Embracing His True Self

Chapter 102

Draco, Vincent, Gregory, Millicent and Pansy didn't even dare to look at each other. They didn't dare to look at anyone, actually, busy as they were gazes on the floor. Anxiety skittering through them, had they done something last night? All of them racked their brains, trying to come up with something to explain the looks they were getting. Yet, nothing came to mind, they'd had a good time, the best actually, although, oddly enough, Theodore had left a few hours into the night, at least left them, refusing to partake. Had they embarrassed the Dark Lord? Was there something they didn't remember from last night?

The teens all straightened up when their parents began to pile into the room. If they'd been anxious before they were downright fearful, they had done something now. Vincent and Gregory glanced at each other and then at Millicent and Pansy through their fringes. What the hell had happened? Why were their parents here?

"Father…what are you doing here?" Draco couldn't keep his mouth shut, too used to being what would be referred to as the Alpha male at Hogwarts amongst his friends and fellow Slytherins.

"My Lords?" Lucius asked, glancing questioningly at both the Dark Lord and Harry.

Harry felt his lips twitching just recalling what happened last night, and long before a single drink had been imbibed. Once it had been confirmed that Dumbledore was truly dead, and the body put in stasis for the next part of the plan, every single Death Eater that had been in the room had dropped to their knees and bowed, baring their vulnerable necks to him. For the first time getting a sense of what Tom felt when the others worshipped him as their messiah. It was a heady, heady combination, and it had almost had him floating on air hours afterwards.

Harry narrowed his eyes on the group, and he knew, they wouldn't share his utter disgust at what had happened. Not only that but the families wouldn't share it either. They wouldn't even be given a slap on the wrist, and that would be it. There were really only a few ways to get through to them all, and he'd really rather not listen to any screaming, not without coffee first. He wasn't going to get it any time soon because of them. narrowing his eyes unpleasantly, "You touched my property," he wasn't even lying, within Gringotts, Dobby was listed down as his property.

"What? We did not!" Draco said indignantly, while Pansy nodded affirmatively beside him.

Vincent, Gregory and Millicent all cringed, knowing better than Draco and Pansy to start anything. Plus, they should have known better, Dobby wasn't Draco's anymore, no, everyone knew the House-elf belonged to Potter. If the large insignia she could recall through a hazy drunkenness was anything to go by the House-elf was proud of that fact. They hadn't just messed about with Potters' house-elf, no, they had messed with the Dark Lord's, and he was pissed.

They were beyond pissed. Unbeknown to the three of them, for different reasons, but that wouldn't surprise anyone least of all Harry.

"Draco," Lucius was the one to speak, sharply reprimanding his son, eyes ferociously denoting a harsh glare that spoke and promised pain if he kept it up. A look that all parents learnt when dealing with their offspring. Which unfortunately, didn't spit spells out when you're pissed off, and didn't magically make them behave better most of the time.

Draco became subdued at that, now his father very rarely got angry at him, and when he did? Draco most certainly knew to pay attention, even if he sometimes couldn't follow through. He was by far too impulsive, his mother liked to say he got that from the Black family, but luckily the Malfoy genes stopped the worst of it. He'd been working on that though, on being patient, less impulsive, the meditation helped greatly, he hadn't done that since he was a youngster, when he first began learning to clear his mind. which was the stepping stone for Occlumency for beginners.

"How would you like it if I poured a bottle of fire whiskey down your throats?" Harry demanded to know.

Nobody called him out on exaggeration, because they were now well aware that Potter never said anything he didn't mean. To do so would have them all suffering from alcohol poisoning. The firewhisky was very strong, and a tolerance must be built up. Added to the fact nobody should really have more than five drinks at any given time…but a whole bottle down your throat? Yeah, that would be likely to kill them all, which alarmed the parents.

The teens did the smart thing and remained silent, although, it may have also something to do with the fact they were still half asleep, feeling sick to their stomachs and really rather unwell.

"You're all cleaning the manor from top to bottom," Harry declared suddenly, causing everyone to glance up at him aghast. As if he had declared that he'd rip the flesh of their skins, not simply demanded their compliance in cleaning up. "Dusting, cleaning the floor, fireplaces, doors, walls, rugs, the mess you made in the kitchen, everywhere including the bedrooms, and without magic. If it's not done to my satisfaction, you'll keep doing it until we're satisfied…and bear in mind your Lord has very high standards."

"If you continue to fail, and do no do it properly then you'll be punished further," Voldemort warned them, "Let this be a lesson to you, on how you treat House-elves given the work they do." And they do it all without interrupting them, he personally didn't care much, but it was a rather annoying inconvenience. If the brats hadn't touched the House-elves then they'd be eating breakfast right now. Not to mention the manor would be sparkling despite everyone still sleeping it off.

"Everyone is to know exactly why there is no breakfast, coffee or anything for them and why they must return home prematurely," Harry added, staring coolly at them. Those that lived here would be even more pissed off, not that it would be troubling. With their Metamorphamagus abilities they wouldn't be noticed and no alarms will be raised. "Marcus will be keeping an eye on you." he added, as Tom summoned their wands, an air of amusement about him. He couldn't deny a curiosity in seeing them attempt to clean considering they've never cleaned a day in their lives and Hogwarts wasn't exactly known for its extracurricular classes such as Home Improvements.

"You can go," Voldemort informed his most dedicated followers, regretting his desire to bring the next generation into his cause. They were very immature; he wasn't sure if they had always been that way or if this generation was special in that regard. Their offspring would just have to deal with the consequences without their parents there to coddle or encourage. Considering how he would have dealt with it before? They knew they were getting off lucky. For he would have used the Cruciatus Curse on them without a second thought.

None of the displayed any signs of fear, worry or reluctance to depart, however, it was shown in how slow they were to depart, giving one last significant look at their children, warning them before they were gone.

"I shall inform Marcus of his…duties," Voldemort declared, looking down his nose at the culprits.

"I'll meet you at the entrance hall," Harry told him, squeezing his arm, before retracing his steps, already making a beeline for their bedroom, to grab his pouch. It was filled with galleons, and would more than pay for their meal and then some. Knock turn Alley was becoming something more than just the 'blight' it had been for such a long time. More and more people were returning to the Alley, the prices enticing others down, including a whole slew of people interested in the new properties being developed. Although, Harry was making sure that everyone who had lived there would be situated again before they even contemplate taking on newcomers to the area.

True to his word, Harry met Tom at the entrance hall, nary a thought was spared for the idiots who had elected to hurt his House-elf. Honestly, it was like none of them knew him at all. Sighing softly, he closed his eyes and burrowed into his partner for a few seconds before stepping away. "Let's go get breakfast." He didn't think it would take their minds of everything that happened, but it would get them some fresh air at the very least.

"Let's," Voldemort agreed, giving Harry a once over, wondering what he was up to, he could sense his amusement through the bond. "What are you up to?" apparating both of them to Knockturn Alley.

"It's just amusing to know they'll be trying to clean…and more than likely fail, they haven't cleaned a day in their lives," Harry told is Tom with great amusement. "Not even with their wands, we're dooming them to fail." A devious chuckle leaving his lips.

"That is the most entertaining punishment of all," Voldemort whispered drolly into Harry's ear.

Harry laughed, "Think they'll be able to keep themselves from digging even deeper?" opening the door, merriment playing across his face, stepping out, Tom stepping out directly after him.

"They just might surprise us," Voldemort pointed out, but his tone of voice indicated he doubted that very much.

Harry laughed, finding the idea incredulous.

"The press conference is set up for this afternoon," Voldemort added, suddenly out of the blue.

"Wait, what…you had time to set up a conference? When?" Harry asked genuinely surprised by his statement, glancing at him as the entered the busy café. Workmen were all over the place, most of them eating breakfast, others just nursing coffee, judging by their expressions their first one at that.

"I did it immediately after the meeting," Voldemort replied, leading Harry towards a quieter part of the café, "We cannot let the manipulate take root, lest this have been all for naught." He had no qualms about enacting an all-out war, he would win this fight, even if he had to crush everyone's spirit. He'd rather not, Harry's way had grown on him he must confess.

The least amount of magical blood spilled the better.

"What can I get you both?" came a solemn request, staring at both of them. It was clear he knew whom both of them were, there was no other reason he'd be so solemn or come to them first when there were a few others still waiting to be served.

"Two full English breakfasts with orange juice and two coffees," Voldemort declared, glancing at Harry who gave a nod of confirmation that he was quite happy with what he'd chosen. It's what they would get back at the manor, "No tomatoes." Harry did add though, neither of them ate them, and they were very frequently fried as part of a full English breakfast.

"Coming right up," came the reply, and it was true, within a few moments' coffee was served to them.

"What's the plan for the conference then?" Harry asked, unsurprised to feel Tom's magic encasing them in a comforting silencing bubble.

"It's you they trust, you'll be doing most of the talking," Voldemort informed him, giving him a once over, over the rim of the cup. "If you are up for it?" knowing his partner hated anything to do with the public, which included public speaking.

"How much talking are we estimating here?" Harry asked, already looking uncomfortable with the suggestion.

Voldemort pursed his lips, "Five maybe ten minutes," he replied, stirring his coffee, the smell of it was heaven. "Just enough to make them happy that their precious saviour is still around."

"And let me guess, you'll be watching everyone in hopes of someone standing out enough for you to realize that they're behind Creevy?" Harry deduced, moving his hands when the shakers began to glow, indicating the food was due to come, and the moment there was no obstruction, the food appeared along with a glass of water and orange juice.

"Severus and Rabastan will be there as well, at least," Voldemort replied, he'd like a few more inconspicuous watchers there as well. Lucius was out of the question, which is rather annoying since he was very good at watching others.

"Irene and Irma are really good at reading people," Harry pointed out, "They wouldn't stand out and nobody would blink an eye at their presence." Mostly because they hadn't attended Hogwarts and hadn't been in 'Slytherin' although, they had been in the counterparts. They had both attended Ilvermorny, their mother had attended Ilvermorny so it was a family tradition.

Voldemort made a small sound of agreement, "I can't say I've paid any attention to them, are you sure?" he was aware of whom they were. They were cousins of the Crabbe line, but luckily, they had taken more after their mother, not just in looks but intelligence. Their mother was a half-blood, something they were beginning to realise was a good idea.

"Oh, yes, they notice things even I don't," Harry said wryly, admittedly he'd only seen them a dozen time, and interacted with them a few times. They were very intelligent, they left him in the wind entirely, they spent most of their time in the library, studying. The books they chose revealed their intelligence far greater than anything else could.

"Haven't they returned to school?" arching a brow trying to recall their age.

"They graduated last year, they're doing their mastery in spell weaving and spell crafting, double mastery, I'm not sure when they had time to sleep." Harry revealed, "I don't think even Hermione is insane enough to pull that off." And they still had two years at least before they passed.

"You'll need to inform them quickly, but if they aren't still in Britain then it's highly unlikely, they'd be here in time." Voldemort explained, the owl would take a day to reach them if they were in the USA.

"They're still here, they stayed for the initial party, had a drink before leaving for home, they had projects to work on." Harry told him. That much he remembered through the haze of last nights memories.

"Don't think I don't recall your reaction to our followers' reactions last night either," Voldemort reminded him, he hadn't been blind to the envy Harry felt at such willingness to follow him, with utter abandon. Right from the beginning he'd felt it through the bond he and Harry shared. He had ignored it, finding it rather amusing given what people would do for Harry any given indication. Harry seemed entirely oblivious to what people would be willing to do to please him.

Which in the end was probably a very good thing.

Harry paused, fork mid-mouth blinking owlishly at Tom, before a red flush suffused him, "I have no idea what you're talking about." lying through his teeth.

Voldemort just smirked, and refrained from teasing further.

"How do we play on gaining their sympathy? You're coming out as the son of the evillest Dark Lord's – worse than Grindelwald has been – son of all things, they'll always be suspicious…I mean look at what happened to Sirius. Just because of his parents…nobody looked twice into him betraying my parents." Harry pointed out; the food was better than even the last times.

Washing down his breakfast with his orange juice, a thoughtful look on his face, entirely too pensive.

"Out with it, you've definitely already thought it all through," Harry said, making a gesture for him to get on with it.

"You're right," Voldemort said, surprising Harry whose eyes widened in astonishment. Chuckling he shook his head ruefully, "There's always going to be a great deal of suspicion. I do believe, however, my finding out when I was 'seventeen' might be the best way to go about it."

"Raised by a mother and what you thought was a father but is evidently a step-father." Harry mused, "Strong moral characters…I don't suppose you created an impeccable backstory along with everyone else that would fit that?" by everyone else he meant the Death Eaters when they created new identities that would even fool even the greatest of inspection.

"You forget we stuck to my real history as possible, even with the new identity, as good as I am…we won't be able to get our hands on a new entire identity by this afternoon." Voldemort pointed out, not that it was a concern since Granger and Longbottom both knew, much to his consternation. He did not like it, he wanted to ensure they'd keep their silence.

Harry grimaced, "I had forgotten that, but most of those that know are in the know,"

"Most, but not all," Voldemort conceded, "Too many people were surrounding us when we were out in the past." Mostly admittedly at the trials, in the court, so definitely not.

"Damn it," Harry grumbled, pursing his lips, displeased.

"Everyone has always taken pity on orphans," Voldemort said, curling his lips in disgust, "If I did not vehemently oppose harming children…I would have killed them. Being an orphan isn't the easiest thing in the world…in fact, it made things impossible." A faraway look on his face, admittedly his childhood was during wars. People pretended to give to the less fortunate but it was never enough. It was never enough.

Harry nodded, it didn't surprise him, Tom had said something similar before actually.

"Don't protest to much, be angry, indignant," Voldemort coached, "Give word of what you intend to do, and I'll look appropriately pathetic." He added dryly

Harry snorted, genuinely amused, eyes gleaming, "You'll need to make sure you look away from me, otherwise you'll make me laugh." He'd look like a kicked puppy for Merlin's sake. He knew exactly how to contort his face to get exactly what he wanted. How else had he managed to fool everyone forever? Well, except Dumbledore and not because Dumbledore had seen through the façade. No, it was the words he'd used when he first met Dumbledore that had him pinging on the old fool's radar.

Heaven forbids there be someone out there he couldn't control.

He was rather envious that Tom had succeeded in evading Dumbledore's control, manipulations and even potions.

"Should we order some to take home?" Harry asked, and yes, Slytherin manor was always going to be home.

"No, if they want breakfast, they can go get it," Voldemort stated, Merlin only knows if the House-elves would recover enough by this evening to cook dinner. Alcohol was potent to House-elves. They had essentially been poisoned far severely than humans would have been whilst drinking too much.

Yawning tiredly, Harry stretched out, giving a nod, "Then let's head back home work on a speech…" he wasn't very good at all that shit, never had been. Tom would hopefully give him some good pointers. He was so very good at making every word come out dripping with honey.

"And there are plenty hours to watch them flounder, which is an additional bet, hmm?" Voldemort teased him.

Harry's reply was entirely facial focused, a great big vindictive grin appearing.

"I'll take that as a yes," Voldemort answered, standing swiftly and moving to pay before Harry could, leaving them a moderately good tip – which here in Knockturn Alley was a massive one – he could be nice when he wanted to. They all knew who he was despite seeing him as a youngster, closer to Harry's age than his own. Which meant there was a lot of flushed faces seeing him, he was stunning and he knew it and used it to his advantage.

All except one person were enchanted by the front he put on.

Harry had never cared much for Tom's looks…or powers for that matter.

"They're doomed, I should feel bad by setting them up to fail, but they hurt the House-elves." Harry said, stubbornness and a little bit of anger bleeding into his tone. Joining Tom in leaving the café, giving nods to those who greeted him as they passed. His frequent visits to Knockturn Alley and his generosity leading everyone to recognize him now and hold no fear of him (being there or worse bringing the Aurors down on them).

"That there will see you losing all the respect you gained last night," Tom pointed out sincerely, in what he thought to be the Merlin's honest truth. "House-elves are possessions, if they pass another can be bought or traded." Stopping, linking his hands with Harry, before Apparating them home.

"If you truly believed that, you wouldn't have allowed the punishment to go forward." Harry nudged Tom with a rueful grin.

"Perhaps," Voldemort replied, neither agreeing or disagreeing with that assessment, or what part of that assessment he agreed with. They were very useful; he would confess that much at the very least.

"The idiots could have killed them all," Harry said, gritting his teeth, "Fucking firewhisky, of all the things…" butterbeer got them exceedingly drunk, and it wasn't entirely due to their size, they weren't that small. It was just that the magical creatures weren't equipped to deal with alcohol like theirs. They had Elvish wine, which was extremely rare, mostly because nobody would pay for their damn House-elves to have alcohol here in Britain. Backwards as they were.

Voldemort made a non-committal voice staring around, noticing it was clean-ish. Apparently, an attempt had been made at least to clean up after themselves.

"Where are you going?" Harry asked, following Tom as he moved to what Harry suspected was his office.

"We have limited time to get a speech written up for you," Voldemort pointed out as they moved.

"It's not going to take hours!" Harry complained, glancing upwardly, grumbling in annoyance, he wanted to see their attempts at cleaning. Groaning in exasperation when the door was held open for him, ugh, this sucks he thought as he joined Tom in his office.

"You can taunt them later," Voldemort said rolling his eyes heavens worth, honestly, but a trickle of amusement surged through. He would have likely done exactly the same thing really.

"I'll hold you to it," Harry said leaning against Tom, stealing a kiss before plucking out the book he had been reading while last in here. He slid onto the seat beside Tom, relishing in the close contact. They shuffled around until they found a position that pleased them both.

"It's really annoying you, isn't it?" Harry asked quietly, after Tom wrote and discarded parchment when he was displeased with it. The more annoyed he became, the number of quills paid the price, and ink spatter as well. "You're building this up too much in your mind I think,"

Voldemort glanced up, throwing another parchment into the bin, "Perhaps, but you don't believe that any more than I," glancing longingly at the whiskey, but the headache he could feel pulling behind the potion to take care of his hangover cure, reminded him what a bad idea it actually was.

"I actually do, I mean come on, what harm could Creevy have actually done?" Harry pointed out.

"A great deal," Voldemort stated bluntly, "Reporters are believed if they write a good article. It's instinctive to believe them unless you're personally involved in it. Even then they are very rarely listened to. They're deemed jealous, liars and sympathisers. The press is often used to obfuscate the truth."

Harry cocked his head to the side, conceding that Tom would know more about this than him. "True, but why nothing more damaging than inuendo and speculation? There wasn't a single attempt to actually prove anything in that article and you know as well as I do there is evidence to be found…sort of. It's almost as if it was just meant to piss me off or draw me out."

"Accidentally ticked as intelligence when it's juvenile, almost…immature?" Voldemort questioned absently.

"Or petulant," Harry said, "Someone trying to revive the Order of the Phoenix?"

"Again, there's nobody left who could possible be doing as much," Voldemort refuted, the Order of the Phoenix was gone, disbanded, dead. Then again, he was probably wrong to assume anything…especially when it came to Dumbledore. Just like he didn't mark everyone…not everyone was probably brought entirely into the Order of the phoenix. "I shouldn't dismiss it, however."

"No, we shouldn't, it would be the height of ignorance to believe Dumbledore doesn't have another back up plan inside a back up plan. To make matters more interesting…I reckon it would be someone we least expected." Harry said grinning wryly.

"I'd like to agree, but Dumbledore did get rather predictable. If you researched his past actions, you'll notice he continues that trend over and over again." Voldemort argued. "Unfortunately, it made me aware of just how predictable I am but any attempt I made to circumvent that predictability except with you, has proved rather futile." He did things without thinking about it, and try as he may it wasn't easy to change your actions and reactions.

"You think it's someone we're overlooking, or hoping so at least," Harry said as it dawned on him, someone who held the 'Boy-Who-Lived' to a beacon.

"It would make things easier," Voldemort answered, nudging Harry away, "Go ask the girls if they wish to accompany you." they needed as many eyes as possible to figure out who that one last player was in the grand scheme of things. He had to make this one of his best speeches to date, and something that would be understandable to the masses and on Harry's level.

Harry made a grumbling grunt of complaint, as he moved over to the fireplace, ready to see if Irene and Irma were able to attend the press conference. Anxiety skittered up his spine, he wasn't sure if it was Tom's caution, his own worry or if it was just general unfounded anxiety.

"Bloody hell, Tom, would you look at everyone who's there, what exactly do they think is happening?" Harry asked, turning to look at his partner who had set this whole thing up.

"That you are giving a press conference," Voldemort said dryly, "What did you think it would be like?" in turned out exactly how he thought it would.

"Are you sure you didn't suggest giving out free sweets?" Harry asked sarcastically, frowning at the number of children that were present. Like seriously, there were dozens upon dozens of children there. Even a few babies in their parents – presumably – arms. All of them chatting to someone or waiting for the press conference to start, the Aurors were there in droves, just in case things escalated into violence.

"What did you expect? For it to be only your classmates? Everyone the same age?" Voldemort answered, arching a brow as he stared at Harry, before handing over the leather-bound notebook. Just in case he forgot what to say, he had a reminder should he need it.

"Sort of, yeah," Harry confessed, his tone slightly sheepish. "That and some reporters I guess, and photographers!"

"It would seem we have shielded you a bit too much as well," Voldemort said, sounding more amused than anything. Sure, a lot had changed for Harry since he had changed sides, but then again, Dumbledore had ensured Harry knew nothing, even about the press and his status. There was one thing having fellow teens telling you how famous you were and actually seeing it for yourself. Even seeing it still had Harry baffled as to the type of fame he truly had.

Then again, it wasn't what Harry wanted.

"Ready?" Voldemort asked staring pensively, "I can give the speech for you, if you'd rather you didn't." sure they'd be disappointed Harry wasn't giving the speech, but he would be there. That counted for something as far as the sheep were concerned. Plus, he knew people would find it 'adorable' so to say.

Harry just grinned ruefully, "For them to think you've got me under the Imperius curse? I don't think so…it's going to be difficult enough as it is."

"It's well documented that you are impervious to such spells." Voldemort said waving off his words, the clamour of the spectators was beginning to get louder. They were becoming impatient, it wasn't as if Harry was late either, in fact, it was just a minute after the agreed upon time. Then again, the reporters know that they had a small window to get their articles written after this, and get them posted first. It was a rush against time to make the most money and hope to receive awards.

Harry inhaled, giving a moue of agitation, he didn't want to be doing this, not really. If it promoted or advanced their cause, then he'd do it. damned if he was going to let whoever was behind this get a leg up in all they'd accomplished.

Stalking out the volume increased, temporarily blinded by the flashing lights, as he made his way to the microphone. He ignored everyone screaming questions at him, he swore he could feel their spit landing on his face.

"Where have you been, Mr. Potter?"

"Is there any truth to the Daily Prophet Article, Potter?"

"Is there any news you wish to share with us?" the reporter slyly glanced at his hands as if she could see something none of them could.

"Do you deny the truth in the Daily Prophet Articles?"

"Is it true you're engaged?"

"Is your partner You-Know-Who?"

"What do you think your parents would think?"

"Is it true you're married?"

"What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Is Tom really Voldemort?"

On and on the intrusive questions continued, and Harry stubbornly remained mute. The only sign of his rage was his green eyes becoming more and more glacial as he listened to the offensive questions they asked. His tongue was also bit down on, as his anger and frustration began to get the better of him.

"SILENCE!" the booming echo of the demand shrouded everyone, even those at the back. Everyone absolutely cringed at the diabolical loudness. Clasping their hands over their ears, or their children's ears, the ringing left behind was painful to say the least.

If that wasn't warning enough, the protective stance Tom had shielding Harry with, staring them all down in disappointment. Playing the older protective boyfriend to a T. Harry had an explosive temper, just like him, they'd learned to control it, naturally. However, the last thing they needed was Harry casting a rather explosive piece of magic. He was angry, his hands balling into fists, he could tolerate someone speaking badly of him, but anyone else? He became exceedingly displeased.

"That's better, you're all acting like teenagers from Hogwarts," Giving them a once over, shaking his head in disbelief and disappointment. "Harry set up this conference for a reason, and he can't even get a word in edgewise!" he complained, trying his best to sound like a teenager. Voldemort wasn't sure how well he succeeded, but either way, it certainly had faces flushing red in embarrassment, mortification or anger at being told off by a child.

"Why did you create the press conference?" one such reporter had the strength and conviction to talk, his quick quill fast at work, writing everything down that was said and even whispered within his hearing.

Just before every reporter was about to begin asking their questions again, Harry raised a hand and silenced them all. "First of all, thank you all for coming, I'm surprised so many of you took time out of your day to come here to listen to me prattle on." being more modest than he felt, but he did see many of those who dwelled in Knockturn Alley here for this too. "I won't beat around the bush; you all know I am here because of the Daily Prophet article that was written about me."

Harry sighed, rocking on the balls of his feet as the reporters began firing off a series of questions.

"Did you have anything to do with the fire at the Creevy residence?"

"Have you heard about the fire?"

"Is your partner He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?"

They were smarter than Harry gave them credit for, barely two minutes into his silence they began to quiet down. Irritation and annoyance wafting from the reporters since none of their questions were being answered.

"You all want to know if there was truth behind the Daily Prophet article? Tell me this, when has there ever been an ounce of truth in what that paper has slandered about me? Ever since I came into the magical world there has been constant desire to lie and use me for news." Harry said in disgust, his gaze boring down at them, making it clear they disgusted him to his core. "Well, let me tell you, it ends now, because I refuse to allow Tom to be slandered so horrendously just because he chose to date me." Playing the aggrieved partner.

"He's not You-Know-Who?" called out.

"Does he look like a seventy-year-old man who delved so deeply into the darkest of arts that he became deformed?" Harry asked dryly, "I knew magic was capable of a lot, but turning seventy-year-old snake faced wizard fifty years younger…well, that's a damn miracle. Who is your healer? Do me a favour? Sign me up!" Mocking them for their belief, for believing everything they read. "Try not believing everything you read, try actually using your brain for once." His tone changing drastically within a few seconds. Cheering particularly from the Knockturn Alley residence was heard, Harry gave them all a smile and a nod in appreciation for their respect of him.

It took Tom everything not to laugh, the crowd would not like it at all. Well, most of the crowd as the case may be. He didn't care under normal circumstances, but ideas that were taking root in his mind would require him to go back to his political roots. Sure, he had failed the last time, but there was nothing to say he would fail this time. Especially considering Dumbledore was no longer there to cause problems. Also, a lot of family names dumbledore had used in the past were gone, extinct.

Voldemort leaned across and whispered his ideas softly into Harry's ear, the bubble he had around them, ensuring their conversation remained secret. To the gathered crowd it merely looked like a boyfriend calming their significant other.

Voldemort wanted it to seem that way, as they both schemed.

They didn't need to speak to talk to each other.

The bond they shared allowed them not only to feel one another but speak if they so desired. It was something they had figured out after a time. They didn't do it often but the ability was there should they actually need it in the event of an emergency. They didn't do it often mostly because it was disconcerting, even to this day.

"Is it true you are married?" another reporter asked, with significant more pleasantness and respect.

"We are engaged to be married," Voldemort said, with a smile on his face, that showed just a tad too much teeth. Possessiveness rearing its head viciously, the desire he could see on many faces called for him to put a lid on any thoughts and dreams they had of becoming Lord Potter's consort or Lady Potter. Harry was his, they were married in all but paper. There was no point to saying yes, then getting proved to have been lying when nothing could be found.

Harry luckily gave no visible reaction to that unexpected announcement. Although, he did frown at the tightness in which Tom had grasped a hold of him.

"When can we expect the special day?" entirely derailing their thoughts.

"An announcement will be put in the newspaper," Voldemort continued, it was in his nature to take advantage of anything he saw and wanted. It was also in his nature to lead, to work a crowd, and he could feel just how reluctant Harry was, but as always, his beautiful consort played along wonderfully.

"Are you related to You-Know-Who?" was hollered from the back of crowd of reporters.

Harry glanced at Tom; head cocked just so, silently querying if he still wanted to do it the way they'd suggested. Tom nodded, yes, they were still going to do this the way they'd already prearranged.

And so, Harry spun a good yarn, and weaved a good tale.

A tale of hurt, desperation, shock and fear, giving those sociopathic reporters all the juiciness, they needed to last them dozens upon dozens of articles. Making Tom out to be a warrior, someone strong and unbelievably moral. Tom definitely didn't like that much, judging by the feeling coming through the bond, but he'd survive.

The beauty of it all was that there was a paper trail for them to all follow, and not just Gringotts either.

A/N – so will we see the article and everything Harry's had to say? That Tom's had to say? Or would you prefer to see it written out? I can have Barty watching it in a pensive which allows the story to continue on…how will Sirius and Remus react? Will they remain in denial? Or will they just remain oblivious? Settle down somewhere that isn't Britain? After falling in love with the area and Harry visiting? If so, where do you think they'd love to settle? Somewhere warm for Sirius and somewhere with such immersing history for Remus to get himself lost in? What about the rest of the Weasley's will they thrive under the new regime? After all it will be intelligence and power that gets the jobs done not family name most of the old blood will be running the Wizengamot and council of magic anyway, I think! Do you want to see Draco and the groups day? Or snippets of it? Perhaps them talking about the cruel and unusual punishment? R&R please 😊

A/N 2 - I want to thank you all for your condolences, thank you, they mean a lot. The funeral has been arranged it's in November and I want to add I'm not sure if I'll be back into the swing of writing yet, so don't look for the updates but they might come…I'm just feeling a little guilty about getting back to normal when nothing is going to be the same/normal again. Although, the longer I wrote the easier it became, oh, I've missed writing its peaceful and blessedly distracting from RL