s coming tomorrow, but not until much later in the afternoon. You could
have taken a shower in the morning,” Tom admitted. “But you’ve been on edge
since we got here and I wanted to see if this would help.”
“You really are a bastard, Tom,” Harry informed the Dark Lord.
“Perhaps.” Tom set a chaste kiss upon Harry’s lips with a smile. “But it
worked.”
“Ugh.” Harry made a face. “Stop reading my mind, prat.”
“Then don’t leave it open,” Tom replied warmly.
“Easy for you to say,” Harry grumbled, letting his hand reach behind him to
take a hold of Tom’s cock, which had been pressing into his back.
Tom let out a hiss. “Obviously not as easy as you think.”
Harry smirked and turned in Tom’s grasp so he could face the older wizard.
"Sexually frustrated, love?" he enquired as his fingers danced along the blood-
filled length.
:Yesss...: Tom hissed, closing his eyes.
Harry leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Good for you," he said
happily before hopping out of the shower and hurrying from the bathroom.
Tom groaned and let his head hit the shower's wall with a loud 'thunk'. Tease.
I love you!
You're a horrible, horrible child. It's a wonder the Hat ever even considered
you for Gryffindor!
I know. G'night, Harry responded cheerfully.
Good night. I'm going to finish my shower before I join you.
You mean you're going to wank.
Tom slammed his side of their connection closed and locked the bathroom door
with a wave of his hand. Harry's laughter carried through the door and echoed
around the bathroom, making Tom sigh. "Brat…"
***** Chapter 30 *****
"Lucius?"
Lucius glanced up at the group of calm students, Harry in the lead. "Yes, Mr
Potter?"
Harry merely scowled at the title. "We were wondering if we could demolish any
of the rooms in the Manor."
It took all of Lucius' training to keep from gaping helplessly. Tom, however,
turned to frown at Harry. "What have you five got up your nasty little
sleeves?"
"Harry's idea!" four voices called at once, earning their owners each a glare
from said teen.
"That I expected."
"We want to set up a place to duel," Harry explained calmly. "Gryffindors
verses Slytherins. Gin's our referee."
"And can Miss Granger actually participate?" Lucius inquired, rejoining the
conversation, as his gaze travelled over to the pregnant witch.
"Madam Pomfrey says that I can still do things like duelling for another month
and a half," Hermione said coolly. "Anyway, someone has to show your son he's
not the best."
Lucius stared at the witch, annoyed, while everyone else laughed and Tom
smiled. He turned to his son suddenly. "If you lose, I'll be very upset,
Draco."
Draco sobered quickly. "Of course, Father."
"Now, really, Lucius. That's hardly fair." Tom chuckled. "He's up against Harry
Potter."
Lucius scowled at the Dark Lord. "You're betting on the Gryffindors, then, my
Lord?"
"Of course I am."
"Would you two care to watch?" Ginny asked, smiling widely. "Perhaps bet some
money."
"Yeah, I'm sure Gin'll hold it for you," Harry said mischievously.
"That would, actually, be quite entertaining," Tom decided, standing. "Lucius?"
"The Minister is supposed to arrive within the hour," Lucius replied tightly.
"Point?" Harry made a face at the Malfoy Head. "No one here gives a rat's arse
about how the Minister feels, Lucius. Have one of the house-elves lead him to
us."
"Intimidation. Crafty," Theodore murmured.
"How is that intimidation?" Hermione wanted to know, even as Lucius stood and
motioned for them to follow him from the room.
"We're showing that we're a force to be reckoned with. We're all just
seventeen, and you're pregnant. What will the Minister think of the children of
tomorrow now?" Draco replied sharply.
"The Minister doesn't know our sides, Draco," Harry cut in softly. "It's hardly
intimidation."
"Your actions today will make him think tomorrow," Ginny supplied. "He doesn't
know our sides in this war right now, but, once he does, he may just re-think
his support."
"Everyone already knows Harry's a force to be reckoned with, though," Hermione
argued.
"But not how much of a force," Ginny replied, eyes sparkling evilly. "Only a
select few know."
Harry shrugged. "And none of them are you guys, sorry to say." Then he sped up
to walk with Tom, leaving the four students staring at his back in shock.
"This must have something to do with all the times he went missing last year,"
Hermione grumbled under her breath.
"He went missing a lot last year?" Draco turned to look at the brunette witch
curiously. "Without an explanation?"
"Yeah," Ginny stepped in. "And we couldn't follow him, since he always took his
Invisibility Cloak."
"Wonder what he was doing…"
"Don't we all." Ginny kicked at the ground. "It was annoying."
"Here we are," Lucius said, ending the two conversations his guests had been
having, one out loud, the other mentally. "This room is actually meant to be
used for duelling practise. The Death Eaters use it sometimes."
"It'll have to do," Harry decided, pulling laughter from his friends and a
glare from Lucius. "Right. Dray, Ted, left side. Herm, you're with me on the
right. Tom, Lucius, I'll leave it up to you two to conjure chairs for
yourselves. Gin, stand near them and give us a go when all is in order."
"Making us do work," Lucius grumbled clearly as he conjured a chair next to the
one Tom had already made and was sitting in with a smile.
Ginny flashed the two adults a bright smile while the combatants prepared.
"Hey, Tom, could we get you to duel with Harry next, if there’s time?"
"Why?" the Dark Lord wanted to know.
"Because I want to see how you would both fare." The red-head shrugged before
turning back to the duellists. "Two-on-two, or one-on-one with seconds?"
The four traded looks before nodding. "One-on-one with seconds," Draco called
out as Theodore and Hermione stepped back to give Harry and Draco room.
"This way, I don't have to duel at all!" Hermione called cheerfully.
"I should lose on purpose," Harry replied, watching Ginny.
"Not funny, Harry."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Since we don't know when the Minister will be here,
keep it clean. Legal spells only."
"Define legal?" Draco requested sweetly.
"I refuse to get into a political debate with you, Draco Malfoy, so stuff it,"
Ginny shot back, getting a laugh from everyone.
"And no bringing animals into this," Harry cut in, giving Draco a dirty look.
The Malfoy heir shrugged. "It was hardly to my advantage, now was it?"
"You want Harry calling a snake out on you?" Hermione wanted to know.
Draco paused. "Right, then. No animals. And no cheating."
"Oh, like beginning before the count's up?" Harry teased, smirking.
"Why make that rule?" Theodore asked, frowning at Draco's back.
"Because if I can cheat, he can cheat, and, this time, he will," Draco growled
back, eyes on Harry.
The green-eyed boy nodded. "Perfect. Gin, whenever you're ready."
Ginny nodded seriously. "Bow," She ordered. Both young men bowed formally, eyes
on each other. "Wands at the ready. On my count. One…Two…Three!"
"Silencio! Protego!"
"Stupefy!"
"Incendio!"
Draco jumped out of the way of the shot of fire and the two paused, staring at
one another. Harry had a glittering shield up around him, which had made
Draco's Stunning Spell shoot off to one side. Draco was glaring at Harry
silently.
"Accio Draco's wand," Harry said finally. The Malfoy's wand flew into his hand
and he pocketed it, nodding as Theodore and Draco traded places.
"Bow," Ginny called. The two traded formal bows. "Wands at the ready! One…
Two…"
                                     -~*~-
"Do you hear shouting?" Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, asked Arthur
Weasley, who'd been sent to help him instead of an Auror (much to Fudge's
disgust).
Arthur cocked his head slightly, listening, but it was the house-elf who was
leading them to where the Malfoys were who answered the question, "The young
Master Draco and his friends were duelling out of boredom, Minister."
"Alone?!" Arthur cut in, shocked. Albus had mentioned that both Ginny and
Hermione were also believed to have left with Draco Malfoy two nights ago with
Lucius Malfoy.
"No, sir," the elf replied calmly. "Professor Brutùs and Master Lucius were to
watch the duel."
"Hardly makes me feel better…" Arthur muttered under his breath.
Fudge frowned in concentration. "Brutùs?"
"New Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts," Arthur volunteered.
"My daughter seems to like him, apparently they met over the summer while she
was visiting Harry. My son thinks he's horrible and a Death Eater."
"That's a very serious accusation," Fudge pointed out in a serious voice.
"Of course. But, you know kids these days. Any teacher they don't like's a
Death Eater out for their blood," the red-haired man forced his voice to remain
light. "He's probably just a very secretive fellow, like Snape."
"We's here, sirs," the house-elf said suddenly, stopping before a closed door.
It opened the door enough to let them all look in.
"Expelliarmus!"
"Finite! Accio Theodore's wand!"
"Why do you keep using the Summoning Charm?!" Theodore shouted as his wand
slipped into Harry's hand.
"It doesn't knock you back into Dray?" Harry shrugged and tossed the two
Slytherins their wands, flicking his own wand at Draco to end the Silencing
Spell. "And we have guests."
Everyone turned to look at the two men at the door. "Dad!" Ginny squealed
before running over and hugging her father tightly, much to everyone's
amusement.
"Arthur. Cornelius." Lucius nodded to the two as he stood with Tom and started
towards the door. The rest of the students followed them.
"Ah, Lucius, wonderful seeing you again. Simply marvellous. I trust…ah…You-
Know-Who hasn't been controlling you lately?" Fudge gushed, taking Lucius' hand
and pumping it enthusiastically.
"Not a peep," Lucius assured him. "I don't believe you know Professor Marcus
Brutùs? Or Theodore Nott?" He introduced the two, stepping back so Tom and
Theodore could also shake hands with the Minister.
"Of course, of course. And here's your son, Draco. And Harry! My dear boy!" He
pulled Harry into an exuberant hug.
Man's worse than I remembered. I bet a two-year-old could get him under
Imperio, Harry thought to Tom darkly as he stepped away from the Minister.
"It's nice to see you again as well, Minister. This–" he motioned to Hermione.
"–is Hermione Granger. I don't believe you two have met before."
"Wonderful to finally get a name to go with such a pretty face, my dear," Fudge
said happily, shaking Hermione's hand.
"Shall we adjourn to the sitting room?" Lucius inquired coolly.
"Brilliant idea, Lucius. Brilliant idea. Of course, you should probably lead
the way…"
Hermione, Ginny, and Harry all stayed back with Arthur, who was frowning at
them. "To the Malfoy residence? Really." He shook his head.
"Draco's not a bad person, Dad," Ginny insisted.
"Once you get to know him, he's actually really nice," Hermione agreed. "And
even Lucius isn't such an arse."
Harry shook his head at Hermione. "Arse. Really. I thought you didn't curse."
"Shut up."
"Professor Dumbledore didn't tell me you'd also gone, Harry," Arthur continued
in a low voice.
Harry shrugged. "I don't suppose he wanted anyone panicking."
"They found Ron, you know," Arthur added seriously, frowning at the three
students.
Hermione and Ginny both pointed at Harry. "He did it."
"Did what?" Fudge asked as they entered the sitting room.
Harry shrugged. "A bit of art in the Hogwarts entrance hall."
"Art?" Theodore snorted.
"Well, I thought it was rather fetching," Hermione said softly, seating herself
on a couch next to Theodore.
"Hermione!" Arthur turned on the Muggle-born witch, wide-eyed.
"This," Harry cut in firmly, "is a family discussion that we should save for
another time, unless..." His gaze travelled over to where Lucius sat in his
favourite arm chair. "Lucius would let us borrow the drawing room to clear the
air?"
"As long as there is to be no demolishing or hunting, I have no problems with
that," Lucius replied evenly, liquid silver eyes throwing hexes at Arthur.
Harry nodded seriously. "That, I can promise. Mr Weasley, Ginny, Herm, if you'd
please." He nodded to the other three men in the room as the three he'd just
named stood to leave. "Minister, Lucius, Marcus." The three men nodded in reply
before Harry led his small group from the room.
"That boy's matured!" Fudge exclaimed in shock.
Theodore and Draco traded smirks.
                                     -~*~-
“Please, sit,” Harry offered diplomatically as he shut the drawing room door
behind him. Arthur sat in a nice armchair while the two girls sat across from
him on a two-person couch, which Harry then took the arm of, next to Hermione.
“You shouldn’t sit on the arm, Harry,” Hermione chastised the teen.
“What Lucius doesn’t know won’t make him mad,” Harry replied, grinning.
Arthur smiled. “Very true. But–” His smile disappeared. “Explain yourselves.”
“Ron got Hermione pregnant,” Ginny said by way of explanation.
Arthur froze, staring at the three in shock. “Pregnant?”
“Got her drunk and pregnant on her birthday,” Harry agreed, leaning back in his
make-shift seat and sliding an arm around Hermione’s shoulders to hug her
gently.
Hermione turned to scowl up at her long-time friend. “Blunt much?”
“Not really, no.” Harry smiled lightly before glancing back over at Arthur, who
was shaking his head. “Mr Weasley?”
Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to believe this,
personally, but I don’t appear to have that choice.” He shook his head at the
three teens. “But, still, tacking him up in the Entrance Hall with an
Unstickable Charm was a little over the top, don’t you think?”
Harry slid a hand over Hermione’s mouth, successfully shutting her up, as he
leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “Art, Mr Weasley. It was art.”
“That was not proper art,” Arthur pointed out calmly, meeting Harry’s eyes.
“Define ‘proper art,’ sir. As far as I am aware, a pregnant witch is not art,
and that is what Ronald has made. In retaliation, I have created my own art,
and that just happened to be my ex-friend hanging in the Entrance Hall. The
unforgivable in return for the unforgivable.”
Arthur narrowed his eyes. “And the message?”
Harry knit his brows in confusion. “What message?”
“You didn’t leave the message proclaiming the ‘art’ from ‘The Future Death
Eaters’?”
“What?! No!” Harry looked horrified. “Great Merlin, no! I’d never associate
with Voldemort!” He hid his smirk at Arthur’s flinch.
Me thinks the lady doth protest too much.
Stuff it, Tom.
Tom laughed in Harry’s mind as a knock came on the door.
“Come in!” Ginny called, as Harry was still pulling off horrified while
covering Hermione’s mouth to keep her silent and Arthur appeared to be
considering everything he’d just heard and seen.
Tom stepped into the room and cocked an eyebrow at the eldest Weasley.
“Tormenting students? Really.” He shook his head with a sigh as he stepped into
the room, closing the door behind himself.
Arthur narrowed his eyes and stood slowly. “I do believe the Headmaster will be
quite pleased to learn that you’re hiding out at a known Death Eater’s home.”
“Only if he finds out,” Tom replied, eyeing the wand pointing at his chest with
boredom. “Lower your wand.”
“Mr Weasley, don’t attack him,” Harry said softly, standing himself. “He’s not
worth it.”
Four sets of eyes shot to look at the green-eyed young man. “Not worth it?”
Arthur repeated blankly.
“How many times must I vouch for Marcus before the Order believes he is a good
man?” the Boy-Who-Lived inquired in a soft voice, watching the red-headed
wizard.
Arthur didn’t get a chance to reply as a terrified shout sounded through the
house. The five traded looks.
“Front hall,” Tom murmured.
“Ginny, Hermione, Harry, stay here,” Arthur ordered as he turned to follow Tom
out of the room.
“Ginny, Hermione, stay. I’m coming with,” Harry shot back, sliding through the
door and quickly catching up with Tom before Arthur could speak again.
Arthur sighed as Ginny and Hermione sat back down with annoyed looks. “Fine,”
he muttered before running after the two wizards.
                                     -~*~-
Harry couldn’t help but laugh. Both Theodore and Draco snorted, obviously
fighting insane laughter. Fudge looked horrified, as did Arthur. Lucius and Tom
both looked very passive.
Ronald Weasley was hanging from the ceiling by one leg, which had been caught
in one of the Manor’s defences.
“Oh, Ron, you idiot!” Harry finally managed before glancing at Lucius. “Let him
down.”
Lucius scowled at the younger wizard for a long moment. Harry cocked one
eyebrow at the man and the Death Eater waved a hand at the hanging figure. Ron
was slowly lowered to the ground.
“Now then, Mr Weasley, would you kindly inform us as to why you’re here?” Tom
asked softly, leaning down slightly so his eyes were closer to Ron’s level,
where he sat on the floor.
“Hermione!” Ron shouted suddenly, having caught sight of the very girl he’d
come for.
“Oh, for Merlin’s sake, Ron! Haven’t you caused enough trouble?!” Ginny
shouted, stepping between her brother and Hermione.
Ron scowled.
Harry knelt before the other boy. “Why did you come here?”
“To get Hermione out of this house,” he spat.
Harry rose an eyebrow at the red-head before turning to Hermione. “Herm, do you
feel unsafe here?”
Hermione blinked a few times in surprise. “Of course not! I love it here!”
Harry turned back to Ron. “She doesn’t need saving, Ron. You may return to the
Burrow. Try not to splinch yourself on the way.”
“Wha–?“
“Goodbye, Ronald,” Hermione shot at the boy. “You’re not welcome here.”
Ron glanced up at the four adult wizards. Lucius and Tom were both glaring at
him. Arthur looked furiously upset. Fudge just looked confused. “But–“
Harry leaned over and put his mouth next to Ron’s ear. “Leave, Ron. If you
remain any longer, you will not leave unscathed. I’m not the only one who’s
furious with you, and I can’t promise they'll have the same level of control as
I. Clear?” He leaned back to meet Ron’s eyes.
The red-haired wizard looked terrified. “Did you just…”
“No, Ron, I’m not threatening you, I’m merely making a point.” Harry stood
slowly. “You did a very stupid thing and now you’re faced with the
consequences. Grow up.”
“Now, Harry…” Tom started softly.
“I’m not threatening him, Marcus. I am forcing him to see the reality of the
situation,” Harry replied, eyes never leaving Ron’s. “Leave, Ron. For the last
time.”
Ron narrowed his eyes. “Death Eater,” he spat before disapparating with a
‘crack’.
Harry cocked a mental eyebrow at Tom among the gasps from the other people in
the room. Well, what do you know. Ron’s going to start the rumours for me.
Harry…
Harry turned to look at everyone with a strained smile. “Excuse Ron, please. We
three are in the middle of a slight fight, I fear.”
“Ah, of course.” Fudge nodded understandingly, settling a hand on Harry’s
shoulder gently. “These things happen, my dear boy. I’m sure it will pass.”
“I hope so,” Harry replied sadly.
Arthur frowned. “Molly and I will be sure to have a word with Ron before the
end of break, Harry.”
Harry nodded. “Thank you, Mr Weasley.”
Fudge took a quick look at his watch. “Oh, and I need to head back for the
Ministry. I have a meeting, I’m afraid.” He sighed sadly.
“Of course, Minister. We understand you have a busy schedule,” Lucius agreed.
Everyone else nodded.
“Yes, yes. Arthur, we need to leave.”
Arthur gave the two Gryffindor girls hugs and Harry a firm handshake before
nodding to the Minister. The two disapparated with nearly simultaneous
‘crack’s.
“We could have wiped their memories of you being here, Harry,” Draco pointed
out in the silence.
Harry’s sad smile turned into a full-blown smirk. “Ah, but, if we did that, my
Christmas presents from Molly would be delayed, and we can’t have that.”
Everyone laughed.
***** Chapter 31 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Harry couldn’t help but smile at the Dark Lord who slept next to him, face
softened by a peaceful sleep. He ran a finger across one cheek gently.
“Harry?” Tom blinked up at him sleepily. “What’s wrong?”
Harry shrugged, glancing up at the clock on the other side of the bed. It
clicked to midnight and he smiled back down at the older wizard. “I was
wondering if I might give you one of your Christmas presents now.”
Tom blinked a few times and turned to glance at the clock himself. “It’s the
middle of the night, Harry.”
Harry’s face fell. “Or not.”
The Dark Lord sighed and reached up to cup one of Harry’s cheeks. “Of course
you can give me your gift now, dear one. I’m sorry.”
Harry smiled a slow smile, leaning down to kiss the older man. Good.
So, where’s this present? Tom asked slyly as Harry drew back from the kiss.
Did you want a material possession, then? Harry replied, still smiling.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the teen. “What did you have in mind, Mr Potter?”
“You know I love you, right?” Harry said by way of response, suddenly serious.
“Of course. But, what does that…” Tom’s eyes widened in shock as he caught on.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” Harry suddenly turned, somehow managing to pull Tom over on top of him.
“I’m yours. Period.”
Tom let out a sharp breath, searching Harry’s eyes frantically. When he was
sure Harry wasn’t about to panic, he nodded and lowered his head to kiss the
teen gently.
Harry immediately opened his mouth to the seeking tongue as he rose his hands
to run them over Tom’s bare torso, feather-light touch sliding over the red-
eyed man’s pale skin.
Tom took one of Harry’s hands in his own, holding it tightly. His free hand
tugged gently at Harry’s sweats until the teen raised his hips off the bed and
let the Dark Lord pull them off. The trousers floated gently to rest over the
back of a chair and Harry let out a soft laugh.
“What now?”
“Neat freak.”
Tom grinned. “Shut up, you.”
Harry only laughed harder.
Tom rolled his eyes and lifted the hand he held to his lips, setting a soft
kiss on the palm which managed to silence the laughter. “Much better,” the Dark
Lord murmured in the silence. “Now, one last time, because I’m anal. You’re
sure?”
Harry couldn’t help but smile. “Next person who says Lord Voldemort has no
heart needs to be smacked.” Tom scowled. “Yes, Tom, I’m sure. And, if you ask
one more time, you’re on the bottom.”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the teen. “I’ve never seen you as the sort to threaten
in bed, Mr Potter.”
Harry grinned and tugged at Tom’s trousers. “Off, Mr Riddle.”
Tom smacked the hand away and frowned. “Hands to yourself. We’re doing this my
way.”
“With your trousers on?”
“All in good time, Harry. All in good time. Now, relax,” Tom added before
leaning down to kiss Harry again.
Harry sighed into the kiss and closed his eyes, twisting his free hand in Tom’s
hair. Is that allowed?
Tom smiled and slid his free hand down to rest on Harry’s hip. Yes. He replied
before moving his lips to kiss at the spot just behind Harry’s right ear. The
teen let out a hiss and closed his eyes. Like that, do you?
:Yesssss…:
Tom chuckled. :Good.:
Harry shivered. You make Parseltongue sound like a sin.
:Is that supposed to be a bad thing?: Tom hissed back teasingly before he
pulled back from the green-eyed teen. :Turn around.:
Harry blinked at him owlishly. “Why?” Tom frowned at him. “Oh, very well…”
Harry sighed and turned around, laying face down on the bed.
Tom smiled and ran the palm of his hand over Harry’s arse. :My way, remember?:
Mental note: Never tell a Slytherin when something can be used to their
advantage, Harry muttered, shivering slightly.
:I heard that…: Tom hissed teasingly as he slid a finger down between Harry’s
cheeks.
“Damn…”
Tom laughed and leaned down to place a kiss on Harry’s tailbone. The errant
finger paused over the pucker between Harry’s cheeks and circled around it
lazily, earning a hiss from Harry. :Like that?:
“Yes…” Harry closed his eyes and buried his face in his pillow. Yes.
Tom smiled and used his hands to push the two cheeks apart then leaned his head
down to lick gently at Harry’s pucker.
Harry moaned and tightened his grip on the pillow. Merlin, Tom…
Yes? Did you want something? Tom teased, swiping his tongue around the hole.
Harry’s thought came out as a whimper, More?
Of course, Tom agreed. Then, murmuring a soft spell to lengthen his tongue, he
slid it into Harry’s arse hole with ease.
Harry let out a muffled shout into the pillow. Fuck!
You alright? Tom asked, concerned, as he pulled his tongue out.
Do that again!
Oh, you liked it, the Dark Lord commented, thrusting the lengthened muscle back
into the teen beneath him. Then, before the younger wizard could do more than
moan, he began slowly tongue-fucking Harry’s arsehole, which was followed by
nothing but moans.
Tom finally decided that the younger man was plenty relaxed and pulled away
from his arse, pausing long enough to swipe his tongue up the teen’s crack.
Harry turned to blink slowly at him. “Wha–?“ Then he saw that Tom was finally
taking off his sweats and he grinned. “ ‘Bout damn time.”
“Silence.” Tom growled, tossing his trousers at the chair Harry’s rested on,
but not bothering to make sure they got there. “On your knees, lovely.” Harry
sighed and complied while Tom spat on his hands to slick up his cock. :Ready?:
The Dark Lord inquired in a sexy hiss as he positioned himself at Harry’s
entrance.
Harry let out a low moan. “Yes…”
Tom settled his hands on Harry’s hips and slowly pressed himself into the
smaller wizard. Once in up to his balls, he stopped moving his lower body and
leaned over Harry’s back to kiss behind his right ear again. :Your call, love.:
Harry turned his head and caught the teasing lips with his own. Fuck me, Tom.
I’ve been ready.
Tom bit Harry’s lower lip gently as he started moving his hips. Just like the
Slytherin you are, hm?
You bet, came the reply, followed by a gasp as Tom’s hand wrapped around his
weeping and neglected cock. Ooooh, you bastard…
More? the Dark Lord inquired, sliding his hand up and down the teen slowly.
Yes... Harry whispered in their minds, closing his eyes and losing himself in
the feelings.
Tom started moving faster as he felt himself nearing completion. :Come for me,
Harry,: he hissed against the younger wizard’s kiss-swollen lips.
Harry gave out a sound half-way between a sob and a cry of delight as his body
tensed, then sent his seed spilling over his lover’s hand. His muscles
tightened around Tom and the Dark Lord buried himself deep inside the teen and
came, hissing nonsense.
Spent, Harry collapsed onto the mattress with a groan. Tom laid down next to
him, then used the hand he’d slid beneath the smaller wizard before to pull
Harry against his chest. All right?
Better than all right, Harry murmured sleepily, burying his face in Tom’s
chest. Love you.
I love you too, Harry. Tom sighed, pulling out his wand and muttering a quick
cleaning spell. Then he kissed the lightning bolt on Harry’s forehead and
closed his eyes. Sweet dreams.
                                     -~*~-
The banging on their bedroom door woke the two up. “Boys! Wakey, wakey!”
Tom threw an unlit candle at the door. “Away, demon!”
Harry sniggered and pulled himself from the bed while Ginny’s wild laughter and
hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. “Come on, Tom. Presents.”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at Harry and smirked, eyeing his very naked state. “I’ve
already received the only one that was worth anything, though.”
Harry blushed and turned around to retrieve his trousers. “Get up, Tom.”
Tom chuckled and stood, stretching.
“Look at the view!” Harry laughed, eyeing Tom’s backside. “Where’d the tattoo
come from, anyway?”
Tom glanced over his shoulder at the dark brown serpent on his tailbone. “It’s
not a tattoo.”
“Then what is it?” Harry hopped over the bed and ran a finger along the snake.
Tom shivered and turned so he could face the green-eyed young man, smirking as
he sat back quickly. “Birthmark.”
“Heir of Slytherin. I should have known.” Harry straightened and pulled Tom
into a kiss. Happy Christmas.
Tom pulled away carefully as he felt a sudden weight against his throat and
glanced down. “What is it?”
Harry smiled and held up a mirror that Tom could have sworn hadn’t been there
before to let the man look at the silver pendent at his throat. “TMR… Harry, I
can’t wear this at school.”
“Yes, you can. Imagine you’re Marcus. You don’t have to change form, just
imagine that’s who you are,” Harry suggested slyly, smirking.
Tom scowled and closed his eyes. I am Marcus Brutùs. He opened his eyes and
glanced down at the necklace which now spelled out MJB. “So, it depends on who
I am?” He glanced up at Harry.
“No. It depends on who they think you are. Or believe you are.” Harry smiled.
“Now, where’s my present?”
Tom sighed and set down the mirror on the bedside table. “I suppose I can give
it to you now. It was going to wait until tonight…” he added, wandering over to
get his trousers.
“Why?”
“Death Eater meeting.” The Dark Lord tossed him a small box. “Open it, then.”
Harry scowled and popped the box open, gasping when he saw the necklace inside.
“It’s amazing, Tom. But, what’s so special about it?”
Tom pulled the necklace from the box and set it about Harry’s neck. It was a
silver Dark Mark with a red wand and a green wand crossed in front of it.
“It’ll allow you to call the Death Eaters In-Training.”
“Wait, the what?!” Harry spun to stare at Tom in shock.
Tom held up another necklace like Harry’s, but without the wands. “I’m giving
these to Gin, Draco, Theodore, Blaise, and Pansy tonight. The semi-official
name is Death Eaters In-Training. I’m putting you in charge of them. Sort of.”
“Tom, I don’t want-“
“Harry, hush.” Tom set a finger over the teen’s mouth, silencing him as his
gaze turned serious. “You are not running them, they report to you about
whatever you all are planning in the school. You report to me if you feel the
need to. You want me to take out the torture-to-prove-yourself clause, I need
some other way to screen potentials. You are that other way. Please help me
with this, love?”
Harry sighed and lifted a hand to finger the pendent. “It turns into something
else around school?”
“It becomes invisible, but it also has spells on it to keep others from
wondering what you’re playing with if you do so. The only people who can see it
are those with a Dark Mark either burned into their skin or around their
throat.”
Harry nodded slowly, eyes locked on the twin wands. “I see…”
Tom slipped a finger beneath Harry’s chin and rose his head to meet his gaze.
“Harr–“
“Geeentlemeeen! We’re waaaiiiting!” Ginny called through the door in a sing-
song voice.
“Gin, do you mind? We’re busy!” Harry shouted back hotly.
“Finally!”
Harry gave Tom a quick kiss before running out into the hall. “Ginevra Weasley!
I’m going to murder you!”
Tom peeked his head out into the hallway just quickly enough to see the two
students run around the corner, Ginny laughing madly as Harry attempted to
throttle her.
                                     -~*~-
“So, what were you two doing?” Hermione inquired once Ginny and Harry were
properly worn out and had joined the other three students and Tom next to the
Christmas tree in the main sitting room.
“Exchanging gifts,” Tom replied, shrugging. “Speaking of presents, any of those
for me?”
“How old are you?” Ginny asked sarcastically as Theodore pulled out a gift for
each of the group, all wrapped in the same paper.
“Let’s see, these are all group presents…” Theodore nodded. “Draco, do you want
to explain?”
The Malfoy heir grinned. “Okay, Theodore, Pansy, Blaise, and I have, for years,
got together and done group gifts. Everyone would get a different piece for
everyone else and we’d trade them. This year, we decided to do protective charm
bracelets. Pansy got the bracelets and the other three of us got different
charms. We voted and decided to get you, Gin and Harry, the bracelets as well.
Pansy managed to talk us into getting a set for Hermione later on.”
“My Lord, the gift for you is from myself, Pansy, and Blaise,” Theodore added
while he passed the packages out.
“Who would have guessed? Slytherins in agreement!” Ginny joked, earning her a
punch from her boyfriend as he passed her her gift.
“Open them, then,” Tom suggested softly once Theodore had sat back down.
There was the sound of ripping paper. “What do the different charms mean?”
Harry inquired, glancing at the three charms attached to his bracelet.
“They mean–“ Draco paused, glancing at Tom, who was sitting behind Harry. “My
Lord?”
Theodore started laughing as he got a look at the Dark Lord’s face. “We did
hope you liked them, of course…”
Harry poked his head up to look into the still half-wrapped dish on Tom’s lap
and cracked up. “Sherbet lemons? How’d you find them? They’re a Muggle sweet!”
“Blaise got them. His mum’s got a Muggle friend who ordered them for us,”
Theodore replied happily.
“No killing my friends,” Harry warned his lover, shaking a finger in Tom’s
face.
The Dark Lord scowled at Theodore. “I wasn’t thinking about killing them…”
“No practising Dark Arts on them, either. Or Muggle torture methods.”
“What’s left?!” Tom cried, looking into serious green eyes.
“Laughing at the joke and saying ‘thank you’,” Ginny suggested, reaching for
another present, only to have her hand smacked away by Theodore.
“You could slip them to Dumbledore with a poison of some sort in them,”
Hermione suggested meekly before glancing at Draco. “Now, what do the charms
do?” she asked in the silence while everyone stared at her in shock.
“Uh…oh! Yes, sorry. The charm with the potions vial is mine, it’s charmed
against most of the fatal poisons. Theodore’s, which looks like a blast, is
charmed against minor Light hexes. Blaise’s, the wine glass, is charmed against
getting drunk,” the blond explained.
“Little late for that last one, don’t you think?” Ginny teased, grinning at
Hermione, who replied with a scowl.
“Well, Blaise says that Hermione was the reason he picked that one, to keep the
scenario from repeating itself,” Theodore offered with a shrug.
“It’s wonderful. Thank you,” Harry said softly, slipping the bracelet on. The
two girls hummed in agreement and followed his example.
Draco leaned over and picked a small box up from the pile before chucking it at
the Dark Lord, who caught it. “From me. Father said I could give it to you.”
Tom nodded and unwrapped the box, nodding his thanks to the Malfoy heir as he
pulled out a small silver ring in the shape of a cobra. It hissed a greeting at
him, to which he replied.
“Put it on and stop talking to it, please,” Harry murmured, eyeing the other
four people in the room, who all looked mildly unsettled.
Tom chuckled and settled the ring on his right index finger. “You’d think
they’d be used to it.”
“Shut up, you.” Harry stood to gather the gifts he’d got for everyone. “Dray.”
He tossed the blond a thin, rectangular box. “Open it. I want to see everyone’s
reactions separately."
“He’s picky like that,” Tom offered as Draco attacked the wrapping paper
calmly.
“Stuff it,” Harry shot back.
“Wow…” Draco froze, staring at the item in the box. “That’s amazing, Harry.
Thank you.”
“Put it on!” Harry urged, grinning madly.
Draco pulled out the white gold necklace with a “D” pendent. The “D” was made
of alternating green emeralds and diamonds.
“Great Merlin, Harry. How much money did you spend on everyone?” Tom muttered
while Draco slipped the necklace on and under his night shirt.
Harry shrugged. “Not horrible amounts. Some of them were in the Potter family
vault that I got the key to on my birthday.” He tossed a large object at
Hermione. “Go on.”
Hermione grinned and pulled off the paper, squealing and launching herself at
her best friend after seeing what it was. “Oh, gods, thank you! I didn’t have
the money to buy one at the book store when we went!”
Harry laughed and hugged her tightly. “I thought so. And you’re welcome.”
Ginny leaned over and picked up the book Wizarding_Baby_Care,_For_Muggleborns.
“Here’s one book Herm can’t find in the library.”
Everyone laughed as Hermione settled back down in her seat, hugging her new
book to her chest after getting it back from Ginny.
Harry handed Theodore a small box. “I had no clue what to get you, I’m afraid,”
he added, smiling apologetically.
Theodore pulled the paper off and smiled at the raven-haired teen. “It’s fine.
Can never have too many candies!”
“No, I suppose not,” Harry replied over the laughter. He waited until everyone
had calmed down before handing Ginny a small box.
Ginny opened the gift and gasped. “Fuck…” she whispered, tears gathering at the
corners of her eyes.
“You’re like a sister to me, Gin, you really are. Agree to make it legal?”
Harry asked softly.
Ginny jumped up and hugged Harry tightly. “Yes. Yes yes yes yes.”
Theodore picked up the dropped box and pulled out a gold ring with the Potter
family crest to show it to the other three in the room. “Hey, Gin, if you wear
it on your left ring finger, you can freak out Ronald.”
Ginny laughed tearfully and pulled away from Harry to get her ring back from
her boyfriend. “Thank you, Harry.”
The Boy-Who-Lived kissed her gently on her forehead. “We can sign the papers
later. Lucius has them.” Ginny nodded, wiping at her eyes. “Now sit.”
Ginny laughed again. “You sit. I’ll hand out my pathetic gifts now.”
“I’m sure they’re fine,” Draco offered.
Ginny shrugged and handed all of the students similar medium-sized boxes and
Tom a book-shaped one. “Go on, then. Open them.”
There was the sound of ripping paper, then an undignified shout from Tom. “Why
is everyone pranking me today?!” He held up the black diary that looked exactly
like the one he’d made back in school that had made Ginny open the Chamber back
in her first year and an ink well of invisible ink.
Everyone laughed. “Because we love you, Tom,” Harry offered, pulling out a
chocolate frog from Ginny’s gift.
Tom leaned over and ruffled Harry’s mop of hair. “Shut up.”
“I figured you needed a new one, since Harry kinda stabbed your old one with
that fang,” Ginny offered with a shrug. “The ink is to keep you, hopefully,
from repeating the spells on the last one.”
“Vitare’s dead, anyway,” Tom muttered, setting the diary and ink with the dish
of lemon sherbets.
“Oooookay!” Hermione stood and grabbed the pile of stuff from her as Ginny sat,
laughing silently at the pout on Tom’s face. She quickly passed out the pile.
“Wow, Herm. This is much better than all those homework planners,” Harry
commented, flipping through the black pages of his new silver and gold journal.
The other three students had also received journals. Draco’s was silver and
green, Theodore’s was silver and red, and Ginny’s was red and gold.
Tom grinned and nodded to Hermione. “I have no clue how you found out, but
thank you.”
Hermione shrugged. “You left your last one out the first day I visited.”
“A drawing pad?!” Ginny scowled. “Since when have you been an artist?”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the girl. “Since I was ten, if you must know.”
“I never knew that…” Harry frowned at the Dark Lord. “I want to see some of
these works of yours.”
Tom shrugged. “Later.”
“What about the rest of us?!” Ginny shouted, incensed.
Tom shrugged again. “I’ll have to hide a few, first.”
Harry blushed a bright red and turned around to smack the Dark Lord’s leg while
everyone laughed. “Prat.”
“Anyone want their gift from Seamus?” Theodore inquired.
“Yes!” everyone called back.
Six identical boxes were tossed out and opened to reveal more wizarding candy.
“Lack of creativity,” Theodore decided with a smile at both Ginny and Harry.
Everyone laughed again.
“Accio,” Tom muttered, calling a book-shaped gift to him, which he then held
out to Hermione. “Everyone else will get their gifts later.”
Hermione unwrapped the gift with a smile, which faltered when she saw what it
was. She held up the book, Legal_Dark_Arts_for_the_Not-So-Dark, with a curious
look.
“My dear Miss Granger, consider it a text to allow you to read ahead for my
class if you must. Otherwise, recall that you have become integrated into a
group whose members all know at least some Dark spells, both legal and illegal.
It’s also got the counter spells, so you won’t find yourself lost if someone
decides to hex you for some reason,” Tom supplied in a calm voice.
Hermione appeared to think about that before nodding. “Thank you, then.”
“There’s some more stuff down here…” Theodore muttered, pulling out four more
tightly wrapped gifts. “Uhm, His Lordiness, from The Twins…” He held out the
package, covering his eyes, as if terrified by Tom’s response.
Harry laughed and handed it over. “What’d they get you, then?”
Tom opened it and his expression brightened. “Ooh. Prank set.”
Harry and Ginny traded looks before moaning hopelessly.
“Hermione, from Molly, Arthur, and The Twins.” Theodore tossed her the package.
The bushy haired teen pulled open the gift and pulled out the yearly Weasley
sweater, a bag of brownies, and a wand, which the witch waved and, with a loud
bang, it turned into a book on the history of wands. “Hey, they finally caught
on.” Everyone laughed again.
“Right. Gin, from Mum, Dad, and The Twins.”
Ginny took the package gently and opened it as cautiously as she could. She
also got a sweater and a bag of brownies. The Twins had also included a coupon
to their shop for twenty Galleons and an owl order catalogue. “Oh, brilliant.”
“Harry, same group.” Theodore tossed over the package.
Harry pulled it open with a grin. He got the Weasley sweater, a bag of
brownies, and a book on prank potions. “Ooh… Too bad I’ve made up with Snape.”
“Not that that’s going to stop you,” Hermione muttered around a brownie.
“Chew with your mouth closed.” Harry retorted, pulling on the sweater.
“And Harry Potter is finally wearing a shirt!” Ginny called. A wad of wrapping
paper from Harry hit her in the face and she laughed.
“You’re not done yet.”
Everyone turned to see Lucius and Narcissa in the doorway with packages in
their arms.
“Well, come in, then,” Harry suggested while Theodore and Draco made room for
the two elder Malfoys.
Narcissa set a gift in Draco’s hands as she passed, pausing to get a look at
his new necklace, which had slipped out from under his shirt. “This is lovely.
Who’s it from?”
“Harry.” Draco smiled, tucking the necklace back under his shirt again.
Narcissa smiled at the raven-haired teen. “Very nice,” she offered, sitting
down next to her son. Harry smiled back.
Draco glanced around quickly before diving in to his present, failing horribly
at opening it with dignity, though no one commented. “Wow…” he murmured as he
pulled out an Invisibility Cloak. “It’s wonderful. Thank you, Mother, Father.”
“Happy Christmas, Draco,” Narcissa offered, hugging her son.
Lucius offered his son a quick smile before handing a gift from his pile over
to Tom. “My Lord.”
Tom opened the gift slowly, ignoring the constant poking from Harry. “This is
lovely, Lucius, Narcissa. My thanks,” he murmured, standing to sling the black
velvet cloak around his shoulders.
Harry leaned over to get a good look at the silver serpent clasp once he’d sat
back down. “That is nice.”
Narcissa smiled and handed Harry a bundle. “Good.”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her curiously as he opened his gift. It was a forest
green velvet cloak with a silver griffin for the clasp. “Thank you,” he
managed, also putting his on. Tom smiled and drew the teen down into his lap.
“Of course. Miss Granger.” Lucius handed Hermione a gift.
“Thank you.” The brunette witch sighed as she pulled out the deep purple velvet
cloak. Her clasp was a gold griffin. “It’s perfectly beautiful.”
Ted was handed his next from Lucius. His velvet cloak was a dark brown and had
a silver serpent for a clasp. “Thank you. My old cloak was wearing through,
actually.”
“I’m glad we could be of use,” Narcissa offered with a friendly wink as she
handed Ginny her package.
Ginny unwrapped the gift to find a velvet cloak in a deep red. The clasp was
made of a gold griffin. She nodded to the two Malfoys wordlessly and put it on,
hugging it to herself. Theodore slid onto the floor behind her and drew her
back against his chest. “Cold?”
“Nope.” Ginny glanced up at Lucius. “Warming Charms?”
The blond-haired man smiled faintly. “Yes, actually.”
Ginny nodded again and glanced over at Harry who grinned. “Right. Lucius, do
you happen to have those papers on you?”
Lucius drew a piece of parchment from a pocket within his robe and handed it to
Ginny with a quill. “May I see the ring, Miss Weasley?”
Ginny pulled the ring off and handed it over before leaning over the legal
document and reading through it. Once done, she signed it with a smile and
handed it back to the blond wizard, receiving her ring back in trade. “Thank
you.”
“My pleasure.” Lucius nodded to Harry, putting the parchment back into his
pocket. “I’ll send it to the Ministry today.”
Harry nodded. “Make sure they know not to let Molly or Arthur know?”
“Of course.”
“Oh, yeah. You’re supposed to be my boyfriend.” Ginny rolled her eyes. “That’s
such a pain.”
Harry laughed. “Well, how about some breakfast?”
“It’s all set up in the minor dining room,” Narcissa announced.
Everyone rose to leave, but Tom held Harry back. Lucius also remained,
frowning.
“My Lord?” he inquired once the room had emptied. Harry was also giving Tom a
curious look.
“Lucius, I’ve made Harry my second. He’ll be in charge of the Death Eaters In-
Training.”
“As well as having seniority over the rest of us.” Lucius nodded. “Understood.”
“You didn’t mention that,” Harry muttered, frowning.
“Must have slipped my mind,” Tom replied with a shrug.
“Has it also slipped your mind how to run?” the teen inquired sweetly.
Tom gave Harry a brief kiss upon the top of his head before leaving the room at
a quick walk.
Lucius chuckled, surprising Harry. “You're good for him.”
Harry nodded. “And he’s good for me, I believe. I’m not sure how I would have
made it through this year if we hadn’t run in to one another over the summer.”
Lucius settled a hand on the other wizard’s shoulder with an easy smile.
“Truthfully, I’m not so sure how we Death Eaters would have made it through the
year if you two had not run into one another over the summer.”
Harry let out a bright laugh and the two left the room together, chatting.
                                     -~*~-
“I’m not wearing that.”
“It’s just a black robe.”
“I’m still not wearing it.”
“Oh, come on. Everyone else has to wear them.”
“I’m not ‘everyone else’.”
Tom and Harry traded glares.
“Why must you be difficult about this?”
“I’m sick of wearing black robes. It’s all we wear at school. Why can’t I just
wear my new cloak?”
“With what? Your Muggle clothing?! No!”
Harry merely glared.
“Fine, I’ll make you a deal. You wear the damned robe and you can wear your
cloak too.”
“And no white mask.”
“I’m not planning on making you wear a white mask, Harry. You’re in charge and
they need to know who to listen to.”
“Oh, fine.” Harry grabbed the robe from Tom’s grip and set it on the bed next
to his cloak before pulling off his sweater.
Tom stepped up behind the teen and slipped his arms around him, hugging Harry
to his chest. “Don’t be mad at me?” he whispered in the other’s ear.
Harry sighed and closed his eyes, resting his head back against Tom’s shoulder.
“I’m not angry at you, Tom. I’m just a little stressed out. I didn’t think I’d
be facing all of the Death Eaters like this until the summer.”
“I’m sorry, love, but this seemed like the best time to do this.”
“I know. And it is better that we have a system set up that Dumbledore can’t
detect.” The teen sighed again and tugged away from the embrace. “What are you
doing to keep Herm occupied?”
“Narcissa was going to show her all of Draco’s old baby things and let her
choose some stuff.”
Harry smiled sadly as he pulled on the robe. “Poor Herm.”
“What is Dumbledore planning on doing for her once the baby is born? She can’t
very well stay in the dorm.”
“I have no clue, actually. It never really occurred to me…” Harry ran a hand
through his hair and pulled the Dark Mark necklace out from under the robe
before picking up his cloak and throwing it over his shoulders, clasping it in
front with ease. He turned to face Tom. “How do I look?”
“Absolutely stunning,” Tom murmured, leaning over to kiss the teen softly.
Harry smiled. “Then I guess we’re ready?”
“Not quite.”
“No?”
“No.” Tom closed his eyes and slowly morphed into Lord Voldemort. “Now we’re
ready,” he hissed.
Harry shuddered. “Do me a favour and stick with your Tom form when you can?”
Voldemort laughed coldly. “Of course. This is just to terrify people.”
“It’s working.” Harry nodded.
Voldemort ruffled Harry’s hair with a smirk. “Sorry.”
Harry snorted. “Don’t ever ruffle my hair when you look like that again. It’s
fucking creepy.”
Voldemort laughed again before leading Harry to the door. “Note made.”
:Just follow you, right?:
:Right… Why’d you switch to Parseltongue? Not that I’m complaining!:
:It sounds more natural for you to speak in Parsel than for you to speak in
English.:
:Picky, picky.:
:Shut up, Voldie.:
:What have I told you about calling me that?:
:I promise not to call you ‘Voldie’ in front of the Death Eaters. Stop
whining.:
:I don’t whine.:
:Yes, you do.:
:Do not.:
:Do too.:
:Do not.:
:Do too. Aren’t we here?:
:Yes. Everyone should be here already. The in-coming trainees will be brought
in by Lucius when I give the word. Ready?:
Harry took a deep breath and nodded. :Ready.:
:Good. And, Harry?:
:Yeah?:
:I do not whine,: Voldemort commented before pushing the door open and striding
into the room.
Chapter End Notes
     I drew out a list of stats on all the charms – the ones from Pan,
     Dray, Ted, and Bini gave everyone – and posted_it_on_deviantArt.
     There's also sketches of the necklaces Harry gave Tom and Dray, and
     the Death Eater In-Training pendants.
***** Chapter 32 *****
All sound in the dark room froze as the two new figures stepped in and the
Death Eaters fell to their knees.
The taller of the two, Lord Voldemort, was a true terror. It wasn’t so much
respect that made the Death Eaters keep their gaze on anything but him. It was
fear…and the fact that he was ugly as hell.
The shorter figure, Harry Potter, held himself with a seemingly out-of-place
air of superiority. Bellatrix, Wormtail, Rodolphus, and Antonin hadn’t been
believed when they’d said Harry Potter had joined the Dark Side, but no one had
a choice but to believe the insane tale any longer.
Harry fell into place at Voldemort’s right and frowned at the group of people.
:Quite a lot you’ve got here, Tom,: he offered in Parseltongue, just to unnerve
the Death Eaters.
:You’re learning.:
:Stuff it.:
“Stand up,” Voldemort ordered, smirking when he saw how quickly the order was
followed.
:You should start handing out chocolate frogs to the first one to be back on
their feet,: Harry commented in an off-handed manner.
Voldemort turned to stare at his lover. :Tell me you’re joking.:
:Only somewhat.:
:Great Merlin. Harry, just shut up,: the Dark Lord complained before turning
back to the assembled Death Eaters, many of which appeared to be doing their
best to cover sniggers.
:I’ll bet you most of them are hiding smiles behind their masks,: Harry teased.
:’Cause you looked like a gaping fish for a brief moment there.:
:Do I need to punish you?: Voldemort hissed warningly.
:Come now, Tom. It could be worse. I could be calling you ‘Voldie’ in English.:
:Don’t even consider it,: Voldemort spat with a sharp look at the smirking teen
before returning his attention to the Death Eaters. “Do you find something
funny, Wormtail?”
“Not at all, my Lord,” the balding man offered in a wavering tone. “I just
wished to inform you that Nagini insisted on coming, lest she eat me, Lord.”
“Very good.” Voldemort nodded. :Nagini!:
:You two make a cute couple,: the snake hissed, sliding into the circle from
between Walden Macnair and Augustus Rookwood.
:Oh, thank you, Nagini. I think you’ve embarrassed Tom, though,: Harry offered
in the silence.
:Never did take much.:
Harry sniggered into his hand, glancing up briefly to catch sight of the
furious scarlet eyes flashing between himself and the reptile. The Death Eaters
just seemed confused.
You and I will be having a nice, long chat later.
Oh, goodie!
“As many of you have probably already heard,” Voldemort started with a slightly
annoyed tone, sending Nagini and Harry in to gales of serpentine laughter,
which the Dark Lord ignored. “Harry Potter has decided to join us and turn the
tide against Dumbledore.”
:Dumb Old Whore!:
Voldemort settled a hand over Harry’s mouth and scowled at him. “Enough.”
Okay, okay. Nerves are taken care of. I’ll be good now, Harry promised
seriously.
Voldemort stared into the emerald eyes for a long moment before nodding and
letting him go. :You too, Nagini,: he added, giving the serpent a chilling
look.
:Alright, Tom.: Nagini sighed, curling around Harry’s legs.
:You’re going to trip me,: Harry muttered.
 :I’ll move before then...:
Voldemort sighed mentally and blocked the conversation out. “Mr Potter will be
my second in command and head of the Death Eaters In-Training. When he tells
you to do something, you do it. I don’t care if he tells you to turn your wand
on yourself and say 'Avada Kedavra,' you do it.”
“I won’t, just for the record,” Harry cut in before returning to his discussion
with Nagini.
Voldemort scowled.
“My Lord?” one of the Death Eaters murmured respectfully.
“Yes, Severus?”
Harry’s head shot up and he turned his gaze to his Potions professor.
“Who are the Death Eaters In-Training?”
“A very good question, my friend,” Voldemort hissed soothingly, making a motion
with his hand at Lucius, who stood at another set of doors, opposite the ones
Harry and Voldemort had entered through.
Lucius opened one of the two doors, admitting a long line of heavily cloaked
figures who all came to stand in the centre of the circle of Death Eaters.
“Take off your hoods,” Harry ordered, as Voldemort mentally told him what to
do.
The hoods of the fourteen figures fell back revealing the members of the group.
Fred, George, and Ginevra Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Theodore
Nott, Blaise Zabini, Seamus Finnigan, Gregory Goyle, Vincent Crabbe, Mandy
Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin, Morag MacDougal, and Millicent Bulstrode. Each were
watching Harry and doing their damnedest to keep from looking at the Dark Lord
at his side.
If Harry was surprised at the choices of some of his classmates, he didn’t show
it. Instead, he took a step forward and glanced down the line, once again doing
as Voldemort told him to, though changing it some to match his own thoughts,
“Let me make this clear now. Once you have joined us, it is for life. If you
are found as a spy or doing any other such action by choice, you will quickly
find yourself dead.
“Although you will not be receiving the Dark Mark, you are still bound to both
myself and Voldemort and you will obey our word. And, although you need not
answer to the Death Eaters, you may wish to heed any words from them, as they
are far more experienced than any of you. If they tell you you are doing
something seriously wrong, I’d listen to them. Of course, I also expect the
full-fledged Death Eaters to give out some pointers and not lead any of the
Death Eaters In-Training astray.” Harry glanced around the circle, easily
finding and holding Bellatrix’s wild gaze behind her mask.
“Faced with these rules,” Harry continued, returning his gaze to the group
before him. “Do you still wish to join the ranks of the Death Eaters?”
“You’re giving us a choice?” Lisa, a seventh year Ravenclaw, asked
disbelievingly.
“Ever heard of Memory Charms?” Theodore shot back coldly.
“Theodore! Lisa!” Harry shot silencing looks at the both of them. “Yes, Lisa,
you get a choice. Everyone is given one. If you decide to just become a
supporter, we still prefer knowing who you are. You don’t need to join us to be
of help to us,” he replied gently.
“What exactly will you require of us?” Mandy, a Ravenclaw in Harry’s year,
enquired in an even voice.
Harry turned to look at Voldemort, who was watching everything dispassionately.
:Aren’t they told anything before they’re sent in here?:
: I normally just let them learn as they go. If they muck it up, they die,: was
the emotionless reply.
:Figures,: Harry muttered, turning back to the group with a thin smile. “I will
mostly require information, where you can get it, and whatever you are best
suited for, which we will find out later. The jackarse behind me will probably
do what he can get away with and kill you if you muck it up.”
The room fell in to a chilling silence as Voldemort strode forward and spun
Harry so he was facing him. :Any normal Death Eater would get killed for that.:
:I am not a normal Death Eater. I am your lover and your second-in-command. If
I feel like being pissy and insulting you because I dislike the way you run
things, I will. You knew this when you put me in charge of them! Why are you
angry now?: Harry hissed back sharply.
 :I will not have you insulting me in front of–:
 :I already have, Tom. Now, what are you planning on doing about it? Turning me
over your knee and spanking me?:
Voldemort’s lipless mouth turned up at the corners in a cold smile. :That, my
dear Harry, is very tempting.:
:I’ll bet.: Harry blew a lock of hair from his eyes and smirked as it hit the
Dark Lord’s flat nose. :Are you done arguing with me?:
 :No, but this isn’t the place for this, and Gin looks ready to murder me. We
shall have a long chat about this later.:
:Oh, and then you’ll turn me over your knee and spank me!: Harry rolled his
eyes as Voldemort fought down laughter. :The only thing I promised was not
calling you ‘Voldie’ in English, remember? You can’t really lose your temper at
me for doing something you hadn’t forbidden.:
Voldemort let out a helpless sigh. :Damn your Slytherin side. Very well,
proceed. But, no more name-calling.:
:Yes, Tom,: Harry muttered, rolling his eyes and turning back to the fourteen
young men and women once again. “Have I grown another head, now?” he asked upon
seeing the disbelieving stares.
“I think it’s more that your head’s still attached, mate,” Fred murmured.
George nodded next to him.
Harry smirked. “I wouldn’t suggest insulting Lord Voldemort within his hearing
range. I think I’m the only one who would survive.”
:Definitely,: Voldemort added. The others in the room seemed to have an idea as
to what he was saying, as they all shuddered.
Harry shrugged helplessly and offered his group a wry smile. “Well?”
“Like I’m backing out after falling so deep into the fold,” Ginny muttered
darkly. The other thirteen nodded in agreement, obviously relieved she’d spoken
instead of them.
“Brilliant!” Harry turned to the Dark Lord and held out a hand, cocking an
eyebrow at the man.
“Did you need something?” Voldemort asked coldly, as if he was still angry at
Harry for calling him a name.
“Yes, Voldemort. I was hoping you might give me those necklaces you’ve got
hidden in the inside pocket of your robe,” the green-eyed teen replied matter-
of-factly.
Voldemort scowled and handed them over.
“Thank you.” He turned back to the group, most of which were hiding grins.
“Right. Once you put this necklace on, it can only ever be seen by one who
bears the Dark Mark upon them or wears a necklace akin to it. If I or Lord
Voldemort need you for any reason, the pendant will burn. Your best bet is to
come and find me in the school, though, once we’ve left it, you’ll probably be
best off concentrating on the burn and apparating to wherever it tells you to
go. Understood?”
“Harry, what about us?” George asked.
“Chances are, you two will only be called for major meetings, which probably
won’t be while school is in session. If you have information, send it through
Gin and she’ll get it to us,” Harry decided. The twins and Ginny nodded. “Good.
Gin, you’re first.”
Harry called each member of the Death Eaters In-Training up and put the new
necklace on them. Once done, he handed what was left of the jewellery back to
the Dark Lord.
Take them out to the formal dining room, Voldemort ordered Harry as his eyes
searched out Severus’ form. “Severus, go with the Death Eaters In-Training.”
Severus nodded as Harry motioned to Draco. “Your house. Lead the way to the
formal dining room.” Draco gave a sharp nod and took lead of the group. Harry
fell back with Severus, who was taking up the rear, and waited until they’d
left the meeting room behind them before he spoke to his professor.
“It’s not that he doesn’t trust you.”
“I know. It’s Albus and his sneaky ways.” Severus pulled his mask off his face
with a tired sigh. “I’m impressed with how you handled yourself.”
Harry smiled. “Thank you, sir. It was nerve-wracking.”
“I’ll bet,” Fred offered.
“How’d you get him to keep from killing you?” George added. Everyone looked on
curiously.
Harry shrugged. “I pointed out that he didn’t tell me I couldn’t call him a
jackarse in front of everyone. He only said I couldn’t call him ‘Voldie’.”
The group laughed and even Severus managed to crack a smile. “Harry does keep
his promises,” Seamus pointed out.
“Here we are,” Draco said, opening the door to the dining room.
“There you all are!” Hermione scowled at everyone. “What have you all been up
to? A Death Eater meeting?”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “And if we were?”
Everyone except Harry and Severus winced when Hermione opened her mouth again,
as if expecting her to yell. Instead, she sighed and said. “Just don’t leave me
alone with Narcissa again. She’s mental.”
Everyone laughed again while Draco attempted to look insulted for his mother,
but failed miserably, and took seats around the table. “Did you get any baby
things, at least?” Harry wanted to know.
Hermione nodded, smiling. “They’re in my trunk. How’d your meeting go?” she
added, glancing around at the sea of faces.
“Harry called the Dark Lord a jackarse,” Fred reported.
“And didn’t get his head blown off,” George added.
“Harry!” Hermione frowned at him.
The green-eyed wizard sat back in his chair with a pout. “Not you too. He
already yelled at me–“
“That didn’t look like yelling,” Theodore offered helpfully.
“Ted, if you don’t shut up I’ll make you,” Harry warned sharply.
“Whoa, whoa!” Draco held up his hands as both Ginny and Hermione leaned forward
to join the argument. “It’s Christmas. Stop tearing at each other’s throats,
please.”
“It’s not that big a deal, anyway,” Pansy chimed in. “So Harry called the Dark
Lord a jackarse. He calls him loads of things. Why is this so different?”
“Because it was in a room full of Death Eaters,” a voice offered from the
doorway to the room. Everyone but Hermione and Harry stood quickly and bowed to
Voldemort as he strode into the room, eyes on Harry. “And you, Mr Potter,
should know better.”
Harry leaned back in his chair and offered the Dark Lord a sweet smile. “But I
don’t. I never learned manners, remember?”
Voldemort winced and sighed. “Point made. Everyone, sit,” he added firmly as he
took the open seat next to Harry.
“Do you want me to leave?” Hermione asked, rising slowly.
“No, stay.” The Dark Lord glanced at her. “We need to discuss the Hogwarts
dilemma right now and I’m sure you can help without being one of mine.” Harry
poked the man’s arm and narrowed his eyes at him. “Very well, ours. Please
don’t poke me again, Harry. Gin, if you kick me again, I may just have to
strangle you.”
The two traded grins as everyone else around the table tried to cover their
laughter.
“Dumbledore,” Voldemort said sharply. Everyone silenced and returned their
attention to him. “Dumbledore has always been a problem for the darker side of
this war. The Light rallies behind him without fail.”
“That’s not always true, though,” Hermione murmured.
Harry nodded thoughtfully. “After your rebirth. Two years ago, he was
discredited for believing me.”
“It’s almost too bad we can’t have a repeat…” Millicent sighed.
“No.” Harry’s eyes blazed as he looked around the table. “The last thing I want
is a repeat of that year.”
“He was a right bastard,” Ginny agreed, offering Harry a slight smile.
“And I lost Sirius,” Harry added in a small voice.
Voldemort sighed and decided his reputation was already shot with this group
before pulling Harry into a hug. He threw a few glares at the few people who
were staring in shock.
“What we need is a way to discredit him again,” Blaise murmured.
“Tried pranking him yet?” Mandy suggested dryly.
“It’s not that easy! Nothing fazes the man!” Seamus shot back angrily.
“We have a prank we’re working on, but it’s slow going,” Blaise added, scowling
at the Ravenclaw.
“Like what?” Lisa hissed.
“Like sneaking Voldemort in some back way,” Harry said softly, his voice
carrying around the table effortlessly. “If you all continue arguing, I will
put you in separate corners and treat you like four-year-olds.” Everyone
glanced over at where he still had his head resting on the Dark Lord’s
shoulder, frowning at everyone at the table. “Please act like mature witches
and wizards, here. You were not picked for your childish behaviour. You were
picked for your maturity. Once you’re in the fold, you will be in the fold for
life. Hermione is the only one at this table who should be picking fights. She
is does not bear any sort of Mark, so she does not answer to us. If I have to
tell you to stop fighting again, it will not be pleasant. Am I clear?”
A chorus of “Yes”es followed this statement and everyone glanced away in
embarrassment.
Harry pulled away from his lover’s embrace with a sigh and stood. “Everyone,
stand up. Hermione, Professor Snape, you’re both fine.”
The group of Death Eaters In-Training all stood. The three Ravenclaws – Morag,
Lisa, and Mandy –, Vincent, Gregory, and Millicent had all taken up residence
on one side of the table, with Severus at the very end, next to Hermione, who
was seated at the foot. There was a gap of one chair between the Ravenclaws and
the Slytherins and another gap of one chair between the Ravenclaws and the Dark
Lord, who sat at the head of the table with Harry. Ginny, Theodore, Blaise,
Seamus, Pansy, Draco, Fred, and George had spread out on the other side of the
table.
“Good. Now, everyone step back from the table. I’m going to give you seating
arrangements and you’re going to learn to get along.” Harry glared as the Death
Eaters In-Training stepped back, scowling or looking mildly upset. “Blaise,
you’re sitting here, next to me. George, you’re next to him, then Mandy.
Theodore, you will sit next to Mandy. Gregory, you will sit next to Theodore.
Then I want an empty chair. Morag, you will sit next to the empty chair and,
Draco, you will sit next to Morag at the end,” Harry ordered, nodding as they
all moved to their new seats. No one looked happy so far.
Put Gin next to me. I don’t trust her by herself, Voldemort warned.
Of course. Harry glanced at the people left. “Lisa, I want you sitting next to
Professor Snape at the end. Professor, will you kindly promise not to bite?”
“Of course I won’t bite anyone,” Severus assured the young Ravenclaw witch
eyeing him.
“Sit, Lisa,” Harry ordered firmly, nodding as she did so. “Pansy, you will be
next to Lisa. Fred, you will sit next to Pansy. And, if you complain about you
being on the other end of the table from George, I’ll hex you. Now sit.
Millicent, you will sit next to Fred. Seamus, next to Millicent, please. Empty
seat. Then, Vincent. Gin, you will be next to Voldemort so he can smack you if
you misbehave.”
“Lovely,” Ginny muttered, taking her new seat and glaring at the Dark Lord, who
merely smirked in reply.
“Knock it off,” Harry warned his sister and lover, shooting them both dark
looks. “Fred!” He narrowed his eyes at a suddenly guilty twin. “You are
nineteen years old; if you start playing around at meetings, you’ll start
losing body parts. I’d love to have a better way to tell you two apart.”
Silence filled the room as Harry glanced around the table with a frown. At
last, he nodded and, much to everyone’s surprise, went and sat between Gregory
and Morag.
“Uhm, Harry?” Draco leaned around the Ravenclaw boy next to him, giving the
raven-haired wizard a strange look.
“I’ve spread you all apart to get you to work together,” Harry replied with a
weary sigh. “Seeing as how I’m not doing much better than yourselves, I might
as well join the crowd.” He leaned forward and glanced around the table. “Look
at the person to your right and your left. Now look at the person across from
you, too. I don’t care if you’re in different Houses, you will have to learn to
lean on one another or stand alone.
“If, say, I were to get stuck in a room of opponents with only Morag here on my
side, the last thing I want to do is be arguing over whose fault it is. If I
were stuck in that same position with Gin, we’d turn back-to-back and start
tossing hexes at our opponents so we could get out alive. All blame will be
left for later.
“I’m not saying I want you all to become the best of friends with your new
neighbour, I’m just saying that you’ve got to learn to work together. You are
now a team, but, as you are a team who must deceive a whole school, I don’t
care if you feel like lashing out at one another in the hallway. School and
meetings like this are two very different things. At school, you may argue
about whatever you feel like arguing about. But, Merlin help you if you start
another argument in a meeting!
“We are not enemies in here, people! We are comrades. We are on the same damn
side! If you have an issue with another member of this table, that issue will
be left outside the door. George, if I see that wand out again without
permission, I will snap it.” Emerald-green eyes, as well as most of the table,
swivelled to look at the redhead who had, apparently, been attempting to
levitate a biscuit off of the tray on the mantle.
“I’m thinking we might break for a snack,” Severus suggested gently.
“Yes, very well.” Harry groaned, letting his head hit the table with a loud
‘thunk’.
In a rush of sound and air, all of the Death Eaters In-Training, plus Hermione,
were attacking the trays of food which the house-elves had left.
Voldemort came over and took Gregory’s seat with a sigh. “You look exhausted.”
Harry offered his lover a tired smile. “It’s my fault for waiting up until
midnight. I’ll live.”
The Dark Lord brushed a stray lock of hair out of Harry’s face gently. “I
should have waited until tomorrow to call the meeting. Christmas is always such
a trying day.”
“No. I would have lost sleep over it, anyway. I’m fine.”
“Hardly.” Ginny set a plate of small sandwiches and a cup of tea down in front
of her newest brother, taking Morag’s seat. “Perhaps you should just go back to
bed, big brother. I know you want to make plans, but I don’t think anything is
going to get done in Malfoy Manor. Too many people are scared to be here. For
that matter–” Ginny gave the Dark Lord a fleeting smile, “–people are terrified
of having you in the room, Tom.”
Voldemort sighed. “I’d noticed. Of course, they seem to forget that rather
quickly when everyone finds an argument they like.”
“What would you two suggest, then?” Harry muttered into his tea, which he was
attempting to sip while keeping his head on the table.
Ginny took the tea cup from him and sat it back down. “First, I’d suggest you
sit up before drinking your tea.” Harry shot her a dirty glare. “Tell them the
teachers who are on our side. Explain the rumours. Give them a way to get into
contact with you quickly if they need to tell you something. Let the inter-
House issues sort themselves out.”
Harry groaned and banged his head against the table twice before Voldemort
forced him to stop by cradling him against his chest again. “Enough. I won’t
have you rattling your brains on the furniture, Harry.”
“Yes, Voldie,” Harry muttered, rolling his eyes. He gave a shout as the Dark
Lord’s hands started tickling his sides with abandon. “Mercy! Mercy! Stop!” he
cried through his laughter.
Voldemort ended the tickling and hugged the teen tightly against his chest.
“What did I tell you about calling me that?”
Harry giggled and closed his eyes peacefully. “Not to.”
Voldemort sighed and pressed a quick kiss to Harry’s scar. “Eat. You’ll feel
better.”
Harry gave him an impish smile as he reached for a sandwich.
“I can read your mind, you know.”
Harry scowled and decided to just eat the sandwich.
Ginny laughed at the two wizards. “I’ll leave Harry in your capable hands,
then, my Lord,” she offered Voldemort a flourishing bow before returning to the
food trays.
 :Tom?:
 :Yes?:
 :Can I make Gin my second?:
 :She’ll only be second among the Death Eaters In-Training.:
:I know. Just like Lucius is only your second to the Death Eaters.: Harry
sighed, offering the man he was resting against a sandwich, which Voldemort
took. :But, it would be nice for them to have someone to deal with that’s not
me, and she has a good reason for hanging around me a lot.:
 :And you trust her.:
 :There is that. And the fact that she’s a sixth year. She’ll still be at
Hogwarts come next year. And, as she’s my sister, I’ll be able to visit her
whenever.:
 :That’s assuming your cover is broken by then.:
:It will be,: Harry said firmly. :I won’t keep her and Ted apart next year. He
should be allowed to visit her if he wants.:
:True…: The Dark Lord glanced up at where everyone was finishing eating. :Back
to work, my dear one.:
 :I’m starting to see why you like using the Cruciatus Curse on people.:
Voldemort let out a bark of chilling laughter as he stood. :I’m not surprised,:
he remarked before glancing up at the group of teenagers who were watching him
in horror. :Think I’ve scared them?:
 :Depends. Have any of them wet their pants yet?:
Voldemort gave Harry an amused look and shook his head before looking back at
the others. “Well. Get back to your seats.”
There was a scramble to keep from being the last in one’s assigned seat as the
Dark Lord took a leisurely stroll around the table to get himself some food.
Harry smiled at Voldemort’s back and shook his head, amused. “How does he do
that?”
“Practice,” Gregory offered from beside him.
“Must be,” Harry agreed before glancing around the table, ignoring the serpent-
like man getting food with ease. “Right. I’ll run you by the basics and we’ll
go from there later. We’ve told you that there’s a big plot going on to tumble
Dumbledore. The thing you don’t know is how you can be of help.” Harry paused
to take a sip of tea. “When you get on the train at the end of the break, I
want you to start spreading rumours.”
“Rumours?” Lisa rolled her eyes.
Harry gave her a piercing look. “Yes.”
Lisa gave a shout as Voldemort leaned over her. “I’m still here, Miss Turpin.”
“Stop.” Harry gave the Dark Lord a dangerous look and pointed to the empty seat
at the head of the table. “Go sit.”
Voldemort waggled his finger at the Gryffindor. “Be polite to your elders.”
“Hypocrite,” Harry shot back, smiling.
“Elders and betters, then,” The Dark Lord decided, returning to his seat.
Harry rolled his eyes and nodded to Hermione, who looked desperate to talk.
“Herm, you have the table, as it were.”
Hermione smiled. “Drink your tea, Harry,” she ordered, which Harry did with a
quick grin. “The rumours we want to spread are the truth. However, as the
rumour mill of Hogwarts is so fast and quick, we’re hoping to have these truths
spread so quickly that Dumbledore can’t trace them back to their source. The
more ‘leaks’, shall we say, the harder it will be to trace.”
“What are these rumours, then?” Mandy asked, leaning forward.
“Three things,” Ginny picked up the conversation easily while Harry just sat
back and let his friends have a go. “One, that we have Death Eaters teaching at
Hogwarts.”
“But, everyone knows Professor Snape’s a Death Eater!” Millicent called out
before shooting the professor an apologetic look.
“They don’t all know that Professor Brutùs is an extremely high-ranking Death
Eater, though,” Draco offered. “In fact, we probably wouldn’t even know if
Theodore hadn’t heard it from his father who let it slip on accident. Harry’s
the one who verified it.”
Seventeen pairs of eyes turned to the dozing teen who smiled at them all
tiredly. “Who do you think got me to switch sides? Not Voldemort, that’s for
sure.”
“I’m still here, you know,” said Dark Lord called from his place at the head of
the table, scowling.
“I’m well aware of that, thank you,” Harry replied, closing his eyes again.
“Another rumour to spread,” Theodore slid in quickly. “Is that the Dark Lord is
winning. It’ll unnerve Dumbledore, at the very least.”
“And, last but not least, that Harry’s faith in Dumbledore is wavering,” Blaise
finished.
“Ouch…” Morag murmured. “That’s a blow to one’s mind if I’ve ever seen one.”
“Too bad for him it’s true.” Harry forced himself to sit back up and look
around the table again. “If you need to get information to me or Voldemort, I’d
suggest coming directly to me, if you can find me. If not, Professors Brutùs
and Snape are always willing to hand out detentions. And, if you don’t feel
like serving a detention and you see her, Gin’s my girlfriend and second. Talk
to her.”
“Wait, since when?!” Ginny gaped at Harry in surprise.
“Voldemort and I decided on it as of about five minutes ago.”
“Define ‘second’,” Fred said dangerously.
Harry rolled his eyes at the twin. “For Merlin’s sake, Fred, cool it. You’re
almost as bad as Ron.” Fred blanched. “Gin being my second merely means that
she’s got a bit of power over you. If she says that you need to start spreading
some new rumour, you listen to her, just as you would to me. However, unlike
myself, she has no control over the older Death Eaters. The second of that
group, Lucius Malfoy, does not have the right to boss you around anymore than
Wormtail does, so don’t let him.”
“Not that Wormtail would try and order anyone around,” Hermione muttered.
Harry grinned. “According to Nagini, he’s getting quite the blown-up head, of
late.”
“What?! Why didn’t I hear about this?” Voldemort growled, glaring down the
table at Harry.
The raven-haired teen smiled. “You were too busy trying to tell everyone that
they had to listen to me. Nagini was telling me all sorts of interesting
things.”
“And I trust you’re not planning on repeating them aloud, are you?” Voldemort
replied, scarlet eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Not now, no. Maybe later when you’re not around.”
“Harry…”
“I’m teasing. Geeze.” Harry rolled his eyes and threw his hands up in the air
helplessly, getting slips of laughter from around the table.
“Any new information will be handed out as it comes to light, as will any other
parts we want you to play,” Voldemort cut in sharply, ending the sprinkled
laughter. “Harry will also probably be searching you out in school to see what
you’d be most useful for.”
“If you’re good at potions, for instance, I’m sending you to Professor Snape
for when he might need help. If you’re good at duelling, I’ll set up times with
Professor Brutùs where you can work on your skills. If you’ve got a good handle
on the rumour mill,” He nodded to Lisa and Pansy. “I’ll be turning to you for
the latest that’s going around and, perhaps, a few new rumours to spread. If
you’ve got loads of friends, I’m asking you now to try and sway them to our
cause. The more people we have in the school, the better. Best yet if we can
start gathering the younger years, though we won’t be handing out the necklaces
to anymore people under the age of seventeen, for many fairly obvious reasons.”
Harry glanced around the sea of serious faces and nodded firmly. “Meeting
adjourned. I hope to see everyone on the train.”
“Severus, remain here,” Voldemort ordered over the sounds of chairs moving. The
Death Eater nodded and rose to walk over to Harry while Ginny grabbed the Dark
Lord’s attention.
“Take this. I have a feeling you’ll need to remain up for a while yet,” Severus
suggested, holding out a bottle of potion.
Harry smiled and took the potion. “Thank you, sir. You’re a life saver.” He
downed the Pepper-Up Potion in one gulp and stood, stretching. “I never knew
this would be so much work. Geeze.”
“It will get better,” Hermione offered, resting a hand on his shoulder. “It
probably won’t be so bad when we don’t have adults or myself in here, anyway.
They want to deal with you, not Tom or Professor Snape or me.”
Harry patted her hand gently. “If we’d thought you’d make a good Death Eater,
you’d be in the group, Herm.”
“I know. I wouldn’t, though. And I’m pregnant; I’m more of a liability right
now than anything else.”
“You’re fine,” Harry assured her. “Which reminds me. Tom and I were wondering
what Dumbledore had in mind for you when the baby is born. You can’t very well
remain in the dorm.”
“No. I’m getting my own room in the Tower.”
“You’re never going to get any sleep!” Harry cried, horrified.
“Harry, it’ll be fine, I assure you.” Hermione sighed. “It’s due near the end
of school, though, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“That’s right before your N.E.W.T.s,” Draco murmured, having joined them with
Pansy, Blaise, and Seamus.
“You’re a good student, Miss Granger, but I doubt even you could pull off no
sleep, baby care, and your N.E.W.T.s all at once,” Severus pointed out gently.
“Which is why I’m petitioning to share her room with her,” Ginny announced as
she led her brothers, Theodore, and a restored Tom over.
“Ginny, no!” Hermione shook her head.
“Yes,” all of the students chorused.
“And you’ll be getting lots of help caring for the poor thing, too,” Seamus
declared. “Because there’s no way we’re forcing you to care for the child on
your own.”
“If you need a reprieve, I’m sure when can take it for a night in our room,”
Harry added softly. “It is Ron’s child, and he needs to share some of the
weight. If Neville and Dean don’t like it, they can sleep on the couch
downstairs or room with some of the younger boys.”
“Hell, Millie and I wouldn’t mind taking the dear for a night, really,” Pansy
offered. “Millie’s got a baby sister who she cares for while she’s at home.
She’d probably feel overjoyed to be helping out.”
Hermione glanced around the crowd tearfully before burying her face in Harry’s
chest with a quiet “Thank you”.
“Why don’t you all head over to the sitting room. Severus and I need to discuss
some things,” Tom suggested.
Harry nodded to Draco who took the lead. “Come on, Herm. You can cry on me more
when we’re sitting down,” he said gently to the girl in his arms.
Hermione looked up and laughed, wiping at her tears. “Oh, gods, Harry. What
would I do without you?”
Harry grinned. “Well, you wouldn’t be friends with Ron, that’s for sure.”
Hermione let out a bright shot of laughter as they followed the rest of their
group into the sitting room. “How true!”
Once everyone was seated, the twins leaned forward to frown at Harry. “So,
Harry, mate–”
“–why is it that our sister–”
“–the lovely Ginevra Weasley–“
“–has a lovely ring–“
“–which looks like a picture we saw once of the Potter crest–“
“–on her left hand?”
Harry sat back and smirked at the two while Draco, Hermione, Theodore, and
Ginny laughed. “First off, she’s dating Ted, not me, so you can get that lovely
idea out of your heads.”
“That’s what we thought,” Fred and George chorused.
“The ring was her Christmas gift.”
Harry watched in amusement as the twins made motions with their hands telling
him to continue with that line of thought.
“Oh, really.” Ginny shot the raven-haired teen a dirty look. “He made me his
sister. I’m only wearing it on my left ring finger to annoy the hell out of
Ron.”
“That…actually...”
“…makes sense…”
The room filled with laughter as the twins shook their heads, smiling.
“Right.” Harry leaned forward, serious again quite suddenly. “Fred, George, you
two still go to Order meetings?”
“The ones we can make.” Fred nodded.
“There are times that the store is too busy to leave it.”
“Hire some clerks,” Draco suggested like it was the most obvious thing in the
world.
“We have a large bit of money, Mr Malfoy, but we don’t have enough money to
hire more than the two other clerks we have, and they’re our friends, so they
work for cheap,” Fred shot back.
“I will pay for two more. I need you two to attend as many Order meetings as
you can to give us what information Snape can’t,” Harry slid in soothingly.
“You have that much?” George asked in shock. Fred didn’t look much better.
“I have the three Potter family vaults, whatever you two have been sending me
from the Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, plus the Black family vault. I can make
another vault that you two can get to for paying the clerks later today.”
“Geeze, Harry…”
“Oh, and Gin, I need to get you a key to the main vault,” Harry added. “As my
sister, you have just as much right to that vault as I do.”
“With that much cash, why don’t you dress properly?” Pansy demanded.
Harry shrugged. “I have no fashion sense, or so I’m told.”
“We’re taking you out to Diagon Alley before the holiday’s over,” Draco decided
firmly. “You too, Gin. And Hermione.”
Hermione poked Harry’s side when he groaned. “It’s your fault, you know. You’re
the one who fell in with Slytherins.”
Harry gave her an annoyed look. “You’re the one who followed.”
“Do you hear me complaining?”
Harry groaned again as everyone laughed.
***** Chapter 33 *****
Harry scowled as he travelled down the train’s corridor to the compartment he
felt Lisa’s necklace in. The girl had slipped him a note when she’d run into
him on the platform, asking for him to come find her once they were moving. He
opened the compartment door with a forced smile.
“There you are! Was it difficult to find us?” Lisa asked, standing quickly.
Harry glanced around. Mandy and Morag were sitting on either side of Terry
Boot, who was glaring furiously at him. The Patil twins were sitting on the
same bench as Lisa had been. “What do you want, Lisa?” he asked, leaning back
against the door frame once he’d closed the door.
“You didn’t answer her question, Potter,” Terry spat.
“Terry!” Mandy turned to glare at the boy. “You said you’d behave.”
“I didn’t know this all important person you wanted me to talk to was Potter!”
“I shouldn’t have to tell you–“
“Enough,” Harry ordered softly. Mandy’s mouth slammed shut and she turned to
frown at the passing countryside. “Terry is set in his ways to hate me. So be
it.” He glanced back at Lisa, who was still standing in the middle of the
carriage nervously, while Terry gaped at him in shock. “I assume you have a
reason for calling me here?”
“You’re the last person I expected to see working for You-Know-Who.” Parvati
said before Lisa could speak. “But, Padma and I would like to join your side,
none-the-less.”
“Why?” Harry replied calmly.
“What?”
“Why do you want to join us?”
“I’m not stupid. The Ministry is slowly falling into You-Know-Who’s hands.
Dumbledore’s not holding our world together like he used to,” Padma said
sharply.
“Ah.” Harry nodded. “Self-preservation is a wonderful thing, but, if Dumbledore
starts pulling the Light back up, then what? Will you ask to help him again?”
“That’s not going to happen,” Padma said firmly. Parvati didn’t look so sure.
“I’m asking you if it does. Nothing in this war is set into stone, Miss Patil.
If the Light started winning again, would you switch back and support them?”
The twins traded nervous looks. “We–“ Parvati started.
“I’m not Voldemort. Feel free to speak freely around me,” Harry added. “I don’t
kill people when they give me the wrong answer.”
“I’m not certain,” Parvati said after a long moment of silence.
Harry nodded. “Think about it, then. Death Eaters don’t have any back doors. If
you’re caught double-crossing us, chances are you’ll end up very dead very
quickly. Supporters may do what they wish.” He turned to Terry. “And I’m
assuming I should be giving you the same speech, hum?”
“I don’t need a speech; I don’t want a back door, but I don’t want to work with
you,” Terry spat.
“Then you cannot become a Death Eater. You will settle your differences or
slide into the position of a supporter. Your choice.” Harry turned to leave.
“Is that all?”
“Yes.” Lisa gave a slight bow. Morag and Mandy followed suit.
Harry nodded. “See that those rumours get spread.” Then he slipped out the door
and out into the hall. Fuck, but this is stressful!
I hate to say it, but, I told you so.
Prat. Harry ruffled his hair as he started down the hall. I really wish you
were on the train.
I know, Harry. And I wish you were here. These damned teachers meetings are
boring!
What would you do, hide me under the table?
You always manage to have the best ideas.
Harry laughed quietly and shook his head. Teenage hormones. Now pay attention
before Dumbledore offers you a sherbet lemon to reclaim your attention.
Ew…
Harry rolled his eyes and slid back into his compartment. Draco, Theodore,
Hermione, and Ginny were all out spreading rumours and getting information. As
he yawned, he got an idea.
“Okay, naptime!” he called cheerfully to the empty compartment before conjuring
himself a pillow and curling up against the window for a nap.
                                     -~*~-
“Harry? Harry, you need to wake up.”
Harry blinked up at Ginny sleepily. “Huh?”
Ginny’s smile came in to view as she slipped his glasses on his face. “We’re at
Hogwarts, hun.”
“Why didn’t you wake me sooner!” Harry stood quickly and had a moment of
dizziness. “Whoa…”
“Because you looked like you needed the rest,” Hermione offered.
Harry scowled at the two girls. “You make my life difficult. Where are Ted and
Dray?”
“Last I saw, they were both yelling at Crabbe and Goyle for doing something
stupid,” Ginny supplied as she and Hermione led the green-eyed teen from their
compartment.
“Why am I not surprised?” Harry groaned, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.
“Herm, what’s the password to the prefect’s bathroom?”
“Why?” Hermione asked suspiciously.
Harry shrugged. “You all have a nice tub.”
Ginny laughed while Hermione glared at her friend. “I shouldn’t tell you.”
“I’ll ask Dray, then. Or Pan.”
Hermione let out a strangled sound. “Fine!” She leaned over to whisper the
password into his ear. “It’s ‘feather soft’.”
Harry smiled and gave her a quick hug before hopping into the carriage they’d
come to a stop in front of. “Thanks, Herm.”
“Don’t worry. He wouldn’t know a rule if he sat on it and it shattered,” Ginny
offered, following Harry and sitting next to him.
Hermione laughed, getting in and closing the door behind herself. “I know.”
“Where’s a male when ya need a mate?” Harry muttered to the roof as the
carriage started to move.
Hermione and Ginny laughed loudly and Harry smiled.
                                     -~*~-
Harry and Hermione were working on their Potions work before bed a couple
nights after term had started again when the door to the common room slammed
open to admit a horrified-looking Seamus, with a very pale Blaise at his side.
“Harry! Hospital wing!”
Harry stood calmly as everyone in the room turned to stare at the two boys in
the doorway, most glaring at the Slytherin. “Why?”
“Ginny’s been attacked!”
Harry traded a quick look with Hermione before hurrying to the portrait hole.
“Tell me what happened as we go,” he ordered in a hiss, watching Hermione pack
up their things out of the corner of his eye.
“Right.” Seamus nodded and took the lead. Blaise fell into step next to Harry.
“From what we know, Ron caught her outside the library by herself. He was going
on about that ring you gave her. Took her wand and tossed it down the hall
before smacking her around. He ran when he heard Madame Pince coming out to
find out what all the noise was. McGonagall is furious,” Blaise explained
quickly.
“Has anyone found Ron?” Harry asked calmly, his flashing eyes giving his anger
away.
“No.”
“I’ll continue on my way by myself, then. Find him,” the dark-haired teen
ordered before speeding past Seamus.
Seamus and Blaise traded looks before turning and walking quickly in opposite
directions.
I’m going to fucking murder him, Tom!
Harry, love, calm down. No murder on school grounds. Only maiming.
How could he attack his own damned sister?!
If you’re asking me to explain the way a madman’s mind works, then
you’re…actually, asking the right man, now that I think about it. However, if
you’re asking me to explain Ronald Weasley’s mind, you’re expecting too much.
Tom replied soothingly.
Harry stopped outside the hospital wing’s doors and took a deep breath. Right.
Thanks. No murdering.
He’ll get his due, love. You worry over Gin like any boyfriend rightly should
and let the rest of us worry about finding and murder– I mean maiming Mr
Weasley.
Harry shook his head in amusement and stepped into the ward. “Ginny?”
“Mr Potter–” Professor McGonagall levelled him with a firm look, “–turn right
around and march back to your common room. Miss Weasley is sleeping.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Harry shot back. “Not until I’ve seen my girlfriend.
And, really, unless you’d ruther have me hunting Ron down and pegging him up on
the wall of the entrance hall again, I’d suggest you let me see her,” he added
coldly.
McGonagall made a strange little sound in the back of her throat as she stared
at the teen before her.
“Now, now, Harry, my dear boy. No need for threats,” came a cheerful voice from
behind Harry.
Harry turned to give Dumbledore a brief smile. “Professor, you’ll have to
forgive me if I’m a little out of sorts. One of my best friends just attacked
his sister, my girlfriend, over a ring I gave her. I think I’m entitled to a
little threatening, don’t you?”
The Headmaster appeared shocked by the barely covered venom in his favourite
student’s voice and eyes, though he covered it quickly with an understanding
look. “Of course. Perhaps, though, it is not best directed at your teachers?”
Harry nodded and turned to look at McGonagall apologetically. “Professor
McGonagall, I apologize. My words were far too rude.”
McGonagall nodded faintly. “Apology accepted. But, Potter, wherever did you
hear what the… fight was about? Not even we had been made aware of that.”
Harry shrugged. “A little snake I know told me. May I please see Ginny, madam?”
“Of course,” Dumbledore said before McGonagall could deny the request again.
“Poppy, if you would please take Harry over? Minerva, a word.”
Harry pointed his wand at himself and muttered a spell under his breath as he
followed Madam Pomfrey to the other end of the ward. Immediately, Dumbledore
and McGonagall’s voices came back into focus.
“Albus, there aren’t any pictures in that part of the hall! We would have
questioned them if there had been!” McGonagall cried, distraught.
“No, no… However, according to Mr Gilmer, Misters Zabini and Finnigan where the
ones to come and collect Harry. Mr Zabini may well have been the one to inform
Harry of the attack and the reasonings behind it.”
“Irma said she only saw Miss Weasley and the back of her brother’s head as he
fled down the hall. She didn’t see any Slytherins.”
“I cannot give any other explanations, Minerva. Perhaps they were in some
hidden passageway down there.”
“Then why not come to Miss Weasley’s aid?”
Harry couldn’t help but wonder about that himself as he stared down at the
prone form of his sister, bruises dotting her unnaturally pale skin and making
him sick.
“I don’t have an answer to that, either.” Dumbledore sighed. “Now, Minerva,
what’s this about a ring?”
“Apparently, Mr Potter gave Miss Weasley a ring with his family crest on it for
Christmas. She’s been wearing it on her ring finger.”
“I see. Perhaps we shall have to talk her into moving it to another finger...”
“Albus, what’s to be done about Mr Weasley?”
“Fifty points for attacking another student,” Dumbledore said firmly.
“Albus, surely he should at least be suspended!”
“Now, Minerva, don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?”
Harry ended the spell with a hiss, blood boiling. He favours us like pet dogs!
Ron should be expelled for that!
I know, love, but this is Dumbledore we’re talking about…
He’s going down. This is personal.
It wasn’t before? Tom enquired good-naturedly.
It was. This time, though, he’s gone too far.
That’s what I thought when I found out about Vernon. Isn’t it interesting how
our loved ones sway us so?
Harry gave a dry mental laugh. Too true.
The raven-haired teen jumped as a wrinkled hand settled on his shoulder. “I
didn’t mean to startle you, my dear boy,” Dumbledore murmured gently as he
conjured a chair to sit in next to Harry. Harry, for the life of him, couldn’t
recall sitting down, but he didn’t think it mattered now. “Thinking?”
“Plotting Ron’s demise,” Harry replied mildly, green eyes on the necklace that
the man next to him couldn’t see about his sister’s throat. It was glowing a
faint red.
It means she’s in danger. Ill, wounded, whatever. Remind me to explain all the
colours and their meaning to you later.
What’s mortal peril?
Black. Hope you never see it that colour.
Indeed.
“Harry.” Dumbledore’s reproving voice pulled the teen back into the world
around him.
“Sorry, sir,” Harry muttered, not sounding sorry in the least. “Just a little
upset still.”
“Perfectly understandable. But, Harry, please let us handle Mr Weasley.”
Harry mussed his hair with one hand, eyes still focused on Ginny’s Mark. The
glowing was fading slightly. “What’s going to happen to Ron, sir? Surely he
should be suspended for a few days because of this. Attacking another student
bad enough to land them in the Infirmary, unconscious, is a serious crime,
never mind that they’re related.”
“We’ve taken points,” Dumbledore replied, sounding just the slightest bit
nervous.
“Punish the rest of the House for one’s deeds. Very Gryffindor of you, sir,”
Harry spat. “You should suspend him. You should have expelled me before the
holidays, too. Really, Professor, you’re losing your touch.”
“Mr Potter!” McGonagall called, shocked, from not too far behind them.
Apparently, she hadn’t left as Harry had thought.
Harry turned to give his Head of House a pointed look. “You agree with me,
Professor McGonagall. I know you do.” He turned to finally look at Dumbledore
while McGonagall gaped like a fish. “At least tell me you’ve owled his
parents.”
“Of course.” Dumbledore agreed. He looked quite displeased with Harry.
“Then we’ll be expecting a Howler tomorrow at breakfast. I’ll be sure to
conjure myself a pair of earplugs,” Harry said mildly, turning back to smile at
Ginny, who was awake and watching the argument with laughing eyes. Her brother
was trashing the Headmaster with what appeared to be practiced ease. “And how
long have you been awake, dear Ginny?”
Everyone’s attention turned to the young witch as she smiled painfully. “Oh,
since about the time that you mentioned plotting Ron’s demise. How long have I
been out for?”
“About fifteen minutes,” Madame Pomfrey replied as she stepped up to the free
side of Ginny’s bed and began casting spells on her.
“Where’s Ron?” Ginny enquired as Harry handed over a glass of water. “Thanks,
Harry.”
“Last I knew, ‘Bini and Seam were looking for him.” Harry shrugged. Dumbledore
and McGonagall traded worried looks. “With instructions to not murder him. Just
knock him out and lock him in some deep, dark place of the castle. Maybe the
Vanishing Closet on the first floor...”
Ginny started giggling as a strangled cry came from both McGonagall and Madam
Pomfrey. The look on Dumbledore’s face could have split hairs. “You know
they’ll only take him down to Professor Snape’s office, at worst.”
“Should I go down there and save Professor Snape, then?” Harry enquired
lightly, pulling another giggle from Ginny, as well as a smile from the other
two witches in the room. “I’m glad you’re all right. Scared the blazes out of
me.”
“I didn’t ask to be swatted around the head, you know.”
“Yes. I know,” Harry said solemnly. “If I’d known he was going to go to that
extent over the damned ring, I would have, at least, asked you to walk around
with a buddy.”
“In fact, Miss Weasley,” Dumbledore cut in. “I’d like it if you’d find a
different finger for your ring.”
Ginny turned her hard gaze on the Headmaster. “Will you suspend my brother?”
Dumbledore’s answer was to purse his lips and give her a grave look over his
half-moon spectacles.
“No? Then that is my answer, sir.” Ginny’s eyes softened as she turned her gaze
back to her adopted brother. “Go back to the common. You know I’m fine now.
Keep Hermione from running all the way down here and tuckering herself out.”
Harry sighed and nodded. “Of course,” he agreed, watching Dumbledore stand with
a dark look out of the corner of his eye. He leaned over to settle a soft kiss
on Ginny’s cheek. “Tom’s also glad you’re well,” he added in a hiss.
“Tell him Ron’s not my family anymore,” Ginny hissed back before returning the
kiss. Then, in a much louder voice, she said, “Now get, you.”
Harry smiled fondly before turning to leave the ward. Tom was cheering in his
mind, making him chuckle. He sent one last look over his shoulder at his
sister, who had closed her eyes once again, and noticed that her pendent still
glowed a faint red, but it was much harder to see, before slipping through the
doors.
Dumbledore stood outside the door, awaiting him. “Harry, might I borrow you in
my office?”
“Nope.” Harry’s smile chilled. “I don’t feel like talking to you, sir. I have
things to do, like keeping my pregnant friend from over-working herself. Or,
perhaps, keeping a few Slytherin friends of mine from killing a certain rodent
that you’ve deemed too perfect to punish properly. Perhaps, sir, you may want
to go a write that letter to the Weasley’s now. Before I do.” And, with that,
Harry pushed past the Headmaster and disappeared behind a tapestry.
Dumbledore let out a frustrated growl and stalked away towards his office. That
boy is out of control!
                                     -~*~-
How Ronald Weasley made it to breakfast the next morning was anyone’s guess.
Though, if you’d asked the various Death Eaters In-Training that had been
searching the halls for the runaway Gryffindor into the wee hours of the
morning, you’d merely learn that it was because no one had been able to find
the wizard, even with the Marauder’s Map. They’d come to the conclusion that
Ron had either snuck off school grounds through one of the tunnels, for his own
safety, or had hidden in the Room of Requirement with the door locked and
hidden.
When Ron stepped into the Great Hall for breakfast that overcast Wednesday
morning, it was with hostile glares and sudden silence that he was met. Most of
the school had learned of the attack – the rumour mill was indeed that speedy –
and they appeared in agreement to stand against him until such a time as Ginny
deemed him worthy of forgiveness. Upon trying to sit at the Gryffindor table,
Ron found himself without a seat. Every time a spot opened up and he moved
towards it, someone would shift over and fill in the gap. It didn’t help him
any that he was so broad, of course.
“Have room for one more?” he asked cheerfully of his fellow seventh year
Gryffindors.
Lavender, Parvati, Seamus, Neville, Dean, and Hermione sent him venomous
glares.
“Go sit on the floor, Ron,” Harry suggested. “It’s not pissed at you.”
Ron gaped at Harry in shock. “But, Harry–“
“Go sit on the floor before someone hexes you,” Parvati spat at the redhead.
“Oh, and Harry?” she started in a mild tone, gaze switching to the head of the
Death Eaters In-Training. “I was wondering if I might speak with you after
breakfast?”
“Of course, Parvati. The front steps will probably be a fairly nice spot to
chat, don’t you think?” Harry replied lightly.
“Isn’t it a bit cold out there?” Hermione teased, smiling.
“It should be fine. It’ll only be for a moment. I’m sure Harry will need to
return to Ginny’s bedside to worry over her,” Parvati replied in the same tone
as the bushy-haired brunette with a bright smile.
“Obviously, my dear Parvati, you have known me too long.” Harry sighed, earning
him a laugh from everyone in hearing range, except Ron, who was still doing his
fish impression.
“Ronald Weasley!” came a sudden, female, shout from the entrance of the Great
Hall. Everyone leaned over to look at a furious Molly Weasley. Ron paled
dramatically and crouched down behind Gryffindor Table.
Harry waved at the matriarch of the Weasley family with a brilliant smile.
“He’s over here, Mrs Weasley! Hiding behind poor defenceless Gryffindors!”
“Traitor!” Ron hissed before attempting to sneak around to the other side of
the table.
“Sister beater!” Seamus spat coldly, levelling his wand at the other teen.
“Move another millimetre and I’ll hex you into oblivion, Ron.”
Ron glanced around for help, only to find the wands of the other seventh years
pointed at his head, as well as a few of the other Gryffindors’ around them.
His mother was marching up the aisle with fire spitting from her eyes.
“And I was expecting a Howler.” Harry hummed, returning to his breakfast with a
sly smile.
“Get up off the floor this instant!” Molly ordered, coming to a stop about a
foot away from her youngest son. Ron hurried quickly to his feet, white as a
ghost. “What, in Merlin’s name, ever possessed you to hurt your sister?!” she
shouted in a voice that rang through the silent Hall. Anyone that hadn’t been
watching the spectacle before was now.
“She–“
“THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION TO SUCH AN ACT!” Molly shouted over Ron, drowning
him out.
“She’s wearing a ring on her ring finger!” Ron shouted back in the following
silence as Molly caught her breath. “Harry’s family ring!”
Molly turned to Harry curiously. “Harry?”
The green-eyed teen shot Ron a sharp look for getting him involved before
offering his surrogate mother a mild shrug. “I gave it to her for Christmas and
told her she could do with it what she wanted. I had no use for it and there
were two or three others in my vault.”
Molly smiled kindly at the young wizard. “Understandable, dear. I know you two
are close. She probably adores the thing.”
Harry gave a quick nod. “Yup. And she doesn’t want to move it, either.
Professor Dumbledore asked her to when she woke up yesterday and she refused.
She’s so sweet.” He gave his breakfast a dreamy look.
Ron looked absolutely disgusted. Hermione, Seamus, and the Slytherins who knew
about the false relationship covered giggles. Snape looked mildly amused. Tom
rolled his eyes skyward, as if praying for patience. Everyone else sighed
happily or wrinkled their noses.
Molly grabbed Ron by the ear, glaring at him. “Wipe that look off your face,
young man! You are going to come with my an apologise to your sister this
instant!”
“But, mum, I haven’t had any breakfast!” Ron immediately complained as he was
dragged along.
“Good!” Molly replied sharply before turning the corner outside the Hall.
The Great Hall burst into sound again.
Hermione waved a hand in Harry’s face. “Earth to Harry. Come in, Harry.”
Harry glanced up with a regretful sigh. “What I wouldn’t give to see that play
out. Ginny is going to be a nightmare, I know it.”
The Gryffindors around him laughed.
                                     -~*~-
“Harry?” Parvati said softly as she approached the young wizard, who was
looking out over the snow-covered school grounds at the group of students
huddled outside Hagrid’s hut.
“Sometimes I miss being so young and naive,” Harry murmured wistfully before
turning to glance at the Gryffindor witch and casting a quick Silencing Charm.
“You’ve made up your mind.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes. I’m joining you as a Death Eater. I’ve thought it over and I find no
reason to ever return to the Light with the corruption and the poor choice in
leadership.” Parvati nodded, coming to stand next to Harry and glancing out
over the grounds.
“Do you know if your sister has made a choice yet?” Harry inquired mildly as he
gently tapped into Tom’s mind to find out what he’d done with the other
pendants. The Dark Lord handed over the information with no fuss and returned
to teaching his class.
“No. She’ll probably come to you on her own time if she does.”
“Understood.” Harry dropped the Silencing Charm. “Come with me.”
Parvati nodded and followed Harry silently to Tom’s rooms. :Light’s downfall,:
Harry hissed in Parseltongue.
“Where are we?” Parvati murmured once the doorway was closed once again.
“Professor Brutùs’ personal rooms,” Harry replied with a shrug before wandering
over to Tom’s desk and going through the drawers. “Where’d the idiot put
them...”
“Wait, why Professor Brutùs?” Parvati asked quickly. “And won’t he mind that
you’re going through his things?”
“He’s a Death Eater, one, so he answers to me. Two, no, he doesn’t care. If he
didn’t want me in here, I wouldn’t have the password.” Harry sighed. “Aha!
There you are! Damned things. Thought he said they were in the third drawer
down...”
Parvati picked at her robe nervously, glancing around the sparse room. “Doesn’t
have much, does he?”
“It’s all in the bedroom and at his home. He didn’t see the point in bringing
it all out here for one year. Especially since most of it’ll get him in trouble
with the Ministry.” Harry offered lightly, earning a nervous smile from the
dark-haired girl. “Parvati, calm down. Marcus has a class right now, so he has
no reason to come in here. And he really won’t care. I’m in here all the time
and he hasn’t yelled at me once.”
“Well, yes... But, Harry, you’re like, his boss...or...something…”
“I’m his friend, actually,” Harry corrected her gently. “And my being second-
in-command of Voldemort’s forces obviously hasn’t stopped Snape from screaming
at me if I mess up a potion, now has it?”
“No. I suppose not.” Parvati sighed.
“My point exactly. Now, come here and sit down.” He pointed to the couch he was
standing next to.
With one last nervous glance at the door, Parvati stepped over to the offered
seat and settled on to the couch.
“Good.” Harry sat next to her gracefully. “I’ve given you the ‘No back door’
speech, lucky you. Three more things before I fix you up. One, the other, older
Death Eaters can’t tell you what to do. You only have to listen to three
people: myself, Voldemort, and Gin Weasley.”
“Why Ginny?” Parvati inquired, resting her chin on the palm of her hand and her
elbow on her knee.
“She’s second in command of the Death Eaters In-Training, the branch of Death
Eaters you will be joining, which is the second thing. Third thing is that, at
meetings or when you deal with the other Death Eaters In-Training for serious
matters that concern us, I need you to put all House prejudices behind you.
Argue about the Quidditch Cup on your own time, don’t waste mine.”
“Understood. How will I know who’s a Death Eater In-Training?”
“Sit up,” Harry suggested, smiling. The witch sat up straight and he leaned
around her to clasp the Dark Mark necklace about her throat. “Each Death Eater
In-Training wears a necklace with the Dark Mark on it. These necklaces are only
visible to those who wear a necklace or have been marked.”
Parvati nodded, admiring the new piece of jewellery. “They’re lovely, despite
being the Dark Mark and all.”
Harry laughed. “I must agree with you. I never thought Voldemort could manage
it, but he truly did a fine job on these.” He fingered his own pendant.
“Ooh… Yours is different…” Parvati leaned forward to get a better look and
Harry let her, smiling slightly. “What are the crossed wands for? To tell it
apart from the others?”
“Sort of. It marks it as the controlling pendant, though we added a few charms
to Gin’s to match her rank even though it still looks like all of the others.
The wands are supposed to represent Voldemort’s and mine, though. Green and red
for Slytherin and Gryffindor. Or, as Gin teased once, to match our eyes.”
Parvati glanced up and studied Harry’s eyes behind his glasses for a moment
before moving back to her seat and nodding. “Definitely matches your eyes. I’ve
never met the Dark Lord before, though, so I can’t say anything for the red.”
Harry chuckled. “Well, then. Take my word, it does.”
“Oh, good.” Parvati brushed some hair out of her face. “Anything else?”
Harry tapped at his chin with a hum. “Oh, yes. The pendants burn if Voldemort
or myself call you. In school, come and find me or Gin. Out in the real world,
the pendant will act as the Dark Marks do. Concentrate on the burn and
apparate. It will lead you to the meeting spot. Also, I’d suggest finding a
black robe with a hood for meetings once school’s over. It’s nice to wear
pretty colours, but Voldemort prefers his little uniforms.”
Parvati giggled. “He doesn’t sound so bad, you know.”
Harry chuckled again. “Now there’s a rumour that would creep people out.
‘Voldemort’s a nice, fun guy’.”
Parvati laughed outright. “Is he really as much a bastard as I’ve heard?”
Harry turned serious with such speed that it left his companion breathless. “He
can be outright horrible at times, but he isn’t all bad. Get on his good side,
and he’s actually fairly nice. Piss him off and you’ll learn why people fear
him so. And, he can be down-right civil and, actually act like a human if he
doesn’t think anyone’s watching. He’s not a bad man, he’s just got a temper to
reckon with.”
“No wonder you two get along so well,” Parvati muttered.
Harry grinned. “Probably true.” He stood, stretching gently as he glanced back
down at the young woman with him. “Well, I think it’s time we left. One last
thing, though.”
“Yes?” the witch enquired as she stood slowly.
“Hermione Granger is, although not marked in any way, a supporter who’s pretty
much in the fold as deeply as any Death Eater or Death Eater In-Training. Feel
free to tell her things if you need to get them to me. She’s trusted by both
myself and Voldemort.”
Parvati let out a soft breath. “Good. That means I have someone in my dorm that
I can get to you through.”
“Not for long,” Harry replied coldly. “Once her baby is born, she’s being moved
to a separate room.”
“Who decided that?!” Parvati asked angrily, eyes narrowed.
“Dumbledore. Gin’s petitioning to move in with her, to give her a hand. The
seventh year Gryffindor boys’ dorm room had already been offered as a place to
house the baby if it gets too much for Herm and Gin, as has the seventh year
Slytherin girls’ dorm room.”
“Ron better be taking care of that child,” Parvati spat. “Awful little bastard,
getting her pregnant against her will.”
“Oh, Ron doesn’t know we’ve offered up the dorm room. Seamus and I did it, with
the decision that Neville and Dean can sleep elsewhere if they feel the need to
complain,” Harry replied flippantly, leading the way to the door.
“Good. I’ll make sure Hermione knows that Lavender and I plan on helping with
the child, whether she wants us to or not!” Parvati exclaimed, stepping from
Tom’s room.
Harry chuckled. “That poor child will have more aunts and uncles than it’ll
know what to do!”
Parvati fingered her Dark Mark pendant with a smile. “I should hope so. After
all, it’s a child of the future.” She winked and turned to leave. “And whatever
will it do with you Harry Potter, as a favourite uncle?”
“Now, really, that depends on if Herm carries through with her threat to make
me godfather or not,” Harry replied with a laugh.
Parvati’s eyes shone with happy mischief. “Well, every child deserves to be
spoiled a little, Harry; I’m sure you could take care of that nicely.”
Harry let himself laugh loudly as the witch strode down the hallway, no doubt
to go in search of her sister or Lavender.
                                     -~*~-
“Where have you been?” Ginny demanded as Harry entered the hospital wing as
quietly as he could.
Harry smiled at her and Molly, who sat on the edge of her daughter’s bed.
“Talking to Parvati about something.”
“Lucky I’m not the jealous sort,” Ginny muttered which, for some reason unknown
to Molly, made both young Gryffindors snicker.
Harry conjured himself a chair next to Ginny’s bed and sat, smiling peacefully.
“How’d it go with Ron?”
“I told him where to stick it,” Ginny replied with a bright smile, which didn’t
appear deterred by the sharp look from her mother.
“Now, Ginny...” Molly started.
“She doesn’t know about that other thing and I wanted to ask her about telling
Mum, but I, obviously haven’t seen her of late. Do you think she’ll mind?”
“Who?” Molly growled, before turning to Harry, who looked contemplative. “Would
one of the two of you please explain what you’re going on about?”
“Oh, she’ll only mind because she won’t get to watch your mum explode,” Harry
assured his sister with a smirk. “Shall I see if I can go find her?”
“Oh, yes, do.” Ginny nodded seriously.
“Who is it you two are going on about?!” Molly cried as Harry rose and headed
for the doors to the infirmary.
“Are you two giving Mrs Weasley a hard time?” Hermione asked, stepping in to
the infirmary.
“Just the witch we wanted to see.” Harry slid up beside her and led her to the
chair he’d vacated. Molly was giving him a curious look. “We were considering
telling Mrs Weasley about the you-know-what, but we figured you might want to
be here for the explosion.”
“I have no clue how I keep managing to forget about your vindictive streak,
Harry.” Hermione sighed, shaking her head.
“Maybe because it’s usually centred around Ron, of late?” Harry offered.
Molly cleared her throat loudly. “Someone. Please.”
Hermione glanced up at Harry, who scowled. “Why am I always the one picked to
tell?”
“Because, if someone curses you in a bout of anger, you’re more likely to be
able to defend yourself,” Hermione offered sweetly.
Harry rolled his eyes and gave Molly a wary look. “Please don’t hex me?”
Molly’s eyes narrowed. “What is going on?”
“Well, I’m sure you know that Ron took Hermione out to Three Broomsticks for
her birthday, right?”
“Yes, of course. He had to owl us for the money.”
“Well, he got her drunk…” Harry scratched the back of his head. “And, being the
jealous little sod he’s been since they broke up, he managed to talk Hermione
into having sex with him…”
Molly’s face was starting to turn a nasty shade of red. “If this is leading
where I think this is leading, he’ll be grounded for the next twelve years.”
“I’m pregnant,” Hermione volunteered, seeing that Harry had finally found
someone that he wasn’t comfortable dropping the bomb to.
Molly immediately engulfed Hermione in a hug and the young witch gladly rested
her head against the woman’s shoulder and closed her eyes. “Oh, Hermione, I’m
so sorry…” She glanced up at Harry, tears and understanding in her eyes. “This
is why you lot hung him up in the entrance hall.”
“We decided he needed the time to think about his actions,” Ginny muttered
darkly.
Molly finally pulled away from Hermione, looking deeply into the girl’s sad
brown eyes. “Don’t you ever believe that you and the baby don’t have a place in
our home. I expect you to bring that child around often.”
Hermione offered a sheepish smile. “Yes, Mrs Weasley.”
“Molly,” the woman reprimanded. “You’re carrying my grandchild; I think you
have the right to call me Molly by now. That goes for you too, Harry,” she
added, glancing up at where Harry still stood behind Hermione’s chair.
“Yes, Molly,” Harry offered, running a hand through his hair. “I was wondering
something, actually.”
The three witches glanced up at him curiously. “Yes?” Molly inquired.
“Now that you’ve got a good handle on everything Ron’s been up to, do you think
he deserves suspension?” Green eyes met brown calmly.
Molly frowned thoughtfully before nodding. “Yes, I do, actually. Why?”
“I’m just doing a poll, of sorts. So far, Dumbledore’s the only one who’s for
keeping him in the school.”
“Who all have you talked to?” Hermione inquired curiously.
“Oh, some of the staff, people from all of the Houses and years, Molly…” The
green-eyed teen shrugged. “Even Hagrid’s decided Ron should be suspended, and
that’s without knowing about the pregnancy. Well, as far as I can tell, he
doesn’t know, and we’re all well aware of how well Hagrid keeps secrets.”
“If you ever want the opinion of the general population of Hogwarts, talk to
Harry. He’ll get it within twenty-four hours,” Ginny teased, shaking her head.
“Did you ask everyone yourself?”
“The staff, yes.” Harry ran a hand through his hair again. “Some of the
students’ opinions were passed on to me by others while we were searching for
Ron last night.”
“Wait!” Ginny shot Harry a look. “You all went searching for Ron last night?”
“They never found him, either.” Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes.
“How late were you all out?” Molly asked suspiciously.
“Let’s just say I’m wishing for my bed right now,” Harry replied, smiling
slightly.
“You’re not supposed to be out that late,” Molly reprimanded.
“Noted." Harry shrugged. “Don’t bother yelling, though. Hermione’s already
taken care of it. She’s a wonderful Head Girl.” He gave the witch a fond look.
“And I dare say that those mood swings of hers are working to her advantage.”
Harry quickly jumped out of the way of the fist aimed at him amid laughter.
Once the four had settled down again and Harry dubbed it safe to return to his
former position of leaning against the back of Hermione’s chair, Ginny decided
to ask a question which had been bothering her for a while. “Mum?”
“Yes, Ginny?”
“What would you do if one of us – and I’m including my brothers in this – were
to ever go Dark?” the youngest witch asked.
Molly frowned and took her time considering the question before answering,
obviously choosing her words with care. “I suppose that would depend on the
reasons behind the change of sides. Why?”
Ginny glanced up at Harry to see his thoughts and was startled at the
determination in the bright green eyes. “Gin’s asking for me, Molly.”
Molly’s gaze shot from her daughter to the boy she’d always called family and
felt her mouth go dry. “Why?”
“This year has been trying, Molly, and the decisions being made by certain
people in power are making me waver in my faith of them,” Harry replied
carefully.
Molly gave him a shrewd look. “Dumbledore has been making some questionable
choices of late, hasn’t he?”
“He refused to suspend Harry,” Hermione offered. “After that big prank on
Professor Snape, he dragged Harry up to his office to talk to him...”
“I told him he needed to at least suspend me and he told me no,” Harry
finished, laying a hand on Hermione’s shoulder. “And I dislike the way he
blatantly disregards Marcus' privacy because there are so many signs pointing
to him being a Merlin-damned Death Eater.”
“Is he?” Molly inquired gently, sensing that Harry had been needing to unload a
lot of things for a while, but just hadn’t had the chance to do so. She
couldn’t help but sympathize with him.
“Well, yes, but he doesn’t have a Mark.” Harry sighed warily and dropped his
head into his hands. “I shouldn’t be telling you this.”
“Will it help if I swear to secrecy?” Molly inquired in as mild a voice as she
could muster.
Harry wasn’t the only one left staring open-mouthed. “Mum, you’d really do
that?” Ginny whispered in awe.
“Of course. Harry’s family, and family sticks together,” Molly told her
daughter firmly.
“What if I were to tell you I was a Death Eater?” Harry asked coolly.
“Are you?” Molly shot back in the same tone. Harry stared at her stoically, jaw
clenched shut and she sighed. “Family sticks together. I’d want to know if you
were doing it for the right reasons.”
“You know, I’m almost glad I put up a Silencing Barrier when I sat down over
here,” Hermione muttered. “Harry, you’ve officially said enough to incriminate
yourself worse than any of your pranks ever could.”
Harry gave a humourless chuckle. “I thought it was you who’d thrown up the
barrier. You know I wouldn’t have said a damn thing if I hadn’t known it was
there.”
“You are a Death Eater…” Molly murmured, but she didn’t appear disgusted,
horrified, or angry, like Harry once thought she would be.
“Nope,” Ginny said proudly. “He’s Voldemort’s second.”
Harry scowled at his sister, but it faded when he noticed the barely concealed
awe in Molly’s eyes. “Molly? Are you okay?”
Molly smiled faintly. “You have no idea. Arthur and I have been trying to
switch sides for ages, but that Malfoy-Weasley feud kept getting in the way.”
“You’re kidding…” Ginny whispered in shock.
Harry focused on his lover. Tom? What the hell am I supposed to do here?
Do you trust her?
I... Harry closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. I don’t know. The
Weasleys have always been strong supporters of the Light.
Then you must either believe her, or test her.
I don’t like your methods of testing people. You know that.
Harry could just feel Tom rolling his eyes. You are able to use Legilimency,
correct? he replied dryly.
The green-eyed wizard decided not to gift his lover with an answer and,
instead, looked at Molly seriously. She, Hermione, and Ginny were watching him
curiously. “Molly, you will have to forgive me if I am wary of trusting you.”
“I’d expect no less,” the witch replied calmly.
“Harry…” Ginny warned.
“Your agreement stands, Gin,” Harry shot back with a look at the younger witch.
Then he looked back at Molly. “Legilimency has been suggested, if you are
agreeable.”
Molly looked startled. “That’s not what I would have expected, but I have no
disagreements, I suppose.”
“Gin?” Harry glanced over at his sister.
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill him.”
Tom aimed a mental raspberry at the girl and Harry winced. “Noted,” he offered
aloud, pulling his wand from his robe. You are so immature sometimes.
You’re one to talk.
“Hermione, is the barrier strong?”
“Yes.”
Ginny grabbed her wand off the nightstand. “I’m doubling it.”
“Thank you,” Hermione murmured. Ginny offered her a smile and muttered the
spell.
“Molly?” Harry glanced at his surrogate mother.
Molly set her wand on the table next to the bed and nodded. “Ready whenever you
are.”
“Legilimens!” Harry called, focusing on finding out about her loyalties,
nothing else.
Flashes of memories and feelings hit him and it was all Harry could do to keep
standing. A scene where Molly was waving what looked like a newspaper clipping
at Dumbledore, tears running down her face… Dumbledore talking to her seriously
while she tried not to scream… Percy, walking away from Arthur… The summer
before Harry’s fifth year when they all sat around the table, arguing to be
told the truth… The twins telling her they were joining the Order, and she
couldn’t stop them… Arthur, trying to comfort her… And, suddenly, him telling
Molly that he was unsure of Dumbledore and her feeling pride and love aimed at
him and worry for his well-being…
Harry pulled away and closed his eyes, as if thinking. Tom? he asked the Dark
Lord shakily. His Legilimency skills in detecting deception were not the best,
and Tom could pinpoint anything he may have missed.
There was a long silence from the Dark Lord as he felt Tom shifting through
what Harry had seen. I don’t sense any deception, love. At any rate, I’d rather
you not tell her any more in Hogwarts’ hospital ward. Ask her and Arthur to
meet you for lunch this weekend, or something.
Good idea. Harry let out a soft sigh and looked around at the three witches.
“We’ll trust you, for now, but, this is not the place for this sort of
discussion.”
“I agree.” Molly nodded.
“May I suggest a lunch date this weekend?” Harry murmured.
“With Arthur, of course,” Molly agreed.
“After all. It’s only proper to have you two making sure I’m treating your
daughter right.”
The redheaded woman laughed brightly. “Oh, yes. Ginny, how is he treating you?”
Ginny gave her brother a fond smile and twisted her ring. “Just as I would
expect of him.”
“I wasn’t aware you could manage that, Harry,” Hermione teased.
Harry scowled. “As much as I’d love to laze around and be teased mercilessly
all day, Hermione and I have Charms in ten minutes and neither of us have our
books.”
“Oh, no…” Hermione moaned.
Harry patted her shoulder sympathetically. “I’ll get your stuff, Herm, don’t
worry about it. You just go grab us seats, unless Dray beats you to it, of
course.”
“The only person Dray has never beat into a classroom is the teacher for that
course,” Ginny said good-naturedly as the Silencing Barrier was dropped. “Oh,
Harry?”
“Hm?”
“What are you planning for Ron?” Ginny’s question caught both Molly and
Hermione’s attention as well, and all three witches watched in a mix of horror
and glee as Harry’s face twisted into a cold smile.
“We’re going to let him think he’s safe for a while,” Harry replied slyly.
“But, oh, we have plans for Mr Weasley…”
***** Chapter 34 *****
Harry’s curtains were closed around his bed to warn off any unwanted
companionship. He was in the middle of reading an interesting book he’d spotted
on Neville’s nightstand; the five Gryffindor boys had agreed years before that,
if they saw something of someone else’s that they wanted to borrow, they could
take it, with the understanding that it was to be handed back over to the
rightful owner without fuss if asked for.
Harry, of course, had been a little warm in the enclosed space and had pulled
off his shirt, which lay in a crumple at the foot of his bed. Tom had made a
few comments when he’d first decided to take the garment off, but, as he was
busy with a double detention, and one of the students had asked him something,
he’d stopped rather quickly.
Harry didn’t bother glancing out of his makeshift cave when he heard someone
come into the dorm and begin searching around on the other side of the room. It
wasn’t until the intruder spoke that he paid any attention.
“Hey, Harry? Have you seen my book on deadly plant poisons?” Neville asked.
Harry smiled sadly and closed the book in question before poking his head out.
“Yeah, I’ve got it. Did you need it?” He held it out.
Neville froze part-way between Harry’s face and the book. “Harry, not to pry,
but why do you have on a necklace with the Dark Mark?”
Harry set the book on his bed with one hand as the other flew up to grasp his
pendant. “You can see this?” he whispered.
“Uhm, yeah.” Neville nodded slowly.
Harry let out a string of curses that made Neville turn an interesting shade of
pink and got him imitating a fish.
“I’m not supposed to be able to see it, then?” Neville whispered after a long
moment of heavy silence.
Harry stood, quickly flashing through which of his people in Gryffindor he
could chance. “No. No, you shouldn’t be able to. Stay here, please. I’ll be
right back.” Harry gave the other wizard a pointed look, to which Neville
replied with a nod, then the green-eyed teen stepped from the room and hurried
down the stairs, belatedly hoping Neville was the only one who could see his
necklace.
Harry poked his head around the wall and glanced into the common room. He
scanned it for his quarry and smiled. “Seamus! I need to borrow you! Sorry,
Dean,” he added as an afterthought, which made the darker-skinned wizard smile.
Seamus stood with an apologetic look to Dean and walked around the other
students, many of which were drooling over the shirtless Boy-Who-Lived, which
happened every time Harry forgot to wear a shirt down to the common room, and
blocked the teen from view. “What’s wrong, mate? You look like you’ve seen a
ghost, though not quite pale enough, really.”
“Seamus, if you’re drunk, I will murder you. Come with me,” Harry hissed,
grabbing the other wizard’s arm and leading him back up to their dormitory.
Once there, Harry set Silencing Charms up over the closed door and turned back
to Neville, who was looking between himself and Seamus, who was downing a
Sobriety Potion, in confusion. “You’re a dead man walking, Finnigan. What have
I told you about drinking?” Harry groaned, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.
“It’s bad for me?” Seamus came to stand next to Neville, grinning. “Now, what’s
so urgent?”
Harry reached forwards and pointed to the Dark Mark pendant hanging out over
his mussed robes. “Neville, do you see anything there?”
“...Seamus, your tie is on backwards,” was Neville’s response after a moment.
Harry turned around and ran a hand through his hair with a sigh as Seamus
quickly tried to fix his tie. “So it’s only mine, then. Seamus, just take the
damned thing off.”
Seamus frowned at Harry’s back as the raven-haired wizard’s comment hit him.
“He can see your necklace?”
Neville looked back and forth between his two dorm mates as Harry turned to nod
darkly. “Wait, Seamus, do you have one too?” He glanced at Harry. “Is that what
you were trying to get me to see?”
Harry sighed and threw himself back onto his bed, narrowly missing Neville’s
book. “Yes. Neville, you mustn’t tell anyone,” he half begged as Seamus threw
himself on to his bed with a hopeless groan.
“Why’d you pick me to come up here and test, Harry?” the Irishman complained.
“Because, Seam, in case you haven’t noticed, your boyfriend’s family has a
history of supporting Voldemort.”
“No, I hadn’t actually,” Seamus bit out coldly.
“Whoa!” Neville held up his hands. “Look, I’m not planning on telling anyone!
Stop taking your aggression out on each other!”
“Sorry,” the two on their beds muttered.
Neville rolled his eyes and sat down next to Harry, picking up his book gently.
“Just tell me why.”
“Because Dumbledore’s a prick,” was Seamus’ immediate response.
Neville chuckled. “Same old Seamus. But, really, is that all?”
“Well, and Blaise does have a Dark family history. When he asked me if I’d join
him on the Dark Lord’s side, I’d already had an idea that Harry had turned, so
I decided that there wasn’t much hope for the Light,” Seamus murmured softly.
“Seamus, you thought Harry was Dark in fifth year. How was this year any
different?”
“I didn’t deny it when he asked.” Harry sighed, standing and walking over to
the window.
“Oh.” Neville nodded and gazed at the back of his friend. “And why did you
flip?”
“A few different reasons. Dumbledore is a fairly large one.” Harry sighed. “And
there’s someone I care very much for on Voldemort’s side.”
“Ginny?” Neville frowned. He didn’t think Ginny was Dark.
“No.” Harry gave a dry chuckle. “You told me before the holiday that you didn’t
think I treated Gin like a girlfriend.”
“You treat her like a sister,” Neville agreed.
“That’s because she is my sister,” was Harry’s emotionless response.
“Harry!” Seamus sat up, staring at Harry in shock. “You’re not going to…”
Harry smiled thinly at sandy-haired teen. “We agreed at the start of term that
if the cover of me being with Gin didn’t fool some people and they felt the
need to call one of us on it, we’d tell them the truth.” He turned to Neville,
who was watching him curiously. “I’m dating Professor Brutùs.”
Neville hummed thoughtfully, glancing down at the cover of his book. “Which is
why you spend so much time around him. I get it now.”
“Wow, Neville. When did you mellow out?” Seamus whispered.
Neville and Harry traded looks before both wizards cracked up. “Merlin, Seam!
Where have you been the past two years?” Harry laughed.
Seamus looked extremely affronted.
                                     -~*~-
“What’s Longbottom doing here?”
“Draco!” Ginny gave the blond a severe look as she walked up to the group
gathered around outside Tom’s room.
“Have you no tact?” Hermione teased.
“Would you all shut up?” Harry sent a look around the group before returning
his attention to the door. :Light’s downfall.:
The portrait didn’t budge.
Tom!
Why are you whining this time?
The password isn’t working!
What? The picture opened to show them their frowning professor. “You’re not
letting them in now?”
“Strict orders from the Headmaster. No students are to be allowed into
teacher’s rooms.”
“Oh, he’s making life difficult for us, then. Come in, everyone, and get
settled while I have a chat with my doorkeeper. Harry, could you pour the tea?”
“Yes, Marcus.” Harry rolled his eyes and led the group of Gryffindors and
Slytherins into the main room as Tom started arguing with the picture.
“Everyone, pick a seat. Neville, I wouldn’t sit there if I were you, it’s kind
of Marcus’ seat. Draco, scoot over.”
“How do you do that when your back is turned!” Draco shouted as he made room on
the couch for Neville.
Harry smirked as he levitated a tray over to the table. “I have eyes in the
back of my head.”
Everyone laughed as they leaned forward to pour themselves a cup of tea. Harry
tossed himself into Marcus’ seat and closed his eyes lazily.
“Move it, you lazy little sod,” Tom ordered, re-entering the room and slamming
the portrait behind him.
“Make me,” Harry shot back, refusing to open his eyes.
Tom rolled his eyes and picked the teen up, depositing him in a pile on the
floor. Then he sat in his chair with a smirk as the other students laughed.
“What was that, Harry?”
Harry smiled slyly and slipped into Tom’s lap, resting his head against the
man’s chest. “I dare you to drop me on the floor again.”
“My feet are too tired, currently,” Tom decided, waving his wand to make
himself a cup of tea.
“What in Merlin’s name have you been doing to hurt your feet, Marcus?” Ginny
asked, making a face.
“He was visiting me.”
Everyone but Tom and Harry gave a shout as Salazar appeared behind Tom’s chair.
Tom was sipping his tea calmly. Harry smiled at the ghost. “Hello, Salazar.”
“Little Gryffindor. Marvolo, I have a way to solve your problem.”
“Stop worrying, Neville. Salazar’s a good guy,” Harry murmured to his friend as
he stood so Tom could follow Salazar to a blank expanse of wall.
“Push,” Salazar ordered his heir.
Tom scowled at the ghost, but pushed on the wall as he was told. The wall slid
back to show them a tunnel.
“What’s down there, Salazar?” Harry enquired, coming to stand next to Tom as
the other students stood and crowded around at a distance from the three.
“Why don’t you go on down and find out,” Salazar suggested slyly.
Harry and Tom traded looks before Harry nodded and started down the steps.
“Harry!” Hermione cried, stepping forward.
Tom glanced at the witch as Harry continued down. “He’ll be fine, Hermione.”
“I’m going too!” Ginny shouted, hurrying to go through the opening.
Tom grabbed her about her waist and glanced at Salazar. Something told him it
wouldn’t be wise for them all to go down yet. “Slytherin?”
Salazar frowned at the witch, then nodded. “She may go, but no one else.”
“Go on, then.” Tom released the redhead and watched as she disappeared
downwards.
“What’s down there?” Theodore demanded. “Why can Harry and Gin go down, but not
us?”
“Gryffindor’s room,” Salazar replied calmly. “Only the Heir can enter safely,
though he may allow others that he trusts. Gin has the Potter crest. She is
also safe.”
“Harry’s the Heir of Gryffindor?” Blaise whispered in awe.
“Are you surprised?” Seamus asked his boyfriend. “I thought it was obvious.”
“Neville, what’s wrong?” Hermione whispered, resting a hand on Neville’s
shoulder. The boy was shaking.
“There’s two of us?” Neville squeaked.
Eight pairs of eyes bore holes in the terrified Gryffindor.
“I forgot he had two daughters…” Salazar murmured. “Jocosa moved away to Africa
and lost contact. I’m surprised your line remembered.”
“My grandmother told me on my birthday,” Neville replied shakily.
The ghost nodded. “If you want, you may go down, then.”
Neville made a quick dash for the door and fled down the stairs.
“Now what?” Pansy murmured.
“Now, we wait. Harry will send word when it’s safe to go down,” Hermione
decided, returning to her seat and tea.
Trading looks, the other students also returned to their seats. “Tom?” Seamus
called, noticing that the professor had remained at the top of the stairs.
Tom sat on the floor in front of the entrance. “I’ll stay here, thanks.”
The six students traded worried looks while Salazar rested a silvery hand on
his Heir’s shoulder. Tom didn’t move.
                                     -~*~-
“Neville’s coming,” Harry murmured to his sister as they continued down the
narrow, winding stairs.
Sure enough, Neville caught up with them, breathing heavily. “I didn’t know you
were an Heir too, Harry.”
Harry smiled slightly. “Neither did I, really. I should have guessed, of
course; Salazar’s only been hinting it since Hallowe’en.”
“You’ve always been dense.” Ginny sighed dramatically, earning her a playful
swat from her brother.
“Light at the end of the tunnel,” Neville laughed, pointing ahead of them at a
block of red that was getting larger as they approached it.
“To sound like Herm, no running on the stairs,” Ginny said seriously. The two
wizards traded looks before cracking up.
“So, Neville, do you know which side you get the bloodline from?” Harry
inquired lightly.
“My grandmother’s, actually. So, my dad’s side of the family.” Neville
shrugged. “You get yours from your dad, don’t you?”
“I suppose. Seeing as how it’s the Potter crest that’s protecting Gin, I’d have
to say that it goes back a while, too.”
“Probably pretty accurate,” Neville agreed. Then, “How come Slytherin likes
Marcus?”
“No tact.” Ginny groaned.
“Gryffindor trait,” Harry decided, grimacing. “Neville, why don’t you tell me
why.”
“He’s You-Know-Who, isn’t he?”
Harry smiled. “In the words of Voldemort, ‘No, I don’t know who’.”
Neville and Ginny laughed. “Who’d he say that to?” Ginny asked.
“One of the Aurors that came to check his rooms at the beginning of the
holidays.”
“He didn’t!”
“Oh, yes he did.” Harry shook his head. “The man has no sense of self-
preservation.”
“He’s powerful enough to not need it, I think,” Neville murmured.
“Perhaps.” Harry slung an arm around Neville’s shoulders. “If it makes you feel
any better, he screamed himself hoarse at Bellatrix for making your parents
insane. He really wasn’t pleased with her.”
“Really?” Neville looked at Harry hopefully.
Harry offered the other wizard a painful smile. “I recall him telling me, once,
that he’d never condone driving his enemies insane and leaving them like that.
If he had been there, they would have been killed, to save them that fate.”
Neville nodded. “Better dead than insane. I never thought the day would come
that I would agree with You-Kno–“ He glanced at Harry, who was grinning. “Oh,
fine, Voldemort.”
Harry laughed. “About damn time!”
“We’re here,” Ginny murmured from behind the wizards, silencing her brother.
They paused three steps up from a waterfall of red liquid which they couldn’t
see beyond. Harry appeared to be the only one daring enough to step down
closer. He frowned at it. “Blood.”
Neville gave a squeak while Ginny drew in a sharp breath. “We have to walk
through that, don’t we?”
Harry didn’t answer but walked right through.
Ginny and Neville traded terrified looks before jumping after him. “Harry!”
They found Harry standing before a ghostly figure. The man gave them all
piercing looks. “What do you want?”
“Salazar sent us down here,” Harry replied calmly. “We’re trying to find a
place for everyone to meet that the Headmaster can’t get to.”
“Why not Salazar’s room?” the ghost challenged, circling around the three.
Harry was the only one who didn’t follow him with his eyes.
“Not everyone is a Parseltongue, Godric. Surely you’re aware of that.”
“Watch your mouth, boy!” Godric Gryffindor shouted, getting in Harry’s face.
“Give me a mirror and I’ll have no problem with that,” Harry shot back mildly.
“Harry…” Ginny moaned.
“You…” Godric appeared lost for words.
“From what Salazar has said of you, I expected someone very different from
yourself.” Harry sighed. “You’ve obviously been locked away for too long. But,
then, you had no legends to lead your Heirs to you like Salazar did. I
shouldn’t be surprised.”
“When did stupidity become a synonym for bravery?” Ginny muttered under her
breath.
Harry grinned. “Just now.”
Godric stared at the green-eyed boy for a long moment in shock. Then, slowly,
he began to smile. “They’ve long been connected.”
“I’ll take your word for that,” Harry decided. “After all, age is supposed to
make a person wise.”
“And you’re always the exception to the rule,” Neville joked weakly.
“Exactly! I’ve always been this wise!”
“And he always will be, too.” Ginny snorted, rolling her eyes.
Godric chuckled. “I fear you three have me at a disadvantage. Have you names?”
The three Gryffindors traded smiles. Mission accomplished.
“Neville Longbottom,” Neville volunteered.
“Ginevra Weasley.” Ginny smiled. “Though I also go by Gin or Ginny.”
“Harry Potter,” Harry offered with a bow. “Though I, too, go by many different
names, and not all of them are pleasant.”
“True. Jackarse, prat, bastard–“
“Gin.” Harry gave the girl a look over his glasses that made Ginny burst into
laughter. “What?”
“You looked like Dumbledore for a moment there,” Neville offered while Ginny
recovered.
Harry groaned. “Just what I’ve always wanted.”
Godric smiled at them. “You mentioned Salazar?”
“Oh, yeah. He’s upstairs with his Heir and many of our other friends.” Harry
nodded.
“Is he really? Well, why don’t one of you go up and tell them all to come
down.”
Ginny and Neville both glanced at Harry, who had closed his eyes. Tom? What’s
wrong?
Hum? Oh, nothing.
Are you worried about me?
Yes.
Well, don’t be. And bring everyone down here. Salazar too. In fact, tell
Salazar that Godric’s been a right old grump, living down here all alone…
Why do I get the feeling you know something I don’t?
Why, Tom, I know many things you don’t know!
That’s what I’m afraid of. We’ll be down there shortly.
Oh, and, as warning, you have to go through a waterfall that looks and smells
like blood.
Is it?
As far as I can tell, no. Tell Hermione, though.
Will do.
Thank you. Harry opened his eyes with a smile. “They’re coming.”
“How’d you do that?” Godric grumbled, leading them to a scattered pile of what
looked like beanbag chairs.
“Salazar’s Heir tried to kill me when I was a baby, but the curse backfired. We
have a mental connection, of sorts, that we’ve fallen into the habit of
manipulating to contact one another if we need something. Very useful,” Harry
explained, picking a green lump and dropping himself into it.
“He tried to kill you?” Godric didn’t look at all pleased with this bit of
news.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because of a prophecy suggesting that I would bring about his downfall.” Harry
shrugged. “It’s in the past.”
“Obviously this prophecy was a load of codswallop,” Godric grumbled.
“Well, that’s yet to be seen,” Harry replied. “Parts of it have proven right,
at any rate.”
“I get the feeling you believe in the art of Divination about as much as the
rest of us,” Ginny said to Godric.
“Codswallop,” Godric agreed.
“I’ve seen two true prophecies in my life and one has already come true, so
you’ll have to excuse me if I have a little faith in the one about me and Tom.”
Harry scowled.
“Faith is not a Gryffindor trait,” a voice said from the entrance. “Hello,
Godric.”
“Salazar,” Godric replied tightly.
“Oh no you two don’t!” Harry shot looks between the two ghosts, ignoring as the
room filled with the people they’d left up in Tom’s room. “Salazar, you were
pining like hell for Godric over the holidays; Godric, you’ve been a right arse
since we got down here, but you sure seemed more open to things when Salazar
was mentioned. Drop the differences already, you’re the only ones falling for
them.”
“So that’s why you kept mentioning Slytherin!” Ginny cried, smacking her
forehead with her hand. “Tom, you’ve twisted the poor baby.”
“He’s hardly a baby.” Tom snorted, coming to sit next to his lover and pulling
him into his lap. “Gryffindor and Slytherin are old enough to sort things out
without your help, Harry. Cool it.” Harry blew a raspberry at Tom and sat back
against his chest with a pout. “And you call me immature.”
“I’m not sitting on the floor!” Draco declared, eyeing the beanbag chair with
disgust as Seamus and Blaise picked seats next to Neville.
Ginny reached over and knocked his feet out from under him, making him fall to
the floor with a ‘slam’. “Now you are.” Draco glared at her as Theodore quietly
sat next to his girlfriend.
“Gryffindor trait,” Neville offered helpfully.
“I’d hit you if you weren’t so far away,” Ginny warned.
“You shouldn’t hit people, Gin,” Hermione said, conjuring herself a chair
behind Ginny and rested her hands on the witch’s shoulders as she sat tiredly.
“Herm, are you okay?” Harry asked, immediately forgetting he was supposed to be
pouting.
Hermione smiled faintly. “Yes, but I don’t much fancy taking those stairs
again.”
Godric stepped up next to her, frowning slightly. “I’ll show you a different
way when you are ready to leave. It leads up to Gryffindor Tower and has no
stairs.”
“How many ways out of here are there, Godric?” Ginny inquired curiously.
“Four,” the ghost said, motioning to archways like the one they’d all come from
in the middle of each of the four walls.
“One to Tom’s rooms. One to Gryffindor Tower. Where do the other two let out?”
Ginny murmured thoughtfully.
“Kitchens and dungeons.”
Ginny and Harry traded looks. “We could hold meetings down here, if Godric will
allow it, that is?” Harry glanced at the ghost. He’d returned to standing
uncomfortably next to Salazar.
“What sort of meetings?” Godric asked suspiciously. “You’d better not be
plotting against either of the other Houses.”
“No, just Ron,” Theodore offered coldly.
“And Dumbledore,” Seamus added.
“Among other things,” Tom slid in calmly.
Godric scowled. “Explain.”
“Ron’s my brother,” Ginny offered gently. “He got Hermione pregnant while she
was drunk. Then, a couple of days ago, he beat me up in the hallway because
Harry gave me his family ring to welcome me as his sister.”
“It doesn’t help that he thinks we’re dating.” Harry sighed, rubbing at his
forehead.
“Well, we can’t very well let Dumbledore find out you’re dating Tom!” Ginny
shot back.
“Who’s Dumbledore?” Godric asked, looking around the semi-circle they'd
unconsciously formed as he settled himself onto the cushions next to Pansy.
“Current Headmaster,” Salazar answered, seating himself next to his fellow
ghost. Godric gave him a dirty look.
“He favours Gryffindors,” Blaise said in disgust.
“How’s that a problem?” Godric shot back coolly.
“Because I’ve told him at least once a week that he needs to expel me for all
the shit I’ve been pulling, and he should have suspended Ron back in September
when we first found out Herm was pregnant, and then again when he attack Gin in
the hallway. Even his mother agrees with us. Dumbledore wouldn’t have owled
Molly and Arthur about the attack if I hadn’t threatened to do it myself,”
Harry laid out coolly.
“And we think he knew about the Dursleys,” Tom added softly, tightening his
hold on Harry.
“Tom, everyone knew about the Dursleys by the time we threw that birthday party
for Harry and Neville,” Hermione pointed out. “I mean, it was pretty much
common knowledge that they dropped him off in London to fend for himself by the
end of the party.”
“Who are the Dursleys?” Godric wrinkled his brow in confusion.
“My mum’s sister’s family,” Harry murmured, closing his eyes. “Dumbledore left
me in their care after Tom killed my parents.”
“If care is what you can call that,” Ginny spat furiously. “A Merlin-damned
cupboard is not a substitute bedroom!”
“Thank you, Miss Weasley.” Tom shot Ginny a silencing look. Harry?
I’m fine. Really.
Tom let out a sigh and kissed the top of Harry’s head gently before resting his
head against Harry’s and closing his eyes. Of course you are.
“And he manipulates everyone to better help himself,” Neville offered gently.
“Dumbledore does. He’s been shaping Harry into a weapon for years.”
“Against the evil Dark Lord,” Seamus added mockingly.
“Who’s, really, not such a bastard,” Hermione offered.
“I don’t know whether to be insulted, or touched,” Tom muttered.
“Be touched. This is Hermione we’re talking about, and she might have a mood
swing if you’re insulted,” Draco suggested good-naturedly. Hermione reached
around Ginny and smacked him upside the head.
“What was that about not hitting people?” Ginny laughed.
Hermione shrugged helplessly. “Mood swing. Sorry.”
Laughter went around the circle, but Tom merely smiled faintly and Harry didn’t
respond at all.
“Are you two okay?” Pansy inquired, eyeing the Dark Lord and the teen wizard in
his lap.
“Harry’s sleeping.” Tom glanced up at everyone.
“That’s right…” Seamus scratched at his head. “He couldn’t sleep last night, so
he went down to the common room. He was already gone when I woke up and went to
check on him.”
“That’s why he seemed so out of it in Potions…” Draco murmured. “He kept zoning
out and nearly ruined the potion. Professor Snape was trying really hard not to
yell at him, too.”
“Why couldn’t he sleep?” Hermione aimed her question at Tom.
“I haven’t the faintest.”
“He’s probably worried about the lunch date tomorrow.” Ginny groaned. “Oh, me
and my big mouth!”
“What?’ Theodore frowned at his girlfriend.
“I asked mum a question and it led to us discussing sides in the war,” Ginny
complained. “Harry and mum and dad set up a lunch date for tomorrow to discuss
them joining the Death Eaters.”
“Whoa!” Draco stared at the Weasley girl in shock. “Gin, you I can understand.
Your brothers, I can understand. But, your parents?!”
“You have no idea,” Tom muttered dryly.
“What about the necklace?” Seamus cut in, glancing at Neville, then Tom. “Could
that have worried him?”
Tom nodded faintly. “Could have.”
“What about his necklace?” Draco demanded.
“Do you ever get the feeling that we Slytherins miss a lot?” Blaise muttered
from next to Seamus, who hugged him.
“I can see it,” Neville offered meekly. “I can see Harry’s necklace, but not,
say, Seamus’.”
“But, why?” Ginny muttered.
“I think I know, now,” Tom murmured, tugging Harry’s necklace from under his
shirt. “Gryffindor, can you see this?”
“Yes.”
Seamus nodded when the Dark Lord looked at him and pulled his own necklace.
“But, can you see this?”
Godric frowned. “I see only your hand.”
Tom nodded. “Gryffindor bloodline, then. Neville can see the pendant because
they’re related in such a way. Ginny, can Ron see your necklace?”
“Uhm…I don’t think so…” Ginny scratched her head. “I don’t know. I know mum
can’t, though. It was out in plain sight while she was visiting.”
“Just the Founder bloodlines, then.”
“If it were related bloodlines in general, Neville would see mine, too,” Draco
pointed out. “We’re fourth cousins, or some such nonsense.”
“That’s right. All the purebloods are related.” Tom groaned. “I keep
forgetting.”
“Good thing shared blood matters for nothing, normally, then.” Hermione sighed.
“Else, you would all would be screwed.”
“Thank you, Hermione,” Theodore grumbled.
“Hey, I’m not a Death Eater In-Training. I’m a supporter,” Hermione shot back
playfully.
“I suppose I’m one now, too.” Neville hummed, getting him multiple surprised
looks. “What? Harry’s family. He’s the closest thing to a brother that I’ve
got.”
“And me?” Ginny asked, smiling broadly.
Neville grinned. “And Gin’s the closest thing I’ve got to a sister, ‘specially
since Harry adopted her into his family.”
“Yay!” Ginny launched herself across the circle and hugged Neville tightly,
pulling a gasp and then laughter from him.
“One big happy family, eh?” Harry murmured sleepily.
“Did I wake you?” Ginny asked worriedly.
“Yes, but we should head for bed anyway.” Harry smiled before attempting to
stand.
Tom pulled the teen back into his lap. “Nope. You obviously cannot sleep in
your dormitory, so you are remaining with me tonight.”
Harry let out a helpless sigh. “Can’t argue with that logic.”
“We’ll tell Ron you’re sleeping on the couch again. We’ll tell Dean you snuck
off with Ginny,” Seamus assured Harry, who laughed.
“Oh, Seamus, you’re horrid.” Neville chuckled, helping Ginny stand.
“Well, no. If Ron thinks he’s sleeping with me, he’ll hunt us down, but he
won’t give a rat’s arse if Harry’s on the couch. Dean’s liable to worry over
Harry and see if he’s okay if he thinks he’s on the couch, but, if he thinks
Harry’s with me, he won’t give a rat’s arse,” Ginny pointed out, smiling
gleefully before going to say goodnight to Theodore.
“Harry, Tom, it’s probably not a good idea to go back up to Tom’s room. If
Dumbledore decides to check and see on a few things…” Hermione murmured
worriedly.
“They will sleep down here,” Godric said seriously. “In the morning, Harry can
return to the Tower, Tom to his bedroom. No one will be the wiser.”
“And, from now on, when you’re having trouble getting to sleep, Harry, I expect
you to slide on down here and come to me. Understood?” Tom said seriously.
Harry nodded with a yawn, then buried his face in Tom’s robe. Yup.
“The bedroom’s in that little cubby over there,” Godric told them, pointing to
a curtained-off area kitty-corner to where they’d all been sitting.
“Thank you, Gryffindor.” Tom nodded, standing with Harry wrapped in his arms.
You holding on?
Mh-hm.
“Say goodnight, everyone,” the Dark Lord suggested.
“Goodnight, Harry, Tom,” the four Slytherins and Seamus called.
Ginny and Hermione both came over and gave the two wizards a hug and a quick
kiss goodnight. Neville inclined his head at the Dark Lord and told Harry
goodnight.
Then, the Gryffindors and Slytherins went out their separate exits and Tom
carried Harry over to the curtained-off area. He slipped off both of their
shirts and robes, then got into bed with Harry, who was, once again, asleep.
“Goodnight, Harry. Sweet dreams,” Tom murmured, wrapping his arms around the
small wizard and falling asleep himself.
***** Chapter 35 *****
Harry awoke to the smell of sage, which he’d come to connect to Tom over their
stay at Malfoy Manor, and glanced up at the peaceful face of the man that he
loved. Tom was sleeping, and Harry couldn’t help but find joy in the quiet
moment.
Then he got an idea that he attributed to his Slytherin side and slid carefully
down Tom’s body. He slid down the man’s sweatpants and, mentally cackling, took
Tom’s cock into his mouth and began gently sucking on him.
The Dark Lord didn’t even seem to notice, at first, that he was being sucked,
so deeply in sleep was he. It wasn’t until his cock was standing proudly at
attention and Harry had taken to licking up and down his shaft that he let out
a soft moan. Checking Tom’s mental state, Harry deducted that Tom was still
asleep, but was aware of the pleasure and was dreaming about it.
The green-eyed teen settled his hands on Tom’s hips and gently but firmly held
him down before taking the man’s prick back into his mouth. Drawing on a memory
he’d pulled from Tom’s mind at one point, he relaxed his throat and allowed his
lover’s prick to slide down it.
Tom gave a shout and his eyes flew open. “Harry, what…?”
Harry just hummed a tune that popped into his head and the Dark Lord’s question
was cut off by a moan.
Harry wasn’t sure if it was the sudden tensing or the muffled shout that warned
him to Tom’s release, but, nonetheless, when the older wizard’s seed came
shooting from his cock, Harry was ready and willing to gulp down every bitter
drop.
Once sure Tom was clean again, Harry leaned up and pressed a sharp kiss to
Tom’s lips. “Good morning, Tom.”
“And what a wonderful morning it is,” the Dark Lord replied dazedly. “What
brought that on?”
“You looked far too peaceful,” Harry decided, pulling away from the other’s
warmth to stretch.
Tom let out a snort. “And you call yourself a Gryffindor.”
“I’m a Gryffindor because I have the bravery to let my Slytherin side show,”
Harry shot back slyly before going in search of his shirt and robe.
“Bravery or stupidity. Take your pick,” Tom muttered, closing his eyes again.
Harry threw the Dark Lord his shirt and sniggered when it covered his face and
Tom gave a shout. “Wakey, wakey, Tommy-boy.”
Tom scowled and sat up to pull his shirt on. “Are you mocking me, Potter?”
“No,” Harry replied sweetly. “I’m making fun of you.”
“Hardly a difference.”
“ ‘Mocking’ is one word, ‘making fun of’ is three.”
“I just remembered why it is that I don’t like you in the mornings.” Tom
groaned.
Harry tossed his lover his robe with a laugh. “Geeze! I love you too!”
Tom stood, ignoring the garment the teen had just thrown at him, and came to
stand behind Harry, slipping his arms around the smaller wizard’s waist. “I do
love you.”
Harry turned so he could face Tom, smiling. “I should hope so.”
Tom lowered his head to kiss Harry gently. The teen opened his mouth invitingly
and pulled Tom’s tongue in to dance when it took the invitation.
Tom pulled away and took a breath before speaking. “Wash your mouth before you
breathe on someone. You still taste like semen.”
“I like that taste,” Harry replied with a pout.
“So do I, dear one, but if the wrong person smells it, you could end up in
Dumbledore’s office and be faced with Veritaserum.” Tom sighed softly.
The green-eyed wizard rested his forehead against the Dark Lord’s chest. “I
can’t wait until this school year is over.”
“The feeling is mutual, trust me.”
“I do.”
Tom smiled faintly and pulled away. “If you leave now, you might be able to hex
Mr Weasley while he’s still asleep.”
“It’s the weekend, Tom. I can hex Ron in his sleep until noon,” Harry muttered,
straightening his robe.
Tom chuckled, pulling his own robe on. “Oh, go on then. Dress nice for Molly
and Arthur.”
“And shower and brush my teeth for them too. Yes, I know.” Harry smiled as Tom
laughed. “Have a good day, love.”
“Behave yourself.”
“You, obviously, have forgotten who you’re talking to.” Harry humphed before
disappearing through the curtains around the bedroom.
Tom laughed again.
“Good morning, little Gryffindor,” Salazar offered from where he was standing
next to Godric, who nodded at him.
“Good morning, Godric, Salazar!” Harry replied cheerfully. “Which door is the
one to the Tower?”
“The one on your right,” Godric muttered, stepping over to his Heir. “There are
two tunnels straight up. The one on the left will bring you down here, the one
on the right will take you back up.”
“How does it work?” Harry inquired, falling in to step with the ghost and
walking over to the blood-curtained door.
“Air pressure. It’s regulated by magic. You’ll be riding on a platform of air
both ways. I believe your friend, Hermione, likened it to something called a
lift,” Godric explained.
“Muggle appliance. They’re little boxes run by wires and an electric motor that
take the Muggles up and down in buildings with multiple floors,” Tom offered,
stepping out from the bedroom and smiling. “Good morning, Slytherin,
Gryffindor.”
Godric nodded to the Heir of Slytherin, then turned back to Harry as Salazar
engaged Tom in conversation. “They sound interesting. Muggles have strange ways
of coping without magic.”
“I know.” Harry ruffled his hair. “How many people can ride the air at once?”
“Two, depending on mass. However, you, Neville, and Gin might, actually, be
able to ride it together, you’re all small enough. Hermione will want to always
ride her own, as a safety.”
“Of course. And, how often do they come?”
“Wait about half a minute between groups. They don’t have a set time to come,
it just takes about that long for the air to be pressurized enough.”
Harry nodded. “Also, you said there’s a passage that lets out by the kitchens?”
“Yes. It’s hidden behind the picture of the candles and roses picture. Why?”
“Our larger group includes some Ravenclaws. If you’ll agree to let us hold
meetings down here, we’ll have to show them the way down.”
Godric let out a sigh. “I promise I shall think on it.”
“And I promise not to pressure you about it.” Harry smiled. “I’ll probably see
you later, Godric.”
“Have a good day, Harry.” Godric nodded in agreement and Harry left through the
curtain of blood.
                                     -~*~-
“Have fun!” Ginny offered cheerfully as she and Hermione stood with Harry in
the entrance hall.
“Don’t let them kill you,” Hermione added.
“Very funny,” Harry muttered, pulling on the front of his new brown robe. He
was wearing the dark green velvet cloak from Lucius and Narcissa over it.
“Oh, stop.” Hermione stepped forward and smacked his hands away before hugging
him tightly. “You’ll be fine. Nothing to be nervous about.”
“You’re not the one about to go meet your girlfriend’s parents, Herm.”
“No, but they’re your family too,” Hermione pointed out.
“If they get out of hand, just say Ron’s name and I’m sure it’ll be fine,”
Ginny offered, brown eyes dancing with mischief.
“True.” Harry gave Hermione a pleading look. “Herm, tie Ginny to a chair for me
while I’m gone. I’ve got a bad feeling about that girl.”
“Hey!”
“Of course I will.”
“Hey!”
“Have fun,” Hermione offered, taking Ginny’s arm and leading her away. The
younger witch was pretending to try and get away from Hermione to, supposedly,
wreck havoc on the school’s population.
Harry waved with a laugh and left the school for Hogsmeade. Molly had owled him
that morning telling him to meet them at the Leaky Cauldron at eleven thirty.
He figured he could probably apparate from Hogsmeade.
Be careful, Tom’s voice spoke suddenly in Harry’s mind.
What’s wrong?
Bad feeling in my gut. Just be very, very careful.
Who’d want to attack me, Tom?
Someone who’s neutral or a supporter of our side who doesn’t know you’ve
flipped? Or the Order, if they think you’re out of hand.
Might they?
I don’t like the way Dumbledore was watching you this morning at breakfast.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to recall if he’d noticed the Headmaster
staring at him that morning. Tom immediately sent him a brief memory of the
Headmaster giving him a calculating look at breakfast. Oh. Alright then, I’ll
be careful. Thank you.
Of course. Now, let me deal with this detention...
Detention?
Filch caught the Slytherins on their way back to the common last night,
apparently. I haven’t the faintest idea why he was in the dungeons, but he was
and he caught them. Draco talked him into giving them to me for their detention
today, to ‘keep me busy’ was the explanation he gave me.
Harry sniggered and paused when he felt the anti-apparation wards end. Don’t go
too hard on them, love. I’ll see you when I get back.
Of course. Tom paused and, when he spoke again, Harry could sense his
annoyance. Though, if Mr Nott doesn’t stop whining, you may never see him
again.
If you kill him, make sure you bury the body, Harry suggested playfully. And
Obliviate any witnesses, ‘cause I can tell you now that Gin would murder you if
she found out.
Great. I’ll kill Ted and Gin can kill me. Then, you can kill Gin and rule the
world alone. I knew there was a catch.
Harry laughed outright at that. Of course there was, he offered before pulling
out his wand. “Apparate!” he muttered, bracing himself for the strange feeling
of displacement.
Once he felt himself again, he glanced around and gave a sigh of relief. He was
in the Leaky Cauldron, as planned, next to the fireplace.
“Mr Potter! What a surprise!” Tom, the toothless old landlord of the pub,
called, hurrying over.
Harry smiled; he’d always liked Tom. “Hullo, Tom. Molly and Arthur Weasley were
going to meet me here for lunch.”
“You’ve beaten them, then,” Tom assured him, grinning crookedly. “Why don’t you
pick a table and I’ll send them over when they arrive?”
“Great! Could I have a bottle of butterbeer, as well?”
“Certainly. I’ll send one over to you.”
“Thanks.” Harry grinned and made his way to a table in the back corner of the
pub.
As he was settling in, a serving witch came over to him with an opened bottle
of butterbeer. He thanked her and rose the bottle to drink it, but his gaze was
caught by a faint glow from his charm bracelet, which was spelled so that only
he could see it. He set the butterbeer down to get a closer look and noticed
that the poison charm was glowing a faint red. Tom? he called, eyeing the
bottle of butterbeer warily.
Something wrong?
Ask Dray what it means when the potions vial glows.
The one on your charm bracelet?
That would be the one.
Hang on. Tom pulled out of the connection slightly to talk to Draco. When he
rejoined it, there was a trace of worry and panic in his tone. If it’s red, it
means that something you’re either touching or that is within thirty
centimetres of it is poisoned, but it’s not something it blocks. If it’s green,
it means that something you’re touching or that is within thirty centimetres of
it is poisoned, but it’s something it blocks. Are you okay?
Harry let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and scowled at the
bottle. Yes, I’m fine. But someone’s definitely trying to poison me. Lucky I
noticed that lovely red glow before I drank anything. I’ll have to remember to
keep a closer eye on it, though.
You shouldn’t have to worry about poison in Hogwarts or places like the Burrow
or Malfoy Manor.
I know. But, still. If the Order’s after me, who knows what they’ll do.
Good point. Tom paused, apparently paying attention to something someone was
telling him. Pansy suggests going to Chipper’s Charms while you’re in Diagon
Alley. You might see something you feel the need to get. Though, if you do, she
wonders if you might get one for everyone.
Harry bit back a laugh. I’ll see what I can do.
“Harry?”
Gotta run! Harry added before opening his eyes to smile up at Arthur and Molly.
“I beat you.”
Arthur laughed while Molly smiled and leaned down to hug him. “You haven’t
touched this butterbeer,” she commented, eyeing the bottle.
“It’s poisoned,” Harry replied with a shrug.
“But, who would want to poison you, Harry?” Molly asked, concerned, as she and
Arthur sat down.
“Now, Molly. We all know the answer to that,” Arthur frowned.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at Molly. “No, I didn’t tell him the reason we’re
meeting you for lunch,” she affirmed.
Harry shrugged with a smile. “Well enough. I’ll explain myself after we’ve
ordered.”
Much to Harry’s relief, it was a different witch who took their order and
brought it to them. Before she left, Harry asked her to take the butterbeer
away, which she did without complaint.
Harry glanced at his bracelet as he reached for the salt and smiled when it
didn’t glow. Thank Merlin.
Agreed.
“Now, what’s all this about?” Arthur demanded as Harry sprinkled salt on his
potatoes.
Harry set down the salt and pulled out his wand to throw up a Silencing
Barrier. Once it was up and his wand away, he nodded to Molly.
“Well, Arthur, Ginny asked me what we would do if she, one of her brothers,
Harry, or Hermione were to go Dark,” Molly started as she swirled her pumpkin
juice gently in her cup, "and Harry sort of admitted to having switched sides.”
Arthur glanced at Harry in shock, but the teen was too busy trying to cut his
sausage to notice. “So you’re working for You-Know-Who, now?”
“No.” Harry glanced up with a frown. “I work with him. I’m his second.”
Arthur sighed at his wife. “And you told him about our issues with Albus.”
“She didn’t give me a reason,” Harry muttered, returning to sawing through his
sausages. “She just mentioned you wanted to switch sides.”
Arthur groaned. “Molly…”
“Arthur, forget about Lucius Malfoy for a moment, would you–?”
“In fact, you let me worry about Lucius,” Harry cut in, giving his surrogate
father a sharp look. “Forget he even exists.”
“Fine. But, what about that whole Muggle-loving thing?” Arthur asked, jaw set.
Harry let his head hit the table. “Arthur, would it help at all if I mentioned
that your daughter is my second?”
“Ginny’s a Death Eater?!” Arthur asked, shocked out of his stubbornness.
Harry gave him an annoyed look. “Death Eater In-Training. If Voldemort will
deal with her as my second, don’t you think he’ll put up with you?”
“Is Hermione a Death Eater In-Training?” Molly inquired curiously.
“No. The pregnancy makes her an easy target. She’s just a friend who’s got a
damn-good idea what’s going on,” Harry grumbled. “Any other random questions?”
“Sure. What’s the Death Eater hierarchy? You mentioned that you’re You-Know-
Who’s second and that Ginny’s your second. How does that work?” Arthur
inquired, leaning forward.
“Okay. Voldemort’s the leader of the Dark Order. I’m second to him, so everyone
listens to me as they do him. If I decide something for the Death Eaters In-
Training, though, he’ll listen to me, since he gave me control over them.
Ginny’s my second for the Death Eaters In-Training only. Lucius is Voldemort’s
second with the normal Death Eaters,” Harry explained patiently.
“So, if, say, Malfoy wanted one of your Death Eaters In-Training to do
something for him, they wouldn’t have to?” Molly asked.
“Bingo.”
“Can I join the Death Eaters In-Training?” Arthur begged.
Harry chuckled. “I’d have to talk to Voldemort about it. Right now our group is
made up of students, really. I don’t know if that was planned, or what.”
“You didn’t get any say?” Molly asked, worried.
“I wasn’t even aware he was making another branch until Christmas. I understand
why he did, of course; students can’t have Dark Marks.”
“Good point. You don’t have them, then?” Arthur hummed.
“Yes, and no. Ours are a different style. Other than that, the only differences
between us and the elder Death Eaters is how things run. I try a more friendly
approach while Voldemort does his whole intimidation spiel.” Harry smirked.
“Which I’m afraid I messed up on the last meeting we had.”
“How so?” Arthur said, smiling slightly at the thought of such a thing.
“I kept interrupting him, and then I called him a jackarse,” Harry replied
lightly. Arthur cracked up and Molly looked like she couldn’t decide between
yelling at him or laughing herself. “Really, Molly. Both Voldemort and Hermione
have yelled at me about it already, so go ahead and laugh.”
“I can hardly believe that you’re still alive, actually,” Molly decided.
“Seems to be a common theme,” was Harry’s dry response.
“Harry!” a happy female voice called from beyond the Silencing Barrier.
Everyone turned to see a beaming Narcissa waving at Harry with Lucius scowling
next to her near the door to the pub.
Harry grinned and rose an eyebrow at the two Weasleys across from him. “Do you
mind? You’ll all have to get along at one point or another.”
“Fine,” Arthur muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.
Harry rolled his eyes and motioned Lucius and Narcissa over, making sure they
could pass through the barrier without disrupting it. “What brings you two to
Diagon Alley?”
Narcissa held up a bag as she and her husband sat. Lucius and Arthur were
trading daggers with their eyes across the table. “Draco told us you would be
here. This is for Hermione, if she wants it.”
Harry took the bag and peeked in, pulling out a small bobble that would hang
over the crib. He grinned. “She’ll love it. Ooh, a crib.”
“You sound like an excited father,” Lucius grumbled.
“Godfather,” Harry corrected. “She finally decided I was going to be the poor
thing’s godfather. I think Parvati put her up to it…”
“Good.” Narcissa smiled. “I told her you’d be the best choice.”
Harry blushed and immediately busied himself with the bag. “Uh, thanks,
Narcissa.”
“Harry, would you mind telling me why you’re here with Arthur and his lovely
wife?” Lucius sneered.
“That’s quite enough, Lucius.” Harry frowned at the man, only to see that he
was still watching Arthur evilly. “What are you two, five? If I can put aside
my differences with Voldemort, you two can act civilly,” he muttered, setting
the bag down. When he looked back up, Molly, Arthur, and Narcissa were both
obviously trying not to laugh at the fish look Lucius was giving Harry. “What?”
He glanced at Narcissa. “Draco told you what I was doing here and you never
told Lucius, did you?”
“Of course not. I’m a Slytherin,” Narcissa replied.
“Really? I was starting to think it was just a general female trait, because
Molly did the same damn thing to Arthur,” Harry replied dryly, giving the
blonde woman an annoyed look.
“It’s a female trait,” Lucius assured him.
“Tested it, have you?” Arthur muttered.
“On all of the ladies at my house over Christmas holidays, in fact,” Lucius
replied with a cold smirk.
“Lucius!” Harry barked, eyes boring holes into the top Death Eater’s skull
while Molly tried to get Arthur to sit back down, as he had stood to launch
himself over the table at the other man.
Lucius looked at Harry to respond, but went pale. “Sorry,” he whispered in a
weak voice.
Harry narrowed his eyes, which he’d turned red. “Arthur and Molly are
considering joining the Dark Order, which is why we’re having lunch. Narcissa,
please inform him next time something like this comes up?” Narcissa nodded
nervously and Harry turned to the Weasleys. “Arthur, sit.”
Once everyone had calmed down again, Harry switched his eyes back. Very well,
intimidation is useful at times.
Score one for the Dark Lord! I told you so! And tell Lucius that if I find out
he’s acting like that again, I’ll hex him.
Tom... Harry sighed.
And, make Molly and Arthur Death Eaters In-Training. Something tells me they’ll
fit in better with the rest of their family, and Gin will love ordering them
around.
Fabulous. Harry glanced around the table, which was remarkably subdued.
“Lucius, Lord Voldemort wants me to tell you that, next time he finds out
you’re acting like that, he’ll hex you.”
Lucius winced. “Understood.”
“Molly, Arthur, if you do, indeed, join us, Voldemort and I have decided to
place you in the Death Eaters In-Training. His reasoning is that Ginny will
love ordering you around,” Harry added flippantly, getting a laugh from Molly,
Arthur, and Narcissa. Lucius bit his lip and snorted. “I don’t have any of the
pendants on me, so you’d have to wait a bit before you can, technically, be
marked.”
Molly nodded. “If you don’t mind me asking, what, exactly, does your little
group do? You never made it clear.”
Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “Well, since almost everyone is
still a student, we work on little things in Hogwarts. However, our main
concern appears to be gathering information, so I suppose you’d have to say
we’re the information gathers and spies of the Dark Order.”
Arthur and Molly traded serious looks. Then, Molly spoke their decision. “Well,
we might as well let Ginny have her fun. We’ll join your Death Eaters In-
Training.”
“Brilliant.” Harry sighed.
“But, could we change the name?” Arthur asked. “That name’s a bit long, and
incriminating, too. It’s not something you could say in public.”
Harry smirked. “Voldemort picked the name, not me. If you have any suggestions,
I’m open to them.”
“Well, I’m taking this from that pleasant note you left for Albus, but how
about ‘Juniors’?” Arthur suggested.
Harry grinned. Well? Juniors. Has a ring to it.
I hate it.
Too bad.
Harry, no...
You’re whining again, Voldie, Harry offered brightly. “I like that one, but
Voldemort hates it, so we’ll use it. Thank you, Arthur,” Harry said happily,
earning him another round of laughter.
Noooooo...
Ha-ha.
I hate you.
I love you too, dearest. Harry sniggered. “On that note, Molly, Arthur, how
would you like to meet the two Juniors we have working in Diagon Alley?”
“I thought you said that the Juniors were all students,” Molly said
suspiciously.
Harry smirked. “Mostly.” Then he waved Tom over as he dropped the barrier and
pulled out his moneybag. “I’ll pay.”
“Harry, you shouldn’t…” Molly started.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Molly. You and Arthur are family. I’m paying,” he said
firmly.
“Strange company,” Tom decided, smiling. “Eight galleons, six sickles for the
meal…plus the two sickles for the butterbeer, of course, Mr Potter.”
Harry shot Molly a silencing look as she opened her mouth, either to complain
about him paying again or about the poisoned butterbeer, and pulled out the
change. “There we are. The meal was lovely, by the way.”
“Good, good.” Tom nodded.
Harry turned to the Malfoys as everyone stood. “Lucius, Narcissa, are you
coming with us, or heading elsewhere?”
“Well, seeing as Lucius won’t be caught dead near that shop, we’re probably
heading home.” Narcissa sighed, then she smiled brightly. “Oh! You’re wearing
your cloak!”
Harry grinned. “Yes. It really is perfect this time of year. I almost forgot it
was winter on my way to Hogsmeade.”
“Wonderful.” Narcissa gave him and hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “See that
Hermione gets that stuff, and say hello to everyone for me.”
“Sure thing, Narcissa. Now, you’d best go before Lucius screams.” Harry
chuckled.
Lucius scowled. “That would be undignified.” Harry cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Shut up. Come along, Narcissa. Good day, Harry, Arthur, Molly,” he added,
nodding to each of them in turn.
“See you around,” Harry agreed, putting the shrunken bag of baby things into
the pocket of his robe. “Come on, then,” he added, grinning at Arthur and
Molly.
“Lead the way,” Arthur suggested, taking Molly’s arm in his.
Harry hummed a random little tune as he led the way out of the pub and down
towards ninety-three. Part way there, Arthur seemed to catch on. “Oh, dear,” he
murmured.
Harry grinned and stopped in front of the shop. “Yup. Come on in.” And he
pushed the door open and stepped inside, easily ducking under the fist that
went off as the door opened. “Oy! Trying to take my head off, now?!”
Twin redheads peeked out their workroom door and grinned. “Just trying to knock
some sense into you,” Fred assured him.
“Anyone who comes in here probably should have some sense knocked into them,”
Molly muttered as Arthur closed the door behind them.
“Mum! Dad!” the twins cried in shock as one.
“Harry, how’d you talk them into coming in here?” George asked.
“I merely suggested we meet with the only two other Juniors who aren’t in
Hogwarts,” Harry said slyly.
“Juniors?” Fred frowned, so Harry casually lifted a hand to tug on his
necklace. Both twin’s eyes widened again. “Are you trying to tell us–“
“–that mum and dad–“
“–have become…Juniors?”
“Yes.” Harry’s eyes glanced around the shop warily, then, once he dubbed it
all-clear, he grinned at Arthur. “I do like that new name.”
“Oy…” Both twins pretended to faint.
“Really, you two.” Harry laughed. “Molly, Arthur, I’m going to leave you with
these two idiots, then. Fred, George, fill them in on the basics,” he added,
giving the twins a serious look.
“Right on, mate,” George agreed while Fred slipped back into the workroom.
“But, if you could wait a moment, Fred’s getting you something for Ronniekins.”
“Speaking of Ron, have you heard about his latest transgression?” Harry
inquired.
“What’s he done now?” Fred asked, coming back out with a box in one hand.
“Beat up Ginny because of that ring,” Harry replied, lips tight.
Both of the twins narrowed their eyes. “He’s getting an owl from us,” Fred
growled.
“A particularly vicious one, in fact,” George added coldly.
“Here.” Fred handed over the box. “Put it under his pillow and seal his
curtains shut when he’s gone to bed.”
“Do I want to know?” Harry asked with a chuckle as he slipped the box into his
other robe pocket.
“Spiders,” the twins chorused matter-of-factly.
Harry smirked. “I’ll be sure he gets it. Many thanks.” He nodded his head.
“Now, I shall leave you in the hands of your parents. I have shopping to do.”
And, among painful moans from the twins, he left the shop, once again ducking
under the loaded fist.
Harry quickly located Chipper’s Charms and stepped up to it. There was a charm
hung on the inside of the door. A bit of parchment beneath it claimed it was a
charm against burglary. He rolled his eyes and stepped into the shop which had
a lively feeling to it, even though he was the only customer. He smiled at the
woman sitting at the front counter, then went to browse the shelves.
There were a lot of charms for beauty and other such things that he had no use
for, though his female friends might. The row on the side wall was aimed at
housekeeping and Harry had to curb his laughter at some of the more ridiculous
ones. After all, what sort of house would need a charm against dust on a
ceiling?
In his browsing, a clear charm against pregnancy caught his eye and he
immediately looked over the description. It said nothing about if it would get
in the way of a current pregnancy, so he decided to ask. With his sister dating
Theodore, he wanted her to have some form of protection, and it would be nice
to get one for Pansy and Hermione, assuming it wouldn’t harm Hermione’s baby.
Never again would one of his friends get pregnant on accident.
“Excuse me?”
“How can I help you, sir?” the witch asked, blowing a bubble with her
bubblegum.
“About the pregnancy charm, would it affect a current pregnancy?”
The witch started, as if she hadn’t expected such a question from a boy. “Why?
Got your girlfriend pregnant?”
Harry scowled. “Hardly. One of my friends did get pregnant thanks to an ex of
hers, though, and I’d dearly love to find a way to keep it from happening
again.”
The witch looked him over once, then sighed. “No, it doesn’t affect the current
pregnancy, most of the time. You can get her one, but have her check with her
mediwizard or witch before she starts wearing it.”
“Thank you.” Harry gave her a slight smile, then returned to the bin of
pregnancy charms and pulled out three. Then he continued on, eyeing different
charms that the girls might like, but not really seeing anything for himself or
his other friends.
He turned the corner into a new aisle and his eyes opened. Everything in this
aisle was a helpful item. Charms to raise speed, strength, and intelligence
caught his eye, as they were all sitting in a row. He grinned and got one of
each for himself, Ginny, Hermione, Draco, Pansy, Theodore, Blaise, and Seamus.
As a last minute thought, he decided to get a charm bracelet set for Neville,
as well, and made a mental note to get him a bracelet and each of the charms
they all already had when he saw them. It would be a lovely Christmas present
for the other boy, even if it was a bit late. It wasn’t as if Harry didn’t have
the change. Each charm was only one or two sickles.
The next interesting charm he saw wasn’t made for a bracelet. It was meant to
be an earring, instead and it converted any language you heard into your native
language. It also changed what you said to the language you wanted it to come
out in. If you played with it often enough, you could probably learn any
language you wanted to.
Hey, Tom, do you think I should get an ear piercing?
Great Merlin! What are you on about now?
They’ve got this really neat charm that acts as a sort of translator, but it’s
an earring.
That’s because it has to be in contact with your blood for it to work. Tom
sighed.
How does it manage that? I mean, wouldn’t the hole close up after a while?
Yes, normally. With that sort of earring, though, it’ll pretty much become a
part of your circulatory system by growing into your ear. If you ever want to
take it out, you can and it becomes just a normal earring hole.
Wicked...
It’s a good thing you don’t have any parents, Mr Potter, or I dare say you be
grounded for even considering such thoughts.
Hey, I’m of age, I’ll have you know. And I do have parents; their names are
Molly and Arthur.
Harry could feel Tom roll his eyes. Yes, yes. I apologize for forgetting. Get
it if you want to. You’re right when you say you’re of age. If you don’t like
it, you can always take it out.
Brilliant! Love you!
You keep saying that... Tom muttered, shutting his end of the connection
slightly so he could concentrate on whatever it was he’d been doing before
Harry had bothered him.
Harry added the translator to his slowly growing pile with a grin. Then he
continued down the aisle. He didn’t really see any more charms that piqued his
interest, though there were one or two charms that he thought his friends might
have liked and made a note to come back for birthdays.
Turning down a new row, Harry found the charms to protect against hexes,
poisons, broken bones, and the Obliviate spell. He pulled out the two for
Neville that they’d already gotten from the Slytherins. Recalling Lockhart, he
added one of the anti-Obliviate charms for each of them to his growing pile.
With any luck, it might help Neville, too.
Down a ways, Harry found a charm that protected the wearer from Veritaserum. He
twirled the crystal charm in between two fingers, watching as it caught the
light and bounced it back in a rainbow of colours. It looks like that bottle
Snape threatened me with back in fourth year...
Did you say something, Harry?
I found a charm against Veritaserum, Tom.
Let me borrow you eyes for a moment? Tom inquired and Harry handed the sense
over without complaint. It’s the standard container for Veritaserum, Harry. As
far as I can tell, it’s a useful charm, though how they got the effects of the
counter potion in there, I’d never guess. Get it.
Harry glanced back into the tray, which had much fewer charms than any other,
and gasped at the price. Two galleons a charm?!
I knew it would be difficult to make. That sort of charm will always be
expensive, but they’re always worth it. Chipper’s isn’t the sort of place to
sell junk, either. If you don’t want to get one for everyone, you don’t have
to. Definitely get one for yourself, though. You’d be a prime target for
Veritaserum if anyone ever got their hands on you.
I know. I know. I know everything that goes through your head, as well as
information on the Order of the Phoenix. Harry sighed, then pulled out enough
for his eight friends, plus the one for himself, and set them in the basket he
had. Are the Slytherins still in there?
Yup.
Tell them about this one and I expect them to hand over a galleon each for it.
Tell Herm and Seam too, if you see them. Otherwise, I’ll tell them.
Not Gin or Neville?
Neville doesn’t even know he’s getting this yet. If he can slip me a galleon
for it, grand. If not, I don’t mind much. He’s pretty much family. As for Gin,
the Weasleys are poor enough as it is without me asking for a galleon for a
charm for their daughter, especially since she could just pull it out of the
Potter vault herself and hand it over.
Good point.
Do you want one?
No, thank you. On the off-chance that they ever get their hands on me, I have a
feeling I’d be dead before they’d try and pull information from me. If such an
unlikely bit of fun ever did happen, I got a back-up ready decades ago.
Aren’t you just the brilliant wizard.
Anyway, bracelets aren’t my style.
You’re such an idiot. Talk to your students.
Yes, Harry, Tom replied meekly. Whatever you say, Harry.
Harry chuckled and turned the corner onto what looked to be the last row. A
charm in the shape of a flame that repelled fire caught his attention and he
added it to the others. The one next to it, a charm against chill in the shape
of a puff of air, he almost passed over, but then recalled the chill of the
dungeons and grabbed one for each of his Slytherin friends.
The next charm he liked cancelled out any locator charms on the wearer. It
also, from what the small information sign said, would block the wearer from
being seen on items akin to the Marauder’s Map, unless spelled to always appear
upon it(ask at the front desk for spell). Considering what could happen if
someone else got their hands on the Marauder’s Map or had something like it of
another area, Harry tossed one charm for each of them into his basket.
He found the charm against getting drunk and tossed it into his basket for
Neville. There wasn’t much chance of the young man getting drunk, but one could
never be too careful, and this was Neville.
At the very end of the row sat a tray of charms that would allow the wearer to
see past Invisibility cloaks, potions, and spells. It, apparently, worked
something like how Mad-Eye Moody’s magical eye had worked, but Harry wasn’t
certain the eye had seen through potions and spells. He took a moment to place
the ape-like creature that the charm had been shaped as. Recalling a bossy
Hermione trying to get him to read through his Fantastic_Beasts_&_Where_to_Find
Them book one last time before his O.W.L.s, he remembered the beast. It was a
Demiguise, which was what Invisibility Cloaks were generally made of. Feeling
extremely proud of himself, he gathered enough for everyone and headed back
towards to counter for a bracelet for Neville, the spell for the Anti-Locator
Charm charms, and to pay.
The witch glanced back up at him, hiding a magazine that looked suspiciously
like Witch Weekly. “Done at last?”
“Yes.” Harry set the basket on the counter and pulled a bracelet off of the
rack next to him, adding it to the lot. “I’m afraid I got quite a lot.”
The witch smiled. “I figured as much. Late Christmas presents?”
“Not really, no. It’s just, some of my friends got us all charm bracelets and a
few charms for Christmas.” He held up his wrist, making the bracelet visible
for her. “And it was suggested I go check out the shop while I was having lunch
with my girlfriend’s parents.”
“Rough.” The witch winced sympathetically.
Harry grinned. “I suppose it helps that they’re almost family as it is, so they
trust me with her. At any rate, the friend that suggested that I stop by also
mentioned getting more charms for everyone. I figure they just won’t get
birthday presents this year.”
“Grand idea.” She poured all the charms out carefully, pausing to frown at the
charm against Veritaserum. “Well, I’ll be damned. I haven’t seen any of these
in years.”
“Really? One would think they’d be popular…”
The witch smiled sadly. “My great-grandmother made them, but the secret of how
died with her. Since they would be popular, my grandfather put a spell on their
tray that would only make them visible to one who desperately needed them.” Her
eyes fell onto his scar. “I suppose you would fall under such a category,
wouldn’t you, Mr Potter?”
Harry self-consciously smoothed his hair down over his scar with a grimace.
“Probably.”
“And some for your friends. Good. They’d probably need them too.” She rang them
up half price with a wink. “Famous wizard gets them cheap. Just don’t tell my
dad.”
Harry chuckled. “I don’t intend to. I’m trying to decide whether to make my
friends pay the galleon I was going to make them pay me to get it, or go to
whatever half a galleon is.”
“Eight sickles, fifteen knuts. I’d say make them pay the galleon. That way, if
they ever lose it, you still get the last laugh.”
Harry sniggered. “I’ll bet you were in Slytherin.”
“How’d you guess?” the witch teased, ringing up the other charms, which she did
at full price. When she reached the Anti-Locator Spells charm, she paused. “You
want the spell for these?”
“Please.” Harry nodded.
She leaned down and pulled out a small booklet. “Just the one, or do you want
nine?”
“Just the one. Less they know, better off I am,” Harry decided, getting a laugh
from her. “Can you get rid of the exception?”
“Yes. The counter for the spell is also in here.”
“Is it possible to do the spell from a distance?”
The witch gave him a curious look. “I’ve never tried, actually. If you find
out, let me know. Most people only buy the one for themselves, but it would be
good to know, in case I’m asked again.”
“What if, say, your enemy knew the spell to affect the charm. Could they affect
it?”
“No. All charms sold in here are locked to their owner’s magical signature. If
they’re bought as gifts, they’ll lock on to the magical signature of both the
giver and the receiver for as long as the receiver deems the giver
trustworthy.”
“Interesting…” Harry hummed, running a hand through his hair. “Tricky spell-
work.”
“It is. I’ve been trying for twenty years, and I still haven’t figured it out.
It’s very aggravating.”
“I’ll bet.” Harry smiled slightly. “Is that everything, then?”
“Yup. Total comes to eighteen galleons, three sickles. Wow.”
“What?” Harry inquired as he dumped the money from his moneybag onto the
counter.
“You may very well have just set the record for most money spent in one trip.
Hold on, let me get my dad.” She hopped off her stool and ran up a flight of
stairs behind the counter.
Harry smiled and finished sorting out his money, then put what he didn’t need
away. His bag felt very, very light all of a sudden.
By the time he was finished, the young witch had returned with a wizard who
looked to be in his seventies. “Mr Potter, a pleasure to meet you,” the man
said, shaking Harry’s hand. “I’m Haden Chipper. My daughter’s name is Odele,
which she probably forgot to mention, and has appeared to have forgotten her
name pin, again.”
“Not my fault it’s on my other robe,” Odele grumbled under her breath.
Harry hid a smile behind his hand. “Is it really such a great thing for me to
spend the most money?”
Haden laughed. “Well, for us it is. The last record-breaker got a free charm of
her choice. Would you like anything else off our shelves? Odele says you bought
a bunch a the Anti-Veritaserum charms, so I doubt there’s really anything that
you don’t have the money for, but it’s a nice little thing, I suppose.”
Harry tapped at his chin. Tom, do you want anything?
I’d like you to leave me alone, actually. I don’t look good in bracelets,
remember?
Ouch. Harry gave the Dark Lord a mental hug before returning his attention to
the Chippers in front of him. “I dunno. Any suggestions for a seventeen-year-
old wizard who’s still in school and is hunted by every witch or wizard in the
magical world to either kill him or expects him to save them?”
Odele laughed. “I take it you don’t like all the attention.”
“Despise it, actually,” Harry agreed.
It was Haden’s turn to tap his chin in thought. “If you’d like, I’ve been
working on making a charm to repel people when you want to just be alone. It’s
not really been tested at the extremes you’re probably used to facing, but it
should do the trick. You can set it to not affect certain people, of course,
and you decide when you want it to work and when you don’t. I’m afraid it’s not
meant for charm bracelets, though.”
Harry hummed. “It’s one of those sorts that has to be in contact with your
blood for it to work, then?” Haden gave him a surprised look. “A friend
explained it to me,” the Boy-Who-Lived offered nervously.
“Smart friend you’ve got there. Yes, it needs to be in contact with your blood
stream to work. I see you’ve gotten the translator, but this charm isn’t meant
to be worn as an earring. It’s actually a part of a tattoo, which is one of the
reasons it’ll probably never be for sale.”
“Dad likes his pet projects,” Odele agreed, finishing Harry’s transaction.
Harry made himself appear to be thinking about it and reached out to Tom
tentatively. You still mad?
I’m not mad at you, love. It’s just, Dumbledore was in here last time, checking
on the stupid detention. I’m sorry I snapped.
Perfectly understandable. Were you listening in?
Why would I do a thing like that?
Because you’re a Slytherin and you always do.
Tom chuckled. Yes, I was listening. I dare say that the tattoo would probably
be painful, but worth it. If you really want it, go right on ahead.
As long as it’s something you like, Harry deduced, biting back his laughter.
That too.
Harry glanced back up at the Chippers. “I like the idea, actually. It sounds
like it would be interesting, and I like freaking out my girlfriend.”
“That assumes you put it in a visible place,” Odele offered with a sly grin.
“Define visible,” Harry shot back, making the girl laugh.
Haden chuckled and set all of Harry’s new charms into a bag. “I can probably
put the Translator in your ear, as well.”
“I’d like that,” Harry agreed.
“Good. Odele, watch the store-front. Mr Potter, if you’ll follow me…” He led
the teen up the stairs.
“Is there a set picture for the tattoo?” Harry inquired.
“Nope.” Haden smiled. “Whatever you want, within reason, of course.”
“Understandable.” Harry ruffled his hair. “Could you do a basilisk and a
phoenix, fighting, maybe?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have any pictures of basilisks.” Haden sighed sadly,
opening a door and ushering Harry in.
That picture I gave you of Vitare sliding through the Chamber should still be
in the pocket of your robe, you know.
Oh! Yeah! Thanks, Tom.
I knew you didn’t like it... Tom muttered bleakly.
Harry offered his lover a quick mental hug before tugging the picture from his
pocket and grinning as Vitare the basilisk hissed at him silently. “I have a
picture one of my auror friends gave me over Christmas holiday of a basilisk.”
“I might be able to do it, then.” He held out a hand and Harry handed the
picture over. “Amazing. Your friend drew this?” Harry nodded. “My compliments.
Yes, I can definitely do this. Do you want the basilisk and phoenix to be able
to move?”
“You can do that?”
“Of course.”
“Then yes, please.”
Haden grinned and set the drawing Tom had done out of harm’s way, handing over
Harry’s bag of charms. “Take a seat and we’ll do the earring first, then the
tattoo.”
“Where’s the charm located in the tattoo? The ink?” Harry inquired, sitting
down after stuffing the charms in a free pocket.
“Yes, actually. Good observation.” Haden rested a hand on the younger wizard’s
shoulder. “Where do you want to earring? Left ear or right ear?”
Harry considered it for a moment, then smirked. “Left, please.”
“Very well. Cartilage or lobe?”
“Cartilage, I think,” Harry decided.
“Alright.” Haden held the earring up to Harry’s ear. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
                                     -~*~-
“My back hurts,” Harry declared, walking into Tom’s classroom. Draco, Theodore,
Pansy, and Blaise were all still there, but Ginny, Hermione, Seamus, Neville,
and Severus had joined them.
“I told you it would hurt,” Tom offered mildly from where he sat on Neville’s
desk. He appeared to be showing the boy something in a Dark Arts text.
“Harry Potter! Is that an earring?!” Hermione shouted, having seen the glint of
silver in Harry’s ear.
Harry smirked and fingered his left ear gently. “Yup.”
“Ooh… You got a Translator Charm. I’m impressed. I don’t have the nerve.” Pansy
sighed.
“That’s why he’s a Gryffindor,” Draco commented, earning him a swat from Ginny,
who was sitting between him and Theodore, getting help from Severus.
“What’d ya get us?” Blaise enquired.
“Who says I got anyone anything?” Harry shot back, pulling out the bag from
Narcissa and handing it over to Hermione, who was still scowling at the
earring. “Here, this is from Narcissa. By the way, Draco, your mum says hi.”
“Joy,” Draco muttered dryly.
Hermione gave a squeal and launched herself at Harry. “Thank you!”
“You’re hurting me,” Harry said in a gentle voice. Hermione jumped away
immediately. “Thank you. My back really does hurt. At any rate, it’s from
Narcissa, not me.”
“Alright, Harry. What have you done to yourself this time?” Ginny grumbled.
“He got a tattoo,” Tom replied for the teen.
There was a long silence as everyone stared at Harry.
“YOU DID WHAT?!” Hermione screamed.
Harry winced. “Thank you, Marcus. I got a tattoo, Hermione. Don’t you dare
start yelling at me.”
“Yeah, it’s not like he can take it back or anything,” Neville pointed out.
“Can we see it?”
Harry sighed and, in reply, peeled off both his cloak and robe for the second
time that day, then turned to let them see. The phoenix and basilisk were doing
war in the middle of his back. The picture was about twenty-five centimetres on
all sides. Haden had said that, once the pain wore off, the two would probably
move outside the area that it had originally been done in.
“Bloody hell, Harry. That’s amazing,” Theodore murmured in the following
silence. His voice seemed to spark the others into speaking as well, for
everyone, including both Severus and Hermione, agreed that they liked it.
Tom stepped up to the shirtless young man, a small jar in his hand. “This
should keep it from hurting quite so much,” he offered gently. “Do you want me
to put it on?”
“Please. Just, be careful.” Harry sighed thankfully.
“Here, sit on the desk.” Tom led Harry over to the desk he’d tossed his cloak
and robe on and sat Harry down on the top. Then he uncapped the cream and
gently started applying it to the tattoo. It is gorgeous. A good choice.
Harry leaned his chin against his hands and closed his eyes. That’s ‘cause
you’re such an amazing artist.
Tom chuckled softly. “Are you falling asleep, Harry?”
“No. Just getting very, very relaxed. Now, you see, were you really a Death
Eater, I’m sure you could have knocked everyone out with a wide-range Stupefy
and dragged me off to Voldie, no problem. Now will you stop showing such
distrust in Marcus, Headmaster?”
Everyone but Harry and Tom spun around to see Dumbledore stepping from the
shadows. “Impressive.”
“FYI, Professor. I got a charm that lets me see through invisibility spells
while I was a Chipper’s,” Harry muttered.
“Did you get the rest of us one?” Pansy demanded.
“When Marcus is done putting the cream on my back, you may have them. Everyone
but Ginny, Neville, and Herm owes me a galleon, though.”
“Why them?” Seamus complained, even as he and the four Slytherins hunted
through their pockets for the money.
“Ginny’s my girlfriend, Herm made me godfather of her little brat, and
Neville’s stuff is all a late Christmas/birthday present,” Harry explained,
rolling his eyes. “And you don’t get them all yet, anyway. I have to play with
a few of them,” he added, making sure everyone saw him glance towards where
Dumbledore stood behind him.
“Done,” Tom said, stepping back and re-capping the cream.
“Thank you.” Harry sighed, stretching carefully. “Much better.”
“What is it?” Ginny asked, eyeing the container in Tom’s hands.
“Vick’s Vapo-Rub,” the Dark Lord said happily, putting it away in his desk
drawer. Hermione, Seamus, and Harry traded looks before cracking up helplessly.
Tom frowned at them. “What? It’s really good for magical tattoos.”
“How would you know that?” Harry grumbled. “Don’t tell me you have one.”
Tom waggled his eyebrows at his lover. “Maybe I do, but I hide it well.”
“I didn’t need that metal image, Marcus.” Ginny groaned, hiding her face in her
hands.
“Then you shouldn’t have conjured it,” Tom shot back, returning to his seat on
Neville’s desktop. “Is there anything we can do for you, Headmaster?”
“I am merely visiting with a couple of members of my staff and quite a few
students,” Dumbledore offered, smiling benignly.
“I’ll bet you are,” Harry muttered, standing and going through his cloak
pockets for the larger of the two bags from Chipper’s. “Spying is supposed to
be a Slytherin trait, by the way, sir. I thought you were a Gryffindor.” He
gave the elderly man a challenging look. Everyone in the room sucked in sharp
breaths and held them, waiting to see what the Headmaster would do.
Dumbledore gave Harry a grave look over the tops of his half-moon spectacles.
“Ten points from Gryffindor, Mr Potter.”
“When are you going to expel me, sir? How much farther can I go before you do
anything about it?” Harry spat, emerald eyes flashing.
“Harry…stop…” Hermione whispered.
“If I killed a student, would you expel me then? Or would you just consider it
one more casualty in your silly little war against Moldie-Voldie?” Harry
taunted.
Dumbledore’s eyes were flashing dangerously. Any sane wizard would have backed
down, but Harry didn’t care anymore. “You’re out of line, Mr Potter,” he
warned.
“You keep saying that, but you haven’t done a Merlin-damned thing about it. You
favour me like Snape favours Slytherin,” Harry continued, ignoring his
horrified audience.
“You’re suspended for a month. Collect your things, I’m taking you back to the
Dursleys,” Dumbledore finally said tightly.
“About damn time,” Harry muttered, rolling his eyes and turning back to his
friends. He tossed the bag to Tom, who barely caught it. “Marcus, I’m sure you
can hand those out for me. Herm, take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it.
Marcus, make sure you run that one charm for Herm by Madam Pomfrey, first.
Ginny, stay out of trouble and don’t go beating up the guys too much. Seam–” he
tossed the Irish wizard the box from the twins, “–the twins told me to put that
under Ron’s pillow and seal his curtains shut. I would like to know what
happens. Blaise, treat him okay while I’m gone and don’t let him get too drunk.
That charm didn’t seem to help very much.”
“That’s ‘cause Seam gets drunk to the extreme,” Pansy offered, attempting a
smile and failing horribly.
“Good point. Seam, stop drinking. Professor Snape, lighten up a little.” Harry
glanced around the room. “You all look like someone just died, geeze. I’ll be
back in a month.”
Hermione let out a loud sob and threw herself into Harry’s expectant arms. “Y-
y-you c-c-can’t g-go-o…” Hermione sobbed.
Harry held her close and kissed the top of her head. “It’ll be fine, Herm.
Don’t you worry.” He glanced over at his friends and mouthed ‘Take care of
her’. Everyone nodded firmly, even Severus.
“Now, Mr Potter,” Dumbledore called coldly.
“You have no heart, sir,” Harry called back as he disentangled himself from
Hermione.
“And you are now suspended for another month,” Dumbledore shot back.
“Oops.” Harry smiled at Hermione. “You’ll be fine, trust me.” The girl nodded
numbly and Harry pulled his robe back on, draping his cloak over one arm. “Ta,
everyone! See you in March!” he called cheerfully, then followed the glaring
Headmaster out.
Tom stared at the bag in his hands in silence for a long moment. Then,
suddenly, he slammed his fist into the desk top. “That bastard! Damn that old
man!” His eyes had shifted back to scarlet and were wet, as if he were holding
back tears. “Hermione, come here,” he said gently, holding out his arms to the
girl. Hermione ran into the comforting embrace and buried her face in Tom’s
robe, sobbing. Tom closed his eyes and cried silently. “Damn him.”
Everyone else looked away and tried not to cry themselves. Severus settled
himself down in a desk chair and hid his face in his hands, shaking his head.
“Stupid.”
“This is so stupid,” Draco muttered, throwing his quill down on the desk top,
narrowly missing the pile of papers he was supposed to be grading.
“It’s not stupid.” Neville sighed. “It’s Harry.”
“Same damn thing,” Ginny growled, wiping wildly at her wet cheeks.
“Not quite.” Seamus sighed, staring at the box in his hands. “He’s finally made
his point. It’s about time to make ours. Ginny, you’re in charge right now;
what should we do?"
Wild brown eyes shot around the group of Juniors. “Now? Now, we get our
revenge. Harry Potter style.”
***** Chapter 36 *****
Petunia opened the front door of her home to a very upset-looking Albus
Dumbledore and an amused-looking Harry Potter, trunk trailing behind him. She
immediately decided this wasn’t good. “What can I do for you gentlemen?”
“I’ve been suspended for two months,” Harry offered cheerfully, letting himself
in. “If I’d known pissing off old guys was this much fun, I woulda tried it
years ago. I’ll just take my trunk up to my old room. That all right, Aunt
Petunia?”
Petunia managed a faint nod towards her nephew, then glanced back at the
Headmaster. “What’s he done?”
“He wouldn’t close his mouth when it was in his best interest,” Dumbledore
explained tightly.
“In other words, I kept on insulting him until he finally lost his temper and
sent me home,” Harry offered, bounding down the stairs again. “I hope I’m not
in the way, Aunt Petunia.”
“No, no, not at all…” Petunia murmured. “I’m sure we’ll figure out something
for you to do to keep yourself occupied.”
“Brilliant! See you in two months, Professor!”
Dumbledore held out a hand seriously. “You are suspended, Harry. Therefore, you
must hand over your wand until the two months are over.”
“I’m of age!” Harry cried, suddenly not seeming so happy anymore.
“And you have been suspended.”
“What if Voldemort attacks?!”
“Highly unlikely,” Dumbledore replied evenly. “And we’ll have Order members
watching your house.”
“Oh, good. I feel loads safer now,” Harry spat, pulling his wand from his shirt
sleeve and handing it over. “Let’s just hope Mundungus doesn’t find another
good deal on cauldrons.”
Dumbledore took the wand and slipped it into his pocket. “Let’s.” He turned to
leave. “I will see you again in two months time. Hopefully, by then, your
attitude will have improved.”
“Keep dreaming,” Harry shot back viciously. “Oh, and Professor?” Dumbledore
turned to look at him again. “Just because I’m not at Hogwarts doesn’t mean I
can’t wreak havoc on the school. With or without my wand, I’m hardly
powerless.”
“Is that a threat, Harry?” Dumbledore inquired mildly.
Harry’s eyes glinted. “No, sir. That was a promise.” Then he slammed the door
in the wizard’s face.
Petunia sighed at the blank look on her nephew’s face. “Come help me make
dinner.”
“I wasn’t even aware you could cook.” Harry sneered, following her.
Petunia gave him a look over her shoulder and said, very calmly. “Of course you
were.”
Harry’s eyes fell to his feet. “Sorry.”
Petunia smiled and slipped an arm across her nephew’s shoulders, stopping them
in the centre of the kitchen floor. “What happened?”
“I finally got him to do something about my being a horrible student.” Harry
shrugged. “Really, he should have expelled me months ago, but he needs me, so
he can’t.” The teen ruffled his hair in a agitated manner. “But, see, now I’m
worried. My friend, Herm, she’s pregnant and I’m not so sure how she’ll hold up
without me around. I mean, she can usually manage fine, but I’m worried what
Ron’ll do now that I can’t stop him.”
Petunia turned and guided him to a chair at the kitchen table, then sat next to
him. “What is Ron to Herm?”
“Her extremely jealous ex who got her pregnant,” Harry deadpanned.
Petunia winced. “That’s never a good mix. You’re normally able to stop him from
doing stuff?”
“Yes and no. Ron’s extremely stupid sometimes, but, when he's using his brain,
he seems to recall that I have a temper that he once likened to a tsunami when
I lose it, so he keeps himself from doing stupid things. Every time he’s done
something stupid this year and I’ve found out about it, he’s found himself in a
very compromising position. I don’t suppose it helps that most of the school is
also usually set against him.”
Petunia nodded absently. “But, without you there, you fear he won’t worry about
your retaliation and do whatever he wants.”
“Well, sort of. I mean, I put my friends in charge of looking after Herm, and
Gin, who he beat up the other day because of a ring I gave her for Christmas.
I’m just concerned about what Ron will do before he realizes that the
retaliation will happen, whether I’m at school or not,” Harry groaned,
massaging his forehead.
Petunia smiled sympathetically. “Understandable, but not something you can do
anything about in your current position, regrettably.” She stood. “Sit here.
I’ll make dinner.”
Harry watched her go over to the fridge and start going through it. “When’d you
become so damn understanding?”
Petunia laughed. “Since I became a mother, actually. If you’ll recall, Harry,
you never bothered to come to me with your problems, if only because I was
either the cause of them or because you didn’t think I’d listen.”
“Would you have?” Harry enquired in a small voice.
Petunia looked at him sadly. “Some things, yes. Other things, probably not.”
“I would have come to you about Vernon, but he said he’d murder me if I said
anything,” Harry mumbled, laying his head on the table wearily. “I’m almost
glad he’s dead, really. I know he was your husband and all that, but I really
can’t mind him being gone.”
His aunt chuckled as she set a pan on the stovetop. “There are times I’m glad
he’s gone myself. Other times, I wish he were here still.”
Harry peeked up at her. “Are you tight for money?”
Petunia smiled at him. “No. The house is paid for and I’m getting Vernon’s
pension from Grunnings. I’ve also been working at the grocery in town. It helps
that Dudley ran away.” She winked.
Harry chuckled. “Good. I don’t want you out on the streets, all of a sudden.”
“Not likely. In fact, there’s enough money from Vernon’s pension that I could
probably get away with not working, but I rather like having something to do.”
“A feeling I know well.” Harry sighed. “What am I going to do while you’re at
work, though? I can’t very well apparate anywhere to relieve my boredom…”
“Tell you what. I work from eleven to five, Monday through Friday. If you get
up early enough and have a place in mind, I’ll drive you around to it. I’m
afraid, however, that you’ll most likely be finding your own way back.
Otherwise, you can hang around here and do as you please. You might even
consider getting a job of some sort for the next two months.”
“Maybe.” Harry sighed. “Too bad this isn’t a wizarding neighbourhood. I could
teach some kids defence of some sort.”
Petunia hummed. “There’s one of those odd little Eastern style fighting houses
that just moved it across the street from the grocery. You could take karate or
something. Here, set the table for me.”
Harry stood, considering the dojo, and set out the silverware, bowls, and cups
across from one another. It appeared Petunia had made stew of some sort. “I
thought you said you could cook,” he teased, pouring two glasses of milk.
“This is cooking,” Petunia shot back with a smile as she ladled the stew out
into the bowls.
“Are you kidding? That’s not cooking, that’s making stew! Even Dudley could
have made stew!” Harry laughed, settling in his seat while Petunia sat across
from him.
“Debatable. He’d have to get near the stove first.”
The wizard sniggered into his stew. “Point.”
Nephew and aunt traded grins before falling into silence and eating their stew.
                                     -~*~-
“What have you got there?” Petunia inquired from the doorway. She’d made Harry
take Dudley’s old room, since she’d cleaned it out once he was gone and it had
a softer bed. Harry was laying on his back on the bed, shirtless, staring at
his picture album, which he was holding above his head.
“It’s a picture album of mum and dad.” Harry sighed, making room so she could
sit down.
Petunia gave the book a startled look. “They’re moving!”
Harry grinned. “All wizarding pictures move.” He pulled the basilisk picture
from the nightstand and showed it to her. “Tom drew this and gave it to me over
the Christmas holiday. Isn’t it amazing?”
Petunia gave it a critical look-over. “He’s extremely talented. Shame he’s
wasted it on killing people.”
Harry sighed sadly. “I know.” He set the picture back on his nightstand,
smiling at it faintly. “I saw him mere hours ago and I miss him.”
“You really love him.”
“Yes.” Harry tangled his fingers in the chain at his throat. “I know most
people can’t see him as anything more than a murderer, but I know parts of him
that he just won’t let other people see. He doesn’t want people to think he’s
weak.” He closed his eyes. “Don’t mind me. I’m angsting again.”
Petunia laid a hand on his shoulder. “You have every right to angst, Harry.”
“Thanks,” the teen whispered, mouth dry.
“Now, to totally ruin the mood, when did you get your ear pierced?”
Harry opened his eyes and cracked a smile at her. “This afternoon. I got a
tattoo, too.”
“Let’s see it, then!”
Harry sat up and turned around so she could see it. “It’s a basilisk and a
phoenix. I like to kind of think it’s a representation of the war going on in
the magical world currently.”
“Absolutely amazing,” Petunia decided. “Is there a specific reason you got it?”
“Yeah.” Harry turned back around so he could see her. “The ink is spelled to
repel people if I want to be alone.”
“Just your style.” Petunia stood and kissed his forehead softly. “Get some
sleep, Harry.”
“Goodnight, Aunt Petunia.”
“Goodnight.” The woman switched off the bedroom light and closed the door.
Harry set his photo album next to the basilisk picture and slid under his
covers, staring up at the ceiling. “Is this what it’s like to have a real
family?” he murmured.
When no one answered, Harry let himself cry.
                                     -~*~-
Harry peeked his head into the kitchen early the next morning and found his
aunt at the stove, making bacon and eggs. Coffee gurgled away on the counter.
“Smells great.”
Petunia glanced at him. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“No.” Harry pulled down two cups and, switching off the coffee maker, poured a
cup for both himself and his aunt. “Too much on my mind, I suppose.”
“Perhaps.” Petunia smiled at him. “Set the table?”
“That’s my new job, isn’t it?” Harry snorted, setting down his coffee to do as
she asked.
“Well, you have to do something if you’re in here.”
“I’ll make a note to stay in the hall until the food’s all set out from now on,
then,” the teen joked.
His aunt laughed as she filled their plates. “You do that!”
Just as they were both about to start eating, an owl flew through the open
window and landed on Harry’s shoulder with a hoot. “Hey there, girl,” Harry
murmured, handing Hedwig a piece of his bacon before taking the letter she’d
had tied to her leg. “Ooh… It’s from Seam…”
Petunia glanced up. “Friend of yours?”
“Mm-hm. He’s in my year. I asked him to make sure he played a prank on Ron for
me.” He slid open the letter and quickly read through it.
Petunia blinked at the owl on her nephew’s shoulder for a long moment before
holding out a piece of bacon. The owl blinked at Harry, who was immersed in his
letter, then flew across the table to Petunia’s shoulder and took the offered
food. The Muggle smiled and stroked the bird. “Aren’t you beautiful.”
“Her name’s Hedwig,” Harry offered, settling his letter on the table and
picking up his fork to eat. “Seam says it went off without a hitch. The prank
was to make him see spiders in his bed while the curtains are closed, and he’s
terrified of spiders. They plan on transfiguring things around him into spiders
at random points throughout the day to scare him even more. I almost wish I
could be there to watch.” He smirked.
Petunia smiled. “That’s good.”
“Hey, Hedwig? Every time you see Ron, could you peck him for me?” Harry
inquired of his owl. Hedwig gave an affirmative hoot. “Thanks, girl.”
Petunia let out a hum and pointed at Harry’s bare chest. “Don’t you have any
shirts?”
The teen’s cheeks reddened. “I have two that fit, actually, and they’re both
dirty. My friends dragged me out shopping over Christmas, but all we got were
wizarding clothes.”
“Then we’re taking you shopping today.”
“Aunt Petunia, that’s really not necessary…”
“Of course it is. You’re staying here for two months. You need some real
clothing.” She looked him over. “And I know just the place to go. Finish your
breakfast and change.”
Harry sighed. “Oh, fine. Geeze…”
                                     -~*~-
Harry stared at the daunting department store. The sign above his head
proclaimed it to be named Harrod’s. “I’m scared. I’ll wait in the car,” Harry
decided, then turned to walk back to the car on the kerb.
Petunia laughed and dragged him with her into the store. “Come on. It’ll be
fun!”
“Fun? You call shopping fun?” Harry groaned and covered his eyes. “Women.”
“Oh, stop.” Petunia stopped in front of a large section of young men’s
clothing. “You have to get at least five shirts and three pairs of trousers.
Get some more pants and socks, as well.”
“Do I have a price range, perhaps?” Harry snorted, glaring at a violently
orange button-down shirt in front of him.
“No more than one thousand pounds,” Petunia offered before turning. “I’ll be in
the women’s section upstairs. Come find me when you’re done. And make sure you
try things on!”
Harry scowled at her retreating back. “What if I can’t find that much
clothing?” he muttered to himself. Then, giving the orange shirt another dirty
look, he slid in among the racks. Fine. Dray says I look good in green and
grey, but he’s biased. Herm seems to think I should go with greens and lighter
browns. Gin likes green, grey, and black. Harry glanced around wearily. I
suppose I can get a shirt in each of those colours, plus another green. And the
trousers can be in grey, black, and brown… Unless I see some jeans I like...
He stopped next to a rack of button-down shirts in much more mild colours than
the orange one along the main aisle. A black one with a scarlet Chinese dragon
on the back caught his gaze and he pulled it off the rack. “Hey, why not. She
said at least five, and I doubt I’ll find that many. Oooh, look. Brown.” He
pulled the brown button-down shirt and turned it to look at the back. Instead
of the dragon, this one had two silver and grey swords crossed in an “X”.
“Fancy.”
The rest of the shirts on that rack weren’t to his liking, so Harry walked on,
eyes shooting around at the different racks he walked by. A rack of t-shirts
held a grey one that had a green serpent twining around it with a line from
MacBeth written across the front, in front of a red rose. “ ‘Look like the
innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t.’ How very Slytherin.” The teen
chuckled, slinging it over his arm with the other two shirts.
A black shirt on the same rack had the words “Something wicked this way comes”
in dripping red writing across the front. A shadowed, bloody dagger laid
beneath the words. Would this be the MacBeth rack? I mean, really... Ooh... A
blue shirt seemed to be the last of the set and had the words “Double, double,
toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble” set in Avada Kedavra green
lettering before a bubbling cauldron over a furious fire.
“Oh yeah! That’s five! On to trousers!” Harry laughed to himself, turning to
head over towards the trousers part of the guys’ section.
“Talking to yourself again, Harry?” a dangerous voice asked softly.
Harry froze, eyes on the large boy sneering at him. “Malcolm…”
“What did you do to Big D, you freak?” Malcolm spat, closing in on the much
smaller Harry, who was trembling.
“I never touched him. Swear,” Harry said quickly. “Leave me alone.”
“You know where he is,” Malcolm hissed, grabbing the front of Harry’s shirt and
shaking him. The shirts the wizard had been holding clattered to the floor.
“I don’t! Let me go!”
“Liar!”
“Let him go, kid,” a voice called from behind Malcolm.
“Says who?” Malcolm demanded, turning to look around.
Harry felt a charm on his wrist warm and he saw Rodolphus standing in front of
a rack of clothes, wand pointed at the two teens. “Rodolphus…” he breathed.
The Death Eater smirked and dropped the Invisibility Spell. “I’ll give you 'til
three to put him down and run before I kill you,” he warned coldly. “One…”
Malcolm gave a shout and, dropping Harry – who crumpled to the ground – ran in
the opposite way. “Mummy!”
Rodolphus knelt before the Boy-Who-Lived. “Harry, are you alright?”
The teen gave a weak laugh. “How–?” he whispered, closing his eyes to keep his
tears at bay.
“My Lord ordered a few of us to keep an eye on you.” He gently rose Harry’s
head. “Harry?”
Harry let out a sob and leaned forward to bury his face in the Death Eater’s
black t-shirt. Rodolphus sighed and wrapped his arms around the younger wizard,
closing his eyes. Lucius, who was one of the others on watch-duty, had
mentioned that Harry’s cousin and his gang of no-good friends had done
something to the teen a couple of years ago. Whatever it was, it didn’t affect
the teen, normally, but some things did set him off. Lucius had told them that
they had to be very gentle with their younger master if something did set him
off.
Harry pulled away after a long moment, pulling off his glasses to wipe at his
face. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Rodolphus murmured, frowning at the teen. “You look exhausted.”
“I am.” Harry gave the man a weak smile. “Won’t you get into trouble if someone
sees you?”
“Perhaps.” Rodolphus winked and stood. “But that’s only if they can recognize
me.” He held out a hand to help Harry up.
Harry shook his head with a smile as he put his glasses back on. “Right. No
current pictures of you.” He took the offered hand and let the older wizard
pull him to his feet. “Who else did Tom set on my arse?”
The Death Eater chuckled at Harry’s phrasing as he leaned down to pick up the
shirts he’d dropped. “Lucius, my brother, and Antonin.”
“Just the four of you?” Harry scratched his head.
“We’re running shifts. Two of us watch your house. If you leave, we flip a
Sickle and the loser goes.” Rodolphus’ eyes glittered as he smiled at the teen
again. “I lost today.”
Harry sniggered. “I’d feel sorry for you, but I’m not.”
“Why am I not surprised.” Rodolphus sighed, pulling a laugh from the teen at
his side. “Trousers, then?”
Harry made a face. “I hate shopping!” he declared, leading the way.
“Oh, I don’t know. You looked like you were having fun before.”
The younger wizard shot his companion a dirty look. “Was not.”
“As you say, Master Potter.”
Harry punched him lightly. “Prat.”
“You wound me.”
“As I recall, the last time Tom said that, I dumped my tea in his lap…”
Rodolphus gave a shout of surprised laughter. “Great Merlin, you really can get
away with everything!”
“Nearly,” Harry agreed, then stopped to look at a rack of sleeveless shirts. “I
haven’t got a green shirt…”
“Did you mean to get one?”
“Yes.” Harry frowned at the garments. “And Aunt Petunia mentioned a dojo in
town that I could hang out at while she’s at her job.” His gaze flew back to
where Malcolm had jumped him. “Probably a good idea.”
Rodolphus nodded. “He took your wand.”
Harry snorted. “I’m suspended. Of course he’d make sure I couldn’t cause
trouble.”
“Wandless magic,” the Death Eater said suddenly.
Harry’s head shot up, eyes wide in shock. “I thought it was a myth.”
Rodolphus frowned. “Hardly. It’s just very difficult. You’ve seen it before,
though.”
Harry shook his head. “No.”
“Of course you have. Animagi use it when they transform.”
Harry’s mouth formed an “o”.
“I’ll see if Wormtail will drop by, if that is acceptable?”
Harry shrugged. “If he brings Nagini to stay, I don’t see why not. She and I
get on.” He smirked. “Probably good for his little rat heart, anyway.”
Rodolphus let out a snort, then held up an emerald green muscle shirt. “What
about this one?”
Harry blinked at the shirt the Death Eater held, then at a strange black one
with a hole in the back that he’d just pulled off the rack. “Oh, that’s right.
Green…” He started to put the one he’d taken down back.
“I’m sure your aunt will let you get both, Harry,” Rodolphus pointed out with a
grin as he set the shirt he’d pulled down with the others he’d hung over one
arm.
The teen took a moment to stare at the shirt he’d picked out, then he handed it
over to Rodolphus. “Thank you,” he murmured as the elder wizard took it and
added it to the pile. Then he turned and led the way to the trousers,
immediately going for the sweats.
Rodolphus smiled after the young man and followed him. “Always sweats, hm?”
Harry shrugged. “They’re easy to change in and out of.”
“They have no pockets.”
“You, obviously, haven’t been looking hard enough.” Harry smirked at the mock
shocked look on the other’s face. “You’re a pure-blood, anyway. What would you
know about sweats?”
“What am I wearing right now?” the Death Eater grumbled.
Harry laughed and pulled a pair of grey trousers off a rack. “Hey, that’s
cool.”
“What?” Rodolphus peeked over Harry’s shoulder and nodded. “That is
interesting.” A black serpent was snaking its way up the left leg. “Are you
going to get them?”
“Yes, actually.” Harry set the trousers atop the pile on Rodolphus’ arm.
“Good. Now,” Rodolphus set a hand on Harry’s shoulder and turned him away from
the sweats. “I think you have enough sweats in your wardrobe at home. Get some
of those denims.”
“Jeans,” Harry corrected, looking over a pair of red jeans in disgust. “That’s
just wrong. Jeans should always be blue.”
“Not according to these people, it appears.” Rodolphus chuckled, following the
teen through the racks. “Yellow with polka-dots…”
Harry scrunched up his nose in disgust. “We know what to get Dumbledore on his
birthday, at least.”
“If he lives that long.”
“Point.” Harry pulled a pair of jeans off a rack, frowned at the manufactured
faded look, and put them back. “Don’t they have just plain blue?”
“There’s black over there,” Rodolphus mentioned, pointing. Harry shot him a
dirty look. “Suggestion.”
“Blue.” Harry went through another rack and grinned. “Here we go. Ooh, that
one’s good.”
“It doesn’t look any different from any of the others on the rack, Harry…”
“Stuff it.” Harry set it on the pile, then frowned around him. “Now, one more
pair of trousers…”
“Get another pair of jeans.”
“Oh.” Harry turned back to the rack and shifted through them again. He pulled
out another pair of jeans and added them to the pile. “Done!”
“Undergarments?”
“Damn.”
“And trying everything on.”
“Double damn.” Harry sighed, as Rodolphus chuckled, and led the way towards the
underwear. “White. Plain old white. Ha!” He threw a package of white shorts at
the Death Eater, which Rodolphus barely caught, then ran for the socks.
“Why do I get the feeling you don’t want to do this?” Rodolphus enquired,
coming upon the teen going through the socks for a package he could stand.
“Because you happen to be extremely observant,” Harry shot back, finally
finding a set of socks he liked and setting them gently on top of the pile in
Rodolphus’ arms. “Maybe we should get a basket?”
“Changing rooms, mister. I’ve carried more than this in my day.”
Harry snorted. “When Bella could actually force you to go out shopping with
her, eh?”
“You’ve got it,” the Death Eater agreed as he followed Harry towards the
changing rooms, which took them through the trousers again.
Harry paused next to a rack of black trousers made of pleather. “Should I get a
pair?”
“Do you want a pair?”
Harry considered it, then shifted through the rack for a pair in his size.
“Yeah. It’ll be fun to show up Dray.”
Rodolphus laughed.
                                     -~*~-
Petunia walked into the house ahead of Harry, who was carrying all his bags. He
paused just inside the door to glance out over the street, trying to catch
sight of the two Death Eaters that were watching his house, as well as at least
one Order of the Phoenix member. However, Petunia’s scream startled him into
dropping his bags and running into the living-room. Petunia was staring at an
armchair where a horrible, snake-like man sat. “Good day,” he offered in a
hiss.
“Voldemort!” Harry scowled at the Dark Lord. “Change back!”
Voldemort chuckled darkly. “Maybe I don’t want to, little Harry Potter.”
Harry’s eyes widened and he got between his aunt and the monster in the chair.
:Tom? Answer me?:
The man seemed confused for a brief moment, then covered it up with a sneer.
“You think that will save you now?”
It’s not Tom! Harry’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”
“Asking stupid questions again, are we, Mr Potter?” he inquired, standing.
Harry’s hand flew to the Dark Mark at his throat and focused on calling
Rodolphus and his brother, Rabastan, who he knew were outside. “Hardly. Who are
you?”
The man gave a cold laugh, raising his wand at the teen wizard. “I’m sure you
know that already, or are you really so stupid, boy?”
Petunia gave off a soft cry. “Harry…”
“I’m not stupid enough to fall for an imposter!” Harry shouted, seeing the two
Death Eaters out of the corner of his eye. “Rodolphus! Rabastan!”
The two Lestranges dropped their invisibility, wands pointed at the man in
front of them, as they got between him and their younger master. “Drop your
wand and your disguise,” Rabastan ordered.
“Take your aunt to the kitchen,” Rodolphus suggested softly.
Harry nodded and, settling a gentle hand on his aunt’s arm, led her from the
living-room and into the kitchen as the imposter screamed some nonsense at the
two Death Eaters. “Sit at the table. I’ll be right back, alright?” Petunia
nodded numbly, so Harry ran back into the living-room. “Well?”
Rodolphus pointed to where Rabastan was having fun kicking the tied man on the
ground. “We don’t know him, Master Potter.”
“Rabastan, stop that,” Harry ordered sharply. The younger Lestrange immediately
stepped back, glaring at the man. Harry knelt next to the man with a frown. “I
don’t know him, either,” he forced the man to meet his eyes. “Why did you come
here?”
“To kill you, of course!” the man spat, and Harry could see missing teeth.
“Why?” Harry asked calmly.
“The Dark Lord will crush you, boy. Crush you like the weak little freak you
are.”
Harry stood darkly. “A supporter, then. What does Voldemort usually do with
these sorts of idiots? And why didn’t the Order of the Phoenix member come to
see what was the matter?”
“That stupid werewolf? I cursed him to bleed to death!”
Harry stared at the man in shock for a long moment before his eyes flashed
dangerously. “You did what to my godfather?”
“Killed him. Slow death’s good for that sort.”
“Where?” Harry asked in a low voice.
“Out back somewhere.”
“Rabastan, I don’t care how you do it, but kill him, and put up Silencing
Barriers. Rodolphus, help me save Remus,” Harry hissed before spinning and
stepping quickly from the room. Rodolphus followed him into the kitchen. “Aunt
Petunia, don’t go into the living-room. We’re going to go check something out
in the back,” Harry suggested gently before leading the Death Eater out the
back door.
Remus was laying in the middle of the Dursley’s backyard, pale and covered in
cuts, blood soaking the grass around him. His gaze looked up to the two wizards
at the kitchen door. “Harry, behind you,” he rasped.
“Remus. Oh, Merlin.” Harry hurried over to the werewolf’s side, then glanced up
at Rodolphus sadly. “Can you do anything?”
The Death Eater glanced into the glaring eyes of the werewolf and sighed.
“He’ll have to agree, first, Harry. Healing spells need cooperation.”
Harry leaned over the dying wizard so he could meet his eyes. “Remus, please.
Trust Rodolphus. He’s my friend.”
“I cannot trust a Death Eater,” Remus hissed.
“Please don’t do this to me. I can’t lose you, too. Please, Remus,” Harry
begged, eyes watering.
Remus gazed up into the pained emerald eyes and, with a sigh of defeat, nodded
and closed his eyes.
Rodolphus stepped forward and, carefully, knelt next to the werewolf. “Sit
back, Harry,” he warned. Once Harry had done as he was told, the Death Eater
pointed his wand at Remus’ heart and muttered under his breath.
Remus let out a sharp gasp and twitched, but the cuts all over him started to
heal and fade and his colouring became more healthy. When he opened his eyes,
they were cleared of the pain, but had filled with suspicion. “How do I know
you’re Harry Potter?”
“You don’t,” Rodolphus stated as he stood. “I’m going to go make sure your aunt
is okay.”
Harry made a face. “Do me a favour and clean off your trousers, first. You’ll
give her a heart attack if you go in covered in blood.”
The Death Eater snorted. “Muggles.” But he did perform a general Cleaning Charm
on the yard, himself, Harry, and Remus before going inside.
“If you really don’t trust me, then ask me a question only I would know,” Harry
suggested as Remus sat up with a groan.
The werewolf glanced at him warily. “Who was the only person I dated in
school?”
Harry sighed and ruffled his hair. “Sirius, but you kept it a secret. When
Peter found out in your seventh year and flipped, you two had to Obliviate him
to keep him from spreading it around.”
Remus pursed his lips. “Where are the Headquarters for the Order of the
Phoenix?”
Harry shot a glance at the back door to be sure Rodolphus couldn’t hear before
speaking. “Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. It was Sirius’ childhood home, but
he left it to the Order in his will.”
Remus sighed sadly. “Harry, what have you got yourself into?”
The teen stood and held out a hand to help his godfather up. “It’s a long and
involved story. Come inside and have some tea. I fear that imposter gave Aunt
Petunia quite the scare.”
“Imposter?” Remus murmured, following the young wizard into the house.
“That man was not Voldemort. He was a supporter of the Dark Order who didn’t
have a Mark,” Harry growled.
“And he’s lovely in red,” Rabastan said cheerfully from the kitchen doorway. He
was covered in blood. Petunia looked a little green and Rodolphus had, it
appeared, been trying to get him cleaned off.
“Rabastan!” Harry narrowed his eyes at the Death Eater, whose smile faded
immediately. “Clean off that blood!”
“But, Master Potter–“
“NOW!” Harry roared. Rabastan quickly shot a Cleaning Charm at himself. “Is my
living-room covered in blood?”
Rabastan paled slightly under the angry glare. “I’ll go clean it, Lord…” he
whispered before fleeing from the room.
Rodolphus gave the teen an amused look. “The Dark Lord’s been giving you
lessons.”
“Hardly.” Harry snorted. “Remus, have a seat. You too, Rodolphus. Aunt Petunia,
are you okay?”
“I feel ill, actually,” Petunia murmured weakly.
Remus passed a small vial across the table. “This should help, Mrs. Dursley.”
“Thank you,” the Muggle whispered before taking the stuff in one gulp. She made
a face, but definitely looked better.
“Why didn’t the wards on the house trip?” Harry asked Remus as he walked over
to the stove and started tea.
“The Ministry and Albus thought we wouldn’t need them…” Remus murmured.
Harry let out a hiss. “No, of course not. It’s because they’re all idiots!” He
kicked a cabinet. “Forget that my aunt still lives here! After all, she’s just
a Muggle!”
“Harry!” Rodolphus started out of his seat, but Remus set a hand on his
shoulder.
“Don’t bother. He’s upset.” Remus sighed, watching as the young wizard stormed
around over by the stove. “Not much you can do when he gets like this.”
Rodolphus sat back with a shake of his head. “I’ll have to trust you on that.”
“What’s happened? I feel like I’m missing something here,” Remus asked.
“He met up with Voldemort when we left him in London,” Petunia said in a
monotone. “They reached some sort of agreement and, somehow, fell in love…”
“I thought he was dating Ginny!” Remus exclaimed.
“It was a front,” Harry murmured from behind his godfather as he set a cup in
front of him. Remus looked at him in surprise. “Gin’s my sister, not my
girlfriend, Remus. She’s helping us keep it a secret.”
“I’ll be damned. You’ve played all of us,” Remus breathed.
“No, not really,” Harry motioned to Rabastan, who was standing at the door
again. “Sit. We’re having tea. When does everyone’s shift end?”
“We’re here until tonight,” Rabastan offered, sitting. “Then Lucius and Antonin
take over.”
“I’m here for another two hours.” Remus sighed, watching Harry sit with his own
cup of tea.
Harry nodded. “Rodolphus, Rabastan, when you leave, take that bastard with you,
unless you’ve already banished him?”
“No, Lord.” Rabastan shook his head. “Walden likes the dead ones.” He
shuddered.
Harry took off his glasses and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. “Lovely.
Remind me to stay away from his house.” He glanced up at Remus as the two Death
Eaters sniggered. “You have questions.”
“Why?” the werewolf asked softly.
“I’m tired of being Harry bloody Potter, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Fucking Die. I'm
sick of being everyone’s hero, or a lunatic, depending on that day’s Daily
Prophet. When I met Tom in London, he gave me a chance to be just me, after
we’d agreed not to kill one another, that is.” Harry smiled sadly. “Gin forced
us together after my birthday and that was the end of that.”
Remus sighed wearily. “And that’s all?”
Harry gave the wizard a strange look. “No. I’m also tired of being Dumbledore’s
chess piece. He’s controlled my life for so damn long, I’d forgotten I had
one.”
“I don’t think you ever had one to begin with, actually,” a voice said from the
kitchen doorway.
“My Lord!” Rabastan and Rodolphus called at the same time as Harry shouted,
“Tom!” and ran around the table to hug his lover.
The Dark Lord held Harry tightly, burying his face in the shorter wizard’s
hair. “Oh, thank Merlin. You’re okay,” he whispered. “That’s three times today
you’ve nearly given me a heart attack.”
Harry giggled. “Sorry.”
The Dark Lord kissed the young wizard’s scar, then picked him up, getting a
shout from the teen, and settled in the chair Harry had vacated with Harry on
his lap, held snugly against his chest. He nodded at the frowning werewolf. “Mr
Lupin. You’re lucky Harry’s already told me I’m not allowed to harm you.”
“No threats,” Harry reprimanded. “Remus, stop glaring at him.” The two wizards
traded one last glare before both moved their gazes elsewhere. “Really. You two
are acting like six-year-olds.”
“Six? Wow. I’ve matured,” Tom teased, pressing a kiss to the back of Harry’s
neck. “You know you left your new clothing in the middle of the front hall,
right?”
“It adds to the décor,” Harry shot back airily. “I thought you knew that.”
“Harry, I’ve seen your attempts at decoration and, personally, they’re scary,”
Tom muttered which earned him a round of laughter around the table. He glanced
at Remus, who was laughing hardest. He, obviously, knew exactly what the Dark
Lord was talking about. “So, Mr Lupin, did you ever think you’d find yourself
sitting at a kitchen table with Death Eaters a Muggle, your godson, and myself,
laughing?”
Remus silenced, giving the Dark Lord a strange look. “If someone told me this
would happen a week ago, I would have made sure they were admitted to St.
Mungo’s.”
“Harry, didn’t you say the same thing when I asked in London?” Tom murmured
thoughtfully.
“Yeah, actually, I did…” Harry twisted so he could see Tom’s face. “You didn’t
come sooner.”
“Rodolphus got to you before I could the first time.” He nodded to the Death
Eater in thanks. “The second and third time, someone was bothering me.”
“What first time?” Petunia asked, looking at her nephew in concern. “Harry, did
something happen in Harrod’s?”
Harry shrugged. “Malcolm and I had a chat.” Tom tightened his arms around the
young wizard.
“That was not a chat,” Rodolphus growled.
“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Petunia immediately demanded.
Harry shook his head. “He was just asking about Dudley. It was a department
store, Aunt Petunia. What could he have done?”
“Plenty, love,” Tom murmured gently. “Please calm down, she was just asking.”
Harry hid his face against Tom’s neck. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day.”
Tom traded looks with Petunia, then stood carefully. “Come on, Harry. Let’s get
you a nice, long nap before supper, eh?” he teased gently, carrying the teen
from the room. The group in the kitchen heard a Levitation Charm out in the
hallway and saw Harry’s bags follow them up the stairs.
Remus set his head in his hands. “This is so fucking weird.”
“Extremely,” Rodolphus agreed.
“Remus, if you don’t mind me asking, why was there only one of you watching the
house?” Rabastan inquired, sipping at his tea.
“My partner got called off on Auror business at the last minute and everyone
else was busy with something else.” Remus sighed.
“Too busy to help protect their important little Saviour who happens to be very
defenceless?” Rodolphus looked furious. “It’s a good thing the Dark Lord
ordered a watch!”
Tom came back into the kitchen, looking haggard. “Lupin, he’s asking for you.”
He sat wearily. “Rabastan, why didn’t you see this piece of shit entering the
house?”
“He came in the back,” Remus offered before leaving the kitchen to attend to
his godson.
The Dark Lord ran a hand through his hair. “I hate doing this, but you four
need to find two more Death Eaters so we have three in each shift. I want one
person always staking out the back while another always stakes out the front.
Rodolphus, when Harry leaves the house, you will follow him from now on. On
Lucius and Antonin’s shift, I want Lucius following. Make sure they know.”
“Yes, Lord,” the two Death Eaters chorused seriously.
“Tom?” Petunia spoke up suddenly. The Dark Lord looked to her with a raised
eyebrow. “If Rodolphus and Lucius would find it easier, they can stay in the
house. I’m sure it would be easier to keep an eye on Harry, and he’d have
someone to talk to.”
Tom glanced towards Rodolphus. “If that is what they’d like, I see no problem.
It would make this easier, I suppose. Thank you, Petunia.”
The woman nodded. “I’d feel better, personally, if I knew that, next time we
come home and find someone in the living-room, there’s already someone in the
house that can help.”
“My Lord?” Rabastan spoke, earning the table’s attention. “Might I suggest a
cover story of some sort, in case another Order member drops in to chat with
Master Potter?”
“Lucius could have sent a bodyguard of sorts to keep an eye on him after
hearing about this last attack and how poorly the house was guarded. It’s well-
known he’s fond of Harry, and the Ministry would waive any complaints from the
Order,” Rodolphus suggested.
Tom nodded. “See that it is done. Neither Harry nor I have any complaints about
it.” The Dark Lord fingered the pendant that Harry had given him for Christmas.
“Rodolphus, you mentioned finding a way to teach Harry wandless magic?”
“He needs some way to protect himself, Lord,” Rodolphus agreed. “I know he’s
also going to try out the dojo, but he needs some magical defence against his
enemies.”
“Agreed. I’ll have Lucius lend him a book on the subject. Once he’s read it,
see that Wormtail does come to assist him.”
“Understood.”
The Dark Lord stood slowly. “I’m leaving for now, but I’ll be back next
weekend, perhaps with one of his school friends,” he warned. The two Death
Eaters nodded. “Be careful with him,” he added, much softer, almost pleadingly.
“We’ll treat him like a son of our own, my Lord,” Rodolphus promised.
“Unless he starts yelling again,” Rabastan muttered. “Then we’ll treat him like
you.”
Rodolphus elbowed his brother darkly, but Tom laughed. “That would probably be
your best bet. Or, you could attempt to remember not to track blood through the
house.”
Rodolphus snorted in amusement while Rabastan scowled. “If I’d known he was
going to yell at me for it, I would have cleaned up sooner.”
“Now you know,” Rodolphus teased, smirking, while Tom laughed again.
Petunia was smiling. “Harry’s not the one who minds it, I do. As long as I
don’t see it, he probably won’t care.”
“Exactly,” Tom agreed. He paused, frowning, then heaved a great sigh. “Trust
Lup– oh, fine – Remus. Harry seems to think he’ll maybe join us.” He threw his
hands up in the air helplessly. “Gryffindors!”
The other three in the room laughed, especially when they heard Harry and Remus
shout, “Slytherins!” down the stairs.
Tom shook his head, smiling. “That child will be my downfall, I dare say.” He
winked, then left them to say one last goodbye to Harry.
“You were right,” Rabastan admitted. “Harry’s good for our Lord.”
Rodolphus sat back in his chair, smiling smugly. “Told you so.”
Petunia laughed as Rabastan punched his brother’s arm.
***** Chapter 37 *****
“At least this will be good for your wandless concentration,” Lucius teased.
“Hm?” Harry peeked an eye open. “Meditation helps for wandless magic?”
“You’re channelling your magic without a wand, Harry. You’ll need
concentration, lots of it, of course meditation helps. Why do you think your
sensei always tells you to meditate?”
“Because I have a temper like a tsunami.” Harry smiled as Lucius chuckled. “I
can’t meditate. Help me practise?”
“Did he tell you who he was bringing today?” Lucius inquired getting to his
feet and making sure there was nothing in the room that would hurt them or that
they could break.
“Herm, I think.” Harry groaned, standing. “Something about her needing a
Portkey.”
“Already?”
“Yes.” The teen ruffled his hair and straightened his black MacBeth shirt. “I’m
worried about her.”
“Harry, you do nothing but worry about Hermione,” Lucius pointed out. “Ready?”
“First ring,” Harry agreed.
The two wizards bowed to one another, then set themselves into a defensive
position. “Ha!” Lucius threw a kick at Harry, who blocked and sent one of his
own back silently. He’d once commented that he found the noises that fighters
used foolish, which had sent his sensei, a normally very controlled man, into
gales of laughter. The two traded kicks and punches for another five minutes.
Suddenly, Harry called, “Special ring.”
Lucius cocked an eyebrow at the boy but pulled out his wand and threw a hex at
the teen, which Harry dodged, then aimed a low kick at the blond. Lucius
retaliated with a high kick and a low slung curse. Harry blocked the kick while
jumping out of the way of the curse. When Harry’s feet returned to the mat,
Lucius attempted a sweep with his foot, aiming another hex at the raven-haired
wizard. Harry let out a hiss and rolled with the fall, just barely missing the
next hex Lucius sent at him.
This continued until Lucius managed to hit Harry with Furnunculus and the teen
landed on his arse due to the aftershock. It was a hex blocked by his charm
bracelet, but it still managed to cause an impact.
A cry came from the doorway and Harry suddenly found his arms full of Hermione.
“That was so amazing! But it was dangerous, too!”
Harry laughed and kissed Hermione’s cheeks. “Merlin, it’s good to see you!” He
grinned at Tom, who was standing in the doorway. “And you!”
Tom nodded. “Dumbledore is downstairs.”
Harry tensed and his eyes narrowed. “What the fuck does he want?”
“I believe his excuse was to make sure Herm would be safe.” Tom sighed, running
a hand through his hair wearily.
“Best go down and scowl at him, then,” the teenaged wizard muttered darkly,
pulling himself to his feet, then helping Hermione to her feet.
“Potter,” Lucius set a hand on his shoulder. He’d reverted to the form of Saber
Upwood, an employee of Lucius Malfoy who’d been sent to keep an eye on Harry
and protect him from whatever Dark Wizard wanted him dead. “You did well. Much
better than yesterday.”
Harry grinned. “Thanks, Saber.”
The Death Eater ruffled his hair with a smile. “Go on. I’ll be down shortly.”
Harry slung an arm over Hermione’s shoulders. “So, how have you been?”
“Sorely missing my best friend,” Hermione admitted, leaning her head on his
shoulder. “You’re sweaty.”
Harry laughed loudly. “What did you expect?”
Hermione smiled. “Silly me.” She ruffled his hair. “Even your hair is sweaty!”
“The downside of Saber’s favourite hobby making sure I’m on my arse, I’m
afraid.” He sighed as they entered the kitchen, pulling a laugh from the witch.
“Headmaster.” He nodded at the elderly wizard darkly.
“Ah, Harry, my dear boy! So good to see you again.” Dumbledore offered the teen
a bright smile. He was sitting at the kitchen table with Petunia. Tom had also
seated himself, having preceded the teenagers in, and he didn’t look overly
happy.
“It’s a one-sided feeling, let me assure you,” Harry replied coldly.
Some of the happiness left Dumbledore’s expression. “What have you been up to,
my dear boy?”
“I’m currently working on kicking arse without the use of magic, even when my
opponent can blast me into the netherworld with a single word,” Harry
deadpanned, pulling out a chair at the kitchen table for Hermione, then sitting
next to her.
“I, uh, see…” Dumbledore glanced up at the doorway, where Harry knew Lucius had
suddenly come into sight. “You must be Mr Upwood.”
Lucius came to stand behind Harry’s chair. “Yes.” He dropped a towel on Harry’s
head. “Your friend is correct. You’re sweaty.”
Harry shot his guardian a dark look and wiped his face with the towel. “Sorry
for leaving particles of myself on the floor. Did you slip and fall for once?”
“No. Watch your mouth, I can still hex you into the netherworld with one word,”
Lucius replied in the monotone both he and Rodolphus always used for Saber.
“Sounds like a pleasant fate,” Dumbledore offered, smiling.
Lucius glanced at the Headmaster emotionlessly as Harry pulled his shirt off.
“I don’t like you.”
Hermione choked on a laugh. Tom smirked and Petunia snorted into her tea.
Dumbledore looked dumbstruck. Harry rolled his eyes and tossed his shirt in
Lucius’ face. “Saber, you should be polite to our guests.”
Lucius banished the shirt to the laundry. “He’s not my guest.”
“No wonder you’re behaving so horridly.”
“You expected me to behave otherwise?”
“No, not really.” Harry ruffled his hair with the towel. “You’re always a rude
fuck. If you changed, you’d probably give me a heart attack.”
Dumbledore looked absolutely horrified. Petunia and Hermione were both laughing
quietly. Tom had sat back in his chair with a big smile on his face, enjoying
the show. “I dare say, Harry. You’ve no respect for anyone now, do you?” the
Dark Lord asked.
“No one in a place of authority, no,” Harry agreed. “Except perhaps yourself
and Herm, everybody’s favourite Head Girl.” He stood, slinging the towel over a
shoulder. “If you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to go change. I believe, Marcus,
that we’d planned to take Herm to a film.”
“Ah, yes, I’d almost forgotten.” Tom grinned at Hermione as Harry left. “Hope
you don’t mind, of course.”
Hermione let out a mock insulted gasp and did a passable job of looking hurt.
“Mind? Of course I mind! What if I planned on spending the day with just Saber,
here?”
“I don’t think he likes that idea.” Petunia chuckled. Lucius was scowling.
“He doesn’t like any idea that doesn’t end with me on my arse,” Harry grumbled,
walking back into the kitchen.
Hermione turned and stared at her best friend. “I rue the day you and Gin
started going out, Harry,” she murmured, looking him up and down.
The wizard had switched into his pleather pants and the black sleeveless shirt
with the hole in the back that framed his tattoo. “You get to see it first, if
it makes you feel any better.” He laughed, then glanced at Tom, who was staring
at him in shock. “Hey, Marcus, anyone home?”
“He went out,” Tom replied absently. “Where in Merlin’s name did you get that
outfit?”
“Harrod’s,” Petunia offered, smiling. “Do you four need a ride?”
“Actually, we were going to take the Knight’s Bus,” Harry replied, helping
Hermione to her feet. “But thank you.”
“Of course.” Petunia stood. “More tea, Headmaster?”
“Yes, please,” Dumbledore muttered. He, too, was staring at Harry.
Saber leaned over and put his mouth next to Harry’s ear. “I’ll take Hermione
when we’re out of sight. You’re doing murder on his nerves,” he murmured in
French.
“I’d noticed,” Harry responded, also in French, smirking. “It was the point, as
you’ll recall.”
“Yes.” He straightened. “Are we leaving now, or next month?”
“I’m afraid Herm won’t be here next month,” Tom muttered, coming to stand next
to Hermione. “Lead on, Saber.”
“Then you take the rear,” Lucius replied in the monotone.
“I think not.”
Harry rolled his eyes and offered Hermione his arm. “Lady Granger?”
Hermione giggled and took the arm. Then she let Harry lead them from the house.
“Do you think they’ll follow?”
“Once Saber is done pointing out he doesn’t get paid to leave my arse open to
attackers and they realize we’ve left already, yes.”
“POTTER!” Lucius shouted, storming out the house. Tom walked just behind him, a
bemused smile on his face. “WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT WALKING OFF WITHOUT
ME?!”
“That you need the money Lucius pays you to take care of your five kids and
very ill wife,” the teen wizard teased, grinning.
“Miss Granger, you might want to move.” Lucius growled. “I need to show this
one where he is in the food chain.”
Harry winked to Hermione and let go of her arm then he ran up to Lucius, ducked
a kick and aimed a punch at the older wizard’s gut. Lucius caught the fist and
used Harry’s inertia to twist him and throw him on the ground on his arse.
“Dammit!”
Hermione was giggling, Tom chuckling. Lucius ruffled Harry’s hair. “Those pants
slowed you down, or that would have worked. Don’t feel so bad.” He held down a
hand and helped Harry to his feet while Tom called the bus.
“Thanks for the warning, Saber.” Harry sighed, waving at where he saw Tonks
whittling away at a bit of wood she’d found in Number Five’s yard. She waved
back happily.
“They’re not very good at hiding, are they?” Hermione inquired, reacquiring
Harry’s arm as the Knight Bus came into sight.
“Did you see her before I’d waved?”
“Uh… No, actually.”
Harry smiled. “It’s a good hiding place, but they always sit in the same spot.
I may not have found it, but, one day, Tonks had her hair violently pink and it
wasn’t such a good hiding place anymore, which I told her. She changed her hair
to brown that day.”
Hermione giggled. They followed Tom up to the second level where all four could
sit together, Hermione with Lucius, Harry with Tom.
Once they were on their way, and everyone had righted themselves once again,
Harry leaned forward to whisper in Hermione’s ear. “What do you think about
taking Saber to his first ever Muggle-style film?”
Hermione giggled. “It should prove to be very interesting. Are we going into
different theatres?”
“I think that was Marcus’ plan, yes.”
“How sweet. Are you two going to share a soda and everything?”
“Who needs a soda?” the Dark Lord asked lowly in a suggestive voice.
Hermione blushed a bright red while Harry punched the brown-haired man. “You
have no manners, sir.”
“Were you expecting for him to have some?” Lucius offered mildly.
“You’re asking for it,” Tom warned his second, who smirked.
“He’s only insulting you ‘cause he knows he can get away with it,” Harry
pointed out with a smile.
“I know,” Tom bit out before sitting back with an annoyed look. Harry and
Hermione traded looks before both laughing helplessly. Lucius gave a discreet
cough.
The bus pulled to a sudden stop and Stan Shunpike poked his head up the stairs.
“London theatres!” he called, grinning madly at their group. Lucius had warned
him, in a rather dangerous voice, when Stan had started to greet Harry in his
usual fashion to stuff it or find himself hexed into oblivion. Harry couldn’t
help comparing the incident to the end of Christmas two years previous when
Tonks had done something similar; it seemed he was destined to have protectors
intent on threatening the Knight Bus conductor.
The group got up and filed out, Hermione next to Harry in the middle, Tom
leading, Lucius bringing up the rear. “I hate the Knight Bus.” Hermione groaned
once they were on the sidewalk.
The three wizards, however, were watching as a heavily cloaked wizard also got
off the bus. “We’re going to the same film after all,” Harry murmured in a soft
voice that only his three companions could hear. “Before anyone drinks or eats
anything, have either Herm or myself run our bracelets over it. I don’t trust
that guy.”
“Agreed,” Tom and Lucius replied.
Hermione glanced around, confused. “What guy?”
“Keep walking, Herm. He disappeared into the crowd,” Harry whispered.
“He’s either from everyone’s favourite Headmaster, or another damned
supporter,” Lucius hissed angrily.
“You think he might be after us?” Hermione asked softly, eyes wide with terror.
“We can’t be sure,” Tom murmured. “He could be out to kill Harry, or he could
be sent to watch us to keep Harry from being killed. We can’t know for
certain.”
“Maybe he just wanted to go to a film,” Hermione shot back stubbornly.
“He’s dressed in wizarding garb, Herm; he’s not here for the show,” Harry
muttered, pulling something out of his pocket. “Do any of you know a spell that
will get this to cover the whole group?”
Tom shook his head. “There isn’t one. It’s only meant for one person.”
“Damn.” Harry shoved the pendant from Fred and George back into a pocket.
“What is it?” Hermione inquired.
“Marcus, do you mind explaining? Saber, help me buy the tickets,” Harry
replied, resting a gentle arm on his protector’s arm. Lucius nodded and they
walked over to the ticket box line. “What is it?”
“He must have some sort of charm or be using something for invisibility. He
suddenly disappeared,” Lucius muttered.
“Where did you last see him?” Harry asked out of the corner of his mouth, eyes
shifting around the crowded area.
“Two trees over from where we were standing.”
Harry’s gaze fell on the spot. The charm on his wrist against invisibility
warmed, telling him it was working, and the cloaked man came into sight. “I see
him. He’s watching Marcus and Herm.”
Lucius’ hand clasped around the charm bracelet. “I’ll watch him. We’re next.”
Harry nodded and returned his attention to the line in front of him as the
couple before them. “Boring. I hate lines.”
Lucius gave a snort, then let out a hiss. “Shit.”
Harry’s eyes shot over to where the man was standing. He’d pulled out a wand.
Tom! Down!
Tom immediately tugged Hermione down to the sidewalk with him as the cloaked
wizard shot a bright red spell at them. What the fuck!?
“Not Dumbledore’s pal, then,” Harry hissed as the people around them started to
panic. Hermione had shot her gaze over to where the spell had come from and set
Tom’s hand on her charm bracelet, pointing towards their attacker. “Come on.”
“Stay behind me,” Lucius ordered. Harry got behind him, making sure the Death
Eater still had contact with the charm. “And let’s just fuck the whole idea of
not letting the Muggles know anything, hm?” he added as they joined Tom and
Hermione, who were back on their feet, Hermione behind Tom.
The Dark Lord’s wand was out and pointed at their attacker. “My thoughts
exactly,” he replied before returning his attention to the cloaked man. “What
do you want here?”
Harry’s charm cooled suddenly and he knew the man had come into proper sight.
“Let go,” he murmured to Lucius, who did so. The teen let his eyes sweep the
area behind them as he stood with his back against the Malfoy.
“Step aside! I want only the students!” the other wizard shouted back. He had a
hoarse, high-and-mighty voice that sparked something in Harry’s memory. He
traded looks with Hermione, who was frowning.
“We know him, don’t we?” Harry whispered as Tom and Lucius called back that
they didn’t intend to move away from the two teens.
“Yes.” Hermione sighed, eyes sweeping the area again. “But who–“
“Protego!” Lucius and Tom shouted together. Harry felt, rather than saw, the
curse that their attacker threw hit the shield.
“Only defending?” Hermione asked.
“Our current strategy is to learn his strategy,” Lucius offered. “It’s what
we’re trained for.”
Tom nodded in agreement. “The last thing one wants is to attack blindly. If we
had more than just the two of us, and we weren’t protecting you two, we’d all
shoot different hexes at once and pray one would get through.”
“Nice system,” Harry commented. “I’ll have to remember it for the Juniors.”
“See that you do that,” Tom murmured before speaking to the attacking wizard
again. “Who are you? And why do you want to hurt these two?”
“None of your concern!”
“Percy!” Harry shouted as the voice clicked. “What the fuck are you attacking
us for, Weasley?!”
“Stuff it, Potter!” Percy shouted back.
Harry narrowed his eyes. Tom, give me your wand as discreetly as you can.
What are you up to? Tom hissed even as he passed his wand back with a slight of
his wrist.
Harry muttered an Invisibility Charm. You’ll see. Keep him busy, he replied
before slipping out from behind Lucius.
“Harry’s trying something insane,” Tom hissed to his companions before shouting
at Percy once again. “Who are you working for, Weasley?”
“Myself!” Percy shot back. “Hand over Potter and Granger!”
“You really want me, Perc? How sweet,” Harry murmured, pressing Tom’s wand to
the back of Percy’s neck. “Lower your wand or I’ll murder you, understand?”
Percy’s wand clattered to the sidewalk in front of him. “Bastard.”
“Accio!” Lucius called, catching Percy’s wand as the shield fell.
Film trip’s over, I suppose. Harry sighed. “Let’s move, Perc. Any false moves
and I get the pleasure of Avada Kedavraing your arse to hell.”
Lucius pulled an emergency port-key he’d made just in case from a pocket.
“Hermione, Marcus, please take hold. Any day now, Harry.”
“Stuff it, Saber,” Harry shot back as they reached the other. “If you try
anything, Percy, no matter what, you’ll regret it,” he warned as the redhead
took a hold of the chain. Harry also took hold, then nodded to Lucius.
“Teleportation activate,” Lucius said with a dirty look at the teen who had
decided on the password.
A tug at their bellies brought them to the kitchen of Privet Drive.
“Oh, God!” Petunia shouted, clutching at her chest.
Dumbledore had risen and had his wand pointed at the group. “What’s going on?”
“Obviously, the Order’s idea of protection is worthless,” Lucius spat, putting
his chain away as Tom helped Hermione to her feet.
Harry leaned on Percy’s shoulder, Tom’s wand still at the back of his neck,
smirking as Dumbledore sputtered. “We were attacked, sir,” he said in a teasing
voice. “And if Marcus and Saber hadn’t been there and Herm and I hadn’t had a
way to see through invisibility, Herm and I would be dead. Now then, isn’t that
a pleasant thought?”
“Probably better for the wizarding world, anyway,” Percy muttered, his voice no
longer hoarse. Harry had a feeling it had been a disguise.
“You’re tempting me, Perc,” the raven-haired wizard said cheerfully.
Dumbledore looked gobsmacked. “Percy Weasley?!”
Harry tugged the hood off Percy’s face, careful to keep the wand at the back of
his neck. “Smile for the coot, Perc,” he cooed.
“Headmaster!” Percy said in relief. “Sir, Potter is a Death Eater!”
“Wow, I am?” Harry smiled. “How’d I manage that?”
“Now, Percy, I think you’re jumping to conclusions…” Dumbledore said seriously.
He hadn’t put his wand away, but was pointing it at Percy.
“I saw it with my own eyes! He works for You-Know-Who!”
Love, is Perc here, by any chance, a Death Eater?
Tom’s eyes widened for a brief moment. Shit. Yes, I do believe he is…
Ooh, good. Now, all we have to do, is hope Gin doesn’t mind if I kill him later
for defecting.
I hardly think she’ll care, now.
Point. Harry looked hurt while Dumbledore looked between him and Percy. “Now
I’m insulted. Me? A Death Eater? Impossible!”
“Then how’d you learn to sneak around like one?” Percy spat.
Harry made a face at Dumbledore. “Now, really, Professor, you can’t believe
want he’s saying. After all, you’re the reason I was trained in battle magic
and the such.”
There was a startled sound from the witch and two Dark Wizards in the room.
“What?!” Hermione shouted. “When?!”
“Last school year.” Dumbledore sighed, nodding. “Harry was trained by my
instruction, yes.”
Harry hummed happily and, randomly, tugged up Percy’s left sleeve, pulling a
shout from the other wizard, which got everyone’s attention. “That’s a pretty
tattoo, Perc. Did you, perhaps, get it from Voldie?” he inquired teasingly as
Hermione gave a cry and clutched Tom’s arm. The Dark Lord drew her into a
gentle hug. Lucius had returned to pointing his wand at the redheaded Death
Eater.
Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the wizard. “Who has his wand?”
“Saber,” Harry offered calmly, pressing Tom’s wand sharply into the back of
Percy’s neck. The older wizard let out a hiss. “And I’ve got Marcus’ wand,
since you sort of took mine, Headmaster.”
Dumbledore shot his Golden Boy a silencing look. “Percy, your position is
precarious.”
“Sir, please! I’m on your side! I can give you names! The Death Eaters In-
Training!”
“The what?” Dumbledore whispered, shocked.
“Death Eaters In-Training, sir. They’re a new section of the Death Eaters.
Potter runs them. They don’t have Dark Marks, sir,” Percy said quickly. “They
have these necklaces that only other Death Eaters and Death Eaters In-Training
can see. Potter’s wearing his right now.” His eyes shot to where Harry’s
necklace rested in front of his shirt.
“What?!” Harry looked furious. “Madness! Headmaster, this Death Eater,” he spat
out the word with a much venom as he could manage, “Just tried to kill myself
and Hermione! You can’t tell me you believe what he’s spouting! Me, work with
Voldemort?!”
“Harry! Calm down!” Hermione cried as the lights started flickering.
“Death Eater scum,” Harry spat at the Weasley and, throwing Tom his wand back,
stormed from the room.
“Percy, I must say, these allegations are serious. And I’m afraid all the
current information we have is pointing against your information.” Dumbledore
sighed as Hermione slipped from the room to go after her friend. “Your actions
are also against you, currently.”
“Ask me under Veritaserum, then. Please, sir,” Percy begged.
Dumbledore sighed. “Percy, we’re going to have to send you to the Ministry,
though I will certainly attend your trial and make sure they ask the questions
you’re suggesting they ask.”
“But, sir–“
Dumbledore shook his head, ending the complaint. “That’s all I can do for you,
Percy, I’m sorry.” He glanced up at Tom and Lucius. “Mr Upwood, if I could
please have Percy’s wand?”
Lucius handed it over to Tom, who walked over and gave it to Dumbledore. “Here
you are, Albus,” he said calmly.
Dumbledore nodded and put it away before pulling another wand out of one of his
pockets. “Obviously taking Harry’s wand has done him no good. Marcus, make sure
he gets this and understands he may not step foot on school property until his
suspension is over.”
“Of course, sir.” Tom nodded and pocketed the wand.
Dumbledore nodded and stepped up next to Percy, who was looking hopeless. “Off
we go to the Ministry, Percy.” He sighed, then apparated them away.
“You silenced him?” Harry asked Lucius coldly as he stepped back into the room.
Hermione was behind him, not looking at all pleased with what had just
happened.
“Yes. It’ll end tonight,” Lucius agreed as Tom tossed Harry his wand.
“Then we’ll act tonight,” Harry decided. “Herm, you’re going to pretend the
stress of the day has been too much for you and you’d like to return to
Hogwarts now, which means Professor Brutús will have to take you. I’m going to
be so pissed off by what Percy said that I’m going to be working with Saber
until I wear myself out. Aunt Petunia, I won’t be eating tonight.” Everyone
nodded in understanding. “Good. Herm, Marcus, why don’t you come and say
goodbye to myself and Saber?” he added before spinning the leaving the room,
Lucius following.
Hermione bit her lip and glanced up at Tom. “He and the others are going to
kill Percy while he’s being held by the Ministry isn’t he?”
“You disagree?” the Dark Lord inquired.
“Marcus, if I could, I’d help him,” Hermione ground out before turning and
following Harry and Lucius up to the training room.
Tom grinned. “I’ll be damned.” He winked at Petunia. “I’ll make sure he comes
back in one piece.”
“I don’t doubt it. If he’s back late, Rodolphus and I will improvise,” Petunia
offered.
“Even if it’s not until I stop by tomorrow?”
“That boy hates getting up at a reasonable time on the weekends!” Petunia
complained, going to put Dumbledore’s cup with the dirty dishes.
“I noticed.” Tom chuckled before leaving to go find the other three magical
humans.
                                     -~*~-
Harry smirked as all the Juniors in the school trickled into the Room of
Requirement. All of them looked surprised to see him. “Sit, everyone. I’m still
suspended, so I’m not really supposed to be here. Gin, may I borrow you for a
brief moment while everyone settles?” he added, glancing at her.
Gin followed Harry into a dark corner and hugged him tightly. “We’ve missed
having you around!”
“I’ve missed being here,” Harry assured her.
“Something’s happened.”
“A Death Eater defected after trying to kill Hermione and myself and blew this
group’s cover to Dumbles. He’s currently being held at the Ministry with a
Silencing Spell on him, courtesy of Lucius, but we need to shut him up for
good. So far, I’m the only name he’s given out, but he also mentioned the
necklaces.”
“We’ll need to put more charms on them to keep them safe, then.” Ginny sighed.
“Who’s the defect?”
“Percy,” Harry murmured, raking a hand through his hair.
Ginny’s eyes flashed. “He’s no family of mine. No one tries to kill my brother
and sister.”
Harry hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Gin.”
“You’re okay, though?” the girl asked as she pulled away.
“Yup. Got my wand back, too.” Harry winked and Ginny snorted. “Come on. I want
at least five Juniors with me on this raid.”
“He’s letting us do it?” Ginny asked in surprise as they went back to the quiet
group.
“It was our cover that was blown. Anyway, I called dibs on Perc’s life when he
shot that first spell at my godchild, Herm, and Marcus,” Harry said coldly.
Ginny nodded in understanding and they stopped in front of the group of
Juniors.
“You all have heard me go on about how someone who switches sides is killed,
but I’m not so sure you really understand the rule. Some of you do, I know, so
you can stop giving me the insulted look, Dray.” Harry spared a brief grin for
his friend before turning serious again. “A Death Eater tried to kill myself
and Hermione Granger in Muggle London today while we were out to watch a
movie.”
“You’re both all right?” Parvati called, eyes worried. Most of the school knew
that the Head Girl with pregnant now, since she couldn’t use her magic in
classes any longer.
Harry smiled gently. “Yes. Professor Brutús and Lucius Malfoy were also there
and they covered us.”
“Thank Merlin,” the Gryffindor witch sighed, leaning her head on Lisa’s
shoulder and closing her eyes in relief.
“Harry? Could we finish this?” Draco called. “Ted and I have another detention
in ten minutes.”
“You two get detentions too often.” Harry snorted, shaking his head. “The
bottom line is that, when we got the Death Eater back to my aunt’s house and he
found himself faced with Dumbledore, he gave the Headmaster information about
our group. So far, I’m the only one compromised, but, if we don’t deal with
this problem, Parvati’s the only one in this room who’s safe from being dragged
before the Ministry. Voldemort’s handing the job to us because it is our group
that will be hit the hardest by this information.”
“Harry, if you’ve already been called on your loyalties, and Dumbledore calls
you in to the Ministry for questioning, we’re doomed anyway,” Mandy pointed
out.
“Not at all,” Ginny spoke. “Harry and I both have back-up ways to keep
information from being draw from us.”
“And I’m thinking I might just make this way available to everyone who becomes
a Junior,” Harry added idly. “It came to my attention during the attack that
some things need to become uniform for us, especially. Next time I get a chance
to run around in Diagon Alley, I’ll look into it.” He glanced around at the
twelve students before him. “I need at least five people who can come with me
tonight for this raid. Dray, Ted, you’re both excused for your detention.
Hurry.”
The two Slytherin boys bowed to the green-eyed wizard before hurrying from the
room.
“I’m coming,” Ginny said firmly.
Harry nodded. “I figured. Give me your wand so I can disable the Ministry wards
on it for tonight.” He held out a hand as he glanced over the room. “At least
four more.”
“Harry, who was this Death Eater?” Blaise demanded.
“My brother, Percy,” Ginny offered as Harry focused on her wand to displace the
wards long enough to give her the night free from their restrictions.
“A Gryffindor Death Eater?!” Morag shouted.
“He’s hardly the first,” Harry muttered, handing his sister back her wand.
“Peter Pettigrew, for instance, has been a Death Eater for almost seventeen
years, and he was a Gryffindor who had a backbone like Neville’s. He hung out
with my dad, in fact. One of his best friends.”
“I’m going,” Seamus declared.
“Are you drunk?” Harry asked seriously.
“No, sir. I haven’t had anything to drink since you left,” Seamus replied
firmly. Blaise nodded in affirmation next to him.
“Good. Get up here, I need to get a look at your wand as well.”
“Why?”
“The Ministry doesn’t only put age-limitations on wands, Seam.” Pansy snorted.
“They put everything on them. I’m coming too, by the way.”
“Get up here, then. I’m assuming your parents already removed the limitations
on your wand.”
“Yup. When I first got it,” Pansy agreed, coming to stand with Ginny while
Harry went over Seamus’ wand.
“Lisa and I are coming,” Parvati declared, standing with the Ravenclaw.
“And me,” Blaise added, standing as well. “Someone has to keep an eye on Seam.”
“Everyone should be keeping an eye on Seam.” Harry snorted, handing the teen
back his wand and taking Lisa’s as she offered it to him. “Gin.”
“Right.” Ginny stepped in front of the group surrounding Harry. “Everyone else,
we’ll need you to run cover on everyone that’s going. Especially Parvati and
Pansy, since they’re Prefects. I’m sure Herm and Nev will know to run cover in
Gryffindor?” She glanced back at Harry, who nodded absently. “Good. Everyone,
you are dismissed. Everyone but Harry will see you tomorrow or later tonight
and we’ll give you feedback.”
Ginny returned to Harry as everyone piled out. “How are we doing this?”
“Who has my Map?” Harry shot back.
Seamus held out the worn parchment. “Thanks, by the way. It’s been dreadfully
useful.”
“Good.” Harry grinned and tapped his wand on the blank parchment. “I solemnly
swear I am up to no good.”
Parvati and Lisa both let out gasps as ink appeared on the parchment, showing
Hogwarts and everyone in it. “What is it?” Parvati whispered.
“The Marauder’s Map,” Harry replied, returning his wand up his robe’s sleeve.
“My father and his friends made it while they were in school. It’s the most
useful thing I have ever come across, except, perhaps, my Invisibility Cloak.”
He winked.
“Bleeding hell, Harry,” Lisa muttered, shaking her head.
“Now, then,” Harry said, serious tone catching everyone’s attention. “We have
to take a very dangerous chance, because I only know one place in this entire
school that you can apparate from, and I’m not sure it’s guardian is going to
be pleased with me for bringing people down there.”
“There is such a place?” Lisa asked.
Ginny was staring at Harry in horror. “You said Salazar would kill anyone else
who went down there!”
“Wait, the Chamber of Secrets?!” Blaise gasped. “Harry, that’s insane!”
“Do you have a better idea?” Harry asked the horrified faces around him
sweetly.
“We’re all dead…” Seamus whimpered.
“Oh, stop being such a baby.” Harry snorted, placing the Map in one of his robe
pockets and pulling his wand back out. “Now, as I said, I’m not supposed to be
here, so I’m going to shrink myself. Gin, you’ll carry me and lead the way to
the entrance.”
“Harry, can I back out now?” Seamus whined.
Harry’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Salazar is going to be the easy part, you
twits. Do you think it’s going to be simple as pie to get into the Ministry,
find the holding cells, get past the guards, find Percy, and kill him?” he
hissed. “I’m hardly worried about Salazar, seeing as how I can talk him out of
murdering any of you, so long as you behave. Keep your minds on the Ministry
and let me worry about dealing with dangerous Founders, understand?”
“Yes,” everyone breathed, eyes still wide in fright.
“Hufflepuffs.” Harry snorted before pointing his wand at himself. “Minuta
Harry.”
Gin picked up her brother carefully. “Can I put you on my shoulder?”
“The way your hands are shaking, I think I’d prefer that,” Harry agreed in a
tiny voice. The comical sound made everyone smile as Ginny put the teen on her
shoulder, where he climbed up to hide in her hair.
“Well, Harry’s right. Best worry about the Ministry and let him handle
Salazar,” Ginny decided firmly. “Follow me. Harry’ll warn us if we’re about to
be caught, I’m sure.”
“Yup. I’ll just say ‘scatter’ if there’s no way to avoid the trouble,” Harry
agreed.
“How will we find you all again?” Pansy asked.
“Your necklaces will warm. Follow them like you did to get here,” the tiny
voice replied from somewhere in Ginny’s bun. “Move out, please.”
“You heard the boss,” Blaise joked and everyone fell in behind Ginny as she led
them from the room.
“Harry, stop tugging my hair,” Ginny hissed.
“Then stop moving,” the wizard shot back.
Ginny muttered a curse under her breath and Harry sniggered. The Juniors
following them smiled.
“You all look like you’re being led to your deaths, by the way. Act natural
before I hex you,” Harry warned.
“Says the shrimp,” Ginny teased even as everyone forced themselves to calm down
and start to chat quietly among themselves.
“Gin, have you ever been hit with Crucio in the back of the neck?” Harry asked
idly.
“No. And I don’t much want to be, either.”
“Then don’t call me shrimp. Marcus at twelve o’clock.”
Ginny grinned and waved at the Dark Lord. The other students all glanced up at
him in concern as he stopped them. “Where are you all headed?”
Harry climbed up on top of Ginny’s head and grinned. “I’m leading them to their
deaths, apparently.”
“And how have you managed it this time?” Tom enquired, motioning for them to
keep walking.
“He’s taking us to the Chamber,” Pansy complained as Harry slid back down into
Ginny’s bun.
“Oh, that’s right, he told us that anyone else that we brought down would be
killed,” the Dark Lord recalled.
“Maybe you can talk him out of it?” Seamus asked hopefully.
“Nope. He’s a Gryffindor. Nothing gets through his skull,” Tom replied, shaking
his head.
“I heard that,” Harry called.
“What do you plan on doing about it, midget?”
“I’ll kick your hind side to Dumbledore’s office.”
“Says he of the bruised arse.”
“Just because I can’t beat Lucius at martial arts doesn’t mean I can’t beat
you.”
“Ah, yes, but those trousers slow you down, don’t you know.”
“Would you like me to take them off before I kick your arse, then?”
“And that robe’ll get in your way.”
“Now, really, you just want to get me naked, you prat.”
“Perhaps.”
“Would you two stuff it,” Ginny muttered while the four Juniors following them
all laughed.
“Gin doesn’t want me naked,” Harry deducted.
“Suppose not.”
“Scatter!” Harry shouted suddenly.
Blaise and Seamus hopped behind a tapestry to snog. Parvati and Lisa
immediately turned the other way. Pansy started looking behind tapestries, as
if looking for Seamus and Blaise. Ginny and Tom continued in the direction
they’d been headed in before.
McGonagall came into sight around a corner. “Oh, Marcus, there you are. Albus
was looking for you.”
“Thank you, Minerva.” Tom nodded. “Miss Weasley, I will see you tomorrow in the
entrance hall, then?”
“Of course, Marcus. I can’t wait to see Harry!”
“I’m sure.” Tom winked at her and slid past her to head for Dumbledore’s office
as McGonagall yelled at Pansy for her tapestry search and caught Seamus and
Blaise. After giving them a thorough tongue lashing, she rounded another corner
and was out of sight again.
The Juniors ran to catch up with their two leaders as they approached the
second floor girls’ bathroom. “Myrtle’s been crying again,” Lisa groaned.
“Fabulous,” Harry muttered darkly, climbing up on to Ginny’s head again and
giving the Juniors an apologetic look. “Sorry,” he offered as Ginny made a
beeline for the bathroom.
“The entrance is in a girls’ toilet?” Blaise asked in shock. “I thought Salazar
was a guy!”
“He is.” Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Slytherin. “Don’t ask me to figure out
the mind of Salazar Slytherin.”
“Ew.” Pansy scowled down at the bottom of her wet robes.
“Girls.” Seamus snorted as he closed the door behind them once everyone was in.
“What are you doing in here?” Myrtle suddenly came into sight, sneering at
them.
“Myrtle–“ Parvati started.
“They’re with me, Myrtle,” Harry called before jumping from Ginny’s head.
“Primitivus magnitudo.” He hit the ground as his normal size and glanced up at
Myrtle, who was watching him with big eyes. “Now, really, hun, you shouldn’t
cry so much. You’re prettier when you’re smiling,” he offered, standing.
“Ooh…” Myrtle giggled and disappeared behind a stall door.
Harry shrugged at the amazed looks he was receiving. “She fancies me,” was his
quiet explanation before he turned to the sinks. :Open,: he ordered.
A general gasp came from behind him as the sink sunk into the ground. “Fuck,”
Seamus whispered.
Ginny latched herself on to Harry’s arm. “I’m scared.”
“Flashbacks,” Harry murmured, hugging her tightly. “Gin, you’ll be fine, I
promise. I’m here, right?”
Ginny glanced up into her brother’s worried green eyes and nodded. “Right.” She
let go, biting her lip. “And there’s no diary or basilisk or anything.”
Harry gave her a supportive smile. “Bingo.” He eyed the rest of the Juniors.
“Gin opened the Chamber in our second year because of one of Voldemort’s back-
up plots. Bad memories and all that,” he offered to their curious gazes.
Everyone nodded in understanding. “Good. I’m going first. Gin, you’ll follow. I
don’t really care about the order, I just want Pansy to come last. The Chamber
will close on its own. Everyone clear?”
“Yes,” they all muttered.
“Fabulous!” Harry waved, then jumped into the pipe with a whoop, much to
everyone’s amusement.
“Can you tell he does this a lot?” Ginny joked, stepping up to the pipe. “I’ll
see everyone on the other side,” she added before climbing into the pipe and
sliding down in a much calmer manner.
When she got to the bottom, she found herself faced with Harry’s helping hand
and a scowling Salazar Slytherin. “Up we go.” Harry chuckled, helping her to
her feet as Parvati slid down. Ginny moved out of the way as Harry helped the
other girl up, then continued helping people up until Pansy came down as the
last.
“Alright!” Harry bounced over to stand next to Salazar, who was shooting him
withering glances that did nothing. “Guys, this is the infamous Salazar
Slytherin. “Salazar, these are some of the Juniors. Gin, Seam, Pan, and ‘Bini
you’ve met. However, the other two lovely young ladies are Lisa Turpin and
Parvati Patil, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.”
“If you don’t stop bouncing–“ Salazar growled.
“Yes, yes, I know. You’ll cut off my happy parts. Thank you, Salazar.” Harry
snorted, still bouncing.
“Harry, do you have a jumping bean up your arse?” Seamus snorted.
“No, he’s just trying to annoy me so I’ll leave you all alone.” Salazar
growled, turning. “Follow me.”
“Nice fellow, don’t you agree?” Harry grinned and bounced after the ghost,
effectively blocking the hex sent his way by the Founder.
The other Juniors traded grins before following.
                                     -~*~-
“I swear, that slide mucks itself up every time I ride it down,” Harry
complained, pulling off his robe and tossing it on the floor.
Seamus gave a whistle. “Going out somewhere, sexy?”
Harry shot the teen a grin. “I was, but the date got cancelled on account of
defecting Death Eaters, don’t ya know.”
“What’d the date do when they saw you dressed in that?” Pansy asked, settling
in one of the chairs before the fireplace. They still had about an hour before
they could safely move out so they had all gathered in Salazar’s bedroom, much
to the ghost’s annoyance.
“Gaped like a fish.” Harry sniggered.
“You look like a delinquent,” Salazar informed the young man, coming through
the wall behind him. “And when did you get a tattoo?”
“You have a tattoo?!” Parvati squealed. “Let’s see!”
“Gryffindors,” Salazar grumbled as Harry turned to show Parvati and Lisa.
“Aren’t you nice, today,” Harry snorted at the ghost. “Godric still won’t shag
you?”
“That reminds me, have you and Marvolo shagged yet?” Salazar shot back coldly.
The room froze. Ginny, Pansy, Blaise, and Seamus all watched Harry in concern.
The two Slytherins and Seamus had all gotten the basic run-through of what had
happened to Harry with his cousin, since they’d missed the original telling.
Lisa and Parvati both looked confused.
“Now, really, Salazar, you just gave away the big secret to Lisa and Parvati!”
Harry complained before turning to the girls. “Gin’s not my girlfriend. I’m
dating Marcus Brutús.”
“That’s why you could get into his rooms!” Parvati realized.
“That’s one reason,” Harry agreed. “But I still stand by the fact that I get to
order him around.”
“Kinky.”
“Not really.” Harry shrugged. “He doesn’t bottom well.”
The two girls squealed in delight while his other four friends stared at Harry.
“Harry?” Ginny asked softly.
The green-eyed wizard smiled slyly. “I’m fine, Gin. I’m over it.”
Ginny let out a relieved sigh. “I thought you were going to explode for a
moment there.”
:You told them,: Salazar hissed, coming to stand next to Harry as Parvati and
Lisa went to gossip.
:Yes…: Harry glanced at the two gossipers. “If you spread that around, I might
have to take up Voldemort’s habit of Crucioing people, ladies.”
The two young women paled and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Thank you.” Harry nodded before sitting on the bed and glancing up at Salazar.
:You never answered my question.:
Salazar scowled. :No, he won’t.: He sat next to Harry on the bed, looking
downcast. :It’s so aggravating!:
:Maybe he still hasn’t forgiven you for going off on your travels.:
:He says he has…:
:Then maybe it’s something else. Do you want me to see if I can talk to him?:
: Please.:
Harry stood and stretched. :He’s in his room?:
: Yes. He won’t leave the place!:
Harry nodded and glanced around at everyone. “Hey, guys?” The Juniors turned
their attention back to him. “I just remembered that I had something to attend
to while I was here. I’ll be back by the time we have to leave. Salazar’s
promised not to flambé anyone.”
:Ew.: Salazar snorted.
:Hush, you.: Harry grinned at him before glancing back at the Juniors. “Any
questions?”
“Yeah. Does this have anything to do with Marcus?” Pansy asked as seriously as
she could manage while grinning.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the witch. “Much as it might surprise you, no. I,
actually, have to deal with something pertaining to my family,” he said
cryptically before sneaking out a hidden door that was between the bookcases.
“Nobody knows this school like our Harry.” Blaise sighed.
“True,” Ginny agreed. “So very true.”
                                     -~*~-
“Godric? Can I have a word?”
“How’d you get in?” Godric asked suspiciously. “And aren’t you suspended?”
“I came in through Salazar’s room. As for the suspension, yes, I’m suspended,
but I had to drop in for a few things. I need to talk to you.”
“So you’ve said.” Godric motioned to the chair that had just appeared for his
Heir. “Sit and talk away.”
Harry scowled and didn’t sit. “Godric, why are you being difficult for
Salazar?”
“Maybe I don’t want anything to do with that slimy snake!” Godric spat. “And
why are you on his side, anyway?!”
“Because he helped me get over my problems,” Harry said calmly. “When I needed
someone to yell at, he let me yell. When I needed someone to talk to about my
past, he’d listen. When I needed to cry, he let me cry. He knows everything
there is about me. When he needs my help back, I help him. Now, tell me the
real reason.”
“That is the real reason,” Godric hissed, turning away.
Harry stepped in front of him. “It is not, and you know it. For that matter,
it’s not even a proper reason. He was as much a slimy snake when you made
Hogwarts as he is now. What’s really bothering you?”
“Nothing.” Godric sniffed.
“Was it that trip he took around the world? Was it the fact that he hasn’t
visited you in however many centuries it’s been? What’s the reason, Godric?”
“What would you have to talk to Salazar about?” Godric shot back.
Harry rolled his eyes. “You’re avoiding the issue.”
“There is no issue.”
“You’re killing him!” Harry shouted suddenly.
Godric looked like he’d been slapped. “He’s already dead, Harry.”
“And he misses you and you miss him. Why don’t you just get your head out of
your arse and tell someone what’s got you being so damn difficult!”
“I’m not being difficult.”
“Coulda fooled me.”
“Are you smart-mouthing me?”
“I’m hardly scared of a wimp,” Harry replied coldly.
“Shut up. You know nothing.”
“I know plenty,” Harry replied dryly. “What I don’t know, and I’m trying to
find out, is why you’re being such a bastard to the man who means the world to
you and has meant the world to you for centuries.”
“I don’t need to tell you anything, you little brat.”
“Well you obviously need to tell someone.” Harry snorted. “ ‘Cause I’m sick of
my ancestor being a prick.”
“Watch your tongue!” Godric yelled, glaring at the teen
“Make me.” Harry smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. “I dare you.”
“You’re asking for it, you little whore,” the Founder said dangerously.
Harry let out a hiss. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t call me that again.”
“Why not?” Godric spat. “Does it bother you, my Heir?”
“Actually, yes. And, seeing as how I’m supposed to be leading a raid in about
twenty minutes and really don’t feel like breaking down right before I have to
go, I really must ask you not to use it again.”
Godric froze. “Breaking down… What?” His eyes narrowed. “You were raped,
weren’t you?”
Harry glanced upwards. “Perhaps, but we’re not here to talk about my shit life,
Godric. We’re here to find out why you’re avoiding Salazar.”
“Who raped you?”
“No one of any concern to you. Answer the question.”
“Not until you answer mine.”
“Then we are at a stand-still and I don’t have the time to argue this out with
you. Go ask Salazar, if you feel you must know. At least then you’ll be talking
to him,” Harry grumbled before turning and walking back towards the way he’d
come in.
“Heirs. Who needs them,” Godric grumbled before turning and going into his
bedroom.
                                     -~*~-
:He was being more difficult than usual,: Harry groaned as he stepped into the
room.
Salazar glanced at him worriedly. :He said something to you, didn’t he? You’re
pale.:
: I’ll be fine. If he starts bugging you about who raped me, though, be a
Slytherin and tell him he has to tell you what the fuck his problem is before
you tell him,: Harry muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose. :I could really
use a big hug right now, though.:
Salazar snorted and gave the teen the hug, smiling when Harry rested his head
on the ghost’s shoulder and closed his eyes. :What did he say, little
Gryffindor?:
Harry shook his head and tugged out of the comforting embrace. :I’ll tell you
when I get back, maybe. Not now, though. We should really leave.:
Salazar nodded. :Whatever it was, don’t let it bother you. Take up Marvolo’s
habit and take it out on your target.:
Harry gave a bitter laugh. :That would be painful for Perc, and then no one
else would get their chance.:
“Hey, Harry, you okay?” Ginny asked, concerned.
“Nerves.” Harry shrugged.
“Really?” Ginny said in disbelief.
Harry smiled. “Totally. If we fuck up, Voldie’s gonna kick my arse from here to
America.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Or just hand me over to Lucius.
Whichever he finds more amusing at the time.”
“No he wouldn’t,” Seamus replied. “He likes you too much.”
“Good point.” Blaise sniggered.
“Anyway, if he just swats you around a few times, what do you think he’ll do to
the rest of us?” Lisa teased.
Harry traded looks with Salazar. :Send them to Godric, maybe,: the Founder said
slyly.
Harry cracked up. “The ultimate punishment! Oh, I can see it now.”
“What?” Pansy asked suspiciously.
Harry smirked while Salazar sniggered behind him. “Parselmouths’ secret.”
“Not fair!” Ginny shouted, getting up and charging at her brother.
Harry laughed again as they landed on the floor, Ginny on top. “You may win
this time, but I’ll never tell!”
“Harry!”
Harry’s eyes glittered madly. “It’s time to leave, by the way.”
“I’m not getting up!”
“I don’t need you to,” Harry said before flipping them and standing. “Come on,
you.” He held out a hand to help her up.
Ginny took the offered hand and, with a smirk, pulled Harry downwards. “Tell!”
Harry rolled over her head and to his feet, smirking at her over his shoulder.
“You’ll have to get up earlier in the morning than that to get information out
of me, Miss Weasley.”
“Oooh…” Ginny groaned and got to her feet. “You’re cheating.”
“I’m Slytherin. I use what I have and know to my advantage,” Harry replied,
calling his robe to him and donning it. “I need everyone to transfigure their
robes to the ones you wore at your initiation. Parvati, come here and I’ll fix
yours.”
Once everyone had changed and had pulled their hoods up and over their faces,
they gazed at Harry, who was still in the plain black robes without a hood.
“Form a circle and grab hands, then concentrate on me. I want no noise. If I
lose my concentration, I could end up splinching everyone.”
:Good luck,: Salazar offered quietly, moving away from the Apparation Circle.
Harry smiled and concentrated on the magicks of each of his friends. It was
dangerous enough to apparate yourself, but it was considered insane to apparate
someone with you. It took a lot of trust and a powerful wizard for such an act
to be performed.
Harry shifted the magick and closed his eyes. “Apparate Omnes!”
                                     -~*~-
Harry opened his eyes carefully and gave a sigh of relief. “Everyone in one
piece?”
Six “Yes”es responded.
“Good. Same positions as when you went down the chute. No sound. Wands out.
Follow me,” Harry ordered softly before turning and creeping through the empty
front chamber towards the elevators. Tom? We’re in, he sent to the Dark Lord as
he motioned for everyone to get into one of the elevators.
Told you you could do it.
Lovely. Where to?
Head up to Auror Headquarters…I can’t remember the level…
Harry rolled his eyes and hit the single button on the elevator that said
“Emergency Rush”. Good thing I know, eh? he commented as a cool female voice
drifted through the elevator.
“Please state desired floor level,” the voice requested as the doors slammed
shut.
“Level two, please,” Harry replied. The elevator immediately started to move
and he grinned at everyone. “Cheer up. If we screw something up, the worst that
could happen is that the aurors'll hex us all, right?”
“Stop smiling. It’s scaring me,” Ginny muttered from beneath her hood.
Harry shrugged and faced forward again. Do we have to worry about guards?
Probably. I’m not sure if our auror is working tonight or not.
We actually have one?
Shocking, isn’t it? But, yes, we have an auror on our side. Smart fellow, too.
Name’s Cassidy Hayes. Long red hair, in case you see him.
I may have seen him once when I visited… Harry trailed off as the lift slowed
to a stop.
“Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including–“ the voice
started as the doors opened.
“Thank you,” Harry offered, smiling and waving everyone off. The doors closed
as he slipped past everyone into the lead. “Caution. If we get split up, follow
your pendant,” he said in a gentle voice. Everyone nodded in understanding and
he led them down the door-lined hallway and through a door which read: Accused
Criminals Awaiting Trial.
Harry pushed the door open and peeked down the darkened hallway. It was lined
with cells and stunk to high heaven. He closed the door and glanced at
everyone. “I hope everyone knows at least one Invisibility Charm. You’ll need
them now,” he warned them seriously. Everyone nodded. “Good. Perform them. Pan,
‘Bini, Seam, I’m depending on you three to make sure Lisa and Parvati don’t get
lost.”
“Understood, Lord,” Pansy murmured while the two wizards nodded.
Harry waited until everyone was invisible before opening the door again and
leading the way past the cells, eyes flickering back and forth in search of the
Weasley.
Percy was in a cell about halfway down the row. He’d curled up in a ball in the
far corner and was crying quietly. Harry could tell that the Silencing Charm
was still in effect. “Poor, Weasley,” he murmured as he quietly unlocked the
cell door. Percy’s head shot up, eyes shot with hope. “Poor little turncoat,”
Harry added, dropping his invisibility. “You should have remembered that the
Dark Order is for life, Weasley.”
“It is your life,” Ginny added, also dropping her spell with a cold smile and
pushing back her hood. Percy was white as a ghost. “You shouldn’t have done
that, Percy.”
Harry patted her shoulder and glanced at the others. “Guards on either side of
the cell. Lisa, Parvati, you go. Warning is 'scatter'.” The girls nodded and
stepped out into the hall again. “Pan, throw up a Silencing Barrier. We don’t
want to disturb anyone’s sleep.” Pansy smirked and threw up the barrier. “Seam,
you watch the door. Close it if the warning is shouted.” Seamus nodded and
stood at attention at the door, eyes roving the hallway.
Harry returned his gaze to the terrified Death Eater. Ginny had been hissing at
him while Harry had been giving instructions. “Percy, Voldemort tells me you’ve
never been put under Cruciatus before. We shall have to solve this problem.” He
drew out his wand and pointed it and the young man who was scrambling to his
feet, yelling soundlessly. “Crucio.”
                                     -~*~-
Harry stepped back into the hall with a cold smirk, closing the cell door
behind him. Percy lay in a pool of his own blood and piss. Pansy and Blaise had
written 'The Dark Order Is For Life' up on the wall with the Weasley’s blood.
“Caution,” Harry murmured as he started back towards the door that led to their
exit.
“Can’t we apparate here?” Ginny hissed.
“No. Warded. Hallway outside is clear, though,” he said through his teeth as
they approached their exit. Harry pushed his magick forward, searching for
disturbances or people in the hallway. When he was sure it was safe, he lead
them through. “Circle,” he hissed, pushing at the slight warding on the hall.
He could get them through, but it would trip an alarm. He didn’t care.
Make sure your destination is masked.
Got it. “Concentrate,” Harry warned. “No sound. We’re returning to Salazar’s
room.” The group nodded and Harry felt their magicks zeroing in on him. Harry
twisted it all and closed his eyes. “Apparate Omnes!”
As they disappeared, alarms sounded through the building.
                                     -~*~-
“A good job, from what I can see,” Tom said as they reappeared in Salazar’s
room.
Harry quickly caught Ginny as she fell to her knees weakly. She was slightly
green, as was everyone else. “Bathroom through that door,” he offered,
pointing. “It’s stalled.” The five seventh years hurried for the bathroom as
Harry helped Ginny to her feet and shot a look at Tom. “You might want to get
those Anti-Nausea Potions,” he suggested before leading his sister to the
bathroom and into an empty stall.
Tom offered everyone a potion quietly. He found Harry gently rubbing his
sister’s back as she dry-heaved. “Most everyone gets sick after their first
raid,” the Dark Lord said gently as he handed the potion to Harry, who helped
Ginny take it. Then the girl leaned gratefully against Harry’s chest.
“Harry didn’t get sick,” Parvati observed.
“I’ve seen worse.” Harry sighed, still rubbing circles on his sister’s back.
“Lived through worse, in fact. I don’t get sick any more.” He offered them all
a weary smile. “Let’s all go sit out in the bedroom, hm. Gin, do you want me to
carry you?”
“Please,” the girl whispered weakly.
Harry slipped one arm under Ginny’s knees and stood with her carefully. He
followed the other Juniors out to the sitting room and sat in a large, plush
chair with Ginny in his lap. Tom sat on the arm and dangled a potion in front
of his face. “If you don’t take this now, you’ll regret it later, trust me,” he
warned.
Harry rolled his eyes and downed the potion, making a face. “Ugh.”
“What is it?” Pansy asked, hugging her legs to her chest.
“Helps with power drains. Apparation isn’t an easy task as it is, but
Apparation Circles are draining, even with the magick boost from you all. Harry
performed two, plus an Invisibility Charm, the Cruciatus Curse, and the Killing
Curse, I believe?”
“Yes.” Harry leaned against the Dark Lord’s side, holding Ginny tight against
his chest. “Now I’m getting tired. Thanks, Marcus.”
The Juniors gave a weak giggle all around. “I feel giddy,” Lisa informed them
all.
“That’s why I dislike the Anti-Nausea Potion,” Tom grumbled, folding his arms
around Harry and Ginny. “They make people insanely giddy for an hour.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” Harry muttered, pulling away from his lover. “We
need to make sure everyone gets back safely.”
“Go through my room,” Godric suggested from the door between the bookcases.
Salazar was glaring at him.
“I’m too tired to fight with you two, so stuff it,” Harry shot at the two
ghosts coldly. Then he turned to Ginny, who had fallen asleep. “Seam, Parvati,
can I trust one of the two of you to get Gin to bed?”
“Yes,” the two chorused, smiling.
“Perfect. Seam, here, take her.” Harry sighed, standing carefully.
Ginny stirred as she was handed over. “Hawwy?” she slurred.
“Go back to sleep, little sister. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Harry said gently,
brushing her hair out of her face and cancelling the transfiguration on her
robe.
Tom pulled Harry’s wand from his hand and steadied the young wizard as he
swayed. “No more magic, Mr Potter. You’re exhausted enough as it is.”
“Sorry,” Harry muttered, pulling away to stand on his own. “Marcus, we have to
lead Lisa back. She doesn’t know the way.”
Godric snorted as the Gryffindors and Slytherins slid past him back towards his
room. “Lisa will come with me,” the ghost said sharply. “Make sure that little
horror gets some sleep,” he added, shooting a look at Tom.
Tom swooped Harry up in his arms, much to the three on-lookers’ amusement and
Harry’s annoyance. “As you order, Gryffindor. Harry, stop whining.” Harry
muttered something and rested his head against Tom’s chest as the Dark Lord
chuckled. “Hush, love,” he whispered, kissing the teen’s scar before nodding
seriously to the two ghosts and the Ravenclaw. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Tom smiled at the teen who’d fallen asleep in his arms as he took the back way
from the Chamber up to his room.
***** Chapter 38 *****
Harry opened his eyes to a set of scarlet orbs. “Tom?”
“Good morning, lovely.” Tom smiled. “How are you this morning?”
“Groggy,” Harry decided after giving it a brief moment of thought. Then he
buried his face in Tom chest with a sigh. I just killed someone, didn’t I?
“Yes.” Tom ran a hand through Harry’s wild mane of hair. “Do you regret it?”
I haven’t decided yet. The teen pulled away from the warm hug and sat up with a
sigh. “I should make a run for my house. If Dumbledore thinks the way I’m
expecting him to think, I’ll have to be there.”
“Oh, come now, no breakfast? No watching how the rest of the school reacts?”
Tom sat up next to Harry and drew the younger wizard back against his chest.
“You can watch Ronald blow his top.”
Harry bit his lip, trying hard not to smile. “Oh, yeah. Should be loads of fun.
What about Dumbledore?”
“We’ll send a message to Rodolphus and Petunia, tell them they’ll probably have
to make it seem like you’re still asleep or something.”
“We can send a message that quickly?” Harry turned his head and frowned at his
lover.
Tom gave him a mischievous smile and kissed his nose. “Of course. Get changed
and change your size–”
“Am I allowed to now?” Harry interrupted, rubbing his nose with a scowl.
“You should be.” Tom nodded. “At any rate, we’re dropping by the dungeons
before breakfast.”
“Oh, a potion. I should have guessed.” Harry snorted and stood, stretching.
“Stiff… Ow…”
Tom chuckled and got up to attack his wardrobe. “I could have told you magical
exhaustion did that.”
“But you didn’t. You’re rude like that,” the teen grumbled darkly, shooting a
cleaning spell at his shirt, which Tom had left on the back of a chair, and his
trousers, which he was still wearing. “At least these trousers aren’t so stiff
anymore,” he added thoughtfully, pulling his shirt on while Tom laughed. “Hey,
where’s my robe?”
“Blood’s difficult to get off clothing.” Tom sighed, running a hand through his
hair and turning to glance at the younger wizard. “There are spells, but you
have to perform them within an hour if you want them to work, and I was too
tired by the time I got both of us in here to deal with it, so I just tossed
your robe in the fire.” He grimaced. “Sorry. I can give you a robe, if you
want.”
The teen shrugged. “Do I look like I care? I have more black robes then I know
what to do with, Tom. It’s no big loss. Though, sure, I’ll take a robe.”
“Glad you’re so easy-going. Don’t wear school robes on an attack again and see
how you like it,” Tom muttered, tossing the teen a black robe from his
wardrobe.
“Hey, all my black robes are for school, love. I’ll wear red robes on raids
from now on, k?” Harry replied, rolling his eyes and tugging the robe on over
his Muggle clothing.
Tom snorted and shook his head in amusement. “Clashes with your eyes. Wear
brown, instead. Then, if you want, you can just let the blood dry on there and
no one’ll be the wiser.”
Harry laughed. “Have you ever worn red on a raid?”
Tom cocked an eyebrow at his lover. “I always wear red on raids. That way, the
Death Eaters can find me.”
“As if those eyes and white-as-death skin aren’t a dead giveaway.”
“Are you making fun of Lord Voldemort?” the Dark Lord asked in mock fury.
Harry grinned. “Yes.”
Tom slinked towards the teen, smirking. “Shall I turn you over my knee and give
you a spanking?” he whispered seductively before pulling Harry into a kiss.
Harry closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around the taller man’s waist. Oh,
Merlin, please do. He groaned as Tom’s tongue caressed his.
Tom slid his palms over Harry’s clothed arse. I’d love to, but we need to send
that message. He gasped, pulling away from the kiss and resting his forehead
against Harry’s.
Damn.
Agreed. Tom smiled sadly and set a gentle kiss on Harry’s scar. Shift your size
and we can go.
Bugger, Harry muttered even as he turned his wand on himself. “Minuta Harry.”
The Dark Lord picked the teen up and set him on his shoulder, waiting until
Harry was comfortable and reasonably hidden before sweeping from his room.
                                     -~*~-
Harry hopped out from under Tom’s sleeve and hid under the Dark Lord’s plate,
sniggering silently. He’d talked Tom into placing a Silencing Charm on him
earlier, in case he slipped and spoke.
What are you up to, you little imp? Tom asked, cocking an eyebrow at the small
form.
Keeping a promise. Harry laughed, casting an Invisibility Charm on himself.
Don’t get caught, Tom warned, raising his glass to take a sip.
And you be careful about what you eat, Harry replied teasingly before slipping
down the table to prank teachers.
Tom froze, cup millimetres from his lip, and scowled before casting a general
Prank-Repelling Charm on his plate and cup discreetly before drinking. Then he
leaned over to Severus as the Death Eater sat. “Be careful with the food and
drink. The imp is prowling the table,” he suggested. Severus nodded and cast
the same charm Tom had on his own plate and cup. “Did you send it?”
“Thank you for the warning.” Severus sighed. “And, yes, it was sent, received,
and returned.”
“Perfect.” Tom sat back and served himself some eggs.
“What happened?” Severus inquired discreetly, buttering a roll.
“I’m pretty sure the Prophet will tell all,” was Tom’s cryptic reply as a loud
‘squawk’ came from down the table. The Dark Lord glanced down with a frown,
then snorted in amusement.
Dumbledore had disappeared. A rather large, elderly chicken sat in its place.
The Hall filled with laughter.
“And the imp strikes.” Severus hummed mildly. “Poor – what is it Mr Potter
calls him? – Dumbles.”
Tom gave the man a quick grin. “That depends on his mood. I’ve heard all sorts
of profanities come from that one’s mouth.”
“I’ll bet.” Severus coughed into his drink.
Tom turned and scowled at him. He would have shot a biting retort at the man,
but Professor Sprout had chosen that moment to turn into a radish, tearing
another round of laughter from the Hall.
“At least someone’s having fun,” Severus commented. The chicken was pecking at
the edge of the table in something that looked like frustration. Many of the
other teachers had pushed their plates away.
“They’ve become too lax.” Tom shrugged, leaning back with a strip of bacon. A
flash of light made him freeze and he unhexed his food before eating it. Not
funny.
Well, you cheated. You fixed your plate to repel my tricks. Had to find some
other way. Harry sniggered.
If you catch me, I’ll never live it down.
Sure you will. After all, you know who’s doing the pranking. No one else does.
What are you planning on doing to me?
Red hair, love.
What is it with you and red hair?
Well, see, it matches your eyes…
Teal, then, please, if you want it to match my eyes.
Ooh... Harry giggled insanely.
This time, when Tom saw the flash of light, he sighed and just ate the food.
The Hall around him cracked up. Even Severus snorted into his cup. “Alright,
fine. What’d he do?” the Dark Lord asked the man next to him.
“You have very lovely pink hair, Marcus,” Severus said with a straight face
before coughing politely into his hand.
Tom gave the Potions Professor an annoyed look. “Laugh already. I promise not
to murder you for it.”
The two fixed each other with firm stares. They lasted about a minute before
Severus cracked up with the rest of the Hall.
Tom patted the top of his head, then groaned. Why spikes?
I couldn’t resist the temptation. Here...
Severus gave a shout as his robes turned yellow. “Potter! I know this is
Potter’s doing!”
Severus’ exclamation, of course, sent the whole Hall into gales of laughter and
half of them off their benches, since everyone knew Harry Potter was suspended.
Tom took a sip of his pumpkin juice, shaking his head. “Leave it to you to
blame something like this on the only student not in the school.”
Severus blinked at him, then quickly took a drink of his own pumpkin juice. His
robes turned back to black. “I love pumpkin juice.” He sighed in relief.
“Is my hair back like it should be?” Tom questioned.
“Well, it’s not pink anymore…” Severus offered, refusing to look at the Dark
Lord.
Harry!
Spikes make a good hiding place, so hush, Harry replied, scampering back up the
Dark Lord’s sleeve. Owls are coming, by the way.
I’d noticed, Tom replied dryly, watching Professor Flitwick upturn Sprout’s cup
on the radish next to him. Sprout gave the Charms Professor a rather wet hug as
soon as she had arms.
Minerva sighed and held Dumbledore’s cup down to his beak as the first of the
owls flew in through the windows and started dropping onto the tables.
Tom handed the owl that came to him the five knuts for the paper, then glanced
at the headline:
                         ‘The Dark Order Is For Life’
               Suspect Death Eater Killed at Ministry Last Night
Catchy. I approve. Tom hummed nodding at the message they’d left on the wall.
Well, that is what we tell inductees.
Point. Tom glanced around the suddenly silent Hall. Many students and teachers
looked horrified. Some were crying. The Slytherin Table looked rather pleased.
Tom was pleased to see the Juniors in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw looking just as
horrified as their Housemates. Ginny, though, was looking like she couldn’t
care less about her brother’s death.
In the silence, Ron’s voice was extremely loud when he realized his sister
wasn’t affected by their brother’s death. “Ginny, don’t you care about this?
Percy was killed.”
“Percy was a Death Eater,” Ginny replied mildly.
“He defected. It says he was brought in with the intention of giving names, but
a Silencing Charm had been placed on him,” Ron hissed, standing slightly.
“He was still a Death Eater,” Ginny replied raising her glass of pumpkin juice
to her lips.
“Reducto!” Ron shouted furiously.
Ginny screamed as the cup shattered in her hand. With wide eyes she grasped her
throat, which was bleeding.
GINNY! Harry screamed. NO! I’LL MURDER HIM!
Tom grabbed the tiny figure as Harry jumped from his hair and handed him over
to Severus. “Keep him from doing anything foolish,” he hissed. The Death Eater
nodded and Tom swept from the Hall through the teacher’s entrance to go after
Ron, who had fled the Hall as soon as he’d seen the blood. Other students had
started throwing hexes at his back as it disappeared through the Hall’s doors,
but they were mostly more too about Ginny, who Pomfrey was rushing to, to go
after him.
Tom focused his magic on finding the errant Gryffindor and found that he was
running towards Hogsmeade. “Idiot!” he spat, running through the front doors
and pulling out his wand. “Expelliarmus! Locomotor Mortis!”
Catching the teen’s wand and seeing him fall to the ground, Tom slowed his run
slightly. He stuffed the wand into a pocket as he stopped next to the young
wizard. “Well, Mr Weasley, I dare say you’ve fucked up this time. If you don’t
mind me asking, where were you planning on going?” he asked, turning Ron over
onto his back.
“Apparate home,” Ron breathed. “Let me go.”
“I’m sure you’ll be seeing your home very soon, Mr Weasley,” Tom assured the
young man with a grim smile. “Though you may not be seeing your wand again if
your sister is hurt too seriously.”
Ron narrowed his eyes. “Let me go.”
“Will you come with me back into the school peacefully?”
Ron let out a growl. “Yes. Fine.”
Tom pursed his lips. “Just know I know of only one wizard with the ability to
apparate without a wand, Mr Weasley, and he resembles a snake, not you. I
wouldn’t suggest trying such an action,” he warned, standing. “Finite
Incantantum.”
Ron let out a groan as he got to his feet, then allowed his professor to lead
him back into the school. Dumbledore was standing in the entrance hall with
Severus and McGonagall. “Is my sister going to be okay, sir?” Ron asked
quickly.
“For the most part.” Dumbledore nodded. “However, you will be heading home.
Where is your wand?”
Ron turned his eyes on Tom with a sneer. “Professor Brutús has it, sir.”
Tom tightened his grip on the boy in warning and glanced up at Dumbledore. “Is
he expelled, or suspended?”
“Suspended for a month,” Dumbledore replied evenly. “The wand, Marcus.”
Tom slapped the wand in Dumbledore’s open hand angrily. “You appear to prefer
suspension to expulsion, Albus. It’s no wonder your students are able to get
away with so much,” he spat before pushing past the wizard.
Severus gave the Headmaster a cold look before following his co-worker.
“Marcus!” Tom stopped long enough to allow Severus the ability to catch up.
“The imp went with its sister,” he murmured.
“Good.” Tom ran a hand through his hair, quietly ending the spell Harry had
cast on it to put it into spikes. “How bad was it?”
“She’ll live,” Severus replied uneasily.
“That’s not reassuring, Severus,” Tom said, turning to face the man.
“The glass missed her major blood vessels, but one managed to hit her larynx,
somehow, and Poppy wasn’t sure she could fix the damage…” Severus said,
refusing to meet the Dark Lord’s eyes.
“Fuck,” Tom hissed, breaking into a run. Harry?
I’m going to murder him. Splatter his blood all over Hogwarts. Put his head on
a spike in the middle of the Quidditch pitch, Harry was muttering in his head.
Harry, love, no murdering people on school grounds. Tom sighed, stopping
outside the Infirmary. He took a deep breath, then pushed the door open.
Poppy spun, mouth open to yell, which snapped shut when she saw who it was.
“The little monsters seem to think Miss Weasley will get better quicker if
they’re in here,” the nurse muttered in response to his raised eyebrow.
Tom nodded and let the door swing shut behind him. “How is she? Severus
mentioned her larynx was hit…”
Poppy shook her head regretfully. “I can’t do anything, I’m afraid. She’ll
live, thank Merlin, but she probably won’t be speaking ever again. It’s
possible, but…” she let the words trail off.
“Lovely,” Tom muttered darkly.
“What does Albus intend to do to Mr Weasley, do you know?” Poppy asked,
motioning for him to follow her towards the back of the ward.
“Suspend him for a month,” Tom replied in a nasty voice. “Albus lets these
students go far too easily.”
Poppy nodded wearily. “I almost wish Mr Potter were back. He’d give Albus a
piece of his mind that I know we’d all enjoy right now.”
“I’ll give the Headmaster a piece of my mind,” Hermione growled as they entered
Ginny’s private room. Ginny nodded her hand in agreement, since her neck had
been secured to keep from moving while it healed.
“I’d give him a piece of my mind right now, but I’m not supposed to be here!”
Harry called in a tiny voice from on top of Ginny’s head.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the wizard while Poppy gave him a sharp look. “I
thought you were hiding.”
Poppy’s eyes shot to the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. “You knew he
was here,” she muttered.
Tom sighed. “Hermione and I brought him back with us yesterday,” he agreed,
sitting in the chair next to the pregnant witch. “Harry.”
“What? I’m sick of pretending I’m not here. And, if you’d let me, Ron wouldn’t
ever see his home again,” the young man said viciously.
“No killing people on Hogwarts grounds,” Tom and Hermione chorused wearily.
Poppy chuckled. “I have a feeling you two say this a lot.”
“We started out telling Marcus not to kill students when they drove him up the
wall, but, yes, they’ve had to tell me a lot lately,” Harry agreed. “What are
they doing with Ron? Is Dumbles finally expelling him?”
“No. He’s suspended for a month,” Tom muttered darkly.
“WHAT?!” Harry jumped off Ginny’s head and started stomping around on the table
next to the bed. “But he’s getting back before me, then! What if he hurts Gin
again?!”
“Harry, Ron’s about to spend a whole month off of Hogwarts grounds.” Hermione
chuckled. “Think about it. I’m sure Molly and Arthur would love to have you
over for a visit.”
Harry froze mid-stomp, a cold smile taking over his face as he turned to glance
back at Ginny. “Gin, can I kill him?”
Ginny appeared to think about it for a moment, then shook her hand.
“But, why not?” Harry frowned.
Ginny gave a frustrated sigh and looked to Tom for help.
The Dark Lord blinked a few times. “You want a piece of him,” he deducted.
Ginny’s hand nodded and she smiled.
“Oh. I’ll just torture him a little, then,” Harry decided. Then he glanced up
at Poppy, who was standing in the room’s doorway with an unreadable expression
on her face. “Madam Pomfrey, you won’t tell the Headmaster, will you?”
Poppy shrugged. “What’s to tell? What you do off school grounds is none of my
concern. Although, if Mr Weasley is caught on school grounds during his
suspension, he could be either suspended for another month or expelled,” she
suggested with a wink before leaving them to their plotting and closing the
door.
“That woman was a Slytherin, I just know it,” Harry muttered.
“Actually, she was a Ravenclaw,” Tom volunteered. The three students stared at
him in shock. “What? She was in the same year as me in school.”
“Too bad she’s so firmly on the Light.” Harry sighed. “She’s fun.”
“Medics don’t do well on the Dark side.” Tom shrugged. “Our ideals are too
opposite.”
“Oh, yeah, that whole kill-everyone-you-don’t-like deal,” Harry teased.
“You don’t seem to fall under that category.” Hermione laughed at the miniature
Boy-Who-Lived.
“I’m special.” Harry snorted, sitting on the edge of the table. “Anyway, I’m
more of a prankster than a murderer.”
“Could have fooled me.” Tom smirked and leaned back in his chair.
“Hey! What happened to your hair?!”
“Stop whining. I wasn’t wearing that ridiculous hair-style any longer, as I
told you when you gave it to me,” Tom shot back evenly. “I’m sure your little
group will gladly make sure it’s spread to the rest of the Death Eaters that I
had spiked and pink hair for a few brief moments during breakfast.”
“Have you heard Death Eaters going on about Severus’ change in clothing from
all those weeks ago?” Harry asked.
“Actually, yes, when they don’t think I’m listening. It’s no wonder they
weren’t that surprised with the leniency I keep giving you.”
“Yes, I am a rather lucky wizard when it comes to insulting you, aren’t I?”
“And then some.” Hermione coughed.
Harry scowled at her. “Good thing I don’t have old Voldie’s temper.”
“Excuse me.” Tom snorted. “You do. But, as you’ve said, you’re not a murderer.”
“Yeah, you prank everyone instead,” Hermione teased.
“Gin, don’t cry,” Harry said suddenly, jumping back onto the bed and hugging
her finger.
“I think she wants to add to the conversation,” Hermione whispered, settling a
hand on the girl’s arm.
Ginny nodded her free hand tearfully.
Tom glanced around. “Where’s your wand, Gin? I just recalled a spell I saw once
that’ll spell your direct thoughts out in air.”
Ginny tugged her wand out from under her pillow and blinked at the Dark Lord.
“You’ll have to concentrate and learn to cast spells without speaking, so let’s
consider this practise, hm?” Tom suggested. “You’ll have to focus a bit harder
than if you–“ Tom scowled and glanced at Harry, since Hermione was giggling.
“Why is she giving me that look?”
“I taught the DA how to perform wordless spells last year,” Harry said smugly.
“Why am I not surprised.” Tom groaned. “Fine. The incantation is ‘Ostentatio
Mens’. You have to point your wand at yourself.”
Ginny pointed her wand at herself and moved her lips soundlessly. After a
moment ‘Is it working?’ appeared just above her head.
Harry and Hermione both gave loud cheers while Tom nodded at the bed-ridden
girl. “Great job, Gin.”
‘Thanks, Tom. How long will it last?’
“I haven’t the slightest clue, unfortunately. We’ll have to go by trial and
error, unless our resident librarian would like to go look it up?”
Hermione punched the Dark Lord’s arm. “That was horribly rude.”
“Ha! I’m not the only one who can get away with lots of stuff!”
“I’m not a Death Eater, thank you very much,” Hermione said, head held high.
“I should hope not.” The door opened and Poppy frowned at the group. Severus
was behind her, a wand to the back of her head.
“She was eavesdropping,” the dour Potions professor explained, closing the door
behind them.
Hermione paled while Ginny gave the witch an angry look. ‘Going to tell
Dumbledore, I’ll bet!’
Harry jumped off the bed and returned himself to his true size, expression cold
and serious. “Was that what you were planning?” he hissed as Tom set up a
belated Silencing Barrier.
“I was, at the start,” Poppy said bravely. “After all, Albus needs to know when
he has Death Eaters running through the school, especially when you, Mr Potter
are one.”
“He already suspects me, anyway.” Harry snorted. “Percy was kind enough to name
me before Lucius silenced him. You said you were?”
“Yes,” Poppy replied simply.
“Mind expanding on that?” Tom asked, fingering his wand lazily.
Poppy gave the professor a grim smile. “Why, yes, Voldemort, if you really want
me to.”
Five wands were immediately pointed at the medi-witch. “How?” Harry asked,
green eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Oh, I’ll remember Tom Riddle for the rest of my life; he’s not a young man
easy to forget,” Poppy said idly. “When you started working here, I suspected
it might be you, but you neither looked nor sounded like him, and you appeared
decades younger, so I ignored my suspicions. However, you mentioned that you
were in school with me, and I didn’t recall any Marcus Brutúses during that
time…” She shrugged.
“Ravenclaw, eh?” Harry snorted, shooting Tom a look.
“Told you,” the Dark Lord shot his lover a quick grin before returning his cold
gaze to the nurse. “What did you mean by were, Poppy?”
“Because while neither the elder Tom Riddle I once knew nor the Voldemort I
know of now would have ever cared enough to help someone with a disability when
they needed the help, the Tom Riddle who I was friends with in our first four
years at Hogwarts would have,” Poppy said softly, eyes sad. “And, though you’re
right, Tom, we medics don’t agree with you, I, for one, don’t plan on putting
an end to this change in you by telling Albus about this, especially since
you’re not hurting anyone here at Hogwarts.”
Harry and Tom traded glances. I trust her, Harry decided.
I–
Tom, for Merlin’s sake, she was once your only friend in school and she’s
willing to give you a chance! You need a friend here who is your own age.
But, Harry, Poppy Pomfrey?
Yes, Tom, Poppy Pomfrey. She’ll be good for you, at any rate.
I don’t like that condescending tone, young man.
Harry laughed aloud, putting his wand away. “You’re such an idiot.”
Poppy’s eyes widened as she saw the cold look on the Dark Lord’s face. “Tom–”
“An idiot, Harry? Was that the best you could come up with?” Tom asked in a
chilling voice.
Harry and Ginny were the only ones who didn’t appear worried by the Dark Lord’s
tone and gaze. “Well, no, but, you see, there are ladies present,” Harry
replied.
‘Oh, stop messing around, you two,’ Ginny berated them, forcing the lettering
between the two wizards. ‘You’ve got Herm worried.’
“Oops. Didn’t mean to do that,” Tom said lightly. “I thought you knew better,
Herm.”
Harry laughed at the looks on Poppy and Severus’ faces as Hermione punched the
Dark Lord in the arm again. “Hey, Tom, this is almost as much fun as that time
I called you a jackarse at a meeting!”
“Harry, you were the only one who thought that was fun. I was a bit annoyed,
and everyone else was fighting a heart attack,” Tom shot back.
“Nagini thought it was brilliant, actually.”
“She would.” Tom groaned, shaking his head helplessly. “Between the two of you,
I haven’t the slightest clue how I’ve managed to stay sane.”
Harry coughed delicately as everyone else smiled. “Tom, you’re not sane. We’ve
been over this.”
“I am too sane!”
“Now you sound like a two-year-old. Stomp your foot and I’ll make it three,”
Harry teased.
Tom shrugged and stomped his foot, getting a round of laughter. “I’m a
Slytherin. I take advantage of everything.”
“I take it you’ve decided to trust me?” Poppy inquired.
“Yup!” Harry settled gently on the edge of Ginny’s bed. “I decided Tom needed a
friend in Hogwarts that was his own age.”
“You decided?” Poppy questioned.
“I’m not sane, remember?” Tom replied, returning to his seat. “Harry has to
look after my well-being.”
‘Among other things.’
“Did you wish to say something, Gin?” Tom said in an overly happy voice.
‘I thought I just did.’
“My Lord, I believe Miss Weasley is merely egging you on,” Severus offered
mildly.
‘Oh, Tom knows that, Professor. He’s just being a prat.’
“I do appear to be a prat quite often these days, don’t I?” Tom agreed.
A knock came on the door suddenly and everyone froze. “See. I told you that
Silencing Barrier was needed,” Harry offered before shrinking himself and
hiding under Ginny’s hand.
“Smart arse,” Tom shot back before taking the Barrier down and nodding at the
nurse to open the door.
Poppy pulled the door open. “Molly! Arthur!” she said happily then, not as
happily, “Headmaster.”
“Here’s your chance to give him a piece of your mind,” Tom teased Hermione
quietly as the three stepped into the room.
“Ginny!” Molly cried tearfully before hugging her daughter tightly.
‘You left Ron in the house by himself?!’ Ginny cried through her magical
lettering.
“Fred and George are there,” Arthur assured her.
“Where’d you learn that spell, my dear?” Dumbledore inquired innocently as his
eyes travelled over to Hermione.
‘Marcus taught me, sir.’ Ginny explained.
Dumbledore’s eyes shot to the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. “I see…
Marcus, have you heard anything from Harry this morning?”
All the eyes in the room shot to the Headmaster as Tom narrowed his eyes.
“Should I have?”
“I was just wondering, since he’s not a Privet Drive.”
“Where else would he be?” Hermione murmured.
“That was my question, especially since that shadow of his is there…”
Dumbledore shrugged and offered a smile. “Let me know if you do hear anything
from him, of course. Good day.” The Headmaster left among stares.
Poppy closed the door and Tom threw up a new Silencing Barrier rather quickly.
“How does he do that?!” Harry shouted once Ginny let him free. “Severus, you
said Rodolphus and Aunt Petunia were covering our arses!”
“Harry, calm down!” Hermione ordered.
“Knowing Albus, he’s got some sort of gauge on your house that checks for your
magical signature,” Poppy suggested.
“No.” Tom shook his head, frowning. “Any witch our wizard with a certain amount
of power doesn’t have a specific magical signature.”
“Is that why the Ministry still went after me when Dobby dropped the pudding?
Because I don’t have a set signature?!” Harry asked, scandalized.
Tom smiled fondly. “Yes.”
“ARGH!!” Harry punched the mattress and fell on his bum.
“Too bad Saber’s not here,” Hermione teased.
“You’re supposed to be the nice one,” Harry complained.
“Who’s Saber?” Molly inquired, smiling at the tiny wizard.
“Oh, just the bodyguard that Lucius sent me who has a bad habit of landing me
on my arse for his own amusement,” Harry replied flippantly, resizing himself
to normal. “When you two leave, can I come with you? I would like to chat with
Fred and George. And Ron, now that I think about it.”
“Oh, I don’t know…” Arthur replied thoughtfully.
‘I ORDER you two to take him with you.’ Ginny’s words spelled darkly.
“I wasn’t planning on ordering them, Gin, but, hell, whatever!” Harry tossed
his arms up in the air. “Your power’s gone to your head, missy.”
‘You were the one who made me your second, idiot.’
“I’m well aware of that, thank you.”
“Oh, stop, both of you.” Molly chuckled. “Harry, of course you can come with.
You’re always welcome at the Burrow.”
“Told ya,” Harry told his sister, blowing a raspberry at the girl.
‘Stuff it, prat.’
“So, Harry, did you have something to do with Percy’s death?” Arthur asked
suddenly, gaze serious. The room quieted and the temperature seemed to drop a
couple degrees.
“Yes. I killed him,” Harry replied coolly. “Why are you asking me?”
“Was there any specific reason?” Arthur returned just as coolly as his leader.
Harry held up a hand as Ginny began to move forward, no doubt to give her
father a piece of her mind. “Gin, let me handle this, please?” The girl nodded
and sat back, eyes filled with concern. “He was killed because he defected and
offered the Order of the Phoenix information on the Juniors, including my name.
On top of this, he attempted to kill both Herm and myself in the middle of
Muggle London, which, I noticed, they didn’t mention in the article, though I
suppose Dumbledore didn’t mention that to the Aurors, either.”
“He attacked you and Hermione?!” Molly cried, horrified. “Why Hermione?”
“Because she’s my best friend? Because she was with us.” Harry shrugged,
glancing at Tom. “Any ideas?”
“I doubt it was just because she was there. Percy gave Saber and myself the
choice to leave.”
“That may have been because you had wands, though,” Hermione pointed out.
“No…” Harry shook his head thoughtfully. “Death Eaters are trained in different
Dark Arts that would give them the upper hand over any Light wizard. Even most
Dark wizards that aren’t Death Eaters would be hard-pressed to match the skills
of a Death Eater.”
“We’re trained in combat,” Severus agreed. “And we train against each other.”
“Unpredictability,” Hermione murmured, glancing at the Dark Lord, who was
merely sitting back and letting everyone else take over the conversation. “You
said that you were trained to find their weaknesses first.”
“Not quite. We were outnumbered, in an odd way, so their best bet was waiting
for a weakness to show itself,” Harry disagreed. “It was possible to attack
Percy right off the bat and, perhaps, get a spell through, being the two
wizards they were and all, but it would have left us open for an attack, and
that wasn’t an option.”
‘You’re talking for him again.’ Ginny complained.
“He wants me to,” Harry replied with a shrug.
Tom made a face at the glare he was receiving from the bed-ridden redhead. “He
learns things faster this way.”
“Hey!”
Tom gave his lover a severe look. “You do, and you need to know this.”
“Thanks for reminding me. Merlin, but you’re such a bastard at times!”
“It’s my job.”
“You two better not be starting another fight,” Poppy said warningly. “I get
enough heart attacks without your help.”
“I will not apologize for making a point.”
“And I will not apologize for calling him names in front of Death Eaters
again.”
“You don’t know the meaning of an apology!”
‘What IS it with you two today?!’
Harry and Tom traded looks, then Harry shrugged at his sister. “Sexual
frustration.”
Ginny stared at Harry for a long moment while Hermione cracked up and the
adults in the room, except Tom, gave the teen horrified looks. ‘I’m sorry. And,
if you hadn’t exhausted yourself last night, I’m sure you wouldn’t have this
problem.’
“Ginny!” Molly cried, eyes wide.
“I’d like to see you apparate everyone to and from the Ministry,” Harry shot
back evenly. “Anyway, I wasn’t the only tired one.” Hermione was still
giggling. Severus was starting to look mildly amused. Tom had sat back in his
chair with a rather large satisfied smirk on his face. Poppy looked
scandalised. Arthur was frowning between Harry, Tom, and Ginny. Molly was,
apparently, extremely horrified by the whole discussion.
‘I wasn’t tired.’
“You could barely stand.”
‘I was sick!’
“Wait, wait!” Arthur cut in, frowning. “Ginny, you went with Harry to the
Ministry?”
‘There were seven of us, all in all.’ Ginny agreed.
“You apparated six other students?” Poppy whispered in shock. “I hope you took
a revitalizer, Mr Potter.”
“The bastard made me drink one,” Harry replied flippantly. “And I think Severus
made it, since it tasted so nasty.”
“You’re just picking fights with everyone today, aren’t you?” Severus inquired,
too amused by the whole act to care about the insult.
“Yup.”
“He’s taking out his anger on everyone one around him so he doesn’t
accidentally kill Ronald,” Tom explained.
“Oh, darn,” Hermione muttered.
“Gin wanted a piece of him, remember?” Harry replied. “And, lucky for us, she’s
not Walden Macnair.”
Severus and Tom were the only ones not confused by that statement. “Oh, I
didn’t need to remember that away from his home, Harry,” Tom complained.
“Aha.” Harry stuck his tongue out at the Dark Lord.
“Could you tell me what Macnair does?” Arthur inquired.
“You don’t want to know,” Tom, Harry, and Severus all chorused.
“I don’t know how he ever even became a Death Eater,” Harry muttered.
“It’s all in the name,” Tom replied, covering his eyes with a hand.
“Oh, so he’s the inspiration behind that name.”
“Harry, he wasn’t even born when the title Death Eater was made.”
“I’ve figured it out!” Arthur said suddenly, surprising everyone but the Dark
Lord and his second.
“About damn time,” Harry muttered.
“It only took you about twenty minutes,” Tom added, smirking.
“Now, really, he kept getting sidetracked. That’s hardly fair.”
“True. And we didn’t start dropping hints right away, either.”
“Well we couldn’t. Dumbles was in here, remember?”
“I’d attempted to forget that, actually.”
“Blame it on your poor memory.”
“No, see, that’s what Dumbledore does.”
‘Would you two shut up for a few minutes?’
“Oh, that’s right, Arthur was about to give his mighty proclamation,” Harry
said teasingly, grinning at his surrogate father, who was pale. Molly was
watching her husband with confusion.
“Voldemort,” Arthur said shakily.
Harry clapped wildly. “Hey, Tom, he caught you!”
“I should hex you,” the Dark Lord muttered nodding at Arthur. “Yes.”
Molly gasped. “Merlin’s beard!”
“Why didn’t you tell them when you inducted them?” Hermione asked of her best
friend with an annoyed look.
“It’s more fun to have everyone figure it out themselves,” Harry replied
gleefully.
“Slytherin,” Severus coughed into his hand.
Harry smirked. “I’m not a Slytherin, I’m the Dark Lady.”
Molly, Arthur, and Poppy stared while Severus had a coughing fit, Tom fell out
of his chair in laughter, and both Hermione and Ginny started crying, they were
laughing so hard. ‘Harry, that was a HORRIBLE joke!!’
“Then why are you all laughing?” Harry teased.
“We’re laughing because it was so bad,” Tom gasped, getting back into his
chair. “Where in Merlin’s name do you get these things?!”
“Pull them out of my mind, just like any other teenager,” Harry replied,
glancing up at the three adults who didn’t get it. “Oh, come now. You don’t
really think I’m dating Ginevra Weasley, do you?”
“I think I need to sit down,” Poppy muttered, drawing herself up a chair and
settling in it with wide eyes.
“Then, why the ring?” Arthur asked while Molly rubbed at her eyes a few times.
Harry held his hand out to the Dark Lord and cocked an eyebrow at the man.
“What makes you think I have them?” Tom asked mischievously.
“Tom, you know that doesn’t work when I saw you stuff them into your pocket
this morning.” Harry snorted, rolling his eyes.
“You cheated,” the Dark Lord complained, handing the papers over.
Harry passed them over to Arthur. “It was Gin’s Christmas present. Well, the
rest of it. Her real boyfriend suggested she wear the ring on her ring finger
to drive Ron up the wall.”
“And it worked a bit too well,” Hermione added.
“I’ll be damned.” Arthur shook his head, handing the papers over to his wife.
“Oh, Harry, this is wonderful.” Molly sighed, handing the papers back to the
teen, who smiled and gave the papers back to his lover.
“What is it?” Poppy inquired mildly.
“Harry made Gin his sister over Christmas,” Tom explained.
“It was horridly adorable, too.” Hermione sighed happily.
“Hermione!” Harry cried with a blush.
“It was, you know,” Tom murmured.
“Tom!”
“I thought you got over that whole blushing issue of yours,” Tom teased.
Harry turned to Gin. “Gin, he’s being mean to me!”
The girl was giggling silently. ‘Then go shut him up.’
Harry blinked a few time. “Oh. Okay.” Then he got up and, sitting himself in
Tom’s lap facing the man, kissed the Dark Lord.
Tom wrapped his arms around Harry’s middle and let his eyes slide shut. I could
get used to this.
Harry pulled away, smirking. You always say that.
That would be because I always mean it, lovely, he replied, cocking an eyebrow
at the teen. I thought we went over all this already.
Probably. Harry glanced over his shoulder at Ginny. “Did it work?”
‘You two look far too good together.’
“Ginny!” Molly cried, shocked.
“We could always let you join us one time,” Tom said suggestively.
Ginny laughed. ‘I don’t think Mum’ll go for it, Tom.’
“Pity. We could have invited Lucius, too. Nice little foursome going.”
“You know, it’s a good thing I happen to know you’re joking.” Harry snorted.
‘And Harry’s not the jealous sort.’ Ginny added.
“Yes, he is, actually,” Tom replied. “It’s a Gryffindor trait. OW!”
Harry smiled innocently at his lover. “I dare you to repeat that.”
“No, thank you.” Tom groaned, resting his head on Harry shoulder. “You’re a
horrible little child.”
“So you keep telling me.”
‘Aren’t they cute?’ Ginny asked once certain neither wizard was watching.
“Yes…” Molly decided while Hermione and Poppy nodded. Arthur shrugged
indecisively and Severus looked upwards.
“Thanks,” Harry said slyly. “You’ve gone and forgotten about those eyes in the
back of my head, little sister.”
“How do you do that?!” Hermione cried.
Harry shook his head. “Family secret.”
Tom chuckled against his neck. “It is, isn’t it?”
“Now, see, you cheated.”
“Eye for an eye.”
“Stuff it, you sod.”
‘What ARE you two going on about?’ Ginny asked, exasperated.
“The Avada Kedavra that rebounded when I was an infant split our gifts between
each of us,” Harry explained. “It’s why I speak Parsel.”
‘So, the Gryffindor line has the ability to see out the back of their heads?’
Ginny said.
“No. The Gryffindor line is a line of Metamorphmagi,” Tom replied calmly.
“Harry really does have eyes in the back of his head to keep an eye on
everyone.”
Nearly everyone in the room gaped at the two. ‘That’s why you can switch forms
so easily!’ Ginny realized.
“Yeah, but he just uses a glamour, most of the time,” Harry muttered.
“I’m waiting for some brilliant teacher to actually toss an Anti-Glamour Charm
at me,” Tom agreed. “Mass panics are fun, when they’re planned.”
“You’re a real bastard,” Hermione decided, turning to Harry. “Harry, if you’re
a Metamorphmagus, why not change your shape more often?”
“It takes practise, and I didn’t actually fully come in to my gift until my
seventeenth birthday, probably due do Tom’s attack,” Harry explained. “Anyway,
like any good aspiring Slytherin, I keep my advantages secret until they can be
used.”
‘Or any good Order trainee.’ Ginny grumbled.
“Oh, Herm told you.” Harry shrugged. “Yeah, that’s one of the things Mad-Eye
was always spouting off.”
“And you took it to heart.” Tom sighed helplessly. “Gryffindors. OW!”
“Slytherins don’t learn well, do they?” Harry sniggered.
“Not particularly, no,” Tom agreed wearily. “Now stop pinching me, you vixen.”
Molly was smiling at the two wizards. “Harry, I believe you wanted a word with
the twins?”
“Actually, it’s more along the lines of answering questions I know they’ll
have, but, yes.” He glanced up at her. “You want me to stop pinching Tom?”
“Probably for the best,” Arthur agreed.
“Damn.”
Tom chuckled and drew Harry into a gentle kiss. : Do you want me to visit this
week?:
: No. I need to drop by Diagon Alley for those charm bracelets. And, before you
start that old argument again, yes, you are too getting one.:
: I don’t do bracelets.:
: I’ll get you a crown, then. It should go nicely with that white snakeskin
you’re so damned fond of.:
: Can’t go wrong with crowns.:
: Oh, you’re horrid.: Harry chuckled, tugging from Tom’s embrace and standing.
“Don’t you start hexing students, now.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Hermione promised, grinning.
“You’re the best.” The young man kissed Hermione’s cheeks and hugged her
gently. “Be careful with yourself.”
“Yes, dear.”
“Hey, Tom can get just as jealous as me,” Harry warned teasingly before walking
over to Ginny’s bed. “I expect you out of here next time I’m wreaking havoc
here at Hogwarts, missy, or I’ll be one very upset big brother.”
‘Yes, Harry.’
Harry kissed her forehead gently. “I’ll make sure Ron gets his nicely for you.”
‘And don’t you kill him till I get a go.’ Ginny said warningly.
“Yes, yes, I know. You’re not Walden.”
‘Tell me. Come on.’
“One of the things I dislike most in this world is projectile vomiting, dear
Gin, so you’ll have to wait till you can move around again,” Harry said,
waggling a finger in her face. He glanced at Severus. “Once I’ve left, make
sure Ted gets his arse up here. If you have to, tell him I ordered it.” Severus
nodded and Harry glanced at the nurse next to him. “Poppy, I’d appreciate it if
you’d let Theodore Nott in to see Gin whenever he drops by, baring class times,
of course.”
“As long as he doesn’t upset her,” Poppy replied seriously.
“I think the only thing upsetting about visits from Ted would be him leaving,”
Tom offered, standing with a groan. “Harry, you’re getting heavy.”
“Calluses from landing on my arse so often.”
“That explains why it was so rough. Oh, wait, sorry. That was those trousers.”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Dark Lord as Hermione cracked up helplessly and
Ginny giggled silently. “I thought you liked my trousers.”
“Your trousers are lovely, dearest, but I’d rather prefer them off you, I
think.”
“Such language in front of the ladies.” Harry tutted.
‘Oh, come on, Harry. Show off that outfit of yours.’
“And give me back my robe, you brat,” Tom added.
“You’re borrowing his clothing now?” Hermione laughed.
“What? Mine had blood on it,” Harry muttered, pulling the robe off and tossing
it is Tom’s face. “There, you whiny baby.”
: I’m only whiny ‘cause I didn’t get my sex this weekend,: Tom shot back,
shrinking the robe and putting it in a pocket.
: I’m sure you can hang on for a couple of days.:
“Harry James Potter! Is that a tattoo?!” Molly shouted.
“Dude, there’s a mirror behind me!” Harry laughed, grinning at his surrogate
mum. “Yeah, it’s a tattoo. What are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing works, trust me,” Hermione suggested. “He wasn’t even slightly
regretful while he was going on about how painful it was.”
Poppy leaned over behind the teen to get a close look at the tattoo. “So, who
generally wins; the phoenix, or the basilisk?”
Harry shrugged. “Once, the phoenix would have always won. Now, though, the
basilisk keeps winning,” he said mildly.
“It depends on your mind set,” Arthur deducted and Harry nodded. “Clever.”
“I rather thought so,” Harry agreed. “So, are we leaving then?”
“Yes.” Molly smiled helplessly.
“Size down, you brat,” Tom ordered, rolling his eyes. “He’ll probably ride in
your hair, Molly. It’s his favourite hiding place.”
“Of course.” Molly nodded, leaning down to pick up the tiny form and setting
him on her shoulder.
Harry waved at everyone happily before scrambling up into Molly’s bun. Okay.
Bye!
“He says he’s ready,” Tom told the two elder Weasleys with a grin.
“Good bye, everyone,” Molly offered before following her husband out the door.
***** Chapter 39 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Ron was reading a letter, many others strewn across the bed around him, when
Harry walked into his room. He didn’t even appear to have noticed the slightly
younger wizard enter.
“I see Fred and George were able to keep their tempers in check,” Harry
mentioned, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms over his chest.
Ron glanced up. “What do you want, Harry?”
Harry stepped up to the bed and picked up a letter to glance at. It was from
Percy and dated back to October. “You’ve been writing to Percy. I see. Is this
why you blew up when Ginny didn’t care?”
Ron snatched the letter from Harry’s grasp and started piling them all together
neatly. “Perhaps.”
Harry smiled coldly. “He says something about me, doesn’t he?” Ron froze, eyes
on his outstretched hand. “In that letter you were reading? It looked like it
was the most recent.”
“He said some things, yes.”
“Did he call me a Death Eater, Ron? Tell you I led some side group to the main
pack of the Dark Order?” Harry asked evenly.
Ron’s eyes shot up to the impassive face above him. “How did you–“
“Because that’s the same stuff he told Dumbledore after he tried to kill
Hermione and myself.”
Ron narrowed his eyes. “He’d never hurt Hermione. I told him I cared about
her.”
“But not me? I’m wounded, Ron.”
“You’ve been horrible to me, lately,” Ron pointed out.
“You’ve deserved it,” Harry said softly and Ron’s mouth slammed shut. “You got
Hermione pregnant when she didn’t want it, have been attacking the relationship
between myself and Ginny, then you attacked Ginny directly. Each unforgivable
in their own way. Tell me, Ron, what’s keeping me from killing you here and now
for attacking Ginny this time? She’s lost her voice, Ron. She’ll never speak
again.” He leaned over so he was nose-to-nose with the redhead, voice still
soft and emotionless, “What’s stopping me?”
“My parents–“ Ron started, mouth dry.
“Molly and Arthur are not pleased with you. Do you think they’d have let me
come up here alone if they were worried for your well-being?”
“I– Dumbledore–“
“What occurs off school grounds is none of his concern.”
“The Order–“
“Is too busy chasing psychotic wizards and trying to figure out where I’ve been
all night to worry about you.”
Ron shook his head. “You’re defenceless.”
“I’ve been learning martial arts, Ronald, and Dumbledore gave me my wand back
after Percy attacked us.”
“You’re going to kill me,” Ron realized, eyes wide. “Percy was right, wasn’t
he? You are a Death Eater…”
Harry smirked. “Very good.” He settled on the bed gently, eyes never leaving
the horrified blue ones of the boy he’d once called a friend. “Would you like
to hear how Perc died, Ron? I can tell you, you know. I did it.”
“You– no…” Ron shook his head.
“The Dark Order is for life,” Harry whispered. “Those that join live their
lives out as Dark wizards or they die very quickly as Light ones. Percy turned
traitor and was killed. It is how we’ve always done things.”
“You’re being controlled or–or–or–or something!” Ron cried.
“Now, Ronald, I know you have a brain. If Voldemort couldn’t control me in
fourth year, what makes you think he can control me now?”
“You’re not Harry Potter, then!”
Harry let out a cold laugh, reminiscent of the Dark Lord’s own laugh. “Remus
said the same thing, you know? So, go ahead, Ron, ask me a question only I
would know.”
“Wh-when we f-f-followed the sp-spi-spiders, what did we s-see?”
“You sound like Professor Quirrell. And we found a colony of Acromantula in the
forest which were friends of Hagrid’s. They wanted to eat us, but your dad’s
old Ford Anglia came about and saved us,” Harry said in an off-handed manner.
“Care to try again?”
“What was the f-first Choco-chocolate Frog Card you g-got?”
Harry frowned at the other wizard. “Dumbledore. I was surprised to discover
that the photos moved in the Wizarding world. You found it so very strange that
Muggle pictures couldn’t move…” he trailed off, shaking his head to remove
himself from the memory. “So much has changed since then…”
Ron let out a sound like a sob. “Why? Why did you join You-Know-Who?”
Harry stood. “We all have our own reasons, Ron. You haven’t earned back my
respect enough, yet, to learn mine, though. I’d tell you to ask Ginny for hers,
but, well, you’ve kinda made that a fool’s errand, haven’t you.” He cupped
Ron’s cheek gently and gave the other wizard a sad look. “Poor, poor, Ron.
We’re all leaving you behind. Your family’s going Dark and you’re stuck in the
Light. What a painful sight.”
“Harry…”
“Now, you have to understand, Ron, that I cannot let you spread our secrets
around. I’ll let you keep all your letters, of course, but no one must ever see
them,” Harry said gently, even as he weaved the Secrecy Charm around the teen
on the bed. “Percy died crying, Ron. Covered in his own blood and crying like a
baby. He was a traitor twice, my friend. A traitor to your family and the
Light, then a traitor to myself and the Dark. Traitors deserve to die, Ron.
And, perhaps, you shall be the next to fall?” the young Dark wizard suggested
easily before sweeping from the room and back downstairs. He felt, rather than
heard, Ron following him.
“Is he still alive?” George asked as Harry entered the living-room.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the teen. “I recall telling you that Gin wanted a
piece of him as well, George.”
“Short memory, that one,” Fred offered.
“Pity. You two often appear to share a brain.”
“What bit up your arse?” Fred grumbled.
Harry sighed and sat carefully. “Many things.”
“Sexual frustration,” Arthur suggested, receiving a punch from his wife. “Ouch!
Molly, what was that for?”
Harry smiled sadly. “Yes.” He sat back in the chair he’d taken. “You might as
well just join the rest of us, Ronald. You do a rather poor job of stalking
people.”
Ron poked his head around the doorway and found himself facing four wands from
his family and the back of Harry’s head. “Hi?”
“Lower them,” Harry said firmly. When no one’s wand went down he stood. “What
did I just say?”
Ron watched in a mix of awe and terror as the four wands were lowered and put
away. “Thanks, Harry.”
Harry turned to him, green eyes cold. “I’m not helping you, Ron. Killing you
would solve nothing and it would just mean another burial. Best to let your
stupidity go on than to be rid of it with two lovely words.”
Ron narrowed his eyes. “Have you touched my sister sexually?”
“Hypocrite!” Fred and George chorused.
Harry rolled his eyes. “I’m not dating Gin, Ron. Your skills in observation
need some serious work.” He turned back around and sat again.
“Harry, was it wise to tell him that?” Arthur asked gently.
“Yes.” Harry gave the man a cold smile as Ron sat on the floor halfway between
where his mother sat and where Harry sat, looking stupified. “I put a spell on
him that keeps him from repeating anything he hears in this house ever again,”
the green-eyed wizard explained. “And it’s set so that only Voldemort or myself
are able to undo the spell or play with it.”
“Geeze. Thanks for the vote in confidence,” Fred muttered.
Harry let out a snort. “I don’t trust Dumbles to not try some backhanded way of
learning information. If he suspects one of you four, and uses you to take the
spell off of Ron, we’re lost.”
“Point.” George sighed.
“When did you get so clever?” Fred complained.
“You don’t really expect me to answer that, do you?” Harry winked at the twins
before turning serious again and leaning forward slightly. “Percy told Dumbles
about the pendants. I’m relying on you four for any information or ideas any
Order members come up with for spotting them. We’ll have to hide them under our
shirts for a while, of course.”
“We always do,” the twins chorused as Molly and Arthur hid their necklaces
under their shirts.
“You’re not hiding yours,” Molly muttered with pursed lips.
Harry had to smile. “He already suspects me. Why should I care?”
“He doesn’t need evidence,” Molly shot back.
“Then we’d best hope we can stop them from finding them, shouldn’t we?” Harry
teased.
A loud bang in the kitchen made everyone freeze for mere moments before the
five with wands aimed them at the doorway into the kitchen.
A head of shocking orange popped around the doorway. “Wotcher!”
“Tonks!” Molly cried, sounding exasperated. “What did you knock down?”
“Knocked a pan off the stove,” Tonks offered, smiling. “See, Harry, I told
Dumbledore you’d be here!”
Harry groaned and slid back into his seat. “You near gave us all heart attacks,
Tonks. I have enough psychos after me without you banging around in the
kitchen.”
“Sorry...” The woman peeked around Harry’s chair at Ron, who was giving Harry a
funny look. “You didn’t kill him?”
“No. It was tempting, though,” Harry replied, smiling tightly. “Did Dung
actually come on time?”
Tonks scowled and turned away to go through her moneybag. “Yes, damn him. I’d
hoped you’d forgotten.”
“Are you betting?” Molly asked, scandalized.
“No,” Harry and Tonks chorused even as Tonks set the coins in Harry’s
outstretched hand.
“You’re making bets on Dung’s responsibility–“
“–now that is too funny.”
Tonks winked at the twins. “Harry started it.”
“Harry shouldn’t even have known where you were!” Molly shouted.
“Molly, relax.” Harry sighed, putting the money away. “So she wore pink hair
one day. She knows better, now.”
“I should hope so!”
“I am capable of taking care of myself, you know.”
“That, and he’s got some good friends,” Tonks added, ruffling Harry’s hair.
“Like that Death Eater hiding in the tree of Number Eight’s lawn.”
“What?!” Harry spun to look at her sharply.
Tonks glanced around the room with a frown. The only Weasley without a hand on
their wand was Ron, and that was most likely because he didn’t have a wand.
“Yeah. Moody saw a Death Eater up in one of the trees earlier this week. He and
another Death Eater trade off every twenty-four hours. They haven’t done
anything but watch, yet.”
Harry hid his face in his hands with a groan. “I forgot Mad-Eye keeps popping
in...”
“Wait! You knew they were there?” Tonks asked, startled.
“Yes.” Harry glanced up at her through his fingers. “He came to Aunt Petunia
and my aid when that imposter Voldemort popped in for tea.”
“I thought Remus was the one who helped you out,” Tonks said suspiciously.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Metamorphmagus. “Would you have believed that
two Death Eaters stopped an imposter Lord Voldemort?”
“...No...”
“Well, there you go. We decided it was best to have Remus come to the rescue.”
“But why are they helping you?” Tonks asked urgently.
“I dunno.” Harry shrugged. “But they’re friends with Saber, so I think Lucius
may have sent them. I’m not going to bother them about why they’re protecting
us.”
“Maybe they’re waiting for a weakness in the wards to make itself known,”
Arthur suggested.
“That would assume there were wards on my house,” Harry shot back, eyes blazing
in fury.
“The Ministry decided it was pointless after you changed them all into
animals,” Tonks offered.
“I have a couple of choice words to say to the Ministry,” the teen muttered
darkly. “And none of them are pleasant.”
“Now, Harry, don’t get carried away...” Arthur started.
“I’m not!”
“Actually, you’re losing your temper, currently,” said a voice from the doorway
into the kitchen.
Five wands turned on the intruder while Harry scowled. “Stuff it, Saber.”
Rodolphus cocked an eyebrow at the teenager. “Make me.” He glanced around at
the four wands still pointed at him, as Tonks had put hers away. “What have I
done this time?”
“Freaked them out,” Harry muttered dryly. “He’s as safe as Lucius’ hired help
can ever be,” he offered the Weasleys.
“That’s not saying much,” Arthur muttered even as he and the other three put
their wands away.
“You know, we should have a party. We have enough people,” Tonks suggested.
“Oh, fun,” Harry said sarcastically. “We can spend an hour practising our hexes
on each other and then everyone can amuse themselves by watching Saber kick my
feet out from under me every few seconds.”
“You need practice,” Rodolphus informed him evenly, coming to stand on the side
of Harry’s chair closest to Ron. “Hello, Tomato.”
Ron turned a bright red. “Shut up, scum.”
“I’m hurt.” Rodolphus sighed. “Little boys should learn to watch their mouths,
Mr Weasley,” he added, pointing his wand at the young wizard. “Especially when
they don’t have any clue who they’re dealing with.”
:Rodolphus,: Harry hissed warningly in Parseltongue. All the Death Eaters from
the first war knew what their names sounded like in Parseltongue, they’d heard
them often enough. Rodolphus lowered his wand and glanced at his teenaged-
leader. “How’d you find me, anyway?”
“A little snake told me.”
“He would.” Harry ran a hand through his own hair with an annoyed look. “You’re
here to drag me home, aren’t you?”
“No. I’m here to do my job, my slippery little charge.”
“You sound like Lucius.”
“I work for Lucius.”
“Oh, yeah, and that explains everything!”
“Doesn’t it?”
Arthur let out a cough as Molly rose. “Tea?” the woman enquired.
“I’ll help you!” Tonks offered.
“You’re a guest, Tonks,” Harry pointed out gently, much to Molly’s relief. “I
think Ron should help, though, since it’s his house.” He gave Ron a pointed
look.
Ron glared at Harry angrily. “Maybe you shouldn’t be ordering me around in my
house.”
“Let’s move it, Ronald,” Molly ordered. “And leave Harry alone. He has just as
much a right to be in this house as you do.”
Ron left to a round of sniggers.
Tonks settled on the couch the twins had taken over. Rodolphus remained
standing next to Harry. “Sit,” Harry muttered.
Rodolphus cocked an eyebrow at the teen. “I’ll stand, thank you.” Harry rolled
his eyes.
“So, Arthur, you and Molly went to see Ginny, I assume?” Tonks inquired.
“Yes. She’s alive, but mute, possibly forever,” Arthur replied heavily.
“Serves her right, the–” Ron muttered as he brought in a platter of scones. He
froze upon seeing Harry’s wand pointed at him unshakingly. He glanced up in to
blazing emerald-green fires.
“Go on, Ron, finish that sentence. I’d love a reason to hex you.”
“Harry–“ Rodolphus started.
“Stuff it, Saber,” Harry replied sharply, standing. Everyone watched on as he
stepped up to the red-haired teen standing helplessly in the centre of the
room. “Go on, Ron. I’d love to hear what name you’ve dubbed your sister worthy
of.”
Ron narrowed his eyes. “I was going to call her Death Eater’s whore, since I
have no doubt that’s what you really are!” he said angrily.
Harry buried his fist in Ron’s gut, placing his mouth next to Ron’s ear. “We
both know that’s not what you meant to say, isn’t it?” the raven-haired teen
whispered. “And you’d best be glad Tonks is here, or I would have put you under
Cruciatus for that.” He let go of Ron, letting the young man slide to the
ground, gripping at his stomach. “Don’t say that about her again,” he hissed
before stalking into the kitchen to help Molly.
“He’ll never get a grip on his temper.” Rodolphus sighed helplessly.
“The day Harry Potter gets a grip on his temper–“
“–is the day we join You-Know-Who,” Fred and George declared.
Tonks laughed. “Not too extreme, are you?”
The twins traded looks, then shrugged. “Nope.”
“Ron, go up to your room,” Molly ordered as she re-entered the room, a
simmering Harry behind her. Both carried trays with a teapot and cups.
“But, Mum–“
“Room,” Arthur agreed firmly.
“Unless you can control what comes out of your mouth to be more polite,” Molly
added thoughtfully.
Harry let out a snort. “That’ll be the day.”
“Harry!” Molly looked at him in shock as Ron started back to his room. “That
was uncalled for.”
“Oops.” Harry shrugged and sat the tray he’d been carrying down.
Rodolphus settled a firm hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Arthur, Molly, do you mind
if we borrow your backyard?”
“What are you planning?” Molly asked suspiciously.
“Training session,” Harry offered. “He wants to see how many times he can get
me on my arse till I calm down.”
“This I want to see,” Tonks said brightly.
“Us too!” The twins cried.
“The tea will have to wait, then,” Molly decided as Arthur nodded.
Harry sent a smirking Rodolphus a scowl. “I’m going to kill you.”
“Right. That’ll be the day. Come on, Potter.”
Harry tugged off his shirt and tossed it into his chair before following
Rodolphus out to the yard. Tonks and the four Weasleys followed curiously. “Oh,
damn, I’m wearing these trousers...”
“Good. You can test how fast you are in them,” Rodolphus shot back, stopping in
the centre of a large open area and setting up barriers that would bounce them
back if they hit them or suck up any spells, in case Harry called for his
special round.
Harry rolled his eyes and changed his trousers into a pair of sweats with his
wand. “With my luck, I’ll rip them.” He re-secured his wand to his arm and
nodded at the Dark wizard watching him. “First ring.”
                                     -~*~-
Ron stood at his window, staring down at the training session below him. He had
to admit, Harry was amazingly good for only having had two weeks to practice.
Although, if one did nothing but practise, which Ron had a feeling Harry had
done, anyone could probably be that good. While none of Harry’s attacks hit his
opponent, it was pretty obvious to Ron that his one-time best friend could kick
arse against a normal wizard, no problem. However, a wizard with a wand was a
different matter, especially if Harry didn’t have or use his.
Ron opened his window in time to hear Harry call out “Special ring!” and was
surprised to see Malfoy’s hired help throwing hexes as well as punches and
kicks at the younger wizard. Harry, however, didn’t pull out his own wand, just
blocked the physical attacks and dodged the magical ones.
“Merlin be damned…” Ron whispered to himself, glancing down at the other
spectators. His mum was biting her nails nervously. His dad looked only
slightly worried for the teen that had pretty much joined their family years
ago. Fred and George were cheering for the bodyguard while Tonks cheered for
Harry.
Ron glanced at the pile of letters on his desk. If Harry’s stopped me from
sending the Order on his arse and the arses of his Death Eater In-Training
friends, then I’ll just have to do it myself. As soon as I return to Hogwarts,
I’ll start taking them down myself. I’ll worry about Fred and George and Mum
and Dad later.
                                     -~*~-
Tuesday afternoon found Harry, once again, back at the Burrow. He was wearing
his green muscle shirt over a pair of his new jeans this time and was holding a
bag from Chipper’s Charms. Rodolphus was with him, gazing over his new charm
bracelet. He’d laughed out loud when he’d found out that Lucius and the other
four Death Eaters who normally watched Privet Drive were also going to be
wearing them, or else.
“Hey, smells good in here!” Harry commented as he stepped into the kitchen with
Rodolphus.
“Harry!” Molly smiled at the guests. “And Saber. Wonderful to see you both.
Coming for lunch?”
“Naw, sadly.” Harry gave a helpless look to his surrogate mother. “We’re here
to hand out these lovely charm bracelets to yourself, Arthur, Fred, and George.
Then we’re taking Ron with us on a visit to Hogwarts.”
“Well, all of the guys are upstairs,” Molly told the two Dark wizards. “Why
don’t you go find them now and have them all come down here while I finish
these sandwiches?”
“Perfect.” Harry handed his bag to Rodolphus. “Stay here and watch these. If
Molly needs help, give it. Understand?”
“Do you want me to bark like a dog and wag my tail?” Rodolphus asked dryly.
“Only if you can,” Harry replied slyly before hopping from the room, and
Rodolphus’ wand range.
“Little brat,” Rodolphus muttered darkly, sitting down at the table.
Molly chuckled. “He’s horrible, isn’t he?”
Rodolphus shook his head with a small smile. “A brat if I’ve ever seen one, but
he’s an amazing wizard and has some grand ideas. That, and he’s changing our
Lord slowly into a human being.”
Molly set the plate of sandwiches on the table with a wink. “I noticed.”
“You two are talking about me, I just know it,” Harry complained, walking into
the kitchen with a protesting Ron. Fred and George followed them. “Arthur says
he’ll be down in a bit. Sit, Ron.”
“Ha! I’m not the only one you treat like a dog!” Rodolphus called as Ron sat
sulkily.
Harry sent his guard a piercing look. “Saber…”
The Death Eater’s expression immediately became blank. “Don’t you start
‘Saber’ing me,” he shot back in a monotone.
Harry let out a snort and sat between Rodolphus and Ron. “Don’t give me a
reason to, then.”
“How do you do that?” Fred asked Rodolphus in awe.
“Not even Harry can blank himself like that,” George agreed.
Rodolphus frowned at his young Lord. “Yes he can.”
Harry shrugged, biting into a sandwich. “If I want to, of course I can. I just
never want to.”
“I’ve seen you try, though!” George complained, taking the sandwich Fred had
grabbed for him.
“No, you haven’t.” Harry sent the twin a mischievous smile. “And you’d best
hope you never do.”
“He’s scary,” Rodolphus agreed, handing over Harry’s bag to the teen as Arthur
walked into the kitchen.
“Thanks.” Harry set down his sandwich and made an imperceptible movement
towards Ron with his wand before speaking. “Ron can’t hear or see what we’re
saying, so consider this a meeting without him.”
“Right.” Arthur nodded seriously as he sat.
The young green-eyed wizard pulled four bracelets from his bag and handed them
out. “I’ve bought charm bracelets for every Junior, as well as the few Death
Eaters I’d trust with them. We decided they were needed after Percy’s attack.”
“They’re rather lovely.” Molly sighed, slipping hers on.
“And they’re now considered uniform for the Juniors,” Rodolphus offered.
Harry nodded. “Each bracelet is set so that only the wearer can see it once
you’ve put it on. I’d suggest never taking it off, since they’re damn useful,
and taking them off makes them visible again.” He took his own charm bracelet
off, which had more charms than the uniform bracelets, as if to prove his
point.
“Hey, yours has more!” the twins cried together.
Harry smiled faintly. “I don’t have money to give everyone every single charm
I’ve got.” He paused. “Well, I do, but it won’t be happening. If you want more,
you may go and buy them yourselves.”
“Would you explain what each charm does?” Arthur asked mildly, slipping his
bracelet on. “I’m afraid I don’t know enough about charms to understand them
all.”
“Of course.” Harry set the bag on the floor between himself and Rodolphus and
put his bracelet back on. “I’ll just go over the ones you are given,” he added,
glancing around for confirmation that they understood him. “Right. The one that
looks like a potion vial protects you against most of the fatal poisons out
there. Keep an eye on it, though. If it glows red, something within thirty
centimetres of it is poisoned, but the charm doesn’t block it.”
“That bottle of butterbeer…” Molly murmured in understanding.
Harry smiled. “Exactly. If it glows green, it means something within thirty
centimetres is poisoned, but you’re protected against it.” Everyone nodded in
understanding. “The one in the shape of a blast will protect you against minor
hexes. Saber and I did a study on which hexes it blocks a couple of weeks ago,
and those are the ones he throws at me when we’re practicing, so you don’t need
to bite your nails so, Molly.”
Molly laughed with everyone else. “It’ll still terrify me to see one of my boys
dodging hexes, even if I know they’ll be fine.”
“I’m touched,” Harry decided with a quick chuckle before turning serious again.
“The charm of the wine glass is to protect against drunkenness. However, Seamus
has proven that there’s only a certain amount of alcohol these charms block, so
you’ll still have to be careful with how much you drink. At any rate, I never
want to see a Junior come to a meeting drunk, with the possible exception of
Seamus, and he’s been yelled at enough times by now that I think he knows
better.” Another round of laughter followed this proclamation.
“The question mark is a charm against being Obliviated, although, it will
appear to the caster and anyone else around that you have been Obliviated, so
I’d suggest carrying on as if you had been. Chances are, if you’re Obliviated
of something, I’ll need to know about it, so let me know as quickly as you
can.” The four Weasleys nodded in understanding. “That lovely little square
with an arrow protects you from Locator Spells and things related to it.
However, I’ve spelled each charm to still allow myself or Voldemort to find you
like we normally would.”
“You can find us?” Arthur inquired.
Harry nodded. “Yes. The Dark Marks and your pendants have a Locator Spell built
in, but it only works for myself or Voldemort, directly. If we call you,
however, you can find us by focusing on the Mark.”
“Can you teach us that spell?” Fred asked.
“Nope.” Harry smirked. “Now, that lovely little charm of a Demiguise will allow
you to see through Invisibility spells, cloaks, and potions. Trust me when I
say it could save your life.”
“Percy?” Molly asked, mouth dry.
Harry nodded solemnly. “The last charm, the clear bottle that looks like a
bottle of Veritaserum is the extremely rare anti-Veritaserum charm. They aren’t
made anymore, and they aren’t cheap. If you lose them, I’ll murder you.”
“How much are they?” George inquired.
“Two Galleons a piece,” Harry replied before picking up his sandwich to eat
again.
“Two Galleons for a charm?!” both twins cried in surprise.
“Do they actually work?” Molly asked, looking just as shocked as her sons.
“Severus tested them after I got them.” Harry nodded. “Eight times on eight
different people with eight different charms. They work perfectly.” He glanced
around the table. “I’m taking Ron with me to Hogwarts, then letting him out
right before classes let out. With any luck, he’ll be suspended for another
month. I’d suggest making it look like he ran off and you didn’t know. He has a
habit, lately, of not coming down to eat, correct?”
“Yes.” Molly sighed. “He makes it so difficult that, sometimes, we don’t even
bother trying to drag him down the stairs.”
“Perfect.” Harry smiled impishly. “Now, anything you want me to pass on to Gin
or Hermione?”
“You’ll be seeing them?”
“I’m calling a full-fledged meeting after classes.” Harry nodded.
“Just hello, I suppose...” Molly scratched her head and glanced at her husband
and two sons, all of whom nodded in agreement.
Harry stood and stretched, flicking his wand at Ron. “Well, we’re off, then.
Come on, Ron, we’re taking you on a little trip.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” Ron declared as Rodolphus stood with the
Chipper’s Charms bag.
“I, personally, don’t care what you do or don’t want to do. Get up,” Harry
ordered. “We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, Ronald. Pick.” Ron
stood, scowling. “Good. Come on, I’m not apparating in the house.”
“I can’t apparate,” Ron pointed out coldly.
“Which is why I’m apparating you myself,” Harry shot back.
“That’s dangerous!” Fred called in surprise.
“I know, but we’ll be fine.” Harry cocked an eyebrow at the twin. “Trust me,
apparating two other people with me is nothing after apparating six other
people with me.”
“This, I’ve got to see,” George decided. Fred, Molly, and Arthur all nodded,
standing.
“Why must you four watch everything new I do?” Harry complained, leading the
way outside.
“Because you’ve always got something new that’s interesting.” Fred laughed.
“Funny.” Harry snorted, stopping in a clear part of the lawn. “Move those legs,
Saber. We don’t have all day.”
“I don’t get paid enough for this,” Rodolphus decided, grabbing both Harry’s
and Ron’s free hand to complete the circle.
“Talk to Lucius, not me,” Harry shot back. “Now, everyone shut up. If I’m
distracted, I’ll splinch someone, I guarantee it.” Everyone silenced, Ron
squeezing his eyes shut in fear. Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“Apparate Omnes!”
“Well, he didn’t splinch anyone,” Arthur murmured in relief as they all stared
at where the three had been. “But I have no clue where he’s apparating in to if
he’s going to Hogwarts…”
“Dad–“
“–this is Harry we’re talking about.”
“I’m sure he’s got something–“
“–up those non-existent sleeves of his.”
“I suppose…”
                                     -~*~-
“You’re in here too often.”
Ron screamed as he caught sight of a glowering Salazar Slytherin. Harry slammed
a hand over his charge’s mouth to stop the screaming as he smiled at the ghost.
“Come now, Salazar, you know you missed me.”
“Hardly. Why are you bringing more idiots into my room?”
“I’ve only brought one, this time,” Harry shot back. “We’ve brought Ron to see
if we can lengthen his suspension.”
“I knew it! Well, it won’t happen,” Ron said quickly. “I’ll tell the Headmaster
you dragged me here. That you’ve–“ Ron fell to the ground limply. Rodolphus
stood behind him, watching his prone form coldly.
“Thank you. I’ll Obliviate him before I set him lose.” Harry sighed.
“Rodolphus, this is Salazar Slytherin. Salazar, this is Rodolphus Lestrange, in
the guise of Saber Upwood.”
Rodolphus bowed. “An honour, Slytherin.”
Salazar gave Harry an amused look. “Only one idiot, then.”
Harry laughed. “I told you!”
Rodolphus shook his head with a smile at the two. “What shall we do with this
one, then?” he enquired, kicking Ron’s side.
Harry’s smile chilled. “We’re going to drop him off in the dungeons right
before classes let out. Then, we will await the end of the school day in
Godric’s room so we can have our meeting.”
“Oh, he finally agreed to let you hold them there?” Salazar inquired as
Rodolphus slung the redhead over one shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“Yes. Tom never agreed to not badger him constantly about it, after all.” Harry
winked at the ghost and opened the doorway between the two Founders’ rooms for
Rodolphus. “I’ll see you later, Salazar.”
“Very well, little Gryffindor.”
                                     -~*~-
“Unfair advantage!” Harry shouted as Rodolphus jumped clear of the seating area
of Godric’s room so he had even footing to throw spells.
“Then stop using those as projectiles!” the Death Eater shouted in response,
dodging another pillow.
“Never!” the teen declared, tossing two pillows in a row. One of them hit the
ducking man. “Strike!”
“Cheat!” Rodolphus cried, throwing a hex at his opponent.
A chuckle made both wizards freeze. “You have an audience, gentlemen,” Tom’s
voice floated over to them.
Harry pushed his hair out of his face and glanced around at the Juniors who had
gathered near the doorways. Tom and Severus stood next to the doorway to Tom’s
room. “Classes over, then?” the teen inquired easily.
‘Yes, you prat.’ Ginny offered. ‘Why’d you have to set Ron loose next to my
class?’
“Personal gain?” Harry shrugged. “Here, everyone come and sit down and tell me
what happened with Mr Weasley.”
“Your ‘personal gain’ terrified my class,” Severus said with a dark scowl.
“Like you needed the help.” Harry snorted. “Did you accidentally hex him?”
“Miss Weasley took care of that for me,” Severus muttered, drawing up a chair
for both himself and Hermione, who had come down with the other Gryffindor
Juniors, as well as Neville.
“Cheers, Gin.” Harry laughed, giving his sister a fond look.
‘Too bad I couldn’t do more than Stupefy him.’
“I agree,” Hermione offered, sitting next to Severus. “Thank you, Professor.”
Harry smiled as everyone got settled in a circle on the cushions. Ginny and Tom
stood on either side of Harry at the opposite end of the circle from where
Hermione, Severus, and Rodolphus sat in self-conjured chairs. Draco had been
forced to sit between Blaise and Pansy by the two Slytherins. As Harry had
expected, everyone sat in clumps that pretty much defined their houses.
“Why do you all keep doing this?” Harry enquired gently. “Just because we’re in
a new place and have a few new people with us doesn’t mean we aren’t being
friendly. I want everyone on a pouf to move around, with the exception of Nev,
who may stay where he is. Come on.”
With a collective sigh, all of the Juniors stood and traded places, Draco once
again complaining about sitting on the floor and being dragged down by the
people on either side of him, Lisa and Mandy.
“Thank you.” Harry nodded. “We have a few things to go over. First off, we have
a new name that a new member who isn’t here suggested. We are now called
Juniors.” Everyone laughed at the face that Tom made and Harry elbowed him.
“Stop that.”
“I hate that name.”
“Or so you’ve said.” Harry rolled his eyes. “Second, let’s welcome Parvati
Patil to our little group. Nev and Herm are here as supporters whom both
Voldemort and myself trust. In the chairs on Herm’s right are Professor Snape
and my personal bodyguard–” Harry made a face, “–Saber Upwood. He’s training me
in martial arts. We also have Professor Brutús with us–” the Dark Lord elbowed
Harry, making the teen scowl. “–who wishes to reveal something before I
continue that we’d appreciate if you didn’t spread around.”
“Hardly an issue, I should think,” Tom said pointedly before morphing into his
Voldemort guise.
There was a collective shout and a few people paled. “I wish you wouldn’t do
that.” Harry sighed to the Dark Lord before stepping forward and re-gathering
everyone’s attention. “You’ve had Voldemort as a teacher all year, people.
Don’t start freaking out now, it’s not worth it.”
“Some of us don’t have his class,” Morag pointed out hotly.
‘Do we look like we care?’ Ginny shot back coldly as she stepped up next to
Harry. ‘He’s still been a teacher for the whole year. If you’re planning on
turning tail and running now that you know that Voldemort is in the school, let
us know. I’m sure we could help you there!’
“Gin, enough,” Harry murmured. “Look, you guys. You have evidence–“
“Don’t even consider completing that sentence, Mr Potter,” Voldemort hissed
angrily.
Harry gave his lover a quick grin. “You have evidence that Voldemort isn’t such
a bad guy,” he finished. Voldemort let out an annoyed hiss as the Juniors who
hadn’t know about the Dark Lord being their professor stared on in shock. Harry
turned and gave the Dark Lord an impish grin. “You’re the one who said your
reputation was already shot with my group, Tom.”
“I didn’t expect you to finish the job!” the Dark Lord whined, much to the
amusement of the students and Death Eaters watching on. “You’re a horrible,
horrible child!”
“You shouldn’t repeat yourself,” Harry teased.
“Merlin!” Parvati shouted suddenly, staring at the two Dark wizards arguing.
Harry smirked at her. “Care to share?”
“...no...” she whimpered, eyes wide. Lisa picked that moment to let out a
shriek.
Voldemort groaned and put his head in his hands. “Just tell them, Harry. You’re
going to give me a heart attack.”
‘Ooh, you’re going to tell them THAT?’ Ginny asked in excitement.
I’m not kissing you like that.
You’re not kissing me at all.
But Tom... Harry complained even as he smiled at Ginny. “Go sit with your
boyfriend and stay out of my way, you scamp.”
Ginny gave a silent cheer and, much to the surprise of those who hadn’t known,
hopped into Theodore’s lap. ‘Yay!’ Theodore nodded to Harry thankfully as he
wrapped his arms around Ginny’s waist.
:Minx.: Tom sighed, wrapping his arms around Harry’s middle from behind and
drawing the younger wizard to his chest. :I changed, are you happy?:
Harry smiled faintly. :Yes, thank you.:
: I’m still not kissing you in front of your brats.:
: I know.: Harry glanced around at the Juniors. “Most people get to figure this
whole bit out themselves, you know. It’s always fun to watch, too. You guys are
lucky that Tom decided you needed to behave. OW!”
Tom smirked. “No making fun of me,” he ordered among the laughter as Harry
rubbed at the ear the Dark Lord had bitten.
“You’re such a bastard,” he offered before glancing at the Juniors, Death
Eaters, Neville, and Hermione. “Enough, people. We do have business, and it’s
all serious from here on out.” Everyone silenced as Tom let go and stepped back
to give his lover the floor. “You all know about the attack on Saturday by now
and that it was dealt with. You should all, by now, also know about the attack
the following morning that lost Gin her voice and got Ronald Weasley suspended
for a month. I dropped him off on my way here to see if we could get him
suspended for another month. Severus, Tom, do either of you know the outcome of
Ron’s appearance?”
“No. Dumbledore just took him up to his office after he’d been revived. He was
blabbing on about not having a clue how he got there,” Severus offered. “If
you’d like, I can probably run upstairs and see if I can find out.”
“Yes, please. I know I can trust you to be discrete,” Harry agreed. Severus
stood, bowed, then left through the Slytherin exit. “While Professor Snape is
getting an update on Ron, does anyone have any information or know anyone who
wishes to join?”
“My sister,” Parvati volunteered. “She came to me, since you’d left.”
“Susan Bones and Dean were discussing switching outside the Room of Requirement
the other day,” Seamus added. “I called Dean on it last night and he admitted
that he’d been considering it since the rumours started on the train. I think
he’d like a chance to talk to you, as would Sue.”
“Terry wanted to have another word with you, as well,” Morag offered. “And he
did say he’d be polite. Wizard’s Oath.”
Harry and Tom traded looks. Should we have them come down now? It would be
easier to hand out bracelets and everything if everyone getting one was coming.
True. I’d have to get those damned necklaces, though.
Off you go, then. Harry smiled and looked around as Tom disappeared up the
stairs to his room. “Morag, could you run up and hunt down Terry and Padma?”
“Sure thing, Harry.” Morag nodded and jogged from the room.
“Seam, run up and collect Dean. Also, who has the Map?”
‘I do. Look for Susan?’
“Yes, please. Wait for a moment, Seam,” Harry ordered, watching as Ginny called
up the Map.
‘Susan and Dean are in the dungeons...’
“What would they be doing there?” Harry muttered. “Fine, ‘Bini, go with Seam
and find them.” Blaise and Seamus stood and hurried off to the dungeons exit.
“Great. Any information? Responses to the rumours?”
“A lot of people are concerned about your colours,” Hermione offered. “I get
people on a regular basis coming up to me to ask if those rumours about your
faith in Dumbledore wavering are true.”
“What do you tell them?” the green-eyed wizard enquired.
“That, as far as I know, you’re wary about how far Dumbledore is letting you
and Ron go with some things.”
“People are more wary around Dumbledore, teachers, and anyone we’re sure are
Light,” Mandy agreed. “I heard a third year telling her friend about how she’s
concerned that they should talk to the Slytherins sooner, rather than later.”
“We’re not so unpopular anymore.” Millicent nodded. “I see Slytherins in all
years walking around with members of the other Houses. Fewer Gryffindors than
Hufflepuffs or Ravenclaws, but that’s expected, I assume.”
“The Gryffindors will be the last to lose faith in the Headmaster,” Harry
agreed. “Pity, for them.”
“A suggestion,” Neville said suddenly. Most people looked at him in shock,
since he’d spoken up.
“I’m listening.” Harry nodded.
“A new rumour. The Heir of Gryffindor is wary of Dumbledore.”
‘It would be even more effective if you said the HEIRS of Gryffindor, though.’
Ginny pointed out.
Harry cocked a questioning eyebrow at his fellow Heir, who nodded. “Then that
is the next rumour. Both Heirs of Gryffindor are losing faith in Dumbledore.”
“What do you mean by both?” Rodolphus inquired.
“Nev and I are both from the Gryffindor line.” Harry shrugged. “We don’t have
to say who the Heirs are, in fact, I’d rather we didn’t,” Neville nodded in
agreement, “but, yes, Nev, a perfect idea.”
Severus returned with Seamus, Blaise, Dean, and Susan Bones. “He’s not been
suspended any longer,” Severus said immediately.
“WHAT?!” Harry shouted. He kicked a beanbag chair and sent it into a wall.
“Bastard.” He glanced back at Severus, who was watching him warily, and the
students who had come with him. “Sit, please. Dean, Susan, thank you for
coming. Severus, did he say why he wasn’t suspended?”
Severus sat carefully. “Yes. Mr Weasley had no clue how he’d come to be on the
school grounds and, therefore, is not to receive extra suspension.”
Harry’s eyes blazed. “I’ll have that man’s head on a pike by the end of this,
mark my words,” he hissed.
“Oh, good, you’re finally agreeing with me on that,” Tom commented, stepping
back into the room. “Morag, Miss Patil, and Mr Boot, welcome. Why don’t you
three sit? Harry, a word?”
Harry stepped over to where Tom was standing while the three new students sat.
“What?”
The Dark Lord enveloped the teen in a hug and closed his eyes. You need to calm
down, love. There’s nothing much you can do like this except hurt others. Trust
me on this.
Harry buried his face in Tom’s chest with a helpless sob. This is killing me.
He’s going to get back first and I know he’s going to do something and–
Hush, Harry. We’ll deal with that if and when it happens. For now, you have
four new people to induct and seventeen others who are worried about you.
Forget Ron for a moment. We’ll worry about murder–er–maiming him later.
Harry laughed weakly as he pulled away. “You’re such a bastard.”
“Or so you say,” Tom agreed, taking Harry’s hand and putting the bunch of
necklaces in it. “Keep them all. It’s easier if you have them then it is for
you to be continuously coming into my room to get them, especially with
Dumbledore’s new rule with the portraits.”
“Okay.” Harry ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll take my aggressions out on
Ronniekins later, then.”
“See, that’s the spirit.” Tom ruffled his hair gently. “Come on, brat.”
Harry led the Dark Lord back over to the circle. “I shouldn’t have lost my
temper. At any rate, in case we don’t find a way to keep Ron from coming back a
month earlier, I want everyone walking in groups.”
“You think he knows who we are?” Draco demanded.
“I know he knows who everyone is. Percy was writing to him and named everyone
who was inducted over Christmas.”
‘WHAT?! THAT NO GOOD, MOTHER-FUCKING–‘
“Ginevra!” Tom called sharply. The witch froze and gave the Dark Lord a
cautious look. “The language needs to be toned down, missy.”
‘Sorry. I’ll refrain from using the f-word. May I continue ranting?’
“No, you may not. We have to let you go before dinner,” Harry said softly.
“You know, if the tomato ends up in St. Mungo’s, he won’t be able to come
back,” Pansy pointed out slyly.
Harry grinned as many others laughed. “I’ll have to run that past Molly and
Arthur. I’ve no doubt Fred and George would love to cause a little ‘accident’
for us, of course...” This got more laughter.
“Or we could set Nagini on him,” Tom added idly. “She’d love a chance to make
our lives easier.”
‘Will that put him out of commission for the two weeks we need?’ Ginny asked.
‘I mean, what if he gets the same doctor dad had or something?’
“Gin has a point,” Harry agreed softly. “They’ve already found a cure for
Nagini’s venom.” He glanced back at the Dark Lord, who was standing behind him.
Tom offered a chilling smile. “Perhaps they’ve found a cure for one of her
poisons, but certainly not all of them.”
Harry blinked a few times in shock, then shook his head with a smile. “I have a
new respect for your choice in familiars. I’ll have Wormtail bring her over
this week and talk to her about it.”
“Good.” Tom nodded. “Saber, see that it is done.”
“Understood, my Lord.” Rodolphus bowed his head.
Harry watched with a grim smile as Susan, Dean, Terry, and Padma all turned to
stare at Tom with something akin to horror. “Yes, this is Voldemort. Tom, could
you do us the favour of dropping your glamour?”
The Dark Lord shrugged mildly and dropped the glamour that made him look like
Marcus Brutús. :Can I really terrify them?:
: Please don’t. I hate it when you look like Voldemort.:
: I’m hurt.:
: So sorry,: Harry offered sarcastically, rolling his eyes and returning his
attention back to the students and Death Eaters before him. “Dean, Susan,
Padma, and Terry, please come up here. Gin, you as well.”
Ginny came to stand next to Harry, pausing to smack the Dark Lord’s arm as the
other four her brother had called up stood warily. ‘Stop scaring them or I’ll
hex you.’ the redhead warned.
Tom scowled. “Are you telling me what to do, Ginevra?”
‘Yes, actually. Now, stop scaring them.’
:I’d listen to her if I were you, love.: Harry chuckled.
Tom rolled his eyes. “Yes, fine. Get to your place, Miss Weasley.”
Ginny smirked and stepped up to the place on Harry’s right. ‘Thanks, bro.’
appeared in front of the green-eyed wizard’s gaze.
Harry grinned and hugged her gently. “Any time, sis,” he whispered before
turning back to the four students standing before them. “Let me make this
clear. The Dark Order is for life. If you defect after receiving the Mark, you
will be killed, as Percy allowed us to prove to the rest of the world just this
weekend. Knowing this, do you still wish to become a Junior, or a Death Eater
In-Training?”
“Yes,” the four agreed.
‘Lucky for the Juniors, we don’t have a Dark Mark branded into our arms,’ Ginny
started. ‘We have necklaces of the Dark Mark instead.’
“No matter which form of the Mark you have, you will be expected to obey both
Voldemort and myself,” Harry continued. “If you are asked to do something by
Voldemort or myself, you will do so. For the Juniors, Ginevra is also your
boss, as she is my second. The second of the normal Death Eaters, Lucius
Malfoy, has no control over you. You need not listen to him or any other Death
Eater, though you may wish to at times.”
“Once you have received them, your necklaces will act just as the Dark Mark
does,” Tom said, stepping forward and laying a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “If
you are needed, they will burn. If they burn, concentrate on them and the burn
will lead you to the caller, which will always be one of the three of us.
Understanding these laws, do you still wish to join the Dark Order?”
“Yes,” they agreed, though it was slower this time.
“Juniors are, for the most part, expected to collect information, spread pre-
decided rumours, and collect followers within the school. Chances are, until
you’ve graduated, you will never find yourselves faced with going on a raid. If
you are, it will be an option, rather than an obligation. Do you still wish to
take on the Dark Mark?”
“Yes,” they chorused calmly.
Harry handed two of the necklaces to Ginny and both stepped forward to place
the necklaces on the necks of the inductees. Once done, they stepped back to
their positions and Harry spoke again. “I have one last rule that Voldemort
disagrees with, but it is a rule for this section of the Dark Order. You will
place any and all disagreements behind you when you come to meetings or have
dealings with another Junior of a serious nature. If you break this rule, I
will prove exactly how much I agree with using force to get you to behave.
Trust me when I say being under Crucio is no laughing matter,” he warned them
coldly. “You may sit.”
Ooh, scary, Tom teased as the four new Juniors returned to their seats, no
longer quite so easy-going.
Stuff it, Harry shot back, setting a hand on Ginny’s shoulder. “May I borrow
you for a moment longer?”
‘Of course.’
“Thank you.” Harry glanced across the circle at Rodolphus. “Saber, my bag?”
“You want me to throw it?” the Death Eater replied in surprise.
“No, you dimwit. I want you to use your wand. The wood one, please,” Harry
returned scathingly.
Rodolphus wrinkled his nose in disgust as the Juniors laughed. “I’m too used to
you making me do everything the Muggle way,” he complained, pulling out his
wand and floating the bag over to his younger leader.
Harry grabbed the bag from the air, smiling. “Oops,” he merely said, getting
another round of laughter. He tugged eleven bracelets from his bag and handed
six to his sister. “Hand them out on the left. I’ll take the right and deal
with Severus and the bastard.”
Ginny grimaced. ‘Sure you don’t want me to take the ones for ALL the Juniors
and you just deal with those two?’
“I don’t think Severus is going to be much of a problem…”
‘Give me those.' Ginny grabbed the other five bracelets from her brother and
started around the circle.
Harry shrugged. “Gin is handing out charm bracelets which are now uniform for
the Juniors. I got this first set for you all, but you have to wear them at all
times and, if you lose them or whatnot, I’ll personally Crucio you, so I’d keep
a close eye on them,” he told everyone warningly before cutting across the
circle and holding one out to Severus. “You get one as well.”
“Any reason why?” the Potions professor inquired mildly as he took the
bracelet.
“They’re damn useful and may save your life?” Hermione suggested, leaning over
to look at her professor.
“Oh, good, you can argue with him about it.” Harry sighed. “I’m going to go
fight with Tom...” He turned and started back towards the Dark Lord, acting as
if he were walking towards his doom.
“I’m not wearing that,” Tom warned his second when Harry was still only halfway
across the circle.
“Yes, you are,” Harry replied. “And we’ve had this discussion more than enough
times.”
“I. Do. Not. Wear. Bracelets,” Tom said coldly as Harry came to stand before
him.
“I’m sorry, your royal pain-in-the-aresness, but they didn’t have any crowns.
They had bracelets and that is what you are wearing.”
“No.”
“Tom, I’m not fighting with you over this.”
“I’m not wearing it.”
“Then I’m going home after the meeting,” Harry said firmly.
Tom’s mouth fell open in shock. “You wouldn’t.”
Harry held out the bracelet. “Put it on.”
Tom switched tactics. “I don’t wanna,” he whined.
“Tom Marvolo Riddle, you are seventy-two years old. Stop acting like a
toddler,” Harry ordered coldly. “Put the damn bracelet on.”
“No.”
Ginny leaned on Harry’s shoulder. ‘Come on, Tommy-boy. If you don’t put on the
bracelet, I get Harry for the night, right, Harry?’
“Oh, definitely. Gin and I have plans al–“
Tom grabbed the bracelet from Harry’s hand and shoved it on his wrist. “Happy?”
“Yup.” Harry smirked. “Now, don’t try taking it off, it won’t work.”
“You spelled it on me!” Tom shouted furiously. “Take it off!”
“After all that work getting you to put it on? I don’t think so!” Harry replied
before turning back around to face a sea of smiles. “These lovely bracelets
that Voldie is so cutely whining over are charm bracelets with a few special
charms that have been dubbed important. Each bracelet disappears from the sight
of any but the wearer once you’ve put it on. I can guarantee that some of these
charms can save your life, as can both Hermione and Tom, once he stops whining
about having to wear a bracelet.” This was met with a round of laughter, as the
Dark Lord had chosen that moment to drop to the ground and pout.
“You’re adorable.” Harry assured his lover before returning his attention to
the Juniors as Tom made a noise of complaint. “Now, I’m sure you’re all
wondering what these charms do?”
Chapter End Notes
     Salazar_and_Godric: Since these two seem to be everyone’s favourite
     side pairing on FFN, I figured I’d give a little background. *grins*
     First off, though, both Salazar and Godric will continue to make
     little appearances throughout the fic, though they will never truly
     stand out like, say Gin and Ted do. It’ll also take them a while to
     make up, so we may not find out that they’ve made friends any time
     soon, though Harry and Godric do figure out how to get along by the
     time Harry’s suspension is up.
     The basic back story for Salazar and Godric is that they were lovers
     during the building of Hogwarts, but then, once the school was built,
     they had a bit of a lover’s spat and Salazar went off travelling.
     Godric got into a relationship with a woman – to carry on his line –
     and died about a month before Salazar returned to the school. Salazar
     pretty much took over the post Godric had formerly held – Headmaster
     – and got married so he, too, could carry on his line.
     At some point during their history, Godric found something to hold as
     a grudge over Salazar’s head, hence their fighting.
     Hope that clears all that up!! Any other questions, let me know!
     *winks*
***** Chapter 40 *****
Chapter Notes
     I’m going to start referring to Ginny as Gin now, ‘cause I’m lazy
     like that.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
“HARRY!”
Harry glanced up in time to see a flash of red and brown before he found his
arms full of Gin and Hermione. “You two are trying to kill me!” he laughed,
hugging them both as tightly as he could.
“You two should be in class,” Dumbledore said from behind Harry. He was
frowning at the two Gryffindor witches.
‘Both Professor Snape and Professor Brutús let us go to come meet Harry.’ Gin
replied as she and Hermione both let Harry go.
Dumbledore looked like he wanted to say something, but Harry spoke first. “They
would. Here, you two can help me take my stuff up to my room; let me know what
I’ve missed on the way,” the teen said happily, placing his shrunken trunk in
Hermione’s hand and his shrunken broom in Gin’s hand.
The ladies laughed and, each taking an arm, led Harry into the school, leaving
Dumbledore behind.
“So, what have I missed since Sunday?” Harry asked softly as they started up
the stairs to the Tower.
“Nothing much,” Hermione offered.
‘Lavender’s still pining for Ron.’ Gin reported in disgust. ‘I, personally,
hope he never gets better.’
“I know, love.” Harry gave his sister a one-armed hug.
‘Oh, and Luna said she wants to have a word with you when you get the chance.’
Gin added.
“Has she had her seventeenth birthday yet?” Harry hissed, eyes searching Gin’s.
‘It was Friday.’ Gin assured him.
“Then I will try and make time for her this week, yes.”
“You’re going to love this week’s password,” Hermione informed the wizard as
they reached the landing in front of the Fat Lady.
“I’m terrified. What is it?”
“Welcome back, Harry.”
The portrait swung open, the Fat Lady smiling down at them. “And very welcome
you are.”
“Who came up with that one?” Harry complained, hopping through the hole. He
turned to help the two witches through as well.
“Well, one of the third years suggested it and the Fat Lady liked it so much
she decided she’d keep it for the week.”
‘Hogwarts is VERY glad to have you back.’ Gin added. ‘If only because you’re
the only one who will give Dumbledore a piece of your mind.’
“And you add excitement to everyone’s day. No one knows what you’ll pull next,”
Hermione agreed, smiling brightly.
Harry dropped his head into his hands with a moan.
“Come on, let’s get you settled back in,” Hermione suggested gently, resting a
hand on the young wizard’s arm. “The sooner you’re settled in, the sooner we
can go down for lunch.”
“I think I may just hide under my bed. Surely that would be safer!” Harry
complained, leading the way up the stairs to the boys dormitory.
                                    -~/\~-
The rest of the day had followed with constant pats on the back, “hello”s from
every student who saw him, and little gifts from the two other teachers he’d
had that day. Professor Sprout had given him a large hug and a slab of
Honeydukes chocolate when she saw him, while Hagrid handed over a bottle of
butterbeer and, much to Harry’s surprise, a small fairy that the half-giant had
caught while visiting his half-brother in the Forest. The fairy settled itself
in Harry’s hair and stayed there the rest of the day, buzzing occasionally.
Harry’s favourite part of the day, however, was when he stepped into the Great
Hall for dinner and found himself enveloped in a hug by Tom, who had missed
lunch because Dumbledore had needed him for something. “Great to have you back,
you little imp,” Tom added once he’d let go.
“Oh, I dunno, I think Aunt Petunia might miss having someone to set the table,”
Harry replied, eyes shining.
Tom chuckled. “Go sit with your friends, you brat.”
Harry bounced over to the Gryffindor Table and settled himself between Neville
and Gin. “This has been the best day ever!” he decided.
“I’ll bet.” Dean chuckled from down the table. “How many points have you
collected for us today, hm?”
Harry blinked a few times, then held up a hand to tick off the teachers who had
given him points on. “Well, Hagrid gave me twenty points for helping him with
the jarveys, Sprout gave me ten for helping Nev find his gloves, Flitwick gave
me ten for helping him get a book off his desk when I went to talk to him about
my missed work, Trelawney gave me five points when I held a door open for her,
McGonagall gave me five points for helping Trelawney, and Snape gave me twenty-
five points for visiting him to hand in the work I missed.”
“Snape gave you points?!” Lavender called in surprise.
“Weird, isn’t it?” Harry shrugged. “So that’s, uhm, seventy-five points.”
The Gryffindor Table roared with laughter at Harry’s amazed look. “You’re
awfully popular today, aren’t you, mate?” Seamus teased.
“This reminds me of that time in fifth year when you were everyone’s favourite
student.” Parvati giggled. “Except, this time, even Snape is on your side.”
“I’m still recovering from the shock of Trelawney giving him points,
personally,” Hermione said. “I’ve always thought that woman hated you.”
‘Naw. Harry was just useful for killing off.’ Gin offered, grinning. ‘So, Mr
Potter, now that you’re Hogwarts’ favourite wizard again, what do you plan on
doing?’
“Reminding everyone I’m back,” Harry said mischievously as a loud ‘pop’ came
from the Ravenclaw Table and everyone who’d eaten the potatoes turned into an
eagle.
The Hall burst into laughter as the Head Boy, Anthony Goldstein, who didn’t
like potatoes, grinned at Harry. “Okay, Potter, what’s got the counter?”
Harry, who was laughing too hard to speak, held up a biscuit by way of answer.
The birds immediately started pecking at the biscuits, but didn’t change back.
One very smart bird came over and grabbed the biscuit out of Harry’s hand. It
flew to the ground, ate some, and returned to the form of a third year
Ravenclaw girl by the name of Geneva Shepard. The rest of the Ravenclaws
followed her example, much to the amusement of the Hall.
“I don’t want to know how you set that one up,” Seamus said through his
laughter. “But I think you’ve been spending too much time with the Weasley
twins.”
Harry wiggled his eyebrows at the Irish wizard. “Best watch out for those
custard creams, eh?” The Gryffindors around him broke out in laughter and Harry
leaned back in his seat, smiling mischievously. “Be careful what you eat, my
lion friends. Harry Potter has returned to Hogwarts.”
The Hall broke out in fresh laughter.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry poked his head out of the blood curtain leading into Godric’s room and
got a bit of a shock as a loud chorus of, “WELCOME BACK, HARRY!” hit him like a
brick wall.
The teen laughed and entered into the room grinning. “What is it with all this
‘welcome back’ nonsense? You all know I never really left.”
“But now you’re back properly,” Morag pointed out. “Come on, we’ve got food
that we know you haven’t got your sticky little fingers on yet.”
Harry chuckled. “You don’t trust me, hum? How devastating.”
‘Prat!’ Gin shot at him, happily munching on a crisp.
Harry winked as her and got himself some food. “See, this is why I love you
people. Did it ever occur to you that I might have asked the house-elves to
prank everything a student takes from the kitchen?”
“Yes, which is why I threw spells over everything to get rid of all your little
pranks,” Tom replied, coming up behind Harry and wrapping his arms around the
teen. “You’re such a naughty little imp.”
“And you could care less,” Harry shot back before twisting his head to kiss the
Dark Lord.
Tom bit Harry’s lower lip with a smirk and drew away. “You bet.”
“Hey, Harry?” Seamus called. Harry and Tom both glanced at him. “Are we calling
this a meeting, or a party?” the Irishman asked. He was holding a cup that
Harry guessed was filled with rum or firewhiskey.
“Oh, go on, then.” Harry waved a hand at him. “But make sure you take one of
those Sobering Potions before bed or I’ll laugh at you in the morning.”
“Understood, boss-man,” Seamus agreed before chugging the cup happily.
“You’re far too easy on them,” Severus muttered as he came to stand next to
Harry and Tom.
“They’re allowed a little fun.” Harry shrugged.
“I notice you’re not joining in on the ‘fun’,” the Death Eater pointed out
evenly.
“I’m far too comfortable to get smashed, thanks.” The teen sniggered.
Severus let out a snort. “How did Mr Finnigan get a Sobering Potion? That’s not
something I teach.”
“Harry made him a batch over the summer,” Tom answered.
“And then I taught him how to make it himself, so I could get some peace and
quiet after he ran out,” the teen agreed.
Severus gave him an odd look. “I see.” He glanced back at the students. “I must
return to my office. Good night, my Lord, Harry.” He turned to leave, then
paused. “Oh, Mr Potter?”
“Yes?”
“Twenty points to Gryffindor for teaching your fellow classmate how to brew an
actual potion,” the Potions professor said before leaving.
Harry chuckled. “I’ll be damned. He’s given me more points today than he’s
given my House the whole time I’ve been at this school.”
Tom snorted. “That’s not saying much, knowing Severus.”
“No, I don’t suppose it is...” Harry smiled as he saw Vincent Crabbe and
Gregory Goyle snogging in a shadowed corner. “I knew those two were an item.”
“Lovely.” Tom shook his head. “Who gave you this lovely little fairy, by the
way?”
“Hagrid.” Harry smiled. “All the teachers appear to like having me back.”
“I would assume so. Hogwarts isn’t Hogwarts without you causing trouble, you
know.”
“I know.” Harry let out a sigh. “I missed this place. I mean, hanging out at
Privet Drive with Aunt Petunia and Saber was loads of fun, as was popping in at
the Burrow, but, I mean, this place is home.” He closed his eyes and relaxed
against the Dark Lord. “And this is my family.”
“I know, love,” Tom whispered, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head. “I
know.”
                                    -~/\~-
The next two days went by in a haze of laughter, pranks, treats from teachers,
and points awarded to Gryffindor for the smallest of things for Harry. But, on
Friday, Ron was released from St. Mungo’s and brought back to school by the
Headmaster an hour before dinner.
Harry met the two at the door, gaze calm. “Headmaster.” He nodded to the elder
wizard. “Ron, could I have a word with you?”
“I dunno…” the elder teen said carefully. He was gripping his wand tightly in
his right hand.
“Even if I promise not to do any harm to you for the next hour?” Harry inquired
gently. The red-haired wizard just glared. “Ron, look, I just want to talk,
nothing more. My word as a Gryffindor.”
“That’s not saying much,” Ron spat.
“Fine. My word as Gryffindor’s Heir. Just talk,” Harry decided, noting the
surprised look on Dumbledore’s face out of the corner of his eye.
Ron kicked the ground. “Fine. Let’s go to the Room of Requirement. And I decide
what shape it takes.”
“As you wish.” Harry inclined his head and led the way, knowing Ron wouldn’t
want to show him his back, no matter what.
Ron called up a room in deep reds and bright gold with two plush chairs and
gentle lighting. Harry let out a hum of appreciation as he tossed himself into
a chair. Ron settled himself into the other chair far more carefully. “What do
you want, Potter?”
“Ouch. I thought we were friends, Ron,” Harry said in a wounded voice.
“I’m not friends with someone who set a snake on me,” Ron shot back, voice
laced with venom.
“Oops.” Harry gave the other teen an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, Ron.”
“Get to the point, Potter,” Ron spat.
Harry sighed tragically. “See what happens when I try and be nice to you? You
get so nasty.”
Ron pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry. “Talk.”
Harry frowned at the wand. “Oh, fine. I just wanted to give you a warning,
really.” He stood slowly, emerald-green eyes burning with a cold and dangerous
fire. His voice, when he spoke again, was murderous, “Mark my words, Ronald
Bilius Weasley, if you attack any of my people, you’ll find yourself faced with
a revenge which will make Nagini’s attack look like nothing. Damn Albus
Dumbledore’s watching eye. Damn the Order of the Phoenix. If my people are
hurt, I will kill you.”
Ron watched with wide eyes as the raven-haired teen swept from the room.
                                    -~/\~-
When Ron finally walked into the Great Hall for dinner, he found that they’d
left him a seat at the very end of the table. Harry was sitting at the centre
of the table with his sister and Neville on either side, Hermione across from
him. The sixth and seventh years around the Boy-Who-Lived were all laughing at
something the wizard had just said and Harry’s face shone with joy. The other
House Tables were filled with laughter as well, though not at Harry’s joke, Ron
supposed.
Ron glanced up at the Head Table. The Headmaster kept sending Harry wary
glances. The other teachers would, occasionally, beam at Harry or a favoured
student at another table before returning to whatever conversation they were
holding with their neighbours. Brutús and Snape were whispering to one another
and keeping a watchful eye on the students in the Hall. Once in a while, one of
the two would shoot a quick look at Dumbledore, frown, then return their
attention to the previous conversation.
Suddenly, Ron found his gaze met by Professor Brutús. The professor frowned at
him briefly, then turned to say something to Snape. The Potions teacher turned
to scowl at him and Ron quickly looked at his plate. Weren’t they fighting at
the beginning of the year?
“What are you thinking?” Harry inquired, sliding into the seat across from Ron.
“That you should go back with your little fan club,” Ron spat, stabbing a
carrot.
Harry shrugged. “Talk to Lavender, Ron. She’s got a thing for you, and she’s
definitely not mine.” He stood. “She cares too much for her looks and gossip
for me to snag her. You need a girlfriend to keep you out of trouble.” So
saying, Harry slid down the table and spoke to Lavender briefly. Her face lit
up when he pointed out Ron and she quickly moved over to him.
What are you playing at, Potter? Ron thought at his ex-best friend as Lavender
took the empty seat across from him.
                                    -~/\~-
“Why did you do that?” Hermione asked once Harry sat back down.
“I got sick of hearing her either whine about how she missed having Ron around
or about how her hair looks today. Better they keep one another busy than annoy
us.” Harry shrugged.
“So we can listen to her whine instead. Thanks, Harry,” Parvati complained
before carefully un-hexing her food. The day after Harry’s return had found
most students in the library, looking up spells to un-hex things so they would
never get caught off-guard. The teachers had started placing spells on their
dishes to repel Harry’s pranks after he’d caught all but the two Slytherins the
day after he got back at breakfast.
“Well, take some cheese up and start stuffing it in her mouth, then,” Dean
suggested, snatching a dumpling off of Hermione’s plate, since her food was
never hexed.
“Dean!” Hermione smacked his arm as he grinned at her. “Oh, you’re disgusting.
Close your mouth and finish that.”
“Just because you take it off of Herm’s plate doesn’t mean it’s not hexed,
Dean,” Harry said warningly. “With your luck, I’ve put spells on Herm’s
utensils that repel pranks, rather than her plate.”
Dean spat the dumpling out on his plate, much to Harry’s amusement and everyone
else’s disgust. “You’re pulling my leg.”
“Actually, yes, I am. Anyway, I didn’t hex the Gryffindor food today. It’s the
Slytherins that have to watch it,” Harry said with a wild smile. The table
around him laughed as he waved his wand and got rid of the once-dumpling on
Dean’s plate. “Once it’s been in your mouth it’ll get you anyway. Spitting it
out doesn’t keep you from the prank. Really, Dean. I thought you knew better
than that.”
A shout of laughter from the Slytherin Table showed that one of the first years
hadn’t been careful enough with his food and had been turned into a monkey. The
Hall filled with laughter as Harry idly floated a biscuit from the Hufflepuffs’
Table over to the poor primate.
“Told you,” Harry added once the poor student had been returned to normal. He
bowed to Harry, who nodded his head in response, and sat back down.
‘Why don’t you just make them figure out which table has the antidote
themselves?’ Gin enquired as she sipped at her pumpkin juice.
“It would be a mess.” Harry shrugged. “Imagine half of the Hufflepuffs climbing
all over the Gryffindor Table because the antidote for whatever prank I’d
played on them could be in our biscuits.”
‘Oh. That makes sense.’
“Of course it makes sense. It’s Harry.” Parvati giggled.
“Gee, thanks, Parvati,” Harry muttered, rolling his eyes. The girl winked at
him.
“Who are you pranking next?” Seamus inquired.
Harry shrugged. “I figured I’d give everyone a couple of weeks to relax, then
strike suddenly. See how many people got lazy.”
“Oh, you’re a horrible child.” Hermione laughed.
“Knowing you, you’ll hit on April Fool’s Day.” Neville sniggered. “Except it’ll
be something we haven’t found a way to guard against.”
“Clever, this one.” Harry sighed, earning him another round of laughter. He
rested his cheek on his hand and glanced at Neville. “Guess I’ll have to keep
my eye on you, lest you spread my plots around.”
“Oh, come on. Even Crabbe and Goyle could have figure that one out!” Neville
laughed.
Harry wiggled his eyebrows. “I know. Together, they actually have a full brain,
too.” The students around him laughed as Harry returned his attention to his
food, discretely un-hexing the dumpling on his plate that he knew Gin had hex
when he hadn’t been looking.
‘Hey!’
Harry smirked at his sister. “You’ve gotta get up earlier in the morning than
that to hex the great Harry Potter!” he declared, pointing his fork at her.
With a flash of light, Harry turned into a small griffin. Tom appeared behind
Gin out of nowhere as the Hall exploded in laughter. “I win.”
‘You cheated!’
“You never specified that we had to hex him through his food, just that we had
to hex him,” the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor pointed out calmly as
he picked up the griffin. “You know, he’s kinda cute. I might just keep him.”
If you don’t turn me back this instant, I’ll bite you, Harry warned the Dark
Lord mentally as the students cracked up again.
“Marcus, please return Mr Potter to his proper form,” Dumbledore said severely
as he came up behind the teacher.
Tom rolled his eyes and, setting Harry back down, muttered the counter. Harry
frowned at the Headmaster. “Oh, come on, Professor. I wanted to bite him.”
The Headmaster shot Harry a sharp look to silence him, then looked back at Tom.
“Marcus, could I have a word with you?”
“It was a prank, Headmaster,” Harry said coldly. “No one was hurt.”
“Thank you, Mr Potter,” Dumbledore shot Harry another look to get him to shut
up.
“If you’re going to snip on Marcus about pranks, sir, then you need to snip on
everyone in this school who’s played a prank or has tried to play a prank this
past week, at the least. I’m sure we could make up a list for you, if you
wish,” Harry continued, eyes burning holes in Dumbledore’s head.
“Harry, enough,” Tom hissed.
“Would you care to be suspended again, Mr Potter?” Dumbledore asked coldly.
Harry glanced at his friends at the Gryffindor and Slytherin Tables. “No, sir.
Someone needs to be here to keep your students in line, since you don’t appear
to be able to.”
An oppressive silence fell over the Hall as Harry and Dumbledore glared at one
another. Finally, Dumbledore spoke, “Mr Potter, Marcus, I would like both of
you to accompany me to my office, please.”
Harry settled a hand on Gin’s shoulder as the girl started to rise and shook
his head. “Stay here,” he murmured before turning and following the two adults
from the Hall.
“That boy really knows how to make an exit,” Sprout said to Flitwick as the
Great Hall exploded with sound.
                                    -~/\~-
“I’m getting tired of yelling at you, Harry.” Dumbledore sighed as he sat down
behind his desk. Both Harry and Tom sat across from him.
“There’s a surprise,” the teen muttered.
“Harry,” Tom said, shooting the young wizard a look before Dumbledore could
speak.
Harry turned to glare at the Dark Lord. What?
I won’t ferry you back and forth if you get suspended again, so clam it,
mister.
Harry turned away to look at Fawkes. “Sorry.”
Dumbledore glanced at his Defence professor in surprise, but the man was too
busy looking around the office, as he normally tended to do while he was in
there. “I’m getting tired of yelling at both of you, actually.”
“Excuse my presumptuousness, Headmaster, but, as far as I can tell, you
wouldn’t be yelling at Marcus if you weren’t continuously pinning things on him
because you suspect him of working for Voldemort,” Harry said calmly, glancing
at the elderly wizard. Dumbledore glanced at him in surprise. “Give me one
instance where Marcus actually did something that would prove him to be a Death
Eater.”
The leader of the Order of the Phoenix frowned at Harry. The young man had a
point, damn him. Marcus Brutús had never actually given him reason to suspect
him as a Death Eater. All he had to go on was Severus' word, and Severus
obviously wasn’t as trusted anymore as he’d once been. Well, there was the fact
that the man before him obviously hated him... “Marcus, out of pure curiosity,
why do you hate me?” Dumbledore asked rather suddenly.
Tom’s gaze shot around to the old man. “Because you haven’t trusted me since
the first day we met, sir,” was the response. “I cannot like a person who does
not give me a chance.”
Brutal honesty. Tom, you are such a bastard, Harry chuckled mentally.
He asked, was the mild response.
Dumbledore watched as the two wizards across from him glanced around his
office, occasionally sharing brief smiles. Something clicked, suddenly, and he
couldn’t help but wonder why it took him so long to notice it. He sat back with
a sigh and a smile. “I see.”
Harry’s eyes shot over to the Headmaster almost as soon as he smiled.
“Headmaster, is there any particular reason why you’re smiling?”
Dumbledore blinked a few times. “Can you control your Metamorphmagus abilities,
yet?”
Harry paused briefly before speaking with care. “For the most part, yes. I do
have trouble with a few things and it’s tiring, but I’m getting better. Why?”
“Eyes in the back of your head,” Dumbledore replied, eyes twinkling. “You were
watching me even when you weren’t.”
“Always keep your eyes on your opponent,” Harry murmured and Dumbledore
recognized it as something Moody would have said.
“Am I your opponent, then?” the old Headmaster inquired almost sadly.
“You’re hardly my friend, sir.” Harry shrugged. Tom’s eyes shot around to stare
at him in surprise. “Don’t give me that look, Marcus; Professor Dumbledore is
well aware that we’ve been at odds too often for the past year and a half to be
friends.”
Dumbledore nodded regretfully. “How did you find out you were the Heir, if you
don’t mind me asking?
Harry gave the old wizard an odd look before shrugging. “Salazar Slytherin told
me.”
Tom’s eyes widened in surprise. Harry...
Dumbledore sighed at the teenager. I thought I’d hidden all of those pictures,
but I should have expected that Harry would find them, he thought with slight
annoyance. “I see. I suppose he would recognize the line.” Harry just nodded.
“So, who is Miss Weasley really dating?”
Harry blinked a few times very slowly. “Me, sir. I thought you knew that.”
Dumbledore smiled at the teen. “Really?”
“No,” Tom cut in, surprising Harry into looking at him. “She’s dating Theodore
Nott.”
“Marcus,” Harry hissed, narrowing his eyes at the professor.
The teal-eyed man cocked an eyebrow at Harry. “He already knows, or he wouldn’t
be asking.”
“Quite right,” Dumbledore agreed as Harry settled his face in his hands with a
groan. “However.” He sent both wizards a grave look. “Hogwarts does not condone
student/teacher relationships, as I’m sure you both know.”
“Harry is of age, Headmaster. There’s not much Hogwarts or yourself can do
about this matter,” Tom pointed out evenly.
“Headmaster,” Harry said suddenly. Dumbledore looked to him and was surprised
by the intensity of the green gaze. “If you sack Marcus, I go with him, and I
doubt I’ll be the only one.”
Dumbledore stared at the young man before him for a long moment before finally
letting out a tired sigh and looking away. “I don’t want to have to drag either
of you two in here again because your pranks are out of hand. Harry, you need
to quit attacking the school.”
“With all due respect, sir, I am merely making sure everyone is paying
attention to what goes on around them. We are at war with Voldemort. The last
thing anyone needs is to be caught by surprise because there’s poison in their
food,” Harry said quickly. “Consider it my school-wide training session.”
Dumbledore gave him a cold look. “I am asking you to stop, Harry.”
Harry narrowed his eyes. “Yes, sir,” he ground out.
“Thank you. Marcus, you cannot prank students. You are a teacher and need to
act like one.”
“Understood, sir.” Tom nodded. Harry could feel the man’s annoyance through
their link.
“Thank you, gentlemen. You are both free to go.” Dumbledore nodded to the two
wizards.
“Good night, Headmaster.” Tom nodded, standing. He took a look at the scowling
Harry and sighed. “Come on, you.”
Harry grumbled something under his breath and stood, still scowling.
“What’s that look for?” Tom teased, wrapping an arm around Harry’s shoulders.
“Gryffindors are sore losers.”
Harry punched the taller wizard’s side gently before settling an arm around his
waist and leaning against him. “Prat.”
Tom chuckled and led Harry from the office and Dumbledore’s prying eyes. “Let’s
go assure your friends you’re not suspended again.” He paused suddenly.
“Headmaster?”
“Yes, Marcus?” Dumbledore smiled at him.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d tell my doorkeeper to let my students in to visit
me again.”
“We could always get you a new picture,” Harry teased. “Maybe I can find one of
a lion.”
“I think not! There will be no lions near my bedroom.”
Harry smirked. “Too late.”
“You’re a Gryffindor, not a lion, Mr Potter. That’s hardly the same thing,” Tom
shot back before glancing back up at the Headmaster, who’d been watching them
argue with a faint smile. “The portrait, Headmaster.”
“As long as everyone has left before curfew,” Dumbledore agreed.
“Thank you.” Tom nodded and walked out of the office with Harry. Why did you
say Slytherin told you that you were an Heir?
Salazar mentioned something about having pictures up here which he used to find
out if something important was going on. I figured that they’d be pictures of
him and that Dumbledore would know about them. He probably hid them, in fact.
And you have that bad habit of getting into everything, Tom agreed, shaking his
head in amusement. You’re like a toddler.
Shut up, Harry shot back with a smile. “Hey, you know what?”
“What?”
“I can kiss you good morning now.”
“Don’t get too carried away, you imp.”
“Too carried away would be snuggling in class, Marcus. I think I’m entitled to
a good morning kiss.”
“Better idea,” Tom said, suddenly mischievous. He leaned over enough so he
could place his mouth next to Harry’s ear. “Good morning sex.”
Harry laughed. “On the Head Table? I think Dumbledore would murder us both,
forget those nice little things like sacking and expelling.”
Tom shrugged. “Good point. It’ll have to be on the Gryffindor Table, then.”
Harry snorted and covered his eyes. “You’re such a bastard.”
“Point?”
Harry smiled and leaned his head on Tom’s shoulder. “There wasn’t one. Welcome
back, Harry.”
“Is that your password?” Tom asked in amusement as the portrait hole opened.
“Stuff it, you sod,” Harry muttered, leading Tom in.
“I’m just wondering what Mr Weasley thought of it.”
Harry sniggered. “Good question.”
‘Harry! Marcus!’ Gin ran up to them. ‘You’re not expelled or suspended or
sacked?’
“Upset?” Tom inquired brightly. “Ow!” he added when Harry stepped on his foot.
“Be nice,” Harry said warningly before smiling at Gin. “We’re still here, but
good old Dumbles caught on to the relationship switch, so you can randomly jump
Ted in the Great Hall tomorrow morning, if you want.”
‘Ooh, goodie. I always wanted to give him a heart attack!’
“The Slytherin blood must run in the family,” Tom decided. “Now, I have papers
to grade, since you kept me from being sacked.”
“Can I have a kiss before you go? Please?” Harry begged softly.
“Imp,” Tom murmured before leaning down to capture Harry’s lips with his.
Gin gave an approving whistle and the two drew apart to glare at her. “Busy,”
Harry said in annoyance.
‘Oh, you two can carry on. Just let me get my camera.’
“Excuse me, Marcus. I have to kill my sister.”
Tom chuckled. “Just as long as she still makes it to my class on Monday.”
“Oh, she might have to spend the weekend in the Infirmary again, but I’m sure
she’ll be there,” Harry assured his lover calmly.
“Poppy may just kill you,” Tom decided before kissing Harry’s scar gently. “No
killing on school grounds.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Yes, Marcus.”
‘Oh, come on. I wanna hear what all happened!’ Gin exclaimed, tugging on
Harry’s arm.
“Oh, alright.” Harry drew away from the Dark Lord and waved before allowing his
sister to drag him over to where Hermione, Seamus, and Neville sat.
“Kissing in the middle of the common room. Harry Potter, what has come over
you?” Seamus teased.
“Dumbles caught on.” Harry shrugged, taking the seat next to Hermione while Gin
sat with Neville.
“And he wasn’t sacked?” Hermione whispered in shock.
“Nope. I said that, if he sacked Marcus, I was leaving with, and I probably
wouldn’t be the only one to go.”
“Too bad. I would have loved to see you go, Potter.” Ron sneered from behind
the chair Seamus sat in.
“I’m sure you would, tomato,” Seamus spat. “So you could attack Gin again, no
doubt.”
“Just like the slime you are,” Neville agreed.
“Shut up,” Ron said warningly, wand pointed at Harry, who had risen. “My
argument is with Potter, not any of you.”
“I should hope it’s just with me, Weasel,” Harry replied coldly. “And, as
chance would have it, it’s because of you that I fought so hard to stay in
Hogwarts. After all, I appear to be the only one who can control you.”
Ron’s face twisted in rage. “Incendio!”
Harry threw up his left arm, which had his bracelet on it, and threw out his
wand at the same time. “Locomotor Mortis!”
“Protego! Stupefy!” Ron spat, using a spell he hadn’t seen Harry’s bodyguard
use before.
“Finite! Reducto!” Harry shot back, eyes narrowed. “Expelliarmus!” he added as
the Reductor Curse shattered Ron’s Shield Charm. He caught the willow wand in
his left hand and frowned at the redhead. “I should keep this, you know.”
Hermione stood next to Harry, hand out for the wand. “Give me that. Parvati,
could you come with me? We’re taking Ronald to Professor McGonagall and asking
her to strip him of his position as Prefect. This has gone far enough.”
Harry sighed and handed the wand over as Parvati stood and walked over to them.
“Harry, you come too,” the dark-haired girl ordered, pulling out her wand.
“Why?” Ron asked suspiciously.
“Because he’s the strongest wizard in Gryffindor and I’d like his help in case
you try something funny,” Parvati shot back.
‘Go on. You can’t tell us anything without Herm here, anyway.’ Gin pointed out.
“Oh, very well.” Harry sighed, putting his wand away.
“Don’t put it away!” Parvati cried.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “I think I’d rather kick his arse if he tries
something rather than hex him. Makes me feel better when he’s unarmed.”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about it, Parvati. Harry’s always armed,
these days.” Harry smirked coldly.
“Oh, fine. Hermione, you lead. Harry, you take up the rear.” Parvati sighed
helplessly.
“Right.” Harry leered at Ron. “Try anything funny and I get to kick your arse
into a wall. You know I will.”
Ron gulped and nodded. He’d seen enough of Harry’s “practises” to know that the
teen could probably kill him without ever touching his wand.
Once the portrait hole had closed behind the four seventh years, the fifth year
female Prefect, Jolie Marion, stood. “If it comes to it, I’d like to call a
vote from the other Gryffindors. I call for Harry Potter to be made the other
seventh year Prefect in place of Ronald Weasley. Raise your hand if you are in
agreement.”
Every hand in the common room flew into the air. Jolie sat back down with a
smirk, job done.
“Oh, we are so recruiting her,” Dean said, coming over and stealing Harry’s
seat. “How old do they have to be?”
‘Of age.’ Gin replied, watching the Prefect. ‘I like her. Talk to Harry about
it.’
“Will do.”
                                    -~/\~-
“Come in,” McGonagall called when Hermione knocked.
The Head Girl marched in with determination, but her steps faltered when she
saw the Headmaster sitting and having what appeared to be tea and biscuits with
the Deputy Headmistress. Harry groaned helplessly when he saw the Headmaster.
I’m seeing far too much of this man today.
“Miss Granger. What can I do for you four?” McGonagall asked seriously.
Hermione set her lips into a line and set Ron’s wand on the desk between the
two Heads. “I’d like to request you strip Ronald Weasley of his position as a
Gryffindor Prefect. He is out of line.”
“Please explain what you mean by that,” Dumbledore said, glancing at the witch
over his glasses.
“He verbally attacked Harry with no cause. Seamus and Neville defended Harry
and Ron told them that his fight was not with them, but Harry. Harry said that
was a good thing, since he appeared to be the only one who could control Ron.
Ron then tried setting Harry on fire with his magic. Harry defended himself and
managed to disarm Ron,” Hermione explained, fighting tears when she remembered
that Ron had appeared ready to kill her best friend
McGonagall gave Ron a severe look while Dumbledore glanced at Parvati, who
looked nervous, and Harry, who looked both annoyed and bored. “This happened as
she said?”
“Yes, sir,” Parvati agreed shakily.
“The important details are there.” Harry nodded after a moment of thinking it
over.
“Mr Weasley, what do you have to say for yourself?” McGonagall demanded.
“Harry threatened me when I got back to school today!” Ron blurted out.
“Mr Potter...” McGonagall sighed and glanced at the dark-haired wizard who was
leaning against the wall next to the door, looking very bored.
“I told Ron that if he harmed any of my friends, I’d retaliate,” Harry replied
evenly. “Which is the truth and, if you’ll recall, I have already done so, in
the past. I found out Ron got Herm pregnant and we hung him up in the entrance
hall. When he attacked Gin the first time, I got all the other Gryffindors to
keep him from getting a seat. The second time he attacked Gin I couldn’t do
anything, as I wasn’t here, or I would have.”
“Even though you were at the Burrow often?” Dumbledore inquired seriously.
Harry shook his head. “I never touched Ron with malice of any kind between my
suspension and his return to school.”
Ron stared at Harry in shock. “Not true! You punched me!”
“You called Gin my whore,” Harry replied coldly. “You deserved that one. Even
Tonks agreed that was out of line.”
“My apologies,” Ron spat. “I should have said Professor Brutús. Or perhaps
that’s the other way around.”
Harry’s eyes blazed, but he stayed where he was, leaning against the wall.
“Leave Marcus out of this,” he said in a dangerously low voice.
“That was out of line, Mr Weasley!” McGonagall called angrily. “Miss Granger, I
agree with your call. Mr Weasley, you now have a detention with me every night
next week.”
“Bu–“
“Shut up, Ron,” Harry ordered and Ron’s mouth slammed shut.
McGonagall shook her head and looked back at the Head Girl and Prefect. “Miss
Granger, Miss Patil, do you have any idea which seventh year boy you’d like in
Mr Weasley’s place?”
Both Hermione and Parvati pointed at Harry, who blinked in surprise. “Me?”
“You’re the strongest wizard in Gryffindor,” Parvati repeated. “And you’re
friends with people from every House.”
“As Gin pointed out two months ago, if we ever want the opinion on something
from the general population of Hogwarts within twenty-four hours, you’re the
wizard to ask. If you actually knew how to behave yourself, I’d say you’d make
a better Head Boy than Anthony,” Hermione added.
“But, you just pointed out that I can’t behave myself!” Harry complained.
“Well, you haven’t attacked Ron yet for insulting Marcus.” Hermione smiled.
“That martial arts training did wonders for your control.”
“Ha-ha. Funny.” Harry snorted.
“I find nothing wrong with this reasoning,” McGonagall decided. “Headmaster?”
“I daresay that Harry would make a wonderful Prefect,” Dumbledore said with a
smile. “Mr Weasley, please hand over your badge to Mr Potter.”
Ron stared at the Headmaster. “But, sir, what about what Percy said?!” he
cried, clutching at his badge. “He could be working for You-Know-Who!”
Harry let out a frustrated sigh. “Not this again! I swear, if one more person
says I’m working for Voldemort, I may go hang myself!”
“Please don’t,” Hermione muttered. “I rather like having you around.”
“That is enough, Mr Weasley!” McGonagall shouted. “Hand your badge over to Mr
Potter.”
Ron spun and threw the pin at Harry, who winced when it pierced his hand.
Harry’s gaze glanced over his left wrist before looking at the cut. “You know,
Ron, I don’t like it when people try and poison me.” Ron froze and his face
drained of colour. “Lucky for me I took precautions. Though, really, I didn’t
think I’d need them for my friends.” He glanced up at the three people with
their wands on Ron, and Hermione, who looked close to tears. “Permission to go
to the Infirmary?”
“Hand the pin to Miss Patil before you go,” Dumbledore ordered.
Harry handed her the pin carefully before slipping from the room and starting
down the hall to the hospital ward. He didn’t get far before he heard
McGonagall start to shout at his ex-friend.
You’re okay? Tom’s voice echoed through his mind in concern.
Yes, love, I’m fine. The charm is green, not red, Harry said calmingly.
Move those feet, mister, The Dark Lord ordered. I already told Poppy that
you’re coming.
You were in the hospital wing? Harry inquired, speeding up.
You did tell me that I needed a friend here. Poppy and I have been catching up.
An odd experience, I must say.
I’ll bet, Harry replied, pushing the Infirmary doors open as he came to them.
“Honey, I’m home!” he called.
“Not funny. Sit,” Poppy said firmly, pointing to the closest bed as she walked
quickly towards him. “You’re a very lucky young man.”
Harry sat with a groan. “Sure I am. If I were truly that lucky, I wouldn’t have
to be in here at all.”
“Good point,” Tom agreed, sitting next to the teen and wrapping him in a hug as
Poppy started treating the wound. “Are you okay, love?”
“ ‘M fine,” Harry muttered. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Harry, you’re pale and sweating and your emotions are bouncing around worse
than a wizard on speed. What did he say?” Tom replied. Poppy watched on with
worried eyes as she finished cleaning the cut. It wasn’t very deep and the
charm had killed most of the poison before Harry had reached her.
“He implied I was your whore,” the young wizard murmured, closing his eyes and
burying his face in Tom’s chest.
The Dark Lord’s eyes blazed. “Merlin help me, but I’m going to murder that
little shit.” He pulled away so he could look into Harry’s eyes as Poppy
finished. “You’re not anyone’s whore, do you understand me?”
“Yes,” Harry whispered, eyes filling with tears.
Tom sighed and tugged the young wizard to him again, hugging him tightly. “Oh,
Harry...”
Poppy sat on the bed behind the boy and rubbed gentle circles in his back. “I’m
sure the Headmaster will have to expel him this time. Did Mr Weasley actually
set the poison, or was that planned?”
“Mr Weasley did it,” Tom replied. “Percy must have told him to take Harry out
at any cost.”
“Of course he did. I’m a fucking Death Eater, remember?” Harry laughed
bitterly, tugging away from the Dark Lord’s embrace. There were tear-tracks on
his face, which he wiped at furiously. “I should get back to the common room,”
he muttered, standing cautiously.
Tom slipped his arms around Harry’s waist and tugged the young man back down
into his lap. “You’re not going anywhere until you’ve calmed down.”
“No, Marcus, really...”
“Harry, you’re staying right here,” Tom said firmly. “Boyfriend’s orders.”
Harry gave a pained laugh and relaxed back into the older wizard’s chest,
closing his eyes. “You’re such a bastard.” Tom smiled and kissed the teen’s
scar as the hospital wing’s doors opened again to admit McGonagall, Hermione,
and Parvati.
“Harry?” Hermione asked softly. “Are you okay?”
“He’s fine, physically.” Tom sighed. “It’s emotionally I’m concerned about.”
Hermione’s eyes widened. “Oh, God, I’d forgotten. Harry–“
“I’m fine, Herm.” Harry sighed, glancing up at her. “And, personally, I’d
rather you forgot about that.”
“What is it?” McGonagall asked as Hermione climbed onto the bed next to Tom and
hugged Harry carefully. Parvati was watching on in confusion while Poppy put
her medical supplies away.
“Don’t,” Harry whispered as Tom opened his mouth to reply.
The Dark Lord settled a hand over Harry’s mouth and shot the Deputy
Headmistress a piercing look. “His cousin raped him the summer between his
fifth and sixth years. He’s still not quite over it. Don’t you dare bite me,
you viper.” Harry closed his eyes in defeat.
McGonagall looked horrified while Parvati climbed in on the Dark Lord’s other
side to hug Harry just as Hermione was doing. Poppy was shaking her head sadly
as she put potion bottles away. “How come you never told any of us, Potter?”
the Gryffindor Head of House asked gently.
“I didn’t want anyone to know,” Harry muttered. “Marcus found out on accident.”
McGonagall gave the Defence teacher a sharp look. “I’ll bet he did.”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Tom shot back coldly. “You’re not either of our
mothers and we’re both old enough to make our own choices.”
Harry giggled. “You sound like you’ve been caught doing something wrong.”
All four witches in the room smiled as Tom scowled. “Yup, you’re fine. Off you
go to terrorize the first years.”
“Do I look like Professor Snape to you?” Harry inquired, kissing Tom’s chin.
“Stupid.”
“Black hair, beady eyes, temper like a tsunami… I dunno, you fit the
description pretty well,” Tom teased. Hermione and Parvati pulled away to
giggle helplessly while McGonagall and Poppy chuckled.
Harry twisted in the Dark Lord’s embrace and frowned at him. “Hugs are nice,
but I want a kiss.”
“What are you, two?” Tom sighed before bowing his head and crushing his mouth
to Harry’s. Cause you’re pretty damn sexy for a two-year-old.
Shut up, you bastard, Harry shot back, looping his arms around Tom’s neck. I
really hate you some times.
I’m sure you do. Tom pulled away and smiled as Harry rested his head against
his chest. “Do me a favour and don’t fall asleep on me this time.”
“Stuff it, bastard,” Harry grumbled, closing his eyes.
Tom sighed and glanced up at the two eldest witches. “Help?”
“My patients get all the comfort they desire,” Poppy informed her friend.
“And lots of light,” Harry added.
“That too,” The mediwitch agreed. “It helps me figure out when someone wakes
up. The first thing they do is cover their eyes or groan.”
“I’m tempted to wish a blind patient on you,” Harry informed the mediwitch.
“Loud music,” Parvati said evilly. “The first thing they’ll do is cover their
ears.”
“Ooh, lovely.” Hermione giggled. “Then, maybe, Madam Pomfrey can turn down the
lights.” Everyone laughed, even Harry.
“Better?” Tom asked gently once everyone had calmed back down.
“Yes, thank you.” Harry nodded, smiling.
“Sure?”
“I’m over it, Marcus,” Harry said, poking the Dark Lord’s side.
“I think I’m allowed to worry about you,” Tom replied, kissing Harry’s scar.
Harry rolled his eyes and glanced up at McGonagall, who had pulled over a chair
to sit on. “Professor, what’s going to happen with Ron?”
“He’s been expelled,” McGonagall replied. “And I believe he’s being sent to the
Ministry for questioning. That poison should have killed you.”
“I know.” Harry fingered his charm bracelet. “I’ll have to thank Dray again.”
McGonagall gave him a questioning look. “He got us all charms that protect
against most fatal poisons. It was a tag team gift from him, Pan, ‘Bini, and
Ted. The poison charm has saved my life at least twice now.”
“When was the other time?” Hermione whispered.
“The day I got suspended.” Harry shrugged. “Someone poisoned my butterbeer when
I had lunch with Molly and Arthur.”
“Oh, God. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I kinda got back and got suspended, Herm. And it wasn’t really that big a
deal, I don’t suppose.” He glanced back down at the charm bracelet. “Bleeding
life saver.”
“I still don’t like that it’s a bracelet,” Tom announced, much to the amusement
of Harry, Hermione, and Parvati.
“Marcus, you’re the only one who can see it, so stop whining,” Harry berated
his lover, grasping Tom’s wrist and tugging on the invisible chain.
“Then how come you know where it is?” Tom asked suspiciously.
“Because I have one just like it and there’s only so far it’ll go up your
wrist, you bastard,” the green-eyed wizard replied, letting the bracelet go.
“And, if you hadn’t fought with me about it, I wouldn’t have been the one to
put it on you and might not know which wrist you were wearing it on. It’s your
own fault.”
“I hate your logic,” Tom decided, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head.
“Wait, you’re a Prefect now, aren’t you?”
“Speaking of.” McGonagall pulled a brand new Prefect pin from one of her robe
pockets and handed it over to Harry carefully. “I’m sure you can act
responsibly, Mr Potter.”
“We’re doomed.” Tom groaned as Harry pinned the badge onto his school robe. The
teen elbowed him. “Abuse of authority!”
“Oh, come on, Marcus. You’re a teacher, for crying out loud. Surely you can
stop me from elbowing you if you really want me to stop.”
Tom scowled. “And I say it again: I hate your logic.”
The ward exploded with laughter.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry suffered through a night of restless dreams and woke in time for lunch.
By that time, news of Ron’s expulsion had circled the school so many times
people were sick of it, but the appearance of the newest Gryffindor Prefect
started the whole thing up again.
Harry settled himself in his usual seat between Gin and Neville. “Please stop
staring at me. Enough of the Great Hall is already doing it,” he muttered to
the group around him as he helped himself to a turkey sandwich.
‘You look horrible, big brother.’ Gin informed him. ‘Are you okay?’
“Yes,” Harry muttered, ducking his head nervously.
Tom appeared from nowhere and knelt next to the teen. “What’s wrong?”
Harry shrugged. “Tired, I suppose.”
“That’s not it and you know it. What’s wrong?”
Harry glanced back at the Dark Lord nervously. It was Hermione who answered,
though. “Too many people staring,” she murmured. Harry nodded.
“You are such an odd child,” Tom decided, standing. “Come on. Lunch in my
room.”
“Can we come?” Neville inquired.
“No,” the Dark Lord decided in a gentle voice as Harry stood. “I’d like some
time with just Harry, I think.” The Gryffindors nodded in understanding and Tom
wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Alright?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “See everyone later,” he offered to his friends before
letting Tom lead him from the watchful gazes.
“Has he always been that shy?” Parvati asked once the Dark Lord and his second
had disappeared through the doors.
“Only after a bad night,” Hermione replied thoughtfully. “And, even then, it
takes almost the whole school watching him for him to do that. Most of the
time, Ron and I would just let him eat in the kitchen or stay in the dorm. I
daresay, Marcus’ got the best idea yet.”
‘That’s because he’s Marcus and he loves him.’ Gin offered, taking a bite of
the sandwich on Harry’s plate. ‘That, and they think alike.’
“Not totally alike, I should hope,” Hermione muttered.
The group of Gryffindors traded grins.
Chapter End Notes
     Junior_Pendant_Colours/Glows_and_Their_Meanings:
     No colour - Fine
     Red - Physical Danger (ex. bleeding wound, bruise)
     Yellow - Illness (ex. cold, the flu)
     Green - Poisoned (true poison, not something that’s been blocked by
     their bracelet or a prank)
     Grey - Disabled (ex. blind, deaf, mute)
     Purple - Unconscious
     Black - Mortal Peril
     Notes: The darker or more obvious the glow, the more serious the
     condition.
     The pendants don’t glow multiple colours. If, say, a person is
     bleeding and unconscious, the more serious of the two will become
     obvious. Gin’s pendent is now constantly surrounded by a grey glow,
     but, if she’s wounded or poisoned, that would become the dominant
     colour.
     Hope that clears that up!
***** Chapter 41 *****
The Sunday following Ron’s expulsion brought about unfortunate news for the
Head Girl and two seventh year Gryffindor Prefects in the form of a meeting
with McGonagall and Dumbledore during their lunch time.
“Sit, sit,” Dumbledore told the three students gravely. McGonagall was already
seated in a straight-backed, finely carved, mahogany chair that appeared rather
uncomfortable.
The three students traded looks and stepped forward. Parvati conjured herself a
nice, plush red armchair next to McGonagall. Harry conjured matching blue and
green armchairs for Hermione and himself, respectfully, and the three sat down.
A plate of sandwiches appeared before them and both girls took one. Harry,
however, eyed the Headmaster. “Not to be rude, sir, but, what did you need us
for?” the raven-haired young man inquired.
Dumbledore sighed. “I got a letter from the Minister this morning about Mr
Weasley’s coming trial.” He stopped talking to take a slow sip of tea, as if
testing their patience.
Harry played his game. “A letter, sir?”
“Yes.”
“And what, sir,” Harry continued when Dumbledore did not, “might have been in
that letter that would have been of concern to us?” He decided he hated the
twinkle in Dumbledore’s eyes even more when the man was withholding
information. “I mean, if it’s about Ron’s death, then I hardly think it
concerns any of us. Well, except, perhaps, Herm, since she’d need to tell her
child. And, if that’s it,” Harry added as an afterthought, “then I suppose I
should also be here, being the godfather and all that. Why Parvati is here, I
haven’t the slightest. As far as I’m aware, Gin’s the godmother, after all.” He
glanced around the room idly. Hermione was laughing silently into her sandwich
while both Parvati and McGonagall were obviously trying not to laugh.
Dumbledore was smiling madly.
“Now, Mr Potter, that was a little bit of a stretch, don’t you think?” the
Headmaster inquired as seriously as one can with a twinkle in one’s eyes and a
smile upon one’s lips.
Harry shrugged. “No.”
“Harry, you’re such a prat.” Hermione giggled. “Headmaster, what does this
letter have to do with us, please?”
Dumbledore’s smile faded. “Mr Weasley’s trial is being held on Wednesday the
eighteenth. You three are asked to attend as witnesses against him. You will
have the whole day free of classes and will leave directly following breakfast.
Your return depends upon how long the trial takes. I will be going with you, of
course.”
“What about Professor McGonagall, sir?” Hermione asked softly. “She was also in
the room.”
“We cannot leave the school without a Headmaster or Headmistress, Miss
Granger,” McGonagall said gravely. “I was asked to come, but it just is not
possible.”
“You couldn’t give another teacher control of the school while you were away?”
Parvati inquired. “The Deputy Headmistress’ Deputy?”
“There isn’t one,” McGonagall replied.
Harry attempted to not tell them exactly how stupid such an act was. The Dark
Order only had one other person to take charge of the Death Eaters or Juniors
if their leaders were taken out, after all.
Ah, yes, but we have two leaders, Harry. That’s the trick, Tom replied to the
thought.
“You three will be expected to wear good clothing. Dress robes would do,”
Dumbledore’s voice pulled Harry’s attention back to the real world.
“Sir, both Herm and I were dragged off by the Malfoys to be properly dressed,
no matter the occasion,” Harry cut in, his eyes slipping over to the witch next
to him. “Parvati?”
“I can wear my old dress robes,” Parvati replied tightly.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “Those pink robes from the Yule Ball?”
Parvati blinked a few times in surprise. “Uhm, yes. You remembered?”
“They were rather lovely, but the colour’s wrong for court,” Harry replied,
looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully. “If the Headmaster will allow it, I’ll
take you out to that shop in Hogsmeade today and we can get you something not
so bright. Burgundy, perhaps.”
“That’s really not–“
“You’ll pay me back, of course,” Harry added, looking at her again, green eyes
serious.
“I− Oh, very well. If the Headmaster agrees.” The young lady sighed, glancing
at Dumbledore.
“I don’t see why not,” Dumbledore agreed. “Now, that is all. Why don’t you
three head on down? Lunch is almost done, so I’m sure you can tell your friends
everything and then, perhaps, Miss Parvati and Mr Potter can head on down to
Hogsmeade?”
“Oh, I dunno, we might just go on down now and leave Herm by herself. I’m sure
she can defend herself against all our friends.” Harry snorted, standing.
“You’re horrible.” Hermione giggled, also standing. Parvati let out a snigger
as she got rid of her chair, as well as the two Harry had conjured.
“I could have got those,” Harry muttered, offering his arm to Hermione, who
took it with a smile.
“Oops.” Parvati shrugged with a smirk and grabbed Harry’s free arm with force.
“Take us on down, sir?”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her even as they started towards the door. “I’m
afraid I only lead ladies anywhere.”
“Are you suggesting I’m not a lady?!”
“No. I’m telling you. Parvati, you’re no lady. You’re a horrible, despicabl–“
The door closing cut off their conversation.
McGonagall smiled sadly at Dumbledore. “I’m going to miss having Mr Potter
around, I must admit.”
Dumbledore gave his Deputy an annoyed look. “You just like knowing there’s a
student with the guts to insult me.”
McGonagall laughed. “I suppose.” She sobered rather quickly. “I’m assuming you
haven’t asked him yet?”
“I recall he wanted to try and become an auror.”
“We both know the Auror Training Program won’t take him with his records.”
“They may. He is Harry Potter.”
“Still…”
“We shall see. I’ll inquire as to if they’ll let him in or not. If they will, I
won’t bother asking him. If they won’t, then, yes, of course I’ll ask him.”
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and glanced out the window. “He’ll be the
youngest we’ve ever had, you know.”
“I know. But, I’m sure he’ll agree. It’s not like he’s never had the practise.”
The elderly Headmaster gave his Deputy a sad smile. “I know. Oh, I know.”
                                    -~/\~-
“Hurry up. Marcus wanted a word with us,” Harry murmured to Parvati as they
entered the Gryffindor common room with the witch’s new robes. “Tell Herm to
come down, as well.”
“Sure thing.” The Junior nodded and hurried up the stairs to the girl’s
dormitory.
Harry sighed and settled himself in a free armchair and stared into the
fireplace. A first year witch came up to him. “Uhm, Harry Potter?” she asked
nervously.
Harry glanced at her. “Enid, right?” The young witch nodded. “How can I help
you?” he asked with a reassuring smile.
“I was, uhm, hoping you could help me with this Potions work…”
Harry glanced over at the door to the girls’ dormitory quickly and noted that
neither of his friends were coming down yet. “Sure. What’s the git got you
working on?”
Enid giggled nervously and held out a bit of parchment with a messy scrawl on
it that was in the form of paragraphs. “He wanted us to write thirty
centimetres on the Forgetfulness Potion. And he hinted it was going to be on
the final exam! Can you read it over for me and tell me if it’s horrible?”
Harry frowned at the parchment in concentration. “If you get me a quill and
some ink, I’d be glad to,” he replied at last. “I’d also suggest rewriting this
a bit neater, or Snape’ll take off because it looks like chicken scratch.” The
green-eyed wizard glanced up and noticed the hurt look in Enid’s eyes. “I’m
sorry, I’m just telling you what he’ll say. Let me tell you, he’s insulted my
handwriting so many times I’ve memorized the exact complaint. Want me to recite
it?” He grinned.
Enid giggled and ran for her quill and ink. “Here. And, you’re right. He always
complains about my handwriting. Even when it’s as neat as I can possibly get
it, he complains. I’ve given up on trying.”
Harry gave the girl a wink. “Let me tell you a secret.” He leaned forwards
slightly, as did the girl. “The nicer your handwriting, the less points he
takes off. If he can read it, he takes off one less point than if he can’t, for
example, but he always takes off points. Hermione has amazingly good
handwriting, and he still takes off points for it. He just doesn’t like
Gryffindors.”
Enid burst out laughing while Harry sat back to read through the paper, idly
marking mistakes and making suggestions. After about five minutes, Hermione and
Parvati came down.
“Well, I must say, I never thought the day would come when I’d see you helping
someone with Potions,” Hermione teased in greeting as she leaned on the back of
his chair.
“I’ve been helping Gin since she first came to visit me over the summer and I
showed Seam how to make the Sobering Potion earlier this year,” Harry replied
evenly as he marked something else wrong. “I do actually know this stuff, you
know.”
“I know.” Hermione set a hand on his shoulder gently. “Should we go without
you, or wait?”
“Wait. He’s probably busy anyway. I seem to recall him saying something about a
visit from Dumbles,” Harry muttered, squinting to read something, then making a
note next to it.
“Oh, okay. Here, Parvati, let’s have a seat, hm?” Hermione laughed, stepping
over to one of the other plush chairs. “Harry, whose paper is that, anyway?”
“Enid Clough,” Harry replied.
Hermione glanced over at where the girl was seated in a corner, surrounded by
sheets of parchment and books. “Does she have any friends? Do you know?”
“A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin, remarkably enough,” Harry responded in an off-
handed matter. “Both girls. Kamila Vance, daughter of Emmeline Vance from the
Order and Babette Kern, daughter of Serge Kern, who’s a lesser Death Eater.”
“Right in the middle.” Parvati hummed. “Interesting mix. Do you know her side?”
“Nope.” Harry tossed the Junior a quick smile. “I never bothered to find out.
She’s Muggleborn, though. Well, as far as we know. Her mum disappeared not long
after Enid was born.”
“Harry, how do you find out all of these things?!” Hermione asked, shocked.
The wizard shrugged. “I have my ways,” he merely said, standing. “Let me give
this back to Miss Clough.” He wandered over to where Enid sat.
“He’s not going to tell you.” Parvati giggled. “Don’t bother glaring at his
arse, even if it is rather fine.”
Hermione laughed. “Oh, dear. You’re a horrible girl, Parvati. Don’t let Marcus
hear you talking about poor Harry like that, he might just hex you.”
“Actually, I think I’m more worried about what Harry might do,” Parvati
decided. “But, really, you must admit, he does look rather fine. I mean, I
thought he was handsome in fourth year, but, Merlin, he’s become gorgeous.”
“I heard that!” Harry called over, glancing over his shoulder at the two girls.
“Have you been snitching Extendable Ears from Fred and George again?” Hermione
called back.
“No.” Harry winked. “I have other ways, you know.” Then he turned back to Enid.
“Gorgeous and mysterious.” Parvati sighed. “It’s too bad he’s taken.”
Hermione giggled. “I have to agree with you sometimes. I was so upset last year
when I broke up with Ron and Harry mentioned that he wasn’t dating anyone else
for a while. I mean, after Ron, Harry was definitely the next guy on my list.”
“I’m touched,” Harry replied, walking back over to them, Enid following. “But
I’d been totally serious. If I hadn’t run into Marcus in Diagon Alley over the
summer, I wouldn’t be dating anyone this year.”
“Harry, out of curiosity, would you have dated Herm if you’d found out that Ron
was going to get her pregnant, if only to stop him from doing the act?” Parvati
inquired as the famed wizard and young witch came to a stop before them.
Harry frowned thoughtfully. “Yes,” he decided after a moment. “Even if I’d been
dating Marcus at the time, I would have, at the very least, pretended to date
Herm to protect her.”
Hermione jumped up and hugged Harry tightly, tears in her eyes. “Oh, Merlin,
Harry. You have no clue what that means to me!”
Harry closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his best friend tightly. “I
love you like a sister, Herm. I’d do anything for you, just like I’d do
anything for Gin.” He opened his eyes to smile down at Parvati. “I do just
about anything for all my friends, actually. Even buy them nice robes for
court.”
Parvati stared at him in shock. “You don’t want me to pay you back, do you?!”
Harry winked as Hermione stepped back, wiping at her eyes and smiling. “Nope.
In fact, if you do, I might just have to swat you. I know those robes weren’t
cheap.”
Parvati gave a squeal of joy and jumped up to hug him even tighter than
Hermione had. “Oh, Harry Potter, you’re the best!”
Enid giggled at the three seventh years. “You guys are silly.”
Harry winked at her. “Seven years together will do that to people, even if you
spend a large chunk of that time thinking each other immature, let me tell
you.”
Enid shook her head. “The other Gryffindors don’t like me.”
“Why not?” Hermione asked in concern.
“Because she’s friends with a ‘slimy Slytherin’,” Harry muttered. “Surely you
recall how we all acted towards the Slytherins in first year, Herm?”
“Yes, but this year's Slytherins aren’t as bad as they were in our year. I
mean, Draco was horrible,” Hermione replied, frowning.
“Cyrus York is almost as bad as Dray was,” Harry argued. “He and Ula Thorald
act just like Dray and I did back in first year. They’re always at each other’s
throats. Prospects for the Quidditch Teams, too, Hooch says. With any luck,
they’ll take both Dray and my places as Seekers and this will never end.”
“But, you and Malfoy are friends now,” Enid said softly. Her eyes were hopeful.
“Maybe Thorald and York will work things out and it won’t be so bad...”
“How do the other Gryffindors treat you, Enid?” Hermione asked, leaning down
slightly so she could meet the girl’s eyes.
“Oh, they just ignore me. Though, Thorald’s best friend, Rockwell, keeps
throwing things at me in classes.” Enid shrugged helplessly.
Hermione glanced up at Harry. Her eyes pleaded for his help and he shrugged.
She glanced back down at the poor girl. “What about the Slytherins?”
“Babs is my best friend, but she gets a lot of heat for being friends with an
‘idiot Gryffindork’ and a ‘wimpy Huff-n-duff’. They don’t like me either,
really,” the girl said, looking at the fireplace.
Hermione shot Harry a look that was bordering on begging and he sighed and
knelt before Enid. “Enid, look at me.” He waited until the girl was meeting his
eyes before continuing. “I know most of the Slytherins very well right now and
I can probably ask them to tone it down with Babette, which would probably help
you, too. Would you like me to try?”
Hope entered Enid’s blue eyes and she wrung her hands together. “Would you?
Really?”
“Of course. And Herm or Parvati or I could probably have a chat with the
Gryffindors too–“ He was cut off as Enid gave a joyful squeal and hugged him
tightly around his neck. Harry grinned and returned the hug. “Hey, you’ve got
Harry Potter on your side; it’s a proven fact that I can do anything.”
The three witches laughed as Enid let go and Harry stood. “You’re awesome,”
Enid told the seventh year boy.
Harry shrugged. “I suppose. Now, Herm and Parvati and I have got to run to
Professor Brutús’ office for a quick meeting, then I’ll take a hike down to
Slytherin and have myself a yell at those little brats, okay?”
The small girl was smiling as she nodded. “Yeah, alright. Thank you.”
“Sure thing. It’s what I’m here for,” Harry replied with a wink before offering
his arms to the two seventh year witches. “Ladies? We are late for a meeting. I
can only hope Marcus doesn’t take my head off.”
“Harry, I’ve got news for you,” Hermione shot back as she and Parvati each took
an arm, “Marcus won’t do anything worse than swatting that sexy arse of yours.”
Harry shot her a mischievous smirk. “Actually, do you want to know what he’d
really do?”
“No!” Hermione and Parvati laughed together as they three left the common room
and started down the hall
“Harry, this is why we need to tape your mouth shut.” Parvati sniggered. “It’s
so dirty.”
“Says she who was calling my arse ‘rather fine’ mere moments ago,” the wizard
teased. “I was half expecting you to start drooling, actually.”
Parvati swatted his arm gently with her free hand. “Oh, you’re a horrid man.”
“I thought you were aware of that.”
“She was. She just hadn’t thought to put the awareness into practice before
now,” Hermione informed him.
“You know, I haven’t the slightest idea what you just said,” Harry decided,
smiling and nodding.
Hermione placed a quick kiss on her friend’s cheek. “I didn’t expect you to.”
“Oh, I think I should be insulted,” Harry complained as they came to a stop
outside Tom’s rooms. :Lovely returns.:
The portrait waggled it’s finger at them as it opened to let them in.
“I hate that picture,” Harry announced, letting go of the two witches and
hugging Tom from behind. The man had been pouring some tea for himself when
they’d come in.
“You know, it’s a good thing I don’t startle well,” Tom murmured, setting down
the teapot before turning in the embrace and returning it with a kiss. You
brat.
Don’t you know it, Harry shot back, pulling away. “Herm, Parvati, take seats.
I’ll go find more cups.”
“They’re dirty,” Tom called as Harry disappeared into the kitchen and the two
witches settled themselves on the couch.
“That’s what magic is for!”
“I never learned that spell!”
“That explains everything,” Harry decided, coming back out with three more cups
and bringing them over to where Tom had set the teapot, milk, and sugar on the
living-room table when he’d taken his customary seat.
“You know, I don’t think I like you much anymore,” Tom complained as the three
students made their tea. “You’re always insulting me.”
“It’s the only thing he’s good for, don’t you know?” Hermione replied.
Harry stuck his tongue out at her and settled himself in Tom’s lap, leaning
back against the man’s chest with a peaceful sigh. “You wanted to talk to us?”
Tom slipped his free arm around Harry’s waist. “Yes. About the trial.” He
looked around at them seriously. “There are spells on all of the court rooms
that cancel out spells like invisibility and glamours. Parvati, Harry, your
necklaces will be visible. So will the charm bracelets for all three of you.”
“What do you suggest?” Parvati inquired while Harry closed his eyes and cursed
the Ministry under his breath.
“You’ll have to take the necklaces off. There is no way around that spell. The
bracelets should be fine, but I’d suggest hiding them up your sleeves to keep
anyone from knowing exactly which charms you have. You may need them,
especially the one for Veritaserum, if they think you’re holding something
back. Don’t take them off, no matter what,” the Dark Lord replied.
“Tom, have you ever been in one of the courtrooms?” Hermione enquired, fiddling
nervously with her charm bracelet.
“Once, when I was younger.” Tom nodded. “The protections weren’t as good then
as they are now. The information I have on them comes from inside the
Ministry.”
“I might be able to break those spells, Tom,” Harry murmured. “One of the two
of us might, at least. They weren’t built to hold out against you and me, only
normal witches and wizards.”
“I welcome you to test them to your heart’s content, love, but please do the
test with something that won’t get you in trouble?” Tom sighed, kissing Harry’s
neck. “Draw something on your hand or wear a ring of some sort and test the
wards with that. If you can surpass them, grand. If your magic can’t break
them, it’s nothing major; we have ways around such wards.”
“I know that.”
“Just, don’t try and take them down. I know you’d get in trouble, then.”
“What makes you think I’d try something as foolish as that?” Harry asked in an
insulted voice as the witches laughed.
“Because you’re a Gryffindor and your lot do some very foolish things.”
“You know, I might be insulted by that, but I happen to know that Slytherins do
some pretty dumb things themselves.”
“Oh, really?”
“Really.” Harry twisted and placed a quick kiss on Tom’s jaw. “But I’m smart
enough to keep that knowledge to myself.”
“Smart Gryffindors. What’s the world going to?”
“It’s going Dark,” Harry replied mischievously. “And I need to get down to the
Slytherin common and yell myself hoarse at some first years before curfew.”
“I thought you were a lowly Prefect, not the Head Boy,” Tom complained as Harry
stood.
Harry turned and gave his lover a wink. “I have to set an example some way,
lovely. After all, I’m dating a teacher.”
“And he promised one of the Gryffindors he’d have a yell at her tormentors,”
Parvati added, standing and turning to help Hermione up.
“I know.” Tom smiled at the green-eyed wizard as Harry walked into the kitchen
with the three tea cups. “He’s a good kid, for the most part.”
“I heard that!”
Tom shrugged helplessly at the two ladies. “What can a guy do?”
“A guy can stop insulting his boyfriend in a backwards way,” Harry responded,
walking back into the room and throwing Tom a mock dark look.
“Boyfriend. Now there’s a word I never thought would apply in your
relationship.” Hermione sighed with a smile.
“Hey, he started it,” Harry snorted, tossing his thumb in Tom’s direction.
“I’m not the least bit surprised,” Hermione shot back. “Come on, Harry. Good
night, Tom.”
“Good night, ladies,” Tom replied with a groan, standing. He walked up to Harry
and set a finger under the teen’s chin. “Behave yourself.”
“Me? I’m a Gryffindor, remember?” Harry teased.
Tom shook his head. “I know.” He settled a soft kiss on Harry’s mouth and
smiled wickedly. “Go on, then. Have fun with those Slytherins. Show them how we
really do things.”
“Oh, I plan on it,” Harry responded with a smile much the same as his lover’s.
“See you a breakfast tomorrow morning, bastard.”
“Oh, fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, imp.” Tom chuckled and watched the three go
their separate ways down the hall before going back into his room to think.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry was humming to himself as he stepped into the Slytherin common room. As
usual, all noise stopped until they were sure it was safe to continue talking.
Harry considered himself rather special to be one of the few non-Slytherins
that the Slytherins felt safe around. He knew it was because their parents had
declared him to be safe, but, still, it made him feel special.
This visit, however, he needed their attention, so he let out a sharp whistle.
All eyes returned to him and Harry fixed them with a cold look. “I need to
speak to all the first years. Are they in here?”
“Most of us are,” a Hispanic girl with tightly braided dark hair spoke. “But
Kern’s in the dorm. Do you want me to go get her?”
Paloma Chelton, Tom supplied. She’s rather mild, for a Slytherin.
Thank you, lovely, Harry sighed gratefully. “Please do, Miss Chelton. Meet us
out in the hall. The rest of you, come along.” He crooked a finger at where the
other four first years were seated.
The four got up and followed as commanded. They hadn’t dealt with him one-on-
one yet and they were wary around him, as Harry had expected. Tom took the free
time to give the faces names so Harry wasn’t totally lost, The rather nasty
looking blond is Cyrus York, their ring-leader, of sorts. You were right to
compare him to Draco. The brunet next to him is his best mate, Morgan Munro.
The two were a nightmare the first week I had them until I proved I wasn’t a
joke.
I don’t think I want to know.
Probably not. Lots of yelling, parents spoken to at a meeting...
Ouch.
Yup. Anyway, the black-haired girl is Juno Baddock, sister of one of the fourth
years. She holds herself like a queen. Think Pan and you’d be close. That last
boy with all the freckles is Iven Stanton. He’s somewhat like ‘Bini. Quiet, not
much trouble, but extremely intelligent, Tom explained. The hidden door opened
and Paloma came back out with a tall girl with short blonde hair who looked
like she’d been crying recently. Babette Kern, as I’m sure you know. She
prefers being called Babs, though.
You’re a life-saver, Tom, Harry sighed in relief as he led the group down the
dark hallway to an empty classroom he knew wasn’t far from the common room.
“Find a chair and sit,” he ordered before throwing up a powerful Silencing
Barrier. Then he glanced back at them.
Babs was sitting as far away from the other Slytherins as she could get. Cyrus
and Morgan were shooting her nasty looks. Juno was attempting to pretend the
blonde girl didn’t exist while both Iven and Paloma were watching the
Gryffindor Prefect. Harry, for his part, was doing his best to keep his temper
in check as he pulled a desk back for him to sit on. “It’s a sad day when
Slytherins can’t even look to one another for support,” he said in a quiet
voice. All eyes shot to him in shock. “Not only is it sad, but it is pathetic.
So, let me be the first to call this year’s Slytherins pathetic.”
“What do you know about us?!” Morgan spat, glaring at Harry. “You’re a
Gryffindork!”
“I?” Harry frowned. “I am the second in command of the Dark Order, Mr Munro. I
think I know a thing or two about your lot.” The brown-haired boy’s mouth
slammed shut. “I see a divided House right now, and Slytherins cannot be
divided in a school run by Gryffindors. If they are, they will be crushed.
Don’t try denying it, Mr York,” Harry added as Cyrus rose. The blond sneered at
him, but sat again. “Would you like to see me crush you? I guarantee I can do
it if I cared to.”
“You’re a seventh year. Of course you could, how do you say it, ‘crush’ us,”
Cyrus spat. “A seventh year Huff-n-duff could crush us.”
“In my first year, the seventh years couldn’t have taken on the first year
Slytherins,” Harry replied in a calm, even voice. “I couldn’t tell you if it
was because they were afraid of Draco Malfoy and his little gang or if it was
because Draco and his gang truly could stand against them. I doubt I’ll ever
know, and I hardly care, anymore. But, let me tell you now, I even know some
sixth years who would be willing to take you on, and one of them is mute.” His
eyes flickered over each of the glaring faces and met the sad eyes of the lone
Slytherin. “This is unacceptable.”
“Oh, just shut up,” Juno said in a cold voice flipping her hair over her
shoulder.
Harry gave her a grim smile. “You’re lucky we’re in Hogwarts. The wards aren’t
set to allow for Crucio, currently.” Juno paled. “You need to watch who you run
your mouth off around, Miss Baddock. If you’d said that to any other Death
Eater, I doubt they’d give a damn about wards, they’d put you under Cruciatus
anyway.”
Juno fixed him with a cold look. “My daddy doesn’t care what I say to him.”
“Your father is Trent Baddock, correct?” Harry inquired mildly, picking at some
crud under one of his nails.
Juno gave him a superior look. “Of course. He’s in the Inner Circle.”
“I shall have to have a chat with him about how he’s brought up his daughter, I
suppose; she’s a spoiled little bitch,” Harry said in a calm voice, still
picking at his nail.
Juno stood furiously, wand pointed at the elder wizard. “Stupefy!”
Harry let out a chilling laugh as the spell bounced off the Shield Spell he’d
set earlier. “That’s the best you can do? How embarrassing!” He hopped off the
desk, a fiery glint in his eyes. “You couldn’t think of anything better? What
about the Blood-Letting Curse? Or, perhaps, even the Reductor Curse, in case I
had brains and had set up a Shield Spell?” He leaned over the desk she sat in,
meeting her terrified gaze. “Miss Baddock, you need to learn to keep your
temper. Exploding like that could well get you killed. Foolish. Very foolish.
Grow up.”
Harry’s gaze bounced to where Cyrus and Morgan were sniggering and he cast a
silent Silencing Charm on both of them. “Never let your guard down, gentlemen.
If that had been another spell, you could be dead right now. Consider that
before you laugh over another’s misfortune.” Both boys had frozen and were
staring at him in horror. Harry straightened and turned to the door. “You’ve
got a week to improve the relations in your House and year before I return and
show you how we do things in the Dark Order, my young snakes,” the seventh year
said in a light tone, eyes on the door in front of him. “Mr Stanton, just
because my back is turned doesn’t mean I cannot see you aiming your wand at
me,” he added, turning around to smirk at the shocked faces. “Come along. I
will take you back to your common room.”
The six Slytherins stood and walked before Harry sullenly. About three metres
from the entrance, a cold voice stopped the line in its tracks, “Well, well.
What are you all doing out of bed?”
Harry walked around the line with a cold gaze. “Severus.”
The Potions Master’s eyes shot up to the Prefect’s gaze in surprise. “Harry.
What are you doing with these brats?”
Harry shrugged. “Teaching them things.”
Severus gave a cold laugh. “I’ve no doubt they deserve it too.”
“No doubt. Good night, Severus.”
“Good night, Harry.” The Death Eater bowed to his young master and faded into
the dungeons shadows.
Harry’s eyes trailed after the retreating form for a moment before he finished
the short walk to the Slytherin commons. “Ballentwag,” he murmured. The wall
slid open and he led the group inside.
Draco walked up to him. “Should I know what they’ve done?” he enquired as the
first years passed them.
Harry took the Silencing Charm off the two boys before smiling at his Junior.
“Just see that they start including Miss Kern in things by Friday. If things
don’t improve, let me know during Potions and I’ll have another chat with them,
perhaps, this time, with Marcus present. He’s been dying to terrify Munro and
York since their first class.”
“I’ll bet. Those two are monsters.”
Harry smirked. “Hex them occasionally when they aren’t paying attention. I’m
sure they’ll mellow out in time.”
Draco laughed. “You are a true terror when your temper comes in to play, Harry
Potter. It’s times like this that I’m glad I’m your friend instead of your
enemy.”
Harry shrugged. “Too bad that was a lesson Percy and Ronald never learned,
hum?” His eyes danced in amusement as he turned to leave. “Good night, Dray.”
“Good night, Har.”
Harry let out a snort of amusement. “ ‘Gryffindors and their nicknames’ my
arse,” he sighed, stepping back out into the hallway.
Draco’s laughter followed him down to Godric’s room.
                                    -~/\~-
“We may only hope that does the trick,” Harry sighed, flopping down in the free
armchair in front of the fireplace. “Enid, if Miss Kern tells you their
behaviour isn’t improving by the end of this week, you let me know and I’ll
gladly rip their little hearts out.”
Enid stared at him for a long moment before giggling. Hermione scowled. “Harry,
that was a little much.”
“Marcus says they were horrible in his first class, and I can see why. Get
this, Miss Baddock decided that she could hit me with the Stunning Spell. I
haven’t the slightest idea what she’d planned on doing if I’d actually been
stunned, and I’m not sure she knew, either.”
“Why did she try and stun you?” Parvati asked in amazement while Enid tried to
calm herself.
“I called her a spoiled little bitch,” Harry said with a shrug. The statement
sent Enid into gales of helpless laughter.
“Oh, dear…” Hermione set a hand to her forehead. “Then what did you do?”
“Oh, just cast a soundless Silencing Charm on Munro and York because they were
laughing at Baddock’s misfortune.”
“Define ‘misfortune’.”
“Oh, I kinda glared at her, mentioned that most people would have retaliated
with a hex worse than death, mentioned that old Voldie probably would have
tortured her for such an act…” He paused thoughtfully. “Or maybe that was after
she told me to shut up…”
Enid shook her head at the wizard. “You’re awfully mean.”
“No, not really.” Harry shrugged mildly. “I just lost my temper a little.”
“I remember when you losing your temper could result in lost limbs,” Dean
commented, coming up behind Harry’s chair and leaning on the back. “A lot has
changed since fifth year, I suppose. Pity you didn’t kill the little snots.”
“Oh, I’m wondering if they’ll try and go to Dumbles to complain that I
threatened them,” Harry said happily, leaning back in his chair.
“Not another Secrecy Spell.” Hermione groaned. “I never should have taught you
that one.”
Harry smiled. “Why ever not? I get away with so much more shit when I can keep
people from telling on me.”
“Ooh! Teach me?” Enid begged.
Harry shook his head as Hermione let out an indignant huff. “It’s at least
fourth year level, my dear. Wait a few more years and I promise to come back
and teach it to you, k?”
“Oh, okay.” Enid nodded. “So, are you going to argue with the Gryffindors too?”
Harry shrugged. “I have to think over that approach a bit. Slytherins tend to
respond best to threats, I know. What about Gryffindors? Herm?”
“Aren’t you a Gryffindor?” Dean teased.
“I’m only half Gryffindor,” Harry replied haughtily. “I’m also half Slytherin
and I just don’t respond well to anything.”
“I’d noticed,” Hermione grumbled darkly.
Harry grinned. “I respond well to Marcus.”
“Oh, that’s your weakness, is it?” Dean laughed, poking Harry’s arm. “Well,
then. Next time I want Harry to do something, remind me to go to Professor
Brutús for help.”
“The only problem is, Harry and Marcus think alike too often. Chances are, if
Harry doesn’t want to do something, Marcus won’t care enough to make him.”
Hermione sighed. “Harry, I haven’t the slightest idea how you should tackle the
Gryffindors. If you push their buttons just right, you’ll probably get them.
All you have to figure out are their buttons.”
“That’s no problem for Harry,” Parvati declared. “He knows everything.”
Harry ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully while the three witches and one
wizard around him laughed. His eyes were on the flames in front of him. “Most
of Thorald’s family is in the Order,” He murmured and the four around him fell
into silence. “Rockwell’s family is full of Dark wizards and witches, most of
whom rather despise him being in Gryffindor. Hermione, first two names that
come to mind?”
Hermione stared at Harry, eyes wide. “Prongs and Padfoot! Harry, do you know a
way to push their buttons?!”
Harry closed his eyes with a tired sigh. “Yes.”
“Harry?” Hermione leaned forward and rested a hand on his knee, eyes worried.
“Are you okay?”
He glanced up at her with a weak smile. “Yes, sorry. Thought I saw Snuffles’
head in the fire for a moment there.” The young man stood with a stretch. “I’m
off to bed, then. I’ll tackle Miss Thorald and Mr Rockwell tomorrow. Good
night.” He turned and left up the boy’s dormitory stairs.
“Who’s Snuffles?” Enid asked when the silence that had fallen over the group
got too unbearable.
“One very brave man who died to save Harry.” Hermione shook her head sadly.
“Snuffles probably wouldn’t agree with some of Harry’s choices, of late.”
“I think, Hermione, that if this Snuffles really cared about Harry so much and
knew the reasons, he wouldn’t care in the least,” Dean offered with a shrug.
“I’m going to head for bed myself. Good night, everyone.”
“Dean!” Hermione called. The black wizard turned back to glance at her
curiously. “Tell him that, please. We really don’t want a moody Harry tomorrow
morning.”
Dean nodded. “Sure thing.” Then he left them to their thoughts.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry was muttering about idiots when he entered the common room Wednesday
morning. He’d finally got the chance to talk to Ula Thorald and Ronan Rockwell
the night before, due to their having detention Monday night with Filch. He
paused when he saw Hermione and Parvati, who were dressed for court, since
Dumbledore had told them they’d be leaving directly after breakfast, and they
looked lovely.
Hermione’s hair was straightened and done up in a tight bun to keep it out of
the way. Her robes were light blue and swept around her form elegantly, hiding
the pregnancy in a way that her school robes and muggle clothing never could.
She’d gone with dark blue eye shadow and a light shade of pink for her lips.
The dark purple cloak from the Malfoys was slung over her shoulders, since it
was still a bit nippy, despite being mid-March.
Parvati was wearing her dark hair braided around her head in a sort of crown.
Her robes were sophisticated and in a dark mauve, almost purple. A floral
pattern in maroon embroidery thread trailed around the neckline and cuffs. Her
eye shadow was in dark shades of violet and her lips were a dark red, almost
purple. A dark red and gold cloak was slung about her shoulders to ward off the
chill. Her Dark Mark pendant was nowhere in sight.
“You both look beautiful,” Harry sighed, smiling. “You’ll end up charming the
court, no problem.”
“And you look drop-dead gorgeous,” Parvati declared.
Harry had dressed in his dark green robes with silver serpents twining around
the cuffs. The serpents actually moved, which tended to be distracting, so
Harry had stunned the things earlier. He’d grown his hair out with a potion so
it would behave itself and it was pulled away from his face in a black leather
clasp, though a few locks fell about his face. His scar stood out sharply on
his forehead, as always. He’d put his glasses away for his clear contacts. His
Dark Mark pendant had been securely put away in the money pouch tied to his
belt and he’d found a necklace with a flying phoenix to put in its place. He,
too, wore his cloak from the Malfoys.
“Thanks, Parvati.” His hand brushed the necklace at his throat. “I’m going to
try my little test on this, so let me know if it disappears or not.”
“What if we’re not called in together?” Hermione asked in concern as they
joined the other Gryffindors heading for breakfast. All three ignored the
strange looks they were receiving.
Harry shrugged. “I dunno. We’ll figure something out.” He dropped his hand from
the pendant. “Your bracelets are secured?”
“Yes, Master,” they intoned. Harry grinned.
‘You three look AMAZING!’ Gin cried she caught sight of them. She, Seamus,
Blaise, Draco, Pansy, Theodore, and Padma were all waiting at the bottom of the
stairs in the entrance hall for them.
“Gee, thanks, Gin,” Harry replied, attempting to be bashful.
Gin swatted his arm. ‘You’re such a bastard at times.’
“Look at this, Draco. Baby Harry’s all grown up. He didn’t need our help
getting dressed this time,” Pansy said with a sniffle.
“Ha-ha, Pan. Funny,” Harry muttered, glaring at her.
“Wow!” called a voice from above the group of seventh years and Gin. They all
glanced up at where Enid stood, gaping down at them.
Harry waved her down. “Come now, what’s that look for?”
“I’m jealous,” the young Gryffindor announced. “I could never look that good.”
“Oh, don’t you worry,” Harry assured her. “We’ll hand you over to Pan and
she’ll have you attracting guys in no time. Worked for me.” He jumped out of
the way quickly as Pansy attempted to smack him.
“I know you can’t run very fast in those robes of yours, Potter, so I’ll give
you a five second head start,” the young woman called darkly.
“Make it five minutes and I might allow it,” a voice said dangerously from
behind Pansy.
“Marcus! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” the Slytherin exclaimed, turning
and seeing the professor.
“That was the point,” the Dark Lord replied coldly.
“He’s grumpy ‘cause I don’t get to cause trouble in his class today,” Harry
offered brightly, setting a hand on Pansy’s shoulder reassuringly. “Morning,
Marcus.”
Tom reached forward and pulled Harry against his chest before kissing him
thoroughly. The kiss was followed by the exclamation: “This isn’t fair! I
wanted to have my wild sex fantasies during class!”
Harry buried his face in Tom’s chest, laughing helplessly while the group
behind him cracked up. You are such a bastard, Tom!
And you love me anyway. Pity.
“Marcus, that’s not something you normally shout at the top of your lungs in
the middle of the entrance hall before breakfast,” Blaise told the man, trying
to regain his breath.
“I wanted to make my displeasure known,” the Dark Lord replied with a whine.
“Well, you’ve done it with style, Marcus. Please never do it again,” Harry
suggested wearily, leaning back to get a good look at the Dark Lord. He really
didn’t look pleased about Harry having to go to the trial.
Tom’s eyes glinted and he opened his mouth, obviously intending to shout his
embarrassing proclamation at the top of his lungs once again. Harry tugged his
head down and kissed him, instead. Hey!
It’s the fastest way to shut you up, prat, Harry shot back, pulling away to
glare at his lover. “I don’t care how displeased you are, please don’t do that
again.”
“Oh. Fine…” Tom sighed and hugged Harry tightly. Remember that you have every
right to not answer a question, k?
Tom, what do you know that I don’t?
I know a lot, but I have suspicions about this trial. You don’t have to answer
everything. Remember that, Tom replied, worry seeping through their connection.
Alright, love. Harry sighed, pulling away. “It’ll be fine, Marcus. You can
still have your fantasies without me there, you just won’t have anyone to stare
at while you’re doing it, right?”
“ ‘S not the same.” The Dark Lord shook his head sadly. “Here, Harry, wait.” He
pulled something out of a pocket and set it in Harry’s palm, closing the teen’s
hand around it. “Don’t you dare lose that, hear me?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded seriously.
Tom kissed his scar. “Behave at that trial, Mr Potter. I mean it.”
“I was planning to. Don’t worry.”
A sad smile stole across Tom’s face for a brief moment. “But I do worry, you
imp. It’s what I’m here for,” he said softly before walking past his lover and
the teen’s friends and going into the Great Hall.
Harry opened his hand and gaped at the ring in it. “Oh, Merlin…”
The Juniors and Hermione closed in. “Harry, is that what I think it is?” Draco
hissed.
Harry slid the ring on his ring finger with a smile. “It’s his family crest.”
“That’s gorgeous,” Parvati murmured.
“I’ve never seen him wear it before.” Hermione glanced up at Harry. “Has he?”
Harry shook his head and stared at the ring for a long moment before a bright
smile lit up his face. “Come on, you lot. I’m starved!” he said rather loudly,
then proceeded to lead the way into the Great Hall.
The others traded looks and shrugs before following him in and splitting for
their own House Tables. Parvati and Hermione took their seats on either side of
Harry with bright smiles.
Gin sat down across from her brother and declared in bold lettering ‘You two DO
look damn sexy together.’
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the girl. “Thank you, Gin.”
‘Oh, and Colin finally got a picture of you two kissing.’
“Colin Creevey!” Harry turned on the unfortunate sixth year with an angry gaze.
“You will be giving me a copy.”
It took almost a full minute before the Gryffindors caught on to what Harry had
actually said and they exploded into laughter while Colin nodded. “Sure thing,
Harry!”
Harry turned back to his breakfast while the others around the table declared
orders for a copy of the picture. Thank you.
It’s the only one I have, so I really don’t want you to lose it, okay?
Of course. I’ll treasure it dearly.
I know you will. Use it for your little experiment, if you want.
Ooh, goodie.
It’s also a portkey to Slytherin Manor, in case you ever need it.
Your family has a manor?
Of course we do. I’ll take you there this summer, how about?
Sure! Harry smiled to himself. Does the portkey have a password?
Yes, and it has to be spoken in Parseltongue to activate, as a precaution.
And the password is...
‘Voldie’, actually.
You owe me ten Galleons, you know.
I do, do I?
Yup! You said Voldie!
I believe, dearest imp, that the deal was that I had to refer to myself as
Voldie for me to have to hand over the change.
Oh, damn. I’ll get you yet, Riddle!
Tom chuckled in their minds. I have no doubt of that. Now, eat your food.
                                    -~/\~-
Dumbledore came to collect the three Gryffindors at the end of breakfast with a
solemn air about him. “We will be taking a portkey which is up in my office.
Please follow me.” Without a word, the three students fell into line behind the
Headmaster. Harry followed directly behind the man, Hermione next, Parvati
last.
“Sir, where are we portkeying to? The Atrium?” Harry inquired calmly.
Dumbledore glanced back at him. “Yes.” His eyes caught on the pendant about
Harry’s throat and he frowned. “Where’d you get that necklace, Harry?”
“Hm?” Harry let his fingers brush over the phoenix gently. “It was in my family
vault. Why?”
Dumbledore nodded. “It’s an old Order pendant, that’s all. We don’t use them
anymore.”
“Oh…” Harry glanced back at Hermione and Parvati with an amused look. He was
the second in command of the Dark Order and he was wearing an old pendant from
the Order of the Phoenix. How weird could one get? You knew, he accused his
lover.
Of course. It’s a good cover, though. It’s hard to question a person with a
Order pendant, even if their Dark Mark is staring up at you from their arm. I
know Severus has one that he keeps under an Invisibility Charm. Everyone
recognizes them, if they were alive during the first war, Tom agreed.
“Sugar Quills,” Dumbledore murmured and his gargoyle doorkeeper jumped aside.
He led the way up the staircase.
Maybe I should continue to wear it, then.
Not to full meetings.
No. Never to full meetings. Or, if I do, I’ll throw an Invisibility Charm up
over it.
Tom shrugged mentally. Do you think Dumbles will ever induct you?
Do you think he’ll live that long?
Regrettably, yes. The man is nothing, if not crafty. He’ll survive nearly
anything. In time, though, I’ll find his weak spot. Until then, play along.
I always play along.
“Here.” Dumbledore held out the old boot. “Take a hold, please.” Harry and
Parvati stood on either side of Hermione, a steadying hand under each of her
elbows. She shot them both glares, but didn’t complain aloud. “One…two…three.”
There was a tugging sensation at their navels and the office disappeared in a
whirl of colours.
They reappeared in the middle of the busy Atrium. Dumbledore tossed the boot
into a bin and led them up to the security desk. “We’re here for the Weasley
trial,” he told the wizard at the desk. “We’ll need badges, as well.”
The man let out a long-suffering sigh and got up to pull a box of badges down
from a shelf. He quickly ran them all through the system of security (gold rod
passed over front and back, wand read, badge made), stopping only once to stare
at Harry for a long moment. Harry had glared back at him and the older wizard
had quickly returned to making the badge. Once done, he sent them all on their
way.
Dumbledore led them to the hall of lifts and grabbed them one going down. Harry
caught sight of Rita Skeeter and another woman who looked like a reporter
getting into the lift with them and hid himself behind the Headmaster, much to
Dumbledore’s amusement.
Once the lift stopped, the Headmaster allowed the reporters to go first before
leading his students behind them. As they went, he spoke again, “I forgot to
tell you at school, and I apologize for this, but Invisibility Charms,
glamours, and other spells that hide things are not effective inside the
courtroom. If you have anything under such a charm that you wish to keep
hidden, you’d best put it away now.” He glanced back at them and seemed
surprised when no one quickly hid anything. He raises an eyebrow at them
curiously.
“I read about the spells on the courtrooms in a book,” Hermione answered the
unasked question in her know-it-all voice. “I told Harry and Parvati about it
on Monday.”
“I...see...” Dumbledore turned back around. Harry held a hand back and Hermione
gave him a quiet low-five, much to Parvati’s confusion. They spent the rest of
the walk with Harry and Hermione trying to explain high-fives and low-fives to
the witch, which appeared to amuse Dumbledore to no end, again.
Dumbledore led them into the room, glancing back at them all curiously. When no
odd pendant appeared on any of them, he sighed and led them up to four seats
that had been reserved for them in the benches. The courtroom was just as Harry
remembered it being from his fifth year and he shuddered.
“Cold?” Hermione whispered.
Harry shook his head. “Memories. This was where my trial was held in fifth
year.”
Hermione’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh.”
Harry glanced down at his hand and couldn’t stop the grin that took over his
face. It worked!
Hm? Did you get past the Ministry’s security, love?
Yup!
Oh, good. Tom chuckled. Always good to know.
And Dumbles seems stumped that none of our pendants appeared. I think he really
wanted to see them.
Yeah, right. Like we’d be so careless as to risk you or Parvati being found
out. Doesn’t he wish?
I’m sure he does. Oh, wait they’re calling for silence. Don’t hex anyone, love.
Damn.
Harry smiled as he closed his end of the connection so he could concentrate on
the trial.
As Harry had thought, not long after Fudge called for silence, the door in the
corner opened and Ron was led in by two aurors. Harry was quite amused to note
that it was Kingsley Shacklebolt, from the Order, and Cassidy Hayes, their
single Death Eater auror. The two forced Ron to sit in the chair, then stood by
him. The chains on the chair didn’t activate, probably because the aurors
remained within reach. Harry nodded discretely to Cassidy when the man sought
out his eyes.
Hermione elbowed Harry’s side and leaned over. “I know Kingsley, who’s the
other, do you know?”
“Cassidy Hayes,” Harry replied in a murmur. “I remember him from my case during
fifth year, too. When Arthur brought me in, we went upstairs first and he was
dictating a letter or something. At any rate, I saw his name on his desk.”
“Oh...” Hermione nodded thoughtfully and turned to explain things to Parvati,
who must have been the one to ask in the first place. Once again, Harry had
proven he knew just about everything.
The teen glanced over at Dumbledore and found he wasn’t the least bit surprised
to see an Order pendant about the old man’s neck. “Old pendants, sir?” he asked
in a slightly teasing tone.
Dumbledore spared him a quick smile. “We used them in the first war. People
still remember them and the members are still known to wear them, but they’re
not really in style, I suppose you’d say. Some of us do still wear them, of
course...” He sighed. “After this trial, I’d like a word with you in my
office.”
“Of course, sir.” Harry nodded, then he let his eyes roam over the crowd. A few
reporters were writing already and many people were talking to their
neighbours. Harry frowned. “Why haven’t we begun?”
“Madam Bones isn’t here, yet,” the answer came from Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody,
who settled into a seat behind Harry. “She got held up in her office about
something.”
“Must have been because she wasn’t watching out, eh?” Harry glanced back at the
retired auror and, once again, was met with the sight of the openly worn, but
hidden, Order pendant. “Hullo, Mad-Eye.”
“Potter.” Mad-Eye nodded. “You’re well, I should hope.”
“Oh, as well as one can be with insane wizards and ex-best mates out to get
you.” Harry shrugged. “You?”
Mad-Eye smiled thinly. “Still kickin’.”
“It’s a start.” Harry shrugged. “What brings you here?”
“Albus.” Mad-Eye shrugged.
“Oh.” Harry nodded in understanding. “That explains everything.” He grinned.
“Mad-Eye, I believe you remember Hermione Granger and Parvati Patil? Herm,
Parvati, this is Mad-Eye Moody. And trust me when I say he can get awfully
moody.” Hermione and Parvati giggled softly.
Mad-Eye snorted. “The joke was old the first time you told it, Potter.”
“Probably. But, you see, Mad-Eye, it still gets laughs, so it’s not dead yet.”
Mad-Eye humphed, then, suddenly, reached forward. Harry slid backwards, out of
his reach, eyes curious. “Good reflexes. Much better,” Mad-Eye commented. “May
I look at the necklace? I keep forgetting how skittish you are.”
Harry scowled, but let Mad-Eye look. “I’m not skittish, Alastor. I’m just used
to you reaching for me to smack me upside the head because I screwed something
else up.”
The ex-auror flashed him a smile. “This looks like it was Lily’s.”
“You can tell the difference?” Harry inquired curiously, eyes wide.
“Details,” Mad-Eye replied, tapping his head. “You must remember the details.
James’ phoenix had a chip in the tail. Lily’s didn’t.”
“Well, fine. I didn’t know there was a difference. Stop harping on me.”
“It’s my job to harp on you.”
“In that case, it’s my job to make your job difficult for you.”
“See, Albus. This is why I hated training this one. He’s a pain in the arse,
like you’ve never seen before,” Mad-Eye complained to the smiling Headmaster.
“Better you than me,” Dumbledore replied.
“Ah, the Headmaster gets me all school year. You get me for until Madam Bones
arrives. I’m sure you can handle me, unless you’ve gotten too old. Are you too
old Mad-Eye? Is that the problem?” Harry teased, fully enjoying himself. The
old auror was always a great companion, especially when you were stressed out.
Tom’s bad feelings had the bad habit of turning out to be correct, and Harry
couldn’t help but stress over it. He could tell that Tom had left his end of
their connection open, too, just in case. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to be
grateful, or annoyed.
“Out of curiosity, are you two mates or something?” Parvati asked.
“Mad-Eye and I got a bit close last year.” Harry nodded. “I wouldn’t say mates,
really, since Mad-Eye doesn’t do mates, but we’re acquaintances.”
“I wouldn’t say I was mates with you, Potter, even if you paid me.”
“You don’t need the money, anyway,” Harry shot back.
“Ah, and here’s Madam Bones,” Dumbledore announced.
Harry turned back around. “I’ve got my eyes on you, Mad-Eye, so don’t try any
funny stuff.”
Mad-Eye smirked and signed something with his hands behind Harry’s head. Harry
signed back and the ex-auror shook his head with a smile.
One last person slid into the seat next to Mad-Eye while Fudge attempted to
bring the courtroom to order again. Harry grinned at Arthur Weasley. “Here for
the show, Arthur?” he teased.
“Or something. You still alive?”
“Almost a goner,” Harry replied in a dramatic stage-whisper. “If help had come
any later–“
“Harry, stop being melodramatic,” Hermione hissed. “Arthur, the prat was fine.
His charm bracelet blocked the poison.”
“Thank Merlin for the small things,” Arthur breathed while Harry elbowed
Hermione gently.
“Please, your silence!” Fudge shouted once again. When it still didn’t seem to
do any good, he glanced pleadingly at Dumbledore.
“We could have Mad-Eye sing. That’d get their attention,” Harry joked as
Dumbledore stood. The teen ducked the hand aimed at his head easily and grinned
at the ex-auror. “It’s true.”
“SILENCE!” Dumbledore shouted. The room fell into complete silence almost
immediately and the Headmaster nodded to Fudge before sitting back down.
“I wish I could do that,” Harry muttered darkly. Dumbledore smiled at him.
The Minister nodded his thanks and returned to the room at large. “Ronald
Bilius Weasley, you have come before the court accused of attempting to murder
a good wizard without reason. How do you plead?"
Ron, who had searched out Harry while they were waiting from Madam Bones, was
glaring at the green-eyed wizard hatefully. “I plead not guilty, sir, with the
defence that I did what any law-abiding citizen would do.”
“And what might that have been, Mr Weasley?” Madam Bones inquired.
“I was trying to stop the threat of You-Know-Who,” Ron spat. “Because Harry
Potter has gone Dark!”
Harry’s eyes narrowed at his one-time best friend as the courtroom flooded with
noise. Silently and wandlessly, he strengthened the Secrecy Spell on the
redhead while he could.
“Order! Order, I say!” Fudge shouted. Once again, he looked to Dumbledore for
help. Dumbledore shot a quick look at Harry and the Minister nodded with a
sigh.
The Headmaster nudged Harry. “Try calling them to order, Harry.”
Harry frowned at Dumbledore, then stood slowly, considering a nasty idea.
Hermione, however, seemed to know how his mind worked and she smacked his arm
warningly. He shrugged. “Order!” he called out calmly. And, despite how quiet
he’d been, the room silenced rather quickly, all eyes on him. He nodded to the
Minister, then sat back down, suddenly glad for Hermione’s hand on his arm.
Minister Fudge nodded his thanks and glared down at Ron, who was too busy
glaring at Harry to notice. “The court would like to call Harry James Potter to
the floor.”
“You’re fine,” Hermione whispered encouragingly as Harry stood.
Harry nodded dumbly and started his way down to the floor slowly. He twisted
the ring on his finger and immediately felt better. Tom... he remembered.
Right! I am Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived! One of the two main figure-heads
for the Light. Ron’s just a dumb-arse, he told himself as he stepped out onto
the floor. He nodded to Cassidy, who had conjured him a straight-backed, padded
chair, and sat, eyes focussed on Minister Fudge and Madam Bones.
“Mr Potter, you have been accused, by Mr Weasley, of being a Dark wizard. How
do you plead?” Madam Bones inquired.
“Not guilty,” Harry replied firmly. “Ronald Weasley is obviously delusional.”
He noted that Madam Bones’ gaze was stuck on the Order necklace he’d worn and
he cheered silently.
“Delusional?” Fudge inquired.
“Ronald was receiving regular letters from his elder brother, Percy Weasley, up
until Percy’s death. Percy had obviously been spouting off his nonsense to
Ronald about my being a Death Eater for months. Minister, I’m sure you will
recall Ronald calling me a Death Eater before Christmas when you visited the
Malfoy residence?” Harry said in an even voice, refusing to look at Ron.
The Minister’s eyes widened. He, obviously, did recall that incident. He
nodded. “We of the court ask the jury to raise their hands if they find Mr
Potter guilty of the accused accusation.”
No one’s hand rose.
Fudge nodded. “Mr Potter, you are cleared of all charges. Could you remain for
a moment, though?”
“Of course, Minister,” Harry agreed. His eyes flickered up to where his friends
sat. Hermione looked extremely relieved.
“Mr Potter, did Mr Ronald Weasley attack you on Friday, March thirteenth,
nineteen ninety-eight with the intent to kill you?” Madam Bones enquired.
“I wouldn’t call it attacked, madam. He threw his Prefect pin at me, which had
been dipped in poison,” Harry replied mildly.
“Is it true that this pin pierced your skin?”
“Yes, madam.” Harry nodded.
“How is it that you came to no harm, Mr Potter? That was never made clear in
the report.”
“I have a charm bracelet, given to me by a friend for Christmas, with a charm
that managed to protect me.”
“May the court see this bracelet, Mr Potter?” Madam Bones asked, eyes eager.
“The court may not see my bracelet, madam,” Harry replied firmly. This got
people talking again.
“Order!” Fudge shouted. This time, they listened to him. “Mr Potter, why is it
you deny the court a look at this bracelet?” the Minister asked with a furious
look.
“If the court will forgive me, I have a madman after my blood. I hardly think
showing off a bracelet that has already saved my life is a good idea. My best
defence is a secret, after all,” Harry said without any regret. He saw Mad-Eye
beam at him out of the corner of his eye. Of course the old auror would like
him quoting his constant warnings. It showed him that they’d finally been
drilled firmly into Harry’s head.
Madam Bones whispered something to Fudge before the man could yell again.
“Acceptable,” he finally said, albeit grudgingly. “Mr Potter, you may return to
your seat.”
“I thank you, Minister,” Harry said politely, standing. He nodded his thanks to
Cassidy as the man got rid of the chair, then he trekked back up to his seat.
Once there, he flopped down into it and covered his eyes with one hand. “Never
again,” he muttered darkly. “Mad-Eye, what nasty concoction have you got in
that flask of yours this time?”
The retired auror passed the flask forward. “Good job.”
Harry pinched his nose shut and took a quick swallow. He made a face before
passing the flask back. “Thanks. I needed that.”
Hermione frowned at Harry. “What’s in there?”
“Super Secret Special Madness Formula for the Deranged,” Harry replied with a
shrug. “At least, that’s what I call it. He mixes different alcoholic drinks
together in a rather random order each morning and spells the flask to keep it
full all day. I’ve decided he has no taste buds.”
“I’ve decided someone should have washed your mouth out with soap when you were
younger,” Mad-Eye grumbled, taking a swig from his flask.
“Harry, aren’t you the one who always goes on about people not getting drunk?”
Parvati hissed around Hermione.
“This boy doesn’t get drunk. He’s immune,” Mad-Eye informed them.
Harry shrugged. “Hush. I wanna see Ron’s sentence.”
“Thirty in Azkaban.”
“I refuse to bet with you over this, Mad-Eye. This is my first time in court,”
Harry shot back, eyes on Ron. The redheaded wizard was back to glaring at him
and Harry offered him a smirk, which he masked with a quick glamour for the
rest of the court. Harry rather liked that he wasn’t restricted in the
courtroom. He twisted his ring and smiled peacefully.
Ron got, as Mad-Eye had predicted, thirty years in Azkaban. The old auror had
to explain to the ladies that he didn’t get life because he hadn’t actually
killed anyone. Neither witch got it, even after he explained it twice on the
way out, and Harry just told him to give up.
“So, Mad-Eye, any reason why you’re following us?” Harry inquired as they got
off the lift at the Atrium.
“Alastor is coming back to the school with us,” Dumbledore said by way of
explanation.
“That’s what I thought.” Harry nodded. Tom, love, Mad-Eye’s coming for dinner.
Lovely. This school can just be full of psychos!
Chipper, aren’t you? Harry teased lightly, taking hold of the portkey
Dumbledore was holding out.
I have my seventh years, currently, and no Harry Potter.
I’m sorry, love. I’m coming back now. Perhaps I’ll pop in after Dumbledore’s
had his meeting with me.
Meeting? What meeting? Tom asked suspiciously as the portkey activated.
Harry waited until they were all steady again before answering, The one he
decided he needed to have with me. Hush.
“Miss Granger, Madam Pomfrey asked me to send you down to her as soon as we
returned so she could make sure that the portkey didn’t do anything odd. Miss
Patil, why don’t you take her? Harry, have a seat,” Dumbledore suggested,
taking the seat behind his desk as Mad-Eye settled in a chair he’d made for
himself.
Harry took the chair Dumbledore conjured up for him as the two witches left. He
turned down both sherbet lemons and tea, as did Mad-Eye. “Sir, if we could
please make this as quick as possible? I promised Marcus I’d drop in when we
got back to stop him from pulling out too much hair,” the teen asked as
Dumbledore poured his tea.
“Ah, and have his fantasies?” Dumbledore enquired teasingly.
“Truly, sir, that’s on his agenda, not mine. It doesn’t affect me if he’s
sitting there in class daydreaming or sitting there in class actually grading
papers.” Harry shrugged.
Dumbledore chuckled, shaking his head. “I should hope not.”
“Albus,” Mad-Eye growled warningly.
Harry’s gaze shot over to the ex-auror as the Headmaster sobered. “Why am I
here?” the teen asked carefully, glancing between the two elder wizards. “And
why do I think I won’t like it?”
Dumbledore sighed. “Because you probably won’t.” His gaze was grave. “I
enquired after the Auror Training Program as to your school record. They have a
habit of refusing to accept students who have been suspended in the past.
Professor McGonagall and I were hoping they’d still take you, but they have
refused.”
Harry blinked a few times slowly. “I...see...”
“You know Marcus is planning on leaving us next year, and you are safest here
at Hogwarts...” Dumbledore continued.
Harry closed his eyes and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. “You want me to
take over as the Defence Against the Dark Arts position next year, don’t you?”
he muttered.
“Yes,” Dumbledore agreed.
Harry glanced up at him wearily. “I will have had only what I’ve learned as a
student here with teachers of fluctuating credibility to teach other students,
sir. We both know I will never behave myself so long as I live. Why ask me?”
“You know more than most of your past teachers knew, Potter,” Mad-Eye berated
him. “Not only that, but you have teaching experience. Albus is right, anyway.
You will be safer at Hogwarts.”
“And the Order is based here, Harry,” Dumbledore added.
Harry twitched. “The Order? What does that have to do with anything?”
“Oh, come now. You’ve been on us all since your fifth year to join the Order.”
“Remus said you could only join if you were overage,” Harry replied
suspiciously. “I’m not eighteen yet.”
“Yet,” Dumbledore agreed.
“The vote has been called anyway,” Moody argued. “Everyone seems to agree that
you should be inducted before school is over. You are being targeted for
attacks in some of the most random of places and by some of the most random of
people.”
“You will be in the public eye more than ever now, Harry. With Percy’s call on
your loyalties and then Ron’s, the papers will be dying for a story. If you are
inducted into the Order they will not have that story. The Order will protect
you from the press,” Dumbledore added, leaning forward.
Harry stood slowly. “I need to think,” he muttered. “If you don’t mind?”
“Of course,” the Headmaster agreed, smiling. “But, Harry, I know you care for
Marcus, but there are some things, Order things, that you just cannot tell him
about.”
Harry gave the old man a cold look. “I know the meaning of a secret,
Headmaster, and I am capable of keeping one.” He turned and walked towards the
door. “I will see you both at dinner, and I will give you my answer then.” He
let the door slam shut behind him.
                                    -~/\~-
Tom didn’t bother to glance up when the green-eyed teen stepped into his first
year Slytherin and Gryffindor class. However, the little snaps of conversation
had stopped once the students started to realize who was standing in the
doorway. The Dark Lord let out a quiet sigh. “Can I help you, Mr Potter?” he
enquired, still not glancing up from the papers he was grading. He could feel
Harry’s turmoil and it was slowly driving him insane.
“I was wondering if I could hide out in your office until your class is over,
Professor,” the young wizard replied in a cold tone.
Tom glanced up and met the confused gaze. “Very well. Don’t break anything.”
“Yes, sir,” Harry agreed before slipping around the room and into the
connecting office. He tossed himself into Tom’s favourite chair in the sitting
room and closed his eyes with a groan. My life has gone to hell.
Your life has been hell since Hallowe’en of 1981, Tom replied gently. This
class will be over in about ten minutes, love. I’ll come in then, okay?
Yes. Okay...
Did you put your necklace back on yet?
What? Oh, no... I should do that... Harry trailed off as he slipped his Dark
Mark from his money purse and put it back on. He spent the next ten minutes
fiddling with his two necklaces and trying not to think.
Tom came in once his classroom had cleared of brats. “You knew they were going
to want you to join the Order, you imp,” he pointed out, standing before
Harry’s chair with an odd look.
“I’m not eighteen, Tom. It’s bothering me that they’d bend the rules for me
again.”
“They’re always going to bend rules for you, love.” Tom sighed, kneeling in
front of the chair and taking Harry’s hands in his own. “Look at me.” Harry
looked up into the fake teal eyes. “I know you hate being special, Harry. I
know you’d rather dig yourself a little hole and hide in it sometimes... Well,
consider Hogwarts your hole and the Order the rock covering it.”
“I’d rather you be the rock, thanks,” Harry muttered darkly.
Tom smiled and kissed Harry’s hands. “I can’t be, though. Not really. Not
publicly. The Dark Order will always protect you, you know this, but you are
the child of the Light, my love, and they will hold you there firmly.”
“You’re telling me to take the position and join the Order,” Harry sighed,
looking away.
“Yes. We need more people in Hogwarts, and you want to keep an eye on Gin. We
need someone who’s trusted fully by Dumbles in both the Order and Hogwarts.
Severus is only trusted so far, and Arthur, Molly, Fred, and George aren’t
inside Hogwarts, nor is your godfather. You will always have the Order’s trust
on some level and the students and staff at Hogwarts adore you. I’m not telling
you to pull away from us, I’m just asking you to help me get the information we
need.”
“I know, I know…” Harry pulled his hands free from Tom and leaned forward to
hug him, burying his face in the older wizard’s robe. It’s just all so sudden,
that’s all. One thing on top of another, as the saying goes. Those damned first
years yesterday night and then the court trial and now this.
“Hush…” Tom tugged Harry into his arms and settled himself into the chair under
the teen so that Harry was in his lap. “You’re exhausted. Get some sleep.”
“Your next class–“
“I will handle that when it starts. Sleep, imp.”
Harry chuckled weakly and burrowed into the warm embrace, closing his eyes.
“Bastard…”
Tom just kissed the top of Harry’s head with a smile.
                                    -~/\~-
“Harry!” Hermione hugged the teen tightly as soon as he appeared at her elbow
in the entrance hall, yawning. “Where have you been?!”
Harry blinked around at his friends owlishly. Hermione and Parvati had both
changed back into their school uniforms. He had remained in his court robes,
though his cloak had been given to Dobby to put away. “I took a nap in Marcus’
office.”
‘A NAP?!’ Gin exclaimed. ‘Why just a nap?’
“Exhausted,” Harry replied with a shrug, fighting back another yawn and resting
his head on Hermione’s shoulder. “I never knew trials could be so tiring.”
“You have no clue,” a voice said from behind the group. Everyone but Harry
jumped and Draco paled as Mad-Eye stepped into their line of sight.
Harry yawned again. “Stop scaring my friends, Mad-Eye.”
The ex-auror glared around at the group of four Slytherins, seven Gryffindors,
and two Ravenclaws. “Potter, Albus asked me to come get you,” he said finally,
glancing at Harry while the other students twitched nervously.
Harry shrugged and let go of Hermione. “Oh, okay. See everyone later.” He waved
at them all with a dazed look on his face and followed Mad-Eye out of their
sight.
“Are you really that tired?” Mad-Eye inquired gently.
Harry shrugged. “Yes.” Mad-Eye gave him a searching look and the Prefect winked
wickedly before floating back into his dazed look. “If I didn’t have somewhere
to be, I’d have gone to bed early, really.”
Mad-Eye let out a bark of laughter. “Sure you would, Potter. Sure you would.
Sugar Quills.” The gargoyle moved out of their way and Mad-Eye led the way up
and into the circular office where Dumbledore greeted them with a smile.
“You look a bit tired, Harry,” Dumbledore mentioned, motioning for the two
wizards to sit around the small table in the centre of the room.
“Just a bit,” Harry agreed, sitting in his seat. “I’ve thought about your
offers, at any rate.”
“And?” Dumbledore glanced at him as he sat himself.
“Yes, I will join the Order now.” Harry nodded wearily. “And, yes, I will teach
here next year, but I have conditions.”
“As do I. We shall get to those in a moment.” The Headmaster nodded seriously.
“As for joining the Order, we have a meeting set for this Sunday at Grimmauld
Place. If you can make that, we’ll induct you then. Otherwise, we shall have to
wait another month. Are you free for the weekend?”
Harry scratched the back of his neck thoughtfully. “Yes. We didn’t really have
anything planned. I’ll need an excuse, though, that my friends will buy. And,
sir, you must remember that half of my friends are Slytherins, so it’d best be
a legitimate one.”
“I’ll have Remus owl you tomorrow about a lunch date, hm?” the Headmaster said
thoughtfully.
“Out of the blue?” Mad-Eye frowned at Dumbledore for a moment before glancing
at Harry. “What do you say to a lunch date with me this weekend? Catch up,
since I didn’t really get a good chance to chat with you.”
Harry snorted. “Ravenclaws.” He shook his head, fighting back a yawn. “Sure.
Much nicer when I’m not yawning my head off, I suppose. Sunday in London?”
“Sunday in London.” Mad-Eye nodded seriously.
“That’s settled, then!” Dumbledore said happily, clapping his hands.
“Brilliant,” Harry agreed in a bored voice. He and Mad-Eye traded a look that
agreed on Dumbledore’s madness.
“Now, you said you have conditions to teaching here next year?” Dumbledore
continued in his overly-happy voice.
Harry frowned thoughtfully, fork held in a loose grip over his plate. “Yes.
First, I want Herm to be allowed to stay on school grounds next year.”
“Do you have a valid reason?”
“I have a few, actually. For one, she, like myself, is safest at Hogwarts. She
is my best friend and if Voldemort wants to lure me out, he’ll probably use
her. Next, her child will be safest at Hogwarts. Both the godparents will be
here and the father is in Azkaban. I don’t revel the idea of sending her home
to her parents,” Harry said firmly, all show of exhaustion gone in the blink of
an eye.
“Understandable. I shall offer her a room at the end of the year.”
“Not now?”
“No. In fact, I’d rather you not tell anyone that you’ll be teaching here next
year just yet.”
“I’m telling Marcus,” Harry argued.
Dumbledore fixed him with a stern look. “Valid reason.”
“He is the wizard I will be taking this position from. If I know exactly what
he’s teaching and has taught this year, I can build up a better lesson plan now
and tweak it later. I’d like to see how he runs his classes and get his notes
on the students before he dubs them useless and tosses them in the fire,” Harry
responded.
The Headmaster paused to think this over before nodding with a sigh. “Very
well. You may tell Marcus, but no one else.”
“Agreed.”
“You have more conditions?”
“Yes.” Harry set his fork down. “Marcus, assuming our relationship lasts, of
course, should be allowed to visit me or me to visit him at any given time
without questions as long as it is reasonable.”
Dumbledore pursed his lips. “Please define reasonable.”
“Not during class periods. If I have another obligation, say an Order meeting
or a detention, that obligation comes first. Work before fun, if you will.”
Dumbledore considered this and nodded. “That’s acceptable. I would prefer,
however, that you, at the least, remain in the castle overnight.”
“Of course.” Harry nodded. “You have conditions?”
“Not telling anyone, was one of them. The other is this pranking habit of
yours.” Dumbledore fixed the Boy-Who-Lived with a sharp look. “I don’t want to
see it.”
“I get free reign in my classroom,” Harry shot back. “I may prank them in there
if it is pertaining to the subject. I will not prank the school as a whole
without both a good reason and running it by yourself first.”
Dumbledore nodded. “As long as your pranks are only in effect inside your
classroom, unless it is a school-wide prank I have agreed to.”
“Agreeable,” Harry decided. He smirked suddenly. “Headmaster, I do believe this
is the first productive conversation I have had with you in a long time.”
Dumbledore smiled. “Indeed. I’m sure you know where the staff room is?”
“The one on the fourth floor? Across from that lovely picture of a wooded
glen?” Harry inquired easily.
The old man’s blue eyes twinkled madly. “That would be the one. We have a staff
meeting set for every Saturday morning at four. I’m sure you’ll find a way to
get the password.”
“No doubt. You want me to attend?”
“If you can get up that early.” Dumbledore nodded. “If not, that is fine. I
will announce your employment the first time you can make it.”
Harry nodded. “Very well.” He suddenly appeared very tired and rose slowly.
“Headmaster, Mad-Eye, if it's acceptable, I think I shall head for bed.”
“Of course,” Dumbledore agreed as Mad-Eye nodded. “But, Harry, are you really
tired?” the Headmaster wanted to know.
Harry blinked at Dumbledore slowly. “Of course, sir. Exhausted. Good night.”
“Good night,” Mad-Eye agreed with a wide grin. Once the door had closed behind
Harry, he turned to the Headmaster. “A good pick, Albus. He’ll give you a run
for your money, no problem.”
“You trained him. Was he really tired?” Dumbledore asked in an exasperated
tone.
“Yup. Exhausted, but he plays it down well. I’ve seen him take on two fully
trained and rested aurors after being awake for forty-eight hours straight and
dead on his feet.”
Dumbledore let out a sound somewhere between a snort and a groan. “He doesn’t
need to go through Auror Training.”
“Told you. What he didn’t learn from me he learned during his time on his own
in London or during his suspension. We could probably get him an auror license,
if he really wants one.”
“Mention it during your lunch date,” the Headmaster replied in annoyance. “You
said he doesn’t get drunk, earlier?”
“Never seen him drunk,” Mad-Eye agreed. “And he’s had his fair share of my
flask. He’s either immune, or has an amazing tolerance level. As I recall,
James couldn’t hold his liquor. What about Lily?”
“No idea. I never saw her drunk, but nor did I ever see her have alcohol.”
Dumbledore sighed, rubbing his chin. “It’s possible that she could just hold
her liquor amazingly well and passed the ability on to Harry, I suppose.”
“Possibly. Although, now, he has that charm against getting drunk...”
Dumbledore perked up. “You can see through the Invisibility Charm on that?”
“I can see through a lot of Invisibility Charms, Albus, you know that.”
“What other charms are on there, Alastor?”
Mad-Eye gave the Headmaster a curious little smile as he stood to leave. “The
best defence is a secret, Albus. Good night.”
The Headmaster scowled as the auror left his office. Those two are impossible!
***** Chapter 42 *****
Harry awoke to the silent alarm with a groan. “Tempus,” he muttered once he’d
found his wand; it was too early to do wandless magic. The glowing numbers
claimed it was three forty-five in the morning. What makes you and your lot
want to get up this early?
Hey, I did not decide on the time, Tom shot back, sounding plenty awake.
Fucking bastard... Harry moaned, pulling himself from bed and walking over to
his wardrobe. I’ve come to the conclusion that I despise the colour black.
Tom snorted. I’ll bet you do. Too bad for you it’s the colour we always wear.
I hate you.
No you don’t, you’re just grumpy because you had to get up early. I’ll see you
in ten minutes, Tom added before closing his side of the conversation.
Ignore my plight, why don’t you? This sucks, Harry whined, pulling out a robe
and throwing it on. He grabbed the glass of water next to his bed and took a
quick swallow before pulling on his old trainers and slipping downstairs.
The common room wasn’t totally empty, much to Harry’s annoyance. “Miss
Thorald,” he greeted the first year, leaning over the back of her chair.
Ula gave a shout and jumped up, spinning around to look at him, wand drawn.
“Potter,” she whispered, realizing who it was.
Harry nodded politely. “Good reflexes.” He turned and started towards the
portrait hole. “You should probably be in bed, you know.”
“Yes,” she agreed softly.
Harry glanced back at her over his shoulder. The young girl looked like she’d
been hit with a wrecking ball. He pulled a vial out of one of his pocket.
“Here.” He tossed it to her and she caught it in surprise. “Drink a tablespoon.
It’s Dreamless Sleep, and you look a mess. Get some sleep. If you need to talk
to someone later, come find me or one of the other Prefects.” He winked at her
before slipping from the room.
Harry slipped down the silent halls as quietly and quickly as he could,
glancing at the Marauder’s Map occasionally to check his bearings. All of the
teachers were already gathered in the meeting room and a quick “Tempus” told
him the meeting would start before he got there. He sighed. Nothing to help it.
When he reached the meeting room he glanced back down at the Map curiously. His
little figure had him saying “Trip ‘em” to the wall in front of him. He
shrugged and put the Map away. “Trip ‘em.”
The wall faded out of sight and Harry found a room full of teachers turning to
stare at him. “Harry! Glad you could make it!” Dumbledore called cheerfully.
“Come in, come in. It looks like Marcus saved you a seat...”
Harry slipped into the seat next to his lover and glanced around nervously. It
appeared that he’d interrupted them. Tom rested a hand on his knee and smiled
soothingly.
“Mr Potter has graciously accepted the Defence Against the Dark Arts position
for next year,” the Headmaster announced, regaining the room’s attention. “I
asked him to come to the meeting to get a feeling for the way things were done
and, hopefully, make friends with his current teachers and soon-to-be co-
workers.”
Harry shot the man a dark look. He hadn’t mentioned that last bit. Bloody pain
in the arse.
“Welcome and well met, then,” Madam Pince, who was sitting next to Poppy, said.
The majority of the staff hummed or nodded their agreement, even Severus, much
to some people’s surprise. Obviously, not everyone had realized, yet, that the
air had been cleared between student and professor.
“Yes, yes.” Dumbledore nodded, eyes twinkling. “Now that everyone is here, we
can get started. Do we have any students causing trouble?”
“The usual.” McGonagall sighed. “York, Munro, Rockwell, and Thorald. They
appear to have become worse.”
They have?
Not in my class.
Of course not. You’ve scared the shit out of them enough times I’ll bet they
fear you as much as Severus.
“Mr Cauldwell has also been out of line of late,” Sprout announced. “I’m not
quite sure why, either. He’s not talking to me.”
“He’s being really quiet in my class,” Sinistra replied. “Although, that could
be just because he’s tired by that time.”
“Is Mr Cauldwell being difficult in any other classes?” Dumbledore inquired.
“No one’s misbehaving in my classes,” Severus said coldly.
“That’s because you terrify them,” Harry muttered. The smiles that went around
the table told of the staff’s agreement with that statement as Severus shook
his head at the teen. Harry shot the Potions Professor a smirk.
“Cauldwell has been a bit of an issue,” Flitwick agreed suddenly. “He’s been
banishing things at people.”
“Perhaps he’s hoping to fill Mr Potter’s place once he’s graduated,” Severus
offered bitingly.
“Then I fear he’s going about it the wrong way. I don’t recall ever banishing
something at someone else,” Harry shot back evenly.
“No, you broke every other rule, instead,” Severus replied.
Harry snorted. “Look who’s talking.”
The staff watched on nervously as the two long-time enemies glared at one
another for a long minute before Severus let out a sigh. “Point made. You win.”
Harry punched the air with a gleeful grin. “Ha! You’ll never beat me.”
Severus snorted. “Keep dreaming, brat.”
Everyone let out a breath of relief at the rude endearment. Severus insulted
everyone, no matter what, but he never used that semi-nice tone with a person
he hated.
“Now that the morning’s play fight is out of the way...” Dumbledore teased,
earning him dark looks from both of the raven-haired wizards. “Cauldwell may be
looking for attention. Pomona, try talking to him again. If he still won’t
behave, someone send him to me.” Everyone nodded in agreement while Harry
picked at his nails. “Now, does anyone have any new suggestions for York,
Munro, Rockwell, and Thorald?”
When no one offered an answer, Harry leaned forward to speak. “Sir, I have
talked to them all about House rivalries before, but it was more so because of
Misses Kern, Vance, and Clough. Would you like me to see if I can get them to
stop fighting in class, at the least?”
Dumbledore gave the young man a searching look while the other staff members
stared at him in surprise. No one had heard anything about this talk. “I don’t
see why not.”
“You’ve talked to them about their treatment of Clough, Vance, and Kern?”
McGonagall asked seriously.
Harry nodded. “Enid told us – Herm, Parvati, and myself – that they were
secluding them for being friends, so I had a talk with all the Slytherins and
all the Gryffindors.”
“It hasn’t appeared to have helped much,” Sprout offered.
Harry’s eyes narrowed. “I see.”
“Miss Clough came to you?” McGonagall inquired curiously.
“She came to me for help on her Potions work,” Harry agreed, shooting Severus a
dirty look. “Herm and I got it out of her because Herm wanted to know why she’d
been sitting all alone.”
“I see...”
“I’ll have another chat with them,” Harry promised.
Student problems taken care of, the staff members moved on to discussing
workloads, exam preparations, OWL and NEWT preparations, and other little bits.
Harry was intrigued to learn that the professors hated grading the work just as
much as the students hated doing it, and that their workloads were almost as
bad as their students’. At one point, when Professor Vector was complaining
about being behind, Harry got a sudden idea.
“I have a question,” he said once Vector was done.
Everyone turned to him. “Go on.” Dumbledore nodded.
“I know that, when Marcus gets bogged down with work to grade, he usually asks
myself or Gin to help him with it, and, one time, Herm, Dray, Ted, and 'Bini
all helped Professor Snape with some grading while we were down there visiting
and he was helping Gin and myself with a few potions,” Harry said, glancing
around. “If the workloads are so difficult and you can’t lay off because of the
up-coming exams, NEWTs, and OWLs, why not ask some of the sixth and seventh
years if they’d care to help you with some of the work for the younger years. I
have no doubt that some of us will love helping you all out, and it'll be good
revision for them, too.”
“Albus, for once, I agree with your choice for Defence teachers,” the Muggle
Studies teacher, Professor Burbage, announced. “Now, really, why didn’t any of
us think about that before?”
“Normally, I just wait and see if a student asks to help,” Flitwick admitted.
“I never really considered asking the students.”
“Well, no. We’re the teachers. We shouldn’t need a student’s help,” Trelawney
replied highly.
“Professor Trelawney, you’re not talking to young students so much at the end
of their seventh year. By this time, most of us are adults and wish to be
treated as such,” Harry put in gently.
“An excellent point, Harry,” Dumbledore said, smiling widely. “Sibyll, I’m sure
Misses Brown or Patil would be glad to help you out.”
Trelawney’s eyes lit up. “Perhaps,” was her vague reply.
Tom smiled and squeezed Harry’s leg as Dumbledore wrapped the meeting up.
Aren’t you brilliant? Herm will love you forever for giving her something to
do.
I know. Harry slipped his hand under the one on his leg and entwined his
fingers with the Dark Lord’s.
“A good meeting, everyone,” Dumbledore said, standing. “I’ll see everyone at
breakfast soon. Harry, could you remain for a bit?”
“Of course, Professor Dumbledore,” Harry agreed as the staff around him stood.
“I’ll wait for you outside,” Tom murmured, giving the hand he held a gentle
squeeze before leaving with Poppy.
“My staff calls me Albus, you know,” Dumbledore commented as he sat next to
Harry, in Tom’s chair, once everyone had left. “And I knew you’d fit right in.”
“I’ll bet you did,” Harry shot back, leaning back in his chair.
Dumbledore offered the wizard a secret smile. “As you’re still, technically, a
student, you don’t have to attend every staff meeting we have, though you
should feel welcome to come, if you wish to. They’re always at four in the
morning, every Saturday morning, unless something comes up.”
“Of course.” Harry nodded. “Might as well get used to getting up at this
ungodly hour, after all.”
“Indeed.” Dumbledore chuckled and stood. “Well, I won’t keep you waiting. I’m
sure Marcus is glaring holes at the entrance in attempts of getting it to let
you out sooner.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Harry stood with a shrug.
“Oh, Alastor wanted me to tell you to meet him at the Leaky Cauldron at noon,”
Dumbledore added suddenly. Harry turned to look at the old man. “The meeting
doesn’t start until one, so I assume he actually means to have lunch with you.
I will allow it, of course, since I’m sure that, between the two of you, you’d
have no trouble, but I am warning you to be careful. Especially if you don’t
want the press hounding you.”
Harry offered Dumbledore a small smile. “I’ll be sure to go in disguise, then.
Thank you, sir.”
The old Headmaster smiled. “I’ll have you calling me Albus by the end of the
school year.”
“Sir, knowing you, you’ll have me calling you Albus by the end of the weekend,
if only because I’ll have got sick of you pestering me.”
The green-eyed wizard left to Dumbledore’s laughter.
                                    -~/\~-
“Potter?”
Harry glanced up from the Potions book he’d borrowed from Severus earlier in
the week. It was barely legal, as the Potions teacher had pointed out, but an
interesting read, nevertheless. “Miss Thorald. How can I help you?”
Ula shot a quick glance over her shoulder at where her best friend, Ronan
Rockwell, was shouting at Victor McKinley, another first year. “You said I
could talk to you if I needed someone to talk to, right?”
“Of course.” Harry closed his book and stood. “Come on upstairs. Something
tells me you don’t want your friends seeing you talking to the ‘evil, Dark, new
Prefect’.”
“How did you know that’s what we call you?” Ula inquired, following as Harry
led her to the dormitories.
Harry shrugged. “I know a lot of things, Miss Thorald,” he offered before
poking his head into his dorm room. Neville was laying on his bed with a book
held on his chest, which he was reading. “Hey, Nev.”
Neville glanced up as Harry led the first year in. “Oh, hello, Harry. Which one
of the horrors is this?” he asked lightly, smiling at the startled first year.
“Ula Thorald,” Harry replied, setting Severus’ book on his bedside table.
Neville looked at the girl curiously. “You’re the one Marcus is always
complaining about, aren’t you?”
“One of them,” Harry agreed.
“Who’s Marcus?” Ula asked, looking between the two seventh years.
“Professor Brutús,” Harry clarified. “Have a seat on the bed. Nev, do you mind
if I kick you out?”
Neville let out a great sigh as he stood. “I suppose. Might as well go find
Dean and help him with that Astronomy chart.”
Harry chuckled as he saw his friend out and locked the door behind him. Then he
took a seat on Neville’s bed. “Talk away, Miss Thorald. I’m listening.”
Ula was looking at Harry’s comforter, picking at it. “I...” She shook her head.
Harry sighed and moved over to sit next to her, settling an arm around her
shoulders. “What’s wrong, Ula?”
The girl glanced up at him in surprise and found compassion in a gaze that was
usually aimed at her with coldness. “I-I got a letter from my Mum yesterday
evening. She said she and Papi have to go on a trip to Bosnia, or somewhere and
so I’ll have to spend the summer at my Grandpapi’s house and he hates me! Last
time Mum and Papi left me with him, he locked me in a closet for three days
‘cause I broke a vase he’d been wanting to get rid of for years. His great
auntie gave it to him, but he hated it. I didn’t think he’d mind, but he did.
And now I have to spend the summer with him and I’ve got too much homework and
York stole my textbook in Defence and won’t give it back and I couldn’t get any
sleep last night!” she exploded. “It’s not fair!”
Harry smiled at the last bit. “Nothing is ever fair, Ula. One of life’s great
lessons.” He ran his free hand through his hair thoughtfully. “Have you told
your mother or your father that you don’t like your grandfather?”
“Yes. They say he’s a lovely man and I must learn to like him.” Ula’s face
twisted into an ugly sneer. “I’ll like him when he’s dead.”
Harry chuckled dryly. “Your grandfather reminds me a little of my uncle,” he
confided. “I was so happy when I learned he’d died this past summer.”
“How’d he die?” Ula asked with a surprised look.
“I turned him and my aunt into mice when I left their house.” Harry shrugged.
“My cousin stepped on him.”
Ula giggled. “That’s a sad way to die. Didn’t he think to turn himself back?”
“He was a Muggle,” Harry replied mildly. “You said Cyrus York took your Defence
text?”
Ula blinked a few times. “Yeah. Ronan and I cornered him before lunch, but
Munro and Stanton came to his rescue and they all got away.”
Harry nodded. “Would you like me to see if I can get it back for you?”
“Oh, yes. That would be wonderful!”
“Good. Now, homework is an issue for all students, and trust me when I say it
doesn’t get any better. I’d suggest doing it the night you get it, if you can.
Also, a little inter-House peace can do your schedule loads of good. When you
and your House mates are at odds, you’ve got that hanging over your heads and
it’s harder to study.”
“Why are you so stuck on getting us to befriend Clough?” Ula asked
suspiciously.
“Why are you so stuck on hating her?” Harry shot back. Ula scowled. “Hermione
Granger, the Head Girl, was shunned by Gryffindor for the first part of our
first year because she was a know-it-all. Ronald and I disliked her from the
start, but she’s now my best friend,” he sighed after a brief moment of
silence.
There was a sudden banging on the stairs and the door flew open to admit a pale
Neville. “Harry, get downstairs! Where’s Herm?”
“Library,” Harry replied, getting to his feet and moving quickly to the door.
“Why?”
“Ooh...” Neville moaned as he grabbed Harry’s hand and tugged him from the
room. “Hurry.” Ula followed the two wizards curiously.
“Oh, fuck,” Harry hissed, looking at the mess that had been made of the common
room. Curses were flying between the two groups that the House had split into
while he’d been upstairs. Harry could see his people on one side with others
and people he knew were firmly on the Light on the other. “ENOUGH!” he shouted.
Wands turned to the raven-haired wizard as he stepped off the stairs coldly.
“Get out of it, Potter,” Evan Abercrombie, a fourth year, called from the Dark
side of the room.
Harry stepped up to where a small fire had started on the carpet and he stomped
it out calmly. “You’re all acting like first years. Squabbling over who knows
what. Have exams really become so stressful?” his voice was empty of all
emotion.
“Pavio!” a student shouted.
Harry slashed his hand through the curse, ending it. “I thought I said enough,”
he hissed, looking up. His gaze was fearfully chilling as he rose one hand into
the air above his head. “Expelliarmus.” Fifty-two wands appeared in a pile at
his feet and the fifty-two students who had been fighting looked on in a
mixture of fear and awe. “Nev, please go get Professor McGonagall for me.”
“Right.” The seventh year boy dashed across the mess and through the portrait
hole.
“It appears that you have lost us the House Cup this year. Good job,” Harry
said in a cold voice. “And you’d best hope you had a very good reason for this
or I will personally see to it that you each get the worst punishment possible.
In fact, I seem to recall Filch complaining about the trophy case being quite
dirty. And Professor Snape said he had cauldrons that needed scrubbing. Hagrid
mentioned that he’d love help on his rounds in the Forbidden Forest. Madam
Pince has been saying for a few years now that the library could use a good
dusting…”
Harry’s list of possible detentions was cut off when the portrait hole opened
again to admit McGonagall and Neville. The Transfiguration Professor looked
around the battleground and pale students huddled together on two separate
sides of the room before she focused on Harry. “If you would, Mr Potter,
explain what has happened here?” she asked in a strained voice.
Harry shot Neville a curious look and the boy shook his head. Harry sighed.
“Professor, I was up in my room when Nev came to get me. He told me to get down
here and I came upon the sight that you see before you, plus a few hexes flying
across this portion of the room. I disarmed your lovely students and sent Nev
to get you," was his calm response. “I have no clue what got them to start
throwing hexes at one another and, frankly, I don’t care.”
McGonagall pursed her lips. “Of course you don’t. Go get the Headmaster for me
while I attempt to get a reason.”
Harry nodded and stepped up to her. “Thorald was with me, even though she is
standing with her friends now. She should be free from punishment,” he added in
a low tone that would not carry.
McGonagall gave him a surprised look. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” The young man stepped up to Neville and slipped an arm around his
fellow Heir’s shoulders. “Come on. You don’t want to be here when the old
wildcat explodes,” he offered, eyes glittering with mischief. The two wizards
left to nervous giggles and an amused ‘humph’ from McGonagall.
Once the door had closed behind them, Harry gave Neville a sharp look. “What
happened?”
“I haven’t a clue, really. It looked like Abercrombie and Harcourt were arguing
over school work again, at first. But it turned out they were fighting over
Dark ideals and Light ideals. They got the rest of the House into it and,
before you know it, there were hexes flying and the people caught in the middle
had fled up the stairs in fear for their lives.” Neville sighed, shaking his
head.
“A divided House,” Harry murmured. “I never thought we’d go this far. This is
sickening.”
Neville nodded. “It’s ridiculous. Of course, now we know who's on which side.”
He flashed Harry a quick grin and the green-eyed Heir laughed.
“Perhaps we do. Perhaps we don’t. It is interesting, however, that they did
fight over it. I’m angry with Parvati and Dean, though. I thought they were
mature enough to stay out of such nonsense.” Harry shook his head and slowed to
a stop in the middle of the hallway. “Here, can I send you off to the library
to collect Herm and Gin? Take them back up to Gryffindor, but please don’t put
them into a panic. Tell them what’s going on, but tell them it’s handled.”
“Of course.” Neville drew away from the other’s grasp. “See you back upstairs,
bro.”
Harry smiled crookedly. “Yes.” He shook his head in amusement as they parted
ways. “Bro. Really.”
Can I watch you kill them all?
Oh, you can even help, Harry replied, mental voice shot through with venom.
What, in Merlin’s name, got them to join in that fight?!
Don’t ask me to explain the minds of Gryffindors, Harry. It’s not my forte.
Harry sighed and stopped outside the gargoyle. “Sugar Quills.”
The gargoyle jumped aside and Harry took the stairs up to the closed office
door, which he knocked upon. “Come in, Harry,” Dumbledore called.
Harry opened the door and gave the Headmaster a bland look. “Professor
McGonagall sent me. I think she needs your help maiming Gryffindors.”
Dumbledore gave Harry a questioning look even as he rose and walked quickly
over to the door. “Explain what’s going on as we go.”
Harry nodded and fell into step with the Headmaster as they started off towards
Gryffindor Tower. “I was in my room, talking to Miss Thorald when Nev rushed in
and told me to come down to the common room. It appears that the students had
split themselves in half for some reason or another and had started hexing the
hell out of one another. The common room was a mess when I left McGonagall in
there to yell at them.”
“And how many did you hex?” Dumbledore asked teasingly.
“None, surprisingly enough. I just took their wands and put out a fire in the
carpet.” Harry shrugged. “They aren’t my problem, though I am a little peeved
that we’ve pretty much lost the chance of winning the Cup this year.”
The Headmaster hummed in agreement. “Of course.”
“Professor, I wonder...” Harry started suddenly. Dumbledore glanced at him
curiously. “Sir, could I have a word with you after dinner? It’s a rather,
shall we say, delicate matter.” He touched his mother’s Order pendant, which
he’d continued to wear after the trial.
Dumbledore nodded. “Of course.” They slowed near the portrait. “Dear Lady.” The
Headmaster nodded to the picture.
The Fat Lady smiled at him. “Headmaster,” she replied before swinging open for
him, without the password.
“I’ll be damned...” Harry murmured, following the old man into the common room,
which the students were busy putting to rights without magic. Hermione and
Neville stood next to McGonagall with frowns while Gin looked ready to murder
someone. “Well, it looks like things are in order here. I think I’ll go torment
the Slytherins,” the green-eyed wizard said cheerfully before turning right
around and leaving the common room with a smile.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry walked into the Great Hall for dinner that night feeling about a million
times better. On his way to his normal seat between Neville and Gin, he paused
behind Ula, Ronan Rockwell, and Storm Ambrose. “Miss Thorald, I hope that you
have learned that books happen to have legs and you must keep a closer eye on
them.” He set her Defence book on the table next to her firmly. “I’m not fond
of going down to talk to my friends in Slytherin and tripping over Gryffindor
books. Be more careful with your belongings,” he added warningly before
continuing down to his seat.
“Bastard,” Ronan muttered, watching the Prefect’s back. “Who does he think he
is?”
Ula opened the front cover of her book and grinned. A note had been Spellotaped
to the first page.
I mentioned to York that I might just murder him if I catch him with another
book that doesn’t belong to him. Had to return a Ravenclaw book too. Boy has a
book fetish, I think.
I’m going to talk to the head of the Order of the Phoenix tonight and see if I
can’t find some way to have at least one of your parents home this summer. If
it can’t happen, let me know if you have another relative you prefer to your
grandfather before noon tomorrow and I’ll see if I can’t talk your parents into
sending you there, instead, when I see them. If that won’t work, I’ll have a
chat with a few other people I know and we’ll see if we can’t work something
out for you.
Keep in mind what I said about inter-House peace, missy. And keep in mind I’m
always around if you need an extra ear or two.
     That evil, Dark, new Prefect
“Oh, come on, Ronan,” the witch teased, putting her book back down. “We both
know he’s a fucking bastard with no brains or power. I mean, he can only do a
wandless Disarming Charm.”
Ronan punched Ula’s arm gently. “You just like him now because he got you back
that stupid book. You’ll feel better in the morning, I’m sure.”
Ula shrugged. “I’ll feel better once I’ve got my homework done.”
“Uhg.” Ronan made a face. “Thanks for reminding me!” Ula laughed.
Down the table, Harry was speaking to Dean and Parvati while picking at his
food. “I’m not happy. You two should be extremely grateful that I have other
things to do tonight and tomorrow than murder you.”
“We’re sorry, okay?” Dean hissed, dark eyes flashing.
Harry glanced up and the darker-skinned boy froze at the emotionless gaze. “Let
me just put on the record that I am furious with you two. Marcus is furious
with you two. Gin is furious with you two. I will keep from doing any damage
this time and, in fact, you may consider this your first and last warning, but
if you ever pull something like that again, I don’t care who started it, I will
Crucio the both of you until you can’t scream anymore because your throat is
raw. Are we clear?” he asked coldly.
Both Parvati and Dean nodded numbly.
“You’d better hope we are.”
Neville settled a calming hand on Harry’s shoulder and the green-eyed teen
glanced at him. “The school has ears.”
“The world has ears and eyes. Always know a way to confound them,” Harry
replied with a tight smile.
‘Stop quoting Moody.’ Gin muttered darkly, poking at her food.
“No.” Harry smirked. “Sex is a good stress reliever, don’t you know.”
Ginny turned to scowl at her brother as the small group of Gryffindors laughed
at the Boy-Who-Lived. ‘Stop quoting ME.’
“No.”
“So, have you relieved your stress, yet?” Seamus inquired.
“Nope.”
“Then where have you been?” Hermione asked, surprised.
“Dungeons. I had to get something back from York and his little pals. That and
have another little chat with him. Trust me when I say the whole thing didn’t
help my bad mood,” Harry replied, smiling cheerfully.
‘You are one VERY odd egg. Why are you smiling if you’re pissed?’
“Anger management.” Harry shrugged. “That, and Dumbledore’s watching us.”
Five sets of eyes shot up the Head Table. Sure enough, Dumbledore was watching
them.
Harry stood. “I have a meeting with the coot, in fact, so I’ll see you all
later.”
“You’re having far too many meetings with him lately,” Seamus commented
suspiciously.
“We’re plotting the downfall of good old Voldie, don’t you know. Have to do
something with my time.” Harry winked before walking up the Head Table.
“Headmaster.”
Dumbledore stood, smiling. “Follow me, then. We won’t even bother with my
office,” he suggested, leading Harry over to the teacher’s entrance into the
Hall.
Harry shrugged. “Very well.”
“A question,” Dumbledore said as he led Harry into a room off the Hall. “The
other Gryffindors seem to think that the Disarming Charm you cast was
wandless.”
“Yes,” Harry agreed warily.
“It was then?”
“I lost my temper.” Harry sighed, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. “I had
just enough training to control myself that I was able to direct it to a
purpose. Saber mentioned once, after I blew up at him, that I could probably
accomplish such an action, so I tried it.”
“Interesting. I was just thinking, you can’t use your wand against Voldemort,
so you might benefit from learning wandless magic.”
“All you have to do is piss me off before you set me on him and I’m sure I can
manage something,” Harry muttered darkly, sitting in a chair that was set
against the wall.
“Maybe not.” Dumbledore sighed, also sitting in a chair, which he’d pulled over
to face Harry. “You want to talk to me about something to do with the Order?”
Harry nodded seriously. “I was talking with Ula Thorald earlier, as I said, and
she told me she doesn’t want to go to her grandfather’s house this summer, but
that her parents are making her because they have to leave the country. I’m
assuming it’s Order business or they probably could have taken her with.”
“Harry, you’re trying to ask me not to send them, aren’t you?” Dumbledore
sighed.
“If that’s possible,” Harry agreed.
“It’s not. We need them in Bosnia. Galatea has family there in the government
and we need her and Xylon to sway them with us, rather than against us.”
“What are they now, neutral?”
“For the most part.”
“Neutral/Dark, then,” Harry deducted. At Dumbledore’s nod, he groaned. “Then
I'll have to see if I can't talk Xylon and Galatea into letting Ula stay
somewhere else.”
“Harry, why doesn’t she want to go to her grandfather’s house? He’s a kind man,
from what I know of him.”
Harry shook his head sadly, standing. “Professor, you should know by now that
everyone has more than one face. Ula has her reasons and I will not hand them
about freely. She has entrusted them to me and I understand her. I will do what
I can to help.”
“And if Galatea and Xylon don’t agree?”
Harry’s green eyes were cold as he met the Headmaster’s blue ones. “She will
not spend the summer at her grandfather’s home if I have anything to say about
it, sir. You know as well as I do that I can get whatever I want done once I’ve
set my mind to it. Do everyone a favour and don’t meddle for once,” the teen
said calmly before he left the old wizard alone with his thoughts.
                                    -~/\~-
It was eleven o’clock Sunday morning when Harry finally woke up to Neville’s
voice calling his name. He poked his head out of his curtains tiredly. “Whasa?”
Neville smiled. “Good morning. Herm sent me up to make sure you get up.”
“Time?” Harry muttered, rubbing at his eyes and reaching out blindly to find
his glasses.
“Eleven.”
Harry groaned and put his glasses on. “Shit.”
“You’re not late yet, Harry,” Neville offered, walking to the door. “But you’d
best get ready. I have no clue how Moody will react if you’re late.”
“I do,” Harry muttered once the door had closed as he climbed from his bed.
Morning.
Tom’s mental voice was light and happy. Morning yourself. Feeling better?
You drugged me, the teen complained, walking over to his wardrobe and going
through his Muggle clothing.
Yes, the Dark Lord agreed. You needed the sleep and we both knew it.
Uhg. Harry ruffled his hair and pulled out a pair of jeans and his black
MacBeth shirt. Maybe I’d rather have slept with you.
No. You would have terrified your room mates or someone else when they couldn’t
find you. Anyway, with Dumbledore knowing about our relationship it’s much more
difficult for you to spend the night. And you’re a Prefect now; you need to be
there. Without you there yesterday, it could have been a lot worse than a
destroyed common room.
Shut up. I know all that. Harry sighed helplessly. I can’t wait until the
summer comes. I’ll love having you to myself again.
Tom chuckled. I know, love. Now, finish getting ready. I’ll see you after the
meeting.
Not before?
No. I have papers to grade. You can always send Gin down, of course.
I’ll remember that. She’s not with Ted?
Ted’s got another detention.
What’s he gone and done this time?!
Scared the hell out of a few Hufflepuffs in front of Sprout, from what I’ve
heard.
That boy... Harry sighed, rolling his eyes and grabbing his toiletries. Oh
well...
                                    -~/\~-
“Potter!”
Harry turned and blinked at the first year a few times tiredly. “Miss Thorald.
What can I do for you?”
Ula scowled and tossed a balled up sheet of paper at his head. “Don’t put
things in my books, Potter,” she spat before turning and heading back to where
her friends were sitting with their books.
Harry picked up the paper with a shrug and uncrumpled it as he left the common
room and headed for the kitchens. She’d written him back neatly.
I’d forgotten that he’d stolen Solita Heathcliffe’s book, too. He thought it
was mine, I think.
I don’t have any other relatives in the United Kingdom. I have an uncle in
America and Mum has family in Bosnia. It’s why I’m always sent with Grandpapi.
I promise to be nicer to Clough, I suppose, but nothing is going to make me
like her, you know.
     Thorald
Harry smiled faintly and put the letter in his back jeans pocket. “That
girl...”
‘HARRY!’appeared in front of the young wizard’s face and he stopped, glancing
over his shoulder.
“Gin. Hey.” Harry smiled at his sister as she came to a halt next to him,
breathing heavily.
‘That Thorald girl is such a bitch.’ Gin grumbled, motioning for Harry to lead
the way to where ever he’d been going.
“Oh, I dunno. I’ve got a bit of an understanding going on with her right now.”
‘Does this understanding include her throwing paper and kindness in your face?’
“Yes, actually, it does.” Harry smiled faintly. “That reminds me, Marcus asked
me to send you to him.”
‘I didn’t do it!’
Harry cocked and eyebrow at his sister as they stepped into the kitchen hall.
“I never said you did.”
Gin smiled sheepishly. ‘Well, good.’
“Oh, go on. Let me get my breakfast before I have to go and meet with Mad-Eye.”
The young man chuckled, tickling the pear. The picture seemed to giggle for Gin
as she waved and left Harry at the mercy of Dobby the house-elf.
                                    -~/\~-
Mad-Eye frowned when a blond-haired, golden-eyed young man slid into the seat
across from him, wearing Muggle clothing. “Can I help you?”
The young man cocked his eyebrow at the auror in a way that Mad-Eye vaguely
recognized. “Oh, is it really working, then?”
Mad-Eye was about to yell at the young man when he saw the two necklaces around
the teen’s throat that only one person in the entire world had. “Harry?” he
whispered.
Harry grinned mischievously. “Good afternoon, Mad-Eye.”
The ex-auror shook his head, smiling slightly. “Albus mentioned something about
you being a Metamorphmagus.”
Harry shrugged and glanced around warily. “I know this really great coffee shop
that has a fair lunch menu in Muggle London...”
Mad-Eye snorted and stood. “Off we go, then.”
Relief flew over Harry’s face as he stood and led the way out of the Leaky
Cauldron and down the street to the little café he and Tom had spent so much
time at over the summer. The two sat down and gave their orders to the
waitress. “Hey, Mad-Eye?” Harry started, watching a wind chime that was hanging
in an open window of a flat down the street.
“Yes?”
“Why’d you actually ask to have lunch with me?” Harry glanced up at the ex-
auror. “You always do something for a reason.”
Mad-Eye nodded slowly, appearing to gather his thoughts. “You trust me,
correct?”
Harry narrowed his eyes at the man. “For the most part, yes.”
Mad-Eye offered a weak smile. “Stupid question. I apologise.”
Harry shook his head. “Alastor, what is it? I feel like I’m playing twenty
questions with you again.”
The ex-auror reached forward and, since Harry checked the desire to draw back,
clasped his hand around the Dark Mark pendant. “Do me a favour and don’t wear
this to the meeting.”
Harry jerked back and grasped the supposedly invisible necklace, glaring at the
man. “You see it. Why?”
“It’s a good spell, almost flawless.” Mad-Eye shrugged. “Except, there is not
an invisibility spell out there, Light or Dark, that I cannot see through.” He
tapped on the bowler hat that covered his false eye.
Harry held up his wrist with the charm bracelet. “This too?”
Mad-Eye nodded. “A good array of charms. You picked them out yourself?”
Harry frowned, idly fingering his two necklaces. “Yes, for the most part. Mad-
Eye, how come the charm can’t see the necklaces?”
“You’ve tested it?”
Harry nodded slowly. “I have... a couple of friends who have the charm
bracelets, but not our pendants. They’ve never seen the pendants.”
The ex-auror hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe–“
But they were interrupted by the arrival of their food. Once situated and the
waitress was gone, Harry gave his mentor a sharp look. “Well?”
“Your charms, I think, are meant more for the simple, legal invisibility spells
and potions. The spell you have on the pendants is far more complicated and
illegal. Your charms weren’t made for those,” Mad-Eye explained, buttering a
role.
Harry nodded. Tom had mentioned that. It was, in fact, a spell closely related
to the one on the bracelets, except that that spell was legal, although
classified as Dark. “You didn’t tell Dumbledore,” he murmured, looking at his
cup of tea.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Alastor, what have I told you about playing this game?”
“That you rather despise it.”
“Alastor.”
The ex-auror shot Harry a quick smile, to which the young man scowled. “When
was the last time there was a Death Eater attack?”
“Percy was killed,” Harry replied immediately.
Mad-Eye nodded slowly. “True. Before that?”
“While I was suspended.”
“You said yourself that none of those were Death Eaters. They were Dark
supporters.”
Harry froze, then frowned slowly. “It was... that one... right before
Hallowe’en... right?”
Mad-Eye nodded. “The Order has been tying itself into knots trying to guess
what Voldemort is playing at. Who would have guessed it was in front of us the
whole time?”
Harry shook his head. “No, not really. He’s been...busy...with...other
things...”
Mad-Eye nodded, though he didn’t look like he believed Harry. “Last year was a
horror. There was an attack a month, sometimes twice a month. No one wanted to
go outside and, when they did, they did it carefully. You remember, I know. He
was furious that he didn't get the prophesy. But, over the summer, things
calmed down. At first, we thought he was just biding his time, waiting for us
to weaken our guard. And so we appeared to. And you were left in London, though
no one knew at first.”
“He never attacked,” Harry murmured, shaking his head helplessly. “Well, he
did, but it was never in London. Never near me.”
“We’d hoped he just didn’t know where you were. Molly almost had a heart attack
when Ginevra followed Hedwig to London to see where you were staying. We all
thought, for certain, that that much activity would bring him running. But, lo
and behold, he never came. We thought that, maybe, he was slipping. Getting
slow in his old age. Maybe London was free from him.”
“But, he’d attacked there last year,” Harry replied, leaning forward.
“It didn’t make any sense,” Mad-Eye agreed. “The old snake appeared to have
confused even Albus by the time school started again.”
“Then Marcus came...”
“Yes. Marcus Junius Brutús. An interesting name to have, considering the
history attached to it. Albus was leery of him, but Fred and George were
friends with him and assured Albus that he was a good man. Very trustworthy.
After he’d been hired, Snape came to us, warning us about Brutús. He was a
Death Eater. But, by then, school had started and Albus couldn’t really sack
him, and he hadn’t found anyone else to take the position, anyway. So Brutús
stayed. And you were friends, too. The Order breathed a sigh of relief, despite
Snape coming in again and again with warnings.”
“And what about before Hallowe’en? That attack on the Ministry?”
“A lot of worry and concern, at first. But, see, Order members hadn’t been
targeted. In fact, they were almost all out when the Death Eaters hit. It was
the more corrupt members of the political system that had been hit. It was
almost as if Voldemort was telling us that he’d changed his mind about
attacking the ‘good guys’ or something. He was just trying to make our world a
better place to live. At least, that’s what some members thought.”
Harry nodded slowly. “Yes. He has some very different ideas about the future
than the Order, but they do seem to fit together at some points. His ways are a
bit more crude, perhaps, but they are very different from what they’d, perhaps,
been in the first war, or, at the least, what the Light had thought they’d been
in the first war. For example, he doesn’t condone Crucioing his opponents to
insanity. In fact, he despises such acts.”
“Even when favoured Death Eaters do it?” Mad-Eye asked. His voice was steady,
but his single black eye was filled with a fiery hatred.
Harry’s eyes flashed. “Bellatrix would have been Crucioed to insanity herself,
if she hadn’t already been there.” He shook his head mildly. “He wouldn’t tell
me what he did to her for that one, and I don’t think I really want to know,
honestly.”
Mad-Eye nodded. “He’s really a cold, heartless bastard, then?”
Harry frowned, staring past the ex-auror at the wind chime again. “Not so
heartless anymore. Things change. He’s not as bad, now, as he was before.”
“Those Death Eaters watching your house...”
“Tonks said you’d seen them,” Harry agreed. “I had to tell them to move.”
“So that’s why they disappeared.” Moody shook his head with a sad smile. “We’d
thought they had been looking out for weaknesses in your home’s protection.
When they disappeared, we geared for an attack, but it never came.”
“And you were all the more confused.” Harry snorted. “Who knew that, working
together, Voldie and I could outsmart old Dumbles?”
“Voldie?”
“Pet name.” Harry smiled mischievously. “He hates it.”
“No doubt.”
“Alastor? Are you going to tell Dumbles? I mean, you’re about to admit a high-
ranking Death Eater into a key position in the Order.” Harry sent the ex-auror
a piercing look that reminded Mad-Eye of Dumbledore.
“You know I’ve always questioned Snape. If Albus can have his little spy, I can
have mine. As far as I can see, you’ve only been helping us in Voldemort’s
troops. Why end it?” Mad-Eye shrugged. “Anyway, the Light needs you, much as
you hate to admit it. Without you, we’d be lost. Sending you to Azkaban or your
death will undo all the good that has come of this summer. I don’t want another
war like seventeen years ago. No one does.”
Harry let out a heavy sigh. “No, I don’t suppose anyone does. Not even
Voldemort revels in that much blood spilt again.”
“Just, don’t hand over all of our secrets.”
Harry sent his mentor a quick smile that made Mad-Eye more wary of the teen
than ever before. “Who, me?”
“No. The house-elf in my pocket. Yes, you!”
Harry winked. “I’ll do my best.”
“Brat,” Mad-Eye muttered. He couldn’t help but smile when Harry laughed. “Oh,
and there was one more thing that made me not want to tell Albus about that
necklace of yours.”
“What?” Harry frowned suspiciously.
“You’re happy. Free. I don’t remember ever seeing you like this. Fills my old,
broken heart with the hopes of the future.” Mad-Eye winked at the gobsmacked
look on Harry’s face. “Would you cover the bill?”
“Oh...fine...” Harry rolled his eyes and hunted through his money purse for
some Muggle money after waving the waitress down. “Wanker.”
                                    -~/\~-
“Albus and I were talking about how good you’ve become.”
“Good at what?” Harry turned to glance at the ex-auror with an amused look as
they were walking away from the café, Harry’s Dark Order pendent put away in a
safe place. “Causing trouble?”
Mad-Eye flashed the younger wizard a quick smile. “No. How good you’ve become
at being an auror, after that training I gave you and that other training Saber
Upwood gave you.”
Harry shrugged. “Does it matter? If they won’t take me, I can’t do much about
it.”
“You can’t take the training, no.”
“...What are you getting at now, Mad-Eye?” Harry growled, golden eyes narrowing
at his mentor.
“You can’t take the training, but we could certify you.”
Harry frowned and turned his eyes to the pavement before him. “I see.”
“Consider it? It would be a good idea to get certified, at the least.”
“Why?”
“Well, you’d have evidence that you could teach Defence Against the Dark Arts,
at the least, and could help defend the school, assuming Voldemort would ever
attack it,” the older wizard’s voice was touched with laughter at that.
“True...”
“Think on it.”
“Would they want me to serve?” Harry glanced back up at Mad-Eye.
“Probably not. I mean, no more than they’d ask any other citizen, unless you
make it obvious you’d like to, of course.”
“I’ll consider it,” Harry promised before changing the subject. “I appear to
have developed a tendency to always come late to meetings.”
“Always?” Mad-Eye inquired calmly, allowing the change.
“I was late to yesterday’s meeting too.” Harry ran a hand through his blond
hair. “Of course, that’s just because they have to be held as early as possible
to keep little brats from causing havoc while the staff is occupied.”
Mad-Eye snorted in amusement as number twelve, Grimmauld Place came into sight.
“And, knowing you, you’re going to tell everyone when these meetings are just
so they can cause havoc.”
“Tempting, but I think Dumbles would murder me. Anyway, I’ve been forbidden to
tell anyone that I’ve been hired to work at Hogwarts, so I can’t really tell
them why I know the time.”
“You just don’t want to fight with the students when you’re a teacher,” Mad-Eye
accused as they walked inside the house.
Harry winked. “For the most part. You want to go first? I think I can shock
everyone even if I come in behind you. Make up some random story that I’m this
wizard you found on the street and dragged in,” the teen suggested, gold eyes
glittering with mischief.
“You, Potter, are a nightmare,” the ex-auror declared softly as he led Harry
down to the kitchen. Harry pretended the place was new and amazing to him.
“Ah, there you two are,” Dumbledore said as Mad-Eye stepped into the kitchen.
As Harry walked in, however, the Headmaster frowned and gave Mad-Eye a confused
look. The other Order members weren’t doing much better.
“This is an old friend of mine,” Mad-Eye said evenly. “Ran in to him outside.”
“Lovely place you’ve got here,” Harry decided, smiling at the people around the
kitchen table. “Homely.” His voice caught on the last word and he looked away,
still faking a smile. A picture of Sirius had been put up on the mantle over
the fireplace.
“Harry?” Remus whispered, half standing.
Harry pulled out his wand and spelled the picture on its face before smiling
faintly at his living godfather. “Wotcher.”
Dumbledore chuckled. “You two managed to trick even me, that time. Well done.
Harry, could you please change back and sit between Remus and Molly?”
“Sure.” Harry shrugged and shifted his form as he walked. By the time he’d sat
between his surrogate mother and godfather, he was himself again and fingering
his Order pendant.
“What’s this?” Remus leaned over to get a good look and let out a hiss.
“Where’d you find this?” he asked gently.
Harry tugged on the necklace gently, successfully getting it back from his
godfather’s grasp. “Family vault. It was in a jewellery box. Mad-Eye said it
was mum’s.”
“Yes. That was Lily’s,” Remus agreed, sitting back. “Albus, why is Harry here?”
Dumbledore smiled as he turned away from Mad-Eye, to whom he’d been talking.
Mad-Eye gave Harry a guarded wink as he went to sit between Kingsley
Shacklebolt and Emmeline Vance. “It has been decided that Harry will be
inducted into the Order now.”
“Albus, no!” Molly shouted.
“Now, Molly, we did take a vote on this,” Dumbledore said soothingly.
“He’s too young!” Molly shot back. “The vote was meant to see if we’d add him
even after Percy’s statement, not now!”
“Molly–“ Dumbledore started.
Harry shook his head sharply at the Headmaster, then turned to face Molly,
catching her eyes. “Enough,” he said firmly. “This is my choice and I will go
through with it, no matter what you say.”
Molly immediately stood down. “Fine.”
Mad-Eye’s eyes widened and he gave the Weasley family matriarch a quick look-
over. He didn’t see the Dark Mark pendant that he’d seen on Harry’s other
friends and all of the seventh year Slytherins, but it didn’t stop him from
wondering exactly how deeply his one-time student’s information network went.
He’d never think a Weasley a member of the Dark Order but, of course, their
connections with Harry might very well pull them that way. Their daughter had
one, he knew.
“Any other arguments?” Dumbledore inquired mildly.
Harry shot Severus a sharp look as the man started to open his mouth. “Don’t
you dare.”
Severus narrowed his eyes at the teen. “Albus, you know I’ve been against
letting Potter into the Order for years.”
“Yes, I know.” Albus nodded uneasily. “Severus, surely you understand–“
“Oh, come now, Severus,” Harry said in an even voice. “I don’t think you really
want our truce to end over something as silly as this.”
Severus winced briefly. “I concede. Induct the brat,” he spat, turning away
from the chilled green eyes.
Harry pretended to look hurt. “I thought you were calling me an imp, Sevvie.”
Severus twitched. “Little monster, then,” he muttered, still not looking back
at Harry. Harry smiled victoriously, much to the amusement of the rest of the
Order.
“Anyone else?” Dumbledore asked with a chuckle. “No? Very well, then. Remus,
could you please take Harry upstairs while I get everyone here settled?”
“Of course.” Remus nodded, standing, and led Harry from the room.
“Remy?” Harry whispered once they were out of the kitchen. The werewolf glanced
back at him. “What, exactly, happens during one’s induction?”
“Each one is different.” Remus shrugged. “But, basically, you face Fawkes and
Albus and they decide if you mean what you’ve said.” His amber-coloured eyes
caught Harry’s. “Be careful.”
Harry nodded absently and twisted the ring from Tom. “I know that.”
Remus grabbed his hand and frowned at the bare finger. Harry nodded at the hand
when Remus glanced at him. The werewolf’s eyes widened when he saw the ring as
it came into sight. “He gave you this?”
“Yes.”
“Put it away.”
“No.” Harry pulled his hand away and shoved it into his jeans pocket. “I’m not
taking it off. If Dumbles throws a hissy fit over it, so be it.”
“It’s the Slytherin family crest, Harry,” Remus hissed urgently. “If Albus sees
it, he’ll blow a casket.”
“He has no proof,” Harry replied firmly, refusing to look at his godfather.
“Don’t start, Remus. I’ve already been told to take it off. If I won’t listen
to Marcus, what makes you think I'll listen to you?”
Remus flinched. “Point made.” He pointed to the only closed door on the hall.
“Go on in. I have to get back downstairs.” He turned to go.
“Remus.” Harry set a gentle hand on the man’s shoulder, stopping him. “Don’t
leave hurt, please? You know I love you, right?”
The werewolf glanced over his shoulder, eyes painful. “I know I will never
stand up to your love for him.”
“No, Remus, no.” Harry shook his head sharply. “It’s different. I love you like
a father. I love Marcus like a lover. It’ll always be different. Please don’t
compare the two?”
Remus sighed and pulled Harry into a tight hug. “Sometimes I forget exactly how
old you are,” he murmured as Harry clung to him. “And then I forget exactly who
I’m dealing with.” He tugged away and met Harry’s eyes. “You’re strong, I know.
Don’t let them know how strong. I know you’ll be fine.”
Harry gave one firm nod, then turned and walked into the room. Remus sighed
sadly before going back to the kitchen.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry found himself in a shadowed space. The door, the only light, slammed shut
behind him. He tried to draw his wand, only to find it was gone. In fact, the
only material things he still appeared to have that he’d come in with were the
ring on his finger, his earring, and the Order pendant around his throat. His
bracelet was gone, as were his clothes. He froze, listening for some sound.
CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Mad-Eye’s voice shouted in his head.
A sound made him spin and he could vaguely make out Dumbledore and Fawkes
moving towards him in the faint glow of the fog billowing around them. He did
not drop his guard, watching the two approach with a cautious gaze.
“Hello, Harry,” Dumbledore offered cheerfully while Fawkes trilled.
“Headmaster. Fawkes.” Harry nodded slightly.
“Welcome to the dark side of the Light,” Dumbledore offered. “Here, you will
face your worst nightmares.”
“Why?” Harry shot back. “What do my nightmares have to do with joining the
Order?”
“We like to know who you are,” came the cheerful reply.
“In other words, absolutely nothing,” Harry muttered darkly. “Fabulous. Just
what I should expect from a coot.”
The old Headmaster’s eyes twinkled in the darkness. “Good luck, Harry.” He
faded from sight.
Harry’s eyes twitched back and forth before him. Nightmares? Like what?
Dementors? Losing Marcus? Losing Molly or Arthur or Gin or one of the other
Weasleys? Losing Remus? Hermione?
“Very disappointing, actually.”
Harry spun around and gave a startled cry. For there, watching him with
disgust, were James Potter, Lily Potter, and Sirius Black. “No...”
“Really, Harry. We’re so disappointed in you,” Lily said in a reproving voice.
“So very disappointed.”
Harry shook his head and closed his eyes tightly. “They’re not real, you
idiot,” he muttered aloud. “You know they’re not real.”
“Not real?” Sirius let out a cold laugh that sounded like a bark. “How silly!
Of course we’re real!”
“No. Dumbles said you’re nightmares. My worst nightmares. Wait, why am I
talking to them? They aren’t here!”
“Haven’t left yet,” James taunted.
Harry’s eyes flew open and he narrowed them at his father, a thought coming to
mind. “You are disappointed in me? After the way you treated Severus in
school?! You two have no right to be disappointed in me! And Mum,” Harry turned
on the red-haired witch. “What makes you think you’re any better? So you were a
good girl in school, but did you even, for one minute, consider that your
sister missed you? No, of course not. You’re too perfect.” He sneered.
The three figures had pulled back and looked like they’d been slapped. “Petunia
never wanted me around,” Lily declared.
“Snivellus deserved it,” James said firmly. Sirius nodded.
“Oh, yeah?” Harry shot back. “Well, guess what. Every wrong you did to those
two people came back on me. I bore your wrong-doings and, let me tell you, I
have more sympathy for Severus and Aunt Petunia right now than I do for you.
Don’t you dare say you’re disappointed in me!”
Three shouts filled the air and the figures faded away. In their place was
Voldemort. “Well, well. If it isn’t bity Potty. Out for a stroll? Need some
company? I’m sure I can arrange for it. After all, there are people dying to
meet you.”
Harry turned his back on the Dark Lord. “You’re not half as scary as the real
thing.”
The Dark Lord’s image disappeared with a hiss of, :You’re no equal of mine!:
Harry balled his fists. :You wish.:
“What nasty thing are you doing this time, boy?” Vernon Dursley shouted from
behind Harry.
Harry slammed his eyes shut. He’s not here, Harry. He’s dead, remember?
“Running around naked. What a pity.”
Harry jumped as his uncle touched his shoulder. He spun to face the man, eyes
blazing. “You’re dead! Dudley killed you! Looking for cheese, you bastard?!”
Vernon gave him a vicious smile. “What was that supposed to do?”
“Apparently, make you go away,” Dudley Dursley’s voice said from behind Harry
as his hands fell onto Harry’s shoulders heavily. “One of his worthless little
magic tricks, don’t you know?”
Harry’s eyes slammed shut again and he grasped the ring Tom had given him on
his finger. TOM!
The images faded and Harry opened his eyes to find what he was facing this
time. Tom, in his Marcus form, was watching him, shaking his head sadly. “I
can’t do this, Harry. Too much stress. I’m sorry.” He turned away.
Harry shook his head, ignoring the tears. “That didn’t bother you before.”
“Then I must not have been thinking straight before. Good-bye, Harry.”
Harry twisted the ring on his finger and lowered his head in defeat. “Marcus
wouldn’t leave me in real life,” he whispered.
“So sure?”
Harry looked up and had to blink a couple of times. He was standing in the
centre of a white room that was brightly lit. Dumbledore sat at a table in
front of him with Fawkes on his shoulder. Harry himself was suddenly in black
silk robes. “Yes,” he replied to the Headmaster, reaching up to wipe at the
tears still falling. “Just because something is a fear doesn’t make it real.”
“How very true that is.” Dumbledore smiled and motioned to the chair across
from him. “Sit, my boy.”
Harry shook his head, frowning. “My wand?”
“You will get it back later. Have a seat,” the Headmaster replied firmly. Harry
sat. “Good.” He leaned back and looked over the teen before him. “I find it
interesting that your necklace was one of the things you chose to keep with you
in that room, as was that ring that I will assume you got from Marcus. But not
your wand?”
Harry shook his head. “I’m trained in other types of defence, sir. Being
without my wand should not make me helpless.”
“You looked very helpless against your uncle and cousin,” Dumbledore commented
in an off-handed manner. He noted that Harry stiffened. “Would you care to
explain that certain fear to me?”
“No,” Harry bit out.
The Headmaster shrugged. “Very well. Now, you fear that Lily, James, and Sirius
will be disappointed in some of your choices, but not, say, Remus?”
“I know Remus’ thoughts on most of my choices, sir. I cannot fear what I know
as fact.”
“Yet you fear Marcus leaving you?”
Harry paused. “Perhaps that is not so much a fact as I would like it to be. I
fear Remus dying more than I fear his disappointment, I think.”
“I see.” Dumbledore nodded. “The Dark Room doesn’t deal in death, which is
probably a lucky thing. We would have been in here for a while if it did.”
Harry bit his lip. “No doubt.”
“Everyone would be in here for a while, I think...”
“Even you?” Harry inquired.
The old man smiled sadly. “Yes, even me.”
Harry nodded absently. “Sir, does the Dark Room not deal with dementors?”
“No. It’s another thing that is too common among people in general.”
“So it doesn’t include general fears?”
“Exactly.”
“But why, then, did Voldemort appear for me? He’s a general fear of the
population.”
“Not true. Many that follow him do not fear Voldemort. His Death Eaters fear
him, yes, but not his supporters that have never dealt with him face-to-face.”
“Anyone who does deal with him face-to-face, though, would fear him.”
“Not everyone has to, though. Dementors are a fear that is built in to all
people, because they are fear, no matter who they are or who they support, as
is death. And everyone has to face those things at one point or another,”
Dumbledore replied evenly.
“Does Voldemort fear death, then?”
“Think.”
Harry ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully. “Yes. He wants to be immortal,
so he would fear it.” He frowned at the man. “But, he doesn’t fear others’
deaths, only his own. It’s still general?”
“It’s still death.”
Harry shrugged. “Very well. I concede the point.”
Dumbledore nodded, gaze serious. “Harry James Potter, you are here to join the
Order of the Phoenix. We are an organization meant to fight the Darkness of the
Wizarding world and help the Light. Our current task is the destruction of the
Dark Lord Voldemort. Do you understand all of this?”
“Yes,” Harry replied firmly.
“Do you agree with this foundation?”
To Dumbledore’s great surprise and joy, Harry paused to think this over. After
a long moment, the teen nodded. “Yes.”
“To be a part of the Order of the Phoenix is to put your life on the line in
the name of the Light. Do you understand this?”
“Far too well.”
Dumbledore offered him an understanding smile. “Is this something you can do?”
“That was never a choice, sir,” was the dry response.
“Every member of the Order of the Phoenix faces death as you do. Do you
understand that you may lose someone close to you?”
“Yes,” Harry whispered, nodding.
“Those who are close to you, even when they are not in the Order of the
Phoenix, may become targets. Do you understand this?”
“Yes.”
“Any knowledge gained as a member of the Order of the Phoenix must stay within
the Order of the Phoenix unless you are told otherwise, including the fact that
you are a member. Do you understand this?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And can you abide by this rule?”
Harry paused for a moment. “If the knowledge I have may save someone I care
for, I will tell them, even if I have been told not to,” he decided.
Dumbledore sighed. “At least you are honest.” He tugged on his beard gently.
“Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix, Harry James Potter. You have passed.”
Harry relaxed back into his chair and closed his eyes. “This week has been too
stressful,” he muttered darkly.
Dumbledore chuckled. “I’ve no doubt about that, my dear boy.”
“I note that you don't apologise for the stress you’ve caused,” the teen said
dully.
“Perhaps I do not regret it.” Dumbledore stood, unsettling Fawkes, who flew
over to Harry and settled in his lap.
“Fawkes...” Harry murmured, reaching out a hand and running it down the
phoenix’s back. A tingle went through him and he opened his eyes to give the
bird a curious look.
Fawkes offered a trill and Harry was startled to realize he could understand
the sound to mean, °°Feeling better?°°
Harry blinked a few times. “Yes, thank you. How can I understand you?”
“Some members of the Order can understand Fawkes, though he chooses who they
are,” Dumbledore explained with a smile. “Come. I’m sure you have many people
worried near death for you.”
“My things?” Harry requested, not moving. He didn’t much feel like disturbing
Fawkes, who was making a soothing sound that didn’t appear to mean much of
anything.
“They will replace the robe when you leave the room. Come on, Fawkes.”
°°Always disturbing me when I’m comfortable. Stupid coot,°° the phoenix
complained, flying from Harry’s lap to rest on the teen’s shoulder.
Harry laughed, getting to his feet. “Smart arse.”
°°You bet.°°
Dumbledore chuckled and led Harry from the room. As Harry stepped from the room
he felt like something was sliding over his skin. When he looked down, his
normal clothing was back, as well as his bracelet. He let out a soft sigh of
relief and lifted a hand to run it through Fawkes’ feathers.
As soon as they entered the kitchen, the room broke out in sound. It appeared
that everyone in the Order, with the exception of Severus, was cheering for
him. In fact, the spy had, judging by his lack, returned to the school.
Fawkes offered the teen a quick, °°Good luck, Harry,°° before leaving him to
fend for himself and resting on Dumbledore’s shoulder again.
Harry found himself surrounded by the many members of the Order he’d come to
know over the two and a half years it had been around again. Molly was hugging
him tightly while Arthur was smiling proudly next to Remus. Mundungus Fletcher
was patting him on the back – and ignoring Molly’s dirty looks – while the
twins and their friend, Lee Jordan, were plotting in a corner. Fred winked at
the youngest member of the Order before returning to their plotting. Tonks was
bouncing around happily and Kingsley looked ready to drop dead from trying to
control her.
“Come on, Harry! Sit, sit!” Tonks called. “We’ve got cake!”
Harry laughed at her antics. “Tonks, why don’t you do Kingsley a favour and sit
yourself?”
Kingsley offered the teen a grateful smile as Tonks shrugged and took a seat.
Mundungus sat next to her and dragged her into conversation almost immediately,
so Kingsley came over. “Thanks, Harry. It’s a nightmare having her as a
partner, let me tell you.”
“She’s your partner at the Ministry?” Harry inquired, curious, as Molly went to
get some cake.
“Yes.” Kingsley nodded. “They’ve started pairing us all up so we’re never
caught out alone. I ended up with Tonks, somehow. I’ll never get another good
night’s rest.”
Harry chuckled. “No, I wouldn’t expect so.”
“Here.” Molly handed Harry a plate with cake on it. “Best eat it before it’s
all gone,” she suggested, handing another plate to Kingsley.
“Thanks, Molly.” Harry grinned. “If you’ll both excuse me, I need to catch a
word with Xylon and Galatea Thorald before they escape.”
“About what?” Molly asked suspiciously.
“Their daughter.” Harry shrugged and slipped through the crowd over to the two
Thoralds. Galatea had long brown hair that shimmered in the faint candle-light.
Xylon’s hair was a slightly lighter auburn than his daughter’s. The teen could
see that Ula got her lean body structure from her father, but her dark
colouring from her mother. “Xylon and Galatea,” he said by way of greeting.
The family appeared to be run the same way as the Weasley family, Harry noted
as Galatea took the lead. “Mr Potter. A pleasure to finally make your
acquaintance,” the woman said, holding out a hand for the teen to shake.
Once Harry shook both of their hands, he brought up his question. “I have
spoken recently with your daughter, Ula, at school. She came to me about a few
concerns and one of them struck me as serious.”
“Us going to Bosnia.” Galatea pursed her lips.
“Yes.” Harry smiled slightly. “But Dumbledore says he will not change that and,
knowing Order business, you may be delayed or find yourselves in danger of some
sort, so it is probably best that Ula remain in the United Kingdom. That is
understood and accepted. It is her staying with her grandfather that concerns
me.”
“Papi is a wonderful man!” Galatea protested. Xylon shifted slightly, looking
uncomfortable.
Harry's eyes hardened. “People can have more than one side, Galatea, especially
people in positions of power. Ula fears and dislikes her grandfather for a
reason. It is my experience that a child’s intuition is often a frightfully
exact thing.”
“She has nowhere to go,” the dark-haired woman replied.
“You are both members of the Order of the Phoenix. She has many places to go.
All you ever need to do is ask if someone can watch her during the summer and
I’m sure you will find yourself bombarded with offers,” was the easy response.
Galatea’s eyes glittered. “Even yourself, Mr Potter?”
Harry paused, considering this. “We would be staying at my lover’s house, as I
don’t have one, but, yes, I think we’d both be willing to take her in for the
summer.”
“And who is your lover?” the woman asked rather nastily.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the woman. “Marcus Brutús, and I don't appreciate
your tone.”
Whether it was the answer to her question or the cold reprimand, Harry didn’t
know for sure, but it shut her up, none-the-less. Xylon hummed thoughtfully,
filling in the silence his wife left. “Perhaps, it could be arranged. I think I
would like to have a meeting with Professor Brutús about it first, though.”
“I doubt Marcus would mind.” Harry shrugged. “As long as he gets his grading
done and Ula swears not to cause trouble, that is.”
Xylon smiled. “Understandable.” He tapped his chin. “Shall we try and set up a
meeting next weekend?”
Harry glanced over at where Dumbledore and Mad-Eye were talking. He quickly
signed the request that Mad-Eye send the old Headmaster over and smiled when
the ex-auror nodded and started pushing the man towards where Harry and the
Thoralds stood. “We’ll have to discuss it with Dumbledore,” he explained in
response to Xylon’s inquiring look.
“What can I do for you three?” Dumbledore asked with a large smile as he and
Mad-Eye joined them. Fawkes settled himself on Harry’s shoulder again and the
teen stroked a finger down his breast absently.
“Dumbles, you recall me mentioning how I wanted to find Miss Thorald a place to
stay this summer that wasn’t her grandfather’s home, I’m sure,” Harry said
gently.
Dumbledore shot the teen a look. “Yes. What trouble have you concocted this
time?”
Harry looked wounded. “How lowly you think of me.”
“Stuff it, Potter,” Mad-Eye muttered darkly. Harry shot him a quick grin.
“Albus, I think Harry has a good idea,” Xylon said, once it became obvious that
Galatea wasn’t planning on speaking any time soon. “But I’m wary of who would
be a good person to look after Ula. Since Harry suggested it, I, personally,
think he’d make a good guardian for that short time. It’s obvious, to me, that
he’ll take care of her, as he cared enough to come to us about it, and that
she’ll actually listen to him, since she went to him for help.”
Dumbledore gave Harry a searching look. “I see... And, Harry, what do you say?”
“I agree, but I’ll be staying with Marcus this summer, so it will have to be
run past him. I doubt he’ll have any problems, but, as I can’t read his mind,
we’ll have to ask him,” the teen replied easily.
°°I’ll bet he’ll say yes just because he’ll never live it down if he doesn’t,°°
Fawkes teased.
“Hush.” Harry shot the phoenix a sharp look. “Horrible bird, you are.”
Xylon watched the exchange with wide eyes, as did Galatea. Mad-Eye looked
slightly impressed. “So, Fawkes chose you to understand him.” The ex-auror
shook his head. “Why am I surprised?”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Because you’re an idiot.” He snatched Mad-Eye’s flask
as the man pulled it out to drink from it and hid it behind his back with a
mischievous smile. “And not paying attention.”
Fawkes flew from Harry’s shoulder as Mad-Eye’s blue eye started twirling around
in its socket wildly. “Hand it over, Potter.”
Harry winked. “Actually, I was planning on doing some science tests on i– YAH!”
The teen dashed away from the pissed off ex-auror and twisted between other
Order members, much to everyone’s amusement.
“That boy.” Dumbledore chuckled. “Times like this I can’t help but wonder how
he’s lived so long.”
“How has he done it, sir?” Galatea whispered, watching the chase.
“Lots of luck,” the Headmaster decided. “And, oh, yes, he’s one very powerful
and quite brilliant young man.”
***** Chapter 43 *****
“What in Merlin’s name have you done to yourself?!”
Harry ruffled his spiked pink and purple hair with a sheepish smile. “Pissed
off Mad-Eye.” He flopped himself into the chair next to Hermione, who was
shaking her head with a smile. “What? It was worth it. The look on his face was
priceless. If I’d had a camera, I would have taken a picture. Hey, that reminds
me...” He stood and wandered over to where Dennis and Colin were playing
Exploding Snap, leaving Hermione laughing. “Colin, that film developed yet?”
The cameraman of Gryffindor House gave Harry a quick glance. “Do you have any
idea how difficult it is to find you?”
“No. I always know where I am.”
‘Except for when he doesn’t.’ Gin offered, coming over to stand next to her
brother. She pulled two photos out of the binder on the floor next to Colin.
‘Here. Give one to Marcus.’
“Okay.” Harry grinned at the picture. It was taken when he’d kissed Tom to shut
the Dark Lord up. He had to admit, it did look rather sexy. “Bet it would look
better if he looked more like himself,” he whispered to his sister before
sliding past her.
‘It does.’ appeared in front of a dreamy-eyed Gin.
Harry laughed and put the pictures in the back pocket of his jeans. He stepped
up to the table where most of the first years sat, doing homework, and grinned
down at them. “Hullo, brats.”
“Fuck off, Potter,” Ronan spat, shooting the Prefect a furious look.
“Aw, you’re just sore ‘cause I got you all in trouble for fighting in the
common room.” Harry sniggered. “Rather pathetic, if you ask me.”
“Did you have an actual reason for coming over here?” Storm Ambrose hissed,
tossing a lock of silvery blonde hair over one shoulder and shooting Harry a
dirty look.
“Yup!” Harry gave them a brilliant smile. “Thorald, Professor Brutús needs a
word with you and I’ve been asked to drag you down, kicking and screaming, if I
must.” He gave a heavy sigh.
“What are you, an actor?” Ronan asked nastily as Ula quickly shoved her things
into her bag. “Because I don’t see a stage.”
Harry shrugged. “No, I’m not an actor. You appear to be a clown, though.” And,
with a flick of Harry’s wand, the young wizard was dressed up in a polka dotted
clown’s outfit, complete with large shoes, red nose, and rainbow hair.
The common room burst out into gaggles of laughter at the furious pureblood
while Ronan stood slowly and attempted to look menacing as he pulled out his
wand. “I’ll get you for that, Potter.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Come, now. I just spent an hour and a half being chased
by ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody and the best he could manage was to turn my hair a couple
different colours. What are you planning? Stunning me?” He glanced at Ula, who
was trying not to laugh. “Come on, Thorald. Brutús awaits, the bastard.” He
stuck his tongue out at Ronan before turning and leading Ula from the room,
quietly throwing a shield up behind him to block the hex from the boy.
Out in the hallway, Ula finally let herself laugh. “You’re horrible!”
“He was asking for that one,” Harry replied, scratching his head.
“Did Moody really give you that ridiculous hair-style?” the young witch wanted
to know.
“Yeah. I ran off with his silly little flask of alcohol.” Harry shrugged. “I’d
forgotten how much fun it was to mess with him.”
“You’re friends?”
“He taught me a few things last year,” the elder Gryffindor offered slyly.
“Oh, fine. What does Professor Brutús want me for?”
“He doesn’t,” Harry offered the witch a naughty smile. “Well, he doesn’t yet. I
haven’t told him anything.”
“You are horrible!”
“Duh.” Harry rolled his eyes and stopped in front of the tutting portrait for
the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor’s rooms. “Don’t you tut me. Look,
see, I have a chaperone.”
“A chaperone?! Ha! Looks like a first year to me!” the portrait shot back
highly.
“First years can be chaperones,” Harry shot back.
“Not for you! I’ve yet to see a chaperone for y–“
“Why must you two always argue so loudly?” Tom grumbled, opening the door.
“Harry, why do you have that little horror with you?” He eyed Ula warily. The
girl smirked.
“You love me, right?” Harry inquired sweetly.
“Oh, no...” Tom groaned and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. “Fine, get in
here, both of you.” He stepped back to let them in.
Harry led Ula in cheerfully and the girl looked around in awe. “Where are we?”
“Marcus’ private rooms!” Harry said happily, throwing himself into Tom’s
favourite chair.
The Dark Lord scowled at his lover. “Out of my chair. And tell me what the hell
you’ve done this time, you imp.” He paused, then reached forward quickly and
grabbed a lock of Harry’s hair. “And why did you feel the need to redecorate?”
“Mad-Eye got pissy ‘cause I stole his Super Secret Special Madness Formula for
the Deranged.” Harry shrugged. “So he hexed me. A few times, actually. This was
the only one that stuck.”
“And you haven’t been rid of it?”
“I like it!”
“I hate it. Get rid of it. And get out of my chair!” Harry whimpered and walked
meekly over to another chair while Ula giggled. Tom sat down in his chair with
a glare. “Well?”
Harry frowned at the man and dropped his barriers in their connection, only to
find that Tom had put his own walls up. “What’s wrong?”
The Dark Lord glanced over at Ula, who was watching them curiously. “Nothing.”
“Marcus, tell me,” Harry hissed.
“It’s private.”
“I can’t talk to you when you’re like this!” Harry cried, exasperated.
“I can go back to the common room, if you want,” Ula offered gently.
Tom stared at her for a long moment before shaking his head and standing. “Stay
here. Come on, Harry.” He led the way into the bedroom and pulled the door shut
behind his younger lover.
:Tom, what is it?: Harry whispered, resting his hands against the Dark Lord’s
chest and glancing up into teal eyes.
Tom let out a choked sound and drew Harry into a tight hug. “I’m going to
murder him for making you go through that.”
Harry closed his eyes and buried his face in the dark green robes. “I thought
I’d blocked you.”
“Seeing those bastards broke it,” Tom murmured. “I think I scared your sister.”
He paused. “Why are you afraid of losing me?”
“Because it will kill me?” Harry glanced up into the worried teal eyes. “I know
you wouldn’t leave me by choice, you bastard, stop giving me that look. It’s
just...”
“A fear.” Tom nodded. “I know. But nothing will ever, ever make me leave you.
Never,” he whispered fiercely. “You’re stuck with me, for good or for bad.”
Harry nodded numbly. “I didn’t mean to worry you...”
“I’m glad it happened,” Tom shot back. “I’d rather know these things now than
later.” He offered the teen a slight smile and tugged on a lock of Harry’s
hair. “I meant it when I told you to get rid of it.”
The teen smiled slightly. “And I meant it when I said I liked it.”
“At least make it nicer colours. Green and silver, maybe.”
“Red and gold.”
“Black and green.”
“Red and silver.”
“Deal.” Tom nodded and kissed Harry’s scar gently as the teen played with his
hair. “Much better. I can actually stand to look at you now.”
Harry laughed. “You’re mean. Oh! Here, those pictures Colin took finally got
developed. Gin gave me one for you.” He pulled one of the photos out of his
back pocket and handed it to the Dark Lord.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the picture. “Damn, you look sexy.”
Harry smacked him gently. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“I give myself plenty of credit, but I’m nothing next to you.” He pulled Harry
in to a sharp kiss. “And don’t you dare argue with me.”
“Bastard.”
“Imp.”
Harry sniggered and tugged on the Dark Lord’s hand. “Come on. I haven’t told
you why the monster is here yet.”
“Wait, wait. I’m framing this.”
“What are you going to do, put it next to your bed?”
“No, I’m putting it on the desk in my office.”
“Noooo...”
“Or perhaps on the desk in my classroom. Wild sex fantasies, you know.”
“You’re a monster,” Harry declared, pulling the bedroom door open and smiling
at Ula, who was fighting her way through a Potions essay. “Isn’t he a monster?”
“He’s my teacher. I can’t insult him,” Ula replied, grinning as Tom exited the
bedroom and slid his arms around Harry’s waist, drawing the teen against him.
“Of course you can,” Harry replied. “He’s going to be one of your guardians
this summer.”
“What?” Ula stared at the wizard in shock.
“Harry, love, you’ve lost me,” the Dark Lord offered calmly.
“Xylon decided that the best person to leave Ula with this summer was me,”
Harry explained. “And, since I’m staying at your house this summer, you’ll
probably end up with partial care.”
“You’re kidding,” Ula breathed, staring at the Boy-Who-Lived in shock. “I’m not
going to Grandpapi’s?”
“I told you I’d find some other way,” Harry said, eyes glittering brightly.
“Bril!” Ula got up and ran over to Harry, who enveloped her in a hug.
Harry glanced up at Tom curiously as the man wandered towards the kitchen.
“Marcus?”
The Dark Lord grinned at the teen over his shoulder. “I’m used to you doing
things like this by now. It sounds amusing, at the least.” He slipped into the
kitchen. “But you might want to add the fact that I’m a Dark wizard and have
dealings with Voldemort, love.”
Ula froze. “What?”
Harry let out a frustrated sigh and forced the girl to look at him. “Ula, look
at me. Marcus is a high-ranking Death Eater, okay? He deals with Voldemort a
lot and, chances are, the Dark Lord will be visiting the Manor while we’re
there. If you’d rather talk your parents into sending you somewhere else, I
don’t mind. Just know that staying with us means you’ll be meeting some Death
Eaters.”
Ula turned and glanced at where Tom was leaning against the doorway into the
kitchen, teal eyes watching them coldly. “You’re a Death Eater?”
Tom shrugged. “Sort of.”
“If you make this any more difficult than it already is, I’ll never forgive
you,” Harry said warningly.
“Harry, you are asking her to spend her summer in my house. I think she has a
right to know everything. If she panics, you can cast a Memory Charm,” the Dark
Lord berated his lover softly before returning his gaze to the first year
clutching at Harry’s hand.
“What aren’t you two telling me?” Ula whispered, narrowing her eyes at her
professor.
Tom’s lips curled up into a cold smirk. “Brave little Gryffindor,” he taunted.
“Stop that,” Harry ordered sharply. “Ula, ignore him. He has a fetish for
scaring people. Slytherin trait, I think.”
Tom let out a sharp snort and disappeared into the kitchen again. “Just tell
her, Potter.”
Ula glanced up into the worried green eyes pleadingly. “What is it? I promise I
won’t freak out.”
Harry gazed into the grey eyes for a long moment before nodding. “He’s Lord
Voldemort.”
Ula spun around to look at the kitchen doorway. She could hear things banging
around in there. “You’re not joking?”
“No. Totally serious.”
Ula peeked up at the Boy-Who-Lived. “And you love him? And he loves you?”
“Gryffindors!”
“Stuff it, Riddle!” Harry shot back before nodding. “Yes.”
“There’s a fine line between love and hate,” Tom said, poking his head out of
the kitchen and smirking at them. “The stronger the hate, the stronger the love
when that line is crossed.”
“You’re such a prat.” Harry sighed, rolling his eyes helplessly.
Tom winked. “Don’t you know it.” He disappeared back into the kitchen.
“He’s not going to hurt me?” Ula inquired in a whisper.
Harry shook his head. “Worst he’ll do is prank you.”
“I don’t prank people!”
“I beg to differ!”
“You beg a lot!”
“Oh, go bugger Dumbles!”
“Ew...”
Ula giggled. “Are you sure he’s You-Know-Who?”
“Want me to prove it?” Tom asked coldly, peeking his head back out of the
kitchen doorway.
“Not particularly,” Harry replied.
“Sure,” Ula agreed. “How do you prove you’re You-Know-Who?”
“First off, don’t call me that. If you can’t call me Voldemort, call me by my
damned given name.”
“Tom,” Harry offered when Ula looked confused.
“Oh.” The girl glanced back up at the Dark Lord, who had dropped his glamour.
“Anyone can give themselves red eyes.”
“True.” Tom smiled coldly. “But not everyone can do this.” And, suddenly,
Voldemort stood in the kitchen doorway.
Ula gave a terrified shout and jumped behind Harry. “Bloody hell!”
Harry shook his head at his lover, a smile tugging at his lips. “Happy?”
“No.” Voldemort glided up to the teen and the girl hiding behind him.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the man. “You have one seriously odd mind, Riddle.”
Voldemort drew a finger down Harry’s cheek gently. “Point?” he murmured.
“There wasn’t one.” Harry shrugged, leaning up to crush his lips against the
Dark Lord’s mouth. Voldemort wrapped his arms around the young man and slid his
forked tongue into Harry’s mouth. Oh, fuck, that’s hot...
A flash of light made them pull apart very quickly and turn to glare at the
young witch with the camera. “Blackmail,” she offered evilly.
Voldemort reverted back to his human form. “This is why I hate this child!” he
said furiously before chasing the girl.
Ula let off a string of mad laughter as she ran around the room. “You can’t
catch me! You can’t catch me!”
Harry snorted and settled in Tom’s favourite chair to watch the game. “Hey,
Voldie, you’re losing to an eleven-year-old.”
“Stuff it, Potter,” Tom shot back. “I swear I’ll get her!”
Harry laughed.
                                    -~/\~-
“You changed your hair!” Hermione cried as Harry settled across from her at the
Gryffindor House Table. Ula was sitting with her friends down the table,
smiling happily.
“Yeah. Marcus threw a fit. He hates pink,” Harry replied with a wink.
‘So, what did Marcus want with that brat?’ Gin enquired, looking over at the
wizard next to her curiously.
“Well, really, it was more me who wanted to get them to talk to one another.”
“Spill it, Potter,” Seamus ordered.
“Spill what?” Harry asked innocently.
“You know we see those little horns, right?” Parvati teased as Gin held her
hands up behind Harry’s head to make it look like he had horns.
Harry grinned. “I’ll tell you tonight.”
‘Why no–‘
Harry shook his head sharply, smile gone. “Tonight. Don’t ask me again,” he
hissed sharply.
“Dumbledore,” Neville murmured, eyeing the Head Table.
“Don’t look.” Harry rolled his eyes skyward as all of the Gryffindors around
him turned to look at where Dumbledore sat, smiling at their table.
“Gryffindors.”
Neville gently smacked his fellow Heir’s arm as the other Gryffindors around
them laughed at the statement. “Harry, in case you’ve forgotten, you’re a
Gryffindor too.”
“Perhaps, but I’m also smarter, or so it appears,” the Boy-Who-Lived muttered.
“Harry Potter with a working brain. What is this word coming to?” Dean sighed
helplessly.
Harry shrugged. “Hey, must be coming to an end.”
“Fudge’s reign is coming to an end,” Colin Creevey offered with a grin.
“Harry’s gonna take over the Ministry, aren’t you, Harry?”
“Tempting, but no.” Harry shrugged.
“Why not?!” Dennis Creevey called among the surprised cries of the other
Gryffindors around them.
“Politics aren’t my thing.” Harry shrugged. “I’m heading toward my life’s work
and taking on the Auror Training Program this summer.”
“But you’d make a better Minister!” a fifth year Harry didn’t know the name of
called from next to Dennis.
“But he already does everything an auror does,” Seamus reasoned while Harry
sipped at his pumpkin juice.
‘Minus the paperwork.’ Gin agreed.
“One of my auror friends says the Ministry has been partnering the aurors now.
With any luck, I’ll get a partner who likes paperwork,” Harry said with a grin.
The people around him laughed.
“Oh, no,” Hermione whispered.
“What?” Harry gave her a worried look.
“Who’s been partnered with Tonks?”
Harry blinked a few times before snorting. Everyone who knew Tonks waited with
a baited breath to see who her partner was. “What makes you think I know?”
“Because Tonks and you are friends,” Hermione replied, leaning forward. “Come
on, spill. Who does she get to torment?”
Harry shrugged. “That bald guy from Ron’s trial. Kingsley Shacklebolt.”
Hermione burst out laughing while Gin buried her face in her hands next to her
brother. Everyone else just looked confused.
“Tonks is the clumsiest, silliest auror you will ever run up against,” Harry
explained. “Shacklebolt, on the other hand, is rather mild and thoughtful.
Weirdest mix you’ll ever see, I swear.”
This explanation sent the rest of the Gryffindor Table around Harry into gales
of laughter and Harry leaned back with a grin. Dumbledore caught his eye and
nodded, smiling encouragingly. Harry let his gaze travel down the Head Table.
McGonagall smiled and raised her glass to him. Flitwick smiled brightly and
fell off his chair, much to the teen's amusement. Hagrid was beaming at him.
Firenze, who was sitting next to Hagrid, nodded at the Boy-Who-Lived seriously
before pulling the half-giant back into their conversation. Tom and Severus
were both talking in whispers, but spared the teen quick smiles, Severus’
smaller than Tom’s.
I can name every single Order member on the staff by their reactions today,
Harry announced to his lover. I mean, even those I didn’t know about have given
themselves away.
The staff likes you. I’ve told you this before. Those that are members of the
Order are proud of you. From what I saw of your initiation, it’s not an easy
test to pass, Tom replied.
True... Tom, should we tell the Juniors my new position?
Do you want to?
I think they deserve to know, Harry decided after a moment, eyes slipping over
the various House Tables that his people sat at, including the Gryffindors
around him, who had moved on to discussing other aurors they knew or knew of.
It’ll explain my disappearances with Dumbles, at any rate. And it gives me a
bit more freedom with them. They won’t expect me to always be around.
True. You’re also going to be telling them about Miss Thorald’s visit?
Yes. They’ll need to know that, in case we call any meetings at the Manor and
she’s around.
She’ll be a danger if she sees their faces.
Maybe, maybe not. Harry shook his head thoughtfully, gazing down his table at
the small group of first years. She hasn’t jabbed off her mouth about you yet.
Perhaps it is because she has no proof.
She has that picture.
I have that picture.
True, I suppose. But, the fact still remains, she has not gone to Dumbles about
it. Proof or no, everyone knows Dumbles would look into it. Give up the
argument, love.
Oh, very well. Tom sighed mentally. Imp.
Bastard. Harry blinked as Gin poked his arm. “Hm?”
‘You’re off in your own little world again.’
“Yeah. I happen to like it there. No stress, you know?”
Gin rolled her eyes. ‘Oh, stuff it, you.’
Harry smirked. “Make me.” He laughed as Gin elbowed his side.
                                    -~/\~-
Harry glanced up from the old school building designs Godric was showing him
when the first of the Juniors came in through the Slytherin entrance. “Find
seats, you lot,” he ordered before returning his attention to the diagram.
“I’ve never seen that hallway before,” he mentioned, pointing to a hall that
lead to what looked like a back door to the library.
“Rowena’s Room,” Godric offered. “Her line died out years ago, though. If you
want, you might be able to get through there.”
“The door’s in the library?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“There’s a gargoyle back in the history section. Your little map could probably
tell you the way through.”
“Doubt it.” Harry shook his head. “That’s not a place the Marauders would have
found.”
Godric shrugged. “Well, I don’t know the way in. Ask Salazar.”
“Will do. Where’s Helga’s Room?”
“Greenhouse two,” Godric replied, pointing to a tunnel leading out from the
bottom of the building.
“Wait, that’s on the Map...” Harry tugged the Marauder’s Map out. “I solemnly
swear I am up to no good,” he muttered, tapping his wand on the parchment
before laying it out next to the ancient blueprints. “Look, see? Fred and
George said Filch knows about it, though.”
“Wouldn’t surprise me.” Godric shrugged. “But that doesn’t mean he’s ever been
down there. The entrances to our rooms are notoriously difficult to get into.
Salazar’s needed Parsel. Mine needs my bloodline to go through one of those
curtains of blood before anyone else. Rowena’s, as I recall, needed a passage
read out of some book or another. Helga’s needed loyal friends, or some such.”
Harry scratched the back of his head. “I suppose we could get Herm to recite
every book in the library to the gargoyle. Something’s sure to trigger it.”
Godric snorted and gave his Heir an amused look. “Horrible child indeed.”
Harry winked. “Mischief managed,” he told the Marauder’s Map before putting it
back into his robe. “Let’s see if I can’t get this lot under control, eh?”
“You’re going to try and open the other rooms?” the old ghost asked, gliding
along next to Harry as the teen started towards where the group of Juniors,
Hermione, Neville, and Severus sat, chatting.
“If I get bored.” Harry nodded. “Probably a good idea to befriend all of the
Founders if we’re plotting the take-over of the Wizarding world.”
“Good point,” Tom called, stepping into the room. The group on the poufs
silenced almost immediately and everyone glanced over at him. Tom blinked a
couple of times. “What?”
“Gin spread it around that you were throwing things and ranting about killing
people earlier,” Harry said, smiling.
Tom shook his head. “I promise not to hex anyone without Harry’s permission,”
he said in a bored voice.
“Not very reassuring,” Pansy pointed out. “Parvati, Dean, I’d suggest you run
while you still can.”
“No, I’ve already talked to them,” Harry said, offering the two Juniors cold
smiles.
“Threatened them, don’t you mean?” Seamus replied, grinning.
‘So, Tom, why WERE you pissed earlier?’ Gin asked conversationally as the Dark
Lord took a seat and pulled his younger lover into his lap.
“I freaked him out,” Harry offered, leaning forward. “Which brings us to our
meeting.”
“So we are here for a reason,” Draco muttered, rolling his eyes.
“Yup!” Harry shot his friend a quick grin before sobering. “Herm, Parvati,
you’ll recall that Dumbles asked me to stay with him after we got back from the
trial, correct?”
“Yeah.” Hermione nodded. “What did he want, anyway? I forgot to ask.”
“He wanted me to join the Order of the Phoenix.”
“Fuck...”
“Shit!”
“No way!”
“But I thought you had to be overage for that!”
“You do.” Harry nodded, glancing around the circle calmly.
“You accepted?” Morag whispered.
“He had to,” Tom said calmly, resting his chin on Harry’s right shoulder and
glancing around at the members of the students and one teacher. “And we need
more people in the Order, anyway.”
“Especially in such a high up position...” Hermione murmured. “Harry, you
realize that you’re probably the most important member in the Order of the
Phoenix after Dumbledore, right?”
“I’m quite aware of that.”
“If your true side is realized now…” Blaise whispered, letting the thought
trail off into silence as everyone stared at the two leaders of the Dark Order
in horror.
“Oh, shit…” Pansy whispered. “We’re fucked.”
“We are not,” Tom replied firmly. “Because no teacher in this school is going
to find out a single thing about my teaching here or Harry even having any
contact with Voldemort.”
“Then you should probably have an attack or something of the sort at the end of
the year,” Hermione suggested suddenly. “You have every year since.”
“No, we’re having too much fun confusing the Order,” Harry offered cheerfully.
“Mad-Eye tells me they’re tying themselves in knots trying to figure out what
old Voldie’s up to.”
“What have I told you about calling me that?” Tom hissed in Harry’s ear.
“Not to,” Harry replied while almost everyone smiled. “But I do it anyway,
since it ticks you off.”
“Really?” Tom snorted and ran his fingers over Harry’s abdomen in a tickling
fashion, getting the teen in his lap to laugh helplessly. The group watching
them grinned or laughed.
“MERCY! MERCY!” Harry laughed, relaxing back against the Dark Lord in a
boneless fashion once the man stopped. “That was mean.”
“Shut up,” Tom replied fondly.
“So, wait, you went to an Order meeting today?” Lisa realized.
“I thought you were going out to lunch with Moody!” Draco cried indignantly.
“I did.” Harry cocked an eyebrow at the group. “Alastor and I had lunch, then
we went to the meeting. And I was inducted, gave Tom a heart attack, was thrown
a party, got hexed by Alastor for running off with his hip flask, then came
back.”
“You forgot talking to the Thoralds,” Tom murmured while the group around them
stared at the teen.
“Wait, Ula Thorald’s parents? What did you need with them?” Parvati asked.
‘This has something to do with why you dragged her down to Tom’s room earlier,
doesn’t it?’ Gin asked, scowling at her brother.
Harry nodded seriously. “Her parents are going to Bosnia on Order business this
summer and she doesn’t fancy going to her grandfather’s house. Her parents
decided, when I talked to them about it, that she could stay with me, but I’m
staying at Slytherin Manor this summer with Tom.”
“We had to tell her what was going on,” Tom grumbled.
“And she didn’t freak out?!” Dean hissed.
“She hates Slytherins!” Parvati agreed.
“She’s supposed to hate me, too, remember?” Harry pointed out, silencing the
room again with a look. “But she came to me with her troubles.”
“Why doesn’t she want to stay with her grandfather?” Susan asked softly.
“Her description reminded me of Vernon,” Harry offered tightly.
There was an immediate out-cry of fury aimed at the man from the Gryffindors,
most of the Slytherins, and a few of the Ravenclaws. Even Severus’ eyes
narrowed in disgust.
“Who’s Vernon?” Terry Boot asked uneasily.
‘Harry’s uncle.’ Gin spat.
“There’s not a single Muggle out there that tops his horridness,” Hermione
hissed in a rare show of fury.
“May his soul burn in Hell forever,” Dean agreed coldly.
“Amen to that,” Seamus nodded.
Those few that hadn’t know about Harry’s abused childhood glanced at their
young leader warily. The teen had closed his eyes and Tom was hugging him
tightly, murmuring something in his ear. Harry nodded and opened his eyes,
which were empty of emotion. “Quiet, please,” he murmured gently, getting
everyone’s attention.
‘Big brother–‘ Gin started, obviously worried.
Harry shook his head sharply, silencing the girl. “We’re telling you, mainly,
that Ula will probably be staying at the manor this summer and you will need to
be aware of her presence. Make note of this. Also, since you now know I’m in
the Order, you should be aware of the chance that Dumbles might ask me to have
a meeting with him in his office or another member of the Order who is on staff
here may ask me to remain after class for something. If I find out anything
that you need to know, you will find out, but do not pester me about it.
Understood?”
“Yes,” the Juniors chorused.
“Hermione? Neville?” Harry asked, shooting the two sharp looks.
“We understand, Harry,” Neville agreed while Hermione nodded firmly.
“Thank you.” Harry nodded. “Anything else we need to discuss? Luna?”
The odd Ravenclaw smiled at him as she lowered her hand. “I was speaking with
Michael Corner earlier and he mentioned something about the Death Eaters having
the right idea about things, but Anthony told him to shut up and took points
before he could tell me what he was on about,” she offered in a voice that
sounded as though she were really miles away.
Harry nodded. “I’ll talk to him, then. Thank you.”
“Anthony’s been following him around a lot lately,” Padma muttered. “That
explains why, I suppose...”
“Great.” Harry sighed. “Padma, Terry, see if you two can’t get Anthony to lay
off. If that doesn’t work, tell Herm and she gets a go.” The three nodded.
“Good. I’ll grab a chat with Michael tomorrow before dinner. If you three
haven’t got Anthony to lay off by then, let me know and I’ll deal with him.”
“If Harry can’t do it, no one can!” Theodore declared, earning him a smack from
his girlfriend and a mildly annoyed look from Harry and Tom while everyone else
laughed.
“Anything else?”
“Oh, wait, yes!” Hermione cried. Attention focused on her and Harry nodded for
her to continue. “Two things, actually. Madam Pomfrey asked that you drop by
either today or tomorrow, first chance you get.”
“Understood,” Harry agreed. “The other thing?”
“Uhm, I finally let Madam Pomfrey tell me what the baby is, since you’ve been
bugging me about it so much this past week...”
‘Tell! Tell!’ Gin called, leaning forward with bright eyes. The other students
leaned forward in attention as well, except Luna, who was busy staring at the
ceiling in awe.
“Well?” Harry asked, grinning at the blush taking over his best friend’s
cheeks.
“Twins,” Hermione whispered. “A boy and a girl.”
Godric’s room broke out into laughter and congratulations while Harry hopped up
and ran over to give his friend a hug. “Sounds like you’ll have a lot on your
hands,” he whispered, smiling.
“Ha! I’m not the only one, Mr Potter,” Hermione shot back, smiling happily.
“You and Gin are godparents, remember.”
“Ah, hell. Little monsters,” Harry muttered, winking.
“You’ll spend part of your summer at the manor, correct?” Tom enquired, leaning
on Harry’s shoulders while Gin hugged Hermione tightly.
“I was thinking I might stay at the Burrow for part of the summer, actually...”
Hermione murmured, glancing at Gin.
Gin shook her head regretfully. ‘Charlie invited us for a stay over the summer,
since it’s my last year in school and we have the money, without Ron around.’
“Oh... Darn...”
Harry grinned. “Come stay with us for part of the summer, Herm. We’d be glad to
have you, and your parents will probably be glad to be rid of you.”
Hermione laughed. “True.”
“Hermione, where are you planning on staying next year? With your parents?”
Parvati asked.
“Yes, I suppose.” Hermione sighed. “I can probably get a part-time job at their
dentist office as the receptionist or something to pay for the costs.”
“Hermione, no...” Parvati shook her head. “You can come stay with us, if you
want.”
“Or us. Mother will love having you there,” Draco added.
“You could stay at my house,” Pansy cut in, leaning on Draco’s shoulder. “I’ll
need someone to talk to, after all; Parkinsons don’t work, you know.”
‘No, she’ll stay at the Burrow with mum and dad.’ Gin replied.
Harry smiled at Hermione as she looked around at all of her friends tearfully.
“I’m sure you’ll have a place to stay and people to help you take care of your
brats, Herm,” the teen offered.
Hermione looked at him suspiciously, ignoring her tears. “What have you got up
your sleeve, Potter?”
“What makes you think I have anything up my sleeve?” Harry inquired innocently.
“Because you haven’t offered me a place to stay yet.” Hermione glanced up at
Tom, who was smirking. “Either of you.”
“That’s because I can’t tell you, yet,” Harry replied easily. “And I have to
ask a few questions of other people, first.”
“He’s a sneaky Gryffindor,” Tom offered to the suspicious group watching him
and his lover. “But he’s not the only one. Meeting adjourned. Come on, Harry.
Let’s go see Poppy.”
“This had better be worth my time...” Harry muttered darkly, allowing Tom to
lead him towards the Ravenclaw entrance, which was the closest to the hospital
ward.
“Ugh!” Hermione scowled after the two wizards as they disappeared. “What are
they going on about?”
Severus offered the witch a sympathetic smile. “He can’t tell you.”
All of the Juniors, Hermione, and Neville turned to stare at the Death Eater.
“What do you know that we don’t?” Draco asked coolly.
“I know that Harry was told to keep two secrets this weekend and he’s told you
all one of them,” Severus said cryptically. “And, I’m sure, that if you look
over the auror qualifications again and consider our Lord’s little hint, you
may just figure it out before you’re told. Good night.” He waved slightly and
left up the stairs to the dungeons, smiling evilly.
‘Don’t you hate it when everyone knows a secret but you, and they won’t tell
you?’ Gin complained.
“Auror...” Hermione frowned. “Who’s planning on becoming an auror? Anyone?”
“I’m getting a job in Magical Law Enforcement with my auntie.” Susan shook her
head. “Not quite what you’re looking for, though.”
“Ooh, could you put in a good word for me, Sue?” Seamus asked. “That’s where
I’m headed.”
“Sure.” The Hufflepuff smiled.
“That’s all grand, but is no one aiming to become an auror?” Hermione begged.
“Father says that the Dark Order has always had trouble getting aurors on our
side, and not many Dark wizards or witches want to become aurors, wrong type of
work for us,” Draco offered when no one answered Hermione.
Hermione sighed helplessly. “Library, then. Who’s with me?”
‘Wait, Snape said to consider Tom’s hint. What did he say?’ Gin cut in.
“Something about Harry not being the only sneaky Gryffindor?” Vincent Crabbe
offered with a confused look.
“Dumbledore!” Pansy gasped. “Harry’s always complaining about how Slytherin-
like he is!”
“Of course! And Dumbledore would have told Harry not to tell anyone about being
in the Order,” Hermione whispered.
“Dumbledore’s the leader of the Order of the Phoenix?” Morag asked in
confusion.
‘Yeah.’ Gin nodded. ‘He created it during the first war.’
“This feels like a conspiracy, or something,” Padma complained.
“What else does Dumbledore have control over, then?” Parvati inquired, frowning
in thought.
“I dunno. The school?” Millicent muttered, shrugging.
“You know that the A.T.P. doesn’t like accepting people with bad school
records,” Luna offered, looking like she was high on something.
“The A.T.P.?” Mandy asked in confusion while Hermione rolled her eyes in
annoyance.
“The Auror Training Program.” Luna nodded.
Hermione’s gaze shot back over to the Ravenclaw. “Luna, are you suggesting that
Harry might not be accepted as an auror because he was suspended?”
“Yes,” Luna agreed with an absent smile.
“I think she’s got something,” Morag murmured, staring at his fellow Ravenclaw
in shock. “Luna, when did you get so smart?”
‘She’s always been that smart.’ Gin grumbled. ‘But Harry was the only one who
really noticed.’
Luna smiled at the other sixth year. “He said he thinks I’m smarter than I let
on,” she agreed. “I have to go finish my Defence work...” the witch added
suddenly before turning and walking slowly towards the exit near the kitchens.
“Defence...” Susan whispered, eyes wide. “Tom’s only here for this year,
right?”
“Shit!” Hermione shouted, staring at the Hufflepuff. “Dumbledore must have
asked Harry to teach here next year!”
“And he wants you to stay in the school…” Dean whispered in awe.
“Would Dumbledore allow that?” Parvati asked.
“This is Harry we’re talking about.” Neville snorted. “If he wants something
done, it’s done, remember?”
“Oh, Merlin, I love that man sometimes…” Hermione sighed, smiling faintly.
                                    -~/\~-
“Knock, knock,” Harry offered, poking his head into Poppy’s office in the
Infirmary.
“Ah, Harry, what a surprise,” Dumbledore said cheerfully from his seat across
from the mediwitch. Poppy smiled helplessly.
“Headmaster.” Harry nodded to the man before turning to the witch. “Poppy, Herm
said you wanted me to drop by?”
“Yes.” Poppy stood. “I have that book you wanted to borrow.”
Harry nodded, playing along. “Fabulous.” He stepped into the room while the
woman went back into her room to get a book for him to borrow. “Headmaster,
what brings you down here?” the teen enquired.
“Just having tea with my staff,” Dumbledore offered with a large smile and
twinkling eyes.
“Spying?” Harry teased, grinning. “Really, Dumbles.”
The Headmaster chuckled. “Albus.”
“Dumbles,” Harry shot back. “It’s a pet name, like Voldie and Sevvie.”
The Headmaster laughed at that. “And what does Severus normally do when you
call him that? He didn’t look overly pleased earlier.”
“Oh, he glares at me, tells me not to call him it again. I do anyway. I think
he’s used to it by now.” Harry shrugged.
“By now?” Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at the young wizard. “How long have you
two been friends?”
“Oh, he dropped by Marcus’ rooms the day after that prank I played on him
ended. We cleared the air and have been on somewhat friendly terms since,” the
teen replied easily. “Well, I say friendly, but that’s not a word found in
Severus’ vocabulary,” he added with a grin.
Dumbledore chuckled. “No, it’s not.”
“Here.” Poppy walked back out with a book titled A_Beginner’s_Guide_to_Magical
Healing. “Sorry it took so long. Things got piled on top of it again.”
“See, you need to keep a cleaner room,” Harry teased, holding out a hand for
the book.
Poppy gently swatted the hand before setting the book in it. “I’m beginning to
understand why Marcus always calls you an imp.”
Harry grinned. “Because I am one.”
Dumbledore chuckled as he stood. “Well, I need a word with Harry,” he said, “so
I will see you tomorrow at breakfast, Poppy.”
“Of course, Albus.” Poppy nodded with a smile. “Good night, Harry.”
“Good night, Poppy.” Harry winked before following the Headmaster from the
office. “A word with little old me?”
Dumbledore shot the teen an amused look. “You appear to have been making
friends with the staff for quite a long while.”
Harry shrugged. “Marcus made friends with Poppy while I was gone, then got me
to be friends with her. I think she’s rather glad to see me in there when I’m
not a patient, personally.”
“Probably,” Dumbledore agreed. “You’re learning healing magic?”
Harry shrugged. “Why not? I know how to defend myself both with and without a
wand. I know how to conceal myself from detection. I can make most common
potions without any help from a book or person. Healing’s really the only thing
I haven’t learned yet.”
Dumbledore gave him an odd look. “How good are you at transforming?”
“Not as good as Tonks,” Harry admitted. “But I’m good enough. Marcus was
helping me a lot at first, since he read about it, but I’ve been figuring most
of it out on my own. Why?”
“Just wondering.”
“Of course you are,” Harry said sarcastically.
Dumbledore smiled. “Sugar Quills.” The gargoyle hopped aside for them and the
Headmaster led the Boy-Who-Lived up to his office. “Have a seat,” he suggested,
pointing to a large, fluffy grey couch that had appeared out of nowhere. “Tea?”
“No, thank you,” Harry replied, sitting.
Dumbledore nodded as he settled himself behind his desk. “You changed the
colour of your hair?”
Harry smiled faintly. “Marcus was complaining. He hates pink.”
The Headmaster chuckled. “I’m not surprised about that. However, Alastor seemed
to think that you wouldn’t be able to change the colour.”
Harry grinned full-out. “Mad-Eye has obviously forgotten that he was the one
that taught me. I blocked that part of the spell.”
“I should have guessed that.” Dumbledore shook his head with a smile. “I was
inquiring after your Metamorphmagus abilities because Tonks offered to help
you, if you needed it.”
“No.” Harry shook his head. “I should be fine. If I have any trouble with
something, though, I promise to owl her about it.”
“Good, good...” Dumbledore took a sip of his tea. “You and Miss Thorald came in
to dinner together, I noticed. At the same time as Marcus.”
“Yeah. I dragged Ula down to chat with Marcus. Those two pretty much despised
each other from day one. Ula likes to cause trouble in his class and Marcus
likes to take points and give detentions.” Harry nodded.
“And you invited Miss Thorald to stay at Marcus’ home anyway?”
“Well, yes.” Harry shrugged. “Ula learned to get along with me, and Marcus did
agree earlier that he would try and get along with her if she could try and get
along with him. So I got them to work things out, then she started being a brat
again and it was okay.”
Dumbledore shook his head with an amused smile. “You’ve always had interesting
ways of doing things, I suppose.”
“Of course I do.”
“Harry.” Dumbledore leaned forward, serious suddenly. “You’ve been doing your
Occlumency exercises each night, right?”
Harry nodded with a curious frown. “Yes, sir.”
The Headmaster sighed. “I see.”
“Is there something wrong, sir?”
Dumbledore looked him over before nodding. “I had hoped you might have some
insight into Voldemort’s actions of late.”
Harry blinked a few times in confusion before his eyes widened. “You’re trying
to find out why he hasn’t really been doing any attacks...”
“Correct.”
Harry glanced up at the ceiling. “Sir, is it possible he’s just collecting
followers and testing loyalties? I mean, he’s surly learned by now that he
can’t get to me while I’m still in the school. If I were him, I’d be biding my
time until I understood my enemies a little better and had a chance to get to
my opponent in a place where he’s not as well protected as I am here at
Hogwarts.”
Dumbledore sighed. “That’s pretty much what we’ve decided he must be up to.”
Harry nodded, getting an idea. Tom, is it possible to give some of my people
Dark Marks, but leave them as Juniors?
What nasty plot have you got up your sleeve this time?
Giving Dumbles a few more spies...
Tom’s mental eyes widened in surprise. You’re a genius. Who would you suggest?
Draco, since he’s said before he’s wary about the mindless killing; Theodore,
since he’s dating Gin; and Blaise, since he's dating Seamus.
Brilliant. Do it. I’ll go have a word with Theodore, Blaise, and Draco.
“What are you thinking?” Dumbledore inquired, eyes locked on the mischievous
smile tugging at Harry’s lips.
“Sir, might I suggest gathering a few more spies for the Order?”
Dumbledore startled. “Explain that.”
“Well, Dray, 'Bini, and Ted are all set for becoming Death Eaters, and their
fathers want them to,” Harry explained, leaning forward. “But Dray disagrees
with Voldemort’s mindless killing sprees, 'Bini's dating Seam, and Ted’s dating
Gin. If you planned it just right, you could probably flip them over to our
side and get them to spy for us once they’ve received the Mark.”
The Headmaster frowned thoughtfully. “You think we need more spies?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “Severus tells me he’s not so much in Voldemort’s favour
anymore and his loyalties might be being questioned. Anyway, because of
Severus’ job as a teacher, he can’t always be gone. Voldemort may be making
plans without his knowledge simply because he can’t attend. It would be better
to have more than one ear in the Death Eaters.”
Dumbledore stared at Harry for a long moment before nodded slowly. “Do you know
what they’re planning on doing with their lives?”
Harry smiled slightly. “Dray’s aiming to become one of the school governors, as
I recall, and both 'Bini and Ted are looking for good Ministry jobs. Probably
working as a members of the Minister’s staff, like their fathers.”
The Headmaster smiled slightly. “They trust you?”
“I believe so.”
“Can you get them to tell you when they’ve received their Marks?”
“Probably not.”
“No?” The old wizard frowned.
“Sir, you have to remember, I’m Harry Potter, every Death Eater’s nightmare.
For all they know, I’ll probably go straight to the Ministry once I’ve learned
they’ve been Marked and turn them in.”
Dumbledore gave a heavy sigh. “True...”
“We could ask Gin for her help,” the teen murmured. “She could probably get Ted
to tell her when he’s Marked, and both Dray and 'Bini would be Marked at about
the same time.”
“Would Miss Weasley agree to that?”
Harry closed his eyes, as if considering the possibility. “Yes.” He opened his
eyes and nodded. “If you could assure her that Ted would remain unhurt and he’d
be allowed to visit her at the school next year, I believe she’d do what she
could to help.”
Dumbledore smiled. “If Mr Nott would agree to joining the Order, of course he
would be allowed in my school to visit whomever he’d like at almost any time.”
“Then, sir, I believe you will have Gin’s help.” Harry smiled.
The Headmaster nodded. “Could you bring her up here during lunch tomorrow?”
“Of course, Dumbles.”
Dumbledore chuckled. “Very well. I’ll let you go so you can get started on that
book. Be sure you go to Poppy if you have any questions.”
“Yes.” Harry nodded, standing. “Good night, Professor.”
“Good night, Harry.”
                                    -~/\~-
‘I've been training Sally-Anne Perks in medical magic, and she came to me on
Saturday with concerns about the current world situation. She’s unsure of her
side in this war, since she rather likes many of the Dark Order’s beliefs, but
not the way things are run within the Dark Order. She’s in here every Tuesday
and Thursday for an hour before dinner. Why don’t you drop by this week?’
Harry tapped his finger on the book’s inside front cover while he stared at the
note Poppy had left him. “Nev? Do you know a Sally-Anne Perks?”
Neville glanced up from his Herbology book. “Yeah. She’s one of the Hufflepuffs
in our year. Clever girl. She’s got a gentle nature, very good with plants.
Why?”
Harry smiled up at the other Heir. “Madam Pomfrey says she’s split between the
Light and the Dark.”
Neville nodded thoughtfully. “She likes your beliefs but dislikes the way
things are run, doesn’t she?”
Harry shook his head, amused. “Yes. Bleeding mind-reader.”
The plump-faced wizard laughed. “Oh, I got it right, then?”
“Yes, yes,” Harry muttered before wandlessly sending the note up in flames.
Neville jumped and fell off his bed. “Don’t do that!”
Harry offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I keep forgetting how unnerving it
is to others when I don’t use my wand.”
“It’s not the wandless magic that’s unnerving, it’s watching you set things
aflame in your hand,” Neville complained, getting back on his bed and dusting
off the cover of his book. “How do you do that, anyway?”
“Fire repellent charm.” Harry shrugged. “It’s the one that looks like a flame.
Rather useful.”
“Oh. Yeah.” Neville smiled with a sad smile. “I forgot.”
Harry sniggered. “I’m not going to say it.”
Neville rolled his eyes. “You studying medimagic now?”
Harry shrugged, glancing down at the book. “I wasn’t going to, but Madam
Pomfrey had to give me this book to get me the note, since Dumbles was there. I
figure it’ll probably prove very useful in the future, so, hey, why not.”
“Right. In your future as an auror,” Neville said sarcastically.
“You’ve got it.” Harry winked and flipped the book open to the first page.
“Now, let me read this. I’m expected in the infirmary on Tuesday and I may as
well pretend I’m interested in this...” He scratched the back of his head.
“Well, if it’s boring, at least I’ll get some sleep, right?”
Neville laughed while Harry pulled his curtains shut.
                                    -~/\~-
“Hey there, Anthony!” Harry said cheerfully as he bounced into sight between
the Head Boy and Michael Corner. “How ya doing?”
Anthony Goldstein scowled as Michael took the opportunity and fled. “I’m
keeping an eye on Michael, Harry.”
“Why?” Harry asked innocently, opening his eyes wide to give him a shocked
look.
“He’s been saying odd things.”
“What sorts of odd things?”
“Talking about joining You-Know-Who,” Anthony whispered.
“Oh. And stalking him’s keeping him from saying stuff?” Harry inquired, still
acting innocent.
Anthony froze. “Oh. No, not really…”
Harry smiled. “I’ll talk to him.”
“Right. You do that...” Anthony murmured, scratching the back of his head and
turning to walk away, frowning.
Harry turned and walked over to where Luna was patting a terrified-looking
Michael on the back. “Hello, Michael,” the green-eyed wizard said cheerfully.
“Don’t drag me off to the Headmaster,” Michael begged in a whisper. “Please, I
didn’t mean anything by my talk. Please, Harry...”
Harry’s cheer disappeared almost immediately and was replaced by a cold gaze.
“Michael, when you want to talk about wavering faith, the hallway is not the
place to do it. Follow me.” He turned and started towards Tom’s room.
“No, please, I swear I didn’t mean anything by what I–“
“Michael, you have ten seconds to shut up. If one of the teachers hears you
going off like that, I will have to take you to Dumbledore,” Harry hissed,
glancing over his shoulder. “Luna, tail Anthony. Make sure he runs into Herm.”
“Right, boss.” Luna gave him a sharp salute and, much to Michael’s apparent
surprise, hopped off to chase after the Head Boy.
“That girl’s going to give me a heart attack one day,” Harry decided, shaking
his head. :Snake skin,: he added, coming up on the portrait to Tom’s room.
“Don’t tell me he’s your chaperone today,” the portrait shot back.
“If you don’t open, I’ll hex a hole into the centre of your head,” Harry
threatened, pulling out his wand.
The portrait popped open quickly.
Harry grinned at Michael as he put his wand away. “You’ve gotta know how to
talk to them sometimes. Come on in.”
“Where’s this?” Michael asked, following Harry inside.
“My rooms,” Marcus offered, walking out of his bedroom shirtless. “Harry, don’t
you ever knock?”
“No.” The teen shrugged. “Have a seat, Michael.”
“Why must you always bring your little friends into my room?” the Dark Lord
complained, walking towards the kitchen.
“Because this place is warded against Dumbles’ little spies,” Harry offered,
settling himself on the arm of Tom’s favourite chair and smiling at the nervous
Ravenclaw. “We’re not going to hex you, you know.”
“Why am I here?” Michael asked sharply.
“Are you serious about joining Voldemort?” Harry said by way of response.
Michael froze, eyes wide.
“We don’t care, either way,” Tom added, coming back in with a tea tray. “We’d
just like to know.” He set the tray on the table and, picking up the cup he’d
made for himself in the kitchen, sat back in his chair, eyes on the Ravenclaw.
“Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, Michael,” Harry added firmly.
“Tell me the truth. Are you serious about joining Voldemort?”
Michael looked between the two wizards, eyes wide. “Yes...”
“I never thought Lovegood would be useful for finding followers among the
students,” Tom muttered, taking a sip of his tea.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Marcus, that’s because you’re an idiot.” Harry smiled
at Michael. “Thank you for telling the truth. Now, let me offer you a bit of
truth. I’m the second in command of the Dark Order and Luna Lovegood works for
me.”
“The rumours are true?” Michael whispered in shock.
Harry smirked, leaning forward to get himself some tea. “That’s why we started
spreading them.”
“No way.”
“Yes way.” Harry gave the Ravenclaw a sharp look. “Michael, one of the
stupidest things you can ever do is openly mention that your loyalties lie with
Voldemort, especially in this school. Dumbles will find out about it and twist
you back into a soldier for the Light, I guarantee it.”
“And he will find out about it,” Tom added seriously. “You must be careful with
what you say, Mr Corner. You were very lucky that Mr Goldstein was too busy
following you to think about warning a teacher or the Headmaster.”
“You were also lucky that Luna came to me,” Harry agreed.
Tom leaned forward. “Mr Corner, are you completely serious about joining
Voldemort? No backing out? You’ll follow the Dark Order’s laws?”
The teenager nodded firmly, much surer now he knew he was dealing with people
who were on his side. “Absolutely.”
Harry nodded. “We have a meeting tomorrow. I’ll tell Luna to bring you. Until
then, keep your mouth shut about your preferences. If Anthony badgers you at
all, which I doubt, but if he does, tell him I talked to you and have shown you
the error of your ways, or some such nonsense. Understood?”
The Ravenclaw nodded firmly. “Right. Why tomorrow? Why not tonight?”
“Because most of the Gryffindors and teachers will be busy with detentions for
the fight on Saturday. I will be busy keeping the Gryffindors who weren’t in
the fight under control, seeing as how I’m the only Prefect not in trouble.” He
smiled grimly. “I’ll see you later, Michael.”
“Right.” Michael nodded and stood. “See you at dinner.” He turned and walked
out, much to the annoyance of the portrait, as Tom and Harry could tell by the
muffled shouting.
Harry sighed and slipped into Tom’s lap. “Good evening, lovely. How was your
day?” he asked conversationally, resting his head against the Dark Lord’s
chest.
“Oh, it was fine. But, you see, a few minutes ago, this little monster I know
dragged one of his year mates into my room while I was busy changing and I
never quite finished,” Tom replied, setting down his teacup on the table next
to him before sliding his arms around the form in his lap. “How was your day?”
“Oh, I got up late, didn’t eat breakfast, was almost late for Transfiguration,
had a very stressful meeting with the Headmaster, my sister, and McGonagall,
was almost late for Potions because the meeting ran late, then I had to hunt
down a couple of Ravenclaws and save one. Now, of course, this guy I really
like is complaining because I disturbed him in the middle of changing for
dinner,” Harry replied dully. “And I’m supposed to spend this evening
controlling the rest of Gryffindor House with Herm because all the other
Prefects got themselves stuck in detention.”
“I’m sorry, love.” Tom sighed. “This really hasn’t been your day, has it?”
“Tom, by now, I’m used to this,” Harry mumbled, closing his eyes. “Need help
changing?”
“I don’t particularly feel like moving right now, personally,” the Dark Lord
replied, running a gentle hand through the red and silver spikes on top of
Harry’s head. “Why don’t you take a nap, hm?”
“We need to head to dinner,” Harry replied, not moving.
“Dumbledore can fuck himself,” Tom replied firmly. “I’ll wake you in time for
the end of dinner, okay?”
Harry yawned and rubbed his face against Tom’s chest, smiling. “Okay.”
Tom smiled and set his wand to wake him twenty minutes before dinner let out
before leaning his head back against his chair’s back and closing his eyes.
                                    -~/\~-
“Where were you?!” Hermione hissed as Harry slipped into his usual seat between
Neville and Gin.
“Sorry. I fell asleep on Marcus,” Harry murmured.
‘You sure spend a lot of time sleeping on him.’
Harry shot his sister a dirty look. “Stuff it.”
“Here.” Hermione held out a piece of parchment which had been spelled to open
only for Harry. “McGonagall dropped it off for you at the beginning of dinner.
She looked frantic.”
“Thanks...” Harry slid his finger under the seal and opened it.
‘Mr Potter,
‘Please come by my office immediately. Warn your friends you may not be able to
help them out tonight.
     ‘Dumbledore'
Harry let out a hiss and stood. “Thanks, Herm. I may not be back until late.
Gin, Nev, help Herm keep the brats under control, please?” His eyes shot
between the three he called family.
“Of course. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think I want to know,” Harry said grimly before turning and walking
quickly from the Hall.
Harry?
Have you planned any raids of late? Any attacks? Anything?
No. I would have run them by you. What’s wrong?
I don’t know.
Tom took a moment to look over Harry's memory of the letter. That doesn’t sound
good.
Ditto. Harry ran a hand through his hair. Tom, I’m scared.
The Dark Lord answered with a wave of love and a mental hug.
Thank you, the teen whispered, coming to a stop before Dumbledore’s office.
“Sugar Quills,” he whispered, running up the moving stairs once he was able to
get to it. He paused for a moment outside the closed office door before
knocking. When no one answered, he peeked his head in. “Fawkes?” he whispered,
seeing the phoenix on the back of Dumbledore’s chair.
°°What took you so long?°° Fawkes asked as Harry crept into the room.
“I didn't go straight to dinner. I kinda fell asleep,” Harry replied. “What's
going on?”
Fawkes flew over to land on the teen's shoulder. °°I've been told to take you.
Will you drop your shield for a moment?°°
“Yes. Sorry,” Harry murmured, dropping the magical shield against things like
portkeys and forced apparation. Lucius had showed him how to create one while
Harry had been suspended.
°°No, it's a smart thing to have. Ready?°°
“Yes.” Harry nodded numbly, closing his eyes.
There was a blast of heat and Harry felt like he was surrounded by fire for a
brief moment. °°You can look now,°° Fawkes offered once the feeling had ended.
Harry opened his eyes to the reception area of St Mungo's. “St Mungo's? Was
there an attack?” he whispered to the bird on his shoulder, quite sure that
he'd be seen as mad if he were chatting with a phoenix.
“Harry!” Remus ran up to the teen and phoenix and Harry felt his heart lighten
at the sight of his godfather. “Finally. What took you so long?”
“I fell asleep before dinner and Marcus let me sleep,” Harry murmured. “What's
going on?”
“Come on.” Remus settled a hand on Harry's free shoulder and led the way
through the double doors past the Inquiries desk and down the narrow hallway to
a door surrounded by aurors.
“State your names and purposes,” one of the aurors, a grey-haired man with a
cold gaze, ordered.
“I'm Remus Lupin and this is Harry Potter. We're here to speak with Albus
Dumbledore,” Remus answered firmly.
“They're clear,” another auror said, glancing over a clipboard in her hands.
“Very well.” The first auror who had spoken stepped aside to let them past. “Go
on in.”
Remus led Harry in. As soon as the door closed behind them, Fawkes called out a
greeting and Dumbledore turned to look at them, not smiling. “Welcome, Harry.”
But Harry wasn't look at the Headmaster. He was looking at the bed behind the
old man. Or, more specifically, at the person in the bed.
“Sirius?”
***** Chapter 44 *****
"Sirius?"
Deadened grey eyes brightened behind the long locks of black hair. "Harry?"
"Oh, Merlin..." Harry shook his head a couple of times to clear it, then looked
up at the Headmaster, who was watching him gravely. "Sir?"
"Go on." The Headmaster moved to the side slightly as Fawkes flew over to his
shoulder.
Harry blinked a few times before stepping up to the side of the bed and staring
down at a man they'd all thought dead. "You're really here?"
"That's supposed to be my line," Sirius teased, but his smile never touched his
eyes. He lifted one hand and rested it on the side of Harry's face gently.
As if the touch had been a cue, Harry immediately leaned down and enveloped his
godfather in a hug. "Sirius!"
Sirius' arms wrapped around the teen tightly and he closed his eyes. "This is
real. Oh, thank Merlin, this is real," he whispered.
Tom! Tom! He's alive! He's alive! Harry cried happily, mentally hugging his
lover.
Tom's answering smile was wary. But how? And why doesn't Dumbledore appear
happy?
Harry's eyes shot open and he turned to look at the Headmaster, remaining in
Sirius' embrace. "There's something wrong still," he said in a sharp tone.
"What is it?"
"Sirius isn't cleared with the Ministry yet, Harry." Remus sighed. "The
Ministry didn't clear him, but his death set his will into effect anyway."
Harry's eyes hardened. "Are they at least going to give him a trial?" he
hissed.
"Escaped criminal," Sirius murmured. "No, I don't get a trial."
Green eyes flashed dangerously. "You get a trial. Even if I have to storm the
Ministry of Magic by force, you will get a trial."
"Harry, it doesn't work that way..." Sirius sighed.
"Oh, yes it does," Harry shot back, eyes meeting Dumbledore's. "Permission to
go to the Ministry, Headmaster?"
"No need, no need!" an annoyingly cheerful voice called as Fudge walked in the
door, which none of them had seen open. Amelia Bones followed him in. The
Minister shot the man on the bed a disgusted look, but it withered when he met
the cold eyes of the Boy-Who-Lived. "Harry, my boy! Great to see you!"
Harry shot the man a cold smile. "I can hardly agree with you, sir. You see, I
have this sinking feeling that you are here to condemn my godfather to Azkaban
for a crime he didn't commit. If that's so, I fear we are on very bad terms."
"Harry," Remus hissed sharply, sending the boy a warning look.
But Harry was busy meeting Fudge's nervous gaze coldly. "Well?"
"Mr Potter, you must understand that we need evidence to clear Mr Black of all
charges," Madam Bones said in a calming voice.
Harry stood slowly, one hand remaining on his first godfather's shoulder. "I
have only the evidence in my mind, Madam. I have seen Peter Pettigrew, alive,
working for Voldemort." The teen ignored the flinches the name received. "I
have heard, from more than one source, that the Secret-Keeper for my parents
and myself was switched at the last moment. I have seen Sirius Black working
tirelessly to help the Order of the Phoenix. And I remember when Sirius was
hexed into the Veil in the Department of Mysteries by Bellatrix Lestrange
because I was a fool and went there on a whim!" he ended with a shout.
"Harry..." Sirius whispered, lifting one hand to rest it on Harry's arm and
giving it a squeeze.
Harry shook his head sharply. "Sirius Black was sent to Azkaban Prison for a
crime he never committed. If you condemn him to that place again, you will have
done an injustice to a good man." His eyes narrowed at the two officials. "And
you will have me as your enemy."
"Harry!" Sirius called. "That's enough."
Harry, Tom said warningly.
Harry clenched his fists and looked at his feet. If he returns to Azkaban, we
destroy the Ministry.
Hold your temper. You're not thinking rationally, Tom replied soothingly,
sending a wave of calm towards the teen.
Harry closed his eyes and relaxed his stance. Right. Sorry. Tom replied with a
relieved chuckle as the teen glanced back up at the room around him. Madam
Bones and Fudge were talking in low whispers away from the four Order members.
"Sorry for losing my temper," Harry murmured to his four companions as Fawkes
settled himself on his shoulder.
°°If you hadn't lost your temper, it would have worried the rest of us,°°
Fawkes offered.
Harry smiled. "Probably."
Sirius' gaze shot up to look at the teen sharply, but Harry was busy watching
the two Ministry officials. The Animagus turned his heated gaze on the
Headmaster. "You inducted him," he hissed furiously.
Harry's hand squeezed his godfather's shoulder as Dumbledore nodded. "It was
needed," the Headmaster said, by way of explanation.
"Please don't be angry?" Harry asked in a pleading whisper even as his face
remained emotionless.
Sirius watched his godson sadly as the teen continued watching the officials.
"I'm not angry at you, Harry."
"It was my choice." Harry glanced down at Sirius. "Please don't get pissy at
Dumbles either, okay? Molly already did that."
"Well, if Molly's already yelled at him..." Sirius shrugged helplessly. Harry
sniggered.
"Mr Potter, you make a good case," Madam Bones said at last. "But I'm assuming
you're not planning on swearing anything under Veritaserum?"
"That is not a chance I'm willing to take," Harry agreed firmly, nodding his
head.
When did he grow up? Sirius thought helplessly as the two Ministry officials
turned to talk to one another again. And where's this ring from... He eyed the
ring on Harry's ring finger warily. It appeared to have a Distortion Charm on
it, since he couldn't make out exactly what it was. It looked like a family
crest of some sort.
"The Ministry does not want Harry Potter as our enemy," Fudge sighed
helplessly. "Sirius Black has been cleared of all charges."
Dumbledore smiled faintly while Remus gave a happy shout and hugged a
gobsmacked Sirius. Harry winked at the Animagus and ran a hand through Fawkes'
feathers before nodding formally to Fudge and Madam Bones. "Thank you."
"Of course." Madam Bones smiled faintly. "From what my niece has told me, to
have you against us means we have the majority of Hogwarts against us. Not a
chance we'd like to take."
Harry shrugged helplessly. "It's not my fault I'm the sensible one." He shot
the Headmaster a mischievous look.
Dumbledore smiled fondly. "No, I suppose not."
"Ha! You've admitted it!" Harry shouted childishly, taking care to not disturb
the phoenix on his shoulder. Everyone in the room laughed, even Fudge, who was
tugging at his bowler hat nervously.
"Well, Mr Black, you are free from Ministry scrutiny," Madam Bones offered. "I
believe that the St Mungo's staff would like you to remain overnight, though."
"Of course," Sirius agreed, smiling. Harry was pleased to note that the smile
touched his eyes slightly.
"Good night, gentlemen," the witch offered, ushering Fudge out before her. She
closed behind herself.
Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Please can I stay the night, sir? Please, please,
please, please, please?"
"Now that's the old Harry I know and love!" Sirius called.
The Headmaster gave Harry a sharp look. "Very well. I will be back to collect
you in the morning."
"Afternoon," Harry shot back. "Unless they let Sirius go before then."
Dumbledore frowned at the teen, but Harry held his gaze until he gave in. "Very
well. Come on, Fawkes. We'll need to let the Order know." He turned to leave as
Fawkes flew onto his shoulder. "Good night, gentlemen. Remus, don't leave Harry
in here without you, at least until Sirius has been given back his wand."
"Yes, sir," Remus agreed while Sirius nodded. Dumbledore shot them all one last
smile before leaving.
Once the door clicked shut, Harry collapsed onto the bed, draping himself over
Sirius' legs. "This has been such a long day!"
Sirius chuckled and leaned forward to ruffle Harry's spiked hair. "I like this
style. Why'd you change it?"
Remus laughed while Harry grinned widely. "Mad-Eye fixed it for me."
"It was a different colour before," the werewolf teased.
Harry's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Marcus hates pink." Remus burst into
laughter again.
Sirius gave his godson a curious look. "Marcus?"
Harry's eyes shifted to his hands nervously, settling on his ring. "Marcus
Brutús. I'm dating him," he replied in a voice that sent warning tingles
through Sirius.
"What aren't you telling me?" Sirius asked suspiciously. He ignored the frantic
signs Remus was making behind the teen to stop.
Harry glanced up at the wary grey gaze calmly. "What makes you think I'm not
telling you something?"
"That look," Sirius replied. "Moony, stop trying to stop me."
Remus let out a strangled sound and threw his hands up in the air helplessly.
"I tried!"
Harry shook his head at the amber-eyed man before glancing at Sirius, who was
getting more suspicious each moment. "Marcus is Voldemort's top man."
Tense silence filled the room while Sirius and Harry stared at one another.
Remus watched on worriedly, holding his breath.
Sirius smiled rather suddenly. "You had me going for a moment there.
Voldemort's top man. That's a good one."
"I've never joked about the Dark Order," Harry replied coldly, standing. "And I
never will."
Sirius' smile faded. "He's a spy like Snivellus, then," he said in a slightly
disgusted tone.
"He's not." The teen's gaze was emotionless.
Sirius narrowed his eyes, choosing his anger over sensible thought, as usual.
"Then I forbid you to see him."
"You have no control over me," Harry spat. "I am of age. And Remus already
okayed it while you were gone."
Sirius shot his gaze to Remus, who refused to look at either of them, before
looking back at Harry. "Then Remus can be your godfather. I don't want you."
Something the Animagus couldn't name flashed across Harry's face that made
Sirius immediately regret his words. But, before he could take them back, Harry
spun and stalked from the room.
Remus shot Sirius a look filled with venom. "Way to go, Padfoot. The first
thing you do after waking up is have a fight with your godson who, might I
remind you, just fought the Minister and Head of the Department of Magical Law
Enforcement for your freedom. Bravo."
Sirius felt his anger rise again at the biting sarcasm in Remus' voice. "I
won't have my godson dating a Death Eater!"
"You don't get a choice!"
"I've made my choice!"
"Then maybe you should have stayed dead!" The dangerous gleam in Remus' amber
eyes reminded Sirius of his werewolf heritage, which reminded him of the shaggy
boy he'd loved with the constantly pained and betrayed eyes.
Sirius froze as he realized that it had been betrayal that had flashed across
Harry's face the moment before he left. "...fuck..."
"Finally come to your senses?" Remus asked coldly.
Sirius gave his friend a bewildered look. "What happened to him?"
Remus' expression softened. "He grew up and fell in love, Sirius..."
But Sirius was shaking his head. "No, something else...something hurt him..."
His eyes shot up to meet Remus'. "Who hurt him?"
"Hur– I-I don't know... I didn't even..." Remus shook his head as he sat on the
edge of the bed. "But it makes sense. He was acting so different last year..."
Sirius buried his face in his hands. "I fucked up again, didn't I?"
"I'd have to say yes," Remus replied with no remorse.
"But, Moony, a Death Eater?" His eyes were pleading as he looked at his old
friend.
Remus' eyes were sad. "It's–it gets worse..."
Sirius' eyes widened for a brief moment before they hardened. "Tell me."
The werewolf sighed. "Marcus isn't really a Death Eater..."
"Then what is he?"
"Voldemort."
Sirius froze for a moment, then shook his head sharply. "Voldemort has no
heart, Remus."
"I've met him, Sirius," Remus whispered pleadingly. "He's different from the
first war. He cares about Harry, Padfoot."
Sirius shook his head. "I can't see it. Moony, this is Voldemort we're talking
about. We've fought him our whole lives."
"You'd know if you saw them," Remus insisted. "He hasn't been performing raids
lately. It's been really quiet. It's all because Harry asked him not to."
"I can't see it." Sirius shook his head again. "I just can't."
Remus let out a helpless sigh. "Just, please, Padfoot, you have to go easy on
him. Your death nearly killed him. He was like a zombie for a while..."
Sirius nodded. "Is he outside, do you think?"
Remus stood. "I'll check. And, Padfoot?"
"Yeah?"
"Please don't harp on him about him loving Voldemort. I think you really will
lose Harry if you do that."
Sirius swallowed with difficulty. "I know that. If–" He looked down at his
wrinkled hands. "If he's really that happy, then there's not much I can do, you
know?"
"You could learn to keep your temper," Remus teased before slipping from the
room to see if he could find his godson.
                                     -~*~-
Tom sighed when he caught sight of the small form curled up in a ball in front
of his fireplace. "You should have stayed," he murmured, closing the door.
"He doesn't want me. What does it matter?" Harry replied hollowly.
"He was angry and shocked." Tom settled on the rug behind the teen and tugged
Harry back against his chest. "You've done the same thing in the past."
The younger wizard clutched tightly at his lover. "He hates me."
"He does not." Tom wrapped Harry in his arms and rested his head atop the red
and silver head. "You're being unreasonable."
"Am not..." Harry muttered into the deep green robes.
The Dark Lord sighed. "You are, but you won't admit it for a while. Come on,
bedtime."
"I'll stay here."
"No, you won't."
"I'd rather stay here."
Tom pulled away from the teen and stood. "And I want my teddy bear. Seeing as
how I'm older, I get my wish. Come on."
Harry gave a faint laugh and allowed Tom to help him stand. "I'm not your teddy
bear, you prat."
"No?" Tom cocked and eyebrow at the green-eyed wizard, leading the way to the
bedroom. "Then what are you?"
"Your imp," Harry replied, resting his head on Tom's shoulder with a smile.
"Hum. I suppose you are," the Dark Lord replied lightly before sweeping Harry
off his feet and tossing him onto the bed.
"Hey!" Harry laughed, dragging Tom down on top of him. "Bastard."
"And don't you know it," Tom hissed before pressing his lips to Harry's
sharply.
Yes...
Tom pulled away and sat back, smiling. "Sleep."
"Why?" Harry asked with a pout.
The Dark Lord shook his head. "One, sex does not solve everything. Two, we're
both tired after one hell of a stressful day. Sleep."
"Oh, you're no fun," the teen muttered, tugging his own robe and shirt off and
tossing them on the floor before climbing under the blankets. "I was thinking
about falling asleep while you were inside of me..."
"Are you suggesting sex with me is boring, you imp?" Tom shot back, picking up
Harry's discarded clothing and putting them in the laundry with his own robe
and shirt.
Harry sent him an evil smile. "Prove me wrong."
"Sleep," Tom replied evenly before sliding under the covers with the young
wizard.
"Oh, poop."
"Is that what stinks so badly in here?"
Harry laughed and cuddled up against the Dark Lord. "Probably. Knowing you, you
forgot to flush that toilet again."
Tom rolled his eyes and waved a hand to put out the lights. "Perhaps you were
the one who forgot to flush."
"Nah. Smells like your poop."
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Go to sleep, imp."
"Okay, stinky," Harry chirped, closing his eyes. He fell asleep to Tom's soft
laughter.
                                     -~*~-
"Remus! What a surprise! And Sirius." Dumbledore smiled at the two Marauders,
who he'd run into on his way to breakfast. "Where's Harry?"
"He and I got in to a bit of a fight last night," Sirius answered, cheeks
flaring with a blush.
"The mediwitch at the front desk said he'd disapparated away from St Mungo's,"
Remus murmured warily. "We haven't a clue where he is. In fact, we were hoping
he'd come back here."
"I haven't seen him." Dumbledore sighed.
"He's in my room," a voice said easily from behind the Headmaster.
The three men quickly moved so they could see the speaker and Dumbledore
smiled. "Good morning, Marcus. I was thinking he might have hidden there."
Tom smirked at the horrified look on Sirius' face. "Something on my face,
Black?"
"Marcus," Remus admonished. The Dark Lord shrugged unapologetically.
"Is he okay?" Sirius asked pleadingly, deciding he was more concerned with
Harry's well-being than Voldemort being in Hogwarts.
Tom offered the Animagus a cold look. "Perhaps. What does it matter to you?"
"Now, Marcus." Dumbledore rested a hand on the Dark Lord's shoulder, which was
immediately brushed off. "Why don't you lead Sirius and Remus off to your room
so they can talk to Harry?"
"What if I don't want to?" Marcus shot back.
Bring them... Harry murmured sleepily.
"Marcus." The Headmaster's tone set off warning bells in the other three
wizards' heads.
Tom sneered at the man. "Go have a sherbet lemon, Albus, before you drive me
insane. Remus, come on, and bring your pet." He spun and started off down the
hall back towards his room.
Remus smiled at Dumbledore, who was watching the retreating back of the Defence
professor with an amused expression. "Good day, Albus. Come on, Padfoot." He
tugged on the arm of his stupefied friend and, somehow, managed to drag him
along after the Dark Lord.
The Marauders finally caught up outside the scowling portrait who guarded Tom's
door. "What is it with you and bringing men into your room?"
"I'm beginning to think a lion would be a good idea," Tom said coldly. "They
don't backtalk! Now open!"
"Temper, temper," the portrait replied, swinging open.
"In," Tom ordered the Marauders. He followed them inside and slammed the
picture behind him.
"You know slamming it does no good, right?" Harry enquired mildly as he stepped
out of the bedroom. He hadn't bothered to put a shirt on and his red and silver
hair was more of a mess than usual, pointing out that he'd just got up. "Hullo,
Remus."
Sirius looked like he'd been slapped as Harry smiled at the werewolf and
ignored him. "Harry..."
"I thought you didn't want me, Black," Harry said bitingly, eyes narrowed at
the man.
"I spoke before I thought!" Sirius cried, eyes wild. "I'm sorry!"
"Sorry doesn't fix everything," Tom spat before sweeping into his kitchen.
Harry's eyes glittered. "He's furious with you, Black."
"Is he going to kill me?" Sirius shot back, fighting with his anger.
"No." Harry cocked his head to one side, a curious look taking over his face.
"I won't let him. Why?"
Sirius blinked a few times, confused. "But..."
"I'm not mad at you, I'm annoyed. He's the mad one."
"In more than one way," Remus muttered.
Harry grinned. "You bet."
"I heard that!" Tom called, poking his head out the kitchen doorway to glare at
the werewolf.
"What are you planning on doing about it?" Harry teased.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the teen. "I can think of a few things." Harry burst
out laughing.
There was a knock on the door and Harry stopped laughing rather suddenly,
letting a hollow silence fall over the room. "Uhm, I'll get it..." Harry
murmured.
"Get a shirt on," Tom ordered before walking over to the door.
Harry rolled his eyes and wandered back into the bedroom. Sirius' eyes widened
at the tattoo on his back and would have said something if not for the voice of
the newest visitor. "Black?!"
The two Marauders spun to look at Severus, who had just stepped into the room.
"Snivellus," Sirius shot back bitingly.
"Not again." Harry groaned, walking back out from the bedroom, pulling on his
green muscle shirt. "Won't you ever grow up, Sirius? Morning, Sevvie."
"What have I told you about calling me that?" Severus grumbled, scowling at the
teen.
Harry gave him an innocent smile. "Not to."
Severus gave a hopeless groan while Tom and Remus laughed. Sirius was looking
back and forth between his godson and school nemesis in confusion. "But..."
"Severus and I are friends," Harry said sharply, recapturing Sirius' attention.
"And you two will get along or I'll hex you both."
Severus shuddered, looking horrified at the prospect, and nodded in agreement.
"Right."
Tom snorted. "I'd start playing nice, if I were you, Black," he offered as he
headed back into the kitchen.
"But you're not me, are you, Brutús?" Sirius shot back.
"No. But he does know me better," Harry offered, settling himself on the arm of
Tom's chair.
Sirius stared at Harry for a long moment while both Severus and Remus sat
quietly on the group of chairs in front of the fireplace. Harry watched him
emotionlessly, awaiting his reply with a calm that Sirius had never seen in his
godson or James in the past. Even Lily had had a temper that she couldn't
always keep under reins or hide behind such a calm expression.
"Sit," Tom ordered, coming back out with a tray of tea things. "I hate it when
people stand in the centre of my room, staring stupidly. Not that I shoul–"
"Marcus!" Harry called warningly. Tom frowned at him. I know you're pissed off
at him but please try and cool it? He's still my godfather.
I don't have to live with him! Tom shot back coldly.
Oh? So you don't love me?
That's not what I said!
Then what did you say?
I– ARGH! Fine! Tom slammed the tray on the coffee table and sat in his chair
with a pout.
Harry ruffled the Dark Lord's hair fondly before leaning forward to make
himself some tea. I win. Tom slid further down in his chair with a huff.
Sirius sat next to Remus, shaking his head. The werewolf elbowed him pointedly.
"See?" he hissed.
"Yes, I see. Doesn't make me like him, though," Sirius muttered. Remus rolled
his eyes.
"Marcus," Severus interrupted suddenly.
Tom glanced up at the man, his pout fading into a serious expression. "Yes?"
"Albus sent me to see if you needed someone to cover your first class."
The Dark Lord glanced up at Harry. "Your choice."
The teen glanced down at his tea for a long moment before shaking his head. "Go
on. If we set Severus on them, those poor fourth years will be scarred for
life."
"Probably," Tom snorted, shooting his Death Eater an amused look.
Severus shook his head. "It's not my fault these brats have no back bones."
"Oh, they have backbones, Severus, trust me; they just melt when you're
around," Harry teased as Tom stood and walked into his room to get his books
for class.
"Oh, is that what it is?"
"Yup." Harry blinked a few times. "Perhaps I need to carry you around in my
pocket, ya know? Much better for dealing with those little brats."
Much to Sirius' surprise, Severus laughed. "Perhaps you should." He stood.
"Albus also asked me to tell you that he expects you in all of your afternoon
classes. And he'd like it if you would attend lunch, since your little friends
were bothering him about you."
"Sorry I missed it," Tom said, coming back out with a book and a stack of
papers.
"Makes two of us." Harry sniggered, smiling.
Tom settled an arm around Harry's shoulders. "You'll be fine?"
"Yes."
"And if the mu– sorry, if Black gets on your nerves, you'll boot him out,
right?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes. Go on. And don't hex any students."
Tom attempted an innocent look. "I wasn't going to hex anyone…"
"No maiming, either."
"Damn."
Harry chuckled and leaned up to kiss the man. I'll be fine.
I'm allowed to worry.
Yes, I know. Thank you.
Tom ruffled the teen's hair. "Love you, imp."
"I love you too, you bastard," Harry replied. "Severus, make sure he actually
goes to class?"
"I'm not baby-sitting him," Severus replied evenly. "I have my own class to go
to. Come on, Marcus. Before we're late."
"We're not going to be late," the Dark Lord replied even as he followed the
Potions professor towards the door.
"You may not be late. I still have to go to the dungeons."
"You have Gryffindors. Take off points and tell them they're late."
"Albus will throw a fit."
"When has that ever stopped you?"
"Point."
The door closed behind the two Dark wizards, cutting off their conversation.
Remus and Sirius traded looks before glancing at Harry, who had slid down into
Tom's chair and was sipping at his tea calmly, eyes on the dancing flames in
the fireplace.
"Where'd you get that shirt?" Sirius inquired after a long moment of silence.
"Aunt Petunia bought it for me while I was there a couple of months ago." Harry
glanced up at his godfather. "While I was suspended."
"You got suspended?!"
"Yes." Harry shrugged. "I pissed off Dumbles, finally. The man's like a tank or
something. Nothing gets to him."
"You did it on purpose?!"
"Yup." Harry smirked. "I was making a point."
"A point?"
"Yup."
Sirius turned to Remus. "Why didn't you stop him?"
"Sirius, he has Gryffindor determination. Nothing was going to stop him," Remus
replied, leaning forward to make himself some tea. "How have you been, Harry? I
haven't really had a chance to talk to you since you got back to school."
"Fine." Harry shrugged. "You know all of the exciting stuff that's happened."
Remus gave his godson a look. "Why don't you fill Sirius in, then?"
"He doesn't have to," Sirius replied, shaking his head.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm friends with all the Slytherins in my year because
their parents all told them to make friendly, thanks to Marcus," he said.
Sirius turned to stare at him and the teen offered a tight smile. "Oh, that's
not even the best part, yet."
"Then what is?" Sirius inquired in a small voice, not so sure he wanted to
know.
Harry grimaced. "Ron got Hermione pregnant on her birthday and the twins are
due in June. Gin and I are the godparents. And Ron's in Azkaban because he
tried to kill me."
"WHAT?!"
"Padfoot..." Remus sighed helplessly as the Animagus jumped up and started
pacing back and forth in front of the couch he'd been sitting on.
"I'll kill the little shit!"
Harry rested his cheek on one hand, smiling at his godfather. "So sure?"
Sirius stopped pacing to frown at his godson. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"You know what. Why would Ron try to kill you?"
"Percy put him up to it." Harry's eyes gleamed dangerously. "I suppose it's
what I get for joining Voldemort."
Sirius licked his lips, still watching his godson. "That's no reason to kill
someone."
Harry frowned thoughtfully at his tea. "No, I suppose not." He glanced up at
the standing wizard. "Remus had a long talk with you after I left, didn't he?"
"Yes." Sirius paused before speaking again. "Who hurt you?"
Harry froze and the colour drained from his face. "What?"
Sirius knelt on the floor in front of the young wizard. "Before you left, you
looked betrayed. Someone hurt you, didn't they?"
"Sirius..." Remus shook his head, trying to get his old friend to leave Harry
alone.
But Sirius shot him an annoyed look before setting his hands on Harry's knees
and gazing up into the stormy green eyes of the young man. "Harry?"
Harry let out a choked sob and threw himself into the arms of his godfather.
Sirius settled himself on the floor, arms full of Harry, and whispered
soothingly while the teen cried.
Tom checked in mentally and, once he was sure Harry would be okay, sent a wave
of love at the teen and returned his attention to his class.
"I'm sorry," Harry muttered at last, pulling away slightly.
"It's fine," Sirius told him firmly. "I'd rather know what was bothering you,
though."
Harry shook his head. "No, it's okay. Marcus helped me through it." He glanced
up at the grey eyes of his godfather. "Siri, I know you don't like him and all,
but please try? He's the world to me, he really is." He paused, a small smile
passing across his eyes. "Well, him and the Weasleys and Herm and all my other
friends. And you and Remus."
Sirius ruffled the teen's hair, grinning. "I'll try, I suppose."
"You suppose?"
"Yeah, I suppose. If he calls me a mutt again, though, I might just hex him."
Harry laughed. "I'll have to warn him!"
"You do that." Sirius winked. "And I'll try not to insult him or anything."
"Or, if you do insult him, mind those comments about him being Dark," Harry
said, tone serious. "Dumbles only suspects, and we don't need to give him any
more evidence."
Sirius raised an eyebrow at the young man in his lap. "No? How'd you keep that
from him?"
"It's been very difficult," Harry agreed. "But Gin and I have been his friends
since this summer and the Weasley twins suggested him for the job in the first
place. More people have started liking him as time's gone on, and that helps."
"Including Snivellus?" Sirius inquired.
"Severus." Harry rolled his eyes. "Now, really. If I can get along with him,
surely you can stop calling him that ridiculous name."
"It fits him so well," Sirius whined.
"Oh, stop, Padfoot," Remus chastised. "Act your age for once."
"Ouch." Harry chuckled while Sirius attempted to look like a whipped dog.
"Remus, you're horrible."
"I know!" The Animagus cried. "He's been nothing but mean since I woke up!"
Harry frowned at the two. "Woke up? Sirius, how long have you been at St
Mungo's?"
"Ask Moony." Sirius shrugged.
Harry scowled at the werewolf around Sirius. "Well?"
"Ah, end of the last school year?" Remus ran a hand through his hair, watching
the teen warily. "He came back out of the Veil on the same day he went in, only
it was a year later..."
"Why didn't anyone tell me?!" Harry shouted. "And who knew?"
"Well, Albus, of course, and myself. And Mad-Eye, I think," Remus replied. "And
Albus told me not to tell you. I mean, we weren't sure Sirius was even going to
wake up, Harry!" he added quickly, seeing anger darkening the green eyes.
Sirius hugged Harry tightly. "I was in a coma, from what I heard, Harry. I'd
been awake for about an hour when you came."
"You were the first person to know," Remus agreed. "And I did fight with Albus
about not telling you, you know. He's like a tank."
Harry laughed at that. "Told you."
"Yes. You did." Remus shook his head, amused. "I'll never get used to your
emotions, you know."
"They're bouncy," Harry agreed. "Marcus keeps telling me to pick one and stick
with it."
"I agree with Marcus, then," Sirius offered.
Harry blinked a few times in shock. "No way! You're actually agreeing with my
boyfriend! Wicked!"
Sirius smiled. "Yes, yes." He ruffled Harry's hair again. "What's with that
tattoo, anyway?"
"Ooh, saw that, did you? Do you like it?" the teen inquired, eyes bright.
"I didn't get a good look at it, really." Sirius shrugged.
Harry grinned and hopped off of the Animagus' lap so he could pull off his
shirt. "Well?"
Sirius chuckled and stood so he could get a good look. The basilisk and phoenix
paused their fight long enough to stare back at the wizard before going back to
snapping and pecking at one another. "That's amazing. I don't think I would
have picked those animals myself, personally, but it fits you."
Harry smiled at his godfather and pulled his shirt back on. "Yup. The basilisk
in the Order of the Phoenix."
Sirius snorted. "You're no basilisk, Harry. You're just one very odd
Gryffindor."
"Perhaps." Harry's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You wanna know a secret?"
"Sure." Sirius grinned.
"Hey, Remus, this is one I bet even you don't know," Harry called to the
werewolf.
"I wasn't aware you had any," Remus shot back, smiling.
"Guess what I'm going to be doing next year."
"An auror," Sirius replied easily.
Harry smirked. "Nope. I get to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts to little
brats."
"Since when?!" Remus cried while Sirius gaped at the teen.
"Since Ron's trial. Dumbles says that the Auror Training Program won't take me
'cause I was suspended, so he offered that I teach here, instead."
"Safer, I suppose." Remus sighed.
"And I'm not supposed to tell anyone," Harry added. "But we all know how good I
am at following the rules."
"So, how many of your little friends have you told?" the werewolf asked in
amusement.
"None. I just gave them a few of hints." The teen smiled evilly. "And I think
they figured it out, working together, but I can't tell you for certain."
"A few?" Sirius asked disbelievingly.
"Well, yeah. Severus and Marcus gave some too. I only gave, like, two, if even
that many. It was funny."
"Snape was giving hints?" Sirius frowned.
"Yup! He's still a prick, but he's a nicer prick." Harry nodded cheerfully.
"A nicer prick..."
"Bingo!"
"Is there sugar in that tea of yours?" Remus asked in an amused voice.
"Perhaps." Harry waggled his eyebrows. "And perhaps I had something else this
morning."
"Harry!" Sirius shouted, the laughter in his eyes ruining the reproach. Remus
cracked up helplessly.
Harry glanced up at Sirius innocently. "What? I didn't do anything, swear."
"You don't have to do anything for that," Remus pointed out through his
laughter.
"Well, sometimes you do. Depends on how worked up your partner is," Harry
answered seriously. "And who's on top."
"You're a little monster." Remus chuckled while Sirius howled with laughter.
"Am not. I am an imp," Harry declared before wandering back into the bedroom
for his robe, followed by the laughter of both his godfathers.
                                     -~*~-
"Uhm, Harry, that dog next to you…" Hermione drifted off, eyeing the giant
black dog sitting on the bench next to Harry.
Harry grinned, scratching the dog behind the ear. "His name is Snuffles. Remus
brought him." He nodded up to the Head Table, where Remus sat next to
McGonagall.
'Oh, Merlin...' Gin sat on Harry's free side, staring at the dog. 'He... Harry,
he looks like Padfoot...'
"Yeah." Harry nodded, smiling. "Isn't it great?!"
Hermione leaned forward to set a hand against Harry's forehead. "Harry, come
on, I think you need to see Madam Pomfrey."
"Nope." Harry shook his head. "I'm fine."
"Why did Professor Lupin get you the dog?" Neville inquired, sitting on the
dog's other side.
"Because." Harry's eyes glinted with mad delight. "Oh, lookie at Dray. He looks
like he's seen a ghost!"
The group of Gryffindors glanced over at where Draco was coming towards them,
face chalk-white. "Harry, that dog looks like a dog I once knew," the Slytherin
hissed, sliding into the free seat between Hermione and Parvati.
"Perhaps that's because he is the dog you once knew," Harry offered, fully
enjoying himself. "Aren't you, Snuffles?"
The dog hopped off the bench and shifted back into Sirius, smiling as madly as
his godson. "Maybe."
Hermione let out a shout. Neville fell off the bench. Draco's mouth fell open
in shock. Gin stared at the Animagus in surprise. Others in the Hall screamed,
fell off their benches, or fainted.
Dumbledore shot the two black-haired wizards, who were laughing insanely, a
disappointed look and stood. "If everyone could please calm down? Harry,
Sirius, that was rude."
"Sorry, Dumbles!" Harry said through his laughter. "But we couldn't help
ourselves!" Sirius nodded in agreement, wiping tears from his eyes.
"I'm sure." Dumbledore shook his head, obviously fighting a smile. "If everyone
will please sit?"
Sirius slid back into the seat next to his godson and ruffled Harry's hair,
giving both Hermione and Gin winks. "We'll explain later," he promised.
The Headmaster waited for the Hall to become silent before he spoke again.
"Last night, Sirius Black was cleared of all of the charges against him and
reinstated as Harry Potter's godfather. He will be remaining at Hogwarts for
the rest of the week, perhaps longer. Let's make him welcome. Mr Malfoy, could
you please return to your table?"
"You're explaining this later, Harry," Draco hissed before walking back to his
table.
"Friendly kid," Sirius offered, grabbing a roll from the basket in front of
him.
"Oh, he's better when dead people don't come back to life," Harry offered
flippantly. "Alright there, Nev?"
"Yeah." Neville nodded. "Just a little startled." He poked Sirius in the arm.
"I know I saw you go through that archway."
"He did." Harry leaned forward so he could see his friend. "Hell didn't like
him, apparently. It shot him back out last year."
'And where has he been?' Gin demanded, scowling at her brother.
"St Mungo's," Sirius replied easily. "I was in a coma. I woke yesterday."
"That's why you got called off!" Hermione realized.
"Yeah." Harry scratched the back of his head. "How'd it go?"
"They were remarkably good," Seamus offered. "Well, they were after Gin
threatened to take a page out of your book and turn them all into snakes if
they didn't behave."
Harry cocked an eyebrow at his sister. "You did?"
'Of course. I wasn't about to deal with their shit when I could be worrying
about what Dumbledore needed from you this time.' Gin replied.
"You're the best sister ever," Harry declared, hugging Gin tightly.
'Can't...breathe...'
Everyone laughed as Harry let her go. "Just keep Ted from murdering me, would
you?" He nodded over to where Theodore was scowling at them from the Slytherin
Table.
'Tell your guard dog to help you.' Gin shot back. 'Sirius, how have you been,
anyway?'
"Dead." Sirius shrugged. "Not much to say, really. Except that no one thought
to tell me about you not talking."
'I can't. Ron exploded a glass in my face when I didn't care about Percy's
death.' Gin replied, watching her plate.
Harry wrapped the girl in a hug while Sirius let out a growl. "That's two
strike– no, three strikes against him. Guess he's out."
"He's in Azkaban. What can you do?" Hermione pointed out uneasily.
"Hey, he's got Harry Potter on his side. He's already proven he can do
anything," Dean pointed out. "I mean, really. Harry, is there anything you
can't do?"
Harry blinked a few times before his eyes darkened. "Yes. I can't always
protect everyone."
"Sometimes you need to sit back and let other people learn how to protect
themselves," Sirius pointed out. "You can't blame yourself for something you
had no power to prevent."
Harry blinked a few times at his godfather before letting out a sigh. "I'd
forgotten that you always seem to have an answer for everything."
"Almost," Sirius agreed.
I've decided I like him, Tom announced suddenly.
Oh?
Yeah. He knows how to deal with your moods.
And you don't?
I can deal with your moods, but I'm not always there. Anyway, I suppose I have
to give him some leniency. He is a Gryffindor.
You know, it's a good thing I'm not insulted by that.
You're no Gryffindor, anyway.
Yes I am.
Nope. You're a Slytherin in Gryffindor colours. There's a difference, Tom
replied easily, mentally kissing Harry's scar. Finish your lunch, you imp.
Oh, fine. Bastard. Harry rolled his eyes and poked at his potato. "Hey, Siri?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't think Marcus hates you anymore."
'Marcus hated him?' Gin asked, frowning.
"Yeah. But it's okay now."
"What have I done right?" Sirius inquired.
Harry smiled. "You know how to deal with my moods."
"Now that is an accomplishment," Hermione agreed. "I still don't know how to
keep you under control, and we've been friends for seven years. I have no clue
how Marcus manages sometimes."
"Ditto," Neville offered.
Sirius shrugged. "You can't keep him under control, Hermione. You just have to
go with it and help him through it, if he needs the help."
'Really? That's the big secret?'
"Yup." Sirius winked at the young witch. "At least, that's how Remus has always
dealt with me."
The Gryffindors around them burst out in laughter and Harry smiled, shaking his
head. I'm glad he's back.
And I'm glad you're happy.
Thanks, love.
Of course.
                                     -~*~-
"Stay away from any cauldrons if you're going to be in here, Black."
"I was going to help my godson with the assignment, Snape."
"In that case, go out in the hall. He's blown up enough cauldrons without your
help."
"As much fun as it is to see you going at one another's throats, please stop,"
Harry said in a rather bored voice.
The two wizards turned to glare at him. "Why?" Sirius demanded.
"Because the whole class is watching you and Ted's distracted enough that he's
about to miss his opportunity to add the bat's wings," Harry offered in a
matter-of-fact voice.
Theodore immediately returned his attention to his potion. "Thanks, Harry!"
Harry shrugged. "Just don't pay them any mind, is my suggestion. And, Professor
Snape, you know I haven't blown any cauldrons up this year, so that argument is
pretty much null."
Severus scowled. "Don't let him blow anything up for you, then," he ordered
before stalking up to the front of the classroom.
"He reminds me of a child who didn't get his way," Sirius declared.
"And you remind me of a bully in grade school," Harry said evenly before
Severus could shoot back a reply. "Sirius, please sit down and leave Professor
Snape alone for once. You're distracting the class, especially Anthony."
"Yah! Thanks, Harry!" Anthony shouted, looking back to his potion, which was
starting to bubble over the edge of the cauldron.
"How do you do that?" Sirius asked, sitting down in the chair Harry had
conjured for him at the beginning of the class.
"Eyes in the back of his head," Hermione murmured, carefully adding the rat
spit. "And near-perfect knowledge of the potion we're all working on."
"Oh..." Sirius frowned at Harry, who was busy chopping up something. "When did
he learn potions?"
"Last year," Harry answered. "Mad-Eye helped me over the summer after I asked."
"And he still got the worst grades in the class." Hermione sighed, shaking her
head.
"Oops." Draco grinned at the witch. "My fault."
"Ted and 'Bini helped you," Harry murmured, frowning. Then he leaned back
slightly and dropped something into the cauldron behind him. "Pay attention,
Morag."
"Oh, yeah... Sorry..." The Ravenclaw set the ingredient he'd been hurriedly
cutting into Harry's open hand.
"No problem." Harry smiled before returning to his work table and finishing the
cutting, fixing it so it looked more even.
Sirius blinked a few times. "You've got Lily's talent with potions."
"Oh?" Harry glanced up quickly, eyes questioning.
"Yeah. James could barely make his own potion, let alone keep an eye on mine.
Remus was always the one who saved me from blowing something up. Lily was
always helping her neighbours with things," Sirius explained.
"Did Dad ever get better?"
"He may have, if he'd had more time to learn. I don't know," Sirius replied,
eyes downcast.
Harry set a hand on Sirius' arm soothingly. "I bet you he's still blowing
things up in Heaven. Mum's probably yelling at him right now."
Sirius grinned. "He'd be side-tracked 'cause he's trying to get you to cause
trouble in Snape's class."
"Obviously James has no clue how much trouble Harry causes by not being here."
Draco snorted.
"What do you mean by that?" Sirius asked, working to not yell at the boy.
"Everyone depends on Harry's knowledge of the potion we're working on and his
attentiveness," Draco replied. "For the first month of his suspension, things
were blowing up all over the place in here. It was a nightmare."
"Actually, it was rather amusing," Blaise offered.
"You're saying that because you never had any trouble," Parvati complained as
Hermione stopped her from putting the wrong thing in again.
"Professor Snape started telling me to not come to class." Hermione laughed.
"He didn't want anything to happen to me that might harm the babies."
"Nobody told me that," Harry complained.
"We didn't want to worry you," Hermione offered, smiling at him. "You already
had enough on your mind."
"Like how not to land on your arse." Draco snorted.
Harry elbowed the teen. "Can you beat your father?"
"Shut up, Harry."
Harry sniggered and winked at Sirius, who had a surprised look on his face.
"Slytherins aren't all bad, Sirius."
"As long as you know how to talk to them," Hermione agreed.
"Or your name is Harry Potter," Parvati added.
"It's the Gryffindors that are horrible," Theodore offered.
"Says he with the Gryffindor girlfriend." Blaise snorted from next to him.
"Watch it, Blaise. You've got the Gryffindor boyfriend," Theodore shot back.
"Shut up, Teddy Bear."
"Make me, Fart Boy."
"You know, if I'd known that your nicknames would make way for insults, I
wouldn't have given them to you," Harry said in a loud voice.
"Sorry, Harry," the two Slytherins chorused after exchanging looks.
"Make your damn potions."
"Yes, Harry."
"I thought you were calling him 'Master Potter' when he was yelling at you,"
Draco teased.
"Oh, yeah." Theodore and Blaise glanced back at Harry, who was scowling at
Draco. "Sorry, Master Potter."
"I'll murder you later, Malfoy," Harry muttered before glancing at the two in
front of him. "Potions."
"Yes, Master Potter."
"And don't call me master!"
"Yes, Master Potter."
"Argh!"
The room burst out into gales of laughter. Sirius was amazed to see Severus
covering a smile. Well, I'll be damned. The git has a sense of humour after
all...
                                     -~*~-
"Don't you have that meeting tonight?" Hermione inquired in the common room
after classes while Gin entertained Sirius.
"I can't take Sirius. He'll get in the way," Harry whispered.
"Go while Gin's distracting him."
"How?"
"I'm sure you know at least one Invisibility Charm," Parvati teased in a
whisper, leaning over the back of his chair. "Dean was going to go get Seam
from the library anyway. Go out with him."
"Thanks." Harry sighed before casting a silent Invisibility Charm. As a last
thought, he added a Silencing Spell to it, to keep himself from making any
noise that might alert his godfather to what he was doing. Then he got up and
stole across the room to where Dean stood next to the door. He tapped the black
boy on the shoulder and Dean grinned at him.
"Come on, then," Dean offered before stepping out through the portrait hole.
Oh, yeah. Those bracelets... Harry sighed, following his dorm mate. Once they
were clear of the Fat Lady, Harry got rid of the Silencing Spell. "Thanks,
mate."
"Sure thing. Though, I don't know if your godfather's going to think of
shifting shape or not, but you might want to find a way to block your scent."
Harry shook his head. "Dean, that was positively Slytherin!" Dean laughed,
shaking his head. "Here, let me concentrate a moment..." Harry murmured,
stopping and closing his eyes. Dean stopped with him and watched in amazement
as Harry slowly shifted from his normal form to the Marcus form that Tom used.
Alright?
Yes. I promise not to leave for a while. Good choice, by the way. Poppy won't
flip out.
Poppy might flip out anyway. Harry snorted, opening his eyes and dropping the
invisibility. "What's that look for?"
"You're just full of surprises, Professor," Dean replied, turning and starting
out again.
Harry grinned and fell into step next to his friend. "Hey, I like being tall,
actually..."
Dean sniggered. "And that's one person you can emulate to a tee."
"Yup." Harry put his hands in his pockets and wiped his expression. "How am I
doing?"
Dean took one look at him and cracked up. "That's funny!"
"Oy! I'm insulted!"
"Sorry, sir." The young wizard sniggered.
"Gryffindors." Harry sighed helplessly, sending Dean into peals of laughter
again. "Here's where I leave you. Ta, Dean."
"See you later, Marcus!" Dean laughed, waving as Harry walked down the stairs,
taking care to walk in the same way his lover did. This isn't all that easy. I
don't normally study how you walk.
I know. You study my bum, instead.
It's a most lovely bum, too.
Pay attention to your surroundings, you imp.
Love you.
I love you too.
Harry smiled slightly and poked his head into the Infirmary. Poppy was working
with something over by her potions cabinet. "Evening," he offered, stepping
into the ward.
"Oh! Good evening, Marcus." Poppy smiled at him.
"Guess again," Harry replied before closing his eyes and quickly morphing back
to his proper form, plus the red and silver hair. He'd found that it was
easiest to return to the form he was most familiar with a while ago.
"Merlin's beard!" Poppy gasped, holding a hand to her breast. "Harry!"
The teen winked at her. "Family secret, remember? I had to get away from Sirius
to talk to Sally-Anne."
"How long have you been able to do such complex changes?" the mediwitch
inquired, calming down.
"Christmas, but I don't normally have a need for them." He ruffled his hair.
"Need any help?"
"No." Poppy smiled. "Did you read that book?"
"Actually, yes." Harry settled on the closest bed to the woman. "Very
informative. I'm sorry I didn't bring it back..."
"Don't worry about it," Poppy replied. "I have another copy, and I'm sure I'll
get it back from you sooner or later. Did you have any questions?"
"Yes, actually." Harry frowned. "Saber told me once that you need the trust of
your patient before you can heal them, but the book didn't really talk about
that."
"It's not the best book out there," Poppy agreed.
"So, could you explain that? Why you need their trust, I mean. Do you always
need the trust of the students?"
"That depends, actually. You need their trust because, otherwise, their magic
might fight you. If you're stronger than your patient, which will usually apply
for you, you probably won't need their trust so much; you'll overpower them and
they won't fight you."
"So the magic acts on the patient's whim?"
"Yes."
"Can't that be a problem?"
"Yes." Poppy smiled. "St Mungo's, for example, always has a few very strong
medics on staff for unconscious patients, in case they need their help casting
the spells they need. It was a nightmare during wartime."
"And last year?"
"Not so much last year, actually. He hadn't quite got back into the swing of
things by the time he stopped the attacks, so it wasn't so difficult."
"They send out medics with the aurors, don't they?" Harry asked, concerned.
"The medics usually get in the way." Poppy sighed, shaking her head. "Many
aurors, though, have a basic understanding of medimagic and can act to keep a
comrade conscious until a St Mungo's team gets out there."
"That's assuming they can find their hurt comrade!"
"Medics aren't violent, Harry." Poppy sighed. "Aurors are made for fighting.
Medics are made for healing. They clash in combat. And Death Eaters could care
less."
"All Death Eaters are required to learn basic medimagic; they understand it can
save their lives."
"And when they've lost the raid, then what? Do they die if they can't apparate
away?"
No. They put themselves into a magical coma and rejoin us when they can, Tom
offered when Harry didn't have an answer.
"You don't know?" Poppy inquired, looking over at the teen.
"Magical comas." Harry shrugged. "I haven't the slightest."
The mediwitch smiled. "That wasn't covered in that book. Self-induced magical
comas will make a witch or wizard appear dead, but will heal them. Aurors don't
use them, though, because they've been known to fail. In fact, it's illegal."
"No wonder Death Eaters use them." The teen smiled. "Better dead than in
Azkaban, I suppose. In the comas, do you know what's going on around you?"
"I haven't a clue."
It's fragmented, actually, Tom offered. You have some idea of what's going on,
but it's not very clear.
Poppy smiled at him. "What's he say?"
"Oh." Harry scratched the back of his head. "I have to work on being so
obviously talking to him, I suppose. He says it's a fragmented view. You've got
an idea of what's going on, but it's not like you're actually there."
Poppy nodded. "Your unconscious self is in control, then. Interesting."
"I wonder how much medimagic background most of the Order members have..."
Harry murmured absent-mindedly.
"I'm sure you can ask Albus."
"Probably. Come on in, Sally-Anne."
The blonde Hufflepuff stepped into the ward nervously. Her long hair was done
up in pigtails and fell over her shoulders. She brushed one of them behind her
as she offered a scared smile. "Hu-hullo..."
"Harry's not going to bite you, Sally," Poppy said, setting her potions back in
their case and dusting her hands off and she turned to smile at the girl.
"I don't bite people. Leaves nasty marks," Harry agreed, earning him a swat
from Poppy. "Hey!"
"Smart mouth." Poppy rolled her eyes. "Why don't you both come into my office,
hum?"
"Good idea. The school has ears," Harry replied, ducking the next swat easily
and running into the office, laughing.
Poppy sighed and set a hand on Sally-Anne's shoulder. "Come along, dear. He
just wants to talk to you."
"R-right." The Hufflepuff nodded nervously and allowed the mediwitch to lead
her into the office.
Harry was crouched in front of the gap between a bookcase and a cabinet,
blinking, when the two witches came in. "Harry, what in Merlin's name are you
doing?" Poppy demanded.
"Poppy, do you have a cat?" Harry asked, not turning his attention from the
dark space.
"Why, yes, I do. Why?"
"Is she pregnant?"
Poppy frowned and walked over to look over Harry's shoulder. "Scamp! When did
you get out?!"
Harry shrugged and let the mediwitch get at the cat. "She's beautiful, by the
way."
"Thank you." Poppy smiled at the teen before returning her attention to the
poor cat. "And how did you get out?!"
"The door?" Sally-Anne offered, coming over to pet the poor animal.
"No, it's spelled against her. I don't want her in the ward."
"Good idea. Could have someone like Hagrid in there..." Harry murmured,
disappearing into Poppy's bedroom. "I knew it was a mess in here!"
"Harry Potter! What do you think you're doing?!" Poppy shouted, following the
teen.
Harry was standing in front of a bookcase with a pile of clothing in front of
it, frowning. "Found your hole."
"What?" Poppy blinked at Harry in surprise, the reprimand dying on her tongue.
"The hole, Poppy." Harry rolled his eyes and pulled out his wand. He shot a
cleaning charm at the pile of clothing, showing that a few of the books on the
bottom shelf were pushed to either side and a hole in the back of the bookcase
that led to a hole in the wall came into sight.
"Oh, my! How'd that get there?!"
"I can come up with a couple reasons," Harry replied darkly. "Do you want me to
block it?"
"Poppy can block it herself," Sally-Anne insisted from the door of the bedroom.
She was glaring at Harry. "And you shouldn't be in her bedroom. It's rude."
"Sally, it's fine," Poppy replied. "Harry, please do. You think you know how it
got there?"
"It could be another curious animal." Harry nodded, aiming his wand at the hole
and spelling it shut. "Or it could be Dumbles pretending he's a Slytherin
again. He does a rather good impression, too."
"Professor Dumbledore is a good man!" Sally-Anne called, scandalized.
"You don't know him like I do." Harry sighed, putting his wand away. "Fixed. I
put a few extra spells on it, in case it is Dumbles."
"Thank you." Poppy sighed before setting her cat, Scamp, back down. "No more
leaving the room, you."
"Like she'll listen." Harry snorted.
"I know. She reminds me of this little monster I know who goes by the name of
Harry Potter," the mediwitch teased, ruffling Harry's hair.
The teen grinned. "Duh." Then he turned to Sally-Anne, who was still glaring at
him. "Poppy tells me you're considering the Dark Order."
"Poppy!" The Hufflepuff stared at her mentor, horrified.
"I'm not a Light wizard, Miss Perks," Harry said coolly. "Shall we takes seats
out in the office? You did point out that I shouldn't be in here."
"Did you have to tell her that way?" Poppy complained as they followed the
shocked Hufflepuff out into the office.
"I'm a Gryffindor, Poppy. We have no tact."
"You have tact, Harry. I've seen your tact."
"I keep forgetting who I'm talking to." Harry snorted, taking a seat in front
of Sally-Anne while Poppy sat next to her. "Poppy called me in here because she
thinks you need to talk to me, and I agree. The usual argument for medics about
joining the Dark Order – or so Voldemort has told me – is that they disagree
with the constant killing. I happen to agree with this."
"You can't be Dark!" Sally-Anne declared. "You're Harry Potter!"
Harry sighed and tugged his pendant out from under his shirt. He forced the
invisibility to drop for the two witches. "I'm Voldemort's second in the Dark
Order, Miss Perks. Don't take things at face value. You currently have two
Death Eaters as teachers and are working closely with a Dark supporter."
"Though I'm openly Light," Poppy agreed.
"It's hardly a good idea to be anything but openly Light in this school,
Poppy," Harry pointed out, putting the necklace away. "Dumbles is a nightmare
if he suspects your loyalties."
"Or so Marcus has told me." Poppy shrugged.
Harry snorted. "I figured." He glanced back at Sally-Anne, who was watching the
exchange with wide eyes. "I'm in control of a small group of people who are
publicly known as Death Eaters In-Training, thought only because Percy Weasley
defected and 'spilled the beans', if you will. Privately, we're known as the
Juniors and our main job is getting information for the Dark Order and
collecting supporters. We don't do raids, except in the most extreme of
situations, and I don't play Voldemort's game of using the Cruciatus Curse when
someone does something wrong."
"It's the more mild section of Death Eaters," Poppy clarified.
"Yes and no. We run things a little differently. It's good for the Light
wizards and students, of course. We don't have Dark Marks, really, so we make
the perfect spies. For example, I'm a member of the Order of the Phoenix, but
only my own people know about my true side because I have no Dark Mark to
criminalize me."
"And you're a trusted person, anyway," Sally-Anne shot back.
"I am not." Harry shook his head. "Before we shut him up, Percy Weasley named
me as a Death Eater. Dumbles only trusts me as far as he can throw me, and
that's not very far, trust me."
"When was the last time Albus threw you?" Poppy enquired, amused.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. "What makes you think he's ever thrown me?"
"Actually–" A rush of sound out in the ward ended whatever Poppy had been about
to say rather abruptly. "I'm sorry, Harry."
Harry nodded. "You two do your job. Miss Perks, consider my offer and find me
later. Or tell Poppy and she'll have me come by again." He stood with a
stretch.
"Thank you," Sally-Anne whispered.
"It's my job," Harry replied with a shrug. "Poppy, I can show myself out. Go."
"Right. Go pick a book to take, in case Albus catches you," Poppy ordered
before hurrying out into the ward.
Sally-Anne called a book over with her wand and handed it to Harry. "Try this
one," she suggested before hurrying after her mentor.
Harry glanced down. Wartime_Medi-Magic was the title. The teen grinned and
shrunk it, placing it into a pocket, before stepping out of the office.
Kamila Vance – Enid and Babette's Hufflepuff friend – and Ula were on two beds
next to one another, while Enid and Babette were being held at bay by
McGonagall. Enid saw Harry first. "Harry!" she called, breaking free from the
Deputy's grasp and running up to him.
Harry frowned. "Enid. What happened?"
"Rockwell used some sort of Dark spell on them!" Babette shouted furiously.
"I'm going to murder the little shit!"
"You will not," Harry replied firmly. "You will stay here. Poppy, do you know
the counter?"
"Yes." The mediwitch nodded up at him.
"Good." He glanced back at the two first years, who were both standing in front
of him, since McGonagall had let Babette go. "Rockwell hexed them? Where?"
"The hall outside my office." McGonagall sighed. "He ran."
Harry's eyes flashed. "I'll get him, then. Enid, Babs, stay here," he ordered.
Once both girls nodded, he ran out the door. Tom! Any idea where Ronan Rockwell
is?!
No, but I haven't left my room. Do you want me to search for him?
Harry tugged out the Map. No, I'll find him. Could you tell Dumbles to go to
the Infirmary, though? He's in his office.
For you, yes, I suppose. Why?
He'll be able to help calm both Babs and Enid down, and, probably, help Poppy
if she needs the help.
Oh, very well.
Thank you, love.
Of course. Of course.
Harry glanced back down at the Map, eyes frantically searching out the errant
first year. On second thought, you get Rockwell. He's outside your office. I'll
get Dumbles.
Thank you. I really didn't want to deal with that coot right before dinner...
Tom sighed.
Harry snorted and came to a stop outside the gargoyle. "Sugar Quills!" he
hissed. Once the stone creature was out of the way, he ran up the steps two at
a time. At the top, he paused to knock on the door.
Got him! Where do you want him?
Hospital Wing, please, Harry replied as the Headmaster called for him to come
in. He poked his head in and offered Remus and Sirius a quick smile.
"Headmaster, we need you down in the Infirmary. Rockwell hexed both Vance and
Thorald with a Dark spell."
"And where is Mr Rockwell?" Dumbledore inquired smoothly as he stood and headed
for Harry, Remus and Sirius following.
Harry let the Headmaster walk next to him as they made their way to the
Infirmary. "Marcus was going for him, sir."
"Do you know what spell he cast?"
"No. I only stayed long enough to make sure Poppy knew the counter."
"I see. And if she hadn't?"
"Then I would have hoped to Merlin that either I or Professor McGonagall knew
while we sent someone else to get you and find Rockwell."
"Do you know what set Mr Rockwell off?"
"No, sir, though I can make a pretty good guess," Harry offered before opening
the Infirmary doors for the three adult. Tom?
Almost there. Had to stun him to get him to stop kicking me.
Oh, dear... Harry sighed mentally and returned his attention to the present.
Kamila was waking while Poppy was casting the counter on Ula. Dumbledore was
getting a scattered story from the two witches who were awake. As Harry had
suspected, Ula had been making peace with the three friends and Ronan,
overhearing, had shot a couple of hexes blindly and run off.
Sirius set a hand on his shoulder. "Where were you? One minute you were sitting
and talking to Hermione, the next you were gone."
"I had a pre-set appointment with Poppy," Harry replied. "You looked like you
were having fun with Gin, so I opted for not bothering you."
"...oh..." Sirius nodded, face downcast.
"It's not that I don't like having you around, Sirius," Harry said, correctly
reading the look on his godfather's face. "In fact, I love it, but there are
some things that I need to do without you shadowing me, and this was one of
those things."
"You could have told me."
"Like I said, you looked like you were having fun with Gin."
Tom chose that moment to walk into the Infirmary, a floating Ronan behind him.
"Marcus!" McGonagall cried.
"He's stunned," Tom grumbled. "I got sick and tired of him kicking me."
Harry sniggered. "Finite Incantantum. Rennervate."
"Harry!" the Dark Lord complained as both the Stupefy and the Mobilicorpus
ended at the same time. The first year fell to the ground with a loud 'thud'
and a groan.
Harry came to stand above the boy. "Good evening, Mr Rockwell. Have you any
clue how much shit you've just landed yourself into?" he asked brightly.
"Harry." Dumbledore sighed. "Move. Stand up, Mr Rockwell."
Harry walked back over to where Tom was standing with his godfathers. "You are
one vindictive son of a bitch," Tom muttered.
"Don't call my mum a bitch," Harry shot back, leaning his back against Tom's
chest.
"Fine. You're one vindictive godson of a bitch," the Dark Lord replied,
wrapping his arms around his smaller lover and smirking at Sirius, who let out
a growl.
"Oh stop it, both of you." Harry groaned. "Why must you act like a child all
the time, Marcus?"
"It amuses me."
"Great. That explains everything."
"Harry?" Ula called from her bed. "Where's Harry?"
"Oops. Child calls." Harry winked at his lover and godfathers before slipping
over to the girl's bed. "Hey, girlie. How you feeling?"
Ula blinked up at him. "Ronan hates me, doesn't he?"
"I don't know." He conjured himself a chair and sat in it. "What happened?"
"I was just taking a stroll and ran in to Clough and Kern and Vance outside
McGonagall's office. Kern demanded to know what I was up to and I just told
them I was going to Marcus' room, since I thought you'd be there. They asked
why I'd want to talk to you and I said you'd invited me to stay with you this
summer because my parents were going out of the country. And then Ronan hexed
us and ran," Ula replied, eyes looking around wildly. "Is Marcus okay?"
"Yes." Harry smiled. "Professor McGonagall got you all down here and, since I
was down here, I went and got Marcus to find Mr Rockwell while I got the
Headmaster."
"What's going to happen to Ronan?"
"I haven't the slightest. Would you like me to find out?"
"Please." Ula nodded carefully.
Harry stood and walked over to Dumbledore. "Well?"
The Headmaster frowned at him. "Well what?"
"What are you doing to Mr Rockwell?" Harry inquired in a neutral tone.
"I don't think I'll tell you," Dumbledore replied.
Harry let out a sigh. "Albus."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily. "Detention every night for the next five
days."
"With?"
"Professor Snape."
"Ouch." Harry winced before turning around and walking back to Ula's bed. "He
gets detention with Snape for the next five days."
Ula grinned. "Good."
"And Marcus was calling me vindictive." Harry chuckled, shaking his head.
"He's right," Ula shot back.
"Harry?" Enid came to stand at the end of Ula's bed. "Is Thorald really coming
to stay with you this summer?"
"Yes. He invited the little monster over to my house before I could disagree,"
Tom said, coming to stand behind Enid.
Enid glanced up at him and started giggling. "Professor, your nose..."
"What did you do?" Tom demanded of his lover.
Harry sniggered. "Nothing. Though, if you look behind you, I'm sure you'll find
the culprit."
"BLACK!!"
"Oops." Sirius winked at the first year girls and Harry before fleeing the
Hospital Wing, Tom right behind him.
"Oh, dear..." Remus smiled after them. "Someone should probably go save
Sirius..."
"I invite you to try," Harry laughed, "but I wouldn't suggest it."
"Hm. Sexual frustrations," Poppy said, nodding. Everyone but Harry stared at
her in confusion.
The Boy-Who-Lived fell off his chair. "Poppy!"
"What?"
"There are ladies present!"
The nurse laughed.
***** Chapter 45 *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
“This has been an interesting week,” Harry informed the group of Juniors,
supporters, Severus, and Tom. The teenaged leader was standing in the middle of
the circle, hands clasped behind him as he looked over the seated people.
“You know it,” Seamus muttered. Blaise elbowed him sharply while Harry offered
a thin smile.
“First off, I'd like to welcome Remus to the meeting, since it's his first one
with everyone else,” Harry said, nodding to the werewolf.
“First time as a member at all, in fact,” Remus offered.
“True. Also, we'd like to welcome Michael Corner; he's here to be inducted.
Gin? Marcus?” Harry glanced over his shoulder at where the Dark Lord and his
second sat. The two stood and came to stand on either side of him. “Michael,
could you come here? Stand in front of me.”
The Ravenclaw got up slowly and stepped up to the spot in front of the Boy-Who-
Lived. “Is this going to hurt?” he enquired quietly.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the young wizard while the Juniors around them
covered sniggers. Tom's eyes swept around the circle. “Enough,” the Dark Lord
ordered in a deadly voice. The room fell silent.
“Thank you,” Harry murmured, focusing on the student before him. “No. We do
things a little differently in my section of the Dark Order than Voldemort does
with the Death Eaters. You'll have a necklace, which is usually best for
everyone...” Harry trailed off suddenly, turning to glance at the doorway to
the kitchens.
Poppy and Sally-Anne stepped in and half of the Juniors rose, pointing their
wands at the two witches. Poppy shot the students surrounding three of the four
leaders in the Dark Order an annoyed look as she got between the shaking
Hufflepuff and the wands. “Put those away,” she ordered. No one moved.
“Loyalty without Cruciatus Curse. You've proven me wrong, Harry,” Tom murmured
in a voice that carried to everyone.
“That's because I'm brilliant and you're not,” Harry teased lightly. “Poppy,
Sally-Anne, welcome. Juniors, stand down.”
The group of Death Eaters In-Training returned to their seats warily, eyes on
the two newcomers as Tom walked over to them with Harry. “That was different,”
Poppy muttered rather darkly.
“They're trainable, would you believe it?” Harry joked, smiling. “I saw that,
Dray.”
“Damn,” the blond Slytherin muttered, putting his wand away as the others
around him chuckled. The tension in the room relaxed almost immediately.
“Miss Perks, I am assuming that Poppy has brought you down here because you
have made a decision?” Tom inquired coolly.
“Yes, Professor,” the Hufflepuff agreed.
Tom nodded and cocked an eyebrow at the mediwitch. “Poppy, how in Merlin's name
did you find your way down here?”
“Harry told me how,” the nurse replied evenly, meeting the teal eyes calmly.
“Why? Don't trust me?”
“Oh, stop it.” Harry snorted, rolling his eyes and glancing back at the circle.
“Poppy is a supporter, and a friend of my bastard of a lover,” he added,
jerking his thumb at the Dark Lord, who scowled. “Sally-Anne is joining us with
Michael. Good timing.” The last sentence was aimed at the two witches.
“Good.” Poppy nodded firmly.
Harry smiled. “Poppy, if you could please take a seat next to Sevvie?”
“Potter...” Severus growled as he conjured a chair for the matron.
Harry winked at him before turning back to Sally-Anne. “Sally-Anne, if you
could stand with Michael, please?”
Sally-Anne gave the Boy-Who-Lived a nervous smile. “Just Sally's fine, Harry,”
she mumbled before hurrying over to where Michael stood.
Tom and Harry traded looks before they returned to their original places.
“Sally, I was just telling Michael here that, unlike old Voldie's Death Eaters,
we don't have our Dark Marks branded into our arms, but worn around our necks.
I showed you my necklace before.”
“Yeah.” Sally-Anne nodded. She seemed to be relaxing a bit. Probably because
she had realized that Harry had a good handle on the people around them, and
she trusted Harry.
Harry nodded, all smiles and softness leaving him rather suddenly. “The Juniors
aren't all that active in things like raids, unless a member wishes to be. For
the most part, we gather information, spread rumours, and sabotage things, like
the plans of the Order of the Phoenix.”
'And confuse them.' Gin added brightly.
“The Juniors don't get to confuse the Order, that's our job,” Tom replied
evenly.
'Then you and your lot suck.'
“What are you two, five?” Harry enquired, rolling his eyes while many of those
in the circle around them covered smiles. Even the two inductees were fighting
amusement. “Great Merlin. Gin, you know the Death Eaters are in a better
position to confuse Dumbles than us, so can it. Marcus, behave or I'll smack
you.”
“How undignified,” the Dark Lord replied highly while Gin coughed quietly into
a hand.
Harry turned around and smacked Tom's arm with an annoyed look, which drew
laughter from the circle. “See what you've done?”
“You're the one that wants your meetings to be friendly,” Tom replied brightly.
“Shut it, bastard,” Harry growled. “Don't make me turn him loose on everyone,”
he added in a slightly louder voice to his people. The room silenced
immediately, causing both Sally-Anne and Michael to give Tom wary looks. Harry
just shook his head helplessly. “He's not dreadfully dangerous,” he offered to
the inductees.
“I'm dangerous, but controllable,” Tom replied.
Harry let out a snort, but dropped the issue. “Back to the task at hand.” He
turned serious green eyes on the two seventh years before him. “The Dark Order
is for life. Those who defect, no matter the reason, will be killed. Percy
Weasley defected, he is dead. I hope that makes it clear.”
“Yes, sir,” Michael agreed softly while Sally-Anne nodded, eyes straying to the
Dark Lord on Harry's left occasionally.
'You have three people to answer to.' Gin cut in sternly, drawing the attention
to herself. 'Voldemort, who runs the Dark Order, Harry, who is his second, and
myself, as I am Harry's second. Lucius Malfoy, who is the second of the Death
Eaters has no power over you, though he may wish otherwise, at times. So, you
only have three people you have to answer to, though I'd suggest paying
attention if someone offers you advice.'
“Your Dark Mark pendants will act as the original Dark Mark does,” Tom
continued coldly, teal eyes flicking back and forth between the wide gazes of
the two inductees. “If Harry, Voldemort, or Gin need you, they will burn.
Concentrate on the burn and it will help you find where they are. You'll often
have to apparate to get to the caller, of course, and it will, usually, be for
a meeting.”
Harry regained Sally-Anne and Michael's attention firmly as he spoke again,
“The Juniors are different from the Death Eaters in many ways. The pendants and
our obligations being two of them. Another is that we don't run things with an
iron fist in here. All disagreements are forgotten in the light of any
business; if I catch any Junior fighting during a meeting or when they are
discussing a job or anything else pertaining to this group, I promise I will
use an iron fist and adopt some of Voldemort's methods while I'm at it. It
won't be pretty and, then, Michael, yes, it will hurt.”
Both teens had paled and nodded carefully. “Understood,” Sally-Anne replied in
a weak voice.
“Good.” Harry offered both inductees a thin smile. “You know our laws. Do you
still wish to become Juniors?”
“Yes,” Sally-Anne replied firmly.
Michael nodded, seeming to shake himself from his stupor. “Very much so, yes.”
Harry handed a necklace to Gin and both slipped the chains around the two
newest Juniors' necks. “Before you sit down, I have one other thing to give
you,” Harry murmured, frowning as he went through his pockets.
Tom smirked and dangled three charm bracelets in front of the younger wizard's
face. “Looking for these, dear?”
Harry scowled and snatched the bracelets from his hand. “Stop stealing my
things, prat,” he muttered darkly before refocusing on Sally-Anne and Michael
and holding out two bracelets for them to take. “Charm bracelets. They're
uniform for the Juniors. I buy this round, you buy any replacements or anything
else you want. They all have spells on them to make them visible only to their
wearer while you have them on. I'd suggest never taking them off, personally,
and I can attest to the fact that they can save your life. Ask one of the
others what each charm does, or come to me later.”
“Pretty...” Sally-Anne decided, slipping hers on. Michael put his on quietly.
Harry smiled. “I rather thought so. You two may sit.” He stepped over to where
Poppy sat, holding out the third bracelet to her. “We decided you could
probably benefit from one as well, Poppy.”
Poppy looked both surprised and grateful as she took the bracelet. “Thank you,
both of you.” She nodded to Harry and Tom.
“Of course,” Tom replied as Harry walked back across the circle. “It only seems
fair, since both Herm and Nev have them as well, and they aren't members.”
“Some things are important for many people,” Harry murmured as he returned to
the centre of the circle. “Now that our new members are all sorted, let's go
back over a few things that they need to know. First, I was inducted into the
Order of the Phoenix last weekend,” Harry said calmly, glancing around the
circle. “Remus and Severus are also Order members, as are the elder Weasleys
who are Juniors.
“Second, and probably the most important is the identity of Marcus, which you
should probably know, Sally, Michael,” Harry added before glancing at the Dark
Lord, who had remained standing next his original seat in the circle. “Tom?”
Tom morphed into his human form of Tom Riddle. Both Sally-Anne and Michael
gasped in horror as the chilling red eyes slipped over them. “I believe you
know me best as Lord Voldemort,” he offered.
“Or Voldie,” Seamus offered cheerfully.
“Finnigan, are you drunk?” Tom inquired lightly of his student.
Seamus gave Harry a wary look. “...no...”
“SEAMUS!!” Harry roared, making everyone jump. “Out,” he hissed, pointing at
the exit to Gryffindor. “I will talk with you later.”
Seamus let out a squeak and fled while Harry scowled at his retreating back.
“One more rule,” Tom offered in a rather amused tone. “Never come to a meeting
pissed.”
Blaise let out a sigh. “I told him you'd catch him,” he offered to the green-
eyed teen in the centre of the circle as everyone calmed back down again.
“Would you like me to talk to him?” Tom inquired lightly.
“No!” Harry and Blaise cried at the same time, both turning their gazes on the
Dark Lord.
“Sit and be quiet before I put the Full Body-Bind on you,” Harry ordered the
Dark Lord sharply, scowling. “And stop threatening my Juniors.”
“Yes, Mum.” Tom snorted, rolling his eyes and sitting with a smile.
“Bastard.” Harry snorted, looking back at the group in front of him. “Remus, do
you have any reports to make?”
The werewolf gave his godson a contemplative look before shaking his head.
“Nothing you don’t already know.” He shrugged as Harry scowled again. “What
about Sirius?”
The green-eyed wizard sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not in his
personality to become more than a supporter for us, and we’re pushing it enough
as it is when it comes to trusting people who aren’t sworn in,” The teen
murmured. However, upon seeing the looks on Hermione, Neville, and Poppy’s
faces, he quickly continued, “Not that I don’t trust you three, I do, with my
life, but I do feel safer only passing our secrets on to the Death Eaters and
Juniors.”
“We understand, Harry,” Poppy said with a smile. Both Hermione and Neville
nodded in agreement.
“Thanks.” Harry smiled thinly. “Sirius is a good man, and extremely loyal.
Remus, your take? You’ve known him longer.”
Remus tugged on his chin. “You’ve got the gist of it. He’ll support you, Harry,
but I can’t really see him ever joining. I wouldn’t quite trust him with every
little secret, either, since his temper could flare and he might give you
away,” the man replied honestly after a moment’s thought.
Harry nodded. “I leave it up to you to share your current position with him, or
not, as you choose. In fact–” Harry’s eyes raked over the group in the room
coolly, “–I leave it up to everyone in here to share your position as a member
of the Dark Order with whomever you please, I just ask that you not give other
names or the name of our group to them. I do want you all swaying people to our
side. If telling them your position will truly gather them into the fold,
wonderful. Just, be careful.” He gave Michael a sharp look and the boy
flinched. “The world has ears and eyes, and this school is a rather dangerous
place to open your mouth and speak about anything.”
‘Does anyone have any reports to make?’ Gin enquired.
“Our last meeting wasn’t so very long ago,” Blaise pointed out. “The most
exciting thing that has happened between now and then was your godfather
returning.”
“Yeah.” Draco scowled. “What was up with that?”
Harry grinned. “Was widdle Dwaco scawed?” he teased in a baby voice. Everyone
laughed and even Draco had to fight a smile. “No, seriously?” Harry sobered.
“Apparently the Veil kicked him back out again at the end of last year and he
was admitted to St Mungo’s, since he was unconscious. He woke up yesterday and
Dumbles sent for me.”
“And then they got into a fight over Marcus, but managed to patch things up,”
Remus offered with a smile.
“Who’d fight over him?” Pansy asked in an amused voice.
Tom scowled while everyone laughed again. “It’s a good thing I’m not insulted
by that, Miss Parkinson.”
“Harry’s better-looking anyway,” Parvati threw in, waving a hand dismissively.
Harry grinned. “Me and my ‘rather fine’ arse, as I recall.”
“Why don’t you turn around so we can get a good look at that arse of yours?”
Padma suggested, winking.
“Is this a meeting, or a modelling show?” Remus enquired, which send all of the
students into gales of laughter. Tom was shaking his head with a smile while
both Severus and Poppy hid grins.
“Finally someone asks the question I’ve been wondering about for months.”
“Good evening, Salazar,” Harry called cheerfully. Everyone else but Tom gazed
at the ghost warily. “Godric went out earlier.”
“Why should I care?”
:I really don’t know why you’re still trying, Harry,: Tom commented. :You know
they’re never going to work anything out.:
Harry shrugged helplessly while Salazar glared at his Heir. “Did you need
something, Salazar?”
The Founder glanced back at Harry. “Yes, actually. McGonagall was looking for
you, little Gryffindor. That little monster you’ve adopted sent her to the
library, saying you were probably either there, or in the Slytherin commons.”
“Not my room?” Tom inquired.
“That was the first place she would have checked,” Harry murmured. “Very well.
Thank you, Salazar. I’ll be sure to thank Ula next time I see her as well.” He
glanced around at the serious faces surrounding him. “If that is all?”
“Yes, I believe so.” Tom nodded, standing. “Meeting adjourned.”
“Come here, Marvolo,” Salazar ordered as everyone got to their feet.
“Uh oh.” Harry grinned at Tom. “Have fun with Salazar, love.”
“Enjoy your time with Minerva,” the Dark Lord shot back.
“Of course.” The teen waved at his lover before falling into step with Draco,
Blaise, and Pansy. “Hey, ‘Bini, could you tell Seam I’ll chat with him
tomorrow?”
“Oh, can I watch?” Draco inquired.
“No, Draco, you may not,” Blaise cut in. “Of course I’ll tell him, Harry. In
fact, I think I’ll go find him now.”
“Have fun,” Harry offered as the Slytherin took off at a jog.
“Sure thing!”
Pansy draped an arm over Harry’s shoulders as they started down the damp
corridor that led from Godric’s room to the rest of the dungeons. “So, sexy,
you been showing those Gryffs your very fine arse lately?”
“No, his jeans are probably just too tight.” Draco snorted, smirking. “Marcus
is the only person he’s been showing his arse to.”
Harry slung his arms around both of their shoulders and drew them close in a
sort of huddle. “But Marcus doesn’t compliment my arse like the ladies do.
Shall I get a girl on the side who will appreciate me, do you think?”
“Mmm. I’m willing,” Pansy offered slyly. “And I’ll bet Dray is, too.”
“Do I look like a girl to you?” Draco growled.
“Yes,” Pansy and Harry chorused before breaking out into sniggers.
“It’s those beautifully shaped cheekbones of yours,” Harry offered.
“And those gorgeous silver eyes,” Pansy added.
“And that silky blond hair that you just have to run your fingers through.”
Harry sighed, tugging on the blond’s hair.
“Okay, enough.” Draco pulled away from his friends, scowling. “You’re very
funny.”
“We know,” they chorused again before laughing.
“I despise you both. You’re horrible people. Get out of my sight. If I see you
again, I may have to resort to something illegal.”
“He’s sure told us, hasn’t he, Pan?”
“Sure has! I’m so scared I think I may have wet myself!”
“I know! Look at this, my knees are trembling!”
“Uhg.” Draco groaned and shook his head helplessly. “Harry, I thought you were
trying to find a girlfriend.”
“Oh, yeah.” Harry shrugged and grinned at Pansy. “So, what do you say? Go hide
in some shadows and feel each other up? I promise not to tell your parents if
you promise not to tell Marcus.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“Of all the ridiculous things I’ve heard you say over the years, Mr Potter,
this tops them all!” a voice said sharply from behind the group.
Harry and Pansy turned, still with their arms around each other’s shoulders,
grinning, while Draco burst out laughing next to them. “Hullo, Professor
McGonagall. How are you this fine evening?”
McGonagall scowled at the students. “What are you three doing wandering about?”
“Checking the corridors for the minions of evil that are plotting to take over
the school as we speak,” Harry informed the Deputy Headmistress with a straight
face. “Dray can fill you in while Pan and I go check that dark corner over
there.”
“Minions of evil indeed.” McGonagall snorted, shaking her head in amusement
while Pansy howled in laughter and Draco tried to calm himself. “Where do you
come up with these things, Potter?”
“Afternoon cartoons,” Harry replied brightly. “Aunt Petunia let me hang out in
front of the telly during my suspension. It was loads of fun, especially since
Saber’d never seen any sort of programme before.” Draco started laughing again.
“Did you need one of us for something, Professor?” Harry finished, grinning.
“Yes.” McGonagall nodded. “I was hoping to have a word with you in my office.”
“What have you done this time, Harry?” Pansy asked in mock exasperation,
slipping from Harry’s grasp.
Harry gave the young witch a horrified look. “Do you think she found out about
the...the you-know-what?” he asked in a loud whisper.
Pansy’s face slipped into a mask of matching horror. “Oh no…” she moaned before
looking at the Deputy Headmistress with a pleading look. “Professor, please
don’t punish Harry for that. It’s my fault, I swear on it. He was just in the
wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Right place, right time, wrong person,” Draco clarified, having gathered
himself. As McGonagall turned to him, an amused smile on her face, Draco’s
expression changed to one of panic. “I swear I had nothing to do with it!”
McGonagall gave Harry an exasperated look. “Oh, come along then, you little
trouble-maker.”
Harry laughed as the two Slytherins broke out into matching mischievous smiles.
“The Professor doesn’t trick easy, I suppose.” He shook his head with a sigh.
“Oh well. I’ll see you two tomorrow, then.”
“See you, Harry!” Pansy called happily, grabbing Draco’s arm and leading him
down the hall to the Slytherin dorms.
“Don’t let her change you too much, Har!” Draco added, a laugh colouring his
voice.
Harry shook his head, smiling. “Hullo, Professor McGonagall.”
McGonagall smiled and motioned for Harry to walk beside her as she started from
the dungeons. “You’re a difficult person to find, Mr Potter. It seems that, no
matter where I look, I’ve just missed you.”
“Colin said something like that the other day, actually. I suppose it’s just a
big school.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “Or I’m just very good at hiding
when I don’t wish to be found.”
“The latter, I’m sure,” McGonagall agreed. She glanced at him curiously. “Have
you three been up to no good?”
“Pan, Dray, and me?” Harry asked. McGonagall nodded. “No. Dumbles made me swear
to stay out of trouble, actually.”
“And you’re listening to him?” the woman asked with no mild shock.
Harry shrugged. “Yeah. Testing his patience is fun and all, but I don’t much
care to find out how he’d handle me right now. Anyway,” his lips curled up at
the edges coolly, “Sirius is probably more than making up for my lack of
pranks.”
“Indeed he is,” McGonagall agreed, pausing before a picture Harry had never
really noticed before. “Change is inevitable.”
“Quite,” the portrait, a young woman with flowing black hair, agreed before the
picture frame jumped open.
“Your rooms?” Harry inquired softly as his professor motioned him in. He
watched for her nod before pausing just inside the portrait hole to look
around.
The sitting room was done in greens and blues, the stone walls painted a colour
that was somewhere between green and blue. All of the tables were done in a
dark wood that shone, as if recently cleaned. The floor wasn’t carpeted, unlike
Tom’s rooms, but plain stone. There wasn’t really anything personal seated
around the room, though there was a large bookcase along one wall, filled with
books that were mostly on transfiguration, thought there were also some on
other subjects that were taught at the school. The fireplace had a fire burning
merrily within it and a picture of McGonagall and a younger man that looked
like her with their arms around one another in a friendly manner sat on the
mantle. From the part of the kitchen Harry could see through the gap beneath
and above the swinging door, it was done in pale green with white wood
cabinets. The bedroom door was closed, so Harry couldn’t see in there.
“Nice,” Harry decided, nodding. “You like green?” He glanced back at his
teacher, smiling when she grimaced.
“Yes. At least I know you won’t think any less of me for it, hm?” she shot back
teasingly before smiling. “Have a seat. Would you like anything to drink?”
“Some pumpkin juice would be wonderful, yes,” Harry decided, settling himself
in a dark green armchair and grinning when he sunk down into it.
McGonagall set a cup of pumpkin juice on the end table next to Harry’s chair
and sat in a blue chair across from him with a cup of tea. “Comfortable?” she
inquired teasingly.
“Oh, yes. I never took you for the type to have chairs that would eat the
person who sits in them, but I suppose it allows you to torture visitors
without them getting away,” the teen replied brightly, taking a sip of his
juice.
McGonagall laughed. “Well, you’re here to talk, not be tortured.”
Harry let his head fall to one side, a curious expression talking over his
face. “What about, Professor?”
McGonagall smiled slightly. “You’re in my private rooms, Mr Potter. Surely you
can refer to me as Minerva.”
Harry blinked slowly once before speaking again, “Then you shall have to call
me Harry, I think...” He paused while McGonagall nodded. “This is about Albus
wanting me to ‘befriend’ the staff, isn’t it?”
“To a certain degree, yes,” McGonagall agreed, nodding again. “But I’d like to
get to know you better anyway. As you said on Saturday, you’re all adults now.”
The teen smiled faintly. “True...” He glanced at the photograph on the
fireplace’s mantle again. “That picture, who’s that with you?”
McGonagall twisted in her chair so she could glance at the picture as well. “My
brother, Reynold. He’s living in France right now with his boyfriend, Jeff.”
She glanced back at Harry, who looked contemplative. “I suppose you could say
he’s my best friend.”
Harry nodded slowly. “Do you miss him?”
“I suppose...” McGonagall shrugged. “We keep in contact, and I’m, actually,
just glad he’s out of You-Know-Who’s reach.”
“Oh, yeah, Voldemort.” Harry sighed, ignoring the Transfiguration Professor’s
shudder at the name. “Almost forgot about him.”
McGonagall gave him an amazed look. “However did you manage that?”
“Forgetting about Voldemort?” The witch nodded, shuddering again. “Lack of
activity? Mind on other things?” Harry shrugged. “Wishful thinking?”
“I suppose.” McGonagall sighed.
Harry cocked his head to one side again, gazing at McGonagall. “Minerva, why do
you shudder when someone says ‘Voldemort’?”
The professor frowned at her student. “I always have.”
“But, so many people say his name now: Albus, Sirius, Remus, Herm, Marcus, Gin,
Fred, George, Nev, Mad-Eye, Tonks, Poppy, myself...”
“You, Sirius, Remus, and Albus have never feared the name, and you’ve been
rubbing off on everyone else,” McGonagall replied with a dark look.
“I suppose. Still, it does seem foolish to be afraid of a name.” Harry
shrugged. “It’s not like old Voldie’s going to suddenly appear out of thin air
because you’ve spoken his name.”
The Deputy Headmistress smiled faintly. “That’s true, but it doesn’t mean I’ll
ever be comfortable with that name.”
“Suit yourself.” The teen sighed helplessly with a shrug.
McGonagall pursed her lips. “Whatever happened to the DA? I haven’t found
anyone running to their dorms right before curfew this year.”
“Oh.” Harry grinned. “Competent teacher. We agreed no one really needed it this
year, since Marcus actually knew what he was talking about and could teach the
material.”
McGonagall smiled. “I see. And what about next year? Do you think they’ll have
a competent teacher?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” The teen nibbled on his lower lip. “He might be adequate.
At least, I hope he is. Mad-Eye seems to think he’ll be okay, at least.”
The witch chuckled as Harry offered her a small smile. “You’ll do fine, of that
I have no doubt. You’re more than qualified for the position. After all, it’s
not like you’ve never had any practice before at teaching those younger than
you how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts.”
Harry nodded. “I know, but that doesn’t make me feel much better.”
“The students already know and respect you,” McGonagall added. “And you know
them. That’s a greater advantage than most of the other Defence Professors we
get.”
“Oh, but everyone always knows me,” Harry muttered, rolling his eyes.
McGonagall chuckled again. “But you’re right, I do have an advantage, I guess.
I know them, they know me, and Marcus has been giving me some tips on some of
the students. Like, I now know that Rose Zeller in Hufflepuff and Geneva
Shepard in Ravenclaw should never be paired together because they’re best
friends and don’t allow their full potential to show through, in fear of
hurting one another.”
McGonagall smiled, nodding. “That would make sense. I’m lucky to not have them
in the same class, myself.”
“Not that it would make much difference. They’re only in third year. We don’t
start learning how to transfigure other people until sixth,” Harry replied with
a smirk.
The Transfiguration Professor snorted. “Indeed.” She shook her head. “Are you
going to continue the DA? It was a useful group.”
“I may make a club out of it, I suppose,” Harry said thoughtfully. “It would be
open to all of the Houses, of course, but I’d probably have a year limit,
though I don’t know what that might be. I’d need help, what with so many more
students than I’m used to teaching, but I’m sure I could get help, if I needed
it.”
“Kind of like the Duelling Club of five years ago?” McGonagall suggested
lightly.
“Oh, Merlin, no!” Harry shuddered. “I lived through that mistake once, and I
don’t ever plan on seeing it again.”
McGonagall chuckled. “No. I suppose not. You could ask Severus, though.”
“Yes, and I probably will, if only to get more Slytherins to come.” Harry
tapped on his chin. “Perhaps Professor Flitwick? I heard he was a good
duellist.”
“Yes. He may be willing to help you,” McGonagall agreed. “In fact, he’d
probably be delighted that you asked him.”
“Probably,” Harry agreed wryly. “Anyone else? The more people I have, the
better.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I know Herm would love to help,
babies or no...”
“Will she be remaining here next year?” McGonagall inquired, surprised.
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “I got Albus to allow that, but she doesn’t know it yet.
Which reminds me, I still have to talk to Madam Pince about Herm helping her
out in there.”
“I’m sure Miss Granger will find herself welcomed by any of the staff, if she
wishes to give her help.”
“And I’m sure many of the staff won’t mind babysitting,” Harry agreed, eyes
glinting with mischief.
“We’ll have to, won’t we?” McGonagall chuckled. “Back to the DA. Will you be
keeping the same name?”
“I don’t know. I could call a quick meeting of current members and ask.
Well...” Harry frowned. “I would call a meeting, but no one’s supposed to know
I’ll be teaching here next year.”
“Ask anyway,” McGonagall suggested. “Ask them if you think it would be worth
continuing the DA at Hogwarts even after you’ve all graduated. I’m sure they’d
be glad to come back and help you teach it on days that they have free. Or you
could hold the club over the weekends, so many people can come.”
“Even Order members?” Harry replied, grinning.
“Perhaps. There’s always something we could use practice on, after all,” the
Deputy Headmistress agreed, also smiling.
“That’s an idea. I’ll think about it.” Harry nodded. “Thank you, Minerva. I
hadn’t really given that much thought. It would be a good way to allow
everyone, student or graduate, a chance to get some extra practise in. And,
Albus could use that as an excuse to get reports in a more discreet method.”
“What, you don’t think it’s discreet enough to be wandering off once a month
for a meeting?” McGonagall laughed.
“And have random people attempting to sneak up to his office all the time.”
Harry snorted. “I do notice them, you know, and I doubt I’m the only one.”
“You have a point. We could hold meetings at the school after the club breaks
up.”
“Oh, and not leave the school undefended when both you and Albus need to leave,
you mean?”
“Yes.” McGonagall scowled at Harry, who smirked in response. “You’re nothing
but trouble, Harry Potter.”
“So I’ve been told,” the green-eyed wizard agreed brightly. McGonagall laughed.
“I’ll discuss it with Albus tomorrow or Thursday, I guess.”
“You could bring it up at the meeting on Saturday, you know.”
“I could.” Harry nodded slowly. “But I want to run it past Albus first, lest he
find it a bad idea and disagree.”
“I can see that, I suppose. Of course, you also want everything hacked out,
first, don’t you?” McGonagall teased.
“Yeah, I suppose so.” Harry grinned. “If I have a clear-cut idea, people will
be more likely to agree with it, right?”
“Right.” McGonagall pulled a pocket watch from the pocket in her robe and
frowned. “I should send you back to the common room now.”
“Oh, alright.” Harry sighed and stood. “It’s been fun talking with you,
Minerva.”
“Likewise, Harry,” McGonagall agreed, also standing. “We should do this again.”
“I agree,” Harry decided. “It’s nice being able to discuss next year with
someone.”
“You don’t talk about it with Marcus?” McGonagall asked, concern sliding
through her voice.
“Oh, we talk about it, yeah.” Harry shrugged. “But when I talk about next year
with him, it can get depressing.” The teen shrugged. “Not seeing each other as
much and all, you know?”
McGonagall was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, her manner that of
someone who didn’t really wish to say what she was saying. “Invite him to the
club thing, if Albus okays it, I mean. Then you’ll know you’ll be seeing him
every weekend, at least.”
Harry nodded slowly, frowning at his Head of House. “Why is it you dislike
Marcus so much, if you don’t mind me asking?”
McGonagall gave the teen a started look. “He just... reminds me of someone who
I knew once that I had some problems with while I was at Hogwarts.”
“Who does he remind you of?” Harry asked curiously.
McGonagall paused for a moment before replying. “Tom Riddle.”
Harry’s eyes widened. “You would have been in school with him, wouldn’t you
have?” he murmured in a thoughtful voice.
“Yes.” McGonagall sighed. “I was in fourth year when he graduated.”
Harry nodded. “Sounds like fun. I’m glad I wasn’t in school with him, at any
rate.”
McGonagall let out a faint laugh. “Understandable.”
Harry took that as his cue to leave and offered her a smile. “Riddle’s a
bastard; whatever stupid thing he did, don’t let it bother you, that’s my
suggestion. I’ll see you tomorrow, Minerva.”
McGonagall nodded. “Very well. Don’t stay up too late, now, Harry.”
“Nah. Straight to bed with me. If I don’t beat Sirius up, he pranks me,” Harry
replied with a grin and a wink. Then he stepped out of the room and into the
hallway, allowing the picture to swing shut behind him.
                                --------------
“Hullo, everyone!” Harry called, stepping into the Room of Requirement and
grinning at the gathered DA.
“Harry, is there a reason you’re calling us all? I have other things I could be
doing, you know,” Zacharias Smith growled.
Harry’s smile chilled. “I never said you had to come, Zacharias. That was a
choice you made all on your own. If you have something you’d rather be doing,
be my guest. I’m not holding you here,” the Boy-Who-Lived offered in a cold
voice, gaze cutting through Zacharias like a knife.
“Any other complaints?” Hermione asked mildly from where she sat at the front
of the room. Everyone shook their heads while Harry slid up to the front of the
room.
“Just asking,” Zacharias muttered. “We did agree not to meet this year, since
Brutús actually knows what the fuck he’s doing.”
‘Yeah, why are we meeting, big brother?’ Gin asked.
“Wait, you mean Harry’s the only one who’s got any idea?” Hermione asked,
giving Harry an odd look.
“Yeah.” Harry scowled at his best friend. “What’s that look for? Do I have to
run everything I do past one of the two of you before I do it now?”
Hermione and Gin traded looks. “‘Yeah.’” they chorused, getting a laugh from
most of the members of the DA.
“Figures.” Harry rolled his eyes helplessly before holding up his hands for
attention. “Look, I called this meeting to talk about next year, okay.”
“Do you think we’ll have a bad professor next year, Harry?” Dennis Creevey
asked in concern.
“No.” Harry shook his head and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. “In fact, I
know who will be teaching here next year, and he should be fine.”
Those DA members who were also Juniors traded looks as the room filled with
noise.
“Who is it, Harry?” Ernie MacMillan called over the other voices.
Harry smiled slightly. “I’ve been forbidden to tell you, actually. Just trust
me when I say he should be adequate.”
“Why should we care who’s teaching here next year?” Terry Boot sneered. “We’re
graduating.”
“My little brother is starting next year, Terry,” Ernie shot back sharply. “I
want to know he’ll actually learn things.”
“Guys, guys!” Hermione called sharply while Harry shook his head with a pained
look. “What are you, three? Let Harry say what he needs to say. For all we
know, it does have something to do with us, Terry, seventh years or not.”
“Good point. Just because we’ve left Hogwarts doesn’t mean we can’t come back
or that it won’t affect us,” Leana Moon agreed from her spot next to her best
friend, Sally-Anne Perks.
“I’m going into the Department of Magical Games and Sports after Hogwarts,
Leana, so excuse me if I don’t think much will affect me that happens at
Hogwarts.”
“With Voldemort on the loose, Hogwarts is the safest place in all of the United
Kingdom to be,” Neville offered in a quiet voice, startling quite a few people.
Everyone turned to stare at him in shock, except a few Juniors and Hermione who
knew better, by then, to be surprised by his speaking up or speaking the name
of the Dark Lord. “I think, Terry, that no matter where you go after this,
Hogwarts will still be important to you.”
“Well said, Nev.” Harry nodded. “At any rate, this won’t just be affecting you
all. This will be affecting everyone who’s ever been at Hogwarts, and even some
people who have gone to other Wizarding schools.”
‘Okay, what sort of crazy scheme are you concocting this time, Harry?’ Gin
asked with a mildly annoyed look.
“I was talking with Professor McGonagall yesterday and she mentioned the DA,
which got us to thinking about making it into a club for the whole school, like
Lockhart’s Duelling Club,” Harry replied, smiling at the many winces that
appeared in response to his reminder of five years before. “When we thought
about keeping the same name or not, McGonagall suggested mentioning it to the
current DA, perhaps even going so far as to set up the club on weekends and
inviting old members who have graduated to attend the meetings, in case they
wish to learn more or even just help teach the class.”
“You’re going to make it open to everyone that’s ever been to Hogwarts? Ex-DA
member or not?” Dean whispered in awe.
“Yes, actually, that was the basic idea.” Harry nodded. “So I brought the idea
to Dumbles during lunch and he thought it was a grand one, so the club will be
set up for next year.” Everyone cheered.
“Do we have to come up with a new name, Harry?” Orla Quirke, a fourth year
Ravenclaw, asked in a pleading voice once the noise had died.
Harry let out a sigh and leaned back against the wall behind him. “Yes, we do.
Let me explain what I want to do with the DA for next year and perhaps you’ll
get a clearer picture,” the teenaged leader suggested, smiling when everyone
nodded, settling down in their seats, in case the explanation took a while. “I
likened next year’s group to the Duelling Club because that’s what it’s going
to turn out like. It will be advertised for all students, even Slytherins, and
all witches and wizards in the United Kingdom, no matter their education–“
“Even Death Eaters?” Lavender Brown asked coldly.
“If they have the Dark Mark, we will have to consider not letting them in, but,
if they are clean, we have no right to deny them entrance,” Harry replied
firmly. “Knowledge of Dark spells makes not a Death Eater.”
“That’s true.” Michael Corner nodded. “Aurors have to learn quite a few Dark
spells in their training so they will recognise them.”
“And they used the Unforgivables in the first war against Voldemort and the
Death Eaters to even the score,” Hermione offered.
“Some did, but not everyone,” Neville muttered.
“Oh, that’s true.” Hermione inclined her head towards Neville in an apologetic
manner. The Heir offered her a brief smile in response.
Harry smiled at the group in front of him fondly. “Come on, everyone, you’ve
got the basic idea of what I’m planning. Do you have any other ideas?
Especially the name?”
‘We could go with Cho’s original idea, maybe. Defence Association?’ Gin
suggested mildly.
“We could continue calling it DA,” Colin agreed brightly.
“We could call it ‘The Duelling Club That Would Win Against Lockhart Any Day’!”
Padma Patil called.
The Room of Requirement filled with laughter at the wild suggestion as Harry
shook his head in amusement. “Perhaps something a bit shorter, Padma.”
“Duelling Association,” Luna offered in an airy voice that somehow managed to
carry over the rambunctious group seated around her.
“I second it!” Lotus Vanger, another sixth year Ravenclaw, called from the back
of the group.
‘And I third it.’ Gin added firmly. ‘We can still say DA for short, it’s a
short name, and it tells a little about the group at first glance.’
“Well put.” Harry nodded. “Excellent idea, Luna. I knew you’d come through for
me again.” He winked at the Ravenclaw, making other members laugh while Luna
just smiled faintly. “Ideas?”
“Why are you so desperate to get everything straight now?” Terry asked
suspiciously.
“I have a meeting with the staff, courtesy of Dumbles, to see which teachers
will be willing to help me set everything up next year,” Harry replied fluidly.
“The meeting is this weekend, so it’s in our best interest to get everything
hacked out today.”
“Okay, what will you be teaching?” Hermione pressed. “You’ll have to come up
with an outline.”
“Not exactly.” Harry shook his head. “The DA has never been run as a class of
any sort. I come up with what I wish to do the day of the meeting. It’s how the
DA’s always been, and always will be. What I really want to know is, who would
be willing to help me teach it? Remember that this won’t just be our
generation, but also former generations of graduates that we’ll be teaching.”
“I’ll help, of course,” Hermione said firmly.
“Count me in,” Anthony Goldstein agreed.
“Me,” Justin Flinch-Fletchley called out after trading a look with Ernie
Macmillan.
“Why not pick someone from Slytherin, Harry,” Ernie suggested. “Then you could
have one helping teacher from each House. If one of them doesn’t feel
comfortable with what they’re planning to teach that day, they can trade off
with another person from their House.”
“I think the teaching needs to be left to former DA members,” Zacharias cut in.
‘I think you need to stick your head up your ass and keep your mouth shut.’ Gin
offered sharply, turning to glare at Zacharias.
“I was planning on adding Dark Arts to the curriculum anyway; I’ll need a
Slytherin to help me,” Harry slid in soothingly. All eyes returned to him,
though Gin kept shooting Zacharias dark looks. “It’s easier to fight that which
you understand, after all.”
‘Moody clone.’ Gin complained.
“Perhaps.” Harry shrugged, smiling. “Aurors learn Dark Arts because they fight
better if they know what to expect. I know a few Dark Arts myself, and I’ve
found that it does help me against Dark Wizards, when I face them, because I
know the spells and can defend myself against them.” The silence following that
statement was stifling. “At any rate, Sally, I’ll also need your help with
this.”
“Me?” Sally-Anne whispered, a shocked expression on her face.
“Yes. And Leana. I also want to add medimagic to the curriculum, and you’re
both going to St Mungo’s after this, correct?” Both Hufflepuffs nodded. “Then
you’ll be a great help. I have no doubt that Poppy will help, but I’d like
other help as well, in case she’s called away.”
“Poppy?” Owen Cauldwell, a fourth year Hufflepuff, asked.
“Madam Pomfrey, to you,” Harry answered, eyes dancing with amusement. “Sorry. I
always seem to forget that I’m one of the few students who dares call her or
Professor Snape by their first names.”
“What about Marcus?” Hermione teased.
“You may have noticed that he lets nearly everyone get away with calling him by
his first name,” Harry replied with a wry smile.
‘Harry’s the only one who gets to call him other things.’ Gin offered, then
ducked the pillow Harry threw at her. ‘What? It’s true.’
“I’ll get you when you least expect it, you brat,” Harry threatened fondly
before returning his attention to the grinning DA. “I can’t think of anything
else, but let me know by Friday if one of you all do.” Harry grinned as
everyone nodded or gave noises of consent. “Great. We’re done, then. Go do
whatever it is you monsters like to do after dinner on Wednesdays.”
The room filled with laughter again as everyone stood and headed towards the
door.
                              -------------------
“Tell me again why you’re up this early?”
Harry scowled at his godfather. “I have a meeting to go to, Siri. I don’t think
they’ll want you there, either.”
“Well, I’m coming. Not letting you out of my sight for a moment.”
“Great.” The teen stopped before the blank wall he knew the teacher’s lounge
was behind.
“Teacher’s lounge? Is this a teacher’s meeting, Harry?” Sirius asked in a
teasing manner.
Harry ignored the man. “Trip ‘em,” he told the wall, stepping through the
entrance once it had appeared.
“Not the mutt!” Severus called out immediately.
“Told you,” Harry informed his godfather as he took the seat next to Tom and
set the small pile of notes that he’d brought with him on the table. “Morning,
love.”
“I notice you’ve left out the ‘good’,” Tom commented as he dropped a kiss on
Harry’s cheek.
“It can hardly be ‘good’ when I’m up this bleeding early, don’t you think?”
Harry shot back before offering a smile to Poppy and Severus, who were sitting
next to one another. “It’s not gonna work, Sevvie. I’ve already tried.”
“You, Harry, are a Gryffindor.”
“Therefore I, Severus, would know how to fight a Gryffindor.”
“You prank them, of course,” Sirius said happily, plopping down in the open
seat next to Harry.
“That’s how you fight a Marauder, Siri. Gryffindors need a good, solid whack
over the head,” the green-eyed teen shot back as the entrance opened again.
“Oh, good morning, Minerva.”
“Good morning, Harry.” McGonagall nodded to the young wizard and took the open
seat at the head of the table while Sirius gaped at the two. “You look a little
stressed.”
“Really?” Harry rolled his eyes and jerked his thumb at Sirius.
McGonagall offered the slightest of smiles, which appeared to catch quite a few
of the other staff members by surprise. “Did you talk to them?”
“Yes. Talked to Albus too.” Harry nodded. “Speaking of the coot, where is he?”
“You’ve noticed that you’re early for once, correct?” Tom inquired mildly.
“Shut up, you bastard.”
Tom smirked. “Albus doesn’t normally get here until it’s closer to four, you
imp.”
“Didn’t I just tell you to shut up?”
“You weren’t nice enough,” the Dark Lord replied lightly before shooting Sirius
a sharp look. “I saw that wand, Black. Put it away before I snap it.”
“He’ll just get another one,” Severus offered coldly.
“Then I’ll snap that one too.”
“Oh, you two are horrible! Where’s the higher authority when you need it?”
Harry exclaimed as the entrance opened again, this time to admit Albus.
“Speak of the chicken,” Tom muttered, sending Harry into a fit of quiet
giggles.
Albus smiled over at Harry and Sirius as he sat in his normal seat. “Good
morning, Sirius. This is a bit of a surprise.”
“He woke up while I was sneaking out. The Sleeping Draught Sevvie gave me must
not have worked.” Harry sighed, shooting a wink at the Potions Professor, who
covered a grin.
“Hey!” Sirius exclaimed, shooting dirty looks at anyone who laughed.
Albus chuckled. “We’ll make do. Any problem children?”
“Yeah. There’s this brat in my seventh years who’s an absolute nightmare,” Tom
offered immediately. Harry bit his lip to keep from grinning.
“Oh, I think I know who you’re talking about, Marcus,” Severus chimed in. “He
keeps almost exploding cauldrons in my class.”
“Nothing but trouble!” Tom agreed.
“And who is this young man?” McGonagall inquired with an annoyed look at both
professors while Harry buried his face in his arms, shoulders shaking with
laughter.
Tom and Severus traded looks before chorusing, “Sirius Black.”
The table filled with laughter at that. Sirius just scowled. “Hardly funny, I
think. It’s not like I’ve been anywhere near any of your precious cauldrons,
anyway, Snape.”
“No, Harry’s been doing too good a job of keeping you away from them,” Severus
decided as everyone calmed down.
“You two are horrible,” Harry announced.
“Why, thank you, dear,” Tom replied, fluttering his eyelashes at the teen.
Harry swatted his arm lightly.
“Any problem concerning students, then?” Albus said finally, still smiling
madly.
“Thorald’s come around, but York, Munro, and Rockwell are still going at one
another’s throats,” Hooch offered with a sigh.
“Harry?” McGonagall glanced at the youngest wizard at the table.
All eyes turned to Harry as he sighed, shaking his head. “I can try talking to
them again, I suppose, but I don’t think there’s much else I can do.”
“Then we’ll have to handle this the old-fashioned way,” Severus murmured. “Let
me know if Munro and York don’t stop this nonsense and I’ll have a word with
them.”
“I’ll deal with Rockwell, then,” McGonagall agreed as the other staff members
and Harry all nodded.
“Good. Any others? No?” Albus glanced at Harry and Tom. “Xylon and Galatea
Thorald are coming by today to have that conference with you two, correct?”
“Yes. The time we set was eleven o’clock,” Harry agreed while Tom nodded.
“Ula’s supposed to join us for lunch.”
“Wonderful. Would you mind if I also joined you?” the Headmaster inquired.
“I think, Albus, it might be best if Minerva attend,” Tom offered. “She is
Ula’s Head of House, after all.”
“And mine,” Harry added. “She should be able to sooth any other worries Xylon
or Galatea might have.”
Albus glanced at McGonagall, who nodded, then smiled at the two lovers. “Very
well, then. Minerva will join you for lunch. That will be at noon?”
“Yes,” Tom agreed. “If the meeting takes longer, I’ll Floo you ahead of time,
Minerva.”
“And I have a way to contact Ula,” Harry added as McGonagall opened her mouth
to, no doubt, ask that very question.
McGonagall smiled faintly. “Then I’ll leave this in your capable hands.”
“All four of them, I should hope,” Tom muttered. Harry swatted his arm again as
McGonagall shot the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor a dark look.
“Good. Good.” Albus nodded, eyes twinkling. “Harry, you had something to
announce?”
Harry nodded. “Yes, thank you, Albus.” He glanced around the table, gaze
turning serious. “Minerva and I were talking on Tuesday and we got into the
subject of the DA. Minerva wanted to know if I’d start it back up again next
year, since I’ll be the Defence teacher. It turned out to be a good plan, and
Albus okayed it, so I ran it by the current members of the DA. The club will be
an official Hogwarts’ club and be held on the weekends. It’s going to be open
to all students and any witch or wizard who has graduated from a wizarding
school that now resides in the United Kingdom.”
“Any witch or wizard?” Firenze asked.
“We’re not discriminating, though it was decided that those with the Dark Mark
will be treated on a case-by-case basis,” Albus offered.
Harry nodded. “This is more so that we can learn a little bit of everything,
and those who don’t always get a chance to practice their duelling skills can
practice. Voldemort is back, and we need to be prepared,” the teen said coolly.
“At any rate, we’ll need staff to help keep things under some form of control.
Poppy, I’d like your help, since both Albus and I agree that basic medimagic
skills are essential to everyone. Severus, I’d like your help to draw the
Slytherins in.”
Poppy nodded. “You’ve spoken to Sally, I assume?”
“Yes. And Leana Moon. Both would be pleased to help,” Harry agreed.
“I suppose I will help you,” Severus decided.
“Yeah. I’m not Lockhart,” Harry offered innocently, pulling a round of laughter
from the members of the staff around the table.
“Thank Merlin for that,” the Potions Professor agreed sincerely.
“Indeed.” Harry turned to Flitwick. “Professor Flitwick, would you be willing
to help as well?”
The dwarf almost fell out of his chair. “Delighted!”
“Great.” Harry grinned. “Anyone else who wishes to come is, of course,
welcomed. We’ll be having one former DA member in my year from each House
helping me teach any spells and run things like we normally do in the DA, which
I think you’ll catch on to pretty quickly, but for things like practise
duelling, I’ll need all the help I can get.”
“Of course,” Severus agreed. “Now, are you keeping the name as DA? I seem to
recall that standing for ‘Dumbledore’s Army,’ and I can’t see many Slytherins
agreeing with that.”
“Exactly,” Harry agreed. “It’s why I called the meeting of the DA in the first
place. The new name is the ‘Duelling Association,’ keeping 'DA' for short.”
“Gryffindors,” Tom mumbled, earning himself a jab in the side from Harry.
Albus chuckled and slowly drew the meeting towards class work, homework, and
exam, NEWT, and OWL preparations. By the time the meeting had ended, Sirius had
fallen back to sleep.
“Oh, can I wake him up?” Tom enquired evilly as the staff members collected
their things.
“Wait.” Severus pulled a vial from his pocket and shook it, eyes glinting.
“Pour this on him and stand back.”
“I have no part it this,” Harry hissed, getting out of the way as Severus
tossed the vial to Tom, who caught it. Various members of the staff paused what
they were doing to watch the two Slytherins cause trouble.
“Nope. We’ll even say you tried to stop us, love,” Tom promised, uncapping the
vial. Then, with a flourish worthy of Lockhart himself, he dumped the potion on
the Animagus’ head and jumped back out of the way.
Sirius woke with loud “Rrrrowr!” His eyes were quickly turning from grey to
yellow-green and his pupils slitting. Triangular ears poked up out of his hair
as his human-shaped ears disappeared. A long tail could be seen thrashing
around behind him as he stood, gaze shooting back and forth between Tom and
Severus, both of whom were smirking at him. “Meow!” he spat, then froze, eyes
widening in horror.
Albus was the first to start laughing. Flitwick, Sprout, Poppy, Hagrid, Hooch,
and Burbage followed his example, a few supporting themselves on the table
before them.
“Told you,” Harry offered with a shrug at the cat-man.
“Merowr, raowr!”
“Severus, give him the antidote,” McGonagall ordered, hiding a smile behind one
hand.
“I’d have to make it first,” Severus said in a helpless voice, which sent all
of the staff, including Harry, into gales of laughter.
“Well, Black, looks like you’ll be forced to lay low for a while,” Tom offered,
waving a hand at the Animagus as he slipped an arm around Harry’s waist. “Have
fun, now,” he added before leading his younger lover from the room.
Sirius shot a string of hisses and “meow”s after the two retreating forms, much
to the amusement of the staff.
“You should have stayed in bed,” Severus offered to Sirius before sweeping from
the room himself.
Everyone else in the room burst into laughter again as the Animagus let out
another string of what should have been curses.
                             --------------------
“Welcome,” Harry offered with a smile as Galatea and Xylon started up the front
steps of the school building. “Mad-Eye, I know you’re there,” he added,
glancing at where he could see the ex-Auror standing next to Xylon, hidden by
an invisibility spell.
Mad-Eye smiled at the teen and dropped the spell. “I’m making sure Xylon and
Galatea got here all right.”
“No, you’re reporting to old Dumbles about some random thing, but I’ll pretend
I believe you, for your benefit,” Harry shot back lightly before glancing at
his guests, both of whom were smiling. “I’ll lead you to Marcus’ office.”
“Potter!” Mad-Eye called out. Harry turned to him again and cocked an eyebrow
at the flask the man was holding up. “For you. Stop stealing mine,” he ordered,
then tossed the flask to the grinning teen. “You changed your hair?”
Harry’s smile slid into a smirk as he hid the flask in a robe pocket. “Marcus
hates pink,” he offered before motioning to the Thoralds and turning to lead
them into the school.
Mad-Eye shook his head with a faint smile at the retreating teen. “That boy is
a monster,” he decided, then walked into the school himself, heading for Albus’
office.
                             --------------------
“Welcome,” Tom offered with a smile as Xylon and Galatea stepped into the
office. Harry followed them in, closing the door behind himself. “I’m Marcus
Brutús.”
“I must say, we haven’t heard the best things about you,” Galatea said
haughtily, even as Xylon shook the Dark Lord’s hand.
“I’m afraid there isn’t much going around these days that is good about me,”
Tom agreed mildly, motioning for them to sit in a couple of plush black chairs
that sat before his desk. Harry slid into a third, maroon, chair that sat next
to the desk, facing the Thoralds. Tom settled in the chair behind his desk.
“We’ll chat until about noon,” Harry started, “then Professor McGonagall and
Ula will join us for lunch. Is that alright with you both?”
“That should be fine,” Xylon agreed before Galatea got the chance to disagree.
Galatea shot her husband an annoyed look before asking, “Where will you be
staying?”
“My family manor,” Tom replied easily. “It’s near Dundee and there’s plenty of
land around it for Quidditch or whatever one would like to do. I’m afraid
there’s not much to do inside, but that can be remedied, of course.”
“Ula doesn’t have a broom,” Galatea said tightly.
“I have a few Nimbus 2000s that have only been used once or twice. She’s
welcome to them, of course. I have little use for them.”
“A few of my friends will be visiting at random times over the summer,” Harry
added. “I’m sure we can throw together a few games of Quidditch. Hermione
Granger will also be staying over for most of the summer, so we’ll have her
twins to look after.”
“Miss Granger is the Head Girl, correct?” Xylon inquired.
“Yes.” Harry smiled slightly. “She’ll help make sure Ula gets her summer work
done. She’s rather good at that, actually.”
“Only rather good?” Tom grumbled. “I thought she was better than rather.”
“Well, yes…” Harry grinned over at his lover. “But I’m trying to be polite.”
“First time for everything.”
“You’re asking for it, Marcus,” the teen warned, shaking a finger in the
Defence teacher’s face.
The Dark Lord cocked an eyebrow at his younger lover. “That’s nothing new.”
Xylon was smiling at the two lovers, but Galatea didn’t look amused. “What
about any other people that will be there.”
Harry and Tom traded looks. “Just my school friends, really.” Harry shrugged.
“And perhaps the Hogwarts mediwitch, Poppy Pomfrey; she and Marcus are friends,
and I’ve been learning medimagic from her.”
Tom nodded. “I haven’t kept up with the people who I went to school with, and
most of them died in the first war anyway, so they never come over or
anything.”
“Where did you go to school?” Galatea demanded.
“Hogwarts,” the Dark Lord replied calmly. “I graduated before you were born.”
Harry smacked his forehead with the heel of his palm as Galatea gasped and
Xylon’s eyes widened. Way to shock ‘em, Tom.
I was hoping it would get her to leave me alone, Tom replied with a touch of
amusement. “Anything else, Mrs Thorald?”
Galatea pulled herself back together quickly. “Yes. How about punishments? And
rewards, of course.”
Tom twitched when Galatea mentioned punishments, but answered calmly, “If Ula
does something wrong, I will, perhaps, yell at her. If I think her actions are
deserving more than a yelling, I’ll have her sit in the corner.” He glanced at
Harry. “Unless you have any other suggestions.”
“Manual labour.” Harry grinned. “That’s what Molly does, at least. Have her
help dust the library, or something.”
Tom grimaced. “There is no ‘help’ when it comes to dusting that library. The
house-elves won’t go in there.”
“Perfect. If she decides to do something totally crazy, we’ll make her dust the
library,” Harry decided. Tom rolled his eyes.
“You have house-elves?” Galatea inquired.
“Yes.” Tom nodded. “Ten of them. Their families have been in my family for
centuries. The youngest one, Blinky, has been free for twenty years.” He smiled
at Harry’s startled look. “She asked.”
So, you’re nice to your house-elves but not, say, your Death Eaters? Harry
teased.
My house-elves need to be dependable. Anyway, my mother was always kind to
them, so they’ve always been kind to me. I like them, Tom replied indignantly.
Galatea was nodding thoughtfully. “I see. And what sort of food do your house-
elves normally make?”
Tom shrugged. “Pretty much anything. I have a rule against too much sugar in my
house, but that’s the only thing that’s restricted. If you want something to
eat, you just ask one of the house-elves and they’ll bring it to you. It’s a
lot like Hogwarts, actually.”
“That’s fine, then,” Galatea decided. “If you have to be somewhere else, what
do you plan on doing with our daughter?”
“Chances are, we won’t have to be anywhere else. I mean, I might have a meeting
of some sort to go to, but we’ll never have to leave the house at the same
time,” Harry said thoughtfully. “If that does come up...” Harry shrugged and
glanced at Tom. “Bring her to Hogwarts, I suppose. Professor Dumbledore did say
something last year about this being a safe house over the summer, in case
there’s an attack and you have nowhere else to go. He wouldn’t mind us leaving
Ula here if something comes up.”
“That’s true.” Galatea nodded. “And is there any way we can get in contact with
Ula?”
“I’m not connected to the Floo Network, for safety reasons,” Tom responded.
“But you’re welcome to send an owl whenever you feel the need to. There’s an
Owl Post office in Dundee that you’ll have to write to, I’m afraid, but we’ll
make sure to check at least once a day to see if they have anything.”
“You don’t allow owls on to your property?” Xylon enquired.
“One of my ancestors was paranoid,” Tom said, letting out a long-suffering
sigh. “There are wards up against everything, as well as Muggle repelling
charms, and we’re unplottable. Owls can’t get through, most wildlife can’t get
through, humans have to be built into the wards to be let through, you can’t
apparate in, we’re never to be connected to the Floo Network, etc. In fact,
even if someone does manage to get onto the grounds, there’s a mile of flat
land between the castle and the surrounding wall on all sides so that we can
see anyone approaching long before they get into spell-casting range.”
Harry rolled his eyes with a smile while Xylon chuckled. “At least You-Know-Who
will never be able to attack your home.”
“That’s one good thing about all those protections, yes,” Tom agreed, glancing
at Harry. “I should lock you up in there, Harry. After all, we all know you’re
the thing Voldemort wants to get his hands on the most in this world.”
“You have such a way with words, Marcus.” Harry groaned. Inwardly, he was quite
pleased, and let his lover know so with a mental hug, which was returned.
“When the list of Hogwarts school supplies come for next year comes, will you
take Ula to Diagon Alley to pick her things out?” Galatea cut in, lips pursed.
“Yes,” Harry agreed. “We can pay for the things, if you’d li–“
“No,” the witch cut in sharply. “Ula has her own back account that she will use
for her school things. I only request that you make sure she buys only what’s
on the list.”
“Of course,” Tom agreed evenly. “That won’t be a problem.”
“Good.” Galatea nodded. “Now, will you be expecting any pay for her staying at
your house?”
“No,” Harry replied with a frown. “This is just me doing a service for a
friend. It would be rude to expect you to pay for Ula to remain with us when
we’re not asking Herm to pay, and she’s got two babies. We’re not babysitting
Ula, we’re letting her stay over for the summer like one would ask a friend to
stay overnight for a sleepover.”
“So, you’re treating this like a sleepover?” Galatea inquired coldly.
“Yes,” Harry replied in an equally cold tone. He and Galatea glared at one
another while Tom looked upwards helplessly and Xylon groaned and shook his
head.
The office door opened to admit McGonagall and Ula. Both paused in the doorway,
staring at the scene. “Should we come back later?” McGonagall enquired.
Tom waved his wand, conjuring two blue chairs. “No, no, come in,” he said
before reaching over and giving the back of Harry’s head a solid ‘wack’.
“Enough.”
Harry shot his lover a dark look before turning to smile at the two newcomers.
“Good afternoon, Minerva, Ula,” he said as Tom conjured a table in the centre
of the room and motioned for everyone to move their chairs up to it, doing so
himself.
Ula gaped at Harry in surprise at his calling the Deputy Headmistress by her
given name while McGonagall shook her head helplessly. “Good afternoon, Harry,
Marcus, Galatea, Xylon.”
Ula settled in the chair closest to Harry and waited for him to scoot his chair
up before speaking. “How’d you get away with that?”
Harry winked. “My secret.”
“Aw, come on, Harry.”
“Nope.”
“Actually, he can’t tell,” Tom offered, ruffling Harry’s hair with a grin.
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to eavesdrop?” Ula demanded.
“My mother died giving birth to me, actually,” was the response. “Kinda sad,
really, but, hey! Got me out of all those things your mother’s supposed to
teach you!” Tom winked.
“That explains everything.” Harry snorted, pulling laughter from the first year
and smiles from Xylon and McGonagall.
“Like what?” Tom shot back.
“Two words, Marcus. Cleaning Charms.”
“Shut up,” the Dark Lord scowled, making Ula laugh again.
Harry winked at the adults at the table. “Marcus couldn’t cast a Cleaning Charm
properly if you burned the directions into his brain.”
“You’re in for a world of pain, you imp,” Tom warned.
“No threats at the lunch table,” Ula said, shaking her finger at the Dark Lord.
“Oh, are you my mother now?” Tom inquired, smiling at the young witch.
“Yup!”
“You’re about seventy years too late, hun.” Harry snorted as the table filled
with food, courtesy of Hogwarts’ house-elf population.
Ula giggled. “Marcus is old as dirt!”
“Yes. Thank you.” Tom scowled. “Harry, do you mind?”
“Nope, not at all,” Harry replied cheerfully. “Could you pass the potatoes,
love?”
“Where would you like them?” Tom responded just as cheerfully. “In that crazy
hair of yours, down your robe, or in your lap?”
“On my plate’s fine, actually,” the Boy-Who-Lived said with a grin as he
silently cast a Summoning Charm to call the potatoes to him.
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you to not cast a Summoning Charm at the table?”
Tom asked dryly.
“Nope. I grew up with my aunt, and she’s a Muggle,” Harry offered brightly as
he handed the potato bowl to Ula.
“That explains why your table manners are about as good as Alastor’s,”
McGonagall sighed.
“Oh, that reminds me!” Harry pulled his new flask out of his robe pocket and
snapped his fingers. Dobby appeared out of nowhere and Harry leaned over to
whisper something in his ear before handing him the flask. Dobby disappeared
with a grin.
“What was that?” Tom asked warily.
“Something Mad-Eye gave me this morning,” Harry responded happily.
With a ‘pop’, Dobby reappeared with the flask and handed it to Harry. “Here’s
you are, Harry Potter, sir,” he said excitedly.
“Thanks, Dobby,” the teen replied. He sat back up as Dobby disappeared and took
a sip of the flask. After shuddering, he said, “Just right!” and cast a spell
on the flask to keep it full.
“Please tell me that’s not what I think it is,” Tom murmured, eyeing the flask
warily.
Harry’s face lit up. “Super Secret Special Madness Formula for the Deranged!”
“Noooo...” Tom moaned, hiding his face in his hands.
“What’s that?” Ula looked at the flask curiously. “Can I have some?”
Harry smiled and slipped the flask into a pocket. “ ‘Fraid not, Ula. You’re a
little young, yet.”
“Has Albus okayed that yet?” McGonagall asked dryly. “Because, as far as I
know, students aren’t allowed to have alcohol in the school.”
“Harry!” Ula cried, eyes wide with shock.
Harry let out a loud sigh. “Oh, I’ll talk him into it, Minerva.”
“That is what I’m afraid of.” McGonagall sighed.
Tom smirked and held up the flask. “I think I’ll have to confiscate this, Mr
Potter.”
“Marcus!” Harry leaned against the man and attempted to grab the flask, which
Tom held out of his reach with ease.
To get Harry to stop, the Dark Lord leaned up and kissed the teen. “Sit. You’ll
get it back only if Albus okays it.” He glanced across the table at McGonagall.
“Sound good?”
“Yes,” the Transfiguration professor agreed.
Harry sat back in his seat with a pout. “Meanie.”
“Mmhm.” Tom nodded, leaning back and setting the flask into the top drawer of
his desk. “If you try and get that back, the next time I see it I’ll give you a
crash course in blowing alcohol up,” he added.
“Ooh! Can I watch?” Ula requested, glancing around Harry at the Dark Lord.
“Perhaps from a very safe distance,” Tom agreed, smiling.
“You’re not blowing my flask up!” Harry shouted.
“Then it’s staying in my desk until Albus okays it,” Tom replied brightly.
Xylon watched Harry and his lover bicker over the flask in the top of the
Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher’s desk with a smile. He glanced over at
Galatea, who was scowling, and settled a hand on her knee. “They'll be fine.”
“I don’t like Brutús,” Galatea growled.
“If it makes you feel any better, Galatea,” McGonagall offered, leaning over to
talk to the couple. “I have never liked Marcus, but he does his job very well
and all the students love him. He’ll have no trouble taking care of Ula, and
Harry will keep her busy.”
“You dislike him?” Galatea whispered back.
“Yes,” McGonagall agreed. “And I trust him with myself as far as I can throw
him, which we know isn’t far, but I’d trust him with the care of a child any
day.”
“So you’re telling me to leave my daughter with him?”
“No. I’m telling you she’ll be safe with him.”
Galatea glanced back over at the professor on the other side of the table
warily. It was true she didn’t listen to Ula, but she did care for her only
child, to some extent. She wasn’t good with children, that was Xylon, and
that’s all there was to it. “Very well. Ula may stay with those two,” she
decided finally. “But if I hear one complaint about them, she’s going straight
back to my father.”
McGonagall nodded faintly, also glancing back at the three on the other side of
the table. They all acted like children, throwing food at one another. Ula will
be fine.
Chapter End Notes
     First_Years: I was asked to clarify the first years at FFN, so I
     shall. *winks*(These are all the ones I’ve got down in my notebook
     for now. If they haven’t been mentioned yet, which is possible, they
     probably will be in the future.)
     Gryffindors: Enid Clough, Neal Wakeley, Storm Ambrose, Victor “Vic”
     McKinley, Ronan Rockwell, Ula Thorald
     Slytherins: Cyrus York, Morgan Munro, Juno Baddock, Iven Stanton,
     Paloma Chelton, Babette “Babs” Kern
     Hufflepuffs: Kamila “Kami” Vance
     Ravenclaws: Solita Heathcliffe
     Notes: Enid, Babs, and Kami are all friends and estranged from their
     Houses. Ronan and Ula were friends, but Ula’s friendship with Harry
     has made it very rocky. Cyrus and Morgan are best friends. Ronan and
     Ula are firmly against Cyrus and Morgan and the three always fight.
***** Chapter 46 *****
“I always thought it was stupid, though.”
“Always?”
“Well, since I read about it.”
“That was, what, ten minutes ago?”
“Shut up, Tom.”
Poppy laughed at the two. “Well, yes, it is stupid, I suppose. It's a good
self-healing spell, but it didn't ever peak in society. It was fairly
hopeless.”
“Fairly hopeless? Poppy, what sort of person carries mud around with them?”
“Well, it's useful if you fall in the mud.” Tom chuckled.
“Oh, sure. 'I'm sorry, Mr Dark Wizard, sir, but I was wondering if, when you
hex me into oblivion, you might make sure I land in that mud over there so I
can heal myself'. I can see it now.”
“No, the point is to keep away from the Dark wizards. I thought you knew that.”
“Obviously not. How many times in my life have I run into a Dark wizard?”
“Just that once, I should hope.”
“Tom, I hate to point out the obvious, but, uh, you ran into me.”
“Oh, would you two stop that already?” Poppy chuckled at them. “The spell
wasn't so useless back when the roads were made out of mud, Harry.”
“No wonder it became useless. I mean, when was the last time you saw a mud
road?”
“Hogsmeade,” Tom and Poppy chorused.
Harry scowled. “You know, I really hate you both.”
“You're the one who hands them to us.”
“Shut up, Tom.”
“Ah, memories of the days in front of the coffee shop…”
“Oh, you mean where one of us would tell the other to shut up every other
sentence?”
“Doesn't sound so pleasant when you put it like that.”
“You were asking for it.”
“You two are hopeless.” Poppy chuckled, shaking her head. “To change the topic,
Harry, do you know what Hermione is going to name the babies yet?”
“I figured you'd know, actually.”
“Oh?”
“She spends all of her time in here these days,” the teen complained.
“Well, I'm sorry,” the mediwitch replied, not sounding sorry at all. “But it's
your fault.”
“My fault?!” Harry gave her a startled look. “How is it my fault she's always
in here?”
“Come on. You read that book about magical babies. You tell me.”
Harry scowled. “All that it said was that the mother has to stop using her
magic four to five months ahead of the birth because the baby needs that magic
to create its own magical gift.”
“Exactly.” Poppy nodded. “The growing child takes the magic around it, though
mostly from the mother, and shapes it to its own gift, which is usually around
the same size as it's parents. Genetics decide that. The sooner the child has
collected the magic it needs from its mother and the magical beings surrounding
it that care for it, it can be born.”
Harry blinked a few times. “I still don't see how this is my fault.”
“Those babies are going to be born early, aren't they?” Tom enquired, leaning
forward in interest. “Because Harry and I have both been unintentionally
helping them collect the magic they need.”
“Exactly.” Poppy smiled.
“How early?” Harry whispered, eyes wide.
“We don't know,” the mediwitch admitted. “I contacted a friend at St Mungo's
about it and he's pointed out that this doesn't usually happen. We have the
three strongest wizards in the world in one place and all of them have an
interest in those children. If it wasn't twins, I'd say two to three months
early, depending on you two and Albus. In fact, normally, twins are born late,
since it takes them longer to reach the proper levels. However, it's twins, and
we have you three, so the timing is all off.”
“You think it's going to be soon,” Harry deducted. Poppy nodded wearily. “How
soon? A couple of days? Or a couple of weeks?”
“Sometime this week.”
“They'll be over a month early,” Harry murmured. “Isn't that dangerous?”
“Not for magical children,” Tom answered for the mediwitch, who nodded. “Their
magic will support them until they can support themselves.”
“Oh…” Harry scratched the back of his head. “Question?”
“Go on,” Poppy said.
“Tom and I are both Parselmouths and Metamorphmagi. Nev's also a
Metamorphmagus, he just hasn’t fully come into his gift yet. Will those gifts
be passed on to the twins as well? I mean, they are feeding off our magic…”
“I didn't even think of that…” Poppy whispered, eyes wide in shock.
“Magical gifts are so rare,” Tom agreed thoughtfully. “And, normally, I think,
the child would choose to feed off its blood family, so it would get it's gifts
from there, but it's blood family isn't here, except for Hermione...”
“It's a very good question,” Poppy decided, standing. “Do either of you mind if
I call my friend at St Mungo's? He may know something I don't.”
“Be our guest.” Harry nodded. “Now I'm curious.”
“Indeed.” Tom nodded, silently throwing his glamour back up to look like
Marcus.
Poppy threw a pinch of Floo Power into the fireplace. “St Mungo's, Resting
Room,” she said before sticking her head into the green flames. She appeared to
be speaking to someone on the other end, though neither Harry nor Tom could
make out what she was saying. It only took a few minutes before she drew back
and made room for a new person to fall through the fireplace.
Poppy's mediwizard friend was a plain-looking man with messy brown hair,
probably from his ride through the Floo, and dull blue eyes. He looked like a
man who had seen much death in his life and was weary of the world around him.
His smile was sad as he dusted of his lime-green robe. “Poppy.”
“Johnnie.” Poppy smiled. “Marcus, Harry, this is Johnnie Anderson. Johnnie,
these fellows are Marcus Brutús and Harry Potter.”
Johnnie's eyes widened at the two dark-haired wizards as they nodded politely
in greeting. “A pleasure,” he murmured before looking back at the mediwitch.
“You said you had a question?”
“Have a seat,” Poppy insisted kindly, pressing him into an armchair similar to
the one she'd been seated in before. “Tea?”
“Poppy, I can't stay more than a few minutes, you know that.”
“Of course. Tea?”
“Yes, fine.” Johnnie sighed, sounding very much like a man resigned to his
fate.
Poppy smiled and walked over to the cabinet with the tea things atop it.
“Harry, would you care to repeat your question for Johnnie?”
Harry nodded and leaned forward slightly. “We were discussing Herm's twins and
Poppy said they'd be early because of being so close to myself for such a long
period of time, since they'd been gathering my magic.” Johnnie nodded in
confirmation when Harry paused, making the teen smile slightly. “Now, I'm a
Parselmouth and a Metamorphmagus. Could the babies end up with my gifts?”
Johnnie stared at the Boy-Who-Lived for a long moment in shock. “I never even
considered that...”
“So you don't have any clue?” Tom inquired, not unkindly, as Poppy handed the
mediwizard a cup of tea and sat down in her chair again.
“No...” Johnnie shook his head. “This is such an odd occurrence as it is. Most
children are around so few people for the time they gather magic that they only
gather the magic from the parents and close family, you see,” he explained.
“It's something we insist upon on at St Mungo's, mostly for the mother's
safety. Miss Granger being at Hogwarts is already making this difficult to
predict... But, twins with such abilities when those abilities don't run in
their family...”
“Don't start in on your 'making history' spiel again, Johnnie. I fear Harry
might hex you,” Poppy suggested mildly, sipping at her tea to hide a smile.
Harry did look a little annoyed about Johnnie's word choice.
The mediwizard offered Harry an apologetic look. “I'm sorry, Mr Potter. I don't
mean to suggest your friend is an experiment or anything.”
“Of course. And, please, call me Harry. I hate being called 'Mr Potter',” the
teen replied, scrunching his nose in disgust.
“Told you you'd like him,” the only witch in the room offered.
“Poppy...” Harry rolled his eyes helplessly.
Johnnie laughed, his smile lighting up his whole face. “Indeed you did...”
They all silenced as the main ward doors banged open. “What now?” Poppy
grumbled, getting up and walking quickly to the office door.
“Poppy!” Minerva's voice called.
“Wha– Oh! Miss Granger!”
Harry and Tom traded looks before quickly getting up and following the nurse
out into the ward. Gin and Minerva were helping Hermione on to a bed. The
brunette witch looked like she was in pain. “Herm?” Harry called.
“Her water broke,” Minerva offered. “We got her down here as soon as we could.”
“Good thing I was here then, eh, Poppy?” Johnnie teased, walking around Harry
and Tom, who had stopped near the bed.
“Extremely good thing,” Poppy agreed with relief. “Harry, Marcus, Minerva,
Ginevra, I'm going to have to ask all of you to move back. We need the room.”
Tom and Minerva nodded and pulled the two students away from their friend as
Johnnie pulled the curtains around the bed. The two teachers traded looks
before herding Harry and Gin into the office. “Sit,” Tom ordered before going
to get more tea, cleaning up the cups from before as he went.
Both teens gave the closed door worried looks before settling next to one
another on the couch. 'Is she going to be okay?' Gin asked, eyes darting every
which way.
“She'll be fine,” Minerva assured the girl. “She's got two Healers helping her
right now.”
“We just need to sit tight,” Tom agreed, floating over two cups of tea for the
students and handing Minerva a third. He sat down in the chair next to Minerva
with a fourth cup. “We'll only be in the way right now. Poppy or Healer
Anderson will come and get us when it's clear.”
“You're doing nothing for my nerves,” Harry informed his lover, wrapping an arm
around Gin's shoulders and drawing the shaking girl into a half hug. “Drink
your tea, Gin. Marcus probably spiked it with a Calming Draught.”
“Of course I did,” Tom agreed, taking a sip of his own tea.
“You're admitting to drugging them,” Minerva pointed out.
“Hey, I drugged all four of us,” the Dark Lord replied playfully, smirking when
the Transfiguration professor spat out the tea she'd just sipped. “Oh, come on,
Minerva. You can't tell me this isn't trying on your nerves too.”
“Of course it is,” Harry muttered, scowling at his untouched tea while his
sister took a long swig of hers. “She just won't ever admit it.”
Minerva pursed her lips. “Of course not,” she offered before sipping at her tea
again and swallowing.
“Harry, drink your tea,” Tom ordered.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Dark Lord. “I don't want tea right now, thanks.”
'Then change it to rum and shut up.' Gin muttered, resting her head on her
brother's shoulder. 'The point is to get you to drink the stupid potion,
anyway.'
“He knows that. He's just being difficult,” Tom answered as Harry did as Gin
suggested and changed his tea into some sort of alcoholic beverage. The teen
took a sip of his drink and shuddered.
“What did you make it?” Minerva asked suspiciously.
“Firewhiskey,” Harry whispered, shaking his head. “Merlin, I keep forgetting
how strong this stuff is...”
'When have YOU had FIREWHISKEY?' Gin asked sharply.
“Mad-Eye.” Harry shrugged, drinking some more of the drink.
“Should have known...” Minerva sighed helplessly. “Only Alastor would have
given an underage student firewhiskey.”
Tom waved a hand at her. “Too late to complain now, Minerva.”
“Probably true,” Harry agreed, catching Gin's cup as it fell from her hands. “I
thought I'd sensed a Sleeping Draught in our cups.”
“I notice you only got rid of it in your own, though,” Tom replied, smiling
faintly. Minerva was shaking her head in amusement.
“She grew up with Fred and George. You'd think she'd check for these things on
her own.” Harry grinned. “Anyway, I read in that book Poppy gave me that births
can take a while. If the rest of the wait is going to be as nerve-wracking as
it started out being, I'm not sure the Calming Draught is going to cover it.
Best one of us sleep through it, I suppose.”
“But not you?” Minerva inquired, raising her eyebrows at the teenaged wizard.
“I thought you would have jumped at a chance to sleep through the stress.”
“Minerva, knowing me, I would have just stressed myself out in dreams. Better I
be awake to deal with my emotions than asleep. At least when I'm awake I have
some measure of control over them.”
“Good point.” Tom nodded. “I keep forgetting about that violate temper of
yours.”
“You know, I think I'll just let Gin at you when she finally wakes up,” Harry
decided brightly. “And she'll be furious, too.”
“Wonderful. I can't wait,” Tom replied in the same tone as his lover. Minerva
chuckled.
“Minerva?” Harry glanced over at his Head of House seriously. “Herm said she's
going to be given her own room, and Gin said she wanted to share with her. Was
that ever worked out?”
Minerva sighed. “No. Albus is wary of making them both miss so much sleep.”
Harry pursed his lips. “I'll talk to him about it, then. Not now, but
definitely before Herm moves back into the dorm.”
“Good idea,” Minerva agreed. “At least he will listen to you.”
“Albus won't listen to you anymore?” Tom asked, concerned.
“He listens to me now as much as he always has, which isn't much. He'll listen
to my ideas, but he always goes with what he thinks is best in the end.”
“Severus says he does the same thing to him,” Harry murmured thoughtfully. “Why
does he listen to me and not either of you?”
“Because you're a nightmare?” Tom suggested.
“He's scared,” Minerva replied firmly. “Scared of what you might do if he ticks
you off enough.”
Harry gave her a startled look. “Why me? It's not like there's a difference in
power between us, really. I'd be more worried about Voldemort than me.”
“Because you straddle the line,” Tom murmured thoughtfully. “You're stuck
between Light and Dark more often than he's comfortable with. If he pushes you
just right, you might just fall into the Dark.”
Minerva nodded grimly. “Harry, I know you hate being told things like this, but
you really are the deciding factor in this war. Albus and V-Voldemort are about
equal in strength. You are the only other magical person in the world today
equal to their strength.”
Harry gaped at the woman. You never told me that!
I never really thought about it that way, Tom answered with a mental shrug. At
first it may have been about gaining your strength, but, by now, I could care
less if I win this war because you're on my side or not.
“Minerva, what would Albus do if I were to join Voldemort, do you know?” Harry
enquired once he'd found his voice again.
“Win you back. Why do you think he wants you here next year?”
“He wants to keep an eye on me...” Harry groaned, hanging his head. “Oh, I feel
so stupid for not seeing all of this before... What is it with that man and
playing with my life?”
“He plays with everyone's life,” Minerva pointed out gently. “And nobody ever
likes it much, but we play along anyway.”
“We don't have a choice,” Harry agreed with a sigh. “I know.” He glanced up at
the two adults, both of which were watching him with concern. “I'm fine,
really. I'm almost used to Albus, by now.”
“You shouldn't have to be,” Tom muttered darkly. “Times like this make me wish
I could blast that old man to the moon.”
“Oh, he'd come back,” Minerva offered with a small smile.
“I know.” The Dark Lord groaned.
“He's like me,” Harry agreed brightly. Minerva laughed while Tom shot the teen
a glare.
                                       -
“Still alive?” Poppy asked, popping her head into the office.
“Barely,” Tom agreed, standing with a groan.
Harry set down the book he'd been reading and turned to wake up Gin while Tom
woke Minerva. “Wakey, wakey, little sister.”
'Wha–?'
“Marcus drugged you.”
'I'll murder him!'
“Gee, thanks, Harry,” Tom muttered. “Kill me later, Gin. Let's go see how
Hermione is.”
'Herm?' Gin glanced over at where Poppy stood in the doorway. She was up like a
rocket and quickly breezed past the nurse.
“Sorry about her.” Harry sighed, shaking his head and leading the two teachers
out into the main ward.
“Why aren't you tipsy?” Minerva muttered darkly.
“Charm bracelet,” Harry offered with a shrug as they stepped into the curtained
off area Hermione was in. “Hey, Herm. How are you doing?”
“I feel very, very empty,” the witch sighed. She was holding one of the babies
tightly against her chest and was sitting propped up. Gin stood next to her,
holding the other child. “Here, would you like to hold your goddaughter? I'm
afraid Gin got to Galvin first.”
Harry gladly rid the young woman of the small child. “Galvin?”
“Yeah.” Hermione nodded tiredly. “Gin's got Galvin Sol Granger. You've got
Gerda Selma Granger.”
Harry gazed down at the small form with a smile. “She's gorgeous, Herm.”
'Galvin's a little monster.' Gin informed them, tugging her hair from the boy's
grasp. 'No, Gal, let go... Ow!'
“Gal?” Hermione chuckled, shaking her head. “Barely fifteen minutes old and
he's already got a nickname.”
“They're adorable,” Minerva told her favourite student as she came to stand
behind Gin and gently helped the girl get her hair free from the child's paws.
“Get some sleep, Hermione,” Tom suggested softly as he encircled Harry's waist
with his arm's from behind and rested his chin on the teen's shoulder. “You
look like hell. Nothing will happen to your little brats.”
“No way in hell any harm's coming to this little angel,” Harry agreed firmly.
'Or this little demon.' Gin nodded.
“Oh, alright.” Hermione snuggled down in her bed with a smile. “Night.”
“Sleep well, Herm,” Harry murmured, cuddling his goddaughter. She's so sweet.
I'm going to be forced to listen to you go on about this brat for a long while,
aren't I?
Probably, Harry agreed, pulling away from the Dark Lord gently. “Marcus, will
you take Gerda? I need to have a chat with the Headmaster about who's rooming
with Herm.”
'And who all will be allowed to keep them overnight.' Gin suggested. 'Since
both the Slytherin and the Gryffindor seventh years have offered to take them
when they get to be too much.'
“Who Gerda and Galvin spend the night with should be up to their mother, not
Dumbles,” Harry said coldly. “But, yes, that also needs to be addressed.”
Tom kissed Harry's forehead gently, taking care not to jar Gerda. “Go on. I'll
protect your little brat from dust motes while you're gone.”
Harry grinned and left with a wave.
                                       -
Harry poked his head into Albus’ office and frowned at the back of the head of
someone he didn't know. “Is Professor Dumbledore in here?”
“He's getting something for me,” the stranger said happily, turning to smile at
Harry, blue eyes glittering.
Harry's eyes widened in recognition. “Aberforth Dumbledore?”
The man nodded gleefully. “Harry Potter! Wonderful to finally meet you! Albus
always speaks so highly of you!”
Harry nodded numbly as the Headmaster came out from his room in the back of his
office. “Aberforth, who are you annoying this time?” he asked lightly.
“Your favourite hobby,” Aberforth offered pleasantly.
Albus glanced up at where Harry still stood in the doorway. “Harry! Come in,
come in!” He smiled brightly as Harry inched into the office and closed the
door behind him. “What can I do for you?”
Harry focused his gaze on the man he came for and frowned. “Albus, I need a
word with you about Hermione.”
Albus glanced over at a clock on his desk. “It's almost curfew. We'll talk
tomorrow morning,” he said calmingly.
“We'll talk tonight,” Harry shot back coldly. “I refuse to play this game with
you.”
“You can have your little talk,” Aberforth said with a bright smile. “I don't
mind.”
Albus sighed. “Have a seat, Harry,” he offered, settling himself behind his
desk wearily. Harry sat in the chair next to Aberforth. “What about Miss
Granger?”
“The twins were born half-an-hour ago,” Harry deadpanned, ignoring the
Headmaster's startled look as he continued. “I was talking to Minerva earlier
and she says you won't let Gin stay in the private room with her.”
“That is correct,” Albus said tightly.
“Why not?” The teen challenged sharply.
“I have my reasons,” the Headmaster replied in a final tone.
“Are you telling me you expect Hermione to take care of those children by
herself? Albus, that's insane! One child would be bad enough, what with the
NEWTs and her Head Girl duties, but you're asking her to juggle her normal
schedule around twins,” Harry cried, exasperated.
“Miss Weasley cannot share that room with her,” Albus said firmly.
“Then who can?” Harry hissed, green eyes blazing. “And there'd better be
someone, because I'm not leaving my best friend to take care of her children by
herself.”
The Headmaster paused, seeming to realize he was treading thin ice with this
issue. “I know of no Gryffindor girl who could help Miss Granger and keep up
with their studies,” he answered carefully.
Harry pursed his lips. “Then perhaps you can move a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin
girl in to help her for the rest of the year.”
“I'm not moving students around,” Albus replied firmly.
“A boy, then.”
Albus' eyes narrowed. “Are you offering yourself for the position, then?”
Harry considered this for a long moment before nodding. “If that is the only
way, then, yes, I'm volunteering myself.”
“Then that is what shall be done. I'll have Minerva make sure the room is set
up tomorrow.” Albus nodded, eyes twinkling again.
He's locked you in again. Now you have no choice but to stay the night in your
room.
I have cards still, Tom, Harry pointed out slyly, standing. “Very well. Oh, and
Albus? I have a bit of a personal question before I go.”
“Ask away,” the Headmaster replied lightly.
“Do you believe that a woman has a right to decide who to trust with her
children?” the teen inquired innocently.
“Of course.”
Harry gave the man a cold smile. “Good. Then I take it you won't complain when
the seventh year Slytherin girls or the other seventh year Gryffindors get
their chances at watching the twins for the night.”
Albus’ eyes widened. “We just went over this–”
“We just discussed who could and couldn't room with Hermione, Albus, not who
the twins are allowed to spend the night with. You just agreed that that is up
to Hermione,” the Boy-Who-Lived pointed out coolly. “Good night, Albus,
Aberforth.”
“Good night!” Aberforth offered happily as Albus stared helplessly at the door
once Harry had closed it behind himself. “I like him, Albus. He should have
been in my House.”
The Headmaster let out an annoyed sigh. “Damn him. Every time I think I've got
him held firmly, he slips though my fingers. How does he do that?!”
“He's a natural Slytherin, of course,” Aberforth offered slyly. “I think your
saving grace, right now, is that he hates Voldemort so much.”
“Thanks, Abe. I feel loads better knowing that him forgiving Tom will lose me
this war,” the Headmaster grumbled dryly.
“Perhaps you will lose, but I will win,” Aberforth replied lightly. Albus
scowled.
                                       -
“That man is a nightmare,” Harry muttered, walking back over to where Poppy,
Minerva, Tom, and Gin sat watch over Hermione and the twins.
'What did he say?' Gin inquired as Harry settled himself in Tom's lap.
“I'm going to be the one rooming with Herm. He wouldn't agree to anyone else.”
Harry sighed, leaning back against Tom's chest and closing his eyes.
“And what about the babies spending the night with other students?” Minerva
asked while Gin punched her chair in anger.
“It's the mother's choice,” Harry answered mildly. “And it was not easy to get
him agreeing to that, let me tell you.”
“I've no doubt about that,” Minerva sighed, standing. “I've got to get back
upstairs.”
“We probably should too,” Harry groaned, not looking at all happy about having
to move.
“If Poppy agrees, you have my okay to both spend the night down here,” Minerva
offered.
“No problem here.” Poppy shook her head.
'Thanks, Professor, Madam Pomfrey. I really didn't feel like explaining to
Regina why I was late again.' Gin sighed, closing her eyes.
“Probably best I don't know.” The Deputy Headmistress chuckled. “Marcus, you're
staying down here?”
“I'm stuck,” Tom agreed, nodding to Harry, who looked on the verge of falling
asleep in the Dark Lord's lap.
“Pillow,” Harry mumbled, snuggling closer to the man holding him. Tom just
shook his head and kissed the top of the teen's head.
“Very well,” Minerva said with a smile. “Good night, everyone.”
'Night.' Gin offered while Tom nodded to the woman.
“Good night, Minerva,” Poppy agreed as the stern witch walked from the
curtained-off area and towards the door. “Now, you three will need beds…”
“Two beds,” Harry agreed, peeking one eye open to look at the mediwitch.
“Oh, very well, two beds.” Poppy rolled her eyes helplessly and used her wand
to move the curtain to include two more beds. “Sleep,” she ordered sternly.
'She orders us around even when we AREN'T patients.' Gin complained, getting up
and walking over to a bed.
“Duh,” Harry agreed, trying to stand and failing horribly.
Tom chuckled and picked Harry up. “Go to sleep, Harry.”
“Pillow,” Harry agreed, closing his eyes and resting his head against Tom's
chest. The Dark Lord merely smiled.
                                       -
Harry woke to the sound of students outside the curtained area. He glanced
around and noticed that Gin and Hermione were talking quietly while feeding the
twins from bottles. It also appeared that Tom was gone. “Morning,” he muttered,
sitting up and stretching.
“Afternoon, actually,” Hermione offered cheerfully. “It's almost lunch time.”
“Oh.” Harry shrugged. “So Marcus is in class?”
'Yes.' Gin agreed. 'Dumbles was in here earlier and gave both of us the day
off, to help Herm with Gerda and Gal. But he made Tom go to class. He said it
was because he didn't have anyone to cover for him, but I bet it's because you
two were sleeping together.'
“He's fighting a losing battle if he's trying to keep us from sleeping
together, I must tell you.” Harry snorted, getting out of the bed and coming to
sit in a free chair next to Hermione's bed. “Gin, have you become permanently
attached to Galvin or something?”
“Yes. She wants him as a younger brother.” Hermione chuckled. “Are you hungry?”
Harry shrugged. “I suppose. Why? Is that baby food any good?”
Hermione cracked up, leaving Gin to answer. 'It's just milk, you idiot. There's
some bagels and cream cheese on the table next to you.'
“Oh.” Harry grinned and got himself some food while the witches laughed.
“What's going on out there?”
'Potions accident.'Gin shrugged. 'Why?'
“Wondering if our friends haven't come down to find Herm yet,” Harry replied
mildly, standing. “I'm going for a bathroom break.”
“Don't fall in,” Hermione teased.
“Of course not.” Harry snorted, waving and stepping through the curtains.
“Finally up, then?” Poppy inquired. She had a small jar in one hand and was
working to put it on the third year Hufflepuff in the bed. Two other
Hufflepuffs, a girl and a boy, stood near the bed nervously.
“Yeah, I suppose.” Harry shrugged. “Potions burn?”
“Yeah.” The young girl nodded. “We were working on revision and Tody blew up
his Confusion Concoction.”
“I wasn't aware it was possible to blow up the Confusion Concoction…” Harry
blinked, scratching the back of his head. “Oh well. Must not have been trying
hard enough.” He shrugged and wandered over to the bathrooms, taking another
bite out of his bagel.
Poppy smiled, shaking her head, while the three Hufflepuffs stared after Harry.
While they were busy trying to figure the Boy-Who-Lived out, the mediwitch was
able to put the Burn Salve on the third year's arm without a fight, which was
saying quite a bit, since it had a tendency to sting. Maybe I should have him
down here distracting my patients more often. She chuckled softly. “All done.
Why don't you three head on down to the Great Hall. Classes are almost over.”
“Thanks, Madam Pomfrey!” they chorused and all ran from the ward.
Harry walked back out into the ward as Poppy was putting the salve away. “Did
you kick our friends out this morning?”
“What makes you think they dropped by?” Poppy asked lightly.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the witch. “I know my friends, Poppy. Anyway, a
little snake told me.”
“I'll just have to swat that little snake later, then.” The mediwitch chuckled.
“Yes, I kicked them all back out. Hermione didn't look ready for guests and you
weren't awake yet.”
“Ah. Suppose I should be grateful, then.” Harry sighed, sitting on the bed next
to the nurse. “We've got, what, five minutes before classes end?”
“Two,” Poppy corrected. “Help me make these beds or go bother Hermione and
Ginevra.”
“Anything but making beds,” Harry replied jokingly before he hopped up and
wandered back over to the curtain. Poppy laughed as he stepped back into the
make-shift room. “I'm back!”
'Oh, hell.' Gin sighed. Hermione laughed as Harry gave his sister an amused
look.
“Here, Harry, take Gerda. I think I'm going to make a bathroom run myself,”
Hermione called.
Harry stepped over and relieved her of the child. “You sure you don't need
help?”
“I'm fine.” Hermione sighed, but she allowed him to help her up anyway. “Ha,
perhaps Professor Dumbledore put the right person with me after all. You can
hold a baby and give me a hand up.”
'Multi-tasking is one of Harry's specialties.' Gin agreed brightly.
“You wanna see how many tasks I can do at once?” Harry asked sharply as he led
Hermione to the curtain's opening. “You're sure you'll be fine?”
“Yes.” Hermione smiled and delivered a quick kiss to Harry's cheek before
slipping out into the ward.
Harry sighed and sat down in the free chair. “This is going to make life
difficult.”
'The babies, or having to stay with Herm?'
“Both, really.” Harry shifted Gerda in his arms and gave her a finger to suck
on. “I mean, it's not as though I'm not glad to have Gerda and Gal around…”
'It's just going to make life a lot more difficult for us all, I know.' Gin
agreed, nodding. 'At least you can still visit Tom whenever you feel the need
to, though. It's not like he'll mind if you bring a baby over.'
“He'll start minding as soon as the baby starts waking him up in the middle of
the night,” Harry replied brightly. “But I suppose you're right.”
Gin shrugged glumly. 'I wish I could talk to them.'
Harry's eyes hardened. “We'll find a spell for you, little sister, don't
worry.”
'And get Ron back?'
“Of course. I was thinking we might pay him a visit this summer. I'm sure Molly
and Arthur would let you.”
'They'd better.'
“You can always order them to let you go,” Harry teased.
'I could.' Gin agreed as Hermione came back in, followed by Poppy.
“The hoards are here,” Poppy offered as Harry helped Hermione back into the
bed. “I'm not letting them all in at once, so you'd best decide on three
people.”
'Ted?' Gin asked.
“Sure. And Parvati,” Hermione agreed. “Harry?”
“Nev,” Harry decided after a moment's thought.
“Very well.” Poppy sighed and stepped back out.
'Want a brat?' Gin offered Hermione.
“Sure.” Hermione smiled and took Galvin as the curtain opened again and
Theodore shot in. Gin immediately hugged him.
“I knew that was going to happen.” Parvati sighed as she stepped in with
Neville.
“Madam Pomfrey's running crowd control,” Neville offered.
“Figured.” Harry sighed.
“How are you doing, Herm?” Theodore asked once he'd let go of Gin.
“Much better.” The brunette smiled. “Thank you.”
“Oh, they're adorable!” Parvati cried, settling on the bed next to Hermione.
“Can I hold him?”
“Yes.” Hermione handed Galvin over.
“Do they have names?” Neville inquired as he leaned over Harry's shoulder to
smile at Gerda.
'Galvin and Gerda.' Gin offered as Harry handed Gerda to Neville. 'Aren't they
just perfect?'
“Has she become impossible yet?” Theodore asked Harry and Hermione.
Harry chuckled, shaking his head, as Hermione giggled helplessly. “No, she's
been fine, as far as I know.”
'Harry only got up half an hour ago.' Gin offered mischievously.
“Lazy,” Parvati shot at the Prefect teasingly. Harry stuck his tongue out at
her. “So, Gin, are you staying with Herm, then?”
“No, Harry's going to be staying with me.” Hermione sighed while Gin got a
nasty look on her face.
'Dumbles doesn't believe I can handle my studies and taking care of the twins.'
the redhead told them angrily.
“I don't think that's it,” Neville offered. “I think it's more because you
can't call for help.”
'Either way, it's not FAIR!'
“Life's not fair,” Tom offered, stepping into the room with Molly behind him.
“Poppy's giving you five more minutes before you switch,” he added.
“Right.” Parvati nodded as Molly took Gerda from Neville.
“Oh, they're wonderful.” Molly sighed. “And how are you doing, Hermione?”
“Rather well, actually,” Hermione said with a smile. “Harry, stop twitching and
just hug him already.”
Harry grimaced. “Am I that obvious?”
' “Yes,”' Neville, Hermione, Parvati, Molly, Gin, and Theodore replied while
Tom grinned.
“Ah, bugger.” Harry shrugged and walked up to his lover. “You didn't wake me up
when you left,” he accused.
“You were tired,” Tom shot back easily, still smiling. “And it looks like you
needed the sleep.”
“Stupid bastard.” The teen sighed, wrapping his arms around the Dark Lord.
“Bratty imp,” Tom replied, holding Harry tightly and resting his chin on top of
the younger wizard’s head. “How are you doing this afternoon, Hermione?”
“Oh, quite well, actually,” the bushy-haired witch replied before glancing at
Molly. “My parents couldn’t make it, I assume?”
“I did go over to their office and ask them about it,” Molly replied. “They
looked swamped.”
Hermione shrugged. “I expected something like that. The middle of the week
isn’t the best day for them to be called away.”
“They did say they’d try and visit this weekend.”
“Mm.” Harry grinned at Hermione. “I’ll take you out there this weekend if Poppy
okays the trip.”
“This should be amusing to watch,” Theodore teased. “Harry verses Madam
Pomfrey.”
‘Almost as good as Harry verses Dumbles!’ Gin agreed.
“You’re asking for it.” Harry growled, shooting the couple a dark look.
“Time’s up, kids!” Poppy called, poking her head in. “Who’s the next three?”
the mediwitch inquired as Theodore, Parvati, and Neville slipped back out.
“Dray, Pan, and Millie,” Harry decided, having found out from Tom who all was
out there. “And then I suppose ‘Bini, Seam, and Dean can come in.”
“Alright.” Poppy rolled her eyes and went out to get the others.
‘This is going to be a long lunch.’ Gin sighed as the three Slytherins walked
in. Everyone laughed.
                                       -
The rest of Thursday and the following Friday had continued to find both Harry
and Gin helping Hermione out in the Hospital Wing. On Saturday, after begging
permission from the stern matron, Hermione and Harry took the twins to see
their grandparents and the group had enjoyed tea and a long moment of
relaxation. The Sunday following found Harry and Hermione moving into their new
room, which was attached to the Gryffindor common room through a short
passageway that opened up next to the fireplace. Almost all of Gryffindor House
helped with the move, including a stern McGonagall and a surprisingly ecstatic
Tom. Not even Harry had figured out why his lover was so happy, but since he
helped just as well as if he’d been calm, they let him stay.
Monday, however, was the return to classes:
“Babies are a nightmare!” Harry declared, sitting at his usual place between
his sister and Neville at the Gryffindor Table on Monday morning. He had faint
circles under his eyes and looked a bit tired, but awake. Gerda was clutching
onto the front of her godfather’s robes tightly.
“You’re the one who wanted to share the room with me,” Hermione pointed out. If
Harry looked bad, Hermione looked like hell. The circles under her eyes were
saucer-sized and she looked about ready to fall asleep at any moment. To top it
off, Galvin was obviously the more vocal of the twins, for he was crying
loudly, clutching at his mother fearfully.
“Oh, I see who gets up at night,” Seamus teased as Parvati took Galvin from his
mother and started bouncing him gently.
“Thanks, Parvati.” Hermione sighed in relief, gratefully taking the cup of
coffee Dean was holding out to her wordlessly as she answered Seamus.
“Actually, Harry’s a lighter sleeper, so he’s always the one getting up.”
“I’m just used to waking up in the middle of the night because of nightmares.”
Harry nodded, pulling out two bottles and handing one over to Parvati.
“Hermione’s been getting more sleep than I have, in fact.”
“Wow, Harry,” Lavender whispered, staring at Harry in awe as the Boy-Who-Lived
fed both himself and Gerda. “You’re a natural.”
Harry grimaced. “Let’s just say I know how to take care of myself and anyone
else who’s with me,” he muttered before shoving a piece of bacon into his
mouth.
‘Give me that child and eat your food.’ Gin ordered her brother.
“Thanks, Gin. You’re a lifesaver.” Harry sighed, handing his goddaughter over
gratefully.
‘So, what do you guys have first thing this morning?’ Gin inquired as she fed
the baby in her arms.
Harry and Hermione traded tired looks. “Potions.”
“Ew,” Lavender offered, wincing. “Snape’s going to be a right old bastard, I’ll
bet.”
Harry shrugged and covered a yawn. “Dumbles already talked to all of the
teachers about dealing with the twins. I think Professor Snape’ll be okay, as
long as we don’t cause any damage to his classroom.”
"He's been rather mild this year, actually," Parvati pointed out as she took a
sip of her water over Galvin's head.
"Yeah..." Hermione agreed, poking at some eggs that had been placed on her
plate by Dean. "If it gets too bad, I could always take the twins out, I
suppose."
"Not alone you won't!" Parvati exclaimed, turning to look at Hermione with a
horrified look. "Not in the state you're in."
"She won't," Harry agreed firmly, giving the brunette mother a hard look. "I've
got better grades in Potions than you do right now, Herm; if the twins need a
break, I'll take them."
"And go where?" Hermione shot back, scowling.
'He could always go to Snape's office.' Gin pointed out evenly. 'And he's got a
point, Herm.'
"Oh, shut up, the lot of you," Hermione grumbled darkly before returning to her
food. Everyone around he traded grins, knowing that they'd won.
                                       -
A week passed before Hermione would allow the twins out of her sight for more
than an hour at a time, and, even then, it had to be with one of their
godparents. Although those that had volunteered to care for the twins were
annoyed at Hermione for her protectiveness, both Harry and Gin found it highly
amusing. Harry also found it touching, having had such a poor childhood
himself, and could often be found telling his Juniors to leave Hermione alone.
It wasn't until the young leader started bringing threats into play that they
started listening, though.
The first people Hermione let take the twins for the night were Pansy and
Millicent, but only because Millicent knew how to handle small children, she'd
claimed. She'd spent the whole night worrying and hadn't managed a wink of
sleep. The next night, when the Gryffindor boys had them, Harry drugged his
friend, then slipped off to Tom's room for a reprieve.
Harry was surprised to find his lover and the normally suspicious Deputy
Headmistress sharing a cup of tea when he stepped into the room. He froze in
the doorway, unsure of what to do.
Tom smiled at the young man. "Good evening, Harry. What can I do for you?" he
asked pleasantly.
"It's after curfew," Minerva added sternly, giving the teen a severe look over
the tops of her glasses.
Harry felt the sudden need to twitch nervously, but squashed it. "Well, the
twins are with the Gryffindor boys and I finally got Herm to sleep. I don't
really feel like spending the night with the twins again – I mean, I love them
to death and all that, but they're such a handful!"
Minerva's lips twitched with a smile while Tom hid his own grin behind one
hand. "Yes, Mr Potter, small children normally are handfuls," the witch offered
dryly. "But that doesn't explain why you aren't in your room with Miss
Granger."
"Because I don't relish the idea of her throttling me when she wakes up and
realises I drugged her?" Harry responded meekly.
Tom burst out laughing while Minerva gave her student a sharp look. "And why
would you do that?"
Tom motioned Harry over to him as he answered for his lover. "Because she spent
all last night worrying over the twins and pacing back and forth across their
rooms." The Dark Lord chuckled, drawing Harry into his lap. "Surely you noticed
that neither Harry nor Hermione appeared to have got any sleep last night."
Minerva frowned in thought while Harry closed his eyes and rested his head on
Tom's shoulder. Thanks, love, he thought to the Dark Lord bleakly.
"Sleep," Tom murmured tightening his arms around the teen.
Minerva smiled at the two. "I believe that's my cue to head for bed myself,"
she said, standing. "And, Harry?"
"Mm?" Harry blinked up at the woman tiredly.
"For the record, I don't approve of you drugging your roommate. Off the record,
however, I commend you for making sure she doesn't worry herself to
exhaustion."
Harry smiled. "Night, Minnie."
Minerva gave Harry a faintly annoyed look, then swept from the room.
"Bed, imp." Tom chuckled.
"Mmmm... Comfortable here, thanks."
"I'm sure you are." Tom kissed Harry's forehead, rising. "Oh, go to sleep,
then."
Harry snuggled deeper into the Dark Lord's embrace with a content sigh.
                                       -
Harry woke to the feeling of something warm and wet around his cock and moaned.
"Wha–?"
Morning, love, Tom offered through their bond brightly.
"Bastard..." Harry shot back before hissing as the mouth left him.
"Mmm... No name-calling before breakfast," Tom teased, scarlet eyes lit with
lust.
Harry tugged the man's head down to meet his lips, biting the Dark Lord's lower
lip sharply. Finish what you started, you arse, he ordered as Tom's tongue slid
into his mouth, twisting around his own tongue seductively.
Make me, was the Dark Lord's response as he slid a hand down Harry's chest.
Harry let out a moan into the mouth attacking his. Fucker, he declared before
reaching between them and grasping Tom's manhood
Cheater, Tom shot back, pulling Harry's hand away. He grabbed both of Harry's
hands in one of his and held them above the teen. :Now, your hands are going to
behave themselves, right?: he hissed in Parseltongue.
:They will if you keep talking like that, sexy,: Harry replied impishly.
:They'd better,: Tom responded dangerously, smirking as Harry shivered in
delight. :Like being threatened?:
:You just sound incredibly sexy,: Harry responded, eyes glazing over.
"Humph." Tom snorted before letting go of Harry's hands to grab a small jar on
the table next to the bed while he spread Harry's legs.
"Came ready, huh?"
"Shut it, brat," Tom muttered, taking a fingerful of the cream. :I wonder if I
should tell you that this is going to be a little chilled?: he added as he
slipped his finger into Harry's anus.
The teen let out a hiss. You did that on purpose, he complained.
:Yup.: Tom nuzzled Harry's neck as he added another finger with ease.
Harry started moving one hand up to touch the man on top of him, but Tom
stopped him, smirking. "Toooooom..." Harry whined.
:What did I just say?:
"Yup," Harry responded with a pout.
Tom rolled his eyes. :Your hands will be staying above your head, Mr Potter,
until I say otherwise.:
"Bugger," Harry muttered.
:In a moment,: Tom responded, adding a third finger to stretch the younger
wizard. Harry sniggered. :Imp,: the Dark Lord added before pulling his fingers
away to replace them with something quite a bit bigger.
Harry let out a hiss and closed his eyes. I needed this, he realised.
Makes two of us, Tom whispered through their link as he started thrusting in
the smaller wizard slowly and kissed him.
Harry let out a soft moan into the Dark Lord's mouth. Can I move my arms yet?
No touching yourself, Tom warned.
I don't need to, Harry assured him, snaking his arms around the Dark Lord's
neck. Harder?
As you wish, Tom murmured, then started moving faster, pushing deeper in his
younger lover. Harry let out a low moan. Better? he enquired, dipping down to
nibble at Harry's throat.
Much, Harry agreed, breathless even in their minds.
Good, Tom hissed, angling himself slightly differently.
Colours exploded behind Harry's eyes and he let out a gasp before he was coming
between them. Oh, Merlin...
Tom lasted only a few more seconds before following his lover over the edge. He
was careful to not land on Harry, though, forcing himself to lie beside the
teen. "Love you, imp."
Harry allowed himself to be spooned by the Dark Lord. "Love you too, bastard."
Tom chuckled and closed his eyes. "It's not quite time to get up yet. Get some
more sleep."
Harry muttered something under his breath that Tom didn't quite catch, then let
himself fall back into a peaceful sleep. The Dark Lord just smiled.
***** Chapter 47 *****
Harry smiled at the graduating Juniors seated in their usual circle. Hermione
and Neville sat in chairs apart from the circle, each holding a twin. "This
will be our last meeting here on Hogwarts grounds," he started, walking around
the outside of the circle. "From now on, meetings will be held at either
Slytherin Manor or Malfoy Manor. The necklace will burn when you are called, as
you well know by now."
"Harry, why aren't the sixth years here?" Terry asked darkly.
"Terry, why are you questioning me?" Harry shot back evenly, pausing to meet
the other's gaze. Terry looked away first and Harry nodded before returning to
his circling and talking. "To answer Terry's question, the sixth years aren't
here because this doesn't concern them. Any meetings for them will be in
Hogwarts next year. You all will be out in the real world and, as such, will
have to attend meetings in the real world."
Harry stopped at the other end of the circle from Neville and Hermione and
looked around. "From now on, you will be attending full Death Eater meetings
and, chances are, I won't always be there. Voldemort is the one you will listen
to if that occurs, of course, as we always plan together on such things. As
things have always been for the Juniors, you will not be expected to go on any
raids. Instead, you will be expected to gain information for the Dark Order,
recruit other people, and help in any other ways required of you.
"If I ever need any of you for anything, I will contact you my own way. Strange
messages may come for you at strange times and in strange ways. My mark will
always be the crossed green and red wands. Voldemort's mark is the Dark Mark.
Those symbols will tell you who the message is from. If one of you need to get
in contact with another member but you aren't expected to meet with each other,
send a message to myself or Voldemort through an acceptable route. If you
cannot find an acceptable route, owl me and hope I get to it before the Order
does.
"Missing meetings or coming to meetings unforgivably late are not in your best
interest, especially if I am not there. If I'm not there, Voldemort's rules
apply and I guarantee he'll Crucio you if you don't have an excuse he finds to
his taste. I'd tell you to make some up, in case you are caught by him, but I
know he'll be likely to catch it. Your best bet is actually going to the
meetings. If I'm the one who catches you for missing or coming late, you'll
probably get off without being hexed, but I will not save your hides if
Voldemort gets pissed. Keep that in mind.
"Questions?"
"What about Blaise, Draco, and myself?" Theodore inquired.
"You are Juniors," Harry assured the three Slytherins. "You answer to me before
Voldemort. You may have to go on raids, at times, to keep your cover, but I'll
do my best to keep that from happening. You'll have enough on your hands with
trying to stay ahead of Dumbles as it is."
"If it's urgent we get into contact with you, how do we do it?" Lisa inquired.
"Life threatening information or something?"
"I'm sure you've all figured out where I'll be working come September," Harry
offered them a brief playful smile. "If it's that urgent, come to me with it
immediately. A quick excuse, like, say, a bit of information you've picked up
for the Order, will get you past even Dumbles. I've already told him that I've
got friends in this year's graduating class that have offered to help me get
information in the Ministry, but don't wish to join the Order of the Phoenix.
He'll just be pleased with himself for uncovering one of my contacts."
"But be careful after such an action," Hermione offered gently. "Dumbledore
will be watching you closely."
Harry nodded grimly. "Try and find another way than running in and grabbing me,
please. It would make life difficult for you later."
Gerda gave a loud gurgle, as if in agreement with her godfather, and everyone
laughed.
Harry walked over and took the baby from Neville, who sighed in relief. "Aren't
you just adorable?" he cooed, cradling her and wandering back up to his spot at
the head of the circle. "Anything else?"
The group of seventh years traded looks. "No." Susan shrugged, glancing back up
at Harry. "I think we're good."
Harry smiled. "Brilliant. Now, as a warning, I'm planning something wild for
our graduation, because I can get away with it. Don't be surprised, though you
may wish to act like it." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Dismissed."
"You're horrible," Hermione declared, walking up to her friend, Galvin sleeping
peacefully in her arms. Neville walked over with her and gladly handed the baby
bag to Harry.
"Are you surprised?" Harry inquired teasingly, pulling a bottle out of the bag
and giving it to the small girl in his arms before hanging the bag on his
shoulder.
"I shouldn't be," Hermione agreed. "Are we headed back to the room, then?"
"I think so. Nev, you said you needed to go talk to Severus, right?"
"Yes..." Neville glanced around at the retreating backs of the Juniors
nervously.
Harry grinned. "Pan!"
The Slytherin glanced back at Harry with a smile. "What's up, boss-man?"
"Can you take Nev up to Severus and make sure the old git doesn't bite his head
off for me?"
"Of course!"
Harry nodded to Neville, who looked like Christmas had come early. "Go on,
then. If Sevvie gives you shit, send him to me and I'll set him straight."
"If that man is straight, I'm a toad," Hermione grumbled as Neville waved and
ran off to go with Pansy.
"I was wondering about that croak," Harry teased, eyes shining brightly. He
ducked the swat Hermione sent his way with practised ease. "Stop. You'll
startle poor Gerda."
"You spoil that child." Hermione sighed, motioning for them to head for the air
platforms to Gryffindor.
"You knew I would," Harry shot back lightly, falling into step with her. "And
I, technically, spoil both of them."
"They're going to be absolute nightmares when they're older, you know. Between
you and Gin, that is."
"Ah. And they'll be Slytherins, if Marcus has any say in it."
"Speaking of, where was Marcus? He's usually at the meetings."
"Last minute meeting, or something. I think Dumbles wanted a word with him."
Harry shrugged and nodded to the platform. "Up you go, Herm."
"No, you go first. I can never get that door open." Hermione sighed helplessly.
"Oh, yeah." The green-eyed wizard smiled slightly and stepped onto the cushion
of air. Moments later, he and Gerda were zooming up to Gryffindor Tower, the
baby gurgling gleefully on the way. Harry grinned at her. "See, you and I love
riding this thing, don't we, love? Mummy's just silly."
Once the pocket of air had reached the landing place in the Tower, the teen
stepped out onto solid ground and started down the stairs to the common room.
There he found himself met with many smiles and one very annoyed sister. ‘Where
have you been?!' Gin called furiously.
Harry sighed. "Walk with me to the room," he murmured, setting his free hand on
her arm. Gin frowned at him for a moment before nodding and falling in to step
with her brother. Once out of the common room and walking down a charmed
hallway that let out near the fireplace, Harry spoke again, "I called a
meeting."
‘You didn't want me there?' the young witch asked with a pained expression.
"No, Gin, no." Harry paused his steps and drew the redhead in for a one-armed
hug while Gerda mumbled nonsense. "I needed to talk to the seventh years about
meetings after this school year. They had to know a few things that you and
Luna shouldn't have to worry about yet, that's all."
"Ah, sibling love." Hermione sighed from behind them. The two leaders of the
Juniors shot the witch matching dark looks as she grinned at them.
"Yes, Herm?" Harry inquired politely when the staring contest got boring.
Hermione's smile faded. "Professor McGonagall is out there looking for both of
us, Harry. She says Dumbles wishes to talk to us."
Harry frowned. "Very well. No point in dropping anything off, I suppose."
‘Stupid old coot ruins everything.' Gin complained as she and Harry fell into
step behind Hermione.
"Noticed that, did you?" Harry replied dryly.
‘Indeed.'
"Ah, finally," Minerva said upon seeing them.
"It only took two minutes, Professor," Harry replied with a grin. "Surely
‘finally' is the wrong word."
"You, Mr Potter, are a menace to the sane people of this school," Minerva
declared.
"I hope you're not counting yourself among them, Professor," Harry answered
teasingly.
Minerva shook her head helplessly. "Come along, you two."
Harry shook his head minutely at Gin as she opened her mouth to ask to come
with. The red head scowled, but kept silent. Harry offered her a sad smile
before falling into step with Hermione, following their Head of House from the
common room.
                                       -
"Please, take seats," Albus said lightly as his Deputy led the two seventh
years into his office.
Harry took a seat immediately, shooting the Headmaster a sharp look. Hermione,
however, paused to get a look around. "Herm," Harry murmured when the Head Girl
started towards the book shelf along one wall.
Hermione startled and hurried to the free chair next to Harry, blushing
faintly. Galvin giggled as Harry hid a smile. "Shut up, Harry."
"I didn't say anything."
"You were thinking it."
"Heh."
Minerva cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the two students back to
herself and a smiling Albus. "Argue on your own time."
"Sorry," Harry replied before meeting the twinkling blue orbs of the Headmaster
calmly. "What's up?"
"I believe you should tell Ms Granger what you'll be doing next year," Albus
replied.
Harry rolled his eyes before turning to his best friend. "Herm, I'm sure you've
got a good guess. What do you think I'll be doing next year?"
Hermione blinked at the Boy-Who-Lived for a brief moment before answering,
"Teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts here at Hogwarts."
Harry sat back in his seat and shot the Headmaster a satisfied smirk. "Told you
she'd figure it out." Gerda gave a loud squeal, as if in agreement with her
godfather.
Albus sighed. "So you did." He turned to Hermione, who was frowning
thoughtfully. "Harry has requested that you be allowed to remain here also,
next year. He's gone around to the staff and made sure you'd always have
something to do, of course."
Harry nodded as Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "Remember, Herm, you're
family," he said softly. "And I'm going to need help grading papers."
Hermione let out a sound somewhere between and sob and a laugh. "You are a
monster."
"Thank you."
That time, Hermione did laugh.
                                       -
"Where is he?" Morag hissed to Neville.
"Harry?" Neville shrugged. "No idea. He didn't tell me anything."
Mandy leaned back in her chair, still facing forward. "Up to no good, knowing
Harry. Look, Marcus is the only one who doesn't look all that worried about him
missing."
"Mandy, would you ple–!" Susan started, turning around. She froze, mouth
hanging open as she saw something.
"Wha–?" Mandy turned around to look, eyes going wide when she saw. "Oh, hell,
please tell me he hasn't..."
"He has." Susan whispered in horror.
Lavender, Gregory, Neville, and Morag also turned around to look. When Lavender
started to breathe hard, Mandy shook herself from her stupor and hurried to
assure the Gryffindor that it was just Harry, not Voldemort.
In the doorway of the Great Hall stood a sight that could have been very
amusing, but was also rather horrifying, for there stood Voldemort, flat-nosed
and scarlet-eyed, hunched over so he was shorter, with gigantic round glasses
placed precariously on the end of his nose, Gryffindor House robes, and the
lightning bolt scar shot through the centre of his forehead. The only thing
missing was the famous mop of hair on top of the "Dark Lord's" very pale head.
As people started turning around to find out what the six graduates and a large
number of teachers were staring at in a mix of shock and horror, Tom stood up
and motioned to the wizard standing in the doorway, pointing at the top of his
own head. The false Voldemort reached up to touch his head, then froze, eyes
widening in horror at what he forgot. He tugged a piece of loose string from
the sleeve of his robe and transfigured it into a sloppy wig before tossing it
onto his head. Tom groaned and sat back down as the fake Dark Lord started down
the aisle, smiling cheerfully and waving.
Albus watched until his student was about to sit before addressing him. "Harry,
was there a point to this?" he inquired dryly.
"Hm?" Harry blinked up at the Headmaster, sitting awkwardly. "Yes, but I'll
explain it in my speech, if you don't mind, Dumbles." The students around him
let out an audible sigh of relief at the very Harry-like answer to the
question.
"Very well, then." Albus sighed, taking the stage. "Another year, another
graduating class of excellent students–"
"With one possible exception," Seamus called out, pointing to the boy who sat
in front of him and to his right. Harry turned around and flicked his roommate
in the middle of his forehead with an annoyed look. The Great Hall filled with
laughter.
"Yes, well, Mr Potter and I will have a nice long chat about coming late for
the Graduation Ceremony later." Albus chuckled. He rose his arms out on either
side of him as the laughter died. "Welcome, family, friends, and students, to
the Graduation Ceremony for the Hogwarts' Graduating Class of 1998!" There was
a loud cheer following this and Albus waited for it to quiet before continuing.
"It's been a long, hard road for all of us, but I can say that it was worth it.
Every moment was a new adventure and, if it wasn't new, at least it wasn't
boring!
"Now, I shall hand the stage over to Miss Hermione Granger, our Head Girl, who
has agreed to give the Heads' speech." Albus took a bow, then re-took his seat
to the applause of the audience as Hermione took the stage with a smile.
"Fellow students, families, and friends. Welcome." She smiled as a few people
cheered, waiting for silence before speaking again. "I recall my first day at
Hogwarts as an exciting new experience. There was so much to learn! I recall my
first friends, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, and our first adventure, saving
the Philosopher's Stone. We all thought Professor Snape was the one helping
Voldemort, since he was such an evil git." Hermione smiled as the room filled
with laughter and Severus shook his head helplessly. "We were wrong, I know
now. We were young and foolish then.
"As the years passed, we all learned many things. I learned about friendship,
bravery, trust, understanding, and myself. Other students have, no doubt,
learned other things. I've seen death and fought evil, and I've lived to tell
about it. I've faced my fears and made friends with some of the best people
there are in this world, as well as some of the worst. I can truthfully say
that I grew up while I was at Hogwarts in a way I never would have anywhere
else.
"I have gone from a child, to a woman. From an ‘insufferable know-it-all', to a
person who can admit that she doesn't always have the answers. From a loner, to
a best friend. From a follower, to a leader. From one who can't protect
herself, to the one who protects others. I am ready to face the world, and so
are those who stand with me today. I can only hope the world is ready for us."
Hermione nodded to the audience, who cheered, as she stepped down from the
stage and walked back to her seat next to Anthony.
Minerva took the stage with a nod. "Thank you, Miss Granger. That was
beautiful," she said, applauding again with the rest of the audience. Once
there was silence, she began again. "It has been my pleasure to teach this
class of graduates. They've all brought something unique to my classroom and
they've all done it in their own ways. Some more unique than others, of
course." She shot Harry a look at this, getting a grin in response. "Speaking
of, I believe it is Mr Potter's turn to speak." She sighed before returning to
her seat.
Harry walked up to the stage with confidence, scarlet eyes glinting dangerously
as he took his place. "Welcome. May I first apologize for scaring those people
who looked absolutely terrified. Marcus and I attempted to set this up to have
a touch of humour so as not to cause too much of a ruckus. Since nobody
fainted, I shall assume we did it well, hm?" Harry smiled faintly as there was
laughter at this. "But, as I said, there is a reason for this ridiculous get-
up. That reason is, actually, quite simple. I think you need to be aware of who
you are facing.
" ‘I am Lord Voldemort', a sixteen-year-old boy once told me. This boy was the
memory of a boy who went to Hogwarts over fifty years ago. His name was Tom
Riddle and he was one of Hogwarts' most brilliant students. We like to joke
that Hermione is a know-it-all, but even she must admit that she has nothing on
the young Lord Voldemort. There are at least three teachers behind me who went
to this school at the same time as Tom, and Professor Dumbledore taught him
Transfiguration. I've been told more times than I can count that Tom started
out good, but something happened and he went bad. He became the Dark Lord
Voldemort.
"I have faced both Voldemort and Tom Riddle on a few separate occasions.
Neither are pleasant and neither would be someone I could call a friend. In
fact, I call both, my enemy." Harry paused to look around at the sea of stony
faces. "I can hear you asking me what this speech has to do with anything
already, so I'll just cut to the chase, hm?
"Next year, I am starting a group at Hogwarts that will take place every
Saturday after lunch. This group is open to any and all witches and wizards in
the United Kingdom, no matter your age or your education, though we do ask that
you know how to wave a wand." He smiled. "In this group, I, along with a few
teachers, and a few members of this graduating class, will teach you everything
we think you'll need to know to fight Voldemort. We'll teach you as patiently
as we can manage, because we do believe this is important. An Auror won't
always be there to protect you when Voldemort comes knocking on your door, you
know. The Order of the Phoenix won't always be able to come to your rescue when
you're out shopping. And, let me tell you, those Death Eaters won't stop their
attack long enough for you to attempt a Shield Charm six or seven times because
it just won't stay up. You'll need to know how to do that Shield Charm right
the first time and also use it to protect a few other people who can't perform
a Shield Charm.
"I'm asking you to please help us in this fight against Voldemort. I'll be
right up there in the very front, I promise you, but I'll need to know that
there's someone behind me, blasting down that Death Eater who's sneaking up on
me while I'm fighting off five others." He sighed and suddenly morphed back
into himself, gathering a general gasp from the room. "Now that the stuff I
really needed you to listen to is over, I think I'll be myself again to tell
you everything else," he offered, ending the transfiguration on the "wig" as he
spoke. "Anthony kindly gave up his speech to let me cause trouble worthy of the
Weasley Twins themselves, who I know are around here somewhere. Remember to
watch what you eat and drink!
"At any rate, after all that amazing stuff Herm said, I can't really think of
anything to top it. I mean, who could top Hermione? Well, Ron, but we'll ignore
that for now." He grinned at the laughter, and at Hermione, who shot him the
two-fingered salute. "Not that I'm complaining, Herm. After all, I got two
beautiful godchildren out of the deal!"
"Harry James Potter, you are so dead when I get my hands on you!" Hermione
shouted over the laughter, grinning herself.
Harry bowed. "It's been great learning from all the teachers I've had. From the
mystic, and slightly crazy Trelawney, to the stern, never smiles, couldn't-
laugh-if-you-told-her-the-funniest-joke-on-the-planet McGonagall! From the wild
and insane Dumbledore, who we all know has no sense of colour coordination, to
the snarky, evil, ultra git Snape, who must be colour-blind, since his wardrobe
is nothing but black! From the teeny-tiny Flitwick, to the ultra huge Hagrid!
From the evil toad Umbridge who taught us not a thing, to the kind old werewolf
Lupin who taught us all he knew! From the overly paranoid and only slightly
crazy Moody who claims he fears nothing, to the stuttering Quirrell who was
afraid of his own shadow! From the wild and eccentric Lockhart who had no clue
what he was doing and couldn't hex a dead fly, to the gorgeous and controlled
Brutús who knows a few Dark Wizards personally and could even best them!" The
teen shouted, soaking up the laughter that followed each wild description of
the staff like a sponge. "I have loved every moment of my time here at
Hogwarts. In fact, I loved it so much, I let Headmaster Dumbledore talk me into
teaching here next year, so everyone can feel secure with the knowledge that
we'll have at least one more competent teacher in the Defence Against the Dark
Arts position!
"Now, I've talked enough and got you cheerful again after starting out so
gloomy, so why don't you all sit back and let the staff do their thing!" Harry
left the stage to cheers and took his seat with a grin.
"Thank you, Mr Potter, for giving us a speech in that original style of yours,"
Albus said as he and the four House Heads got up on the stage. He waited for
the general laughter to die down before starting his speech again. "For those
of you who have never been to a Hogwarts' graduation before, let me give you a
general walk-through. I and our four Heads of House here will hand out the
graduating certificates. Next, I get to hand out a few very special awards. To
end everything, we have a reception banquet along the far wall and you are
welcome to mingle.
"Now, first on our list of graduating students: Mr Anthony Goldstein!" Anthony
got up from his seat and took his certificate from Albus and shaking hands with
the old headmaster before going down the line and shaking the hands of each of
the House Heads. "Miss Hermione Granger!" Albus called as Anthony headed back
to his seat. Hermione followed down the line of Heads of Houses, but, instead
of a handshake, Hermione got a hug from her own House's Head.
Hannah, Terry, Ernie, Draco, Pansy, Padma, and Parvati followed the same
general pattern, the two Patil girls and Hannah all getting hugs from their
House Heads instead of handshakes. When it was Harry's turn, he took his
certificate, then gave Albus a large hug, much to the Headmaster's joy, and
proceeded to bestow both a hug and a kiss on the cheek upon both Minerva and
Professor Sprout, a bear hug upon Professor Flitwick, and a hug and a pat on
the head to Severus, laughing when the Potions professor muttered something
under his breath. The rest of the room had to laugh as well when Harry
sauntered back to his chair while Severus looked upwards, as if asking for
patience.
It was then Minerva's turn to take the lead. She called the last of her
students in alphabetical order, then let Sprout, Flitwick, and Severus do the
same in turn. All of the students followed the general example from before
them, the females hugging their favourite teachers, as long as it wasn't the
glaring Potions professor, and everyone shaking the hands of everyone else. The
only other males to hug their House Heads were Neville and Seamus.
Once the certificates were done, Albus took centre stage again with a much
smaller handful of certificates. "First, I'd like to award both our Head Girl
and Head Boy for doing a fabulous job this year. I don't have any certificates
for you, so I hope you'll just keep your badges and be proud of them. I'd also
like to award all eight of our Prefects, especially the ones who took over for
our Head Boy and Girl this year and our one Prefect who took over from Mr
Weasley in the middle of the year. Be proud of all the good things you've done
here.
"Now, for the certificates. Miss Granger, please come up here?" Hermione came
up and stood before the Headmaster with a nervous smile. "There are two
students in this year's graduating class that have made a major impact on this
school. One of them is Miss Granger. Our top student, bested only in Defence
Against the Dark Arts, and the young woman who came up with the idea for the
original DA, from what I've heard. Miss Granger has also managed her duties as
Head Girl and kept her studies up despite her unfortunate pregnancy at the
beginning of the year and the birth of the twins in the middle of May. Miss
Granger has been a role model for all and I know we're all extremely proud to
have called her our student. Here you are, Miss Granger." Albus held out a
certificate.
Hermione took it and gave him a giant hug, smiling through tears. "Thank you,
sir," she whispered before heading back to her seat. Draco discreetly passed
her a handkerchief.
"The other student who has made a major impact on this school is none other
than Mr Potter." He beckoned Harry up, who walked up to the stage as Albus
started talking again. "Mr Potter was the one student who managed to surpass
Miss Granger in a subject, and that subject was Defence Against the Dark Arts,
which he'll be teaching next year. He took over the position of Gryffindor
House Prefect from Mr Weasley in the middle of the year and has managed to calm
even the hottest of tempers when faced with a fight. He's been a great help to
the staff this year, even though he's spent more time pranking us than working
with us." Harry grinned at that. "But no matter how much trouble he's caused,
he always finds a way to make it up in his own way and helps to protect the
school when he can. He is the leader of the DA and the most popular student in
Hogwarts, or so I've been told, so I dare say he's deserving of this award.
Here you are, Harry."
Harry took the award and hugged Albus again. "Thanks, Albus." He grinned, then
hopped down to his seat while the onlookers laughed, since the teen had turned
the Headmaster's beard into a rainbow of colours.
"You should have given him the award for being the prank master!" Fred shouted
from the very middle of the crowd of friends and family. Everyone laughed as
Harry stood up and took a bow.
"Perhaps I should have. How many times have you got me this year?" Albus
glanced at the teen.
Harry shrugged. "I have it all written down, but I'm afraid the paper's packed
away in my trunk. I'll be sure to owl you about it later."
"And I'll be sure to frame it when you do," the Headmaster promised, smiling as
people laughed again. "Now, for the not so serious awards." He winked, picking
one out from the pile in his hands. "This one is awarded to Mr Seamus Finnigan
for being the most likely to come to class drunk. Come on up here, Mr
Finnigan!"
Seamus took the certificate with a wide smile and waved it in the air after
receiving it. "And I'm not drunk this time!" he shouted.
"I give it ten minutes!" Dean shouted back as everyone laughed. Seamus stuck
his tongue out at his best friend and returned to his seat.
Albus chuckled. "This next one is for Mr Dean Thomas for being the best artist
in the school! Come on up, Mr Thomas!" Dean walked up and took his award with a
large grin, then returned to his seat. "This one is to Mr Draco Malfoy for
being the guy most likely to scream if there's a silk worm in his hair." Albus
gave Harry a dirty look and the teen cracked up. "You might as well come get
it, Mr Malfoy."
Draco walked up in a dignified manner, took the certificate then walked over to
Harry and used it to smack the top of the Gryffindor's head before taking his
seat. Harry fell out of chair, he was laughing so hard. Hermione turned around
and shot a Calming Charm at the Boy-Who-Lived so he could sit back in his
chair.
"Thank you, Miss Granger. Please tell me you didn't add any others, Mr Potter."
Harry shook his head. "No. That was just so I could see the look on Draco's
face." Draco scowled.
"I see." Albus shook his head in amusement. "This award is for Miss Sally-Anne
Perks, from Madam Pomfrey, for being the best mediwitch assistant she's had to
date! Come up here, Miss Perks." He motioned Poppy up as well and let the
mediwitch give the student the certificate and a big hug. As both sat down,
Albus pulled out then next one. "To Mr Neville Longbottom for being the student
to have improved the most over the past seven years! Mr Longbottom?"
Neville came up with a grimace and took the certificate. "Thank you, sir." He
sighed before returning to his seat, smacking Harry on the way, since the teen
was sniggering silently.
"And last, but not the least, to Mr Terry Boot, who appears to be the most
likely to disagree with Mr Potter." Albus cocked an eyebrow at Harry.
"I didn't write that one sir." Harry shrugged.
"No, I did," Hermione offered. "It's always amusing to watch you two argue over
something totally stupid."
"Gee, thanks, Herm," Harry said dryly.
"Yeah, thanks, Hermione," Terry agreed, walking up to the stage to get the
certificate. He followed Draco's example on the way back to his seat and
swatted Hermione over the head with the parchment. Most people laughed.
"Since that's all done, why doesn't everyone get some food!" Albus called out.
Harry grinned as he stood and accepted a hug from Hermione when she ran up to
him. "Hey there, Herm."
"You, Harry Potter, are horrible," Hermione declared as a few of their other
friends walked up.
"I second that," Draco decided. "Really, Harry. A silk worm?"
"I was trying to be pleasant. I could have put cockroach…"
Draco scowled. "Silk worm is fine."
"That's what I thought."
"So, Harry," Theodore wrapped an arm around the Boy-Who-Lived's shoulders, "who
all knew about that speech of yours?"
Harry smiled. "Well, Marcus helped me write it, and Albus okayed it, but they
were the only ones who'd heard it before." He nudged Theodore in the ribs. "So,
yes, he knew."
"Who knew what?" Tom inquired, stopping behind Harry and Theodore.
"Oh, nothing." Harry smiled back at the Dark Lord.
"Move it, Mr Nott," Tom ordered.
"Sorry, Marcus." Theodore grinned, letting go of Harry.
Harry spun around and immediately grabbed the Dark Lord in a hug, burying his
face in the older wizard's chest. Tom smiled and wrapped his arms around his
younger lover, resting his chin atop Harry's head. "Summer," Tom murmured, "is
finally here. No more Albus. And no more teaching bratty little children."
"Just me!" Ula said rather suddenly as she, the Weasleys, and the Grangers came
over.
The Dark Lord buried his face in Harry's mop of hair with a groan. "Dammit."
Harry laughed. "Oh, Marcus, stop that." He tugged back enough to reach up and
tug Tom's mouth down to his. "I love you, you bastard," he added once they'd
parted.
Tom smiled and kissed Harry's scar. "Imp," he declared before pulling away and
nodding to the Grangers. "You must be Hermione's parents."
Hermione's father nodded. "I'm Clive, this is Julia. You must be Marcus
Brutús," he said, holding out a hand to shake.
"I am indeed," the Dark Lord agreed before glancing at the Weasleys. "Arthur,
Molly, Gred, and Forge."
The twins laughed at the old names. "Marcus got it right!" George declared.
"Really." Molly gave both twins dry looks. "As far as I know, your birth
certificates still say Fred and George."
"They just got mixed up while they were writing our names down," Fred
explained.
"I wrote your names down," Molly replied.
‘Run now, guys.' Gin suggested, hugging Harry. ‘Congratulations for getting
past the student stage, big brother.'
"Mm. Sometimes I wonder what I was on when I agreed to teaching here next
year," Harry agreed.
"Father. Mother." Draco nodded to his parents as Lucius and Narcissa stepped
over to them.
"Congratulations, Draco, everyone," Lucius replied, watching the Grangers out
of the corner of his eyes, since the Muggles were giving his hostile looks.
Harry and Hermione traded looks and Harry stepped in. "Drs Granger, this is
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Lucius, Narcissa, these are Herm's parents, Clive
and Julia Granger." The look he sent at the Malfoys quite clearly said ‘Play
nice or else'.
Lucius nodded and extended his hand to Julia, who was closer. "I apologize for
our last meeting. I have been enlightened of a few things since then, including
how special a young lady your daughter is."
"Aw, thanks, Lucius," Hermione teased. Lucius shot her an annoyed look.
"Yeah. When was the last time you showed poor Dray with such praise?" Harry
threw in, grinning.
"Oh, please don't drag me into this, Potter," Draco grumbled.
"It could be worse," Pansy pointed out. "He could be hitting on you again."
"Pansy!" Harry hissed, glancing nervously at Tom, who was looking rather
confused. "You promised to keep your mouth shut!"
"Oops. My bad. Sorry." Pansy sighed, shrugging and not sounding the least bit
sorry.
The Dark Lord rested an arm on top of Harry's head and gave the teen and
annoyed look. "Have you been cheating on me again?"
Harry gave his lover a tearful look. "I'm sorry. I know I promised not to do it
again, but, his skin's so soft!"
Those who knew who the Dark Lord was watched him warily as he blinked at Harry
for a few moments. Tom bowed his head, shoulders shaking and Harry grinned
widely, winking at Draco, who made a big show of being relieved. "You imp!" Tom
said suddenly, looking up and crushing his lips to Harry's. You're lucky I can
read your mind, you know.
Oh, come on, Tom. You know I'd never cheat on you, Harry replied, ruffling the
Dark Lord's light brown hair.
Tom pulled back and worked on flattening his hair with a scowl. "Do you mind?!"
"Of course he doesn't!" Sirius said cheerfully, throwing an arm around the Dark
Lord's shoulders cheerfully and holding out a bottle of opened butterbeer to
his godson. "Congratulations, everyone." He offered, winking at Hermione,
Draco, Ted, Gin, and Pansy.
"Black, if you do not remove yourself from my person within ten seconds, I will
hex your arms behind your back and hang you from the ceiling," Tom growled
darkly.
Harry smiled and unhexed the bottle of butterbeer before taking it from his
godfather. "I'd let him go, Siri."
"Oh, fine," Sirius let the Dark Lord go and smirked as Tom cast a Cleaning
Charm on himself. "By the way, Harry, you'll never believe who I was sitting
next to!"
"Remus Lupin, by any chance?" Tom said dryly.
Sirius shot him a dirty look before smiling at Harry again. "Your aunt,
actually."
"Aunt Petunia came?!" Harry grinned. "I didn't think she'd be able to make it!
Where is she?"
"Remus was helping her pick food out." Sirius shrugged. "I let him handle it.
He'll bring her over here when they're done."
"Probably for the best that we keep the mutt away from the food," a dark voice
said from behind Lucius. The blond glanced over his shoulder, then moved to one
side to let Severus into the small sort-of-circle they'd created.
"Hi, Sevvie!" Harry chirped, running over and giving the Potions professor a
hug.
"Harry, if you hug me one more time, I'll have to start testing potions on
you." Severus groaned. "And don't call me ‘Sevvie', for the last time!"
"Aw. You're no fun, Sevvie." Harry pouted. The people around the circle
laughed.
"You're almost better off getting used to him, Severus," Remus offered as he
led a thin woman into the circle next to Sirius.
Harry smiled and walked over to give his aunt a much calmer hug than he'd given
Severus. "You made it."
"Yes." Petunia smiled. "Thank Saber for me, next time you see him. He brought
me on the Knight Bus."
"Will do." Harry nodded, then glanced around with a worried look. "Do I have to
introduce you to everyone?"
Petunia laughed at that. "No, that's fine, dear." She ruffled his hair fondly.
"Congratulations on getting a job for next year, by the way."
"Thank you."
"Of course, Harry's the only one who Albus knows he can trust to teach his
precious brats." Severus snorted.
Harry grinned. "He just knows that I can, Severus. Trust is another issue
entirely."
"Yes. Knowing Harry, they probably had another long talk about pranks." Tom
snorted.
"Oh, it wasn't that long!" Harry grinned. "He just said that I have to okay any
pranks with him first."
"And me," Severus cut in.
"Nope. Sorry, Sevvie. Albus never said anything about my okaying pranks with
you." Harry laughed
"Albus didn't, but I am, you little horror," the Potions professor shot back.
Lucius sighed, glancing at a watch. "I'm afraid we must leave. Pansy, we're to
take you to the manor until your parents get back from Mexico."
"Sleepover! Cool!" Pansy chirped, grabbing on to Draco's arm and looking at
Harry. "I'll have to wait to stay over with you, Har. Sorry."
"Oh well." Harry shook his head sadly. "I'll see you all next week sometime."
"Of course. The tea date." Narcissa nodded. "I should put it on the calendar at
home."
"Yes. We'll see you Friday, then?" Tom agreed.
"That should be perfect," Lucius agreed.
Harry glanced discreetly at Hermione and got a quick smile in response. Herm'll
be at the meeting, then. I'll check with Nev before we leave.
Best catch him now, then. Looks like his Gran is dragging him out, Tom warned
as the Weasleys also offered their good-byes. The meeting had been planned so
early into the holidays so that they could all come before they left the
country.
Damn. Harry smiled at everyone after giving his sister and Molly a hug. "I need
to go catch Nev, if that's okay?"
"Oh, go on, then. We'll surely find some way to amuse ourselves without you,"
Hermione teased.
Harry rolled his eyes and jogged over to his fellow Heir. "Hullo, Madam
Longbottom. Nev, could I have a quick word with you?"
Neville blinked. "It's about those lessons you promised me, right? I hope you
don't mind, but I already told Gran about them."
Harry gave his friend a relieved smile. "Yes, yes. That's fine." He scratched
the back of his head. "Is it alright if I come get you before noon on next
Friday? I'll need to take you into the house the first time so you can find it
and we can set the wards for you."
Neville glanced back at his grandmother. "Is that okay, Gran? I'll probably be
gone all day."
Madam Longbottom nodded. "That should be fine. I'll just invite my knitting
friends over so I don't get bored," she decided.
"Great!" Harry grinned. "I'll see you on Friday, then!"
"Right." Neville nodded and the two shared a brotherly hug, which appeared to
shock Neville's grandmother, before Harry hurried back to where the Grangers
were getting ready to leave.
Harry gave Hermione a big hug. "I'll send Hedwig to you tomorrow so you can
send me a letter to let me know when you're visiting."
"Oh, alright." Hermione rolled her eyes as she took Gerda from Severus, who had
been holding the baby for his ex-student. "Say good-bye to your godfather,
Gerda."
Gerda let out a gurgle and waved a pudgy hand at Harry. The green-eyed wizard
leaned over and blooped her nose. "You be good for your mum and grandparents,
little missy," he said warningly, smiling when the baby giggled. Then he turned
to Galvin, who was watching his godfather from his grandmother's arms. "You
too, Gal. You don't want to annoy Gin by annoying your mum again, now do you?"
Galvin mumbled a string of baby nonsense in response, looking quite downcast.
Hermione smiled. "I'll see you later, then."
Harry smiled and kissed her cheek. "Stay safe. Don't let old Voldie get ya."
Hermione laughed and followed her parents from the Great Hall.
"Well, my little imp, we should probably head out as well," Tom sighed,
dragging a laughing Ula away from Sirius.
Harry nodded and glanced at his aunt. "Aunt Petunia, have you got a way to get
home?"
"Well, I was going to take a portkey home, like Professor Dumbledore said I
could..."
"Nonsense," Tom cut in. "We'll drop you off. Harry can do an Apparation
Circle."
"You can apparate Muggles?" Sirius gaped.
"It's possible, but I wouldn't recommend it," the Dark Lord responded evilly
before glancing at Harry. "Think you have the strength?"
Harry frowned thoughtfully. "I should be fine," he agreed out loud. Quietly, he
added, But you'll need to do the second apparation to the manor.
I was planning to anyway, Tom assured the teen. "Good. Now say good-bye to your
godfathers and let's head out."
The teen grinned and hopped over to Remus and Sirius while Tom turned to talk
Ula into calming down. "I don't know if Marcus'll let you into the manor, Siri,
but I'll try talking him into it, right?"
"Nah, don't bother. I'll see you sometimes, I'm sure." The Animagus shrugged.
"Remy'll let you know if I want you to visit, I'm sure."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Probably."
Sirius tugged Harry into a hug. "Just take care of yourself, Harry," he
murmured.
Harry returned the hug desperately. "Don't do anything foolish, Padfoot," he
whispered fiercely. "I cannot lose you again."
"You won't lose me again, pup. I swear," the Animagus agreed soothingly.
Harry nodded as he pulled away and wiped at a tear that had made a shimmering
trail down his left cheek. "Good."
Remus grinned and leaned on his long-time friend. "Don't worry, Harry. I found
his old leash. He won't be going anywhere."
Harry laughed and gave his other godfather a quick hug. "Make sure you tie him
up outside before you leave to go anywhere, right? Don't want him pissing on
the furniture."
"You little monster!" Sirius laughed as Harry waved and walked over to join
Tom, Petunia, and Ula.
Tom silently handed Harry a handkerchief and picked Ula up, since she'd been
demanding it. "There should be a few carriages left that we can take down to
the gate. Come on."
On their way out, Albus approached them. "Marcus, Harry, could I have your
mailing address, in case I need to owl you?"
Tom grimaced. "The manor's unplottable and has wards against most owls, Albus.
Your best bet is sending any mail to the owl post office in Dundee."
"Wait." Harry frowned. "Marcus, could a phoenix get through the wards?"
The Dark Lord blinked a few times. "I have no idea. If you'd like though, I
suppose we could program Fawkes into the wards."
Albus nodded. "You're taking Petunia home first?"
"Yes. Marcus says it's possible to apparate a Muggle, and it's always a good
idea to find out just what I can manage," Harry agreed.
"I'll send Fawkes to catch up with you at Privet Drive, then, and you can take
him with you the manor," Albus decided, then smiled. "Have a good break, my
dear boy. And you, Miss Thorald. And, of course, you, Marcus." He winked before
walking off.
"That man is so odd," Marcus decided, shifting his hold on Ula, who giggled.
"Off we go, then."
Harry and Petunia fell in behind the Dark Lord. "Having fun, Ula?" Harry called
up to the girl as they walked out of the Great Hall and out of the school.
"I can see everything!" Ula agreed.
Harry grinned and paused in front of one of the carriages to stroke the
thestral standing there. "I know. Marcus is tall!"
"What are you petting, Harry?" Ula inquired as Tom set her down and opened the
door for the women.
"Hm? Oh, thestrals." Harry shrugged and kissed the noses of the team that would
be pulling their carriage before following everyone in.
"Thestrals?" Ula shuddered. "They're unlucky, you know," she mentioned as the
carriage started moving.
"Yes." Harry nodded. "At least, that's what I've been told, but they've never
caused bad luck for me, and I like them."
Ula blinked at Tom. "Can you see them?"
"Yes." The Dark Lord inclined his head. "But, then, being a killer means such
things happen."
"How can you be so calm about that?!" Ula cried.
"It's who he is, Ula," Petunia offered. "I'm assuming she actually knows who
you are?" She glanced at Tom.
The Dark Lord nodded. "Yes."
Petunia glanced at the young witch. "Then you should expect such things from
him."
Harry chuckled as the carriage stopped. "Oh, come on." He hopped from the
carriage and started out for the gates.
Ula quickly caught up with the Boy-Who-Lived and grabbed his hand. "He's really
creepy," she whispered.
Harry squeezed her hand gently. "He's had a hard life, Ula, and he's rather
jaded. Yes, he can be creepy, but he has his good moments, too, and they're
becoming much more frequent than they once were."
Ula sighed. "I know, but that doesn't keep him from being creepy."
"No, it doesn't," Harry agreed, stopping a little past the end of the wards.
"Have you ever been apparated before? I know parents will sometimes apparate
their children when they have to get somewhere."
"No. Mum can't apparate," Ula replied.
Harry nodded. "Then this should be a bit of an adventure for you."
Tom and Petunia walked up to them. and the Dark Lord looked at Ula warily. "Are
you against holding my hand right now?"
"No," the girl decided, holding out her free hand for him to take. Tom motioned
for Petunia to stand between himself and Harry.
"Okay." Harry grinned. "I'm not sure how well this is going to work, so I
insist on silence. Ula, I need you to concentrate your magical energy towards
me, alright?" Ula nodded and closed her eyes, so Harry turned to his aunt.
"Aunt Petunia, I just want you to concentrate on me. Marcus is an adept at
this, so he'll play back-up for me, right, love?"
"Yes." Tom nodded and cast a silent and wandless spell on his teal eyes to
allow him to see magick threads to watch for any mistakes.
"You will teach me that," Harry murmured, closing his eyes. When he got the
mental ‘Go' from the Dark Lord, he cast the spell, tweaking it to allow for his
aunt, "Apparate Omnes!"
                                       -
Once they'd reappeared just off Wisteria Walk, Tom applauded his younger lover.
"Good job, Harry. You didn't need to boost the spell quite so much, but that's
okay."
Harry grinned. "Good to know."
"Tired?" Tom asked in concern. Petunia and Ula both turned to look at the Boy-
Who-Lived.
"A little, yeah," Harry agreed before covering a yawn.
Tom nodded and picked the smaller wizard up, hugging him to his chest. "You
don't eat enough," he muttered, nodding to Petunia to lead the way. The Muggle
smiled slightly and took the lead, grabbing one of Ula's hands in her own so
the girl didn't run off.
"Leave me alone," Harry replied, resting his head on the Dark Lord's shoulder.
Tom chuckled faintly. I don't trust Albus' bird, you know, he added mentally.
But I do.
With your life?
Yes. Harry blinked up at the worried teal eyes. And yours, Tom. Fawkes won't
‘spill the beans', as it were.
I have never gotten along with that bird. Anyway, what makes you think the
mascot of the Order of the Phoenix is going to be pleased that you're staying
with the leader of the opposition? the Dark Lord demanded.
It'll be okay, Harry murmured, kissing his lover's chin. You'll see.
You trust too easily, Tom complained as Petunia unlocked the door of her house.
The wizards and one witch followed the Muggle in and all were greeted by a
flaming bird.
"Phoenix!" Ula exclaimed in excitement.
Fawkes flew over to Harry and landed on his shoulder to preen the teen's hair,
totally ignoring the dark looks Tom was shooting him. °°Are you okay, Harry?°°
Harry smiled. "Just a little tired. Nothing to worry about. Marcus, you can put
me down, you know."
The Dark Lord snorted and set Harry on the ground carefully. "If you start to
wobble, I'm picking you up again."
"Yeah, I know." Harry smiled at Tom before turning back to Petunia and Ula.
"Aunt Petunia, Ula, this is Albus' phoenix, Fawkes. Fawkes, this is my aunt,
Petunia Dursley, and Ula Thorald."
Fawkes bowed his head to the ladies. °°A pleasure to meet you both.°° Then he
turned to Harry. °°Ula is the daughter of Galatea and Xylon, correct?°°
"Yes," Harry agreed before turning to Tom. "Marcus, we should probably head out
to the manor so Fawkes can get back."
The Dark Lord nodded and motioned for Ula to come over to them. "Say good-bye
to your aunt, Harry."
Harry nodded and gave his aunt a hug. "If you get into any trouble, use that
mirror I gave you to let us know. I'll send Saber to come get you and you can
stay in the manor."
Tom nodded when Petunia looked at him. "There's plenty of room for you to hide
if you don't want to see our ugly faces."
Petunia laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, then." She kissed Harry's cheek.
"Stay safe, Harry. And you, Marcus, Ula."
"Of course." Tom nodded while Ula grinned. "Come on, Harry."
Fawkes chimed in as Harry walked back to Tom. °°Where are we going? I could
take us. Probably easier if Marcus has to reset the wards to allow both Ula and
myself entry.°°
Harry looked up at Tom. "Hey, Marcus, would you like it if Fawkes transports
us?"
The Dark Lord blinked a few times before shrugging. "Sure." He nodded to the
phoenix. "We're going to the owl post office in Dundee. I told Hedwig to wait
for us there, so we'll have to pick her up."
°°Of course.°° Fawkes nodded. He waited until Harry was touching both Tom and
Ula before letting out a sharp note. Fire surrounded the four magical beings
and they disappeared.
                                       -
Tom waited until after the phoenix had left the manor to drop his glamour.
"Home sweet home," he muttered, pulling things from his robe pockets and
resizing them before dropping them on the floor at his feet.
Ula and Harry traded looks before laughing. "Tom, love, are you okay?" Harry
inquired, leaning down slightly so he could look into the Dark Lord's eyes.
Tom tossed the last bag on the floor, then snapped his fingers twice. Two
house-elves appeared, both wearing clean tea cosies with the Slytherin crest
dashed across the front in sharp detail. "What can Slinky and Giggles do for
Master?" one of them, the elder-looking one, asked, bowing
Tom crouched down so he was level with the small creatures. "These two will be
my guests for the summer. This is Harry, and that's Ula. Could you take Ula's
things and show her to the Copper Room, please, Giggles?"
"Giggles would be happy to, Master!" the one who hadn't spoken before replied.
She bounced over to Ula while Tom smiled. "If Mistress Ula will point out her
things, Giggles will get them and show Mistress Ula to her room!"
The young witch looked started. "Ju-just Ula, will do," she murmured, tugging
out her trunk and a small shoulder bag, which she slung over one shoulder.
"Right this way, Ula!" Giggles said with a large smile before bouncing down the
hall, trunk in tow. Ula hurried after her, eyes wide.
Harry chuckled. "Perhaps Giggles should have been named Bouncy, eh, Tom?"
The Dark Lord rolled his eyes. "Perhaps." Then he looked back at Slinky.
"Slinky, could you take the rest of this stuff to my suite, then make sure
everyone knows that Harry and Ula will be here? Also, make sure someone keeps
Ula busy for today."
"Of course, Master." Slinky bowed. "And what time shall Slinky have dinner
ready for Master and Master's guests?"
Tom glanced up at Harry, who shrugged. "I think it's best if we just call for
it whenever we're hungry, don't you think? Then Ula can have her dinner
whenever she'd like," the teen suggested.
"Let's go with Harry's idea, then," Tom decided, nodding.
"Very well, Master. And what time will Master and Master's guests be having
breakfast tomorrow?" Slinky asked, collecting the leftover trunks and bags.
"Have it ready at nine, and make sure Ula knows," Tom ordered, standing.
"As Master wishes," Slinky agreed before disappearing with a 'pop', taking all
of the things with him.
"Slinky is the Head Elf," Tom told Harry, offering his arm. "If you want
something done, you'll have to ask him."
Harry grinned and slid his arm around the Dark Lord's waist, resting his head
against the taller man's shoulder. "I'll keep that in mind. They all look very
happy."
"They are, I think," Tom agreed, settling his arm around Harry's shoulders. "Of
course, they really don't like it when my Death Eaters come around, but there's
little I can do about that. Shall we head towards the bedroom?"
"Sure." Harry smiled. "So, do I get a tour of this place tomorrow?"
"Of course." Tom chuckled. "I'll give both you and Ula the grand tour after
breakfast."
"Mm. And what ever shall we do until then?"
"I've got a few ideas."
Harry laughed.
                                       -
Harry slipped into the room of Juniors with a faint smile. "Good afternoon,
everyone."
"Good afternoon, boss," came the cheerful reply of the gathered Juniors.
Harry took his place at the head of the circle, nodding faintly to Hermione and
Neville, who stood next to one another in a shady corner. He glanced around at
the familiar faces for a long moment before speaking. "This will be the first
full meeting for all of you, I believe, so let me tell you what to expect." He
stepped back, shaking his head when everyone turned to watch him. "First thing,
face forward. You don't need to see me to listen."
"Oiy. Wouldn't it be more respectful to watch you, so you know we're
listening?" Morag inquired.
"Voldemort doesn't want to see your face. He likes submission," Harry responded
gently, starting to walk around the circle of witches and wizards. "I know I've
mentioned before that one of the differences between the Death Eaters and the
Juniors is my more friendly approach?" The Juniors nodded, some watching him
curiously. "In a full-fledged meeting, we play by Voldemort's rules, and he's
not so nice at Death Eater meetings. Just because you got an O for the year
doesn't mean he won't Crucio you."
'That MEANS, face FORWARD!' Gin added in large, sharp lettering. Everyone's
head snapped back to inside the circle.
Harry nodded his thanks to his second. "When you all first met Voldemort as
himself, were you afraid of him?" he inquired gently.
"Yeah," everyone murmured.
'Well, guess I'm the only exception to THAT rule.' Gin snorted.
Harry gave his sister an amused look. "You feared him just as much as the next
person the very first time you met him and understood who he was."
"Point to Harry," Remus murmured.
Harry snorted. "Enough." He shook his head at them all as he took his place at
the head of the circle again. "You'll have to be serious in the meeting, my
friends," he said, giving them all sharp looks. "No laughing, no teasing each
other, no silently hexing the Death Eater next to you." The Boy-Who-Lived
glanced at the Weasley twins and smiled at their serious looks. "Good."
'While we're in the meeting, neither Harry nor I can protect you if you step
out of line.' Gin added seriously. 'Just because we're high-ranking doesn't
mean that we can talk you out of a tight spot. If you piss off Voldemort enough
for him to Crucio you, you probably deserve it.'
"Consider this your only warning," Harry added firmly. "Now, when you get into
the meeting room, most of the Death Eaters will be mingling, for the most part.
When they start lining up, line up with them. Take a random place in the circle
and stay quiet. When Voldemort and myself come in, you're expected to kneel.
Don't question it, just do it."
"What if we don't kneel?" Terry snorted.
"You'll be learning to like the Cruciatus Curse, that's what," Draco snapped.
He glared across the circle at the Ravenclaw. "The Dark Lord isn't the nice guy
you had as teacher, Terry. He's cruel and hateful. If you don't do as you're
supposed to do, you will find yourself on the wrong end of his wand. You can
learn that now, or you can learn that later, but I promise I'll laugh when you
start screaming."
"Draco," Harry murmured, gazing at the Slytherin calmly.
Draco pursed his lips, but bowed formally. "I apologize, Harry, but sometimes
you need to be harsh to make your point."
Harry's lips twitched. "So I'm learning." He glanced over at Terry. "Draco is
right, though. Lord Voldemort will not smile if you crack a joke. He'll turn
around and Crucio you until you're sobbing and can't breathe anymore and are
coughing up blood from screaming so hard," the green-eyed teen said softly.
Terry winced. "Understood."
"Great." Harry smiled. "Gin, would you like to lead them all to the meeting
room? We've got a few minutes yet before Voldemort calls the Death Eaters, so
you can all get a look around."
'And you?' Gin inquired, motioning for everyone to put there masks on and hoods
up.
"Neville, Hermione, and I are going to find them a place to hang out in while
the meeting's going on," Harry replied easily.
"And after the meeting?" Theodore inquired from behind his white mask.
'The Juniors have their own little private meeting and lunch.' Gin responded.
'Let's go, kiddies.'
"Behave," Hermione added, giving everyone her best Head Girl expression, which
had everyone cracking up as Gin herded them from the room.
Harry smiled at the two supporters. "Well, come along then. You can play with
Ula, I suppose. I'll just send one of the house-elves to come get you when
we're done."
"That should work," Neville agreed.
Harry chuckled and motioned for them to follow him.
                                       -
:No wise cracks this time, right?:
: None what-so-ever.: Harry rolled his eyes at the red-eyed man across from
him. :I'm supposed to be setting a good example for my gang, I know.: He
flicked a lock of hair from his face before speaking again. :Are we inducting
Dray, Ted, and 'Bini today?:
: Yes.: The Dark Lord nodded. :They will be remaining behind after both
meetings for their test, then they will be marked.:
: What's their test?:
: They get to torture your cousin.:
Harry blanched, then shot the Dark Lord a sharp look. :Lovely. And you're going
to want me there, of course.:
Voldemort smiled faintly. :If you wish to call an out, love, I give you
permission. None of us will think any less of you for it.:
: I know.: He looked up at the ceiling. :But I'll be there anyway.:
The Dark Lord let out a sigh. :Very well.:
Harry couldn't help but smile at his lover.: And Gin? I seem to recall her
calling dibs on my lovely cousin.:
: I don't know. Ask her.:
: Will do.:
: Perfect.: Voldemort straightened and brushed down his robes, which drew a
snort from Harry, then turned to the doors they'd been standing next to. :
I think they're ready.:
: Let's hope mine behave,: Harry muttered, taking his place next to the taller
man.
:Well, if they don't, I get to Crucio them,: Voldemort replied cheerfully.
:And we all know you've been wanting to do that since the beginning of the
school year,: was Harry's dry response.
:Oh, I don't know. They didn't cause nearly as much trouble as you,: Voldemort
hissed in Harry's ear before pushing the doors open and leading the way into
the room.
Harry noted, with relief, that all the Juniors knelt in unison with the other
Death Eaters. Thank Merlin!
The Dark Lord's end of their link radiated with amusement even as he looked
over the gathered group with a frown. "Stand," he ordered, then nodded when
everyone rose quickly.
:What's wrong?: Harry inquired, keeping his face emotionless as he gazed over
the group himself.
:Some of mine are missing,: Voldemort responded.
:Anything in the Prophet this morning that I missed?:
: Doubtful, though the Prophet might not even know.:
: True.: Harry frowned thoughtfully. :Ask.:
: Harry...: the Dark Lord murmured.
:Oh, fine, I'll ask. Who's missing?: Harry responded, mentally rolling his
eyes.
Plato Bole, Ward Warrington, Roger Davis, and Lyle Bletchley, Voldemort
whispered in their minds, not wanting to say them out loud, since some may
catch on to the names. It had happened in the past.
Harry nodded. "Bole, Warrington, Davis, and Bletchley are missing. Where are
they?" he asked in a sharp voice, eyeing the crowd.
"Davis has a Quidditch game in Bosnia," came the quick response from one of
Roger Davis' friends, Septimus Cauld.
"Make sure he knows to speak with us about that when he gets back," Harry
ordered, waiting for the answering nod before gazing around the group again.
"Bole, Warrington, and Bletchley."
"I saw Bole and Bletchley yesterday at the Ministry, my Lord," Cassidy Hayes
answered suddenly. "They were talking to Amelia Bones."
"What would they need to talk to her about?" spat Antonin Dolohov furiously,
which started an argument among about ten Death Eaters. The Juniors and Death
Eaters not arguing stepped back out of the way, eyeing the arguers warily.
Voldemort and Harry traded looks. We'll need Susan to grill her aunt, the Dark
Lord muttered.
I'll ask her, Harry agreed. Now, aren't you going to end this argument, oh
great Dark Lord?
Are you mocking me, Potter? Voldemort replied with a tinge of amusement. Harry
smirked. Brat. Yes, I'll step in, right as soon as those not in this little
fight get out of the way...
Harry winced internally, catching on to the Dark Lord's train of thought. Ever
thought about just shouting for them to stop?
What would be the fun in that? Voldemort inquired, levelling his wand at the
small cluster. "Crucio."
The argument ended rather suddenly, letting the following screams rip through
the air unhindered. Harry noticed a few of his Juniors flinching and, those
close to one another, gripping each others' hands. Gin mouthed 'ouch' silently
to herself as she gazed at the mass of Death Eaters from Harry's right. The
Death Eaters not caught up in the Cruciatus Curse were watching on stonily.
Love, you have a sick sense of humour, Harry offered cheerfully.
Why, thank you, Voldemort replied, ending the curse with a snap of his wrist.
He stalked over to the pile of human bodies and kicked the one closest to him.
"Get up. All of you," he ordered coldly. They all started struggling to their
feet, but the Dark Lord didn't seem to think they were moving fast enough, for
he roared, "NOW!" at the top of his lungs, making everyone else flinch and one
of the ones rising fall over.
"My Lord, we apologize," Odoric York said quickly as he regained his feet.
"You, are all pathetic," Voldemort hissed sharply. "I don't know why I bother."
"Because you can't defeat the Order of the Phoenix alone?" Lach Goyle responded
dully from the ground.
Voldemort turned his wand on the dumb man. "Prone Seco," he hissed, making a
slicing motion
Lach screamed as the front of his robes split open, revealing a deep cut from
his right shoulder to just above his groin. Blood started pooling around him at
a sharp pace.
Harry's eyes shot away from the gruesome sight to where a scuffle had broken
out in a corner. He recognized the forms of the younger Goyle fighting against
Draco and Vincent and swept silently over to them. All three froze when they
saw him coming. "Greg, go over to the corner by the door and help Sally
outside," the Boy-Who-Lived ordered evenly, nodding to where Sally-Anne stood
unsteadily with Susan's support.
"But, Harry, my–"
"Greg, if you go over there now, the Dark Lord will do that to you too,"
Vincent hissed. "Listen to Harry."
"Go," Harry hissed as the Dark Lord started yelling. "He won't kill him."
Gregory's shoulders slumped and, with a faint nod, he dashed through the
shadows over to the two Hufflepuffs and helped Sally-Anne from the room.
"Thank you," Vincent murmured to Harry once Gregory was out of the room.
Harry nodded and settled a hand on the Slytherin's shoulder, glancing at both
young men. "Good job," he offered before spinning sharply and stalking back to
his place in the broken circle.
Voldemort stalked up to his younger lover, eyes flaring dangerously, as Craig
Crabbe and Walden Macnair helped Lach from the room. :I should have killed
him,: he spat to Harry.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the older wizard.: But, if you killed everyone who
pissed you off, there wouldn't be anyone left. What would be the point in
ruling then?:
Voldemort snorted. :Stop trying to cheer me up, Harry,: he muttered before
returning his attention to the slowly returning circle of Death Eaters and
Juniors. "Move it!" He shouted, then smirked as everyone quickened their pace.
:But, love, if I don't try cheering you up, who will?: Harry offered, eyeing a
flurry of motion against one of the walls. :Be right back.:
: What?: Voldemort turned to watch Harry sweep over to the motion he'd seen
with a frown.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Patil twins. Parvati was hugging her sister
tightly, who was bowed over sobbing silently. "What's wrong?" the young leader
murmured, kneeling before the girls. He smiled faintly when the Dark Lord
barked out an order to draw the attention away from them.
"Padma's feeling ill," Parvati whispered. "She's never seen that much blood
before."
"Understandable." Harry nodded. "I'll take her out. You get back into the
circle and pay attention."
"Yes, sir." Parvati nodded, then pulled away from her sister to hurry back to
where Lisa and Morag had left her a space.
"Padma, can you stand?" Harry whispered, setting a gentle hand on the young
woman's back.
"I–I think s–so," Padma agreed. She allowed herself to be pulled to her feet,
then led from the room. "A-am I going t-to be i–in tr–trouble?"
"No." Harry pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to the
Ravenclaw. "I'm not surprised that some of you got sick," he added as they
stepped into the room where he felt Gregory and Sally-Anne's pendants
"S–some of us?" Padma inquired shakily as she pulled off her mask and used the
handkerchief to wipe at her tears and snot.
"Yeah," Sally-Anne agreed, eyes red and swollen. "Greg helped me out."
"Harry made me," Gregory reported as Harry helped Padma sit next to Sally-Anne.
"Your father is fine," Harry reported sternly. "If you'd tried to stop
Voldemort from cursing him, you would both be hurt. I stopped you for a reason,
so stop giving me that look."
"Harry was right" Sally-Anne added, shaking her finger in Gregory's face. "Now
shut up."
Harry smiled. "You certainly seem better, Ms Perks."
Sally-Anne made a face. "You shut up too."
"Hey! Are you four having a party without me?!" came a sudden voice out of
nowhere.
Harry turned and smiled at Ula. "It's not one you want to attend, love," he
offered, then glanced up at where Hermione and Neville stood behind the young
Gryffindor. "You two look tired."
"She's worse than Gerda and Gal," Hermione declared as Ula hopped into Harry's
arms. "How do you deal with her?"
"How do you think he put up with Ron for six years?" Neville offered dryly,
taking the open seat next to Gregory. "Okay there, Greg?"
Gregory pursed his lips. "No."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Greg, would it make you feel better if you could go
check up on your father?"
"Yes."
Harry nodded and snapped his fingers with his free hand, as he was holding Ula
still. A frowning elf appeared before him. "What can Ordor do for Master
Harry?" he asked in a monotone.
"Take Greg up to the second floor in the left wing, where his father is," Harry
responded evenly.
"As Master Harry asks." Ordor bowed. "Come along Mister Goyle."
"Thank you, Ordor," Harry offered the elf as he led Gregory from the room. Then
he returned his attention to Ula. "I need to put you down, Ula. I have to get
back to my meeting."
"Awww..." Ula pouted. "Can I come?"
"You really don't want to be in there," Sally-Anne slipped in. "Come here and
I'll teach you a hand-game, hm?"
"Okay!" Ula chirped. She hopped over to Sally-Anne happily.
Harry gave the Hufflepuff a thankful look, then nodded to Hermione and Neville.
"I'll see you two in a few minutes. Make sure you find a place for her?"
"We'll try our best," Neville promised weakly.
Harry snorted in amusement and slipped back down the hallway and into the
meeting room. Voldemort was yelling again. Love, I think they get the point,
Harry chuckled mentally as he slid into his place next to the scarlet-eyed man.
The Dark Lord turned to him, ending his triad rather suddenly, which made a few
Death Eaters and Juniors startle. :I had to improvise, and they obviously don't
get it, since they still haven't got it right.: He scowled heavily.
Harry gave his lover an amused look. :Perhaps, if you didn't yell and spoke in
a normal voice, they'd get it?:
Voldemort's scowl deepened. :Where's the fun in that?:
Harry sniggered, then turned to their wary audience. "Ladies and gentlemen of
the Dark Order, when Voldemort screams his orders at the top of his lungs, can
you even understand what he's saying?"
:Harry,: Voldemort said warningly.
:I'm curious. Hush,: Harry responded calmly, totally ignoring the red eyes
glaring a hole through his head. "Well?"
"N-not...r-r-really..." Wormtail volunteered, then cowered when the Dark Lord
shot him a furious look.
:Point. Stop screaming,: Harry turned and graced the annoyed Dark Lord with a
brilliant smile, ignoring the wand pointed at his heart.
:I should Crucio you,: Voldemort growled.
:But you won't,: Harry pointed out calmly. :Because, if you do, there will be
no one here to make you see sense.:
: I don't need anyone to try and show me sense!:
'Gentlemen, perhaps this isn't the best place for this.' declared quick words
that appeared between them. 'Argue in your bedroom, not at the meeting.'
:Your sister is right. We will have this discussion later,: Voldemort decided,
forcing himself to calm down before he returned to the circle of Death Eaters.
"Next month, we have a raid. You will be further informed when that date comes
closer. For now, be warned it's coming. Also, we will be inducting three new
members into the Death Eaters tonight," he said coldly. "Lucius, remain."
Harry nodded, all business, as he also addressed the group. "Death Eaters In-
Training, follow Gin. She'll take you to our meeting room."
Then, as one, the two leaders said, "Dismissed," and turned to sweep from the
room, Lucius following.
"Perhaps, Harry, you shouldn't interrupt meetings like that?" Lucius offered
calmly once the doors to the meeting room had fallen shut behind them.
"My sentiments exactly," the Dark Lord grumbled as he reverted to his human
form. "How the hell am I supposed to keep control of meetings if you continue
to do that?"
"You rule your way, I rule mine," Harry replied, frowning, as he leaned against
the wall. "Anyway, your meetings are always out of control. Someone usually
ends up in pain by the end, which causes chaos for at least as long as you hold
the curse, usually longer. Yes, Tom, you have their fear, but you don't have
their attention in the way you wish."
"You're saying I need to be more friendly?" Tom hissed, eyes flashing.
"I'm saying, that your meetings are chaotic without my help, so stop yelling at
me," Harry responded calmly.
The Dark Lord leaned over until he was nose-to-nose with the smaller wizard.
"You rule your way, I rule mine," he said coldly. "In my meetings, we rule with
fear. In your meetings, we rule with friendship. Know the distinction."
"I'm well-aware of the distinction, thank you," Harry shot back, tone matching
that of his lover's. "I'm merely not comfortable with it."
"And you think I'm comfortable with joking around at your meetings?" Tom asked,
eyes narrowing.
Harry let out a sigh, resigning himself. "Very well. I will behave in your
meetings."
"And I won't Crucio any of your Juniors," Tom agreed evenly. "Deal?"
"Deal." Harry nodded, then crossed the short distance between them and bestowed
a firm kiss on the other's lips.
Lucius coughed politely, earning him glares from both of the more powerful
wizards, which he ignored. "I believe we have a meeting to get to?"
Harry blinked at the blond. "You're coming too?"
Tom sighed. "I invited him. He needs to know how to deal with your brats just
as Gin needs to learn how to deal with my people."
"Very well." Harry poked the Dark Lord's side. "Shall we?"
"We shall." Tom agreed, then spun and led the way to the main dining room,
where the meeting would be held.
                                       -
Dudley's head shot up when the door to his cell opened. In stepped the blond
man that he saw from time-to-time that would smirk at him from just outside his
reach and threaten him. Dudley wasn't sacred of the man anymore, though he had
been at first. He'd figured out by now that the man wouldn't hurt him.
As four cloaked forms stepped into the cell after Lucius, unnoticed by Dudley,
Lucius commented, "Good evening, Mr Dursley."
"Oh, is it evening then?" Dudley shot back.
"Actually, it's late afternoon," offered an emotionless voice as Harry and
Voldemort stepped into the cell. "How rude of you to mislead him, Lucius."
"I apologize, my Lord," Lucius responded, bowing slightly. Harry rolled his
eyes.
"Fucking whore!" Dudley screamed suddenly, pulling at his chains as he reached
for his cousin, who flinched. "Come over here and fight me like a man!"
"That would be an unfair advantage," Theodore hissed from beneath his hood.
"Since you're no man."
Dudley ignored the insult, intent on staring at Harry and tugging on his chains
occasionally. He seemed aware that it unnerved Harry as well, as he was
smirking slightly.
Almost as one, the four cloaked figures moved to block their leader from
Dudley's view while the snake-like Voldemort engulfed Harry in a hug, shooting
Dudley a poisonous look. "I want him screaming, you four," the Dark Lord
hissed, pulling Harry with him as he stepped back against the wall.
Dudley shuddered. "Queen Voldemort," he muttered.
Voldemort offered the not-so-fat teen a chilled smirk. "That's right," he
agreed coldly as Lucius joined him and Harry against the wall, placing a hand
on Harry's shoulder.
Harry pulled away from his lover and glanced up into the scarlet eyes, smiling
at the concern he saw within them. :I want one shot. No wand.:
: Harry...: Voldemort murmured, frowning.
:Please, love? You did say fighting back helped, remember?: Harry pointed out.
The Dark Lord let out a sigh. :One shot,: he agreed.
Harry nodded and spun, a cold smile shaping his lips. "Juniors, move." The four
Juniors shot him wary looks, but moved to either side, leaving a strip of bare
ground between Dudley and Harry. Slowly, the Boy-Who-Lived moved forward.
"Lucius tells me that he's not done you any physical harm, save starving you a
bit," the wizard commented in an off-handed manner.
"Just like the pathetic wimp he is," Dudley agreed.
Harry stopped before his cousin. "Really? Lucius never struck me as pathetic."
"That's because you're the most pathetic wimp of them all," Dudley sneered.
Harry delivered a sharp kick to the side of his cousin's head, making Dudley
see stars, and leaned in so close, their noses almost touched. "Let us see who
the true wimp is, hm? I bet five pounds that Lucius or I could stand being
under torture twice as long as you." He smirked. "I give you a minute, max,
before you start to scream." Harry spun and stalked back up to where Voldemort
stood, leaning against the wall, and forced the Dark Lord into giving him a
searing kiss.
'Okay, that's hot.' Gin let out, pulling her hood back.
"I think I'm insulted." Theodore sighed as he, Draco, and Blaise also pulled
their hoods back.
"Try harder," Draco suggested, pointing his wand at Dudley, who was staring at
Harry and the Dark Lord. "Oiy, fatso. Close your mouth."
"How can you stand kissing him?" Dudley shouted.
"The same way you can stand looking at yourself in the mirror, I'm sure,"
Blaise offered.
"My Lords, not to be rude, but, uh, can we hex his mouth shut?" Theodore
inquired, waving his wand towards Dudley, who didn't notice.
"No," Voldemort responded as Harry pulled away from the kiss to turn and look
at his Juniors and cousin, both wizards keeping their arms around the other. "I
want to hear him scream."
"Keep in mind, Juniors," Harry added smoothly. "If you kill him before five
minutes, you fail."
"Not that that's going to keep them from becoming Death Eaters," Lucius
muttered as the four Juniors turned to Dudley, whose eyes had widened in fear.
"Or Gin my second," Harry agreed brightly.
"Begin," Voldemort ordered, slipping a hand over Harry's mouth to silence his
lover's cheerful tone.
"Can we practice our Unforgivables on him?" Draco inquired just before a red
burst of light left Gin's wand and forced Dudley to scream. "Guess that answers
that question."
"Guess it does. Hey, Gin, let us all have a turn," Blaise snorted.
Gin ended the curse with a cold look. 'That's just a taste, Dudley.' the words
of Gin's spell said in icy lettering. 'No one hurts my brother and continues
unpunished. You just happen to be the first in a line of people I'm going to
kill.'
Dudley shuddered at the dangerous brown eyes from where he hung, just above the
ground, due to his knees giving out. "You leave my gang alone!" he shouted,
voice already turning raspy from his screaming.
"I think not!" Draco spat. "They're going to hell with you, Muggle! Crucio!"
Dudley started screaming again, and the screams intensified as both Theodore
and Blaise added their own Cruciatus Curse to the mix, gazes cold.
Alright there, love? Voldemort inquired through his connection with Harry as he
ran a spidery hand through the younger man's hair.
What did I do to gain such faithful friends? Harry replied.
The Dark Lord smiled faintly. You were just yourself.
Harry shook his head. Whatever.
                                       -
Harry had left his lover to Mark his friends in favour of wandering around
Malfoy Manor on his own, letting the thought that Dudley was finally dead seep
in. It was strange that his childhood bully had been killed by the people of
the man who had been one of the causes of his being placed in that house. To
think that his ultimate saviour had been the one he'd been born to kill. It was
mind-boggling.
A voice cut through Harry's thoughts sharply. "Well, if it isn't ickle Hawwy,
all by himself. Did Hawwy's little protection squad leave him all by his
lonesome?"
Harry blinked up at Bellatrix. "You want me to Crucio you?"
Bellatrix laughed. "You couldn't Crucio me even if you tried, brat! You're just
a child playing at an adult's world! Go back to your crib, widdle Hawwy, lest
the evils of the world come out to get you!" Her eyes danced insanely.
Harry levelled his wand at the older witch, and, without any preamble, stated,
"Crucio."
Bellatrix's screams ricocheted off the walls of the manor, making them seem
twice as loud as they really were. Harry finally ended the curse when blood had
started bubbling out of her mouth and dribbling down her chin to the floor.
Still, she continued to twitch.
"I do believe, Bella, that I warned you," Voldemort hissed as he stepped up
behind Harry.
"Really, Aunt Bella. Have you no tact?" Draco sniffed as he, Gin, Theodore,
Blaise, and Lucius filled in the hallway around Harry and Voldemort.
'Zero tact. Yup.' Gin offered, shaking her head. 'How so very sad.'
"Get up, Bella," the Dark Lord ordered. Everyone was silent as the woman slowly
struggled to her feet. "Harry has permission to kill you; I would not push him
if I were you."
Bellatrix and Harry locked gazes. "This isn't over," the woman spat before
turning and slowly limping down the hallway.
"I should hope not." Harry relaxed against his lover. "I claim her, by the way.
You don't get to kill her now."
Voldemort sighed. "I know." He ran a hand through Harry's hair. "I'm sure
everyone can get home on their own?"
"Yup," Draco replied cheerfully, which earned him a few amused looks.
"Great." Harry entwined his left hand with the Dark Lord's. :Voldie.: The two
disappeared from sight as the portkey on Harry's finger activated.
                                       -
:Nice,: Harry commented when they landed in their bedroom.
:I rather thought so,: the Dark Lord murmured, slipping one hand inside Harry's
robes to pinch one of the younger wizard's nipples.
Harry closed his eyes in pleasure. :What's the occasion?: he inquired of the
sudden advancement.
:I'm horny,: the Dark Lord responded promptly as he tugged at Harry's robe.
:I can see that,: Harry replied, amused, as he tugged away so he could take his
robe off himself. :Now, what's making you so horny?:
A predatory smile took over Tom's face as he watched Harry undress. :Didn't you
know, you little imp? Torture makes me horny.:
Harry snorted. :That explains a lot.: He let his robe slide to the floor at his
feet and smirked at his lover, who had been naked since Harry had started
getting undressed. :But I could have sworn you were just fine while you were
Marking my friends.:
:Watching you torture Bella was fucking sexy,: was the blunt reply. :Now get
over here, imp.:
Harry laughed and slid up to the taller man. :I'll have to remember that,: he
whispered before the Dark Lord pulled him into a sharp kiss.
Tom stepped them backwards until the back of Harry's legs hit the edge of the
bed. Then they tumbled back onto the green silk sheets, Harry landing on top.
Harry pulled away to give his lover a questioning look, which earned him a
smirk. :Fuck me.:
Harry's eyes widened. :You want me on top?!:
:Yesssss.: Tom brushed a hand through Harry's hair, eyes burning hungrily. :
Show me how possessive you can be, my Harry.:
Harry moaned at the thought, then leaned down to kiss the Dark Lord again, even
as he called the lubricant from the side table to his hand. As he coated a few
fingers in the cold cream, the Boy-Who-Lived moved down to leave a vicious mark
over his lover's Adam's apple. :Mine,: Harry hissed against the bruised skin of
the Dark Lord's throat.
:Yours,: Tom gasped in response, using Harry's hair to force the teen into
another brutal kiss. Harry kissed him back as he slid a single finger into the
elder wizard's arse, getting a hiss of surprise in return.
Harry continued kissing the Dark Lord as he slipped two, then three fingers
into him, stretching the elder man carefully, ever mindful of the fact that his
lover hadn't been buggered in decades. Once certain he could do no more to
prepare Tom, Harry coated his penis in the lubricant and positioned himself
before his lover's entrance. Then, cautiously, Harry gazed into the lust-filled
scarlet eyes beneath him. :Ready?:
: Now,: was the answering demand. So, with a faint smile, Harry pushed slowly
into the tight hole.
Tom's head flew backwards, eyes clenched shut and mouth open in a silent cry as
Harry slipped into him. Harry immediately stopped moving inwards, reaching up
with one hand to cup his lover's face. "Tom?"
:Keep going,: Tom responded sharply, opening his eyes to meet Harry's. The
older man's gaze was filled with a mix of pain and need, so, with a worried
look, Harry continued pressing onwards.
Once fully sheathed inside his lover, Harry paused, waiting for Tom's okay,
which came in the form of a faint nod not long after. Slowly, Harry pulled out,
then pushed back in again.
:I can take a lot more pain than that, Mr Potter,: the Dark Lord offered dryly,
giving Harry a bored look.
Harry scowled. :You asked for it, Riddle,: he hissed, pulling out again. Then,
without warning, Harry slammed back into his lover, starting a sharp rhythm
that left Tom gasping.
The Dark Lord came with a cry that startled Harry, as the elder man had never
been one for making noise when he came. The thought that he had finally gotten
such a response out of his lover sent Harry over the edge himself, leaving him
spent, laying on the Dark Lord once he'd shot off all he had into Tom.
Tom recovered first and wrapped his arms around the teen gently. "Love you," he
whispered against wild black hair.
Harry smiled and kissed the Dark Lord's chest. "Love you too."
Tom smiled and let his eyes slip shut. "Thank you."
Harry rose his head to blink up at the older man. "For what?"
Smiling scarlet eyes gazed at the teen. "For loving me."
Harry's eyes widened in surprise for a brief moment before he smiled in reply.
"An eye for an eye," he offered impishly.
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Go to sleep, you little monster."
Harry nuzzled the elder man's chest. "Good night, Tom."
"Good night, Harry. Sleep well."
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