Chapter 14
After breakfasting this morning's breakfast with her three friends Daphne was soon heading for the great lake. She was currently wearing a white shirt and black jogging pants; Harry said that he would agree to train her and give some pointers but told her to wear something loose. Heading his words, she borrowed some clothes from Tracy and went to the lake. When she got their she saw both Harry and Takashi by the lake. Harry was currently performing moves of pure elegance, the way he moved was fluid and graceful.
Feeling a bit guilty for watching him without his permission his behind a tree, she continued watching him and couldn't take her eyes off as it seemed like he was performing a dance. When he stopped he was still facing the lake.
"You can come out now sapphire" he said still facing the lake. "I know you're behind the tree."
Thinking that she was busted it would be better to just come out "how did you know I was here" asking with a bit of suspicion. He turned to face her.
"Not that many people can sneak up on me" he said with a shrug, "besides, I could sense your magic when you started coming near and you also smell like vanilla and mint."
Daphne was gob smacked he could sense her magic and knew what she smelled like. Her father told her that people who were in third or fourth year were able to sense magic, regaining herself she looked at him.
"What were you doing, it was amazing? It was like you were dancing your movements were quite elegant" she said mentally hoping she could learn it to.
He gave her a small smile then "it's called taijiquan its basically like evoking the feel of flowing water. It involves slow and elegant movements and it's great for learning how to control the magic in your body."
"What do you mean" she was half confused and half in awe.
Harry thought for a moment then explained "magic is mainly like water it is supposed to flow nice and easy. Your magic is an extension of yourself, it can tell if your frustrated or calm. If you want your magic to grow then you need to be connected to it, everyone has a different level of connection to their magical cores."
Daphne understood what he was saying as it made sense to her "so what your saying is that our magic has a mind of it's own and if we want them to manifest then we have to be connected with it."
Harry started clapping and gave her a nod "correct! You picked that up rather easy" he praised.
She was wearing her mask but in the inside she was happy "why is it that we never studied this?"
"Magical Britain doesn't study a lot of things. That's why it's a laughingstock to other countries" he answered honestly. Noticing her confused expression, he explained further "didn't you ever wonder why some parents would send their kids to schools outside of the country."
"I never thought about it" she admitted now wondering about things that should have been covered by now.
"We'll come back to the topic later" he said pulling her out of her thoughts "you said you wanted me to help you with dueling?"
She gave him a nod. "My dad taught me some of the basics. He wanted to make sure I was protected when I came to school in case some of the boy's tried 'something'."
Harry understood since Daphne was the Heiress to the Most Ancient and Noble House of the Greengrass he could understand why her father would be protective of her. "Your dad is smart" he commented "let's start with this what subjects are you more attuned with charms or transfigurations?"
"Um.. charms would be my field as it comes more easier to me" she answered.
Harry gave her a look before responding "I can work with that" he said. Then you will need to learn how to be precise, creative, and well balanced, as that is what battle charms is about. Let me see your stance!"
She immediately got into her stance she was a bit sideways with her legs almost shoulder length her right foot leg was in front and hand her wand out pointing at him, while standing straight up. Harry carefully judged her stance as it was average, but it could be better.
"Your stance is average at best, as it suits a novice!" he said while walking up to her "but if you were dueling someone more experienced then you would lose easily."
"What do you recommend, then?"
"Based on your physique it would be best if you were light on your feet, at the moment you to rooted into the ground" he said. She quickly adjust her feet to not make them so heavy. "Next while we will focus on your posture."
She watched as he got into a stance he was facing sideways while leaning a bit on his right, his legs were shoulder length apart with his right foot pointing to the front and kept his back straight. He kept his left hand up and near his body while his wand arm was stretched out and had his wand pointed at 45 degrees. This was one of the stances he developed as it provided him with both offensive and defensive movements. The one he used against Umbridge was the predecessor compared to this one.
Daphne took a few minutes to memorize his stance, she could tell that he was not firmly on the ground as she was prepared to move in a direction. She copied his stance the best she could, and it was almost identical to his. Harry dropped the stance and went to go help her, from what he could tell it was an improvement "would you mind if I made some adjustments?"
"What kind of adjustments?" she asked.
"Your stance is better, you will be light on your feet, however you do need to fix a few things. Keep your stance like that and I'll help you fix it" he said.
Daphne gave a nod. Harry got behind her scooted her right foot up a bit, he then put his hands on her shoulders and noticed they were tense "your tense relax" he commented. Daphne was skeptical as to what he was doing but did as he said and relaxed her shoulders with that done he looked at how she was holding her wand. Placing his hand on hers he said "don't hold your wand so tight, ease up a little. Keep the wand firmly in your grip but don't hold it so tight." She did as he said and adjusted her grip.
He got in front of her to give her a once over "how do you feel?" he asked
"It feels a bit unusual but at the same time natural" she replied.
"Good, that is how it's supposed to feel! With that stance you look ready to transition between both offense and defense" he commented. "Now I want you to remember this stance and it's feeling" she gave a nod in understanding.
"Next were going to test your aim" he said as he conjured three targets and added an array of runes to make them float in the air over the lake.
"You can conjure items!" she exclaimed
Harry just shrugged "conjuring something like those are rather simple when compared to conjuring animals. What spells do you know that will be suitable for combat?"
Daphne started told him about some of the spells she learned from her dad and the ones she learned here.
"I want you to send whatever charms spells con think of at the targets" he pointed o the targets. "While you're doing that I will judge your technique!"
Daphne gave him a nod and started firing some spells at the targets, while she was doing that Harry carefully observed her. Her aim was impressive in his opinion, but her choices remained predictable as he was watching her eyes and body movement. Having spent a lot of time dueling he knew how to recognize the signs of when his opponents would attack
After thirty minutes he called time and vanished the targets "your aim is good, but you started buckling from the pressure of using your spells after twenty-five minutes. You're going to need to strengthen your magical core and refine your technique more. Once you're able to do all of the spells, then do you start adding power to them."
Daphne took a moment to catch her breath, before responding "what's next?" she asked. She was partly tired from saying and using the spells but still paid attention. He obviously was well-versed in martial magic but considering his families reputation and the school he attended before coming to Hogwarts she shouldn't be surprised.
"We're going to do, the only spells we will use will be disarming, stunning, and body-binding spells!" he said
"Why only those three" she asked somewhat confused, she knew the spells.
"The reason why is because your still a novice when it comes to dueling, those spells are the basic level and I have to see how you move."
While it was true she was a novice, when it came to dueling she figured he would teach her some advanced magic. Not keep her at the basic level, but she figured it would come in time. With determination in her eyes, she said she was ready. They faced each other bowed and got in their stances.
They have yet to fire a spell as they were waiting for the other to make a move. Daphne opened her eyes a bit and said "petrificas totalus". Harry merely sidestepped to the left, she then said stupefy again he dodged and then she fired the disarming spell at him, which he spun around it. Reading where her eyes were aiming was easy as he immediately knew where she was aiming.
He continued moving avoiding her spells and eventually returned fire, his spells were deliberately missing her as he was watching her movements. They were indeed quick as she seemed well coordinated and she seemed flexible in his opinion. But he noticed her weakness as her constructs were failing and was getting tired getting tired stopping for a few seconds to catch her breath. Seeing his chance, he fired a body bind spell to her right, she was barely able to move out of the way reacting the way he thought he fired a well-timed disarming and stunning spell. She was soon deprived of her wand and unconscious on the ground.
Seeing his work done, he walked next to her, from what he saw she had potential and could one day be a powerful duelist. Pointing his wand at he said "rennervate" reviving her.
Harry offered his hand to help her up, she grabbed his and her helped her up. "Based on what I've seen you have potential, but you need to improve on a few things."
"Like what?" She asked
"For one your stamina needs to be improved! Second you need to develop your own style of combat. That is important as you will need your own! Third your intentions were predictable; your eyes and body motions were a dead giveaway" he answered.
"What do you mean my intentions were predictable" what did he mean she thought. It sounded like he read her like a book.
"When you tried to attack me your eyes either opened wide or narrowed on me" he began. "Your micro and body expressions were easy to read as I was able to know how you would move. That would work against an inexperienced person but against someone who has experience you will automatically lose."
Daphne grasped what he was saying "so what I need to do is keep my composure and be unpredictable."
Harry gave her a nod and said "yes."
"How do I improve my stamina then" she leaned in with interest.
"That is where muggle exercises come in handy if you do exercises like running among other things you will be able to strengthen your magical core and control your breathing."
He noticed she was a bit confused and proceeded to explain "your magical core is like a muscle you need to exercise and train it. As for your breathing control that plays an important part when doing spells."
She noticed that she had a long way to go and looked at the ground "however everything else was alright " he said.
That seemed to perk her up a bit, regaining herself she looked at him "can we go again" she asked.
He gave her a nod and retook his position. They spent the next three hours dueling, Harry occasionally pointed out her mistakes and explained how to improve them. She soaked up everything he said, while she might have been exhausted she was enjoying herself.
Eventually, Harry called an end to it and she collapsed on the ground. When she looked up she saw that he was sweating a boy a bit but didn't look drained at all. "You did well for your first day! You should be proud." He helped her to her feet, and they went back to the castle. Byakko went back to his tattoo form on Hadrian body.
As they were going back to the castle Daphne turn to look at him "do you have any plans for the yule holiday?" She asked trying to break the silence.
"Going back home to see my family" replied simply.
"You mean the Blacks?"
"Yes and the Stevenson's" he said remembering that he had to send Miwa a present tomorrow as it was her 12th birthday. From what Emily said this morning she missed her brother as it didn't feel the same. He had to admit that he missed her too.
Daphne looked confused "why the Stevenson's?"
"Their my current guardians and I promised my sister I see her during the break."
"I thought the Blacks were your guardians!"
"No, they helped raise me, Uncle Jack and Aunt Sarah cared for me" it wasn't really a lie as they did have a hand in raising him. But he wasn't ready to tell her who his father was.
"What's your sister like?" Daphne also had a little sister Astoria the little devil a knack for irritating her at times, but she still loved her.
"Emily 2 years younger than me and is smart for her age, she can be a bit lively. And has a penchant for getting into trouble every so often" he said remembering the little tyke. "Though she can be cold time to time she's a good kid. What about you do you have any siblings?" he asked while looking at her.
"I have a little sister named Astoria who is two years younger than me. She has a brash outgoing personality and has been known to get on my nerves every so often. The little snit likes to play around. If anything, her and your sister will get along" she said trying to visualize how his and Astoria will get along.
They were about to continue talking but were interrupted "Harry" the voiced belonged to one of the few people who managed to annoy him. Looking forward they saw Granger and Weasley coming towards them looking quite smug.
"We've been looking for you since this morning!" Weasley started. "What are you doing with a snake!" he exclaimed
Daphne cold mask slipped into place "what we were doing was our business Weasley and it's none of your business" she said in a cold voice.
Ron's ears became red "you shouldn't be hanging around slytherins Harry their dark wizards in training."
Harry looked at the fool for a minute and was wondering if he was mental "Weasley I can hang out with who ever I want. What I do on my free time and who I do it with is my concern."
"But you can't trust people like her" he said while pointing to Daphne. "That's your opinion Weasley and it means nothing to me" he said in an expressionless voice that made Weasley face go red as his hair.
"I can't believe…" he was cut off by Granger. "Ron this is not the time" she turned back to Harry who was taller than her. "Can we talk to you alone?"
"Can it wait. I like to get a shower and change my clothes before lunch" he was trying to avoid them as much as possible as they were annoying him and Daphne.
"This is important as it has to do with the broom you were using" she said in a firm voice.
Harry wanted to say no but the bushy haired girl didn't look like she would budge, taking a breath he looked at Daphne. "I'll meet you in the great hall for lunch after I get done dealing with these two."
Daphne gave him a look "you sure?"
"Just save me a seat at the table and keep Blaise from doing something foolish huh" he said with a smirk.
She chuckled a bit then headed to the slytherin common room.
When she was out of earshot Granger spoke "we think you should know that it was Professor Snape who jinxed your broom."
Harry just chuckled at her "you think it was Professor Snape who jinxed my broom, that's a load of dragons dung."
"It's the truth" Granger said, "we saw him making eye contact with and muttering something, I know a spell when I see one and Snape was not blinking."
"Where's the proof then?" Harry asked
"Didn't you hear her" Ron came in "she said that Snape was using a spell to make you fall off the broom."
"No what she said was that he was using a spell" he replied, "it could have been the counter curse to whoever did curse my broom."
"That's impossible" Granger exclaimed "when I set his robes on fire the broom stopped…"
"Hold it" he interrupted "you set his robes on fire and admitted to it?"
"Hey, she saved your life" Weasley cut in "you should be grateful."
"Doubtful" Harry rolled his eyes "so you really set his robes on fire, that is just messed up."
Ron was now angry "you would have been killed if she didn't do what she did you ungrateful prat."
"Granger should have told one of the teachers as they would be able to confirm it. However, I don't think Professor Snape did it!." He went to go to the common room.
"Hey, wait", Weasley shouted "we think Snape is trying to break in to the third floor corridor" he and Granger came up to him
"Why do you think that" Harry asked while raising an eyebrow.
"The day of the troll, incident, Professor Snape was limping. We think he was trying to get past Fluffy" Hermione said
"What's a fluffy?" he asked though he had an opinion on what they were talking about.
"That giant three headed dog" Ron said.
Realization donned on Harry rather than reveal what he knew he just played along "why would there be a Cerberus in the school? Dumbledore must have lost his mind. Did you tell one of the teachers? And how did you two even come across it?"
"No" Granger shook her head "we ended up there on accident."
"Accident" there was a question in his voice
"Malfoy challenged us to a duel and elected Goyle to be his second. The cowardly shit didn't come, and we were almost caught by Filch" Weasley said
"Language" Granger said. Harry was sorely tempted to go have a word with Draco as skipping out on a wizard duel was frowned upon.
"But yes it is the truth we think Professor Snape wants the stone" Granger spoke.
"Hmm that an interesting theory but I don't think he's after the stone."
"Why not" Ron replied
"Because it to bloody easy" he started but Granger cut in "language" he rolled his eyes at her then continued. "He may look the type of person who does want to do it, but it doesn't mean he is going to."
Granger was about to speak but Harry cut her off "besides why tell me why not tell Professor McGonagall or Professor Dumbledore."
"So, you don't care that Professor Snape might be after the stone" she accused.
"I don't see why I should" he turned around and headed to the common room for a shower and to grab some fresh clothes.
(0^0)
After grabbing a quick shower and getting dressed Harry was in an isolated part of the hallways and released Byakko. The god wanted to go eat in the room of requirement, Harry performed a notice me not charm on him and the two went their separate destinations. When he got to the great hall he spotted his friends at the ravenclaw table and made his way to sit next to Daphne.
Taking his seat Harry saw Blaise and Tracy talking adamantly about the international chess tournament. Daphne was pretending to listen then turned to him.
"So, what did Weasley and Granger want to talk to you about?" she asked while he was piling his plate. Blaise and Tracy stopped talking to look at him as they were curious as well.
Taking a bite of his food he filled them in on what the two said explaining how Granger set Professor Snape's Robes on fire during the game. He also told them about how Malfoy and Goyle were supposed to have a wizarding duel but Filch showed up instead. He didn't say anything about the stone instead shot Blaise a look out of the corner of his eye saying there was more to it.
Daphne and Tracy had different expressions on their face as they couldn't believe that Granger set Professor Snape's robes on fire. They were further shocked to hear that Malfoy opt out of a wizarding duel. They shared a look as this would be good information to use against him.
(0^0)
When the day was over Harry and Blaise soon found themselves in the room of requirement with Severus and Byakko. There he told them about what Weasley and Granger said earlier. Severus was angry when he fund out Ganger was the one who set him on fire but held it in to let Harry continue. When Severus heard how Malfoy and Goyle fail to show up for a wizarding duel, only to send Filch he was torn between punishing the brats himself or letting their fathers deal with them.
Byakko immediately sensed something was wrong let out a loud roar, bringing everyone's attention to him "there is a presence that shouldn't be in the vicinity of the school and something bad is about to happen tonight."
"What kind of presence" Severus asked in a silk voice obviously still angry.
"A dragon is about to be born in the half giants hut." The god said.
"What is that fool thinking, hatching a dragon here at this school?" he muttered, then turned to the two boys "you two head to bed I'll handle this" with that left the room with his cape billowing.
Harry looked at Blaise "you want to stay here for the night?"
"Sure" he shrugged "it's better than walking all the way back to the common room. Blaise walked into one of the other bedrooms the room provided while Harry went to his own followed by Byakko.
Byakko jumped on the bed, while he changed into some pajamas. He then climbed into bed under the covers and pulled the map from the nightstand by the bed. Activating it he saw that Granger, Weasley, and Finnegan were in Hagrid's hut. Draco was near and Harry could guess that he was hoping to get the three into trouble. Idiot he thought! He saw his dad was heading toward them. Having a thought of what his dad might do he deactivated the map, returned it to the stand and wished Byakko night.
(0^0)
The next morning Harry and Blaise sent their birthday gifts to Miwa via one of the Potter house elves. Harry sent her new pair of dragon hide boots and some bellflower hairpins. Blaise sent her a pair of earring with a charm that provided protection against mental intrusion. With their gifts sent the two began their training in the room. It provided them with everything they needed to train for the international dueling tournament scheduled for August 9th in Massachusetts.
Completing their training Blaise went back to his dorm to grab a shower and get dressed for the day. Leaving Harry to get ready in the RoR, Byakko requested to stay in the room as he wanted to think about a few things. Harry exited the room and headed for the great hall for breakfast. When he rounded the corner, he ran into Daphne and Tracy, the latter not being a morning person yawned then said hello. They decided to sit at the slytherins table for the day and were soon joined by Blaise who took a seat next to Hadrian.
During breakfast they heard chatter from the other students about how Weasley, Granger, and Finnegan lost 180 points for being out of bed after hours. The four shot a look at the gryffindor table and noticed that the house was avoiding them. The slytherins didn't look happy either as Draco costed them 50 points. Hadrian could tell they wanted to say something but held it in due to the boy's father and his connection to the minister.
There was even talk about someone slaying a unicorn and drinking its blood, that raised a question from Blaise "I don't understand what happens when someone drinks blood of a unicorn?"
"Unicorns are creatures of purity!" Daphne answered "slaying a unicorn is one among one of the most heinous of crimes; but drinking it is something else as not even the staunchest bloodthirsty criminal would do. The moment it touches your lips you will have a cursed life" she said with a shudder.
Harry was idly wondering if he did it and also why the slytherins didn't scold Malfoy for losing points. Daphne told him that since slytherin was the most ostracized house they had to present a United front against the other houses. If they had a problem with someone from their house then they were to handle it inside the common room away from anyone else. If any of them did anything brash like go against Malfoy and his ilk then life would be difficult for them. Harry understood what that meant as his father told him how things worked in slytherin house.
He finished his breakfast and headed to ancient runes; the others didn't have class until a quarter past 9 so they went to go relax while they could. Harry was one of the first few to make it to the classroom and took a seat at one of the empty desk next to Adrian Puecy.
The two didn't interact much but they were civil with one another respecting their boundaries, when the bell rang everyone took their seats and Professor Babbling stepped in the room.
"Morning class," she started "I hope you all had a nice weekend and used your times wisely" saying it with a stern expression.
"Now please have your homework's on your desk and turn to page 97" she walked around collecting everyone's homework's and put them on her desk. "Mr. Potter as I'm sure your aware, you have a test today about runic clusters" she said as a matter of fact.
He gave her a nod. She conjured a desk for him in the corner which he took, she then handed him his exam book and erected some privacy wards so no one would disturb him. Taking out a quill and some ink and began his exam.
Ancient Runes was another favorite of his as he had begun studying them for a while now. The exam was twenty questions long and wasn't proving to be much of a challenge for him. After finishing the exam, he stepped out of the wards to see that the professor was sitting at her desk grading the homework's. He placed his exam on her desk confirming he was done and returned to his seat.
Sitting near Adrian, he pulled out a book about talismans and his notebook to make notes. His syllabus said that he needed to take notes on the topic and learn about how to use them along with runes on stones. While he was doing that he felt a nudge on his arm, turning to Adrian. "Can you help me with this assignment, it's a headache?"
Harry gave him a shrug and looked at his assignment it looked pretty straight forward as he covered this in Japan, so he understood it. Puecy essay lacked a few things on what to add when putting up wards. "You forgot to add a detection ward as you will be able to key in whoever you want; and you need to add an alarm so you will know who is not registered with them."
Harry continued explaining about what he was missing and how he needed to be careful on how if he would choose to align some wards. Adrian was briefly struck at what Potter had said as it made sense and it wasn't out of the textbook.
Adrian cleared his throat before muttering a thank you, Harry just gave him a nod and returned to his work.
(0^0)
In the potions room Severus was looking over the students potions often making his usual remarks about how some are inadequate. Rather than having his mind on the students potions his thoughts were on the events of what happened last night. When Hagrid returned with the students from their detentions the gamekeeper went to speak to the headmaster. Draco and Malfoy stumbled on someone drinking the blood of a dead unicorn and were only saved by the centaurs.
When the old man heard he had him accompany him to the forbidden forest where the unicorn was slain. Dumbledore cast a few diagnostic spells on the unicorn and found a faint trace of the dark lords presence. Severus didn't want to believe it, so he also performed the spells on the unicorn and the reading were a match. He spent enough time around the dark lord to know what his magic felt like and made him pale.
The thought of the dark lord feeding on the blood of the unicorn made his stomach turn and almost made him lose his dinner. Wrapping up class for the day he told his students to bottle up their potions and put it on his desk and assigned homework on the dangers of releasing potion fumes in the air.
Taking a few minutes to think, he would need to be ready tonight as he was going to have to see the state of the dark lord to see if he is a threat. Severus was no fool as he would have to tread carefully, the dark lord was not known for forgiveness and did not suffer failure well.
Oh, remembered well as he saw firsthand how the dark lord treated those that have failed him in the past. The dark lord may have handed out rewards to some of the death eaters, but he mostly handed out punishments. He would know has he himself suffered under the cruciatus curse before. That unbridled pain was enough to make any lesser man beg for mercy.
The dark lord also liked to use the Legilimency against people to gain information out of them by creating visions designed to torture them into madness. Only when he finally extracted the last exquisite ounce of information, only when he had them begging for mercy would he kill them. This was going be difficult as he would need to bring his occlumency shields to full strength, to avoid any intrusions.
Deciding what to do he took out a sheet of parchment to inscribe an audience with Quirrell at eleven tonight. Making sure the letter sounded the way it needed to him summoned one of the house elves to deliver the note. With a pop the elf vanished from his sight and the next batch of students came in.
Taking a breath, he requested their homework assignments. Looking over the fifth year hufflepuffs and gryffindors he gathered their reports. Then flicked his wand to the board where the instructions were shown and gave them a warning to dread carefully with the potion they were to make.
(0^0)
The rest of the day went about as smoothly as possible in Severus opinion, casting a quick tempus charm he saw that it was ten till eleven. Taking a breath, he made sure his shields were in place and prepared for tonight's meeting. When he heard a knock on the door he had a feeling he knew who it was "enter" was all he said.
That moment Quirrell came into the room, he looked pale and he had bags under his eyes. As soon as he was in the room Severus waved his wand closing the door then added some privacy wards so no one would disturb them.
"W-why di-d y-you want t-to see me Severus" Quirrell asked in his stuttering voice, though Severus knew it was forced.
"Were you followed" he asked in a silk voice ignoring the question the fool asked. Quirrell shook his head. "Good" was all Severus said as he made his way to the stuttering man.
Quirrell was scared Severus as he knew of the man reputation, he was already sweating bullets. When Severus stopped to look him in the eyes he saw fear as in the fools eyes. Quirrell was considering making a run for it as he didn't know what Snape would do to him. He was completely shocked at what the man did, Snape took a knee and bowed his head.
"Milord, I have missed you" he said in silk voice with his head down.
This shocked Quirrell as he didn't know what to think "Sev-Severus I do-don't k-know w-w-what y-your t-talking a-about" he stuttered.
Severus raised his head "I was not talking to you fool" he dismissed his colleague. "I was talking to my master the dark lord" he said with firm in his voice
Quirrell was about to speak again but was cut off "let me speak to him" a rasp but cold voice was heard. "Master you are not strong enough" Quirrell said. "I have enough strength for this" the voice responded. Quirrell turned around an undid his turban, when it was off Severus saw the face of Voldemort poking out of the back of Quirrell's head.
"Milord" Severus said bowing his head.
Voldemort looked at the man with his red eyes "Severus, my old slippery friend" he said in a low icy voice.
"Milord it fill me with great pleasure to see you again" Severus said while raising his head.
Voldemort narrowed his eyes at him "how did you know I was close" he asked ignoring him.
"The loyal ones always know" he began. "I never believed you were dead."
"Then explain Severus why you never sought me out" his voice was calm but was laced with danger.
"Milord after the war, I followed your orders to the word and gained a position here per your orders. He started "even then Dumbledore kept a close eye on me. If I actively went searching for you, then he would have suspected something."
"Continue" Voldemort said as he was considering what he had just been told. "As you said I was to gain his trust and make him think that I changed sides."
"During the first quidditch match, Quirrell jinxed Potters broom, yet you were muttering a counter curse!" it was a demand and Severus knew that.
"As you no doubt been aware of, I owed the boy's father a life debt" he said with venom clearly in his voice. "Since I saved his son the life debt ended, now I am free to be back in your services again."
"Yes! Yes your life debt to James Potter was known after a particular incident. To think that he not only married a filthy mudblood he had given me so much trouble" he said with disdain as he remembered James Potter well.
"Milord I have some news that will greatly please you!" Severus said keeping his emotions in check
"I will be the judge of that. Speak" Voldemort commanded.
"The Potter boy he is different as he doesn't behave like the typical gryffindor we expected and has a grudge against Dumbledore among other things." That immediately peeked the dark lord's interest "go on". Severus spoke again "the boy was not a half-blood like we originally thought he was a pureblood! Evidently Lily neglected to tell me that she was a muggle raised pureblood witch."
Voldemort was momentarily surprised "really" this was starting to get interesting as he thought she was a filthy mudblood. Severus continued "the brat may have been sorted into gryffindor, but he acts more like a slytherin."
The dark lord laughed a bit "a slytherin in gryffindor how amusing. I can only bet Dumbledore was having a headache from that" he said as he was imagining the old man with a chronic headache.
"I have the memory of what happened at the Wizengamot meeting, if you like to view" Severus suggested.
"Bring it out" Voldemort said. Severus immediately rose to his feet and went into his office to retrieve the pensieve with the memory. Opening his drawer, he pulled out the device and memory and brought it out to the dark lord to view. He poured the memory in "it is ready."
Voldemort's faced went into the pensieve to see the memory. A half hour later he emerged from the memory full surprised. He not only witnessed Dumbledore losing his positions but also saw the look on the fools face. That would be a good memory to have he saw that the boy and was quite impressed at what he did to the filthy muggles. Maybe the boy could become an ally in the future with the right motivation, he also saw that the boy was ruthless in his duel with Umbridge. From what he remembered the woman had views that aligned with his.
"That is entertainment" he said with a cold laugh. "What of the stone Severus have you seen it's protections?"
"I have seen some of them" Severus confirmed "the protections are weak and ill protected. I believe the old fool is wanting to test the Potter brat!"
"Test him how" Voldemort asked with a raised eyebrow.
"He intends to use him as a poster boy and a weapon for the light." He answered.
Voldemort simply chuckled "does he now. Then I will enjoy killing that brat and making Dumbledore suffer once I have my body and power back. You have done well Severus!"
Severus mentally breathed a sigh of relief. Voldemort continued "you are to gain the boy's trust and try to convert him to our cause" he ordered. "You will go about your usual business and wait for further instructions."
"Yes, milord" Severus said. "Quirrell cover me" the dark lord ordered, the pale man quickly redid his turban and Severus took that as his cue to return his pensieve to his office. When he returned Quirrell covered the lord's head, Severus opened the door and then Quirrell was gone.
Severus waited for a few minutes until hew was absolutely sure they were out of earshot and immediately went to his quarters, going into the kitchen he pulled out a glass and bottle of Firewhiskey. Pouring the contents, he immediately downed the contents then poured another going into the main room he activated his crystal "Black's castle" he said as he waited for a reply.
Next moment a tired Arcturus Black "this had better be important" he said with narrowed eyes. "I need you to meet me in the room of requirement it's urgent" the look on his face said did not betray him as it indicated that he was serious.
The elder Black gave a nod and cut off the crystals, Severus took a swig of his drink and stepped into the fireplace to floo to Hadrian's room. Green flames enveloped him, and he was instantly gone.
Stepping through the floo he saw that the room was dark and ascended up the stairs to the bedroom the boy occupied. Entering the room, he woke up a sleeping Hadrian "what is dad" he said with a yawn.
"Your needed downstairs. Lord Black is on his way" was all Severus said as he walked out the room. Harry didn't know what this was about but by the look on his father face it wasn't good. He got out of bed and made his way down the steps to where he saw his uncle and his dad talking.
"Alright what is so important that you had to summon me here tonight." Arcturus eyes peered at the potion master.
"The Dark lord is alive." Was all Severus said and the temperature in the room went cold. Arcturus Black was red in the face at what he heard. "Explain" he said.
Severus told them about his meeting with Quirrell and confirmed that the dark lord was alive. Living like a parasite off of Quirrell. Severus explained that the dark lord viewed the memory of the Wizengamot and tasked hm with trying to gain Hadrian's trust and convert him his cause.
When he finished Arcturus was the first to speak "your absolutely sure he is weak?" he asked
Severus gave him a nod. "Excellent, then let's go get him" Arcturus said looking about ready to pay that bastard back for what he did to his family. The look in his eyes said that he was out for blood and he would take great joy in murdering that arrogant asshole.
"Uncle that will not be wise at the moment" Hadrian said bringing their attentions to him. "What" his uncle exclaimed! "You want me to let that bastard live after what he did to this family."
Hadrian's eyes hardened "no like you I want that bastard dead, but we have to be careful on how we are to get rid of him. Dad just confirmed he is alive if we go rushing in then he will know Severus was pretending to be honest with him."
Arcturus looked at Severus then turned to his nephew "you have a plan, then" he said in a calmer voice.
"I do but it will take some preparations and I will need somethings" he said while formulating his plan. If all goes as plan then Quirrell will be dead before the start of next term.
"What do you have in mind?" Severus asked.
"Alright, during the holiday most of the students will be leaving correct?" The adults nodded. "Does the headmaster and other teachers stay in the castle or go home?"
"A few of the teachers leave to go visit their families. Albus often leaves for a week to return back to his home." His dad confirmed.
"What about Quirrell does he leave on the holidays" Severus shook his head at the question.
A predatory smile appeared on Hadrian's face "good! Then I'm going to need a vial of untraceable poison and a potion that makes the person experience their worst nightmares."
Arcturus was intrigued with the boy's plan "keep going" he said.
Hadrian continued, he planned on drugging Quirrell when the man was alone in his office at night during the yule holiday. Then drag him to the third floor to let the Cerberus tear him to shreds this way Dumbledore would just think that the dog killed him.
"Even if you can accomplish the task how can you be sure that you won't be spotted." Severus inquired.
"Leave that to me! I have the perfect disguise in mind" he said with a dark chuckle. He would soon get the bastard back for what he did to his parents.
"I'm not comfortable with this plan Hadrian!" His father spoke in a concerned voice. He didn't want his son anywhere near the dark lord.
"Don't worry dad, if all goes as plan we will be rid of that swine before the next term" he reassured him.
Severus was torn on one hand he didn't want the boy near the dark lord as he was afraid if something when wrong. On the other hand, if it will get the dark lord out of the castle then he will have to take the chance. Severus reluctantly nodded "then keep the mental link up. This way I will be able to see what is happening!" he said in a firm voice.
Harry gave a nod then turned to his uncle "I will provide you with the materials you need. However, I want you to punch that bastard a few times!" his eyes were laced with murder. He would want to do it himself but giving the situation, it would be better for the boy to do it.
With the plan discussed everyone left the room and Hadrian returned to his bed where he noticed Byakko still up looking at him with a curious look. Obviously, the tiger sensed his distress, rather than waiting in the morning Harry filled him in on what he and the adults talked about. Byakko was not happy with what he heard about the dark lord being anywhere near his cub, thinking back to the abomination that was in the boy's scar made hm want to tear out the man's neck.
He didn't want to burden the boy with the knowledge about the Horcrux yet as it was not a topic that needed to be discussed yet. That kind of ritual broke the laws of magic and caused a taboo against the mother of magic. Resigning himself he watched the boy fall asleep, he chose the boy to be his familiar and he would stick with it till the end.
A/N: Voldemort living as a parasite off of Quirrell and has given Severus a task on getting close to Potter, little does he know is that they have other plans. Quirrell will get his due during the holiday at night I can promise you all that. The man is already as good as dead so might as well put him down! Harry has begun training Daphne in dueling and will be teaching her other things in the future.
Like I said before Harry will have an audience with all of the Slytherins and they will forge an agreement of sorts. I won't go into detail, but I will say that it will make Dumbledore and Weasley look bad. As for Harry's disguise I'll let you all think about that.
Next chapter: Astoria will make her debut and carry a problem with her. Before you, all string me alive know that I will not allow the little girl to suffer.