Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light

Chapter 20

Previously

"I'm okay now," Harry said, his voice soft.

Sirius ran a hand through his hair. "Well, if I ever had any doubts about your story, they're certainly gone now," he joked.

Harry looked up and smiled, though it was a sad, little thing. "I want him dead, for everything he's done to me, to us, to everybody. The lives he's ruined and manipulated," he whispered.

Sirius let out a breath. "I know, pup, and I will stand by you. Hell, I will even cast the curse if you need me to," he vowed.

After a few more minutes, the pair regained their composure and Sirius felt safe to dispel the ward. Turning their attention back to the trial, neither noticed a pair of eyes staring at them in both shock and awe.

6th August 1992, Grimmauld Place, London

After Harry's outburst, Sirius had been distracted through the entire trial. He had only half heartedly listened as Peter - the snivelling rat - was sentenced to five years in Azkaban after which he would be given the Kiss.

Harry, however, had paid attention with a look of rapture; he wanted the rat to pay. He was the most pathetic excuse for a wizard Harry knew, a spineless coward who stood for nothing and would sell his own mother if he thought it would keep him alive. Five years and then the Kiss was lenient in Harry's mind—the rat deserved a much harsher treatment.

As it was the first day of his summer that he didn't have anything he needed to do, Harry wandered the house aimlessly. He had never had a chance to do nothing - in his past life, he was always either with the Dursleys being worked worse than a house-elf or with the Weasleys, recovering and constantly being harried. The rest of his time was spent at school trying not to fail his classes while putting up with Voldemort's yearly schemes. Then, to top it all off, he had been on the run for ten months, living like a vagabond, constantly worried he would either die from exposure to the elements, of being cursed to death, or from going insane. However, the point being was that he had always had something to do and now he honestly felt slightly awkward. He had freed Sirius, found his cure for Tom, and even gotten Peter punished, but he was honestly feeling slightly lost.

With a sigh of frustration he turned and went to the library, a thought finally crossing his mind and giving him a purpose. He still didn't have all of the horcruxes and, thinking about it, was Nagini even a horcrux yet?

Harry thought about it and realised Voldemort had used the death of Bertha Jorkins to create the horcrux with his familiar, therefore he actually only had six horcruxes: the locket, the diary, the ring, the diadem, the goblet, and Harry himself.

With this in mind, Harry thought about the ritual. He wanted to be there for the final ritual as that would force Tom to appear and he wanted to be there to calm his soulmate and explain what he had done - hopefully Tom would understand. According to the log in Corvus Black's book, the ritual worked quite suddenly, meaning Tom would not feel his soul rejoin until the last part was performed on the final holiday - the final ritual used a different incantation to bring all the soul pieces together and force them to reenter the person. This also meant that Harry would be able to perform the final ritual without returning all of Tom's soul, keeping himself as a horcrux as long as he performed the ritual five times and used the final wording on the 5th.

Thinking about Tom's horcruxes made Harry realise he had yet to tell Sirius and Remus about where they are. He was hoping, with Sirius being Lord Black, that he would be able to enter the LeStrange Vault; although not technically legal, Harry hoped his friendship with the goblins would ease the way. However, Harry did understand that it would be difficult for Ragnok - the reputation of Gringotts was infallible and if it ever got out they allowed somebody to just enter another's Vault, the ramifications would be immense.

Getting the ring would also be difficult and Harry felt that it should be him who goes after it just to be on the safe side. The curse should not affect him and, if it did, then he wouldn't die being the Master of Death.

The diadem would be the easiest to recover hopefully; it was just sitting, waiting in the Room of Requirement. Harry could recover it just before coming home for the Yule break and then they could start the ritual. If they performed the first ritual on Yule, they would finish on Midsummer and Harry would be present for Tom's resurrection.

The realisation that he only had a year to wait for his soulmate's return made Harry giddy. He had worked so hard for this.

Persuading Remus and Sirius was the only thing standing in Harry's way to getting another horcrux.

"The persuasions on the ring are deadly," Harry told them. He'd asked Kreacher to gather the men together; he wanted to tell them about the horcruxes and his plans for the ritual.

Remus frowned. "Precisely why we need to come with you," he told the small preteen. Even knowing all he did, he was still having difficulty seeing Harry as an adult, somebody who didn't need constant care.

Harry sighed. "I know I look like a child, Remus, but I have fought and won a war. It's safer for me to go and get the ring as I will most likely not be overwhelmed by the compulsions. I already know they're there and, if for some reason I am overwhelmed, I can't die."

Sirius frowned. He hated the reminder of all Harry had been through and his blunt way of speaking about it didn't help - but, then again, he also hated the idea of Harry going alone. "Let me come with you. Not into the shack to get the ring but to Little Hangleton." That way he would be able to help if something did go wrong.

Harry tilted his head as he considered it. "Okay, but promise me you won't follow me in. I don't want anything happening to you."

"I promise."

Meanwhile

Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire

Lucius sat in his office and considered all he knew about the mystery that was Harrison James Potter-Black. The boy was truly an enigma; how he managed to keep such power contained and hidden he would never know. It had been pure chance that he had looked up and seen Harrison's magical outburst before Sirius had shielded them. Had he not, he would have never realised the power the small and delicate looking boy could wield.

Thinking back, Lucius recalled how Harrison's emerald eyes had actually glowed, illuminated by his power, and how his hair had been stirred by the magic currents he had been giving off. Such a display should have been impossible for a child. Lucius had wondered when Harrison had admitted to masking some of his magic, but he had never thought it would be such a shocking amount. The boy was truly impressive. Lucius hadn't felt power like that since the glory days of the Dark and even then his Lord's power was tinged with weakness, brought on by his own insanity.

How anybody could believe that Harrison was the saviour of the Light he wouldn't know; even from a distance Lucius had recognised the Darkness in his magic. The boy had the makings of a Dark Lord.

He would have to watch him, be there for him. Lucius was suddenly very grateful to his son. When he had first read Draco's letters, he had been torn—his son had expressed a desire to befriend the Boy-Who-Lived, a boy who Lucius had assumed incorrectly would be a Light pawn. Now, instead, his son was friends with a great potential ally.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland

Albus paced his office as he waited for Severus to join him. How dare his spy give evidence to support that little brat! The man is supposed to hate him, hate him for being the child of his school bully, of living when Lily died!

"Stupid child, ruining my plans," Albus muttered to himself, not noticing how one portrait in particular was actually paying attention.

Hearing his wards beep, letting him know Severus was on his way up, Albus quickly gripped his wand and straightened out his office. It wouldn't do for Severus to see how out of place everything was.

Sitting behind his desk, Albus carefully constructed his facial expression right before Severus strode inside.

"Severus, my dear boy, thank you for joining me," he said, before holding out a bag of familiar yellow candies. "Lemon drop?"

Severus sneered at the offered sweet and took a seat. "You asked to see me, Headmaster?" he said more than asked in his usual drawl. He suspected it was because the old coot had found out about his involvement in the Potter boy's life.

"Yes, yes, if you're quite sure," Albus said, putting the sweets down but not before putting one in his mouth. "I've just come from Harry Potter's custody trial."

Severus allowed an eyebrow to rise. "Oh?" he inquired.

"Yes, I'm surprised you yourself were not there, considering the evidence you gave. Evidence which, might I just say, not only allowed for myself to be removed as Harry's magical guardian, but also weakens your own status as a spy for when the Dark Lord returns."

Severus withheld a sneer—how dare Albus blame him. He had helped the boy, his best friend's only child, to escape from his abusive family and to be reunited with people he loved and would look after him - albeit people Severus hated.

"I gave records of my actions. I'm surprised you felt the need to challenge the court; surely the boy is better off with the mutt and monster then where he was. However, had I known of your involvement, I would have warned you," Severus lied, he had known and kept silent.

He didn't know what the old man had planned, but he doubted he would like it. Albus was far too interested in the boy and his actions so far - nevermind what he had planned never had been in Harry's interest. He had lied about him and his life growing up and it seemed that he wanted Harry to continue living in an abusive home. Severus couldn't work out his reasoning yet, but he would be damned if he let this old fool harm Lily's child anymore.

Albus, thankfully ignorant to Severus' thoughts, was relieved - at least Severus was still in his pocket. He had feared he had lost the man when he heard he had given evidence to support Harry.

"Yes, I wished to remain Harry's guardian. Your evidence, however, made it look like the boy was abused. Sure, he may have had a firm hand growing up, but all young boys need that," Albus said. He needed Snape - he knew Tom would be back, he had made sure of it.

The words made Severus want to lash out; his own father had been an abusive drunk and the fact Albus was making light of it and making excuses sickened him. "Indeed," he said.

"You will have to be careful this coming year, last year you were almost nice to the boy. If this continues when the Dark Lord returns you will be unable to rejoin him."

"I shall have to try and rectify the situation."

"Indeed, my dear boy - I would hate for you to be in danger. It really shouldn't be so hard; I'm surprised, really. I mean, Harry really is just like James was as a child."

Severus was thankful for his mastery of occlumency—how the old man could say such a thing with a straight face he didn't know. If it wasn't for the fact he knew Lily would never cheat on her husband, Severus wouldn't have been surprised if Harry had been somebody else's son with how opposite he was from a young James Potter. James had been arrogant, cruel, a bully while Harry was quiet, soft spoken, intelligent.

"If the Dark Lord returns I'm sure I shall be able to regain any position."

"Good man," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling. Now he just had to find a way to get Filius and Poppy on his side. His plans for Harry would be so much simpler if he was in Gryffindor….

August 9th 1992, Gaunt Shack, Little Hangleton

Harry apparated himself and Sirius to Little Hangleton, as the animagus had never been before and was therefore unable to apparate. It was a novel experience for Harry as he had not apparated in over a year as being a child had made it next to impossible to get away with. Landing, Harry closed his eyes and took a breath. Although he hated magical transport, he preferred to be the one in control as it didn't leave him feeling quite nauseous.

"It's weird seeing you do magic like that so easily. You look like a kid," Sirius said after straightening himself.

Harry shrugged. "It's weird being in such a young body, but I've got used to it." Looking around, Harry spotted the path which lead to the rundown shack and made his way towards it.

"So you've still got all you powers from when you were an adult?"

"Yes, however I'm still limited in what I can do. I've been working my magical stamina but still, this body is that of a child's. I find I tire more easily than that of my adult body. It also doesn't help that when I'm at school I have to revert to only using age appropriate magic, so any progress I make while at home is usually null and void," Harry said.

"There's nowhere you can practice?" Sirius asked, just as the shack came into view.

"I've got a few places that I will check out this year," Harry said, thinking about the Room of Requirement and even the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry stopped when they reached the shack. "Stay outside," he said, turning to Sirius and making sure he saw how serious he was.

Sirius nodded. "I will, but if you need me, call me," he said.

Harry nodded his understanding and entered the shack. He could practically taste the malicious magic in the air. The whole place vibrated with it. Remembering what he had been shown by Dumbledore, Harry approached the kitchen where he knew the ring was - underneath the floorboards. Walking slowly with all of his senses open, Harry could feel the magic reaching out to him; however, when it reached him, it seemed to stop. Scanning him, it seemed to recognise Tom's soul in him and the locket. Tensing as the magic continued to push against him, Harry was about to push back when the magic suddenly retreated.

Letting out a breath, Harry crouched down and loosened the floorboards. Seeing the ring, Harry didn't have the compulsion to put it on. Instead, he levitated it and placed it into a small velvet bag he had brought for this purpose. Tucking the ring away ,Harry let out a breath. He had done it.

"Congratulations Master, you've regained one of my Hallows," said a deep voice, causing Harry to spin.

Standing, well, more like floating, behind him was Death.

Harry took a second to get his heart rate back under control and sent Death a glare. "Are you trying to kill me?" he asked the entity.

Death chuckled, the sounds coming out scratchy. "You are unable to die, Master, so no. I do not have any plans to kill you."

"Well, that's something I suppose," Harry grumbled sarcastically.

"You have done well," Death said, "now all you need is the wand."

"Like that will be easy. Did you forget who's got the wand? I doubt Dumbles is going to happily hand it over to me."

"The wand will know its true Master. You will be surprised at how well it knows. I shall be going now," Death said before He slowly disappeared without even waiting for Harry to speak.

"Well that wasn't cryptic at all," Harry muttered under his breath as he made his way back to Sirius.

Sirius had been pacing outside and it was only through his sheer force of will that he hadn't gone after Harry. 100 different scenarios passed through his head as he paced: what if something had gone wrong? Shouldn't Harry be finished by now?

Seeing Sirius pacing, Harry felt bad; he knew both he and Remus worried, but honestly there was no need.

"Sirius, stop, you're going to wear a hole through to China," Harry joked, gaining Sirius's attention. Hearing Harry's voice, Sirius spun and looked him up and down, searching for any damage or injury.

Seeing this, Harry huffed, "I'm fine Siri, and I've got the ring."

Sirius let out a breath. Although he still had his reservations about the resurrection, he would always stand by Harry.

"That's good," he said. "Do you want to go to Gringotts now?"

Harry considered it and nodded. "Please."

Sirius had been shocked when Harry had told him the location of the goblet horcrux, but then again Bella always was very devoted to the Dark Lord.

Apparating to the alley, Harry and Sirius made their way to the bank. Harry had missed seeing his friend and had only spoken to him through owl in the last week.

Entering the bank, Sirius followed Harry as he made his way through the back passages, no longer shocked by the respect shown to his godson. Seeing Harry stop and wait to enter the office he recognised as Ragnok's, Sirius hoped the goblin would be able to help.

9th August 1992, Gringotts Bank, London Branch

Entering Ragnok's office once he was called, Harry was happy to see his old friend.

"Ragnok," he greeted, taking a seat.

"Harrison. Lord Black," the goblin chief said in return.

"I trust business is well," Harry said.

Ragnok smiled toothily. "Our gold continues to increase," he said.

"Excellent," Harry said.

Ragnok looked at him then and decided to forgo anymore pleasantries. "Although I do enjoy your presence Harrison, I would rather you tell me what it is that has brought you here. Our business with Dodge is firmly settled for now, I believe."

Harry smirked. "You never have been one for small talk," he said. "Very well. As you know, my soulmate was foolish enough to create multiple horcruxes. In his bid to protect them he gave one to his follower, Bellatrix LeStrange nee Black. Bellatrix, not knowing what it was but knowing it was important, placed the horcrux, which is within Helga Hufflepuff's cup, inside her Gringotts Vault."

Ragnok nodded then realised why the young wizard was here. "You wish to enter her Vault," he stated.

"As Lord Black, I believe Sirius is able to enter the Vault of a family member," Harry said, "especially one who is so indisposed."

Ragnok sighed. If it got out that he had allowed such an action then the reputation of Gringotts could be ruined. However, he trusted Harrison to keep the act secret.

"I see. Was the cup given to her when she was still a Black?" he asked, finding a stretch in loopholes.

Harry wasn't actually sure, but seeing as he knew his chances would be better, he lied, "Yes."

Ragnok knew Harry wasn't being truthful, but allowed it. "Very well - I shall accompany you. You will remove nothing but the cup, Lord Black," he said.

Entering the LeStrange Vault, Harry watched as Ragnok nullified the Flagrante and Gemino curses, making it so the treasures within wouldn't burn and multiply.

"You may collect the cup," Ragnok said, watching with sharp eyes as Sirius walked into the Vault.

Sirius didn't dally and practically ran to the cup; he wanted this to be over with as quickly as possible. Picking up the cup, Sirius barely withheld his shudder as the Dark magic washed over him. As he was no longer renouncing his magical affinity, Sirius found the presence of powerful Dark magic almost intoxicating. It wasn't an exactly pleasant experience, but it was overwhelming.

Seeing Sirius struggle, Harry held out his hands as he rejoined him and Ragnok at the doors to the Vault.

"Let me have it, Sirius, its magic doesn't affect me," Harry told his godfather.

Taking a breath, Sirius handed the cup over. As he was no longer touching it, its presence wasn't as bad - he could still feel it, but it was diluted.

Placing the cup into his pocket after wandlessly shrinking it, Harry turned to Ragnok. "Thank you, my friend. I understand that doing this was difficult for you, but know I appreciate it and all you have done for me. May your Vaults never empty and your enemy's blood run cold," Harry said.

Ragnok inclined his head. "I thank you, and may your gold overflow. However, we shall never speak of this again," he said with finality.

Harry sent Sirius a look. "Never," he promised.

Instead of returning to Ragnok's office, Harry and Sirius said their goodbye and returned to Grimmauld Place. Having the extra two horcruxes on him had made Harry feel almost giddy, their presence soothing him.

Going to his room, Harry carefully dispelled the charms and hexes around the box containing the diary and placed the ring and cup inside.

Looking at the diary he had a moment of intense longing - he could talk to Tom….

He quickly buried the desire; the soul piece in the diary wasn't really his soulmate he had to remind himself—and it was also a soul leech. If Harry used the diary he would have to be careful - the spells on it would easily drain him of both his magic and his life.

After collecting the ring, the rest of the summer weeks flew by for Harry. This was the first summer that he was completely free to do whatever he wanted and although the lack of purpose was frustrating, Harry soon found ways to amuse himself.

Spending most of his time in the library, Harry soon found books which drew and captured his attention, most notably a book on Parselmagic. Why the Black family library had such a book when there was no known Black family Speaker, Harry didn't know, but he was grateful. Although the book was small, Harry found the spells inside quite interesting. They were not necessarily Dark, but Harry doubted they would be legal in this pro-Light government. Most of the spells in the book were basic; all they required was the user to speak Parseltongue—they were mostly charms and a few minor hexes.

However, there were some much Darker spells that Harry vaguely recognised from the last war - spells Harry had assumed Voldemort had created. There were spells which left the victim without blood as theirs boiled from within, spells which trapped a person in their nightmares unable to escape, spells which caused hair to grow inwards. These spells Harry did teach himself - he had no real plans on using them but one never knew.

This system of lazily learning spells continued throughout the summer, broken only by trips out with Sirius and Remus and visits to his friends. Never had Harry had such a peaceful break.

August 20th 1992, Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire

When Harry had received Draco's invitation to visit him for the day, he had accepted without concern. He had really come to like this Draco; sure, he was still slightly pompous and his views on muggleborns and muggles were outdated and needing change, but he liked the boy. He had a dry wit that Harry appreciated, he was intelligent, and he wasn't obsessed with Harry's fame. Oh, Harry didn't doubt that it had initially been Harry's status as the Boy-Who-Wouldn't-Die that drew Draco in, but getting to know him, they had actually become true friends. Shockingly enough, Neville and Draco got on ridiculously well too - Draco's more outgoing sarcasm mixing well with Neville's sly cunning. They had been writing to each other and swapping ideas about how to get back at Ron this year.

Arriving at the manor via Floo, Harry stumbled out and, after straightening himself, saw that it was slightly less perfect than it had been last time.

Draco, who had been waiting, saw Harry's look and snarled, "The bloody ministry fools came again and searched the manor."

Realisation hit Harry and he remembered the threat of having Grimmauld searched. "I gather they found nothing?"

"No, but it's the second time this summer. It's Dumbledore and his pet weasels - I swear that man is getting worse."

"Hopefully the old coot will stop once we're back at school; he has enough problems being Headmaster without meddling in our families' affairs," Harry placated.

Soon enough Harry had distracted Draco into forgetting about the old coot's persecution against Dark families and the two boys spent the morning flying and chatting about the up and coming school year.

"Father has been trying to find out who the new Defence teacher will be, but apparently Dumbledore hasn't officially announced it yet," Draco grumbled as they sat in the gardens, drinking some iced tea an elf had gotten for them.

Once again, Harry was surprised he hadn't seen Dobby. "If they're awful, I'll just do what I did last year and teach myself," Harry said.

Seeing Draco's look of intrigue, Harry expanded on his sentence. "I made a study group last year. We all taught ourselves and helped each other. You're welcome to join us, we usually meet in the library after classes."

Draco smiled slightly. "I would like that. Perhaps I could bring a few of my Slytherin friends," he said cautiously.

Harry didn't allow his face to change, but inside he was wary. He didn't really know any of the other Slytherins; even as enemies, like he had been with Draco, he didn't know any of them. However, he didn't want to exclude anyone just become of their House so he nodded. "Sure, bring them along. I don't really know that many Slytherins to be honest."

Draco nodded his head once. "Well, there's Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle - you've got to have noticed them, they're the brainless lugs that tend to follow me around. They're alright I suppose, but you can't have any form of conversation with them—at least not one when you gain any reply. Then there's Theodore Nott - he's alright but he doesn't really speak to anybody and keeps to himself. I can't really say much for him, he doesn't even sit around in the common room much. Finally for the boys there's Blaise Zabini; he's my best friend in Slytherin, you'd like him. He's half Italian and from a Neutral family. He's the boy you've probably noticed daydreaming in classes, but he's probably one of the smartest people I know. He's also the gossip king of Hogwarts - anything you want or need to know, Zabini can find out. Even I don't know how he gets some of his information. Don't worry though, he's a great friend, very loyal."

Harry smiled at Draco's descriptions. He had never really spoken to Zabini - a few threats and grumbled words here and there, however he had seen how in later years he and Draco had become close, especially after the Dark Lord's return. Nott he had never even noticed until the war, the boy really was a quiet wallflower and the other two… well, Harry honestly had no desire to get to know.

"For the girls in Slytherin, there's Bulstrode, she's the rather... well... she's the larger girl." Draco's hesitance on his description of Millicent left Harry fighting laughter. True, Millicent wasn't blessed with great physical beauty, but to hear Draco scramble to say so made Harry smile.

"She's alright though, great sense of humour for a girl. Then there's Tracy Davis, she's a half-blood but you wouldn't notice - her and Daphne Greengrass are always together, they're annoying to be honest, always whispering and giggling. Finally, there's Pansy Parkinson, she's actually my other best friend. She pretends to be a total girly-girl in classes and around school, but she's actually ridiculously smart and very practical. She says she acts like that so people underestimate her, which is true as I know everybody thinks she's a fool. It's like me - I know everybody thinks I'm a cold and heartless Slytherin who relies on my family name, which is fine as then they will underestimate me too."

Harry was surprised by Pansy, he had honestly believed the mask she portrayed, but then again he had believed Draco's in his last life as well.

"I think I will get on with your friends, but why do you have to pretend to be underestimated?"

"Everybody expects Slytherins to be evil, to automatically be Death Eaters. The other Houses exclude us and bully us, we have to act this way to protect ourselves. Even the teachers to an extent treat us differently and sure some of them try not to, but it's still there. We're automatically viewed as being Dark, so we act to be underestimated; that way, if we ever are bullied or attacked, then we can surprise them. I'm not going to lie: we are sneaky and cunning, we cheat and manipulate, but we're not evil," Draco explained.

Harry nodded. "The hat was torn between Ravenclaw and Slytherin for me. I picked Ravenclaw because I knew Dumbledore wouldn't leave me alone if I went green."

Draco's eyes went wide. "So the Light's golden boy was almost a snake?"

"Yes, the hat thought me very cunning."

Draco laughed. "You would have been good in Slytherin, but I suppose Ravenclaw is okay." He knew not to dismiss Gryffindor and Hufflepuff now and, having met the rest of Harry's, and now his, friends, he could see the benefits of the other houses - even Gryffindor.

Harry was pleased Draco was learning and no longer thought the other Houses were automatically jokes. Now he just had to work on his muggle views….

"It's stupid - what people think about Slytherins. You're not all bad. Judging you just because the Dark Lord was in Slytherin and a lot of his Death Eaters came from there is ridiculous. I mean, come on! Look at that rat Pettigrew, he was in Gryffindor."

"I know, but everybody just sees a Slytherin and thinks evil. Dumbledore doesn't help; I mean, he goes on about the greater good and so called fairness but he never does anything to actually help," Draco ranted.

Harry was surprised the blond had noticed - or perhaps he had been listening to Lucius rant.

"Hopefully Dumbledore will not be around for much longer or, at least, his influence on the world will start to crumble," Harry said, hoping that everything he had brought to light and was planning on bringing to light would be enough to destroy the old man.

Draco saw Harry's dark look and hid his shudder. His friend could be scary sometimes.

Eventually the topic was dropped and the two went back to playing catch the snitch. A game which Harry won eight out of ten times, losing only because he started to lose interest. He still loved flying but his passion for it was not the same anymore.

Harry eventually persuaded Draco to stop flying and he instead was lead to the boy's room, which was more like a suite than anything else: It had a bathroom, dressing room, and small sitting room attached.

"Nice," Harry said, looking around and actually finding he liked the style. The room had white walls with one wall painted a midnight blue and a pale blue fluffy carpet. The furnishings all matched and were a dark mahogany wood. The bed spread was dark blue and pale green and the throw pillows were green. It was slightly mature for a twelve year old Harry supposed, but it was very nice. It was also quite relaxed with slouchy looking sofas and knickknacks around. Harry even spotted a few soft toys from when Draco was younger hidden among the rest.

"It's the Heir suite," Draco said as an explanation for the size.

Harry nodded and went to the bookshelf to see what types of books Draco had. There were the usual ones you would expect to find in a magical child's room: fairytales, encyclopaedias, and quidditch books. However, what drew Harry's attention was the number of magical animal books and even more potion guides.

Seeing the number of potion books, Harry smiled. "You actually enjoy Potions, don't you?"

Draco shrugged and looked slightly self-conscious. "They're alright," he mumbled, shocking Harry as he had never seen the Malfoy heir mumble.

"I think that's cool. I'm okay at the subject but for some reason I just can't feel the passion, you know?"

Draco suddenly looked much happier. "Really? I think that they're fascinating; I mean, you can do almost anything with potions."

Harry smiled at Draco's enthusiasm. "I remember - Snape's speech from the start of year said the same."

"Severus is right. I mean, I doubt I could do half of those things but he could. He's a Potions genius," Draco said, the familiarity and happiness in which he said Severus' name reminding him that they were close.

"You know Professor Snape from before school?" he asked.

"He's my godfather. He and father were friends in school and, well, you know the war and everything," Draco said, looking slightly awkward.

"I didn't know that, but I do like Severus. He helped me last year; he brewed potions for me and he even helped out at my trial by giving evidence. He's a good man, even if he does scare the magic out of Neville and make people cry," Harry joked before he acknowledged the rest of Draco's sentence. "Also, Dray, you should know I don't care about the last war. I mean, I do, but I don't hold it against people. It's time to move on; most people did what they thought best for themselves and their families, for the Wizarding world."

"Well said, Harrison."

Harry turned and saw Lucius standing in the doorway. The aristocrat's mask was firmly in place, revealing nothing of what he felt about what he had heard.

"Father, what are you doing here?" Draco asked.

"It's almost time for lunch and as I was passing by, I thought I should collect you myself instead of sending an elf. I believe your mother wants to eat outside on the terrace," Lucius said.

Harry nodded. "It is a lovely day."

"Indeed. Come along then, boys," Lucius said.

Following Draco, Harry felt more than saw Lucius staring at him and wondered what he had done this time to garner his attention.

"Do you really feel that way, Harrison?" Lucius asked softly as they walked.

"Yes, I tend not to say things I don't mean," Harry replied.

"It's a rare few who are willing to move on so easily. Many hold grudges; it would not be shocking if you yourself did, as you lost a lot in the war."

"Yes, but holding onto the grudges would only make it impossible for me to move forward. I also do not believe in hating those who have done nothing to me personally; many people may have fought in the war, either directly or indirectly, and for many different reasons - who am I to judge them? I only hold grudges against those who stand against me and my plans, who try to do me or my loved ones harm."

It was the best way Harry could reveal his feelings without saying too much. It also explained his willingness to forgive Lucius and other Death Eaters, but not people like Ron and Dumbledore. Most Death Eaters were simply following orders and their beliefs, few actually enjoyed their actions. They were soldiers fighting for what they believed in. However, there were a few who Harry did hate and held grudges against: Pettigrew was an example - he was a traitor and he was weak. He didn't believe in anything other than saving himself. Bellatrix was another, although he could perhaps sympathise more since Sirius said she was honestly mentally ill. Still, she was a sadist who enjoyed hurting people, even children. Then there was the pink toad, Umbridge; her vindictive spreading of hate and prejudice was sickening.

Then there was Hermione, who was a conundrum. Harry still didn't forgive her - sure, she was innocent in this life, but she had manipulated him in his last, made him believe he had friends and then plotted to steal from him and kill him. She and Ron had utterly destroyed his heart in his last life, they had betrayed him along with Molly and Ginny. However, the one person he knew he would never forgive was Dumbledore. That man had destroyed Harry's life, he had plotted and schemed and manipulated until Harry had nothing - and why? For what purpose? Harry still didn't know for certain.

"You have goals, then?" Lucius asked, bringing Harry back to the present.

Harry tilted his head. "I think everybody has plans, Lucius."

Lucius smirked at the answer. How very Slytherin. "Indeed," he agreed.

After lunch Harry and Draco played a few games of chess and exploding snap while they talked idly. Draco was a better player than Harry, but Harry could hold his own.

Seeing an opportunity to ask something that had been bothering him for a while, Harry spoke, "Draco, I was wondering, do you happen to have a house-elf named Dobby?"

Harry saw Draco's face scrunch in confusion before he answered, "Yes, but he's not here at the moment, he's still in training. However did you know about him?"

"I'm not sure - perhaps you or somebody mentioned him?" Harry dismissed quickly. "Anyway, what training?"

Draco didn't look sure, but shrugged slightly before he continued, "Well, he's a young house-elf and, to be honest, he's slightly batty. Anyway, he's been sent off to train under the older elves so he can find his designation; to see if he would be best in the garden or looking after children, for example."

Harry nodded - that did make sense. "Where do they do this training?" he asked, a suspicion growing in his mind.

"Hogwarts, of course. Hogwarts has the most house-elves anywhere in Britain."

"I see. So is he a Hogwarts elf or a Malfoy elf while he's training?" Harry asked.

"Well, he's officially a Malfoy elf, but he has to follow Hogwarts orders until he's finished."

"Ah."

Harry thought about the events that transpired thanks to Dobby and honestly? He wasn't surprised that Dumbledore had manipulated them. However, it did leave the question of how much control the old man had on Lucius. If he simply manipulated Dobby that was one thing, but to manipulate the head of the Malfoy family was another. Perhaps Harry needed to bring in the elder Malfoy on a few of his secrets. If he was under charms Harry wanted him free, if only to strengthen their newly formed alliance.

Harry had also genuinely liked Dobby, the little elf had died rescuing Harry and the rest of them. But if the elf had been manipulated at first then he wasn't sure how much he could rely on his old friend.

"Why are you asking about elves anyway, Harry?"

"No reason - just interested, I guess," Harry lied.

Since Harry had become close to the Malfoys, he had noticed that their elves were actually treated rather well. They wore clean uniforms at least—sure, Lucius treated them like lowly servants but he wasn't excessively violent or cruel and Narcissa seemed to simply ignore them while Draco was a mixture of both. He hadn't seen anything like the abuse he had witnessed towards Dobby in his second year.

20th August 1992, Evening, Grimmauld Place, London

Returning home, Harry Floo'd into the parlour only to be met with the sight of garish periwinkle and orange robes. It seemed that Dumbledore had somehow talked his way into Grimmauld.

Looking around, Harry saw that Sirius had a look of anger on his face and Remus looked no better.

Steeling himself, Harry plastered a fake smile on his face. "Hello Headmaster, what brings you here today?" he asked.

Dumbledore turned and looked at the boy. He hated how at ease Harry looked wearing wizarding robes, he should be like a muggleborn.

"Hello my dear boy, I'm actually here to see you and Sirius. It's rather good timing on your part, I myself have only just arrived a few moments ago."

Harry sent Sirius a discreet look before he nodded. Remus, seeing this, stood and gave the Headmaster a strained smile. He would never forget his words during the trial and how the man who had allowed him an education had thrown him under the bus.

"I see. Well then, why don't you go into the parlour?"

Sirius nodded stiffly. "Yes, why don't you follow me Albus," he said, with barely concealed anger. Harry followed behind and sent Remus a look to control himself.

Entering the parlour, Harry joined Sirius on the sofa and sat opposite to Dumbledore. He wondered how he had gotten in as the wards were very impressive and decided that Sirius must have let him in.

"Why are you here, Albus?" Sirius asked, his voice coming out frostier than before.

Albus withheld his snarl at the tone - who was he to speak like that at him? "I thought it would be a good idea to come and clear the air, so to speak, before young Harry comes back to school next week."

"There is no need Headmaster," Harry said.

Albus smiled, thinking he still had some control over the boy. "Yes, very well then," he said. "However, there was another reason I came."

Sirius barely stopped his eye roll. Of course there was.

"Oh?" Harry inquired.

"Yes, I thought that after such a hectic summer you may wish to be re-Sorted when you return to school."

Harry just about held back his snort of derision - that was an exceptionally weak excuse. He wondered if the old man was really becoming that desperate.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Harry said, allowing him for a moment to think he had won. "However, I will have to decline. I love being in Ravenclaw."

Albus felt his elation crash and narrowed his eyes. "I see, you're certain?"

"Yes," Harry said smiling.

"Very well then, I shall be going. Do enjoy the rest of your holiday," Albus said, his voice clipped as he thought about how the boy refused to do as he was told.

Walking him back to the parlour, Harry sent Sirius a look which had the animagus biting his lip to stop himself from laughing. He did so love winding the old fool up.

AN: Big thank you to my Beta reader miisticalwrites for taking the time to check this for me!

Remember people that reviews are always appreciated but I won't hold the story to ransom for them.

Updates should come every few days and like usual this is being posed on Ao3 under the same name.

There might be a delay on the next update as I'm super busy this week, but it will come.

Hope you enjoy reading

~ Annie