Sorry about the long wait. I got stuck in writing a few papers.

Disclaimer: I own only the plot; the characters belong to JKR.

Means to an end

Chapter 6

Molding the fire

The brilliant flash of light almost lit up the entire street. All those who were present were momentarily blinded. Then the light died and a strange calm engulfed the alley. Both the powerful wizards had disappeared.

********

They arrived in a wild swirl of colors. Harry smirked. They had arrived in the Black manor, off limits to anyone not of black blood. He was the sole heir after Sirius's death. It had been so easy to fool everyone in the wizarding world including Voldemort. Just a little bewitching spell hidden under battle magic and Voldemort would do anything for him. The rest of the world wanted a spectacular win like the bloody cowards deserved to witness their duel after they have sold him out. No now he was the one who would decide what happened to him, on his own terms. He had been so incensed at the audacity of the Wizengamot to sell him so that they could have their pretty little prejudiced lives. Now he thought with cold logic. 'Let me give them the courtesy of same thing they wanted to do to me.'

'Finite incantum.' He waved his wand. Voldemort who had been eyeing him hungrily till now shook his head and glared at him.

"What did you do to me Potter?" he hissed.

"Nothing I simply used my brain. We are in an unplottable manor. I wanted to talk to you without any other interference."

"You intrigue me Potter."

"I am not a blushing bride you could use to gift one of your followers. I am your equal in magic defined by the prophecy you yourself set in motion by attacking me. Now you have a choice. You gave me one before and I refused in the past. Now I am giving you the option to join me if you want, granted we could work out a little solution to our impasse."

Voldemort snorted elegantly. "Now you decide to let me join you. After all those years as Dumbledore's pet, I certainly never expected this from you. Still, I am interested in a solution of our little spat as you say. Which bewitching spell did you use by the way?"

Harry smirked deviously. "Niger nex, an old Black specialty. Only a Black or can cast it." Voldemort stiffened and looked at him incredulously. Harry smiled a little sadly." Sirius Black wove the Black magic necessary for my conception as my parents were having difficulties. So in essence he was my father by rites of magic. Bellatrix shed Black blood and as I was the heir I exacted the retribution I was due in pureblood laws."

"Lucius."

" He is alive but hardly in a state to cause me any grief. He did try to tie me to his worthless heir with you aiding him behind the scenes. So I demanded retribution from both of you. What did you think I called the duel for."

Voldemort sighed. He was having a hard time replying to this one. " You loved the mutt." Harry glared. It seems he did teach you a good set of values in little time he had with you. You won the duel by the way."

"Yes I did. It does not mean anything to you, I know too well but I do get victor's spoils. Can we ignore each other faults and work out a truce of sorts."

"What do you want?" Voldemort bit out.

"Stop the killing.

"I was already promising to do that."

"Stop the blood purity issue."

"Even if I do the rest of the bloody world won't. "

"Bind them in unbreakable oaths."

"That's particularly Slytherin of you, Potter." Harry grinned.

" Well you would control the ministry."

"You would let me have the ministry."

"Why not you are a wolf in sheep's clothing and they mindlessly follow anyone like sheep. Serves them right I suppose."

"You have stopped being a martyr potter."

"I know which fights to pick."

"But so far you haven't asked anything for yourself."

"Well if you try to bind me to that ponce Malfoy I would unleash another Black curse on you. Would you like to bind yourself to me."

"Wouldn't be that bad." Voldemort added slyly. Harry's eyes widened. Voldemort smirked.

Harry fought a blush. "I may think about it in future. Though if you are going to be the king I demand the status of prince. I reserve the right to veto any bills your idiotic followers thought up."

"Agreed."

" Then we have a truce. " Voldemort extended his hand. Harry gripped the limb offered. The magic swirled around them binding their agreement together.