The Bonds That Tie
"Harry! He was never supposed to get access to that map!" Sirius whined from his picture.
"Oh, stop it." Harry remarked. Sirius continued to pout from his picture as Severus worked at unfolding the map entirely. "As you can see, it shows everyone in the castle. Where they are, what they're doing at every minute of every day."
"It reveals passwords to rooms if approached, and shows people under polyjuice potion and animagus forms too." Sirius commented, arms folded.
"It doesn't reveal and Chamber of Secrets, nor the Room of Requirement." Harry added. "This is how I learned Pettigrew was alive. The night your found me in the hallways, I was following him…I just didn't know he was an animagus. He was wandering the castle in his rat form. When Remus took the map, he obviously knew what it was after it insulted you. He did scold me that the map in the hands of Sirius Black was a map to me."
"That was before Remus knew I was innocent!" Sirius said quickly. "He was only trying to protect you."
"I know, Uncle Siri…Calm down, would you?" Harry rolled his eyes.
"This is how you got into Hogsmead before you got the permission slip signed, didn't you?" Severus asked.
"Guilty as charged. Fred and George Weasley gave it to me in third year, said they'd nicked it from Filch's office in their first year." Harry informed.
"Pray tell how you got to Hogsmead?" Severus asked.
"Sevens secret passages, I was advised to use to use the passage leading into Honeydukes cellar." Harry informed. "It's here," Harry pointed to the map. "Near the stairs to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, beneath the statue of the one-eyed witch. On the third floor."
"Tapping the hump with a wand and saying clearly Dissendium would cause the statue to move and a small person could fit through and follow it to Honeydukes Cellar." Sirius added.
"Where are the other passages?" Lucius asked.
"Well, the Whomping Willow to the Shrieking Shack is another. Helpful to know how to get the tree to stop attacking." Harry mentioned.
"There's a passage behind the mirror on the fourth floor, leads to somewhere in Hogsmead but I can't remember where exactly. I know the space was big enough to hold a small group." Sirius mentioned.
"That caved in during my second year, according to Fred and George." Harry stated. "But there's another passage, dunno where it leads because I've never tried it, behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy."
"Somewhere in Hogsmead." Sirius offered.
"There's some tapestries that hide a passage to the entrance stairs, with a trick step. And there's a passage from Gryffindor Tower to the Owlery in the common room, if you take a left turn." Harry shrugged. "Oh, and there's a tapestry that leads you from the trophy room to the charms classroom. Filch does know about four of them, but the ones I use, he does not."
"Incredible…" Severus admitted. "I'll admit it, Black…You and your friends did something no one else ever has."
"Why thank you, Severus!" Sirius put a hand over his heart.
"I get a kick out of Albus always in his office." Harry stated. "Pacing."
"This says he's on his way to the dungeons…Isn't this where your room is, Potter?" Severus inquired.
"Yeah, but I'm not worried." Harry replied.
"Why?! He'll see you're not there." Severus exclaimed.
"My dear Professor, have you already forgotten I protected the hell out of my room? No one's getting in there without me to let them in, except Draco. And Draco knows not to open it for Dumbledore and that I'm here tonight." Harry reassured. "Speaking of, can we get down to why I'm here?" He looked at Voldemort.
"Of course. Sorry, the map intrigued me. It is very detailed and helpful." Voldemort admitted.
"Mischief Managed." Harry flicked Severus's wand at the map as it folded itself up and returned to being blank. Harry gave the wand back to Severus and put the map away in his robes.
"If I may inquire, Mr. Potter…If Remus confiscated that from you in your third year…How did you come to possess it again?" Severus asked. "Surely he knew what it was when he took it?"
"He did. The first thing he said to me in his office was to go right back to the tower and he'd know if I didn't. That was my clue he knew what it was." Harry informed. "As for how I got it back, Remus gave it to me at the end of third year. In his words; Now, since I'm no longer your teacher…I feel no guilt whatsoever about returning this to you. And now I'll say goodbye. I feel we'll meet again someday. Until next time…Mischief Managed." Harry repeated.
"That's my Moony for you." Sirius chuckled.
"Indeed. Now…Why did you request me? It's a school night, Tom…Surely, like in the past, you hold your meetings with me at the end of the year…" Harry remarked.
"As if you're sleeping…" Voldemort countered.
"I suppose…Now, on with it?" Harry asked.
"I've found myself requiring your assistance…" Voldemort began.
"And why would I help you with anything?" Harry arched a brow. "I won't help you take over the world."
"You misunderstand, dear boy." Voldemort stated. "I do desire to rid the world of…Some people. But not take over it, though I won't object to the notion of running the new world. No, Harry…Please, allow me to explain?"
"Very well," Harry motioned. "If it is not your desire to rid the world of half-bloods and muggle-borns and rule with pure-blood supremacy…What is your goal?"
"You and I are so very much alike. Both grew up without our parents, as orphans in a place that hated us for being differ-," Voldemort stopped when Harry glared at him, red taking over his eyes.
"I'm going to stop you right there." Harry said in a cool tone. "Do not compare our upbringings as similar. My parents would still be alive if not for you…" He warned. "Pettigrew sold them out, but you killed them. I've extracted my revenge on the rat…Don't tempt me to end you here and now."
"Of course, forgive my assumption…I only meant that we both ended up on the side of Dumbledore's manipulations. Filling our heads with his words, pushing us to the choices we made. What I want, dear Harry, is to rid the world of Dumbledore and those corrupt in the ministry." Voldemort informed.
"The difference, again, between you and I, is that I didn't go dark over what Dumbledore has done. I'm well aware the bastard has manipulated me over the years. Last year was all I needed with the blasted prophecy to know he's been whispering in my ear over the years, raising me up to be the weapon that destroys you." Harry enlightened. "I already have my suspicions that he's had me under a light form of imperious or a compulsion potion or charm for years. Giving me something to make me believe everything he says. When I came to Hogwarts, I was just glad to get away from the Dursley's…Learn magic. I didn't want anything extra. I didn't want to be getting in trouble and chasing all these things that happened. I always had that feeling inside when things happened of this isn't right, I shouldn't do this. I'll get in trouble. Yet, I'd end up doing it anyway. And I've done things worthy of expulsion, just ask Professor Snape,"
"Indeed you have…" Severus confirmed.
"But Dumbledore always let me off the hook. In first year, when I actually destroyed Quirrell; he awarded me points. Before I even stepped into Hogwarts, Albus sent Hagrid to take me to Gringotts and just so happened to be the day Albus had Hagrid take the sorcerer's stone out of vault seven-hundred and thirteen. Why would you let a student in on something so secret? Because it literally led into the rest of the year. Why would you reward an eleven year old points for literally killing someone? Over expulsion, I believe murder is worthy of Azkaban. That's just one example…The point is that is I knew it was wrong but I felt…Compelled to do it anyway."
"It does sound heavily of foul play," Narcissa agreed. "And you said you felt like Albus was trying to put a wordless charm over you during your birthday, yes?"
"That's why I feel like he's been doing it a long time. But when I became a vampire…And technically died, all of his spells or potions in place ended." Harry stated.
"It's just my point Harry, I felt the same all those years ago. Compelled to fall in line to Dumbledore's requests or words…And then I stumbled on the Chamber of Secrets…I felt the power I had which scared Dumbledore." Voldemort said.
"Your diary did mention that. Dumbledore was driven out of the castle by the memory of you…" Harry agreed. "You mentioned he kept an annoyingly close watch on you after that and that you knew it wouldn't be safe to open the chamber again while you were still at school. You said killing mud-bloods didn't matter to you anymore and that your new target was me…"
"And so it was, Harry. I got you to listen, learn who I truly was…How you got some of the abilities you have," Voldemort continued. "I'd love to see what else my diary told you."
"Oh yes, our little mind connection and speaking Parseltongue." Harry nodded. "That doesn't explain how you need my help. I only want the world to see Dumbledore for the crimes he's committed."
"Why stop at Dumbledore, Harry?" Voldemort asked. "Many have wronged you in life…You already got revenge on Peter…"
"What? You did what?" Sirius asked.
"He killed him," Bellatrix stated.
"Harry…" Sirius frowned. "Killing will damage your soul."
"My soul is already damned, Sirius. I am dead. Plus, I never touched the coward…" Harry remarked.
"Harry James Potter-Black…" Sirius warned, using the boy's full name.
"I didn't!" Harry said firmly. "I never touched him."
"Bellatrix said you did!" Sirius argued.
"I merely forced him into his rat form and let Nagini deal with him, but I never physically touched him." Harry folded his arms over one another. "I don't want revenge on anyone else, Tom. Pettigrew was killed because he had it coming. Had he not escaped that night in third year, he'd have been handed over to Azkaban for the Dementor's Kiss. And he only got away because Remus forgot his potion and let him go by accident. All I did was ensure he met the fate he deserved three years ago." He stated. "All I did was hand him off to someone else to kill. That's all it would have been in third year too. I did nothing." As if hearing her name, Nagini slithered over and got into Harry's lap, then lightly wrapped around him and set her head on his shoulder. Harry activated the warming charm as Nagini got comfortable, then Harry lightly rubbed the top of her head.
"Harry, we could fix this world together. Revealing Dumbledore's crimes, and getting back at those who hurt you." Voldemort said.
"I don't want to hurt anyone!" Harry glared at him. "I'm not like you, regardless of us both being manipulated by Dumbledore. Just because I'm a vampire does not mean I've stopped being who I am. I don't want anyone hurt and I don't want anyone dead. I'm not a murderer like you. We're nothing alike, Tom. I told you that last year when you tried this…Don't make me have to get rid of you. I'm supposed to be the one who can destroy you, the only one I'm supposed to kill is you…I'd rather not have to, so don't make me cross that bridge." Harry warned. "Now…Tell me what you want my help with, or I'm going back to the school."
"I told you. I want you to help me fix the world, excluding the murders of those who hurt you over the years." Voldemort informed. "I have Severus brewing for me, trying to create a way to restore my former body among other aspects. However, we've hit a snag and I believe you may be able to assist him."
"What does that have to do with me? He's the potions master, not me." Harry stated.
"Ah, but your family was, Harry." Voldemort smiled calmly. "I've heard that they were potion-makers and that some of what we still use today were their creations."
"Understatement," Sirius interjected. "The Potter's were potion masters and their entire fortune that you now have as the last heir and lord, Harry, came from their creations still used today." He informed. "Your ancestors were responsible for Skele-Gro, and Pepper-Up. Obviously raking in the profit for such, it was your grandfather, Fleamont Potter, who took the fortune and quadrupled it with his invention of Skeekeazy's Hair potion. He retired quite early with the fortune after selling his company and continued to live off it comfortably with his wife and their son, your father…"
"Okay, I didn't know that much about the Potter's achievements." Lucius claimed.
"No one does. The potions weren't under the Potter name. They were created by a twelfth-century wizard named Linfred of Stinchcombe, who was given the nickname the Potterer for all his odd plants he gardened with, and then it eventually just became Potter. Your family were potions masters…" Sirius beamed.
"Yeah, well…I didn't get that part of the genetics apparently." Harry informed.
"You'd be fine at them if a certain potions master hadn't been a certain insufferable arse all these years…I've heard good things from Remus about you in potions this year." Sirius chuckled.
Harry shrugged. "Anyway…My family history aside. Why do you need me, Tom? Severus is the potions master, I've nothing to offer you about whatever he's brewing."
"It's the ingredients I need. This is a created potion, Potter. I'm building it to the dark lord's wants…Nothing I have access to is giving it what it needs." Severus finally spoke. "He wants your help because your ancestors were potions masters and very likely to have a stash of rare ingredients somewhere."
"Well, the probability of that is likely as you say…That doesn't mean I have access to them nor any idea where they'd be." Harry said. "Why are you asking me. I'm the last person to ask…I don't know what Slughhorn sees. I only brewed Draught of the Living Death perfectly at the start of the year in his class. Seems to think I'll be his best student this year. He wants me as part of his…Slug Club."
"He only puts his best students in that group." Lucius stated. "He was the potions teacher before Severus. I was in the Slug Club myself."
"I know…I've seen Slughorn's pictures." Harry stated. "I know Theo's dad was in it too. And Severus, and Sirius's brother, Regulus. I know my mom was in it too."
"You brewed Draught of the Living Death, on your own?" Severus inquired. "But I couldn't get you to brew anything in my class?"
"I told you, Snape…You were an ass. Harry's got his ancestor's potions making behind him, he just needed a competent teacher!" Sirius argued.
"Watch it, Black…" Severus glared.
"It's not my ancestors, Sirius…" Harry rolled his eyes. "Though, Professor…He's not entirely wrong. I might have done fine if you weren't riding my ass in classes. I'm fairly certain it's because you were acting on your hate of my father because I look like him." Severus huffed. "Regardless…I'm only good at potions because of this," He pulled an Advanced Potions text book from his bag and put it on the table. "It belonged to someone named the Half-Blood Prince."
Severus snatched it from him and flipped through the pages. "This…Was mine." Severus remarked.
"Your book?" Harry looked at him. "I found it in the cabinet of the potions classroom. I'm only good at potions because of that book."
"You shouldn't have this, Potter…It's more than potion tweaks." Severus informed.
"I know. I've already read through the whole thing." Harry stated. "I only use it for the potions assistance."
Severus stared at him, then prepared to give the book back. "Your word you won't use anything in here but the notes."
"I, Harry James Potter-Black-Malfoy, solemnly swear I'll never use anything in this text book but the notes, Professor Snape." Harry vowed.
Severus handed him the book and Harry puts it away in his bag. "I won't knock you learning how to brew properly, Potter. If my book helps, continue using it."
"Thanks," Harry replied.
"And tell nobody about it…" Severus added.
"Draco knows about it already…He lost his book and asked to borrow mine. I won't tell him it's yours, though." Harry informed.
"Make sure he knows not to use any of what's inside except for potions. Some of those are ridiculously dangerous…" Severus remarked.
"Yes, sir," Harry nodded.
Voldemort sighed. "Sirius, I don't suppose you know if the Potter's had a collection of ingredients?" Narcissa wondered.
"My apologies, Cissy…I do not know of anything. James never mentioned more than his father creating the hair one, and ancestors before being responsible for the others." Sirius replied. "And the only place James lived was at Potter Cottage, which is in Godric's Hollow."
"The place where they died…" Harry mumbled.
"Yes, pup," Sirius nodded sadly.
"You never heard of any other place the Potter's lived?" Bellatrix asked Sirius, who shook his head to her.
Harry fiddled with the Potter ring on his finger and then got a look of realization on his face. "The bank would have it…"
"What?" Voldemort asked.
"The bank. Gringotts would have all the Potter properties on file, right, Lucius?" Harry asked. "If I'm the last Potter in my line…That means anything the Potter family owns is mine, right?"
"That…That is right." Lucius nodded. "Yes. Harry, that is entirely correct. But only you would be able to request that information, Harry. Even as your adoptive guardian, I can't interfere with anything regarding your birth inheritances."
"And you can't leave the school during the day, Potter…So get that idea out of your head now." Severus stated.
"I never said anything about leaving school…I just said the bank would have it. I could write to them and ask, or if Tom can be patient…It could wait until Christmas holiday when I'm already going to be here for the break." Harry stated. "But honestly, Professor…I could get away with it if I wanted to. I'm hurt you doubt me…" He gave a fake frown. Severus only shook his head and sighed.
"I can be patient. I understand these things could take time…" Voldemort responded. "I will appreciate any assistance you can provide, Harry."
"Out of curiosity…What kind of rare ingredients are you hoping to find, Professor Snape?" Harry looked at Severus.
"Anything I can't get from my normal suppliers. Suppliers carry the basic, and some on the mild side of hard to get. I'm looking for rare, not easy to get due to lack of parts in supply to collect from." Severus explained. "I assume, ancestors like your yours, may have had a rare collection to create the potions they did. I've reached out to my contacts, none of them have anything I can't get on my own."
"I was looking for an example, Professor. An example of something considered rare. Such as…What is the rarest, hardest to find ingredient?" Harry asked.
"The rarest?" Severus thought for a moment. "That would be Basilisk parts. Bones, scales, skin, teeth, venom…Yes, Basilisk anything would be the rarest of ingredients and by far, the most expensive." He paused. "I've been to potions conventions where they're highly sought out. Haven't seen them offered for purchase or auction to the highest bidder during my time, but a contact of mine has told me the last time they were available was about a hundred years ago. The jewel in any potions master's supply cabinet." Severus said.
"Are you hoping to find those types of ingredients in my family's possessions?" Harry questioned.
"It would be a long-shot, but yes…I would pay you for them, of course, if you have anything I can use…" Severus said.
"Yes, indeed. You would be paid well for your assistance, Harry." Voldemort nodded.
"Noted. Now then," Harry replied as he stood up to gather his things and Nagini slid off of him slowly. "I'll be returning to the school as there's nothing more to be done until I get to Gringotts. Goodnight,"
"Thank you for coming, Harry." Voldemort informed. "It was informative and helpful even if nothing can be done until the Christmas holiday. Safe travels back to school and we're sure to see you soon." Harry threw the cloak over himself as and disappeared from sight. After a few moment, Voldemort sat back with a chuckle. "Such an interesting night, far more achieved than I first thought. We're adjourned, for now. I'll summon you again soon."
"Yes, my lord," The group replied respectfully.
Not long after, everyone departed Malfoy Manor, leaving only Severus, Lucius, and Narcissa there. Though, Severus left next to return to the school. The rest of the night was quiet as Lucius and Narcissa only prepared themselves to go to bed.