Embracing His True Self

Chapter 30

Dumbledore sat in his office, he stared blindly at the O.W.L results belonging to one Harry James Potter. To say he was utterly bewildered was putting it mildly, he couldn't believe the boy had successfully taken his exams early and to such an extent that he had gotten all Outstanding in each subject, outdoing even his own scores. The boy had been mediocre in most classes, barely scraping by in most subjects according to test results, especially in History of magic yet his O.W.L results said otherwise.

"Albus, any sign?" Minerva asked her tone concerned as she entered the office, Severus followed behind her a sneer twisting on his lips as expected whenever Harry was brought up into a conversation. Nevertheless, he was there and no doubt worried about the teen just like the rest of them were. Both of them took seats, Minerva almost crippling in guilt, she knew of course, about the blood quill but there was nothing she could do other than protect the students.

"I haven't heard back yet," Albus said, today hadn't been a good day at all, he was completely vexed.

"Just what exactly do you intend to do once you've managed to catch up with the boy?" Severus inquired, upper lip curled.

"Albus is his magical guardian, Sirius is his godfather, I'm sure they can convince him to return," Minerva turned to say to Severus, blue eyes still shadowed in a deep concern.

"He's legally an adult in the eyes of the law, he cannot be forced to attend Hogwarts since he has withdrawn it's legally binding, which won't matter if the Dark Lord gets to him first." his tone changing just enough to show a smidgen of concern.

Minerva's lips became one drawn line, as she pursed them; she had forgotten Albus had said Harry had taken his Lordship. Harry loved Hogwarts; as soon as Umbridge was dealt with she was sure Harry would be amendable to the idea of rescinding his decision to leave the school. They just needed to find him first; no doubt the students had already written home, Harry was in danger each minute that he was out there. "Have you contacted Black?"

"I have written to him," Albus sighed, placing the copy of Harry's exam results on the desk in front of him. "Unfortunately since the Will reading I haven't been able to find him and he has yet to respond to any of my letters. I believe Remus is with him since I've tried to contact him as well but gotten nowhere."

"Is it true?" Minerva asked once Albus gazed up, she added, "That he has taken his exams? He hasn't slipped a fake in there?"

"I contacted the Ministry, they are real, as are his results accurately portrayed," Albus told her; he had hoped that they were fake but unfortunately not. He couldn't contest them either, especially since he didn't know the circumstances in which Harry had set his exams, he may only end up making a fool of himself, which he didn't want to do. Since he was person non-grata at the moment…he doubted anyone would take him seriously and investigate anyway. "Twelve Outstanding results in each and every subject he took."

"Twelve?" Minerva croaked trying to swallow, her throat suddenly dry. "That's impossible, he didn't take Ancient Runes or Arithmancy!" and those were just two of the examples of the classes he hadn't taken. He doubted even Hermione Granger would achieve twelve O.W.L's and most certainly not all Outstanding either.

"It seems there was more to Harry than met the eye," Albus informed his deputy Headmistress, his brow furrowed.

"Potter cannot have passed potions with an Outstanding, he was barely scraping by in my class, he would not have achieved the results required to get into my N.E.W.T's class." Severus sneered derisively. It was somehow demeaning to say as such, especially considering he now knew just how smart Harry was, and regretfully he couldn't break character. Unlike Harry, he couldn't just decide enough was enough; he would be spying until the war was over.

"These results say otherwise," Albus said, giving Severus a disappointed look as if he hadn't encouraged the enmity between them. Severus had an important job to do, and he wouldn't and couldn't do it if he grew attached to the boy. He hated sitting here while the Order searched for Harry but there was nothing he could do. He could only hope that they were successful in finding him and taking him to the Burrow.

Severus merely turned his nose up at it, giving the impression that he couldn't care less what the paperwork said he wasn't going to believe it. He hadn't had a second to alert the Dark Lord what was going on, and he knew Dumbledore would be watching him closely, mostly just to see if the Dark Lord did call, which he would have done if he 'caught' Harry in order for all of them to see his 'downfall' but that wasn't the reality anymore. It was a reality that Dumbledore believed, however, so he would definitely need to be careful. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he was tired; it had been a long day.

"If there is nothing else, Albus, I will take my leave," Severus stated, just about to stand when a Patronus trotted on through the outer wall into the office. It was a horse, Clydesdale Horse in fact; the Patronus belonged to one Alastor Moody. From the horse alone, Severus had deduced that Moody had grown up in Scotland and most likely grew up around horses, probably had one as a familiar. Something his mother had done he would guess as Moody came from a line of 'distinguished' Aurors, his father and grandfather had been head Auror's in their time. He paused and waited, tense and alert, worried that Moody had in fact caught up with Harry.

'Caught up with the boy in Culloden, he got off his broom at a Hotel roof and Apparated, I kept his trail for five minutes before I lost it, we have no idea where he is now, Albus.' the Horse began to fade after Moody's voice trailed off grimly.

"Culloden? That's in the other direction in which he left," Minerva insisted perplexed. It was still the Scottish highlands though so it wasn't that far out that it bordered incredulity that he was there.

"He must have circled around," Albus deducted, the boy was smarter than he anticipated, it was a surprise Alastor had managed to find him at all at this rate. His mind was spinning trying to think of where the boy would go did he know where Sirius was? Had the teen managed to lie to him without him any the wiser? If he wasn't going to Black then where was he going to go? He may have been in charge of the Potter vaults but that didn't mean he knew every single building owned by the Potters. In fact, he hadn't even been to Potter Manor, James hadn't used any of the Potter homes when he went into hiding until Godric's Hollow a year later. There were just too many spies for James to risk his family in any of the homes, regardless of the wards. Only then did Moody's words penetrate, "He Apparated?!" a sinking feeling sank into his gut immediately.

The summer holidays, the new knowledge, the sudden desire to learn, taking on his Lordship…Apparating…Harry had help, someone magical was helping him. Sitting up in his chair truly alarmed once more, who could be helping him? If there was someone unknown out there helping then finding Harry might end up even more difficult. Who was it? If they were going against him it was someone either neutral or worse still dark.

Severus had to refrain from smirking, oh he knew what was on the old fool's mind, and he had spent over a decade in his company. He had finally realized someone was helping Harry, he would never figure it out until it was too late. He'd never be able to conceive the idea that Harry would join Voldemort. Harry had done his part well; too well, in fact, nobody would want to believe it. Oh, but to see the look on his face, he sincerely hoped he was there the day it all unveils. Perhaps he had been a bit hasty in wishing to leave, this was anything but boring watching dread and worry seeping into those blue eyes of Dumbledore that were usually twinkling horrifically.

Arching an eyebrow, feigning concealed curiosity, "Albus?" he prompted, if this was any other situation he would want answers.

"Yes, yes, you may go, Severus," Albus said, coming out of his thoughts, unwilling to share them. "I believe both of you have your rounds to make tonight." dismissing them without actually saying the words. He mumbled a goodbye absently after they both said good evening to him; drawing his index fingers together he pressed them both against his mouth as he sat there deep in thought.

Ever since Tom had been resurrected everything had gone to hell, in preparation of his return, he hadn't taken into account the blind fools reactions at the Ministry or how far Fudge would go. He wasn't happy in the slightest with Umbridge in his school, especially the blood quills but other than Harry nobody else of importance was targeted. Evidently, he had let it go too far, he had expected Harry to come to him, and instead he pulled this. No doubt there was a hoard of angry parents reading the news of Harry's vanishing act and more importantly Umbridge's usage of a quill. Cornelius would have a lot of explaining to do, he just wished he could have prevented the students from blabbing about Harry, news would reach Tom soon enough and he would send out his Death Eaters.

He could only hope Alastor found his trail again and picked up where he left off.

Unfortunately for him, that didn't happen, those outside looking for him all stopped by ten o'clock, it was just too dark they couldn't see anything and couldn't risk exposing themselves.

Harry breathed a momentarily sigh of relief as he landed in a very familiar place, Moody had gotten a bit too close for comfort three times. He'd had to bolt three blocks before daring to Apparate again, only when he was positive Moody hadn't appeared yet so he couldn't see him, damn his magical eye it was annoying. Letting his guard down proved to be a very bad idea indeed, as he heard a curse which he had no doubt was aimed at him being cast.

"Lacero!" was spat out with a slashing move of the wand.

Harry automatically ducked, knowing he wouldn't be able to get the shield charm up in time, he had not anticipated being attacked. Unfortunately he wasn't quick enough, as he felt heat blaze over his cheek, blood immediately began to gush out of the wound, leaving Harry dizzy momentarily. Fortunately, this wasn't his first brush in a duel, so he immediately went on the offensive.

"Confringo!" Harry spat back, his grip on his wand tight, the unknown wizard, who had the very distinctive mask of a Death Eater on his face, ducked out of the way but Harry grinned viciously when the curse hit his shoulder blasting him back, blood and bone splattered the hallway, as the wizard cried out in pain, clutching his shoulder from where he had fallen to the floor, the wizard too was used to pain as he got back to his feet.

"Flipendo!" Avery spat out, knowing he wouldn't use any lethal spells that was in his arsenal, his Lord would kill him if he accidentally killed the boy of that he had no doubt. He stuck to other dark curses and hexes hoping to bring the boy down, still reeling over the quickness in which the boy had used the blasting curse on him. "Bloody hell!" he spat jumping out of the way when the curse was rebound on him, crashing his good shoulder into the wall to prevent more severe injury to his injured shoulder. "Oppugno!"

"Protego! Sanguinem ferventis!" Harry chanted, deflecting the spell, and using one of his own spells, but anyone well read in Latin would understand what this particular spell did. The spell itself was non-lethal -but extremely painful -immediately, but if kept on for an extended period of time it would cause death in the end.

Harry ducked when his own spell was flung back at him, only to have the Death Eater cast "Crucio!" it hit its target and Harry went down, "Stupefy!" Harry managed to cast out, as pain wracked his form, like a puppet on a string he relaxed somewhat once the wizard let up the spell to deflect the stunner.

Scrambling to his feet, sensing weakness, although he was feeling woozy himself now due to the blood loss. "Expelliarmus!" Voldemort wouldn't be impressed if he killed his precious Death Eater, and he definitely didn't want to rock the boat so soon, as amusing as that would be. There was a difference between winding Voldemort up when they were alone…doing it in front of his Death Eaters was just asking for trouble.

The spell was overpowered, it didn't just remove the wand from the wizard's hand, it sent him veering into the wall, ironically enough in the same place as before judging by the blood coating the paintwork. Breathing out in relief, he leaned against the wall for support staring dispassionately at the wizard.

Avery stared back maliciously yet pained but a chuckle left his lips. "You've breathed your last, Potter," he spat the others in the inner circle and the Dark Lord stood behind him; he had no chance of getting back out. The Dark Lord, of course, gave them all a single look and they stood back, it was him who would end the boy, and he'd made that very clear to everyone. What irked Avery was the fact the boy didn't even look the least bit intimidated or pained for that matter.

Lucius wanted to shake his head at the stupid idiot, to make matters worse Avery Senior was watching on in pride under the wrong impression that his son would be praised and held above all others for bringing Harry Potter here. Which of course, didn't happen, he'd bet that Potter had either Apparated in or used a Portkey. The others in the inner circle were all looking ready to celebrate as well; they had no idea that Potter was now considered untouchable as his Lord himself. In other words, he would need to be careful with the boy; he didn't want to see who was more important himself or Potter. He knew who would be picked; Potter was the number one desirable any side would want to have.

"It took you long enough," the Dark Lord spoke in dulcet tones, often used deceptively. Quite enjoying the looks of shock and incomprehension on his elite.

Avery gaped blinking rapidly, feeling his head wondering if he had suffered some sort of blow to the head. He didn't dare say anything for fear of angering his Lord.

"It's only been seven months," Harry said wryly, "Miss me?" he added with a grin reminiscent of the time he'd asked Voldemort that down in the cells. He didn't even flinch when Voldemort's wand slid into his hand and pointed it at him, everyone else held their breath still reeling with what was going on. The Dark Lord was speaking to Harry Potter as if they were on the same side…and to make things more interesting the boy wasn't even slightly scared at the sight of the Dark Lord's wand. If it had been them they would have been scared stiff.

"Tergeo, Episkey," and just like that the wound on Harry's cheek and face began to ooze out the small debris inside it before it sealing closed. Harry himself was watching everyone's reaction with vicious amusement, too bad the masks they wore also masked the majority of their reactions.

"Thanks," Harry said, sighing in relief as the majority of the pain faded leaving only mild stinging in its place. His eyes catching sight of Tom's fingers and the way they held his wand. Long and dexterous, just like they had been in his dream, clearing his throat, praying at this face did not give away his thoughts, thanking Merlin for his ability to close his mind off. He had to stop thinking of him as Tom; it wouldn't end well if he ended up saying it out loud. Voldemort hated the name almost as much as he hated Dumbledore for some reason.

Harry caught sight of what was probably the biggest guy he'd ever seen, what the fucking hell did they feed him? He thought, staring at him, he had blue eyes, set into a stern angry face, long hair, which was going white he must have had dark hair since it was more grayish than white overall. When he saw him looking he growled at him, bearing his teeth animalistic like causing the others near him to flinch at the sound. Harry smirked in realization, this must be Fenrir Greyback the werewolf, he did cut quite an intimidating figure but Harry was well aware that size didn't mean everything.

Greyback eyed the wizard with a little respect, he knew he scared most of the people he met, and mostly due to his reputation and the fact he was a werewolf. He did wonder if the boy realized what he was, but heavily suspected he did. Surely he knew what he had done to Lupin; no doubt the pathetic man had told the boy in something touching attempt to make sure the wizard protected himself. As if he could do such a thing if an Alpha werewolf decided to go after him. He re-entered the meeting hall with everyone else after the Dark Lord swiftly made his way back inside with a non-verbal indication for them to follow. His thoughts regarding the wizard temporarily forgotten, in a bid to hear what Voldemort had to say.

Harry glanced at Avery on the floor; it seemed as punishment his injuries were to remain either that or to be healed after the meeting. He didn't have very much luck, he was the only one cursed during the rebirth, now this he knew they all revered Voldemort, would do absolutely anything he asked. That sort of loyalty was…amazing, he was slightly envious of all the people that he had following him who would do anything. He would probably be cursed some more if he didn't get back inside.

Sauntering over, Harry held out his hand, grasping a hold of Avery's semi good hand, "You owe me one." he told the wizard, stopping the bleeding and mending any bones that had been broken before healing over the wound.

Avery just stared back utterly baffled, "Why?" why had he just helped him? Was this really Harry Potter? Had the Dark Lord truly converted Potter of all people to the Dark side? It was beyond comprehension.

It was a good question, but Harry didn't answer, he just grabbed his fallen broomstick and moved away from the stunned wizard. Sliding into the room, remaining by the doorway, watching the free show curiously. He didn't even spare Avery a glance when he re-entered the room and took his place, minus his mask which had fallen off in the duel Harry noted, also wondering what a Death Eater meeting was like when it wasn't Voldemort's 'rebirthing' party as he'd coined it. Voldemort had sat back down looking extremely comfortable, as he eyed his people with a speculative look as if wondering if he could trust them.

"Mr. Potter is remaining here for the time being, he is to be treated with the utmost respect," Voldemort stated, his tone cold and harsh, he didn't even need to elaborate on what would happen should they disobey it was all in his voice. He paid no attention to the responses his words elicited. "You will treat him as you treat me, is that understood?"

Harry was surprised there wasn't a momentarily drop in pressure as everyone in the room inhaled sharply in what was probably disbelief at what they were hearing. This was fun, he thought in amusement, the only one unaffected was Lucius Malfoy, but that wasn't a surprise since he already knew and had been warned.

"Yes, My Lord," they all responded confusion bleeding into their words.

"Good now leave," Voldemort dismissed them, it wasn't just them he had to tell either, and he had his other Death Eaters to inform the ones he had not called, since they were not needed. "Not you, Fenrir, I want you in my office in twenty minutes." he demanded, having a need of him.

Harry observed that none of them Apparated from the building itself, they were leaving through the door. They weren't keyed into the wards like he was evidently. All of them were gazing him in either curiosity or anger as if they were stopping themselves from strangling him. Harry paid them absolutely no mind, wondering if the Lestrange's were amongst the people here.

"Is it true you can change forms without the aid of the full moon?" Harry questioned Fenrir arms crossed as he observed the werewolf, no Dark Mark, no cloak or mask, he briefly wondered if it was normal or if Greyback was the only one.

There went the question of whether the Potter boy knew he was a werewolf or not. A sadistic smirk stole over his features as he changed on the spot, baring his teeth he approached the boy, having no intentions of hurting him of course, but he didn't need to know that. Yet Harry wasn't reacting normally, he had an eyebrow raised and his head cocked to the side, his green eyes roaming over his form as if he was inspecting it carefully for something hidden, something only he could see.

"You can't turn anyone when it's not the full moon, the only thing I'd end up needing is a tetanus potion," Harry said, knowing without a doubt what the werewolf would be thinking. Trying to scare him no doubt but he was not prejudice against werewolves so it would not work. "I wonder if it's your magic turning your wolf form into an Animagus form of sorts, you're different from the only other werewolf I've seen at any rate."

"And just when and where did you come face to face with a werewolf?" Voldemort asked eyes narrowed in warning, silently demanding an answer and no cheekiness in front of his followers. Better yet what had made Harry decide enough was enough now? Had his decision to leave Umbridge paid off? It had served two purposes, to let Harry see how far the corrupt Ministry would go, and of course to give Harry the incentive to leave after seeing just how useless everyone was under Dumbledore's thumb. The longer he remained the higher the possibility that he might stay on the light side. Something he wouldn't and couldn't condone.

"Pettigrew didn't tell you?" saying the name as if it disgusted him to even utter the word. "Or better yet, you didn't get everything you could from his mind?"

Voldemort waved his hand, "I got everything of importance from him, he was very forthcoming," especially with the threat of a curse hanging over his head.

Harry snorted caught between amusement and derision, shrugging his shoulders he explained to both of them, Fenrir too seen as he was now human and just as curious as Voldemort if not more so. It wasn't every day you heard a tale about someone managing to avoid being bitten and turned when faced with a werewolf. Rubbing at his face, which was still very sore, but compared to what he was used to he could stand it. "Which one of your Death Eater works in executing 'dangerous creatures?'" he had observed the mark but had not realized at the time what it was, it was only a year later that he'd truly understood what happened. He'd been in the presence of a damn Death Eater who would have loved nothing more than to kill him.

"Walden Macnair," Voldemort informed him, wondering what his Death Eater had to do with any of this.

"He was there as well, although he had nothing to do with the events that led up to it, he was there to put Buckbeak down, a Hippogriff," Harry said, thoughtfully, "We'd just been down to Hagrid's cabin to 'comfort' him," a grimace on his face said it all, "We were just making our way back when we were attacked by a big black dog, he grabbed Ron and took him down to the shrieking shack. We, of course, went after them, only to realize that the dog was Sirius Black in his Animagus form, and he wasn't after Ron at all, just the rat, long story short, he was caught, Remus and Sirius wanted to kill him but I convinced them otherwise, what good would he do me if he ended up back in Azkaban? For all the good it had done I might as well have let them kill the bastard."

Fenrir snorted, he hated the disgusting rat himself, he stank of rodent and urine.

"We were all piling out of the Shack when the moon showed itself, Lupin transformed, he was nothing like you though, it was quite disgusting really, black and distorted barely any fur," Harry told them, vividly reminded of it, "Black transformed and distracted it, as weak as he was he was useless against the feral wolf, he'd forgotten to take the last of the Wolfsbane potion. A howl drew Remus away, we later realized it was Hermione who howled," seeing the look on their faces he added the last part, "Time-turner, Dumbledore's bright idea, he decided to send two thirteen-year-olds to save a hippogriff and Sirius who was going to be kissed on sight. We got to both of them and Sirius flew off on Buckbeak."

Fenrir's lips curled in disgust; of course, the man would swallow that swill, poisoning himself at the same time. That was why his werewolf was 'distorted', how long before that night had it been since his wolf could roam free? He was killing himself, the utter idiot; he should just kill himself it would be a far more pleasant death. In a few years, he was going to wish for a quick death if he doesn't stop using the Wolfsbane. "Merlin, he's a bloody idiot," he spat, it would have been better if he didn't survive his attack as a kid, what that stuff was doing to his insides nobody deserved, not even Lupin as far as he was concerned.

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked surprised by the vehemence behind his words, it wasn't exactly what he expected he knew Greyback didn't care about Lupin…or did he?

Would you like to see more of the conversation between the two or just a snippet of what they discussed? Barty will be in the next chapter have no fear :D would you like to see Neville's reaction to the letter? or just know that he 'got it' and of course you'll probably want to see Dumbledore and his continued search for Harry :D will Harry use reporters to completely pulvurise Dumbledore or do you think it's done too much in these stories? R&R please