Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Harry Potter Franchise or its characters. All characters used are the property of their respective owners.
Rated M for violence, language, & sexual themes.
Special Thanks: The Potions Ingredients Weebly Page for the info on Draught of Living Death. Unfortunately, no creator is listed.
Note: New Content can be found towards the end of the chapter.
Harry Potter & the Dance Macabre XXIII
Gryffindor Lords Suite
Monday, September 2, 1996
Harry pawed through his closet, trying to decide what to wear for the dance party. Hermione, Daphne, Astoria, Susan, Fleur, Ginny, and Luna were next door comparing outfits and helping to apply make-up to each other. He heard a knock at the door and Tonks subsequently answering. "Harry, it's Neville, should I let him in?"
Harry gave a theatrical sigh. "If you must..."
Neville walked into Harry's room seconds later, he was dressed in a Weird Sisters T-shirt and jeans, which made Harry more comfortable with his choices. "You shouldn't just walk into my room Nev, haven't you seen the Daily Prophet, I'm dangerously unhinged, or at least I was last year."
"I'll agree you're unhinged, but I've known that since I met you, so why would that change now?" Neville replied, sitting down on Harry's bed.
"I've got two girlfriends, and I'm betrothed to Daphne, and... something is happening between Susan and I. So, I might go crazy..." Harry explained as he pulled the door to his en-suite over so he could change into a pair of jeans.
"Uh, two girlfriends?"
Harry cleared his throat and blushed walking back out to face Neville. "So, uh, Fleur Delacour and I are bonded magically..."
Neville's eyes widened. "When did that happen?"
"F-fourth year... during the Tri-Wiz."
"And you're just telling me, now?"
Harry rubbed the back of his head. "I just found out today... no one told me before now that's what happens when... a wizard and a Veela love each other very much..."
Neville gaped at his best friend and then shook his head. "It's never simple with you, is it Harry?"
Harry shrugged with a lopsided grin. "I don't do normal..."
"Put that away, I'm not Hermione," Neville protested.
Harry laughed as they left his room to wait for the girls. They didn't have to wait long as soon they exited Daphne's bedroom looking lovely and decidedly muggle, which Harry attributed to Tonks and Hermione's help. Harry offered his arms to Daphne and Hermione. "My ladies?"
Hermione gave him a peck on the cheek. "You're incorrigible."
"Only around you."
Harry and his friends walked downstairs to the entrance hall, where they found more of their extended group milling around. Harry's eyes drifted over the assembled students, some of whom were casting appreciative glances in the direction of him and his girls. He raised an eyebrow turning to Daphne. "Some Slytherin's are missing."
"Oh, that's Theo Nott's doing, he organised a protest because the band will be playing a mix of mundane and magical music tonight. They were offended..." Tracy explained on Daphne's behalf.
"Breathing the wrong way offends them, they got that from Snape..." Harry commented dryly.
"Forget about them Harry, we're here to have fun tonight!" Tonks exclaimed as the door to the Great Hall opened.
After the students filed in Headmistress, McGonagall walked on the stage that had replaced the Heads table and smiled. "Good evening students and welcome to the first-ever Hogwarts Dance Party. I hope tonight will be a smashing success, but I remind you, you are still Hogwarts students, I expect you to maintain a semblance of decorum as the night goes on. Have fun, but please don't overindulge. With that said, please welcome the Hogwarts Alumni Band!"
The students clapped as the sound of an upbeat guitar riff and saxophones filled the room. A spotlight appeared over the man playing the lead guitar, Kirley Duke as he leaned into the microphone in front of him. "We're so glad to see so many of you lovely people here tonight, and we would especially like to welcome all the representatives of Magical Britain's Law Enforcement Community who have chosen to join us here in the Hogwarts Great Hall at this time. We do sincerely hope you'll all enjoy the show, and please remember people, that no matter who you are, and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there are still some things that make us all the same. You, me, them, everybody, everybody!"
The spotlight then switched to Myron Wagtail who launched into the song Everybody Needs Somebody to Love originally by the Blues Brothers. Harry laughed and dragged Hermione onto the dance floor. After the song ended, the students applauded, and Wagtail gave a short bow.
"Welcome students! Before we go on with the next song, I'd like to introduce you to the band. On bass your new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor Nick Carlstrom, on drums your new Care of Magical Creatures Professor Charlie Weasley, my backing singers the delectable Gryffindor Chasers, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, and Katie Bell and on lead guitar Kirley Duke! We are the Hogwarts Alumni Band. Now for our next song, Don't Fear the Reaper!"
As the band started up again, Hermione and Harry stayed on the dance floor but then Hermione switched with Daphne for the song after that before Harry needed a break. Neville stepped in swapping in as the music slowed, and the band started a song by an Australian band. Harry glanced back when he heard Tonks swear from behind him. "What's wrong?"
"Watch..."
Harry studied the stage and realised that Professor Carlstrom was sending a dirty look Myron's way. Seconds later the Hall was distracted by a slamming door, and Carlstrom ran off stage and through the door that just slammed. The group looked to Tonks for answers. "Truly, Madly, Deeply was Nick and Penny's song, I don't think Myron cleared using it with Nick before the band started playing."
The band resume and a few minutes later Professor Carlstrom returned by Professor Heywood did not. As the night went on, Harry danced with all his girls, Luna, Ginny, Parvati, Cho, and even Neville for one song.
The night was drawing to a close and Harry slow danced with Hermione to Never Tear Us Apart originally by INXS. Harry smiled, kissing Hermione on the head. "I had a great time tonight."
Hermione smiled up at him, letting her lips brush his. "So did I, we should go dancing more often."
Harry grinned. "I like that idea."
The night finally ended, and the Gryffindor contingent walked back to their dorm, splitting off when they reached the Fat Lady's portrait. Harry could hear the muttering gossip as Fleur accompanied him and Daphne back to the Lord's suite.
Harry was changing for bed when he heard a knock at the door to his room. Despite being safely ensconced in his accommodation, Harry still snatched up his wand as he approached the door. "Fleur, are you ok?"
"Oui, Arry, but there is something I didn't tell you today, I didn't think it was appropriate since we were in the Headmistress's office," Fleur explained.
Harry blushed as his eyes wandered over Fleur's body encased only in a short silk robe that left her long pale legs on display. "What didn't you tell me?"
"I ave been craving you, I ave been thinking about our time together since I returned to France. You were younger than all my other lovers, but you satisfied me like no man before you. I have been wanting to renew that acquaintance ever since."
Harry blushed turning away from Fleur slightly. "Is this because of the bond?"
"Non, although, I will admit, the bond does make me want to be near you, to feel your magic interact with my own, but this lust was created by you, and the things you did to me."
Harry's blush deepened. "The things you taught me."
"Oui, and you were a very attentive student," Fleur replied with a saucy wink as she let her robe drop to the floor, revealing her naked body beneath. "Make love to me Arry."
Tuesday, September 3, 1996
Harry lay in bed with Fleur's head resting on his chest. He stroked her hair lazily with a goofy grin on his face. Fleur smirked. "You're feeling very smug, aren't you Arry?"
"Well, I did manage to wear out a Veela, so, yeah, I'm feeling a bit smug right now."
Fleur moved her head up and kissed Harry on the nose and then the lips. "Hermione was right, you are incorrigible. But I am too satisfied to care."
"I'm glad to be of service."
Harry gently nudged Fleur away so he could sit up. He took her hand in his and looked into her Azure eyes. "Fleur, something has been bothering me since Hermione explained our bond. What if..." Harry took a deep breath. "What if I'd forced you, what if I'd raped you. Would you have been trapped in a bond with me, are the only options compliance or death?"
Fleur smiled, cupping Harry's face and leaning in to kiss him gently on the lips. "Non, the bond can only be formed through an act of consensual intercourse. A Veela cannot be forced to make love, magic must accept that two people have feelings for each other for a bond to form."
"But what if those feelings change, what if I die, what then?"
"The potion my Grandmother devised would keep me going for a while, but then I would have to chose. There is a ritual that can remove the bond between Veela and Wizard, but it is at the cost of our ability to transform into our Avian forms and we lose our Allure. But, we keep our magic, it is rare that one of our kind must undergo this ritual, but once its done they're well cared for by the enclave. They've sacrificed part of themselves, but we would never cast them out."
Harry nodded. "I hope I never make you regret what happened between us."
Fleur smiled. "I have faith you never will."
At breakfast, Fleur separated from Harry and his friends and sat at the Heads table beside Charlie Weasley who chatted amiably with the French Witch as other students threw angry looks over at Harry for managing to in their minds, bag, one of Magic's hottest ladies.
Harry ignored them and ate until the Headmistress called their attention. "Good morning, students, I hope you enjoyed last night's festivities. I wanted to thank you all for being so well behaved. Now, can all Divination students please report to Professor Flitwick's office after classes today. All will be explained when you arrive, thank you.
Harry glanced either side with Hermione on his left and Daphne on his right, who shrugged in response. Harry put it out of his mind as he reached for another slice of bacon. "Hungry?"
Harry grinned at Hermione. "Famished, last night was exhausting."
"I bet it was..." Daphne mumbled.
"I didn't catch that Daphne?" Harry inquired.
"Oh, it's nothing, I just need to remember to teach you the silencing charm, that's all."
Hermione frowned as Harry's face went bright red. "Why do you need to teach him that charm?"
Daphne grinned evilly. "Harry is a very restless sleeper."
Hermione continued to frown as she glanced at Harry. "Is that so..."
History of Magic
Sixth Year Gryffindor/Hufflepuff
First Period
Harry, Hermione, Tonks, Susan, and Hannah walked into class and sat down. It was still weird for the five of them to not walk in and find Professor Binns napping behind his desk. Instead, Rowan Kanna greeted them with a smile. "Good morning, class!"
"Good morning Professor," The students responded loudly.
"Today we're going to explore the rich history of Magic, from its origins with the Priests of Egypt to the dark history of the first Blood War. I think you'll find that it's much livelier than Professor Binns made it appear."
Professor Kanna reached behind him and held something above his head. "Who can tell me what this is?"
For once, Hermione didn't immediately raise her hand, instead giving Harry a significant look. He quickly took his girlfriend's advice. "Yes, Mister Potter?"
"It's the sword of Gryffindor."
"Correct, although it's hardly surprising you'd know that. Godric Gryffindor was given this sword as a present by the High Chieftain of the Goblin Nation for his role in resolving a dispute between the Goblins and Magicals that almost resulted in the first Goblin/Wizard war in 943AD. Please turn to page 276 of your textbooks, and we'll discuss the events leading up to it and the fallout and how this event predicted the current detente between Wizards and Goblins."
Potions
Sixth Year Gryffindor/Slytherin
Second Period
Harry stopped short at the door of the Potions classroom, Daphne who had been walking behind him was almost knocked over when she ran into him. "Potter, what's the big... wow..."
Hermione threw a look at Tonks to stop her making a comment as Harry finally resumed walking. Inside they found the room utterly changed, the walls had been scrubbed and painted, and extra windows and venting had been installed. Instead of ingredients sitting on shelves, they had been arranged into locked cabinets. The beautiful young blonde, Professor Penny Haywood stood at the back of the room in front of a table with a cauldron on the left and a blackboard slightly behind her to the right.
After the students had paired off, Hermione worked with Harry and Daphne worked with Neville, Professor Haywood addressed the class. "Good afternoon, students."
"Good afternoon Professor."
"Welcome to sixth-year Potions, I hope you're as excited as I am about learning new and amazing things this year. Potions are brilliant if they're brewed correctly, as long as you follow my instructions and most importantly, listen to me you'll be fine."
Professor Haywood turned to the blackboard and began writing as she spoke. "Today we'll be brewing the Draught of Living Death, hm, Miss Granger, what are the ingredients of this potion?"
"Two cups of cold water, a quarter cup of asphodel in an infusion of wormwood, two tablespoons of valerian roots, the juice of thirteen sopophorous beans, and one pinch of cloves."
"Correct, twenty points to Gryffindor, Mister Nott, what is the antidote?"
"Wigenweld Potion?"
"Good, twenty points to Slytherin."
Professor Haywood put the chalk down and rolled up her sleeves. "Ok, as you can see, all potion ingredients are now locked away in those cabinets. They're charmed to only open during class or when a Professor is in the room. So, you may retrieve your ingredients, and we can get started. Please don't start preparing until everyone has returned to their seats."
As soon as the students had done as instructed, Professor Haywood walked over to the cabinet, they'd just closed and opened it again. She pulled a selection of items out and returned to her desk. "Right, we can get started. Take your knife and smash each of the thirteen sopophorous beans ensuring you get as much juice out as you can…"
Professor Haywood picked up her knife and started making the potion along with the students. Two hours later even Neville had a vial of clear liquid, which indicated he'd brewed it correctly. The class left happily chatting about their new Professor and her brilliant teaching style, and for the first time in six years, Harry and Neville left a Potions class with a smile on their faces.
After Class
Deputy Headmaster's Office
Harry and Tonks broke off from Hermione, Daphne, and Neville and joined Lavender and Pavarti on a walk up to Professor Flitwick's office. The two gossip queens were doing what they did best, gossiping.
"Do you think it's true, about Professors Haywood and Carlstrom?" Lavender asked.
"What, that they were sweethearts when they were in school?" Pavarti replied.
"Yeah! It's so romantic!" Lavender enthused.
"Tragically romantic if the rumours are true, apparently, he did something after Hogwarts that got him in trouble with Minister Fudge, and it almost got him kicked out of the DMLE. Then Professor Haywood dumped him." Pavarti elaborated.
"Oooh, star crossed lovers tragically ripped apart, now reunited at Hogwarts. It's like a romance novel!"
"Yeah, a trashy one…" Harry muttered.
"Did you say something, Harry?" Lavender asked.
"Nope."
The Gryffindors finally arrived at Professor Flitwick's office and knocked joining the rest of the students, Harry spared a quick glance at Ron who glared back. "Ah good, you're all here. I regret to inform you that Professor Trelawny was dismissed over the summer. Her position will not be filled as we've dropped Divination from the curriculum."
Lavender made a distressed sound in her throat. "But, Professor Trelawny was great!"
Harry fought every urge to roll his eyes as Flitwick gave her a gentle smile. "That may be but Miss Brown, true sight is incredibly rare, and I'm afraid based on three years of reports none of our current students has it. If you wish you may take the course as self-study, Headmistress McGonagall and I have agreed that if you take that route, we will grade as we would your other NEWTs subjects. Please let me know your decisions by the end of the week."
Harry waited for the students to file out until it was just Flitwick, Tonks and himself left. "You have until the end of the week to decide your course options, Mister Potter, we aren't forcing you to make that decision today."
"I know Professor, but I've already made my decision. I wish to sign up for Ancient Runes."
Flitwick raised an eyebrow. "Ancient Runes is a demanding course Mister Potter; I am aware you scored near the top of your year in most subjects during OWL's, but you've never shown an interest in that subject before. If it is your desire to join Ancient Runes, can I ask why you didn't sign up for it as an elective course during your third year?"
Harry frowned. "May we speak frankly, Professor?"
"Of course, Mister Potter," Flitwick replied indicating he should sit.
"Sir, I wanted to take the class for third year, I occasionally glanced at Hermione's textbook, and the course work looked interesting. The reason I didn't change my elective was because of Ron Weasley. We were still friends at the time, and I didn't want to upset him. I didn't want him to know I was smarter than I let on. I thought if I did it would upset him… It turns out it didn't matter because less than a year later he ended our friendship when he got upset that my name was spat out of the Goblet. By then, I'd already committed to Divination, and I didn't think I could change electives, so I just used my time in that course to brush up on my other subjects."
By the time Harry finished, Flitwick was frowning. "Mister Potter, why would you feel you needed to dumb yourself down like that, a real friend wouldn't force you to act like that. A real friend is someone like Miss Granger, someone who supports you and wants to see you do your best."
"I know that now Professor, but before I came to Hogwarts when I lived with my mother's relatives if I came home with grades that were better than my cousin's I'd be… punished. Acting stupider than I was, was the only way I could stop the punishment. That doesn't mean I didn't do the work, I just submitted work that was deliberately fudged to make me look dumb."
"I see… even so, joining Ancient Runes now would leave you three years behind your peers, even with Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass help I don't think you'd be able to make up that much work before NEWT's."
"Oh, that's not a problem, Professor, I've already done all the course work," Harry explained.
"You have?"
"Yes sir, just because I wasn't able to join the class doesn't mean I wasn't still interested. After I got the title of the textbook from Hermione, I ordered a copy from Flourish and Blott's. I've been doing Ancient Runes as a self-study subject since Third Year, and I completed all the assignments at the same time as the rest of the class."
Tonks rolled her eyes and ruffled Harry's hair. "You're such a nerd…"
Harry grinned. "Yup."
"I will discuss it with the Headmistress and Professor Babbling, and I will let you know their decision by the end of the week."
"Thank you, Professor."
7pm
Three Broomsticks, Private Room
Harry knocked and was called to enter, after receiving an encouraging nod from Tonks he stepped inside. The person waiting for him was a tall brunette man with kind brown eyes, he smiled at Harry and motioned for him to sit down. "Thank you for meeting with me."
"Not at all, Andromeda Tonks was a dear friend of my parents, and it's my job to help, so do you have any questions?"
"Uh, do I have to tell you everything that's happening to me?"
"No, you can tell me as little or as much as you want Lord Potter. You set the tone and the pace of our discussions. You're the one paying after all."
Harry nodded leaning forward in his chair. "Well, if I'm paying you can call me Harry, I hate being called Lord Potter."
"Then you should call me Daniel."
Harry frowned, running his fingers through his hair. "I guess I should be honest…"
"That's usually best, skips the time-wasting."
Harry looked up at the older man and smiled. "You don't mince your words, do you?"
Daniel shrugged. "That's not what you're paying me for."
"I hate feeling like my brain is shredding itself. The potion Andi has been brewing helps, but its day to day whether I'll feel ok. And the nightmares still keep me up at night."
"Are you eating?"
Harry nodded. "I'd get an earful from Hermione if I didn't."
"You know it's because she cares, right?"
"It wasn't a complaint, just an observation," Harry replied with a smile.
"How are classes going?"
Harry smiled and began recounting his first few days back at school.
Daphne and Fleur got out of their respective beds and entered the living area when Harry and Tonks returned. The two girls gave him hugs. "How was it?"
"It was good, I feel, lighter."
Daphne smiled. "I'm glad Missus Granger recommended you talk to someone, who isn't us anyway."
Harry smiled and nodded. "I didn't need to meet Emma Granger to know she'd be brilliant; her daughter has been my best friend for six years."
Tonks rolled her eyes. "Can it lover boy, she's in her dorm."
Harry gave Tonks a cheeky smile as he was led to bed by Fleur. Tonks rolled her eyes. "Sex, sex, sex, that's all he ever thinks about."
Later...
Professor Nicholas Carlstrom was examining the questionnaires he'd handed out during his first classes as DADA Professor when his private Floo activated. He didn't react when purple flames lit up the fireplace instead of the usual green or when those flames spat someone out. The person in the grey robes and white mask sat down opposite. "Report."
Carlstrom dropped his quill and leaned back in his chair. "It's as we thought, Harry Potter is a Horcrux, there is no sign his personality has been affected, but I would hazard a guess it's affecting his magical potential. He is the son of James and Lily Potter after all."
"Continue to monitor the situation. I will alert research and development to begin forming strategies to remove the taint."
As Carlstrom's superior approached the Floo, he called them back. "What if we can't remove the Horcrux?"
"Then we will be forced to dispose of Potter like any other Horcrux, I hope to Merlin there is another way..."
When his fellow Unspeakable had left Carlstrom cursed under his breath. "I hope that too..."
Transfigurations Classroom
Sixth Year Gryffindor/Ravenclaw
First Period
Wednesday, September 4, 1996
Harry, Hermione, Tonks, and Neville were sat waiting the next day when Professor Merula Snyde burst into the classroom, her robes flaring out behind her in a way that reminded Harry of Snape, to a worrying degree.
"Alright, shut up, I'm your new Transfigurations Professor, Merula Snyde. I was and still am the most powerful witch to ever walk into Hogwarts, and yes I went to school with that twit Kanna, that big oaf Carlstrom," a small smile crossed her lips as she said that. "And Haywood."
"These are NEWT level classes, by the time you leave I expect you all to achieve an O, I demand nothing... is there a reason you're giggling Miss Brown?"
Lavender blushed as she replied. "When you were talking about Professor Carlstrom, you smiled, you like him."
Professor Snyde blushed. "I do not!"
"I can understand why he's dishy..." A Ravenclaw witch Harry didn't know declared wistfully.
"Twenty points from both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for disrupting class, now, today we'll be learning the Bird Conjuring Charm. Get out your textbooks so we can discuss the theory before putting it into practice, snap to it!"
Over the sound of bags being opened and textbooks being pulled out, Harry heard Professor Snyde muttering under her breath. "Damn kids, how in Merlin's name did I let her talk me into this..."
Ancient Runes Classroom
Sixth Year Mixed Elective
Second Period
Wednesday, September 18, 1996
Hermione, Daphne, and Susan sat down for class; Professor Babbling was standing at the front of the class with an empty desk sat beside Hermione. The students waited for Babbling to speak when Harry burst in, he looked out of breath as he rushed over to take his seat with Tonks stumbling in behind him. Professor Babbling frowned. "You were almost late for your first class, Mister Potter."
"I know, I'm sorry, I left my book back in my dorm room," Harry quickly replied.
"Hm, ok, don't let it happen again."
"No, Ma'am," Harry replied as he glanced over at Hermione, Daphne, and Susan. "Hi."
"Harry, what are you doing here?"
"I'm sure that discussion can wait until after class," Babbling interjected.
"Yes, Professor, sorry Professor..." Hermione mumbled with her head down.
Gryffindor Lords Suite
Harry barely had time to drop his bag down on a chair before he was spun around by Hermione, who crossed her arms, frowning. "Well?"
Harry grinned. "When I spoke to Flitwick last week about Divinations, he gave me the option to do the course as self-study for NEWTs. I've always hated that class so I asked if I could join Ancient Runes instead."
"But you've never shown any interest in Runes…"
"That's not true, I've always found Runes fascinating, I've just never had the opportunity before now to change my electives."
"If you hated Divination and liked Runes, why did you pick Divination as an elective?" Daphne asked.
Harry sighed and quickly relayed his conversation with Flitwick. "I didn't want to lose Ron as a friend, and if he saw me doing better in class…"
Hermione scowled as she wrapped Harry in a hug. "I so want to hex that sodding oaf…"
"We'll come with you," Daphne replied with Susan nodding enthusiastically beside her.
"There's nothing we can do about it now, let's just focus on ourselves, he's not my friend anymore, I've found a better group of people to hang around with."
Hermione smiled as she pulled back giving Harry a kiss on the lips. "You're right, and just so we're clear we're not angry with you, we're actually quite proud. We were just surprised."
"Really? I couldn't tell." Harry replied with a grin.
"For that, you have to start your homework right now," Hermione retorted.
Harry sighed. "Yes, dear."
Thursday, September 19, 1996
Theodore Nott was walking down the corridor towards the library; it was his free period because he'd had Astronomy the previous night. It was only the third week of term, and he was ready to murder every student and teacher in the castle. The soul transfer ritual had allowed him to outrun death several times, at the cost of several of his relatives. He'd long ago forgotten his original name, not that he cared if he continued living that was all that mattered.
What worried Nott was that his soul was beginning to decay, his stolen bodies wore out quicker each time he switched. Caracatus Nott barely survived fifty years after the soul transfer was complete and his body began to break down after only ten. The only conclusion Nott was able to draw was that Caracatus was a weak wizard, he'd already drawn that conclusion from how his wife treated him. Nott figured that was simply a failing of his personality rather than a fault of his magic, it turned out it was both.
He knew he'd have to seek out a new body soon, and he already had a candidate as Harry Potter had a Nott as an ancestor. Using the son of James and Lily Potter, the mudblood and blood traitor would be sweet revenge, especially as Potter had ruined his plans for ruling Magical Britain, once he'd disposed of the half-blood fool, Riddle.
Nott had been so caught up in his own thoughts that he'd not noticed a man coming up behind him. The first time he noticed was when he felt a wand being pressed into his back. "Walk."
"Where are we going?"
"Second-floor girl's bathroom."
Nott and his assailant walked up to the bathroom and approached the third sink, Nott heard a hiss, and the sink disappeared into the wall as a hole opened. Another hiss and the slide turned into stairs, and two ventured forward but were stopped when they reached a collapsed part of the tunnel. The man snatched Nott's wand from his belt and waved it to vanish the rocks. Finally, they arrived at a door covered in snakes, another hiss and the door opened.
Nott felt the wand dig deeper into his back as he entered the chamber and stopped. Before him was head of a vast dead Basilisk. The man behind him growled. "I'd heard rumours, but I didn't think they were true, but it seems I was incorrect, Potter somehow slew the Basilisk of Slytherin. One day he will pay for this insult."
"Who are you?" Nott demanded spinning around, he felt pale as he stared into the crimson eyes of Tom Riddle. "But you're…"
"I am aware of what I look like, circumstances forced my hand, now, bow before your lord!"
Reluctantly Nott kneeled, kissing the hem of Voldemort's robe. "My Lord, I am honoured to be back in your service."
"I'm sure… Caracatus." Voldemort replied snidely.
"My lord?" Nott answered, trying to sound confused.
"I am aware of your Soul Transfer ritual, but I will not interfere with your continued quest for immortality, in that we are the same. Rise Caracatus, we have much planning to do."
To Be Continued…
I hope this version will be more consistent with the tone of the story and Harry will be written more consistently. This will be shorter because I've thrown out my plans for the last two-thirds of the story.
I apologise if the tone and direction of this story made you uncomfortable, that wasn't my intention. I just let it get away from me.
Also, you'll have to submit Guest reviews if you want to review this chapter, the old reviews still exist.
Thanks for reviewing:
Yaw6113, FinalKingdomHearts, MrKristoffer1994, Reader of Harry Potter, WindbornesWord, Chaos Snow Kitsune, Charlee56, jkarr, Lordlexx, 90, Curran86, bet7368 (x3), Capecodcanal (x2), Cermic, Vanadir.
