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!
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! This chapter is a bit fluffier than others and it might be too much. Maybe? I don't know, maybe it's not fluffy at all and I just felt like it was. Let me know if it's too much. It's pretty much just Harry and Marvolo talking. And also Harry talking with Death again.
Shout out to Altair_Nocturne for the primary school suggestions. I didn't use all of them but I tried to address them all. Also, they pointed out to me that I was mixing up Dumbledores' title, confusing Supreme Mugwump of the ICW and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. So apologies, but really blame Dumbledore for having so many titles. I've gone back to fix those.
Also, Ericaldrius, thanks for the reminder about the Author Notes needing updating. I obviously have things more firmly decided now so I don't need to keep the polls in the notes. I can't go all the way back to the beginning chapters but I'll update the recent ones.
Another thing, in case anyone notices and is concerned, yes I have changed my username. It works better with the writing career I'm attempting to start.
Again, your reviews keep me going and I really appreciate all of the support I've been receiving. I've been writing this story for a little over a year now and cannot believe the interest it's acquired. Thank you again!
As You Say
The meeting soon turned into a stilted and tense dinner, where Harry attempted to remain the professional Faction Leader and be jovial and amicable, carrying on conversations with everyone while enjoying the perfectly cooked fish and vegetables. He found it hard to converse with Madeline Brocklehurst as if nothing had happened though; like she hadn't made her distaste for something he felt so strongly about evident; like she hadn't just condemned him in the same generalizing comment. And he knew he didn't do a good job and that he spoke coldly to her anytime he did address her. Though he did take vicious pleasure from her paler face and nervousness over having wronged him. Needless to say, he was glad when the green flames swallowed him up and he was stumbling out into Marvolo's office, bracing himself on the couch armrest.
With a sigh, Harry flopped onto the couch and ran a hand through his hair. "I take it the meeting didn't go well?" Harry glanced up at the smooth, deep voice. Marvolo sat at his desk, quill in hand, and obviously in the middle of writing something.
"Yes? No? I mean, I got interest in the school. So that's a positive. But the Dark Creatures...I met some resistance. Lady Brocklehurst made her distaste in all Dark Creatures very evident but when I pointed out that I was one she shut down immediately. Lady MacDougal might be against Dark Creatures too but I'm not fully sure. It's near impossible to read that woman."
"You can't expect immediate agreement. The simple-minded are bred with their prejudice and it is exceedingly difficult to change them."
"But it's wrong! How can people be so okay with such blatant discrimination? They are people! They are living beings and they deserve the same rights," Harry fumed, standing and beginning to pace the carpet in the office, not paying much attention to the dark green swirls woven on the plush cream-colored carpet. "A council of all the races would make the most sense. Everyone would get a say and it would be fair. Why can't people see that?"
"Make them see it," Marvolo replied, attention turning back to the documents he had been working on.
Harry huffed and continued to pace. "Tiberius is setting up a meeting with some of the Dark Faction in three days."
"Who will be invited?"
"I think he said Nott, Yaxley, and Avery. It's to talk to them about the school. Apparently, I need a co-sponsor from each faction."
"I'm certain they will be suitably invested in the cause," Marvolo said blithely and Harry couldn't help but smirk a little.
"The day after that I'm supposed to meet with the Light Faction. I'm more concerned with them. I'll have Madam Bones with me and as far as I know, it will be Madam Longbottom, Lady Abbott, and Lord Macmillan. All parents of kids I went to school with and who were in the DA with me. Hopefully, that will give me some sway with them."
"You'll learn that any interaction and connection can be worked to your benefit."
Harry sighed and flopped back onto the couch. It was obvious by the way Marvolo was still writing that they wouldn't be going to the library and so Harry contented himself with staying in the Dark Lords office instead and called for Mimsy to bring them their after-dinner tea. When the elf returned with the tray, Harry absently fixed them both a cup and brought Marvolo's tea to him, placing it on an empty corner of the desk.
"I didn't poison it unless you don't trust your own elves," Harry quipped when he saw Marvolo frozen and staring pointedly at the teacup. Red eyes flicked back to him before returning to the teacup.
"I am unaccustomed to another making my tea," the man said instead and took a hesitant sip. There was no scathing comment and Marvolo simply took another sip.
"So you won't believe what happened at the start of the meeting," Harry said after a few minutes of silence broken only by the scratch of a quill. Marvolo made an inquisitive humming noise but didn't speak nor did he look up from his parchment. "Everyone was trying to set me up with their daughters."
"Oh." Marvolo stopped writing now but didn't look up.
"Yeah, can you believe it? They kept telling me all about how great Mandy was or Addy or Susan or Morag. How they would be just so perfect as my future Lady. It was a bit overwhelming. Plus, I mean I was in the same year as all of them but Addison so I already knew what great and nice people they were."
"It is not out of the ordinary for Faction members to arrange marriages for alliances."
"Yeah, that's what Tiberius said," Harry nodded in agreement and took another sip of tea, able to embrace the hilarity of the occasion now that it was over.
"How did you respond?" Marvolo asked after the silence had stretched and he hadn't continued writing.
"Oh, I said I only wanted to marry for love, not some political alliance. Obviously," Harry chuckled.
"Yes, obviously," Marvolo replied thickly and Harry stared at him quizzically. He hadn't expected Marvolo to burst into laughter but he had expected some dry and witty quip about the idiocy of the masses or something. Certainly not the bland and even-toned reply he got.
"Yeah...obviously," Harry repeated slowly, staring at Marvolo some more. The man was writing again and Harry wondered if he was actually bothering the man with his nonsense gossip. He supposed Marvolo was actually working on something of importance, maybe that was the reason for the disinterest. "They even tried offering their sons. Can you believe that? I mean, I thought political marriages were for heirs and what not. Do wizards not learn about biology?" Harry laughed, hoping selfishly to gain Marvolo's attention. It was a last-ditch attempt, if he still got no response, then he'd retire for the night knowing Marvolo was just too busy for their nightly chat. It wasn't unheard of but had become a rare occurrence.
Surprisingly he did get a response though and Marvolo looked up to stare at him oddly. "Wizards are capable of having children together through blood adoptions."
"Blood adoptions?"
"Yes. A blood adoption ensures the child in question has their genetic makeup reconfigured to resemble the adopted parents. It isn't commonly used but it allows those of same-sex relationships or those who struggle to conceive to have a biological child."
"Oh," was all Harry could say. He finished his tea in silence and watched Marvolo continue to write. It didn't seem right for someone to make holding a quill so sinfully elegant and regal, but Marvolo did. "I mean a relationship isn't really in the cards for me right now anyway."
"Why do you say that? You are young and socially attractive in regards to influence and power, you also have… pleasing features. I'm quite certain many would leap at the chance to hold your arm."
"I have pleasing features?" Harry repeated slowly before laughing. It was heartening to see that Marvolo seemed to be relaxing again if he was able to make such posh statements. "Thanks, I guess. I mean we can't all look perfect like you but it seems us mere mortals have a chance," Harry joked. "And I mean they would never be my first priority. Not now anyway. You and I have too many plans to fulfill to tolerate another person being a distraction."
Marvolo looked ridiculously smug at hearing this his eyes still trained on whatever he was writing, though Harry noticed he didn't look as tense as before, or maybe it was his imagination. "What are you writing?"
"A response to Fenrir."
"Oh." Harry had the sudden urge to snap Marvolo's quill. A bitter feeling surfaced, the realization that the reason Marvolo hadn't been interested in what Harry was saying was because he was too focused on what Fenrir was saying.
With a childish need to be selfish and distracting, Harry decided to make replying more difficult and thought of something else to talk about to distract Marvolo. It was thoughtless and Harry couldn't explain why he felt this way but he did.
Remembering his thoughts about the etiquette involving waiting to eat for the highest-ranking person, Harry opened his mouth to ask why it was never like that when it was just the two of them. "Hey, Marvolo?" He said looking back at the man at the desk.
"Yes, Harry?" Marvolo asked, looking back up from his letter. No trace of annoyance in the red eyes, his entire demeanor relaxed and calm.
"Nothing...nevermind. Forgot my question. I'm actually going to pop off to bed. Long day tomorrow after all."
"Right, of course. Good night."
"Night, Marvolo," Harry said with a smile before leaving the office.
Laying in bed, Harry sank into the newest revelation. He and Marvolo were equals. Completely and truly equals. Marvolo had said it before and Harry had been insisting on it but it was in that moment in the office that it really struck Harry. No one else ever got to just chat with Marvolo, no one else got to witness him change from Marvolo to Voldemort and back. Hell, no one else got to call him Marvolo and argue and yell at him. No one else got to see the Dark Lord so relaxed or allowed to just sit in his office and watch him do meaningless paperwork.
Fenrir didn't get to live here. Fenrir didn't get to talk to Marvolo every night by the fire. And Harry bet Fenrir didn't know how Marvolo liked his tea.
Marvolo saw him as an equal.
The warmth that flooded his entire being at that revelation had Harry kicking the covers off with his heart racing, a giddy smile on his face. It was an amazing feeling to realize the amount of trust and respect that Marvolo showed him every single day and night. How had he not realized this sooner? How could their alliance be anything but permanent after this? Marvolo trusted him and Harry trusted Marvolo.
There wasn't even a shred of doubt or hesitation at this thought. Sure, he still didn't agree with everything Marvolo was doing and the man still made him infuriated sometimes. But Harry still trusted him.
Smug smile on his face and contented warmth filling his chest, Harry drifted to sleep.
Standing in front of the solid white oak door once again in just the overly large shirt, Harry didn't feel the same anxiety as he had the month before. He still felt some flickers of nerves at the thought of meeting Death again but it wasn't unfamiliar this time around and that relieved a great majority of the tension.
Nodding to Marvolo once again, Harry stepped into the empty white room with the charcoal marking and took his seat. Breathing deeply, Harry wordlessly and wandlessly lit the candles and began to call out to his Master with his magic. The room darkened as the candlelight turned into burning white pillars stretching to the ceiling and the temperature became colder. Goosebumps prickled his skin and Harry forced himself not to shiver as he watched the darkness congeal into a humanoid form and then dissipate to fill the entire room.
"Master," Harry said breathlessly.
"My Child," the layered voice echoed through Harry's head. "You have done well."
"Thank you. I tried to do as you say in Claiming the Unworthy." In fact, Harry had been out again twice this week with his Guard and the Weasley Twins, to make up for not having time to go during the weekend, and Claimed another two sleaze bags. Harry was pretty certain even their Life felt greasy as he called on it but he could be just imagining it.
"Your power grows stronger. Even now the potential you held a moon cycle ago has increased."
"That— that's good, right?"
"Yes. Already I can sense you becoming my most powerful Child." Harry felt immensely proud at this statement and also incredibly nervous at that amount of expectation, the combination made him nauseous.
"Am I strong enough to speak with the dead yet?"
The darkness pulsed slowly in what Harry could only attribute to being thoughtful. "Yes, Child. You are ready. But it will not be tonight." Harry held his breath to keep the giddy excitement contained. "In half a moon cycle it will be the time." So the next Full Moon, Harry translated for himself.
"Yes, Master. Thank you," Harry breathed out, his stomach fluttering at the thought of seeing his parents and Sirius once again. There was silence as Harry took many deep breaths to keep himself focused and not get distracted. He focused on the feel of his magic to center him; the steady thrumming, pulsing beneath his skin more raw and wild in the presence of his Master. Death pulsed, filling the room and snapping back into a humanoid shadow. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Harry finally asked.
"Continue your Claiming of the Unworthy but you may Claim others now as well, the Innocent, the Sick, and the Warriors. Prepare to make your first Claim in my name, the time is coming soon."
"Do you know who it will be?" Harry doubted Dumbledore would be his first but Bellatrix or Umbridge?
"You will learn soon. Another will soon be added to your list, one lurking in the shadows and means you harm."
"What? Who?"
"You will see."
Harry huffed. "Wouldn't it be better to tell me now and I deal with them before my life is in danger?"
"No."
Harry ground his teeth at the simple answer. "Why not?"
"It is not your place to learn of things to come. Life and Death are not handled in the future they are handled in the present."
"You told me the names of the other three you wanted me to Claim."
"They had already committed crimes against you. No crimes have been committed yet."
"Right, I guess I'll keep a lookout then," Harry said sourly. "Any hints?"
The pulsing slowed. "One of your partners trusted."
"My partner?" Harry spluttered, the heat flooding his face counteracting the chill in the air. "You mean Marvolo? He's not— We're not— it's just a temporary alliance. Well, I guess not so much anymore. I planned on talking to him about making it permanent but that doesn't mean anything. We're just allies. Friends. Nothing….nothing more," Harry finished, lamely cutting off his rambling.
The darkness pulsed slowly before briefly flickering rapidly like an amused chuckle after a long thought. "As you say," Death finally said.
"Yes, it is. And alright, I'll keep an eye on the Death Eaters I guess." Harry shook that thought aside for right now, if he started sorting through which Death Eaters seemed to dislike him he'd sit there all night. "Do you approve of my plans?" Harry asked after a minute. The sudden need for Death's approval on the changes he wished to make trumped all other thoughts. "I mean in regards to equality among Dark Creatures and humanity and those with magic and males and females and...do you approve?"
"You are on your proper path. As I said, you are the balance between Light and Dark. You represent both sides and no side. If creating an equal Life for all is what you determine as the best course of action then it is the best course of action. You are my Child. You have my approval in all your actions."
"Really?" Harry felt like a pleased little kid soaking in the praise of a parent and resisted the urge to puff out his chest with pride. Before another thought crossed his mind. "What if I stop doing what you want? What if I just take all this power and do what I want?"
"Then you will no longer speak for me and you will ceasing being my Child." His blood turned to ice in his veins and he swallowed hard. "There are two ways for a Child of mine to be Claimed. The first is to no longer follow my path and succumb to human greed and ambition. The second is to ask."
"Ask?"
"It has been explained to me by your ancestors that when those you surround yourself with pass on, it is typically their wish to join them as well and not live a solitary Life."
"Yeah, I would agree," Harry said softly. "Have you had to Claim any of my ancestors because of the first reason?"
"Yes. You are my ninth Child, there have been three who turned from my path: Alcott, Antioch, and Cadmus." Harry recalled Alcotts' journal briefly there had only been one, the man hadn't been a Necromancer for very long and he supposed this explained why. "Antioch, Cadmus, and their brother Ignotus were the first to be my Children at the same time. In honor of their achievements in my name, I gifted them with items of immense power. Antioch and Cadmus tainted my gifts, succumbing to their baser human emotions and for this I Claimed them. Ignotus though, he remained loyal and he eventually asked for me to Claim him after the passing of his wife."
"So the wand, stone, and cloak are real?" It had been mentioned in the brothers' journals but hearing it actually confirmed by Death helped.
"My gifts, yes. My cloak is in your possession, as it has been in the possession of all those of the Ignotus line. The wand and stone are still lost. You must retrieve them. Reunite them. Only then will you fully learn how powerful you can be in my name."
Harry wasn't certain how powerful he really wanted to become, that had never been his desire, but he didn't think he had much choice but do as Death said. "Do you know where they are?"
"The wand is possessed by the Tainted Light. The stone has been hidden by your partner."
"Marvolo has it? Why?"
"During his past attempts to avoid me, he committed many serious crimes; violating Life. Your next task is to repair this damage."
"What attempts did he make?"
"The splitting of his soul." Harry felt sick and it was only sheer willpower that stopped him from throwing up in front of Death.
"How do I fix this?"
"You will know when the time comes. Already he has been partially healed. This task will not come to pass for many moon cycles to come, however."
"You have a lot of faith in me for just knowing these things," Harry griped.
"You are my Child. You will know."
Harry sighed. He wondered what people would say if they realized how infuriating Death could be. "Of course, Master," he finally said. "How soon do you think it will be before I can start helping other people talk to the dead? And is there a time frame of when the person dies to when they can be contacted?"
"You will be allowed to start shortly after your first communion. A week cycle is needed before those who have been Claimed can commune with the Living."
Harry nodded. He had already decided who he wanted to help first, he only hoped they would agree to it. "Do people retain the same mental state when they are Claimed as when they are Living?"
Death pulsed slowly and Harry couldn't help but hold his breath in anticipation. "Those Claimed are no longer plagued by the pains and sufferings as during Life.
It wasn't the perfect guarantee he hoped for but he'd take it. "Is there anything else you wish of me?"
"Not at this time. Prepare yourself for your first communion with those on the other side. I shall speak with you again then."
"Yes, Master. Thank you." Harry bowed his head once again and Death faded away, the candles returned to small flickers of flame, and the chill dissipated.
Once again, the exhaustion hit him hard and Harry struggled to his feet. Each step felt like his legs were filled with lead. He even ended up crawling to his bed after he reached his room.
When he woke, Harry once again found himself physically and magically drained. Yawning, he dragged his feet to the shower and stayed under the hot water for far longer than necessary. After the last meeting with Death, Harry had made a point to purchase clothing of comfort and he was glad he did. The heather grey hoodie and track pants were soft and gentle against his skin and soothing to his aching body. He'd had to ask Dobby to get them for him since Tobi, Kreacher, and Mimsy all refused to dress him in such substandard clothing. And even then, Dobby only purchased one set.
Before heading to the library, Harry went to the calendar he had started using. The various color-coded meetings and activities were starting to fill up the days but Harry enjoyed seeing it. It reminded him of how busy he was and he'd never really liked having nothing to do. But now, he was busy searching for the next Full Moon. Smiling eagerly, he grabbed his quill and quickly wrote in his newest appointment: October 26, Speak with Parents.
Satisfied, he grabbed his quill and parchment and ordered Tobi to bring his food to the library and left his room. Harry had only just sat down in his favorite armchair and in the process of pulling the tray of hearty stew and sandwiches closer when Marvolo swept into the room.
The sight of the flawless face and statuesque posture brought a smile to his lips before he recalled what Death had said about Marvolo violating Life and splitting his soul and the smile fell away. Marvolo settled into the opposite seat and nodded his head in silent greeting. The red eyes shining in the fading light of sunset enveloping the library in a soft glow. Had the red eyes been a price Marvolo had paid in his crimes? How should he approach the issue? Death had said he would know when the time was right and exhausted as he was, Harry didn't think now was that time.
So at that moment, Harry decided to push the thoughts aside for now and focus more on the present and the more immediate issues on his plate. Death had decreed him befriend Marvolo during the first meeting and last night he had called Marvolo his partner. It was obvious that Death approved of their friendship and dwelling on something that he could not fix at the moment would not help matters. Besides, apparently, some of the violations had already been healed and so it wasn't critical. Harry willed himself to forget the issue for now.
"You didn't attend dinner," Marvolo commented.
"Well, last time you had your minions with you and I didn't want to deal with them. I figured it'd be the same today."
"I had them accompany me for lunch. I recalled your reluctance in dealing with them after particularly trying events and decided against their attendance for dinner."
"Oh, well thanks for that. Sorry I didn't realize," Harry said flushing and looking back at his stew, dipping a chunk of bread into it.
"Why is it you are dressed as a vagrant muggle?"
Harry scowled. "It's comfy."
"And the food? You do realize my elves are capable of creating the finest culinary creations."
"Yup. I've eaten one or two meals here you know," Harry replied with a roll of his eyes. "Again, I wanted something different. I didn't want fancy and posh. I wanted hearty and homey." Marvolo looked at the stew in distaste. "Hey, don't knock it 'till you try it. When was the last time you just relaxed?"
Marvolo looked indignant, his posture becoming even more straight. "I am the Dark Lord." Harry rolled his eyes and took another bite of stew. "I do not require such careless use of time. I am not afforded the luxury of relaxing like the common miscreants. I rule them, I do not succumb to their mediocre desires. I cannot afford such misuse of time."
"You forget, you aren't a scary Dark Lord here. Right now it's just you and me. Remember me, your ally?" Marvolo looked rather confused at this statement and Harry had the fleeting thought that it was a bit adorable before sighing and taking pity on the man. "Marvolo, relax, and eat the stew."
He spooned a smaller helping of stew into a spare bowl and pushed it across to Marvolo since he didn't have the energy to stand or the magical stamina to handle a simple levitation charm. Marvolo took the bowl and stared at it and after another glance at Harry took the spoon and took a bite. Harry watched Marvolo's face with avid curiosity but Marvolo's face could have been carved from stone for all that he let show. The man took another bite but still stared at the stew as if it was the oddest potion he had ever come across.
"See, it's not so bad," Harry wheedled. "Why do you constantly deal with the fancy and overly posh things anyway? Isn't it just easier to accept some of the simpler pleasures every now and then."
"Simple pleasures do not coincide with my current station of life. I am the Dark Lord, I have wealth and followers and immense power. I have no need to ever settle like a poor orphan child."
Harry hummed in thought and took another bite of stew, tossing the information about in his mind. "Like the poor orphan child you used to be?" he asked softly, worried that he might be pushing things too far again.
"That is one such example," Marvolo agreed stiffly.
"I get that," Harry said, his voice soft in recognition of the weight of their current conversation and acknowledgment of their shared backgrounds. "I'd never really enjoyed things of my own before Hogwarts. Never had clothes that weren't old and worn, never had food that wasn't scraps." Marvolo was watching him now, his gaze intense with a sea of unknown emotions shining through.
"So you understand why I don't feel the need to reminisce over such a life."
"Yeah. But enjoying simple things doesn't mean you are returning to that life. It's you acknowledging that you are above that but choosing to enjoy it anyway. You're eating this stew right now and I bet you kind of enjoy it. That doesn't negate the fact that you are a powerful Dark Lord and it doesn't take away the fancy manor or the expensive clothes. It's a choice that you now have the freedom to make."
A tilted head and faded red eyes were the only response he had and Harry acknowledged that Marvolo was at least thinking about what he said. "How was your meeting with Death?" Marvolo asked instead and Harry allowed the conversation change.
"Good, I guess. Death said I would have another to Claim in his name soon. Apparently one of your minions means me harm. But they never said who."
Marvolo frowned. "I will keep an eye on them to determine who."
"I think it would be easier to determine who actually likes me first," Harry joked. "Oh, and Death said I could finally talk with my parents. He said during the next Full Moon which is just a few days before Halloween actually."
"I am pleased you are being granted this request," Marvolo replied look highly uncomfortable at the thought of Harry speaking to the dead. Or maybe he was just uncomfortable with Harry talking to the parents that Marvolo himself had killed. Personally, Harry wasn't sure how he felt about the matter either and so was firmly not thinking about it.
"And Death approves of my strides in creating a more equal society."
"I was not aware that Death took such an active interest in the political maneuverings of the living."
"Well, I guess it wasn't really that Death supports the concrete ideas but more supports me and whatever it is I deem necessary to create a balance between Light and Dark."
"Speaking of the concrete ideas, you have your meeting with the Dark Faction tomorrow. I have spoken with Avery, Yaxley, and Nott. They are all aware of my approval of the ideas and so will behave accordingly."
Harry nodded. "They can't seem too willing though. Tiberius will be with me and if it appears that they are all just rolling over to agree with me it will look strange."
"I will inform them," Marvolo agreed.
"OK, so mind helping me work on more of the specifics? I want to be able to address any and all of their ideas and concerns that might arise." Marvolo only nodded. "So, it seemed that the subject of teachers and funding were the biggest concerns presented by my Faction but I also want to address the subjects that would be taught."
"Aside from charities and your own accounts, there is not much else you can plan in regards to funding at the moment. It depends on those who decide to co-sponsor you. Donations will also assist you. If need be, I might be inclined to put forth an anonymous donation as well."
"Really!" Harry asked, perking up and staring at Marvolo with a beaming smile. "Thanks. I appreciate that."
Marvolo merely waved a dismissive hand and continued. "In regards to teachers, your Hogwarts Training Program is good but for a permanent basis, what are your thoughts?"
At this point Mimsy delivered the after-dinner tea, clearing away the empty stew bowls and plate of sandwiches. Harry and Marvolo set about preparing their cups before continuing the discussion.
"Well, I figured that tutors would be good," Harry said, nursing the hot porcelain teacup. Stomach full and still exhausted, he fought the wave of drowsiness that swept over him. "I mean they are already teaching kids, it would just be more of them."
"Yes, it would be wise to approach them. Though some are tutors because they don't enjoy dealing with larger quantities of pupils. I would also recommend squibs."
"You are recommending squibs?"
"They are individuals of the magical community, I don't see the reason to not include them. This habit of Purebloods disowning their own family is revolting on many levels."
"Yeah, it is," Harry agreed, voice soft and eyes wide. "I've never understood turning away from family either. But do you think the squibs would want to come to teach? I mean the magical world hasn't exactly been kind to them."
"I feel they will wish to return to their roots. At least the majority will. But you must play to their importance. Stress that we as a magical community need them, that this endeavor cannot be accomplished without them and they will be more inclined to assist. Spite and pride are remarkable motivators."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. And what about the parents? I mean they've been teaching their kids already, so they might be willing to teach others too."
"Actually, most parents relied on tutors to do the instructing. Aside from teaching the finer aspects such as etiquette or family history the rest is tutors."
"Oh." He supposed that made sense. Most of the purebloods were rich enough to afford tutors, aside from the Weasleys. The rest were half-bloods and were probably raised either alongside pureblood ideals or in the muggle education system. "OK, so squibs and tutors. Would werewolves be interested, do you think? I mean Remus was great."
"Many werewolves did not receive the same educational opportunities as your wolf and so do not have much of an education to pass down."
Harry scowled. "That is going to change," he vowed. "There is no need to keep them from basic education. Maybe they could attend the school too?"
"I would not include that idea in the beginning proposition. Politics takes time Harry, you need to practice patience. Things will not change simply because you wish it so. Public perception will take time to change in regards to Dark Creatures. Strive to change things too quickly and you will only face backlash and abject refusal."
Harry sighed and slouched down in his seat. He knew Marvolo was right but he hated it. He hated waiting and being patient and relying on other people. He'd never had good experiences in relying on others, he'd always had to trust in himself to get the job done.
"Well, what about classes?"
"Actually, I'm more curious about your plans regarding the muggle raised. You mentioned a Squad to search them out. What are your plans for them?"
"What do you mean?"
"There are muggleborns with accepting parents. We've already agreed that I will not force children to choose between their parents and magic at such an early age. However, what of the ones who are no longer safe in their living arrangements. You wish to save them but how?"
"I suppose a magical orphanage would need to be created," Harry sighed but he didn't like that idea. He wanted the kids to have a family. "I wish we could just make people adopt them though. I mean you said that blood adoptions made kids biologically part of the family, so why can't people just do that?"
"You cannot force families to accept another."
Harry nodded sadly. He knew that well enough. "But there are so many families with only one kid, wouldn't it be better to at least have a second kid too? Especially the rich pureblood families who can afford it. As disgusting as it is, the whole heir and a spare mentally works with this."
"It is not done because they don't wish to be looked down upon."
"How would adopting a kid be looked down on?"
"They fear others will see it as a weakness that they are unable to have another child and so would rather the allusion that they only wanted one in the first place."
"That's idiotic!" Harry fumed but too tired and sore to actually stand in proper indignation.
"Fear is idiotic," Marvolo countered in a bored voice.
"People need to get over what other people think or don't think and get over perceived weaknesses!" Marvolo sighed and watched Harry with those crimson eyes and Harry looked away. "I know, I know. Easier said than done. I'll figure out a way to change it though."
"I have no doubts to the contrary."
"But I guess until then there will need to be a group home or maybe just make the school a boarding school of sorts. I'd like to think those in the less accepting families are the vast minority, so hopefully, there won't be that many."
"I would start with this, yes. Work on making happy families after I've completed my domination and we won't have to worry about politics," Marvolo said. Harry snorted at that and sent a half-hearted glare in response.
"How do you know that being seen as weak is a reason they don't adopt?"
"I am a skilled Legillimens and I am their Lord. Why should I not use this to my advantage?"
Harry rolled his eyes and decided not to tackle that blatant disrespect of privacy. "Anyway, classes?"
"I recommend focusing on magical theory, this will be more appealing to Hogwarts Professors given that they can focus on the practical quicker."
"Makes sense. A bit of wizard history and tradition, and along with that we can mention the old traditions. Writing with a quill and essay writing too," Harry said, jotting the ideas down on the parchment. "Also math, at least the basic foundations. It will help in Arithmancy too."
"Yes, also a Latin course would be beneficial. So many spells are Latin based, the sooner children grasp the intricacies of the language the better."
"Should we include Runes as a language too, or do you think that is too much for kids?"
"Children should take all opportunities to expand their minds. The more classes they have the less time they have to cause disruptions."
Harry snorted. "What kind of kid were you? The more you restrict a kid the more they are going to act out unless they are afraid. Plus, they are kids. They should be having fun too." Marvolo sniffed and his lips twisted in distaste. "You do know what fun is don't you?"
"I am aware of fun."
"Haven't you ever had fun?"
"I take pleasure from making those around me remember their place below me."
"That's not fun. That's sadistic egotism. Have you really never done anything just for the pure pleasure of it?"
"There is no point in spending energy and time and resources if you do not gain anything in return."
"I'd say you gain sanity by taking a break every now and then," Harry countered, his brow furrowed as he looked at Marvolo in a new light. Sure, Harry hadn't had a great childhood but he'd tried to make the most of it. Naming the spiders in his cupboard and making up stories during his chores, dreaming and hoping some mystical relative would appear and free him from the Dursleys. And then in Hogwarts, he'd had Quidditch or loosing to Ron at chess or just chatting with his friends. Had Marvolo really never had a moment when he wasn't plotting something? Or maybe plotting was Marvolo's version of fun? "What about all those books you read, surely you find that fun."
"Reading is highly enjoyable and a worthy pastime but there is always something to be gained from reading. The knowledge compensates the time and energy spent."
"I guess we can just agree to disagree on that. But we can't force knowledge down the kids' throats. They need to have fun. Maybe a Quidditch Little League? Surprised that isn't already a thing actually. But it would be an outlet and maybe teaching them earlier will help during Hogwarts too."
Marvolo sneered at the suggestion but didn't argue it which made Harry smirk in triumph. A smirk promptly ruined by a jaw splitting yawn. Marvolo let out a soft sigh and stood up. "I think we should retire for the night." Harry pouted a little which he blamed on his fatigue, furious that his own body was betraying him by losing the fight against the exhaustion. He didn't want to go to bed like a child. He wanted to stay right there in the library and enjoy the warmth of the fire and talk to Marvolo. "Come now, little lion, you have a meeting tomorrow and you've just requested I not let my Death Eaters go easy on you. You want to be well-rested if you are going to start changing the world, don't you?"
Feeling petulant, he huffed but did stand. Stretching out his stiff and sore muscles and yawning again, he shuffled past Marvolo. "I hate when you're right."
"As frequent as it is, I would have expected you to grow used to it by now."
"Bastard," Harry griped fondly and sent a smile over his shoulder as he reached the library door. The image of Marvolo illuminated by the dying firelights glow staring after him with the smallest of smiles on his face that could have been a trick of the flickering light and growing shadows, would forever be burned into his mind, making his chest tight and his breath catch. Guess he really did need sleep, Harry mused to himself as the door shut.