Title: Abandon
Author: Batsutousai
Beta: Magick_maker17
Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.) , Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: This necklace is too tight….
Key: Okay, you might need these:
Mind-speak
::Parseltongue::
Smut is cut out of this chapter, which can be found on LiveJournal (batsutousai. livejournal. com (slash) 2599. html) or Dreamwidth (batsutousai. dreamwidth. com (slash) 2622. html). You can also find the full fic, with all the smut, on Archive of Our Own, same username as here.
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Chapter 35
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Blowjob
Cut because FFN is STILL a bitch!(and always will be...)
-0-
Harry leaned up and pressed a sharp kiss to Tom's lips. "Good morning, Tom."
"And what a wonderful morning it is." The Dark Lord replied dazedly. "What brought that on?"
"You looked far too peaceful." Harry decided pulling away from the other's warmth to stretch.
Tom let out a snort. "And you call yourself a Gryffindor."
"I'm a Gryffindor because I have the bravery to let my Slytherin side show." Harry shot back slyly before going in search of his shirt and robe.
"Bravery or stupidity. Take your pick." Tom muttered, closing his eyes again.
Harry threw the Dark Lord his shirt and sniggered when it covered his face and Tom gave a shout. "Wakey, wakey, Tommy-boy."
Tom scowled and sat up to pull his shirt on. "Are you mocking me, Potter?"
"No." Harry replied sweetly. "I'm making fun of you."
"Hardly a difference."
" 'Mocking' is one word, 'making fun of' is three."
"I just remembered why it is that I don't like you in the mornings." Tom groaned.
Harry tossed his lover his robe with a laugh. "Geeze! I love you too!"
Tom stood, ignoring the garment the teen had just thrown at him, and came to stand behind Harry, slipping his arms around the smaller wizard's waist. "I do love you."
Harry turned so he could face Tom, smiling. "I should hope so."
Tom lowered his head to kiss Harry gently. The teen opened his mouth invitingly and pulled Tom's tongue in to dance when it took the invitation.
Tom pulled away and took a breath before speaking. "Wash your mouth before you breathe on someone. You still taste like semen."
"I like that taste." Harry replied with a pout.
"So do I, dear one, but if the wrong person smells it, you could end up in Dumbledore's office and be faced with Veritaserum." Tom sighed softly.
The green-eyed wizard rested his forehead against the Dark Lord's chest. "I can't wait until this school year is over."
"That feeling is mutual, trust me."
"I do."
Tom smiled faintly and pulled away. "If you leave now, you might be able to hex Mr Weasley while he's still asleep."
"It's the weekend, Tom. I can hex Ron in his sleep until noon." Harry muttered, straightening his robe.
Tom chuckled, pulling his own robe on. "Oh, go on then. Dress nice for Molly and Arthur."
"And shower and brush my teeth for them too. Yes, I know." Harry smiled as Tom laughed. "Have a good day, love."
"Behave yourself."
"You, obviously, have forgotten who you're talking to." Harry humphed before disappearing through the curtains around the bedroom.
Tom laughed again.
"Good morning, little Gryffindor." Salazar offered, standing next to Godric, who nodded at him.
"Good morning, Godric, Salazar!" Harry replied cheerfully. "Which door is the one to the Tower?"
"The one on your right." Godric muttered, stepping over to his Heir. "There are two tunnels straight up. The one on the left will bring you down here, the one on the right will take you back up."
"How does it work?" Harry inquired, falling in to step with the ghost and walking over to the blood-curtained door.
"Air pressure. It's regulated by magic. You'll be riding on a platform of air both ways. I believe your friend, Hermione, likened it to something called an elevator." Godric explained.
"Muggle appliance. They're little boxes run by wires and an electric motor that take the Muggles up and down in buildings with multiple floors." Tom offered, stepping out from the bedroom and smiling. "Good morning, Slytherin, Gryffindor."
Godric nodded to the Heir of Slytherin, then turned back to Harry as Salazar engaged Tom in conversation. "They sound interesting. Muggles have strange ways of coping without magic."
"I know." Harry ruffled his hair. "How many people can ride the air at once?"
"Two, depending on mass. However, you, Neville, and Gin might, actually, be able to ride it together, you're all small enough. Hermione will want to always ride her own, as a safety."
"Of course. And, how often do they come?"
"Wait about half a minute between groups. They don't have a set time to come, it just takes about that long for the air to be pressurized enough."
Harry nodded. "Also, you said there's a passage that lets out by the kitchens?"
"Yes. It's hidden behind the picture of the candles and roses. Why?"
"Our larger group includes some Ravenclaws. If you'll agree to let us hold meetings down here, we'll have to show them the way down."
Godric let out a sigh. "I promise I shall think on it."
"And I promise not to pressure you about it." Harry smiled. "I'll probably see you later, Godric."
"Have a good day, Harry." Godric nodded in agreement and Harry left through the curtain of blood.
-0-
"Have fun!" Ginny offered cheerfully as she and Hermione stood with Harry in the entrance hall.
"Don't let them kill you." Hermione added.
"Very funny." Harry muttered, pulling on the front of his new brown robe. He was wearing the dark green velvet cloak from Lucius and Narcissa over it.
"Oh, stop." Hermione stepped forward and smacked his hands away before hugging him tightly. "You'll be fine. Nothing to be nervous about."
"You're not the one about to go meet your girlfriend's parents, Herm."
"No, but they're your family too." Hermione pointed out.
"If they get out of hand, just say Ron's name and I'm sure it'll be fine." Ginny offered, brown eyes dancing with mischief.
"True." Harry gave Hermione a pleading look. "Herm, tie Ginny to a chair for me while I'm gone. I've got a bad feeling about that girl."
"Hey!"
"Of course I will."
"Hey!"
"Have fun." Hermione offered, taking Ginny's arm and leading her away. The younger witch was pretending to try and get away from Hermione to, supposedly, wreck havoc on the school's population.
Harry waved with a laugh and left the school for Hogsmeade. Molly had owled him that morning telling him to meet them at the Leaky Cauldron at eleven thirty. He figured he could probably Apparate from Hogsmeade. Tom had, in fact, mentioned that.
Be careful. Tom's voice spoke suddenly in Harry's mind.
What's wrong?
Bad feeling in my gut. Just be very, very careful.
Who'd want to attack me, Tom?
Someone who's neutral or a supporter of our side who doesn't know you've flipped? Or the Order, if they think you're out of hand.
Might they?
I don't like the way Dumbledore was watching you this morning at breakfast.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to recall if he'd noticed the Headmaster staring at him that morning. Tom immediately sent him a brief memory of the Headmaster giving him a calculating look at breakfast. Oh. Alright then, I'll be careful. Thank you.
Of course. Now, let me deal with this detention…
Detention?
Filch caught the Slytherins on their way back to the common last night, apparently. I haven't the faintest idea why he was in the dungeons, but he was and he caught them. Draco talked him into giving them to me for their detention today, to 'keep me busy' was the explanation he gave me.
Harry sniggered and paused when he felt the anti-Apparation wards end. Don't go too hard on them, love. I'll see you when I get back.
Of course. Tom paused and, when he spoke again, Harry could sense his annoyance. Though, if Mr Nott doesn't stop whining, you may never see him again.
If you kill him, make sure you bury the body. Harry suggested playfully. And Obliviate any witnesses, 'cause I can tell you now that Gin would murder you if she found out.
Great. I'll kill Ted and Gin can kill me. Then, you can kill Gin and rule the world alone. I knew there was a catch.
Harry laughed outright at that. Of course there was. He offered before pulling out his wand. "Apparate!" He muttered, bracing himself for the strange feeling of displacement.
Once he felt himself again, he glanced around and gave a sigh of relief. He was in the Leaky Cauldron, as planned, next to the fireplace.
"Mr Potter! What a surprise!" Tom, the toothless old landlord of the pub, called, hurrying over.
Harry smiled. He'd always liked Tom. The man had always been kind when he'd visited the pub. "Hullo, Tom. Molly and Arthur Weasley were going to meet me here for lunch."
"You've beaten them, then." Tom assured him, grinning crookedly. "Why don't you pick a table and I'll send them over when they arrive?"
"Great! Could I have a bottle of butterbeer, as well?"
"Certainly. I'll send one over to you."
"Thanks." Harry grinned and made his way to a table in the back corner of the pub.
As he was settling in, a serving witch came over to him with an opened bottle of butterbeer. He thanked her and rose the bottle to drink it, but his gaze was caught by a faint glow from his charm bracelet, which was spelled so that only he could see it. He set the butterbeer down to get a closer look and noticed that the poison charm was glowing a faint red. Tom? He called, eyeing the bottle of butterbeer warily.
Something wrong?
Ask Draco what it means when the potions vial glows.
The one on your charm bracelet?
That would be the one.
Hang on. Tom pulled out of the connection slightly to talk to Draco. When he rejoined it, there was a trace of worry and panic in his tone. If it's red, it means that something you're either touching or that is within thirty centimetres of it is poisoned, but it's not something it blocks. If it's green, it means that something you're touching or that is within thirty centimetres of it is poisoned, but it's something it blocks. Are you okay?
Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding and scowled at the bottle. Yes, I'm fine. But someone's definitely trying to poison me. Lucky I noticed that lovely red glow before I drank anything. I'll have to remember to keep a closer eye on it, though.
You shouldn't have to worry about poison in Hogwarts or places like the Burrow or Malfoy Manor.
I know. But, still. If the Order's after me, who knows what they'll do.
Good point. Tom paused, apparently paying attention to something someone was telling him. Pansy suggests going to Chipper's Charms while you're in Diagon Alley. You might see something you feel the need to get. Though, if you do, she wonders if you might get one for everyone.
Harry bit back a laugh. I'll see what I can do.
"Harry?"
Gotta run! Harry added before opening his eyes to smile up at Arthur and Molly. "I beat you."
Arthur laughed while Molly smiled and leaned down to hug him. "You haven't touched this butterbeer." She commented, eyeing the bottle.
"It's poisoned." Harry replied with a shrug.
"But, who would want to poison you, Harry?" Molly asked, concerned, as she and Arthur sat down.
"Now, Molly. We all know the answer to that." Arthur frowned.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at Molly. "No, I didn't tell him the reason we're meeting you for lunch." She affirmed.
Harry shrugged with a smile. "Well enough. I'll explain myself after we've ordered."
Much to Harry's relief, it was a different witch who took their order and brought it to them. Before she left, Harry asked her to take the butterbeer away, which she did without complaint.
Harry glanced at his bracelet as he reached for the salt and smiled when it didn't glow. Thank Merlin.
Agreed.
"Now, what's all this about?" Arthur demanded as Harry sprinkled salt on his potatoes.
Harry set down the salt and pulled out his wand to throw up a Silencing Barrier. Once it was up and his wand away, he nodded to Molly while setting the salt back in the middle of the table.
"Well, Arthur, Ginny asked me what we would do if she, one of her brothers, Harry, or Hermione were to go Dark." Molly started as she swirled her pumpkin juice gently in her cup. "And Harry sort of admitted to having switched sides."
Arthur glanced at Harry in shock, but the teen was too busy trying to cut his sausage to notice. "So you're working for You-Know-Who, now?"
"No." Harry glanced up with a frown. "I work with him. I'm his second."
Arthur sighed at his wife. "And you told him about our issues with Albus."
"She didn't give me a reason." Harry muttered, returning to sawing through his sausages. "She just mentioned you wanted to switch sides."
Arthur groaned. "Molly…"
"Arthur, forget about Lucius Malfoy for a moment, would you-?"
"In fact, you let me worry about Lucius." Harry cut in, giving his surrogate father a sharp look. "Forget he even exists."
"Fine. But, what about that whole Muggle-loving thing?" Arthur asked, jaw set.
Harry let his head hit the table. "Arthur, would it help at all if I mentioned that your daughter is my second?"
"Ginny's a Death Eater?!" Arthur asked, shocked out of his stubbornness.
Harry gave him an annoyed look. "Death Eater In-Training. If Voldemort will deal with her as my second, don't you think he'll put up with you?"
"Is Hermione a Death Eater In-Training?" Molly inquired curiously.
"No. The pregnancy makes her an easy target. She's just a friend who's got a damn-good idea what's going on." Harry grumbled. "Any other random questions?"
"Sure. What's the Death Eater hierarchy? You mentioned that you're You-Know-Who's second and that Ginny's your second. How does that work?" Arthur inquired, leaning forward.
"Okay. Voldemort's the leader of the Dark Order. I'm second to him, so everyone listens to me as they do him. If I decide something for the Death Eaters In-Training, though, he'll listen to me, since he gave me control over them. Ginny's my second for the Death Eaters In-Training only. Lucius is Voldemort's second with the normal Death Eaters." Harry explained patiently.
"So, if, say, Malfoy wanted one of your Death Eaters In-Training to do something for him, they wouldn't have to?" Molly asked.
"Bingo."
"Can I join the Death Eaters In-Training?" Arthur begged.
Harry chuckled. "I'd have to talk to Voldemort about it. Right now our group is made up of students, really. I don't know if that was planned, or what."
"You didn't get any say?" Molly asked, worried.
"I wasn't even aware he was making another branch until Christmas. I understand why he did, of course. Students can't have Dark Marks."
"Good point. You don't have them, then?" Arthur hummed.
"Yes, and no. Ours are a different style. Other than that, the only differences between us and the elder Death Eaters is how things run. I try a more friendly approach while Voldemort does his whole intimidation spiel." Harry smirked. "Which I'm afraid I messed up on the last meeting we had."
"How so?" Arthur said, smiling slightly at the thought of such a thing.
"I kept interrupting him, and then I called him a jackarse." Harry replied lightly. Arthur cracked up and Molly looked like she couldn't decide between yelling at him or laughing herself. "Really, Molly. Both Voldemort and Hermione have yelled at me about it already, so go ahead and laugh."
"I can hardly believe that you're still alive, actually." Molly decided.
"Seems to be a common theme." Was Harry's dry response.
"Harry!" A happy female voice called from beyond the Silencing Barrier. Everyone turned to see a beaming Narcissa waving at Harry with Lucius scowling next to her near the door to the pub.
Harry grinned and rose an eyebrow at the two Weasleys across from him. "Do you mind? You'll all have to get along at one point or another."
"Fine." Arthur muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.
Harry rolled his eyes and motioned Lucius and Narcissa over, making sure they could pass through the barrier without disrupting it. "What brings you two to Diagon Alley?"
Narcissa held up a bag as she and her husband sat. Lucius and Arthur were trading daggers with their eyes across the table. "Draco told us you would be here. This stuff is for Hermione, if she wants it."
Harry took the bag and peeked in, pulling out a small bobble that would hang over the crib. He grinned. "She'll love it. Ooh, a crib."
"You sound like an excited father." Lucius grumbled.
"Godfather." Harry corrected. "She finally decided I was going to be the poor thing's godfather. I think Parvati put her up to it…"
"Good." Narcissa smiled. "I told her you'd be the best choice."
Harry blushed and immediately busied himself with the bag. "Uh, thanks, Narcissa."
"Harry, would you mind telling me why you're here with Arthur and his lovely wife?" Lucius sneered.
"That's quite enough, Lucius." Harry frowned at the man, only to see that he was still watching Arthur evilly. "What are you two, five? If I can put aside my differences with Voldemort, you two can act civilly." He muttered, setting the bag down. When he looked back up, Molly, Arthur, and Narcissa were all obviously trying not to laugh at the fish look Lucius was giving Harry. "What?" He glanced at Narcissa. "Draco told you what I was doing here and you never told Lucius, did you?"
"Of course not. I'm Slytherin." Narcissa replied.
"Really? I was starting to think it was just a general female trait, because Molly did the same damn thing to Arthur." Harry replied dryly, giving the blonde woman an annoyed look.
"It's a female trait." Lucius assured him.
"Tested it, have you?" Arthur muttered.
"On all of the ladies at my house over Christmas holidays, in fact." Lucius replied with a cold smirk.
"Lucius!" Harry barked, eyes boring holes into the top Death Eater's skull while Molly tried to get Arthur to sit back down, as he had stood to launch himself over the table at the other man.
Lucius looked at Harry to respond, but went pale. "Sorry." He whispered in a weak voice.
Harry narrowed his eyes, which he'd turned red. "Arthur and Molly are considering joining the Dark Order, which is why we're having lunch. Narcissa, please inform him next time something like this comes up?" Narcissa nodded nervously and Harry turned to the Weasleys. "Arthur, sit."
Once everyone had calmed down again, Harry switched his eyes back. Very well, intimidation is useful at times.
Score one for the Dark Lord! I told you so! And tell Lucius that if I find out he's acting like that again, I'll hex him.
Tom… Harry sighed.
And, make Molly and Arthur Death Eaters In-Training. Something tells me they'll fit in better with the rest of their family, and Gin will love ordering them around.
Fabulous. Harry glanced around the table, which was remarkably subdued. "Lucius, Lord Voldemort wants me to tell you that, next time he finds out you're acting like that, he'll hex you."
Lucius winced. "Understood."
"Molly, Arthur, if you do, indeed, join us, Voldemort and I have decided to place you in the Death Eaters In-Training. His reasoning is that Ginny will love ordering you around." Harry added flippantly, getting a laugh from Molly, Arthur, and Narcissa. Lucius bit his lip and snorted. "I don't have any of the pendants on me, so you'd have to wait a bit before you can, technically, be marked."
Molly nodded. "If you don't mind me asking, what, exactly, does your little group do? You never made it clear."
Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Well, since almost everyone is still a student, we work on little things in Hogwarts. However, our main concern appears to be gathering information, so I suppose you'd have to say we're the information gathers and spies of the Dark Order."
Arthur and Molly traded serious looks. Then, Molly spoke their decision. "Well, we might as well let Ginny have her fun. We'll join your Death Eaters In-Training."
"Brilliant." Harry sighed.
"But, could we change the name?" Arthur asked. "That name's a bit long, and incriminating, too. It's not something you could say in public."
Harry smirked. "Voldemort picked the name, not me. If you have any suggestions, I'm open to them."
"Well, I'm taking this from that pleasant note you left for Albus, but how about 'Juniors'?" Arthur suggested.
Harry grinned. Well? Juniors. Has a ring to it.
I hate it.
Too bad.
Harry, no…
You're whining again, Voldie. Harry offered brightly. "I like that one, but Voldemort hates it, so we'll use it. Thank you, Arthur." Harry said happily, earning him another round of laughter.
Noooooo…
Ha-ha.
I hate you.
I love you too, dearest. Harry sniggered. "On that note, Molly, Arthur, how would you like to meet the two Juniors we have working in Diagon Alley?"
"I thought you said that the Juniors were all students." Molly said suspiciously.
Harry smirked. "Mostly." Then he waved Tom over as he dropped the barrier and pulled out his moneybag. "I'll pay."
"Harry, you shouldn't…" Molly started.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Molly. You and Arthur are family. I'm paying." He said firmly.
"Strange company." Tom decided, smiling. "Eight Galleons, six Sickles for the meal…plus the two Sickles for the butterbeer, of course, Mr Potter."
Harry shot Molly a silencing look as she opened her mouth, either to complain about him paying again or about the poisoned butterbeer, and pulled out the change. "There we are. The meal was lovely, by the way."
"Good, good." Tom nodded.
Harry turned to the Malfoys as everyone stood. "Lucius, Narcissa, are you coming with us, or heading elsewhere?"
"Well, seeing as Lucius won't be caught dead near that shop, we're probably heading home." Narcissa sighed, then she smiled brightly. "Oh! You're wearing your cloak!"
Harry grinned. "Yes. It really is perfect this time of year. I almost forgot it was winter on my way to Hogsmeade."
"Wonderful." Narcissa gave him and hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "See that Hermione gets that stuff, and say hello to everyone for me."
"Sure thing, Narcissa. Now, you'd best go before Lucius screams." Harry chuckled.
Lucius scowled. "That would be undignified." Harry cocked an eyebrow at him. "Shut up. Come on, Narcissa. Good day, Harry, Arthur, Molly." He added, nodding to each of them in turn.
"See you around." Harry agreed, putting the shrunken bag of baby things into the pocket of his robe. "Come on, then." He added, grinning at Arthur and Molly.
"Lead the way." Arthur suggested, taking Molly's arm in his.
Harry hummed a random little tune as he led the way out of the pub and down towards ninety-three. Part way there, Arthur seemed to catch on. "Oh, dear." He murmured.
Harry grinned and stopped in front of the shop. "Yup. Come on in." And he pushed the door open and stepped inside, easily ducking under the fist that went off as the door opened. "Oy! Trying to take my head off, now?!"
Twin redheads peeked out their workroom door and grinned. "Just trying to knock some sense into you." Fred assured him.
"Anyone who comes in here probably should have some sense knocked into them." Molly muttered as Arthur closed the door behind them.
"Mum! Dad!" The twins cried in shock as one.
"Harry, how'd you talk them into coming in here?" George asked.
"I merely suggested we meet with the only two other Juniors who aren't in Hogwarts." Harry said slyly.
"Juniors?" Fred frowned, so Harry casually lifted a hand to tug on his necklace. Both twin's eyes widened again. "Are you trying to tell us-"
"-that mum and dad-"
"-have become…Juniors?"
"Yes." Harry's eyes glanced around the shop warily, then, once he dubbed it all-clear, he grinned at Arthur. "I do like that new name."
"Oy…" Both twins pretended to faint.
"Really, you two." Harry laughed. "Molly, Arthur, I'm going to leave you with these two idiots, then. Fred, George, fill them in on the basics." He added, giving the twins a serious look.
"Right on, Harry mate." George agreed while Fred slipped back into the workroom. "But, if you could wait a moment, Fred's getting you something for Ronniekins."
"Speaking of Ron, have you heard about his latest transgression?" Harry inquired.
"What's he done now?" Fred asked, coming back out with a box in one hand.
"Beat up Ginny because of that ring." Harry replied, lips tight.
Both of the twins narrowed their eyes. "He's getting an owl from us." Fred growled.
"A particularly vicious one, in fact." George added coldly.
"Here." Fred handed over the box. "Put it under his pillow and seal his curtains shut when he's gone to bed."
"Do I want to know?" Harry asked with a chuckle as he slipped the box into his other robe pocket.
"Spiders." The twins chorused matter-of-factly.
Harry smirked. "I'll be sure he gets it. Many thanks." He nodded his head. "Now, I shall leave you in the hands of your parents. I have shopping to do." And, among painful moans from the twins, he left the shop, once again ducking under the loaded fist.
Harry quickly located Chipper's Charms and stepped up to it. There was a charm hung on the inside of the door. A bit of parchment beneath it claimed it was a charm against burglary. He rolled his eyes and stepped into the shop which had a lively feeling to it, even though he was the only customer. He smiled at the woman sitting at the front counter, then went to browse the shelves.
There were a lot of charms for beauty and other such things that he had no use for, though his female friends might. The row on the side wall was aimed at housekeeping and Harry had to curb his laughter at some of the more ridiculous ones. After all, what sort of house would need a charm against dust on a ceiling?
In his browsing, a clear charm against pregnancy caught his eye and he immediately looked over the description. It said nothing about if it would get in the way of a current pregnancy, so he decided to ask. With his sister dating Theodore, he wanted her to have some form of protection, and it would be nice to get one for Pansy and Hermione, assuming it wouldn't harm Hermione's baby. Never again would one of his friends get pregnant on accident.
"Excuse me?"
"How can I help you, sir?" The witch asked, blowing a bubble with her bubblegum.
"About the pregnancy charm, would it affect a current pregnancy?"
The witch started, as if she hadn't expected such a question from a boy. "Why? Got your girlfriend pregnant?"
Harry scowled. "Hardly. One of my friends did get pregnant thanks to an ex of her's, though, and I'd dearly love to find a way to keep it from happening again."
The witch looked him over once, then sighed. "No, it doesn't affect the current pregnancy, most of the time. You can get her one, but have her check with her doctor before she starts wearing it."
"Thank you." Harry gave her a slight smile, then returned to the bin of pregnancy charms and pulled out three. Then he continued on, eyeing different charms that the girls might like, but not really seeing anything for himself or his other friends.
He turned the corner into a new aisle and his eyes opened. Everything in this aisle was a helpful item. Charms to raise speed, strength, and intelligence caught his eye, as they were all sitting in a row. He grinned and got one of each for himself, Ginny, Hermione, Draco, Pansy, Theodore, Blaise, and Seamus. As a last minute thought, he decided to get a charm bracelet set for Neville, as well, and made a mental note to get him a bracelet and each of the charms they all already had when he saw them. It would be a lovely Christmas present for the other boy, even if it was a bit late. It wasn't as if Harry didn't have the change. Each charm was only one or two sickles.
The next interesting charm he saw wasn't made for a bracelet. It was meant to be an earring, instead and it converted any language you heard into your native language. It also changed what you said to the language you wanted it to come out in. If you played with it often enough, you could probably learn any language you wanted to.
Hey, Tom, do you think I should get an ear piercing?
Great Merlin! What are you on about now?
They've got this really neat charm that acts as a sort of translator, but it's an earring.
That's because it has to be in contact with your blood for it to work. Tom sighed.
How does it manage that? I mean, wouldn't the hole close up after a while?
Yes, normally. With that sort of earring, though, it'll pretty much become a part of your circulatory system by growing into your ear. If you ever want to take it out, you can and it becomes just a normal earring hole.
Wicked…
It's a good thing you don't have any parents, Mr Potter, or I dare say you be grounded for even considering such thoughts.
Hey, I'm of age, I'll have you know. And I do have parents. Their names are Molly and Arthur.
Harry could feel Tom roll his eyes. Yes, yes. I apologize for forgetting. Get it if you want to. You're right when you say you're of age. If you don't like it, you can always take it out.
Brilliant! Love you!
You keep saying that… Tom muttered, shutting his end of the connection slightly so he could concentrate on whatever it was he'd been doing before Harry had bothered him.
Harry added the translator to his slowly growing pile with a grin. Then he continued down the aisle. He didn't really see any more charms that piqued his interest, though there were one or two charms that he thought his friends might have liked and made a note to come back for birthdays.
Turning down a new row, Harry found the charms to protect against hexes, poisons, broken bones, and the Obliviate spell. He pulled out the two for Neville that they'd already gotten from the Slytherins. Recalling Lockhart, he added one of the anti-Obliviate charms for each of them to his growing pile. With any luck, it might help Neville, too.
Down a ways, Harry found a charm that protected the wearer from Veritaserum. He twirled the crystal charm in between two fingers, watching as it caught the light and bounced it back in a rainbow of colours. It looks like that bottle Snape threatened me with back in fourth year…
Did you say something, Harry?
I found a charm against Veritaserum, Tom.
Let me borrow you eyes for a moment? Tom inquired and Harry handed the sense over without complaint. It's the standard container for Veritaserum, Harry. As far as I can tell, it's a useful charm, though how they got the effects of the counter potion in there, I'd never guess. Get it.
Harry glanced back into the tray, which had much fewer charms than any other, and gasped at the price. Two Galleons a charm?!
I knew it would be difficult to make. That sort of charm will always be expensive, but they're always worth it. Chipper's isn't the sort of place to sell junk, either. If you don't want to get one for everyone, you don't have to. Definitely get one for yourself, though. You'd be a prime target for Veritaserum if anyone ever got their hands on you.
I know. I know. I know everything that goes through your head, as well as information on the Order of the Phoenix. Harry sighed, then pulled out enough for his eight friends, plus the one for himself, and set them in the basket he had. Are the Slytherins still in there?
Yup.
Tell them about this one and I expect them to hand over a Galleon each for it. Tell Herm and Seam too, if you see them. Otherwise, I'll tell them.
Not Gin or Neville?
Neville doesn't even know he's getting this yet. If he can slip me a Galleon for it, grand. If not, I don't mind much. He's pretty much family. As for Gin, the Weasleys are poor enough as it is without me asking for a Galleon for a charm for their daughter, especially since she could just pull it out of the Potter vault herself and hand it over.
Good point.
Do you want one?
No, thank you. On the off-chance that they ever get their hands on me, I have a feeling I'd be dead before they'd try and pull information from me. If such an unlikely bit of fun ever did happen, I got a back-up ready decades ago.
Aren't you just the brilliant wizard.
Anyway, bracelets aren't my style.
You're such an idiot. Talk to your students.
Yes, Harry. Tom replied meekly. Whatever you say, Harry.
Harry chuckled and turned the corner onto what looked to be the last row. A charm in the shape of a flame that repelled fire caught his attention and he added it to the others. The one next to it, a charm against chill in the shape of a puff of air, he almost passed over, but then recalled the chill of the dungeons and grabbed one for each of his Slytherin friends.
The next charm he liked cancelled out any locator charms on the wearer. It also, from what the small information sign said, would block the wearer from being seen on items akin to the Marauder's Map, unless spelled to always appear upon it(ask at the front desk for spell). Considering what could happen if someone else got their hands on the Marauder's Map or had something like it of another area, Harry tossed one charm for each of them into his basket.
He found the charm against getting drunk and tossed it into his basket for Neville. There wasn't much chance of the young man getting drunk, but one could never be too careful, and this was Neville.
At the very end of the row sat a tray of charms that would allow the wearer to see past Invisibility cloaks, potions, and spells. It, apparently, worked something like how Mad-Eye Moody's magical eye had worked, but Harry wasn't certain the eye had seen through potions and spells. He took a moment to place the ape-like creature that the charm had been shaped as. Recalling a bossy Hermione trying to get him to read through his Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them book one last time before his O.W.L.s, he remembered the beast. It was a Demiguise, which was what Invisibility Cloaks were generally made of. Feeling extremely proud of himself, he gathered enough for everyone and headed back towards to counter for a bracelet for Neville, the spell for the Anti-Locator Charm charms, and to pay.
The witch glanced back up at him, hiding a magazine that looked suspiciously like Witch Weekly. "Done at last?"
"Yes." Harry set the basket on the counter and pulled a bracelet off of the rack next to him, adding it to the lot. "I'm afraid I got quite a lot."
The witch smiled. "I figured as much. Late Christmas presents?"
"Not really, no. It's just, some of my friends got us all charm bracelets and a few charms for Christmas," He held up his wrist, making the bracelet visible for her. "And it was suggested I go check out the shop while I was having lunch with my girlfriend's parents."
"Rough." The witch winced sympathetically.
Harry grinned. "I suppose it helps that they're almost family as it is, so they trust me with her. At any rate, the friend that suggested that I stop by also mentioned getting more charms for everyone. I figure they just won't get birthday presents this year."
"Grand idea." She poured all the charms out carefully, pausing to frown at the charm against Veritaserum. "Well, I'll be damned. I haven't seen any of these in years."
"Really? One would think they'd be popular…"
The witch smiled sadly. "My great-grandmother made them, but the secret of how died with her. Since they would be popular, my grandfather put a spell on their tray that would only make them visible to one who desperately needed them." Her eyes fell onto his scar. "I suppose you would fall under such a category, wouldn't you, Mr Potter?"
Harry self-consciously smoothed his hair down over his scar with a grimace. "Probably."
"And some for your friends. Good. They'd probably need them too." She rang them up half price with a wink. "Famous wizard gets them cheap. Just don't tell my dad."
Harry chuckled. "I don't intend to. I'm trying to decide whether to make my friends pay the Galleon I was going to make them pay me to get it, or go to whatever half a Galleon is."
"Eight Sickles, fifteen Knuts. I'd say make them pay the Galleon. That way, if they ever lose it, you still get the last laugh."
Harry sniggered. "I'll bet you were in Slytherin."
"How'd you guess?" The witch teased, ringing up the other charms, which she did at full price. When she reached the Anti-Locator Spells charm, she paused. "You want the spell for these?"
"Please." Harry nodded.
She leaned down and pulled out a small booklet. "Just the one, or do you want nine?"
"Just the one. Less they know, better off I am." Harry decided, getting a laugh from her. "Can you get rid of the exception?"
"Yes. The counter for the spell is also in here."
"Is it possible to do the spell from a distance?"
The witch gave him a curious look. "I've never tried, actually. If you find out, let me know. Most people only buy the one for themselves, but it would be good to know, in case I'm asked again."
"What if, say, your enemy knew the spell to affect the charm. Could they affect it?"
"No. All charms sold in here are locked to their owner's magical signature. If they're bought as gifts, they'll lock on to the magical signature of both the giver and the receiver for as long as the receiver deems the giver trustworthy."
"Interesting…" Harry hummed, running a hand through his hair. "Tricky spell-work."
"It is. I've been trying for twenty years, and I still haven't figured it out. It's very aggravating."
"I'll bet." Harry smiled slightly. "Is that everything, then?"
"Yup. Total comes to eighteen Galleons, three Sickles. Wow."
"What?" Harry inquired as he dumped the money from his moneybag onto the counter.
"You may very well have just set the record for most money spent in one trip. Hold on, let me get my dad." She hopped off her stool and ran up a flight of stairs behind the counter.
Harry smiled and finished sorting out his money, then put what he didn't need away. His bag felt very, very light all of a sudden.
By the time he was finished, the young witch had returned with a wizard who looked to be in his seventies. "Mr Potter, a pleasure to meet you." The man said, shaking Harry's hand. "I'm Haden Chipper. My daughter's name is Odele, which she probably forgot to mention, and has appeared to have forgotten her name pin, again."
"Not my fault it's on my other robe." Odele grumbled under her breath.
Harry hid a smile behind his hand. "Is it really such a great thing for me to spend the most money?"
Haden laughed. "Well, for us it is. The last record-breaker got a free charm of her choice. Would you like anything else off our shelves? Odele says you bought a bunch a the Anti-Veritaserum charms, so I doubt there's really anything that you don't have the money for, but it's a nice little thing, I suppose."
Harry tapped at his chin. Tom, do you want anything?
I'd like you to leave me alone, actually. I don't look good in bracelets, remember?
Ouch. Harry gave the Dark Lord a mental hug before returning his attention to the Chippers in front of him. "I dunno. Any suggestions for a seventeen-year-old wizard who's still in school and is hunted by every witch or wizard in the magical world to either kill him or expects him to save them?"
Odele laughed. "I take it you don't like all the attention."
"Despise it, actually." Harry agreed.
It was Haden's turn to tap his chin in thought. "If you'd like, I've been working on making a charm to repel people when you want to just be alone. It's not really been tested at the extremes you're probably used to facing, but it should do the trick. You can set it to not affect certain people, of course, and you decide when you want it to work and when you don't. I'm afraid it's not meant for charm bracelets, though."
Harry hummed. "It's one of those sorts that has to be in contact with your blood for it to work, then?" Haden gave him a surprised look. "A friend explained it to me." The Boy-Who-Lived offered nervously.
"Smart friend you've got there. Yes, it needs to be in contact with your blood stream to work. I see you've gotten the translator, but this charm isn't meant to be worn as an earring. It's actually a part of a tattoo, which is one of the reasons it'll probably never be for sale."
"Dad likes his pet projects." Odele agreed, finishing Harry's transaction.
Harry made himself appear to be thinking about it and reached out to Tom tentatively. You still mad?
I'm not mad at you, love. It's just, Dumbledore was in here last time, checking on the stupid detention. I'm sorry I snapped.
Perfectly understandable. Were you listening in?
Why would I do a thing like that?
Because you're a Slytherin and you always do.
Tom chuckled. Yes, I was listening. I dare say that the tattoo would probably be painful, but worth it. If you really want it, go right on ahead.
As long as it's something you like. Harry deduced, biting back his laughter.
That too.
Harry glanced back up at the Chippers. "I like the idea, actually. It sounds like it would be interesting, and I like freaking out my girlfriend."
"That assumes you put it in a visible place." Odele offered with a sly grin.
"Define visible." Harry shot back, throwing the girl into laughter.
Haden chuckled and set all of Harry's new charms into a bag. "I can probably put the Translator in your ear, as well."
"I'd like that." Harry agreed.
"Good. Odele, watch the store-front. Mr Potter, if you'll follow me…" He led the teen up the stairs.
"Is there a set picture for the tattoo?" Harry inquired.
"Nope." Haden smiled. "Whatever you want, within reason, of course."
"Understandable." Harry ruffled his hair. "Could you do a basilisk and a phoenix, fighting, maybe?"
"I'm afraid I don't have any pictures of basilisks." Haden sighed sadly, opening a door and ushering Harry in.
That picture I gave you of Vitare sliding through the Chamber should still be in the pocket of your robe, you know.
Oh! Yeah! Thanks, Tom.
I knew you didn't like it… Tom muttered bleakly.
Harry offered his lover a quick mental hug before tugging the picture from his pocket and grinning as Vitare the basilisk hissed at him silently. "I have a picture one of my Auror friends gave me over Christmas holiday of a basilisk."
"I might be able to do it, then." He held out a hand and Harry handed the picture over. "Amazing. Your friend drew this?" Harry nodded. "My compliments. Yes, I can definitely do this. Do you want the basilisk and phoenix to be able to move?"
"You can do that?"
"Of course."
"Then yes, please."
Haden grinned and set the drawing Tom had done out of harm's way, handing over Harry's bag of charms. "Take a seat and we'll do the earring first, then the tattoo."
"Where's the charm located in the tattoo? The ink?" Harry inquired, sitting down after stuffing the charms in a free pocket.
"Yes, actually. Good observation." Haden rested a hand on the younger wizard's shoulder. "Where do you want to earring? Left ear or right ear?"
Harry considered it for a moment, then smirked. "Left, please."
"Very well. Cartilage or lobe?"
"Cartilage, I think." Harry decided.
"Alright." Haden held the earring up to Harry's ear. "Ready?"
"Yes."
-0-
"My back hurts." Harry declared, walking into Tom's classroom. Draco, Theodore, Pansy, and Blaise were all still there, but Ginny, Hermione, Seamus, Neville, and Severus had joined them.
"I told you it would hurt." Tom offered mildly from where he sat on Neville's desk. He appeared to be showing the boy something in a Dark Arts text.
"Harry Potter! Is that an earring?!" Hermione shouted, having seen the glint of silver in Harry's ear.
Harry smirked and fingered his left ear gently. "Yup."
"Ooh… You got a Translator Charm. I'm impressed. I don't have the nerve." Pansy sighed.
"That's why he's a Gryffindor." Draco snorted, earning him a swat from Ginny, who was sitting between him and Theodore, getting help from Severus.
"What'd ya get us?" Blaise inquired.
"Who says I got anyone anything?" Harry shot back, pulling out the bag from Narcissa and handing it over to Hermione, who was still scowling at the earring. "Here, this is from Narcissa. By the way, Draco, your mum says hi."
"Joy." Draco muttered dryly.
Hermione gave a squeal and launched herself at Harry. "Thank you!"
"You're hurting me." Harry said in a gentle voice. Hermione jumped away immediately. "Thank you. My back really does hurt. At any rate, it's from Narcissa, not me."
"Alright, Harry. What have you done to yourself this time?" Ginny grumbled.
"He got a tattoo." Tom replied for the teen.
There was a long silence as everyone stared at Harry.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Hermione screamed.
Harry winced. "Thank you, Marcus. I got a tattoo, Hermione. Don't you dare start yelling at me."
"Yeah, it's not like he can take it back or anything." Neville pointed out. "Can we see it?"
Harry sighed and, in reply, peeled off both his cloak and robe for the second time that day, then turned to let them see. The phoenix and basilisk were doing war in the middle of his back. The picture was about twenty-five centimetres on all sides. Haden had said that, once the pain wore off, the two would probably move outside the area that it had originally been done in.
"Bloody hell, Harry. That's amazing." Theodore murmured in the following silence. His voice seemed to spark the others into speaking as well, for everyone, including both Severus and Hermione, agreed that they liked it.
Tom stepped up to the shirtless young man, a small jar in his hand. "This should keep it from hurting quite so much." He offered gently. "Do you want me to put it on?"
"Please. Just, be careful." Harry sighed thankfully.
"Here, sit on the desk." Tom led Harry over to the desk he'd tossed his cloak and robe on and sat Harry down on the top. Then he uncapped the cream and gently started applying it to the tattoo. It is gorgeous. A good choice.
Harry leaned his chin against his hands and closed his eyes. That's 'cause you're such an amazing artist.
Tom chuckled softly. "Are you falling asleep, Harry?"
"No. Just getting very, very relaxed. Now, you see, were you really a Death Eater, I'm sure you could have knocked everyone out with a wide-range Stupefy and dragged me off to Voldie, no problem. Now will you stop showing such distrust in Marcus, Headmaster?"
Everyone but Harry and Tom spun around to see Dumbledore stepping from the shadows. "Impressive."
"FYI, Professor. I got a charm that lets me see through Invisibility spells while I was a Chipper's." Harry muttered.
"Did you get the rest of us one?" Pansy demanded.
"When Marcus is done putting the cream on my back, you may have them. Everyone but Ginny, Neville, and Herm owe me a Galleon, though."
"Why them?" Seamus complained, even as he and the four Slytherins hunted through their pockets for the money.
"Ginny's my girlfriend, Herm made me godfather of her little brat, and Neville's stuff is all a late Christmas/birthday present." Harry explained, rolling his eyes. "And you don't get them all yet, anyway. I have to play with a few of them." He added, making sure everyone saw him glance towards where Dumbledore stood behind him.
"Done." Tom said, stepping back and re-capping the cream.
"Thank you." Harry sighed, stretching carefully. "Much better."
"What is it?" Ginny asked, eyeing the container in Tom's hands.
"Vick's Vapo-Rub." The Dark Lord said happily, putting it away in his desk drawer. Hermione, Seamus, and Harry traded looks before cracking up helplessly. Tom frowned at them. "What? It's really good for magical tattoos."
"How would you know that?" Harry grumbled. "Don't tell me you have one."
Tom waggled his eyebrows at his lover. "Maybe I do, but I hide it well."
"I didn't need that metal image, Marcus." Ginny groaned, hiding her face in her hands.
"Then you shouldn't have conjured it." Tom shot back, returning to his seat on Neville's desktop. "Is there anything we can do for you, Headmaster?"
"I am merely visiting with a couple of members of my staff and quite a few students." Dumbledore offered, smiling benignly.
"I'll bet you are." Harry muttered, standing and going through his cloak pockets for the larger of the two bags from Chipper's. "Spying is supposed to be a Slytherins trait, by the way, sir. I thought you were a Gryffindor." He gave the elderly man a challenging look. Everyone in the room sucked in sharp breaths and held them, waiting to see what the Headmaster would do.
Dumbledore gave Harry a grave look over the tops of his half-moon spectacles. "Ten points from Gryffindor, Mr Potter."
"When are you going to expel me, sir? How much farther can I go before you do anything about it?" Harry spat, emerald eyes flashing.
"Harry…stop…" Hermione whispered.
"If I killed a student, would you expel me then? Or would you just consider it one more casualty in your silly little war against Moldie-Voldie?" Harry taunted.
Dumbledore's eyes were flashing dangerously. Any sane wizard would have backed down, but Harry didn't care anymore. "You're out of line, Mr Potter." He warned.
"You keep saying that, but you haven't done a Merlin-damned thing about it. You favour me like Snape favours Slytherin." Harry continued, ignoring his horrified audience.
"You're suspended for a month. Collect your things, I'm taking you back to the Dursleys." Dumbledore finally said tightly.
"About damn time." Harry muttered, rolling his eyes and turning back to his friends. He tossed the bag to Tom, who barely caught it. "Marcus, I'm sure you can hand those out for me. Herm, take care of yourself. Don't overdo it. Marcus, make sure you run that one charm for Herm by Madame Pomfrey, first. Ginny, stay out of trouble and don't go beating up the guys too much. Seam," He tossed the Irish wizard the box from the twins. "The twins told me to put that under Ron's pillow and seal his curtains shut. I would like to know what happens. Blaise, treat him okay while I'm gone and don't let him get too drunk. That charm didn't seem to help very much."
"That's 'cause Seam gets drunk to the extreme." Pansy offered, attempting a smile and failing horribly.
"Good point. Seam, stop drinking. Professor Snape, lighten up a little." Harry glanced around the room. "You all look like someone just died, geeze. I'll be back in a month."
Hermione let out a loud sob and threw herself into Harry's expectant arms. "Y-y-you c-c-can't g-go-o…" Hermione sobbed.
Harry held her close and kissed the top of her head. "It'll be fine, Herm. Don't you worry." He glanced over at his friends and mouthed 'Take care of her'. Everyone nodded firmly, even Severus.
"Now, Mr Potter." Dumbledore called coldly.
"You have no heart, sir." Harry called back as he disentangled himself from Hermione.
"And you are now suspended for another month." Dumbledore shot back.
"Opps." Harry smiled at Hermione. "You'll be fine, trust me." The girl nodded numbly and Harry pulled his robe back on, draping his cloak over one arm. "Ta, everyone! See you in March!" He called cheerfully, then followed the glaring Headmaster out.
Tom stared at the bag in his hands in silence for a long moment. Then, suddenly, he slammed his fist into the desk top. "That bastard! Damn that old man!" His eyes had shifted back to scarlet and were wet, as if he were holding back tears. "Hermione, come here." He said gently, holding out his arms to the girl. Hermione ran into the comforting embrace and buried her face in Tom's robe, sobbing. Tom closed his eyes and cried silently. "Damn him."
Everyone else looked away and tried not to cry themselves. Severus settled himself down in a desk chair and hid his face in his hands, shaking his head. "Stupid."
"This is so stupid." Draco muttered, throwing his quill down on the desk top, narrowly missing the pile of papers he was supposed to be grading.
"It's not stupid." Neville sighed. "It's Harry."
"Same damn thing." Ginny growled, wiping wildly at her wet cheeks.
"Not quite." Seamus sighed, staring at the box in his hands. "He's finally made his point. It's about time to make ours. Ginny, you're in charge right now. What should we do?"
Wild brown eyes shot around the group of Juniors. "Now? Now, we get our revenge. Harry Potter style."
-0-0-0-0-0-
A/N: -looks around warily- Please don't kill me. It's a really long chapter, so please don't kill me….
Dude, a random bit of info: In English, we're acting out parts of Shakespeare plays in groups and my group is doing Julius Caesar and I get to play Marcus Brutús. Awesome, no?
Batsutousai