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Ever since Harry had come into the house, Sirius was watching her. He was also not liking what he saw. She seemed to withdraw into herself slightly, stuck close to Fred, George or even him. The other kids seemed to torment her. It turned his stomach to see her just ignore them. Ignore the cruel things they said or implied about her. Even ignored when they went out of their way to knock into her. If they were this brazen with the order present it made him wonder what were they like when they got to be alone with her? Is that what turned her into a demon's lover? The twins had mentioned she was bullied. Did she go to the demons because she was bullied badly by humans?
She always seemed so sweet, gentle. Not what anyone expected, especially as he knew what they called her behind his back, a demon's whore. Was it all a show or was it for real? Was she really this sweet quiet girl or was she trying to manipulate them? Was he seeing innocence where there was none, because of the child he knew before he went to Azkaban?
She sat in a corner petting air, glancing at nothing. Ignoring the comments, he knew she could hear. She was only a child and people were treating her as if she was a monster, as if she didn't matter. To him, if this was how she was treated, it really was no wonder she chose a demon. He hated it, he hated knowing that she was ever with a demon but what had people ever done for her.
He listened to the twins talking with her, it seemed that they were not following orders all that well...or they were. He wasn't sure which it was. They were getting close to her, but they were not attempting to pull her away from demons that he could see.
She had been there a week when he finally sat down and decided to talk with her, Only the order got there first and seemed to surround her. He sat back deciding that perhaps for one listening would be better. He could make judgements without pushing her.
He could also watch and make sure the order did not over step. Because despite everything, despite her association with demons, she was still his goddaughter and he loved her. "Harry, we have a few questions for you," Dumbledore said gently.
She went slightly cold knowing it wasn't going to be a couple questions and also knowing he was not going to like the answers she gave. Still she would answer what she could. She wasn't ashamed of her family and wouldn't let them make her, "I may have a few answers," she stated. "Depending on the questions."
"We just want to confirm some facts we are unsure of, for everyone's safety," Dumbledore said in a grandfatherly tone. "What is the connection between you and the demons."
"Depends on which PERSON you are implying," Harry challenged, she knew they were demons, it was a large encompassing part of them but they were people to her.
Now was not the time to get into a discussion on whether they were human, people or not. "The demon king," Bill Weasley stated. "The one named Abaddon."
Harry remained scary calm. "Abaddon is my best friend and my boyfriend, not that it should matter to everyone here. I really don't understand why it is everyone's business."
They ignored the last part, in their minds, it was very much their business and they had a right to know everything. Sirius however found himself slightly agreeing. They had no real authority over her. So, who were they to judge? "How did you meet Abaddon."
She felt a small pressure on her back and a whisper in her ear. "Tell all you please my lady, if they do not accept then, well we will just have some fun. Abaddon shell be here soon either way. You want a relationship with your godfather, allow him to meet the real you and judge you with the truth out. Do not fear. We always have your back."
Harry was extremely grateful for him standing behind her, the touch on her back reminding her constantly that she was not alone. It only took a moment for her to decide and speak up, "I've known Abaddon since I was a little girl, since I was eight," she stated.
Longer than any of them had believed. It was worse than they feared. Many of them took that as a sign it would be far too late to save her. "Yes, but how did you meet Abaddon," Dumbledore asked repeating his previous question.
"He came to me when I needed him most," Harry returned.
They honestly wanted one answer and decided they had to be a bit blunter. "Did you summon him," Dumbledore asked. "Did someone teach you how to summon demons and did you try for him or was that an accident."
She glared slightly, "I am not a necromancer," Harry stated horrified by the thought. Disgusted at the idea that anyone thought her capable of doing such a horrible thing. She knew they thought lowly of her with her association with demons but that was an entirely different level of depravity. Especially as they were in a relationship. "Necromancers are wrong...they use black magic to bind a demon or spirits will and its unnatural. Abaddon comes only because he chooses to. No other reason. I don't manipulate him, force him, bind him to my will. Necromancy is disgusting...it's like...it's like casting an imperious curse on them except they fight and struggle with it and just no. Not a bloody necromancer. Abaddon heard me and came because he chose to, because I needed him. Not because I forced him to come and keep coming back. I'd never do that to anyone."
Her vicious denial surprised everyone. She truly seemed to believe that very thing. Either she was a beyond brilliant liar or she was telling the truth and she did not summon him. Perhaps she could be saved. "So he just came," Dumbledore asked. "Do you know why?"
"I called for him," Harry stated. "I have necromancy potential I am not a necromancer."
This caused everyone to look at her strangely. Unable to figure out of she was or was not a necromancer. "Harry could you explain that to us," Bill asked confused. None of them understanding what she was talking about.
"Not everyone has the potential to be a necromancer. Like if you tried...you probably would only succeed in killing yourself or worse and there are worse things than dying," Harry said bluntly. "But some people have necromancy potential. It runs in certain families; some peoples shift in magic. in this room...Sirius has necromancy potential. Tonks does as well though hers is very slight...Charlie does. So does the twins...Mr. Weasley does but you don't and no one else in the Weasley family has potential. Professor Moody has potential, but Professor Dumbledore doesn't."
"So what exactly does it mean to have the potential," Tonks asked surprised and slightly uneasy to find out she had the potential to do what was considered the darkest of dark arts.
"It means that your magic is open and can be focused to do necromancy. Sirius has the most potential of every one of you but about 25% of the wizarding world has necromancy potential. It is the same as not everyone has the potential to become animagi, not everyone has the ability to become a metamorph. Not everyone has the potential to do transfigurations. You can try and sometimes succeed especially in transfigurations but it will never be as effective as if you have the potential," Harry explained expertly. "I have a strong necromancy potential but I am not a necromancer and I have no desire to become one."
Dumbledore got them back on track, "So if you did not summon him, how did he get to you."
Harry shook her head since she explained this they just weren't hearing her, "Your listening to the words but not really hearing what I am saying professor. He came because I called."
A good chunk of them were getting annoyed at her answers, others just more confused. "Why did you call him," Arthur asked gently.
"I was lonely...sad...scared," she admitted as her friend gripped her shoulder. "I wanted someone to care about me, to acknowledge me as something beyond that freak potter girl. Agreta sort of explained it to me as my heart called for someone and because of my necromancy potential, he heard it and decided to come investigate who was pulling at them."
"So, he came and you just became friends. Harry my dear, you realize not everyone has pure motivations," Dumbledore said gently.
Harry glared slightly, tired of people accusing her of naivety especially strangers. "Berith thinks I am naive when I try to see the good in everyone, but I am not stupid. Besides, Abaddon began with impure intentions, but he told me everything after we became friends.'
A demon told her, and so it was okay. That did not make anyone feel better at the situation. "Told you what," Sirius asked.
"He told me why he came," Harry stated. "He said I had such potential, so much power that he wanted nothing more than to corrupt it for his own means."
This seemed to secure what everyone was thinking but Sirius could see differently. "And yet your still friends...dating him?"
"He told me when I was nine years old. How when he felt me he thought he could corrupt me. Because I was young, naive and lonely," Harry stated without hesitation. "That he could bend me to his will and a demon with a necromancer on his side instead of a necromancer with a demon...would make them near impossible to defeat. Especially someone with my potential."
"And did he," Sirius demanded.
Harry shook his head, "No...he came with the intentions but he had every opportunity to use me to do whatever he wanted. When I was eight...nine...ten. I thought he hung the moon. He was my best friend, my only friend in the world. The only one who gave a damn about me. He told me that those were his original intentions. I'm not a necromancer, he's never asked anything of me. Instead he has been my knight in shining armor. He stopped seeing me as a weapon, as a corruptible power and saw me as a scared child. He stood by me. Protected me even though he didn't have to. It didn't help his aims at all. In fact, it probably would hurt them more than anything else. He never asked me to be anything I am not, and he even tried to be good, better for me. I am not stupid or a child any longer. He had a chance to go through with his plans. Instead he chose what was best for me. I know with every fiber of my being that he is not there to manipulate me. He swore on his very being that he was not. no, he is there because he truly cares."
"My dear, demons are extremely manipulative," Dumbledore started.
"So are you," Harry said shocking everyone. "I am not stupid, I can see the difference between kindness and manipulation. I have spent my entire life being bullied and tortured by mortals. You all think I am stupid, naive and don't understand. I think it is you who are confused. Because I am not stupid. I know that you asked the twins to try to make me see the error of my ways. I listened into the meeting that first night. I know false kindness. I see it every day when most of you look at me. I can tell real from fake, I've been taught by the best in the cruelest of ways."
Sirius looked startled at her, "Harry I..."
She wasn't done and continued interrupting him. What would they think when they knew the real her. When the knew the truth. Would they see monsters? "Sirius, he truly cares despite disagreeing with my choices and even being disgusted by them. A lot of his care is focused on the fact that I am James Potters daughter but there is enough of it actually for me as a person to make me want to have some sort of relationship with him," Harry stated. "Fred and George, real care, real worry and they have proven to me a thousand times that they only want me happy. I trust them with all my heart because I can feel it is true. Your grandfatherly act...that is fake. You use it to be seen as a kind old man. So, people do not judge your actions as harshly. You look at every situation, every person to see how you can use them to achieve your goals. Tonks, a sliver of her cares, she however would follow you easily. If you say that something must be done, then she will follow because she is loyal. The same goes for Remus. Bill Weasley, his worry and care is for the twins. He doesn't care for me as a person. he is beginning to and that fact scares him. Charlie, he is indifferent. I know true care and false care. I have been manipulated a thousand times from the best. I have even witnessed Abaddon, and my other friends doing the same but, in the end, I am confident with my choices. My loyalty is to my friends above all else and no kindly worded worried voices and only want what's best statements will make me feel differently."
Everyone was taken back by her speech, but she just continued sitting there calmly. They wanted the truth, she would give it to them, even if it hurt. "My dear, we truly are just worried about you."
"Lie," Harry stated without hesitation, slight mocking in her tone. "You are worried about what I could mean for you, the order, the war."
"I don't like you with a demon...I don't like you with anyone," Sirius said speaking up.
"Truth," she said without hesitation.
"What has he done to earn your loyalty," Sirius asked needing to understand. "I just...what has he and your other friends as you call them done to earn your loyalty and trust because from your end, your 15, dating and sleeping with a demon who are master manipulators, talking about your loyalty to them and honestly I am wondering if he has your mind so warped you can't see up from down. What has he done to earn your loyalty."
Harry looked to her godfather realizing he really just wanted to understand, "You see or hear demon, you think monster. I see or hear mortal; muggle or wizard and I see the people who have tortured me since I was one years old. Who have stolen everything from me," Harry stated. "It wasn't a demon who held me down when I was a child and tried to make me a toy for his sick fantasy." this caused everyone to flinch and look horrified at what she had just said, what she had just revealed to them.
"But it was Abaddon who tore him apart for laying a hand on me, for hurting me and trying to take my innocence away before I was really old enough to understand what was happening. He saved me and held me while I cried. It was Abaddon promised me that he would never let anyone touch me. he didn't have to save me, I didn't call for him. I was too scared to even think. He came because he chose to protect me."
"It was not a demon who beat on me, locked me in a small cupboard under the steps, barely fed me, told me I was useless and should have died with my parents," Harry said causing them to flinch in horror once again. The idea of anyone telling that to a child was horrendous. "that was my aunt and uncle who hated me so badly that in a four-bedroom house, they shoved me into a cupboard under the steps, whipped me with a belt, made me work to earn my keep. Even going so far as to hold my arm on a stove until my skin bubbled and burned then smacked me for crying about it. It was them who beat me half to death for doing well on a test my cousin failed and it was them who poured hot coffee on my face because at 5 years old I made it wrong, who didn't care how badly I begged them to stop, it just made them continue or hit harder," by now they were all looking horrified beyond horrified.
Sirius felt sick, his goddaughter had been abused, he had feared that very thing but in his mind it was demons who hurt her. Not mortals. He was horrified to hear that the little girl, he held in his hands after she was born, was hurt in such ways. "But it was a demon, Abaddon who protected me from that. Who did not kill him despite wanting nothing more than to tear them apart put them back together and do it again when he found out. I begged him not to and he listened despite having to fight his very being to do so. He chose to do as I asked but still make sure they knew never to touch me again."
Everyone had hoped she was finished but she wasn't. They wanted to know she would tell them why no matter what, she would choose the demons over mortals. "It was not a demon who mocked me and ridiculed me. Made me feel alone and outcasted. Treated me like a freak of nature wherever I went. Who laughed when I cried and who beat me when I was down. Who never let me play with them, who laughed and tormented me worse when I just wanted to join in and feel normal and wanted" Harry stated. "That was the muggle children from my primary school and around the neighborhood. my classmates at Hogwarts"
"Instead, it was demons who let me cry about my day and who sat down and colored a picture with me just because I asked them. These centuries old beings sat and colored a picture with an eight-year-old just to make me happy when they could have just said no. Told me stories which were far too bloody for a child but the very fact that they cared enough to try. It was demons who treated me like a person, even when they were teasing me for being too trusting, too happy, too me. they would smile and chuckle when I told them jokes that even at 15 I know were stupid and they would play games with me just so I knew what it felt like to be friends. They hated it but did it for me."
"It wasn't demons who lied and manipulated me for their own means, Abaddon told me exactly what he intended. He is the one who never wears a mask and lets me know just what demons are. They all do. They don't hide what they are capable of. What they do or what they have done. They lay it all out. It is muggles and wizards who act friendly to get me to see things their way or to make me think they are my friends and then beat me down mocking me for being stupid enough to believe that they could like a freak of nature like me."
"You all want me to see demons is evil, irredeemable monsters. What sort of monster would treat a scared lonely little girl like that. To me, mortals are the monsters. Even after watching Abaddon tear apart the muggle who tried to rape me when I was a little girl, it was not him who was the monster from my nightmares. They were the ones I went to when I was scared. They could have just patted me on the head and I'd have been happy about it. Instead, they helped me in their own ways. Whether it was promising to destroy them bloodily and then pouting when I said that they couldn't kill my classmates or dragging me shopping, treating me like a princess to make me feel loved and wanted. Just holding me and listening or trying to make me laugh." Harry stated. "You are asking me what they have done to earn my loyalty. The question is, what have any of you done. Mortals have done everything to lose my faith and loyalty. My friends have done everything to earn it and have never made me question it."
they were all struck silent, but she wasn't done. "You all act like I am a demon's whore. He is not the one who ever treated me like I was some easy shag. I can name others in this very household who thought I could be. He treats me with respect. If I say no, he listens. In this house I can name people who kept trying. Who joke and mock me saying that I would be an easy fuck and chuck because no one would ever need a freak like me for anything else and that I should be honored by the offer and for them to pay me any intention. For the record, I am perfectly happy with my relationship with Abaddon, with my friends. No not my friends, my family and I don't need anyone to try to make me see the errors of my ways. You came to the Dursleys the day of the death eaters not to save me but to meet your intentions. My friends came to rescue me, protect me. Agreta...she nearly died for me and whether Abaddon ordered it or not I know she would be there because she is my friend and cares. I know Berith and Caym would be there for me."
Berith leaned into her, whispering in her ear, "always little one. You are our girl and we would do anything in the world for you. You are right...we chose you not what you could do for us."
She bit back a smile as she stood up. "I think this interrogation should be finished. I think we all know where we stand. If anything, you have just proven why I made such a good choice."
She felt a familiar touch on her other side. Knowing instantly who it was and she went upstairs not getting interrupted. he made himself visible and kissed her deeply, greedily. "Missed you," she said when he finally released her.
"I missed you too," he stated as the door shut and locked.
She took in the sight of him, having been worried about him. After all, he was in hell dealing with a demon rebellion. "How much did you hear?"
"All of it," Abandon said once again. "I chose you...please never doubt that."
She looked at him with bright, trusting green eyes. "If you were there, you would have heard that I have absolutely no doubt in my mind Abaddon...but perhaps you should show me just how much you truly chose me."
"And I will be going," Berith stated not wanting to bear witness to this. He loved the child before him, in the sense of a daughter. "Sire...m'lady."
He disappeared, and Abaddon looked to the bed which shifted into a duplicate of her old one and the room changed to match, "this is a room befitting a queen."
Harry couldn't help but roll her eyes, "I am not a queen," she stated but knew it would be pointless arguing
Abaddon smirked, "You are mine and I am a king," he corrected. "It is only a matter of time before you wear the crown as well."
She couldn't help but wonder if he realized what he had just implied. He had never outright said such a thing before, implied closely but never was so blatant about it. "You realize that that is practically a proposal in and of itself," Harry said shocked.
Abaddon just pinned her to the bed. "It was wasn't it," he said easily. "Now I believe I was to be showing you just how much I chose you."
She couldn't help but shiver slightly at the pure lust in his eyes though she could see the love behind the lust as well. "Yes you were," Harry agreed deciding to let it go for the moment. "You'd best get on that."
He grinned deviously and went about showing her just how much he loved her.
All too early, they were back awake. She laid in his arms as he traced over the markings in her side. "Your leaving again," she said knowingly.
"I have to," he admitted kissing her neck and she leant into the movement. "We need to siphon out all the traitors in our midst. I will be back as often as I can be."
She nodded understanding. She didn't like it but she understood. "I know I guess I worry."
"Don't," he said gently. "It will be dealt with. Your friend, Agreta will be here soon. She has healed and will be once again permitted to be your guard."
Harry grinned shifting around to kiss him. "Thank you, Abaddon."
For the life of him, he couldn't understand why she was thanking him. His curiosity got the better of him and he decided to ask. "What are you thanking me for," He asked confused.
"For not taking your anger out on her," Harry stated knowing him better than most. She had been her guard and Abaddon was quick to anger. Never at her but if something had happened to her, everyone would feel his wrath. "For letting her continue being my guard. She really is one of my best friends and thank you for telling me she's better."
Abaddon kissed her gently, "You are far to pure."
"I don't think I am quite pure any longer Abaddon," she laughed considering the state they were in. "But we can go with that if you'd like."
He just chuckled, "I will summon your guards. Caym for this moment."
She gave him another kiss and he disappeared. She glanced around the room. It was now a near complete replica of the room they made her at the Dursleys. The very bed that felt like she was laying on a cloud, the black silk sheets, the deep red walls, the finely made dresser with a mirror carved from the finest metals, her trunk returned to its normal state with delicately crafted designs. She glanced around until she sensed her friend. She had a very important question to ask him. "Oy Caym, how am I supposed to explain my room?"
He appeared chuckling, "I would advise doing it dressed."
She rolled her eyes grabbing Abaddons shirt since hers were out of reach, he did have a very bad habit of leaving his things when he left but then again, she did not mind. "well clearly."
"I believe it is Abaddon's intention to make sure they know that we can get to you and that we can protect and take care of you at all times," Caym said still turned slightly away as she pulled on some underclothes and jeans.
Of course, he did. Manipulative arse. It would most definitely get his point across. "That is fairly affective," Harry said giving in liking how protected that made her feel. "Manipulative but effective. turn around and no peaking." She grabbed some more cloths getting changed. "So, I am surprised you are here instead of Berith. I figured you would be needed with him more..."
Caym laughed as she put on a bra and another shirt, "Well he wishes for me to continue with your instructions and the lot. He needs Berith for a specific task and Agreta is healed but she needs a few more hours before getting here. I offered to come. Can I turn around again?"
"Sure," she said as she grabbed the brush left in front of the mirror and pulled it through her hair. "So which instructions?"
"Your swordsmanship and your magical control. We want you to be able to duel against a demon long enough for help to arrive if necessary," Caym stated. "That will be tonight since I believe they are calling you for breakfast."
She listened but heard no one yelling for her, "I don't hear them."
"Wards, I can hear thorough the ones Abaddon put up," Caym stated. "I will be watching you. Do not let them push you. I heard of their interrogation last night from Berith."
Harry gave him a hug. "I won't but thank you," she said as she went down securing the door behind her. She did not need them seeing the changes to the bedroom as of yet. She gave Hades a pet from where he guarded her door and went down to breakfast. Most were silent for once and she accepted that gratefully. Silence from them was honestly a relief.
Some in the room however, were not so prepared for the awkward silence. "So this silence is extremely awkward," Fred stated.
Harry shrugged, "Or peaceful from my end. No silent hisses of demon whore or people trying to tell me I'm wrong or confused, quite pleasant. Did you guys finish your new product yet?"
They accepted the change of subject easily enough. "Nearly, we are one tweak off from perfection," George said grinning. "You can check it out later. Maybe you will have a suggestion for us since we are trying to figure out what we missed but we cannot seem to place it."
"I will give it a look," Harry agreed easily falling into a talk with the two of them.