A/N: Well, here we go again, folks! It seems that you all lucked out.
Two updates within days of each other. I am spoiling you. I hope you all
enjoy. If you feel that the story is going slow, it will pick up. Just
stick with me. Reviews are at the bottom. If you have reviewed recently,
please read. I need a little clarification on some. ~Sylvia
Dear Tom and Matthew,
What can I say about school? Everything so far is normal, well, as normal as Hogwarts can be. I am being watched constantly, as though the Headmaster is afraid I will disappear again. Several of the teachers here have asked what I was doing during my "captivity". I just look innocent and say that I can't really remember anything from that time. If I hang my head, they quit asking. Professor McGonagall is convinced that I was drugged during that time, and that is why I don't remember a thing about it. I just let her think that. She hasn't asked me directly if I was or not. With the past few years here and what I have seen, I am able to lie to her. Though I don't like too often.
Professor Snape and I are getting along well. Really well. It's almost scary, considering our past relationship consisted of insults and glares tossed back and forth. He actually told me that my calming draught potion was correct. He has never admitted that before. He told me that if I continue showing such progress, he will move me to the Seventh Year class. I haven't decided if that is a good thing or a bad thing yet.
Hermione and Ron must have been told to watch me, because neither they nor any of the other Gryffindors have let me out of their sight since I came back. It is a bit annoying. I have grown to love my privacy. If I even go up to the dormitory by myself, someone comes up with an excuse to follow me. Just a slight annoyance, but still. What if I wanted to change clothes or something private like that? That could be a potentially embarrassing situation.
All of my other classes are going well, and Quidditch starts next month. It will be fun to get back on the pitch on a broom. Or above the pitch. I will miss football, but Quidditch will always be my first obsession. And then football. And Potions. Then Dueling. I will stop listing them now. I have dropped Divination. I don't think that I could stand Professor Trelawney after "Divination for the Eyeless". She makes it seem like you need some gift, and as the book said, "It is ten percent gift, and ninety percent interpretation". Thank you again for including all of my books. They have been a lifesaver so far. If I say that I am studying, less people come up and ask me questions about where I have been and what happened.
Dumbledore himself is the hardest to deal with. He stops me everyday and asks if I need to speak with him, or if I have remembered anything that would help bring my kidnappers to justice. No matter how many times I tell him "no", he won't leave me alone. I hate to sound like I am whining (I suppose I am), but can I use a Silencing Charm on him? Please?
Life otherwise is good. Please tell Nellie that I am eating three full meals a day, with two snacks provided by Dobby, a house elf who works in the kitchens here. Thank her for sending all of my clothes. I have needed them since I often walk down dusty corridors to avoid Dumbledore. Thank you both for everything. I miss you both and will see you at Christmas.
Love,
Harry
Harry closed his letter and addressed it to Tom and Matthew. He slid it inside his robes, planning to slip off from the constant crowd of friends that surrounded him in the hallways to the Owlery to post it off with Hedwig. He turned back to his History of Magic essay and sighed. He needed to write about the importance of the Giant population during medieval times. He pulled out his history book from Tom (a much more suitable book than his Hogwarts text) and started looking in the index for Giant and medieval times. He found the six pages dedicated to the topic and commenced his work. He debated asking Hagrid, but wondered how much the gentle Magical Creatures Professor would know about it.
"Harry, let's go to dinner." Ron said. Harry smiled and nodded at his friend and closed his books. He followed Ron and Hermione out the portrait hole to towards the Great Hall. Along the way, Neville, Seamus, and Lee Jordan joined the group. Harry allowed himself to time his steps until he was walking in the back of the group. When everyone started around the corner, he ducked back and waited exactly five seconds before turning around and dashing down the corridor towards the Owlery. A few flights of stairs and hallways later, he found Hedwig.
"Hey, girl." He said as she found his arm offered. She nipped a finger affectionately. "Would a beautiful bird like you deign to take a letter home to Tom and Matthew?" He asked. Hedwig blinked one eye, then the other and gave an affirmative hoot. He smiled and pulled out the letter. She took it in her beak and flew off through one of the many windows. Harry smiled after she left and went back out the door. If he hurried, he would be able to make it back to his friends before they grew too worried. He rejoined them at the doors to the Great Hall.
"Harry, where did you go?" Neville asked. Harry shrugged.
"Bathroom." Neville nodded, accepting the excuse and started chattering about what his grandmother had said about Harry Potter's disappearance. Harry listened with his full attention, forestalling any questions from the rest of the group about where he had been. They all settled at the table and filled their plates. Dumbledore was at the head table, along with the rest of the teachers. Harry felt them all look at him in turn; making sure that Harry Potter was indeed there. He rolled his eyes at the thought and turned back to his friend's conversation about the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. Harry smiled in anticipation. He had wanted to go to Hogmeade ever since school started to stock up on some of his potions ingredients and start brewing some headache potions. He found that headaches were a common occurrence when all of his professors questioned him about the summer in the same day. He figured it was the stress of being polite when all he wanted to do was tell them off for not believing him the first time.
The next morning, Harry was looking over his notes from the last Potions class, trying to prepare for the class. He wondered what the technical was going to be today, and if he could possibly work in a variation that would improve the speed of the reaction. He pulled out his book to look something up when he heard Ron say that the mail had arrived. Harry looked up and saw Hedwig coming in. They must have had a letter waiting on her at home for her to return so quickly. She landed in front of him, a letter in her beak. Harry's name was written in Tom's neat hand. He smiled and accepted the letter, tucking it into his robe pocket before offering Hedwig a piece of bacon. Harry felt eyes on him and looked up to see Dumbledore staring at him. He knew that look. Dumbledore had questions for him. He turned back around and sighed. He put his hands under the table and waved one, muttering a spell.
On his way out the door, Dumbledore caught up to him. "Good morning, Harry."
"Good morning, Headmaster." Harry returned, being polite.
"I saw that you received a letter this morning. Has your family had a change of heart towards you?" Harry almost laughed at the idea. Dumbledore must not know of what his family had done to him over the summer.
"No, sir. It's an order form." Harry told him. Dumbledore smiled.
"In that case, would you mind me looking at it?" Harry sighed, knowing that Dumbledore would look at it if he wanted to, so Harry took out the envelope and handed it to the headmaster. Dumbledore read the address off. "Weasley Wizarding Wheezes." He smiled. "Ordering some jokes, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not for sure, headmaster. Just thinking about it. Nothing dangerous." Harry attempted and managed an innocent smile. Dumbledore returned the letter to Harry and smiled at the boy.
"That's all right, Harry. Hurry along now to class." Harry nodded, returning his letter to his robe and dashing off towards the dungeons. He walked in two minutes late.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for Potter's tardiness." Harry moved to his seat and pulled out his materials without a moment to spare and read through the instructions. Dreamless Sleep Potion from the look of it. He and Tom had made several batches together this summer when his nightmares had been at their worse. He started in and finished with the others. He looked around and saw several people worriedly looking into their cauldrons. Hermione looked into his and whispered to him.
"What did I do wrong?" Snape was busy with one of the Slytherins. Harry pointed at him empty vial labeled "Turtle Scales". Hermione smacked herself in the forehead with obvious exasperation and added her final ingredient. Harry shook his head. It wasn't like her to forget ingredients. She smiled when her potion turned the appropriate color. Harry finished his notes, bottled his potion, and cleaned up his station. He waited until dismissed and stood with the rest of the class.
"Potter!" Harry froze. "Stand behind. No need to wait for him, Granger. He'll make it to his next class." Hermione left the doorway and disappeared down the corridor. Snape motioned for Harry to have a seat while he went and shut the door. A silencing spell found Harry and Snape some privacy. Snape sat down across from Harry. "How are you holding out?" He asked. Harry let his head fall on the desk.
"I am never alone." He complained. Snape chuckled. "I swear, everyone in Gryffindor must have been told not to let me out of their sights." Snape nodded.
"They were." Snape told him. "All of the professors are to keep their eye on you, and Gryffindor told to watch you closely, to not allow you to be alone in fear of the kidnappers finding you again." Harry groaned again. "Did you get a letter this morning?" Harry sat up quickly and pulled it out. A word and wave of his hand again revealed the letter to be a letter instead of an order form. He looked to Snape for permission in reading the letter. Snape nodded.
Dear Harry,
We are sorry to hear that you are being watched so much. All we can say is that you should tough it out and hopefully they will grow less vigilant as time wears on. No to the Silencing Charm, Harry. He is your headmaster. Just continue to be polite. I'm sure that he will stop with time.
Wonderful to hear about all of your classes going well. You're not bored, are you? Is that why you thanked me for the books? If you are bored, I could easily send some more along. Just say the word.
Good thing to hear about Professor Snape. Remember, he can be your ally there while you're staring everyone else down. He seems to want to help, so trust him.
Matthew wanted me to say for you to "kick Slytherin's butt" at your Quidditch match. I am sure that you know what that means, for I am not sure. I wish you luck and please, don't fall off your broom.
Nellie was happy to hear that you were eating well. She says that she knows Dobby and has asked him to make sure that you do eat. It looks like you will be gaining some weight this year, Harry. Good luck at avoiding it.
We are counting down the days to Christmas here and can't wait to see you then. Nellie is already planning it, so be forewarned. Have a good time with your friends and we will see you then.
Tom and Matthew
Harry smiled as he closed his letter. Snape was standing above him with a slip of parchment. "Your pass. If you want, you can tell your friends to send their letters to me, to avoid further questioning from Dumbledore about who is sending you letters." Harry smiled.
"Thank you!" He said enthusiastically. "He was not very tactful this morning, wanting to see my letter." He grumbled to the Potions master. Snape nodded and pushed Harry out the door.
"You have a class to get to, Potter!" Harry smiled and waved to the man before speeding down the hall. Professor McGonagall would have a million questions about where Harry had been. Thank goodness Snape had given him a pass. He might be able to get one every time so that he could have a few moments peace away from everyone else. He was being smothered with the current treatment.
Lucius Malfoy was not a happy man. He rubbed his arm where his newest Mark was, the other having disappeared after the snakebite he had received while facing Voldemort. He growled to no one. The old fool had discovered his plan and stopped him using nothing more than a boy who could conjure snakes! He turned from the window and stalked into his study. His new Mark still tingled from his having created it just that morning. The Death Eaters were not gone! They were vital to protect all wizards from the Muggle loving fools that now controlled the Ministry. Muggles should be the ones hiding, not the wizards. Several owls flew into his study, delivering replies from former Death Eaters whom Lucius felt would enjoy joining him in his plans. He read through some and threw three into the fire. Weak replies about not taking another Mark burst into flames.
He found Severus's reply and tore it open. "Unfortunately, I cannot." Was the whole of the reply. Lucius growled again and threw it into the flames. Even his best friend from childhood had turned him down. He read through them all as they continued to mount up. Twelve replies in the affirmative, the rest either not replying or denying the Mark. He sighed and accepted the twelve, telling them to meet him at his home for their first meeting . The Death Eaters would continue. And they would terrorize the Muggle world without blame.
Malfoy thought back to the confrontation at Voldemort's meeting. He thought of the young Death Eater he had only gotten a glimpse of between states of unconsciousness. He would find the child that the Dark Lord called "nephew". And he would make Voldemort pay for denying his promises to his loyal followers. The first place to start was finding the house in which Voldemort resided. And then he would find the boy that had changed their Dark Lord into a simpering old fool. He grinned maliciously to himself as he thought what the child's screams would sound like under the Crutacius. He wondered what Voldemort would try to spare the child the agony. If he could capture Voldemort at the same time, he would make the man watch as the child slowly lost his mind. He sat back, satisfied with his fantasy for the time being.
Reviews:
Slimpun: Um, no. Thanks for reviewing!
Kaye: Sorry that you still feel suspicious. All I can say is wait and I see. Thanks for reviewing.
Xessive: Thanks for the suggestion about the adding space. It works! Thank you for the review. It made me smile.
Vampireelf: (Sylvia falls on floor laughing) I know what you mean. When I re-read it to look for mistakes, I felt like I had ended it. But there's more. Lots more. Sorry to scare you. Thanks for reviewing. I got a kick out of it. If you want more, reviews make me update faster. (hint, hint) (
Muggle-in-sirius-denial: Did I ever tell you that I love your name? Don't worry. That's quite an amusing scene. (already written) It's going to be great. "will n e 1" took me a while to decipher. Could you please type out the whole words? Please? Thanks for your review. See above about review meaning more updates. (hint, hint)
Rise of Chaos: I do feel special! I do! Thank you for your wonderful review. Words like "unique" in my reviews make me feel special too. I love it. I will continue with this story now until it is finished. (shudders at length) Let's hope that I make it.
Jeangab057: What? Did I scare you? The review was appreciated, but what does "Oh." mean? Please review again and tell me. I am a bit worried about that. Thanks for the review.
TheWraith1: It just keeps going and going and going. Actually, it will be loads of fun. Just wait and see. Thanks for reviewing!
Maven: (breaks down in tears of joy) Thank you thank you thank you thank you! I didn't think that it was very believable. I'm sure someone out there is burning me in effigy for daring to make Voldie a good guy. I will defend him to my last. (puts up fists and bounces) I love the fact that you called my fic original. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings. See above about reviews causing faster updates.
DaughterofDeath: Demands, demands, demands. Sigh. At least you reviewed. Thanks again! (
EriEka127: Thanks! Here's your update. More reviews equal more updates. I'm sure you caught my hint.
Resggal: Thank you. Snape fascinates me for some reason. It just seems like he has a lot more personality than we are seeing. I can see him and Harry getting along rather well as soon as Severus gets that chip off his shoulder. Not that I'm biased or anything. Thanks for reviewing.
Hermionegreen: Thanks for your review. Just a bit confused though about "lie without lying". What did that mean? I didn't get it. Any clarification is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
SuzanneofDragonsBreath: (evil laughter in manner of master of universe) Cause I wanted to! Actually, it works cause something major happens later. Don't worry, it isn't going to turn into a shipper fic. Just something mentioned in passing. (evil grin)
Xikum: You are the only one to comment on that. Thank goodness someone else feels the same way. I love Sevvie and wish to see more of him and his thoughts, but JKR treats him so meanly sometimes, torturing the poor man in ways of his spying and teaching a child whom he hates (but shouldn't). If he and Harry could have a non-violent talk, I'm sure that they could be friends. I'm not biased, am I? Nah. Thanks for the review. Keep reading. More Sevvie/Harry interaction on the way.
To Everyone not listed above: Thank you for reviewing. I have gotten so many I don't think that I can answer them all individually, though I certainly tried. More reviews brings a faster update. I loved reading your comments. All of them. Thanks again.
Dear Tom and Matthew,
What can I say about school? Everything so far is normal, well, as normal as Hogwarts can be. I am being watched constantly, as though the Headmaster is afraid I will disappear again. Several of the teachers here have asked what I was doing during my "captivity". I just look innocent and say that I can't really remember anything from that time. If I hang my head, they quit asking. Professor McGonagall is convinced that I was drugged during that time, and that is why I don't remember a thing about it. I just let her think that. She hasn't asked me directly if I was or not. With the past few years here and what I have seen, I am able to lie to her. Though I don't like too often.
Professor Snape and I are getting along well. Really well. It's almost scary, considering our past relationship consisted of insults and glares tossed back and forth. He actually told me that my calming draught potion was correct. He has never admitted that before. He told me that if I continue showing such progress, he will move me to the Seventh Year class. I haven't decided if that is a good thing or a bad thing yet.
Hermione and Ron must have been told to watch me, because neither they nor any of the other Gryffindors have let me out of their sight since I came back. It is a bit annoying. I have grown to love my privacy. If I even go up to the dormitory by myself, someone comes up with an excuse to follow me. Just a slight annoyance, but still. What if I wanted to change clothes or something private like that? That could be a potentially embarrassing situation.
All of my other classes are going well, and Quidditch starts next month. It will be fun to get back on the pitch on a broom. Or above the pitch. I will miss football, but Quidditch will always be my first obsession. And then football. And Potions. Then Dueling. I will stop listing them now. I have dropped Divination. I don't think that I could stand Professor Trelawney after "Divination for the Eyeless". She makes it seem like you need some gift, and as the book said, "It is ten percent gift, and ninety percent interpretation". Thank you again for including all of my books. They have been a lifesaver so far. If I say that I am studying, less people come up and ask me questions about where I have been and what happened.
Dumbledore himself is the hardest to deal with. He stops me everyday and asks if I need to speak with him, or if I have remembered anything that would help bring my kidnappers to justice. No matter how many times I tell him "no", he won't leave me alone. I hate to sound like I am whining (I suppose I am), but can I use a Silencing Charm on him? Please?
Life otherwise is good. Please tell Nellie that I am eating three full meals a day, with two snacks provided by Dobby, a house elf who works in the kitchens here. Thank her for sending all of my clothes. I have needed them since I often walk down dusty corridors to avoid Dumbledore. Thank you both for everything. I miss you both and will see you at Christmas.
Love,
Harry
Harry closed his letter and addressed it to Tom and Matthew. He slid it inside his robes, planning to slip off from the constant crowd of friends that surrounded him in the hallways to the Owlery to post it off with Hedwig. He turned back to his History of Magic essay and sighed. He needed to write about the importance of the Giant population during medieval times. He pulled out his history book from Tom (a much more suitable book than his Hogwarts text) and started looking in the index for Giant and medieval times. He found the six pages dedicated to the topic and commenced his work. He debated asking Hagrid, but wondered how much the gentle Magical Creatures Professor would know about it.
"Harry, let's go to dinner." Ron said. Harry smiled and nodded at his friend and closed his books. He followed Ron and Hermione out the portrait hole to towards the Great Hall. Along the way, Neville, Seamus, and Lee Jordan joined the group. Harry allowed himself to time his steps until he was walking in the back of the group. When everyone started around the corner, he ducked back and waited exactly five seconds before turning around and dashing down the corridor towards the Owlery. A few flights of stairs and hallways later, he found Hedwig.
"Hey, girl." He said as she found his arm offered. She nipped a finger affectionately. "Would a beautiful bird like you deign to take a letter home to Tom and Matthew?" He asked. Hedwig blinked one eye, then the other and gave an affirmative hoot. He smiled and pulled out the letter. She took it in her beak and flew off through one of the many windows. Harry smiled after she left and went back out the door. If he hurried, he would be able to make it back to his friends before they grew too worried. He rejoined them at the doors to the Great Hall.
"Harry, where did you go?" Neville asked. Harry shrugged.
"Bathroom." Neville nodded, accepting the excuse and started chattering about what his grandmother had said about Harry Potter's disappearance. Harry listened with his full attention, forestalling any questions from the rest of the group about where he had been. They all settled at the table and filled their plates. Dumbledore was at the head table, along with the rest of the teachers. Harry felt them all look at him in turn; making sure that Harry Potter was indeed there. He rolled his eyes at the thought and turned back to his friend's conversation about the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. Harry smiled in anticipation. He had wanted to go to Hogmeade ever since school started to stock up on some of his potions ingredients and start brewing some headache potions. He found that headaches were a common occurrence when all of his professors questioned him about the summer in the same day. He figured it was the stress of being polite when all he wanted to do was tell them off for not believing him the first time.
The next morning, Harry was looking over his notes from the last Potions class, trying to prepare for the class. He wondered what the technical was going to be today, and if he could possibly work in a variation that would improve the speed of the reaction. He pulled out his book to look something up when he heard Ron say that the mail had arrived. Harry looked up and saw Hedwig coming in. They must have had a letter waiting on her at home for her to return so quickly. She landed in front of him, a letter in her beak. Harry's name was written in Tom's neat hand. He smiled and accepted the letter, tucking it into his robe pocket before offering Hedwig a piece of bacon. Harry felt eyes on him and looked up to see Dumbledore staring at him. He knew that look. Dumbledore had questions for him. He turned back around and sighed. He put his hands under the table and waved one, muttering a spell.
On his way out the door, Dumbledore caught up to him. "Good morning, Harry."
"Good morning, Headmaster." Harry returned, being polite.
"I saw that you received a letter this morning. Has your family had a change of heart towards you?" Harry almost laughed at the idea. Dumbledore must not know of what his family had done to him over the summer.
"No, sir. It's an order form." Harry told him. Dumbledore smiled.
"In that case, would you mind me looking at it?" Harry sighed, knowing that Dumbledore would look at it if he wanted to, so Harry took out the envelope and handed it to the headmaster. Dumbledore read the address off. "Weasley Wizarding Wheezes." He smiled. "Ordering some jokes, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not for sure, headmaster. Just thinking about it. Nothing dangerous." Harry attempted and managed an innocent smile. Dumbledore returned the letter to Harry and smiled at the boy.
"That's all right, Harry. Hurry along now to class." Harry nodded, returning his letter to his robe and dashing off towards the dungeons. He walked in two minutes late.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for Potter's tardiness." Harry moved to his seat and pulled out his materials without a moment to spare and read through the instructions. Dreamless Sleep Potion from the look of it. He and Tom had made several batches together this summer when his nightmares had been at their worse. He started in and finished with the others. He looked around and saw several people worriedly looking into their cauldrons. Hermione looked into his and whispered to him.
"What did I do wrong?" Snape was busy with one of the Slytherins. Harry pointed at him empty vial labeled "Turtle Scales". Hermione smacked herself in the forehead with obvious exasperation and added her final ingredient. Harry shook his head. It wasn't like her to forget ingredients. She smiled when her potion turned the appropriate color. Harry finished his notes, bottled his potion, and cleaned up his station. He waited until dismissed and stood with the rest of the class.
"Potter!" Harry froze. "Stand behind. No need to wait for him, Granger. He'll make it to his next class." Hermione left the doorway and disappeared down the corridor. Snape motioned for Harry to have a seat while he went and shut the door. A silencing spell found Harry and Snape some privacy. Snape sat down across from Harry. "How are you holding out?" He asked. Harry let his head fall on the desk.
"I am never alone." He complained. Snape chuckled. "I swear, everyone in Gryffindor must have been told not to let me out of their sights." Snape nodded.
"They were." Snape told him. "All of the professors are to keep their eye on you, and Gryffindor told to watch you closely, to not allow you to be alone in fear of the kidnappers finding you again." Harry groaned again. "Did you get a letter this morning?" Harry sat up quickly and pulled it out. A word and wave of his hand again revealed the letter to be a letter instead of an order form. He looked to Snape for permission in reading the letter. Snape nodded.
Dear Harry,
We are sorry to hear that you are being watched so much. All we can say is that you should tough it out and hopefully they will grow less vigilant as time wears on. No to the Silencing Charm, Harry. He is your headmaster. Just continue to be polite. I'm sure that he will stop with time.
Wonderful to hear about all of your classes going well. You're not bored, are you? Is that why you thanked me for the books? If you are bored, I could easily send some more along. Just say the word.
Good thing to hear about Professor Snape. Remember, he can be your ally there while you're staring everyone else down. He seems to want to help, so trust him.
Matthew wanted me to say for you to "kick Slytherin's butt" at your Quidditch match. I am sure that you know what that means, for I am not sure. I wish you luck and please, don't fall off your broom.
Nellie was happy to hear that you were eating well. She says that she knows Dobby and has asked him to make sure that you do eat. It looks like you will be gaining some weight this year, Harry. Good luck at avoiding it.
We are counting down the days to Christmas here and can't wait to see you then. Nellie is already planning it, so be forewarned. Have a good time with your friends and we will see you then.
Tom and Matthew
Harry smiled as he closed his letter. Snape was standing above him with a slip of parchment. "Your pass. If you want, you can tell your friends to send their letters to me, to avoid further questioning from Dumbledore about who is sending you letters." Harry smiled.
"Thank you!" He said enthusiastically. "He was not very tactful this morning, wanting to see my letter." He grumbled to the Potions master. Snape nodded and pushed Harry out the door.
"You have a class to get to, Potter!" Harry smiled and waved to the man before speeding down the hall. Professor McGonagall would have a million questions about where Harry had been. Thank goodness Snape had given him a pass. He might be able to get one every time so that he could have a few moments peace away from everyone else. He was being smothered with the current treatment.
Lucius Malfoy was not a happy man. He rubbed his arm where his newest Mark was, the other having disappeared after the snakebite he had received while facing Voldemort. He growled to no one. The old fool had discovered his plan and stopped him using nothing more than a boy who could conjure snakes! He turned from the window and stalked into his study. His new Mark still tingled from his having created it just that morning. The Death Eaters were not gone! They were vital to protect all wizards from the Muggle loving fools that now controlled the Ministry. Muggles should be the ones hiding, not the wizards. Several owls flew into his study, delivering replies from former Death Eaters whom Lucius felt would enjoy joining him in his plans. He read through some and threw three into the fire. Weak replies about not taking another Mark burst into flames.
He found Severus's reply and tore it open. "Unfortunately, I cannot." Was the whole of the reply. Lucius growled again and threw it into the flames. Even his best friend from childhood had turned him down. He read through them all as they continued to mount up. Twelve replies in the affirmative, the rest either not replying or denying the Mark. He sighed and accepted the twelve, telling them to meet him at his home for their first meeting . The Death Eaters would continue. And they would terrorize the Muggle world without blame.
Malfoy thought back to the confrontation at Voldemort's meeting. He thought of the young Death Eater he had only gotten a glimpse of between states of unconsciousness. He would find the child that the Dark Lord called "nephew". And he would make Voldemort pay for denying his promises to his loyal followers. The first place to start was finding the house in which Voldemort resided. And then he would find the boy that had changed their Dark Lord into a simpering old fool. He grinned maliciously to himself as he thought what the child's screams would sound like under the Crutacius. He wondered what Voldemort would try to spare the child the agony. If he could capture Voldemort at the same time, he would make the man watch as the child slowly lost his mind. He sat back, satisfied with his fantasy for the time being.
Reviews:
Slimpun: Um, no. Thanks for reviewing!
Kaye: Sorry that you still feel suspicious. All I can say is wait and I see. Thanks for reviewing.
Xessive: Thanks for the suggestion about the adding space. It works! Thank you for the review. It made me smile.
Vampireelf: (Sylvia falls on floor laughing) I know what you mean. When I re-read it to look for mistakes, I felt like I had ended it. But there's more. Lots more. Sorry to scare you. Thanks for reviewing. I got a kick out of it. If you want more, reviews make me update faster. (hint, hint) (
Muggle-in-sirius-denial: Did I ever tell you that I love your name? Don't worry. That's quite an amusing scene. (already written) It's going to be great. "will n e 1" took me a while to decipher. Could you please type out the whole words? Please? Thanks for your review. See above about review meaning more updates. (hint, hint)
Rise of Chaos: I do feel special! I do! Thank you for your wonderful review. Words like "unique" in my reviews make me feel special too. I love it. I will continue with this story now until it is finished. (shudders at length) Let's hope that I make it.
Jeangab057: What? Did I scare you? The review was appreciated, but what does "Oh." mean? Please review again and tell me. I am a bit worried about that. Thanks for the review.
TheWraith1: It just keeps going and going and going. Actually, it will be loads of fun. Just wait and see. Thanks for reviewing!
Maven: (breaks down in tears of joy) Thank you thank you thank you thank you! I didn't think that it was very believable. I'm sure someone out there is burning me in effigy for daring to make Voldie a good guy. I will defend him to my last. (puts up fists and bounces) I love the fact that you called my fic original. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings. See above about reviews causing faster updates.
DaughterofDeath: Demands, demands, demands. Sigh. At least you reviewed. Thanks again! (
EriEka127: Thanks! Here's your update. More reviews equal more updates. I'm sure you caught my hint.
Resggal: Thank you. Snape fascinates me for some reason. It just seems like he has a lot more personality than we are seeing. I can see him and Harry getting along rather well as soon as Severus gets that chip off his shoulder. Not that I'm biased or anything. Thanks for reviewing.
Hermionegreen: Thanks for your review. Just a bit confused though about "lie without lying". What did that mean? I didn't get it. Any clarification is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
SuzanneofDragonsBreath: (evil laughter in manner of master of universe) Cause I wanted to! Actually, it works cause something major happens later. Don't worry, it isn't going to turn into a shipper fic. Just something mentioned in passing. (evil grin)
Xikum: You are the only one to comment on that. Thank goodness someone else feels the same way. I love Sevvie and wish to see more of him and his thoughts, but JKR treats him so meanly sometimes, torturing the poor man in ways of his spying and teaching a child whom he hates (but shouldn't). If he and Harry could have a non-violent talk, I'm sure that they could be friends. I'm not biased, am I? Nah. Thanks for the review. Keep reading. More Sevvie/Harry interaction on the way.
To Everyone not listed above: Thank you for reviewing. I have gotten so many I don't think that I can answer them all individually, though I certainly tried. More reviews brings a faster update. I loved reading your comments. All of them. Thanks again.