Author's Not: Slightly longer chapter here as a reward for waiting so long. A couple of you were right about Harry's true parentage, it seems. I didn't expect that, but I'm excited to have finally gotten to write this scene. While there will be Drarry in future books, their progress will be gradual. At the moment, they're betrothed but they aren't going to be lovers for a long time. That said, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Callidora
Chapter Eight
Narcissa was the first to enter the room with Lucius and Harry hot on her heels. Her face was set in a scowl as she stalked towards the Headmaster and Madam Pomphrey. She flashed the Healer a small smile to let her know that she wasn't angry with Madam Pomphrey before turning her eyes towards the Headmaster.
"Let me make myself perfectly clear, Dumbledore. Lyra Talitha Lestrange is my niece. She is a ward of the Malfoy family and you will not attempt to keep me from her." Narcissa snarled.
"Narcissa…" Albus began, his eyes flashing.
"That's Lady Malfoy to you!" Narcissa hissed, her eyes narrowing.
"Yes, of course. Lady Malfoy, I was only trying to make certain that Miss Granger's parents were alerted before anything was decided. Surely you can understand that."
Harry couldn't believe that a man who had lived as long as Dumbledore has could be so stupid.
"Hermione Granger does not exist." Lucius said, his tone cool. "My niece is called Lyra Lestrange and her parents are in Azkaban, Albus. How those muggles got a hold of her, I don't know. But they are not her parents."
Headmaster Dumbledore shook his head, a disappointed frown on his face. "Lucius, she was raised by them. They love her, and it isn't right to keep them from her."
Narcissa stepped closer to the bed where Lyra lay, unconscious. "Lyra has told us in no uncertain terms that she has no love for the muggles who raised her. On the contrary, she wants them kept far away."
"You don't have the right to do that, Lady Malfoy." The Headmaster insisted.
Lucius growled. "I think you will find that we do, Albus. Lyra is our legal ward. We are her caretakers and we would like to find out what has happened to our niece. Kindly leave."
"I am the Headmaster of this school and I must be a part of this conversation, Lucius."
Madam Pomphrey shook her head. "I've given you all the information you need, Albus. I'm going to have to ask you to leave so that I can speak with Lyra's family."
Dumbledore looked like he was going to argue but thought better of it at the look on Madam Pomphrey's face. After he'd stalked out of the Hospital Wing, Lucius threw up a privacy ward and looked to his niece. Harry looked towards her too. Lyra was laying on her back, unconscious and seemingly unhurt aside from a large bruise on the left side of her face.
"Tom, you can come out now. Albus is gone." Madam Pomphrey called out and Lord Slytherin came out of her office.
"What can you tell me about what happened?" Lucius asked, wrapping a shaking arm around his wife's waist.
"She was found in an alcove near Gryffindor Tower. It looked like she'd been there for a while." Madam Pomphrey began. "She was barely conscious when she was found, and Minerva said that Lyra mentioned something about an obliviation attempt before she passed out."
"I am going to kill Albus Bloody Dumbledore." Narcissa growled.
"Are we certain that he did this?" Severus asked her.
"Aunt Narcissa is right." Said a small voice from the bed.
Harry glanced at her to see that Lyra was awake. She'd pulled herself into a sitting position and was staring at them solemnly.
"What happened, Lyra?" Harry asked her, moving to her beside with Draco right behind him.
"I was headed towards Gryffindor Tower to meet the Twins and a stunning spell hit me in the back. He immobilized me before lifting the stunner and sent an obliviation attempt. I… I don't know why it wouldn't work." Lyra explained, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Your mother is a natural Occlumens. It's a trait that can be inherited." Narcissa said in a thoughtful tone.
"Regardless, I think it's time we started teaching Occlumency to everyone who doesn't already know it. If our Headmaster is going to be throwing about obliviation, we need to be prepared." Harry said, sharing a look with Lucius.
"You already know Occlumency?" Narcissa inquired, raising a delicate brow.
Harry nodded. "It was a requirement of living with the Potters. If I wanted to protect my mind, I absolutely had to learn quickly. Lily Potter is adept at Mind Magic. She often threatened to use it against me."
"Harry's right. Occlumency is extremely important if we want to win this war. Without it we will be extremely vulnerable. Especially after my return." Lord Slytherin agreed, entering through Madam Pomphrey's office. He looked at Harry. "Would you be willing to teach the others, Harry?"
"Yes, Lord Slytherin. That's probably the best way to go about it. This way our adult supporters will avoid suspicion on that front." Harry agreed.
Lord Slytherin nodded before his face turned stony. "Now," He said. "Minerva has all but ordered me to do something about Albus Dumbledore's blatant attack on Lyra."
"Sirius and Severus did have a plan, but I think more needs to be done, in this case at least. I'll leave his punishment to you and Minerva, however. I think it's better left to you." Harry agreed.
"I'll speak with Minerva and Poppy this evening then. I'm sure we can come up with something between the three of us." Lord Slytherin agreed. He looked at Harry and then raised an eyebrow. "I would like you to begin teaching our younger supporters Occlumency as soon as possible. As soon as they're decently proficient, however, I have another task for you all."
Harry nodded. "Of course, sir."
Lord Slytherin chuckled. "You don't have you call me that. As my heir, you have the right to call me by name or title."
"But... You hate the name Tom, don't you?" Harry asked, confused.
The shade shook his head. "I did when I was a child, yes. My wives and most friends continued to call me by it, however, and I quickly grew used to it. Seeing as how they refuse to call me anything but my first name, I find that it isn't so detestable anymore."
Harry laughed. "All right. Tom it is, then." He grinned at his mentor before looking towards the hospital doors as they flew open, permitting Draco and the Weasley Twins.
"Harry! We just heard what happened. Is Lyra all right?" Fred asked the moment the doors slammed behind them.
Lyra grinned at him. "I'm fine, Fred. Just a bit tired is all." She assured him.
"You've just earned yourself a twenty-four seven guard, young lady." George said, his tone brooking no argument.
"George is right," Harry agreed, "Until we have a better handle on how to protect ourselves, I want everyone traveling in packs. There are enough of us that we should be able to feasibly pull that off."
Lyra nodded, though she didn't look too happy about it. "As much as I hate to admit it, you guys are probably right." She scowled. "Stupid Dumbledore. Manipulative, lying, old goat. I wish he'd just disappear already."
"Don't we all?" Lord Slytherin asked, scowling right alongside her.
Harry glanced at the Weasley Twins. "Fred, George, I need your help with something while Narcissa and Lucius are still here to keep an eye on Lyra."
"What's that?" Fred asked.
"We need to find a few books on Occlumency. If Draco and I try and find them ourselves, we'll get caught by Pince, so I want you to come with us." Harry explained quietly.
George nodded. "Good idea. Let's go."
Draco paused to say something quietly to Lyra before they left the room. Whatever he said made her lips curl into a wicked grin that would worry Harry if it were directed at him. He was pretty sure that it was directed at either Dumbledore or Jamie Potter, though, so he just shrugged it off. Draco would tell him when he was ready. Fred and George were talking as they walked down to the library, planning a prank that had Harry more than grateful that they were on his side of the war. The idea of those two on Dumbledore's side was terrifying if he were honest.
"We'll need to use the Come and Go room to practice, though." Harry told Draco.
Draco thought for a moment. "I wonder if we could ask the room for materials."
"Can you handle this? I'm going to go and check that out. Plus, I noticed Oliver wanting my attention earlier and I'd like to get a message out to him."
"Of course. Just be careful. If Potter sends one more curse at your back, your dogfather might maul him." Draco smirked. "Not, of course, that such a thing wouldn't be hilarious."
Harry clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, I'll be perfectly safe. The toerag may have taken me unawares one, but he won't manage it twice."
He turned and headed for the Come and Go room then, keeping a subtle eye on those around him. Thankfully, Jamie Potter seemed to be nowhere in sight and he made it to the Come and Go room unscathed. For a moment, Harry stood before the wall trying to think of the right thing to ask for. I need a place to teach Occlumency safely. A large metal door appeared and Harry stepped inside.
The room was large and cozy looking. Couches and armchairs sat in a circular formation in the center and there were bookshelves lining the walls. Harry roamed the room, glancing at the books that were on the bookshelves with interest. There were several books that would be of good use to Slytherin's Guild and Harry felt a slow smile curving his lips. Now, to fetch Oliver. He was trying to think of a subtle way to do so when Tom entered the room.
"I take it you're planning on using this room to teach Occlumency?" Tom asked after taking his own look around the room.
Harry nodded. "There are several really good books here. It's perfect."
"Quite." Tom paused for a moment, red eyes staring down at Harry. "I have something that I'd like to speak with you about now that we're alone."
"Of course, Tom. Have I done something wrong?"
Tom shook his head. "No. However, Minerva received a letter from Charlus Potter this morning and the contents were… surprising. I wanted to inform you before we approach Severus."
"Oh no. That sounds ominous." Harry groaned, moving to sit in an armchair.
"James Potter is not your father." Tom spoke the words quietly, a frown curling his lips. "There is a tapestry in Potter Manor that tracks those born of Potter blood. Jamie Potter's name is on there but yours is absent. He hadn't looked at the tapestry since before your birth and so he had no idea."
Harry blinked. He'd always sort of suspected that James wasn't his father, but there had never been proof. But that had to mean that Lily had cheated on James, hadn't she? Or had something else happened. Tom seemed to sense the questions swirling around Harry's mind.
"I did some digging of my own and discovered that Lily's abortion was not performed at a muggle clinic as she told Severus. She attempted to perform it herself, using magic. However, rather than aborting the fetus, it was placed in a stasis spell. When she became pregnant with Jamie, you were brought out of the stasis naturally."
Harry couldn't help it. He started laughing. "Merlin." He said through laughter. "God. No wonder they hate me so much. I'm the product of her relationship with the man Potter despises more than anyone. How did you discover this?"
"I went to the Potters myself. As a spirit, I can make myself incorporeal at will. Entering Lily Potter's mind is not an experience that I want to repeat, but it supplied me with the information." Tom rolled his eyes. "It was clear at your birth that you were Severus' child and so yes, Lily performed a glamour spell."
"Where do we go from here?" He asked. "I was adopted by the Malfoy family but, if Severus wants me, then it would make our planning easier. I'd be able to stay close to the Malfoy's while opening up a whole host of other options."
Tom smirked. "Severus is on his way here as we speak. When he arrives, we'll discuss things with him and decide from there what to do. However, if he chooses to take your custody, we will have to accelerate Dumbledore's downfall."
Before Harry could respond, Severus stepped into the room. He took a seat beside Harry and listened in stunned silence as Tom explained things to him. Harry's mind went blank as Severus processed the information. What if Severus didn't want him? Sure, he liked Harry. But… what if he didn't want the responsibility of being a father? Harry realized, almost suddenly, that he wanted a father. He'd never had a proper one before and the knowledge that he wanted one stunned him.
"Harry, if I'd known that you were mine…" Severus' eyes were intense. "I would have had you out of there immediately."
Harry smiled. "I believe you. I admit the idea of having a proper father is one that I'm excited for. But, also, it would mean the acceleration of our plans to take down Dumbledore."
"Is that something you're prepared for?" Severus asked.
"More than. Dumbledore needs to be gone. He's caused too many problems already. And, with my custody transferred to you, it'll make our planning easier. There are plans that I'd be able to put into motion that will be made possible now."
Severus quirked a brow. "Plans such as?"
"A betrothal contract. It wasn't possible with Lucius' adoption. But, if you were to take me in as your son, I could arrange a betrothal contract between myself and Draco."
Severus seemed stunned into silence. He blinked at Harry several times as though surprised by Harry's words.
"Is this something that young Malfoy would be interested in as well?" Tom asked with an amused glance at Severus.
Harry nodded. "We've discussed it. We're both… gay. And our bond grows stronger by the day. I'm certain that love will follow eventually. There will have to be children, of course. Our houses will need heirs, but there are magical ways to do that."
"Not to mention the fact that Lucius would be delighted by the idea of you two being betrothed." Severus said. "Very well, I'll inform Lucius of our plans and head to the ministry shortly. The news will be broken soon, so be prepared. The old coot will not take kindly to this news. Do not go anywhere by yourself and inform Minerva immediately if you're summoned."
Harry saluted him. "Of course, sir."
He hurried from the room, muttering about plans and devious children. Harry smiled and leaned back to look at Tom. Now, he just needed to speak with Oliver.
"If you have a subtle way to do so, could you tell Oliver where I am? He gave me a signal earlier that he wanted to speak with me and we sort of got swamped." Harry asked.
Tom grinned. "I'll let him know now. Are you all right? I know these have been heavy revelations."
"I'm happy. Not just because of the planning either. I have a family now." Harry's words were soft.
Tom paused near Harry's shoulder. "You'll always have a family, Harry."
Oliver arrived a few moments later with Percy at his side. They sat down near Harry and Oliver grasped Percy's hand tightly. The older Weasley's eyes were shining as he looked at Harry.
"I wanted to thank you for helping us." He said. "Oliver has told me everything and I'm ready to join you. I don't have many assets to offer you, but I'm powerful enough to make up for my lack of money. And I'm good with my wand."
His last sentence made Oliver smirk. Harry fought a smile.
"There's no need for thanks, Percy. What was done to you was attrocious and there was no way I was ever going to allow it to go unpunished." He leaned forward. "Money isn't what we need. We have plenty of that. We need strength, power. Taking down Dumbledore is going to be a difficult job and we need all the strength we can get. Welcome to Slytherin's Guild, Percy."
"With Percy joining us, I wanted to tell you that I spoke to my father. He's going to begin speaking with members of the old crowd. Not giving them all of the details, but he's going to make it clear that our Lord will soon be back and more powerful than ever." Oliver said, he leaned back and ran a hand through his hair.
Percy hesitated. "I've spoken to Bill. At length. He would like to join as well and he's going to speak with Charlie. Between the two of them, we'll soon have a great deal of interested parties."
"Brilliant you two! How is your Occlumency? I ask because Lord Slytherin has instructed me to begin teaching the Guild."
"We're both skilled in the art. Percy because of his family and myself because my parents wanted me to learn." Oliver grinned. "If you'd like, Percy and I could help you teach it. It'll be easier with more than one teacher."
Harry nodded. "Lord Slytherin will want to test your shields, of course. But I think you're right. This will make things exceedingly easier. We'll have a meeting on Friday evening. Tell any new recruits to come. There will be fireplaces available for those who aren't in the school."
Oliver nodded, following Harry as he stood and moved to leave. As Harry headed back to his Common Room, Percy informed him that they'd been instructed to make sure he got to the Common Room safely. Harry grinned and allowed them to walk him all the way to the Common Room where he found Draco and Asterion waiting for him.
"Father's told us about the updates." Asterion said as Harry took his usual seat beside Draco. "Again, you're brilliant. Looks like you're still destined to be my little brother. Father's already signed the betrothal contract."
Draco grinned. "I'm pleased myself. I enjoyed having you in the family, but I think we're suited for betrothal." He leaned closer to Harry. "Did you find what you were searching for?"
"I did. The Room was a perfect idea." He also updated them about his meeting with Oliver and Percy.
Asterion crowed. "Brilliant. I'll be attending the classes as well, but as a teacher rather than student. With four teachers, we're likely to have the lessons finished before year's end."
"I hope so. The Guild has a meeting on Friday. Just after dinner we'll meet in the usual room. There will be quite a few new members joining us. Including a curse-breaker and dragon tamer." Harry grinned. "We're going to have Dumbledore out of here by the end of term."
They continued talking in low voices as other people began filing into the Common Room. Harry leaned into the arm that Draco had draped around his shoulders and allowed himself to bask in the joy of plans going perfectly.