Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter in any capacity – I am simply borrowing the characters for a bit

The room which the four wizards landed in was small but cozy; Lily's touches could be seen everywhere. However, not one of the current occupants was paying attention to their surroundings. All three of the conscious men was seeming entranced by the masked boy lying on the floor.

Sirius felt as if his heart was simultaneously in his throat and stomach. His little godson, the boy he had not gone a day without thinking of, was lying in the floor in front of him. The dog animagus leaned forward to run his hand through Harry's dark hair, relishing the warmth that only came from someone wonderfully alive. Tears made their way down Sirius's cheeks, uninterrupted by any hands brushing at them. In fact, all three marauders had tears coursing down their faces.

Remus felt the emotions bubbling up in his chest at the reintroduction to the boy he had adopted as his cub, despite not having any blood relation. Suddenly it was all too much for the werewolf, "I-I have to go get Lily."

Remus all but ran from the room; he was usually an extremely level-headed person, and this much shock and emotion and joy and pain was very foreign to him.

Arriving in the kitchen, Remus walked up to the redheaded woman slumped at the table, apparently oblivious to her surroundings. Laying a gentle hand on her shoulder, Remus spoke.

"Lily? We're back."

Said woman's heads snapped up, and immediately she seemed all too aware of the situation.

"Where? Upstairs?" She was already dashing to the stairs, not waiting for a reply. Remus hesitantly followed, giving in to the need to be near his long lost 'nephew' once more.

The door creaked open under Lily's palm. She stepped into the room, emotions so high she felt emotionless. There. On the floor. Her baby.

Lily fell to her knees next to the boy she had spent more time mourning than raising. Her head fell to his chest, content to listen to the heartbeat that was supposed to be long silent. Everything else disappeared, and Lily cried.

Watching his wife there on the floor with his son, James felt that nothing in the world mattered. Voldemort, Hogwarts, the Ministry, it all disappeared. As Sirius had done, James carded his hand through the dark hair, so like his own.

Lily sat up a few minutes later, "We need to wake him up. He could be injured, or imperioed, and why in Merlin's name is he still wearing a mask?"

"Couldn't get it off," Sirius spoke up, "He's charmed it to himself."

Sirius continued, "Remus has gone to get Dumbledore from Hogwarts, they'll be back soon, then we can safely wake him up. Moody's downstairs."

Lily nodded and backed up from her son. James and Sirius walked forward together and settled Harry onto the bed. The three of them then waited for the floo to flare green.

It turned out they needn't wait long - hardly a minute had passed when Dumbledore and Remus came through the fireplace, calling Moody up in the process.

Lily quickly ran some diagnostic charms on the boy and finding nothing too serious (a few potions and Harry would be perfect), the six adults stepped back from the bed.

"Rennervate."

No one was expecting Harry to be almost immediately aware – a product of his training. He rolled instantly to his feet and took a defensive position. He didn't make any further moves, though.

Harry stood, facing his captors, ready to defend himself if they tried anything (though he doubted they would). He knew his father knew he was captured, and they had a well-thought-out plan for this. He needed to remain calm and not do anything to cause him any further trouble.

"Harry?" Lily broke the silence.

His gaze was diverted to the woman, face remaining impassive, with a hint of anger bubbling under the surface.

"H-Harry?" She spoke again, more uncertain this time, "I- could you remove your mask?"

Slowly reaching up, knowing it could do no harm, Harry pulled the elegant piece of silver from his visage.

Even though everyone in the room had already seen Harry's face in the memory, an air of shock traveled through the gathered adults. It was so strange, the more they looked, though. Gazes were flicking between James, Lily, and Harry.

Where James and Lily's features were rounded and soft, Harry's were higher, more aristocratic. Hair that had seemed identical to James's a moment ago now looked thicker and more styled; a look James could never, ever achieve. These features, unnoticeable in the harsh lighting of the Lumos from the memory, now stood out in harsh relief.

Dumbledore suddenly started as he placed where he had seen those subtle features before.

"Tom blood adopted you, didn't he, my boy."

The marauders and Lily gasped harshly at those words, but Harry payed them no mind, "Of course, you can't honestly have expected him to raise a son that wasn't even related to him."

"You're not his son, you're ours!" James took a step closer to Harry, unwilling to accept his words.

"I stopped being your son the moment you abandoned me to that hell."

"No, no, Harry, you have to understand, we needed to protect you, he- he was after you, and you had to be safe," Lily was desperate to pull herself together and convince her son of the truth.

"Well you certainly did a bang-up job of that, now didn't you."

"Son, you've got to understand, we only ever did what we thought would keep you safe, even if that wasn't with us."

Harry slowly turned to James, "You can spin whatever tales you want to me but know this – I am not your son. I never will be."

With that, Harry walked into the en suite he had located as soon as he woke up as his way out of a conversation such as this.

The six adults, knowing when to step back, walked quietly from the room.

"He was not under any curses, imperius or otherwise," Dumbledore revealed as they walked, "I trust all weapons have been removed from his person?"

"Of course," Moody replied easily.

"Then all we can do is wait. He'll come around," Lily confidently looped her arm around James's, "Now he's here with us we'll never let him go again."

Leo's eyes were trained on the Weasley's fireplace, his attention never once being diverted, even by the loud game of exploding snap his friends were passing the time with.

"You know, mate, the time will go quicker if you distract yourself," Ron offered helpfully.

"I know, I know. I just can't concentrate in anything else right now," Leo said, still not turning from the fireplace, "He could be at Grimmauld right now. My brother could be just a short floo ride away."

Hermione came up and sat next to him, "And you'll see him soon. Here, I brought you some snacks."

Hermione had always acted somewhat motherly towards Leo, no matter how many times he tried to tell her that his actual mother was usually at school with them. Secretly, Leo appreciated that his older friends looked out for him – not that he'd ever tell them that. With a flash of hope, the hazel-eyed boy wondered if Harry would take up that role, now.

"What do you think he'll be like?" Leo finally turned towards his friends, interested in their thoughts.

They suddenly looked rather uncomfortable, no doubt considering how Harry's upbringing may have affected him.

"Erm, probably powerful, magically, you know," Ron mumbled, searching for a good but realistic trait.

"I'm sure he's very smart," Hermione offered.

"Oh yeah-"

"Brilliant, I'm sure," The twins chimed in.

"He'll look like Mr. Potter, right?" Ginny said.

No reply was given, because at that moment the floo lit up green – it was time for Leo to go to Grimmauld Place.

He called a goodbye to the Weasleys and darted into the emerald fire without another thought, being swept away to the kitchen of the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

The kitchen was cozy, with a kettle heating on the stove and the Potters (sans Harry), Remus, Sirius, and Dumbledore seated around the table. There was an untouched plate of biscuits in the center of the table, but no one was interested in food at the moment.

"So, how is he?"

"Oh he's just fine, healthy," Lily said, a spark of happiness dancing in her green eyes.

"Can I see him?"

"Well, son, you see he's rather upset at the moment. He hasn't settled in yet," James tried to dissuade Leo.

"But he's my brother! I have to see him," Leo refused to give up so easily, "I don't care if he's a little upset. I've waited my whole life to meet him."

"We know, sweetheart, but now's really not the right moment."

Dumbledore chose that moment to speak up, "Harry's been raised and adopted by Voldemort. He does not see you as his family yet," his eyes twinkled, "however, I think a visit from his brother tomorrow may help to speed the process."

Leo's eyes lit up with excitement, "Really?"

"I suppose if we're all with you… it couldn't really hurt," Lily agreed.

"Yes!"

Harry rolled onto his side and squinted into the early October light from the window. Pushing himself up into a sitting position he performed a quick stock of his position.

All his weapons had been removed by the aurors, but he was still able to cast wandlessly. Not that he would be trying to escape just yet – he had information and trust to gather.

Arsinoe lay at the foot of his bed; he had removed her from her armored pocket late last night, and no one in the order knew of her existence. He wanted to keep it that way, after all, there was no telling what light wizards would do at the sight of a potentially lethal snake.

Harry had no clean robes to change into, not that he would want to trade in his finery for the Potter's options. He wore classy and fitted black robes, accented by sterling silver clasps and expensive dragon hide boots. Perfect for fighting.

Harry definitely regretted that he had not been able to say anything in parting with Bella or anyone else, especially his father. Not one to allow regrets to consume him, though, Harry shook himself and prepared for what would no doubt be a taxing day.

He had just finished coiling a drowsy Arsinoe around his neck under his robes when a knock sounded at the door.

The person, giving up on receiving an answer after a few minutes slowly opened the door. Harry was sitting on the edge of his bed, staring blankly as Lily came in carrying a tray of breakfast foods.

"I thought you might like some food," the redhead said cautiously.

Harry raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"I'll just, um, set it here," Lily said awkwardly, "Is there anything you need? Something in particular you'd like to do today"

He shot her a disbelieving look and said, "I'd love to take a long walk. Maybe all the way back home."

"I don't- I know you're feeling upset at us right now, and with good reason, but you've got to see that that was not your home."

Harry scoffed, "Upset, yeah. Thanks ever so much for the food."

Saddened by the obvious dismissal, and not wanting to push her son further away, Lily slipped from the room.

Alone once more, Harry loosened the neck of his robes and allowed Arsinoe to slither forward.

"Take what you like," Harry hissed, gesturing to the full plate, "I'm just going to have the fruit."

Arsinoe hissed her appreciation and set upon the bacon with greed.

"I'll have to figure out a way to get you an opportunity to hunt. Maybe the back wards extend far enough for some exercise?"

"I'm sure something will work out, master." The snake's head perked up, "Now I sense life on the stairs, shall I hide?"

Harry nodded quickly, helping the snake back into her hiding place just as the door was knocked upon once again.

James was the first up the stairs and stood by the door waiting for his wife and younger son to reach him before he knocked. He nervously ran his hand through his hair, anxious about how Harry would receive his brother.

Lily and Leo reached the top of the stairs and James stretched out his fist, rapping it softly against the door.

There was no sound from inside the room for a moment before shuffling neared the door and it was thrown open by a stony-faced Harry.

"What?" he said coldly, already turning back towards his bed.

"Harry," Lily began tentatively, "we have someone we'd like you to meet."

Leo walked forward at that moment, unable to contain his eagerness anymore, "Hi! I'm Leo," the hazel-eyed boy grinned brightly.

Harry's expression did not alter, and he hardly spared a half-second's glance at the boy. He didn't like the fact that now another Potter was going to constantly pester him for attention which he was unwilling to give. The only problem was that this boy was innocent, naïve, and utterly uninvolved in anything that had to do with Harry, so he could hold no hatred for the younger boy.

Harry settled on simply ignoring him.

Unfortunately for the Riddle heir, however, Leo was utterly undeterred by his older brother's lack of enthusiasm.

"I'm thirteen, and I'm on the quidditch team. Do you play quidditch? We could practice together, or-"

"Was there anything else or was the brat's introduction it?" Harry addressed the Potter couple and ignoring the indignant splutters of the thirteen-year-old.

"We did hope to spend some time together, getting to know each other, it's been so long," Lily replied hopefully.

"Wonder whose fault that is," Harry muttered under his breath. He wanted nothing more than to wandlessly hex the life out of the couple standing before him, but he knew there were bigger things at stake, and the plan must take priority over his dreams of revenge.

Pulling his emotions behind his strongest occlumency shields Harry steeled himself for the long weeks to come.

Lily and James sat together on the beige sofa, gesturing to Leo to take a seat as well. Harry, deciding to see what he could gather from this interaction, sat on the cushioned chair in the corner, easily adopting a comfortable yet regal air.

Lily picked at the skin around her thumb nail, taking a deep breath, "We've been, um, discussing the possibility of you coming with us to Hogwarts, since Leo and I have to go back soon. We didn't want to leave you here alone."

Harry smirked internally, being held at Hogwarts would make his job exponentially easier. As long as the Potters kept him close, he would be able to watch and learn from them and Dumbledore, as well as come to headquarters for Order meetings.

One aristocratic eyebrow arched on Harry's face, "And…" he drawled in a way that would make Draco proud.

"Well, it would mean you could take classes, and have a real school experience," Lily looked altogether too optimistic at this thought.

"What makes you think I haven't already learned everything they have to offer at Hogwarts?" Harry smirked.

James, chuckled as though he had just told the joke of the century, "No way, it's not possible to learn everything, even your mother couldn't take every class."

Harry bristled at the reference to Lily but chose not to comment. Instead, he simple rose his other eyebrow in challenge and remained stoically silent.

"How much education have you received? Do you favor any particular subject?" Lily tried to get the conversation going once more.

"Enough. And I'm rather partial to potions, though Fa- my instructor would say offensive magic is more my forte," Harry cursed himself at his near slip, he needed to imbue trust into these people, and referring to his father as such would only set back the process. He knew that that particular moniker would be best reserved as a weapon in specific circumstances.

Leo took this opportunity to jump in, "Offensive magic? Like defense against the Dark Arts? I'm really good at that too!" The boy's chest puffed with pride.

Harry didn't bother turning to face the younger boy, "Sure, if you removed the 'defense against'," he sneered.

Leo looked perplexed for a moment, then seemed to remember exactly how his older brother had been raised.

James, too, ran a hand through his hair nervously, "Well I'm sure we can find some good potions lessons for you at least."

"I'm thrilled."

"I'm glad to hear that, my boy," the four occupants turned as Dumbledore's voice sounded from the doorway.

Harry immediately stiffened at the increased threat potential, and he felt Arsinoe stir from within her hiding place.

"I see you are already discussing Harry's impending movement to Hogwarts," the headmaster's eyes twinkled, "Alastor and I were just working out the details this morning, and we believe the last week in October would be an agreeable transition period."

"Why, that's only a week and a half away, and we still have to buy robes and books, not to mention his schedule," Lily spoke up.

"Not to worry, my dear. We'll do all that by mail, and in the meantime, Harry can settle into his family."

The anger Harry had been keeping tight under wraps roiled at that statement, and it took all his occlumency skills to prevent an all-out duel with the Headmaster.

Dumbledore clapped his hands together, "We can discuss the details later! For now I shall just let you catch up as a family," with that the aged man turned and swept from the room, fuchsia robes swirling in a sickening candy-like pattern.

A headache began to bloom at the emotional strain this conversation had put Harry under. He scowled, not going unnoticed by his 'parents'.

"Was there anything you wanted for lunch? I can bring up food, or you could come down," Lily looked hopeful as she rose to leave.

"No," Harry's patience for these people was worn out, and he had no motivation to share a meal with them.

Lily nodded, sad but unsurprised, and led her husband and son from the room.

Finally, Harry was left to go over his plans in peace. Falling back into his relaxed position on the chair – one he often assumed when discussing policy with Voldemort – He loosened his robes to free Arsinoe.

The snake hissed in agitation, no doubt picking up on Harry's annoyance, and slithered to a far corner of the room.

Harry massaged his temples and recalled what he and his father had determined was the best course of action in this situation. He knew that he had to create a perfect illusion of resentment and distrust to start (not a difficult feat), and transition into someone the Order wouldn't suspect of lingering loyalty to the dark, therefore opening up his route to gathering info.

This would be no easy task, but he would manage. Hogwarts would be both a blessing and a curse, what with having to deal with his Slytherin comrades quietly so as not to blow anyone's cover. However, the castle would also provide an easy way to spy on all the right people, and plenty of ways to eventually escape.

That posed another problem. Harry would need to communicate with his father when it was time for him to be broken out of his confinement, and then execute a no doubt difficult escape plan.

Harry sighed; it would be a difficult few weeks to be certain.

Bellatrix cursed the practice dummy with unbridled fury. She had been informed last evening of Harry's capture, and had been positively fuming ever since.

That boy would be the death of her, and she would be the death of all those imbecilic Order members. Harry was hers, not that Potter girl's. She had given him up long ago, and it was Bella who had raised him, tended to his injuries, soothed the damage done by those muggles.

Bella threw another neon yellow curse towards the far wall, snarling as it blasted the dummy apart. A hand wrapped around her wrist, and she pivoted, coming face to face with her husband, Rudolphus.

"You've been in here for hours," He stated.

"So? I can do as I please."

Rudolphus stared at her, "You're too much like Harry."

Bella grinned, extracting herself from his grip. "As it should be. And don't pretend you haven't had your own hand in his personality."

Rudolphus smirked, turning to leave the room, "We have to meet with our lord. Anger won't do anything to rectify the situation. The sooner we formulate a plan, the sooner we can bring the boy home."

"And the sooner the Dark Lord can stop cursing every recruit in sight," Bella said, twirling past him and out to the meeting room.

Everyone in the manor was acutely affected by the absence of the snarky, sarcastic prince, and no one would be truly happy until he was returned to them. Yes, the following weeks would certainly be quite difficult.

AN: Sorry for the longer wait for this chapter – the next few will probably take a while, too, though, what with the holidays and semester exams. Thanks for reading! Please please leave me a review!