Embracing His True Self

Chapter 49

"You called, My Lord?" Severus queried once he had a firm grip of himself, sliding the greeting he'd received from Harry to the back of his mind to think on later. While he knew Harry had come to appreciate his company, especially when they were brainstorming or brewing potions. This was the first real beaming smile he'd received from the teenager. Then again, it had been months since he saw the teen. Perhaps the saying that absence does make the heart grow fonder was actually

"Harry has come up with quite an ingenious idea…it would give us the means to spy on the Order without you being at Hogwarts." Voldemort informed his spy, gauging his reaction. "Or more specifically, actually in the Order and having to pander to Dumbledore for the cause." He knew Severus hated it, even while he'd been loyal to that particular side, he detested everyone in the order.

Disbelief, shock, immense surprise, hope, satisfaction, happiness, and elation these were the feelings that immediately stamped all over Severus the moment the Dark Lord spoke. Clearing his throat, "I will be implementing it then?" Severus assumed. The thought of actually getting to leave for good…to quit, well, he would do anything, he didn't care. One last thing was alright by him.

"You will," The Dark Lord informed him, "Harry is going to retrieve Phineas Black's portraits and one will be shrunk down to a postage stamp size. With a chameleon rune, which successfully evades exposure from spells you know Dumbledore uses for detection. You must stick it to Dumbledore's desk in his office if you can undetected. Once that is done, you may leave Hogwarts and return here. You will join us in the lockdown." He wasn't sure what they would be doing regarding the Weasley home.

Severus could have smiled, the thought of finally, finally leaving those insipid children who had no desire to learn the art of Potions Making made his year. He would be able to create and brew to his hearts content without having to toe the line with Dumbledore, spy and teach. It freed up his time considerably, and he so desperately wanted to create again. Harry had revived his desire to do more with potions than just brew ones he knows from heart. No, he wanted to create his own, and this was his opportunity. Merlin, he honestly thought he'd be stuck with the Order until he died for the cause or until the war was over, with every chance he'd need to return every time the Order was revived in rebellion.

"How long do I have to accomplish the task?" Severus asked, hiding every ounce of his eagerness.

"If you can accomplish it before midnight, then you come here. If you do not, it will be a few days before you can get in contact with anyone." Even him, but he could technically leave if he wished, they were his wards after all, it was only everyone else who couldn't leave. "Do get here in time, Harry will be most displeased otherwise."

"That doesn't leave much time to act," Severus frowned, then again, he'd very much rather have it over with as soon as possible. He didn't want to wait until after the lockdown was over. Having the knowledge that it was over, well, who can blame him for wanting it completed as soon as humanly possible?

"No, it does not." Voldemort agreed, but if anyone could pull it off it was Severus. He was very crafty just like a certain someone who had just been here. "Harry will be back momentarily, no doubt which gives you a few hours at most." All he was doing was going to Grimmauld Place to retrieve the portrait should it exist, otherwise the plan was off, at least until they came up with another alternative.

"Understood," Severus nodded, his mind working overtime, well, Dumbledore knew he had been called, it should be easy to get into the office. It was placing the damn portrait without anyone realizing something was wrong. Non-verbal levitating charm? "It will be tricky with the portraits watching someone invisible coming in might cause more concern and he might find it…" he didn't wonder why another portrait was going into the old man's office, he put silencing spells around them to stop them hearing when they got down to business. He'd have no reason to add one to his desk, it was truly quite an ingenious plan.

"Use a House-elf to do it, Dobby can get it done they're invisible and he can get in and out without any alarms being raised?" Harry stated as he came back in, having three large frames levitating behind him. "Silent, invisible, small, can't get better than that," he'd already thought it through. Shaking his head trying to get rid of the cobwebs that were all over him. Grimacing as he tried to get the sticky things out of his hair, Grimmauld Place was just disgusting. It truly lived up to its name let's put it that way.

"Why three?" before realizing and wishing nothing more than to slap his head, "Never mind," he added quickly, of course they'd need one as well to hear the reports on their end, the other two must be for Dumbledore's office and the Burrow.

Harry just smirked at him, as if he knew what the Potions Master was thinking.

"Dobby could get in and out unseen and undetected so why not?" Voldemort agreed with the new slightly altered plan.

"Dobby?" Harry called out as he claimed his seat, the unused frame floating in mid-air, as his wand once again became needle like and pointy, the rune was easier and much quicker to draw this time around.

"Yes Master Harry?" Dobby asked, remaining still at the sight of Voldemort and Snape. He wasn't comfortable around a lot of the people his Master Harry associated with, but Harry was his Master and he was a good one, he knew that, so he would do anything for him. Waiting patiently for his Master to finish what he was doing. Sometimes that happened, he was called when Master Harry was in the middle of his magic and he had to wait.

"In a few minutes I'm going to ask you to take this to Dumbledore's office and stick it underneath his desk." Harry stated firmly, pointing to the large portrait which he shrunk down until it fitted very easily in the palm of his hand. Taking up only a little space as small as it was. "You might as well take Severus with you and help him pack his belongings and bring them here. Once he's returned, and if you have the time, put the second one under the Weasley's kitchen table. Get back before midnight even if it means you abandon packing Severus' stuff or before you can get these put into position."

Dobby nodded his understanding, but he was sure they could get it done well before midnight. He knew through the grapevine (the other House-elves) that the place was going on lockdown. He wasn't being closed out away from his Master for as long as they were under lockdown.

"This side is very sticky, it's a permanent sticking charm," Harry added.

"Just put it under the desk, like the muggle-born like to do with chewing gum they bring in." his lip curling in disgust, it was horrendous having to remove the stuff from under his desks at the end of the year. Without a doubt, the House-elves likely had to endure similarly when cleaning the Great Hall's students tables, well, the Slytherin one was always immaculate, they know better.

"I get why Sirius didn't like Grimmauld Place now, it's positively filthy." Harry decreed, he did not wish to visit again, not until it was thoroughly cleaned and likely had various exterminators for all the accumulation of pests the place had acquired since Walburga Black's death. At least he hoped it was her death and she hadn't been living with wizarding vermin during her last years. Not that he really cared one way or another.

"I'm guessing you didn't see the library then?" Severus smirked, "Let's go Dobby, my rooms first," with that the House-elf hooked his finger through Severus' cloak and both of them disappeared with a miniaturized stamp looking portrait.

"This better work," Voldemort muttered to himself, otherwise he was going to be losing a very good asset and someone who gave him a lot of useful information.

"You saw it work yourself," Harry said, he was glad that Severus wasn't going to be spying anymore. "Now excuse me, I need a shower." Shuddering anew as he tried valiantly scratched at his head like there were critters moving around in his hair. It was likely his imagination, but Harry didn't think so. He needed to get himself cleaned up. "Don't let anyone mess up my stuff!" or nose through it, he really should just transfer it to his bedroom but he was only going to shower before going back to his next project, he was determined to see it through if he was going to be going on the duelling circuit.

He couldn't wait to tell Barty! He wondered how his best friend was going to act to the news!

Harry felt it the moment the wards went on lockdown at midnight, it jerked him out of his sleep, which was rather light compared to his heavy sleeping as of late. Just knowing there were so many people in the manor was causing him to feel anxious, he knew he was safe, that Voldemort wouldn't let anyone, not even Bellatrix in this side of the wing. The only exceptions thus far, were Severus and Barty, and they both sought permission before even going near, they knew the Dark Lord could feel if anyone made an attempt to get there.

Grumbling, Harry slid out of his cosy bed, wrapping his robe about his body, he padded out, noticing that Voldemort's private library was in use. The glow under the door was a dead giveaway. It wasn't the first time Voldemort had been up late, and likely wouldn't be the last. He padded over, glancing at his bed, before shaking his head, no he wouldn't bothering going back for his slippers. There were enough rugs to make it tolerable.

Knocking on the door, he waited, but didn't have to wait long. "Enter!"

Harry opened the door and found Severus in with Voldemort, by the looks of it they were going over some sort of plan.

"You got here in time then," Harry said, shuffling over to the fireplace that was lit and roaring loudly, sighing softly when the fire warmed him immensely.

"I did," Severus replied, watching Harry closely, seeing all the changes that had come of him in the time they'd been apart. He was beginning to get taller, not a massive amount – it's unlikely he ever would be as tall as he should even with the potions – nice amount of weight on his bones, and he wasn't as pale. He honestly looked so much better, the glow he had, not to mention he seemed very happy. "How have you been?"

"Good," Harry said, smiling at him, "I've missed you."

Voldemort narrowed his eyes from the documents he was observing displeased by what he was hearing. Once the surge of rage, possessive, mine, tapered a little, he felt through the bond he still had with the wizard. Then and only then, did he relax and untense, it was not the kind of miss you he had to fear. It was close to mentor/mentee sort of miss, not quite a friend, but a distant relative you'd just grown close to.

"Surprisingly, I missed you as well," Severus replied, with a grimace, who would have thought they'd see the day where he missed a Potter.

Harry was far from offended, he merely laughed, finding it comical.

Dear Merlin…he owed Harry one, he was no longer having to spy thanks to the boys ingenuity. "And thank you." He owed him, Albus, had been getting increasingly unpredictable as of late. Not being able to find Harry had really set him on edge, the newspaper article about the chamber of secrets had opened a whole new other can of worms.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, and judging by the smirk on Harry's face…he was going to collect on that debt.

Damn it. The boy was entirely too sneaky and Slytherin for his own good.

But hell, it felt damn good being able to be on the side he was meant to and keep his vow he'd made in Lily's name. This was all without his influence, Merlin what would he have been like if he had been raised by him like he'd supposed to have? Like Lily had wanted.

Terrifying, he thought, absolutely terrifying he thought with smug satisfaction.

Voldemort rolled his eyes at the pair of smug wizards sitting in his private library, it didn't surprise him the slightest when they began to talk shop. Harry had commanded Severus as his bodyguard – which pleased Voldemort, he's expected a struggle of some sorts – he just needed two others who would be best served watching over Harry, someone who could get the best of anyone the Order could throw at them but also people he could miss. His first instincts were the Carrows or perhaps the Lestrange's they were the most powerful, the most confident of his followers.

He was leaning towards the Carrows due to the advantage they had of having not been in Azkaban for well over a decade. They were loyal but smart enough to avoid the mass arrests. However, he knew he'd upset the Lestrange's if he did let the Carrows go. Harry was family, however, distantly it was, he was family and that came with the expectations that they would be the one to help him whenever he needed it.

Perhaps he could spin it in a way that they duel, the winners get to be Harry's bodyguard. It would give the advantage of the best going, and lessen the blow should Rodolphus and Rabastan lose the duels. Then again, there was every chance they'd win, they were very determined, right from the offset, they'd buckled down and worked very hard. The healer had been quick to tell him, although Rodolphus had taken a few steps back a few times, especially in the beginning of their convalescence. Yes, he actually rather liked that idea, it was decided then.

The three of them ended up in heated debates until yawns began to interrupt their conversations. One glance at the clock, the Dark Lord ordered them to get some rest that it would going to be busy the next few days. More so for Harry and Severus, who both were surprisingly, antisocial. Well, they did socialise but never for long periods of time without losing their tempers. He wouldn't be surprised if they stowed away in the potions lab the entire time, except when he forced their presence, and they would be forced.

They needed to portray a united front. Especially when they learn about Harry, and Harry couldn't hide away lest people get the wrong impression. He did not desire anyone to believe Harry was there unwillingly, no matter how his origin story began.

"Good evening, My Lord," Severus murmured, already mentally trying to remember everything to write it down.

NEXT DAY - DAY 1 OF LOCKDOWN

Barty and Harry had watched from the shadows the entire day leading up to the night of the celebration the dark side was hosting. Making sardonic comments to each other, amusing one another, gaining points if the other laughed at the sarcasm. For hours that was all they did watching the women flail around desperately, and the men flee their significant others until they were dragged back by the back of their cloaks.

"You are going to get dressed, right?" Barty asked him as he sobered up, his roguish grin fading as he glanced at Harry, who was balancing on a chair in his bedroom.

Harry screwed up his nose in a similar manner that he had in the Dark Lord's office yesterday. "Do I have a choice?" he grumbled unhappily. He had successfully managed to avoid absolutely everyone, the upside of having an invisibility cloak and having created his own runes and spells to conceal himself from others. He and Barty had remained undetected all day today.

"No, not really," Barty grinned in amusement at Harry's predicament. Honestly, Harry was unpredictable, he never really knew how he was going to react to certain things. He had made it clear he did not wish to attend this gathering tonight. Which of course, the Dark Lord wouldn't allow, it was in his honour after all, since he was coming out to all the dark supporters and Death Eaters. Only the inner circle knew about Harry's allegiance, they weren't even allowed to tell their wife of kids on pain of death. For their family. The Dark Lord would have let the culprit that went against his orders, live with the agony of what they'd done if they dared to discard his orders. It was a fool proof way of ensuring they kept their mouth shut. It was more difficult to act out when you know who'd be hurt and it wouldn't be you. "Just don't turn up in that Muggle stuff you liked to wear,"

Harry scoffed, honestly, he hadn't worn that 'muggle stuff' he had in his possession since his last birthday – except if they were going in the muggle world which fair, they did do a lot – after Voldemort got him a lot of clothes, more than he'd ever had at one point in his life.

"Come on, it's going to be fun!" Barty said exasperated, "Honestly, do you not know how to have fun?"

"No, Barty, I don't." Harry stated, green eyes meeting brown, "I grew up isolated, kept in a fucking cupboard, and I knew next to nothing about friends, dancing or talking out of my ass to people who wanted to have a conversation."

That took the wind out of Barty's sails, "Never too late to learn?" it came out a question instead of a statement.

"And I'm going to learn from those who probably secretly still want to see me dead?" Harry interjected, he wasn't naïve to believe otherwise. They wouldn't all trust him, there was no way, it was too ingrained in their fucking minds. It had nothing to do with him either, it was all Dumbledore's doing, he'd made sure the world knew who he was, and everything that had transpired that night. Well, most of it, making it out to be a miracle, not the Horcrux which Dumbledore knew about. "We all know how this is going to go, and I can't believe nobody can see it."

"They won't touch you," Barty stated seriously, his face going grim, the Dark Lord would make sure of that. Hell, he would make sure of it. It would take a while for them to trust Harry on their own terms, and not the Dark Lord's. Even he had been sceptical himself when he learned Harry was on their side. After seeing him in action though and the feel of his magic and just his general attitude…he belonged on the dark side. Even if he did have some odd…quirks and belief's. Belief's that had been proven according to the Dark Lord which had changed things, changed many plans.

Arching an eyebrow, staring in disbelief, "We'll see," Harry's tone was ponderous.

"We will, his announcement is going to be…" Barty paused looking for the right word, "Glorious!" he declared, admiration and awe clearly written across his face.

Harry cocked his head to the side, a half-smile appearing on his face, before he nodded in agreement. He would freely admit he was rather looking forward to that. "I just hope I'm in a position to see everyone's faces," Harry admitted green eyes positively gleamed with wily merriment. His earlier mood evaporating completely.

"Oh, you will be," Barty exclaimed, complete ardour taking over his features, as it often did when talking about the Dark Lord. "You'll probably be beside him, covered so nobody can see you until he wants them to, he loves to get reactions out of everyone."

He was a drama queen in other words, Harry through wryly, but he already knew that. He'd thought it so many times. He relished in it, terrifying his followers, almost to the point of them wetting themselves. Then again, he had been extremely pissed, having just been reborn to find that hardly anybody had looked for him. To this day, Harry was still convinced Voldemort had been upset that they hadn't searched for him. Regretful over Quirrell's death, it was just odd to think Voldemort capable of those feelings…at least until he got to know him better. He had emotion, he just didn't let it lead him, although whether he had emotion like everyone else remained to be seen.

"Bartemius Crouch! Get moving!" came the magically enhanced voice of a female Harry couldn't identify but Barty seemed to know who it was. For he paled and swallowed thickly as if he was terrified of the woman which roused Harry's curiosity.

"Who's she?" Harry asked, who was scary enough to intimidate Bartemius Crouch Junior and actually call him that? Harry knew just how much Barty detested his full name, a constant reminder of his father, a father he loathed beyond all reason and measure.

"Adelaide Crabbe, she's the Matriarch of the Crabbe family, her son and grandson live with her," Barty explained, rolling his eyes, "She has a very pushy personality and likes to make sure everyone's dressed appropriately." She was only fifty-three and still looked young for her age.

"And everyone lets her?" he asked dubiously, they just didn't seem like the characters to allow it if he was honest with himself.

"Are you kidding? Everyone loves her, she's amazing, she's sort of like everyone's grandmother you know? Well to our generation…the older ones are just plain terrified of getting on her wrong side. She's extremely powerful and isn't afraid to use her wand when the occasion rises." The stories he'd heard from the others even made him wary about getting on her bad side. Plus, she made the best cookies ever.

Harry's mouth moved a little as he contemplated that, she sounded like Augusta Longbottom to be honest. A more grandmotherly one to be sure. He wondered what happened to her husband and her daughter in law. He didn't know a great deal about the dark families. "Powerful huh? Not so much anymore." The line had seriously declined to dangerous squib levels. "Chances are Vincent could end up having a squib child, his best bet would be having a Muggle-born wife."

Barty cringed, "Don't tell Adelaide that," just imagining her reaction to that statement…she'd probably have a heart attack.

"Aren't you related to the Crabbe's?" Harry asked suddenly, remembering Barty talking about his lineage one point.

"I'm related to quite a few pureblood families, as is everyone else," Barty stated, "My mothers grandmother was a Crabbe."

Harry nodded, he'd thought as much, a wicked grin settling on his face as Adelaide called out again. This time she didn't sound the slightest bit impressed or happy. Barty jumped from the bed where he'd been lounging reading a book before being drawn into a conversation – or watching people running around after making the wall completely see through – it had been a good read too.

"See you later!" was the last thing Barty said before he was bolting from the room, presumably making his way towards his own room.

Harry merely rolled his eyes, more out of fondness and exasperation than any true annoyance. The fact Barty described her as 'a grandmother to everyone' sort of way showed that Barty actually cared about her a great deal in a motherly way. Or rather grandmotherly way. Nobody would be able to take the place of Mrs. Crouch, not in Barty's eyes, she had done the ultimate sacrifice to see her son safe from harm. Both physically and mentally, probably using Crouch Seniors guilt at having spent so much time at the Ministry instead of home with her when she was dying. Barty barely spoke about her, but it was obvious by the reverence he used when he did talk about her that he loved her.

With a resigned sigh, Harry smoothly stood up from the chair he'd been using and made his way through to the bathroom. It was time to get ready for this thing, with a little luck it would be fun.

Half an hour later, Harry had dried himself off and stepped into a pair of boxers when an abrupt knock on the door surprised him. "Who is it?" Harry called as he unhooked the new dress robes he had bought for this occasion from inside the wardrobe.

"It's me," came the curt unamused voice of Severus Snape.

"Come in," Harry said, refraining from yet another sigh. "Tell me you need my help with a very, very delicate potion and I'll miss this?" his tone more than just a little hopeful.

Severus scoffed, lips twitching in genuine amusement, "I don't think so," he drawled out bemused, closing the door and leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

"Did you want something?" he added, slightly confused by Severus' silence. He wasn't one for just desiring someone's company, so he obviously wanted something, Harry just didn't know what.

Severus shifted awkwardly, almost wishing he had just written a note and given the gift to a House-elf. Steeling himself, he removed the small square package from his robe pocket and handed it over wordlessly. Almost contemplating the idea of just stalking out there and let the boy finish getting ready.

Harry blinked in surprise, well that explained Severus' weirdness, he had less social grace than him and that was saying something. He'd faked it until he made it, while Severus hadn't bothered at all content to be who he was and screw anyone else who disapproved of him. Accepting the gift, he opened it up and found a gold pendant with two coat of arms stamped just so in what could only be likened to a cartouche.

"If your parents had survived they would have given you something like this on your seventeenth birthday, when you would have become the Lord of the Potter estate." Severus explained, refraining from mentioning that James had his on at his time of death. His own mother had given him the Prince coat of arms, but the pendant had been silver, she must have saved up every penny she had for a long time to afford it. He still had it, and only wore it on special occasions, it was the only thing he had left of his mother that she had given him. Except her old school books which had been his from the age of eleven anyway. "Since you are already the Lord…I had this commissioned for you. It is both the Potter and Black coat of arms." He added awkwardly, "Happy sixteenth birthday, Harry."

Harry stared down at the pendant, it was quite large and a bit chunky, like a lot of the jewellery you saw in the magical world. Much like it used to be in the Muggle world back in the day, but as always the magical world was backwards where a lot was concerned. Chunky it may be, but it was smooth as he touched it, even around the coat of arms was even. "Somehow I doubt my father would have given me this if he'd been alive," Harry said dryly, although his situation would have been different and he probably wouldn't have joined this side.

"Probably not," Severus wasn't one for sugar-coating anything, although he may have hesitated if he'd noticed any sort of emotion other than simple statement from the teen. He didn't feel anything for them, which contradicted so heavily everything he used to think he knew. Harry used to blow the lid whenever his parents were mentioned, perhaps he had been too over the top.

Harry laughed a genuine smile crossing his face. "Thank you, Severus, I really like it." he placed the large chain around his neck, the cartouche settled in the middle of his chest, as if to bring attention to it.

"You look stunning," Severus added, looking physically pained to be saying it, "It's a look worthy of the Lord that you are."

"And you look constipated," Harry interjected, green eyes gleaming with mischief. "Have you been drinking already?"

"Hilarious," Severus murmured dryly, rolling his eyes at the teenager. He turned to move, taking a few steps before he turned back, "Just know…I would have been proud to have raised you and called you my son," with that Severus did make a hasty retreat.

Harry's breathing hitched, that was the last thing he'd ever expected to hear out of Severus' mouth. Like ever. Swallowing thickly, licking his dry lips, he stared down at the pendant on his chest, his heart pounding away like a drum. He couldn't deny he had thought of what it would be like to be raised by Severus. He knew one thing, he probably wouldn't have gotten upon all the shit he had at Hogwarts. Manipulated or not, he doubted he would have disobeyed Severus, even if he had been raised by him. The wizard was a no-nonsense sort, always had been, but he was sure deep in his heart that he would never have been abused, but also not spoiled, but very, very magically competent by the time he turned eleven just his Severus himself had been.

Blinking dumbly, his fingers traced the wetness on his cheek, stunned disbelief enveloping him. Harry hadn't cried for years. Long before he had appeared at Hogwarts, crying had been beaten out of him along with near enough all other positive emotions. Hastily wiping them away, he finished getting dressed, refusing to dwell on his near slip of composure or Severus' words.

Not until this night was over anyway.

Barty had been quite correct that Voldemort would want him covered, he found out when Dobby had popped in with a still packaged cloak. The 'cloak' made Harry feel as if he was playing dress up as a Dementor, it was so big upon him with a hood that obscured him completely. Thankfully it wasn't too long in the leg, and didn't result in him tripping up – now that would have been humiliating – while he stood directly behind Voldemort who was about to talk.

Right at this moment, he was just relishing in the wide-eyed wonder and shock associated with his…looks. He was no longer using his glamour, which he had kept up with the lower Death Eaters. The Inner Circle weren't affected, just avidly waiting for their 'Dark Lord' to announce why they were having his celebration in the first place. Or better yet, why they had gone into lockdown.

And Merlin help him, Harry found himself unable to take his eyes away from the vision Voldemort made. It was exceedingly unfair just how attractive he was. To think it was the same person who had returned with a snake like visage? It was unfathomable. Then again Nagini's scales had been part of the potion, along with her venom, so the looks he'd ended up with were self-explanatory. In fact, from what he'd read…it could have actually been ten times worse. Shaking off his thoughts, he listened to Voldemort.

"Tonight we celebrate not only the downfall of 'the great Albus Dumbledore' and the inevitable ending of the war in our favour," Voldemort stated smoothly, never having to raise his voice. Eyeing everyone from where he stood on the platform, the attention of every single Death Eater and dark sympathiser was in the room. Over a hundred people, and more than half were Death Eaters. The cheering and round of applause immediately begun, all of them in buoyant spirits.

Harry's sharp eyes kept an eye on everyone, from Barty, who by the way was dressed impeccably in blue robes, his hair up looking very respectful, who was watching everyone in turn almost vibrating with excitement. It was clear to Harry that he couldn't wait until the announcement. The inner circle were all encouraging their wives to listen, no doubt explaining that they'd had to remain silent for their Lord demanded it. Harry couldn't help but chuff in amusement seeing the look on Narcissa's face and the pale panicked look on Lucius'. Whatever they were talking about probably wasn't good for the blonde Lord.

Voldemort glanced very briefly – blink and you'd miss it way – at Harry, at his snort, finding his amusement through the bond. It combined with his own making them feel much more…joy than either normally would experience, almost amplifying it.

"Tonight, you will be introduced to the wizard who helped sway the war in our favour," Voldemort continued, almost immediately after he begun, speaking it quietened immediately. Everyone holding their breaths to hear what he had to say next. "You will treat him as you treat me, and if I find anyone disobeying that order you will be punished most severely."

Incomprehension filled nearly everyone's face's, they'd never heard of such an order before in their lives. He was the Dark Lord, he was above them all, to have someone being demanded to be shown the same respect was scandalous. They would have been outraged if they didn't think they'd end up being cursed, and it was the last thing they wanted, especially tonight with their Lord's mood being so good. A happy Dark Lord was a good one, and they were not going to endanger that.

Draco Malfoy stood watching the scene in front of him breathlessly, almost wishing for time to go quicker so the announcement would be complete. He couldn't wait until he finished his Hogwarts education, if his mother hadn't protested heavily, he would have left already. When the Dark Lord took over what good were your N.E.W.T's? No, he'd be doing bigger and better things, he would take over his father's place become the Dark Lord's most important Death Eater. His left hand so to speak, he would do everything and anything to ensure that.

This was where he belonged, he'd show all the pathetic Muggles and Mudbloods they were nothing. Would never amount to anything. His future looked magnificent, and he couldn't wait, he just wished he could get there already and be done with his education. He wasn't going to risk his inheritance though by disobeying his parents.

It was just like his father said all those years. The excitement, the camaraderie, and knowing he was on the right side.

Glorious.

"He's handsome," Pansy whispered reverentially. Avarice gleamed within her eyes, licking her lips, he barely looked a day over twenty-five. It was hard to believe that he was so much older than that which she knew he was. She wasn't sure of his actual age, but she was sure he had gone to school with her grandfather who had passed away at the same time as Draco's grandfather both of Dragon Pox.

Draco threw her a derisive look, "You're obligated to marry your cousin," he sneered, knowing about her marriage contract. Not that someone so powerful and charismatic like the Dark Lord would even glance Pansy's way. She had the face of a pug, extremely unattractive and while she had magic it wasn't all that powerful, not like his.

"At least I gained a marriage contract," Pansy retorted, her fingers tightening on the gold gilded plate in her hand, that was filled with food. Only her and her class mates from Hogwarts had been impatient enough to fill plates of food up while they waited. Everyone else had yet to touch the buffet.

Draco rolled his eyes, only Pansy would think a marriage contract was a good thing. He didn't want to be tied down by the time he was eighteen years old. No, he had other things he would be doing, serving the Dark Lord like his father. Beginning to learn the ins and outs of being Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Malfoy estate. He puffed up proudly just thinking about it.

"Quiet both of you!" Nott ordered, "Unless you want attention drawn to yourself!" he hissed under his breath, his father glancing his way with an annoyed look when he wasn't even involved. He hadn't even picked up a plate either, despite the fact his fellow Slytherin's had. He was doing exactly as his father had ordered and prepared him for. He'd been preparing him relentlessly for over a fortnight, making sure he knew everyone of importance. His father was best friends with the Dark Lord, had been since school, so of course he would want his son on his best behaviour and not to embarrass him.

Draco just threw Theodore a haughty look, very sure of his place within the ranks of the Death Eaters. His father was the Dark Lord's right hand, his godfather was also very high up in the ranks. He too would be, of that, he was certain, after all how could the Dark Lord not want Draco Malfoy? Theodore better respect him, annoy him and he'd ensure Theodore never raised up in the ranks.

Theodore pinched the bridge of his nose after Draco turned away from him, glancing a Blaise in exasperation. The boy in turn just shrugged his shoulders resignedly. Draco had an inflated sense of self-worth, saw himself greater than he actually was. He'd been that way for as long as Theo had known him. It was primarily why he didn't spend too much time with the boy regardless of what his father said. When all was said and done Draco was an acquaintance, Blaise though, he was definitely his best friend, one he could actually talk to.

There was no constant 'wait until I tell my father' if the Gryffindors though he was bad…they were wrong, he was worse especially in the common room. Especially after the Hippogriff incident and worse when Moody transfigured him into a Ferret. He'd almost bust a gut suppressing his laughter.

Blaise turned his attention back to the Dark Lord, after one glance to the side, his mother was sitting talking to Theodore's father. She'd long ago dropped her 'predator' looks when talking with him, and had been content to be friends with him. She actually liked him enough to drop all pretences and show him her true self. She was a believer in the Dark Lord, but had never joined the ranks and probably wouldn't. Blaise himself still wasn't a hundred percent sure either, his mum always told him to be sure before picking any side, because you always wanted to be on the winning side.

Blaise couldn't help but ponder on whether tonight truly was going to change the sway the light held on the war against darkness or if it was just a boost for morale. Although from what he had heard…he didn't believe it to be, there were whispers of this being the first celebration in decades. Decades. Theo thought it was something extremely big for them to boast.

There were people who already knew, Blaise observed, sure most were good at keeping their emotions to themselves. Yet nobody here was making an attempt tonight, those like Theo's father, Lucius Malfoy, even their Potions Master was oddly complacent as they listened to the Dark Lord speak.

Curious…very curious. Clearly, they knew what was coming, and were prepared for it.

Both Theo and Blaise glanced at each other, the wordless communication speaking louder than words. It also didn't beat their notice that Draco didn't know despite his father knowing. It must be extremely private, it made them ponder on just what it could mean. Was it truly someone who could help them win this war once and for all? To allow them to practice all magic freely without fear of persecution by the Ministry of magic? With classes on subjects long since banned starting back up again? They'd been so close during the last war, but they'd failed at the last hurdle.

Meanwhile Pansy and Draco continued to watch as they ate the food the House-Elves had spent the day preparing for the big do. Not really expecting a huge announcement, nothing life altering anyway, so they weren't giving him the attention they likely should have. They were perfect pureblood's in nearly every other way, including eating their hand foods with delicate care.

"So, I would like to introduce you to my apprentice…" pausing for maximum effect, blatantly ignoring the jerk of Harry's body as he reacted to the title. There wasn't one better he could give him, he didn't consider Harry his heir after all, so that was out of the question. "Harry Potter,"

Harry still staring stock still at Voldemort, removed the cloak somehow making it a dramatic flourish without meaning to.

The sound of shattering plates and "NO!" called out in horrified shock, Draco couldn't believe his eyes or his ears, as he gawped at the Dark Lord, it couldn't be.

The room in its entirety seemed to hold its breath in dazed silence.

Severus closed his eyes in a rare show of exasperation and dread.

Lucius' heart sank, knowing that if he turned around, that his son would be gaping like some sort of pathetic Mudblood. Had he not understood all the clues he had given him for the past year or so? He'd warned him repeatedly not to start anything with Gryffindors. Since he only ever butted heads with Potter, he'd assumed his son had been smart enough to put the pieces together. Perhaps he'd given his son too much credit. Meanwhile he prayed that his son remained silent, Narcissa had a painful grip on his upper arm, making him wince, but it helped grounding him.

Turning to face his son, his icy cold eyes bore into his son's demanding obedience, looking ready to rage when he saw his son wordlessly opening and closing his mouth.

Draco saw the look on his father's face and automatically straightened up, his mouth snapping closed. It didn't cease the urge for him to shout and scream over what he'd just heard. His apprentice? Harry Potter didn't deserve that honour! In fact, he deserved nothing more than death! It was his fault the Dark Lord had been vanquished! His fault the dark side had to go into hiding essentially. Face flushing red in furious anger, his grey eyes bore into Potter's with a promise of retribution. He wasn't supposed to have to compete with Potter here.

Harry meanwhile had turned to face the Death Eaters, a devious smirk on his face and a wicked look on his eye. Arms crossed he stared them all down without an ounce of fear or apprehension on his face.

As for Voldemort, his gaze hadn't left Harry Potters since he unveiled himself. A blooming spark of interest slithered down his spine, mine, was all that was going through his mind. It was almost as if Voldemort was seeing Harry for the first time. He didn't see a child standing there, no, he saw a man, the man he was one day going to become.

To make Draco's ire worse, Harry didn't even give him one ounce of attention, no, he just stood there with a smug look on his face.

R&R