A/N: Welcome back everyone. Thank you to every one who has reviewed of late. I hope thing chapter continues to deliever. I also hope that the name change hasn't confused anyone. The old one was/is the working title, and I wasn't totally copmfortable with it. Thanks go to 'Pround Mudblood' for coming up with it.

Harry blinked the last vestiges of sleep from his eyes, sitting up from the futon sofa-bed. He had to admit, although it creaked a bit when he first laid on it, it was extremely comfortable. Certainly much more comfortable than his bunk at Hogwarts. Placing his glasses back on, he glanced towards the window to see sunlight just starting to stream through... making a nice halo around a sleeping Snowy Owl.

"Hedwig?" He breathed quietly. Two brilliant golden eyes snapped open and Hedwig clacked her beak in answer.

Smiling, he stood and walked over to the perch Hermione had placed in the room, likely after first year, to give her some attention. Hedwig warbled as he stroked her head before lifting a leg. Harry gently slid the letter off her leg, recognising the writing on the outside as Neville's. For a boy who was rather clumsy a few years ago, he did have neat writing.

Hearing movement from the other bedrooms, Harry gave Hedwig another stroke. "You take a break girl."

Hedwig shuffled before settling down once more, her eyes drifting closed.

Throwing on one of his new t-shirts and tracksuit trousers, he stepped out of the room just as Emma emerged herself.

"Morning Harry."

"Morning Mrs Granger."

She looked at him fondly. "Harry... It's Emma. Especially since you and Hermione are now together."

Harry flushed. "Sorry Mrs Gra... I mean, Emma."

She chuckled before following him down the stairs to the kitchen. With practiced routine she had the coffee going and bread in the toaster. Harry found himself reaching for the fridge to start cooking, but stilled before stepping back, shaking his head. When he saw Emma looking at him strangely, he shrugged.

"Sorry, habit."

Her expression softened, Emma took a seat on one of the stools by the kitchen table. At a gesture, Harry did the same. She looked at him for a long moment, long enough to start him shifting uncomfortably, before she spoke.

"Harry... Hermione told me, after a little persuasion, what you said about your... relatives."

Harry stilled, before shrugging. "I guessed you would learn of it sooner or later." He said softly.

"Hermione didn't want to say." Emma told him, and smiled when he was visibly reassured by her words. "But it is something I need to know."

"Why?"

Emma smiled at him, though her smile was tinged with sadness. "Harry, I only know a little about your home life, the few bits I've managed to tease out of Hermione and what I've seen since you got here. But I know enough to know roughly what it was like." She looked at him frankly, at which Harry bowed his head.

"I know enough to realise that you were mistreated, at the least. Only you can tell me just how badly. But Harry..." She reached out and lifted his chin so she could look him in the eyes. Those emerald eyes that looked so lost and vulnerable at that moment. "...Think on this: From the little I know, I can tell you, with absolute certainty, that what they did was criminal. If it came to light, they would be punished, Harshly." Gently laying a hand on his shoulder, she smiled softly at him.

"You don't have to tell me now, later, tomorrow, this year or ever if you don't want to. I just want you to know that if you want to talk, to see them punished, then I'm willing to listen."

"We all are." Daphne's voice came from the doorway, making them both start. Looking over, they saw the three young witches looking at Harry with tears in their eyes. Hermione appeared too choked up to speak: instead she just stepped forwards and put her arms around Harry, who quickly slid an arm round her shoulders in comfort.

Behind the young women Nathan stood silently, but nodded slowly to his wife. They had discussed how to approach Harry on this. Softly, slowly was the order, despite how much he wanted to drive round to Surrey and make the Dursley's confess to their sins. Ideally using a hot branding iron applied David Lister style.

The four teens spent the morning working on their History work. Harry barely kept awake, but Hermione's newly devised 'Reward' system kept him at it. They finished up just in time for lunch, which they took out onto the patio once more, along with drinks and their notepads where they had written their thoughts on the previous years.

As they ate Hermione compared the notes, noting the different ways each of them saw the same events, and what they could mean.

"Anything Hermione?" Harry asked softly.

Hermione sat back with a sigh. "Honestly? Not a lot. It's certain that Dumbledore is either not as all-knowing and all-powerful as he claims or is thought to be... or he's deliberately allowing events to happen when he could, and more importantly should, step in.

"For instance, Quirrell. He must have been possessed sometime in July, maybe even earlier. He then spent ten months in Hogwarts, with Dumbledore not far away. Now, it might be that the Headmaster really did not know, but that means that he is losing his touch.

"And while we're on the subject, what was he thinking? Hiding an incredibly powerful relic like the Philosophers Stone in a school? Behind tests that three first years, with barely any knowledge of magic, could get past? And the Mirror was not part of those tests until after you found it and learned its secret! But then he tells three hundred children not to go somewhere? That's a sure way to have a lot do just that, to find out why! I'm surprised no-one was killed by Hagrid's pet!"

It fell to Susan to explain. "Hermione... remember who we are dealing with. Dumbledore is the most respected wizard in our world, not just in Britain but around the world too."

"Maybe... but muggleborns would not have heard of him before entering the school. Surely other first years would have been curious!"

"Then why didn't you explore the mystery yourself?" Daphne cut in.

Hermione opened her mouth... and then snapped it shut, her brow furrowed. "I... I didn't. I just... accepted what he said and put the matter out of mind." Her frown deepened. "Something's wrong here..."

Slowly they went through the events from each year. Each on their own, even as part of one year, was insignificant, but together... the image stank. Daphne was the first, with her Slytherin deviousness, to work that things were being set up so that Harry was isolated, dependent on others for information and direction.

And the most common contact was Ron and Molly Weasley.

"Harry..." Hermione cut in. "When you first met the Weasley's, it was at King's Cross before first year?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. She was on the muggle side, and had forgotten the platform..." he trailed off.

"What was she doing on that side?" Susan asked frowning. "There is no reason for her to be there, as the Floo is on the magical side." Her frown deepened. "And doesn't Ron have five older brothers? She 'forgot' the platform number, after how many years of sending her children to Hogwarts, not to mention going herself?"

"She was there, waiting for you." Daphne stated unhappily.

Harry and Hermione shared an unhappy look. The Weasleys had been their first friends in the Magical World. This fact suggested that that friendship was not all it appeared. Was it possible that they were using Harry for their own ends? In an instant Harry knew that not all of them would, or were. Bill already had a successful career, as did Charlie. Percy was a toad, but was so self-centred that he had no need to suck up to him... not to mention had his head too far up his ass to even consider asking someone younger for help, while Arthur was too honest for anything like this.

The twins were devious, but they had always been straight with him. Also, unlike many others, they had not fawned over him when they learned his name. Only Hermione had been better about it. He knew that when it came down to it, the Twins would back him all the way. Course, they would be setting up pranks all along the way, but that was them. Besides, the laughter would be help counter the darkness. That was why he'd given them the Tri-Wizard winnings.

That left Ron, Ginny and Molly. Ginny he knew was infatuated with him... something that made him shiver. Molly fussed and smothered, pushed her nose into things that didn't concern her. She also seemed to be trying to take his mothers place, and frankly, he was not going to allow that... for anyone. Only Hermione's mum Emma was allowed anywhere close to that role.

Ron... Harry scowled as he recalled what his supposed 'best mate' had been like since the Department of Mysteries. The way he had treated Hermione... it was unforgiveable.

Sighing to expel his anger, Harry looked up at Hermione. "What do we do?"

Hermione sighed herself. "I'm not sure. We really need to know who's on our side of things."

"Start with those you are either certain of or almost so." Emma's voice startled them as she stepped out from the living room, her eyes fixed on her daughter. Hermione swallowed nervously. She knew the look she was getting was a simple message. They had discussed everything that had happened... including those events that she had not told her parents. The Look her mother was giving told her that she was in for a Talk.

"Now, may I suggest something?" At Harry's still shocked nod, Emma continued. "Hermione, as the weather's set to be good, Nathan was planning to do a barbeque again this Saturday." The news cheered Hermione instantly. Like many British born people, she relished a good barbeque. "As we bought extra yesterday, why don't you invite a few other friends round... those you feel you can trust. Your families as well." She nodded towards Susan and Daphne. Both brightened at the thought.

"How many?" Harry asked cautiously.

Emma's thoughts turned inwards, if the visual clues Harry saw signified the same thing for her as they did her daughter. Hermione's face had the same expression whenever she was thinking something over. After a moment she nodded slowly. "No more than twelve. Any more and things will be too crowded, and I'll need to make another shopping run." It was clear from her tone that she was reluctant to do so.

Hermione glanced towards the side of the patio, where a brick built barbeque stood. "Would dad really mind cooking for twenty?"

Emma smiled. "You know he loves barbequing. He won't mind." I'll make certain of that she thought to herself.

Harry gasped. "That reminds me! I got a letter from Neville this morning." He quickly dashed inside to get the tightly wound scroll.

Emma smiled at the three young women. "Think about who you want to attend. And don't tease him too much." She winked at their blushing faces before stepping back inside.

Harry sat and read Neville's letter while the three witches huddled together, discussing who they could trust and invite. They did notice him smiling early on, but his chuckle brought questioning looks from the three.

Grinning, he looked up at them. "Well Hermione, we won't be the only new couple at Hogwarts."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Neville and...?"

"Hannah."

Susan grinned happily. Hannah was a good friend of hers, and she knew that the shy blond had had a bit of a crush on the shy Gryffindor for a while now. Both Hermione and Daphne smiled at the news.

Harry gestured to the paper before them. "So who did you three pick?"

Hermione looked down at it, her eyes running over the list she'd written. "Well... certainly Neville, Hannah and Tracy. Along with Madam Bones and Professor McGonagall." She looked up at him once more. "We can tell her that those quarters she mentioned will be needed after all."

Harry nodded. "Good idea. Maybe we'll be able to have those from other houses visit..." He mused, thinking ahead.

Susan nodded. "We hope so. I would hate to lose touch with Hannah."

Daphne looked a little apprehensive. "Harry... if we can have those from other houses visit... or even spend the night... would..."

Harry smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry Daphne; your sister can stay with us. Tracy too if she wants."

Daphne leaned across to wrap her arms around him, kissing him softly on the cheek. "Thanks Harry." She half whispered softly.

Blushing lightly, Harry looked towards Hermione, who was beaming at him approvingly. "Who else?" He asked a little shakily.

"Daphne's parents and her sister Astoria. Luna, though I'm not sure if she's on another trip with her father. Remus certainly. Tonks if she can get the day off, but since Madam Bones is her boss she might be here any ways. Bill and Fleur, maybe."

Harry nodded slowly. "The twins?" He asked.

Hermione shrugged. "I would include them, but I doubt they could behave for the whole time."

Harry shrugged, accepting that. "We'll have to talk to them at some point. Of all the Weasleys, they're the only ones I'm sure of." Hermione nodded in agreement.

Daphne clapped her hands. "So... letters?"

Half an hour later both owls were winging away, almost a dozen letters between them. Daphne handled her parents, making sure to stress that it was a muggle residence where she was staying, and thus arrival and dress had to be appropriate. She knew her parents tried to keep abreast of developments in the muggle world, but it only took a small slip to raise awkward questions. Susan knew that she didn't have the same issue with her Aunt, while Harry figured that Remus and Tonks were up with current muggle culture enough to pass by.

That evening after the meal, Hermione accompanied her parents to their bedroom for the talk her mother had insisted on. Finding themselves at loose ends both Susan and Daphne decided to spend some time with Harry without her. They knew they got on with him, but neither felt they had that connection with him that Hermione did.

Knocking on the ajar door, they waited for a moment before stepping in. Harry was sat back on the futon bed, the light from the small TV across from him playing over his face. There was a happy, contented expression on his face.

"Enjoying the show?" Daphne asked with a light teasing, happy note.

Harry shrugged as she sat near his feet, one knee on its side with the foot under her other knee. "It's okay. Bit silly really." He smiled warmly. "I'm just... happy to be here. Be normal for a change."

Susan smiled warmly as she sat beside him, an arm going around his shoulders. When he looked at her in confusion, her eyes twinkled.

"Can't your second girlfriend get a hug and a cuddle?" She asked good-naturedly. After a moment Harry nodded, and she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as she snuggled into his side. After another moment his arm looped around her lower back, and her smile widened fractionally.

At the other end of the bed Daphne looked at the two of them, surprised at her feelings. Despite the way she felt for him, she felt no serious envy or jealousy for Susan at all. It was the same for Hermione earlier. Or for the whole of this week. It was a number of little, odd things that she had noted about their decidedly strange relationship. Oh, there was a smidgen of course. It normally was about who he was paying attention to at that point. But had never been serious.

Pushing the thought aside for a moment, she looked at Harry's free side before a wicked smile crossed her face. Bringing her other leg up, Daphne crawled up Harry's body, her eyes fixed to his. It warmed her inside when she saw his gaze drop from her face to her exposed cleavage. Although she didn't begrudge either of them, she was at times envious of Susan and Hermione's larger bust size, although she was aware that she didn't really have the build to carry off such large assets. Moments such as this, when Harry noticed that she too had breasts, reassured her.

It had been an eye-opening experience, shopping in a muggle clothing store. The range of colours, styles and materials had been far, far more than anywhere in the magical world. And none had been as startling as the range of underwear. It had been clear that Susan had been just as shocked, though Hermione hadn't even raised an eyebrow. Daphne had asked why the range; after all, they were undergarments, not to be seen by others! Hermione had chuckled, and then asked 'what about your boyfriend/husband?' Neither magically-raised witch could come up with a suitable reply to that bit of logic.

Hermione however had offered up other reasons. Some women, knowing they were wearing such underwear under their clothes, felt sexier. A form of positive thinking about themselves. There were also different styles for different occasions and different clothing, such as maternity, sports and others too numerous to list.

What had been most interesting had been when they started trying on new bras. Both herself and Hermione had been uncomfortable over the last couple of days, though they had made do with Hermione borrowing one of Susan's and lending one of hers to Daphne. Not ideal, but better than their own.

In the end, they had determined that while their chest measurements hadn't changed significantly, they had each gained in the bust. Hermione had been a comfortable 34C, but she had gained almost an inch and a half on the bust line, putting her at the upper end of a D cup. After trying on a few, she picked some of that size and some that were the next size up.

Susan had gained the least, just over a half inch. But that just enough to push her up a cup size. Fortunately, the shop they were at catered for those with the larger chest. All three had gaped at some of the larger sets on display, trying to picture just how large a woman had to be to need something that size.

Surprisingly, Daphne had the largest increase, a fraction under two inches, two whole cup sizes. Hermione had postulated that the magic involved in their cure for Harry somehow, for some reason, was trying to make them equal in that regard, although there would always be a difference due to their builds: Susan would always have the largest bust, unless Daphne went up three sizes while Susan didn't change.

Whatever the reason or cause, Daphne had been very pleased when she had a chance to examine her new figure, with its more pronounced curves and fuller profile. She was still getting used to the minor downside of her increased assets – namely, looking down at her feet was impossible now without bending over, the added weight and mass, plus she had to discard some clothes that would no longer fit – but overall she was well pleased.

Harry struggled to lift his eyes from the enticing view, looking back towards her face. Daphne had stopped with her face just before his, still on her hands and knees astride him. Her blue eyes looked at him with warmth, a small smile twisting her lips.

"Boyfriend Privileges Harry. You can look."

"Just don't ogle to the exclusion of the rest of us." Susan chipped in from under his arm, prompting him to look towards her. Her face was upturned towards him, Her smile widened when his eyes jumped to her own cleavage before he blushed.

"But... I mean... Isn't looking... like that... disrespectful?" His voice was filled with nervousness.

Daphne sighed as she rolled off him to snuggle into his free side, opposite Susan. "It is, when you don't know the woman. Also when you are looking and mentally undressing her." Daphne shivered. "I know what that feels like." Inside however she was considering Harry. 'He'll go toe to toe with a monster Basilisk to save someone's life, yet is terrified of dealing with girls, with offending us. Just what have his relatives put him through?'

Susan nodded. "Me too. I could always tell if someone was doing that." She looked up again at him. "It's in the eyes." Her smile returned. "Thank you Harry."

Harry frowned, confused. "Er, thanks. What for?"

Susan giggled. "You never looked at me that way Harry. Sure, I knew you were aware of my… assets, but you never ogled." Her smile faded. "Ron, however... He never hid his staring. He made me feel, unclean."

Harry's face fell. "Sor..."

Before he even finished Susan's hand had whipped out and a finger rested over his lips, silencing him. "You have no cause to apologise for him Harry. He did the wrong, not you." She smiled softly, eyes sparkling. "But thank you for the thought." Stretching up, she replaced her finger with her lips. Daphne snuggled a little more into him, her arms around his body.

Harry was getting used to these impromptu kisses, and was starting to look forward to them. A small part of him was still unsure about this whole 'Four-way' relationship thing, the idea of having three girlfriends. Frankly, the idea terrified him, if he was honest. His brief time with Cho showed how one could be a handful; how was he going to cope with three?

However a steadily growing part of him was telling him not to worry about all that, just focus on the feelings and enjoy life. As before, he could almost feel Susan melting into him as he continued the kiss. He was amazed at how this strong young woman became almost putty in his hands.

Walking back from her parent's bedroom after her uncomfortable talk with them, Hermione paused as her lips tingled with warmth. It was as if she was being kissed... she trailed her fingers over her lips, confused yet pleased. Her insides, still achy after everything that had happened in the last fortnight, felt soothed and comfortable.

Reaching the door to the study, she paused to look in first. A tired but happy smile formed as she saw Harry lounging back against the futon's backrest, Susan and Daphne under each arm snuggled into his flanks. She'd been worried that despite the obvious physical attractiveness and willingness of her friends, Harry would hold them at arm's length, not let them in. The sight before her washed such thoughts away.

At the back of her mind however, she did wonder why the sight of Harry with two other women was not filling her with sadness. Before all of this, even when he was assisting others in the DA, she always felt a pulse of resentment towards the girl in question. During those nearly two months he had with Cho, every time she saw them together during the meetings her heart felt torn apart.

Now however she felt only contentment and happiness, verging on love. Would she prefer to be in his arms instead of standing outside? Hell yes. But not at the expense of the others bonding with him.

Deciding to leave them to it, she backed away and headed for her own room, deciding to have an early night. The talk with her parents had been difficult, but ultimately they had accepted her reasons for withholding the details of her years at Hogwarts. Now she was just tired, a state she was becoming very familiar with, thanks to her injury at the Ministry and her exertions to save Harry. Hopefully she'd fully recover before summer was over.

The headline of the Friday Daily Prophet next morning brought a smile to Harry's face when he saw it.

'MINISTER GIVEN THE BOOT!'

'Minster Fudge forced out of office after Vote of No Confidence narrowly passed through Wizengomont'

Beneath the headline was a large print of the now-former Minister. An older one, where he was posed regally, or so he thought. Beneath that was a small block of text on one side, while the other was a more active image of him leaving the Ministry head bowed, escorted by a pair of Auror's. Harry chuckled when he saw that Kingsley was one of the two escorts.

Then a face appeared just behind Fudge's, and Harry's twisted into a scowl that matched the one on that face.

"SHIT!"

Harry's explosive declaration brought sharp, surprised looks from the others around the table. "Harry, Language!" Hermione admonished.

Still too furious to hear her, Harry glanced up to meet their eyes. "Lucius Malfoy's been released!"

"WHAT?" Hermione all but snatched the paper out of his hands. "Where?"

"Behind Fudge as he leaves the Ministry." Harry grumbled.

The others all peered closely at the photo, until sure enough Malfoy Senior was exposed. "Oh bugger!" Hermione stated.

Her parents looked at her sharply, but with concern. Anything that could make their normally politely spoken daughter swear must be bad. "Would someone mind telling us just who this person is?"

Daphne sighed. "Lucius Malfoy is bluntly, scum. Known Pure-blood Supremacist, he was charged with being a high level Death Eater after the Dark Lord's fall, but got off by stating that he was 'under the Imperius curse.'... that and a lot of gold. The worst kind of aristocrat; deceitful, backstabbing and cruel." She glanced towards Harry. "His son's the one who cursed Harry."

Nathan had a thoughtful look on his face. "Malfoy... wait, Draco's dad?" He looked at his daughter. "The one who insults you all the time?"

Hermione nodded.

Nathan breathed out slowly, obvious trying to keep his cool. "Okay... so what happens now?"

Harry sighed. "Hopefully, the new Minister will not be bought, which will mean that Malfoy will lose most of his power in the Ministry." He scowled. "He's a Death Eater through and through though. First chance he gets, he'll be out and about, torturing, murdering..."

Daphne frowned. "Not exactly Harry. I agree Draco's like that, but his father struck me more as a schemer and plotter. You can bet he'll be leading any group who puts pressure on the Noble Families to back, or at least not oppose, You-Know-Who though."

Harry looked at her now sharply. "Daphne... It's just a name. A made up one at that."

Daphne looked contrite. "Sorry Harry, but... you weren't brought up in the Magical World. You can't understand the fear that grips everyone around you when... that name, is spoken. He truly scared everyone."

Susan jumped in to help. "It's become almost a taboo Harry, as during those years when he arose, he killed almost all who even spoke out against him. People began to fear that even whispering his name would bring him forth to kill them. According to my aunt, by the time he went after you, the Ministry was on the verge of collapse. People were terrified to even open the front door, lest he be awaiting them on the other side. Even after he was defeated, I know my parents used 'You-Know-Who' as a means to frighten me into being good." A faint blush tinged her cheeks, though her eyes were sad.

Harry heaved a deep breath before sighing in resigned frustration. "Okay... I can see why people are so scared... but..." He looked them both in the eye. "if you let him terrify you into not even saying his name, then he's won already."

"Well said Harry." Nathan spoke up; laying a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Courage is in acknowledging ones fear, then moving past it, not letting it take control." He looked towards the two young witches with sympathy. "Maybe it's hard for us to understand, not having grown up in that sort of climate, but you do understand what we're saying?" At both girls nod, he turned his gaze back down to the paper that sparked everything off. "Is it likely that the others you told us about were also released?" His tone clearly stated that he would have a very negative opinion of the Ministry of Magic if that was the case.

Susan shook her head. "No. My Aunt is the director of Magical Law Enforcement. She'd never release them voluntarily. Lucius must have been released by order of Fudge himself."

"The two of them were very chummy last I saw." Harry commented,

"Given the slant the Prophet appears to be taking, it looks like he's hoping to be reinstated at some point." Hermione commented, having read the article while the others talked.

"Doubt it. Not after everything that's come out." Daphne commented.

"With Malfoy out, though..." Harry muttered.

At that moment, Lucius Malfoy was in no condition to plot anything. He was thrashing about on the hard stone floor of the Grand Ballroom in his Manor, as he was held under the Cruitus curse by his master.

After a few more moments, Voldemort tipped his wand up, breaking the spell. He had to spend a moment getting his breath back; ever since that night a week ago, he'd been weak and lacking power. Of course he could not let his followers, especially the ambitious Malfoy, know about his current problem.

"How fortunate that the foolish Minister, in his last act as such, had his 'dear friend' released from captivity." He half whispered. Voldemort was grateful that it was known he used half whispers when he was annoyed: it was all he could manage right now.

Lucius, breathing raggedly, didn't move from his place on the floor.

"I am very disappointed in you, Lucius."

"My Lord... We had Potter... Bel..."

"CRUCIO!" Voldemort held the curse for five long seconds as Lucius thrashed about. He shook his head slowly after he ended the curse. "Lucius, do not think to divert your share of the blame onto Bella. You were the one in charge of getting the Prophecy Sphere. You had surprise, numbers and skill. Yet you let yourself be beaten by six school children! Of my Vaulted Inner Circle, two are now dead at the hands of Potter, the rest apart from Bella arrested. And the Prophecy lost!"

Racked with the terrible pain of the Torture Curse, Lucius was reducing to begging. "Please, My Lord... we can... still profit from... what happened!"

Voldemort cocked a non-existent eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell." His tone was laden with scorn and derision.

Lucius managed to rise to his knees. "... The traitor Black... fell through the... Veil of Death." Drawing more air, he slowly brought his head up to look at his master. "The line of Succession leads to my son, Draco."

"Does it indeed?" There was a questioning, interested note now.

A small part of Lucius' arrogance returned. "That is why I ensured that the fool Fudge issue that 'Dementor Kiss on Sight' order for him. With Black dead, Draco will inherit the title, the name... and the funds, of the Black Family."

Voldemort sat back, a thoughtful look on his face. The Black Family had vexed him in the past. They had supported him in his first rise, though only the youngest son had joined his ranks. He had planned that Regalus would have offered the Black Family funds for him to use once he inherited the Family. But then he had betrayed him, thus had to be killed. The fool even denied him that pleasure, having died in that cave. With that, he'd written off getting his hands on the massive fortune that the Ancient Family controlled. Besides, there were other families that had substantial amounts under their control.

But this... this was interesting. Young Draco was a snotty brat, but a mouldable one. With a little work, he'd be perfect as a new Inner Circle member. While he lacked the experience of his father, he made up for it with his cruelty and dark desires. Perfect to instil terror in those who dared oppose him.

"There is another advantage in this, My Lord." When Voldemort's eyes returned to him, Lucius went on. "Under Pureblood laws enacted after Grinwald, as the heir to two Family lines, he is required to take two wives. With the right selections - and certain, other arrangements - I believe we can acquire almost the entire wealth of Magical Britain for your use."

Voldemort's eyes widened at that statement. It was certainly a tempting prize. Visions of walking into Gringotts and informing the Goblins that they had to either serve him or see their way of life destroyed danced in his head for a few seconds, before he thought through the idea a bit more. Frowning he looked back at Lucius.

"Explain how you would, via those two marriages, acquire such wealth?" Voldemort fingered his wand as he spoke, the unspoken implication clear.

Lucius swallowed nervously, but answered. "Not just those two Marriages My Lord." Seeing his masters eyes harden he rushed to explain. "Many old Families have been negligent of late, and have only daughters to carry on their lines. They will have to use Line Continuation Contracts. If we ensure that the only offers those families have are those we give them, then we will have access to all those vaults." A smirk formed at the corner of his mouth. "Of course, those witches will be brought here to 'service' your loyal followers as and when they please."

Voldemort sat back in his throne, his features relaxing. "Lucius, your convoluted mind has granted you a reprieve... for now." He smiled thinly at the paling of the aristocrats face. "But you are not in the clear yet. Go bring your son before me. I need to be sure of the loyalty of all my followers."

Lucius swallowed audibly. "May I ask, My Lord, how you intend for him to… prove his loyalty?"

Voldemort's smile tuned ice cold. "Young Draco must prove that he reveres me above you, Lucius. Or his mother. And Bella must lean the price of failure to control herself."

Unknown to both wizards, the two witches they were discussing were listening in on them. They had been sat in the dining room, going over what they could offer in return for protection, when Voldemort's first curse had been heard. Curious, they had moved to the slightly ajar doors that separated the two rooms.

Lucius walked to the doors, before leaning out. "Draco, enter." He called. After a few moments Draco Malfoy stepped in, as arrogantly as his father had done only a short while before, barely hiding the pain he still felt. He'd been sat outside, softly cursing Granger, Greengrass, and Potter for everything they'd done to him. HIM! He'd been only battered and bruised by the time he returned home: Pomfrey had said that she was out of all her potions needed to help him. They would pay…

"My Lord." He genuflected as he bowed before Voldemort.

"Ah, Draco. Your father had informed me of a plan he has devised to bring large quantities of money under my control… as well as provide entertainment for those I favour."

Once more Narcissa shuddered with repressed rage at her husband's total disregard for others.

"But I need to be sure that you will not betray me. You must prove yourself to me."

"How many I do so, Master?" Draco asked, anticipation colouring his tone.

"To prove your loyalty, once you have inherited the Black fortune, you are to turn it over to my control." Those eyes narrowed slightly, before a smirk formed on his face. "Do this, and the Dark Mark is yours... provided that you can prove that you can torture someone. Someone close."

"A test, Master?"

"Yes." Voldemort's head tipped to side, his eyes bright as he considered the young man before him. "After all, if you can torture your own mother, then it should be no problem inflicting the curse on others, now should it?"

Three sets of eyes widened, but only two were in horror. "You mean..."

"You have to prove that you can be one of my Inner Circle Draco. I require strong-willed followers to enact my orders."

Draco now nodded, his expression twisting into one of determination.

"Until then, you are to plan your first task as a member of my Death Eaters."

Draco was almost bouncing on his feet in excitement. "What is your bidding, Master?"

Voldemort looked towards Lucius. "Once you return to Hogwarts, you are to kill Albus Dumbledore."

Gasps escaped from the witches mouths, while Draco's jaw hung low. Lucius looked stricken.

"K... kill Dumbledore?" Draco asked in a quiet, panicking tone.

"Yes..." Voldemort answered slowly, a smirk playing on his lipless mouth. "That trusting old fool would never suspect that a student would try to kill him." 'The chances of success are so low as to be almost impossible, but repeated attempts should rattle him and keep him distracted.' Voldemort however did not voice such thoughts. That smirk grew however as he thought of an extra incentive for the young Malfoy. "If you can cause enough confusion and fear, enough that the school is closed early, then I'll let you form a stable of young witches for your own pleasure."

Draco's eyes sparkled with sadist glee, erasing the panicked expression he wore before. "Really, Master?"

Voldemort nodded, his eyes narrowed fractionally as he probed the fools mind, looking for his secret desires and ambitions… those that he was reluctant to admit even to himself. Narcissa Malfoy appeared prominently in his second most hoped for ambition. He wanted affection from the normally cold woman… much more.

First appeared to be watching a monster of some sort repeatedly – violently, cruelly, painfully - rape a Miss Granger, a mudblood that had caused Draco much pain and trouble... and was a very close friend and ally of Harry Potter. 'Interesting... it appears that this Miss Granger is the brains behind Harry, much like Lily had been for his father... and they share affection for each other. Severus should be able to lay his hands on her home address easily enough. Her loss will devastate the boy..."

Voldemort's red gaze now fixed on Malfoy Senior. "Lucius... return to the Ministry and see if that silver tongue of yours has not been tarnished. I want a useless Minister, one lacking skill or wit. Director Bones is to be overlooked, passed over for someone who talks good but fails in every way. Do this, and you will have spared yourself great pain. Fail…" Voldemort trailed off, the implications clear.

Lucius shuddered. "Y…yes, My Lord!" He intoned.

Bellatrix pulled Narcissa away from the door and back to the table, not liking the shaking of her sisters frame, nor the paling of her face. In the time that she'd been free from prison, she'd seen but not registered that Narcissa was devoted to her son, even if he was turning out to be even worse than his father. But what they had just heard...

Their eyes met, and Bella had to swallow back bile at the sight of the mixed terror and revulsion in her sisters eyes. "I can't stay here sis..." Cissa whispered. "I just... can't. I've lost him." She said the last quietly, in resignation, her last hope for the son she had borne dying.

"I'm not asking you to." Bella softly said. "Let's just hope your right about the Black succession..."

Cissa shook her head. "You know as well as I that if it passes to Potter, Lucius will want answers. I'll be lucky if I end up in the bed next to the Longbottoms."

Bella's breath hitched, her mind racing back to that night years ago. Swallowing back the nausea, she tried to reassure her sister. "We'll leave, right after the Will reading. Hopefully, he'll grant us sanctuary..."

Narcissa looked her in the eye. "What are the chances of that?" She asked her tone defeated.

Bella had no answer. They were pinning their hopes on a young man who had every reason in the world to let them hang from their own deeds... and in her own mind, Bella knew that she deserved to do so. She had done terrible things, horrible things. She deserved no mercy or peace... only death.