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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
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
°°Phoenix speech°°
Chapter 43, Part 1
-------------------------
Chapter 43, Part 2
--------------------------------
-~/\~-
“Knock, knock,” Harry offered, poking his head into Poppy’s office in the Infirmary.
“Ah, Harry, what a surprise,” Dumbledore said cheerfully from his seat across from the mediwitch. Poppy smiled helplessly.
“Headmaster.” Harry nodded to the man before turning to the witch. “Poppy, Herm said you wanted me to drop by?”
“Yes.” Poppy stood. “I have that book you wanted to borrow.”
Harry nodded, playing along. “Fabulous.” He stepped into the room while the woman went back into her room to get a book for him to borrow. “Headmaster, what brings you down here?” the teen enquired.
“Just having tea with my staff,” Dumbledore offered with a large smile and twinkling eyes.
“Spying?” Harry teased, grinning. “Really, Dumbles.”
The Headmaster chuckled. “Albus.”
“Dumbles,” Harry shot back. “It’s a pet name, like Voldie and Sevvie.”
The Headmaster laughed at that. “And what does Severus normally do when you call him that? He didn’t look overly pleased earlier.”
“Oh, he glares at me, tells me not to call him it again. I do anyway. I think he’s used to it by now.” Harry shrugged.
“By now?” Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at the young wizard. “How long have you two been friends?”
“Oh, he dropped by Marcus’ rooms the day after that prank I played on him ended. We cleared the air and have been on somewhat friendly terms since,” the teen replied easily. “Well, I say friendly, but that’s not a word found in Severus’ vocabulary,” he added with a grin.
Dumbledore chuckled. “No, it’s not.”
“Here.” Poppy walked back out with a book titled A Beginner’s Guide to Magical Healing. “Sorry it took so long. Things got piled on top of it again.”
“See, you need to keep a cleaner room,” Harry teased, holding out a hand for the book.
Poppy gently swatted the hand before setting the book in it. “I’m beginning to understand why Marcus always calls you an imp.”
Harry grinned. “Because I am one.”
Dumbledore chuckled as he stood. “Well, I need a word with Harry,” he said, “so I will see you tomorrow at breakfast, Poppy.”
“Of course, Albus.” Poppy nodded with a smile. “Good night, Harry.”
“Good night, Poppy.” Harry winked before following the Headmaster from the office. “A word with little old me?”
Dumbledore shot the teen an amused look. “You appear to have been making friends with the staff for quite a long while.”
Harry shrugged. “Marcus made friends with Poppy while I was gone, then got me to be friends with her. I think she’s rather glad to see me in there when I’m not a patient, personally.”
“Probably,” Dumbledore agreed. “You’re learning healing magic?”
Harry shrugged. “Why not? I know how to defend myself both with and without a wand. I know how to conceal myself from detection. I can make most common potions without any help from a book or person. Healing’s really the only thing I haven’t learned yet.”
Dumbledore gave him an odd look. “How good are you at transforming?”
“Not as good as Tonks,” Harry admitted. “But I’m good enough. Marcus was helping me a lot at first, since he read about it, but I’ve been figuring most of it out on my own. Why?”
“Just wondering.”
“Of course you are,” Harry said sarcastically.
Dumbledore smiled. “Sugar Quills.” The gargoyle hopped aside for them and the Headmaster led the Boy-Who-Lived up to his office. “Have a seat,” he suggested, pointing to a large, fluffy grey couch that had appeared out of nowhere. “Tea?”
“No, thank you,” Harry replied, sitting.
Dumbledore nodded as he settled himself behind his desk. “You changed the colour of your hair?”
Harry smiled faintly. “Marcus was complaining. He hates pink.”
The Headmaster chuckled. “I’m not surprised about that. However, Alastor seemed to think that you wouldn’t be able to change the colour.”
Harry grinned full-out. “Mad-Eye has obviously forgotten that he was the one that taught me. I blocked that part of the spell.”
“I should have guessed that.” Dumbledore shook his head with a smile. “I was inquiring after your Metamorphmagus abilities because Tonks offered to help you, if you needed it.”
“No.” Harry shook his head. “I should be fine. If I have any trouble with something, though, I promise to owl her about it.”
“Good, good...” Dumbledore took a sip of his tea. “You and Miss Thorald came in to dinner together, I noticed. At the same time as Marcus.”
“Yeah. I dragged Ula down to chat with Marcus. Those two pretty much despised each other from day one. Ula likes to cause trouble in his class and Marcus likes to take points and give detentions.” Harry nodded.
“And you invited Miss Thorald to stay at Marcus’ home anyway?”
“Well, yes.” Harry shrugged. “Ula learned to get along with me, and Marcus did agree earlier that he would try and get along with her if she could try and get along with him. So I got them to work things out, then she started being a brat again and it was okay.”
Dumbledore shook his head with an amused smile. “You’ve always had interesting ways of doing things, I suppose.”
“Of course I do.”
“Harry.” Dumbledore leaned forward, serious suddenly. “You’ve been doing your Occlumency exercises each night, right?”
Harry nodded with a curious frown. “Yes, sir.”
The Headmaster sighed. “I see.”
“Is there something wrong, sir?”
Dumbledore looked him over before nodding. “I had hoped you might have some insight into Voldemort’s actions of late.”
Harry blinked a few times in confusion before his eyes widened. “You’re trying to find out why he hasn’t really been doing any attacks...”
“Correct.”
Harry glanced up at the ceiling. “Sir, is it possible he’s just collecting followers and testing loyalties? I mean, he’s surly learned by now that he can’t get to me while I’m still in the school. If I were him, I’d be biding my time until I understood my enemies a little better and had a chance to get to my opponent in a place where he’s not as well protected as I am here at Hogwarts.”
Dumbledore sighed. “That’s pretty much what we’ve decided he must be up to.”
Harry nodded, getting an idea. Tom, is it possible to give some of my people Dark Marks, but leave them as Juniors?
What nasty plot have you got up your sleeve this time?
Giving Dumbles a few more spies...
Tom’s mental eyes widened in surprise. You’re a genius. Who would you suggest?
Draco, since he’s said before he’s wary about the mindless killing; Theodore, since he’s dating Gin; and Blaise, since he's dating Seamus.
Brilliant. Do it. I’ll go have a word with Theodore, Blaise, and Draco.
“What are you thinking?” Dumbledore inquired, eyes locked on the mischievous smile tugging at Harry’s lips.
“Sir, might I suggest gathering a few more spies for the Order?”
Dumbledore startled. “Explain that.”
“Well, Dray, 'Bini, and Ted are all set for becoming Death Eaters, and their fathers want them to,” Harry explained, leaning forward. “But Dray disagrees with Voldemort’s mindless killing sprees, 'Bini's dating Seam, and Ted’s dating Gin. If you planned it just right, you could probably flip them over to our side and get them to spy for us once they’ve received the Mark.”
The Headmaster frowned thoughtfully. “You think we need more spies?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “Severus tells me he’s not so much in Voldemort’s favour anymore and his loyalties might be being questioned. Anyway, because of Severus’ job as a teacher, he can’t always be gone. Voldemort may be making plans without his knowledge simply because he can’t attend. It would be better to have more than one ear in the Death Eaters.”
Dumbledore stared at Harry for a long moment before nodded slowly. “Do you know what they’re planning on doing with their lives?”
Harry smiled slightly. “Dray’s aiming to become one of the school governors, as I recall, and both 'Bini and Ted are looking for good Ministry jobs. Probably working as a members of the Minister’s staff, like their fathers.”
The Headmaster smiled slightly. “They trust you?”
“I believe so.”
“Can you get them to tell you when they’ve received their Marks?”
“Probably not.”
“No?” The old wizard frowned.
“Sir, you have to remember, I’m Harry Potter, every Death Eater’s nightmare. For all they know, I’ll probably go straight to the Ministry once I’ve learned they’ve been Marked and turn them in.”
Dumbledore gave a heavy sigh. “True...”
“We could ask Gin for her help,” the teen murmured. “She could probably get Ted to tell her when he’s Marked, and both Dray and 'Bini would be Marked at about the same time.”
“Would Miss Weasley agree to that?”
Harry closed his eyes, as if considering the possibility. “Yes.” He opened his eyes and nodded. “If you could assure her that Ted would remain unhurt and he’d be allowed to visit her at the school next year, I believe she’d do what she could to help.”
Dumbledore smiled. “If Mr Nott would agree to joining the Order, of course he would be allowed in my school to visit whomever he’d like at almost any time.”
“Then, sir, I believe you will have Gin’s help.” Harry smiled.
The Headmaster nodded. “Could you bring her up here during lunch tomorrow?”
“Of course, Dumbles.”
Dumbledore chuckled. “Very well. I’ll let you go so you can get started on that book. Be sure you go to Poppy if you have any questions.”
“Yes.” Harry nodded, standing. “Good night, Professor.”
“Good night, Harry.”
-~/\~-
‘I've been training Sally-Anne Perks in medical magic, and she came to me on Saturday with concerns about the current world situation. She’s unsure of her side in this war, since she rather likes many of the Dark Order’s beliefs, but not the way things are run within the Dark Order. She’s in here every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour before dinner. Why don’t you drop by this week?’
Harry tapped his finger on the book’s inside front cover while he stared at the note Poppy had left him. “Nev? Do you know a Sally-Anne Perks?”
Neville glanced up from his Herbology book. “Yeah. She’s one of the Hufflepuffs in our year. Clever girl. She’s got a gentle nature, very good with plants. Why?”
Harry smiled up at the other Heir. “Madam Pomfrey says she’s split between the Light and the Dark.”
Neville nodded thoughtfully. “She likes your beliefs but dislikes the way things are run, doesn’t she?”
Harry shook his head, amused. “Yes. Bleeding mind-reader.”
The plump-faced wizard laughed. “Oh, I got it right, then?”
“Yes, yes,” Harry muttered before wandlessly sending the note up in flames.
Neville jumped and fell off his bed. “Don’t do that!”
Harry offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I keep forgetting how unnerving it is to others when I don’t use my wand.”
“It’s not the wandless magic that’s unnerving, it’s watching you set things aflame in your hand,” Neville complained, getting back on his bed and dusting off the cover of his book. “How do you do that, anyway?”
“Fire repellent charm.” Harry shrugged. “It’s the one that looks like a flame. Rather useful.”
“Oh. Yeah.” Neville smiled with a sad smile. “I forgot.”
Harry sniggered. “I’m not going to say it.”
Neville rolled his eyes. “You studying medimagic now?”
Harry shrugged, glancing down at the book. “I wasn’t going to, but Madam Pomfrey had to give me this book to get me the note, since Dumbles was there. I figure it’ll probably prove very useful in the future, so, hey, why not.”
“Right. In your future as an auror,” Neville said sarcastically.
“You’ve got it.” Harry winked and flipped the book open to the first page. “Now, let me read this. I’m expected in the infirmary on Tuesday and I may as well pretend I’m interested in this...” He scratched the back of his head. “Well, if it’s boring, at least I’ll get some sleep, right?”
Neville laughed while Harry pulled his curtains shut.
-~/\~-
“Hey there, Anthony!” Harry said cheerfully as he bounced into sight between the Head Boy and Michael Corner. “How ya doing?”
Anthony Goldstein scowled as Michael took the opportunity and fled. “I’m keeping an eye on Michael, Harry.”
“Why?” Harry asked innocently, opening his eyes wide to give him a shocked look.
“He’s been saying odd things.”
“What sorts of odd things?”
“Talking about joining You-Know-Who,” Anthony whispered.
“Oh. And stalking him’s keeping him from saying stuff?” Harry inquired, still acting innocent.
Anthony froze. “Oh. No, not really…”
Harry smiled. “I’ll talk to him.”
“Right. You do that...” Anthony murmured, scratching the back of his head and turning to walk away, frowning.
Harry turned and walked over to where Luna was patting a terrified-looking Michael on the back. “Hello, Michael,” the green-eyed wizard said cheerfully.
“Don’t drag me off to the Headmaster,” Michael begged in a whisper. “Please, I didn’t mean anything by my talk. Please, Harry...”
Harry’s cheer disappeared almost immediately and was replaced by a cold gaze. “Michael, when you want to talk about wavering faith, the hallway is not the place to do it. Follow me.” He turned and started towards Tom’s room.
“No, please, I swear I didn’t mean anything by what I–“
“Michael, you have ten seconds to shut up. If one of the teachers hears you going off like that, I will have to take you to Dumbledore,” Harry hissed, glancing over his shoulder. “Luna, tail Anthony. Make sure he runs into Herm.”
“Right, boss.” Luna gave him a sharp salute and, much to Michael’s apparent surprise, hopped off to chase after the Head Boy.
“That girl’s going to give me a heart attack one day,” Harry decided, shaking his head. :Snake skin,: he added, coming up on the portrait to Tom’s room.
“Don’t tell me he’s your chaperone today,” the portrait shot back.
“If you don’t open, I’ll hex a hole into the centre of your head,” Harry threatened, pulling out his wand.
The portrait popped open quickly.
Harry grinned at Michael as he put his wand away. “You’ve gotta know how to talk to them sometimes. Come on in.”
“Where’s this?” Michael asked, following Harry inside.
“My rooms,” Marcus offered, walking out of his bedroom shirtless. “Harry, don’t you ever knock?”
“No.” The teen shrugged. “Have a seat, Michael.”
“Why must you always bring your little friends into my room?” the Dark Lord complained, walking towards the kitchen.
“Because this place is warded against Dumbles’ little spies,” Harry offered, settling himself on the arm of Tom’s favourite chair and smiling at the nervous Ravenclaw. “We’re not going to hex you, you know.”
“Why am I here?” Michael asked sharply.
“Are you serious about joining Voldemort?” Harry said by way of response.
Michael froze, eyes wide.
“We don’t care, either way,” Tom added, coming back in with a tea tray. “We’d just like to know.” He set the tray on the table and, picking up the cup he’d made for himself in the kitchen, sat back in his chair, eyes on the Ravenclaw.
“Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, Michael,” Harry added firmly. “Tell me the truth. Are you serious about joining Voldemort?”
Michael looked between the two wizards, eyes wide. “Yes...”
“I never thought Lovegood would be useful for finding followers among the students,” Tom muttered, taking a sip of his tea.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Marcus, that’s because you’re an idiot.” Harry smiled at Michael. “Thank you for telling the truth. Now, let me offer you a bit of truth. I’m the second in command of the Dark Order and Luna Lovegood works for me.”
“The rumours are true?” Michael whispered in shock.
Harry smirked, leaning forward to get himself some tea. “That’s why we started spreading them.”
“No way.”
“Yes way.” Harry gave the Ravenclaw a sharp look. “Michael, one of the stupidest things you can ever do is openly mention that your loyalties lie with Voldemort, especially in this school. Dumbles will find out about it and twist you back into a soldier for the Light, I guarantee it.”
“And he will find out about it,” Tom added seriously. “You must be careful with what you say, Mr Corner. You were very lucky that Mr Goldstein was too busy following you to think about warning a teacher or the Headmaster.”
“You were also lucky that Luna came to me,” Harry agreed.
Tom leaned forward. “Mr Corner, are you completely serious about joining Voldemort? No backing out? You’ll follow the Dark Order’s laws?”
The teenager nodded firmly, much surer now he knew he was dealing with people who were on his side. “Absolutely.”
Harry nodded. “We have a meeting tomorrow. I’ll tell Luna to bring you. Until then, keep your mouth shut about your preferences. If Anthony badgers you at all, which I doubt, but if he does, tell him I talked to you and have shown you the error of your ways, or some such nonsense. Understood?”
The Ravenclaw nodded firmly. “Right. Why tomorrow? Why not tonight?”
“Because most of the Gryffindors and teachers will be busy with detentions for the fight on Saturday. I will be busy keeping the Gryffindors who weren’t in the fight under control, seeing as how I’m the only Prefect not in trouble.” He smiled grimly. “I’ll see you later, Michael.”
“Right.” Michael nodded and stood. “See you at dinner.” He turned and walked out, much to the annoyance of the portrait, as Tom and Harry could tell by the muffled shouting.
Harry sighed and slipped into Tom’s lap. “Good evening, lovely. How was your day?” he asked conversationally, resting his head against the Dark Lord’s chest.
“Oh, it was fine. But, you see, a few minutes ago, this little monster I know dragged one of his year mates into my room while I was busy changing and I never quite finished,” Tom replied, setting down his teacup on the table next to him before sliding his arms around the form in his lap. “How was your day?”
“Oh, I got up late, didn’t eat breakfast, was almost late for Transfiguration, had a very stressful meeting with the Headmaster, my sister, and McGonagall, was almost late for Potions because the meeting ran late, then I had to hunt down a couple of Ravenclaws and save one. Now, of course, this guy I really like is complaining because I disturbed him in the middle of changing for dinner,” Harry replied dully. “And I’m supposed to spend this evening controlling the rest of Gryffindor House with Herm because all the other Prefects got themselves stuck in detention.”
“I’m sorry, love.” Tom sighed. “This really hasn’t been your day, has it?”
“Tom, by now, I’m used to this,” Harry mumbled, closing his eyes. “Need help changing?”
“I don’t particularly feel like moving right now, personally,” the Dark Lord replied, running a gentle hand through the red and silver spikes on top of Harry’s head. “Why don’t you take a nap, hm?”
“We need to head to dinner,” Harry replied, not moving.
“Dumbledore can fuck himself,” Tom replied firmly. “I’ll wake you in time for the end of dinner, okay?”
Harry yawned and rubbed his face against Tom’s chest, smiling. “Okay.”
Tom smiled and set his wand to wake him twenty minutes before dinner let out before leaning his head back against his chair’s back and closing his eyes.
-~/\~-
“Where were you?!” Hermione hissed as Harry slipped into his usual seat between Neville and Gin.
“Sorry. I fell asleep on Marcus,” Harry murmured.
‘You sure spend a lot of time sleeping on him.’
Harry shot his sister a dirty look. “Stuff it.”
“Here.” Hermione held out a piece of parchment which had been spelled to open only for Harry. “McGonagall dropped it off for you at the beginning of dinner. She looked frantic.”
“Thanks...” Harry slid his finger under the seal and opened it.
‘Mr Potter,
‘Please come by my office immediately. Warn your friends you may not be able to help them out tonight.
‘Dumbledore’
Harry let out a hiss and stood. “Thanks, Herm. I may not be back until late. Gin, Nev, help Herm keep the brats under control, please?” His eyes shot between the three he called family.
“Of course. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think I want to know,” Harry said grimly before turning and walking quickly from the Hall.
Harry?
Have you planned any raids of late? Any attacks? Anything?
No. I would have run them by you. What’s wrong?
I don’t know.
Tom took a moment to look over Harry's memory of the letter. That doesn’t sound good.
Ditto. Harry ran a hand through his hair. Tom, I’m scared.
The Dark Lord answered with a wave of love and a mental hug.
Thank you, the teen whispered, coming to a stop before Dumbledore’s office. “Sugar Quills,” he whispered, running up the moving stairs once he was able to get to it. He paused for a moment outside the closed office door before knocking. When no one answered, he peeked his head in. “Fawkes?” he whispered, seeing the phoenix on the back of Dumbledore’s chair.
°°What took you so long?°° Fawkes asked as Harry crept into the room.
“I didn't go straight to dinner. I kinda fell asleep,” Harry replied. “What's going on?”
Fawkes flew over to land on the teen's shoulder. °°I've been told to take you. Will you drop your shield for a moment?°°
“Yes. Sorry,” Harry murmured, dropping the magical shield against things like portkeys and forced apparation. Lucius had showed him how to create one while Harry had been suspended.
°°No, it's a smart thing to have. Ready?°°
“Yes.” Harry nodded numbly, closing his eyes.
There was a blast of heat and Harry felt like he was surrounded by fire for a brief moment. °°You can look now,°° Fawkes offered once the feeling had ended.
Harry opened his eyes to the reception area of St Mungo's. “St Mungo's? Was there an attack?” he whispered to the bird on his shoulder, quite sure that he'd be seen as mad if he were chatting with a phoenix.
“Harry!” Remus ran up to the teen and phoenix and Harry felt his heart lighten at the sight of his godfather. “Finally. What took you so long?”
“I fell asleep before dinner and Marcus let me sleep,” Harry murmured. “What's going on?”
“Come on.” Remus settled a hand on Harry's free shoulder and led the way through the double doors past the Inquiries desk and down the narrow hallway to a door surrounded by aurors.
“State your names and purposes,” one of the aurors, a grey-haired man with a cold gaze, ordered.
“I'm Remus Lupin and this is Harry Potter. We're here to speak with Albus Dumbledore,” Remus answered firmly.
“They're clear,” another auror said, glancing over a clipboard in her hands.
“Very well.” The first auror who had spoken stepped aside to let them past. “Go on in.”
Remus led Harry in. As soon as the door closed behind them, Fawkes called out a greeting and Dumbledore turned to look at them, not smiling. “Welcome, Harry.”
But Harry wasn't look at the Headmaster. He was looking at the bed behind the old man. Or, more specifically, at the person in the bed.
“Sirius?”
-~/\~-
-~/\~-
A/N: *cackles insanely*
My muse wouldn't let me leave this alone. It was badgering me non-stop about this nice little twist, and so I've gone with it. I've always wanted to bring Siri back, anyway...
~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
Key:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
’Written thoughts’
°°Phoenix speech°°
Chapter 43, Part 1
Chapter 43, Part 2
--------------------------------
“Knock, knock,” Harry offered, poking his head into Poppy’s office in the Infirmary.
“Ah, Harry, what a surprise,” Dumbledore said cheerfully from his seat across from the mediwitch. Poppy smiled helplessly.
“Headmaster.” Harry nodded to the man before turning to the witch. “Poppy, Herm said you wanted me to drop by?”
“Yes.” Poppy stood. “I have that book you wanted to borrow.”
Harry nodded, playing along. “Fabulous.” He stepped into the room while the woman went back into her room to get a book for him to borrow. “Headmaster, what brings you down here?” the teen enquired.
“Just having tea with my staff,” Dumbledore offered with a large smile and twinkling eyes.
“Spying?” Harry teased, grinning. “Really, Dumbles.”
The Headmaster chuckled. “Albus.”
“Dumbles,” Harry shot back. “It’s a pet name, like Voldie and Sevvie.”
The Headmaster laughed at that. “And what does Severus normally do when you call him that? He didn’t look overly pleased earlier.”
“Oh, he glares at me, tells me not to call him it again. I do anyway. I think he’s used to it by now.” Harry shrugged.
“By now?” Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at the young wizard. “How long have you two been friends?”
“Oh, he dropped by Marcus’ rooms the day after that prank I played on him ended. We cleared the air and have been on somewhat friendly terms since,” the teen replied easily. “Well, I say friendly, but that’s not a word found in Severus’ vocabulary,” he added with a grin.
Dumbledore chuckled. “No, it’s not.”
“Here.” Poppy walked back out with a book titled A Beginner’s Guide to Magical Healing. “Sorry it took so long. Things got piled on top of it again.”
“See, you need to keep a cleaner room,” Harry teased, holding out a hand for the book.
Poppy gently swatted the hand before setting the book in it. “I’m beginning to understand why Marcus always calls you an imp.”
Harry grinned. “Because I am one.”
Dumbledore chuckled as he stood. “Well, I need a word with Harry,” he said, “so I will see you tomorrow at breakfast, Poppy.”
“Of course, Albus.” Poppy nodded with a smile. “Good night, Harry.”
“Good night, Poppy.” Harry winked before following the Headmaster from the office. “A word with little old me?”
Dumbledore shot the teen an amused look. “You appear to have been making friends with the staff for quite a long while.”
Harry shrugged. “Marcus made friends with Poppy while I was gone, then got me to be friends with her. I think she’s rather glad to see me in there when I’m not a patient, personally.”
“Probably,” Dumbledore agreed. “You’re learning healing magic?”
Harry shrugged. “Why not? I know how to defend myself both with and without a wand. I know how to conceal myself from detection. I can make most common potions without any help from a book or person. Healing’s really the only thing I haven’t learned yet.”
Dumbledore gave him an odd look. “How good are you at transforming?”
“Not as good as Tonks,” Harry admitted. “But I’m good enough. Marcus was helping me a lot at first, since he read about it, but I’ve been figuring most of it out on my own. Why?”
“Just wondering.”
“Of course you are,” Harry said sarcastically.
Dumbledore smiled. “Sugar Quills.” The gargoyle hopped aside for them and the Headmaster led the Boy-Who-Lived up to his office. “Have a seat,” he suggested, pointing to a large, fluffy grey couch that had appeared out of nowhere. “Tea?”
“No, thank you,” Harry replied, sitting.
Dumbledore nodded as he settled himself behind his desk. “You changed the colour of your hair?”
Harry smiled faintly. “Marcus was complaining. He hates pink.”
The Headmaster chuckled. “I’m not surprised about that. However, Alastor seemed to think that you wouldn’t be able to change the colour.”
Harry grinned full-out. “Mad-Eye has obviously forgotten that he was the one that taught me. I blocked that part of the spell.”
“I should have guessed that.” Dumbledore shook his head with a smile. “I was inquiring after your Metamorphmagus abilities because Tonks offered to help you, if you needed it.”
“No.” Harry shook his head. “I should be fine. If I have any trouble with something, though, I promise to owl her about it.”
“Good, good...” Dumbledore took a sip of his tea. “You and Miss Thorald came in to dinner together, I noticed. At the same time as Marcus.”
“Yeah. I dragged Ula down to chat with Marcus. Those two pretty much despised each other from day one. Ula likes to cause trouble in his class and Marcus likes to take points and give detentions.” Harry nodded.
“And you invited Miss Thorald to stay at Marcus’ home anyway?”
“Well, yes.” Harry shrugged. “Ula learned to get along with me, and Marcus did agree earlier that he would try and get along with her if she could try and get along with him. So I got them to work things out, then she started being a brat again and it was okay.”
Dumbledore shook his head with an amused smile. “You’ve always had interesting ways of doing things, I suppose.”
“Of course I do.”
“Harry.” Dumbledore leaned forward, serious suddenly. “You’ve been doing your Occlumency exercises each night, right?”
Harry nodded with a curious frown. “Yes, sir.”
The Headmaster sighed. “I see.”
“Is there something wrong, sir?”
Dumbledore looked him over before nodding. “I had hoped you might have some insight into Voldemort’s actions of late.”
Harry blinked a few times in confusion before his eyes widened. “You’re trying to find out why he hasn’t really been doing any attacks...”
“Correct.”
Harry glanced up at the ceiling. “Sir, is it possible he’s just collecting followers and testing loyalties? I mean, he’s surly learned by now that he can’t get to me while I’m still in the school. If I were him, I’d be biding my time until I understood my enemies a little better and had a chance to get to my opponent in a place where he’s not as well protected as I am here at Hogwarts.”
Dumbledore sighed. “That’s pretty much what we’ve decided he must be up to.”
Harry nodded, getting an idea. Tom, is it possible to give some of my people Dark Marks, but leave them as Juniors?
What nasty plot have you got up your sleeve this time?
Giving Dumbles a few more spies...
Tom’s mental eyes widened in surprise. You’re a genius. Who would you suggest?
Draco, since he’s said before he’s wary about the mindless killing; Theodore, since he’s dating Gin; and Blaise, since he's dating Seamus.
Brilliant. Do it. I’ll go have a word with Theodore, Blaise, and Draco.
“What are you thinking?” Dumbledore inquired, eyes locked on the mischievous smile tugging at Harry’s lips.
“Sir, might I suggest gathering a few more spies for the Order?”
Dumbledore startled. “Explain that.”
“Well, Dray, 'Bini, and Ted are all set for becoming Death Eaters, and their fathers want them to,” Harry explained, leaning forward. “But Dray disagrees with Voldemort’s mindless killing sprees, 'Bini's dating Seam, and Ted’s dating Gin. If you planned it just right, you could probably flip them over to our side and get them to spy for us once they’ve received the Mark.”
The Headmaster frowned thoughtfully. “You think we need more spies?”
“Yes.” Harry nodded. “Severus tells me he’s not so much in Voldemort’s favour anymore and his loyalties might be being questioned. Anyway, because of Severus’ job as a teacher, he can’t always be gone. Voldemort may be making plans without his knowledge simply because he can’t attend. It would be better to have more than one ear in the Death Eaters.”
Dumbledore stared at Harry for a long moment before nodded slowly. “Do you know what they’re planning on doing with their lives?”
Harry smiled slightly. “Dray’s aiming to become one of the school governors, as I recall, and both 'Bini and Ted are looking for good Ministry jobs. Probably working as a members of the Minister’s staff, like their fathers.”
The Headmaster smiled slightly. “They trust you?”
“I believe so.”
“Can you get them to tell you when they’ve received their Marks?”
“Probably not.”
“No?” The old wizard frowned.
“Sir, you have to remember, I’m Harry Potter, every Death Eater’s nightmare. For all they know, I’ll probably go straight to the Ministry once I’ve learned they’ve been Marked and turn them in.”
Dumbledore gave a heavy sigh. “True...”
“We could ask Gin for her help,” the teen murmured. “She could probably get Ted to tell her when he’s Marked, and both Dray and 'Bini would be Marked at about the same time.”
“Would Miss Weasley agree to that?”
Harry closed his eyes, as if considering the possibility. “Yes.” He opened his eyes and nodded. “If you could assure her that Ted would remain unhurt and he’d be allowed to visit her at the school next year, I believe she’d do what she could to help.”
Dumbledore smiled. “If Mr Nott would agree to joining the Order, of course he would be allowed in my school to visit whomever he’d like at almost any time.”
“Then, sir, I believe you will have Gin’s help.” Harry smiled.
The Headmaster nodded. “Could you bring her up here during lunch tomorrow?”
“Of course, Dumbles.”
Dumbledore chuckled. “Very well. I’ll let you go so you can get started on that book. Be sure you go to Poppy if you have any questions.”
“Yes.” Harry nodded, standing. “Good night, Professor.”
“Good night, Harry.”
Harry tapped his finger on the book’s inside front cover while he stared at the note Poppy had left him. “Nev? Do you know a Sally-Anne Perks?”
Neville glanced up from his Herbology book. “Yeah. She’s one of the Hufflepuffs in our year. Clever girl. She’s got a gentle nature, very good with plants. Why?”
Harry smiled up at the other Heir. “Madam Pomfrey says she’s split between the Light and the Dark.”
Neville nodded thoughtfully. “She likes your beliefs but dislikes the way things are run, doesn’t she?”
Harry shook his head, amused. “Yes. Bleeding mind-reader.”
The plump-faced wizard laughed. “Oh, I got it right, then?”
“Yes, yes,” Harry muttered before wandlessly sending the note up in flames.
Neville jumped and fell off his bed. “Don’t do that!”
Harry offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I keep forgetting how unnerving it is to others when I don’t use my wand.”
“It’s not the wandless magic that’s unnerving, it’s watching you set things aflame in your hand,” Neville complained, getting back on his bed and dusting off the cover of his book. “How do you do that, anyway?”
“Fire repellent charm.” Harry shrugged. “It’s the one that looks like a flame. Rather useful.”
“Oh. Yeah.” Neville smiled with a sad smile. “I forgot.”
Harry sniggered. “I’m not going to say it.”
Neville rolled his eyes. “You studying medimagic now?”
Harry shrugged, glancing down at the book. “I wasn’t going to, but Madam Pomfrey had to give me this book to get me the note, since Dumbles was there. I figure it’ll probably prove very useful in the future, so, hey, why not.”
“Right. In your future as an auror,” Neville said sarcastically.
“You’ve got it.” Harry winked and flipped the book open to the first page. “Now, let me read this. I’m expected in the infirmary on Tuesday and I may as well pretend I’m interested in this...” He scratched the back of his head. “Well, if it’s boring, at least I’ll get some sleep, right?”
Neville laughed while Harry pulled his curtains shut.
“Hey there, Anthony!” Harry said cheerfully as he bounced into sight between the Head Boy and Michael Corner. “How ya doing?”
Anthony Goldstein scowled as Michael took the opportunity and fled. “I’m keeping an eye on Michael, Harry.”
“Why?” Harry asked innocently, opening his eyes wide to give him a shocked look.
“He’s been saying odd things.”
“What sorts of odd things?”
“Talking about joining You-Know-Who,” Anthony whispered.
“Oh. And stalking him’s keeping him from saying stuff?” Harry inquired, still acting innocent.
Anthony froze. “Oh. No, not really…”
Harry smiled. “I’ll talk to him.”
“Right. You do that...” Anthony murmured, scratching the back of his head and turning to walk away, frowning.
Harry turned and walked over to where Luna was patting a terrified-looking Michael on the back. “Hello, Michael,” the green-eyed wizard said cheerfully.
“Don’t drag me off to the Headmaster,” Michael begged in a whisper. “Please, I didn’t mean anything by my talk. Please, Harry...”
Harry’s cheer disappeared almost immediately and was replaced by a cold gaze. “Michael, when you want to talk about wavering faith, the hallway is not the place to do it. Follow me.” He turned and started towards Tom’s room.
“No, please, I swear I didn’t mean anything by what I–“
“Michael, you have ten seconds to shut up. If one of the teachers hears you going off like that, I will have to take you to Dumbledore,” Harry hissed, glancing over his shoulder. “Luna, tail Anthony. Make sure he runs into Herm.”
“Right, boss.” Luna gave him a sharp salute and, much to Michael’s apparent surprise, hopped off to chase after the Head Boy.
“That girl’s going to give me a heart attack one day,” Harry decided, shaking his head. :Snake skin,: he added, coming up on the portrait to Tom’s room.
“Don’t tell me he’s your chaperone today,” the portrait shot back.
“If you don’t open, I’ll hex a hole into the centre of your head,” Harry threatened, pulling out his wand.
The portrait popped open quickly.
Harry grinned at Michael as he put his wand away. “You’ve gotta know how to talk to them sometimes. Come on in.”
“Where’s this?” Michael asked, following Harry inside.
“My rooms,” Marcus offered, walking out of his bedroom shirtless. “Harry, don’t you ever knock?”
“No.” The teen shrugged. “Have a seat, Michael.”
“Why must you always bring your little friends into my room?” the Dark Lord complained, walking towards the kitchen.
“Because this place is warded against Dumbles’ little spies,” Harry offered, settling himself on the arm of Tom’s favourite chair and smiling at the nervous Ravenclaw. “We’re not going to hex you, you know.”
“Why am I here?” Michael asked sharply.
“Are you serious about joining Voldemort?” Harry said by way of response.
Michael froze, eyes wide.
“We don’t care, either way,” Tom added, coming back in with a tea tray. “We’d just like to know.” He set the tray on the table and, picking up the cup he’d made for himself in the kitchen, sat back in his chair, eyes on the Ravenclaw.
“Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, Michael,” Harry added firmly. “Tell me the truth. Are you serious about joining Voldemort?”
Michael looked between the two wizards, eyes wide. “Yes...”
“I never thought Lovegood would be useful for finding followers among the students,” Tom muttered, taking a sip of his tea.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Marcus, that’s because you’re an idiot.” Harry smiled at Michael. “Thank you for telling the truth. Now, let me offer you a bit of truth. I’m the second in command of the Dark Order and Luna Lovegood works for me.”
“The rumours are true?” Michael whispered in shock.
Harry smirked, leaning forward to get himself some tea. “That’s why we started spreading them.”
“No way.”
“Yes way.” Harry gave the Ravenclaw a sharp look. “Michael, one of the stupidest things you can ever do is openly mention that your loyalties lie with Voldemort, especially in this school. Dumbles will find out about it and twist you back into a soldier for the Light, I guarantee it.”
“And he will find out about it,” Tom added seriously. “You must be careful with what you say, Mr Corner. You were very lucky that Mr Goldstein was too busy following you to think about warning a teacher or the Headmaster.”
“You were also lucky that Luna came to me,” Harry agreed.
Tom leaned forward. “Mr Corner, are you completely serious about joining Voldemort? No backing out? You’ll follow the Dark Order’s laws?”
The teenager nodded firmly, much surer now he knew he was dealing with people who were on his side. “Absolutely.”
Harry nodded. “We have a meeting tomorrow. I’ll tell Luna to bring you. Until then, keep your mouth shut about your preferences. If Anthony badgers you at all, which I doubt, but if he does, tell him I talked to you and have shown you the error of your ways, or some such nonsense. Understood?”
The Ravenclaw nodded firmly. “Right. Why tomorrow? Why not tonight?”
“Because most of the Gryffindors and teachers will be busy with detentions for the fight on Saturday. I will be busy keeping the Gryffindors who weren’t in the fight under control, seeing as how I’m the only Prefect not in trouble.” He smiled grimly. “I’ll see you later, Michael.”
“Right.” Michael nodded and stood. “See you at dinner.” He turned and walked out, much to the annoyance of the portrait, as Tom and Harry could tell by the muffled shouting.
Harry sighed and slipped into Tom’s lap. “Good evening, lovely. How was your day?” he asked conversationally, resting his head against the Dark Lord’s chest.
“Oh, it was fine. But, you see, a few minutes ago, this little monster I know dragged one of his year mates into my room while I was busy changing and I never quite finished,” Tom replied, setting down his teacup on the table next to him before sliding his arms around the form in his lap. “How was your day?”
“Oh, I got up late, didn’t eat breakfast, was almost late for Transfiguration, had a very stressful meeting with the Headmaster, my sister, and McGonagall, was almost late for Potions because the meeting ran late, then I had to hunt down a couple of Ravenclaws and save one. Now, of course, this guy I really like is complaining because I disturbed him in the middle of changing for dinner,” Harry replied dully. “And I’m supposed to spend this evening controlling the rest of Gryffindor House with Herm because all the other Prefects got themselves stuck in detention.”
“I’m sorry, love.” Tom sighed. “This really hasn’t been your day, has it?”
“Tom, by now, I’m used to this,” Harry mumbled, closing his eyes. “Need help changing?”
“I don’t particularly feel like moving right now, personally,” the Dark Lord replied, running a gentle hand through the red and silver spikes on top of Harry’s head. “Why don’t you take a nap, hm?”
“We need to head to dinner,” Harry replied, not moving.
“Dumbledore can fuck himself,” Tom replied firmly. “I’ll wake you in time for the end of dinner, okay?”
Harry yawned and rubbed his face against Tom’s chest, smiling. “Okay.”
Tom smiled and set his wand to wake him twenty minutes before dinner let out before leaning his head back against his chair’s back and closing his eyes.
“Where were you?!” Hermione hissed as Harry slipped into his usual seat between Neville and Gin.
“Sorry. I fell asleep on Marcus,” Harry murmured.
‘You sure spend a lot of time sleeping on him.’
Harry shot his sister a dirty look. “Stuff it.”
“Here.” Hermione held out a piece of parchment which had been spelled to open only for Harry. “McGonagall dropped it off for you at the beginning of dinner. She looked frantic.”
“Thanks...” Harry slid his finger under the seal and opened it.
‘Please come by my office immediately. Warn your friends you may not be able to help them out tonight.
‘Dumbledore’
Harry let out a hiss and stood. “Thanks, Herm. I may not be back until late. Gin, Nev, help Herm keep the brats under control, please?” His eyes shot between the three he called family.
“Of course. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think I want to know,” Harry said grimly before turning and walking quickly from the Hall.
Harry?
Have you planned any raids of late? Any attacks? Anything?
No. I would have run them by you. What’s wrong?
I don’t know.
Tom took a moment to look over Harry's memory of the letter. That doesn’t sound good.
Ditto. Harry ran a hand through his hair. Tom, I’m scared.
The Dark Lord answered with a wave of love and a mental hug.
Thank you, the teen whispered, coming to a stop before Dumbledore’s office. “Sugar Quills,” he whispered, running up the moving stairs once he was able to get to it. He paused for a moment outside the closed office door before knocking. When no one answered, he peeked his head in. “Fawkes?” he whispered, seeing the phoenix on the back of Dumbledore’s chair.
°°What took you so long?°° Fawkes asked as Harry crept into the room.
“I didn't go straight to dinner. I kinda fell asleep,” Harry replied. “What's going on?”
Fawkes flew over to land on the teen's shoulder. °°I've been told to take you. Will you drop your shield for a moment?°°
“Yes. Sorry,” Harry murmured, dropping the magical shield against things like portkeys and forced apparation. Lucius had showed him how to create one while Harry had been suspended.
°°No, it's a smart thing to have. Ready?°°
“Yes.” Harry nodded numbly, closing his eyes.
There was a blast of heat and Harry felt like he was surrounded by fire for a brief moment. °°You can look now,°° Fawkes offered once the feeling had ended.
Harry opened his eyes to the reception area of St Mungo's. “St Mungo's? Was there an attack?” he whispered to the bird on his shoulder, quite sure that he'd be seen as mad if he were chatting with a phoenix.
“Harry!” Remus ran up to the teen and phoenix and Harry felt his heart lighten at the sight of his godfather. “Finally. What took you so long?”
“I fell asleep before dinner and Marcus let me sleep,” Harry murmured. “What's going on?”
“Come on.” Remus settled a hand on Harry's free shoulder and led the way through the double doors past the Inquiries desk and down the narrow hallway to a door surrounded by aurors.
“State your names and purposes,” one of the aurors, a grey-haired man with a cold gaze, ordered.
“I'm Remus Lupin and this is Harry Potter. We're here to speak with Albus Dumbledore,” Remus answered firmly.
“They're clear,” another auror said, glancing over a clipboard in her hands.
“Very well.” The first auror who had spoken stepped aside to let them past. “Go on in.”
Remus led Harry in. As soon as the door closed behind them, Fawkes called out a greeting and Dumbledore turned to look at them, not smiling. “Welcome, Harry.”
But Harry wasn't look at the Headmaster. He was looking at the bed behind the old man. Or, more specifically, at the person in the bed.
“Sirius?”
A/N: *cackles insanely*
My muse wouldn't let me leave this alone. It was badgering me non-stop about this nice little twist, and so I've gone with it. I've always wanted to bring Siri back, anyway...
~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 || 40
41 || 42 ||
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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