Thank you to everyone who replied to my Author Note. I decided to continue on with the story how it is. If something is missing or needs explaining, I will have a flashback or elaborate. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and for sticking with the story! Here is Chapter Ten I hope you enjoy it! 3

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter. Characters and main plot are property of J.K. Rowling. However, in this story the main plot will be manipulated to fit my imagination.

A True Heart of Darkness: Chapter Ten

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Harry had left shortly after learning his name from Professor—Remus's—office. Lupin had asked Harry to come back again to talk sometime the next week, and show off his wings, or anytime before if he had any questions. Harry left the office in a numb state, saying his goodbye and walking slowly up to the seventh floor. His mind was still reeling with the new information, leaving him to walk in a zombie like state.

He could not believe it. Severus Snape, the man who had been cruel to him since first year, taken points from his house at every chance, and that very day, appeared to have seen through his strongest glamours, was his real father. He didn't know what to think, his mind was moving too fast trying to absorb the facts. The logical part of him said that this was a great advantage to finally know where his vampire genes came from. That having a father who, from what Draco said, spied for Dumbledore and the Dark Lord was good. That this was the chance to finally make a big move in his Hogwarts years. This is what he wanted, right? To know who his father was, to finally have the power to make his mark. Though, somewhere deep down, he saddened at leaving the Dursley's. Who would he torture now that his little gerbils weren't there? But he pushed that thought aside for a later time.

But another side of him, the one that longed for parents and a true home, thought that this was horrible. He had finally found his father, but he could not tell him he was his son, nor directly help in getting his memories back. He clenched his teeth in anger as he made the last walk up the staircase to the Sanctuary. Not being able to do something is the worst feeling, and he let out a small growl escape his lips. He didn't even notice the group of first years, even as they turned fearful eyes on him and hurried along the stairs. Harry was caught in his thoughts. He had an inkling that Dumbledore had a hand in the separation of his parents, or at least assisted in the charms placed around them. Possibly even the ones that were on him. After Remus spoke of Dumbledore wanting a vow of secrecy from him, Harry knew the man was not without blame. He came out of his musings for a moment when he noticed he had made it to the front of the snake portrait. He angrily hissed for it to open. The snake bowed its head and swung the door open quickly, feeling its master's anger. He stormed in, still deep in thought, and failed to notice Draco, Hermione, Blaise, and Neville sitting in the couches in the main sitting room. Draco saw his mate's dark look as he walked in; Harry's red eyes glowing with anger and sadness.

"Harry? What happened?" He voiced. Harry glanced up to meet Draco's eyes, turning them back to green instantly. He felt Draco's concern through the bond and immediately began to relax. He smiled sadly at his mate and Draco put down his potions homework and walked over to him, since he had yet to leave the entry way. He took hold of Harry's hand as the raven-haired boy let out a sigh.

"I might as well tell everyone since they are here, but we can talk more later okay Dray?" He said quietly. Draco nodded and the two made their way over to the main couches in the living room area, the others stopping their studies to see what had happened.

"Did the talk with professor Lupin not go well Harry?" Neville asked at seeing his frustrated look. Harry tightened his hold on Draco's hand and took a deep breath to calm his conflicting emotions. The blonde squeezed his hand in support. Before he started Harry took Draco's empty seat, the blonde making his spot on Harry's lap, being his comfort. Once Harry was settled, with his arms wrapped tightly around Draco, he began to tell them what had happened.

"No, not exactly. I believe I just got more information than I bargained for is all, and I am pretty sure I'm in shock." He gave a forced grin at his attempt to lighten the mood. He then told them all that had happened in Remus's office. They all paled and looked back at him with wide eyes as he told them his name, Draco looking the worst. He let them know his theory that Dumbledore was the culprit to this, including what Remus told him of the vows made to his mother. He believed Dumbledore may have bound his mother the same way, but with added memory charms. He stopped at the end, letting the information sink in. He ran a hand through his glamoured hair, sighing as he slowly let the glamour fall. He quite enjoyed his new height and silky black hair that obeyed his command. He came out of his musings to see them all looking at him with calculated or nervous looks.

"Well I guess that explains your appearance changing so much. This is how you are supposed to look, given your background. Except for the eyes and nose, you look quite like Snape." Hermione being the first to break the silence.

"This is more dangerous than we thought Harry. If Dumbledore could tamper with Severus's memories he is much more powerful than we thought. Just our group and Lupin will not cover it." Draco said in a whisper. Harry gave him a questioning look.

"What do you mean? I am sure he is at the same power that we previously thought. I alone at this moment may not be able to dispose of him, but in a few years it is possible." He said with a grimace, hating to admit his current weakness to the Headmaster.

"Yes, that is true since all of us are still only third years. However, Severus has is the best occlumens born in the last few decades. The Dark Lord is even impressed by his skills. For Dumbledore to be able to tamper with his memories means he had help, or he is much stronger than we thought. I do think in a year or two you could do what is needed, and by then, if we take away some of his public influence, he may be even weaker than he is now. The old coot is too meddling and manipulative for his own good, leaving him open to his other weak points. He is already one of the oldest wizards alive, perhaps old age may be his downfall." Draco said, his voice gaining confidence with each word.

"Neville." Harry says to catch the boys attention. His chocolate brown eyes look up to meet emerald gems. He had been thinking over various tactics of disposing of the memory charms through Draco's explanation.

"You have always been my right hand man, I think I have a new mission for you. If Dumbledore is so influential to have devoted followers then we must as well. I have to gain more students to our side. Show them just how the headmaster is meddling where he should not. Even planting seeds of doubt will bring them closer to choosing a different side. I do not want this war to be so black and white as that old coot has made it. It is not magical versus non-magical folk fighting, but those who wish to endanger our magical community and out us to muggles, and those who wish to keep us safe, hidden, and protected." He paused, taking a moment to look at everyone, his eyes resting on Draco's.

"I have lived in the muggle world, Hermione too, my whole life, and have seen the monstrous things they have done. I have enjoyed some conflicts, but some are so pointless that to merge our ways of life would be disastrous. That is why we are going to be making a stand to keep ourselves safe. Muggles must never learn about us, or our world will die." He finished relighting the fire of resistance in the room.

"I'll talk to a few Gryffindors, Dean, Seamus, Ginny, and Lavender. I feel I could get them to open their minds if given the right push. I am sure with Luna's help I could get a few Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff's our year and older. We should make a time in a month to meet up with everyone I could get to talk to them face to face. If they prove unfit we can just Obliviate them. Is that reasonable?" He said as he started writing down names on a spare piece of parchment.

"Do we really think any Hufflepuff's will join our side? Won't they be all for being loyal to the 'light' and 'good' side of things." Blaise brought up and caused a pause in Neville's though process.

"I do think that if we talk to them and bring everything out about Harry and how Dumbledore and his lackies pretty much took away his childhood and killed his parents. I am sure we can get them to think our way. They will see what Dumbledore has done as a betrayal and never look at him the same. Even if we do not have them actively on our side, just changing their thinking could help us in the long run." Neville then stood up and walked over to a white board Hermione had brought with her from home. He wrote names and divided them into houses. It looked like he was taking his job seriously so Harry sat back and relaxed into the couch. He knew that having more students on his side in the end was what needed to be done. With just Mr. Malfoy being the only adult wizard on his side he was beginning to worry about what he would do to dethrone Dumbledore from his pedestal.

"Oh! Harry with all that happened today I forgot to mention my father's letter. It came in earlier this evening." He said, momentarily leaving the room to come back a moment later with the letter. He unfolded it and began to tell them what his father said.

" I wrote this before you were told your real name so…" his cursed under his breath.

"Bullocks, he was going to ask Severus about it since he is the only vampire any of us know. Well I guess that can start the process of recovering his memories. Other than that he told me the Dark Lord is very interested in talking to you and recommends that maybe you spend the beginning of the summer with us at our home. The Dark Lord visits from time to time and meeting him at our manor may be better. A middle ground, to show that you are not a threat. He's become…a little paranoid over the years and still thinks this may be a trick to kill him by Dumbledore; ever the Slytherin. Though I am sure that we can change his mind when you two meet." Harry just nodded, drifting off to sleep on the couch. Draco looked over to Blaise and Hermione, giving them a look. Hermione smiled and grabbed Blaise, both of them heading over to the whiteboard to talk over strategies with Neville. Draco began to run his fingers through Harry's hair, enjoying the way the raven groaned in obvious pleasure. Harry moved his head, encouraging Draco to continue messing with his silky hair. The blonde smiled.

"Harry it's getting late, shouldn't you head up to the tower?" Draco asked, not pausing in his ministrations. Harry only gave a small disapproving noise in response.

"Harry, at least move into the bedroom to sleep, it is not dignified to sleep on a couch when there is a respectably comfortable bed only a few feet away." Harry grinned in his half sleep state and slowly opened his eyes.

"Only you would be able to explain how sleeping on a couch is beneath you." Draco responded with only a look and then stood up. Harry followed suit.

"Goodnight you guys." Harry said while grasping Draco's hand and pulling him toward the bedroom. Draco started stuttering protests as he was taken away without his permission.

"I sleep better with you there, don't act like you don't like it Dray." He said with a tired smirk. The two disappeared into the bedroom with a gaping Draco, the other three snickering at his face. The remaining group members returned to focusing on the board full of recruits.

"Now Neville I know you and that this plan to recruit the others will be good, but I have some concerns with the Hufflepuff's you've chosen." Hermione said looking at the three names listed. Neville nodded in agreement, turning from the whiteboard to face her.

"I know that they will be the hardest to turn, but I think they should be good. Cedric has already shown that he has some doubts about Dumbledore along with some of his older friends. I've talked to him a handful of times and he notices the old mans obvious favoritism of Harry. Showing him and the others what he has truly done will help us gain them. Plus they will be graduating in three years. We need that age bridge to have our foot into the wizarding world early. With the twins bringing in Wood and the few from Gryffindor I think we should have our age and the year or two above us in check. Susan Bones is raised by her aunt Madam Bones who has a large influence in the Ministry. Also her friend Justin Finch-Fletchy, who is almost at par intelligence wise with you Hermione, is a halfblood and very good with muggle technology. If there ever is a war he would be a good asset. Also putting the two of you together would help give us every angle on a problem. He is pretty neutral ground, but since he is a half-blood he knows both sides of this issue and could help later in the campaign. I know one thing that they will hold over our heads is being pureblood and not 'opening our minds'. Hermione being here helps, but we need halfbloods to back us up so no one can say we aren't being open minded. "

"Already thinking of how to organize this politically Neville? I'm surprised the sorting hat didn't put you in Ravenclaw or Slytherin." Hermione said as she smirked. Neville gave a small blush, the girl never really complimenting him. He smiled and explained his reasoning.

"It tried to put me there, but said my bravery and courage overruled the decision. So sadly I guess the Gryffindors are stuck with me." He said before turning back to the board. Blaise looked over every name stopping at the few in Ravenclaw that he did not recognize, only two even being there.

"Who are Cho Chang and Terry Boot? I've never even heard of them before, much less anything useful." This time Neville did not pause his writing but answered in a sneaky tone.

"Well, being an idiot in public does have its privileges. Everyone feels safe enough to talk about their inner thoughts around you, or to you. Those two have noticed how Harry comes looking thinner and sickly every beginning of term and how he has always missed the annual beginning term check ups. Sometimes they ask me if Harry is ill or if he is given a private exam for his safety. They notice small almost miniscule details. Having eyes like those are good assets. Also the two are purebloods so it will be easy to sway their current way of thinking." Neville finished, drawing a date for the meeting in two weeks.

"Do not tell them anything of turning 'dark' when you speak to them. Show them only what concerns you as friends about Harry's safety. Also what Dumbledore has done, no speculations. This group will be handy and almost all will fully come to believe in us. Beware the Weasley sister; she will be the hardest to change. However, once she is ours her loyalty and fire will be most useful." Luna said, scaring the others by popping into the conversation. Hermione had a hand over her heart, catching her breath.

"Luna when did you get here? I didn't even hear you come in." Hermione asked in a slightly frazzled voice. The blonde Ravenclaw only smiled and went over to sit next to Neville who was writing a message to their possible recruits. He paused to glance up at her, an expectant look on her face.

"Yes Luna I heard you. You know I always listen to what you say." Luna smiled and curled up next to Neville closing her eyes as if to take a nap. Blaise and Hermione smirking at the two. Neville merely blushed and continued writing his notice. He smiled when finished.

"Okay Hermione look this over and tell me what you think." He handed the paper over to her without sitting up, careful not to disturb the girl lying next to him.

Hermione and Blaise looked it over, making a few corrections and then set it down.

"Looks good, except it was too anti-Dumbledore. We changed it around a tad and now it sounds perfect. We can show the lovebirds later when they wake up." Said Blaise as he stood and gathered his belongings.

"It is getting late so I'm heading back to the dungeons. I'll cover for Draco. Being his right hand man, no one will question what I tell them. Do the same for Potter, meet with you lot later." He said and exited the Sanctuary. Hermione turned to Neville and Luna.

"I better get going as well. Make sure not to get caught after curfew you two. We'll meet up tomorrow or whenever the two of them decide to join the waking world. Night," She said with a small smile and gathered her things. She made a copy of the recruitment letter before leaving the room.

Neville and Luna were left alone in the room. The dreamy girl continued to lay her head on Neville's shoulder as Neville finalized the letter. Once he felt satisfied with the wording and content in the small note he made the appropriate number of copies and left them on the table for Harry to look over when he woke. He cast a tempus charm to see that it was an hour past curfew and gave an annoyed sigh. He hated being out past curfew because the teachers were roaming around the school. It was easier, but harder to leave the Sanctuary once curfew had past. He turned to Luna and placed a hand on her cheek to wake her.

"Luna, its time to head back to our common rooms. It's past curfew already we better get going before we are missed." The girl slowly opened her eyes and gave a dreamy smile. Neville gave a small smile in return and helped the girl from the couch. As she moved to get her bag, she suddenly froze. Neville, seeing her freeze looked to see her face break out in a large excited smile. Her eyes were suddenly clear of their usual daze and she looked right into his. The brightness of her eyes took him back for a moment before he realized.

"Oh well that is brilliant then. Oh Neville! It seems that we have an interesting new development. I'm slightly frustrated I didn't know earlier but oh this is wonderful!" She walked over to embrace him in a fierce hug. He returned it a moment later, still confused as to what she was saying.

"Luna, what are you talking about?" She pulled away, the smile still on her face, but her eyes once again looking as if she was gazing at something beyond him, seeing through him.

"Everyone will find out when the time is right, it is not soon, but it will be the best thing for us all. Don't worry, it's a good thing." She answered and took hold of his hand, leading them both out of the Sanctuary.

In a manor hundreds of miles away, in a large meeting room, Tom Riddle listened to Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy explain the enigma Harry Potter. At first he had been angered at Lord Malfoy's decision to give the youngest Potter his family's loyalty and protection. He felt betrayed, and had been ready to banish them all from entering his manor. That is, till he learned of the reason. There was a secret in the Malfoy family that next to none knew. That the Lord of the most Ancient House of Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, could read the auras of other witches and wizards. That was how they had found all his loyal followers. He used Lucius to choose the ones with darker auras that were more open to his views and his methods. When Lucius told him that Draco had observed Harry Potter's strange behavior their first year at Hogwarts, and that the boy had managed to defeat a possessed man, Tom Riddle had told Lucius to test him. Using his old school diary as a ploy to show Potter's true strength. And the boy had passed all his expectations. A mere twelve year old had destroyed one of his horcruxes, defeated a Basilisk, and lived. Yes, this was an extraordinary boy that he was very interested in meeting. Though, when Lucius told him of how dark and powerful the boys aura was, that along with what he just heard, finalized his decision to talk to the boy in person.

"You are positive Lucius?" He asked his blonde friend. The man nodded his eyes filled with excitement.

"Yes my Lord. I just received a letter from both Draco and Mister Potter. It appears that his dark aura comes from a creature blood inheritance, more specifically, Vampire. Pureblood Vampire inheritance." He finished, looking over to Severus to see his face still in a state of shock. The man smirked, he enjoyed when Severus was taken by surprise. The man's facial expressions were humorous.

"I'm glad young Draco was also found to be his mate. That will be very helpful in making him join us. Having him will be a crushing blow to Dumbledore." Riddle said the old man's name with venom. Severus came out of his shock and agreed.

"I think with the way he has spoken to Lucius and Draco, the boy appears to be making his own army in Hogwarts. If a battle ever came to the school my Lord I think there would be many who would protect and fight for him. Though I am curious to how he inherited his vampire genes. As far as I knew the Potters were purebloods, and while I knew Lily Potter was not truly a muggleborn. Without her true name it will be difficult…" He ended there with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Do try hard Severus, I would like to know that as well. Lucius tell the boy that we will meet at your manor sometime this summer. And try to find Sirius Black. I know he is trying to get in contact with Potter. Perhaps we can assist him and thus gain Potter's trust and also see what he knows of the boy's heritage. Severus, you need to train Potter. He needs to gain control over his vampire powers and increase his strength," He looked over at the man and he nodded in agreement. He gave a small smile as Nagini slithered over to him from the entrance hall. The large made its way over to its master. The other two men, used to being in the presence of the large familiar, gave no notice to the large snake. Severus walked over to Lucius and the two began planning the summer and what to tell the boys.

"Is little Harry coming to stay with us Master?" She hissed to him. The man ran his hand along her scaled body as she draped herself over the back of the chair he sat on.

"Not quite yet, we must find out for sure who he is. Though I have an idea." The snake hissed in excitement. Lord Riddle gave a small chuckle.

"Patience Nagini, We will know for sure later. Now I have some traitors you may eat if you wish it. I have no need to torture them further," The snake raised its head to let its tongue flick out along its master's cheek in a loving way.

"Thank you, I would love to eat the traitors. They always try to run, so fun." The snake slithered down the chair to a small door off to the side that led to the manors dungeon. The Lord of the manor rose from his seat and motioned the two scheming men to follow him.

"Come, let us discuss this in my study." The three men left to formulate the plans for the future. With Harry Potter on their side, everything changed.

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Thank you all for your support and patience for waiting for this chapter. I really hope you like it

Kakeru