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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: Great Expectations belongs to Charles Dickens, not me, thank Merlin. It’s one hell of a boring book(for the most part). I mean, the story’s rather lovely and a nice read, but it’s overly wordy and that really makes it horrible. Thank Merlin for SparkNotes!
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
A/N: If this starts reading as overly wordy, I apologize. I was reading Great Expectations(damn that book) while writing this chapter and I fear my writing style may mirror it due to a bit of an overload. *grimaces*
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Chapter 41, Part 1
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The Sunday following Ron’s expulsion brought about unfortunate news for the Head Girl and two seventh year Gryffindor Prefects in the form of a meeting with McGonagall and Dumbledore during their lunch time.
“Sit, sit,” Dumbledore told the three students gravely. McGonagall was already seated in a straight-backed, finely carved, mahogany chair that appeared rather uncomfortable.
The three students traded looks and stepped forward. Parvati conjured herself a nice, plush red armchair next to McGonagall. Harry conjured matching blue and green armchairs for Hermione and himself, respectfully, and the three sat down. A plate of sandwiches appeared before them and both girls took one. Harry, however, eyed the Headmaster. “Not to be rude, sir, but, what did you need us for?” the raven-haired young man inquired.
Dumbledore sighed. “I got a letter from the Minister this morning about Mr Weasley’s coming trial.” He stopped talking to take a slow sip of tea, as if testing their patience.
Harry played his game. “A letter, sir?”
“Yes.”
“And what, sir,” Harry continued when Dumbledore did not, “might have been in that letter that would have been of concern to us?” He decided he hated the twinkle in Dumbledore’s eyes even more when the man was withholding information. “I mean, if it’s about Ron’s death, then I hardly think it concerns any of us. Well, except, perhaps, Herm, since she’d need to tell her child. And, if that’s it,” Harry added as an afterthought, “then I suppose I should also be here, being the godfather and all that. Why Parvati is here, I haven’t the slightest. As far as I’m aware, Gin’s the godmother, after all.” He glanced around the room idly. Hermione was laughing silently into her sandwich while both Parvati and McGonagall were obviously trying not to laugh. Dumbledore was smiling madly.
“Now, Mr Potter, that was a little bit of a stretch, don’t you think?” the Headmaster inquired as seriously as one can with a twinkle in one’s eyes and a smile upon one’s lips.
Harry shrugged. “No.”
“Harry, you’re such a prat.” Hermione giggled. “Headmaster, what does this letter have to do with us, please?”
Dumbledore’s smile faded. “Mr Weasley’s trial is being held on Wednesday the eighteenth. You three are asked to attend as witnesses against him. You will have the whole day free of classes and will leave directly following breakfast. Your return depends upon how long the trial takes. I will be going with you, of course.”
“What about Professor McGonagall, sir?” Hermione asked softly. “She was also in the room.”
“We cannot leave the school without a Headmaster or Headmistress, Miss Granger,” McGonagall said gravely. “I was asked to come, but it just is not possible.”
“You couldn’t give another teacher control of the school while you were away?” Parvati inquired. “The Deputy Headmistress’ Deputy?”
“There isn’t one,” McGonagall replied.
Harry attempted to not tell them exactly how stupid such an act was. The Dark Order only had one other person to take charge of the Death Eaters or Juniors if their leaders were taken out, after all.
Ah, yes, but we have two leaders, Harry. That’s the trick, Tom replied to the thought.
“You three will be expected to wear good clothing. Dress robes would do,” Dumbledore’s voice pulled Harry’s attention back to the real world.
“Sir, both Herm and I were dragged off by the Malfoys to be properly dressed, no matter the occasion,” Harry cut in, his eyes slipping over to the witch next to him. “Parvati?”
“I can wear my old dress robes,” Parvati replied tightly.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “Those pink robes from the Yule Ball?”
Parvati blinked a few times in surprise. “Uhm, yes. You remembered?”
“They were rather lovely, but the colour’s wrong for court,” Harry replied, looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully. “If the Headmaster will allow it, I’ll take you out to that shop in Hogsmeade today and we can get you something not so bright. Burgundy, perhaps.”
“That’s really not–“
“You’ll pay me back, of course,” Harry added, looking at her again, green eyes serious.
“I− Oh, very well. If the Headmaster agrees.” The young lady sighed, glancing at Dumbledore.
“I don’t see why not,” Dumbledore agreed. “Now, that is all. Why don’t you three head on down? Lunch is almost done, so I’m sure you can tell your friends everything and then, perhaps, Miss Parvati and Mr Potter can head on down to Hogsmeade?”
“Oh, I dunno, we might just go on down now and leave Herm by herself. I’m sure she can defend herself against all our friends.” Harry snorted, standing.
“You’re horrible.” Hermione giggled, also standing. Parvati let out a snigger as she got rid of her chair, as well as the two Harry had conjured.
“I could have got those,” Harry muttered, offering his arm to Hermione, who took it with a smile.
“Oops.” Parvati shrugged with a smirk and grabbed Harry’s free arm with force. “Take us on down, sir?”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her even as they started towards the door. “I’m afraid I only lead ladies anywhere.”
“Are you suggesting I’m not a lady?!”
“No. I’m telling you. Parvati, you’re no lady. You’re a horrible, despicabl–“ The door closing cut off their conversation.
McGonagall smiled sadly at Dumbledore. “I’m going to miss having Mr Potter around, I must admit.”
Dumbledore gave his Deputy an annoyed look. “You just like knowing there’s a student with the guts to insult me.”
McGonagall laughed. “I suppose.” She sobered rather quickly. “I’m assuming you haven’t asked him yet?”
“I recall he wanted to try and become an auror.”
“We both know the Auror Training Program won’t take him with his records.”
“They may. He is Harry Potter.”
“Still…”
“We shall see. I’ll inquire as to if they’ll let him in or not. If they will, I won’t bother asking him. If they won’t, then, yes, of course I’ll ask him.” Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and glanced out the window. “He’ll be the youngest we’ve ever had, you know.”
“I know. But, I’m sure he’ll agree. It’s not like he’s never had the practise.”
The elderly Headmaster gave his Deputy a sad smile. “I know. Oh, I know.”
-~/\~-
“Hurry up. Marcus wanted a word with us,” Harry murmured to Parvati as they entered the Gryffindor common room with the witch’s new robes. “Tell Herm to come down, as well.”
“Sure thing.” The Junior nodded and hurried up the stairs to the girl’s dormitory.
Harry sighed and settled himself in a free armchair and stared into the fireplace. A first year witch came up to him. “Uhm, Harry Potter?” she asked nervously.
Harry glanced at her. “Enid, right?” The young witch nodded. “How can I help you?” he asked with a reassuring smile.
“I was, uhm, hoping you could help me with this Potions work…”
Harry glanced over at the door to the girls’ dormitory quickly and noted that neither of his friends were coming down yet. “Sure. What’s the git got you working on?”
Enid giggled nervously and held out a bit of parchment with a messy scrawl on it that was in the form of paragraphs. “He wanted us to write thirty centimetres on the Forgetfulness Potion. And he hinted it was going to be on the final exam! Can you read it over for me and tell me if it’s horrible?”
Harry frowned at the parchment in concentration. “If you get me a quill and some ink, I’d be glad to,” he replied at last. “I’d also suggest rewriting this a bit neater, or Snape’ll take off because it looks like chicken scratch.” The green-eyed wizard glanced up and noticed the hurt look in Enid’s eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m just telling you what he’ll say. Let me tell you, he’s insulted my handwriting so many times I’ve memorized the exact complaint. Want me to recite it?” He grinned.
Enid giggled and ran for her quill and ink. “Here. And, you’re right. He always complains about my handwriting. Even when it’s as neat as I can possibly get it, he complains. I’ve given up on trying.”
Harry gave the girl a wink. “Let me tell you a secret.” He leaned forwards slightly, as did the girl. “The nicer your handwriting, the less points he takes off. If he can read it, he takes off one less point than if he can’t, for example, but he always takes off points. Hermione has amazingly good handwriting, and he still takes off points for it. He just doesn’t like Gryffindors.”
Enid burst out laughing while Harry sat back to read through the paper, idly marking mistakes and making suggestions. After about five minutes, Hermione and Parvati came down.
“Well, I must say, I never thought the day would come when I’d see you helping someone with Potions,” Hermione teased in greeting as she leaned on the back of his chair.
“I’ve been helping Gin since she first came to visit me over the summer and I showed Seam how to make the Sobering Potion earlier this year,” Harry replied evenly as he marked something else wrong. “I do actually know this stuff, you know.”
“I know.” Hermione set a hand on his shoulder gently. “Should we go without you, or wait?”
“Wait. He’s probably busy anyway. I seem to recall him saying something about a visit from Dumbles,” Harry muttered, squinting to read something, then making a note next to it.
“Oh, okay. Here, Parvati, let’s have a seat, hm?” Hermione laughed, stepping over to one of the other plush chairs. “Harry, whose paper is that, anyway?”
“Enid Clough,” Harry replied.
Hermione glanced over at where the girl was seated in a corner, surrounded by sheets of parchment and books. “Does she have any friends? Do you know?”
“A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin, remarkably enough,” Harry responded in an off-handed matter. “Both girls. Kamila Vance, daughter of Emmeline Vance from the Order and Babette Kern, daughter of Serge Kern, who’s a lesser Death Eater.”
“Right in the middle.” Parvati hummed. “Interesting mix. Do you know her side?”
“Nope.” Harry tossed the Junior a quick smile. “I never bothered to find out. She’s Muggleborn, though. Well, as far as we know. Her mum disappeared not long after Enid was born.”
“Harry, how do you find out all of these things?!” Hermione asked, shocked.
The wizard shrugged. “I have my ways,” he merely said, standing. “Let me give this back to Miss Clough.” He wandered over to where Enid sat.
“He’s not going to tell you.” Parvati giggled. “Don’t bother glaring at his arse, even if it is rather fine.”
Hermione laughed. “Oh, dear. You’re a horrible girl, Parvati. Don’t let Marcus hear you talking about poor Harry like that, he might just hex you.”
“Actually, I think I’m more worried about what Harry might do,” Parvati decided. “But, really, you must admit, he does look rather fine. I mean, I thought he was handsome in fourth year, but, Merlin, he’s become gorgeous.”
“I heard that!” Harry called over, glancing over his shoulder at the two girls.
“Have you been snitching Extendable Ears from Fred and George again?” Hermione called back.
“No.” Harry winked. “I have other ways, you know.” Then he turned back to Enid.
“Gorgeous and mysterious.” Parvati sighed. “It’s too bad he’s taken.”
Hermione giggled. “I have to agree with you sometimes. I was so upset last year when I broke up with Ron and Harry mentioned that he wasn’t dating anyone else for a while. I mean, after Ron, Harry was definitely the next guy on my list.”
“I’m touched,” Harry replied, walking back over to them, Enid following. “But I’d been totally serious. If I hadn’t run into Marcus in Diagon Alley over the summer, I wouldn’t be dating anyone this year.”
“Harry, out of curiosity, would you have dated Herm if you’d found out that Ron was going to get her pregnant, if only to stop him from doing the act?” Parvati inquired as the famed wizard and young witch came to a stop before them.
Harry frowned thoughtfully. “Yes,” he decided after a moment. “Even if I’d been dating Marcus at the time, I would have, at the very least, pretended to date Herm to protect her.”
Hermione jumped up and hugged Harry tightly, tears in her eyes. “Oh, Merlin, Harry. You have no clue what that means to me!”
Harry closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his best friend tightly. “I love you like a sister, Herm. I’d do anything for you, just like I’d do anything for Gin.” He opened his eyes to smile down at Parvati. “I do just about anything for all my friends, actually. Even buy them nice robes for court.”
Parvati stared at him in shock. “You don’t want me to pay you back, do you?!”
Harry winked as Hermione stepped back, wiping at her eyes and smiling. “Nope. In fact, if you do, I might just have to swat you. I know those robes weren’t cheap.”
Parvati gave a squeal of joy and jumped up to hug him even tighter than Hermione had. “Oh, Harry Potter, you’re the best!”
Enid giggled at the three seventh years. “You guys are silly.”
Harry winked at her. “Seven years together will do that to people, even if you spend a large chunk of that time thinking each other immature, let me tell you.”
Enid shook her head. “The other Gryffindors don’t like me.”
“Why not?” Hermione asked in concern.
“Because she’s friends with a ‘slimy Slytherin’,” Harry muttered. “Surely you recall how we all acted towards the Slytherins in first year, Herm?”
“Yes, but this year's Slytherins aren’t as bad as they were in our year. I mean, Draco was horrible,” Hermione replied, frowning.
“Cyrus York is almost as bad as Dray was,” Harry argued. “He and Ula Thorald act just like Dray and I did back in first year. They’re always at each other’s throats. Prospects for the Quidditch Teams, too, Hooch says. With any luck, they’ll take both Dray and my places as Seekers and this will never end.”
“But, you and Malfoy are friends now,” Enid said softly. Her eyes were hopeful. “Maybe Thorald and York will work things out and it won’t be so bad...”
“How do the other Gryffindors treat you, Enid?” Hermione asked, leaning down slightly so she could meet the girl’s eyes.
“Oh, they just ignore me. Though, Thorald’s best friend, Rockwell, keeps throwing things at me in classes.” Enid shrugged helplessly.
Hermione glanced up at Harry. Her eyes pleaded for his help and he shrugged. She glanced back down at the poor girl. “What about the Slytherins?”
“Babs is my best friend, but she gets a lot of heat for being friends with an ‘idiot Gryffindork’ and a ‘wimpy Huff-n-duff’. They don’t like me either, really,” the girl said, looking at the fireplace.
Hermione shot Harry a look that was bordering on begging and he sighed and knelt before Enid. “Enid, look at me.” He waited until the girl was meeting his eyes before continuing. “I know most of the Slytherins very well right now and I can probably ask them to tone it down with Babette, which would probably help you, too. Would you like me to try?”
Hope entered Enid’s blue eyes and she wrung her hands together. “Would you? Really?”
“Of course. And Herm or Parvati or I could probably have a chat with the Gryffindors too–“ He was cut off as Enid gave a joyful squeal and hugged him tightly around his neck. Harry grinned and returned the hug. “Hey, you’ve got Harry Potter on your side; it’s a proven fact that I can do anything.”
The three witches laughed as Enid let go and Harry stood. “You’re awesome,” Enid told the seventh year boy.
Harry shrugged. “I suppose. Now, Herm and Parvati and I have got to run to Professor Brutús’ office for a quick meeting, then I’ll take a hike down to Slytherin and have myself a yell at those little brats, okay?”
The small girl was smiling as she nodded. “Yeah, alright. Thank you.”
“Sure thing. It’s what I’m here for,” Harry replied with a wink before offering his arms to the two seventh year witches. “Ladies? We are late for a meeting. I can only hope Marcus doesn’t take my head off.”
“Harry, I’ve got news for you,” Hermione shot back as she and Parvati each took an arm, “Marcus won’t do anything worse than swatting that sexy arse of yours.”
Harry shot her a mischievous smirk. “Actually, do you want to know what he’d really do?”
“No!” Hermione and Parvati laughed together as they three left the common room and started down the hall
“Harry, this is why we need to tape your mouth shut.” Parvati sniggered. “It’s so dirty.”
“Says she who was calling my arse ‘rather fine’ mere moments ago,” the wizard teased. “I was half expecting you to start drooling, actually.”
Parvati swatted his arm gently with her free hand. “Oh, you’re a horrid man.”
“I thought you were aware of that.”
“She was. She just hadn’t thought to put the awareness into practice before now,” Hermione informed him.
“You know, I haven’t the slightest idea what you just said,” Harry decided, smiling and nodding.
Hermione placed a quick kiss on her friend’s cheek. “I didn’t expect you to.”
“Oh, I think I should be insulted,” Harry complained as they came to a stop outside Tom’s rooms. :Lovely returns.:
The portrait waggled it’s finger at them as it opened to let them in.
“I hate that picture,” Harry announced, letting go of the two witches and hugging Tom from behind. The man had been pouring some tea for himself when they’d come in.
“You know, it’s a good thing I don’t startle well,” Tom murmured, setting down the teapot before turning in the embrace and returning it with a kiss. You brat.
Don’t you know it, Harry shot back, pulling away. “Herm, Parvati, take seats. I’ll go find more cups.”
“They’re dirty,” Tom called as Harry disappeared into the kitchen and the two witches settled themselves on the couch.
“That’s what magic is for!”
“I never learned that spell!”
“That explains everything,” Harry decided, coming back out with three more cups and bringing them over to where Tom had set the teapot, milk, and sugar on the living-room table when he’d taken his customary seat.
“You know, I don’t think I like you much anymore,” Tom complained as the three students made their tea. “You’re always insulting me.”
“It’s the only thing he’s good for, don’t you know?” Hermione replied.
Harry stuck his tongue out at her and settled himself in Tom’s lap, leaning back against the man’s chest with a peaceful sigh. “You wanted to talk to us?”
Tom slipped his free arm around Harry’s waist. “Yes. About the trial.” He looked around at them seriously. “There are spells on all of the court rooms that cancel out spells like invisibility and glamours. Parvati, Harry, your necklaces will be visible. So will the charm bracelets for all three of you.”
“What do you suggest?” Parvati inquired while Harry closed his eyes and cursed the Ministry under his breath.
“You’ll have to take the necklaces off. There is no way around that spell. The bracelets should be fine, but I’d suggest hiding them up your sleeves to keep anyone from knowing exactly which charms you have. You may need them, especially the one for Veritaserum, if they think you’re holding something back. Don’t take them off, no matter what,” the Dark Lord replied.
“Tom, have you ever been in one of the courtrooms?” Hermione enquired, fiddling nervously with her charm bracelet.
“Once, when I was younger.” Tom nodded. “The protections weren’t as good then as they are now. The information I have on them comes from inside the Ministry.”
“I might be able to break those spells, Tom,” Harry murmured. “One of the two of us might, at least. They weren’t built to hold out against you and me, only normal witches and wizards.”
“I welcome you to test them to your heart’s content, love, but please do the test with something that won’t get you in trouble?” Tom sighed, kissing Harry’s neck. “Draw something on your hand or wear a ring of some sort and test the wards with that. If you can surpass them, grand. If your magic can’t break them, it’s nothing major; we have ways around such wards.”
“I know that.”
“Just, don’t try and take them down. I know you’d get in trouble, then.”
“What makes you think I’d try something as foolish as that?” Harry asked in an insulted voice as the witches laughed.
“Because you’re a Gryffindor and your lot do some very foolish things.”
“You know, I might be insulted by that, but I happen to know that Slytherins do some pretty dumb things themselves.”
“Oh, really?”
“Really.” Harry twisted and placed a quick kiss on Tom’s jaw. “But I’m smart enough to keep that knowledge to myself.”
“Smart Gryffindors. What’s the world going to?”
“It’s going Dark,” Harry replied mischievously. “And I need to get down to the Slytherin common and yell myself hoarse at some first years before curfew.”
“I thought you were a lowly Prefect, not the Head Boy,” Tom complained as Harry stood.
Harry turned and gave his lover a wink. “I have to set an example some way, lovely. After all, I’m dating a teacher.”
“And he promised one of the Gryffindors he’d have a yell at her tormentors,” Parvati added, standing and turning to help Hermione up.
“I know.” Tom smiled at the green-eyed wizard as Harry walked into the kitchen with the three tea cups. “He’s a good kid, for the most part.”
“I heard that!”
Tom shrugged helplessly at the two ladies. “What can a guy do?”
“A guy can stop insulting his boyfriend in a backwards way,” Harry responded, walking back into the room and throwing Tom a mock dark look.
“Boyfriend. Now there’s a word I never thought would apply in your relationship.” Hermione sighed with a smile.
“Hey, he started it,” Harry snorted, tossing his thumb in Tom’s direction.
“I’m not the least bit surprised,” Hermione shot back. “Come on, Harry. Good night, Tom.”
“Good night, ladies,” Tom replied with a groan, standing. He walked up to Harry and set a finger under the teen’s chin. “Behave yourself.”
“Me? I’m a Gryffindor, remember?” Harry teased.
Tom shook his head. “I know.” He settled a soft kiss on Harry’s mouth and smiled wickedly. “Go on, then. Have fun with those Slytherins. Show them how we really do things.”
“Oh, I plan on it,” Harry responded with a smile much the same as his lover’s. “See you a breakfast tomorrow morning, bastard.”
“Oh, fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, imp.” Tom chuckled and watched the three go their separate ways down the hall before going back into his room to think.
-~/\~-
Harry was humming to himself as he stepped into the Slytherin common room. As usual, all noise stopped until they were sure it was safe to continue talking. Harry considered himself rather special to be one of the few non-Slytherins that the Slytherins felt safe around. He knew it was because their parents had declared him to be safe, but, still, it made him feel special.
This visit, however, he needed their attention, so he let out a sharp whistle. All eyes returned to him and Harry fixed them with a cold look. “I need to speak to all the first years. Are they in here?”
“Most of us are,” a Hispanic girl with tightly braided dark hair spoke. “But Kern’s in the dorm. Do you want me to go get her?”
Paloma Chelton, Tom supplied. She’s rather mild, for a Slytherin.
Thank you, lovely, Harry sighed gratefully. “Please do, Miss Chelton. Meet us out in the hall. The rest of you, come along.” He crooked a finger at where the other four first years were seated.
The four got up and followed as commanded. They hadn’t dealt with him one-on-one yet and they were wary around him, as Harry had expected. Tom took the free time to give the faces names so Harry wasn’t totally lost, The rather nasty looking blond is Cyrus York, their ring-leader, of sorts. You were right to compare him to Draco. The brunet next to him is his best mate, Morgan Munro. The two were a nightmare the first week I had them until I proved I wasn’t a joke.
I don’t think I want to know.
Probably not. Lots of yelling, parents spoken to at a meeting...
Ouch.
Yup. Anyway, the black-haired girl is Juno Baddock, sister of one of the fourth years. She holds herself like a queen. Think Pan and you’d be close. That last boy with all the freckles is Iven Stanton. He’s somewhat like ‘Bini. Quiet, not much trouble, but extremely intelligent, Tom explained. The hidden door opened and Paloma came back out with a tall girl with short blonde hair who looked like she’d been crying recently. Babette Kern, as I’m sure you know. She prefers being called Babs, though.
You’re a life-saver, Tom, Harry sighed in relief as he led the group down the dark hallway to an empty classroom he knew wasn’t far from the common room. “Find a chair and sit,” he ordered before throwing up a powerful Silencing Barrier. Then he glanced back at them.
Babs was sitting as far away from the other Slytherins as she could get. Cyrus and Morgan were shooting her nasty looks. Juno was attempting to pretend the blonde girl didn’t exist while both Iven and Paloma were watching the Gryffindor Prefect. Harry, for his part, was doing his best to keep his temper in check as he pulled a desk back for him to sit on. “It’s a sad day when Slytherins can’t even look to one another for support,” he said in a quiet voice. All eyes shot to him in shock. “Not only is it sad, but it is pathetic. So, let me be the first to call this year’s Slytherins pathetic.”
“What do you know about us?!” Morgan spat, glaring at Harry. “You’re a Gryffindork!”
“I?” Harry frowned. “I am the second in command of the Dark Order, Mr Munro. I think I know a thing or two about your lot.” The brown-haired boy’s mouth slammed shut. “I see a divided House right now, and Slytherins cannot be divided in a school run by Gryffindors. If they are, they will be crushed. Don’t try denying it, Mr York,” Harry added as Cyrus rose. The blond sneered at him, but sat again. “Would you like to see me crush you? I guarantee I can do it if I cared to.”
“You’re a seventh year. Of course you could, how do you say it, ‘crush’ us,” Cyrus spat. “A seventh year Huff-n-duff could crush us.”
“In my first year, the seventh years couldn’t have taken on the first year Slytherins,” Harry replied in a calm, even voice. “I couldn’t tell you if it was because they were afraid of Draco Malfoy and his little gang or if it was because Draco and his gang truly could stand against them. I doubt I’ll ever know, and I hardly care, anymore. But, let me tell you now, I even know some sixth years who would be willing to take you on, and one of them is mute.” His eyes flickered over each of the glaring faces and met the sad eyes of the lone Slytherin. “This is unacceptable.”
“Oh, just shut up,” Juno said in a cold voice flipping her hair over her shoulder.
Harry gave her a grim smile. “You’re lucky we’re in Hogwarts. The wards aren’t set to allow for Crucio, currently.” Juno paled. “You need to watch who you run your mouth off around, Miss Baddock. If you’d said that to any other Death Eater, I doubt they’d give a damn about wards, they’d put you under Cruciatus anyway.”
Juno fixed him with a cold look. “My daddy doesn’t care what I say to him.”
“Your father is Trent Baddock, correct?” Harry inquired mildly, picking at some crud under one of his nails.
Juno gave him a superior look. “Of course. He’s in the Inner Circle.”
“I shall have to have a chat with him about how he’s brought up his daughter, I suppose; she’s a spoiled little bitch,” Harry said in a calm voice, still picking at his nail.
Juno stood furiously, wand pointed at the elder wizard. “Stupefy!”
Harry let out a chilling laugh as the spell bounced off the Shield Spell he’d set earlier. “That’s the best you can do? How embarrassing!” He hopped off the desk, a fiery glint in his eyes. “You couldn’t think of anything better? What about the Blood-Letting Curse? Or, perhaps, even the Reductor Curse, in case I had brains and had set up a Shield Spell?” He leaned over the desk she sat in, meeting her terrified gaze. “Miss Baddock, you need to learn to keep your temper. Exploding like that could well get you killed. Foolish. Very foolish. Grow up.”
Harry’s gaze bounced to where Cyrus and Morgan were sniggering and he cast a silent Silencing Charm on both of them. “Never let your guard down, gentlemen. If that had been another spell, you could be dead right now. Consider that before you laugh over another’s misfortune.” Both boys had frozen and were staring at him in horror. Harry straightened and turned to the door. “You’ve got a week to improve the relations in your House and year before I return and show you how we do things in the Dark Order, my young snakes,” the seventh year said in a light tone, eyes on the door in front of him. “Mr Stanton, just because my back is turned doesn’t mean I cannot see you aiming your wand at me,” he added, turning around to smirk at the shocked faces. “Come along. I will take you back to your common room.”
The six Slytherins stood and walked before Harry sullenly. About three metres from the entrance, a cold voice stopped the line in its tracks, “Well, well. What are you all doing out of bed?”
Harry walked around the line with a cold gaze. “Severus.”
The Potions Master’s eyes shot up to the Prefect’s gaze in surprise. “Harry. What are you doing with these brats?”
Harry shrugged. “Teaching them things.”
Severus gave a cold laugh. “I’ve no doubt they deserve it too.”
“No doubt. Good night, Severus.”
“Good night, Harry.” The Death Eater bowed to his young master and faded into the dungeons shadows.
Harry’s eyes trailed after the retreating form for a moment before he finished the short walk to the Slytherin commons. “Ballentwag,” he murmured. The wall slid open and he led the group inside.
Draco walked up to him. “Should I know what they’ve done?” he enquired as the first years passed them.
Harry took the Silencing Charm off the two boys before smiling at his Junior. “Just see that they start including Miss Kern in things by Friday. If things don’t improve, let me know during Potions and I’ll have another chat with them, perhaps, this time, with Marcus present. He’s been dying to terrify Munro and York since their first class.”
“I’ll bet. Those two are monsters.”
Harry smirked. “Hex them occasionally when they aren’t paying attention. I’m sure they’ll mellow out in time.”
Draco laughed. “You are a true terror when your temper comes in to play, Harry Potter. It’s times like this that I’m glad I’m your friend instead of your enemy.”
Harry shrugged. “Too bad that was a lesson Percy and Ronald never learned, hum?” His eyes danced in amusement as he turned to leave. “Good night, Dray.”
“Good night, Har.”
Harry let out a snort of amusement. “ ‘Gryffindors and their nicknames’ my arse,” he sighed, stepping back out into the hallway.
Draco’s laughter followed him down to Godric’s room.
-~/\~-
“We may only hope that does the trick,” Harry sighed, flopping down in the free armchair in front of the fireplace. “Enid, if Miss Kern tells you their behaviour isn’t improving by the end of this week, you let me know and I’ll gladly rip their little hearts out.”
Enid stared at him for a long moment before giggling. Hermione scowled. “Harry, that was a little much.”
“Marcus says they were horrible in his first class, and I can see why. Get this, Miss Baddock decided that she could hit me with the Stunning Spell. I haven’t the slightest idea what she’d planned on doing if I’d actually been stunned, and I’m not sure she knew, either.”
“Why did she try and stun you?” Parvati asked in amazement while Enid tried to calm herself.
“I called her a spoiled little bitch,” Harry said with a shrug. The statement sent Enid into gales of helpless laughter.
“Oh, dear…” Hermione set a hand to her forehead. “Then what did you do?”
“Oh, just cast a soundless Silencing Charm on Munro and York because they were laughing at Baddock’s misfortune.”
“Define ‘misfortune’.”
“Oh, I kinda glared at her, mentioned that most people would have retaliated with a hex worse than death, mentioned that old Voldie probably would have tortured her for such an act…” He paused thoughtfully. “Or maybe that was after she told me to shut up…”
Enid shook her head at the wizard. “You’re awfully mean.”
“No, not really.” Harry shrugged mildly. “I just lost my temper a little.”
“I remember when you losing your temper could result in lost limbs,” Dean commented, coming up behind Harry’s chair and leaning on the back. “A lot has changed since fifth year, I suppose. Pity you didn’t kill the little snots.”
“Oh, I’m wondering if they’ll try and go to Dumbles to complain that I threatened them,” Harry said happily, leaning back in his chair.
“Not another Secrecy Spell.” Hermione groaned. “I never should have taught you that one.”
Harry smiled. “Why ever not? I get away with so much more shit when I can keep people from telling on me.”
“Ooh! Teach me?” Enid begged.
Harry shook his head as Hermione let out an indignant huff. “It’s at least fourth year level, my dear. Wait a few more years and I promise to come back and teach it to you, k?”
“Oh, okay.” Enid nodded. “So, are you going to argue with the Gryffindors too?”
Harry shrugged. “I have to think over that approach a bit. Slytherins tend to respond best to threats, I know. What about Gryffindors? Herm?”
“Aren’t you a Gryffindor?” Dean teased.
“I’m only half Gryffindor,” Harry replied haughtily. “I’m also half Slytherin and I just don’t respond well to anything.”
“I’d noticed,” Hermione grumbled darkly.
Harry grinned. “I respond well to Marcus.”
“Oh, that’s your weakness, is it?” Dean laughed, poking Harry’s arm. “Well, then. Next time I want Harry to do something, remind me to go to Professor Brutús for help.”
“The only problem is, Harry and Marcus think alike too often. Chances are, if Harry doesn’t want to do something, Marcus won’t care enough to make him.” Hermione sighed. “Harry, I haven’t the slightest idea how you should tackle the Gryffindors. If you push their buttons just right, you’ll probably get them. All you have to figure out are their buttons.”
“That’s no problem for Harry,” Parvati declared. “He knows everything.”
Harry ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully while the three witches and one wizard around him laughed. His eyes were on the flames in front of him. “Most of Thorald’s family is in the Order,” He murmured and the four around him fell into silence. “Rockwell’s family is full of Dark wizards and witches, most of whom rather despise him being in Gryffindor. Hermione, first two names that come to mind?”
Hermione stared at Harry, eyes wide. “Prongs and Padfoot! Harry, do you know a way to push their buttons?!”
Harry closed his eyes with a tired sigh. “Yes.”
“Harry?” Hermione leaned forward and rested a hand on his knee, eyes worried. “Are you okay?”
He glanced up at her with a weak smile. “Yes, sorry. Thought I saw Snuffles’ head in the fire for a moment there.” The young man stood with a stretch. “I’m off to bed, then. I’ll tackle Miss Thorald and Mr Rockwell tomorrow. Good night.” He turned and left up the boy’s dormitory stairs.
“Who’s Snuffles?” Enid asked when the silence that had fallen over the group got too unbearable.
“One very brave man who died to save Harry.” Hermione shook her head sadly. “Snuffles probably wouldn’t agree with some of Harry’s choices, of late.”
“I think, Hermione, that if this Snuffles really cared about Harry so much and knew the reasons, he wouldn’t care in the least,” Dean offered with a shrug. “I’m going to head for bed myself. Good night, everyone.”
“Dean!” Hermione called. The black wizard turned back to glance at her curiously. “Tell him that, please. We really don’t want a moody Harry tomorrow morning.”
Dean nodded. “Sure thing.” Then he left them to their thoughts.
-~/\~-
Chapter 41, Part 2
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: Great Expectations belongs to Charles Dickens, not me, thank Merlin. It’s one hell of a boring book(for the most part). I mean, the story’s rather lovely and a nice read, but it’s overly wordy and that really makes it horrible. Thank Merlin for SparkNotes!
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
A/N: If this starts reading as overly wordy, I apologize. I was reading Great Expectations(damn that book) while writing this chapter and I fear my writing style may mirror it due to a bit of an overload. *grimaces*
Chapter 41, Part 1
----------------------------------------
The Sunday following Ron’s expulsion brought about unfortunate news for the Head Girl and two seventh year Gryffindor Prefects in the form of a meeting with McGonagall and Dumbledore during their lunch time.
“Sit, sit,” Dumbledore told the three students gravely. McGonagall was already seated in a straight-backed, finely carved, mahogany chair that appeared rather uncomfortable.
The three students traded looks and stepped forward. Parvati conjured herself a nice, plush red armchair next to McGonagall. Harry conjured matching blue and green armchairs for Hermione and himself, respectfully, and the three sat down. A plate of sandwiches appeared before them and both girls took one. Harry, however, eyed the Headmaster. “Not to be rude, sir, but, what did you need us for?” the raven-haired young man inquired.
Dumbledore sighed. “I got a letter from the Minister this morning about Mr Weasley’s coming trial.” He stopped talking to take a slow sip of tea, as if testing their patience.
Harry played his game. “A letter, sir?”
“Yes.”
“And what, sir,” Harry continued when Dumbledore did not, “might have been in that letter that would have been of concern to us?” He decided he hated the twinkle in Dumbledore’s eyes even more when the man was withholding information. “I mean, if it’s about Ron’s death, then I hardly think it concerns any of us. Well, except, perhaps, Herm, since she’d need to tell her child. And, if that’s it,” Harry added as an afterthought, “then I suppose I should also be here, being the godfather and all that. Why Parvati is here, I haven’t the slightest. As far as I’m aware, Gin’s the godmother, after all.” He glanced around the room idly. Hermione was laughing silently into her sandwich while both Parvati and McGonagall were obviously trying not to laugh. Dumbledore was smiling madly.
“Now, Mr Potter, that was a little bit of a stretch, don’t you think?” the Headmaster inquired as seriously as one can with a twinkle in one’s eyes and a smile upon one’s lips.
Harry shrugged. “No.”
“Harry, you’re such a prat.” Hermione giggled. “Headmaster, what does this letter have to do with us, please?”
Dumbledore’s smile faded. “Mr Weasley’s trial is being held on Wednesday the eighteenth. You three are asked to attend as witnesses against him. You will have the whole day free of classes and will leave directly following breakfast. Your return depends upon how long the trial takes. I will be going with you, of course.”
“What about Professor McGonagall, sir?” Hermione asked softly. “She was also in the room.”
“We cannot leave the school without a Headmaster or Headmistress, Miss Granger,” McGonagall said gravely. “I was asked to come, but it just is not possible.”
“You couldn’t give another teacher control of the school while you were away?” Parvati inquired. “The Deputy Headmistress’ Deputy?”
“There isn’t one,” McGonagall replied.
Harry attempted to not tell them exactly how stupid such an act was. The Dark Order only had one other person to take charge of the Death Eaters or Juniors if their leaders were taken out, after all.
Ah, yes, but we have two leaders, Harry. That’s the trick, Tom replied to the thought.
“You three will be expected to wear good clothing. Dress robes would do,” Dumbledore’s voice pulled Harry’s attention back to the real world.
“Sir, both Herm and I were dragged off by the Malfoys to be properly dressed, no matter the occasion,” Harry cut in, his eyes slipping over to the witch next to him. “Parvati?”
“I can wear my old dress robes,” Parvati replied tightly.
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her. “Those pink robes from the Yule Ball?”
Parvati blinked a few times in surprise. “Uhm, yes. You remembered?”
“They were rather lovely, but the colour’s wrong for court,” Harry replied, looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully. “If the Headmaster will allow it, I’ll take you out to that shop in Hogsmeade today and we can get you something not so bright. Burgundy, perhaps.”
“That’s really not–“
“You’ll pay me back, of course,” Harry added, looking at her again, green eyes serious.
“I− Oh, very well. If the Headmaster agrees.” The young lady sighed, glancing at Dumbledore.
“I don’t see why not,” Dumbledore agreed. “Now, that is all. Why don’t you three head on down? Lunch is almost done, so I’m sure you can tell your friends everything and then, perhaps, Miss Parvati and Mr Potter can head on down to Hogsmeade?”
“Oh, I dunno, we might just go on down now and leave Herm by herself. I’m sure she can defend herself against all our friends.” Harry snorted, standing.
“You’re horrible.” Hermione giggled, also standing. Parvati let out a snigger as she got rid of her chair, as well as the two Harry had conjured.
“I could have got those,” Harry muttered, offering his arm to Hermione, who took it with a smile.
“Oops.” Parvati shrugged with a smirk and grabbed Harry’s free arm with force. “Take us on down, sir?”
Harry cocked an eyebrow at her even as they started towards the door. “I’m afraid I only lead ladies anywhere.”
“Are you suggesting I’m not a lady?!”
“No. I’m telling you. Parvati, you’re no lady. You’re a horrible, despicabl–“ The door closing cut off their conversation.
McGonagall smiled sadly at Dumbledore. “I’m going to miss having Mr Potter around, I must admit.”
Dumbledore gave his Deputy an annoyed look. “You just like knowing there’s a student with the guts to insult me.”
McGonagall laughed. “I suppose.” She sobered rather quickly. “I’m assuming you haven’t asked him yet?”
“I recall he wanted to try and become an auror.”
“We both know the Auror Training Program won’t take him with his records.”
“They may. He is Harry Potter.”
“Still…”
“We shall see. I’ll inquire as to if they’ll let him in or not. If they will, I won’t bother asking him. If they won’t, then, yes, of course I’ll ask him.” Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and glanced out the window. “He’ll be the youngest we’ve ever had, you know.”
“I know. But, I’m sure he’ll agree. It’s not like he’s never had the practise.”
The elderly Headmaster gave his Deputy a sad smile. “I know. Oh, I know.”
“Hurry up. Marcus wanted a word with us,” Harry murmured to Parvati as they entered the Gryffindor common room with the witch’s new robes. “Tell Herm to come down, as well.”
“Sure thing.” The Junior nodded and hurried up the stairs to the girl’s dormitory.
Harry sighed and settled himself in a free armchair and stared into the fireplace. A first year witch came up to him. “Uhm, Harry Potter?” she asked nervously.
Harry glanced at her. “Enid, right?” The young witch nodded. “How can I help you?” he asked with a reassuring smile.
“I was, uhm, hoping you could help me with this Potions work…”
Harry glanced over at the door to the girls’ dormitory quickly and noted that neither of his friends were coming down yet. “Sure. What’s the git got you working on?”
Enid giggled nervously and held out a bit of parchment with a messy scrawl on it that was in the form of paragraphs. “He wanted us to write thirty centimetres on the Forgetfulness Potion. And he hinted it was going to be on the final exam! Can you read it over for me and tell me if it’s horrible?”
Harry frowned at the parchment in concentration. “If you get me a quill and some ink, I’d be glad to,” he replied at last. “I’d also suggest rewriting this a bit neater, or Snape’ll take off because it looks like chicken scratch.” The green-eyed wizard glanced up and noticed the hurt look in Enid’s eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m just telling you what he’ll say. Let me tell you, he’s insulted my handwriting so many times I’ve memorized the exact complaint. Want me to recite it?” He grinned.
Enid giggled and ran for her quill and ink. “Here. And, you’re right. He always complains about my handwriting. Even when it’s as neat as I can possibly get it, he complains. I’ve given up on trying.”
Harry gave the girl a wink. “Let me tell you a secret.” He leaned forwards slightly, as did the girl. “The nicer your handwriting, the less points he takes off. If he can read it, he takes off one less point than if he can’t, for example, but he always takes off points. Hermione has amazingly good handwriting, and he still takes off points for it. He just doesn’t like Gryffindors.”
Enid burst out laughing while Harry sat back to read through the paper, idly marking mistakes and making suggestions. After about five minutes, Hermione and Parvati came down.
“Well, I must say, I never thought the day would come when I’d see you helping someone with Potions,” Hermione teased in greeting as she leaned on the back of his chair.
“I’ve been helping Gin since she first came to visit me over the summer and I showed Seam how to make the Sobering Potion earlier this year,” Harry replied evenly as he marked something else wrong. “I do actually know this stuff, you know.”
“I know.” Hermione set a hand on his shoulder gently. “Should we go without you, or wait?”
“Wait. He’s probably busy anyway. I seem to recall him saying something about a visit from Dumbles,” Harry muttered, squinting to read something, then making a note next to it.
“Oh, okay. Here, Parvati, let’s have a seat, hm?” Hermione laughed, stepping over to one of the other plush chairs. “Harry, whose paper is that, anyway?”
“Enid Clough,” Harry replied.
Hermione glanced over at where the girl was seated in a corner, surrounded by sheets of parchment and books. “Does she have any friends? Do you know?”
“A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin, remarkably enough,” Harry responded in an off-handed matter. “Both girls. Kamila Vance, daughter of Emmeline Vance from the Order and Babette Kern, daughter of Serge Kern, who’s a lesser Death Eater.”
“Right in the middle.” Parvati hummed. “Interesting mix. Do you know her side?”
“Nope.” Harry tossed the Junior a quick smile. “I never bothered to find out. She’s Muggleborn, though. Well, as far as we know. Her mum disappeared not long after Enid was born.”
“Harry, how do you find out all of these things?!” Hermione asked, shocked.
The wizard shrugged. “I have my ways,” he merely said, standing. “Let me give this back to Miss Clough.” He wandered over to where Enid sat.
“He’s not going to tell you.” Parvati giggled. “Don’t bother glaring at his arse, even if it is rather fine.”
Hermione laughed. “Oh, dear. You’re a horrible girl, Parvati. Don’t let Marcus hear you talking about poor Harry like that, he might just hex you.”
“Actually, I think I’m more worried about what Harry might do,” Parvati decided. “But, really, you must admit, he does look rather fine. I mean, I thought he was handsome in fourth year, but, Merlin, he’s become gorgeous.”
“I heard that!” Harry called over, glancing over his shoulder at the two girls.
“Have you been snitching Extendable Ears from Fred and George again?” Hermione called back.
“No.” Harry winked. “I have other ways, you know.” Then he turned back to Enid.
“Gorgeous and mysterious.” Parvati sighed. “It’s too bad he’s taken.”
Hermione giggled. “I have to agree with you sometimes. I was so upset last year when I broke up with Ron and Harry mentioned that he wasn’t dating anyone else for a while. I mean, after Ron, Harry was definitely the next guy on my list.”
“I’m touched,” Harry replied, walking back over to them, Enid following. “But I’d been totally serious. If I hadn’t run into Marcus in Diagon Alley over the summer, I wouldn’t be dating anyone this year.”
“Harry, out of curiosity, would you have dated Herm if you’d found out that Ron was going to get her pregnant, if only to stop him from doing the act?” Parvati inquired as the famed wizard and young witch came to a stop before them.
Harry frowned thoughtfully. “Yes,” he decided after a moment. “Even if I’d been dating Marcus at the time, I would have, at the very least, pretended to date Herm to protect her.”
Hermione jumped up and hugged Harry tightly, tears in her eyes. “Oh, Merlin, Harry. You have no clue what that means to me!”
Harry closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his best friend tightly. “I love you like a sister, Herm. I’d do anything for you, just like I’d do anything for Gin.” He opened his eyes to smile down at Parvati. “I do just about anything for all my friends, actually. Even buy them nice robes for court.”
Parvati stared at him in shock. “You don’t want me to pay you back, do you?!”
Harry winked as Hermione stepped back, wiping at her eyes and smiling. “Nope. In fact, if you do, I might just have to swat you. I know those robes weren’t cheap.”
Parvati gave a squeal of joy and jumped up to hug him even tighter than Hermione had. “Oh, Harry Potter, you’re the best!”
Enid giggled at the three seventh years. “You guys are silly.”
Harry winked at her. “Seven years together will do that to people, even if you spend a large chunk of that time thinking each other immature, let me tell you.”
Enid shook her head. “The other Gryffindors don’t like me.”
“Why not?” Hermione asked in concern.
“Because she’s friends with a ‘slimy Slytherin’,” Harry muttered. “Surely you recall how we all acted towards the Slytherins in first year, Herm?”
“Yes, but this year's Slytherins aren’t as bad as they were in our year. I mean, Draco was horrible,” Hermione replied, frowning.
“Cyrus York is almost as bad as Dray was,” Harry argued. “He and Ula Thorald act just like Dray and I did back in first year. They’re always at each other’s throats. Prospects for the Quidditch Teams, too, Hooch says. With any luck, they’ll take both Dray and my places as Seekers and this will never end.”
“But, you and Malfoy are friends now,” Enid said softly. Her eyes were hopeful. “Maybe Thorald and York will work things out and it won’t be so bad...”
“How do the other Gryffindors treat you, Enid?” Hermione asked, leaning down slightly so she could meet the girl’s eyes.
“Oh, they just ignore me. Though, Thorald’s best friend, Rockwell, keeps throwing things at me in classes.” Enid shrugged helplessly.
Hermione glanced up at Harry. Her eyes pleaded for his help and he shrugged. She glanced back down at the poor girl. “What about the Slytherins?”
“Babs is my best friend, but she gets a lot of heat for being friends with an ‘idiot Gryffindork’ and a ‘wimpy Huff-n-duff’. They don’t like me either, really,” the girl said, looking at the fireplace.
Hermione shot Harry a look that was bordering on begging and he sighed and knelt before Enid. “Enid, look at me.” He waited until the girl was meeting his eyes before continuing. “I know most of the Slytherins very well right now and I can probably ask them to tone it down with Babette, which would probably help you, too. Would you like me to try?”
Hope entered Enid’s blue eyes and she wrung her hands together. “Would you? Really?”
“Of course. And Herm or Parvati or I could probably have a chat with the Gryffindors too–“ He was cut off as Enid gave a joyful squeal and hugged him tightly around his neck. Harry grinned and returned the hug. “Hey, you’ve got Harry Potter on your side; it’s a proven fact that I can do anything.”
The three witches laughed as Enid let go and Harry stood. “You’re awesome,” Enid told the seventh year boy.
Harry shrugged. “I suppose. Now, Herm and Parvati and I have got to run to Professor Brutús’ office for a quick meeting, then I’ll take a hike down to Slytherin and have myself a yell at those little brats, okay?”
The small girl was smiling as she nodded. “Yeah, alright. Thank you.”
“Sure thing. It’s what I’m here for,” Harry replied with a wink before offering his arms to the two seventh year witches. “Ladies? We are late for a meeting. I can only hope Marcus doesn’t take my head off.”
“Harry, I’ve got news for you,” Hermione shot back as she and Parvati each took an arm, “Marcus won’t do anything worse than swatting that sexy arse of yours.”
Harry shot her a mischievous smirk. “Actually, do you want to know what he’d really do?”
“No!” Hermione and Parvati laughed together as they three left the common room and started down the hall
“Harry, this is why we need to tape your mouth shut.” Parvati sniggered. “It’s so dirty.”
“Says she who was calling my arse ‘rather fine’ mere moments ago,” the wizard teased. “I was half expecting you to start drooling, actually.”
Parvati swatted his arm gently with her free hand. “Oh, you’re a horrid man.”
“I thought you were aware of that.”
“She was. She just hadn’t thought to put the awareness into practice before now,” Hermione informed him.
“You know, I haven’t the slightest idea what you just said,” Harry decided, smiling and nodding.
Hermione placed a quick kiss on her friend’s cheek. “I didn’t expect you to.”
“Oh, I think I should be insulted,” Harry complained as they came to a stop outside Tom’s rooms. :Lovely returns.:
The portrait waggled it’s finger at them as it opened to let them in.
“I hate that picture,” Harry announced, letting go of the two witches and hugging Tom from behind. The man had been pouring some tea for himself when they’d come in.
“You know, it’s a good thing I don’t startle well,” Tom murmured, setting down the teapot before turning in the embrace and returning it with a kiss. You brat.
Don’t you know it, Harry shot back, pulling away. “Herm, Parvati, take seats. I’ll go find more cups.”
“They’re dirty,” Tom called as Harry disappeared into the kitchen and the two witches settled themselves on the couch.
“That’s what magic is for!”
“I never learned that spell!”
“That explains everything,” Harry decided, coming back out with three more cups and bringing them over to where Tom had set the teapot, milk, and sugar on the living-room table when he’d taken his customary seat.
“You know, I don’t think I like you much anymore,” Tom complained as the three students made their tea. “You’re always insulting me.”
“It’s the only thing he’s good for, don’t you know?” Hermione replied.
Harry stuck his tongue out at her and settled himself in Tom’s lap, leaning back against the man’s chest with a peaceful sigh. “You wanted to talk to us?”
Tom slipped his free arm around Harry’s waist. “Yes. About the trial.” He looked around at them seriously. “There are spells on all of the court rooms that cancel out spells like invisibility and glamours. Parvati, Harry, your necklaces will be visible. So will the charm bracelets for all three of you.”
“What do you suggest?” Parvati inquired while Harry closed his eyes and cursed the Ministry under his breath.
“You’ll have to take the necklaces off. There is no way around that spell. The bracelets should be fine, but I’d suggest hiding them up your sleeves to keep anyone from knowing exactly which charms you have. You may need them, especially the one for Veritaserum, if they think you’re holding something back. Don’t take them off, no matter what,” the Dark Lord replied.
“Tom, have you ever been in one of the courtrooms?” Hermione enquired, fiddling nervously with her charm bracelet.
“Once, when I was younger.” Tom nodded. “The protections weren’t as good then as they are now. The information I have on them comes from inside the Ministry.”
“I might be able to break those spells, Tom,” Harry murmured. “One of the two of us might, at least. They weren’t built to hold out against you and me, only normal witches and wizards.”
“I welcome you to test them to your heart’s content, love, but please do the test with something that won’t get you in trouble?” Tom sighed, kissing Harry’s neck. “Draw something on your hand or wear a ring of some sort and test the wards with that. If you can surpass them, grand. If your magic can’t break them, it’s nothing major; we have ways around such wards.”
“I know that.”
“Just, don’t try and take them down. I know you’d get in trouble, then.”
“What makes you think I’d try something as foolish as that?” Harry asked in an insulted voice as the witches laughed.
“Because you’re a Gryffindor and your lot do some very foolish things.”
“You know, I might be insulted by that, but I happen to know that Slytherins do some pretty dumb things themselves.”
“Oh, really?”
“Really.” Harry twisted and placed a quick kiss on Tom’s jaw. “But I’m smart enough to keep that knowledge to myself.”
“Smart Gryffindors. What’s the world going to?”
“It’s going Dark,” Harry replied mischievously. “And I need to get down to the Slytherin common and yell myself hoarse at some first years before curfew.”
“I thought you were a lowly Prefect, not the Head Boy,” Tom complained as Harry stood.
Harry turned and gave his lover a wink. “I have to set an example some way, lovely. After all, I’m dating a teacher.”
“And he promised one of the Gryffindors he’d have a yell at her tormentors,” Parvati added, standing and turning to help Hermione up.
“I know.” Tom smiled at the green-eyed wizard as Harry walked into the kitchen with the three tea cups. “He’s a good kid, for the most part.”
“I heard that!”
Tom shrugged helplessly at the two ladies. “What can a guy do?”
“A guy can stop insulting his boyfriend in a backwards way,” Harry responded, walking back into the room and throwing Tom a mock dark look.
“Boyfriend. Now there’s a word I never thought would apply in your relationship.” Hermione sighed with a smile.
“Hey, he started it,” Harry snorted, tossing his thumb in Tom’s direction.
“I’m not the least bit surprised,” Hermione shot back. “Come on, Harry. Good night, Tom.”
“Good night, ladies,” Tom replied with a groan, standing. He walked up to Harry and set a finger under the teen’s chin. “Behave yourself.”
“Me? I’m a Gryffindor, remember?” Harry teased.
Tom shook his head. “I know.” He settled a soft kiss on Harry’s mouth and smiled wickedly. “Go on, then. Have fun with those Slytherins. Show them how we really do things.”
“Oh, I plan on it,” Harry responded with a smile much the same as his lover’s. “See you a breakfast tomorrow morning, bastard.”
“Oh, fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, imp.” Tom chuckled and watched the three go their separate ways down the hall before going back into his room to think.
Harry was humming to himself as he stepped into the Slytherin common room. As usual, all noise stopped until they were sure it was safe to continue talking. Harry considered himself rather special to be one of the few non-Slytherins that the Slytherins felt safe around. He knew it was because their parents had declared him to be safe, but, still, it made him feel special.
This visit, however, he needed their attention, so he let out a sharp whistle. All eyes returned to him and Harry fixed them with a cold look. “I need to speak to all the first years. Are they in here?”
“Most of us are,” a Hispanic girl with tightly braided dark hair spoke. “But Kern’s in the dorm. Do you want me to go get her?”
Paloma Chelton, Tom supplied. She’s rather mild, for a Slytherin.
Thank you, lovely, Harry sighed gratefully. “Please do, Miss Chelton. Meet us out in the hall. The rest of you, come along.” He crooked a finger at where the other four first years were seated.
The four got up and followed as commanded. They hadn’t dealt with him one-on-one yet and they were wary around him, as Harry had expected. Tom took the free time to give the faces names so Harry wasn’t totally lost, The rather nasty looking blond is Cyrus York, their ring-leader, of sorts. You were right to compare him to Draco. The brunet next to him is his best mate, Morgan Munro. The two were a nightmare the first week I had them until I proved I wasn’t a joke.
I don’t think I want to know.
Probably not. Lots of yelling, parents spoken to at a meeting...
Ouch.
Yup. Anyway, the black-haired girl is Juno Baddock, sister of one of the fourth years. She holds herself like a queen. Think Pan and you’d be close. That last boy with all the freckles is Iven Stanton. He’s somewhat like ‘Bini. Quiet, not much trouble, but extremely intelligent, Tom explained. The hidden door opened and Paloma came back out with a tall girl with short blonde hair who looked like she’d been crying recently. Babette Kern, as I’m sure you know. She prefers being called Babs, though.
You’re a life-saver, Tom, Harry sighed in relief as he led the group down the dark hallway to an empty classroom he knew wasn’t far from the common room. “Find a chair and sit,” he ordered before throwing up a powerful Silencing Barrier. Then he glanced back at them.
Babs was sitting as far away from the other Slytherins as she could get. Cyrus and Morgan were shooting her nasty looks. Juno was attempting to pretend the blonde girl didn’t exist while both Iven and Paloma were watching the Gryffindor Prefect. Harry, for his part, was doing his best to keep his temper in check as he pulled a desk back for him to sit on. “It’s a sad day when Slytherins can’t even look to one another for support,” he said in a quiet voice. All eyes shot to him in shock. “Not only is it sad, but it is pathetic. So, let me be the first to call this year’s Slytherins pathetic.”
“What do you know about us?!” Morgan spat, glaring at Harry. “You’re a Gryffindork!”
“I?” Harry frowned. “I am the second in command of the Dark Order, Mr Munro. I think I know a thing or two about your lot.” The brown-haired boy’s mouth slammed shut. “I see a divided House right now, and Slytherins cannot be divided in a school run by Gryffindors. If they are, they will be crushed. Don’t try denying it, Mr York,” Harry added as Cyrus rose. The blond sneered at him, but sat again. “Would you like to see me crush you? I guarantee I can do it if I cared to.”
“You’re a seventh year. Of course you could, how do you say it, ‘crush’ us,” Cyrus spat. “A seventh year Huff-n-duff could crush us.”
“In my first year, the seventh years couldn’t have taken on the first year Slytherins,” Harry replied in a calm, even voice. “I couldn’t tell you if it was because they were afraid of Draco Malfoy and his little gang or if it was because Draco and his gang truly could stand against them. I doubt I’ll ever know, and I hardly care, anymore. But, let me tell you now, I even know some sixth years who would be willing to take you on, and one of them is mute.” His eyes flickered over each of the glaring faces and met the sad eyes of the lone Slytherin. “This is unacceptable.”
“Oh, just shut up,” Juno said in a cold voice flipping her hair over her shoulder.
Harry gave her a grim smile. “You’re lucky we’re in Hogwarts. The wards aren’t set to allow for Crucio, currently.” Juno paled. “You need to watch who you run your mouth off around, Miss Baddock. If you’d said that to any other Death Eater, I doubt they’d give a damn about wards, they’d put you under Cruciatus anyway.”
Juno fixed him with a cold look. “My daddy doesn’t care what I say to him.”
“Your father is Trent Baddock, correct?” Harry inquired mildly, picking at some crud under one of his nails.
Juno gave him a superior look. “Of course. He’s in the Inner Circle.”
“I shall have to have a chat with him about how he’s brought up his daughter, I suppose; she’s a spoiled little bitch,” Harry said in a calm voice, still picking at his nail.
Juno stood furiously, wand pointed at the elder wizard. “Stupefy!”
Harry let out a chilling laugh as the spell bounced off the Shield Spell he’d set earlier. “That’s the best you can do? How embarrassing!” He hopped off the desk, a fiery glint in his eyes. “You couldn’t think of anything better? What about the Blood-Letting Curse? Or, perhaps, even the Reductor Curse, in case I had brains and had set up a Shield Spell?” He leaned over the desk she sat in, meeting her terrified gaze. “Miss Baddock, you need to learn to keep your temper. Exploding like that could well get you killed. Foolish. Very foolish. Grow up.”
Harry’s gaze bounced to where Cyrus and Morgan were sniggering and he cast a silent Silencing Charm on both of them. “Never let your guard down, gentlemen. If that had been another spell, you could be dead right now. Consider that before you laugh over another’s misfortune.” Both boys had frozen and were staring at him in horror. Harry straightened and turned to the door. “You’ve got a week to improve the relations in your House and year before I return and show you how we do things in the Dark Order, my young snakes,” the seventh year said in a light tone, eyes on the door in front of him. “Mr Stanton, just because my back is turned doesn’t mean I cannot see you aiming your wand at me,” he added, turning around to smirk at the shocked faces. “Come along. I will take you back to your common room.”
The six Slytherins stood and walked before Harry sullenly. About three metres from the entrance, a cold voice stopped the line in its tracks, “Well, well. What are you all doing out of bed?”
Harry walked around the line with a cold gaze. “Severus.”
The Potions Master’s eyes shot up to the Prefect’s gaze in surprise. “Harry. What are you doing with these brats?”
Harry shrugged. “Teaching them things.”
Severus gave a cold laugh. “I’ve no doubt they deserve it too.”
“No doubt. Good night, Severus.”
“Good night, Harry.” The Death Eater bowed to his young master and faded into the dungeons shadows.
Harry’s eyes trailed after the retreating form for a moment before he finished the short walk to the Slytherin commons. “Ballentwag,” he murmured. The wall slid open and he led the group inside.
Draco walked up to him. “Should I know what they’ve done?” he enquired as the first years passed them.
Harry took the Silencing Charm off the two boys before smiling at his Junior. “Just see that they start including Miss Kern in things by Friday. If things don’t improve, let me know during Potions and I’ll have another chat with them, perhaps, this time, with Marcus present. He’s been dying to terrify Munro and York since their first class.”
“I’ll bet. Those two are monsters.”
Harry smirked. “Hex them occasionally when they aren’t paying attention. I’m sure they’ll mellow out in time.”
Draco laughed. “You are a true terror when your temper comes in to play, Harry Potter. It’s times like this that I’m glad I’m your friend instead of your enemy.”
Harry shrugged. “Too bad that was a lesson Percy and Ronald never learned, hum?” His eyes danced in amusement as he turned to leave. “Good night, Dray.”
“Good night, Har.”
Harry let out a snort of amusement. “ ‘Gryffindors and their nicknames’ my arse,” he sighed, stepping back out into the hallway.
Draco’s laughter followed him down to Godric’s room.
“We may only hope that does the trick,” Harry sighed, flopping down in the free armchair in front of the fireplace. “Enid, if Miss Kern tells you their behaviour isn’t improving by the end of this week, you let me know and I’ll gladly rip their little hearts out.”
Enid stared at him for a long moment before giggling. Hermione scowled. “Harry, that was a little much.”
“Marcus says they were horrible in his first class, and I can see why. Get this, Miss Baddock decided that she could hit me with the Stunning Spell. I haven’t the slightest idea what she’d planned on doing if I’d actually been stunned, and I’m not sure she knew, either.”
“Why did she try and stun you?” Parvati asked in amazement while Enid tried to calm herself.
“I called her a spoiled little bitch,” Harry said with a shrug. The statement sent Enid into gales of helpless laughter.
“Oh, dear…” Hermione set a hand to her forehead. “Then what did you do?”
“Oh, just cast a soundless Silencing Charm on Munro and York because they were laughing at Baddock’s misfortune.”
“Define ‘misfortune’.”
“Oh, I kinda glared at her, mentioned that most people would have retaliated with a hex worse than death, mentioned that old Voldie probably would have tortured her for such an act…” He paused thoughtfully. “Or maybe that was after she told me to shut up…”
Enid shook her head at the wizard. “You’re awfully mean.”
“No, not really.” Harry shrugged mildly. “I just lost my temper a little.”
“I remember when you losing your temper could result in lost limbs,” Dean commented, coming up behind Harry’s chair and leaning on the back. “A lot has changed since fifth year, I suppose. Pity you didn’t kill the little snots.”
“Oh, I’m wondering if they’ll try and go to Dumbles to complain that I threatened them,” Harry said happily, leaning back in his chair.
“Not another Secrecy Spell.” Hermione groaned. “I never should have taught you that one.”
Harry smiled. “Why ever not? I get away with so much more shit when I can keep people from telling on me.”
“Ooh! Teach me?” Enid begged.
Harry shook his head as Hermione let out an indignant huff. “It’s at least fourth year level, my dear. Wait a few more years and I promise to come back and teach it to you, k?”
“Oh, okay.” Enid nodded. “So, are you going to argue with the Gryffindors too?”
Harry shrugged. “I have to think over that approach a bit. Slytherins tend to respond best to threats, I know. What about Gryffindors? Herm?”
“Aren’t you a Gryffindor?” Dean teased.
“I’m only half Gryffindor,” Harry replied haughtily. “I’m also half Slytherin and I just don’t respond well to anything.”
“I’d noticed,” Hermione grumbled darkly.
Harry grinned. “I respond well to Marcus.”
“Oh, that’s your weakness, is it?” Dean laughed, poking Harry’s arm. “Well, then. Next time I want Harry to do something, remind me to go to Professor Brutús for help.”
“The only problem is, Harry and Marcus think alike too often. Chances are, if Harry doesn’t want to do something, Marcus won’t care enough to make him.” Hermione sighed. “Harry, I haven’t the slightest idea how you should tackle the Gryffindors. If you push their buttons just right, you’ll probably get them. All you have to figure out are their buttons.”
“That’s no problem for Harry,” Parvati declared. “He knows everything.”
Harry ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully while the three witches and one wizard around him laughed. His eyes were on the flames in front of him. “Most of Thorald’s family is in the Order,” He murmured and the four around him fell into silence. “Rockwell’s family is full of Dark wizards and witches, most of whom rather despise him being in Gryffindor. Hermione, first two names that come to mind?”
Hermione stared at Harry, eyes wide. “Prongs and Padfoot! Harry, do you know a way to push their buttons?!”
Harry closed his eyes with a tired sigh. “Yes.”
“Harry?” Hermione leaned forward and rested a hand on his knee, eyes worried. “Are you okay?”
He glanced up at her with a weak smile. “Yes, sorry. Thought I saw Snuffles’ head in the fire for a moment there.” The young man stood with a stretch. “I’m off to bed, then. I’ll tackle Miss Thorald and Mr Rockwell tomorrow. Good night.” He turned and left up the boy’s dormitory stairs.
“Who’s Snuffles?” Enid asked when the silence that had fallen over the group got too unbearable.
“One very brave man who died to save Harry.” Hermione shook her head sadly. “Snuffles probably wouldn’t agree with some of Harry’s choices, of late.”
“I think, Hermione, that if this Snuffles really cared about Harry so much and knew the reasons, he wouldn’t care in the least,” Dean offered with a shrug. “I’m going to head for bed myself. Good night, everyone.”
“Dean!” Hermione called. The black wizard turned back to glance at her curiously. “Tell him that, please. We really don’t want a moody Harry tomorrow morning.”
Dean nodded. “Sure thing.” Then he left them to their thoughts.
Chapter 41, Part 2
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
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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