Hi everyone, chapter 2 is finally here. Let me know what you think of this chapter.
I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and/or any associated characters.
Standing in front of his Death Eaters; Bellatrix, Lucius and Severus, he chose the best way to approach the subject of rescuing his Horcrux. It was as new to them as it was to him. "I will require your backup with this plan of mine, you probably won't agree with it, but trust me, I know what I'm doing." He watched a wave of curious expressions met him.
"What is the plan, my Lord" Severus asked, trying to guess what his lord could possibly need help with. Experience taught him it could be anything but how bad could this one be?
Tom regarded his Death Eaters with a look they knew better than to go against. Going against Tom wouldn't end well for anyone and they knew that. "It's Harry Potter. After considering it for a while I've decided I'm going to sway the boy to our side." His gaze passed over each of the three death eaters in turn.
"But my Lord, he is deep in Dumbledore's pocket." Lucius interrupted fearing for his Lord's sanity.
Glaring at the Death Eater Tom snapped. "Harry is living with his muggle relatives because of Dumbledore. Don't question my decision, the boy has become very important to me."
After a few minutes spent ensuring his Death Eaters knew the situation and had agreed to join him rescuing Harry, he returned to his private quarters to plan his interaction with the Dursleys'.
Tom and his three Death Eaters apparated to Little Whinging and made their way towards Privet Drive. Counting down the houses, Tom stopped outside number four and glanced around. He laughed to himself there was only one ward surrounding the house - anti-magic. A pathetic way to protect anyone. Dumbledore clearly didn't know how to protect anyone let alone the boy who lived, Tom thought to himself making a mental note to deal with Dumbledore later.
Severus rapped his knuckles against the front door and stepped back falling into line with the others. A few seconds later the sound of shouting could be heard and the door opened revealing what could only look like an ugly walrus to Tom.
"What are you doing here you freaks?" The man roared, spittle flying out of his mouth missing the Lord's face by mere millimetres and he scowled.
Moving closer to the walrus Tom spoke "We're here to see Harry Potter. We believe he lives here."
"I don't know who you're talking about but he certainly doesn't live here." Vernon went to close the door only to have Tom slot his foot in the gap. Sliding his wand out from his sleeve he pointed it straight at the man's face, threatening him.
As they all made their way into the hall Lucius muttered a spell stupefying the Dursleys. The house gave no indication there was another boy under the roof, only a giant peachy whale who they could only assume was Potter's cousin.
With the mutter of a spell, the door of the cupboard burst open and they slowly entered. The stale, metallic tang of blood hung in the air. In the corner, they found Harry in a crumpled heap on what barely resembled a wooden floor obscured barely visible with the teen's blood. Beside his head rested Hedwig's cage atop a mess.
Turning the boy onto his back, Harry cracked open an eyelid before quickly closing it, with no strength to move his body even slightly. Having seen the boy's memories Tom couldn't stop himself from gasping. Harry lay limp, barely conscious with blood and bruises carpeting his whole body. His left arm hung out to the side, clearly broken.
Casting a quick diagnostic spell they found Harry had several broken bones, internal bleeding and bruising on most of his body.
Tom did his level best to keep his cool and not kill the Dursleys' there and then even though he was tempted. Killing them wouldn't bode well especially for Tom if he wanted to remain under the radar. Lifting Harry bridal style he waited as Severus gathered the teen's few belongings and Lucius grabbed Hedwig's cage.
With a faint pop, Tom apparated back to his manor, the others following suit. With a wave of his wand, the door to the guestroom burst open and he moved over towards the bed in the centre of the room. Carefully placing Harry on top of the duvet covers, he stepped back allowing Severus and Bella to heal him.
After successfully stopping the blood flow from the deep wounds covering Harry's mid-section Severus stepped away from Harry's bedside and spoke," Potter's physical injuries are healing well but his mental state is not yet known and probably not too stable my Lord." He handed Tom a list of all the injuries Harry's ever experienced in his life to date, which was much longer than that for an average teen. Neither Severus nor Bella had ever seen one as long in a teen of his age.
Tom got gradually paler as he read through the seven pages. There were simply too many injuries there for his liking. Far too much, how did the teen come through all this? Ultimately, it fell on the teen's willpower and determination since no magic could be used. With a hint of, perhaps, stubbornness Tom added.
It all began at the age of two with a broken arm and severe malnutrition which continued throughout the seven pages lessening slightly during Hogwarts and his time with the Weasleys'. Setting the parchment on the bedside table he retreated to watching Severus bandage Harry's arm.
With Harry's arm propped up on a cushion resting by Harry's side, they headed down to the large dining hall used for the more formal meetings. As the others surrounding Lucius sank into their chairs as if wanting to become invisible he took it as an opportunity to straighten up primly.
"It was an honour My Lord to-"
"You have muggle house dust in your hair Lucius." Tom chimed in, cutting the wizard off. Conjuring a fruit platter he speared a piece of melon on a fork and observed it casually as he spoke.
Anxiously Lucius brought a hand to his hair and rubbed it a few times. At that precise moment, Bellatrix started laughing hysterically and Tom smirked at Severus who let a sly grin twist his features.
Later that evening Tom watched as Harry's eyes opened a crack before closing firmly again. Unsure of how much of a response he'd get or if he'd even get one at all he started talking gently to him.
"Hello Harry, how are you feeling dear?" Getting no verbal response or no movement Tom continued hoping Harry could at least comprehend what he was saying. "You're safe here in Riddle Manor. I Tom Riddle am not going to hurt you and neither will anyone else, I'll make sure of it. I keep my promises and don't break them. Under any circumstances." Tom added as an afterthought figuring it might help reassure the teen.
Placing a hand on top of Harry's uninjured hand, he gave it a gentle reassuring squeeze then let go. As if in response Harry's fingers repeatedly hit the bed a few times before laying frozen atop the mattress, Harry's eyes appearing glassed over.
Tom observed Harry silently for a few moments, curbing his anger at Dumbledore and the Dursleys'. He'd deal with them at some point and ensure they pay for the wounds both physically and mentally they were responsible for. In his opinion, they were responsible for a lot, especially that headmaster who should have been keeping a closer eye on him and keeping him out of harm's way. After all, he was the headmaster and that he assumed was part of his job. Incompetent was the only word Tom could use to describe Dumbledore without allowing his temper to erupt.
As soon as you're able, my dear, I'll give you a tour of this manor in which you will continue living no matter what. I'll leave you now to rest and I'll be back to check on you later."
With still no response Tom left the room, almost tripping over Severus in the process who was crouched behind the door listening in.
Tom sent a cold glare at Severus who merely smirked in response, annoying him even more although he did his best not to show it. But show it he did much to Severus' satisfaction.
Severus watched his Lord disappear from sight before moving himself to the centre of the door, his body safely hidden behind it. With his head peering out watching Harry thoughts occurred to him. Strange ones. Ones he hadn't had before. He had to admit they shocked him, to say the least.
That's it for now. Looking forward to any reviews.