*** Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter! I wish I did but I don't! Please review at the end of this chapter! ***

/ AUTHORS NOTE: Thank you to everyone who has been following this story! I love the readers here and your reviews! I decided that I would write and extra long chapter for you guys! Thanks for sticking with me! This is just part one of this chapter! So hopefully this week I'll update again! -castlerocks /

Giving In

Chapter 14: Better Day part 1

* Riddle Manor *

Harry awoke long before the sun was up. He couldn't wait for the day. Tonight was the inner circle meeting and it was his time to prove to Voldemort that he was willing to participate and contribute to the cause. If Voldemort wanted him at the meeting then he would be there. It was the least he could do for the man who had taken him in.

Harry had gotten up early so that he could shower and be fresh for the day. He was taking the first shower ever at Riddle Manor. Which surprised him. The excitement of the last couple of days was still fresh in his mind and he guessed he must have forgotten all about showering and changing clothes. Clothes?! What was he supposed to do about a new outfit? He hadn't planned on escaping the ministry with Voldemort. It wasn't like he had packed an over night bag. He was slightly panicked at the thought that he would have to ask Voldemort for an extra pair of clothes. So he decided to try the closet and sure enough there was an extra area for his clothes in Voldemorts closet. A closet wasn't even what it was. It was more like a small bedroom. It had a couch, three full-length mirrors, a whole wall dedicated to just shoes. On the rest of the walls were Voldemorts clothes and now Harrys. Harry had never seen so many robes in his life. Everything looked so luxurious. He moved over to his area and his outfits were just simple robes but they looked exquisite. He found a new pair of shoes on Voldemorts shoe shelf that had a note on them.

Harry,

I hope that you enjoy these. I simple cannot wear anything less than the best. So I had the house elves buy you a pair of one of my favorite shoes.

- Voldemort

They were dragon hide boots. Harry had always wanted a pair but he was afraid of buying something the Weasleys couldn't afford because of Rons jealousy, it really was something Ron needed to work on but to the hell with the Weasleys. He was going to live the life he was meant to have. Harry went and grabbed the boots, some robes and he opened one of the draws on the wall by the door that had his name on it. He found undergarments as well as socks. He exited the closet and went into the bathroom. He set his stuff on the counter and opted on taking a shower instead of a bath because he didn't need to go for a swim. The bath was practically a pool. When Harry entered the shower he had never seen so many showerheads in his life. He turned on the water and let the warm water drench him. Letting all his problems go down the drain with the water. He had never felt so refreshed in his life.

After getting dressed in his new clothes and boots. He looked rather good and a little taller thanks to the small heal on the boots. He brushed his teeth and smiled at himself in the mirror 'Damn I look good today' he thought. He looked fresh and he felt it too. The only thing that made him look a little unkempt was his hair that he took 10 minutes to try and control but he ended up failing. With frustration he left the bathroom.

As soon as he stepped out he was greeted with a small house elf. She looked so small and rat like with her big eyes and large ears. She nearly gave him a heart attack. "Master Voldemort has ordered vally to take Master Potter to the dinning room for breakfast." The small elf bowed and nearly touched the floor with her ears. "Sure. And please call me Harry, Master Potter is a little too much." Harry told the elf. She looked surprised and also scared "vally has heard best things... about the Great Harry Potter but never about how nice yus are... Not that yus isn't nice. Uh its just elf Dobby speaks greatly about yu." She looks like she would start to hit herself because she had said too much. Harry decided to speak before she actually tried to hurt herself. "Thank you vally. You know Dobby? That's great! I've been meaning to speak to him." Harry gave the elf a small smile. "Can you take me to the dinning room now please?" He asked. She nodded vigorously and took ahold of his hand and with a pop they were gone.

The house elf and Harry popped up right in front of the doors that led to the dinning room. The elf bowed to Harry and promptly left. Harry took a deep breath before he turned the knob. Voldemort sat at the head of the large table reading the daily prophet. He looked up and their eyes met. He smiled and put down the newspaper "Harry! Please come join me! We have much to discuss this morning." He beckoned Harry closer. Harry lingered by the door. Voldemort looked at him with a questioning expression when Harry didn't move. "What is it?" Voldemort asked concern evident in his tone. Harry just bit his lip "well since we are partners in this dark world we both have to sit at the head of the table. It shows that we have equal partnership." Harry said as he moved to sit at the end of the table. Leaving Voldemort alone all the way on the other side of the room. Voldemort just chuckled "if you wish it then come here My Lord." He said with a mock bow of his head. Harry approached Him and when he was at arms length Voldemort pulled Harry into his lap. Harry gave a squeak as Voldemort adjusted him. "Now we are both at the head of the table." Harry blushed and jumped up and out of Voldemorts lap. "Never mind I think I'll just sit here." He indicated to the chair to Voldemorts right. Voldemort looked put out. "If you say so but just know that my lap is always here if you need it" Voldemort said giving Harry a wink. Harry sat down and a plate of eggs and pancakes appeared before him along with a glass of pumpkin juice. Harry took several bites so he wouldn't have to talk to Voldemort. Who was eyeing Harry with a look that some would say wasn't innocent at all. Harry blushed and didn't meet Voldemorts gaze.

After a few awkward moments of silence Voldemort decided that it was time to stop trying to make Harry uncomfortable. "So tonight? Are you ready?" Voldemort asked. He was concerned that Harry would back out and run but he knew that HIS Harry would stick it out even if he didn't want to go to the meeting "I think I am. It's weird last night I was kind of apprehensive about the whole thing but now I can't wait." Harry said with glee sparkling in his green eyes.

Voldemort nodded, he was glad. "Now that I think about it. How is tonight going to go?" Harry asked, he was actual curious. A scene flashed in his mind of Voldemort sitting on a throne of bones and his Death Eaters torturing muggles. Harry shook his head. 'That won't happen' he told himself. Voldemort shook his shoulder "are you alright? You zoned out there for a second." Voldemort told him. "Sorry. Just my mind over thinking." Harry said while smiling sheepishly. "My Harry, you don't have to worry. This meeting is just to discuss upcoming raids. There won't be torturing. It's just a boring meeting. You need to see how the base works before you go diving into the other meetings. Not that you're not ready. It's just this is a meeting to get you started with. Only my most loyal will be there that way we won't need to hide your identity. It's a simple meeting so please don't worry." Voldemort said as he took Harry's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Harry smiled "I'm not worried. I can handle myself. I've beaten you several times haven't I? This ought a be a piece of cake." Harry said puffing up his chest and acting smug. He pulled his hand away from Voldemort. The next thing Harry knew was that he was being hit in the face with a pancake. He rounded on Voldemort. "Did you just throw a pancake at me?" Voldemort raised his hands and gave an innocent look "me? I would never! I am disgusted that you would think that I was that Petty!" Voldemort said while smirking. Harry just shook his head "I'm dealing with a five-year-old" he said to himself. " I'm actually 10 by the way," Voldemort said. Harry just chuckled. It was nice to just be carefree.

Voldemort fished from his pocket a wand. "I do believe that this is yours." He said while handing the Phoenix wand back to Harry. He twisted the wand in his hands. "Thank you." Harry said. "It's no problem. It was thrown across the room when your magic was released. The house elves found it when they cleaned our room." Harry nodded while he looked at his wand. No one really appreciates how precious something is until it's gone. Harry knew that concept well. He sat quietly and continued to eat until Voldemort broke the silence once more "I hope you enjoy the clothes. These are just temporary. We will get more next week when we go shopping." Harry smiled "you don't have to do that. I'm fine with what I have now. They're nice. Thank you. The boots are my favorite." Harry said while touching the clothes. He was just wearing simple black robes but they were the best ones he'd ever worn. They were so light it was if he didn't have anything on at all.

Voldemort let Harry finish eating. He was sipping a simple black tea and contemplating on how simple and normal everything was. He was having a quiet breakfast with Harry Potter and it was actually pleasant. If he thought he would be doing this a few days ago he would have cursed himself. Now he was glad that Harry was here. He had been alone for so long. Riddle manor needed its Master back and Harry was just the person to do that.

Just seeing that Harry enjoyed the clothes made him break out into a small smile. He had never given anyone a gift before. He was glad that Harry liked his taste. The boots were just the beginning if Voldemort had his way Harry would be wearing the most extravagant outfits in the world. Only the best was fit for HIS Harry and Voldemort was determined to give him just that.

Voldemort had been giving Harry looks all throughout breakfast and Harry realized that he didn't mind it one bit. He liked how Voldemort smiled when he was watching him. Voldemort would tilt his head and stare at him as if he was examining a rare object. But now that breakfast was over and he was still staring it made Harry kind of start to get creeped out. So he decided to clear his Throat. "So. um what will I be doing today?" Harry asked. Voldemort just stared at him for a moment and then quickly shook himself "yes well WE will be training for most of the morning and then the afternoon is yours to do what you wish." Voldemort said. "Training?" Harry asked. The thought of him and Voldemort training together made him involuntarily shiver. "Now this meeting is a small one with only my most loyal but you never know what might happen even with me there. The inner circle members are very protective of me who knows what they might do." Voldemort said. Harry just gave him a look that said he could handle himself. So Voldemort continued, "I know you are a very strong wizard but these Death Eaters have years of experience. I would feel completely better if you let me give you a few pointers." Harry nodded. He could understand that and plus it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a few pointers from the Dark Lord. "Okay" he said. Voldemort looked pleased as he stood up and took a huge gulp of tea. When he set it down he looked at Harry and smiled. "If you're finished then we should get started now. Follow me to the dueling chambers." He said beckoning Harry to follow him. He left the dinning room leaving Harry behind. Harry wiped his mouth with his napkin and ran after Voldemort.

* Headquarters *

Minerva McGonagall had gotten up early and was fresh and ready for the day. She had spent the night at the Order of the Phoenix headquarters. After the excitement of last night she couldn't wait for the day to begin. All the questioning last night made her restless. She kept on telling herself that today was going to be a new day. The first thing she would have to do is make amends. She went downstairs and ate breakfast with the Weasleys. Which was kind of awkward because she felt like they had betrayed Harry. The Weasleys had always been Dumbledores number one supporters and should have been there for Harry more.

She had decided she was going to make a special breakfast. She had gotten everything she would need. She got Mrs. Weasleys to make pancakes and she had made bacon and eggs. She placed the pancakes, eggs, and bacon on a tray. She poured a glass of pumpkin juice and placed it on the tray. She transfigured a green colored pencil into a fake flower and placed it in a vase that she set next to the plates on the tray. She smiled at Mrs. Weasleys and thanked her while she took the tray up the stairs. Once she got to the second floor she opened the first door on the right and walked right in. She closed the door behind her and placed the tray on the nightstand. She moved the covers over and got into bed. She hugged the other person in the bed and she heard the occupant sigh "lily..." She snuggled up to the occupant. "Severus it's time to wake up." Mcgonagall whispered to Snape in his ear. "A few. More minu- Mcgonagall! What the hell!" Snape snapped at her as he fell out of bed. She started to laugh as he jumped up and down and started to shake. He looked disgusted as he tried to shake off her cooties. "Well you look better," McGonagall said as snape continued to jump up and down. He shuddered "why would you do that?! Do you know what personal space even means?" Snape demanded. She got out of the bed " It seemed like the funniest idea ever at the time but now I'm even weirded out." She smiled sheepishly "anyway I wanted to make you a nice breakfast to make up for the torture session we had yesterday. Sorry about that." She said. He looked at her and nodded "no need to say sorry to me. I knew what was going on. It was a necessary precaution to get back into Dumbledores good graces." He told her. She agreed.

McGonagall sat down as Snape went to start eating his breakfast. "These are really good!" He said as he took a bite of the pancakes. She nodded "right? I had Molly make some for you." He smiled and continued to eat. After he finished he sat down the fork and looked at her "Minerva I'm concerned." Snape explained to her. "Why?" She asked. "We left Harry all alone with the Dark Lord. I know he is powerful but I can't help but be frightened for his safety." Snape said. "I agree but I think that Voldemort would never let anything bad happen to him. We both see that they care for each other and I'm glad to say that Voldemort would die before he let anything happened to Harry." Mcgonagall explained. Snape agreed but he still had a bad feeling at the pit of his stomach "Maybe we should visit them in a few days to see if everything is alright." He explained. "If it'll make you feel better." Mcgonagall said trying to comfort Snape. He visible relaxed.

Lupin closed the door. He had been listening with the door-cracked open a little bit. 'Harry is voluntarily with the Dark Lord?' Remus asked himself. He couldn't believe it. He had to do something to protect his cub. And just like that he had made up his mind. He went downstairs to get his coat and he practically ran out of Grimmauld place.

*Riddle Manor *

As they walked into the dueling chamber Harry was astonished to see that it was just like the room of requirement. It had everything that you could think of. There were dummies and a full platform. The room was HUGE. Harry stared at everything in awe. Voldemort smiled at Harry and changed his robes into more proper dueling ones. They were tight and helped him move with ease. Harry just stood their looked at Voldemort he practically started to drool. Voldemort just smirked.

The Dark Lord took out his wand and just gave a simple bow of the head "begin anytime you'd like..." Voldemort said with a wave of his wand. Harry took his wand and made to move into a defense stance "Expelliarmus*" he yelled. Voldemort put up a simple nonverbal shield. He flicked his wand and sent a jet of blue light toward Harry. Harry jumped and rolled out of the way "Confringo*, Expelliarmus*, Immobulus*!" He yelled one right after the other. Voldemort moved and dogged them easily and he sent a nonverbal spell toward Harry "Protego*" Harry cast the shielding charm but he was to late and was blasted backward and hit the back wall.

"Come now Potter I thought you were going to be a challenge." Voldemort taunted with an evil smirk. Harry just jumped up and looked at him with a predatory grin. "It's your funeral." Harry said as he took a stance "Bombarda*" he yelled at Voldemorts feet and small explosion caused Voldemort to be distracted. Harry ran toward Voldemort "crucio*" he yelled. Voldemort looked temporarily surprised but he ducked just in time. Harry almost tackled Voldemort but he stopped just as Voldemort sent a crucio back. Harry was hit and he immediately fell to the ground. The pain was unbearable but just as sudden as it had begun it ended. Harry opened his eyes to Voldemorts crimson ones. "Are you alright?" Voldemort asked as he picked Harry up off the ground. "Yes. I think so." Harry said as he swayed a little bit. His knees buckled and Voldemort caught him and held him close.

Voldemort caressed his cheek "sorry about that. I didn't think it would actual hit you." Voldemort explained. "It's alright. It was a good fight even if I did win." Harry explained, "You didn't wi-" Voldemort was cut off as Harry blasted him across the room. Harry was standing over him in a matter of seconds with his wand pointed at Voldemorts face "never assume the duels over" Harry said with a smirk on his face. Voldemort smirked as he swiped his leg and Harry came crashing on top of him. He quickly rolled so he was on top of Harry "you should follow your own advice" he said while smiling at the boy. Harry couldn't help but look at Voldemorts lips. He was so tempted to just reach up and kiss them but he didn't. Voldemort got up and dragged Harry up with him. "That was good. Not bad for a first try." Voldemort said giving Harry a reassuring smile. Harry smiled back. "Now let's see how you are with a sword." Voldemort declared as he handed Harry one and he knew that he would be the winner of this one. That's how the morning was spent. Harry and Voldemort trying to best each other but overall having a blast.

*** Aaaaaaaaaaand that is that! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It's only part one! Next part will be up hopefully this week! Thanks for reading and please review! If the story has mistakes sorry! I wanted to post this chapter right away!

*SPELLS USED IN THIS CHAPTER:

-Expelliarmus: Disarms the target of the spell, such as knocking their wand out of their hand.

-Confringo: AKA the blasting curse; item target to explode.

-Immobulus: Immobilizes the target.

-Protego: Protects the user and sends the spell back on an opponent.

-Bombarda: Causes a small, locally contained explosion. "Bombarda maxima" makes a bigger explosion.

-Crucio: The second unforgivable curse, the cruciartus curse; tortures your opponent mercilessly.

Thanks for Reading! -castlerocks ***