Voldemort was satisfied, everything had fallen completely into place.

The death eaters were seated around the large table discussing their main focus. Voldemort scanned his eyes briefly across all of his faithful followers. The ministry was completely controlled, they only had to finish stamping out all forms of resistance to truly have succeeded.

"The Order have scattered" Yaxley was saying, holding his own wand lightly in his hands as he inspecting it carefully. "It is only a matter of picking up the pieces"

Snape however cut across him. "It would be wise to stay focused" He sneered, as Yaxley placed his wand down slowly. "They believe Potter to be dead and it has severely destroyed their hope, but this has made them more dangerous if anything"

"How so?" Yaxley said leaning forwards curiously.

"They don't have anything to lose" Snape said curtly "They have lost everything and as a result they will be dangerous"

Yaxley snorted "They have nothing to aim for, what could they possibly do?"

"They will be unpredictable" Snape explained "We would be wise not to drop our guard"

Some of the death eaters muttered in agreement but others laughed, Yaxley was among them.

"Unpredictable maybe, but weak, easy enough to pick off when they are acting rashly"

Voldemort listened carefully, he agreed with Severus, they could not afford to get complacent. The more you forced someone into a corner, the more likely they were to bite.

"It would be unwise to-" Voldemort began but words failed him, as he sat there alarmed.

His Horcrux. The presence had shattered suddenly. The connection to one of his crucial lifelines, gone. Unlike his other Horcrux's, he was linked in heavily with both the Horcrux in Potter and his precious Nagini, he knew immediately that one had been attacked.

His death eaters jumped up shocked at their Lord's apparent discomfort, some rushing forwards to help. But Voldemort could not concentrate, his eyes were widened in fear, Potter would not have dared.

"Do not touch me" Voldemort almost screamed, his eyes glinting red madly.

Voldemort stood immediately, turning to Snape "The boy" He demanded fiercely. "Now"

He watched as Snape and several other death eaters vanished immediately. Others lingered nervously beside him.

"My Lord" Bellatrix was beside him, her face full of anxiety and fear.

"Go" Voldemort said so dangerously that no one hesitated. He was left alone as he felt emptiness.

He focused on connecting with Potter, his vision was shifting immediately, but he had time to react as he felt a sharp pain searing across his chest. He fell back into his own body shaking, he had never felt so weak.

He forced himself to stand, he screamed in anger and fear, he was desperate, his Horcrux's were not safe. His eyes widened as he truly realised the situation.

"Nagini" He hissed, his beloved pet, she could not be gone, she was too strong. She had to be safe.

He pushed himself up and fled the room desperate to know, he would burn anyone who even got in his way.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Potter was white as a sheet unmoving, lying in a pool of deep red blood. A large shard protruding deep into his chest. The room itself was splattered with blood, the sight was horrific as he saw Nagini's large body sliced open beside the boy.

Snape couldn't help but remember what Dumbledore had told him, when Voldemort feared for his snakes life then he was to inform Potter about the piece of the Dark Lord's soul within him.

But it seemed Potter had jumped several steps, Snape knew he hadn't chosen death to strike Voldemort, the boy could not have known. He had done it to escape. He felt a horrible twisting sensation in his stomach as he barely had time to contemplate this.

Snape desperately wanted to leave Potter in peace but he knew he would have to drag him back into life. If no other death eaters were here he would have honoured the boys decision.

He fell onto his knees into the pool of blood, blood splattering on his robes. Hurriedly he uncorked mixtures of potions from his own portable supply he always kept with him. He was hardly thinking as he attended to Potters wounds. He couldn't get Lily's face out of his head. He had failed her, he had failed to protect her only son.

Potter had been subjected to such horrors these past months, it was a shocking that he had lasted this long. Snape was the only person who understood why the boy was being forced to live.

A piece of the Dark Lords soul lived inside him.

He worked quickly as he tried not to dwell on these thoughts. There had been many occasions when he had contemplated sharing the truth with Potter, as the boy had to die, but now was not the time. Potter would be forced to live on. Snape scowled as he wondered what secrets Potter knew about the Dark Lord. He dared not dive into Potters mind, it would be disastrous if he accidentally provoked the piece of the Dark Lord inside Potter.

Colour was starting to return to the boys face as Snape worked, he wasn't aware of Voldemort entering the room. It was only when he fell back onto his knees and wiped his bloody hands on his robes did he notice.

"He'll live my Lord" Snape said quietly. Voldemort however had paced over to Nagini's deformed body. She was cut open and had been brutally disfigured, blood still poured from her gigantic body.

"Move him" Snape had never heard Voldemort sound so deadly, he was sure he was concentrating hard not to tare Potter into pieces for what he had done.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Everything ached, Harry didn't want to wake, not yet. Asleep he wasn't in pain but awake everything burned. He hissed in agony as he attempted to shift some of the weight of his body.

"Don't move" A cool voice spoke.

Harry's eyes snapped open as his brain kicked in. He shouldn't be alive. His thoughts were hazy as he struggled to breath comfortably. He felt sick and could feel himself shaking violently, his scar was burning fiercely.

Ignoring the voice, he attempted to sit up, however this resulted in nothing but pain, his eyes clenched shut as he grabbed his chest in agony, breathing hard.

"I'm not accustomed to repeating myself" The voice said dangerously.

Harry ignored it once more as he concentrated on pushing himself back into a sitting position. Gritting his teeth he moved slowly, his chest felt like it was going to burst as he forced himself into a more comfortable position. Resting his head back, he eventually opened his eyes once more.

He knew who was standing next to him, his scar had been burning fiercely since he had woken. It was almost as painful as the searing pain across his body.

Voldemort stood a few paces away observing him with his deep red eyes.

He clenched his teeth together and closed his eyes slowly. The one way out he had and he had failed. He couldn't help but feel a deep disappointment. He wasn't meant to go through this anymore, it was meant to be over.

He opened his eyes again, feeling sick and dizzy, to see Voldemort was watching him intently still.

Voldemort sounded deadly as he demanded an answer. "Why?"

Harry didn't reply, for some reason he felt he didn't have to answer. He wasn't afraid anymore, he turned his head away and said with considerable effort due to his chest hurting.

"Aren't you tired of this?" He asked through the pain.

He wasn't aware of Voldemort nearly reaching for his wand, instead he breathed heavily trying to release the constricting pain.

"You have a chance to end it" Harry said quietly, almost staring off into nothingness. He was tired of this, he sighed heavily as he continued. "So why don't you?"

Harry didn't turn to look at Voldemort, he continued to breath heavily through the pain. Harry wanted Voldemort to leave, his scar was burning, he couldn't get his thoughts together.

Fortunately Voldemort didn't seem to have anything further to say to him as his Harry heard his footsteps retreat.

"Watch him" Voldemort said and Harry turned his head surprised, he wasn't aware anyone else had been in the room.

Snape was standing behind Voldemort who bowed promptly as the Dark Lord left. Harry immediately made to move, furious that Snape was near him.

"Be still" Snape said coldly, but Harry ignored him, he wanted to attack the man, kill him, just anything but watch him standing before him.

Harry cringed in pain as blood erupted from his chest, seeping down the front of his shirt. He fell back exhausted as he barely held onto consciousness.

Snape approached, he had a number of potions in his hands. Harry turned his head away disgusted, he didn't want to even look at him.

"It would be best to be still" He advised. Harry wanted to do anything but however everything just hurt to much. His thoughts were too confused, when had everything become so difficult.

"The poison from Nagini has damaged your healing abilities" He instructed. "As a result the wound on your chest is very delicate"

Harry wanted to retort to this, however he settled on ignoring Snape.

"You will require a number of potions daily" He set a number of the side next to him.

Harry didn't even move to pick any of them up. Snape seemed unconcerned, he only said coldly, the threat apparent in his voice. "I'm sure the Dark Lord would assist if you continue to be reluctant"

Harry snapped back to stare at him, furious. Snape wouldn't dare.

It chilled him to think of how weak he was right now, Voldemort would so easily be able to possess him and force him to drink the potions.

He wanted to resist, he wanted to be able to have the strength to withstand Voldemort's possessions, he didn't wish to have a full body bind on him either.

He was angry, this just wasn't fair. He wasn't going to let Voldemort have this victory, he was still focused on getting out of here, whether it was now or later, he wasn't going to be controlled any more.

He reached for the potions and forced them down without even glancing at Snape or seeing his satisfied smirk.

Xxxxxxxxx

Voldemort could see the pain and anger gleaming in Potter's eyes. His eyes were sunken and his body looked unhealthy and pale. The strain of the Horcrux had pushed the boy too far. Although Potter had never been aware or clear what had been happening too him, he had decided that he would rather end it then be controlled. This was something Voldemort had never considered. He could never understand.

Potter was standing defiantly in the centre of the room, his fists clenched together, his eyes locked on Voldemort's. He wanted answers.

Snape had done remarkable well at beginning to heal Potter, it had only been a few days and already he was on his feet, although as Potter swayed it was apparent he had a long recovery still.

"Why am I alive?" Potter hissed, directing his question directly at Voldemort.

Voldemort showed no emotion, he had been determined not to get angry with the boy. Nagini had been slaughtered, a part of him ripped to pieces, it would not be wise to destroy another part of his soul so rashly.

Still he didn't answer. Voldemort had been contemplating a proposition Snape had proposed to him and he had finally reached his decision. It was the best solution to keep his Horcrux alive, even if he could not control Potter's body.

"Answer me" Potter demanded furiously taking a step towards Voldemort. The chain around his ankle constricted stopping him from advancing any further.

Potter had no fears anymore, Voldemort now knew that the boy had nothing to lose. Keeping him locked up would achieve nothing but Potter's suicide. Potter had won, although he did not know it, the influence over him was staggering.

"Answer me" Potter demanded again, his eyes glinting madly.

"How dare you speak to the Dark Lord like that" Bellatrix hissed raising her wand. However Potter just cocked his head to the side and grinned disturbingly at her.

"Go on" He whispered "I dare you"

Voldemort had truly destroyed the boy, Potter was mad.

Bellatrix was furious, and she raised her wand to advance upon the boy.

Voldemort only now spoke "No Bellatrix" He said calmly as he could. He was concentrating hard to contain his own fury. Potter was already damaged enough, he did not need his death eaters to damage his Horcrux further.

"You need to hold your tongue" She hissed as she clenched her wand in fury. "I'm sure another bought of the dementors would do you good" She sneered threateningly.

Potter's disturbed laugh stopped her from continuing.

"Don't you get it?" He said tilting his head sideways a thin smile spreading across his face. "I'm not fighting back anymore" He glanced towards Voldemort, Potter understood that he knew and this was why the boy had won.

"I have a way out now" Potter's smile was disturbing. "Something you can't prevent, I mean what have I got to lose? Suck out my soul for all I care."

It seemed Bellatrix and the other death eaters around her had finally cottoned on.

"A cowards way out" Bellatrix sneered among mutters.

Potter smiled coldly as he took a step towards her, the chain around his ankle fully constricted. His eyes were bloodshot and he truly looked mad as he laughed coldly "And yet what does your Lord fear most?"

Voldemort stilled, watching Potter carefully. This was dangerous, he knew too much. His eyes darkened dangerously, holding his own wand from cursing the boy.

"You dare..." She started again raising her wand but immediately halted by Voldemort's dark look. She changed tact once more. "You would choose death over imprisonment?" She sneered.

Potter gave her a funny look as if it was an obvious answer.

Voldemort stepped towards the boy who remained where he was, his arms folded, Potter truly wasn't afraid anymore, something had changed. Potter was more dangerous then ever, Voldemort needed the boy alive.

As if knowing what Voldemort was thinking Potter spoke

"So what happens now?" he asked "You want me alive and I want to die" He tilted his head to the side, his eyes observing Voldemort carefully from where he stood defiantly. The boy had always been intelligent, but even Voldemort knew that Potter would not be expecting this as he made his decision.

"You will be moved to Hogwarts" Voldemort said calmly, still trying to contain his anger.

The effect was immediate, Potter's expression slipped, his mad composure buckling.

The confusion flicked across his face, replacing the defiance with one only of vulnerability. Potter seemed to be having an emotional battle with himself as he no longer looked certain of his fate. It was apparent he had not been expecting this answer.

The boy had been so determined that he was going to end it, he had not considered anything else. Severus had been right, the boy would not give up his life so rashly if given a false hope, but that was all Voldemort needed. The only thing that mattered was keeping his Horcrux protected.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Harry stood his hands clenched tight, he stared at the stone floor his eyes unfocused. His heart was racing as his brain attempted to contemplate the situation. Hogwarts. He understood perfectly, Harry had somehow bargained his life. His body was shaking, he could hardly think straight as he repeated in his own head the words Voldemort had just said.

He didn't understand, after everything, after Nagini had been gutted, Voldemort was still tearing him apart. Voldemort was still unwilling to just finish it.

However Harry wouldn't question it just now, his initial thoughts were of uncertainty. He was ready to die wasn't he? He was ready to stop the never ending torment.

But why was something holding him back? Hogwarts, although Hogwarts was his home, the emptiness that Ron and Hermione would not be there was strangely over whelming.

Then the horrid realisation hit him hard.

Another Horcrux. He was certain one would be hidden in the castle. The horror was flooding through him as he realised what he had to do. He had to go on.

It took all his courage, all his strength, all his energy to remain facing Voldemort as he spoke, his eyes unable to meet the Dark Lords.

"What are the conditions?" He asked through gritted teeth. If he had been looking at Voldemort he would have seen the satisfied smirk flick across his face.

"I want you alive Potter" Voldemort's voice was dangerous

Voldemort's voice washed over Harry as he barely registered his own head nodding.

"In return..." Harry started in a whisper, he felt sick and light headed, unsteady on his own feet.

"You shall be sent to Hogwarts" Voldemort finished, his voice strangely distant. "And you shall also never endanger your own life." He finished.

Harry nodded once more. Was he really agreeing to this. Was he really pushing himself to finish the impossible task Dumbledore had sent him. To destroy as many Horcrux's as he could before his own body could literally go on no more.

But surely Dumbledore would never ask this of him, surely he had done his part, that someone else could finish this off for him.

Ron and Hermione drifted into his mind once more and anguish filled him. How could he leave this impossible task to them, when only he could finish it. It wasn't fair to leave it all to them.

Harry's fists clenched tighter, his nails digging into his skin, he couldn't disagree, he needed Hogwarts. He was now certain a Horcrux would be hidden there, he would not miss up the opportunity. He had to force himself to go on.

"You won't possess me again?" He didn't care that his voice sounded desperate, this was something he would not tolerate while at Hogwarts, he would not endanger his friends. Some of the death eaters laughed cruelly around him but he didn't care if he sounded weak.

Voldemort however answered plainly, his voice sounded surprisingly neutral. "No" Harry only nodded firmly.

"Okay" Harry said quietly. His scar prickled uncomfortable, he could tell Voldemort was satisfied.

"I warn you though Potter" Voldemort added dangerously. "You endanger your life even slightly and I will make sure you return here and are watched indefinitely"

Harry felt an uncomfortable lump form in his throat as he nodded, he would never return here, that was not an option.

"You will be moved immediately" Voldemort explained coldly "You will be unable to leave the grounds, so I suggest you do not attempt to do so."

Harry was stunned, he was going to Hogwarts right now, but he didn't respond, his scar was continuing to prickle uncomfortable, he resisted the urge to rub it.

Voldemort continued "If you're threatened or hurt by anyone, death eater or not you are to report to Serverus"

Harry finally looked up angrily, as he snapped out of his own thoughts "Snape?" He hissed furiously.

"Serverus is Headmaster" Voldemort's expression was unreadable as Snape stepped out of the shadows.

Harry clenched his fists together again, he wasn't sure if he would be able to put up with the murderous headmaster but he knew there was no chance he was going to return back here. He couldn't look up at Voldemort, he would be away from the manor but the threat of returning would haunt him.

Hogwarts would now be his prison. He knew Ron and Hermione wouldn't be there, but perhaps Ginny, Neville and Luna would be. A part of Hogwarts might still feel like home.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Harry stumbled out of the fireplace, he probably would have fallen on the floor had it not been for Snape holding him painfully on his arm. As soon as Harry regained his footing he twisted away angrily.

Snape ignored him; he turned his back and stepped to stand behind his large desk sitting at the back of his office. Harry's gaze slowly slid to the sleeping portrait of Albus Dumbledore, who was snoring quite peacefully in a large comfy arm chair. Harry felt his stomach jolt uncomfortable.

He felt anger burning through him, he wanted to attack Snape, but he had no energy, he swayed on his feet as he tried to remain standing. Even if he was strong enough the risk of being taken back to the manor held him still. The only relief he felt was his head was no longer throbbing as painfully now he wasn't so close to Voldemort. Even Hogwarts was little comfort right now, he felt so disconnected from everything.

Snape smirked as Alecto joined him out of the fireplace. She also smirked at Harry's lack of reaction.

"Our Lord succeeded then" She shrieked in laughter.

Snape nodded without turning his attention to Harry. "You would be surprised the lengths it took to break him"

Harry remained silent, Voldemort had ripped his mind apart, he hated to admit it but what Snape said was true. He wouldn't be able to fight back, the fear of returning to the manor was overwhelming. He would do anything to remain at the school. He would find the Horcrux hidden in the castle, he needed this to keep himself going. To keep him sane.

Alecto frowned confused. "Then why send him here?"

"I do not question our Lord" Snape said calmly and Harry was surprised when she accepted his with no further questions. Apparently not all the death eaters knew Harry had tried to take his own life.

"I'm sure we can have some fun in my class" She said her eyes glistening in excitement, she fingered her wand favourably looking at Harry.

Harry remained where he was, he wished he could sit down, as his vision blurred slightly. He was still recovering from the fight with Nagini.

She looked amused as she raised her wand.

It was Snape who interjected. "No" He said pushing her wand down as he stepped protectively in front of Harry.

She turned murderously to look daggers at Snape. Before she could complain Snape cut across her.

"You are not to hurt Potter under any circumstance" He hissed. "Or you answer to the Dark Lord"

This caused Harry to raise his eyebrows in surprise. Although he hadn't often been subjected to physical torture from Voldemort's death eaters he never expected that while at Hogwarts they would be forbidden from hurting him. He remembered Voldemort's words that he had to report to Snape if he was ever hurt.

She snorted indignantly "I'm sure a few curses would be satisfactory"

"No" Snape hissed again. Harry would have perhaps enjoyed Snape's torment if he wasn't so drained, no doubt it would be him on the receiving end of Voldemort.

"If you so much touch Potter the Dark Lord will have your life" Snape said firmly.

Her expression darkened.

Snape continued. "You would be wise to warn others"

She nodded slowly before turning towards Harry. "You're lucky aren't you?" She hissed obviously annoyed.

Harry looked away, he just wanted to be away from death eaters. They were the only company he'd had in months. He hadn't realised how detached he was becoming from people. Even the thought of seeing Ginny in the castle hardly caused any emotion from him.

Snape and Alecto began discussing the further points of Harry's movement to Hogwarts.

"Potter must attend all meals" Snape was saying.

Harry's glanced around the office, it was surprising that it had hardly changed at all. He tried blocking out the voices but it didn't seem to work.

It was frustrating but he continued to remain silent. Although he was in Dumbledore's office he wasn't comfortable, he wanted out. Too long had been been cooped up in the manor.

Harry caught on to the end of their conversation.

Alecto was laughing loudly "So what is happening with the boy?" She asked

"That is for his head of house to decide" Snape answered calmly.

Harry nearly stumbled from shock, although it might have been from lack of energy, he was still pretty dizzy, his head spinning. Alecto also seemed surprised.

"But surely…so much freedom…is it wise?"

"It is our Lords decision" Alecto nodded in understanding.

Alecto looked liked she was going to say something however they didn't get a chance to as Snape office door opened suddenly.

"You called Headmast-…" Professor McGonagall's started her tone cold but she froze almost immediately. Her gaze had already drifted across to Harry.

She was horror struck; her eyes looked Harry up and down in complete disbelief. Harry knew he looked battered and starved but he couldn't bring himself to give her a reassuring smile. He could only stand and watch, barely able to stand.

She looked older, as she tried to compose herself from the absolute shock that he was really standing before her.

Alecto sniggered at McGonagall.

Snape started speaking although it was clear McGonagall was hardly paying attention, her eyes were fixed on Harry.

"Minerva, you are responsible for Potter. He is currently in need of medical attention, but when he is well again you are to report back to me, do you understand?"

Professor McGonagall nodded numbly as if she wasn't sure Snape was really giving her those instructions.

"I suggest you inform Potter immediately of the new school rules" He instructed coldly. He turned to Harry and said. "You may leave now"

Harry only gave him an cold look as McGonagall just about managed to motion for Harry to follow her out of the office, she turned and left as if in a trance, as he reached the door Snape added coldly.

"Remember Potter, you are here on the decision of the Dark Lord. You would do well to be grateful for his choice."

Harry didn't reply, he just walked out the door.

Xxxxxxxxxx

As Harry left Snape's office he surprisingly felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders. Professor McGonagall was walking quickly, she had yet to look back at Harry since they had stepped down the spiral staircase. It was almost as if she was in shock. He tried to hurry after her, his head spun, he didn't believe this was happening. The corridors looked the same as normal, the castle even felt the same. He had wondered that things would feel different now that Dumbledore was gone, but he was thankful as the castle's familiarity comforted him. He had been away far to long.

His vision was blurring and he stumbled "Professor" He barely managed to whisper as he staggered against the wall.

At once she was by his side, he felt her arms close comfortingly around him as he fell to the floor. He hadn't felt a warm embrace in weeks, he could barely keep a coherent thought.

"Harry, Harry" She was repeatedly saying his name, Harry tried to concentrate, her voice was calming, it was a lot more gentle then he was used to being addressed by her.

He couldn't see a thing as his vision blurred.

She was speaking but Harry couldn't make out what she was saying as he drifted into unconsciousness.

I'm curious - Did anyone guess that Harry would end up at Hogwarts? There were a few hints along the way!

As always, thanks for readings, reviewing, following and for the favourites! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, this one was really fun to write!