You were always there Chapter 1, a harry potter fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, and such.
As some of you may already know, my other series "Original Sin" was deleted and I don't know what to do now..(more on my profile).
I understand that does not allow interaction with the readers unless in the beginning of the story, so I'll post my ancient fic I was working on when book five was released.
Not sure if I'm going to continue it, but I thought you readers should enjoy something while I think about what I'm going to do with all the HP series posted here. Any suggestions? Should I re-post the whole Original Sin series again?
Hope to hear from you. Thanks.

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Harry ran as fast as he could through the crowd of people who glared after him. He didn't care if he shoved some people on the ground as long as he didn't get caught.

'Oh, fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck!' Harry cursed as he ended up in a somewhat abandoned street of London. Few cars, few people, ...few things that will stop them from using magic... Great.

'How many, Tom?' Harry slowed his pace by trotting as he sensed no one following.

/Oh, I say four. You knocked three down, so there's only one to go. Nice moves, by the way./
An amusing voice answered in his mind.

'I told you not to talk in my mind, Riddle.' Harry fussed as he hid between two flat buildings. He leaned against the wall in effort to catch his ragged breath.

/Well, it's not particularly fair you get to talk through your mind and I can't./
Tom pouted, still showing sign of amusement.

"This is the last time I listen to you, Riddle. 'Go to Grimmauld Place for a nice surprise, Harry.' A nice surprise indeed!"
Harry huffed, lowering his voice.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're with them."

/Oh, stop bickering. How was I to know about the ward set up just for you, my dear friend/
Tom smirked. Harry growled.

'Look, Tom. Whatever you were planning, you better--..' Harry stopped as he sensed someone approaching from the quiet road. He held his breath as he unfastened the side buckle of his loose-fit grosgrain cargo pant and took out his wand.

"Harry! I know you're here. Please, come with us!"

A woman's voice. Harry scowled. They sent a woman to capture him? If they think he was the same Harry who left years ago, they are sadly mistaken... Harry sneered.

"I don't want to hurt you, Harry! Please, don't do anything stupid!"

Harry heard her footsteps approaching. 'She's sure making a scene..' he rolled his eyes as he saw a Muggle couple walking across the road, giving his pursuer an odd look. Whoever this witch was, she wasn't very tactful.
'Unless you're planning to use the Killing Curse, my dear, I doubt you'll be able to catch me.' Harry smiled as he gripped his wand.

/Actually, she can./
Tom interrupted before Harry made his move, almost bumping his head on the wall as he turned around. Harry glared at his companion for an explanation.
/They all can, Harry. They are Aurors/ Harry tilted his head in confusion/a special unit of the Ministry who are permitted to use Unforgivables./

'Great! You tell me this, now?' Harry finally let himself breath and slumped on the wall. Why the hell did they call it 'Unforgivable' if it could be forgiven? 'Another reason I hate the Wizarding World...'

/As I recall, you didn't want to know anything about the Wizarding World. So, naturally, I thought you didn't want to know about Aurors./
Tom gave a shrug. Self-righteous bastard.

'Not when I'm being chased by one!' Harry sighed in frustration as the witch, or the Auror, took careful steps towards the building. She knew exactly where he was, obviously.

/I wouldn't worry too much. With her magic, she's lucky if she doesn't curse herself./
Tom laughed. Harry blinked.

'So, not only did they send a woman to get me, but a very incompetent witch? Why don't they send bunch of Squibs while they're at it?' Harry snorted as he felt greatly offended.

"Harry? Please..."

She was practically within a few feet from him. Harry sighed.
"All right, I'm coming out."

He slowly stepped out of the dark alley, careful not to make sudden movements. His calmed eyes met surprised ones as the witch raised her wand. She had short blue hair and a very tight pink shirt, her dark jeans equally tight. Her face was shaped somewhat like a small heart, to which Harry smiled.
'Cute and kinky. Nice.'

"Harry?.. Is that you?"
The witch suspiciously eyed Harry up and down. The same messy black hair that stood up at the back, the most brilliant green eyes, tall but still thin.. He matured over the years, cheekbones high and very confident. The only thing missing were those hideous glasses, but there was something else that bothered the witch as she took an unconscious step.

"Whoa, lady. Not a step closer."
Harry pointed his wand at her, still smiling.

"..Harry?.. Wha- what are you doing?"
The witch stuttered in disbelief. She froze in place, wand still raised.

"As much as I enjoy surprise attacks, I am gentleman enough to fight a lady head-on," Harry bowed mockingly, "ladies first."

This seemed to anger the witch as she quickly sent a stinging hex towards him, but Harry automatically put up a Protego charm around himself. He whistled in amusement.

"You do know this is Muggle London? Someone could be watching, you naughty, naughty girl."
Though the couple from earlier were out of sight, there could be others walking by any minute. Surely, she wasn't stupid enough to take her chances..

"Petrificus Totalus!"
Surprisingly, she resumed attacking. Harry widened his eyes as he barely blocked the curse. He stared at her for a moment, and then grinned.

"You're a feisty little chick, aren't you? I like that."
Before she knew it, something came flying from Harry's wand. She closed her eyes but felt nothing. She slowly pried one open and saw Harry smirking.

"Red is your colour, I think," he nodded in approval, "it matches your fiery personality."

The witch realized her hair had turned bright red. She glared at Harry as she returned them to their former blue.
"No one touches my hair. Not even you, Harry. Incarcerous!"

A thick rope snaked its way to bind Harry, but again, he blocked it effortlessly. He leisurely picked up the immobile ropes.

"Binding me with a rope? You are naughty!" Harry playfully began to spin the rope, "I like where this is going."

"You're being stupid, Harry. And it's getting on my nerves! Stop acting childish and return with us!"

"Acting childish? Being stupid? Excuse me, but I'm not the one throwing hexes and ropes in the middle of a London street."
Harry tossed the rope aside and before the witch could reply, she was hit with a Impediment Jinx.

"Sorry, doll. But I can't have you stalling me until your cavalry arrives."
Harry shrugged as he approached the slow moving witch. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't leave her here to have her discovered by Muggles. He would have to hide her somewhere until her Wizard friends came to pick her up. He was about to cast a levitation spell when he detected something he didn't notice before.

"..A Muggle Repellent Charm?"
He sensed it barricading the whole block. He looked at the witch before him, but knew she wasn't the culprit. She couldn't perform something of this grandeur by herself, let alone while facing him off. No wonder she was using magic without hesitation.
'Maybe she isn't stupid after all.'
But then, that left a big question on Harry's part.

"Who placed the charm?"
Harry spoke what was on his mind, expecting no answer, of course.

"I did."

A deep voice from behind quickly awakened his adrenaline rush and raised his wand. But before Harry could use it, the wand jerked from his hand and landed several feet away. He instinctively went for the nearest weapon, which was the wand in the witch's hand. However, his opponent was too quick. Harry soon found himself gasping as he was hit with a powerful blasting curse.

"Arghh!"
Harry yelped as his back crushed against the building and bounced off to land on the cold street. He couldn't breathe for couple of seconds.

"!-!--..Fuck!-.."
He cursed as he coughed some blood. Immediately, he tried to stand but pitifully fell back down with a grunt. 'Great. A broken rib...' Harry groaned as he sensed the attacker advancing.

"Stupefy."

A nonchalant voice was all Harry had for a warning. He forced his aching body to roll to the side as the stunner hit the cemented road, red sparks scattering like fireworks.

"Accio wand!"
Harry cried as he rolled on his back. As soon as he felt the familiar stick, Harry pushed himself on his knee to enchant the darkest of them all.

"Avada Keda-"

Before he could finish, he was kicked in the chin, hard. The blow was so powerful, he actually flew in mid-air and was forced to land on his already injured back. He almost lost consciousness as darkness enveloped him, but didn't allow himself to quit just yet. Sharp pain shot through his upper body as he breathed.
'This is not good..' Harry wailed in attempt to sit up. Fortunately, he still had his wand. He took shallow breaths as he writhed about to the nearest building wall. He sucked his scream as he slowly and painfully sat up, supported by the wall.

"The Killing Curse, Potter?" Harry saw the tip of black boots stopping just a few feet away, "very demeaning, if I must say, even for a pathetic Gryffindor like you."

That voice... It was silky, borderline baritone and yet very low and subdued. Harry wanted to reply with a snide remark but found no strength. He was using all his energy to breathe and retain consciousness.

'Whoever this fucker is, I already hate him.' Harry breathed heavily. His face was downward but his unsteady hand held the wand up for defiance. He felt the other move but could do nothing as his wand was slowly pulled away. With his remaining vitality, Harry propped his head up against the wall, which contacted with a loud thud. Luckily, with all the pain circulating through his aching body, he couldn't feel any additional pain.

"Listen to your elders for once, Potter," the man with black robes raised his wand while holding Harry's with another, "you are beaten. Offer any more useless resistance, and you'll truly wish you could have finished the Killing Curse."

'I wish I could offer you my finger.' Harry snorted, which came out sounding like a pathetic hiccup. Harry could only make out the sneering lips as the man pointed his wand at him. However, he could clearly make out the amusing look on Tom's face, who was standing right behind the bastard.

'You said four, you fucking prick.'
Harry glared.

Tom shrugged. /Sorry./ But his expression was anything but.

"Stupefy."
The smooth voice said.

'Again?' Harry grunted, 'man, this bastard seriously lack creativity...'
The familiar red bolt came at him once more. Only this time, it actually hit him. Harry closed his eyes, having no choice but to accept defeat.

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"...--no, Severus. I will not.."

Harry heard a soft grieve-stricken voice in the distance. He didn't dare move, not wanting to give away that he had regain consciousness. To be honest, he wasn't really sure if he could.

"Then I refuse as well."

That voice from earlier.. Harry tensed. '...That fucking bastard.'

"Severus," the soft voice became stern, "I thought we've already agreed on this."

"Were you listening, Albus? The little prat tried to use the Killing Curse on me!"

'That I did.' Harry smirked to himself, feeling somewhat better hearing the bastard in distress.
'..Tom?' he called. No answer. 'Figures.. That bloody git is never around when I really need him.' Harry sighed inwardly as he tried to take in his surroundings as much as his senses allowed excluding his sight. It smelled like a hospital,.. --and very familiar, for some reason... He felt the bandages wrapped around his torso and was relieved to feel no pain. 'Probably some painkillers or whatever the wizards use in their world.' Harry speculated. Whoever his captives were, they didn't want him dead-- For now, at least...

"The more reason we should proceed with our plan, Severus."

"No, Albus. Even that idiot girl Tonks said so herself that the boy was acting strange. And if you think for a minute that you can manipulate me into doing your dirty work, you have another thing coming--"

Harry couldn't hear the rest as darkness claimed him once more.

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- Harry whimpered as he felt soft hands readjusting his bandages.

"I apologize, Mr. Potter. But I had to change them."
A woman whispered gently.

He slowly opened his eyes to see a middle-aged woman that resembled a nun.. He blinked his eyes to clear the haziness and examined her again. 'Never mind.. A nurse... From hundreds of years ago.' She was wearing a white apron dress over a dark brown petticoat in mid-summer. Her lips were frowning but her eyes showed a genuine concern.

"How are you feeling?"
She asked, brushing his hair away from his eyes.

Harry was about to answer before he saw the wand in her hand. He moved instinctively.

"Potter! What are y.--"

The nurse shrieked as she was grabbed in chokehold, her own wand pointed to her neck.

"Who are you? What do you want?"
Harry demanded with a raspy voice. His throat was burning.

The nurse sighed deeply as she relaxed in his arm.
"Mr. Potter, kindly take your hands off so I can check on your ribs."

"You didn't answer my question."
Harry coughed at the end of his sentence. He craved water.

"I am the nurse of this school, Madam Poppy Pomfrey. You are back at Hogwarts, Mr. Potter."

Harry cleared his throat.
"Why were you pointing your wand at me?"

"I was about to check on your healing progress, Mr. Potter. Like how I always did back when you were a student," she nodded, "but I apologize to make the assumption you knew what I was doing. I'll make sure to ask in the future."

Harry slowly lowered the wand and started to loosen his hold when the large set of doors opened.

"Harry!"

An old man cried out and froze at the entrance, not knowing how to react at the sight before him. His companion, however, pulled out his wand without any indication of bewilderment. Harry quickly raised the wand but the man with long black hair beat him to it. A low-powered, but highly effective hex hit him right in the head.

'Fuck, that hurts!' Harry cursed as he fell on the bed. Even with a hostage shielding his body, the man managed to hex him without hurting her. Harry couldn't help but to be impressed.

"And just what the hell do you think you're doing, Potter? Attacking an helpless woman?"

That damn silky voice.. Harry groaned. 'Never mind.. Take that back. I'm not impressed by this bastard.' he snorted as he realized the man was the wizard from earlier. The one who managed to capture him.

"Fuck you."
Harry cursed, his voice still hoarse. He embraced himself as he felt another hex coming his way.

"Protego!"

Harry couldn't believe his eyes as he saw the nurse deflecting the hex. By the look on his face, neither could the bastard.

"How dare you attack my patient, Severus Snape!" she then glared at the old man with the half-moon spectacles, "you two better have a good explanation for barging in like this."

"I am truly sorry, Poppy," the old man held his hands up in defense, "but we needed to talk to Harry as soon as he was up for it."

"Well, he is not! I will be sure to tell you when he is ready, as I promised earlier!" she pointed at the door firmly, "now leave!"

Harry blinked as the two left without another word. He regarded the nurse as she helped him nestle his head back on the pillow. 'A helpless woman, indeed.' Harry smirked.

"And you, Potter," Pomfrey narrowed her eyes, "I will not allow any foul language go by just because you've graduated. As long as you're in here, they will not be tolerated. Understood?"

Harry felt an odd sense of respect for this witch. Hell, anyone with the ability to shut that snarky bastard up deserved his respect.. He smiled.

"Yes, ma'am."

- After taking some bite from his porridge and a much needed drink, Harry was allowed to change back into his own clothes; which was a big relief since he didn't want to wear the off-white hospital robe for a minute longer. To his delight, they've been washed and bloodstain-free, just like it was freshly out of the dry cleaner's. As a matter of course, he didn't get his wand back, which, even he himself thought logical. Considering the fact he would use it against his captors without a second thought.

"Are you certain you're up for this?"
Pomfrey asked as she lead the way.

Harry nodded.
"Better now than later." 'Better never than now..' Harry heaved. He didn't want to be here...

Pomfrey offered no more words as she walked slowly for Harry to follow. His injuries healed but felt stiff all over. His muscles ached every time he took a step and felt a mild dizziness. Even so, he still demanded to see the captors and find out what they wanted.

'Whoa, now that's something you don't see everyday...' Harry stared in awe at the ghosts floating around and going through walls. He blinked as they bowed their greetings. The more he explored, the more nostalgic he became. Everything about this castle felt familiar. He almost bumped into Pomfrey as she suddenly came to a halt.

"Sherbet lemon."

Harry gave Pomfrey an odd look. But then, the gargoyle statue in front of her started to move. Before he knew it, a spiral staircase appeared waiting to be used. 'Very entertaining.' Harry praised. He slowly followed as Pomfrey ascended.

"Wait here."
Pomfrey ordered as she entered the room. Harry surprised himself by obeying.

'I don't like this..' Harry crossed his arms and bit his thumbnail. It was a habit he developed over the years as a sign of anxiety. He had a very bad feeling about this.. 'Whatever it is, I know I won't like it.' Harry bit harder. And his intuitions never let him down in the past.

"You may enter, Mr. Potter."
Pomfrey opened the door and held it for him. Harry put his arms down and calmly entered the surprisingly large room. Strangely enough, Harry felt remarkably better as soon as he stepped in. His eyes wandered at the odd-looking gadgets and artifacts, and some other objects he couldn't even categorize. But all the amusement in his green eyes disappeared as he realized who was standing near the corner window.

'..Riddle.' Harry glared.

/Well, it's nice to see you too, Harry./ Tom smiled/you look well. How are you feeling/

Harry was about to retort when Pomfrey interrupted.
"I will take my leave now, Albus."

Harry turned around as he saw her close the door.

"Afraid no one's here to protect you now, Potter?"
The man with long black hair sneered.

Harry quickly turned to see the wizard standing next to the old man from earlier. God, that was him... The man Harry wanted to afflict pain upon from the moment he was attacked from behind. 'That's my specialty, damn it. No one sneaks up on me and gets away with it.' Harry glowered.

"Harry, please have a seat," the old man gave the sneering wizard an warning look, "would you like some tea?"

Harry shook his head.
"I would much prefer to know why I'm here."
Harry glanced at Tom near the window. 'And just what the hell are you doing here?'

Tom knitted his eyebrows.
/What? Are you accusing me for showing concern for a dear friend/
Harry sighed in frustration as Tom mockingly smiled.

"Harry, you must be tired. Please take a seat," the old man offered again, "I'm afraid this discussion will take a considerable amount of time."

"Well then, allow me to speed things up," Harry scorned, "give me my wand back and send me back to London where I can live peacefully for the rest of my life."

"Spoken like a true hero that you are, Potter," the dark haired wizard praised, "some things never change." he snickered.

"And just who the fuck are you?"
It was very difficult for Harry to restrain himself from attacking the derisive prick. Where was his wand when he desperately needed it?

The old man opened his mouth before his companion could.
"Poppy was afraid you might have lost your memory, Harry... So, it's true?"

Harry shrugged.
"I suppose so."

"How..," the old man hesitated, "do you know how it happened?"

Harry simply shook his head.

"Arrogant prat!" the younger wizard took his wand out but the old man extended his arm to prevent him from using it.

Harry laughed in disbelief.
"What the hell do you want me to say? 'You're right. I am so fucking stupid that I Obliviated myself.' Would you've approved that answer?"

"Fucking disrespectful-.."

"Severus," the old man turned, "if you wish to remain in this room, I suggest you put your wand away."

The dark haired man reluctantly obeyed but kept his deadly glare on Harry. The old man took a sip from his tea, contemplating on how to deal with this unexpected turn of event.

'Where the hell have you been all this time, Riddle?' Harry crossed his arms, pretending as though he was looking out the window.

/Miss me/ Tom tilted his head.

'Hardly.' Harry scoffed.

Tom shrugged.
/Oh, you know me. Roaming around, trying to find something entertaining/ his smile widened/which is why I'm here./

That didn't sound promising... 'What do you--..' But before he could ask, the old man decided to open his mouth.

"I am Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of this school, Hogwarts," he nodded at his companion, "and this is our potions instructor, Professor Severus Snape."

"Nice to have your acquaintanceship, sirs," Harry slightly bowed, "I am Harry James Potter who wishes to be anywhere else but here. Oh, but please, don't let that stop you from interfering with my life."

Snape was about to say something but Dumbledore interrupted.
"Yes, I understand perfectly why you feel that way.. And I am to blame," he sighed, "I have failed you, Harry. Please, forgive me."

"First of all, Dumble-.. whatever your name is, I don't know what the hell you're on about. As far as I'm concerned, this is the first time we've met. And if you promise this will also be the last, I'll grant you the forgiveness you want for whatever the reason."

Dumbledore faced down in defeat as Snape gritted his teeth in anger. Harry detected a little sparkle in the old headmaster's eye. Was he about to cry?

"...I'm sorry, Harry. You... cannot leave."
Dumbledore continued to look at his desk.

"Oh? And why is that?"
Despite his impassive tone, Harry's fists shook in anger.

He waited patiently but wasn't rewarded with any answer. With each passing moment, Dumbledore seemed to fall deeper in despair, and Snape's reaction was just as disturbing. He was actually smiling in a very pleasant manner, like his lifelong dream has been achieved-- or something of that nature. This can't be good..

Harry couldn't stay any longer. Without a single word, he quickly turned and headed for the door. He wanted to disapparate but unfortunately, he sensed anti-disapparition jinx throughout the whole castle. Though he wasn't hitting his own stride, he was confident he could find his way back to London on his own. 'Besides, I have a trustworthy friend who I can always count on.' he snorted as he sensed Tom watching him. He didn't get his wand back but all things considered, he could be out of this place forever. It was a small price to pay, really.

'Figures..' Harry rolled his eyes as he tried the door. It wouldn't budge-, no surprises there. He enchanted Alohomora, which was one of the several wandless magic he could perform. He tried the knob again but it was sealed with a complex locking charm. 'Okay, I am officially pissed..'

"Kindly, if you will, unlock this door."
Harry asked quietly without turning to them.

"Harry, please listen-.."

"UNLOCK THE FUCKING DOOR!"

Harry turned with pure rage. The paintings and other miscellaneous objects started to tremble at the raw energy radiating throughout the room. Dumbledore and Snape saw waves of heat encircling Harry.

/You are so exquisite when you're angry, Harry./ Tom smiled, adoringly.

'Shut up!' Harry glared and the window behind Tom shattered. But all it did was broaden Tom's smile.

"...Harry..."
Dumbledore spoke softly.

Harry turned back and Dumbledore's teacup cracked in half. He threateningly took a step forward and snarled.
"Open the door, old man."

"I cannot, Ha-.."

A bolt of flashing light flew towards Dumbledore and scratched his shoulder. Snape's eyes widened as he saw blood merging on the headmaster's robes. Harry intended the attack to miss by an inch or so, but no matter. It has been a while since he used this amount of energy all at once..
'Wait.. when did I use this much power?' he wondered. He pushed it aside as he took another step.

"Don't make me do it again, or it will be your head next time-.."
Harry stopped as he felt something strange. He looked down at his body, perplexed. He turned to Dumbledore to see him chanting quietly.

"--The fuck you will-!"

Harry cursed as he sent another attack, but it was cancelled before it could touch Dumbledore. The old wizard had placed a powerful shield around Snape and himself. He continued to chant while Harry kept throwing curses. Harry wasn't going to let a magical shield stop him from destroying everything around them.

"Stop it, damn you!"
Harry growled as he sensed his power draining, body beginning to relax against his will. Whatever Dumbledore was doing, Harry sure as hell didn't like it.

"Ah, fuck!"
Harry gasped as Snape aimed his wand and joined Dumbledore's chant. He fell on his knee feeling as though someone had hit him with jelly-legs jinx. He threw a glance at Tom, who was, unsurprisingly, still smiling.

'What the hell are they doing?-!' Harry demanded as he swallowed his breath.

/It's an anger diminishing spell. Something close to a Muggle relaxant. Nothing serious./ Tom said, matter-of-factly.

'Then, how come I feel... like my power is draining away?' Harry's hands fell before him.

/Right now, your energy is purely from rage. It'll only stop when you relax./ Tom offered.

'How can I relax when those bastards--.. agh!' Harry barely avoided hitting his head on the floor. He took a deep breath and began to suppress his anger. Soon as he started to relax, the restraints around his body loosened and ceased. He had control of his body again.

"That's enough, Severus!"
Dumbledore ordered. Apparently, Dumbledore had stopped once Harry hit the ground but Snape, as expected, resumed chanting.

"I disagree, headmaster. He," Snape pointed Harry with his chin, "should be locked up in Azkaban for attempting on your life... And mine."

'Oh, is he still on about the Killing Curse? Get over it, snarky bastard. You're still alive.' Harry snorted. He concluded that not only was this bastard an unpleasant and loathsome prick, but he was a bastard that held grudges as well. 'How charming...'

"Albus literally meant you cannot leave, Potter."
Snape spat as he tucked his wand back, a little disappointed he could not torment Harry a while longer.

"I see that," Harry jeered then eyed Dumbledore, "now unlock the door."

"No, Harry," Dumbledore sighed, "you cannot leave even if I did."

"Quit telling me what I can and cannot do!" Harry sat up on his knees as his anger began to rise again. Luckily for Dumbledore, Harry used most of his power earlier so no additional destruction in his office occurred.

Dumbledore waved the broken cup away and a new set of tea appeared, to Harry's annoyance. He slowly took a sip as Snape stepped forward. Dumbledore closed his eyes as he gave a slight nod.

/Here it comes./ Tom eagerly said. He looked as though he has been waiting for this moment for decades.

"Potter," Snape ventured, "you and I have performed the blood bond."

Harry knitted his eyebrows at the unfamiliar term. But the word bond was already frightening him.

"Let me break it down for your unsophisticated mind, Potter. You and I are bound by blood."
Snape sneered.

"I fucking got that, you git. What the hell does it do?"
Harry demanded.

"It doesn't do anything, Harry. As long as you stay here, you will be protected."
Dumbledore explained, hoping the word 'protect' would put Harry at ease. But it only did the exact opposite.

"Protected from what?-," Harry shouted, "the threats I need protection from are already in this room!" he glared at the two.

Dumbledore exhaled deeply while Snape leered.
"Nevertheless, it's already been done."
Snape gave his signature smirk.

"You can do this... bonding without me knowing it? And without my consent?-!"
Harry charged.

"Ah, but that's just it," Snape's lips curled, "you did consent."

"Fucking liar! I never consen-.."
Harry froze as he remembered what Tom had said about Aurors. They were permitted to use the Unforgivables…

"..You used the Imperius Curse..."
Harry said in disbelief.

"Well, Potter, losing your memory has its advantages. You now have space for intelligence in that limited mind of yours."
Snape truly looked impressed.

"...Undo it. Now!"
Harry regretted using his power. He really wanted to kill the bastard now and cursed himself for not doing so when he had the chance.

"Harry, please. You need to stay under our protection from Voldemort," Dumbledore paused for Harry's reaction, "do you know of whom I speak?"

"I've heard of him," Harry glanced at Tom, "but the last I've heard, he was killed."

"Yes. And for that, we owe our deepest gratitude to you, my boy."
Dumbledore smiled. Harry thought he saw a twinkle in those blue eyes.

"...So, I killed him?"
Harry blinked. Dumbledore nodded.
"Then why do I need to be protected?"

"Unfortunately, we have reasons to believe you didn't complete your task properly."
Snape sighed, as if everything wrong in this world was all Harry's fault.

"He's alive?"
Harry asked, secretly eyeing Tom.

"We are not for certain.. But we have a very dependable source pointing in that direction, Harry."

"And who or what is this dependable source you so firmly believe in?"
Harry looked sharply at the faltering eyes.

"That is none of your concern, Potter."
Snape flatly said.

Harry narrowed his eyes and gave a hateful smile.
"I would greatly appreciate it if I knew the liable source of my bonding with the most infuriating bastard I've ever known without my knowledge and consent, and almost being killed in the event of my abduction."

"You are talking to someone who was almost hit with the Killing Curse, if I remember correctly."
Snape snorted.

"It was for self-defense. If my life is threatened, I won't hesitate to kill."
Harry gritted.

Snape snickered.
"I hardly think a stunning spell is potentially fatal. "

"I had a broken rib, arsehole! It could've pierced through my lung."

"And being stunned would've lessen the chances of that outcome, Potter. You have only yourself to blame for the half-witted conduct of gyrating on your back."
Snape shook his head, amusingly.

"I agree with you on most part," Harry's smile darkened, "but the only half-witted conduct by me was not finishing you off."

Snape glared dangerously as he made an attempt to pull out his wand. Harry continued to snarl as the tension between them grew. But the intensity suddenly dispersed as a soft giggle emerged.

"Care to enlighten us on your mirthful attribute, Albus?"
Snape side-glanced.

"Seeing you two like this...," Albus clasped his hands, "it brings back many memories."

Harry and Snape stared daggers at Dumbledore who seemed to be reminiscing the joyful days. At the moment, they both shared a common desire: to squeeze the life out of Albus Dumbledore.

"For now, you will just have to trust us, Harry," Dumbledore shook his thoughts away, "we don't want anything to happen to you."

"Nothing did happen until you kidnapped me."
Harry held his head. He felt it throbbing.
'Tell me this is a dream..' Harry groaned, sensing Tom getting closer. The git has been watching the whole spectacle as if it was a Shakespearian comedy. His friend really did get on his nerve sometimes.

/I couldn't believe Dumbledore would actually do this, either. But I saw it with my own eyes./ Tom shrugged.

'So the whole thing is true?' Harry faced Tom, 'I actually bonded with that bastard?'

Harry let out a loud moan as Tom nodded.
/My deepest sympathies, dear Harry./ Tom shook his head, but Harry didn't miss the small hint of gleefulness in those ruby eyes.

"I don't bloody care," Harry brushed his bangs away, "I'm leaving."
Harry turned to the door once more.

"By all means, try," Snape's smirk returned, "but in case you want to know how effective this bond is..."
He turned to Dumbledore who reluctantly nodded. Harry felt the anti-disapparition jinx being lifted. But before he could even think of escaping, Snape disappeared with a pop.

"?-!"
Harry suddenly felt dizzy and fell forward. He swallowed hard as he felt nauseous, head throbbing ten times worse than before. He closed his eyes as he thought the ground was swirling about. As soon as he heard another pop, the vertigo ceased and his breathing became normal. He immediately felt the jinx being restored as the familiar black boots came into his line of vision.

"That was just to Hogsmeade, Potter, which isn't very far," Snape looked down on Harry, "imagine how you'd felt if I was in a different country."

Harry glared up at the grinning wizard.
"...You can't do this to me, you fucking bastard!" he then glared at Dumbledore, "-and you! You fucking let him?-!"

"Harry, this bond is for your own safety-.."

"How is this for my own safety if it causes shitload of pain?-!"
Harry heaved. Things were just getting worse and worse...

"As long as you remain in Hogwarts, Harry, no harm will come to you."
Dumbledore reassured.

"I was in Hogwarts when I almost vomited on the ground just moments ago!"
Harry cried and stood up. He was getting annoyed by Snape smirking down at him.

"That is because the blood protection ward has yet to be placed."
Dumbledore reasoned.

Harry tightened his fist and gave them a resentful glower. If looks could kill, they would be long gone by now. His lips curled into a cruel smile.

"You planned this... didn't you, old man?"
Harry took a predatory step, completely ignoring Snape as he glided by.
"You planned this whole shite while I was away... You sick fucking psycho!-!"
Harry savagely launched himself to tackle Dumbledore, but it was in vain as Snape blasted him. Harry experienced déjà vu as he bounced off the solid wall. Now, if he had broken a rib, it would be a complete action replay.

"Severus!"
Dumbledore rose to his feet.

Snape immediately stood in front of Harry who was struggling to stand up. He relentlessly aimed his wand between Harry's eyes.

"Stay on the ground, Potter!" Snape disgustedly spat, "until you learn some humanly fucking manners, stay where you belong!"
If Dumbledore wasn't present, Harry was sure Snape would have shoved him down with his foot.

"You're the one to talk of manners, you fucking lapdog," Harry scowled, "stop using your wand against an unarmed man, coward."

Dumbledore sighed as Harry and Snape continued to defy each other. As much as he was relieved to see Harry safe and well, he wasn't prepared for the changes the young wizard displayed. Not even a mere trace of trust was shown in those emerald eyes and it disheartened Dumbledore tremendously. There were so many things he regretted not telling Harry, and 'sorry' was one of them. He drew a deep breath.

"I wish you knew us, Harry.. You were terribly missed by all those who love you."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but your beloved Harry is gone."
Harry coolly said as he stood up. Picking himself up from the ground was something he was doing a lot lately.

"Do you remember anyone? Your parents, friends...," Dumbledore paused, "your.. godfather?"

Harry nodded.
"Sirius Black, I know."

The two professors eyed each other in surprise. Dumbledore leaned forward on his desk, ray of hope merging in his eyes.

"Who else do you remember, Harry?"

"...Remus Lupin and Rubeus Hagrid... Do you mind?"
Harry shoved Snape's wand away, which was still in his face, irritably enough.

"Those who are either dead or barely alive," Snape tucked his wand away, "very helpful, those memories you kept, Potter."

Harry cocked his head, puzzled.
"Barely alive?"

"Harry."
Dumbledore smiled. There was that twinkle in those eyes again...
"Sirius was found in Department of Mystery few days ago. He is alive, Harry."

Harry blinked his eyes. For the first time, he found himself speechless. He turned to Tom who let out a small laugh.

/Happy late birthday, Harry./

- It was in silence as Snape walked Harry to his room. After the news of his godfather, Harry has meekly followed Dumbledore's orders... or so it seemed. Snape expect his former student to put up a fight as soon as he bobbed up to the surface of his thoughts. He risked a side-glance to see Harry facing down, looking very troubled.
In many ways, the young Gryffindor's appearance remained unaltered. But there was this coldness about him that wasn't there before. The boy was always concerned about others and foolishly risked his own life to save them. But now, he was reserved and... distant. Granted, the boy had no recollection of his past, but this Harry disturbed Snape. It was as if nothing mattered to him, or in the Wizarding World at least. This could be a problem, no doubt...

'Tom..' Harry called, still drowning in his thoughts.
'Exactly how many days was I out?'

/Two days. It's August 2nd/ Tom paused/though I really wanted to show you my surprise gift on your birthday, I daresay it was just as enjoyable to see the look on your face when you heard about this./
Tom pointed at Snape and Harry, indicating the bond.

'...How did you do it?' Harry said without looking up.

/Did what/ Tom asked, obviously playing dumb.

'Tell me how you brought Sirius back!' Harry glared at Tom who was walking a few feet ahead of him.

"Potter."

"WHAT?-!"
Harry roared and turned to Snape. He could do without interruptions, though he very well knew Snape couldn't see or hear Tom. But right now, he was in no mood for logical thinking.

'My, my.. Like a cornered lion..' Snape smirked.
"No need to scream, Potter. I was merely wondering how you knew Grimmauld Place."

"I remember those that belong to me."
Harry spat.

"Returning for that Firebolt, I presume? Albus always believed you'd one day come to retrieve it.. I guess setting that alarm proved most helpful."
Snape snorted. Honestly, who'd fall for that simple booby trap?

'Firebolt?' Harry questioned Tom.

/A broom. One of the best, I gather./ Tom shrugged.

'Okay, maybe I don't remember all my possessions...' Harry thought.

They walked the remaining distance in silence, contemplating on how to deal with this particular circumstance. Harry wanted to, of course, break the bond and escape.. But they had Sirius and wasn't sure what his enemies were capable of...
'That old man... Dumbledore.. was it? I don't think he would harm Sirius... but,-' Harry glanced at Snape, 'this one definitely will.. The bastard.'

Snape thought about the bond he was reluctant to take part in, but seeing the arrogant brat on the ground in pain at Dumbledore's office almost made it worthwhile. It brought back many wonderful memories having authority over The-Boy-Who-Lived while he was a student, and now, even after his graduation, Snape had power over him. If anything, he should be thanking Dumbledore..

Without incident, they reached the door and Snape muttered something in Latin, or so Harry believed. The door opened and Harry was pleasantly surprised to see a fairly large room, completely furnished. Huge fireplace, built-in bookcases filled with books, leather sofa.. and..is that a mini-bar in the corner? Harry was expecting to be locked up in a dungeon of some sort with shackles dangling from the ceiling, not a high-end hotel suite. As he took in the room, Harry gasped when his arm was suddenly yanked away.

"?-! What are you-.."
Harry had no time to react as Snape slid a knife through his arm.

"Ow! What the fuck?-!"
Harry tried to pull his arm away, but Snape had him in a iron grip.

Harry stopped struggling as Snape did the same with his own arm. He watched in confusion as their blood mingled and dripped on the floor, all the while Snape was chanting something in Latin again. Harry was about to open his mouth when the blood on the floor spread about the whole entire room. And then, all of the sudden, the room was back to its original state.

"...What the fuck just happened?"
Harry quickly snatched his hand back once the restraint lightened.

"We've set the ward. As long as you're in this room, you'll experience no pain even if I go to Antarctica."
Snape casually walked passed Harry.

"Well, fuck. A little warning wouldn't hurt, bastard."
Harry inspected the cut on his arm.
"And what am I going to do with this? Bleed to death?"

Snape was about to make a snide remark but stopped. He turned around and pointed his wand at Harry. Before he could react, Snape chanted a healing spell.

"There. All better, Potter?"

"Bastard."
Harry glared as the cut disappeared.

Snape snorted and opened a door to a small bedroom. Harry figured this was his station and looked around. It had its own bathroom, a small bed, and a small desk at the corner. Nothing fancy, but beats any dungeon. As he nodded in approval, he felt a presence invading his personal space. He turned around to see Snape, standing rather close.

"We need to set the blood ward here as well."
Snape looked as though he was holding back a grin.

"I thought we just did."
Harry narrowed his eyes.

"The door was closed. It was a mistake in my part, I apologize."
He didn't look apologetic at all.

"Then why the hell did you heal me?-!"
Harry instinctively pulled his arm back to avoid any surprise attack.

"People make mistakes, Potter. I mistakenly forgot to open this door to let the blood through. Now quit whining and give me your arm."

"Fine. But I get to maim you this time."
Harry spat.

"No need."
Snape held up his arm to show the cut he made earlier.

"...A mistake, huh?" Harry's lips twitched, "and I suppose you mistakenly forgot to heal yourself?"

"You're catching on, Potter."
Snape smirked.

"..You're a bastard, you know that?"
Harry glared as Snape took out his knife again.

"So you keep telling me."

------------------------------------

"Damn, they took my cigarette..."
Harry clicked his tongue as he reached for his jacket. No doubt Madam Pomfrey has something to do with it.

/You don't even like that stuff. I don't know why you continue to use it./
Tom commented.

"Hn.."
Harry shrugged off. Tom never used to criticize about his smoking habit, but lately that has changed. And Harry was getting a bit annoyed.

'Are you going to answer my question, Riddle?' Harry glowered. He sat on the small bed while Tom just stood by the door.

Snape briefly went over tomorrow's schedule and left the room. Harry wasn't really listening since he wanted to be left alone with Tom. They had lots to talk about.

/I suppose I had my fun/ Tom nodded in satisfaction/I brought your godfather back by using a member from the Order of the Phoenix./

'Order of the Phoenix?' Harry made a face. Why did that sound a little familiar?

/It's a group formed by that feeble-minded old man/ Tom snickered in hatred/to protect Mudbloods from the evil clutches of Voldemort./

Harry observed his companion before asking.
'That Dumbledore said I was the one who killed him...'

/True/ Tom smiled/why? Does that bother you/

'No, not at all' Harry smiled back, 'what about you?'

/Considering we both knew he'd be back? No. It doesn't bother me at all./

Harry gave him a questioning look.

/Before you even gave an attempt to kill him, you knew you couldn't destroy him completely. Because I've told you before/ Tom gave his dark chilling smile/you can't kill him unless you kill me./

Harry merely lifted his eyebrow at this. His Slytherin-like Gryffindor friend was getting quite good at hiding his feelings, Tom thought.

'If I knew that, why did I even try?' Harry crossed his arms. He could really use a smoke right now.

/You needed a diversion to make your escape. Having the great Dark Lord drop dead did the trick. It was rather pathetic how easy it was to leave unnoticed./
Tom ridiculed. He remembered like it was yesterday how he and Harry escaped from Hogwarts, while everyone paraded around like an idiot.

'Makes sense,' Harry nodded, 'so, how did you use a member of the Order to bring Sirius back?'

/I came across this information that in order to bring back those who fell through the veil, you need to sacrifice one of the same blood and one responsible for their fall/ Tom laughed/I was lucky since the perpetrator was both./

'Bellatrix Lestrange...' Harry said with blank expression. It was funny how he forgot many things, but the look on the killer's face when she killed Sirius remained vivid.
'How did you come about this information?'

/Oh, you know. I've been doing a little research at the Ministry. It's amazing how much you could learn just by being invisible./
Tom said, amusingly. Harry could tell his friend was having a ball being able to go anywhere he pleased.

'And? How did you sweet-talk Lestrange into giving up her life for Sirius?' Harry wanted to know. Last time he checked, he was the only one who could see Tom.

/I didn't need to. I used an idiot named Mundungus Fletcher who happened to be fooling around with secret files in the Ministry./

'You took control of his body? You were actually able to do that?' Harry gaped. Tom said something about mind control, but he didn't take him seriously. Maybe he should be careful what he says to Tom from now on...

/Besides, Bellatrix Lestrange didn't have much to live for. She was in manacles, magic completely stripped off, and thought her master was no more. I think I did her a favor by throwing her in the veil./

Harry blinked.
'What happened to the rest of Voldemort's followers?'

/Some are still free, not having enough evidence to arrest them. But those unfortunate to be in the higher ranks of Death Eaters were sent to Azkaban. Tortured and possibly sentenced to death. Well, except for two... Severus Snape being one of them,-/

"What?"
Harry spoke out and immediately closed his mouth, 'I thought you said he was an Auror!'

/I didn't say anything about him being an Auror/ Tom chuckled/that is the last thing Severus Snape would want to be./

'You said only Aurors were permitted to use the Unforgivables. The damn bastard used Imperius Curse on me!' Anger started to erupt as Harry remembered Snape and his smirks. God, he could really kill that man with his bare hands if given a chance...

/Actually, Dumbledore is the one who used the Imperius Curse. Even a powerful wizard like Severus Snape will not be able to handle two dark arts at once./

'Dark arts?' Harry gulped, 'so this.. blood bond thing is a dark art too?'

/Of course. You don't think a magic that imprisons people by blood is legal, do you/

'No, I guess not. But then... how come those two arseholes are permitted to use them if they're not Aurors?' Harry bit his thumbnail.

/That's where Lucius Malfoy comes in. He is the other high rank Death Eater I was about to mention. After you temporarily killed Voldemort, he cleverly exposed the former minister's alliance with the Dark Lord. Whether it was true or not, I am not sure. But in any case, he put many Death Eaters in Azkaban, forced them to take Dementor's kiss before they could speak in their defense. Naturally, he was voted the new minister./

'They appointed Voldemort's follower a minister?' Harry snickered, incredulously, 'man, what a fucked-up world this is.'

/The Malfoys have a reputation to keep. Whether betraying their friends or even their own, they'll do it if it means to keep purebloods in the superior line. That is why the Malfoy family-line remains one of the renowned bloodlines in the Wizarding World./

'You sound as though you respect them very much.' Harry commented.

Tom shrugged.
/How could I not/

However powerful Tom Riddle may be, he could never change the fact he wasn't born a pureblood. Harry did not understand why Tom obsessed over pedigree, and quite frankly, he thought it was irrelevant when it came to superiority. If a half-blood like Tom Riddle could be this great evil known as Voldemort that frightened not only the Wizarding World, but the Muggle World entirely… and to have purebloods like the Malfoys to be his servant..
'What more could he want?' Harry wondered as he watched Tom. In Harry's opinion, the man had already accomplished quite enough.

'So, why was this Mun..dungus guy snooping around the Ministry? The Order of the Phoenix and the Ministry work together, right?' Harry changed the subject.

/Well, considering he was a crook to begin with, he probably couldn't help it. He's quite good at picking locks and provides information from connections all over. Pretty handy to have around, if you can keep him in check./
Tom followed.

Harry nodded. 'So, Sirius is at Grimmauld Place.. Is he safe? Is someone there with him?' He remembered Snape saying something about 'barely alive.'

/Some members of the Order are taking turns watching him. I should think he's in stable condition now/ Tom eyed Harry/though I'd be more worried about myself if I were you./

Harry snickered. 'Thanks for your concern, ol' buddy.'

/You should get some rest. You're going to need it before heading to the Ministry tomorrow./ Tom smiled.

'What? The Ministry?-!' Harry almost fell off his bed.

/I knew you weren't listening../ Tom shook his head/Severus Snape said he's taking you to see Lucius Malfoy to get his permission for the bond tomorrow./

Harry narrowed his eyes. 'Permission for the bond? What the hell is that?-! He already binded us!'

/Well, not that it'd happen, but Snape could be sent to Azkaban for doing this. He probably wants to make sure he has Lucius on his back just in case./
Tom shrugged.

Harry immediately went to the door. He was going kill Snape.

/Don't, Harry/ Tom stood in the way/your hands will burn if you touch the doorknob. He made sure you wouldn't leave this room./

Harry growled and turned to the window by the desk. He opened the curtains and opened it, surprisingly easily. Though, he found out why soon enough.

/Even Severus Snape didn't think you're stupid enough to jump off, Harry./
Tom chuckled. They were at least four stories high...

/I suggest you try to get some sleep, Harry. Like I said, you're going to need it./
With that, Tom disappeared to god knows where.

Harry banged his head against the window frame. 'I wonder if this height is enough to kill me...'

Harry hadn't slept all night. He sat on his bed, back against the small headboard until Snape rudely walked in not even bothering to knock. Of course, that would be asking too much, Harry rolled his eyes. When asked if he wanted something to eat, Harry shook his head. Snape looked satisfied with that answer and immediately dragged him in front of the fireplace. Harry visibly made a face. He remembered the floo network and how his body didn't agree with its method. That didn't stop Snape from shoving him in, his head almost hitting the bricks of the inner wall. Harry glared as the potions master crossed his arms and waited.

"Minister's office."
Harry finally said and embraced himself as he threw the floo powder.

"Ahh, Harry Potter.. It's nice to see you again."
A voice said, amusingly, as Harry disgracefully staggered out the mantelpiece.

"A pleasure.."
Harry scowled as he tried to get the stars and birds out of his head.

A moment later, Snape landed and merged in the rather elegant room.

"Severus, I've been expecting you."
Minister Malfoy smiled.

"Lucius."
Snape inclined his head.

"Have a seat, gentlemen. Tea or coffee?"
Lucius offered as an elderly woman brought some biscuits.

"Tea would be fine."
Snape answered.

Harry just nodded as he slumped back on the chair, a hand firmly holding his head. He usually drank coffee in the morning, but the aching in his head forced him to think otherwise. It had been a while since he used the floo, and all the bad memories seemed to rush back in his mind.

/It seems as though you didn't take my advice. Typical./
He heard a snicker. Tom..

'Good morning to you too, Tom.' Harry replied without looking up. Even if he did sleep, the floo traveling would have resulted the same.

"It seems our guest of honor is not in the best of shape."
Lucius sipped his tea and eyed Snape. Not a bit of concern, though.

"I'm afraid he has yet to master the basic skill of floo traveling, yes. But he'll be all right."
Snape took his cup from the pudgy woman.

Harry cursed under his breath as he took the offered tea. Without saying a word, the woman left the room. It seems as though she was quite accustomed to rude guests.

'It's not poisoned, is it?' Harry looked in his tea.

/She poured all three cups from the same pot. I'm pretty sure it's safe./
Tom reassured.

'How about the cup? She could've poisoned the cup.' Harry sniffed. The rich aroma was very inviting.

/My dear Harry, if they wanted to poison you, they'd done so already./
Tom smiled. His friend was getting a bit paranoid. Good.

Harry carefully took a sip and decided it was pretty good. It had an expensive flavor to it.

"I understand you needed my approval for the bonding?"
Lucius laced his fingers.

Snape nodded and unfolded a document. Harry stole a glance and saw Snape's signature on it.

'I guess they don't need my signature, then?' Harry smiled, bitterly. It wasn't really surprising, seeing how this whole bonding has been one-sided to begin with.

"How is your end of things, Severus?"
Lucius signed on the parchment and made a small cut on his thumb with a knife. He placed his thumbprint next to his signature and wiped the blood off with a handkerchief.

"Fine. How is Draco?"
Snape took the parchment from Lucius, graciously.

"He's well," a knock on the door made Lucius' smile broaden, "ah, that should be him now. Come in."

"Hello, father. Severus." A pause. "Potter."

A young man, about his age, Harry guessed, walked in the room and stood next to Lucius. Same long hair, tied in the back with a black bow. Same smirk and cold eyes looking down at Harry. The resemblance was uncanny.

"Draco. It's good to see you."
Snape greeted.

"Yes. It's been what? About five months since your last visit?"
The man called Draco smiled, though Harry could sense his eyes watching him.

/You should be honored, Harry/ Tom expanded his arms/you're surrounded by four most powerful Slytherins./

'Yipee,' Harry rolled his eyes, 'I truly regret not bringing any pen and paper for autographs.' He sipped his tea.

"So, the great Harry Potter decided to return," Draco drawled, "tell me Potter. What made you come out of hiding?"

Harry lifted his eyebrow and observed the blond. He could tell Draco wasn't really interested in the answer, but how he'd react. So, Harry responded in a way Draco would least expect. Ignoring.

"I apologize, Draco," Snape opened his mouth after several moment of silence, "it seems Potter has lost his memory, along with it some manners. Not that he had one to begin with."

Draco chuckled.
"You've return for your mutt, have you, Potter? It's too bad, though. He may have survived the veil somehow, but it's only a matter of time."

Snape knew Harry didn't know about Sirius, but he kept quiet. He was also interested in Harry's reactions. Was the brat going to explode like yesterday?

Harry slowly placed his cup on the saucer and smiled.
"You should all be praying for his life. If Sirius dies, there will be no reason in the world for me to vie with Voldemort. And I doubt the Dark Lord will look lightly upon you lot for switching sides."
Harry eyed all three men.

They were all equally startled, but the two older men did a better job concealing it. Draco flinched at the cold heartless stare and looked away. He never thought Harry Potter could muster such an apathetic expression. It almost rivaled that of his father. Harry saw Lucius eying Snape questioningly and smirked. They were all confused. Just the way he anticipated.

/Bravo, Harry/ Tom applauded/you've managed to evade young Malfoy's verbal assaults, admirably, I might add./

'What, that childish nonsense?' Harry scoffed. The man may look his age, but Malfoy junior was no better than a five year old, in Harry's opinion.

/Draco Malfoy always ruptured your nerves before, Harry./
Tom pointed out, still smiling.

'Maybe I grew up.' Harry drank the rest of his tea.

/You did, Harry/ Tom said, appraisingly/you did./

After Snape and Lucius made a small talk, they promised to keep in touch and it was over. Draco kept his eyes on Harry as he continued to silently evaluate his former schoolmate. Harry didn't even bother to acknowledge the stare as he stood and walked over to the fireplace.

"Do visit again, Potter. We are dying to know what you've been up to lately."
Lucius held out his hand.

Harry simply nodded and took it. They shook and Harry turned his head, but his hand was kept in a tight grip. For the first time, he looked up at Lucius in the eye.

'Huh, nice try.' Harry laughed inwardly as he occluded his mind from the prying eyes. He even tried doing some of his own legilimency, though it wasn't nearly as good as his occlumency. Lucius managed to block him just in time as he was on the verge of shoving Harry away.

"Thank you for the delectable tea, Minister," Harry turned to Draco, "Mr. Malfoy."

After Harry flooed away, Lucius called Snape before he entered the mantel.

"I thought you said the boy lost his memory."

Snape nodded.
"It seems he's just full of surprises. Wouldn't you agree, Lucius?"

Snape was indicating the legilimency battle earlier. It wasn't everyday you get to see Lucius Malfoy taken aback.

"Well, Severus. As you well know, I do not like surprises."
There was a subtle tone of threat in the minister's voice. Draco kept his body from shuddering.

"As do I. Do not worry yourself, Lucius. We will pry out everything there is to know about the boy. Good day to you, gentlemen."
Snape bowed and flooed out.

Lucius stood next to his son by the window. He glanced at the youth and noted the confusion in his eyes. Lucius didn't blame him since he was unsettled himself. However, he couldn't help but asking.

"What did you think of Potter, Draco?"

Draco turned to his father, startled. He pondered how to answer such an unexpected question, but made up his mind.

"I still hate him. But I think I hate him less."
Draco waited for a response. But all he got was an amusing lift of the eyebrow.

-------------

Harry swayed out of the mantel and squeezed his eyes shut.

/Well, you certainly have taken it well/ Tom praised/I thought you'd rip the parchment in pieces before Lucius Malfoy signed it./

Harry held his head in place and began to shake. Tom sighed when he recognized the state his friend was in.

/Now, Harry. You don't want to do anything stupid-../
Before Tom could finish, Harry turned around and took a fistful of floo powder.

/Right, then/ Tom shook his head/I'll just stand back here and let you loose./

As soon as Snape landed, Harry violently flung the powder in his eyes.

"?-!"

Before Snape could react, Harry snatched his wand and blasted him against the mantel.

"So, this is how it felt when you took me by surprise that night. Must admit, it feels nice."
Harry smiled and blasted his binder again.

"..Potter.."
Snape gritted his teeth in hatred and muttered his name like it was the most vile thing in the world. He was on the ground and blood was dripping from his mouth. He rubbed his eyes to get the floo powder out. But it wasn't gratifying enough for Harry.

/Don't even bother trying to kill him, Harry. You'll die without the binder./
Tom warned before Harry could cast the Killing Curse.

"Undo the bond."
Harry growled, aiming Snape's wand to its owner.

"No."
Snape struggled to get up on his knees.

/Harry I must warn you. You can't keep-../
Harry cut off Tom's sentence.

"Wrong answer!"
He kicked Snape in the ribs, which forced the man to sprawl on the ground again.

"Now, if you don't want me to break your ribcage, I suggest you break the bond."
Harry smiled. He heard Tom saying something about taking back what he said about Harry growing up, but ignored it.

Snape coughed blood to Harry's delight. But the smug on his face disappeared when the potions master began to laugh. He narrowed his eyes as Snape wiped the blood from his mouth and looked up with a cynical smile.

"Go ahead, Potter. Kill me."
Snape rose to his knees. Despite the pain he should be feeling, he continued to smile.

/Don't, Harry. You can't kill him unless he releases you from the bond./
Tom warned again.

Harry clicked his tongue and glared at Snape. He cocked his eyebrow as if to ask 'well, what are you waiting for?' Harry growled and blasted him across the room. Snape sucked his breath as his shoulder hit the wall. He never gave the satisfaction of crying out in pain, much to Harry's dismay.

/Harry, you really shouldn't-../

'Shut the FUCK up, Riddle!' Harry strode over to Snape. 'I'm the one he's fucking with, not you.' He yanked some of Snape's hair and roughly pulled him up.

"How about I kill the old bastard you seem to worship so much?"
Harry shoved the end of the wand to the soft flesh of Snape's throat.

Snape managed to snort without gagging from the harsh pressure.
"What makes you think, Potter.. That you could even come close to hurting him?"

"It didn't seem so difficult yesterday. Besides," Harry shoved the wand harder and made Snape choke, "I have his little chattel I can use for advantage."

He started to drag Snape to the door when it suddenly opened. Harry immediately pointed the wand at the newcomer.

"Dad?"
A little boy poked his head in.

"Wha-.."
Harry blinked as their eyes met. The boy's hazel eyes went wide.

Suddenly, Snape jerked the wand away and punched Harry in the pit of the stomach.

"!-!"
Harry couldn't breathe for an instant as he landed hard on the ground. He started to cough violently as sudden burst of air filled his lungs. He was amazed at the amount of strength Snape had after being blasted so many times.

"Ugh!.. gh.."
Harry continued to cough as he held his stomach in a fetal position. He was caught off guard again. Fuck.

Snape stood up straight and wiped his blood with his sleeve. He looked down at Harry and aimed his wand.

"..Da.d..?"
The boy called, a little shaken by the scene he just witnessed.

Snape turned to the door and gave out a loud sigh. He placed his wand down and walked to the door. As he was lead out, the boy's eyes locked with Harry's again. Surprisingly, the door closed quietly.

"Well, I sure got off easy."
Harry's breathing calmed and he sat up. He was quite sure he was going to get more than a punch once he was caught.

/I wouldn't be so sure, my friend./
Tom said from the corner he was standing. For some reason, he was giving Harry the pity look.

'What do you mea-' As soon as Harry asked, his body started to ache. He stared down at his hands, feeling as though they were on fire. They started to shake violently as he felt his blood start to boil.

"What the fuck?-!"
Harry gasped as he fell.