Arimanius by Darth Kottaram
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story.
Rated R for disturbing subject matter.
To HPIceAngel, Lunarian Sarah, Lillinfields, Star Mage, Rarity88, brian-blaze15, Arwen, dracoqueen456, Lina Inverse the Dramata, Artemisu, Lunatari Draconis, npetrenko, Ian, and wild kat: Thank you for your reviews! They make me feel a lot better when I have writer's block.
To mione: I'm glad you like Lily, even though she isn't dark enough for my tastes yet. The same is true for Harry. I decided I couldn't just make them evil at the beginning, their yearning for a father's love is what tints them dark. To make them evil, I need to make them suffer, just as Tom Riddle did in the Muggle Orphanage. As for your questions: No, only Lily, Harry, Voldemort, Quirell, Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius, Lucius Malfoy, and Ollivander (through Dumbledore) know about Harry's paternity. The rest of the Wizarding world just knows him as the Boy Who Lived. And yes, Severus still became a spy for Dumbledore, although Lily is aware of it, and loves him for his courage; in the future, he will also be a spy. Thank you for your review, as well as your questions, as they have inspired new thoughts for the story in me.
To ntamara: Harry doesn't know about his parents incestuous liaison, since I wanted to wait until the fifth book to inform him. It isn't common knowledge that his mother is the spawn of Voldemort; that's limited to Lily, Voldemort, and Dumbledore. Malfoy, Quirell, Ollivander, and the others believe that she took it in an act of shame and self-punishment. I want to use that little known fact against some Light Wizards, later on in the story. As to the knowledge of Harry's paternity, only Lily, Harry, Voldemort, Quirell, Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius, Lucius Malfoy, and Ollivander know of it. Regarding his father's dark acts, I intend to make him face them using Susan Bones. And yes, Snape will still be a spy for Dumbledore, and thank you for your suggestion. I'll use it, when I'm up to book three. Thank you for your reviews, and for your suggestions, they should be quite helpful!
Chapter 3
The next day, whispers, stares, and pointed fingers followed Harry, as he began to attend his classes. He was quite used to this, for it had happened everyday when he was younger. His mother had taken him to Charms classes with her, so that she could keep an eye on him. This had stopped when he was three years old. He still got red with embarrassment when he thought about it.
His mother had been teaching a first year class the levitation charm. Try as hard as they might, none of the students could get it right. "Remember it's Wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the 'gar' nice and long."
"Wingardium Leviosa!" he had squealed with delight, making the entire classroom, his mother included, float in the air. He happily sent them flying throughout the room, creating entertainment for himself. They were still flying around, by the time the next group of students arrived at Charms. Professors McGonagall, Snape, and Dumbledore were summoned and they attempted to reverse the charm. However, he again squealed "Wingardium Leviosa!" picking up the new arrivals as well. Only when it was his naptime, did he finally let the students and professors down.
He soon arrived at the Spells and Charms Classroom and sat in the front. His mother was nowhere to be seen, so he figured she would making the same dramatic arrival she always did with the first years. The class arrived early, and waited for their instructor. As soon as the clock hit nine, the ceiling burst open, and Professor Riddle floated down.
"Welcome to Spells and Charms. I am Professor Lily Riddle, and I will be instructing you for the next seven years." she said, looking over the awe-struck Gryffindors and Slytherins. The males, except for Harry, were particularly interested in Professor Riddle. "Spells and Charms are the heart of modern magic, so if you wish to succeed at witchcraft and wizardry, I would suggest you pay extra attention in my class. All of you have the potential to be great spellcasters, as it is not your inborn ability that determines your success, rather it is your determination."
She began to walk around the classroom, thoroughly examining each of her students. "As such, I can assure you that this class will be the most difficult and rigorous you will take at Hogwarts, regardless of your House. I will not tolerate irresponsible behavior, as your brothers well know, Mr. Weasley."
She then smiled at Harry, and said "Sweetie, would you please come to the front of the class. I want you to help me with this. The first thing I will teach you, is the Levitation charm, how to make things fly. A simple swish and flick of your wand, accompanied by the words Wingardium Leviosa will do the trick. Now observe carefully." she said, smiling.
There was a bit of evil in her smile, and Harry's first thought before being sent hurtling through the air was, /I think she still angry at me for the levitation incident./
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Harry went through Transfiguration; Herbology, History of Magic, and Astronomy before finally getting to Potions. This was another class he had with the Gryffindors, but this would be quite amusing, as Snape favored the Slytherins, unlike his mother.
He had just sat down at the front of the class next to Hermione, when Professor Snape burst into the classroom. "There will be no silly wand-waving in this class. As such, many will hardly believe that the subtle science and exact art of potion-making is magic. I don't expect any of you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with it's shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses … I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, or even stopper death - if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
Snape looked around the classroom, offering small smile when he gazed at Harry. Then his eyes fell on the red-headed boy whose eyes were wandering around the classroom. "Weasley! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Weasley looked as if he was petrified, before he croaked out, "I don't know, sir."
"You don't know. Miss Granger, do you know the answer?" he asked with a small smile, to Hermione.
"Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful that it is known as the Draught of Living Death." she replied.
"Excellent. Five points to Slytherin. Let's try again, Weasley, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?" asked Snape.
The boy swallowed before replying, "I don't know, sir."
"Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming, eh, Weasley. Miss Granger, would you care to answer the question?" he asked.
"A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons." Hermione answered.
"Correct. Five points to Slytherin. Here's an easy one. What is the difference, Weasley, between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape asked.
"I don't know, sir. Perhaps you should ask Granger, seems she has all the answers." he replied angrily.
"Excellent idea. Miss Granger, if you please." said Snape.
"Monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite." she answered.
"Correct again, Miss Granger. You should do well in this class. Five points to Slytherin. and one point from Gryffindor for your cheek, Mr. Weasley." said Snape. "Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?"
The rest of the class went the same way, to delight of the Slytherins. The Gryffindors had extra work piled on them for their lack of knowledge, and they seemed quite angry by the end of the class.
As Harry and Hermione filed out of the classroom; Weasley caught up with them. He pulled Hermione back to him, and began chewing her out. "Gosh, you're a nightmare aren't you? You couldn't resist getting every answer right. I know your kind, you have to show off your smarts to everyone, because otherwise no one would like you, you buck-toothed hag." he sneered.
"Oddly enough, you freckle-faced freak, I happen to like her despite her intelligence rather than because of it. You should keep a low profile, you red-haired Weasel; you wouldn't want anyone noticing that my shoes are worth more than your entire wardrobe." replied Harry, pulling Hermione back.
"Defending a muggle-born now are we, Riddle? I wouldn't expect that from a Slytherin like you." said Weasley.
"Lord Voldemort was a half-blood, but you don't see Slytherins discriminating against him, do you?" asked Harry, shocking Weasley, as well as everyone else, into silence.
"Come on." said Hermione shakily, pulling Harry away.
"What were you thinking, Harry?" asked Hermione, once they were alone. "Only You-Know-Who's closest Death Eaters dared to say his name."
"Trust me, I'm a lot closer than they were." Harry muttered.
"What did you say?" asked Hermione, shocked at what she had heard.
"Nothing. Come on, we have to go. We'll be late to Defense Against the Dark Arts."
*****************************
Defense Against the Dark Arts was the class everyone, but Harry, had been looking forward to. He had thought that it would be a bit of joke, as stuttering and shy Professor Quirell didn't seemed to like even thinking about the Dark Arts. He smelled rather like garlic, and everyone said it was to ward off a vampire he met in Romania. However, the Harry's surprise and delight, most of Professor's Quirell's stutter disappeared and his disposition seemed greatly improved.
"Good day, children. I am Professor Quirell, your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Defense Against the Dark Arts, along with Charms, are the two most important classes you'll take at Hogwarts, as many of you will face the Dark Arts eventually. Even with years of training and experience, legendary Aurors such as Alastor Moody, Augustus Prewitt, Aramis McKinnon, Joshua Bones, James Potter, and Frank Longbottom all fell to Death Eater attacks. CONSTANT VIGILANCE is the only thing that will keep you alive." said Quirell.
Most of the class, including the Slytherins, seemed disturbed by this. Harry on the other hand, had been on the receiving end of these diatribes before, and was quite used to them.
"Now, if you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask them. Mr. Malfoy." said Quirell.
"Where did you get that turban, sir?" asked Draco.
"I happened to get it from a African prince as a thank-you for getting rid of a troublesome zombie. Mr. Finnigan."
"How'd you defeat it, sir?" asked Seamus Finnigan.
"I beat it with a club, and then finished it off with a stake to the head. Zombies, like vampires, have an aversion to wood." replied Quirell.
"Why does this room smell like garlic, sir?" asked Weasley.
"It's to mask the smell of a rotting remains of a Red Cap that I was particularly fond of. Mr. R-Riddle." said Quirell.
"This isn't about you, but Defense Against the Dark Arts in general, sir." said Harry.
"Of c-course, Mr. R-Riddle, please go on." said Quirell.
"When a powerful Dark curse touches someone, does it create a bond between the recipient and assailant?" Harry asked.
Quirell seemed to turn a pale blue, but he answered nonetheless. "C-certainly, it d-does, Mr. R-Riddle. Especially, if t-the assailant is quite p-powerful."
"My boy's quite intelligent isn't he, Quirell?" said a voice within Quirell's mind.
Harry thought he could hear a slight whisper, that was quite familiar, but never considered that the whisper was real.
*****************************
After the class left, Quirell was left alone in the room. He was getting worried that someone would discern the true reason for his Professorship at Hogwarts, if he appeared more than a stuttering nitwit.
"Master, are you certain that I should stop stuttering so? It is a terrific disguise." said Quirell.
"Are you questioning me, Quirell? Were you not one of my best servants, I would punish you greatly. Yes, I am certain that you should appear a bit more charismatic. I want my son to recognize the power of Dark Magic, to see that Dark Wizards are more powerful than Wizards of Light. He must join me when he is of age, and he must be rid of the brainwashing that Dumbledore has surely given him. The consequences of Harry becoming a Light Wizard are unthinkable. Converting him is your number one priority, even more than getting the Sorcerer's Stone for me." said Voldemort.
"Of course Master, it will be done." replied Quirell.
*****************************
A few days later, Harry and his friends ate Lunch, in a bad mood. Today, they would have flying lessons with the Gryffindors.
"They'll be so slow at learning to fly, that they'll hold the rest of us back." said Draco unhappily.
"So will I. I don't know how to fly on a broomstick." said Hermione worriedly.
"Don't worry about it, Hermione. You're at the top of every other class with me, you'll be at the top of flying class with me as well." replied Harry. "All of you have to do is remember that you are Master of the broom. Confidence is everything, because the broom can sense if you're afraid."
As they left the Great Hall, Draco spotted Neville Longbottom holding a Remembrall. Draco quickly snatched it from Neville's hands. Weasley stood up as if he was going to knock Draco down, but Professor McGonagall was there is a flash.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Malfoy's got my Remembrall, Professor." replied Longbottom.
"He was just going to show Neville the Remembrall enhancing spell. Give it back to him, Draco, I'll show it to him." said Harry. Malfoy handed the Remembrall back to Longbottom and watched Harry in fascination.
"Apparatus Habla." enchanted Harry.
Immediately, the Remembrall spoke out in Neville's voice: "You forgot to do your transfiguration homework." Neville flinched, under the Professor's angry glare, and began to sputter out his apologies. The Slytherins quickly left the Great Hall, but not before McGonagall began to chew Longbottom out, quite loudly.
"Thanks for getting me out of a tough spot, Riddle. I owe you one." said Draco, as he walked off with Crabbe and Goyle.
"Anytime." replied Harry in a friendly manner. He then noticed the look of consternation on Hermione's face. "What's wrong?" he queried.
"How could you do that to Neville. He clearly is having trouble fitting in, and you just made it harder for him." said Hermione angrily.
"Well, perhaps not. I'm fairly certain that my 'act of kindness' to Longbottom has infuriated the Gryffindors, and therefore made them sympathetic to Neville. As such, they most likely will be quite kind and friendly towards him for at least the next few weeks." replied Harry.
Hermione was impressed by Harry's foresight. "So, you were really trying to help Neville?" she asked.
"No, of course not. I was merely trying to help myself, since now Malfoy has a debt to me. Look at it like chess, I just looked ahead a few turns when making my move." said Harry truthfully.
"Is your friendship with me, another move like that, another helpful resource in the future." asked Hermione, a little shocked at her friend's cold calculating manner.
"It's strictly selfish, because I like the pleasure of your company." said Harry, allaying her fears. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her body to next to his. "Quite a bit."
Harry noticed the blush on Hermione's cheeks, but said nothing of it as they walked to Broomstick Flying Lessons. The rest of the Slytherins had arrived, but it was still quite a while until the Gryffindors turned up. Soon after Madam Hooch came along.
"Well, what are you all waiting for? Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up." she barked. Madam Hooch then went through the preliminary instructions and ordered the students to raise their brooms.
With one command of "UP!", Harry's broom jumped right into his hand. Hermione was steeling herself, and shouted "UP!" as well. It slowly came up to her hand. Hermione looked quite pleased with herself, and smiled at Harry
Madam Hooch then showed them how to mount their brooms. She commended Harry on his correct grip and stance. Madam Hooch was about to allow them to fly a few feet into the air, when Longbottom pushed off the ground too early.
"Come back, boy!" she shouted, but Longbottom was rising farther and farther up into the air. Harry saw him sliding off his broom, and Harry pushed off as well. He shot into the air like an arrow, and caught Longbottom on his broom, before the boy could hit the floor. The Gryffindors cheered, thinking that one of their own had rescued Longbottom, but it quickly subsided when they saw it was a Slytherin. Both the Gryffindors and the Slytherins stared in surprise, as he set down on the field. Madam Hooch, was too shocked by the display of compassion by a Slytherin, to say anything to Longbottom.
The silence was finally interrupted by Professor Snape coming upon them. "Good show, Harry. I saw that from my office in the dungeons. Come with me, Harry." said Snape.
Harry followed the Professor off the field, wondering what he wanted to do. /I didn't do anything wrong, so he's not going to punish me. Besides, even if I did do something wrong, Severus wouldn't punish me. So, it obviously is some kind of reward./ he reflected, as Snape led him to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Snape opened the door, and addressed Professor Quirell, "Professor Quirell, I will be speaking to Flint for a few minutes. Come along, boy."
A burly fifth-year followed Snape and Harry out of the classroom. He looked over Harry with confusion in his eyes, but didn't dare question Professor Snape. Snape led them to a classroom that was empty, and then addressed Harry.
"Harry, this is Marcus Flint, Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team. Flint - I've found you a Seeker."
Flint looked over Harry, and examined his statue. "Hmm, he has the build for a seeker, seems a bit young though." said Flint.
"He caught an idiot in the air, and went into a fifty foot dive and a perfect landing. I'm positive he'll be a good Seeker." said Snape, with pride in his eyes.
"We'll have to get him a decent broom, Professor. The new Ravenclaw seeker has a Cleansweep Seven." commented Flint.
"I shall speak to Professor Dumbledore and see if we can't bend the first-year rule. " said Snape. "Your mother will be proud. She was an excellent Quidditch player herself."
*****************************
At the Great Hall that night, there was much talk about Harry's acquisition of the Seeker position. The Slytherins seemed quite pleased with this turn of events, while the other house teams were dreading playing against the Boy Who Lived. Harry was sitting next to Hermione, who was quite impressed.
"Did you know that you're the youngest player for Slytherin in half a century? The last Seeker so young was Tom Marvolo Riddle, and that was in 1941. Do you think he's related to you?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, as a matter of fact he was my father." replied Harry. He noticed the strange look Draco was giving him, and mentally sighed. /Great, now he knows as well. His father must have told him Voldemort's real name. Lucius Malfoy was in my father's Inner Council according to Mum./
"Wow, Harry that's amazing. I read that he got the most O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s at Hogwarts, and your mother is second to him. What ever happened to him, did he die?" she asked.
"As far as I know he out there somewhere. He and my Mum weren't exactly in love from what I'm told. At any rate, I only met him once when I was about a year old, haven't seen him since. Sometimes I dream about him, though." replied Harry, who was feeling quite uneasy.
Hermione seemed to be contemplating this carefully, while Draco seemed to be paler than usual and edged slightly away from Harry. Before Harry could say anything to the boy, his Mum came upon them.
"Sweetie, a word with you please." she said, and led Harry out of the Great Hall. He followed her to the Central Tower, and to her quarters. Once inside, she handed him a long package that was shaped like a broom. Harry quickly ripped off the wrapping paper, and looked in awe at broom and card inside. He quickly read the card and tried to absorb what it said.
The Firebolt
This prototype racing broom sports a streamlined, superfine handle of ash, treated with a diamond-hard polish and hand-numbered with it's own registration number. Each individually selected birch twig in the broomtail has been honed to aerodynamic perfection, giving the Firebolt unsurpassable balance and pinpoint precision. The Firebolt prototype has an acceleration of 200 miles an hour in ten seconds and incorporates an unbreakable braking charm. This particular broom, 001A, has been created for Harry Riddle, as a Thank You for saving the Wizarding World from You Know Who.
Harry looked at broom, as if it were manna from heaven. He stared at his Mum, before enveloping her in a tremendous hug. "Thanks Mum, this is wonderful." he managed to croak out, as he was overcome with joy.
"Well, nothing but the best for my Sweetie. I suggest we keep it in your old room, rather than your Dorm. And you can't show it off to your friends. This broom is top secret, I managed to get one for you only because you defeated Voldemort." said Lily. "Now I'll put the Firebolt away, and you go on to you Dorms. It's a quarter of an hour past curfew now, and I don't want you to get caught by Filch, roaming the Halls at night."
"Yes, Mum. I promise I won't get caught." Harry replied, with a smirk on his face. Lily sighed, and rolled her eyes before urging him out of her rooms. He quickly left, but his mind was still on the Firebolt, so much so, that he didn't notice he was walking into the forbidden corridor.
"Alohomora" he said in an off-handed manner. The thing that brought Harry out of his reverie was the overwhelming stench of a dog that hadn't been bathed in months. Harry noticed three pairs of eyes staring at him in surprise. He swallowed nervously when he noticed that it was a giant, three-headed dog, standing over a trapdoor, that was starting to growl at him. He flung the door open again, magically locked it, and ran from the area terrified that the dog might break though the door. He heard it scratch and claw at door, before he was well out of earshot.
When Harry finally reached his bed in the Slytherin Dorms, he could barely get to sleep. His mind was on the three-headed monster that was obviously guarding something. /Perhaps, it has something to do with what Mum got out from Vault 713/. he reflected sleepily, before falling into dreams of Quidditch and a man with a kind smile and loving laugh.
*****************************
The days and weeks passed quickly for Hermione and Harry. There was so much to learn and so much to discover, that the two barely had any time for trivial matters such as eating and sleeping. Harry had Quidditch practice early in the morning twice a week, and seemed to be enjoying it immensely, while his teammates were usually quite tired, and annoyed by the first year's enthusiasm.
Harry was surprised to see Halloween arrive so soon, but was enjoying the small respite of the holiday. The Halloween Feast was just as impressive as the start-of-term banquet. He was just helping himself to a baked potato when Professor Quirell came sprinting into the hall. Everyone stared as he reached Professor Dumbledore's chair, slumped against the table, and gasped, "Nundu - in the dungeons - thought you ought to know."
There was a tremendous uproar in the Great Hall, for it was common knowledge among wizards that a Nundu was quiet possibly the deadliest of beasts. The Professors looked quite unhappy with this as well, as it usually took a hundred wizards to subdue a Nundu.
Professor Dumbledore shot several purple firecrackers from the end of his wand to bring silence. "All sixth-years and seventh-years will follow Professor Riddle, and the other instructors down to the dungeons. Fifth-year Prefects, bring your houses back to the dormitories immediately."
The prefects quickly took control of the situation, and left the Great Hall with the younger children. The Slytherins went down to their dormitories, which also happened to be in the dungeons. Most were quite terrified, however, there was no other option. Harry and Hermione followed the prefect, Marcus Flint, down the many staircases and passageways.
Harry had a prickling sensation in the back of his neck. He felt the sensation grow until Flint shouted "Stop!"
The Nundu was right before them, and was grinning from ear to ear, seeing it's dinner arrive so quickly. It's great big body, covered with golden fur, and black spots scared the Slytherins senseless.
"Retreat! Back!" shouted Flint, as he ran from the beast, followed quickly by most of the students.
Harry stared at the creature's eyes, and saw that it would unleash it's toxic breath soon. Before the Nundu could react, Harry jumped right in front of it. "Stupefy" said Harry shooting a stunning spell right in between it's eyes. The creatures dropped to the floor, unconscious, as the teachers and older students arrived.
Professor Dumbledore seemed quite shocked at what he saw. "Harry," he said in a soft voice, "I assume you did this."
"Yes, sir. It was ready to unleash it's breath, so I had no other choice." replied Harry.
"Quite impressive." said Dumbledore, eyeing the unconscious Nundu.
"I believe, perhaps, sixty points to Slytherin for such a valiant effort." suggested Professor Snape.
Harry noticed the scent of blood that came from the Professor's robes. He observed a trickle of blood coming from his Snape's leg. He pulled aside the cloak covering it and said "Curatio", healing the very nasty-looking cuts.
Snape smiled at his favorite pupil, and responded "Ten points to Slytherin for an excellent healing charm."
Dumbledore nodded and turned back to the Nundu. Harry's Mum, however, wasn't too pleased. She took Harry aside and began to scold him.
"What were you thinking? Taking on a Nundu is next to impossible for a fully trained wizard, what chance did you stand against that beast!" Professor Riddle said reprovingly.
"But, Mum, what choice did I have? It was about to kill us all. Besides, I beat the Nundu, no harm done." Harry replied.
"I know Sweetie, but please do be more careful next time. I'd hate to have to clean your remains off the walls." she said lovingly. "Now go off to your Dorms, the house-elves will be bringing down food for you guys." She hugged him, and gave him a quick kiss before sending him on his way.
Hermione and Draco were waiting for him besides the portrait hole that led into the Common Room. "That was amazing, Harry! It takes a hundred wizards to subdue a Nundu, and you did it with just one spell." said Hermione, as she hugged him.
"Yeah, Harry, that was really incredible; you must be an extremely powerful wizard." said Draco. "Your father must have been really powerful as well." he added slyly, trying to get a reaction from Harry. He wasn't really certain if Harry was the spawn of Voldemort, but he wanted to find out.
"I thought your father was still alive, Harry." said Hermione, releasing him from her embrace.
/I'll have to tell them sooner or later, this seems like a perfect occasion. I doubt Draco will be put off by it, in fact, he'll probably start to act subservient to me; so that he can be my right hand man, if I become a Dark Lord. Hermione cares for me too much to abandon me, even if she wanted to. There isn't any harm in telling them./ "Um, could I talk to you two, alone? It's really important." he said, leading Hermione and Draco to a wall, where a statue of Salazaar Slytherin stood.
He pointed his wand at Slytherin's chest, and said "Dissendium." A small hole opened in the wall, and the trio went in, before it closed. Inside was a one-room chamber, that was furnished richly and with a water fountain in the midst. On one side of the room chamber was a giant mirror, while on the other was a roaring fire. He led them to three armchairs facing the fire.
"How did you find this place?" asked Draco in incredulity.
"Uncle Severus, um, Professor Snape showed it to me, earlier this summer. He said he and his friends found it when they were first-years. Lucius Malfoy, your Dad, and his buddies, showed it to them as they were leaving Hogwarts." explained Harry.
"So, what is it you wanted to tell us?" asked Hermione, eager to hear what Harry had to say about his father. She had begun to admire Tom Marvolo Riddle and Lily Riddle, quite a bit, and wanted to follow in their footsteps.
"I think Draco has an idea of what this is about, but I'll explain it to you. You see my father is really famous, the most famous wizard in the world, and probably the most powerful in history …" began Harry.
"You father is Professor Dumbledore? Harry, I had no idea; I mean there's really no resemblance…" said Hermione, quite amazed.
"No, Hermione, not Professor Dumbledore. Although, they say he was the only one my father was afraid of You see, Tom Marvolo Riddle, " he said, writing the words in the air, "can be rearranged to spell 'I Am Lord Voldemort.' Voldemort is my father." said Harry.
Neither of his friends spoke for several minutes, trying to digest what he had said. Soon, Malfoy kneeled in front of Harry, and kissed the hem of his robes. "I'm sorry for any disrespect I've given you, my Lord, I was ignorant of your greatness. I beg for forgiveness." he said, not looking up at Harry.
Harry was a little taken aback, but nonetheless responded, "All is forgiven Draco. You are permitted to look at my face; now rise and be seated." Draco seemed to rise uneasily, and sat down again. Harry noticed how pale Hermione was, and that she seem to be terrified.
"Calm down, Hermione. You're still my best friend. Unlike my father, I don't hate those who are muggle-born." he said gently. At this Hermione seemed to relax a little, but she still seemed to be a bit tense. "I wanted both of you to know, since you are my closest friends. It wouldn't be very fair to you, to hide my secret."
"Harry," said Hermione shakily, "If You-Know-Who is your father, why did he want to kill you?" she asked.
"His name is Voldemort, Hermione. It's only a name. Anyway, my Mum never really answered that question ether. She said she would answer when the time was right. What she did say was that Voldemort knew I was going to be a lot more powerful than him, so he wanted to get rid of any future rivals." answered Harry.
"But you were more powerful than him, even then, right? Is that how you survived the killing curse?" asked Draco.
"No, that's not how I survived it. This is the other secret, and explains why I don't hate my father like other wizards do." he said, sighing slightly. "Voldemort had a change of heart after he shot the curse at me, apparently he … loved … me enough to pull most of the curse back unto himself. He didn't get hit with enough to kill him, and neither did I. So, in a way he saved my life." he finished, eyeing the other two.
Both had gone deathly pale, and it worried Harry a bit. Finally Hermione spoke up, "I'm r-really g-glad you t-told us, Harry."
Harry laughed a bit. "You're starting to sound like Professor Quirell, Hermione. You going to start wearing stinky turbans next?" he said, still chuckling. That seemed to lighten the mood a bit, and he saw small smirks on his friends' faces. "Anyway, I would appreciate it, if you kept what I told you, and the existence of this room quiet. However, I'm sure you'll want to tell your father, Draco. I get the feeling that he might have his suspicions, but go ahead and tell him tonight. By Floo, so that it can't be intercepted."
"Of course, Harry, anything you want." said Malfoy cheerily. Harry was sure that visions of power and grandeur danced through his head. Harry decided not to destroy the delusions, for he himself was unsure of the path he would take. The trio left the room before turning to slightly cold food waiting for them. For the first time, Harry felt that he had real and true friends.
*****************************
That night, after the others had slept, Draco tiptoed down to the Common Room fire. Harry discretely followed him, wanting to see what Draco would tell his father.
Draco had a bit of Floo powder in his hand, and he threw it into the fire saying "Malfoy Manor. Master Bedroom."
Soon, the face of Lucius Malfoy appeared in the fire. He seemed somewhat tired and taken aback at being contacted at such a late hour. Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, soon appeared by Lucius' head. Harry noticed that she was quite beautiful, a blonde bombshell, although different from his mother, a seductive redhead.
"What happened, Son? It's nearly midnight. You haven't been hurt, have you?" asked the elder Malfoy with concern.
"No, I'm not hurt. Although, most of Slytherin House was almost wiped out tonight by a Nundu. But that's only part of what I have to tell you. I found out some information about our Lord, tonight that I'm sure you would like to know." said Draco. "Harry Riddle is my best friend here at Hogwarts."
"Really, that's quite good son. His mother, Lily, is head of Slytherin House, I believe. Quite smart move, in associating with a Professor's son, and the Boy Who Lived. That should open up some doors for you." said Narcissa happily.
"You have no idea. He told me, and our friend Hermione Granger about his paternity in the secret room behind Lord Slytherin's statue. Lord Voldemort is Harry's Father." said Draco.
Both of Draco's parents seem shocked by this. Slowly, Lucius said "I suspected that he was somehow related, but our Lord's son! Astounding! Did you find out how he survived the attack?"
"Apparently, after our Lord shot the killing curse at Harry, he had a change of heart. He loved Harry so much that he was willing to pull the curse back unto himself. Some of the curse hit Harry, giving him his scar; but the rest of it hit our Lord, depriving him of a body." answered Draco.
The mouths of the other Malfoys were agape. After awhile, Lucius asked "Are you sure he was telling the truth? I really can't imagine our Lord being a loving person."
"And what about that Nundu you said something about earlier?" asked Narcissa worriedly.
"Someone led a Nundu into the dungeons tonight, during the Halloween feast. The prefects led the younger kids to the dorms, while the teachers and the sixth and seventh years went with them to fight the Nundu. We were almost to our Common Room, when the Nundu approached us. It was about to let loose it's toxic breath, when Harry shot a Stunner at it. He knocked out the Nundu all by himself. I doubt even Dumbledore is capable of that." said Draco.
"Amazing! He surely is the our Lord's Heir. Draco, you must ingratiate yourself with our young Lord. He will surely favor you then, when he comes to power." advised Lucius.
"Of course, Dad, I've already begun. It isn't bad, Harry's a really good friend." replied Draco.
"Well, Draco, since that's settled, how's the rest of your school-life? How's dear Severus treating you?" asked Narcissa, sending the conversation onto parent-son topics.
Harry decided that he had heard enough, and crept silently to bed. He was quite glad that the elder Malfoys were accepting of the fact that Draco was his friend. He easily went into a blissful sleep, in which again he dreamed of his father.
*****************************
November soon arrived at the weather turned cold in Northern Scotland. Harry practiced maniacally, getting ready for their match against Gryffindor. It was usually the most heated of the year, as the house rivalry was legendary. The first game approached quite quickly, and soon enough Harry found himself in emerald and silver robes awaiting the start of the game. He had bewitched his broom to say Nimbus 2000, as to not cause any suspicion. He smiled slightly, seeing the two Captains shake each others hands, as they were trying to break bones.
Soon the, the balls were released, and Harry scanned the pitch for the Snitch. He couldn't make out a golden flash anywhere, so he began to fly around the field searching for it. He was on his third flight around when his broom gave a sudden lurch, then again. Soon the broom was zigzagging around, and making vicious swishing movements to unseat him; the broom was completely out of his control.
/Only powerful Dark Magic can tamper with a broom. Someone must be jinxing it./ Thinking quickly he began muttering a counter-curse, while staring steadfastly at his broom. "Pareo Mihi. Pareo Mihi. Pareo Mihi ..."
The broom was soon under his own power, but Harry could hear a slight whisper "My boy's quite powerful. Knocking out a Nundu, doing an extraordinary counter-curse. Most impressive."
Harry had no time to think on the words much, as he saw a flash of gold below him. He dove at an alarming rate, and soon caught the Snitch. The Game was over, Slytherin had won two hundred ten point to twenty. Professor McGonagall looked to nearly be in tears, as she left the Quidditch pitch.
As he landed near the Slytherin changing room, Professor Snape and his mother came to meet him. "Oh Sweetie, thank goodness you're alright!" Lily said enveloping him in a hug.
"Someone was jinxing my broom, Mum. I said the counter curse so it didn't work, but it must have been powerful Dark Magic." he said.
"It was Quirell." said Snape. "We saw him staring at the broom muttering something. However, it might have been a counter-curse as well, but it probably wasn't."
"Why is that?" asked Harry.
"we have suspicions about his trustworthiness He headed for the, uh, forbidden corridor the night the Nundu attacked. We think he might have been trying to steal something, but we have no proof." answered Snape.
"Has this got something to do with what was in Vault 713?" Harry asked.
"That's none of your concern, Sweetie." said Professor Riddle.
"If Quirell's trying to kill me, then it is my concern, Mum." replied Harry.
"I agree, it's better that we tell him now, rather than let him face the unknown later." said Professor Snape.
"Very well. What I got from Vault 713 belongs to Nicolas Flamel, it's the Sorcerer's Stone. You know about it's properties. Someone is trying to steal it, someone who is a former Death Eater, as evidenced by the Dark Mark that flew over Gringotts." said Lily.
"So, you think Professor Quirell is the Death Eater?" asked Harry.
"Oh no, he was only fourteen when Voldemort was defeated, much too young. No, he's just greedy and ambitious." said Snape.
"So, Quirell and a Death Eater are trying to get the Stone. How do you know that it wasn't the Death Eater trying to jinx my broom? He or she would have a grudge against me for defeating Voldemort." said Harry.
"It is possible, but not probable. What Death Eater would enter the school with Professor Dumbledore around?" asked Lily rhetorically.
"The same one who let a Nundu into the school, under the nose of Professor Dumbledore." replied Harry.
Both Professors seemed to be disturbed by this thought. "Perhaps you're right Harry. Severus, I think we should do a check of the school for any secret passageways that have been recently used. Have a good day, Sweetie." said Lily, as the two left the changing room.
Harry thought deeply about Quirell and the Death Eater. /I don't think Uncle Severus is right this time, I really feel that Quirell is a Death Eater. But that's impossible isn't it? As Severus said, Quirell was too young at the time of Voldemort./ Harry pondered this as he left the changing room. He found his two friends waiting for him outside, both looking quite worried.
"Harry, are you alright? You were nearly killed. We saw your mother and Snape muttering a counter curse, but who was jinxing it?" asked Hermione.
"I'm fine, and yes someone was jinxing it. They say it's either Professor Quirell or a Death Eater who got on the grounds. Not all Death Eaters know of my paternity after all." replied Harry.
"But why would Quirell try to kill you? It must be a Death Eater." said Draco.
"Look, let's go somewhere more private to discuss this." said Harry, leading them to the secret chamber in the Slytherin common room.
"So, why is Professor Quirell trying to kill you?" asked Hermione, as they sat in front of the fire.
"Remember that big three-headed dog in guarding something the forbidden corridor, that I told you about? Mum said that the Sorcerer's Stone, the stone that produce the Elixir of Life and turn metals into gold, is hidden in there. Apparently, that's what the Death Eater at Gringotts was trying to steal, but Mum got there minutes before the Death Eater did, so he couldn't get it. Turns out, that on Halloween, when the Professors were going down to fight the Nundu, Quirell headed for the Forbidden Corridor. Uncle Severus managed to confront him before he could get to the stone, though." explained Harry.
"What if Quirell is the Death Eater?" suggested Hermione.
"Uncle Severus says that he's too young to be a Death Eater, but I still think you might be right. He seems a bit sinister to me." replied Harry.
"So, what do we do now?" asked Draco.
"There's no other option besides just watching Quirell, and to wait for his next move." replied Harry.
End of Chapter Three.