Bad Faith

_
Response to review from A10riddick: Thanks for liking the chapter, I am really glad! As for the answer to your question, I felt it would be better if I did it like this, since pairings are supposedly important. Harry will NOT be in any relationship, he is The Master of Death and while the title doesn't really have any meaning right now but it will be in the future.
_

Harry looked at himself in the mirror. Since his baby days, the Potter Family recognised him as a prodigy since he spoke his first words. Since then, somehow, instead of showing interest in him, they let him be by himself while they cared for James.

Not what he had expected but okay, and well, James did need the extra attention, if the little boy were left alone for even a minute, something would indeed be broken.

Harry shook his thoughts away and looked at his reflection. The boy in the mirror possesses messy black hair that falls to his shoulders and vivid green eyes, captivating all who meet him with his striking appearance. Tall for his age and with a cute smirk, he has an unforgettable face.

The boy wears beautiful wizard robes, flowing with magical elegance, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols, reflecting his extraordinary essence. Monty bought these robes for Harry's first public appearance.

Due to the Potter Family's reputation and ideologies, it was unsafe to go in public unprotected, hence his first appearance would be a big deal. It seems like fame will never leave him.

Harry sighed and looked at his forehead. Etched upon his forehead is a lightning bolt-shaped scar, a mysterious mark that adds an enigmatic touch to his already captivating presence. It reminded him of his first life, one that made his fundamental essence.

He had one day woken up after his third birthday to find his forehead bleeding, he had somehow scratched himself in his sleep despite never having done that before. Similarly, he had received the scar in his previous lives. Death seems to be pretty big on symbolism.

Harry exited his room to find James waiting for him. His little brother exclaimed, "You look good, Harry! Have fun!"

Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Don't forget you are coming too, little brother."

James gave him a smirk and said, "I tricked you! Dad told me he wanted me to per-persooade you into coming so I lied about coming!"

Harry smiled gently and said, "It's persuade, James. If you told me that I must go to that party, I would have listened to you without any lies."

James smiled brightly as he heard that and then said excitedly, "Then tell Dad and Mum that I won't be going to any party before I go to Hogwarts!"

Harry replied to his little brother, "Let me tell you a secret" and then whispered in his ear, "Since I am the oldest son, only I am obligated to attend these parties."

Harry leaned back and saw the look of excitement and curiosity on James' face. James asked, "What does 'obligated' mean?"

Harry explained patiently, "Being obligated means you have to do something because you promised to do it. It's like keeping your word or doing what you should. Remember how Uncle Charlie promised Dad that he would have dinner with us this Friday?"

James thought for a minute and replied, "The promise he made yesterday?"

Harry nodded and finished calmly, "Yes, so that means that Uncle Charlie is obligated to come this Friday."

James thought some more and then nodded. He then excitedly said, "I am not obligated to do anything! It sounds so tiring to be obligated."

Harry nodded and says, "It is tiring, yes, but sometimes, it is what keeps you happy. You will understand when you are older, okay?"

James pointed out, "I am only one year younger than you."

"Shut up, child."
_

The party was lavish and as soon as Harry entered with his stoic mother and his jovial father, people began to notice them. Harry had Batman-esque vibes about the whole encounter, especially with the rich black clothes he and his parents were wearing.

Monty was instantly dragged away by a couple of friends, leaving the mother and son in awkward silence. Harry noticed Euphemia's shy silence and told her, "You can leave me if you want, go have fun. I will find someone."

Harry could see resistance in Euphemia's face but then she responded softly, "Very well, Harry. Though, from what I know, children are also present in this event."

Harry closed his eyes and then opened them to calm his feelings. After years of solidarity with his only social interaction being his family, a party like this is something of a river of discomfort.

Harry roamed the huge hall and was surprisingly not by a single child or Black when he heard a smug voice demand, "Oi, who are you?"

Harry looked up at the boy coming towards him, some five years older than him. He seems to be in his first year at Hogwarts as evidenced by his young features and the wand in his hand. The boy had piercing blue eyes and hair long and blonde. With his added posh attitude and expensive clothes, this was obviously-

"Lucius Malfoy," Harry said, "Nice to meet you."

The boy seemed pleased to be recognised but asked again, "Nice to know that a kid like you can recognise greatness but I ask again, who are you?"

Harry frowned but replied, "I am Harry Potter." He looked at Malfoy's shocked face and asked curiously, "What? You thought I was some sort of thief?"

Malfoy tried to amend his previous attitude and answered, "I simply did not recognise you, Potter, but alas, with your messy hair, I should have."

Harry secretly wondered if all Malfoys are arrogant but asked politely, "Do you know where the rest of the heirs and heiresses are, Malfoy?"

Heir and Heiress were terms mainly used by themselves to not call themselves children and act grown up and proper. It was not a legal title either since Magical Britain had no nobility, nowadays at least. Though nobility existed before Grindelwald, the concept of a few rich people controlling the poor with no understanding went out of fashion.

Lucius looked embarrassed for a second before he pulled up the smug face again, he said, "No, Potter, I have just arrived."

Harry looked up at Lucius and said, "I see."

Lucius looked around and then asked Harry hesitantly, "Do you want to search together?"

Harry was unsure what to say but in the end, he agreed. After all, Lucius as a taller person would have an easier time finding people than him. Harry could, after all, barely see through the crowds of ladies and wizards.

For an exclusive party, Blacks had seemingly invited the whole Ministry for Magic.

Harry saw Malfoy walk ahead of him and then sighed as he followed behind. He did not really want to be with the blonde boy but he was the best help he had at the moment and well, a little faith isn't that bad.

AN: I know, it's a late chapter compared to the previous ones but I have been a little busy. Anyway, I wanted to ask for reviews for any mistake or question that you may have, I will try to respond to that as quickly as possible. Thanks!