AN: And another chapter is complete! I hope everyone enjoys this one. I had a lot of fun writing it (especially flirty Harry) lol. It has a bit of filler in it, but I thought it would be a good idea considering what happened in the previous chapter, which is finally going to be dealt with for the most part. I thought it better to keep the chapter at the length it is now. I didn't want to add too much to it and overwhelm everyone, so I decided to end it with a funny moment. (Funny to me at least)
On a side note, this story is a little over one year now! I wanted to thank everyone who has stuck with it this far. Also, I have hit a milestone (for me at least) this story is officially over 50k words, which is the longest I've ever written. I'm proud of myself for actually doing a slow burn for once.)
Okay, before I fucking forget this time~
This is NOT going to be a poly story, so I'm sorry for the people that keep asking if it is.
Why is it not going to be poly? Because for the characters in this particular story, I don't feel as if a poly relationship would be healthy/capable. Harry would be fine for a poly relationship for the most part, but Severus in particular (as well as Tom) are simply way too possessive/jealous to have a functioning poly relationship.
Trust me, as someone who IS poly, there are people who are not cut out for it. As easy as it would be to say "it should just be a thruple" or "why can't it be poly instead" you have to have an understanding that relationships are vastly more complicated and it isn't realistic to simply make it poly because there is an attraction/affection from another person.
(sorry for the mini-rant guys, but I often feel that people fetishize poly relationships/don't have an understanding of it and simply suggest it without taking the actual dynamics of it into consideration.)
Harry woke up with a slight pain in his head, his fingers absently rubbing his scar to soothe the sudden dull pain. "Well someone isn't happy," The seventeen-year-old wizard mumbled softly to himself as he sat up, wondering what had made the Dark Lord so enraged this morning. He barely caught sight of Severus moving around in the kitchen before the events of the other night came crashing down around him, his ears starting to burn at the reminder of falling asleep on the sofa.
"If you're referring to the Dark Lord, then you are correct." Severus calmly stated as he placed two cups of tea on the table. "He knows about what Dumbledore did last night." He explained, adding a single cube of sugar into his cup.
"Huh?" Harry rubbed the sleep from his eyes, fully becoming aware of the blanket that had been tossed across his shoulders at some point. "How did he find out?"
"I believe the stress from yesterday caused you to lower your mental shields regarding the link you share with the Dark Lord." Long, elegant fingers passed a cup to Harry, who quietly thanked him.
"Wait." Harry paused mid-sip, suddenly understand more of the situation. "Tom felt my…panic when Dumbledore cornered me yesterday?" He asked, to which Severus gave a nod. "How do you know this?" The Gryffindor asked, a little perplexed.
"The Dark Lord was worried enough to summon me," Severus stated, eyes subtlety sweeping over Harry's appearance for a moment as the younger wizard flushed. "After all, he explained about quickly losing the connection once you fell asleep."
"Oh, Merlin…" Harry grimaced at the implications in the words. "He thought I was in danger." He summarized, understanding why Tom had been worried.
"Indeed," Severus replied, finishing his tea after a few moments, and standing up in a way that managed to look majestic. "He also instructed me to ensure you go to Gringotts to fill out a restraining order this morning," The Slytherin commented, raising an eyebrow at the soft huff that immediately escaped.
"I had no idea he would be this protective." Harry chuckled, running a hand through his already messy hair. "It's not a bad idea, though. It was one I planned on doing before I got the Board of Governors involved anyway." Severus hummed at the confession, relieved to know Harry had planned on doing something similar. "What time does Gringotts open?" Harry asked.
"At five. It's currently four-thirty." He informed, waving his wand to levitate the empty cups to the sink.
"Four-thirty?" Harry rubbed at his head again, which still had a dull pain. "I don't think he's even bothered to sleep at all." He knew his headaches well enough from the past to know that Tom hadn't slept any. Slowly, he stood up to fix his appearance and sigh. "I might visit him before we head to Gringotts. Just to prove that I'm not in any imminent danger." He explained.
"I think it would certainly…help him," Severus agreed, watching as the Gryffindor waved his hand, his cloak appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
"I think so too, and it'll help me as well. It'll get rid of my headache." Harry smirked, putting his cloak around his shoulders. "I shouldn't be too long…thirty minutes at most." He stated quietly, waving his hand in a small gesture as he vanished, leaving Severus to feel a slight ache of jealousy that was quickly pushed aside.
Harry apparated straight to Riddle Manor and into the study, meeting the gaze of surprised crimson eyes. : I guess you didn't suspect to see me so soon?: Harry tried to joke, but the intense emotion behind the crimson eyes nearly took his breath away. "Merlin, I don't think I've ever seen you this pissed before." He mumbled, swallowing at the dark look. "Not even when I told you about what happened with your diary."
"That's because Dumbledore has once again crossed the line," Tom's voice was darker than ever, a dangerous note to his voice that made Harry swallow. "You hadn't told me that it was getting this bad." He said with a frown, the worry back at full force which had surprised Harry at first.
"That's because it didn't get that bad until yesterday," Harry stated, leaning against the Dark Lord's desk, practically sitting on the corner. "He's merely been a nuisance for the past two and a half months. Annoying, but easily dealt with." He informed, crossing his arms. "That's changed now, though. He's more…aggressive and demanding." Harry felt a chill roll down his spine at the reminder of Dumbledore's odd behavior last night, the darkness in the Headmaster's words was like a knife cutting into his flesh. The Dark Lord narrowed his eyes slowly, shaking his head.
"No matter what it was, it is still harassment." Tom reminded with a scowl, looking over Harry's appearance for a moment. "If I had my way, that senile old man would be suffering at my hands this very minute for causing you so much trouble." The Dark Lord spoke, still looking at the younger wizard, who flushed at the words.
"If it makes you feel better, there is someone else you can do that to," Harry suggested with a small, innocent grin as Tom rose an eyebrow. "This person has been harassing me since my…" Harry paused for a moment. "Fourth year? She's always been invasive with my private life."
"I assume you are talking about Rita Skeeter?" Tom had his hands folded, watching as Harry paused again, but gave him a nod in approval. "I'm currently making plans on dealing with her as well."
"Wait, what?" Harry asked in surprise, narrowing in on the way Tom smirked.
"I've never been partial to journalists who create false stories, or ones that blatantly invade someone's privacy." The Slytherin explained. "And especially when those infringements are against people I care about." Harry smiled a bit, unable to help himself as warmth spread through his chest at the kind words.
"I never thought I'd hear you admit to caring about me," He teased, earning a fond eye roll. "Thank you for caring, though." Tom waved him off.
"You can thank me when I kill that nosy journalist. She has no right to..." Tom stopped himself, inhaling softly as he forced himself to calm down and not say anything too damaging. Harry's smile widened at the sight, unable to stop from being amused that Voldemort was this furious on his behalf. "The last thing you need to deal with is her when you're already having the misfortune of being around Dumbledore." Tom supplied with a grimace, having taken a moment to form his words. "While I do miss Hogwarts, I certainly don't miss dealing with the Headmaster."
"That's one of the only things I look forward to after graduation," Harry admitted, leaning against the desk more, a little surprised that Tom hadn't glared at him for it, or even pushed him off. "I have to abide by certain rules for now, but I am going to enjoy making his life harder when Yule comes around." Tom was relieved to see a mischievous glint return to those emerald eyes, the cleverness starting to shine through again.
"I can't wait to hear about it. And please," Tom's tone had changed into something that almost resembled desperation. "Tell me if he does this again," The Dark Lord pleaded with such conviction that Harry found himself giving in and agreeing. "I will not sit back and allow him to harass you anymore." His voice resembled a growl and Harry cleared his throat, giving a small nod.
"I've already agreed to report him formally to the Board of Governors if he does this again. He'll also be violating a restraining order if he does, so it'll make things even worse for him." Tom tilted his head in assent, allowing himself to smile at not only how Harry handled the events, but how it was meticulously planned. "Which I have a gut feeling that he will." Tom snorted.
"Brilliantly planned, in that case. Still, I will be expecting you to tell me once he does anything." Harry offered him a small smile, resisting the urge to fondly roll his eyes.
"I promise," Harry agreed, starting to push himself off the desk, flushing when he was pulled into an embrace that felt like something from a dream.
"Please be careful," Tom mumbled, arms tightening around the smaller wizard who melted into the touch, returning the embrace.
"I always try," Harry responded, chuckling at the playful flick to his side. "I am capable of protecting myself. Need I remind you of the day I barged into the death eater meeting?" The Gryffindor outright laughed at the amused huff he received.
"Merlin, no," Tom said with a soft chuckle, allowing Harry to pull away.
"Well, I better get back to Severus. I told him I wouldn't be gone too long." Harry looked over Tom's appearance and smirked. "And since I'm going to Gringotts to fill out a restraining order, you need to get some sleep." Tom looked at him, affronted.
: I got plenty of-:
: Tom, I know you didn't sleep at all. Don't make me beg you to get your ass in bed.: Harry gave him a look. : It's too early for me to get on my knees.: Tom was never more thankful to not be drinking anything, otherwise, he would have choked and sputtered. His face was blazing with heat as the younger wizard continued to stare at him. : Well?:
:Fine: Tom hissed in defeat, trying to fight off his blush as he stood from his chair. : Now get back to Severus before he comes marching in here looking for you.:
: Yes, my lord: Harry mock bowed, apparting out.
Tom sighed in amusement, walking into his chambers as he tried to push away the suggestive images his mind supplied. :Brat: He hissed with a fond shake of his head.
"See, I wasn't gone too long." Harry grinned, relieved that his headache was fading away quickly. "And I think my visit might have cheered him up. Merlin knows he needed to see me," Severus paused at the words, the tightness in his chest returning.
"You and the Dark Lord are rather close," Severus commented offhandedly, making Harry give a small shrug, thinking nothing of the statement.
"I suppose? I mean, I am his Horcrux after all. I think that's a huge reason as to why he worries so much. That and he enjoys talking to someone in Parseltongue who isn't a snake." He said, laughing softly. "I don't think he's ever had anyone openly sass him or talk to him as a normal person in years. Tom's gotten so used to everyone's obedience that it's a nice change of pace to have me around." Harry surmised, fixing his cloak so it covered his shoulders more. "I can't wait to see his reaction to Fred and George." Severus snorted softly.
"I dare not imagine what chaos those two will create." Harry grinned a bit.
"Then it's a good thing I never became a dark lord. It would have been the three of us and Hermione." The look on Severus' face was priceless as he spoke up again. "I briefly considered it, truthfully. You'd be surprised at all the hours the three of us put into it. It would have involved the prank shop as our base of operations."
"You're serious." Severus realized, which only made Harry laugh again.
"As ever. We were all getting tired of Dumbledore and no one would have suspected the twins, let alone Molly. As much as she nagged them, she wouldn't have ever suspected them." Harry explained with a shrug. "And we always kept our close friendship hidden for the most part. None of the Weasleys knew how close we were besides Bill and Charlie, and they don't exactly live here."
"I would have assumed Percival Weasley would have noticed. He was a rather observant student." Harry simply shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"That whole situation is complicated." He admitted. "He hasn't spoken to the family in about two years I believe. Instead of following Dumbledore like a mindless follower, he follows Fudge. I'm not sure if that's any better." Snape felt his lips twitch at that, giving a hum. He let Harry move closer to him, his arm instinctively wrapping around the younger wizards waist as they apparated to Diagon Alley.
"I can't say if that's any better myself," Severus spoke, smirking when he heard Harry snort, watching as he cast a wandless privacy spell around them.
"He's too invested in the Ministry to see their flaws. At least he realized Umbridge was a horrible person, but he has yet to see that about the Minister." Harry shrugged again, unaware that he was still holding onto Severus' arm as they walked to Gringotts. "I don't think he's bothered to come around for Yule in two years. From what I know, he keeps sending his gifts back, unopened." Harry couldn't imagine doing a thing, personally.
It was a comfortable silence as they made their trek to the building, eventually coming across it after a few minutes.
"How long will this take?" Harry asked, feeling a small bubble of apprehension for in the pit of his stomach.
"Not too long," Severus mumbles, glancing at him for a brief second. "Given that your account manager already knows of the illegal actions Dumbledore committed, they won't question you too much. They may require a few memories." He stated, opening the door for the younger and walking to the Goblin Harry immediately recognized.
"I didn't think you enjoyed working the early shifts, Jagrofth," Harry smirked when the Goblin looked down at him with a sigh, although there was amusement in those dark eyes.
"You'd be correct, Lord Potter-Black. One of our Goblins is currently expecting a child, so it was left to me to cover them." Harry felt his eyes light up at the knowledge of a new Goblin child coming to the world. He gave a small bow.
"Please give them my sincerest congratulations, in that case. I hope their child's life is filled with gold and prosperity." Jagrofth offered a true smile and bowed in return.
"I will ensure that I do so. Now, what can we help you with today?" Harry sighed and shook his head.
"I'm here to request a restraining order." Interest peaked, Jagrofth got off the seat and ushered the two wizards to follow him. They were led to a simple white room with a table and a few runes engraved into the wood, as well as the wall.
"And who are you filling it against, Lord Potter-Black?" The Goblin asked, a golden piece of paper appearing from the table. The quill was also of gold, but it had a few symbols that seemed almost translucent.
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." Harry supplied the full name, watching in awe as the words appeared immediately on the paper. Jagrofth looked astounded for a moment, before giving a toothy grin.
"It seems magic is on your side," The Goblin mused, looking back up to Harry. "It's not unheard of, but this is rare. Usually, there is more to this process, such as a summons and hearing, but…" The Goblin looked to the paper that already had the names. "Sometimes magic steps in and ensures it is done right away." He cleared his throat. "As I must ask all those who file a restraining order, can you provide memories as to why you need one?" Harry nodded and waved his hand, a blue light appearing from his temple and landing on the table, to which it blazed with light as it was sucked into the runes, more words appearing on the paper.
Another paper appeared at that moment, in which the specific memories were played. The one from the previous night stood out and the Goblin glowered at the scene, his anger obvious.
Severus watched the memories as well, his pale hand gripping the chair tightly, eyes filled with venom as he watched Harry back away from the Headmaster, who had used his power in the form of words. His knuckles were white, watching as Harry pulled away in panic as he rushed off.
After watching the memories, Jagrofth shook his head with a dark scowl. "I can assure you, Lord Potter-Black, Dumbledore will be notified of the restraining order immediately. Magic has already ensured that it goes into effect." Jagrofth looked disgusted at the blank paper where the memories had been. "You are lucky your magic is so strong. The Headmaster had been attempting to use his words as a compulsion spell." The Goblin informed to the surprise of the two wizards. "It is no wonder as to why the restraining order went into immediate effect."
And just like that, the golden paper and quill disappeared into the table in a flash of golden light, one that left a sensation of warmth through Harry's chest. Severus couldn't help but gaze at the younger wizard, the golden flash around him making the Gryffindor look ethereal, those bright green eyes taking his breath away.
Harry turned to him, a smile on his face that put even the sun to shame.
As Albus was eating his breakfast, he was more than surprised to see a golden light flash before him, leaving an envelope to the side of his drink. Growing anxious as he felt the magic around it, the older man opened the letter.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you are hereby prohibited from coming into contact with Harry James Potter-Black-Gryffindor-Peverell. (Dumbledore did a double-take at the name and lordships) Being that you are the headmaster of Hogwarts, you are only allowed to be in the same room during meals or whereupon walking into the same direction unknowingly.
You are prohibited from seeking out the other wizard at any point or engaging in conversation with him. In failure to do so, Gringotts AND the Board of Governors will be notified and come at once to ensure your removal.
On this date of November 10th, Gringotts and the Board of Governors hereby put this restraining order into effect.
As he finished reading, Albus swallowed hard as magic wrapped around him before vanishing into his body. His eyes were absent of a twinkle as they looked at the Gryffindor table, meeting the blank gaze of emerald eyes.
It was at this point that Albus Dumbledore, First Class Order of Merlin, former Chief Wizengamot, and former supreme mugwump realized that he had done fucked up.