I had a bad day at work, so this is for everyone who needs cheering up.
Severus rested one firm hand on Potter's shoulder as he steered him slowly through the dark Hogwarts corridors. Portraits peered down at them nosily as Longbottom followed mutely behind. He walked lightly as he supported him for Potter was hardly aware of his surroundings, it was if he truly was lost to the world.
Anything that was left of the boy was fading and fast, Serverus knew with a heavy heart that Potter would never recover. His head was bowed down to the ground, his messy black hair sticking up as he remained so unnaturally quiet.
He understood mental abuse, and as a result of mastering Legilimens he was all too familiar with the Dark Lords more horrific techniques. It was meant to destroy a person beyond repair, rip them apart until they became completely dependant on their captor and Voldemort had certainly managed that.
If it was one thing that Serverus used to bitterly admire about Potter was his strength of will, he was very much like his mother in that regard and it crushed him more then he would ever admit to see it fading. Potter's painfully familiar eyes were now haunted and lost, a dull green only staring back at him, although he knew they were unseeing.
He cursed himself, he was supposed to protect him, protect Lily's son and all he had achieved was his destruction.
His wand remained held in his free hand, his other still guiding Potter forwards gently. He should end this, he should put Potter out of his torment now. Merlin knew Potter wanted nothing more. He deserved to be in peace, whether it be in this life or in death.
Serverus knew that Poppy had been feverishly reading up on the study of mind healing but she would be lucky if she made any progress at all. Potter had only been in the castle for a very short time and his state of mind had already deteriorated to worse then he had ever been in the manor. In the manor he had had little hope but it was now apparent that being in the castle had only taken that last amount of light and destroyed it without mercy.
This could go on no longer.
It would be easy to kill him, so easy to lift his wand and do for Potter what he had for Dumbledore, end his suffering. However their was still the problematic thing that Severus was still indebted, he could not take his life without losing his own, but it was still tempting regardless of his own fate. Only one thing mattered now and was that Potter had to know, he deserved this at the very least, the very reason why the Dark Lord was obsessed with keeping him alive.
It was alarming how the Dark Lord had managed to harness the power of his own soul within Potter and Severus felt true fear. Not only was he fighting for his life, for his mind, but Potter was engaged in a fight for his very soul and if this was damaged their was no turning back.
Would the boy even be able to rest in peace if his soul had been damaged beyond repair, or would he be lost for eternity trapped in a horrible limbo.
Potter was so cold and lifeless as he allowed himself to be manoeuvred forward, Severus could feel Potter's tremors through his own grip but he was unable to reassure him in any way.
Although Severus had been absent during most of the Dark Lords engagement with Potter he had been able to have a good guess at what had occurred.
Longbottom had failed to keep Potter away from Voldemort, but he was still standing, although he was looking very bruised and battered but very much alive. This was something at any rate, but it was with wary eyes that he glanced in Longbottom's direction. No one survived the Dark Lord after they had out right defied him like that, not unless they had something Voldemort wanted.
What had Longbottom done?
His thoughts drifted when he found he did not have an answer. The death of Vincent Crabbe was another problem, the Slytherin had been foolish and had lost his own life for it. Malfoy had repeatedly given the Slytherin's enough warning and now the whole house would know what the true risks were. Gregory Goyle had been completely terrified and shaking when he had returned him to the Slytherin common room. He was lucky to have been spared at all, but it seemed the Dark Lord only needed one body to prove his point.
Severus had decided that Potter was best taken to Minerva, Merlin knew he was in no state to be near anyone else right now.
It was with a cold expression that he greeted his colleague as she rushed forwards out of her office chair, her eyes wide and alarmed.
Fear consuming her expression as she quickly flitted her eyes across Longbottom to see if there was any permanent damage before her complete focus switched now to Harry as she embraced him, pulling him gently out of Serverus grip. Potter didn't seem to have noticed as she held him close to her, her arm wrapped around the front of his shoulders, her other hand clutching her wand tightly in her hand.
Severus observed her carefully, Potter would be safe now. Minerva would see that he would get the potions he so desperately needed, but he still felt a horrible sense of urgency, the clock truly was ticking on Potter's sanity.
"What happened?" She demanded, her voice strained.
Severus kept his voice calm as he responded "Mr Longbottom should be able to fill you in on all the details" After all he didn't know everything that had happened, even Malfoy had been completely tight lipped and pale as he left his office.
Minerva clearly wanted to say a few more choice words but it seemed that she was more concerned about attending to Potter. She glanced briefly at Longbottom who continued to remain silent, he only nodded curtly, his eyes focused on the floor.
Severus wasted no more time as he swiftly turned and left, not giving her a chance to say any further. Potter was running out of time.
Xxxxxxxx
"I see you are back" Severus said so coldly as he glared at the now occupied portrait of Albus Dumbledore. He moved further into his office, the door swishing shut with a loud thud behind him. He could barely contain his fury as his hand shook, he gripped his wand tightly although he knew he could do no damage to the ex headmaster.
Dumbledore seemed unphased as he peered over the top of his half moon spectacles, however he didn't speak. It was disgusting how he had abandoned Potter to something far worse then death.
"This cannot go on any longer" Severus continued, sparks flying from the tip of his wand. He was always composed, always expressionless, hidden behind his mask, but now he was livid and he could contain it no longer.
"Serverus, I assure you-"
"You have no right to speak to me" Serverus snarled, his eyes flashing in fury as he cut across Dumbledore.
"Potter should not have to suffer this any longer." Severus snapped. "I have the right to tell him"
Dumbledore leaned forwards, his calm expression infuriating.
"I ask only for a little longer Severus"
"Why?" He demanded, he had never felt such hate for someone before, even his grudge against Black had never made him feel this outraged. "The Snake is dead, what more do you want?" He waited, not expecting Dumbledore to give him a satisfactory answer at all, how could there me one after all. This was inhuman.
"Voldemort never feared for her safety" Dumbedore said his expression serious. "There is a very important difference, the time is not right"
"I don't care what timing suits you" Severus hissed in retort. "Potter has the right to know why the Dark Lord is keeping him alive, regardless of any other circumstances."
"Yes, Harry has a right to know" Dumbledore agreed which only infuriated him further because as he suspected Dumbledore continued. "But the time is not now"
"You are saying Potter has something to do first?" Severus glared. "Something that is more important then saving himself from this endless torment?"
Nothing would justify what Potter was being forced to endure. He had to die anyway, why should be have to suffer more than this.
"I admit that Harry has been doing things out of order." Dumbledore said a frown crossing his face.
"Our of order" Sererus hissed absolutely livid, he would have murdered Dumbledore again if he had the chance.
"I need you to trust me Severus, I have every ounce of faith in Harry" Dumbledore insisted gently.
"Potter does not deserve to live like this" he snarled. "His life has no quality, how can you expect anything more from him?" He wanted to destroy the portrait, he didn't care about the consequences, he just wanted to see the dead headmaster burn.
"Harry knows what must be done Severus, it is for the greater good"
Severus nearly lashed out, his whole body shaking.
"The greater good" he hissed, his voice dropping very low in fury. "You would sacrifice his very being?" he demanded.
Dumbledore gave him a very sad stare, one very similar to the same he had given him over a year ago. "I have explained before"
But Severus interrupted his tone deadly cold.
"You are as bad as the Dark Lord" He accused and right then he truly believed it. How could he ever had thought that Dumbledores priorities were the same as his own, Dumbledore was just using Potter as a weapon in this war, with no care for his survival. Severus had always intended for the boy to safe, that is what he had promised over Lily's grave, promised to Dumbledore originally and was sworn to by a debt. He owed Potter the truth if nothing else.
"I am not saying I am innocent" Dumbledore admitted which again only caused him more frustrations. Dumbledore was observing him very carefully now, gone was his twinkle in his usually bright blue eyes, the only thing that remained was a steely determination. "But telling Harry anything now would give everything to Voldemort."
"He already has everything" Severus replied coldly. Never would he trust Dumbledore again.
"And he will take so much more" Dumbledore countered his expression horribly frosty.
"Severus, everyone has a part in this war. Harry knows what he must do and he accepts this." Dumbledore explained. "Neville also has sacrificed himself to the dark, by taking the dark mark he had secured Harry more vital time in Hogwarts."
Severus froze, this was not something he had expected to hear and only raised complications.
"Longbottom is a death eater?" He hissed stunned. This explained why he had survived an encounter with the Dark Lord.
Dumbledore nodded, "He is ready to give his all to the fight, the DA too" He continued. "They have the strength to stand up for what is right. I am only asking that you play your part as well" Dumbledore said, no warmth to his voice. "And that is to remain silent"
"The DA are young and naive" Snape countered. "They do not understand the war they have been forced into. They are children and should never have been involved."
"They would be involved if they wanted to or not." Dumbledore said, his eyes locked onto Severus's. "They have a right to fight"
"They have a right to fight" Serverus agreed. "But that doesn't mean they should have to. It is our job to protect them" He hissed "Not use them as weapons against our enemies"
"A war requires sacrifices Severus" Dumbledore said quietly "You should realise this more then anyone"
"I recognise it" He hissed back, "But that doesn't mean it's right or that I have to agree with it"
"Correct" Dumbledore answered unwavering "And so you should act on it"
"No" Severus said, his voice deadly cold. "I will not sit back any longer"
"You would risk everything" Dumbledore countered. "I have stressed to you before that it must be Voldemort who must end it" Dumbledore had a sharp edge to his voice, a calculating stare fixed upon him in warning.
"One week" Severus said coldly, ignoring Dumbledore as he felt nauseous. "Whatever Potter has to do, if he cannot do it by then he will never achieve it." He stated, his own voice sounded foreign to him. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow but didn't comment as Severus made up his mind.
In one week the boy would die.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Harry had just walked away, his eyes dark and unfriendly. He had yet to respond to anyone.
Neville had never seen Harry look so terrifying before, his eyes looked mad. His whole demeanour was unrecognisable. For a moment he was convinced that Tom had returned.
McGonagall had tried to get him to stay out of the common room for the night, but Harry had just lashed out and left.
Neville felt such terrible guilt, he had played a part in deceiving Harry and he had completely betrayed him. He didn't think Harry would ever forgive him if he found out.
"Harry, wait please" Neville tried to insist. He had only promised McGonagall that he would tell her the details as soon as Harry was safe.
Harry spun around, a snarl on his face. "Stay away from me"
Neville halted at once on the spot, holding his mad gaze. "Harry, you can't do this alone" He started.
"I didn't ask for you to interfere" Harry snapped, he looked truly frightened even behind his intense anger.
Neville bit down on his tongue to control his retort. "I was not going to just let him take you" He said as calmly as he could.
Harry actually laughed at that, but it wasn't normal, it was cold and chilling.
"You think you can stop him?" He asked coldly, his head tilting to the side in mocking "You think you can protect me from him?"
Neville felt sick, because he knew despite Harry's torment, his upset he knew that Harry genuinely needed nothing more. He needed someone to stand between him and the Dark Lord, otherwise he would not survive but yet it was still Harry who was trying to protect him.
That was what it was all about. Harry was pushing him away because in all honestly he very nearly died tonight, not that Harry knew the true circumstances, but it still mattered.
"No I don't" Neville replied honestly. He had learnt that the hard way tonight, if Voldemort wanted Harry then it would happen, regardless of what anyone else wanted.
"I shouldn't have acted. It was my fault that Voldemort could use that against you" Neville needed to say this, Harry had to know, despite what had really happened.
It had torn Neville apart when Harry had fallen to his knees submitting to the Dark Lord and it was chilling to see how Voldemort had reacted. It was burned into his memory and he couldn't help but flash back to it now.
After Harry was on his knees Voldemort had only stepped forward, his hand combed through Harry's hair before he had jerked it back roughly so Harry's neck was exposed.
Harry had winched, but had remained so still and quiet as he locked eyes with Voldemort.
"Who do you belong to?" Voldemort said tauntingly coldly, a cruel smile twitching on his lips.
Harry hadn't replied and Neville had found himself screaming once more under Voldemort's curse, his body writhing around on the floor. His pain would be nothing too Harry's though as Voldemort only repeated the question, a deadly threat with it.
Neville couldn't help but feel such terrible guilt, it had been his fault when Voldemort had only locked his grip in Harry's hair so that he couldn't move an inch, he had only stared up hopelessly at the murderer.
Harry had closed his eyes as he answered, his teeth gritted "You"
Voldemort anger hadn't been stemmed though as he had only jerked Harry's head back further, "Look at me" He had commanded. Neville had been certain that Harry's neck had been going to break, but he hadn't reacted, Neville had only lay there weakly on the floor.
He pulled his thoughts back to Harry who was still standing in front of him in the corridor, a lost look on his face. He looked so pale and ill, it was amazing Harry was still standing.
"Just...stay away from me" He bit out, his voice shaking. Harry couldn't hold his mad composure, he was falling and fast.
Neville smiled sadly at him, vaguely aware that it would hardly be reassuring, he was still coated with blood after all.
"Come one" Neville said his voice strained. "Let's go back to the dormitory" He hoped the DA would be back in their respective houses by now, even though he was fairly confident Harry wouldn't notice they were missing. Harry had only followed weakly behind, his feet trailing the ground.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Crabbe's body had been removed from the entrance hall by the time they entered for breakfast, but that didn't stop everyone's eyes staring at the bloody message left behind, or the horrible stories from those who had seen it hanging their lifelessly. Flitwick had been there herding the students quickly past it. Neville knew they would have wanted to cover it up but no doubt Snape and the Carrows had prevented them and the teachers did not want to cause further damage which could inflict Harry.
Harry hadn't noticed thankfully, he had only followed behind him, before placing himself down and staring blankly at his untouched breakfast.
Neville used this to glance around, the DA were scattered about and it was horrible that non of them would meet his eye. Usually everyone was staring in Harry's direction, whispering or pointing but it seemed as if the whole student population had completely forgotten about him.
Neville turned back to his toast. Voldemort's method had certainly been effective, even the Slytherin's weren't acknowledging them, their usual taunts from across the hall or their mocking glares were absent.
Xxxxxxxxxx
This pattern followed in the next couple of days to come. Even the Carrows had completely ignored Harry, turning their torments on other students, it really seemed that Harry had suddenly become untouchable. Neville had caught the odd confused glance in his direction, but as soon as they had seen him looking at them they had just turned away not saying a word.
Harry himself had shut himself off almost entirely, barely speaking to anyone. He hadn't even noticed Malfoy like he usually did, even when the Slytherin had stopped directly in front of them and shoved a potion into Neville's hand, muttering that it was a dreamless sleeping potion. Harry had just stood deadly still unmoving.
Neville assumed it was from either Madam Pomfrey or Snape, after all Voldemort didn't want Harry attempting anything again and nightmares could be ruthless but regardless of the reason Harry needed it non the less.
It was after transfiguration class on Friday afternoon when McGonagall had called him behind. He had only stayed after Parvati and Lavender had assured him that they would see Harry back to the dormitory.
Neville had felt so guilty that he hadn't informed her yet about Voldemort's presence in the castle, he had been sure one of the Gryffindor's would have said something but after Crabbe's death it seemed no one was willing to talk anymore. So that was all he had told her, she had been furious with him for not telling her sooner but Neville hadn't really gone into much detail, lying that he had been unconscious for most of it and that he didn't know why Voldemort had spared him.
He had returned to the common room to find a very distraught pair of girls, he felt his heart sink at once.
"I don't know where he went" Lavender said fearfully. "He left, I don't know when."
Neville would have stayed to rant his frustrations but he didn't want to waste anymore time. He had an odd feeling he knew where Harry had gone, it wasn't as if he could leave the castle anyway.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Neville was correct with his assumption and was unsurprised to find the room of requirements occupied. What did surprise him was when the room was full of long thick green grass beneath his feet, the gently breeze on his face and the gently bird song in the background. He had somehow come to stand in a giant meadow.
It was beautiful and so open and clear, and he could also feel a warmth on his face from what could only have been the sun.
There was a mop of messy hair a short distance away. Neville strode across the meadow in wonder as he got closer to Harry, the room had really out done it's self, even his nose was filled with a fresh scent. He could tell why Harry had come here out of all places.
He sat himself down next to Harry who sitting up, he didn't meet his gaze. Neville was alarmed that Harry looked worse then he had earlier, his eyes were hollow and a dark expression was across his face despite their surroundings. It was as if Harry's senses were dead as he looked like he was struggling to hold himself together.
Surely he would be able to relax here, the room of requirements had to be one of the safest places in Hogwarts if you just requested with the right words.
"Where are we?" Neville asked, after a long silence. He didn't think Harry would answer so he was surprised when he did.
"The Burrow" Harry said, his voice strained.
Sure enough when Neville glanced off into the distance he could see a tall precarious looking building which was obviously held up by magic.
"Ron's house?" Neville questioned and Harry nodded mutely.
It truly was a beautiful place, he could see a trail of what looked like gnomes attempting to climb over a garden fence.
"Do you think I'll ever get to see them again?" Harry asked quietly.
Neville felt the warm breeze on his shirt but he felt such an empty chill at Harry's words.
He couldn't answer, how could he reassure Harry that he would get to see Ron and Hermione once more. Even that might be enough to clear his mind, help him move forwards like it had before, but he couldn't find the right words.
He glanced at Harry and was immediately alarmed.
"Are you okay?" He rushed, Harry if anything looked ready to collapse, he wasn't relaxing, if anything he looked like he was struggling to hold consciousness.
Harry shook his head his eyes hollow. Neville didn't understand, something was obviously effecting him as he shut his eyes, rubbing them with his hands.
Neville glanced around anxiously, what could be bothering Harry so much. He didn't have much time to think further on the subject as he blinked and in an instant the room had changed. Neville frowned, he no longer recognised his surroundings.
No longer was there soft grass beneath his fingers, no longer was there a warm glow around the entirely different room.
He was sitting on the floor of what must have been the plainest room he'd seen. There were no windows and only one door which was propped open slightly, he leaned forwards and could see the titled floor, it was clearly a bathroom. There was no door exiting the room. Behind him was a large bed and then that was it. The room just glowed with light, but it wasn't the same as the previous light, it was cold and felt disturbing.
He turned confused to stare at Harry, not understanding why he had changed it from the open fields around the burrow.
A sharp unfamiliar grin met his eyes and he felt his heart sink.
"Where are we?" Neville asked cautiously, his hand moving to curl carefully around the wand in his pocket, his eyes glistening.
"This is where Potter was imprisoned" Tom said, his voice layered with amusement as he watched Neville's obvious discomfort.
Neville turned surprised as he scanned the room once more, his eyes sweeping over it. This was not what he had expected, Malfoy had said Harry had been in the dungeons and he hadn't assumed otherwise. Although it was very clear that it was a prison from the lack of any features or noticeably missing windows or door it was not as bad as he had considered.
Still though, he turned to Tom an edge to his voice.
"Let Harry go" He instructed.
Tom's grin only widened as he said mockingly "I'm sure Potter would love to wake up here of all places"
Neville felt himself still as he turned to the room, ignoring Tom's jeer. He could control it as much as Voldemort could.
He concentrated, wishing for the room to return to the warm confides surrounding the Burrow. Nothing happened.
Tom's only raised his eyebrows at him in taunting as Neville glared at him.
"Why are you here?" He demanded.
Tom tutted and leaned back from where he sat on the floor to rest against the end of the bed. "It's not my fault if Potter is weak" He replied.
Neville glared at him. "Harry is not weak"
Tom only smirked as he closed his eyes, as if he was resting.
Neville gripped his wand tighter now, he stood up furious. Tom hadn't moved from where he was resting on the floor, he looked quite content to just sit there.
He pointed his wand at Tom now and said coldly. "Let Harry go now"
Tom opened his eyes, they were disgustingly satisfied as the moved to look at Neville's wand.
"Go on then" He smiled "Curse me. I dare you"
Neville felt such a chill as he held his wand. He couldn't curse Harry and Tom smugly knew this.
Sighing heavily he pocketed his wand and sat down crossed leg on the floor watching Tom silently.
Tom only winked at him before he shut his eyes again.
Neville could do nothing but stay, Harry could not be left alone like this, if Tom were to let him wake up in this environment, which he wouldn't be surprised at he didn't know how Harry would react.
"Why are you here?" Neville asked Tom, anxious for his answer.
Tom kept his eyes closed but a smirk appeared on his face as he said softly. "Potter was struggling. He could not hold himself together"
"What do you mean by that?" Neville asked sharply, not understanding.
Tom expanded lazily "It is not because I forced my way into control, but because he gave in."
"So you're saying that even if you give Harry back control now?" Neville queried.
"It would be pointless" Tom hummed.
Neville wasn't sure he believed this but he chose not to comment. They both sat in silence, much like how Harry and himself had been doing only minutes before.
Neville's head was buzzing with questions. He had no idea how they were going to separate Tom and Harry and he certainly didn't want to let Voldemort realise this. Instead he focused on another question that had been bugging him for a few days now.
"When you were controlling Harry at the manor" Neville started, unsure how he should go on.
Tom's eyes pricked open as he sat up, observing Neville with a horrible look of fascination. "You want to know what I did with Potter's body?" He smirked.
Neville swallowed uncomfortably. "Yes" He said bluntly.
Tom's grin widened. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing" he mocked.
"Tell me" Neville said. He had to know for Harry's sake.
"Potter wasn't in the manor" Tom said, his grin made Neville want to punch him, if only it wasn't Harry he clenched his fists to his sides in horror. Harry hadn't been in control at all, to not know that he had been somewhere else entirely was disturbing.
"You won't tell me where will you?" Neville snapped, this just wasn't fair, how could he help Harry when he could not give him back control of his own body.
Tom shook his head and stated, "You're very nosy for a death eater"
Neville blanched at this, his face giving away his discomfort. "I'm not really your typical death eater"
"Nice choice of words there" Tom said softly "Technically you are correct, you are mine" He said tauntingly.
Neville actually couldn't help but glare at this, his stomach twisting, that hadn't been what he meant and Tom knew it. "You're not very intimidating for a Dark Lord" He retorted angrily.
Tom just laughed at this, before his gaze sharpened cruelly.
"I'm sure Ginny wouldn't agree" He stated quietly.
Neville felt his insides freeze over. Ginny had not been right since her encounter with Tom. She had been completely withdrawn and it was really beginning to worry him and the others. Ginny wouldn't talk about it though, she seemed to have distanced herself from the DA entirely. Almost like Harry had shut himself off. He had thought that she would have been reading up desperate to find something to help Harry but he hadn't even noticed that. Tom truly did terrify her, maybe Crabbe's body had affected her badly like so many others.
"What did you do to her?" Neville found himself asking.
Tom only smirked. "I did only what any decent person would" He explained. "I listened to a lonely young girl when no one else would"
"You poisoned her"
"Incorrect" He stated plainly, but he had apparently decided their conversation on that particular topic would stop there.
Neville eyed him suspiciously. He hoped Ginny was just adjusting before they could work out a game plan. After all she had been so determined to free Harry, but he couldn't blame her for her own unconquerable fears.
"Who killed Crabbe?" Neville questioned thickly once again changing topics to see how far Tom would amuse him.
"Does it matter?" Tom said lightly, watching him carefully, his eyes glistening.
Neville frowned . "Of course it matters." he snapped, Harry could potentially lose himself. "Was it you or Voldemort?"
Neville realised his mistake a second too late. Tom moved suddenly and without hesitation, he had no time to blink before Tom slammed him to the floor. He felt dizzy as his head collided with a sharp impact, he could do nothing to stop Tom locking his wrists in place as he easily took his wand.
"Get off me" Neville hissed indignantly as Tom didn't move, keeping him pinned to the floor, he had alarming strength when Harry looked so thin and tired. His thoughts were spinning as he focused on Tom's deadly cold eyes. It was truly disturbing that he was looking at a very demented Harry Potter.
"He is your Lord now" Tom said with such cold fury. "I do not care for such names myself but you will honour him" He hissed.
"I don't-" Neville began, but Tom interrupted fiercely.
"You took a decision to take our mark" he hissed, his eyes glaring. Neville still could not move from where Tom had pinned him to the floor. "You currently have negotiated with the Dark Lord, but you have no power, for I will not hesitate to cut your throat if you dare repeat his name with your worthless mouth"
Neville only gritted his teeth, and glared at him.
"Do you understand?" Tom said coldly.
"He is not my Lord" Neville hissed, as he struggled beneath him.
Tom stared at him, and Neville was disturbed as a cold smile crept on his face. "I should cut off your arm then" He said softly, as if to exaggerate this he waved Neville's wand, Neville felt his whole body lock in place as Tom aimed at his shoulder. "If you do not wish to serve my Lord any longer, then you do not deserve to have our mark."
Even though Neville couldn't move, he knew he would have frozen in place in fear at this point.
"After all, I would happily remove Potter from Hogwarts" Tom taunted. "It would be a shame if you gave up now after you have what you want"
Neville couldn't reply, and Tom traced the wand gently across his shoulder. Would he really cut it off, he started panicking when Tom only laughed coldly under his breath.
"This will probably hurt" He whispered.
Neville couldn't struggle, his eyes betraying his panic and distress, he waited for the pain, trying to brace himself for something unthinkable.
However non came and Tom only moved up, a cruel glint in his eyes as he released Neville's own body back to him.
Neville scrambled up quickly, absolutely furious, eyeing his own wand in Toms hand as he twirled it around carelessly.
"Fortunately for you" Tom said, his eyes sharpening. "I have to consult any matters regarding to Potter and in turn that extends to you"
Neville had never been relieved to have Voldemort's protection before, however at this thought he only felt sick.
"Still though" Tom said lightly as if they were discussing an entirely different topic "You will learn to address him properly and respect him."
Neville only glared back, biting his tongue, he would never respect Voldemort under any circumstance.
Tom started pacing, almost as if he was suddenly bored, his footsteps echoing around the empty room.
"Stop it" Neville spat out when Tom didn't stop pacing after a number of minutes.
Tom only turned to him and raised an eyebrow and said amused. "Are you giving me an Order Longbottom?" He queried.
"Just stop it" Neville repeated, if he had to wait for Harry to wake up then he didn't have to put up with Tom.
"I'm bored" Tom said as if this explained it, twirling Neville's own wand around in his grip delicately. "What do you expect me to do?"
"Let Harry wake up" Neville retorted, angry that Tom was just using Harry for the pure sake of it. So he was very surprised when Tom turned to him, a cold smirk on his face.
"I can't" He answered.
Neville felt himself go hollow. "What?"
Tom rolled his eyes at Neville's own blunt response. "I said that it was pointless" Neville only nodded as Tom continued. "Potter will not wake, it has nothing to do with me."
"It has everything to do with you" He snapped, he just wished he had his wand back. It was unnerving not to have any protection against himself. "Just give up. We should have been back in the common room by now" He stated, but immediately regretted it as Tom's eyes sharpened a cruel smirk flickering across his face.
At once the young Dark Lord made his way towards the door.
Neville leapt after him, panic flooding through him, Tom couldn't leave the room. No one could find out, specially not Harry, he didn't know how he would react if he woke up in a totally different location from last time.
"Where are you going?" He demanded, rushing after him. He wanted to grab his shoulder and pull him back as they walked briskly down the corridor, but Tom only glanced at him amused holding Neville's own wand, he would not hesitate to hurt him that was obvious. Neville didn't particularly care if Tom hurt him, but he didn't want the Dark Lord leaving him trapped in the corridor while he tormented the castle.
"The Gryffindor common room" Tom smirked. "After all, you said it yourself, we should be back by now." He grinned sharply. "I wouldn't want anyone to wonder where Potter had gone. They would be worried." He mocked concern.
Neville gritted his teeth, he had a horrible point. "Just go back to the room" He insisted.
"Oh relax Longbottom" Tom grinned as he continued to twirl his wand around. "I won't kill anyone"
Neville scowled at him, but still kept following him non the less. This could end horribly, he was not going to let him out of his sight.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
They came to the fat lady. Tom knew most of the secrets of the school so he didn't even answer Longbottom's cold stare.
"The password" Tom said, turning to him expectedly.
Longbottom kept his mouth completely locked shut as he glared at him furiously. Tom's gaze darkened.
"That was an order" He said lightly. That just earned him a darker glare as he remained deadly silent.
Tom tutted, this was unacceptable. Longbottom would need to learn his place, after all he was there to obey. He raised his wand and plucked it easily from his mind without any real effort.
"What did you do?" The Gryffindor hissed as he swayed slightly disorientated, confused from the invasion on his mind.
Tom only grinned smugly as he gave her the password. She swung open but not before she gave them both a long hard stare.
"Just stay by me and don't say anything" Neville hissed under his breath.
Tom ignored him as he strode forwards confidently.
The common room was busy and full of students and table and chairs scattered everywhere. It was loud and full of the distinct scratch of quills on parchments as they attempted to finish their homework. Tom scowled, this was very different atmosphere from the Slytherin common room, but non the less, he approached the best looking seats by the fire.
There was a group of what must have been fourth years girls sitting together, they had been discussing something loudly and excitedly but that soon stopped when they noticed Tom.
"Get lost" Tom hissed at them and they scarped at once, they didn't need telling twice. An uncomfortable silence at once seemed to blanket over everything as Tom sat down by the warm fire. This was much more satisfactory.
Longbottom sat down near him in one of the freely vacant spots looking very anxious and wary, but he didn't say anything. Instead someone else did.
"Neville, Harry?" A familiar face said as they approached. "What's going on?"
However Neville was quicker on the mark as he only gestured sharply for his friends to sit down around them both, he also jerked his head to the side towards Tom and said very clearly "Seamus"
Seamus at once froze, as his expression darkened, as he at once cottoned on.
"Why is he here?" He hissed quietly. To anyone else it seemed like they were just joining them casually, two girls also sat down beside them. Tom was disappointed that Ginny wasn't around to terrorise, she could have been entertaining. The babble of the common room was slowly rising again.
Tom smirked "I'm exploring the castle" He said lightly. "You should be more hospitable-" He stopped, as he felt his insides freeze.
He leapt forwards, reaching for a book that had been dropped in one of the fleeing girls haste.
"Harry" Neville stressed the name Harry. "What's-"
But Tom only motioned for him to be silent as his eyes scanned the page, his heart racing.
Grindelwald. The thief was Grindelwald. He flicked the book to scan the front cover, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore by Rita Skeeter. Feverishly he flicked back to the portrait, ignoring the onslaught of questions heading his way. He couldn't believe it as he stood at once, his eyes glistening.
He felt himself getting giddy as he realised what he had to do. He would prove himself to his Lord. He rose and quickly and waster no time in moving out of the common room, completely ignoring Longbottom who had sprinted after him.
"Where are you going?" Longbottom demanded.
Tom was in a good mood now so he smiled as he kept a quick pace. "I thought you didn't want me in your common room?" He asked lightly.
"I don't" Longbottom agreed. "But that doesn't mean you can just run around the castle. You Know Who wanted Harry to be in control not you." He accused as he kept pace beside him.
Tom smirked at Longbottom's use of words, he still hadn't called Voldemort My Lord, but not using his name was an improvement already, at least he didn't have to slit his throat yet.
They reached the entrance hall in minutes and Tom only glanced up briefly admiring the blood stained wall, his Lord had been effective.
He now turned abruptly causing Longbottom to halt, he was looking at the large door warily, obviously cottoning onto what Tom was going to do.
"I have somewhere to be" Tom stated firmly, raising Longbottom's wand against him.
Longbottom's eyes widened in fear but he didn't get a sound out as he dropped to the floor unconscious with a heavily thud. Without wasting anymore time Tom was quick on his feet, breaking the small parameter set on his wrist with a few well chosen words of magic and parseltongue. He stepped out into the night, feeling the cold breeze on his face.
It didn't take him long before he reached the outskirts of Hogwarts and disapparated to Nurmengard.
The whole scenario with Snape/Dumbledore at the start of the chapter was inspired by the wonderful Abeham's last review. It really just wrote itself and I'm quite happy with how it turned out. So I just want to say the biggest THANK YOU! I hope you like it? And also because without your input Draco wouldn't be as involved in the story as much as he is now, so again thanks.
We also reached 100 reviews last chapter, so that too is awesome! Thank you to all.
I hope this chapter is okay, it's more of a setup for things to come as everything is going to get pretty hectic again, but they always do when Tom's involved...