Chapter 36
The Voice of the Dark
Harry found himself being the only Slytherin in the castle during the winter break. There was supposed to be another student, a fifth year named Nathen Davis, with him however the night before the first day of break, Harry overheard that Davis was actually going to stay with his girlfriend's family, and Harry found himself alone.
Which he didn't mind. He spent the days roaming the castle, following the Marauder's Map as he learned the secret passages. He wasn't the only student, but he wished that he were. For some reason, the Golden Trio decided to stay at Hogwarts along with Peter Pettigrew, whom Harry had still never seen personally but saw on the map constantly. As well as two first-year Gryffindors.
On Yule morning, Harry woke up to a pile of presents at the foot of his bed. On top of the pile was a neat black envelope with his name written in an unfamiliar looping handwriting.
Harry picked up the letter and opened it cautiously.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I hope this letter finds you having a wonderful Yule morning. I am the Voice of the Dark, the officiator of your Ritual of Announcement, as well as your guide throughout your journey through the Dark Arts. I am writing you to both prepare you for tonight as well as provide you with transportation. I suggest that you keep the letter and envelope as they are a portkey that will bring you to our celebration grounds. For purposes of secrecy, I am afraid I am not able to reveal where exactly we will be gathering, I hope you understand. The letter will take you to our grounds at precisely nine p.m. and return you to the Slytherin dungeons when activated. I would ask that you bring your wand to the ceremony for this purpose if you are in the habit of leaving your wand around.
During the ceremony, you and others performing the Ritual shall announce yourselves to both Dark Magic officially as well as your fellow members of your community. As such, you will be robed before you arrive, wearing a hood that covers your face. If you do not have such a robe, I will be able to provide one for you. Once you are on the grounds, you are not allowed to remove your hood until the announcement is complete. I shall call you all one by one in alphabetical order and proceed with the Ritual with you. Until then, you are allowed to wander the grounds. Please do not lose this envelope, I will see you at nine.
Have a wonderful day, Mr. Potter.
The Voice of the Dark
Harry smiled widely at the letter. He was worried about how he would get to the Yule celebrations. Nobody told him anything, but now he could see why! He made sure to put the letter carefully on his bed and turned to his other presents. Mrs. Weasley has given him another Weasley sweater along with a dozen home-baked mince pies, some Christmas cake, and a box of but brittle. Blaise has given him clothes as well as a small box of his favorite chocolate and a note saying One taste Harry, and I swear you'll fall in love. He also got a set of beautiful robes from Draco, and books about Quidditch and Potions from Daphne and Theo. Harry spent the morning opening presents from his friends, putting aside the box he knew was from Tom for last. He received more clothes and treats as well as interesting trinkets from his friends, Pansy actually gave him a bracelet that Harry really liked.
When it was only Tom's present left, he took a breath and opened it. Inside was a solid black heavy robe with a hood. It looked tailored to fit Harry snuggly and lifted it carefully for a card to fall out.
Harry placed the robes to the side immediately to pick up Tom's card.
My little snake,
These are official black ritual robes made from rare materials found only in Bulgaria. They are durable, strong against all weather, and can carry everything you need without showing the item's bulk. Wear it, my little snake, and be ready for my proper gift tonight. You always said you love me, but now it is time for me to return the sentiment.
Love,
Tom M. Riddle
Harry wanted to cry. He wanted to hug the robes, be smothered in them, and just scream as giddiness took over. Tom put love! He said love! He's going to return his feelings! Harry couldn't wait! Harry got his energy out and carefully placed all of his new clothes and books away, taking one book that sounded interesting, and went downstairs to spend the morning with Salazar.
At lunchtime, Harry went up to the Great Hall, to find that the House tables had been moved against the walls again, and that a single table, set for twelve, stood in the middle of the room. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were there, along with Filch, the caretaker, who had taken off his usual brown coat and was wearing a very old and rather moldy-looking tailcoat. There were only two other students, the two first years who stayed along with the Golden Trio and looked extremely nervous-looking.
"Merry Christmas!" Dumbledore said as Harry approached the table. "As there are so few of us, it seemed foolish to use the House tables. … Sit down, sit down!" Harry sat down near the end of the table and looked at the three empty seats just as the doors to the Great Hall opened again and Neville, Ron, and Hermione walked in. Dumbledore welcomed them and the three sat at the end of the table.
"Dig in!" Dumbledore advised the table, beaming around. As Harry was helping himself to roast potatoes, the doors of the Great Hall opened again. It was Professor Trelawney, gliding toward them as though on wheels. She had put on a green sequined dress in honor of the occasion, making her look more than ever like a glittering, oversized dragonfly.
"Sybil, this is a pleasant surprise!" Dumbledore said, standing up.
"I have been crystal gazing, Headmaster," Professor Trelawney said in her mistiest, most faraway voice, "and to my astonishment, I saw myself abandoning my solitary luncheon and coming to join you. Who am I to refuse the promptings of fate? I at once hastened from my tower, and I do beg you to forgive my lateness. …"
"Certainly, certainly," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. "Let me draw you up a chair—"
And he did indeed draw a chair in midair with his wand, which revolved for a few seconds before falling with a thud between Professors Snape and McGonagall. Professor Trelawney, however, did not sit down; her enormous eyes had been roving around the table, and she suddenly uttered a kind of soft scream.
"I dare not, Headmaster! If I join the table, we shall be thirteen! Nothing could be more unlucky! Never forget that when thirteen dine together, the first to rise will be the first to die!"
"We'll risk it, Sybil," Professor McGonagall said impatiently. "Do sit down, the turkey's getting stone cold."
Professor Trelawney hesitated, then lowered herself into the empty chair, eyes shut, and mouth clenched tight, as though expecting a thunderbolt to hit the table. Professor McGonagall poked a large spoon into the nearest tureen.
"Tripe, Sybil?"
Professor Trelawney ignored her, and soon she and Professor McGonagall fell into a strange argument that Harry mostly ignored. He just kept to himself and his food until he heard his name half an hour later. "Potter, Mr. Potter," Professor Flitwick said, "I was just telling Professor Dumbledore about your little trick—if you would please show us?"
"I have heard that you already have a strong grasp on wandless magic, Harry," Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "I am interested to see myself."
"It's not really that interesting or strong, Professor," Harry said, not looking really comfortable. "I am sure that you wouldn't be impressed by my little thing."
"So humble!" Professor Flitwick squeaked. "Oh do it, Mr. Potter, it is rare that we have a third year able to do wandless magic! Very rare!"
Harry shifted in his seat and looked around the table to see that more people were looking at him now. He sighed and saw no way out of this. He lifted his hand and twirled a finger in a circle. A beautiful orb of light shone through, shimmering in multiple colors that blended and mixed together. The orb hovered over Harry's hand for a moment and with a wave of his hand, it moved away from him until it reached the middle of the table where it exploded in a dazzling display of twinkling, shimmering bits.
The professors all clapped; however, Harry couldn't help but notice that Snape was staring at him suspiciously, a worried look on his face which he hid in a sneer. "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant Harry!" Professor Dumbledore said. "Where did you pick up this wonderful trick?"
"It is just something I could always do, Professor, it's nothing special," Harry shrugged.
"That's not even a spell!" Hermione Granger said.
"No, it's not," Harry hummed. "But does it matter? It's still magic."
"Like a part of yourself that you reach inside to move at your will," Professor Flitwick said, "I still remember your explanation two years ago, Mr. Potter! That is exactly what spellcasting is!"
"He is right," Dumbledore chuckled, amused. "You have a very unique perception of the inner workings of magic, Harry, my boy."
"Thank you, Professors," Harry muttered politely. He was thankful that both professors were distracted and looked down at his food once more. He could feel the trio's eyes on him but did his best to ignore them.
Two hours later, Harry stood up to leave and Professor Trelawney made a whimpered, "Not you!" that Harry ignored. He left the Great Hall, only to be stopped by Professor Snape just as he reached the staircase to the dungeon. "Mr. Potter."
Harry stopped and turned to face him, "Yes, sir?" he asked.
Snape just stared at Harry for a long moment. "I want you to remember what we talked about," he said. "It is still early; you can enjoy a pleasant Christmas evening."
"I know, but I told you that I know exactly what I'm doing, sir," Harry said. "It is my decision and I've made it. You cannot stop me from going to the Yule celebration."
"But I can stop you from going to Hogsmeade. Until you smarten up and forget all of this nonsense, you are forbidden to visit Hogsmeade," Snape said. Harry glared at him and for the first time, gave Snape a cold sneer.
"Very well," the boy said. "Happy Yule, Professor." He left Snape standing in the entrance hall and returned to the Slytherin dungeons. It was only seven, and Harry took half an hour to calm down from his small encounter with Professor Snape.
When he felt better, Harry dressed in the black robe that Tom gave him and smiled at how smooth it felt against him. The hood was heavy and covered his face completely. He took the black envelope as well as the book he was reading and returned to the common room. He relaxed with Salazar on his lap until it was time to go.
At nine precisely, Harry was standing in the middle of the room as he held the letter. There was a tug at his navel and the world around him disappeared, spinning in a rush of colors and shapes until Harry felt dizzy. His hands felt latched tightly onto the letter and he couldn't let go even if he wanted to. He almost fell when the spinning stopped, his legs shaking when he landed on them, and he shut his eyes to let his brain catch up. When the world didn't feel like it would fall over, he opened his eyes and gasped.
He was surrounded by tall white trees that looked as clear as crystals with long strong crystal branches and leaves that looked to be made of snow. From the sky, it was snowing softly although none of the snow ever reached the ground. Underneath the trees were many tables with families sitting together. Some had their hoods on while others showed who they were proudly. In the corner, there was a clearing with a stage with a live band that was playing softly with older couples dancing close together to the music. In the center was what looked to be the main event. A large flame that towered over everyone, standing at least ten feet high and burning a brilliant purple, giving everything around it a purple hue.
"Harry, I am so happy to see you made it on time," a soft voice said. Harry turned around to see a man walk up to him. He wore a red heavy robe that covered his face. Harry could barely see the face under the hood, but he felt that he could trust the young man. "You are the last to arrive, everyone else has come early with their families."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Harry said. "Um, are you the Voice of the Dark?"
"I am indeed," the Voice of the Dark said, "and do not worry about it. I personally find those who arrive early to be rather dreadful company. I'm happy that the letter found you alright." He motioned for Harry to follow him. Harry was led to a small tent, inside which he saw his friends as well as a couple of familiar Ravenclaws.
Harry took a moment to greet his friends. Pansy hugged him first before he was being passed around, hugging mostly everyone and patting Crabbe and Goyle's shoulders as he completely ignored Millicent. He found himself in front of Terry Boot who took his hood off to grin at him, "Never thought I'd see you here, Harry," he said, shaking Harry's hand.
"Me neither—I don't think I saw you on Samhain," Harry said, blinking in surprise.
"I like to keep to myself," Boot shrugged. "Anyway, good luck out there."
"Thanks, you too."
Someone cleared his throat, and everyone turned to the Voice of the Dark. "Now that everyone is here, we can begin," he said. "If you would first please line up in Alphabetical order? I'm sure that we can all do this without my help." He chuckled lightly. The young dark wizards all nodded and quickly sorted themselves. "Thank you," the Voice of the Dark said. "Now, the Ritual of Announcement is really the easiest ritual you will all perform in your journey. It is a time of celebration and gaiety, after all, so all you will do is follow me up to the fire. One by one, I will call you, and one by one you will announce yourselves. I'll use Mr. Boot first since he is the first in line. You and I will have a brief discussion on why you are taking this path, then you shall face the fire, take off your hood and recite the following, 'I am Terry Boot, and I pledge myself to the true Dark Arts.' Then you will contribute to the fire with your magic. Do not worry about the trace, such a thing is useless here—that is if you still have it on you." The Voice of the Dark chuckled once more and for some reason, Harry thought that he was looking straight at him.
"And that is all. You move to the side and stay by the fire as the next one is called. Simple, isn't it?" the Voice of the Dark asked. They nodded and he smiled. "Very well, then follow me now."
He turned and led them out of the tent.
The music stopped playing. Harry saw that everyone at the tables and dancing floor were now standing in rows by the fire. Harry recognized some of his fellow Slytherins as the Voice of the Dark led them down in single file to the towering fire. He stopped right in front of it and turned to address everyone.
"Another year has passed, and once again it is Yule," he began. "We have enemies all around, but here we are surrounded by friends. Good friends and good music, a perfect recipe for a joyous night. A joyous night that is perfect to welcome our new brothers and sisters." He paused and the crowd around them applauded. He waited until the clapping died down, and he continued. "If the first may step forward?"
Terry Boot stepped towards the Voice of the Dark and fire. The Voice bent down towards Boot and whispered to Terry for a moment. Then, Terry took off his hood and in a clear voice, Terry said, "I am Terry Boot, and I pledge myself to the true Dark Arts!" He aimed his wand at the fire and a light purple fire shot out of his wand and merged with the bonfire.
Terry stepped to the side and Millicent was called next. She too spoke to the Voice of the Dark for a moment before declaring herself and then moving to the side, joining Terry who stood awkwardly by her as he kept his eyes on the fire in front of them. After Millicent was Crabbe, followed by Daphne who seemed skittish when she said her name, and then Anthony Goldstein surprisingly, and Goyle. When it was Draco's turn, he strode up confidently and threw back his hood as soon as he stepped in front of the fire. "I am Draco Malfoy! And I pledge myself to the true Dark Arts!" he shouted proudly and shot out a darker purple fire out of his wand. He swaggered towards the others and glanced back at those who were still hooded and grinned.
Theo took a breath and stepped up. He and the Voice of the Dark talked for a little longer than the others before Theo pulled back his hood, "I am Theodore Nott, and I pledge my being to the true Dark Arts. Per Tenebris ego imperium!" His fire was more dark than purple and the bonfire accepted it gladly, roaring as it seemed to grow. Theo stood for a moment, as though admiring the fire, before moving aside.
Pansy was next and after her, it was Harry's turn. Harry took a few calming breaths as he stepped towards the Voice of the Dark. The man leaned towards Harry and in the firelight, Harry was able to see the man's face only briefly. He looked young, around his twenties, however the strangest thing of all were his eyes, they looked too old and too sad to be on his face. "What are you thinking, Harry?" The Voice of the Dark chuckled.
"Your eyes," Harry whispered, not able to stop himself. "They look so sad."
The Voice of the Dark chuckled. "Sad, are they? How strange, I always find Yule to be the happiest day of the year for me. But tonight is about you, Harry. So tell me, what is it that you wish to find at the end of your journey?"
"That's easy," Harry smiled, "The power to stand by the one I love."
"How selfless, as well as completely selfish," The Voice of the Dark chuckled. "I personally love it. Go ahead, claim your power."
Harry nodded and reached for his hood. He pulled it back and took a breath, "My name, is Harry Potter!" he shouted. There were gasped from the crowd behind him. The Voice of the Dark chuckled lightly as Harry continued, "and I pledge myself to the true Dark Arts!" He aimed his wand at the towering fire, and the flames exploded. A massive black flame shot from Harry's wand, twisting with the flames ahead of him, merging into a growing inferno that left everyone around him stunned. When the flames died down, Harry was panting slightly.
Next to him, the Voice of the Dark clapped softly, and Harry could have sworn that he could see the young man smiling. "Bravo," the Voice of the Dark said, "now go join the others." Harry nodded and went to join his friends who all patted his back.
Blaise was the last one, and though his fire wasn't as strong as Harry's, he still stood his ground and did the ritual impressively. When Blaise joined them, the Voice of the Dark stepped once again in front of the fire. "Dark Magic has heard and accepted our new brothers and sisters and now it is time for us to do so! So make merry! Dance and enjoy ourselves for the night is ours and By the Dark, we shall survive!" The crowd cheered and before Harry could look for Tom, he was swept away in a crowd of Slytherins.
Everyone was cheering and celebrating. Harry and the others were pulled into hugs so quickly that Harry started to feel dizzy, not sure who was hugging him at times and who was patting his shoulder. He was sure out of the corner of his eye he saw Daphne and Theo kissing properly before both being pulled away by older Slytherins to congratulate them. It went on like this chaotic scramble for a couple of minutes before things started to die down, and the music began.
Harry's friends started to separate, his friends running to their families, and Harry was left alone for the moment. He looked around, his eyes scanning for the boy he loves when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Harry turned to see eyes too sad and too old looking back at him. "Can we talk?" the Voice of the Dark said.
Harry nodded. They started away from the bonfire as others around them started to dance. Harry kept looking around the place in total astonishment. The trees seemed to sparkle with life, glittering beautifully as the snow lightly fell.
"I can't believe I'm here," Harry said as he walked away from the crowd with the Voice of the Dark. "I mean, Hogwarts is supposed to have all these enchantments and protections around it. Traveling by portkey should be impossible!"
"You're right, normally it should be," the Voice of the Dark chuckled. "But here is the thing Harry, you traveled with Dark Magic."
"I don't get it."
"Dark Magic, Harry, is so much more vast and powerful than the Light, or really anyone, can understand," the Voice explained. "It is always growing, and highly experimental." He lifted his hand and with a wave, a purple mist appeared and seemed to swirl around his hand. "It's beautiful, no? This pure power. You will find, very quickly Harry, that Dark Magic holds secrets that the Light cannot even begin to dream of. If it wanted you to be here where you belong, you will be here. It's honestly as simple as that."
"Ohh," was all Harry said.
The Voice of the Dark chuckled and turned to face the fire, "It's still breathtaking, even to me," he breathed. "Feeling the magic around you, letting it flow through you. Magic has always been, in essence, just an extension of our sense of selves and wills. It will always be connected to who we are."
"I get that," Harry said. "That's how I first learned magic, seeing it as a part of myself."
"As you should!" The Voice of the Dark said, "It is a shame Harry, how many people simply see magic as a tool. Even here, there are those who forget the lessons they learn during their journey and return to blindly using magic without realizing what is happening."
"It sounds like me and my orbs," Harry said and with a wave of his hand, he produced two orbs, one of his shimmering blending light and the other of fire. "They feel like a part of me. They move where I want them to move and come from deep inside me. In fact…" Harry flicked his wrist and the fire disappeared, leaving just the light. "I was told that this is a manifestation of my magic itself."
"And it is," The Voice of the Dark said, nodding softly. "And it is so beautiful, Harry."
"Thank you," Harry said, his cheeks turning pink.
"But here, the reason why I wanted to talk with you," The Voice of the Dark said. He pulled out a book from his robe and handed it to Harry. It looked old, around fifty or sixty years, but clearly deeply cared for. On the cover was only a phrase, Per Tenebris ego imperium. "Through Darkness, I control," Harry translated.
"Exactly," The Voice nodded. "And I can feel the darkness inside you, Harry. Look through the book, learn from it. If anyone is worthy of the knowledge in that book, it is you."
"Thank you," Harry gasped. "I—thank you. Are you sure?"
"Think nothing of it, Harry," the Voice of the Dark said sweetly. "Happy Yule."
"Happy Yule, and thank you once again," Harry said. He pocketed the book as the Voice of the Dark walked away. Harry barely looked around when he once again felt arms on his shoulders, and he was spun around to see a very handsome face that made his heart melt.
"There you are, my little snake," Tom chuckled.
"Tom! You're here," Harry gasped.
"Of course I am, I told you I would be," Tom said. He was wearing a handsome black suit with open robes. Harry couldn't help but notice their height difference, He only came up to Tom's chest. "Come, I want to dance and celebrate your night," Tom said.
The song was a smooth, slow one and Harry couldn't help but notice that they were surrounded by couples. In the far corner, Harry saw Cedric and George gliding softly together to the music as on the opposite corner, Mr. Malfoy dancing with his wife. "Nobody recognizes you?" Harry asked softly.
"Of course not my dear," Tom chuckled. "The only people alive who can even remember this face are all old now. Besides, tonight is not about me, but you." He took Harry in his arms and started to step with him. Harry blundered and had to stare at his feet to make sure that he didn't step on Tom's feet. His love chuckled, "Just let me guide you, Harry. Eyes on me."
His face red, Harry looked up at Tom and allowed him to take control. They moved silently, Harry's legs soon getting used to Tom leading him. "So," Tom said after some time, "what was it that the Voice wanted to talk to you about? It must have been special."
"Ohh, he gave me a book," Harry said. "It's a book of dark spells, I haven't looked at it yet."
"That is very generous of him," Tom hummed.
"Yeah, I like him," Harry giggled. Tom spun them and pulled Harry to his chest.
"Careful what you say, my prince, you can make your lord jealous," Tom purred.
Harry blinked up at him. "But Tom, you know that you're the only one I love," he said. They spun again and Tom hummed.
"Tell me how you love me," he ordered softly.
Harry thought for a moment as he stared at Tom's face. "I love the sound of your laugh," he said. "I love how I'm the only one to make you smile, how you smell in the morning, and how you are so groggy before you have breakfast. I love our quiet moments. When we're just together, doing our own things, but I also love when you hold me and kiss my cheeks. I love how you protected me, how you taught me and I'll always love you for putting me down this path. I love you for who you are, Tom Riddle, and I'll always love you, no matter what happens."
They spun once more as the music swelled, and Tom smiled. He pulled Harry against him fully, "Finally, my little snake," he whispered and pressed his lips against Harry's.
It was everything Harry could have imagined! Tom's lips were strong against his, perfectly shaped to devour his own. They stopped and Harry just latched onto Tom, his eyes closing as he felt his body grow hot as the kiss went on. He let out a small moan and Tom's hands moved to his hair and waist. The hand on Harry's head pushed him further towards Tom and their lips moved together, opening for a moment and their tongues met. Harry wanted to deepen the kiss but Tom bit down, taking Harry's lower lip into his mouth and nibbled on it. Harry groaned and pressed himself against Tom, his penis hardening. He could feel Tom's arousal as well, but Tom kept control of both of them. He pulled away before kissing Harry once more, spinning them both softly to the music and Harry felt that he was in heaven.
A/N: I never had fanart. I think it would be cool lol but like if I ever got fanart, I kind of would love it to be Harry and the Voice talking or Tom and Harry finally kissing. I remember one time I was supposed to get fanart of another fic of Harry in like this lovely dress but it never happened :( ...Anyway yeah, some stuff happened.