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batsutousaiTitle: Abandon
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.) , Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: Buwhahahaha!!
Key: Okay, you might need these:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’ Written thoughts’
A/N: I’m going to start referring to Ginny as Gin now, ‘cause I’m lazy like that.
Oh, yeah, and we’ve got a bit of a time jump here. The muse was being hateful... *scowls*
-
Chapter 40
-
“HARRY!”
Harry glanced up in time to see a flash of red and brown before he found his arms full of Gin and Hermione. “You two are trying to kill me!” he laughed, hugging them both as tightly as he could.
“You two should be in class,” Dumbledore said from behind Harry. He was frowning at the two Gryffindor witches.
‘Both Professor Snape and Professor Brutús let us go to come meet Harry.’ Gin replied as she and Hermione both let Harry go.
Dumbledore looked like he wanted to say something, but Harry spoke first. “They would. Here, you two can help me take my stuff up to my room; let me know what I’ve missed on the way,” the teen said happily, placing his shrunken trunk in Hermione’s hand and his shrunken broom in Gin’s hand.
The ladies laughed and, each taking an arm, led Harry into the school, leaving Dumbledore behind.
“So, what have I missed since Sunday?” Harry asked softly as they started up the stairs to the Tower.
“Nothing much,” Hermione offered.
‘Lavender’s still pining for Ron.’ Gin reported in disgust. ‘I, personally, hope he never gets better.’
“I know, love.” Harry gave his sister a one-armed hug.
‘Oh, and Luna said she wants to have a word with you when you get the chance.’ Gin added.
“Has she had her seventeenth birthday yet?” Harry hissed, eyes searching Gin’s.
‘It was Friday.’ Gin assured him.
“Then I will try and make time for her this week, yes.”
“You’re going to love this week’s password,” Hermione informed the wizard as they reached the landing in front of the Fat Lady.
“I’m terrified. What is it?”
“Welcome back, Harry.”
The portrait swung open, the Fat Lady smiling down at them. “And very welcome you are.”
“Who came up with that one?” Harry complained, hopping through the hole. He turned to help the two witches through as well.
“Well, one of the third years suggested it and the Fat Lady liked it so much she decided she’d keep it for the week.”
‘Hogwarts is VERY glad to have you back.’ Gin added. ‘If only because you’re the only one who will give Dumbledore a piece of your mind.’
“And you add excitement to everyone’s day. No one knows what you’ll pull next,” Hermione agreed, smiling brightly.
Harry dropped his head into his hands with a moan.
“Come on, let’s get you settled back in,” Hermione suggested gently, resting a hand on the young wizard’s arm. “The sooner you’re settled in, the sooner we can go down for lunch.”
“I think I may just hide under my bed. Surely that would be safer!” Harry complained, leading the way up the stairs to the boys dormitory.
-~/\~-
The rest of the day had followed with constant pats on the back, “hello”s from every student who saw him, and little gifts from the two other teachers he’d had that day. Professor Sprout had given him a large hug and a slab of Honeydukes chocolate when she saw him, while Hagrid handed over a bottle of butterbeer and, much to Harry’s surprise, a small fairy that the half-giant had caught while visiting his half-brother in the Forest. The fairy settled itself in Harry’s hair and stayed there the rest of the day, buzzing occasionally.
Harry’s favourite part of the day, however, was when he stepped into the Great Hall for dinner and found himself enveloped in a hug by Tom, who had missed lunch because Dumbledore had needed him for something. “Great to have you back, you little imp,” Tom added once he’d let go.
“Oh, I dunno, I think Aunt Petunia might miss having someone to set the table,” Harry replied, eyes shining.
Tom chuckled. “Go sit with your friends, you brat.”
Harry bounced over to the Gryffindor Table and settled himself between Neville and Gin. “This has been the best day ever!” he decided.
“I’ll bet.” Dean chuckled from down the table. “How many points have you collected for us today, hm?”
Harry blinked a few times, then held up a hand to tick off the teachers who had given him points on. “Well, Hagrid gave me twenty points for helping him with the jarveys, Sprout gave me ten for helping Nev find his gloves, Flitwick gave me ten for helping him get a book off his desk when I went to talk to him about my missed work, Trelawney gave me five points when I held a door open for her, McGonagall gave me five points for helping Trelawney, and Snape gave me twenty-five points for visiting him to hand in the work I missed.”
“Snape gave you points?!” Lavender called in surprise.
“Weird, isn’t it?” Harry shrugged. “So that’s, uhm, seventy-five points.”
The Gryffindor Table roared with laughter at Harry’s amazed look. “You’re awfully popular today, aren’t you, mate?” Seamus teased.
“This reminds me of that time in fifth year when you were everyone’s favourite student.” Parvati giggled. “Except, this time, even Snape is on your side.”
“I’m still recovering from the shock of Trelawney giving him points, personally,” Hermione said. “I’ve always thought that woman hated you.”
‘Naw. Harry was just useful for killing off.’ Gin offered, grinning. ‘So, Mr Potter, now that you’re Hogwarts’ favourite wizard again, what do you plan on doing?’
“Reminding everyone I’m back,” Harry said mischievously as a loud ‘pop’ came from the Ravenclaw Table and everyone who’d eaten the potatoes turned into an eagle.
The Hall burst into laughter as the Head Boy, Anthony Goldstein, who didn’t like potatoes, grinned at Harry. “Okay, Potter, what’s got the counter?”
Harry, who was laughing too hard to speak, held up a biscuit by way of answer. The birds immediately started pecking at the biscuits, but didn’t change back.
One very smart bird came over and grabbed the biscuit out of Harry’s hand. It flew to the ground, ate some, and returned to the form of a third year Ravenclaw girl by the name of Geneva Shepard. The rest of the Ravenclaws followed her example, much to the amusement of the Hall.
“I don’t want to know how you set that one up,” Seamus said through his laughter. “But I think you’ve been spending too much time with the Weasley twins.”
Harry wiggled his eyebrows at the Irish wizard. “Best watch out for those custard creams, eh?” The Gryffindors around him broke out in laughter and Harry leaned back in his seat, smiling mischievously. “Be careful what you eat, my lion friends. Harry Potter has returned to Hogwarts.”
The Hall broke out in fresh laughter.
-~/\~-
Harry poked his head out of the blood curtain leading into Godric’s room and got a bit of a shock as a loud chorus of, “WELCOME BACK, HARRY!” hit him like a brick wall.
The teen laughed and entered into the room grinning. “What is it with all this ‘welcome back’ nonsense? You all know I never really left.”
“But now you’re back properly,” Morag pointed out. “Come on, we’ve got food that we know you haven’t got your sticky little fingers on yet.”
Harry chuckled. “You don’t trust me, hum? How devastating.”
‘Prat!’ Gin shot at him, happily munching on a crisp.
Harry winked as her and got himself some food. “See, this is why I love you people. Did it ever occur to you that I might have asked the house-elves to prank everything a student takes from the kitchen?”
“Yes, which is why I threw spells over everything to get rid of all your little pranks,” Tom replied, coming up behind Harry and wrapping his arms around the teen. “You’re such a naughty little imp.”
“And you could care less,” Harry shot back before twisting his head to kiss the Dark Lord.
Tom bit Harry’s lower lip with a smirk and drew away. “You bet.”
“Hey, Harry?” Seamus called. Harry and Tom both glanced at him. “Are we calling this a meeting, or a party?” the Irishman asked. He was holding a cup that Harry guessed was filled with rum or firewhiskey.
“Oh, go on, then.” Harry waved a hand at him. “But make sure you take one of those Sobering Potions before bed or I’ll laugh at you in the morning.”
“Understood, boss-man,” Seamus agreed before chugging the cup happily.
“You’re far too easy on them,” Severus muttered as he came to stand next to Harry and Tom.
“They’re allowed a little fun.” Harry shrugged.
“I notice you’re not joining in on the ‘fun’,” the Death Eater pointed out evenly.
“I’m far too comfortable to get smashed, thanks.” The teen sniggered.
Severus let out a snort. “How did Mr Finnigan get a Sobering Potion? That’s not something I teach.”
“Harry made him a batch over the summer,” Tom answered.
“And then I taught him how to make it himself, so I could get some peace and quiet after he ran out,” the teen agreed.
Severus gave him an odd look. “I see.” He glanced back at the students. “I must return to my office. Good night, my Lord, Harry.” He turned to leave, then paused. “Oh, Mr Potter?”
“Yes?”
“Twenty points to Gryffindor for teaching your fellow classmate how to brew an actual potion,” the Potions professor said before leaving.
Harry chuckled. “I’ll be damned. He’s given me more points today than he’s given my House the whole time I’ve been at this school.”
Tom snorted. “That’s not saying much, knowing Severus.”
“No, I don’t suppose it is...” Harry smiled as he saw Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle snogging in a shadowed corner. “I knew those two were an item.”
“Lovely.” Tom shook his head. “Who gave you this lovely little fairy, by the way?”
“Hagrid.” Harry smiled. “All the teachers appear to like having me back.”
“I would assume so. Hogwarts isn’t Hogwarts without you causing trouble, you know.”
“I know.” Harry let out a sigh. “I missed this place. I mean, hanging out at Privet Drive with Aunt Petunia and Saber was loads of fun, as was popping in at the Burrow, but, I mean, this place is home.” He closed his eyes and relaxed against the Dark Lord. “And this is my family.”
“I know, love,” Tom whispered, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head. “I know.”
-~/\~-
The next two days went by in a haze of laughter, pranks, treats from teachers, and points awarded to Gryffindor for the smallest of things for Harry. But, on Friday, Ron was released from St. Mungo’s and brought back to school by the Headmaster an hour before dinner.
Harry met the two at the door, gaze calm. “Headmaster.” He nodded to the elder wizard. “Ron, could I have a word with you?”
“I dunno…” the elder teen said carefully. He was gripping his wand tightly in his right hand.
“Even if I promise not to do any harm to you for the next hour?” Harry inquired gently. The red-haired wizard just glared. “Ron, look, I just want to talk, nothing more. My word as a Gryffindor.”
“That’s not saying much,” Ron spat.
“Fine. My word as Gryffindor’s Heir. Just talk,” Harry decided, noting the surprised look on Dumbledore’s face out of the corner of his eye.
Ron kicked the ground. “Fine. Let’s go to the Room of Requirement. And I decide what shape it takes.”
“As you wish.” Harry inclined his head and led the way, knowing Ron wouldn’t want to show him his back, no matter what.
Ron called up a room in deep reds and bright gold with two plush chairs and gentle lighting. Harry let out a hum of appreciation as he tossed himself into a chair. Ron settled himself into the other chair far more carefully. “What do you want, Potter?”
“Ouch. I thought we were friends, Ron,” Harry said in a wounded voice.
“I’m not friends with someone who set a snake on me,” Ron shot back, voice laced with venom.
“Oops.” Harry gave the other teen an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, Ron.”
“Get to the point, Potter,” Ron spat.
Harry sighed tragically. “See what happens when I try and be nice to you? You get so nasty.”
Ron pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry. “Talk.”
Harry frowned at the wand. “Oh, fine. I just wanted to give you a warning, really.” He stood slowly, emerald-green eyes burning with a cold and dangerous fire. His voice, when he spoke again, was murderous, “Mark my words, Ronald Bilius Weasley, if you attack any of my people, you’ll find yourself faced with a revenge which will make Nagini’s attack look like nothing. Damn Albus Dumbledore’s watching eye. Damn the Order of the Phoenix. If my people are hurt, I will kill you.”
Ron watched with wide eyes as the raven-haired teen swept from the room.
-~/\~-
When Ron finally walked into the Great Hall for dinner, he found that they’d left him a seat at the very end of the table. Harry was sitting at the centre of the table with his sister and Neville on either side, Hermione across from him. The sixth and seventh years around the Boy-Who-Lived were all laughing at something the wizard had just said and Harry’s face shone with joy. The other House Tables were filled with laughter as well, though not at Harry’s joke, Ron supposed.
Ron glanced up at the Head Table. The Headmaster kept sending Harry wary glances. The other teachers would, occasionally, beam at Harry or a favoured student at another table before returning to whatever conversation they were holding with their neighbours. Brutús and Snape were whispering to one another and keeping a watchful eye on the students in the Hall. Once in a while, one of the two would shoot a quick look at Dumbledore, frown, then return their attention to the previous conversation.
Suddenly, Ron found his gaze met by Professor Brutús. The professor frowned at him briefly, then turned to say something to Snape. The Potions teacher turned to scowl at him and Ron quickly looked at his plate. Weren’t they fighting at the beginning of the year?
“What are you thinking?” Harry inquired, sliding into the seat across from Ron.
“That you should go back with your little fan club,” Ron spat, stabbing a carrot.
Harry shrugged. “Talk to Lavender, Ron. She’s got a thing for you, and she’s definitely not mine.” He stood. “She cares too much for her looks and gossip for me to snag her. You need a girlfriend to keep you out of trouble.” So saying, Harry slid down the table and spoke to Lavender briefly. Her face lit up when he pointed out Ron and she quickly moved over to him.
What are you playing at, Potter? Ron thought at his ex-best friend as Lavender took the empty seat across from him.
-~/\~-
“Why did you do that?” Hermione asked once Harry sat back down.
“I got sick of hearing her either whine about how she missed having Ron around or about how her hair looks today. Better they keep one another busy than annoy us.” Harry shrugged.
“So we can listen to her whine instead. Thanks, Harry,” Parvati complained before carefully un-hexing her food. The day after Harry’s return had found most students in the library, looking up spells to un-hex things so they would never get caught off-guard. The teachers had started placing spells on their dishes to repel Harry’s pranks after he’d caught all but the two Slytherins the day after he got back at breakfast.
“Well, take some cheese up and start stuffing it in her mouth, then,” Dean suggested, snatching a dumpling off of Hermione’s plate, since her food was never hexed.
“Dean!” Hermione smacked his arm as he grinned at her. “Oh, you’re disgusting. Close your mouth and finish that.”
“Just because you take it off of Herm’s plate doesn’t mean it’s not hexed, Dean,” Harry said warningly. “With your luck, I’ve put spells on Herm’s utensils that repel pranks, rather than her plate.”
Dean spat the dumpling out on his plate, much to Harry’s amusement and everyone else’s disgust. “You’re pulling my leg.”
“Actually, yes, I am. Anyway, I didn’t hex the Gryffindor food today. It’s the Slytherins that have to watch it,” Harry said with a wild smile. The table around him laughed as he waved his wand and got rid of the once-dumpling on Dean’s plate. “Once it’s been in your mouth it’ll get you anyway. Spitting it out doesn’t keep you from the prank. Really, Dean. I thought you knew better than that.”
A shout of laughter from the Slytherin Table showed that one of the first years hadn’t been careful enough with his food and had been turned into a monkey. The Hall filled with laughter as Harry idly floated a biscuit from the Hufflepuffs’ Table over to the poor primate.
“Told you,” Harry added once the poor student had been returned to normal. He bowed to Harry, who nodded his head in response, and sat back down.
‘Why don’t you just make them figure out which table has the antidote themselves?’ Gin enquired as she sipped at her pumpkin juice.
“It would be a mess.” Harry shrugged. “Imagine half of the Hufflepuffs climbing all over the Gryffindor Table because the antidote for whatever prank I’d played on them could be in our biscuits.”
‘Oh. That makes sense.’
“Of course it makes sense. It’s Harry.” Parvati giggled.
“Gee, thanks, Parvati,” Harry muttered, rolling his eyes. The girl winked at him.
“Who are you pranking next?” Seamus inquired.
Harry shrugged. “I figured I’d give everyone a couple of weeks to relax, then strike suddenly. See how many people got lazy.”
“Oh, you’re a horrible child.” Hermione laughed.
“Knowing you, you’ll hit on April Fool’s Day.” Neville sniggered. “Except it’ll be something we haven’t found a way to guard against.”
“Clever, this one.” Harry sighed, earning him another round of laughter. He rested his cheek on his hand and glanced at Neville. “Guess I’ll have to keep my eye on you, lest you spread my plots around.”
“Oh, come on. Even Crabbe and Goyle could have figure that one out!” Neville laughed.
Harry wiggled his eyebrows. “I know. Together, they actually have a full brain, too.” The students around him laughed as Harry returned his attention to his food, discretely un-hexing the dumpling on his plate that he knew Gin had hex when he hadn’t been looking.
‘Hey!’
Harry smirked at his sister. “You’ve gotta get up earlier in the morning than that to hex the great Harry Potter!” he declared, pointing his fork at her.
With a flash of light, Harry turned into a small griffin. Tom appeared behind Gin out of nowhere as the Hall exploded in laughter. “I win.”
‘You cheated!’
“You never specified that we had to hex him through his food, just that we had to hex him,” the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor pointed out calmly as he picked up the griffin. “You know, he’s kinda cute. I might just keep him.”
If you don’t turn me back this instant, I’ll bite you, Harry warned the Dark Lord mentally as the students cracked up again.
“Marcus, please return Mr Potter to his proper form,” Dumbledore said severely as he came up behind the teacher.
Tom rolled his eyes and, setting Harry back down, muttered the counter. Harry frowned at the Headmaster. “Oh, come on, Professor. I wanted to bite him.”
The Headmaster shot Harry a sharp look to silence him, then looked back at Tom. “Marcus, could I have a word with you?”
“It was a prank, Headmaster,” Harry said coldly. “No one was hurt.”
“Thank you, Mr Potter,” Dumbledore shot Harry another look to get him to shut up.
“If you’re going to snip on Marcus about pranks, sir, then you need to snip on everyone in this school who’s played a prank or has tried to play a prank this past week, at the least. I’m sure we could make up a list for you, if you wish,” Harry continued, eyes burning holes in Dumbledore’s head.
“Harry, enough,” Tom hissed.
“Would you care to be suspended again, Mr Potter?” Dumbledore asked coldly.
Harry glanced at his friends at the Gryffindor and Slytherin Tables. “No, sir. Someone needs to be here to keep your students in line, since you don’t appear to be able to.”
An oppressive silence fell over the Hall as Harry and Dumbledore glared at one another. Finally, Dumbledore spoke, “Mr Potter, Marcus, I would like both of you to accompany me to my office, please.”
Harry settled a hand on Gin’s shoulder as the girl started to rise and shook his head. “Stay here,” he murmured before turning and following the two adults from the Hall.
“That boy really knows how to make an exit,” Sprout said to Flitwick as the Great Hall exploded with sound.
-~/\~-
“I’m getting tired of yelling at you, Harry.” Dumbledore sighed as he sat down behind his desk. Both Harry and Tom sat across from him.
“There’s a surprise,” the teen muttered.
“Harry,” Tom said, shooting the young wizard a look before Dumbledore could speak.
Harry turned to glare at the Dark Lord. What?
I won’t ferry you back and forth if you get suspended again, so clam it, mister.
Harry turned away to look at Fawkes. “Sorry.”
Dumbledore glanced at his Defence professor in surprise, but the man was too busy looking around the office, as he normally tended to do while he was in there. “I’m getting tired of yelling at both of you, actually.”
“Excuse my presumptuousness, Headmaster, but, as far as I can tell, you wouldn’t be yelling at Marcus if you weren’t continuously pinning things on him because you suspect him of working for Voldemort,” Harry said calmly, glancing at the elderly wizard. Dumbledore glanced at him in surprise. “Give me one instance where Marcus actually did something that would prove him to be a Death Eater.”
The leader of the Order of the Phoenix frowned at Harry. The young man had a point, damn him. Marcus Brutús had never actually given him reason to suspect him as a Death Eater. All he had to go on was Severus' word, and Severus obviously wasn’t as trusted anymore as he’d once been. Well, there was the fact that the man before him obviously hated him... “Marcus, out of pure curiosity, why do you hate me?” Dumbledore asked rather suddenly.
Tom’s gaze shot around to the old man. “Because you haven’t trusted me since the first day we met, sir,” was the response. “I cannot like a person who does not give me a chance.”
Brutal honesty. Tom, you are such a bastard, Harry chuckled mentally.
He asked, was the mild response.
Dumbledore watched as the two wizards across from him glanced around his office, occasionally sharing brief smiles. Something clicked, suddenly, and he couldn’t help but wonder why it took him so long to notice it. He sat back with a sigh and a smile. “I see.”
Harry’s eyes shot over to the Headmaster almost as soon as he smiled. “Headmaster, is there any particular reason why you’re smiling?”
Dumbledore blinked a few times. “Can you control your Metamorphmagus abilities, yet?”
Harry paused briefly before speaking with care. “For the most part, yes. I do have trouble with a few things and it’s tiring, but I’m getting better. Why?”
“Eyes in the back of your head,” Dumbledore replied, eyes twinkling. “You were watching me even when you weren’t.”
“Always keep your eyes on your opponent,” Harry murmured and Dumbledore recognized it as something Moody would have said.
“Am I your opponent, then?” the old Headmaster inquired almost sadly.
“You’re hardly my friend, sir.” Harry shrugged. Tom’s eyes shot around to stare at him in surprise. “Don’t give me that look, Marcus; Professor Dumbledore is well aware that we’ve been at odds too often for the past year and a half to be friends.”
Dumbledore nodded regretfully. “How did you find out you were the Heir, if you don’t mind me asking?
Harry gave the old wizard an odd look before shrugging. “Salazar Slytherin told me.”
Tom’s eyes widened in surprise. Harry...
Dumbledore sighed at the teenager. I thought I’d hidden all of those pictures, but I should have expected that Harry would find them, he thought with slight annoyance. “I see. I suppose he would recognize the line.” Harry just nodded. “So, who is Miss Weasley really dating?”
Harry blinked a few times very slowly. “Me, sir. I thought you knew that.”
Dumbledore smiled at the teen. “Really?”
“No,” Tom cut in, surprising Harry into looking at him. “She’s dating Theodore Nott.”
“Marcus,” Harry hissed, narrowing his eyes at the professor.
The teal-eyed man cocked an eyebrow at Harry. “He already knows, or he wouldn’t be asking.”
“Quite right,” Dumbledore agreed as Harry settled his face in his hands with a groan. “However.” He sent both wizards a grave look. “Hogwarts does not condone student/teacher relationships, as I’m sure you both know.”
“Harry is of age, Headmaster. There’s not much Hogwarts or yourself can do about this matter,” Tom pointed out evenly.
“Headmaster,” Harry said suddenly. Dumbledore looked to him and was surprised by the intensity of the green gaze. “If you sack Marcus, I go with him, and I doubt I’ll be the only one.”
Dumbledore stared at the young man before him for a long moment before finally letting out a tired sigh and looking away. “I don’t want to have to drag either of you two in here again because your pranks are out of hand. Harry, you need to quit attacking the school.”
“With all due respect, sir, I am merely making sure everyone is paying attention to what goes on around them. We are at war with Voldemort. The last thing anyone needs is to be caught by surprise because there’s poison in their food,” Harry said quickly. “Consider it my school-wide training session.”
Dumbledore gave him a cold look. “I am asking you to stop, Harry.”
Harry narrowed his eyes. “Yes, sir,” he ground out.
“Thank you. Marcus, you cannot prank students. You are a teacher and need to act like one.”
“Understood, sir.” Tom nodded. Harry could feel the man’s annoyance through their link.
“Thank you, gentlemen. You are both free to go.” Dumbledore nodded to the two wizards.
“Good night, Headmaster.” Tom nodded, standing. He took a look at the scowling Harry and sighed. “Come on, you.”
Harry grumbled something under his breath and stood, still scowling.
“What’s that look for?” Tom teased, wrapping an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Gryffindors are sore losers.”
Harry punched the taller wizard’s side gently before settling an arm around his waist and leaning against him. “Prat.”
Tom chuckled and led Harry from the office and Dumbledore’s prying eyes. “Let’s go assure your friends you’re not suspended again.” He paused suddenly. “Headmaster?”
“Yes, Marcus?” Dumbledore smiled at him.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d tell my doorkeeper to let my students in to visit me again.”
“We could always get you a new picture,” Harry teased. “Maybe I can find one of a lion.”
“I think not! There will be no lions near my bedroom.”
Harry smirked. “Too late.”
“You’re a Gryffindor, not a lion, Mr Potter. That’s hardly the same thing,” Tom shot back before glancing back up at the Headmaster, who’d been watching them argue with a faint smile. “The portrait, Headmaster.”
“As long as everyone has left before curfew,” Dumbledore agreed.
“Thank you.” Tom nodded and walked out of the office with Harry. Why did you say Slytherin told you that you were an Heir?
Salazar mentioned something about having pictures up here which he used to find out if something important was going on. I figured that they’d be pictures of him and that Dumbledore would know about them. He probably hid them, in fact.
And you have that bad habit of getting into everything, Tom agreed, shaking his head in amusement. You’re like a toddler.
Shut up, Harry shot back with a smile. “Hey, you know what?”
“What?”
“I can kiss you good morning now.”
“Don’t get too carried away, you imp.”
“Too carried away would be snuggling in class, Marcus. I think I’m entitled to a good morning kiss.”
“Better idea,” Tom said, suddenly mischievous. He leaned over enough so he could place his mouth next to Harry’s ear. “Good morning sex.”
Harry laughed. “On the Head Table? I think Dumbledore would murder us both, forget those nice little things like sacking and expelling.”
Tom shrugged. “Good point. It’ll have to be on the Gryffindor Table, then.”
Harry snorted and covered his eyes. “You’re such a bastard.”
“Point?”
Harry smiled and leaned his head on Tom’s shoulder. “There wasn’t one. Welcome back, Harry.”
“Is that your password?” Tom asked in amusement as the portrait hole opened.
“Stuff it, you sod,” Harry muttered, leading Tom in.
“I’m just wondering what Mr Weasley thought of it.”
Harry sniggered. “Good question.”
‘Harry! Marcus!’ Gin ran up to them. ‘You’re not expelled or suspended or sacked?’
“Upset?” Tom inquired brightly. “Ow!” he added when Harry stepped on his foot.
“Be nice,” Harry said warningly before smiling at Gin. “We’re still here, but good old Dumbles caught on to the relationship switch, so you can randomly jump Ted in the Great Hall tomorrow morning, if you want.”
‘Ooh, goodie. I always wanted to give him a heart attack!’
“The Slytherin blood must run in the family,” Tom decided. “Now, I have papers to grade, since you kept me from being sacked.”
“Can I have a kiss before you go? Please?” Harry begged softly.
“Imp,” Tom murmured before leaning down to capture Harry’s lips with his.
Gin gave an approving whistle and the two drew apart to glare at her. “Busy,” Harry said in annoyance.
‘Oh, you two can carry on. Just let me get my camera.’
“Excuse me, Marcus. I have to kill my sister.”
Tom chuckled. “Just as long as she still makes it to my class on Monday.”
“Oh, she might have to spend the weekend in the Infirmary again, but I’m sure she’ll be there,” Harry assured his lover calmly.
“Poppy may just kill you,” Tom decided before kissing Harry’s scar gently. “No killing on school grounds.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Yes, Marcus.”
‘Oh, come on. I wanna hear what all happened!’ Gin exclaimed, tugging on Harry’s arm.
“Oh, alright.” Harry drew away from the Dark Lord and waved before allowing his sister to drag him over to where Hermione, Seamus, and Neville sat.
“Kissing in the middle of the common room. Harry Potter, what has come over you?” Seamus teased.
“Dumbles caught on.” Harry shrugged, taking the seat next to Hermione while Gin sat with Neville.
“And he wasn’t sacked?” Hermione whispered in shock.
“Nope. I said that, if he sacked Marcus, I was leaving with, and I probably wouldn’t be the only one to go.”
“Too bad. I would have loved to see you go, Potter.” Ron sneered from behind the chair Seamus sat in.
“I’m sure you would, tomato,” Seamus spat. “So you could attack Gin again, no doubt.”
“Just like the slime you are,” Neville agreed.
“Shut up,” Ron said warningly, wand pointed at Harry, who had risen. “My argument is with Potter, not any of you.”
“I should hope it’s just with me, Weasel,” Harry replied coldly. “And, as chance would have it, it’s because of you that I fought so hard to stay in Hogwarts. After all, I appear to be the only one who can control you.”
Ron’s face twisted in rage. “Incendio!”
Harry threw up his left arm, which had his bracelet on it, and threw out his wand at the same time. “Locomotor Mortis!”
“Protego! Stupefy!” Ron spat, using a spell he hadn’t seen Harry’s bodyguard use before.
“Finite! Reducto!” Harry shot back, eyes narrowed. “Expelliarmus!” he added as the Reductor Curse shattered Ron’s Shield Charm. He caught the willow wand in his left hand and frowned at the redhead. “I should keep this, you know.”
Hermione stood next to Harry, hand out for the wand. “Give me that. Parvati, could you come with me? We’re taking Ronald to Professor McGonagall and asking her to strip him of his position as Prefect. This has gone far enough.”
Harry sighed and handed the wand over as Parvati stood and walked over to them. “Harry, you come too,” the dark-haired girl ordered, pulling out her wand.
“Why?” Ron asked suspiciously.
“Because he’s the strongest wizard in Gryffindor and I’d like his help in case you try something funny,” Parvati shot back.
‘Go on. You can’t tell us anything without Herm here, anyway.’ Gin pointed out.
“Oh, very well.” Harry sighed, putting his wand away.
“Don’t put it away!” Parvati cried.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “I think I’d rather kick his arse if he tries something rather than hex him. Makes me feel better when he’s unarmed.”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about it, Parvati. Harry’s always armed, these days.” Harry smirked coldly.
“Oh, fine. Hermione, you lead. Harry, you take up the rear.” Parvati sighed helplessly.
“Right.” Harry leered at Ron. “Try anything funny and I get to kick your arse into a wall. You know I will.”
Ron gulped and nodded. He’d seen enough of Harry’s “practises” to know that the teen could probably kill him without ever touching his wand.
Once the portrait hole had closed behind the four seventh years, the fifth year female Prefect, Jolie Marion, stood. “If it comes to it, I’d like to call a vote from the other Gryffindors. I call for Harry Potter to be made the other seventh year Prefect in place of Ronald Weasley. Raise your hand if you are in agreement.”
Every hand in the common room flew into the air. Jolie sat back down with a smirk, job done.
“Oh, we are so recruiting her,” Dean said, coming over and stealing Harry’s seat. “How old do they have to be?”
‘Of age.’ Gin replied, watching the Prefect. ‘I like her. Talk to Harry about it.’
“Will do.”
-~/\~-
“Come in,” McGonagall called when Hermione knocked.
The Head Girl marched in with determination, but her steps faltered when she saw the Headmaster sitting and having what appeared to be tea and biscuits with the Deputy Headmistress. Harry groaned helplessly when he saw the Headmaster. I’m seeing far too much of this man today.
“Miss Granger. What can I do for you four?” McGonagall asked seriously.
Hermione set her lips into a line and set Ron’s wand on the desk between the two Heads. “I’d like to request you strip Ronald Weasley of his position as a Gryffindor Prefect. He is out of line.”
“Please explain what you mean by that,” Dumbledore said, glancing at the witch over his glasses.
“He verbally attacked Harry with no cause. Seamus and Neville defended Harry and Ron told them that his fight was not with them, but Harry. Harry said that was a good thing, since he appeared to be the only one who could control Ron. Ron then tried setting Harry on fire with his magic. Harry defended himself and managed to disarm Ron,” Hermione explained, fighting tears when she remembered that Ron had appeared ready to kill her best friend
McGonagall gave Ron a severe look while Dumbledore glanced at Parvati, who looked nervous, and Harry, who looked both annoyed and bored. “This happened as she said?”
“Yes, sir,” Parvati agreed shakily.
“The important details are there.” Harry nodded after a moment of thinking it over.
“Mr Weasley, what do you have to say for yourself?” McGonagall demanded.
“Harry threatened me when I got back to school today!” Ron blurted out.
“Mr Potter...” McGonagall sighed and glanced at the dark-haired wizard who was leaning against the wall next to the door, looking very bored.
“I told Ron that if he harmed any of my friends, I’d retaliate,” Harry replied evenly. “Which is the truth and, if you’ll recall, I have already done so, in the past. I found out Ron got Herm pregnant and we hung him up in the entrance hall. When he attacked Gin the first time, I got all the other Gryffindors to keep him from getting a seat. The second time he attacked Gin I couldn’t do anything, as I wasn’t here, or I would have.”
“Even though you were at the Burrow often?” Dumbledore inquired seriously.
Harry shook his head. “I never touched Ron with malice of any kind between my suspension and his return to school.”
Ron stared at Harry in shock. “Not true! You punched me!”
“You called Gin my whore,” Harry replied coldly. “You deserved that one. Even Tonks agreed that was out of line.”
“My apologies,” Ron spat. “I should have said Professor Brutús. Or perhaps that’s the other way around.”
Harry’s eyes blazed, but he stayed where he was, leaning against the wall. “Leave Marcus out of this,” he said in a dangerously low voice.
“That was out of line, Mr Weasley!” McGonagall called angrily. “Miss Granger, I agree with your call. Mr Weasley, you now have a detention with me every night next week.”
“Bu–“
“Shut up, Ron,” Harry ordered and Ron’s mouth slammed shut.
McGonagall shook her head and looked back at the Head Girl and Prefect. “Miss Granger, Miss Patil, do you have any idea which seventh year boy you’d like in Mr Weasley’s place?”
Both Hermione and Parvati pointed at Harry, who blinked in surprise. “Me?”
“You’re the strongest wizard in Gryffindor,” Parvati repeated. “And you’re friends with people from every House.”
“As Gin pointed out two months ago, if we ever want the opinion on something from the general population of Hogwarts within twenty-four hours, you’re the wizard to ask. If you actually knew how to behave yourself, I’d say you’d make a better Head Boy than Anthony,” Hermione added.
“But, you just pointed out that I can’t behave myself!” Harry complained.
“Well, you haven’t attacked Ron yet for insulting Marcus.” Hermione smiled. “That martial arts training did wonders for your control.”
“Ha-ha. Funny.” Harry snorted.
“I find nothing wrong with this reasoning,” McGonagall decided. “Headmaster?”
“I daresay that Harry would make a wonderful Prefect,” Dumbledore said with a smile. “Mr Weasley, please hand over your badge to Mr Potter.”
Ron stared at the Headmaster. “But, sir, what about what Percy said?!” he cried, clutching at his badge. “He could be working for You-Know-Who!”
Harry let out a frustrated sigh. “Not this again! I swear, if one more person says I’m working for Voldemort, I may go hang myself!”
“Please don’t,” Hermione muttered. “I rather like having you around.”
“That is enough, Mr Weasley!” McGonagall shouted. “Hand your badge over to Mr Potter.”
Ron spun and threw the pin at Harry, who winced when it pierced his hand. Harry’s gaze glanced over his left wrist before looking at the cut. “You know, Ron, I don’t like it when people try and poison me.” Ron froze and his face drained of colour. “Lucky for me I took precautions. Though, really, I didn’t think I’d need them for my friends.” He glanced up at the three people with their wands on Ron, and Hermione, who looked close to tears. “Permission to go to the Infirmary?”
“Hand the pin to Miss Patil before you go,” Dumbledore ordered.
Harry handed her the pin carefully before slipping from the room and starting down the hall to the hospital ward. He didn’t get far before he heard McGonagall start to shout at his ex-friend.
You’re okay? Tom’s voice echoed through his mind in concern.
Yes, love, I’m fine. The charm is green, not red, Harry said calmingly.
Move those feet, mister, The Dark Lord ordered. I already told Poppy that you’re coming.
You were in the hospital wing? Harry inquired, speeding up.
You did tell me that I needed a friend here. Poppy and I have been catching up. An odd experience, I must say.
I’ll bet, Harry replied, pushing the Infirmary doors open as he came to them. “Honey, I’m home!” he called.
“Not funny. Sit,” Poppy said firmly, pointing to the closest bed as she walked quickly towards him. “You’re a very lucky young man.”
Harry sat with a groan. “Sure I am. If I were truly that lucky, I wouldn’t have to be in here at all.”
“Good point,” Tom agreed, sitting next to the teen and wrapping him in a hug as Poppy started treating the wound. “Are you okay, love?”
“ ‘M fine,” Harry muttered. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Harry, you’re pale and sweating and your emotions are bouncing around worse than a wizard on speed. What did he say?” Tom replied. Poppy watched on with worried eyes as she finished cleaning the cut. It wasn’t very deep and the charm had killed most of the poison before Harry had reached her.
“He implied I was your whore,” the young wizard murmured, closing his eyes and burying his face in Tom’s chest.
The Dark Lord’s eyes blazed. “Merlin help me, but I’m going to murder that little shit.” He pulled away so he could look into Harry’s eyes as Poppy finished. “You’re not anyone’s whore, do you understand me?”
“Yes,” Harry whispered, eyes filling with tears.
Tom sighed and tugged the young wizard to him again, hugging him tightly. “Oh, Harry...”
Poppy sat on the bed behind the boy and rubbed gentle circles in his back. “I’m sure the Headmaster will have to expel him this time. Did Mr Weasley actually set the poison, or was that planned?”
“Mr Weasley did it,” Tom replied. “Percy must have told him to take Harry out at any cost.”
“Of course he did. I’m a fucking Death Eater, remember?” Harry laughed bitterly, tugging away from the Dark Lord’s embrace. There were tear-tracks on his face, which he wiped at furiously. “I should get back to the common room,” he muttered, standing cautiously.
Tom slipped his arms around Harry’s waist and tugged the young man back down into his lap. “You’re not going anywhere until you’ve calmed down.”
“No, Marcus, really...”
“Harry, you’re staying right here,” Tom said firmly. “Boyfriend’s orders.”
Harry gave a pained laugh and relaxed back into the older wizard’s chest, closing his eyes. “You’re such a bastard.” Tom smiled and kissed the teen’s scar as the hospital wing’s doors opened again to admit McGonagall, Hermione, and Parvati.
“Harry?” Hermione asked softly. “Are you okay?”
“He’s fine, physically.” Tom sighed. “It’s emotionally I’m concerned about.”
Hermione’s eyes widened. “Oh, God, I’d forgotten. Harry–“
“I’m fine, Herm.” Harry sighed, glancing up at her. “And, personally, I’d rather you forgot about that.”
“What is it?” McGonagall asked as Hermione climbed onto the bed next to Tom and hugged Harry carefully. Parvati was watching on in confusion while Poppy put her medical supplies away.
“Don’t,” Harry whispered as Tom opened his mouth to reply.
The Dark Lord settled a hand over Harry’s mouth and shot the Deputy Headmistress a piercing look. “His cousin raped him the summer between his fifth and sixth years. He’s still not quite over it. Don’t you dare bite me, you viper.” Harry closed his eyes in defeat.
McGonagall looked horrified while Parvati climbed in on the Dark Lord’s other side to hug Harry just as Hermione was doing. Poppy was shaking her head sadly as she put potion bottles away. “How come you never told any of us, Potter?” the Gryffindor Head of House asked gently.
“I didn’t want anyone to know,” Harry muttered. “Marcus found out on accident.”
McGonagall gave the Defence teacher a sharp look. “I’ll bet he did.”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Tom shot back coldly. “You’re not either of our mothers and we’re both old enough to make our own choices.”
Harry giggled. “You sound like you’ve been caught doing something wrong.”
All four witches in the room smiled as Tom scowled. “Yup, you’re fine. Off you go to terrorize the first years.”
“Do I look like Professor Snape to you?” Harry inquired, kissing Tom’s chin. “Stupid.”
“Black hair, beady eyes, temper like a tsunami… I dunno, you fit the description pretty well,” Tom teased. Hermione and Parvati pulled away to giggle helplessly while McGonagall and Poppy chuckled.
Harry twisted in the Dark Lord’s embrace and frowned at him. “Hugs are nice, but I want a kiss.”
“What are you, two?” Tom sighed before bowing his head and crushing his mouth to Harry’s. Cause you’re pretty damn sexy for a two-year-old.
Shut up, you bastard, Harry shot back, looping his arms around Tom’s neck. I really hate you some times.
I’m sure you do. Tom pulled away and smiled as Harry rested his head against his chest. “Do me a favour and don’t fall asleep on me this time.”
“Stuff it, bastard,” Harry grumbled, closing his eyes.
Tom sighed and glanced up at the two eldest witches. “Help?”
“My patients get all the comfort they desire,” Poppy informed her friend.
“And lots of light,” Harry added.
“That too,” The mediwitch agreed. “It helps me figure out when someone wakes up. The first thing they do is cover their eyes or groan.”
“I’m tempted to wish a blind patient on you,” Harry informed the mediwitch.
“Loud music,” Parvati said evilly. “The first thing they’ll do is cover their ears.”
“Ooh, lovely.” Hermione giggled. “Then, maybe, Madam Pomfrey can turn down the lights.” Everyone laughed, even Harry.
“Better?” Tom asked gently once everyone had calmed back down.
“Yes, thank you.” Harry nodded, smiling.
“Sure?”
“I’m over it, Marcus,” Harry said, poking the Dark Lord’s side.
“I think I’m allowed to worry about you,” Tom replied, kissing Harry’s scar.
Harry rolled his eyes and glanced up at McGonagall, who had pulled over a chair to sit on. “Professor, what’s going to happen with Ron?”
“He’s been expelled,” McGonagall replied. “And I believe he’s being sent to the Ministry for questioning. That poison should have killed you.”
“I know.” Harry fingered his charm bracelet. “I’ll have to thank Dray again.” McGonagall gave him a questioning look. “He got us all charms that protect against most fatal poisons. It was a tag team gift from him, Pan, ‘Bini, and Ted. The poison charm has saved my life at least twice now.”
“When was the other time?” Hermione whispered.
“The day I got suspended.” Harry shrugged. “Someone poisoned my butterbeer when I had lunch with Molly and Arthur.”
“Oh, God. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I kinda got back and got suspended, Herm. And it wasn’t really that big a deal, I don’t suppose.” He glanced back down at the charm bracelet. “Bleeding life saver.”
“I still don’t like that it’s a bracelet,” Tom announced, much to the amusement of Harry, Hermione, and Parvati.
“Marcus, you’re the only one who can see it, so stop whining,” Harry berated his lover, grasping Tom’s wrist and tugging on the invisible chain.
“Then how come you know where it is?” Tom asked suspiciously.
“Because I have one just like it and there’s only so far it’ll go up your wrist, you bastard,” the green-eyed wizard replied, letting the bracelet go. “And, if you hadn’t fought with me about it, I wouldn’t have been the one to put it on you and might not know which wrist you were wearing it on. It’s your own fault.”
“I hate your logic,” Tom decided, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head. “Wait, you’re a Prefect now, aren’t you?”
“Speaking of.” McGonagall pulled a brand new Prefect pin from one of her robe pockets and handed it over to Harry carefully. “I’m sure you can act responsibly, Mr Potter.”
“We’re doomed.” Tom groaned as Harry pinned the badge onto his school robe. The teen elbowed him. “Abuse of authority!”
“Oh, come on, Marcus. You’re a teacher, for crying out loud. Surely you can stop me from elbowing you if you really want me to stop.”
Tom scowled. “And I say it again: I hate your logic.”
The ward exploded with laughter.
-~/\~-
Harry suffered through a night of restless dreams and woke in time for lunch. By that time, news of Ron’s expulsion had circled the school so many times people were sick of it, but the appearance of the newest Gryffindor Prefect started the whole thing up again.
Harry settled himself in his usual seat between Gin and Neville. “Please stop staring at me. Enough of the Great Hall is already doing it,” he muttered to the group around him as he helped himself to a turkey sandwich.
‘You look horrible, big brother.’ Gin informed him. ‘Are you okay?’
“Yes,” Harry muttered, ducking his head nervously.
Tom appeared from nowhere and knelt next to the teen. “What’s wrong?”
Harry shrugged. “Tired, I suppose.”
“That’s not it and you know it. What’s wrong?”
Harry glanced back at the Dark Lord nervously. It was Hermione who answered, though. “Too many people staring,” she murmured. Harry nodded.
“You are such an odd child,” Tom decided, standing. “Come on. Lunch in my room.”
“Can we come?” Neville inquired.
“No,” the Dark Lord decided in a gentle voice as Harry stood. “I’d like some time with just Harry, I think.” The Gryffindors nodded in understanding and Tom wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Alright?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “See everyone later,” he offered to his friends before letting Tom lead him from the watchful gazes.
“Has he always been that shy?” Parvati asked once the Dark Lord and his second had disappeared through the doors.
“Only after a bad night,” Hermione replied thoughtfully. “And, even then, it takes almost the whole school watching him for him to do that. Most of the time, Ron and I would just let him eat in the kitchen or stay in the dorm. I daresay, Marcus’ got the best idea yet.”
‘That’s because he’s Marcus and he loves him.’ Gin offered, taking a bite of the sandwich on Harry’s plate. ‘That, and they think alike.’
“Not totally alike, I should hope,” Hermione muttered.
The group of Gryffindors traded grins.
-~/\~-
-~/\~-
A/N: Wow. We’ve hit forty chapters. Hot damn!
Hope that clears that up!
~Batsutousai ^.^x
Abandon & Reclaim Series:
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 || 37 || 38 || 39 ||40
41 || 42 || 43 || 44 || 45 || 46 || 47
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.) , Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: Buwhahahaha!!
Key: Okay, you might need these:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’ Written thoughts’
A/N: I’m going to start referring to Ginny as Gin now, ‘cause I’m lazy like that.
Oh, yeah, and we’ve got a bit of a time jump here. The muse was being hateful... *scowls*
Chapter 40
-
“HARRY!”
Harry glanced up in time to see a flash of red and brown before he found his arms full of Gin and Hermione. “You two are trying to kill me!” he laughed, hugging them both as tightly as he could.
“You two should be in class,” Dumbledore said from behind Harry. He was frowning at the two Gryffindor witches.
‘Both Professor Snape and Professor Brutús let us go to come meet Harry.’ Gin replied as she and Hermione both let Harry go.
Dumbledore looked like he wanted to say something, but Harry spoke first. “They would. Here, you two can help me take my stuff up to my room; let me know what I’ve missed on the way,” the teen said happily, placing his shrunken trunk in Hermione’s hand and his shrunken broom in Gin’s hand.
The ladies laughed and, each taking an arm, led Harry into the school, leaving Dumbledore behind.
“So, what have I missed since Sunday?” Harry asked softly as they started up the stairs to the Tower.
“Nothing much,” Hermione offered.
‘Lavender’s still pining for Ron.’ Gin reported in disgust. ‘I, personally, hope he never gets better.’
“I know, love.” Harry gave his sister a one-armed hug.
‘Oh, and Luna said she wants to have a word with you when you get the chance.’ Gin added.
“Has she had her seventeenth birthday yet?” Harry hissed, eyes searching Gin’s.
‘It was Friday.’ Gin assured him.
“Then I will try and make time for her this week, yes.”
“You’re going to love this week’s password,” Hermione informed the wizard as they reached the landing in front of the Fat Lady.
“I’m terrified. What is it?”
“Welcome back, Harry.”
The portrait swung open, the Fat Lady smiling down at them. “And very welcome you are.”
“Who came up with that one?” Harry complained, hopping through the hole. He turned to help the two witches through as well.
“Well, one of the third years suggested it and the Fat Lady liked it so much she decided she’d keep it for the week.”
‘Hogwarts is VERY glad to have you back.’ Gin added. ‘If only because you’re the only one who will give Dumbledore a piece of your mind.’
“And you add excitement to everyone’s day. No one knows what you’ll pull next,” Hermione agreed, smiling brightly.
Harry dropped his head into his hands with a moan.
“Come on, let’s get you settled back in,” Hermione suggested gently, resting a hand on the young wizard’s arm. “The sooner you’re settled in, the sooner we can go down for lunch.”
“I think I may just hide under my bed. Surely that would be safer!” Harry complained, leading the way up the stairs to the boys dormitory.
The rest of the day had followed with constant pats on the back, “hello”s from every student who saw him, and little gifts from the two other teachers he’d had that day. Professor Sprout had given him a large hug and a slab of Honeydukes chocolate when she saw him, while Hagrid handed over a bottle of butterbeer and, much to Harry’s surprise, a small fairy that the half-giant had caught while visiting his half-brother in the Forest. The fairy settled itself in Harry’s hair and stayed there the rest of the day, buzzing occasionally.
Harry’s favourite part of the day, however, was when he stepped into the Great Hall for dinner and found himself enveloped in a hug by Tom, who had missed lunch because Dumbledore had needed him for something. “Great to have you back, you little imp,” Tom added once he’d let go.
“Oh, I dunno, I think Aunt Petunia might miss having someone to set the table,” Harry replied, eyes shining.
Tom chuckled. “Go sit with your friends, you brat.”
Harry bounced over to the Gryffindor Table and settled himself between Neville and Gin. “This has been the best day ever!” he decided.
“I’ll bet.” Dean chuckled from down the table. “How many points have you collected for us today, hm?”
Harry blinked a few times, then held up a hand to tick off the teachers who had given him points on. “Well, Hagrid gave me twenty points for helping him with the jarveys, Sprout gave me ten for helping Nev find his gloves, Flitwick gave me ten for helping him get a book off his desk when I went to talk to him about my missed work, Trelawney gave me five points when I held a door open for her, McGonagall gave me five points for helping Trelawney, and Snape gave me twenty-five points for visiting him to hand in the work I missed.”
“Snape gave you points?!” Lavender called in surprise.
“Weird, isn’t it?” Harry shrugged. “So that’s, uhm, seventy-five points.”
The Gryffindor Table roared with laughter at Harry’s amazed look. “You’re awfully popular today, aren’t you, mate?” Seamus teased.
“This reminds me of that time in fifth year when you were everyone’s favourite student.” Parvati giggled. “Except, this time, even Snape is on your side.”
“I’m still recovering from the shock of Trelawney giving him points, personally,” Hermione said. “I’ve always thought that woman hated you.”
‘Naw. Harry was just useful for killing off.’ Gin offered, grinning. ‘So, Mr Potter, now that you’re Hogwarts’ favourite wizard again, what do you plan on doing?’
“Reminding everyone I’m back,” Harry said mischievously as a loud ‘pop’ came from the Ravenclaw Table and everyone who’d eaten the potatoes turned into an eagle.
The Hall burst into laughter as the Head Boy, Anthony Goldstein, who didn’t like potatoes, grinned at Harry. “Okay, Potter, what’s got the counter?”
Harry, who was laughing too hard to speak, held up a biscuit by way of answer. The birds immediately started pecking at the biscuits, but didn’t change back.
One very smart bird came over and grabbed the biscuit out of Harry’s hand. It flew to the ground, ate some, and returned to the form of a third year Ravenclaw girl by the name of Geneva Shepard. The rest of the Ravenclaws followed her example, much to the amusement of the Hall.
“I don’t want to know how you set that one up,” Seamus said through his laughter. “But I think you’ve been spending too much time with the Weasley twins.”
Harry wiggled his eyebrows at the Irish wizard. “Best watch out for those custard creams, eh?” The Gryffindors around him broke out in laughter and Harry leaned back in his seat, smiling mischievously. “Be careful what you eat, my lion friends. Harry Potter has returned to Hogwarts.”
The Hall broke out in fresh laughter.
Harry poked his head out of the blood curtain leading into Godric’s room and got a bit of a shock as a loud chorus of, “WELCOME BACK, HARRY!” hit him like a brick wall.
The teen laughed and entered into the room grinning. “What is it with all this ‘welcome back’ nonsense? You all know I never really left.”
“But now you’re back properly,” Morag pointed out. “Come on, we’ve got food that we know you haven’t got your sticky little fingers on yet.”
Harry chuckled. “You don’t trust me, hum? How devastating.”
‘Prat!’ Gin shot at him, happily munching on a crisp.
Harry winked as her and got himself some food. “See, this is why I love you people. Did it ever occur to you that I might have asked the house-elves to prank everything a student takes from the kitchen?”
“Yes, which is why I threw spells over everything to get rid of all your little pranks,” Tom replied, coming up behind Harry and wrapping his arms around the teen. “You’re such a naughty little imp.”
“And you could care less,” Harry shot back before twisting his head to kiss the Dark Lord.
Tom bit Harry’s lower lip with a smirk and drew away. “You bet.”
“Hey, Harry?” Seamus called. Harry and Tom both glanced at him. “Are we calling this a meeting, or a party?” the Irishman asked. He was holding a cup that Harry guessed was filled with rum or firewhiskey.
“Oh, go on, then.” Harry waved a hand at him. “But make sure you take one of those Sobering Potions before bed or I’ll laugh at you in the morning.”
“Understood, boss-man,” Seamus agreed before chugging the cup happily.
“You’re far too easy on them,” Severus muttered as he came to stand next to Harry and Tom.
“They’re allowed a little fun.” Harry shrugged.
“I notice you’re not joining in on the ‘fun’,” the Death Eater pointed out evenly.
“I’m far too comfortable to get smashed, thanks.” The teen sniggered.
Severus let out a snort. “How did Mr Finnigan get a Sobering Potion? That’s not something I teach.”
“Harry made him a batch over the summer,” Tom answered.
“And then I taught him how to make it himself, so I could get some peace and quiet after he ran out,” the teen agreed.
Severus gave him an odd look. “I see.” He glanced back at the students. “I must return to my office. Good night, my Lord, Harry.” He turned to leave, then paused. “Oh, Mr Potter?”
“Yes?”
“Twenty points to Gryffindor for teaching your fellow classmate how to brew an actual potion,” the Potions professor said before leaving.
Harry chuckled. “I’ll be damned. He’s given me more points today than he’s given my House the whole time I’ve been at this school.”
Tom snorted. “That’s not saying much, knowing Severus.”
“No, I don’t suppose it is...” Harry smiled as he saw Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle snogging in a shadowed corner. “I knew those two were an item.”
“Lovely.” Tom shook his head. “Who gave you this lovely little fairy, by the way?”
“Hagrid.” Harry smiled. “All the teachers appear to like having me back.”
“I would assume so. Hogwarts isn’t Hogwarts without you causing trouble, you know.”
“I know.” Harry let out a sigh. “I missed this place. I mean, hanging out at Privet Drive with Aunt Petunia and Saber was loads of fun, as was popping in at the Burrow, but, I mean, this place is home.” He closed his eyes and relaxed against the Dark Lord. “And this is my family.”
“I know, love,” Tom whispered, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head. “I know.”
The next two days went by in a haze of laughter, pranks, treats from teachers, and points awarded to Gryffindor for the smallest of things for Harry. But, on Friday, Ron was released from St. Mungo’s and brought back to school by the Headmaster an hour before dinner.
Harry met the two at the door, gaze calm. “Headmaster.” He nodded to the elder wizard. “Ron, could I have a word with you?”
“I dunno…” the elder teen said carefully. He was gripping his wand tightly in his right hand.
“Even if I promise not to do any harm to you for the next hour?” Harry inquired gently. The red-haired wizard just glared. “Ron, look, I just want to talk, nothing more. My word as a Gryffindor.”
“That’s not saying much,” Ron spat.
“Fine. My word as Gryffindor’s Heir. Just talk,” Harry decided, noting the surprised look on Dumbledore’s face out of the corner of his eye.
Ron kicked the ground. “Fine. Let’s go to the Room of Requirement. And I decide what shape it takes.”
“As you wish.” Harry inclined his head and led the way, knowing Ron wouldn’t want to show him his back, no matter what.
Ron called up a room in deep reds and bright gold with two plush chairs and gentle lighting. Harry let out a hum of appreciation as he tossed himself into a chair. Ron settled himself into the other chair far more carefully. “What do you want, Potter?”
“Ouch. I thought we were friends, Ron,” Harry said in a wounded voice.
“I’m not friends with someone who set a snake on me,” Ron shot back, voice laced with venom.
“Oops.” Harry gave the other teen an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, Ron.”
“Get to the point, Potter,” Ron spat.
Harry sighed tragically. “See what happens when I try and be nice to you? You get so nasty.”
Ron pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry. “Talk.”
Harry frowned at the wand. “Oh, fine. I just wanted to give you a warning, really.” He stood slowly, emerald-green eyes burning with a cold and dangerous fire. His voice, when he spoke again, was murderous, “Mark my words, Ronald Bilius Weasley, if you attack any of my people, you’ll find yourself faced with a revenge which will make Nagini’s attack look like nothing. Damn Albus Dumbledore’s watching eye. Damn the Order of the Phoenix. If my people are hurt, I will kill you.”
Ron watched with wide eyes as the raven-haired teen swept from the room.
When Ron finally walked into the Great Hall for dinner, he found that they’d left him a seat at the very end of the table. Harry was sitting at the centre of the table with his sister and Neville on either side, Hermione across from him. The sixth and seventh years around the Boy-Who-Lived were all laughing at something the wizard had just said and Harry’s face shone with joy. The other House Tables were filled with laughter as well, though not at Harry’s joke, Ron supposed.
Ron glanced up at the Head Table. The Headmaster kept sending Harry wary glances. The other teachers would, occasionally, beam at Harry or a favoured student at another table before returning to whatever conversation they were holding with their neighbours. Brutús and Snape were whispering to one another and keeping a watchful eye on the students in the Hall. Once in a while, one of the two would shoot a quick look at Dumbledore, frown, then return their attention to the previous conversation.
Suddenly, Ron found his gaze met by Professor Brutús. The professor frowned at him briefly, then turned to say something to Snape. The Potions teacher turned to scowl at him and Ron quickly looked at his plate. Weren’t they fighting at the beginning of the year?
“What are you thinking?” Harry inquired, sliding into the seat across from Ron.
“That you should go back with your little fan club,” Ron spat, stabbing a carrot.
Harry shrugged. “Talk to Lavender, Ron. She’s got a thing for you, and she’s definitely not mine.” He stood. “She cares too much for her looks and gossip for me to snag her. You need a girlfriend to keep you out of trouble.” So saying, Harry slid down the table and spoke to Lavender briefly. Her face lit up when he pointed out Ron and she quickly moved over to him.
What are you playing at, Potter? Ron thought at his ex-best friend as Lavender took the empty seat across from him.
“Why did you do that?” Hermione asked once Harry sat back down.
“I got sick of hearing her either whine about how she missed having Ron around or about how her hair looks today. Better they keep one another busy than annoy us.” Harry shrugged.
“So we can listen to her whine instead. Thanks, Harry,” Parvati complained before carefully un-hexing her food. The day after Harry’s return had found most students in the library, looking up spells to un-hex things so they would never get caught off-guard. The teachers had started placing spells on their dishes to repel Harry’s pranks after he’d caught all but the two Slytherins the day after he got back at breakfast.
“Well, take some cheese up and start stuffing it in her mouth, then,” Dean suggested, snatching a dumpling off of Hermione’s plate, since her food was never hexed.
“Dean!” Hermione smacked his arm as he grinned at her. “Oh, you’re disgusting. Close your mouth and finish that.”
“Just because you take it off of Herm’s plate doesn’t mean it’s not hexed, Dean,” Harry said warningly. “With your luck, I’ve put spells on Herm’s utensils that repel pranks, rather than her plate.”
Dean spat the dumpling out on his plate, much to Harry’s amusement and everyone else’s disgust. “You’re pulling my leg.”
“Actually, yes, I am. Anyway, I didn’t hex the Gryffindor food today. It’s the Slytherins that have to watch it,” Harry said with a wild smile. The table around him laughed as he waved his wand and got rid of the once-dumpling on Dean’s plate. “Once it’s been in your mouth it’ll get you anyway. Spitting it out doesn’t keep you from the prank. Really, Dean. I thought you knew better than that.”
A shout of laughter from the Slytherin Table showed that one of the first years hadn’t been careful enough with his food and had been turned into a monkey. The Hall filled with laughter as Harry idly floated a biscuit from the Hufflepuffs’ Table over to the poor primate.
“Told you,” Harry added once the poor student had been returned to normal. He bowed to Harry, who nodded his head in response, and sat back down.
‘Why don’t you just make them figure out which table has the antidote themselves?’ Gin enquired as she sipped at her pumpkin juice.
“It would be a mess.” Harry shrugged. “Imagine half of the Hufflepuffs climbing all over the Gryffindor Table because the antidote for whatever prank I’d played on them could be in our biscuits.”
‘Oh. That makes sense.’
“Of course it makes sense. It’s Harry.” Parvati giggled.
“Gee, thanks, Parvati,” Harry muttered, rolling his eyes. The girl winked at him.
“Who are you pranking next?” Seamus inquired.
Harry shrugged. “I figured I’d give everyone a couple of weeks to relax, then strike suddenly. See how many people got lazy.”
“Oh, you’re a horrible child.” Hermione laughed.
“Knowing you, you’ll hit on April Fool’s Day.” Neville sniggered. “Except it’ll be something we haven’t found a way to guard against.”
“Clever, this one.” Harry sighed, earning him another round of laughter. He rested his cheek on his hand and glanced at Neville. “Guess I’ll have to keep my eye on you, lest you spread my plots around.”
“Oh, come on. Even Crabbe and Goyle could have figure that one out!” Neville laughed.
Harry wiggled his eyebrows. “I know. Together, they actually have a full brain, too.” The students around him laughed as Harry returned his attention to his food, discretely un-hexing the dumpling on his plate that he knew Gin had hex when he hadn’t been looking.
‘Hey!’
Harry smirked at his sister. “You’ve gotta get up earlier in the morning than that to hex the great Harry Potter!” he declared, pointing his fork at her.
With a flash of light, Harry turned into a small griffin. Tom appeared behind Gin out of nowhere as the Hall exploded in laughter. “I win.”
‘You cheated!’
“You never specified that we had to hex him through his food, just that we had to hex him,” the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor pointed out calmly as he picked up the griffin. “You know, he’s kinda cute. I might just keep him.”
If you don’t turn me back this instant, I’ll bite you, Harry warned the Dark Lord mentally as the students cracked up again.
“Marcus, please return Mr Potter to his proper form,” Dumbledore said severely as he came up behind the teacher.
Tom rolled his eyes and, setting Harry back down, muttered the counter. Harry frowned at the Headmaster. “Oh, come on, Professor. I wanted to bite him.”
The Headmaster shot Harry a sharp look to silence him, then looked back at Tom. “Marcus, could I have a word with you?”
“It was a prank, Headmaster,” Harry said coldly. “No one was hurt.”
“Thank you, Mr Potter,” Dumbledore shot Harry another look to get him to shut up.
“If you’re going to snip on Marcus about pranks, sir, then you need to snip on everyone in this school who’s played a prank or has tried to play a prank this past week, at the least. I’m sure we could make up a list for you, if you wish,” Harry continued, eyes burning holes in Dumbledore’s head.
“Harry, enough,” Tom hissed.
“Would you care to be suspended again, Mr Potter?” Dumbledore asked coldly.
Harry glanced at his friends at the Gryffindor and Slytherin Tables. “No, sir. Someone needs to be here to keep your students in line, since you don’t appear to be able to.”
An oppressive silence fell over the Hall as Harry and Dumbledore glared at one another. Finally, Dumbledore spoke, “Mr Potter, Marcus, I would like both of you to accompany me to my office, please.”
Harry settled a hand on Gin’s shoulder as the girl started to rise and shook his head. “Stay here,” he murmured before turning and following the two adults from the Hall.
“That boy really knows how to make an exit,” Sprout said to Flitwick as the Great Hall exploded with sound.
“I’m getting tired of yelling at you, Harry.” Dumbledore sighed as he sat down behind his desk. Both Harry and Tom sat across from him.
“There’s a surprise,” the teen muttered.
“Harry,” Tom said, shooting the young wizard a look before Dumbledore could speak.
Harry turned to glare at the Dark Lord. What?
I won’t ferry you back and forth if you get suspended again, so clam it, mister.
Harry turned away to look at Fawkes. “Sorry.”
Dumbledore glanced at his Defence professor in surprise, but the man was too busy looking around the office, as he normally tended to do while he was in there. “I’m getting tired of yelling at both of you, actually.”
“Excuse my presumptuousness, Headmaster, but, as far as I can tell, you wouldn’t be yelling at Marcus if you weren’t continuously pinning things on him because you suspect him of working for Voldemort,” Harry said calmly, glancing at the elderly wizard. Dumbledore glanced at him in surprise. “Give me one instance where Marcus actually did something that would prove him to be a Death Eater.”
The leader of the Order of the Phoenix frowned at Harry. The young man had a point, damn him. Marcus Brutús had never actually given him reason to suspect him as a Death Eater. All he had to go on was Severus' word, and Severus obviously wasn’t as trusted anymore as he’d once been. Well, there was the fact that the man before him obviously hated him... “Marcus, out of pure curiosity, why do you hate me?” Dumbledore asked rather suddenly.
Tom’s gaze shot around to the old man. “Because you haven’t trusted me since the first day we met, sir,” was the response. “I cannot like a person who does not give me a chance.”
Brutal honesty. Tom, you are such a bastard, Harry chuckled mentally.
He asked, was the mild response.
Dumbledore watched as the two wizards across from him glanced around his office, occasionally sharing brief smiles. Something clicked, suddenly, and he couldn’t help but wonder why it took him so long to notice it. He sat back with a sigh and a smile. “I see.”
Harry’s eyes shot over to the Headmaster almost as soon as he smiled. “Headmaster, is there any particular reason why you’re smiling?”
Dumbledore blinked a few times. “Can you control your Metamorphmagus abilities, yet?”
Harry paused briefly before speaking with care. “For the most part, yes. I do have trouble with a few things and it’s tiring, but I’m getting better. Why?”
“Eyes in the back of your head,” Dumbledore replied, eyes twinkling. “You were watching me even when you weren’t.”
“Always keep your eyes on your opponent,” Harry murmured and Dumbledore recognized it as something Moody would have said.
“Am I your opponent, then?” the old Headmaster inquired almost sadly.
“You’re hardly my friend, sir.” Harry shrugged. Tom’s eyes shot around to stare at him in surprise. “Don’t give me that look, Marcus; Professor Dumbledore is well aware that we’ve been at odds too often for the past year and a half to be friends.”
Dumbledore nodded regretfully. “How did you find out you were the Heir, if you don’t mind me asking?
Harry gave the old wizard an odd look before shrugging. “Salazar Slytherin told me.”
Tom’s eyes widened in surprise. Harry...
Dumbledore sighed at the teenager. I thought I’d hidden all of those pictures, but I should have expected that Harry would find them, he thought with slight annoyance. “I see. I suppose he would recognize the line.” Harry just nodded. “So, who is Miss Weasley really dating?”
Harry blinked a few times very slowly. “Me, sir. I thought you knew that.”
Dumbledore smiled at the teen. “Really?”
“No,” Tom cut in, surprising Harry into looking at him. “She’s dating Theodore Nott.”
“Marcus,” Harry hissed, narrowing his eyes at the professor.
The teal-eyed man cocked an eyebrow at Harry. “He already knows, or he wouldn’t be asking.”
“Quite right,” Dumbledore agreed as Harry settled his face in his hands with a groan. “However.” He sent both wizards a grave look. “Hogwarts does not condone student/teacher relationships, as I’m sure you both know.”
“Harry is of age, Headmaster. There’s not much Hogwarts or yourself can do about this matter,” Tom pointed out evenly.
“Headmaster,” Harry said suddenly. Dumbledore looked to him and was surprised by the intensity of the green gaze. “If you sack Marcus, I go with him, and I doubt I’ll be the only one.”
Dumbledore stared at the young man before him for a long moment before finally letting out a tired sigh and looking away. “I don’t want to have to drag either of you two in here again because your pranks are out of hand. Harry, you need to quit attacking the school.”
“With all due respect, sir, I am merely making sure everyone is paying attention to what goes on around them. We are at war with Voldemort. The last thing anyone needs is to be caught by surprise because there’s poison in their food,” Harry said quickly. “Consider it my school-wide training session.”
Dumbledore gave him a cold look. “I am asking you to stop, Harry.”
Harry narrowed his eyes. “Yes, sir,” he ground out.
“Thank you. Marcus, you cannot prank students. You are a teacher and need to act like one.”
“Understood, sir.” Tom nodded. Harry could feel the man’s annoyance through their link.
“Thank you, gentlemen. You are both free to go.” Dumbledore nodded to the two wizards.
“Good night, Headmaster.” Tom nodded, standing. He took a look at the scowling Harry and sighed. “Come on, you.”
Harry grumbled something under his breath and stood, still scowling.
“What’s that look for?” Tom teased, wrapping an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Gryffindors are sore losers.”
Harry punched the taller wizard’s side gently before settling an arm around his waist and leaning against him. “Prat.”
Tom chuckled and led Harry from the office and Dumbledore’s prying eyes. “Let’s go assure your friends you’re not suspended again.” He paused suddenly. “Headmaster?”
“Yes, Marcus?” Dumbledore smiled at him.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d tell my doorkeeper to let my students in to visit me again.”
“We could always get you a new picture,” Harry teased. “Maybe I can find one of a lion.”
“I think not! There will be no lions near my bedroom.”
Harry smirked. “Too late.”
“You’re a Gryffindor, not a lion, Mr Potter. That’s hardly the same thing,” Tom shot back before glancing back up at the Headmaster, who’d been watching them argue with a faint smile. “The portrait, Headmaster.”
“As long as everyone has left before curfew,” Dumbledore agreed.
“Thank you.” Tom nodded and walked out of the office with Harry. Why did you say Slytherin told you that you were an Heir?
Salazar mentioned something about having pictures up here which he used to find out if something important was going on. I figured that they’d be pictures of him and that Dumbledore would know about them. He probably hid them, in fact.
And you have that bad habit of getting into everything, Tom agreed, shaking his head in amusement. You’re like a toddler.
Shut up, Harry shot back with a smile. “Hey, you know what?”
“What?”
“I can kiss you good morning now.”
“Don’t get too carried away, you imp.”
“Too carried away would be snuggling in class, Marcus. I think I’m entitled to a good morning kiss.”
“Better idea,” Tom said, suddenly mischievous. He leaned over enough so he could place his mouth next to Harry’s ear. “Good morning sex.”
Harry laughed. “On the Head Table? I think Dumbledore would murder us both, forget those nice little things like sacking and expelling.”
Tom shrugged. “Good point. It’ll have to be on the Gryffindor Table, then.”
Harry snorted and covered his eyes. “You’re such a bastard.”
“Point?”
Harry smiled and leaned his head on Tom’s shoulder. “There wasn’t one. Welcome back, Harry.”
“Is that your password?” Tom asked in amusement as the portrait hole opened.
“Stuff it, you sod,” Harry muttered, leading Tom in.
“I’m just wondering what Mr Weasley thought of it.”
Harry sniggered. “Good question.”
‘Harry! Marcus!’ Gin ran up to them. ‘You’re not expelled or suspended or sacked?’
“Upset?” Tom inquired brightly. “Ow!” he added when Harry stepped on his foot.
“Be nice,” Harry said warningly before smiling at Gin. “We’re still here, but good old Dumbles caught on to the relationship switch, so you can randomly jump Ted in the Great Hall tomorrow morning, if you want.”
‘Ooh, goodie. I always wanted to give him a heart attack!’
“The Slytherin blood must run in the family,” Tom decided. “Now, I have papers to grade, since you kept me from being sacked.”
“Can I have a kiss before you go? Please?” Harry begged softly.
“Imp,” Tom murmured before leaning down to capture Harry’s lips with his.
Gin gave an approving whistle and the two drew apart to glare at her. “Busy,” Harry said in annoyance.
‘Oh, you two can carry on. Just let me get my camera.’
“Excuse me, Marcus. I have to kill my sister.”
Tom chuckled. “Just as long as she still makes it to my class on Monday.”
“Oh, she might have to spend the weekend in the Infirmary again, but I’m sure she’ll be there,” Harry assured his lover calmly.
“Poppy may just kill you,” Tom decided before kissing Harry’s scar gently. “No killing on school grounds.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Yes, Marcus.”
‘Oh, come on. I wanna hear what all happened!’ Gin exclaimed, tugging on Harry’s arm.
“Oh, alright.” Harry drew away from the Dark Lord and waved before allowing his sister to drag him over to where Hermione, Seamus, and Neville sat.
“Kissing in the middle of the common room. Harry Potter, what has come over you?” Seamus teased.
“Dumbles caught on.” Harry shrugged, taking the seat next to Hermione while Gin sat with Neville.
“And he wasn’t sacked?” Hermione whispered in shock.
“Nope. I said that, if he sacked Marcus, I was leaving with, and I probably wouldn’t be the only one to go.”
“Too bad. I would have loved to see you go, Potter.” Ron sneered from behind the chair Seamus sat in.
“I’m sure you would, tomato,” Seamus spat. “So you could attack Gin again, no doubt.”
“Just like the slime you are,” Neville agreed.
“Shut up,” Ron said warningly, wand pointed at Harry, who had risen. “My argument is with Potter, not any of you.”
“I should hope it’s just with me, Weasel,” Harry replied coldly. “And, as chance would have it, it’s because of you that I fought so hard to stay in Hogwarts. After all, I appear to be the only one who can control you.”
Ron’s face twisted in rage. “Incendio!”
Harry threw up his left arm, which had his bracelet on it, and threw out his wand at the same time. “Locomotor Mortis!”
“Protego! Stupefy!” Ron spat, using a spell he hadn’t seen Harry’s bodyguard use before.
“Finite! Reducto!” Harry shot back, eyes narrowed. “Expelliarmus!” he added as the Reductor Curse shattered Ron’s Shield Charm. He caught the willow wand in his left hand and frowned at the redhead. “I should keep this, you know.”
Hermione stood next to Harry, hand out for the wand. “Give me that. Parvati, could you come with me? We’re taking Ronald to Professor McGonagall and asking her to strip him of his position as Prefect. This has gone far enough.”
Harry sighed and handed the wand over as Parvati stood and walked over to them. “Harry, you come too,” the dark-haired girl ordered, pulling out her wand.
“Why?” Ron asked suspiciously.
“Because he’s the strongest wizard in Gryffindor and I’d like his help in case you try something funny,” Parvati shot back.
‘Go on. You can’t tell us anything without Herm here, anyway.’ Gin pointed out.
“Oh, very well.” Harry sighed, putting his wand away.
“Don’t put it away!” Parvati cried.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “I think I’d rather kick his arse if he tries something rather than hex him. Makes me feel better when he’s unarmed.”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about it, Parvati. Harry’s always armed, these days.” Harry smirked coldly.
“Oh, fine. Hermione, you lead. Harry, you take up the rear.” Parvati sighed helplessly.
“Right.” Harry leered at Ron. “Try anything funny and I get to kick your arse into a wall. You know I will.”
Ron gulped and nodded. He’d seen enough of Harry’s “practises” to know that the teen could probably kill him without ever touching his wand.
Once the portrait hole had closed behind the four seventh years, the fifth year female Prefect, Jolie Marion, stood. “If it comes to it, I’d like to call a vote from the other Gryffindors. I call for Harry Potter to be made the other seventh year Prefect in place of Ronald Weasley. Raise your hand if you are in agreement.”
Every hand in the common room flew into the air. Jolie sat back down with a smirk, job done.
“Oh, we are so recruiting her,” Dean said, coming over and stealing Harry’s seat. “How old do they have to be?”
‘Of age.’ Gin replied, watching the Prefect. ‘I like her. Talk to Harry about it.’
“Will do.”
“Come in,” McGonagall called when Hermione knocked.
The Head Girl marched in with determination, but her steps faltered when she saw the Headmaster sitting and having what appeared to be tea and biscuits with the Deputy Headmistress. Harry groaned helplessly when he saw the Headmaster. I’m seeing far too much of this man today.
“Miss Granger. What can I do for you four?” McGonagall asked seriously.
Hermione set her lips into a line and set Ron’s wand on the desk between the two Heads. “I’d like to request you strip Ronald Weasley of his position as a Gryffindor Prefect. He is out of line.”
“Please explain what you mean by that,” Dumbledore said, glancing at the witch over his glasses.
“He verbally attacked Harry with no cause. Seamus and Neville defended Harry and Ron told them that his fight was not with them, but Harry. Harry said that was a good thing, since he appeared to be the only one who could control Ron. Ron then tried setting Harry on fire with his magic. Harry defended himself and managed to disarm Ron,” Hermione explained, fighting tears when she remembered that Ron had appeared ready to kill her best friend
McGonagall gave Ron a severe look while Dumbledore glanced at Parvati, who looked nervous, and Harry, who looked both annoyed and bored. “This happened as she said?”
“Yes, sir,” Parvati agreed shakily.
“The important details are there.” Harry nodded after a moment of thinking it over.
“Mr Weasley, what do you have to say for yourself?” McGonagall demanded.
“Harry threatened me when I got back to school today!” Ron blurted out.
“Mr Potter...” McGonagall sighed and glanced at the dark-haired wizard who was leaning against the wall next to the door, looking very bored.
“I told Ron that if he harmed any of my friends, I’d retaliate,” Harry replied evenly. “Which is the truth and, if you’ll recall, I have already done so, in the past. I found out Ron got Herm pregnant and we hung him up in the entrance hall. When he attacked Gin the first time, I got all the other Gryffindors to keep him from getting a seat. The second time he attacked Gin I couldn’t do anything, as I wasn’t here, or I would have.”
“Even though you were at the Burrow often?” Dumbledore inquired seriously.
Harry shook his head. “I never touched Ron with malice of any kind between my suspension and his return to school.”
Ron stared at Harry in shock. “Not true! You punched me!”
“You called Gin my whore,” Harry replied coldly. “You deserved that one. Even Tonks agreed that was out of line.”
“My apologies,” Ron spat. “I should have said Professor Brutús. Or perhaps that’s the other way around.”
Harry’s eyes blazed, but he stayed where he was, leaning against the wall. “Leave Marcus out of this,” he said in a dangerously low voice.
“That was out of line, Mr Weasley!” McGonagall called angrily. “Miss Granger, I agree with your call. Mr Weasley, you now have a detention with me every night next week.”
“Bu–“
“Shut up, Ron,” Harry ordered and Ron’s mouth slammed shut.
McGonagall shook her head and looked back at the Head Girl and Prefect. “Miss Granger, Miss Patil, do you have any idea which seventh year boy you’d like in Mr Weasley’s place?”
Both Hermione and Parvati pointed at Harry, who blinked in surprise. “Me?”
“You’re the strongest wizard in Gryffindor,” Parvati repeated. “And you’re friends with people from every House.”
“As Gin pointed out two months ago, if we ever want the opinion on something from the general population of Hogwarts within twenty-four hours, you’re the wizard to ask. If you actually knew how to behave yourself, I’d say you’d make a better Head Boy than Anthony,” Hermione added.
“But, you just pointed out that I can’t behave myself!” Harry complained.
“Well, you haven’t attacked Ron yet for insulting Marcus.” Hermione smiled. “That martial arts training did wonders for your control.”
“Ha-ha. Funny.” Harry snorted.
“I find nothing wrong with this reasoning,” McGonagall decided. “Headmaster?”
“I daresay that Harry would make a wonderful Prefect,” Dumbledore said with a smile. “Mr Weasley, please hand over your badge to Mr Potter.”
Ron stared at the Headmaster. “But, sir, what about what Percy said?!” he cried, clutching at his badge. “He could be working for You-Know-Who!”
Harry let out a frustrated sigh. “Not this again! I swear, if one more person says I’m working for Voldemort, I may go hang myself!”
“Please don’t,” Hermione muttered. “I rather like having you around.”
“That is enough, Mr Weasley!” McGonagall shouted. “Hand your badge over to Mr Potter.”
Ron spun and threw the pin at Harry, who winced when it pierced his hand. Harry’s gaze glanced over his left wrist before looking at the cut. “You know, Ron, I don’t like it when people try and poison me.” Ron froze and his face drained of colour. “Lucky for me I took precautions. Though, really, I didn’t think I’d need them for my friends.” He glanced up at the three people with their wands on Ron, and Hermione, who looked close to tears. “Permission to go to the Infirmary?”
“Hand the pin to Miss Patil before you go,” Dumbledore ordered.
Harry handed her the pin carefully before slipping from the room and starting down the hall to the hospital ward. He didn’t get far before he heard McGonagall start to shout at his ex-friend.
You’re okay? Tom’s voice echoed through his mind in concern.
Yes, love, I’m fine. The charm is green, not red, Harry said calmingly.
Move those feet, mister, The Dark Lord ordered. I already told Poppy that you’re coming.
You were in the hospital wing? Harry inquired, speeding up.
You did tell me that I needed a friend here. Poppy and I have been catching up. An odd experience, I must say.
I’ll bet, Harry replied, pushing the Infirmary doors open as he came to them. “Honey, I’m home!” he called.
“Not funny. Sit,” Poppy said firmly, pointing to the closest bed as she walked quickly towards him. “You’re a very lucky young man.”
Harry sat with a groan. “Sure I am. If I were truly that lucky, I wouldn’t have to be in here at all.”
“Good point,” Tom agreed, sitting next to the teen and wrapping him in a hug as Poppy started treating the wound. “Are you okay, love?”
“ ‘M fine,” Harry muttered. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Harry, you’re pale and sweating and your emotions are bouncing around worse than a wizard on speed. What did he say?” Tom replied. Poppy watched on with worried eyes as she finished cleaning the cut. It wasn’t very deep and the charm had killed most of the poison before Harry had reached her.
“He implied I was your whore,” the young wizard murmured, closing his eyes and burying his face in Tom’s chest.
The Dark Lord’s eyes blazed. “Merlin help me, but I’m going to murder that little shit.” He pulled away so he could look into Harry’s eyes as Poppy finished. “You’re not anyone’s whore, do you understand me?”
“Yes,” Harry whispered, eyes filling with tears.
Tom sighed and tugged the young wizard to him again, hugging him tightly. “Oh, Harry...”
Poppy sat on the bed behind the boy and rubbed gentle circles in his back. “I’m sure the Headmaster will have to expel him this time. Did Mr Weasley actually set the poison, or was that planned?”
“Mr Weasley did it,” Tom replied. “Percy must have told him to take Harry out at any cost.”
“Of course he did. I’m a fucking Death Eater, remember?” Harry laughed bitterly, tugging away from the Dark Lord’s embrace. There were tear-tracks on his face, which he wiped at furiously. “I should get back to the common room,” he muttered, standing cautiously.
Tom slipped his arms around Harry’s waist and tugged the young man back down into his lap. “You’re not going anywhere until you’ve calmed down.”
“No, Marcus, really...”
“Harry, you’re staying right here,” Tom said firmly. “Boyfriend’s orders.”
Harry gave a pained laugh and relaxed back into the older wizard’s chest, closing his eyes. “You’re such a bastard.” Tom smiled and kissed the teen’s scar as the hospital wing’s doors opened again to admit McGonagall, Hermione, and Parvati.
“Harry?” Hermione asked softly. “Are you okay?”
“He’s fine, physically.” Tom sighed. “It’s emotionally I’m concerned about.”
Hermione’s eyes widened. “Oh, God, I’d forgotten. Harry–“
“I’m fine, Herm.” Harry sighed, glancing up at her. “And, personally, I’d rather you forgot about that.”
“What is it?” McGonagall asked as Hermione climbed onto the bed next to Tom and hugged Harry carefully. Parvati was watching on in confusion while Poppy put her medical supplies away.
“Don’t,” Harry whispered as Tom opened his mouth to reply.
The Dark Lord settled a hand over Harry’s mouth and shot the Deputy Headmistress a piercing look. “His cousin raped him the summer between his fifth and sixth years. He’s still not quite over it. Don’t you dare bite me, you viper.” Harry closed his eyes in defeat.
McGonagall looked horrified while Parvati climbed in on the Dark Lord’s other side to hug Harry just as Hermione was doing. Poppy was shaking her head sadly as she put potion bottles away. “How come you never told any of us, Potter?” the Gryffindor Head of House asked gently.
“I didn’t want anyone to know,” Harry muttered. “Marcus found out on accident.”
McGonagall gave the Defence teacher a sharp look. “I’ll bet he did.”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Tom shot back coldly. “You’re not either of our mothers and we’re both old enough to make our own choices.”
Harry giggled. “You sound like you’ve been caught doing something wrong.”
All four witches in the room smiled as Tom scowled. “Yup, you’re fine. Off you go to terrorize the first years.”
“Do I look like Professor Snape to you?” Harry inquired, kissing Tom’s chin. “Stupid.”
“Black hair, beady eyes, temper like a tsunami… I dunno, you fit the description pretty well,” Tom teased. Hermione and Parvati pulled away to giggle helplessly while McGonagall and Poppy chuckled.
Harry twisted in the Dark Lord’s embrace and frowned at him. “Hugs are nice, but I want a kiss.”
“What are you, two?” Tom sighed before bowing his head and crushing his mouth to Harry’s. Cause you’re pretty damn sexy for a two-year-old.
Shut up, you bastard, Harry shot back, looping his arms around Tom’s neck. I really hate you some times.
I’m sure you do. Tom pulled away and smiled as Harry rested his head against his chest. “Do me a favour and don’t fall asleep on me this time.”
“Stuff it, bastard,” Harry grumbled, closing his eyes.
Tom sighed and glanced up at the two eldest witches. “Help?”
“My patients get all the comfort they desire,” Poppy informed her friend.
“And lots of light,” Harry added.
“That too,” The mediwitch agreed. “It helps me figure out when someone wakes up. The first thing they do is cover their eyes or groan.”
“I’m tempted to wish a blind patient on you,” Harry informed the mediwitch.
“Loud music,” Parvati said evilly. “The first thing they’ll do is cover their ears.”
“Ooh, lovely.” Hermione giggled. “Then, maybe, Madam Pomfrey can turn down the lights.” Everyone laughed, even Harry.
“Better?” Tom asked gently once everyone had calmed back down.
“Yes, thank you.” Harry nodded, smiling.
“Sure?”
“I’m over it, Marcus,” Harry said, poking the Dark Lord’s side.
“I think I’m allowed to worry about you,” Tom replied, kissing Harry’s scar.
Harry rolled his eyes and glanced up at McGonagall, who had pulled over a chair to sit on. “Professor, what’s going to happen with Ron?”
“He’s been expelled,” McGonagall replied. “And I believe he’s being sent to the Ministry for questioning. That poison should have killed you.”
“I know.” Harry fingered his charm bracelet. “I’ll have to thank Dray again.” McGonagall gave him a questioning look. “He got us all charms that protect against most fatal poisons. It was a tag team gift from him, Pan, ‘Bini, and Ted. The poison charm has saved my life at least twice now.”
“When was the other time?” Hermione whispered.
“The day I got suspended.” Harry shrugged. “Someone poisoned my butterbeer when I had lunch with Molly and Arthur.”
“Oh, God. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I kinda got back and got suspended, Herm. And it wasn’t really that big a deal, I don’t suppose.” He glanced back down at the charm bracelet. “Bleeding life saver.”
“I still don’t like that it’s a bracelet,” Tom announced, much to the amusement of Harry, Hermione, and Parvati.
“Marcus, you’re the only one who can see it, so stop whining,” Harry berated his lover, grasping Tom’s wrist and tugging on the invisible chain.
“Then how come you know where it is?” Tom asked suspiciously.
“Because I have one just like it and there’s only so far it’ll go up your wrist, you bastard,” the green-eyed wizard replied, letting the bracelet go. “And, if you hadn’t fought with me about it, I wouldn’t have been the one to put it on you and might not know which wrist you were wearing it on. It’s your own fault.”
“I hate your logic,” Tom decided, resting his chin on the top of Harry’s head. “Wait, you’re a Prefect now, aren’t you?”
“Speaking of.” McGonagall pulled a brand new Prefect pin from one of her robe pockets and handed it over to Harry carefully. “I’m sure you can act responsibly, Mr Potter.”
“We’re doomed.” Tom groaned as Harry pinned the badge onto his school robe. The teen elbowed him. “Abuse of authority!”
“Oh, come on, Marcus. You’re a teacher, for crying out loud. Surely you can stop me from elbowing you if you really want me to stop.”
Tom scowled. “And I say it again: I hate your logic.”
The ward exploded with laughter.
Harry suffered through a night of restless dreams and woke in time for lunch. By that time, news of Ron’s expulsion had circled the school so many times people were sick of it, but the appearance of the newest Gryffindor Prefect started the whole thing up again.
Harry settled himself in his usual seat between Gin and Neville. “Please stop staring at me. Enough of the Great Hall is already doing it,” he muttered to the group around him as he helped himself to a turkey sandwich.
‘You look horrible, big brother.’ Gin informed him. ‘Are you okay?’
“Yes,” Harry muttered, ducking his head nervously.
Tom appeared from nowhere and knelt next to the teen. “What’s wrong?”
Harry shrugged. “Tired, I suppose.”
“That’s not it and you know it. What’s wrong?”
Harry glanced back at the Dark Lord nervously. It was Hermione who answered, though. “Too many people staring,” she murmured. Harry nodded.
“You are such an odd child,” Tom decided, standing. “Come on. Lunch in my room.”
“Can we come?” Neville inquired.
“No,” the Dark Lord decided in a gentle voice as Harry stood. “I’d like some time with just Harry, I think.” The Gryffindors nodded in understanding and Tom wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders. “Alright?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “See everyone later,” he offered to his friends before letting Tom lead him from the watchful gazes.
“Has he always been that shy?” Parvati asked once the Dark Lord and his second had disappeared through the doors.
“Only after a bad night,” Hermione replied thoughtfully. “And, even then, it takes almost the whole school watching him for him to do that. Most of the time, Ron and I would just let him eat in the kitchen or stay in the dorm. I daresay, Marcus’ got the best idea yet.”
‘That’s because he’s Marcus and he loves him.’ Gin offered, taking a bite of the sandwich on Harry’s plate. ‘That, and they think alike.’
“Not totally alike, I should hope,” Hermione muttered.
The group of Gryffindors traded grins.
A/N: Wow. We’ve hit forty chapters. Hot damn!
Junior Pendant Colours/Glows and Their Meanings:
No colour - Fine
Red - Physical Danger (ex. bleeding wound, bruise)
Yellow - Illness (ex. cold, the flu)
Green - Poisoned (true poison, not something that’s been blocked by their bracelet or a prank)
Grey - Disabled (ex. blind, deaf, mute)
Purple - Unconscious
Black - Mortal Peril
Notes: The darker or more obvious the glow, the more serious the condition.
The pendants don’t glow multiple colours. If, say, a person is bleeding and unconscious, the more serious of the two will become obvious. Gin’s pendent is now constantly surrounded by a grey glow, but, if she’s wounded or poisoned, that would become the dominant colour.
Hope that clears that up!
~Batsutousai ^.^x
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 || 37 || 38 || 39 ||
41 || 42 || 43 || 44 || 45 || 46 || 47
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
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