So this one gives some insight into the students on the dark side. In small doses anyway.
The fall sunlight came shinning through the window early on the morning of September 1st. Draco Malfoy mumbled a few choice words under his breathe as he pulled himself out from under his blanket. He gathered his clothes and made his way into his bathroom to have a shower before breakfast.
The warm waster cascaded down his back and he felt the tension in his neck dissipating. Today would be the start of his fifth year at Hogwarts. He was troubled by the news. Unfortunately it meant he would need to continue to wear his Slytherin prince mask. With that came all the duties it entailed in addition to his so called friends. They weren't all bad. He didn't mind Theo, Blaise, Pansy, and Daphne. Goyle and Crabbe were rather bothersome and occasionally Pansy got to be too much with her ideals of becoming Lady Malfoy. Honestly, he couldn't believe his parents had ever considered that.
He turned off the water and dried himself with a fluffy blue towel. He pulled his clothes on and adjusted his hair before stepping from the bathroom. Along the walk towards the dining room he contemplated how he would act on the train. He wasn't in a good mood at all and so he needed to come up with a plan as to not anger everyone after losing his own temper.
When he arrived in the dining room he stopped briefly as he realized it was not just his family seated at the long dark wood table. The Dark Lord and most of his inner circle sat beside the Malfoy family. He quickly made his way to his seat after bowing his head slightly towards their lord.
"Good morning Draco." His mother offered from beside his father.
"Mother. Father. Good morning." He replied back as he served himself a cup of coffee.
"Draco. Tell me what you know of Potter at school." Came the sharp command from the head of the table.
"He is nothing but Dumbledores golden boy. He and his friends always trouncing about getting themselves into trouble. Making a mockery of wizards. They're always causing trouble. And they're always getting rewarded for causing trouble." He scoffed haughtily before paling when he realized who he was speaking to in such a manner. "My lord. I apologize. My tone was unnecessary."
"The boy is right Milord. Potter is a brat. He acts just like his no account father James Potter. He barely passes in potions and I understand he scrapes by most classes with sheer luck." Snape drawled from his seat.
The dark haired lord at the head of the table frowned slightly. The food appeared before them and they began to eat once the man at the head of the table started on his meal. He pierced Draco with his gaze and smirked softly when the boy paled again.
"Did you ever ask to be his friend?" He asked curiously.
"I…my lord?" He asked confused.
"Draco was asked to befriend him in their first year as an attempt to get close to him and provide us with a way to bring the boy to you my lord." Lucius answered for his son.
"And tell me Draco did you succeed in that task?" He queried evenly.
"No my lord. Potter declined my hand in favor of the Weasley."
"And did it not occur to you to try again? Or did you decide to despise the boy because of his denial?"
"I did not try again. I was angry and didn't try again. We have become rivals in everything since then." Draco answered slowly.
"I see. And so you decided to become his nemesis in the school and make his life harder? I happen to know he is decent in most of his studies if he doesn't have somebody tormenting him and throwing things into his cauldron when he isn't looking." The elder responded coolly.
At that Snape's head shot up and he watched his lord with a curious expression. Draco paled even further as he became lost as to where the conversation was going. He hadn't realized he would be punished for making Potter's life harder. The brat had been responsible for their lords downfall, surely the man wasn't angry at him.
"You will not be doing such this year Draco. I want for you to offer to be his friend again, all of my followers have been informed the boy is off limits. I intend to bring him to our side. I also have a new plan I am discussing with you all here today. I have taken a job that will last through this school year and potentially the next one. As such everyone already knows I want for them to lay low and focus mainly on recruiting. Draco, you and your friends will befriend the Potter boy. I want to know everything there is to know about the boy."
Draco and several others bowed their head in acknowledgment of what the man said. Maybe now he would have the chance to befriend Potter and not be looked down upon for trying. He had genuinely wanted to be the golden boy's friend but after the rejection he had been ashamed and angry. He doubted Potter would trust him to be his friend but he didn't doubt his lord.
"What job have you taken Milord?" Bellatrix asked excitedly.
"I have decided that I would take a job to help further our cause. You can not know what it is yet because I will be under cover. You may know afterwards or after you figure it out so long as you keep it to yourselves."
"Of course my lord."
Their meal continued in silence until everyone was finished. It was clear they were dismissed after their lord stood and lead Lucius out into the hallway. Draco sighed and made his way towards the hallway to head towards his room. In the hall their lord called for him to follow them.
Lucius and the Dark lord lead the way to Lucius's study. Once inside the dark lord took a seat in one of the chairs and gestured for the Malfoy men to do so as well. Suddenly, a tapping from an owl cane to the window. The crimson eyed man stared at it in slight shock to see that the Weasley girl had also written to the Malfoy lord. The elder Malfoy frowned and went to the window to let the owl in. Draco it seemed also was surprised by the actions also.
"That's the same owl that came to me last night. Why on earth is the Weasley girl writing to you?"
"This isn't from the Weasley girl. It's from Hermione Granger."
The Malfoy patriarch very suddenly went ghostly white and sat himself in his chair. He waved his wand and suddenly a large bottle and a glass of scotch appeared before him. He gulped down the glass and refilled it and started to swallow that one as well before the dark lord cast a spell to stop him.
"That's not Granger's owl. That's Potter's owl." Draco said rather confused.
"What is the matter Lucius?" The dark lord asked sensing the distress of his right hand.
Lucius looked at him and blinked before holding out the letter. Voldemort stood and crossed the room to take the letter. As he scanned through it and read the second piece of parchment he peered back at Lucius.
"Well that is a surprise now isn't it." He said softly.
"What's going on?" Draco asked angrily.
"Young Malfoy, you are not the only young Malfoy."
Draco stared at him confused and then looked between the two men in the study. Did he just say that his father was Hermione Granger's father?
"What?" He asked in a high pitch voice.
"Hermione Granger is your sixth cousin. Her grandmother was Medusa Malfoy. She was a squib who was cast from the line. Not the main line however but still from the Malfoy family. Medusa's father was the youngest son of Typhon and Nora Malfoy. Balarius Malfoy married Desdemonia Nott and they had two sons and two daughters. Their eldest daughter, Edwarlina, was sorted into Gryffindor and became an Auror. Cyril, the eldest son, was also sorted into Gryffindor and became a mercenary and a thief. Their youngest son Cassius was the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. They had one more daughter, Medusa, but she was sent to the muggle world to an orphanage when they discovered she was a squib."
"You're joking father."
"No I wish I were. This means we need to reach out to her and bring her back under the family's wing. She is the Malfoy's responsibility."
"You can teach the girl. Impart upon her your Pureblood knowledge and you can marry her off to another dark family and increase your own standing." The dark lord interjected.
"Father she's impossible. She's a know-it-all and she's unbearable. She somehow manages to beat me in every class. She's always running around with Potter and Weasley."
"You can use her to help tie Potter to our side." Said the dark lord.
Both Malfoy's instantly snapped their attention to the man. Lucius drank deeply from his glass of scotch as he contemplated the meaning of what his master had just said. While it wouldn't be frowned on for him to arrange a marriage between Draco and the girl it would be more beneficial to bring in another family line to increase their fortune. But they would need to pay a dowry on a spouse from another family and gain nothing in exchange beyond the bride and any future heirs. While not related directly, the Greengrass family was another strictly Pureblood line and could cause the potential for a squib or a weak offspring. He remembered how his lord had explained the genetic process and magic to them when they had begun on their quest. It would be more beneficial to their family if Draco were set to marry the girl instead. Both in blood, magic, and monetary ways.
The downside would be that she wasn't a Pureblood. But she was a distant Malfoy and also a Nott descendant. Under their lords policies it would allow them to add in some muggle blood to their line to restore their magic and their blood potency. It would protect their line from issues such as the Black Madness. Lucius watched Draco as his son stared at their lord. He doubted his son would like the idea. It would be his duty as a Malfoy and then he could find a lover to satisfy his needs in that matter.
"Nobody on our side will possibly want to marry that annoying chit." Draco scowled.
"She is Potter's friend, it would tie Potter's loyalty to our side if she were to marry a dark wizard. Somebody will marry her if there is a contract set forth for her. She is intelligent and magically strong. She comes from Malfoy lineage. If there is a contract set forth for her, she would be married, and it would be the duty of her husband to marry and produce an heir with her. After the heir the husband and she both could find lovers to satisfy themselves." Lucius said carefully as he watched his son.
The Dark lord settled his gaze on the young heir in front of him. He knew what Lucius was playing at. He would arrange for the girl and Draco to be married to save himself some money and satisfy the need for new blood in their line. Though it was clear the boy wasn't drawing that conclusion for himself. While he really didn't think it was necessary to have the girl marry into a dark family to secure Harry on their side it couldn't hurt. He had no doubt that the boy hated Dumbledore enough because of the old fool's meddling in his life.
"Indeed. It would be an honor for someone to marry her. She comes from one of the purest lines. She has enough muggle blood that if she mixes in with a strictly pureblood line their offspring would have the potential to rival Potter himself with magical power. Her intelligence wouldn't hurt anything either. I trust you will make the right choice for her Lucius." He said with his steely edge cutting into his voice.
"She could marry Crabbe or Goyle. They're dumb but they come from a Pureblood line. It would certainly take her down a peg to have a husband like that." Draco said nastily.
"She will not marry Crabbe or Goyle. I know who she will marry." Lucius said with his voice full of authority.
Draco seemed to catch his father's tone and looked at the head of the family in slight bewilderment that was unbecoming of a Pureblood heir. It was rather amusing to watch especially from the standpoint that he could enforce the boy beyond what Lucius could. If absolutely necessary he could order the boy to marry the girl. After all like Lucius said he could still take lovers after providing an heir.
"Father?" Draco asked with a slight sheen of sweat breaking on his forehead.
"Yes Draco?" Lucius replied with a barely concealed amusement.
"You can't mean what I think you mean. You don't mean for her to marry me do you? You cannot expect me to marry that mudblood." He spat venomously.
"Of course I do. I expect that you will marry her and produce a heir for the Malfoy line. She comes from the Nott and the Malfoy line. Her blood isn't pure. But with the addition of her muggle blood into our bloodline we can counter any defects like the Black Madness. We can also bring in her new blood and it will increase the magical level of your children. Our lord has researched it vastly. He has commanded that the children of his followers are to marry either a halfblood or a muggleborn with the intent of refreshing our bloodlines. Your child would be a Pureblood because both of you are magical."
"Why can't she marry Potter then father?"
"Potter has been spoken for already by a member of our side. It will serve you well to remember that young Malfoy. You can choose to try and learn about the girl and discover that you aren't so different in an effort to make it a happy marriage or you can choose to continue like you are and make her hate you. The choice is yours as for the state of your marriage. Regardless, I will have your father draw up the contract between the two of you."
Draco bowed to the man as he sensed it would be foolish to push his luck. Nobody dared argue with him without expecting to be tortured in return. The man didn't become the dark lord without reason. He wasn't the most feared wizard in England without reason either.
He pondered the elders words. He didn't see how they were so alike. He didn't see any similarities between the two of them. She was intelligent but also arrogant and defensive. She hated purebloods and didn't understand the way things worked in their world.
"My lord?" Draco asked softly.
"Yes?" The man answered evenly.
"You said we are similar. How?" He asked sincerely.
"She's intelligent. You are intelligent. Except for now when you've decided questioning me is wise. If you were older you would understand what it means to be at the end of my wand. She wants to prove herself. You seek to prove yourself. She is arrogant in her beliefs. You spout off your Pureblood propaganda and strut around threatening everyone with your father. You expect everything to be available to you just like she does but she does it with knowledge. You both have a thirst to be the best. She does it to prove that there is more to her than just being a muggleborn. You do it to prove that you're more than just Lucius' son. She is defensive in her beliefs and you are defensive in yours. You're only opposite in sides of the war and blood status. Should you choose to spout your Pureblood supremes your you would damn our entire community to being little more than crazed animals who can barely command a simple charm. Muggle blood prevents the defects in our line that cause our magic to shrink. It instead seems to bring in new magic. Have you never once wondered why a muggleborn was able to best you magically in every class? She is magically your equal even though you are of pure blood. Her muggle blood allowed the taint of inbreeding to be cancelled out. It strengthens magical cores of those who allow it in their lines in small amounts. If all of this generations Pureblood children reproduce with either half bloods or Muggleborns it would help to purify the bloodlines and then they could go on about their belief of blood supremacy for the next two thousand years until it was needed to bring in more muggle blood. Potter is a pureblood because both of his parents were magical. His mother was a muggleborn. And look at how powerful he is. Your child could possibly rival or outmatch Potter because of muggle blood being added into your line."
Draco stared at him as he tried to comprehend everything the man was saying. Now that it was right in front of his face he understood how they were similar. He had never thought of it before. It wouldn't be unbearable if he could teach her to stop being so defensive and about the Pureblood beliefs on creatures. The biggest issue with purebloods and Muggleborns was a lack of respect for culture. If anyone would like to learn about it he was sure she would. He would do as they asked and try to make it bearable for the two of them. He nodded his head in agreement.
"That's settled then. Lucius, I trust you will draw up the correct paperwork immediately
"Yes my lord. Of course."
"Now, on your our real business here. You will be in command while I am working. If you absolutely need me I expect you to call for me. Otherwise we will have meetings when I call for them, most likely on the weekends. Draco, do you have any idea why I have asked for you to make Potter's school life more bearable?"
"Because you don't want him to hate your future followers so he will become one himself?"
"That is correct. I will also be taking a job at Hogwarts. The old fool didn't suspect a thing when he hired me and so I shall be teaching DADA."
"You're going to be at the school Milord?" Draco gasped.
"Yes. I intend to be able to observe as you and the Potter boy bring followers to our side. What better way than to influence the minds of our young people?" The man answered smugly.
"My lord, that position is cursed. No teacher lasts more than a year and there is always something bad that happens to them." Draco said now fearfully.
"Of course there is my little Slytherin Prince. Who do you think placed the curse to begin with?"
"My lord. I had no idea you placed the curse on the position." Lucius answered.
"I placed it after Dumbledore refused to hire me repeatedly. I assure you the curse is no threat to me. Neither is Dumbledore. I intend to use the time there to also grow close to Potter and convince him to join our side along with his friends. Being there should also allow me to learn secrets from their retched Order." The man stated.
The Malfoy's both stared at him in mild disbelief. It was a plan only their lord would have concocted of course. It was brilliant and risky. Draco knew it was also to keep a close eye on his followers children to bend them to his goals.
"Now, I believe it is close to time for you to depart to King's Cross. I'm sure you will be able to see me tonight at the feast. If you need to speak to me directly about any dark order business I will expect you to find me." The man continued.
The Dark Lord turned and entered the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of floo powder and tossed it at his feet.
"Hogwarts, Brutus' Office."
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, an unbelievable amount of activity was taking place. Dumbledore had decided to call a last minute meeting before the departure for the train. While the members of the order were discussing security detail for the kids heading to the platform Hermione and Ron were screaming at the each other.
"I don't understand how he can be so upset with her. It's not like it's her fault." Ginny whispered softly to Harry.
"Yeah, but you know how Ron can be. It's best if we just give them time to cool down."
"BLIMEY MIONE, HOW CAN YOU SAY ITS NOT THAT BAD!?" Ron shouted at her.
"Because it isn't Ronald! It means I'm not just a mudblood and Draco Malfoy can eat his words!" She spat angrily.
At that Ron turned even redder than he was. His face deepened to a shade that matched his hair. Hermione's wild hair fanned around her in angry waves. Harry and Ginny stared between the two of them. Fred and George sat on the couch having already placed their bets as to how the conversation would go with Ron.
"Why do you care about what that slimy Slytherin thinks?"
"I don't care what Malfoy thinks. I merely would like to see him regret his childish behavior."
"Ron, she has a point. You're going to have to learn to at least be civil with him if you want to join the other side." Harry cut in carefully.
The redhead in question glared at him. "Doesn't mean I have to like him."
"You won't be able to fight with him. If you ever get sent in a mission if your fighting causes the mission to fail Voldemort will punish you. He doesn't allow failure. You'll have to learn to at least work alongside him without causing a fight."
"I won't curse him if he doesn't start it. If he starts it, I'll finish it." Ron said smugly.
Harry sighed. He knew it would be hard for Ron with his hotheaded temper. It would be pointless to argue. Maybe he would realize the first time he met the end of Tom's wand. Or hopefully just the man himself would be enough to scare him.
The sound of footsteps alerted them to the end of the meeting. Harry grabbed his trunk and waved his wand to cast a featherlight charm on it. The Weasley children and Hermione grabbed their trunks, the previous argument temporarily forgotten. Once down stairs they were met by the Weasley matriarch alongside Remus and Sirius.
"Come among children. It is time to go and catch the train." Molly bustled through the door into the parlor where the floo connection was.
She waved them forward and Remus went through the floo with Sirius in his animagus form. They were followed by Hermione. The twins went next followed by Ron and then Harry. Molly and Ginny brought the end of their troop as they disappeared into the green flames.
The train station was a flurry of activity as people bustled to get onto the train. After waving Molly, Sirius, and Remus goodbye Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way to the train to get a compartment. Ginny had already vanished off to find some other fourth years while Fred and George had vanished right after coming through the floo.
Harry led the way down the narrow corridor looking for an empty compartment. He happened to reach it at the same moment as Draco Malfoy.
"Back off Malfoy. We were here first. Go find some snakes to sit with." Ron spat angrily.
Harry turned his gaze to Ron and shook his head. "You can sit with us if you like Draco. There aren't any empty compartments this way."
"Very well Potter. After you. I must speak with Granger anyway." Draco said curtly,
"You'll do nothing of the sort!" Ron shouted.
"Honestly Ronald! I can decide for myself if I want to speak to him or not."
Ron begin turning red again to which Harry quickly cut in. "Ron, why don't you go find Dean and Seamus for a bit. I'll stay with them."
Ron huffed angrily and stomped off mumbling about snakes. Harry turned back to Draco and stepped into the compartment and taking his seat. Hermione sat beside him and Draco took his seat across from them. Draco cast a silencing charm around them and locked the door. He reached into his pocket and withdrew the letter his father had sent back to Hermione under his care.
"This is for you. From my father." He said cautiously.
"He showed you?" Hermione asked.
"Oh he did more than show me. Read it. You may change your mind about ever having wanted to go to Greengotts."
Hermione opened the letter and skimmed through the lines. It didn't surprise her. Lucius as head of the Malfoy family had authority to claim back lost family members and as such he wrote that he was planning to do so. She knew that the Pureblood surname would take precedence over her own. He stated he would write to her parents to inform them and have the necessary paper work brought up. He continued on to write that they would be in touch soon and they had much to discuss.
"He's filing to be my guardian?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yes." He replied.
"What about her parents?" Harry asked confused.
"In the wizarding world, your wizarding family can petition for custody of minor children if they are Muggleborns. Father is petitioning for guardianship in order to be able to teach her about the ways of the purebloods." Draco answered slowly.
"I could fight it if I wanted to. You know that Malfoy." Hermione said evenly.
"You could. But you want to know more. You know that accepting is the easiest way to learn the most about Pureblood society. My father has a lot of political power and he had many connections. There is no guarantee that if you fight it your petition would be heard. We aren't trying to kill you and hurt you. Father wants to teach you. I've learned when father wants something it is easier to follow along." Draco chuckled.
"What about my parents?" Hermione asked softly as she chewed on her lip.
"What about them?" Draco asked with a slight curl of his lip.
"I'll be able to see them?" Hermione asked curiously.
"You will have to speak to father. I'm sure he will have a plan arranged soon." Draco replied.
"Why are you being so polite Draco?" Harry asked.
"I was asked to."
"You mean ordered. The Dark Lord?" Harry questioned further.
"He told us all to stop attempting to make you miserable and to try to get along with you. He didn't order us directly to be friends with you."
"And you always do what you're told?" Harry smirked.
"Shut up Potter. You'll learn soon enough that when the Dark Lord commands something it is done." Draco snarled at him.
They sat quietly for a few moments and Harry took the time to prod his link with Tom. The man gave a mental eye roll before opening his end of the link.
"You poked?" He queried the teen.
"Did you order the Slytherins to get along with me?"
"I merely said I wished for them to make an effort to get along with you. I would like for you to have your own friends on our side. Openly fighting with them will not do." He answered smugly.
"Oh fine. What are you doing?"
"I am getting ready to work. What are you doing?"
"You're a dark lord. You said they don't do work. I'm on the train with Draco and Mione." Harry replied.
"That explains your inquiry. What has the boy disclosed?" Came the drawled reply.
"Just that Lucius wants to get custody of Herm."
"Ah. Do try to be civil. I have to get to work." The man clipped quickly before slamming their link again.
"You were talking to him weren't you?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. He said he was going to work. Probably some meeting or something. Nasty temper that one. I tend not to push." Harry answered with a sigh.
"You can talk to him mentally?" Draco asked incredulously.
"Something to do with my scar. Formed a connection between our minds. We can talk through it. We can also feel each other's emotions." Harry answered.
"That's helpful. He told us you're considering being his ally. He didn't mention you already are."
"We has the chance to talk over the summer. I agreed to hear him out after he was my only company."
"You've gone dark then?" Draco asked his silver eyes glinting in the light.
"I've agreed that I would agree more with the views on the dark side compared to those of the light. Dumbledore made his own grave with his lies." Harry answered sharply.
"I see." Draco said calmly.
The compartment door had a tap against it and Draco quickly canceled his spells. The door opened to show Blaise, Pansy, Theodore Nott, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood standing in the entrance. Luna floated past the others and sat herself daintily in the floor at Harry's feet while Ginny sat beside Hermione. The remaining Slytherins stared at the group inside before Pansy sat as close to Draco as physically possible as Blaise and Theodore sat beside her.
"Potter." Pansy sniffed haughtily.
"Parkinson, Nott, Zabini." Harry nodded at them.
"Luna what are you doing down there? There's a seat beside Ginny." Hermione questioned of the strange girl.
"Yes, but I prefer to sit closest to Harry. Safer from the nargles this way." She replied airily.
The group stared at the blonde girl. Harry shook his head having already been familiar with her antics. The Slytherins seemed out of place and not quite sure what to do with themselves. Ginny and Hermione set themselves to talking about the rest of their house who Ginny had seen.
"Draco. Why were you sitting here with the golden boy and his mudblood?" Pansy questioned with a sneer.
"Do not call her that. I sat here because I needed to sit and all the compartments were full. I had matters I needed to discuss with Potter."
"Our lord asked us to call off any attacks against him Pansy. Surely your father told you that. Potter swapped sides." Theodore said. He held his hand out to Harry. "Call me Ted."
He shot a wink at Ginny. The red headed girl blushed slightly and returned his wink with a smile.
"Blaise." the dark skinned Slytherin offered.
"How do we know you really switched sides Potter?" Pansy asked while narrowing her eyes at him.
In response Harry simply let down some of his magical barrier as Tom had shown him, the man had been rather specific that his magic could now clearly be felt as dark by those who would recognize it. Pansy gasped. Draco smirked at him while the other two stared with wide eyes. Ginny and Hermione both shot Harry looks that demanded explanation.
"Tom taught me. Something to do with my newfound inheritance that caused it. He said it was best to keep it hidden from the old coot for now." Harry shrugged as he reigned his magic back in.
"Is it true? You have creature blood in you? My father said the Dark Lord found out about it." Blaise asked softly.
"Yeah. From my mums side. She came from a family that had it." Harry answered.
"What are you?" Pansy asked.
"That's for me to know and you to maybe find out. If you're nice I might tell you."
"Fine fine. Don't tell us. I'm sure it can't be anything too crazy or Dumbledore wouldn't let him in the school." Ted mused thoughtfully.
"Come on, we are getting close to the school. We need to change into our robes." Draco said from his seat as he stood.
The small group changed into their school robes. The train whistle blew to alert them that they would arrive in another hour. Hermione nudged Harry's arm and looked pointedly at the Slytherins.
"I'm sure I don't have to worry about you guys running to Dumbles?"
"Not a chance of that Potter."
"Like hell we would go to that old fool."
"Dracos more likely going to complain to his father that you've stolen his place in the dark lords ranks. We all know Draco is to be his next right hand. What now that you're there?" Ted joked.
Draco fixed him with an angry glare. Harry laughed softly.
"I don't think there is any worry of that. I don't see that we would have clashing positions in the dark order Ted. I want to get along with you all, I know that it will be hard for us to work together. We are fighting for the same goals now. I'd like it if we could try to be friends." Harry said softly.
Draco nodded softly at him. Pansy seemed happy to badger Draco about his summer. Blaise merely gave him a calculating look before shrugging and turning to talk to Ted. Harry absentmindedly ran his fingers through Luna's hair.
Hermione and Ginny talked more about Ron and the other housemates that she had run into. Dean and Seamus were apparently an item again. At least for the time being. Seamus liked to drink and Dean liked to argue with the boy about the drinking. It had become an awkward and annoying issue in their dorm. Harry watched the Slytherins in front of him as he let himself get lost in his own thoughts.
The rest of the train ride passed in agreeable companionship. As the train pulled into the station at Hogsmead the three Gryffindors, one Ravenclaw, and four Slytherins stood and made their way towards the exit. At the carriages that would take them to the school Harry found himself riding with Pansy, Blaise, Draco, and Ted. The Slytherins obviously wanted to speak to him away from the others.
"What are you playing at Potter?"
"I'm not playing anything. I was shown about your side's beliefs over the summer by the person who would know them best. Voldemort," he smirked at their flinches "asked if I would hear him out since he was my only companion while I was stuck in a coma. So I did. And now I am on your side."
"He has a mind link with the dark lord because of his scar. I don't get it either." Draco cut in.
"You're honestly not planning anything to get us in trouble?" Ted asked.
"No. I support your side. I know I have a lot of enemies in this war but I hope that you won't be one of them."
"If the Dark Lord sees your value we would be foolish to question it. He had his reasons. It will stand until he says otherwise. Friends Potter?" Draco asked as he held out his hand.
Harry reached out and shook the offered hand. "Friends. Call me Harry."
Draco smiled. He would get his wish after all. And perhaps through Harry he would learn how to woo Hermione to his side to please their lord. The rest of the carriage occupants shook hands and once again introduced themselves as friends on a first name basis.
The arrival at the castle was quick. Harry left his small group and made his way over to his own table in the Great Hall. He felt a weird tingling sensation through his link that for some reason had him on edge. Why in Merlins name was Tom so excited? He climbed into his seat alongside Ron and Hermione.
At the head table Dumbledore stood and made his way towards the podium. A hush spread across the crowd as the man took his place in front of the room. Harry inwardly scowled at the man. As he announced that the sorting was about to begin small chatter broke out as he made his way back to his seat.
The doors opened and the first years marched in led by Professor McGonagall. She went through her speech about the houses and how they would be sorted. She made her way up to stand beside the hat and called the names of the students in alphabetical order.
Slytherin gained five new students; Rowland, Baddock, Monroe, Pucey, and McKinnon. Ravenclaw received four new ravens; Rollins, Maddison, Rowle, and Wolfe. Hufflepuff only got three new students; Tracey, Haywood, and Matthews. Gryffindor was able to get six new students; Wallace, Douglass, Towler, Clearwater, York, and Dunbar.
After the newcomers had all taken their seats Harry scanned his eyes across the head table. He didn't recognize the new DADA teacher at all either. He was leaned over talking to Snape. Dumbledore stood to give his regular speech.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I'd like to welcome back those of you who have returned to us and also extend a first time welcome to those who are new to us. On the staff this year I'd like to welcome our new defense against the dark arts professor, Decimus Junius Brutus."
At this the man stood and waved politely to the student body and smiled at the before sitting down again,. Harry's jaw dropped as the man's gaze settled on him with a smirk. He hadn't known the man was planning anything as to that level. He nudged Hermione and whispered to her as he toned out the rest of the speech.
"Uh Mione." Harry shook her shoulder softly.
"What is it Harry?" She asked.
"Mione. I know the new defense teacher." Harry said shakily.
At that she turned and looked at him just as Ginny squeezed into a seat across from him.
"Is he crazy?" She hissed at him.
"I don't know what he's thinking. But he must have a big plan or he wouldn't have risked it."
"What are you two on about?" Hermione asked in a sharp whisper.
"The defense professor. It's him." Harry said.
Hermione turned to stare at him as her eyes widened a fraction.
"Oh my." She said.
"I don't know what he is thinking. But I'm sure we will find out soon enough. He's smart. He wouldn't do it without planning it through first."
The students began to trickle out to to their dormitories. Harry felt a hand on his upper arm as he was walking from the hall. He turned and looked into the disguised teal eyes of the dark lord. The two wizards made their way through the castle on their way to the elder wizards room.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Harry asked softly.
"I wanted to surprise you. And it seems that I did. Do not be angry my little lion. Come in and we can talk away from prying eyes and ears."
They stopped before a portrait of a wizard in 14th century robes. The wizard had golden blonde hair and green eyes. He looked similar to the one from the Gryffindor vault. Harry guessed it was a long distant descendent of the Gryffindor line. As they stepped into the portrait and it swung shut behind them Tom morphed back into his regular appearance.
The rooms were tastefully done. The walls were still the same stone through the rest of the castle, the floors were decorated in plush rugs in a deep emerald green. The couches were a deep brown leather. Shelves and tables were made of a beautiful cherry wood. There was a door that led to a bathroom just across from the entry portrait where Harry could see black marble tile floor. The door into the bedroom sat on the adjacent wall and was closed.
"Are you angry?" Came the voice of the now raven haired man from the bar where there sat a small liquor cabinet.
"No. I'm just surprised. I wish you would have told me. What happens if you get caught?" Harry asked softly.
"As far as the old coot knows, I spent the last 12 years traveling the world as an explorer and a tutor of defense against the dark arts. I was born to a German Pureblood witch who married a muggle historian from Rome. My mother died shortly after giving birth to me. My father, a humble historian stricken with grief killed himself 14 years ago. I was able to attend Durmstrang Institute after my mother had made the appropriate arrangements while pregnant with me. During my seventh year away at school my father killed himself. I graduated and very shortly after set about on a historical and archeological journey. During that time I attended the Euro-Glyph School it Extraordinary Languages in Nairobi. I was hired by Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy along with several other Pureblood elite families to instruct their children when they were younger. I came highly qualified and recommended for the position."
He poured himself a tumbler of his favorite bourbon and brought a glass of butterbeer for Harry. Tom sat at the end of the couch aligning the wall opposite the wall with the door into the bedroom furthest from the door. He sipped a drink from his glass and waved for Harry to sit. Harry shook his head softly and walked over to the couch. He tossed himself rather unceremoniously on the couch.
"It seems like you thought of everything." Harry mused softly.
"I would not put myself in any risk of being caught otherwise. Not that they could ever hope to catch me of course." Tom smirked as he ruffled Harry's hair.
Harry took a long drink from his butterbeer and leaned against the elder wizard.
"What's the matter Harry?" Tom asked gently.
"What if Dumbledore's catches on? How will this work?"
"He will not. If he even begins to I promise you I will take care of it. Now tell me of your train ride. I'm sure the rest wass eventful yesss?"
"You could have told me you wanted them to be nice to me. They weren't that bad. I think they were on edge. They seemed to ease up after a while."
"Hmmm. How are your nightmares? You had one last night."
Harry stiffened beside him. Tom wrapped his arm around the younger wizard and tugged him into his lap.
"When will you underssstand the weight of the world doess not have to live solely on your ssshoulders?" Tom berated the boy gently.
"I can handle it. They're jusssst bad dreamsss." Harry sighed wearily.
"They are more than that and you know it. If you talk to me I can help you. You trust me inssside our minds. Isss it different now because you have developed a crusshhhh on me? I promissse you cannot scare me away. I am ancient as you like to joke, I can handle many thingsss. You'd be surprised if you'd like to unload on me."
"I don't like the way the dreams make me feel. It hurtssss. I feel disgusting. Like I'm nothing more than what they ssssaid—" Harry choked off on the rest of his sentence.
Tom growled deep in his chest and wrapped his other arm tightly against the teen in his lap. He mentally damned those muggles again. Harry wasn't fragile, the multiple meetings on the battlefields of the war had proven that without any doubt. This was tearing the boy apart. He knew what would happen if they didn't work to sort through the emotions soon. With his own attackers he had killed them and it had instantly given him justification and the broken and raw emotions had vanished. He didn't know how far into the dark Harry would come, but he didn't think Harry could be a ruthless killer.
"Harry. Look at me. You are not weak. You are not disgusting. They are disgusssgusting. They wanted to hurt you because you are better than they are. Do not let them ssssucceed my lion. Ussse that Gryffindor bravery and stubbornnesssss to fight them. You mussst live on with your life or you're letting them win. I undersssstand if you don't want to push things further with usssss. I am patient with you. While it is something I would like in time, I am in no russssh now. For now I am happy to hold you and to kissss you."
Harry nodded against the strong chest he was nestled against. He remembered the first night they had realized the major shift in their relationship. They had been in the mindscape after training and Tom had kissed him. The sparks they had felt had been amazing. Their magic flaring in response to the small kiss. In person their magic seemed to feed off each other and charge the room with electricity. He knew enough from reading his family secret folders that the man beside him was his match. An equal from another direct bloodline that would provide the most valuable companionship for him out of anyone. He still worried and didn't want to rush. But he trusted the man to lead their relationship as Harry felt comfortable even if he himself didn't know what he wanted.
Seeing the time on the clock Tom kissed him again before helping him out of his lap. Harry knew it was time for bed before anyone got suspicious. He kissed Tom swiftly and made his way from the room back up to the staircases and up to the Gryffindor tower. Along the way he passed a new door he hadn't seen before and swore to come and investigate it again later. At the portrait of the fat lady he apologized to her about not knowing the password before he was rescued by Fred and George. They told him the password was "bowtruckle" as he passed them to go to the dorm room.
The common room had seemed rather full with everyone talking about their summer. A lot of catching up was going on and he caught Ginnys eye from across the room, The red headed witch smiled at him before he headed up to his dormitory room for the fifth year boys. After quickly showering and putting himself into bed he lowered his shields to Tom. The man sent him a gentle mental caress and a softly whispered "goodnight harry, sleep well" before closing his walls again Harry smiled and fell asleep with a smile tugging on his lips.
I have no idea how i went from 3,000 words in this chapter to 8,000 words in this chapter. i also want to clarify, Draco knows about the marriage contract but Hermione wont for a little while. not under after the christmas holidays i think. ginny is going to be helping harry recruit for Tom after Halloween. Until that point Harry and Tom will work on themselves and some students will learn the loyalty and who the professor is. Tom in my story, is gentle with Harry. and i dont want to use the term mate because i think there is more to them than just innate need to be together. their magic compliments each other. their creature calls out for an equal power level and they both are intellectually able to realize their own feelings. harry will explain yo his friends what happened in a few chapters. ive got major writers block going on for some reason so im going to take a break on writing for the weekend to get back on track come monday. cheers guys!