Author: HatefulRodeo
Story: Harbinger
Notes: Marvolo and Bill's POV this time around! THANKS TO ALL WHO FAV'D, FOLLOWED AND REVIEWED! Enjoy Lovelies!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I will make no money from the posting of this fic.
Previously:
The second headline at the bottom of the fold screamed in bold letters that Albus Dumbledore was arrested on charges of Fraud and Theft in response to certain facts being uncovered after an investigation by Gringotts. He only skimmed this article as well since he already knew what would be printed.
Still smirking he handed to paper to Harry and waited for the gasp to come; he was not disappointed but he was taken aback when the green eyed teen jumped up and hugged him tightly, mumbling "Thank you" over and over again.
Not sure what to do Marvolo began to pat his charge awkwardly on the back while making shushing noises. When Harry got control of himself again he pulled back and gave his father figure a blindingly bright smile before going back to his seat.
Breakfast was a cheerful affair once they all saw the headlines, even Severus was smiling slightly. Their plans were moving forward splendidly, now they just had to make it through Dumbledore's upcoming trial.
~~~~~~*********Chapter 30*********~~~~~~
The most evil man in the wizarding world sat in the cavernous Ministry courtroom three days after the newspaper article announcing Dumbledore's arrest was published, appearing to be a normal ordinary wizard. His eyes were no longer crimson but a soft brown while his snakelike visage was no more; he looked like any other normal man of about thirty-five.
He would have to thank Severus again for brewing him the necessary potions, the normally crimson eyed man would never have missed this moment. Not just because it was the day Dumbledore would get his but he also didn't want his charge to face this trial alone. He knew Draco was with him but Harry also looked to him for support and he would be damned, more so than he already was, if he wasn't there to provide help to his little surrogate son.
A hush fell over the assembled people in the cavernous room as Dumbledore was led into the Wizengamot courtroom, seated in the intimidating wooden and metal chair to the right of the assembled members of the Wizengamot. Voldemort looked around and caught several of their allies' gazes, nodding in greeting before returning his eyes back to the aged form of Albus Dumbledore.
The old coot stiffened slightly when he sat down and the chains sprung up, wrapping themselves around the powerful wizard's wrists and legs. It seemed the assembled governing body knew not to take any chances with the wily Headmaster; he may look old and feeble but the man was anything but, only a fool would underestimate him.
The session was brought into order by Madam Bones banging a gavel harshly on the podium in front of her; "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore you are here to stand trial; you are accused and will stand trial on the following charges. Please stand while they are read and afterwards announce your plea."
"The first count is Theft for the unlawful and unauthorized withdrawals from the Potter Family Vaults. The second count is Fraud in regards to you naming yourself as Harry Potter's magical guardian which we now know went against his parents' expressed wishes."
"The last charge is Neglect of a magical child in regards to your extreme lack of care in reference to Mr. Harrison James Potter-Black. How do you plead accused Dumbledore?" The aged man smiled disarmingly, hoping no doubt to sway the assembled body; it did not appear to be working which pleased the disguised Dark Lord greatly.
"Hello Amelia and I must say I hope we can sort through these..." The Headmaster was cut off my Madam Bones' curt tone; "How do you plead, sir?" Dumbledore looked chastened but you could see the anger flash through his blue eyes before it was smothered.
"I apologize Madam Bones; I plead not guilty to these trumped up charges." Bones nodded and went into the next phase which was the presentation of the evidence against the accused, which was extensive. The goblins, represented by Gobblegob, stepped forward first, once he was sworn in the goblin presented the Potter's Last Will and Testament which listed Harry's guardians and where Lily and James wanted their son to live.
It made him laugh, internally of course, to see the panic surge in Dumbledore's blue eyes; oh it would be interesting to watch the old coot wiggle out of this. The next piece of evidence came again from Gobblegob, it was several pages of withdrawals made by Dumbledore over years and funneled said withdrawals to other people's vaults; namely the vaults of Molly, Ronald and Ginevra Weasely and Hermione Granger.
It certainly was damning evidence for the Headmaster but Voldemort knew the only reason the Weasely family and Granger weren't being charged for their hand in the theft was due to the fact that they had not directly taken the money from Harry's vault. But then again most of the offending parties were dead or worse than dead so you could say justice was done.
Madam Bones took her time examining each piece of evidence given to her by the goblin before handing it to Minister Fudge to look over once done the process was repeated until every member was privy to the presented evidence against Dumbledore.
Many looked disgusted and cast barely disguised looks of loathing toward the once esteemed wizard; in the wizarding world theft and fraud was seen as the lowest of the low especially when you used your power against someone you should care for. Well it seemed this trial wouldn't last long at all, not with the affirmation of Dumbledore's guilt piling so delightfully high for all to see.
Once the members of the Wizengamot reviewed the papers given to them by Gobblegob the goblin was dismissed and Harry was called to testify. Marvolo was not pleased by this but knew it was necessary in order to convict Dumbledore for his neglect of his ward.
The slender green eyed male stepped in front of the Wizengamot, taking Gobblegob's previous place. The teen stood tall and unafraid as he was sworn in, taking an oath on his magic that he would not lie. They could have used Veritaserum but they rarely did when it came to witnesses, they considered it too invasive and cruel to force someone to answer a question that may be embarrassing or irrelevant.
However, the threat of losing your magic was a powerful motivator to tell the truth so there was very little worry that anyone would be dishonest. Madam Bones looked down on his ward, a look of sadness flashing in her usually cool eyes before she straightened and began her questioning.
The most feared wizard in a century grit his teeth as Bones continued to ask question after question about the abuse his surrogate son was forced to suffer at the hands of his relatives; he wanted to kill Dumbledore more than he ever had in that moment. He knew Harry went through neglect and abuse but the amount and depravity was staggering even to him.
Draco was clenching his chair so hard his knuckles were white, now that Voldemort looked around most of the assembled wizards and witches looked ill. The information was now overwhelmingly damning for Dumbledore but it also pulled at your heartstrings to know that the little green eyed teen was put through so much.
As much as he despised hearing about Harry's childhood he could admit that this would be the final nail in Dumbledore's coffin. Madam Bones stopped the questioning after Harry explained what happened after he received his first Hogwarts letter, apparently she had heard enough to affirm that the Neglect charge was warranted.
Bones stared at Dumbledore; "Do you have anything to say to defend yourself for you actions? If so please speak now." The old coot smiled once again but no one returned it in fact they looked at him as if he was a cockroach on the ground, realizing he would get no support from his cronies Dumbledore began to pander to their fears.
"It was for the Greater Good, I knew Voldemort was not dead and he would come back. I had to make sure Harry was able to be taught accordingly, would be willing to listen to me and do as I said. Also, wars are not cheap and as his guardian I felt it was my duty to fund the war effort."
Here Fudge cut off the old man; "What do you mean fund the war effort? By the time you got ahold of Potter's guardianship the war was over. What war effort was there to fund at that point?" Several Wizengamot members nodded, all waited for Dumbledore's answer but he said nothing, finally it seemed the old man realized that words would not save him.
Again Madam Bone's cold voice cut through the room; "If the accused has nothing further to say I excuse Lord Potter-Black and thank him for his service. Accused Dumbledore we will now convene to decide your fate." With a swipe of her wand a silencing bubble was erected along with a ward that obscured the assembled people from sight.
Marvolo wrapped an arm around his charge when the smaller male sat next to him and placed a kiss to his temple, murmuring words of comfort; well in his mind they were comforting, anyone else they would have been horrified to hear the words of torture and murder. Harry turned his head and gave his father figure a small smile before tuning to lean into Draco's side but the green eyed teen did not shrug of Voldemort's arm.
There they sat for about twenty minutes until the ward and silencing charm was dropped allowing them to see and hear the Wizengamot once again. Madam Bones stepped forward, eyes hard as her voice rang through the room; "Accused Dumbledore we have deliberated and found you guilt on all counts."
"Our sentence is as followed you are stripped of any and all titles in your name, you will pay back every cent you stole from the Potter Vaults and finally you will serve a term of thirty years in Azkaban. Aurors take him out my sight." At those words three red robed men stepped forward and drug the now protesting old man out of the room.
No one was listening to the man's pleas for them to listen, they had all heard enough and had no desire to hear any more lies from the lips of Albus Dumbledore. Well this paved the way for their next move, it was a tricky bit of planning but they would pull it off no doubt. After they returned to Malfoy Manor they would iron out any wrinkles in their plans and walk through it one final time.
The moment they stepped into the Manor Harry was crying, throwing himself into his father figures chest. The elder held the teen in his arms and let him cry, Marvolo knew it was a release of all the stress Harry had been under for a long time. It would be good for the younger male to get it out now so he could move forward with his life and the Dark's plans.
When the sniffling stopped Harry stepped away and looked shyly at his surrogate father; "I apologize for my weakness, father." Marvolo, who was once again snakelike, stared in shock for a moment, at a total loss for words, until he smiled a small nearly invisible smile at his son; "Think nothing of it Harry. Today was trying day for us all and I think it may be better for you to go to your room and rest; we can discuss our next move in the morning."
A grateful smile was given by the emerald eyed teen before Draco swept him into his arms, with a quick "Goodbye" both boys were disappearing into the Manor's depths.
What they would be doing Marvolo did not want to know or he might actually kill the younger Malfoy for touching his precious son. Well that was unexpected; yes he knew he was protective of his charge but this new surge of protectiveness was unexpected but not unpleasant.
He wanted his son to be happy and if anyone hurt him they would die painfully and slowly, this also applied to Draco Lucius Malfoy. No matter how he felt about Draco if the boy hurt his son he would be dead.
Lucius' voice broke him out of his thoughts; "My Lord may I be excused I have some business to attend to." Marvolo nodded, knowing this business involved Severus and some sort of sexual escapade; the potions master was back at the Manor for a few days as the school was closed until the end of Dumbledore's trial.
Now that the old coot was found guilty the Governors would select a new Headmaster, hopefully someone who didn't have their heads up their arse but with their new control over the Board of Governors the Dark Lord was not worried. They would finally get someone worthy of the post, someone who wouldn't play favorites with students or professors.
It pleased him that soon Hogwarts would ascend back into the spotlight as Europe's foremost institution of magical learning. Another thing Dumbledore had tarnished during his reign, graduates from Hogwarts were once looked at as the cream of the crop now they were seen as mediocre; only a few were exceptions much like his William Weasely.
Finding himself with time on his hands as all his new family members were busy the crimson eyed man made his way to the dungeons to talk with his red headed romantic interest. The snakelike man wasn't sure what to expect from William, would the man speak to him at all or would he look upon him with disgust?
He wasn't stupid. Marvolo knew his appearance was terrifying to most people and it made him wonder if he should perhaps look into a restoration potion. He knew they existed; surely his Parseltongue books had several powerful potions that could bring back his more human appearance.
Severus of course would be his brewer, the crimson eyed man was a proficient brewer but Severus was a master at the craft and with a potion this important only the best would do. This change in appearance would also help him when he presented himself before the Ministry; Dumbledore went through great pains to make it seem like he was an inhuman monster so it would behoove him to show the Wizengamot that he was indeed a perfectly normal man.
A plus would be that William would be attracted to him, he wasn't conceited only confident. Back in his school days he was breathtakingly handsome and used it to his advantage, bedding his potential allies and bending them to his will. They got their needs sated as did he; while his partners wanted his cock Marvolo wanted their power as his own.
Everyone left satisfied and pleased with their arrangements but this Weasely male wasn't a passing tryst or fuck to him. William ensnared him, made him want to know more about the man even if it would never go anywhere past friendly conversation.
When he reached the door to William's cell he paused and collected himself before passing through the heavy wards protecting the door. He strode into the room, finding William to be resting against the wall and reading a book, no doubt Harry sent it down to keep the man entertained until they administered the oaths.
Those pretty blue eyes rose to meet his crimson orbs; "Hello My Lord, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Marvolo cocked his head to the side, assessing the man in front of him; "Pleasure? I would have thought my presence was a curse to you." The red head shook his head, a wry smile on his face; "Partly, yes it is but on the other hand you've made Harry happy again so you can't be all bad."
The snakelike man conjured a cushy chair near William's small cot and situated himself comfortably on the plush cushions; "Would you like some tea William?" The eldest son shook his head and chuckled; "I would like some yes and please call me Bill; I don't particularly care for William unless I'm in trouble."
The Dark Lord nodded; "Tempy!" The little elf popped in with a bow; "Tempy bring William some tea, please." The little creature bowed once more and disappeared before reappearing a few moments later with a pot of tea and a cup. "Is that all Master Dark Lord, sir?"
The snakelike man nodded and dismissed the elf; with a pop they were alone again. Bill moved to pour himself a cup of tea and returned the pot to the tray on the small nightstand. Marvolo watched the man take a sip with relish, seemingly enjoying the full taste of the tea or maybe it was the warmth it provided, it was a bit drafty down here.
On a whim the crimson eyed male waved his wand, causing a warm sweater to appear on his new love interest. If he was honest Bill looked spectacular in the navy blue sweater but the look of shock on that gorgeous face was what made it worth it. After a while Bill spoke; "Why did you..."
Understanding his captive was having a problem expressing himself Marvolo spoke; "I noticed you were cold and I do not want you to be unhappy here even if you are a prisoner at the moment, although soon you will take your oath and be allowed into the Manor proper but until then you will be here."
"Why do you care for my comfort? No offence but if I didn't know what you did for Harry I would assume you were heartless." The Dark Lord nodded, agreeing with his prisoner's words; "Bill until Harry dropped into my life I would have agreed with you that I was heartless but as you know Harry has a way about him."
"Now I look at the boy as my son and I would kill anyone who would hurt him and I find that my emotions do not stop me from achieving my goals; I will always be ruthless and cruel but I can also care for those that are close to me. Maybe not in the conventional manner most people go about it but in my own disjointed way."
Bill just looked a bit stunned for a moment; "You really do care for Harry. I thought it was ruse to get him on your side, too make it easier to defeat the Order but it isn't is it? Maybe it started out that way but Harry weaseled his way into your heart didn't he?"
The snakelike man just smiled slightly and nodded; "Yes, in the beginning I just wanted Harry out of my way but after a while I became to care for the little brat and now I believe I have found a son in him and a family in the Malfoys as well as Snape. It is strange to me, I've never known familial love before; it feels nice to be cared for, to be wanted for who I am and not for what I can do for them."
The red head looked off balance and Marvolo could not blame him, it was rare that he opened himself up like this for anyone and here he was spilling his guts to William Weasely, a man he barely knew but was infatuated with nonetheless.
Suspicion flared in Bill's eyes; "Why are you telling me this? Are you trying to make me feel bad for you? What do you gain by this?" The Dark Lord stiffened and immediately closed himself back up, something he had perfected over the years. Before Bill's blue eyes the once open soft red orbs become as hard and cold gleaming garnets.
"I apologize if my behavior has offended you William. I will take my leave of you now and in the future once the oath is sworn you will not be bothered by me while you stay at the Manor." After his words were spoken Marvolo stood and made his way out of the cell, not stopping when he heard Bill call him back and not seeing the confusion flash through the red head's gorgeous eyes.
The snakelike man slammed the cell door and quickly made his way back to his office, cursing himself for the hope he had foolishly felt for believing that William could ever see him as anything but a monster, could accept him for what he was.
For all the feared Dark Lord was he was also a broken man who had never known love until Harry came into his life and then he accepted Lucius, Draco and Severus into his cold heart. It was quite stupid to think William would want a place in his heart too.
He was angry with himself and even though he would not stop caring for his newfound family he would not open himself up any further to anyone else. He learned his lesson once again, to most he would always unwanted, unlovable and evil; only romantically craved by those who were as depraved and cold as he was.
Never would he bask in the light of pure unadulterated love like Harry and Draco or Lucius and Severus shared. And while it hurt more than he cared to admit it was unavoidable and something he shouldn't have forgotten so easily. Sighing he sat by the fire in his office and stroked Nagini's head when she curled around her master, providing silent comfort to the upset man.
~*~*~*~POV CHANGE~*~*~*~
Bill sat stock still on the bed in his cell, fingering the soft sweater that now adorned his upper half, trying to figure out what just happened between him and the supposedly evil Dark Lord.
He couldn't wrap his mind around it. Why had the man opened up to him like that and why did those red eyes filled with hurt haunt him so much. The man was evil, he murdered his family and countless others. How could it bother him to see the pain flash across those crimson orbs before they became cold again.
Why did the man want to talk to him like he did? What was so great about him that the feared Dark Lord Voldemort would let his guard down to speak to him? What did he want? Then again did it really matter at all? Did Bill truly want to become close with the man who ruthlessly orchestrated so many deaths, tortured countless people?
In the darkest part of his mind and heart maybe he did want to be close to the snakelike man. Wanted to see what was hidden behind those striking eyes and what went on in that brilliant mind. The man was nothing like Dumbledore said he would be but then again the Headmaster was a manipulative bastard; that was proven when he was questioned under Veritaserum.
He expected to be tortured and killed when he was captured but after a few days, aside from being fed and watered, nothing happened. Bill became wary, waiting for the ax to fall. When Harry, Severus and the Dark Lord came in to question him he was resigned to the idea of a painful experience.
The expected pain never came; instead he was questioned under Veritaserum and given choices in regards to his future. He was shocked and it confused him and Bill hated to be confused. The Dark Lord was a mystery to him and he grudgingly admitted that he was curious about the snakelike man but after this encounter Bill was unsure if his curiosity would ever be sated now.
He feared he may have pushed the other away with his harsh questions and distrustful attitude. That thought did not make him feel as happy as it should; he felt wrong, he should not be interested in the man who tore his family apart but he was.
Groaning in frustration he lay down on his cot and snuggled into his new sweater, trying to quiet his mind so he could get some sleep. Hopefully, he could talk to the man again and this time he wouldn't chase him away; it seemed that for all his coldness the Dark Lord wanted someone to talk to.
HIs last conscious thought was that maybe that someone could be him.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the next one will come out soon!
All Mistakes Are My Own!
