Harry and Bella appeared in the entrance hall of Riddle Manor. As he looked around Harry was not surprised to find that it reminded him a lot of Grimmauld Place. The carpets were old and worn the paint peeling and gas lanterns hung on the walls providing a dingy sort of light that had no chance of overcoming the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to fill the house. He almost laughed out loud as he spotted an umbrella stand in one corner that looked to be the other leg of the troll that donated the one in Grimmauld.
He began to get nervous as Bella led him across the hall an up a flight of stairs to the next floor. She stopped at the top of the stairs noticing Harry's apprehension.
"Try not to worry Harry, for what its worth I've never known him to lie either and he did agree to your terms." she said looking into his eyes. Feeling bold she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before taking his hand and leading him down the hallway where her master was waiting. As she reached the door she let go of his hand.
Harry was shocked when Bella kissed him on the cheek. He didn't really know why she did it or what to think about it and wasn't given much time to figure it out as she took his hand and pulled him down the hall. One thing was for sure though; he wasn't nearly as nervous about meeting Voldemort as he had been a moment earlier.
His scar had been tingling since he arrived at the Manor but the pain flared full force as the door to Voldemort's study was swung open to reveal the Dark Lord himself sitting behind a large desk looking back at him. Harry's hand shot up clutching his head, a grimace of pain shooting across his features as he let a gasp escape from between his lips.
Voldemort studied the young man for a moment realizing quickly that the connection they shared was causing him pain. Closing his eyes he concentrated on the connection and raised his Occulmency shields against it to protect Harry from the pain being in his presence was causing. As he opened his eyes he was pleased to see Harry was no longer hurting though he was wiping some sweat off his forehead.
"I apologize Mr. Potter, we have an agreement and it was not my intention to cause you unnecessary pain." he said in a silky voice before gesturing to the seats in front of his desk. "Please have a seat."
Harry took a deep breath and sat down in one of the seats while Bella sat in the other one.
"I must admit Harry I was surprised to hear you wanted to meet with me and am extremely curious as to what you would deem important enough to risk your life for by coming to my home." Voldemort said looking across his desk into the startling green eyes of his nemesis, eyes that seemed nervous but not afraid.
"I'm here because I don't have much of a life to risk. My entire life I've been manipulated and lied to, used by one person or another to meet their own ends and I'm tired of it. I'm here because you are the one person who as odd as it may seem has never lied to me. It's hard to believe I'm coming to the man who has been trying to kill me since I was one year old for help but I am. I would like to make a deal with you." Harry could feel himself relaxing and becoming braver as he talked.
"I see, and what is it that you want from me?"
"I want to leave the war behind and be left alone. I want to be neutral, neither dark nor light. I want to be normal and not have to worry about the next battle or fight. I want out."
Voldemort looked at Harry for a long minute before responding. "I'm not sure that's possible Harry. From what I know of the prophecy that exists between us I will not be able to fulfill my goals until you are dead."
He was surprised when Harry smiled. "That's not exactly true. In return for what I ask, I will give you both of the prophecies. I would also ask that you leave a few of my friends alone as well."
"Both of the prophecies?" Voldemort asked once again surprised. "What do you mean both?"
"I mean both as in there are two of them and I assure you that I do not stand in the way of your goals."
Voldemort thought about what Harry was saying for several minutes studying him across his desk the entire time. "You do realize I could break in to your mind and take the prophecies from you."
Harry nodded a small feeling of insecurity briefly flaring up in his chest. "I know but our agreement was to talk and not harm each other and forcefully removing those memories would definitely harm me."
The Dark Lord smiled at the audacity of the young man sitting in front of him. He hated to admit it to himself but he was beginning to like him. "You are correct. I will not take them by force. Assuming that what you tell me is true and that by prophecy you do not stand in my way I would agree to your terms with a couple of additional conditions. You will allow me to perform a Legilimancy scan of all of your memories so that I may ascertain for myself that you are telling me the truth. I will agree to leave a small group of your friends alone as long as they don't fight against me or work for Dumbledore. And I cannot be held responsible for collateral damage to them should they be hurt during an attack or decide to fight back if they witness one. I can only promise that I won't target them."
"Agreed however during the scan you must promise to avoid any information about the light side. As I've said I want to be neutral and that means not working for them or you."
"Agreed."
Reaching across the desk Voldemort held out his hand for Harry to shake. Harry took his hand feeling a shiver run down his spine as he shook on the deal they had just reached.
As Voldemort pulled back from the handshake he asked a question. "I'm curious what has driven you to strike such a bargain with me."
A scowl appeared on Harry's face as he answered. "Dumbledore."
Voldemort looked back questioningly.
"It'll make more sense if I just tell you the prophecies."
"Very well."
Taking a deep breath Harry began. "The first prophecy is the one you know the first two lines of. The entire thing goes like this… 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies. And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not. And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies'"
Voldemort listened carefully to the entire prophecy and thought through it's meaning for several minutes before addressing Harry. "According to this prophecy you do in fact stand in my way. How is it that you can claim otherwise?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, that is what this one says and that's what you have been led to believe by Dumbledore when he leaked the first two lines to you on purpose but he created this prophecy from the real one to hide the true savior. It's false."
Rage coursed through the red eyes of the Dark Lord as he absorbed what Harry was telling him. "And the real prophecy?" he hissed angrily.
Once again Harry nodded and began. "'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born to a line which has always defied him, born to the line of the lion. Hidden from the Dark Lord at the cost of the innocent, he will have power the Dark Lord knows not. And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the second month dies.'
As he listened to the real prophecy everything became clear to him. Harry and his family had been used by Dumbledore to hide the heir of Gryffindor, the one person with the power to destroy him, the heir of Slytherin. Looking across the desk at Harry he finally understood why he had come. Finishing mulling over the prophecies and their meanings Voldemort picked up his wand and pointed it at Harry who he could see was now very nervous.
"Don't worry Harry, as long as you relax and don't fight it you will feel no pain. I will abide by our agreement as you are abiding by it as well."
Harry nodded and Voldemort said his spell while staring into Harry's eyes. "Legilimens!"
Harry felt a light pressure within his mind for a few seconds before he relaxed and images of his entire life began flashing across his memory much like watching a movie on fast forward.
Harry was crying in his crib for hours but no one came. He crawled across the living room floor to get a toy only to have it taken away from him and given to another baby who seemed to be a bit fat. It was Christmas and Harry was not allowed in the living room while the rest of his family opened their presents, ate treats and sang songs. It was breakfast and Harry spilled some milk. He was dragged to the cupboard under the stairs and thrown in. He would not be allowed out for three days. He was being chased by a group of boys in front of a school when he suddenly appeared on the roof not knowing how he got there. He was lectured by the principal and when his uncle found out spent another three days in his cupboard.
The scenes continued to flash by faster and faster. Voldemort watched Harry's entire life from his earliest memories through Hogwarts. He watched Harry's first year remembering his attempt to get the Sorcerer's stone. He watched him kill the basilisk in Salazar's chamber feeling respect for the young wizard's deed. He saw him fight dementors and rescue Sirius. He saw every event of the Tri-Wizard Tournament as Harry went through them as well as what happened after. He watched everything pulling back after he watched the prophecy in Dumbledores pensive during Harry's meeting with the old man following the Department of Mysteries incident.
After ending the spell Voldemort sat back for a long time going over the memories amazed at what he'd seen and shocked as well. He felt a new found respect for the young wizard and everything he had been through. It did not escape Voldemort's notice how similar their lives outside of Hogwart's walls had been.
He looked at Harry who he could see was emotionally torn having been forced to relive some of the worst memories of his life of which there were many. "We share a bond Harry, and not a bond of magic or blood but a kinship that comes from having similar lives. I find myself wondering how much of my life was manipulated by Albus Dumbledore."
"Probably more than you realize." Harry replied sympathetic to the question on Voldemort's mind.
The silence between them stretched out for several minutes before Voldemort turned to face Bella.
"Bella, in my potions lab you will find a small wooden box with twin snakes surrounding the latch. Bring it to me."
Rising from her chair Bella made a short bow and left the room. The silence continued for several more minutes until Bella returned placing the small box on the desk.
"/Open/" Voldemort hissed in Parsletonge.
With a small click the latch popped open and Voldemort was able to open the box. Inside were two vials of a pitch black potion. He held them up and examined them while talking to Harry.
"This is a potion of my own creation. I developed it to destroy the link between our minds. Not knowing the prophecy I have been hesitant to use it. It doesn't surprise me that we share a link as a by product of the night I cast the killing curse on you, what surprises me and what I have never understood is why the link did not die while I was less than spirit."
"That was Dumbledore's work as well. He expected me to be dead when he arrived in Godric's Hollow that night. He found the magic link between us and tied it to my scar. Then he made my scar so that it couldn't be removed."
Voldemort looked at Harry not the least bit surprised at the new information after everything he had just witnessed in the boys memories. Picking up his wand again he looked to Harry for approval. Receiving a nod he cast a series of spells that were very similar to what Harry and Sirius had used on the statues at his Aunt and Uncles house. After a great many spells and a lot of thought he placed his wand back on the desk.
"I believe once the connection is destroyed the spell tying the link to your scar will dissolve on its own. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do to remove the scar."
Handing one of the potions across the desk to Harry he began explaining. "We need to take these at the same time. They work by occluding your mind completely from outside penetration which means that a side effect of taking this potion is that Legilimancy will no longer work on you."
Harry grinned; this was getting better and better. Holding up their potions the pair nodded to each other and swallowed the creations.
As the potion went down Harry was surprised to find it had no taste whatsoever. He had been prepared for a vile creation like he'd had the opportunity to taste many times before in the hospital wing at Hogwarts but there was nothing.
For a few minutes nothing seemed to happen and then the entire world began to dim. Slowly everything started to fade, the room around him seemed to grow darker and darker, the sounds from the Manor around him faded and he could no longer feel the chair he sat in. All of his senses were being taken away, slowly fading into oblivion. Just as everything was about to disappear completely the world snapped back into focus.
It was hard for Harry to describe the world as he now saw it but he felt smart. It was as if a presence he was so used to that he didn't even know it was there had been removed from his mind freeing it for his use. It was invigorating and Harry found himself smiling at the Dark Lord.
"Thank you."
"You're quite welcome Harry. I must say I feel much better myself. Who shall be protected under our agreement?"
Harry thought quickly about who he wanted. He hadn't initially planned on asking for protection for his friends but it seemed like a good idea when they were discussing the deal. "The Weasley's, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Remus Lupin and the Dursley's." he finally answered. "And if it's not too much to ask, their families."
"Remus Lupin and most of the Weasley's are in Dumbledore's Order and I'm surprised you would want to protect the Dursley's."
"Remus is going to quit the Order as soon as he sees Dumbledore. As for the Weasley's I understand but Ron and Ginny aren't." He then explained what had happened with the Dursley's and watched as Voldemort seemed to become even angrier at Dumbledore.
"Very well I shall not target them." Having finished the reason for their meeting Voldemort turned to Bella. "You have sworn a blood oath to this man. What are its terms?"
"I cannot lie to him by my magic and cannot harm him or allow harm to come to him through my inaction by my life." she said nervously.
"Then you are of no further use to me." Standing from his chair Voldemort picked up his wand and moved to a petrified Bella's side. Looking towards Harry he instructed him to not interfere. Grabbing her left hand he placed the tip of his wand on the dark mark and began chanting.
Pain coursed through Bella's body and her screams filled the air as his chant's intensified. A minute later the pain passed though she felt sore all over from the after effects. Looking at her arm she gasped as she realized she no longer wore the dark mark. She looked up to see Voldemort glaring at her.
"Fulfill your vow and be happy I did not kill you for your treachery."
"Yes my Lord, thank you." she said bowing deeply.
Taking his words as a dismissal she grabbed Harry and pulled him from the room. Looking back a final time as he left Harry gave the Dark Lord a small smile of thanks.
As soon as Bella and Harry were in the entrance hall she reapplied the glamour charms to hide Harry's identity and retrieved another portkey from within her robes. The instant Harry touched it they disappeared.
Remus and Sirius were sitting in a booth at the Leaky Cauldron getting nervous. Harry had left with Bella earlier and all they could do is watch, wait and pray everything would be ok.
Relief flooded through Remus as he looked up finally seeing two figures approaching, one in a blue cloak and the other his charge Harry Potter. Jumping up from his seat he pulled Harry in for a quick hug.
"Sorry," he said pulling back slightly embarrassed, "but I've been worried about you."
"S-okay," Harry replied, "I'm just fine mum."
An invisible presence let out a sigh of relief and a chuckle at Harry's comment.
Remus rolled his eyes and led them to the booth he had been sitting in. He then added a silencing charm to the area. "So, how did it go?" he asked the pair.
Harry grinned widely. "Perfectly, in fact better than perfect, he agreed to everything and more, I'm free."
Remus and Sirius, though they couldn't see him, were both beaming. "Brilliant Harry! So you don't have to worry about the Death Eater's any more?"
"Nope, and neither do you as long as you quit the Order. I don't know what made me think of it but while I was making the deal I told him I didn't want my close friends or their families targeted either. He agreed so long as they don't fight against him. He knew you and some of the Weasley's were in Dumbledore's Order but I told him you were quitting so he agreed."
Remus continued to smile truly happy for Harry. "I'll quit the next time I see him. What else happened?"
"Well, he used Legilimancy on me and looked at my life."
A look of horror appeared on Remus face.
"Oh don't worry, I agreed to the scan and he didn't look at anything concerning the light side not that I know much of anything, he just wanted to look at my life so he could decide if I was telling him the truth or not. It actually worked out really well. After looking at my life he said we share a bond from having similar lives. Then we each drank a potion he created and the link between us went away he said that because of the way the potion works mind magics like Legilimancy will no longer work on me either."
"Wow. That's amazing Harry. I couldn't be happier for you. Is there anything else?"
Harry grinned. "There is one more thing." he said looking at Bella.
Returning his grin she pulled up the sleeve of her robe revealing her unblemished forearm. "It hurt like hell but I can't ever remember feeling as good as I do now." she said grinning ear to ear.
"Congratulations Bella. This has been a great day!" Remus said genuinely happy for Sirius cousin.
"It sure has and it's going to get even better!" exclaimed Harry.
"How so?" Remus asked.
"Cause I get to see you in my aunt's dress again!" Harry replied generating a round of laughter.
The laughter finally died and realizing it was getting late they decided it was time for Harry to return to Privet Drive. As they were standing up Bella handed a ring to Remus and another one to Harry.
"I'm still wanted by the Ministry so I can't exactly go with you but if you need me just tap the ring twice with your wand and I'll know. There's a tracking charm on them that activates when you call me so I'll be able to find you wherever you are."
The rings disappeared as they slid them on their fingers though they could still feel them. "Thanks Bella, for everything." Harry said giving her a hug.
Bella returned the hug and once again felt it ended far too quickly. As she released him she waved to Remus and the spot where she thought Sirius was and left the pub.
Climbing in to the Dursley's car Remus pointed it towards Surrey. When they were about forty five minutes away Remus pulled over and transfigured their clothes. They each downed their potion shuddering as the changes washed over them and continued their drive home.
Arriving at Privet Drive Remus parked the car and the pair made their way inside. After greeting Petunia and Dudley they went to Harry's room to wait for the polyjuice potion to wear off. Once they were back to normal and Remus had fixed their clothes they came back down stairs where the Dursley's were getting ready for dinner. They both noticed an extra place had been set at the table.
"Remus, I've set a place for you I hope you can stay for dinner." Petunia said.
"I'd love too, thank you."
Dinner was a delightful affair and everyone enjoyed the meal and the light conversation. It was almost over when Harry mentioned going to Gringotts and the subject of Sirius Will and Remus being Harry's guardian came up.
"You're Harry's guardian? I thought we were. Does that mean he's leaving?" Petunia asked beginning to get upset. Vernon and Dudley seemed to be paying very close attention as well.
"I'm his magical guardian. In the muggle world you are his guardians. He'll be staying here at least through his birthday."
Petunia exhaled a breath and excused herself dragging Vernon into the living room. A very short minute later they returned both grinning widely.
"Remus," Petunia began, "we were wondering if you would like to stay here this summer? You're welcome to the guest room and I'm sure Harry would love it if you were here."
Remus seemed shocked at the offer. "Are you sure you wouldn't mind? I don't want to impose."
Harry was beaming and looking hopefully at Remus as Petunia responded. "It would be no trouble at all. We would love to have you."
"Then I accept, thank you very much." Remus said sharing a grin with Harry.
-
AN: Thank you all for reading and all the great reviews! I hope everyone liked the much awaited meeting with Voldy. I think this chapter answered most of the questions that were posted.
Pairing Update: Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself, keep guessing!)
We'll find out Harry's animagus form in the next chapter. What would you like to see it be and why? I will say that his animagus form isn't really important to the story it's just something I see Sirius and Remus wanting to teach him since they did it with his father in the Marauders days.
Up to this point the writing has been coming really easy, the chapters spilling out almost as fast as I could type and have needed a minimal amount of reviewing before I could post them. The next one has been giving me some problems though and there are a couple more that will be tough in the near future so updates may slow down a bit but I'll keep at it.
Thanks again for all the reviews! They really help me a lot!