Harry Potter and The Shadowed Light

Chapter 31

Previously

"I don't know many people who would take the test," Sirius said.

"Muggleborns are muggleborns, therefore they are coming into a new world. Everybody else knows who they are or at least what family they come from. It's actually very rare for people to take inheritance tests. It's usually halfbloods or orphans who suspect they're halfbloods who take the tests and I doubt Dumbledore has much use for such people." Lucius said.

Harry nodded. That made sense, but he was still amazed that Dumbledore had gotten away with this for so long.

"I suspect he picks people from families he knows are involved in politics or who he thinks he can manipulate easily. He picks the outsiders as the ones he can fully twist and shape into the puppets he wants," Harry said, thinking about Dumbledore's reasons.

"I agree," Remus said, thinking about his own situation. He had been blinded by his gratitude towards Dumbledore for years - he hadn't thought to ever question the man or his motives. He was his saviour.

Eventually the small meeting died down as they shared their theories about Dumbledore's plans.

Grimmauld place, December 25th, 1992

Waking up Harry felt a small smile build on his face, although they celebrated a traditional Yule, the giving of presents was still something that he liked to participate in.

Stretching, Harry allowed himself a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet. However, that soon shattered when he felt Sirius arriving, his sensitivity to magic in particular Sirius with whom he shared a bond was growing. Allowing his magic to be free was showing Harry just how stifled he had been in his last life and just how much he keeps hidden behind his shields when he is at Hogwarts. His magic was growing and developing in leaps and bounds, and Harry along with it.

"Wake up Harry! We have PRESENTS!" Sirius shouted, his excitement clear before turning into Padfoot and jumping into the bed, smothering him.

Laughing at his antics and trying to avoid the dog's sloppy kisses, Harry eventually freed himself by sending a freezing charm at Sirius.

Hearing laughter, Harry looked up in time to catch the blinding flash of a camera.

"I see he decided to wake you in a similar fashion as he did me," Remus said, putting the camera away.

"He's like a giant child," Harry said, smirking when he saw Sirius's eyes narrow.

"A puppy," Remus said in agreement, making Harry laugh more.

"Come on, unfreeze him so we can all eat,"

Without a thought Harry waved a hand, unfreezing the animagus, the wandless magic coming easily to him.

Sirius shook out his fur before turning back into himself, and launching himself at Harry.

"Who needs food when we have presents?"

"I do," Remus deadpanned from the door.

"We can eat later," Sirius said in a decisive tone, before standing and dragging Harry bodily towards the door.

Remus shook his head lightly as he watched them, glad that Sirius was behaving how he had when they were younger. He had always been the most excited about Yule and giving presents when they were younger, and he had been worried that the damage Azkaban had done to his old friend would be too severe. He was glad his worries were proving to be unfounded. Hearing a crash followed by Harry's unmistakable laugh, Remus sighed and quickly caught up to the pair who were in the informal sitting room, surrounded by brightly wrapped presents and a sullen Kreacher.

Harry smiled at the things he had been brought, his friends had all sent him things, but his favourite gift had been something given to him by Luna, for Aithusia. Opening the gift, he had laughed so hard he could hardly breathe, startling both Sirius and Remus. It was a box of stomach soothers for reptiles, with a note

'Just in case the peacock didn't go down smoothly.'

27th December 1992

Harry smiled as Neville stumbled slightly exiting from the fire place, it made him glad that he wasn't the only person who struggled with the floo. Even with his magical core fully unlocked and his absolute control over his magic, wizarding transport methods still caused him problems. That smiled widened when he saw Neville quickly recover and move aside so his grandmother could exit after him. He was happy that his friend that the was being treated better and accepted by his family a lot earlier than in his last life. Neville deserved to be accepted and loved.

Stepping forward Harry smiled at his friend and offered the dowager lady a smile, before taking her hand and placing a kiss above it.

"Thank you for allowing Neville to visit with us Dowager Longbottom. I wish you a great yule and pay Lady Magic grant you strength in this coming New Year,"

The old lady smirked lightly, accepting the formal greeting, "May magic bless and renew you heir Potter-Black. However, I have told you call me Augusta or Gran, none of this Dowager Lady business, you might be able to charm everybody else but I'm on to you mister,"

Harry smiled and laughed lightly, "Of course Augusta,"

Neville watched this with fascination, he was still shocked by the changes in his grandmother. She was different now from what she had been like when he was growing up. Much freer with her emotions and easier to talk to.

Harry turned and grinned at the slightly stunned looking blonde boy, "Have a good Yule Nev?" he asked.

Neville soon found himself easily talking to Harry about his yule, visiting his parents and what presents he had received, the boy thanking Harry for the necklace he had received. Harry had given all his friends a necklace that acted like the galleons he had used before for the DA meetings, they could all be modified and acted like beacons, so they would be able to find each other.

After Neville eventually gave in and fell to Morpheus' thrall, Harry was left to his thoughts. When Neville had spoken of his parents Harry realised how much others had suffered at the hands of his soul mate- he had, in the past had some fleeting thoughts but until he had heard Neville speak so emotionally he'd put them to one side and focused single-mindedly on getting Tom back. But thinking on it he realised that just from his close friends, Neville had lost his parents, Suzie hers whilst Fred and George had lost their uncles and after viewing the memories of his parents he felt their loss more keenly. He now had an idea of what it was he was missing.

He didn't know how to broach the subject of his soulmate to his friends, he didn't want to lose any of them, yet he knew that he couldn't give up Tom.

Meanwhile

Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, Dumbledore's office.

Albus Dumbledore was not having a good week. No, he wasn't having a good year, and he knew exactly who to blame- Harry. Potter. He didn't know how, or when, or even why, but he just knew in his gut that the brat was to blame for this latest fiasco with Lockhart disappearing. If the child had just listened and done as he had planned, then Albus wouldn't be dodging calls from the DMLE and facing possible charges.

It was all the brats fault.

Albus had been forced into taking unnecessary risks just to verify that Lockhart was dead. He had done a dark blood ritual, using some of Lockhart's blood that the fool hadn't known he had stolen. He had had to do it, he couldn't risk the man being free and potentially spilling his secrets, luckily it confirmed that he was dead. Which was just as distressing as he didn't know how… yes, he knew about the curse on the DADA position but usually there was some sign, some sort of build-up. He didn't even have a body as proof! Now he was left without a teacher and with a criminal investigation being lead by a woman he had no sway over and who seemingly had an axe to grind if her persistence was anything to go by.

He was going to have to allow the ministry to fill the position for him, better them than the governors who seemed to be all too willing to follow Malfoy's lead. He had considered offering the job to Sirius for a moment, he needed to get that reckless mutt back under his control, but he had thought better of it. The Black lord had obviously given in to his inherited evilness and been swayed to the dark. Unsurprising really given his family. Perhaps though he still had a chance with Remus. Yes, next year… The wolf was always easier to manipulate, he did after all owe Albus his schooling and future… he could use him to get Harry back into his sphere of control.

He needed that damned brat. He had put to much into this plan to give up now. He refused to lose. He was Albus Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard since merlin himself. He wold not let Harry bloody Potter destroy plans he had spent over half a century putting into place. He had already lost the philosophers stone, he couldn't afford to lose anything else.

In the middle of an Albanian forest- wandering aimlessly

What was happening? A soul mate… Where am I? So cold... The one with the power…

Where was Quirrell? The ritual should have worked… the stone…

No, The Stone was a fake, a clever fake that Tom didn't even notice until the last moment. Yes, he remembered that…

Pain, so much pain.

Tom fought for focus, trying to get his mind to stay latched onto a single idea… He Was Lord Voldemort… he had been defeated, by a baby. No, by Harry potter. But Harry wasn't his enemy… he was his… his soul mate?

A piece of paper- soul bond-? (unknown match)

But how? Why? Goblin blood inheritance test…

More thoughts filtered in, clearer than before, surprising Tom as he hadn't been able to focus this clearly in years… he was still weak, shockingly so, he was without form or real magic, but it was like he had regained something… something he had lost…

4th January 1993, The Great Hall, Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry

Harry sighed as he sat down in his seat at the Ravenclaw table. Listening to Dumbledore blather away giving his usual speech about unity, integrity and the usual hidden light propaganda made him want to gag, that or curse the man.

"And finally, it is to my great dismay that I have to announce that professor Lockheart will not be re-joining us for the remainder of the year…"

At this news the whole room broke out into whispers, students all sharing conspiracy's and a few exchanging galleons, having bet on how long this year's DADA teacher would last.

"Wonder what did it?"

"Vampires, I bet it was vampires looking for Quirrell,"

"Knew he wouldn't last,"

"I wonder if he knows his peacock was poached," Luna said dreamily from next to Harry, staring at Dumbledore with her large eyes slightly unfocused.

Harry hummed, "If he knows or not I have no clue, but still we should all take care, I doubt that the headmaster is done scheming,"

Continuing, Albus spoke over the increased volume, "instead please join me in welcoming seasoned auror and former Ravenclaw student, Kingsley Shacklebot. He has agreed to teach Defence against the dark arts for the remainder of the year while on medical leave from the DMLE."

Harry watched as Kingsley stood tall and bowed at the polite clapping he received. The man looked similar to when Harry knew him, if not slightly paler, which Harry assumed was from pain as his eyes held some that he had not quite managed to hide.

"Thank you," his deep baritone voice filled the room, "I look forward to the task,"

Ravenclaw common room

"Did you enjoy Yule My Lord?" Luna asked from her position in front of Harry. Harry was carefully adding small braids to her hair, tying them off with small bells.

"I did, I feel more connect to my magic. Revitalized."

Luna hummed, "And your mate?"

Harry stilled his hands for a moment, shocked. "Luna?" he said, questioning what she knew.

Luna hummed again, "I can't see clearly what the future holds but I know that together you'll be powerful, and that you'll change the world."

"I see."

"You'll do great things Harrison Potter,"

"Great but terrible things," Harry muttered, thinking back to the first time he ever met Mr Ollivander.

"Maybe, but change is never simple there will always be opposition."

"Do you know who he is?" Harry asked

Luna tilted her head, trying to focus on the stray wisps of magic that would whisper to her, "I can see what he could be, with your help,"

"Then you'll accept him?"

"I will, but remember My Lord I'm yours."

Harry carefully finished off her hair before running his fingers through it and listening to the bells as they chimed gently.

"I'm glad that I will at least have you by my side Little Moon."

The rest of the school year seemed to fly by, with Harry focusing on ignoring the younger Weasleys attempts at infiltrating his life. The worst was Valentine's Day, without Lockheart Harry was sure that he would not have to suffer through anything like Ginny's attempt at romantic poetry, honestly… "His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad, His hair is as dark as a blackboard. I wish he was mine, he's truly divine, the hero who conquered the Dark Lord. However, he should have known his luck would not hold out forever.

February 14th, 1992, The Great Hall, Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry and his followers as Luna called them, were sitting with the Slytherins at their house table, discussing the class options that they would have to pick for their 3rd year. The twins were giving them their opinions, but they admitted that they just messed around in classes. Harry already knew he would be taking Ancient Runes and Arithmancy this time around, not only where they new subjects for him, but the teachers had no allegiance to Albus beyond their jobs. Harry had taken up studying runes in his free time, having studied them for his ritual to return Tom's soul and body, therefore he knew the class would not challenge him, but he looked forward to it no the less. Both subjects were also the most useful in getting jobs, unless one wanted to work with animals or using animal products, or naturally had some predisposition towards the sight like Luna. Not that this swayed Harry too much as he doubted he would ever work a proper job. He would most likely help Tom and maintain his estate and businesses.

Neville had decided to join Harry in Ancient Runes and take Care of Magical Creatures. He was unsure still about what he wanted to do when he was older, whether he would take up the Longbottom lordship and live like a peer or work like his father had chosen to do, but with his affinity towards plants he thought animals may be useful to learn about. And no other subject apart from runes had interested him, he had contemplated Divination as he had heard it would be an easy O but decided against it with Harrys help.

Draco was going to be with Harry in both Runes and Arithmancy, he was however also taking Care of magical creatures, meaning he would have less free time next year. Like Harry Draco knew that he would not be working, he would follow in his father's footsteps and hopefully grow the Malfoy fortune, dabbling in politics and business like his family had done for generations. He had picked his subjects for the same reason as Harry, but also selected care as he did surprisingly like animals.

All three girls had decided to take divination, making Harry want to groan. Only Hannah had the slightest inclination towards the sight, but even then, she didn't possess the gift like Luna. However, all three looked forward to the class and wouldn't listen to Harry and the rest of their groups protests. They thought the subject was mysterious and would help them see what their futures would hold. Susan had also picked Ancient Runes, Hannah Muggle studies, and Pansy Ancient Runes and Arithmancy.

Blaise however would be with Harry for everything, as he was taking Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, saying the other subjects were useless and that Hogwarts options were so limited it was 'tragic'.

"I agree," Harry said thinking about the classes that had been discontinued by Dumbledore.

"It's a shame," Neville agreed, "My gran said her favourite class was spell creation, it used to be offered to 5th year Ancient Rune students but it was cancelled in the 60's by Dumbledore."

"Father always did say Dumbledore was the worst thing to happen to Hogwarts," Draco commented, making Harry stifled a snicker as it remined him of the Draco from his old life.

"You take that back! You slimy snake!" an outraged voice said, drawing their attention to a red-faced Ronald Weasley who was standing near them obviously eavesdropping.

"Why I don't think I will," Draco drawled in reply.

"Dumbledore is the greatest wizard since merlin himself!" Ron said

"…Sure, he is," Harry said, not bothering to hide his sarcasm.

"And you- you're just a traitor! Dumbledore could have made you great, helped you to be a hero but instead you're just a coward!"

"And how am I a coward?" Harry asked.

"You're not a Gryffindor!"

"I see. Brilliant deduction Ronald."

The group snickered when Ron looked confused by Harry word choice. However, Harry ignored that an instead rose an eyebrow at the flustered redhead. "I would recommend leaving now,"

"Yes, do get going little Ronnikins," the twins said

Harry laughed, "You wouldn't want to upset your brothers now would you Ronald? I hear they're quite good with charms,"

The words seemed to snap something in Ron and he launched himself at Harry. "You're supposed to be my friend. You could have been a proper hero! Somebody who fights slimy snakes, instead you're friends with them! and to make it worse you've turned by brothers into cowards like you!"

Harry seeing Ron's fist coming his way, Harry moved swiftly focusing his magic on the boy and causing him to freeze. He was fed up or dealing with Ron's childish antics, he was fed up of acting like a child and he was fed up of people thinking he was so easy to manipulate and control. Feeling his control slip Harry let out a fraction of his power.

Ron felt the pressure of Harrys magic wrap around him and it made him want to shiver, it was so cold and foreboding. It felt like static, the calm moment before lightning strikes in a storm.

"Erm Harrison, you may want to let him go," Blaise said, the first of his group to pull themselves out from their shock. They hadn't felt Harry's magic like this before, and Blaise being who he was recognised it for what it was, dark.

Harry allowed his magic to settle and drew it back, leaving Ron on the floor panting and looking at him with scared blue eyes. The red head had lost the red in his face and now looked close to passing out.

"I would suggest you go now," Harry said his voice glacial.

Weasley seemed to finally realise he had lsot this round or whatever and gracelessly hurled himself away from the group which had started to gain attention from those around them.

"Harry, that was…" Neville said before drifting of, unsure of what that was… it had felt powerful and scary.

Draco and the rest of the Slytherins however shared knowing looks, not entirely surprised, they had been feeling Harrys magic slowly seeping out recently. Even the twins recognised the power.

Standing Harry focused on re-building his shields, he had a theory about why he was struggling but he wasn't sure…

Walking towards the door leading out of the hall Harry didn't check to see if his friends were coming, he didn't need to as he could feel their aura's following him. He could feel eyes on him, but he contained himself, walking as calmly as he cold away from the great hall.

Moments later.

The Headmasters Office, Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Albus sat in his chair and pensively thought about the power he had just felt coming from the boy- This just would not do, he had placed blocks on the boy and had thought they had held but know he was unsure…

"You need to get him under control Albus. Ron's been telling me that he's managed to manipulate the twins. Oh, my poor babies!" Molly ranted as she sat opposite the wizened old wizard. Her moods quickly flipping between raving mad to worried and back in the matter of seconds.

"Yes, but the boy is protected-" Albus said, hating the words and the truth they held. Harry knew of his position in their society, he was an acknowledged heir to at least two notable houses, and his had friends with equally powerful parents and guardians.

"He's a child! Do something!" she interrupted. Refusing to have all she had worked for and been promised squandered!

"I shall, but we must be smart about this, patient."

"If you get rid of that scoundrel Black then Harry will be forced to rely on you." Molly said, the bitterness she felt towards Black not having ebbed away. She blamed him for the taint on her precious little girls record, her permanent record!

Albus hummed, he had been considering the option more and more recently. Sirius was becoming too much of a problem and his growing friendship with Lucius Malfoy was the least of it- he had reclaimed his Wizengamot seat and taken to actively participation in votes, he was becoming a thorn in Albus's side, choosing to vote against him and actually use his family name for the considerable power it held and the influence it still possessed. He was also using his new found political command to sway others against him… Yes, Black would have to go, he needed Harry under his control and he needed the world to stop questioning his greatness. Yes, the prophesy would be fulfilled and he, Albus Percival Wulferic Brian Dumbledore would once again be the hero of the wizarding world.

Phineas watched from his portrait as the headmaster plotted the death of his heir and current head of the Black family. Oh, how he wished he could curse the man, wished he could show him why the Black family was so feared. But he knew his heir wouldn't let him down, he would show the speckled old coot why one should never mess with a Black.

Reappearing in his counter portrait in the London town house, Phineas summoned the elf Kreacher to fetch his heir or the wolf...he would warn them of the headmasters plans.

Grimmauld Place, London.

Sirius sighed as he looked at the door to the ritual room, he and Remus had performed the ritual for Harry two weeks ago on Imbolc, the holiday celebrating the first day of spring. His feelings towards the matter had not mellowed, he was still torn but he knew he had to do this for Harry. He also knew that he had bigger things to worry about, such as Albus Dumbledore and his new decision to kill him.

He knew that the man was serious and honestly, he did feel some trepidation, but he knew he couldn't stand down. He would be there for Harry, no matter what or who stood against him.

Back to Hogwarts.

Harry led his friends to the room on requirement, they often came here to escape from the two youngest Weasleys or just to hang out.

"I think its time you told them my lord," Luna said, speaking so softly only Harry heard and even then, he had trouble hearing the words.

Thinking about it though he knew she was right, he had to tell his friends now before Tom returned if he had any hope of them accepting him. He wanted them to accept him, to remain with him.

"I think it's time that I told you guys a story but first, as I know not all of you are capable of occlumency, I'm going to cast a secrecy spell. It will keep what I'm going to tell you hidden, you will not be able to discuss what you learn with anybody who doesn't already know, and it will be impossible for anybody to force the information from you."

The group looked shocked at the serious tone and implied nature of conversation, but all agreed to Harry casing the spell. Susan being the most reluctant, which didn't shock Harry as he knew that she was always practical, and didn't want to be put in a situation where she would have to betray her aunt or her own values. The twins however were most imoressed with the spell.

"The story begins years ago, in a muggle orphanage where a young witch died after giving birth to her only son whom she named, Tom Marvolo Riddle. Tom after her Muggle love and his father, Marvolo after her father…"

Harry told them about how Tom grew up, bullied and abused before he discovered his magic. He didn't sugar coat Tom's violent reactions, but he did explain how Tom had never had a single person show him love or happiness, right from wrong.

"Eventually, the boy turned 11 and he received his letter of acceptance to Hogwarts. But like most muggleborns he thought it was a joke until he was visited by the deputy headteacher, Albus Dumbledore."

He spoke about the little he knew from Toms years at school, how he entered Hogwarts and was sorted into Slytherin, how he was a gifted student and eventually head boy. He also spoke about the muggle war that was going on alongside the war with Grindelwald and how Tom begged to stay at school out of fear. But mainly he focused on the distrust and fear Albus showed towards the boy, the blatant prejudice. Harry didn't mention his fears or thoughts about how Albus had something to do with Toms first horcrux, or his descent into madness.

"But Tom wasn't just a gifted half-blood, no he was a descendant from one of the greatest wizards there ever was, Salazar Slytherin."

The group let out gasps now, as they realised that Harry had been talking about The Dark Lord. they had been wondering why Harry was talking about a student from over 50 years ago, about why he felt the need to cast such a strong secrecy spell and now they knew.

"Wait, The Dark Lords a half-blood?" Draco said, shocked.

"Tom Riddle, was a half blood."

"But you just said that Tom Riddle was the heir of Slytherin." Susan said.

"Yes, Tom did eventually become the Dark Lord Voldemort, but it was a slow process."

"What do you mean?" Neville said, his face pale, making Harry almost regret having him here bur he deserved to know.

"When Tom was sixteen something happened… He did something, that changed him…" Harry said hesitantly. He wasn't sure if he should mention his fears or thoughts about how Albus had something to do with Toms first horcrux, or his descent into madness, however, he had a feeling he was right.

"He created a horcrux," seeing the blank looks Harry was reminded that his audience were innocent children.

"A horcrux is a container for a piece of your soul,"

Shocked gasps met his words.

"Creating one makes you, in theory, immortal, but it also breaks you. Your mind, magic and emotions all become twisted they diminish and even fade completely."

"And he created one of these when he was sixteen?" Blaise asked

"Yes. Though I have my doubts that he did it willingly or at least that he did it knowing the consequences."

"That's why he became Voldemort?-

"- Because he made one?" the twins spoke, looking vuagleydisgusted at the thought of splitting their souls.

"He made several." Harry said

"Why?"

"I'm not sure. Suspect foul play, he had a solid plan for his ideals. He was handsome, charismatic, magical powerful and from a strong family line."

"You sound like you admire him," Susan bit out, outraged.

Harry winced. "I hate what Voldemort did, but I admire who Tom Riddle was and cold have been."

"They're the same person though," Susan said again.

"Yes and no. the horcruxes twisted and destroyed who tom riddle was or could have become."

"You said foul play?" Blaise said, looking thoughtful.

"Tom Riddle was a genius. He could have easily changed the wizarding world. he had already collected close friends who later became his followers. He didn't need to become a radical terrorist. He lost everything creating his horcruxes, he become a monster from nightmares."

"You think he was tricked into making his first one?"

"I do."

"Why does this even matter? He was a monster you said so yourself Harry!" Neville finally said, his whole body shaking. Reminding his that he and Susan had lost the most to Voldemort.

"It matters because Tom Riddle is my soul bonded,"

…

The room was silent before panicked giggles erupted from Draco.

Harry rose an eyebrow at the blonde.

"I'm s-sorry, its just this is insane." Draco bit out, a bit hysterically.

"Your soul bonded?" Hannah said, speaking for the first time.

"I discovered this while I was at Gringotts. I took an inheritance test and found out many things."

"Your sold mate is Voldemort." Neville repeated looking so confused Harry wanted to hug the boy.

"Tom Riddle, not Voldemort" Harry insisted. He would kill Tom again if he one again become Voldemort.

"Does this mean you're going to die?" Pansy said. She had read many stories about soul bonds, they were so romantic.

"What?" Neville said getting over his shock for a moment, Harry was his first and best friend he couldn't die.

"It's just, in all the stories soul mates can't live without each other. When one dies the other follows," Pansy said, looking heartbroken for Harry.

"I'm not going to die," Harry reassured them, making everybody even Susan who hadn't spoken since his announcement sigh in relief. "Like I said, Tom make several horcrux's,"

"but what does that mean?" Draco asked.

"It means Harrys going to bring his soul mate back silly," Luna said.

Harry turned to the girl who was leaning against him, "One day I will work out how it is you know these things,"

"She's joking, right? you can't bring him back. He killed my parents, my brothers. He killed your parents!" Susan shouted.

"I'm not going to bring back Voldemort. I'm bringing back Tom Riddle."

"They're the same person!" she screamed.

"No, they're not. Tom will not become Voldemort this time. He will have e, and I will not allow it." Harry said calmly.

"Erm Harry? How?" Pansy said, thinking about the practical side of things.

"The Black library is very informative. Tom, when he returns will be sane."

"Is it necromancy, some-"

"Why Harry? How could you?" Neville uncharacteristically interrupted, unlike Susan who was red with righteous fury Neville was pale, his eyes looking suspiciously glassy.

"I'm so sorry Neville, Hannah, everybody. I'm so, so sorry for everything the Voldemort and his followers did to you. I'm so, so sorry for all of those who lost somebody. But I need him. Without him I can't live, Pansy wasn't wrong about that."

"But my parents Harry…"

"I know Neville and I understand if you hate me from now on, if you all hated me."

"I don't hate you Harry. I just…"

"It's okay Neville. I told you because you're my friends. You deserve to know."

"I don't know if I can let this go Harry," Susan said.

"I understand." He said solemnly.

"I want to understand, I do. But it's just…"

"It's okay Suzie,"

"It's not though. He's your soulmate, you've lost just as much as us but you're being so accepting!"

"I've had time to deal and come to terms with it," Harry said. He was also much more emotionally mature and in control in comparison to the preteens in front of him.

Susan nodded, before standing, "I see. I think- just give me sometime Harry. I don't know if I can accept this, not really… but I will always accept you." With that she walked towards the door.

"You should go after her," Harry told Hannah who was fidgeting, looking at her friends back with concern.

"Thanks Harry, for trusting us with the truth." She said standing and rushing after her best friend, "and just so you know, I'm with you as well,"

With them gone Harry turned an eye to the rest, the twins, the Slytherins and Neville, who looked like he was calming down.

"They'll come around my lord," Luna whispered from her spot next to him.

"I just wish they didn't have to, that Susan hadn't suffered so much."

"It's not your fault," Neville said, shocking Harry because he hadn't thought the rest would be able to hear them.

"But-

"No, it's not your fault. And if I'm to accept this, to accept him, then you need to accept that." Neville said, gaining confidence as he spoke.

Harry nodded, "Thank you," he said softly.

"Well, I'm not exactly going to criticize you, we're family after all." Draco said, "and anyway My family, as you all know, isn't exactly light."

"Really?

"-We would have

"-Never,

"Ever-

"Known, had you not told us" the twins said, their faces slightly paler than normal.

"Are you two okay? I know you also lost a lot to Voldemort," Harry said, thinking about their uncles.

The twins shared a look before Fred spoke. "We understand Harry, and we accept what you've got to do."

"We'll stand by you." George added,

"No matter what."

"You see us for ourselves."

"As individuals."

"We know there's more to this than what you've told us. But we can wait,"

"We trust you Harry."

Harry nodded, happy he was occluding as the words would have probably made him cry.

"Thank you,"

"I will support you," pansy said, sitting straighter. Her family had always willingly served Voldemort, and she was honorand by and in awe of Harry for being his soul mate.

"As will I, my family remained neutral during the last war, but I shall stand with you Harry." Blaise said solemnly. He had a feeling that harry would bring about a change in their world, and he wanted to be there with him when he did.

"Look My lord, you've gained an inner circle," Luna said, making Harry choked slightly, the others however didn't hear her.

"I'm not a Dark Lord Luna,"

"Yet," the girl said smiling happily.