"Parseltongue"

Thoughts

I have decided to continue the rest of the story in Harry's point of view. It is easier to write this way as well as being less confusing to switch back and forth.

Chapter 11

"Tom, you better have a good explanation."

We sit at the dining table, Voldemort at the head (as usual) and I to his right. Everyone has left Riddle Manor for the night, leaving just the two of us and of course the house-elves.

My full attention is on the new leader of Britain's wizarding world. Waiting for him to speak, I unconsciously push around what food is left on my plate.

After a few minutes have passed, the Dark Lord puts his silverware down. Looking at me as though my movements are distracting him, he pushes my plate away from my reach. Impatient, I lean back in my chair, placing my now useless fork on the bare table.

"Ok. I will tell you everything there is to know about Arthur but you must not divulge this information to anyone other than the Death Eaters. He is useless if his cover is to be blown. Understood?"

Nodding, I hastily lean forward holding my breath in hopes to not miss a word.

"Mr. Weasley, as you and everyone know him, is a muggle-loving, Dumbledore supporter who gave up his pureblood title and is against any form of dark magic. What you do not know is that all of this is and has been an act."

Unable to believe where this is going, I interrupt before Tom continues. "But he was a Gryffindor. You can't possibly be meaning to tell me—"

I break off as piercing red eyes glare at me. "I told you to not interrupt me."

"Sorry, I—"

"Yes, Arthur was placed in Gryffindor while at Hogwarts but he became close to many Slytherins including Lucius and Severus within his first year. No one knew of his interest and relations within the rival house due to Arthur being worried his family would disapprove. After their year had graduated, I marked Malfoy and Severus in joining me. This was when they confided in me about this particular Gryffindor. I was skeptical at first, knowing of the Weasley family line and their association with Dumbledore but I decided to investigate further with the idea of having another person close to the Order besides only Severus."

Pausing for a moment, Tom takes out his wand. A bottle of old scotch appears before us. After filling up both glasses, handing one to me, and taking a large sip, does he continue.

"After meeting with Arthur and knowing his willingness to follow me, I divulged a plan that would enable him to be a center member in the Order of the Phoenix. Arthur offered himself as a full-time agent. He got a job at the Muggle Artifacts Office in the Ministry, married a witch of the light side, and became a well-respected/trusted member of the Order. Ever since him joining me, I have always been one step ahead of Dumbledore and his precious Order."

Shocked, I fall back in my chair which then topples over with the sheer force of my body. Lying flat on my back, I push myself up, rubbing the back of my head. Well that was graceful.

Tom is standing next to me, offering his hand. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah. I guess I leaned backed too far."

Sitting back down, we look at one another. Tom looks too entertained for the situation. His eyes glint with amusement and he can't hold back his laughter.

I playfully huff. "What!? It's not funny, Tom. I could have hurt myself. Oh, but of course…I forgot the Dark Lord gains pleasure from other's pain."

"I think we have discussed this enough for now. You will be able to talk to Arthur on your own later. Why don't we go to the library for a bit?"

Standing, I follow Tom. Making it up the stairs to the left side of the manor, we enter the room. I continue and take a seat on the leather couch positioned near a window. After glancing at the sunset, I grab the book sitting on the cushion next to me. Opening it to where I left off, I continue reading about the mechanisms involved in casting dark curses. Since being here, I have started learning as much as I can about the dark arts. If I am to be by Tom's side, I need to increase my power and knowing dark magic…will do just that.

I feel myself floating. Wait, this can't be right. Opening my eyes, I find myself in Tom's arms being carried back to our room. I push my face closer to his chest. His robes are soft and hold his sweet scent. Making it back to the room, I am gently placed on the bed. Taking off my shirt, I move under the covers as Tom leaves to the bathroom. He comes out after some time, dressed in his lounge pants and gets in bed. I am instantly pulled towards him, his arms wrapped around my small but growing frame.

I feel his warm breath hitting my ear as he whispers.

"Tomorrow, you will start attending lessons. Since Hogwarts is no more and I have taken the Ministry, a new school has opened. Afterwards, I will work with you on your dueling abilities."

I turn to look at Tom as many questions come flying out of my mouth. "When did this occur?...Who will be there?... Will I move-?"

Tom's lips consume mine. Wanting to dominate for once, I push my tongue through his opened lips and begin exploring. Tom shifts his body on top of me, taking the kiss back to his control. I then give in and relax beneath him.

Breaking apart, his lips move to my neck, caressing my skin in their path. In between his kisses, he speaks, softly.

"Shhh, little one. You need not worry. Only purebloods and half-bloods can attend due to Muggle-borns being deemed unfit to practice magic. I want you to go for a bit before you begin to appear at my meetings. Severus will be teaching the Dark Arts in addition to his Headmaster position. Narcissa Malfoy will teach Pureblood History, and other professor will teach as such. And no, you and the other students will not be living at the school. There is an apparition point before there."

I arch my head back into the pillow as Tom's lips move further down my chest. Breathing heavily, I reply. "I guess this can only help me but I wish I was ready to be at your side."

"In time, Harry." The Dark Lord mumbles as he continue to concentrate on my now wiggling body.

Shivering with need, I close my eyes to intensify the feeling. Well, so long to a good nights rest…