A.N. Hey I meant to get this to you faster but my fingers refused to give back my HANDS!! Seriously what the hell! Thanks to all my reviewers I love you guys you always make my day! Lol ; heehee so Don't hate me about this one guys! No beta as usual so forgive whatever errors you're sure to catch! Also I don't own Harry Potter yada yada (though a man slave does sound appealing doesn't it? –- not tht I'm saying we should enslave Harry…but…;)
Chapter 10: The Beginning of Something More
When they arrived at the Ball they were greeted with hushed whispers and a lot of stares, which didn't bother Harry at all as he was use to it. He saw Cleo first and made his way to greet her, she was a hostess after all. However, as he was walking towards her he felt a curious pull that made him turn ever so slightly to the side to see what it was that was drawing his attention. His eyes found crimson, a familiar shade that he had seen in his dreams a thousand times and he felt like he was drowning.
Harry didn't let it show how much this man had affected him and quietly stood in front of Cleo to offer his greetings, she of course went on ranting right away about making the Ball prefect for him. A few words and her troubled thoughts were eased; it was getting very easy to control his followers he noticed after the marking. Harry felt the man's stare on him, eyes stripping him bare and resisted the urge to do the same to him.
He wanted to know this man with the crimson stare but he was not foolish enough to openly study someone that had such obvious power. Harry saw the way people looked in that man's direction, reverent, awestruck, and he saw how they cowed before him in the subtlest of ways. He knew this was someone important, that much was certain, how important he had yet to discover.
So while this man masterfully studied him without anyone being aware (expect Harry of course) Harry replied in turn studying him just as intensely but below even his radar. The man was incredibly handsome, strong aristocratic face; chiseled jaw line; carefully manicure rich dark brown hair and those eyes, those crimson eyes. He was tall, about six foot three by his estimate with broad shoulders and a commanding presence.
Harry couldn't help but feel a like peeved looking at him, he'd never be tall and he had a naturally lean body so Harry would never be able to cut such an impressive figure. That's not to say he wasn't gorgeous in his own right, and just as commanding but his presence was much more subtle then the blaringly obvious leader this man was. It took him thirty minutes to get the conversation directed to this mysterious man and get Cleo to divulge his identity. He was pleasantly surprised, Voldemort, the once thought dead Dark lord; Harry couldn't honestly say he wasn't expecting it but then again he was never one to jump to conclusions.
Voldemort was still circling him, assessing him with his eyes and judging him for something, it reminded Harry quite startlingly of himself. The way he was judging him for the best approach, the way he used his handsome face to charm the ones around him, the way he used his power, the way he walked, it all reminded Harry of himself just much more bold and obvious. He could see they had similar personalities, but where he was subtle to a fault Voldemort was domineeringly apparent in his command of the room.
Harry didn't think many noticed how Voldemort masterfully manipulated them but Harry did, from one puppet master to another saw and appreciated his skill. Though Harry was much more thorough in his subtlety (at least he thought so) because Voldemort had yet to notice him taking just as much interest in him as he was being shown. Voldemort could either make his plans easier, or muck the entire thing up, which one it would be Harry wasn't completely sure.
So he turned his thoughts to what could have attracted Voldemort's attentions to him, there was no way his well-kept secret of being Harry Potter had gotten out he had taken measures to insure that for the moment. It was also unlikely he had heard of him from his Noctiluca followers, as the students were undeniably discrete about anything dealing with school. Equally it was clear that Voldemort couldn't know of his expressed interest in him for the same reason and he would have approached him already if that had been the case.
No, Voldemort needed him for something, what it was Harry had no idea but he could guess. Cleo's outburst that had caused such a stir before the Dark Families Ball had obviously caught Voldemort's attention and the only thing he could figure that had kept it was his astounding Potions Mastery at a young age. Sure, Madeline had gotten hers much younger but that was a very well kept secret among the Guild as she was a very valuable prodigy.
So Voldemort needed him for something, that could work very well in his favor or it could put a damper on things. Maybe yes and maybe no. He managed to keep the conversation going between them while scooping out the rest of the room having figured out Voldemort's ploy for now. He quickly noticed he was also garnering admiring stares, mostly worshiping ones from his fellow Noctiluca student but a few from slightly older people as well.
Some were even lustful, and that made him undeniably uncomfortable, as he didn't like gaining THAT sort of attention so he shifted ever so slightly toward Madeline for a shield. No one had approached him yet but that was not to say they wouldn't he would need Madeline to fend them off if that was the case. He saw his elite in various corners engaged in what seemed like interesting conversations, but he saw Leon was alone off to the side.
Harry caught his eyes, their gaze connected and Leon got off from the wall he had been leaning against to move towards him. However, Harry caught sight of a familiar blond, one he had been researching the background of for some time and he caught Leon's gaze again. He stopped for a moment, giving Harry enough time to shift his eyes to the blond and back to Leon, the message was clear.
Leon nodded; no words were needed and went off to do as he had asked while Harry returned his attentions to Voldemort who had finally decided to come forth. He was being escorted by a thin, pinch faced man that could have only been Cleo's father from the way her stance stiffened and her well-kept aura flared. Harry didn't like him right off, he had heard too much about him from Cleo to be impressed by his wealth or his control over air.
Voldemort looked arrogant standing there; cocky even, like no one in the room could ever hope to reach his level of power and he held himself like an egotistical King on a proverbial throne. Harry thought that was unwise, arrogance couldn't be afforded in his opinion it made you foolish and weak. Besides, Harry knew better than to think no one could ever reach his level, plenty could and there was always someone out there who was better. He strove to improve himself in every way possible he had no time for conceited arrogance.
Inwardly Harry smirked, Voldemort's arrogance would be a great tool to wield against him and he had no qualms of doing just that when the time came. If this meeting worked out he would get just another valuable player to further his goals, just another piece in his cosmic chess game but he had to be careful. He wasn't the only one gathering players to make his dreams reality and Voldemort had much more experience manipulating his pieces. If he didn't watch himself then it would be him becoming the pawn and Voldemort would be the player.
"This is my daughter Cleo my Lord, Cleo this is the Dark Lord." Harry added the unsaid 'show some respect' in his head and noticed Voldemort wasn't paying any attention to what her father was saying. Neither was he though, because they were much to busy sizing the other up to pay attention to annoying frivolous banter. Voldemort's eyes, a bloody crimson was boring into his own deep emerald looking for something.
Finally Harry couldn't take the stare down any more and said, "Good evening my Lord, I'm Tristen Winter and this vision beside me is my mother Madeline." Madeline blushed at his passive title of mother as Harry had never called her that before but Harry's own face remained as serene as ever. It was as if he was addressing a college and not the greatest recorded Dark Lord in recent Wizarding History.
Voldemort raised his eyebrow at him and turned a charming smile on Madeline, "Surely you jest this beauty couldn't possibly be old enough to be your mother." He captured her offered hand as he said this to brush his lips across the back of her gloved knuckles. Madeline turned a brighter red, not immune to his charms as Harry seemed to be with his impassive face and replied, "I'm his adoptive mother my Lord, and quite proud of the fact." She was smiling brightly.
Harry would have sighed had he been alone but settled for laying his well thought out plan, "Well, I think I shall enjoy those gardens Cleo is so proud of, if you'll excuse me my Lord?" Harry turned slowly nodding his head at Madeline and Cleo saying a brief goodbye, and then walking leisurely away. He couldn't keep the smirk from his face when he heard Voldemort say from behind him, "Wait I think I'll join you, I've heard much about this garden," Harry waited until he felt him standing next to him and then moved on gracefully gliding outside.
The garden was beautiful, many exotic flowers perfumed the air and the night was lit with twinkling fairy lights. It was very peaceful and Harry saw that they weren't the only ones enjoying it, though every one else enjoying the garden were couples. The were silent for a moment just enjoying the scenery and then Harry said, "So you need a Potions Master," before Voldemort got the chance to speak. It was all part of the plan, Harry chose the location, he was directing the conversation and he was in control. It was frustrating to say the least for Voldemort but also very intriguing as it had been a long while since someone had challenged him.
Harry hadn't even broken his serene mask and was just calmly walking on waiting for Voldemort to retort…Voldemort found he impressed despite himself. "Whatever gave you that idea?" he said silkily with a light teasing tone. Harry raised quirked an eyebrow, not fooled, "You're a Dark Lord, there is no reason for you to show interest in me other than my Potions Mastery." "What makes you think I'm interested in you?" Voldemort retorted, tone suggesting that Harry had made a grave mistake but Harry was not backing down.
"You've been watching me for the last hour, if that's not interest I'm in need of an example of what is…" His voice was bland but Voldemort caught the insult in there. Voldemort smirked, "That's not interest that's curiosity and one enjoying the scenery…" letting Harry know that Voldemort had effectively called him nothing but his looks. "Yes, the manor is beautiful," Harry replied not taking the bait, "but what does that have to do with you stalking me?" He took his insult and shot it right back letting Voldemort he was not amused.
"Not stalking my dear Tristen, you're not worth that much effort," Voldemort sneered back, letting his temper show but Harry's face was serene as ever. It was infuriating and fascinating; Voldemort was quickly finding himself enchanted by this slip of a boy without even knowing it. "So you say but there are plenty of others who would disagree, but we did not come out here for light banter Voldemort. What is it you want from me?" Deciding he wanted to direct this conversation back on course to avoid the fight that was coming if he didn't. Harry was quickly realizing Voldemort was a lot like his Tom, quick to temper, a sharp tongue and little patience.
"It would seem I am in need of your services, are you available or are you otherwise engaged?" He bit out; he did not like control being taken from him, not at all. "At the moment I am free, any time in which you wish to contract my services just let me know." Voldemort smirked, "So how old are you?" Harry was slightly taken aback by the comment, no one asked him that and in fact no one besides his inner circle knew of his birthday. "I will be fourteen in a few weeks but I don't see how that's relevant."
Voldemort thought differently because he only marked those seventeen and older. He didn't want to admit he was slightly disappointed Tristen was so young; he was a beautiful boy and interested him in many ways already. "Really, I would have thought you were older with all the attention you are capturing…" he left the insinuation hang and Harry did not appreciate the insult he did not want their attention. Harry wasn't a whore, he might have a beautiful face but he doubted that they'd be looking if they could see his scars.
"If you're insinuating what I think you are I suggest you hold your tongue…or lose it," Voldemort would have been angry if he wasn't so smug about the fact he had gotten a rise out of the passive boy. Harry almost lost it when he saw that smirk on his face, no one got him this emotional besides Tom…not even Alucard could get past his impassive serenity. Voldemort, like Tom, got to him to easily for comfort and if Harry didn't know any better he'd say they were one and the same. Just as quickly as that thought entered it left leaving him feeling slightly dazed like he was forgetting something before he brushed it off.
"Careful Tristen, your emotion is showing," his tone was teasing, and Harry hated it as much as when Tom did that to him before he got a hold of himself. "Ah, I must be careful then, wouldn't want to show a weakness around a predator…that wouldn't be wise at all." Briefly Harry wondered if T-Voldemort was as congenial to all his followers when he wished to recruit them at first. Not that Harry would ever allow himself to be lowered that much as to follow another but he did wonder if he was this…gentle with the others.
Voldemort bit back a chuckle at Harry's pass, predator indeed; he was finding he very much enjoyed this boy's company; he was interesting as well as intelligent. They came to a bench that was partially enclosed by the trees surrounding it and Harry sat down with fluid grace. Voldemort sat down with just as much ease, though he managed to make it look much more masculine than Harry had, making him suppress a scowl. Harry knew he would never be the roguish handsome Voldemort was, he was more easily defined as beautiful rather than handsome and it was irritating.
Voldemort's figure dwarfed his sitting next to his smaller lean frame and Harry supposed they made quite the sight that would have been comical had they been less attractive. "It is a beautiful garden," Harry finally said to break the silence that had fallen between them "Quite," Voldemort said "Are you enjoying your time at Hogwarts?" Harry looked at him incredulously before he could school his features against it. "You must be joking?" Voldemort raised his eyebrow at him, "Durmstrang then?" Harry nearly sputtered indignantly but managed to catch himself before he made a fool of himself.
"I have no idea what your talking about my Lord, I attend the prestigious Noctiluca Academy I would never lower myself to attend either of those worthless schools." Voldemort was taken aback by Tristen's malicious tone and wondered why he was so set on this newer school when Durmstrang and Hogwarts were so legendary. No one had ever told Voldemort about Noctiluca, everyone assumed he knew and most thought he'd attended there in fact. So Voldemort had no way of knowing that his question was very much an insult but Harry had no way of knowing that.
Harry, like the rest assumed Voldemort knew that Noctiluca was the first Magical school ever founded by Morgan and Merlin themselves. Even so Harry bit his tongue against striking back with something just as insulting because he needed this meeting to make the right impression. That didn't mean, of course, that he'd remain in Voldemort's company for much longer anyway, he hated being treated like a child. "Owl me with the details of the project you wanted my Lord, if you'll excuse me I see someone I wished to speak with Good evening." Harry left before Voldemort could protest and left him wondering where the hell he went wrong.
He found Leon lounging at the entrance gate obviously waiting for him and looking very pleased. "So how was it Leon?" "Malfoy is defiantly part of the inner circle, but I suspect he, Parkinson, Crabbe, and Goyle are the only ones free of Azkaban at the moment." "Good, I've established contact with Voldemort already perhaps they'll be useful in the future." Leon nodded but grabbed Harry's wrist before he could breeze past him making Harry freeze at the contact for a moment.
Harry turned to Leon to give him his full attention but Leon didn't let go of his wrist. "Yes?" Harry asked a little caution in his tone. Leon didn't pay it much mind though and pulled Harry closer to him forcing Harry to place his hand on his chest to avoid falling into him. "Tristen," Leon's voice was strangely soft and pleading making Harry look up to lock gazes with his eyes, "Why must you avoid us so?" Harry opened his mouth, he tried to deny it but the words stuck in his throat he knew perfectly well that he did avoid true connections with them. Leon was the only one that really noticed it though, as he was great at avoiding it and directing their attention elsewhere.
"I don't know…" that was a lie but Harry wasn't about to open himself up to Leon, loyal follower or no it was to close to him. Leon looked sad briefly before he just smiled sadly and started to lean down ever so slowly giving Harry plenty of time to turn away if he so desired. However, unlike last time Harry had been in this sort of situation he found he was leaning in wanting the contact, the touch. Leon grew more confident and swiftly captured Harry's lips before he had a chance to change his mind. It was gentle, just a pressing of skin against skin but it was prefect…a prefect first kiss. There was a snap, like someone stepped on a twig and Harry pulled away quickly.
--x--
Voldemort had sat on the bench for a minute or so musing on one very interesting boy before he got up silently to follow him to see the person he had to speak so urgently with. When he found them he had to stifle his jealousy, there another boy with ruby hair was holding him without protest. Then, when the boy started to lean down his intentions clear Voldemort was sure that Tristen would pull back but he didn't! Instead he leaned forward ever so slightly giving the other boy courage enough to capture his plump lips in a gentle kiss.
His nails cut into his hands from suppressed rage; he was furious and insanely jealous of the slip of a boy kissing anyone else. If Tristen were to kiss anyone it would be him! Then Voldemort realized how irrational it was to be this upset about a boy he barely knew, but he couldn't help it, so he was about two seconds away from cursing the ruby boy within an inch of his life. Just as he stepped forward to do just that a stick snapped beneath his foot causing Tristen to pull away from the other boy abruptly and whirl around to face him.
When he saw Voldemort a blush rose to his cheeks making his startled face glow and the dim lighting added to the affect making Harry look very alluring like that. When Voldemort saw the blush, he paused, the picture was just too much and he found himself wondering where that particular blush ended. He licked his lips at the images that conjured up and the action seemed to snap everything back to place as Tristen departed exceedingly fast as if to escape the embarrassing situation.
The other boy with ruby hair was scowling at him but Voldemort just smirked, unreasonably happy he had ruined that moment with HIS Tristen. Because he had decided Tristen would be his the moment he saw that delicious blush on the boy's prefect face. That decided Voldemort followed the ruby haired boy back into the main Ballroom to search for Tristen to express his new developing interests.
--x--
Harry was more then a little confused, he had let Leon kiss him, enjoyed the contact even but when he saw Voldemort standing there he had felt incredibly guilty. It was as if he had been caught doing something wrong and Harry didn't like that feeling in the least. Leon was a loyal follower and ally that had gained his respect. He was devoted to his cause, whatever that might be, and worked with him to achieve his goals. He deserved to be rewarded for his services not punished for acting on his desires and if Leon wanted to kiss him, Harry wouldn't stop him.
Leon was closer to him then any of his other elite, well besides Madeline, and he knew Leon wouldn't have done something like that if he hadn't thought of the consequences. Though the way he had reacted to Voldemort was troubling, Harry just didn't understand why he had been so embarrassed to be caught kissing Leon. He had never been that mortified before over just one small thing, and it wasn't as if he'd been showcasing his scars. Usually he only felt that self-conscious when someone was looking at his body because it made him feel so vulnerable.
However, the kiss hadn't made him feel that way, it made his heart speed up and hands shake but in a good way. Even when he had pulled away it was a different sort of embarrassment than with his scars, when those were revealed he felt shame but when he had looked at Voldemort all he felt was guilty. It didn't make any sense! He barely knew Voldemort, he knew of him, of course but this was different it wasn't like he had known him for years like Leon (or Tom).
Harry pushed it out of his mind for now and went in search of Cleo; she was to perform today in front of everyone and Harry was sure she would be feeling very nervous at the moment. When he found her she was talking to Ophelia, Flora, Fauna, Logan and Alex about something…she did look very nervous. As Harry walked up they fell silent smiling and greeting him in turn.
"It is good that you are here," Harry said in his smooth voice that caused the elites to stand at attention at once, "I have some things I wished to tell you." They all looked eager to hear what he had to say, everyone was standing at ready, "This summer I have planned a trip for my Archangels and in two weeks you, along with the rest, will be summoned to my side. You are to be gone for a good while inform your parents as such." Harry commanded tone leaving no room for disagreement…not that any one of them wanted to as this was one of his first serious commands outside of school and they were impatient to prove themselves. "Good, inform the others." They nodded their heads rapidly silently waiting for Harry's next move.
He turned his attentions to Cleo then, "I expect your performance will go brilliantly, do not doubt yourself Cleo, I have faith in you." She had tears in her eyes as Harry said exactly what she needed to gather her confidence enough to do as well as they knew she could. Harry nodded to her, still keeping contact to a minimum even among his elite. While he could see her extreme desire for a touch from him, he couldn't move to do it. He settled for a slow acknowledging nod that brought a huge beaming proud smile on Cleo face and she puffed up with pride.
So when she took to the stage, Harry sent a flurry of lights to surround her and willed the others to dim, everyone's attentions centered on her. Cleo felt his magic, knew Harry was doing this for her, giving her the chance to be in the spotlight and it brought tears to her eyes though they did not fall. His magic was as immense and comforting as always as she begun to sing…voice so sweet it could make a grown man cry. It was all for him, for her Prince, and she sung her heart through the lyrics with his magic pulsating around her drawing her into his comforting presence.
Harry watched her, allowing his magic to do most of the work, and all the while keeping an eye out for his two interlopers…ones he knew who wanted to talk to him. Leon was by the back entrance, waiting for him and even when he showed no signs of coming Harry knew he would wait there until the last moment. Voldemort on the other hand was slowly making his way through the darkened room towards him and something in his eyes made Harry nervous.
Through the link in his mark he called Madeline to him, and turned his attention back on Cleo who's singing was enchanting the room. Madeline wasn't to far away, she made it to him just as the last lines of Cleo's song ended and the lights erupted around the room once more. The applause was thunderous, but Cleo only had eyes for him, she made her way to him totally ignoring her family who was awaiting her on the other side. Voldemort had been stopped in his advance halfway across the floor from the crush of people wanting his attentions.
"My Prince, Thank you…" she had tears in her eyes and he could tell she wanted to embrace him but refrained from doing so in light of his sensibilities. "You did well Cleo, I am proud of you." She practically glowed from the small praise (then again it was way more than she had ever gotten from her family). "I will take my leave but remember to be ready to go…I have much to show you, my faithful and very little time in which to do so." As he said this the member of his inner circle walked up to catch his parting words before he left, Madeline in tow.
--x--
Madeline paced her room again, looked at her vanity mirror, paced some more, looked out the window, paced again and then went back to the window to stand still looking out into the dark night. She wanted to pace more but stopped herself, she would have to make a decision about this soon otherwise she'd die from the stress. Harry was out there, she couldn't see him, but he was…he was out there torturing someone for his research again.
It wasn't that she cared about the Muggles, quite the opposite in fact, but the look Harry got in his eyes when he returned from one of his 'trips' frightened her. His eyes looked so hallow, so lonely, so dead, and she had no idea how she was supposed to handle the situation. Madeline was a gentle person, unless she was provoked then all bets were off, but she was gentle nonetheless…she couldn't stomach the idea of killing someone for the hell of it. Yes, to avenge her family, to protect her loved ones, or to fight for her ideals Madeline wasn't above maiming another.
However, Harry was just a boy, as much as he didn't need a mother now Madeline wanted to be his mom. A mother protected her child…even from themselves and Harry was killing a piece of himself with every filthy muggle he tore apart. Then again, maybe it was just her; maybe he needed this to vent his emotions that he keeps so bottled up. That started her pacing again because she had no idea how to handle this…what was a mother supposed to do when her child is a psychopath?
She sighed heavily; this was all those damn Potters' fault if they hadn't abandoned him to the storm of Muggles and their hatred then Harry wouldn't be this way. Underneath that entire icy exterior that Harry kept up was a very soft, kind, considerate little boy who needed love just as much as anyone else. Harry was so careful with his friends and his followers (she fingered the mark on her arm) he made sure that they were taken care of…emotionally and physically.
Madeline saw the goodness in him under that hate and it moved her as much as it terrified her…that one so bright could be so dark was utterly frightening. Harry was such an odd mixture of things, sometimes he was so gentle…so dazzling that one forgot what he was capable of and then he could be so dark that it could scare the life right out of you. Harry was the light and he was the dark…though he was neither…it was all very confusing and gave her a very horrible headache.
What was she supposed to do? Was she supposed to encourage him, encourage his darkness and need for revenge because she felt it too? Or was she supposed to consol him afterwards…to make sure that light in him didn't go out with his atrocious deeds? Harry was the center of something much bigger than her…Madeline could feel it down to her very core but she loved him as she would her own blood. She didn't want such madness for her son, no, she wanted to see him happy…truly happy for once in his life. Harry deserved happiness and Madeline decided right then that was what she would strive to give him.
It didn't matter that he had a monster beneath his skin or that he was the angel that brings so many hope…Harry was her son all she could do was love him. Madeline stopped her pacing and gave a huge breathe of relief…that settled that then. She would love Harry, do what she could to see him happy and protect him…it was all she could do as his mother.
Madeline looked out the window to see Harry going up to the backdoor, covered in blood, and knew what she needed to do. She strove out of the room on a mission, usually she avoided him like a plague when he was in one of 'those' moods but right now Harry needed to know something words could not do justice. She met up with him in the hall; he looked surprised to see her, and engulfed him in a tight hug…blood and all.
It wasn't that she was embracing him that made this moment special…it was the symbol of her embracing EVERY part of him that made his shoulders shake in suppressed tears. Harry did not cry, wouldn't allow himself to, but he did let Madeline a little further into his jaded heart where only a few had been able to penetrate. Madeline was embracing the killer in him, the leader in him, and the boy in him in one fell swoop. This was something that even Harry hadn't known he needed, complete unconditional acceptance.
--x--
It was going to be a very long day…that's all Sirius could think because his day hadn't started off well at all and it didn't look like it'd get any better any time soon. Whoever started that ridiculous rumor about him being gay would need to die a slow painful death!! Not to mention the added bonus of them saying he was either involved with Remus or James (with Lily in some freakish triad) it was just plain scarring. He shuddered, Sirius had always been the ladies man and now everyone had their doubts on his preferences…it was more than a little humiliating!
He was almost positive it had been Snape who started this whole thing, but then again hardly anyone paid attentions to the rambling of an ex-Death Eater. He sighed unnaturally depressed it just wasn't fair! All the girls he tried to hook up with doubted his motives…some even had the audacity to ask if it was okay with Remus or James!! Now normally he wouldn't have minded so much, even would have had a laugh out of it but not now!
With Azkaban and the whole mess with Harry, Sirius had been finding himself thinking about his life a lot…about who was missing from his life more like. Sirius really wanted a wife, he wanted what James and Lily had…a family and someone to look forward to going home to. Not that he wanted to leave his friend's home but he was just ready for his own now, he wanted the whole nine yards, wife, kids, and the house with a picked fence.
However, with this whole 'Sirius is gay or has multiple lovers' there wasn't many girls looking at him for a serious commitment and it was going to be hard enough considering his playboy status to find a girl! Now he had to add in some weird fetish girls coming after him, along with one-night standers and 'ex-con' lunatics! How in the hell was he supposed to find a suitable wife in THAT mess!
It almost made him wish his mother was alive, ALMOST; then he would have had an arranged marriage a long time ago and wouldn't have to deal with this crap! Sirius ran his hand through his hair, not to mention the added stress of the tournament, the whole Harry thing AND trying to get over his nightmares of Azkaban it was just not his year! It was a good thing that Lily was so bossy otherwise they'd never get anything gone around the house in all this mess.
He resigned himself to looking for a wife some other time, at the moment he needed to concentrate on Harry and preparing for the tournament. Those rumors did grate him though…but he decided to lay the blame totally on Snivellus and made plans to prank him mercilessly the coming year. Now if he got James involved than they'd have a real party…James always had the cruelest…ah coolest…ideas on what they could do with seemingly 'harmless' pranks! Oh, he was feeling better already!
--x--
Neville sighed as he dug up the ground to soften the soil for his newest transplant, a devil's snare, and tried very hard to forget all the troubles in his life. For not the first time he really wished his parents were okay, that they were here with him not lying in some hospital bed wasting away. Dumbledore was upset with him again because he couldn't perform the Patronus charm yet even after six months of practice! It wasn't his fault he had very few really great memories and most of them weren't strong enough for that charm to go corporeal.
Suzie was helping wherever she could but with his tutoring sessions and classes he had very little time to hang out with their 'misfit' group. Gran wasn't helping either, kept going on about how his father would have done better, how his father wasn't such a disappointment and so on. Neville knew it was mostly her wanting his father, not him, that made her come down so hard on him. She wanted him to be his father, literally, and the stress of it was making him fall apart at the seams.
The worst part of it was how they all kept saying how disappointed his father would be, how his mother was so superior at spell casting and how he should be in Hufflepuff not Gryffindor. Neville really wanted to believe his parents would have loved him no matter what the consequences, no matter how well he did or didn't do. He really wished he could be loved like that…not this headache inducing circumstantial love. Suzie was a great relief most days, she kept saying how he should take charge of his own life and that no one could judge him but himself.
He really, really wished that were true but it wasn't…more than anything Neville wanted to make his parents proud. Even if he couldn't be with them now, he stilled hoped for the day that they would wake up and smile at him…no disappointment in their eyes. He was waiting for them just like they were waiting for him; Neville really loved his parents and would do what he could right now so that when they woke they were proud. Besides, the only ones he had that could tell him how his parents would have reacted to him were telling him something very different tan what Suzie was telling him.
They were all he had to measure himself by, the only connection he had to his parents and he would do as they said for now because he had to. Neville wanted his Parents to wake up to a son they could be proud to call their own, not someone who was a failure. His expression turned grim as he thought about, about all the disappointment that followed him like a white on rice…and he was sinking lower into himself as he did.
He sighed and got back to his Herbology, the devil's snare wasn't about to plant itself and he had a lot of work this summer if he wanted his green house to be prefect by September. He pushed all criticism out of his mind and concentrated on his one passion in life. Dumbledore and Gran be damned he would die before he gave this up, no matter how much they wanted him to so he would focus on spell work.
--x--
When he took the stasis charm off the body, blood very literally drenching him as he did but Harry couldn't bring himself to care, he was so close! A few changes and he would be able to fully counteract the affects of the Cruico Curse! He would be one step closer to stopping the unstoppable! He was too exhilarated for bed so he just banished the body to the others and went on to the next room intent on finding the solution he was SO close.
Too close in fact to stop now, Harry was sure he'd be finished with it by morning if he worked all night and he wanted this done before he went ahead with his other plans. The woman in the next testing room whimpered loudly when he entered, still dripping blood, and if he hadn't sewn her lips shut he was sure she'd be screaming. He waved his hand and the blood disappeared, he wouldn't want to contaminate the potion after all with foreign blood.
The woman's head was shaved but it had been full of red hair when he had taken her…she had hazel eyes. She had been perfect; he couldn't resist taking her when he had seen her in front of her perfectly normal house. The woman groaned as he approached, he had been putting her under the Cruico curse for the last few days and Harry was quite certain she was nearly insane by now. Still to be sure, he raised his wand and cast the spell with relish.
She convulsed, the expression on her face was pure agony, tears streamed down her face and her lips bleed profusely as she tried to scream even though her lips were sewn shut. It was beautiful. He let a devilish little smile twist across his face, his research would turn the world on it's head one day but oh, did he enjoy discovering these things. Finally he lifted the curse, watching her twitch every few seconds and then stop completely not moving.
He thought she might have died but upon further inspection he realized that she had gone into a cationic state, with a glazed look in her eyes that flew wildly around every few minutes. It seemed the curse had taken its expected course and caused the telltale misfiring of nerves in the brain, which lead to insanity. Now the tricky part Harry sealed the woman's head with a focused stasis charm he invented himself and went about removing a part of her skull to give him an open view of her brain.
This took more time than he thought it would because he had to cast a few rapid-fire charms to keep the blood from hemorrhaging and ruining his experiment. Once Harry had her head cracked open it got simpler (or as simple as one could get during a basic brain surgery) and used his various spells that allowed him to observe the firing of the nerves on the microscopic level. He found exactly what he was hoping for (not to mention expecting), the Cruico had run the nerves down and the nerve synapses weren't sending the impulses right.
Carefully he took his latest version of his potion and using a syringe, cautiously, he dripped a bit of it onto the damaged tissue to see what reaction it would bring. For a minute or two nothing happened, making Harry slightly disappointed her brain hadn't overheated like the last few. So he waited patiently for the results of this one to be made clear, with a swell of triumph he watched the nerves begin to repair and start firing at a normal rate.
Harry watched her eyes, looking for further proof that this last batch was working and he wasn't let down when he saw the glazed look in the woman's eyes slowly turn to horror. She was terrified but she was AWARE! It was working; he switched his attention to the brain wanting to make sure there were no visible sign of defects. There were no defects he could see but he watched with an amazed eye as parts of the brain that were usually inactive began to show increased activity.
Then the woman started to twitch again, next she started to foam at the mouth, and then as he watched the nerves synapses overloaded frying her brain (literally). She was dead within thirty minutes after the introduction of the potion but it still furthered his intelligence on the subject.
Quickly he turned to his notes to jot down, 'Subject #67, Batch A, Compound C, FAILURE, however, subject lasted twenty minutes more than predecessors. Potion too Potent? Gender influencing results? Be sure to look into Compound C to see if the affects can be minimized. Also look into side effect of increased brain activity as it might be used to increase intelligence…further testing is required.' Harry was sure he was close, so close he could almost taste it! Harry was just a few more tests away from discovering a counter for one of the unstoppable curses; he knew he would manage it soon! Sighing he realized he might have been too optimistic to think he'd find it tonight, within the end of summer…now that was feasible.
In the mean while Harry was curious about the increase in brain activity in the usually dormant parts that he saw in this last one, and he was interested in seeing if this potion could have a beneficial side-effect. The increase in activity suggested that the subject would be able to increase cognitive thought and Harry was fascinated with this prospect. Maybe if he worked it right this could be one of his cast-offs that he could use to his advantage, like his potent healing draught, this batch might lay the groundwork for another potion. Quirking an eyebrow at the thought Harry swiftly pulled out a blank workbook to pen down his ideas on it, if what he was thinking of worked Harry might be able to create geniuses from idiocy…or at least increase the brain activity safely.
--x--
Severus scowled at the brewing potion, hating the fact that Dumbledore was making him do this for him. The Wolfsbane potion might have been his invention but he had invented it out of necessity not some misguided attempt to win over his hated rivals! Now he had the remaining Marauders to look forward to contending with this coming year and not to mention his unrequited love. This year was not going to be pleasant, not in the least, if the Marauders didn't kill him the idiotic children surely would.
He felt the incoming of a horrible migraine and he nearly started cursing up a storm out of pure frustration. Not only did he have to deal with the Marauders, Lily but also a Tri-wizard Tournament that was sure to bring MORE reckless children to him than usual. It was enough to make him question his decision on the side he choose, had he made the right choice siding with Dumbledore? This wasn't the first time he had asked himself this and it probably wouldn't be the last.
Voldemort was a lot of things, none of them pleasant but at least he was truthful in his demeanor not the conniving gentleness that Dumbledore displayed. Plus, Voldemort had heeded his wishes and hadn't outright killed Lily…just as he had begged for though not quite what he was expecting. Lily hated him now as much as ever and he was dreading the day they would have to confront each other on that. He had never stopped loving her, not even when she had married Potter, but she only held him in contempt.
Severus wasn't sure what more he could do to gain her forgiveness, what more could he possibly sacrifice to appease her? He had turned his back on his beliefs, on his comrades, on his very self in order to see even the possibility of her forgiving him and to this day he had yet to receive any sign that would happen. Severus hated to admit, even to himself, how much it truly hurt to have his first friend turn her back on him.
Sighing he went back to brewing the damned potion finding none of the usual pleasure in it. He was more than dreading the coming year; he was loathing it and its daunting possibilities. What the hell was he supposed to do surrounded by enemies with no one to turn to? It looked as if he might need to spend most of the year in the relative safety of the dungeons than risk becoming a target out in the open.
He felt the consuming hatred for the Marauders once again as he realized he was about to become a prisoner in his own school once more. It was enough to make him consider quitting and running as far away from Dumbledore as he could, just to escape them not to mention his past. He finished this batch quickly and then decided to turn his attentions away from the daunting future by concentrating on the Potion Guild newsletter he had received that morning.
Everything in it was normal as always, something he relished in because soon normalcy was going to fly out the window to be fit by dragon flame and burst into ash. He quirked his eyebrow when he read the part about Potions Master Winter (Madeline) and the latest advances by him. It seemed he had taken a newer angle on the calming draught this year and made progress on making it less likely to lead to addiction. On a side note he read that Potions Master would be out of commission this coming year due to certain circumstances.
That was a pity; Severus had gotten great enjoyment out of reading what this particular Master was up to as he was always searching for something to advance. Severus liked inventing new potions but he rarely let the guild in on his many progresses for want of privacy. He suspected that Master Winter did the same and only let out his more mediocre potions get into the guild's hands. His research alone showed such stunning potential and advanced thought that Severus wished he could meet him one day to clash minds. Now that would be an experience.
--x--
It was amazing how fast the two weeks seemed to fly past, before Harry knew it the day had come and he was doing the final preparations before he would call his Archangels. He slung the backpack he would be taking with him, put his money in the charmed wallet in his pocket and checked himself in the mirror. His lip curled a little at his reflection as he had gotten used dressing more formally.
He was dressed in plain blue jeans, a simple white tee with a leather jacket, and his traditional combat boots that he'd taken to wearing. He had his hair pulled into a low ponytail leaving his longish bangs to frame his face and revealed his pierced ears. In all he pulled off the normal teenaged muggle looked nicely and he could see no signs that would alert the muggles to him being…'freakish'.
Harry mentally went through his supplies, he patted his various hidden knives, double checked his emergency potions (hidden in his boots), and adjusted his wristbands that hid the scars on his wrists. He shifted the backpack fully onto his back and made his way outside sure that he had not forgotten anything. He left a note for Madeline on the kitchen counter, picked up an apple on his way out and made his way outside the wards surrounding his house.
Though he trusted his elite one could never be too careful and besides he liked the thought that only two people in the world knew where he lived, one being him. When he got to about two miles from his house he closed his eyes and called the ones he was taking on this trip to him, i.e. every of his elite except Madeline and Sarah. He felt the same rush of pure power when he forced those people to him and nearly lost himself in the euphoria for a minute.
In no time at all Cleo, Ophelia, Flora, Fauna, Simon, Logan, Alex, Gabriel, and Leon were standing before him with their trunks in hand. He very nearly smirked at their expressions when they saw him; their mouths were agape in shock, because none of them had seen him wearing something so casual. They eventually recovered enough to pay proper attention to him though and soon the clearing they were in was filled with the chaotic sound of a lot of people trying to ask something all at once. "Silence," everyone immediately shut their mouths out of reflect, "I'm sure you all are curious about my attire but first I want each of you to change into these."
That said he started to pull out various outfits from his backpack and started to hand out each of them one, complete with everything from underwear to shoes. They all nodded and went off to get privacy to change the girls going one way while the boys went the other. When they got back Harry nodded in approval, they each looked like perfectly normal muggles, though he did resist the urge to sneer at them thinking that.
"As I'm sure most of you have ascertained we are to make an expedition out into the muggle world (they heard the disgust in his voice). I have many reasons for doing this but the most prudent at the moment is that we are going to study the enemy, as the saying goes 'know your enemy better than you know yourself'. This is also so that those of you who have yet to venture out into that cesspool they call a world can gain the experience you will need later." They all nodded it was very logical after all, because how were they supposed to bring about their destruction if they didn't know them.
"Now, I want you to change your trunks into a bag like mine, once everyone is finished I will lead us to the first place we will go. Since most of you haven't been to the muggle world we will be taking portkeys to our first destination and from there we can acquire more, inconspicuous modes of transport for the muggle world." They all voiced their agreement and quickly set about doing as he asked. However Harry noticed that Leon was watching him more closely than he used to and that he seemed to want to speak with him. He had an idea what Leon wanted but decided that it could wait until later when they settled down that night.
--x--
Meanwhile Madeline was pondering the benefits of being an internationally certified Potions Master while walking down a quiet street in Rome. Italy really was one of her favorite countries and so she never minded it much when someone called for her here. Though she did get a kick out of their expressions when they realized that Potions Master Winter was a woman and not a man…part of the reason she had stressed to the guild to NEVER call her a Potions Mistress officially. Besides Madeline wasn't ashamed to admit that she was something of a feminist, being called a Mistress when she was a MASTER just rubbed her the wrong way.
She had just gotten one of the more challenging assignments from a client a few days ago and had immediately packed to be off to Rome for the job. The research they had as utterly breath-taking and the detail…well she was almost in tears when she was given access to it! The best part had to be that they didn't even KNOW what they had was so valuable and it had only taken a little bartering to get permission to copy them. Not that it would have stopped her if they had said no anyways but the legal tie ups would have been sorely unwelcome now with this coming year.
She stepped out of the quiet side street and onto on the crowded market street heading off to the local 'portal pub' which would lead her to the Magical world. It was pathetically easy to slip from the crowded street into an equally crowded magical pub with no fuss; really Rome had its benefits. As soon as she got onto the magical alley she breathed a sigh of relief, as always the rush of magic felt like coming home.
Madeline couldn't fight the smug smile that bloomed on her face as she thought back to the Tortaga family and their naïve trust in the Potion Guild. Not that it mattered much at the moment Maddy was more interested in the ingredients she could find here as opposed to England that had stricter laws on what was considered 'illegal'. A couple hours later she was just about done and more than ready to head home to a nice hot bath.
However, just as she was making her way to the portkey point, used by the Guild to travel internationally without the hassle of checkpoints, something caught her eye. Madeline paused mid-step when she saw it, all fire-engine red and chrome plating, more than a little surprised seeing it here on the Magical side than she would have been to see it on the Muggle one. A sport Motorcycle, beautiful, fast, sexy and magically modified making it her very own wet dream! It had to be the most, enticing, things Madeline had ever come across because she wasn't above admitting she had something of an addiction to an adrenaline rush.
In fact she was half convinced it was because of her affinity for fire that made her so drawn to things that could easily kill her if she did one thing wrong…well in this case if she crashed! Like the lure of a siren's song Madeline couldn't stop her feet from going to it, nor stop her hand from caressing the fine Italian leather on the seat. The motorcycle was about as fast as the British Firebolt but it had more options even though it had less turning capabilities obviously. It was muggle, and thief repellent. It had a low powered shield against hexing, standard sizing charms, an invisibility button, it could fly of course, a few hidden compartments, a never ending supply of 'gas' and it even came with a nice simple streamline black helmet.
Madeline chewed a little on her bottom lip, as she was prone to do when she was thinking over something, while running a shaking hand over the bike caressing it like a lover. Finally she made a decision just as the salesman noticed her for the first time and before he could say anything Madeline was already haggling the price. One two hour long argument, a contract including a warranty, a leather jacket and matching boots later Madeline was driving off into the horizon on her brand new bike. She practically started to coo at it when she felt the prefect purr of the engine and hit the accelerator going for that rush of adrenaline.
--x--
"Welcome to America," Harry said softly as he turned to his elite gesturing behind him where the abandoned alley they landed in opened up onto a busy street. "We are here for one simple reason, to know our enemy. I will be showing you how hypocritical, filthy, disgusting and evil Muggles truly are…then you will understand what we are up against." Sighing Harry turned to solve the problem at hand, they would need a mode of transportation for the muggle world and so he headed toward the opening in the alley (his followers trailing behind him like obedient puppies).
The noise that assaulted their ears when they left the relative confines of the alley was immense and those whom had sensitive ears cringed visibly (i.e. Logan, Alex, Simon, and Ophelia). Harry had chosen a town close to Los Angelus for precisely this reason because his elite needed to see the worst of them. He scanned the street not paying much mind to the Elite who had started to huddle a little bit behind him as were currently eyeing the passer-bys suspiciously. Smirking just a bit when he found just what he was looking for a nodded to Leon calling him to his side, "Keep them here I'll return shortly."
Leon nodded his acceptance but he looked weary…he wasn't the only one, soon as Harry left they all started to fidget nervously trying hard not to choke on poisoned gaseous air. Harry in the mean time headed to the local Starbuck's parking lot and waiting for the owner of the Hummer to head toward the vehicle. He came out laden down with coffee cups in one hand while the other fiddled with his jeans pocket fishing out his keys. He was distracted so he never saw Harry coming and with a simple wave of his hand the man's eyes glazed, a common symptom of the Imperio.
Silently he directed the man to the car while vanishing the coffee from his hands and jumping in the passenger seat he waited for the man to get situated. Then he directed him across the street and had him pull into a familiar alley where his elites were awaiting his return. They had an awful surprise when the monster of a car pulled up alongside them having been used to the classic design when dealing with cars. Harry hopped out of the car and said, "Well, get in" spoken with a bland tone that moved them away from shock into accepting in a moment.
Harry took the front seat, Leon sat behind him, and the rest just spread out from there though they did have to expand the car a little to fit everyone. No one paid the 'driver' much mind and soon they were off speeding along the highway. Harry turned on the radio, tuning it low at first, "Muggle are low creatures but they do have a sense of taste when it comes to harmony within their music…though that is mostly due to the fact they have no magic to synchronize…but no matter I thought we would benefit from listening to what they can play. They have a variety of styles so perhaps we could use some of their inferior works to help us further our own." This was said with much distaste, they could almost hear him trying to make his mouth form the words that were almost a compliment but they said nothing just listened to the music as Harry turned it up for them.
He'd chosen L.A. for a variety of reasons, it was dirty, it was gang infested, and it was known for the strange enough for some weird things to go unnoticed. When they finally reached there he directed his muggle puppet to buy him a suite at a rather expensive hotel while they waited in the car. Then Harry lead them to their rooms when his puppet returned and they had a hell of a time accepting that the elevator only went up and down. They got situated pretty fast, the puppet would sleep on the floor like a good dog, the girls would share rooms the twins in one and Cleo/Ophelia in another. The boys were a little more difficult, Gabriel and Simon shared one room; Logan and Alex shared another and that left him with Leon.
The problem was that Harry's room only had a king sized bed as it was the master, sure he could have transfigured it into two but he didn't want to insult Leon. After their Kiss however this definitely wouldn't be comfortable for him no matter how much space was between them. Nonetheless Harry decided to put it aside for now and went about talking to his elite about what they'd seen so far and their reactions. The suite had a sitting area (relatively big though Harry still expanded it), a kitchen and private bathrooms for each room…expensive but worth it. Not that they were paying for any of it so that really didn't matter much to Harry as he was contemplating killing his puppet at the end of this anyways.
He sat at the recliner that he faced to the couch that all his elites were currently lounging on (with Cleo sitting on Ophelia's lap but she didn't appeared to mind). "So what do you think?" The question was open to everyone and everyone similarly had an opinion they wanted to express.
"It STINKS!" (Ophelia)
"They are filthy, there is TRASH just about EVERYWHERE!" (Simon)
"They're too loud…" (Logan)
"They don't have…" (Flora) "…Any dignity!" (Fauna)
"They are very rude." (Cleo)
"They are very violent…" (Gabriel)
"Everything is so…DIRTY…" (Alex)
"None of this makes any sense, they do not even hold the barest forms of etiquette!" (Leon)
Harry would have been smiling at their reactions if he didn't have such a firm hold on his serene mask and as it was he was having a hard time not showing how pleased he was. The entire ride here they had been looking out the window, the muggles hadn't disappointed Harry showing his elites how terrible they could be. They had watched people shouting at people; others throwing trash on the ground, graffiti was everywhere and no one up held the barest forms of common curtsey to each other. Really Harry couldn't have PLANNED a more effective way to showcase the Muggles then what they had already started with, and it was all going very smoothly in his favor.
He smirked, "Perhaps it is time to go among them now that you've had a chance to observe them?" Harry raised his eyebrow at their incredulous expressions and smirked, "We'll be going to a night club…I trust you all can manage to change into the appropriate attire?" He didn't wait for them to accept and swept past them heading to his room he shared with Leon, smirking wider when he heard Leon laugh loudly. Apparently Leon found the whole situation as amusing as him, and just this once Harry found he didn't mind hearing laughter so much.
One thing was for sure…this summer was going to be an interesting one. When he got into his room Harry opened the balcony doors just in time for a rather formidable looking owl to swoop in with a richly elaborate envelope tied to its leg. Harry knew Voldemort had finally decided to contact him then by just looking at the owl and the letter. The whole appearance screamed arrogance, something he was beginning to expect from Voldemort as much as he expected it from Tom.
Thinking of Tom made him pat the front of his leather coat where the diary was concealed in a hidden pocket as Harry had gotten into the habit of not letting the book from him. Something was coming, his entire being buzzed with it and it was not just the progress he would make this summer. Next year would bring a whole another level of intrigue into his life; Harry knew this, because he would be attending the Tournament amongst Hogwarts where his enemies would dwell. He took the letter with a hard look in his life as he thought about it and waved the bird to perch on the balcony's railing to await his reply. Yes, a very interesting summer indeed.
--x--
Voldemort paced his study more then a little impatient to get his reply from Tristen, the owl and letter that had been sent out hours ago had yet to return. He couldn't understand why he was so drawn to the boy, yes, he was undeniably very powerful, yes, he was a beauty one rarely saw, and yes, he was very skilled. However, he was still just a boy, barely fourteen, and yet every time his thoughts always strayed to him.
Tristen had enchanted him that night at the ball and from then Voldemort had been searching for a way to dissuade himself from his growing obsession with him. It wasn't helping that his spies had yet to obtain any background information on him besides that of his adoption. No one knew whom Tristen's real parents were, where he came from, not even his birthday! It was as if had just appeared one day out of the blue, which was impossible because even muggleborns have a history before they appear in the magical world.
But there was nothing and it was as infuriating as it was intriguing, the puzzle that was Tristen was growing with each report. Voldemort couldn't help but be interested; riddles had always captivated him even as a boy and Tristen was certainly a riddle in of himself. Pushing it all from his mind for a moment he tried to concentrate on his war plans, as they were much more important than a beautiful green eyed mystery.
He had been making great progress with the dark families, funding was underway and the Dark allies were beginning to meet everything seemed to be according to plan. The vampires were refusing his advances again, though that wasn't surprising, as they hadn't sided with him in the last war either. The pureblooded Werewolves seemed to be moving every time he got close to discovering their dwellings so approaching them right now was out of the question. However, the mongrel pack under Greyback had already renewed their allegiance to him and he was almost ready with his Death Eaters.
His Death Eater ranks were considerably thinned but he was in the process of replenishing them…still he definitely needed to get his inner circle out of prison soon. However, he still hasn't found a way to do so without tipping off his enemies so he decided to wait until he was ready to do that. His base, the Riddle House, was obscure enough most wouldn't even guess where his headquarters were located.
Voldemort had to do a lot of reinvasions to the manor to make it suitable to hold a Dark Lord but he was close to finished and would be able to start calling his follower there soon. The Death Eaters were a few thousand strong but they had gotten lacks in this time of peace and retraining would be required. Really he needed his elite so he could free up his time furthering his progress in the war not spending his time training up them. Very suddenly a wicked grin spilt across his face, perhaps if his elite were just happen to escape then he could dissuade some suspicion for a while.
Sure, Dumbledore wouldn't be fooled but he would never know for sure if HE was alive and gathering his followers or if they just happened to escape. That would give him an advantage and have Dumbledore jumping at shadows something he could only benefit from, yes; his elite would be free soon. Now that was decided he went back to the problem at hand, why certain groups seemed to be avoiding him more vigorously than was normal. The Pureblood werewolves were flat out avoiding him this time were before they had just refused, the vampires were very tight lipped about something, and there was something else that was bothering him.
Recently there was a whispering among the darker forces of another force, not Voldemort himself, that was stirring things up and things seemed to be moving toward that. Voldemort scowled thinking that if it was another newer Dark Lord trying to usurp his position that he would die a painful death at the TRUE lord's hands. However, that was not what the whispers indicated, just that something was moving things that had been sleeping for a very long time and that it was very powerful magic. Even he could feel it somewhat, that stirring that something BIG was coming there way something that would change the world, as they knew it. Like a force of nature not something as mortal as another Dark Lord, it was disconcerting to say the least to feel as such.
Shaking his head he began to pace again and his thoughts were drawn back to Tristen, to the emerald-eyed beauty that had enough power to draw him, HIM, Voldemort. Tristen was definitely a prize worth the chasing, but it was worrisome that the boy seemed to posses his thoughts so. His knuckles tightened remembering the kiss he'd stepped in on…a kiss that should have been HIS and that infuriating ruby haired boy. Possessiveness gripped him as he thought about it, he wanted Tristen and he would have him if it meant the world had to burn for it to be so.
Voldemort snapped out of it when he realized where his thoughts were going again, and scowled really what was it about that boy that affected him so. Before when he had wanted someone he would have had them and thrown them away by now it well out of his system. However, with Tristen it felt different, it made his blood boil to think of anyone else touching him EVER not just when he was done with him either. No one should be allowed to touch such a powerful beauty but him, even if he had finished himself with him Voldemort knew he would never allow anyone else to touch Tristen. Tristen would be his forever; there would be no escaping him once he had him in his grasp.
Shaking himself Voldemort once again asked himself what was so special about this boy that distracted him so, and drew a blank. Tristen was just someone he couldn't forget…worse someone he didn't want to forget. Voldemort wanted to remember the way his lips parted when he was angry, the way he flushed when he was embarrassed; he waned to remember every feature and every look. Tristen was perfection and refused to leave him in peace…capturing his thoughts and distracting him really the boy was impossible. He had jus meet him once, a brief few minutes and already Voldemort found himself captured…but WHY? That's what it always came down to WHY was he so enraptured by this boy? What was it that drew him…why?
A.N.: Lol I know not my best but whatcha gonna do? PLEASE review guys I love to see your thoughts and it motivates me to writing more! Lol Next Chapter: When Worlds Collide…I know hate me! Bow Down to the Shadow Lord Harry MUAHHH! …oookkkkay no more sugar for me before I write these I'm getting stranger than usual! Lol Ja ne wickedlfairy17
p.s. my HANDS have highjacked my body! send HELP!! SOS oh no they woke up!! RUN RUN RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!! AHHHHHHH (okkkayyy no more sugar for me!)