[a/n] Had fun with that chemical name last time. And now for another Dunuleos-inspired adventure.

Harry Does Different ID

Lone Traveler XIX:Dark Side

"Again? All this bloody bouncing around time! Fixing other people's messes! Maybe, how about I kick you in the teeth this time Dippet? Rotten sodding git!" the Lone Traveler raged at the injustice of his endless quest. Nor did he bother caring about witnesses. He simply gave voice to all his frustrations. Onlookers fled as the unknown wizard's expression changed to pure malice. Except, that is, for the wizard close enough to be grabbed. He snarled in the aged face "Where can I find Voldemort, old man?"

The victim groveled "Please my lord! Not say the name! The White masks will come! I beg you!"

"Do I look like a coward?" a single powerful hand tightened on the pencil-thin neck "I say again! You clearly know OF him. Where-is-Vol-dee-mort?"

Terror imparted strength enabled the victim to rip himself free and he fled. Distant cries of fear echoed in the small side alley. Followed by the sound of shutters slamming. Then before the echoes faded the air seemed to howl in pain as apparations arrived. Parts of walls crashed down as the fearsome White masks materialized, battle-ready, seven of them. Three seemed to dissolve without so much as a sound. The fate of two was far worse, they literally became part of nearby walls. For a time, there was a grotesque sight of movement from the figures. Diagon Alley would soon return to normal

Abcij

"Nice throne you got." The visitor flippantly addressed the only seated person in the room, adding a disrespectful "Majesty."

One of the masks hissed "May I kill him m'lord?"

"Do be silent Bella." Came the same command from both, though all were surprised how one knew through their disguises. Only the leader continued "I would know who intrudes on my privacy."

With a shrug, and throwing his captive on the floor, he answered "My birth name is immaterial. Much like yours, Voldemort. For convenience I am simply a traveler, address me as such. Back in my youth I saw, generally, the poor trend of society. Thus, I left. In the short time since my arrival, I have made observations and come to some conclusions. First, that there is a jinx of some kind on your name. That's the only reason for the speed of my …ahh… welcoming. Also, you are at odds with Hogwarts' current headmaster, possibly the Ministry as well."

"Not an especially impressive deduction. Perhaps I should order my followers to remove you. That would at least provide some amusement." The Dark Lord affected a display of boredom.

The Lone Traveler looked around, unimpressed, spurned his captive with a toe "I wiped out seven. And they had the element of surprise. I'd bet I could depopulate this little room BUT I'd rather have allies. As I alluded to, we have common interests. I have not yet decided all my plans, however working with you has appeal."

"You would take my mark?" Voldemort asked, smiling coldly. Several arms raised, unbidden, to display the feared skull and snake tattoo.

Harry shook his head "I have not gone through my life to have my skin scarred any further. I said ally, not servant. I shall participate in certain of your operations as benefits my agenda. In exchange, from time to time, you will make one or more of your followers available to me."

"Is that all you want?" the tone was clearly dangerous "And all you are offering?"

Harry was pushing his luck but he also had a trump card "For that part, yes. For one, I plan to give a list of names; people who will not be targeted. And second, I am a talented researcher, laboratory equipment and space would be beneficial. Mutually so. I am aware of a difficulty you have with regard to a conversation you had with your friend… Horace."

"I think, Traveler, we have the beginning of an association." Said the Dark Lord, surprising his Death Eaters, who did not dare protest "Abraxas, I am sure your estate has adequate space to fill our new ally's needs. I would like an additional moment with him, in private."

A mask with just a wisp of blond hair showing nodded "At once, My Lord." He slowly hobbled out.

Once alone, Harry dared to conjure a seat for himself "I will have that list of people whose protection is vital to me for you tomorrow."

"What do you know about Slughorn?" Voldemort snarled, ignoring both bits of disrespect.

The Lone Traveler grinned at the enemy of his youth and asked, seemingly irrelevantly "Ever notice a bit of a lack in your powers? Like you aren't quite what you were? Despite all your education and rituals?" After pausing for a significant interval went on "I see you do. And have. That saves time. Obviously, I need more data, but perhaps there is a way to make up for what acting on Horace's advice did." This statement was true, as far as it went, but the time traveler knew more than he was letting on.

The Dark Lord was more deeply aware of this problem than he let on and hopeful. He wanted his true full power back. Then he would be truly unbeatable. He couldn't quite contain his eagerness, except with a commanding tone "I expect rapid results on that project. Otherwise, you shall receive what you need."

"Yes, the Malfoys do have their uses, do they not?" Harry drawled out with a sneer "Although, understand the areas of research are large. As I said, I have less than complete knowledge on the subject. No doubt your own knowledge will be much in need. I have my own desires to cause mayhem so I will not be living in a lab."

Voldemort waved a hand in regal dismissal "Very well …ally… we will see just what you can do. You may go." And just as the door was pulled open he lashed out "Avada Kedavra!"

"Accio!" the Lone Traveler summoned assorted bric-a-brac and blocked the spell. The pieces not blasted were then banished at the Dark Lord, forcing him to defend. Holding his wand in a not threatening way, he snapped "We'll call that a test, perhaps?"

Voldemort sneered "A mere Fifth-Year spell?"

"Actually I learned it in Fourth." Harry rejoined coldly "You may judge that as you will. If you meant to learn my capabilities, the test was a failure. Equally possible, I have less to fear from the mighty Killing Curse than you. Fair night …my lord." There was little doubt it was meant derisively. Then, after securing the room with which his old schoolmate's grandfather provided him from any sort of spying, smirked and spoke to the air "This time, Dippet, you're going to pay for doing this to me."