The Leader

Chapter 34

Harry stared up at the manor, it was as always extremely well kept, and the House-elves remained behind to take care of the properties. Sometimes though if he needed them when Dobby wasn't available he would request them, but that rarely happened. Like all manors it was extremely large and had more added to it as the generations had passed. He began walking, taking his time not in a rush to enter the manor where he had been genuinely happy for the first time in his life. Kai had given him three gifts, the love of a father, the happiness he'd never known before and the gift of immortality.

Harry grasped a hold of the doorknob and the wards shimmered over them, allowing them entrance into the grand manor. Once the wards had registered their presence, he swung the doors open being careful not to slam them against the walls, as he had done so in the past. The opulent entrance hall beckoned them in, the large chandelier immediately caught their attention as it sparked and moved with the wind that came through the doors. Unlike other manors though, the portraits of the Burke family didn't move, and also weren't located to a single room. Instead they were permanently stuck to the walls along the entire entrance hall and passed the marble staircase and all the way down to the end.

Severus noticed the name of one in particular immediately, Kaidon Burke, and there he was, unmistakably Harry sitting beside him. He immediately saw the resemblance of the Burke family in Kaidon. There was no mistaken the fact at all, he looked like a much younger more pleasant version of the wizard who run Borgin and Burkes. They fact they were brothers…had been brought up together made him wonder how someone could have children with such different personalities. It oddly enough reminded him of Lily and Petunia, which made his lip curl at the thought of the disgusting Muggle. Oh, how he wanted to kill her, he suspected if he learned more that feeling would multiply exponentially.

"This was taken before you were turned wasn't it?" Severus said, gazing at it.

Harry placed his palm against Kai's face, his own face filled with pain momentarily before he got himself under control. "Yes, five months after he took me in. He wanted to wait until I was older to turn me, but he feared what the other vampires would do if they would found me with him. The underground war back then was really bad, fighting and killing all in the name of being better than their opponents. Kai always said they needed a leader strong and powerful enough to unite them in a common cause - also with enough political clout to end the restrictions on vampires so the magical world could see them in a better light at long last. I think he told me this because he knew I could do it, but I will never know."

"Why do their portraits not move?" Severus asked changing the subject smelling and seeing how painful it was for Harry to talk about.

"Kai froze them all a long time ago, when he died they activated again and I did what he had done in the past." Harry revealed honestly, "Unfortunately Kai didn't put his magic into this, and thus it was never able to activate…I never got to speak to him again." real pain splashed across his face, as he removed his hand from the life size portrait. They hadn't been happy with Kai bringing in a human, a child into the manor without knowing his blood status. Oh, it had been worse when they realized who he was, the defeater of the dark forces, a half-blood. He smugly told them the truth about his blood status before freezing them with vindictive triumph.

"I may not have known him, but I have no doubt he would be proud of you, Harry," Severus said, placing a hand on his shoulder. Harry hadn't had much luck when it came to family. With muggle idiots who loathed him for his magic, despite the fact he couldn't help how he was born. Parents who had fought in war and ended up on the Dark Lord's list even before the prophecy had been uttered, and ending up dead due to the idiotic fact they had chosen the wrong secret keeper. Then he found another father figure in a vampire, one guaranteed to live as long as Harry needed him…only to see him die in front of him. Three parents, saw three deaths, to say he hadn't had much luck was laughable really.

"I know," Harry said without pause, he knew Kai was proud of him, always had been even just successfully brewing a potion or correctly saying a spell. "Follow me," he said after squaring his shoulders, enough nostalgia, he had a job to do and he was here to get it done. Despite the largeness of the manor, Kai had created two large ensuite rooms downstairs, and had the library brought down to the ground floor along with a room for his study. Other than to look around in curiosity when he first came here, or having fun as a vampire, he hadn't gone up the stairs - there was just no need.

When he first came here, he hadn't been allowed in Kai's office that was his place, where he wasn't disturbed. Usually he was forever reading in there, especially when he figured out Harry was a Horcrux, and had devoted a week of his time without pause for anything in searching for a way to remove it from his would-be chide. After a while when he realized Harry wasn't destructive he had allowed him to accompany him.

Opening the door, nothing had changed; he had forbidden the House-elves from entering other than to clean the fireplace after his death. He noticed new wood had been placed in the grate just waiting to be lit. He clicked his fingers and fire burst out against the wood rapidly beginning to crackle merrily and burn it. He gazed at the sofa he had spent all his time on, when he was in here, always with a book in his hands. Touching it reverently, sighing softly, it was a testament to how much he trusted Severus - which was usually a bad thing for him - by allowing himself to feel here and show it too.

Work, he had work to do. He thought to himself, as he moved over to his office chair and sat down in it, before opening the top drawer and taking out all the paperwork within it, and flipping through it to see if there was anything of relevance within the pages. It was as dry as dust to look at, he replaced it all in the same order before he went to the second drawer, and found to his sadness and amusement all his 'homework' he had done for Kai while he was learning. When he first started he had made a lot of mistakes, it was a testament how far he came within a few weeks that he no longer had incorrect answers. Sliding them back in he opened the third and found it was all information Kai had been able to get on him when he had been nearly twelve. Other folders with information on people he didn't know, as well as information on the clan he had decimated when he was strong enough to take them on for what they had done to Kai.

"It isn't looking good, all important information was usually kept here," Harry stated, as he continued his search without yielding results. It was a good job he hadn't gotten his hopes up, no matter, he would figure out how to deal with Dumbledore, but at least he had a back up if it comes to it. It wasn't as if Dumbledore was going to get his hands on him.

"Could he have a secret compartment?" Severus suggested eyeing the elegant and tasteful (to his own tastes at least) office desk.

"All these kind of desks have secret compartments," Harry pointed out, as if Severus was being particularly dim right now. "I have one the exact same in my own office, and I know exactly where they are." it had been up in one of the vacant rooms, he had taken a lot from the manor to build the warehouse for his people and give them comforts they were so obviously not used to. He even made sure they were able to use electricity around the wards he had up, since many of them had stayed secluded in the Muggle world (despite their own distaste for Muggles) but finding it safer to remain where people were ignorant of their nature. Sliding from the chair, he moved to the side, and began to twist knobs that looked part of the desk, but in reality moved to yield a secret compartment. He had found all secret compartments in his own desk in the matter of half an hour, with his speed and perseverance it had been a no-brainer.

"Down in the basement there is a large box of dragon hide gloves next to aprons will you please retrieve a pair?" Harry said, there was no mistaken the sudden rush of sweet satisfaction wafting from Harry.

Severus gave no reply merely used his vampire speed to grab two sets, making sure they matched, he had gotten a glimpse of the lab as well. He understood why the one in the manor was so elegant, since the one here was as well. It was extremely clean, obviously looked after, and gleamed in the flickering light that came on as he entered the lab. He passed them over, curious himself on what exactly he had found judging the fact he wanted those gloves he suspected the magic might still be alive in the letters.

"Did he keep them in there without preservation?" Severus enquired, moving when Harry made to stand up but close enough to see what was going on.

"No," Harry said quietly, placed the letters on the desk, they were preserved and sealed individually into clear evidence bags - not official ones of course. Putting the dragon hide gloves on carefully, aware that his own strength could stretch and tear them. Once he was sure there was no way any of the compulsion charms could hit him, he delicately took one of the letters out, flicking a ball of light from his finger lighting the desk up so they could easily see without having to use their vampire sight - which didn't work perfectly due to the fact there was a fire crackling merrily in the flames. "I guess you were right, I owe you one, and this is exactly what we need to bring him down. I didn't think he kept them if I'm honest, I saw him burning one I assumed the rest had been dealt with in the same fashion or disintegrated through the wards." which was exactly what he had been told, perhaps these had been sent before the wards went into effect? He didn't know but genuinely hoped so, the thought of Kai having lied to him wasn't a pleasant one.

"May I inspect it?" Severus enquired.

"Go ahead," Harry said, stepping back watching Severus with a gleam in his eyes.

Severus picked it up, his own dragon hide gloves already snug in his long hands. He brought up to his nose, but not too close and sniffed it. "Coactus fide draught, nolentes cogeret potion," Severus said thoughtfully, one to force loyalty and the other to force him to seek Dumbledore out - or rather his magic no matter where he was. "Resistentia ad mutationem, this would have made you adopt the thoughts he wished you to, whatever he wished for you, you were resisting so this potion would have been perfect to turn you into what he wanted - his little hero. There is no way other than his word what it would have done. "coacto modificatio as you suspected and invenire a potion used to find another. I'm surprised all these activated, with so many potions it's extremely dangerous! They could have had adverse affects!"

"That's just the potions," Harry pointed out, "Although I am not detecting any spells, I think Kai had to remove them otherwise he would have ended up with them on his person. It might be hidden behind the magical residue of the potions though." he conceded after a few seconds. "I have an expert who will be able to tell me all potions that were soaked in this as well as all spells that had been used around it, as well as placed on the parchment; he's very good at what he does. So good in fact that the Ministry hired him on the spot, but that had been our plan all along." smirking victoriously, the only thing they had to deal with to take over the Ministry was the majority of the Wizengamot and the Minister. But the Minister can be removed as soon as he has his people within the Wizengamot, not them all just the majority of course - so their decisions couldn't be contested.

"I can tell at least two spells were on it, but as you can see I am better at identifying potions," Severus muttered sardonically.

"I'm sure your heightened sense of smell has only helped," Harry said with measurable calmness. Although even with a human nose he had no doubt Severus would have just said the exact same thing. He wasn't the youngest and brightest Potions Master in the UK for no reason, he knew his potions inside and out whether brewed or not.

"It certainly didn't hinder it," Severus stated sharply, as if suspecting that Harry assumed he couldn't identify all the potions without the aid of his vampire scenting.

Harry arched an eyebrow, "I did not imply or outright state it is," he replied calmly, but there was a warning note to his voice, even if that hadn't been there the look he was giving him was indication enough. He might be letting a lot slide, but he wasn't about to let him speak to him that way - especially when he wasn't his equal, his partner as of yet - if he ever did. If the others observed it happening they would lose respect for him and he couldn't have that.

Severus dipped his head ever so slightly, acknowledging that he had gone too far to accuse him of anything and for speaking to him in that manner. He wasn't stupid, he was getting off with a lot more than others did, he wasn't sure why, or perhaps the others got the same treatment just put back in place if they got a little too familiar with him? He honestly didn't know, he'd only ever observed one meeting and he had been deep in thought for most part of it. His pride would never allow him to apologise outright - unless his life was on the line and he was being cursed with the Cruciatus curse.

Something he knew that Harry wouldn't do, although he would like to observe what he would do if pushed - just against someone else and not him - he wasn't suicidal thank you very much…well not anymore, he thought darkly to himself. He was very ashamed of his actions, it didn't matter that he had been tortured to nearly the brink of insanity, hurting and being told to go on a mission for 'for the greater good' when he knew that he wouldn't make it out there alive…well fed to the wolves (or vampires as the case may be) may be a more apt description. He had wanted to die, instead of running, and being on the run constantly, and moving around just so he wasn't found. He'd felt weighed down, so very tired and used beyond belief that death was beginning to sound like a good thing. Go figure when he was ready to just die he'd find a sect that was better than both, demanded nothing and gave him more than he ever had. Including a Lordship he had no idea he was entitled to, for a Slytherin he had shamed himself for believing the old fool and not checking himself.

"Do you wish to remain for a while longer?" Severus enquired, "I can head back to the manor if you wish to be alone."

"There is no point to reminiscing about the past, or thinking about it," Harry stated, "I have a future to create, one we can actually be proud of." he added grimacing in distaste at the system Britain had in place at the moment. It was rife with corruption, greed and ignorance, well no more - he would change all that and make it a thriving community that other countries can feel part of without seeing such a disgusting system in place. It was little wonder that communities in America were so much better off - with creatures leaving the isles in search for a more prosperous life. While others went underground unable to accumulate the funds needed for such a move.

"That will be a novel experience for all of us; I don't think there's been a decent system since Merlin created it." Severus replied thoughtfully. He did wonder of all the changes Harry would make, whether they would be as good as any system could be.

"Yes, he was quite the Slytherin wasn't he?" Harry mused wryly, "It seems only Slytherin's have a mind to create something good for this world."

"You aren't a Slytherin," Severus pointed out immediately.

"I was supposed to be, I begged the hat to put me anywhere but Slytherin, unfortunately I had the distaste to have met Hagrid and Ronald Weasley as well as Draco Malfoy, two out of the three insisted only evil wizards end up in Slytherin and of course the third ended up in Slytherin which cemented it for me - in my naïve mind at any rate."

Severus smirked, that explained so much. What could be agreed was that there was absolutely nothing Gryffindor about the Harry Potter that stood before him. "Perhaps you should get sorted into your real house once you have taken control over the magical world, everyone will know your true house and perhaps bring back something good to the Slytherin house."

"If Merlin couldn't I doubt I can," Harry said dryly, "But I like the sound of that, nobody would be able to write that I was a Gryffindor if I was resorted, anything they put down will revert to Slytherin, such as those Chocolate Frog cards, the youngsters love them, in fact I usually keep a few aside and give them small tasks to do, it helps them feel useful and less of a burden."

"Do you know how odd it is to hear you speak of youngsters when you yourself are as well?" Severus commented, watching Harry pick up the letters and replace the one they'd taken out, drowsing the flames in the fire - with so much water there was no way it would accidentally relight - and walking out of the office closing the door behind him with an almost whimsical sigh. So many good memories, he never wanted to forget them, perhaps he should make it a habit to come here…maybe on the anniversary?

"I've never been young, I wasn't allowed," Harry commented idly, not the slightest bit hurt or annoyed by that fact, as he opened the front door. "In fact I felt more comfortable talking to Kai, who treated me like an adult from the get go, than I ever had felt talking to Ronald and Hermione. They were just children, Ron was jealous of his siblings, lazy about his school work and bemoaned about not having the best of everything - or rather no money - he didn't see what he did have, what I would have killed for even at the age of eleven. Perhaps his second year would have changed that with the death of his sister, but either way, I always felt awkward. I put it down to never having friends before. It became clear to me when Minerva McGonagall dismissed my concerns over the fact the stone was about to be stolen. It really hit me then, Ronald and Hermione began to loudly complain when she didn't automatically believe her but I realized she wouldn't take me seriously so remained quiet on that front. It's also why I went down to retrieve it well other than the manipulation that is."

"Your work let a lot to be desired," Severus pointed out cautiously, seeing that Harry didn't react he continued on, "Your penmanship was atrocious, you didn't know half the answers in any of the tests, and your homework…I think other than Neville Longbottom and Ronald Weasley yours was the worst."

"I am not surprised," Harry replied dryly, "I knew nothing of the magical world; I had never held a quill before never mind had to write anything down in the ink and quill. Nobody even thought to help me acclimate to magical society, something I am definitely going to change. It also didn't help that my fingers and wrists had been broken quite a few times, and they had healed through magic alone and improperly at that. When Kai realized he immediately brought in a healer, twenty-nine broken bones in total, some of them were repeated breaks of course like my wrist."

Severus swallowed thickly, well that explained the atrocious writing, and he definitely regretted bringing it up or marking it across his homework now. If only the boy had told someone…but obviously he had experience on that front and obviously believed nobody would accept his answer as truthful.

"As for my answers, I learned only one month before Hogwarts started that I was a wizard and not a freak as I had been told all my life. As soon as I returned from my shopping trip to Diagon Alley, my uncle placed the new trunk and Hedwig in my old bedroom the cupboard under the stairs. I did not get to read any of the books, only the racking my owl was making caused Petunia to let it out, and share Dudley's second bedroom with me. I should have read on the train and the night before but I had just been so excited that I was getting away from the abuse, that I was a wizard, and not returning to them for nearly a year." Harry mused, his lips twitching, as he rubbed at his chin thoughtfully wondering how much to tell him. "So I truthfully didn't know the answers when you asked them, believe me I tried to keep up with the course work for that entire year, but between the manipulations, the constant bullying from the Slytherins and Quidditch which was something I truly enjoyed more than anything."

"Yes, I think every teacher agreed that it was utter madness, but Minerva got her way as always, she's very stubborn, the ultimate Gryffindor." Severus admitted as they reached the end of the wards, of course he had protested the most, unaware of the fact that the boy had only known about the magical world for all of two days otherwise his protests would have shot up ten octaves. "Nobody could deny you were a natural though, have you been able to fly much?" this was nice, getting to speak to him, know more about his past at least without Harry just giving him that droll stare, no matter what underhanded tactics and mentions he'd used. He did wonder idly if the Dursley's were still alive.

"As an adult I agree, but it was the only thing back then that calmed me completely and let me feel like a child, that excitement, that was even marred by Voldemort since he cursed my broomstick." Harry replied neutrally, "Before I was turned Kai let me fly all the time, when I became a vampire I could run faster than my broom could go so it sort of defeated the purpose, it wasn't thrilling anymore."

"I see," Severus mused thoughtfully, before the feeling of being stuffed in a tube and sucked up it overcame him, he stumbled just slightly but enough to annoy him - he hated being forced-sidelong Apparated. He said nothing though, hoping that their conversation would continue.

Unfortunately his wish wasn't to be granted, Dobby popped in, "Master Harry, Brecon is looking for you, he is saying that Greyback is awake."

"Thank you, Dobby. Did you see if the stores need re-supplied at the warehouse?" Harry enquired curtly.

"They have everything they need, Sir, and I put a list of all the potions you are low on in your office," Dobby said bowing low.

"Very well, take this and put it in my office, make sure they remain undisturbed." Harry stated, giving the bagged letters from Dumbledore over a little reluctantly, dismissing Dobby with a small smile to let him know he was proud of him. "Are you coming?"

Severus nodded immediately, he was curious to know what had happened and who the hell had used his spell - he had someone to kill for that.

"I'll meet you there, you can come and go now," Harry told him before he Apparated away. The mark was no longer a problem; every time Severus used magic he deduced he poison became stronger and more aggressive. He hadn't seen anything quite like it, and to be honest he was in awe of it, the creator not so much. Or the fact that it had been killing his mate.

He smiled softly to himself remembering the reactions he had smelt, he must drink in front of him more often - or actually hunt, he wanted his mate Merlin's balls and he was tired of waiting. His restraint wouldn't last forever, he was going to snap soon and Severus wasn't going to know what hit him. Perhaps he would have to show him he still wanted him? Perhaps telling him things, treating him almost like an equal wasn't working.

Of course, Harry failed to realize the low self esteem Severus had despite his masks and attitude. There would come a time when it would shoot up, when he realized he was needed, wanted and loved exactly where he was - and that his thoughts and feelings were taking into account and taken seriously as well. He was already feeling more at home with Harry than he already had at Hogwarts and with the Dark Lord.

Just then another pop indicated that Severus had indeed followed him, his masks slipping firmly into place he moved into the warehouse with Severus following closely as he had taken to doing as of late. Perhaps he sensed the fact Harry was his mate but not yet realized it? Hmm, perhaps giving him a book on it might also speed up the process.

Will the pair bond before Harry makes his move on Dumbledore? perhaps in a meeting Severus giving his opinion and the others beginning to respect him further than they already did? Will they already be aware of what was going to happen due to Harry's odd actions the day he let Severus live and his continued presence there afterwards and the fact Harry turned him? or will it happen around about the same time with Harry defending Severus zealously allowing Severus to realize he was truly wanted and that Harry did hold some affection for him? R&R Please