Hasn't been too long between updates this time, has it? I've been playing EQ2 a lot. (I'm on the Lucan DLere server as Divtana if anyone plays :P) Anyway, thank you to all you wonderful people who have given me reviews. It makes me very happy to see so many people interested in this little fic. There's another note at the end with a question, please answer it, it'll be a big help.
Disclaimer: As always I don't own anything remotely resembling Harry Potter.
Chapter 22
When Atani and Draco got off the train that summer they were surprised to see who was waiting for them. Lucius was there but so was Voldemort. As they walked towards them someone grabbed Atani's arm and pulled him away. He let out a shout of surprise as he was pulled towards the muggle entrance. Voldemort went after him with Lucius close behind.
"Release him." He hissed, catching up quickly, his green eyes narrowed dangerously.
Atani struggled against the fat muggle, it was his 'uncle' again, obviously he didn't take the threats to heart. He puffed himself up, decidedly larger then the Dark Lord before him. Lucius stood behind his lord, looking at the muggle with distaste, Draco was beside him, worried about his companion. Atani continued to try to pull his arm away.
"Atani, be still." Voldemort ordered calmly before focusing on the muggle, "As for you…" He trailed off, pulling out his wand, "I, unlike others, have no problem killing a filthy muggle like you." His voice was a low hiss, almost snakelike, "Now release my son."
Dursley scowled, "Your son? This is my nephew, Harry Potter." He jerked on his arm and Atani whimpered.
Voldemort did not look pleased, his eyes narrowed to slits. He raised his wand, "Imperio." He said with a wicked smile, his voice was soft, barely a hiss, but it was enough, no one heard him speak except for Lucius, "Now then, release my son." His voice was soft, barely audible; he didn't want to attract attention. Atani's arm was released and he quickly went over to his father and stood behind him, glaring at the muggle, "You will not come after us again, obliviate." No one seemed to notice the exchange that went on.
When Atani had told Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic that Voldemort was back the minister didn't believe him, in fact, he was blamed for Cedric's death. Since there was no evidence he couldn't pursue that avenue. Dumbledore on the other hand did believe him. He seemed to realize Atani was leaving something out though and he certainly couldn't have that. He had put on a wonderful show, crying and getting angry that they wouldn't believe him. Now he was happy, he was with his father and his fiancé, he hoped it would be a good summer. The four of them went to Malfoy Manor where they would be staying for the summer. Atani and Voldemort spent part of each day talking. Atani listened to stories of what happened, about his mother, and about Dumbledore's manipulations. Atani told him about the previous school years. He apologized for second year, when he destroyed the diary. It wasn't until two weeks had passed that something not completely unexpected happened. Dumbledore showed up at the manor with Professors Snape and McGonagall. Atani was the one who answered the door, when he saw them he turned on his heels and walked inside, looking for his father leaving the three professors standing there dumbstruck.
"What business do you have here?" Lucius asked, walking to the door.
"Harry will be staying at Hogwarts this summer." Dumbledore said calmly.
Lucius raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And why is that?"
"The safest place for him is at Hogwarts. Especially if what he said about Voldemort is correct, surely you understand." It almost sounded like he was mocking him. Lucius scowled in response, "I would like to speak with him, it is for his own good after all."
Lucius turned on his heels and walked inside, cloak flowing around him as he walked, "My lord." He said, walking over to Atani and Voldemort, "That fool Dumbledore is here, he desires to take Atani to stay at Hogwarts for the summer."
Atani jumped up angrily, "No! I won't go!"
"Atani, calm yourself." The Dark Lord's voice was calm and collected. He sat down with a huff, crossing his arms over his chest, "Lucius, inform the fool that Atani does not desire to leave his friend and is perfectly safe here." He looked at the boy, "Atani, you will go with him and confirm what he says."
Atani got up and went with the blonde, "Albus, Harry has no desire to go anywhere, he is perfectly safe here, I can guarantee that."
Dumbledore looked over at him, "Is this true, do you really want to stay here?" He asked, sounding like Atani was being controlled.
"I don't want to go anywhere, my best friend is here, and I've been safe for all the previous years." Atani stated calmly, "I don't want to leave and there's no way I'm going to go with you. I'll see you September first." He said with a wave before walking back into the house before Dumbledore or the other two professors could respond.
McGonagall looked shocked by his flippant response and the way he just up and left. Snape was smirking inwardly at the boy's actions, "There are three grown wizards here, he will be perfectly safe. Now excuse me, I have things I need to attend to." Lucius said, walking back inside.
Atani sat down with his father, looking decidedly unhappy, "I can't believe him! Why the hell does he want me to go?"
"Atani, calm down. He wants you somewhere he can keep an eye on you and control you. He sees you as the only one who can defeat me. He wants to use you as a weapon against me."
He sighed, "What are we going to do this summer?" He asked, relaxing into the couch he was sitting on.
"I need to speak with my followers and dole out punishment for those who have gone against me and forgotten me." He paused, "You must remember Atani, I am the Dark Lord. I have things I need to do."
"I know." He sighed, "I'm just happy to have you back. To know that I have a father." He smiled, "I'm happy for once in my life. I was happy when I found out about the wizarding world, I was even happier to find a friend, and then when I found out I had a father that was still alive…"
He smiled and wrapped his arms around him, "Since the first time I held you in my arms I knew you would make me do things that don't fit with the normal view of a Dark Lord. No one would expect to see one holding and hugging a child." He chuckled, pulling him into his lap and playing with his hair, "I'm very proud of you Atani and I wouldn't want anyone else as my son. Your mother would be very proud of you."
"Papa? How did she die?" He asked, laying his head on his shoulder, he wanted to be a child for a change; he wanted to be held and comforted by his father.
Gently he stroked his hair, "Soon after you were born I had to go deal with a few problems. Dumbledore took that as his cue to find your mother and you. Since magic is traceable, well, can be, he decided to use a gun. He threatened your mother, demanded that she give you up. She refused and he killed her. He took you and gave you to the Potters. He made me believe that you were their son and that you were the key to my defeat. Since I couldn't have that I went after them. I killed Lily and James Potter. When I went to kill you I learned that it was you. I pulled the curse back, destroying myself and giving you that scar." He stroked his hair soothingly as he spoke; playing with the long black strands tenderly, "Dumbledore will pay for what he did. I always wanted to be a father, to have things be different for you then they were for me, Dumbledore ruined that."
Atani sighed, "I'm just happy to have you now." He closed his eyes, content with being held by his father, something he had never had before.
"I want to take you shopping, make up for all those birthdays I've missed."
The boy's eyes brightened, "Where are we going to go?" He would have been bouncing like a small child if he hadn't been in his father's lap.
"Diagon and Knockturn Alley, the best places to get what you need or want." He nodded, "Go get ready and we'll go." He said, letting him get up. He bounced up and ran upstairs to change. Voldemort chuckled softly as he watched him go, "You've done well Lucius." He said, knowing the blonde was nearby and could hear him, "I'm pleased that Draco found him and that you have taken care of him. I would be most disappointed if someone hadn't, even more so if Dumbledore had gotten his hooks into him."
"He almost did my lord." Lucius said from where he was standing, "That oaf Hagrid is the one who took him to Diagon Alley, not only that but when Draco found him he was sitting with a Weasley."
His eyes narrowed, "It's good that Draco came along then. We shall have to wait and see what happens, he is a good boy, I don't think I have to worry about Dumbledore's manipulations unless he takes it upon himself to use memory charms on him. I wouldn't put it past him. We must be careful, when at school Draco will be with him at all times." He said, it was an order; he wouldn't let his son be alone with Dumbledore around, "Am I understood?"
"Yes my lord. I shall speak with Draco about it. I'm sure he won't have any complaints." He paused, "Is there anything you need me to do today my lord?"
"No Lucius, not that I can think of at this time. There will be a meeting tonight to cover some things and to discuss a few members lack of loyalty." He looked at Lucius, "You have atoned for your denial by taking care of my son but there are others…" He trailed off.
"Yes my lord, I apologize but I didn't want to leave my family."
"I know that Lucius, mind yourself." He snapped, "That's another reason why I will be lenient on you and the others this time but should it happen again I will be most displeased."
"Yes my lord." He said softly as Atani came bounding down the stairs dressed in his favorite robe, the one Draco had given him his first year. It still fit because it was made with magical cloth that changed with the wearer.
He smiled at his son, "Let's go."
They each grabbed a handful of powder from the fireplace mantle and with a shout of where they wanted to go they disappeared into the fireplace. They spent the day shopping, the dark lord buying everything his son desired. Robes and cloaks, the latest broom, candies, and an owl for post. Voldemort had taken a special ring out of his vault as well for Atani. As they shopped they didn't realize they were being watched, a pair of nearly black eyes watched them carefully as they laughed and talked with each other. They were happy, father and son, a family.
As they were leaving someone grabbed Atani, pulling him into an alley, the black haired boy screamed and thrashed, trying to get away. He sank his teeth into the hand covering his mouth, continuing to struggle. Copper tasting blood filled his mouth as he latched onto his captors flesh. Voldemort rushed into the alley, wand at the ready, pointing it at them.
"Release him!" His voice was a low hiss.
The man holding Atani laughed and brought his lips to his throat, kissing it, "No, I think not. I want this one."
Voldemort hissed, "He is my son and I am the Dark Lord Voldemort, release him now."
His black eyes widened for a moment and he quickly released him, pushing him forward, "I may listen well but others of my kind do not. He has power, we can sense it, and we want it. Keep a closer hold on your child Dark Lord or you may wake up to find him missing." With that he disappeared.
Atani stumbled into his father, clinging to his black robes, blood was on his face and droplets stained his robe. Tears of fear stained his face, he was petrified. Gently Voldemort held him, stroking his hair soothingly, "Shhh, it's alright, nothing's going to happen. Let's get home."
With a wave of his wand they disappeared. He didn't like to apparate with others but he wanted to get home as quickly as possible and didn't want anyone to see the blood on his son. They arrived at the manor and Voldemort immediately took him into one of the bathrooms. Gently he gathered up what blood he could on a rag. Carefully he began to clean his face and neck. When he was finished he brushed his hair out of his face gently before wrapping him in his arms, holding him close. Softly Atani began to cry, sobbing into the soft fabric of his father's robe.
"No one is going to hurt you." He stroked his hair gently, "I won't let anyone hurt you."
Atani nodded, "I know papa, I just need to cry, I-I haven't cried for a long time."
"Alright." He said, holding him and stroking his hair, "Draco's going to get worried if we're gone for too long. Let me clean your robe so we don't worry him." He said, casting a cleaning charm on his robe.
After Atani regained his composure the two of them walked out of the bathroom. When they walked out into the main hall they saw Draco waiting for them, he smiled at Atani before nearly launching himself at him, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him close, "Did you have fun shopping?"
"Of course Drac!" He smiled, acting as if nothing had happened, inside he felt a little odd; he'd talk to his father about it later.
Draco smiled, "Dinners almost done, let's get ready to eat." With that the two of them went upstairs to wash up.
Now then, here's the question. You noticed that Atani drank some of the person's blood and I think it's obvious what said person is. So should Atani become one or not or to what degree should he be one? Give me your opinion; I haven't decided either way, it would just be another spin on it.