Harry Potter and The Shadowed Light

Chapter 36

Previously

Lucius couldn't help but want to protest, to protect his son.

"Trust me Lucius, I will protect Draco…" Harry said with conviction, and he would, Draco was his, he along with the twins, Blaise, Pansy and Luna, they were all his and he would protect them.

"…Draco will find out. Marvolo will be in your home. Draco will need to know, and I trust that he will be able to deal with this news."

Lucius nodded, he believed his Little Lord, but he couldn't help but ask "how can you be so sure?"

"I know because he is already expecting it. I told them about my plans before we broke up for the summer," Harry said, shocking Lucius but not Marvolo who knew this from Harrison telling him everything he had missed.

"My son already knew of our plans?"

"I trust him Lucius," Harrison said, "he is one of mine."

Lucius nodded, he couldn't help but think of what that meant though.

Marvolo however was fighting to keep his glee hidden, for all his mate claimed to not want to stand by his side and rule as equals, he didn't seem to mind building his own inner circle.

"Very well my lord." He agreed, not noticing the smugness that doubled inside the dark lord or the exasperated look Harrison shot his self-satisfied mate.

Draco watched as his father returned with suspicion, he looked conflicted, which was shocking in itself as his father usually hid his darker emotions from them, not wanting to burden them with his troubles. Everybody assumed that Slytherins, Malfoys in particular, were emotionless. That wasn't true, they felt, perhaps more so than most, they just knew the power emotions had and knew better than to wear theirs out in the open for all to see and manipulate.

"Father?" he called out hesitantly.

Hearing his son Lucius allowed a small smile to show on his face, "Draco," he greeted.

"Are you okay father?"

Lucius felt his smile soften; his son was trusted by his young lord; he already held a position of power and he didn't even know it, however such power came with many difficulties, opposition and jealousy. Yet, at the same time he was still his son, yes, he was spoilt, Lucius wasn't blind to that, but he was still his son, innocent and fundamentally good therefore Lucius was torn looking at his child, he was proud but wary.

"Yes Draco, I am fine. I just have some arrangements to make. We're going to have a guest staying with us for a while."

Draco narrowed his eyes, "a guest?"

"Yes, somebody very important."

"Who is this guest father?"

"Somebody you haven't met yet, Marvolo Salazar Gaunt. He's a close friend to Harrison," Lucius said, hinting but not saying the truth. However, he didn't need to, he watched as Draco's eyes grew wide before he masked it. He knew Harrison would share the details or at least what details he wanted to share with Draco at a later date, so he felt no need to provide his son with any more information, Plausible deniability was after all one's ally.

"I see, so Harrison's plans for his… friend worked out then?"

"They did," Lucius confirmed.

"What's this about a guest Lucius?" came a soft feminine voice.

Turing Lucius smiled at his wife, "come my love, I have news to share," he said, offering her his arm.

However, before they had left the room Lucius turned to his still smiling son, "perhaps Draco, you should write to Harrison, I'm sure he would be willing to fill you in on how his summer has gone."

Narcissa blinked as she took in what her husband had told her. The Dark Lord was back. She didn't know how to feel about that, she had lost everything, almost everything thanks to him, her cousin was dead, her sister and brothers-in-law were in Azkaban, and the only reason her husband wasn't rotting in that hell hole with them was because of deep pockets and well-placed threats. No, she didn't know how to feel about this news…

"You've been keeping too many secrets from me Lucius."

"I know my love however, I did not have leave to speak of it."

"I am your wife, we keep no secrets from each other."

Lucius cringed under the icy gaze of his lady wife, it was easy sometimes to forget Narcissa was born a Black, her delicate mannerisms and fair hair so different from the norm, but at times like this it was very clear from which family she hailed. Narcissa Malfoy was not a witch to be taken lightly, she was just as deadly as her infamous sister Bellatrix, she just hid it better, under a calm and subtle façade. She knew not to ask questions where it concerned what he had to do, but keeping his lords return from her, that wasn't something she would take lightly.

"Yes dear," the blond lord agreed, knowing better than to argue.

"He is sane?" she asked

Lucius nodded, "he is."

"…And you've offered up our home, the home where our son, our only son and heir lives, for him to stay?" Narcissa asked in a carefully controlled voice.

The tone of that question made Lucius still, that tone never boded well for him, "Draco will be safe I swear it, the Dark Lord is different, not only is he sane but Draco also has Harrison's protection,"

Narcissa let out a breath, "to think a child hold such power,"

"He is so much more than a child,"

"He had better be, if he is sworn to protect my son." Narcissa said, never let it be said that she didn't love her son.

With that she stood, straightening out her dress before moving to walk out of the room.

"Narcissa?" Lucius called.

"Yes?"

"You're okay with this" he asked, he wouldn't stop supporting his lord and his goals but if his wife asked he would pull back. He didn't want to, but his family would always come first.

Narcissa stilled, "I am torn, but I will act appropriately as is expected of me as your wife and a daughter of the house of Black. He is your sworn Lord and Harrison's soul mate."

Lucius sighed, he knew that was the best he would get from his lady wife, hopefully however once she was reintroduced to his Lord she would see how different he was, and her attitude and acceptance would change. He knew Narcissa agreed with their Lords goals, she was just stuck reminiscing on how wrong everything went and the consequences of the last war.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have rooms to prepare. I can't have our Lord thinking we are providing him with anything but the best."

"Yes, my love," Lucius agreed, knowing that Narcissa would be the perfect hostess to their lord, reservations or not.

Meanwhile

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Headmaster's Office.

Dumbledore shook in rage as his tracking spells on the book failed. How? Why were they failing? could the boy have found out and destroyed the book? No, he wouldn't destroy such a precious artefact. Still Dumbledore was dumbfounded, he had placed those spells himself to ensure the book wasn't lost but they were showing up empty. The only plausible reason he could think of was if the brat had destroyed the book upon discovering it but that thought wasn't something he wanted to entertain, even if the magic the book contained was dark it was still priceless- and a great wizard like him wouldn't be tainted by using it, he was the paragon of the light.

Perhaps the boys school trunk hadn't yet been opened and the book was hidden because of that…. Yes, that was a much better thought.

Calming himself Dumbledore stroked his beard, he would make sure to drop the hint off about the boy's trunk off to the aurors who would be searching the house this week.

A sad cry drew Dumbledore's attention.

Fawkes, his once magnificent phoenix looked wretched. The bird he was so famous for having as a familiar, who proved that he was the strongest wizard since merlin, was as depleted as a phoenix could be without burning. Their bond had never been the strongest, Dumbledore had held it by sheer force of will however it had snapped completely a few years ago, on the 31st of July to be exact. He had gained the bird after his defeat of Grindelwald, but it had been a fragile bond that withered quickly- confusing him as he deserved to have such a powerful familiar, it showed the world just how magical he was.

"What?" he growled out at the fire bird.

A quiet trill was all he go in reply.

"If you would allow a new bond to form I would release you," he lied, hating how the bird refused him again and again.

The phoenix sent him a baleful glare, flaring his once brilliant feathers which were now dull and brittle, before opening his mouth to once again trill sadly.

"Stubborn bird," the man growled before waving his wand and reengaging the wards that hid the stand, holding the bird hostage and hiding him from the rest of the word.

He had developed the chains when he realised how weak their bond was, he hadn't imagined that he would need them, but he was prepared for it. They kept the bird from teleporting and kept him bound to the stand. He couldn't have the bird free after all as Fawkes was a vital part of his image. He could outlast the stubborn bird.

Hooting drew Harrys attention when he entered his room that night, looking up he saw Hedwig on her perch, an ever-growing collection of letters and notes by her side. Quickly opening them and reading the letters from his friends left him feeling slightly guilty, he hadn't thought of them much since Marvolo's return, having been so focused on him and his recovery. Grabbing some parchment, he quickly wrote out a basic reply that he would send out to everybody.

Hey guys,

I haven't had a chance to sit down and write to you all individually, so I thought I would save myself a job and a lot of time by writing a joint letter.

I promised to keep you all up to date so I am keeping my word- My plans for the summer have gone well and I'm happy to say that my friend is staying with me for now as he's returned from his journey. He seems to have recovered well if not fully yet. However, I am positive that with some time he will be both physically and mentally strong, unlike when he left.

I know that you're all probably anxious to meet up and see for your own eyes that I'm fine, but I can't say when I will be free. However, I promise that I will arrange something or better yet sometime for us to meet, perhaps after our book lists have been owled out. I will also aim to do something for our birthdays Nev, don't think I've forgotten about us turning 13.

Luna, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind keeping hold of the book I lent you for a little longer.

Draco, I think that you'll be having a house guest soon.

Gred and Forge, this summer pay close attention at home, Dumbledore will probably be around more as his plans are starting to fall through. See if you can't help brighten up his day with some of your newly developed products and remember, if you manage to get him, send me a copy of the memory.

Everybody else, keep your ears open guys for any whispers about Dumbledore and his plans.

I hope you're all having great summers, I will try to write more to you all individually but no promises.

Harry

A few days later

Grimmauld Place, London

Marvolo looked around with curiosity as he was lead from his rooms, the house wasn't anything like he remembered. Gone were the dark and drab furnishings, the elf heads and troll club stand's, instead the house was bright and airy, it actually felt welcoming even with the hum of dark magic still saturated in the air.

"Such a difference. So many things have changed since I've been gone."

"Perhaps, but not necessarily for the better, everybody has been anxious for you to return," Harry said, leading Marvolo into the sitting room where, they would be meeting Remus, Sirius, Severus and Lucius.

Marvolo hummed, he found it hard to believe. He had wandered for years without his followers coming for him, only Quirrell had tried to find him and succeeded. As if sensing his annoyance Harrison turned and shot him a look of concern.

"You shouldn't dwell on anger. Your followers will return to you, most out of loyalty and respect. Those that return because of fear are useless."

"I know that," he snapped, instantly regretting it at the hurt in Harrison's eyes, sighing he rubbed his face in annoyance, "I apologise. It is hard to think that nobody but Quirrell even attempted to find me."

"I know, but you're different now anyway. Not all of your followers will support you, you will lose some of them but gain many more."

"Still those that abandoned and betrayed me shall suffer."

Harry nodded, tightening his hands into fists as he thought about his past life. He understood exactly how Marvolo felt about traitors, they were not people he could stand. Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Molly, Dumbledore, Hagrid and countless more…

"They will, I'll even help you make them regret their actions." Harry promised, releasing his white knuckled grip when he felt his nails digging into his palms.

Marvolo smirked darkly at that, knowing that such a pretty and delicate person hid such dark power was intoxicating to him. His little mate was so deceptive, hiding his true nature from the world. Beautiful…

The door opening drew their attention and Sirius's head popped in, seeing Harry he grinned madly and dashed into the room without hesitation.

"Pup!" he shouted, ignoring the Dark Lords presence as he focused on searching Harry for any sign of hurt or discomfort.

Harry sighed and patted Sirius before attempting to wriggle out of the man's arms. Feeling eyes on him Harry looked up and noticed Marvolo glaring murderously at Sirius. Rolling his eyes as he extracted himself, Harry shot his mate a pointed look. Honestly, his jealousy was ridiculous.

Feeling Harry worm free, Sirius took a moment to realise they were not alone. Looking up sheepishly he bowed his head, "My lord," he greeted, looking discomforted by the title.

"Black," Marvolo replied, still shooting daggers at how close the man was to Harrison.

The sound of quickly approaching footsteps drew their attention as the door opened and a harried looking Remus appeared.

"Sirius," he hissed, glaring at his friend.

Laughing lightly, Harry motioned for Remus to come in properly.

"It's okay Remy, I don't expect great manners from him."

"Still, I apologise my lord," Remus said addressing Marvolo with less hesitance than Sirius.

"Its fine," Marvolo said, although his tone implied differently.

Less harried footsteps announced the arrival of Severus and Lucius.

"My Lord," they simultaneously greeted, both bowing low before straightening up.

"Now that everybody is here, shall we sit?" Harry said, motioning for them all to join him.

Once everybody was seated Harry took a moment to bask in simply being here. He had worked so hard for this and now his plans looked as though they were coming together.

"Lucius is everything prepared for your lords stay?"

Lucius straightened up at being addressed.

"Yes, little Lord, both my wife and son have been informed about the situation."

Hearing this Severus turned to his long-time friend.

"Draco knows?" he asked aghast.

"Yes," Lucius verified.

"He's a child-!"

"-He needed to know," Harry said, cutting in, "Draco will not be in any danger nor will he be expected to take part in anything. He is a child and to be protected."

Severus stilled, the face showing his waring emotions before he nodded, "very well then." He conceded, although it was clear he wasn't happy.

"Draco has known this was coming for a long time Severus. I trust my friends."

"They all know?" he asked incredulously.

"Those who I trust, Draco, Neville, Luna, Blaise, Pansy, the twins, Susan and Hannah."

"The twins? Weasleys, Bones and Abbot?!" he asked horrified, they were all from staunch light families.

"I trust them and even if I didn't, do you think me a fool? I took every precaution before I told them anything, they couldn't speak about it or betray me even if they wanted to." Harry said, getting annoyed at being questioned. The scorn brought back memories from before, when Harry was weaker and naive.

Severus seemed to realise Harry was getting irritated and realised he might be pushing his luck. He knew Harrison was a smart child, incredibly so, he also knew that the boy was incomprehensibly powerful. Still, to trust children, Severus wasn't sure he agreed.

"Enough Severus." The curt tone stilled any further comments from the group. "Harrison can trust his followers."

Both loyal Death Eaters froze at the tone, survival instincts screaming at them to hide as they remembered the pain that would usually follow such a harsh command, however no pain followed only silence that was eventually broken.

"They are not my followers!" Harrison stressed the word, "they're my friends."

"Whatever you say dear."

Rolling his eyes Harrison glared at the occupants of the room, who all had varying degrees of shock on their faces, whether from the prospect of him talking back and arguing or due to the fact the Dark Lord called him 'dear' he didn't know.

"Severus has Dumbledore contacted you?" Harry asked.

"No, although this isn't unusual, he usually gives me a few weeks peace in the summer."

Harry nodded, "I see, have you heard anything about him at the ministry Lucius?"

"No, although there has been more activity in the DMLE, nothing obvious but whispers about more raids."

"We knew there would be," Remus pointed out, "will your manor be spared?" he asked the blonde lord.

"Yes, you will be safe at my manor my Lord. Although they've hidden it well, I've still heard whispers. I'm not the target this time, from what I've found out Dumbledore has whipped up suspicion against Sirius. Putting doubt into the light bootlicker's heads that he's guilty and a danger to their precious saviour, it's clear they're after you Little Lord."

Harry hummed, knowing that Marvolo would be hidden in Lucius's manor was a relief as the fear he would be discovered by Dumbledore early had been plaguing his thoughts. He didn't want to be separated from Marvolo, but he knew that in the long run it would be worth it. Their plans were not yet concrete, and Harry knew that Marvolo wasn't yet ready for the world to know of his return, therefore hearing this made him breathe easier.

Harry withheld his snarl as the aurors tore through the house. He knew it was coming, but still, seeing his home invaded so was both degrading and insulting.

"Is that really necessary?" Remus asked as a group of young aurors started to go through Harrys wardrobe, pulling out his clothes and tossing them to the floor, ignoring both of them and a distraught Kreacher who had reverted back into a stuttering mess with the destruction of his home.

"It's in the warrant," a young wizard said, he hadn't been taking part but observing and casting detection spells on everything.

"My clothes?" Harry snarled dubiously.

"The entire contents of the house is to be searched."

Harry growled under his breath, he couldn't place the wizard but there was something very familiar about him.

"And what is it you're hoping to find?" asked Sirius who had just appeared, he had been detained by the aurors, not that they used that word, no the simply had to talk to him.

"As I'm sure my colleagues told you Mr Black-"

"-Lord Black." both Harry and Sirius interrupted together, smirking when they saw the look of loathing cross the young man's face.

"My apologies- Lord Black, as I'm sure my colleagues told you, it's just a routine check-up. After you release from Azkaban and with your families past, The Ministry thought it would be best to come over and have a look around. Nothing to worry or be suspicious about I assure you. We just want to be sure that everything dangerous has been removed, we wouldn't want anything to happen to you or young Harry."

Sirius crossed his arms and with a glare that would have made his mother proud turned his nose up at the man, "I can assure you that this check-up as you call it will find nothing. I would never endanger my son by having unsavoury objects in our home, and as an upstanding, law-abiding citizen I would report and hand in any illegal objects," He drawled.

The auror bristled at the tone, but he had been promised that they would find something, and he wouldn't let the light down by failing to find the dark objects Black had hidden. He hated Black, he hated all death eaters and he didn't care how Black pretended- he was a death eater. He had seen him and Lucius Malfoy together at the ministry, seen them cosying up with all the other death eaters who managed to whore and bribe their way out of Azkaban. Black getting released and declared innocent proved nothing, no, Black was guilty and now he was here polluting Harry Potter with his dark and evil ways- it was an outrage.

Harry rolled his eyes as the aurors shifted uncomfortably, they had of course found nothing- All of the less savoury books and artefacts were hidden behind blood wards and impenetrable enchantments. Now they were standing behind their boss looking like puppies with their tails between their legs about to be scolded.

"I trust your search is finally over?" Sirius asked with such self-entitlement his mother would have wept tears of joy.

"Yes," the head auror growled out, finding nothing was always bad.

"Then I kindly ask you to leave my home," Sirius replied, his tone icy.

"Of course, Lord Black. I apologise for any inconvenience on behalf of the auror office and The Ministry."

"I'm sure," Sirius said, staring the man down.

Watching Harry couldn't help but smirk, for all Sirius hated it, he played the part of pureblood lord very well.

As the last of the aurors disappeared Harry turned to his guardians, "was it just me or were some of those men familiar?"

"I recognised some, but I don't know them," Remus said, "then again I try to avoid the ministry, what about you Siri?"

"The head auror is Michael Jones, Hestia jones's younger brother. The young one you spoke to upstairs Harry, was their cousin Sebastian. They're firm light followers, fully in Dumbledore's pockets."

Harry nodded, he could see the family resemblance now it had been pointed out to him.

"Are you going to complain to the ministry about the search?" Harry asked

Sirius smirked, "of course, we can't have the auror department thinking that it's okay to do pointless and unfounded searches on upstanding citizens like ourselves home's, now can we?"

Harry nodded, "I would be interested to know if Amelia knows about the search. She is the head of the DMLE after all"

"I'll let you know." Sirius promised, "now why don't you start talking, I know here was more behind this search than you've let on,"

Harry grinned, "as I told you before the holidays Dumbledore misplaced a valuable book."

"Do you think he's going to give up trying to find it?" Remus asked amused.

"Wouldn't you? the book is priceless let alone nearly extinct, to misplace such a rare relic is outrageous. It's a vital piece of magical history."

Sirius snorted, "yes I'm sure your interest in such a book is purely for its historical and cultural significance."

"Don't be silly, it holds such lovely curses," Harry said grinning innocently as he batted his eyelashes making both men snort.

"Yes, lovely." Remus said, shaking his head.

"No, I'm sure Dumbledore will probably be making an appearance soon. I know I wouldn't give up the book without a fight, so I doubt he will,"

"You never did say where you had hidden the book,"

"It's safe with my most loyal friend," Harry told them, true Neville might be his best friend and right hand but Luna, Luna was his most faithful.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the middle of the Swedish countryside a small blonde witch sneezed before grinning angelically. Her lord was going to be so happy.

"Daddy, I think that today will be the day we finally find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack," she said, her joy obvious and contagious while dancing up to an equally blonde man.

Marvolo stepped out of the fire and looked around at the lavish room with concealed amusement. He found the Malfoys overly opulent decor humorous, as a younger man he had found it distasteful, he was jealous, having come from that awful orphanage where he had to fight for scraps to manors such as this left a bitter taste in his mouth but now he found their over indulgent décor amusing, they were like children showing off their wealth to the world. Not to his tastes but certainly not repugnant.

"My Lord,"

Looking up Marvolo saw Lucius standing rather stiffly by the entrance way, the blonde hid it well but Marvolo could see he was nervous. Behind him was his wife, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, who like her husband was trying to conceal her emotions. He remembered them from the last war, Narcissa he hadn't known to well, she was a background player overshadowed by her husband and sister, but he knew the witch was a strong and resourceful woman. Somebody he wouldn't overlook again.

"Lucius, Narcissa, thank you for opening your home to me," he greeted.

"You honour us my lord," Lucius replied, bowing once again.

Narcissa followed her husband's lead, surprised at the image her Lord presented. She was relieved to see that he was nothing like the monster who she had known in her youth. No this was a man both familiar yet new to her.

"I have had rooms prepared for you my Lord," Narcissa said upon straightening, "would you wish to view them?"

Marvolo nodded, extending his arm in invitation, shocking both purebloods momentarily, "of course lady Malfoy,"

"Please my lord," Narcissa said, covering her shock, "call me Narcissa."

Marvolo smiled charmingly, gently placing Narcissa's arm in his, "well then Narcissa, shall we?"

Draco paced his room waiting for Harrys reply. The Dark Lord was going to be living with him. The Dark Lord. Here. In his manor. Where he lived.

He had written to Harry a few days ago and gotten a quickly penned reply that hadn't answered any of his real questions. Now he was left wondering what to do, Harry had said Marvolo- the Dark Lords very name had made Draco stop short for a moment- was recovering well and would be safer with them. Yet that hardly settled Draco's nerves, he still didn't know what to do, how to act, so now he was forced into hiding from His Lord leading to him taking refuge in this room, not wanting to embarrass himself and his family or Harry.

"Young master," a quiet pop drew Draco's attention, "your lady mother wishes for you's to be joining thems for dinner,"

Draco nodded and quickly double checked his robes, dinner with the Dark Lord, oh Merlin. Walking into the dining area he didn't know what to expect, however the handsome young man sitting at the table wasn't it. Stumbling slightly, he walked quickly to the table hoping that nobody noticed his fumble.

Marvolo suppressed his smirk when he saw the Malfoy heir trip, such gracelessness from a Malfoy was rare and something to be savoured.

Looking at the blonde child in front of him Marvolo couldn't help but make comparisons. It was strange seeing proof of how young his mate was, Draco and his Harrison were the same age physically but comparing them was like comparing a trickle of water to a geyser. Harrison dominated those around him, his magical aura and charisma making up for his lack of physical age, it compelled people to him and warped their perception of him, making it easy for the world to forget that he was physically a child. Draco however couldn't be seen as anything but a child, yes, he had potential and would one day be great, but he had a certain innocence and fragility that Harrison lacked even though technically his mate was physically younger than the Malfoy heir. Thinking of his little raven made him frown slightly, he wanted his mate here with him.

Forcing himself to stop thinking about Harrison and the ache in his chest that their separation caused him, Marvolo focused on the child in front of him.

"Young Draco," he greeted, pleased by the widening of eyes and shock that momentarily flashed on the young heir's face.

"My lord," the boy said, bowing quickly.

Smirking at the reverent tone, Marvolo waved away the bow, "stand up young Draco, there is no need for such formality when it is just us. This is your home after all."

Draco nodded, Harry had said that the Dark Lord was recovering well and that he would be fine with him as long as Draco remained polite and respectful, but still Draco was cautiously wary.

"Thank you, my Lord," he said, sitting down.

Marvolo nodded and continued to wonder what it was about the young heir in front of him that had Harrison so protective, he didn't seem like much, but then again nobody could compare to his little raven.

Neville re-read the letter again and fought with his emotions. On the one hand he was happy, Harry, his best friend, his first friend, was now whole. He was with his soulmate, he wouldn't die from his soul pining for its missing half. Yet on the other hand- Voldemort, The Dark Lord was back, the man that was ultimately responsible for his parent's torture had returned.

Shaking his head, Neville left his room and walked down towards one of the many greenhouses hosted on the Longbottom property. Digging through the soil he thought about what Harry had promised, the Wizarding World united, Dark and Light together as equal. Magic being celebrated, tradition and culture returned and allowed the small bud of hope inside him to bloom. He didn't think he could forgive those involved in the last war, not completely, and merlin help him if he ever saw the Lestranges or Crouch, but for Harry he would try. The world Harry painted was a world that Neville wanted to be a part of, that he would fight to see become a reality.

With that decisive nod Neville focused on the plants in front of him, not noticing a bond forming in his magic, tying him to his promise and to Harry.

Blaise lounged across the chaise as he re-read his letters. He was glad that Harrys plan had worked out, truly he was, yet he wasn't sure yet if he was looking forward to the repercussions of the dark lords return. His family was neutral officially, meaning they didn't ally themselves outwardly to any party, politically or socially. Yet he felt drawn to ally himself to Harry, which would draw his family out into the open. He was the heir; the future family head and it was his responsibility to look out for the future of the Zabini line. Their magic was predominantly dark with the odd neutral mixed in, yet they didn't scorn the light. No, the Zabini family knew that to scorn one would weaken magic in its whole, something that wouldn't do.

Putting his letters down he closed his eyes and focused on his magic. It wasn't well known but the Zabini family had produced a number of seers and psychics throughout the generations, Blaise couldn't claim to be either himself, but he was more sensitive compare to others, his intuition often being the reason for his decisions. Focusing on Harry Blaise felt a tug, opening his eyes he knew what to do. He would stand with Harry, ally himself to his friend and the world that he promised, for better or worse he would stand with the dark.

Hannah looked at the letter in her hand as she followed the house elf into Susan's room, both relieved and worried when she saw a matching letter in her best friend's hand.

"He wrote to you to?" Susan said, seeing the letter in Hannah's hand as she entered.

"He did," she replied.

"I don't know what to do," Susan confessed. She had been thinking about what Harry said ever since the day she walked out on him. She just couldn't see it, Harry, her Harry, having the dark lord as a soul mate, but she knew that it was true.

"What would you like to do?" Hannah asked.

"I would like to go back to how things were before I knew."

"That isn't possible."

"I know that," Susan said, sounded dejected. And she did know, she just couldn't see herself following a monster like Voldemort, accepting him. She said as much.

Hannah was silent for a moment as she thought about what Susan said, "I don't think that Harry would make us follow Voldemort, and if his letter is to be believed then Voldemort is back, he's gone. Tom riddle is back."

Susan nodded, "I want to be there for Harry." She confessed, "I want to be able to celebrate Samhain and yule without fear, I want to be able to celebrate being a witch without fear that I will be locked up."

Hannah nodded encouragingly, she hadn't wanted to walk out on Harry to begin with, but she knew that Susan had needed her more than the Potter-Black heir. Her friend was stubborn when she wanted to be, and rigid in her beliefs of right and wrong, yet Hannah had harboured hope that she would come around, a hope that it would seem wasn't pointless.

"Can you accept him, accept who Harry will become with him at his side?" Hannah asked.

Susan stilled for a moment, thinking hard before she answered. "Yes," she said decisively.

Hannah smiled at her friend glad that they would be returning to Harrys fold, neither noticing the slight shine which surrounded them.

Pansy practically skipped around the manor when she read Harry letter, she was so happy for him not only was he finally reunited with his soul mate, a concept that she was slightly envious over, but their lord was back, he would be able to take his rightful place as the leader of the dark and hopefully lead them into a new age of magic.

She didn't feel guilt over his return, her family had always been staunch followers of the dark, allying themselves with multiple dark lords and ladies throughout the generations in the hopes of dark magic being accepted, and none had come as close as Voldemort before his fall. Not his defeat at baby Harry's hand, but his loss of sanity. This time, with his soul mate by his side Pansy was sure that the dark would rise, and magic would finally be free. She couldn't wait for it and was proud of her role standing beside Harry.

The twins snorted as they heard Ron whine to their mother about their latest prank. They had enchanted all the mirrors in the house insult him whenever he was alone. The spell work had taken them weeks of research and many failed attempts, but they had finally managed it a few days previous, something that they were very proud of. They still couldn't believe their mother believed them to be failures, she saw their pranks as useless and easy, ignoring the complexity of the charms and potions they created. It was one of the reasons that they had rebelled so strongly, after realising she didn't see them as anything other than nuisances. Their father at least tried, he found their charms ingenious and showed interest in their progress, even if it was only barely.

They had read Harry's letter as soon as it had arrived before destroying it, not wanting to risk their family or Dumbledore getting their hands on it. It wasn't unusual for the twins to get mail, lee would often write to them, and sometime Angelina and Oliver but this summer they had noticed how their mother watched their mail like a hawk and they hadn't wanted to risk it. It was one of the reasons they had stepped up their parks, they had needed the distraction.

They knew that standing with Harry would alienate them from their family, perhaps not everybody but the majority. They would be disowned, but they couldn't find in within themselves to care. Harry promised them a world they could be free to practice magic without repercussions. They weren't dark, but they weren't light either, and they didn't want to have to pretend to be. With Harry that didn't matter, he saw them, and they saw him. He was one of the few who could tell them apart.

Hearing their mother yell, they grinned at each other before running out of the back door, neither noticing the bonds growing within them.

Luna twirled around to a song only she could apparently hear. The hum of the magic around her was beautiful and she couldn't help but be moved by it. Her lord was happy and nearly complete. Soon a new chapter in this tale would begin and a new age of magic would reign…

Giggling at the thought Luna hummed, she couldn't wait for the future to start. With that, she quickened her dance, waving her arms above her head to help clear the air of dark energies that caused nightmares.