A/N: Hey guys, back again and I can't believe this story is going so well! I have to say you guys are amazing and I can't thank you enough for your responses! There's some more movement with this chapter, things are picking up and Harry is starting to feel the stress, if only slightly. Anyway, on with the show…
Warning; Mentions of violence and blood,
Disclaimer; Everything but the plot is J.K,
Parsel
Chapter 18,
Whispers and looks followed him all throughout the day and Harry was honestly glad to flop down in his rooms, everything seemed to be about the attack on Halloween and he was sick of hearing Ginny's name. He had to live the entire day before he could go back and have his meeting, he was hoping to get everything done today so he could visit Moony tomorrow and calm the irate wolf down. Luna skipped in with a knowing grin and Harry groaned, that grin did not bode well for him,
"Put me out of my misery." Harry grumbled,
"You have your very first lesson with the wonderful headmaster today." She chirped and Harry gaped at her,
"What!"
"Oh yes, I just found out."
"Please tell me you are joking." Harry pleaded and she shook her head.
"No, you will get the notification at dinner."
"Why, Merlin, why?"
"You need to go, Snake. I think its going to be very important."
"Concerning…"
"I believe it involves the Dark Lord and his past." She said slowly and Harry's attention snapped towards her.
"Oh, have you anything else?"
"No, it was the only thing I picked up on, but I think Slughorn has something to do with it too."
"I have yet to mention the man to Tom, but I shall have to speak with him if it is what you suspect. I do not have a good feeling about this." Harry said and Luna nodded.
"Shall we?"
"Ugh, if we must." Harry pulled himself up and headed out for dinner. He kept his head down as he entered the hall and slunk over to the end of the Gryffindor table, he watched the hall through his fringe and wanted to curse all of the people staring at him. He reminded himself that he only had two more months to go until Yule where he could be himself all the time, small compromise but it would be worth it in the end – he hoped so anyway. Harry looked up to see McGonagall making her way towards him and bit back yet another sigh, this day was seriously trying on his nerves and he hadn't even finished. He was tempted to go and annoy Tom, but he refused to allow the man to touch him until Wednesday despite how he was feeling.
"Mr Potter,"
"Hello, Professor,"
"The Headmaster would like to see you in his office straight after dinner,"
"Yes, Professor, does he prefer anything?"
"He is most partial Bertie Botts."
"Thanks," She nodded and walked away. Harry picked at his food with his mind moving a mile a minute. Even though he had Luna's prediction, she couldn't give him specifics and he was on edge at what the old man wanted, especially as it was to do with Tom. He got up, when he noticed that Dumbledore was no longer present, and left the hall, he took the long way to the headmaster's office and muttered the password to the gargoyle to allow he to jump on the revolving staircase. Harry took a deep breath and masked everything, he brought forth his fake memories and feelings to the front of his mind in case Dumbledore wanted to browse while he was in there. He raised his hand to knock and was told to enter.
"Ah, Harry, come in." Dumbledore greeted jovially, "Have a seat. How are you, m'boy?"
"Hello, Headmaster, I'm fine thank you. How are you?" Harry returned taking his seat.
"I am fine," Dumbledore said, "I, first, wanted to see how you were doing after the attack on Friday?"
"I-I don't know, sir." Harry began looking down and fiddling with his frayed robes, "I did try to help Ginny, but there was so many of them and Lestrange hit me with a Crucio when I got there. She's got it in for me ever since Sirius." Harry met his twinkling eye and allowed pain and fear to come forward, he felt the old man slip in and out and he was sure the man's eyes brightened.
"I understand, m'boy."
"And with Ron too, he's right, I can't protect her when she's with me and I only got her hurt. You were right in the summer." Harry looked down again making himself as small as possible.
"I'm sure Mr Weasley was only stressed,"
"But he was right."
"Voldemort is an evil man, there was very little you could do in a surprise attack such as that." Dumbledore 'reassured'.
"You are right, sir. As always," He made himself sick sometimes.
"Now, I am sure you are wondering while I called you here today, Harry?"
"I was curious, sir, you have been very busy. What with all of your duties, the order and the Rita Skeeter on top of everything. When will she give up trying to spread her lies?" Harry forced his face in to righteous indignation.
"Rita Skeeter lives to be vicious as I am sure you remember. We believe she is working with someone in the Dark." Dumbledore said and Harry nodded.
"Only someone working for him would try something like this." Harry agreed, and he mentally made a note to warn Rita to watch herself; he didn't want to find another reporter. "But what about this morning, sir?"
"That, Harry, I believe was a piece of truth opposed to her usual fiction."
"Really? Umbridge is dead?"
"Yes,"
"So who is going to replace her? It can't get any worse."
"I believe Cornelius is going to select a candidate this week."
"Oh, ok."
"On to the reason you are here. I am sure you remember, Harry, I said I would begin teaching you this year and I believe it is time we started."
"Really? What are you going to be teaching me, sir?" He asked eagerly and Dumbledore chuckled.
"I think that, to beat the enemy, you have to know the enemy so I hope you will join me in to the past to learn all about the young Tom Marvolo Riddle and his quest for immortality." He told the teen. Harry blinked twice before it felt like a rock had been dumped in his stomach,
"Immortality?"
"Yes," Dumbledore rose and went over to his glass cabinet to extract his pencieve, he poured a crystal phial in to the device and motioned for Harry to stand. "This is a memory that you may find of interest." Harry dropped in to the memory followed by Dumbledore and he landed on a dirt path, he looked around to see if he recognised it and he didn't. He followed the old man up and focused on the ministry man that Dumbledore pointed out, they walked up and arrived and what only could be called a shack. Harry was alarmed to see a snake nailed to the door and completely understood why the man did not want to approach. There was a sound from the side and a man dressed in disgusting rags dropped from the tree to the left making the man they had been following stumble in his bid to get away from the ragged man.
#You're not welcome# Harry picked up on the use of Parseltongue instantly, he was so used to it by now that it was no longer difficult to identify. The man in rags was a complete eyesore, he hat matted hair, missing teeth and his eyes were wild and uncontrolled, he did, however, have the sharp features that were associated with a pureblood and Harry deduced that this is what happened when one inbreeded too much and lost their money. The ministry man stepped away hastily and it was understandable why, he tried to introduce himself, but it was brushed aside like he was talking to a wall.
#You're not welcome# the grimy man now has a wand in one hand and a knife in the other, the knife looked as if it could infect someone with its touch alone and Harry fought to wrinkle his nose; side effect of living with Petunia.
"I don't understand," The ministry man stuttered and Harry bit back a grin,
"He's speaking Parseltongue," Harry noted when he felt Dumbledore was about to ask.
"Very good," Harry turned back to the memory as watched as the ministry man was blasted to the ground with strange looking puss issuing from his nose. There was a loud shout of "Morfin!" and an man that reminded Harry strongly of the statue of Salazar Slytherin in the chamber came running out of the shack, he blinked twice.
"Are these who I think they are, sir?"
"Who do you think they are, Harry?"
"Voldemort's relatives,"
"Then you would be thinking correctly, Harry." Dumbledore confirmed sounding slightly surprised, "What gave them away."
"That man, the one who is running over, he looks like the statue in the chamber, or what I can remember of it."
"I see," they went back to the memory where the monkey man was looking down at the guy from the ministry in disgust.
"Ministry is it?" He demanded,
"Yes,"
"He got your face did he?"
"Yes, he did."
"You should off announced yourself then, this is private property. You can be trespassing without expecting my son to defend himself." Harry looked around the area and couldn't help but wonder who would want to trespass on the hovel anyway. Mr Gaunt ordered his son in to the house and Harry felt for the poor snake which swung on the door when it was slammed, the ministry man stopped the puss and straightened himself up.
"It was your son, Morfin, I am here to see." He stated and suddenly Mr Gaunt was on the defensive. He demanded to know about the ministry man's blood status but he was brushed aside and Harry couldn't help his smirk at that, he would have done the same with a bit more style. The retreated in to the shack after an argument and Morfin was there with a snake hissing it a twisted little song, Harry felt for the creature. Harry span around when he realised that there was someone else in the room, a girl who was cooking, but she looked like utter hell.
The ministry man was trying to explain why he was there when the girl dropped something and the sound echoed around to room, Mr Gaunt let go at his daughter and Harry's eyes narrowed at his attitude; it was a bit too much like the Dursleys for his liking. Harry watched somewhat amused when Mr Gaunt blew up at the thought of being summoned, and his eyes were drawn to the ring on his middle finger; it looked a bit like his head of house ring. Harry wondered if Tom ever got hold of that ring, he would like to have a look at it as a Peverell heirloom. Mr Gaunt then dragged his daughter over by a chain around her neck and Harry's eyes widened before he masked it, he recognised the locket, which Gaunt identified as Slytherins, he had seen it at Grimmald Place and he had a feeling it was not supposed to be there; he would have to get it from Kreacher.
Harry shot Gaunt a disgusted look when he spat on the floor, he understood the gesture, but it the vile place didn't need any more filth. Harry turned his head at the sound of horses and then back to Morfin when he started a hissed conversation with his father about the muggle man on the horse, his sister, who Harry was worked out was Tom's mother, has turned sheet white and she was frantically shaking her head trying to get Morfin to stop talking. Gaunt lunged for his daughter and the ministry man fired a hex, it turned in to a screaming match with curses, hexes and Merlin knew what else until the man from the ministry fled and Harry was told to follow him. He ran straight in to one of the horses and Harry caught sight of the man on the horse, dark hair and sharp aristocratic features he was so familiar with; Tom Riddle Senior. They left the memory and Dumbledore motioned for him to take a seat, Harry's mind was whirling but one thing he was certain of was that he was glad Tom took after his father more so than his mother – he knew where he got his temper from however.
"That woman was Voldemort's mother, wasn't she?" Harry asked when it became apparent Dumbledore was not going to speak first.
"Yes, and we caught sight of what would go on to be his father."
"The muggle on the horse." Harry said,
"Yes,"
"They didn't get together naturally, did they, sir?"
"No, I do not believe they did, Harry." Dumbledore agreed, "Can you think of a means to which they ended up together."
"I would say love potion over Imperius because she doesn't seem to be all that good at magic."
"I would hasten to guess the same, Harry. A large amount of gossip was caused when the squire's son ran off with the tramp's daughter."
"I can imagine." Harry muttered, "So what happened then? Voldemort grew up in an orphanage."
"I can only make guesses, but I believe she stopped using the potion and when he became clear headed he left her and her unborn child." Harry felt a surge of hate for Tom Riddle senior and he was glad Tom killed the bastard.
"He walked out on his child?" Harry repeated in disgust, he was pretty sure he could never ever walk out on his child no matter what the circumstances.
"You do not agree." Dumbledore said and Harry shook his head.
"I know what she did was wrong, but they say people do stupid things for love." Harry said, "But he should have stayed, even for the kids sake. Who knows what a difference he could have made?"
"I have often thought of that myself, but it is something we will never know."
"What happened to Morfin and Gaunt?"
"Morfin and Marvolo were both sentenced to time in Azkaban, Marvolo came home to find out his daughter had abandoned him and he never lived to see his son return." Well that explained where Tom got his middle name from and he understood why she left when she could. "And I think that will be all for tonight, Harry." Harry blinked biting back his comment and rose to his feet.
"Is this going to help me, sir?" He asked not being able to help it.
"I believe so, Harry," Dumbledore answered and Harry nodded choosing not to question where the man lost his sanity.
"Ok, sir,"
"Goodnight, Harry,"
"Goodnight, sir." Harry left the office and made his way back to his rooms slowly, his mind was still turning over the memory and the more he thought about it the more he pitied Merope, but at the same time he despised her for being so weak. She was a witch, and a pureblood, no matter what there was something to be done, but he understood that when you have been belittled and terrorised enough you started to believe it and when you started to believe it then it could destroy you. The only reason Harry had been so lucky was because of Ron and Hermione, Merope had no one. He stepped in to his rooms and sat down heavily on the sofa, he felt Luna pull him down and begin to run her dainty hands through his hair. They sat that was for ten minutes before Harry spoke,
"I need to speak with Tom,"
"Not yet you don't, your emotions are running haywire and that, for you, is never good." Luna said softly and Harry sighed.
"I still do not know how to control them, and I do not know what most of them mean." He told her and she kissed his forehead.
"I know, but you have me."
"I do, don't I?"
"Of course, Harry, always will."
"I have to get going soon." He said after another minute.
"Let you rest for a while, you need not over tax yourself."
"I can run for days,"
"I know, but living a double life if tiring and I sense a great deal of timeturner use soon." She told him and he didn't bother to argue.
"Kreacher," He called and the elf popped in.
"What can Kreacher be doing for Master Harry?"
"I was wondering if you managed to save the locket that the Order was trying to get rid of." Harry asked him and Kreacher nodded his head.
"Oh yes, Master Harry, Kreacher is saving it and hiding it, sir,"
"Could you bring it to me please, Kreacher, it belongs to a very dear friend of mine," Kreacher nodded and popped away before returning with the locket, Harry's attention snapped straight to it and all he could feel was Tom.
"Thank you, Kreacher, have you anything to report?"
"No, they is still not noticing Masters wolf because Kreacher is telling them that Masters wolf is fine."
"Well done, Kreacher," Kreacher nodded and popped away. Harry held the locket like it was glass and Luna tilted her head,
"What's wrong?"
"I do not know how this locket got in to Grimauld Place, but I know it was never supposed to be there." Harry whispered. He placed the locket around his neck and tucked it under his shirt, "I'll keep this safe until I can return it." Luna's eyes widened and she looked from the locket to Harry,
"Is that –,"
"Yes,"
"Oh Merlin,"
"I recognised it tonight, and remembered where I saw it."
"A memory?"
"Of Tom's family,"
"Oh, I see,"
"I think I should be going, I want to make sure everything is sorted and then I can sleep for the afternoon while other me is dealing with all the crap." Harry said to her and she nodded,
"Yours robes are hung on the door, your plans are in the pocket and the towels are ready," Luna told him and Harry smiled,
"You are the best sister in the world." Harry said pressing a kiss to her cheek as he got up.
"I know." Harry vanished in to the shower and slipped in to the black robes Luna had left for him, these were simple formal robes with green and gold detailing which finished them off nicely. He slipped the locket underneath the robes and went back to the living room where Luna sat him down and went through his hair.
"I should start paying you for that." Harry murmured relaxed.
"I like my gifts," Luna said and he could hear the smile in her voice.
"I do get good gifts," Harry agreed,
"If you go back to half past nine then no one will be here which will allow you to shadowjump away."
"I'm so glad that that has come back, I thought it would take forever."
"The others shall be going through the same phase soon, too." Luna pointed out and Harry hummed, Luna tapped his shoulder and Harry reluctantly got up. "Everything will be fine,"
"I know, I have faith in you." Harry cast a tempus and seeing it was approaching 9:30pm he waited the few minutes before going back 12 hours exactly. Harry shadowed to Knockturn alley and drew up his hood as he weaved his way through the packed street, it seemed no matter the time Knockturn alley was always busy. He stepped up to Diagon and walked to the bank, he didn't mind waiting in there; it was much safer than out on the alley. He went to the nearest teller and waited for it to finish.
"I have a meeting with Director Ragnok," Harry said and the goblin looked at him and then his rings before nodded.
"I shall alert the Director of your arrival, if you would follow me to the waiting room."
"Thank you," Harry followed the goblin and mentally asked how it was possible for something so small to walk to fast. He was shown a seat and watched as the goblin disappeared in to Ragnok's office, he didn't have to wait long before he immerged and was ushered in to the office.
"Ah, Harry, good to see you, do take a seat."
"And you, Ragnok," Harry sat down with a smile,
"Would you permit me to ask why the need for construction?" Ragnok inquired, "From what I have seen of the prints, Peverell Manor is quite substantial."
"I am tuning Peverell Manor in to a werewolf sanctuary." Harry told him and grinned when Ragnok blinked in shock,
"A werewolf sanctuary?" He repeated,
"Yes, it's the least I can do and the construction is to make it more wolf friendly."
"You would use one of your own properties for this."
"Of course, I intend to fully fund the program."
"You are truly a unique wizard Harry Potter-Black." Ragnok shook his head, "Most other wizards, especially those of noble birth, would never give up one of their properties to help what they consider a lesser creature."
"I do not consider any magical race a lesser creature than myself, if they respect me then I shall respect them." Harry stated,
"What of protection?"
"I have created a ward that will allow none other than werewolves and my trusted on to the property unless I grant it once it is up and running." Harry said and Ragnok nodded impressed.
"Shall we get down to business?"
"Yes lets, time is money." Harry mirrored the director's favourite words causing him to grin.
"That is the truth." Ragnok tapped something on his desk to summon his receptionist and spoke in Gobbledegook to him, Harry caught a few of the words but languages had never been his speciality. There was another knock at the door and a gruff looking goblin entered and took the offered seat.
"Harry this is the head of construction, Grinder, he is the best we have." Ragnok introduced and Harry help out his hand to shake, he caught the surprise on the goblin's face as he took the hand and shook it.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Grinder, I am sure our business will be profitable." Harry said warmly and there was open surprise on his face this time, Grinder muttered something to Ragnok in their language and Ragnok chuckled and nodded.
"Very strange indeed,"
"I do not know what sort of plan you would need, but I have written everything out." Harry said to both goblins, "I need a toilet room on every floor above ground like communal ones as well as a shower room and a bathroom. I need a few walls knocked down and some rooms extended in to the next ones." Harry handed over his plans to Grinder who looked them over and nodded.
"Take 2 weeks to complete." He said and it was Harry's turn to blink in surprise.
"Wow, that's fast." He said, "How many workers do you think you will need?"
"Two teams of 14,"
"What's the average price for something like this?"
"Age of building, work needed, materials, time and labour cost 70,000." He answered and Harry nodded, that was also a lot cheaper than he expected too.
"Double it and add a 5,000 commission to each worker as a bonus." Harry said thinking about it, it wouldn't even scratch the surface of his vault so he wasn't worth it.
"Are you sure?" Ragnok asked amazed and Harry nodded.
"Definitely, I trust your judgement and if you say these are the best then they deserve to be paid like the best." Harry stated,
"You are a very strange wizard." Grinder said and Harry grinned,
"So I've been told." He laughed, "When can you start?"
"My teams are ready, we only need materials and plans."
"Do you want me to take you to the property now so I can twist the wards to allow and your teams access, that way you can come and go as you see fit."
"You trust Goblins to work alone."
"Of course, I would only be in your way and you have not given me reason not to trust you. What could you possible do in the property you are working on?"
"Many would believe we would steal from them."
"One of the biggest crimes one can commit in a goblin's eyes is theft is it not?" Harry asked and Ragnok nodded vigorously.
"Theft equals the mines."
"Then I see no reason to worry, besides, if there is anything that peeks a goblins interest they need only ask and I'm sure we could come to an arrangement."
"I like you." Grinder stated, "You are different from any other." With that he got up and left.
"Um thanks?" Harry said to the now empty space.
"You do not understand how much respect you have earned with our race." Ragnok commented and Harry blinked.
"I don't understand why, I am not complaining nor sneering, I am genuinely confused."
"You are one of the most powerful people the in wizarding world magical and political and you and you associates treat us with nothing but respect. There are those, in the many, that are of lower standing, wealth and political backing than you and they treat us like we are not fit to share the same air as them." Ragnok sneered the last part and Harry frowned.
"It is wrong," Harry said, "They are foolish,"
"Very few share your viewpoint."
"Very few hold intelligence." He made a mental not to have all the ministry restrictions and legislations on Goblins pulled in his next meeting to see what the ministry have done to a race that should have been held in some of the highest regard.
"I believe you are correct." Grinder came back in but this time he was carrying a small box.
"Ready,"
"Would you mind me leaving from here, Ragnok?"
"No, go ahead."
"This is an unpleasant experience, but I swear it is harmless." Harry said to the goblin as he took his hand, he willed the shadows to surround him and then jumped to the gate of Peverell Manor.
"Welcome to Peverell Manor," Harry said, he gripped the iron bars of the gates and willed the wards to twist as he wished. "There," the gates swung open and they jumped to the entrance hall.
"Do you wish me to show you around or are you fine with the elves?" Harry asked,
"Elves are fine,"
"Ok, Nip," the elf popped in and bowed,
"Yes Master Harry,"
"This is Grinder, he is the head of construction and he is here to do a few modifications for me. I want you to listen to anything he says unless it will harm you, understand?"
"Yes, sir,"
"Good, tell the other elves too, I want full co-operation."
"Of course Master,"
"Wonderful, now if you need anything or want anything I am sure the elves will cater and if you need me send an elf to fine me." Harry said to the goblin,
"Ok,"
"Thank you, for doing this," Harry said and gave a short bow of respect before vanishing in to the shadows.
He landed back in his rooms and cast a tempus, he had been with Ragnok longer than he thought and it was now approaching lunch time again. Harry darted up to his room and grabbed his parchment and quills before coming in and setting up shop on his chair, he had an essay to finish and he wanted to write out a few things he wanted done. He was sure Hadrian had gotten his letter and he was hoping that the Greengrass Lord would take the obvious hint and apply for the job, it would help them because Hadrian was someone with an actual brain inside his head; one that didn't revolve around gold. He needed to speak with Tom abut a few things and he needed to give the man back the locket, although Harry did like wearing it around his neck.
He had a date for the wolves which meant he could go and speak with Ellen soon and he also had to speak with Moony, he would do that on Wednesday after he had given the inhuman amount of chocolate he had bought the wolf. It was November now which meant they had to pick up the pace, it was cutting it close and he was starting to feel the stress. He finished the last line of his conclusion and went to change, he needed to work out, but he wanted to do something physical so he decided to pick up his sparing again to get back in to shape, he felt like a slob. He disillusioned himself and went to the seventh floor, he paced in front of the blank wall and slipped inside when the door appeared; Harry grinned. It looked like a gym, there was sand bags, jump robes, a mat, a running track, a pool, hand to hand dummies and weapons. He started with a warm up, press ups, sit ups, jumping jacks and then the jump rope, he was alarmed when he was feeling slightly winded by the time he had finished.
"I am so out of shape." He grumbled. Harry started with a few laps, he used to do this for Quidditch but as he didn't take the sport anymore he made a note to start doing them again, he made four laps before moving on to the sand back. He wrapped his fists and then let all of his stress out on the back, it felt good to violently release his pent up frustrations, if this was how he felt when he hadn't toyed with Tom in two days then he Wednesday was looking like a mountain. He moved on to the combat dummies and started to spar, Harry was pleased to note he fell back in to the familiar movements with ease. His stamina wasn't as it used to be, but he pushed himself until his legs were shaking and he dropped to he knees panting.
"Better than can be expected," He muttered pulling himself up. He finished up by running one more lap before downing a bottle of water and heading back to his rooms and getting straight in the shower. Harry went in to his kitchen and leant against the counter, his mind was still whirling too much for him to focus on his plans but he didn't know what to do.
"Winky." He called suddenly, an idea coming to mind.
"Master Harry called,"
"Can you bring me some flour, caster sugar, vanilla, light brown sugar, white chocolate chips and some butter please?"
"Yes, sir," She popped away and the ingredients appeared on the counter. He pulled out a bowl and began working on a recipe which was ingrained to his brain, he worked almost absently humming to himself and he didn't even notice Luna was there until she sat on the breakfast stool.
"Baking cookies?"
"Yes, I felt like bringing forth old past times."
"You'll be back in about 25 minutes, its approaching dinner."
"I know, these will be done in 10 and then I'll disappear for a bit." He told her and she nodded. Luna stayed and watched as Harry effortlessly made the cookies and used magic to bake them.
"I don't mind if I do," Luna said helping herself to one, Harry rolled his eyes.
"Would you like a cookie?" He asked rhetorically making her giggle.
"Mmm, these are so good." She groaned and Harry smirked.
"What can I say, I have talent."
"Now shoo, we can't have two of you in the same room." Harry rolled his eyes but vanished in to the shadows and went to the chamber to read. He had a few hours until 9:30 so he busied himself with looking over some of his past workings and familiarising himself with it again. It was an odd feeling, relearning your own work, but one he had read about his spells and other things, it was like he had known it all the time; it was strange. There was one particular spell he was interested in, it was one of his more vicious ones, and he didn't know where he was going to use it, but he made a note of it.
Hey, I've had my first lesson with the fool and my meeting with Ragnok, he sent to Swift and Paws, I'm on timeturner time,
What did lemons want? Swift asked.
Teaching me about Tom, it isn't anything good,
His…
Yep,
Wonderful, Swift sighed and Harry felt Paws enter the conversation.
So the goblins agreed your plans?
Yes, thankfully,
When can they begin, we know they are not interested in human needs. She said and Harry grinned, the others would never understand goblins and him.
They have already began, working now actually
What!
Yes, it was simple enough, Harry said and he felt Paws' exasperation.
I'll never understand you.
Course you won't, I don't even understand me!
He had a point, Paws, Swift added,
I know, that's what's frustrating,
I've decided to restart my physical training, I am so out of shape, so I would recommend it. Harry told them,
I was going to talk to you about that, can you still pull up a training room? Swift asked and Harry sent back a positive feeling as he answered,
I was using it today, just as good,
We'll never find time to always train together, but we'll make time for ourselves to go there, Paws said,
Best hope currently, we have to pick things up!
The thing we need is for you to stay calm, Paws stated and Harry sighed,
I am, but its hard work, especially with these lessons,
Just hold it together for two more months, we all have to,
I know, and I will,
Snake, I've gotten three names on that list so far, do you want them? Swift asked and Harry's eyes lit up.
I believe there is a hunt approaching, Harry said gleefully, Find an opening to snatch them and we'll act,
Got it,
I think I have a lead on a name for the Ravenclaw Heir, but it's still slow work and I've dug up as much as possible for the Flammels, its just going on out trip. Paws told him and Harry nodded,
That's fine, but its finding the time and place, I think we're going to be timeturnering it,
We'll manage, we always have,
Harry cast a tempus and got to his feet as he saw he had minutes to get back to his room.
I'll speak with you guys soon, he said before closing the connection and shadowing to his room dead on 9:30. Luna smiled brightly at him and held out a drink,
"Perfect,"
"Thankfully, but I'm tired, I've been training today too."
"Well, leave it half an hour and then you can go to bed." She said, "I think tomorrow will be a bit brighter."
"I hope so," Harry agreed, and he really did.
It was with major effort and will power that made Harry pull himself up and in to the shower Tuesday morning, Luna thought it was wholly amusing to listen to him complaining throughout.
"Eat some food, drink some tea and get going." Luna ordered handing him the mug and he slunk down in to the living room.
"Don't wanna,"
"Stop being a child," She said and Harry stuck out his tongue for the sake of it. He ate his breakfast and drank down the tea before kissing Luna's cheek and vanishing, he was still stared at when he got to the great hall, but it wasn't as bad and there was less whispering which he was only too thankful for. As usual, he played with his food to make it look like he was eating, his eyes scanned the room and on their own his eyes drifted over to Tom. The man's charmed eyes were looking around to room, Harry could see the man was frustrated with something and Harry had an idea what that could be. He made a mental note to ask the man what he was doing with his Death Eaters because, apart from Halloween, they had been silent. Harry looked up when their was the sound of hundreds of wings from the rafters, the post owls swooped down to their recipients and Harry held out his arm for his own paper. He paid the bird and unfolded the paper, his eyebrows shot up and he could not, for the life of him, stop the pleased smirk that came to his face when he saw the headline.
New Senior Undersecretary; Lord Hadrian Greengrass!
The best decision since removing the High Inquisitor!
Last night, after many applicants for the job, the position of Senior Undersecretary to the Minister was finally filled. The ministry, and the minister himself, has been up in arms since the sudden suicide of Madam Delores Umbridge and many were wondering who would fill that elite position.
There were many vying for such a chance, to help make the decisions of our world and automatically gain a place within the wizengamot, but the question was; who was right? After all, the person wouldn't really have to be that good at the job having Umbridge as their predecessor, but the last thing we needed was another corrupt, prejudice individual that used the position to carry out their own vendetta. There were many discussions and as I moves around the ministry, I saw many arguing over who was best, and it seemed that it was going to last for days when a final applicant came forward only to immediately gain the position. That person was Hadrian Greengrass. Hadrian Greengrass, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, came forward and after a short discussion with the Minister, Madam Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE, Rufus Scrimgeor, head Auror, and Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock, Mr Greengrass was given the position. I managed to track down Mr Greengrass to get his opinion of his new position and how he was going to help our world (See Picture), he said;
I am extremely pleased to have been granted this position. Of course, it is tragic what happened to Madam Umbridge, but I believe it was her time to leave the ministry for she was no longer the best person for the position. I will strive for what is best for the wizarding world as a whole and not just myself, and I will do my best to move us out of the dark cloud Madam Umbridge has left us in.
It does look promising and, if he can keep to his words, our world will be seeing some changes very soon!
More on Hadrian Greengrass, P4,
More on what Umbridge left behind, P6,
Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent to the Daily Prophet,
He couldn't believe it. He may have been wishing Hadrian would apply and get the job, but he didn't actually believe he would get the position as more of a neutral dark opposed to neutral light. Better yet, Dumbledore had approved and, as Harry looked up at the Headmaster, the man was actually pleased with it. This was perfect! Hadrian Greengrass would be a force to be reckoned with, he almost wanted to cackle. He felt several sets of eyes on him and he looked up first to meet Luna's which were alight with pleasure and he let his own show. He turned to see Draco's inquiring eyebrow and he nodded once to let him know he would speak with him in potions, which he had today, and then he turned to the Dark Lord who was looking at him with a look that demanded an answer to his obvious question of; Did you do this? Harry let a small smirk curl on to his face and sent a hellava lot of smug satisfaction through their link, Tom blinked once and then twice before sending back a feeling that Harry could only describe as; How in Merlin's name!? Harry had to cover his grin as he sent through simplicity and he nearly snickered when he saw Tom's eye twitch, he was hit with irritation and a demanding feeling to which he sent back patience and was rewarded with a sharp stinging pain to his scar much to his amusement. He felt Paws in the back of his mind and opened the connection.
You did this. She stated and Harry found it amusing that she didn't even bother to ask.
Why do you say that? He asked curious that all of his friends had automatically assumed he had had something to do with the position.
You have only ever had good things to say about Greengrass and he one of the only people that cannot be bought, and you said his ideas for the ministry were something you would completely agree with. Paws stated and he shook his head.
I may have mentioned that the position was available and I may have mentioned that it would be good if he applied.
Why am I not surprised, Swift laughed joining the conversation,
I do not hear you both complaining! Harry huffed,
We're not, this is brilliant!
Then this is because…
Just wanted to clarify that you were responsible, Paws said primly. Harry rolled his eyes and got to his feet, he had potions and Snape wasn't worth his breath, he couldn't wait to meet the man when they were at the balls, he didn't know which one he was going too, but Harry assumed it would be the Malfoy one at least. Oh it was going to be so much fun! He trooped down towards the dungeons and he felt a familiar presence come up next to him,
"Hey Bleach," Harry greeted when he was sure no one was around.
"Snake," Draco returned, "You are on a roll, aren't you?"
"This week is going to be rather full on," Harry agreed, "Tomorrow is going to be another of mine."
"Dumbledore? I can't wait!"
"I know people are going to eat it up," Harry stated,
"How did you make her death look like a suicide?" The blond asked and Harry smirked,
"That was so much fun, I'll have to show you guys," He said brightly, "But in answer, I edited a blood quill, and let's just say I'm kind of a genius."
"Death by quill?" Draco repeated incredulously and Harry snickered,
"Pretty much,"
"Wow, I'm actually impressed,"
"You should be,"
"Prat," Draco punched him in the arm, "How did you get Greengrass to take the position? He's impossible to bribe and he doesn't take well to blackmail."
"Simple, I asked him." Harry said and Draco stopped to look at him in disbelief.
"You asked him?"
"Yes. Well, I suggested that the position was open and someone like him could be highly beneficial to the ministry."
"That's it?"
"Yes, what were you expecting?" Harry asked,
"Something much more,"
"Why though, I actually like Hadrian Greengrass." Harry said and Draco shook his head.
"Only you would be able to ask someone to be Senior Undersecretary and they actually do it." Draco sighed and Harry rolled his eyes.
"You set up for tonight?" Harry asked changing the subject,
"Yes, midnight in the RoR, is it going to be everyone or just you?"
"If he is to be included then we'll be doing it properly." Harry said, "You can get the twins, Ray will get Badger and I've got mine."
"Ok," Draco said and then after a few seconds he stopped, "How come you said I can get the twins?" Harry smirked,
"I am not blind," Was all Harry said and walked further in to the dungeons leaving a spluttering blond behind. Draco finally caught up with him when they were by Snape's classroom, he threw Harry a filthy look which would have been more effective if he had not been blushing.
"I hate you."
"I know, but you should know Luna and I predicted this relationship nearly the first week back."
"I don't know how you both do it, but it's odd."
"We are odd." Harry stated,
"Don't I know it?" They couldn't speak anymore because Snape threw open the door and they walked to their normal spots. Harry fetched the needed ingredients for the draught of living death, they were going to be completing over multiple lessons.
"I knew we would be doing this." Draco said as they began preparing and Harry nodded,
"Of course," Harry said, "But we're lucky, we both know some handy shortcuts."
"Paws?"
"Of course, ask me to cast spells or play with magic then I'm good, ask me to make a potion and it really isn't my strongest point." Harry said and Draco snorted, they fell silent to concentrate on the potion and when it was at a stable point they continued their hushed conversation.
"I like how you call it playing with magic."
"What would you call it?" Harry questioned as he crushed the bean that held way too much juice for something that shrivelled.
"I don't know, but most don't do the impossible when they're 'playing'." Draco said stirring the cauldron, he added a counter clockwise stir after every seventh and it slowly began to lighten.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Harry,"
"Oh," Harry shrugged, he took over the stirring for Draco and put their ingredients under preservation.
"Your potions should be approaching the lighter stages waiting to become clear." Snape drawled, his voice easily carrying over the din despite its softness.
"We're ahead which will work out for the next lesson." Harry muttered, "Do you want to put this under stasis, the last time I tried it exploded." Draco snickered,
"I remember that,"
"I was pink for a week."
"Best week of my life." Draco sighed happily, Harry punched him.
"Shut it," they packed up and left the classroom, Harry was surprised, it was the most peaceful lesson of potions he could ever remember.
"I'll see you later," Harry said,
"Midnight, and I'll get my twins." Draco said as he headed off to charms, Harry chose not to call him on the additional "my" in that sentence. He headed to transfiguration, he would have his results back from his essay and he knew McGonagall wouldn't be happy, he had made sure his grade dipped down to an A so he was expecting her to call him on it; he was hoping to get an extension on all his work due to his extra lessons, that way he wouldn't have to worry about remembering them for the due dates. It was surprisingly difficult for him to drop his grades so much, especially when most of the stuff they were covering was things he had already been over. He took his seat at the back and meticulously took notes like he was supposed to, but his hand was working like a separate part of his mind because he was thinking furiously on how this meeting with Blaise Zabini would go. He didn't doubt he would be useful, he never doubted Luna's word, but he wondered how Zabini was going to be, he had only spoken to him briefly.
"Mr Potter, could you stay behind." McGonagall's voice cracked through his thoughts and his head snapped up.
"Yes, Professor," the rest of the class was packing up and he hadn't even noticed. He placed his things away and slowly approached the desk, when the final student had left the room the door was shut with a flick of McGonagall's wand and she pinned him with a stern look.
"Mr Potter, I have to tell you that I am disappointed with your latest essay." She began and Harry was alarmed at how accurate he was at his guess. "Your grade has dropped from an E to an A and I am beginning to worry that you cannot keep up with the course."
"No-no, its not that Professor," Harry said hurriedly, making sure to look the right amount of panicked.
"Then what is it, Potter, I cannot have students below an E grade in my classroom."
"I've been busy lately…" He tried and her lips thinned.
"What could you be doing which is possibly more important than your school work, Mr Potter, you have been unable to continue on the Quidditch team so you should have much more free time." She snapped and Harry blinked in shock, surely she wasn't that dim.
"You do know that I have extra lessons, right Professor?"
"Of course, you should be able to keep up with a few extra classes. What does that have to do with anything?"
"Professor, I have tutoring with Professor Drield twice or three times a week, I have Occlumency with Professor Snape once a week and I have lessons with Professor Dumbledore too. That's five days a week, plus all of my other classes, then homework given in my extra classes as well, I'm barely sleeping two nights a week!" Harry exclaimed, "I'm trying, but I have to rush most of the time, I'm getting by on my practical because I use nearly all of it with Professor Drield."
"How long have you been doing this, Potter?" McGonagall asked,
"Since the beginning of October,"
"I see, and why did you not come to me for an extension?"
"I thought I could handle it and I didn't want to seem as if I was getting special treatment." Harry muttered looking down.
"Mr Potter, you are taking on more than any other sixth year (isn't that the truth, Harry thought), you are more than qualified for an extension."
"Really?"
"Of course, you'll be granted two weeks instead of one. I will speak to your other teachers, you'll need extra time to keep up your grades."
"Thank you, Professor, really,"
"That's quite alright, Mr Potter, I expect your grades to rise back up."
"Of course, Professor,"
"Of you go,"
Harry grabbed his bag and left to grab some lunch, with his extensions he wouldn't have to worry and that would allow him some freedom. He only had Herbology left for that day so he went to the library for his free and went over the final draft for his charms essay, it was at an E because he was naturally better at charms anyway, he took after his mother in that respect. He saw Neville enter the Library and waved him over, Neville 'jumped' and scurried over.
"H-hi Harry,"
"Hey Nev, have you done your Herbology essay?" Harry asked and Neville nodded,
"Y-y-yes, w-why?"
"Could you look mine over, I always struggle with Herbology?" He didn't even have to lie; herbology was not his strongest subject.
"M-me!?" He exclaimed and then winced when Madam Pince turned her beady eyes on them, "Why m-me?"
"Because you're the best at Herbology." Harry told him earnestly, Neville squeaked and went red.
"I-I don't know, H-Harry,"
"Please, Nev, I'm falling behind."
"If y-you're s-sure."
"Thanks, you're the best." Harry pulled it out and handed it over, as Neville sat down they briefly caught eyes and had to fight back their snorts; it was hilarious acting sometimes.
"Everything seems fine for what you've w-written," Neville told him, "If you add in that the Mandrake can also be used as a poison due to it effecting the mind and having no antidote it will pull up your grade."
"Thanks," Harry did as suggested and then grinned, "You're a genius, Nev,"
"I-it was nothing,"
"Want to walk to Herbology with me?"
"S-sure." They walked down and out of the classroom and Professor Sprout greeted them cheerfully, they handed in their essays and took their spots around the centre table. They were studying much more dangerous plants and Harry had to keep his wits about him, the venomous tantacula still had a thing for his tattoo and he spent most of the lesson dodging his advances because it happened to be the one he and Neville were working on; Neville seemed to find it hilarious.
"I hate plants," Harry grumbled as he left, Neville snickered,
"They seem to really like you,"
"Shut up, Badger," Harry muttered throwing him a mutinous look.
"Yes, Snake," Neville's lips were still twitching and Harry was not impressed,
"I hate you too,"
"I'll see you later," Neville told him and they separated. Harry trooped up to his rooms and threw his things down on the table and made his way to the shower. By the time he was out and finished, Luna had returned and she was curled up on the sofa reading.
"It will be better if we leave earlier to get to the Room tonight, that way we can meet the others before Bleach brings Venom."
"Ok, oh and Draco and the twins?" He said and she looked up.
"Yes?"
"They're together,"
"Really, as in actually together!?" She repeated surprised and Harry nodded,
"He confirmed it today, called them 'my twins' and everything."
"Wow, I wonder when they'll be more open about it," She mused and Harry smirked,
"It's the twins, they'll be all over him as soon as possible."
"You make a point,"
"Of course," She rolled her eyes and Harry grinned. He leant back and jabbed at his connection with Swift and Paws,
Don't forget we have that meeting with Zabini tonight, he told them,
Midnight?
Yes, meet you on the 7th with Badger,
Got it, Swift replied,
Snake, I've made a breakthrough, Paws excited voice came through and Harry perked up.
Go on,
The spell that was placed on Bellatrix, I have it!
Brilliant, bring it tonight, He said,
Will do, the connection closed and Harry looked at Luna with a pleased grin,
"Paws has found the spell cast on Bellatrix," He told her and she smiled,
"That's wonderful Harry,"
"Yes, I can't wait to see what it was and what it does."
"With Dumbledore, who knows?" She shuddered and Harry grimaced.
"That's what I'm worried about." He sighed,
"You'll find out tonight,"
There we go, things are on the up and I'll be introducing Zabini next! I felt that Draco was outnumbered and Zabini is one of my favourites to work with, I hope you like it!
Jess*