DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter Sixteen - Acceptable Manipulation
Twenty-three minutes and forty-six seconds after Draco had swept from the room, Remus and Sirius returned. The pair slipped like ghosts from the shadows, paling as glittering emeralds locked upon them. Exchanging nervous glances, the Incubus and minor demon crept closer to the ring of salt. They stilled warily when a hiss of warning slipped from the raven-haired demon's lips, the threatening sound accompanied by the flash of delicate fangs. Seconds crept by as the two regarded the third with unblinking eyes.
Bored of the silent staring match, the Retriever tipped his head and dipped dark lashes to hide glowing orbs. "Release me," he breathed harshly. His wings rustled softly as he stretched them, the dark scales shimmering in the light cast by the dancing torches. A hand covered in dried blood reached out and caressed the air before the Incubus' face, fingers curving gently to rake nails down the magic surrounding him.
"Are you going to go on a murderous rampage?" Remus asked cautiously, eyes slitting as he took a small step backwards. He arched his own wings gracefully, giving the heavily muscled appendages a cursory flap that had the Retriever's short kilt swirling in the breeze. His eyes widened in fright at the admonishing snarl that slipped from the dark-haired demon's mouth, the sound enough to close his wings and bring a whimpered apology to his tongue.
With a swat of his hand, Harry stilled his swaying kilt and glared at Remus, shimmering emeralds narrowed at the Incubus' impertinence. "I can assure you," he replied after a moment of thoughtful silence, "that I have my murderous urges well in hand." Pasting a devilish smile upon his face, he dropped his right hand to the hurlbat dangling from his belt, fingers wrapping lovingly around the weapon's handle. "However, should you continue to refuse me my freedom, I'll happily see that you're returned to Hell in several bloody pieces. Now, release me."
Face significantly paler, Remus nudged Sirius away from the circle with the tip of one outstretched wing. "Perhaps you should remain in there until you calm down," he murmured. The yowl of outrage that escaped the Retriever had him wincing and taking another small step backwards, futilely attempting to slip into the weak shadows hovering at the edge of the chamber.
"And perhaps you should release me," Harry returned with a snarl. His blazing orbs swung to Sirius, narrowing as the minor demon lifted a hand and ruefully rubbed the back of his neck. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, holding the air in his lungs for several seconds before releasing it in a drawn out sigh. "I promise not to kill whoever lets me out," he wheedled, attempting to appear as non-threatening as possible - and failing miserably.
"You promise?" Sirius repeated doubtfully, his brow furrowing as he studied the wide eyed Retriever. Ignoring Remus' protesting rumbles, he meandered toward the table on the far side of the room, idly lifting a thin silver stir stick from the stained wood and examining it carefully. He pursed his lips when Harry nodded and shifted his gaze to Remus, grinning at the horrified expression on the Incubus' face. "See, he promises," the minor demon assured Remus, beginning to walk purposefully toward the waiting Retriever.
"What are you doing, Sirius?" Remus snapped, folding his arms over his abdomen protectively. He frowned as the other demon lifted the stir stick pointedly and gave it a light wave in the general direction of the salt circle, his meaning quickly becoming clear. "You can't let him out! In his current state he's liable to kill somebody!" Wings fluttering wildly, he shot the smirking Retriever an angered look and began stalking toward Sirius.
"And it's probably going to be you," the minor demon said regretfully. Shrugging his shoulders apologetically, he dropped to his knees next to the thick line of salt and extended the stick, preparing to break the circle and free Harry. The tip had barely brushed the floor when he was knocked sideways, the thin silver rod clattering loudly across the uneven stone ahead of him.
Heaving a disgusted sigh, Harry watched in bemusement as Remus and Sirius rolled around on the floor. He didn't have time for this. Oh, at any other time on any other night, the entertainment would be well appreciated. However, on this particular night, the pair's quarreling was simply frustrating. His eyebrows began a slow slide upward as the Incubus and minor demon wiggled across the stone toward him, grunting and cursing the entire way. Emerald orbs brightening gleefully, he tensed, his lips curving into a triumphant smirk. A soft chuckle escaped his mouth when the magic surrounding him collapsed, the scuffling pair coming to an abrupt halt against his legs.
It took mere milliseconds for them to freeze, hands and mouths stilling as their eyes locked on the muscled legs they were pressing against. And as realization struck, so did Harry. His hands closed roughly around their necks, fingers tightening as he tugged them forcefully apart and hauled them roughly to their feet. "It's just become very obvious to me that the pair of you have forgotten who's in charge," he spat.
"I was going to let you out," Sirius quavered, gray eyes widening as Harry snarled. He chanced a quick glance at Remus and paled, whimpering at the murderous expression on the Incubus' reddening face. "You promised," he said in a rush, hands lifting to wrap lightly around the Retriever's wrists.
Drawing a deep breath, Harry slowly loosened his grip, eyelids falling to half-mast to shield glowing emeralds. "So I did," he rumbled. With a light shrug of his shoulders, he released the pair completely, curling a lip in distaste as they dropped to the dungeon floor and cowered like beaten dogs. Giving a light shake of his head, he stretched his wings outward, groaning at the tug and pull of recently abused muscles. Heaving an appreciative groan, he closed the scaled appendages with a snap and stepped neatly over Sirius, gliding across the chamber to where the grimoire lay upon the dirty stone. "I have a task for the pair of you," he announced, scooping the ancient tome up and studying it through narrowed orbs.
"Anything, Harry, anything!" Sirius yelped, groveling in true minor demon fashion.
Across from him, Remus frowned. "What type of task?" He asked suspiciously, pushing slowly to his hands and knees. His wings remained tucked against his back, his shimmering orbs locked submissively on the cracked cobblestone between his splayed fingers. A quick upward flick of his eyes showed that the Retriever was no longer paying them any heed, his attention having been completely transferred to the book he now held.
"One which you shall both enjoy very much," the Retriever murmured. Smiling victoriously, he dragged his nails down the cover of the grimoire, tearing the aged leather and parchment easily. With one final scratch, he dropped the ruined book, laughing cheerfully as it was consumed by flames the moment it struck the floor. A fond smile teasing his lips, he swung around, orbs shimmering a deadly jade. "Now, get up," he hissed, "and follow me." Confidant in their ability to follow the most simple of commands, Harry turned and stalked toward the closed portal, eager to get down to business.
As soon as the pair arrived at his heels, he increased his pace, lengthening his strides as they wove their way through the depths of Hogwarts' dungeons. His eyes were unblinking, nostrils flaring with each delicate inhalation. The weight of the sword resting between his shoulder blades was soothing; it's presence a calming reminder of his task, and the one he was about to assign his minions. Evil smile twisting his features, he glanced back at the pair to assure himself they were paying attention. Noting that they were indeed listening, he drew a deep breath and began. "I want their every dream and desire. Each fear and nightmare they possess. I want to know what makes their hearts race and their blood run cold." Eyebrow arching, he darted a quick glance over his shoulder. "That is your task. Fail . . . and I will kill you - slowly. Very slowly."
"Hades Horns'," Remus breathed in appreciation, ignoring the threat the Retriever had tacked on at the end of his statement. Bobbing his head, he rubbed his hands together and smiled happily. "No problem, Harry."
Sighing, Sirius smiled and tipped his head. "I love it when he gets all vengeful," he said loudly, wincing as Remus elbowed him. He narrowed his eyes on the Incubus, lips curling into a silent snarl. One hand rubbing his aching ribs, he returned his attention to the dark-haired demon leading them steadily toward the main halls of the castle. "What are you going to do?" He asked in a whisper, his caution earning him a nod of approval from Remus.
Frowning, the Retriever reached up and wrapped his fingers around the hilt of the sword peeping over his shoulder, the digits sliding lightly over the cold metal. "I am going to speak with Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore ," he purred, "and then I'm going to go and kill something." His announcement was met with groans of dismay and whimpers of 'unfair'. Emerald orbs narrowing, he shot a look of warning back at the pair before loping quietly up a staircase. He halted at the top and glanced around, Remus and Sirius coming to a stop to either side of him. "You've got your assignment, now go."
"Uh, Harry?" Remus whispered, shifting nervously as glowing emeralds swung slowly to focus on him. "You didn't give us any names." He ducked his head at the Retriever's soft growl, shuffling anxiously in place and holding his breath while awaiting the dark-haired demon's response.
Sooty lashes drooping, Harry allowed a small smile to twist his lips. "Hermione Jane Granger, Ronald Billius Weasley, and Neville Longbottom. All of them can be found in one of the castle's uppermost towers." He tipped his head in thought, trying to remember if there was anything else he should tell the pair before sending them off. With a shake of his head, he gestured Sirius and Remus onward, dismissing them with casual wave of his hand. However, at the last minute, his fingers closed in the pale fabric of Sirius' shirt, bringing the minor demon to a sudden stop. "Before you go," he murmured, extending a glowing finger toward the other demon's temple.
"Harry!" Sirius shrilled in protest.
Ignoring Sirius' squeal, Harry pressed the tip of his right finger against the minor demon's head. A small trickle of power allowed him to browse through the other male's mind as one might books in a library. He delved and discarded various thoughts and worries, growing more impatient with each trivial memory he uncovered. Unable to relive one more tedious bit of conversation, he began to withdraw his probing magic only to slow his retreat at a flash of something interesting. His magic surged at the flicker, entrapping the memory in a web of energy so the Retriever could review it at his leisure. It took Harry no more than three seconds to gleam everything he needed to know from the snippet. He released the thought and withdrew, stepping away from the minor demon and giving his head a shake to clear it.
"Are you done?" Sirius asked snidely, lifting a hand to rub his temple. He jumped at the Retriever's soft hiss, offering a meek apology before scuffing at the floor with the toe of his boot.
Mind churning, Harry resettled his wings and frowned. "Don't you have something to be doing?" He demanded, narrowed orbs allowing for no argument. Lips compressed, he tipped his head and glared into the surrounding darkness.
As Remus opened his mouth to offer his excuses, the Retriever turned and glided down the hall, vanishing among the shadows. Sniffing indelicately, the Incubus turned and looked at Sirius, lips lifting slowly in a wicked grin. "I get the witch," he announced, blue eyes shimmering unnaturally. He gave a crazed giggle and unfolded his wings, shooting the minor demon a challenging smirk before disappearing with a pop.
"But I wanted the witch," Sirius whined to the empty hall. Rolling his eyes, he crossed his arms over his chest and pouted as he began to fade into the shadows. His form blurred and then disappeared completely, leaving the hall silent and empty once again.
Harry wasn't surprised to find Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore sitting silently behind his desk, a glass of milk in his hand and a plate of cookies resting upon a stack of parchment. Slipping quietly from the shadows, the Retriever dipped his head respectfully, glittering orbs never leaving the old wizard. After a quick scan of the room, he prowled forward. "Greetings, Albus Dumbledore," he purred, opening his wings in a graceful sweep. A light inhalation detected no trace of surprise in the wizard's scent, which meant he had already been alerted to Harry's presence within the school.
Acknowledging the greeting with a bob of his head, Albus regarded the demon warily, blue eyes narrowed. "Severus informed me that the spell was successful," he replied easily. His glittering orbs remained on the dark-haired immortal standing imperiously before him, fingers clenching on the glass he held. "I was also told that another demon accompanied you here."
"Remus, an Incubus," returned the Retriever. The corners of his mouth pulled up at the wizard's disgusted grunt, eyes dancing deviously as he fastened his gaze on the bookshelf that contained the first grimoire. Shooting the Headmaster a calculating glance, he began a nonchalant glide around the room, fingers trailing across various trinkets and toys. "Of course, I imagine Dwayne's arrival shall be much more entertaining."
"Dwayne?" Dumbledore repeated, a frown sliding over his features as he watched the demon idly spin a large globe located in the far corner of his study.
"As I failed to slay Voldemort before being banished from this plane, Hades took the liberty of assigning another Retriever to see the task completed. Dwayne, one of my brethren, is that unlucky demon." Harry halted in front of a bookshelf crammed with books, his eyes narrowing as he searched for the spine of the grimoire. Tipping his head, he took a long whiff, searching for the smell of sulphur or brimstone. "I imagine he'll arrive some time tomorrow. Then again, he was never the darkest demon in Hell, so it might take him a few days to find the place."
Dumbledore straightened at Harry's words, the milk in his glass sloshing dangerously close to the rim. "Whatever do you mean?" He asked sharply, reaching forward to place the glass next to the plate of cookies. His eyes narrowed as Harry made a noncommittal noise and shrugged his shoulders, continuing to scan the shelf of books he stood before. "Why would he be coming here? He should be going to Voldemort's headquarters!"
"He has to find Voldemort first," Harry explained, amusement colouring the words. His nose wrinkled at the slightest hint of brimstone, the smell concealed beneath several layers of carefully placed magic. "That means beginning where I left off. I could, of course, assist him, but that would be cheating." Orbs narrowing, he stretched out his aura and attempted to locate the beginning of the first concealment charm.
Mouth opening on a shocked gasp, Dumbledore glared at the demon angrily. "Cheating? People are dying and you're worried about cheating!" He sank back in his chair, breathing heavily as his hands fisted and his eyes narrowed. "I thought executing Voldemort was an honour any demon of your kind would kill for. Are you telling me you no longer want that honour?"
Harry stilled at the wizard's words, his magic swirling menacingly around his body. If he didn't no better, he'd think the old mortal was trying to manipulate him. He turned slowly and peered at the wizard, his head tipped slightly to the right, and murmured, "it was actually more of a privilege." And yet another chance to rub his prowess and hunting skills in the face of every other Retriever in Hell.
Dumbledore waved the demon's words away with a flutter of his hand. "I imagine it was a privilege you had earned," he said. His eyes widened as he leaned forward and placed his hands palm down on the top of the desk, fairly exuding a sense of self-righteousness he had no business feeling.
That look was enough to rouse Harry's anger. He absolutely loathed it when people attempted to manipulate him. Shielding his blazing eyes with dark lashes, he considered how he should react, and internally smirked when the answer slid into his mind. Narrowing his shimmering emeralds, he puffed out his chest and arched his wings. "I did earn that privilege. All of that killing and maiming I was forced to do! And let's not forget the fact that I spent half my time up here freezing my balls off! I mean, what has Dwayne ever done to deserve an honour like executing Voldemort." Allowing his wings to droop, Harry glared moodily at Dumbledore. "But if I kill Voldemort now, Dwayne will get all the credit. If only there was something that would make it worth my troubles . . ."
"What would make it worth your troubles?" Dumbledore asked, right on cue.
It was as if they were performing a well rehearsed skit, Harry thought, fighting down the urge to laugh as he began his next line. "Oh, I don't know," he purred coyly. Frowning as if considering his options, he waited a moment before replying, "perhaps the grimoire currently in your possession?" He smiled then, a devious grin that twisted his features and erased any sign of the humanity he may have possessed.
Face darkening, Dumbledore glanced at the bookshelf behind Harry and straightened in his chair. "That's all?" He asked suspiciously, rising stiffly and circling the desk. His eyes remained locked with the demon's as he strode toward the bookshelf that contained the grimoire, his movements slow and unsure.
"You have nothing else I desire," Harry stated calmly. He folded his wings and graciously stepped aside at Dumbledore's approach, allowing the wizard to pass by him unhindered. Turning lightly on the balls of his feet, he watched Dumbledore withdraw his wand and point it at the cluttered shelves, eyes narrowing at the rush of magic that filled the room. Moments later, the concealment charm visibly shuddered before vanishing completely, leaving the spines of several questionable books on display. However, Harry had eyes for only one tome, and that was the ancient grimoire resting between two dark arts books.
"I give you this book and you'll slay Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked nervously, obviously requiring some measure of reassurance from the dark-haired Retriever. A flick of his wand had the tome sliding from its place and falling lightly into his hand, its cover flaking in his grip. He raised his eyes to meet Harry's glowing orbs, his fingers tightening on the book before he slowly held it out to the demon.
Gliding forward, Harry extended a hand and stilled, his lips curling angrily when the mortal tugged the book beyond his reach. "I promise," he spat, wings rustling in an irritated manner at the look of disbelief Dumbledore pinned him with. This time when the wizard offered him the book, he seized it and danced backwards, holding his prize aloft. Before the old mortal had a chance to do anything, he tore the book in half and chucked the pieces into the fire crackling in the hearth. As the flames turned a brilliant green and inhaled the tome, he turned his gaze back to Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and bowed. "It was nice doing business with you," he said. Straightening, he swung around and left the wizard's office, a dangerously gleeful grin curving his lips. He had a demon to see about a sword.
"You know, I was once in a brothel that looked exactly like this."
Arching a brow, Remus turned slowly to glare at Sirius, his lips clamped together. "I don't want to hear about it," he hissed. Giving a shake of his head, he glanced around the room and shuddered. Everything was so red. And what wasn't the most ghastly colour of red was the gaudiest shade of gold imaginable. Lips curling in disgust, he prowled silently across the large room, winding his way between large tables and softly padded chairs. "And since when did brothel's have books?" He immediately regretted the blurted question, lifting a hand to forestall the minor demon's lecture.
"Actually, I didn't see those," Sirius mused, his eyes traveling over the tomes cluttering the narrow shelves of a massive bookcase. "However, this brothel in Paris - or was it in London? Anyway, it had some of the most interesting books I'd ever seen. Why, there was even one about-"
"I didn't know you could read," Remus snapped loudly, his words bringing a halt to the minor demon's tirade. He rolled his eyes as Sirius' face began to grow flushed and he lifted a finger in warning. "Remember why we're here. Now, you can take both wizards and I'll take the witch. Since I'm an Incubus, I believe that makes me much more qualified to deal with her." Bobbing his head in agreement with his brilliant deduction, he prowled in the direction of the staircase that reeked of lavender and roses.
Shaking a fist at the Incubus' back, Sirius hissed angrily. "It had pictures!" Putting his nose in the air, he stalked toward the second staircase, mumbling the entire way. He halted on the first stair and spun around, watching with narrowed eyes as Remus leapt onto the landing at the top of the girls' stairs. "And when this is over, I'm telling Harry!" Ignoring Remus' threatening snarl, he flipped the Incubus off and scuttled up the steps that led to the boys' dorms.
Harry padded quietly through the shadows, his eyes locked on the massive castle standing before him. He lifted his chin and inhaled, eyes drifting closed at the smell of brimstone, sulphur, and demon magic. With a small smile curving his lips, he reopened his eyes, the orbs glowing a brilliant shade of jade. Giving a light flutter of his wings, he stalked toward the dark building, his gaze sweeping over the grounds in search of life. A sudden surge of power stilled him, his aura flaring at the light brush while he tilted his head and searched the spreading magic for a signature or scent. What he found drew a growl from deep within his chest and caused his hands to fist.
Dwayne.
Snarling in outrage, the raven-haired Retriever began a liquid lope toward the nearest window. There was no way in Heaven that the other demon had found Voldemort's headquarters on his own, which meant Hades had helped him. The fact that Hades had aided the blond Retriever in locating the High Court Demon was like a slap in the face. At the same time, it was an insult to Dwayne's hunting skills, an insult Harry would be sure to share with the rest of Hades' Retrievers.
Without bothering to slow down, Harry leapt at the window, the glass shattering around his hurtling body and slicing at the exposed skin of his chest and arms. He landed gently and flung his wings open, bits of glass crunching under his feet and sliding free of his hair. Not bothering to conceal his presence, he strode angrily toward the portal, lifting a hand to the hilt of the sword resting against his back. The weapon slid easily from its sheath, hissing softly as it was withdrawn. Giving the blade a light twirl, the dark-haired Retriever glided through the halls of the castle, following the scent of demon magic and the steady pulse of power that raised the hair on his arms.
Three minutes and fifteen seconds later, he stood hidden in the shadows outside a torch lit chamber, his narrowed eyes locked on the blond Retriever pacing back and forth. His fingers wriggled on the hilt of the sword as the other demon growled, the muscles in shoulders tightening as he resisted the urge to explode into the room roaring in a crazed fashion. Instead, he waited patiently, like a cat before a mouse's bolthole. And his patience was well rewarded.
"Tell me where he is!" Dwayne snarled, his lowered gaze focused on something beyond Harry's sight.
Curious, the raven-haired Retriever crept forward. His eyes narrowed at the sight of a wizard draped completely in a black sprawled upon the floor, a mask of silver hiding his face. Tensing as Dwayne sprang forward and grabbed the mortal by the front of his robes, Harry inhaled and took a creeping step closer. He froze when the blond Retriever backhanded the wizard across the face, the force of the blow sending the silver mask clattering to the floor. Glittering emeralds widened as milky skin and familiar blue eyes were suddenly exposed. It was Draco, and yet it wasn't. This wizard's jaw was stronger, his pale hair much longer. "Lucius Malfoy," Harry breathed, testing the name that Draco had given his father.
The sound of his voice caused Dwayne to stiffen and carelessly drop the wizard, his head tilting as his nostrils flared. "Who's there?" The blond Retriever demanded, turning completely to face the doorway. He drew a rapier from the sheath hanging at his waist, its blade glinting under the torchlight.
Realizing he'd given away the element of surprise, Harry tightened his grip on his broadsword and drew a deep breath. "Dwayne," he crooned, slipping silently from the shadows, "how delightful to see you again." An evil smile bloomed upon his face, emerald orbs glowing eerily.
"Potter!" Dwayne shrilled, hefting his weapon and angrily advancing on the other Retriever. He stopped when Harry casually swung his sword up and leveled the tip at him, the heavy blade appearing extremely menacing when compared with the light rapier the blond carried. "Hades grounded you. You're not even supposed to be on this plane!"
Harry widened his eyes innocently and shrugged his shoulders. "One cannot refuse a Summons, Dwayne Cornelis Fourcade." His use of the other Retriever's full name brought an angered sneer to the demon's lips, the tip of the light rapier coming within centimeters of his chest. Batting the blade forcefully away with his sword, the dark-haired demon surged forward and wrapped the fingers of his free hand around Dwayne's throat. "In truth, I can't wait to return home and tell everyone that little Dwayne needed Hades help to find Voldemort." He grinned and flipped his sword expertly in his hand, sliding it back into its sheath effortlessly.
Dwayne gurgled a response and narrowed his eyes, attempting to bash Harry in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword. Harry, in turn, smiled and snagged the blond Retriever's waving hand, his fingers tightening until the familiar sound of breaking bone and popping tendon filled the room. The rapier fell to the floor, rattling sharply against the stone as it bounced. "Deja vu, Dwayne?" He purred, slamming the demon against the wall beside them. "Perhaps I should just kill you and get it over with. I mean, you're obviously not a good Retriever. Why, I just watched your pitiful attempt at interrogation, and frankly, I was embarrassed to be from the same plane as you. As far as I'm concerned, Hades' Retriever's are better off without you among their ranks."
"Do it, Harry James Potter," Dwayne gagged, "and spend the rest of eternity chained to the foot of Hades' throne."
"Do you really think you're so valuable that he'd cage me because I chose to slay you?" Harry asked, clearly astonished at the thought. A light chuckle escaped his mouth and he whirled around, flinging the other Retriever in the direction of the door. He watched in satisfaction as the blond demon crashed into the wall next to the open portal, whimpering as his head connected with the dark stone. Bending down, Harry picked up the rapier, his shimmering emeralds flicking to the wizard watching him with frightened eyes. Brow furrowing, he straightened and turned back to Dwayne, lightly bouncing the weapon in his hand. "It will be I who executes Voldemort. You, Dwayne, shall stay out of my way." In a lightning quick movement, he threw the rapier, internally wincing as the sharp blade slid through the blond's right shoulder and pinned him to the wall.
Shrugging his shoulders indifferently, Harry spun back around and fastened his eyes on the wizard climbing slowly to his feet. Lips drawing back from dainty fangs, Harry smiled sweetly and advanced on the mortal. "You and I, Lucius Malfoy, are going to have ourselves a little chat."
And as always, a big thank-you to everyone who took the time to read and review! I hope everyone had a happy Easter weekend.
hieisdragoness18 – Yes, I do indeed read Kim Harrison. Harrison is one of my favourite authors, although her last book was a tad bit upsetting for me to read.