Dumbledore pulled out a lemon drop and sucked greedily until he felt the calming draught fill his mouth, that blasted reporter had published yet another damming article and yes it was accurate to a point but she never acknowledge that he was Albus Dumbledore the most powerful wizard alive and that should give him leeway in his actions and no one should question him he'd had to ask a house elf to ward his office from howlers how dare people think they had a right to demand answers from him!. Well he thought, no one will once the riddle and Potter boys were out of the way and they would he had made sure of it and not only would he be hailed a hero again but he'd have the Potter, Black and Gryffindor vaults. Goblins were manipulative creatures and he'd had a forged will prepared during the Potter teens first year, no one would suspect a thing. He almost cackled when he was interrupted from his celebratory thoughts by a weak knock on his door, straightening himself up into his friendly mask he shouted a cheerful open and was pleased to see his weapon walk in. Meek, frail and submissive was the perfect words to describe the young man he had created.

"Harry my boy come sit, lemon drop?"

"No thank you sir, I've just eaten lunch" Harry replied quietly

"I see, must watch your figure for Quidditch I suppose" he suggested lightly

"My ban is still in place sir, Professor Mcgonagall said I am unable to play" Harry pointed out, bowing his head and looking utterly pathetic.

"That is a shame my boy, you are a very good seeker. However that may be for the best this year, I wanted to meet with you to discuss starting some private lessons" and Harry's head snapped up to him in surprise

"With you Sir?"

" Yes some of your lessons will be with myself but I have arranged with Professor Melkor for you to receive one on one help with defence and of course offensive magic and I think it would be wise to restart your occlumency sessions with Professor Snape we'd not like a repeat of last year and the lessons with myself are of a sensitive issue that we can't have Tom becoming aware of"

"Snape hates me sir, can't professor Mcgonagall teach me?" Harry replied knowing that Dumbledore would expect him to complain

"Professor Snape, and I am sure if you treat him with respect he will in turn treat you kinder." Dumbledore said, using his wand under his desk to send compulsion charms at the teen.

"I'll try sir" Harry rushed to say, feeling the icky magic swarm him. Dumbledore wanted him to trust him. "What will we be doing Sir?"

"I believe it is time that you learned your enemy, his past and his journey to immortality" Harry morphed his expression into righteously horrified

"You mean Voldemort is immortal? Then how can we get rid of him sir?" Harry said making sure to sound panicked

"I think you're the key Harry, of course I'll be here to advise you but you are the prophecy child" Dumbledore said, and wasn't that the truth oh Harry wanted to gouge out those twinkling eyes instead he masked his face to look uncertain and fiddled with the frayed ends of his robe sleeves.

"Are you sure I am Sir? I'm nothing special, what if it's wrong." He muttered

"I have faith in you my boy, now I believe you have lessons so I won't keep you any longer" Dumbledore told him, Harry took that as his cue to leave he bid the headmaster a goodbye. Walking past the perch where Fawkes rested thrilling sadly; poor bird and left.

He sat at the back of Tom's classroom as he had the passed week which usually meant he was left alone for the period of the class. That wasn't to be since Tom had decided to discuss Patronus Charms and their usefulness in a battle setting and since it was well known he'd been able to produce a corporeal form since he was 13 years old of course he had to give a demonstration; at the front of the class. Right next to Tom.

"Whenever you're ready" murmured Tom, and Merlin how was he supposed to think of happy thoughts when around this intoxicating git. He pulled out his wand swept it in a circular motion and out came running his trusty stag, which was too being an arsehole as it pranced around Tom and didn't Harry just want to lock himself in his room and never come out again.

"Merlin, will you give over" he scolded and the stag gave him a dramatic nod before he stood in front of him, obediently like a puppy. "Good boy" he praised patting his head, the gasps from his classmates reminded him he wasn't alone and that he was treating his patronus like a pet.. in public. He could feel the dark lord's amusement.

"Impressive Mr Potter, now some of you may be wondering how this could aid you during a battle which is why you'll be trying to catch Mr Potter off guard and the only aid he has will be his patronus" Tom informed them, and Harry gaped like a fish.

"You can't be serious" Harry exclaimed "Sir"

"Deadly" Tom smirked before moving away leaving Harry alone at the front of the class.

"Just you and me boy, you let any of them hit me and I won't let you come out and play" Harry whispered and the stag bellowed before lowering his head and waving his antlers at the students. Most looked terrified and Harry couldn't hold his laugh. "Sorry.. go for it" Prongs had taken his threat seriously, meaning Harry only had to side step a few spells. His patronus deflected or absorbed the spells. Powering a patronus was tiring though so he made his patronus glow brightly, so all that anyone could see was white before he muttered a goodbye and ended the spell.

"I do not expect you to be able to reach that level of control over your patronus, many grown wizards and witches are unable to produce a corporeal form let alone command it to protect them. However you will aim for a corporeal form this term, though you will pass if you manage a mist." Tom told them as he approached the front "Do not hound Mr Potter for assistance outside of this classroom, he will only assist you during lesson time"

"I will?" Harry questioned amused, the Professor nodded "I will...apparently"

"Then you'll direct those who are already able to produce a corporeal form how you would proceed with their bond with their patronus" Tom informed him settling to lean against his desk, this was shaping up to be an embarrassing lesson at his expense.

"Okay, I'd consider why your patronus chose to take that form. It doesn't have to be some ancient symbolic meaning. Stags are considered as kings of the forest, a symbol of male sexuality, rebirth or in several cultures just associated with magic and/or quest of a hero. My reasoning was personal, my patronus is in the form of my Dad's animagus form and as you saw he's a bit of a show off just as I am told my Dad was. I think recognising why I have to put up with Prongs, aided me in stabilising the bond" Harry told them his eyes drifting over to the people he knew could cast a patronus.

"What about us who can't Potter?" Theodore Nott snapped, Harry looked at Tom as he was sure that man was supposed to be the one teaching but Tom just smiled and indicated for him to go on. The students that were able to produce a patronus had risen to look through Tom's bookcases in search of their patronus meanings or sat in quiet areas with their patronus running around them.

"The most commonly used method of producing a patronus is flawed, think a happy thought hold it and say the incantation. I'd suggest you meditate, as often as you can fit in and concentrate on the feel of your magic when you're remembering happier memories." Harry told them and most nodded in understanding. Nott seemed to be struggling or enjoyed the sound of Harry's voice.

"How's that any different?" he sneered

"Chances are you're going to forget the happy memories when faced with a dementor, since that's what they feed from. You're not going to forget you're a wizard or witch and since you're meditating to recall the feel of your magic, a patronus will become second nature." Harry answered anyway

"Why do you know all of this Potter?" Pansy demanded

"Think everyone knows they seem fond of removing my soul last year and I may not be a Slytherin but I do have some self preservation" Harry replied rolling his eyes. "Alright show me" he said noticing how Tom refused to do anything but watch with concealed amusement

"Show you" Pansy repeated

"Yes Parkinson, try to perform the patronus charm"

"But I haven't meditated yet"

"I'd be surprised if you managed it on your first try, but even with meditating you still need the correct wand movement and since you have yet to manage it you'll have to say it out loud" Harry told her

"Okay, expecto patronum" The witch said quietly.

"Correct her" Tom told him and Harry was surprised of his restraint Tom was pushing him, he pushed his irritation through the link but walked to stand behind the witch.

"Relax there's no dementor okay? You're gripping your wand so tight your knuckles are white. The motion doesn't have to be so sharp, use some of that pureblood grace to your advantage it's all in the wrist. Start from the inside anti cloak wise in a circle whilst you speak the spell." Harry murmured close to her ear, his hand rest on hers as he walked through the motion. He stepped back "Try again"

"Expecto patronum" The witch repeated more confidentially and a mist shot from her wand but after a moment it was gone. She was thrilled though and she threw out all decorum and hugged Harry who was frozen in surprise. "Thank you Potter"

"Yeah you're welcome" Harry said when she let him go and turned to the sneering Slytherin's who were shooting her disproving looks. "How dare she feel a little pride over her accomplishments" he drawled sarcastically "how's about you all get your wands out and give it a go" he snapped and they hurried to follow his instruction. Crabbe looked close to just tossing his wand.

"That won't help, forget about everything else it's just you and your magic. You have to want it, believe in yourself that you can do it, there's no reason that you shouldn't be able too." Harry said soothingly

"We're not all light wizards Potter" Daphne greengrass brought up and oh wasn't that hilarious

"That's a myth and if you're going to use that as an excuse to not try to produce it then you're narrow-minded. Lose the stiff posture no one is going to disarm you and try like you want it"

"So you're suggesting wizards like the Dark Lord could produce one?" good old Goyle asked him

"The patronus charm is a difficult spell to master, since Voldemort has mastered many forms of magic I'd assume he can" Harry said enjoying the winces at how casually he could say the Dark Lord's name

"Wonder what it would be, possibly a basilisk. King of serpents" mused Pansy and Harry rolled his eyes

"I doubt his patronus would take that form, but I'll ask him next time he tries to kill me. Till then let's focus on you lot hmm?" he asked, oh now they realise who they are casually talking too and he was sure Tom wasn't pleased how easily they discussed him. Naughty junior death eater babies.

"Expecto patronum" Greengrass yelled and she beamed when a cat appeared before it rubbed itself around her legs before wandering off. "I can't believe it, thank you Potter."

"Fitting patronus and you're welcome" Harry continued when she rose an elegant eyebrow "Cats are independent creatures, you can never own one it merely chooses you to care for it. Curious, clever, unpredictable and the ability to fight when cornered. Symbolises magic and mystery in your life, night wanderer and easily bored." Daphne looked stunned and she too was fighting the urge to hug him, making him wonder if he had a free hugs sign on his back or something.

"Truly, thank you. Guess you do know what you're talking about"

Harry approached Crabbe and grabbed his wand arm "You're going to take someone's eye out, your movement needs to be firm but not a windmill- a big circle. Watch" Harry instructed as he moved his own wand "Expecto patronum. See it's a controlled movement, practice Crabbe that with meditating and you will manage this"

"How can you be so sure Potter?" He asked frustrated

"It's obvious you want it, walk away when you feel frustrated but go back to it once you've calmed. You're a wizard." Harry reassured him and Crabbe nodded a fraction.

"Dismissed, Mr Potter stay" Tom spoke up from the front and Harry flopped into a chair without complaint so much for being left alone this lesson. "I'd heard of whispers of your teaching skill, I wasn't quite expecting that performance"

"Hmm? Did I not live up to your expectations?" Harry asked lightly but he did turn to look at him

"You convinced me that Crabbe will be able to succeed in producing a patronus, I think you could say you more then exceeded my expectations." Tom admitted

"I did wonder why you refused to teach and threw me to the snakes, so what's yours?" Harry asked interested

"It used to be a bat, it has changed shape drastically" Tom warned him before a giant lion appeared roaring next to Tom, lifting giant paws to stalk towards Harry who looked at it in awe, irony and understanding.

"He's gorgeous and surprising. Though they are considered fiercely protective over their cause, possessive over what they claim as there's, accompanied many Gods which alludes them to the lion as a symbol of strength and authority, a hidden affectionate side and an internal power to influence changes be it positive or negative in yourself and those around you" Harry told him and Tom listened whilst watching Harry scratch his patronus behind the lions ear eliciting a purr from the beast. "Were you disappointed that you didn't get a snake?"

"Could you imagine the hissy fit I'd be subjected too from Nagini if the snake wasn't her?" he scoffed, no a lion was much more satisfying and gave him less of a head ache "As for a basilisk as miss Parkinson suggested I already see four regularly I do not need another"

"Where in Godric's name are you keeping four basilisks?"

"In the chamber" Tom answered like Harry should be aware of them

"I use the chamber regularly and I've not seen nor heard a hiss from any basilisks or any species of snake" Harry exclaimed

"I'll take you to them tomorrow, I require food, finish marking some homework and then sleep. Join me?"

"Hmm this isn't some way of saying I'm not allowed out of you sight for the foreseeable future is it? Because you can't do that" Harry told him, though he did let his body move when Tom grasped his wrist

"Dark Lord" Tom said smugly, so yes maybe Tom could kidnap him, keep him prisoner and do evil dark lord things to him. Wrong train of thoughts, still Tom would struggle to contain him.

"Right that title doesn't fill me with dread, or maybe it's because your patronus is wanting me to rub it's belly but as I do have something to tell you I suppose I can eat, you're on your own with the marking though" he curled further into Tom when he was side apparated away and they stood in the same embrace when they arrived in Tom's study at Slytherin Manor. An elf popped in and disturb them but Tom didn't release him, merely dismissed the elf after it informed them that dinner was served Harry wasn't sure who instigated the kiss but it was as demanding, rough and warm as it he remembered. The sexual attraction was the simple part, it was empowering when it was him who forced a growl from the Dark lord knowing it wasn't just him affected by just a simple snog.

"I find you're inability to travel by the simplest forms of magical transportation greatly amusing." Tom said his fingers trailing patterns down Harry's face who knew he looked dazed but couldn't find himself to care, he felt lighter in the man's presence maybe Snape was right and he was suffering from a strained bond.

"I'm glad you find one of my many flaws amusing, and who needs apparation when I can shadow?" Harry asked him, and to prove a point he moved them to Tom's dining room

"I think they will forever feel disgusting" Tom sneered as he sat down

"Meanie, moving on I had a meeting with the old goat today"

"Oh did he inform you that he wishes for me to prepare you to fight the Dark Lord?" Tom said with a chuckle

"Partly, he wants me too take up occlumency with Snape; which I have no intentions of doing so if you could order him to give fake reports that would be most welcome. He also informed me that it was time I learned about you, your childhood and your quest for immortality" Harry said his voice becoming quieter as he wasn't confident in how Tom would react, minutes ticked by and Tom still hadn't replied his face blank but Harry wasn't expecting his answer when Tom eventually spoke up.

"I can't imagine that he knows much at all regarding my childhood before I reached Hogwarts and although I have no urge to relive that time, I would wager it would be beneficial for you to know about it. Loathe as I am to admit it but it helped shape me" Tom informed him, in a voice one would use when describing the weather.

"Why would you suggest that?" Harry asked befuddled, he couldn't think of any logical reason for Tom to share such private memories with him.

"I want to trust you, it's something I never imagined I'd share with anyone so it's logical that if you are going to witness any of it you should see it all." Oh they were touching on uncomfortable ground, may as well stick the knife in.

"What do you know about conceiving magical children Tom?" Harry asked softly

"It's not a subject I've read into, though many pureblood families seem to struggle"

"My mum pointed something out earlier, something I've skimmed over deeming it frivolous; except it's apparently one of the reasons that purebloods struggle" Harry took sips of his wine to calm his nerves "Love, magical children are gifts and to conceive their needs to be love between the parents"

"That's... potentially problematic" Tom replied slowly "Though we don't have to recognise the emotions, and the idea doesn't send me into a rage."

"I think potentially problematic is a severe understatement, but given the magnitude of what we have to do I don't feel all that concerned about it more annoyed at my oversight." Harry admitted

"That is true, we'll just continue as we are and stop denying ourselves. Choose to feel whatever that entails, let it progress naturally" Tom suggested and Harry nodded though he doubted it was going to be as easy as that.

"Think I'll go over what Remus has sent me whilst you play professor." Harry told him pushing away his half eaten dessert "Or not, looks like we have visitors" his attention now on the doorway, Tom followed his eye line he couldn't see anyone, but after a moment of confusion Lady Magic and Death swept in with practiced grace.

"We apologise for the interruption, but we that- " Lady Magic looked uneasy, fidgeting with the sleeve of Death's robes.

"Shall we move to somewhere more comfortable?" Tom suggested, Lady Magic looked pleased and nodded. Moving slightly as Tom lead them out of the dining room and too a room Harry hadn't been in. Magic thrummed in the air creating a tranquil atmosphere. "Salazar's tranquillity room" Tom seemed to sense his silent question.

"Right, why are you here looking like you'd rather be anywhere else?" Harry asked them, his head cocked to the side at his adoptive parents.

"We want to show you" Lady magic started before death cut her off, instead offering his hand in comfort.

"You have never asked us for anything Son, and this world has never done anything right by you. " Death continued shooting a pointed look at Tom, who tried not to flinch. "We want to show you, both of you the outcome if you fail or choose not to go through with this."

"Err what's the need of that?" Harry asked bewildered.

"Incentive, we don't want to pressure you in to viewing the future or in influencing your decision regarding the prophecy but as we've witnessed you're both very willing to fulfil it. Think of it as seeing what your up against, it may aid you in your plans. It's up to you" Death explained,

"And you were uncomfortable because?" Harry asked shooting them both looks and they relaxed into the sofa.

"Wasn't sure how you'd react" Lady Magic answered, her lip quirked until she laughed. "Was a bit silly of us apparently"

"You want to do this?" Harry asked Tom who'd been quietly observing

"I assume that this is a guaranteed future as you're offering us a chance to view it." Tom questioned

"Yes, there are too many variables to show you the future if you are successful" Lady magic answered "There are rules that prevent us from meddling, as this could result in the extinction of magic we are willing too aid as much as we can when asked." Harry and Tom shared a look, silently communicating before the nodded slightly.

"We want to see, please" Harry told them, whilst Tom nodded his participation.