Warning: This story will contain scenes of violence, bad language, and maybe other themes that some audiences may find unsuitable. You have been advised.
The True Heir of Slytherin
"Regular speech or spell"
"Parseltongue"
Text
'Thought'
Chapter 16:
"You want us to do what?!" Snape sneered.
The Order of the Phoenix sat in their usual spots around the kitchen table of Grimmauld Place accompanied by the Lord Slytherin and his lieutenants. The young man had expanded the end of the table as well as the room to fit his people and himself. He calmly sat at the end opposite Dumbledore.
"Abandon the guard at the Department of Mysteries. My Order and I will take care of it."
"What are you planning, Harry?" Dumbledore asked cautiously, his hands steepled together. He as well as everyone at the table was aware of Lord Slytherin's ire at being labeled a dark lord, and Dumbledore could see the slightest glint of fire behind the young man's eyes. He hid his anger well, but the wizened wizard could tell he was up to something.
"I thought I had made my point clear, Dumbledore, on how I wished to be addressed. The Order of Slytherin will be undertaking an operation down there, and it would be best if nobody else was caught in the crossfire." The Lord spoke calmly.
Albus frowned. "And what exactly does this operation entail? It would not do to be caught inside the Ministry with them hunting you."
Lord Slytherin locked eyes with his former headmaster. "We are revealing Tom to the world. Emergency portkeys will be on each one of us to ensure our escape. As all of us are aware, he wants the prophecy and has set up his own observers at the entrance to the department. With your permission, Snape can 'leak' details of our plans to the pretend lord. We, though, will actually be moving on a faster timetable than what they will be told. A two hour grace period will give us enough time to set our trap."
Many of the Order of the Phoenix stared at the young man in shock.
"You are risking innocent lives as well as your own." Dumbledore cautioned.
Harry shook his head. "Not if we attack before everyone arrives. Add intentionally setting off an alarm inside plus some careful timing, and we have witnesses to Death Eaters fighting us in the Ministry with no real risk to civilians." A vicious smirk grew on his face. "I'm sure we can provide a couple fresh Death Eater corpses to ensure no one mistakes us for allies. If Tom actually shows up and is spotted, even better."
Albus still was not convinced. "Providing them with a dark lord will not take the title away from you, my b-"
Lord Slytherin stood and let his eyes flare with his magic. "I am not your boy, Albus. You have let me down throughout my life time and time again, including keeping me out of your own order when I am Tom's personal target. This operation has been decided by the inner circle of the Order of the Basilisk and will be carried out. I warned you when we first allied ourselves together: your word is taken under advisement but does not completely guide our actions."
The rest of the Order of Slytherin stood, and Harry's magic receded but maintained a presence in the room.
"We are our own organization and are determined to end this war with as few casualties as possible on our side. Either help us or stand out of our way." Lord Slyherin went to start leaving but was halted by the old man.
"You would dissolve our alliance over a term of address? I am not sure how committed you ever were to this if that is the case."
The young man raised a brow. "I made no such mention of disbanding. You did. As far as me creating drama over something you call… trivial… If you cannot respect how I wish to be addressed, how can I expect you to respect anything I say? I would not call that a minor slight."
Silence hovered over the room. Despite his words, Harry's calm countenance had returned. Once more, everyone was reminded who this now was in front of them.
Finally, Dumbledore broke the tension. "I see your point, Lord Slytherin. It will not happen again. Now, can we continue this conversation? It seems we need to straighten out the details."
Many in the Order of the Phoenix were stunned at the leader of the light's acquiescence, but those of the Basilisk remained impassive as they returned to their seats. Molly Weasley, in particular, found herself very close to chiding the boy, but Arthur quickly intervened with a hand on her arm.
Once Lord Slytherin settled back into his chair, he nodded with a motion of his hand at Dumbledore to prompt him to continue.
"Could you be persuaded to involve members of our Order as well? I would feel much better if we were to lend you support."
"It depends who you suggest. Kingsley and Tonks would be better suited in ensuring the Minister is there in time, and I doubt you wish to reveal any of your people's allegiances who have any combat value. That shrinks the list of possibilities considerably." Daphne spoke up.
Molly could not hold her tongue at the younger witch's words. "He was talking to Harry, not you, you- You- Hussy!"
Once again the tension in the room could be cut with a knife, and it felt like the atmosphere chilled several degrees. The Weasley matriarch, though, either could not tell or did not care.
"Ever since he met you, he has changed for the worse! This is Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard since Merlin himself. How dare you question him!" Her face grew almost as red as her hair.
Harry gripped his fiance's hand tightly under the table and glared with all of his might at the woman he had previously seen as somewhat of a mother figure. Daphne had seemed to freeze except for her blue eyes focusing on the older woman. The temperature in the room dropped even further.
"Mrs. Weasley."
Everyone's eyes diverted from Molly to Lord Slytherin upon hearing him speak.
"If you have ever valued the relationship between us, I would recommend you apologize."
Molly began opening her mouth, her fury evident, but was cut off immediately. "I would-"
"I said!" Harry's magic flared dangerously, rising from his body and illuminating the room in its green hue. "Apologize and apologize now otherwise we are done. I already saw Ronald out of my life for his failures. Do not think I would hesitate with you as well. I have proposed to Daphne as she is the most remarkable witch I have ever come across. She loves me for every part I am, good and bad, and I like to think she brings out more of the former. I have chosen to have her in my life forever. No one comes between that, especially over childish notions on a wizard's infallibility. A wizard, I would like to remind you, who has failed me, in particular, repeatedly."
The faint hissing of snakes echoed in the room. Lord Slytherin's magic had retracted from his body but seemed to amplify in his eyes.
Molly froze in shock at the young man's words, completely thrown off guard. Daphne meanwhile had looked beside her at him in complete adoration. She knew how they felt for each other, but he just continued to prove it time and time again, filling her heart in a way words could not describe.
"Miss Greengrass…" Molly spoke, all eyes shifting to her. "I… apologize. I just…"
"It is all right, Mrs. Weasley. You, out of us all, have known Harry for a long time, and I understand it must be scary to see him grow into his own man." Daphne raised the hand grasped with her fiance's so both rested on top of the table. "This man, however much he may seem to change though, is still the kind and caring boy you once knew. I have never met one so noble and selfless. No matter how others view his choices, he is working for the betterment of us all."
Harry couldn't prevent the blush on his cheeks at her words. In just a few sentences, all of his etiquette training was swept aside and his body was filled with a warmth that made him question if he may be glowing. Ironically enough, his magic had fully retreated once more at her soothing.
The young lord smiled before pecking a kiss on the hand joined with his before locking eyes with his beloved. After only a moment, he stood, releasing her hand, and walked over to Molly.
"This is war, Mrs. Weasley. I just want to do everything I can to end it as soon as possible and bring proper change to this world. I hope you can understand that." Harry opened his arms slightly, for the first time inviting the woman into a hug.
"Oh, Harry!" She cried, shooting up and wrapping her arms around the teen. "I just don't want to lose you. It's so unfair. You deserve to have a normal life, not all this."
Lord Slytherin smiled softly, the bone crushing hug not hurting as much as usual due to his growth, and tried to sooth her. "I know, Mrs. Weasley, and I can't tell you how much it means to me that you care so much, but neither of us have a choice and if I'm being honest… I couldn't turn away if I wanted to. I need to restore my family's honour as well as my own, and I can't let innocents die while there's something I can do."
"And they have the nerve to call you a dark lord." Sirius scoffed before sharing a look with Remus. Both could see they didn't have any regrets on their decision to join their best friends' son. They truly would follow him no matter what, but they were relieved to see the path, as twisted as it was, not one of complete darkness.
Breaking the hug and helping Molly back to her seat, Lord Slytherin looked back over to Dumbledore, who had observed the encounter impassively. "Now, who did you have in mind?"
"Just myself. I agree Tonks and Kingsley should help ensure the Minister arrives when required, but you will need my services for if Tom appears."
Harry nodded as he returned to his seat. "That sounds reasonable. Is there any way he could get in anywhere besides the main floor?"
"No, thankfully the Ministry goes into a sort of lockdown past eleven until six when most start to arrive for the day. Anyone is able to through the main floos at any time. In case of emergencies, the Ministry was first intended as a shelter of sorts." Dumbledore replied.
"Kingsley, Moody." Lord Slytherin turned to the three aurors at the table. "How long would we have until we'd see a response from Fudge and the aurors?"
"Fudge would probably take an entire day to get there if we let him." Moody growled. "But the first of the aurors should be there within five minutes."
"Can you get him there with the first wave?" Daphne asked.
Kingsley shared a look with Tonks before turning back to the couple. "We can make sure he's on time as long as we have a schedule."
A grin emerged on the two's faces, and Daphne nodded. "Sooner is better. So far the pretend lord hasn't broken out his followers from Azkaban, but it's only a matter of time."
"How soon can you be ready?" Dumbledore inquired.
"We wouldn't be here if we were unprepared." Daphne replied. "How long will it take all of you?"
Kingsley and Tonks exchanged whispers quickly before nodding in agreement.
"Three days. Thursday will work best with the Minister's schedule." The tall auror replied.
"Then it's decided. We make our move Thursday morning. They can drag the name of Slytherin through the mud all they like for now. We'll show them who we truly are." Harry announced before muttering under his breath. "Call me a fucking dark lord."
Daphne shot him an amused grin. Thankfully she was the only one to hear his comment.
"Well, if that is it, we should be going. We have a few errands to run before returning home." Lord Slytherin stood.
"Ah, yes. Slytherin Castle. I wonder when we would get a chance to view its long lost splendor." Dumbledore mused aloud.
Each member of the Order of the Basilisk froze as they started to get ready to leave.
"Maybe after the war is over, Dumbledore. There are protections in place to ensure the castle's secrecy even amongst our own. If we were reckless and its location was discovered… Well, we can both imagine the consequences would be dire." Their lord spoke, levying his gaze on his old headmaster.
Dumbledore narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you saying you don't trust us, Lord Slytherin?"
"I am saying that with how precarious a position my people and I are in, safety comes first. Besides…" Harry turned his gaze towards Snape. "One cannot be sure where everyone's allegiances lie."
The potions professor merely sneered in response, keeping up his appearances.
"I trust each and every single one of us here implicitly." Dumbeldore affirmed.
"You mean every member of your own order, but that is your decision to make, just like it is ours to determine who to put our trust in. Now, if you will excuse us." Lord Slytherin, followed by the rest of his Order, including Sirius and Remus, pushed their chairs back in and started making their way to the door in single file with some people doubling up such as Harry and Daphne. These two stopped the procession at the door leading to the rest of the house, though, to impart their last words.
"Good day."
The Order of the Basilisk quickly then took their leave with Susan and Anthony accompanying their lord and future lady to their next destination, Diagon Alley, under glamor charms. They had a few last minute tasks to perform before the coming battle.
The following days flew by for the Order of Slytherin, who despite continuing their training, ensured extra rest and preparations were made for Thursday. Staying busy ensured time did not pass slowly unlike for those of the Phoenix, who were more of a spy organization than a combat force.
"Everyone! Sound… off!" Seamus shouted as he stood in front of the gathered military forces of the Order of Slytherin.
Those such as the Greengrass elders, Astoria, Sirius, Remus (much to the latter two's dismay) were to abstain from the coming conflict. The Greengrasses were not to be made a part of any military operation unless absolutely necessary, and Sirius, as a wanted "criminal," was ordered to remain behind for his own safety. Remus was to ensure the other marauder obeyed.
The troops themselves stood in organized rows and columns with their commanding lieutenant in front of each group. Seamus faced them, his back to his lord and lady. The couple watched from on their feet in front of their seats. The entire Order was in the throne room of Slytherin castle.
After everyone reported in, Seamus turned to face Harry and Daphne. "Everyone is present, sir!" The Irishman grasped his hands behind his back.
"Thank you, Seamus." Daphne nodded along with her beloved.
"Tonight, as the sun rises over England, so shall we. The Wizarding World has seen fit to call us dark witches and wizards while ignoring the pretend lord who presents a very real threat to their way of life. We could stay here in our wonderful home for eternity and let the fools dig their own graves, but we would not be the Order of Slytherin if we did. No." Harry paused to look at the family he had created. He would happily give his life for each and every single one of them, and he knew they would do the same for each other as well as him. He understood that more than any inheritance or title, a lord was that: one who protected his people and their interests.
"No. This world needs a force to stop the pretender and save it from itself, so tonight we strike. All of you know your roles and objectives. With his most useful lieutenants still imprisoned, there's a good chance Riddle will appear himself. Be wary. With his horcruxes in place, we cannot kill him yet, but the Ministry needs to be aware of what they are facing. Any questions before we depart?"
The Order remained silent but shook their heads to answer Harry. A smile graced his lips at seeing the conviction in their eyes.
"Don't forget your emergency portkeys. They have been enchanted with parselmagic so will be able to break through the Ministry wards. If anything goes wrong, use it. None of us want to hold a funeral after this." Daphne spoke up, getting a grin from the man beside her and a nod from the rest.
"Let them see what true Slytherins can do."
The lord spoke as he strode forward between his people, Daphne at his side. Once they passed through the archway of the hall, their followers quickly filed out behind them, except for the ones who had been first and second years at Hogwarts. They had been deemed too young for the operation.
The chosen for the battle quickly made their way to their modified floo system. They had recently converted one of the more unused hallways towards the center of the castle into an area to dispatch many of their forces at the same time.
Harry and Daphne each took a floo along with their lieutenants. The rest lined up behind them, at the ready. The couple exchanged one final look and a nod before simultaneously turning back to their floos.
"Ministry of Magic."
In a flash of green flame, they disappeared from Castle Slytherin and emerged at their destination, wands already out and prepared for a fight.
A quick stunner dispatched the man responsible for checking wands, and within minutes the otherwise deserted entrance to the Ministry was occupied by the Order of Slytherin.
Without a word spoken between them, Harry, Daphne, Anthony, Susan, and the latter two's squads made for the elevators. The others hid the wand weigher and started taking up positions around the entrance, hidden in the shadows. No one would get past them without a fight.
As the doors to the lift closed in front of Harry's face, he spotted a floo flaring green once more and Dumbledore emerging. While he descended, Seamus strode forward to meet the headmaster, who was dressed in acid green robes.
Seeing the style, Seamus thought, 'Eh, at least they're not too long. Fucking would hate to have the famous Albus Dumbledore die to tripping over his own clothes.'
"Hello, Mr. Finnegan. I see Lord Slytherin is already on his way down to the Hall of Prophecy."
The Irishman nodded. "Yes, professor. I was left with instructions for you to join us in preparation for the enemy's arrival."
"Us? Who else is here with you?" The old man asked curiously.
A grin grew on the teen's lips. "If you can't detect them, then no need for any of us to worry. Just find yourself a nice little spot and get ready to enjoy the show."
Dumbledore's face fell slightly. "This is not a game, young man. If this goes as all of you have planned, lives will be lost."
Seamus's grin dropped in an instant. "Yes. Lives will be. Lives that plan to do a hell of a lot worse than kill. These goat fuckers are used to the enemy going easy on 'em. It's time someone put them in their place."
The older wizard's lips pursed in distaste, but the man recognized the truth behind his words. Despite his own personal views, he remembered the war against Grindelwald and how many were required to stop his old friend and his followers. With a nod, Dumbledore turned away from the teen and made his way behind the desk to take a seat. If they were to wait, he might as well be comfortable.
Meanwhile, Harry and the others arrived at the Department of Mysteries then melded into the shadows. The one Death Eater they found guarding the entrance to the rest of the department was easily dispatched with a silent cutting curse to the neck. His silver mask would easily identify him.
Not even half an hour later, the group exited the department, a small glass ball visible in Lord Slytherin's grasp. Anthony made sure to levitate the corpse of the Death Eater into an elevator ahead of them before pressing a button with a flick of his wand, sending it back to the rest of the group. He then joined the others in the shadows of the entrance.
All that was left was to wait for the signal.
05:47. The floos in the Ministry flamed to life once more, and dark cloaked figures decorated with silver masks stepped out. All of them kept their identities hidden but one, the Pretender, Voldemort.
"Ah, hello, Tom. I was wondering if you'd be stopping by. Is there anything I can help you with?" Dumbledore asked as he rose from his chair.
The snake-faced wizard sneered. "Yes, go back to your pathetic Order and die, you meddlesome old coot. You won't stop me this time."
Seamus remained crouched under the desk as Dumbledore walked out of it towards his old student. The redhead took out a small compact mirror from his pocket and flipped it open. "Harry."
A moment later, the lord's face appeared on the reflective glass, replacing his own. "He's here."
The face in the mirror merely nodded before the connection ended, and Seamus returned the communication mirror to his robes and melded back into the shadows.
"We both know I can't do that." Dumbledore removed his wand and held it at the ready, Tom doing the same opposite him. The dozen Death Eaters around their leader backed lined up along the walls in order to watch. Few got the privilege of watching the Dark Lord battle in person, and, even if they would never admit it, the Death Eaters were interested in watching the legendary Albus Dumbledore fight as well.
Time froze between the two men as they faced off against each other. Right as it seemed Tom was to make the first move, the whir of one of the elevators grew louder as it approached. Harry stood close to the grate, both hands clasped behind his back and a satisfied smile on his face. Red and blue eyes flicked over and had quite differing reactions. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled even more than before while Voldemort's sneer grew further.
"My, my, Harry. I have been looking forward to seeing you again for quite some time, especially after hearing that you have joined the long line of dark lords. Unfortunately, I do not offer anything twice. You made the mistake of refuting me of the Philosopher's Stone. There will be only one dark lord to conquer Britain." Hisses echoed faintly in the air around Voldemort.
Lord Slytherin merely stopped equidistantly from both the older wizards, forming a triangle between them, before letting out a soft laugh. "I don't know what's more foolish of you, Tommy." Voldemort's glare intensified, but Harry continued, unmoved. "Thinking that I would ever take you up on an offer like that, or you believing I am a dark lord just like all the other sheeple. You took my childhood from me, Riddle. You took my parents. You only know how to take, but I'm here to show you something."
In a careful motion, the teen brought the prophecy out from behind his back. Unfortunately for Voldemort and his forces, their attention was too occupied on it to notice the Slytherins emerging from the shadows. Not wasting a moment as they appeared, the Order of the Basilisk began casting. Their spells were as silent as death, which is exactly what met each of the Death Eaters. Those not fighting the enemy quickly erected wards around Riddle.
Within just two moments, the trap was complete, and their prey was exactly where they wished. Immediately Voldemort looked around in shock, and Dumbledore was similarly affected at seeing such ruthlessness.
"You don't get the advantage of an opportune fight this time, Tom. "You think I would leave no one to watch my back? No wonder a babe defeated you the first time."
Voldemort sneered. "Give me the prophecy now, and I will spare their lives."
The teen bursted out into laughter, confusing both the powerful wizards. Bending over and clutching his sides, the orb slipped from his grasp and rolled along the floor behind him. Tom went to try to summon it but was forced to cast up a shield. Looking for the caster, he saw Lord Slytherin completely serious with his manzanita and yew wand outstretched. Voldemort furrowed the skin of his brows. He hadn't even seen the teen move.
Harry clicked his tongue in mock scorn. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You really are a fool."
Dumbledore glanced over at the young man. 'Does he really think infuriating Tom is a good idea? As long as he has his horcruxes, we can't beat him.'
Suddenly, the floos roared to life, and aurors began surging into the building, only to stop at the sight in front of them. Fudge, escorted between Kingsley and Tonks, did the same, going as far as to gape at Voldemort's appearance.
The slits of the dark lord's eyes widened in surprise, realizing the trap that had been set for him.
Lord Slytherin smiled. "That's right, Tom Riddle, or as everyone else here knows you, Voldemort. I won't stop until I've abolished the darkness you've been spreading all year. You will pay for the lives you've taken. To think you'd blame teenagers for murdering the centaurs. You truly are pitiful."
"Lies!" Riddle screeched before launching a killing curse at the young lord.
A simple sidestep evaded the spell. "Really? I'm willing to turn myself into the aurors here so the truth can come out. Are you?"
Voldemort growled. "You will pay for this, Potter. Mark my words."
"The name is, Slytherin-Potter, and don't worry. I'll be waiting. Just like always."
Realizing what may be about to occur, everyone excluding Fudge pointed their wands at the dark lord in an attempt to stop him, but he merely disappeared in a flash of black smoke.
Turning to his people, Lord Slythein spoke firmly. "Go."
In an instant, his followers obeyed and activated their portkeys, though a hesitant look adorned more than one of their faces. "Thank you for your help, Dumbledore. I can handle the rest from here."
The old wizard nodded but had a moment of realization, and his eyes scanned behind the young man frantically. "The prophecy! Where is it?"
"The fake one I brought up here that Tom has or the real one?" A mischievous grin grew on Harry's face. "The latter has been destroyed."
"Clever, Lord Slytherin." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled further in amusement. "Very clever."
The headmaster held his arm out for a moment, and Fawkes emerged on it in a burst of flame. In another instant the two were gone in another burst of Phoenix fire.
Harry flicked his secondary wand into his left hand then set both on the ground at his feet. Raising his hands up, he surrendered. "I am clearly unarmed. I maintain that I am not a dark lord and am turning myself in with faith that our justice system will discover the truth."
The aurors looked at Fudge, at a loss on how to proceed. The portly man realized only after a few moments and a slight prod of Kinglsey asking, "Minister?"
Shaking out of his stupor, he straightened his bowler hat. "Yes. Well, we just will have to see, won't we? Aurors! Arrest him!" He then quickly turned to one of his guards and whispered, "Dawlish. Snap his wands. No wizard is allowed a secondary. He will have to pay with them both. We can't be sure which one is the primary."
"Yes, sir." The auror nodded and went to carry out his task.
Being led out by over a dozen aurors, Lord Slytherin smiled as he walked towards the elevators, magic-restraining cuffs on his wrists. "At least I am not making any of you travel far, huh?"
At a lack of response from any, he frowned. "Well, all of you certainly take your job seriously, I'll give you that."
Suddenly, he felt the familiar magic of his primary wand breaking and dispersing back into the world. Freezing, his eyes widened further as he felt his secondary follow right after. One of the aurors behind him started moving to push the young lord forward, but right before the wand's tip connected, Harry began moving forward once again. His eyes stared straight ahead in determination.
'They're going to regret that.'
Soon, he was forced into a sealed room with two experienced aurors if their appearances were any indication. Both were covered in tiny scars and their robes were purely utilitarian, even if they were the bright auror red.
Slowly and methodically, Harry was stripped and searched. Every piece of his clothing was examined for hidden pockets and magics. By the time they were finished, no items were found on his person, though his clothes held a multitude of silencing, durability, and spell resistance charms.
Once satisfied, one of the two handed over a prisoner's jumpsuit. A chuckle escaped the lord's lips as he thought of how he had first seen Sirius's image in the same clothing. 'Sirius is going to be pissed when he sees that I make these look good.'
Without waiting for him to dress, the aurors exited the room. Neither was eager to linger. No matter what, the young man had just faced down Tom Riddle and smiled. A wizard like that was one to be cautious of.
Once dressed and content with the wandless sizing charms he cast on the clothing, Harry sat down against the wall opposite the door, rolling out his wrists. The room was meant to limit magic, but his power was more than enough to overcome it for easy spells like the ones he just performed. It may be foolish to reveal so much to others, but he figured he was allowed some comforts.
'Now, for the next stage of the plan.'
AN: What do you think Harry has planned? Would love to hear theories in the reviews! Super excited for what I have planned. Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, and if not, then hope you find your cup of tea.
As Always,
Occidere Prima Vel Occidi