Disclaimer: Yea, Yea, Yea, none of the characters are mine, only the plot.

Authors Note: Hey yet again I'm very sorry for the delay. Every time that I tried to write millions of little plot bunnies popped into my head. I've posted a song fic to Hotel California by The Eagles as well as a spoof on Wizard of Oz where Harry is Dorothy. Please give them a read if you get bored with the hold-up on this one. I would really appreciate the reviews. Thanks

Expectations

Chapter Four

What did I just do? I shouldn't have talked to Lucius like that. Death Eater or no Death Eater, I'm lucky he didn't Avada Kedavra me right then and there, Peter thought as he led Draco down a slowly narrowing passageway, ending in a mahogany door. Taking a deep breath Peter reached out with his perfectly molded silver hand, and turned the brass handle. Stepping aside, he ushered Draco within.

A chill swept over them as they entered, though the grate was raging with a roaring fire. The room was obscurely lit, with no furniture except a single wing-backed chair facing the blaze. Just the thought of whom, or well more of a what, was seated in the chair, along with the temperature of the room, was enough to make Draco more than a little uncomfortable.

"Ah yes, I'm glad you're here Draco," said a voice in a tone that matched the atmosphere of the room. "Peter, excuse us for a moment."

"Yes, Master," Peter said and left the room, not before conjuring a chair for Draco.

Draco took the seat offered to him, not to show gratitude toward Peter but because if he didn't he was likely to collapse with apprehension. He gasped as the chair facing the fire began to turn around. The site that met him was far from what he expected. Seated before him was a handsome and young man of about twenty-five. He was tall, and well built. But the characteristic of his outward appearance that struck him the most was his eyes. There was a passion, an intensity in the way they burned. When Draco's gaze met with that of Voldemort it was as if he was peering within him. He felt bare, like there was nothing that he couldn't see. Draco was scared.

"Draco, do you have any idea why I asked you to come today?" Spotting Draco's vague expression he continued. "Well you see Draco you are at an age of utmost importance. What you learn now will shape your future. I have great plans for you, Draco. I mean for you to be at my side through the times ahead. What do you say, Draco?"

"Well..er..."

"Good. It's decided. I will take your training upon myself. You shall still attend Hogwarts, of course. We wouldn't want dear old Dumbledore to be getting suspicious, would we? Your father and I will hammer out all of the details of your teaching later. I'm glad we had this little talk, Draco."

Draco was in shock. Why did he have to say my name so many times. I hate hearing my name come from his mouth. I wonder if that's the tone he used when killing so many before me? I will not allow him to take over my life. I must find a way out for me and father as well, Draco thought, as he was again escorted by Peter, who had been waiting just outside the door.

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"Come along, Harry. I don't have all day," barked Uncle Vernon, who had already reached the door of Mrs. Figg's home. Ringing the door bell Vernon eyed Harry gruffly. "I thought I told you to do something about that hair? Oh well it's too late now. It will have to do."

"Ah. Hello, Harry," said Mrs. Figg opening the cream colored door.

"Er...hi Mrs. Figg." He replied with as little enthusiasm possible.

"Thanks again for watching this one. And with such little notice. He won't cause any trouble," Uncle Vernon said practically sprinting toward the car.
Harry followed Mrs. Figg into her home. "Have a seat Harry. I have something I think you will be quite interested in," she said with a devilish grin that scared him a bit coming from her. With that she left Harry with his thoughts.

Oh no! I do hope she hasn't got another album of cat photos.

He wasn't quite sure how much time had passed when he felt a firm grip upon his shoulders, causing him to jump. Knowing it couldn't possibly be Arabella, he wheeled around in shock. It was Sirius!

"Sirius, what are you doing here? You've got to go! Mrs. Figg will be out any moment and she's bound to remember you from those Muggle police reports." Suddenly Mrs. Figg entered the room. Harry's hand flew to his forehead in anticipation of what was to come.

"Could you give us a minute, Arabella? I've got a bit of explaining to do," Sirius asked with a sigh.

"Of course," she said with complete understanding. With that she left the room leaving Harry with his jaw dropped.

With a somewhat insecure chuckle Sirius began, "You see, Harry..."

"Wait a minute! She's a witch isn't she?"

"Moody was right. You would make a decent Auror. Yes, Harry Arabella works for the Ministry. She was assigned to keep an eye on you here at Privet Drive."

Harry took a moment, letting it all sink in and then began, "Well, that explains the cats and the smell."

"Ah, yes Arabella has been researching into Polyjuice Potion for quite some time now. Has it in her head that cabbage can replace fluxweed. A waste of time if you ask me."

Lupin's head curiously peered around the entry way into the room.

"It's all right, Remus. Come on in," said Sirius.

Before he could finish his sentence, Remus dashed over embracing Harry in an encompassing hug. "It's been too long, Harry," he said wiping a mock tear from his eye.

"Professor Lupin, how have you been?"

"Ah it's just Remus now, Harry. As I am no longer your teacher."

"I'm sure there's plenty more I could learn from you but as you like it, Remus."

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and bliss for Harry, as his godfather and former teacher told about their travels over the last year. Remus had been in America working in collaboration with fellow werewolf experts on a replacement for the outdated Wolfsbane Potion and Sirius on tracking down Peter.

As evening approached Dumbledore arrived with a look suggesting that he was deep in though. He had spent the day giving a speech in front of the Ministry of Magic about their lack of preparation for Voldemorts' rise. They, as Fudge had done when presented with the news, hid behind their fear of the past and refused to believe that such a thing was possible...again.

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"If immediate actions are not taken then events shall play out as they did fifteen years ago. Though this time we might not be lucky enough to have Harry Potter save the day," Dumbledore said before the council of the greatest wizards of the time.

"Albus, You're misguided. You have no proof that any of this happened. Actions will not be taken that are not necessary. The Ministry was never, not in control of the situation. The way events played out. Was a secondary cause to the fall of Voldemort," Fudge blustered.

"Then you are more naive than I thought." And with that he left them with their decision and their fears.

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