Warning: Bad Language, a little darker than pervious chapters, a little loopy because of cough syrup. Question was raised as to why Harry didn't grab his broom? Answer: The writer is a Muggle who didn't think of such things.

Because I said

Chapter 8 Loyalty

By Wittchway

Snape released his hold on Harry as the two came stumbling into the grounds surrounding the outer boundaries of Riddle Manor. As Harry stumbled forward several death eaters caught him before he actually hit the ground. Panicking, Harry quickly pulled his arms from their grip as he got his footing, pulling Snapes old cloak around him. Several small pops and more death eaters appeared behind them. Snape dusted himself off, coming up behind the boy pulling the hood of the cloak up over Harry Potters head, adjusting it to frame the boys face so that only the green of his eyes could be seen under the dark of the hood.

"When you go in there make sure you bow but maintain eye contact...Show some respect." Snape snarled as if Harry was incapable of such behavior. The death eaters that had just arrived watched with interest as the boy who lived was prepared to meet the Dark Lord...his father. Several of them removed their masks, hoods still up.

Lucius Malfoy strolled forward, a cold smirk on his face, circling Snape... "Treacherous bastard...if this goes wrong.... after we welcome your Dumbledore approved ass back...I'll kill you" the blond poked him in the chest.

Snape sneered grabbed hold of Potters arm, "get your stories straight Malfoy, I was never Dumbledore's spy...I was Voldemorts" he spat knocking past Malfoy. He turned suddenly Potter still in his grip and dragged the boy towards the house.

The death eaters followed behind slowly, up through the gates up to the manor home. Harry took in the view of the house upon the hill. A most impressive three-story house, with several fireplace chimney's placed on top. A wild garden and tangle of ivy vines threatened to take over one whole side of the house.

Dark trees lined the walk up to the house, Harry was sure that if it had been later at night the trees would have freaked him a little, the twisted structure of them was eerie to say the least. Owls hooted happily from their perch in the trees, other birds circled above looking for their place among the others. Harry looked to their perch to see Hedwig circling with the others, he smiled slightly at her brilliance and grace. There was something more though in those trees, something dark. He squinted his eyes as other dark creatures became visible jumping from tree to tree.

Snape pulled at his arm guiding him into the main hall of the house, Harry barely had time to look around. Apparently his appearance was causing a slight commotion as death eaters that were buzzing around stopped to stare at him. A slight murmur whispered through the house, as others appeared to get a look at the boy who lived.

Harry stuck close to Snape, following him through the crowd to the main staircase. Several death eaters sneered at him and he was quite sure several more growled as he was pulled through the crowd. The Death Eaters parted to give Harry Potter space up the staircase. Harry nervously allowed himself to be dragged by Snape up the stairs to the main hallway. Harry looked over his shoulder at those that gathered below watching him.

He shivered slightly as they made their way up another flight of stairs. He wasn't sure he had made the right decision in coming here. But in all reasoning what choice did he have? Dumbledore was obviously only interested in telling the truth when it suited him and he had to know what this life would be like. A life with a parent...his father, he just had to know the truth. It had been quite an identity shock to come to realize after all these years that Voldemort was his father. He had felt lost...like everything his whole life had been a lie. He couldn't stop questioning Dumbledore's motive behind all of this? Why would the old man do this? What possible reason could there be?

What was strange was he had always thought, How different could his life had been if it hadn't been for Voldemort? And now the opposite was true How different could his life had been had it not been for Dumbledore? The man had denied him any family rights he had. Had denied him a father figure. There was still so much unanswered. Like why did his mother put a spell to protect him from Voldemort? Did the man really want him dead? Did Voldemort know this whole time and was that the reason he was after the Potters? Did Voldemort come to reclaim his son that faithful night?

Harry shook his head, he really didn't want to think about it before he met Voldemort. Harry stumbled up the stairs, a slight shake with fear coursed through him. He could not get out of his mind that he was walking to meet his death. What if Dumbledore was right and Lord Voldemort didn't welcome him with open arms. He could remember that fateful day in the graveyard well enough, when Voldemort had restored Little Peter Pettigrews silver hand and said some of his debt had been repaid. He shrugged at the though, all those times he had tried to stop Voldemort from returning; The sorcerer's stone, the year in the chamber... how large would his debt be?

Harry followed the death eater in front of him to the end of the hall, to a set of double doors heavily guarded. The men nodded at Harry "sir" they muttered in unison. Harry looked up at Snape he sneered at Harry in a knowing way. The doors opened to reveal a sparsely furnished study, a large fireplace lined one entire wall, a unique carving of snakes slithered across the mantel. A large mirror above reflected the two occupants of the room, Harry turned suddenly pulling his wand.

Pettigrew who had been kneeling at Lord Voldemorts feet shrieked and attempted to run from the room. As Peter made for the door several death eaters threw Peter to the floor. The man quickly changed to a rat and attempted to scurry from the room. Harry knocked aside one of the death eaters as he crossed the room to step on the tail of Wormtail.

Harry bent down and picked up his catch, his wand pulled on the rat. "You betrayed me" he whispered. Harry looked up suddenly, everyone was staring at him. The rat wiggled in his hold, fear in his eyes. Suddenly self conscious Harry dropped the rat "sorry" he muttered looking up to meet Voldemorts stare. Voldemort watched with interest as his young son caught his prey, he smiled "normal reaction…I'm sure", he whispered.

The Dark Lord clasped his hands tightly behind his back. Harry could tell straight away this was not normal behavior, the death eaters, Snape included fidget uneasily. Dark shadows crossed the room, as the flicker of the fire died and the sun began to set. Voldemort turned to pace a moment, tension seemed to brew with in the room. Only the sound of Wormtail scratching at the door could be heard.

Voldemort turned suddenly, crossing the room to stand before Harry Potter. He looked down at the boy intently as if trying to figure him out. Lord Voldemort made a move to clap Harry on the shoulder. Harry stumbled back to avoid the touch as Avery rushed into the room, out of breath he gasped "were being attacked...Dumbledore's out there."

Harry who at been looking at the floor looked up to meet Voldemorts eyes, the room fell silent, cold. The sparkle of red eyes gleamed back at him turning blood red. "You better be well worth this battle? Your loyalty to me should be undaunted from this day forward" growled Voldemort, he swiftly reached out and cupped the boys chin pulling him forward. Harry's knees buckled as pain coursed through his scar and then ricochet through the rest of his body.

Voldemorts hands felt as if they were on fire against his skin, "I will expect more faithful service in the future...son". Lord Voldemort shove Harry away from him quickly and swept from the room beckoning his loyal death eaters to follow.

Harry lay on the ground, tears prickled at the corner of his eyes. What had he gotten himself into? A man who hated him...had wanted him dead for so long and what...? Had he like Dumbledore said expected to be welcomed back with welcoming open arms? Harry sat up, there was only one way to prove his loyalty to his father and he was damn well going to do everything to make him proud.

Silly Gryffindor.

TBC