A.N I'm sorry for the break in between chapters for this story, I lost track a little bit. But this is a longer chapter to apologise, with a heck of a lot going on in it. So I hope you enjoy XD
Last Time
Harry sat and listened curiously to the back and forth where he was settled comfortably on Tom's knee leanign against his chest. Sometimes Tom's hand would stroke over the bump of his stomach, other times resting underneath it, other times linking with his own fingers. Harry wasn't entirely sure that he was aware that he was doing it but it was pleasant so he didn't say anything about it or draw any more attention to the fact he was doing it, though he had seen the others eyes drifting to Tom's hands in their various posistions, none of them said anything but they all avoided saying anything.
The trust Tom was showing by not asking Harry to leave and by discussing so openly the details of such an important part of Tom's plans. For the first time he felt as though he belonged, felt as though he wasn't just tolerated but instead was wanted here, mainly in Tom's arms, surrounded by his warmth. He didn't know exactly what their relationship was or where they were going but whatever they had, he was content right now, he was feeling happy with what they had and where they were going right now.
Chapter eleven
Harry yawned a little as he made his way down the corridor to the garden, he was making his own way there for the first time, Rabastan and Rodolphus would be meeting him there in fifteen minutes, he was happy just to have a little time to himself. The papers were due out the next day and the manor was tense with expectation, everyone waiting for the consequential events of the papers coming out so that they could work them to their best advantages.
He shifted his book under his arm and carried on down the corridor that would lead to the garden when a robed figured stepped around the corner. Both of them froze, Harry's heart rate picking up and his wand hand twitching ready when the Death Eater suddenly dropped into a bow.
"My Lord," he said politely stepping out Harry's way while still in a half bow.
"Erm, thank you," Harry said unsurely, his hand brushing over the swell of his stomach almost nervously and succeeding in bringing attention to it.
"My Lord, may I say congratulations," The Death Eater looked at him nervously, clearly wondering whether he had overstepped his boundaries but Harry started smiling.
"Thank you very much," Harry said warmly, the fact that so many were happy for the existence of his and Tom's son still warming him.
"The best of health to you and our future prince My Lord," The Death Eater smiled brightly bowing deeper again.
"Thank you," Harry nodded his head before carrying on out to the garden his mind spinning a little. He was used to being treated with a little awe, but the Death Eater had treated him with respect.
As he settled down on a bench he had discovered underneath a weeping willow by the small stream cutting through the manor's garden he opened the book on male pregnancy he had brought out with him and settled back with a small smile, a tension and worry that he hadn't even really been aware of releasing in his chest. He was just reading on the differences between a womb and the magical pouch that was holding his son when Rabastan and Rodolphus came hurrying over.
"Is something wrong?" He asked concerned lowering his book as the two men pulled to a stop close to him, almost panting.
"Our Lord has decided to host a meal and celebration to celebrate the baby and the newspaper tomorrow. And he wants you to attend at least the meal at his side," Rabastan panted out excitedly.
"What does that mean?" Harry asked nervously, knowing that there was a little more to it than him simply going considering the looks on Rodolphus and Rabastan's faces.
"He is basically announcing you as his consort and partner," Rodolphus explained.
"You mean like…" Harry drew off shocked.
"He's announcing the intention to marry you in the future, but from tonight on you will unofficially hold the title of Lord Consort, officially if Our Lord announces it," Rabastan nodded.
"Merlin! But…But I'm…I can't be his consort!" Harry shook his head frantically.
"Harry! I thought you two were…" Rodolphus muttered, both he and Rabastan sobering up at Harry's words.
"What?" Harry frowned.
"I thought you were together, that you liked him," Rodolphus said.
"We are, I do! But…I'm sixteen, I hardly know anything about wizarding traditions or laws or etiquette, I know nothing about the Dark Arts, I was the bloody main figure of the light side for the last fifteen years, not to mention there must be about a hundred witches and wizards that are much more suited to being his consort than me, that would do it right, bloody Draco Malfoy would be better at his side than me!" Harry ranted.
"Except that you are the one that he wants. All of those hundreds of witches and wizards would be afraid of him, but would be spoilt by their position, they would be arrogant. You would not, you would treat the position with the respect that it deserves, and you would not treat Voldemort as anything but his partner, you shout at him, you glare at him, you tell him off, you make him smile and laugh and make him happy. And that is why he has chosen you. The rest you can work on and learn in no time with our help, and as for being a main figure of the light side, that wasn't exactly your choice, and you have chosen and helped the Dark side greatly already," Fenrir said as he walked around the side of the tree making Rabastan and Rodolphus both jump and point their wands at him. Harry just blinked at him shocked.
"He is right Little Lord, you may not think it but you are the best choice for Our Lord, you make him happy, and you bring him out of himself. He has never married because he has never felt anything for anyone before the way a married couple should, and because he knew anyone that married him would not be marrying him for himself but because of the position he holds and the position they would get from being his partner," Rodolphus agreed lowering his wand.
"But…" Harry frowned sitting back down heavily onto the bench.
"Do you think you could love him?" Fenrir asked softly sitting down beside Harry. The dark haired teen considered the consequences of answering that question honestly, his time among Slytherins was bringing out his own Slytherin side and he knew about the dangers of giving people access to your feelings. But he thought that these people truly cared about Tom and maybe a little about himself.
"I think I am already falling in love with him," Harry answered quietly.
"That's all that really matters then. He wants you at his side, officially, this is his way of telling you and everyone else that," Rabastan smiled brightly.
"I'll make an idiot of myself, I nearly fell apart at the Yule ball!" Harry groaned.
"We will guide you, as will Our Lord, now we need to get you back and pick out what you are going to wear tonight, Marco, one of the men from my pack is here to help you dress the best you can," Fenrir said gently lifting Harry to his feet, and ignoring the resulting glare he started herding him back towards the manor.
"Clothes?!" Harry practically squeaked.
"All of Our Lords allies and people are going to be there, it is a banquet, one like he hasn't held before, it is a large celebration, you have to look the part!" Rodolphus said excitedly.
"And as your official bodyguards we get to sit at the top table with you," Rabastan laughed practically bouncing as they made their way across the grounds.
"Don't worry, you won't be expected to know anyone, it is an official greeting for you, announcing your position, celebrating the future Dark Prince, a huge step in the defeat of the light side," Fenrir comforted Harry seeing his slightly wide eyed look.
"People won't be bothered that after all this time I am taking that place?" Harry frowned.
"Harry, I don't think you know how much the Dark side respect you. You managed to avoid being killed by Our Lord six times while you were still young, you are powerful, you managed to best Lucius and a number of other Death Eaters. Our Lord informed everyone of the events with the Order and the escape you made, leading them astray. And then there is the fact you are already carrying the future heir of so many old and almost dead bloodlines, very few people would protest your place at Our Lord's side," Fenrir shook his head.
"Ok, ok," Harry sucked in a few deep breaths nodding. "I'm really not good in public though!"
"My Lord," the fiftyish year old man bowed when Fenrir herded Harry into the Green Room.
"Rabastan, I want Severus!" Harry turned to the man who looked at him a little confused.
"Little…"
"I want Severus here! I want him here," Harry repeated a little panicked.
"Alright, its ok Little Lord, I'll go and get him right now!" Rabastan nodded quickly already backing out the room. Sucking in another breath Harry turned to the man.
"You are Marco?" Harry asked nervously eyeing the man.
"That is me, I am here to make you look your best for tonight," Marco smiled warmly, helping ease Harry's nerves a little.
"Harry? Is everything alright? Rabastan said you needed me," Severus asked as he walked into the room twenty minutes later.
"Ah, sorry, we'll just be a minute," Harry smiled shakily at the others before grabbing Severus's hand and dragging him over to the corner, throwing up silencing charms. "I would really, really appreciate it if you would stay with me because I am kind freaking out a lot and I really, really need someone here that calms me down and you calm me down," Harry rambled clinging onto the sleeve of Severus's robe.
"Ok Harry I'll stay with you, you need to sit down for a minute though ok?" Severus said soothingly leading Harry over to the sofa and sitting him down. "Missy could you bring Harry some chamomile tea please," he asked the house elf.
"Severus we need to…" Fenrir frowned.
"Right now Harry needs to calm down and have a moment to collect himself before his blood pressure goes through the roof," Severus hissed glaring at the werewolf while Missy popped in with a steaming cup of tea and handed it to Harry with a pat to his hand when he smiled weakly at her. "Take some deep breaths and drink the tea," Severus smiled at Harry.
"Thank you Severus," Harry sighed closing his eyes and trying to calm down.
"Its alright don't worry about anything Harry, Our Lord is going to make sure that everything runs smoothly and that you are fine, he won't leave your side all night, and you will probably only have to stay for a little bit after the meal," Severus patted his hand gently.
"Ok, I'm calmer, sorry," Harry sighed.
"Its fine, this is a big thing, don't worry about it," Rodolphus smiled at him.
"My Lord, I think you need to wear something that shows off the baby bump, its fashionable and it is a celebration for the prince as well," Marco said quietly after a few minutes when Harry nodded at him and smiled a little more honestly at him.
" Oh, ok," Harry nodded, that made sense.
"I'm thinking a deep green silk, with silver stitching, encourage the Slytherin colours and it will look fantastic with your eyes and skin colour, some dragon hide boots will be more comfortable for you, maybe some slightly billowing sleeves with tight black sleeves underneath," Marco mused tilting his head a little as he looked at Harry. "May I take your measurements My Lord?" he asked nervously. Nodding Harry stood as instructed and waited as the tape measure flitted around measuring his arm length, leg length, chest width and around his stomach.
The next thing Marco disappeared muttering about silks and shades, and a woman Severus introduced as Maria walked in to do his hair. She took nearly an hour, washing it at a transfigured sink, and then cutting and styling it. When she was finished Fenrir told him he had a few hours to himself but he decided to go back to his room for a nap if he was going to have to face the evening as it was.
When he woke it was to the feeling of a hand stroking softly over his stomach, slowly coming back to himself he shifted slightly before he realised what he was feeling and the fact he had been on his own when he went to sleep. Snapping his eyes open he jerked up slightly pointing his wand only to find shocked red eyed blinking down at him.
"Tom?!" Harry breathed out flopping back onto the bed.
"I apologise, you have not been this jumpy for a few weeks," Tom frowned crawling a little up the bed to brush his hand down Harry's face.
"Sorry, just a little on edge I guess," Harry sighed scrubbing his eyes a little to try and clear the heaviness from them.
"Fenrir said you were a little worried earlier," Tom's tone was questioning.
"Tom…are you sure about this?" Harry asked quietly avoiding Tom's eyes.
"Harry, I know I'm not very good at understanding what is going on between us and my own feelings for you, but I have never felt the way I feel for you for anyone else, I want you at my side as my consort, it is the only place you deserve in my life," Tom said softly, his red eyes gently as they searched Harry's face. "You can say no,"
"Its not that its…I don't want to let you down," Harry sighed.
"Harry," Tom smiled shaking his head before he leant down to brush their lips together. "You could never let me down," He said firmly.
"We can be happy together can't we?" Harry asked softly sliding his fingers into Tom's hair.
"You have already made me happier than I can remember being in my personal life," Tom admitted softly lowering his face to bury it in Harry's neck.
"You've made me happier and safer than I can remember feeling," Harry smiled.
"I know we have a lot to over come. But I want us to be a family, the three of us, and maybe a couple more children in the future," Tom said softly into Harry's neck.
"Three more," Harry grinned when Tom pulled back to blink at him. "We're powerful enough between us, four would be managable," he shrugged.
"Three more," Tom said thoughtfully before smirking in warning before he swooped down and captured Harry's lips in one of his toe curling kisses that left Harry's heart thundering in his chest and his mind completely blank. Happily he tightened his grip on Tom's hair and kissed back hungrily until Tom pulled back with a groan. "We need to get ready for tonight,"
"Have a bath with me? I want to soak a little," Harry asked unconsciously pouting a little.
"Missy draw a bath for us, not too hot," Tom called out in answer. Seconds later the sound of the taps turning on greeted them from the bathroom making Harry smile happily. Tom gently tugged Harry to his feet before moving to undress Harry with a care that had Harry's heart thumping again. His long pale fingers slowly undoing the buttons of Harry/Tom's shirt before drawing it off his shoulders achingly slowly, brushing his lips over the pale skin he was revealing.
His fingers nimbly undid Harry's trousers which was becoming a little tight again, before sliding them down his legs along with his boxer shorts. He quickly stripped himself of his clothes without care before he took Harry's hand and led him to the bathroom. The first time he had been naked in front of Tom he had felt incredibly self conscious, especially with how big his stomach was now, but after Tom had spent nearly an hour kissing, licking and nipping every inch of his body he realised Tom as attracted to him.
He followed Tom's lean, muscled form through the bathroom to the deep claw footed bathtub that was now filled with warm water and bubbles. Tom quickly stepped into the bath and held his hand out to help Harry in, the teen grinning at him amused at his fussing and carefully stepped into the bathtub. Tom settled down against the back of the bath tub before reaching up and gripping Harry's hand and his hip to help him down as well despite the anti slip charms that he had had Missy layer the bath tub in. Finally Harry settled back against Tom's chest, the Dark Lord's arms wrapped comfortably around his waist with his hands splayed on either side of the baby bump, feeling completely amused as he rested his head back against Tom's shoulder.
"I won't leave your side all evening, I promise," Tom said softly after nearly twenty minutes of them relaxed back and just soaking enjoying the peace and contact.
"Please don't, I'm really not good at pubic things, at the Yule ball I nearly fell apart," Harry winced.
"I won't, I'll be at your side, and when you want to leave just tell me. You are to be the consort Slytherin, you are the highest of all of them there," Tom murmured into his shoulder, stroking his stomach soothingly.
"I met one of the Death Eaters in the corridor," Harry said thoughtfully.
"Oh?"
"He bowed to me and congratulated me on the baby," Harry smiled.
"You already have their respect for the things that you have managed to pull off already," Tom chuckled. "None of them would say it to my face until you were on our side though,"
"I feel like I should be apologising," Harry snickered.
"Mm I don't know, you're incredibly attractive when you are standing glaring at me defiantly," Tom husked into his ear, his hand sliding down to grip Harry already half hard flesh making Harry groan and arch back into him.
"You like it when I get defiant?" Harry managed to pant out, reaching down to grip Tom's wrist.
"When you came into my office last week shouting at me about that toad, merlin, I wanted nothing more than to put you on my desk and make you scream my name in pleasure," Tom's breathed into Harry's ear as he started moving his hand at a maddeningly slow pace.
"Why didn't you?" Harry gasped out closing his eyes as the pleasure always so close to the surface right now fired through his body.
"Because no one, no one, else gets to see you like that, gets to see how gorgeous you look when you cum, see your beautiful body, hear the sounds you make, those are mine and mine alone," Tom hissed in parseltongue biting Harry's ear lobe drawing a loud gasp from Harry.
"Only you, only you," the teen nodded frantically bending his knees when Tom's fingers drifted passed his heavy testicles and down to his entrance.
"Only me," Tom agreed. "Now, how about I help you relax a little before tonight?" He smirked pressing the tip of his finger into Harry.
"It is your duty really," Harry nodded again shifting his body restlessly needing the friction he was being teased with.
"That is true," Tom said seriously before smirking again and thrusting his finger fully inside Harry in one smooth move.
Harry sucked in a deep breath as he brushed his hand along his robes before letting it out shakily. He was feeling a little more relaxed after their bath together and Tom's words, but facing the celebration in half an hour he was feeling shaky again.
"Merlin…" Tom gasp had him turning away from the mirror where he had been surveying himself in his new robes that were fitted around his baby bump, the silk highlighting it and hugging his form closely. He wasn't really sure exactly what he thought about it, sure Tom's shirts were stretched a little around his stomach now, but because of their difference in sizes normally it wasn't as obvious as these robes were. Though he had to admit Marco had done an amazing job, especially considering the time he had had. The green was more of a forest green, fitted black sleeves came just passed his wrists underneath a slightly longer and wider sleeve of the green silk. The robes were fitted down passed his stomach and waist before they billowed out dramatically, the fabric making them seem almost water like. The robes fastened down just passed his hip on the right side of his chest with black jewel buttons that looked suspiciously like onyx. The inside of the robes were pitch black drawing out the colour of the green. He was wearing a soft pair of black trousers, Egyptian cotton he had been informed, that felt almost as soft as the silk of his robes, and black dragon hide boots were waiting to be put on.
Looking at Tom he had to fight the urge just to run his hands all over that damn gorgeous body that he had been leaning against only half an hour ago. He could see now that Tom's robes were apparently designed to be the antithesis of his own robes. Tom's were jet black on the outside with flashes of forest green showing on the inside of his robes, forest green fitted sleeves came just passed his wrists underneath longer and wider black fabric. They were silk and billowed out at his waist, silver buttons going down the left side of his chest. He looked elegant and regal in his robes, every inch the Lord that he was.
"Merlin, Harry you look…" Tom started to say again but paused apparently lost for words.
"What? Do I not look ok? Does it look silly fitted around my stomach? I like huge don't I? I look like I've had a.." Harry blinked when his chin was gripped and Tom's mouth slammed down onto his, his tongue thrusting into Harry's mouth straight away. "Oh, you like it then?" Harry blinked after he pulled away leaving Tom licking his lips and looking at him hungrily.
"You look completely exquisite," The red eyed man sighed dragging his eyes over Harry's form.
"I've never worn anything like this before," Harry admitted running his hands over the robes again.
"They suit you, and you deserve these and more," Tom took the teen's hands, lifting them to kiss the backs of them.
"You look…amazing," Harry smiled warmly running his hands down Tom's chest.
"I..thank you," Tom looked at Harry slightly lost making him wonder when the last time someone had complimented him, if at put to the back of his mind to do it more as he fluttered his eyelashes dramatically at Tom.
"What do you want?" Tom smiled slightly amused.
"I need help putting my boots on, they're lace up and I can't reach," Harry huffed a little.
"Come on," Tom smiled a little wider tugging the teen over to their bed and sitting him down before he summoned the boots to him as he knelt down in front of him. Harry watched silently with that flame in his chest stoking higher as Tom put his boots on and laced them up for him, a calm and warm open look on his normally blank face, no sign of feeling put upon. That flame had been gradually building higher and higher as the weeks went on really from the evening he had stepped into Tom's office that night not knowing what to expect, and he knew what he had said earlier was true, he was falling in love with Tom.
"Thank you," He smiled at Tom when he was done making to stand up but Tom's hands on his knees stopped him. Green eyes looked down curiously wandering what else was needed, they were running out of time really.
"Harry, I want it left in no doubt, from you or anyone else, what your part in my life is, and what I hope we can be. This was Salazar Slytherin's consort's ring, I would like you to wear it," Tom said softly avoiding looking at his lover as he pulled out a black metal band set with emeralds in a wavy pattern all the way around. The teen let out a gasp covering his mouth with his right hand as he stared at the band.
"T…Tom…" He stammered his eyes wide.
"You can say no, I'll understand," Tom back peddled making to stand up but Harry started sliding to the floor making the older man scramble to help him worried he would hurt himself. Once settled onto his knees Harry gripped Tom's face between his hands making him meet his eyes.
"Are you doing this because of the baby?" Harry asked seriously.
"The baby is part of it, but the largest part is you and me, what you mean to me, and what I want us to be. I want you to be my consort, I haven't felt this way for anyone else," Tom answered honestly. The silence between them seemed to drag on forever to him as Harry knelt scanning his face.
"Yes," Harry smiled finally stroking his thumb over Tom's defined cheekbones as shock crossed his features.
"Yes?" Tom asked unsurely not wanting to get this wrong, and not believing his young lover meant what he thought he meant.
"Yes I'll wear your ring," Harry grinned kissing Tom's nose and then lips. Tom breathed in deeply suddenly realising that he hadn't been doing so properly since he had started this conversation, but he moved quickly to slide the ring onto Harry's finger, smiling again as he watched the ring glow a little as it resized to fit Harry's ring finger.
"Thank you," Tom breathed out smiling a little as he ran his thumb over the band.
"No, thank you, this is, this is…" Harry drew off as he felt his eyes welling up.
"Harry?!" Tom choked looking worried, his smile fading as he noticed the tears.
"I am so sorry! I'm just really happy. Urgh this is ridiculous!" Harry sniffed trying to turn away and wipe his eyes.
"Harry," Tom laughed amused wrapping his arms around Harry's waist and tugged him closer scattering kisses across his face. "I'm happy as well, since you arrived here I have been the happiest I have ever been," he smiled widely and honestly. It was the widest smile that Harry had seen yet on his face.
"That's good, because I have never been happier either. Its so beautiful Tom," Harry sighed happily looking at the ring glittering on his finger.
"No one else has worn it since Francis Slytherin in 1567," Tom said softly running his thumb over the ring again before kissing Harry deeply. "We need to get going," he said reluctantly.
"You're the one that organised this," Harry teased as Tom stood up before bending to help Harry up.
"I'll make it up to you I promise," Tom smirked pressing one last kiss to Harry's lips before he wrapped his arm around his waist to lead him to the door.
Rabastan and Rodolphus were waiting a little down the corridor for them, Rodolphus dressed in stylish light grey robes, Rabastan in deep blood red ones. They both smiled at Harry and nodded encouragingly at him, Rabastan even giving him the thumbs up when Tom wasn't looking. They made their way through the manor to the one part that Harry had very very rarely gone to, this part of the manor was where the meeting hall was.
Severus, Fenrir and another man were waiting for them at the end of the corridor which led to the meeting hall. The other man was good looking in an other worldly way. He was pale, paler than Tom, with inky black hair that was waist long and tied at the base of his neck, when he turned to watch them approaching Harry could see that his eyes were blood red meaning he was a vampire. Tom's arm tightened around his waist and they stopped in front of the group, the three men bowing formally.
"Harry this is Sanguni, my vampire ally and main representation on my side. Sanguni, this is Harry, my consort," Tom's eyes flashed proudly making Harry smile a little.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Lord Harry, I have heard a lot about you," Sanguni bowed slightly again, his eyes fixed intently on Harry in a way that made him step closer to Tom's side as he smiled politely at the vampire.
"Sanguni you will do well to keep your eyes away from my consort before you lose my favour," Tom snapped, visibly shocking Sanguni while Fenrir smirked.
"Oh course My Lord, my apologies," Sanguni said quickly taking a step back even as he bowed again.
"Harry is my partner and my equal, anyone that blows one hair on his head the wrong way, I will destroy," Tom said completely seriously, his eyes flashing like blood as they met Sanguni's, the powerful vampire flinching under the threat, even the others who had not had the threat aimed at them seemed to pale a little. And Harry? Harry was feeling that flame flicker even brighter, acknowledging the fact that he had never felt safer in the arm of a man essentially threatening to torture and kill someone for him.
"Of course My Lord," Sanguni nodded.
"Very well," Tom looked to Harry, his face gentling straight away. "Are you ready?"
"Not really but lets get this over with," Harry grimaced.
"I won't be leaving your side. Head up, be proud," Tom said softly as he led his younger lover to the double doors in front of them, ornately carved with apple trees on each door.
"I'm with you, of course I'm proud," Harry said honestly remembering his thought about compliments. Once again Tom stilled for a second before his arm tightened around him again. Then the doors were creaking open and Harry was faced with a huge, beautiful room packed with nearly 200 people he would guess. Tom led him forwards, his feet following the older man's lead nearly automatically as he tried to take everything in. Tom's hall was nearly as impressive as the Great Hall at Hogwarts, just as impressive in a different way.
The ceiling was high, high above their heads and a deep mahogany wood carved in detail with swirls and and waves. Almost a dozen carved wooden rafters were carved with perfect precision in high arches. A dozen fireplaces lined the two outsides of the room at even spaces, only half of them lit today but would provide plenty of heat during the winter in the large room. Seven huge chandeliers hung down the centre of the room, the hundreds of candles in them making the diamond and sapphire hanging jewels glitter and shine, beautiful wall sconces lined the walls, the silver shaped into flame shapes the bright torches flickering brightly. The floor was a dark wood, the walls a grey stone that glittered a little, stained glass windows standing nearly twenty feet in the air. Tapestries showing various scenes and figures covered the walls here and there breaking the monotony of the stone walls.
They were standing on a wooden dais at the end of the hall, a long wooden table had been laid out already, a velvet silver runner going down the middle of the table, silver plates were laid out waiting for them. Two chairs sat in the middle of the table, both the same size but bigger than the rest of the chairs at the table and much more innately carved. Snake formed the arms and back of the chair, the very top of the chair having a snake that was eating its tail. Harry blinked at the almost throne like chair as Tom pulled it out for him, and when he sat down in it he realised that extensive cushioning charms had been placed on it to make it one of the most comfiest things he had sat on. The rest of them took their seats at the table, Tom taking the other throne like chair, Severus taking his right side. Fenrir was on Tom's left and then Sanguni. Rabastan and Rodolphus next to Severus. A slightly uncomfortable and disgruntled looking Lucius was sitting beside Sanguni with Narcissa beside him.
And the rest of the room held two long table with benches on either side running the length of the room and as they took their seats at their table everyone in the hall moved to sit down at one of the tables. Everyone was dressed beautifully, and all of them were looking up at their table, or more exactly at him, hardly able to look away, so an almost silence fell over the hall pretty quickly. Harry took note of Draco, Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, Theo Knot, Goyle, Crabbe and a lot of other Slytherin students he recognised by face sitting on the right table closest to them, along with a good large smattering of Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. Harry noted that Draco, Pansy and a few others were glaring at him a little making him feel uneasy, but Tom feeling him shift placed his hand on top of Harry's on the table.
They sat for a few moments waisting for everyone to settle before Tom lifted his hand and kissed it soothingly, meeting Harry's eyes and clearly trying to communicate a feeling of safety and warmth while his mask was firmly in place while they were in public. Smiling a little Harry nodded his understanding and only after another kiss to his hand did the Dark Lord stand up and face his people proudly. Underneath the table Severus pressed his fingers to the back of Harry's hand where it was sitting on the arm of his chair in comfort as Tom let go of his other one. Harry looked at him gratefully before turning back to Tom as he started to speak.
"For the first time in my reign as Dark Lord I am holding a celebration feast for my people, for we have plenty to celebrate!" Tom called out. He raised his voice only a little but the magic in the hall carried it around the whole space. Harry had of course heard Tom speaking to his people before, he had heard that he had a way of speaking, but this was the first time he was truly witnessing it. Tom's words seemed to resonate in his chest with a power of their own. A loud cheer went through the room at his words and he paused before carrying on.
"Who was my greatest enemy is now my greatest ally, he has practically handed the war into our hands, giving us the names of our enemies and those that stand against us, and tomorrow it will be revealed the biggest win that we have had during nearly the entirety of this war which will help bring our enemies to their knees, waiting for us to strike the final blow!" Tom called out a little louder, and in connection to his words and tone the cheers were louder, people grinning at each other while they looked curious as well, whispers already starting up. "Tomorrow we will take a giant step forwards to finally seeing the end to this war, and having it swing in our favour!" He smirked as he looked around the room at the cheering people before looking down at Harry, his red eyes showing warmth and affection, and that illusive emotion Harry was trying to pin down. Holding down his hand for Harry , he closed his fingers over the smaller hand when it was placed inside his own and guided Harry to his feet at his side. Rapidly the entire hall went silent as they took in this as though someone had cast a mass silencing spell.
"Firstly, after many years in which I feared my line would die with me, mother magic has blessed me with the chance to be a father, with a son, and I know he will do the lines he comes from proud," Tom said proudly only taking his eyes from Harry's face as he looked to where he pressed a gentle hand to the swell of Harry's stomach. The call of 'to the prince' echoed around the room mixed in with the almost ear splitting cheers, bangs and applause.
"And, after many lonely years, I now have a consort who will stand by my side. Harrison Potter-Black has agreed to wear the Slytherin consort ring!" Tom turned back to the crowd who sat in stunned silence except for Rodolphus who was choking slightly while Rabastan was half standing trying to get a better look at the ring on Harry's finger. Harry could feel his face blushing at the silence, and then slowly someone started clapping before it spread rapidly around the hall until it was thunderous, the cheers, clapping, shouts, people banging their fists on the tables and stamping their feet accumulating into a huge cacophony of noise. Tom's hand squeezed his as they stood until the noise finally died down.
"So tonight we celebrate! For tomorrow we will begin our true win of the wizarding world," Tom raised his glass, Harry quickly following along with the rest of the hall as they stood and raised their own glasses to their Lord and Harry before they drank. "Enjoy," Tom called before seating himself and Harry once more. And then a feast to beat even Hogwarts festivals appeared in front of him.
Duck, pork, beef, chicken, mutton, lamb and various other meats, in dozens of different dishes appeared on the table, roast potatoes, mash, boiled potatoes, chips, rice, noodles, endless plates that Harry couldn't take in. He was able to ignore and stares and excited whispers and talking going on around the hall, all directed at him and Tom, as he took everything in.
"What do you want?" Tom asked softly kissing his cheek and linking their fingers together again. The whispers picked up even more but Harry just laughed slightly looking at the numerous plates.
"I have no idea," He shook his head.
"How about I chose for you?" Tom suggested, his face blank but his eyes warm. At Harry nod he started filling both their plates, rolling his eyes at the even louder talks around the room as it became clear Tom was filling his plate first.
"Why do I have a feeling you didn't say anything to any of the others about giving me your ring?" Harry asked quietly taking in the slightly stunned look on Lucius's face where he was sitting not moving and just blinking at his plate, and the rest of their table were looking equally stunned and shocked.
"Because I did not. I was not sure that you would say yes, and I did not want to make a fool of myself," Tom answered back just as quietly, his red eyes showing the vulnerability and uncertainty that he knew while being stamped down was still there.
"The only way I wouldn't have said yes was if you hadn't really wanted me," Harry shook his head. "Besides I think you just wanted to see the looks on their faces," He grinned wanting to lighten the mood.
"That has been a small pleasure, yes," Tom nodded looking left and right down the table where the others were trying to collect themselves, Rabastan was practically leaning on top of Rodolphus's head to try and get a closer look at the ring on Harry's finger.
"You are happy," Harry stated with only a little question in his voice as he looked up at Tom, ignoring for now his full plate, he would never be able to finish it all but he would spell away some of it while Tom wasn't looking.
"Very," Tom said simply raising Harry's hand to place a kiss over the ring making Harry smile brightly at him. "And you?"
"Incredibly," Harry grinned leaning his shoulder against Tom's. "You realise I am going to have to write to the others and let them know as soon as we leave here or I will never hear the end of it,"
"How will your friends take it?" Tom asked curiously, nudging him to make him start eating. "No one else can start eating until we do," He added quietly.
"Oh right," Harry flushed a little and stabbed a piece of what he thought was duck taking a bite out of it, then his eyes flickered shut and he hummed in delight as the tastes exploded across his tongue. The house elves had more than out done themselves.
"Try the chicken!" Rodolphus whispered down the table. Harry took a bite of the chicken indicated and sighed happily again.
"I'm glad you approve, this is your night," Tom said softly.
"Tom…" Harry frowned shaking his head a little.
"It is your night, all that we celebrate tonight is because of you," Tom gripped Harry's chin, the room suddenly quietening down a lot indicating that they were being watched. Tom met his eyes and held them for moments before he pressed their lips together firmly. He vaguely took in the cheer that slowly built up around the room again, but he concentrated on the warmth of Tom's lips against his own.
"Shouldn't it be partly Lucius's night as well," Harry grinned as they parted resting his forehead against Tom's. Severus, Rodolphus, Rabastan and Fenrir all chuckled at the words while Narcissa looked as though she had just bitten into a lemon, Lucius looking completely unsure as to what he should feel.
"Try a little bit," Tom tempted holding the fork out.
"I'm full!" Harry groaned shaking his head.
"Just a bite," Tom smirked.
"I can't eat another bite," Harry shook his head.
"Half a bite then,"
"You aren't going to stop until I have taken a bite are you?" Harry sighed amused looking from the piece of chocolate cake to Tom and back.
"No," Came the simple response.
"Oh, fine," Harry opened his mouth and allowed Tom to place the piece of cake into his mouth. He closed his eyes and hummed delightedly at the taste of the chocolate before realising what he was doing and opened his eyes to glare at Tom. "That's cheating,"
"I'm…"
"If you say I'm a Dark Lord I will hex you, right here right now," Harry glared.
"Except you made a vow not to raise your wand to me," Tom smirked.
"Except to defend me or the baby, I think saving my sanity might count," Harry smirked back kissing the tip of Tom's nose and laughing at his expression.
"Now that we are finished, let us enjoy the rest of the night," Tom called clapping his hands. A curtain from the left side of the room near the back opened revealing a full orchestra that upon receiving their applause started up with a beautiful waltz. Quickly couple trickled onto the dance floor, including Narcissa on the arm of who Harry thought was Lord Dmitri Henders, quite a play boy if Witches Weekly was anything to go by. Harry glanced at Lucius concerned to see that the Malfoy Lord well and truly had his Slytherin mask in place.
"Do you want to stay a bit longer, or do you want to leave?" Tom asked softly stroking the back of his fingers down Harry's cheek.
"A little longer would be nice," Harry said after a moments thought. He was enjoying the evening shockingly and the music was pleasant.
"As long as you want, just tell me when you are ready," Tom nodded. "Would you like to dance?"
"Oh, Tom I can't dance, like really really can't dance!" Harry shook his head frantically.
"Everyone can dance," Tom said amused.
"I really can't! The Yule ball was a complete disaster, I stepped on my partners toes, I nearly tripped over her, I stumbled! Seriously I think the Yule Ball was the cruelest thing about the whole tournament!" Harry rambled.
"You obviously didn't have the right partner. Trust me," Tom held his hand out for Harry to take. Harry bit his lip unsurely looking around the hall at the hundreds of people and then looking back at Tom. "I won't lead you astray," Tom said seriously.
"One dance!" Harry said hesitantly, his stomach knotting a little as he placed his hand into Tom's. The chatter around the room once again quietened down when they realised that their Lord and new Lord were moving to dance, most eyes turning to the couple as they made their way down the hall to the dance floor, especially the fact that they were holding hands and clearly going to dance. Everyone in their way moved to the side and allowed them a clear pathway to the dance floor.
When they reached it Tom stopped close to the edge so they weren't surrounded by people and turned to pull Harry securely into his arms. Harry pressed his face into Tom's shoulder and placed his hand on the other one as Tom lifted their joined hands and wrapped his arm around Harry's waist.
"This might be a little easier without my beach ball of a stomach," Harry sighed shifting uncomfortably in Tom's arms.
"Actually, I find it quite attractive," Tom smirked down at him kissing his cheek before he started to move. At first Harry was tense while he followed Tom's lead, but then halfway through the song he started to relax, with someone else leading the dance, someone as skilled at dancing as Tom, he was able to dance fairly well. He would never be a ballroom dancer by any aspect of the word but he was able to relax and enjoy the dance and music, enjoy the warmth of Tom's body and the security of his hold while they moved together in a rhythm. "See you're not bad,"
"Wow, you couldn't have made that sound any more patronising," Harry snorted.
"I apologise, but it is not too bad is it?" Tom's eyes warmed as he looked down at him, smiling when he wouldn't allow his mask to lift.
"Its not too bad no," Harry admitted.
"Do you want to sit down? It has been our one dance," Tom smirked making Harry glare at him and stick his tongue out.
"Being a Dark Lord is not an excuse," Harry huffed as he snuggled closer into Tom's chest in answer.
"It is and it's a good one," Tom argued.
"I think you should only be allowed to use that excuse twice a week," Harry huffed.
"You wouldn't spoil my fun like that would you?" Tom smirked kissing Harry's cheek.
"That's my evil plan didn't you know?" Harry laughed.
"Ah I did wonder," Tom nodded seriously before looking pleased as Harry laughed again.
"Tom, can we go now?" Harry sighed nearly twenty minutes later from where he was cuddled against Tom's chest, Tom holding him closely.
"Are you ok?" Tom asked concerned pulling back to look at him.
"Just feeling a little tired, and my ankles are hurting," Harry pouted a little.
"Come on then, bed," Tom nodded. "To sleep!" He added amused seeing the look on Harry's face. Harry snickered as Tom stepped to his side and wrapped his arm around his waist and led him back through the crowd.
"I actually enjoyed tonight," Harry said happily leaning against Tom's side a little as his tiredness sank in a little.
"I'm glad, we have more of these to look forward to, when we bond, when we win the war, when the baby is born," Tom listed quickly looking at Harry hesitantly.
"When we have our future children to celebrate, and their births," Harry just smiled.
"Their birthdays, your coming of age," Tom kissed Harry's forehead as they stepped onto the dais.
"My Lord?" Rodolphus stepped up behind them questioningly.
"I'm tired, I'm going to have to call it a night," Harry smiled tiredly.
"One more speech and then we will leave," Tom said softly. "My people, enjoy the party for the rest of the night, drink and carry on celebrating! Lord Harry is tired, but we both want you to enjoy the rest of the night!" Tom called out, silence falling before he had finished his first word.
"Rest well, best of health to you and the baby my Lord!" Someone shouted from the crowd followed by a cheer. Harry looked up at Tom getting a supportive look back.
"Thank you all for your support and concern, it means a lot to the three of us," Harry smiled at the crowd. There were cheers and shouts of support from the crowd that they could still hear as the doors closed behind them.
"You did well, they will love you wholly within a few weeks," Tom said proudly as they made their way back to their room.
"Its so strange to think that I wanted to avoid so desperately attention like that, and I've gone into a relationship where being your partner means likely more attention," Harry chuckled tiredly.
"I don't want to make you do anything you don't want to, if you do not want to attend things like this then tell me. I will try and keep you out the public eye as much as I can," Tom frowned.
"I didn't mind tonight actually. I was nervous and uncomfortable at first because I didn't know how they were going to react to me. I knew you wouldn't let anyone harm us, and that they wouldn't dare, but once we started it was alright," Harry shook his head, smiling a little when they turned into their corridor.
"What's that smile for?" Tom asked opening their bedroom door.
"I just realised that this is home now," Harry shrugged a little stunned at the realisation.
"Home…yes, its become a home to me since you came here," Tom agreed helping Harry sit on the bed before kneeling to tug off his boots as the teen started undoing his robes.
"And you said that you're not good with words in these situations," Harry grinned tugging his robes off.
"I'm apparently getting better, either that or you are easily pleased," Tom chuckled when Harry shoved at his chest with his newly unbooted foot. "Lie back," Tom instructed softly. Harry did as he was told flopping back with a content groan as the pressure was taken off of his back a little. Tom undid Harry's trousers before tugging them off, along with his socks.
Harry let out a loud happy groan, closing his eyes in pleasure as Tom started massaging his foot and ankle, digging his thumbs into the flesh and working the pain that had built up. He groaned almost indecently as Tom worked away at his ankles, carefully and attentively working away at his sore ankles in a way that left Harry boneless and almost asleep. When Tom finished his other ankle he stood and gently lifted Harry up.
"Tom?" Harry stirred a little.
"Shush I'm just moving you so you're lying the right way and under the covers," Tom soothed him placing him down on the bed and tugging the covers over him before he made his way around the bed stripping as he went.
He smiled down at teen fast asleep beside him as he slipped into his own side of the bed, tugging Harry against him before he waved the lights out. Holding the warm body close he ran his hand over Harry's stomach, falling asleep with a smile on his face as he held his growing family close.
If Severus had been a lesser man he would have skipped into Grimmauld Place, but as it was he was able to keep control of himself an stalked into the kitchen.
"Albus I have some information for you," Severus said shortly, gleefully noticing that nearly the entire Order were here. Perfect.
"Is it imperative?" Dumbledore asked.
"No but…"
"Then why sit and join us for breakfast and we shall speak afterwards," Dumbledore smiled brightly. Normally this would infuriate Severus, he knew the man did things like this to make him feel uncomfortable, but today Dumbledore was working right into his hands.
"Albus I…"
"Severus do sit down and join us," Molly Weasley simpered. Sitting down with an air of great reluctance, mentally now bouncing in his seat as he practically counted down the minutes. He wondered absently if the youngest Weasley boy knew anything about what was going to happen today, he knew that Harry was talking to him and that he had been helping where he could.
Looking across the table he found the youngest Weasley chewing on a sausage he had speared with his fork and looking for all the world as though he was thinking about absolutely nothing, but then his eyes met Severus's and there was enough of a glint in them that Severus knew he was waiting as eagerly as Severus was.
"Have you had any news of Harry, why haven't you been able to remove him yet?!" Remus suddenly snapped. Severus almost had to bite down on his tongue to stop from spitting out what he wanted to say to the wolf, but that gave Arthur time to step in.
"He needs to be rescued and be with people who care about him,"
"I completely agree, Harry needs to be with people who want the best for him," One of the twins nodded. Severus was slightly amazed that he was the only one that picked up on the bite in his tone and the hard edge to his eyes.
"Exactly," Tonks nodded, just proving to Severus how idiotic the girl was.
"I'm doing my best, but the Dark Lord has smothered the side of the wing Potter is living in with wards, and the boy doesn't leave his side, I have only seen him twice," Severus scowled.
"We know you are doing your best to look after Harry," Bill smiled at him, the warning in his and his fiance's eyes clear to Severus, the context different to what those around them thought.
"You do need to try a little harder though Severus time is…"
"ALBUS! ALBUS!" Minerva McGonagall's shrieking proceeded her into the room, Mrs Black's shrieking ignored when they saw the frantic look on the witch's face, her hair coming out of its bun.
"Minerva, what on earth?" Molly stood up but the deputy headteacher slammed the Daily Prophet onto the table. For all his training in spying Severus had to fight to keep the smirk from his face.
He watched intently as Dumbledore reads the paper, getting paler and paler by the milli second, giving him time to arrange his face into the correct expression for what he needed. When Dumbledore looked up at him he was faced with slight confusion, concern and annoyance.
"Did you know about this Severus?" Dumbledore asked lowly as Molly snatched the papers away from him and began reading through it herself.
"Know about what?" Severus frowned.
"Merlin! Albus how can he say this!" Molly shrieked. Severus snatched the paper and read through it, the teen had done quite well actually, he had gone straight for the jugular.
"I heard nothing of this, the Dark Lord was saying something about having a plan against the light side, but he refused to tell anyone what it was," Severus snarled throwing the paper onto the table, mainly so that it would land in front of the wolf for him to read it, which he did straight away.
"How could he do this to us!" Remus gasped. Severus twitched slightly in his seat, and Ron gritted his teeth, covering the move by stabbing another sausage from the bowl in the middle of the table, probably a lot harder than he needed, but considering his previous temper problems he was controlling it quite well.
"Wait, Albus how could he tell anyone our names?! The oath!" Moody growled out from where he, Arthur, Kingsley and Tonks were reading over Remus's shoulder. Severus watched with complete amusement as it dawned on Albus's face, the twinkle was completely lost from his eyes and his face paled to an almost grey shade.
"You did make him take the oath didn't you?" Bill scowled, apparently the elder Weasley had quite impressive acting skills.
"Well…I…no…I thought…Harry would never…he's…he wouldn't betray us like this!" Albus shook his head.
"So, not only did you fail to remove that…that…parasite from Harry's body, but you allowed him to escape, run rings around the Order humiliating us, he ran straight to our enemy, and you failed to put him under the oath!" Hestia Jones hissed glaring at Albus. And there Severus saw it had begun, the unravelling of the Order.
"I will go and see what information I can gather on this to try and do damage control, and if they plan any more articles," Severus said standing and making his way to the door, he was struggling to keep a smirk from his face and he had gotten most of the reactions he wanted. Tonks and Molly were now shrieking at each other, Remus was sitting pale and slumped in his chair, he reckoned the section the Dark Lord had added about 'the werewolf whose friends stood by him through thick and thin, who had never turned their backs on them, had attacked the young pregnant teen who had trusted and cared for him as the last remaining link to his parents and beloved godfather' had hit him hard.
"Professor," Ron hissed hurrying over to him just as he reached the front door, the red head checking over his shoulder as he made his way to Severus.
"Mr Weasley," Severus nodded.
"I was wondering whether you could give this to Harry from us," Ron asked pushing a letter into Severus's hand. "Is it true, you-know-who asked him to be his consort and gave him the Slytherin ring?" Ron asked quickly.
"Yes its true. He…Harry is very happy," Severus told the teen seeing the concern in his eyes.
"Hermione said that they both really seem to care for each other," Ron nodded.
"They do, Harry is falling in love with him, and I think My Lord might be in love with him already," Severus said honestly.
"Thank you," Ron smiled at him shocking the older man.
"Yes well, I need to leave, I'll pass this on," Severus nodded before hurrying to leave the house.
"I just can't wait till they read the Quibbler," Ron chuckled as he closed the door behind Severus, the smirk on both their faces saying exactly how much they were looking forward to it.
Review Responses:
Angelfabeth, Thank you I love Rabastan and Rodolphus's characters, I thought they were a little underused so its nice to write for them.
Dracula2000, wow thank you so much, I'm glad that you are enjoying it XD
Mary, Lol you must have sensed this chapter coming, I hope you enjoyed the Order's reactions. And thank you for your support, it is good to hear XD I'm sorry for the break between updating :s I lost track somehow and RL has piled up.
Jeanie 21, Thank you, I'm glad I could tempt you with a plotline you don't normally go with. I'm trying to make Harry's reasons and Tom's cause as plausible politically as possible.
dhh, I know I have responded by PM but I would like to clarify for any that have read the review. I won't be changing the baby's gender, it will be a boy! I am not bashing the Malfoy's, I am writing their part in the story as realistically as I can within my own story, The Malfoy's are the ones that Harry had the most contact and interaction with during the other books so it would not realistic for them all to suddenly become best friends. I have used Luna, and as for allies, I think Rabastan, Rodolphus, Fenrir and Severus are a little outside the box for normal allies.
Nosyrosie16, The common peoples reactions will be coming up in the next few chapters don't worry XD You'll have to wait and see if the ministry will step in XD Draco will be in the next chapter and we will find out what is going on with him.
Contest4jen, Thank you XD
BloodyRose90, thank you so much, I'm glad that you are enjoying the story, especially when it is something that you would not normally read XD Ah no matter how many times I read through I always miss bits here and there, plus in the last couple of chapters my spell checker was down. I'm afraid I don't have a beta, I've had some bad experiences with them. Thank you for the amazing review XD
Ellannor, Draco will be coming up in the next chapter, and you will get to see a little more angry Harry XD
Belle25, I haven't actually mentioned Nagini, I don't think she will be in this fic, the horcruxes definitely aren't. I don't know how far the story will go, but I will probably do a small sequel if I only go as far as the birth. I could picture the baby having a little snake as a pet/guardian
Starcrossedmoon, Don't worry the Lestrange brothers didn;t hurt Neville's parents, I am thinking of some way around that one.
J-klaudia, Thank you, I love reading and writing OMC's especially paired with Harry. I'm not offended, and I understand where you are coming from, but I'm afraid I'm going to carry on the way I am, I prefer responding to reviews as I am now. I am trying to cut down on repeating in responses.
Evil-step-sister, Lol I apologise, I could try writing a few bad stories or chapters for you? XD Draco will be coming up in the next chapter, you'll have to wait and see if he does something stupid, hope the Order reaction was what you hoped for, and I promise the pairings for the Lestrange brothers will be interesting, I will tell you that one will be a het pairing and one a slash. Hope I didn't distract you from work too much XD
Guest, Harry is currently six months along so its three more months till the baby is due. And I'm working my way up to the action XD
Elfin69, Severus hasn't had a talk with Draco yet, but that will be the next chapter probably. But before or after Draco does something stupid? XD
Sweet Pea, Yes I noticed and changed the rating, stupid over sight on my part. And my spell checker was down, but I have found another one so it should stop stupid spelling mistakes. It will be a few more chapter before Tom and Harry go all the way I am afraid.
MsSlythGrl, I'm having fun writing a difference between Tom and his death eaters relationship and the one we normally see.
Autumngold, Lol no it wouldn't have been very dark lordish to hide underneath the desk.
Rokkis, Lol I don't know if this counted as them having an outing, but I will be having them leaving the manor as well.
DracoRiddlePotter, There is still a little more to come in the newspaper report section don't worry. Yes it is about the light.
Stormshadow13, Lol I got an image in my head of Harry telling Tom off and the others being scared of him and I just had to write it XD The public reaction will be coming up over the next couple of chapters, that I promise will be interesting, baby bump and all yup Draco is in trouble. Enchanted Nightingale has some brilliant Lestrange brother stories that are definitely worth taking a look XD