Embracing His True Self

Chapter 66

To say the time leading up towards Dumbledore's trial was a tense time would be putting it lightly. Everyone was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Plans after plans were thought up and discarded, trying their best to come up with the most desirable output for the cause. Other plans were put in motion but with no exact date or time, and could be enacted at any given moment. More specifically, the plans to take the Order out of play, which was their number one priority. Aside from ensuring that Dumbledore didn't pull a miraculous escape.

It was during one such lunch that a thought occurred to Harry that might enable them to get what they desired in both grand schemes they had in place.

"What If we actually publicized what Dumbledore wanted to do to me? Make it seem like that was the reason I disappeared from Hogwarts and magical society?" Harry suggested after swallowing down his bite of food, a thoughtful look on his face, wondering why he hadn't thought of it sooner. "It would get the public further up in arms over Dumbledore and might make the Order doubt themselves."

"It certainly would have the Order second guessing themselves," Severus grimaced, even he had been horrified by what was found. "That potion was bordering on obscene." Offensive didn't quite cover it, it was just horrific to contemplate someone being changed on such a fundamental level.

"Assuming they'd believe it," Rodolphus pointed out, "Most of the pubic do believe everything the newspapers have reported, but some have buried their heads in the sand…so far that they still can't see what's staring them in the face."

"Makes you wonder when it was made…and where you messed up," Rabastan mused, they felt a lot more comfortable conversing these days in front of their Lord now.

Harry paused, fork in mid-air, grimacing, "I hadn't really thought about that," his brow furrowing, when exactly had he screwed up that Dumbledore felt the need to brew that damn potion? "I'm going to assume he brewed it after I disappeared…" anything else was…daunting to say the least, it would mean Dumbledore saw through his façade and allowed it, which was insulting to say the least. He knew he was better than that.

Voldemort smirked, well aware of what Harry was probably thinking, for he would be thinking the exact same thing.

"Most definitely, the potion was quite fresh," Severus confirmed Harry's thoughts, "I would say mere months, definitely not as long as Harry had disappeared."

"I would not be surprised if he had it already in play just to be on the safe side," Voldemort drawled, "He doesn't leave much to chance. To think if you had not played the part you would have potentially ended up consuming the potion regardless of your plans."

Harry shuddered, green eyes filled with fire and rage as he thought of it.

"So, you want to what…appear just as the trial begins, assuming there's no plans for rescuing Dumbledore before it and have another thing about Dumbledore released presumably using Madam Bones to accomplish it?" Luna mused, there were so many plans that even Luna wasn't getting glimpses.

"What do you think?" Harry asked, "Do you think it would scramble the Orders plans?"

"No," Voldemort replied seriously, "I think they're too set in their ways, they will rescue Dumbledore regardless of what they learn about him. They'll refuse to believe the worst of it and want to question him on the…less questionable things he's done. They've been raised believing that they need Dumbledore and despite his actions…that need is ingrained." Calmly returning to eating his meal.

"Yeah," Harry conceded, agreeing with Voldemort's likely accurate assessment. "I really hate Moody man, I wish I could summon his eye, it would make this much easier." He could see through anything, including house-elves so they couldn't exactly send Dobby in….although, "What if we use and hide a Muggle recording device on Molly Weasley somewhere that's guaranteed to end up where she is? They're small enough to fit into jewellery and stuff like that, or on clothes. They might not react badly to magic being used…" there was no way Molly Weasley would miss any of the meetings the Order is setting up. Plus, what were the chances of Moody knowing what a tiny recording device was to begin with?

"She does have a cheap broach on her jacket," Severus stated firmly, eyes gleaming, "I believe it was from one of her anniversaries, pewter I think."

Rodolphus and Rabastan grimaced, as they often did when Muggle's or Muggle items were brought into conversation.

"Easily malleable," Harry agreed, "I've never used them before myself, I couldn't even say where the hell to buy them, I'd need to find a really big electronic store I reckon. How do you feel about testing it out with me, Barty?" as always, Barty was his chosen companion when it came to trips to the Muggles world. Only because he actually genuinely loved going with him, and didn't care about the Muggles.

"I'm game," Barty said, swallowing down with great difficulty the food he'd stuffed into his mouth, as always eager.

"Brilliant, what about you Luna? Up for a trip to Muggle London?" Harry asked, he absolutely refused to allow the damn Order to dictate everything he did and keep him in hiding. He could see that Rodolphus wasn't happy, judging by the way his lips disappeared into a firm line. Fortunately for him, he didn't try to dictate where Luna could go, for he would have been cursed nine ways to Sunday by both Luna then Harry.

"Sure, I'd love to!" Luna said, as always chipper and happy.

Harry smiled at her, a genuine happy smile, he was grateful to have someone from his 'old' life so to speak here with him. It was going to be tough enough to lose Neville, who he genuinely cared for, but not enough to remain on a side that just wasn't him. Luna was such a happy girl, even while she was bullied she never let it get her down or not for long at any rate. He was also aware of the fact that what people showed the world wasn't always what they were really feeling. He didn't even think Luna shared how she really felt with him often, but that was okay, he didn't share his own feelings very often either.

"I probably should visit Bellatrix," Rodolphus grumbled, what better time than when Luna had plans of her own? It wasn't as if he'd ever take her there with him, hell no. She was never going to get within reaching distance of Bellatrix. "Have you seen her, My Lord?" since the last time went unsaid.

"No," Voldemort admitted, "But from all reports I have on her progress…her health is declining."

"It will until they find the right doses for her," Harry said flippantly as if he wasn't responsible for it, even if he did feel responsible for it, he didn't care enough to feel guilty. She had been a danger to them all, now she wasn't…for the most part anyway and it was worth it. "Grant will get there eventually," he wasn't the one caring for her twenty-four seven, just giving her the medical attention she needs. She'd been horrified when he saw the state of her, asking why nobody had come to him before, not only was she still skeletal but she hadn't recovered even one iota from her time in Azkaban. Harry had snorted derisively and informed him that it was a surprise she'd been taking Rodolphus' potion whenever she pleased. As it stood, they'd had to give her the calming draughts for a fortnight before they could start her on her new potion regimen, which had only begun a week prior now. Narcissa was getting impatient too, she wanted to see her sister again but kept getting recommended to wait a while.

"Any progress with your potion?" Severus asked Harry, after a few minutes of respectable silence to make sure the subject was truly over with. The clinking of cutlery and the muted thumping of glasses and goblets the only thing to be heard except for their conversations. As always eager to hear more about his accomplishments and how he was doing. He'd been focusing on his own ideas, Harry had re-stirred his very passionate desire to create, something he hadn't felt since he became a Master of Potions.

"A little, I'm still tweaking it, I know I'm missing something but I just can't figure out what," Harry admitted, a wry look on his face. He wasn't going to ask Severus for help again, he wanted to accomplish this on his own. "Then it will take however long to convince St. Mungo's or the Longbottoms to test it…"

"Hope has long faded for the Longbottoms', even a slim chance with have Augusta Longbottom agreeing to whatever experimental potions one wishes to try given its not dangerous or too strenuous on her son and daughter-in-law's compromised systems." Severus replied, and he should know, the potions community had been abuzz about Augusta Longbottom offering any money required for a potion that would correct the damages to her family, but thus far nobody had been able to create it. Apparently she'd been approaching the wrong generation. He was still ashamed he hadn't seen Harry's potential, how much better would he have been if Severus had just seen?

"Once I'm sure it's perfected, they'll get a contract put in front of them, leave and never return to the UK or they don't get it." Harry informed them, leaning back, brow furrowed. "A fresh start for all of them, hopefully Neville will be able to get over it." and if he couldn't he wouldn't be stuck here seeing his face, he'd be living in a warm climate and enjoying learning new plants and such.

"One your stipulations, My Lord?" Rodolphus enquired, knowing it was most likely.

"We both decided it to be so," Voldemort replied wryly, he'd barely brought it up when Harry breathed out that he knew what he'd want and already agreed. The contract had already been written out, he knew Harry well enough to know before long the potion would be perfect. Harry had been getting a lot of funds from his creations from his followers, nothing that Harry could turn his nose up at either. Carrow had given him fifteen thousand galleons just yesterday, she was immensely pleased with her ability to change her looks and the one she had primarily chosen…was quite pleasing on the eye.

"Neville is going to love being in Australia," Luna commented with a beaming smile, "He's going to make quite a name for himself." much better than what his fate would be here in Britain. A teacher, husband and father to someone he liked but did not love. Now though? Now he would be the youngest Herbologist, a creator, a grower, with apprentices of his own a wife who he will adore and children of course. His advances would advance the potions community as well.

Harry's lips twitched into a smile, pleased to hear that. "Right, I'm going to head off, I'll see you all later," Harry said, he did not have the confidence in his budding relationship with Voldemort to kiss him like he wanted to goodbye. He reckoned that it was definitely not something he should do in front of the Death Eaters.

Barty and Luna were quick to follow him, as they made their way outside the manor and apparated to Muggle London side-long apparated by Harry who knew the area well.

"How many of the Order would you say are quick and powerful? I mean enough to actually fight back to the extend it's a danger to our own?" Harry pondered, as they walked up the street, making their way towards one of the biggest electronic stores in the area.

"They're chosen because they're powerful," Barty pointed out, warily looking around to make sure nobody was listening to their conversation. Nobody was milling around, in fact they were all in cafes and such eating a quick lunch while others were down the road presumably getting a quick shop done. "So I'm going to say most of them, others are probably used for information."

"I don't know about that, Pettigrew was in the Order," Harry snorted derisively, as he opened the door to the shop, "Doesn't say much for you lot does it?" sniggering wryly, Pettigrew was pathetic.

"Ah, but he was hardly going to alienate the wonder trio by leaving out their sidekick," Barty retorted, "Plus, he wasn't that bad to be fair, definitely not the worst I've come across." Wincing, he probably shouldn't have said that about Pettigrew, he knew how much Harry detested the damn rat animagus.

"Eh, probably true," Harry conceded, his father and godfather had been very loyal, too loyal really, and they'd paid for that in the worst way imaginable. He honestly didn't know what he'd do if he'd ever have to use the Fidelius charm…and if he'd ever trust anyone with his life like that.

"Can I help you?" a shop assistant asked, coming towards them with a pleasant smile on her face.

"Can you direct me to the recording equipment please?" Harry asked, a charming grin of his own on his face, all of them dressed impeccably for Muggle standards.

It didn't take long after that for Harry to collect everything he'd need for his latest experiment, which unfortunately, meant getting a Muggle laptop so he could view the scenes as they happen. One day he was going to create a magical version of this CCTV stuff, so that he could use it without anyone knowing or being able to detect it.

"If this doesn't work maybe we should just poison then," Harry grumbled, as they made their way back in the direction they came.

"Well, everyone does like Molly Weasley's treats," Luna suggested, and those still in the Order were still hardcore loyal followers of Dumbledore. "But it means risking the twins."

"Wait…what? What's this about the twins?" Harry asked, "I was just kidding anyway, I mean they'll know…unless, unless Muggle poisons don't show up? Hell there might be other Muggle drugs that could…." His mind begun to mull over the potentials.

"Oh, goodie more tests," Barty said, "Remind me not to eat anything you send my way," giving Harry a wary look, but it changed to a grin, he knew Harry wouldn't poison him, others might not be as safe though.

"I need a medical text," Harry declared, "Come on, let's go!" his idea becoming more than just an idea…it was something he might intend to put into action.

As soon as they were in the ally, they checked it all over and apparated, Harry had one last stop to do before they headed back home.

"What on earth is that?" Rodolphus asked, staring at the Muggle laptop like it was an explosive device, ready to blow up any second now. When he realized what he was watching his eyes widened, trying to find the source, to realize it was on Luna's lapel, they had some sort of recording device there? Harry was quick to grab it and leave.

"Alright Luna, put up the spells!" Harry called out a few moments later, sounding as though he was in the Dark Lord's private office.

"In or out," Luna said, throwing a grin at Rodolphus, Rodolphus automatically stepped in, and Luna closed the door and flicked out her wand, murmuring quickly and quietly, ward after ward springing up, using every single one Harry suggested, which were the ones that the Order more than likely used on their hideout.

"What are you up to?" Rodolphus asked, watching her move with grace and awe, she was wise beyond her years, powerful and smart. She was able to flawlessly create wards around the room that most eighteen-year-olds would find difficult.

"Experimenting," Luna said with a teasing smile, "We're trying to find out if the video will remain even after all the spells are enacted."

"It's not going to help us find out where they are…" Rodolphus pointed out, wondering if it was all a waste of time. Although could anything be considered a waste of time considering how happy Luna was at the moment. She was always happy, but it was rare to see the excited gleam that exuded from her.

"We don't need to," Luna said with a smug smile, as things played across her mind's eye causing her to become still.

Rodolphus aware of the incidents and knew what to do, waited patiently, making sure what she saw did not upset her. Approaching her closely, his arms outstretched ready to catch her if the vision exhausted her. They were becoming less strenuous but still took it out of her. Then like she hadn't breathed for minutes, Luna gasped as awareness washed over her again.

"Easy, you okay?" Rodolphus asked her, wrapping his arms around her, bringing her close to him, content as she lay her head on his chest and just breathed through the disconcerting memories. He didn't rush her into replying, he'd learned a lot about her gift, which by the way was from Luna herself, the books were wholly lacking in information about seers.

The wards surrounding the room were easily dismantled by Harry, as they were his after all, and the door opened. Barty and Harry made their own entrance watching and waiting.

"M'fine," Luna murmured, breathing out, "Well, your plan will work out…" there was never any doubt really, Harry's plans were always well thought out, and likely to work.

"And the video kept going through all the wards, and the sound was perfect," Harry informed them, the laptop discarded on the bed.

"Which plan is that?" Rodolphus asked staring at them in contemplation.

"Muggle drugs don't show up on magical scans," Harry informed him with a vindictive wicked gleam in his green eyes that spoke of danger to all. "We're going to get them all," or as many of them as they could anyway.

Rodolphus' eyebrows rose in shock, "I assume you're going to inform our Lord?" making it clear in his stance that he would if they did not. The Dark Lord would not approve of any move being made that he did not personally agree to. He'd made that clear for everyone, and he also had punished those who had attempted to as well. Rubbing at Luna's back absently.

Harry rolled his eyes, honestly Rodolphus was as bad as Rabastan when it came to Voldemort being informed of everything. If he didn't know better he would have said they were terrified of him, but other than the normal fear they held for the Dark Lord they weren't all that afraid they revered him. He supposed Voldemort was right, most wizards did need a leader, and as independent as the Lestrange brothers were…they needed direction and guidance like most others.

"Tattle tale," Luna said teasingly, as she reluctantly removed herself from his touch, "Fred and George will be there, but Bill, Charlie, Percy won't…Hermione, Ginny and Ron obviously won't be either." They would be parentless though…unless, they could get Arthur Weasley to miss this meeting…and he was such a gentle soul that he would not fight unless his children were actually being threatened.

Harry swallowed thickly, confliction displaying across his face for a second, so sue him, he might not love them but he did care. Just a little, whether they lived or died, if there was any way for them to live then he would prefer that. Fred and George especially, out of everyone he didn't personally have in front of him – well Voldemort, Remus, Sirius, Neville too – he would defend if he could.

"Wait, Bill and Charlie won't be there? Why?" Harry asked befuddled, as realization on what she said dawned.

"I'm guessing they've distanced themselves because of everything in the newspaper?" Luna said, shrugging her shoulders, "I don't really know them personally." Which was true enough, she knew Arthur and Molly a little and Ginny and Ron a little more, they'd played together when they were really young, before her mum died. Before Ginny and Ron decided she was too 'odd' to play with, and threw tantrums when their parents tried to set them up on a play date.

"Huh," was all Harry had to say, he'd only met Charlie briefly, during his first year, with the Dragon, Bill he'd met while participating in the Twi-wizard tournament for a little longer. The twins were a lot like them, Ron definitely not as much, but he was still growing into his own.

"The twins were amusing," Barty admitted, his admiration peaking through, their ingenuity was…delicious to see.

"Let's discuss a plan with the Dark Lord," Rodolphus imputed once more, with just a hint of impatience.

Harry shared a commiserating look with Luna, that's what she would need to put up with. He closed down the laptop, and stored all his gear on the bed, knowing the 'power' didn't last all that long. Well, not compared to everything they used anyway, which was a significant length of time…or until the person died. "Then let's go,"

"Where are you going?" Rodolphus protested, when he observed Harry crossing the room into the Dark Lord's private office again.

"Voldemort's in here," Harry said slowly, as if he was talking to someone particularly stupid.

Rodolphus stared, forgetting to flinch at the name, startled, Harry had been running the test while the Dark Lord was in his office? He already knew what they were up to? He wasn't sure why he was surprised, he was beginning to realize that Harry didn't make any attempt to keep anything from the Dark Lord at all. Shaking his head, resignedly, he entered the Dark Lord's office with Barty and Luna, wondering where his brother was.

"So, how is Bellatrix?" Barty asked Rod, as he closed the door.

"Oddly subdued," Rodolphus said wryly, drugged to the gunnels, unable to get worked up but she still threatened everyone and everything. She hadn't lost her vitriol it was just muted in her state, the House-elves were her primary carers and seemed to be doing a Steller job when it comes to dealing with Bellatrix.

"It works," Harry informed Voldemort, "All we'd need to do is keep an eye on Molly Weasley, she's guaranteed to make some sort of buffet for an Order gathering. Which will probably be soon, they'll definitely need to discuss what they're doing with the plan of action for Dumbledore."

"And the poison?" Voldemort arched a brow.

"See for yourself," Harry said, gesturing towards the cups, "There's three of them with the potion and two without."

"Are you insane? You could have killed…" Rodolphus bit out, trying to pick one of the cups up, only to find it stuck to the table and glowing blue when he tried to pick it up. "Oh…" his tone far too sheepish for it to be suitable on an adult face let alone his.

Harry snorted, deciding against gracing Rodolphus with an angry retort as Voldemort stood, making his way over to the five goblets and begun running his own tests. Rodolphus stepped away, watching the Dark Lord work avidly. Once he'd used every spell in his arsenal he begun to sniff the goblets to find absolutely nothing gave it away, colour, consistency and smell all were identical.

"What is the poison?" Voldemort asked, straightening back up, impressed despite himself.

"It's Sarin," Harry said wryly, sitting down, "It's an extremely toxic synthetic organophosphorus compound. Colourless, odourless liquid. It's an extremely potent as a nerve agent."

Voldemort arched a brow, "A Muggle drug," something that wouldn't show up in any magical scan due to the fact it was man made, or synthesised as Harry put it…why had he not considered this before?

"How long will it take for the person to die?" Barty asked, staring gleefully at the goblets as if it had been the most entertainment he'd had in years.

"Exposure is lethal even at very low concentrations, where death can occur within one to ten minutes," Harry informed them smugly, a smirk playing across his features. Every single plan the had lately all sucked, if he was entirely honest, even his own.

"So nobody will realize how they died…which will spread the Ministry thinner trying to figure it out…" Barty realized with a demented grin appearing on his face. "You're bloody brilliant you are!"

"I've told you before, Muggle weaponry is just as dangerous, pretending it doesn't exist is just as dangerous as underestimating the Muggles themselves." Harry said, shrugging his shoulders, they were beginning to see that though. Despite his shrug he was radiating satisfaction, but also trying to work out if it was worth saving the twins and Arthur…or if they were destined to keep fighting and die regardless of his actions. Flicking his wand the goblets and its contents disappeared completely.

"Dobby?" Harry called out to the House-elf who he knew would forever be loyal to him, through choice and the fact Harry had ensured it to be so with Dobby's permission as well.

"What can Dobby do for Master Harry!" Dobby asked, eyes alight with delight at being called. He didn't even pay a single iota of attention to the Dark Lord Voldemort, who still terrifies him if he was honest, but he knew his Master would always protect him.

"Do you still know where the Weasley's are located?" Harry asked him. He'd asked him to keep an eye on them, but whether he was still doing that or not without prompting was anyone's guess.

"They is being at the Burrow," Dobby explained, "Does Master Harry want his Wheezy's brought here?"

Barty and Rodolphus choked on their own amusement, "Wheezie," Barty managed to rasp out trying to keep a straight face. Rodolphus wasn't any better to be fair.

"No, I don't want them brought here," Harry said, bemused by their reactions, they were almost, almost giggling like school kids. "Are they trying to get themselves killed? Going home to the Burrow?" it wasn't a new thought, he'd been thinking it for a while, they'd left the Burrow for a bit before returning. Sure, they had wards up, but nothing that was going to save their lives.

"How can Dobby help Master Harry then?" Dobby asked, confused as to why he was here.

"I need you to bring me Molly Weasley's jacket as soon as you can, even if I'm asleep, wake me when you've got it, It's the one with the pewter broach on it." Harry requested of Dobby, "Do not be seen under any circumstances." He added absently, but without any real need, Dobby would never risk his Master for anything. Not even to complete his orders more quickly. He knew to avoid Moody completely, even while invisible, due to the unfortunate reason that Moody's eye could still see them even while they were concealed.

"Dobby understands, Master Harry, Dobby will see it done!" Dobby declared, puffing out, he was a good house-elf, he would do it even if he knew it was wrong. Knew that whatever was going to happen would be bad. With that Dobby popped away, ready to do as his Master bid.

"Well, that's that," Harry said thoughtfully, "If it doesn't work we'll just need to go to back to plan A," or what they'd decided anyway, which was surrounding the Ministry with their own people and doing what needs to be done, even if it required an all-out battle, they refused to let Dumbledore get away.

"What about actually pushing up the date of Dumbledore's trial? Making sure it doesn't leak out so that they're completely unaware of the fact?" Rodolphus suggested thoughtfully, "I mean they won't know until it's over and he's back in Azkaban?" and Azkaban isn't easily penetrated, the Dark Lord would have trouble getting in, never mind the Order. They probably wouldn't contemplate breaking into Azkaban, not without Dumbledore egging them on.

"That would be unsuccessful, especially this close to his due court date, it's easier to change times than dates," Voldemort declared thoughtfully. "However, changing times could be enough to throw them off their game." If might not be needed, but as always they had backups on top of backups. He didn't necessary want to draw attention by beginning his 'return' with a massive fight outside the Ministry. In fact, he'd prefer it if they didn't become aware at all, which required a subtle take over and especially getting control over all the media stations, easier said than done, there were two very unlikely that he'd successfully manage to acquire. The Ministry had majority shares in the Daily Prophet, but all other news outlets and radio stations were slowly being bought by him, by the time he won, the magical world wouldn't even realize it had happened.

The Daily prophet would be his once he had successfully taken over the Ministry, it was just a matter of time and whether the Minister died or if he stood down and someone else got their moment to shine. Considering the information they had on the current Minister…well, he believed the Minister would stand down rather than risk public exposure, he was tempted to expose him regardless. He had worked extremely hard to see his new way come to fruition. Harry might have suggested it, but the he had worked endlessly to see it happen and he had to admit it was much easier working in the shadows and tending to everything while the public was completely ignorant and the Ministry not believing it.

The Ministry's biggest concern right now Dumbledore's trial and the 'Missing Harry Potter'.

"Speaking of the Ministry, what are you going to do about your seats? I mean technically you're allowed to sit on meetings now…and you haven't picked anyone to sit in your stead?" Barty asked, eagerly grabbing a coffee from the tray that Voldemort's House-elf just brought.

Harry vehemently shook his head, "No way," he hated politics. Cocking his head to the side, "Why do you want them?"

"I'm dead, legally, I cannot take my own let alone yours," Barty said dryly, he'd never had a chance to actually sit down at a wizengamot meeting. His father had been Lord Bartemius Crouch before he was incarcerated. His father wouldn't have given up his Lord status for anything, not even his only son. So, yes, politics had been beyond his reach.

"I've told you before, we can get you in as the last remaining heir of the Crouch estate, it would just require going to the Ministry and retaking your exams, easily explained away as you having a kid before you ended up in Azkaban," Harry pointed out, it was the one department you couldn't get around, well, except for the goblins but they didn't care about human laws. "Then all you'd need to do is inform the Ministry you intend to take over the estate and the seat."

"You can do the same, even though I know you won't." he added to Rodolphus, neither wanted to become someone else, they were content to wait until the takeover was accomplished and they were given their freedom officially. With their metamorphamagus abilities they can take on new appearances and live their lives unencumbered.

"We're the last of the main Lestrange line," Rodolphus declared, "I do not have a desire to play a child or a cousin line." He was proud of his lineage as were all other purebloods, and most definitely wasn't going to pretend to be a bastard child or worse the child of himself and Bellatrix.

"For now," Luna said with that tone of voice, she knew her future after all.

Rodolphus might have remained somewhat impassive, but his eyes glowed, and he gave Luna a look that could only be described as adoration and love. It was more than Rodolphus had ever expected of his life even after being released from Azkaban. He hadn't expected love let alone children to be in his future. Bellatrix had made her disgust at him more than clear, she'd had eyes only for the Dark Lord and well…it was difficult to have a child when Bellatrix refused him martial relations which by the way had been in the contract as well as an heir but she'd refused all other requisites rights in the contract. So to know he would have a child, well, he was extremely happy.

Harry smirked, "If you change your mind let me know," he said with a shrug, Barty most definitely would.

"You could allow Lucius to sit in as proxy," Rodolphus pointed out to Harry.

Voldemort let out a noise that could only be termed as a snort, barely discernible but nonetheless there. As if Harry Potter would give Lucius anything, oh, no, that wouldn't be happening any time soon. Not that Voldemort could honestly blame him, they did not get on or trust one another, so why on earth would he give over his seats and allow him to sit as his proxy? Regardless, with Dumbledore out of the way, they had a lot more control in the Wizengamot, and a lot of laws and legislation was changing, slowly but surely. Everything was his of course, but spread out through various dark and neutral families and the few 'light' wizards he had in is pocket. Money talks, even if they didn't believe in the dark sides ideology.

"Not happening, I wouldn't trust Lucius with anything let alone my seats," Harry said derisively, cocking his head to the side, before rolling his eyes as he opened the door, allowing Nagini and his beautiful snake entrance into the office. Neither snake paid any attention to it's 'Masters' as they made their way to the fireplace, talking to one another – or hissing to the others that didn't understand – seemingly rather content.

Snakes were very independent, Harry rarely got to interact with his snake, except when his snake actually wanted to do so or was cold and wanted his body heat. Voldemort told him with an amused gleam that he'd see a lot more of them during the colder winter months when he'd playfully complained that he never saw Aadarsh.

"That is…disconcerting," Barty admitted, "I wish I knew what they were saying," he added a little wistfully.

"No you don't, it's boring," Harry said dryly, "They're talking about the meals they just ate and how juicy the rats were and how they couldn't wait to go after a few more."

Barty blanched, perhaps the hissing was a good thing then.

"I have a meeting with Morgan from the Osian vampire clan in ten minutes, Rodolphus you'll meet him at the gates and bring him to my office downstairs. You will be polite and respectful and make sure all others are as well, is that understood?" Voldemort's tone became curt suddenly, and the reason why was in his statement.

"Osian clan that's in Wales isn't it?" Harry asked, standing up, already knowing they were being asked to leave without actually leaving.

"Indeed," Voldemort answered, losing his curtness that his orders had been understood without him having to state as such.

"Yeah, I thought so, I'm going to go talk to Sirius and Remus, see you guys later," Harry said, already wandering out the office and into his own bedroom. "You can come if you like," he added to Barty, knowing he was quiet when he spoke to Remus and Sirius always.

Barty didn't need to be asked twice, he followed Harry, already slipping into the sitting area and grabbing a book he'd been reading earlier about IVF and the process it included.

The conversation was a short one as Sirius and Remus were exhausted after their excursions all day and the heat on top of it. Harry was so happy he'd encouraged them to go, they were like completely different men. So happy and relaxed and even while discussing the letters from the Order begging them for aid and to come back didn't seem to bother them. They'd needed this, to get away, to do what they wanted for the first time in their lives instead of what was 'right' without Dumbledore manipulating them there was no chance they could be guilted into coming back to Britain.

The rest of his evening was spent with Voldemort, even if he was busy the company was always welcomed.

The sound of popping in his bedroom, had Harry scrambling for his wand, pointing it straight at what he realized belated was his House-elf. "Bloody hell," he uttered, lowering his wand, half sheepish, "Dobby," he said the House-elves name apologetically but didn't actually apologise.

"Dobby has Weasley's coat Master Harry," Dobby said, holding up the ragged material to show.

With a flick of his wand the lights came on, slightly dimmed, but nonetheless there allowing Harry to see.

"Thank you, Dobby," Harry said, sliding out of bed, shivering a little but continued undaunted, "Remain there for me for a moment," he'd need to get Dobby to take it back. He should have guessed Dobby would go in at night, tomorrow he'd need to go to a café and charge his laptop, there was no electricity available here. He didn't want to risk meddling with it, at least not this one anyway which was already set up for the camera. Maybe one day he'd experiment but it wasn't this day.

Then for the next ten minutes, Harry fiddled around with the camera, including shrinking it and got it set up in the pewter, and it did not affect the camera the slightest. Even with magic being used, the view was still crystal clear, it was perfect. "Brilliant, now Dobby, take that back and put it where you found it, and return here, get some rest," Harry said, flicking his wand and he had the time up in bright red numbers. Four o'clock in the morning, pressing the garment back to Dobby, he watched the House-elf disappear then focused on the screen. The Burrow was on clear display, showing off the kitchen as it was replaced in its normal hook.

There was a small pop on the feed as Dobby disappeared leaving nothing but the quiet sound of the Weasley clock ticking. Nodding absently, he closed the laptop and set it aside before sliding back into bed. Feeling wide awake, he grabbed his journal and begun to fiddle with the potion he wished to be able to give to the Longbottoms to get them better. So far, he hadn't had any luck trying to get the final ingredient that would bind them together, but he'd get there, he just needed time to think.

He'd need something that wouldn't negatively react to phoenix tears…which was extremely violate to a lot of ingredients. He needed the tears so he couldn't leave them out, it would repair all the damage and allow them to look a little younger in the process. Pursing his lips he summoned the book of ingredients and begun to painstakingly look though each and every single one of them.

He found his answer at six o'clock in the morning, and cursed himself silly, the required ingredient was so simple that he felt like slapping himself for not considering it sooner. He was too excited and proud of himself though to even care that it had taken him so long. He'd completed this alone, without aid, so of course he felt damn proud of himself.

He'd done something dozens upon dozens of potions masters before him had failed to do.

By eight o'clock in the morning he was conked out on his bed, sound sleep.

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