Itchy crawly things, it was under his skin and never let him have peace, his cravings drove him and his need for it would sick
A.N.: Hey everyone! Yes I know this was a little bit late but my fingers have kidnapped my hands and refused to relinquish control they just kept writing!! I fear for my arms because I know my fingers wont just stop at my hands, no, they wont stop until they've conjured my entire body to claim for their own! HELP ME!! ; yes I know a bit dramatic in that lol! As always please review guys it REALLY helps me!! Lol Tell me what you think! Unbetaed as usual you know the drill, I own nothing etc. etc. oh and I fixed the problem in chapter Two! Finally I know!!lol
Chapter 9: The truth in Lies
Itchy crawly things, it was under his skin and never let him have peace, his cravings drove him and his need for it would sicken anyone if they knew. That's what it boiled down to…if they knew…but they didn't know and could never guess this crawling thing that lived within him. That wanted to hear the screams again, the marking had stirred it earlier than was normal, usually he could suppress the need for it but oh…the screams.
The screams had undone him, the voicing of their pain, it was delicious and he needed to hear it again. He had never once screamed out, not once had he allowed himself to voice the pain to release it from himself. So the hurt bundled up and was stored within him, every hit, every lash, every harmful word all that churning boiling thick pain held within him for years.
But when they screamed it was as if they were screaming for him, screaming because he could not and it left him needing more. The way their blood was sticky and slicked his hands when he hurt them…oh…the pain they voiced. He wanted it, no, he needed it…needed them to know how much he was hurting how much they had done to hurt him.
Every time he watched their screaming faces he did not see them, he saw the father that abandoned him, the Uncle that beat him, the boy who carved his first name into his back and he relished making them suffer. They were all so hollow, he was too, but they were so insignificant compared to him.
At times he did not know what to do with himself, when the endless stream of people was cleared away and all that remained was him. Alone, as always, he was alone. Madeline had been called away to the Potions Guild to help with a project by the Head Master, and the rest had gone home for the holidays. Everyone left him at some point, they always had and they always would.
He needed to hear them screaming, because the hurt was welling up inside him and he could not scream for himself he needed them to voice it. Filthy humans and their disgusting ways never ending in their greed for things, which was never theirs to begin with. He had told Tom of his dream, of the woman that he couldn't see but could, both hear and not hear, hoping that he could make sense of it all.
Tom thought it was magic telling him that what he was trying to do was right. Harry didn't think so though, no, he had felt magic before, been in it's presence, this new thing was not magic it was something else entirely. Something ancient, something powerful…but it was not magical at least not in the way he was used to, sure there was some power emanating from her it just didn't feel like magic to him.
It felt like crawly things and splintered dreams, no; whatever she was it hadn't been magic…not the magic he knew. When the whispers in his head became too much for him he ventured out into the forests again, searching for something to quiet the thing that lived inside of him.
It took him to the eastern shore not far from the Nightshade, the vampires' domain, he choose to lay on the sandy beach listening to the waves crash down around him. Bemusement and loneliness stirred in him…he was getting used to keeping his own company. As of now he had yet to break the habit of closing himself off to the world and he didn't want to, his detachment made life bearable.
Interestingly enough he was there for about an hour before he heard it, the soft hissing of a serpent searching for its next meal. He paid it no mind until he heard the distinct change in pitch that signaled it wasn't a crawling one like his Grace but something else…something much more dangerous.
"Who are you?" came the curious question, spoken in a breezy voice that reminded him of the whispers of wind dancing through a willow tree.
"Now that is a question worthy of contemplation, even I am not sure of the answer so for now I'll just say I'm Harry." He didn't look up, he didn't need to, whatever was speaking to him was a serpent and because of that he held sway over her. "Who might you be?" Harry asked, wanting to see if she'd answer.
"A traveler by nature, a Gorgon, but you may call me Cassandra." Now that held Harry's interest…a Gorgon would be valuable to any cause and the warlike creatures could be very handy indeed. So he stayed there talking to her for hours, just talking, it seemed she hadn't anyone to listen to her in a very long time.
Gorgons were solitary beings, never more then two ever came together and usually that was only for breeding purposes. However, Cassandra was a particular…Gorgon, as she liked to be in a presence of another and liked to socialize something that went against most Gorgons' primal drive to be alone.
Her hair was the characteristic snake bed but otherwise she looked almost human if one ignored the solid pale yellow eyes and slightly scaly skin. The snakes that made up her hair weren't separate from her as most were lead to believe just an extension of herself, with eyes and they were otherwise just like hair except they moved, of course.
She could control the power of her gaze so Harry had quite a time staring at the odd human looking creature with a critical eye. Cassandra had full red lips, a narrow face, high cheekbones, skin that shimmered in the soft moonlight and a lean body. She wore no 'clothes' but an ensemble of seaweed that covered her more intimate areas (even then it left little to the imagination).
The gorgon was a very strange one, wishing to talk endlessly with him about anything that popped into her head just so that she could. She was starved for attention it seemed but Harry had years of practice listening to things he may not otherwise be so inclined to, to get what he wanted.
Cassandra would make a good ally so he tolerated her and eventually she accepted that he would come back to see her occasionally. When he finally escaped her harping clutches he needed a strong headache potion and a calming drought to ease his frustrations about her. It was well worth it, but at times he wished he wasn't so accommodating when winning over an ally's trust.
However, the results of his patience could not be argued against after all he had won over a lot of the school and had marked quite a few people because of it. He had most of the school begging for his attentions, teachers falling over themselves to help him, and quite a few creature allies as well. He could not afford to lose his well-trained patience now, not when pieces still needed to fall in place and his goals were still far from his reach.
When he got back to his room, took the potions, and begun to paint for good measure his frustration eased…still the cravings were there crawling beneath his skin. It was more manageable now that he had reminded himself what it was that he needed to do and that gained he another strong pawn didn't hurt.
After he finished his latest work (a painting of Cassandra) he pulled out a book he'd been reading in his spare time, Animigus training couldn't hurt and he was rather curious as to what his animal would be. Things picked up for him, like the frantic beating of a dying heart time past faster then he thought it could. Every week another of his Archangels brought forth another to be marked, and his brood just kept growing.
He had Leon organize the meetings while he planned lessons, there was not much he could teach them that Noctiluca hadn't but he could tutor them on group fighting. This was where they had little experience, as the Professor encouraged their pupils to go far on their own and often taught individuals who showed promise. Each was skilled in dueling as it was a required class throughout the years but none had very much experience working in tandem with another.
That is what he gave them; by studying the Spartan wars of old he created a severe lesson plan that forced them to rely on each other like the wheels in a well-oiled machine. The sessions were hard at first as the upper classmen had to be broken of certain habits formed when one fights alone. He was their General then, standing at the back giving quick-fired orders expecting them to be followed without question.
Harry would split the D.A. in two groups one under Leon's command the other under him, the people switched sides regularly so bad habits were not formed and it improved them splendidly. They divided the two main groups under the elites that they commanded so that should one fall another was in place to take the lead. Mock battles were held in different places, sometimes in one of the abandoned rooms in the Castle, other times in the forests or in clearings so that they may get a diverse training ground.
Leon was a great strategist, he demanded perfection from whoever was serving under him that day and his style was fierce like a blazing inferno but he never won their game. It was not that he was allowing Harry to win, Leon was too proud to do that he gave every 'battle' his all but Harry was just the superior leader. His cool head calmed his 'troops' and made them calculating were they would have been frantic.
His powerful aura gave them confidence and his endless grooming from Morgan on how to lead an army to battle helped immensely. That is not to say Leon didn't come close to winning, he did countless times, but Harry always had a trick up his sleeve to pull out just at the opportune moment when all seemed lost. It frustrated Leon, and drove him as well drove him to become better…to be better.
The D.A. group sessions aside Harry had also begun to work with his elites on playing music in a group. Harry knew that they couldn't just start and expect them to play in harmony, no, those things take time…take practice. So practice they did, playing songs he made or songs he found in the muggles world (as though he loathed to admit it muggles played much more in harmony then wizards did).
Every night he had them practicing playing a song so that their instruments flowed together and didn't clash competing for attention by being louder or more prominent then the rest. The first few times it was a disaster as they unconsciously dueled for the limelight it took a very long time to find the semblance of harmony. Surprisingly, Madeline was actually an enchanting singer and with her superior years in learning musical magic she was a great outlet for the excess magic.
When a spell is cast in that type of magical band there are certain steps that need to be done in order for it to accomplish it's set task. The instruments cast the spell, the players power it and the singer directs it; all very simple but dreadfully complicated when the concept is misunderstood.
However, in their group practices they weren't casting spells yet just learning to become in harmony with each other but that wasn't to say the magic wasn't there. They were playing magical instruments after all; the magic came to them unconsciously to fill the very air with their jumbled together powers. This made Madeline vitally important those early band sessions as she had enough experience with musical magic that she could, through singing, gather the excess magic and distribute it harmlessly into the school.
Eventually Leon learned how to do this too, as did all the elites in turn and of course Harry studied the mechanics of it on his own so he wouldn't have to sing in front of them yet. It was great practice for when they actually moved on to spell casting, as the singers would be more experienced with dealing with the combined foreign magics.
The drums of war beat in Harry's ears as he pushed himself further then he had ever done before and it showed in everything he did down to the way he walked. His core grew each day as he stretched the limits of his preconceived boundaries and found new ones that changed every day.
Everything was a blur of activity and Harry lost himself in it; so much so it came as a great surprise to him to look up one day and find that six months of the school year had past the end of the term drawing near. He realized he hadn't seen Alucard in months when he felt the call from him, the preverbal singing of his blood as it cried out for him in the night and Harry knew he was there…waiting.
The night was young barely ten the slice of moonlight illuminating the trees with the softest of touch, the wind made the branches sway and there was still a chill in the air. Alucard was calling him to their clearing, the clearing they had met in and had used there after.
He was standing in the center, awash in darkness even though there was no shade to speak of in the dim glow of the moon; he was terrible in his beauty. His eyes landed on him, burning like hell's fire, drinking Harry's appearance in and leaving him feeling stripped of everything once again.
Harry wanted to touch him, had a deep yearning to be touched by him and it killed him inside to know he wanted it even after he'd been so stripped of everything in front of him. His scars were not something he showed lightly, they were an ugly reminder of his weakness and they still made him feel very vulnerable to any who gazed upon them. That was part of the reason he pushed Simon from him so, because Harry had shared a part of himself in revealing those scars frightened him to no end.
He had no wish for a companion, love was not something he believed in, but Harry understood the baring of ones soul with another. He had come too close to that with Simon, way to close and it frightened him so much he had run as far from a relationship with him as his alliance had allowed.
Not with Alucard though, he had stripped him of his choice to bare those things to him and had looked upon him with those crimson eyes seeing everything he had. He had no control over it, no choice, a variable raping of his soul and yet…some part of him had reveled in it. Some part of him had relished the complete abandon of control, of giving it to another; it disgusted him and intrigued him at the same time.
He saw hell in Alucard's eyes; he was taken in by them (so like the ones from his dreams), entranced, and it made him feel alive even though at the same time it killed something inside of him. There was a hunger for what Alucard had to offer, the complete loss of control and the domination from another.
Yet, he despised it, was disgusted, hated it and yearned for it. It caused such chaos within him that he yielded to the pull of him, allowed himself to be a feast for Alucard's eyes. He hated him and yearned for him for Alucard was the only person besides Madeline to touch him despite everything.
Harry needed to be touched, wanted to be touched even though he felt that something inside of him screaming out against it whenever Alucard did touch him, he still wanted it. Alucard stood there, so still he could be a statue but Harry refused to go any further into the clearing than he was already. If he wanted him, Alucard would have to take him, Harry refused to be obliging this time.
When he did move it was like flowing water, such grace could not be held by a mere mortal and in a blink of an eye he was before him once more. He'd worn very little just boxers and an oversized shirt that was comfortable to sleep in, as Harry didn't mind the cold. It reminded him of the last time he'd stood before this incarnate of darkness before and shivered hating himself for giving into this need within him.
--x--
When Alucard saw his little one standing before him with nothing but a few measly scrapes of clothes he froze to drink in the beauty of him. His little Merlin was breathtaking, long ebony hair loose tumbling waves down his back, porcelain skin that shone in the moonlight and those arresting emerald eyes that one could drown in.
He could see the sliver peaking out from his hair that was his multiple hoop earrings, the pulse of his veins, the plumpness of his lips, and the tone form of his body. A man-child barely in the throws of life, so fragile and yet so strong; never in all the world had he seen such a masterpiece of beauty.
It didn't concern him one bit that this succulent feast of the eyes was a male, nor did the fact that he was so young put him off. One learns when one is a vampire by right or by change that beauty is beauty no matter the form. When one is centuries old there aren't a lot of people who are not younger then you anyway and of course one learns to see the beauty in both sexes after a few hundred years.
His little one, though, was one of those rare beauties that only grace the world every so often and he tasted just as exquisite as he looked (another rarity). Alucard admitted he'd become addicted to this boy; his taste was just to divine that normal feedings lost their flavor. He did not move for some time just memorized the sight of him standing there looking very much like a virgin sacrifice offering himself up to him.
Then when he fell out of his daze he was upon him, moving aside the loose shirt to suckle at his neck while encircling the boy in his arms to press him against his chest. Divinity, there was no words that could describe the taste of him for none would do it justice.
There was a rumble in his chest, as he tasted the subtle lace of his blood marking his little one as his, everything in him screamed 'MINE' at that moment. Tristen moaned, a more delectable sound was never heard and he sucked all the fiercer on his neck pulling back just before he drained him too dangerously low.
His eye's were glazed and he just hung there limp in Alucard's arms as the ecstasy rolled over him drowning him in the pleasure of it all. Alucard held him close, stroking his hair and licking at the twin puncture wounds on his neck. All to soon Harry regained his senses and pulled away taking a blood-replenishing potion from the overly large pocket of his shirt (that amazingly hadn't been crushed from Alucard's embrace).
He took it turning his back on Alucard to do so, and giving Alucard just the opening he needed to embrace him from behind. Harry glanced down at the gloved hands encircling his waist but did not protest the touch finding an odd comfort in it this night as the echoes of pleasure from his bite remained.
He eyed the rune circle on the back of the gloves as he said, "I could free you if you so desired I have learned the way to rid you of your imprisonment." Alucard stilled as those words sunk in and all that it meant to him, those brief words. He seemed utterly enthralled with studying Harry's neck for a moment, not that Harry could see that with his back turned to him.
Harry's soft breathing and distant calls of the wild life of the forest were the only things that broke the utter quiet of the night, they said not a word. For Alucard the choice should have been easy, should have been but it wasn't not really. In a way being a servant to a master had been refreshing after centuries of answering to no one he had missed his original Master so this had been a poor substitute.
Did he really need it now anyway? The world was changing he could feel it just as Lestat had said and he wanted to take part in it, be a part of it. Here was this small boy who barely reached his shoulders that could literally give him the world again, and when it was over Alucard would owe him much. He would have sighed if he had any breath left in him, "Yes, I think I'd like to be free of this leash against the world."
He smiled then his wide face splitting smile that promised so much…not all of it entirely a good thing. The world was to be his playground once more and he found himself relishing the feel of power at long last, power that would be his once more. No more leashes, no more rules, no more restriction just complete and utter freedom, oh, how he'd missed it.
Harry pulled away from him, the easy melancholy that had let him be held had faded and a purpose replaced it. He turned to face Alucard, power rolling off him in waves; he made swift gestured hand signs and gathered an unbelievable amount of magic into his hands. Harry mumbled words that even with Alucard's keen hearing he could not hear they were to fast and they tumbled together as Harry grabbed the back of his gloved hands roughly covering the rune circle with the palms of his hands.
That's when the pain came, sharp and clear as the twinkling of crystal bell lasting only a breath's moment before the distinct sound of shattering glass came. His gloves gave a terrible RIP and fell apart nothing but string left to slide like water off his hands. Freedom had never felt so good, all his power came back to him filling him up and rolling like waves to crash on the ocean.
The shadows engulfed him then as he gave an insane laugh out to enjoy his freedom Alucard made a note to properly thank his little one some other night.
Harry for his part just wanted to see if he could do it, see if he could break something so powerful it could hold an ancient Vampire with Alucard's strength. He had done it and he didn't feel the slightest bit drained, rather he felt a sort of exhilaration that came from doing something amazing. Harry managed not to cringe when Alucard started to laugh insanely escaping into the night, he hated laughter, absolutely hated it.
--x--
It had taken longer than he imagined it would to track Alucard down but it was worth it, well worth it. He was beautiful and watching them now the hunger rose in him, Lestat wanted to taste him. The boy moaned and the sound drove him up the wall with the sensuality in it. Alucard held him tighter, riding the overly large shirt up exposing the white expanse of his tone legs.
He could imagine those legs wrapped around him bringing him to the brink of bliss and he bit back a groan at the image that presented. Alucard stopped, just before the point of dangerous blood loss and the boy seemed prepared for it as he pulled out a concoction out from his lone breast pocket.
He stood there still daring not a movement so he did not alert Alucard to his presence there, just stood still as a statue to watch. They exchanged words, he did not hear them as he was too far to make them out but he was shocked to the core the power that rolled off the small boy not a second later.
He watched Alucard be freed, heard his laugh, and shared in his glee when he realized Alucard he left to celebrate his freedom leaving him with the small one. He looked so fragile to Lestat, so small, so perfectly beautiful, so delightfully delicate and it made him wonder if he tasted as good as he appeared. He'd had plenty of beautiful people, killed his fair share of them but most never tasted as good as they looked.
It was their appearance you see, most truly beautiful people had to work hard to keep that beauty whether that meant not eating as they should or taking questionable medicine they did something. They always did in hopes to make their beauty as eternal as his own but all it did was spoil the inside leaving just a shell of fake splendor. Lestat wondered if this beautiful boy worked for his beauty or if it came to him as it did to that select few.
With Alucard gone Lestat advanced intent on tasting the boy before him but just as he was in striking distance without trees obscuring his way the boy turned fixing him with a cold stare. "What is it," he said with a bemused tone, "about vampires finding me in the night?" Lestat was somewhat taken aback by the question stunned that he could even sense he was there.
"You're not as strong as Alucard…but I suppose you'll do." His facial expression didn't change and Lestat smelt no fear on him it was as if he was talking to a human not a predator on the prowl. "You're not normal," He said with his French accent adding elegance to an otherwise crude comment.
"No I don't suppose I am," he raised an eyebrow at him questioning, "I suppose you came here to have a bite to." Lestat as quite numb from shock or his nonchalant attitude he wasn't sure. "You'll have to wait for another night Mr…" "Lestat just Lestat" "Lestat, you'll have to wait for another night as I don't particularly feel the need to be bitten again anytime soon. If you prove to be interesting maybe I'll allow you the same privileges as I do Alucard."
He turned his back on him then heading back to the castle but he paused and turned back with a fleeting glance, "Then again maybe not." He walked off then leaving a very stunned vampire in his wake that, only after some time had past, realized he never got the name of the interesting beauty.
--x--
When he got back to his room Harry was feeling drained and anxious, something that disturbed him. He had plenty of magic yes, but the physical toll was getting to him. Very little sleep, constant stress of finding something to challenge himself with and the addition of marking more followers (not to mention training them) it was all adding up.
He collapsed with fluid grace onto his bed, sighing, ready for a long night's sleep. Tink, who'd been sleeping on his pillow, gave an indignant squeak flying up to sit on his nose her tiny face pinched in anger. He would have laughed if he could and soothed her by stroking her hair with his pinky pushing some of his magic in it for good measure.
That seemed to pacify her for the moment but then she started to glow green with his magic and he knew something was wrong. She flew up not disturbed in the slightest to fly straight back down shining so bright he could hardly distinguish her features as she flew right into his navel.
The feeling was somewhat unnerving and he was startled wondering what the hell was going on, he briefly wondered if he was dreaming but dismissed it. He got up quickly and conjured a mirror to study where she flown into on his navel. The skin had a splash of emerald green that reminded him of a star and it felt almost hot to his touch though it wasn't painful.
More curious than anything he picked up the book Gabriel had given him about Vixi to find out what the hell was going on and he found it surprisingly fast. Tink was in metamorphous transitioning from her toddler-like form to an adult and in order to do so she needed the one that made her: Harry. She was currently residing inside his magical core and would not be coming out until such a time that she was ready.
It did have some benefits for him as well, but the book didn't give any specifics just that it affected each person differently. It was a curious development and something to think over later for now it was time for bed. The rest of the year flew by with endless tasks and preparation for something big, something only Harry knew the extent of.
There were whispered rumors flying around, the Dark was on the move and the world at large seemed to hold its breath. The ones who came from 'pureblood' families were tense, one of his younger marked heard hushed talk of a Dark Lord's return and Harry was sure Voldemort had risen again. The families were gathering, ones who hid their creature blood behind a pureblood mask were tense waiting for something big and it showed on their children's faces.
More and more people came to seek him out for council or just to talk to someone they knew would listen. He was glad for his reputation then because more students then ever before started to gather around him. No one said his name anymore (at least not the students) it was only Prince Fey never Tristen or Harry for those who knew his secret. War was on the horizon everyone at the Academy knew it as sure as they knew the sun would rise but what they didn't know was where they stood.
His D.A. were coming along nicely already they had more the hundred student joining in their battle simulations (every one of them marked of course) and they grew more skillful with every session. Toward the last month of school the Headmistress started to have every year tested thoroughly but no one knew her motivations as most O.W.L.s or N.E.W.Ts were well over by then.
She did offer a consolation by holding a school dance the week before school let out allowing the more skilled musicians to perform on stage. Harry anticipated that more then the dance itself because it was there that his band of Archangels could showcase their skills and see how far they'd come. The only drawback was that no one wanted to do it unless Harry was the one singing but Harry thought it would be a fair trade-off (he wasn't a terrible singer anyway).
So the night of the Dance his group was tense in anticipation he'd chosen Logan (drummer), Leon (guitar), Alex (bass guitar), and him singing. He wasn't about to let this chance go to waste though he would use this opportunity to persuade the rest of the school to his side by enchanting them, whether it was through his voice, charisma, or power he'd do it tonight. The rest of his elites were eager to hear him sing, as they hadn't had the chance yet.
The last soloist stepped off stage and it was their turn, excited murmurs went through the crowd when they saw that more then one person was stepping up. Alex and Leon summoned their wands letting them shift into their instrument forms of guitars. Logan's wand barely shifted shape at all and he summoned a drum set to him.
Harry stood in the middle of the stage with nothing before he summoned a microphone and stand to him (noting that the microphone itself was an old fashioned muggle one). The crowd held their breath the entire focus on them wondering just what it was they were going to do and if they could pull it off. Harry knew the beginning was very important so he had chosen his song carefully signaling to Leon they began:
Pain, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like it rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all…
Logan and Alex joined in, it was loud, it was raw and the crowd stood captivated having gotten used to the screeching bands the wizards liked to call 'music'.
You're sick of feeling numb
You're not the only one
Harry swayed to the song reaching out and locking the crowd with his eyes daring them to look away…but they couldn't.
I'll take you by the hand
And I'll show you a world that you can understand
This life is filled with hurt
When happiness doesn't work
He put his conviction into the words, believing them to be truth because he couldn't understand happiness it was something he'd never truly known. Harry was sure he wasn't the only one to think so and wasn't the only one with a pain filled past, he appealed to that in them.
Trust me and take my hand
When the lights go out you will understand…
Every light in the hall extinguished as Harry let his voice go soothing and soft toward the end building up for then next line.
PAIN, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all
Harry let his thoughts be pulled back into his memories remembering the dark cramped space and the crack of a belt when it hit skin. He sang it out into the dark giving it up to the shadows that crawled.
Pain, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all
This is what he knew, he knew pain, so much pain in his life…his earliest memories were filled with it and another emotion crept up with it. A light flickered on around the stage illuminating the players with an eerie glow and highlighting Harry's face as he held the microphone to him with both hands.
Anger and agony
Are better than misery
Trust me I've got a plan
When the lights go off you will understand
He thought back to that moment when he decided he'd had enough and he'd changed his world forever, baptized in blood.
Pain, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all
Pain, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing
Rather feel pain
Love was an unreachable star, something he could see but never touch, pain he knew, pain he could feel and so he invited the pain. Invited it because at times it was the only thing he really could feel when he pushed his emotions so far down that he felt hallow inside…pain was what drove him back.
I know (I know I know I know I know)
That you're wounded
You know (You know you know you know you know)
That I'm here to save you
You know (You know you know you know you know)
I'm always here for you
I know (I know I know I know I know)
That you'll thank me later
The three of them echoed his words giving them an ominous feel like an inescapable fate the whole of the school was destined to and it was an amazing what a simple I know could do.
Pain, without love
Pain, can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all
They broke in the music, Harry almost whispered the words and watching him caress the microphone as a lover before he ripped it from the stand.
PAIN, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all
Pain, without love
Pain, I can't get enough
Pain, I like rough
'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all
Rather feel pain than nothing at all
Rather feel pain
He let them finish off with a few short sporadic bursts and when the last note died the blinding light flashed through the hall coating it again. Harry slipped off stage while the sudden light blinded the rest, not wanting to stick around for what was sure to be a wild reaction. He was right not a second after he escaped through the doors did the crowd regained their senses to scream and clap their approval.
Harry finished out the night in his room talking to Tom, who was unreasonably happy he hadn't taken an escort to the Dance despite the numerous offers. He'd been trying to distance himself from Tom, as he was starting to fear his unreasonable connection to him and not his magical one…his deep emotional attachment scared him. He admitted to himself that he was very fond of Tom; he couldn't see his life without him couldn't see not ending the day talking to him.
Tom was the one 'person' Harry was starting to see he couldn't live without because somewhere along the line Tom had become his rock, his constant. He was a jealous, sarcastic, charming, intelligent…friend and the only one Harry afforded that Title to, Friend, was a very big deal to him.
His only friend, the person he went to when his day was too long or he couldn't work through a problem (rare but it did happen). In fact, Tom was the only one he shared his research with and the only one Harry was sure would never be disgusted with him. He very much liked Tom, so much he wished he was real so he could touch him and that frightened him because 'Tom' was NOT real no matter how much he wanted him to be.
This year he'd even taken to carrying the dairy with him inside his coat just so he could feel some closeness to him…so he could know Tom was there. Harry was noticing that this year he was progressively seeking out touch from Madeline simply for the comfort of having it, though he did stop himself from initiating it. Harry had thought he had gotten used to his loneliness, he had thought he had gotten past the need for someone but he was starting to realize he'd been deluding himself.
He wanted someone, not any someone though, he wanted Tom and it was starting to hit home that he could never have him no matter how he wanted him. Harry had acknowledged long ago that he dreamed of someone who would never leave him and lately he was picturing that someone as Tom. Harry went to bed that night to dream of a crimson eyed gaze, that he never truly recalled in the morning, once again.
The end of the year was fast approaching and the day before school would be let out the Headmistress called the student body into the ceremonial Hall for an announcement. There were just enough chairs to house everyone (including the Teachers) facing a raised dais that the Headmistress was standing behind. She looked just as commanding as usual, and just as dignified as she waited for everyone to settle before she started to address the crowd.
"I am sure you are all exceedingly curious as to what this could possibly be about and I assure you this is of the utmost importance so a expect all of you to remain quiet until my announcements are over. There will be time for questions later for now I'll get straight to the point."
"Next year a competition that hasn't been seen in centuries, due to its extreme nature, will be held and it is my intent to enter our school. It has taken a grievous amount of time to convince the English Ministry to allow for our entry so I hope you will appreciate the effort. The Tri-wizard Tournament will be held at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, a few select students from each of the other competing school will arrive there in October for selection."
"Noctiluca Academy will be one such school and as I'm sure our more bright students have already deduced this last months rigorous testing has been used to select our representatives. Only the best will be allowed to attend as how well our champion does in the tournament will reflect directly onto the school and to insure this every year has been given the same tests. The ones who have done well enough will go the ones who didn't make the cut will remain here. This is a totally unbiased selection relying solely on the individuals test scores alone so no matter the sex, breed, or age had no affect on said selection."
"I'll cut right to the chase then, when I call your name please make your way to the side door behind me: Heather Sweets, first year, Jack Dune, second year, Marilyn Chase, June Dawnalin, and Edgard De L'Arbre, third year, John MacMillan, fourth year, Simon Mariotte, Alexander Spyri, Logan Kohler, Gabriel Aquatos, Leon Holder, Ophelia Eyebright, Cleo Idlewild, Flora and Fauna Steelweather, and Tristen Winter, fifth year, Steven Bines, sixth year, Mary Strijder, seventh year, Amara Boipelo, eighth year, and Madeline Winter, ninth year."
"Congratulations to the one who made it and to the one who did I would hope this is motivation to try harder on your studies. Now for those who weren't chosen you are dismissed congratulations on completing another year!" With that said they left the Hall and the Headmistress left to address her chosen few one what was to be expected of them the coming year.
When she made it into the room the chosen students were standing around waiting patiently for her to expand upon their trip all but Harry Potter/Tristen Winter that is who had conjured himself an elegant chair sitting in the midst of them. He looked like a lord waiting patiently for his servant to bring him news, she hid a smile, and he really did amuse her endlessly. Seline had watched him grow and she was very proud of her star pupil (even if he was an evil little mastermind).
"Now I know you all are probably about as sick of hearing me talk as I am of talking so we'll make this short. Next year in October we will be attending school at Hogwarts for the tournament because of this you all will be given a special uniform that will show our school unity." She flicked her hand and a box appeared, another flick and tailored uniforms flew into the awaiting student's hands. They were very much like the upper year uniforms, the coat was cut the same and was a deep blue with a silver crescent moon engraved on the back. The pants were a sensible tan khaki and the shirts were a soft crème that would go well with their diverse skin tones.
"I don't think I need to tell you that Noctiluca secrets stay with Noctiluca? On to more important business I'm sure I don't have to tell you that Hogwarts' standards are no where near the academic level we strive for so besides attending the mediocre classes at that school I will also be working closely with private tutors so we can be sure your grades wont suffer. That is all you will need to know for now I will be elaborating more when you return next year, any questions?" She eyed the students around the room and wasn't the least bit surprised by who raised their hand.
"Yes, H-Tristen?"
"I was just wondering, I've noticed you've selected a student from every year to go but I couldn't help but notice there seems to be no selection from the first years? Will one be coming with us come October?" Seline raised an eyebrow at him wondering what game he was playing at now, nevertheless she replied. "No, we will not be having a first year in our little jaunt to Hogwarts some people, who I will not name, frown upon Noctiluca's practice of allowing admittance as early as nine years old. Besides, we want to show everyone just how accomplished we are I do not think we need an inexperienced first year bungling things, now do we?"
There were nods of agreement all around, but of course Harry picked up on one of the more subtle things first: 'show everyone just how accomplished…'. That could only mean one thing to him, no holding back, the Headmistress had effectively given them free reign to show off. It was a bid for freedom from the shadows it seemed and they wanted everyone to know just how 'accomplished' the school was, inside Harry smirked.
One thing was for certain next year was definitely going to be very interesting, very interesting indeed. Seline left them to get acquainted but there was really no need as every person in the room carried his mark…not that she needed to know that. He felt Grace slither restlessly under his clothes, and a twitch in his navel, his companions could feel his excitement. This summer he had big plans, the next year would be chaotic but it would work well with his goals. All he needed to do was play the cards right and not get caught up in things he couldn't handle, should be easy enough…right?
--x--
Lily looked at the mirror and sighed, she did not look her best not at all; deep bags under her eyes, shallow skin, and limp hair she appeared just as horrible as she felt. A quick glamour and she was looking normal again, she sighed she really wished she didn't have to go see Albus today. She and the remains of the Marauders had been called into a meeting today; Lily hoped he had news of Harry.
When they arrive at the office Remus and Dumbledore were there, waiting for them with melancholy little smiles on their faces, 'no news then' she thought. She felt her heart fall a little but not as much as it used to when she thought of her little boy, wondering if he was alive, thinking about what should have been. Her anger had long since died, now she was just sad and it wasn't Albus' fault not really, after all he had done what he thought best.
"Welcome, lemon drop?" He offered eyes twinkling madly as if the stupid candy would fix everything (okay so maybe not all of her anger).
"Can we please get to it Albus, Clark is at the Weasleys until 4 and we can't let this drag on." She said morosely, she had very little patience these days.
"Of course Lily, now I don't know what you've heard but next year Hogwarts will host the newly revived Tri-wizard Tournament." Shocked faces, and some grumbling from lily he went on, "This means that there will be a number of schools coming to participate and I will be in need of some extra security."
Glances were exchanged, they all could feel something was going on and being a part of the Order helped with their political awareness so they knew the Dark Families were stirring. The question now was who they were gathering under, Voldemort, or another up in coming Dark Lord they didn't know. There were rumors flying around Knockturn Alley of meetings being held but so far the Order agents hadn't been able to confirm anything.
It all had them very worried, Dumbledore especially, because how would they defeat Voldemort without his prophesized slayer? Harry was so important to the Light side right now and they couldn't find hind or hair of him and no clues to his whereabouts anywhere. Lily had been frightened that Voldemort had gotten to him until James had come back from Gringotts with his news and she had been thankful of that.
The tournament presented to many opportunities to get into Hogwarts, and in turn to the Headmaster who was at the moment an irreplaceable Light Icon with Harry MIA. They all nodded and Remus decided to be the spokesman, "Sure Dumbledore, anything you need I'm sure we'll be happy to help with."
"Wonderful, Now I'd like to invite you Remus to come back as the Defense Teacher, Sirius I've decided to open up a new elective class on dueling I do believe you'd make a great teacher?" He could see the spark of mischief in Sirius' eyes but let it go, his pranks were amusing. "Lily, I would like to offer you an assistant teaching job, Filius really would be delighted with your help I'm sure. James, Hooch wanted to know if you'd be willing to share in her Flying instructor duties?"
Everyone nodded their head in agreement knowing the real reasons they were being offered 'jobs' as it would be a perfect cover for being at the school. Albus suspected there would be some friction between this particular group and Severus but he hoped they'd be able to put aside their differences this year. He knew Lily hadn't spoken to Severus in years, and James hadn't seen him in just as long hopefully it wouldn't be to bad keeping them in the same school once more. Besides he was sure that after all these years they would love the opportunity to place the past behind them like the reasonable adults they were.
--x--
Summer was just beginning and already Harry was continuing his preparations for a long fruitful summer, not to mention his Potion Master duties. His potion that had gotten him his Mastery had caused a lot of hype inside the Guild, but as the ingredients were rare and the recipe unknown to any, aside from himself the attentions were minimal. It did mean that he had to spend a few days there this summer working with a more accredited Master to help with some research because he'd shown so much potential.
Harry didn't mind this too much because it would get him some much-needed money (that he'd been earning through more legitimate means since his Mastery). Brewing was very relaxing anyway and he needed the experience since though he was a Master he didn't have anywhere near the savvy of someone who had years of practice. Right when they got 'home' Madeline went about setting up a greenhouse for them so they could grow their own supplies.
She had a lot of seeds collected throughout the years from her many trips around the world and was eager to begin to grow her own. As next year would be her last she thought she would get a jump-start on it since tenth years were allowed to leave the school at any time they wished. This way she could keep an eye on them and start preparing for when she no longer had a whole island at her disposal for gathering. After all it would be impractical to return to Avalon every time she needed something when she could just grow some of her own and save herself the trip.
The Greenhouse ended up being bigger even then their house when she was done and it was magically expanded on the inside, in all it was impressive for only a day's work. While Madeline was doing that Harry had quickly taken off to go 'hunting' to satisfy that need in him, he took his tent with him and when he returned a few hours later Maddy asked no questions. She didn't want to know anything that went on in his 'tent' and never said a word when he set it up in the backyard even though he had a room of his own.
Harry had the whole past school year's worth of ideas he wanted to try out so he went off right away and refused to come back until he had at least twelve specimens to experiment on. Needless to say it was ridiculously easy to make a few people 'disappear' and he had to add more testing rooms when he was done collecting to fit them all. The first one was a man with light brown hair and hazel eyes; he tore into him with a vengeance and by the end he couldn't even scream anymore. That calmed him down enough so he could actually work on the others; the blood still coated him when he had returned to the house to shower.
Madeline was still in the Greenhouse setting up the insides so she didn't even see her blood splattered adopted son go into the house. Harry for his part was reveling in the feel of the sticky warm blood coating his hands and it made him feel calmer than he's felt in months, he regretted washing it off. When he was done he got dressed efficiently and headed towards his room to rest as it was getting late. It was only nine but Harry wanted to start an early day tomorrow so he could begin his tests to see if he'd finally made some progress on what he dubbed the 'Cruico Cure'.
When he got to his room however, there was an Owl waiting for him with a clearly extravagant letter attached to its leg. He took it and when it didn't leave he figured it was waiting for a reply so he decided to read the letter to get it over with. The envelope was hand his name embossed on the front in a stylish script and it was framed by swirling water, which he immediately recognized as part of Cleo's family crest.
Inside was an equally beautiful invitation to a Ball being hosted by Cleo's family, it was set for next week and had a flexible ending time indicating that the Ball could very well last into the next day. Within the Envelope was also another letter from Cleo herself, explaining how she thought he would benefit from attending as there were sure to be some interesting guests. It didn't say much but Harry could infer from her hints that someone he'd very much liked to meet was going to be there.
Harry didn't usually do much over the summer socially wise, as it was his time to vent some frustrations and continue with his research. His followers usually respected his privacy seeing as it was the only time he really took time for himself and didn't usually invite him to these sorts of things as a result. For Cleo to break that unspoken rule this Ball had to be an important event and was more then likely to include the reasons behind the 'Dark' inclined families' tensions.
It was way to good an opportunity to give up and Harry decided that he would go, bringing him to another problem of what he was going to wear. Now most of the time this didn't matter at all to him but when one attends something like this one is usually judged by dress on your standing. This was high society; these people would be very rich, very influential, and very critical on anyone who hasn't been a part of that sort of scene before. If Harry was to go he would need to go looking his very best, behaving like he belonged there and he had to establish himself as a high standing individual among them should he aspire to gain any of their respects.
Money meant everything in this world and any other, money was respect, money was power but most importantly money was influence. He would need these people's support eventually should he wish to secure his goals as he was far from being anywhere near as rich as they would be. To this end Harry decided he would have to earn quite a bit before he was to attend the Ball so he could afford what he would need to buy to make a good impression. This also meant that Madeline, his guardian, would need to look the part also as she reflected directly on him.
He messaged his temple, this was headache inducing to say the least, he decided he'd discuss this with Tom tomorrow before he returned to his research and contacted the Potions Guild. The guild would definitely help in gaining some of the money he would need as they could direct some clientele to him. If worst came to worst he supposed he could acquire some more money through less than legal channels when it boiled down to it. For now he went to bed, he'd need his rest if he wanted to get anything done tomorrow.
--x--
Lily, James, Sirius and Remus made it back home with plenty of time to spare before Clark was due to be back, though they knew it was more then likely that he was going to end up spending the night. Lily was silent since Dumbledore's office while the guys talked and joked loudly about the coming school year. It were times like these that she felt strained to the breaking point, who were they to have fun when her baby was missing, who were they to be so happy?
Sometimes she couldn't even stand looking at James' face because it reminded her of Harry, he looked so much like James as a baby. She often wondered what he looked like now, if he was happy and if he even knew she was alive. It tore her apart and their love life had suffered for it. James spent most of his time with Sirius goofing off now that he had gotten some answers from the Goblins, and it grated on her nerves.
Sometimes she just wished she had never laid eyes on him, and then he would do something really sweet or they'd had comfort sex and she was back to loving him. Lily loved James she really did but at times she just couldn't stand being around him anymore. So she had taken to spending her time reading, whatever caught her fancy really and slowly she felt herself losing touch with her husband. It scared her more then anything to think she may fall out of love, but against everything Lily knew she loved James as much now as her wedding day.
She went to the Parlor of the house, sighing, to get some Tea, it had been a very long day and she just wanted to relax a bit on her own. Remus followed in after her, which she didn't mind much as he was much better company intellectually then her husband, she admitted. He looked at her searchingly and asked, "How you holding up there Lily?" "I'm just so tired Remus, I feel as if there is so much more I could be doing to help find Harry, I want him back Remus I want my baby!" Her voice was strained and he could tell she was close to the breaking point.
There is only so much a person can take after all, and Lily was no different he saw the signs in James' eyes when he talked about Home. There used to be such pride in the family, and Lily and James had been so much in love it was humbling watching them. Now he could see the signs of strain tainting their relationship and he didn't like it at all, "I Know Lily, I know but you must be strong. Be strong for a while longer otherwise Harry wont have much to come home to anyway."
"Yes, You're right. I will be better I promise besides being closer to Clark next year will be sure to help. I miss him so much when he's at school, tell me Remus how's our boy?" Remus chuckled, amusement shining through as he thought about it. "You know he reminds me so much of James its gets scary. He follows that girl Suzie around like a lost puppy and she wont giver him the time of day. It reminds me so much of our own Hogwarts' years when you wouldn't date James for the world!" He laughed uproariously as he said that attracting Sirius and James into the parlor to see what was up.
Lily huffed indignantly and glared at Remus, "I have no idea what you're talking about!" She was almost shrill at the end like a wet cat, ready to claw out the nearest person's eyes. "She even has the Slytherin friend that she is forever defending! Its like an extreme sense of Déjà vu every time I see them fighting!" He chuckled. "OH! Shut up you!" She snapped back though a teasing smile threatened her lips.
"I'm dead serious!" "No I'm Sirius!" James hit Sirius over the head for interrupting Remus with that stupid over played joke, said person just rolled his eyes. "Anyways you'll see next year Lily! You guys will feel that overpowering sense you've been there before when you watch Clark about Suzie, its' dead funny watching it from the outside! I sometimes wonder if our professors got the same kick I do watching them as when they were watching us!"
They all laughed, "I still think we'll have to talk to her about her choice in friends! I don't want to think about how my life could have turned out if my eyes had never been opened to how spiteful Slytherins are, I'll have to warn the poor girl!" Lily had made plenty of mistakes before but being friends with Severus was her biggest one, she always regretted it. He is a slimy jerk who caused all of this, if he hadn't taken his 'lord' the prophecy then she'd have Harry with her right now.
And like a snap everything that was going wrong in her life suddenly became all Snape's fault. She was feeling much better already, she should have never doubted her love for James it was all Snape's fault! He was the one she blamed with all her heart now; it took some of the burden off her shoulders by placing it on him. He was the prefect scapegoat after all, a slimy, sneaky, Slytherin spy who deserved all the torment he got (at least in her eyes). It never once occurred to Lily to think things through and see just how blind she had become since she'd wed James Potter.
Never once did Lily think about what Severus was going through, not once did she think that maybe he deserved batter, not once did she think about how hard life had been for him and not once did she think of anyone besides herself. That had always been her problem, her oblivious narcissism that refused to be acknowledged that everything centered on her. Lily had that same problem growing up, she never reached out to Severus when she saw how much his father hurt him, she never once stood by him like a true friend and it was this that had doomed her from the beginning.
Lily could look past herself, couldn't see that a true friend would have stopped James from hurting Severus from the start; she couldn't see that Severus needed a friend not ultimatums. She demanded but she never gave, it was Lily more so than even James that had driven Severus to the Dark side because she had had the power to stop it. One kind word, one unselfish act, one small gesture to show she would stand by her friends and she could have saved Severus from his torment. That in turn would have saved her from hers because Severus would have never become a Death Eater if Lily had been the friend he deserved.
Alas, she refused to see it and had allowed herself to be blinded by her husband's hate and her own narcissism. Lily could have never known just how much that same thing would change the course of her entire life, was changing the course of her life because from the moment she had broken ties with Snape it had brought both of them nothing but misery. Lily was blind to all this though, stuck in her own little world where everything she did she did for herself.
--x--
Cleo was nervous and she kept fiddling with her dress, hair, make-up, anything really to distract her from what was going on today. This Ball had become very important to her when Tristen had replied, promptly as always, that he was indeed coming with Madeline. Since then it was been chaos at her home because she had gone slightly insane trying to make sure everything was prefect, usually it was only her sisters that and mother that cared about that.
When she was at Cleo was content to play the wallflower and stay out of everyone's way effectively making herself invisible until school term came around. Cleo had never been very confrontational; content to let most things slide instead of standing up for herself, especially where her family was concerned. So every summer was very much the same for her, she stood back let her family run things and made herself scarce when things grew tense between anyone.
Which was part of the reason she was have such a problem this summer concerning the Ball because at first her mother/sisters had not listened to her at all. Well, that had done nothing but pissed her off, Tristen was coming for Morgan's sake! So she had blown up a little that first day and her family would never forget it, having even dubbed the day as 'Cleo's rampage'. It had never occurred to Cleo's family before that she was stronger then them because she was always so quiet and kept to the background so much.
However, after said incident they had begun to reevaluate how they treated her, Cleo had five years of Noctiluca academy under her belt and a whole lot of power that came with it. All her sisters had never finished their schooling at Noctiluca every one of them had transferred out because it got to hard, preferring Beauxbatons instead. The same could be said for her parents between them the highest year they lasted was to third year.
It had just hit them when Cleo started taking charge that she could have done so for some time already and she had been allowing them to command her. A few days before the Ball was to take place Cleo's mother decided to ask the one question every one in her family want to know, "Why is this ball so important when the others didn't matter to you more then the dirt on the bottom of your shoe?"
Cleo turned her white eyes on her (those eyes had always freaked them out and was part of the reason they liked to ignore her), she said very slowly like she was talking to an idiot, "Tristen is coming, Tristen!" she very nearly hissed at the end. Her mother for her part just blinked, and her eldest sister blurted out "whose that?" Cleo stilled for a moment and they tensed (her father was slowly edging to the door) waiting for another 'rampage'.
They weren't disappointed Cleo spent the next six hours ranting about her 'Prince' and how they should show proper respect when he arrived. Also she reamed into them that if they embarrassed her in any way in front of him she'd personally make sure that they would wish they would die by morning (terrifying her entire family). And when her second eldest sister was foolish enough to ask what was so special about this boy they all regretted it.
Cleo went into an in detail account on the many, MANY, reason she personally thought that made Tristen utterly prefect in every way humanly imaginable. Needless to say by the end they all wanted to know if even half the things she listed were true so they all consulted anyone they knew who also knew of Noctiluca (i.e. a great deal of upper class pureblood society). Like a small timber that ignited a blazing inferno their questions started a lot of talking among them bout who this boy was and why everyone who currently attended Noctiluca held him in such high esteem.
This might have worried Harry had it not worked well with everything he was planning, he wanted them to know of him and have the proper respect for him anyway. He would have been worried that this talk could draw unwanted attentions also had he not known that no one in their circles would ever talk to anyone of consequence. It was just like when he brought in his potent healing draught for his mastery, no one in the guild would reveal another Master secrets and no pureblood would reveal anything to anyone they considered 'beneath' them. Really it worked splendidly well for Harry because this way they would expect greatness from him hence they would not dismiss him from the start.
--x--
Voldemort rubbed his temples feeling a headache building behind his eyes and his throat was so dry he couldn't talk if he wanted to it was very annoying. He summoned a glass of water to help with his parched throat and decided to go in search of a potion for his head. His manor was in shambles and he hated it as much now as he had when he was a boy. It was the stinking, filthy former home of his disgusting muggle father but there wasn't much to be done about it right now.
He had finally completed the slow process of merging his soul piece with the younger body of his Horcrux a while ago but he would still feel the echoes of it for a while yet. While not very painful assimilating with his soul piece did take a lot of time and quite a bit of his magic. That's not to mention it shouldn't be possible in the first place without remorse but Voldemort was never one to play by the rules.
He had begun to mobilize his followers again, but he was being very subtle about it, no need to give away his element of surprise until the opportune moment. The meetings so far had been very dreary and slow, just gathering his supporter again, establishing he was alive and still as powerful as ever. The Dark would never fight behind a weak leader and so he had to show everyone he was still as great as before he fell.
Things were looking for him, Harry Potter was missing (presumed dead), the Light was losing faith in Dumbledore, he had his body back and his followers were slowly returning to him. He couldn't approach Severus as of yet, the man was too good at his job and couldn't be trusted. He had kept the mark faded for the moment so he wouldn't alert the traitors to his return or the Light he needed time to gather up his army again.
The talks were mostly consisted of updating him about the last thirteen years or so and testing the waters on some of his free Death Eaters. His most loyal were in Azkaban but he couldn't move to free them until he was ready to begin his war, they could wait. Lucius had helped greatly but he still had to be punished for not remaining loyal to him (though privately he could see the point of remaining in power so he could aid in his return).
The manor was slowly transforming into something worthy of his presence now, but it was far from redemption in his mind. Soon he would be ready to begin moving, but for now it was painfully dull Balls to attend to gain the attentions of the wealthier Purebloods. Wars need funding after all and these people had plenty to spare. The first Ball of the summer was being thrown by the Idlewilds, a prominent family and he would have to attend this one with a bit more flare to gain their attentions. It was his attention to details that first alerted Voldemort to the boy, Tristen Winter, who had the society a buzz with anything that dealt with him.
It sparked Voldemort's interest too, as it had everyone's, but he could find out very little on the boy other than that he was held in high regard. That and his Potion's mastery at such a young age, a true prodigy, his luck was looking up indeed just when he was in need of another Potions Master for now. Until he knew for certain whose side Severus was on he could not contact him to commence his duties again so he would have to procure another Master. This boy should be easy enough to sway, most youths are, and he would be attending the Idlewild Ball also making a prefect opportunity to approach him from the shadows.
--x--
Harry smoothed some non-existent wrinkle as he studied himself in the mirror with a critical eye yet again to make sure he looked as prefect as possible. He had a tailored formal suit it was the traditional black but the material was as exquisite as it was expensive. He had a black over-robe that was also black lined with dark green and silver that brought out his eyes nicely. It clung to his body showing off his tone form without revealing any unnecessary skin, though he had added his personally designed runes on the inside so that grace could still coil around his body without restriction (with the added bonus of not showing any tell-tale bumps on the outside).
Tink was still in his core so he didn't have to worry about her messing up his hair, not that he needed help in that department it was as unruly as ever. He had managed to tame it somewhat letting it fall half down half up and letting his bangs frame his face nicely without covering his ears. The half that was up was knotted in the back with a beautiful white gold clasp that was shaped like a snake coiling around his hair (magical of course as it sometimes moved). He had three plain white gold hoops in his right ear and another three in his left with the one Suzie gave him in too (he hadn't taken it off as promised).
His shoes were a polished dragon hide that was both for durability and style one never knew what could happen so it was best to be prepared for anything. Harry had various knives hidden under his clothes along with quite a few of his more questionable potions for that some reason, no sense going in blind. In all he looked gorgeous in his dress robe and was sure to draw more then a few heads, no mind that he hadn't even turned fourteen yet he was still breathtaking. His eyes were really what would draw most to him though as they had an older, unfathomable look about them like they held the entire world in them.
Harry had managed to get Madeline in a beautiful gown for the evening it was a dark sapphire color and had a dipping back that stopped tastefully on her lower back. It had straps instead of sleeves with a high neckline that allowed her to wear a pair of stylish black gloves that covered her mark nicely.
The dress stopped just above her ankles to expose her black stilettos; for jewelry she had a black chocker with a pair of nice ebony studs. Her outfit was simple but it showed off her ample curves elegantly without being trashy. Her hair was out of its traditional ponytail and allowed to flow around her in nice waves with a few clippies of crystal roses to finish off the look. They made a very attractive pair and would floor some people when they presented themselves.
Finally Harry decided they were ready and a very relieved Madeline followed him out the door as he practically glided to the apporation point. They had decided to go that way as the floo or a portkey would just mess up their hard earned appearance at the moment. Harry was mildly impressed when they made it to the Idlewild Manor but none of it showed on his perpetually serene face. Madeline slipped her arm in his when they made it to the doors as they waited for the doorman to announce them; no nervous touched their face as the servant called out "A Mistress Madeline Winter and Master Tristen Winter".
--x--
Voldemort had only been there for about twenty minutes and already he was very ready to go back into seclusion, socializing was just plain dull during these events. He idly wonder where his soon to be Potions Master was, the boy hadn't yet shown up and he was beginning to wonder if he was coming at all. He imagined he would appear somewhat similar to Severus, shallow skin, greasy hair and yellowed fingertips stained from various potions. It should be easy enough to blind him with his face; ugly people were always attracted to their betters after all they liked to gaze at them.
He had recruited enough in his younger years to know how to use his looks to enchant people to following him it was ridiculously easy. He smirked and played his part in the political dance using his power and charisma to draw more people to him that in turn drew them to his cause. When he spoke it was with carefully weighed words designed to gain their sympathy and force them to react.
The Light made his job absurdly easy with their prejudiced ways and blind following like the sheep they were, all he had to do was draw from that. The Dark Families were predators by nature, Wolves or in his case snakes; they were cunning sly and respected power not kindness. To be weak in their eyes is to sign your death certificate and the Light were weak with their pathetic posturing. They threatened the Wizarding World's very way of life with their Muggle loving beliefs, magic was stagnant and dying out because of them!
The threat of Mudbloods couldn't be more real then at this moment, it was only a matter of time before their filthy muggle relatives let something slip and then they were all doomed. They would be hunted down like dogs, burned at the stake or shot down they would be killed. The Wizarding World needed to strike now while the element of surprise was still theirs while they don't know what hit them. These beliefs and many more are what swayed so many to his cause last time, and it worked again 'cause the light had done nothing to fix that threat.
The Ministry was just digging themselves in deeper with all the new restrictions on Magical Dark creatures that had been passed in his absence. They were predators, as he had said, and they could only stand their cages for so long until they decide to kill the keepers. Just when he thought the monotony of the Ball would surely bore him to death the Doorman announced the one boy everyone was very curious to meet.
Whatever Voldemort had been expecting it was not what walked through those doors, he sucked in a quiet hissed breath, the boy was absolute perfection. Without even realizing it he slowly made his way toward him as the boy made his way to the youngest hostess that seemed all to eager to greet him. As he drew nearer Voldemort felt the boy's radiant power, it was as alluring as the strongest Siren's song and it blanketed the very air around him. Not many had the presence this slip of a boy had and he could see from the look on certain people's faces that he wasn't the only one who felt it.
The youngest Idlewild, Cleo he believed, was smiling so widely some feared her face may just split open and she was gushing over the newest arrival like a devote follower (oh, how close he was). When he was within a few feet of them he could pick up just a few words from their conversation, "My Prince!" Voldemort raised an eyebrow curious, he didn't know the boy had a title but then again he knew very little of him.
"I'm so glad you could make it! I've been working myself into knots making sure everything was prefect for you, I know how you dislike coming to these things over the summer months!" Her face was aglow with adoration as she looked at the boy's face, his beautiful prefect face. Voldemort tensed ever so slightly when he saw him begin to speak, "You shouldn't worry Cleo, I have faith in you." His voice was utterly prefect, so soft and smooth like silk running over bare skin…how absolutely prefect a voice for such a prefect face.
Voldemort had to meet this boy, not only for a much needed Potions master but also because he was just to tempting a specimen to pass up. There was also something else, a feeling of knowing him, and an irresistible draw like a moth to a flame there was something about this boy that drew him. Now he just needed an excuse to meet him and he'd work his charms over him like he had so many others.
However, when Voldemort saw the ease in which the boy talked saw how gracefully he moved and how he drew everyone toward him he thought that this boy might be a difficult one to conquer. He stepped back to just watch him for now moving about the room circling him, keeping conversations but not truly playing an attention as he was solely focused on the boy, this Tristen. As he watched he began to notice things, things that just stroked his curiosity more like how Tristen moved so that no one touched him fully.
Or how he drew others to talk to him but never really said a word about himself. It was like watching a younger version of him run around; Voldemort saw the signs of calculated movements and words. He saw the faked emotions in the boy's eyes and the easy way Tristen used his astounding power to bring out a certain hero worship in the younger people. Voldemort saw a lot in the short hour he spent observing this Tristen from a far and the more he looked the more he knew that this boy trusted no one that he did not fall for pretty looks and words.
This boy had a weariness about him that made Voldemort believe more with each passing second that making a follower of him would not be an easy job. It was simple really, a leader does not follow others without some fight and this Tristen was definitely a leader from the way he commanded the crowd, especially that Cleo girl. Voldemort finally got the chance he was searching for to meet this boy through the Idlewild Host by asking about his youngest daughter. The practiced words fell from his mouth without much prompting on his part, 'how is your youngest…', 'no I don't believe I have meet her…', 'well if you insist….'
Simple to manipulate the fool into guiding him to meet his youngest daughter, who hadn't left Tristen's side this entire time and if Voldemort was to meet one…well you get the idea. So not two minutes later Voldemort was staring into the most gorgeous pair of emerald eyes he had ever had the pleasure of seeing. The portly man was introducing him to the Girl and Tristen though Voldemort didn't care very much. He did care when the boy made to speak to him for the very first time, and he was awash with anticipation when he saw those plump lips move.