A/N: Hey everyone, I'm back with the next chapter and this is covering Harry's meeting with Lucius and a few other things. You guys never fail to amaze me with your kind words, and I hope you like this!
Disclaimer: I'm not J.K, but you know this plot is mine :P
Warning: Slash, mentions of violence, language – the usual!
Parsel
Chapter 38:
"You have to be the most possessive, argumentative and relentless man I have ever met." Harry informed Tom as they reached his rooms. The arm around his waist was warm and secure, and Harry had become acutely aware of how much he actually liked it being there. He was so confused. He had tried to go through everything in his head, but it wasn't making any sense. He hadn't exactly been celibate, what made Tom so different? Harry bit back a groan, it wasn't worth the headache.
"Yes, I am aware," Tom agreed unconcerned, Harry shook his head with a sigh. It wasn't as if Tom had ever hid his possessive behaviour, Harry just never understood it.
"So how is this going to work?" Harry asked, figuring he would evaluate the situation when he a moment to think, and Tom shot him a blank look.
"It really is perfectly simple, you are going to stay here every night until Yule where I can see you and have you to myself." He stated and Harry blinked.
"Is that right? And you don't think that that is ever so slightly OTT?" Harry questioned him and Tom gave him another blank look.
"No,"
"Of course not," Harry shook his head and gave up, there was no way the man was going to let this one go and Harry could still feel the waves of possessiveness streaming from him. He cursed his mind for not rejecting and hating the idea immediately, he should have told Tom to take a long walk but his instant reaction, much to his confusion and annoyance, was to smile to himself, a notion he crushed. Though, he was considering calling whatever they were doing off, it was the farthest thought from his mind, it could last until Yule, then he could have a clean break. He could collect his mind and order things where he wasn't so distracted by the man's presence, it was the best that he could hope for. Besides, there was no problem in indulging himself, he worked hard enough.
"What if I don't want to stay here?" Harry questioned with a raised eyebrow, he was highly amused when Tom's left eye twitched and suddenly the man was in front of him and gripping his hips hard.
"I think I could change your mind." Tom said lowly. He began to kiss down Harry's neck and ran his tongue over the claiming bite which made Harry shudder in pleasure. That damn mark, it still felt so good, despite the fact that Harry knew, with a clear and foggy mind, that it really should not be there.
"Really?" Harry cursed his body's reaction and the fact that his voice was now husky.
"Yes," He licked the mark again and Harry hissed and tugged harshly at Tom's hair.
"That shouldn't be there, and you know it," He said seriously, and glowered at the smug smirk that curled on to Tom's face.
"But yet you allowed it, enjoyed it even," He pointed out, his voice practically seeping in smugness.
"I claim temporary insanity," Harry stated turning around and crossing his arms with a huff, it was the best excuse he had right now. He missed it when Tom rolled his eyes amused and pulled him back against his chest, his arms going around his waist easily.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, I don't know what I was thinking."
"So why isn't it glamoured and hidden away?" Tom inquired lightly and Harry tensed, he cursed Tom in his head repeatedly because he didn't have an answer for that. Well he did, but it wasn't an acceptable one so he liked to believe that he didn't have an answer for it.
"It uh needs to heal?" He answered, but it come out as more of a question, and then he wanted to slap himself, that was possibly the worse excuse he had ever came out with and Tom knew it too.
"Needs to heal?" Tom repeated, barely concealing his laughter.
"I fucking hate you." Harry growled and twisted out of Tom's arms to stalk in to the bedroom which made Tom laugh openly, Harry slammed the door grumbling. Tom walked towards the door but it was locked tightly, Harry's magic thrumming around it somewhat violently and Tom chuckled to himself. Harry may say that he was angry but his feelings said different, the teen was extremely confused and was feeling a mix of emotions which was almost dizzying. Not that Tom was any different, he was trying to organise his thoughts when it came to the teen and he was having absolutely no luck whatsoever.
The only thing he was certain of was he was possessive of the teen and when he had heard what Dumbledore had intended it was like a siren had exploded in his mind screaming MINE! There was just something about Harry Potter that made him different. He knew it himself, that he was different and it was highly content to blame it on the Harry. But all of this was completely beside the point, right now he had to get the overgrown child out of the bedroom so they could attend a meeting that they were supposed to go to the night previous. He knocked on the door, belatedly realising he had been locked out of his own bedroom and shook his head.
"Harry, you can't lock yourself in there." Tom told him through the door and he was ignored, "Honestly, you are acting like a child."
"You are being horrible to me." Harry yelled back petulantly, and Tom rolled his eyes.
"I am the Dark Lord, Harry. Did you expect rainbows?"
"No, but would it actually kill you to not be mean to me?" Harry sighed.
"You know, I think it might." Tom said sincerely and Harry snorted.
"You'd probably melt." He grumbled.
"You would have to throw water on me first." Was Tom's witty come back and Harry paused in shock hilarity for a few moments before he burst out laughing. Tom smiled when he heard Harry laughing, knowing he had broken the ice, and knocked lightly again. This time he felt Harry's magic drop and the teen opened the door just slightly and peaked around to look at the Dark Lord.
"You are such an idiot." Harry informed him, he was smiling despite himself. Tom rolled his eyes.
"So you inform me regularly," Tom said, "I do not think my ego has ever taken such a hit until you came along." Harry grinned at that, opening the door more so he could lean against the frame. Tom felt his eyes trail over the teen unconsciously, even dressed down Harry looked good and he felt his desire spike.
"So are you going to be nice to me?" Harry inquired, pouting slightly and Tom chuckled. He pulled the teen towards him and Harry didn't put up too much protest.
"I suppose I could make an attempt at this nice concept." Tom mused, pressing a gentle kiss to Harry's neck.
"This I would very much like to see."
"I could say that I think you are brilliant for the article you pulled off against Dumbledore yesterday." Tom murmured against his neck and Harry smiled slightly.
"Go on,"
"Or I could say that you are incredibly smart for the work you have been doing and plan to do to reshape our world." Tom continued.
"Is that right?"
"Indeed. But the best thing, I think the most important thing currently, is that you look so very beautiful right now that I find it hard to focus."
Harry would deny it until the very end but he blushed like a damn school girl and his smile was almost painfully bright.
"You and your damn charm." He grumbled and Tom chuckled, he couldn't help feel a deep sense of accomplishment at the blush lighting up Harry's pale skin and the smile he got made an odd but nice feeling rise up in him.
"Do you think you could find it in yourself to get dressed so we can attend our meeting?" Tom asked, and Harry tilted his head thoughtfully.
"Hmm, I suppose that shouldn't be too much of a stretch." Harry decided. "Do you still have some of my clothes here?"
"Of course. You know where."
Harry smiled and went back in to the bedroom, he grabbed his deep crimson jeans and a black top and quickly threw them on. Harry slipped on his boots and went back to Tom, he ran his hand through his hair and rolled his shoulders.
"Winky!" He called and his elf popped in.
"Yes Master Harry?"
"I need you to collect the folder I have on Dumbledore and the one I have on Fudge and Umbridge." Harry told her, "Make sure you have the photos too, they are needed."
"Right away, sir." She popped away and Harry turned to face Tom's enquiring look.
"Photos?"
"Yes, as evidence for the use of a blood quill." He said, "It's ok just taking a photo of mine, but, as popular as I am with the public right now, we needed others and when the people get wind that she, and by proxy Fudge, were carving in to eleven and twelve year old kids, let's just say they are not going to be happy."
"How are you going to prove the repetition?" Tom asked and Harry smirked.
"It does pay off to have detention multiple times." He said, "I know where all the records are kept, which means I have access to said records. I have proof that she repeatedly exposed multiple people to the quills. Though, my records are the highest, hence the lovely lettering on my hand." Harry held up his hand to illustrate his point, the white scars shone against his skin in the light.
"Her death was most pleasant." Tom said, his eyes narrowed at the scars. Winky popped back in with a two folders filled with Merlin knew what, Harry gave a somewhat vicious smirk and thanked her profusely.
"Ready?"
"I was waiting for you." Tom pointed out and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yeah yeah, blame me." He joked, taking the man's arm and vanishing in to the shadows. They appeared in the Malfoy Manor entrance hall and Harry followed the Dark Lord through the halls down to the informal sitting area, where the Lord and the Lady of the manor were sat enjoying tea until they spotted the Dark Lord.
"My Lord." Lucius exclaimed, leaping to his feet in shock. Harry couldn't help but snicker in to his hand as he moved forward to greet Narcissa, Lucius threw him a dark look therefore missing Tom's amused glance.
"How are you, Harry? No problems since your accident?" Narcissa inquired, offering him a seat and Harry smiled. Tom took the seat next to Harry as Lucius sat next to his wife and called an elf for drinks.
"No, I am fine just like I said I would be." He assured her, and held up his hands in defence when she shot him a look. "I know, I will be subjected to the full medical when the holidays are in full swing. If I get Dumbledore out of the way, that is."
"Is it imperative that he leaves the castle before the holidays?" She asked and Harry nodded.
"Most definitely." Harry said, "With his latest stunt, I physically cannot afford to have him there for the holidays. I'll be dead before they end."
"What in Merlin's name has happened?" Lucius questioned and Harry grimaced.
"Well my little article had a much more profound effect than anticipated." Harry said, "I've currently, or so Dumbledore believes, got a two or three layered compulsion web weaved around me. If I don't follow its instruction, which I have no intention of doing, he is going to know that I am not under his control and he will come after me."
"A compulsion web?" Lucius repeated incredulously, "What exactly does he want you to do so badly?" Harry offered him a cold, humourless smile.
"Dumbledore wants me to sleep and impregnate one Ginny Weasley to secure my fortune in to his grasp. That way, if he falls, he can use me as a fall guy and he still gets to keep everything." Harry explained and Narcissa gasped.
"But that's practically rape." She whispered in disgust.
"Oh I know, and right now I do not have any options." Harry ran a hand through his hair and sighed, "We have just over a week until the holidays, but that is still a week in which Dumbledore is going to expect his web to start working. Ginny is going to be all over me come Monday, and, unless my friends have come up with some super plans, I am going to be expected to reciprocate." Tom hissed at that and Harry shot him a look, they had a silent battle until Harry raised an eyebrow and Tom rolled his eyes. The Malfoys watched the exchange with keen eyes and Narcissa hid a smile when the pair turned back to them.
"What are you going to do?" Lucius questioned, "If you are expected to follow this web, and if you don't Dumbledore will come after you, then you need to have something planned."
"That is where you come in, I believe, Lucius." Tom said. "Dumbledore is the reason this meeting did not happen yesterday as scheduled."
"I see," Lucius murmured, "And how exactly can I help in this respect?"
"Well, it is of my belief that, after the rather vicious article yesterday, the Board of Governors are just going to need one more little push to remove Dumbledore from office." Harry said, "Am I correct?"
"Yes, there is to be an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the recent article, but I have spoken with many of my fellow Board Members and it is the general consensus that one more bad mark against Dumbledore will push them to a unanimous vote." Lucius agreed and Harry gave a full toothed smile.
"What of the Ministry, how is Fudge coping under all the negative light Dumbledore has been receiving? It is common knowledge that Fudge relied heavily on Dumbledore for the first half of his career as minister." Harry inquired lightly and Lucius gave him an odd look before he spoke.
"Fudge has been trying to tread lightly given his recent probation, but with Umbridge's cover-ups coming to light, Dumbledore's recent expose and his general behaviour, it is not at all working in his favour. It would be my estimate that he will be voted out within the next election."
"So, if there were to be something big, something that is guaranteed to rattle everyone's cages, it might even push things to a vote of no confidence?" Harry suggested.
"It would have to be something astronomical." Lucius said and Harry's smile stretched.
"I love being me sometimes." He sighed happily, and then he nudged Tom, "Best thing that ever happened, me coming to your side. Honestly, the things I do."
"And you lecture me about my ego." Tom muttered and Harry laughed.
"Yes, but I am a nicer person than you are." He pointed out and Tom conceded he did have a point but he wasn't about to tell him that.
"Get on with your meeting, I am sure Lucius has much more important things to be doing opposed to waiting on you." Tom said instead.
"Yes yes, stop your whining." Harry waved him off, he held up his folder, missing Tom's glower, and smirked at Lucius. "I think this will be just the thing that will take Dumbledore out of the school and a Vote of No Confidence in the next Wizengamot session in January."
"What could you possibly have to cause such an effect?" Lucius demanded.
"How does 'Former Undersecretary Repeatedly exposes students to Blood Quill: Where were Fudge and Dumbledore?' sound as a headline?" Harry asked sweetly.
"She did WHAT?" Narcissa exploded angrily, "She made students use a blood quill?"
"Oh yes, it was her favourite method of detention. Even the little firsties were subjected to her lovely methods."
"That foul loathsome woman." Narcissa hissed.
"Did you not have a record number of detentions with Umbridge last year?" Lucius asked slowly, "I remember Draco writing home about it." Narcissa's eyes widened and they searched his hands. Harry held up his left hand to show the 'I must not tell lies' scar that stood as a constant reminder of why the ministry had to go and the Lady Malfoy gasped.
"Oh you poor thing." She whispered and Harry shrugged.
"I enjoyed killing her." He said and Narcissa nodded surely.
"I do not doubt it, she deserved nothing but the very worst."
"Bella would have been proud." Tom told her and Narcissa gave a smile reminding everyone that she was born a Black.
"Wonderful."
"The reason I have come here, Lucius, is I would like your opinion on deciding what should go to the papers and what should be passed to the right people." Harry said, he pulled out the details on Dumbledore's ignorance to the student population throughout fifth year, the records of the detentions, photos of the damage caused by the quill – Paws had taken them when he had been too out of it to care – and finally the lesson plans that Umbridge was dishing out which caused the rebellion Defence Group.
"Where do you get all of this information?" Lucius questioned, looking it over slightly amazed, "All of this is undisputable."
"We're just really good at what we do." Harry said, "Now, with this, I am not too bothered if my name does come up. It won't be suspicious because it wouldn't be the first time Rita has printed something without my knowing."
"You could use the spin of the Boy-Who-Lived viciously tortured while trying to tell the world the truth?" Lucius suggested, "Not only would that gain more favour for you, allowing you to manipulate the public more, but it would make both Fudge and Dumbledore look terrible."
"Yes, Fudge would be hated because he failed to believe you and Dumbledore would look terrible because he never helped you even though he knew the truth." Tom mused, "It is a very good angle." Harry grimaced and nodded.
"It is the best angle," Harry agreed, "But I do so hate that title."
"Stop your whining." Tom told him promptly and Harry gave him a dark look.
"I really hate you sometimes."
"I know."
"If it's the best spin I'll run with it. Paws managed to get some of my hand while it was fresh, she was planning on bringing it up with the Order back when we were running with potions and compulsions. The idea was that even if they didn't listen directly to her then S-Sirius would kick up enough fuss to force them to listen." No one mentioned the stutter on his Godfather's name, something he was thankful for. It was still hard for him to speak of the man he had lost prematurely, but he knew that he was going to make Dumbledore pay for that with his own life even if it killed him.
"Those should be used, and the images of the younger students definitely, but we shall keep their names and faces out of the paper for legal reasons." Lucius decided. "All of these records and information needs to be copied, I'll take one set to the Board as there will be a meeting the day the paper is released; I can guarantee. A second set will be needed for Ms Skeeter to reference, and adapt as she sees fit for the paper; she might have a few pages dedicated to lesson plans and detention records. A third set for ministry records, because if this is going to be the main and final source to get Fudge out of office they will want to archive it. And the originals for yourself."
"Very well," Harry snapped his fingers and the photos and records started to multiply, he waved his hand and they sorted themselves in to organised piles for him to use. He shrunk and tucked the original away along with two of the copies and he slid one over to Lucius to look through and hand to the Board. "Which bits might be beneficial to leave out?"
"Names of the students shouldn't be posted in the paper except yours, I'll hand them to the Board. You also might want to leave out the rebellion defence group and twist the detentions to show it was the students disrupting the class because they wanted to learn and the ministry was not allowing them to do so. Play on the fifth and seventh years especially." Lucius said after a moment's thought, Harry had noted all of that down and tucked it in to the folder he would be sending to Skeeter.
"This should be simple enough, I'll have this sent off to Rita tonight with Hedwig. She'll get it to her by the morning." Harry said, "I'll inform Rita that this needs to be written and posted in the quickest possible time, if she can get it written and perfected by Tuesday or Wednesday then it might just save my life."
"Oh Harry, what are you going to do?" Narcissa murmured fretfully, "That awful man has you trapped."
"I honestly do not know, Cissa." Harry said honestly, "I've been in some pretty tight situations before, but this is something I cannot see ending positively."
"What of your friends?" She asked and Harry frowned.
"I know they were meeting to talk about something but I do not know what they have come up with. The problem is, even with a plan of avoidance, the compulsion, if it was in effect, would push me to sleep with her and I physically cannot make myself do that." Harry said, his voice taking on a disgusted, if slightly desperate note. "Oh dear Merlin, I really haven't got an out." It was like it had just hit him the situation he was in, he looked at his hands and then back up at Narcissa, stunned. "I'm going to die." He blinked a few times and laughed. "I'm actually going to die. I haven't even wrote my will."
"You are not going to die." Tom stated, "And you need to calm down."
"I don't have an out this time, Tom." Harry said, turning to face him, "I can't sleep with her, it's not just that I won't I can't. And he'll know about it in an instant, and he'll come for me."
"You are not even worried about yourself." Tom said in exasperation, reading his feelings easily.
"Well if he comes to me, I'll die. That's not the problem. If he comes for me and realises I'm not under his control, he'll realise that my friends are not under control and he'll go after them." Harry said as if it was obvious, "Of course, I don't particularly want to die, but it will be a damn sight harder for him to kill me then it will be them."
"If he comes for you then get yourself and yours out." Tom said, "Hide,"
"He knows about my properties, he has eyes on them all except a few that no one knows about." Harry said, "It would have to be behind impenetrable wards, ones that cannot be broken…" He trailed off and grinned. "The sanctuary."
"Unless he has any other werewolves working for him then you will be safe there." Narcissa agreed.
"Safe yes, but I'll also be grounded." Harry said with a frown, "I have to speak with the others, at the moment we have so many things in the process of working that it's not even a conceivable thought to hide without identifying everything we are doing."
"Meet with your friends, make a plan and then have a backup for the backup plan." Tom said, "I have already told you once that you are not to die."
"Gee thanks for the kind words." Harry muttered sarcastically.
"You are most welcome."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"I have to meet with my friends, you have things to do also, no doubt." Harry said and Tom nodded.
"Yes, I have to call my inner circle and select a number of them to work with Remus while he searches out Dumbledore's people attacking the wolves. I also have to meet with Antonin to discuss the information he has gathered surrounding the Dark creatures he has found." Tom told him.
"Ok, so I'll go see my friends, you go and do what you need to do. I'm guessing you'll be meeting Remus in the Gryffindor rooms?"
"Yes, it is the easiest access point, though, he will need to meet the circle members elsewhere." Tom said.
"Simple enough, just drag him here to meet them in the hall." Harry pointed out.
"If he complains I am telling him that it was your idea." Tom informed him and Harry grinned.
"You do that,"
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss with Lucius?" Tom questioned.
"No, he has a copy. We can't move until Rita has done her thing." Harry said, "So I thank you for your time, Lucius."
"Plotting the downfall of Dumbledore is always a pleasure." Lucius replied and Harry laughed.
"Cissa, I have a few more ideas to run past you for your Yule menu. If I am not dead come the holidays I shall discuss them in more detail." Harry offered.
"That sounds delightful, Harry." She responded with a smile. Harry got to his feet and turned to Tom.
"I'll see you later," He said, "What time do you think you'll be back from Dolohov's? I think I'll cook tonight, keep me focused on something."
"I shouldn't be later than dinner." Tom answered after a moment, "What do you plan on making?"
"Hm, well, you haven't eaten yet, and I highly doubt you will stop to eat so steak or chicken or both?" Harry mused, "Oh, I could do my version of a mixed grill."
"It sounds delightful." Tom told him honestly, and Harry flashed him a smile before he vanished in to the shadows going directly to his rooms. He went straight to his window and gave a sharp whistle, Luna came down the stairs and smiled at him just as Hedwig flew in.
"My beautiful girl." Harry cooed, "I know I don't give you enough attention, I apologise for that." She hooted at him and butted at his hand, Harry ran his hand over her soft feathers and whispered compliments to her much to the owls delight. She hooted at him again, cocking her head to the side and looking at him questioningly. "You know me so well." He told her, he held up the shrunken folder with a sheepish grin, "I need you to get this to Rita as soon as possible, it's a matter of life or death, Hed," She puffed up importantly and Harry grinned, he tried it to her leg and she was gone like a ghost. Harry shut the window and dropped down on to his chair, he offered Luna a smile but she didn't buy it for a second.
"What is it?" She questioned and Harry gave a short burst of laughter.
"I'd think that obvious."
"Let me find the others. We've come up with some plans, ones that might just work for this upcoming week." She told him and Harry looked at her in amazement.
"You have?"
"They won't work on a permanent basis, but they should stretch long enough to get Dumbledore out of the castle." Luna assured, "You call Swift and Paws, and they will bring Badger and Venom."
"Ok," Guys?
Hey Harry.
Luna's calling a meeting, he told them, bring Badger and Venom.
Got it,
"They'll be here now," Harry told her. "Draco and the twins?"
"Venom will pass on a message to Draco, the twins are with him." She said and Harry nodded. He took a seat in his chair and threw the situation over in his mind, he thought it amazing, and not in a good way, how his life had come to this. Seriously, he must have been a complete and utter prick in his past life. His attention snapped up when his friends walked in and Harry flashed an unamused smile at their grim expressions.
"Cheer up, it's only Dumbledore finding a way to kill me." He said brightly and he knew he deserved the stinging hexes they threw at him.
"Not the time, Snake." Paws told him, "Really not the time."
"I laugh or lose it, pick one."
"Fair enough." She allowed.
"Ok, first thing, how did your meeting go?" Swift asked, "We have little time to mess around today guys."
"I've worked everything out with Lucius and I've sent it off. If she can work her magic, then I've asked for the draft Tuesday/Wednesday for it to be released Wednesday/Thursday." Harry said and the group seemed to breathe in relief.
"We can do this." Swift said.
"Do what?" Harry asked.
"We have a few plans that, given the time limit you've given Rita, might just keep you alive and free from sleeping with the tramp." Paws said and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Go on,"
"The first is on us." Fred told him, "Remember our cubes?"
"Ain't gunna forget those in a hurry." Harry muttered and they grinned.
"Well, we had a small accident while developing them and, as we do, we took that accident and made this." George produced a flat, circular piece of silver, it was thin and it was no bigger than a sickle, but everyone could see the multiple runes carved on to each side.
"What it is?" Harry questioned and they shared a father frightening grin.
"This is our new illusion device. It creates a vision like illusion, able to simulate touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste by delving in to the subconscious and mimicking the minds already programmed ideas of the senses." Fred explained and Harry looked at them in disbelief.
"Are you kidding me?"
"No, we've tested them and they are fully working." George confirmed, "There's only one slight problem."
"Yes?"
"It has to be put on direct skin to the person who is going to be seeing the illusion, and it has to be activated." Fred told him, "That and it needs Ginny's blood."
"How are we going to get her blood?" Harry exclaimed, "The other things can be managed."
"That's simple," Luna said, "I'll be getting it."
"How?"
"I'm in her year, there will just have to be an accident in Herbology or Creatures." Luna shrugged lightly and Harry smiled.
"Be careful,"
"Of course," Luna agreed and Harry looked back to the twins.
"Ok, I can get it on her, but how do you activate it?"
"Just a pulse of magic, and all of the Runes have to light up." George answered and Harry nodded.
"Right, that's the actual sex sorted out. Now it's just enduring her until Dumbledore is gone."
"Yes, that is what we wanted to talk to you about." Badger agreed, "Can you do it?"
"I honestly don't know, but at the same time, I don't know if it's even possible contemplating me not." Harry said with a sigh, "Tomorrow is free because I never leave this room on a Sunday, or as far as she and Dumbledore know, and they won't expect me to. I should be able to get through Monday and Tuesday, and I have to slip the device on."
"With the device, it's important that it goes on when in the 'setting' and then you vanish. You have thirty minutes before you have to return to remove the device, or it will either replay or fade, leaving her alone." Fred said firmly.
"I'll set an alarm." Harry promised. "So that's a solution to problem A, but it still doesn't help if Dumbledore's breathing down my neck. So much as a twitch out of pace and he will Snap. You didn't see him, he's losing it quickly, and it won't take much at all."
"Well, we have an idea, but it's a long shot – even for us." Paws began and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Oh dear, it must be bad." He joked and she managed a dark grin.
"What if we draw Dumbledore's attention away with something else that involves you?" Luna asked and Harry took around two seconds to understand exactly what they were suggesting before he burst out laughing.
"You are having me on, right?" He gasped, before becoming serious in an instant, "You want me to go and ask Mr Paranoid if it's ok if we dangle one of his trinkets out for Dumbledore to sniff out? Are you freakin' insane?"
"They have to be to even contemplate that." Bleach decided.
"That's not a long shot, that's an impossibility." Venom added and Harry nodded in agreement to both assessments.
"We know it's a stretch." Luna agreed, "But Swift had a second idea to go with it."
"Let's hear it," Harry said and Swift smirked.
"What if said trinket wasn't real?" He said and Harry blinked.
"Come again?"
"We'll leave a trail, something Dumbledore would think the Dark Lord would do, and we'll put a fake one there instead." Swift told him, "Paws is already working on a spell weave to mimic the feeling of a horcrux just in case. It's flawless, it draws Dumbledore away and everything is kept safe"
"Yeah, that sounds good, but there's getting Tom to go for it." Harry pointed out, "He's wound up enough as it is, this is almost guaranteed to be a no."
"Then you'll just have to get him to change his mind." Paws said.
"Yeah, it's not like you haven't had much practice at that." Badger said dryly.
"Fine! I'll try, but I can't promise anything." Harry relented, mentally asking the entities if there was something he was currently doing to annoy them.
"That's what we have." Paws sighed, "It's all we have so make sure you get him to say yes, because we're going to need a location from him too."
"Ok, ok," Harry ran a hand through his hand, "It certainly gets interesting around here, doesn't it?"
Tom shook his head at Harry's departure and turned back to the Malfoys.
"You'll have to excuse his general lack of manners today, he's running on instinct, I believe." Tom told them, "Dumbledore forced his wand."
"It is understandable, My Lord." Narcissa said, "What Dumbledore has done it truly unforgivable."
"I do not know if it possible, but I do hope that his friends have thought of something." Tom said with a sigh, "This is one of the most stressful things I have done in years and I haven't even been in the castle four months."
"I don't think it's the situation, My Lord, more of the company." Lucius put in lightly and Tom made a noise of agreement.
"Yes, I am inclined to agree." Tom muttered, "A meeting shall be called in the near future. I want to know exactly what happens at the Board meeting, and watch Fudge for any signs."
"It will be done, My Lord." Lucius said and Tom nodded before apparating away. He went directly to Dolohov lodge and made his way through the halls up to the study, he knew the place well, he had visited the Lodge many times in his youth. He knew Antonin was here by the feeling of the wards, so he wasn't surprised when the man greeted him in the doorway of his study with a drink.
"Good afternoon, My Lord."
"Antonin," He returned the greeting with a nod, following the Dolohov Lord back in to the study and taking a seat.
"How goes the school, My Lord?"
"Busy and currently very precarious." Tom answered, "With the latest article, Dumbledore has become desperate and his attentions are now solely focused on Harry."
"What is Dumbledore's plans for the Potter-Black teen?" Dolohov asked and Tom glared at the glass in his hand.
"He's weaved a compulsion web around him to sleep with the Weasley girl in the hopes of conception." Tom told him darkly, "Thankfully, Harry had already protected himself against such spells, however, Dumbledore believes the web has taken."
"I see the complication." Dolohov murmured, "What does he intend to do?"
"He is regrouping with his friends to see if they can plan something. He is too busy worrying about what will happen if Dumbledore kills him and then gets to his friends." Tom said with a self-suffering sigh.
"What about his own life?" Dolohov asked incredulously and Tom rolled his eyes fondly.
"He fails to worry about such a trivial thing." Tom said, and when Antonin looked confused Tom shook his head. "Do not even attempt to work out his mind, Antonin, you will just give yourself a headache and you won't succeed."
"Does he not wish to save himself?"
"Oh he would prefer if he didn't die, but it wasn't the first concern that came to mind." Tom said, "I've given up trying to reason with him."
"I see,"
"He's a menace." Tom stated, but there was a small smile on his face that Antonin picked up on. He wasn't about to go on Lucius' word, the blond was rather dramatic when it came to things but he could understand exactly what the blond meant. Even just the small mention of the Potter-Black teen had an obvious effect on his Lord, it was an interesting development and Antonin was extremely surprised but he was also excited to see what was going to happen with this. Would this go anywhere?
"Enough of the brat, what of the Dark Creatures?" Tom questioned, focusing his thoughts on the reason for him being there.
"I have been following clusters of dark residue to find them and there are a few clusters hidden around the country." Antonin told him, and Tom took a moment to mentally commend the Dolohov on the ability. Picking up the residue was very difficult and he himself struggled with it, so for Antonin to be able to follow it he was very able.
"Are there many?" Tom asked, knowing that there were very few creatures native the UK.
"I have found Dark Elves and Dark Veela, they were the biggest groups that I have found, but they also blend in more than others." Antonin began, "There is a small section of Siren residing at Lizard Point in Cornwall while just north of that point at Kynance Cove there is a clan of Water Nymph."
"Interesting," Tom murmured thoughtfully, "I assume that they are a significantly smaller collection."
"Yes, there is less than 35 combined." Antonin confirmed, "They prefer warmer waters usually, but some found home here until they were driven out by the hunters."
"Such a shame,"
"It is," Dolohov agreed, "I did find traces of Harpies, but they are no longer in this country. It seems they were merely passing through and heading towards Russia where many nest."
"I would have been surprised if they were pitching here, I have not heard of a Harpy colony native to the United Kingdom since the Dark Lord Malakai." Tom remembered. "Many creatures could not tolerate the overbearing light that seeped this country and so they fled. Lamia, Fae and Sprites vanished from our homelands to safer, more diverse areas. Only few Water Nymphs remain, but nothing of Fire or Forest Nymphs that used to populate the area."
"It pains me to see our lands reduced to this." Antonin sighed, "We have a few Vampire clans here, most answering to a higher power and they are drawing back further in to the shadows. The werewolves have vanished to the majority of the country, which is something to be thankful for because I ran in to some rather insistent members of Dumbledore's collection. They are searching but having no success, and I was forced to remove three watching a branch from a Dark Elf clan."
"Oh?"
"Yes, their plans for the children made it worth the risk." Dolohov told him darkly and Tom's eyes narrowed.
"Very well." Tom said in the same tone, "Continue you're observations, what little group of creatures we do have in this country I would like to remain alive and untroubled."
"I will see to it."
"Good. Is there anything to be of concern?"
"There have been whispers of a movement. Plans to remove smaller parties of the dark in the hopes that eventually we will be overwhelmed." Antonin replied, "I am gathering more information, but I do have to be careful."
"Gather what you can, as long as we keep updated with everything they are doing then we have a chance at blocking them." Tom said thoughtfully.
"Very well,"
"I shall be sending some members of the inner circle to discover the connections Dumbledore has established outside this country, starting with those hunting werewolves." Tom said, "If you wish to compare sources while you track it would be best if you contact Harry's uncle, as he will be leading the hunt."
"His uncle?" Antonin repeated slowly.
"Ah, not by blood you understand. An extremely close family friend, I am sure you remember, he was a complete menace when opposing us, Remus Lupin."
"The werewolf?" Dolohov confirmed and Tom nodded.
"Yes, I have found him to have a rather brilliant mind," He said pleased.
"It matches his ability with a wand then," Dolohov muttered, rubbing his left forearm, where a thin scar remained from one of his scurvies with said man.
"Indeed. He is extremely close to Harry, and very protective of him, which is highly amusing." Tom said, with a smirk, "Especially given Harry's complete lack of anything even close to self-preservation. Honestly, it was like it was bled out of him."
"I did hear of his recent accident." Dolohov said, "Multiple broken bones, pretty chopped up and unconscious?"
"That would be putting it lightly," Tom grumbled, "He actually managed to fracture his spine, rupture his spleen and tear his intestines, along with the aforementioned above." Antonin blinked in disbelief.
"How in Merlin's name did he cover that up? Better yet, how did he even get in to a situation?"
"He was up and tending to the cubs at the sanctuary the next day." Tom said with a roll of his eyes, "Merlin knows he doesn't listen to reason, or even sense."
"I do not know what to say in response to that." Dolohov admitted.
"Do not trouble yourself, Antonin, I have that very same predicament daily when dealing with Harry. I am under the belief that he has made it his life ambition to raise questions and surprise me." Tom shook his head in fond exasperation.
"I am sure you do not mind that much, My Lord." Antonin replied, amusement lining his tone and Tom smirked.
"I cannot say that I do, no." He relented, "I makes for an exciting time, in the very least."
"That seems like an understatement."
"He's different," Tom allowed, "Now, I shall inform Remus of your tracking in case you cross paths. It wouldn't do for you to appear hostile."
"Understandable, I wish not to be mauled." Dolohov agreed.
"I shall call a meeting soon, Dumbledore is on his last limbs." Tom said as he rose, he nodded to the Dolohov Lord and apparated away. Dolohov watched him leave with a hidden smirk, different indeed. It seemed his Lord was rather taken with the Potter-Black teen, and it was as obvious as Lucius said it was. He could honestly say he was surprised, if there was anything there, he would have never suspected it to be so apparent, and he honestly couldn't wait to see them interact together – outside of a formal setting that was. Things were changing.
Tom apparated directly in to the Gryffindor rooms and walked straight toward the library, knowing that Remus would only be in one place and he wasn't disappointed. The werewolf was hunched over a pile of books, furiously scribbling on a sheet of parchment.
"Mbajë në një të dytë," Remus said absently, and Tom blinked at the use of Albanian.
"A ka ndonjë arsye të veçantë për ndryshimin në gjuhën?" He asked and Remus finished his sentence before looking up and motioning to his work.
"The reason for the change in language is because I was finishing the translations to Flamel's Albanian travels. It seems he discovered a lot of Folk Lore while there and took note of it." Remus explained.
"I see. I can understand the interest, I myself have travelled to Albania and it is a very interesting place." Tom said and Remus nodded.
"I would like to go there." He admitted.
"I would recommend not going alone." Tom said, "The forests there are particularly harrowing unless you have the ability to possess a number of creatures."
"I'll make note."
"I haven't come to socialise, however appealing the thought of relaxing with the books is." Tom said, "I have two things."
"I am going to assume that one of them has something to do with Harry." Remus said with a sigh, and Tom raised an eyebrow.
"What gave it away?"
"You get this look in your eye, it's a mix between resignation, exasperation and amusement." Remus informed him, "I believe it is quite common when Harry is involved."
"Yes, well, he's in a league of his own in that respect."
"What has he done this time?" Remus sighed.
"You will be pleased to hear that it was not anything he did to himself, but rather what was done to him." Tom divulged.
"What did that old fool do to my cub?" Remus demanded and Tom mentally cursed Harry for leaving things like this to him.
"Dumbledore has wrapped him in a compulsion web to sleep with the Weasley girl in the hopes she conceives a child, and then he is to do 'right' by that child." Tom answered and Remus' eyes flashed. He took a deep breath to control his initial instinct, which was to rip out Dumbledore's throat, and centre himself, it was pointless running of and doing something foolish when he didn't know all the facts.
"I see, and how is this issue being resolved?"
"Harry is meeting with his friends as we speak, he shall be coming to me once we are both finished with the day's discussions and we shall, hopefully, have formed a strategy that has a backup strategy and an escape plan – the final of which we do already have in place." Tom explained and Remus nodded slowly.
"I am not surprised that he has resorted to this, the latest article was vicious." Remus conceded, "I just wish is wasn't always Harry."
"He is more concerned about his friends." Tom noted and Remus rolled his eyes.
"Why am I not surprised?" He questioned rhetorically. "Of course he doesn't care about the fact that he is going to die, oh no! That would be the ordinary thing to do! Did you know that this is the person that used to want to be normal? He wanted to be 'just Harry'. Yeah, that went real well for him."
"Harry? Normal? That wouldn't be a wish that would be a miracle, a complete phenomenon." Tom declared, "When did he give that up?"
"As soon as he realised it wasn't going to happen."
"So first year?"
"Yeah, I would guess so." Remus agreed. "Now, enough about Harry, he'll send me grey prematurely. What of the other thing?"
"Narcissa tells me you have begun looking for the contacts Dumbledore has to target the wolves."
"Yes, but its slow progress even with the leads I have." Remus told him, "I can only do so much, and not many wolves want to risk leaving the sanctuary just yet."
"Understandable, Dumbledore has become extreme in his crusade." Tom stated, "I come with a solution."
"Oh?" Remus looked at him in interest, "What is it?"
"I shall swear in some of my more trust worthy inner circle members, Avery, Jugson, Rowle, Rookwood and Mulciber, and they shall be yours to do with as you will. It will give you able bodies to direct as you make your searches." Tom announced and Remus blinked.
"That sounds brilliant, and they would have very little to fear in these wizarding circles, as long as they can hide their affinity." Remus said enthusiastically. "Though there may be a problem with them actually listening to me."
"I am sure that you have your own method of convincing them it's in their best interest to listen." Tom said with a smirk, "Besides, if they value their continued existence, they will do as I tell them."
"I suppose that is always a good motivator." Remus mused, mock thoughtfully.
"We are going to Malfoy Manor to gather the inner circle members," Tom said rising to his feet, "Blame Harry, it was his idea."
"I have no doubt." Remus grumbled, "Fine, fine," he got up and straightened his robes, "I swear I am taking the longest holiday when this is over."
"I believe they are sentiments shared by many." Tom agreed before apparating away, Remus sighed and followed him. They went directly to the meeting room and Remus fought not to roll his eyes at the throne the Dark Lord was sat on, the velocity of the man's ego would forever amuse him. Remus watched interested as the Dark Lord drew the dark mark in the air and hissed at it, he felt the pulse of magic ripple around him and immediately cracks sounded through the room. Five death eaters dropped down to their knees with a murmured word.
"Rise," The Dark Lord commanded and Remus blinked at the change in tone, he had become some accustom of speaking to the man normally that he had forgotten the icy tones that he could produce. "You shall be working abroad following the leads that Mr Lupin has collected, following those Dumbledore has ordered to track and kill the wolves."
"Remus Lupin, the werewolf?" Avery asked and then hastily added, "My Lord."
"The very same." Voldemort confirmed, "He is no longer within Dumbledore's organization, and you will be taking an oath not to reveal his presence to anyone."
"Can he be trusted?" Rookwood questioned and the Dark Lord's magic snapped.
"Do you question my judgement, Rookwood?" He demanded quietly, his voice taking on a hissing quality.
"No-no My Lord, I would never." He exclaimed desperately, his eyes watched the white wand.
"Be thankful I am feeling merciful, Rookwood," Tom told him quietly, "And that Mr Lupin has better things to occupy his time opposed to listening to you scream." The five of them finally realised that there was someone else in the room and they looked at Remus in shock, the werewolf offered them a smile, one that had too many teeth to even closely resemble pleasant; Avery actually flinched when he saw it, much to Tom's amusement.
"You will be following Mr Lupin's instruction, and should you go against them you will not like the consequences." Tom warned them.
"Yes, My Lord."
"Now, for the oath." The Dark Lord made the five of them swear an oath of silence and dismissed them. He conjured up a bronze pendent with the Dark Mark engraved upon it, he twisted the spell weave that he had created to control the mark to allow Remus to be able to call them when he needed them. It would save the journeying back and forth.
"Here," Tom handed Remus the pendent, "This will enable you to call them to you. And it will be imperative you know that Antonin Dolohov is also tracking Dark Creatures, should you cross paths." Remus nodded.
"I get my own pet death eaters," Remus pretended to wipe a tear away, "If Pads could see me now." Tom rolled his eyes and walked towards the door.
"Do see yourself out, Remus. You have new pets to be dealing with." He called before vanishing without so much as a rustle, Remus looked at the spot where the Dark Lord was only moments ago.
"Unbelievable."
Aannd there it is! This is a bit of a mix and match of perspectives I suppose, but I do hope you like it. Let me know what you think and I'll get the next chapter up ASAP!
Jess*