Harry's POV;
Harry had never expected that so many old men (and a couple of women) could gather this quickly. It had just been fifteen minutes, and while Harry was sitting there looking like the perfect little Potter heir, he had seen the Wizengamot fill up relatively fast.
He was watching the old men he knew were Death Eaters extra closely, not that they would know that he was watching them for that reason. But still, he saw them glancing at him multiple times. He wished that Lady Magic and Death were with him. They had become his support system the last couple of years. Of course, Sirius and Remus and even Tom were doing their best, but Harry wasn't going to forget his adopted father and 'aunt'.
He looked around the room and couldn't wait to introduce Tom to the Wizengamot when they both would take their seats. He quickly suppressed a grin at the thought.
Almost every seat in the chamber was taken, all of them in dark or black Wizengamot robes. Only one person stood out like a sore thumb. Harry didn't know who she was, but the toadlike woman was dressed completely in pink and wore a shit-eating grin while tittering here and there. She was sitting very closely next to Fudge, and Harry immediately got a bad feeling about the witch. He was going to ask Sirius, Remus, and Tom if they knew the witch.
Then Dumbledore walked in, his hands behind his back and a grandfatherly smile on his features. He hadn't seen Harry just yet, but that would change soon enough. He took place on the dais in the center of it all. Correction, now two members stood out like a sore thumb in the middle of all the dark robes. Dumbledore was wearing something like a yellow with blue striped monstrosity. Tom would probably have a heart attack with just looking at him. The thought of Tom brought a smile to Harry's face. When he caught himself smiling, he quickly scraped his throat and frowned.
Harry didn't know what was happening, but the last couple of weeks have been - pleasant - with Tom also in the house. He didn't know what he had expected, but bantering, learning from Tom, and reading together had not been it.
Tom was still walking a little on eggshells around him, but Harry was getting to know him better and better, the dry wit and the sarcasm were something Harry could admire, and the relationship Tom had with Remus and Sirius was something Harry knew came from far but would be strong. He hoped he could have the same with Tom at some point. But flashes of a half-naked Tom wandered through his head more often than not, and the sense of heat he got from it was something that made him feel guilty.
He couldn't get together with Tom. Not ever. Not because Tom was, in fact, Voldemort, only the not-crazy version of him. But because Tom was brilliant. Tom was beautiful, smart, cunning, powerful, and everything Harry wanted .
But Tom could never want Harry like that.
Harry was powerful, loyal, mischievous, and mediocre at best. Tom wouldn't want that. Tom needs someone that complements him, that can push back and pull when he needs it.
Harry sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose, he has had this train of thought for the last two weeks, and it's getting more annoying every time.
He focuses back on the room and sees that the trial is about to start.
When he looks at Dumbledore, he sees that the man has finally seen Harry. Harry just winks at him before focusing on the chair that is coming up from the ground. A panicked Wormtail is pulling on his bonds but is not making any progress. When he finally notices he has an audience, he squeaks in fear.
Multiple people look in disgust at Wormtail, but Harry also notices the ones that are looking in fear at him. Wizards that Harry knows are Death Eaters. Brilliant .
''I'm innocent! I haven't done anything!'' Peter starts yelling, and Harry rolls his eyes.
The chamber door opens again, and Madam Bones walks in with two other Aurors. She's holding a small vial of Veritaserum, and Harry schools his features in a neutral look. Knowing that if he looks too eager or gleeful, Dumbledore will get suspicious. Even if Harry knows for sure that he will be suspicious of Harry's behavior nonetheless.
Madam Bones takes the stand next to Dumbledore and nods at Fudge, who is looking more purple in the face than a regular wizard. Fudge scrapes his throat before standing and slamming a hammer a couple of times.
''Silence! Silence! We are here today because new evidence has come to light in addition to the Potter case of 31 October 1981. Madam Bones, if you please?'' Fudge sounds like he would rather be anywhere else.
Madam Bones nods and stands again.
''Today, Peter Pettigrew, presumed dead, was delivered to us. Harry James Potter - Peverell has brought Peter Pettigrew to us in his animagus form. Pettigrew's animagus form is that of a rat. Mister Potter - Peverell brought Peter to us after he had received a letter from Gringotts originating from his mother, Lily Potter nee Evans. This letter is in our evidence. In this letter, she describes the person they asked to be their secret keeper for the fidelius spell. According to her letter, this person is Peter Pettigrew instead of Sirius Black.'' Madam Bones states in a regal voice.
Multiple murmurs are heard through the chamber, and almost every member of the Wizengamot is looking at Harry with wariness. Harry doesn't really care. He's here to see Wormtail get the trial he deserved. No , the punishment he deserves. Something in Harry tells him that he should kill Wormtail, but he pushes it down. Violence and revenge are not something he should indulge in if he wants to make progress in the wizarding world.
Silence returns when Madam Bones holds up her hands.
''We are here today to question Peter Pettigrew and trial him for the betrayal of the Potter family, the killing of twelve muggles, and for conspiring with You-know-who.''
The murmurs are getting louder again, and Harry suppresses a yawn. This is still a little boring. He hopes something is going to happen soon.
''Please administer the Veritaserum for questioning.'' Madam Bones orders, and Harry can't help but smile a little. It's a vindictive little smile, and he quickly schools it. Hoping nobody saw it.
''No! No! I refuse!'' Wormtail shrieks, but the two Auror's are having none of it. They immobilize him and open up his mouth before dropping three drops of Veritaserum in it. They force his mouth closed again and make sure he swallows.
He gets a distant stare in his eyes and the Auror's nod at Madam Bones.
''What is your name?''
''Peter Pettigrew.''
''Please note that under Veritaserum, the suspect has claimed to be someone we all thought was dead for fourteen years.'' She states regally.
Harry knows why she states this fact extra after already telling the Wizengamot. This is so nobody can deny that this isn't Peter. Nobody can claim that this is some imposter. Then Madam Bones starts her questioning.
''Are you a Death Eater?''
''Yes.''
''Were you the secret keeper of the Potters?''
''Yes.''
''Did you tell You-know-who of their location, causing their death?''
''Yes.''
There are no emotions from Peter while he states this, but outrage is heard through the Wizengamot. Harry looks stoically at Peter. He knew this already, of course. Peter is the reason he didn't get a childhood with two loving parents and with his Godfather.
Even if Voldemort killed them, it started with Peter. Without Peter, nobody would've known where they were hiding. And without Snape, Voldemort wouldn't have gone after Harry at all .
''Why did you do this!? They were your friends!'' Some woman cries out in the stands. Harry doesn't know her, but interfering with a questioning is never a smart thing to do.
''I only serve my master and Lord,'' Peter responds in a robotic voice. Fudge slams the hammer. ''Silence! The next one to interrupt will be suspended from this hearing!''
When silence is back in the chamber again, Madam Bones asks her next question. The question Harry has been waiting for.
''Was Sirius Orion Black involved with your plans?''
''No.''
''Was Sirius Orion Black a Death Eater?''
''No.''
''Did you kill twelve muggles on 31 October 1981?''
''Yes.''
''Why did you do that?''
''Because every muggle deserves to die.''
Scoffing and gasps are heard through most of the light and grey sections of the Wizengamot. Some of the dark section is looking in disgust at Wormtail, but some just look on stoically.
''Did you use Sirius Orion Black for your escape? And if your answer is yes, what did you do?''
''Yes. I hit him with a cheering charm so he would laugh and look manic. I screamed at him that he had betrayed the Potters, then I blew up a part of the street, killing twelve Muggles. Then I cut off my finger before fleeing into the sewer.''
It's again silent in the chamber, and Harry is watching a couple of people's reactions to this story. He sees Lucius Malfoy grimace at the story, and Augusta Longbottom seems ready to tear him apart.
Dumbledore is frowning at Peter, and Harry can't decide why that is. Maybe it's just to keep appearances, something that is entirely possible, of course.
''Where have you gone into hiding after You-know-who died?''
''I turned into my rat animagus and went into hiding as a pet with a family.''
''Which family?'' Madam Bones asks with a frown.
''The Weasley's.''
Harry grimaces at this. He knows that Percy had found 'Scabbers' almost directly after the events of Halloween 1981, but none of the Weasley's had known what happened with 'Scabbers' after last year. Dumbledore had forbidden Harry, Hermione, and Ron to ever talk about it after they had rescued Sirius.
''Can you describe how your life was as a pet?'' Madam Bones asks. Harry doesn't know why she is asking this until Peter starts talking.
''I first was Percy Weasley's pet rat. He took me with him to Hogwarts. After a couple of years, I went to Ron Weasley, they fed me, and they let me sleep without a cage.''
''Where did you sleep?'' Madam Bones asks, narrowing her eyes at Peter, and Peter answers, not registering the fact that he is digging an even bigger hole for himself.
''In their beds with them.''
Now everyone in the chamber exclaims in disgust and outrage.
''You slept with underage boys in their beds in your animagus form? You slept in a dorm with multiple other underage boys where you could watch them undress and sleep?'' The tone of voice is enough to tell Harry exactly what Madam Bones thinks of this.
''Yes, and yes.''
Harry is suddenly glad that he always was wary in the Gryffindor dorms with undressing. He only undressed when he was in the bathroom, not wanting anyone to see his underfed body. He clenches his jaw when he sees Madam Bones and multiple others look at him with pity. Augusta Longbottom is almost foaming at the mouth. Harry can't blame her. Neville has shared a bedroom with Ron since the first day.
''Did you ever get -'' This is the first time Madam Bones looks unsure. She glances again at Harry before barreling through. ''-excited, with seeing these boys undress.''
''Yes,'' Wormtail answers, and this is too much for Augusta Longbottom. Harry swallows back bile. But he knows he turns a little green around the gills. Augusta Longbottom jumps up and raises her wand at Wormtail. ''You sick waste of space of a man! No , you don't deserve to be called a man! RAT! You deserve death!'' She shrieks. The formidable lady gone from her features, in her place standing a woman who would go through hell for her loved ones, and everyone would step aside to get out of her way in fear of her wrath.
Multiple people 'attempt' to hold her back, but it's clear that most of the people agree wholeheartedly with her. So Harry stands and immobilizes her with just a flick of his hand. The whole Wizengamot is staring in shock at Harry from the wandless and wordless magic he easily performs. Harry doesn't look at Dumbledore, knowing that Dumbledore knows now that Harry's bindings are broken. Mh, he still needs to talk to Death about that.
''My sincere apologies, Madam Longbottom. I understand completely why you would want this rat dead. But let me remind you that I was one of the boys that stayed in that room together with this rat . Let me remind you that it were my parents who died because of his betrayal. And I want to see this man tossed into Azkaban without the possibility to get out. I want to see my Godfather free. So please, let us sit again and let Madam Bones finish her questioning.'' Harry states with authority in his voice.
He cancels the spell that held her and sits again before crossing his left ankle on his right knee. The whole room is stunned from what happened, and Harry is a little afraid that he blew any chance of an alliance, but then Augusta Longbottom speaks again after watching him like a hawk.
''It's me that should apologize Lord Potter - Peverell. I also apologize to you, Madam Bones. I would like to remain for the trial if you're alright with that.''
Madam Bones just nods before turning questioning eyes to Harry, who only waves at her to continue.
''Well, let us rest that line of questioning for now. Peter Pettigrew. Can you tell us how Harry James Potter - Peverell captured you?''
Harry bites his lip a bit. He knows that Snape and Tom did perfect work with Peter's memories, but he's still a little anxious about this.
''Last year, I escaped from Hogwarts after Sirius Black had found me at Hogwarts. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Remus Lupin had found out that I was still alive. But it was a full moon, and Remus Lupin is a werewolf. I escaped from them in the middle of the chaos, and the Auror's took Sirius back into custody. I don't know what happened, but I heard that Sirius escaped again, and I knew he was coming for me. I was in London when Sirius caught up to me. I escaped him again, only to walk straight into the trap they had set for me. Harry captured me and took me here.''
Madam Bones nods, and everybody seems to buy this. Only Dumbledore is looking with suspicion at Harry. Harry does his best to ignore the old goat as much as possible.
''I have no further questions at this moment. Please supply him with the antidote,'' The Auror's do as asked while Madam Bones turns to Harry. He had expected this already, of course, and he's ready.
''Mister Potter - Peverell, can I ask for your side of the story?''
''Of course, Madam Bones.'' He stands and walks down. He waves his hand in a display of power, and a comfy chair erupts in the middle of the room. He ignores the rushed whispers from the Wizengamot. He wants to see how powerful he is at just seventeen.
He has his back towards Wormtail, but he's only sobbing right now and not a threat at all. One of the Auror's even silenced him so nobody would be disturbed by his sobbing.
Harry takes a seat and looks up at Madam Bones so she can start her questioning.
''Mister Potter - Peve-''
''Wait! Doesn't the lad need to get Veritaserum?'' Fudge demands. Multiple people are looking around a little dubious.
But then another voice speaks up. ''You're quite right Cornelius, we shouldn't just assume the boy will speak the truth.'' The pink witch that looks like a toad says with a smug smile. Harry feels a little irked at being called a boy and a possible liar, but this couldn't have gone better in his book.
Harry bites his lip again, afraid that a grin will break out on his face.
Madam Bones frowns. ''He isn't a suspect. Does anyone else demand this?'' She asks the Wizengamot, and a couple of Death Eaters, the pink lady toad, and Fudge raise their hands.
''I don't mind, Madam Bones. If everyone believes my story with Veritaserum, I'll gladly take it.'' Harry states smoothly.
Dumbledore grimaces, knowing he will be fucked after this. Harry barely contains his delight.
''Please administer Veritaserum to Mister Potter - Peverell.'' Madam Bones asks the Auror's with a sigh.
Harry opens his mouth when asked and feels three drops land on his tongue. It tastes a little bitter, but he ignores it and swallows.
He feels the potion take, but he knows that the potion he took earlier will cancel this potion. For every look of it, it seems like Harry is under the influence of Veritaserum, but he still can lie. Tom is an absolute genius when it comes to potions, even more so than Snape is.
''What is your name?'' Madam Bones starts with.
''Harry James Potter - Peverell - Black,'' He answers honestly, he didn't officially take the Black name, but he still is part Black, the potion still gives him the urge to speak the truth, but he can bend it easily in his head.
More whispers sound around the room, but nobody yells at him.
''Can you tell us what happened the night Peter Pettigrew escaped from Hogwarts?'' Madam Bones asks while looking around the room in irritation because of the noise.
''My friend Ron Weasley had just found his rat again after losing him for a couple of months. We were at the cabin of our friend Hagrid when Dumbledore came down with the Minister and an executioner to behead a Hippogriff. We didn't want to be found, so we ran outside. There we were attacked by a big black dog. The dog bit my friend Ron Weasley on the leg and dragged him to a hidden place between the roots of the Whomping Willow.''
Harry sees multiple people wince when he tells them about the Whomping Willow, which is pretty funny.
''After some time, we, me and my other friend Hermione, got into the hidden place only to find a tunnel. We followed it, determined to free our friend. We ended up in the Shrieking Shack. There we found Ron on the bed with a broken leg and still holding on to his rat 'Scabbers.' We then found out about Sirius trying to capture Peter so he could be put to justice. We didn't believe him at first until Remus Lupin found us. Sirius told us what really happened, and together with Remus Lupin, they performed the spell to force an Animagus into his human form. Peter begged me to let him go, but I was determined to get him to the Auror's.''
He leaves the bit about Snape out of the whole story, and with a glance at Dumbledore, he sees that he has noticed it.
''When we were on our way back to the castle, the full moon came out, and Remus Lupin hadn't had his Wolfsbane potion. Sirius distracted him, but in the scuffle, Peter escaped.''
''We all know that Sirius Black was captured that night, sentenced to the Dementor's kiss with no escape from the room we put him in, but- he still escaped. Can you tell us how?'' Madam Bones' eyes are hard as stone, but something in them tells Harry that he doesn't have to worry about the truth.
Harry tries to look stoic, knowing he needs to act like he's still under the Veritaserum, even if he wants to look a little sheepish.
''Hermione and I used a Time-Turner after Albus Dumbledore told us it would save Sirius and maybe someone else. We went back in time, freed the Hippogriff that would be sentenced to death, and used him to free Sirius from the tower he was put in.''
Gasps are sound around the room, and Harry thinks he has put on a great show for the whole Wizengamot. He doesn't dare to glance at Dumbledore, knowing that the man will be fuming.
Madam Bones is silent for a moment, clearly conflicted like earlier today. Harry broke laws by helping Sirius escape, but he did it to save an innocent man. And if Harry can read the look on her face right, she's also conflicted to not demand immediately from Dumbledore what the hell is happening at Hogwarts.
''Right. And why didn't you, your friends, or Remus Lupin tell us the truth?'' Madam Bones grits out through her teeth. Harry wants to do a little dance but remains stoic.
''We tried, but Minister Fudge didn't believe us. We were just children, according to him. My potion professor also told Fudge that we were delusional.'' He doesn't even need to say Snape's name, but anyone still knows who he's talking about. And according to the frowns he sees on multiple faces, it's clear that they have heard from their children or even grandchildren what kind of teacher Snape is. Ah, Snape doesn't like teaching anyway. He already told Harry that he would rather be away from Hogwarts but that Dumbledore asks him to stay from some kind of old obligation to him every year.
A lot of people are glaring at Fudge, who is again purple in the face, this time with rage aimed at Harry. The pink toad lady also looks like she wants to demand vengeance against Harry. Huh , weird reaction, or the witch is incredibly loyal, or too stupid to see that she should abandon a sinking ship.
''And Remus Lupin?'' Madam Bones asks again, trying to silence the whispers that had started yet again.
''He's a werewolf. Unfortunately, nobody would believe him, and everybody would judge him and say that he endangered multiple children while teaching at Hogwarts, but if you ask your children or grandchildren, you will hear that he was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher there has been in the last years.''
Making a statement while under the influence of Veritaserum is a little extra, but Harry can't help it.
''How did you capture Peter Pettigrew?'' She asks, and Harry is impressed by how professional she's staying in all of this.
''Sirius had found him in London and asked me through a letter for help. I went to meet him last week, and while he chased Peter into a tunnel, I waited on the other end. I stunned the rat as soon as I saw him and put him in the trunk I brought earlier today to Madam Bones.''
Madam Bones nods and asks the Auror's to give Harry the antidote. He shakes his head to get rid of the feeling of the potion before looking back at Madam Bones.
''Will I get in trouble for my help with Sirius?'' He asks with wide innocent eyes. He knows some of the people in attendance wouldn't believe shit of the innocent act, but most will.
Protests from the whole Wizengamot erupt from the stands, and Madam Bones shakes her head. If Harry isn't mistaken, she seems a little amused and even impressed, but she tries to remain stoic. Fudge seems ready to blow. Dumbledore is still silent and watching Harry. His eyes are boring into the side of his head, but Harry ignores it.
He has named Dumbledore in the story, and he didn't lie, but this is probably not going to go over well with anyone else.
''Please get ready for a vote.'' Madam Bones asks the Wizengamot while Harry takes his former place in the stands.
''Everybody who thinks Peter Pettigrew is guilty of being a Death Eater, a murderer of twelve people, an accomplice of the murder on James Potter and Lily Potter nee Evans, please light your wands.''
Every wand in the room lights up, even the Death Eaters in the Dark section. Harry grins and can't wait to show Remus, Sirius, and Tom the memory of this.
''Peter Pettigrew, we hereby sentence you to life in Azkaban, get him out of here.'' She demands, and the Auror's immediately hoist him up. Peter is yelling and blubbering all over his robes, but he's still silenced, so it's only a disgusting sight. Something in Harry wanted that they would administer the kiss to Peter, but he also wanted Peter to have the same treatment as Sirius had been through for 12 years.
''I hereby close this tri-'' Madam Bones starts before looking at Harry when he interrupts her.
''Hold on! What about Sirius?'' Harry blurts out. He's so fucking close, no way that Sirius doesn't deserve his freedom and retributions.
Madam Bones seems annoyed for a moment but nods. ''My apologies Lord Potter - Peverell - Black, Sirius Black will be exonerated and repaid 120.000 galleons for his undeserved stay in Azkaban. Could you please let him know this?'' Madam Bones asks with a raised eyebrow, definitely knowing Harry is still in contact with the man.
Harry beams and nods. ''Of course, thank you, Madam.'' He bows to her as is polite according to wizarding customs and then leaves the chamber as quickly as possible, noticing how Dumbledore made a beeline towards him and wanting to evade him no matter what.
As soon as he's back in the Atrium, he sees Rita Skeeter walking to him with a photographer on her heels.
''Mister Potter - Peverell, what a coincidence, what are you doing at the Ministry?'' She simpers with a smirk.
Harry rolls his eyes. As if he hadn't sent a message to her as soon as he made his way to the Wizengamot.
''I had to take a couple of my NEWT's before I witnessed a trial.'' He replies honestly.
''Oh! Which trial?'' She asks with a twinkle in her eyes. She can practically smell the scoop. Well, this was the reason Harry 'hired' her.
''The trial of Peter Pettigrew,'' Harry responds, the gasp she lets out, and the greedy look isn't played. Harry tells her the whole story.
Extra POV;
Cornelius Fudge isn't a man that angers quickly, but the last 24 hours have made it clear that rage isn't a stranger within his emotions. He storms into his office after batting away the vultures of the press for the thousand time that day.
Inside his office, a tense feeling is all around, which isn't strange when you have Dolores Umbridge and Albus Dumbledore together in a room. That these two hate each other is clear, or at least, it's clear that Dolores hates Albus. But it's also clear that Albus doesn't think that Dolores is any threat to him.
The man is sitting in a chair, slowly reading a magazine, while Dolores is fuming in a corner.
As soon as the door is closed behind him, he locks it. ''This is terrible! Terrible Albus! Everybody knows what happened with the trial yesterday! Everybody knows how Sirius has been in Azkaban for 12 years while innocent! It's all thanks to that little Potter brat!'' He fumes.
''I know Cornelius.'' Albus answers calmly, how the man is still calm is lost on Cornelius.
''You know? You know?! I'm getting howlers every minute! I wasn't even Minister back then! But because I'm now, I still am seen as responsible! And how dare you! You made it happen that the Potter brat broke out his Godfather last year!'' Cornelius rubs a hand over his mouth after feeling the spit fleeing out of his mouth.
''That is the risk of the job, unfortunately,'' Albus replies with a stoic look, making Cornelius fume. Ignoring the question about his influence on Black's second escape at Hogwarts.
''You can't speak like that to the Minister!'' Comes a screech from the corner. Cornelius wants to ask her to shut her traphole, but he knows it is futile.
''I can, and I will. It's the reason why I declined the position multiple times.'' Dumbledore declares as if it's just easy like that.
Cornelius grits his teeth and sits down heavily.
''You aren't getting out of this unscathed either, Albus. You had two unregistered Animagus's on school grounds without you knowing of it. You even helped an escaped convict escape again! People are talking that you are clearly not on top of your game anymore.''
Cornelius feels a little flare of vindictive glee to be the reason behind the scowl on Dumbledore's face.
''I know.'' The older wizard grumbles.
''So? What are we going to do?'' Cornelius finally asks after ten minutes of silence.
''We?'' Albus asks with an arched eyebrow.
''Yes! We! If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me, and you will probably do the same!'' He snarls in response, making Albus nod.
''You're correct. We need something, so people will think that we are working on this. Working on making Wizarding Britain better.''
It's like a light has gone off behind Dumbledore's eyes after a moment, and Cornelius demands answers.
Harry's POV;
''You're dragging your right foot!''
''I'm not dragging anything!''
''You are, especially with that big head of yours.''
Harry groans but can't help the little smile that's playing on his lips. He's dueling with Tom for training, and it's fun . Not something he ever expected.
Tom is already taking his stance again while smirking cockily at Harry.
''Don't pull that face. You seem way too smug.'' Harry grumbles before also taking his stance.
''Uh, what was that? You sound way too fond to be really irritated. Should I comment on that?'' Tom asks, sounding innocent, like the infuriating little shit he is.
''As if you could keep your running commentary to yourself,'' Harry replies before firing the first spell at Tom. Tom sidesteps flawlessly, and Harry hates him a little for it.
They go at it for a while before their wands lock up together again .
''Arggh! In this tempo, I will never win from you.'' Harry whines when he breaks the spell that has caused the merge of spells. Tom is panting and walks to him to give him a hand. Harry had stumbled after their wands broke out of the prior incantatum. The brother wands clearly don't want to battle each other, so each time they are used at the same time they lock up.
Harry grasps the offered hand, and Tom pulls him from the floor. Harry is pleased to see that Tom is sweating and out of breath too.
He follows a drop of sweat that rolls from behind Tom's ear to the collum of his collarbone when he suddenly realizes that he's still holding Tom's hand. He quickly lets it go and fake coughs. Tom seems distracted too by something, Harry follows his eyes down and sees that his collar is showing, but surely Tom won't be distracted by Harry? Tom scrapes his throat and shakes his head, Harry doesn't see what distracted him, but Tom does blush.
''Are you nervous for tomorrow?'' Harry asks Tom, but Tom shakes his head with a smile.
''No, we are prepared. We will wipe the floor with every single member in the Wizengamot.'' The way Tom bites his lip as if the hold back a smile makes Harry's heart skip a beat.
Tomorrow is the first time Harry will enter the Wizengamot as a member, but he won't be alone. Sirius will be with him, and so will Tom. They are finally going to announce Tom to the wizarding world. He already has all the documents from Gringotts. They only need to introduce him to the Wizengamot.
Because it's Harry's first time, he can't do it, but Sirius can. He only has been to one meeting and stuck to the outer circles. Not ready to be in the spotlight yet, but that will change tomorrow too.
''Well, you're right, when you're right,'' Harry replies with a smile.
Tom scoffs.
''I'm always right.''
''No, you're not,'' Harry answers with a chuckle, enjoying the banter between them. Tom makes an affronted noise.
''When wasn't I right?'' He asks while they start walking out of the dueling chamber. He sounds so offended that Harry wants to coo at him.
''Oh, I don't know, maybe last week, when you were sure that Fudge would step down after all the articles.''
Tom frowns at that. ''I still don't know why he didn't. Almost all of Wizarding Britain is demanding it after the Black fiasco.''
Rita had done an amazing job with the article about Peter's trial and Sirius's exoneration. Fudge was trying to do damage control, but not many people believed him or his sincerity.
Sirius was finally again a free man. The first time he went out, he was flocked by wizards and witches telling him how sorry they were for always accusing him. And by the press, of course. He even made it to the cover of Witch Weekly, much to his own glee and to Remus's chagrin. Their relationship wasn't public, and he had been announced as an eligible handsome bachelor of all things.
Sirius thankfully exclaimed that there was no one else but Remus for him when he read it (Tom and Harry quickly fled the dining room after that declaration), but he did gloat a little about the fact that witches and wizards called him the ultimate handsome bad boy with a soft heart.
Harry shrugs. ''Oh! And that discussion you had with Hermione two days ago, I have no idea on what it was, but Hermione was right in the end.'' Harry points out with a beaming grin, enjoying Tom's scowl.
''Hemione is the brightest witch of her age. I have no shame of losing a discussion to her.'' Tom replies through gritted teeth. Clearly embarrassed to have lost a discussion to Hermione.
''Ah, that's why you looked like someone killed your puppy.'' Harry teases, and Tom rolls his eyes. They have made their way to the kitchens both of them are hungry for a snack.
The first meeting between Tom and Hermione was stilted and awkward until they got into a discussion about magical laws. Hermione is the only one outside of Sirius, Remus, and Snape who really knows who Tom is. So Harry had been worried about their meeting a lot.
But Tom was pleasantly surprised by Hermione's intelligence, and they are slowly becoming something like friends. Also, something Harry would've never expected. He also feared it with his life.
They were both extremely brilliant in their own way. They could take over the world if they wanted, but thankfully, Tom hadn't had those urges anymore, and Hermione was glad to just better the world she was in.
''I do not look like someone killed my puppy. Besides, Sirius doesn't like it to be called puppy,'' Tom responded with a smirk the moment Sirius walked through the door. Clearly wanting to be overheard to tease Sirius.
''I heard that! I'm not a puppy. Harry is the pup of the family.'' Sirius responded seriously. Making Tom snort without a hint of elegance he normally possessed.
''Hey! Leave me out of this.'' Harry grumbles, but he's grinning on the inside. It took a long time for him to feel like this, this unbothered and genuinely happy.
Thanks to Lord Death and Lady Magic he was already on his way to feel better, but with Sirius, Remus, and Tom, everything falls more into place.
''I will not. You're my Godson, and I reserve the right to use you at my advantage when in an argument with this tosser.'' Sirius replies before ducking away from the hex Tom throws his way.
''Dammit, I should stop training you if you are expecting my hexes.'' Tom sniffs. Making Harry snort out a laugh when Sirius preens at the compliment.
Harry leaves the kitchen when Tom and Sirius start talking about the next day with the Wizengamot. He has been over the plan so many times that he can't hear it anymore, so he goes to the ritual room so he can summon Death and talk to him.
It doesn't take long for Death to appear, and Harry quickly hugs his adopted father.
''What can I do for you, child?'' Death asks him as soon as Harry releases him from his grip.
''I wanted to talk to you about what I found out at Gringotts, I know it's been a while, but there was so much going on that I didn't think to ask you about it sooner.'' Harry rambles while taking a seat with Death joining him. Dobby appears with some tea and biscuits before popping away again.
''What is on your mind?'' Death asks while taking his cup of tea.
''Well, according to the inheritance test at Gringotts, my magical core was bound, as was my ability to use wandless and wordless magic. It also said that it was broken in Death's realm, but you never told me anything about it.'' Harry tries not to sound like he is accusing Death, but he doesn't really succeed.
Death grimaces. ''I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you anymore. Your trust was already on a slippery slope, and you were acting out because your world view was shifting, which was understandable-'' Death adds when he sees that Harry wants to apologize like he already tried a couple of hundred times. ''-it was understandable then, and it is now, everything changed for you, Harry. You suddenly had someone who wanted to help you, and train you, and be there for you, only to have them tell you that everything you thought in the world was wrong. You needed to accept heavy stuff that most people don't have to deal with in their whole lives, and you were still young. Hell, you are still young.'' Death says with a teasing push against Harry's shoulder. Making Harry smile a little.
''But who bound my core? And how much was bound? Did my magic suffer because of that?'' Harry asks, not wanting to go into a deep discussion about his feelings.
''I think you already know who bound your core and abilities. And do you really think Lady would have trained you if your magic was not at its top?'' Death hedges, and Harry grimaces but nods. Magic was sacred to Lady, which isn't strange, of course. He knows his magic is safe as long as he will live with Lady watching over him.
''Dumbledore.'' He only replies, and Death nods.
''If Dumbledore was already punished enough, I would gladly take him to my realm, but alas, it's not his time yet.'' Death sighs like it's really a hardship not to kill Dumbledore and Harry chuckles at Death's antics.
Harry quickly sobers again. ''So why did he bound my core?'' Harry questions again.
''For the same reason, he left you at the Dursley's Harry. He wanted to control you. If you thought you were weak, you would rely on him more,'' Death tells him, and Harry sees him clench his jaw and hands. Death is struggling with how Dumbledore treated Harry, and it warms him that Lord Death thinks he's worth it.
''Dumbledore is really a bastard,'' Harry tells Death, making him chuckle.
''He is, but he will get what he deserves.'' Death tells him ominously, Harry just raises his eyebrow, but of course, Death will not elaborate.
They talk for a while longer, and Harry relaxes because of it. He was a little nervous for the next day. It will be his first day in the Wizengamot too. Madam Longbottom will introduce him because Sirius needs to introduce Tom. They have come to an alliance, much to Harry's relief. Tom's family seats had been forgotten. He is a 'surprise child' for everyone tomorrow. Most people thought that the Slytherin seat would go to Harry after his 'defeat' of the Dark Lord, but they will be surprised tomorrow.
Death needs to go back after an hour of talking and gives Harry a hug goodbye and wishes him good luck.
Harry wanders a little through the manor before he walks into Tom's room after knocking.
''Hey, what should I wear tomorrow?'' He asks, completely serious. Tom snorts and rolls his eyes.
''Potter, how can you be so hopeless?'' Tom teases.
''I'm only hopeless around you,'' Harry replies with a wink, making Tom stumble. When Harry abruptly realizes what he said, he chokes a little and quickly turns away from Tom. Shit. He hadn't meant to flirt with Tom! But this definitely counted as flirting. O Salazar, it's Tom for magic's sake! He can't.
''Uh- so, clothes, wearing, tomorrow!'' He quickly says to masque the awkwardness. Only to scold himself for sounding like a total idiot.
Tom seems to shake himself before stalking past Harry to Harry's room to go through his clothes. Tom is much better at dressing formally, but Harry is a disaster, so it really isn't hard to be better than him.
Tom pulls out a set of formal robes in dark green. ''Wear this. It brings out your eyes, and do something about your hair.''
''I can't do anything about my hair because my hair is a natural disaster,'' Harry replies, emphasizing his assessment by bringing his hands through his hair.
''You're so dramatic,'' Tom grumbles before stepping into Harry's personal space without warning. Harry freezes, but Tom ignores that. He only focuses on Harry's hair.
Tom then combs his hands through Harry's hair. Harry could've sworn that he did the same with his own hands, but it never felt like this.
Harry quickly bites his lip when a groan wants to escape his lips. He really likes the feeling of Tom's fingers in his hair. When he takes a deep breath, he also breathes in the scent of Tom, and his mouth waters. He would love to have a taste.
The hands are suddenly out of his hair, and it feels like the world tilts a little, and nothing is right anymore. Harry swallows before opening his eyes. When had he closed them? Bugger. He should've left them open because after he opens them, he looks straight into Tom's beautiful eyes. He's sorry he missed it.
''There, that's better, just come to me tomorrow, and I will do it again,'' Tom sounds smug before he steps away and leaves Harry cold and small for some reason.
''Uh- thank you,'' Harry replies with a blush. He wants to be in Tom's bubble again, but before he can move, the moment is broken, and Tom strides out of the door. Harry closes his eyes and groans in embarrassment.
''He doesn't want you like that, you dolt. You were his nemesis just a couple of months ago. You shouldn't want this.'' Harry chides himself, but it's clear that the rest of his body doesn't agree with his head.
He decides to take a cold shower.
When Harry looks into the mirror, he is shocked by how nice his hair looks. No way that it will hold though, what a shame to go through Tom touching his hair again in the morning.
Tom's POV;
Tom looks appraisingly into the mirror. The dark blue robes he's wearing compliments his eyes, and his hair is neatly arranged. He shifts the Slytherin locket under his robes and feels glad to have the locket around his neck.
He's going to the Wizengamot today with Sirius and Harry. And secretly, he's pretty excited. He will introduce himself to the Wizengamot as Thomas Ellis Slytherin, and it will be the first step to get equality back into the Wizarding World.
It's necessary. He knows it is. After his sessions with Lady, he is, thankfully, not obsessed anymore to rule the world. Ruling the Wizarding World with Harry on his side will be enough for him. And wow. Since when does he only want to have Harry on his side?
He shakes his head and looks back into the mirror. ''Get yourself together, Riddle.'' He murmurs before walking out of his room to Harry's door. He knocks, and he hears someone stumbling inside. He rolls his eyes. Harry is a walking disaster sometimes, and other times he is the most regal of them all in all his Master of Death glory.
Harry janks open the door, and he seems to have just woken up. If Tom guesses, his eyes are still half-closed, and he has buttoned the wrong holes of his dress shirt.
Tom can't help but tease him. ''You truly are hopeless around me, aren't you, Harry?''
Harry's eyes grow wide, and he sees Harry swallow before turning a lovely shade of red.
''Uh-''
Tom rolls his eyes. He knows Harry doesn't want him like that. He couldn't. Harry deserves the world, not some Dark Lord that messed with his own mind and soul.
Tom pushes Harry back a little, and his hand burns from the touch, but he refuses to pull it away too quickly. Afraid that Harry will notice how much he affects Tom.
He scrapes his throat before raising an eyebrow and looking Harry up and down. ''Shouldn't you be getting ready?''
''I was!''
''You were sleeping just now, admit it,'' Tom says with a smirk.
''Oi! How can you think that? I would never-'' Harry starts indignantly, but Tom interrupts him.
''You still have wrinkles in your face from your pillow.''
Harry colors again and quickly looks in the mirror to see that Tom is right. He has sleep wrinkles on his face. The pout Harry releases when he realizes that he isn't getting out of this is something Tom doesn't want to think too hard on. Afraid that something else will get hard.
''Fuck you, Riddle. Why do you enjoy my pain?'' Harry asks petulantly while rubbing his face, so hopefully, the pillow creases will disappear.
''Because you rise to the bait each and every time,'' Tom can't help to respond, laughing when he gets a middle finger for his troubles. Harry is straightening his dress shirt when Tom points out that he missed a hole.
A knock is sound at the door, and Sirius peaks his head in. His hair is already tamed and in a ponytail.
''We leave in five minutes. Tom, you look dashing. Harry, I'm sure you will too when you finally wear your robes.'' Sirius teases, ducking out of the room laughing when Harry sends a tickling hex his way.
A minute or so later, Tom walks around Harry, scrutinizing his robes and just looking at Harry while he can. He looks amazing.
''That will do, now, stand still and let me tame your hair.'' Tom steps up to Harry again, just like last night, and he hears Harry suck in a breath. Tom holds back a grimace. It's clear that Harry still isn't comfortable with Tom in his personal space. Something he can understand of course. He works as quickly as he can on Harry's hair, using a wordless and wandless spell to make sure that Harry's hair will stay like this until the gathering is over.
Tom likes Harry much more with his untamed hair and wild looks, but alas, he needs to look like the perfect Lord. Harry has several titles he needs to honor, something Death, Lady Magic, and Tom had drilled into him.
Sirius would've helped, but he is still on the wild side himself.
He steps back and sees that Harry has closed his eyes again. He grimaces and conjures a mirror. He needs to control himself. He is Tom Marvolo Riddle! He was always the best in control, and one teenager is completely ruining his image.
''Finished, take a look,'' Tom says while holding the mirror up, so Harry doesn't see his face.
''One day, you should teach me how you do my hair because I'm completely and utterly useless with it,'' Harry says, and Tom hears the smirk in his voice. He lowers the mirror and looks unimpressed at Harry, who is just looking at him as a smiling puppy.
''Even if I taught you, you would be useless,'' Tom responds, making Harry dramatically grab his chest.
''Sir, you wound me! Useless? I am bloody brilliant!'' Harry jokes.
Yes, yes, you are . Tom thinks to himself, but on the outside, he rolls his eyes before dragging Harry out of his room to the floo.
''Finally, there you are,'' Sirius tells them. Sirius is wearing black robes with the Black crest on them.
Harry has the Potter and Peverell crest on his robes. Dobby is truly a miracle worker because Tom picked out Harry's clothes just yesterday.
Tom is thankful that his robes are dark blue because with the Slytherin crest, it's almost like his school uniform.
All three look like proper Lords, and they are ready to make the Wizarding world realize how much power they have.
Sirius grabs the floo powder first. Tom can see that he is a little nervous, but when Sirius shakes his head, the pureblood mask is in place, and anxiety is something that nobody will claim Sirius is.
''Ministry atrium!'' He bellows before stepping into the floo. Harry follows him, and Tom goes after that.
As soon as he steps out of the floo, he is hit with a cleaning spell from Harry. He gives Harry a smile in thanks and steps up beside him while Sirius walks in front of them.
''Showtime, ladies,'' Sirius mutters before stalking towards the Wizengamot meeting room. Followed by Harry and Tom. Tom is amused when multiple people jump out of their way, their eyes round while they all look at them.
Whispers are heard all around them—something they had expected. Sirius had not made a great entrance the last time with the Wizengamot, and everybody knows who he is.
The same goes for Harry, most people are looking at him with awe, but he can see sneers too. With the great public figure that Harry is, everybody will have judgments.
And then himself. Nobody knows who he is, but after today it will all be public.
They are going to pretend like he is Voldemort's son and that his mother got pregnant with Voldemort in 1974 and ran away after finding out. She went to the United States, where Thomas was born as Thomas Ellis Barrows. Elise Barrows was a Death Eater and died in 1975, and she did run away from Voldemort ranks, but nobody other than Tom knows this. He went looking for her when she ran, intent on killing her for betraying him, but he didn't kill her. She died in a Nundu attack.
She was one of Voldemort's most trusted followers. Tom knows that back then there were rumors about the two of them, but they both didn't confirm nor deny a relationship between them. Because Tom didn't want a woman and because Elise wanted to stay alive.
She was the perfect scapegoat in this because she was the last in her line, and nobody even knew she had died.
They will explain that Thomas got back to Britain a year ago because he wanted to find out who his father was, only to find out what kind of horrible man he was and that he had a title to his name.
The Goblins helped them get the fake documents.
For the right sum, they will do anything.
Thomas then met a certain Remus Lupin when he hired Lupin for a small job to make sense of the finances his father had left, who after some time introduced him to his friend Sirius Black.
And that's how they are here today.
Tom is shaken out of his reverie when they reach the Wizengamot. He takes a deep breath. Showtime indeed.
Sirius enters the room without hesitation, quickly followed by Harry and Tom. Harry and Tom need to take place on the 'guest' seats until they are introduced by someone and acknowledged by their rightful seats.
The room fills up slowly, and when Harry sees Madam Longbottom, he stands and bows to her before placing a kiss on her hand. Tom quickly follows.
''Madam Longbottom. I've heard so much about you. My name is Thomas Ellis Slytherin. I thank you for introducing Harry today so we can join the Wizengamot on the same date.'' Tom says, introducing himself. Madam Longbottom narrows her eyes at him before looking at Harry.
''I hope you know what you're doing, Lord Potter - Peverell.'' She tells him.
''I am, Madam,'' Harry responds resolutely.
''Then the Longbottom's will support you.'' She nods her head at Harry and then at Tom before making her way to the other side where her seats are.
''I understand why Neville was so afraid of her when he was younger,'' Harry mumbles to Tom, making him smirk in reply.
''Why Lord Potter - Peverell, are you afraid of an old lady?'' He teases. Harry turns towards him so nobody can see his response before rolling his eyes.
''You would be too if-'' Before Harry can finish, the hammer is sound to silence the room.
Dumbledore is Chief Warlock and is here to open the session of today. Tom also recognizes the pink toad lady Harry described, but he doesn't know her personally, but he does understand what Harry meant with the nasty feeling he got from her.
''Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for attending today. We are here today for another meeting and to review and vote for two new laws. But first- are there any new introductions to join the Wizengamot today?'' Dumbledore asks the room.
Tom knows this is the standard question and that for the last couple of years, nobody has been introduced. Usually, someone new is being introduced when the old Lord or Lady steps down from their title, but Tom and Harry don't have that because their seats have been empty.
Madam Longbottom and Sirius stand. There are immediate whispers through the whole room. Some had already seen Tom and Harry, but not everybody.
Sirius waves to Madam Longbottom to let her go first, and she scrapes her throat.
''It's my honor to introduce today an old family back into our folds. Witches and Wizards from the Wizengamot, I hereby introduce Lord Potter - Peverell for his seats.'' Madam Longbottom states regally, and Harry stands. He is still blocking Dumbledore's view on Tom, but that will be over soon.
''I, Harry James Potter - Peverell, hereby accept my introduction. I will claim the Potter and Peverell seats today.'' Harry replies with his hands behind his back. There is a light glow from a couple of seats in the neutral and light area of the Wizengamot. The seats recognize and accept Harry's claim and magic.
Dumbledore seems stunned for a moment before he scrapes his throat.
''Welcome, my boy-'' Tom clenches his jaw, he knows how much Harry hates to be called like that. ''-please take one of the seats, with the next point of action you can change the alliance of your seats if you wish this.''
''Thank you, Chief Warlock.'' Harry then turns and starts walking to the neutral section, whispers follow him, and Tom smirks.
Dumbledore slams his hammer again and asks for silence.
''Lord Black, you wanted to make an introduction too?'' Dumbledore asks with doubt in his voice, clearly expecting that Harry would be Sirius's introduction.
''Indeed, Chief Warlock. I hereby want to introduce someone whose seat was almost lost because of his father's crimes. Seats that were nearly lost but have been part of the Wizengamot since the start of the Wizengamot in 1500. Witches and Wizards, I hereby want to introduce Thomas Ellis Slytherin. Lord Slytherin.''
Gasps are sound through the whole room, and Tom stands regally, making eye contact with Dumbledore. Dumbledore's eyes are wide and frightened, but Tom doesn't show any recognition.
''I, Thomas-'' Before he can even finish his acceptance of the introduction, the seats of Slytherin are already glowing in the dark section of the Wizengamot, and he smiles. More murmurs start around the room, whispering that Lady Magic herself accepts him already as a member of the most important part of the British Wizarding government.
''I, Thomas Ellis Slytherin, hereby accept my introduction. I will claim the Slytherin seats today.'' He knows that the magic in the room only lets him speak the truth, but he's one of Lady Magic's favorites, so thankfully, he can get around the truth, even if the lie is only his name. That his accent is also fake as hell doesn't matter. Thank Salazar for some potions, now he sounds like an American instead of an Englishman.
Fudge jumps up from his seat behind Dumbledore, who is still rooted to the spot. Staring intensely at Tom, and Tom knows that Dumbledore doesn't believe shit about him.
''The last Lord Slytherin was Voldemort! Are you telling us that you're his son?!'' Fudge asks frantically. Murmurs erupt around the room and Tom barely refrains from rolling his eyes.
''I have never known my father, and my mother died when I was just a babe. I only came to the UK last year when I wanted to know more about where my mother came from and at first, I hoped to find my father. What I did find is not something I'm proud of, but it gave me a purpose. I'm here today not as the son of Voldemort-'' Gasps and shivers go through the room because of the name. ''-I'm here like myself, I'm here today to hopefully right the wrongs my father made. I'm here because I have seen that the British Wizarding World is suffering because of something my deranged father started. And I hope that you all don't hold my heritage against me because of some sperm donor.''
He finishes his speech and glances at Harry, who is biting his lip to hold back a smirk.
Dumbledore is still watching him, and it almost looks like his eye is twitching.
Silence reigns through the room for several minutes before Sirius opens his mouth.
''Lady Magic already accepted Lord Slytherin into the Wizengamot, so maybe we should let him take his seat before we deserve her wrath for disobeying her.'' Sirius drawls and murmurs go through the room again, but Dumbledore is at least shaken out of his staring.
''Please take a seat,'' He says, and Tom nods before making his way to the Slytherin seats. Everybody's eyes follow him, and he sees multiple Death Eaters almost salivating when he gets closer. Ugh. Disgusting. He knows that some will be useful, but most of them only want free reign to hurt others and gain supremacy for the purebloods. And that's not what Tom is here for, not any more not since he got his mind back, not since he knows Harry and got better.
That doesn't mean he will not use everything to his full advantage.
''Next, we will ask if anyone wants to change alliances,'' Dumbledore states, and he starts asking the Lords and Ladies if they want to change from their respective seats in Dark, Neutral, or Light to another.
It's pretty boring because nobody changes his alliance, well, almost nobody.
''Lord Potter - Peverell, do you wish to change alliance?'' Dumbledore asks. Tom sees him getting ready to go to the next name, expecting a no, but...
''Yes, I wish to change the Potter alliance from the Light to Neutral.'' Harry states.
Silence for one second, two, three, then - chaos.
Let the games begin.