7,471Embracing His True Self
Chapter 57
"It came!" Harry said almost bouncing up and down on his bed as he shared the news with Sirius and Remus. The thick padded envelope had thus far remained unopened. The mirror remained aloft due to magic, luckily, otherwise it too would have been bouncing up and down along with a very hyper Harry.
Remus laughed softly, observing the teenager with a deep fondness.
"I don't think I've seen you quite so excited before," Sirius said, his tone a bit wistful, James found it so very easy to get all riled up. Harry was so calm compared to James or even Lily actually. They had tempers that were so easily shattered, given Harry's childhood he couldn't proclaim any surprise that he was reserved. "It's a good look on you." He reassured Harry as he calmed marginally.
Harry chuffed, "I really can't wait to go." he confessed, he hoped he got further than the first round otherwise it would be embarrassing and he'd totally never show his face anywhere again. He'd soundly beaten Bellatrix for goodness sake, if he could do that, surely, he could get through the first round? It would all depend on who he ended up facing as well, the only upside was that nobody knew his fighting style yet.
"Where are you starting and who is it, you're facing first?" Remus questioned, amber eyes alight with deep curiosity, pondering on whether they would know who it was, he was familiar with a few names on the duelling circuit, nowhere near as many as Filius, however, but considering the wizard was a multiple time champion, no surprise there.
Harry scrambled up the bed, ripping off the seal, and dropping it all out on his bed. He took a few moments looking through it all until he got to the schedule. "Oh, first round isn't too far, Ireland." He commented, it was likely very good, would mean he wouldn't be met with boiling heat if they were somewhere exotic or some such.
"Where about in Ireland?" Sirius asked, his godson was going to go far in this tournament he just knew it.
"Apparently we never get the exact location, outside of the fact it's in Dublin," Harry explained with a shrug, "Portkey there, and there's a lot of security, the sheer number of getaways is rather impressive." It had impressed Voldemort, for Merlin's sake, and that was saying something. It had eased him though, just knowing that the competitors were truly kept safe from any and all harm. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to stop a match or attempt to disrupt it to allow the other competitor to win all for money. That was just the start of it, knowing that Harry was there, they'd tightened it even more, and took steps to ensure nobody knew where and when, only one person and he had taken an unbreakable vow never to reveal it.
"It's the way of it," Remus murmured, "Do you need help practicing for the tournament?" he loved teaching, being a professor, he'd done it for only one year but it cemented his belief. He knew he would have taught forever, if he had the chance.
"Sure, I'd like to come and see you properly before I go anyways," Harry said, "Since I'll only be getting in touch through the mirror once I'm gone, except for once or twice." International portkey's were very difficult to get, not to mention incredibly expensive to boot. Well, not expensive to him, the amount of money he had was…just bloody out of this world. He'd never have to worry, not a day in his life even if he lived to five hundred years.
"We'll come and see you a few times," Sirius declared, "We'll be getting tickets as soon as they're available." Considering Harry had his and the portkeys it would be any day now that they were available to purchase by the general public.
"Don't get too many, I have no idea how far I'll get in the rounds," Harry said, warmth suffusing him at the idea that they cared enough to actually come to his matches to watch for themselves.
Sirius scoffed, "Get off! You'll win!" Harry was extremely smart, very talented and impressively magically powerful, recalling the stag that had erupted from his godsons wand when he was thirteen-years-old. Oh, Harry would easily take down anyone put in front of him, he had no doubt he had been training for this, he wouldn't be doing it without such actions.
Harry slowly smiled, "Here's hoping," he knew there was going to be a massive amount of betting going on here, in his home.
"How is Luna doing?" Remus asked, sensing Harry didn't want to continue on that particular conversation. He had never received praise well, not at all.
"Enjoying the rest of her holidays before she goes back to school," Harry replied, "She isn't looking forward to it." Laughing ruefully and shaking his head.
"No, I wouldn't think she would," Remus said sombrely, he was aware of the bullying she was subjected to. He had given the culprits detention when he noticed it, all the while knowing from experience that detentions don't really act as a deterrent for those determined enough. Especially given that people had been allowed to do it far too long. It had stung something fierce seeing what had changed and the gaping chasm that still existed between the students, mostly Gryffindors and Slytherins. Absolutely nothing had changed in that regard in the years he'd been absent from Hogwarts.
"It's not quite so bad now, I sent a few…warnings to those that seemed determined to continue their shit after I left," Harry revealed, a smug smirk on his face, too bad he didn't get to see their faces.
Remus and Sirius stared at Harry speechless at the look on his face, not sure whether to laugh or not.
"Did you find the books you wanted, Remus?" they spoke every day, about absolutely anything that caught their fancy. Never for too long though, twenty to thirty minutes maximum. Only because it was usually late at night, and Remus and Sirius weren't as young as they used to be and are normally tired by then. Harry is usually busy trying to multitask on a few things. Not to mention tired himself, especially if he'd been duelling.
"No, Flourish and Blot's offered their services in tracking it down…but the prices are extortionate." Remus shook his head, utterly annoyed by it, it would take the shop all of an hour to find the book and they want to charge you one hundred galleon finder's fees? Ridiculous! He wasn't paying that.
"Ever thought of going to the bookstores in Muggle London?" Harry suggested, "They have entire sections dedicated to magic, there have been a few brilliant books for the next to nothing… admittedly they were copies of the originals."
"You go to Muggle London?" Remus wasn't sure why he was surprised, he had to get the books he reads from somewhere. He'd assumed he just went to Flourish and Blotts, it was the most popular place to get anything and everything.
"Yeah, quite a lot actually, not just for Magical books either," Harry explained, shrugging his shoulders, and he went with Barty, he refrained from adding that part. They would most likely end up having a heart attack, if they knew that. Glancing at his door when he heard slight creaking, but paid no mind, they knew better than to interrupt his conversations with Sirius by now.
"I'll have a browse," Remus nodded, he always loved browsing for books. Normally in the libraries because he couldn't afford to buy new books often. Things had changed, for both him and Sirius, so he could now afford to buy a few books. His amber eyes filled with excitement, oh, why hadn't he considered that before?
"You definitely should," Harry said enthusiastically, smiling at Luna as she plonked herself down on his bed. He knew Remus would be there all the time when he saw the prices. When compared to Flourish and Blotts? It was only a third of the price for the books.
"Hey, Sirius, Hey Professor Lupin!" she said cheerfully. Rodolphus remained at the doorway, not wishing to intrude in Harry's room, aware that Black and Lupin were to remain ignorant of Harry's true…loyalty. He did change his looks and become a blonde-haired younger wizard. He was rather pleased with the progress he was making with his abilities. He often wondered if Tonks had difficulties like this or if it was second nature.
"Hi, Luna," Sirius said, while Remus said, "It's Remus, please, I'm no longer your professor."
"Remus then," Luna said, looking as pleased as could be.
"Okay, I best get going, I want to focus on this, talk to you both tomorrow alright?" Harry said, grateful for the excuse to get away.
Sirius and Remus gave their own goodbye's before Harry gratefully deactivated the mirror. "You alright?" they'd taken to converging on his bedroom in the evenings, and truth be told, Harry actually liked the company despite himself.
"He'll find the books he wants tomorrow," Luna commented, "I see you got the letter from the duelling circuit." Eyeing the letter without an ounce of surprise.
"Who is going to win?" Barty asked, as he walked in, "Come one! Please! Just once," wanting to know so he could place his bet and actually win.
"I don't know." Luna said simply, shrugging her shoulders indelicately.
Harry eyed her shrewdly, wondering if that was actually true or if she did know and just wasn't telling anyone.
"Stop pestering her, Barty," Rodolphus said in exasperation he desperately wanted to move closer to Luna, he wished to be with her when he could as long as she wished. He didn't want to let her go, but she'd soon be back at Hogwarts again. However, he'd never actually gone in without explicit permission or with Harry being in the room already.
Barty pouted, taking it all in good humour.
"You can come in you know, I don't bite," Harry grinned almost ferally at Rodolphus. "But she might," gesturing towards Nagini who was making her way into his bedroom.
Rodolphus froze immediately, barely daring to breathe as Nagini approached him, she totally ignored him and made her way towards Harry's bed. A broken choked wheeze left Rodolphus at having the vicious snake anywhere near Luna's vicinity. Nagini and Harry had a short conversation before Nagini quietened down.
"Not fond of snakes?" Harry asked innocently, barely wincing at Luna's punch to the arm, which seemed to alarm Rodolphus more, honestly the guy looked ready to pass out.
"Not after seeing her eat someone whole," Rodolphus admitted, yes it had been a traitor, he hadn't cared about the idiot but the sight had been rather disgusting.
"She has?" Harry asked, eager to know more.
"You'll probably see for yourself some time," Rodolphus grimaced.
"Would have liked to have seen Pettigrew being chewed out," Harry said his eyes lighting up with savage glee.
Rodolphus snorted, he'd never particularly liked Pettigrew, he was a coward through and through. It also irked him that Pettigrew of all people were more…capable than him for a while, able to do things while he was unable to help his lord in any way after being released from Azkaban.
"And you think we're the mad ones?" he added wryly, entering the room and sitting down on the chair closest to Luna. Keeping an eye on Nagini who had just curled up in the corner of Harry's room contently.
"Meh, nurture versus nature, did I start out innocent or was I always going to be a vindictive little shit?" Harry shrugged, he didn't think he was mad, but those that were never did now did they?
"You busy?" Luna asked, glancing down at the books, and paperwork strewn across the bed.
"I was, but I keep getting interrupted," Harry teased her, "Anyway, what's up?"
"I'm surprised you're still in this room," Luna commented, ignoring his question for now, "Don't you have somewhere else to move into?"
Rodolphus groaned, hiding his face with his hand, Merlin, help him, women were more trouble than they were worth…why did he even want to go contemplate it let alone go through it again?
"Even if I did, I'd probably turn this room into an office of sorts," Harry said thoughtfully, but he didn't see anything like him moving into Voldemort's rooms any time soon. Nobody as far as he was aware was even allowed in there, well…except him, but they'd been rather busy…and not exactly sleeping. He wasn't going to presume anything, he was interested in seeing where it was going, but that's not to say they were going to be going steady or anything. "Plus, it might not be something long term."
Rodolphus barely refrained from snorting, that was definitely a load of nonsense. He'd never seen the Dark Lord look at any of his conquests the way he looked at Harry. Not to forget the fact he never publicly claimed them, declared them off-limits to any wandering eyes. Merlin help anyone who did try…for nobody else would help them.
"Have you been to see her yet?" Harry asked, shovelling his books around, until he found the one, he wanted to read next.
"I'm going with the Dark Lord when he has a moment," Rodolphus explained, not needing Harry to elaborate on who 'she' was. Bellatrix, she had been deposited into the cabin the second it was done.
"Rather you than me," Harry said wryly, stretching out with a groan, he'd been sitting basically in the same position for hours, and he ached.
"You're missing Tarek Gladstone's book Mind and Matter," Luna commented idly, blue eyes gleaming. "You'll need to go to Knockturn Alley, it's the only place that has a copy left, it's in a drawer with the Lestrange coat of arms."
Rodolphus straightened an indignant look on his face, they did not just give away their property. There had only been one-time things went missing actually, just before they were arrested. They had a warrant to search the property, which they had done, in the ensuing chaos his father hadn't realized what had gone missing or when it had occurred leaving him unable to mount an adequate defence against the Aurors who'd dare steal from him. gritting his teeth, eyes flashing furiously, "Is it a dark oak bureau?"
"Yes, the main part can't be opened, it's why they sold it for the next of nothing," Luna said, eyes slightly glazed as she spoke. "Stealing while on the job, disgusting really," and it wasn't due to the fact it was Lestrange property, her partners property, it was anyone rifling through someone's private property only to steal a priceless heirloom. Which probably originally cost more than Auror's make in fifteen years.
"If that's true then it's at the height of irony that the book your father was reading when you were arrested…is the book that could right that wrong." Harry snorted, Borgin and Burkes was open late, he could actually wait until later tonight to get it.
Rodolphus curled his lip into a sneer, before the look was wiped off his face when realization dawned exactly who he was sneering at. He would need to have more care, if he did that in the presence of the Dark Lord…or Harry when he realized his place well, he'd find himself in a world of pain. Yes, he'd tortured the Longbottom's, yes, he regretted it, regretted getting caught and wasting his time, after all they hadn't known anything, it had been a waste of time. "The Dark Lord will not approve of this," he warned them, belatedly realizing what on earth the pair of them were implying.
"You have a lot of faith in me if you think it will actually happen, I'm not sure how to feel about that…" Harry said wryly, before Rodolphus changed his hair blonde back again briefly, as if to silently prove a point. "Point well made," he conceded, with a rueful grin. He wasn't above acknowledging his own accomplishments; he wasn't someone who acted all bashful over his accomplishments. He acknowledged them after working long and hard on them. "Wasn't just me though, if Severus hadn't helped, I'm not sure you'd have that potion quite yet." oh, he knew it would have dawned on him at some point, just not so quickly.
"You are brazen I'll give you that," Rodolphus conceded, with a quirk of his lips, but the fact he acknowledged everyone else's part in the potion spoke of confidence and understanding of his own limitations.
Harry merely shrugged his shoulders, "How about putting it to good use and coming with us?"
Rodolphus stiffened, "You wish to go out there? With Luna?" then damn right he was going to come with.
"She isn't in any danger," Harry pointed out seriously, "If anything they'd come after me," referring of course, to the Order and Dumbledore if they ever managed to corner him, but he was too careful for that.
"No, they'd use her to get to you," Rodolphus argued.
"Look, we're only going to Knockturn Alley, we will be all of fifteen minutes…and it would take that long for them to get to wherever the hell Dumbledore is…and the chance of more than one of them being in the area would be more than bad luck." Harry argued, he understood Rodolphus' worry, to a point, but he wasn't going to begin stopping Luna from doing whatever she wanted. It wasn't a good thing in a relationship, whether he was old fashioned or not.
Without another word, Rodolphus' features began to change, he became less…thin, but no means overweight. His hair became blonde, his features more angular, younger, almost childish none of his 'pureblood' features could be seen. He looked like an unassuming Muggle-born child and he did it very well with grace.
"I always thought it would be difficult to work with the Metamorphmagus abilities," Harry said, impressed despite himself, that was…a smooth transition. "I was led to believe it would take months if not years to gain control…can you keep the shift for long?" which is exactly what it was, he had shifted forms to one that wasn't his own.
"I kept one for two hours but then I shifted back," Rodolphus said smugly, and he had a right to be, he had the best control over his new abilities, his brother could only keep it going for half an hour before he slipped up.
"So, you actually use magic to keep it up, I summarise once your health if completely reformed that it will be as easy as breathing." Harry nodded, as always fascinated about everything that was remotely magical. "I wonder if that's even remotely true…who's the most magically weak of all of you?"
"None of us are magically weak," Rodolphus declared with a vicious intensity that showed he hadn't even thought of an answer before answering.
Harry just gave him a flat unimpressed look. "Out of everyone that you know who has taken the potion…is the least magically proficient?" he repeated himself.
"I'll be right back," Luna climbed back off the bed, flouncing out of the room.
"One of the Crabbe's or Goyle's," Rodolphus conceded, with a scowl on his face.
"Your new face doesn't suit that look…nor does it look particularly threatening," Harry teased him, getting up himself, and rummaging in his trunk until he found what he wanted, his galleon bag.
Rodolphus watched the teen, he could see why Barty would like him so much. It wasn't often they were teased good naturally, everyone was too terrified of their reputation and position in the Dark Lord's army to even think of it. Bellatrix had made sure that they were never spoken to really, going off on the deep end if anyone did, and it just got to the point where everyone avoided them. They built up a camaraderie between the three of them, Barty and his brother and him.
He had gotten so defensive that he didn't know whether it was well meant or being sarcastic some of the time. He wanted to change that, even if he didn't know how…although, he had a feeling Luna would make it so. At least with Harry, Luna was good friends with him after all and Barty too.
"Let's go!" Harry said, almost rubbing his hands together gleefully, like with all things, when he had a way to get his own way he felt a sense of accomplishment. This was something he was doing, something he could do. Dumbledore had tried to snuff that independence from him, but in the process had just made him even more independent but hidden it from the old fool. To think of all the ways, he could have changed the magical world already actually hurt a little that his accomplishments were hidden.
Severus had done the same thing as him, but for different reasons.
"You really should inform the Dark Lord what you intend to do," Rodolphus said quietly, giving him advice instead of demanding he do so. It was an odd feeling in doing so, but judging by the way Harry looked at him, he was actually thinking about it.
"You honestly think he doesn't know already?" Harry asked wryly, "He's read everything in my Grimoire, Rodolphus and he's probably already corrected a dozen of my spells and potions, maybe even this one, who knows?" and Voldemort wouldn't bloody correct them, not unless it benefited himself.
"Oh," Rodolphus murmured, feeling slightly foolish, those thoughts were abruptly halted as Luna came back into the room, ready for her trip outside. "Ready to go?" checking to make sure his wand was on his person and his Gringotts key was there. It was something he kept upon his person at all times, his key, money and his wand. Three of the most important items one ever carried upon them. He was getting that damn piece of furniture back even if he had to kill the shit that bought it in the first place.
"Come on then, don't want to be absent when Voldemort wants you," Harry said, as the three departed from the manor, making a quick run to B&B, Borgin and Burkes.
Half an hour later
"I don't think I've seen anyone alive pale so much and still be breathing," Harry commented, amusement coating his voice. "Like seriously, vampires have more colour in them."
"He should have known better than to buy things belonging to my family and then expect us to pay for stolen items." Rodolphus hissed, still furious over his audacity. He'd been so enraged that he'd turned back to himself, and coolly informed the owner what he would do to him in great detail if he didn't get his possessions back. He'd lost control over himself, and it took a great deal of effort to reign himself back in.
"It's beautiful," Harry admitted, admiring it, "You don't see this sort of thing nowadays," everyone has mass designed items for their house, it was cheaper. He knew this thing had probably been hand carved, or magically hand carved, either one had a lot of time and effort put into it.
"You've probably got dozens of them stashed away in the Potter-Black vaults and properties." Rodolphus scoffed, but he was warmed that he liked it, Harry's attention was solely focused on the coat of arms that had been painstakingly carved into it. As of right now, Harry was probably one of the closest people with Lestrange blood…if anything happened to him and his brothers, Harry could fight for the Lestrange Estate and more than likely win.
"Probably," Harry said, "Most of all I've seen was just stuff salvaged from Godric's Hollow, which wasn't much, I've been told that Muggles and Wizards alike descended on the property and stole what they could." His tone cold and harsh, if he ever came across anyone that did that…he would kill them.
Rodolphus grimaced, "A trophy, no doubt," even they didn't steal items when they went out on raids, it was a disgrace really.
"Probably," stealing stuff from where Voldemort was defeated, as if it was some sort of game.
"Do you even know how to open it?" Harry asked after a few moments silence, he wanted the book, everything else Rodolphus could take with him, he didn't really care. Or, if they protested, a copy of the book then everything could go with them.
Rodolphus just gave him an inscrutable look, turning towards the furniture and the latch opened a few seconds later. "My father will want this back," Rodolphus declared, as he imperiously handed it over. He scowled at the sight of the important bank documents someone could have got their hands on admittedly they were old, a decade old now, but it was still vexing.
"Older than I thought it would be," Harry admitted, opening the front page delicately, it was an old book, but not too old that the science behind it would be difficult to understand. Now those kinds of books were utterly annoying to try to read. "I'll just make a copy," and that's exactly what he did, the book was old enough that Harry was able to do so without having to circumvent the spell that prevents copies being made of it. Which wasn't easily done, but with enough magic…anything was possible. "Thank you, Luna," he commented, as he handed the real book to Rodolphus. No doubt the guy was going to be returning it to Lestrange manor where it belongs.
With that they didn't dally, leaving the catatonic wizard they returned to Slytherin manor.
"My Lord," Rodolphus inclined his head, giving his Lord the proper respect.
Voldemort nodded, giving a curious look at the furniture in the middle of the air. Then a quick look at the book, the copy and then Harry with an arched brow. Harry just grinned a smidge cheekily at him. "Rodolphus, Harry, follow me," was all he had to say.
"Me? Why? I really couldn't care less about seeing Bellatrix…and if you want to talk to her, you really should leave me behind." Harry said, she'd be absolutely pissed at him, and honestly, Harry didn't blame her. He'd be pissed if someone took his magic too.
Rodolphus bit his tongue, the urge to deride Harry for his defiance was strong, yet he knew out of them both, only Harry could get away with such blatant display of questioning the Dark Lord. Even if he was making a certain amount of sense. Out of them both, Harry would likely walk away unharmed if he said anything. No, he was smarter than that.
The others walked away, Luna giving a small wave goodbye leaving Harry and Rodolphus with Voldemort as they made their way back inside of the manor.
"I wish for your opinion, now come, let us go," Voldemort commanded, it was time to get Bellatrix situated into her new…accommodations until something better could be opened to her, such as St. Mungo's when the war is won.
With that Harry followed both wizards across the grounds, their pace brisk and didn't falter once. Those that saw them made quick work of avoiding them or giving reverence to the Dark Lord.
Eventually they rounded yet another load of shrubbery to be met with a grand sight.
"Whoa," Harry muttered, eyes wide slightly impressed, "This was all made within a few hours?"
Voldemort smirked smugly, "It was indeed," he agreed.
"Bloody hell," he said whistling in admiration, wondering if there was anything else on the estate. "Remind me to actually investigate the entire estate." Even if he did so on a broomstick.
"Wait until you see it in the morning," Voldemort added, it would be even more magnificent, a good job had most definitely been done here. Which, to be fair, is understandable, nobody wanted to disappoint him. The money that was given to ensure it's fast but firm construction. He naturally had helped; he was no expert but he was very pleased with the outcome.
"I can imagine it," Rodolphus said in admiration, at least Bellatrix would be happy here, somewhat, even if she could not come out.
"I did not think it was possible for her mind to decline so readily," Grant admitted, joining them, a perturbed look upon his face as he claimed his seat sitting next to Harry and the Dark Lord. She'd been completely unhinged in a way that he'd never seen before. Not even his Lord had succeeded in getting through to her, nor had asking Harry to step outside helped ease her even a little. Reaching out for a platter of food, he begun to serve himself, he wanted to eat and get some rest, dealing with Bellatrix always left him nigh on exhausted.
"It's not, not really, she's just lost her magic, she's going to be that way until she calms down." Harry sighed, putting a healthy portion onto his plate. "Which might not be ever, its…just that you're getting to see what was there all along. I mean seriously…is there any difference in her since the last time you saw her?"
Grant paused in plating food for himself, a thoughtfully look adorning his features, "I do believe it's very similar, I'd be hard pressed to find any differences." He conceded, glancing briefly at the Dark Lord knowing he wouldn't be pleased with his comments even if they were the truth.
"And Rodolphus, any difference from what you're used to enduring when she was your wife?" Harry gave him a wry look, pointing his fork at him.
Rodolphus' head snapped up, swallowing down his food looking a bit pained. Whether it was the food or the conversation, Harry honestly wasn't sure. Voldemort himself was leaning back listening to the conversation pensively. He'd taught Bellatrix for years, while she'd been adoring and excitable and desperate to prove herself…he had never truly seen a side to her that seems so apparent to everyone else around her. Had the Horcruxes made him ignore what was in front of him? And yes, she'd been a little spacy and out of it when he interacted with her after he got them out of Azkaban…but he'd never seen her so rabid as he had just experienced right now…was that what the Lestrange's had been forced to deal with?
"She had…episodes like that yes, it was…difficult to reign her in. We learned over the years how best to deal with her." Rodolphus explained, caution exuding from him, due to worry that the Dark Lord would be upset with him. If he hadn't been aware of the changes in his Lord, he would have been downright petrified and refusing to answer. They didn't know what had caused the turnaround…but they knew it had something to do with Harry and they were all grateful to him for it. Well, most of them, there were others who didn't like the thought of 'Muggle-born filth actually coming from their disgusting squibs who had been cast out instead of being killed' their own words not his.
"In other words, you went along with her crazy schemes but made sure she didn't go too far. Which led you to end up at Longbottom Manor." Harry pointed out with his knife, before cutting up a piece of succulent beef, already planning on eating more, it was lovely. Then again, all food that came from the Dark Lord's stores was the best he'd ever tried.
Rodolphus winced, hating how well Harry could read him, it was obscene really, "Yes," he agreed, it made him wonder just how the hell the boy was so…smart and how he figured everything out. It truly was obscene, and he wished he could be annoyed with the fact that everything he and his father and brother had done to hide Bellatrix instability was coming to light. It was an embarrassment, but at least it was no longer the Lestrange name, he had no obligation to her whatsoever. He was finally free.
"How long will the sedation spell hold?" Voldemort asked of Grant, reeling over everything he'd learned. Perhaps it would have been kinder to have her put down, the Black family madness seemed to have hit her the hardest. The Black family madness, it had never been uttered by anyone in pureblood society, at least the dark faction. The light faction was a different thing altogether, they constantly brought it up, used it to explain why the Blacks were all insane. Due to the fact they just didn't understand that it was marrying your own family repeatedly that caused the insanity.
"At least twelve hours, perhaps longer without magic to fight it off," Grant informed him promptly, "I think perhaps for her safety she should be put on a potion treatment."
"Like those in St. Mungo's," Rodolphus murmured, not sure what to think of that. During their most desperate moments, Rodolphus actually considered prescribing them. Unfortunately, it would have made her docile, unable to use magic, and absolutely no good to the Dark Lord. So, inevitably the idea was nixed.
"It's probably for the best if you want her to live Rod, despite the fact there's nothing in the cabin she could use to hurt herself or others…desperate people find a way, she'd find a way." Harry explained without an ounce of guilt. She'd tried to hurt Rodolphus and Luna, inevitably hurt him, so hell if he would feel guilt for anything that comes her way.
"I know," Rodolphus admitted, was it better than being killed? Probably not, Bellatrix would probably prefer death…but he honestly didn't want to see her killed. He didn't love her, never had, loved the idea of her perhaps in the very beginning. She was a beautiful woman, dark enough to suit his tastes, or so he thought, enamoured with the dark side like he, and also became a Death Eater too. Not many witches had done so, been able to impress the Dark Lord. Then came the obsession, and frankly, he'd been so very tired before Azkaban and it had been worse when they were released albeit illegally. Then Harry had given him his freedom from her, but he still, despite the damage and danger she posed, couldn't wish her dead.
"Get Severus to brew enough for a month and make it a standing order," Voldemort informed Grant, "Narcissa cannot visit her sister until she's under control. Is that understood?" knowing Grant and a few House-elves would be looking after Bellatrix, mostly the House-elves, who would be giving her the potions to ensure she didn't act up.
"I shall inform them, My Lord," Grant dipped his head in understanding of his new orders and respect.
"Good," Voldemort stated firmly, considering the matter resolved.
"Hey," Luna said cheerfully, as she entered the dining room, "All done?" she asked, referring to the visit to Bellatrix, as she took a seat next to Rodolphus, who unconsciously relaxed at her being here, at being safe and sound.
"Indeed," Voldemort said sardonically, not used to anyone being cheerful in his presence and truly not sure how to process it at all. Luna Lovegood was an odd one for sure, but she was also a hidden gem, a seer that had chosen a side…well, such things rarely happened and Voldemort wasn't one for looking a gifted horse in the mouth. Oh, he knew why she was there, and it wasn't anything to do with him, it was Harry. Merlin, he was so grateful he had decided against killing him. For more than one reason now. A wry smirk appeared on his features.
"Oh, it looks like Sirius and Remus are going on holiday," Luna said absently, "It was a good thing, they would have been caught in the crossfire otherwise."
Harry straightened up, eyes narrowing thoughtfully, "What crossfire?" was the first thing he asked, he was glad Sirius and Remus would be away on holiday to avoid whatever conflict they'd end up in by accident.
"St. Mungo's, they find out you will be there," Luna said, head cocked to the side, as she saw the future. It was still freaky as hell when it happened, she was used to it only happening when asleep. Until that day where she saw a lot of the future while awake. Her abilities were advancing, so much so that it did worry her constantly.
Rodolphus grabbed a hold of Luna when she swayed a little, he'd never seen her 'see' anything before. He catalogued everything he was seeing. Her swaying, her glazed eyes, her drooped relaxed posture, mentally putting it away so if it happened, he would know and understand what was happening. He'd find out what she would prefer him to do if such an instance happened again.
"The Order…" Harry nodded thoughtfully, and no doubt Voldemort would send the Death Eaters to fight. "The potion definitely works then."
"Potion?" Voldemort asked with deceptive mildness, watching Luna with rapid fascination, much like Rodolphus gazed at her with awe.
"A potion to correct the long-term exposure to the Cruciatus curse," Rodolphus was quick to state.
Harry just smirked at Rodolphus, he sounded like a brother trying to get his sibling into trouble and deflect attention from himself.
"You've figured it out?" Voldemort asked slightly impressed, "How long have you been working on it?"
"I had help," Harry conceded bemused, "So you could say I cheated, it hasn't been done yet." he hadn't had a chance to look over the book. He would have obviously succeeded on his own quite quickly either that or it would be a year away after his duelling tournament.
"You're alright with this, My Lord?" Rodolphus asked, mouth slightly open, surprised.
Harry rolled his eyes, "It's not like the Longbottom's will be a threat." If they joined the war again, he'd eat his bloody wand.
"And Neville?" Rodolphus questioned, the son was likely desiring revenge for what happened to his parents, he understood it and respected it.
Harry gave Rodolphus a blank look, "Neville isn't a fighter, he won't unless he has no choice."
Rodolphus nodded slowly, understanding, and everyone started eating the food before it got cold.
Harry feeling utterly vexed, jumped from his bed and opened his door, peering down the hallway, pleased to see the private study light was still on. Voldemort must still be awake, padding down the hallway, he knocked and waited on an answer, rather impatiently at that.
"Enter!"
"Hey, do you have of Tarek Gladstone's Mind and Matter? Lestrange's copy is missing three double pages." Harry asked, peering around the door, before padding in, wishing he'd put his bathrobe on, it was rather cold in here, especially for a room with a fire roaring in it.
Voldemort arched a brow, surprised by that, it wasn't like his old friend to be careless with books, "I do, it's on the third bookcase," he informed Harry before turning back to his work.
"Really? Well, that's a surprise, Luna said it was the only copy left," Harry muttered mostly to himself, as he stepped up and began searching through the large shelved bookcase that housed dozens and dozens of books.
"Mine is an original, not a copy," Voldemort informed him with that smug tone of voice.
Harry just grinned wryly, with a groan, making a mental note to remember that, Luna still liked to speak in riddles. Sneaky girl that she was, more amused than anything, certainly not remotely upset over it. "Of course it is," he said trying to sound as condescending as possible, which wasn't actually as easy as one might think.
Voldemort shot him an indignant glare, something he wouldn't do with anyone else. Oh, he knew he was being teased and taunted, Harry had made a habit of it, much to his consternation. He had learned where to draw the line, the one time he'd mentioned him being like Dumbledore…that had saw him seeing red, and he'd cursed Harry. Not that the boy had reacted accordingly, no, he just whined about how he hadn't used his wand. When one was used to pain however, there was never an expected reaction.
"We need to come to an understanding about Ms. Tonks," Voldemort stated, putting his quill down and stretching out his hands and body languidly. He'd been busy writing for hours since dinner and he was rather tired of it but a Dark Lord's business was never over.
Harry blinked blankly, "You're asking me for my opinion?" he asked incredulously, which was not faked at all.
"Despite her…loyalties she is a Black, a daughter of the eldest female, she could revive the Black legacy should you have no desire to do so. I very much doubt Black will have any children, and quite frankly I'd be concerned if he did." Voldemort informed him, leaning back in his seat, watching Harry remove the book he wanted and move over nearer him and claim a seat.
"I agree," Harry sighed, that would be a serious concern, Sirius was definitely not father material, when he'd been thirteen and desperate he had been blind to what it would have been like living with Sirius. He wasn't sure what James had been thinking to be fair. "Plus, Sirius would only want a kid with Remus, and I doubt Remus wants kids, he wouldn't risk passing on his…infection as he sees it." Remus hated the fact he was a werewolf and had refused to accept that part of himself.
"It would be rather troublesome, but we could get a Vow from her, that encompassed everything that's potentially concerning." Voldemort informed him. In fact, he had already written everything down and made it fool proof, so that once she had made the Vow, they could safely let her out should she desire to do so. She might prefer death to stating the vow, especially if she was blindly loyal.
"I'm surprised you don't just want to kill her," Harry confessed, it would make everything much easier in the long run and he had resigned himself to it really.
"That would be the preferable method," Voldemort stated immediately, "But I am reluctant to kill off more wizards or witches. Our world has significantly declined, Lucius has given me the figures, including Squibs, and there are if you are lucky thirty students per year studying at Hogwarts."
"I agree, around about that, isn't that the norm?" Harry asked, "I mean don't people go to Durmstrang, Beauxbaton or home-schooling?"
"Did you get offered to go to those schools?" Voldemort pointed out wryly.
"Well, no, but I had been down for Hogwarts since I was born according to…well, everyone," Harry pointed out, "So I wouldn't get offers, would I?"
"Yes, if they accepted anyone into their school you would have, you have to be in the right 'district' so to speak to be accepted into the schools. If someone wishes their daughter to attend Beauxbaton, they have to move to France before they turn eleven to gain admittance, or after and become a transfer student." Voldemort informed him, as always surprised by how little Harry knew about some things but so knowledgeable about others. There were definite holes in his education that could do with polishing over, fortunately, he was young and had many years ahead of him in order to learn properly. It would help if he didn't focus solely on his spell crafting and potion creation.
"So, in all of the United Kingdom there were only thirty eleven-year-olds that were wizards and witches to attend Hogwarts although, to be fair some might not have attended," Harry said, mind reeling over such a small number. "Sixty-five million people in the UK and not even two million of us are magical…I always knew we were a small community but hearing this makes us even smaller by comparison."
"Less than a million," Voldemort corrected his assumption, a lot less, "Which is why I believe each of us is important. Not important enough to let them go under their own power." He wasn't going to let Tonks go and tell the Order everything including the potions for the Metamorphmagus, the blood they took from her or Harry's allegiance.
"And it would be able to be worded in such a way she wouldn't be a concern?" Harry asked, thoughtfully, bloody hell, they really needed to do something to have the magical world prosper, it would help if they stayed in the magical world too.
"Yes," Voldemort replied immediately, fishing out a slip of parchment and handing it over, going back to his writing while Harry read it as short it may be.
"Damn that's iron clad," Harry said, with a whistle ten minutes later, unable to think of a single damn way she would be able to get around the orders. He'd even made sure she couldn't tell portraits or ghosts, to then relay her words to the Order, it was a work of art really, this Vow.
Voldemort's lips twitched smugly, always smug when his work was appreciated for what it was. Genius, especially from a boy who admittedly was very canny and if there had been a way around it, he would have spotted it. "Indeed, did you expect anything less from me?"
"Definitely not," Harry answered as he put the parchment back into Voldemort's desk. "With that, I don't see why she can't be let out, although, as a Black female, I could potentially set up a marriage contract for her…" he mused, "There is old ones that would have her lose her magic if she didn't comply…" it would enable someone to keep a very close eye on her.
"After your…declaration earlier I am surprised to hear you say that," Voldemort couldn't help but snort, reminded of the look on Harry's face, the indignation of one house constantly having to be 'better' than the other just so they could control them.
"I wouldn't let just anyone marry her," Harry conceded, "It would have to be someone who would treat her right," just because he was thinking this through, didn't mean he wanted to see her beaten down or anything like that. But he also knew that introducing new blood would help pureblood society thrive. "The potion won't allow the metamorphmagus gene pass to the next generation…they'd need to take the potion…but it's just not the same really…it's a Black family trait and the trait shouldn't be lost."
Voldemort nodded his agreement, that was probably true. "Rabastan would be the perfect candidate," he commented, he was nearer her age, and he wasn't ruined by Azkaban and he wanted a family. He would take care of Tonks in all ways a husband should. "He's one of the tamer the Death Eaters." By tamer he meant he wasn't especially violent. Despite what the Longbottom incident would tell you, Rabastan had acted less than all the others there, not that he'd been 'innocent' so to speak, but he hadn't been as feral and angry as the others.
"Tonks wouldn't go for that; I mean his reputation would have her running for the hills and losing her magic before she even contemplated it even if Rabastan would want this." Harry stated.
"And why wouldn't he?" Voldemort enquired.
"He's gay," Harry said bluntly, staring at Voldemort as if he'd lost the plot, he wasn't the only one who had caught Rabastan staring at Severus' arse was he?
Voldemort arched a brow, "Tell me, why are you so determined to see this through? Why do you care about rebuilding family names? Thus far, you have not expressed anything good regarding the pureblood lines other than the fact trying to keep them 'pure' has made them inbred," which hadn't helped make him liked within the ranks, but they did like his honesty and the fact he could duel with him without losing sweat…that he'd managed to beat Bellatrix on a one-on-one duel, and now he was untouchable as his.
"You thought I didn't care?" Harry asked blankly, "If I didn't care I wouldn't have brought it up so much," he pointed out the flaw in Voldemort's thinking. "I've read about the families, their importance, and I understand their view even if it is wrong."
"You read Nott's book," Voldemort realized, for a pureblood, he was very…unbiased when writing that book, from a certain view at any rate.
"The sacred families, yes, there was nothing in it about noble families being different from other wizarding families," Harry conceded almost pouting, "I had no idea about that." which irked him something rotten, he hated not knowing information. He'd refused to be ignorant, and had read what he could, when he could, a lot of those books had been copied from the library so that he could read it in the darkness of his own room or the dorm. Nobody knew, he had ensured he wasn't ignorant, but kept it a secret, not wishing for Dumbledore to know…suspecting he had plans for him so he made sure the old fool didn't know anything about him.
"Mmm, the book you'll be looking for is Lord Abbott's book, Legalities of the old Houses," Voldemort explained, "It has everything regarding the old ways, the how's and whys, it's clearly written for a Muggle-born so you might find it rather…tedious with the constant explanation's and the author treating the reader as if they were eleven-years-old." A curl brought to his lips. Summoning the book, he handed it over, knowing that Harry would definitely read it and most assuredly probably complain too.
"Are there flats in Knockturn Alley?" Harry asked.
Voldemort blinked at the non-sequitur, "Excuse me?"
"Flats, are there any in Knockturn Alley?" Harry asked, a frown on his face, "I think I remember seeing some..."
"And when were you in Knockturn Alley?" Voldemort gaped in utter surprise, yes, he'd been through Harry's memories but he hadn't seen everything after all. He was very surprised, honestly, he had no idea why the boy would have risked it.
"Said Diagon Alley wrong, took me to Knockturn Alley, don't ask me how, cus even now I have absolutely no idea," Harry explained, shrugging his shoulders, "It was the day that Lucius was trying to unload your diary on Borgin actually. Trying to get rid of all the dark artefacts because Arthur Weasley was heading the raids," hence the reason he'd put it in Ginny Weasley's cauldron. And that Draco had wanted the hand of glory that was on display if he recalled correctly.
Voldemort nodded, so he hadn't been down there for a specific reason, "Yes, there are flats down there, but most are condemned, the structures deemed unsafe. Nobody that lives in Knockturn Alley can afford the money it would take to fix it. Without funding coming in, I presume the owner couldn't have them fixed."
"Hmm," Harry murmured, "I don't suppose you know who owns the majority of the buildings?"
"I do," Voldemort stated, slightly insulted that Harry doubted him. "Barnaby Babbling, I do believe he's distantly related to the Runes Mistress employed by Hogwarts. What are you thinking?" knowing Harry wouldn't ask for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
"Well, I have the funds, I could have the places fixed, rent them out, more people will live in the magical world…when funds start coming in…I could expand. I mean there is a lot of land in Hogsmeade that's unused, flats would allow for a larger population." Instead of a few cottages that house maybe one or two people. It would ensure more people actually remain in the magical world full stop, instead of living in the Muggle world. It didn't seem like a good idea to him or good planning but the magical world didn't seem to be able to think things through.
"It didn't work well for the others," Voldemort pointed out, "You would need to ensure it would produce a profit before you begin." Even though Harry had more money than he could likely spend in twenty lifetimes, it was…idiotic to spend money with little to no return. "Plus, those who would live down there cannot pay an extortionate rent rate."
"Yeah," Harry mused, remembering who was down there, hags and the like, people who probably didn't get well-paying jobs. He wouldn't be surprised if people were staying in the condemned buildings rent free, squatting really. In fact, you rarely ever saw those deemed 'dark creatures' anywhere, if he hadn't been down to Knockturn Alley…he wouldn't have ever seen one. Although, they do often venture to Hogshead, a place where they were actually permitted to be in, and it was a place that was quite cheap to drink in. "Do I really come across as not caring about the magical world?" he asked, after a few minutes of comfortable silence. Placing the two books on the desk, until he was ready to leave.
"For someone that doesn't know you…yes, you could be perceived as not caring," Voldemort answered with honesty, he detested lying. "It's the manner in which you word things without going into specifics."
Harry nodded, not sure whether he could change his way of speaking, he was just used to giving it how it was. The freedom of being on the Dark side was…liberating and he didn't need to watch his words…trying to reign them in seemed like too much for him. He'd need to look into the properties, find out if there was a profit in buying the buildings, how much it would cost to renovate and find a company willing to do it and give him estimates. "Alright, I'll leave you to your work…I want to work on mine anyway," Harry said eventually standing up, before kissing him without thinking about it, freezing before glancing up at Voldemort, only to find amused eyes gleaming at him.
"Er…is that alright?" he didn't know how to do all this dating business thing.
"You certainly won't find me complaining," Voldemort commented utterly amused, although, he didn't like the reminder of just how young Harry was. He was glad to be his first, but at the same time…it made Harry's innocence more…pronounced. Gripping his hips, and bringing him down onto his lip and allowed himself some free time. "Just as long as we are alone, I'd rather not give my followers a free show." He added after they came up for air.
Harry snorted, "You mean another free show?" he added pecking him on the lips, before standing, "I think everyone got the picture…I wonder how they'll react around me now."
"I have a meeting in ten minutes if you wish to find out," Voldemort replied smugly, eyes gleaming with a vindictive sort of amusement.
"Maybe," Harry said thoughtfully, it seemed as if he wasn't meant to get those books read at this rate. "Is it just an inner circle meeting or is it everyone?"
"Everyone," Voldemort confirmed.
"They're not as fun to tease," Harry replied almost pouting over the idea, or as much as Harry ever pouted.
"Go on," Voldemort said, lips twitching, oh, Harry definitely liked winding up his inner circle Death Eaters, the only ones that didn't get teased mercilessly was Severus and Barty. Lucius was by far the one who endured the worst of Harry's wicked sarcasm. Not surprisingly, other than Severus, Lucius was the only other one he'd had contact with before he switched sides…and those meetings…nay, altercations weren't exactly…amiable.
Lucius was still smarting over losing his House-elf, as a matter of fact, not that he could blame him, they were rather expensive. With all the private information the Elf knew he could have proven to be a danger to the Malfoy family. He will have learned from that, even at twelve Harry had been a smart teen, accurately able to predict a wizard like Malfoy's reaction to having a diary and an accusation thrown in his face.
Well, if he didn't attend the meeting, then he'd request his presence later. He understood probably more than most how…protective and possessive Harry was of his suite. He remembered his first flat directly after leaving Hogwarts, while he worked with Borgin. Before he had built up his empire from scratch and had more money than almost everyone else. Financing a war was expensive after all, although he did admit if he won any time soon…he'd aid Harry in his latest venture, by pouring money if he needs it to have more properties in Hogsmeade.
Shaking off his thoughts, Voldemort returned to his work, the annoying urge to check and see how much of 'Hogsmeade' was actually belonging to the castle grounds and whether they'd gain the permission to build. He had other more vital things to oversee. For the moment. He did make a mental note to check.
R&R