A/N: Hello ladies and gentlemen, early update because I've had a bit of inspiration! This is simply a filler chapter. There's plans, info and more plans, and of course, a slight Harry/Tom scene!
Ok, on the debate about MPreg, the main problem seems to be that people don't want it coming 'too early' so let me reassure you that when the MPreg is put in that it won't be until Harry is at least 17.
On with the story,
Warning: Slash, torture, violence,
Disclaimer: Not J.K and if I was most would be Dark!
Parsel,
Chapter 21;
"I still can't believe it." Harry shook his head and Tom glared at him.
"You did say that you think something else is going on. I was eleven, leave younger me alone." Tom grumbled.
"I think the best thing I found out was that you're a total klepto." Harry said acting as of Tom hadn't spoken.
"I am not a kleptomaniac." Tom stated a bit too forcefully,
"You totally are." Harry disagreed, "I mean, even now, you steal, swipe and covert anything that you can get your hands on; you just have to."
"I do not!"
"Bottom draw on the right of your desk," Harry pointed out and Tom sent him a fierce glare.
"Shut up, Harry."
"I mean it does make sense with you being a complete control freak, having severe anger issues and all."
"Stop talking."
"Now now, just because you like to collect little things and I found out, lets not get angsty about it." Harry said grinning, "But if it makes you feel better, you were an extremely attractive child." Tom perked up a bit at that and Harry rolled his eyes.
"I always was attractive." Tom agreed and then sent a dark glare at Harry when he coughed something that sounded suspiciously like 'forth year'. "That does not count."
"If you say so,"
"I do,"
"Shame. It was a rather iconic look."
"There was nothing remotely iconic about that look, it was a mistake on the rat's fault." Tom sneered and Harry's expression darkened.
"What happened to the rat?"
"He was told to remove himself from my presence and not to return until he grew a spine or he was called." Tom said and Harry scowled.
"Can't you call him so I can kill him?"
"I would rather not have to bare his presence, however short a time it may be."
"If I see him I kill him." Harry warned and Tom nodded.
"By all means,"
"When are we going to torment your Death Eaters?" Harry asked pushing the thoughts of killing Pettigrew with his bare hands from his mind.
"I have a staff meeting soon, which means I shall be using the timeturner to guarantee my alibi. The meeting starts at 7, so I shall be calling the Death Eaters close to then."
"I should probably go and tell Luna where I'm going, the last time I didn't I had to gift my way from her wrath along with the others." Harry mused and Tom quirked an eyebrow.
"What sort of gift did you obtain for her to constitute your not telling her?"
"I got her a set of hair slides,"
"Is that all, from what you have said, your sister is rather… high maintenance."
"For the love of Merlin, do not let her hear you say that. You may be the Dark Lord, but that would not stop her from finding a way to hurt you." Harry warned,
"I have a strange feeling that I should believe you." Tom said and Harry nodded,
"Besides, there were not just hair slides." Harry said,
"Oh, and what was so special about these hair pieces?"
"They were goblin made silver hair slides with hand cut fey diamonds and siren sapphires originally made for the last High Elf Princess." Harry told him and smirked when Tom blinked.
"Yes, they were more than just hair slides." Tom agreed somewhat faintly, "It is believed all creature jewels were lost, and to have something from the Royal High Elves is unheard of."
"Well, I've never liked sticking to the norm." Harry pointedly ignored Tom's scoff, "And I have a few other items with creature jewellery, most of them are female pieces, but there are a few male items that I plan to use for the balls and some off stones which bring me an endless amount of interest."
"Such as?"
"A raw amber from a wood nymph, a mermaid's pearl, a cracked onyx from a draken were the three that were on the top of the list. But I have loads more, I think my favourite that I saw was the Naga jewel, I don't know what gem it is or if it has a name of its own, but its awesome."
"You know that one of those stones alone could make you enough money to live like the Malfoys for the rest of your life." Tom said amazed, "Excluding that, the historic value they must have, many creature jewels are supposed to have secrets."
"The hair slides that I gave Luna have every Elvin and Fey protection on them, Ragnok read them for me." Harry said and Tom looked extremely interested at that.
"Is there anyway to distinguish the charms?" He asked and Harry shook his head.
"No, I asked Ragnok and, according to him, they are so entwined that they were only able to detect the nature of the spells and the species that cast them." Harry said, "It's rumoured that the slides were a gift from the Fey to the High Elves to forge their alliance with them. The reason for the siren sapphire has yet to be discovered."
"Remarkable," Tom murmured, "And you gave them as a gift,"
"Yes, they suit Luna better than me."
"Many would have sold them." Tom pointed out, Harry shrugged,
"I don't care much for the money, I have loads of that. I had them evaluated however,"
"No, money is something I doubt you are short on." Tom agreed amused, "How much were they worth?"
"I was actually quite surprised at the price, I know it's a rare piece, but the gold they were worth was remarkable." Harry shook his head, "98,500 galleons,"
"Extraordinary,"
"Very," Harry agreed, "Of course, I need to truly go through my entire inventory. The Potter estate alone if enough to keep my and my grandchildren afloat for their entire lives, and that's without liquidating all antiques, jewels, weapons and property."
"If it makes you feel any better, I have yet to go through the Slytherin vault." Tom told him, "The Gaunt vault was empty, as expected, but they Slytherin vault could only be accessed by those deemed worthy,"
"You must be the first on in a century." Harry said and Tom nodded,
"Longer than that, it seems Salazar was extremely picky on who he deemed worthy."
"I am not surprised." Harry muttered, "Can you imagine what would happen if the likes of Marvolo Gaunt would have gotten his hands on the Slytherin estate?"
"I shudder to think," Tom agreed, "I know there is very little left of property, it seems that Slytherin valued objects and monetary wealth opposed to land and property,"
"Gryffindor was the same, I think the only place left which is still Gryffindor land is Godric's Hollow."
"I do not believe that Slytherin has that. If I am correct, however, Slytherin has a potions cove hidden somewhere which, if preserved, would be invaluable."
"I can imagine Snape's face if he ever saw that." Harry laughed, "It might actually break that mask of his again."
"That would be a success in itself. You managed it, no doubt."
"Of course, it worked pretty well. But it was only for seconds before he got himself under control." Harry shrugged,
"I have to give an update to Dumbledore over your private lessons." Tom told him, "I shall be telling him that you are advancing on silent casting,"
"Ok, I won't be surprised if he questions me." Harry agreed, "I've had two of his lessons now, so I might be entitled to a break."
"Watch out for the girl,"
"I will be, Dumbledore is going to be pushed in to a corner with the next two articles so he will be pulling out all the stops."
"After that latest article, I would not be surprised." Tom agreed, "I fail to see how they could get any worse for him, granted I do see where you are going."
"Trust me on this, Tom. While the next one may not be as brutal, it is setting it up for the final one and it is beautiful." Harry sighed wistfully, "I don't think I have ever read words that moved me in such away."
"I'll keep you to that." Tom said and Harry nodded,
"If you are not stunned speechless then I will submit myself to your will for an entire day." Harry said completely sure of himself, Tom eyed him and smirked.
"I'll definitely keep you to that."
"I know," Harry cast a tempus and grinned when Tom groaned under his breath, "Do have fun listening to Dumbledore's drivel." Tom didn't even grace him with an answer as he reapplied his own glamour and stalked from the room. Harry snickered and used the shadows to get back to his own room and was surprised to see Neville sat with Luna going over things.
"Hey, Snake."
"Hey, Badger, what's going on?"
"We're just discussing information," Neville told him, "It seems that Dumbledore has left the castle repeatedly, and that he has met with this Slughorn person a few times too."
"Do you have any idea where Dumbledore has been going?"
"Nothing specific, but he's been going around the country and we believe he has made regular stops around the village of Little Hangleton." Luna explained and Harry cursed.
"He's hunting." He muttered, "I am unsure, as of yet, if Tom has collected his."
"I think it would be time to send out some distractions." Badger suggested, "Something for him to focus his attentions on."
"I have an idea, but I don't know if it will work yet. It could go so badly wrong."
"But the other thought is inconceivable." Luna pointed out.
"I know," Harry muttered, "Ok, I think I can organise this."
"I'll tell the twins to speed up on the plans," Luna said straightening up and Harry grinned.
"You can feel it to?"
"Yes and its getting stronger by the day." Luna said brightly,
"Thankfully,"
"What is your other plan?"
"A few mini raids, get the order busy again." Harry shrugged, but Luna shook her head.
"No, not that one." She waved him off, "You're plan." Harry shifted and pulled at his hair throwing her a sheepish look.
"Can you hear me out first?"
"Sure,"
"I plan on marking the final and seducing him-," He didn't get any further because Luna released a shocked shriek.
"Are you insane!?" She demanded looking at him with wide blue eyes,
"Is that a trick question?"
"Snake… Harry, that is not a good idea." Neville said warily, "If he even catches wind of this… I don't even want to know." Harry scowled,
"He won't," He stated, "Besides, he is not my keeper, and it's not like I will allow filth to touch me so."
"This is a risk… an unnecessary one too." Luna told him and Harry shook his head.
"No, it's not. Think, for a second, the stir it will cause and then add it to the fact that there is only one time of day in which he is open for attacks, and even then the chances of getting a hit on him are extremely slim." Harry said to them and, while they didn't look pleased, they could see the logic in his thinking.
"I suppose…"
"Anyway, I'll wear a minor glamour and it will be discrete."
"Fine, but I swear to Merlin I'll reincarnate you if you get yourself killed." Luna warned and Harry smiled.
"Trust in my abilities, sister."
"Ok," She sighed and he kissed her cheek.
"I am going on a trip, so you can continue your discussion." Harry said,
"Where are you off to, Snake?"
"I'm off to watch Tom hurt people." Harry said brightly,
"Do have fun, Snake,"
"I will, don't worry about that." He flicked his wrist and summoned his map to watch the meeting. It really didn't look to thrilling and Harry couldn't work out what it was about because there was a meeting a few days ago, he'd ask Tom if he cared enough later. Harry went up to have a shower and change his clothes, he changed in to all black before having the shadows form his robes and making his way back to the main area.
"Cool." Badger commented and Harry smirked,
"They do hold some appeal, yes."
"He is just speaking with Dumbledore about you." Luna informed him,
"He's giving him a progress updated, bit that's alright, he informed me in advance."
"I think Dumbledore is getting twitchy, with the articles building and Ginny being out of the equation for so long he is going to be applying pressure to you. Especially with the Death Eaters being so quite, he is bound to be suspicious." Neville pointed out.
"I know, which is why these raids might distract him, it'll be good seeing I'm going to be out a lot with the wolves in the upcoming weeks." Harry said, he ran his hand through his hair and checked the map, "I'm off,"
"See you later, Snake," Harry tossed them a careless wave and vanished in to the shadows. He shamelessly watched as Tom changed his clothes and the Dark Lord shot him an amused look to which Harry replied with a grin,
"Are you calling them immediately, or the Elite first?" Harry asked,
"I need to speak with my Elite first, especially Bella."
"Good, I have a suggestion."
"Oh?"
"Yes," Harry used the shadows to take them to Malfoy Manor without alerting Lucius and they headed to the meeting room, "I think it would be a good time to organise a few minor raids – just to give Dumbledore something to do."
"And to distract him from…?" Tom trailed off and Harry smirked,
"Oh you know me so well." He sighed clutching his heart theatrically, "But yes, I need the order and the aurors distracted while I send Venom out for his first."
"I think I can arrange that,"
"Wonderful. Now, what do you plan on doing with Bella?"
"I have been working on a way to counter the spell completely. I know you mentioned that Dumbledore twisted it to suit his own ways, but I believe if I can created a baseline counter then it should cover everything."
"You're kind of a genius, did you know?"
"Yes, it is something I have become aware of recently." Tom agreed and Harry looked at him blankly.
"I'm going to give you that one." He said shaking his head, Tom flashed him a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes and jumped through the shadows over to the throne at the far side of the meeting room, he draped himself in the pretentious seating and shrouded it in shadows.
"It's almost a good look for you." Tom commented as he swept forward, Harry wondered how the man made himself glide across the floor in such a fashion.
"Almost?"
"Yes… it's my throne."
"Ooo, ouch!" Harry gracefully pulled himself up and made a sweeping bow towards Tom. "Your throne, Your Majesty,"
"You're an idiot,"
"I have yet to see it," Harry disagreed, "Besides, you started it. And you can keep your throne, I can make myself a better one." Tom raised an eyebrow.
"By all means demonstrate." He said and Harry smirked,
"Now, if this works, prepare to be amazed."
"You know what would make that statement much more enticing?" Tom said,
"What?"
"Forgoing the 'if this works',"
"Na, it adds depth." Harry waved him off and Tom rolled his eyes.
"I'm prepared," He deadpanned. Harry closed his eyes and delved in to his magical core, he found his shadow ability connected through his shadow wolf form and then he looked towards his phoenix and mentally smirked. The bond was nearly formed, it could just use a bit of magic and it would be complete; something Harry carefully fed it. He was hit like a brick with shock and only his iron control stopped him slipping, he knew he was on fire and, if he remembered correctly, it was poisonous green flames with flecks of black. Harry opened his eyes when the connection was complete and saw himself surrounded by flames and smirked, he called the shadows up and pushed the flames away from him mixing them together, it was an extremely cool effect with the blacker than black shadows and the twisting green flames wrapping around the structure of the throne as it formed. When it was solid enough to support him, Harry threw himself down and kicked his legs over the arm.
"Tah dah,"
"Ok, I am amazed." Tom agreed looking at the throne, "I want one."
"Absolutely not," Harry replied instantly,
"Why ever not?"
"It's my throne." Harry repeated the man's earlier words and he crossed his arms with a huff.
"Fine,"
"Are you pouting?" Harry asked incredulously,
"No," He denied but Harry could see it.
"Oh Merlin, you are! You are so pouting because you can't have your own way."
"I am not!"
"Denial is in Egypt, Tom," Harry sang and the man turned to look at him confused.
"I'm sorry?"
"Denial, it's in Egypt." Harry repeated, he watched as the meaning fell in Tom's mind and then the man glowered at him.
"Ha ha ha, are you not the most hilarious person in existence." He grumbled,
"Well, I think 'existence' is pushing it, but definitely in Europe." Harry said thoughtfully. Tom shot him an unimpressed look, but Harry could sense the underlying humour which made his own lips twitch in to an unremorseful grin before he laughed and Tom chuckled.
"You are impossible."
"I know,"
"Where is Nagini?" Harry asked and Tom tilted his head.
"She usually comes when ever I arrive."
"But you usually apperate in," Harry pointed out,
"That is because you despise apperation,"
"Damn straight."
"She should have sense my magic by now. She will, no doubt, be here soon."
"Brilliant,"
"I fail to grasp your… excitement about meeting my familiar." Tom said and Harry grinned.
"This is the same snake you managed to lose an argument to, of course I'm interested." Harry's grin morphed in to a devilish smirk that didn't bode well for Tom, Dark Lord or not. "And then there is the fact that she has been your longest companion and until today, only you have been able to understand here." Tom blinked twice before his eyes widened slightly and he actually cursed.
"Shit,"
"This meeting is going to beautiful." Harry sighed happily.
"I will stop her speaking to you." Tom stated but Harry felt the doubt of that statement.
"Really?"
"Yes, Nagini is my familiar. She is bound to listen to me." Tom seemed to be trying to be reassuring himself more than he was trying to convince Harry, and it was failing on both counts.
"I can feel that you are lying." Harry point out and Tom threw him a look of death.
"I am aware." He spat, "Damn familiar,"
After all this time apart masster, this hurts me. A female voice echoed around the room and the sound of scaled sliding across marble could be heard. Harry looked towards the sound and saw a huge, deep green snake sliding over to them and he could seriously see what Tom meant when he said that you could not hide a snake that size. She had a large triangle head and shining black eyes, her red tongue was working quickly as she scented the room and approached the throne. As she got closer, Harry could see that she was lighter green diamonds going down her back and they were mixed with black ones; overall she was stunning.
Nagini, you chose not to speak to me, Tom pointed out in a tone that suggested he had already had this particular conversation.
But master, She drew herself up, and was that the puppy dog eyes? Harry didn't even think that was possible for a snake, I miss the big nest, and I am all alone here with the fussy blond people. You betrayed me! Harry barely caught himself from choking on his laugh, he kept it in by a margin as Tom pinched the bridge of his nose.
We have gone over this, Nagini, it is simply not possible for you to accompany me to the castle.
Have you found another familiar master? Do you no longer want me? She threw her great head back and released a wail of despair, Harry was paralyzed with hilarity as he took in the sight. It would look like a threatening gesture to anyone else, a huge snake with his mouth wide open revealing all the venomous fangs, but when you could hear what was actually being said and it was a completely different matter. Harry couldn't even get himself to move so he could laugh, his entire body was frozen and Tom turned to him clearly unimpressed by his humoured state.
Do you believe me now?
I believed you before, but you failed to mention how hilarious this is! Harry choked out,
Another speaker! Nagini exclaimed switching from wailing to excitement instantly, she slid over to Harry and looked at him. You will make my master come to his senses.
Hello Nagini, what seems to be the problem? Harry greeted politely,
My master abandoned me to the cruelty of the blond humans. She complained rather pitifully given her size, Harry has to mask another wave of humour,
I have not abandoned you, Nagini,
Alone, no visits, no extra large snacks while he goes to the big nest,
You cannot be there, it is impossible.
But who is there to make sure you do not get in trouble? She questioned and Tom took a deep breath,
I am capable of looking after myself, I am a fully grown man. Tom told her,
There is no one to clean up the bodies, no one to fearlessly threaten those who dare approach the 'Great Lord Voldemort' and no one to make sure you stop taking other peoples things and hiding them. She said earnestly and Harry was all but dying in his seat with laughter, he had given in when she had said she was there to stop Tom getting in to trouble, but now he could barely breathe. Harry was trying to suck in sharp breathes, but every time he tried he replayed the words in his mind and he would collapse again. He didn't know whether the 'fearlessly threaten the Great Lord Voldemort' was his favourite or the fact that she confirmed that Tom was a klepto.
Have you quite finished? Tom growled glaring at him and the snake who looked very pleased with herself.
Oh Merlin, Harry gasped, I can't breathe, he felt tears streaming down his face and he forcefully tried to calm himself down by pulling at Tom's irritation, it worked to a degree because he got his breathing under control, but he was still snickering.
Are you done?
I am not even sorry, Harry told him,
I can feel that, Tom stated before going back to his beloved familiar, Nagini, I have explained my reasonings, you have to accept them. She gave him a dark look before turning to Harry.
You will take me to the big nest, other speaker. She instructed in a demanded voice, You smell of my master so you are there too.
Nagini! Tom's voice held a slight warning, but Nagini didn't falter, she slithered over and wrapped herself around her master making herself look like a large scaly scarf.
Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease?
I've said no,
But master,
No,
What if-
No
I could-
No
Even if-
No, and if you keep on you can get off. Tom said and she huffed. She slid back to the floor and slithered off to the side where she curled up and kept a menacing glare on Tom.
I am cold. I hope you are happy, She grumbled. Harry muffled his laughter as Tom rolled his eyes and flicked his wand to heat the floor.
"You see what I have to deal with." Tom complained and Harry grinned.
"I fail to see the problem."
"You would,"
"Of course, Tom," Harry responded brightly.
"At least I can begin the meeting." Tom muttered to himself and took out his wand, he drew the dark mark in the air and jabbed it with his wand,
Elite, he hissed and Harry felt the magic ripple. Almost instantly, there were 7 cracks as the elite apperated in and dropped to their knees,
"My Lord," they murmured together.
"Rise, my elite," Tom commanded in a cold, detached voice. The elite rose to their feet and both Tom and Harry watched in amusement as they stumbled back when they saw Harry and his seat, it was true that he had the shadows wrapped around him so much that he looked like he was one with the throne and the only thing on show was his eyes, his hair and the bottom half of his face.
"Um, My Lord…?" Lucius managed to recover first and Harry smiled a rather frightening smile, it was full of teeth which contrasted starkly against the shadows.
"Is something bothering you, Luciusss?" He asked emphasising the final 's' and allowing the shadows to make the sound bounce around the room.
"Ignore him, he bores easily." Tom instructed and Harry nearly pouted, he should be allowed his fun! He vanished his throne and vanished back in to the shadows so he was completely hidden, the elite's eyes followed him slightly behind their masks and Harry smirked to himself. "We have short time before the rest are called."
"Sorry, My Lord,"
"Now, Bella, I believe I have found the cause of your sudden mind change during the battle." Tom stated,
"You have, My Lord?" There was no mistaking the hope in her voice, "I know we opposed each other, and I know he was against us, but he was family and I would never purposely kill him like that."
"It is an ancient spell, that causes subconscious illusions that are triggered by a selected notion. It could be a face, a word or even an action, and it is to be believed that Dumbledore, the one responsible, twisted the intention of the spell for his own purposed." Tom explained,
"Do you know of the trigger, My Lord?" She asked hopefully and Tom sighed through his nose.
"Unfortunately I do not." He sounded extremely pissed at that and Harry knew he was, "I would not have this information if it wasn't for our current guest,"
"I have my own researcher, she found that the spell originated from Ancient Greece, and there was never a counter created." Harry's voice sounded from the shadows and it was distorted, "Dumbledore cast it personally and it was purposely to be rid of Sirius Black, he had yet to release any information about the trigger, but he is being monitored."
"Is there anything to be done?" Bella asked and the usually insane Lestrange sounded nervous; it was odd.
"The possibility of a counter is currently being examined." Tom told her and she nodded,
"Thank you, My Lord, I am most grateful."
"Lucius, how goes the ministry?"
"After the appointment of Hadrian Greengrass, there are many old legislations which have been dug up and I believe he plans to throw most of them out of the window. It seemed Delores Umbridge' death came at the most convenient time, she has been keeping many important things out of many different ears." Lucius told his Lord. "Dumbledore is also moving on a new bill he wishes to rush through, I believe his is starting to worry about the slander he is gaining because of the articles. The last one was particularly vicious."
"Do you know where they are coming from, my Lord?" Nott asked, "I have asked around, and Skeeter is no where to be found." The smile that came to the Dark Lord's face was truly terrifying, it was more than a little sadistic and Harry knew he had a slight problem when the only thing that came to his mind was that that smile was perfect for the man's face.
"Inquire no more, Izar. It is unneeded," Tom murmured and it was clear the conversation was at a close. "Do you know what is to be expected with this bill, Lucius?"
"Not as of yet, he is keeping it to his chest, but I know it is in the 'war' category." Lucius answered and Harry couldn't help the grin that came to his face as he stepped out of the shadows behind the elite.
"Oh I do believe I know what bill he wishes to pass." Harry said with glee.
"Your twins?"
"Yes, they came to me with the draft of something the old fool was having his subordinates work on. I never believed he would actually have it passed, but I did say if he would it would be after Halloween." Harry said,
"Do you know what is written?"
"Not exactly, but I can have it to you by Monday at the latest. I do know, however, if it gets passed, from the transcripts I have seen, the Death Eaters will become a legal organisation."
"Surely he isn't that stupid?"
"No, Dumbledore may not be." Harry agreed, "But Dumbledore is not the one writing it."
"Who is he getting to write it? Moody?" Rabastan snorted at the very thought, but Harry smirked.
"You would be correct."
"You have to be joking?" He exclaimed and Harry shook his head,
"Unfortunately, I am not. It seems Dumbledore pushed this on to his best 'lieutenant'."
"Oh Merlin, the old fool truly is crazy."
"If that is true, then he will have only cursed himself. I'll need that legislation at the quickest possible time."
"Done,"
"Now, on to a more pressing issue," Tom said, "You have been tracking individuals, do you have information?"
"There are rumours, My Lord," Rodolphus began slowly, "They are whispering of a hit against some dark creatures, wolves, and they want to make it big. They're gathering any anti-werewolf supporters for it, but they are quiet about the location and the time."
"I have heard the same, My Lord," Dolohov agreed, "But I have heard that the hit will happen within the month."
"This is good," Tom murmured, "Watch them, see if you can get closer, find out everything you can. It is imperative we do not lose any more of the wolves, they are our closest ally and if the continual attacks happen it will drive them away. Bella, Lucius and Nott, you shall be needed elsewhere."
"Yes, My Lord." Tom nodded and drew his mark again to call his inner and outer circles. Harry faded back completely and moved to the left wall of Tom's throne just as cracks began to rip through the silent room. The black and white masks of the inner and outer circles respectively shone as a sharp contrast against the chrome of the elite and Harry watches as each of them fell to their knees. It was less than a minute until they were all in attendance and Tom rose to his feet,
"Rise my faithful followers," His voice was stiff and commanding and it carried through the entire room. The Death Eaters rose as one, they were completely still as they stood and the Dark Lord observed them with icy crimson eyes.
"It seems you have finally learned not to disregard my orders." He began and Harry picked up on the slight shifting of a group in the outer circle, they must have been the rogue Unit 4 Tom was speaking of. "Unit 5 and 6, you were given orders – do you have my report?" two groups of around 12 stepped forward from the rows,
"We have, my Lord." One spoke clearly, his head bowed slightly in submission, "We have discovered 4 villages that have been warded securely by Dumbledore's Order, or under his command. We have mapped out their locations and the wards we discovered." They stepped back and Harry could tell Tom was pleased.
"Acceptable, make sure you place your report in the correct place." He told them neutrally, but they seemed ecstatic and nodded.
"It will be done, My Lord."
"Unit 2, your report." Voldemort called and Harry instantly knew he was going to enjoy this. They stepped forward and each of them were quivering as they moved, and when the Dark Lord turned his unrelenting eyes upon them Harry swore one of them whimpered.
"M-my Lord, please… we t-tried, w-we – we did – but it was impossible!"
"What are you saying, Daviss?" Voldemort asked in a hiss.
"W-w-we couldn't complete it, My Lord." The man, Davis, finally managed and Harry was flooded with anger which wasn't his own.
"What happened?" He demanded,
"There w-were c-c-complications." He got out, "We didn't foresee a – a change o-over." Harry watched as Tom paced in front of his throne silently, it was a technique he used to make the tension grow for the Death Eaters. He was currently in full Dark Lord Voldemort mode and the man was pissed, that much was obvious and if it wasn't then the stuttering fool that had given said report gave it away.
"It seems as if you have failed me." Voldemort said softly, his voice was void of emotion and icy cold.
"N-no, M-my Lord, we tried, but-,"
"Silence," The Dark Lord snapped and they had all dropped to their knees by now, there wasn't one which wasn't quivering like a frightened child. "I do not care for your excuses and I care even less for your failures. My orders were simple and yet you are here before me informing me of your mistakes." His magic was swirling through the room and Harry smirked, he knew what was coming next and he was excited; he hadn't been able to watch Tom torture his death eaters.
"Crucio," the death eater fell to the floor screaming and the Dark Lord's magic swarmed the room crackling around in dark amusement. Harry looked at the man and saw he had a vicious, blood thirsty expression on his face which went straight south for Harry. Voldemort turned his wand on the other kneeling death eaters in turn and Harry watched fascinated, the man made torture an art and Harry could not, for the life of him, keep his thoughts clear, his eyes never left the Dark Lord as he twisted his magic to do his bidding.
Voldemort swept his arm gracefully and all of them began screaming and clawing at their heads and their eyes, he snapped his wand like a whip and there was crack of magic before they were pushed forcefully to the floor, two of them were arching at angles that could not be healthy. And as he watched, there was only thing that registered in Harry's extremely clouded mind. He wanted Tome now. His body was burning and he was sure it was leaking through his Occlumency shields by the smirk that flashed across the man's face. Harry pushed himself further in to the shadows and tried to drag his eyes away, but that was easier said than done when the man was splashing himself in blood and Harry bit back a whimper, if Tom didn't dismiss his damn Death Eaters soon then Harry was not going to be responsible for his actions. As if reading his mind, Tom pulled back on his magic and sat gracefully on his throne.
"I warn you that it would not be wise to fail me a second time." He stated, "Dismissed," they scurried out like rats, except for the elite who calmly walked out with their heads held high, and as soon as the doors slammed shut the wards flared. Harry came out of the shadows directly in front of Tom and his eyes were so dark it was as if the shadows were in them, he was filled with a burning need and he was pulled down in to a hot kiss so he was straddling the man. Harry used the shadows to move them to Tom's room in the manor without breaking the kiss, he hissed when Tom bit down on his lip and it started to bleed.
You seem to have a thing for torture, Tom hissed pinning him to the bed,
Yess, Harry sucked in a sharp breath when Tom bit down on his neck, Fuck me, he demanded, Fuck me like a follower, Master, Tom's eyes went black as soon as he said those words and Harry was washed with a delirious amount of desire as his clothes were vanished. Use me like I'm disposable, treat me like a whore, Tom attacked his lips and dominated the kiss, he broke away to trail viciously sharp bits all over Harry's neck some sharp enough to bleed.
On your knees, Tom ordered, And turn around, Harry felt a thrill shoot through him as he complied to the command, he dropped on to his hands when he felt Tom apply pressure to his neck. Harry felt magic wash over him and that was the only warning he received before Tom thrust in to him; he screamed. The pain shot up his spine forcing him to arch up and his hands curled in to fists, Tom didn't give him chance to adjust to the feeling as he started to move at a furious pace. He continued to fuck him as Harry cried and screamed out in a mix of pain and pleasure, Harry dropped to his forearms allowing Tom to go deeper and one of Tom's hands yanked sharply at his hair making him arch almost painfully,
Fuck, Master, he cried when his spot was pounded in to, Harder, AH-! Harry felt the heat coiling in his stomach as Tom continued to hit his prostate, each thrust was sending heat through him and Harry came hard when Tom slammed in to him and bit down on his neck at the same time. Tom followed him after a final thrust and they both collapsed on to the bed breathing heavily. Harry knew he was going to be feeling that very soon but he felt to damn good to care. He waved his hand to clean them both from the mess and rolled over on to his back wincing slightly as his had a brief flare in pain,
"I'll remember to inform you each time I have the urge to torture my Death Eaters." Tom murmured and Harry smirked.
"I could live with that." He agreed. The man pulled him over and Harry straddled his hips, and leaned down to kiss him, "I'm really not feeling school just yet."
"I have just the thing to keep you occupied."
"I know what I was supposed to tell you." Harry remembered as he vanished the shadows around him. It was late, but neither of them had felt like leaving the bed at Malfoy Manor, and if it wasn't for Harry reminding Tom that he had plans for the next day then he was sure the man would have refused to allow him back.
"Oh?"
"Yes, Venom was only one reason for the extra raids with the DE's." Harry said, "I wanted to know if you've moved your little trinkets."
"I have moved the one I thought the easiest to discover, after the… shocking discovery in the summer I believed it best. Of course, I did not expect you to deliver the one I felt the most protected." Tom said indicated the locket which didn't move from around Harry's neck, the only time he planned to take it off was if he was going near Dumbledore.
"You may want to collect them all, just in case." Harry said, "Dumbledore has been branching out, and I don't know if it does have anything to do with you, but I got an extremely bad feeling when both Badger and Raven told me the old fool is meeting with Horace Slughorn." Tom's eyes narrowed dangerously when Harry said that name and hissed curses spewed out his mouth.
"He was my potions master, had a real thing for me and it allowed me to get anything from him. He was the one who told me what a Horcrux was, and we discussed the power of the number seven." Tom gritted out and Harry pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Why must this happen now." Harry groaned, "Ok, this can be contained. The twins can get rid of Slughorn and make it look like a potions accident, at the same time as the raids and while Venom is taking out a bit of scum from the ministry. We'll work it so it pans out on the same day, next week, after the article so on Wednesday or Thursday."
"That will work, I will arrange the raids for Thursday, but I'll scatter them, make sure that their forces are spread thin." Tom agreed, "I may even send Bella to pump up the fear."
"That's mean." Harry said, "I like it."
"Of course you would,"
"Most definitely," Harry agreed, "But don't worry Tom, we'll make sure all the pieces of your black soul are kept safe."
"Black soul?" Tom repeated amused,
"I'm sorry, evil black soul." Harry corrected, and Tom rolled his eyes. He pulled Harry closer and kissed him, Harry moaned in the back of his throat as Tom explored his mouth, but reluctantly, he pulled away.
"I have to make plans." He murmured and Tom sighed through his nose,
"I know,"
"That means you have to let me go," Harry pointed out,
"I do not like that option," Tom grumbled, but released him.
"I'm going out tomorrow, so I'll see you tomorrow night anyway to fill you in." Harry said and Tom nodded,
"I am interested to see what you find."
"Same, I am hoping it's good." Harry agreed, "Now, I'm off." Tom stole another kiss before Harry vanished in to the shadows. He didn't know why he was surprised to find his room full, but he took one look at the smirking Luna and grinned,
"You are extremely handy." He told her and she gave a mock curtsey.
"I live to serve,"
"Pfft, yeah, ok." He scoffed, "Ok, I have a plan and I need it organised quickly."
"Speak to us, Snake." Fred said eagerly,
"What have you got on that devious mind?" George added,
"Right, Bleach, have you spoken to Venom?" Harry asked and Draco nodded along with Blaise.
"I am ready to act on your word." Blaise confirmed,
"Good, the date is set for Thursday." Harry told him, before turning to the twins, "Now, gentlemen, there is a new target, one that needs your expertise."
"Go on,"
"Horace Slughorn, noted potions master and a man slimier than Malfoy Sr," Harry said and grinned and Draco's indignant look, "You know it's true, Bleach."
"I resent that," Draco huffed,
"Anyway, I need it to look like a potions accident, there can be absolutely no suspicion that it was not how it seems." Harry said to them seriously,
"We can handle it," George assured him, "Is this for Thursday too?"
"Yes. There is going to be scattered raids that will hit at the same time, Venom will take out his, you will hit yours and I will go for mine." Harry explained,
"Got it,"
"I still think your idea is a stupid one." Luna told him, and Harry sighed through his nose.
"I know, you have mentioned it a few times." Harry grumbled, "But there are more important plans to be made."
"Our hunt," Swift put in, "Everything is ready to go."
"I say tomorrow," Harry said and Paws nodded,
"We need to get it out of the way, and tomorrow we can spend the entire day searching."
"I've planned to fly there and back." Swift told them, "Simply because we do not know where or what we are going in to."
"That's fine, it's been a while since I've flown and we can make a proper day of it." Harry agreed,
"We shall be here for 10am, and then we'll shadow to London before flying to Crawley," Paws said,
"Ok, but on the way back I want to make a pit stop in London to collect some things." Harry said,
"I had a feeling you might, and so I marked it down." Swift said amused,
"Brilliant. I have a feeling that tomorrow will be extremely enlightening." Harry said pleased, "Now, Tom knows about Bella, and is working on it. The female Lestrange has been informed also, and has been alerted to be cautious. But, I do have some truly interesting news."
"Oh, and what have you found out during your time within the Dark Lair?" The twins asked,
"Remember that legislation you overheard, the one that Moody was writing? Well, it seems that Dumbledore is going to have it pushed through."
"No way!" They exclaimed and Harry nodded smirking,
"Yes, he really is that stupid!"
"Oh Merlin," Swift sighed shaking his head, "He really has got very little going for him."
"Tell me about it." Harry agreed, "I couldn't help but laugh, and what made it even funnier was that Rabastan guessed accidently who had written it."
"That pretty much says it all." Badger muttered,
"I am guessing you want a full copy of the legislation." Fred said and Harry nodded,
"Monday at the latest, if you will,"
"Consider it done."
"Thanks," Harry said gratefully, "One more thing, there are rumours surfacing within the darker corners that the wolf hunters are planning something big."
"They are going to learn a painful lesson." Luna said viciously and Harry agreed,
"They are, and they are planning to move at the end of the month." Harry said,
"Do you have any idea what?" Paws asked,
"No, but Dolohov and the others are going to try and infiltrate the operation. Until then I have no idea." Harry sighed,
"At least we have ears out." Swift said,
"True, but seeing as we're practically in the second week of November we have move quickly."
"Well the goblins will be finished come the end of next week. Two of the wolf hunters will be out of the way, the order will be distracted and Slughorn out of the way." Badger told the room, "We will be fine as long as we keep calm and done screw up."
"You're right, Badger," Luna agreed,
"Of course I am,"
"Oh Merlin, he's been around Snake too much." Paws mock groaned and Harry shot her a hurt look.
"I resent that." He sniffed,
"No you don't," She deadpanned and Harry grinned,
"You're right, its so cool."
"I have research to do," Paws said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Snake,"
"See you, Paws, Swift."
"Severus is testing the potion, but it looks good." Draco told him, rising to his feet with Venom and the twins,
"Wonderful, I won't be dosed anymore."
"You got Snape onside?" The twins said incredulously, "How in Merlin's name did you do that?"
"Raven." Harry answered as if it explained everything,
"Fair enough," They conceded,
"I'll let you know as soon as I know about the potion."
"Thanks, Bleach." Harry said sincerely, "We'll meet on Tuesday or something,"
"Got it,"
The four of them vanished leaving Luna and Neville to pin him with looks,
"Ok, I know my idea is risky, but you know that it would be the only chance I would have to lead him away." Harry pointed out,
"You should allow me to do it, I could do-,"
"Absolutely not!" Harry cut her of sharply, "There is no way in hell I would allow that." Luna crossed her arms, but didn't argue anymore.
"I just hope you have a gift or something." Badger said and Harry grinned,
"Lady luck kissed me as a child, right before I was dropped in a pool of back luck." Harry stated,
"Well, he's got that one right." Badger allowed and Harry rolled his eyes,
"I'll be fine, nothing will go wrong, and once its done I'll explain what happened." Harry reassured them,
"Fine, but if this goes wrong I will hurt you." Luna huffed and the stalked up to the bedroom,
"I best go cheer her up, Merlin knows I need her." Harry sighed pulling himself up,
"She's worried about you, Snake. Maybe you should listen to her." Badger suggested, before he left the room.
"Honestly, its like they have no faith." Harry complained to the empty room.
There we have it, I know not a lot went on, but Its building up and things are picking up! The next chapter will be the trip to the Flamels and something else that will, hopefully, peak your interest.
Jess*