Author's Note: It's been too long! Thanks go out to Mimi Taylor and Quincey Forder for reading this over for me and listening to me whine. I couldn't have done it without you guys! ;)

Dracula threw an arm around Harry's shoulders as the teenager ambled back to his rooms after the party. "Did you have a good time this evening, Harry?" Dracula asked, hoping Harry was still alert enough to talk.

"I did," Harry said, appearing more alert than Vlad had anticipated. "Danielle was a wonderful companion for the evening. Thank you for that."

"You're quite welcome. She told me that she would be happy to be your escort for future events should you not have a date."

Harry nodded as he reached up to loosen his collar. "That sounds good. She's brilliant, you know. Very intelligent and unafraid to show it, especially when you hit on a topic in which she has some background. Ask her about history and you learn so much…I enjoyed that."

"Good. I guessed that you needed a bit more than a pretty face to be entertained. Dudley, on the other hand…" Vlad shrugged.

"I don't think he's grown out of the teenaged boy stage yet," Harry told Vlad. "He's getting there, though."

"That's nice. You look as though you're going to fall asleep standing on your feet. Let's get you to your room."

"Sounds good to me," Harry said as Dracula led him towards Harry's rooms. "Just point me towards my bed and I'll never leave it again."

"You can't do that," Dracula said as he opened the door to Harry's rooms. Lucian leapt from a chair in the sitting room when Dracula turned on the lights. "You may go, Lucian. I'll take care of him."

"I can take care of myself," Harry mumbled. "All by myself."

Dracula stopped and looked at him. "When you are asleep on your feet? Unlikely."

Lucian left, murmuring a good evening to Harry, and shut the door behind him. Dracula steered Harry towards the bedroom. "Here, sit down." Dracula said as he stopped by the bed. Harry dropped onto the mattress and blinked up at Dracula.

"I'm tired," Harry said blankly.

"I know. Here, take off your shoes," Dracula nudged Harry into starting the undressing process while he went to rummage for Harry's night clothes.

He found what he was looking for, silently thanking Lucian for preparing it ahead of time, and returned to Harry. The boy was sitting on the edge of the mattress in nothing but his shirt and pants.

"You can't sleep like that. Put these on," Dracula said, shaking Harry's shoulder to wake him back up.

"I can sleep just fine like this," Harry grumbled before unfolding the clothing. "Step outside, please."

"You have nothing I haven't seen before."

"Now, please." Harry said shortly. Hmm, even mostly asleep, he is still stubborn.

"Very well," Dracula stepped into the bathroom and waited for a moment and then returned to the bedroom when he heard Harry fussing with the bedclothes. "Are you finished?"

"Yeah," Harry said as he crawled under the blankets. "Finished."

Vlad walked to the bed and straightened the blankets before pausing to rest a hand on Harry's head. "Thank you for allowing me to adopt you this evening. It means a lot to me to have another child I can call my own."

"Sure thing. Why did you want me?" Harry asked, his eyes drifting closed as Vlad started humming.

"You have more worth than you could possibly know, Harry. Never doubt that."

"Okay," Harry said. He scrunched up his face and sighed. "I think I should say something tomorrow…to the foreign magical dignitaries."

"Why?"

"People are trying to make me a political figurehead, even you with all of your maneuverings on my behalf. I should beat the world to it and surprise everyone…" Harry paused. "That made more sense an hour ago."

Vlad gave an indulgent chuckle before smoothing Harry's hair back. "It made perfect sense, little magus. I'll arrange something for tomorrow, if that's alright with you?"

"Tomorrow? Sounds good. Call it a press conference or a meeting or summit…or something." Harry fell quiet for a moment, his face scrunched in thought. "I'll need a lot of coffee tomorrow."

Vlad couldn't help but laugh at Harry's suggestion. "Yes, plenty of coffee. Now, go to sleep. I'll arrange everything."

"Thanks, Vlad…for everything." Harry said as he relaxed into his bed and fell asleep.

Vlad studied him for a moment and then shifted to look at the group of vampires behind him. "He doesn't realize how important he is, does he?"

"Not at all, Vlad. You've chosen a wonderful son," Neith said as she approached Dracula's side.

"Yes, I know," he said in return. "I still can't believe that they would do that to him, when he's given up so much already." Dracula lowered a hand to rest on Harry's hair and stared down at him. "He's had so much pain already."

"Things may yet work out for his benefit, my lord," Neith said softly. "The future may change."

Bohdan stepped forward and offered a box to Dracula. "I never suspected you would adopt him, but I brought what you wanted."

"Thank you," Dracula took the box and opened it. A necklace glistened up at him. "Perfect, Bohdan." Bohdan gave a slight bow and moved away.

"He is just as enticing as you said he was…well, he was before you claimed him." Cassius pouted a bit as Dracula removed the necklace from the box.

"He is mine now, Cassius. So sorry to spoil your fun." Dracula unclasped the necklace, leaned down and fastened the necklace around Harry's neck.

"Ah, well, it could be worse. You could have forgotten to provide proper refreshments earlier."

"I could never!" Vlad protested softly. He stopped and considered Cassius, clearly thinking about something. "You are still a joker, Cassius."

"Always and forever," the vampire acknowledged.

"I need a favor from one of you," Dracula said suddenly. He stopped and looked over all of the vampires in the room. "Harry will need protection when he returns to the wizards' school. He'll need vampiric protection."

"Ooo! Me! Please, pick me!" Cassius performed a perfect imitation of overeager student. "Me! Pick me!"

Vlad stared at the other vampire in shock. "Forgive me, Cassius, but why? You detest children."

"Not all children…" he said, affronted. "I only wish to be witness to all of their faces when they figure out that their little savoir is now a prince!" Cassius gave a silent chuckle. "Please, Vlad. I would do almost anything…even deal with children… to be able to witness such an event! Please! I will get down on my knees, if need be!"

"I think you should allow him, Vlad," Neith said with a smile on her face. "I can only see good things for Harry should Cassius accompany him to school."

"Very well, Cassius. You may act as Harry's guard since you feel so strongly about it," Vlad finally said.

"THANK YOU!" Cassius almost hugged Vlad, but Harry rolling over in bed chased all of the vampires out of the room.

The rattle of cup and saucer woke Harry the next morning. He put out a hand and pushed aside the hangings. "Morning, Lucian."

"Good morning, Harry," Lucian said a bit too brightly. I've brought strong coffee for you."

"Strong coffee?" That alone told Harry it was far too early for him to be awake after such a long night. "What time is it?"

"Just after ten o'clock." Lucian couldn't help but snicker. "I must apologize for waking you so soon, but the Master wished it." Lucian finished his statement with a 'what can you do?' shrug.

"I hope he realizes I just want to bed six hours ago. Couldn't he have waited?" Harry picked up his coffee and drained half the cup in one go. "I might become cranky later."

"He assures me that coffee will be served at breakfast." Lucian paused. "Turkish coffee."

"You've already had some, haven't you?" Harry asked, eyeing him in suspicion.

"Yes! Three cups." Lucian nodded so fast that Harry pondered a bobble headed Lucian.

"How are you standing still?"

"I don't know," Lucian said, his caffeinated grin stretching across his face. "Your shower is running. I'll lay out your clothing."

"Thanks, Lucian." Harry slid out of bed, drank the rest of his coffee, and went to shower. He emerged in a cloud of steam and stared at the clothing waiting for him. It wasn't his. It looked as though it could be his, but it wasn't. "Lucian?" Lucian turned away from what he was doing and looked at Harry. "What is this?"

"A suit," Lucian replied.

"I know that, but it's not mine," Harry said.

"The master sent it. He wishes you to wear this today."

I am sooo staking him. Harry thought as he looked at the clothing. It was actually very nice, and he had a strange feeling this was one of many attempts to spoil him.

"Harry, what is that?" Lucian asked, pointing at Harry's neck.

Harry reached up and his hand hit a thin chain. He went over to the mirror and looked at it. There was a small charm hanging in the hollow of his throat. "I don't know." Harry said finally. It looked familiar, but he couldn't place it. "Do you recognize this?" Harry held up the charm for Lucian's inspection.

"It's the master's insignia," Lucian said. "I don't know why you have it."

"He adopted me last night," Harry said softly.

"Ah, that's good," Lucian said. "I dare say we'll be seeing more of you."

"Something about visiting each year, I think." Harry said. "I suppose I should get dressed."

"Will you need help with your hair?"

Harry stopped and gave Lucian a wry look. "I think I am capable of taking care of my own hair, Lucian."

"Yes, but you have a press conference today," Lucian said. "You should probably wear it pulled back."

"I – what?" Harry felt his temper start to climb. A press conference? He wouldn't dare!

"The master set it up. He mentioned governments and their invitations to you, and expectations. I really don't understand what he was talking about."

Harry calmed a bit. That's right. I asked him to set it up. I forgot…I must need caffeine. "Okay. Alright."

"Your hair?"

"I'll wear it pulled back, I promise," Harry said, trying to stay calm. "Now, may I get dressed?"

"I'll leave," Lucian said. "Breakfast in the day room."

"Thanks, Lucian," Harry said as Lucian left. First, there was an overprotective vampire. Now, I have an overbearing valet. Great.

Harry rolled his eyes at new underwear…again…before pulling it on. Silly vampires. His new suit was charcoal grey. It appeared to be made for him. He had a feeling it was by the same tailor as his formal clothing from last night.

Harry paused when he finished dressing. Yep. Everything is new. Even the socks. He took a few minutes to tame his hair and fix a clasp to hold it. He put on his ring and left his rooms to go to breakfast.

Dudley stumbled past his rooms, eyes barely open. "Hey, Dud." Dudley mumbled something in response and continued walking. "You okay?"

"Polina loves dancing," Dudley said, attempting to open his eyes wider. "I danced a lot last night." He paused and looked a little more awake. "Remus was drooling last night, right? I didn't imagine it?"

"I do believe he was," Harry answered.

"I saw them holding hands, too." Dudley said as they reached the landing above the main hallway. Harry looked up as he and Dudley leaned on the railing. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse stared down at him and Harry pushed away the atavistic fear that skittered up his spine. Was Death staring at him?

"Does that bother you?" Harry asked as he moved his eyes away from the Horsemen and down to the crowd in the atrium.

"I thought it would, but it doesn't," Dudley explained, stifling a yawn. "Mum and Dad didn't do that type of thing, you know, that holding hands and kissing. They just lived in the same house." Dudley shrugged. "She's happy."

"Are you happy?" Harry asked.

Dudley blinked at Harry. He obviously wasn't expecting Harry's question.

"I guess," Dudley stammered. "I mean, I don't mind Remus. He's nice, and he's not trying to be dad to me, you know."

"Yes, he makes a very good friend."

Dudley nodded, but didn't really answer Harry. "Breakfast with a bunch of foreign delegates normal for you?" Dudley asked as they started downstairs.

"Not normal, no," Harry said, unable to hold back a chuckle. "I'm famous, but I don't spend a lot of time with important people.

"You, famous? Really?" Dudley said in an awed voice.

"Shut up, Dud!" Harry scowled. "It's not funny." Harry nudged his cousin's shoulder before continuing down the stairs. "Anyway, everyone wants to meet me, but I'm not usually required to do things like, uh, meals and parties…and I don't think I like it."

"You don't like being famous?"

"Definitely not," Harry answered tiredly. "I'd rather be a normal teenager, hang out with friends, play video games, annoy my parents. That type of thing. I don't have that option, and I wish I did." Harry shrugged.

"Maybe after…"

"Who knows?" Harry said, interrupting his cousin's optimistic thought. Maybe after doesn't exist for me, Dudley. I don't think it ever has.

"Ah, Harry!" Vlad's voice rang out through the atrium. "There you are! Good morning!"

Chipper vampire in three, two – OOF! "Morning, Vlad," Harry said as the vampire hugged him.

"And Dudley!" Vlad's arms left Harry and gave Dudley a quick squeeze. "Good to see you both conscious after the party last night." Vlad said as he looked between the two of them.

"Dudley, may I borrow your cousin for just a moment?" Vlad said.

"Hold it!" Harry said as Dracula tried to pull him away. "I want to speak to my aunt first before you snatch me away."

"My dear Harry, I do not snatch," Vlad protested.

"Papa, you do snatch," Khalid said as he appeared next to Dracula. "Go find your aunt, little brother. I'll entertain our father." Khalid and Dracula promptly disappeared into the salon, leaving Harry and Dudley standing there.

"Harry, Khalid called you 'little brother'," Dudley said in obvious confusion.

"Yeah, I was adopted last night."

Dudley stared at him for just a few seconds before descending into helpless laughter. "It's not that funny!"

"Oh, no!" Dudley chortled to himself. "I'm not laughing about that! Just imagine what school will be like for you now! You've been adopted by royalty!"

Harry stared at his cousin in dawning comprehension and could only hang his head in defeat. "Just bloody wonderful," he muttered before saying a few choice swear words under his breath. His Highness Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, Heir to Wallachia. "Bugger."

Kahlid dragged Vlad into the salon, shut the door behind him and then slammed Vlad into the wall and held him there. "Papa, I am only going to tell you this once, and after that, I will expect you to mind my words and act accordingly without prompt or reminder: do not smother that child!"

"I haven't any idea of what you are speaking, Khalid. I would never smother him!" Vlad placated, attempting to remove Khalid's hands from his throat without injuring the younger vampire.

"Papa, please remember what he is like, the masks the boy wears. He may seem pure affability now, but in future, he can and most likely will become very dangerous to anyone and anything that stands in his way…including you."

"Khalid, calm yourself, child." Dracula removed himself from Khalid's hands and smoothed his clothing. "I am well aware of Harry's limits and boundaries. He and I had an interesting discussion last night after the party, and I promise you I am no closer to smothering him with attention than I was with you."

Khalid gave him another suspicious look for a few seconds before relenting. "Forgive me, Papa. I am overjoyed to be able to claim him as a brother, and his body language was screaming discomfort."

"He is always uncomfortable in large crowds unless he is acting. I hope to dispel that hindrance in the future."

"Please be careful with him," Khalid pleaded. "I don't wish to lose him to the darkness waiting for him."

"I will not allow such a thing to happen, my child. I promise." Dracula enfolded Khalid in his arms and hugged him. "For now, we can only wait. The next move in the events is Harry's and he has a marvelous one planned, sure to set the world on its ear."

"Really?" Khalid purred. "Do tell."

"It would ruin the surprise," Dracula said, stepping away from Khalid. "You'll find out this afternoon when Harry gives his speech." Vlad gave a smirk and walked away.

"SPEECH?!"

Harry peeked at the growing crowd with some trepidation. There were far more people than he was expecting when he had asked Vlad to set this up for him He was certain that even Rita Skeeter was out there, and harry had no desire to speak with her again. His day was becoming a wall of political activity. First, breakfast with the foreign dignitaries and then a press conference after lunch with representatives of the press. What's next…tea with the queen? Harry had to laugh at that. When would he ever have tea with the queen?

"Are you ready, Harry?" Khalid asked, dropping a hand on Harry's shoulder and giving it a quick squeeze.

"I hope so," Harry said, trying to take a deep breath. "Am I doing the right thing, Khalid?"

"Right or wrong, it needs to be said."

Harry nodded and turned to look at the growing crowd again. "Think of it this way, little brother," Khalid said softly. "It is 'once more unto the breach' for the wizarding world. You are the rallying cry."

Khalid moved away and Harry pondered his words. I can always turn this into a performance.

An excellent idea, little magus. Vlad's voice laughed in his mind. Shall I find you a crown?

Har, har. Very funny, Vlad. Harry snarked back. I could just walk away from this.

"You asked for it," Vlad said as he appeared behind Harry.

"I know," Harry tried not to whine with that statement.

"Are you ready?" Vlad asked, turned towards the crowd.

Harry took a couple of deep breaths and called up a mixture of Dracula and Edmund characteristics to create a new persona of Dracula's adopted son – regal yet approachable.

"Well done," Vlad whispered as Harry strode down the center aisle of the room. Flashes went off and Harry regretted not banning cameras. He reached the podium at the front of the room and fought not to smirk at finding his prepared speech waiting for him. Good old Lucian.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I wish to thank you all for coming, especially on such short notice. Some of you here had a late night at the Summer Gathering, so I thank you for giving up a little sleep. I am assured that refreshments will be available afterwards while we relax, and the refreshments will include both coffee and tea.

"Many of you may be wondering why I've decided to give a press conference when I have avoided the press in the past. I can tell you that it was a sudden decision stemming from last night. I spoke to a lot of people last night, and I know even more of you wished to speak with me and did not have the chance; there were also a lot of questions asked, and few answers were given their proper due. You'll have to forgive me if that happened to you. The sad fact is that I'm sure that I missed some of you, and I didn't like that idea. If you want to speak with me, you should be able to do so. Sadly, I am limited to twenty-four hours per day, just like every other man. Now, I would like to address some of the issues from last night.

"Several of you asked why I left the magical world last year. My reasons are personal. I do not wish to share them at this time. I can say that I needed a break, and my aunt helped me take that break. Thank you, Aunt Petunia.

"My time at Hogwarts this past year was brief, and I have no desire to expand on anything about it except that I enjoyed meeting several people there.

"My future plans do involve my going back to Hogwarts, and I am looking forward to picking up my magical education where I left off. I actually arranged to take my exams for my sixth year of study, and managed to pass them all with an Exceeds Expectations or above, so I am rejoining my friends for my seventh year.

Harry had to pause as applause broke out over the crowd. He gave a smile and a polite nod. "Thank you. I am very pleased with my tests scores; my friend Hermione helped catch me up to speed, and I have her to thank for her grueling revision schedules."

"All of that aside, I now come to the topic which made me a little unsettled. I am only a seventeen year old, and not even out of school yet. I live to sleep until noon if I have anything to say about it, and I abuse caffeine on a regular basis. I do not understand why I am being asked about the state of the magical world or the imminent war with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Such topics made me think.

"I see some of you smile, and some of you grimace, when I say that the topic made me think. It's true. I had to stop and think about what I wanted to say to anyone asking such questions. I needed to set down my opinions before I could possibly give them to someone else. I realized that my answers influenced each other, and I shall try to explain how that works.

"There is a danger of which few are aware, something so inherent in our society that none of us can see it for the threat that it is to our way of life. It has become an ingrained and accepted part of our day to day lives. Some people see it as a virtue, and others as their right due to any number of factors. Our enemy, friends, is abuse of power.

"Some of you may be perplexed by that phrase, 'abuse of power'. After all, we live in a grand society full of magic and expression. How can there be such a thing in a society like ours? Our power is used to run our households, cure the ill and injured, and create new products and potions that benefit our society as a whole. How can this be considered abuse of our power?

"It is easy to dismiss the abuse under the guise of benevolence. Imagine for a moment that you are a Muggle. No magic. No wand. No defense against wizards. Imagine you saw something that didn't make sense, such as a person flying on a broomstick. This is very startling to you, as broomsticks do not fly. In the next few minutes, as you are trying to reconcile the fact that broomsticks do fly, since you saw one, a stranger walks up to you and rips that memory from your mind…for your own good.

"I cannot say whether or not keeping our society hidden is wrong, for it has served us all well for several centuries. What most concerns me is the lack of choice, and the absolute power a wizard can hold over a Muggle. After all, the prevailing attitude in the magical world concerning a Muggle's knowledge of us is one of distracted benevolence. Many people say or think that a Muggle is better off knowing, and even our elected officials agree with such sentiments. We must trust in our elected officials; otherwise, why elect them?

"How soon before our trust is broken? Every day, freedoms are curtailed in favor of safety. Panic is permeating down through the layers to spread to mass hysteria. Right now, as our society stands, the Muggles are kept in ignorance through the vigilance of our governments. They are better off not knowing…how long before the government officials start to apply that thinking to others?

"Soon, magical creatures would be better off, half-breeds, Muggle-borns, half-bloods, three-quarter bloods, or anyone with less than pure blood could be considered 'better off' under the benevolent watch of the governments officials.

"Changes are on the horizon, my friends. The slippery slope of paternalistic government benevolence and protection needs to come to an end. Magical society can no longer afford to separate itself along the lines of creature and wizard, half-blood and pure-blood. We cannot be divided while a threat skitters along the ground and whispers our insecurities in our ears.

"Until every citizen of the magical society is treated equally, government officials will continue their tyranny through fear of differences. We are in this fight together, from the most humble house-elf to the proudest pureblood.

"I am not calling for anarchy, my friends. I am not calling for an overthrow of our governments. I am not calling for anything. I am merely requesting smarter government from our leaders; a smarter and more cohesive government that recognizes all of the citizens under its jurisdiction and all of the talents those citizens can bring to its administration.

"We cannot move forward and realize the great civilization we have the potential to be until magical society forgets its divisions of breed and blood and unites under one magical citizenship.

"As leaders of the magical society, you all hold the responsibility to create the change our society needs to survive. I challenge each of our to combat abuses of power, fight to install new policies that allow for equal advancement and opportunity for all of your citizens, and have the personal strength, patience, and endurance to continue until our society is one of which future generations can be proud. We all are in this together and we all must see it through to the end. Thank you."

Applause scattered over the crowd and a few hands went up for questions as Harry tucked away his notes and took a deep breath. Vlad turned away with a smirk plastered on his face. His plan was coming together. Harry had preached unity and a plan for the future. This was only the foundation, the groundwork for the next few months. Yes, things were coming together very nicely. Now, all he had to focus on was getting Harry to the right places, meeting the right people, and of course, wearing the right clothes for a leader in the magical world.

Harry tumbled out of bed with a hand clutched to his forehead, wincing at the sharp pains there. Feels like Voldie is a little upset. Harry summoned his robe and mask as he got dressed and then donned the disguise he always used when he was with Voldemort. Tom smirked at him from the mirror and Harry turned on his heel to appear in the cemetery in Little Hangleton. He pulled up his persona as the Dark Lord's student and stalked through the hallways.

Harry could hear sounds of torture happening in the throne room and entered cautiously, both afraid of attracting the attention of the Dark Lord and getting hit by a stray spell. He slipped around the circumference of the room to come to a rest by the Dark Lord's side.

"There you are, Tom." Voldemort said as he ended the spell and turned towards Harry. "Welcome back.

"Good evening, sir." Harry said quietly. "May I be of assistance?" he said in Parseltongue.

"No, my child, I am fine with this one," Voldemort motioned to two new Death Eaters Harry did not recognize and the pair picked up the unfortunate victim and dragged him away. Harry sent a touch of healing magic towards the man while Voldemort motioned for Harry to stay with him. "Dismissed, Death Eaters." The gathered people scattered into the night, happy to retreat from the madman.

"I found a rather interesting article in the paper this morning, Tom, tucked on the back of the society page."

"You read the society page?" Harry couldn't help but ask in shock.

"Only for the politicians," Voldemort said. "Of course, everyone in the society pages is a politician. Imagine my shock when I found you, of all people, giving a press conference." Voldemort gave a little chuckle before turning serious. "Moreover, I find out that you have been staying with the Voivod of Wallachia, commonly referred to as 'Dracula'."

"He invited me to stay at his summer home and I accepted. He's better than Dumbledore, and he is…instructing me on several different methods of public manipulation."

"Explain," Voldemort snapped. "Now."

"Dumbledore holds great power over the citizens of England and has great sway abroad. Dracula didn't like this idea, so he found me, as he thinks I could…in time…hold even greater power than Dumbledore in the realm of public opinion. He is teaching me what I need to know to someday step into a power vacuum created by Dumbledore's sudden demise."

"Sudden demise?" Voldemort asked, soundly greatly intrigued.

"How many vampires can a wizard actually fight before they overpower him?" Harry asked, trying to give enough information to satisfy the Dark Lord.

"Ah, I see. I only see one little flaw in this plan."

"What's that, sir?" Harry was praying that Voldemort wouldn't take such a strong objection that he would be forced to curse Harry.

"You are not a ruler," the Dark Lord said, extremely patient if his tone was anything to go by. "You do not wish for that kind of life."

"I will not be ruling…" Harry started, trying to find the right words. "Everyone will think I am ruling, but they won't know that my presented ideas are actually your work. May I speak plainly, sir?"

"Please do…I wish to hear this."

Harry paused as they stepped out on the veranda. "The wizarding world may never be able to accept you as the leader you are. There is too much history, too many families ruined, and too much suspicion for you to become the best leader you could be. The Boy Who Lived has no such past. Most of the wizarding world still reveres him, almost as much as Dumbledore. It will be easy for such a person to step into Dumbledore's place. I foresee almost no objections, and I feel that most people will be happy to allow the Boy Who Lived to take over. I have no wish to make decisions for the wizarding world, no desire to rule it. You will rule, and I will be the little puppet in place that you need to get the public to accept your decisions. You are the master behind the scenes, and I will act it out. Over time, acceptance of you, once the truth of your power and responsibility to the wizarding world comes out, will become complete, and I will happily fade into the background and retire to own a Quidditch team and raise annoying children."

"You will turn over everything to me?" Voldemort asked in shock.

"As soon as I can manage it," Harry said earnestly. "I've been someone's pawn for most of my life, and I'm tired of it. Working together, we can get you into office and I can fade away, only needing to attend a state affair from time to time." Harry leaned on the verandah and looked out into the murky backyard. "I'm tired, sir. I'm ready for it to be finished."

Voldemort studied Harry for a few long moments, obviously weighing his options. Harry felt Legillmency slide across his mind and Harry showed Voldemort what he wanted to see without hesitation. A few minutes passed and the Dark Lord withdrew, and perplexed look drifting across his face. "Is there anything you need from me?"

"Your trust," Harry watched as the Dark Lord's face tightened in anxiety. "Your trust to allow me to do what I need to do."

Voldemort studied him again, thoughts flickering across his mind and suspicions blossoming in his eyes. Come on, just give in. You can do it. Give me my way. PLEASE.

"Very well," Voldemort said finally. "You may count on my support. I have never heard of a more cunning plan from any of the Death Eaters." Voldemort turned quiet and mused for a few minutes.

"Thank you," Harry said gratefully. "I can almost see the end in sight now." Harry's shoulders lost their tension and he sighed.

Voldemort studied Harry before chuckling. "I do not understand you. You hated me, then tolerated me, and now you wish for me to take over the magical world?"

"I've been thinking about everything you've said to me," Harry said, leaning on the railing. "You don't seem to remember that you've offered to help me before, when you were possessing Quirrell. Even the diary offered to help me, but then something happened, and you didn't remember you offered, and I didn't remember that I wanted that help."

"Are you saying that our memories were altered?" Voldemort hissed out, pulling Harry around to face him.

"They were," Harry said in a calm voice. "Mine have returned."

Voldemort stared at Harry. "Mine have not," he rasped. He whirled away from Harry and Harry could feel his anger build. When he turned to face Harry again, his eyes were blazing and Harry fought the need to step away. Here I thought vampires were scary…this makes Cassius look like a puppy dog. "WHO?"

"I think it was Dumbledore," Harry said.

Voldemort exploded. Harry threw quick but strong shields around himself and Voldemort to try and keep the magic contained. Something Bleys had said came back to him. This magic can consume you. Harry reached out with his magic and gave the barest touches to Voldemort's magic. The wild magic tried to thwart Harry's efforts and attempted to attack Harry, but he gave it a firm smack and it quelled down to a manageable amount. Harry redirected its focus to repairing the damage the outburst caused and then lowered his shields.

Voldemort was on his knees, head clutched in claw-like hands. I am so happy I allowed Bleys to train me…this…could have been me. Harry pulled out his wand and went over to Voldemort. "We should get you inside before anyone sees you, just in case someone is lurking," Harry was sure no one was around, but it was as convenient excuse as any. "Can you stand?"

Voldemort didn't answer, so Harry took hold of his left upper arm and hauled the man to his feet. "Walk, sir." Harry had to assist the man into the house and guide him into the sitting room. "I get the same kind of headaches," Harry said as he pushed Voldemort into a chair. He paused and Summoned one of his own painkilling potions. "They get worse before they get better," he warned, holding out the painkiller. "This will help."

Voldemort stared at the vial for a brief moment before taking it and swallowing the contents. He handed the empty vial back to Harry and sighed as some of the pain left.

"That potion usually knocks me unconscious after a few minutes, so we should get you to bed. Where do you sleep?"

"Upstairs," Voldemort rasped. "Did you make that yourself?"

"No," Harry said as Voldemort stood. "Remus gets them for me. My aunt doesn't like me brewing in the house." Harry walked alongside Voldemort as the man started for his bedroom.

"Your aunt?" Voldemort seemed confused.

"My mother's sister. I live with her," Harry explained. "You know that."

"Yes, yes. Of course." Voldemort was obviously confused. Hmm, the painkiller must be working. The pair was silent as they climbed the stairs. Voldemort opened a door at the top of the stairs and entered. He collapsed on the bed and pulled the blankets to cover him. Harry hovered at the door, afraid to enter without permission. "How did you retrieve your memories?"

"Remus used Legillimens," Harry said. He knew he couldn't say Oh, there was this soul in a book that cracked open my mind.

"I want my memories back," Voldemort said, his voice almost wistful at the end. He fell quiet and Harry turned to leave when Voldemort's voice stopped him. "Come here." Harry gave a mental shrug and went to Voldemort's bedside. "You will do it."

"I beg your pardon?" Harry thought he knew what Voldemort wanted, but surely the man didn't mean for Harry to toy around in his mind.

"You will perform Legillimens and open those memories."

Obviously, Voldemort did want Harry to toy around in his mind. "I don't know if that…"

"Now, my child."

Harry raised his wand and hoped the man wouldn't notice that he didn't use it. The wand had become nothing more than a stick in the last few months. Legillimens.

Harry slid through the barriers, and he found himself in the midst of a chaotic mind. He's nearly mad! Harry set himself to work. He could taste the untrained wild magic as it whirled around him. He reached out a few tendrils of magic to tame the chaos and calm the mind. He then turned towards the missing memories.

Harry gasped in shock. He has so many more than me. Dark and rough holes and gashes littered the surface and Harry could only guess how deep some of the holes were. He felt the slightest bit sorry for Voldemort. He stretched out a few more tendrils of magic and started doing what he could to heal the damage. He also decided to give the magic a time release so that the memories would return over time and without the pain and disorientation Harry had experienced at Bleys' hands.

He pulled out of the Voldemort's mind and saw Voldemort staring at him. "I've done what I can," Harry said in a tired voice. "Try to sleep." It seemed that the Dark Lord was only waiting for Harry's order, as his eyes fell shut and his body relaxed. Harry sighed and left, eager to return to his own bed. They were leaving for England in the morning, and Harry could only hope that the flight was long enough to allow him to catch up on his sleep.

Author's Note: I have a website now! I plan to use it to send emails about updates and new stories. Find it through my profile!