Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I do not own a single word of Harry Potter, unfortunately.

Lily sat atop hers and James's bed, staring at the wall opposite. She had been sitting there for ages, at first pondering her increased emotional behavior – often a result of Harry's constant rejections – then, coming to a likely conclusion for her feelings, working up the courage to cast the spell she had found in her old charms book.

It was a spell she had not needed to use for a dozen years, not since she had first suspected the existence of Leo. Indeed, she was now working up the courage to cast a pregnancy revealing spell.

The wand in her hand shook the smallest amount as she directed it at her abdomen. Murmuring the incantation, she watched as a pale purple light shot out towards her. Just as it was about to be absorbed into her skin it seemed to pool around her middle, forming a little bubble. That bubble then shimmered, flickering a bit before turning pink, and Lily gasped.

A girl. She was pregnant with a little girl… and at possibly the worst time imaginable. She rested a hand over her stomach, a mix of emotions swirling within her. This, on the one hand, was something she had always dreamed of – having a little girl to pamper and dress up – but on the other hand, this little life was definitely a bit of a problem when it came to the current goings-on.

Taking a deep breath to settle the anxiety, Lily rose to go floo-call James at the ministry. To think he had just decided to start going into work again, and now he would need to come back to help her prepare. Lily shook her head and knelt before the fireplace, tossing in a handful of floo powder as she did so.

"Lily? Is something the matter?" James was crouching before the hearth in his auror office.

"No, no everything's ok. I just- I have some news."

James leaned forward in anticipation, "What is it?"

"I- Well, I've had a suspicion for a month or so, and this morning a cast a revealing charm, and, well, James, I'm pregnant."

James looked floored before a slow smile crept across his face, "Really?! Oh, Lils that's amazing!"

Lily grinned with him, "It's a girl," she said excitedly.

James was over the moon, a little girl, he could hardly speak he was so thrilled at the prospect.

Then, a shadow crossed his features, "What about Harry?"

Lily looked down, "I know, it'll be much more complicated now."

James looked determined, "It'll be okay; I'll try and work for as long as you're able to keep up and about, and then as soon as you need help, I'll come stay at Hogwarts."

Lily looked uncertain at pulling James away from his work again, but recognized it as necessary, "Okay."

James smiled, "Okay, Lily, I've got to get back to work… A little girl," he was beaming once more as his image faded away from the green flames.

The greenish light which filtered through the dorm window offered perfect ambience to the less-than-legal activities taking place within the room. Harry sat at the desk, turned to face Draco and Theo as they worked out some details of the next few months.

Blaise, Crabbe, and Goyle were not present as they had obligation with certain professors at the moment, though they would be filled in later. Harry had deemed Blaise trustworthy after a series of oaths and promises, despite the Zabini family's traditionally neutral political stance.

Theo spread out a large piece of parchment over the desk, drawing out several columns and rows to create a, efficient organization system.

"Alright, we need to figure out who our allies will be, as well as our most notable adversaries, and then figure out the specific roles of each person," Theo gestured to each designated space as he spoke.

Harry nodded, and looked thoughtful, "We can say for certain that the two Carrow girls will be of use, I've seen them often enough around that manor training rooms. Also Parkinson and Bulstrode."

Draco added, "Daphne and Tracy aren't exactly dark enough to trust with all the facts, but they're trustworthy enough to at least be of use."

"There're also a few students in Ravenclaw I know for sure will be perfect for the cause. They tend to be trusted by professors, so it'll be perfect," Theo mentioned as he scribbled furiously at the parchment.

"Excellent," Harry said, scanning the ever-growing list of allies, "Now, who do we really need to look out for, besides the obvious authority figures."

Harry knew this would be another area which Draco and Theo would be most useful in. Even though Harry knew almost all the adult Order and ministry members, he was woefully uninformed on the allegiances and power of the Hogwarts population.

"Obviously all the students with significant ministry or Order ties have to be kept perfectly unaware," Draco began, "With special attention to the Weasleys, Potter, and Longbottom. They all have family especially close to Dumbledore," He continued, pointing out and underlining certain names as Theo wrote them.

The trio continued on in this fashion for the next several hours, filling in names from every house into categories of usefulness and threats, until Harry recognized his need to make an appearance to the aurors.

"We can't let them get suspicious that I'm up to something, or that I'm in league with either of you," He explained as he wrapped Arsinoe about his arm and treaded to the hallway.

The other two nodded and went to the common room to wait so they wouldn't be noticed exiting together. Meanwhile, the Slytherin heir left to go up to the library, figuring he might as well do some looking into the flaws and weaknesses of the castles structure, should he ever need to make a quick getaway.

Harry walked briskly to the first floor and ducked into the quiet atmosphere of the library. He was growing ever more irritated by the constant watch of the aurors, and with this frustration grew his desire to take Arsinoe up on her offer of biting one of the pesky guards.

If only his animagus was a more venomous snake, he would do the honors of attacking on his own. But, alas, his form would be useful only for the spying he could do while in snake form.

Harry scanned the library for a quiet place to sit and walked hesitantly over to a corner where only a couple of younger Hufflepuffs sat. Harry lowered himself into a chair without a word, and although his companions looked up nervously, neither said anything to the Slytherin.

Harry internally smiled; say what you would about Hufflepuffs, but they knew when to mind their business, and for that they made excellent library company.

Harry pulled several books and maps from his bag that he had picked out and laid them on the table. He had been carefully cross-referencing the numerous versions of Hogwarts maps, as well as adding his own observations in order to gather a complete knowledge of the castle's hidden secrets.

It seemed, the Slytherin noted as he worked, that the castle would subtly alter its structure every decade or so, a fact which only caused Harry more issues.

It was tedious work, and it was only while perusing one of the earliest descriptions of the school that he came across an interesting bit of information.

"Each of the Founding Four saw fit to add a secret to the building they brought into being. This took the shape most notably in the secret chamber added by Salazar Slytherin. The room is said to be accessible only by the blood relations of the Slytherin line, and to house one of the fiercest and most valuable beasts in the world.

"Not much is known about the secrets of the founders, and none has ever found the treasures the Four places within the heart of the castle."

The account went on to talk about more myths and theories about the hidden value of the castle, but Harry was unable to focus on anything but what he had just read.

A secret chamber, one that only a Slytherin heir could open. He was the Slytherin heir… that could only mean that… yes. Harry returned his eyed to the earlies maps. He would find this chamber, and it would be the key to his ultimate success.

Voldemort was flung from the grasp of the orb around his son's neck with significant force. He fell back into his chair and contemplated what he had seen.

His son was certainly excelling under the circumstances, he was establishing connections and alliances that would serve him for years to come. And, of course, he had learned of the Chamber.

Voldemort was surprised to learn that Harry did not know already of the Chamber's existence. Had he really never told him about it in all their years together? Well, he supposed, they never really did discuss Hogwarts, as it tended to disappoint Harry as he could not attend. Nevertheless, he would make a point to tell his son about his past once he returned. After all, it was his past that brought them to where they were today, and understanding that was important to understanding the cause.

The man was pulled from his thoughts as a knock sounded on the chamber door.

"Enter," he commanded.

Bellatrix entered, a frown affixed to her face, as it often was these days. She walked into the room and bowed before the Dark Lord, before righting herself.

"What is it, Bella?"

"My Lord, I was just coming to ask about Harry, it has been a while since we've received any word."

"He is fine. He is performing his purpose admirably," Voldemort said with a smirk. As if his son could do anything but admirable work.

Bella looked marginally happier at that, "Is there any plan for his coming home?" She sounded hopeful.

"Perhaps in a few months; he as a bigger purpose outside your preferences, and you would do well to remember that," Voldemort infused power into his words, causing his follower to back down immediately.

"Of course, My Lord. I only meant that we all missed him."

"I'm sure. Now go."

Bella hurried from the room, albeit with a slightly brighter gait than she had entered with. Voldemort understood her desires. He too wished Harry could be back, but he also had his priorities straight, and this was not so high on the list as his quest for power and a perfect wizarding world.

No, his son would stay away for as long as he was useful, and when he returned they would rule the wizarding world together.

"Harry."

"Harry!"

"Harry, Wait!" James was puffing as he finally caught up with the green-eyed Slytherin just outside one of the outer greenhouses.

"Can I help you?" Harry looked none-too-pleased with his new company. Honestly, the constant aurors were bad enough, but at least they didn't insist on talking to him.

James cringed a little at the harsh tone, but was not dissuaded, "Yeah, erm, what're you doing?"

"Herbology."

"It's a Saturday."

"Homework is still a thing, or have you forgotten," Harry looked exasperated.

James looked a little surprised, as though he didn't think Harry would participate that much, but didn't comment on it.

"Well, I'm sure you can get to it tomorrow, your mother and I needed to talk to you and your brother about something."

"Nothing would thrill me more than to join in your family meeting, but I have more important things to attend to."

"No, Harry. I must insist. This is really important," James tried to physically turn Harry towards the castle, but he wrenched himself away and started up the path at the same fast pace he had treaded down with.

"Geez, Harry, how do you move so fast?" James was still trying to catch his breath from the walk down as he hurried after his son.

Harry sneered but didn't respond. This was a serious waste of time, and the sooner he could get it over with the sooner he could get back to the greenhouses. He would need to gather ingredients for the next day soon, or else the potion wouldn't be ready in time.

The two finally reached the castle doors, and James took the lead up to his and Lily's quarters. As they walked Harry made note of little alcoves and shadowed corners which would be useful should he ever need to sneak up here.

James held the portrait open for Harry and he entered, choosing to sit in the chair which faced the door, offering a direct path to escape. He noted Lily sitting adjacent looking a little too excited for whatever they had to say, and Leo across from her, his gaze fixed on Harry.

"Harry," the redhead beamed, "How are you liking classes so far? Do you have a favorite?"

"I haven't attended all of them yet, so how could I?" Harry looked condescendingly at her.

Not dissuaded at all, she pressed on, "Well, are you liking Slytherin?"

At this Harry smirked, "Yes, although I expected nothing less from my ancestral house."

Now Lily did look uncomfortable, but thankfully for her she was saved by James sitting down next to her.

He beamed at his sons and grasped his wife's hand which was resting on the couch next to him. Harry's face did not move, and he continued to look disdainfully at the couple.

"Alright, we have some news, and I know that we haven't been a whole family long, but we know this will be a wonderful change for us all," Lily began.

Harry grimaced at the sentence but didn't voice his feelings, not valuing their opinion enough anymore to try and dissuade them. If they were too dense to understand that he would never be their son now, they never would. He would stop attempting to put them right, and maybe when the realization finally hit that he was no longer theirs, it would hurt as much as being abandoned and never rescued did.

Harry had found his true family, and he would go back to them, no matter what the Potters believed to be true. They could burn. And they would, he would see to it.

Lily's voice pulled him from his dark-turning thoughts, "Leo, Harry, you're going to have a little sister!"

Leo's mouth dropped open, and Harry pulled his occlumency shields tight to keep from reacting. A baby? Honestly, these light families just didn't know when to stop, did they. Pretty soon they'd be like the Weasleys.

The parents' smiles faltered a little at Harry's nonreaction, but they swiftly recovered.

Leo was practically bouncing around the room, "I'm gonna be a big brother?! Oh man, that'll be awesome! I'm gonna teach her to play Quidditch and prank teachers and-"

"Slow down there, bud. It'll be a few years before any of that happens," James said with a chuckle.

Harry wasn't paying any more attention to the goings on, he was thinking about how he could use this to his advantage. Certainly the distraction would be useful for spying, and depending on when she was due, Lily might even be one more potential threat who would be out of commission when it came time for him to escape.

Perhaps he could even- but no, that would be too cruel. And yet… Yes.

A grin spread across Harry's face as he formulated the perfect revenge on the Potters. One that would leave them just as devastated as he had been.

For once, all four biological Potters were together hand happy, albeit for very different reasons. It was a truly beautiful image, and one that would never last.

Harry ducked quickly into a shadowed alcove just outside the Slytherin dorms. He was fairly certain he hadn't been seen by the aurors, so now all he had to do was wait.

It only took a couple minutes for the person he was after to round the corner, and he reached out and pulled her into hos alcove before she could make a sound.

"What! Oh, Harry? What's going on, what do you want?" Pansy Parkinson looked none too impressed with this latest development, but Harry could see her intrigue, nonetheless.

"I need you to do a favor for me."

"Mmm, and what might that be?"

"Do you perchance know the best way to get into one of the student potions labs undetected by certain professors?"

"Ah, I see," Pansy smirked, "I may have just the information you're looking for… but it's gonna cost you."

"I expected nothing less. I presume an owed favor will suffice?"

"Quite right," The dark-haired girl replied, "Now, follow me."

The two Slytherins slipped down the hall, in the opposite direction to the Great Hall, going deeper into the cold Dungeons. They walked for a few minutes, making several turns into side corridors as they went.

"You better know where you're going, Parkinson."

"Shut it. I know what I'm doing," she sneered, "Here."

A door was shoved open and Harry found himself in the secondary supply closet, located off the last student potions lab.

"Excellent. Many thanks, Parkinson," Harry said as he entered the room.

"You had just better hold up your end of the bargain."

Harry looked vaguely offended at that, "What kind of Slytherin do you think I am?"

She simply smirked and sauntered back the way they had come, disappearing back into the dark depths of the castle.

Harry shook his head and went to gather his supplies. He filled a cauldron with water and set a low flame burning beneath it. Then he set out to prepare his ingredients while the liquid heated up.

He pulled out an unassuming brown bag from his pocket and extracted the luminescent white flowers from within. These were the blooms which he had needed from the greenhouses, and he had had quite the time getting them. For one, they came from plants which only produced one flower at a time, so he had to be strategic where he took them from so that they wouldn't be missed.

Then there was the whole issue of the spitting venom. Harry shuddered as he dissected the flowers with practiced ease.

These blooms would be the key ingredient in the concoction, one which would guarantee his allies to be faithful and useful while he was here. Yes, the potion was illegal, but most of what Harry did was, so he wasn't too concerned. No one except Pansy even knew he was here, and she was too faithful to the cause to snitch.

Harry worked in concentrated silence for the better part of an hour, Arsinoe curled up contentedly beside him. Finally, he hauled the cauldron from the fire and portioned it out into several crystal vials.

"Finished, Master?" Arsinoe slithered nearer to the now emptied cauldron.

Harry made a sound of affirmation before casting a cleaning charm over the cauldron, "Come, Arsinoe, we have to be getting back before anyone notices I'm gone."

"Insufferable aurors. I'll bite them one of these days, just say the word, Master," the snake hissed menacingly.

"That day might be closer than we think," Harry replied with a smirk as he adjusted his robes around the dark snake. The two then continued down the darkened corridor, vials clinking together ever so softly in the Slytherin's pocket.

An: I hope you all liked that chapter! Also, Happy New Year to everyone! Please leave me a review and let me know what you think or whatever suggestions you might have! I know some of you are waiting for some more action, and I promise there will be some more exciting moments in the next few chapters once Harry's had a chance to make all his plans. Wouldn't want him getting caught :)

Anyways thanks for reading and hopefully reviewing! I'll try and get another chapter out in the next week or two.