OMG, she updated already?!

Last night I went on a little editing spree, and felt like I should make up for how it took me to update. Enjoy, this includes one of my favorite scenes.

Chapter Thirteen and Fourteen: He's healed! Wait, never mind.

An hour later, the boy was finally stable. Buraki was partially planted on the side of the bed that was left unoccupied, guarding his dear friend and master. Even though he couldn't fit his whole body on the bed, the serpent had decided he would be more intimidating to the inhabitants of the unfamiliar building if he didn't reduce his size. His attentive gaze was fixed on another occupant in the room. Sitting in an armchair not to far from them was Voldemort. He, however, ignored the anaconda's mistrust in order to think on the onyx gem that contained a piece of his soul, which was currently hanging around the boy's neck.

After Severus had finished with the boy's medical care and was escorted out by Fenrir, the dark lord had tried to take the gem to inspect it thoroughly; but, as if knowing it was being removed from it's host's care, the blasted thing zapped him. It seemed his own soul did not want to return to him.

:...Serpent, I presume you have a name?: he asked having forgotten already in all the...excitement. He was hoping to finally get some answers.

:Buraki: the anaconda answered casually.

:Well Buraki, might I ask why the two of you were in the middle of the woods?:

:Why do you want to know?: was the cautious response.

:I wish to know what happened back in the clearing.:

:You were there, you should know.:

The man was getting impatient, :I need details.:

:I don't see why I should tell you-:

:Tell him Buraki, it's necessary.:

The snake trailed off and looked down at the boy. It was then that Voldemort saw a silver glow within the teen's sleeve. He stood up from the chair and quickly moved to Harry's side. With a glance at Buraki, the man raised the boy's sleeve up to his forearm. He stared, intrigued by the silver basilisk marking that radiated an unfamiliar kind of power. 'This evening is just riddled with all sorts of surprises, no pun intended.'

:But why?!: Buraki whined to the "tattoo."

:Trust us!:

:Fine!: Buraki turned back to grumpily Voldemort, :...We were heading to a possible safe house, to hide from that Zerin fellow, the one that kicked your sorry butt, by the way.:

The anaconda preceded to explain "the road so far". With the Keepers' urging, he talked about how he met Harry, how they encountered Zerin, and were chased by the chaos demon through the alleys. He also told him, while puffing his chest out with pride for his little pal, that Harry was the Serpent Lord.

:So I've heard; what exactly is this Serpent Lord?:

:It's a guardian of sorts, held in high regard by most magical races.:

:Hmm, I'm curious though, what makes Potter this Serpent Lord:

Voldemort could have sworn Buraki had smirked, :You mean why him and not you? Why does he have more authority over serpents than yourself?:

The dark lord merely smirked back, :...Perhaps. I find the title a bit.. ironic:

:In case you haven't hashed it out yet, he's also a speaker.:

Crimson eyes widened, "Is he now?" was said more to himself than to Buraki, :So he's also a descendent of Slytherin.:

'Or perhaps he got it from...no, if that gem holds the soul shard he would've lost such an ability.'

:No, I am strongly certain he descended from one of the dormant speakers.:

:Dormant speakers?!:

Buraki's expression resembled a smug look, :You didn't honestly think Salazar was the only speaker ever, did you?

The basilisk tattoos began lightly glowing again, :Buraki that's enough for now, the rest should be discussed when young Harry is awake.:

:...Well, you heard the sentient beings.: chirped the anaconda.

Before Voldemort could protest the Keepers interrupted, :You'll have your answers in time Tom Riddle.:

Caught off guard by the use of his real name, the dark lord decided to let the matter be for now. He made to leave when he remembered something. "Ah yes, I almost forgot." He turned back to the sleeping teen and reached in his pockets. Buraki reared back and hissed threateningly when Harry's cloak was taken from his left pocket, :What are you doing?!:

:I have promised not to harm Harry during his stay. However, it is not lost to me how much mischief the boy naturally gets himself into. I will keep this and his wand with me until I'm certain he can be trusted with them later.: His tone left no room for argument. He reached in the right pocket and pulled out the dark-green, rose thorn-covered, holly wand.

"What in Salazar's name? This can't be the wand that's the brother to my own, or the same wand that has caused me so much trouble all these years."

:Well, it is!: The snake snapped.

Voldemort shot a look at Buraki, before shaking his head. There has simply been too much to take in for one evening, so he left the room.

~HPLV~

His eyes slowly fluttered opened as he clenched his hands around the soft sheets underneath him. Harry sat up, his mind was uncomfortably fuzzy as to where he was or how he got there. He was in a bedroom, that much was obvious enough, but whose? The teen placed his feet on the floor, and shakily stood up. Then, when he held his tattered robe tighter to his body, he felt a strange, restricting sensation around his belly. He peeked down the robe to see his stomach was tightly wrapped in a stained bandage. It was strange because he didn't feel any pain there; he felt no wound. However, he vaguely remembered being in a lot of pain before he blacked out.

He hadn't been thinking clearly. If he had been, he would have realized his cloak and wand were not on his person, or that Buraki slept soundly in the corner. If he had been thinking clearly, then he would've thought twice before venturing out the door and into the unknown hallway of an unfamiliar place.

He felt no pain as he traveled, but there was a numbness that left his stride weak. Harry had to keep one hand against the wall to keep himself up. The hall turned off to the right a few feet ahead of him. He focused his energy on reaching that turn and didn't notice the sound of footsteps approaching from around that very corner.

Just as Harry made it to the corner he walked into a taller body. Losing what little balance he had, the teen was knocked to the floor. "Ouch!" he groaned before looking up at the offending figure. His warm green eyes met with the icy blue of Lucius Malfoy.

"Potter!" the aristocrat snarled in alarm. "How the hell did you get in here?!"

Before Harry could come up with any sort of response, three other cloaked death eaters came around the corner and up behind the blond. One of them hissed and yanked the hood of their cloak down. A wild, black mane cascaded down the ridged shoulders of a murderous Bellatrix Lestrange.

"YOU! HOW DARE YOU INTRUDE IN MY LORD'S MANOR!" Everyone jumped back from the ravenous witch; and Harry winced from the high pitched shriek, "ITTY BITTY CHILDREN WHO POKE THEIR NOSES WHERE THEY SHOULDN'T, ...get punished!" The insane murderess whispered the last bit.

Harry's normally quick reflexes failed him as Bellatrix fired the first curse; a bloodcurdling scream was forced past his lips.

~HPLV~

On his way to check on the boy, who he assumed still lay in bed unconscious, Voldemort heard an agonized scream. He could tell exactly who that scream belonged to. "Damn it!" He cursed, taking off down the hall. Rounding the corner, he surveyed the scene in front of him. Bellatrix had the teen, who not two days ago he had worked arduously to keep from dying, under the pain curse.

Acting at once, the dark lord wordlessly stupefied the blood-thirsty witch into the wall. He rushed to the boy's side and knelt down to check him over. "Leave!" he hissed at the spectating death eaters. They left immediately, so as not to further anger their lord. A groaning Bellatrix lifted herself from the floor. She looked up and flinched at the scathing glare of her master, "M-My lord I-"

"I'll deal with you later!" She escaped the scene with a looked of devastation.

Voldemort turned his attention down to Harry. He pointed his wand, ready to levitate the hurt boy back to bed, but something stopped him as he watched the raven-haired teen. He felt a dull ache in himself that he couldn't pinpoint the exact location of. The longer he stared, the more prominent and bothersome the ache became. Finally, cursing to himself once more, he leaned forward and gathered the fragile teen in his arms. He was startled when the aching ceased, replaced by a calming sensation at the feel of being in close contact with the smaller wizard in his arms. He was disturbed by how right it felt.

When he stood, he headed for the guest room. Once in front of the door he halted and thought for a moment. He didn't want this situation to repeat itself, not until after he spoke with potter, at least. Making up his mind, he turned away from the guest room and headed for better protected quarters. He'd send for the protective anaconda later.

~HPLV~

He set the boy on the soft bed, and seemed almost reluctant to let go as he noticed small hands were subconsciously clutching his robes. Voldemort gently pried the trembling hands away. Then he realized what he was doing and violently lurched back. He pinched the bridge of his nose, wondering what the hell was wrong with him!

He looked back down and peeled back the top half of the boy's black robe, reminding himself to later decide whether or not to ask why the hell the teen was naked underneath, which was discovered during medical treatment. Voldemort removed the bloodstained bandages, ready to heal any re-opened wounds. However, to his astonishment Potter's injuries were fully healed without leaving so much as a scar.

It was in that moment when Potter stirred. He saw stunningly bright emeralds open, and was reminded of how he had always been secretly fascinated with the boy's eyes. The emeralds stared back at crimson.

"...AAHHH!"

~HPLV~

"Ow~" It was official, falling off of beds really hurts.

"How you are the one prophesied to defeat me, I'll never know."

Harry looked up and glared at the snake like man.

Voldemort shook his head, "Come back up here, Potter. I only wish to talk."

"You never only talk! And what the hell were you doing with my clothing!"

He saw the dark lord's eyes narrow in annoyance before the man leaned down, and pulled Harry back onto the bed. The teen yelped as he crashed back into the soft sheets. Voldemort kept a firm grip on his forearm to hold him still. "I was checking to make sure your little escapade hadn't re-opened your wound, but it seems my concern was unnecessary seeing how it appears to have healed completely in the time you've slept. Also, that companion of yours had me swear on my magic not to harm you for the duration of your stay."

All Harry's caution was stumped by the concern for his serpent familiar, "Buraki? Where is he?"

"He's most likely still sleeping in the guest room you so foolishly exited, I'll send for him tomorrow."

Satisfied with the answer Harry visibly relaxed. The raven-haired teen glanced around, yet not fully removing his attention from Voldemort, "Where are we exactly?"

Seeing no harm in it, the man answered truthfully, "We at my manor, in my quarters. With that being said you would do well to behave yourself."

Harry was hoping for a more geographical location, until his mind registered that middle part, "You're quarters?!"

"Since you've proven the guest wing to be unacceptable due to your wandering tendencies, I'm afraid I'll have to personally keep a close eye on you."

Harry was baffled, "But why?! Why keep me hear at all?!"

He noticed Voldemort's eyes cast downward beneath his collar bone, "Do you realize what that stone contains?"

Harry was nervous about where this was going, "Do you?"

Voldemort smirked at the boy's cheek, "It's called a horcrux, and I'm sure you can imagine why I would like that stone to remain intact?"

Harry gently grasped the black gem, "Why haven't you taken it back if you know what it is?"

The man reached forward and let his fingers brush against the stone for a moment, when nothing happened he tried to pry it from the teen's hands. That's when Harry saw what looked like electricity zap Voldemort's hand, making him immediately retract said hand with a hiss. "It seems my soul piece does not wish to leave it's host. Hm, rejected by my own soul." 'Can't imagine why', thought Harry sarcastically.

"No matter it is still intact, I'll admit I am surprised you have not disposed of it."

Harry brought his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, "It didn't feel right to." he said softly. He then let out a quiet yawn.

"It's late." stated Voldemort, who pointed to a closed door near the corner, "That door there leads to the bathroom. I suggest you bathe and we'll retire for what's left of the night.

Only because he himself felt dirty from the difficult past few days, did Harry not argue. He almost shyly got off the bed and made his way to the bathroom (though he was still a little shaky from the Cruciatus curse). Perhaps a warm shower will help him relax.

He entered the room and quickly closed the door behind him. Call him crazy, but It felt a little awkward to be occupying the personal bathroom of his enemy. He walked over to the large shower, and after turning on the hot water, shed his mostly destroyed robe. It felt so soothing to step under the warm spray. He tenderly rubbed his aching limbs as the exhaustion seemed to finally get to him. He sluggishly washed his hair, enjoying the few last minutes of his shower.

Harry decided it was time to turn off the running water and hopped out, grabbing a nearby crimson towel. When he found himself dry enough, he glanced around for his discarded robe.

It was nowhere to be seen.

Where the hell did his clothing go?! Harry whirled around, clutching the towel tightly around him. Did Voldemort have a house elf? Of course, that must be it! He must have been so involved with the shower, that he didn't notice an elf take his robe. Damn it, what was he going to do?

~HPLV~

Voldemort had remained where he was whilst Potter showered. He wondered what was taking the boy so long, until He heard a knock.

"Um, Voldemort?" he heard quietly uttered behind the door. The man stood and stepped up to the closed door.

"What is it?"

"...M-My robe is gone..." Voldemort's eye's widened slightly in surprised amusement.

"Ah, that must have been Tippy. She's used to placing discarded clothing immediately with the rest of the laundry." He smirked, "I assume you'd like some form of attire."

"Yes."

It was said as if to say 'No shit Sherlock.' Voldemort let slip a low chuckle before he went over to the dresser. Pulling out a silk, dark green robe, that had been similar to Potter's black one (but larger and softer); he returned to the door, "Here, this should be sufficient for the time being."

The teen opened the door wide enough for him to accept the offered clothing, "...Thanks."

The dark lord's smirk grew as the door was quickly closed again. He wandered away from the bathroom door, picking up a random book he had recently read and placing it on the nearby shelf. When he heard the door open yet again, Voldemort turned around. Then, he found himself rooted to the spot; unable to move, and unable to remove his eyes from the dazzling creature before him.

The lithe boy stood in place, nervously fidgeting with his hands. Damp ebony hair fell smoothly down to his shoulders. The shower seemed to have given his face a soft glow to it. The robe was large on him, and part of the neck hole slipped off a smooth cream-colored shoulder. It also ended in a "^" shape at the bottom, exposing equally smooth legs. The dark green of the silk robe brought out the vibrancy of his eyes that were now free of bottle-shaped glasses; Voldemort finally realized his pupils were in fact slit like a snake as Greyback had said. Very subtle, pale green scales glistened around his eyes. The boy could be described as a very ethereal serpent.

Clearing his throat, The man mentally berated himself for his treacherous thoughts. "Now that has been taken care of, let us retire for the night."

~HPLV~

He knew he was definitely blushing when Voldemort approached one side of the broad bed and sat; gesturing for Harry to do the same. The silent message being that they were to share a bed tonight. 'I was afraid that be the case.' None the less Harry slowly followed. He hesitantly settled under the sheet, trying to keep his distance from the dark lord.

At first he was sure he wouldn't be getting any sleep at all that night, but amazingly enough his exhaustion over came his caution towards his current company.

I hope you enjoyed that little treat! Review, it makes me giddy!

Before anyone points it out, I forgot that back in Diagon Alley I had Harry simply conjure a robe when he found himself with a lack of attire. So why didn't he just do that again?...Because that made the scene funnier and sexier, that's why! X3

Next:...Morning comes...and enter: Nagini.