Disclaimer – Nothing but this seriously twisted plot is mine.
Chapter 12 – Calculated Risks
The small alarm woke them five minutes before classes began and they both rose and dressed silently; casting glances at each other all the while. Minutes later they had finished and they walked silently back through to the classroom, stopping at the door as Harry took Severus' hand in his. His green eyes were bright and Severus reached out with his other hand and cupped Harry's cheek.
'I know.' He whispered and Harry smiled. They shared one final kiss before Harry summoned his bag and Severus opened the door.
'That is one detention served Mr Potter and due to your complete inability to follow even the simplest of rules I believe there is still three owing. Because of that fact you will unfortunately be inflicting your moronic presence on me again at lunchtime tomorrow. Do not be late.' He snarled before turning on his heel and stalking back into the classroom leaving the fourth year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors that had been waiting outside groaning in dismay at the obvious mood the potions master was in. Harry shrugged in sympathy before moving through them and towards the second floor and his Charms class.
'Sorry Professor. I had detention with Snape and he wouldn't let me out until the last cauldron was clean.' Harry said coldly but politely as he stepped into the classroom.
Flitwick hesitated to say anything instead just nodding as Harry crossed the room and dropped into his seat beside Hermione and Ron.
He spent the entire class bored out of his skull as the rest of the students struggled to charm the sapling to grow into a rose bush. Even Hermione was having trouble getting the plant to flower correctly. The roses either stayed tightly closed, or opened so far they turned in on themselves and shriveled up turning black.
'Harry, aren't you going to even try.' She scolded.
'Miss Granger's right, Mr Potter. Perhaps you should try it so that I can mark you.' Flitwick squeaked.
Harry stood and lifted his wand. 'Consilgiere.' He murmured and the small sapling on his desk grew to almost fifty times his size, swamping the table top and filling the air with fragrance as copious amounts of roses burst into bloom.
'Oh wonderful, wonderful.' Flitwick squeaked.
'Harry!' Hermione hissed incredulously.
Harry ignored them both, sitting back down in his chair and pulling out yet another book Severus had given him to read.
'Ten points to Gryffindor, Mr Potter. Come one everyone. You see, it can be done.' Flitwick squeaked out across the classroom as the students all tried to emulate what Harry had done. Harry for his part just continued reading, in spite of the holes he could feel Hermione glaring into the back of his head.
He copped it at lunchtime though.
'How long have you been pretending you don't know what you're doing, Harry?' Hermione spat nastily, garnering the attention of most of the students around them.
Harry just raised an eyebrow. 'I do not have to explain myself to you, Hermione.' He said quietly as he filled his plate.
'Oh, I think you do, Harry.' Hermione went on at full bluster. 'Ron and I.'
'Hey, leave me out of it.' Ron interrupted, not that it had any effect on Hermione.
'Have been trying to look after you since the beginning of the year but you won't let us. You disappear without telling anyone and you pretend you don't know what you're doing and all the time you can do it better than anyone. Look at that potion this morning in class. You didn't even look at the book and yet you knew how to do it. You're hopeless at potions. What is going on?'
Harry leant back in his chair crossing his arms over his chest, the angry glint in his eye halting the witch's tirade. 'You are not my mother, nor my guardian, nor my keeper, Hermione.' He hissed quietly. 'You know exactly what I'm learning and why. I'm trying to end a war here, remember?'
It took a few seconds for Hermione to decipher exactly what that statement meant and she quickly looked away.
'I'll take that to mean the subject is dropped.' Harry said dryly and Hermione just nodded. 'Good, now can we eat in peace please?'
Nothing more was said and Hermione, Ron and the others continued to walk on eggshells for quite some time afterwards.
The next few weeks passed almost too quickly in Harry's opinion. Without training he was finding himself almost at a loose end. He wanted to stay on top of his form but he had no one to duel with him and he couldn't ask Severus without asking Dumbledore and the others or questions would be raised he didn't want to answer. With the upcoming holidays he knew would be lonely. Ron and Hermione still treated him with caution and both were leaving for Christmas. In fact there were only eight students staying. The lost feeling just continued to grow.
Eventually, a few days before Christmas Harry sent a note to all six of his teachers requesting their presence in the Room of Requirement after dinner one evening.
When Dumbledore and the others walked in they found seven chairs arrayed in a circle with Harry in one of them. His legs were crossed at the ankle and his hands folded neatly in his lap as he gestured with a nod for them all to take a seat carefully not meeting his lover's eyes.
None of them wanted to be the first to say anything so Harry decided to start. 'Thank you all for coming. I suppose you are wondering as to why I asked to see you.'
'I'll admit to being curious to know what it is you want, Harry.' Dumbledore said bravely.
Harry's face remained impassive. 'I have asked you here for one reason. I need to continue training and I need your help to do that.'
Severus' eyebrows shot skywards as Dumbledore eyed Harry in contemplation.
Harry returned the stare with one of his own. 'It will be different this time. I don't need you to teach me anything in the manner you used before.' He said slowly.
'Well, what is it you want us to do?' Remus spoke up and Harry turned his stare to encompass all in the room.
'I need practice in defensive shields and offensive potions, and I need practice in dueling. There will be no Tormentia in the middle of the night nor will I be dropped unarmed into the Forbidden Forest and under no circumstances will the Killing Curse be sent in my direction by any of you, ever.' Harry's eyes burned brightly.
Dumbledore glanced at the others before turning back to Harry. 'The training can't be too regimented, Harry, or it won't be realistic. You can be taken by surprise at any time and you need to be prepared.'
Harry seemed to think for a moment before nodding slowly. 'Alright, but no stupefying me in my sleep.'
Dumbledore smiled triumphantly. 'Wonderful, when do you want to start?' he said jovially.
Harry restrained himself from rolling his eyes and stood. 'How about now?'' he suggested, banishing his chair with a wave of his wrist.
Dumbledore and the others practically leapt off their chairs ready to duel almost immediately. Harry readied himself, finally meeting Severus' eyes and trying to convey with one look that he knew exactly what he was doing.
Severus seemed to understand and raised his wand as the others did the same. Dumbledore fired off the first curse and it was on.
Three hours later, sweat dripping from his chin, blood dripping from his side and his breath coming in gasps, Harry stood in the centre of the room, six wands held tightly in his hand as he surveyed his teachers.
'I have a request.' He panted. 'A gesture of trust if you will.'
'Of course, Harry. Anything.' Dumbledore smiled genially, crossing the room and plucking his wand from Harry's outstretched hand. He had won. The boy was back where he belonged and the Headmaster knew it wouldn't be too long before things would be back the way they were.
'I want to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow with the rest of the students.' Harry said quietly, having regained his breath.
Dumbledore frowned. 'Harry, I'm not sure how safe that is.'
Harry shook his head. 'Headmaster, with all due respect, it's after midnight. No one knows I will be going and I can be back in the castle before lunch. Tom Riddle would have to move incredibly fast to find out and get Death Eaters into Hogsmeade in the two hours I will be there.' Harry argued. 'I need to buy gifts for my friends and I can't get them any other way. I'll wear my cloak if you want and you can send as many escorts as you like.' Harry's voice had become pleading and Dumbledore realised that this could be a way of getting Harry completely back under his thumb. Dumbledore looked around at the other Professors. Lupin, Flitwick and Shacklebolt all shrugged in agreement. Moody seemed more wary and Severus looked as if the question was none of his concern.
Dumbledore sighed. 'Alright, Harry, you may go however.' He held up a hand as Harry opened his mouth to speak. 'No cloak, and you will be escorted by Alastor, Remus, Kingsley and Severus.' He said firmly.
'Great, more babysitting.' Severus muttered.
Harry glared at him before gifting Dumbledore with a smile. 'Thank you, Professor. I'll be as quick as I can and be back in the castle before you know I've even gone.'
'I'll expect nothing less, Harry.' The headmaster told him as Harry handed the wands back to their owners.
'Will that be all, Sir?'
'Yes, Harry. Good night.'
'Good night.' Harry replied, practically skipping out the door.
'Do you think that was wise, Albus?' Severus asked.
'I highly doubt an owl can get to Voldemort in two hours let alone give him enough time to mount an attack.' Dumbledore said sagely.
'Besides, even if Riddle sent a group of Death Eaters, from what we've seen of Harry, he should be able to hold them off on his own, let alone without our help.' Moody added.
'Quite right, Alastor. Everything will be fine. Let Harry think he's won this one and before the New Year is out he will be back with us.'
Dumbledore' s proclamation, tossed over his shoulder as he headed towards the door turned Severus' stomach but he hid it carefully behind his mask as he tried to work out exactly what it was Harry was up to.
It was only as he walked back down towards the dungeons that he felt the small invisible piece of paper that was wrapped around the end of his wand.
Sev,
Can you please make sure Tom gets this note before tomorrow?
Leo.
The other side of the paper was covered in squiggles that Severus quickly realised was Parseltongue. He thought for several long minutes before moving to a book on the shelf that he hadn't used in almost twenty years and opened it, summoning a quill.
Cicero.
After penning just that one word he closed the book replacing it on the shelf before pouring himself a glass of scotch and waiting.
It was almost two hours later when he heard the faint tapping on the door. Silently he moved through the pitch black room and opened the door to his rooms, hearing the soft flapping of the pitch black eagle hovering in the hallway.
'Take this to Lucius.' he murmured, holding out the note and hearing the bird fly off to find the open window it had entered the castle from.
The book was used only in emergencies. It was a pair, the other of which resided on Lucius Malfoy's desk. Actually the story went that there were actually four of them and because two were still missing and in unknown hands the reason to use them had to be urgent and the communication kept to a minimum. It had in fact only been used once before, the night James and Lily Potter died. The night Lucius had warned Severus that the Aurors were after him.
Tonight it had been the only way to get Harry's message out without arousing suspicion. If he had gone to the owlery and then something did happen tomorrow then he would certainly have been suspect number one on the headmaster's hit list.
'Leo, what are you doing?' he whispered as he walked silently through to his bedroom and got ready for bed.
Of course he got no answer.
Harry was grinning brightly as he accompanied Ron and Hermione to the entrance hall after breakfast the next morning, even the presence of his keepers couldn't keep him from enjoying the scant two hours he would have out of the castle. Tomorrow the students would all be leaving for the holidays and they all seemed to be excited.
'Where are you going, Harry?' Hermione asked as he stepped out of the castle and began heading towards the gates.
'To Hogsmeade with you of course.' He said simply.
'Oh, right, well.' Ron stammered unable to meet Harry's eye.
Harry looked between them curiously. 'Is something wrong?'
'No.' Hermione started to say but Ron cut her off.
'Yes, actually.' The redhead said firmly. 'We didn't think you'd be able to come. I mean, you never are and I well...I asked Hermione to come with me...just the two of us.'
'It's alright, Ron. Harry can join us.' Hermione said, seeing the suddenly dull look on Harry's face.
'No, don't worry about it.' Harry murmured. 'I have shopping to do and I have to be back at the school by lunchtime.'
He didn't know why he was so angry as he stalked off towards the village, Severus and the others in hot pursuit. He hadn't been really close to Ron and Hermione for more than a year. It was inevitable that they would get together eventually.
'I can't believe they didn't tell me.' he grumbled.
'Everyone has secrets, Potter.' Severus murmured from slightly behind him and Harry jumped. He turned his head slightly and caught the black eyes staring back at him pointedly. 'You have just over an hour and a half, Potter. I suggest you use it wisely. Some of us have better things to do than watching your arse all day.'
Harry couldn't help but grin. You're not one of them though are you, he thought to himself.
Severus must have worked out what he was thinking as he just rolled his eyes as they continued their hurried pace towards the village.
The students all seemed surprised to see Harry actually out of the castle. It had been a year and a half since he had been allowed to come to Hogsmeade and his presence surrounded closely by the four professors radiated a sense of urgency that unsettled those around them.
Harry visited several shops, picking up many gifts as Severus and the others waited outside, scanning the streets around them.
'Are you finished yet, Potter. This is the sixth shop. You can't possibly have this many friends.' Severus snapped.
'Almost. Just one more person to buy for.' He gave the potions master a cheeky grin as he ducked into the final shop.
The screams started and moments later Severus and the others saw a large group of Death Eaters swarming down the streets.
'Get Potter.' Moody yelled at Lupin as he began firing off hexes in an effort to distract the Death Eaters. 'Well, cover you. Try to get him back to Honeydukes and into the tunnel back to the school.'
Severus followed the ex Auror's example and together with Shacklebolt began sending curses into the sea of black.
'No, NO.' Harry's voice carried over the screams as he and Lupin ran out of the shop. 'You can't send me back. I'm staying and fighting.'
'Potter, go with Lupin now.' Severus yelled.
'No, this is my war. I'll not be sheltered while others die.' Harry cried, shoving his way past Shacklebolt and ducking Lupin's outstretched arms as he ran towards the Death Eaters.
'God damn it, the boy's got a death wish.' Moody barked as they all chased after him.
The fighting continued. There were over fifty Death Eaters and Harry struggled to take them down without killing any of them. He saw a flash of white hair and smiled grimly.
'Malfoy.' He yelled, his eyes blazing.
'Ah, Potter, I didn't expect to see you here.' The blond aristocrat lied easily.
'Whatever.' Harry snarled, firing off several curses that caused Malfoy to have to drop to the ground, covering him in muddy slush.
'You'll pay for that, Potter.' Malfoy growled, sending his own barrage of curses. Several of the surrounding Death Eaters began to join in this duel. Severus, Kingsley, Lupin and Moody all tried gamely to keep the Death Eaters away from the Boy-Who-Lived but it was in vain. As good as they were they were outnumbered and they fell one by one until only Harry was left.
Just as Dumbledore and the others were seen running down from the castle Malfoy made his move, throwing himself on Harry from behind and grabbing him.
'Say goodbye to your teachers Potter. You have a date with the Dark Lord.' He spat before they were whisked away by Portkey.
'Severus, Alastor, what happened? Where's Harry?' Dumbledore asked as soon as he had revived them.
Moody's wooden leg was looking decidedly worse for wear and his had a large gash over his magical eye. Severus had a massive concussion and was having enormous trouble seeing straight. He could make out some fuzzy images of Aurors as they cleaned up after the attacks, Portkeying injured students to St Mungos and escorting uninjured ones back to the school.
'Malfoy.' Severus said fuzzily. 'Portkey. Took him. Couldn't stop him.'
'How in the hell did he know Harry was here?' Dumbledore growled.
'I don't think he did, Albus.' Moody cut in. 'He seemed surprised to actually see Harry. I think this was just supposed to be an attack on the village. Potter being here was just a bonus.'
'Which Lucius took full advantage of.' Dumbledore threw up his hands. 'He's not ready yet. He's not ready to face that monster.'
'We'll get him back, Albus.' Lupin said firmly, having been revived minutes before.
'Where's Kingsley?'
'They took him to St Mungos.' Lupin explained. 'His left arm is almost hanging off.'
'Oh.'
'Headmaster.' Severus said quietly. 'We need to get back to the school. If the Dark Lord does have Potter it won't be long until I am summoned. If I am to explain my behaviour of today to him and survive the experience then there are several potions I need to take.'
'Of course, Severus. Come on, let's get you up.' Dumbledore actually helped the younger man to his feet as Moody restored his leg and together with Lupin began hobbling after them.
Harry and Lucius landed with a thump; the blonde man snorting as Harry reached out and grabbed the nearest piece of furniture to steady himself.
'Sod off.' Harry snapped.
'Harry?'
Harry turned at the sound of Tom's voice. 'Tom.' He breathed, his face breaking into a stunning smile.
'Are you alright? You're note didn't explain much.'
Harry nodded his smile fading. 'I just...I had to get out of there. Sorry for the short notice.'
'It's alright, Harry. We'll discuss it later.' Tom said crossing the room, placing an arm across the boy's shoulders and steering him from the room. 'Now, I bet you're hungry. Why don't we have some lunch and then I'll call Severus.'
'Yeah, I'd leave it for a bit.' Harry said with a snort. 'Dolohov got him a beauty and I think he'll be a bit sore until he can dose himself up with his own medicine.' Harry snickered.
Tom laughed and with Lucius trailing they walked into the dining room where Tom had already had the house elves prepare a stunning lunch in anticipation of Harry's arrival.
'I trust everything went well, Lucius.' Riddle hissed.
'It went as per your orders, Mr Lord.' Lucius said as the three sat down to eat. 'Everything but the Killing Curse was used. We lost about six members to the Aurors but they will be released before the week is up.'
'Very good. Now shall we eat?'
Not much was said during the meal. Tom did not mention anything about Hogwarts or Dumbledore. It wasn't until the meal finished that they moved into the study that the subject arose. Before they left the dining room Tom used Lucius' dark mark to summon Severus.
'Harry, how are you? Severus told us what happened on Halloween.' Tom asked gently as they sat down and Lucius left the room.
Harry sighed. 'I'm fine. I sort of handed Dumbledore his arse on a platter afterwards, figuratively anyway, and he's left me alone ever since.'
'Why the elaborate ruse then? Why the cryptic note in the middle of the night?'
'Is this just a game to you, you moronic dunderhead.' Severus snapped as he swept through the doorway and crossed the room to loom over the Boy-Who-Lived. 'Do you have any idea how dangerous that stunt you pulled today was? You could have been hit by a stray curse, or one of your friends could have tried to help you. Or Merlin forbid, Dumbledore might have seen through your completely Gryffindor plan. What in Merlin's name possessed you to take such a risk?' Severus finished almost in a yell, breathing heavily. That particular action almost stopped completely as in his haze of anger he finally saw Tom sitting in the sofa across from Harry and dropped to his knees.
'Oh, My Lord, I apologise. I didn't see you.'
Tom waved him off. 'It's alright, Severus. I do understand your concern for Harry was all encompassing at that moment, however do not let it happen again. Harry too deserves your respect, not to be talked down to like a small child.'
Severus looked suitably chastised. 'I apologise, Harry.' He murmured.
Harry smiled. 'Its okay, Sev. I should have told you. I was just worried what you might say.' He said softly.
'Quite rightly, going by that display.' Riddle offered causing Severs to flush.
'I thought if I told you, you might convince me not to, or worse, try and stop me.' Harry whispered, standing abruptly and moving to stand by the window, staring out into the darkness. 'I couldn't let you do that. I had to do this.
Severus, after a nod from the Dark Lord stood and crossed to stand behind his lover. 'Why Harry? Why did you take such a risk?' he asked softly.
Harry turned, his eyes filled with tears. 'I just wanted to spend Christmas with my family.' He whispered.