Hi everyone, thank you to all readers so far. Apologies, this chapter is quite short. I'm not mad about this one. Let me know what you think
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and/or any associated characters.

Severus barrelled his way into Tom's private quarters, he simply had an urgent matter on his mind. One that simply couldn't wait. Stopping in front of his master's desk, not caring whether he was expected or not. With Tom appearing to be in his own world he grabbed the quill out of his hand and slammed the desk with his fist.

"My Lord my Lord please stop-stop and listen," Severus spoke rather hurriedly, breathing quicker than normal.

Reluctantly Tom pushed the parchment away from him and kicked his legs out, leaning against the back of his chair. Folding his arms across his chest and taking in a deep breath, he spoke.
It wasn't often Severus came into his room with such force, but when he did, it was always an important matter. "What Is the matter Severus-what is it?"

"It's Dumbledore, my Lord. He's closing in. He knows Harry is no longer at Privet Drive and is suspecting you've something to do with it. It's only a matter of time before he realised the Dursleys' are not there either." Severus' speech rate quickened, and he spat the word 'Dumbledore' like it would poison his very being. Well, Dumbledore was certainly poisoning everyone with his lies and theories.

Severus began pacing back and forth the length of his Lord's desk.
"Has he begun looking for Harry?" Tom stood from his desk, wand clasped in his hand by his side.

"No my Lord but he has already discussed it with his followers and I suspect he will be starting soon."

"Thank you, Severus, we'll need to strengthen the wards surrounding Privet Drive, Hermione's home, and here along with some other things we need to work out.

While Severus added wards to the other two buildings, Tom added more to his Manor. The wards were strong already, but you couldn't be too cautious, especially now. He couldn't let himself be beaten by Dumbledore.

He'd make sure to bring him down in everything that pursued. Going down without a major fight simply wasn't in his nature, and neither was allowing himself to be beaten. It would be the light against the dark side.

With extra wards added where necessary, Tom and his Death Eaters gathered in his private quarters to discuss plans and everything that had to happen. Hermione was to stay for the next few days, but they'd have to be careful in getting her home, her safety was paramount.

On top of that, they had to let everyone know about the true Dumbledore, one only a few people knew.

As everyone sat down for dinner, piling food onto their plates, Tom spoke. "Hermione, Harry, we need to discuss some serious issues with you-not regarding either of you," Tom added seeing the look on the teens' faces, mainly Harry.

With a nod from both, Tom continued. "It's Dumbledore. He's looking for you Harry, but we've put in place measures to protect both of your safety. He knows you're not with your relatives and has his suspicions."

Realisation dawned on Harry and flashbacks tore through his mind. The Dursleys', Dumbledore. The people who should have had his best interests at heart. Images of his treatment over the years flashed through his mind and he shivered. And shivered externally at that of which was noticed by others.

Hermione, noticing the change in her friend, gripped his hand atop the edge of the chair in an attempt to keep him grounded. Tom, deciding it better not to mention anything at that moment, figured it'd be better to talk in private. He settled on a comforting look instead before looking from Harry to Hermione in turn.

"What measures? Will Harry be safe, and also what happens to Dumbledore?" Hermione looked ready to jump out of the chair and cover Harry as though they were in battle.

Tom looked over at Severus and Lucius before deciding on what to say.
"We've strengthened the wards of here, your parents' house, Hermione and Privet Drive. As for Dumbledore, we've decided we need to bring down his reputation and ultimately beat him at his own game-" The remainder of what he was going to say got cut off, and he was left with his mouth open till he realized it.

Harry and Hermione, both of you will be well protected, we'll make sure of it. In getting you home, you'll have extra protection." With a slight film of relief spreading across her face they continued talking occasionally till dinner had finished.

Later that evening saw Harry pulling fresh pajamas out of his press and went to pull on his trousers. Images tore through his mind at speed, slowing and stopping occasionally. The videos playing were ones that took him back to the moment-the worst times of his life there.

Keeping one hand atop Hedwig and rubbing her fur, he did his best to block out the images as he got dressed, taking longer than usual. Getting dressed with one hand was a challenge, but one he felt was necessary to keep him in the present. Merlin, he hated the flashbacks and couldn't wait for them to dissipate.

Unbeknownst to Harry, Severus had seen the whole thing from behind the door. He was passing and looked in, but what he saw stopped him in his tracks. It had simply never occurred to him that Harry would experience a flashback as he got dressed, but as he knew only too well they could happen at any time. His own experience had taught him that if nothing else had.

As Harry climbed into bed and cracked a book open on his lap, Hedwig flew over to him, nestling into his side. Severus made his way into the room staying close to the door.

"pot- Harry, how are you doing?" Severus had to stop himself from calling him 'Potter' which certainly wouldn't be of any help.

Harry looked over at Severus and took a deep breath before quietly responding. "I'm ok- flashbacks mainly. Just doing my best to stop them and keep myself in the moment when they happen."

"Keeping yourself grounded is a good technique to use and is helpful. Preventing a flashback is probably better if you can identify your triggers, I can help you with that if you want."

This was the most proper conversation he'd had with the teen without giving him detention or deducting house points. Having had his own fair share of flashbacks, he felt he should offer his support and advice. He still had to stop himself on multiple occasions from referring to him as 'Potter', slipping up mainly during their practice sessions.

Severus discussed what they'd already learned and what was left to learn and practice in their sessions with an eager Harry.

Meanwhile, in another room, Tom stood staring transfixed at his window, ideas of what was to come swirling through his brain.
'I finally have it!' he muttered and began giggling.

That's it for now. Looking forward to any reviews.