Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not and never will be mine, no matter how much I wish it were.

Dumbledore looked around the table carefully, ensuring that everyone he wanted present was there – and only those people. Confirming this, he silently erected wards around the room, preventing anyone from entering, as well as any sound from escaping.

The conversation which was about to take place was highly important, and they couldn't risk anyone who wasn't necessary for the plans to overhear. As it was, the people currently awaiting the meeting to begin were James and Lily, of course, as well as Moody, Kingsley, Tonks, Remus, and Sirius.

These were all the people qualified and entrusted to know every detail of Harry's stay at Hogwarts, and the security measures being put in place. They would essentially be his guards at the school, ensuring that the boy didn't do anything dangerous or illegal.

Clearing his throat, Dumbledore rose and greeted the group, "I believe it would be advantageous for us to review all that we have learned about Mr. Potter over the past week, so that we may construct a functional and efficient plan."

"May as well start with the obvious - he's blatantly raised by the dark, he's sarcastic and disrespectful, and thoroughly uncooperative," Moody stated gruffly.

Remus looked thoughtful, "While that may not be incorrect, it is important to recognize the feelings behind the behavior. Harry seems terribly distrustful and resentful of us, especially James and Lily," he shot an apologetic look at the couple, "And this manifests itself in his coldness."

"He hates us for giving him up when he was a baby. He doesn't understand that we were panicked and were just trying to keep him safe the only way we knew how," James looked regretful while he spoke.

Sirius spoke up, "So Harry's distrustful and angry, making him cold and unresponsive, and probably somewhat afraid, or missing the place he grew up," Sirius was careful not to say 'home', "And I would wager he's not thrilled at the prospect of having to deal with going to Hogwarts for the first time."

Lily looked thoughtful, "That's the thing, though, he's not as closed off or cruel to Leo, he just ignores him or gives short responses – not at all like he treats us. Maybe he won't mind being near children his own age."

"Well if he's only upset at the fact that we – meaning all light oriented adults – approved his transfer to your sister, then he'd have no reason to hate the children who weren't even alive or aware at that point," Remus added.

Dumbledore nodded, "My thoughts exactly, my boy. I believe Harry will be perfectly fine living at Hogwarts – he won't harbor any hatred to the children there because they are not responsible for any action against him or his cause."

"So you feel comfortable throwing the protégé of the Dark Lord into a school full of light children. Logical," Moody sneered.

"Well it's not as if he'll be able to do whatever he pleases; he'll be watched the whole time by us," Tonks spoke up.

"There is no use debating whether or not Mr. Potter is going to Hogwarts, that's already been decided. We simply need to work out the logistics of his stay," Kingsley cut off the impending argument before it truly began.

"On that note, I believe it will be pertinent to establish a permanent detail of aurors at Hogwarts – perhaps under the guise of increasing security due to further movements of Voldemort and his men," Dumbledore ignored the cringes at the name.

"Which is where all of us come in," Tonks said cheerfully. She was looking forward to going back to the school where she had graduated from not all that long ago.

"Indeed," Dumbledore smiled at the pink-haired woman.

"But where will he stay? He has to be in a dorm, or it'll arouse suspicion, but we can't very well insert aurors into the fifth-year boy's dorms," Lily looked inquiringly at the headmaster.

"I suppose we could inform one or two of his year mates of the situation, impressing upon them the need for secrecy, of course," Remus suggested.

"But he'll no doubt be sorted into Slytherin, and we can't very well have him live there, he probably has his own inner circle made up of those death-eaters-waiting-to-happen," Moody said incredulously.

"Oh, he won't be sorted, I've already decided to place him in Gryffindor with the Weasleys," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "It's in his blood, after all."

Arsinoe slithered in circles about Harry, trying and failing to find a spot which suited her temperature desires. Harry was starting to go dizzy, watching the snake constantly coil and uncoil, flinging herself about the room.

"Honestly, would it kill you to put a warming charm here?" She hissed in irritation.

"You know, wild snakes make do without magical luxuries. Why don't you embrace your inner mamba?"

"I'd like to see you go without magic, master. I'm no less magically bred than you are," Arsinoe huffed.

Harry quirked an eyebrow, "Fine, fine 'Focillo'. Happy?"

"Ecstatic," the dark snake hissed comfortably, twirling into a tight coil in front of the door.

Harry rolled his eyes; he loved the snake, but honestly, she was so spoiled.

The boy flopped onto his back on the carpet, wishing he were back home in his father's study, going over plans. It was only a few days before he would leave for Hogwarts, but although he had always wanted to see the school his father had called his first home, he knew it would feel more suffocating being around all those aurors and light families.

Cradling his head on his arms Harry stared at the ceiling. If he tilted his head and squinted, it almost matched the elegant painted ceilings of Riddle manor. Harry sighed. He was raised to be strong, unaffected by emotions or homesickness, but here in the Order of the Phoenix headquarters Harry felt the stab of homesickness he hadn't felt since he left the Dursleys.

That time in his life was brutal and traumatizing, but he had been brought out with little more effects than his admittedly Slytherin qualities. His father, Bella, Lucius, Rabastan, and everyone else had saved him from that place and given him a home.

And now the light was tearing that away, making him feel like he was trapped back in a place he could not escape from or show his true self in. He would never forgive the Potters for this. They broke him by sending him away without a care, and now they wanted to do it again by tearing him away from the family he had built.

Harry lay there on the floor, growing steadily angrier at the Potters for their actions. Arsinoe was sleeping contentedly, unaware of the distress of her master.

Someone knocked suddenly at the closed door, and without warning it was flung wide. Leo froze in the doorway, transfixed by the coiled snake at his feet, hand still on the doorknob.

Dumbledore tapped his feet impatiently, sitting outside the minister's office for a meeting was taking longer than he anticipated. He honestly didn't even see a point in being here in the first place – he was headmaster, so accepting students into the school was his prerogative. Alas, he didn't want trouble with the ministry, so when they requested a meeting to talk about Harry's admittance he was inclined to obey.

The office door opened, and a secretary's voice called out, "The minister will see you now."

Dumbledore arose and walked into the room, the door closing behind him. Going into the minister's office, he walked over to a chair and took a seat.

"Headmaster, good of you to come," Fudge said.

"Minister," he said with a nod, "I do hope there won't be any issues with the arrangements."

"Certainly not, I'm sure everything will be perfectly fine once we've sorted out a few things."

The minister steepled his fingers, "It is my understanding that you wish to keep Mr. Potter's past a secret, and that he will be treated as any other Hogwarts student would be."

"Indeed, with the exception of the aurors I've arranged to be about the school in the case of an emergency."

"Quite; well, we did have a few concerns about his contacts within the school – surely the boy knows some of the Slytherin children who could aid in communication with You-Know-Who?"

"Seeing as the boy will be placed in Gryffindor and be watched in the halls and in classes, I hardly think he will be able to plot anything with the Slytherin students," Dumbledore reasoned.

Fudge looked doubtful but did not press the issue further, "I suppose all that is left to discuss is Mr. Potter's necessary screening. Can't have an ill-intentioned dark wizard free at Hogwarts, regardless of the aurors."

Dumbledore's eyebrows raised an infinitesimal amount. This was a complication he had hoped to avoid. He had no way of knowing if Harry would cooperate with a questioning, and his posing any problems could result in problems for the Order's plans.

"I can assure you that Harry-"

"No, Headmaster, I'm afraid this was deemed absolutely necessary by the board if you wish to house the boy at the school. If he truly harbors no harmful intentions this can be quick and simple."

Dumbledore was a man people rarely contradicted, even the minister, and so this adamance was a sign that Fudge would not back down.

The headmaster nodded and stood, "I trust you will owl me the time of our appointment?"

"You can expect it by this afternoon," the minister stood as well, reaching out to shake Dumbledore's hand, "Have a nice day, Headmaster."

"Wh- what- why is there a snake," Leo stammered, already backing from the room.

Harry was on his feet in an instant, pulling the boy into the room and closing the door firmly.

"Shut up! Shut up and sit down," Harry pushed the younger boy into a chair. He then reached down and scooped up Arsinoe, who protested at the movement, and settled her under his robes.

"You have a snake!? Why do you have a snake? Does mum know? Where did you get it? Harry you can't-"

"I said shut up! The snake is my familiar, and you're not to tell anyone about her. Understood?"

"What? No, I can't keep a secret like that," Leo protested.

"Yes, you can. And you will. Unless you fancy being obliviated, which I can't promise will go right as I've never done it wandlessly."

The hazel-eyed boy paled, "No, no. Ok, I'll keep it a secret, I guess. But why hide it in the first place? Mum and Dad like pets."

"Snakes? I doubt it. She'll be a secret, and if I hear anyone talk about it, I'll know where they got the information," Harry finished with a threatening look at the younger boy.

Somehow, Leo didn't feel overly upset at the blatant threat, "Yeah, yeah, ok. But that means you owe me."

"What? No, I don't. You still have your memories, that makes us even."

Leo shook his head, "No, you owe me a favor now."

Harry looked contemplatively at him; this felt rather similar to the negotiations he and Draco would come up with at children, "You sure you're not a Slytherin?"

Leo's face turned sour, like he had bitten into a lemon, "NO!"

Harry chuckled and turned away, just as a call came from the hall, "Harry? We need to talk to you about something," Lily's voice came through the door.

Harry's face immediately lost all humor. He walked to the door and opened it. Hardly glancing at the redhead, he walked down the stairs toward the kitchen where Dumbledore and James were already seated.

He stood behind a chair, staring at Dumbledore, the lesson 'never take your eyes off the enemy' ringing in his head. Lily walked in behind him and took a seat next to James.

"Take a seat, Harry," Dumbledore said kindly.

Harry didn't move, he just kept staring at the man, eyes occasionally flickering to the two Potters seated next to him.

"What do you need to talk about?"

"Well, Harry, because you are to go to Hogwarts, the ministry is requiring an interview with you for… safety reasons," Dumbledore seemed unperturbed by Harry's obvious annoyance.

"They want to make sure I'm not going to attack any of their precious children."

James looked curiously at him, "Well of course not. We know you wouldn't do that. They just want to make sure nothing gets out that's not supposed to."

"Right."

Lily cut in, "We'll have to leave in about an hour, so would you like to wash up or get a snack?"

"I don't need to get all fancied up to see that fool of a minister," Harry replied coldly.

"Right, well, if you change your mind…"

"I won't." Harry left the kitchen.

James sighed and put his head in his hands. Lily looked just as defeated.

Dumbledore was quick to offer comfort, "Harry will come around; he's feeling trapped right now, but it will be better at Hogwarts."

James looked up, optimistically, "You're right, he'll love Hogwarts. How could anyone not feel free there."

"Quite right, my boy, quite right."

The three sat together at the table, newfound hope for the boy upstairs forming in their hearts.

That hope was quickly being dampened as the family sat in the office of the minister later that day. The interview was a strange one, with thinly veiled questions and even more frustrating responses.

Harry had been expertly evading each question, while still technically providing an answer.

The minister too, looked increasingly frustrated, asking yet another question, "Are you planning to contact anyone in Slytherin house?"

"Seeing as we'll be in several classes together, I find it hard to believe I'll be able to not communicate with them at some point."

Amelia Bones posed another question, "Yes, well, are you planning on using anyone to contact the Death-Eaters?"

"I'm not aware of how I could possibly accomplish such a thing with all the aurors about."

So on the questioning went, covering every topic from Harry's possible malicious intentions ("I have no wish to harm any of the children at the school,"), to any possible escape plans ("I do not believe the Hogwarts wards would be so easily breached,"), never once did a question receive a direct answer.

Finally, James stood, "Madame Bones, I do believe we have established all the proper information that can be gathered here."

She sighed, "Yes, I do believe you might be right."

The minister spluttered, "We've gathered no information at all! How can we trust someone who so easily manipulates our questioning? I propose we administer veritaserum."

At that Lily stood, "Out of the question. I will not allow any potentially toxic potions to be administered. And you cannot do so without my consent or a formal trial."

"Of course not, Lily, the minister is not thinking straight," Madame Bones said.

Harry snorted lightly at that, inciting another furious glare from the minister.

"No. This interview is not yet over, I demand this become a formal interrogation by an auror, on the grounds of subject suspiciousness," the minister said firmly.

"Minister, you cannot mean to-"

"I can and I do!" Fudge cut Lily off, "This boy is a potentially dangerous person, and his obvious avoidance of our questions leaves no room for argument. He will be immediately questioned by Auror Moody."

He then tapped a communication device with his wand, "Alastor, we have need of you promptly."

Lily looked furious, and James hardly less so. This was supposed to be a quick interview, gauging Harry's intentions and perhaps even inciting a little trust from their son. Now, though, he would be subject to the one thing they had wanted to avoid – a formal interrogation, and by none other than Mad-Eye. This was a disaster.

Dumbledore shifted his gaze to the two, "Do not worry. Harry cannot say anything that will undermine our goal. He will be going to Hogwarts regardless."

The parents only looked at each other.

On the other end of the room Harry contemplated his options. They would no doubt give him veritaserum, even if it wasn't perfectly legal, per-say. There would be no one present to stop them, and he'd be damned if he went to the Potters for help.

He wasn't yet proficient at resisting the effects, but he could manipulate his answers perhaps. He also didn't want to reveal his parseltongue abilities to avoid questions.

He decided to gain some assurances, "You will not be asking any questions about the plans of the dark, correct? Seeing as this is merely a school interview, I hardly think that's appropriate."

"I'll ask whatever questions I see fit, Potter," Moody strode into the room.

"Now now Alastor, Harry is quite right. There will be no questioning outside of the intended purposes," Dumbledore said.

The man snarled but nodded.

"Excellent! And I of course will need to view the recording afterwards with Lily and James."

Amelia nodded, "Of course, Headmaster."

"Alright then, Potter. Off we go," Moddy strode from the room, Harry rising gracefully and following.

"I'm sure it will be fine, Lily," James tried to reassure, despite his own doubts.

"Certainly it will. Now, perhaps some biscuits?" Dumbledore said jovially.

Within the interrogation room, Moody passed a small vial toward Harry.

"Three drops of that, then we can start. It's diluted, so you won't get sick."

'And I'll be able to keep my thoughts, somewhat,' Harry thought, obediently swallowing three drops of the tasteless liquid. Now was not the time to cause issues; he needed to start gaining some trust, and if this was how he did it, then so be it.

Moody tapped the recording orb.

"Wonderful, now, let's start easy, what is your name?"

"Harry Corvinus Riddle."

"Your birth name," Moody snarled.

"Harry James Potter," Harry spoke as though the words were painful to say.

Nodding, Moody continued, "Where did you grow up?"

"The Dursley's home and Riddle Manor."

"And who raised you?"

"Several people."

"Who specifically?"

"Lord Voldemort."

"That's it?"

"No."

Moody huffed, "Who else, then, Potter?"

"Several people."

Moody glared, "Names," he ground out.

"That wasn't a question."

Moody's hand slammed on the table, "What are the names of the people who raised you?"

"Vernon and Petunia Dursley," the beginnings of a smirk were playing on Harry's lips.

"What are the names of the people, besides Voldemort, who raised you at Riddle Manor?" Moody ground out deliberately.

"Bellatrix, Rabastan, and Rudolphus Lestrange."

Moody looked vaguely disturbed at the thought of being raised by them, before continuing, "Do you have any plans to communicate with them?"

'With Rab, Bella, and Rudolphus, no.' Harry thought. "No."

Moody looked surprised, "Do you have any plans of escape?"

'Not actual formed plans,' "No."

Again, a flit of surprise, "Do you plan to harm any of the students at Hogwarts?"

"I don't wish to harm any child."

"That's not the question."

"That's how I interpret it."

Moody growled lowly, "Fine. What level is your current magical education?"

"Higher than that offered at Hogwarts."

"Who instructed you?"

"Those who raised me."

"No one else?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"My father's Death Eaters."

"Anyone specific?"

"Yes."

"What is their name?"

Name, singular, "Barty Crouch Jr." If you counted one lesson.

Harry knew he couldn't expose the Malfoys as Death Eaters; their political status was too high and valuable to risk.

"Alright, last one, boy. Is there any way in which you are going to pose a threat to the people of Hogwarts?"

"I don't know."

"What?"

"I don't know."

"How could you not know?!"

"I cannot know if the light will drive me to self-defense at any point."

"So you won't hurt anyone unless they attempt to harm you first? Is that it?"

"Correct."

"Fine, Potter. You can leave."

"What about an antidote?"

"Here." Moody shoved the vial to wards him, glaring furiously as he did so, "You must think you're really clever. You won't remain so for long, mark my words, boy."

"We shall see," With that, Harry downed the potion and exited the room, confident that he hadn't given away anything of note.

Inside, Moody tapped the orb and stood, frustrated beyond measure at the boy's answers. Where had he learned to manipulate the serum like that? He might as well not have administered it at all.

Grasping the recording in his palm, Moody left to deliver it to Dumbledore.

The three marauders, Lily, and Dumbledore sat in the sitting room, prepared to view Harry's interrogation. It was quite late, but they had wanted to wait until everyone was asleep to watch it.

Moody had given it to Dumbledore without a word, his frustration almost tangible. All five were anxious to begin, and so the headmaster tapped the orb and projected it onto the wall.

Lily and James cringed at the name Harry called himself, and Sirius grumbled at the use of a Slytherin descendant's name. They were saddened, too, by Harry's blatant distaste at his birth name.

They then fell into rapt concentration as Harry dodged and avoided questions, giving short but technically complete answers, and never revealing much information.

Remus was impressed at the boy's cunning to outwit Alastor Moody, who was very experienced in the art of interrogation. He himself had been with the auror when they questioned captured Death Eaters, so he knew the man's skill.

By the time the recording ended, the group, with the exception of Dumbledore, saw Harry in a new light.

Trained beyond his years, and by the Lestranges no less, and overly intelligent and manipulative, Harry seemed quite a bit more threatening.

Lily was the first to shake herself out of it, "This doesn't matter. It was clearly a ploy to distract Alastor. Harry is still our son, and we will bring him back to our side."

"Just so, my dear," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "In fact, this bodes well for us. Alastor had no concerns of untruthful answers, so Harry has confirmed that he will not be attempting to escape or pass information through the Slytherins."

"So… it's good?" Sirius looked doubtful.

"Quite," Dumbledore confirmed.

"If you say so."

Voldemort too was impressed with his son's performance. He had seen a part of the questioning through the necklace and was pleased with the outcome.

The light would have no idea what was coming. They would be decimated by the information Harry would pass along, and once Harry was home, they would have the power to take Hogwarts.

The light would have no idea what hit them.

Miles away, Harry unknowingly grinned at the same moment as his father, both preparing for the world they would soon bring about.

AN: Thanks for all the reviews! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and let me know what you think! Now that I am in the midst of finals, and soon to be Christmas, I probably won't update as quickly. Sorry about that, but once things slow down, I should be back to about once a week *fingers crossed*!

Next chapter will begin the Hogwarts adventure! Thanks to you all for your continued interest in my story – it seriously makes me so happy!

Possible spoiler addressing concern over if Harry will remain dark. If you don't want to know Harry's ending loyalty, don't keep reading:

There's been some concern over Harry's loyalty to the dark, and I'd like to clarify that this will be an ultimately dark Harry story – even if there are some twists along the way; I like Dark Harry too much to let him go in the end. That being said, I'm trying to write dynamic characters, so light characters aren't going to be strictly the "bad guys". When all is said and done, though, don't worry, Harry will be dark.