Chapter X: The Amulet of Time

Harry awoke earlier than he usually did the following morning, feeling refreshed and energetic. He was still riding the high from the previous nights success in Occlumency, and decided he'd prepare some more Oxalis tea – something he was becoming very fond of drinking. He washed and dressed quickly before trotting down the stairs in unusually high spirits.

Rounding the corner into the kitchen, Harry stopped short; to his utter surprise and complete horror, Lucius Malfoy was sitting at the table, drinking tea and leafing through the Daily Prophet. Harry felt his blood run cold as Lucius' pale eyes met his – where was Snape? Better yet, why did Harry let the man confiscate his wand?

"Well, well...I didn't know Severus entertained guests." Lucius drawled, folding up the newspaper slowly. "Who are you?"

Harry felt like a deer caught in a pair of headlights; he stared wide eyed and slack jawed, his voice suddenly lost to him. He could make a run for it – it wasn't that far to the front door. But would he make it time to avoid a nasty hex from Malfoy senior? Although every brain cell he had was screaming at him to do something, he didn't react. Something wasn't right. By all accounts it looked as if Lucius didn't recognise him.

"Are you deaf or just simply dumb?" the older man asked, irritation thick in his voice. His eyes raked up and down Harry's crumpled clothing in disgust.

"Believe me Lucius, the boy is an idiot." Harry whipped his head around so fast he nearly got whiplash. Once again partial relief flooded through his body at the sight of Severus Snape, although the nail-biting anxiety soon made itself known again.

"That would explain the gormless look on his face." Lucius replied snidely.

"I thought I had made it quite clear that I do not appreciate you dropping by unannounced." Snape continued, a look of disdain on his face. He moved round to the other side of the table to where he usually sat.

"Yes, well..." Lucius trailed off, glancing at Harry uncertainly.

"We can talk after breakfast in my study." Snape ascertained that whatever had brought Lucius to his home was something that could not be discussed in front of the boy. Snape glared at the side of his unwanted guests head, and then swivelled his cold stare to Harry.

Idiot boy – the sooner he escapes Lucius' presence the better. He sneered at the bemused look Harry wore, his eyes betraying his nervousness. But Severus saw something else in there too – a spark of anger at being forced to play nice with Malfoy. He has the subtly of a brick! Typical Gryffindor. Snape had to get them separated, he knew Harry would inadvertently let something slip which would alert Malfoy that something was amiss.

"Will you not introduce us?" Lucius slyly asked. He was puzzled by the young man who resembled Severus, but something was off about him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but Lucius always trusted his gut instinct, and right now it was telling him that the young man before him would prove to be very interesting.

Harry himself wasn't too sure what was going on, but he finally surmised that Malfoy really didn't know who he was. Snape must have changed how I look somehow. Harry thought to himself, although when would his professor have time to do that? He had been awake for at least twenty minutes, and had been in the kitchen long before Snape had arrived.

"Lucius, this is my nephew Septimus Amos. Septimus, this is a colleague of mine, Lucius Malfoy." there was a warning glint in Snape's eyes as he introduced the two to each other. Lucius eyed Harry for a moment as if deciding on what he wanted to do before offering his hand.

Harry almost laughed in the man's face – as if he would ever shake hands with him! Vivid memories of the Department of Mysteries flashed before his minds eye and for a moment, Harry felt the urge to punch the man standing before him. However, with Snape's threatening presence looming over him, he supposed he had no choice but to go along with whatever bizarre game was taking place.

"Nice to meet you." Harry croaked, sticking his hand out limply. Lucius grasped it a little too tightly, once again staring hard at Harry.

"Come now Severus, surely we have moved past the term 'colleagues'." Malfoy purred. Harry pulled away from the handshake forcefully, resisting the childish urge to wipe his hand on his shirt. Breakfast appeared on the table courtesy of Winky, which proved a welcome distraction from the slightly tense atmosphere for the three men.

Lucius suddenly caught Harry's chin with his hand. Harry could see Snape flinch and reach for his wand, his hand hovering over it. "Funny, but I could have sworn we've met before." Lucius' eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second before he eventually relaxed. "No matter." he sat down again in his chair, although his eyes had not once left Harry's. Snape sent him another warning glance and Harry stared back defiantly before sitting down as far away from Lucius as he could manage.

They ate in silence, with every mouthful tasting like cardboard to Harry. He could hardly breath, terrified that one stray breath would alert the man to his real identity. Not that I would care. Harry thought gleefully, it would give him a reason to fight Malfoy at any rate. But what on earth was the man doing here? Harry couldn't wait for them to have their little 'chat' in Snape's study – he'd make sure he was there to hear every single word of it.

No one will be keeping me in the dark this time. He thought viscously to himself.

"So tell me Septimus," Lucius suddenly spoke, "what brings you to Severus' home this summer? Surely there are other places you'd wish to spend the holidays?" Lucius certainly sounded bored at the prospect of conversation with Harry, so why was he bothering with the small talk?

"My sister has taken ill and had no choice but to leave the boy with me." the lie flowed from Snape's lips easily, disturbing Harry with how skilful he was at it. If Harry had been a stranger, he would have believed him straight away, none the wiser to the deceit. He watched anxiously as Lucius finished his mouthful – would he believe Snape? Somehow Harry doubted that the Death Eater could be easily fooled.

"I was not aware that you had a sister." Malfoy replied coolly, dabbing at his lips with a napkin.

"We are estranged."

"I see." Lucius nodded, although he still seemed dangerously curious about Snape's new ward. Snape's clipped responses had only piqued his curiosity more. He had learned over the years that the less forthcoming about something Snape was, the more it paid off in the long term to have an interest in whatever it was. Lucius returned to eating, a small smirk gracing his lips. It seemed that his overnight visit would prove to be somewhat interesting after all.

Harry meanwhile was studying Lucius' appearance, satisfied that he looked like someone who had gone through hell; where once stood a Pureblooded aristocrat Harry now saw an undernourished Azkaban escapee.

The man's long and usually silky hair was dishevelled like a rats nest, although you could plainly see that he had tried to smooth it down. His jaw was covered in stubble and he had dark rings under his eyes from lack of sleep. He certainly appeared ten years older than when Harry had last seen him. Even his clothes looked slightly dishevelled, although they still screamed expensiveness. They hung off of his slim frame unflatteringly – clearly the man had been starved of proper food.

One thing that hadn't changed about Lucius Malfoy was the way he held himself' though; even now as a prison escapee hiding in someone's home, he held himself with the same easy confidence as he did when posturing about as a close aide to the Minister of Magic.

"Don't you have homework to do?" Snape suddenly barked.

"Yes sir." Harry was grateful for an excuse to leave the kitchen. He hurried out from the room, throwing one last wary look over his shoulder at Lucius.

Snape could only thank his lucky stars for small mercies. That made twice in one week now that people thought they could just turn up unannounced a his home! At least Minerva had had the decency to knock on the front door, Lucius however had just Floo'd himself in and made himself at home with a cup of tea!

It took a lot to shake Snape's nerve, but to hear Lucius Malfoy questioning Potter had nearly sent him into heart failure as he'd come down the stairs. He wasn't Dumbledore's most valued spy for no reason though. He'd taken a moment to comport himself before entering the kitchen and smoothly interjecting himself into the conversation, saving the brat from opening his big mouth and causing them both a world of trouble.

"Shall we retire to your study, Severus? We have much to discuss," Lucius drawled. Snape scowled but nodded reluctantly; he loathed how Lucius conducted himself, as if he constantly knew something that you didn't, and if he took pity on you then maybe he'd let you in on the secret.

Snape lead the way up the stairs, casting a suspicious look at the spare bedroom's closed door; if he knew Potter (which unfortunately he did), the brat was doing anything but his homework. Snape bet that he had his ear pressed up against the door, desperately waiting for the chance to eavesdrop.

Snape shut the door and warded the room with a simple charm to keep their conversation private. Sitting down in an armchair near Lucius, he crossed his arms and indicated for the other man to explain himself.

"Not even going to offer me a drink? My, no wonder you never have guests round, you'd make a terrible host." Lucius mocked.

"Dispense with the idle chatter and get to the point, Lucius." Snape snapped, although he did pour them both a measure of whiskey. Lucius took a sip, enjoying how irritated the Potions Master was becoming.

"It will take some time to reinstate myself into society, and to get into the Dark Lord's good graces again." He paused and sipped his drink. "I will be returning home tomorrow evening, once the appropriate measures are in place."

"So you chose my home as your over-night sanctuary? I'm touched." Severus replied sarcastically.

"It was either you or Crabbe." Lucius shuddered at the thought of spending time with that great oaf. At least he could have an intelligent conversation with Snape, no matter how irritable the man's disposition.

Snape scowled but held his tongue; he couldn't risk throwing Lucius out without rousing the man's suspicion – he was already certain that the man hadn't completely believed his lie earlier in the kitchen either. Lucius Malfoy was no fool.

"Very well." Severus finally acquiesced, "You may make use of the other spare bedroom."

"The Dark Lord is certain to make a move against Dumbledore and the boy soon. Now that Potter has lost the protection offered by the blood wards -"

"Has the Dark Lord made plans already?" Snape asked, hiding his alarm. If Voldemort was making plans to move against Dumbledore and the boy and he weren't aware of it...

"Don't look so worried Severus," Lucius teased, "the Dark Lord has not shared his plans with any of us yet. But it is inevitable given the boys vulnerability no? I for one am pleased that my family and I are on the winning side of this war. Us Malfoy's have always..." as Lucius prattled on about his Pureblood heritage, a thought entered Snape's head; it was as clear day (and always had been) that Lucius looked out for himself and his family first, no questions asked. Perhaps that could be used to his advantage? This was definitely an idea worth looking into and discussing with Albus.

"How did you manage to get out of Azkaban?" Snape asked, once Malfoy had tired himself out with his preening.

"The Malfoy name still holds some sway – although it took far too long to get out of that hellhole! Can you imagine? Such a pity the way the Wizarding World is going. I remember when Pureblood's were actually respected in society." he spat, his cheeks colouring. "Just look at the state of my clothes they returned to me! Not even allowed a shave or a moment of dignity." Snape's lips twitched, dying to curl into a malicious grin at the other man's misfortune, but of course he never let it show.

"It is indeed a shame." he replied in a monotone, bored of the conversation.

"I cannot believe that after all these years I had no idea that you had a sister." Snape sighed internally – he knew Lucius would bring up the boy again. Damn him and his sharp mind.

"Yes, I'm surprised that it hadn't come up in one of our many frivolous conversations." Snape quipped sarcastically. "Now if you are quite done taking up my time, I have potions to brew."

The two men exited the study, with Lucius making his way towards the spare bedroom. He had already stayed there once before, although that time it had been an exceedingly dull two days with nothing of interest happening.

Snape waited until Lucius' door clicked shut before sweeping into Harry's room without knocking, a hard look on his face. Harry jumped up, his eyes blazing just as fiercely.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Harry demanded, lowering his voice half way through his sentence. Snape cast a quick privacy spell before sending a dark glare at him.

"Idiot boy! Keep your voice down! Have you no sense of self preservation?" Snape paced the length of the room before coming to a stop in front of Harry.

"What did you do to my face?" Harry rudely asked. Once he had realised that eavesdropping on the two men was impossible, he had reluctantly gone into the bathroom to take a look at himself. The face staring back him looked familiar yet completely alien at the same time; his cheekbones were higher and sharper, and his nose had grown very long and stuck out far more than it had before with – Merlin forbid! - a very Snape-esque hook at the end. Horrified, Harry had grabbed handfuls of his hair which had grown at least two inches in length and hung flat on his head.

All in all, he looked like Snape's son! At least his eyes had remained the same vivid shade of green they always had. Harry was also pleased to note that his scar had disappeared, although he could still feel it if he felt around with his fingers.

If you stare hard enough, you can definitely tell it's still me though. He thought to himself, prodding his face in the mirror. He'd have to be careful with Malfoy around.

Snape brandished his wand and Harry flinched, falling back onto the bed expecting to be hexed. Instead, he found himself unable to make any noise. He gestured indignantly at Snape to restore his voice, but Snape simply crossed his arms, a smug look on his face.

"I will give you back your ability to speak once I am certain you won't inundate me with questions." Snape took a moment to really look at a Harry, a disturbed look on his face. "It seems that Lucius will be staying the night before going back to his home tomorrow evening." Harry started to speak before frowning and pointing at his throat.

"How did he escape Azkaban?" Harry asked.

"It seems that the Malfoy name still has some weight behind it. I do not know the full extent of how he got out, and nor do I care. All you need to concern yourself with Mr Potter is staying out of his way and keeping your head down." Snape said sternly. Harry rolled his eyes and nodded, he wasn't stupid! He wasn't going to go and seek out the man for a friendly chat over a cuppa.

"I can't believe he's just...out." Harry mumbled, eyebrows knitted together. "And what did you do to my face?"

"Both myself and the Headmaster have taken several precautions with you being here. If someone other than myself, Professor Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall were to enter the house, they would see your altered appearance."

"How come I can see it and you can too then? It's like its become permanent." Harry asked, feeling his elongated nose again.

"This charm is more advanced than the basic version. It is an extra measure undertaken to ensure your safety." Snape was feeling decidedly uncomfortable being in Harry's presence. When Severus had been at Hogwarts, he had daydreamed (rather foolishly) of what a future with Lily Evans looked like. He had imagined them perhaps one day having a family, and he would have a son to call his own. Harry's face tinged with Snape's features brought up strange, painful feelings that Snape was adamant he would not acknowledge.

"Sir, what about my Occlumency lessons?" Harry asked. He had actually been looking forward to that nights session, now that they knew a way for him to defend himself mentally.

"It will have to be postponed until Lucius is gone." Snape turned to leave after sending Harry a strange, almost lingering look. Harry felt disturbed by his Professor's demeanour during their conversation, he was clearly in a queer mood. Well, Harry couldn't blame him, he was on edge too knowing that Malfoy was in the room next to him.

XXXXX

The rest of the day passed easily enough; Harry kept to himself in his room for most of it, finishing off some of his homework and flipping through his photo album. He had read Quidditch Through the Ages so often over the past few years that it held little interest for him any more.

I really need to get some more books...or better yet some Exploding Snap cards and a new cage for Hedwig. Harry sighed again, making a mental note to ask Snape if he could go to Hogsmeade early to get his things.

"Stay in your room Potter, keep your head down Potter." Harry mimicked bitterly. He was bored out of his mind, and if he wrote another line he was certain his hand would fall off. He stood up suddenly, deciding that he needed to get out of the house. He reached for his Hogwarts cloak before pausing. Knowing his luck he'd be spotted by Malfoy and then he'd have to answer a load of awkward questions. Grabbing his favourite hoodie (the only thing of Dudley's that actually fit him), Harry peaked his head out of the door.

It was silent in the house, so Harry ventured out, confident that Lucius was in his own room. He guessed that Snape was brewing in his lab, so that left Harry free reign of the beach front below.

He settled down against the cliff edge where he had once sat before, shivering lightly in the cold sea breeze. Harry had been thinking about what he was going to do with his life, now that he no longer had the Dursley's to return to. He only had to wait until he was seventeen and then he'd be an adult in the Wizarding World – but that didn't really matter, since he wasn't sure if he wanted to live in the Wizarding World or instead have a Muggle home. If it were the latter, he'd need to wait two years until he was eighteen instead.

Where would he stay after this? Whilst there was no doubt in his mind that the Weasley's would gladly take him until he could find his own place, the idea didn't appeal to him. Especially with their limited financial capabilities, Harry didn't want to once again become a burden to someone. And although the chaos of the Weasley house was great fun, Harry also greatly valued his solitude – something he didn't think he would find much of there.

At least I won't have to come back here. He thought, standing up to get rid of a cramp in his leg. He picked up a stone and threw it into the sea, the familiar feeling of hopelessness and loneliness creeping up on him.

"Hello Septimus." startled, Harry stiffened as Lucius approached him from the little winding path that lead down to the beach front. He was wrapped in a thick cloak with the Malfoy family crest emblazoned on the front. He strolled almost leisurely towards the young man, eyeing him curiously.

"Er, I think I'd better get back to my homework -" Harry barely took one step before Malfoy's infamous cane blocked his path, nearly winding him with the force of it.

"Don't worry," Lucius murmured conspiratorially, "Severus is still cooped up in his lab. Let us enjoy the fresh air together." Harry swallowed but obeyed nonetheless, turning to gaze out at the choppy sea. He felt vaguely sick at standing so close to the Death Eater, but he hoped his discomfort didn't show.

The silence dragged on for what seemed like eternity, until Harry finally had enough and plucked up the courage to speak.

"How did you manage to get out of Azkaban? I've heard it's impossible to escape." Harry tried to sound as casual as possible, keeping his eyes forwards. He wasn't sure if Malfoy was a Leglimens, so it was better not to risk it.

"Foolish boy – have you not heard of the Malfoy name before? I didn't escape Azkaban." he wrinkled his nose in distaste, as if the very idea of 'escaping' was beneath him.

"Of course I've heard of the Malfoy's before," Harry rushed to say, "but my mum and I live in America so...I'm not too update on what's happening over here." Harry prayed to anyone that listening that Snape hadn't told Lucius they lived somewhere else. This answer seemed to satsify him, because he cleared his throat quietly and began to speak again.

"I hold a great deal of influence over the Wizarding World. All it took was the right contacts at the right time. I knew from the moment I was sentenced to that wretched place that I would be free soon enough. Of course, I had to give away a great many valuable objects that were in my possession too, but it is of no consequence. I can get them back easily enough." Harry nearly rolled his eyes – Merlin the man liked the sound of his own voice! Harry supposed that he hadn't had anyone to talk to in Azkaban, and despite what he thought the man was human after all. It only made sense he relished at the chance of conversation – especially when it meant he could show off to someone else who he considered beneath him.

"What sort of objects?" Harry asked uninterestedly. He felt like a prisoner trapped in this conversation. As long as Malfoy had his wand and he didn't, he was stuck playing nice with the man.

Malfoy sighed rather dramatically. "Inconsequential things really – mainly precious jewels. I had to give up possession of the Crown of Seraphina though, as well several priceless family heirlooms..."

Harry made the appropriate noises to show he was listening as Malfoy continued to lament his losses. He imagined blowing Malfoy up the size of a balloon like he had his aunt Marge, and watching him drift helplessly away over the sea...

"They didn't manage to get their hands on the Amulet of Time though. No one knows I am in possession of that little magical artefact. It has been handed down to each Malfoy heir through the generations. My son Draco will receive it when he is of age." Harry perked up at this, wondering with excitement if it was anything like a time-turner.

"Amulet of Time?" Harry echoed, "What does it do?"

"Surely you can work it out from the name?" Lucius drawled, noting the youths sudden interest.

"I'm guessing it's like a time-turner?" Harry asked.

"It's not dissimilar, although a time-turner by comparison is just a useless toy for a child. No, the Amulet of Time is much more powerful, it allows the user to go back by years. It's steeped in Dark Magic though, and extremely illegal. The Ministry owns the only other two that have ever existed."

"Have...have you ever used it? Where is it?" Harry asked almost breathlessly, his excitement apparent.

Lucius let out a short, harsh laugh. "I would never dare to use it!" he eyed Harry appraisingly, a cruel smirk gracing his features. "It is safely hidden within Malfoy Manor. Why do you ask, young Septimus? It sounds like you want to use it."

Harry hesitated, not sure what to say. He was saved by Winky who appeared with a pop behind them.

"Sirs, lunch is ready and Master Snapes is waiting for you both at the table." Winky bowed nervously and disappeared. Harry began to worry his lip as they returned to the house.

"Don't worry, I wont inform Severus of our...conversation." Lucius had correctly guessed that not only was Harry nervous for Snape to see them arriving together, but he was also concerned that Lucius would bring up their topic of conversation.

Lucius strode on ahead and Harry sent him a dirty look from behind. His mind was already racing with half formed thoughts about the Amulet of Time. He needed to get his hands on it at all costs – he could go back and save Sirius and Cedric, and even his aunt from dying...he'd go all the way back to the beginning of his fourth year and do everything right this time.

His heart started to beat incredibly fast at the idea. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he completely ignored the extremely dark looks Snape was periodically shooting his way. He deliberated on whether or not he would tell Hermione and Ron about his idea. He had no doubt that Hermione would instantly shoot it down, telling him it would be a stupid thing to go and meddle with time. But Ron on the other hand would understand, Harry was certain of it.

His friends had nothing but good intentions, but Harry knew from experience that that meant they may go and tell someone about what he was planning to do, and then that would ruin everything. No, much better that he do this alone. He needed to talk to Lucius again, he needed more information on where the Amulet was stored, its capabilities, how to use it and the dangers that were included.

Harry knew that Snape was itching to get him alone so he could probably interrogate him about what he was doing with Malfoy, and would probably be keeping an extra eye on him for the rest of the other man's visit. Harry huffed inaudibly, this was going to be tough but it was the only chance he would have to get as much information as possible.

And then there was the fact that Malfoy junior would be receiving the Amulet when he turned seventeen. Harry knew without a doubt that he would instantly use it and ruin everything in the progress. No, it was much better that Harry got his hands on it rather than that git.

XXX

Severus Snape was quietly seething as he ate his dinner; the bloody brat had gone and done the exact opposite of what he had told him to do! Avoid Malfoy at all costs, stay in his room and keep his head down, how bloody hard could it be for him to do that?

You forget Severus, that you are dealing with an extremely thickheaded Gryffindor here. You should know from past experience that whatever you tell Potter to do, he will go and seek to do the complete opposite! What incensed Snape even more was that the boy was lost in some pathetic day dream, his eyes glazed over as he ate. What on earth had he and Malfoy been talking about? They were ten minutes late to lunch!

Snape was certain that Lucius had sought Harry out rather than it being the other way round, but still didn't the boy have the common sense to leave his presence? Snape attached his launch with more force than necessary, vowing to have serious words with Potter at the earliest opportunity.