Embracing His True Self

Chapter 88

"I need a few moments," Anthea murmured, eyes wide, a little panicked at the thought of seeing Arthur again. He was just at the other side of that door, what he'd been through…it made her tear up in sympathised pain.

"The toilets are just over there," Harry gestured towards the toilets and the signs clearly visible. "I'll go and see who's there," he informed her, giving her a reassuring nod and small smile.

Anthea didn't waste a second before making her way swiftly towards the toilets to freshen up and take a moment to herself.

Harry sighed, licking his dry lips, before opening the door to Arthur's room. Tense himself, but even all the rumours he'd heard couldn't prepare him for the sight of Arthur Weasley laying on that bed.

Even with the covers over him, you could see he was so concerningly thin. You could see all his bones, jutting through. He looked so utterly breakable. The pyjamas didn't fit him, probably had the smallest size on. They'd resorted to Muggle methods to get fluids in him.

Fred and George were sleeping on a chair on either side of him. Clutching a hand in desperation, that was evident even while they slept. Harry swallowed; he'd meant to help them…right now it probably would have been easier if Arthur died wouldn't it?

Harry cleared his throat lowly, causing both to jerk awake, alert once more.

"Hey, how you doing?" they'd clearly put him on the list to be approved.

"Harry!" Fred breathed, smiling in genuine gratitude and happiness. "Thank you, we're grateful for everything you did…but I don't get why you didn't just come to us?" approaching Harry and hugging him tightly, before drawing back.

The process was repeated with George, both still groggy and tired, the stress was making them unable to sleep overly much.

"I wasn't in the area," Harry lied through his teeth, "I wrote it and sent it off…I was really worried you wouldn't listen to me. I learned through the grapevine that you'd taken him. It was a relief to hear."

"What made you think he was…" George asked, still confused.

"Best not ask me questions you don't want to know the answer to," Harry said, "Plus, it's not really my secret to tell it."

"Someone knew what my dad…" Fred seethed.

"No, Fred, I promise, I wrote the moment it was uncovered, I swear," Harry said seriously, "I brought someone with me to visit your dad…why don't you two go get some sleep, a shower and some food…"

"Your boyfriend?" George teased, but it was laden with exhaustion. Rumours of Harry's boyfriends were circulating, but so far nobody had actually seen Harry long enough to get whether it was just a rumour or not out of him.

"No, Anthea," Harry explained, causing Fred and George to blanche.

"Wait, what? You mean she really exists?" George rasped out, entirely stunned.

"Truly?" Fred gaped.

Harry nodded once, "Go home, shower, rest, eat, we'll be here for a few hours," he told them, squeezing their shoulders in a show of solitary. "In fact, I think we'll be here for quite a while."

"Why who is she?" George asked, as he grabbed his cloak, so tired that he could feel an almost buzzing at the back of his head. He was tired, he wasn't going to say no to a break. With Ginny and Ron at Hogwarts and Bill and Charlie working…their own shop was being run by their best friend Jordan, they needed all the money they could get. Especially if their father had to be committed to St. Mungo's which the healers were already vehemently suggesting. "I asked Dad numerous times but he didn't seem to know." he couldn't believe she actually existed! They'd asked everyone they could think to ask. Anyone that knew their father…but nobody was familiar with the name.

"Someone your dad will be happy to see," Harry said with a sympathetic smile. "She might stay after I go, I've got a meeting at lunch."

"How come we've never met her?" Fred asked, all set to leave. Mind fuzzy and still half a sleep. "Why's she just showing up now?"

"Because I found her," Harry said, intelligence didn't seem to be wizards' strong points. At least logical intelligence at any rate. "Until a few days ago she primarily lived abroad."

"Ah," George said, eyes shadowed.

Harry disliked it immensely, he wanted to see Fred and George with some colour in their faces and usual shenanigans. It was just so weird seeing Fred and George without their exuberance.

"Has he been waking up at all?" Harry asked, wrenching himself out of his thoughts. It might take time but things would go back to normal – or as normal as things could get – for the family.

"Sometimes, he doesn't speak very often though," Fred sighed, glancing back at his father. Torn whether to go get some rest knowing someone was with him…so there was no need to feel guilty.

"Go on," Harry said, "You're about to fall asleep where you stand,"

Fred and George chuckled, as Harry watched Arthur's eyes open, a little sparkle appearing as he looked at Harry. "Hello Arthur, do you remember me?" stepping forward, sliding into Fred's seat.

"Harry," Arthur rasped out.

"Yeah, that's me," Harry said with a small grin, letting the twins say their goodbye's, now he was beginning to wonder if Anthea had changed her mind. Probably best not to mention her to Arthur then, it wouldn't be right to get his hopes up for her to have ran away from the situation that was overwhelming her.

"I hear you've not been eating," Harry said, shaking his head, "What are you hoping to accomplish by not eating? Nobody is going to poison you, if you like I can cast the spells to find out before you eat the food."

Arthurs stomach rebelled just thinking about eating, panicking at the thought of ending up back under control.

"She's dead you know, Molly, she's never going to hurt anyone every again." Harry pointed out, only for Arthur to freeze, seriously? Had nobody thought to tell Arthur that she was dead? The only comfort he could probably get from what had happened and what she'd done. Unless…the healers had told them not to say anything.

In fact, he'd bet that was the reason he didn't know.

"Dead?" Arthur rasped out, relief shining brightly through his eyes.

"Yes, she died the same day they found out what was happening to you," Harry informed him. Bloody healers, treating people like they were helpless little babies. Incapable of retaining information and shouldn't be kept informed of anything and everything. "She'll never hurt you or anyone else again." He told Arthur who was almost shaking with relief.

Harry swore he could absolutely kill the Weasley kids, imagine keeping that sort of information from him? Hasn't he even been allowed the newspapers? Then again, no, no mail, no paper, no visitors and only immediate family. Harry glanced at the door, seeing Anthea was there after all, not quite stepping in but he could tell it was her due to the extravagant robes she had on.

"Arthur…I have someone with me who'd like to see you again," Harry said softly, watching the wizard, who was entirely disinterested in him or his visit now that the shock of Molly's passing was gone, he had become impassive again. "I hear you've been asking for her?"

Arthur's breathing hitched, as his gaze flickered to Harry for just a second, refusing to allow himself hope. He was already half convinced he had been imagining her, nobody else seemed to know her. Or so he thought when he was coherent anyway. Time sometimes…got away from him.

"Would you like to see Anthea?" Harry asked quietly, taking Arthurs hand in his, watching and feeling it spasm in shock. "Yeah, she's here for a visit, would that be okay?" too many choices had been taken from Arthur…Harry wasn't about to take any more.

Then Arthur nodded eagerly, or as eager as he was capable. Certainly, showing more life in that one moment than he had since harry had entered the room. Harry sighed, grateful that Arthur wouldn't give him a no. That he wouldn't have to sit and coax them together until they could sit in the same room without fear of what they'd must think of each other. All these years later.

"Anthea?" Harry said a little louder, facing the door, "You can come in," he added, wondering if he was committing a Pureblood faux-pas or something. He knew a lot, but he was by no means an expert, he hadn't grown up in the magical world…so he wouldn't be surprised if he screwed up at one point or another.

Arthur struggled to sit up, and Harry slowly and with ease helped him. There was practically nothing to Arthur's weight, he truly was in bad way. It was hardly surprising they wanted him committed. Then again, no wonder he wasn't bloody eating if he didn't know Molly was dead. Either that or he supposed, they could have told him, but he may well have forgotten…he wasn't in the best of health at the moment.

Anthea swallowed thickly, before gathering her wits and stepping into the room. It took everything in her to not gasp in dismay or shock. If she hadn't been stunned, she would have stepped back in horror. This surely couldn't be Arthur could it? Her sweet, handsome Arthur? Was he dying? Harry had warned her how bad he was…she had just failed to realize how badly, and how awful she'd react to it.

"Oh, Art," Anthea murmured, hands out in front of her, as if she wanted to cradle him close. "What happened to you?" she said in tears, she naturally already knew, it was just a useless platitude right now. Oh, how could that awful woman have done something so horrid to him? There couldn't have been someone who deserved it less.

"Thea," Arthur whispered reverentially, hand raised, shaky, wrinkled and callused, but so desperate to touch her. To have confirmation that he wasn't hallucinating her, hadn't imagined her the entirety of his school years. A gasp leaving his lips, as tears rained down his face, "You're real…you're really here…really real…"

"I am, Art, I'm here, I'm real," she murmured, "I'll stay as long as you want me to, Artie Party," teasing him with a childhood name she'd given him, they were never apart unless it was curfew or in separate classes.

Arthur made no effort to hide his tears, just staring at her as if he was terrified, she would just disappear out of his sight. Brushing his fingers delicately against her face. She was just as beautiful as he remembered.

Now Harry most definitely felt like a third wheel, and honestly, felt awkward, he was intruding on a very private moment. Should he just leave them to it? Maybe Anthea would be able to convince Arthur to eat and get better…especially without an audience.

He hadn't saved his life to watch him crumble.

Harry stood up, leaned over Arthur, "Get well is the best revenge you can ever have on those who wish you harm. So, eat, get better, get well." Having been best friends/betrothed to a Slytherin…he'd bet that sort of talk would get through to him better than a Gryffindor one would? Leaning forward, he squeezed Arthur in silent support and comfort.

"Excuse me," with that Harry left the room, he hadn't expected it to be so awkward. He really should have, Arthur had been through so much, of course, why would he want to talk to a child? A teenager? A boy the same age as his youngest son?

He turned back to see Anthea and Arthur's foreheads all but pressed together.

Smiling, Harry slid entirely out of the room. He had work still to be done, and he wasn't needed or wanted here.

He'd been informed the McKinnon's loved a certain firewhisky. He'd been told the exact year; it certainly would still leave him with time to kill until the meeting. Which was going to be housed in the Emerald Dragon restaurant.

His idea, it had certainly impressed Lord McKinnon for sure. So much so that he hadn't attempted to even suggest a change in time. Being able to get a table at the Emerald Dragon so quickly meant a great deal. The restaurant was booked up months and sometimes years in advanced. He couldn't say it was his name either, since it was owned and operated by Muggles.

Lord McKinnon would most assuredly come with his wife, so to butter them up, he'd definitely need to at least anticipate her coming. It wouldn't matter if she didn't.

-0

"Lord Potter?" Lord McKinnon asked.

Harry blinked; he wasn't sure what he was expecting but it wasn't this. The pair were dressed in black robes with a good amount of tartan wrapped around them. It made sense he supposed, it must be the McKinnon tartan. "Lord and Lady McKinnon?"

"Aye, lad, it's nice to meet you," Lord McKinnon said, giving a short bow that didn't go below his shoulders.

"And you also," Harry said, handing them his gift to them, "I hope you find the year a good one."

"It's our favourite year," Lady McKinnon replied, she was barely 5foot compared to her husband who was at least 7foot tall.

"You wished to meet us?" the Lord continued.

"I did, I do, shall we sit?" belatedly realizing he hadn't invited them to join him properly.

The pair gratefully sat; the purple tartan was a lovely colour, and it was a lovely contrast to the black robes they wore. He hadn't noticed that wizards had tartan even the Scots, but he didn't know much. He wondered if it was a thing for wizarding Scots families?

Once they were seated, comfortable and the area silenced from the rabble that came through every day. "I actually came to offer you a very generous offer on one of your investments."

"Ah, I see, if I had known that, we would have welcomed you to McKinnon land…which is where all our deals go down." McKinnon admitted.

"It's all about luck," Lady McKinnon added with a smile.

"Considering what I want…I actually found the placement more than ironic." Harry admitted wryly.

"Ah, the Leaky Cauldron, yes, we don't have controlling shares." McKinnon warned, not informing him who exactly had the controlling shares.

"No, I do," Harry explained, "Neville Longbottom and I are very good friends, and I got the shares for the Leaky Cauldron from him."

The McKinnon's nodded sombrely, as if they knew or suspected they knew how Harry had gained that control.

"Here is a look at my offer," Harry said, handing over the documentation. That not only showed the yearly income, but what Harry planned to do with renovating the place, well within his rights without stepping on any toes due to it being a listed building. How much better he predicted it will do within the next few years. Then of course, at the bottom was the total he intended to give them for the shares.

McKinnon's eyebrows rose sky high, as he shared a glance with his wife. He certainly wasn't risking not getting the remaining shares it seemed. He had given them, he quickly calculated, ten years' worth of profit and then some.

"I've heard what you're doing for the tenants down in Knockturn alley, they really are a disgrace. It would be lovely to see someone bring some new life back into that old Alley. Do you know it was once part of Diagon Alley? But once they begun paving the new way and added to it…it was quite quickly discarded like yesterdays trash? It's probably one of the oldest wizarding streets we have." Lady McKinnon explained.

"I had no idea, but its lovely to know," Harry admitted, "I can't say I'm entirely surprised though. I always knew it was an older settlement, but I had no idea of its true worth. Old doesn't mean worthless…its' truly priceless…but wizards seem to like discarding anything they don't find value in anymore."

"Indeed, traditions are important to us," Lord McKinnon told him, "That's not to say we're against Muggle borns but too much of our world has been stripped away to cater to them."

Harry blinked, "I'm really surprised to hear that…" he admitted.

"How so?" Lady McKinnon asked, a knowing look in her eye.

"I am aware that your daughter, like my parents were part of the Order of the Phoenix…back during the last war with Voldemort." Harry explained, "I am sorry for your loss." It couldn't have been easy losing their daughter.

"Yes, she was very soft hearted, and easily led astray," Lord McKinnon said, eyes gleaming darkly. Surprised the boy would bring it up, but he had suffered losses too due to beliefs. "Dumbledore had a lot to answer for." he only wished she'd returned home, that way the entire clan could have protected her. Unfortunately, his beautiful girl hadn't wanted to endanger them for her choices. He had a grandchild now, named after her, and she was just as beautiful as his daughter.

The sneer they saw on Harry's face made them both blanch a little. This here was definitely a boy who loathed Dumbledore even more than them. Which seemed entirely impossible…but it wasn't really was it? Harry had lost his parents and his childhood because of Dumbledore's actions.

"Truer words couldn't have been spoken," Harry said, a coldness still to his voice. "Fortunately, where he is, he cannot cause any more harm to others or manipulate them."

Neither said a word to that, having a feeling they'd stepped on a land mine somewhere.

"I apologise," Harry said, sighing softly, "Unfortunately, the mere mention of Dumbledore is enough to sour my mood." Especially given what exactly he'd planned to do to him. Merlin, it was enough to make him want to rage around town and just let his magic loose.

"Yes, he has that effect on many," Lord McKinnon agreed, the boy was powerful…and that's with him keeping his magic tightly reigned by the look of it. His daughter had been powerful as well, so powerful that the ministry said that she'd personally been killed by Voldemort himself.

"Indeed," Harry said wryly.

"You've been very thorough and diligent in your planning," Lady McKinnon said, still looking them over. "The place would look lovely with these changes; it's always been so dark and dreary!"

"It's a lot of people's first foray into the magical world. Mine included…it's rather disappointing. The food and drink are delicious but the rooms could do with a good change." Harry agreed, recalling how bloody terrifying it was in the dark place with people leering and gawping. "If you're interested in selling, we can meet up another day on your land…I'd hate for you to change habits of a lifetime." Being kind and courteous, he knew some traditions shouldn't be broken…and if they felt it worked for them well, he'd do it. plus, they'd already informed him tradition was important to them.

"You would?" Lady McKinnon asked surprised.

"Yes, so long as I can bring at least two guards, precautionary only, I assure you, but well, my life has been rather mad since I was eleven." Harry said, grinning wryly. He was just lucky he could get away with coming here sometimes without being hounded. "Plus, I've been doing my reading, I know how Clans work." Grinning teasingly at them. "Truthfully I think its amazing, might be seen as old fashioned but, yeah, amazing." The family always live and stay together on the estate, all the families together even after marriage, he could just imagine the hustle and bustle.

"Good, you're not stupid then," Lord McKinnon grunted out, drinking the firewhisky that had been sent over. Only to grunt again when his wife elbowed him.

Harry laughed, genuinely amused, "No, I'm not that." He'd once been ignorant but not stupid, nobody could accuse him of that. Even if he played silly beggars at Hogwarts pretending to dumb down.

"You'll have to excuse us, we have a lunch engagement we can't miss, but I'll write to you and let you know which dates are suitable, you can pick from them." Lord McKinnon informed him, the meeting had been last minute, and if it hadn't been Harry Potter himself…well, they would have declined said meeting for the audacity. What could he say? Curiosity had gotten the better of him and he'd gotten a very lovely vintage Firewhisky for it, and he approved of his gift immensely and the silent unspoken apology for said audacity.

"Yes, I have one too…" Harry said wryly, ruefully shaking his head, "Welcome to the life of a Lord of an estate…"

Lady McKinnon laughed softly, "Yes, it does make things difficult sometimes. Especially getting any alone time with your husband." She said in gentle reprimand to her husband.

"Tell me about it," Harry said, understanding all too well, "The things we have to resort to in order to gain their attention."

Lady McKinnon laughed even louder, surprised that the younger had no shame. She would have blushed furiously at his age at the mere insinuation. She hadn't been aware that he was engaged…and a glance at his finger he certainly wasn't married.

"I didn't just hear that," Lord McKinnon grumbled, kids these days, sleeping around before marriage.

"We're bonded," Harry said with a knowing look, it was true he and Voldemort were bonded, by the Horcrux in him. They'd always be able to feel each other, that was far greater than any marriage could be. Plus, there was no way Voldemort would ever let him go, they were as good as married already.

McKinnon's eyes widened, "That doesn't happen very often these days," having a whole new respect for Harry Potter.

"I would very much appreciate it if it isn't spread around," Harry said, a dark glint in his eye. Warning them of the consequences of such a thing.

"You have our word," McKinnon declared, and that meant more than a Vow or oath. They weren't idle gossips, the last thing they wanted to do was upset Lord Potter…not when he was just coming into his powers. He would be a formidable opponent to cross. They might not stray much into society these days, but things were changing.

"Good," Harry declared, "Then I shall look forward to hearing from you both. Thank you for taking time out of your day to indulge me. I wish to you both well." With that Harry bowed before removing the spells and apparated away with a crack.

"Well, that was…" Lady McKinnon murmured, awed. She wasn't sure what she'd expected of the boy. "He's as dark as they come." Dark not evil, they knew the distinction.

"Yes, yes he is," her husband agreed entirely with her. "How anyone can be oblivious about it…confounds me…" if he was hiding it, then that control, Merlin, it was a scary thought.

"We best get going, we have to collect some flowers and a bottle of wine before we arrive." Lady McKinnon said, glancing at the time on her watch.

-0

Harry Apparated back to the hospital, making his way down the familiar corridors. He still had a bit of time before Voldemort had his meeting with their newest recruits. He was going to have some fun with them…but until then, he wanted to check on Arthur and Anthea.

Nobody so much as looked at him, as he wandered the halls, eventually he got to the room Arthur Weasley was in.

The door was open, and Harry stepped into the doorway, to find Bill, Charlie the twins and Arthur and Anthea all talking and laughing. There was a tray of food – clearly store bought – in front of him, and Arthur was actually eating.

A small fond smile worked its way onto his face.

"Harry, come on in, sit down," Fred said, the smile on his face stretching even wider.

Harry grinned, it was nice to see Fred and George smiling again, they looked years younger…and to think it was only a few hours ago he saw them looking so desolate. "I'd love to but I'm afraid I can't I have somewhere to be…another time though?"

"You're always welcome here, Harry, we consider you family," George said seriously. "Whether you are friends with Ron or not…" plus, Harry had probably unknowingly saved not only his dad but he and his twin too…they were supposed to be at that Order meeting after all. Unknowingly or not he had saved their lives and they owed him.

Harry wondered if that was really true, he had killed their mother after all. Although, she deserved it really, he didn't think the remaining Weasley's were exactly grieving for her. When he was younger, he would have accepted it immediately without pause. Now though…he'd take it but not depend on it. People were contrary, if they found out everything…he'd bet they'd rescind the offer pretty damn quickly.

"Seriously, you're an honorary Weasley," Bill declared, "We'll never be able to repay you." they'd been told what had been said earlier.

"Thanks, I really appreciate it," Harry said giving them a genuine smile, "I'm glad you're doing a little better Mr. Weasley, are you staying for a while longer Anthea?"

"Aww! Don't go! Tell us more!"

"Yeah, tell us!" the twins said, acting like ten-year olds with lunatic grins on their faces. "Dad was worse than us at Hogwarts!"

Harry barked out a laugh, "I can't imagine that!" he admitted.

"Oh, yes, he was rather mischievous," Anthea said positively beaming in delight, happier than she'd been in a long time. When the children had walked into the room…she'd been so afraid they'd hate her on principle. Instead they'd insisted she stay even if they had to leave, especially seeing their father actually eating. They'd been so warm and welcoming…she wasn't used to people wanting her presence except her children.

Despite it being a hospital, the atmosphere was so lovely, she could stay here for hours…but she did have her children to get back to.

"You know Ant loves spending time with them, getting to know them…he won't mind you staying for a bit longer." Harry pointed out, seeing her internal conflict. "Plus, I'm sure you have a lot to catch up on."

"I'll escort her back to Dolohov manor," Bill said honestly. "Make sure she gets home alright." They'd learned there was more Dolohov's than he'd known, a younger brother that became Lord, Ant Dolohov and a squib who had just been reintroduced back into the family, along with his son who was a wizard and starting Hogwarts soon. The family didn't discriminate because one of them had been a Death Eater…although they knew if Ron and Ginny were here, they would be. Honestly, those two had a lot of growing up to do. With their mum out of the picture maybe they wouldn't cling to her apron strings anymore.

"You okay with that?" Harry asked Anthea, it was her decision, although, she could Apparate on her own…with the newness it was best she be apparated back by someone more familiar with the area.

"Yes, yes, that's fine," Anthea said nodding, she would need to return for dinner at least. Her children had just lost their father…she couldn't spend too much time away from them, it wasn't really fair. They needed her more than ever and needed the comfort of a routine.

Yet she was ever so reluctant to leave Arthur, she'd just been reunited with him again.

"Alright, I do have to go," Harry said apologetically, "Remember what I said, Arthur, the best revenge is to live well."

"Thank you, Harry," Arthur rasped out, his gratitude deep and obvious to all.

"You're welcome, I'll see you all later." Harry said, giving them a wave, before stepping back out, his shoulders relaxing.

Now to have some fun…he thought, eyes gleaming with merriment. There was nothing he liked more than scaring or screwing with the Death Eaters or those trying to garner alliances…especially ones that were banging on about wanting to see him before making a decision.

He reckoned they expected him to be downtrodden or something, well, they were in for a surprise if they thought that. Once he was out of the hospital, he Apparated away with a crack, he was a few minutes late for the meeting, but that's the way he wanted it. He wanted the vampires to see that he was held in very high regard.

Hmm, the downstairs office it was, then, he mused sensing where Voldemort was through the bond. He could sense his annoyance, so apparently the meeting had definitely started…he wondered how many were actually in there and whether there were Death Eaters too.

Harry grinned before he swept into the room, kicking the door closed with the heel of his boot. Finding three vampires there along with two Death Eaters along with Voldemort. Even stevens then, or had been.

"How's it going? Still holding off until they see little ol' me?" Harry asked giving he vampires once overs. They didn't look like much, but if Voldemort wanted them, then they must have at least a significant amount of hold or power.

The vampires definitely straightened when they realized that this wizard who had interrupted them – quite rudely too – was in fact Harry Potter. The wizard they'd been waiting to see, to know if the rumours were true.

"I mean…" Harry said as he stood behind Voldemort, wrapping his arms around him, in a possessive display, with Voldemort smirking at their reactions, laying his chin on Voldemorts shoulder as he eyed the vampires. "If they need to see me, to confirm whether we're going to win or not…they might be more of a hindrance than a help."

Voldemort made no effort to hide his amusement at the vampire's detriment. He should have expected something like this from Harry. He was always good at goading everyone, himself included.

"After all, why should they benefit from anything if they can't take risks?" Harry continued on, ignoring the indignation on his words were causing.

Rabastan pursed his lips, watching the scene play out. He'd cringed when the door opened without knocks, suspecting the recipient of the foolish actions would find themselves cursed to high heavens. Interrupting a meeting and just waltzing into the Dark Lords office like they owned the place? Then of course, he realized it was Harry, the only one to get away with it. Now? Well, the meeting was becoming less a bother more of an amusement. He glanced at Severus, who was with him, and found his black eyes gleaming with delight.

Severus was always sadistic that way, he loved watching people squirm. Normally his audience was children, teenagers though no fully grown vampires. There was pride gleaming in his eyes too, he knew Severus considered Harry as close to a son as he could get.

"You do raise an interesting point," Voldemort feigned taking the words into consideration.

The vampires puffed up like enraged bullfrogs, "We know better than to risk the lives of our people with joining causes, look at what happened to the werewolves after he was defeated in the past."

Rabastan and Severus inhaled in shock at the boldness of the words.

The vampires froze clearly realizing they'd struck a nerve.

"He?" Harry asked darkly, "Has a name, and it was nothing to do with Voldemort and more to do with our powers and lineage," he told them, eyes gleaming with vengeance. "And if you dare to disparage him again, well…you'll not live to regret it. Am I understood?" a fireball appearing in the palm of his hand, and allowing flames to dance across his fingertips.

"Not until I've made you regret it," Voldemort warned them. He would not take that disparagement lying down.

"Forgive me, I meant no disrespect," they were quick to say, fearing what was going to happen, their gaze never wavering from the fire still alit in Harry's palm…how was he doing that? It wasn't possible…was it? Just how obscenely powerful were this couple? They knew then and there that this couple were going to revolutionise the magical world entirely.

They wanted in.

Harry made a fist and the flames went out, "You are forgiven just this one…but don't think for a second the slight will be forgotten."

"Consider the alliance complete," the vampire said greedily, red eyes alight with glee. They were going to win, and they were definitely going to be on the winning team.

"Not without amendments in our favour its not," Harry whispered into Voldemort's ear, from where he was still plastered against his back. Too bad it wasn't a full Death Eater meeting; he would have loved to have seen some of their reactions to his display. He rather disliked their indecision and relying on someone else before saying yes or no in their favour.

"Agreed," Voldemort whispered, they had them hooked, it was now time to draw up the alliance in their favour. Once they had them, others would flock and follow.

Harry and Voldemort grinned sharply, and the vampires realized that the negotiations were far from over…perhaps they shouldn't have pissed this power couple off…then again, they had assumed the boy was little more than a captive.

They knew better now.

Potter was powerful, in league with the dark…and so very intimidating recalling his ability with fire.

The dark and emerald eyes of Voldemort and Harry glowed fiercely, knowing they'd won, not just them…but inevitably…the war itself. Excitement unfurled, realizing that they'd go to any lengths to join them.

To have protection and safety.

So will there be an outright war or will Voldemort just take over subtly so that the public doesn't know a thing has happened except an overhaul happening at the Ministry with a lot of 'wizards' being taken bribes etc? so they never know their peace as they know it is over? Oh, i enjoy writing Harry this way :D hehe can you imagine him with someone powerful like Orion Black in the past with his forward thinking? :P R&R please!