The Riddle Answered
Disclaimer: SEE PREVIOUS CHAPTERS FOR PLOT AND TAGS AND DISCLAIMER
Pairings: Harry/Daphne; Draco/Ginny
DEDICATIONS: I WISH TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION: SelwynSentinel has wrriten a brilliant story named The Serpent Lord and it is well worth the read: also, I wish to thank Mrs Vega, Tiro and Shadow Bubbles for the inspirations behind this story…
Normal Speech
(Thought)
{Parseltongue}
Mental Bonds (Harry with Daphne, Fawkes and his Father)
Review Answers for Chapter 7:
D-M Likely Together: I guess I do; but here's part 2;
Slytherin66: Well, even though the answer's here; if you've read the chaps before, then you can guess how he gets out of it;
Rikudou Sennin 312: Hm, interesting theory, but I decided to keep the Triad at Hogwarts; I've never actually seen a story like this with an option like that; (except A Different Life)
Gallantmon228: Hedwig is with the 'other' Harry; guess why? Harry lost everything he had but gained so much more;
Last Time…
"Drop the act Harry," Dumbledore insisted and Harry shrugged before speaking again.
"I'm not Harry Potter anymore Albus," he smiled, "You don't control me!"
"Oh no?" Dumbledore then raised his hand and, as everyone watched, the room darkened before Dumbledore's hand began to glow a deep crimson colour; when he next spoke, Dumbledore's words were not with a kind, grandfatherly voice, "You will obey me Harry Potter!"
Harry went rigid; at the same time, he felt a light pressure on his mind and his body began to glow a powerful, hypnotic shade of gold before he wspoke with a monotone voice, "Yes Master!"
Professor Orion stared in shock before he snarled and dropped his guise, revealing the Dark Lord, who turned and pointed his own wand at Dumbledore, "Release my son old man!"
"I am not your son," Harry said in a cold voice, his eyes red like blood, before he then declared, "I am your executioner: I must do as my Master wishes!"
"Yes Harry," grinned Dumbledore, "And I wish for you to kill Tom and then kill yourself!"
Harry raised his black oak wand before the glow around him intensified to a point where his wand tip sparked with an Avada Kedavra green light as he answered:
"As you command, my Master…Goodbye Tom!"
All the Dark Lord saw was a blinding flash of emerald and gold…
Chapter 9: Raids, Revenge and Revelations
Dumbledore's Office
Harry raised his black oak wand as he spoke in the monotone voice, "As you command, my Master…Goodbye Tom!"
All the Dark Lord saw was a blinding flash of emerald and gold, before all he heard was laughter and, when Tom opened his eyes, Harry was standing there, his eyes full of life and his left hand raised, his palm glowing with emerald and black magic as he continued laughing.
When he looked, Tom saw why he was laughing: the curse, the Avada Kedavra Curse, was hovering a few inches before his face, its pulse and power stopped by Harry's will and his power of Magical Redirection.
Still laughing, Harry swept his hand aside and watched as the magic dissipated against the walls before he shook his head and asked, "Did you honestly think I hadn't seen this coming old man?"
He looked to Dumbledore who snarled and commanded, "Harry, I order you, kill Tom Riddle!"
"No Master (!)" Mocked Harry as he then raised his wand once more and added, "This is not the wand I had in my first year old man: this is my true wand and not the one that was making me your puppet; so no, Dumbledore, I won't kill my Father, but, for what you've done…" he raised his wand and pointed it at Dumbledore, "I will kill you!"
"Go on then Harry," Dumbledore growled, "Show me that you are Tom's son!"
As Harry looked, he then caught sight once more of Fawkes and, as he lowered his wand, Harry laughed and exclaimed, "You think if I kill you then I will be distraught and lose Fawkes; oh and I almost fell for it. I'm sorry Dumbledore, but I am not some naïve Gryffindor anymore and neither you nor that pretender can touch me anymore."
"No," Dumbledore informed him, "But as long as I hold your secret, I have you Harry right where I want you."
"Ah," sighed Harry, watching as his Father took his place next to his son, "About that…" He raised his wand and declared, "I, Harry James Salazar Rasputin Riddle speak as True Heir of Salazar Slytherin and call on the power of my ancestor and Hogwarts herself to bind Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore to the following will: from this day forth, Albus Dumbledore knows and speaks of Harry James Potter as the boy who nearly died; he may never again speak to me as that of my past life. Furthermore, Dumbledore may never again speak of the events of this meeting or this oath: betrayal of this oath will strip Dumbledore of all his powers and leave enough magic for Fawkes, his phoenix, to survive. By the will of Lord Slytherin, Heir of Black Magic, so mote it be!"
"So mote it be," said Dumbledore before he could stop himself; the oath that Harry had just cast was a powerful one indeed; it was known as the Founder's Decree and was more powerful than a life-debt and more deadly than the Unbreakable Vow; when he looked to Harry, Dumbledore then only saw Harry Riddle, even though his instincts screamed at him to see the boy who was his puppet.
Before Albus could say another word, Harry then watched as Fawkes flew off his perch and landed on Harry's shoulder; no sooner had the majestic bird touched his skin, however, than there was a flash of light and, when it faded, Fawkes had been replaced by a majestic black phoenix that nuzzled its head against Harry's cheek in a show of affection.
"Well," sighed the Dark Lord, changing back into Professor Orion, "That certainly was interesting! It seems that Master Riddle has twin familiars; I never really saw that coming and I'm his Magical Focus teacher."
"It is interesting V…Vincent," Dumbledore gasped, watching as Harry stroked the phoenix, "I never really suspected that Harry…I mean Master Riddle would be Fawkes' true bonded partner."
Harry smiled as Fawkes continued to sing in his ear; he knew the old man had wanted to use his Father's real name, but his Will had forbidden him from doing so; he had even heard the venom in the old man's voice when he had said Riddle, indicating that the master manipulator was clearly learning his place.
"As interesting as this is," Harry sighed, stretching tall, "I've had a hectic first week and really just want to go back to my dorm and get some sleep: goodnight Professors, Headmaster!"
"Master Riddle!" exclaimed Professor Orion, before he then added, "You left your latest assignment piece in my class earlier; would you mind dropping by when you have a free moment?"
"Of course…" Harry smiled as he looked to Dumbledore before he decreed, "Father!"
As he walked out of the office, Harry could actually swear that he heard the old man cursing, Professor Snape laughing and Lucius declaring, "Checkmate!"
HJSRR
Professor Orion's Class:
When the wards were once again thrown up, Voldemort revealed himself and Harry allowed his Father to check him over before he punched Harry on the shoulder, laughing with sly delight, "You sneaky Slytherin: why didn't you tell me you've been practicing your Redirection?"
"Because I haven't," Harry replied, before, at the shocked look on his Father's face, he continued, "I haven't been practicing Father; instead, I felt his pressure on me and remembered what you said about instinct doing it the first time; I simply let my Slytherin spirit guide me to the magic and the rest is history."
Voldemort then laughed as he asked, "Are you all right though Little Snake? He didn't hurt you with what happened, did he?"
"Probably not as much as I hurt him," Harry laughed, "He can't tell anyone about us now Dad; he can't even say your name when speaking to your alter-ego and he can't compare me to that pretender."
"My son is such a genius," grinned Tom, ruffling Harry's hair, before he then asked, "Have you perfected a way for my raids yet?"
"Actually," smiled Harry, raising his wand, "I have; why, do you need to kill?"
"After what Dumbledore just did," hissed Tom, looking to his son, "What do you think?"
HJSRR
Two Days Later: Great Hall
The Daily Prophet were still in denial, but, as Harry walked into breakfast on Sunday, he saw the headline in front of him as he sat down with Draco and Dudley:
PRANKSTERS TAKE POTTER'S LIES TOO FAR
Despite claims by Albus Dumbledore at the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, several witches and wizards were seen playing a prank and scaring several muggles and muggleborn wizards. However, last night, in the small coastal town of Morecambe, the pranks went too far; witnesses report seeing half the beach area decimated by what could only be described as Dark Magic as well as several Imperious victims claiming that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was responsible. For full details see page 3;
As if in reply to these pranks, Minister Fudge has decreed that anyone using Dark Magic and saying it is the work of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named will face a 5,000 Galleon fine and continued disruption of the wizarding community will result in a 5 year incarceration in Azkaban Prison.
The Silver Triad were close to tears as it seemed every member of the student community had been sent a paper and, as Harry looked to the High Table, he heard Draco whisper to him, "Orion's here and this looks like the Dark Lord's work: what's going on Harry? He can't really be in two places at once, can he?"
"How should I know?" asked Harry innocently, before he then changed subject and asked, "How's our plan with Umbridge coming along?"
"In one week," Draco answered, "All those who have signed up will meet with Madam Umbridge and you too; they will then take an oath of silence and secrecy and then we'll…I mean you'll be able to begin turning them to our cause."
"Do we have a name for this gathering?" asked Harry, pouring sugar on his porridge.
"The Inquisitorial Squad," explained Dudley, "We told all who sign the parchment that it is headed by Umbridge and overseen by you, Harry; we know Daphne's going to be there, but if only…"
Harry looked up as he caught sight of Weasley and Potter watching him; knowing what Dudley was about to say, Harry nodded in agreement, "If only we knew where Ginny was, then this would go smoothly."
"Exactly," Draco nodded, before he then added, "Anyway, next weekend is our first Hogsmeade Weekend and I'm looking forward to it; yet, it's a shame that Ginny's going to miss it: I hope she's all right!"
His eyes suddenly widened as he caught sight of Harry, Dudley and indeed half the Slytherins watching him, before the Dark Prince asked, "Did mine ears deceive me or does Draco Malfoy have feelings for Miss Weasley?"
"Stuff it," Draco retorted, knowing too well that he would pay for that remark later on, when Harry was back in the Common Room: as friendly as they were meant to seem, no-one in Slytherin argued or insulted Harry without paying for it.
HJSRR
Hogsmeade: The Following Weekend
Harry slumped down in his seat as he looked around the Three Broomsticks: it had been a long week, but the one thing he knew that would never change was how much he enjoyed coming to Hogsmeade. The previous evening, Harry had met the other two and Daphne with Professor Umbridge and been given one hell of a surprise: over 30 students had signed up for the Inquisitorial Squad – the total were 32 – and, after making sure they were all there for the right reasons, Harry had bound them and then, with help from Professor Umbridge, organised 8 groups of 4 to work in shifts as groups. Reporting back to their Commander – Harry – or their superior – Umbridge – the Squad was to keep an eye on those who spread rumours about Voldemort's return.
As Commanders of the Squad, Harry, Dudley, Draco and Daphne were also issued Prefect-like powers, stating that they could decrease points, award points, give detentions and even use magic against those who caused trouble. When one Ravenclaw second-year had argued that Umbridge couldn't do that, Harry had then dropped the bomb:
Professor Umbridge, as Saturday's Prophet stated, had been given the position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor, which meant she could inspect lessons and see if students and staff were working to Ministry standards. She also had the right to appoint up to four particular students and grant them the rights of a Prefect, so, yes, she could do that.
As Harry drank from his Butterbeer, he looked across at Draco before he asked, "Any idea where Dudley is Draco? He was supposed to meet us here half an hour ago."
"Flitwick wanted to see him," explained Draco, "I think he's in trouble because of what he did to Potter."
"That ink bottle was an accident waiting to happen," sighed Harry, before he felt a rush of autumn cold and saw Dudley entering with Daphne in tow; when he saw his Dark Queen, Harry's heart skipped a beat and when Daphne kissed him in welcome, the Dark Prince felt like he was floating on air, before he asked, "Where have you two been?"
"Flitwick called McGonagall," explained Dudley, "And then she actually stood up for me: McGonagall, can you imagine? She said that it was simply an accident and, when I explained what had been said, she told Flitwick to speak to Umbridge and, instead of a detention, she awarded me 50 points for defending my honour."
"Umbridge?" asked Draco.
"McGonagall," Dudley answered, causing Harry to raise his eyes in shock: McGonagall was a vivid supporter of Albus Dumbledore, wasn't she? So why on Earth would she defend a Slytherin and insinuate that Harry Potter was lying?
"That's very interesting," Harry nodded, looking to Dudley as he asked, "Then what happened?"
"I was on my way out of the class," explained Dudley, "When I ran into Daphne; she'd been talking to Professor Snape and Professor Orion!" He nodded his head when he said Orion and Harry seemed to pick up a warning or lecture as Dudley turned to Daphne and said, "You tell him."
"Professor Orion," Daphne told her boyfriend, "Wanted me to warn you about Dumbledore; now that Umbridge has awarded you and us three Prefect-like powers, he's afraid that the headmaster will do something drastic."
Harry suddenly ground his teeth together as a familiar cold welled up inside him before he gasped, "I think it's about to happen: Protego!"
A shield of powerful magic was suddenly thrown up as Harry watched a seemingly deadly curse making its way towards them; bouncing off the shield, Harry then pulled out his wand and stood before his eyes widened in horror at the caster of the curse.
Ginny Weasley was standing not two tables away, her eyes narrow and cold as she raised her wand and commanded, "Reducto!"
The tables were blown away, but not before Harry leapt up with an impossible feat of agility; looking to Ginny, he asked, "Why are you attacking me?"
"You left me," Ginny replied and Harry almost blew up the tavern with his rage as he heard the same monotone voice he had used in Dumbledore's office, "And you betrayed your calling: I am doing this because it is for the Greater Good."
"Then," sighed Harry, looking to his friend and ally, "I may be Slytherin, but…I'm sorry Ginny: Finite Maxima!"
Ginny suddenly flew back as Harry's magic hit her; leaping over the tables, and apologising to Madam Rosmerta, Harry grabbed Ginny and led her to a private section of the tavern, leaving Draco and the others to repair the damage of the tavern.
Upstairs, Harry lay Ginny down before he pulled out his two-way mirror and whispered, "Father."
The mirror clouded over before the Dark Lord's face appeared; he was surrounded by his office, so he was safe to talk, "What is it, my son?"
"You're not going to believe this," Harry told him, before he explained what had transpired downstairs.
Harry was then glad that he and his Father were on opposite ends of the mirror, as Voldemort exploded, "HOW DARE HE! HOW DID IT HAPPEN? WHY HER?"
"Because of our link…" Harry looked down and saw Ginny recovered; in his haste to ignore the outburst from his Father, Harry had released Ginny, but it seemed both Accidental and Wandless Magic were at work here; handing the mirror to her, Ginny lowered her head as she whispered, "Forgive me Dark Lord; he came to me in the summer, demanding to know why I was not involved with Ron and Hermione's plans; when I said I wanted nothing to do with him, he used the Imperious on me and then warped my mind so that I attacked you and Harry; I'm so sorry Prince Riddle," she added, looking to Harry, "I was too weak to fight him; I have failed you and betrayed my oath; I will understand if you wish me dead."
{Help her son,} hissed Tom in Parselenic, Harry nodding as he knew just the spell to help her.
Raising his wand, Harry waved it in an arc that swept over Ginny as he declared, "Spiri-Retrorsum!"
Ginny seemed to blank out for a while, before she shook her head and, seeing the boy before her, bowed with respect and whispered, "Thank you Harry; he knew that you would probably have killed me for failing; I was weak once, but I will never be that weak again! Harry Riddle, I now speak with conviction when I say this: I will follow you, through hell and back; I will do whatever you ask and your enemies shall be mine: on this day I vow that I will serve both you and your Dark Forces, if you will let me."
"I will," Harry smiled, before he flicked his wand once and healed Ginny's robes. Seeing her smile, Harry then continued, "And you can do that by being my eyes inside Dumbledore's plans: Ginny, I know that he will have a plan to deal with my Father and, if he doesn't, then Ron and Hermione will help Potter accomplish something. I want you to find out what that is and be my spy inside Gryffindor; I have this feeling that your family are divided, so try and get some allies and have them report to me, do you understand?"
"I do, my dark lord," Ginny then bowed to Harry, understanding her position, before she asked, "Shall I start with the twins, my lord? They both left home a while ago and now have no true ally."
"Do what you must," answered Tom, Harry forgetting he still had the link open, "My son has his own plan, but remember Ginny, you are now under the protection of Lord Slytherin; my son has plans for the future of Hogwarts and, if you succeed him, you will reap the rewards."
"Thank you, Lord Voldemort," bowed Ginny, before she looked to Harry and asked, "What do I say to Dumbledore?"
"Tell him that your plan is my plan," Harry told her, "You seek to get under the Squad, but will also help Potter and his team of fools; see what you can do Ginny about the Golden Trio and keep yourself defended. Now, though, I'd better make this look believable…"
HJSRR
Hogwarts: Slytherin Common Room
Back at Hogwarts, Harry heaved a sigh before he waited for the last Slytherin to enter before he demanded, "Every Slytherin; come to the Common Room: NOW!"
Soon, every Slytherin from first-through-seventh year were assembled before their Lord as Harry stood near a portrait of their Founder as he examined their faces: with a deep sigh, Harry nodded as he explained, "Dumbledore grows desperate: he turns my allies and friends against me and tries to use my mind: that is enough: from now on, Slytherin House obeys only three people besides me: Professors Orion, or as you lot know him, VOLDEMORT!"
The Slytherins gasped and several of them gulped in shock as they recalled not doing well in his class, before Harry continued, "All of you, be you first-year or seventh-year, now also all answer to Professors Snape and Umbridge: that's outside this room! While here, you obey me; Prince Slytherin, and will do whatever it takes to silence these fools who stand in my Father's way, am I clear?"
"Yes Prince Slytherin!" chorused the group, before Harry looked to his friends.
"Now, I have already begun following my Father's example and constructed my own Inner Circle: Draco Malfoy, Dudley Evans, Daphne Greengrass, come before me!"
The trio approached and kneeled as Harry looked to each of them; his eyes dark as he spoke, "You two Dudley and Draco are my left and right hand in this game of chess: my Knights on the Board, while Daphne, as my Soul Bond and girlfriend, are my Queen and yours truly as the King: my Inner Circle will be the Castles and Bishops while those outside are pawns who act as Knights. Here, we are all equal; no matter what family, background or magic we may wield: starting today, all upper years will help their lower classmates learn magic of their year. I don't want any diversity in this House any longer: the people want Voldemort; they want Dumbledore silenced, then that is what we will give them. Now, you have your orders; as members of my Squad, most of you have your directions: see them done."
"Yes Prince Slytherin!" chorused the House, before they resumed their work, most of the upper and lower years talking about the differences in magic.
As Harry sat back down on one of the large leather sofas, he was then aware of Daphne next to him, the fifth-year snuggling next to her boyfriend; with a smile, Harry asked, "How was I?"
"A true leader," Daphne answered, "Just like your Father."
"I agree," laughed the voice of the Dark Lord, before he then noticed Harry staring into the fire.
Daphne must have picked up on this, because she asked, "What is it, my love?"
"Can I do it?" asked Harry calmly, "Can I lead an army within the army?"
"Hogwarts is yours," Daphne told him, "Slytherin are yours; power is yours and…"
She then looked to him and embraced his lips in a kiss of true conviction, before she wrapped her arms around Harry and deepened her meaning as she spoke through the bond.
"And I am yours; Harry, our bond has strengthened us both: whatever you do, I do; wherever you go, I will follow and so will all of Slytherin; our event gave us both awesome powers and we must now work together to use them."
"You're right Daphne," smiled Harry, breaking from the kiss; resting in front of the fireplace, Harry smiled again as he whispered, "I am Prince Slytherin: I am Slytherin; my word is law with this House and, when my plan comes full circle, even Albus Dumbledore will fall before me."
"That's my dark prince," sighed Daphne, getting comfy against Harry's chest, listening to the sound of his breathing and beating heart.
So, it seems that Harry has plans and ways around Dumbledore, but what will happen now that Slytherin has declared war on the school?
Also, with Harry now knowing the thrill of a leader and his power of Magical Redirection, how will he manage his first DE Meeting?
Keep Reading to Find Out…
In the Next Chapter: Hogwarts has changes under Umbridge; the Defence Teacher speaks to Harry with a proposition; Draco and Ginny start to 'notice' each other and the Death Eaters have their meeting with their Dark Prince and the Order also have a meeting, but one of those things is not like the others…
Chapter 11: Harry's spy gives him some interesting news about Harry Potter's plans and current situation; plus, Tom is leaving Hogwarts and Harry finds trouble sleeping at night; also, the Dark Lord makes plans to give his son a special Christmas Present and Daphne gives Harry her answer…
Chapter 12: Christmas brings a joy to Harry Riddle he has never felt; plus, his training begins as the Heir of Black Magic and he discovers an unusual, yet clever, way to get under his devious doppelganger's skin;
Please Read and Review…