The Leader

Chapter 50

The state of the prisoners riled Harry up fiercely, but regretfully it wasn't a surprise. The ministry cared little for the prisoners of Azkaban, and healers didn't want to be near the prison and did not do their duty and care to those under the governments care as they should. Every single one of them had infections, some more serious than others, prolonged infections that had coursed through their bodies and blood causing them serious illnesses.

Gritting his teeth in irritation, he began to place each profile - that Rick and Dobby had built up on the prisoners, mostly just their age and name and a list of illnesses they had at the moment, Brecon was going to get more information regarding the crimes, the trial transcripts and the families in which they belonged - into two different piles, the most serious ones needed tended to first, the second could wait until he brewed more potions.

With haste he made his way to the warehouse supply, taking half of them, he never used them all just in case anything happened. Once he had the lot boxed up, he Apparated home, and cleared out his cupboards, every single potion that would aid the prisoners in restoring their health. Nodding in satisfaction, he Apparated back to the warehouse, Severus was reading the profiles. No doubt listening to Rick talk to Narcissa and Draco Malfoy as well.

"Dobby?" Harry called out, "When you're finished put them inside the box," he informed his mate as he put in on the table, turning around waiting for his House-elf to appear.

It didn't take long, "What can Dobby to do help Master Harry?"

"You will accompany Rick back to the prison and help with dispensing the potions to the individuals that need them. I've written what they need and the dosages and how often, it's in the box. Those that are not in the box will receive potions later after I've brewed them, do you understand?" the conversation paused as Rick obviously heard his instructions.

"Dobby understands," Dobby said, nodding seriously, he would help the sick prisoners with Rick and make them better. This was so much more fun and worthwhile than just cleaning and cooking for the Malfoy family. The bond he shared with them was still there just dulled hence he knew that his Ex-family was in the premises, but he didn't care because he knew his Master would take care of him.

"Good," Harry stated giving him a small smile of pride, "Wait here for Rick," he added, ignoring Brecon entering for the moment.

Dobby bowed in understanding.

"Brecon?" Harry questioned, turning to face the wizard, in his arms were dozens of folders with the information he requested. He had never let him down yet, so he had no reason to believe he hadn't been successful in getting everything he could.

"I got them all, the Malfoy file is on top," Brecon explained as he walked over, not surprised when his Leader took the top file, the rest were suddenly out of his hands and floating over to the table, and situating itself there. He'd meant to give them to him after seeing the Malfoy's to him but he'd forgotten. Too eager to see what would happen to the Malfoy's. He'd gone with Rick before realizing he still had them, and so he had made his way back, not wishing to keep his Leader waiting when he'd requested the information ASAP.

"I am somewhat surprised that it is not bigger," Severus said, glancing at the file with an eyebrow rose in curiosity. Lucius Malfoy had been arrested twice on being a Death Eater, managing to squirm out of it twice by the skin of his teeth. If he knew Brecon he would have been thorough, unless the information had been expunged.

"This is just general family information," Brecon explained after glancing at his Leader for permission to elaborate, which he was given. "Harry already has everything about Lucius Malfoy; I got all information about the Death Eaters or suspected Death Eaters a long time ago."

"And was I amongst them?" Severus asked his eyes narrowed pensively.

"Surprisingly not," Brecon admitted, not even batting an eyelash at the indignant glare he received (or at least that was what he was assuming) shrugging his shoulder unrepentantly. They all knew he had been a Death Eater at one point, before going to the light side.

"Dumbledore would have made sure all and every record of your arrest was destroyed," Harry joined in the conversation, all the while reading the information on the Malfoy family. What he found there was surprising to say the least; it looked as though help for Malfoy was unavailable. "Probably had to bribe quite a few people as well. He couldn't risk anyone finding out when Voldemort returned, with the amount of people Voldemort had and has in the Ministry it would have been easily found." not necessarily on demand either.

Brecon nodded, that was probably what had happened, but hearing his Leader suddenly growling ferociously had Brecon jumping in fright, his wand out ready to defend him against any and all foes. Brecon noticed that Severus cringed as if the sound had hurt his ears…and wondered if his growl had been that loud to the other vampires.

Harry raised his hand before lowering it, instructing Brecon to relax without saying anything, letting him know they weren't under attack. He was still extremely angry by what he had just heard being spewed out of Draco Malfoy's mouth. Lip still curled in repugnance he swiftly moved towards the little meeting hall that was rarely used for a 'meeting hall' except when he was negotiating with other vampires. For most part it was just used as a storage room, albeit a large storage room.

He made his way there blindly, listening to every word that spewed out of that little worm's mouth.

"Draco!" Narcissa reprimanded, anger evident in her voice along with a great deal of apprehension, quite rightly so. After what her son had just said in hearing distance of probably hundreds of vampires. "Stop this at once!"

"MOTHER!" Draco whined, "I will not become some disgusting blood sucking parasite!"

Harry kicked the door in, not even bothering to use magic or open it manually. "You won't be, even if you begged me to change you, it will never happen." Harry said coldly, magic swirling around him, causing both Malfoy's to visibly cringe in fear and shiver in the coldness Harry's magic was setting around the room. "Take them as far away from here as possible, Apparate straight back, no doubt Voldemort has everyone looking for them, good luck avoiding capture with nowhere to run, and the Mark poisoning your every breath until you are too weak to move." there was no disguising the savage amusement in his voice.

"Harry, please," Narcissa pleaded, eyes wild and terrified, knowing the fate that awaited both herself and her son if they ended up out there alone. "Please." not above begging for the life of her son, even though he was making it next to impossible for them.

"Please, what? You have insulted my hospitality, dared to use my given name again, insulted my people, and worse insulted myself and my mate." Harry growled ferociously, "It was by my mates request that he met with you, my request that you were brought here, saved by creatures you so despise," disgust coated his voice, how he hated wizards for their prejudice.

"He didn't mean it, he's just scared, we both are," Narcissa lied through her teeth, knowing that her son meant every word much to her shame.

"Do not insult our Leader further by so blatantly lying to him;" Rick hissed through gritted teeth, "We can smell it on you."

"Please, what do we have to do to stay here? Please, I'll do anything," Narcissa's voice wobbled, her eyes bewildered as if she couldn't understand how it had gone so wrong so quickly. "Anything,"

"Give me one good reason why I should," Harry stated his face completely blank.

"I…er, my son is a good fighter, the Malfoy name has a lot of political clout, as does the Black name," Narcissa said, "Whatever you're hoping to accomplish…we could help, once we have access to the Malfoy library again it's knowledge could be yours."

"Anything useful in the Malfoy library has probably already been pilfered by either Voldemort or the Death Eaters, or worse burned… everything destroyed in retaliation for your betrayal. As for the Black name, it's already firmly within my control; I have no need for your presence here. You were here because Severus asked you to be, your idiotic son, who cannot keep his trap shut has just closed the last door available to you." Harry stated watching despair sink into Narcissa as she realized that there would be no mercy given to her or her son here this day.

Draco watched what was happening dispassionately, he didn't really believe that Potter would get rid of them. He was a disgusting bleeding hearted idiot, and obviously Severus had a big say in his life, and Severus was his godfather, he would naturally defend him. He was just playing a leader, trying to be all smart, cool and aloof, well he wasn't fooling him.

"Do what you wish with them, Severus, they cannot stay here, my…our people will not tolerate his tongue for long and he will find himself without one." Harry said quietly to Severus who was standing at the door. He knew Severus, he would help them, but as long as it wasn't here he honestly didn't care. They had more than outstayed their welcome.

Severus gaped momentarily by the words that had come out of Harry's mouth, our people? Were they their people now? He'd never had any aspirations in being a leader, he'd been more than willing to grit his teeth and follow whoever would keep him alive in the past. That was the past, judging by the look on Rick's face he had more than suspected this would happen. Harry was trying to treat him like an equal, and it meant more to him than he could possibly comprehend. "Why are you sparing them?" Harry had no qualms about killing anyone who got in his way…unless he didn't kill women and children which he would understand but Draco was not a child and he had gravely insulted them all.

"Am I? He's going to die in excruciating agony, more than enough time to reflect on his wrongdoings, wouldn't you say?" Harry said coldly, staring at Draco his eyes gleaming darkly. He'd love nothing more than to end his pitiful life where he stood. Stepping by him, leaving the room without a single word to either Malfoy's he did however; call back, loud enough for even the humans to hear. "And Severus? If you had contemplated the idea of trying to turn him yourself, it wouldn't work out very well, he has creature blood running through his veins, he's a vela," with that Harry stepped out of the room. Satisfied that he'd had the last word, feeling Rick following him he returned to Dobby to do what really needed his attention.

"Severus?" Narcissa asked, lost and worried about what would become of them.

"You really should have raised him better, Narcissa," Severus sighed, rubbing his temples where he knew if he was human he would have had a pounding headache at his temples with the anxiety of it all. He knew the pain all too well, and his godson was going to suffer from it and for a great deal longer than himself without a respite.

"How can…" Draco protested, only to wince as his mother dug her nails into his shoulder, to silence him.

"We best take our leave before Harry changes his mind," Severus informed them, his mind trying to figure out a way to keep them safe for as long as he was able. The only place he could think of was his house in Spinners End. Not a place Draco or Narcissa would be happy in due to its…rundown appearance, and the fact there were Muggles still in the area. He had no other choice, he realized, grasping a hold of their arms he Apparated them away from the safety of Sanctuary.

"Where are we?" Draco asked, looking around, realizing it had gotten dark without them noticing it. It smelt atrocious, and his heart began to sink, was his godfather truly going to leave them here with the Dark Lord after them? Perhaps he had been a bit too hasty in his words earlier but he certainly wasn't going to be a blood sucking leech.

"Spinners End," Severus replied grimly, why did his godson have to be such a hothead? He wished he had it in him to take it personally at what his godson was calling him and the people he was coming to care a great deal about. Rick and Wyatt more so than the others, but he'd defend them all nonetheless. They had been very kind and welcoming to him, even when he was human. Although it might have something to do with his lack of prejudice which most wizards didn't share…not even Draco.

"Oh, Draco, what have you done?" Narcissa whispered in defeat, she knew where they were, and she also realized just how bad it was that this was all Severus had to offer them.

"It's not as if you cared before the bl…vampires saved us!" Draco argued, stopping himself from saying anything due to the fact his godfather was there.

"Get in," Severus stated sharply, eyes roaming around as he moved, able to see everything, from the smallest blade of grass to the aeroplane in the sky miles away still. Opening the door he allowed both to enter his home, before he snapped it shut, the wards were still embedded. He was glad that the sale of this place had not gone through.

Draco looked around the bare house, with an air of distaste, while it was bigger than the cabin his entire bedroom could fit into this house two times over. The wallpaper was utterly repugnant, peeling off in places and the floorboards creaked constantly, making him hyper vigilant considering Potters words before they left. It looked derelict; he didn't understand how anyone could live here.

"I'll bring a few pieces of important furniture you'll need to be comfortable, and food," Severus replied, proud of himself, despite the blood pumping erratically through their system he never once had any desire to bite, to drink. He must be doing something right if that were the case. "It's not what you're used to, but it will have to do." at least he felt secure in the knowledge that they couldn't go back to the Dark Lord and tell them everything in hopes of reclaiming their lost status.

Narcissa nodded, composing herself, "What about Draco? Will the Dark Lord truly…"

"He did to me, but he also need you both alive to continuing using the manor, you can only hope the benefits outweigh his rage." Severus stated honestly, he wasn't going to lie when it was obvious Draco didn't understand the severity of the life sentence he'd been handed. "You will know, the mark will become inflamed and the veins surrounding it will go black, aiming straight for his heart, the pain will be severe, I'll make some potions for him if it happens." he didn't hold out much hope that the Dark Lord wouldn't do it, if he couldn't torture them to death then this was the alternative. The Dark Lord didn't take deserters or betrayal lightly. Leaving his services was a death sentence.

"How long?" Narcissa asked, tears beginning to make an appearance in her eyes, she'd lost her husband now her son was going to be taken from her.

Severus pursed his lips, "I don't know, it was days before I noticed it," he confessed, not abating Narcissa's fears at all. That was because he had been unconscious; although it wasn't until he was at Sanctuary did he truly begin to realize his death sentence after finding safety.

It was times like this where Severus wished he had a House-elf of his own, but he wouldn't wish any House-elf on the Malfoy's, they weren't kind to them. It meant he'd have to make another trip; he couldn't exactly leave them without the bare necessities since they'd be here for a good long while. "Do you have any properties abroad? One that neither Abraxas nor Lucius have been to or bragged about? Or even one of the Black properties that were given to you?"

"I'm not sure, I can't say what Lucius spoke about when he wasn't with me, even less with Abraxas, both were extremely proud of their family assets." Narcissa admitted, brow furrowed, "I only have my trust fund which hasn't been touched since I was seventeen years old." she had married right out of Hogwarts, and Lucius dealt with all the finances, she was on the accounts so she was able to buy and purchase things as she pleased.

"Then there will be enough to buy a property wherever you please," Severus said immediately, it had remained untouched for over twenty years, interest alone will be enough. "I'll make you something tonight that will conceal your whereabouts which will let you get to Gringotts as safely as possible then abroad. You must go under assumed names with a very secure Floo Network so I may take care of Draco; it isn't something you can do alone."

"Thank you, Severus," Narcissa said, her tense posture relaxing just a little, gratitude shining through her eyes.

"In the mean time you need some coffee, a potion and rest, you're in shock," Severus informed her, she was always so rigidly composed, barely even breaking character when her husband was killed to see her so desolate now was quite shocking. It was a side of Narcissa he had never seen before.

Eyes snapping to Draco, "At least make an attempt to comfort your mother," he said derisively, Draco had unlike his own, a mother who loved him and worshiped the ground he trod on as if he was some sort of miracle. He loved Draco, or rather the child he used to be, but the adult he was…after so much time and effort to change his way of thinking was despicable. He held no respect for anyone, treated his parents like they didn't matter.

Giving Narcissa a nod, he Apparated to Potter Manor, or more specifically his bedroom, which was rarely used, his potions lab was definitely more frequented of the two. He moved over to the storage cupboard where his furniture and household items were stored in his trunk. Sighing and grumbling under his breath, he began to remove the basic essentials that Narcissa and Draco would need for a few days. Draco didn't deserve this, no matter how immature he was, closing his eyes he breathed deeply out of habit more than necessity, and he wished it was easier not to care.

Stiffening his spine, he summoned everything he needed and placed it in a spare trunk, it only took him five minutes. Beds, the couch, chairs, some books for them to read, kitchen equipment, eating utensils and some canned goods to eat. They would just have to make do; he wasn't going running after them all day. They were going to have to get used to looking after themselves anyway without House-elves to cater to their every whim.

One last look around, he Apparated from Potter Manor.

By the time Severus returned to Potter Manor, it was late into the evening, he had ended up staying and talking to Narcissa. Explaining the ins and outs of the symptoms of the poison, including the fact if he experiences any of the symptoms to not use magic as it causes the spread to hasten. Talking to her while she had coffee seemed to ease her, make her feel a little more in control, by the time he left the shock had worn off leaving behind the calm controlled woman he knew.

"How is she?" Harry asked, from where he was buried in more paperwork.

Severus' lips twitched, "Doing much better," he informed Harry, he wasn't as cruel as he liked to seem, but he definitely didn't suffer fools or let anyone make him out to be one. Including helping someone who was insulting him and his people.

"Drink?" Harry queried, picking up his own and taking a large gulp of blood with a low moan.

"I wouldn't mind," Severus admitted, sitting himself down, stretching out glad to be back here. He could smell herb and potion ingredients heavy in the room, Harry had obvious been brewing potions and more than one judging by the ingredients he could make out under the smell of smoke and steam.

"Dobby? Another goblet, please," Harry stated when the House-elf answered his call. "There are letters for you, they're on the fireplace."

Severus contemplated just leaving them there, he'd had enough socialising as it were to last him at least a week. Curiosity won out and he stood to retrieve his letters before reclaiming his seat just in time for Dobby to return with his goblet of blood.

"Thank you, Dobby," Severus gave his thanks to the House-elf, placing the goblet on the table after taking a drink, relishing in the buzz, it was very addictive. Opening the first one, he glanced at the bottom of the folded letter to see who had sent it. To his utter confusion he found it was from Kingsley Shacklebolt and Tonks, now why would they get in touch with him? Dumbledore couldn't possibly be getting desperate enough to ask them to send him letters now could he?

Unfolding it he began to read the missive, his eyebrows getting steadily higher each sentence he read. That was…unexpected, very much so, if only he had been there to see it himself. "It looks as though Dumbledore's precious Order members are beginning to…doubt him."

"How so?" Harry asked, standing up and making his way over, green eyes intense as he stared into black ones, before surprising Severus by kissing him, once Harry was sure Severus wanted it, he tightly gripped his neck, his passion no less demanding than his personality. Humming softly, he withdrew from those delectable lips, before reclaiming his seat, allowing his arousal to settle back down. Refraining from taking care of Severus' little problem, it couldn't be easy going through teenage emotions again. He'd gone through it once with the mindset of a twelve year old, it hadn't been easy. Kai had made sure it was as easy as he could make it.

Clearing his throat, Severus silently passed over the letter he'd just received, wondering what was wrong with Harry, he had never been…spontaneous before. He couldn't deny that he'd enjoyed it, and had wanted more, hearing Harry chuckle wickedly caused his stomach to clench pleasantly.

"It seems as though Dumbledore's little sheep are beginning to see past the wool that's grown over their faces." Harry mused, green eyes twinkling savagely.

"Unless it's a trap," Severus pointed out.

"I sincerely doubt it, out of all of them, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Aurors' would be the ones to question everything when it became apparent things just weren't adding up." Harry mused thoughtfully, "Black and Lupin might be able to shed some light on how close they are to Dumbledore."

"Why not ask Bill?" Severus questioned in surprise.

"Bill wasn't as close to the Aurors as Black and Lupin were, from what he's said most of the Order don't talk much with the Weasley's," Harry explained, "And by extension him, the reasons…I can only guess at."

"Nobody is fond of the Weasleys, they're just too much," Severus said wryly, "Molly, Granger, the youngest Weasley are loud, overbearing and irritating. The twins like pranks just a tad too eagerly and they cannot stand them the slightest, it's a big mistake, they are quite…inventive, if given the opportunity they would no doubt surprise everyone. The elder of the Weasley's are much easier to deal with, Bill, Charlie and Arthur, Percy on the other hand isn't a member but is extremely stuck up for a smart boy he's gone about it the wrong way."

"He still made something of himself, like Charlie and Bill, the rest seem content to be mediocre," Harry commented, part of him respected Percy Weasley's desire to be better than the rest of his family. He wondered if it had anything to do with his sister's death or if he had always had high political aspirations.

"I disagree; I believe the twins could have outdone even Percy Weasley if they had set their mind to it." Severus shook his head.

Harry nodded, taking Severus' word for it, obviously, he saw something in them that he couldn't - due to the fact he was never in the proximity of the twins except while he was in school and quite honestly, he hadn't paid all that much attention to them.

"What do you think?" Severus asked, gesturing towards the letter Harry still held loosely in his hands.

"That is entirely up to you," Harry replied, handing over the letter. "When I said you were your own man, I meant it; you don't have to report to anyone, you make your own decisions. Meet with them if you like, see where they stand." with Bill not returning to the Order meetings, per his own desire, having someone else in place might be a good thing, but it wasn't a requirement, as he'd told Severus in the past spies only guaranteed to see you betrayed, Bill had asked to do it to feel useful, with the spell willingly placed on him Harry had agreed.

Spending every day all day with Severus was probably the quickest way for them to have absolutely nothing to talk about and getting bored of each other. No mystery or curiosity. They had to have at least a few separate things to do, he was sure the Malfoy's would take up some of his time. If he went through with Shacklebolt and Tonks that was another errand to pursue. Meanwhile, he, on the other hand, had to get back to work, working on his primary goal which had been his lifelong ambition.

Plus he had a feeling things were going to come to head soon, whether it was Dumbledore and his Order or Voldemort he had no idea, could even be both. Instead of being terrified he was exhilarated…eager to move it along. It was time to begin placing more of his people within the Ministry.

Will Harry need to put a contingency in place or will it all go smoothly as those he trusts enter the Ministry after or just before the 'big duel' I still can't decide what to do with Dumbledore, to be honest with you :) Voldemort's always easy to deal with but Dumbledore...I've dealt with him every possible conceivable way imaginable...my favourite has to be Pretty Boy though :D now I loved writing that but that was a revenge thing, Harry doesn't hate Dumbledore as much in this story he's merely a hindrance...so what's to be done about that (yes i totally thought that in Hannibal's voice) any suggestions on things yet to be done to old the fool would be very welcomed especially if you can see this Harry doing it :D R&R please