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Hope you enjoy this chapter of Is The Dark All Dark. It's a little longer than normal.

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"Set your heart ablaze." – Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer)

Chapter 23:

First Family Yule

Harry sighed as he leaned against one of the railings that overlooked the gardens. Since learning that Voldemort was his father's godfather, he couldn't help wondering more about that night with the Potters. Sirius had told him about some prophecy Dumbledore had learned about that was supposedly made Harry the chosen one to destroy the Dark Lord for good, but it didn't make sense that the Dark Lord would attack someone from the blood line that he had sworn to raise and protect. Adding to the fact that if the prophecy was real, how was he the actual chosen one when his parents weren't the Potters, meaning he wasn't born to the ones that had defied him three times.

"Sickle for your thoughts?" Daphne's voice questioned behind him. He glanced over his shoulder, offering a small smile. She had been the first to seek him out since Draco and Lucius had gone back inside. He'd decided to stay outside in the cool night air to attempt to clear his thoughts. She gently placed her hand on his arm as she stepped up to stand at his side.

"I don't think my thoughts are worth much more than a knut. There are some many things I want answers to, but every answer just seems to create even more questions." He sighed, simply shaking his head. At one point he thinks he is beginning to make sense of everything he'd learned since his birthday but instead it just sends him spiraling even further out of control.

"I'm still willing to listen if you need someone to talk to though. You don't need to keep everything to yourself when you've got friends who care." She commented, hoping to help ease the feelings that were confusing him. He glanced at her for a moment before he released a small chuckle, shaking his head. He reached up to drag his fingers through his hair as he took a deep breath, attempting to calm his nerves.

"It feels like my life just keeps getting even more complicated with each passing day. I find out my friends aren't my friends; my enemies are actually my family. I find out I'm a wizarding Lord and because I was forced into a tournament that I didn't want anything to do with I've been suddenly pushed into taking up that title." He finally explained. He couldn't help looking up at the night sky, looking at the twinkling stars, his mind once again wandering.

Malfoy Ballroom

Severus couldn't help frowning as he stood in one of the corners of the crowded room, glancing around at the witches and wizards in attendance. He hated that Lucius always managed to rope him into attending such lavish events when he would much rather be spending time locked up in his potions' rooms working on his experiments.

"You don't look like you're enjoying yourself Severus." Lucius commented, standing next to his friend. He offered him a glass of champagne as he glanced around the room. The ball had been a success so far, especially since Harry had arrived. He'd been worried about how things would go with Marvolo, convinced that they wouldn't be able to keep Harry's temper under control long enough to explain anything to the young boy.

"You know very well just how much I detest these events, Lucius. Yet you always insist I attend them." Severus stated without giving his friend his attention. He frowned when he saw Potter walking back inside with Heiress Greengrass on his arm. Both teenagers were smiling as they chatted softly between each other, walking through the ballroom to the tables that had been set up. Draco and the other Slytherins were already sitting, waiting for them.

"What is it about Harry that you find so infuriating?" Lucius suddenly questioned, noticing the glare his best friend was sending to his youngest son.

"Honestly Lucius…I don't really know." Severus sighed, shaking his head. He crossed his arms again, leaning against the wall as he attempted to sort through his thoughts. He felt nothing but annoyance and disdain for Potter, but he remembered a time when Lily was still alive when he'd gotten the briefest of chances to hold the boy when he was still a baby during one of the order meetings. He could barely remember feeling a pull towards the child but at the time he'd written it off as feeling the magic of the woman he loved.

"Lucius, do you have a moment that I can talk to you? It's something to do with Harry that I think you should know about." Tonks questioned. She glanced between her uncle and the potions' master for a moment before Lucius simply gave her a nod.

"We took Harry to Gringotts so the goblins could do another test on his magic to see if it was safe to remove the blocks on his magic. Which mind you it was, but we discovered he'd taken his heir ring off during the Yule Ball at Hogwarts and sometime during that he was dosed with more loyalty and hatred potions. They're out of his system now but we figured we would let you know since that would explain that first week during break with how quickly his characteristics changed when he was interacting with your family." She explained. Severus couldn't help frowning as he listened, thinking about the possibility of someone slipping similar potions to him. While normally he was much more vigilant when it came to anything he ate or drank, it wasn't something that was completely impossible.

"Thank you for letting me know Miss Tonks. Was there anything else if concern that we might need to know about?" Lord Malfoy questioned. Tonks couldn't help biting her lip for a moment as she thought about the other piece of information Sirius had given them from the goblins. While the magical race hadn't found anything concerning about the matter, it did still cause her a small amount of worry. She'd grown attached to the teenager and didn't want anything else to happen to him because he had been dragged into a fight between two power hungry wizards.

"There was one other thing. The goblins aren't sure exactly what it is, but something is attached to Harry's magic. It's not currently causing him any harm but they're wanting to keep an eye on it." Tonks finally explained, crossing her arms. Lucius and Severus both shared a look of concern, attempting to think about what it could possibly be. Both wizards watched as she walked away, Lucius released a deep breath as he turned his attention to his sons. Draco and Harry were laughing at something one of the other teens had said, ignoring the adults that were around them.

"Perhaps it would be best for you to be seen by the goblins Severus." A voice suddenly stated behind them. The potion master flinched slightly at being snuck up on, turning around to face the Dark Lord. Marvolo looked at him with an unamused look on his face, giving Severus a slight indication that the Dark Lord knew that he had been giving some information about the raids during the last war to Dumbledore. He couldn't help beginning to fear for his life.

"For now, you have nothing to worry about simply for the face you are the Godfather to the boys that might as well be my own grandchildren and your friendship means quite a bit to my own godson. But know this, things will be different this time around." Marvolo stated before he stepped past them. Lucuis couldn't help shivering slightly, while he carried for the older man, he wasn't foolish enough to doubt that he wasn't powerful. Marvolo stood in the shadows watching Harry in silence. Several things about the boy caused him to wonder. He could feel the magic that the child that was supposedly prophesied to be his enemy and the magic bore a striking semblance to his own. The confrontation they'd had during Harry's first year gave him some knowledge that the boy wasn't something that could just be controlled, he had a strong will that honestly resembled Lucius' in some ways. However, something about that night when he had attacked the Potters had always sat wrong with him. He didn't completely remember going to the house nor attacking and killing either of the Potters. It was a blur that for the longest time he had blamed on the Dark ritual he had been doing in an attempt to locate Lucius' youngest. While his sanity had grown weaker, crumbling with each horcrux he made, he'd never stopped viewing the Malfoy family as his family, feeling the pain they'd gone through when their Hadrian had disappeared. However, now that he'd seen just how much manipulation Dumbledore had in how Harry was raised, he couldn't help wondering if the meddlesome, proclaimed leader of the light had something to do with it.

"Perhaps it would be best if I sat down and had another talk with the boy before he returns to Hogwarts." Marvolo muttered to himself. He couldn't help the small smile as he watched Heiress Greengrass take the Boy-who-lived's hand, resting her head against his shoulder as the group of teenagers continued to talk.

Yule Morning at Malfoy Manor

Harry couldn't help groaning softly as he rolled over in his bed, throwing his arm over his eyes in an attempt to shield them from the morning sunlight. He slowly peaked one eye open when he heard a soft knock on the door.

"I'm awake." He called, "Just barely." The last part was muttered under his breath as Narcissa opened the door. She offered him a small smile before silently flicking her wand to further open the curtains. He released another groan, jerking the blankets over his head.

"Harry, you're the last one up aside from Nymphadora. But something tells me that might be something I leave for her mother to handle." Narcissa chuckled, walking over to her son's bed. She gently pried the blankets from his fingers, pulling it down enough to brush his violet bangs out of his face. He seemed to lean further into her touch for a moment before he pulled back to release a yawn.

"I'm kinda surprised Draco didn't barge in here yelling." He muttered softly.

"I would have but that is something that is unbecoming of a pureblood heir. However, nothing is stopping me from dragging you out of that bed since you are awake." Draco stated, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. He offered his twin a smirk when Harry shot him a dirty look behind their mother's back. Harry noticed he was still dressed in his fancy silk green pajamas with his dressing robe tied around him properly.

"Why don't you join us downstairs for breakfast? I promise it'll just be you, me, Draco and Lucius. No Severus, no Nymphadora, no other surprises. Just the four of us." Narcissa questioned softly. She couldn't help the nerves that bubbled as she waited for his response, wanting nothing more than to start their first Yule as a family off right, especially after all of the mayhem that had happened during the beginning of the break.

"I think…I think I'd like that." Harry muttered, nodding as he carefully pushed the blanket aside. He grabbed the black dressing robe that Remus had dropped off for him in his overnight bag after he'd flooed to Potter Manor just to let his godfathers know that he was going to stay with the Malfoys for the night. Sirius hadn't seemed to thrilled with the idea at first but after Tonks had told both of them, she would be staying as well he'd seemed to relax. Harry knew that Sirius was only worried for him because of the meltdown he'd had only a few days prior. Draco offered his mother a smile as she walked past to make sure the house elves had breakfast ready before turning his attention back to his twin. He had been worried that because of all the fighting he wouldn't get the chance to spend his first Yule with his brother, but he was ecstatic that he still got that chance.

"Well come on. Don't take all morning or father might eat all the bacon." Draco laughed as he watched Harry attempt to flatten his hair. Since he'd been blood adopted by the Potters, although the glamours had worn off and his hair had gained the color of a Malfoy, it still had the unruly nature that the Potter line was known for. He walked further into the room to grab Harry's arm, dragging him through the manor until they arrived at the smaller family dining room. Lucius offered his sons a good morning without turning away from the Daily Prophet. Harry couldn't help groaning when he caught sight of his face once again on the front page.

"Don't worry. They seemed to have understood my warning, so the article is very tasteful." Lucius stated, easily guessing what had his youngest frustrated that early in the morning. He folded the paper, sitting it on the table beside his plate before picking up his teacup. Harry managed a small nod as he glared at the table, thinking about all the misery that Daily Prophet had caused since he'd been entered into the tournament. Rita Skitter had managed to over dramatize everything he'd said every time she'd managed to corner him into answering several questions. He hated the witch, often thinking about Petunia when she was gossiping with the other ladies in the neighborhood.

"I wish they didn't write about me at all." Harry grumbled, glaring down at the table. Draco glanced between his twin and their father for a moment before reaching out to fill his plate. He couldn't help once again feeling bad for thinking that Harry enjoyed the attention that came with being the Boy-Who-Lived when it was clear to see if one simply looked close enough that it was the exact opposite.

"You are the Lord to a prestige Pureblood family in our world Harry and the heir to several others. If that is something you want, then you have the power to do it. Simply just say the words." Lucius commented, attempting to offer his youngest a reassuring smile.

"Enough of that. The elves worked hard on preparing this breakfast and I want to enjoy it before Draco loses his patience and demands his presents." Narcissa chuckled. Harry couldn't help laughing at the noise his brother made at her comment. The small family of four enjoy breakfast, talking about random things.

Harry silently curled up on the couch closest to the fire in the family sitting room, watching the flames dance in the fireplace as they waited for Severus, Tonks and Remus. It hurt slightly that they weren't allowing Sirius into the manor, but he knew that wasn't a battle he would be able to win. He briefly glanced at the sparkling tree, smiling at the silver and gold ornaments and fairy lights that twinkled. Draco tipped his food as he continued glancing at the door, growing impatient the longer he was forced to wait.

"Control yourself Draco. We're here." Severus stated. He walked into the room, surprising Harry to see him dressed in regular muggle clothing rather than his black robes. Tonks released a yawn as she walked in behind him followed by Remus. Harry quickly sat up in surprised when he saw Padfoot walking at his side, quickly glancing between Narcissa and Lucius. His mother offered him a reassuring smile.

"We figured you'd like him to be here too." Lucius grumbled, crossing his arms. He wasn't happy about the thought of his wife's cousin being so close to their son, but Harry seemed positive that the Black Lord was innocent. Severus spared Remus and Padfoot an annoyed sneer before turning his attention to Draco.

"Alright darling. Now you can start handing out gifts." Narcissa stated, nodding to Draco. The Malfoy heir quickly scooted closer to the tree, pulling out the gifts one at a time, passing them to the person they belonged to. Harry sat in the corner of the chair with the animagus laid across his legs, watching as his pile continued to grow. He carefully reached out to card his fingers through Padfoot's fur, a content smile on his face.

"Several of those are more than likely from members of the Wizengamot. Even though you haven't claimed your seats yet, the magic of the chambers allows the members know when a new Lord has claimed their titles." Lucius explained.

"Are those gifts safe? Since we don't know who they're from until after he'd already opened the gift?" Remus questioned. He shared a worried look with Tonks before looking back at Lucius.

"For one, he is wearing his rings that have charms on them to protect him from most of the things people would send in letters and parcels. But also, the fact that our wards are meant to prevent anything that would cause harm to someone carrying Malfoy blood." Lucius explained.

"So, if something like that did get detected it would automatically be sent to a warded room in the manor and the information sent to the aurors." Draco added, glancing at his brother. Harry managed to nod as his stomach twisted at the thought of someone trying to send him something that would cause harm. Harry carefully tore into the wrapping paper of each present, glancing at Draco as he tore into them. He could easily tell which gifts were from the members of his family and which ones were from people that he didn't know simply by which were personal gifts and which were more everyday generic ones.

"Thank you. I really appreciate everything." He stated softly, glancing between Remus, Tonks and the Malfoys. Severus leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed as he watched Harry open each gift, his opinion changing of the boy as he watched him. He'd listened to Dumbledore go on and on about how Harry had supposedly been raised, growing up with some wealthy family that basically worshipped him.

"Here." The potion master suddenly stated, catching everyone's attention as he held out a gift wrapped in green paper. Harry looked at the head of Slytherin with an unsure look on his face, clearly thinking about how Yule break had begun. Draco passed the gift to his brother, glancing at their godfather with a confused look on his face. He knew that Severus still seemed to hate his twin, no matter how much his parents had tried to talk to him. None of them had expected the annoyed wizard to get Harry anything for Yule, simply hoping that he would keep the insults and fighting to a minimum.

Harry picked at the paper for a moment, glancing down at Padfoot who was still laid across his legs. He wanted to give Professor Snape another chance, but he was still both nervous and annoyed with how the older male had treated him even before he'd found out he was a Malfoy. His Potions professor had seemed to judge him and create an image in his mind before getting to know who he was, only seeing James Potter.

"Thank you, sir." Harry muttered, finishing unwrapping the gift. He faltered for a moment, seeing that it was a book on defensive spells and potions. Draco leaned closer in an attempt to get a better look at what his brother was holding.

"Severus is that one of the one you wrote yourself?" Narcissa questioned. The Potions master simply nodded without saying a word as he watched Harry's reaction. A tapping on the sitting room window caught everyone's attention, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen across the room. Harry couldn't help frowning at the sight of Errol, the Weasleys' family owl.

"That's odd. That's not an owl I recognize." Narcissa stated at Lucius flicked his wand to open the window. Errol flew into the room, practically collapsing in Harry's lap. One of the house elves popped into the room, carefully picking up the tired owl. Remus took the package that had been attached to his leg before the elf took the poor owl to the owlery to give it time to rest. He tapped it with his wand to resize it, frowning at the crude attempt at wrapping.

"That's the Weasley's owl. But why would they be sending me anything? I'm not exactly friends with Ron anymore?" Harry questioned confused. He tilted his head as he watched Remus cast a detection charm on the gift, knowing he was just being overly cautious even after learning about the wards around the Manor.

"It seems like it's from Mrs. Weasley with something from the twins slipped in. No doubt without her knowledge if the concealing charms on it are any hint." Remus stated, glancing at Harry to see if he wanted whatever it was. Padfoot released a small growl as he watched Harry reach for it, watching as he pulled the paper apart. Mrs. Weasley had sent him a Christmas sweater which did cause him more confusion, but the twins had sent him a letter both asking how he was doing plus explaining the prank prototypes they had sent. He couldn't help the smile that broke out on his face as he read through it, clearly seeing were one twin stopped writing and the other started.

"Do you actually want this thing?" Draco questioned, poking at the sweater with a disgusted look on his face.

"Not really. I was just going to ask one of the house elves to get rid of it for me." Harry responded with a shrug. The knowledge that Mrs. Weasley had been stealing from his vaults still caused him some hurt as well as distrust. Something the Weasley twins had apparently found out about, and they weren't happy.

"What did the two demons want?" Severus questioned, a sneer on his face. While he detested the Weasley twins, he did respect their Potion knowledge since both boys continued to do well because of their constant research for their pranks.

"Just letting me know to watch out for Granger and Ron because they think they're planning something with the headmaster for the next task in the tournament. And that Bill asked them to let me know to be careful of their mother because he discovered she was taking money from my accounts." Harry explained without pulling his attention away from the parchment in his hands. He glanced down at one of the vials in his lap for a moment, picking it up.

"They also sent me some samples of pranks they've been working on. Siting from one set of twins to another." He muttered. It didn't surprise him at all that Fred and George had figured out the truth of his heritage, always seeming far more observant than people often gave them credit for.

I hope you all enjoyed this update and continue to support it as the story goes on. Reviews are always appreciated and I do read every single one that I receive. If you have any questions or would like to make a request or suggestion, my inbox is open. I do try to send a message of thanks for every review to show my appreciation.

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Until Next chapter,

Snowbeam12