A Father's Letters

AN: I do not own characters of Harry Potter. Since this is fanfiction, characters will be OOC.

Summary: Harry Potter starts sending Lord Voldemort letters once he realizes that he is now biologically his dad. A Harry is Voldemort's Father fic.

Harry Potter knew that he had a saving people thing. Maybe it was because he was used to being the one to do anything from the time he was five, or maybe it was because he had no reason to trust adults even if he kept trying because he had a previous knowledge of being able to trust someone at some point, but he knew that he probably or definitely jumped in to help people more than he should. However, that did not chase away that he was about to jump into saving someone again.

Really, he should be grateful for his neighbour. He liked her somewhat now, but she was unaware of where he was in school and, when his family left him there when they went on vacation, she gave him some reading materials, often including whole and unmarked school supplies. That is not to say he liked her cats yet. What she gave him at the end of third year included grade nine and ten biology books, though there were also a book on weather and a grade ten applied math book included in the stack. Math were great for boredom, and followed rules. The book on gardening was interesting, though most of it didn't apply to the very normal garden in Little Whinging, Surrey. What he could use would hopefully keep his aunt giving the books a pass, though he hid them when he could. What did apply to his life was the fact that people's bodies are made up of DNA, and that applied because of what happened in the graveyard.

How did that apply to his saving people thing? Well, put it this way. Harry was an orphan, and lived with people that hated him. He knew that even when people had things and people that liked them, people wanted their parents around until they were old enough to move away. Harry technically had a son, because Voldemort was raised with his blood and thus his DNA.

Harry almost smacked himself. He had been neglecting his son. He was as bad as the Dursleys, no matter if his now son had tried to kill him as soon as he was "born". That was just like newborns, wasn't it? They acted out until they got used to things and then they acted out to communicate. He was going to make sure at least one of Voldemort's parents wasn't the reason he ended up worse than he was already.

He got a pen and paper, and began to write.

.

Dear Lord Malfoy,

I am writing to you seriously. This is not a joke.

I am writing to you to pass on this message, as I was told as a firsty on the train that you were a death eater. I am actually somewhat hoping that is true right now. This enclosed letter needs to get to You-Know-Who.

With the seriousness of one father to another,

Mr. Harry Potter

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Dear Son,

I am sorry that I am not able to be much of a father to you, but I will help you as much as I can. I am an orphan, and am living with relatives that hate me. That is to say that this is not an interaction I know much from experiencing it, but hopefully what I've seen I will be able to act on.

I became your father when you used my blood to create your body. Before then, I guess you had your original parents, one of which is still your parent. Did you know that the mixture DNA of a person's parents is what gives them a body? Actually, you probably did. You're smart enough to curse the DADA position and still no one has taken it off.

I know that you managed to teach a class with me in it without killing me throughout that. I don't know why I am your enemy, only that we have fought thrice now once someone has put me in front of you or you keep coming after me.

I am glad you have read this far. Contact me if you want, but please send the owl at night. I don't want to antagonize my relatives more than I have to.

How are you? Are you getting better, as I am sure that ritual was not painless? Do you have a roof over your head at least?

Also, because I do not want to raise a Dudley, you are not allowed to have dessert for the next two days for cursing me after you gained your new body. I have sent the house elves instructions.

Trying to do my job as your father,

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

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Harry Potter sent the letter for Voldemort wrapped in the letter for Lord Malfoy to the Ministry, to be forwarded to Lord Malfoy. He hoped that no one was screening the mail there, as that would not be the easiest thing to explain. He also hoped the owl would eat on the way.

He also sent a letter to the Malfoy house elves through Dobby, stating that because of being cursed by Lord Voldemort, as his father, he was taking away his dessert rights for the next two days, and could only get apples when he demanded something sweet. If anyone asked, they would be told that they were ordered to do so by a family member and that they were not to say who. Dobby had sent back word the elves had been happy to do something for the great Master Harry Potter.

.

Lord Malfoy was a little concerned about his mail. While he was a known pureblood with the dark mark, he was supposed to be not a member of the death eaters officially. However, here he was receiving a letter from Harry Potter of all people, and that was to explain another letter to be forwarded to the Dark Lord.

He hoped he didn't regret doing as asked.

.

Lord Voldemort sat in his chair next to a fire. Lord Malfoy had apparently received mail for him that was not cursed by Harry Potter. He decided it was an absurd enough thing that it fit with what he knew of Potter. That was how the brat kept getting away from him anyway.

The letter had him flummoxed. On first read, it was a prank. On second read, the idea that Potter was serious had him still for a second. He ignored the fact he had no dessert for cursing Potter. He was going to reject the thought Potter was serious about trying as a parent as he, apparently like his nemesis, disliked those who could count as his guardians. Seriously, what was the brat trying to pull?

.

Lord Malfoy did show his son's godfather the letter that had accompanied the letter to the Dark Lord to ask his opinion on it. Professor Snape made some remark over Potter using his brain finally to think while still being idiotic, but one thought stuck in both men's minds and neither remarked on it until later on in their visit: "with the seriousness of one father to another". How did Potter know that? Unfortunately for the godfather, Dumbledore wasn't at the castle much that summer.

.

Harry Potter had been forced to go for walks with his cousin, who was currently on a diet from his doctor. He was thankful for the fresh air, but he also realized he was away from whatever wards there were on these walks.

He realized what an odd relationship he had with the Dark Lord. Many folk would probably say that if your enemy became family, watch your back. He did, but not for the right reason necessarily. He thought he might have a better time of it now with the Dark Lord who killed his parents than with the rest of his blood family, except maybe Dudley. His cousin hadn't kept beating him up after last year's slowing of the bullying, though he did punch him still, and started leaving him sweets when they would leave, but he hadn't spoken to him yet. Harry was starting to wonder if Aunt Marge had left an impression of what not to be like. Maybe he was leaving some kind of impact, not the big glossy hero of the front page impact, but steady hands holding people upright when they'd lost their balance. Who knew? He didn't.

Harry planned to keep writing letters to his now son, his nemesis. He was able to get some money by fixing a couple things over the fence, and kept buying stamps and envelopes that way. He sent a lot of envelopes to Lord Malfoy that summer.

Dear Son,

I suppose this may be as weird to you as it is with me. I mean, last we saw each other, you were trying to fight me, but now we are family.

I hope you don't mind that I am planning on this being a continuous thing. I don't know about you, but I have never had a constant father figure. As such, they are precious. I doubt any of your men and women are going to do this with you.

On that topic, when you make a decision, make sure it is the right one. If it seems to be right to the masses, be very sure it is right. If it is or seems wrong, don't let the people you look up to or peers push you into doing what is wrong. Don't let your emotions dictate you either, as assumptions are usually wrong. For instance, take the stereo type of me, which is very wrong. I hate my fame. However, using emotions will keep one from making serious faux pas with those around you, just make sure your decision is correct. I know you're older than me, so why am I trying to teach you this stuff?

Please use the knowledge I know your head possesses. You're not a Dark Lord by knowing nothing.

Sincerely.

Your now father,

Harry Potter

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Dear Son,

I understand why parenting is such a demanding job. No matter the age, the first while after you get a child, they are quiet and hardly speak with you. Children are also rebellious. I know that changing because I ask you to is not going to happen right away if at all. This can be frustrating and wear away at a person. However, perseverance, not total control, is what parenting is about, so I guess you can say I have started NEWTS while I have been getting used to taking end of year exams and tests and quizzes. However, parents keep going. Sometimes they take breaks and babysitters are needed. However, that is not my issue, as I do not live with you, though any large move you make that makes the papers I know about. Stay safe, take care of your own, let them have freedom in areas and at times. Take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

Your now father,

Harry Potter

.

Dear Son,

I think tonight was a particularly awesome sunset. The deep pink shining just so on that really interesting cloud bank with the orange of the sun below it and the deep blue and purple of the sky where it peaked through was just awesome. I wish I could send a memory, but I don't have vials to send one in.

What is your favourite weather and how was your latest sunset?

I know this letter is of a different type as the ones before it, but I just wanted to be a constant presence as I am told that fathers are for their children. I've never had one; even the person I've looked up to much of my school years wasn't a father figure to me. However, I want that to be different for you.

Sincerely,

Your father,

Harry Potter

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Lord Malfoy sighed. Once again, he was playing go between with Potter and the Dark Lord. Since nothing too bad had come of it, so far, he kept passing the letters along. He also realized that his son had seen the initial pass-along message, as Draco had looked at him sideways for an entire day after wandering into his office for a book. He had left it lying on his desk by accident. When the next morning Draco had refused to look at him, he had had to set Draco in his office, corrected his assumptions on what was happening, spanked him, and grounded him from flying for the week. Since Draco was as big a Quidditch enthusiast as he was about complaining about Potter, he knew that hurt. For a whole three days afterwards, Draco had acted politely but not warmly towards him. The apology afterwards warmed his heart, and he showed it, especially when his ice prince was no longer acting that way towards him. Draco didn't understand what was going on, but since he was willing to trust his father with it, he was going to forget about it. Hopefully, nothing worse was going to happen.

.

The Dark Lord Voldemort reread again the short letter in his hand. This was starting to be something that he expected of Potter. He decided that this was real, and he had to decide what to do about it.

Dear Son,

It rained today, so I stayed inside. One thing I like about staying inside is that sound the rain makes. Sometimes I wonder if the rain makes a sound like that to cry for all that has gone wrong. Sorry if that is a depressing thought. Sometimes...

My favourite colour is really Slytherin green. I know it is the rival house colour, but it has been that way since before I knew about Hogwarts. Could you tell me about yours?

How did you find out about Hogwarts? I found out when Hagrid came to where my uncle was hiding us from the letters and took me to Diagon Alley. Sometimes I wonder if a Gryffindor thought it was a funny thing to name it from a direction of lines in relation to other lines instead of someone famous or an idea of what is sold in it.

Sincerely,

Your father,

Harry Potter

The Dark Lord read the letter from his nemesis, now father. Why was he sending these? Was it really for communication? He understood the sentiment written at the beginning of the letter, and the desire for knowledge over why something was named something ironic. A street named after someone or someplace famous was quite common in the muggle world, and he understood Potter's ironic humour over the street name, because he was right, unless it was a Ravenclaw who just loved math, no one was naming streets like that. Even Knockturn Alley was more about the street as a name, even if it employed similar irony.

He put down the letter on his desk, and pulled out the file of letters from the same author. It was officially starting to feel as if Potter was serious. Sometimes the letters were lessons he had learned, some were little things he had come to enjoy at times. Others were darker in nature, as it seemed the author was having a hard day and patiently not putting the whole force of the situation on his son, but gave a quick sentence explanation that alluded that something didn't go well. It seemed like it was from a father to a son that for reason of distance couldn't be together. He would have to talk to another father to get some insight, probably Lucius, as he was in the building anyway.

.

Lord Voldemort showed Lucius into the office graciously, surprisingly. Both parties were shocked initially, but Lord Malfoy's etiquette shoved through and made things work much smoother. After the Dark Lord pushed the file across the desk, Lord Malfoy, father of Draco, picked them up.

Lord Voldemort coughed, "Could you please read these, and tell me if these are things you would write to Draco if you knew that he wouldn't write to you but wanted to be a father to him?"

"My lord," asked Malfoy, "are you wondering if these are written as a father to his son?"

"Yes, Lucius. You may read them here. Shall I call for tea?"

"Thank you very much, my lord. I would enjoy some."

"Hobby, some tea please."

A pop, and a tea service appeared on a tray on the cleared section of the desk. Both men looked at it, frowned, and made to pour tea at the same time, and then backed off, waving the other to go first. Lord Malfoy stopped, took the tea pot and poured two cups of tea. Handing one cup over, he said, "Cream or sugar?"

"No. It is fine."

In an obvious effort to get rid of awkwardness, Lucius Malfoy picked up the file again. He took the first letter out, and reading the letters, was mostly silent for the next hour. He took sips of the tea systematically as the reading took longer than the first half hour. He put the file down when he was down on the gap not taken up by other papers or tea or tea service.

"Well, Lucius, what do you think?"

"My lord, I think he was serious. Draco has mentioned that while the Potter boy might be able to plan long term, he never does anything without sincerity. The tone of the letters also suggests it."

"If Draco was in Durmstrang, would you write letters like this to him?"

"I would. While we are not exactly the closest of relationships, we are closer than many in our group."

"I thought so. You are in a sense more being Gryffindor in your methods than many others, who are fairly Ravenclaw, if one had to use a secondary house to describe your family."

"I try to serve, my lord."

"So you really think he is writing as a father?"

"Yes, my lord. I have to admit though, it doesn't sound as if he thinks you will write back, but a few have seemed like he wants you to write back. My lord."

"Thank you, Lucius. You are dismissed."

.

Maybe a man like Lucius was the one to name Diagon Alley. The personality required to pull something like that was there. Or someone like Severus, who could pull something like that off while seeming serious, yet be laughing in their faces without them noticing, because he would hold it in and smirk.

He waited a week to write back. When Lucius came that day to hand him Potter's letter, he handed the man a letter to send to Potter. A quick exchange of letters, and they were headed in their respective directions; Lucius sent the letter off while Voldemort went to his office to read the letter.

Harry Potter wasn't expecting a return owl. However, there was one there sitting on the windowsill of his aunt's kitchen waiting for him to put the dish rag down for him to take the missive. He quickly did so, while grabbing a piece of fat that he had carved off the meat and was a little too fatty for him to eat. The owl gobbled it and flew off. Harry closed the window, thankful it was getting dark earlier so that the neighbours weren't likely to fuss, and more to the point, the Dursleys. Quickly sticking it into his pocket with a napkin in between it and his scrounged meat, he washed his hands and started the dishes once again.

After he was in his room though, he opened his letter. There on the page was handwriting he had thought never to read again. His now son, Lord Voldemort, had written to him. He read the explanation of the writ, which was to make sure he understood the nature of the letters, and wrote a bit of his day as well. Harry grinned, wiped a few random tears for his kid/enemy who was now starting to open up to him, and held the letter to his chest for a brief moment. His kid was starting to grow up.

Blinking, he grabbed his pen and paper, an envelope, and the twine from the other owl, and laid it out on the desk. What was he going to write his kid today? Smiling once again, he picked up his pen and started to write. Dear son,...

Lord Voldemort looked in shocked amazement at the letter in his hand. He thought nothing could have prepared him for the sentimentality, but then he supposed that if Draco had finally answered his father's letters, Lucius Malfoy would have written something similar. He read it again.

Dear son,

I am so thankful to be hearing from you finally. I thought I had to nay say that hope, but if my tears are any indication, I did hope for that. I am so glad to hear from you.

My days were filled with toil again today. I had just finished the chores right at sunset when I received your owl. Thanks for the discreet timing.

My little tidbit for today: Don't be desperate as much as possible. Plan ahead, even in the worst situations, and you can save yourself some of your trouble. Keep hope in something not a person, because those fail. The sun sets, and it rises. The rain comes, and the flowers grow. Birds will sing in the garden at some point. There is an order in that, an order that I fear some who are in control have forgotten. It will let you keep some respect in yourself and in your abilities. You are not your circumstances, even though some of what you have become is a byproduct of that.

I have to say, that is not an easy thing to live, but it is something I have had to practice for years.

Sincerely,

Your now father,

Harry Potter

The Dark Lord put the letter on his desk. He spoke the password to the drawer the file was held in and took it out. He spread the page out once again, quickly glanced over it, and put it in chronological order. If nothing else, he had blackmail material to keep the boy down. He smiled, closed the file, and put it back in his desk drawer, speaking the word to close it back up.

.

Ever since that really awkward tea with the Dark Lord, Lord Malfoy had kept his eye on the man. His mannerisms had been slowly changing, but could not be brushed off any longer. He was starting to open up more, showing signs of being a good host when he had been a tyrant when he had last known him, and the awkwardness of his developing emotional senses remarked the coming of a lost hope. The changes were real, not just a one time thing, though the Dark Lord he knew was still there too. He had a random thought that he was babysitting another man's kid.

He obliquely spoke of it to Severus Snape, known spy in Hogwarts. His former house member looked at him thoughtfully, before mentioning that if the Dark Lord was finally gaining human senses, there was a chance of things becoming right. Lord Malfoy left that conversation knowing that Headmaster Dumbledore would not be getting this information that night, and that Snape would wait for a while if he shared it at all.

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Severus Snape thought. Apparently, the Dark Lord had been receiving letters from Potter all summer at least, written as from a father to a son. Lucius Malfoy had been noticing some behavioural changes to the better, and so far they seemed better and progressing that way. He was glad that the Dark Lord was becoming less of a danger to his godson's family.

Sending letters to a son denoted responsibility and acknowledgement of a relationship. In order to write a letter, one acknowledged that there was enough of a relationship to speak on at least a formal basis. In order to send them all summer required the relationship to mean more than from one enemy to another and did indicate that it was an immediate familial relationship Potter acknowledged. To write as a father to a son indicated responsibility. To do so consistently meant that Potter knew it was something worth the time and required the time, and that it was a responsibility that required it. To be a father figure required consistency and steadiness and to take the time to spend time with the child as much as possible.

No, this was not going to Dumbledore, for if there was a chance that one of the great chess masters in his life to become sane and treat his people fairly, he would welcome it. The whole wizarding world would relax eventually once everything became clear that this was not a crazed chess master playing with lives, as both leaders had become. He would keep mum, and...

He froze at the direction that thought went. Was he seriously thinking about confessing working for Dumbledore because of a vow to protect Potter? However, if he suggested taking the boy to meet his enemy now son, that vow would cause him to die if he didn't do as much as possible to keep Potter alive. Maybe if Lucius spoke of the current attitude growth being consistent, he might be able to do so. So far, he would wait.

Mundungus was on watch today. He may have to double check that he was where he was supposed to be. Some of the order were doing that. Not scheduled or anything, but when there was nothing going on and they knew it was his watch.

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Harry Potter had been outside with Dudley when he felt the cold deepening unnaturally. Trying to do things in a way that he was defending himself against both Dementors and Dudley. Thankfully Dudley had quickly realized Harry wasn't the one causing the uneasy feeling, but that it was coming from behind him. Harry's scared face constantly glancing over Dudley's shoulder may have been part of that. Once Dudley was down on the side walk, Harry was able to get his wand out. Almost too late, as the Dementors were feet from them. He had seconds to come up with a memory.

A doe Patronus shot between him and the Dementors, her shining feet kicking up sparkles that floated down and died. Standing guard, the Patronus walked between the two parties on the side walk, unyielding until the two monsters were screaming away in the direction that they had come from. Bowing to Harry, the Patronus burst apart once the Dementors were out of sight.

Harry, not seeing anybody, quickly tugged Dudley to the house and then inside.

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Lord Malfoy grinned to himself when he was summoned again to the Dark Lord's office. Yes, the Dark Lord's change was there, and it was starting to get noticed by all around him. It wasn't constant, but it was there. If he became sane, and steady from having a father figure, and cared really for his people, then he might not be a bad lord to serve after all. No, he would be glad to serve this Dark Lord. Would he still be a true dark lord though?

He waited outside the office to be let in after knocking. A few seconds, and the door opened, revealing a happy Dark Lord holding the latest letter.

"Come in, Lucius, we have something to discuss."

"Yes, my lord?"

"I have noticed something about these letters. Harry Potter isn't happy with Albus Dumbledore."

"No? Sorry my lord, that is very good news that I am having trouble to understand."

"I know. It knocked me through a loop when I discovered it. Yet, when I looked through the file, it's always been there, but mostly in very vague statements."

"That is excellent news."

"Lucius, do you think that Severus may be able to get the location of Harry Potter?"

"As he is in the Order, I believe that is possible. How will we know it is accurate though?"

"I will get someone to see if the boy was there, or instead of going on a wild goose chase, we get Severus to swear that it is accurate. I understand your reluctance to trust him with anything to do with me."

"Yes, my lord."

"Guess what? Harry sent a recipe for cookies that he likes, and I sent it to the house elves. They are very good. You may have one, if you wish."

"Thank you, my lord," replied Lucius, as he reached for a cookie. He bit off a little, smiled, and nodded, before saying, "My lord, he is providing what little he can as a minor. These are very good cookies. Your father does you proud."

"Thank you, Lucius. I will take that compliment in the spirit it was given."

Lucius stopped for a second, and realized just what he had said. "I'm sorry, my lord, for congratulating an enemy. Please be merciful."

"Lucius, I do not think Harry Potter is currently my enemy. These are not letters from one enemy to another. I will send another letter tonight, then I will gather my knights."

"Yes, my lord."

Standing, Lucius Malfoy, father of Draco, stood and took the letter from the hand of another's son, and sent it to that other. He was unharmed as well, and sent off the letter contentedly.

.

Taking Hedwig and his old school supplies with him, as Harry had promised to keep sending letters, Harry went with the Order to London.

Seeing Hermione and Ron there made him mad. Here he was working for various people as well as doing the Dursely's chores to get enough money for postage, while being completely ignored most of the time by relatives and providing his own meals, while they got to hang out with his godfather. His godfather was Sirius Black, who wanted Harry to live with him, and Ron and Hermione had no claim on him really, other than living in the man's house. It was not up to his godfather to provide for his friends, but for his godson as he could. They had no right.

Soon, he would be sending an owl. Not tonight, that would be too risky. Harry was under no illusions about how interesting it could be flying mail between enemy houses. Maybe, if possible, he could send them by Snape.

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Severus Snape both was and wasn't expecting to be summoned. On one hand, he knew the Dark Lord was back. On the other hand, he was pretty sure that by not showing up in the graveyard last time he called, he had pretty much had informed the Dark Lord he wasn't to be trusted. He dreaded going, but he had to. He knew that if the Dark Lord wanted him there bad enough, he could force apparate them with the dark marks. He hadn't gotten his Death Eater outfit together when he was force apparated in front of the Dark Lord.

He was not surprised to be held prisoner upon arrival. Mr. Crabbe and Goyle Sr. forced him to his knees and held him there. By looking around quickly, he saw the whole circle there. His friend Lucius Malfoy took his wand and potions from his pocket.

"Severus, Severus. I know you are a traitor. I know you have been working with Dumbledore for the past few years, probably since I killed that red head. What do you have to say for yourself? No excuses. Actually, what about a dose of Veritaserum? It's in that pouch, right Lucius?"

Severus Snape knew it was useless to fight. Fighting might just hurt him, especially as he was seen as a traitor. However, he was a spy. He would get his way back into favour somehow. He took the three drops that Lucius Malfoy poured into his mouth. Then there was a mental pressure he wasn't expecting. Unfortunately, he knew that his brand of Veritaserum lowered mental defences. He would answer verbally and the Dark Lord could see his memories. He knew there was no hiding.

Lord Voldemort was smug. He asked questions, and the turning of loyalty and the hiding of that loyalty was laid bare in front of him by his unfortunate potions master. He saw the vow of protection, the promise to Lily over her grave, and the life debt owed, though now paid, all tied to a particular boy the potions master hated. He saw the leaking of information done in such a sideways manner that none but a few understood what had been said. He also saw the protection the man had given to Potter, though his hate was apparent, and the care he gave to his Slytherins. He saw his dealings with a certain Headmaster. He also saw that lately the same man had traded sides once again but was unsure of his welcome and was hiding that as well. He knew his potions masters motives and understood his thought processes better than anyone else had ever done before other than the man himself and the unfortunate Lily.

"As for punishment, this is just a start."

Casting Crucio, he watched the man twitch uncontrollably on the ground. Knowing he was in pain, he sent him to a dungeon cell to await further punishment.

"No one is to talk to him or go near him today or tomorrow. Only a house elf will give him water and some bread. Leave him completely alone. I must come up with a punishment that suits his crimes, yet leaves him alone. How many of us have a story that would induce the Headmaster to trust us? He does, and he once had that and was a traitor.

Now let us hear the reports."

.

Later that evening, the Dark Lord had a thought. He knew he felt something from the boy. Was there a connection perhaps? Searching, he found it and felt the boy's pain and tiredness. Maybe he could watch the boy tomorrow while coming up with a punishment for Severus. Maybe he wouldn't have to send him false information and see how it would spread. Maybe he would do that anyway.

The next day, he watched the boy's memories. The planning that his now father had to do to provide himself with enough water for the day, dodging his bullies, working on a long list of chores, going with little food, and barely getting time to read anything and how he had to keep his school books and other books his cousin had ripped out of sight. He watched the boy make the meals and do the dishes for a little bit of food. He watched how he was ignored or called names except for random times where the aunt and once his cousin treated him nicer, which was barely even civil. His father knew patience if this was how his life was.

He knew suddenly how he was going to treat his spy. He got up, and before he forgot, he put the memory of what Potter had gone through in that day in a pensieve. He was going to keep that memory and make his spy and whoever said aloud that Potter was spoiled watch it. His spy was going to also have to live a week as Potter. It was perfect. Take away his brewing, force him to live looking like Potter and live with those worthless human beings and he would see reason. If the man had guilt, it would weigh on him even more. It really was a perfect way to punish the traitor.

Maybe he could come up with a way that Potter could come home while waiting.

Severus Snape was not sure what to think. On one hand, being faced with a clear memory that had no fuzzy edges, as the sign of a true memory, showing that the lifestyle of the boy-who-lived didn't live like what he thought. Now he was going to forced to live it. He had been promised and vowed that nothing of the circumstances were going to be made harsher for his benefit. He didn't know to be happy or upset at the moment.

The Dark Lord had banned him from making potions for the week. He already felt weaker and missing something he lived with.

Due to the punishment being something the Dark Lord had thought up last minute, most of the potions he would be using would be bought from Knock Turn Alley. He despised doing that.

Since he needed some of Potter's hairs, he needed to go to Grimmauld Place. He got permission to go only if he was back in two minutes, after swearing a vow not to tell anything about why it was needed and to come back. After trimming the boy's hair, he was slightly surprised to see that the boy's hair grew back quickly. Once back, and made to swear he hadn't alerted anyone, he took the Poly Juice potion, grimacing at the taste, but changed into a Harry Potter with perfect eyesight and his robes which were suddenly too large. One of his escorts transfigured his robes to look like Potter's clothes, and a pair of glasses from a stone.

Walking to the Dursleys, he was filled in what the neighborhood treated the boy as by what the Dark Lord had seen. He was told of the various boys and how to get away from most. The two people who got him to mow their lawns for money and the indifferent attitude of most on the street.

He was also told the secrets of how to survive the Dursleys. He was told where to put his clothes, how to clean so many things so that his aunt liked it. He was also shown a loose board. Having had one in his own childhood, he understood what it was for. He was also told what meals were usually made and served at what times.

Finally, he was left in that bedroom with so many locks. They left behind a snowy owl, who he knew wasn't one that had lots of loyalty to him. However, it would follow most of his orders, and he thought the ability to send out mail would be huge in the next week. Groaning, he wondered what Potter's relatives might have to say about suddenly seeing 'their nephew' when they thought they wouldn't have to deal with him for the rest of the summer.

.

The Dark Lord grinned. He loved it when plans came together. Lucius was going to have to make sure that his father wasn't going to be expelled, for if that happened, then his father would be stuck in Order Headquarters for more than a summer.

.

Back in Little Whinging, Severus Snape had a slight conundrum on his hands. Currently, he was for the Dark Lord, but he did have Albus Dumbledore as a boss still. He was also covering for a fourteen year old in a muggle neighborhood. Does he tell Dumbledore that he won't be able to answer him for a while? Does he stay silent and hope that Dumbledore doesn't need him in the next week. Seeing as he had seen Dumbledore once that summer, it would be possible that he wouldn't need him. However, he didn't want Dumbledore to send his patronus looking for him. Best scenario, he thought, would be to mail a letter to the ministry to send to Albus Dumbledore.

The letter was simple. "I will be incommunicado for at least a week. If you need potions, please check my office if Poppy doesn't have them."

He did not sign his name, but knew that Dumbledore would know who its from.

He did decide to send letters to the Dark Lord twice a week just like Potter had been doing.

Now to get what sleep he could get before morning came.

Severus Snape was in an emotional pickle. He was first angry: angry at the Dark Lord for sending him once again in a situation that reminded him of his father, angry at Potter for having the connection so that the Dark Lord see this, angry at Potter's relatives, and angry at whoever put Potter here in the first place. Then, he started thinking. His attitude towards Potter was based off of where his attitude that he could see matched up with his father's attitude. However, there was something that he had been missing. Could his "arrogance" that he had been displaying all these years have been just pure survivors' grit and a general lack of trust? In that case, were the letters to the Dark Lord a plea for survival? Also hadn't Dumbledore sent Potter here? A quick look into the cupboard under the stairs as he was getting cleaners showed him the picture of Hagrid flying on the motorbike. The blanket, broken toys, and room sign pointed at maybe storage until he saw Harry's envelope. Under the stairs on the address pointed to something very different. After that, anger came again as well as a determination to fix things. While being the son of his worst enemy, Potter didn't deserve growing up like this. No one did. The cell like room he was in was bad enough. So, he planned.

.

Unfortunately it seemed, Harry Potter stuck up for Kreacher after being moved to Grimmauld Place. The sarcastic elf was in the middle of claiming a piece of silvery creepy ornamentation that Molly Weasley was trying to throw out, and Harry stepped in. Saying that he knew the piece would otherwise be thrown out, it did no harm to have Kreacher keep things that reminded him of his former masters, "since he hates us so much anyway."

"Hey, mate, why do you care anyway?"

"Ron, remember how I had no idea that I was a wizard until Hagrid came? I had a few memories and my baby blanket from my parents. I still hold onto my baby blanket because of the home feeling I remember from it. I'm letting Kreacher do the same thing."

"Well, I never. I don't know why you would be kind to such an unpleasant elf."

Taking the piece from Mrs. Weasley's suddenly loose hands, he handed it back to Kreacher, saying, "Here you go, Kreacher. I'd hide that. If someone tries to take your stuff, come get me."

"They must not touch the house of Black!"

"I'm sorry Kreacher, but we have to in order to be safe. Please take a few things from each room to put in your place if you wish."

"Nasty Half-Blood?"

"I know about missing family that can't come back. Please be quick, as I am not sure how long they'll stand and stare at me."

"Nasty Half-Blood speak sense. I go."

That confrontation with the woman that Harry had started to see as his mother brought about a number of reactions. Mrs. Weasley started looking at him strangely, and sometimes loudly berated him for standing up to the "vile thing". Sirius did the same thing, though he contradicted himself each time as he gave Harry congratulations for being the one that Kreacher had decided to hang to. Remus just looked at him quickly when Kreacher came around. Ron and Hermione, as well as the rest, looked confused often, as Kreacher looked and acted torn between relief and hatred when he looked at Harry. Of course, Snape's raised eyebrow when Kreacher decided to wait on Harry the first time when he was leaving the kitchen because of a meeting was a reaction that was consistent with Sirius's laughter.

Due to Harry's scrounging in the library when he could, Kreacher's corner got a new set of anti-theft wards put in place. No one could take anything from that corner; the elf had to give it to them. Master Regulus's Nasty Necklace went into that corner and didn't come out. They came into the kitchen one day to see Mundungus Fletcher passed out on the floor. Kreacher in return told Harry how to live in the house without waking up Walburga's portrait as fair trade.

Speaking of Dobby to Kreacher, Harry wondered if Dobby was his elf. Kreacher gave him some advice on how to deal with Dobby. Promising that he would think about it, Harry called Dobby, who had decided that his stint as a free elf should be over, and that he wanted to be Harry's elf. Harry made him his elf, to his amusement, and the two elves were soon talking and helping each other. Dobby handed in a paper resignation to the Headmaster, and Dumbledore handed him his severance pay. Grinning madly, he hugged Harry Potter and promised to be his bestest elf.

Harry had also spoken to Ron and Hermione two days after he arrived about how he felt betrayed by them by not sending him letters that summer, and then what he had seen once he was awake after he arrived. Ron was stunned, not having grasped before how that would appear to Harry, especially after the beginning of fourth year. He admitted that Dumbledore had asked him to not talk to Harry, but had not realized that Dumbledore had basically asked him to betray Harry's trust. Hermione had been under the understanding that Death Eaters were seriously trying to find a way to get to Harry, and had promised to not send any because of that. Once each of them realized their wrong, they each were mad at the manipulations the Headmaster had pulled on them, and very sorry and apologetic. After lunch that day, they came and gave him a spell that Hermione had found that could dismantle most prank spells as an apology gift. Harry forgave them, but decided with them to keep an eye out for more such manipulations.

.

Lucius Malfoy was walking in his family wing when he saw Draco. The quick half smile on his face was mirrored in Draco's, and he hugged his son. A few tears of his own dripped down his face into his own son's hair.

"Father?"

"Son, I am so glad to be your father. Granted, there are flaws you have, just like any other human, but I have seen you start to grow up, and if you act maturely and don't do things stupidly, you can continue growing up into a fine young man."

"Thank you, father. I'll try to keep that in mind."

Draco Malfoy hugged his father harder for a few seconds. When he stepped away, there was gentle joy shining out of his face, and his exuberance bounced his steps. He didn't see his father watch him happily as he walked down the hall behind him.

To Lucius Malfoy, it showed him that getting Potter here would be the right thing. He wouldn't deny that to his lord any longer. He contacted Severus. Separating family was not right, and there was something that could be done now to fix it. He also sent a letter off to Potter asking to meet with him as well concerning his son.

.

Harry Potter read the letters smiling. With the understanding of one who has been talking constantly over a longer period of time, he was happy with the proposal. The answer of the letter from Voldemort he had sent back was a "yes" and how would he manage that? He was currently held in Order Headquarters, under a Fidelius charm. After being attacked by Dementors, the Order had decided to move him, and he was awaiting a hearing for underage magic he didn't even do. The owl had waited for him, and since he only had some water for the owl right then, he shared it by putting a little into the bottle cap. Once tied on, it was once again soaring into the night. He was tired. Maybe tonight there would be no nightmares?

.

Throughout the month, Lord Voldemort received letters from his youngest parent. He was told of various things, such as the upcoming trial, as well as was given recipes from Molly Weasley to try out. Lord Voldemort gave those to his house elves to serve. He did admit, that though they weren't fancy, they were really good.

.

Snape, to Harry's surprise, asked to talk with him alone a week later, when he reappeared. Harry agreed, and they went to talk alone in the lab. The professor cast Muffliato before starting their conversation.

"That's to keep other people from listening in."

"Do you think they would?"

"With this many people, undoubtedly.

"Harry, as I am going to stop calling you Potter, you do know who you're sending letters to?"

"Oh, its... you know, him," Harry said, gesturing to the man's left arm.

"Purposefully."

"I'm his father, which makes things complicated."

"Indeed."

"Sir, do you think he might be able to feel love now?"

"And how would you know about that?"

"I was told, sir."

"What makes you think I want you, as someone who has protected you now for years despite my feelings, to be in contact with somebody that could order me to kill you?"

"I... don't know, Professor."

"Nothing, as in foolishness doesn't even begin to describe what I feel, should have ever given you the desire to communicate to HIM. I do admit you have some brain within your skull as you didn't seem to desire this communication to befriend him, only to inform him of your current relationship. However, it seems you may have become fond of him, which fortunately is a sentiment that is while not able to love he was capable of and he may be starting to reciprocate. Be warned he doesn't have friends and doesn't revere such ties to human kind.

"As much as I would desire for you to end this idiocy, I must admit that is the wrong directive to give. It would only enforce in his mind that sentiment should not be given in actuality. Being sincerity in both word and deed may provide him proof that you should remain... alive. However, it is absolutely certain that he will take advantage of the situation. If you require guidance on anything, personal safety included, you may come to me and expect it."

"Thank you, as now I will need your help this year now."

Severus Snape pinched his nose. Of the few things that were typical of the Potter he was getting to know and separate from the Potter he knew, it was getting into interesting situations by trying to help, not harm. Only this one may have been started by himself, or was he trying to do the right thing with the information he had? He did seem to be a sentimental idiot. He started to wonder again how he would survive, seeing his life if not just sanity was tied to a protection vow to the same brat.

"Based on the last few years, I would agree, brat."

"Does he still want to kill me, do you think?"

"Right now, I do not know the answer. It feels less than previous.

"Harry Potter, do you know that I spent almost a week at your aunt's place? I'm not going to ask you to speak about it. I had a similar childhood, so I know about remaining mute. It's a vow you make to yourself. If you ever feel the need to, as I sometimes did, you can tell me and I won't tell or think you weak because of it.

"I am sorry for not listening to you when you tried to differentiate between you and your father. I am sorry for taking my hatred out on you. If you're wondering why I did, at first it was because you looked so much like your father. Later on, it was because I had grown to dislike you because I had kept my hatred for your father on you. Your father was my Draco Malfoy, only he and his cronies were more on the offensive and targeted me often, but were more of a mean version of the Weasley twins. I should have kept my hatred on him, and not targeted you like that. I am sorry."

"I forgive you, Snape, sorry, Professor. I...Thank you for telling me."

"Also, he is enjoying your letters and is looking forward to trying out what recipes you'll send."

The grin Harry Potter gave off at the end of that was enough for Severus Snape to look at him again. He had never seen Harry Potter smile. That must have been good news for Harry Potter to smile in front of him like that.

"Pot.. Harry, just so you are aware, when the Headmaster or any other teacher is around, I must not know what you and the Dark Lord are currently doing, unless proof could be found to indicate his healing."

"Thank you, Professor."

After Professor Snape took down the Muffliato, he stated, "Don't be a dunderhead, and I might proof your work. You may pass that on."

"Thank you, Professor."

As he rounded the corner, Tonks asked him, "So what happened that he offered to give you home work help?"

"He met Aunt Petunia."

"So he apologized?"

Harry shrugged and looked down.

"Ah, Slytherins."

A hand fell on Harry's shoulder and pushed him toward the kitchen. As he left he heard Snape's cutting remark towards Tonks. Yes, Slytherins. Also, Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors. He needed to hit the library after lunch. Maybe in the vast library of the Blacks there would be the information that he needed.

.

Severus Snape sighed. He had mail from Lucius Malfoy asking if there was a way for Harry to meet with the Dark Lord before the end of summer. He had to admit that since getting the boy to quarters he was rarely left alone, in fact, the boy was reading in the library with him there and it seemed to be the least populated room besides people's rooms. So, no, while it may be desired, there would be no way of doing so unless they ended up meeting in Diagon Alley or someplace nearby. Actually, what day were the Malfoys getting Draco's school supplies? Was the Dark Lord willing to tag along to meet Harry for minutes at best? That seemed the only viable solution.

.

Harry snorted. Whoever thought that the Order of the Phoenix knew what all was in the library would be very wrong. The very recipe used by Voldemort to get his new body was still in here. Actually it was one book that Harry was digesting to see if physical and mental ailments caused by physical means would be erased by it. His looks that had changed based off of the missing soul pieces couldn't be changed. Apparently that could come back with his soul. So, if his new body was capable of love, would they find out before the rest of his still available soul was pieced with the rest? That was quite possible, unless it was something to do with a poisoned body from poisoned DNA from his original father. Actually, the poisoned body as a consequence to a mildly poisonous substance affecting his original father's bodily fluid might be another real possibility. He jotted down some notes from that book.

He picked up another book, wondering if something like this got Hermione started on enjoying studying. He was starting to enjoy it himself.

A sigh in the corner made him look up at his professor staring lost into space. Looking at his professor reminded him of his offer to help with his homework, which also reminded him of his summer assignments.

He picked up the books and tried to leave with them only to step backwards as his godfather appeared in front of him.

"Hi, Harry."

"Hi, Sirius."

"Are you trying to borrow some books from my library?"

"Yes, please."

"Sure, be careful what you read, but Harry James Potter has my permission as Lord Black to remove books from the Black library as long as they remain in the house."

"Thank you, Sirius. Was that a ward you were having to let me through?"

"Yes, as well as a ward on the shelves that let me know books were taken."

"Thank you, once again."

"Hey, are you willing to prank the twins with me?"

"Maybe later? I'm not big into pranks."

"Right, you're not James. I'll speak with you after though. You are my Prongslette."

"See you later."

Harry walked quickly upstairs and hid the books in his trunk, grabbing his school supplies as he did so. He was thankful that he had closed the lid when Ron and Hermione came in. Hermione, on seeing Harry voluntarily doing school work, eagerly pressured Ron into doing homework with them. Harry, not feeling too pressured, enjoyed the study episode and Hermione's gasp and Ron's shout of disbelief when he told them about Snape being willing to proof their work only added to it.

He did need to send a letter that day. Speaking of letters, he needed the Professor's help on what to write as he was stuck as to whether he should write something about meeting with Voldemort at sometime in the future. He already needed to speak to Snape, as it was something that could have very negative reactions.

Wow, this being a father on the other side while trying to parent was a little difficult.

Also, what to do about Malfoy?

.

Draco looked at the letter. It had come that morning. However, the writer was not anyone that could be anonymous. Harry Potter had written it.

He stared at the letter.

"Malfoys must never show fear," he muttered to himself as he reached to open it.

Dear Draco Malfoy,

I was wondering if your father told you the news? I am writing to Lord Voldemort as of the end of the Triwizard Tournament because he used my DNA as part of the base for his new body. To speak of it as most would, I suddenly became a parent to him.

Gryffindor Golden Boy, Defeater of You-Know-Who, now is a member of his family and his father. Ironic, isn't it?

I am wondering if you would like to have a bit of a truce this year, and maybe extend it for the next several years? Also, if you want to do so, how do you plan to hide it from the teachers? Do you want to?

I let the Weasley boys know. They've been sworn to silence, so you shouldn't have to wonder about them spreading it.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Draco looked at it again. It was like he was being friendly. Though, he guessed, having the Dark Lord as your son when you're the symbol of the light side would mean that you have to seek out friends and allies from both sides.

Right, Potter was the father figure of the Dark Lord, who was reading a letter from Potter as well. If he were in the Dark Lord's shoes and his father lived on the other side of the war, he would be happy to hear that those on his side were being approached to form an alliance. He couldn't see fighting his Father. His Father was amazing and strong.

Potter was strong. He kept getting away from the Dark Lord, who was a strong fighter. That was strength to the Slytherins. He had thrown off the Imperius curse, both from fake Moody and the Dark Lord. Potter was a strong person, and though Potter didn't know as much as he did, Potter used what he knew to its limit.

Potter was learning smarts politically. He knew that with the Dark Lord was opposite of Dumbledore, and Dumbledore was at the school. He knew they would have to hide this at school. He may have to hide this where he is at too, thus the barn owl. For sending to his father, Draco had seen the envelope, it was mailed the muggle way to the Ministry, where it was forwarded to Lord Malfoy. Nothing was on that envelope to display what was going on. Potter was in hiding, and doing it well.

Yes, Potter was a prime candidate for an ally. He had some prior experience with Potter, which could really be against him with their past history. The Dark Lord was for Potter now. Potter was strong magically. He might not be the smartest, but he valued good advice and then acted on it most of the time. Draco knew what to do.

Dear Potter,

Thank you for writing to me.

Yes, I would like to have the truce. As for how we're going to do it, I suppose we'd have to stick with watering it down: not completely ending the bickering, but keep it from blowing up, and have fun while at it. We will be able to pass messages through throwing paper wads at each other.

I promise not to throw stuff into your cauldron this year.

If you've found the Weasley boys to be able to hold a secret, that is fine with me. I have Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and Pansy Parkinson. The bookends, yes I've heard you call them that, while Crabbe is actually pretty smart, they both run their mouths to anyone who shows them the right level of admiration for their strength. Besides Blaise, those two are who I've basically grown up with. Goyle fits the definition of the loyal tough boy with a small brain, except for a small area of expertise. Goyle loves talking about tree leaves, and has a whole new classification system for trees specifically. Apparently, he can also tell your fortune with the tree closest to your house. It's only specific to that day though.

Sincerely,

Draco Malfoy

Having sent that off with a generic looking barn owl, Draco sat down again and opened the book sitting on his desk.

.

"Harry, are you completely off your rocker?"

"No. I asked Draco for a partial truce this year and he agreed. No telling teachers and only telling a specific few. You guys are my few."

"So we're going to keep with the feud thing then?"

"Partially. We're allowed to be funny and laugh at each other's bad come backs this year."

"Any particular reason, Harry?"

"The dementors are controlled by the ministry, yet two came after me this summer. I'd rather not have to fight on three sides this year."

"Blimey, Harry. You're saying that you think the ministry or someone's trying to kill you and using ministry resources to do it?"

"Yes, which is why I am asking for an oath not to tell anyone."

Ron thoughtfully said, "Mate, I'll do it."

"Little Harrykins..."

"Using a known feud..."

"As a cover for an..."

"Unknown alliance?"

"What an excellent prank! We'll do it," exclaimed the twins, finishing together.

"As will I, Harry."

"Thank you guys, sis."

.

Lord Malfoy decided that playing the offensive in the beginning of the trial was the right thing to do. That was completely what it was, not a hearing. Dumbledore was doing a bang up job defending Potter, and everyone knew he could have done better. Seriously, the Ministry could have avoided the whole thing by sending someone to the scene where it happened. The fact that Potter hadn't used his wand all summer made the Ministry look awful as well. The fact that Potter said that he was seconds from being Kissed when an unknown Patronus defended him and swearing the truth about that statement made the whole thing such a moot point that even a warning couldn't be issued without going into legal proceedings as no evidence pointing him guilty just made the Wizengamot look bad. The fact that it was set up as a trial when it should have only been a hearing in front of the DMLE's desk made it look even more ridiculous. He couldn't say he wasn't expecting the outcome though, and he didn't have to suddenly seemingly switch sides.

Draco had told him about the letter that Potter had sent his son a week ago. He couldn't say it was exactly a surprise. How Potter had handled the whole Dobby situation was proof that the Gryffindor wasn't fully unaware of the need for subtlety. He had told Draco that he had his permission and that they could be open friends if the need to became real.

Turning away the equal to the Dark Lord when he and the Dark Lord could soon be in negotiations and were currently in somewhat of a truce was simply bad form and suicidal.

.

When the Hogwart's letters came, the children quickly asked if they could go to Diagon Alley for school supplies. While Mrs. Weasley didn't want to do a lot of shopping, Harry realized that with the healing from earlier and getting a good amount of food and exercise, he could grow again, based on those around him. He had to get new clothes. That meant, at some point, the party had to split up. He got his key from Molly.

Severus Snape asked to come along for the outing. To everyone's surprise, Harry looked up and shrugged. As the looks and questions started flying, he said, "Professor, if you want to buy something, you're not bothering me."

"I see."

"But Harry..."

"No, it's fine Ginny."

"Hmmph."

"Besides, you're like my sister. Sorry if that bugs you."

"So there's no way we'll get married?"

"No, little sis."

"Anyway, that's so off tangent, I don't know how we didn't form an obtuse. Yes, Professor Snape has a right to go shopping just like most of us here, sorry Siri."

"It's alright, Hermione." Sirius grunted.

"Okay! We'll be heading out first thing in the morning and make sure you pack light."

"Goodnight, Mrs. Weasley."

A chorus of good nights followed that as the children headed up the stairs.

"Are you sure you want to come with us?"

"I promised Harry I would be able to help him with something at Gringotts."

"Are you sure he needs to head there?"

"I have been made aware of the situation and I agree with him for once."

"Is this something we need to be aware of?"

"As you all know, I know more about his mother growing up than most here. I will help when I can."

"Ah. Good luck, Severus."

"Be safe."

Severus Snape allowed a smirk to show on his face looking out of his window. Two truths that didn't necessarily go together and another picture was formed. He'd need to be careful when telling people what though, so their picture frame didn't smash. He knew how to do that, as he was a spy for years, after all. A letter was sent off to Malfoy Manor before he readied for bed. The letter from the bank accepting the meeting was already folded neatly and put in a pocket.

.

The next morning, Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, the twins, Percy, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Harry, and Professor Snape were all ready bright and early. Mrs. Weasley had prepared the ingredients the night before so creating breakfast was easy and the pans were put to soak while the dishes were stacked. Almost immediately the boys separated from the girls, preferring to get their wardrobes without the girls around while the girls went to look at books. Then the girls and guys switched, the guys getting their school books and the girls getting their clothing. Immediately after that, Professor Snape took Harry off to the goblins while the rest stopped at Fortescues for ice cream and went for stationery.

Once Harry and Professor Snape walked close to the counter, they were ushered into a side office by a goblin. There awaiting them were the Malfoys, all three, and a figure with a hood up. The door closed.

"Hello, Lord Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy, and Draco. Hello, sir," spoke up Harry.

"Hello, Severus, and Harry Potter," greeted Lord Malfoy.

"Hello Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco."

The figure with his hood up dropped it over his shoulders. Immediately the three adults in the room knelt, and Draco bowed.

"Rise, for we are not exactly in a private setting, though it is as close as in Diagon."

The three adults rose and Draco stood straight, watching the other two warily.

"Hello, Son."

"Hello, Father."

Harry walked forward, extending his hand and took hold of the taller man's hand.

"Do we agree to not fight today? I have no wish to."

"Yes," Voldemort swallowed. "This feels very strange."

Harry laughed awkwardly. "Tell me about it. After struggling to fight off each other, we are finally meeting in a civil manner."

A pause seemed to echo through the room.

"Oh, I forgot to tell anyone, but this summer I realized that Professor Snape could be the closest thing I have to a wizard uncle. He and my mother unofficially adopted each other as children."

"Really, Snape."

"Yes, my lord."

"Well, be glad for your sake that I am not planning on taking your nephew from you as I would like to get this sorted without Dumbledore interfering."

"Yes, my lord."

Harry laughed. "Excuse me, but my son is here, and I want to hug him. Don't threaten your great uncle, son. Don't hit me either."

The look of shock on the tall man's face as he was hugged made for wary followers. As for Harry, he didn't see it, but he quickly hugged the man and then stepped away while rubbing the man's arm.

"What?"

"It is not good for a young child to be devoid of parental touch. The child's brain will relax and start trusting with gentle touch from a young age. You are my child, and I will help you as much as I can. As far as my research so far goes, your brain is no longer afflicted because of your mother's love potion."

Silence.

"What?"

"A child conceived under a love potion is essentially poisoned by it. Your brain could not form those signals as they were essentially burnt away. Your bond with Nagini magically forced them to form with her. However, with your new body, you used the bone of your father, on whom the love potion had worn off many years before his death; the hand of Pettigrew, who was scared and not under a love potion; and my blood, which was definitely not afflicted by a love potion. Your new brain, therefore, is then capable of forming those signals and loving one's family, despite the long habit of not. You may have friends now. You are my son. You can live now."

"Why am I your son when Pettigrew and my original father was used as well?"

"You are their son as well as mine. However, I don't see either of them caring for you."

"So what now?"

"Do I have your permission to adopt you legally?"

"Aren't you a minor, Mr. Potter?"

"I am an emancipated minor, as of finishing the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Mr. Malfoy."

"Can I give you my answer later, Father?"

"Absolutely. Can you give me a name you would like me to call you?"

"If you see me as yours, would you name me?"

A warning was called.

"I am sorry, but the room wasn't booked for long."

"I will call you Galahaut Charles Ignotus Potter. Good bye, son, for now," he stated as he threw his arms around the wizard who was once again pulling up his hood.

A shocked voice was heard saying "Good bye, Father" as professor and student headed back to Diagon. Everyone was full of emotion: Harry, for touching someone who he hadn't previously been able to without causing or being caused pain; Professor Snape for being a witness of all that, and realizing he was now related to the Dark Lord and seeing he may now have a price on his head; Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, for similar reasons to Severus; and Draco Malfoy, who was just in awe of somebody talking the Dark Lord into a stand still. The fact that a troupe of mostly red headed folk shortly after left the stationery store and went to the apothecary went mostly unheeded except for the two oldest wizards in the second group from the meeting.

"Of course. How could I forget that? I am a mother myself."

"Narcissa?"

"A newborn must be held quite often, same with all young children. I can't believe the boy-who-lived had to remind me, of all people."

"Narcissa."

"Excuse me, my lord, but you will be required to come see me four times a day for a hug, and to spend time with a person besides Nagini doing something most people would call relaxing."

"Narcissa?"

"Your father wants you to get parental touch. As the only parent trying to look out for you, my lord, I will take his words into advisement. I also recommend you accept his proposed adoption. Since the house elves answer him now, I am sure I can get him to enforce this, despite your feelings on the matter."

The Dark Lord followed the Malfoy family, embarrassed of an enforced regime of touch. He knew his father could order the house elves from a distance... He didn't want to end up going without coffee again.

.

"So, did you get what you needed at the bank?"

"Mostly. I'll have to go back to finish off required paperwork."

"Oh."

"Yes."

"So are you going to give me the key for safe keeping?"

"Actually, I would love to keep it on me. Just like a muggle doesn't share his debit card."

Hermione giggled in the background.

The old Headmaster looked on the scene of Molly Weasley and Harry Potter. Snape watched over his shoulder.

"Harry," said the Headmaster, "are you sure that this is what you want to do?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do they take privacy that strictly in the Muggle world?"

"Yes, sir."

"We are not in the Muggle world."

"No we are not, but are you going to tell Molly what is in your vault?"

Snape's voice cut over the manipulation. "5 points to Slytherin, Potter."

The Headmaster nodded his head. "I am sure you won't lose it then. Molly, leave him be."

All of a sudden, many voices started to argue with what the professor said while Harry nodded to Professor Snape as he turned and headed up the stairs.

.

A letter awaited him in his room when he went to bed that night.

Dear Father,

I am still undecided on whether or not I am willing to be known as your son legally.

One, I am still unsure as to whether or not you are allowed to, biological father or not.

Two, I am still in shock over all you have spilled on our meeting, and Narcissa Malfoy has taken advantage of the fact to ensure I get hugged on a regular basis. I have Nagini watching that she does not take advantage of the fact I do not have eyes on the back of my head. Quirrel was a one time deal. I may be immortal, but I do not want to remake a body again.

However, thank you for naming me after the uncrowned king and one of the three famous Peverel brothers. I am no longer attached by name to recent family except for your grandfather and your last name. That would definitely be a point in the favour of getting legally adopted, if I have to be.

There is a second point for adoption; that is, once adopted, I will have you fighting to keep me safe. One does not send lots of letters without a sense of loyalty.

I will certainly think on this. I am not holding my breath on my ability to recover my ability to love.

Sincerely,

Your Son,

Voldemort (Galahaut Charlus Ignotus Potter)

.

Lucius Malfoy spent a good portion of the next two weeks researching all that could be used to knock away Potter's ability to adopt his lord and finding ways around them. As such, he was unaware of the future consequences of a certain witch being appointed to the DADA position for that year.

.

Professor Severus Snape was once again walking a tight rope with doom on either side. He had a well meaning manipulative Headmaster who knew less than he thought on one side and the crashing and burning of two individuals to whom he had sworn loyalty on the other side. He also had to keep a prophesied boy from falling off the same tight rope, who had in actuality just climbed on. Occlumency was going to be a must for the boy-who-lived, but legilimency may be as well. The problem was trust. The amount of trust between both individuals before the lessons happened was required for the lessons to actually work was staggering if the individuals had to develop it in a few short weeks. He realized that with the apology and working out the meeting in the bank there had to be trust there, but whether or not it was enough was in doubt.

It would have to be enough. School was starting and the secrets this boy kept must stay secret, even before the Headmaster. If the boy didn't have enough shields up, the war might just keep on going with both the Boy-who-lived and the Dark Lord on the same side against Dumbledore. It would kill the British Wizarding World. There were not enough children born after the last war to be up to the number there had been before the war with Grindelwald, and there had been two wars since then. No, the boy's secrets must be kept secret. He would do what it took to keep things on an even keel, not just for the good of the wizarding world, but for the nephew he hadn't realized and the godson he had loved as his own since he was born. It wasn't just ideological, but personal as well. He would keep his boys alive.

.

Luna Lovegood sat in her carriage on the train. Prophesies were being fulfilled. unfolding, changing, and the course of four individuals were the focus of many of them. While one was known to three parties, there were others in play as well. She just couldn't share the vast majority. That saying, there was one, even if she wouldn't remember it after, and so she waited with Neville on the train. When the so called Golden Trio stepped into her apartment, she released a sigh.

When all eyes looked at her, including a silver-blue pair by the door, she spoke:

The child the Potter does desire:

Three things the Potter does require,

Cloak, wand, engraved stone.

To be alive must take a throne

Of death in Hel's domain,

For only then you'll both remain.

After that, she heaved a sigh, and she came back to her normal self. The others quickly tried to act as though everything was normal, but none could forget that she had spoken a prophesy. Those who knew about the Department of Ministries knew that there was now a new sphere on the rack with the others.

Harry sat with his head in his hands. That was a prophesy about him. Luna's mild premonitions were right, so a full on prophesy had to be right as well. He would not trust this to an owl, even one as trusted as Hedwig. This he had to go to Professor Snape with, as he said he would always be available for guidance. Mind, most of this seemed really clear cut, just filled with references with objects that he had to look up. Maybe he should tell his son too.

.

Snape stared at Harry. Two prophecies intersecting each other and showing a clear path now. Trelawney's he over heard part of: "the one with the power to vanquish the dark lord approaches, born of parents who have three times defied him, and he shall mark him as his equal. Meshed with this one it seemed there truly was away for both to live, but one must live as Death. Two immortal beings then... no wonder no one seemed able to kill Harry. Though apparently, if he didn't go with Luna's route, the end which he had heard paraphrased – they are set by destiny as opposites and one must kill the other to live – would happen. If there was a way for things to smoothly, to avoid war, Luna's way had to be the taken.

"What do you know of the tale of the three brothers?"

"Mostly that Ignotus Peverel was one."

"Yes, he was. There was once three brothers. One day they walked and came across a vicious river. The three brothers made a bridge and crossed the river. However, the river was a trap by death and for going across it he gave the three brothers three items. The eldest got the elder wand, which not only cooperates with everyone's core, but if conquered would lend it's loyalty and give the owner a power boost. He died shortly after in a fight. The second brother got the resurrection stone, which he used to raise his wife from the dead, but his wife no longer belonged in the land of the living, and pined for the land of the dead. Eventually she died again and he buried her. He died shortly after from heartbreak. The third brother asked something of death more wisely than the rest, and asked for an invisibility cloak to hide from death with. Many years down in the future, he passed the cloak on to his children and greeted death as an old friend. The three items make up the Deathly Hallows. That is the basic tale. There is an extended saying that if one was to have all three items they would be the Master of Death."

"So Luna's prophecy was open and shut instructions to someone who grew up hearing this tale."

"Indeed."

"I hope you understand that now that I never wanted to have to kill him."

It was so clear – the throne of death in Hel's domain was the mastery of death. The three things he required were the Deathly Hallows. The only way to adopt an immortal person was to be immortal himself.

.

Draco reported the prophecy to his father. His father was thankful for the knowledge of what the remaining requirements were as he was working with Voldemort whether this was legal or not. Eventually he stopped. Immortal beings went way beyond what the Ministry dealt with on a regular basis. To either find a way to kill the Dark Lord, who was reportedly immortal, or for Potter to allow himself to be killed, which seemed just as hard, or just find a way for both to be immortal, really, and it seemed an immortal Potter could adopt Voldemort and make him immortal, or was making Potter immortal making Voldemort immortal? Now that he thought about it, the puzzle seemed to indicate that for both to remain, Potter had to become immortal, which meant making Potter immortal made Voldemort immortal. They were interconnected. No wonder Potter didn't really want to kill Voldemort but fought to get away each time. Unless... The way they were that connected didn't make sense to him, but hopefully the Dark Lord knew.

.

Lord Voldemort stared at the table top. There was no way, unless... He had made Horcruxes. The only way that he knew of that making Potter truly immortal would make him immortal would be if he was a Horcrux. True, it wasn't one he had planned on making, but it was there. He connected with Nagini briefly and tried to connect with Potter the same way. He could. Of course, some things he couldn't touch as he was learning Occlumency, but the same connection was there. He had a thought that at some point, unless the state of the souls in Harry Potter were frozen, eventually they would battle out over who had control of the body. The engraved stone, the ring he had made. He had known it was the resurrection stone, but now he had to get a very nasty curse off that ring. He was pretty sure Dumbledore held the wand, had seen it up close and it was very like the pictures. It was also a very powerful wand. There had been a reason he didn't seem to win against the old man. He knew nothing of the cloak.

.

Harry stared at his cloak. The invisibility cloak passed down from father to son. There was no way that cloak was that old, was there? The person most likely to now who James had got it from was Sirius. The two of them were very like brothers. If James had gotten it from his dad, it could be, as most didn't last too long. The charms usually wore off within a decade. Even if James had made it at school, his cloak would be unusually well done and at the end of it's life. He decided to send Sirius an owl about how his father had gotten the cloak. He had found a book of mail protection charms and put them on the envelope before tying it to Hedwig.

Severus Snape had Harry Potter coming to detentions, "detentions", and remedial potion lessons. With an eye to help Harry Potter start to form such walls and mind organization, the first lesson had Harry attempting to organize his thoughts while under the supervision of Severus's legilemency, with the next few on the formation of walls while keeping the mind organized. Only after that, were the lessons on strengthening those walls and mental attacks started. He was doing this without the orders to do so, but it was needed if they were to survive.

.

The entire school was in slight uproar. The pink clad DADA teacher wasn't teaching much. She liked picking on Harry wearing him down, and doing her best to make him fail at one of her rules. She was so good at making someone lose their cool that when she applied all her manipulation techniques on a person, eight out of ten times it worked. The first day it wasn't Harry that got detention, it was Draco. He thought nothing of it and put essence of murtlap on the back of his hand which he was given, as he knew about applying less pressure to draw less blood.

No one knew that at the end of this year, when Harry spoke of his relatives or when Draco thought of himself treating the house elves poorly, there would be a revulsion in Draco. He was learning to empathize. He didn't think that by the end of the year he wouldn't be making fun of Ron Weasley for using hand me down clothes. It was a change no one thought would happen, and one choice after that happened would make his life better or worse.

Both sides of the school decided to study extra, and "not get caught." The decided reason for meeting ended up being a study group, though they were actually taught the practicals from books then.

To make matters more interesting, Professor Trelawney made another prophesy. Harry happened to hear it when passing by Draco when Trelawney had suddenly left her tower an evening.

The blond ferret to marry the Gryffinclaw;

Times of change and love ahead.

The blond ferret to marry the red head maw;

No love will be around his bed.

The blond ferret to marry the dying snake;

Love a while, then hearts will ache.

Listen well, and sit awhile,

For days will come gone down the mile.

After Harry didn't crack after that and Draco did, Professor Umbridge focused on him like a bee to sugar water. It was only after his skin was infected and nothing he did helped, he showed his hand to his Head of House. Fortunately for Draco, or unfortunately, it was close to the middle of the first term when that happened.

.

At the same time, Harry one day did drink the tea in the Headmaster's office. As relaxing as it was, there was something off about it. He put the tastes through his mind. Calming potion, he thought with relief; well, it was something everyone needed at this time of year.

"So Harry, what is something you think you'll be doing by NEWTs?"

"I don't exactly have a life plan down, I'm still researching all one can do here as a job. I am looking at adopting my heir."

"Your heir?"

"He's another orphan, like me."

"How old is he?"

"He's a few months old. I have put him with a trusted family for during the school year. I also will not bring an infant into my aunt's house that young. She would kill him."

"Quite right, my boy. What is your plan for moving out?"

"If I may, I might stay with that family until I can get a place of my own. I don't know, but I think with the Order and Sirius in Grimmauld Place, I'll look for someplace else."

"Thank you for the thoughtfulness, my boy. I am sure the Weasley mother would also love to help with babysitting. Also, contact me and I will get a Fidelius up for you."

Harry quickly hid an image of Voldemort being mothered by Molly Weasley behind his Occlumency shields.

"We'll see."

A few weeks later, Draco collapsed in Potions. As evidence of the blood quill was right in the eyesight of someone who cared and could do something about it, it was quickly dealt with – Snape's way. With Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy both pulling strings and with evidence of multiple people, she was pulled, despite the fact that she had a writ that technically allowed her to do that. Instead, the Wizengamot took that as evidence that the Minister had no desire for the furtherance of the British Wizarding World, but that what the Ministry demanded was enforced in any way. Madam Umbridge was sentenced to Azkaban and disappeared in route to the prison and was never seen again in public. In private, who could say?

Fudge was out as Minister by a vote of non confidence. They would hold him in prison as they obtained evidence.

Another outcome of this was that Harry and his friends hung out with Draco a lot. As people that understood the shortcomings of adults, they commiserated in this. Draco was apparently trying his best to think through his answers and try to fold on issues that might not matter or that he might be wrong on. It was approved of by the Golden Trio, while Ginny just looked at him with awe, to Harry's relief and consternation. Draco also put her off when told that unless stated boldly she would ignore suggestions to leave him alone. Harry had years worth of experience, and Ron and Hermione knew her in from having to live with her.

Dumbledore was surprised to not have to fight the Death Eaters to protect a prophesy, especially with a new one about Potter having appeared. He didn't know that the Dark Lord had already heard it with permission via memory from Harry and had it in written form from Draco. He resolved to hear the new one when he didn't have to care for students on top of his political duties, maybe during the summer.

.

A man not known for getting along with Professor Snape was sitting with the mentioned man and another man that Professor Snape didn't like with an ailment that Professor Snape was afraid of. In other words, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape sat in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place civilly, currently. That was not to say that civility was what everyone was thinking of ten minutes ago, but the dust had settled for now. The reason for this civility was Harry Potter.

"Has he adopted him yet?"

"Apparently there are restrictions on adoptions of adults, even though they are more straight forward for a child. An adult body that is now a year old belonging to an adult is requiring some finagling."

"Does Harry, in your view, Snape, as you do not see my pup with twinkling eyes, already see the guy as a son?"

"And just what does that have to do with anything?"

"Because, smarty, mmph. Moony!"

"What my idiot friend is trying to say is that what so many people forget is that the magic won't happen if the intent is not there. If someone with enough magic concentrated on intent lets it loose to do that, it happens. Accidental magic is what its called, but if he feels it strong enough, it may only be a case of signatures on paper for something that's already happened."

"Moony, you can't be saying..."

"That it's possible that the Harry Potter may have an heir already unofficially? Yes."

"I doubt..."

"Snape, I am sure you will be able to use that to use as you will. You were always better at that sort of stuff."

Paperwork was so easily completed with friends in the Ministry.

In an unrelated note, the Dursleys disappeared after going on vacation. Police investigation ended with it being declared a cold case. Harry was not with them at the time, having left already.

.

That summer ended up being very busy for Harry and Galahaut "Charles" Potter.

Voldemort was adopted legally, though under glamours that the Ministry wards couldn't cancel, by Harry Potter. Harry had now in writing ended the reign of the Dark Lord, as he was Lord Slytherin, as the Potters had the next closest claim to the Slytherin title as the Gaunts were biologically all dead. Voldemort wasn't needed anymore, and when the newly named Galahaut Potter recognized that fact, he broke. He and his father went and rounded up the most of rest of his horcruxes that summer. The Malfoys rotated household servants through the Dursley household with polyjuice for most of the summer, with "Potter" disappearing two weeks before the Weasleys would typically pick him up. They knew by Severus Snape though he was safe. Of course, knowing he had to do so and doing it was another thing altogether.

One such conversation was had in the office at Malfoy Manor.

"How does a healer help his patient, if the patient refuses to follow direction?"

"Who said that?" snapped a suddenly angry Dark Lord.

A deep breath, and his young father started stepping forward. "Young man, is there something I can help you with?"

"Apparently I need to absorb some of my horcruxes!"

"Do you know why?"

"So that I could be consistently sane!"

"Is that not something you want? To be able to think more clearly and outmaneuver Dumbledore?"

"Yes."

"Than we have to put you back together."

"But if I don't have any, I'll be killed. Too many people want me gone!"

"Which is why we won't get you to absorb all of them. Just one or two. We'll leave the rest if they're safe. Is there a soul piece of yours close by that's not me?"

"I am glad I hadn't made Nagini a horcrux yet. The diary is gone, so that was 1/2 gone. The ring has 1/4, and is in the Gaunt Shack. The Slytherin Locket has 1/8th, and is in a cave. Helga Hufflepuff's cup has 1/16 and is in a bank vault. The Ravenclaw Diadem is 1/32 of me, and is in Hogwarts. Closest would probably be in Hogwarts, though easiest is probably the cup in Bellatrix's vault."

"1/16th is still more of you than what you already hold. If you can get it, it would be great for your present health."

Galahaut gave a start.

"Oh, no. Oh, no," he started sobbing.

Harry sat beside his son on the arm of his chair, while rubbing his back. While his son was in his arms, he started humming. Sensing Galahaut tense, he said, "I'm your father. Let me help you with this."

"I've never been held by a parent before you."

"Now I am here. Let me, please?"

Seeing the man's face open in bewilderment and awe, Harry knew that he had just given Galahaut something precious. Murmuring "It's okay; I'm here" had a steady impact of causing the man to relax for a few minutes, at which point he started talking.

"I know what it's like. You want to trust me to touch you, but you don't because then there is the possibility of being stabbed in the back again. I know we've been fighting for most of our lives, but I promise never to stab you in the back or play on your emotions to kill you if you're willing to reciprocate."

"You're willing to do that?"

"You're not being a nuisance to have me say that."

"Right, thanks."

"You aren't a nuisance just because you have emotions."

"So what is the plan for seeing your godfather?"

Severus Snape quickly obtained Ravenclaw's Diadem with the watchful eye of Lucius Malfoy and handed it to his lord. It was then that one downside to absorbing the horcruxi was found to be stronger than thought previously. The second, larger soul piece had tried to fight for control of the body, and after the ritual for their amalgamation was completed, Galahaut had migraines for a week while he assimilated two sets of memories.

The second horcrux found was not where they thought it would be. After finding out about Regulus's treachery through his note, Harry asked to keep the necklace. It ended up being a good thing, for when he arrived for his weekend with his godfather, Kreacher was willing to trade necklaces if Nasty Halfblood would promise to make the bad magic leave the original. He was ecstatic to hold something that his last real master had made. Nasty Halfblood (Harry) promised, and that piece to was absorbed and assimilated. With a reinforcing of his younger memories, Galahaut started remembering goals of back when he started Hogwarts.

With two pieces back, the former Dark Lord, now unofficial leader of the Dark faction, was steadier and it was noticeable to all who knew him. Also, he started looking more human, and he was starting to reintroduce himself to new hairstyles as his hair was starting to come back. His nose was there already. Galahaut decided to get everyone to call him Charles, as it was not a referral to his former identity. Of course, then he had to defend why he wasn't just called Junior.

Harry over the next year moved in with the Malfoys until he and his son could buy a house, and got into Bellatrix's vault using polyjuice and kidnapping and returning the kidnapped and got the Cup. The ring was still in location, and Galahaut was still looking at his old notes and trying to discern what exactly he did and how to undo it without killing his current body. He did put a protection on it against fiend fire, which ended up being a life piece saver.

.

Albus Dumbledore, hunting down the horcruxi after deciphering just what Harry had killed in second year, found the ring. He tried to destroy it with fiend fire. It didn't harm it, so he put it on. However, he got the curse from the ring. He assumed that Lord Voldemort heavily protected it as it was a family heirloom that was magical and one of the three Hallows.

He called Snape for help. Snape, after looking at his hand, succeeded in cutting off the finger it rested on, but the curse wouldn't leave the hand, despite the finger dissolving messily once separated from the hand. However, Snape was able to delay it.

"Headmaster, you have about a year to live if I continue to delay it weekly."

"That short, Severus?"

"Yes, Albus."

"Then I want you to give that ring to Harry. It will give him comfort I hope."

"Comfort, Albus?"

"Indeed, as a gift from me? It will be a keepsake that will last a long time."

.

Professor Snape pulled Harry aside one day.

"The Headmaster says to give you this. Don't tell anyone yet and don't let anyone see it."

Harry looked at it and forcefully opened his link to his son briefly. It was still hard to do without a large amount of stress. The feeling of relief from Galahaut when the professor stated that the curse is no longer on the ring relieved Harry. He wasn't thinking of the prophecy then, though it applied.

Draco, with Hermione's help, got the cupboard working. However, he was not needed to get the wand from Dumbledore. In fact, it probably surprised everyone but Snape, as he saw both sides.

(AN: There are some things that didn't change. Voldemort has raided Azkaban under the impression that there was still a chance that Harry could die and he would have to fight Dumbledore. That is the reason for Draco fixing a certain cabinet.)

.

Headmaster Dumbledore smirked. He had put things together. All the other horcruxi were gone, showing evidence of having been found. There was only one horcrux left and it was residing in a boy in the dining hall at that moment. In order to kill it, the boy would have to die. He tried doing it underhandedly. Romilda Vane and a member of the Quidditch team both had to be rescued when those plans went awry.

He was a Gryffindor. Gryffs were bold, yes, that was how they did things best. Maybe, he should be bold and abrupt in his planning and do it right when no one was looking out for it. Someplace where there was a chance for people to get away from a fight if there was one near by? Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade weekend he would follow Harry's group, which had grown to accomodate a couple more Slytherins and a few Hufflepuffs and a couple of Ravenclaws, and attack there. The boy was getting a following, so it was better to do it now rather than in a few years. He wanted to fight one dark lord at a time, not multiple! So, he would get rid of one. Harry, now he thought of it, could be the reincarnation of the dark lord and be the reason for the Potion Master's change of heart. It made perfect sense.

.

Professor Snape and McGonagal looked at each other and decided to follow the Headmaster when he headed for the gates following Potter, acting comically, and giggling. He was acting too obvious if McGonagal thought something was amiss enough to go to confront the Headmaster about it. However, it all made horrid sense when the Headmaster shot the cutting curse at Potter's back and hit Luna's bag as she tossed it instead, causing the teens to spin around.

Harry had a shield up as quick as he could, staring at the Headmaster who was firing curses at him. The teens with him had scattered, forming a semi-circular shape around the pair and holding shields to keep from getting hit. Hermione, Muggle born and proud of it, threw her bag at the Headmaster, and while he was distractedly throwing a spell at her which McGonagal shielded, Harry hit the Headmaster with an expelliaramus. Professor Snape tackled the man once the wand was gone, and with the expediency of holding him down with physical weight and strength, was able to keep him still.

Aurors were called, and with a huge amount of witnesses from both Light and Dark factions agreeing on how the Headmaster had cracked with the evidence, it couldn't be hidden. It was an obvious guilty conviction and Albus Dumbledore, leader of many, was sent away.

Draco, in the heat of the moment of surviving, asked Hermione to marry him once school was out and everything was legal. Hermione said yes, and they both were deciding to go to University for legal studies. They couldn't say their parents got along with the inlaws, but there was a reason they lived in a separate place. The lovebirds kept each other on their toes, but with a constantly developing relationship, they loved each other until the day they died.

.

Harry Potter was dead. The shock of the situation hit everyone hard. Everyone had seen the accident. One minute he had been talking to his son, and the next minute he had stopped breathing, despite the efforts of everyone around.

It was a year since Albus Dumbledore had died finally from the cursed ring. Everyone, Ministry employee, Order member, and Death Eater, were aware of the old man's manipulations on a few select people. He had been a sweet grandfatherly figure to the masses in truth, but the fact that he tried to make the leaders of various factions through different means was really wrong and the judgment of treason to the people (known as playing chess with your people for fun or experimentation purposes) was seen as well deserved. The penalty was that the poison in his hand would no longer be stopped, but would be allowed to eat away at his body until he died.

Those in the know were glad he was not there yelling that Tom was finally showing his true colours.

Charles had been talking when his father wanted to speak with him. Harry Potter had touched his shoulder, but for some reason, Charles had panicked and his magic had sent a bolt right through Harry, damaging his lungs and stopping his heart. Charles had whirled around and caught him, screaming for a healer once the shock left him.

Healers from all groups had rushed to Harry Potter. Once there, Charles was pulled away from his father, and he sat numb, and curled around himself, while they tried to resuscitate his father. They had restarted his heart a couple times, but the damage to his lungs had made it a non-process. They allowed Charles back after declaring Harry Potter dead.

Charles was just sitting there, holding Harry Potter's hand. That hand had written so many letters over the last three years and a half. They had been scolding and corrective at times, reminiscent at other times, telling fables with a moral or just for fun. His tears started to fall. That hand was a representative of everything his father was. His tears fell faster as he put his head in his arms.

Dear father,

I miss you so much.

You are the one person that has been a steady guide for me throughout my life, and the fact that it had to be in the last two years is sad, but I am so thankful to have gotten to know you and everything that comes with it. You seem to have been cursed with fighting for your life from a young age, and it is ironic that your death was after your victory in making peace happen again in the wizarding world. Your life in the time I've known you was hardly known as dull. I wish you could have experienced childhood in a minor degree as I have now.

You tried to provide for me. You had sent items, and a sense of duty that grew into compassion that I saw grew into parental joy over their child. You even sent recipes to the house elves so that I could taste what you would cook for me if you could. You tried to make me sane so that when things happened, I would be doing them fully knowing all sides of what I was doing, and I could actually have a goal besides destroy everything. You even had my appearance fixed. It worked. I wish you could see what I can do now.

You have set me up to be the head of the British Wizarding World, and only when I qualified again as a leader, not a tyrant.

I love you, dad.

I miss you. I will try to do you proud.

"Charles" Galahaut Charles Ignotus Potter

The letter composed in his mind, he got up to look for a piece of parchment and a quill. As he stood up though, he squeezed the hand he was holding. About to put it down, he was surprised by the hand squeezing back.

Deciding once more that being by his father was the smartest, he yelled for Pomphrey and Snape, in case he was imagining things. Holding the hand, rubbing it, and feeling more movement, he waited for the two to arrive.

"Please," he said when they showed up, "please check to see if he is alive one more time. I thought I felt him squeeze back just now."

The two looked at him sadly.

"My lord, I hope you know that he hasn't a shot in the dark for being alive."

"I am aware."

This time he put the hand back down and sat beside his father's body as they performed their spells. A look of shock on both their faces made him grin.

"He's alive?" the man asked his healers.

A nod from Snape and a hand over the mouth of Pomphrey who startled backwards, then muttered a quiet "yes, yes, yes" were his answers.

It was Snape and Pomphrey who watched over Harry Potter. It was those two worthies who joined forces once again with his reawakening body to get him in working condition. They fitted him to a muggle ventilator which allowed his damaged lungs to breath as much as possible while they found a solution. The damage to the heart and ribs were easily fixed after his ribs were broken trying to restart his heart earlier. Those two had put him in as reserved a spot as possible in the hospital wing.

Harry's family were happy he was alive, though stressed about his present health. Charles stayed from morning until evening daily at Harry's side. The Weasleys didn't come everyday, but they came regularly on the weekends in the afternoon bringing home cooked biscuits and things Mrs. Weasley felt Harry's adopted son would be needing right now. Hermione even surprised the man by a quick hug when meeting him last time. The Malfoys were as constant as the Weasleys, though they brought more stuff to read. The three former Black sisters all took a hand in decorating the area around him, which was both amazing and concerning with Bellatrix involved. Harry's year mates all took a turn standing guard in pairs when Madam Pomphrey and Tom (finally) had gone to bed. Though they were caught a few times, no one ordered them to leave, but deducted points and gave detentions two days after they took duty. The fact that aurors were standing guard by his bed made no difference to his classmates.

Eventually, the various healers and potion masters made something that would fix Harry's lungs, as the typical actions weren't working. A muggle puffer was the basic part of the idea. Instead of a drug that would be absorbed into the blood stream from the lungs, the magical potion that would be administered would be in gaseous form in his air supply. They suspected that after three to seven sessions of breathing it in, it would put his lungs together.

It worked. It was one of the times that Harry would be happy of a little attention, but the newspapers once again overdid things. Harry allowed the medicine to be named Harry's Lungs, and felt happy that at least the people who worked on the project were getting praised as much as he was for coming back from the dead.

.

Weeks later, Harry received permission to leave the hospital wing again.

Harry just grinned, enjoyed little things, and waved his knobbly wand that Draco said looked tacky. A black stone was the pendant he had hanging in his shirt. Harry's father's cloak was in his pocket shrunk. He was the master of death.

His son took his hand. "Hello, father. How are you doing?"

The conversation lasted hours.

.

Harry knew some things. These things were: death is undeniable, death through a curse or spell caused by intent to harm, and killing an innocent even he would not do until it threatened to destroy his family. He knew that he was immortal, and eventually, Harry would leave the land of the living as a dwelling place, though he would visit. He also knew within his robes was a general goodbye letter to friends and family, copies which were with the papers and Ministry, giving some long needed advice, as well as individual messages and a will.

Dear Family and Friends,

I leave this letter to you for now.

I want you to know that a certain prophecy has been fulfilled. The line says "neither can live while the other survives". I am technically dead. Charles, formerly Tom, is alive. Charles's horcrux has survived in me, as I am the Master of Death and immortal. There was a reason no one could kill me permanently. As a result, we both are. Have fun trying to kill the dark lord that was created through the actions of a sociopath, an insane woman, and a psychopath trying to survive, when death has to die before he can.

Charles and I have been through so much because of prejudice in the wizarding world. We both have instigated or perpetuated the stigmas fed us while we were younger and malleable. It almost ruined the world.

Think before you act. Be patient with those you are for and against, and with deciding where a person will fall into either group. Be honest, but not brutish. Be discerning, but not a thief.

Live, my son. Spread life, not death, for we are now as the Greek goddesses Persephone and her mother Demeter. We will dance this cycle immortal. I will visit you shortly, at least in our perspective.

Sincerely,

Harry James Potter