Embracing His True Self

Chapter 49

Barty and Harry had watched from the shadows the entire day leading up to the night of the celebration the dark side was hosting. Making sardonic comments to each other, amusing one another, gaining points if the other laughed at the sarcasm. For hours that was all they did watching the women flail around desperately, and the men flee their significant others until they were dragged back.

"You are going to get dressed, right?" Barty asked him as he sobered up, his roguish grin fading as he glanced at Harry, who was balancing on a chair in his bedroom. Which in reality was more of a suite, it had an en-suite bathroom, a sitting area, and of course, his bed, only thing missing that would have made it an apartment was a kitchen. Which Harry of course, had no need for, since the House-elves cooked all meals.

Harry screwed up his nose in a similar manner that he had in the Dark Lord's office yesterday. "Do I have a choice?" he grumbled unhappily. He had successfully managed to avoid absolutely everyone, the upside of having an invisibility cloak and having created his own runes and spells to conceal himself from others.

"No, not really," Barty grinned in amusement at Harry's predicament. Honestly, Harry was unpredictable, he never really knew how he was going to react to certain things. He had made it clear he did not wish to attend this gathering tonight. Which of course, the Dark Lord wouldn't allow, it was in his honour after all, since he was coming out to all the dark supporters and Death Eaters. Only the inner circle knew about Harry's allegiance, they weren't even allowed to tell their wife of kids on pain of death. For their family. The Dark Lord would have let them live with the agony of what they'd done if they dared to discard his orders. "Just don't turn up in that Muggle stuff you like to wear,"

Harry scoffed, it was tempting to do that, just to see all their faces really. He was surprised by the mildness in which Barty had spoken of Muggles, it was almost like he didn't hate them quite so much. They didn't spend a lot of time discussing it so yes, it was a surprise. Then again, Barty was insatiable when it came to knowledge, it didn't seem to matter whether it was magical or Muggle in nature. Although he hid his Muggle book purchase and the books themselves from everyone. In fact, even he didn't know where they were, but if he actually looked he knew he'd find them.

"Come on, it's going to be fun!" Barty said exasperated, "Honestly, do you not know how to have fun?"

"No, Barty, I don't." Harry stated, green eyes meeting brown, "I grew up isolated, kept in a fucking cupboard, and I knew next to nothing about friends, dancing or talking out of my ass to people who wanted to have a conversation."

That took the wind out of Barty's sails, "Never too late to learn?" it came out a question instead of a statement.

"And I'm going to learn from those who probably secretly still want to see me dead?" Harry interjected, he wasn't naïve to believe otherwise. They wouldn't all trust him, there was no way, it was too ingrained in their fucking minds. It had nothing to do with him either, it was all Dumbledore's doing, he'd made sure the world knew who he was, and everything that had transpired that night. Well, most of it, making it out to be a miracle, not the Horcrux which Dumbledore knew about.

"They won't touch you," Barty stated seriously, his face going grim, the Dark Lord would make sure of that. Hell, he would make sure of it. It would take a while for them to trust Harry on their own terms, and not the Dark Lord's. Even he had been sceptical himself when he learned Harry was on their side. After seeing him in action though and the feel of his magic and just his general attitude…he belonged on the dark side. Even if he did have some odd…quirks and belief's. Belief's that had been proven according to the Dark Lord which had changed things, changed many plans.

Arching an eyebrow, staring in disbelief, "We'll see," Harry's tone was ponderous.

"We will, his announcement is going to be…" Barty paused looking for the right word, "Glorious!" he declared, admiration and awe clearly written across his face.

Harry cocked his head to the side, a half smile appearing on his face, before he nodded in agreement. He would freely admit he was rather looking forward to that. "I just hope I'm in a position to see everyone's faces," Harry admitted green eyes positively gleamed with wily merriment. His earlier mood evaporating completely.

"Oh you will be," Barty exclaimed, complete ardour taking over his features, as it often did when talking about the Dark Lord. "You'll probably be beside him, covered so nobody can see you until he wants them to, he loves to get reactions out of everyone."

He was a drama queen in other words, Harry through wryly, but he already knew that. He'd thought it so many times over the course of the near enough two years. He relished in it, terrifying his followers, almost to the point of them wetting themselves. Then again he had been extremely pissed, having just been reborn to find that hardly anybody had looked for him. To this day, Harry was still convinced Voldemort had been upset that they hadn't searched for him. Regretful over Quirrell's death, it was just odd to think Voldemort capable of those feelings…at least until he got to know him better. He had emotion, he just didn't let it lead him, although whether he had emotion like everyone else remained to be seen.

"Bartemius Crouch! Get moving!" came the magically enhanced voice of a female Harry couldn't identify but Barty seemed to know who it was. For he paled and swallowed thickly as if he was terrified of the woman which roused Harry's curiosity.

"Who's she?" Harry asked, who was scary enough to intimidate Bartemius Crouch Junior and actually call him that? Harry knew just how much Barty detested his full name, a constant reminder of his father, a father he loathed beyond all reason and measure.

"Adelaide Crabbe, she's the Matriarch of the Crabbe family, her son and grandson live with her," Barty explained, rolling his eyes, "She has a very pushy personality and likes to make sure everyone's dressed appropriately." She was only fifty-three and still looked young for her age.

"And everyone lets her?" he asked dubiously, they just didn't seem like the characters to allow it if he was honest with himself.

"Are you kidding? Everyone loves her, she's amazing, she's sort of like everyone's grandmother you know? Well to our generation…the older ones are just plain terrified of getting on her wrong side. She's extremely powerful and isn't afraid to use her wand when the occasion rises." The stories he'd heard from the others even made him wary about getting on her bad side. Plus, she made the best cookies ever.

Harry's mouth moved a little as he contemplated that, she sounded like Augusta Longbottom to be honest. A more grandmotherly one to be sure. He wondered what happened to her husband and her daughter in law. He didn't know a great deal about the dark families. "Powerful huh? Not so much anymore." The line had seriously declined to dangerous squib levels. "Chances are Vincent could end up having a squib child, his best bet would be having a Muggle-born wife." Even then it was no guarantee.

Barty cringed, "Don't tell Adelaide that," just imagining her reaction to that statement…she'd probably have a heart attack.

"Aren't you related to the Crabbe's?" Harry asked suddenly, remembering Barty talking about his lineage one point.

"I'm related to quite a few pureblood families, as is everyone else," Barty stated, "My mothers grandmother was a Crabbe."

Harry nodded, he'd thought as much, a wicked grin settling on his face as Adelaide called out again. This time she didn't sound the slightest bit impressed or happy. Barty jumped from the bed where he'd been lounging reading a book before being drawn into a conversation – or watching people running around after making the wall completely see through – it had been a good read too.

"See you later!" was the last thing Barty said before he was bolting from the room, presumably making his way towards his own room.

Harry merely rolled his eyes, more out of fondness and exasperation than any true annoyance. The fact Barty described her as 'a grandmother to everyone' sort of way showed that Barty actually cared about her a great deal in a motherly way. Or rather grandmotherly way. Nobody would be able to take the place of Mrs. Crouch, not in Barty's eyes, she had done the ultimate sacrifice to see her son safe from harm. Both physically and mentally, probably using Crouch Seniors guilt at having spent so much time at the Ministry instead of home with her when she was dying. Barty barely spoke about her, but it was obvious by the reverence he used when he did talk about her that he loved her.

With a resigned sigh, Harry smoothly stood up from the chair he'd been using and made his way through to the bathroom. It was time to get ready for this thing, with a little luck it would be fun.

Half an hour later, Harry had dried himself off and stepped into a pair of boxers when an abrupt knock on the door surprised him. "Who is it?" Harry called as he unhooked the new dress robes he had bought for this occasion from inside the wardrobe.

"It's me," came the curt unamused voice of Severus Snape.

"Come in," Harry said, refraining from yet another sigh. "Tell me you need my help with a very, very delicate potion and I'll miss this?" his tone more than just a little hopeful.

Severus scoffed, lips twitching in genuine amusement, "I don't think so," he drawled out bemused, closing the door and leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

"I take it everything went okay and Dobby got everything out?" Harry asked, his voice muffled as he dressed himself. glancing in query at Severus when he didn't receive an answer. "Did you want something?" he added, slightly confused by Severus' silence. He wasn't one for just desiring someone's company, so he obviously wanted something, Harry just didn't know what.

Severus shifted awkwardly, almost wishing he had just written a note and given the gift to a House-elf. Steeling himself, he removed the small square package from his robe pocket and handed it over wordlessly. Almost contemplating the idea of just stalking out there and let the boy finish getting ready.

Harry blinked in surprise, well that explained Severus' weirdness, he had less social grace than him and that was saying something. He'd faked it until he made it, while Severus hadn't bothered at all content to be who he was and screw anyone else who disapproved of him. Accepting the gift, he opened it up and found a gold pendant with two coat of arms stamped just so in what could only be likened to a cartouche.

"If your parents had survived they would have given you something like this on your seventeenth birthday, when you would have become the Lord of the Potter estate." Severus explained, refraining from mentioning that James had his on at his time of death. His own mother had given him the Prince coat of arms, but the pendant had been silver, she must have saved up every penny she had for a long time to afford it. He still had it, and only wore it on special occasions, it was the only thing he had left of his mother that she had given him. Except her old school books which had been his from the age of eleven anyway. "Since you are already the Lord…I had this commissioned for you. It is both the Potter and Peverell coat of arms." He added awkwardly, although only those who really knew him would realize it was awkwardness.

Harry stared down at the pendant, it was quite large and a bit chunky, like a lot of the jewellery you saw in the magical world. Much like it used to be in the Muggle world back in the day, but as always the magical world was backwards where a lot was concerned. Chunky it may be, but it was smooth as he touched it, even around the coat of arms was even. "Somehow I doubt my father would have given me this if he'd been alive," Harry said dryly, although his situation would have been different and he probably wouldn't have joined this side.

"Probably not," Severus wasn't one for sugar-coating anything, although he may have hesitated if he'd noticed any sort of emotion other than simple statement from the teen. He didn't feel anything for them, which contradicted so heavily everything he used to think he knew. Harry used to blow the lid whenever his parents were mentioned, perhaps he had been too over the top.

Harry laughed a genuine smile crossing his face. "Thank you, Severus, I really like it." he placed the large chain around his neck, the cartouche settled in the middle of his chest, as if to bring attention to it.

"You look stunning," Severus added, looking physically pained to be saying it, "It's a look worthy of the Lord that you are."

"And you look constipated," Harry interjected, green eyes gleaming with mischief. "Have you been drinking already?"

"Hilarious," Severus murmured dryly, rolling his eyes at the teenager. He turned to move, taking a few steps before he turned back, "Just know…I would have been proud to have raised you and called you my son," with that Severus did make a hasty retreat.

Harry's breathing hitched, that was the last thing he'd ever expected to hear out of Severus' mouth. Like ever. Swallowing thickly, licking his dry lips, he stared down at the pendant on his chest, his heart pounding away like a drum. He couldn't deny he had thought of what it would be like to be raised by Severus. He knew one thing, he probably wouldn't have gotten upon all the shit he had at Hogwarts. Manipulated or not, he doubted he would have disobeyed Severus, even if he had been raised by him. The wizard was a no-nonsense sort, always had been, but he was sure deep in his heart that he would never have been abused, but also not spoiled, but very, very magically competent by the time he turned eleven just his Severus himself had been.

Blinking dumbly, his fingers traced the wetness on his cheek, stunned disbelief enveloping him. It might have been a single tear but Harry hadn't cried for years. Long before he had appeared at Hogwarts, crying had been beaten out of him along with near enough all other positive emotions. Hastily wiping it away, he finished getting dressed, refusing to dwell on his near slip of composure or Severus' words.

Not until this night was over anyway.

Barty had been quite correct that Voldemort would want him covered, he found out when his House-Elf had popped in with a still packaged cloak. The 'cloak' made Harry feel as if he was playing dress up as a Dementor, it was so big upon him with a hood that obscured him completely. Thankfully it wasn't too long in the leg, and didn't result in him tripping up – now that would have been humiliating – while he stood directly behind Voldemort who was about to talk.

Right at this moment, he was just relishing in the wide eyed wonder and shock associated with his…looks. He was no longer using his glamour, which he had kept up with the lower Death Eaters. The Inner Circle weren't affected, just avidly waiting for their 'Dark Lord' to announce why they were having his celebration in the first place. Or better yet, why they had gone into lockdown.

And Merlin help him, Harry found himself unable to take his eyes away from the vision Voldemort made. It was exceedingly unfair just how attractive he was. To think it was the same person who had returned with a snake like visage? It was unfathomable. Then again Nagini's scales had been part of the potion, along with her venom, so the looks he'd ended up with were self-explanatory. In fact, from what he'd read…it could have actually been ten times worse. Shaking off his thoughts, he listened to Voldemort in amusement.

"Tonight we celebrate not only the downfall of 'the great Albus Dumbledore' but the inevitable ending of the war in our favour," Voldemort stated smoothly, never having to raise his voice. Eyeing everyone from where he stood on the platform, the attention of every single Death Eater and dark sympathiser was in the room. Over a hundred people, and more than half were Death Eaters. The cheering and round of applause immediately begun, all of them in buoyant spirits.

Harry's sharp eyes kept an eye on everyone, from Barty, who by the way was dressed impeccably in blue robes, his hair up looking very respectful, who was watching everyone in turn almost vibrating with excitement. It was clear to Harry that he couldn't wait until the announcement. The inner circle were all encouraging their wives to listen, no doubt explaining that they'd had to remain silent for their Lord demanded it. Harry couldn't help but chuff in amusement seeing the look on Narcissa's face and the pale panicked look on Lucius'. Whatever they were talking about probably wasn't good for the blonde Lord.

Voldemort glanced very briefly – blink and you'd miss it way – at Harry, at his snort, finding his amusement through the bond. It combined with his own making them feel much more…joy than either normally would experience, almost amplifying it.

"Tonight you will be introduced to the wizard who helped sway the war in our favour," Voldemort continued, almost immediately after he begun speaking it quietened immediately. Everyone holding their breaths to hear what he had to say next. "You will treat him as you treat me, and if I find anyone disobeying that order you will be punished most severely."

Incomprehension filled nearly everyone's faces, they'd never heard of such an order before in their lives. He was the Dark Lord, he was above them all, to have someone being demanded to be shown the same respect was scandalous. They would have been outraged if they didn't think they'd end up being cursed, and it was the last thing they wanted, especially tonight with their Lord's mood being so good. A happy Dark Lord was a good one, and they were not going to endanger that.

Draco Malfoy stood watching the scene in front of him breathlessly, almost wishing for time to go quicker so the announcement would be complete. He couldn't wait until he finished his Hogwarts education, if his mother hadn't protested heavily, he would have left already. When the Dark Lord took over what good were your N.E.W.T's? No, he'd be doing bigger and better things, he would take over his father's place become the Dark Lord's most important Death Eater. His left hand so to speak, he would do everything and anything to ensure that.

This was where he belonged, he'd show all the pathetic Muggles and Mudbloods they were nothing. Would never amount to anything. His future looked magnificent, and he couldn't wait, he just wished he could get there already and be done with his education. He wasn't going to risk his inheritance though by disobeying his parents.

It was just like his father said all those years. The excitement, the camaraderie, and knowing he was on the right side.

Glorious.

"He's handsome," Pansy whispered reverentially. Avarice gleamed within her eyes, licking her lips, he barely looked a day over twenty-five. It was hard to believe that he was so much older than that which she knew he was. She wasn't sure of his actual age, but she was sure he had gone to school with her grandfather who had passed away at the same time as Draco's grandfather both of Dragon Pox.

Draco threw her a derisive look, "You're obligated to marry your cousin," he sneered, knowing about her marriage contract. Not that someone so powerful and charismatic like the Dark Lord would even glance Pansy's way. She had the face of a pug, extremely unattractive and while she had magic it wasn't all that powerful, not like his.

"At least I gained a marriage contract," Pansy retorted, her fingers tightening on the gold gilded plate in her hand, that was filled with food. Only her and her class mates from Hogwarts had been impatient enough to fill plates of food up while they waited. Everyone else had yet to touch the buffet.

Draco rolled his eyes, only Pansy would think a marriage contract was a good thing. He didn't want to be tied down by the time he was eighteen years old. No, he had other things he would be doing, serving the Dark Lord like his father. Beginning to learn the ins and outs of being Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Malfoy estate. He puffed up proudly just thinking about it.

"Quiet both of you!" Nott ordered, "Unless you want attention drawn to yourself!" he hissed under his breath, his father glancing his way with an annoyed look when he wasn't even involved. He hadn't even picked up a plate either, despite the fact his fellow Slytherin's had. He was doing exactly as his father had ordered and prepared him for. He'd been preparing him relentlessly for over a fortnight, making sure he knew everyone of importance. His father was best friends with the Dark Lord, had been since school, so of course he would want his son on his best behaviour and not to embarrass him.

Draco just threw Theodore a haughty look, very sure of his place within the ranks of the Death Eaters. His father was the Dark Lord's right hand, his godfather was also very high up in the ranks. He too would be, of that, he was certain, after all how could the Dark Lord not want Draco Malfoy?

Theodore pinched the bridge of his nose after Draco turned away from him, glancing a Blaise in exasperation. The boy in turn just shrugged his shoulders resignedly. Draco had an inflated sense of self-worth, saw himself greater than he actually was. He'd been that way for as long as Theo had known him. It was primarily why he didn't spend too much time with the boy regardless of what his father said. When all was said and done Draco was an acquaintance, Blaise though, he was definitely his best friend, one he could actually talk to.

There was no constant 'wait until I tell my father' if the Gryffindors though he was bad…they were wrong, he was worse especially in the common room. Especially after the Hippogriff incident and worse when Moody transfigured him into a Ferret. He'd almost bust a gut suppressing his laughter.

Blaise turned his attention back to the Dark Lord, after one glance to the side, his mother was sitting talking to Theodore's father. She'd long ago dropped her 'predator' looks when talking with him, and had been content to be friends with him. She actually liked him enough to drop all pretences and show him her true self. She was a believer in the Dark Lord, but had never joined the ranks and probably wouldn't. Blaise himself still wasn't a hundred percent sure either, his mum always told him to be sure before picking any side, because you always wanted to be on the winning side.

Blaise couldn't help but ponder on whether tonight truly was going to change the sway the light held on the war against darkness or if it was just a boost for morale. Although from what he had heard…he didn't believe it to be, there were whispers of this being the first celebration in decades. Decades. Theo thought it was something extremely big for them to boast.

There were people who already knew, Blaise observed, sure most were good at keeping their emotions to themselves. Yet nobody here was making an attempt tonight, those like Theo's father, Lucius Malfoy, even their Potions Master was oddly complacent as they listened to the Dark Lord speak.

Curious…very curious.

Both Theo and Blaise glanced at each other, the wordless communication speaking louder than words. Meanwhile Pansy and Draco continued to watch as they ate the food the House-Elves had spent the day preparing for the big do.

"So I would like to introduce you to my apprentice…" pausing for maximum effect, blatantly ignoring the jerk of Harry's body as he reacted to the title. There wasn't one better he could give him, he didn't consider Harry his heir after all, so that was out of the question. "Harry Potter,"

Harry still staring stock still at Voldemort, removed the cloak somehow making it a dramatic flourish without meaning to.

The sound of shattering plates was all that was heard as the room in its entirety seemed to hold its breath in dazed silence.

Severus closed his eyes in a rare show of exasperation and dread.

Lucius' heart sank, knowing that if he turned around, that his son would be gaping like some sort of pathetic Mudblood. Had he not understood all the clues he had given him for the past year or so? He'd warned him repeatedly not to start anything with Gryffindors. Since he only ever butted heads with Potter he'd assumed his son had been smart enough to put the pieces together. Perhaps he'd given his son too much credit. Meanwhile he prayed that his son remained silent, Narcissa had a painful grip on his upper arm, making him wince, but it helped grounding him.

Turning to face his son, his icy cold eyes bore into his son's demanding obedience, looking ready to rage when he saw his son wordlessly opening and closing his mouth.

Draco saw the look on his fathers face and automatically straightened up, his mouth snapping closed. It didn't cease the demand for him to shout and scream over what he'd just heard. His apprentice? Harry Potter didn't deserve that honour! In fact he deserved nothing more than death! It was his fault the Dark Lord had been vanquished! His fault the dark side had to go into hiding essentially. Face flushing red in furious anger, his grey eyes bore into Potter's with a promise of retribution. He wasn't supposed to have to compete with Potter here.

Harry meanwhile had turned to face the Death Eaters, a devious smirk on his face and a wicked look on his eye. Arms crossed he stared them all down without an ounce of fear or apprehension on his face.

As for Voldemort, his gaze hadn't left Harry Potters since he unveiled himself. A blooming spark of interest slithered down his spine, mine, was all that was going through his mind. It was almost as if Voldemort was seeing Harry for the first time.

I know I just updated this one but the votes on my facebook went this way (no complaints from me its my favourite right now anyway lol) so it's the one updated :D

Don't worry the next chapter will have Voldemort's POV 😉 it will be an interesting chapter to write! Just be aware it will be quite a while before anything happens, at least I think so, despite the fact sixteen IS the age of consent here in BRITIAN for consensual sex between people I'm aware that its eighteen in America BUT in this story they become adults at the age of SEVENTEEN so that's usually where have something happen. So normally when I put 'Underage' in any story, they're usually nearly seventeen years old (with one exception being invisible but it was with a boy nearer his own age) okay warning aside there we go! I hope you've enjoyed it! Oh and a shout out to Andreea Happy Birthday hope you had a great day! Read and Review please! And boy I just had to add the Severus scene it's been bothering me for weeks now but there just wasn't a place to put it! :D