Embracing His True Self
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Chapter 108
Harry observed the group that would be the worst 'Terrorist group' the magical world had ever seen in the Death Eaters in the 80's. They were systematically to dissemble homes, and shops, there would be less fighting if their livelihood was gone. It was to be done in Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade, so that nobody realizes that the attack was strategic move to get rid of the people on the list, luckily for them, the lived within an acceptable distance of each other. And a light bulb moment hit Harry like the Hogwarts Express, "Try and look a little familiar, maybe use the Abbott family as a likeness…"
Hearing a snort, "Now that's just not playing fair," Antonin replied amused by the vindictive creature he was. The Abbotts were predominantly light, there hadn't been one go dark before. Neutral yes, but never actually dark or even grey as a matter of fact.
"How about this?" transforming to an amazing likeness to Hannah Abbott, a male version of her of course, damn, he couldn't half transform easily. There was no denying the ties to the Abbott family, it would land them in very hot water.
"Should we all do something like that?" came the excited drawl of a wizard Harry was not familiar with in the slightest. New recruit or too low down the totem pole?
"Not too many light sided look alikes, add in a few neutral and dark families that are very public…someone that resembles Draco say, it's very well known he's an only child. Irrefutable proof on the family tapestry will have them spinning their tails." Harry said smirking wryly, 'them' being the Aurors that were genuine and that weren't in the know. Which honestly was only at this point five Aurors, the rest had painstakingly gone through the process of becoming Aurors for this day. It's what they wanted to do, no doubt about it, but an order was an order.
"My Lord?" they deferred to the Dark Lord, seeking his approval for the plan.
Harry pursed his lips, not surprised to see Tom's nostril's – funny that he hadn't had one in the last talk – flaring as his anger got the better of him. "Are you doubting the veracity of your Lord Consort?" came the silky-smooth reply, that denoted that Tom was seconds away from becoming angry, or skipping anger and right to fury.
A few blanched while the culprit shrunk into himself, realizing he had screwed up at some point. "No, My Lord," he blurted out, prostrating himself at the Dark Lord's feet, apologetic, begging for forgiveness for his impetuous words. "Please forgive me." The thought of being sent home…to miss out on the action because he'd been following what he'd seen the others do was horrifying. Nobody wanted to miss the 'final battle' the actual take-over.
"Don't apologise to just me for your impetuous actions!" Voldemort snapped, annoyance thrumming through his gut. The old impatience to curse them for any slight coursed through him, until he felt Harry's stalwart frosty calm and composure, it reigned in the Dark Lord's impulsiveness.
Merlin forbid anyone be better than him at anything. Even in composure.
"Please, forgive me, Lord Consort Potter," the fear was an almost tangible thing to observe as the wizard pleaded with clemency.
Voldemort watched as Harry grunted, an unforgiving vindictive thing, and people thought he was the worst of both of them? They had to be blind, of that he had no doubt.
"My Lord?" he squeaked out, not sure whether he had dodged the killing curse or not.
"Fine, get up," Harry said exasperatedly, everyone was just waiting, watching. "We don't have time for this, one wrong move and it all falls apart. We're relying on the actions of others for this coming to a completion, and people aren't really all that predictable."
"You can say that again," Lucius agreed, he hadn't expected anything like this to be in his future. It was good though, somehow it was better. Yes, he'd been punished for his wrongdoings, he really shouldn't have let the diary into the hands of a child. It took him a long time to see Harry for who he really was, not the boy he remembered. Although, if he was honest, the 'Harry' he encountered was probably the closest to his true self that anyone ever got to see. Now what was happening the world was changing, and one day…he might just become the Minister of Magic, one of his most coveted desires since childhood.
Harry threw him a smirk having heard.
"How about using Dumbledore's likeness?" Severus blurted out, or as close to Severus ever gets to blurting anything. "Both young and the old version?" lip curling in a show of wicked delight.
"Oh, yes, and Ronald's too," Harry perked up, delighted by the new turn their plans were taking. "Oh, this is going to be, so. Much. Fun."
Voldemort gave a thoughtful look, gazing around the room, mentally trying the battle scenario out. To see whether it would be worthwhile to pan out. Dumbledore was one thing, they'd wonder if it was him or not, if he'd found a way to defeat Death or if it was just someone that looked like him…a child. Weasley was going to be found at some point tonight, having him in both places would laughingly confuse the Aurors greatly.
"It's not like they'll figure out the truth," Harry pointed out with a wicked grin, "I mean honestly, everyone suddenly Metamorphamagus? More likely to think Polyjuice and you know someone can't use it if the person is dead." The only reason Moody hadn't been killed apparently.
"True," Voldemort conceded, "Very well," inclining his head. Giving them the go ahead for the alterations to the plan, the more confused and clueless the were the better.
He had demanded that the only deaths – unless it's entirely unavoidable – were those on the list. Those that were on the list and last of their houses were given an out so to speak. They were to be stunned and giving Draught of the Living Death. To be kept under for at least six months before being 'rescued' unless he needed to do it earlier to win points naturally. He didn't want any more of the family lines dying off, with Harry and Severus' potion, they didn't even need to be kept alive in actuality.
The magical world would thrive the way it was meant to.
He already knew what he was changing first, and legalising.
The next hour was spent with those going putting the finishing touches to their looks, making sure it wasn't too identical but unmistakably from that family. Lucius was very critical and kept at them until they had perfected it in his book. It was lower ranking Death Eaters that were playing this part, low ranking they may be, but they were intelligent and moderately powerful.
"Make the hair a little longer, so it's just noticeable."
"Little whiter,"
"Remember the crooked nose,"
"They're going to pass out seeing this," laughed Rabastan, "Can you do Dumbledore's voice?"
"I don't know what you mean, my boy," the Death Eater said in a perfect imitation of Dumbledore's voice, only just slightly off but not noticeably so.
"Damn, that was good!"
"Awesome!" the younger years couldn't help but exclaim, completely forgetting that the Dark Lord was present.
"Do Draco!" Pansy demanded, staring up at her uncle. She was aware that he had taken the potion, months ago if she recalled. She'd been rather envious of it, especially since her father hadn't been given the opportunity, and those lower than him had, clearly.
"We aren't playing house, Pansy," he stated sharply, giving her a glare to watch her tone with him. "This is very serious business. Pray the Dark Lord hasn't heard you." hissing between gritted teeth.
Harry pursed his lips, glancing at Tom to find he likely had heard but was ignoring it in preference for everything else needing his attention.
"My Lord?" Fenrir rumbled out, looking no less intimidating despite having a baby snug as bug on his chest, wrapped in a white hand made carrier. Werewolves very rarely bought something if they could repurpose something or use something else. Money wasn't easily gotten by werewolves, and it was spent on what they needed most, but luckily here and now, they didn't have to move from area to area.
Every single werewolf, was hoping that the changeover was successful, they knew what their fate would be if this failed. Regardless of their belief in Tom, and trust, they had made plans to move and keep the rest of the pack safe.
However, this attempt was going to be their only chance of a normal life, or as normal as one could have in Werewolf pack that is. Money, jobs, stability, something they were only really getting a chance to experience actually.
Voldemort split from the rest of the group, Harry following after Voldemort grasped his shoulder and basically guided him towards Fenrir in front of him. "How did it go?"
"She wasn't happy about letting me in, let me tell you," Fenrir grumbled, "Kid hasn't cleaned that room in years, it stinks." Not elaborating on what exactly stunk.
"Nothing there?" Voldemort summarised since Fenrir wasn't in any rush and usually, he'd give his report then leave to let his pack know he was back.
"Dozen potions, only one similar," Fenrir grumbled out, fishing out the makeshift sack and handed over the vials that clinked noisily. "She left while we were in the middle of it." searching that is, and he'd been there when the potion had been discovered and what exactly it did. "Any more out there?" remembering their speculation.
"One, we believe," Voldemort replied, shifting the vials about, all easily identifiable. Mild sleep aids, pain relief, lube, and of course the controlling potion. "Where was it?" removing the vial from the pouch, the rest cast aside. He had no need for them, this was the vial he wanted.
He promptly banished it.
Nobody not even he should have such power over people.
At least with the Imperius Curse they had a chance.
"One more to go," Voldemort said, eyes dark and dangerous, he wanted the vial found and the danger over. He disliked this, it felt like a game Dumbledore had perpetrated just to fuck with them all. Yet, that was exactly what it was at the end of the day. Dumbledore had been determined to win regardless, hence his as Harry called it 'Secrets having secrets'.
"We think," Harry corrected him, eyes glimmering darkly. For all they knew there could be more, but these were just the numbers they had an inclination.
Voldemort inclined his head in agreement. "Now to inform the Crabbe family of their…choices." Still, desiring to kill the boy than risk it, but Harry's suggestion would have to do.
"I'll see the others to their task." Harry said, glancing back towards the group that were putting on unidentifiable robes, and clothes, just plain black robes. No insignia's, nothing that could get back to any house, any family.
"Return to me the second they're gone." Voldemort declared firmly, he was not having Harry out and about in a battle and risking harm without him there to negate it. "Do not leave the grounds. Please." For the first time he actually said please, so that Harry knew how serious he was, how much he wanted to make sure that he was safe.
Fenrir was the only one to hear, and as always, he said nothing. Not out of fear, and if he was entirely honest, he was rather envious of their relationship. He did not have one like that, and would do literally anything for an Alpha Female mate. One strong and stubborn as to put up with him and his moods, that wanted a big family, he absently kissed his son's head, he had his son and the rest of the pack if nothing else.
"I'm not going anywhere," Harry stated, vehemence and the promise thrumming through their bond, feeling slightly caught of guard and emotional to hear Tom plead with him. He knew him too well, that was the problem, honestly Harry would love to see them cause havoc, to make sure they didn't actually kill anyone that wasn't on the list and make sure they got away with those who were to survive.
Harry was going to open up an IVF clinic, he was thinking of putting the first one in Knockturn Alley, people desperate enough would come. Then word would spread about how beautiful (his homes were gorgeously done and furnished) the place looked down. Far from the dark and dreariness it used to have.
It was welcoming.
Voldemort relaxed, and nodded firmly, allowing Harry to see to the group of ten that were now just about to begin their mission. Fenrir and Voldemort moved aside, as Harry led the beyond ecstatic group out. It wasn't their first mission by far, but it was most definitely their most vital one yet. The hope that if they did good enough to be notice, and perhaps enable them to get a nudge into the inner circle was overwhelmingly desirable.
"Crabbe family, my office," Voldemort called out, before turning and leaving the hall, belatedly realizing Harry had left him alone to deal with it all. 'He did it on purpose' he thought to himself, huffing out in annoyed pride at having succeeded so blatantly.
Fenrir smirked having heard what the Dark Lord said under his breath.
Waiting for the 'right moment' wasn't as glamourous as one would believe. Waiting was in actual fact, one of the worst parts of waiting for the battle or to slip into your role as the Dark Lord dictated. So, it was no surprise that when Harry returned, he found many were in the 'gyms' and letting off some steam magically in a room contained for such rigorous activities.
"What's going on with the Crabbe's?" Marcus asked, leisurely approaching Harry, having no fear of doing so as long as Harry was on his own.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked blankly, staring at the wizard feigning confusion.
Marcus' lips twitched, impressed despite himself, he was really very good, "Nicely done," he conceded, genuinely worried. "Have they done something to displease…"
"Physically they're fine, and going to be fine," Harry said, "It's difficult to explain…it's bloody Dumbledore." He sighed, he couldn't tell anyone about the potion and what it did. It was bad enough there was at least one additional vial out there. At least.
Marcus frowned, glancing curiously and cautiously around, the Dark Lord wasn't anywhere to be seen. What on earth did Dumbledore have to do with the Crabbe family? They were all warned not to be alone with Dumbledore, they all requested their Head of House if ever Dumbledore asked for them. Not that it happened often, Dumbledore detested all Slytherins. "What's happened?" concerned for the Crabbe's. "Vincent?"
Harry paused, thinking about what he could reveal without saying too much. He had no doubt that the majority of the conversation Tom had with the Crabbe family would be kept under wraps. "Yes, it's doubtful you'll get a straight answer."
Marcus studied Harry intently, before inclining his head, realizing it was likely Harry was risking telling him this much. If they hadn't gotten on so well, dare he call him a friend, he wouldn't have gotten this much. "Thanks for letting me know." worried as he was about the Crabbe family, at least they hadn't done something to betray the cause – not that he thought they would on purpose – or earned their most certain deaths for one thing or another. They would survive, they were physically going to be just fine. He'd just have to content himself with no further information coming his way.
"Are they still in there?" Harry asked, beginning to move, Marcus automatically stepping in beside him and began speaking.
"No, the family came out ten minutes ago, used the Floo to return home," Marcus answered, it was pure luck he had noticed them at all. They had looked like their entire life had just been uprooted, fear clinging to their very pores. In other words…like they were heading towards their execution.
Harry hummed, wondering about that, "Thanks, Marcus," he said, thumping him on the shoulder, before he disappeared into the downstairs office that Tom used.
"Did you send the entire family home from the conflict?" Harry asked curiously, as he closed the door behind himself. Somehow his partner was even more tense than he was earlier and that was saying something.
"Yes," Voldemort informed his partner, spinning around to see him properly, hunched shoulders straightening up in pride. Refusing to let anyone see him at less than his best. "They were never my best fighters, and most are too old to participate." Which was true, and a lot of them were elderly females and just as powerful as society believed witches to be in the old days. They would be able to support him in the ways he needed once the immediate battle was over. If they could call it a battle really. When there was not going to be a real actual fight to call it a battle.
"How did it go?" Harry asked, he'd never really liked the two boys but only because they'd hung around Draco Malfoy who he truly had detested. Funny though, in another time, another life, they may have gotten on.
"They were naturally devastated and wanted to protest the need to send him away," Voldemort said impassively, family still confused the hell out of him. Especially when they actually cared about each other, it made them easier to manipulate, yes, but still confused him. No surprise really, seeing as his own uncle and grandfather had looked down upon him in disgust at the fact, he was a half-blood with Slytherin talents. Whereas his own father had been terrified of him, along with his Muggle grandparents. Nobody had wanted him, and his retaliation had been swift and deadly. "Fortunately, they agreed when they realized the alternative." His voice a little cold.
Death.
Harry stood between Tom's legs, hooking his arms around Tom's neck he sat down on his lap. Tom's arms automatically wrapped around his back. Making Harry feel safter than he'd ever been before. "How about you lock that door and we have a half hour to ourselves?" he whispered softly, hotly into Tom's ear, there was no hiding or mistaking the feel of the hardness Harry had, since it was pressed so firmly against Tom's.
Tom's arm trailed up to Harry's neck, he drew Harry close, kissing him, but without any passion or desire, it was apologetic. "Another time, the others are back."
Just a few moments later, Harry felt the tell-tale feeling through the bond that denoted the return of the Death Eaters from their mission.
Harry scowled, giving a little huff, as he scrambled off of Tom's legs. "Fine,"
Voldemort chuckled, standing as well, as he kissed his bonded once more. "Soon," he promised.
Harry watched him go with a sad smile on his face.
The bodies of the 'last' Lord's (young and old) were placed in the infirmary and were quickly given the Draught of the Living Death. They weren't even removed from the stunning spell or whatever that had been done to them to render them unconscious. Rendering them entirely helpless.
"Will they be able to hear everything going on around them?" Harry asked, eyeing the Wizards and witches with narrowed eyes. He'd heard of the potion, got the gist of what it did, and he'd never been interested in reading further. He wished he had, he was curious now, he was sure Severus had a book about it somewhere.
"No, they will be asleep for the entire duration until given the anti-dote." Voldemort informed him, "However, there has been some speculation that some don't go down so deep and do hear bits and pieces. For that, they will have silencing spells imbued around their beds." Activating one to show Harry, noticing Grant was doing it after giving them the potion and checking on their health.
"They'll be moved when it's time, to the location of their 'rescue'," Voldemort added absently, as he moved to talk to the group of men who had just returned from their mission. "Report." He demanded once they were out of the hospital wing.
"It went exactly as planned my Lord," one bowed as he gave his report, "Davy, Jeremy and Isaac made sure nobody was harmed as they set fire to places that would guaranteed not to blow up and cause mass casualties while we worked on getting our targets." Gesturing towards the others who had all fought their targets and subdued them.
"We kept our faces averted as much as possible, made it seem like we were trying to hide our identities." Jeremy added.
"We left after the Aurors showed up, which took a depressingly twenty-five minutes," Davy said with a sneer, what good were the Aurors really, if all they could do was get there at the end of attacks? At least with the Dark Lord in charge, people would stand a chance. There would be a lot less crime.
Harry scoffed, "Of course they did," shaking his head.
"Where do you want us next, My Lords?" Isaac asked, staring at the Dark Lord in reverence.
"Stick around, I'm sure I can find a use for you…later," Voldemort told them, "However, I need to leave, someone has come to the flat." The flat that was fully furnished and looked well lived in, supposedly where he stayed. The only property he had under his own real name, which was odd in itself. "Inform the others, we will likely be arriving at the Ministry of magic soon."
Tom Riddle, the third, the son of the Dark Lord Voldemort. He found it hilarious that they ate it all up and believed everything that the were told.
The world was in dire need of straightening up and control.
Luckily there was someone so willing to do just that.
Tom was quick to make for the closest Floo network, and easily one when everyone got out your way. Using the Floo to get to the flat that not even Harry had been in or seen at all. The wards were informing him that two wizards were outside his door. Owls were diverted to Slytherin Estate with care.
"Can I help you?" Tom asked, staring at the two Aurors in utter bafflement, craning his neck to see either side of them. Disliking doing it, but having to nonetheless, he couldn't show weaknesses in front of them.
"You need to follow us, Sir!" the Aurors declared seriously, already reaching out and grasping the wizard's shoulder. "Go! Go! Go!" with that Tom was forcefully side-long Apparated away.
He gathered his wits, finding himself in the Ministry of magic, he'd assumed this would be the case.
One of the Fireplaces activated, and Harry emerged through the Floo, before dozens of wizards and witches flooded the Atrium.
"Tom!" Harry said, swiftly making his way towards him, this wasn't part of their plans. To say he was shocked when he felt the abrupt Apparation, and where he was would be putting it lightly.
"Stay back!" was ordered by the Auror.
"He's my partner," Voldemort refuted, giving him a little shove so that Harry could get by.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
The green ball of light flew towards them alarmingly quickly.
Harry jumped into Tom's arms when he realized what was happening, shielding him, the press was going mad, wizards and witches shrieking and diving for cover. The Aurors trying to protect everyone, and not a single Auror in close proximity of Harry or Tom to save them.
A/N – There we go another few chapters and this story will be finished, I know, I know bad me for another Cliffhanger 😉 but upside? You'll only have to wait a day or two for the next update. How far into the future do you want to see the epilogue? Or would you like two? See Hermione and Barty and Luna and Rodolphus and Severus and Rabastan (if they all survive) having families? Then another with Harry and Tom years later? R&R please