Chapter 10: It takes a Snake
Silence stretched through the house, her clutches wrapped around the walls forcing it into a deep slumber. As the mansion slept, and the house elves waited for their master's return Harry looked absently out the window. Not even the crackle of the hearth could be heard, Summer was nearing and the weather was nice, the only hearths lit were in Lord Malfoy's study and the foyer as transport. Draco had long since gone to his room to rest, he was exhausted and Narcissa was still out. Not even Nangini was out, making the house seem eerie and cold for the first time. He looked at the walls, and shivered the house seemed to be getting colder. Even the portrait frames were vacant.
Harry felt his hair stand on end as he drew a deep breath, the house was practically suffocating. As far as he knew they didn't have ghosts, but he had never asked Draco if Phantoms lived within the walls. On a number of occasions Severus had told Harry of those which inhabited Hogwarts. While, those ghosts seemed friendly – other than Peeves- he had a feeling that the few trapped within these walls were slightly more viscous. Alert green eyes looked around the dimly lit room, the sun was setting and Tom wasn't back. He heard a loud groan from a distant floor board and jumped to attention.
The young wizard's feet hit the floor with a thud as he looked around the room frantically, it was far darker than it should be, "Who's there?" he called, his voice wavered more than he had hoped it would. He squinted as he attempted to discerned shapes in the uncharacteristically dark room. "Show yourself!" he commanded, his voice a little stronger than before.
"Harry, it's just me," said Draco as he walked in, his hands were up. He was still dressed in the same outfit from earlier. Harry relaxed a little as Draco joined him, it was soothing to have a Malfoy in the room, he wasn't sure why but he honestly felt safer with them around. "Today was fun huh?" asked Draco with a grin. Harry bobbed his head, of course he had fun he got to go out and enjoy both Wizarding London and Muggle London, something he had never done before. "Tom's car was awesome," gushed Harry, making Draco chuckle. He loved how fast it moved through the streets.
The blonde shivered and wrapped his arms around himself, "Why's it so cold in here?" he inquired a she looked over at the hearth, which wasn't lit. He looked out the window and asked, "Darkness? It shouldn't be twilight for a few hours, we didn't even see the sunset." Harry felt something churn his stomach, something wasn't right.
The air was icy cold and he could see his breath before him, Draco's was visible too, the vapor shone as steam in the air. Instinctively Harry wrapped his arms around himself; he hadn't felt this cold since that winter when they had rescued him. Draco looked nervous and stiff suddenly, it was as though he felt it as well. Harry backed away from the door only to feel his fingers brush against something ice cold. He turned with a start and stared at the windows, ice was beginning to cover them, spreading slowly form the corners and up the panes. Small fingers slowly reached out and touched the glass, he felt his finger pads stick to it slightly. "Ice?" he questioned. He looked out the window, his eyes squinting as he did so, his breath was fogging up the glass making it even harder to see through the thick layer of ice forming on the windows. Draco slowly pulled back and looked terrified as the ice threatened to overtake the window and spread down the windowsill.
He slowly edged closer and closer to the window, something floated past the panes, it was just on the other side. "GET AWAY FROM THE WINDOW!" screamed a voice. Harry turned his attention to see a wizard with chocolate brown hair and bright blue eyes, they were wide with terror, "NOW!" screamed the wizard. Harry jumped away from the window as though it burned him. He noticed the man had a snake around his neck and was holding his wand. Harry dashed across the room, Draco following closely behind him, only to hear the glass from the window explode, the shards flew through the air the sound was chilling and Harry heard the portrait shout, "RUN!"
Without question the young wizards took off down the now dark halls, he was stumbling as he did so, he still wasn't accustomed to the layout of the massive mansion. Draco attempted to drag Harry through them only to stumble even worse as the blonde bumped into things as well. Harry was about to run into a wall when he noticed a flicker of light, "This way," commanded the portrait from before, the man was now carrying a wand, he glided from frame to frame with Harry hot on his heels with Draco not far behind.
The air got colder and he heard something floating through the hallways behind him, it sounded as though he were panting. "Keep up," snapped the portrait as he made a sharp right, Harry had no idea where he was going, his heart was pounding as his feet hit the floor, he just wanted to keep up with the mysterious portrait, praying he would find a way out. "Wait. Where are the elves?" he stammered.
Brilliant blue eyes looked at the boy and he turned to the snake before saying, "They can't reach you, they are being blocked." Harry felt his stomach drop and Draco stared in terror at the portrait before nodded before sprinting once again, he felt the air grow colder and had a feeling it was just a few feet behind him. Draco was by his side, his blonde hair was tussled and his face pale with fear. Instinctively Harry slowed down and slipped behind Draco, "Keep going I'll follow," he shouted, "I don't know the house well enough." It was the truth he had been in a part of the house he didn't spend much time in. Draco nodded and continued running.
His head was spinning and suddenly he heard it, a scream. It was high-pitched and sounded like a woman's, her voice was familiar, it was dream like. His ears rang as he listened to her, the founder shouted, "Hadrian!" his voice was commanding as Harry fell to the floor, he felt as though something icy cold had reached into his soul and began tearing it apart.
All the warmth that he had known was gone, as images of the Dursleys hurting him assaulted his mind, each scrap of happiness was being sucked out of him, it was agony. Darkness enveloped him as Harry collapsed to the floor, the screaming rang in his ears. His eyes were locked upward at the black cloaked figure with a massive mouth, which was the only feature the thing processed. A chill settled in his veins as he felt the world spin. His head hit the floor harshly as long skeletal fingers reached down at him.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" hollered a voice; it rang through the hallway as clear as a bell.
A massive serpent erupted out of the tip of a white wand chasing the darkness from view. Warmth followed in the serpent's wake as its master stood between the boys and the monster. Harry felt the light caress his skin, the warmth wrapped around his sense as the Serpent shot light through the house, its warmth touched every nook and corner in the house, forcing the arctic chill out. The young wizard's eyes were locked on the figure which had stepped in-between himself and the creature. His mind was fogged as he attempted to discern just who had stepped between them.
It was soothing to hear his voice, somehow hearing that voice meant safety even if for a moment he couldn't fathom why. Harry opened his eyes to see a wizard standing before him, he was wearing a pair of jeans with a dress shirt, the tails of it were hanging out, and the back was wrinkled. The heels of his black oxfords peeked out of the bottom of his jeans, they were pristinely polished. The man before him was tall, and lean but powerful in the shoulder, he had short brown hair.
The young wizard's head was pounding, his body was in pure agony, and he felt drained. He blinked slowly, and attempted to get off the floor, only his limbs wouldn't obey his commands. Panic swallowed Harry as he tried over and over to get his limbs to do as he asked. "Harry?" asked a concerned voice, "Draco?" a pair of gentle and rather cool hands lifted him off the floor. He looked up to see a pair of red eyes staring back at him, with the same chocolate brown hair as the man from the portrait. "Tom?" he asked curiously, suddenly there were even more similarities between them, even their regal features were nearly the same, in fact if Harry didn't know better he would say they were related.
Tom smiled, but it never reached his eyes, Harry could see the fear in them. The elder wizard's hands trembled as he lifted his hand and ran his fingers through Harry's hair in an attempt to soothe him. Only Harry thought Tom was more soothed by it than he was. "Thank god," he breathed before crushing Harry to his chest. Soon after Harry found Draco being pulled into Tom's arms as well. The blonde scion was trembling and looked as though he were going to pass out. "Sev! Luce! I have them!" shouted Tom, his lush velvet voice carried a hint of relief in it.
There was a thunder of foot steps as the two wizards dashed through the house. Seconds later Harry noticed a pair of spidery white hands covered in potion's stains lifting his chin, "Look at me," commanded the voice softly, his tone was far gentler than the portrait had been. Harry did so and noticed black eyes evaluating him, to Severus' left Lucius was kneeling his blonde hair which was usually swept away from his face was a mess and his blue eyes were filled with panic, this was the first time Harry had seen the man look so disheveled and frantic.
"They need chocolate," the potion's master determined before calling for his elf. Only the elf never arrived, "Sage?" he called again and looked around the hallway. Severus stared at the emptiness of the hall and Lucius shouted, "Dobby!" Neither elf appeared, even after being called several more times. Harry noticed a look shared between Lucius, Severus and Tom. "They are being blocked," Tom said slowly, he sounded more shocked than upset. Lucius looked at the mansion and pulled out his wand, he attempted several incarnations only for him to drop his wand arm, "No, someone has locked them out, how?" he stammered, "It's impossible."
Tom gently carded his fingers through Harry's hair, "Sev, we need to head to Riddle Manor, if they know where this house is, they know where all the Malfoy's are," the wizard said quickly. The dour potion's master nodded in agreement, "It's the only safe place," stated Severus as he looked at Harry and Draco. The young blonde had finally stopped shaking, "Harry? Why are you crying?" asked Tom gently as he stroked the young wizard's arm.
It was only then Harry realized his eyes burned and his cheeks were hot, something wet slid down his face and neck. Harry dumbly swept the incriminating droplets away and whispered, "I don't know, I thought I heard a woman screaming." Harry rubbed his temples only to look up at Lucius and asked quickly, "Is Narcissa okay?" The Malfoy lord looked even more panicked and was about to make a dash toward the floo when the familiar voice of Narcissa Malfoy swept through the house. "Draco? Harry? Lucius? Tom? Severus?" he called. Lucius turned his head and shouted, "Up here!" Typically he would send an elf, but he would have to settle for shouting through the house instead.
Harry swore he could hear her heels clicking and the rustle of robes as she dashed up the stairs, it was unusual to see a Malfoy run but Harry seemed to be rather good at it now, or at least he thought he was. She was kneeling beside her husband moments later, her hair thrown in a messy bun. Her silver eyes were locked on the boys, "Draco?" she asked softly as she touched her son's cheek. Harry watched as Draco launched himself into her arms and sobbed. "What happened?" she whispered as she ran a hand down Draco's back.
"Dementors," replied Tom, the single word made the adults stiffen. A bar of chocolate finally appeared in Severus' hand. Harry watched with intrigue as the man banished the wrapper, levitated the bar and snapped it in thirds. Harry was confused for a moment as Severus handed them portions of the bar. "Chocolate helps with Dementor attacks," explained the Potion's Master. Harry accepted the dark sweet and watched as Severus held a portion out to Tom. "Sev," growled Tom, he sounded more exhausted now than before.
Severus didn't waver, his gaze on the mans' face and Harry looked up, only now did he realize how pale and tired Tom looked. "It took too long for you to cast your patronus, you're drained," he reasoned as he jabbed the chocolate at Tom. The crimson eyed wizard accepted the piece and took a bite. Harry noticed a small smile curl the corner's of the man's lips as he did so. Despite Tom's protests he seemed to appreciate Severus' concern. Harry looked over at Draco who was nibbling on the chocolate he had been given. Yet this didn't release even an ounce of tension, it was as though they were all waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Lucius wrapped an arm around Narcissa who looked as shaken as Draco had, "Tom, your home, it will alert others to your existence," Lucius pointed out. Harry didn't know why but the mysterious crimson eyed wizard treasured his secrecy above all else. Harry felt Tom's chest rumble as the wizard who was still holding him hummed, his arms never released him and he could feel a strong hand on his shoulder, he lifted his gaze from the chocolate in his palm to Severus. "Actually we could," said Severus thought fully, all eyes in the room turned to the Potion's Professor who was now looking thoughtfully at Tom.
Narcissa glared at Severus in confusion as Lucius stared at the man as though he had lost it. "He's still the Dark Lord, or did you forget that?" sneered Lucius. Harry was slightly shocked by the Malfoy patriarch's tone, he didn't sneer frequently, unless he was in public or extremely irritated. "No, but he doesn't look like the Dark Lord," Severus commented as he pointed at Tom, "He looks like a respectable business man, a handsome, debonair upper class, wizard. Not Dark Lord."
There was silence in the room, Severus began smirking as he looked at Lucius, "How many seats does his family still have?" asked the professor curiously. "7 in Wizengamot, but there hasn't been anyone to claim them," replied the solicitor simply, obviously this was always up for debate in the Ministry, "Many tried liquidating the acct but since the house is governed by magic and the spell knows the last scion is alive it won't allow us to remove the seats," Lucius said as he shrugged a little.
"We were going to wait," stated Tom darkly, his red eyes narrowed and Severus shook his head. "We have to create a person, you can't just show up and ask for an interview, so we will use this time to create Marvolo Thomas Gaunt-Riddle, the scion of the Riddle House," he stated. Lucius' jaw popped open as he stared at Tom, who was simply smiling, Harry felt very confused as he listened to the adults but had a feeling this was rather comical, since the name Severus said was a rearrangement of Tom's full name.
Narcissa shook her head and held her hand up to stop him, "Wait, you can't just re-launch him into society, no one knows who he is!" she stated loudly as she gestured to Tom with an open palm. Severus smiled and crossed his arms, "We can, he can simply say he's a cousin of Tom Gaunt-Riddle, the family went in hiding during Voldemort's Raids, so they wouldn't have to choose a side. The only person who knows the Dark Lord is Tom, other than us, is Dumbledore," he explained smugly.
Harry looked at the group and said slowly, "That could work, but wouldn't he need money?" All four adults looked at the young wizard knowingly, they were smiling and Tom chuckled. "What?" he asked as he felt Draco's eyes on him. "Harry, Tom is very rich, he's actually wealthier than we are," Draco stated bluntly causing Harry to whip his head up and look at a now smirking Dark Lord. "He lives here because his house is too closely watched, but if he claims right as the last Riddle he will be able to take the house, the vaults, investments, positions, titles, and assets his families processed, since he's from two lines of magic," explained Lucius.
The chocolate haired wizard was now reveling in the fact Harry had no idea he was being held by an extremely wealthy wizard, he had seen the Malfoy's funds in action but the notion of someone having more money than them made his head hurt more than it already did thanks to the Dementor. He felt his senses come back and asked, "What was that thing by the way, a Dementor?" he asked. Tom ran his fingers through Harry's hair and replied, "A Dementor is a creature of the dark, and they guard the prison of Azkaban. They are known for their rather charming trait of sucking the light and love out of a soul, leaving nothing but pain," there were hints of sarcasm in his voice as he spoke making Harry smile a little. Even when speaking of a monster which could attack and result in death he was sarcastic.
"For people like us," Severus gestured to himself, Tom and Harry, "They are particularly nasty because we don't have many happy memories," he explained. Severus slipped his wand out of his holster and looked at Harry before saying, "There is a charm we learn, it's called a patronus, it protects a wizard. It's made of pure light and love, only this one is so aggressive that it chases dementors away rather than allowing them to feed on it in corporeal form," he said as he mumbled the familiar words, expecto patronum. An elegant silver doe appeared before Harry, she bowed her head and waiter for the young wizard to touch her. Her large eyes were locked on the boys.
Narcissa nodded and continued, "Not all of us can produce a corporal one so we settle for shields which are equally useful, the dementors end up feeding off of the shield and not us." Harry looked at the group, clearly this wasn't the first time they had run into something like a Dementor and he was a little too scared to ask. He looked up at a pair of amused red eyes looking back at him. "Now we have to start Tom's coming out, but how?" asked Narcissa as she changed topics to something a little more pressing.
Severus was quiet and lost in thought, Harry could tell the man was very attentive but far more comfortable with his potions than he was with planning things of this nature. "We could throw a party, but first Tom has to go to Gringotts to collect his ring," said Draco, "The only thing is who do we get to see him first? It has to be someone who tends to gossip."
Severus, Lucius and Tom looked at one another before saying in unison, "Rita Skeeter." The name rang a few bells with Harry, thanks to Lucius constant complaints about what the paper was printing and just what she was writing. "Who's Mrs. Skeeter?" asked Harry curiously. Tom chuckled as Lucius turned a vivid shade of red and was about to launch one of his rather long rants when Narcissa placed a hand on his shoulder stopping him. "Skeeter is the name of a rather famous reporter and gossip hound, all Tom has to do is bump into her and flaunt the Gaunt ring and he's off to the races. She'll be all over him in no time flat, the woman is tactless," she stated with a hint of venom.
"Basically she will print the news faster than you can say Late Edition," Severus clarified. Harry nodded and looked up at Tom who looked more like a muggle at the moment than most of the wizard population. He knew Tom was far older than he looked, but couldn't help but wonder just how crazy women would go seeing him. There was denying the fact that the elder wizard was attractive, and Tom quite frankly knew he was. "There is still the issue of Harry," said Lucius thoughtfully. Severus looked at the boy in question and swept some of his hair from his face, his eyes were sharp as though he were attempting to decide something.
Lucius tilted his head to the side thoughtfully as Narcissa loosened her grip on a now relaxed Draco. "I've got an idea!" chirped the young scion, "Just glamour him to look like Tom's nephew." Harry and Tom looked at Draco curiously, "That way you can protect him and with the Gaunt name he is then related to the Blacks and Malfoys so it's not strange to see him with us, we just have to make sure it sticks after Gringotts, since it would be strange for you to go without him," the platinum blonde scion explained even further.
There was silence in the room as the four adults exchanged looks, "Guys?" asked Harry curiously, a smile swept across Severus' lips as Lucius got off the floor and dusted himself off. "Harry would you like to be a member of my family?" asked Tom curiously. Harry felt a wave of shock run through him as looked up at Tom. He could see affection in his crimson eyes, something akin to what a parent had for their child, it made his heart lighter, he would have a family. "Yes," he replied happily.
The Malfoy patriarch hummed as he dusted his robes off and fixed his hair, "Well then, that's settles, I must be off to draft the paperwork, and contact Abraxas, we will need him to do this," he explained, "I also need to see what my father knows about tearing down wards," he tacked on at the end. Narcissa was next to rise, gently pulling Draco up with her, "Tom, I will look up the charm but in the mean time, may I have access to your home?" she asked. Tom waved his hand and smiled warmly, "Of course, my home is yours to remodel, who better than one of the best in the industry?" he asked.
Harry watched her eyes light up as she swept the black streak of her hair behind her ear. Draco looked at his mother, silently pleading to go with her. "Yes Draco go with her, I have a feeling it's a two person job," said Tom causing the young Malfoy to shout with joy and follow his mother.
Harry watched the three Malfoy's go, leaving himself, Tom and Severus on the floor. "Harry, I want to check your head since you hit it pretty hard, why don't you come with Tom and I to the lab?" he asked softly as he gently lifted his hand from Harry's shoulder. The young wizard nodded, he expected to get off Tom's lap only to find himself being shifted in the Wizard's arms and lifted. "Just relax, I know you're tired," whispered Tom before he pressed a kiss to the boy's head as Harry's arms slipped around his neck.
Severus smiled as Tom carried Harry down the hallway, trailing closely behind beaming with delight the entire time.
~~WL~~
Diagon Alley was bustling with witches and Wizards it was a weekend and everyone was attempting to get their errands done. The sound of chatter filled the air, the scent of sweets, potion's ingredients, and pages of parchment swept through the alley. No one noticed a handsome young wizard dressed in a black suit, tailored to perfection, with a mint green dress shirt, silver and green ascot, tightly fitted black vest, and brown leather belt with matching brown oxfords. His red eyes glistened in the light of the alley as he stepped into it. A beautiful black velvet cloak was wrapped around his person with an emerald green liner, it was draped from one shoulder loosely, a silver chain and cameos were tacked on either side. He slipped his hand into his pocket as the wind ruffled his chocolate brown hair and looked over his shoulder.
A young boy with rather unruly brown hair appeared behind him with glistening emerald green eyes, he was dressed in a dark royal blue suit with a crisp pale blue shirt, brown belt and brown oxfords. Unlike the first, this young wizard was far younger and didn't wear a tie, his collar was open and he had a pair of aviators on. Without hesitation the pair stepped away from the shop and began walking toward the goblin run bank, Gringotts. It wasn't until he was in the street a number of women turned their attention to the wizard, his lips curled as he continued walking down the street. There was a whisper as he walked, his chin parallel to the earth and he moved like a jaguar, calm, cool and collected, yet read to strike.
"Hadrian, remind me to pick up that package from Madame Malkin's," the elder of the pair stated a she looked to the side. Harry nodded and grinned, he could feel all their eyes on him and it was a strange feeling to be the center of attention, not that he minded it. Oddly, when walking beside Tom he felt powerful, as though he were on the top of the world. He had seen the Dark Lord in suites before, but this one was lethal and he knew it, Severus looked as though he were going to attack Tom.
"Of course, Uncle Marvolo," he replied with a smile. It had been strange to call Tom, Marvolo at first, however after a while it came like second nature. Tom nodded as he walked briskly up the steps of the bank. Harry stared at the doors and paused, he still remembered the conversation in the lab.
"If the bank is enchanted to remove glamorous and such, wouldn't the one we put on me wear off?" Harry asked curiously as he looked at Tom who was leaning against the counter across from him. Severus had placed him on top of one and was currently checking for a concussion. "Yes, but if I adopt you through the bank and claim you as my heir the Goblins will agree to my terms and allow the glamour to be reapplied after visiting the vault before going out," he explained.
Severus' experienced fingers swept over Harry's skull gently as he continued looking for a bump. Harry hissed as the man's fingers swept over the knot and the Potion's master pursed his lips. "I'll get you a pain relief potion and a little ice for your head," he stated as he dropped his hands and turned to his many cabinets. "It should work, the plan, we just have to make sure a certain meddling coot is preoccupied," Tom stated. Severus smiled deviously and looked at Tom, he was clearly up to something. He unstoppered the bottle of pain reliever and held it out to Harry, his dark eyes were sparkling with mischief. "I've got that covered, with the assistance of a very bored pair of gingers," stated Severus happily.
Harry lifted the bottle to his lips and as he feared the rather vile liquid stung his tongue. It tasted like sour milk and gym socks. Severus glared at the young wizard, daring him silently to spit it out. Harry swallowed diligently for fear that the Potion's Master would make him boil leaches, again. Severus looked satisfied and held his hand out for the glass bottle.
"You didn't," Tom breathed, his eyes were wide with shock and he looked as though he were both proud and terrified at the same time. "Gingers?" asked Harry slowly, his eyes fluttered between the pair as Severus nodded. "The only Weasley Twins, I instructed the Slytherins to provoke them, so I expect quite the reply from the Gryffindors. Nothing short of extravagant to be frank," he stated as though it were simple fact. Tom was grinning and suddenly his slouched posture straightened he looked very amused by this idea. "Severus, just how far will these pranksters go?" he asked.
The Head of Slytherin shrugged before looking clueless and replying, "All the way, just short of the castle falling to rubble." Tom looked at the man before him, and Harry could tell he was radiating appreciation and pride that the Potion's Master embraced his usual ways. "You have to show me the prank when they're done, I've heard they are quite something," he commented, "In fact, I would love to play with them some time."
Severus was often seething about the pair of gingers, and from what he heard they were skilled. He looked at Tom and had a feeling that if the man leaning on the counter played a game with the twins it would be an interesting one.
"Hadrian?" asked Tom curiously snapping the boy out of his memory. "Yes?" replied Harry as he looked at the pristinely dressed Dark Lord. Tom flashed a smile as he continued up the stairs and opened the doors, "Let's go, we have a lot to do," he stated. The bank was enormous inside and the pair were quick to walk up to the Goblin at the end of the room. The Book Keeper looked up and asked, "How may I help you?" his voice was harsh on the ears and it sounded more like a growl than speech. Tom smiled as he held up a beautiful black key, it was covered in vines and had a serpent wrapped around it.
The Goblin before them stared at the key and then to Tom, "Welcome back Lords Gaunt and Potter," he greeted as his eyes shifted to Harry. The young wizard stared in shock at the Goblin, already they were in trouble.