Lunarian: Okay, well I'm entering unkown territory for myself here. I know how I want things in my mind, but the actual result coming out on text is turning a bit from that. So if the chapter feels less tangible or more poorly done then some of my others, I apoligize for that... but I will continue to perservere writting out my tale as best I can despite how It might not feel as perfect in my mind as my first few.
- Night Terrors -
--- Chapter 8 ---
-- Friends? Or Was It All A Lie? --
Harry swiftly walked into the portal to see what strange visions Tom would conjure up this time. Partly curious despite himself, and not sure what he really felt. Voldemort is confusing me. First he threatens me, then he shows me things, then offers a place on his side, then tortures me, and now he's back to acting like a mentor with me.
-Flashback Ended -
Emerging from the swirling portal found Harry in a place he was familiar with. Before him lay a large table full of a hearty dinnertime meal, arranged around the table were several red haired freckled people, the Weasley's.
Harry took a moment basking in the obvious warm heart felt festive scene taking place before his thoughts began to muddle once more. It's not fair! Look at Ron there eating a huge dinner like that, the whole family are just eating and eating without a care in the world. Do they know nothing of what I'm going through? I'm living off the scraps that the Dursleys barely let me have and they are here feasting like kings. Did last year mean nothing to them? Slowly anger and bitter resentment began to rise up in Harry's soul. For a moment in forever he was alone to his thoughts, then remembered how he got here.
Spinning angrily around to face Voldemort Harry said, "Whats the point in showing me this Tom! Okay so fine, Ron has a happy homelife and I don't, they can all have full healthy meals and I can't, why is this mattering to you!"
Voldemort was quite pleased with how things were turning out, it seemed like Harry Potter was becoming more and more loose at the hinges by the second. Although that comment about not eating should be further explored later... maybe there is an even better angle here still hidden. It was obvious that the young adolecent did not know how to react to anything or if any of it was real, but the Dark Lord was able to read from just the barest of his surface thoughts that his mind was so tired and strained that almost anything was being accepted as reality.
"Watch Harry, watch and see your so called friend for what he is", Tom told him gently turning him around once more, just quick enough for him to miss the truly malicious evil grin Voldemort couldn't suppress. After everything you have put me through Potter, watching your own mind drive you insane is giving me great pleasure.
Oblivious to his associate's inner musings Harry once again focused on the scene before him. The talking around the table was a constant undecipherable din, but every now and then a few words could be heard coming from Ron. Things such as "Chuddley Cannons" and "Ruddy Gits", it was all pure Ron... and pure childish. Look at him, he has no worries or dark thoughts at all, I've been painfully forced to grow up while he stays the same as when we were eleveen.
"Ron dear, Ginny honey", Mrs. Weasley said, "Money is a little tight this year, I'm sorry but your father and I can't afford to give you any spending money for your chores. Your allowances are being put towards tuition."
For some reason unknown to Harry with those words coming through perfectly clear all action at the table seemingly stopped, and everything faded into the background except for Ron's face which was quickly turning red. Standing up in a fury Ron grabs his plate full of food and runs out the door yelling "It's bad enough you make us do those chores but now we aren't even getting allowance!" Shoving his near full plate of food into the garbage as he ran out.
Harry had always known that Ron was less prone to working then most anyone he knew, especially Hermione. To be so angry over just doing a few light chores though, set off something deep in Harry. Again his anger and resentment resurfaced stronger then before. Coloring his thoughts into darker and darker currents. How dare he, I can't believe this! I am worked to the bone everyday with no respite or compensation, and Ron...Weasley... he throws a fit because he has to do a little light work? And just look at all that food he wasted! I would kill for just a bite of that.
Voldemort was still lightly scanning young Potter's thoughts, and was beginning to feel a sense of surprise that maybe there was indeed another angle there. With these thoughts, his niche sounds almost like my orphanage days. I knew he was hidden away during the summer, but none of my intelligence has hinted that he was being abused. For the briefest of moments a tiny flicker of.. something..., something not of hate rose in his thoughts untill he ruthlessly supressed it. Sensing that a slight push might bring Harry down deeper softly murmered, "How childish he sounds, immature and untrustworthy. One would wonder if he only keeps with you for your status."
Seemingly in hindsight now Harry began to review his earlier interactions and opinions on Ronal Weasley. He's right, Ron has always been so immature. What was the first thing he wanted out of me when he saw me? To look at my bloody cursed scar, to see the 'Boy-Who-Lived', what a coincidence he suddenly got all chummy with me after that. I can't believe I never saw it before, Ron's actions has always been based on stereotypes and childish grudges. I remember how Malfoy came to meet us in the train, and sure he was snobbish but was it really any worse then Ron? Ron who laughed and mocked Malfoy for his name, never got to know him as a person first... just took refuge in his all Slytherins are evil view.. and I let him persuade me to follow.
Now exploring these thoughts for the first time since he had always denied them whenever they came before, Harry's turmoil increased. Letting house affiliation color everything is just stupid. If I had let the hat have it's way and I was put into Slytherin, then Ron would probably have treated me as he treats Malfoy or worse... maybe I could even have been friends with.. Draco.
Content to let Harry dig himself deeper and deeper into despair and away from the 'Light', Voldemort remained quiet as he continued helping himself to the child's unguarded thoughts and gaining a surprise or two.
Thoughts wandering to the Scion of the Malfoy line Harry contemplated what might have been. Draco Malfoy, he would not have shunned me for some of the things that Ron has. My Parseltongue abilties would have been revered with the Slytherins, maybe I could have openly used it.. had a snake companion. Not like Ron and the prejudice Gryffindors. They made me a pariah, influenced to never use it.
Suddenly realizing once more that he was not alone Harry spoke aloud to Voldemort in a steady voice belaying nothing. "He's always been afraid and hateful toward anything remotely viewed as dark. Slytherins, Malfoy... my Parseltongue."
Despite indulging in reading Harry's thoughts Voldemort was not very sure as to what exactly he was thinking at that time. Playing off of what last Harry was thinking, he craftily said, "There is no good or evil, only power and those to weak to seek it. Your so called friends, they fear your abilities that they do not understand. They let thier bigotry cloud all perceptions. They make you deny your Parseltongue's strength, they would have you deny it. Deny a part of yourself."
Feeling lost and despondent Harry agreed with the Dark Lord, "Yes, he isn't really my friend. He's never really cared for anyone but himself. I've always went along with his views and took it at face value as true. No more." Looking directly into the red eyes of his most hated enemy he asked, "What is the point in all this? What do you gain by this? I'm no gonna join you just because Ronald Weasley is a complete and utter git with whom I wish lots of nasty things upon!"
Feeling very pleased with himself despite Harry's strange return to his belligerent self Voldemort simply said, "We shall see... we shall see.
Pointing his wand at Harry he continued, "You will join me, you can't keep yourself in denial forever. I would say you think it over till next we meet, but you will not remember. Oblivate!
Harry suddenly saw Voldemort right in front of him pointing his wand at him. What the hell? Where am I, whats going on, Voldemort? Shit. "Hello Potter, have a nice night, Crucio!", is what the confused Harry heard before white hot blinding pain spread throughout every nerve as his body screamed in agony. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! "
Satisfied with the night's work, the Dark Lord opened up another portal and walked through it, returning to his citadel's bed chamber.
END
A/N: It had been so long that I forgot I had a totally different chapter in mind for this. I'll have to use it for next time. Another Laurance Halmich point of view of the DE's gathering that night. I'll put it up fairly soon, but I really must insist that I am pleading to you the good people to drop a review or two. Thank you :)
A/N part two: I am totally messed up right now trying to figure out who reviwed and who I did or didn't reply to yet. So If I am replying to a review I already replied to sorry, and likewise if I miss one. Just lemme know, k :)
REVIEWS
HoshiHikari: Thanks again for reviewing. It is indeed my intention to have the characters thoughts really confused. I feel that it would just seem artificial if things were done in certainties. Well here's hoping you like this one! And your spot on about Voldy Oblivating Harry constantly. He can't have Dumbledork catch on and stop him now can he?
ShatteredxDream: That's my aim and I'm glad I'm hitting it, being unique and still entertaining. Thanks for the ego boost.
Shakai: Ah heh, sorry that I had to make you use a dictionary. The whole bigwords thing was when I was starting out and would spend a long time thinking of the less used words for synonyms. I mostly stopped doing that now, I'll just try and work it best I can without looking for well, too-big words. Thanks much for the review. Heh a badgers hunting Harry fic... sounds fun, just add Ron into the prey :)
Kage Miria: Thank you, thank you. I'm always happy for encouragement.
Julie Long: I was most pleased with your review. Concise, pointful, and that invisible hat was simply delightful. Thanks ever so much. Not to sound like a broken record, but I strive for that special brand of uniqueness, and Im glad you approve.
Lady Apolla: Hahaha charming review, simply charming. I love those faces you made. Yes indeed, Voldemort's plan revolves largely around confusing Harry so bad he can't help but accept, and he cares not who else is befuddled along, be it himself reviewers or even me! That song O0, even though Harry is getting close to insane I don't think he'd sing that to the Dark Lord anytime soon hehe. On a side note, I've never watched Yugi-oh. What I wrote actually makes me think of the movie with Chris Farley, TommyBoy... but trying to fit Chris Farley and Voldemort together into the same thought is almost too bizzare even for me.
Rais Majere: Yes, more.