Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Keep up the reviews, it really means a lot! And I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying this.

It's Just Strategy

POTTER CONFIRMS NECROMANCY: Harry Potter speaks about his magical inheritance but insists he isn't Dark

Harry glanced at the headline and quirked an eyebrow. It was a pleasant distraction from the feeling of his skin wanting to combust. "I don't remember actually saying I wasn't Dark, just that Necromancers were misunderstood."

"It is a well-done article. It seems Ms. Skeeter might be looking to get in your favor," Marvolo commented, sipping his morning coffee.

The only thing Harry wasn't fond of was the picture. The article was perfect, it painted him as the naive, desperate, Golden Child the Wizarding World still expected him to be. The picture actually benefited the portrayal as well, he just couldn't remember a camera. He supposed Rita's movement with her wand made sense now.

It was a picture of when Harry was showing his Mark. His Gryffindor tie still dangled around his neck as the picture showed him pulling his unbuttoned shirt to the side. His eyes wide and innocently pleading with a look of hopeful approval, while his free hand messed with his hair. His mark was bold and clear, leaving no doubt of the claims.

"I didn't know she was taking a picture though. She should know not to take too much liberty," Harry scowled slightly before briefly scanning the article. Not everything that had been discussed had been included, like how his O. weren't sent out nor how he wasn't returning to Hogwarts. He wondered if she was saving those for another article to come out later.

"What are your plans?" Marvolo asked at the end of the meal.

"Practice. I'm working on control." He needed to unleash some of his power to relieve the maddening feeling. "And then meeting with Avery to see what he has gathered."

"I noticed you were up earlier today."

"You said yourself that physical fitness was beneficial in terms of dueling endurance and my books say the same. So I've decided to start running. Quidditch gave me a foundation and your dueling practice helps but I enjoyed it this morning. So I'd like to continue." The running also helped relieve the burning and itching and the desires to let loose with his magic. It was only a temporary solution though since as soon as he returned to his room the desire and itch were back in full force. He had almost clawed his skin off in the shower that morning it was getting so bad.

"No need for such a defense. I fully approve. Occasionally, I might join you." Harry couldn't stop his eyebrows rising but he wasn't as opposed as he probably should have been. Harry hated to admit that he was actually enjoying their dueling and the meals they shared were fairly enjoyable.

Harry smirked a little. "Well you can join but whether you can keep up is another story." The glare and challenge flaring in those red eyes made Harry laugh outright.

It was two hours later that Harry found himself seated in the gardens outside of Slytherin Manor practicing the meditative breathing exercises needed for control. Seated was actually a very loose description, contorted was the more apt description. He was in one of the poses that the guidebooks suggested and the concentration it took to hold the pose while focusing on his breathing wasn't providing enough of a distraction.

He felt thirsty for the heady rush, he dreamed of the cool embrace, he longed for the detached observation that could take him out of his own head. He had to master this soon or he would lose control.

Harry faced a rose bush. Concentrating on the vibrant red color of the head, the delicate softness of the petals, the rich green of the stems and leaves. Breathe. In. Out. Breathe. In. Out. Tentatively, Harry looked deeper into himself. The book and journals described the process of calling forth the icy fire by finding his center. Weylyn Peverell, Ashur's grandson, had been the first to really describe the process in his journals and concentration was vital.

Last night, he had reached his center for the first time but he hadn't interacted with it. So it was a little easier today to seek out the warmth he remembered feeling. Closing his eyes, Harry inwardly searched for the deadly green flame that looked more like a caged wildfire. Reaching it, Harry touched the flames and took a shaky breath at the overpowering rush it gave him. It set each of his nerves aflame in the most comforting embrace.

Determined to not lose himself in the touch of his own magic, Harry concentrated. Mentally pinching and dragging forth a flickering tendril, bringing it to the surface. His magic didn't seem to like being corralled. It fought to rush the opening he was giving it with all it had but Harry held firm. He could feel the sweat trickling down his face but he ignored it. If he couldn't control his own magic then what hope does he have? Taking another deep breath, he focused his control. He wasn't sure how long it took to finally beat his magic into submission but he managed it and when he felt the icy fire tickling his skin once more the soothing balm it provided was immediate. He opened his eyes and stared at the rose bush.

Concentrate. Breathe. In. Out. Concentrate.

The book described the action as calling on the life force of whatever he wished. Calling on it and drawing it to himself. It was easier with touch and easier to control but it could be done without it. Focusing on one flower head, sweat gathering on his brow and neck, his back and buttocks were stiff and sore from his position but he couldn't focus on that. The heady feeling was returning and his mind was becoming detached, so he knew things were going right, but he couldn't lose control, he couldn't bask in the feeling of power.

Slowly, like a fisherman with a fish on a hook, he reeled in what he was sure was the roses life source. It looked like a faintly shimmering aura if he looked hard. Apparently, this ability would increase with practice. It seemed to be working though because as he watched, the petals began to shrivel, the vibrant color began to fade. It happened faster than Harry would have liked that the rose was nothing more than a dry, wrinkled, brown crust.

Harry let out a laugh of celebration, punching the sky in victory. He had done it! He had controlled it! And the itching and burning had ceased.

His sigh of relief turned to one of dismay when he saw that it wasn't just the flower head but the entire rose bush that had died and a few of the roses on the nearby bushes had started to fade as well. Not quite as good but he still controlled his magic and that was what mattered at the moment. He didn't know how to return Life yet but he hoped to return the rose bush to its former glory once again.

"Impressive," the voice jolted Harry out of his observation. He untwisted his limbs and turned to see Marvolo standing a few feet away with Avery and two men he recognized as the Lestrange brothers.

Harry grimaced. "Eh, I meant to just do a flower, not the whole bush." Avery and the Lestrange brothers did not look comforted as they eyed the dead rose bush. "Oh well, practice makes perfect, eh?" Harry continued easily, enjoying the Death Eaters discomfort. "I trust you have something of value to report?"

"Yes, Sir," Avery replied looking far too eager to please for a middle-aged man.

"Excellent. To the library?" he asked Marvolo who dipped his head and turned to walk. Harry easily caught up and walked beside him with the three Death Eaters trailing them. It was another indicator of Harry's place ahead of them but he didn't find himself shying away from the statement.

"It was still an impressive feat of skill, despite it not going as you wished," Marvolo commented in Parseltongue.

"Thanks. I look forward to continued improvement," Harry replied easily, his ability with Parseltongue was definitely improving since his arrival. The compliment still felt strange though. "I will restore the bush when I learn how."

"It's not a concern. My elves will take care of it."

"Why are we talking in Parseltongue?"

"I enjoy making my Death Eaters nervous."

Harry glanced over his shoulder at the terrified men. "Keeps things interesting?" he asked with an amused laugh. The responding twitch of lips and flush of pride and pleasure that flickered in Marvolo's eyes made him warm.

Marvolo left them in the library with a reminder that dueling practice would be in an hour. Tobi arrived thankfully with a sandwich ready for him. Once alone, Harry claimed his armchair and gestured for the men to sit. Surprisingly, all three bowed before sitting even though the Lestrange brothers' bow wasn't as deep. Avery chose the chair on Harry's left and the Lestrange brothers sat on the couch on his right. To cover his surprise and enjoyment of having all three bow to him, he curled a little tighter into the armchair.

"I believe introductions are necessary before we proceed," Harry began before taking a bite of his sandwich, his good mood over relieving himself of the itching that had plagued him for days and accomplished some control over his skills leaking out. "From the looks of it, Avery chose you two to help him. I can only assume this partnership will continue. So we will be seeing each other often."

Harry nodded at the Lestrange brother farthest from him. "Rodolphus Lestrange," the man replied. The infamous husband of Bellatrix, Harry mused. The man didn't seem as deranged as his wife but he had tortured Neville's parents. Trying to see past that, Harry took in the dark curls pulled back and tied at his neck, his dark blue eyes, and his worn and thin appearance. Azkaban had not been kind to the once handsome man.

"Rabastan Lestrange," the brother closest to him continued the introduction, drawing Harry's gaze. The only difference was that Rabastan kept his curly hair short, framing his face and was obviously a few years younger. Harry kept his face blank turning to Avery.

"Lennox Avery," the man replied.

"Great. You all, obviously, know who I am. I would like to make one thing clear before we continue," Harry said turning to pierce the brothers with a hard stare. "While I can understand why Avery chose you two to assist him, let me clear the air by saying I'm not thrilled at your presence. It was because of your actions that one of my closest friends grew up without parents, in a situation far worse than mine." The brothers actually looked guilty and repentant. "Luckily for you, I hate your wife far more. So, for the course of this alliance that I have with your Lord, I can deal with you two civilly if you keep Bellatrix out of my sight. Is that understood?"

Looking far too grateful the brothers nodded. "You will not see her," Rodolphus promised.

"Be sure I don't, or you might find yourself newly widowed." Oddly, Rodolphus didn't seem terribly upset over that but he nodded anyway. "Now, what have you learned?" He continued, turning to Avery and taking another bite of his sandwich.

The man in question pulled out some parchment from his pocket and enlarged the stack. Harry tried to keep his face impassive, inwardly cheering that he only had to sit through the highlights of the massive amount of research gathered. The information Avery and the Lestrange brothers had gathered in only two days was astounding. Hermione would be impressed.

"So you're telling me that I'm pretty much untouchable by the law?" Harry surmised at the end of the brief.

"Yes, Lord Potter," Avery replied. "In the article this morning, it was printed that you compare yourself to a liaison acting on Deaths' orders? It was an accurate comparison because with you answering to a higher power it sets you apart from wizard laws."

"With that kind of immunity it's no wonder people are terrified of Necromancers," Harry muttered.

"Might I also comment that the article was very well done. But won't public backlash be worse if you claim you aren't Dark but your alliance is discovered?" Rabastan interjected, he sounded calm but Harry noticed the nervous clenching of fists as though nervous of the repercussions of questioning him. Given Voldemort's methods, Harry didn't really blame him.

"Who says I am Dark?" Harry countered, watching the surprised faces. "Oh, I'm definitely not Light but I also never claimed that I was either, it was always just assumed. No, currently my magic might technically be Dark due to my inheritance but personally, I view myself as Grey. Just because I'm in an alliance with Voldemort," the men flinched slightly, "doesn't mean anything. It's all politics really."

"So you really don't follow the Dark Lord?" Rodolphus questioned, seemingly emboldened by his brother's ability to question.

"No, and I never will. I'm not really the follower type," Harry smirked before rising to his feet. Harry didn't really want to think that technically he was a follower and his Master was Death but he hadn't met his Master yet and from the journals it didn't sound like Death was all that bad. The other three quickly stood as well. "Continue your research and report back in a week. Also, start digging into Dumbledore's history. Specifically his voting records during Wizengamot sessions."

"Yes, Sir," the men said bowing, which turned into a kneel when Marvolo entered.

"I hope my men proved useful," the Dark Lord commented before letting them rise.

"Oh yes, we even got to have a little chat to clear up some personal things." Marvolo gave a small tilt of his head but otherwise didn't react. "Ready to duel?" Harry asked as they left the library followed by the three Death Eaters who hadn't been outrightly dismissed yet and so trailed behind in curiosity.

Avery had already witnessed his practice the other day and looked eager to see more. And it seemed Marvolo had been right about word spreading because the brothers looked just as eager.

"Thank you, Dobby," Harry said when he arrived in Grimmauld Place.

He was finally meeting his friends again, his retaliation article had been printed yesterday, and he had managed to convince Marvolo to hold his dueling practice earlier just so he could have more time with them. As it was, he had about three hours until dinner.

It looked completely different. It was clean for one and the curtains were open giving it an airy feel. The paint and decor were still dark and revolting but Harry was pleased with the progress. He walked into the dining room and grinned at the sight of the food. The table was filled with finger sandwiches, pastries, and other delicacies.

"Thank you, Kreacher." The elderly elf bowed low and disappeared with Dobby to collect his friends.

The first to arrive were the twins with Kreacher. The twins rushed him quickly, talking so rapidly that Harry didn't bother trying to answer because soon Dobby arrived with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, who all tackled him. Laughing, Harry broke free of his friends and saw Dobby arriving with Luna at the same time as Kreacher arrived with Neville.

"Hello Harry," Luna said airily. "Quite the exciting summer it seems. Your nargles have mostly left you."

"That's great," Harry said cheerfully, giving her a side hug which was all he could manage since Hermione was still holding him in a death grip.

"Can't ever take a break, eh, Harry?" Neville chuckled, patting him on the back. Harry groaned good-naturedly and the others laughed.

"Yeah, well fate hates me," he grumbled, finally shaking free and going to the table. "Anyway, take a seat and grab some food. Dobby and Kreacher worked hard on this. Er, later Hermione," Harry sighed at his best friends look. Everyone took a seat and filled their plates. "Right, so, I'm assuming that since you are all here it means you are standing with me."

"It was never a question, mate," Ron replied with an understanding smile before taking a bite of his pastry.

The relief that Harry felt hit like a tidal wave and he couldn't stop the smile. "Thanks, guys, you don't know what that means to me."

"Enough sentimentality," Fred chuckled.

"Yes, tell us what it's like living with Voldie," George enthused.

"Nice photo in the paper by the way."

"Oh yes, very sexy."

"Drool-worthy. We're thinking of having it framed."

"Yes but then people might get the wrong impression of our store," George snickered.

Harry dropped his head in his hands while the others laughed. "I didn't know she was taking the picture. I met with her and Madame Bones the day after Dumbledore put his article out there. Luckily, Mad-Eye and Kingsley will be arrested soon."

"Not Dumbledore?" Ginny asked frowning.

"No, I know for a fact that Kingsley and Mad-Eye cursed me but Dumbledore never actively participated."

"Slimy bastard," Ron grumbled.

"Tell me how things are though," Harry insisted, moving away from the topic of his torture for now.

"Dumbledore questioned us but we managed to brush him off," George replied.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny looked horribly guilty at the mention of this. "He came to us too, mate," Ron began.

"Oh, Harry, it was awful!" Hermione cut in fretfully. "We had just gotten your letter and had decided to play spy since we weren't sure how you wanted to work things and thought that keeping Dumbledore oblivious would be best." Hermione's eyes were starting to fill with tears. "The things we said. I'm so sorry. We had to make it believable."

Gut twisting, Harry got up to embrace his best friend, wrapping her tightly in a hug. Ron looked so haunted and wretched while Ginny also looked like she wanted to cry but was holding it in. "It was great thinking on your part. Truly. It will work out for the best keeping tabs on the old man from the inside. I mean you didn't mean it, right?"

"No!" The three cried out. Ginny continued on. "Not at all, I felt so dirty listening to him go on about how Dark you were and fucking agreeing to it!"

"Good news was that it worked," Ron sighed. "So Dumbledore still trusts us."

Hermione was calming down now and so Harry returned to his seat and ordered some tea which Kreacher promptly delivered. "Whose idea was it anyway?"

"Ron's actually," Ginny said with a proud look to her brother. The twins also boasted proud grins.

"It's just strategy," Ron shrugged sheepishly.

Harry beamed at him nonetheless. "Brilliant!"

"Gran I think supports you," Neville said after the silence progressed. "Or at least she doesn't agree with Dumbledore."

"It's something," Harry grinned.

"Daddy supports you, Harry," Luna chimed in.

"We think Remus and my folks might side with you. They weren't climbing on the Dumbledore campaign when he stopped by to tell us the news and they seemed to enjoy the article. Tonks I think will need more work," Ron continued.

"See what you can do about Remus and your parents. Feel them out and try bringing them around without tipping Dumbledore. Fred and George you can do more with them once school starts." The twins nodded. "And you guys can keep an eye on the students once you go back."

"Wait," Hermione interrupted. "Aren't you coming back to Hogwarts?"

Harry shook his head sadly. "No. Found out officially from Madame Bones. Apparently, with my inheritance, it's too much of a safety risk but it's also my Lordships. You can't be a student and a Lord at the same time. I didn't know that though and apparently, it's an old, rarely used law. But it's there."

"At least you've already gotten your O. ," Neville pointed out cheerfully. "How'd you do anyway? Gran was so pleased with my Defense scores. I really need to thank you for that."

Harry smiled at the success of his friend. "I'm glad, but I have no idea what my scores are. Never got my results."

"What? They came out a few days ago," Hermione frowned.

"Yeah, Madame Bones wasn't thrilled. She's looking into it."

"Madame Bones is good people, it's lucky you have her in your corner," Neville commented. "Gran always talks well of her."

"Enough about us, Harry," Ginny cut in impatiently. "We want to hear from you."

"Yes, you've lived with Him for over a week now," Ron prompted.

"Tell us everything," the twins chorused together.

"Merlin, where to begin?" Harry sighed.

"I suggest the beginning. It is a wonderful place," Luna said.

"Yes," George nodded. "Now, we have-"

"Just pushed you out-'

"Of our apartment because of-"

"Dumbles arrival. Begin," Fred finished.

So, Harry told them how he spotted Draco Malfoy's hair and ran over and practically begged their classmates to take him to Voldemort and was almost caught by Dumbledore. He talked about arriving and killing Pettigrew as proof and making the deal. He spoke of the nice room he was given and eating meals with Marvolo, the human version of Voldemort. How Marvolo told him about his family history and advised going to Gringotts. Harry explained all he learned from the goblins and what he learned from the journals, the requirements for being a Necromancer, and his progress with control in regards to the rose bush. How Marvolo was training him in dueling, the Dursleys' burning his broom and trunk. How Dobby was able to save his Cloak and the Map which was partially damaged. How Dumbledore still had his wand and the spare Marvolo had given him and the emergency portkey.

"It's so strange living with him," Harry sighed running a hand through his hair. "I know who he is and I can't forgive him of everything. But he's helping me! Bloody hell, he's cracked jokes that are actually funny!"

"Bloody hell, mate," Ron breathed.

"So are you Dark now?" Luna asked.

"Because it's alright if you are," Ginny assured him. "We already decided that we stand with you no matter what." Everyone at the table gave a nod and Harry gaped.

"Merlins' balls, you lot are amazing," he breathed. "And technically my magic is Dark because of being a Necromancer but I see myself more as Grey."

"So about this temporary alliance?" Hermione questioned with a smirk.

"Right, I swear it's just temporary. Just until Dumbledore is defeated."

Ron gave him a calculating look that Harry typically attributed to when his friend played chess. "I don't see Him just agreeing to that. He's not one to give up power of any kind."

"Yeah, he made me promise to reevaluate my stance later and he is definitely trying to win me over…." Harry trailed off. "Even when I told him I wouldn't be a follower. He's trying to convince me to be his partner, his ally and equal…"

"Bloody hell," Ron huffed.

Ginny tilted her head shrewdly. "Words are nice and we both know that Riddle can charm like no other. What do his actions say?"

"That's the thing!" Harry exclaimed. "He held an Introduction Ceremony for me. Invited all his followers and their families. He had me on the stage next to him. He told them all that I was above them and second only to him. Bloody hell, he was even about to torture Avery and when I stopped him, he fucking let me!"

"Fuck," the twins muttered.

"He's really serious," Hermione murmured.

"It would seem so. When I told him I didn't agree with his views he implied that my understanding was skewed."

"What ended up happening to Avery?" Neville questioned. "And what was his punishment for?"

"Apparently, he didn't research my family lineage well enough and didn't know about the Black and Peverell Lordships. I told Marvolo that it was ridiculous to torture him over that since no one knew," Harry rolled his eyes at the absurdity. "So he gave him to me 'as a present' and later suggested I just use him as a servant. So I have him researching laws regarding Necromancers and other magical inheritances. Only thing is, Nev, I'm sorry, but he's got the Lestrange brothers helping him. I met them both yesterday." Neville sat stiffly, staring at the table. "I already told them off for what they did and that I didn't care for them. But honestly, I prefer them over Bellatrix and so, made a deal that if they keep Bellatrix under control and away from me then I will treat them civilly."

"I understand, Harry," Neville finally said. "I knew they were on His side and alive, but I still follow you. And you live in that house, you'll have to work with them. Having a civil relationship only makes sense. From what I've heard it was mainly that witch who did it."

"You are an amazing friend, Neville." The boy reddened and Harry silently promised himself to find a way to make it up to his fellow Gryffindor.

"What laws have they found?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, it's really cool actually. Apparently, I'm kind of above the law since I serve a higher power, Death. So even when I take Life I can't be arrested."

"Damn," Ginny chuckled.

Conversation dissolved into lighter topics such as what N.E.W.T classes Ron, Hermione and Neville planned on taking, the newest products the twins were making and Ginny and Luna's nerves over their O.W.L year.

Neville finally glanced at his watch and groaned. "Oh, I've got to get back. Dinner will be soon and Gran will be worried."

After making plans to meet again before school, the group departed and Harry returned to Slytherin Manor feeling lighthearted.