True Allegiances

By: Jessarie

A/N: Here is your next chapter. It is really tiny, but I hope everyone likes it :)

Chapter 14: The Leather Cuffs

Later that night...

Bill, Fleur, Charlie, Fred, George, Neville, Luna, Draco, Severus, Sirius, Hermione, and Harry all sat in number 12 Grimmauld Place which Sirius had just evicted the Order of the Phoenix from. He had explained why he was alive and who he was aligned with.

"So..." Harry began. "Has anyone figured it out yet?" he asked smiling. Surprisingly enough, Neville nodded. "You my friend, are Ryder." he said pointing to Harry. The gasps were entertaining.

"Why?" Bill asked looking confused. Harry smiled even bigger. "Tom?" he called out. The man in question entered the room and took his place next to Harry. "Tom is my soul mate." he said turning for a quick kiss which was immediately bestowed upon his upturned lips.

Everyone's faces showed their shock. "See the leather cuff 'Mione is wearing?" Harry asked waving his hand to make the band visible. "It shows she is loyal to me. It works similarly to the dark mark, but instead of answering to him, you answer to me." he said.

"You are all here, because I trust you. I wish to know if you would like to be a member of The Leather Cuffs?" Harry said looking to each of them. Charlie was the first to speak. "I would be honored to stand by you." he said standing and stepping forward. "Left arm please." Harry requested. Charlie complied and the people in the room looked on in awe as Harry produced a cuff.

Twenty minutes later everyone but Sev and Siri had a cuff. Harry explained how they worked and how to send messages back and forth. It was a few moments after his explanation that Draco jumped in shock. Looking down to his cuff, he blushed. 'Do blonds really have more fun?' it asked. He nodded and looked up meeting the many eyes upon him one by one until Charlie himself chuckled and winked at him.

Draco turned even pinker when suddenly the floo flared to life. Everyone had wands drawn within seconds as Lucius gracefully flooed in. He chuckled saying "I see you all accepted. Miss Granger, might I speak to you a moment?" he asked. Color flooded the usually sensible girl at the request and she nodded leading the new Minster out of the room.

"What do you think that's all about?" Neville asked. Harry smirked leaning into Tom's side as they all resumed their seats. Luna spoke up. "The humpydinks invaded the pale one and charmed 'Mione." winking at Harry. He grinned and responded. "The nargles best watch it then for the fireworks come too soon."

"Are you guys talking about me again?" Hermione asked re-entering the room, Lucius following behind her appraisingly. Harry nodded once more. "Any news?" Tom asked locking eyes with Lucius. "Everything is going according to plan. The shackles worked perfectly as well, My Lord." he answered respectfully. Tom grinned then and took Harry's hand. "You are all welcome at Riddle Manor whenever you please. Severus or Sirius can show you to a room. Ry's room will be cleaned and someone else can use it if they so desire." he said standing and stalking to the floo.

Harry was blushing madly as Tom latched onto his neck before the green flames whisked them away. When they were gone, everyone had split off. It took a moment for Lucius to realize that Hermione was sitting very close to him on the couch he had claimed. He turned to her and caught her staring. Smiling at the blushing young woman beside him he reached an arm around her and pulled her closer. The blinding smile was reward enough for him.

Charlie was stretched out on the floor watching his family and new friends around him when Draco sat down near his stomach. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked. Charlie smiled. "Have at it." he answered. Draco leaned against the man who grinned even bigger. Gathering a wee bit of courage Draco slid until he way laying with his head propped on the dragon tamer's stomach. A callused hand was stoking his hair in a tender gesture after a slight hesitation.

Bill and Fleur were talking quietly while the twins, Neville, and Luna all examined their new bracelets. Sirius was leaning into Severus side while he held a conversation with Lucius. Severus smiled. 'Life is finally going good.' he thought.

A/N: Yeah! Harry has minions, lol!