Chapter 4: New Friends and Meddlesome Goats

When the raven awoke the following morning, he felt more refreshed than he had in a long time. He set about getting ready and was pleasantly surprised when he was able to leave the dorm without any annoyance from a certain ginger for the first time in weeks. Maybe his luck was looking up a bit. He made sure to keep the small diary Tom had given him tucked away in his robes, going so far as to cast a concealing charm on the book to make sure no one would be able to find it aside from him.

On his way to the Great Hall, he was preoccupied with thoughts of what was to come in the next few weeks. They would need to be exceptionally clever and avoid any loose threads if they were to fool everyone into thinking he was dead, especially Dumbledore. Harry had lost much respect for the old wizard at this point, especially after hearing what he had done during Tom's campaign for Minister. Why was the man so against the ideas Tom held, none of them sounded bad to Harry. In fact, the majority of them the raven agreed would make the wizarding world a much better place for wizards and creatures alike.

The boy was so caught up in his thoughts that he had stopped watching his step and found himself colliding with another body as he went to turn a corner. Landing rather harshly on his ass he uttered a quick apology to whomever he had collided with. "For god's sake Potter, I knew you were a bit blind with those glasses but I thought you could still see three feet in front of you." A voice grumbled back, causing emerald eyes to look up into silver ones.

Draco Malfoy was also on the ground, looking less than thrilled as he gathered the things that had spilled from his bag upon their collision. "Sorry…Draco." Harry hesitated to call the other by his first name, but figured he couldn't make him more upset considering he'd basically run the blonde over just now. The blonde shot him a glance, whether from the apology or the use of his name Harry wasn't sure. "I was lost in thought I guess." He continued sheepishly, gaining a snort from the Slytherin. "Perhaps not the best idea when walking Potter." He shot at the raven, but it lacked any of the old venom he would have normally expected.

Draco finished collecting his items and stood, dusting himself off. After a moment he glanced down to see the Gryffindor still on the floor collecting the last few items that had fallen from his own bag. He hesitantly extended a hand down to the raven, "Were you planning to spend the rest of the morning on the floor or did you have plans to have breakfast at some point?" The blonde snarked with his eyes not meeting Harry's as he kept his hand held out. The Gryffindor took it, allowing the other to help him back to his feet with a small smile. "Breakfast would probably be a good idea. Sorry again for the run in." The blonde huffed a bit and dropped his hand, "Just don't let it happen again Potter, someone could actually get hurt."

Harry had expected the other male to walk off and continue on wherever he had been going before they hit, but the blonde fell in step with him as Harry continued toward the Great Hall. Harry thought about commenting on it but decided against it as he seemed to be making tentative progress with the other boy. The other at least seemed willing to converse with him without all the animosity they had shot at each other in the past. "Your next task is coming up in a few weeks, for the tournament, right?" Draco broke the silence between them, his tone casual. "Yeah, sounds like it will be a maze of some sort, magical creatures inside to slow us down." He answered with what he knew of the final task. "Do you actually want to win it?" The blonde seemed legitimately curious as he asked this.

Harry paused for a moment, mulling over the question. He needed to win now for his plan with Tom to work, but would he have cared about winning if that wasn't the case? Not really, he had never wanted to compete in this stupid tournament to begin with. All he had heard since his name came out was how it wasn't fair to Diggory to have to share the spotlight with him. "No not really, if I do it'll likely just ostracize me further, everyone already hates me because Diggory has to share the title of Hogwarts' champion. Never mind the fact that I never wanted to be in this stupid tournament in the first place." The raven knew some of his anger and annoyance at the situation was bleeding into his voice so he took a few calming breaths before continuing to walk with the Slytherin.

Draco remained quiet for a few moments, "I do believe that actually." He finally muttered softly, making the raven glance over at him. "All of Slytherin house talked about it in the common room the night it happened. Most argued that they didn't believe you somehow found a way around the old coot's age line after the older students couldn't. A few said that they didn't think you would try to gain attention that way because surely you would have known that the other students would find it unfair or some other rubbish." The Malfoy heir explained as they were nearing the doors to the Great Hall. "And why do you believe me?" Harry couldn't help himself; he was curious what made the other believe him so easily when his so-called friends couldn't. Draco stopped in front of the door and regarded him calmly for a few seconds, "Despite what everyone else seems to think, I don't imagine that you enjoy nearly dying every year, Potter." With that the other turned toward his table and began walking away. "Remember don't be late for potions."

Harry found himself quite bored throughout the day, it was this boredom that led to him pulling out the diary during charms class and writing a single sentence.

'Tom, are you busy?'

He watched the ink disappear onto the page and waited for a response back from the red-eyed wizard. The raven was hoping to get more information from the other man about his idea of gray magic. Harry understood his idea in theory and had read a number of spells in the restricted section that had been labeled as dark and forbidden but had practical uses outside of harm. He believed he would likely be taking the other up on his offer of training as there were probably a number of spells and rituals that the older wizard knew that Harry could only dream of. He certainly wouldn't be finding much here at Hogwarts, even after combing the restricted section under his invisibility cloak he had found very few books that detailed out the darker spells, often only explaining in theory what dark magic was capable of doing. Glancing back down at the diary the raven was surprised but pleased to see an answer.

'I was, but I have a few minutes to spare presently. What is it?'

Harry dipped his quill and began penning down his questions, hoping that he was being clear in what he was trying to ask.

'When we talked the other night, you mentioned shades of gray within magic and the idea that not all spells that have been labeled dark are necessarily harmful. The few books I've read that discuss dark magic in theory say that those types of spells are capable of corrupting the wizard who casts them and driving them to madness. However, I have seen spells in these books that serve a practical purpose like you say and could be beneficial if used in that way. So why is it that these spells corrupt the caster and are there ways around that if I wish to learn them?'

He watched the paragraph fade away slowly, thinking he had articulated his idea and concerns well enough that the other wizard would understand what he was asking. Harry wanted to be able to learn whatever magic he found useful, but not at the cost of his sanity. He leaned back in his chair and waited, assuming it would be some time before he got a reply.

Riddle Manor: Tom's P.O.V.

The dark lord had been sitting in his study, reviewing the ingredients and spell work for the ritual he would be performing in a few weeks. The last key piece would be acquiring a body a few days before to send back. He was just finishing up when the small diary on his desk emitted a small shimmer of green light. Curious, he had grabbed the small book and opened it to read what the younger boy had written. He hadn't really expected the other to need to write to him, but assumed the Gryffindor may have come up with more questions since their discussion.

He was pleasantly surprised to see the boy had done research regarding darker magic and that he was taking the warnings around it seriously. He remembered when he had delved into it the first few times himself and how the aftereffects of certain spells were less than enjoyable.

'Only certain areas of magic cause the affects you speak of Harry. As you know the Horcruxes are one magic capable of driving a wizard to insanity. Another is magic involving soul bonding or soul links. The types of magic capable of causing insanity will typically involve causing trauma or change to the individual's soul. Whether that be physical trauma such as splitting it to preserve a sliver of it elsewhere, or spiritual such as binding it to another soul. Mind you, both forms only pose a threat to the individual's sanity if done in excess. Had I stopped after the first or second Horcrux my own sanity would still have been intact.

If you are interested in learning more regarding magics that are referred to as dark, I'm afraid you will find Hogwarts library to be rather lacking. Even the restricted section will not have many of the actual spells or rituals, but more theory and a history of the idea of dark magic. However, Riddle Manor does have multiple libraries filled with books I have personally collected myself which you will have access to.'

Shutting the small diary and placing it back in the corner of his desk he leaned back in his chair. The dark lord was pleased to know the raven had an open mind to learning other types of magic although he was wary of the boy trying to do so around Dumbledore. It was his own carelessness when he was at the school that had likely caused the old coot to begin thinking him dangerous. Although, with the young lion on his side he could potentially become a very real threat to the system that senile old fool was trying so hard to preserve.

He was once again snapped from his thoughts at the diary glowing, upon opening it he laughed softly at the response.

'Thank you, Tom. I should probably try to look like I'm paying attention to this charms lesson now. We're going over the summoning charm which I'm pretty sure I could cast in my sleep at this point. A disappearing spell wouldn't go amiss right now though. Hope you're having a more interesting day than me. I'll let you get back to your work though, sorry for the bother!'

The Gryffindor was certainly cheeky that much he was certain of. He had questioned both Snape and Barty about how the boy was performing in classes currently. Barty had said the boy had a knack for complicated defense spells and he was able to produce a fully corporeal Patronus. Snape had begrudgingly said that the boy's homework was always spot on and often went beyond the knowledge he should currently possess and now that he was partnered with the Malfoy heir instead of the Weasley boy he seemed to be excelling in the actual brewing as well. The dark lord could admit that he found the boy interesting after their most recent encounter and was a bit excited to further test the boy's knowledge once he began residing within the manor.

He left the boy's last message unanswered, deciding it wrapped their conversation up well enough and continued looking over his plans for the coming weeks. He still had to make plans for introducing the young lion to his followers and deciding how to move once Harry was deemed dead. They would have to tread carefully while dealing with Dumbledore, as much as Tom hated the man, he could admit the old fool was still dangerous and cunning. He could only hope between his own skill and his newest ally they stood a chance of dealing with the meddlesome man once and for all.

Harry's P.O.V.

Harry pondered on the answer he had gotten from Tom for the rest of charms. He refocused himself when charms had ended and he was set to head for potions, but before making it to the classroom he was stopped by Professor McGonagall. "Potter, Professor Dumbledore would like a word with you. I'll let Snape know that you'll be late." The stern witch strode past him, giving his shoulder a light push in the direction of Dumbledore's office.

The raven withheld an annoyed groan, he really didn't feel like dealing with the man right now. Harry knew the old goat often liked to dig through his head without his permission. Often enough Harry had learned to shield specific memories away without alerting the older wizard that he was doing so, but it was a lot of concentration and effort. It was this realization that had shaken his faith in the man originally, if the man was digging in his head, then the raven knows he had seen memories from Harry's times with the Dursley's and yet he still continued to leave him there. That's okay though, soon that wouldn't be a problem any longer.

He made his way to the gargoyle statue, deciding that it was better to simply get this meeting over with and see what the old man was up to now. Uttering an annoyed "Lemon Drop" he ascended the spiraling stairs once the gargoyle had jumped aside. Outside the office door he paused a took a few calming breaths before knocking on the door, an entirely fake but cheerful smile plastered on his face. Upon hearing a quiet "Enter" he stepped into the office and shut the door behind him, turning to face the smiling old man.

"You wanted to see me Professor?" Harry asked, being sure to keep his voice calm and measured. He had made sure that his memories of his meeting with Tom and his meeting with Barty were both locked solidly behind a barrier. The last thing he needed was the old coot to see either of those. The old man continued smiling at him at Harry stepped a bit further into the room, "Ah yes, Harry my boy! Care for a lemon drop?" The raven shook his head at the offer, biting down his annoyance again. "No, well more for me then. I've noticed recently that you have been spending more time with young mister Malfoy." The elderly wizard regarded him over his half moon spectacles, "Draco and I are currently partnered for potions yes." Harry spoke slowly as if explaining to a child, he withheld a smirk when he saw the old wizards eye twitch slightly likely in annoyance.

"Ah yes, Professor Snape told me that was done at your request, but I'm sure that you would rather be partnered with your friend Mr. Weasley would you not?" Harry was unable to withhold his snort of laughter at the assumption, making Dumbledore raise an eyebrow at him. "I'm sorry to laugh professor, but Ronald Weasley is no friend of mine. He and Granger have not been my friends since my name was pulled from that goblet." Harry allowed a bit of his anger to creep into his words, watching the older wizard sigh.

"Well Dear Boy, you must realize they would react poorly when they feel they have been lied to." Dumbledore reasoned, giving Harry his usual grandfatherly smile as he continued "Perhaps you should talk to them and apologize." Harry bit down on his tongue hard enough he tasted blood for a moment. The man could not be serious. "With all due respect Sir." Harry began, knowing the older wizard could here the sarcasm and venom he laced onto the word sir. "They were never lied to nor do I feel I have anything to apologize for. Unless you also believe I was somehow able to get past the age restriction line that was in place, but wasn't that line created by you yourself Sir?" He knew he was being reckless by antagonizing the older man, but his anger was currently burning his veins along with his magic begging him to be released to destroy some things in the office.

"Of course not my boy, only an extremely powerful wizard could have found a way around that line. Surely you would not want to throw their friendship away over such a silly disagreement though?" The elderly wizard was still maintaining his kind smile, but Harry could tell he had struck a nerve. "If they are willing to abandon me every time my life is in danger and call me a liar when they have more than enough proof of my innocence, then I believe it is time I find new friends Sir. Consequently, if that is all you wished to discuss with me, I am currently late for potions." Harry drawled in a sugary sweet voice, he was done with the old fool's meddling and needed to get out of this office before he really did blow something up.

"Of course, Dear Boy, I'll let you return to your classes then. Just think about what I have said, friendships are very dear things after all." The elder wizard smiled tightly as he gestured toward the door. Harry nodded once like he would consider the old man's advice, but inside he was still fuming. He moved swiftly down the staircase and towards the dungeons, if he was lucky, he would be able to make it for the last half hour of the class. Hopefully Draco wouldn't be upset with him for missing the first half, he was just now finally making some progress with the Slytherin after all.

Dumbledore's P.O.V.

'No, no, no, NO!' The older wizard thought furiously after the Gryffindor had vacated the office. Things had finally been going the way he needed them to and now the little brat has to go and get disobedient? He had been so careful with his plans over the years. Making sure that Voldemort had been labeled a dark wizard had been easy enough, he'd simply needed to pay off a few radical groups to murder and burn a few houses and claim it was for Tom. Tom had made it all the easier by destroying his own sanity when making his Horcruxes and falling for the fake prophecy that Dumbledore had fed to Severus. Yes, for as cunning as the dark lord was, he had played right into Dumbledore's trap to keep him away from the ministry.

Then came Harry, his perfect little sacrificial lamb. He needed someone to give the wizarding world hope against the crazy and evil dark lord he had created and Harry was perfect for it. An orphan boy whose parents were murdered by the dark lord courageously standing against him, the wizarding world ate it up. They adored the boy. Of course, he had made sure the boy wouldn't let fame go to his head when he entered the wizarding world. He had paid off the Dursley's to do whatever they saw fit to keep the boy humble. He hadn't necessarily assumed they would outright abuse and starve the boy, but it was worth the result when he finally came to Hogwarts.

The boy who had shown up had been perfect. Desperate for any scrap of love, affection, or approval. He had fallen in with Weasley and Granger so well and Dumbledore had paid both children and the Weasley Matriarch to keep him in line. He needed his sacrificial lamb to do as he was told until Dumbledore had made all the proper arrangements for the final battle. Where he would sacrifice Harry to Tom, destroying his final horcrux if Dumbledore could find the others, and then he would step in and kill Tom himself. Finally, he would be rid of the only two people who could hope to stand in his way of ruling over the wizarding world.

He would play the part of Harry's grieving magical guardian and upon the boy's death he would gain access to both the Potter and Black fortunes and properties. The wizarding world would hail him a hero for defeating the dark lord and they would follow any command he gave after. But now it's all in jeopardy because his little sacrificial lamb is breaking the script. He's abandoned the people Dumbledore put with him to keep him on the right path. Leaning back in his chair, the old wizard grit his teeth in annoyance. He would need to do something and quickly, before the stupid child could cause any further disruption to all his hard work.

(A/n: Uh-oh what do you guys think Dumbles has in store for our cunning little lion? I suppose you will find out next time! Remember reviews fuel my writing! ;P )