Disclaimer: HP&Co belong to JKR&Co. Not me.

A/N: Fantastic. Support of the fic continues. I love this. Thanks to everyone who reads this and likes it, even if all of you don't review!

A peek into the mind of a madman, repercussions thereof, and some more Dumbledore/Harry interaction.

Chapter Nineteen: The Plot Thickens

Harry stood in a dusty, dirty, decrepit room. He could see where, once upon a time, the room had been grand and bordering on near-opulence, yet the remains of the room were just that, remains. The floorboards, once golden and polished to a high shine, were now grey and faded, covered in dust and cobwebs. Wall-paper curled in moldy strands, no longer covering the plaster behind it. The plaster, itself, was cracked and wooden lathing showed through, in places. The chair in which he sat smelled strongly of mildew and was impossible to tell what color it had once been. Not even multiple cleaning charms had helped. All-in-all, it was the absolute last place anyone would look for him.

It was cold in the room, he turned to a figure hiding in the shadows, "I presume it wouldn't be too much to ask for a fire?"

"Anything milord desires," the figure bowed and shifted. Without any preamble the room was filled with the rich golden glow of a merrily crackling fire. He felt a smug affection for his servant. She had never disappointed him, as so many of the others had.

"The muggle has been removed?" An echo of undying hatred for the caretaker of the house surfaced, though he didn't allow it reign.

"Yes, milord."

"And the others?" Disappointments or not, they were useful. He would need them in the months to come.

"None are aware of us, yet, milord. I trust you have a plan?"

Harry snorted, "Of course. What have I been able to do these last years but plan?" Oh, how he approved of her quick mind, and quicker reflexes.

The figure stepped out of the shadows, the firelight doing nothing to soften the harsh angles that comprised her face. There was still beauty in it, though; the beauty of madness, of genius. "If it pleases milord, will I learn this plan?"

Harry laughed, a high-pitched sound. The noise startled his companion, though she tried not to show it. He wasn't known for random bouts of merry-making, after all. He ruled through the power of fear, and he knew she feared him, even as she loved him. "You, my dear, are going to play a key role."

Just then, a door behind Harry slid open, seemingly by itself. "Milord's familiar has returned."

"Just thought you ought to know, Master, but there are a couple of nestlings in the hallway," a rather large snake hissed before curling up before the fire. Harry smiled at the snake, though others would be hard-pressed to find the expression on his face.

"What is it, milord?"

"Nagini informs me we have some uninvited guests, Bella. Won't you show them in for a… proper greeting?"

Bellatrix grinned, the expression twisting her features into unrecognizability. "Certainly, milord." She strode to the door and flung it open, to reveal a boy of approximately sixteen and what appeared to be his girlfriend. "Won't you both join us, children?" The teens, quaking in fright, scurried into the room. Bella met Harry's eyes and smiled. Together, they raised their wands, "Avada Kedavra."

Bright, sickly green light flooded Harry's sight.

Harry gasped and sat up, wondering for a moment why he was on the sofa in the lounge, rather than in his own bed. Someone sat his glasses on his nose. Reaching up to adjust them, he saw Allen sitting in one of the armchairs, with Jennifer on his lap. Sirius was kneeling next to the sofa, and Remus was leaning over the back. "You alright, Cub?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah… What happened?"

"We were rather hoping you could tell us, Harry." Allen gave Jenn a quick hug as she stood. "Ron and Hermione are asleep. It's about four in the morning."

Harry took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I don't rightly know what happened. During the New Year's countdown, I got this headache that showed up out of nowhere, and then I was suddenly dreaming."

Sirius exchanged a glance with Remus. Remus nodded, "What did you dream? You were muttering something, but none of us could quite catch it."

Harry closed his eyes and replayed the dream in his mind. "I was in this really old room. I think the house had been empty for a long time. There was someone else there that I didn't recognize at first," Harry continued to relay the dream.

When he was done, the room was dead silent. Remus rubbed a hand across his face, "Shite."

"I really think we ought to contact Dumbledore about this, Harry. I know you don't like the man, but… He is one of the best minds out there." Sirius was reaching for his cloak.

Harry sighed, "I suppose. You reckon it wasn't a normal dream, then?"

Remus shook his head. "I don't quite know what it was, Cub, but I doubt it was anything so mundane as a dream." He lifted his head to catch Sirius' eye. "You don't have to go back to your place to call the Headmaster. I've got a mirror in my room."

Sirius grinned. "I thought you swore to keep those a Marauder secret, Moony."

Remus chuckled, "Well… Considering the circumstances…"

"Don't worry, Moony. Where is it?"

"In the top drawer of the desk."

Sirius put his cloak back down, "All right, then. Be right back." He hurried out of the room and footsteps could be heard ascending the stairs.

"Harry?" Jenn asked. She looked more worried than Harry had ever seen her.

"Hmm?"

"This ever happen before?"

Harry shook his head. "No. And I hope it doesn't happen again. It was… Unsettling, to say the least."

"I can imagine so," Allen closed his eyes, in what Harry recognized as his 'thinking' pose.

Shortly thereafter, Sirius returned. "Albus said he'll be by in the morning. He feels there's no immediate danger, and recommends that we all get some sleep."

Jenn followed Allen to their room, even as Remus disappeared to his. Harry stayed sitting on the sofa. Sirius lingered in a dark corner of the room, "You really alright, Harry?"

Harry shrugged, "I don't know, Sirius. This has never happened before. It was like I was a completely different person. With what you and Remus and Hermione – and Ron, to a lesser extent – have told me about when Mum and Dad died… The only conclusion I can come to is… Rather frightening."

Sirius stepped out of the shadows and sat next to Harry on the sofa. "What conclusion is that, Harry?"

"That, somehow, I was in Voldemort's head." Harry swallowed, hard, trying to get past the memory of unfamiliar thoughts, unfamiliar emotions. He shook his head, "I don't think I'll be getting any more sleep tonight, Sirius. You're welcome to my bed, if you want. I think I'll spend the time studying."

"If you're sure?"

Harry nodded. Sirius gave his godson a quick hug and went up to Harry's room. Harry turned off the few remaining lights and stood, staring out the front window for a while, thinking. If… That really was Voldemort… And I saw into his mind… Won't that mean he can see into mine, too? That could be potentially problematic. Right now, I know he won't find much of consequence, other than tentative plans for magical technology and information on post-modern painting styles, abstract sculpture techniques, and various principles and theories of quantum mechanics. However, I am sure that will change. Especially if that sense I got off him – that he was planning something really big – is right. Although, this could be my imagination running off with me, however I doubt that. He could also be toying with me; which, if I read him right, is something he definitely would try, if he thought it had the slightest chance of working. I wonder… Is there a way to keep him out of my head? Maybe a way to get into his without him noticing? I don't know if he was aware of me tonight, and if not, I don't want to do anything that would alert him to my presence… Wonder if Hermione would be angry with me if I woke her up? He glanced at his watch. Hmm… Five o'clock. Maybe I ought to wait an hour. Or two. It was New Years' last night, after all, and I don't know how much she had to drink. Knowing her, though, it was likely just the one glass of champagne at midnight. Still… I don't want to cut in on her sleep any more than I have to… Harry sighed and decided to wait an hour before waking Hermione to talk with her. He sunk back onto the sofa, hoping to think a bit more, but fell asleep before twenty minutes had passed.

"Harry?"

He blinked open his eyes. A slightly blurry Hermione was smiling at him. He yawned and sat up, straightening his glasses. "Morning. What time is it?"

"Just after nine. Sirius and Remus are with Jenn and Allen in the kitchen. Ron's still asleep – I think he had too much to drink at the party last night. Headmaster Dumbledore just arrived, and sent me to wake you."

Harry scowled. "Fantastic. Just what I didn't want to deal with right now…"

Hermione wrinkled her forehead. "Why not? He's one of the foremost crusaders of Light, and if what Sirius said is true about you having dreams of Voldemort…"

Harry waived a hand to forestall the lecture he was sure was approaching, "Don't worry about it, Hermione. I just don't like the man, personally. I'm sure he's all you say and more. Doesn't mean I'm not allowed my opinions."

"Of course not, but… Harry, why do you not like him? I mean-"

"One word, Hermione: Dursleys."

Hermione huffed. "I don't see what they have to do with anything."

Harry shook his head, "He's why I was left with them, Hermione. Dumbledore is the one who decided I'd be best off raised by a bunch of bloody bastards that hated magic and hated me."

Hermione gasped and paled. "In that case, I suppose I can see why you're… Less than approving. However, Harry, do try not to let that get in the way of working with him. He probably knows more about Voldemort than any other living person."

"I know. I don't like it much, but I know. I'll be civil as long as he's staying out of my personal business. I'm not going to let him make any more decisions about my life."

"I don't blame you, but… Be nice."

Harry grinned, "Hermione. When am I not nice?"

He hurried from the room before she could respond. He took a quick shower and changed into some clean clothes. Descending the stairs once more, he felt that all he now needed was a spot of breakfast and he'd be able to deal with anything – infuriating twinkling old men included.

"…disturbing, to say the least." Harry heard the tail-end of Remus' comment as he entered the kitchen. He opted not to question it, he could guess well enough what they were discussing. Jenn handed him a plate of bacon and eggs and toast, and he tucked into his meal.

By the time he finished, he was about ready to laugh. All conversation had stopped upon his entrance to the room, and hadn't picked up again. He had eaten in complete silence, knowing that the five adults in the room were watching him; Jenn and Allen with concern, Remus with a tinge of pity in his eyes, Dumbledore with frank curiosity, and Sirius was much like his godson – ready to burst out laughing at the absurdness of it all. Hermione was seemingly buried in a book, but every now and then, Harry noticed her watching him out of the corner of her eye.

"Thanks, Jenn. That really hit the spot."

That seemed to be the signal for Sirius to break down chuckling. Jenn took the empty plate back and set to clearing the table while Remus whispered something to Sirius that only made the ex-con laugh harder. Allen shook his head. Heaven help us, they're all barking mad.

"I understand, Mr. Potter, that you had a rather interesting dream last night?" Dumbledore reached into a pocket and withdrew a small tin of mints. Though he offered them to the others, no one but Hermione took one. Harry had to wonder if Hermione knew something about them that the others didn't.

Harry shook his head, "Not precisely a dream, per se. It didn't have the feel of a dream." He relayed what he'd seen and experienced to the Headmaster.

Dumbledore nodded as the tale concluded. "I had feared something like this may have been a consequence of this," he gestured towards Harry's scar.

Harry counted to ten, silently, before asking, "And just when were you planning on sharing that information with me?"

"Harry!" Sirius admonished.

"No, Sirius, don't. I do apologize, Mr. Potter, but after meeting you the last time, I was uncertain as to when a good time to do so would present itself."

To everyone's surprise, Jenn spoke up. "Bollocks. You didn't much appreciate that Harry sees you as the cause of so many years of trouble – not to mention the fact that he bloody called you on it – and, even if it didn't process as such, you wanted to get even with him!"

Jennifer was nearly shouting at the Headmaster. Allen grabbed her shoulder, "Hon, calm down. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt for right now. If he causes any more problems, then you can verbally eviscerate him, but for now, let's hear what he has to say."

"Fine!" She crossed her arms and sat back down.

Harry shook his head and sighed. "I thought I had asked you to pass along any information regarding this issue. When no word showed, I had assumed you had nothing further to say."

"My apologies, Mr. Potter."

Harry arched an eyebrow, "Is there anything else I should know at this juncture? Or will you continue your less-than-spectacular track record thus far of making my decisions for me while keeping me in the dark and apologizing for it after it's all said and done?"

"Very well, Mr. Potter. If you insist-"

"I do."

"Then perhaps we should discuss this in a bit more privacy."

"I think not, old man. Anything about this whole situation can be discussed with anyone in this house. I'll not keep secrets from them, unless, of course, they're the fun kind."

"Fun kind?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah. It's not much fun if you know your Christmas presents ahead of time, now is it?"

"Point taken." Dumbledore conjured some tea. "This may well take quite a while, Mr. Potter."

"It'll take as long as it takes and no longer." Harry was starting to get a bit aggravated with the Headmaster's dancing about the subject.

Dumbledore took a deep breath and began detailing what was known about Voldemort, beginning with what was commonly known and progressing through to some of the less known aspects of the Darkest wizard in an age. "And on that fateful Halloween night, Mr. Potter, I believe the combination of your mother's sacrifice and the killing curse rebounding caused some measure of Voldemort's talents to be… transplanted into you, causing a link with him, which is what caused your unfortunate vision of last night."

Hermione was taking notes. Harry wondered if she ever did anything without a notebook in her pocket. When Dumbledore made mention of the transfer of power, she frowned. "Harry?"

"What?"

"I seem to recall that you had written me once about a snake?"

It took Harry a couple of moments to remember the afternoon in his Physics classroom where he'd spoken with Angel. He nodded, "Yeah. Angel, the class pet in Physics. Albino ball-python. What about him?"

"Didn't you say you spoke with him?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, so?"

Dumbledore interrupted, "Another example of that power transference, Mr. Potter. The ability to speak with snakes is known as parseltongue. It is a very rare gift, indeed, found only in certain families. As the Potter line is not one of those, it is safe to assume the gift is one that you share with Voldemort."

"Why do I get the feeling that this 'gift' is seen as anything but in the wizarding world?" Harry asked when he saw both Remus and Sirius pale at the comment.

"It's considered to be the mark of a Dark wizard, Harry," Hermione supplied.

Harry snorted, "That it may be, but snakes are hardly brilliant conversationalists. Angel seems to have delusions of grandeur and an obsession for music from the sixties and seventies."

"A… snake… music… what?" Sirius looked a bit shell-shocked.

"He kept singing all these old Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel songs." Harry said.

Hermione snickered, Remus and Sirius exchanged a look before dissolving into laughter themselves. "Lemme guess… Was he singing 'Sounds of Silence?'" Remus asked.

Harry shook his head, "No, 'Feelin' Groovy.' Why's it matter?"

None of them could respond for a few minutes as they were laughing too hard. Even Dumbledore seemed amused at the snake's antics. Harry glared at all of them and cleared his throat. "IF we may continue?"

"Certainly, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore glanced at a rather complicated pocket-watch. "It appears to be around one in the afternoon. Perhaps a spot of lunch is in order?"

Jenn nodded and made to stand, but Dumbledore waived her back to her seat. With a series of complicated-looking maneuvers with his wand, the table soon boasted a couple of platters of sandwiches, a carafe of coffee, fresh tea, a tureen of a thick vegetable soup, and a tray of doughnuts. Just then, the kitchen door opened, admitting a yawning Ron Weasley. "Morning all, what'd I miss?"

A/N2: A lot of what Harry learns from Dumbledore is the same as in the books, so I didn't include it as part of the conversation. I see no need to reiterate that which you should know from reading canon. Yes, I've read HBP, and I haven't decided yet if I want to do the whole horcrux-thing. This is why I left the chapter where I did, there's still half the day left and I don't know if y'all want to hear another horcrux story. So, please let me know if you want me to address that aspect or not.

Everyone loves reviews. Especially my mum. I kid you not, I think she's more eager to check my email for reviews than I am. It's actually kind of frightening.