Chapter 36: Deceiving the Dark Lord

*Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any characters therein

A/N: This chapter is a flashback/time-jump backwards at first then we go back to present time when Harry has just woken up.

Flashback

The first weekend following Harry's last adventure in the Chamber had arrived. As it was finally Saturday, Lucius sat at his kitchen table eating with his son and their guests. Declan and Remus were becoming steady figures in his life and rooms lately, and he could find no complaint. They were kind and quiet, their very natures alike. Both were still recovering from the full moon on Thursday, but

Draco was the opposite. He was loud, spoiled and too inquisitive for his own good. He'd already gotten into several bouts of mischief when his Daddy's back was turned.

At this particular moment Draco looked bored, but his mischievous mind was planning. He squirmed in the booster seat he always seemed to be strapped to for meals these days and smiled when his Papa reached over and released him from the contraption with a nudge to Declan that they were to go play in Draco's room. Draco took the older boy's hand and pulled him out of the kitchen and into the bathroom, wanting bubbles.

He put a finger to his lips as he shut the door and Declan gave him a weary look. "Draco, we're 'sposed to play in your room, not here."

Draco pouted. "Bubbles."

"Bubbles?"

"Yea! Watch dis!" Draco turned the water to the bathtub on and squeezed the special soap into the water to create an explosion of soap bubbles flying in the air. Both boys were in awe of the bubbles and giggled as they jumped around to pop them. They had been at it only a few minutes when Remus and Lucius heard the water running and ran to see what was going on.

As the door opened Draco ignored the adults, still jumping.

"Draco Lucius, what have I told you about playing in the bathroom?!" Lucius scolded as he picked up his son. Draco was unfazed and used the new height to pop more bubbles with his uncoordinated hands.

"Bubbles, Daddy!"

Lucius groaned, the hand not holding Draco moving to squeeze the bridge of his nose. Remus was laughing too hard to say anything to that, but spelled the water off and sent a scourgify at the tub. He saw Declan standing in the corner and held his arms out for the boy. Declan smiled tentatively before he ran to Remus to be picked up, knowing by the man's face that he wouldn't be in a lot of trouble.

Draco, seeing that Declan was being held too, clapped. "Bubbles Decan! Bubbles!"

Declan popped one of the bubbles as he rested his head on Remus' shoulder and made the smaller boy laugh harder. It made Declan's heart feel lighter to hear Draco's carefree laugh, and he knew he would put himself in more trouble if only to hear it, and feel that same joy. It was hard for him to remember that there were fun things left in his world, but being around Draco made laughing a little easier.

The adults were busy cleaning the room when Lucius hissed in pain. His mark was burning and Draco was crying. The residual dark energy from the Mark was right against the baby and he cried at the burning feeling it gave him. Lucius moved Draco to his other arm at once as he moved to the nursery, placing Draco in the cot and sending a patronus to Severus. Their plan would have to be put into effect early, but they were determined to pull off this deception for as long as it took.

Remus watched with grim eyes as the man conjured the robe and mask he needed. Lucius looked from his son to his...friend. Remus was a friend, now. He kissed Draco's head and ruffled Declan's hair as the wolf-child squirmed down and attached himself to Lucius' leg. He was a perceptive child and knew something was very, very wrong. Remus moved in, lifting the child again and giving Lucius a pat to the shoulder as the only comfort he knew how to give at the moment. He was scared and knew things were very precarious.

"I'll watch them. Go. Be safe." Remus whispered and watched as the blond man walked away with a grimace.

He met Severus in the halls and they moved quickly to the edge of the wards before apparating to Riddle Manor as their marks both dictated to them—Severus had been called as well.

As they entered the house they followed the usual route to the Throne room and knelt at the doorway to be acknowledged. They waited only a few moments, but it felt like years before the first hisses came from the room.

"Luciusss, Severusss, how nice of you to answer my summons." The Dark Lord called in a deceitfully calm tone. "Rise, my serpents. Come to me."

The men stood, heads bowed in mock reverence as they knelt and kissed the hem of the robes of their 'Lord.' Lucius had long ago tired of this ritual, for any true pureblood would present their Lordship ring to be revered, not their robe hem.

"Tell me, Lucius, about your letter. I have read it, but I want to hear the tale from your lips."

Lucius looked up to the level of the Dark Lord's knees and began speaking.

"I was summoned two weeks ago from Dumbledore's office for an issue regarding my son. Upon arriving I found he had been returned to his physical and mental self at age three. I watched an argument between Harry Potter and Dumbledore, and made my claim in Potter's defense in order to further watch the events within the castle. When Dumbledore was dismissed I then ingratiated myself by playing up my wayward wife's hand. She has abused the boy in the past and somehow they found out. I played off that I was an unwilling partner in my marriage and to you to gain their trust. Because of this move I was permitted to attend a "Council" meeting of the Gryffindor House. They decided to offer me a position in the governing of Hogwarts, but I had no time to think on the matter. I felt any position inside the castle would only be to your benefit, My Lord, and accepted. I was also offered a teaching position and accepted for the same reason. It is History of Magic, and gives me to teach your history, My Lord."

Voldemort watched his follower with his demented red eyes. "You have done well, my servant. Your position in Hogwarts pleases me, as does your report. You say the brats do not suspect you?"

"No, My Lord."

"Excellent, my serpent. I am pleased. Crucio."

Lucius trembled and tensed at the agonizing pain filling every cell of his being. His muscles locked and he bit his cheek, refusing to scream. He was only held for a few seconds before the spell was released. "Continue to please me, Luciusss or that will be like a caress to your body."

Lucius gave a subdued nod to the madman, locking down his mental shields and pushing the remaining pain into a dark corner of his mind.

"And your wife, Lucius? It has been quite some time since I have seen Narcissa. Quite some time."

Lucius affected a saddened expression. "Dead my Lord, by Goblin hands. She tried to take my son in the presence of one, in return they kidnapped her for their beastly ways."

Voldemort rose and walked out of the room without a word. He wanted to continue plotting, and had the information he needed from these particular servants. This gave them both permission to leave. They left and apparated back to Hogwarts, giving thanks to anyone who would listen to still be walking. Lucius needed Severus' help, but it was infinitely better than the alternative.

Oct. 31

Severus and Lucius looked up as Matteo, Ron, Hermione, Heather and Neville stepped into the room, going straight to Harry's side...or as close as Severus would allow them. They could scent a possessive mate from a mile away and kept their distance. Heather, ever the Gryffindor, and being the most fearless when it came to their group asked, "How is he?"

Severus sighed and settled the boy on the bed once more, knowing he needed to put another round of potions into his bond mate. "He woke for a few minutes, asked for you four when he was told how long he'd been out, then fell back asleep. True sleep, this time."

The four students along with Lucius and Remus watched the teen, seeing little difference, but trusting the Potions Master. Severus spelled a few potions into him and tucked him in before they all left the room. Lucius invited the students to join them for dinner as theirs had been interrupted. Ron immediately agreed, still trying to overcome his immediate responses to food. The others agreed as well after a moment.

Dinner with a three-year old was an odd thing. Dinner with a three-year-old Draco was worse. The child was picky and spoilt, prone to fits and throwing food, especially peas. And squash. Peas and squash were aberrations so awful they were not even mentioned in the Malfoy quarters, let alone seen.

Molly had not gotten the memo and that was why, fifteen minutes later, Lucius was waving his wand to dispose of the child size handfuls of half-squished peas that had been grabbed and thrown in the toddler's rage.

The students were trying hard to contain their laughter while Declan tried his best to scoop spoonfuls away from the younger boy when he wasn't looking, to the grateful looks from the adults. Once every pea had been disposed of Draco was able to see the chicken on his plate and happily nibble on it while constantly asking, "Where my Harry?"

This was to the eternal aggravation of his Father who had explained it to him five dozens times a day, every day for two weeks now that Harry was sleeping.

Hermione decided to change the subject quickly, and mentioned the first thing to come to mind. "Has anyone seen the report about the health crisis cases?"

Lucius was very curious about this. "What health crisis?"

Hermione bit her lip, wondering why that was the first thing to come to mind. "Um...well, it's actually been in the muggle news recently. A new strain of smallpox has gotten around. Apparently...well, they say it is immune to the vaccinations, and it's highly contagious. The Muggle Prime Minister said they were working on a cure even now. Not sure how much of that to believe though..."

Neville looked curious. "Smallpox? What is that? Is that like Dragon Pox?"

"Um maybe? I'd have to do more research. Smallpox is a muggle disease that causes fever, body aches and a rash with bumps all over the body."

"In the Wizarding World it's simply called 'The Pox,' Mya," Matteo chimed in. "It is actually cured with a spell. Hufflepuff's own ghost, The Fat Friar, cured many a Muggle with it in his day. I've seen similar in the news, but I haven't read up on it too much as I get too busy with Shelter life."

Molly chimed in, "I heard tale the other day of a few children near Ottery that'd come down with the Dragon pox. Poor dears. They'll be up and about with a few potions and some rest, but it's a nasty little ill to catch. My boys never came down with it, though Ginny almost did. Turned a bit green after spending the day with the Lovegood girl after she'd had it, but no other symptoms."

Hermione looked curious. "That's...interesting," she said which made Ron groan.

"Interesting, she says. Nev, why do I feel an impromptu Library run in my future?"

Neville kept quite as Hermione smacked Ron's arm, making him yelp. Molly laughed at them, reminded of herself and Arthur when they first started dating.

Dessert could not come fast enough, though Neville was less than happy with the splatters of ice cream in his hair as he left that night. It was a simple and easy fare of vanilla ice cream, which Hermione had introduced Molly to over her summers with the Weasleys. Ben and Jerry were now household names at the Burrow—nearly as precious as her own children's.

Armed with a cleansing charm to the head the four students left for their dorms, or rounds for Hermione. They walked back together, chatting easily about classes and how happy they were to have Harry awake again.

They were excited about many things. Matteo was working to set up Shelter C in a new safe house, and they were very excited as Viktor Krum had finally arrived a few days before. He had quickly taken over the transfiguration classes. He was a strict teacher, but loved showing off the latest innovations in Transfiguration Theory, especially for the seventh years who he knew would be taking their NEWTs soon. He was teaching them a few muggle physics laws that had revolutionized the way spells were created in terms of transfiguration and especially conjuration of animate objects.

"You know," Ron started. "I was thinking about something." The others gave him their attention. "I was watching the memory play back yesterday, and something Voldysnorts said was interesting. He mentioned a Gellert. They only Gellert I've ever heard of is Grindelwald, the last Dark Lord before Moldyshorts. D'you think they've gotten together at all? Traded notes or something?"

Ron stopped as he realized that his walking companions had frozen a few dozen paces behind him. Neville was pale and Hermione was shaking. Ron walked back to them slowly, not wanting to upset them further. "You think I'm right?" Both nodded their heads.

"Gellert," Neville began, "was once a popular name until Grindelwald took control. Then it became a taboo name. There was no taboo on it, but no one in decades has used that name. I...don't want to think what damage could be wrought from a combination of those two." Neville scrubbed a hand over his face. "Gran tells me about those times, you know. It was...horrifying. The muggles were at war, killings everyday in the Magical side. Strange...creatures popping into existence...demons. And Grindelwald was running the show in both worlds. His obsession with watching the muggle world destroy itself is one of the few things that kept him from becoming too powerful."

Hermione nodded. "Hitler was his little experiment of what would happen when muggles were given power. The reports...they're awful. I've shown you, Ron, and yes, I think you're right. I. We need to do some research. I need to work on something else for a while."

Ron looked at his girlfriend with an odd expression and moved to pull her into his arms. They were very rarely expressive with the other in public, but Mya was too keyed up for him to do otherwise. "The spell removal not coming along very well? I heard Ginny cursing up a storm the other night."

Mya nodded with her head against his chest. "I can't..."

Heather spoke up. "We're closer. Now that we have Professor Snape and Professor Malfoy to talk to about the mark, it's easier, but it's so hard to figure out just how he wove the spell together. There are so many spells involved and there doesn't seem to be a workable pattern in the casting. It just seems like he just put them in as he thought of them without any thought to the craft behind it." She sighed, then laughed when Neville cracked a joke.

"Too bad you can't just cast a Finite at it and be done, right?"

"If only things were so simple," Heather said with a sigh of longing. "C'mon, I have "Rise and Fall of the Dark Lords" in my room. I'll grab it and we can do some research."

They moved on, walking towards the tower as they had been before, all deep in thought, unaware that they were no longer alone in the hall.

Thanks for reading!

If I went on it would be left at an action cliffhanger, so I decided to stop here to spare your hearts. :)