A/N: Just like in the previous chapters I own nothing.
Thanks to all the reviews I appreciated each and every one of them, please keep them going my muse feeds off of them. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Sorry for the lateness, got back from the trip and tried to update as fast as possible.
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Wormtail scurried away from his hiding spot behind the brick wall, as fast as his little legs would carry him. This was what he had been waiting for. News this big could make him one of the highest ranked death eaters out there along with Lucius Malfoy, and Bellatrix Lestrange. He dreamt of the ultimate glory that would be bestowed upon him, al the weakest death eaters facing him and bowing down before his feet. He would no longer be the stumpy, clumsy, pathetic dribbling fool he used to be, he would now be the one most revered. Wormtail was lost in his thoughts about the riches and fame he would receive that he did not realize he had reached his destination. He came out of his animagaus form and came to be a short stocky man that resembled his animal form.
Peter entered the castle stealthily. He did not want to be noticed by anyone. He wanted the meeting with his master to be a quiet affair. He was afraid that if his fellow death eaters got wind of his information they would use it for their own personal gain. Peter wanted this one all for himself.
He knocked on the huge oak doors to the study. He knew that was where his master spent most of his free time, and where he could be found now.
"Enter." A harsh voice called from behind the doors.
Peter pushed the heavy doors opened. He crossed the room and made his way to the desk where Voldemort sat.
"My Lord." Peter's voice slightly quavered from fright.
"What is it Wormtail, this better be important, I am in an crucial meeting right now, and you've just interrupted it."
To answer Peter's unasked question, the chair opposite of Voldemort's desk swivelled around to show a man with long silvery hair, and steel grey eyes. Lucius Malfoy smirked at the stumpy man before him. Lucius could not understand why Voldemort kept Pettigrew around, but was not stupid enough to ask him, punishment would not be worth it.
Peter studied Lucius Malfoy carefully. He did not wish for that man to be there when he disclosed his information. "My, Lord, I was hoping for some privacy, the information that I have just found out is quite vital to you conquering the Wizarding World. This new information could be a devastating blow to your accomplishments."
Voldemort was angry, his red eyes grew wider, and Peter knew he made a mistake when he asked for Malfoy's dismissal.
"Now, Now, Wormtail," Voldemort, chided him, "Lucius is my most trusted death eater. Surely what you have got to say in front of me, can reach his ears to."
"I-I'm sorry My Lord, but I was really hoping for some privacy. Please." Peter stammered.
"I will not tolerate such insolence. How dare you disrespect someone who is higher ranked than you? Crucio."
Lucius and Voldemort sneered at the convulsing man on the hard wood floor.
"It is alright My Lord. As enjoyable as this is I must leave to my Manor. Draco and Narcissa are expecting me home for dinner it is his birthday today, and I do not want to be late for the celebration."
"Give him my regards Lucius, and I expect to see him soon. I am anxious for him to get the mark. He will be an extraordinary asset to my cause."
"And he is looking forward to joining your cause My Lord, or if you don't mind our cause."
"Not at all Lucius, not at all."
Lucius draped his travelling cloak over his shoulders, and closed it with a silver snake clasp. He then took his snake tipped cane and before he left he kissed the hem of his masters robe.
Once Lucius was gone Voldemort released Pettigrew from the unforgivable. With a shaky step Peter guided his sore body to the chair that had been previously occupied by Malfoy.
Red eyes turned to slits as the rat like man had the audacity to sit down before he did. He felt the need to curse the man again, but in the long run decided it would be better to hear his news first, and then punish him accordingly.
Voldemort sat himself behind his desk, and waited for the man to start. After several moment of complete silence he realized that he would have to be the one to initiate the conversation.
"Well, Wormtail what news do you bring to me?"
Peter knew he should have been the one to speak first, but his body was sore and would not consent to any body movements. The long pause was more for his benefit to gain control than anything else. "It is about Severus Snape, Master."
"And what about him."
"Everything that you have known about him is false, he isn't even Severus."
"What do you mean, Wormtail?" Voldemort was quickly losing what was left of his remaining patience.
"Severus is really James Potter."
"Don't be so foolish…"
"No, My Lord I saw it, it's true. Severus apparated into Diagon Alley, in the alleyway that I was guarding, and then he transformed into James Potter."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, My Lord, Quite sure."
'Legilimens." A rush of images passed through the Dark Lord's head, as he saw what the other man had seen. Severus Snape entering in a dark alley, closed his eyes, shook his head, and then transformed into James Potter. "It can't be true." Voldemort murmured releasing Wormtail from his magical grip. "Why didn't you tell me James Potter was a metamorphamagus?"
"I-I-I didn't know."
"How could you not know Wormtail, you have spent almost your whole life surrounded by the so called 'Marauders'.
"I wasn't privy to all of their secrets, My Lord."
"You are a disgrace to wizards everywhere Wormtail. Even young Messrs Crabbe and Goyle are better wizards then you, and they spend three quarters of their time eating."
This was not the way that Wormtail had expected the situation to go. His dream of being inducted into the inner circle seemed to fade slowly from his view.
"I came, My Lord, right when I found out. My loyalties to you have never wavered."
"Are they Wormtail?" Voldemort's mouth cracking into a snake like smile.
"Yes, My Lord."
"Wormtail you must think of me a fool." This time Voldemort laughed.
A high-pitched laugh that echoed off the walls, and made the terrified man cringe.
"Never, My Lord."
"No Wormtail, I believe you do. Answer me this, when were you going to mention about the wizards debt you owe to one Harry James Potter?"
Wormtail fell backwards from surprise. He never told anyone what happened at the shrieking shack so how could Voldemort even know?
"I was not hiding anything, My Lord. I just didn't find it of any importance."
Voldemort chuckled loudly again. It was a cold and dangerous laugh. "I saw Wormtail a quick glimpse of the image through the legilimens that I put on you. I saw Potter saving your life from death's door. Too bad he is not here to save you now. Shame isn't it?"
Peter Pettigrew did not know how this had happened, and he fell to the hardwood floor dead, while still in thought of how his demise came to pass.
Voldemort sighed and left the body in his study, a house elf would eventually come to take it away. He knew now he had to find another spy. He had not planned on getting rid of Wormtail this early, he was hoping for Wormtail to last for another two years, and then he would kill him, but he could not let a betrayal such as this go. There were other illegal animagaus in his pack of death eaters and he would just have to settle on using one of them to spy on the Potter brat, and now his father, as well.
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Two days later Voldemort's inner circle surrounded him. He was grateful for his most trusted allies they would not disappoint him.
"I have called you all today to let you know of some new revelations in our plans. It appears that James Potter is alive and Severus Snape is dead. How he came to be alive I still do not know, but I intend to find out. I need a spy stationed from now on at Hogwarts full time. I would expect a detailed report of the happenings, and together we will overtake both the Potter's and then Wizarding Britain."
"We will do anything for you my Lord." Lucius spoke up from the small exclusive crowd.
"I know you would, Lucius, but I need someone who will be able to transform into a small creature. I need an animagaus."
The ruffling of whispers and cloaks spread throughout the circle, everybody in attendance could transform, but only into large creatures. There were nervous flickers being sent to their comrades throughout the circle when nobody upped and volunteered.
"Well anybody, or do I have to curse you all to the nether regions."
"It is not that, my Lord." Nott spoke up. "It is just that the animals that all of us can transform into is rather large and highly conspicuous."
"Well then I give you all three days time to learn how to transfigure yourselves, or else be damned, we will reconvene at that time."
The group nodded their assent. They had no choice. They all bowed down and one by one kissed the hem of their master's robe. They exited silently, not a breath of air was passed between the small group. All were lost in their own thoughts about how they would be able to do the impossible, when it took them all nearly three years to be able to achieve their animal forms as is.
As Lucius was leaving with the rest of the group an idea came to light, something that would allow Draco into the ranks. He made his way back into the meeting room. He could not imagine why he did not think of it before.
"My Lord, I do not mean to intrude, but I have news that would help with the problem at hand."
"Hmm." Voldemort said without even acknowledging his now most faithful servant's existence.
"Draco, My Lord. He has recently learned how to become an Animagi."
"And what animal does the younger Malfoy change into, a dragon I suppose." He smirked more to himself then anything else.
"Exactly, but not just a dragon, a miniature dragon, small scaled, and hardly noticeable at all."
"I am glad to hear of this, but he has not even has his induction yet, Lucius, and this is a very important task. I was actually hoping that you would be able to master the task that I have set forth."
"I was thinking, My Lord, that this could be Draco's initiation. If he could do it well then he has already proven himself has he not?"
Any outburst like this would have found any of his other servant's screaming on the ground in pain. He knew Lucius had a point and he was eager to get the younger Malfoy in his ranks. With the two Malfoy's the dark side would be stronger then they had ever been before.
"Alright Lucius, I want to speak to Draco personally, first, If I am going to allow for this to happen. Tomorrow night I will meet you in the gardens and he will show me his animalistic form."
"Yes, My Lord. We will be here tomorrow, and thank you."
Lucius strolled out of the room, and a chill went down his spine when he heard the shout of his master reaching his ears in a warning. "This better work Lucius or else."
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"Draco, do not ruin this for me, or you." Lucius said threateningly to his son.
Draco just nodded. For the whole day Lucius had forced his son to change into his small dragon form, and then change back. He was told that he was going to go to the dark lord and become a spy for him if all went well. He was looking forward to the day when he would join his father in the fight against mudbloods and half-breeds.
"Father, do I get my mark if I do this?" Eyes like silver sparkling at his father's answer.
"After you do this, and you do not disappoint me you will get your mark, now one more time."
After about fifteen more switches Lucius was pleased with Draco's animagaus form, and he took his son's hand and apparated them both to the waiting dark lords gardens.
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"Does he suffice, My Lord?" Lucius questioned with bated breath.
"He will do fine, Lucius." Voldemort told his companion.
The two Malfoy's let out a silent sigh of relief. It did not go unnoticed by Voldemort.
"You know what must be done?" Voldemort asked the younger Malfoy.
"Yes, sir." Draco said, anticipation and worry written all over his face, his usual mask seemed to come undone with the end of the day.
'Very well go, and I expect a report by Wednesday."
"Yes Sir." Draco repeated himself once more, and with that he disappeared from sight of the two comrades.
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When Draco arrived at Hogwarts he was in his dragon form. He had no idea where he was supposed to start looking. He had been informed of what had happened that had lead him there that night, but he had no idea where to find everybody. The dark Lord and his father left out that one part.
From where he stood he heard two familiar voices, the mudblood and the weasel, it did not strike his curiosity to as why they were there, he was just ecstatic that they were. He followed the voices up the stairs, which led him into the infirmary. When he arrived it looked like a small party was going on. A small sleeping figure was surrounded by seven very boisterous people. He perched himself on a ledge that was near the bed, and observed what was going on, just like he had been instructed to do.
Nobody seemed any wiser, to the new member of the party.
"Hey remember in sixth year the one that landed you into detention for three weeks?" Remus asked his friend.
"Yes?" James asked back.
"Let's see that one." He grinned as his best friend turned a dark shade of red.
"I think I'll leave that one out."
"Let's see Dumbledore." Fred called out.
"No, no that's enough for now, I'm tired. I have already done at least a million galleons worth of changes." James leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes from wariness.
"Alright everybody, time for bed. James has a point, it's late and Harry is not waking up tonight."
Everybody got up and headed out of the hospital wing.
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The lone figure sat in the darkness. The darkness that surrounded him camouflaged his ebony hair. He did not know how long he was there, but it felt like an eternity. He knew he had a home, and friends, and he could remember what he was, he just could not seem to find a way out of the darkness.
Harry Potter rocked himself back and forth, for a couple of minutes he thought he heard his friends, talking and laughing. The laughter cut through the blackness that engulfed him, and he thought he could make out the infirmary of Hogwarts. He saw dim outlines of people that he could recognize, the Weasley's, Hermione, and Remus Lupin, and one person he had never met before, but seemed oddly familiar. He wanted to get a closer look, but then everything started to blur, and just as soon as he saw the familiar, it ended.
He was left alone and scared. Harry had no clue how he ended up in this mysterious place. The last thing he remembered was his Uncle Vernon beating him in the cupboard.
The only thing that he could think of was that he was in the cupboard and hearing and seeing his friends was just a dream.
Slowly tears ran down his face. The boy who lived was tired and drained. He wanted Hedwig, but knew he would never see her again. He wanted his wand; the only object that he felt ever really protected him. Mostly, however, he wanted someone to just hold him, someone that loved him. For the first time in his life he desperately yearned for a parent.
The coldness that went with the dark was too much for his already thin too frame. He pulled his body into a tight ball hoping to get warmed, but the warmth never came, just like the light. Nothing came and he was alone. He was always alone, even when he was at Hogwarts, or at the Dursley's, there was no one anywhere that would always be by his side.
He thought he found the person to take away his pain and make him feel loved in Sirius. Sirius would have done anything and everything for him, and he did, and for that he died. Now Harry was all alone again. He had Remus, but Remus was not the same. Nobody would be able to fill the empty void that he was feeling.
With his breathing finally slowing down, and his nerves calming, Harry was able to fall asleep. He was tired. The cold was still there but it slowly ebbed away. Instead of the cold a new feeling surpassed through his body. It was warm, but there was more to it, it felt like love.
He heard another's voice singing softly, something he remembered from a dream, or a memory. It was something his mom sang to him when he was just an infant. He hoped that whoever was with him would not go away.
For the first time in the dark place Harry felt safe.
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As the guests retreated to their respective rooms, James baded them a goodnight, and went to sit beside his son on the bed. He sang the song that Lily had sung to Harry as a baby, and he prayed to Merlin that Harry could hear him and know that everything would be all right.
He rubbed smooth circles on Harry's back, something he had not had a chance to do since Harry was a baby, and he was truly himself and not an impostor.
While holding his son, he realized how thin Harry actually was. The boy needed to eat more, and once he was awake James would make sure that he did.
A soft cough from behind him alerted James that him and his son were not alone anymore. He heaved a sigh of frustration, not once since he had turned back into himself was he able to get one moment of alone time with his boy. No not boy a young man.
The cough was louder; he could no longer avoid it. Looking up, brown eyes met blue eyes.
"So, what happened to the Dursley's?" James asked.
"They got what they deserved." The old man answered back.
"So, you can't tell me what you did? Fine." And he turned his back from his former professor, his gaze lingering on his son.
Since the Dursley's punishment that name had not been brought up in the whole of Hogwarts, Remus would not tell him, and he was not speaking to Dumbledore, so he had no clue what had happened after his retreat. It had now been about three days and he wanted to know what kind of revenge had been given for his son.
"So how are you doing?" Dumbledore asked hoping to start a civil conversation.
There came no reply. James ignored the unwanted visitor and kept all his attention on his son.
"I think we need to have a little chat. Why don't you come with me to my office and we can have a snack before dinner time."
Still no reply. Dumbledore sighed dejectedly.
Dumbledore was worried. Since James' return from the Three Broomsticks with Remus, all he did was sulk around the castle, between the corridors and the hospital wings. Granted James was putting up a magnificent charade when others were around, secretly and behind everybody's back, James was not looking after himself, and Dumbledore was worried.
"Leave me alone." Came the hollow reply from James.
"Now! And this is not an invite, but a command." Dumbledore rose to his full height, his eyes turning a dark blue that almost looked like black. The man could be frightening when he wanted to.
"Ha! What are you going to do to me, erase my memory, and tell me my name is McGonagall? Oops sorry forgot you did that already, my bad." James spat.
"If that's what it takes yes, I'll do it again, within a heartbeat. And I may have to, considering you act like a three year old child, every time I come into the room."
"You deserve no more from me. You don't care about anybody else besides yourself and the stupid war. We are all pawns in your plans, and I refuse to be played anymore."
"That was never my intention."
"No it may not have started that way, but that's how it went. Now leave, I have ordered something from the house elves and they will be bringing me dinner here."
"How come I don't believe you?"
"Personally I don't care whether you do or not."
"Do you think this is what Lily would have wanted, or Severus, or even Sirius? They risked their lives to save Harry's and yours and now you are just sitting here wallowing in self-pity? Shame on you!" Dumbledore scolded. He knew James was not wallowing in self – pity, but he wanted to get a rise out of the man, and he did.
James leapt up off the bed, like a lion ready to pounce on his prey. "Don't you dare speak to me about them. You have no right. NONE."
"Well then stop acting like a Malfoy who didn't get his way."
This truly made James' blood start to boil. First he was compared to a three-year-old child, then Dumbledore started talking about every single person that he loved and lost, and then to add insult to injury Dumbledore compared him to a Malfoy.
Forgetting about his wand, James struck Dumbledore across the face, startling the elder wizard and knocking him to the floor. A residual sound from the slap bounced off the walls.
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Harry was happy for the warmth that was provided for him, even if it was something he could not comprehend. All he knew was that he did not want it to die out.
From where he was nestled on the floor, he was able to start seeing Hogwarts again through hazy eyes. He could make out a stranger entering the room, but upon closer investigation he was able to discern the form of his old headmaster.
Unlike the last few times, the images were stronger, and he knew that if he could just escape the darkness then redemption would come to him.
He watched the scene unfold and realized that whomever Dumbledore was talking to he was trying to make his warmth leave him. And he did not want the warmth to leave he felt safe and secure. He never felt like that before, he finally found what that warmth actually meant, love, and all he knew was that Dumbledore was trying to take that away from him.
He heard Dumbledore provoking the man, and then he saw the headmaster fall to the floor.
The sound that entered erupted in his oversensitized ears, and head. It reminded him of his uncle's slaps. He felt his body jerk and he screamed the word, "NO."
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James and Albus stopped from where they were standing and stared at the very awake and very screaming sounds coming from Harry.
His face was red from screaming, and his skin was ghostly white. James looked at his terrified son, and felt as if his heart would break. This was not something any father should have to see.
When brown eyes met emerald eyes. The boy passed out.
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Harry realized that it was not a dream and he was in Hogwarts. His headmaster had been there all along, and with him there was that familiar stranger.
As his eyes met the other one's, Harry was finally able to recognize the man for what he was worth.
Harry was staring at his supposedly dead father.
His body and mind could not register all that, and he fell back down in the cold black abyss.