A/N: Hello ladies and gentlemen, I am back with a new chapter! This one is a bit of a filler with some important information thrown in along the way, not a lot to say on this one so on with the story!

Warning: Language and mentions of slash and blood

Disclaimer: I am not J. K. but this plot is so mine

Parsel

Chapter 28:

"You can call of your elite from finding out what the WPP wanted in Knockturn," Harry told Tom, walking in to his rooms.

"Oh? And what were they after?" Tom asked, and Harry nearly grinned at the fact that the man just knew he had found out.

"They were planning on hitting Ellen's shop." Harry informed him,

"I swear you attract trouble." Tom sighed shaking his head,

"Excuse me?"

"You walked in to the middle of the attack, did you not?" Tom said and Harry pouted,

"I hate you,"

"I know."

"Anyway, I got Ellen out just as they blew the place up. She's settled in to the sanctuary with Moony, Luna and Cissa."

"You can finally sit back and stop worrying about the wolves." Tom said and Harry grinned somewhat sheepishly.

"Not quite, I just have one more thing to do before I will stop worrying." Harry told him, Tom raised a questioning eyebrow and Harry ran a hand through his hair. "I know of a place where some wolves are residing, once I get them portkeys then I will stop."

"You continue to astound me." Tom muttered and Harry grinned,

"What can I say, it's a talent."

"What are you going to be focussing your attentions on now?" Tom asked and Harry thought for a second.

"I will still continue to monitor the wolves, I want to make sure that everything is running smoothly, but I can turn back to my research, taking out targets and avoiding Dumbledore. I also have to prepare for the backlash of the next article." Harry said to him, "Dumbledore has been searching for Rita and, while I know she won't be found, I know that Dumbledore will not react well to the next article. It cuts way to close to home for him not to, and its going to land on me."

"Is his anger going to be so much that you need to worry?"

"I cannot tell, all I know is that he is not going to like it." Harry shrugged,

"Do you have a follow up?"

"Not immediately no, I need to see how he and the public react to this final blow before moving on." Harry said,

"I see." Tom murmured, "I spoke to Lucius about the ministry and its movements, you have set Hadrian Greengrass on Sirius Black's missing trial."

"I have, I was supposed to inform you of it as not to cause any confusion." Harry said, "Hadrian was going after Dumbledore, and, while I understood why, Dumbledore is in a position where he would have removed the problem instead of trying to smother it."

"You are… protecting him?" Tom said slowly, a trace of confusion in his voice.

"Yes,"

"Why?"

"I do not fully understand why, only that I've decided to like Hadrian Greengrass and I protect those that I like." Harry said, he tilted his head, "Don't ask me to understand because I can't, that is but another thing Luna is there for."

"She is there to help you understand?"

"Something like that, she is there to ground me. She… I can't even explain because I don't even know what it is. I just know that I miss things, things that I should know but don't." Harry sighed, "I'm weird ok,"

"You do not need to inform me of your abnormalities, Harry, they have become increasingly clear, and yet I find myself fascinated." Tom admitted and Harry smiled.

"You'll work me out when I work you out, so I think we're somewhat matched." He said and Tom raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"Come on! You have to know that you're like, the most fascinating person on the planet, right? I mean, you're a genius in every sense of the word, your mind is something that cannot possibly be explained and your ambition and cunning are unparalleled." Harry shook his head, "And now I feel the need to kill something and smear blood on me to prove not everything is going strange."

"Yes, that was… odd, for lack of a better word. When do you plan on meeting with your friends?"

"Tomorrow if possible, I plan on spending some hours for myself for the rest of the night and then sleeping. It seems my body does not like being overworked." Harry said, glad they were moving past whatever just happened. He was confused at the feeling he got when he realised that Tom found him fascinating, he couldn't place it and he couldn't be bothered to either so he pushed it away and continued their talk.

"I am meeting with my Elite the evening after, you are welcome to join me if you wish." Tom told him, "Lucius believes that Dumbledore's bill will be pushed through."

"Oh wonderful, he is going to highlight the fact that he's a complete fuck up to the rest of the world." Harry mock cheered, "I think I shall join you, I want to observe Bella."

"Very well," Tom allowed, "How did Narcissa take to the manor?"

"I think I will have to send Lucius a particularly nice bottle of whiskey because he may have lost his wife. She was already over there discussing things with Luna when I went there with Ellen, and I know that she is eager to begin." Harry said with a smirk, "I believe that there will be a massive influx of timeturner use over the coming months. I know Moony, Luna and Paws, at least, are living each day twice, Moony three times because I don't believe he will be giving up his work in the Gryffindor rooms either."

"It will make a change for it not to be you. Of course, you will end up using yours just as much, if not more." Tom stated and Harry shrugged sheepishly.

"Well… there are things to be done and I know that most of the time you live the day twice to keep the Death Eaters in line."

"You are correct, I found it easier to concentrate on all DE work within the study at Malfoy Manor. As much as I trust the castle, the fact that Dumbledore has his hand in her wards still leaves me on edge."

"That is what I will be looking in to now I have time. Did Moony tell you about the strange ward?" Harry asked and Tom nodded,

"The one that keeps disappearing and reappearing? Yes, it is most unusual."

"I know, but I will find out what it is eventually. Unfortunately, I have very little time even with the time turner. I have plans to start my trip in to the ministry legislations that I don't like too, it is something that I am not looking forward to." Harry ran his hand through his hair. "I understand the phrase: Ignorance is bliss."

"Yes, and unfortunately for you 'bliss' has been shattered." Tom commented dryly, Harry mock glowered at him.

"I can't even blame you." Harry sighed, "I can't wait until Dumbledore is dead, I think I'm going to take a nice long vacation."

"You know, that does sound like a brilliant idea." Tom agreed, "Somewhere isolated." They both sat their imagining the peace and then Harry shook his head,

"I'm going to relax for the night before I throw myself back in to everything tomorrow." Harry said pulling himself up, "Merlin knows I need it,"

"Remember to keep an eye out for the old man, he's left you alone for a while." Tom said and Harry nodded before leaving with a wave.

He took himself to his rooms where Luna curled up reading, he flashed a smile as he went to change and grab the map, then he left again. The seventh floor was clear and he asked the RoR for his training room, he was pleased to see the same one appear again and sealed the door as he entered. He started off by doing laps around the track, gradually speeding up until he was sprinting. Harry moved on to doing stretches, press ups, sit ups and pull ups and then he took to the weights, the physical work out allowed his mind to fade in to the rhythm of his movements. He did another round of sit ups so he could keep his mid section toned and in shape, Harry rolled up and took a brief water break before moving on to fighting. The RoR was something that he didn't think he would ever understand, some of the things that it, or rather she, created should not be possible, but he wasn't going to complain as he needed them.

He stepped up to the dummy and began a low level fight, he used all of the techniques he had picked up, Harry had never been formally trained in any type of fighting but he knew he was fast and he used that to his advantage. Of course, he had also been involved in many different things and had picked up on many differed styles of martial arts that he meshed together and, thanks to his delightful family, boxing. He practiced fighting for balance and stamina, because he had yet to be in need to actually use his physical strength, that wasn't to say he didn't use it just that he didn't need it. Once he had beaten the dummy he moved on to his magical training, as he did before, he duelled multiple dummies with just light magic, then with just dark magic and then finally he reset them and poured everything in to the duel. He did so love to duel, the twist and turns, the ducks and the dodging and, despite the fact that he had taken multiple hits and was now littered in cuts and bruises, he loved it. Harry finished it with a cutter to the jugular and, unlike last time, he didn't collapse and he was pleased to note that his stamina was being built up again.

He took another water break and a five minute rest to catch his breath, he had already, unknowingly, been training for over two hours and so he figured he deserved it; he would make it bi-daily thing. Once he was calm again, Harry did once more set of push ups, sit ups and pull ups, and he hit the track a final time before he shadows back to his rooms. Luckily, Luna was there to heal him as he was losing more blood than he first thought, the blond merely rolled her eyes as she healed him and then pushed him up to shower.

"Honestly," Harry muttered, "You would think I didn't know how to look after myself."

"You don't, not properly anyway." Luna called after him and Harry rolled his eyes. He relaxed in the shower and sighed when he felt himself loosen from the tense position he had been in for the past few days. He grabbed a pair of joggers and a top to wear, threw it on with a pair of socks and made his way to the kitchen.

"Do you fancy anything in particular to eat?" Harry asked Luna,

"Pasta," She said after a moment thought, "The rest, surprise me."

"Gladly," Harry called Winky to get him some ingredients and went about preparing their food, the meticulous movements came naturally to him and Luna wandered over to sit at the bar.

"So, what's for dinner?" She inquired and Harry smiled,

"Spaghetti Bolognese, with garlic bread." He answered and her eyes lit up.

"One of my favourites,"

"Of course, and a white chocolate and raspberry cheese cake for desert."

"Oh you do know how to sweeten me up." Luna said, pleased and Harry grinned.

"I may have learned some tips, yes." Harry agreed. He tapped the cheesecake tin to cool the base before adding the topping and setting it aside to set, he made sure to check the cooling charm on it every now and then so it didn't melt. He turned back to his Bolognese and added tomatoes and chopped herbs to the cooks meat, fried off onions and garlic, he stirred it before putting the lid on the pan and allowing it to simmer. The pasta was put in to boiling water to and left to cook as Harry stirred it occasionally, and his attentions turned to the garlic bread.

He didn't have time to make bread from scratch, and so he made garlic butter instead and spread it on to a sliced baguette before putting it in to the oven. Harry checked the cheesecake and strengthened the cooling charms, he picked up the raspberries and separated them, some he placed on the now semi solid top of the cheesecake, the others he began to crush and mix with icing sugar until it was nearing a sweet syrup. Once that was done he turned back to his Bolognese and checked it was ready. Harry grabbed two pasta dishes and filled them with spaghetti, then he dished out the Bolognese on top before covering it with grated cheese; he placed the garlic bread on a side plate.

"Bon appétit," Harry said with a flourish,

"I love you," Luna stated with a happy sigh, "You can cook and make my clothes, it's the full package."

"So you choose my lease useful skills to highlight." Harry joked, grabbing a fork.

"They are not the least useful at all." Luna chided, "I'll have you know that both, at your level, are very rare."

"I suppose. And to think, I owe it to them." Harry looked disgusted at the thought.

"Let's not think about that." Luna said, wrinkling her nose.

"Agreed," Harry nodded, "Although, now you mention it… I was thinking about a dress for one of the balls. If I could sketch it out, it might be something."

"Wonderful." Luna said brightly, "I do love looking at your creations. I've been making a few of my own."

"We can look at them tonight, I'm all yours."

"Perfect."

They finished their main course and then Harry handed out slices of cheesecake and syrup, Luna repeated how much she loved him and Harry laughed at her sugar induced bliss. Winky came in for their plates, pots and pans, and she would not hear anything about Harry cleaning up.

"Yous bes cooking, Master, yous bes letting Winky clean up." She ordered shaking her fist. Harry stepped back with his hands raised in defence, she nodded firmly and popped away taking everything with her. Harry looked at Luna wide eyed, the girl was laughing helplessly at his predicament and Harry shuddered.

"I just told off by my house elf." He said stunned, "She just yelled at me," he sounded so shocked that that it renewed Luna's giggles.

"You actually looked scared." She gasped, "You've faced down the Dark Lord with a smile on your face, but it comes to a house elf and you're terrified."

"Did you see her, she shook her fist at me." Harry exclaimed in his defence, "You can't argue with a fist."

"Oh Merlin," She shook her head still grinning,

"So as I'm not cleaning now, let us get on to our work." Harry said. Luna darted up to their room and came back with two scrap books, she threw the green one with patterns and bits of material sticking out at Harry and kept her own blue one with her. Harry grinned and opened his book, he flicked to a fresh page and took out his wand, holding it like a pencil, tip down, he began sketched away with Luna doing the same; they had many things to catch up on.

"As you know, I've been fishing." Luna spoke quietly, "I've congregated the information on Fudge with the things found with Flamel and they are filed and ready. I've been digging around on many of the ministry employees, those high paid high sprung idiots who believe they rule the world and have found many dark secrets that they will not want coming out."

"Do share," Harry said, interested.

"They range from taking bribes, making things disappear, pilfering and even the occasional torture. I know that the reason Scrimgeour's record for information is so high is because he tortures his suspects. I know that Dawlish abuses his position and tends to get more hands on when it comes to arresting them. Tonks is leaking information back to Dumbledore as is Kingsley, but we knew this. The new recruits are riddled with Dark Marks and I think the only person who didn't have anything bad in their name was Bones, but she's no longer with us." Luna told him and Harry smirked.

"Well, the auror department needs to tread carefully." Harry mused and Luna mirrored his smirk.

"Definitely." She agreed, "I've also turned my attentions on the teachers here. When we finally take the school, we are going to need to clean house and so I thought dirt would be needed."

"Now this I'm interested in."

"It seems that many of the staff are actually teaching illegally." She said, "I've looked in to it and Dumbledore is responsible for all hired staff, the only way they go before the Board is if there are multiple complaints. Because of this, Dumbledore has been able to hire sub-par teachers and pay them less, taking the rest of the money for himself. Burbages, Trelawney, Hagrid, Vector and Binns are missing the required Mastery in their chosen subjects, and it is assumed that they have them because only Dumbledore has seen their credentials. This also means that all of these teachers owe him favours, and they have gotten their hands dirty in many things. Vector, while not an Arithmancy Mistress, has a nasty streak of charms and ruined the mind of Sally-Anne Peaks, you remember her?" Harry nodded and she continued, "It was because she discovered the truth. Burbages has kept the Muggle Studies course so far behind that its actually a danger to the Statute of Security, many come out believing that we still use horse and carriages."

"Oh dear Merlin! I can't believe they are teaching something that behind, I don't even see the point of the class. We're much better off without muggle influence anyway." Harry shook his head, his lip curling, "Of course, some people are going to need to go in to their world I suppose, so I guess the class, if taught properly, has merit."

"Hagrid, as you know, does whatever Dumbledore wants." Luna said and Harry nodded, it was unfortunate that Hagrid would have to go but the man was to wrapped up in Dumbledore, add to the fact that he would take one look at Tom and try to kill him without question.

"And Trelawney speaks for herself along with Binns." Harry added,

"The rest of the staff have their masteries and then some, Snape has Potions, Herbology and Defence, Sprout has Herbology and Potions, Babbling has Runes, McGonagall has double Transfiguration, Flitwick has Charms, Defence and Duelling and even Dumbledore has Defence and Transfiguration."

"What is Tom down for having?" Harry asked interested,

"Defence, Charms and Arithmancy," Luna said after a moments of thought.

"Wouldn't surprise me if that was true," Harry laughed, "I can't wait to see what masteries we can get."

"Of the school subjects I think you have Defence, Transfiguration, Charms, Creatures. Paws would have Charms, Runes, Transfiguration and maybe Defence. Swift would have Charms, Defence, Creatures and pushing Transfiguration. Bleach could have Potions, Charms, Herbology and perhaps Defence. Venom I'm not sure about, Defence and Charms for sure, but I haven't analysed him and Badger would get Herbology, Charms and Defence." Luna guessed and Harry made a note for future reference, he wrote his suggestions down and sealed it.

"What subjects are available outside school?" Harry questioned with interest. He flipped the page in his book and started his next design, and Luna tilted her head.

"I know there's warding, healing, duelling and spell craft, but I haven't really looked in to it." Luna said slowly.

"Duelling is mine," Harry said, "And if they allow dark spells then I'll attempt spell craft."

"Hopefully the entire curriculum would have changed before we take our masteries." Luna said, "The entire thing needs a reform,"

"I think Tom will make sure of it," Harry told her,

"I have noticed that he seems to like teaching." Luna hedged and Harry snorted,

"The man adores teaching, and it only gets better because its right under Dumbledore's abnormally crooked nose." Harry laughed,

"I cannot imagine why that would be a bonus at all."

"When it gets out that the Dark Lord was the teacher for this year, I really have to be near Dumbledore. Especially since Tom is on the list of favourite teachers." Harry said and Luna nodded,

"I do believe he is tying with Moony currently," Luna agreed. Harry looked over his page and grinned, he span it around and showed Luna.

"What do you think? For Hadrian's ball," Harry said, Luna looked it over and grinned,

"This is mine, right?"

"Of course," Harry said,

"Then I love it. Ice blue?"

"Yes, with a white lace back and diamonds for jewels."

"I would have to have my hair up or the back would be ruined." She mused looking the design over. It was a floor length gown with the back of the dress made up of an intricate lace design, it was long sleeved and the neck line was extremely high.

"Yes, but if I design you another one I'll make it so you can wear your hair down."

"Perhaps a one shoulder number?" Luna suggested and Harry tilted his head,

"Hm, that idea has merit. What have you gotten?"

Luna turned her book around and Harry's eyebrows rose, he looked over her book in awe and gently he took it from her hands and gazed at it.

"Ray…Luna, this is amazing." He breathed. It was a picture of a majestic white stag stood tall and proud under the light of the full moon, next to the stag was a fully grown grim with glowing eyes and the two were surrounded by a field of lilies. It was all done in black and white and underneath the sketch, in practiced calligraphy, was numquam oblivione delebitur.

"I know you were thinking of having another tattoo, and I knew you wanted a tribute, so I got thinking and this is the result." She explained and Harry nodded mutely.

"I love it." He told her sincerely.

"Good,"

"I know where to have it too." He said, handing her back the book, "And I'll have the twins looked it over and see if they can do it for me."

"I'm glad you like it."

"It's stunning."

"Just make sure the next dress it a show stopper." She said with a grin and Harry laughed,

"Anything for you,"

"Um excuse me?"

Harry gave a start as a small voice broke in to his haze, he was in the library 'working on his homework', he had decided that, as long as he wrapped a glamour around the book and all the pages then he would be safe. He knew that, even with the timeturner, he would be struggling with time, it was something he was willing to risk, especially seeing as it was only Arithmancy equations he was using. It wasn't a subject he was good at, he preferred to listen to his magic when it came to making spells and when he was playing, but he did have a grounding in the subject because both Paws, Raven and Bleach wouldn't have it any other way.

It was helping him out at the moment, he was searching for the numbers he needed that would allow a spell to sink in to one's subconscious, it was a break down of the base for Legilimency and he was meticulously copying it out so he could further his theory for the counter for Bella's curse. It was only the opening for the spell, but it was something and if he could get this done then it may help Tom. Harry doubted anyone else had noticed, but it was driving the Dark Lord absolutely insane that he could not get this counter for one of his most favoured and Harry didn't like the fact that Tom was stressing so much. He hadn't even realised he had been approached until the voice spoke and he turned to face one of the smallest humans he had ever seen.

"Are you a first year?" He asked, shocked, the girl was tiny and rather cute, in a 'awh' sort of way.

"Y-yes." She squeaked,

"You don't need to be scared, little one. I was just startled," Harry reassured and he was glad to see her shoulders relaxing a little.

"I've been told to give you this." She said, handing him over a scroll with a purple ribbon, Harry bit back a sigh and nodded with a small smile.

"Thank you," He cast a tempus and blinked at the time, "Its almost dinner, you had better run off back to your friends so you don't get caught in the crowds." She looked down at her feet and shuffled a little before looking back at him with a truly heartbreaking expression,

"I don't have any friends, the girls in my house are mean to me." She whispered and Harry felt this heart twinge, he looked her over and noticed the things he had seen on Luna when he first got to know her. The tense shoulders, hands curled and ready to defend, a helpless look in her eyes and she was holding herself too straight, Harry felt his own eyes narrow as he made his assessments. She was being bullied and he really hated bullies, he wasn't surprised to find that she was in Ravenclaw. While Flitwick was an excellent teacher and head of house, the students were smart enough to hide the evidence or scare their victims in to not telling. What Harry couldn't understand was why the girl was getting bullied, she was pretty enough for a tiny person, long dark hair, deep brown eyes and a heart shaped face. There was something about her though that was… different, he couldn't put his finger on it, Harry knelt down brining himself down to her height and offered a gentle smile,

"What's your name, little one?"

"Alina,"

"Little noble one," Harry muttered and she smiled with a nod,

"Why are the other girls mean to you?" He asked and she shuffled her feet again, she seemed to be debating we herself before speaking,

"My mother is a Dark Elf," She relented and Harry blinked, that would explain it, her magic wasn't fully human.

"Is she!? That's interesting." He said and she looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Y-you don't think that makes me a freak?"

Harry released an involuntary hiss at that word and she flinched back, he took a deep breath and fixed his expression,

"Sorry, I just really don't like that word." He said soothingly, "You are not a freak, and anyone who tells you that is wrong. If anything, they are the freaks for being prejudice."

"They said that things like me shouldn't be around the normal people." She muttered and Harry's eyes flashed, "And when the older girls heard they agreed."

"Let me guess, Marietta Edgecombe and possibly Cho Chang?" He asked, biting back the anger that wanted to leak in to his tone, she looked at him wide eyed again.

"How did you know?"

"They did the exact same thing to my sister. She will be here now to make sure you're all healed up."

"Healed, what do you mean?" She said quickly, Harry merely raised an eyebrow.

"I would say that you have at least two fractured ribs and bruising elsewhere." He said and she looked stunned,

"But-but-,"

"Don't worry, it'll be our secret. They won't find out that I helped you from me, are you going to tell them?"

Alina rapidly shook her head and Harry smiled,

"Wonderful," He said, "Are they taking your things too?" Alina looked down at her feet and nodded, it was lucky she was looking down because Harry's expression went dark. He took another deep breath,

"Well, we can't be having that now, can we?" He said, he looked up when Luna entered the privacy bubble he had thrown up, she looked at the girl he was knelt before and her eyes light up in understanding. "Alina, little one, this is my sister, Luna." The little girl looked up and seemed astonished at Luna's presence, Luna gave her a smile and knelt next to Harry.

"I think I can make you feel a better." Luna said softly, "Here," She waved her wand and ran a diagnostic, Harry saw her eye twitch showing her displeasure before it was gone and she twirled her wand. She reached in to her robes and handed Alina three potions,

"These taste nasty, but they'll have you as good as new." Luna assured. Harry had to bite back his chuckle at her disgusted face, but she fully relaxed when the potions fully kicked in.

"Thank you," She said sincerely, and Harry waved her off.

"Don't mention it." He told her, he sent a pulse of magic that made her gasp and smiled, "This should keep most of the damage at bay, and if they give you more trouble, just come and find either of us. I'm usually here until dinner, and you can find Luna in the green houses or down by the lake." She nodded,

"Come on, I'll walk you to the great hall and make sure you get there ok." Luna suggested, "I'll see you later, Harry."

"Thanks Ray, bye little one."

Alina waved and followed Luna out of the library, Harry took another breath before pushing himself up off the floor and picking up the scroll. He knew who it was from as soon as he saw it and he fought to keep his sigh at bay, he really didn't want to be dealing with the old man today, especially as he was pissed over the bullying Alina was receiving. He dropped his head with a groan before getting it together, he knew that it was coming, he would just have to deal with it. Harry collected up his research and stuffed it in to his bag, he opened the scroll and saw that he was required in Dumbledore's office at 7pm, he could go to dinner and see the old man before meeting with his friends afterwards.

I've got to push our meeting back, Dumbledore is calling He told Swift and Paws,

Wonderful Swift grumbled, Do you think its about His Darkness?

More than likely, I doubt he'd be calling for anything else at the moment. He's on clean up isn't he.

That is true, Paws agreed, Which also means he's going to have a shorter fuse, you'll have to be flawless tonight, Snake.

I'll be fine. Pass on the message to Badger, I am sure Luna has Bleach and Venom, which means the twins will know too.

Got it,

He cut the connected and dragged himself to the great hall, it was at full capacity at the moment and Harry slunk to the end of the Gryffindor table to pick at his food. He thought about sticking his head in to Tom before he went, but then decided against it and decided just to drop by after his meeting with his friends. They had things to clear up, plus he would need to pass on the information to the Dark Lord afterwards anyway; Harry couldn't wait to see the man's reaction to the state of his beloved school; that should be fun.

Tom adored the castle and he had a strong belief in good education, Harry wondered why it always seemed to be him that brought bad news, honestly, he was seriously thinking about sending Luna. Then he thought about how that really wouldn't work out and sighed, it was left to him and with that morose thought he got up and left for his rooms. He dropped his bag down on his chair and moved to the kitchen, Winky popped in with some food for him and he sat and ate it gladly. It would be good when he could finally eat in the great hall with out the worry of being poisoned or dosed, he was pretty sure he had forgotten what that felt like. He cast a tempus and smiled slightly, he had time to finish his equation chain before he left for Dumbledore so he summoned his things and got back to work. Once he got in to a rhythm it was easier to develop, he made a few edits to the equation to manipulate it for his own needs, he changed the memories part in to open subconscious and he then added an extraction chain too.

That way the magic should, in theory, open up the subconscious fully and extract all the foreign magic before leaving the body. Harry jotted down the last chain just as his alarm went off alerting him that it was 6:55, he cursed and darted from the room, his glamour going up almost unconsciously as he went. It didn't take him long to get to the headmasters office and he muttered the password, he hopped on the moving staircase and politely knocked on the door. Dumbledore called for him to enter and Harry hitched on a politely curious expression as he moved in to the room, the old man was sat behind his desk in midnight blue robes with moons and stars decorating them, for Dumbledore's rather ostentatious tastes they were rather nice.

"Good evening, Headmaster." He greeted, keeping his voice soft and demure.

"Ah, good evening, Harry my boy. How are you?"

"Good thank you, sir." He replied,

"I expect you have been wondering why I have not called you for some time." Dumbledore said, going straight in to business for a change. Harry blinked and noted the change in behaviour, while the old man's eyes were twinkling, there was something angry about him and it seemed as if he was restraining himself from doing something.

"I did wonder, sir. But I merely assumed that you were busy, what with the Order and all of your other duties. I understood that they were much more important, for the Greater Good of the world." Harry answered, choosing his words very carefully in his mind. He needed Dumbledore to fully believe that he was under his thumb, especially today, the old man was tense and it seemed the continuous attacks and other happenings were finally getting to him, and Harry knew then that the next article was going to be spectacular. He watched a light enter Dumbledore's eyes once he had finished speaking and allowed himself a mental victory dance, and he felt Tom's amused questioning in return. Harry sent him patience before refocusing on Dumbledore,

"You are right, of course, my boy. I have been exceptionally busy these past few weeks, and it is my hope that the Order will be able to become more active legally soon."

"That would be good, sir. It would send out a message to the Dark that we are fighting and build up some moral." Harry said eagerly,

"That is what we aim to achieve." Dumbledore agreed, obviously pleased that Harry's view on the subject. "The way the ministry is currently, we are unsure who has allegiances with the Dark and who doesn't."

"And with people like Malfoy still running around…" Harry let the sentence die knowing he didn't need to finish it, it was something that irked the Order to no end, Lucius Malfoy was possibly the slipperiest person on the planet and they hated it.

"Be that as it may, we are here to continue our trip in to the past of Tom Riddle and his search for immortality."

"What have you got to show me this time, sir!?"

"This memory is particularly important, Harry and is crucial for furthering our search." He told the teen and Harry nodded. He followed Dumbledore in to the pencieve, they landed in an… office? Harry took a moment to catch his bearings, his eyes darted around and he noticed a walrus like man sat at the head of the large table and there was a selection of students surrounding him – majority Slytherins and then Harry's eyes fell on a face he recognised instantly. It was all of his control to stop any outward reaction when he saw Tom, he was stood by the fire, his sharp, handsome features highlighted by the flames and the shadows. His profile was sharp, and straight and the glass in his hand was being tilted to the side reflected light off the liquid inside it. Harry noticed that he was wearing Marvolo Gaunt's ring, he would have to ask the man how he got the ring at the age of sixteen, Harry bet it was an interesting story.

"Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?" Tom asked, turning to face Slughorn who was digging through a tin of crystallised pineapple.

"Tom, if I knew I couldn't tell you," The man said reprovingly, but he winked to lessen his tone, and Harry gave a jolt when he realised this must be Horace Slugnorn. He had never seen the man before, but given the setting and the familiarity in which he interacted with the younger Tom Riddle it was obvious. He watched the interactions more and one of his eyebrows raised unconsciously when he saw the awe inspired and admiring looks Tom got from the other students in the room. Slughorn seemed to be a mixture of impressed, curious and calculating, and he mentioned the fact that the pineapple was his favourite. Harry fought from rolling his eyes, of course Tom would know that it was his favourite, and the students around his released muted laughs at the mention of Tom's ability to know things he shouldn't. The memory went dark suddenly and they were surrounded by a thick fog, Slughorn's voice rang out;

"You'll go wrong, boy, mark my words."

The fog cleared instantly and Harry blinked, Slughorn had tampered with his own memory before Dumbledore had gotten it, there was obviously something the man was trying to hide and Harry shook his head, refocusing on the memory. Slughorn noticed the late hour and jumped up startled, he began ushering them out, barking out orders to a few of the students. Harry's attentions were taken away from Tom momentary as he heard familiar names and he spotted Rodolphus and Rabastan's father along with Avery Sr. The group filed out, all but Tom and Harry knew it was deliberate, Slughorn put his glass on the table and noticed Tom was still there.

"Look sharp, Tom." He said, "You don't want to be caught out of bed, and you are a prefect."

"Sir, I wanted to ask you something," Tom began, his voice the right mix of curious and determined.

"Ask away, m'boy, ask away…" Slughorn encouraged,

"Sir, I wondered what you know about. . . about Horcruxes?"

And it happened all over again: The dense fog filled the room so that Harry could not see Slughorn or Tom at all; only Dumbledore, smiling serenely beside him. Then Slughorn's voice boomed out again, just as it had done before.

"I don't know anything about Horcruxes and I wouldn't tell you if I did! Now get out of here at once and don't let me catch you mentioning them again!"

"Well, that's that," said Dumbledore placidly beside Harry. "Time to go." So this was who first told Tom about Horcruxes and this was exactly why Dumbledore went after the man, Harry was now a lot happier that they had removed the problem. Of course, the man had not actually given Dumbledore any information, be it because he was ashamed or scared, but Dumbledore could be extremely persuasive and Harry kept the mindset of it only being a matter of time before Dumbledore got exactly what he wanted. Harry retook his seat as his mind ran in circles, he was started to hate these lessons even more, they made his head burst with questions and he did not have the time to search for his answers.

"As you can see, Harry, the memory has been tampered with." Dumbledore said as he retook his own seat.

"The fog, sir?" Playing the clueless lion,

"Yes, Horace Slughorn took the time to tamper with his own recollections."

"Why bother?" Harry asked, genially curious of Dumbledore's deductions.

"I believe he was ashamed at what he remembered." Dumbledore said, going with one of Harry's opinions and the teen nodded. It did make sense, if Slughorn had been the one to give Tom the information he would be ashamed of it now if he was not of dark association.

"As you can undoubtedly see, it has been crudely done, so much so that the alterations have are apparent."

Harry bit back a scoff at the glorious understatement, he would say a random fog covering a memory would be highly obvious, but he didn't say anything, merely nodded and let Dumbledore continue.

"Unfortunately, before I could collect the full memory from Horace he was murdered." Dumbledore told him, and Harry gasped.

"What?"

"It seems as if Voldemort was clearing up lose ends. I felt the hidden wards I placed over Horace' accommodation trigger, but before I could reach him he was already dead. It was made to look like a grievous potions accident, but I do not doubt that it was the work of the dark." He explained and Harry made himself look the right amount of disappointed, distressed and sad.

"Do you know who it was, sir?" He asked, but he made sure to pay hyper attention to the man's reaction. Dumbledore's eyes flashed but there was no recognition in his expression to which Harry was thankful for, he would have hated for the twins to have to put their escape plan in to work.

"I am afraid, at this time, I am unaware of the assailants. I only know it was two people and they were very quick and skilled with a wand, they also knew their potions as they caused a deadly explosion." Dumbledore said,

"Perhaps Snape taught them what to do." Harry suggested innocently,

"I trust Severus Snape, Harry, you know this. I doubt that Severus would teach someone how to kill with his potions." Dumbledore stated and Harry had to use a lot of control not to snort at the naivety that Dumbledore held, surely the man wasn't that stupid.

"Yes, sir." He said, looking down. "Of course,"

"Now, as we have not got a memory to work from, we must use my knowledge and my guesses to build from here." Dumbledore returned to the topic at hand, "You will have noticed that the memory was edited just after he mentioned Horcruxes."

"Yes, but what are they?" Harry asked,

"To make a Horcrux, one would split their soul and encase it elsewhere, thus, protecting themselves from death as they have an anchor to this plain." Dumbledore explained.

"And… do you- I mean, did he do it, sir? Make a Horcrux, I mean." Harry hedged, already knowing the answer as he was currently wearing one under heavy concealing charms and that charming little fact that he was one himself.

"I believe he did, or several." Dumbledore answered,

"Wait, you think he made more than one." Harry said alarmed.

"It is my belief that Tom Riddle was aiming for seven. You see, Harry, seven is the most powerful magical number and, while he was at school, Tom Riddle was fascinated with the workings of magic."

Harry was actually quite surprised at Dumbledore's deduction, the man did know a few things about Tom and they were a little bit close to home for Harry to feel particularly comfortable.

"But still, seven times?" Harry cringed for effect, "He would have to be… never mind, he is insane." He shook his head.

"Four years ago I had proof that Voldemort had split his soul." Dumbledore stated, and Harry blinked. He mentally cursed in his head,

"How?"

"You handed it to me, Harry. When I saw the diary and you explained what happened in the chamber I knew it was much more than just a memory, I knew it was a piece of soul and it was the careless disregard to which the diary was handled which clued me in to the fact that he had made more than one and my thought went to the magical number seven."

"I see," Harry said, hating the fact that he could see the logic despite Dumbledore not having all of the facts. "So we have to find these part of his soul or he can't be defeated?"

"I am glad you have seen the problem ahead, Harry." Dumbledore said pleased,

"They could be anywhere,"

"Do not forget that you have destroyed one already, Harry. This leaves us with five to find and then the man himself," Dumbledore pointed out,

"But they could be anything," Harry said, trying to fish for information. He knew that the Horcruxes were safe, but he wanted to know just how much Dumbledore knew.

"Not anything, Harry. Do not forget that Voldemort is a collector, he liked to collect trophies and I believe he would only make exceptionally valuable items in to houses for his soul."

"Like…"

"The locket perhaps, and the ring," Dumbledore mused, "It is also my belief that he used Nagini also, as he was one short when he attacked you all those years ago."

"So that's three we have to find," Harry muttered,

"I believe you will have much better insight than I, Harry." Dumbledore said and it was then Harry knew that Dumbledore did, in fact, know he was a horcrux, he shouldn't have been surprises really; the man was scum after all.

"Me?" He gasped,

"I think so, yes." Dumbledore said, "You are the child of the prophecy."

"Are you sure, headmaster?" Harry checked, and Dumbledore nodded serenely,

"Positive,"

"Um, ok," Harry made sure he looked unsure of himself and looked down,

"I think, for tonight, that we have done enough." Dumbledore decided and Harry nodded,

"Good night, headmaster." He muttered and left the room. Harry rode down the stairs and strode determinedly back to his rooms, as soon as he was safe he released his groan and collapsed on to his chair.

"Why me?" He asked the room, "Was I complete bastard in a previous life or did I actually have an affair with fate."

"You know, talking to yourself is not promising for your sanity," Luna's light voice fluttered over and Harry cracked a half smile.

"We're all a little mad, sister dearest."

"That is very true." She agreed, "How did it go."

"Unfortunately, Dumbledore is not dumb. I'll need to speak to Tom, and it will have to be tonight because I have to run a few other things past him also." Harry told her, "I don't know what the man is doing but he's getting rather frustrated with it, and he's completely focused on it."

"Probably research,"

"Most likely, or he's looking for a book."

"What else did you find out?" Luna asked,

"Well, the old fool definitely knew about my addition and he was planning on using it." Harry said with an annoyed sigh, "And, no doubt, I was being raised as a pig for slaughter, being led to die at the right time." He sneered the last but and Luna frowned at the thought,

"He is disgusting,"

"Isn't that the truth?" Harry grumbled, "Also, Dumbledore has confidence in this new law that he wants passed, he's not the only one either, according to Tom, Lucius believes it will pass too."

"Its unusual, I have not heard anything about it through out the school, it is completely outside." Luna said,

"Do not worry, no doubt you have other information for me."

"Of course," Luna assured, "I looked in to our new little friend,"

"Alina?"

"Yes, she is from one of the remaining Dark Elf clans. They are somewhat infamous actually, the Khlystovoy Clan."

"Really, but I thought they retreated and remained in Russia after the Battle of Stalingrad? Didn't Grindlewald attack them and the Lezviye Clan when they refused to join him?" Harry questioned, "I mean, there is a reason that that Battle was particularly bloody, even for the muggles."

"Yes, he did, and while the remaining Lezviye Clan retreated to their forest once they had won the battle, only part of the Khlystovoy Clad did. It seemed their leader did not believe Grindlewald would take his defeat lying down and thought it best to divide the clan in to family clans in the hope their blood would survive. Of course, he was right to do so because we have met one of them today." Luna explained and Harry nodded,

"Ok, go on."

"Well, Alina was born in this country, however he mother was not so she is the first one to go to Hogwarts. Her father was born in his country, a halfblood that went here, his name is Robert Dean, his mother was from a low level pureblood house and his father was muggleborn."

"I see, so she had a pretty interesting history." Harry said and Luna nodded,

"I would say so."

"Well, I'm going to keep an eye on her. There is something about her, I think that we'll be seeing a lot of her in the coming weeks."

"I believe you are correct."

"Now, lets get some snacks and wait for the others. We have loads to discuss." Harry said brightly,

"Don't we always?" Luna asked rhetorically.

Harry laughed.

So, there we go folks. A few things going on here, but its building and I do believe the next chapter we will have some more action. Please let me know what you think, thanks,

Jess*