Chapter three

Recovery and explanations

The five people in the room continued to stare at the boy who lived for a solid five minutes before Narcissa sprang into action. The boy was absolutely covered in wounds, peeling away the tattered dueling robes just revealed more and more wounds. She soon had him down to his underwear and his wounds were bared for all to see. He had lash markings crisscrossing his back, some so old they were very nearly scarred over while others so fresh his dueling had ripped them open again. At least four of the deep gashes were freely others three more were just slowly weeping blood.

The lash marks were joined by stab and slash wounds, like from a large smooth bladed kitchen knife. Most of those were ripped open, the combined blood from the lash marks and stab wounds left his back a bloody mess.

Also on his back were assorted burn marks and puncture wounds. Splinters of glass, wood, and other things were ground into his wounds. The wounds that were partially closed all showed varying degrees of infection. They had even begun to exude a light scent that was definitely not pleasant.

His front didn't fair much better, it had numerous lash marks but also heavy black bruising. Like someone had kicked him repeatedly. He had at least three ribs broken on his right side, and had five cracked on his left side. He had hand shaped bruises encircling his neck and large bruises on his face.

Narcissa and Severus worked together for a little over an hour on the battered boy. They used potions and ointments to clean the wounds and draw out infection. Once they were safely cleaned they healed them one by one. Most of the fresh markings managed to close without major scarring but the old ones were already too far healed so they scarred badly. When it came to he bruises they rubbed potions into the flesh to lighten it, with the potion they would be gone in a few days.

Finally they could do no more for the boy, his body stopped excepting the potions. Now it was up to him to heal and wake up. When Narcissa and Severus had made Harry as comfortable as possible they went off in search of the others. They found them all congregated in Lucius's study.

"Will he be alright?" the crimson eyed lord asked.

"Yes, their will be massive scarring but otherwise he should recover nicely. He just needs to rest and build his strength back up, I can't believe he was able to fight in that condition." Severus answered his Lord.

"I think young Harry is stronger then we give him credit for. The entire wizarding world Light and Dark alike underestimate that young man. I for one won't be making the same mistake." Narcissa said tiredly. She had used a lot of energy to heal Harry both physical and magical.

"I agree I fought that young man a few months ago. Dumbledore might claim the credit but Harry did most of the work. I can almost guarantee that if he had not been wounded he would have beaten me. The only things we might be able to help him with is specific areas of magic. He is a physical fighter but he would win more if he used his power." Voldemort told the shocked room. It was not everyday that you heard the supposedly darkest wizard tell you he could be bested by a teenager.

"You think he is ready for the Old Magick?" Lucius asked his master.

"Yes, if any of the new generation has the power to wield it I know it will be Harry. He has already showed signs of possessing the ability of course Dumbledore worked hard to hide it from him. He will also need to be told the whole truth not just the twisted ideals that Dumbledore has fed him." Voldemort answered the blonde man.

"Who will tell him?" Severus asked.

"I have to there are things he needs to know that you two do not know, and wont unless he wishes for others to be told." Voldemort answered.

"Very well Master," Severus replied respectfully.

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2 days later

Harry stirred slowly his body stiff but not in pain. It had been so long since he woke without pain that he took a moment to savior the event. Once that was through he opened his eyes to an unknown room. He was in a medium sized fore poster bed that had dark forest green drapes. His blankets were in midnight black and were thick and warm. The plush carpeting on the ground matched the hanging on his bed. He realized he was dressed in silky soft black pajama pants and no shirt.

Looking around he noticed a set of clothing sitting out on a table near his bed. He slowly got out of bed and dressed, the clothing was a pair of light weight jeans and a black tee shirt and boxers. Before retreating into the adjoining bath room he did his usual morning exercises. He did several sets of sit ups and push ups plus plenty of stretching he usually ran too but he didn't want to leave his room, he had been doing this routine for the past year it he even did it at the Dursleys when he wasn't too injured to do so.

After he exercised he took the clothes into the bathroom and took a quick shower. He pulled on the boxers and the pants but forgo the shirt for now. He looked into the mirrors charmed to repeal steam and starred at his reflection in shock.

He looked different discounting the scars from his uncle his facial features had rearranged themselves. He still had the startling green eyes but they were now almond shaped and somewhat deep set. His face had lengthened into angular contours totally different from his usual round boyish features. His lips were neither too thin nor too full and were light pink. He had grown a few inches and his muscles had become more defined on his longer frame. All in all he looked good but it was obvious something big had happened, and he had no idea what it was. Over all his look reminded him of someone but he couldn't quite place it.

As he was observing his new look in the bathroom he heard someone knock on the door to his room. Going out of the bathroom while pulling on his shirt he went over and opened the door. To his surprise he saw his potions professor billowing robes and all standing out side his room. He was even more surprised when he heard Severus speak.

"Good you are awake. You gave us all quite the scare I came to check on you. If I find you fully healed there is someone who really needs to speak to you." Severus told him.

Harry opened the door wider and let Snape in. this was the first time Severus had gotten a good look at the boy while he was awake and aware. He noted the changes and his intelligent mind immediately started to go through possible reasons. While he was thinking he efficiently went about giving Harry a complete check up. He was happy to note no traces of injury were left except for some stiffening and soreness. Giving Harry a clean bill of health he told the young man to follow him.

Harry followed Severus amicably Snape had explained his injuries and treatment when he had checked him so he understood no one here would hurt him.

He was led through the Manor to a study he hadn't been in yet. When he saw who occupied the room, he bowed half way down which the other stood and returned. Severus was dismissed with a nod and Harry was left alone in the room with the man he had recently allied with who for all appearances had been trying to kill him since he was an infant.

Voldemort gestured to the nice padded leather chair across from his seat behind his desk. "Harry good to see you up and about you had us worried."

"So I have been told," Harry answered pleasantly after all Voldemort was not being hostel he saw no reason to be.

"Harry you showed a surprising amount of skill when you fought my followers and myself care to tell where you learned and all and why did you choose those specific weapons?" Voldemort asked Harry in a polite tone.

Harry thought about his answer for a moment before speaking. "Well any magic just came from instinct I used what I knew and didn't try anything fancy. I don't know if you could sense it but I was holding back with my power, I am still learning control so I didn't want to hurt anyone. The physical moves came from practice I have been exercising at both the Dursleys and Hogwarts that improved both my strength and agility. As for the weapons I used, after second year when I had to defeat the basilisk with a sword I realized they could be useful. Third year I learned to conjure a sword and I used a room at Hogwarts I discovered that transforms into anything you want. I went into that room to practice both with as word and hand to hand fighting. I use a scimitar instead of a straight sword because I once read a muggle book that the main character used them so next practice I conjured up one and found I liked it better then a straight sword." Harry answered a bit leery about telling Voldemort all of that but he knew if he wanted honesty he would have to give it in return.

Voldemort was able to hide his surprise, barely, Harry had been holding back. Merlin how strong was this wizard. "How much were you holding back? I mean have you tested your limits yet?" Voldemort asked carefully.

"I honestly don't know. While I was at school I was worried about losing control and accidentally hurting someone and we aren't allowed to use wand magic out of school. So no I have no idea I can only estimate that I was only accessing about half my magic in battle but it might be more or less I can't tell. Also something strange happened to me during my duel with Bellatrix. I lost all focus on everything else I was literally sensing every move she made before she made it. Can you explain what that was?"

Voldemort answered the question distractedly. "What you experienced was known as Battle Rage, it is actually a rare fighting technique it has some good points and some draw backs. For one you are completely focused on your target so you will most likely win that battle but the draw back to that is you might not sense any additional attacks at your back or flanks." While he was explaining this to Harry he was actually thinking of something else. He had planned on training the boy but this news about his power had changed some of his plans.

"Harry I was originaly going to offer you additional training but from what you telling me a few things need to happen before we can train you in what I want you to learn. We need to get your power reigned in, you are right you are a danger not just to others but to yourself. I don't know of any one of us that can match your power but we do have some strong magic on our side we can help you, but only if you accept." Voldemort offered.

Harry was lost in thought for a few minutes before answering. "Yes, I accept your help this is one thing I can't do on my own. What is the stuff you wanted to teach me?" Harry asked.

"It is something called Old Magick or Wild Magick, it is a very obscure branch of magic. Think of it as the root of all magics both Light and Dark spells have bases in this Old Magick. It is however wild and unpredictable those that use it are required to make a sacrifice and they must have absolute control over there magical cores and their emotions. Before we can even think about teaching you these things you need to hear the truth about this war." Voldemort finished gravely.

"What do you mean the truth I understand everything is not what it seems I am living proof of that but what is so different about your perspective then Dumbledore's?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Harry have you ever actually asked another adult outside of Dumbledore's inner circle about the war?" Voldemort asked.

Harry actually had to think about that everyone he had contact to was indeed in Dumbledore's pocket so to speak. "No I haven't." Harry answered.

"Then I will tell you my side of the story and I will let you decide for your self who you wish to believe. I do however what to do one thing first." With that Voldemort brought out his polished Yew wand. "I would like to check you for any spells that have been placed on you by Dumbledore. I know of one or possibly two already this will just make sure I haven't missed anything. Will you let me perform the charm?"

Harry still not used to actually being asked was a little shocked but answered anyway, "Go ahead."

With that Voldemort pointed that wand towards Harry and muttered a spell. A thin stream of soft blue light emitted from Voldemort's wand and that light enshrouded Harry. A few seconds later a peace of parchment appeared in front of Voldemort with a long list of spells. They had both the spell and Harry's age when the spell was cast.

List of spells on Harry

Type of spell Castor age of Harry

Glamour Albus Dumbledore 15 months

Magic dampening Albus Dumbledore 15 months

Talent curbing Albus Dumbledore 3 years

Compulsion Albus Dumbledore 7 years

Tracking Albus Dumbledore 11 years

Dream modifying X 20 Albus Dumbledore years 11-15

Memory modifiers X 15 Albus Dumbledore years 11-15

Even Voldemort was shocked with the amount of spells. He had been expecting the glamour and possibly a few memory charms but all this on a child? And the rest of the world called him evil.

Harry was the first to see a potential problem. "Wont the tracking charms lead them right to us?" Harry asked.

"Usually I would say yes but this manor has a diversion ward on it, any tracking spells are diverted to a cave in the Siberian wastelands." Voldemort explained. "If you want we can begin to remove the charms. It would not be a good idea to take them all off at once that could be dangerous especially the memory modifiers. I think before you hear my story we should remove the compulsion charm I don't know what its exact purpose but it probably has something to do with why you listen to him so much." At Harry's approving nod he once again pointed is wand at Harry and said a spell.

Harry felt a wrenching at his mind then an empty void quickly filled with a dull ache. Harry mentioned this to Voldemort and the older wizard had said that was a fairly common reaction that charm had been in place for a long time it was bound to have a few lingering effects.

Voldemort waited for Harry to pull himself together then began to speak. "Are you ready to hear the story now?" Harry nodded so Voldemort continued. "I know Dumbledore claims this war to be about blood lines and the killing of innocents. In a way he is right it is about blood lines but not the ones he says. I am a half blood myself why in the world would I want to persecute myself. No this is about eradicating seven very important blood lines and giving manipulative old men too much power.

The blood lines that are endangered are the four founders, Merlin, Pendragon, and LeFay lines. If someone manages to rid the world of every last member of these seven family the mantle o power the core that every wizard's magic will be passed down to the next strongest wizards. To my knowledge only four of the lines have at least one active heir. That would be Slytherin, Gryffindor, Merlin, and LeFay lines.

If all four of those heirs die then only one wizard can inherit that power and I can tell you it will be Dumbledore. One thing Dumbledore forgot was the fewer heirs there are the more concentrated the power of the line gets, this is why pureblood families are often small.

I know out of those four, two lines have only one heir left and that is the Gryffindor and LeFay lines Slytherin has two and Merlin has at least three.

Any questions before I continue?" Voldemort asked.

"I know that you are an heir thus Dumbledore must kill you to inherit but why is it him and not me. I am at least his equal in power if not more if dueling you is any measure?" Harry asked.

"Simple because you are inheriting three lines that I know of and that leads me to the next part of the story. This will delve into the more recent history.

I know you think I am responsible for the deaths you experience in your visions but think about it. All you see is people in black robes and white masks. Those are not my men, I might rule harshly but I have never harmed an innocent either directly or indirectly.

Severus has informed me that Dumbledore has told you that your visions come from your scar and he is right but the connection is not to me. Have you ever wondered why Dumbledore fought so hard to have you keep that scar? He has been planning this for years, notice the dream modifying charms. I think you will find if you count up all your visions you have had 20 of them. That is why you never see those raids printed in the paper it's because they never happened in the real world.

The reason my side is persecuted so badly is our use of the Old Magick, but something the general public does not know is the full power can only be accessed by an heir of one of the seven lines of power.

I am the heir of two power lines you are the heir of three we have more control then most others even if they are an heir. I can share my control of this branch of magic to a degree with anyway bounded with me. That is the true purpose of the Dark Mark, if you are unloyal to me the Mark disappears once you have failed to answer three calls in a row.

I rule my side so harshly because a single mistake with the kind of magic we use we could destroy whole cities. If I just give them a pat on the head and tell them to do better next time they won't learn. The best teacher is either embarrassment or pain depending on the person. Most of my followers are proud strong purebloods not much can embarrass them so I have to resort to pain. It's either a few seconds of pain or a very long and excruciatingly painful death due to a mistake.

I told you everyone who uses this magic must make a sacrifice and that goes for anyone bounded to you and using it. It's not a sacrifice of blood more like soul. You must totally surrender yourself to the Old magic body mind and soul if you ever abuse this power you run the risk of losing your magic your soul or possibly your very life.

Again any more questions?" Voldemort asked again he knew he was going through a lot of information but it needed to be said.

"Do you know what lines I am heir of and if you do how do you know?" Harry asked.

"You are heir to Slytherin, Merlin, and LeFay lines. I am not sure you're ready for the information as to how I know." Voldemort answered carefully.

Finally something clicked in Harry's mind, his new appearance, the Glamour charm, Voldemort's knowledge, everything it all fit he just didn't know one thing. How? "Voldemort, I think I may already know what you're talking about, it wouldn't happen to have something to do with the Glamour charms and my changes?" Harry asked. Voldemort for the first time in the conversation looked a little shocked and just nodded. "Then I only have one question how? How did it happen and how was it covered up?"

Voldemort debated with himself for a moment then spoke slowly. "I knew your mother for years, she was one amazing women. She was one person who never quite believed what Dumbledore was telling everyone. She made her opinions known and they caught the attention of two of my follower's children, Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy. They brought her to me at the end of her and Severus's seventh year Lucius was a few years ahead of them.

That was before my power base was so large but she still insisted on doing what you did to place herself. I was surprised when this small woman was able to climb so high she got to third ranking within my inner circle. She picked up the Old Magick so well I investigated her back ground and found out she was a descendant of LeFay.

She continued in my ranks for about two years before Dumbledore began to suspect her. We all decided to protect her by using the fidelus charm, and rotating the secret keepers would make it impossible to track down. By then we were in a relationship. That had to be hidden above all else, so we enlisted the help of my right hand man James Potter. Don't look at me like that yes he was my follower he had a similar story as your mother's.

It wasn't two months later that she informed me we were expecting a child. Again she was supposedly married to Potter so no one including my followers knew you were mine. You were born and Lily and I were so happy, we filed one birth certificate but it is a false one. We had our joy last for 15 months until the secret keeper on rotation turned out to be a double agent. He told Dumbledore where the Potter's were and Dumbledore attacked using Order members dressed as death eaters. As soon as Dumbledore saw you he knew you were mine and not James. That night he took everything from me my love and my son." Voldemort finished quietly.

"I kept trying to get you to come to me and explain but was always stopped by Dumbledore. I think you will find some of your memories he modified is me trying to explain. I will proudly claim you as mine if you want me to do." Voldemort explained quietly.

Harry didn't answer he just stood and wrapped his father in a tight hug. He did whisper one small question. "What is my name?"

Voldemort knew what he meant and answered, "Darren Blade Riddle."

A/N sorry this is a few hours late I promised this on Monday but here it is Tuesday morning I haven't slept yet so to me its still Monday. I hope it was worth the loss of sleep.

Tell me how I am doing I appreciate all feed back except flames.