...

Being called later that night by his Lord had been a surprise. He shouldn't have been surprised that word of his adoption would have reached his Lord. He had hoped it would come later and give him more time to earn Harrison's trust. Or at least had time to prepare him.

Unfortunately now that the Dark Lord knew there was no avoiding him. Corbin was loyal completely to the Dark. Even if he saw Harrison as a hurt boy rather than an enemy. So he grabbed his usual robes for meeting the Dark Lord.

When he stepped out of his rooms he found Harrison standing there. The lad was watching him with unreadable eyes. He saw the way they flicked over his robes taking in their blank state.

In a small insecure voice Harrison asked, "You're going to see Him?"

How?

His question must have shown on his face because Harrison answered it, "I can feel his anger. My scar..."

The lad raised a hand to the scar on his forehead. That was when Corbin noticed how inflamed it was. He should have seen that immediately. Why didn't he? He was more aware than that.

Wait... did Harrison say that he could feel the Dark Lord's anger? There was something behind that. Something that he should know. Unfortunately he couldn't stay to find out more information. It was never a good idea to keep the Dark Lord waiting. Unless one liked pain.

Carefully he said, "I am. He has "asked" for my presence."

Harrison asked softly his eyes were on the ground now, "Is he going to hurt you?"

Corbin blinked slowly at him for a moment then slowly bent to a knee. Turning his head he caught the green eyes that held worry, worry for him. It wasn't something he was used to seeing but it warmed him. Amazing what a little true emotions and kindness could do.

Slowly he reached out and took Harrison's chin in a firm grip. He tilted the eyes up to look him directly in the eyes.

Quietly he asserted, "I will be fine, Harrison. The Dark Lord might hurt me but he wouldn't kill me. I have too many allies that would back out if he did. I promise you I will come back to you."

Green eyes filled with emotions that he couldn't hide met Corbin's blue eyes. Finally Harrison whispered, "Be careful, Corbin."

"I will."

Then he had to leave knowing that he would be punished for his tardiness. The Dark Lord would not be happy with him. Not happy at all.

Once out of the wards of his manor he apparated to Nott Manor. Like all who were friends of the family he allowed to apparate directly into the manor. If anyone else tried they would either bounce off the wards or would appear outside. The wards trailed over his skin for a moment before accepting him.

Benjamin found him a moment later. The brown haired man barely gave him a nod of acknowledgment before leading him to one of the studies. Benjamin was one of the oldest followers of the Dark Lord. They had gone to school together and Benjamin had a lot of freedom. While he and Corbin were cordial they couldn't be considered friends. Corbin swallowed thickly knowing what was going to happen next.

The study he was being led to was on the third floor and in the South Wing. They arrived at the door and Corbin could feel his Lord's magic on the otherside. Benjamin gave him a look before knocking on the door.

A cold voice ordered, "Enter."

Corbin did as he was told entering before dropping to his knees. This was his Lord and he had obligations to the man. Even with taking Harrison in.

There was a scratching of a quill on parchment for a few moments. Corbin didn't move or look up as he waited. Anything he did could be seen as disrespect. Disrespect to the Dark Lord could be deadly.

The sound of shifting clothes could be heard. The Dark Lord's footsteps were nearly silent as he moved to stand in front of the kneeling Corbin. Corbin kept his eyes focused on the ground waiting.

Finally his Lord said, "Corbin look at me."

Without hesitation he did so and what he saw surprised him. His Lord was no longer looking like a monster deformed by dark magic. Dark hair fell into blue eyes with just a hint of red in them. His Lord looked to be in his mid to late twenties. Anger lined his face but it wasn't insane anger that he had known the last few years of the war. This was more like the anger one would show when they felt betrayed.

His Lord asked softly in a dangerous voice, "Do you know why I have called you here, Corbin?"

Corbin met the angry gaze as he answered, "I do, my Lord. You want to know about my adoption of Harrison Potter."

Corbin felt a prodding at his shields and let them drop. Memories of the time since Harrison had joined him filled his mind. Everything that had happened without trying to hide anything. This included his meetings with the Foundation members.

He didn't try to hide the feelings that he felt when around the boy. At first it had been out of obligation for his friendship with Tarloc. Slowly he had come to care for Harrison. He knew that he would never remarry. As such he would never have any more family than Harrison. That was why he had wrote in his will that everything was to be left to Harrison. Harrison was essentially his only Heir.

The Dark Lord's eyes flashed a deep red for a long moment as he pulled back from Corbin's mind. Then they returned to their blue. Corbin did not say anything waiting to either be cursed or asked more questions.

His Lord began to pace in front of him. Corbin again kept quiet even when he wanted to ask his Lord what he was thinking. It was as if his Lord was torn between his thoughts.

Finally his Lord spun to face him and Corbin was unable to prevent himself from flinching expecting to be cursed, "Do you believe, Potter will truly swear a vow of neutrality?"

Truthfully he answered, "Yes he will. Harrison is excited to spend time with Grandmaster Tarloc. From what I understand he is well on his way to getting his mastery. If it wasn't for the contract that says he has to be an apprentice for a minimum of 3 years he most likely would take his exams next year. As it is he will be taking them before he graduates Hogwarts."

His Lord didn't say anything for a moment instead simply stared at Corbin. Corbin met his gaze evenly. Showing fear would not help him here.

"If he swears an oath of neutrality," he said coldly, "Then I will not go after him or allow any of our own to do so. I saw in your memories that you wish to give him a betrothal contract. Do you know who you will be putting forth?"

Corbin swallowed, "I was considering Barty, my Lord. Despite his betrayal at the end of the year Harrison was very close to him."

A contemplative look crossed his Lord's face. Corbin wanted to sigh with relief. It wasn't an outright refusal which was possible given who he was considering. Barty was one of the closest members to their Lord.

"I'll agree to allow you to ask," he allowed, "I will need to speak to Potter but that doesn't have to happen yet."

Corbin barely kept from sighing with relief. If this didn't work out he was going to try for a neutral family. Anyone else who was dark would be too biased against Harrison. It could end badly.

Then he dismissed Corbin, "Go home. Tell Potter what I have said. Continue your work Corbin. You have done well but do this again without consulting me first and I will make you regret it."

Corbin stood his knees creaking with the effort. Then he headed for the door relief making his head swim. He didn't get cursed for his actions. That had to be a blessing from Mother Magic herself.