Disclaimer I do not own Harry Potter and everything recognisable belongs to J K Rowling.

Jooy's Request - Harry and Rodolphus

Miz636's Request - Harry gets his first weapon that's not his wand and learns to use it

Dedicated to Jooy and Miz636. Enjoy!

The Boy That Played With Blades

There was something about presenting a child with a gift that both surprised and bewildered Lord Voldemort. As a child, Voldemort had never received a present. The orphanage that he spent his first eleven years in didn't coddle the children with such luxuries. Even Christmas came and went without a single wrapped up parcel in sight. So it was a subject completely foreign to him, but at Lucius and Bella's behest, Voldemort decided to gift Harry with his very first present.

Voldemort studied his young protégée for a silent moment. At barely eight years of age, Harry had already mastered most spells taught in the first two years of Hogwarts. His aptitude for Potions was remarkable, as was his retention for charmwork. And that was partly why Voldemort wanted to give Harry this present. Not to reward Harry, no, not at all. Voldemort had drilled the message into Harry day in and day out – that learning magic was a wizard's right, not anything to be commended. No, the gift was a new challenge. Another thing Harry would have to work at, practise until he perfected it.

Harry was watching him too, his eyes narrowed with curiosity, head tilted just a fraction to his left. The question was almost on his lips, Voldemort could see it, especially when Harry's bright green eyes kept darting to the large square case lying on the table between them. At last, Voldemort decided to stop playing and give it to Harry.

"Go on," he gestured to the case. "It's yours."

Harry drew himself to the edge of his seat, eyes on the dark mahogany case. "What is it?" he asked.

Voldemort frowned and tutted. "Such a stupid question, Harry," he reproached. "If I was going to tell you what it was, I would have already."

Harry took the scolding like he always did, with quiet dignity. He ran his hand over the wooden surface, seemingly trying to guess what could be inside.

"Why are you giving me it?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

It occurred to Lord Voldemort then, that just like him, Harry had never received a gift before either.

"Because Harry," he leaned closer, "I thought it was time you got something to play with."

Harry's eyes widened. Voldemort didn't have to encourage him again, Harry was already clicking the gold locks and pushing the lid up. The sight took Harry's breath away. For a moment, he did nothing but stare at the shiny silver blades that sat proudly in the casing. Harry reached out, touching the cool metal of one. He looked back up at Voldemort.

"I thought it was time you practised your aim," Voldemort said in explanation, settling back in his seat. "And what's better than throwing knives?"

Harry grinned. "They're brilliant, father," he said. "Thank you."

Voldemort waved a hand in dismissal. "They were Bella's idea. In fact, she practically begged me to get you these."

"Really?" Harry asked. "Why?"

"My guess," Voldemort smirked, "is so her husband can have the honour of teaching you."

xxx

"First thing is first," Rodolphus said, conjuring the last of the floating targets. "One major rule. One you can never forget when handling sharp objects."

Harry nodded, standing feet apart, back straight, looking determined if a little apprehensive.

"What?" he asked.

"When you're holding a blade, never under any circumstance...scratch your eyes." He hooked a finger and gestured to his eye, pulling a face. "No one likes gouged out eyes."

Harry's shoulders dropped and he glowered at Rodolphus. "Shut up," he snapped. "You're not funny."

"I'm hilarious," Rodolphus argued.

"Do you actually know how to use blades?" Harry asked. "'Cause we've been here almost half an hour, and you've not shown me one thing."

"I've handled blades all my life," Rodolphus said. "My father showed me how to hunt using only daggers."

"Good for you," Harry glowered. "But I'm not going hunting. What can you show me?"

Rodolphus chuckled. "Relax Harry, you're too worked up." He walked over and placed both hands on the eight year old's shoulders. "This is supposed to be fun."

Harry shoved his hands away. "It might be, if you actually teach me something."

Rodolphus held up both hands in mock surrender and took a step back. "Whatever you command, Prince."

"Stop calling me that!" Harry bit out. "It's getting annoying."

"It's cute," Bella called from behind them. "Besides, the title suits you. You are our Dark Prince."

Harry turned to frown at her. "Please! Lucius said it once, just to annoy me."

Bella laughed. "True, but I think, for once, he hit the mark with that title."

Harry turned back. "Go away!" he bit out.

"Ooh, look at that." Bella smirked, sharing a glance with her husband. "Our Prince giving out orders."

"Unless you're offering to be an annoying target, leave," Harry said, one of the knives gripped tight in his hand.

"I like it," Bella circled him before kneeling before him, so she was looking up into his face. "But I think it'll take a few more years before you gather the nerve to strike live targets."

Bella stood up, turning to look at Rodolphus, so she didn't see the change in Harry's expression. She didn't see the flicker of revulsion pass Harry's eyes or the sickened look engulf his features before Harry hid it behind his scowl. Bella didn't see any of it but Rodolphus did. Bella shared another glance with her husband, beaming with pride that he had secured an esteemed position as one to teach the Dark Prince.

"Have fun," she uttered softly.

Rodolphus nodded at her but waited until she had left before turning to look at Harry. He knelt before him, much like his wife had and held onto Harry's arm.

"Hey," he called. "You can't think of it like that."

"Like what?" Harry asked and Rodolphus could hear the slight tremor in his voice. "Everything you are learning, you're learning to protect yourself and your father. You can't allow yourself to think past that. It doesn't matter if its your wand or a blade that you hold," he met Harry's gaze and smiled, "you do what you have to, what is needed, to protect those you care about."

Harry relaxed, he even offered Rodolphus a small smile before nodding.

Rodolphus reached up and ruffled Harry's hair before standing.

"Now, if his highness is done pouting, can we get back to the lesson?"

Harry snapped his head up to look at him, green eyes narrowed.

"Shut up!" he barked. "Just show me how to throw the knives."

Rodolphus laughed. "There's the confident Prince I know, giving out orders."

Harry scowled in return and lifted his blade, ready to throw it. Rodolphus turned and threw out his hand. A blade Harry didn't even know was there, spun out of his hand and hit the centre of the floating target.

"Whoa!" Harry breathed, his eyes wide and filled with awe. He looked up at Rodolphus with a new sense of respect. "You are good with blades."

Rodolphus smiled. "And soon, you will be too."