Discalimer Notice: I own nothing you recognize.

Warning: Slash (male/male) Don't like don't read.

Guide: "Talking"/ Thinking/ "Parseltongue"

Chapter 6 – Thoughts and Feelings

"Time to leave, Draco."

The two teens looked up from where they were sitting to find Lucius, Snape, and Voldemort standing a few feet from them.

"Yes, father." Then Draco turned to Harry. "See you later then?" Harry nodded and the two blondes left.

Voldemort cast a sideways glance at Snape. "You too may leave now, Severus." Snape nodded and he was gone.

Voldemort sighed and sank into what had previously been Draco's chair. His features softened when he looked at Harry directly. "So, what did you and Draco talk about?"

"Do you mind if we take a walk?" Harry asked tentatively.

Concern grew in the Dark Lord. "Are you certain you are up for it?" Harry nodded. "Very well then." He stood and offered Harry a hand to help him up, which he took. Then they set off out of the library.

"Where should our destination be?"

"How about outside?" Harry suggested. And at Voldemort's nod they began the trek downstairs.

When they were outside Harry told Voldemort some of what Draco and himself had talked about, being detailed in some areas and vague in others.

The older wizard just listened, sometimes commenting on things, but otherwise content in hearing his mate's voice.

Then Harry came upon a topic that interested him very much. "He said that…I should get to know you. Understand you more and create new memories to…kind of overshadow the more…unpleasant ones."

They were passing through a dense grove of trees. "Is that what he said? Well, let us make a deal: I tell you some things about me and in exchange you tell me some things about you, fair enough?" Harry nodded and they shook hands on it.

Harry Potter and lord Voldemort talked about everything, save the touchy subjects, like Harry's abuse and Voldemort's extra curricular activities. Voldemort was a fan of classical music, especially when either the violin or piano took center stage. Harry, embarrassed, admitted that he hadn't really heard much music to have a favorite. Then the discussion moved onto animals. Harry had always liked birds because if they were in any danger they could just fly away. And ever since he had battled the Horntail he had acquired a new found respect for dragons. Voldemort had a certain fondness for horses, the way they were so powerful and yet gentle all at the same time. He also loved snakes, of course, particularly Basilisks.

As they passed a large oak tree a hissing sound met their ears.

"Master?"

Voldemort turned to see Nagini slide out from under one of the tree's roots.

"Hello, Nagini. Find anything interesting?"

Nagini traveled with Voldemort everywhere so when he had come to the mansion Nagini had wanted to explore the grounds.

"There are no dangers here." She answered, then, "Master, why is Harry Potter in step with you?"

Voldemort sighed but explained the bond to his familiar.

"And that is why I do not wish for you to harm him in anyway. Understood?" Nagini nodded. "Good. Now, would you like to follow us back to the mansion or stay here a bit longer?"

"I shall stay here, for now."

"Very well." He then turned back to Harry. "There is a place I wish to show you before we go back."

"Okay." The teen said and followed Voldemort for a while longer until they came upon a lake. Considering it was in the middle of summer and quite hot out, Harry would have liked nothing better than to take a swim.

"This lake is open to your use whenever, but I must insist that you are accompanied by either Severus, Lucius, Draco, or myself."

Harry looked at him sharply. "I'm not a kid! I don't need people looking after me!"

"Yes, but I told you that you could not use magic, for obvious reasons, there are more than fish in this lake. Should you find yourself in trouble, I want help to not be far behind." Voldemort answered, sensibly.

Harry sighed. He had made that promise and he knew in his heart and soul that he would not break it. He felt a growing loyalty to Voldemort…He pushed that thought away quickly.

It's just the bond…I don't really have those feelings…Do I?

Voldemort sensed Harry's confusion. "What is wrong, young one?"

Harry quickly looked away from him. "Nothing."

"Harry – " But before he could get anything more out, the dark haired teen turned swiftly and started walking back along the path toward the mansion.

"Let's go back. I'm getting hungry."

Voldemort followed him without a word, trying to interpret his mate's mood. He wondered what was wrong with him.

What did I say?

The Dark Lord thought maybe Harry was angry with him because he had forbidden him magic or that he had requested that Harry be chaperoned when in the lake.

Or both. Voldemort thought bitterly.

The walk to the mansion was immersed in stiff silence. When they got inside Harry made his way to the dining room and still Voldemort followed him silently.

Harry piled his plate with chicken and potatoes. He began to eat ravenously just so that he could avoid anything Voldemort might ask, and yet ask he did.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Harry put down his fork and looked down at his lap. "Tell me what's wrong."

Harry was still looking down at his lap when he answered, "I'm beginning to have certain thoughts and feelings…towards you. Feelings of loyalty…and of trust." Wow, this is deep. Even for me. "I'm angry and not a little bitter, because if there was one thing I could count on, it was my emotions. But now…"

Voldemort was beginning to understand where Harry was coming from. "You think the bond is influencing you?" The young wizard nodded. "Harry, I will tell you now that the only one whose emotions will be forced are mine. You will just be affected physically."

Harry looked at him sharply. "Physically?"

Voldemort nodded. "Try to remember what you read…"

Harry looked confused for a moment but then realized what he was talking about. "Oh, but…doesn't that make me the Submissive Partner?" Harry growled.

"Yes, but you may grow to like it." A small smile formed on Voldemort's face.

Harry blushed and looked down again. He had no doubt as to what Voldemort was thinking of.

"Um, well, it's getting kind of late and I'm a little tired from that long walk. So, I'll just be going to bed now." Harry rose from the table and left quickly without a backward glance.

XXX

As Harry was walking down the hallway towards his room he felt his stomach being constricted by so many emotions,

He didn't feel as if he could ever love Voldemort, they might be capable of having a tentative friendship, but never something as strong as love.

He had never thought much about sex, because his time had either been spent worrying about homework or how many ways Voldemort could kill him. But now, he had nothing. There was no homework to distract him nor was Voldemort out to get him.

Yeah, he may not want to kill me anymore, but he's just waiting for a chance to jump me. Harry let out an audible sigh. Now, instead of avoiding attempts on my life, I have to avoid attempts on my virginity! Harry's heart beat tripled in speed at that thought. Yeah, I definitely need some sleep.

But when Harry opened the door to his room to go to bed, he found that something was already on it…

XXX

Dun, dun, dun...

In the next chapter Harry calls Voldemort 'Voldie.' P This is gonna be good!

So, the polls are in! (sort of) 1 for snake. 2 for cat. 4 for bird (I think, might be three) and 2 for bat. That's not offical yet people, so if you have a favorite just leave a review. (I, personally, think the cat is a bit more believable.) A bird, or bat, might not be allowed, and a snake might get a lot more attention than any other animal...Boy, I guess the cat might be the only way to go...So, give me ideas if you want different animals!

Now, there was question I want to address: Does Draco want Voldemort to change or was he just doing his job? Yes,Draco does want Voldemort to change, actually most of his Deatheaters want him to change. (Notice how I say most!)They had a pretty good lifestyle after he disappeared, then he came back, and well...they realized how good they had it without him. But all of them are far too scared of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to go against him.

Til later -

Sorce of Silence