My Dark Protector
Chapter 21
The Dark Lord Voldemort sat in his lavish office, which was filled with all manner of books; ranging from beginners of the Dark Arts to his Parselmagic books that nobody other than he could read. The fire crackled merrily in the grate and on his desk sat a pensive, a few books scattered to the side and of course parchment he planned to use to gather more forces. He was feeling utterly perplexed, he had sent Lucius away after he had put the required memory in the pensive and then spent the last hour and half observing the scene. It was a good thing he was alone, for he hadn't been able to contain his reactions as much as he should. Much like Lucius he was shocked by the old fool's actions, he was tempted to believe he was losing it but he knew that wasn't the case at all. No, those eyes were just as sane as ever, just with hardness he wasn't used to anyone other than himself seeing when it came to the old fool.
Something had happened, that much had to be true, but what could have happened that would make Dumbledore turn his back on all things Muggle? His eyes narrowed in contemplation. The old fool had no family; the only thing he genuinely had to care about was the students under his care, mostly just the Gryffindors so what had happened? It was times like this he wished he still had his spy; he would greatly like to know just what the hell was going on with the old fool. Had someone he cared about been murdered by his Muggle family? There had been no indication of such a thing in the papers, and he read them thoroughly, always looking for pieces of information - even small subtle ones that idiots tended to miss that were far more important and far reaching sometimes than anyone could guess.
He would have to use the students within the halls of Hogwarts to get his answers then, perhaps Lucius' son along with the others can investigate. He couldn't rely on them, unfortunately, since he knew they wouldn't be able to figure it out unless Dumbledore took it upon himself to tell them, but they would know if a student hadn't returned. It wasn't any of the Slytherins and was tempted to believe it was a Gryffindor.
Sitting back, his finger tips meeting and under his chin as he thought more about the odd scene in the pensive. Perhaps he should create an identity for himself, and use the political route for his end goals. There was no doubt he and Dumbledore would be at odds for the things he had planned, and perhaps it wasn't worth it. He couldn't stand the old fool, but he was trying to pass one of the most important things he felt should have happened fifth years ago - the total separation of the Muggle and Magical world. Once that was done, and the public settled, he could advance his cause further in the meeting rooms with the Wizengamot, he had always been very good at getting people to see things his way. Or he could work behind the scenes using Lucius; it definitely bore thinking about thoroughly before coming to a decision.
He couldn't reveal who he really was, too many people were aware of that name, and that he was Slytherins heir. They didn't know the lengths he had gone to achieve immortality, he doubted even Dumbledore himself did, but if he ever saw the form he had now, he would figure it out - of that there was no doubt whatsoever. It would be easy to create another name, he mused to himself, and there were plenty of magical rituals that would see to that without a problem. He looked exactly like he did at the age of eighteen when he left Hogwarts after all. Glamours were much too risky, all it took was one wrong move and you would be completely exposed and he did not take risks well - not unless he was sure it would work out. The last time he had taken a risk that he thought would work out well for him, he had been wrong, turned into a parasite, forced to live in snakes to survive, roaming around just waiting for his followers - who he had been so sure would look for him, find him and return him back to his former glory. It had not happened for many years, he had lost himself, to the insanity of being alone, lost in the silence, without a body unable to do anything - utterly helpless. He could feel even now how it had felt, but it was only due to his seventeen year old Horcrux self that he was able to overcome it and think rationally as well as having more than one silver of his soul within a body. At least that was his theory, and most of his were always correct.
"Just what are you up to, Dumbledore," Voldemort muttered quietly, he would call Lucius in the next few days, but before Hogwarts started up, and would ensure he knew to instruct his son. Perhaps Nott and Avery would be best to called as well so their sons could be informed. They might hear something that young Malfoy didn't after all.
Voldemort firmly moving everything he had learned and placing it behind his unbeatable occlumency shields. He had spent too long dwelling on something he just wouldn't get answered any time soon and quite frankly he had too much to do without thinking on something that wouldn't be solved. Turning in his chair, his pose elegant as he moved the parchment into position and began to write - he wanted all the dark creatures to align with him, it was their duty to do so really, without him they wouldn't get their rights and entitlements back. They would just be considered less than second class citizens, the least they could do as he fought for them was to fight for him in the mean time.
He had the patience to wait; he had been back for years had he not? Slowly rebuilding everything that had been lost fourteen years ago due to his insanity and rash actions. He wasn't sure whether it was the fact the boy was missing presumed dead (at least by the Ministry) or whether he had just decided to deal with Potter whenever it next came up. He certainly wasn't going to send his Death Eaters out looking for him; they had much more important tasks to do for him. Plus sending them out to look for Potter would have caused fights and arguments as they would want to prove their worth by bringing the boy to him - it would have gotten messy fast. And that was in no way helpful to him in keeping his return extremely low-key. He was prepared for the day they learned he had returned, but he hoped not to have to put it in place for a long time yet.
"Misty!" Voldemort called after ten minutes of writing his missive.
"What can Misty do for Master?" Misty said, popping before him bowing low showing him the appropriate deference for her position. She had worked for the Malfoy's before being released into the Dark Lord's service, and nobody would believe her if she said she actually preferred being here than with her old Masters.
"Have this delivered to the Owlery, use the Hawk." Voldemort stated before dismissively waving the House-elf away. He did not give the animals he had acquired names, he had learned long ago not to form emotional attachments to things like that. The only exception was his snakes, one he had brought back from Albania, Nagini, she had lasted the longest with him possessing her, and he had left before she died, he had actually liked her. Protective and possessive little thing especially for a snake, and her humour was rather amusing.
The House-elf left without a single word, knowing she was being dismissed.
Glancing at the time, he sighed, well he wasn't going to get anything else done this evening, it was time to rest before Nagini came looking for him. His lips twitched just ever so slightly, she was the only one that could annoy him and get away with it. Certainly the most unique of snakes, although she was magical so that might explain it. Of course the only reason she got away with it was because nobody else could understand her.
All else would wait until tomorrow, and with that the Dark Lord retired to bed, safe in his manor which held more wards than anywhere other than possibly Hogwarts. Although his abode was most certainly more secure since he had Dark wards up. That would trap anyone unwelcome so he could deal with them. Nobody was idiotic enough to try, not with the amount of wards in place; he was still waiting for such an occurrence to happen.
Poppy paused briefly in her task, the buzzing in her mind surprising her, what on earth? Frowning softly, placing the potion vials on the shelf within the cupboard. She had removed all charms on Harry that would alert her when he woke up for whatever reason; Severus himself had them on him still since he was the one watching him at night these days. Had they simply forgotten one? It certainly wasn't like her, and she would have noticed before this surely? She thought as she grabbed a few more thinking intently.
That was until she remembered they had come up with a new spell, it was one that alerted her to Harry if he was distressed and Severus was unavailable. Which shouldn't be possible, it was night, even she should be getting some sleep, but with how hectic everything had been all things that could be pushed aside had been until there was no option other than to getting them done before the return of the students. Most of the potions had already been put in place, with only a few crates left to go. She wasn't as busy as the teachers these days now with the impending return of all students.
The buzzing didn't cease and a gripping foreboding began to lash through her, making her shiver slightly. Shoving the potions aside, she summoned her emergency medical bag, and began to leave the hospital wing with haste; she didn't dare use the Floo network - not without knowing whether Harry was in the main room or his bedroom. Severus had found Harry slept easier on the couch - even if only for a few hours before he was put to bed.
As she ran into the dungeons the warning buzz never ceased or slowed in its urgency. Thank Merlin she had Severus' password and the freedom to come and go as she pleased - as one of Harry's main caretakers. Severus didn't just open his rooms to anyone after all; he was a very private person. As she skidded to a halt outside Severus' classroom, she took big gulps of air, trying to calm her racing heart and her exertion having run the entire way.
If she was wrong then that was fine, but from the buzzing she realized it just couldn't be a false alarm. Severus' inventions were exceptional, and he would have stopped the warning buzz if he was able to surely? Making her way with much more composure until she passed his classroom, office and to the door to his quarters. Muttering the password under her breath she opened the door and found it quiet. Perhaps it was just a glitch in the spell after all? Just as she had started to relax she felt enormous amounts of power coming from Harry's bedroom. She had never felt raw power like that before, and it set on edge, every single hair began to prickle in awareness of it.
She opened Severus' bedroom door - normally she would never do such a thing, but he wasn't there, so she closed it behind her. Where was he? Why wasn't he here? It was very unlike him to leave Hogwarts for any reason, the feeling of magic as she approached the door was very oppressive. As she looked in she gasped in shock, Severus was lying in a crumpled heap on the floor, with Harry sobbing over him - had he moved on his own? She didn't even bother to think of the immaterial things that were broken as well.
"Harry?" Poppy said softly, approaching him only to be stalled by his magic as he stared at her his entire face tense and wild. "Harry I need to see Severus, I need to help him." she added softly, trying to approach him but Harry acted like a skittish animal.
"NO! GET AWAY!" he hissed, his green eyes glowing with power and fear. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" his magic lashing out further in his fear causing Poppy to be propelled away from them both and out into the sitting room - she remained firmly on her feet.
"Alright, Harry," Poppy said softly, going down on her knees, her hands up to show she wasn't about to hurt him. "It's fine, I'll stay right here." he was obviously not in his right mind. The fear, she hadn't seen such fear since the first week they had rescued him. He was obviously remembering what that awful woman had done to him, and he wasn't going to let her anywhere near him.
Harry grasped a hold of his Dark Protector, tears rolling down his face; he didn't want to be hurt again. He liked it here, he loved his dark protector, he was his family - he had said so. He didn't want to be a freak, he didn't want to hurt people, or make them explode like they had. He wouldn't want him anymore, the last time he'd been hurt so bad, another sob tore out of his throat, as he keened softly rocking back and forth as his magic continued to whirl out of control.
"Harry, look at me, Harry?" Poppy said quietly, not wishing to startle him but he didn't seem to hear her over the force of his own cries which were hurting her more than even seeing how bad he had when she had been called to Dumbledore's office. "We need to help Severus, yes? I'll stay right here, I promise, but I need you to give him this for me, okay?" Poppy added, showing him one of the potions from her back and sliding it across the floor directly at Harry's leg, having no fear that it would be smashed; Severus put unbreakable spells on all vials to ensure they didn't accidentally get broken. Well it was a boarding school and accidents did happen, he was used to potions and didn't see anything odd about them. After this though…she knew they couldn't put it off any longer they had to tell him, he was utterly hysterical. She didn't know if he would be able to think about anything she said, never mind performing it.
"Harry? Do you want to help him?" Poppy urged him soothingly, speaking louder but hopefully not too loud, he was just too far gone and it was breaking her heart. She'd never seem him so broken before, would he even recover from this? No, she refused to think like that. "You can make him better, you had help him." she had a feeling only Severus could hope to calm him down enough to get his magic to stop reacting so harshly. After what the woman had done to him, he wasn't surprised after displaying magic that he would physically stop her advancing.
"…Help…protector?" Harry rasped out, his eyes still glowing but with robustness this time.
Poppy had to suppress her smile at Harry's words for Severus, they were teaching him as much as they could, it shouldn't surprise her that he would term Severus' role as a protector because to Harry it was obviously that's what he was to the teen. She was getting through to him, this was good. "Yes, help your protector." she said softly her eyes glimmering with unshed tears.
"Help…my…protector," he said possessively, gripping close, but would he want to be his dark protector anymore? Would they send him back to her after seeing how freakish he was just like his aunt and uncle had said he was? He didn't want to go back to her, to the pain, to the hurt, to the hunger; to being weak and unable to move…to sleep all the time unless she was making him hurt those people.
To Poppy's pride he picked up the potion, even if his grip was shaky, he held it firmly and bit out the cork, before shuffling along and pouring it down his throat.
"Now, Harry, you need to rub his throat, right here, like this," Poppy said, showing him using her own throat as an example, her heart still pounding erratically, if he didn't she would need to use the spell - and if she did before Severus woke up she didn't want to even imagine his reaction to her abilities.
No, Severus was the one he trusted the most, she was tolerated compared to him, and if anyone had to tell Harry it was definitely him. They wanted to calm him down not frighten him further, and it was obvious Harry's magic acted out when he was scared - it tried to defend him considering what that vile woman had done she wasn't surprised his magic acted so 'defensively' instead of offensively. She had her fingers twitching near her wand just in case, she couldn't let Severus choke and she knew she couldn't approach him. She let out a sigh of pure relief when Harry did it, she could see Severus swallowing the concoction, he would return to the world of consciousness soon. She just had to keep Harry calm in the mean time. His magic was scorching in its intensity, even now. He hadn't calmed down the slightest but he was thinking, that helped, she thought almost beginning to panic herself but she knew better than to let herself get worked up. She was a healer, she had to keep calm in all situations and it helped her immensely here.
"Well done, Harry," she said soothingly, smiling a little, nodding. Praying that he wouldn't get himself further worked up, she dreaded to think what he was capable off, just look at the room - but she wasn't aware of his state before coming it may have been worse.
As soon as Harry began to notice his dark protector stirring, he began to edge away, fear and terror clear as day shining through his face. Scrambling over the wood, uncaring of the splinters, just needing to back away. He didn't want to go away, he liked it here, stupid freak that he was he had ruined it. He ruined everything, stupid, stupid freak he thought angrily to himself, as despair settled in. Harry didn't stop until he reached the wall, and remain cowering utterly petrified.
Poppy was helpless to help him, still confined to the other side of the wards - she didn't dare test them. Just remained sitting there on her knees as not to scare Harry further. She just looked between Severus and Harry, hoping that the elder wizard would wake soon, to help Harry before he completely lost it and had a total meltdown. She could have cried out in relief when Severus groaned, oh thank Merlin.
Severus blinked open his eyes, wondering why he was sleeping on the floor, that was until the pain made itself known causing him to grunt in agony. Closing his watery eyes, trying to think what had happened, when the events quickly caught up to him, he forced himself into sitting position, feeling extremely foolish. He had known Harry's magic was getting out of control, he should have spelled it into his stomach, but that would have been revealing magic before he felt Harry was ready. Ready or not, they would have to tell him, but only after he was calm. He could feel Harry's magic running along his entire body filing up the room in all its hot un-comfortableness. His eyes widened when he saw the state of the room, bloody hell, it was destroyed, and he realized he really should have told him sooner.
"Severus," Poppy said quietly, from where she sat, able to see him clearly.
"Poppy…why?…" the 'are you sitting there' was certainly understood whether he voiced it or not.
Poppy just gestured towards Harry her face ashen and filled with worry, "I can't get through, he's beyond thinking rationally especially with me. He's scared." she whispered quietly, but she was sure Harry had probably heard her. Although he was muttering to himself, but she was too far away to hear what he was saying.
Severus looked over before inwardly cursing, keeping his body relaxed so Harry didn't think he was in trouble. Breathing evenly, grateful for the pain reliever so he could actually move without pain. His head occasionally throbbed dully, but he could handle that without a care - at least until he had Harry settled. He began to approach the boy, slowly as not to startle him and it took all his considerable skill to not get angry with the words he could hear the child muttering under his breath when he got close enough. Harry was NOT a freak; oh he didn't need to guess where he had heard that word. Which made him wonder about Petunia, had she died yet? The magic he had spat at her would give her terrifying nightmares, mostly about everything she had done to Harry, stopping her from sleeping. Even with any muggle medication she would still see them and it would interrupt her sleep to the point her body would break down. She would slowly die a horrible painful death, and he was glad he had cast it. She deserved no less, Harry was obviously beginning to remember more…or perhaps he always had?
"Harry?" Severus said soothingly, as he knelt down beside the boy, before sitting on his backside, removing the wood from the immediate area with his hands. "Harry? You are not a freak, believe me, whoever told you that was wrong." attentively letting his arm reach out, he stroked Harry's head in a way that Harry liked. He finally stopped muttering under his breath, stiffening at the feel of being touched kindly even after what he did. "You aren't a freak little one, never think that." and to his pride the magic began to dissipate, slowly yes, but it was happening and he was very proud of his control. "You are a good boy, I am proud of you." he told him despite the fact he wasn't sure Harry would even understand what pride meant.
Sliding further over until Harry's head was resting comfortably on his leg; he continued to pet him as the shaking slowly began to stop. The fear in his eyes almost made his solid control break violently. He wanted to curse something, someone.
"Don't want to go back," Harry slurred out, utterly exhausted from that not so little magical display. "I'll be good. Wont be freaky anymore."
"Do you want to know a secret little one?" Severus decided.
Harry didn't reply, he just gazed warily at his dark protector he just knew he would be sent back, but he had to try and make his family see he didn't want to. He liked his home, he liked his food, even liked the little sweets that Albus gave him.
"She can't hurt you anymore," Severus stated his voice very strong and sharp, nothing like he'd ever used with Harry before. "She's dead, she can't hurt you or anyone else ever again." he told him with vehemence.
Harry blinked at him, hope rising like an unstoppable inferno deep within his chest. Was there a chance his dark protector would keep him despite what he did? Why would he? The only other people he knew had hated his freakishness, yet he couldn't stop the feelings rising in him no matter what. He trusted and loved his protector, not that he understood the feelings of course, he just knew he was safe….protected perhaps even cherished?
"Come," Severus said his tone quiet once more, "Drink up," pressing the vial of calming draught to his lips, nodding firmly, and just like that Harry opened his mouth and let the liquid drop into his mouth and swallowing despite the nasty taste. He felt himself calming completely, the horrid pressure (his magic) he didn't understand faded away completely. Leaving him feeling extremely lethargic he didn't so much as flinch when he was picked up and led away from the destroyed bedroom.
Severus placed Harry on the couch, already moving the things he'd had set out from earlier and placed them on the couch keeping Harry warm. Except his feet, he noticed they had many splinters in them, just seeing them made him wince but with a few potions he would have them out in no time at all. Poppy he noticed was keeping her distance; he wasn't sure if it was for her protection or if she thought Harry would still get hysterical at the sight of her.
He quickly retrieved the potions he'd need from his lab before returning, Poppy had sat herself down on one of the chairs. Severus knelt down and spread the numbing cream across the entire affected area, giving it a few moments to sink in, how he had managed to get so many in such a small ankle he had no idea. It wasn't just one either it was both of them, sighing softly; shaking his head, well tonight hadn't gone as planned.
"When did you get here?" Severus enquired, before whispering the words to remove the splinters as they came out one by one to drop at his feet. The salve did its job very well, Harry didn't even twitch, and that was good. Although the area now looked as if Harry had come into contact with poison ivy that is to say red, irritated and slightly puffy.
"I can honestly say I don't know it feels like such a long time ago, I was just planning on putting the rest of the potions into the cupboard before the ward you placed on him went off. I thought it was an accident for sure until it continued. I decided to come regardless of whether it was a mistake; I just had to know he was alright. I quickly realized it wasn't, I would say it's been roughly twenty minutes, it took me a long time to get through his panic." Poppy explained softly, glancing at Harry with worry and fondness.
"I see," Severus said quietly as he spread the salve on the other foot. Checking him to see if there were splinters anywhere else on his leg - he found none. "Well at least the spell works," he conceded, but he'd never had any doubt about it. If there were two things he was honestly good at, it was spell crafting and potions.
"Yes, that is one good thing that's came out of tonight, although I am surprised you told him," Poppy said, Harry was deeply asleep, his face once again peaceful in his rest. That was until the nightmares came once again, the poor boy.
"He had to know," Severus said grimly, "Did you hear him? He was bloody terrified of being sent back just because he used magic." Severus spat furiously. "He was calling himself a freak! A stupid freak for Merlin's sake," he forced himself to calm down before he woke Harry, but the potion should keep him under for a good six hours in a relaxed calm sleep after that episode. "No, I had to say something, perhaps now some of his nightmares will lessen, and I have no doubt a great many are featured with her in them prominently."
"Yes, I do suppose you are right," Poppy said a faraway look on her face, she felt so bad for Harry and all he had been through. "He called you his dark protector; he wouldn't let me near you or him."
Severus lips twitched as he removed the splinters from his other leg before cleaning and wrapping both his feet in his fluffy slipper socks with frozen snitches that didn't move - when he found out about magic he would remove the charm on them. It was colder in the dungeons than anywhere else, so Poppy and Minerva had gone overboard with the slippers, slipper socks, and warm fluffy socks. With really warm pyjamas and the like. They didn't buy him much magical clothing but the ones they did, they charmed not to move until he learned of magic.
Truthfully neither had expected that day to come until Harry was fully recovered. Now they were going to have no choice, not if they wanted Harry to continue getting better. He needed to begin learning magic so he could learn to control it.
Slipping his feet inside the cocoon, he pressed the duvet down so he knew his feet would be warm within it.
"Roz?" Severus called, as he absently moved hair from Harry's face.
"Yes Sir?" Roz whispered from behind the couch.
"Harry's bedroom has been destroyed in a fit of wild magic, his cupboard, his drawers and clothes are all strewn inside. I need you to get a few House-elves to help you clean the room itself. They don't have to know who exactly is in there, and quite frankly I don't want them to. Can you ensure that the room is sorted and new furniture brought down? A new bed will also be needed." Severus said firmly. If it had just been one break everything could have been prepared even if it had been smashed though muggle means, but with such magical ferocity, nothing would repair the mess in there. He didn't even need to try a repairing spell to know that piece of information.
"Roz will get to work immediately," Roz said clicking her fingers causing the room door to snick closed, so the other House-elves couldn't see outside the room. Nodding firmly, she wouldn't let her mistress' friend down, with that she popped away to find a few others to help her set the room right.
"Go get some sleep, Poppy," Severus insisted.
"Not so quick young man," Poppy said sternly, "Let me see," she knew he was injured.
"I'll be fine!" Severus insisted flippantly.
"And if you are not? You have a child in your care now, Severus; you need to make sure you are in full health." Poppy scolded him knowing using Harry would get to him quickest.
"Very well," Severus conceded gritting his teeth.
What did you think? will we see Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore working together towards a common goal after setting some ground rules? no spilling magical blood or whatnot - Tom isn't stupid enough to say a Vow and Dumbledore will know that so wont demand one...hmm or will he remain oblivious as Tom works in the background to ensure both their top proprieties are met? will Severus be called eventually? due to Toms impatience and desire to know what was going on? Would he even return? is Severus loyal to the dark and wavering due to everything Harry's been through? will there even be dark or light by the time they're finished securing their world? ive never seen this done before so I wanted to do it - I just hope you find it at least a little realistic and perhaps even refreshing! I don't know what you'll think of it though I mean it is different from all I've ever done! R&R please