Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any associated characters.
Read and review.
Standing in front of his Death Eaters; Bellatrix, Lucius and Severus, he chose the best way to approach the subject of rescuing his Horcrux. "I will require your backup on this plan of mine, you probably won't agree with it, but trust me I know what I'm doing." He watched as he was met with curious expressions.
"What is the plan, my Lord" Severus asked trying to guess what his lord could possibly need help with.
Tom regarded his Death Eaters with a look they knew better than to go against. "It's Harry Potter, after considering it for a while I've decided I'm going to sway the boy to our side."
"But my Lord, he is deep in Dumbledore's pocket." Lucius interrupted, fearing for his lords sanity.
Glaring at the man Tom snapped. "Harry is living with his muggle relatives because of Dumbledore. Don't question my decision, the boy has become very important to me."
After ensuring his Death Eaters knew the situation and had agreed to join him rescuing Harry, he returned to his private quarters to plan his interaction with the Dursley's.
***Privet Drive***
Tom and his three Death Eaters apparated to Little Whinging and made their way to Privet Drive. Counting down the houses, Tom stopped outside number four and glanced around. He laughed to himself, there was only one ward surrounding the house - anti magic. Dumbledore really doesn't know how to protect anybody especially not the Boy Who Lived, Tom thought to himself making a mental note to deal with Dumbledore later.
Severus rapped his knuckles against the front door and stepped back falling into line with the others. A few seconds later the sound of shouting could be heard and the door opened revealing what looked like an ugly walrus to Tom.
"What are you doing here you freaks?" The man roared, spittle flying out of his mouth.
Moving closer to the walrus Tom spoke "We're here to see Harry Potter. We believe he lives here."
"I don't know who you're talking about but he certainly doesn't live here." Vernon went to close the door only to have Tom slot his foot in the gap. Sliding his wand out from his sleeve he pointed it straight at the man's face, threatening him.
With a gulp Vernon cowered against the wall allowing the four wizards to enter. "Take the freak. He's in the cupboard under the stairs."
As they made their way through the hall Lucius muttered a spell stupefying the Dursley's. The house gave no indication there was another boy under the roof, only a giant peachy whale who they could only assume was Potter's cousin.
With the mutter of a spell the door of the cupboard burst open and they slowly entered. The stale, metallic tang of blood hung in the air. In the corner they found Harry in a crumpled heap on what looked like a cot mattress with a few blood littered, musty sheets covering him. Beside the mattress rested Hedwig's cage behind a chest of drawers.
Turning the boy onto his back, Harry cracked open an eyelid before quickly closing it, with no strength to move even slightly. Having seen the boy's memories Tom couldn't stop himself from gasping. Harry lay limp, barely conscious with blood and bruises carpeting his whole body
Casting a quick diagnostic spell they found Harry had several broken bones, internal bleeding and bruising on most of his body.
Tom did his level best to keep his cool and not kill the Dursley's there and then even though he was tempted. Lifting Harry bridal style he waited as Severus gathered the teen's few belongings and Lucius grabbed the cage
With a faint pop Tom apparated back to his manor, the others following suit. Placing Harry on the bed, he stepped back allowing Severus and Bella to heal him.
Stepping back from Harry's bedside Severus spoke. "Potters physical injuries are healing well but his mental state is not yet known and probably not too stable my Lord." He handed Tom a list of all the injuries Harry's ever had, which was much longer than that for an average teen.
Tom got gradually paler as he read through the seven pages. There was simply too many injuries there for his liking.
It all began at the age of two with a broken arm and severe malnutrition which continued throughout the seven pages lessening slightly during Hogwarts and his time with the Weasleys. Setting the parchment on the bedside table he retreated to watching Severus bandage Harry's wrist and ankle.
After Bella proffered both Harry's arm and foot on a cushion they headed down to the large dining hall used for the more formal meetings. As the others slunk into their chairs, Lucius straightened up primly.
"It was an honour My Lord to-"
"You have muggle house dust in your hair Lucius." Tom conjured a fruit platter and speared a piece of melon on a fork and observed it casually as he spoke.
Anxiously lucius brought a hand to his hair and rubbed it a few times. At that precise moment Bella started laughing hysterically. Tom smirked at Severus who let a sly grin twist his features.
Tom watched as Harry's eyes opened a crack before closing again. Unsure of how much a response he'd get or if he'd even get one at all he started talking gently to him.
"Hello Harry, how are you feeling dear?" Getting no response Tom continued hoping Harry could at least comprehend what he was saying. "You're safe here in Riddle Manor. I'm not going to hurt you and neither will anyone else, I'll make sure of it."
Placing a hand on top of Harry's uninjured left hand he gave it a gentle reassuring squeeze and let go. As if in response Harry's fingers repeatedly hit the bed before stopping completely.
Tom observed Harry silently for a few moments, curbing his anger of Dumbledore and the Dursley's. He'd deal with them at some point and ensure they pay for the wounds both physically and mentally they were responsible for.
"As soon you're able, my dear, I'll give you a tour of this manor in which you will continue living in. I'll leave you now to rest and I'll be back to check on you later."
And with that Tom left the room, almost tripping over Severus in the the process who was crouched behind the door listening in.
Tom sent sent a cold glare at Severus who merely smirked in response annoying Tom even more although he did his best not to show it.
Later that night In the sitting room Tom and Severus discussed Harry's mental state and how they'd go about treating him. It was going to take a while but Tom was prepared to do all it takes to help Harry.