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!
I apologize for the delay. I've had this ready for about a week now but I was focused on working on the next chapter which is giving me troubles, and so I kept forgetting to post this. Apologies! Anyway, I hope you enjoy, it's a bit of interaction with the other Slytherins now.
To the person who commented that Voldemort is a bit too sane, don't worry! Marvolo wants Harry on his side and he knows that showcasing his more deranged activities is not the way to do so. Admittedly, he is showing Harry a side of himself that he inwardly hopes to embrace more but for now, in his mind, it is a way of bringing Harry on his side and Harry is letting himself be oblivious so that they don't have to break the truce they have formed. They will have confrontation though as Marvolo said during the first breakfast, it is almost impossible for the two of them to not get heated when together.
Please keep the reviews coming!
Lucky Them
Breathe. Concentrate. Step. Breathe. Concentrate. Breathe. Concentrate. Hold. Hold. Breathe. Step. Switch. Breathe. Concentrate. Pull. Breathe. Pull.
A twig snapped and Harry twitched and almost lost his balance. Shaking his head of the distraction, he went back to focusing. He stared at the bushes before him. All in various states of decay. He was practicing controlling the speed of pulling Life and cutting off so that he didn't pull all of it at once. He hoped that he might be able to just take years off of a person's Life versus taking the entire thing as a sort of warning system.
He could see the faint shimmer of each Life in the bushes, it was still hard to see but as the journals and guides said, it was becoming easier. And his hold on his magic, while still hard to control and maintain, was easier to reach and call forth. He was currently standing barefoot in just some blue harem pants without a shirt on. The harem pants reminded him of the Aladdin movie he had watched in muggle school, a movie he had related to being of a similar color, and he had convinced Tobi to get him some. They were lightweight and breathable which was needed in the current heat. Harry had started with a robe, shirt, and shoes but the heat of the sun had made it unbearable and so he had tossed his outer robes and shirt. And he had hoped that by taking off his shoes it might help connect him to the bushes' Life easier.
Sweat trickled from his scalp and raced down his bareback and chest but he held firm in his concentration. Breathe. The heady rush was just on the outer edge of his thought but he knew that as much as he wanted to he couldn't let it overpower his thoughts. Allowing the detachment was as much as he allowed himself to indulge. He was holding a pose from the guide books, balancing on one foot with his hands out in front of him as though calling the Life to his palms. Breathe. Step. He stepped his foot down and now held a more balanced warrior-esque pose with his hands clenched into fists. He opened his left palm and pulled on the Life from the bush to his left. Breathe. He clenched his left hand into a fist to stop the pull of Life and then opened his right and pulled the Life of the bush to his right. Fist clenched, pull stopped. Breathe. Opening both fists he pulled on the Life of the bushes on his right, left and the one right in front of him. Breathe. Breathe. Concentrate. Pulling Life from three sources in different locations was harder to hold and control. Can't pull too quickly. Breathe. Hold. Breathe.
Another twig and a gasp. Harry lost his control and all three bushes died in an instant. Growling, Harry spun on his heel to face the intruder. His fists clenched held out like a punch. The icy fire eager to take out any who dared disrupt his focus. Eyes narrowed, a cold smirk played across his lips as he took in the petrified faces of his Slytherin classmates through the detached haze that the icy fire provided. Slowly he straightened his posture, dropping his fist to his side; the high dissolved, the detachment withered, and his call on his magic faded.
Draco Malfoy stood a few feet from him looking far too pale to be healthy and behind him cowered Pansy Parkinson and Tracey Davis. Poking out from behind the untouched bushes on the right were the heads of Crabbe, Goyle, and Blaise Zabini, while on the left which held his robes and shirt hid Daphne Greengrass and Theo Nott.
"Potter-Sir-Lord?" Malfoy croaked out, gripping the hem of his shirt tightly.
"I won't stop you from calling me Lord," Harry teased, his smirk growing more mischievous, he was panting slightly from the exertion of calling Life but his running and dueling were helping him regain his breath quicker. "But Potter works fine." Malfoy swallowed and nodded, seeming to gain a bit more color to his cheeks. "We playing hide and seek or something?" Harry asked, glancing at the others still ducking behind the shrubbery. Shamefaced the others stood up from behind the bushes and came forward to stand next to Malfoy.
"No, we just didn't want to potentially get in the way," Greengrass clarified.
"You mean you didn't want to die when you broke my concentration?"
"We are Slytherins, self-preservation and all that," Zabini shrugged, his hands dipping casually into his trouser pockets.
"Right," Harry sighed, crossing his arms in front of his still bare chest. He was suddenly aware of his lack of dress but he didn't want to make a show of that by rushing for his shirt. Best to make it look like he wasn't bothered. It's not like he had anything to be upset about after all, plus he noted a few in the group eyeing him appreciatively. It was a nice ego boost.
"Great job," squeaked one of the bulky Slytherin boys, Harry was pretty sure it was Goyle. Harry quirked an eyebrow. "The bushes. Nice job with the...the…."
"Killing them?" Harry supplied sardonically enjoying making his classmates nervous by referencing his power. "Thanks," he added. He wasn't rude after all, a compliment was a compliment.
He glanced over the group before him. The same group that he had come begging to over a week ago. A lot has changed since then. He wondered what meeting Marvolo was hosting that required their parents but decided that it was probably best that he hadn't been called, he wasn't a follower after all.
The silence continued to stretch between the teenagers and Harry was content to let it continue stretching. He had nothing to say to them after all. He was aware he owed them a favor but until they called on it, why would he have to interact with them? Unless...Harry's eyes narrowed at the realization. The slimy bastard, he cursed mentally.
"So. How are you, Potter?" Nott asked with forced cheerfulness.
"Superb," he deadpanned. "So this is how it is, eh? Voldie wanted you to make friends with me? Play nice and keep me happy?"
Crabbe, Goyle, and Davis winced and Harry knew he was right. "How'd you guess?" Zabini asked.
"Oh, didn't you know?" Harry asked with feigned innocent surprise. "As a Necromancer, one of my skills is mind reading. I've gotten quite good."
The group paled again. "Liar," Malfoy finally declared, looking certain though nervous at speaking out. "You-"
"You will do well to remember never to call me a liar," Harry cut in coldly. That was something he would not tolerate. His hand still bore the scars from last years detention with Umbridge and he was sick of being called something he was not.
The Slytherins looked surprised at this change of attitude but all nodded, their eyes wide and fearful. "But you can't read minds," Malfoy insisted. "You're just pulling one over."
Harry snickered, allowing the hardness to fall off of him. "Yeah, you're right. I can't. It was just a guess, which you all just confirmed. I mean why else would you lot come near me if not by orders from your precious Lord?"
Half the group looked offended at being tricked and the other half looked horrified at his mocking of their loyalty. "He's your Lord, too," Parkinson sneered.
"No, he's not." Gobsmacked was the best description of their responses. "I'm not a follower, not really my style," he smirked. "He knows this. I'm his ally. It's just temporary anyway." The others didn't look like they believed that, much like his friends hadn't believed it either. "Well, it's temporary until otherwise stated," Harry amended. "I couldn't follow him even if I did suffer a brain lapse and want to anyway. I serve a higher power," he lightly tapped the mark on his chest. "I doubt Death will be cool with me bending a knee to another."
Greengrass, Nott, Malfoy, and Davis looked thoughtful at that while the others looked nervous at the reminder. "So, you lot are supposed to play nice with me while your parents sit through a meeting. How long is the meeting for?"
Nott shrugged. "Not sure. Father didn't make it sound like it would be long but we are to stay for dinner too."
Interesting, Harry mused. Marvolo had only had a few guests over for dinner. A mixture of Avery, Malfoy Sr., the Lestrange brothers, and a few other Inner Circle members, usually no more than three at a time. But now it seemed like there would be far more than three over for dinner. How would that change things?
It always made Harry anxious and not just because there was Death Eaters present. But because every time there were guests, they would eat in a fancier dining room with a longer table and darker atmosphere and Harry would be required to sit at Marvolo's right-hand instead of at the other end of the table. Showed solidarity and status, Marvolo claimed. Whatever it showed, it made Harry nervous.
"Well not all of us," Davis amended. "I think it's just Draco, Theo, Daphne, and Pansy who are having to stay for dinner."
"Lucky them," Harry gave a shark-like grin. A few of them gave weak chuckles and Harry rolled his eyes. This was going to be misery and Harry was definitely going to give Marvolo a few words. Finally, he sighed, wiping a hand across his still sweaty forehead. "Well, since my training has been brought to an abrupt end, I have about three hours before my dueling practice. Anyone else hungry?" He moved to grab his shirt and robes while he cast a quick cleaning charm at himself. Slipping on his shirt, a nice loose-fitting style to match his pants; he toed on his boots while he buttoned up the shirt. Thankfully it was short-sleeved but it was still too hot for an over robe, even with cooling charms.
"I'm hungry," the short fat one, Crabbe, chimed up. Harry snorted and shook his head. Goyle was nodding his head in agreement while the other Slytherins rolled their eyes.
"Right. This way," Harry said tucking his robes over his arm and walking away from the bushes. It was still a beautiful day, despite the heat, and he wasn't about to suffer indoors with this lot. So an outdoor lunch was just the ticket and it's not like they would disagree, Harry thought with a smirk. He led the group to an outdoor sitting area, Harry remembered Marvolo showing him during the tour all those days ago. "Tobi," he called out as they walked.
"Yes, Master Death Master?" Tobi asked reverently when he appeared at his side.
"Tobi, can you have a lunch prepared at the outdoor patio for myself and my...companions? Something light I think will work wonderfully."
"Of course, Master Death Master! Tobi is being getting youse lunch right away." The tiny elf popped away again and Harry continued on not breaking stride. The entourage behind him remained silent.
The outdoor patio was picturesque as everything was at Slytherin Manor. It was a dark wooden pergola with roses climbing up the legs and over the roof, so it gave a secluded feeling like a natural tent with open spaces serving as windows. And off to the side was a small creek that provided a natural ambiance and background noise. Harry was also pretty sure there were temperature charms surrounding the place because the heat wasn't nearly as noticeable.
Getting to the table, a quaint outdoor set of the same dark wood as the pergola for the legs with a glass tabletop with ten matching cushioned wicker chairs. Seeing as Marvolo wasn't there and Harry was technically higher than the others, he tossed his robes at the convenient coat rack off to the side of the patio and took the head seat feeling just a small amount of trepidation and giddiness. He glanced at the others, all standing around the table looking uncertain.
"Well, take a seat. Or stand if that's how you lot prefer eating," Harry sighed. This was going to be a long day if they were going to stay timid. He would rather be spitting insults than this.
Malfoy took the lead and claimed the seat on Harry's right and the rest followed. Soon Harry was seated at the head with Malfoy, Parkinson, Crabbe, and Goyle on his right and Greengrass, Nott, Zabini, and Davis on his left which left the chair directly opposite him on the rectangular table open. It seemed no one wished to directly oppose him.
There was silence for a moment and Harry debated whether he should be the bigger man and set them at ease. He may be living with the Slytherin Lord and devil himself and trying to embrace that Slytherin side that the Sorting Hat identified back when he was eleven, but he was still a Gryffindor at heart.
Before he could make a decision though, Tobi appeared with plates and food. A large bowl of fruit salad held the center of the table and then there was some pasta salad for the side and then some lightly seasoned chicken breasts. "It looks delicious, Tobi, thank you."
Tobi's large ears wiggled in delight. "Of course, Master Death Master!" The elf disappeared and Harry occupied himself with filling his plate and the others took his lead.
He chewed his chicken thoughtfully as he observed the Slytherins around the table. They all looked to be sporting varying degrees of nerves and uncertainty but the ones closest to him seemed to hide it better. He was vividly reminded of his meeting at Grimmauld with his friends two days ago, the contrast between the two groups was jarring.
"So, Potter," Malfoy seemed to have taken the reigns for everyone. "Been flying lately?"
Harry smirked. "No, sadly my broom was burnt by my Muggle relatives after my premature departure." Malfoy probably would have visibly deflated if he hadn't been properly trained as he was. "Don't worry though. I've placed an order for a new one and once it's in, I'll be sure to beat you soundly."
Malfoy scoffed and a few of the others snickered. "Hardly. You've won a couple of matches, Potter, it doesn't make you the best."
"Yeah but I've beaten you each time. So what does that say about you?" Malfoy's cheeks pinkened slightly and Harry grinned more. "But don't worry. Your ego will have the chance to grow even more this school year since I won't be there to defend the title."
"You aren't coming back to school?" Greengrass questioned with a frown disrupting her smooth face. Harry glanced at her, he recalled his roommates raving about her beauty and objectively he could agree. Her hair, while blonde, was more honey colored and its curls weren't the unmanageable mess of Hermione's but were wrangled into delicate ringlets. Her eyes were a dark blue that reminded Harry of a summer night sky.
"No, I'm not. Not allowed," Harry shrugged, before stabbing a strawberry. "I'm a bit of a safety risk according to Madame Bones. And apparently, a person can't be a Lord and a student at the same time." Harry watched everyone's eyes flicker to the three rings shining prettily on his hand.
"So what do your friends think about everything?" Zabini questioned, pausing from eating the pasta salad.
"They are fully supportive of me. Who do you think freed me from Dumbledore after all?" Harry chuckled at the raised eyebrows. "They actually realized where I needed to be before I did and they have been nothing but loyal."
"They are willing to go against Dumbledore?" Parkinson asked disbelievingly.
Harry tilted his head and his fingers lightly played with the condensation forming on his glass of water. "Why shouldn't they? It was me they stood beside in the third floor corridor, in the Chamber, against the Dementors, during the Tournament, and then again at the Ministry. Dumbledore might be the Leader of the Light but it is me my friends follow and it is me they hold their allegiance to."
"Bloody hell," Goyle breathed, though Harry barely heard him since he was farther down the table.
"You're acting different," Davis commented shrewdly, her auburn hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that swung with her assessment like a pendulum. "You aren't all innocent and Gryffindorish."
"Yes, you're acting very Slytherin, Potter," Greengrass agreed.
Harry smirked again and leaned back further into his chair. "Want to know a secret?" he taunted and the entire group nodded their heads, looking eager. "The Hat wanted me in Slytherin first."
"Li-You're bluffing again," Malfoy declared, catching his wording just in time, while a few of them had their mouths threatening to dangle.
"Nope, this is actually true," Harry countered with a shake of his head. "It said that Slytherin would help me on the way to greatness. But given that I had already made a friend in Ron and Hagrid who both told me how bad Slytherin was and then I met you which only further proved that point," Harry added with a pointed look at Draco who looked horrified. "I asked it to put me anywhere but Slytherin and the Hat agreed."
The table fell to silence and Harry relished in being able to stun his former classmates so thoroughly. He continued to nibble on the chicken breast because it really was wonderfully well done, while the rest of the table tried to process the latest information.
"Is it true that you taught students Defense last year?" Nott asked suddenly. It looked like he had been sitting on that question for a while.
Harry tilted his head. "Yeah. It's not like we actually learned anything last year, had to learn somehow. You lot should know, you interrupted one of our lessons." Harry mainly glared at Malfoy who did look guilty.
"We weren't actually sure what was happening though," Zabini clarified. "We were told you were smuggling illegal artifacts into the school and preparing to attack with an army."
Harry couldn't stop his eyebrows rising. "Seriously? We were bloody students!"
"It did seem a bit ludicrous, but we couldn't really say no," Greengrass shrugged. "Umbridge would have told our parents that we weren't supporting the Ministry outreach."
Harry frowned at that. He supposed it made sense for why they joined that ridiculous squad. "Yeah, it was just a defense club. We called ourselves Dumbledore's Army mainly as a bit of a joke about that being Fudge's worst fear."
"Would you…." Nott hesitated and glanced at the others at the table. "Our parents weren't happy with our Defense O.W.L. scores. Not that they could blame us with that harpy teaching us nothing. But...would you be willing to teach us a bit?"
"Seriously?"
'Yes, please," Davis continued, leaning further around Zabini's shoulder. "Think of it as us calling in on our favor you owe us. We need to work on our defense and our education has been terrible. How are we supposed to be worthy soldiers of the Dark Lord if we can't do basic defense?"
Her argument was sound and Harry agreed that if it hadn't been for the chaos of his life where he had been forced to learn certain things then he would be just as lost as they were. "Alright." The group blinked at the ease of his agreement. "Yeah, I'll teach you. Or try. I mean there isn't much time left before school starts back. But I'll do what I can. And don't call in your favors," Harry could almost hear a voice that sounded like Marvolo saying how idiotic that statement was because it still left him on the hook. "This is to learn defense, it's a safety issue and I won't have that as a favor. If things weren't tense between the Houses, you would have been able to attend those lessons held last year anyway."
"Thank you," Greengrass said, her smile genuine and mirrored by most of the table.
"Yeah, sure. You want to go after lunch?"
A chorus of 'yes's' followed his question and lunch was finished remarkably soon after that. Slightly bemused, Harry had them follow him back into the house and into the Dueling Room. He tossed his robe off to the side. "Alright, get rid of the over robes. No use for them in here," Harry ordered, tapping his borrowed wand against his palm as he thought. "We are going to start basic," he continued starting to pace a bit while the others shed their outer layer. "I need to see what I'm working with." He summoned the dummies and placed them in a line and wordlessly the Slytherins paired off with a dummy. Harry observed the eight students and silently marveled at how bizarre this all was. He called a dummy for himself. "Right, so first off. Expelliarmus." He demonstrated his almost trademark spell with the precise wand movements for the others benefit and caught the dummy's wand with Seeker reflexes.
He could cast Expelliarmus and many others with ease wordlessly now though. It had been something Marvolo had been drilling him from the start of their training. Harry had mastered it a few days ago.
Glancing over his shoulder at the empty end of the room closest to the door, Harry narrowed his eyes. The back of his neck was prickling like someone was watching. His mind brought up the memory of Marvolo hiding in the library to watch his meeting earlier in the week but for the moment he dismissed it. He was fairly sure he could feel Marvolo's magic once again but he wasn't certain. Even if the man was there though. What did it matter? It wouldn't change what Harry was going to teach.
"Really, Potter?" Malfoy scoffed. Harry turned his attention back to his peers. "Be serious with us. We are asking to be taught real defense."
Harry scowled. "You asked me and I'm teaching. Don't disregard the basics. Expelliarmus is a particular favorite of mine and it's helped me out quite a bit. Including that night in the graveyard. Now. Cast."
Malfoy, Zabini, and Parkinson were grumbling slightly but they did cast the spell just like the others. The results were just as Harry expected and it was similar to how it had been with the DA. The attempts were laughable. "You see my point now. This spell can win you the duel. The moment your opponent no longer has a wand they are defenseless. Unless they are close enough to throw a punch. You disarm them and you win to live another day. Now, Stupefy." Harry demonstrated. Again the attempts were weak and Harry noted some wand movements that needed to be corrected, but they all seemed much more proficient at it. "Right. And Protego." Greengrass and Malfoy were able to hold a weak, flickering, shield but the others had nothing. "Alright. We will focus on those for today. Those are the basics and they need to come the easiest. You need to be able to cast these in your sleep and wordlessly if you hope to survive."
Harry then started walking down the row, coaching them on Expelliarmus first. Working with their wand movements and their pronunciation. He focused a bit more on Crabbe and Goyle who, now that he was interacting with them, reminded him a bit of how Neville used to be. In less than an hour, each of them could disarm, though all of their aims needed work. But Harry felt confident that they would be able to continue on their own.
Stupefy was next and after a few corrections to wand movement, they all took to it pretty well. Apparently offensive was more their style.
Protego was a struggle and Harry admittedly was getting frustrated. "Why does it matter," Parkinson huffed finally. "If you are winning you don't need to shield."
"The offensive is, of course, preferred," Harry conceded, running his hand through his already ruined hair. "But this can save your life. But it's not just your life you need to think about." Harry paused as an idea came to mind. "Greengrass and Davis, give your wands to Malfoy and stand behind Parkinson. Go on." Nervously the two girls did so, handing their wands to Malfoy and went to stand behind their friend. "Nott and Zabini, over here. You three, stand back." Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle stepped back a bit and looked nervous, Malfoy fondled the two foreign wands uncertainly; Parkinson looked anxious.
"Now, Parkinson. You're two friends are defenseless. You need to protect them. You can only do so offensively. You two," Harry continued, turning to Zabini and Nott. "Are going to help me attack them. Don't go easy on them. They are the enemy right now. Imagine them as whoever but don't go easy. Stupefy and Expelliarmus only though. Alright?" The two boys nodded and brought their wands up. "Go." Harry spun quickly and began firing at all three girls. Davis and Greengrass squealed and tried to hide behind Parkinson as she began to fight against all three opponents. She had barely gotten two Stupefys' out when she and her two friends were stunned.
"Enervate," Harry said waking each of them from their stunned state. "A little hard, eh, Parkinson? If this was a battle all three of you would be dead and it would be your fault," Harry said seriously and Parkinson swallowed hard. Harry smirked as he went back to Nott and Zabini. "Now. You can only use Protego." Without warning, Harry sent out a couple cutting hexes at Greengrass and Davis not overly powered so it was really only minor injuries but both girls cried out and clutched at their now bleeding limbs. Davis clutched her right shoulder while her left wrist still bled. And Greengrass fell to the floor with a cut to her right leg and her right elbow was also injured. Parkinson glanced at her friends and turned back to him furiously, her brunette bob swishing madly at the speed, opening her mouth to protest. "Something wrong? Did the enemy not wait until you were ready?" Harry taunted. "Your friends are hurt and wandless, Parkinson. You have three attackers. Last time all three of you died within ten seconds." Without warning, Harry began firing and Parkinson had the shield up almost immediately. Nott and Zabini joined in and the three of them were relentless in their attack. Parkinson lasted two minutes before her shield faltered and all three were stunned.
"Enervate," Harry repeated. When the three girls came too, he smiled at them. "Congratulations. You lasted longer. Two whole minutes as compared to the ten seconds," he said as he started to heal Davis and Greengrass. Another trick he had learned from his sessions with Marvolo, basic healing spells. "In that time help could have arrived and you could have escaped." Harry stood and gestured for everyone to take their positions against their dummies again. Malfoy handed Davis and Greengrass back their wands. "Think of someone you care about. A sibling, a best friend, a parent, hell even just a little First Year who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are behind you right now defenseless and injured and need you to save them. To protect them. They don't need some hero charging wildly, they need someone to stay with them to make sure they stay safe and stay alive. The offensive is a lot harder to manage when you don't just have yourself to think about. Sometimes you just need to hold off the attacker until help arrives. Now. Protect them."
Protego came much quicker to them all with the proper motivation. In fact, Harry was sure that he had never seen a group take to the spell so quickly. Parkinson's shield was near flawless, Harry thought as he watched her cast the spell again and again, holding it longer each time, with such a determined look on her face that he feared for her future opponents.
A slow clap sounded just as Harry was calling the session to a close. Spinning Harry saw Marvolo and other Death Eaters that Harry guessed were parents of the teens he was training because he recognized Malfoys parents, appearing in the room. So he had been right, someone had been in the room, just invisibly watching them. "Wonderful work," Marvolo said easily, ending his slow claps and stepping forward as the Slytherin students all got to their knees and Harry gave him a suffering sigh.
"Glad you enjoyed the show," he replied with a roll of his eyes.
"Of course. Your methods were a bit unorthodox," the man continued. "Rise," he added to the teenagers who stood and looked uncertain in their Lord's presence. "But of course, unorthodox is to be expected with you isn't it?"
"You'll find my picture next to the word in the dictionary," he quipped with a smirk. A twitch of the lips and a lightening of the crimson eyes were his only response.
"What brought this training on?" Marvolo hissed in Parseltongue as he gestured for the teenagers to rejoin with their parents.
"They want to be good little soldiers for you and needed my help due to our lack of education," Harry explained. "I've got a bit of experience in that area," he added with a sardonic chuckle crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"Yes, I'm quite impressed with your work," Marvolo continued in English, he was standing in front of Harry now, talking easily as if they didn't have a very avid audience a few feet away. But like always, with Marvolo near and focused on him, Harry found it easy to block out the rest of the world. "If you chose to stay and remain by my side, I might request you train all of my recruits."
"Your praise is far too much for my humble person," Harry swooned elaborately and gave an overly mocking bow. It allowed him to shrug off how much that offer affected him. The thought of being able to help more people learn how to defend themselves was appealing, but he wasn't about to tell Marvolo that outright. He had loved the DA for that reason and instructing today had been great too.
"Impertinent brat," Marvolo hissed with narrowed eyes but Harry could tell there was no malice held. If anything the man looked more amused than anything, Harry flashed a grin. "Someone is in a good mood."
"Yeah, it's been a good day," Harry admitted, absently twirling his wand. It was a habit he was starting to develop over the past week usually when he was fully focused on something he would twirl it but now it just helps him ease his restlessness. "Oh, don't think I didn't notice how you sent me some little playmates. Trying to get me to start training my own minions are we?"
Marvolo looked perfectly innocent as he replied, "I don't know what you mean. I just thought some people your age might be nice."
"Right," Harry replied with a slight glare not believing that for a second. "And if I got a taste for having little minions in the process it was just an added bonus?"
"It depends, did you?" Marvolo replied with a barely there lifting of the lips.
"Slimy bastard," Harry muttered on his breath, not even caring that it wasn't in Parseltongue.
"Shall we begin your training?" Marvolo continued as though he hadn't heard the insult or detected the lack of heat behind them. "Or are you too tired from your little instructional session?"
The man was moving away now. "I'm all set," Harry said with an easy shrug, still twirling his wand. "Are you?"
The challenge flared in his green eyes and was met by a responding light in the red eyes. "Feeling confident?" Marvolo hummed, calling forth a circle of dummies to completely surround Harry in the center of the room with a flick of his wand.
Harry lowered himself into a better fighting stance and couldn't stop the adrenaline-fueled smirk on his lips. The dummies began firing and Harry blocked out all else. His magic sang and flared in response to the adrenaline coursing through him. It was in these moments that he felt the most alive. The desire to laugh madly filled him a few times but he fought it down. Ducking. Dodging. Blocking. Retaliating. The only thing that existed was spellfire. Hexes and curses shooting from his wand in quick succession.
Along with the occasional hissed commentary from Marvolo in parseltongue about remembering to be wordless and to focus on his aim, nothing else existed for the next hour. If he got stunned, he was revived and given no respite as things started again. When he destroyed one dummy another reformed to take its place.
Panting, Harry wiped the sweat off his forehead with a shaky hand, this had been a rough session. Turning he faced the audience. The emptiness that the exhaustion brought was always welcome. Even the slight sting from the cuts or scrapes he had received from either spellfire or dodging was almost enjoyable. It was comparable to the detached feeling he got from unleashing the icy fire. Now that he wasn't surrounded by dummies he could see the astonished looks on the faces of the Death Eaters and teenagers. "Adequate," Marvolo commented, stepping forward once again.
"Yeah, well it's only been a week," he shot back, too tired to feel upset over the dismissal. He thought he had done very well. He'd had to be revived fewer times than the day before. Marvolo arched an eyebrow and Harry huffed an aggravated sigh. "I know, I know. Any hit is a kill hit." They'd had this conversation multiple times. That any hit was a bad hit and that just because he was a Necromancer didn't mean he was invincible and how he had to make it through these sessions without needing to be revived once.
"Exactly. Glad to see you do listen occasionally," Marvolo replied softly. "As you know dinner will be ready in two hours, you are free until then."
Harry quirked an eyebrow at the wording as he summoned his outer robes. "Hm...didn't know I wasn't already free, Marvolo," Harry hissed at him with a glare.
"Don't be difficult," Marvolo hissed back with a sigh.
Harry mock saluted his goodbye to the audience as he spun on his heel to leave. He desperately needed a shower. He'd need to ask Tobi to bring him a Pain Reliever potion but also a Pepper-Up or he wouldn't make it through dinner. Losing himself in the heat of the shower, Harry stayed longer than he probably needed to. He needed to focus again.
Sure he enjoyed teasing Marvolo and enjoyed their banter if it could be called that, but they had never done so in front of others and Harry was slightly worried at what Marvolo would say about that once they were alone again. He needed to refocus for the dinner tonight when he'd be placed at Marvolo's side once again. Merlin, today was a day that he wished for the space of a table between them.
"Thank you, Tobi," Harry called out to the elf upon seeing his desired potions. His towel remained slung around his waist while he drained both vials. "Do you think you could pick out some nice robes for dinner tonight? There will be a lot of Marvolo's followers in attendance and I want to make a good impression. Not overly fancy though," he clarified as he grabbed a guidebook and his seat.
"Of course, Master Death Master," Tobi chimed and went to the closet. Harry focused on the text before him. It was the guidebook to controlling his magic and pulling Life to him and identifying Life in the beings around him. He had read through it already but a third time never hurt. He needed to master this aspect before anything else could happen.
Tapping at his window had him looking up in confusion. He didn't remember sending Hedwig out for a flight. He had been using Dobby and Kreacher to deliver notes to and from his friends. But there was his beautiful familiar a Ministry letter in her beak. Opening the window, he let Hedwig in and relieved her of her letter. "Here you go, girl," Harry said, holding out some owl treats. "I guess you knew I had some mail, eh?" Hedwig gave a soft hoot in confirmation before flying to her perch.
Glancing at the envelope bearing the Ministry seal, giving it a quick scan detection for any malicious spells, Harry opened the envelope and saw a small personal note sticking out. It was from Madame Bones.
Lord Potter,
In regards to our conversation at Gringotts, I conducted my search for your O.W.L results. Attached is your results, might I add congratulations for your scores. Unfortunately, the investigation as to who hindered the sending is still in progress.
Again, I give my condolences that you will be unable to attend Hogwarts this year. If you have any questions in regards to private N.E.W.T testing or about the Wizengamot and your Lordships, know that you can call upon my person.
Best Regards,
Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
"Tobi," Harry called out, putting the personal note on his desk. "Remind me to write a Thank You letter to Madam Bones first thing in the morning."
"Yes, Master Death Master."
Turning his attention back to his O.W.L results, Harry flicked open the heavy parchment with slight nerves tickling his stomach. He quickly scanned the introductory passage, blah blah blah… "Ah ha," he called out to his empty room when he finally got to his own scores. Outstanding in Defense, he thought proudly. Exceeds Expectations in Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, and Care of Magical Creatures. Acceptable in Astronomy, Poor in Divination, and Dreadful in History of Magic.
Overall it wasn't bad, though Harry felt a little disappointed that he wasn't able to get an Outstanding in Charms and Transfiguration. He wouldn't have been able to take N.E.W.T. Potions if he was returning to Hogwarts, so his former dream of becoming an Auror would have been ruined, Harry thought absently. Not that he was very disappointed with that, his life was taking an entirely new direction and Auror just didn't fit anymore. Plus, he hated Potions and still wasn't sure how to address the whole Snape issue. Who was the Potions' Master actually working for? Luckily he hadn't run into the man in the manor yet, so it gave him time to decide for now.
He would need to start studying for his N.E.W.T.s though even if he was taking them privately, Harry thought getting his thoughts back on track. He wondered if he could take some O.W.L classes as well. Runes had been mentioned multiple times in the journals and Harry knew there was a guidebook dedicated to the ones that affected Necromancy. Maybe he could pick that subject up. And while he was at it, why not Arithmancy too? Hermione would definitely be pleased.
Subjects to Study, Harry scrawled out on some spare parchment as he sank into his desk seat. His mind focused on the topic.
Charms - NEWTs
Transfiguration - NEWTs
Defense - NEWTs
Runes - OWLs and NEWTs
Arithmancy - OWLs and NEWTs
He looked over his list. He thought it was a decent amount considering he'd also be mastering Necromancy and taking down Albus Dumbledore.
"Master Death Master," Tobi's voice cut through his thoughts and he turned to look at the elf by his knee. "It is being time to being dressed for dinner."
"Thank you, Tobi," Harry said, replacing his quill and standing. Time to focus on the next task at hand. Harry dropped the towel around his waist and went to his bed where he saw the robes that Tobi had laid out. Pulling on some slacks and light blue button up, Harry then shrugged into the dark blue outer robe that dipped a bit in the front to accent the light blue shirt underneath. The material felt wonderful and looking in the mirror, Harry saw that it looked great too. "Let's do this," Harry sighed, giving an unnecessary tug at his sleeve.
Luckily, he no longer needed a guide and was able to easily make it to the formal dining room. Walking in, Harry noticed that he was the last one. Raising his head high, he took it all in stride pretending to enjoy making an entrance though really the eyes on him made him anxious. It was like walking into the Great Hall after he had outed himself as a Parseltongue or after his name came out of the goblet.
As he walked to his seat, Harry took note of the people at the table. To the left of Marvolo sat Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, Parkinson, her father, with the Lestrange brothers finishing it off. Next to Harry on Marvolo's right sat Avery, followed by Greengrass's father, Greengrass, Nott, Nott's father, and another higher ranking Death Eater that Harry didn't recognize, though he was pretty positive it was Travers. Harry was once again grateful that Marvolo seemed to be taking his threat literally and was keeping Bellatrix far away.
The table was silent as Harry took his seat and then the elves began bringing out the food. It was pasta, probably one with some fancy Italian name he couldn't pronounce, with a white sauce and it looked delicious. Wine glasses filled; another new thing that only occurred when they had guests. Harry was beginning to suspect that Marvolo wasn't an actual fan of alcohol, or at least wine since the man only had a few sips a meal, but apparently Marvolo thought that if he had to suffer the pureblood etiquette niceties of drinking it then so did Harry. Not that Harry was complaining because he wasn't actually against the taste of wine, though he was more curious about firewhiskey.
"Term begins in just about two weeks," Marvolo began, smoothly leading the conversation after a few minutes of quiet eating. "What N.E.W.T subjects are you four planning to pursue?"
The four Slytherin students obviously hadn't been expecting to be addressed during the conversation and so looked startled momentarily before Malfoy responded. "I plan on taking Defense, Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, and Arithmancy, My Lord," the blonde gave a respectful bow of his head as he spoke as well.
"My Lord, I intend on taking a similar course load," Greengrass continued. "Though I wish to take Runes instead of Potions."
"I will take Potions, Herbology, Charms and Transfiguration, My Lord," Parkinson chimed in, looking a little pasty at speaking up.
"I will be pursuing Defense, Potions, Arithmancy, Charms, and Runes, My Lord," Nott said, nervously twisting his fork in his fingers.
Marvolo didn't speak for a moment and Harry knew it was just to make the other occupants of the room tense, though he just found it amusing. Marvolo caught his eye and Harry sent him a knowing look to which a slight lip twitch was his response. Harry suddenly had the desire to get a full smile out of the man though the sudden desire was bizarre and shocked him so much that he almost dropped his fork. Luckily, no one was focused on him and he quickly took a large sip of the wine.
"Admirable subjects," the Dark Lord finally said. "I'm sure those, along with your additional training with Lord Potter over the breaks, you will become highly valued and worthy followers and supporters of the Dark Side."
Harry blinked in surprise at his inclusion. He was going to continue teaching them? He had figured it would be a couple of lessons before school started not during breaks as well. Would he even still be here for those? Harry wasn't sure and wasn't sure how to respond either.
The four students swelled in pride. "We only wish to become worthy followers, My Lord," Nott responded. Harry withheld from rolling his eyes.
"Potter," the unknown Death Eater next to Nott's father began only to falter at a pointed look from Marvolo. "Lord Potter," the man clarified after clearing his throat. "It is my understanding that you will not be returning to Hogwarts. Do you intend to still take N.E.W.T.s privately or are you satisfied with mere O. ?"
Harry was fairly certain he was being insulted in that statement but it wasn't very well done. Harry gave an innocent smile. "It is true I will not be returning to Hogwarts in September," he began before turning to Marvolo. "It's admirable to see your Death Eaters being so invested in what your allies do with their time. Dedicated even to topics that don't concern them." The unknown Death Eater flushed slightly. "To satisfy your craving for gossip though, I'll enlighten you," Harry continued easily. "I am satisfied with my O.W.L results, though that doesn't mean I will not pursue my studies further. In time I hope to add another two O. to my list. I'm looking forward to the freedom of independent N.E.W.T. study." Harry glanced at the members of the table and they all were staring at their plates but obviously listening eagerly and Marvolo's gaze was firmly on him and it made him feel odd. "What careers are you aiming for?" Harry continued turning the conversation back to his former classmates, dismissing the Death Eater without a further glance. He was curious about wizarding jobs having not heard about much besides the basics and he thought it would give him a better insight into his new Slytherin companions because apparently, he would be seeing a lot more of them.
"I plan to work in the Ministry, Potter," Malfoy replied. "Which department remains to be seen but Unspeakable would be preferred."
Marvolo stiffened, which admittedly was impressive since he already sat ramrod straight, and looked harshly at Malfoy and Malfoy shrank back from the look. "There has already been one reminder tonight about addressing my ally properly, must I make my declaration more clear?" The man fingered his wand pointedly.
"Oh, no, it's alright," Harry interjected quickly. "I gave my former classmates permission to address me as just Potter."
Marvolo glanced at Harry and he sensed the anger building in those eyes but he knew it wasn't directed at himself or even Malfoy, at least not directly. Somehow Harry knew that Marvolo was incensed on his behalf in regards to the apparent lack of respect he was receiving. "While you may have given them leniency, they must remember themselves in proper company."
"Yes, My Lord, forgive me, My Lord," Malfoy rushed out. "It will not happen again." Harry ignored the flash of gratitude in all three Malfoy's eyes at his hurried explanation. He just didn't like seeing people needlessly tortured, that was all.
The table fell to uneasy silence and Harry hated it, it was like a meal suffered through at the Dursleys. "An Unspeakable does sound intriguing," he began, drawing eyes to himself once again as he focused on twirling his pasta around his fork. "I didn't get a chance to observe much when I visited that Department earlier this summer," he would fully admit that the nervous flinches from the adults and the glare from Marvolo at this casual reference amused him more than it should have, "but what I did see showed that it was certainly a place worthy of bright minds. What are the rest of you wishing to do?"
"I'd also like to work in the Ministry, Lord Potter," Nott began looking timid but his voice was even. "Whether in the Department of Magical Education or in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, I'm undecided."
"I'm interested in a researching profession, Lord Potter," Greengrass said from her place beside Nott. "I find ancient and complex magic fascinating. I feel an Unspeakable would suit me well in this endeavor but I'd like to keep my options open."
"Given that I am undertaking an ancient magic myself, I can share your passion for such a career. I can't speak much on the topic but I'd be happy to say what I can in order to help you pursue your research." Greengrass looked like he had just given her every Christmas present imaginable and Harry gave her a kind smile. He really was interested in helping people, no matter how it was done. "I have a friend, who I'm sure you know who I am referring, who would also be an invaluable resource in regards to research." Now Greengrass looked contemplative but didn't look disgusted at the idea of approaching Hermione. Maybe learning that his friends had gone against Dumbledore was helping their perceptions?
Harry finally turned to look at Pansy who looked oddly embarrassed but spoke after an annoyed nudge from her father. "I've always found being a Healer to be an interesting pursuit, Lord Potter," she said quietly.
Harry was confused at the looks of disdain appearing on several members faces. "A Healer? An aspiration for the weak," the Death Eater at the end of the table sniffed. "No stomach for a fight, eh? Rather stand back and hide while the rest of us do all the work? "
"I actually find being a Healer to be an admirable career," Harry cut in harshly, glaring at the man at the end of the table once again, though in his peripherals he saw that a few of the other adults seemed to hold a similar opinion but were smart enough not to speak out. "What's your name?"
The man seemed put off by the change of topic. "Thomas Travers, Lord Potter."
"Travers, right, so saving lives is for the weak? I bet you won't think so next time your life is in the hands of one. What is weak about literally being the reason someone lives or dies? You could win a fight but be badly injured. What's the point of winning if you die due to injuries just a few hours later. Healers deserve the utmost respect for what they have seen and done. Sometimes a hospital is far more gruesome than any battlefield. Also, being a Healer requires a precise hand and coolness under pressure, the exact qualities desired in any fighter. It also requires intelligence, which is obviously something that you lack. People always do put down that which they cannot do themselves."
The man, Travers, was fuming now and had his wand out but at a quick glance to Marvolo remained seated. "I do find myself in dire need of Healers," the Dark Lord commented softly. "I currently only have one spread amongst all of my followers. Lord Potter is right that there is no use of winning if you cannot live to enjoy it. Another Healer will be needed in the times ahead."
Dinner continued from there but Harry didn't participate in any conversation that arose, he was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. The events of the day were compounding with the energy spent holding a conversation with an idiot. However, he remained straight backed and poised and allowed his eyes to flicker to whoever was speaking though he didn't process the words said. It was just the adults talking now anyway.
After what seemed like ages, dessert was cleared away and Marvolo stood gracefully, an indicator for everyone that the meal was over and they were also free to leave. Hoping for a quiet getaway, Harry gave a polite nod to Marvolo and slipped out of the dining room doors. Some tea and an early night sleep was just what he needed.
Luck was not with him at all that night though because just as he was reaching the grand staircase, a voice called out to him. With a sigh, Harry turned to see Parkinson trailed by Malfoy, Nott, and Greengrass a few feet away. "Yes, Parkinson?"
"Potter, I just," she began and stopped, her fingers twisting before she took another deep breath and raised her head to meet his eye. "I wanted to thank you for what you said about Healers."
"It was the truth. Healing is a noble profession and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot," Harry leaned now against the bannister and glanced past the brunette Slytherin at the three behind her.
"I agree, but that isn't how it's viewed by many in our circle. It isn't a proper career path for a Pureblood heiress. Even Daphne wanting to do research is frowned upon."
"Why? What do they expect you to do?" Harry asked confused as the other three came in line beside Parkinson.
"Marry and have children," Greengrass huffed, looking very cross at the idea.
Harry rolled his eyes at the archaic way of thought. "Then they need to get out of the Dark Ages. Seriously. Look, Parkinson, if you want to be a Healer than be a Healer. It is honorable and rewarding but also very hard and definitely not for the faint of heart. And based on how well you did with your shield work today I can tell that you are very influenced by protecting and saving others. Just the motivations a Healer needs. Voldemort even said that he needed Healers so you know you'll have a place to serve him."
Parkinson oddly seemed to swell with pride at his words and not just the bit about serving Marvolo. It was an odd feeling to have caused that sensation of pride in another and Harry found he liked it.
"Did you mean what you said?" Greengrass interjected.
"You'll have to be more specific."
"About you telling me about your Necromancy for my research and how I should reach out to Granger."
"Yes," Harry replied without hesitation. "Like I said at dinner. I can't divulge everything but knowledge should be shared. Ignorance leads to fear, as seen by the minimal information about Necromancers leading people to believe horrible things. It's something I want to change and documentation and research will go along way for that. And yes, Hermione would love a research partner. You'd be surprised at how adept that girl is in a library," Harry chuckled and the Slytherins smiled weakly. "And remember, she is siding with me. They've all told me that they will willingly join the Dark if that is what I decide. Even if I don't I'm sure you'll be seeing more of each other, so might as well make friends with them."
Greengrass nodded and so did the others. "Right. But still I-"
"Greengrass," Harry sighed.
"Daphne," she cut him off.
"What?"
"Call me Daphne."
Harry eyed her for a moment before nodding. "Deal, then you can call me Harry. But just not in front of Voldemort or the other Death Eaters, it seems."
"Pansy," Parkinson added with a nervous smile.
"Pansy," he replied with an answering smile.
"I go by Theo," Nott said standing just behind the two girls.
"It looks like this is really happening," Malfoy sighed before stepping forward and holding out his hand. "Draco."
Harry looked at the outstretched hand and had a momentary flashback to the start of First Year when he had rejected the same mans handshake. Were they friends now? Harry wasn't sure if he would go that far but they would be interacting together more and he had agreed to let others use his first name. Maybe it was time to really put the past five years behind them. They were on the same side now after all…temporarily. Harry glanced up into Draco's light blue eyes and realized that the blonde was having similar thoughts and memories swell up as well.
"Harry," he finally said, grasping the hand and shaking it firmly. Draco smiled and Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the solemnity that had descended upon them. "Well, this has been great but I'm off to bed."
"Right, sorry for you keeping you," Theo chuckled backing away with the others. "We'll see you tomorrow for more training."
"I'll be here," Harry quipped, raising a hand to wave briefly before continuing his journey up the stairs to his room.
Sleep was desperately needed now.