A/N: I would like to thank everyone for the reviews. I don't own Harry Potter.
Chapter Two: Non-Negotiable
Harry Potter drifted through Diagon Alley. He brushed pass the crowds which were clambering to purchase supplies for the next year of Hogwarts. His hood was enchanted to obscure his face from even the most curious passerby. Before, he would have been nervous among so many witches and wizards; his fame being what it was. Now, he marveled at how he could have been so foolish not to use their irrational devotion and hostility to his own purposes.
Unfortunately, he was on serious business and could not afford to toy with the unwashed masses. Gringotts awaited and he would not keep the goblins waiting. He needed access to Bellatrix Lestrange's vault. A great boon to having all the knowledge of Lord Voldemort was knowing exactly where he hid his other horcruxes. Today, Helga Hufflepuff's cup would be destroyed and he would be one step closer to victory in his, as of yet, undeclared war for the dark throne.
Indeed, this would be a war. The cloak and dagger approach would only work for so long. He would need an army. His previous self's plan of hunting down and destroying all the horcruxes, while admirable from a tactical point-of-view (hence his presence in the alley), would still mean nothing if he could not get passed an army of well-trained dark witches and wizards, much less Voldemort himself and kill him.
Harry felt some trepidation. Without allies, he would fall quickly despite his power and knowledge being equal to Voldemort. Throw enough bodies at a problem and it will eventually be solved; Riddle was not lacking in bodies.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, he entered the wizarding bank and approached the goblin he recognized as Griphook.
"It has been awhile Griphook," Harry said removing his hood. "I trust that you have been well."
Even with his altered appearance, it seemed that the goblin knew who he was. Though the magical creature seemed surprised that Harry remembered him.
"Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?"
"We should speak in private," Harry replied. "Do you have an unoccupied office available?"
Griphook was puzzled, but nodded."We do. May I ask what this is about?"
"Once we are alone."
The goblin glanced around and noticed the interested faces of his coworkers. Even the ones that were busy with transactions gave him a few curious sideways looks. He knew he would have to answer for this, but he felt a terrible fear from just being in the presence of Harry Potter. Something had changed in the boy, and it radiated out from within him, threatening to choke the air out of Griphook's lungs. So, he turned and motioned for the young wizard to follow him.
Harry smirked and nodded his acquiescence. He heard whispers coming from some of the witches and wizards that had overheard their conversation and glimpsed his new form. This was good. After all, any rumors that they began to spread would cause fear, confusion, and, in some instances, admiration. Harry's power would thereby be increased and potential allies would have their ears tickled by the stories told about him.
As they entered the room, Harry immediately cast several anti-listening charms. He made the curtains on all the windows close and had a seat at the table. Griphook trembled slightly, but tried to retain his composure.
"Now Griphook, down to business," the dark wizard motioned for the goblin to take a seat. It was more of an order than a suggestion and Griphook understood this. He was a proud goblin that did not bow to a wizard master, but his self-preservation instincts told him to do as Harry wanted. "I will cut right to the chase. I want you to help me enter the vault of the Lestrange family. There is an item within it that is of dire importance to me and will aid in the downfall of the Dark Lord Voldemort. I know that you have obligations to this bank and to your people."
"To do such a thing is just shy of treason, Mr. Potter," Griphook said warily.
"I respect that," Harry said folding his hands in front of him. "I would argue though, that refusing to help me would be far more dangerous than a small bit of subterfuge toward your brethren."
"How so?"
"Well, there is the fact that I would have to kill you," Harry stated evenly. Griphook tensed at this, but did not interrupt. "It would be an unfortunate thing to have to do, you understand. If you were to help me though, I would have use for you and I could make you powerful indeed." Harry watched the goblin for a reaction and, receiving none, he continued, "Still, if you are committed unto death to the defense of your people's integrity, then consider the consequences of Voldemort rising to power. Do you honestly think that he will leave your people independent?"
"Our people would rather die than serve any wizard, much less him," Griphook replied.
"Perhaps, but then again, perhaps not," Harry smiled. "You have had to notice the changes that Gringotts has undergone recently. It is subtle, but Voldemort is already strengthening his grip on your bank. You say that to help me is 'just shy of treason'? Then what is it when your directors take their orders from the Dark Lord himself?"
Griphook seemed deep in thought and did not answer. He had seen the changes, but refused to acknowledge that they could be at the behest of Voldemort. If the directors of Gringotts had thrown in their hats with the Death Eaters, then they were guilty of a very grievous crime. Then he had another thought and voiced it to the dark wizard across from him,
"How do I know that, once you defeat him, you will not betray us?"
"You don't," Harry chuckled. Griphook's eyes widened. "Have no fear, I need allies and it is difficult to keep people loyal if you do not honor your agreements. As long as our business does not go south, my word is gold. I am sure you can appreciate that."
"You are not giving me a choice," Griphook stated.
"No, I suppose I'm not."
"If I help you, I have your word then that my people will remain free once it is all over?"
"That and more, my dear Griphook," Harry leaned back and studied the goblin. "I know of what lies in the Lestrange vault. I can deal with their defenses. All I need is for you to open the door; that is all."
Griphook sighed and stood. "Then we should be on our way, Mr. Potter."
Harry rose and removed his charms. They left the office and made their way down into the vaults. The cart ride had no affect on Harry as he calmly sat watching the blur of the tunnels pass by. His thoughts turned to Ginny and he imagined her tending the flowers in the Weasley garden. He thought about the sunlight reflecting off of her red hair and the way it would make her pale skin glow with warmth. In his daydream, she looked up at him in surprise. Then she smiled brightly and rushed toward him for an embrace when suddenly Harry was pulled from his musings by the jarring of the cart reaching its destination.
He let out a low sigh as he stood and stepped onto the platform. Griphook walked over to the door of the Lestrange vault and looked back at Harry. The wizard nodded and folded his arms. A swipe of the goblin's finger and the door opened to a large treasure room filled with gold, precious jewels, and dark artifacts that seemed to resonate with Harry's spirit.
Harry knew how foolish it would have been to touch anything in the room other than his objective, so he motioned for Griphook to stay back and he made his way inside. He saw the cup sitting on a pedestal at the end of the room, then he heard a rumbling growl. He stepped back and a column of fire passed over where he had been standing. He turned his head and saw the dragon that guarded the Lestrange vault glaring at him, preparing to breathe another torrent of flames.
Harry raised his wand and a magical barrier appeared. A bout of flames smashed against the shield. The dragon thundered toward him and before it could attack again, Harry vanished and reappeared behind the vault's guardian. He avoided the beast attempting to strike him with its tail. The wizard frowned in annoyance and stepped back to avoid another attack.
Any offensive magic that Harry used would be near worthless due to the dragon's high resistance to spells. He ducked another burst of fire and rolled out of the way of the creature's claws. He thought about a way to escape this predicament, and remembered the curse that the Lestranges had placed on their treasure. If anyone other than a member of the Lestrange family touched the coins in the vault they would immediately begin to multiply until they crushed the would-be thief.
A plan formed and he set about to put it in motion. A black wisp of smoke formed underneath Harry's feet and he began to rise into the air using the spell that Voldemort had created for unaided flight. Dodging another column of flames, he levitated a single coin from the ground and brought it close to his hand. He flew around, avoiding the dragon's attacks as they came. He just needed the right opening.
Then, the dragon roared in anger. Harry quickly brushed his finger across the coin and sent it straight into the dragon's mouth. Suddenly, the creature began to sputter and cough. It hacked several times until galleons began pouring out. Then they fell out of its nose. Its other orifices followed suit.
Harry watched in satisfaction as the dragon's hide ripped open and galleons spilled onto the chamber floor. The beast fell to the ground and died. With that, Harry turned and walked over to the pedestal where Helga Hufflepuff's cup awaited. He could feel the soul shard within the cup pulsate as he grew closer. It seemed to be in a panic as the magical energies surrounding the horcrux began vibrating faster and faster with each footstep.
The dark wizard glanced around at all the treasures and dark artifacts that lay in the Lestrange vault and thought it a pity what he was about to do. Harry raised his wand and pointed it at the cup. Flames erupted and engulfed the horcrux. He thought he could hear screaming. He watched as the cup melted within the flames until there was nothing left.
Satisfied that the blow had been struck, he turned and made his way back to the door where Griphook stared in amazement. Harry smiled at the goblin and motioned for him to close the door. As the door closed, the last thing that could be seen was the flames Harry created morphing into a large basilisk that began to rampage about the vault.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Harry said as they rode the cart back to the surface. The goblin huffed.
"Usually thanks comes for deeds not coerced."
"I am merely being polite. Just because I am blackmailing you does not mean I have to be rude about it."
The goblin blinked and shook his head. The remainder of the ride passed in silence as Harry returned to his daydreams. Once they had reached the surface and returned to the lobby, Harry faced Griphook and whispered,
"Remember our agreement, Griphook. Once all is said and done, I will leave your people independent and grant you power like you have never known."
"Otherwise, you'll kill me," the goblin deadpanned. Harry laughed, causing some stares from both goblin and wizard alike.
"Goodbye Griphook. Until we meet again," with that the young wizard made his way out of the bank. Once outside, he heard several gasps and smirked before apparating away.
He appeared in a small muggle suburb where Hermione lived with her family. It was almost night with only a small amount of pinkish light outlining the clouds. Harry found the house easily enough as the Grangers advertized their dentist office with a small sign in the yard. He approached the door and unlocked it with a flick of his wand.
Inside, the Grangers were sitting on a sofa watching some sitcom on the television. They had not heard him enter and he looked around for Hermione. She must have been upstairs. Deciding that he did not want even the remote possibility of being interrupted, he cast a deep sleep on her parents, which only he would be able to wake them from. He walked into the kitchen and made up some tea.
As the kettle whistled, he heard Hermione descend the stairs. Shortly afterward, she opened the kitchen door with her wand drawn. Harry, who had poured them both a cup, turned and smiled at his old friend. She froze and confusion crossed her face.
"Harry?"
"Good evening, Hermione," he said setting the cups down on the table. "Please have a seat, we have much to discuss." When she did not move, he sighed and took his seat. "This will go a lot smoother if you will just relax. I am not here to harm you or your parents."
"What did you do to them?" Hermione asked cautiously. She did recognize Harry, but only barely. His pale skin and red eyes were reminiscent of Voldemort. She was certain that if Voldemort wanted to get to her, he could simply enter and kill her family. There would be no need for this ruse.
"They are merely asleep," Harry replied taking a sip from his cup. "I will wake them when I leave."
"What happened to you?" Hermione sat down and when Harry motioned for her to drink her tea she refused.
"Don't be afraid, the tea is simply to help calm your nerves. I could get you some chocolate if you prefer."
"No thank you,"
"Very well, your loss," he shrugged. "As to what happened to me, that is an interesting tale indeed. It seems that on the night Voldemort killed my parents, he accidentally created another horcrux when he attempted to kill me." Hermione had a bad feeling about where this was heading. "You see, a shard of Voldemort's soul was placed inside me."
"You are one of Voldemort's horcruxes?"
"Were," Harry corrected. "Somehow, the shard of Voldemort's soul merged with my soul."
Hermione paled and she reluctantly took a sip of her tea. She felt a wave of calm wash over her and nodded. She had rightly assumed he had laced it with a calming draught. He smiled at her.
"So are you Harry Potter or Lord Voldemort?"
"Both," he said. "I still feel like Harry Potter. I still consider you a friend and not a mudblood. I have retained a great deal of what makes me Harry, but at the same time I have all these memories, emotions, and desires that are definitely Voldemort's."
"This is a lot to take in Harry,"
"Imagine how I feel, Hermione," Harry took another sip. "Suddenly I can do things I've never been able to do before, cast spells that take years to master, and I have desires and ambitions that probably will make you cringe."
"Are you evil?" Hermione asked.
"There is no good, nor evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it," He replied quoting the Dark Lord. "I am beyond good and evil, but I am a dark wizard now, make no mistake about that." Hermione then asked the question that was on her mind since they began their discussion.
"What do you want from me, Harry?"
"Your friendship," he replied. "I want what we have always had. I also need an inner circle of advisers and I would like for you to join me in that capacity."
"You have all the knowledge of Voldemort," Hermione stated. "Surely you do not need me, or anyone to advise you."
"Voldemort is intelligent and knowledgeable in many things, but he is not omniscient and neither am I. I will have need of several fresh perspectives."
"Are you planning on ruling the world or something?"
"Nothing quite so ambitious," Harry smirked. "At least not yet, I have plans to make wizarding Britain a better place for pure-bloods, muggleborns, and half-bloods alike. I will need allies, though. I want you as both an ally and a friend. Understand this however, I would be neglecting our friendship without saying this much, I will have to take several steps that will necessitate amoral, and even, immoral actions. Things that you may find abhorrent. I have already."
Hermione felt heavy and took another sip of her tea. She felt better and looked at Harry long and hard before saying anything else. He had certainly changed. His appearance proved as much. The radical detachment from his old self's views did startle her.
"I don't know, Harry," Hermione replied. "I have a hard time thinking that I could be okay with some of the things that you are hinting at having to do."
"Hermione, I do not want to have to threaten you, but I do want you at my side," Harry stated as he stood and made his way behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to her ear. "Truth be told, my offer is non-negotiable." He felt her shiver. He reached down and brought her cup to her lips. She took a drink, knowing that she did not really have a choice. "I am the only one that can wake your parents from their sleep, so do think it over before rejecting me." He moved away and allowed her to stand to face him.
"Harry, please don't leave them like this," Hermione pleaded. He motioned for her to follow him and they entered the living room.
"If you join me, I will not have to," Harry said.
"I..."
"I will tell you what," the dark wizard smiled deviously. "I see that you will need some time to think about this." He raised his wand and waved it over the Grangers. When nothing happened, Hermione rushed to their sides and glared at him. "A delayed reaction. They will wake when I leave, but if you decide that you do not want to join me, they will go back to sleep and I will not wake them again. I would choose carefully if I were you Hermione."
He watched as tears began to pool in her eyes and, for a split-second, felt his heart seize. He hated having to coerce his friend like this, but he would do what needed to be done. He would set her at ease when she finally came around. He was certain that she would not allow her parents to fall back into their slumber once they awakened.
With a sigh, he knelt down and stroked her cheek fondly. She flinched, afraid of what he might do. She was surprised when he leaned in and kissed her cheek. She looked at him and saw a shadow of the old Harry Potter's smile.
Then it was gone in a column of black smoke.
She heard yawning coming from her parents and watched as they woke. Her mum and dad looked at her groggily and asked her how long they had been asleep. She did not reply. She simply came up to them and enveloped them in a tight embrace one after the other. They seemed confused, but pleased with their daughter's sudden affection. They did not know, and Hermione would never tell them, that they were still in grave danger from a curse cast by her best friend.