Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I do not have any rights to it and I do not make any money from writing these fics.
AN: sorry the chapter is shorter, but it was originally part of chapter four,but it got so long I was forced to split it and then continue.
Chapter Five: Slytherin
The entire hall went silent as the door opened and Harry's eyes widened as everyone had paused in what they were doing to look up at him. Taking a deep breath Harry closed his eyes remembering what Lucius had said to him before he put on a cool mask and opened his eyes. Magic glowed behind them eerily as he slowly took the steps down something urged him to let his magic go a bit and it cracked around him making the small dolls on his belt move and rattle on their own. As he hit the bottom stair Hydrus held out his arm and Harry hooked his own and slowly the crackling energy debated and melted into a warm surge just beneath his skin. Draco was second to join them, laying his hand gently on Harry's elbow guiding them to the side of the room.
Harry leaned closer to Hydrus as he became even more aware of people looking at him, some of those he knew to be death eaters, and one pair he knew to belong to the Dark Lord himself. Taking a long deep breath he met the scarlet red eyes and his own green ones widened at the very normal and handsome Dark Lord in a deep green suit with silver trim. A soft tap on his hand and Harry's gaze was pulled back just as Blaise walked up and grabbed his hands looking at the rings on his fingers, two pairs of sharp silver and blue eyes looking at the dark hand, a firm warning.
His eyes going from anger to pure surprise as he glanced over each one, "So it is true. You're not like us, you're a full fledged Lord of several houses. La'Fae? Really. Only you Potter."
"I do believe he deserves more than one last name, you could at least address him as Lord, Blaise" a cool deep voice said warningly.
The three teens turned to find the Dark Lord looming over them and that others had backed off to give them space. Harry gave a low bow, "Lord Slytherin, an honor to see you this night."
The man gave a strange one sided smile that looked almost charming on his face before tucking a pale finger beneath Harry's chin and lifting him out of the bow, "Come, as my heir I wish to get to know you more. I was unaware you were of Slytherin blood strong enough to rival my own until Lucius informed me earlier this evening. We have much to discuss."
Hydrus interjected quickly, "Can it wait till after the feast? I am sure Harry is hungry and dancing is always a good time to converse where others might not listen."
The man nodded, "Yes, where are my manners, you are very bright Young Lord. Please enjoy your feast, and Harry do save me the first dance." He gave another smile before melting into the crowd leaving an almost panicking Harry.
"I thought he was going to drag me somewhere alone and kill me."
Draco laughed, "No worries, he can't do anything tonight. The manor is protected and all wands where taken at the door. Come we must take our seats."
The three walked over to the head table where the new presented heirs and one lord would sit. The seven chairs each had a small plaque to show where each where sitting that night. Harry groaned lightly when he noticed he had the center seat with Hydrus on his left and Draco to his right. Taking the seat he smiled gently and the dinner went along fairly well. The occasional glance over at the table that held the parents of the presented with the Dark Lord joining them. Most of the way through the feast Severus stood once more and called for attention.
"As the conductor of tonight's feast I would like to invite each of the parents of the introduced to say a few words to the newly introduced and present them with their family crest and gift of farewell to wish them a safe year at their chosen schools."
Severus retook his seat and a tall beautiful woman stood. Her dark olive skin and long black hair was set off by her bright blue eyes. She smiled and lifted a deep blue wrapped box, "My beautiful son" she slowly took her place before Zabini, "You may not have been the daughter I always wanted but you are the pride and joy I never thought I could ever have. After your father left us you helped me stand on my own two feet and even helped introduce me to the new love in my life. I hope you continue to be the beautiful dream of a son, Good luck at Hogwarts and at life, this is for you my little olive."
Blaise smiled brightly and nodded before the Lady Zabini took her seat. The next parents where the few children he did not know going to different schools. Soon Lord Malfoy stood with two of his own parcels and he smiled at the two boys he took pride in.
"Hydrus, Draco, I have known you both since the day you were both born and how I wish Hydrus your mother and father could see you now. You both have grown into such fine adults and it brings me joy to know that I had a hand in doing so. I hope to continue to see you both grow and one day find your destined and have children of your own. These are for the both of you and I hope one day you will share the Malfoy name in pride."
The two took their boxes and Harry smiled at them as they took a look at what was inside. Next Lord Voldemort stood up and Harry's eyes fell on him. The man had a black and silver parcel in his hands and slowly he stood before Harry, "Many know me to be a man of terror, most here call me their Lord and those that don't respect me and my decisions. You however Harry, have been a pain in the ass since the day you were born. You have stopped me at every turn, somehow foreseen what my plans are as I formulate them and yet despite me trying to kill you, you not only survive but you grew up into a powerful young wizard before me and for some reason I could never be prouder. You have faced more odds than most children your days and you are still fighting. I know now that you are of Slytherin blood and my heir, so now I want to make things right. Harry perhaps starting tonight we can find a way to set things right."
Harry looked at him and tilted his head eyes taking a quick glance at the curious and almost anxious faces of the others. He knew this could end multiple ways and for some reason he wanted it to end right. Slowly Harry stood and setting down the glass of wine he had been given, "I will not lie to you tonight, you standing here before me is both terrifying and fascinating. I cannot guarantee that a future between us is possible, but I can promise to discuss and try."
The man smiled and nodded before handing Harry the black and silver parcel and he accepted it carefully and the man took his seat and the seven of them got to open the package we received. Harry slowly opened his, he wasn't sure what was inside and was pleasantly surprised to find a black dragon-skin journal with two jars of silver ink and Harpy feather quills. Smiling he let his fingers trace over them and lifted the note resting on top.
Harry,
This is an Heir Journal; it allows the heir to contact the current Lord of the line without interference or fear of anyone else seeing. It is customary and I believe you would like it.
Voldemort.
Harry slowly replaced the letter and gave a polite nod of thank you toward the Dark Lord who simply raised his glass of dark red wine. Turning as a soft whisper brushed his ear.
"Harry, my father was wondering if you had a letter of permission to bring your new familiar onto Hogwarts grounds. You need one from a member of the Student Directors Board."
The said wizard turned his head to stare at Draco, "I hadn't thought I needed anything, he is my familiar, how do they expect me to concentrate if they tear a piece of my magic away, that is like taking and burning one of my Dolls they are me."
Hydrus cleared his throat, "Speaking of dolls, what do you plan on using your dolls for, most puppet wielders in the books choose a specific way to master, on how they use them."
Harry tapped his chin, "It depends on the doll, I mean I have my mini dolls that are meant for spying. Then I have my other two which have minds of their own and can do just about anything, and now I have the third doll from Lucius which can easily be a surveillance or messenger doll."
Draco snorted, "Never take the easy way do you Potter, just going to master everything."
Green eyes glared sharply before a ting of silver to glass called everyone's attention to Severus who gave a calm look as he spoke, "Within a few moments the ball room will open and the dancing shall commence, would the Presented please select your escort for the first dance."
Hydrus and Draco slowly stood and took each other's hands while Harry stepped around and toward Riddle who was standing and now walking toward him. The two hooked arms and walked after the other Presented into the large dancing hall. Harry's robe fanned out behind him and he felt Riddle's hand fall to his hip and lift his right hand. The younger wizard brought his hand up to the elder's shoulder and soon a violin sent them into a slow waltz and red eyes caught his.
"I hope you know that my note and gift were sincere, you are my heir but as my heir I expect you to remain at the top of your game. Don't die, study hard, and for Salazar's sake try to stay out of the papers."
Harry laughed lightly before giving a slow nod, "I understand that you want me to keep a low profile but I am the great boy who lived, so no guarantees."
A hand tapped Tom's shoulder gently and the two dancers turned to see Draco standing there with a playful smirk across his features, "My apologies M'Lord but I wish to request a dance with Harry."
Tom nodded and slowly Harry took Draco's hand and warmth filled his chest and stomach and it felt like he was no longer dancing but gliding across the floor. He was never much of a dancer but with Draco it wasn't dancing anymore it simply, was.
Harry closed his eyes and let the flow carry him not even noticing when Draco was replaced by an equally warm and inviting aura of Hydrus. Slowly the youngest Lord opened his eyes and took in his new partner and simply smiled as he let his eyes wonder from Hydrus to Draco who was watching from not far away.
This was a moment he could cherish.
To Be Continued…