Chapter 8- The Decisive
"Slytherin"
The whole great hall descended into silence at the yell of the sorting hat, even teachers look at each other baffled. Whatever pre-notion they had grasped about the new Potter, this wasn't it. A Potter in Slytherin? That was unexpected and synthetic, probably one of biggest interchange one could imagine in recent decade after Sirius Black.
James and Sirius smirked at the crowd, afterall, Harry wouldn't take decisions without his family's knowledge. It was not entirely a similar case to Sirius Black, Charlus had predicted Harry's affinity with the hat, and it was transparent that he wasn't wrong. While Harry was brave and courageous, he was more strategic and sly, he had used his charms or rather intimidating approach to pursue a renowned Lord, namely Arcturus, incline to his side. Additionally, his advice was sound in the case of Black family Patriarch, his alliance with neutral families had proved fruitful to the Black family vaults. Suddenly, after his meeting with Notts and Greengrass family, proposal for possible business ventures had increased for the family.
It was Arcturus own beliefs regarding blood purity that held him restricted, or else, Blacks would have restored their family wealth earlier. The neutral side of his allies had ventures in muggle world also, and it wouldn't be wrong to say they were more beneficial than the Wizarding world. The population of the other world was richer than the wizarding one, it was a proclaimed factor of profit.
Nonetheless, The great hall was calm and frantic at the same time. Calm, as the silence in the hall was a rare instance, and Frantic, for every students' eyes were fixed upon the boy seated on the four legged stool with a hat on his head. Whereas several students were looking around for knowledge of the happening, mostly the muggle-borns, as they weren't familiar with wizarding custom or Clans.
However, Lily Evan wasn't one of the clueless ones, she had looked through, in extensive treasure of books that was Hogwarts library, every situation that's crucial regarding the Wizarding world. Wizengamot and its members wasn't any different, adversely, they were on the top of the list, one that shouldn't be ignored. She was educated about divisions prevailing in the pureblood families.
The Extremists/ Dark, the Neutrals and the Liberals/ Light.
A very liquid and unclear division they had, their disseverance was based on belief that they presented toward non-Pureblood wizards, and the wealth that their House possessed. According to that same book the light family such as Weasleys, Bones, Longbottoms and others didn't follow the blood purity agendas, thus they were highly unlikely to join the Slytherin house. A house that was depicted as the hub for individuals with limited moral span.
The Potter family was present in the list, but, under an anonymous category, everything else about them was unregistered as it stated. Still, James' sorting and his brags about his father being a Gryffindor inclined Lily's opinion that the Potter family supported light, and thus didn't chose Slytherin.
The other tables stilled as Harry stood up, he returned the hat to professor McGonagall, who was still befuddled due the turn of events. He looked across the silent crowd for mere seconds, his gaze met Hermione's who gave a short nod toward him. He had informed the girl regarding his decision to not refuse Hat's offer if it does try to put him in the green and silver house, which it did. He walked to the Slytherin table gracefully, as he stood over one of the end of table students gave him a berth, with a last glance toward Dumbledore he took a seat beside one of the Unknown Slytherins ending the whole exhibit. James and Sirius gave him a firm nod, while Remus looked conflicted and Peter was white as a ghost. Harry paid no mind to anyone else and directed his attention away.
He extracted his eyes from them and looked around the Slytherin table, familiar faces came infront instantly. Regulus Arcturus Black was the first person he rested his eyes upon, Sirius' younger brother was a copy of his brother in appearance. He was even more handsome than Sirius, one thing that the Blacks didn't failed to possess was their perfect facial features. The next individual was the greasy haired git, Severus Tobias Snape, the spiteful boy was glaring daggers at him, probably furious he would have to see James' replica everyday in Slytherin house.
The third pair of eye that his met were pale blue, cold as one can be and a calculative glint present in them. The sleek blonde hair and haughty expression on the boy's face clearly made it easy for him to recognise the man, Lucius Malfoy. A month ago this fateful meeting would have had bad consequences for the Malfoy, Harry was a war veteran whose most of the problems persisted due to this particular person. He had sudden urge to strangle the man's neck to the point where it remains nothing sort of a body part, though he closed those thoughts with his occlumency shields, if he wanted to pay the boy back he will do so in style.
As his eyes landed on the last pair of sight orbs, his eye widened for a second before a supressed memory came forward, suddenly the raw purple glint in the individual shifted into a memory. Dumbledore's instructions to start the feast for the required announcement could wait untill everyone had their fill was muffled behind the sound of his own footsteps...
*Flashback*
An older Harry, approximately of 19 years of age, walked through the gates of Malfoy Manor. It was one of his raids to capture or more likely kill one of the moguls of Tom's army. A group of Death eaters welcomed him into the hall that welcomed the guest into the manor, hanging around the elegant Sofa set in the middle of the Hall. The figures noticed his presence as his metal tipped shoes clanked on the marble floor, an offending battled ensued the whole hall in mere moments. Harry killed one of the Death Eaters with one of his curses and conjured its body to use it as a protective shield. However, the Death eaters, as irrespective of the moral and comradeship they were, fired cutting curses to lacerate the dead body of one of their own into chunks of flesh, blood and bones.
Soon, an another group of Death eaters joined the previous one to defy the renowned wizard impending doom upon them. Harry was on defense but not for long, he swirled his wand and the tiles around the masked terrorists cracked open, slithering constructs in a huge number being the reason of so. Rock Snakes, as Harry had entitled them, were one of his first offensive transfiguration works. The snakes slithered toward the crowd of black robes from every possible direction, although most of them were crushed down with the hefty amount of spells Death eaters were throwing around in panic, it wasn't enough.
Harry took the distractions in consideration and fired another spell toward the group, black smoke collected around the radius of the circle Death eaters had formed as an instinctive protection maneuver. The hall echoed with screams, a large number of the Death eaters were on their knees begging for the one they held dear.
'Timor imprimero', a simple spell founded by his fathers, Sirius Black and James Potter. It was a pranking hex used to view the victim a creature they fear. Harry had modified the spell a bit sinisterly, instead of a creature, they replayed the death events of the victim's loved one. Harry moved closer to the group and pointed his wand upright. 'Ignus Avis Maxima' He pronounced, a huge flock of fiery birds summoned out of the tip of his wand. He banished the flock toward the group of Death eaters, already engaged in depressive memories, they failed to defend themselves against both the flock of ignited birds and Rock Snakes.
Harry didn't paid mind to the dead bodies littered around the hall and climbed up the circular stairs leading upto the first floor. Voldemort was not present in the manor today, yet he had left three groups of Death eaters in here, his primary hideout.
Harry's main aim wasn't Tom, not yet. He wasn't ready for the Dark lord. He had became stronger, but Tom was on an entire another level, and with the Horcrux in him, it was inevitable that he had to die. However, he will not go down without Tom, with that thought in mind he scaled the last slab of stairs. As he stepped on to the floor above, a person was present there, waiting at the end of the corridor with a predatory gaze.
"Potter" The man sounded disgusted. "I see you have decided to accept your death, it wasn't enough that I finished off your godfather that you've arrived to provide me more pleasure" The man drawled as he walked forward desirously.
Harry stiffened at the mention of his adoptive father from his killer, as he stood, he growled at the man dangerously, his magic responding to this threat.
A coloured light crackled out of Rudolphus' wand firstly, Harry picked it as a Bone bluster and side stepped the point of fire which hit the wooden floor beneath him. Another coloured spell was fired, but unlike the previous one, it sizzled dangerously emerald. Harry erected a silver shield to dispose the spell and plunged his hand deep into his overcoat's inner pocket. What he revealed was atleast ten coin-like stones with a pointed side that required a hollow space on the other side, Rudolphus could see complicated signs etched on it. Well, considering the level of text Rudolphus could read, that were his school books untill sixth year.
Harry fired a curse of its own, the wards on the house were already disabled by his companion, who was busy flocking together anything of value, monetary or literature. A orange spell shot out of his wand, his offender had to form a shield as the spell was pretty nasty.
"Hero of light using such dark spells, what would have Dumbledore said, Potter" The man drawled coyly before firing another spell at Harry.
Harry didn't took bait instead banned the shield back to the LeStrange, He swirled his wand hastily and the wooden floor creaked suspiciously. Another composed swish of his wands and the house seemed to come alive, the wooden piles of the floor flunked up and groped Rudolphus' limbs.
"What the fuck, Pott..." Rudolphus spat but Harry had already threw those beads, which had complicated runes etched into them, around the constricted man.
He pointed his wand and the stones shone red. "Restrict" He whispered and a translucent wall transitioned infront of the two wizards, one constricted and another not. The wall was amply sound proof as Rudolphus' mouth moved but no voices can be heard.
Harry readjusted his coat and stalked forward toward the bound man, who did say he was going to play fair, he didn't need to. He was not a Viking warrior or a Samurai fighting for glory and acceptance, he had seen Dudley watch shows involving them. He was a survivor, and surviving doesn't need honour.
He threw an additional bead above one already placed, the spike attached with the end into the hole and the wall became less translucent. A swish of his stick and Rudolphus' wand was in his hand, he smirked at the man before firing a curse at him, an unforgivable.
"Crucio" He hissed. The man inside the ward stones writhed, as much he can over his restraints, and opened his mouth for screams though none came out, at least not outside the runes wall. He lifted the curse after ten-minutes and grinned at the man with glee, He had a toy, for now.
"Timor Imprimero" He said again, black smoke entered the space. Rudolphus eyes widened as he thrashed helplessly, something shone in his eyes, tears. Rudolphus LeStrange was crying. Harry didn't knew who he was watching die continuously, but whoever it was it did cause great pain to him.
"Legilimens" Wandlessly Harry scourged through Rudolphus mind for anything of importance, the turf was sickening to the core, his mind was filled with cruel intention and wishes, auditioned with memory of far worse. The guilt of the size of a fly he felt while torturing Rudolphus was already gone, he was happy that he had found the man.
"Now for you, You'll go down worse than Sirius did, you disgusting shit" Harry said sharply before leveling his wand at the man.
"Nogracordus" Harry said coolly. The man spluttered black liquid out of his mouth and nose instantly. "Nothing could be better than a slow, painful and suffocating death for you, I've got a week to have fun with you" He added with a malicious smirk.
Sparing a last glace to the bound man Harry took the walk toward the end of the corridor, his last victim of the day was in the room infront of him, one that he was etching to kill in the most brutal way.
Before he could enter the room footsteps sounded behind him as his companion joined him.
"Have you scourged everything important?" He asked to the blonde.
He gave a stiff nod.
"Take him, and reach out to him. He might have a use of him, though he's already on his death bed" Harry ordered before pocketing his wand to decipher the protective charms casted over the door.
"What about her? She is his most loyal and trusted.." the other boy inquired thoughtfully.
"I will see to it, Draco. Be careful, Not many of us are left" Harry intoned placing his hand on the door and closing his eyes.
Draco scoffed before using one of ward stones to levitate the man away after releasing him out of the wooden restraints.
It was still uneasy to see the boy as an ally, yet he had proved his loyalty by smuggling his father to Harry, moreover, during the last few months Draco had helped him much as he can.
Harry opened his eyes, unexpectedly they shone emerald and the door shattered under his arms. Inside the room stood a stunned Bellatrix LeStrange, she quickly schooled her features and grinned at Harry, disgusting sight that was.
"Look who's here, ittle-bittle baby Potter" Bellatrix mocked, however her voice didn't had the edge she possessed normally.
"Bellatrix, it's your turn now" Harry intoned emotionlessly.
"Oh, You're trying to scare the little me, Potter?" Bellatrix twirled her black wavy locks biting her lips. She did possess the beauty that the Blacks were adorned with, yet her feature appeared waxy and unappealing after her stay in Azkaban. Remus and Arthur had commented on that a few times, and Harry unintentionally, had heard those.
"You're too old to try and seduce your way out, you filthy hag" Harry sneered at her.
Bellatrix cackled, like a witch depicted in Muggle movies, she pouted like a kid and voiced out with a purr. "So, you're here to take me away like a prince rescues a princess out of a castle"
Harry fixed her with a venomous glare before firing a spell toward her Wandlessly. Unexpected that was for Bellatrix, she still ducked down to avoid the spell and revealed her wand out of her robes.
"Crucio" She bellowed, a red streak of light shot out of her wand. Harry waved his arm and summoned one of the chairs from across the room infront, the torturous curse hit the wooden chair and splintered into many pieces. Before Bellatrix could re-assess herself, Harry banished the wooden pieces toward the deranged woman. A shield was her response, the wood splinters turned into wood-dust fast as they contacted the white shield. Harry banished every furniture present in the room toward her hastily, attempting to not give her any time, Bellatrix LeStrange was a skilled and dangerous witch, anybody who contradicts that was a fool.
Bellatrix undone her shield and flunked the flying furniture above her head, they collided with the walls of room gaping holes in them. Bellatrix looked quite furious now, she twisted her wand with simple words "Fiendfyre"
Red hot fire erupted out of her wand taking the form of a Wompus cat. Harry had no time to see an another way and put up the strongest shield charm in his arsenal, a shield that was invented by his grandfather.
"Umbus" He whispered, he didn't wanted the other dueller to hear his incantations.
Golden shield formed around her, it soon became a Griffin' head and started consuming the devil's head.
Bellatrix screamed and reverted her Fiendfyre back. Harry, as the spell took a huge toll on his core much with the presence of Voldemort's souls inside him, tone down his shield.
It was a mistake! Bellatrix spun around due to the backlash of Fiendfyre and shot a familiar curse toward Harry, the sizzling red curse of torture. Harry jumped aside to avoid the curse but knew he'll not make it, he just twisted his wand clockwise before falling victim to the curse. He cursed and screamed as the red light made contact with his wand hand, his wand was thrown away due to the pain and he was on the ground clutching his arm.
Bellatrix laughed sinisterly where she stood. "It's your turn, Bellatrix" She mocked him openly. Harry knew this was how Sirius has lost his life, he had been busy taunting Bellatrix when Rudolphus' curse hit his back. Blacks, as skilled and noble they thought they were, also the boastful.
The moment seemed to stop as a wooden spider, transfigured out of the wooden floor, lunged at Bellatrix from behind. His long legs twisted around Bellatrix's limbs and restricted her movement, she screamed and attempted her best to get out of its grip, but her efforts were futile. Harry grasped his throbbing hand and stood up with shaky legs, wincing heavily with every movement he made, he summoned his wand and did same with Bellatrix's.
He rechecked her position to confirm she was duly anchored before conjuring a bowl of warm water and towel, the best way to relieve the pain of Cruciatus curse was to take a warm bath, but he couldn't take that step here. He dipped the towel warm water and tied it around his arm and hand, he then grasped the wand that Bellatrix had used to kill Molly, Parvati and torture Professor McGonagall. It felt vile and corrupted in a singular essence, he didn't gave it much thought, instead he broke it with his bare hands. White blinding light shot out of it before dying down prematurely.
Bellatrix screamed and writhed as he threw what was left of her wand toward her, two pieces of burnt wood.
He stalked toward her eyeing her disgustingly, he placed his hand over her throat and picked her up, though there was no walls left to throw her at. Nonetheless, It would be physical violence and Harry never supported it.
The only sign that he was standing in the middle of a room was the door, the rest, nothing but rubbles.
Harry barred himself from finishing the raven haired woman, he clutched the wooden locks on her and vanished silently.
The next few months were to be used to extract as much information as he can, but his strategy all tangled up as soon as he appeared inside his hideout.
Draco was already seated in the living room, adjacent to him was Percy Weasley, without an arm and half of his face blurred due to the third degree burns he had received from Nott.
"Tippo" Harry called, a young house elf appeared instantly. After the death of his two house elves, Kreacher and Dobby, Harry had to buy an elf for minimal chores. While Hermione's views on House elves was thoughtless, Harry didn't agreed with her. His time with Sirius had taught him many things and one of those was that the elves needed a master to survive, if not than they will die.
"Lock her in the basement, feed her and keep her alive, not to mention clean over her" Harry ordered placing the wooden bind beside him. The elf touched the wooden package and was about to vanish when Harry placed his hand over her head. "Don't tire yourself on her"
The elf as usual nodded enthusiastically and vanished with a pop.
Harry entered the living room and started shedding down the armour he had tacked over his clothes.
"Is he of any use to us?" Harry questioned Draco.
"Was" Draco corrected him. "That impotent bastard died at his hand, he somehow thought insulting you will be acceptable around him as soon as he came to know his identity" Draco drawled lazily.
"He was killed quite brutally, even I was about to throw up." Draco added.
Harry shook his head as he took the route to the bathroom to take a hot shower, he felt grimy by just being in contact with that maniacal woman.
(_-_-_X_-_-_)
Harry descended down the stairs of the basement to pay a visit to the insane woman he has housed as of present, albeit as a prisoner. As he reached her room, no noise could be heard from inside, that was strange, for the woman wasn't noiseless since her capture. He slid open the small window on the door to substantiate that she hasn't ran off, unexpectedly, she was huddled in the corner of the room looking around fearfully.
Her eyes met his, and surprisingly, she flinched back ducking her head in what appeared shame, shame? No, he must be seeing things. That was highly unlikely of the woman, she was a haughty, insolent and noisy at the least. He stared at her for a few second before receding back to his living room, he wasn't fond of interrogating subdued detainees. He blamed that need of brutal interrogation from feisty prisoners and the satisfaction it brought to him on Moody, his ex- mentor was too much of a sadist to not pass that trait over his apprentice. Dora was same, as was he.
Hermione would have been furious over his brutal approach, Ron on the other hand, scared of this new face of his best mate. Hermione's death was still a open wound in his heart, after all he had lost her not long ago than 6 month. Well, Sirius never supported Moody's idea of punishment, so that was another person disappointed in him. However, he can justify himself as he was one of the last order member still alive. The war had taken its toll on the organisation, and the battle of Hogwarts has nearly wiped out the organisation completely.
Nevertheless, the day came when Voldemort's most loyal followers opened her mouth to speak to Harry. It was a week after her detention, the week went by Harry following the ordeal of bringing her food one time every day. He would sit infront of her an hour to try and get some answers, but his questions weren't given ears, it was as if Bellatrix mind has been befuddled and she was blank now. Harry had predicted her to be noisy, destructive and venomous, that is if he ever caught her. Yet, that was not to be, she was quite calm and blank while still ignoring any conversation with the scarred boy.
That day Harry as usual placed her food tray on the table situated beside her makeshift bed from stone slabs, it was a Black family manor they had taken Adobe in, considering that a torture chamber was must in the basement.
"That's your food for today, LeStrange" Harry voiced calmly moving to take his seat on the wooden chair across the room.
"Black" A voice called from behind.
Harry turned around and peered at the raven haired woman, the beauty that had been described by most of the older order member, even Remus and Snape had described the woman as being one of most gorgeous and beautiful woman to birth in Black family was no more. Greying shabby hair, face with a lot of wrinkles, sagged body postured and those black eyes didn't had the same violet tint people didn't failed to mention about her. Yet, the beauty of her face was just a farce, that was it, her face was beautiful but her heart, that was as Black as her maiden name.
He felt disgust settling in his stomach as the woman glanced up at him blankly, not a blink of emotion.
"What do you mean?" He asked levitating his chair near himself to take a seat, the distance was adequate to counter any attack from her yet he was close enough to look into her eyes for falsehood.
"I am no longer a LeStrange, never wanted to be one. Still, I am a Black again by magic" She elaborated staggering to the plate of eatable to satiate her stomach's need.
Harry took the time to close his eyes and focus on the Black family ring, a connection, a faint one. He looked at her again and found himself confused, how could she be a Black.
"Why is that? Your marriage should have incorporated into the LeStrange family even after the demise of your husband" Harry argued.
Bellatrix looked up at him with wide eyes before shaking her head and tugging down into the tray. "I down't cware" Bellatrix grumbled with her mouth full, yet loud enough that Harry could hear him. "I neve...newver acweppteid thwat wrietchwed maen as a powential housbund"
"Don't slur down, you maniacal woman" Harry reprimanded her sharply. "And, How could you accept him as husband? You love that insane snake head, don't you?"
Bellatrix cleaned her mouth with the back of her sleeves as she had her fill, she pushed the plate toward him and took a seat on the stone slab.
"I never loved Voldemort, I never wanted all of this. I know you're not gonna trust me, but, I am not who you think I am" Bellatrix recited boring hole in the stone slab with her eyes.
"Spare me, you can't fool me, woman" Harry said with a edge in his tone. "Lucius was the same, begging that he was innocent and was under Imperious curse to commit the crimes" He continued. "Know what? A session of mind wandering and his lies failed him, I killed him very mercilessly, so am going to do with you"
Bellatrix looked at him lazily before shaking her head. "It's not possible, Potter. You can't kill me, I am already dying" She accepted sadly.
"What?" Harry asked curiously.
"My marriage to Rudolphus was against my wish, I never wanted to marry that wanker. Seeing that, my father forced me to marry him with a marriage contract..." Bellatrix begun. "Andi had already left the house to be with her muggleborn husband" Harry noted the loss of 'Filthy mudblood' and sort in her explanation. "My father was scared that we would do the same, thus he tied us with the son of his friend through an marriage agreement"
"My grandfather revelled against it, but his orders were kept unnoticed" Bellatrix looked up at Harry at that point, and Harry could see anger and frustration in the woman's eyes.
"That marriage contract was made as such that my life would be bound with that of Rudolphus, for I was one of the strongest witches in my House, and that fucking abhorrent arse of LeStrange feared that I will kill her son, and that I would have." again diverting her eyes to her toes.
"Additionally, unknown to my father and grandfather, he put some submission runes on the contract." She smashed her fist on the stone slab with a force.
Harry didn't believed her reasoning for even a little bit, even if it was as detailed as a real event, he had seen Death eaters use their charm to garner pity for themselves. He was not going to fall in that trap.
"For almost two decades, I was used a puppet for their need." She cried thrashing her arms on the slab. "They used me physically, mentally emotionally and now when I am free, it's not for long" tears ran down her eyes freely.
And, Harry was taken aback by her current state, he never wanted to admit it, but in that singular moment he saw truth in her words. Yet, the soldier that he had became was not the one to trust anyone, much less an enemy, this early. It wasn't like Harry hadn't trusted a criminal, one of worst criminal had been rescued and rehabilitated by him. However, Bellatrix was entirely a different case, she was right hand of Voldemort and he believes that the Snake head wouldn't fail to teach his most trusted the art to deceive.
"I still don't understand, If you're lives were bounded you should have died. Rudolphus is dead for a week now" Harry
Bellatrix looked at him resentfully. 'A week of uniqueness, and now she's turning back to herself' He thought as his eyes met with her venomous pair.
But, his satisfaction was unfound a moment later, she glared him for a moment before retreating back to her sulky self.
"You're as they call you, Potter, Messenger of Death." Bellatrix chuckled humourlessly. "Death is near, I can feel my magic seeping out. A week, that's what I have been left with" She sighed heavily.
"Death, you say" Harry voiced in not able to hold his tongue long. "You reap what you sow, Bellatrix. Your crimes were on par with Lucius, untill he committed that heinous crime." Harry spat disgusted. "True monsters, the lot of you"
Bellatrix flinched at his words but did return his insults, she shook her head and crossed her legs to adjust her seating, a stone slab couldn't be the most comfortable bed.
"Whatever it is, I just want you to inform me about his hideouts and holds. Their location, number of Death eaters on those property and most of all his current location" Harry queried placing a quill, ink pot and parchments on her slab out of his black cloak.
Bellatrix stared up at him for a second, and she chuckled humourlessly the next second. "Firstly, you say you don't trust me, and now you want me to name all this"
"Why would you trust me, Potter?" she teased with a smirk.
"I don't" Harry replied coldly. "Yet, I don't think you would like her sacrifice go vain?"
Bellatrix stiffened at his words, flashes of a horror she had seen lit in her mind. She saw the body levitated in air by Lucius, and it was this moment that she wished Lucius was still so that she can kill him again.
"Fine, I will give you what I want." Bellatrix accepted honestly.
She did what she was told and Harry had the location of Voldemort's holdouts, and population of Death Eaters present there. Still, Harry was troubled by the willingness of Bellatrix to betray her master, given she was the loyal one of all.
It happened as she had said, a week later Bellatrix died, she didn't went away silently though. No, it was hell of a night for the individuals present in the manor, until Harry had enough and silenced her.
*Flashback ends*
He tore his eyes from Bellatrix's, the woman...no, she wasn't a woman yet, she was a girl...right now, innocent or not, that is for time to tell. The raven haired girl was gazing at him curiously, though if he would have widened his sight of vision he could've seen every individual student stealing glances at him time to time.
He noticed a few girls adorning the same look as Susan Bones or Parvati Patil during his sixth year in the school, well that was that untill Harry had decided to treat the red head. That soon turned into a date, an unexpected relationship arose out of it untill of course Harry had to play the chosen one. Susan had lost her aunt recently, she didn't want to get attached to him too much that his venture, if failed, would hurt her...broken already she was. He had build up quite the physic till then, it was probably due to the training course Sirius and Moody had made him follow. He ignored the looks and focused on the food on his plate for now, he could venture those turfs later, afterall he was a teenager again, with raging hormones nonetheless.
It would be the same moment that his raven chose to reveal himself, the black mass of feathers fluttered his wings as he entered the hall with a graceful glide.
"Caw...Nekros...Nekros" The whole crowd turned soundless soon as the bird begun circling around the Slytherin table a few times.
The students began whispering amongst themselves while the teachers looked mortified, it was a morbid appearance at the least. The whispering increased at a sudden pace when that same bird landed on Harry's extended hand, it was an intriguing sight to be seen.
"Here you are, Orev" Harry said to the bird a bit loudly, which tilted it's head to look at him. He guided the bird to his shoulder for better movement.
"You should wait in owlery, little friend." Harry voiced ignoring the bird's nibbles on his earlobes. "Atleast, untill I get to my dorm"
"Caww" The bird squeaked loudly startling the students around Harry, they inched farther away from him, none were interested to attract the attention of the unique wizard.
At the teachers table Dumbledore gazed at the interaction with twinkling eyes, the boy didn't had his companion last time they interacted. Yet, his familiarity with the creature was un-suggesting as such, the boy was on his mind since his interaction with him.
The horrors, he had seen the raven haired teen face were nothing short of mortifying, if not entirely dreadful. Then also, the responsibility fell upon his shoulder more than partly, how could he make such mistakes? He couldn't say he never saw himself make same decisions in future if he was left unaware of all this mess, though his thought would have been those of a man with a desire to see the good in people. Ashamed and apologetic he was, extensively. But, he was not able to help himself to meet the boy again. Two months had passed, still and all, he didn't get the time to turn some stones to wangle a meeting.
He has instead used that time to build up the base for the organisation he had seen himself assess in future, Order of the Phoenix. He had evoked his standing with his former allies from the war with Grindlewald, a few have responded positively while others requested for time to ponder upon. Elphias Doge, Gallvik Dearbone, Giseda Abbott and Taveris Tearhide were a few ready to aid him in his venture for now.
Charlus Potter, Arcturus Black, Varden Nott and Alphard Longbottom, on the other hand, refused outright to be connected to this group. He could derive the reason for the refusal of Black family and Nott family. Blacks, as ancient they were, their family history was clouded with dark patches, mostly old than recent.
And, the Notts have differenced their views on Dark arts after the defeat of Grindlewald, for the legendary Wizard had rivalled Dumbledore's power with his knowledge of darker spells.
He could, to an extent understand that the boy was unfaithful of him due to his future self mistakes, and had influenced Charlus' decision. Alphard Longbottom, adverse to all above, was the unexpected refusal.
He shielded those thoughts off his mind before taking the podium once again to address the crowd for the last time that day.
"The very best of evening to you!" Dumbledore's voiced boomed over every sound in the hall. "Now... I would like to say a few words, before we all become befuddled by the comfortable beds of the dorms"
"As you all know Professor Greenheart was wounded up quite badly last year" Headmaster begun gravelly. "I am apologetic to inform you that he had refused to return to teach the subject" He continue. "I please to welcome Professor Aberforth Dumbledore, who's kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher." He smiled with a gesture.
Third time that day, the great hall quieted down to murmurs. The door beside the teachers table opened and entered a man with larger than average height, Black beard with hints of white in them unlike his brother, blue piercings eyes roamed around the room for a few moments before it fixated on the aged headmaster. Albus smiled at his brother, who didn't bothered to return it even for a greeting, instead scowled at his brother and took his seat at the end of the table.
"Moving on... Mr Filch has requested me to remind you that the forest at the end of the school grounds, the Forbidden forest is that, forbidden." Dumbledore announced with a smile. "Also, using spells in corridor is strictly prohibited.." Dumbledore's gaze darted toward the Marauder, with a hint something akin to amusement, for a second before continuing "Lastly, the list of banned items could be found on the door of Mr Filch's office...That's it!"
The moment was dissipated by an airy screech echoing from the end of Slytherin table, a somewhat familiar pug nosed boy jumped up and chose to sprint around the room with frantic speed. A moment later, the reason was clear when two crabs slid down his pants and went to click their pincers as they advanced toward him again, unhappily, for the students enjoying the show, Minerva chose the moment to banish the crabs. Instead they both morphed for a moment uncertainly untill finally turning into two chicken leg pieces.
Harry stole a glance to see the turkey on the Gryffindor table without its leg, and it was clear who did it as the Marauders were seated right infront of it. James was being glared by Lily, who has probably noticed his mischief, while Sirius was focused on directing a smirk toward him. He smirked back amusedly, he never did say the had to stop their pranking, it was more for Snape than anyone else.
Snape, as spiteful he was, he was a talented student. He could use Snape in extended ways, from his extensive knowledge of potions to his interest in Dark arts. Snape could be a beneficial ally, only if he doesn't let James' reputation speak for Harry. That wouldn't be the case, expectedly, as James was restricted to target an individual. He could see a few of other students eyeing him discreetly, though the LeStrange brothers were not that discreet and their smirk spoke of malicious intent.
On the other hand, Lucius Malfoy was entirely a different case, he was stealing glances toward the new Potter with an unknown glean in his eyes. He was probably evaluating the boy to present to his Dark Lord, as much as he knew, Lucius Malfoy was already familiar with Tom in his fourth year. His family, with the LeStrange were one of first to join the cause of the heir of Gaunt.
He directed his gaze back toward the table to Aberforth, the younger Dumbledore was quite a character in himself. Opposite to his brother, Aberforth wasn't that strategic person though he could see and determine both side of a coloured paper, that is, what's wrong and what's right. After all, He was the one to shout sense into his brother when Albus was intent on seeking the hallows, it was for the same reason that Grindlewald chose to attack the younger Dumbledore with a Cruciatus curse. Arianna's death was the result of the duel that ensued after that, Albus wasn't able to forgive himself for that.
Yet, Aberforth shouldn't be here. The younger Dumbledore resented the elder one, he wasn't keen on spending even a second of his day in the presence of famed wizard. How did the old wizard persuaded his brother to join the school? That too for the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Though, if one may know as much as Harry knew, he would say that Aberforth was duly affiliated for the role. As much other chastised the younger Dumbledore and compared him to Albus his skill was honed in dueling, while Albus was the master of transfiguration. Aberforth was a talented dueller, competing with the likes of Charlus Potter and Grindlewald. It was the latter's use of torture curse on him that had incinerated the flames of learning in younger Dumbledore.
Contrary to suggestions and popular believes, Aberforth did know how to read. He wasn't as studious as his elder brother, but that didn't meant he was illiterate.
Harry's eyes wandered around for a moment before it landed on the familiar blues of Albus, Harry gave a short nod to acknowledge the possibility Albus has created for the younger generations to learn.
The Ravenclaw Diadem was carrying the curse put upon the DADA's post. Although it seemed Harry hasn't continued the formation of group he had discussed with Charlus and Arcturus about, it was quite opposite of that. Arcturus and Charlus were the first and the only two members of his group for now, he would garner the crowd needed for it. The main issue was his way of retaliating, he was sure most of the wizards would disagree with the amount of brutality he was used during one of his infamous raids.
His musing was cut short by the end of the feast, before he could stand up and walk up to the dungeons, which he wasn't supposed to know where it was, A hand came resting on his shoulder. He straighten at the foreign contact and turned to face the person, he was greeted with the smiling and bulbous face of Professor Slughorn.
The potioneer didn't looked that much different from his younger self, still enormously fat, with no hairs on head and a silvery walrus like moustache. His eyes shone indigo behind that brown hue, his pudgy hand on Harry shoulder as the man watched him with an pleasant smile on his face.
"Welcome to the Slytherin house, Mr Potter. It was surprising to consider a Potter would choose my house, good naturedly of course" Slughorn beamed with a clap.
Harry returned the greeting with a confident smile and a firm hand shake. "I am honoured to learn from a great potioneer such as you, Professor. I have heard of your teaching skills, unlike any other and best in the field."
Harry praised the man freely, he was familiar with Slughorn's hunger for praise and respect. His Slug club was a successive example of that, Harry has a strong desire to join the group this time again. Not only it provided a spot to render out news, but also, He could find fruitful allies in the parties Slughorn throws occasionally.
The bulbous man chuckled freely. "It seems your charm exceeds that of your brother, Mr Potter.."
"Harry" He intoned quickly.
"Yes...Yes, Harry." The man said the name as if he was tasting a beer, albeit his expression intoned he liked the beer.
Years with Sirius had taught Harry to be a bit confident yet protective of his true self, he had taught Harry what they termed as the Marauders' charm. That charisma had led Sirius, Remus and...to some extent...James to broom cupboards with ladies on their arms. According to Sirius, James had stopped participating in the socializing activities during the end of his fifth year as Lily's own beauty had caught up to him. Sirius always called James 'a lovestruck deer'.
Considerably, that particular appeal had been helpful for Harry in the past. After his change in demeanor and physic, moreover, Sirius had spared his time to teach him about Birds and Bees. He had used that charm to acquire favours from the opposite sex quite a bit, what with Cho, Daphne and Susan Bones. Ron used to call his approach 'Frontal smooth', he didn't kept his past or anything private while he chatted with the girls, yet his charisma and words did the work for him.
"Well, I hope you form a strong connection with you peers and make our house proud, Harry." Slughorn called freely.
"Now, I know you're unfamiliar with the castle thus I think I should provide a guide to you" His walrus like moustache twitched as looked around the hall for a competent individual.
"Oh, there he is. Severus will the job finely, he's one of the most courteous of your batch" He mused to himself.
On the other hand Harry rolled his eyes, of course with his luck, he should have predicted something like that. He was rioting on inside already, there were several faces in the hall that had chose Tom's side. He could kill them all there, yet his hand was tight by the reminisce of the words Death spoke. Some of them could be turned, and probably manipulated to work against the uprising Dark lord instead of joining him.
He knew and has already aimed two individuals he thought could be reverted. Regulus Black and Severus Snape were the foremost on his list, while his git of his teacher was an spiteful bully he also was a victim. The man was torn in between the service of his two masters, On the other hand Regulus was once a Death eater but after seeing the horror of the war that Voldemort inflicted on Britain...he had resented his previous decision, confirmed by the betrayal.
If Harry could patch the two individuals with himself, he will have powerful allies at his hand. While Sirius was a brave and powerful Wizard, he wasn't thoughtfully cunning. What with Regulus being a Slytherin, Harry knew he was resourceful and sharp. And, he couldn't ignore the skill that Severus possessed, maybe he could change the man into something else. He was broken and bullied, the culprit being not only Marauders but the ministry and Snape's own family.
"Severus, my boy. Come here" Slughorn called the boy with a wave.
Severus spared some last words to an unnamed Slytherin and glided toward the head of his house, his bat-like grace showing itself periodically and prematurely.
"Severus, I hope you know Mr Potter" Slughorn queried gesturing toward Harry.
Severus nodded positively.
"Well, He's new and isn't familiar with the castle, if you could help him, that would be great" the old potioneer continued.
Severus' eyes met with Harry's and flinched back, green...the hue and saturation was too similar to Lily's for his comfort, he stared at the boy...avoiding his eyes entirely, for a few second before frowning deeply and reverted his eyes back to the professor.
"You don't need to worry about that, sir" Severus assured in an even tone.
"Gracious good" Slughorn gave a full smile. "I knew you won't refuse my request, Severus"
Slughorn gave Harry a short look over before moving on, he knew Slughorn was tasting him as possible guest for his club. Harry turned back to the black-clad boy again and gestured him to lead. Severus sneered at him before leading him forward.
Snape walked him through the important part of the castle, except the classrooms as he had to attend them from tomorrow and could work through them at a pace. During the whole tour Snape was quite distant from him, not unexpected it was but troublesome, as he had to lean against the greasy haired boy for any questions. Conspicuously, he didn't had a question regarding the castle but it would go noticed that he hasn't shown interest in some of the things that the future potion professor shown him.
"At last this is the hospital wing, Madam Pomphrey is in charge of the place. Any questions?" Snape asked snidely.
Harry nodded in response, he smirked inwardly, never to show true emotion infront of a stranger. "What's with you being such a arse with me?"
Snape narrowed his eyes at his question and an inclined sneer found its place on his face, he replied distastefully. "You and your brother are similar, arrogant bullies who doesn't have any regard to the rules laid down for students"
Harry looked at the boy knowingly, yet his smirk present in his mind stretched, Snape's tongue was sharp as ever. "Yet, I am here in the house of Salazar, and...he's in the house of Godric, that's quite a difference from my point of view"
"Your point doesn't matter to me, Potter" Snape spat his name disgustingly. "This façade of yours wouldn't last long, you're just like him, one day or another you will reveal your true self. Lazy, arrogant and egoistical bully"
"You're judging me on the accord of my twin, we don't even look that similar" Harry tried but faltered as he saw the steel evident in Snape eyes, the boy wouldn't bulge. It was not that surprising as Snape was an analytical arse, he knew that the man wouldn't change his point of view, untill it's beaten into him otherwise. He never did during the six years Harry attended his classes, Harry wasn't like his father in personality aspect, and even it was a little bit of his father in him that was the best of his father.
James as much a welcoming and helpful person he was, he was a total prat even when the time doesn't calls it. Adversely, Harry was never a prat, not that he could think of, he was bit of short tempered but that was due to the shard of Voldemort's soul inside him reacting.
"I am not gonna try, but if you could look above that narrow sight of vision yours, you could see I am unlike my brother" Harry responded calmly before gesturing him to carry forward.
Harry knew Snape wasn't either defenseless or unmistakable in the spark in between him and two of the most notorious Marauders, James and Sirius were a handy duo...that was for sure. Where Remus and Peter were always there to support the duo, more Remus than Peter, Sirius and James were not entirely to blame. Snape incited their curiosity, or rather garnered their attention by his thorny comments.
Snape scowled at him but didn't held to it and led him to the dungeon.
Harry recognised the path leading to the lower levels of the castle immediately, he had been in the Slytherin house's common room a few times. One of those was during his venture with a particular blonde Slytherin girl, well one thing that Harry could confirm was that the epithet 'Ice princess' given to Daphne was equally wrong, the girl was smokin' hot. Harry shook off those lustful thoughts out of his mind, his teenage hormones were reacting adamantly now that he had to relay them again. And, this time it was intensified as he was free off a burden which controlled his emotions at certain space of time.
As they reached the stone wall that covered the entrance to the common room Snape recited the password out loud, so that Harry could hear him. Suddenly, a gate appeared out of nowhere, They entered the Common room to a silent welcome, students seated on the sofa and chairs sprawled across the room and a few huddled into groups. Several eyes landed on him and the common room went void of any sound, the looks he received was divided.
The common in itself was posh looking, Stone walls at each sides were decorated with painting of some of the great achievers of the house, light ones absolutely. The room was of same size as Gryffindor common room, luxurious and comfortable furniture left no indication that the house members were suppose to favour hygiene and etiquette over every thing. The fireplace stationed on the left side of the room had stones snakes engraved on it, the colour code seem to be Green and silver as the windows, as scare as they were, had curtain coloured.
Whereas a few stares were of confusion and then recognition, a few unfollowed the norm with a glare or sneer at him, mostly of same sex. The two redheads advancing toward him belonged to the later group, Harry held his ground and stood relaxed at his spot.
"Finally decided to join us, Potter?" The one on the left leered closely.
"We've been waiting for you, as our new celebrity should be welcomed in the house properly" The other one added.
Harry could hear the groans of frustration and resignation from the former division of the two, that quickly changed into realisation as the the boys pounced at him.
Rudolphus, as much he remembers, moved behind him hastily while Rebastian charged to hold him from front. His body reacted on instinct instead of mind, he descended low to avoid Rudolphus' hold and kicked Rebastian's hands away. Before Rudolphus could retook his hold, Harry grabbed his arm and pulled him, an elbow connected with his nose as he sprawled on the floor with a moan.
Rebastian was the faster one of the two to recover and was already on Harry, but the raven haired boy ignored his arm and clutched his head firmly. A swipe of his leg and push of his hand pounded the boy down on the mat, and it was only that thick layer of cloth that prevented any further damage to the boys.
This act of violence didn't go unnoticed by the authoritive figures in the room, Lucius Malfoy and Jonathan Greengrass were on their way to intercept the confrontation between the trio. It was quite easy to see that the LeStrange brothers has again ignored the rules of school on violence, however, before they could reach to them the new Potter had disposed them. The confrontation was as short as they can see, soon as the duo made contact with the new Potter he had taught them to not take him lightly ever again.
No wand movement, no magic, it was one of those encounters where physical force was all that was required. Harry calmed his senses and placed his mental barrier infront of his emotion, his face became void of any expression and his mind cleared out any unnecessary thought.
"And, Here I thought you were being nice to me" Harry said emotionlessly, it was evident that even he didn't favoured his words.
"That would be a week of detention, Mr Potter" Lucius Malfoy's voice rang in his ear.
"I overrule that, Two week detention for LeStrange brothers, additional with their previous one" A voice called out that Harry recognised instantly.
"And, 10 points from Slytherin, for physical assault" Jonathan added.
Harry looked up to see the despondent of the voices present their, Jonathan eyed Lucius for a moment before directing his attention toward him.
"While this was a mistake from the LeStrange brothers, I must warn you against using physical force on other students, Mr Potter." Johnathan said in a tone that respectfully denied his accusations. "The prefects are present to deal with such issues"
"Pardon me, but I did what I must to protect my person" Harry replied confidently.
Jonathan eyed him for a moment before a smirk found its place on his face. "It is for that reason only that I am letting you off with a warning"
The head boy strolled away with a approaching nod to the raven haired boy.
"I apologise for my mistake, Mr Potter" Lucius said after the head boy took his leave. "I wasn't able to see these two assault you first, I sincerely apologise for your discomfort, and I ensure you, you wouldn't have a problem with them in my command"
That last 'In my command' transpired many things at once, it did explain that Lucius will restrict the two from attempting anything else in his presence. Whereas, his absence might escape him from anything the LeStrange try.
Nonetheless, Harry gave him a firm nod before gesturing Snape, who was eyeing the brothers with pity, to lead him to the dormitory. Snape spared a glance toward him before taking the charge, he led him through the stairs to an oak door with engraving of "Boys dormitory, 5th year".
Harry entered the room and looked around it, there were more beds in the room than he remembers girl dormitory having. As, it was the only Slytherin dormitory he was familiar with, again thanks to Daphne. Harry spotted his trunk on the other side of the room, last in the row.
Snape looked at him for a second before voicing in hesitantly. "You'll do fine if you keep yourself careful, the duo you humbled moments ago are known to be quite nasty, their sense of humour border between cruelty and humiliation. I would be on guard constantly, if I were you"
The greasy git swept out of the room with those lasting words, Harry stated at the place Snape had stood and smirked for a moment. He would have fun tormenting Snape to change his behaviour, as it was, he was too stiff for an ally, less a friend.
(_-_-_X_-_-_)
Meanwhile, Tom Riddle, who was now known as Voldemort by his followers, was ecstatic. He had been lying in wait for this particular day for years, his army and his loyal followers were ripe enough to show their devotion and loyalty toward him.
After months of small attacks and Muggle baiting, Voldemort's army was ready for some open fun. Now, after several decades of his absence, he was ready to strike fear into the hearts of Wizarding kind.
These fools depicted him as a Messiah, Messiah for Pureblood families. Yet, his true intention were hidden deep inside the layers of lies and promises. For short time as they were, he didn't wanted to demotivate or worse turn his followers against himself, for he needed them at present. Once his name became the beacon of death, adorned with the mark he had discovered in one of the many scriptures of his Gaunt line, he would be free to pursue his dreams.
A dream of absolute power and reign, his era will never end for he has rid himself of death. He was truly immortal, his soul shards were hidden across unfeasible locations, and a few artifacts were ready to be morphed into more soul shards. Seven, the quantity he has chosen for the number of pieces he divided his soul into. Even Dumbledore will be unable to confront him head on, his former teacher was always one of the few he feared.
The man had a whole story to be recited behind him, under that benevolent and kind ulterior, a legend was hidden. The man had defeated one of most infamous Dark wizard in recent history, the duel as it was, called as the most epic duel to ever take place. It wouldn't be wrong to say Tom was envy of his former teacher, Dumbledore was what he always wanted to be, Powerful. Yet, the man didn't allowed himself to be in front, he had taken the Headmaster's post of Hogwarts to distance himself from any ongoing conflict. Although he did has a firm grip on politics and could overturn it at any point, he was highly unlikely to do so, and that was what made Tom uneasy of the man.
So much power, yet no desire to capitalize it.
Nonetheless, that was behind him now, the old wizard was nothing more than a fossil now. His years of rest has diminished his skills, he shall be handled when the right time comes.
Today, The Wizarding kind will behold the emergence of lord Voldemort, and soon they'll be obliged to either follow him or be vanished. The muggleborns were a cherry on top of a cake, not focused upon, yet delicious.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, All rights are reserved to JK Rowling.